Content Of Grains Research Articles

Grain nitrogen content and productivity of rice and maize under variable doses of fertilizer nitrogen

The rice-maize system is a dominant cropping system of south Asia and consumes a considerable amount of fertilizer. The indiscriminate use of fertilizer particularly nitrogen (N) is degrading the soil health and polluting the environment. Lower N-use efficiency is a major problem and needs to be improved for higher yield, lower cost of cultivation and better environment. The grain quality is also altered by the N-application as N is a major constituent of protein. Studies on the effect of N-application on grain N-content is still lacking. We hypothesised that optimization of N application would result in economising N dose, improving yield and NUE and improving grain quality. Under that context, a field experiment was conducted with different doses of fertilizer N for rice and maize. Fertilizer N was applied at the rate of 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200 and 240 kg ha−1 (N0–N240). An increase in grain yield was observed up to 80 and 160 kg ha−1 for rice and maize, respectively. The N content of grain increased with N rates and a significant increase was noted in N200 (1.42%) being at par with N240 (1.49%) but significantly higher than others by 13–32%. With an increase of each kilogram of N, the grain N content increased by 14 and 20 μg (microgram) for rice and maize, respectively. The leaf N content registered a decreasing trend with the progress of the crop growth for both rice and maize. The agronomic efficiency (AE) of N initially increased with an increase in the rate of fertilizer N followed by a decrease with higher doses of N. Unlike the AE, the partial factor productivity (PFP) of N decreased gradually with an increase in the rate of fertilizer N. The chlorophyll content of flag leaves also registered an increasing trend with an increasing rate of fertilizer N. On the surface soil (0–15 cm), the treatments which received lower (N0, N40) and higher (N240) fertilizer N recorded a comparatively higher total soil N than other treatments. The mean NUE was 0.42 and 0.75 for rice and maize, respectively. The study suggests an economic fertilizer N rate of 165 and 167 kg N ha−1, for rice and maize, respectively. It also concludes that the grain N content can be altered by N-application rates though more research is needed.

Зимостойкий сорт озимой пшеницы Изаура для сложных климатических условий Уральского региона

Abstract. The purpose of the research is to present the result of the breeding work of the wheat breeding laboratory of the Kurgan Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture – branch of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Ural Federal Agrarian Scientific Research Centre, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences” – a new variety of winter wheat Izaura and to give its economic and biological characteristics. The variety was created by the method of multiple individual-familial selection from a hybrid population of K-85 (a population of hardy forms) / Kurganskaya ozimaya. According to the results of the competitive variety testing, the yield of the variety in 2017 was 4.65 t/ha (+0.29 t/ha to the Omsk winter standard), in the conditions of drought of 2020–2021, 1.10 t/ha (+0.42 t/ha). The maximum yield was obtained in the Orenburg region of 58 kg/ha (2020). When creating a new variety, the task of increasing yields was solved due to higher winter hardiness, resistance to brown rust, powdery mildew and improving baking properties. The advantage of the variety: increased winter hardiness, frost resistance, friendly spring regrowth, resistance to the return of spring cold, high yield and grain quality. During the years of research, the variety was slightly affected by diseases that are widespread in the conditions of the forest–steppe of the Trans-Urals: brown rust – 11 %, powdery mildew – 0.5 points, septoria 0–0.1 %. In terms of grain quality, the new variety is a valuable wheat. The nature was 751 g/l, vitreous – 50 %, protein content in grain – 17.5 %, gluten content in flour – 35.3 % of the second group, flour strength – 367 e. a., bread volume yield – 848 cm3, overall bread score – 3.3 points. Resistant to germination and shedding of grain on the root. The variety is intended for zonal cultivation technology in pairs. According to the results of the state variety testing, since 2022, the Izaura variety has been included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements in the Ural (9) and West Siberian (10) regions, where increases amounted to 0.25 and 0.45 t/ha, respectively. Scientific novelty. A new variety of winter soft wheat has been created, which has advantages over common varieties in the Ural region, in terms of resistance to brown rust, powdery mildew and has increased winter hardiness.

Physicochemical Characteristics and Microstructure of Ancient and Common Wheat Grains Cultivated in Romania.

