Chickpea Research Articles

Shifting of food sources affect abundance of yeast like symbionts in Lasioderma serricorne (F.)

AbstractHost diet is one of the key factors that shapes insect associated microbial communities, and the impact of dietary shift on abundance of microbial communities and insect fitness is poorly understood. Cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne (F.)) are in close association with yeast symbionts for nutritional and defence benefits. The present study highlights that dietary source determines the yeast abundance in cigarette beetle and any change in diet induces a shift in yeast abundance. A general trendline of increase in yeast abundance during larval and pupal stage followed by a drop in adult stages of cigarette beetle was observed among all diet sources. The yeast abundance varied among diet sources and was significantly higher on natal (wheat) and reverted colonies compared to other exposed dietary sources. Yeast abundance in reverted colonies of soybean and bengal gram increased to the levels of those that were originally feeding on wheat suggesting a similar microbial structure among those diet sources. The correlation between yeast abundance and beetle biomass among diet guilds suggest a predictable relationship between yeast symbionts and diet source. The investigation can provide further insights on yeast symbiont abundance and food source specificity in cigarette beetle biology and management.

Effects of Packaging Material and Moisture Contents on Pulse Beetle Infestation under Different Storage Conditions in Chickpea

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop grown globally for its nutritional richness and versatility which offers a significant source for both carbohydrates and protein. Chickpea seeds face a significant threat from various insect pests among these pulse beetles or bruchids (Callosobruchus spp.) stand out as the most destructive, inflicting damage ranging from 50% to 60% during storage. Bruchids are considered minor pests in the field, but they pose a serious threat during storage, leading to both quantitative and qualitative losses. The present investigation was carried out with the objective of studying the influence of ambient and cold storage conditions on storability and to assess the pest infestation (pulse beetle) under ambient and cold storage conditions in two chickpea varieties viz., JG-11 (desi) and NBeG-119 (kabuli). The seed was thoroughly sun dried to two moisture levels of seven and nine percent and stored in gunny and grain pro bags (hermetic bags). Gunny bags were kept at ambient storage as well as in the cold storage, while grain pro bags were stored at ambient storage conditions only as these are the hermetic bags and the dry chain technology concept holds good for storage at ambient conditions only. Highest % seed damage (12.11 % in JG-11 and 13.00 % in NBeG-119) was noticed in seeds stored with nine per cent moisture content while, the lowest % seed damage (9.50 % in JG-11 and 9.83 % in NBeG 119) was recorded in seeds with seven per cent moisture content. After 8 months of storage highest per cent fecundity (151.66 and 144.66 in JG-11 and 145.00 and 138.50 in NBeG-119) was recorded in seeds stored in gunny bags kept at ambient storage with nine and seven per cent moisture respectively, followed by the seed stored in grain pro bags at ambient storage with nine percent seed moisture (9.667 in JG-11 and 7.833 in NBeG-119) and no fecundity was recorded in seeds stored in gunny bag at cold storage. At the end of storage period highest adult emergence was recorded in seeds stored in gunny bag at ambient storage with nine (196.83 in JG-11 and 217.17 in NBeG-119) and seven (187.83 in JG-11 and 207.83 in NBeG-119) per cent seed moisture followed by the seed stored in grain pro bags at ambient storage with nine percent seed moisture (11.67 in JG-11 and 13.00 in NBeG-119) and no adult emergence was recorded in seeds stored in gunny bag at cold storage (0.00 in JG-11 and 0.00 in NBeG-119 ) with seven and nine percent moisture at the end of the storage. Highest weight loss % (2.019% in JG-11 and 1.866% in NBeG-119) was recorded in seeds stored with nine per cent moisture content. While, the lowest weight loss % (1.679% in JG-11 and 1.772% in NBeG-119) was noticed in seeds stored with seven per cent moisture at the end of storage period.

