Content Of Grains Research Articles

Effect of Phosphorus levels with and without Phosphate solubilizing bacteria on growth, yield and quality of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) L.

A field experiment entitled “Effect of phosphorus levels with and without phosphate solubilizing bacteria on growth, yield and quality of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) in semi-arid region of South-Eestern Rajasthan was conducted during Kharif season of 2021 at the Experimental Farm of Agronomy, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan). The experiment consists of eight treatments, levels of phosphorus with and without PSB viz., 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1, PSB, 20 kg P2O5 ha-1+PSB, 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 +PSB and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 +PSB replicated four times laid down in RBD. Cowpea variety Pratap RC-19 was used with seed rate 15 kg ha-1. Growth attributes viz., plant height at 60 DAS and at harvest responded with 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 except 30 DAS where it responded with 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 over control. Primary and secondary branches per plant, number of trifoliate leaf of cowpea statistically significantly responded up to 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 at harvest. Similarly, root nodule number at 45 DAS responded up to 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 whereas nodule dry weight was responded up to 60 kg P2O5. ha-1 at 45 DAS over 40 kg, 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. Yield attributing characters namely number of pods per plant and pod length were perceptibly increase, ed by application of 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 over 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. Further, application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 remained statistically at par in enhancing yield attributes. 1000-grain weight, seeds per pod and harvest index was significantly higher up to 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. Grain, straw and biological yields of cowpea perceptibly increased with the application of 40 kg and 60 kg P2O5. ha-1 but the higher dose of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 remained statistically at par with 40 kg P2O5 ha-1. Improvement in N content both in grain and straw, P content in straw and K content both in grain and straw, protein content in grain and grain protein yield was significantly improved up to 40 kg P2O5. ha-1. P content in grain was responded with 60 kg P2O5 ha-1. Similarly, NPK uptake by both grain and straw and total uptake of nutrients (NPK)Nwas increased significantly under 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 over 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. The dose of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 remained statistically at par with 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 in enhancing gross and net returns and B:C over 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control.

Yield and quality of different wheat cultivars as influenced by agronomic biofortification of N, K, S and Zn through foliar sprays in North-Western India

Agronomic bio-fortification remains a crucial focus area for enhancing wheat productivity and quality while alleviating environmental pressures. Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), persist among the Indian population, especially affecting women. These deficiencies can be effectively addressed through agronomic bio-fortification of wheat grains. To tackle this issue, a comprehensive multilocation (4) field experiment was conducted, incorporating four high-yielding wheat cultivars (HD-3226, HI-1544, DBW-187, and PBW-1-Zn) alongside six foliar fertilizer applications (Control, 2% S, 2% N, 0.5% ZnSO4.7H2O, 1% KCl, and combined treatments) during 2021-22 and 2022-23 utilizing a split-plot design with three replications. Analysis over the years revealed that significant impacts of location and cultivar on yield and its attributes, and Fe, Zn, and protein content of grains. Warmer locations like Hisar exhibited higher yields primarily due to significantly increased earheads/m2 and grains number/m2 compared to other locations. Moreover, Fe content in wheat grains was notably higher in Gurdaspur followed by Hisar, surpassing Ludhiana. Notably, cultivar DBW-187 outperformed others with a 14.75% higher grain yield than the least yielding cultivar, HI-1544. PBW-1-Zn exhibited the highest grain Fe and Zn content among the cultivars studied. The interaction between cultivar and location significantly influenced all yield parameters and grain Fe content. Foliar spray of ZnSO4 (0.5%) during stem elongation and milk stages resulted in significantly higher grain Zn content compared to applications of KCl (1.0%), N (2.0%), and S (2.0%) alone, with an increase of 9.9% over no spray. In conclusion, the selection of appropriate cultivars tailored to specific regions, coupled with strategic agronomic bio-fortification approaches, is imperative for enhancing wheat productivity and grain quality, thereby ensuring nutritional security.