Different wheat species, common wheat (Triticum aestivum subsp. aestivum), spelt (Triticum aestivum subsp. spelta) and einkorn (Triticum monococcum subsp. monococcum), were analyzed for physicochemical (moisture, ash, protein, wet gluten, lipid, starch, carbohydrates, test weight and thousand-kernel mass) and mineral elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) concentrations in grains. Additionally, wheat grain microstructure was determined using a scanning electron microscope. SEM micrographs of wheat grains show that einkorn has smaller type A starch granule diameters and more compact protein bonds compared to common wheat and spelt grains, making it easier to digest. The ancient wheat grains presented higher values for ash, protein, wet gluten and lipid content compared to the common wheat grains, whereas the carbohydrates and starch content were significantly (p < 0.05) lower. The mean values showed that spelt (Triticum aestivum subsp. spelta) grains presented the highest values for Ca, Mg and K, while einkorn (Triticum monococcum subsp. monococcum) grains had the highest values for the microelements Zn, Mn and Cu. The highest values of Fe were recorded for common wheat varieties whereas no significant differences among the species were obtained for Na content. The principal component analysis (p > 0.05) between wheat flours characteristics showed a close association between wheat grain species and between the chemical characteristics of gluten and protein content (r = 0.994), lipid and ash content (r = 0.952) and starch and carbohydrate content (r = 0.927), for which high positive significant correlations (p < 0.05) were obtained. Taking into account that Romania is the fourth largest wheat producer at the European level, this study is of great global importance. According to the results obtained, the ancient species have higher nutritional value from the point of view of chemical compounds and macro elements of minerals. This may be of great importance for consumers who demand bakery products with high nutritional quality.

Impact of Weed Management Practices and Phosphorus Levels on Nutrient Uptake and Quality of Clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2013 at Agronomy farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner, Jaipur (Rajasthan) to evaluate the impact of weed management practices and phosphorus levels on nutrient uptake and quality of clusterbean crop. The treatments comprising 6 weed control treatments (Weedy check, one HW at 20 DAS, two HW at 20 and 40 DAS, pendimethalin at 0.75 kg/ha, imazethapyr at 100 g/ha and fenoxoprop-p-ethyl at 70 g/ha and four levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) assigned to main and sub plots of spilt plot design, respectively and replicated thrice. Hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS, imazethapyr at 100 g/ha, and one HW at 20 DAS were found statistically similar and significantly better treatments in enhancing nutrient concentration in grain and stover, protein content in grain, and reduction in nutrient depletion by weeds but in enhancing of nutrient uptake by crop, two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS was found significantly better treatment over rest of the treatments. Application of 60 kg P/ha in clusterbean recorded the highest N, P, and K concentration in weeds and nutrient depletion by weeds at the harvest stage. Every increase in the level of P to 40 kg/ha resulted significant improvement in N, P and K uptake by grain and stover, protein content and phosphorus use efficiency.

Multi-Target Element-Based Screening of Maize Varieties with Low Accumulation of Heavy Metals (HMs) and Metalloids: Uptake, Transport, and Health Risks

Mitigating heavy metals (HMs) contamination and ensuring the safe production of crops is of paramount importance for sustainable agriculture development. The purpose of the current field plot study was to select maize varieties with low HMs and metalloids in their edible parts but high accumulation in other parts. The cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) contents of 11 maize varieties were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry, and the plant growth and bioconcentration factors (BFs) were examined. Furthermore, the average daily intake (ADDi) of HMs in maize grains was calculated to assess the associated health risks. The results revealed that the growth of variety TZ23 was minimally impacted HMs and metalloids. The grains of all of the tested maize varieties contained Cr, As, and Pb contents in accordance with National Food Safety Standards (NFSSs, GB2762-2017, ≤0.1 mg·kg−1), while the Cd concentration in grains of varieties QJN1, LSCR, and JN20 were 0.084 mg·kg−1, 0.094 mg·kg−1, and 0.077 mg·kg−1, respectively, in accordance with NFSSs. The translocation factor (TF) of As, Pb and Cr in the grains of 11 maize varieties were found to be less than 1. However, the TF of grain Cd in varieties LYN9, JYN9, and QJN3 exceeded 1. For varieties HNY21, TZ23, and LYN9, the TF of Cd, As, Pb, and Cr in the stems/leaves was less than 1. Cluster analysis revealed that the grains of variety HNY21 had the lowest accumulation capacity of all four HMs. Importantly, the variety JN20 exhibited a high accumulation capacity for Pb and a low capacity for As, while both varieties SKN11 and QJN3 had high accumulation capacities for Cd and low capacities for As. Health risk (HR) indices of the different age groups displayed an overall trend of children &gt; elderly &gt; young adult. Among the HMs and metalloids, Cd and Cr pose the greatest health risks of maize intake. Variety QJN3 posed a significant HR due to chronic toxicity. This study provides a scientific basis for multi-element pollution control and screening of maize varieties suitable for cultivation in mining areas and the remediation of HMs-contaminated soils.

