Consumption Of Food Crops Research Articles

Draft genome of the wheat A-genome progenitor Triticum urartu

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum, AABBDD) is one of the most widely cultivated and consumed food crops in the world. However, the complex polyploid nature of its genome makes genetic and functional analyses extremely challenging. The A genome, as a basic genome of bread wheat and other polyploid wheats, for example, T. turgidum (AABB), T. timopheevii (AAGG) and T. zhukovskyi (AAGGA(m)A(m)), is central to wheat evolution, domestication and genetic improvement. The progenitor species of the A genome is the diploid wild einkorn wheat T. urartu, which resembles cultivated wheat more extensively than do Aegilops speltoides (the ancestor of the B genome) and Ae. tauschii (the donor of the D genome), especially in the morphology and development of spike and seed. Here we present the generation, assembly and analysis of a whole-genome shotgun draft sequence of the T. urartu genome. We identified protein-coding gene models, performed genome structure analyses and assessed its utility for analysing agronomically important genes and for developing molecular markers. Our T. urartu genome assembly provides a diploid reference for analysis of polyploid wheat genomes and is a valuable resource for the genetic improvement of wheat.

Health risks of thallium in contaminated arable soils and food crops irrigated with wastewater from a sulfuric acid plant in western Guangdong province, China

Thallium (Tl) contamination in soils poses a significant threat to human health due to the high toxicity of Tl and its ready assimilation by crops. Consumption of food crops contaminated with Tl is a major food chain route for human exposure. The health risks of Tl in contaminated food crops irrigated with wastewater from a sulfuric acid factory were investigated in this paper. Results indicate that long-term Tl-containing wastewater irrigation resulted in Tl contamination of arable soils and crops. The pollution load index values indicated that the arable soils were moderately enriched with Tl. Tl was highly accumulated in the crops. The content of Tl in the edible plant portions of crops ranged from 1.2mg/kg to 104.8mg/kg, exceeding the recommended permissible limits for food crops. The daily intake of metals (DIM) values of Tl for both adults and children via the consumption of the food crops except soya beans were higher than the reference oral dose (RfD) limit recommend by the United States environmental protection agency (US-EPA). Health risk index (HRI) values were generally higher than 1, indicating that health risks associated with Tl exposure are significant and assumed to be dangerous to the health of local villagers. Therefore, much attention should be paid to avoid consumption of these Tl-contaminated crops that can cause great potential risks.

Health implications of heavy metals in soil, scalp hair and selected food crops within Eldoret Municipality, Kenya

Heavy metals were analyzed in soils, food crops and male scalp hair samples collected from two age group subjects; adults (18 - 45 years) and old age (46 - 55 years) males from polluted and relatively less polluted areas in Eldoret Municipality environs, Kenya. The samples used were collected from same sites as the individuals who had stayed in the sampled regions for more than five years. The samples were digested using acids and analyzed using Atomic Absorbtion Spectrometry (AAS). The results revealed that the consumption of food crops grown on contaminated soils have significantly increased the concentrations of selected metals in the human hair. Pd and Cd concentrations in soils and food crops showed elevated levels above the WHO recommended limits. Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in male scalp hair samples collected from polluted area as compared to control area. In conclusion, consumers in the study area are exposed to high health risks associated with bioaccumulation of heavy metals through ingestion of heavy metals resulting from contamination of food crops grown in the study area and should be sensitized on the dangers of heavy metals on their health.

Heavy metals health risk assessment for population via consumption of food crops and fruits in Owerri, South Eastern, Nigeria

BackgroundThis study assessed lead, cadmium, and nickel level in food crops, fruits and soil samples from Ohaji and Umuagwo and Owerri in South Eastern Nigeria and estimated the potential health risks of metals. Samples were washed, oven-dried at 70–80°C for 24 h and powdered. Samples were digested with perchloric acid and nitric acid. Metals were analysed with Unicam Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.ResultThe concentration of Pb, Cd, and Ni in Ohaji exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations for agricultural soil as recommended by EU. Lead, Cd, and Ni in the food crops were highest in Oryza sativa, Glycine max, and Pentabacta microfila respectively. Highest levels of Pb, Cd, and Ni, in fruits were detected in Canarium schweinfurthii, Citrus reticulata, Ananas comosus respectively. The true lead and cadmium intake for the rice based meal were 3.53 and 0.034 g/kg respectively. Whereas the true intake of lead and cadmium for the cassava based meal were 19.42 and 0.049 g/kg respectively.ConclusionLocal food stuff commonly available in South Eastern Nigeria villages may contribute to the body burden of heavy metal. This is of public health importance.