Gene action and heterosis studies for grain Fe and Zn content in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Development of rice genotypes possessing high yielding potential; with increased grain iron content is the need of the hour to tackle hidden hunger. Considering the above said fact, genetical analysis was conducted in six improved cultivars along with 15 potential crosses thereof. Analysis of variance for combining ability revealed significant differences in GCA and SCA variances for grain yield as well as for iron and zinc content, indicating the possibility of realization of development of iron fortified varieties with higher yielding potential. The preponderance of additive gene action for these two important characters i.e., iron and zinc content indicate that selection will be highly rewarding for genetic improvement pertaining to these two traits. The genotype Gouri was found to be very good combiner for both grain yield (0.93) and iron content of grain (2.04). Similarly, genotype Sebati was found as a very good combiner for both grain yield (0.13) and zinc content of grain (0.65). Some of the superior crosses identified concerning both grain yield and grain iron content were Birupa / Pradeep, Sebati / Gouri, Sebati / Pratap, Gouri / Pradeep and Pratap / Pradeep. Hence, these specific crosses can be used in further breeding programme for the improvement of both grain yield as well as grain iron content. The crosses viz., Bhanja / Pratap and Bhanja / Sebati were found to be superior crosses for both grain yield and grain zinc content.

Synchronous influence of soil amendments on alkylmercury and methane emissions in mercury-contaminated paddy soil

Mercury (Hg) alkylation and methane (CH4) emissions pose significant global concerns. Paddy soil, due to its long-term anaerobic conditions and abundant organic matter, is hotspots for soil Hg alkylation and CH4 emissions. However, the relevance between Hg alkylation and CH4 emissions, especially their simultaneous reduction strategies, remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of biochar (BC), selenium (Se) and rice straw (RS) amendments on Hg alkylation and CH4 emissions in paddy soil, and the accumulation of Hg speciation. Results found that both BC and RS amendments significantly increased the levels of soil organic carbon (SOC) and humification index (HIX). Furthermore, BC decreased the concentrations of Hg(II), methylmercury (MeHg) and ethylmercury (EtHg) by 63.1%, 53.6% and 100% in rice grains. However, RS increased Hg(II) concentration but decreased the total Hg (THg), MeHg and EtHg concentrations in rice grains. Compared to the CK, RS significantly increased CH4 emissions, while BC decreased CH4 emissions, and Se showed no significant difference. Se amendment increased the Hg(II) and EtHg concentrations by 20.3% and 17.0% respectively, and decreased the MeHg concentration in grains by 58.3%. Both BC and RS impacted the abundance of methanogens by enhancing SOC and HIX, subsequently modulating the relevance between Hg alkylation and CH4 emissions. These findings provide insights into the relevance between Hg alkylation and CH4 emissions and propose potential mitigation mechanisms in Hg-contaminated paddy soil.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Nutrient Content and their Uptake by Mung Bean Crop (Vigna radiata L.) under Mid Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Aim: To study the effect of integrated nutrient management on nutrient content and uptake by mungbean crop under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Study Design: Randomized block design. Abhilashi University, Chail Chowk, Mandi, (H.P.), during kharif of 2023. Methodology: The experiment was conducted with three replications and eight treatments viz. T1= Absolute control, T2= 100% RDF + biofertilizers, T3= 75% RDF + biofertilizers, T4= 75% RDF + 25% N by poultry manure + biofertilizers, T5= 75% RDF + 25% N by vermicompost + biofertilizers, T6= 50% RDF + 50% N by poultry manure + biofertilizers, T7= 50% RDF + 50% N by vermicompost + biofertilizers, T8= 50% RDF + 50% N by poultry manure + vermicompost + biofertilizers. Results: The study of the data revealed that the non-significant effect of integrated nutrient management practices was found on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in grain and straw of mungbean, whereas, the maximum content of these nutrients was found in treatment T2. However, treatment T2 recorded significantly the highest uptake of N, P and K by grain, straw and total uptake by mungbean crop, which was statistically at par with treatment T5 and T4. The minimum content of N, P and K in grain and straw along with their uptake by grain, straw and total uptake by mungbean crop were found under the treatment T1 during the field experiment. Conclusion: This study showed that the different integrated nutrient management practices had non-significant effect on the nutrient content but it has significantly affected the uptake of nutrients by mungbean crop.

Alternate wetting and drying: a water-saving technology for sustainable rice production in Burkina Faso?