Fertilization Enhances Grain Inorganic Arsenic Assimilation in Rice

To investigate how soil fertilization/amendments alters arsenic speciation grain off-take in paddy rice, rice was grown to maturity in growth chambers fertilized with standard mineral fertilizer, wood ash (rich in silica), pig slurry (rich in organic matter), and non-amended control. The soil was sourced from a Chinese paddy field. The primary fertilized elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) were kept constant across treatments. Porewater chemistry and soil microbiology were monitored throughout the experiments. Total grain arsenic, sum of inorganic arsenic and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), was significantly different between treatments (P = 0.024), with inorganic arsenic varying from 0.025 to 0.08 mg/kg and DMA from 0.08 to 0.16 mg/kg for control compared to fertilized, respectively. Fertilizer source made no difference to arsenic speciation concentration in grain. Porewater analysis found that as anaerobism set in, inorganic arsenic, phosphorus and manganese greatly lowered in concentration. Methylated arsenic species concentrations increased over time, concurrent with an increase in pH, decrease in Eh, and increase in total organic carbon and iron, with no strong treatment effects, except for pig slurry that enhanced pH and decreased Eh. Methanogenic archaea, sulfate-reducing bacteria and Acidobacteria increased with time and some Actinobacteria and Firmicutes increased due to slurry, but then decreased with time (P < 0.01). Methanogenic archaea and sulphate-reducing bacteria correlated positively with porewater DMA and negatively with porewater inorganic arsenic (P < 0.05). Genera within the Actinobacteria and Burkholderiaceae correlated negatively with DMA, while genera with iron-reducing capacity (Clostridiales) correlated positively with porewater inorganic arsenic and DMA (P < 0.05).

Effect of Ca–modified biochar coupling with low–Cd accumulation maize cultivars on remediation of Cd contaminated soils and microbial community composition

To investigate the remediation efficiency of Ca–modified biochar (CBC) coupling with low cadmium (Cd)–accumulation cultivars on weakly alkaline Cd–contaminated farmland, a field experiment was conducted to explore the distribution of Cd in soil aggregates, Cd uptake in maize (Zea mays L.) grain, and soil microbial communities. Our results showed that treatments of CBC were observed to reduce available Cd in the bulk soil and soil aggregates by 12.09–16.20 % and 3.67–24.72 %. The grain size fraction metals loading (GSFloading) and distribution factors (DFx) analysis showed that Cd was preferentially enriched on fine particle fractions in soil, and CBC promoted the redistribution of Cd from micro–aggregates to macro–aggregates. Compared with the control group, Cd content in grains of low–Cd varieties of Liyu16 and Sanbei218 after the addition of CBC was significantly reduced by 37.55–50.80 % and 23.60–51.20 %, respectively. High–throughput sequencing results indicated that the microbial community structure and composition changed significantly after the addition of CBC, which were characterized by a significant increase in the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), the alpha diversity indices (including Shannon, Chao1 and ACE indies) and the abundance of the dominant phylum. The above results showed that the management of combining CBC and low Cd accumulation maize should be an efficient way to remediate weakly alkaline Cd contaminated soils, associated with ensuring of grain production safety and improvement of soil eco–environment function.