Native Bacillus thuringiensis isolates against the old-world bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) production in Ethiopia has been seriously constrained by the insect pest, Helicoverpa armigera. Insecticides have been used for decades to control this noxious pest. However, the restriction on chemical insecticides necessitates biological pest control alternatives. Therefore, the present study investigated the effectiveness of native Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) isolates against Helicoverpa armigera 3rd instar larvae. The treatments consisted of Bt concentrations at the LD90 values, whereas the control plots were sprayed with distilled water and a commercial Bt. var. thuringiensis product. The results revealed statistically (p < 0.05) significant differences between the native Bt isolates and the control plots. Post 1st, pre 2nd and post 2nd Bt sprayed larval populations counted per plant ranged from 0.8 ± 0.3–3.1 ± 0.1, 0.6 ± 0.1–3.6 ± 0.0 and 0.5 ± 0.1–3.6 ± 0.4, respectively. Pod damage (%) and grain yield (t/ha) ranged between 9.7 ± 3.1 and 47.5 ± 9.5, 1.0 ± 0.0 and 2.6 ± 0.5, respectively compared to 47.5 ± 9.5% pod damage and 1.0 ± 0.0 (t/ha) grain yield from the control plots. These results indicate the potential of these bio-insecticides in the management of chickpea pod borer. Future research in Ethiopia should focus on additional collection, screening, characterisation, and testing in field trials.

Unlocking the nutritional potential of chickpea: strategies for biofortification and enhanced multinutrient quality.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a vital grain legume, offering an excellent balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, essential micronutrients, and vitamins that can contribute to addressing the global population's increasing food and nutritional demands. Chickpea protein offers a balanced source of amino acids with high bioavailability. Moreover, due to its balanced nutrients and affordable price, chickpea is an excellent alternative to animal protein, offering a formidable tool for combating hidden hunger and malnutrition, particularly prevalent in low-income countries. This review examines chickpea's nutritional profile, encompassing protein, amino acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, micronutrients, vitamins, antioxidant properties, and bioactive compounds of significance in health and pharmaceutical domains. Emphasis is placed on incorporating chickpeas into diets for their myriad health benefits and nutritional richness, aimed at enhancing human protein and micronutrient nutrition. We discuss advances in plant breeding and genomics that have facilitated the discovery of diverse genotypes and key genomic variants/regions/quantitative trait loci contributing to enhanced macro- and micronutrient contents and other quality parameters. Furthermore, we explore the potential of innovative breeding tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 in enhancing chickpea's nutritional profile. Envisioning chickpea as a nutritionally smart crop, we endeavor to safeguard food security, combat hunger and malnutrition, and promote dietary diversity within sustainable agrifood systems.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Quality and Nutrient Uptake by Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Quality and Nutrient Uptake by Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Long-term organic farming impact on soil nutrient status and grain yield at the foothill of Himalayas

This study aimed to document the effects of the long-term organic farming (OF) on soil quality, agronomical parameters, crop productivity, and food grain yield compared to the conventional farming (CF) system. The crop used in this study is chickpea (Cicer arietinum), and the field was located at Pantnagar, India, in the foothills of Himalayas. The organic farming approach involved utilizing a blend of farmyard manure and vermicompost, combined with a biopesticide comprising neem oil and cow urine. Chickpea grain micronutrient analysis was done via atomic absorption spectrophotometry. It was found that the physicochemical properties of soil in the organic plot were improved compared to the conventional counterpart. At the post-harvesting stage, the organically managed field had higher soil organic carbon than the conventional field (OF-0.93± 0.05%, CF-0.75 ± 0.12%), higher available nitrogen (OF-317 ± 11 kg/ha, CF-240 ± 22 kg/ha), and more available phosphorus (OF-37.4 ± 1.3 kg/ha, CF-25.2 ± 2.5 kg/ha). The agronomical parameters of the chickpea crop were better under organic cultivation, with a significantly high nodule number, nodule dry weight, and grains per pod. Hence, the grain yield of the crop was better under organic cultivation, with the yield of 1,048 kg ha−1, whereas it was 896.5 kg ha−1 for conventional cultivation. The Fe and Zn contents of organically produced chickpea grains were almost double of their conventional counterpart. Therefore, organic cultivation led to better soil fertility, chickpea grain yield, and nutrient status of the crop. It will be beneficial for the nutritious and sustainable production of chickpeas in Himalayan regions.