With emerging water scarcity and rising fertilizer prices, optimising future water use while maintaining yield and nutrient efficiency in irrigated rice is crucial. Alternate wetting and moderate soil drying irrigation (i.e., re-irrigation when the water level reaches 15 cm below the soil surface) has proven to be an efficient water-saving technology in semi-arid zones of West Africa, reducing water inputs without yield penalty. Alternate wetting and severe soil drying (AWD30), by re-irrigating fields only when the water table reaches 30 cm below the soil surface, may further reduce water inputs compared to farmers’ irrigation practices (FP). However, acute soil drying may impair fertilizer use efficiency and reduce the bio-availability of some key nutrients. This study assessed the potentials and risks associated with AWD30 for smallholder rice farmers in the semi-arid zones of West Africa. We conducted 30 on-farm field trials over three seasons (wet and dry seasons of 2019, and dry season of 2020), in Kou Valley, Burkina Faso. We assessed yield, water productivity, nutrient uptake, and use efficiency under AWD30 and FP. In FP, farmers maintained their fields submerged as frequently as possible according to the scheme-dependent water provision schedule. With AWD30, irrigation frequency was reduced by 30%, however, soils were seldom completely dried due to a shallow groundwater table. Compared to FP, AWD30 reduced irrigation water input by 37% with no significant effects on grain yields (average of 4.5 Mg ha−1), thus increasing average water productivity by 39%. Both irrigation management practices provided comparable crop uptake of N, P, and K, and use efficiencies of applied N and P. However, the N content in straw and the P concentration in grain generally increased with total water input (rain + irrigation). We conclude that at locations with a shallow groundwater table, AWD30 can effectively save irrigation water without significantly reducing the grain yield and the use efficiency of applied mineral nutrients.

Effects of foliar spraying different sizes of zinc fertilizer on the growth and cadmium accumulation in rice.

Nanotechnology has been widely applied in agricultural science. During the process of reducing metal toxicity and accumulation in rice, nanomaterials exhibit size effects. However, there is limited knowledge regarding these size effects. We aim to explore the impact of fertilizer with various sizes of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on rice growth and cadmium (Cd) accumulation and to elucidate the potential mechanism of Cd reduction in rice. Foliar applications of different concentrations (0.5 and 2 mmol L-1) and different sizes (30 and 300 nm ZnO-NPs) of zinc (Zn) fertilizer (Zn(NO3)2) were performed to investigate the effects on rice growth, Cd accumulation and subcellular distribution, and the expression of Zn-Cd transport genes. The results suggested that all the foliar sprayings can significantly reduce the Cd concentrations in rice grains by 41-61% with the highest reduction in the application of ZnO-NPs with large size and low concentration. This is related to the enhancement of Cd fixation in leaf cell walls and downregulation of Cd transport genes (OsZIP7, OsHMA2, OsHMA3) in stem nodes. Foliar ZnO-NPs applications can increase the Zn concentration in grains by 9-21%. Foliar applications of Zn(NO3)2 and small-sized ZnO-NPs promoted plant growth and rice yield, while the application of large-sized ZnO-NPs significantly reduced rice growth and yield. The study suggests that the rice yield and Cd reduction are dependent on the size and concentration of foliar spraying and the use of large-sized ZnO-NPs is the most effective strategy when considering both yield and Cd reduction comprehensively. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Detection of moisture of flowing grain with a novel deep learning structure using 2D spectrogram data

In order to preserve the stored grain for a long time without deterioration, the moisture content must be accurately known. In this study, the moisture content of flowing grain was determined using radar spectrogram data and CNN structure. A free-space measurement technique-based experimental environment was established for the purpose of collecting the necessary signals to measure the moisture content. The measurement plant is composed of two horn antennas, a vector network analyzer (VNA), and a flowing grain mechanism. In the experimental environment, the S11 and S21 parameter values are recorded from the VNA. The short-time Fourier transforms (STFT) of the recorded signals were then taken, and 2D spectrogram images were created. The dataset, comprising 22,780 images, was split into 80 % for training and 20 % for testing; then, they were subjected to regression analysis using CNNs. First, the mean absolute error (MAE) values of the 27 pre-trained CNN architectures in a single epoch are calculated. Subsequently, the architecture with the best four regression results is automatically selected. The training and testing steps are performed independently for each selected architecture, and the results are recorded. The MAE, root mean square error (RMSE), mean square error (MSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) metrics are employed to assess the efficacy of the CNN architectures. Among these, ResNet50 is the architecture that yields the most favorable results. Subsequently, a subsequent architecture with fewer parameters and a more expeditious processing time is proposed. The novel deep-learning CNN architecture demonstrated superior performance compared to the pre-trained architectures. The results are as follows: MAE = 0.0411, MSE = 0.0149, RMSE = 0.122, and MAPE = 0.0397. When comparing the time spent on training and testing, the least time-consuming architecture required approximately 72 min, whereas this study was completed in approximately 325 s. The pronounced disparity is readily apparent. The results demonstrate that when the CNN is appropriately modeled and trained, the combination of CNN and appropriate signal processing can effectively determine the moisture content of grains.