Physical and chemical properties of amaranth grain as affected by the varietal characteristics and humidity

Purpose. To establish the peculiarities of the formation of physicochemical properties of amaranth grain under the effect of varietal characteristics and humidity. Methods. Laboratory methods for determination of physicochemical and physicomechanical properties of grain; calculation for determination of volume, area and sphericity of grain; mathematical and statistical methods for the analysis of the experimental data. Results. The research shows that the carbohydrate content of amaranth grain varied from 63.1 to 68.7%. At the same time, the content of carbohydrates in the grain of variety ‘Kharkivskyi-1’ was significantly higher compared to ‘Atstek’ and ‘Helios’. The content of protein in the grain of the studied varieties varied significantly. The highest protein content was in the grain of 'Lera' and ‘Kharkivskyi-1’ varieties (20.2–24.9%). It should be noted that the lysine content in the grain of these varieties was also the highest (0.85–0.91%). Grain moisture content in the studied varieties was low (8.3–11.1%). The highest grain quality was in the ‘Helios’ variety – 819 g/dm3, while in the rest of the studied varieties it ranged from 748 to 775 g/dm3. 1000-kernel weight and 1000-kernel volume were almost equal in the studied amaranth varieties. At the same time, the angle of the natural slope varied reliably. The coefficients of external friction at rest and the coefficient of external friction in motion for the grain of the varieties ‘Kharkivskyi-1’, ‘Lera’ and ‘Atstek’ were significantly higher compared to ‘Helios’. The geometric parameters of grain changed reliably depending on their humidity: as the humidity of the grain increases, its geometric parameters increase. An increase in the moisture content of the grain increases the linear dimensions. At the same time, the volume and surface area of the grain increases, thanks to which the sphericity increases. Conclusions. It was established that the physicochemical properties of amaranth grain reliably change as affected by varietal characteristics and humidity. The grain of amaranth varieties ‘Lera’ and ‘Kharkivskyi-1’ has the highest protein content (20.2–24.9%) and lysine (0.85–0.91%). The carbohydrate content is 65.3–68.7%. ‘Helios’ variety has the highest grain quality – 819 g/dm3. 1000-kernel weight is 0.664–0.710 g, depending on the variety. The grain of varieties ‘Kharkivskyi-1’, ‘Lera’ and ‘Atstek’ is characterized by a higher angle of natural slope, coefficients of external friction at rest and external friction in motion. An increase in grain moisture significantly increases its geometric parameters.

Foliar Application of Selenium Associated with a Multi-Nutrient Fertilizer in Soybean: Yield, Grain Quality, and Critical Se Threshold.

Selenium uptake and its content in soybean grains are affected by Se application methods. This study evaluated the impact of Se foliar application combined with a multi-nutrient fertilizer (MNF) on soybean, establishing a Se threshold to better understand the relationship between Se content in grains and yield of two genotypes (58I60 Lança and M5917). Two trials were conducted in a 4 × 2 factorial design: four Se rates (0, 10, 40, 80 g Se ha-1) and two methods of foliar Se application (Se combined or not with MNF). Foliar fertilizers were applied twice, at phenological stages of beginning of pod development and grain filling. Grain yield increased with the application of MNF, yet Se rates increased Se contents linearly up to 80 g Se ha-1, regardless of the use of MNF. Lança and M5917 genotypes had grain Se critical thresholds of 1.0 and 3.0 mg kg-1, respectively. The application of Se favored higher contents of K, P, and S in grains of genotype Lança and higher contents of Mn and Fe in grains of genotype M5917. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing different Se fertilization strategies as well as genotypic variations when assessing the effects of Se on soybean yield and grain quality.

The influence of polyguanidin on the direction of biochemical processes in wheat (Triti- cum L.) plants.