Health risk of heavy metals in food crops grown on reclaimed tidal flat soil in the Pearl River Estuary, China

The health risks of heavy metals to local residents via consumption of food crops cultivated in the reclaimed soils of the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) were investigated. Soils in the river estuary were found to be significantly contaminated with heavy metals, with mean concentrations of Cd, 0.858; Pb, 48.7; Cr, 112.4; Cu, 57.3; Zn, 210.8; and Ni, 40.0mgkg−1. Rice and root vegetables were also polluted severely. The percentages of rice samples that exceeded the maximum allowable levels were 94.3, 91.4, 88.6, and 17.1% for Pb, Cr, Cd, and Cu, respectively. The accumulation factor (AF) of Cd was the highest compared with the other five metals. The total values of the health risk index (HRI) of Cd and Cu from all the crops were 3.683 and 1.665, respectively. They exceeded considerably the allowable level 1.0. The HRI values of all the metals were mostly from rice consumption. These results suggest that more attention should be directed to the potential health risks of heavy metals to residents living in the tidal flat reclaimed areas.

Heavy Metal Toxicity in Humans and its Preventive and Control Measures

The main threats to human health from heavy metals are associated with exposures to arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). In nature, heavy metal toxicities occur in all living organisms. The consequences of these toxicities have been described in humans. An important aspect of heavy metal toxicities resulting in carcinogenicity is due to the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species e.g. super oxides, hydro peroxides and nitric oxide. Consumption of food crops grown in regions with toxic levels of heavy metals and consumption of live stock products fed produce from these regions could result in heavy metal toxicity in humans. Heavy metals, when in excess quantities, accumulate chiefly in the blood, liver and kidneys. However, researchers suggest that aluminum (Al) may be more likely to accumulate in the brains of persons whose diets are Magnesium (Mg)-deficient. In general, heavy metal toxicities in humans are not common under normal conditions. Most toxicities are caused by environmental and/or genetic abnormalities, from excessive intake, by deliberate or accidental overdose, or from induced deficiencies. Effective measures to control metal toxicities in humans include gastric lavage, ascorbic acid intake and divalent cation therapy, such as the use of calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn). The use of a variety of chelating agents in the acute toxicity phase has also been found useful. Protective legislation against the use of metal alloy cooking utensils is the long-term control strategy. Future studies need to identify the mechanism of action for toxicity, because at present only a few have been elucidated in this context.

Polymorphic microsatellites of analysis in cultivars of taro

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a tuberous plant belonging to the Araceae family whose tuber is the 14th most consumed food crop in the world. Characterized as an unconventional vegetable, taro is grown in Brazil as a subsistence crop, but in recent years began to gain commercial importance, especially in the states of Espirito Santo, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. To avoid loss of genetic diversity of the local varieties traditionally grown in Brazil a core collection for taro germplasm has been developed by the Instituto Capixaba de Pesquisa, Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural do estado do Espirito Santo (Incaper). The aim of this study was to perform a molecular characterization of the seven regional core collections. Genetic diversity of the cultivars was investigated by using SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats) polymorphisms, in seven loci (Xuqtem55, Xuqtem73, Xuqtem84, Xuqtem88, Xuqtem91, Xuqtem97 and Xuqtem110). Genetic diversity of the cultivars, based on the seven microsatellite alleles, was evaluated by using the software GelCompar II, showed that the loci Xuqtem73, Xuqtem88 and Xuqtem110 were the most informative, featuring 7, 10 and 8 alleles, respectively, a percentage of cultivars with polymorphic alleles of 85, 57 and 100% and identical PIC of 0.91. Based on Xuqtem110 locus analysis, the seven cultivars were grouped in two clusters. Chinês Regional Incaper cultivar was originated from Chinês cultivar which originated the São Bento cultivar, corroborating previous results. Macaquinho and Chinês cultivars were shown to be the primitive ones originating the allelic collections found in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Espirito Santo.