Nighttime Warming Reduced Copper Concentration and Accumulation in Wheat Grown in Copper-Contaminated Soil by Affecting Physiological Traits

The changes in biomass (including yield), copper (Cu) concentration, and the accumulation of wheat (Triticum aestivum. L) in response to soil Cu pollution under nighttime warming had still not been explored. Hence, this study was carried out, and these variations were analyzed from a physiological perspective. Pot trials were performed at two levels of ambient temperatures (no-warming (NT) and average nighttime warming of 0.28 °C (WT)) and two levels of soil Cu concentrations (control check without Cu application (CK) and 100 mg/kg Cu application (Cu)). Soil was collected from the carbonate cinnamon soil region of central China. The warming effects of the passive nighttime warming system were prominent, and the average increment was 0.28 °C. Antioxidant enzyme activities were promoted by warming (p < 0.05) and Cu. The highest yield was achieved in NT-Cu, mainly attributed to relatively strong root activity and photosynthesis caused by supplemental Cu, but the Cu concentration in its grains was close to the threshold (10 mg/kg) for Cu concentration in foodstuff and could present a potential food safety risk. Though nighttime warming did not increase the total biomass and yield of wheat, it decreased the Cu accumulation of wheat grown in Cu-contaminated soil, especially in grains. Moreover, WT-CK and WT-Cu increased the Cu concentration in the roots and glumes and reduced the Cu concentration in grains by 13.09% and 55.84%, respectively, probably because of a lower transpiration rate. Among them, the Cu concentration of grains in WT-Cu was the lowest and significantly lower than other applications. Our findings reveal that nighttime warming has the potential to reduce the Cu risk of grains in wheat grown in the Cu-contaminated carbonate cinnamon soil region of central China and could then provide a theoretical reference for risk assessment of food quality for wheat subjected to dual stress from nighttime warming and Cu pollution.

Citric Acid Inhibits Cd Absorption and Transportation by Improving the Antagonism of Essential Elements in Rice Organs.

Excessive cadmium (Cd) in rice is a global environmental problem. Therefore, reducing Cd content in rice is of great significance for ensuring food security and human health. A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of foliar application of citric acid (CA) on Cd absorption and transportation in rice under high Cd-contaminated soils (2.04 mg·kg-1). This study revealed that there was a negative correlation between Cd content in vegetative organs and CA content, and that foliar spraying of CA (1 mM and 5 mM) significantly increased CA content and reduced Cd content in vegetative organs. The Cd reduction effect of 5 mM CA was better than that of 1 mM, and 5 mM CA reduced Cd content in grains and spikes by 52% and 37%, respectively. CA significantly increased Mn content in vegetative organs and increased Ca/Mn ratios in spikes, flag leaves, and roots. CA significantly reduced soluble Cd content in vegetative organs and promoted the transformation of Cd into insoluble Cd, thus inhibiting the transport of Cd from vegetative organs to grains. The foliar field application of 1 mM and 5 mM CA could inhibit Cd absorption and transportation by reducing Cd bioactivity and increasing the antagonistic of essential elements in rice vegetative organs. These results provide technical support and a theoretical basis for solving the problem of excessive Cd in rice.

Optimal extraction conditions and quantification of lignan phytoestrogens in cereal grains using targeted LC-MS/MS.

Lignans are phytoestrogens found in various forms such as glycosides, ester-linked oligomers, and aglycones in a variety of foods, including soy products, legumes, grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of lignans from cereal grains using response surface methodology (RSM). Lignans, including secoisolariciresinol (Seco), matairesinol (Mat), pinoresinol (Pin), lariciresinol (Lar), and syringaresinol (Syr), were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A Box-Behnken design was employed to determine the optimal values for three extraction parameters: temperature (X1: 20°C-60°C), methanol concentration (X2: 60%-100%), and extraction time (X3: 30-90 min). The highest lignan contents were obtained at X1 = 44.24°C, X2 = 84.64%, and X3 = 53.63 min. To apply these experimental conditions to the actual experiment, the optimal conditions were slightly adjusted to X1 = 40°C, X2 = 80%, and X3 = 60 min. The predicted results closely matched the experimental results obtained using the modified optimal extraction conditions. The highest lignan content found in barley sprouts (85.930 μg/100 g), however, most grains exhibited relatively low concentrations of lignans. These findings provide valuable insights into the lignan content of grains and contribute to the generation of reliable data in this field.