Modern crop production requires a balance of high and sustainable productivity with maximum safety for the environment, consumers and agricultural workers. The well-known chemical compound polyguanidine, which was previously used as a disinfectant, surfactant and complexing agent, has recently become widely used as a plant growth and development stimulant. Despite the increasing use of polyguanidine preparations as a growth stimulant, there is no data in the literature on its mechanism of action on plants. There are many studies that try to determine whether the effect of biostimulants on plant productivity is a direct or indirect response, for example, through the soil or microbiome. In many cases, biostimulants are considered in terms of their effects on various plant regulatory and functional systems (signaling, metabolic, uptake and transport mechanisms, etc.). But, in general, these modes of action are very diverse and may include activation of nitrogen metabolism or release of phosphorus from soils, general stimulation of soil microbial activity, or stimulation of root growth and increased plant nutrition. The effect of polyguanidin on the physiological parameters of wheat plants was studied under vegetation and laboratory conditions. Seeds of winter wheat variety Bogdana were used for the study. For the determination of flavonoids, a spectrophotometric method based on the measurement of their absorption with aluminum chloride complex was used. It was proved that the treatment of wheat in the tillering and earing phases with polyguanidin had the greatest effect on the protein content in winter wheat grain, which ensured the formation of this indicator at the level of 11.0–13.4% compared to the control. The treatment of wheat seeds with a preparation based on polyguanidine increased the amount of chlorophyll a by almost two times, while the content of chlorophyll b and carotene increased somewhat less. Thus, the use of polyguanidine contributes to the efficient functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus of plants, which will increase their productivity. Since the energy basis of photosynthesis is the absorption of solar radiation by photosynthetic pigments, which are used to form organic matter, there is a direct link between chlorophyll content and plant productivity. Therefore, we decided to check the content of the main photosynthetic pigments in plants after treatment with polyguanidine. At the first stage of our research, plants at the early stages of ontogenesis were analyzed. Thus, we have shown that the treatment of wheat seeds with a polyguanidine-based preparation increases the amount of chlorophyll a almost twice. Evaluation of flavonoid content in wheat plants showed a decrease in their amount after treatment with polyguanidin. That is, after the treatment, the plants, on the contrary, reduced their adaptive potential, because at the biochemical stage it was believed that there were no unfavorable factors in the environment. The analysis of the free proline content showed an increase in its concentration after treatment with the test substance almost doubled both after the first and after the second treatment. Also, it should be noted that reducing the concentration of the drug to 0.15 liters per 200 liters of the working solution increases the level of proline after the first treatment. The increase in proline, in this case, can lead to an increase in stress resistance, which is provided by metabolic and physiological changes. Consequently, its accumulation and conversion into other amino acids due to changes in the activity of proline oxidase contributes to an increase in the protein content in the grain.

Efficacy of multigrain supplementation in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A pilot study protocol for a randomized intervention trial

Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may lead to microvascular complications (nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy) and cardiovascular diseases. The beta-glucan content in grains has the potential to improve insulin sensitivity, lowering postprandial glucose response and reducing inflammation degrees. A proper combination of grains not only satisfies human body's need, but also provides essential and reasonable nutritional contents. However, no trial has been conducted to evaluate the roles of multigrain in T2DM. To determine the efficacy of multigrain supplementation among T2DM patients. From October 2020 to June 2021, a total of 50 adults living with T2DM, who were receiving standard diabetes care at Day Care Clinic, were randomized into either a supplementation group or a control group. The supplementation group received twice daily 30 g multigrain supplement (equivalent to 3.4 g beta-glucan) with standard medication for 12 wk, while the control group was prescribed with standard medication. Parameters such as glycemic control (HbA1c, FPG, and HOMO-IR), cardiometabolic profile (lipid profile, renal function test, and liver function test), oxidative stress status, nutritional status, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed at two time points: Baseline and the end of the treatment period (week 12). The primary outcomes were the mean difference of glycated haemoglobin (%), fasting plasma glucose, and serum insulin as intervention effects. Secondary outcomes included the measurement of cardiometabolic profile, antioxidative and oxidative stress status, nutritional status indices, and QoL. Tertiary outcomes involved the determination of safety and tolerability, and supplementation compliance. The present clinical trial will reveal the effectiveness of multigrain supplementation among T2DM patients for the improvement of diabetes management.