Diversity of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivars and its management in the department of Bouenza in the Republic of Congo

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the most produced and consumed food crops in the Republic of Congo. To assess the diversity and understand the traditional management of its cultivars in the department of Bouenza, twenty-one villages randomly selected from nine ethnic zones were surveyed using participatory rural appraisal. Altogether, 86 land races cultivars were recorded and further grouped into 36 types based on their agronomic and culinary characteristics. The number of cultivars accessed varied from 6 to 21 per village (13 on average) and from 1 to 11 (4 on average) per household. Their distribution and extent analysis revealed some worrying rates of cultivar loss in the range of 7.41–66.67% (32.06% on average) per village. The reasons of cultivars abandonment, the folk nomenclature and the traditional cutting supply system and planting techniques were documented and their importance in terms of genetic resources conservation and utilisation are discussed. Twenty farmers’ cultivar preference criteria were identified and prioritised. Their relative importances were examined across ethnic groups. Among them, the most important were yield, taste, cossette quality and root size which account for 72.39% of the total responses. The study revealed that most of the farmers did not consider the importance of the sexual reproduction in the cultivar diversification and the impact of cassava mosaic disease on the productivity of the infested plants. Awareness efforts and extension of the study to other cassava production zones were recommended for food security needs in Congo. To clarify synonym, morphological classification and molecular analysis were also suggested.

Plant uptake of pesticides and human health: Dynamic modeling of residues in wheat and ingestion intake

Human intake of pesticide residues from consumption of processed food plays an important role for evaluating current agricultural practice. We take advantage of latest developments in crop-specific plant uptake modeling and propose an innovative dynamic model to estimate pesticide residues in the wheat-environment system, dynamiCROP. We used this model to analyze uptake and translocation of pesticides in wheat after foliar spray application and subsequent intake fractions by humans. Based on the evolution of residues in edible parts of harvested wheat we predict that between 22 mg and 2.1 g per kg applied pesticide are taken in by humans via consumption of processed wheat products. Model results were compared with experimentally derived concentrations in wheat ears and with estimated intake via inhalation and ingestion caused by indirect emissions, i.e. the amount lost to the environment during pesticide application. Modeled and measured concentrations in wheat fitted very well and deviate from less than a factor 1.5 for chlorothalonil to a maximum factor 3 for tebuconazole. Main aspects influencing pesticide fate behavior are degradation half-life in plant and time between pesticide application and crop harvest, leading to variations in harvest fraction of at least three orders of magnitude. Food processing may further reduce residues by approximately 63%. Intake fractions from residues in sprayed wheat were up to four orders of magnitude higher than intake fractions estimated from indirect emissions, thereby demonstrating the importance of exposure from consumption of food crops after direct pesticide treatment.

Evaluation of trace elements contents in staple foodstuffs from the gold mining areas in southwestern part of Ghana using neutron activation analysis

Most studies in gold mining areas in Ghana have been concentrated on soil, sediment and atmospheric pollution, very limited work has been conducted on consumed crops. This work therefore aims at shedding more light on the effects of gold mining activities on selected consumed food crops (“Xanthosoma sagittifolium”, “Colocasia esculenta”, “Musa paradisiacal” and “Manihot Esculentus” in Ghana using Neutron Activation Analysis. Arsenic (As) recorded very alarming concentrations averaging about 6.37 mg/kg, which is twice WHO recommended levels for “Manihot esculentus”, “Xanthosoma sagittifolium” and “Musa Paradisiacal” from Iduapriem Town. The distributions of the concentration of Mercury were more concentrated in the gold mining towns recording values exceeding WHO recommended values. This calls for a concerted effort to minimize the negative impacts of gold mining in the study area. The distribution of the various elemental concentration in various foodstuffs were accomplished by employing statistical methods like Cluster, Principal Component Analysis and Pearson correlation matrix. Statistically, two separate clusters was observed for foodstuffs from mining and non- mining towns.