Agronomic Biofortification Increases Concentrations of Zinc and Storage Proteins in Cowpea Grains

Zinc (Zn) is crucial for both plant metabolism and human nutrition, with its deficiency being a global health concern. Strategies to increase its availability in food, such as agronomic biofortification, have gained prominence. This study evaluated the impact of foliar spraying of Zn [at full bloom stage: 0 (control) and 600 g ha−1, as ZnSO4⋅7H2O] on the nutritional quality of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) grains. Field experiments involving 20 cowpea genotypes were carried out over two seasons in a Typic Quartzipsamment under a no-tillage system. The photosynthetic responses of cowpea plants and the concentrations of Zn, amino acids, sucrose, total sugars, and storage proteins (glutelin, albumin, prolamin, and globulin) in grains were analyzed. All genotypes showed enrichment of Zn in grains in response to ZnSO4⋅7H2O application compared to untreated plants. Foliar spraying of ZnSO4⋅7H2O during initial grain filling was ideal for increasing Zn concentration in grains and improving plant physiological processes. Additionally, Zn fertilization led to higher concentrations of storage and total amino acids and proteins in the grains, supporting the rational application of Zn in cowpea production to improve the nutritional quality of grains and increase plant productivity.

Influence of Various Nitrogen Levels and Herbicides Application on Nutrient Uptake and Quality Parameters of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present study determines the Influence of Various Nitrogen Levels and Herbicides Application on Nutrient Uptake and Quality Parameters of Rice (Oryza sativa L.). A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season 2022 and 2023 at Agronomy research farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology Kumarganj, Ayodhya Uttar Pradesh, (India), which consisted of three levels of nitrogen 80, 120 and 160 Kg/ha in main plot and five weed management practices Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20g a.i/ha (PE) at 0-3 DAT, Bispyribac sodium 10 % SC @ 25g a.i/ha (PoE) at 25 DAT, Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20g a.i/ha (PE) at 0-3 DAT fb Bispyribac sodium 10 % SC @ 25g a.i/ha (PoE) at 25 DAT, Weed free and Weedy check in subplot thereby, making fifteen treatment combinations and replicated thrice in split plot design . Results indicated that protein content and protein yield, N, P and K content in grain and straw and their uptake after harvest were maximum recorded with the application of 160 Kg N ha-1 and Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20g a.i/ha (PE) at 0-3 DAT fb Bispyribac sodium 10 % SC @ 25g a.i/ha (PoE) at 25 DAT which was comparable to weed free during both the years of investigation on transplanting rice.

Combined effect of gallic acid and zinc ferrite nanoparticles on wheat growth and yield under salinity stress

Salinity stress significantly impacts crops, disrupting their water balance and nutrient uptake, reducing growth, yield, and overall plant health. High salinity in soil can adversely affect plants by disrupting their water balance. Excessive salt levels can lead to dehydration, hinder nutrient absorption, and damage plant cells, ultimately impairing growth and reducing crop yields. Gallic acid (GA) and zinc ferrite (ZnFNP) can effectively overcome this problem. GA can promote root growth, boost photosynthesis, and help plants absorb nutrients efficiently. However, their combined application as an amendment against drought still needs scientific justification. Zinc ferrite nanoparticles possess many beneficial properties for soil remediation and medical applications. That’s why the current study used a combination of GA and ZnFNP as amendments to wheat. There were 4 treatments, i.e., 0, 10 µM GA, 15 μM GA, and 20 µM GA, without and with 5 μM ZnFNP applied in 4 replications following a completely randomized design. Results exhibited that 20 µM GA + 5 μM ZnFNP caused significant improvement in wheat shoot length (28.62%), shoot fresh weight (16.52%), shoot dry weight (11.38%), root length (3.64%), root fresh weight (14.72%), and root dry weight (9.71%) in contrast to the control. Significant enrichment in wheat chlorophyll a (19.76%), chlorophyll b (25.16%), total chlorophyll (21.35%), photosynthetic rate (12.72%), transpiration rate (10.09%), and stomatal conductance (15.25%) over the control validate the potential of 20 µM GA + 5 μM ZnFNP. Furthermore, improvement in N, P, and K concentration in grain and shoot verified the effective functioning of 20 µM GA + 5 μM ZnFNP compared to control. In conclusion, 20 µM GA + 5 μM ZnFNP can potentially improve the growth, chlorophyll contents and gas exchange attributes of wheat cultivated in salinity stress. More investigations are suggested to declare 20 µM GA + 5 μM ZnFNP as the best amendment for alleviating salinity stress in different cereal crops.