Virtual test bench for computer-aided design of drum dryers based on kinetic laws of the drying process

The aim of the study is to create a virtual test bench, consisting of optimal design parameters that provide the maximum approximation of the real drying process to the experimental data.Method. Methods of modeling, formalized description, optimal design and management of technological processes and productions are applied. Result. A virtual test bench has been developed that allows real-time determination of the design parameters of drum-type dryers depending on the kinetic patterns of the drying process of various grain crops. As an object of study, the design of a two-section drum dryer was used, each section of which is equipped with a profile channel nozzle that provides a transverse supply of the drying agent through the pouring movable layer of the dispersed product to be dried. An algorithm for calculating the drying process is presented, which makes it possible to determine the fields of temperature and moisture content of grain in a wide range of regime parameters. With the use of CAD, a computer model of this installation was made with the possibility of autonomous rotation and movement of the drums relative to each other. A diagram of the synchronized operation of the moving elements of the installation under conditions of operational reconfiguration of its design in accordance with changes in the kinetic curves has been drawn up.Conclusion. The presented virtual test stand adequately and with high accuracy allows simulating the process of drying materials in a drum dryer; allows you to test the operation of a drum dryer at the development stage, conduct experiments with the highest possible accuracy, select the optimal drying modes for various materials with minimal energy consumption.

Performance of testers with contrasting provitamin A content to evaluate provitamin A maize for resistance to Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin production.

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), millions of people depend on maize as a primary staple. However, maize consumers in SSA may be exposed to malnutrition due to vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and unsafe aflatoxin levels, which can lead to serious economic and public health problems. Provitamin A (PVA) biofortified maize has been developed to alleviate VAD and may have additional benefits such as reduced aflatoxin contamination. In this study, maize inbred testers with contrasting PVA content in grain were used to identify inbred lines with desirable combining ability for breeding to enhance their level of resistance to aflatoxin. Kernels of 120 PVA hybrids generated by crossing 60 PVA inbreds with varying levels of PVA (5.4 to 51.7 µg/g) and two testers (low and high PVA, 14.4 and 25.0 µg/g, respectively) were inoculated with a highly toxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxin had a negative genetic correlation with β-carotene (r= -0.29, p < 0.0001) and PVA (r = -0.23, p < 0.0001), indicating that hybrids with high PVA content accumulated less aflatoxin than those with low to medium PVA. Both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects of lines and testers were significant for aflatoxin accumulation, number of spores, PVA, and other carotenoids, with additive gene actions playing a prominent role in regulating the mode of inheritance (GCA/SCA ratio >0.5). Eight inbreds had combined significant negative GCA effects for aflatoxin accumulation and spore count with significant positive GCA effects for PVA. Five testcrosses had combined significant negative SCA effects for aflatoxin with significant positive SCA effects for PVA. The high PVA tester had significant negative GCA effects for aflatoxin, lutein, β-carotene, and PVA. The study identified lines that can be used as parents to develop superior hybrids with high PVA and reduced aflatoxin accumulation. Overall, the results point out the importance of testers in maize breeding programs to develop materials that can contribute to controlling aflatoxin contamination and reducing VAD.

Mercury Pollution in Dryland Soil and Evaluation of Maize Safety Production in Guizhou Province

Guizhou Province is the province with the largest Hg production and reserves in China, and maize is the second largest grain crop in Guizhou Province. It is necessary to identify the status of soil Hg content in Guizhou Province and evaluate the safety of maize production. A total of 990 soil-maize samples and 270 single soil samples were collected in the main maize-producing areas to determine soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and organic matter content (SOM), as well as Hg content in soil and maize. The results showed that the pH of dryland soil in Guizhou Province ranged from 3.93 to 9.82, the geometric mean of ω(SOM) was 27.5 g·kg-1, and the geometric mean of CEC was 11.7 cmol·kg-1. Soil ω(Hg) ranged from 0.005 to 686 mg·kg-1, the geometric mean was 0.632 mg·kg-1, and the over-standard rate was 7.22%. Among them, the soil Hg pollution in Tongren was the most prominent, with the exceedance rate of 21.3%. At the county level, Danzhai County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, and Tongren City Wanshan District and Bijiang District had high exceedance rates of Hg. According to the Limit of Pollutants in Food according to National Standards for Food Safety (GB 2762-2017), the exceedance rate of Hg content in maize grains was 1.11%, and the exceedance points were mainly distributed around industrial and mining activity areas such as Wanshan District in Tongren City and Xixiu District in Anshun City. According to the results, there was serious soil Hg pollution in Guizhou Province. On the whole, maize can be safely planted, but it is necessary to pay close attention to the Hg content in grains and the Hg exposure risk of residents around industrial and mining areas.

