Changes In Nutritional Composition Research Articles

Standardization of harvesting age of bamboo shoots with respect to nutritional and anti-nutritional components

Bamboo shoots can be harvested at different ages but the data on the changes in nutritional composition with age are scanty. We standardized harvesting age of bamboo shoots in central India to obtain best quality produce with respect to nutritional composition. The shoots harvested on different days (2–20 days after emergence from ground) were analyzed for their nutritional (dietary fibres, carbohydrates, proteins, total phenols, ascorbic acid, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and phenolic acids) and anti nutritional (cyanogen) constituents. A significant variation (at p ≤ 0.5) was observed in the nutritional composition of shoots of Dendrocalamus asper, D. strictus and Bambusa tulda harvested at different days. An overall decrease was observed in proteins and total phenols while dietary fibres and carbohydrates increased with ages. Significant variation (at p ≤ 0.5) was also observed in phenolic acids while minerals did not vary significantly. Results revealed that the optimum harvesting age for D. asper, D. strictus and B. tulda was on 10–14 days, 6–10 days and 10–16 days (after emergence from the ground) respectively. These results can be used to obtain quality bamboo shoots.

A detailed time series assessment of the diet of Lesser Flamingos: further explanation for their itinerant behaviour

We hypothesised that changes in nutritional composition and quality of the pelagic phytoplankton community influence the occurrence of Lesser Flamingo populations in two Kenyan saline–alkaline lakes, Nakuru and Bogoria. This was achieved by carrying out a detailed time series assessment of the phytoplankton community composition and nutritional components (carbohydrates, crude protein and lipids) from July 2008 to October 2009 on a weekly basis for each lake. Lesser Flamingos were estimated visually from the lake shore of the sampling sites. In Lake Nakuru, Lesser Flamingos had a significant positive relationship with lipids and Arthrospira biomass but a negative relationship with small cyanoprokaryotes. For Lake Bogoria, no significant differences were observed as the Arthrospira was available throughout the sampling period though the flamingo numbers still fluctuated. We concluded that the nutritional composition and quality of the phytoplankton community influence the temporal and spatial abundance of Lesser Flamingos although other factors such as the prevailing environmental conditions may take precedence.

DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSES OF YIELD AND SELECTED NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITIONS TO DROUGHT STRESS IN SUMMER MAIZE GRAINS

Water is a key factor influencing the yield and quality of crops. Thus, a field simulative study was carried out from 2002 to 2003 in order to assess yield and nutritional composition changes in maize (Zea mays L.) grains at three different soil moisture levels: full-watered (FW), moderately stressed (MS), and severely stressed (SS). Our data indicated that SS treatment significantly increased nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) contents in maize grains by 11.9%, 27.8%, 11.1%, 18.4%, and 32.9%, respectively, when compared to FW. However, significant decreases (P < 0.05) in starch, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents and yields in maize grains, about 27.9%, 16.5%, 16.7%, and 375.2%, respectively, were seen at SS treatment as compared to those in the FW treatment. In contrast, crude fat content had a different pattern in response to drought stress as compared to most nutritional compositions in maize grains. It generally followed the series MS > FW > SS. These results suggested that although some nutritional compositions in maize grains were positively affected by drought stress, the yields decreased significantly.

Changes in nutritional composition and yield of two sweet potato (&lt;i&gt;Ipomoea batatas&lt;/i&gt; L) culrivars during their growth in Botswana

Changes in nutritional composition and yield of two sweet potato (&lt;i&gt;Ipomoea batatas&lt;/i&gt; L) culrivars during their growth in Botswana

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilization Effects on Nutritional Composition of Lettuce

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is an essential salad crop in the American diet. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are required for successful lettuce production and can influence lettuce quality. The objective of the study was to evaluate changes in nutritional composition of romaine (`Green Tower') and iceberg (`Sharp Shooter') lettuce in responses to N, P and K fertilization during fall production in Salinas, Calif. Sixteen treatment combinations of fertilizer were selected to provide a range of treatments. N was applied at 0, 112, 225, and 338 kg·ha-1 as ammonium nitrate; P was applied at 0, 112, and 225 kg/ha as super phosphate; and K was applied at 0 and 112 kg·ha-1 as muriate of potash. Nutritional content of fresh tissue of two types of lettuce was analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Among the parameters analyzed were lutein, beta-carotene, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b. Yield was increased with increasing N fertilizer level, but was not affected by P or K application rates. The best post harvest quality, however, was at moderate P application rate. Increasing the N and P rates gradually increased glucose content in lettuce but decreased the shelf life. Significant differences between the two types of lettuce were found in chlorophyll, lutein and beta-carotene content. No significant correlations were found between soil fertilizer application levels and nutritional content of lettuce. However, the ratio of chlorophyll a and b were greater with the increase of fertilizer rate. Nutritional composition including vitamin C will be presented.

Evaluation of some plant products against Trogoderma granarium everts in sorghum and their effects on nutritional composition and organoleptic characteristics

The efficacy of neem, citrus, garlic and podina powders and neem oil at 1 and 2% level (w/w) in sorghum grains was evaluated against larvae of Trogoderma granarium. Neem kernel powder and neem oil completely prevented damage by an introduced larval population. In other treatments, grain damage was noticeable after 3 months, although significantly less than in untreated grains. Thereafter, the percentage of damaged kernels increased progressively and reached as high as 29% (neem leaf), 44% (citrus), 56% (podina) and 71% (garlic) compared to 85% in the control after 6 months. Nutritional composition viz., moisture, ash, fibre, fat, protein and carbohydrates of treated grains remained unaffected after 1 month of storage. After 6 months, changes in nutritional composition were proportional to insect damage. Chapatis (unleavened bread) prepared from flour of treated grains after 1 and 6 months were of normal colour, appearance and texture, but in all cases, their taste, aroma and overall acceptability were adversely affected either by insect infestation or plant products or their combination.

Evaluation of some plant products against Trogoderma granarium Everts in stored maize and their effects on nutritional composition and organoleptic characteristics of kernels

Neem (Azadirachta indica) oil and powders of neem leaf and neem kernel, citrus (Citrus limon) leaf, garlic (Allium sativum) bulb, and podina (Mentha spicata) leaf were used in maize kernels at 1 and 2% level (w/w) against larvae of Trogoderma granarium Everts. Neem kernel powder and oil provided complete protection to grains for 6 months, whereas substantial insect infestations (7-19%) were noticed after 3 months in other treatments. Infestation increased progressively and reached as high as 35 (neem leaf and podina), 43 (citrus), and 62% (garlic) after 6 months. Moisture, ash, fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrates of treated kernels remained unaffected after 1 month of storage. After 6 months, changes in nutritional composition were proportional to insect damage. Chapatis (unleavened bread) prepared from flour of treated kernels after 1 and 6 months were of normal color, appearance, and texture, but their taste, aroma, and overall acceptability were adversely affected by insect infestation, plant products, or their combination.

Changes in nutritional composition of Russet Burbank potatoes by different processing methods

Russet Burbank potatoes from the same storage lot, were processed by commercial technology and prepared for consumption as done institutionally and in the home. Products were chosen to include most of the processing or preparation steps that will influence nutrient losses, namely, boiling, baking, frying, and drying. Products were evaluated on an as-served-basis for potato solids, starch, total and reducing sugar, total and protein nitrogen, free amino acid, vitamin, and mineral contents. Comparisons of the quantity of these nutritional components in different prepared potato products were made and discussed.