Seaweed Extract for Sustainable Rice Production- A Review

Seaweed extract is a bio-simulant that obtain from seaweeds like Agar, and Alginate and many more species of seaweed. By application of seaweed extract in rice crop (Oryza sativa L.) can increase the growth, grain yield, biological yield and improves the nutrient content in grain. Seaweed extract application also reduces the biotic and abiotic stress on crops. This seaweed extract can be applied in many ways to crop plants like foliar spray, soil incorporation, etc., based on crop type. It can impact the cellular respiration of plants and incorporates many enzymes like NAA, auxins, vitamins, cytokinin’s and many other growths promoting hormones in plants. This extract also has growth stimulating properties. It can increase nutrient absorption capacity by increasing root growth. Most of the marine algae are rich in auxins that increase root growth. The application of seaweed extract in soil can improve the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. It can improve Arbuscular mycorrhiza by providing potassium to plant. Application of seaweed extract to soil can improve the availability of nutrients like calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Moreover, foliar spray of seaweed extract in rice crop increases crop growth, yield, nutrient uptake, water uptake, increases photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance. So, seaweed extract incorporation in rice cultivation could be a better approach to gain long-term sustainable production.

Germinated VD20 rice – a local rice variety in Vietnam: Effect of process conditions

Rice is one of important staple foods, which mainly consumed by human in daily life. One of the methods which could enhance the nutritional profile as well as functional of rice is germination process. VD20 rice, a local rice from Tien Giang province (Vietnam), was used in this study. This investigation was aimed to study the effect of ratio of rice to soaking solution (1:1-1:3), pH of soaking solution (distilled water, pH = 3-5), and time of soaking (3-6 hours) on the germination rate, moisture content of grain and total polyphenol content of germinated rice. Besides that, the impact of germination conditions, including incubation time (16-22 hours) and temperature (31-37oC), on the quality of germinated rice was also elucidated. The obtained results showed the ratio of soaking water to rice is 2.5:1 for the highest polyphenol content and germination rate. The longer the soaking time, the polyphenol content gradually decreases but the germination rate gradually increases over time. Soaking solutions with a pH of 4 for 6 hours were the most apporiate conditions for soaking VD20 rice. During the germination process, temperature and incubation time significant affected the polyphenol content and germination rate. At a temperature of 37℃ for 20 hours, the polyphenol content was highest (33.85 mgGAE/100 g) and gradually decreases with incubation time, but the germination rate gradually increases. Germination process of VD20 enhance the nutrional quality of rice, which could be seen in the increasing of phenolic compounds content. However, it also affected by various factors, as know as, soaking conditions and incubation conditions, which could further study to ultilize and optimize. The obtained product also have the promising application as the nutraceutical food.

Influence of Parameters of the Carbohydrate–Amylase Complex and Protein Content in Grain on the Baking Quality of Winter Rye

Influence of Parameters of the Carbohydrate–Amylase Complex and Protein Content in Grain on the Baking Quality of Winter Rye

Effect of spraying with different concentrations of the growth regulator paclobutrazol on the yield characteristics of three varieties of oat crop Avena sativa L.