Impact of Weed Control Efficiency of Herbicides on Yield and Economic Returns of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The field experiment was carried out to investigate the impact of pre- and post-emergence herbicides on chickpea growth and yield. Three replications were set up in RCBD with eleven treatments including: Intercultivation at 20 and 40 DAS, weed free check and weedy check along with two pre-emergence herbicides (Pendimethalin, Pendimethalin + Imazethapyr) and five post-emergence herbicides (Imazethapyr + Imazamox, Propaquizafop + Imazethapyr, Imazethapyr, Quizalofop ethyl and Aciflor + Clodinafop]. Among the herbicidal treatments, application of Pendimethalin 38.7 % CS @ 800 g a.i./ha as PE fb Propaquizafop 2.5 % + Imazethapyr 3.75% W/W ME (RM) @ 125 g a.i./ha as PoE at 25 DAS recorded significantly higher weed control efficiency (84.98%). In terms of yield economics the same treatment recorded higher yield attributes viz., higher number of pods per plant (49.09), higher weight of 100 seeds (24.86 g), higher seed yield per plant (21.37 g) and also recorded higher grain yield (2197 kg/ha), haulm yield (2766 kg/ha), net returns (₹ 80621/ha) and B:C ratio (3.01) compared to the other herbicidal treatments and was on par with the weed free check which was recorded higher results in all the above parameters but encountered with higher cost of cultivation. However, weedy check recorded lowest number of pods per plant (38.18), lower weight of 100 seeds (22.36 g) and lower Seed yield per plant (16.96 g) due to higher weed competition and resulted in lower yield and less returns.

Genomic insight of phosphate solubilization and plant growth promotion of two taxonomically distinct winter crops by Enterobacter sp. DRP3.

Study of rhizospheric microbiome-mediated plant growth promotional attributes currently highlighted as a key tool for the development of suitable bio-inoculants for sustainable agriculture purposes. In this context, we have conducted a detailed study regarding the characterization of phosphate solubilizing potential by plant growth-promoting bacteria that have been isolated from the rhizosphere of a pteridophyte Dicranopteris sp., growing on the lateritic belt of West Bengal. We have isolated three potent bacterial strains, namely DRP1, DRP2, and DRP3 from the rhizoids-region of Dicranopteris sp. Among the isolated strains, DRP3 is found to have the highest phosphate solubilizing potentiality and is able to produce 655.89 and 627.58µg ml-1 soluble phosphate by solubilizing tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and Jordan rock phosphate, respectively. This strain is also able to solubilize Purulia rock phosphate moderately (133.51µg ml-1). Whole-genome sequencing and further analysis of the studied strain revealed the presence of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-dependent glucose dehydrogenase gdh gene along with several others that were well known for their role in phosphate solubilization. Further downstream, quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR-based expression study revealed 1.59-fold upregulation of PQQ-dependent gdh gene during the solubilization of TCP. Root colonization potential of the studied strain on two taxonomically distinct winter crops viz. Cicer arietinum and Triticum aestivum has been checked by using scanning electron microscopy. Other biochemical analyses for plant growth promotion traits including indole acetic acid production (132.02µg ml-1), potassium solubilization (3mg l-1), biofilm formation, and exopolymeric substances productions (1.88-2.03µg ml-1) also has been performed. This study highlighted the active involvement of PQQ-dependent gdh gene during phosphate solubilization from any Enterobacter group. Moreover, our study explored different roadmaps for sustainable farming methods and the preservation of food security without endangering soil health in the future.

Evaluating the impact of bio-fertilizers and weed management on weed dynamics and productivity in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Evaluating the impact of bio-fertilizers and weed management on weed dynamics and productivity in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Integrated weed management in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Integrated weed management in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Effect of zinc, iron and biofertilizer application on growth, yield and quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Effect of zinc, iron and biofertilizer application on growth, yield and quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

IMPACT OF BIOGENIC CARBON NANOFIBER ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF JOWAR (SORGHUM BICOLOR) AND CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETENUM)

The present work was started with an intention to use biogenic Carbon Nanofiber (CNF) for slow release of fertilizer NPK. Prior to using CNF loaded with fertilizer, it was imperative to know the desired level of CNF to be used that is suitable for plant growth. Hence, the aim of current research is to investigate the impact of CNF on seed germination and seedling growth using Jowar (Sorghum bicolor) a monocot and Chick pea (Cicer arietenum) a dicot crop. The parameters, to observe the seedling growth in presence of different concentrations of CNF (0.5 to 15 ppm CNF in Soilrites); included percentage germination and seedling vigor, seedling growth (shoot and root length as well as number of leaves and lateral root), mitotic index, auxin level, and primary metabolites of the seedlings. Presence of CNF in soil was inhibitory to Jowar seeds , where as it promoted germination percentage of Chickpea. Once the seed germinated seedlings of both Jowar and Chickpea showed positive response in morphogenic growth, in Mitotic Index, Chlorophyll content as well as primary metabolites. Chickpea was found to be more synergistic to CNF than Jowar.