Differential response of diverse wheat genotypes to Mn application for yield and quality parameters under Mn deficient soil of North-western India

Low availability of manganese (Mn) induces its deficiency in wheat grown particularly in course textured soil. Growing Mn efficient and responsive genotypes on light textured soils is sustainable approach to higher Mn accumulation in wheat grain. For this, sixteen wheat genotypes viz. bread, durum and triticale, were investigated for two years with foliar application of Mn. Diverse wheat genotypes responded differently toward yield and quality parameters. Maximum increment in grain and straw yield was observed in PDW314 (39.3%) and TL2908 (26.1%), over control. On the other hand, Mn concentration in grain and straw increased to maximum in PDW 274 (51.3%) and PBW621 (51.2%), over control. Among bread, durum and triticale genotypes, PBW343U (61.8%), PDW274 (91%) and TL2969 (37.8%) strongly responded to Mn application and supported by higher Mn accumulation. Average grain yield efficiency index (GYEI) and Mn accumulation efficiency index (MAEI) were 89.0 and 71.7, respectively. Due to higher yield and higher Mn accumulation than GYEI and MAEI, the genotypes HD2967, PBW725, PBW677, PBWZn1, TL2969, PDW233 were categorized as efficient and responsive, which may prove beneficial for wheat production at large scale under Mn deficient soil. Additional supply of Mn also significantly improved the phenolic content, flavonoids content and total antioxidant activity, while reducing the tannins and phytate content in all genotypes. Based on obtained results, PBW677, PBWZn1 and TL2969 were screened as most desirable genotypes as they possess high GYEI, MAEI, high antioxidant activity and low antinutrient content.

Selenate and Selenite Induced Differential Morphophysiological Modifications to Mitigate Arsenic Toxicity and Uptake by Wheat

ABSTRACT This study (pot experiment) investigated and compared the effectiveness of Se(VI) and Se(IV) application at a rate of 1.25 mg Se kg−1 soil on growth, physiology, yield and As uptake by spring wheat on an uncontaminated and As-contaminated (1.5 mg kg−1) soil. Selenate improved wheat grain yield, relative water contents, membrane stability index, total chlorophylls, and antioxidant activities up to 43%, 18.6%, 9.5%, 16.4% and 15–46%, respectively, compared to control under As-contaminated soil. As compared to Se(IV), in accordance with above results, Se(VI) application resulted in 5-fold higher grain Se concentration and 4.4-fold higher grain Se uptake, which are partially explained by 1.3-fold higher root to grain Se translocation factor in Se(VI)-fed plants under As-contaminated soil. Concomitantly, Se(VI) offered a stronger competitive effect on As uptake thereby reducing its concentration in grains by 11% and in shoots by 44%. Translocation factor of As from root to shoots and to grains was 33% and 14.2%, respectively lesser in Se(VI)-fed plants. Thus, it is concluded that Se(VI) application, through its beneficial effects on root morphological traits, improvement in antioxidant activity and physiological behavior, is highly effective in reducing As toxicity on yield and As accumulation in wheat grains.

Effect of zinc supplements on the nutritional status of different wheat genotypes

Zinc (Zn) plays a vital role in improving the quality of crops. It is more notable in terms of balanced nutrition, and alleviating inevitable side effects of unbalanced diet among developing nations. Hence, recently researchers have considered identifying Zn-efficient genotypes. The present study aimed to identify a zinc efficiency (ZnE) candidate among investigated genotypes. By conducting an experiment based on completely randomized design with two factors and four replications. The factors included two levels of Zn (0 and 10 mg Zn kg−1 soil derived from ZnSO4.7H2O) and nine different genotypes of wheat (Iraqi genotypes: Al-Rashid, Abu-Ghoraib, Latifiyeh, Tamuz 2, Bahus 22, Abba 95, Abba 99, and Iranian genotypes: HamoonZnE and Hirmandnon-ZnE). All plants were grown under similar experimental conditions for 90 days. Then the studied parameters comprised Zn, Mn, K, and P concentrations in grain, stem, leaf, and root of all genotypes were determined. In addition, to get a better understanding of Zn-efficiency (ZnE), two parameters including shoot Zn efficiency (SZnE) and Zn acquisition efficiency (ZnAE) were calculated. The results showed that Abba 95 and Hamoon genotypes were identified as the most Zn-efficient genotypes in which ZnE increased by 110% and 112%, respectively.