The experiment was conducted at the Research Station of the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah,located north of Basrah city, during the winter season of 2022-2023, in a loamy soil. The study aimed toinvestigate the response of three varieties of oats (Avena sativa L.) to foliar spraying with differentconcentrations of the growth regulator paclobutrazol. The study included three oat varieties (Ganzania,Shafa, and CarlIoup) under the influence of spraying three concentrations of paclobutrazol (25, 50, and100 mg/L) and a control treatment. The interaction between the two factors was also studied. Thespraying was carried out in two stages, the first at the beginning of branching, and the second after threeweeks from the first spray.The experiment was arranged using a randomized complete block design(RCBD) with three replicates. The results showed the superiority of the paclobutrazol treatment (50 mg.l-1), which recorded the highest averages for most of the studied yield characteristics, as the lowestaverage number of panicles m-2was recorded at 458.05 dalia - and the highest average number of grainsper dalia was 55.45 grains g-1, and the highest average weight was recorded. 1000 grains amounted to37.33 g, while the Ganzania variety was superior in terms of the number of days and the number ofgrains in of panicl and 1000 grains amounted to 458.05 and amounted to 55.45 grains in of panicl-1 and 34.93 g and its components, protein content in grains, and chlorophyll in leaves were studied. Theresults showed the superiority of the paclobutrazol treatment (50 mg/L), which recorded the highestmeans for most of the studied growth traits. It had the lowest average plant height, reaching 70.75 cm. Italso recorded the highest average chlorophyll content, reaching 143.90 mg/100 g, and the highest averagefor the number of tillers, reaching 488.97 tillers/m². Additionally, it recorded the highest average for stemdiameter, reaching 4.49 mm.

Advancing Nutritional Quality through Genomic Approaches for Biofortification in Cereal Crops: A Review

Hidden hunger, characterized by micronutrient deficiencies, remains a pervasive challenge in marginalized regions worldwide, where the main source of sustenance is cereal crops. This review study examines how improving the nutritional value of cereal crops through genetic "biofortification" could help fight hidden hunger. It focuses on the biochemical and genetic underpinnings of zinc, iron, and critical amino acid accumulation. While conventional breeding efforts have made significant contributions, the complex genetic nature of mineral content in grains presents challenges. In response, molecular techniques such as CRISPR/Cas genome editing offer promising solutions. The paper underscores the widespread prevalence of iron and zinc deficiencies, affecting over a large population. Children under five and pregnant and lactating women in developing countries are particularly vulnerable. Biofortification, defined as the breeding of staple food crops with elevated micronutrient levels, emerges as a cost-effective and sustainable strategy to improve health in resource-poor households. It discusses the transfer of genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) from wild and related species to cultivated wheat, emphasizing the need for marker-assisted selection and genomic selection to accelerate breeding progress. The emergence of CRISPR/Cas genome editing techniques in recent decades has revolutionized the field of plant breeding. The paper highlights the successful application of CRISPR/Cas9 in numerous cereal crops such as rice, wheat, maize and barley, to improve crop yields and nutritional content. It also explores the potential for precise base editing and gene expression modifications. However, challenges such as transformation efficiency, specific promoters, and ethical and regulatory concerns are also mentioned and discussed. In conclusion, genetic biofortification through CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing presents a promising avenue for alleviating hidden hunger in cereal-dependent regions.

Effects of Applying Different N Sources on Cd Accumulation, Mineral Micronutrients, and Grain Yield of Durum Wheat

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different nitrogen sources on Cd concentration in durum wheat grains in soils with low and high Cd contamination. Triticum turgidum L. durum, cv. Balcali-2000 was sown as test plant material in plastic pots containing 3.2 kg of soil. Low (0.5) and high Cd (5.0 mg Cd kg− 1 soil) were added to the culture media in the form of 3(CdSO4).8H2O. Nitrogen was also added in the form of Ca(NO3)2.4 H2O in low, sufficient, and high concentrations. In addition, a foliar application of 0.5% urea was used as a further nitrogen supply. The results showed that the total nitrogen content and the Cd concentration of the grains increased with increasing nitrogen application. This increase was more pronounced with a combination of soil nitrogen and foliar urea. While the Cd concentration in the grains was 354 µg kg− 1 at low soil Cd concentration and insufficient nitrogen supply, the Cd concentration in the grains increased by 40% to 498 µg kg− 1 at low Cd concentration and high nitrogen supply. This increase in Cd concentration in the grains was 32% higher under high nitrogen applications than at high Cd-insufficient conditions. In addition, foliar application of urea to durum wheat leaves at low soil Cd concentrations increased the Cd concentration in the grains from 354 µg kg− 1 to 484 µg kg− 1. This study showed that different treatments and amounts of nitrogen sources can affect the uptake and accumulation of Cd in wheat grains at different Cd levels.