Enhancing rainfed safflower yield, oil content, and fatty acid composition through intercropping with chickpea and stress-modifier biostimulants

This study investigated the impact of stress modifiers in intercropping systems on seed yield and yield components, physiological traits, and antioxidant activity of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under rainfed (water deficit) conditions. The experimental design included three stress modulator levels [control, 1 mM salicylic acid (SA), and 10 mM selenium (Se)] and five planting patterns [intercropping one row of safflower and two rows of chickpeas (1S:2C), two rows of safflower and four rows of chickpeas (2S:4C), and three rows of safflower and five rows of chickpeas (3S:5C), and sole cropping of safflower (Ss) and chickpea (Cs)]. The results revealed that Ss treated with Se produced the highest safflower biological yield (4,905.50 kg ha−1) and seed yield (1,259.50 kg ha−1), while Cs produced the highest chickpea biological yield (2,799.67 kg ha−1) and seed yield (852.44 kg ha−1), followed by Cs treated with SA (2,419.25 kg ha−1 and 764.83 kg ha−1, respectively). Conversely, the 3S:5C intercropping ratio (IR) with Se application recorded the highest safflower oil content (32.08%), while Ss treated with Se produced the highest oil yield (358.62 kg ha−1). The 2S:4C configuration with Se application produced the highest unsaturated fatty acid (oleic and linoleic acids) concentrations in safflower, while 2S:4C and 3S:5C treated with Se produced the highest chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b contents in safflower and chickpea. Furthermore, 1S:2C and 2S:4C treated with SA or Se produced the highest proline and total soluble sugars in safflower and chickpea. The SA and Se treatments in the intercropping systems increased catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities compared to the respective control plants (sole cropping) and enhanced oil contents, fatty acid composition, physiological traits, and antioxidant properties. These results underscore the potential of intercropping systems coupled with stress modulator treatments as a sustainable approach for safflower and chickpea cultivation under rainfed conditions.

Response of chickpea genotypes (Cicer arietinum L.) to the fungi complex that causes wilt

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the response of 10 chickpea genotypes from INIFAP to the damage caused by the fungal complex. Design/methodology/approach: Seedlings (15-day-old) of 10 genotypes (Blanco Sinaloa '92, Blanoro, Combo 743, CUGA2054, HOGA067, CUGA3168, CUGA08-1210, CUGA09-3160, R-12-1509 and R-12-1507) were inoculated by root immersion in a suspension of mycelial fragments of two isolates (high and low virulence) of each fungi: Fusarium languescens, M. phaseolina, S. rolfsii and S. sclerotiorum. Disease severity evaluation was performed 30 days after inoculation. The entire experiment was performed twice. Results: The genotypes showed greater susceptibility to S. sclerotiorum and S. rolfsii compared to F. languescens and M. phaseolina. The highly virulent isolates caused a significant difference in the severity of the disease in the genotypes evaluated. Findings/conclusions: All chickpea genotypes showed susceptibility to the fungal complex that causes wilt.

Effects of dietary fiber and biotic supplementation on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility and the fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of healthy adult dogs.