Analysis of Fatty Acid Composition in Sprouted Grains.

A whole-grain diet is associated with the prevention of metabolic syndromes, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Sprouting improves the nutritional profile and bioactive properties of grains, which are important for use as raw ingredients in the food industry. The aim of this review was to examine the lipid and fatty acid composition of germinated grains. The methods discussed include germination and analytical procedures for determining fat and fatty acid contents of grains. The effects of sprouting on the fat content and storage stability of grains were also assessed. Lipid levels ranged from 1.43% to 6.66% in the sprouted grains. The individual fatty acid content of grains changed depending on the germination conditions (17-37 °C, 1-9 days). Limited findings showed that sprouting grains at higher temperatures (20-25 °C) and longer times generated a healthy balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which is beneficial to humans. Future studies are needed to determine the optimum incubation and germination periods specific to each grain to improve the omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Free fatty acids were produced more slowly and levels of oxidation products were lower in sprouted grains than in the raw ingredients when stored for a year. Additional studies are required to investigate the oxidative stability and shelf life of sprouted grains.

OsMADS1 Regulates Grain Quality, Gene Expressions, and Regulatory Networks of Starch and Storage Protein Metabolisms in Rice.

OsMADS1 plays a vital role in regulating floret development and grain shape, but whether it regulates rice grain quality still remains largely unknown. Therefore, we used comprehensive molecular genetics, plant biotechnology, and functional omics approaches, including phenotyping, mapping-by-sequencing, target gene seed-specific RNAi, transgenic experiments, and transcriptomic profiling to answer this biological and molecular question. Here, we report the characterization of the 'Oat-like rice' mutant, with poor grain quality, including chalky endosperms, abnormal morphology and loose arrangement of starch granules, and lower starch content but higher protein content in grains. The poor grain quality of Oat-like rice was found to be caused by the mutated OsMADS1Olr allele through mapping-by-sequencing analysis and transgenic experiments. OsMADS1 protein is highly expressed in florets and developing seeds. Both OsMADS1-eGFP and OsMADS1Olr-eGFP fusion proteins are localized in the nucleus. Moreover, seed-specific RNAi of OsMADS1 also caused decreased grain quality in transgenic lines, such as the Oat-like rice. Further transcriptomic profiling between Oat-like rice and Nipponbare grains revealed that OsMADS1 regulates gene expressions and regulatory networks of starch and storage protein metabolisms in rice grains, hereafter regulating rice quality. In conclusion, our results not only reveal the crucial role and preliminary mechanism of OsMADS1 in regulating rice grain quality but also highlight the application potentials of OsMADS1 and the target gene seed-specific RNAi system in improving rice grain quality by molecular breeding.

Effect of grains and grain boundaries on concentrations and mobility of charge carriers in Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.82O9-δ

Perovskite-based protonic conductors are currently the most promising electrolytes in medium and low-temperature hydrogen energy devices. Herein, the Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.82O9-δ double perovskite oxide protonic conductor is prepared, and the influence of bulk and grain boundaries on transport properties is systematically investigated via defect chemistry. The Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.82O9-δ exhibits a hexagonal distortion, and the calculated standard molar hydration enthalpies of Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.82O9-δ, bulk, and grain boundaries are -138 kJ/mol, -131 kJ/mol, and -144 kJ/mol, respectively. The migration activation energies of protons, oxygen vacancies, and hole conduction in bulk Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.82O9-δ under oxygen are 0.29 eV, 1.51 eV, and 0.63 eV, respectively. The proton concentration in grains is slightly lower than in grain boundaries. In contrast, the proton mobility in bulk is three orders higher than in grain boundaries. The proton conduction of double perovskite oxide protonic conductor is dominant in Ar and reductive atmospheres at 500–800°C, where the conductivity (σh·) and holes transport number (th·) increase with oxygen partial pressure. Therefore, the conduction of Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.82O9-δ could be enhanced by improving carriers’ mobility in grain boundaries. The right grain boundaries block oxygen vacancies at low temperatures, increasing the predominance area diagrams for proton conduction. Hence, grain boundaries control the transport property of double perovskite oxide protonic conductor.