Can Sudan achieve food security during the next decade?: some forecasts of self-sufficiency in cereals

This paper gives some insights about the problem of food security in Sudan and provides forecasts for the levels of production and consumption of the main cereals, namely sorghum, wheat and millet. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used as tools of analysis. Assuming exponential growth of production and consumption of cereals over time we provided forecasts for the levels of production, consumption, and self sufficiency in cereals during 2008/09-2019/20. The results showed that the self-sufficiency ratio is less than100% for almost all the seasons, meaning that Sudan suffered from food insecurity during the period 1986/87-2008/09. The forecasts of production and consumption of food crops during the period 2008/09-2019/20 indicated that Sudan will continue to suffer from food insecurity. Based on these results, the study suggests that clear and sound agricultural strategies should be adopted to ensure availability and accessibility of food crops for all people at all times. In this respect, agricultural policies should motivate producers of food crops to enhance productivity. Key words: Food security, cereals, production, consumption, self-sufficiency.

A comparative study of human health risks via consumption of food crops grown on wastewater irrigated soil (Peshawar) and relatively clean water irrigated soil (lower Dir)

Food crops irrigated with wastewater are mostly contaminated with heavy metals and considered as a main pathway for human exposure. In this study, soil and food crops samples were collected from wastewater irrigated soils, background and relatively less polluted areas. Results of the sequential extraction and total metals concentrations in soils indicated that wastewater irrigation has significantly increased ( p ≥ 0.001) the bioavailable and total metal contents in wastewater irrigated soil as compared to background and control soils. Heavy metal concentrations in the food crops grown on wastewater irrigated soil were higher than those grown on background and control soils but were found within WHO/FAO permissible limits except for Zn. Health risk index values were less than 1 for both control and wastewater irrigated soils (except Mn). However, the food crops such as Brassica rapa, Spinacia oleracae L., Lycopersicum esculantum, Mentha viridis, Coriandum sativum and Lactuca sativa grown on wastewater irrigated soil can pose health risks because of the high concentration of Mn.

Health risks of heavy metals in sewage‐irrigated soils and edible seeds in Langfang of Hebei province, China

Human exposure to heavy metals is attributed to consumption of food crops grown in polluted soil environment. The objective of our study was to assess the health risks of heavy metals in edible seeds of crops grown in sewage-irrigated soils located in the Langfang of Hebei province, China. Here, heavy metal contents in soils and plants were determined using an internal standard and high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. There was a relative buildup of heavy metals in sewage-irrigated soils in the study area; in particular, all Cr and partial Zn and Cu showed higher concentrations than the limits proposed by the World Health Organization, European Union (EU) and UK. Heavy metal concentrations in edible seeds of plants grown in sewage-irrigated soils partly exceeded the permissible limits set by the EU, UK and the State Environmental Protection Administration in China. With the exception of Cu, health risk index values of each heavy metal investigated by intake of the edible seeds were less than 1. Here, a health risk index of < 1 is considered safe for human consumption. The study indicated that there was a relative absence of health risks associated with the ingestion of sewage-irrigated edible seeds.

Comparative analysis of genetic and morphologic diversity among quinoa accessions (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) of the South of Chile and highland accessions

Quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a widely consumed food crop and a primary protein source for many of the indigenous inhabitants of the Andean region in South America. Identification of quinoa cultivars has been based on phenotypic characters. In the present work, the level of polymorphism and the genetic relationship were studied by means of molecular markers using the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique and twenty morphological characters. Fourteen accessions of quinoa collected in the Araucania and Los Rios Regions, three Andean accessions, and one commercial cultivar were analyzed. Two wild parents were included as outgroup controls. A similarity tree-diagram was made, based on all the AFLP bands generated in the range between 70 and 300 base pairs. With these tools, it was possible to identify molecular differences and similarities that might be associated with important morphological traits such as grain color, panicle color, phenology and geographic distribution.