Dietary fibers and biotics have been shown to support gastrointestinal health in dogs, but are usually tested individually. There is value in testing fiber-biotic combinations that are commonly used commercially. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility (ATTD) of diets supplemented with fibers or biotics and to evaluate their effects on the fecal characteristics, metabolites, microbiota, and immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations of dogs. Twelve healthy adult female beagle dogs (age= 6.2 ± 1.6 yr; body weight = 9.5 ± 1.1kg) were used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design to test three treatments: 1) control diet based on rice, chicken meal, tapioca starch, and cellulose + a placebo treat (CT); 2) diet based on rice, chicken meal, garbanzo beans, and cellulose + a placebo treat (GB); 3) diet based on rice, chicken meal, garbanzo beans, and a functional fiber/prebiotic blend + a probiotic-containing treat (GBPP). In each 28-day period, a 22-day diet adaptation was followed by a 5-day fecal collection phase. Fasted blood samples were collected on day 28. Data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4, with P<0.05 being significant and P<0.10 being trends. ATTD of dry matter, organic matter, and energy were lower (P<0.001) and DM fecal output was higher (P<0.01) in dogs fed GBPP than CT or GB, whereas ATTD of crude protein was higher (P<0.001) in dogs fed CT and GBPP than GB. ATTD of fat was higher (P<0.001) and wet fecal output was lower (P<0.01) in dogs fed CT than GB or GBPP. Fecal DM% was higher (P<0.001) in dogs fed CT than GBPP or GB, and higher in dogs fed GBPP than GB. Fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations were higher (P<0.001) in dogs fed GB than CT or GBPP, and higher in dogs fed GB than GBPP. Fecal IgA concentrations were higher (P<0.01) in dogs fed GB than CT. Fecal microbiota populations were affected by diet, with alpha diversity being higher (P<0.01) in dogs fed GB than CT, and beta diversity shifting following dietary fiber and biotic supplementation. The relative abundance of 24 bacterial genera were altered in dogs fed GB or GBPP than CT. Serum triglyceride concentrations were lower in dogs fed GB than GBPP or CT. Our results demonstrate that legume-based dietary fibers, with or without prebiotics and probiotics, reduce ATTD, increase stool output, beneficially shift fecal metabolites and microbiota, and reduce blood lipids of adult dogs.

Evolution of novel Mesorhizobium genospecies that competitively and effectively nodulate Cicer arietinum following inoculation with the Australian commercial inoculant strain M. ciceri CC1192

Abstract Background and aims Mesorhizobium ciceri CC1192 is the commercial inoculant strain for Cicer arietinum (chickpea) cultivation in Australia, including in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA), where C. arietinum cropping began in 1985. Mesorhizobium strains are known to gain the capacity to nodulate legumes through acquisition of symbiosis Integrative and Conjugative Elements (ICEs), leading to the evolution of novel rhizobia. Here, we assess the impact of symbiosis ICE transfer and compare the genomic diversity and symbiotic effectiveness of C. arietinum nodulating rhizobia from the ORIA. Methods Nodule isolates collected from field cultivated C. arietinum were genotyped by RAPD-PCR, and representative strains from each genotype were whole genome sequenced and symbiotically phenotyped in glasshouse conditions to assess N2 fixation effectiveness against CC1192. Results A total of 68 nodule isolates, all harbouring the CC1192 symbiosis ICE (ICEMcSym1192), were analysed, with 12 identified as the inoculant strain, and 56 novel strains clustering into ten genotypes. These novel genotypes dominated as nodule occupants across the majority of sites sampled. Nine of the ten representative strains were as effective at N2 fixation as CC1192, with WSM4904 the only ineffective strain. Core genome phylogeny showed the ten strains represent four novel Mesorhizobium genospecies. Novel strains WSM4904 and WSM4906 shared 98.7% sequence identity, yet exhibited very different symbiotic phenotypes. Conclusions The CC1192 symbiosis ICE has transferred to a wide diversity of Mesorhizobium spp. in the ORIA. These evolved strains are competitive against CC1192 at nodulating C. arietinum, and the majority are effective symbiotic N2 fixers.

Cicer super-pangenome provides insights into species evolution and agronomic trait loci for crop improvement in chickpea.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)-an important legume crop cultivated in arid and semiarid regions-has limited genetic diversity. Efforts are being undertaken to broaden its diversity by utilizing its wild relatives, which remain largely unexplored. Here, we present the Cicer super-pangenome based on the de novo genome assemblies of eight annual Cicer wild species. We identified 24,827 gene families, including 14,748 core, 2,958 softcore, 6,212 dispensable and 909 species-specific gene families. The dispensable genome was enriched for genes related to key agronomic traits. Structural variations between cultivated and wild genomes were used to construct a graph-based genome, revealing variations in genes affecting traits such as flowering time, vernalization and disease resistance. These variations will facilitate the transfer of valuable traits from wild Cicer species into elite chickpea varieties through marker-assisted selection or gene-editing. This study offers valuable insights into the genetic diversity and potential avenues for crop improvement in chickpea.

Comparative Efficacy and Economics of Selected Chemicals and Biopesticides against Pod Borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The research work was undertaken at Central Research Farm (CRF) Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj during winter Season of 2023-24. The treatments consists of eight including control viz, Beauveria bassiana 1.15% WP, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, Emamectin benzoate 5 SG, Bacillus thuringiensis 1x109 CFU/ml, Azadirachtin 00.03% WSP, NSKE 5%, Spinosad 45 SC and untreated control arranged in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications targeting to evaluate the efficacy of selected insecticides on the larval population of H. armigera on Chickpea. The larval population of gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera on third, seven and fourteen days after spray revealed that among all the treatment Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC found superior with larval population of (1.05), and with highest cost benefit ratio (1:3.78 ), followed by Emamectin benzoate 5 SG with a larval population of (1.17) and cost benefit ratio (1:3.53), Spinosad 45 SC with a larval population of (1.24) and cost benefit ratio (1:3.16), Beauveria bassiana 1.15 % WP with a larval population of (1.32) and cost benefit ratio (1:3.00), Bacillus thuringiensis 1x109 CFU/ml with a larval population(1.35) and cost benefit ratio (1:2.76), Azadirachtin 00.03% WSP with a larval population(1.42) and cost benefit ratio (3.49, 1:2.25), NSKE 5% with a larval population (1.47) and cost benefit ratio (1:1.77), NSKE 5% was least effective among the treatments and control plot with a larval population (2.07) and cost benefit ratio (1:1.51).

Modification of Bioactive Properties in Food Protein Hydrolysates by Alcalase and Trypsin

Abstract Background Protein hydrolysates are the fragments of proteins that form during the hydrolysis with promised bioactive properties. Enzymatic hydrolysis produces bioactive peptides with specific amino acid profile. Among all the properties, angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE-I) inhibitory activity of the protein hydrolysates attained maximum attention to combat life-threatening disease like hypertension. Methodology In the present study 10 protein-rich food sources (&gt; 20% protein content on dry basis) were used to prepare protein hydrolysates using alcalase and trypsin to investigate the effect of enzymes on ACE-I inhibitory and antioxidant activity. Results Among all the sources, the highest degree of hydrolysis was observed in sardine (62.89%) followed by soybean (61.24%) when hydrolyzed by alcalase. Kidney pea exhibited highest ACE-I inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 0.517 and 0.521 when hydrolyzed using both trypsin and alcalase, respectively. All the sources selected showed nonsignificant changes in ACE-I inhibitory activity between alcalase and trypsin (p &lt; 0.05) except Bengal gram and chicken. Antioxidant activity was higher in alcalase hydrolyzed egg yolk (43.08%). Conclusion Among the sources, all animal proteins hydrolyzed using alcalase exhibited significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) antioxidant activity than trypsin. However, protein hydrolysates prepared from sardine using alcalase would yield bioactive peptides with higher ACE-I inhibitory and antioxidant activity. Therefore, use of alcalase as a substitution for trypsin would be economical for large-scale production. Henceforth, food protein hydrolyzed by alcalase can be used as a functional ingredient for the development of functional or nutraceutical foods to combat lifestyle diseases.

Nutritional quality of kabuli and desi chickpea in Argentina: Effects of environment

AbstractThe environment to which a crop is exposed during the growing season has a significant impact on seed composition. The objectives of this study were to (1) estimate the contribution of genotype (G), environment (E), and their interaction (G × E) to the agronomic features and seed quality of chickpea and (2) identify climatic variables that significantly affect chickpea nutritional composition. A total of 10 pre‐commercial and commercial cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. were evaluated in 15 environments in Argentina. Average plant height ranged between 44.7 and 55.2 cm, 100‐seed weight was 38 and 27 g, and grain yield was 750 and 1500 kg ha−1 for kabuli and desi chickpea, respectively. The results obtained from the variance component analysis showed statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) contributions of the effects of G, E, and G × E interaction on the nutritional quality of chickpea seeds. Protein, carbohydrates, and mineral content were mostly affected by E, whereas oil content was G‐dependent. Only tocopherols were affected by G × E interaction. The total phenotypic variance is mostly composed of environmental effects captured during the seed filling period. High mean daily air temperature had a negative effect on carbohydrates and increased protein and mineral content. The fatty acid profile and gamma tocopherol contents were affected by accumulated precipitation and evapotranspiration. Air humidity was negatively correlated with protein content and iodine value. Results from this research are useful for breeders to broaden the genetic background of chickpea genotypes and for farmers to identify climatic conditions that impact grain quality.