Health risk from heavy metals via consumption of food crops in the vicinity of Dabaoshan mine, South China

Heavy metal contamination of soils resulting from mining and smelting is causing major concern due to the potential risk involved. This study was designed to investigate the heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) concentrations in soils and food crops and estimate the potential health risks of metals to humans via consumption of polluted food crops grown at four villages around the Dabaoshan mine, South China. The heavy metal concentrations in paddy and garden soils exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations for Chinese agricultural soil. The paddy soil at Fandong village was heavily contaminated with Cu (703 mg kg − 1 ), Zn (1100 mg kg − 1 ), Pb (386 mg kg − 1 ) and Cd (5.5 mg kg − 1 ). Rice tended to accumulated higher Cd and Pb concentration in grain parts. The concentrations of Cd, Pb and Zn in vegetables exceeded the maximum permissible concentration in China. Taro grown at the four sampled villages accumulated high concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cd. Bio-accumulation factors for heavy metals in different vegetables showed a trend in the order: Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb. Bio-accumulation factors of heavy metals were significantly higher for leafy than for non-leafy vegetable. The target hazard quotient (THQ) of rice at four sites varied from 0.66–0.89 for Cu, 0.48–0.60 for Zn, 1.43–1.99 for Pb, and 2.61–6.25 for Cd. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and THQs for Cd and Pb of rice and vegetables exceeded the FAO/WHO permissible limit. Heavy metal contamination of food crops grown around the mine posed a great health risk to the local population through consumption of rice and vegetables.

Health risks of heavy metals in contaminated soils and food crops irrigated with wastewater in Beijing, China

Consumption of food crops contaminated with heavy metals is a major food chain route for human exposure. We studied the health risks of heavy metals in contaminated food crops irrigated with wastewater. Results indicate that there is a substantial buildup of heavy metals in wastewater-irrigated soils, collected from Beijing, China. Heavy metal concentrations in plants grown in wastewater-irrigated soils were significantly higher ( P ≤ 0.001) than in plants grown in the reference soil, and exceeded the permissible limits set by the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) in China and the World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, this study highlights that both adults and children consuming food crops grown in wastewater-irrigated soils ingest significant amount of the metals studied. However, health risk index values of less than 1 indicate a relative absence of health risks associated with the ingestion of contaminated vegetables.

Novel genetic diversity from synthetic wheats in breeding cultivars for changing production conditions

Bread wheat, the most widely cultivated and consumed food crop, developed in two stages through natural intercrossing among diploid grass species. About 10,000 years ago the cross between Aegilops speltoides and Triticum urartu resulted in T. dicoccoides (wild emmer). In about 6000 bc the domesticated version of this latter species, T. dicoccum (cultivated emmer) intercrossed naturally with Aegilops tauschii (goat grass). This cross resulted in T. aestivum (modern hexaploid bread wheat), while T. dicoccum itself evolved into T. turgidum ssp . durum (modern tetraploid durum wheat). Bread wheat can be artificially recreated by intercrossing modern tetraploid durum wheat with present-day derivatives of goat grass, with synthetic hexaploids developed in the USA, Mexico and at the Department of Primary Industries, Victoria, Australia now available in large numbers. A number of these hexaploids have shown resistance to major wheat diseases and tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, heat, waterlogging, salinity and pre-harvest sprouting. High end-use quality derivatives that meet industry standards have also been developed, while recent experiments have identified synthetic wheat derivatives that outyield commercial varieties under rainfed conditions by 18–30%. At the molecular level these new synthetic derivatives have been shown to boost genetic diversity.

The potential for genomics in potato improvement.

Abstract Demand for the potato, the fourth most consumed food crop in the world, is steadily increasing. In order to meet the rising demands on the industry, researchers and breeders have been working to better all aspects of potato production, including improvements to the tuber itself. This review will highlight the potential for genomics-assisted advancements, paying particular attention to the genomics tools and resources that are available, and the translation of this information into potato improvements. Immense amounts of genomic data have been generated from expressed sequence tag library construction, molecular linkage maps and microarray expression analyses. This information is helping to clarify the genetic components underlying many of the traits that are important for the continued success of the potato, including increased yields, processing quality traits and disease/pest resistance. Natural genetic resources, such as wild potato varieties and germplasm collections contain valuable genetic variation that, when combined with genomics-assisted breeding techniques such as marker-assisted selection and polymorphism identification, hold great potential for future improvements. With the continued integration of genomics tools and information with rapidly developing technologies such as proteomics and metabolomics, improvements to potato health and quality characteristics will be achieved in an expedited manner with full knowledge and understanding of the genetics involved. Moreover, as the technology advances, the potential exists for the production of potatoes with improved environmental and economic impacts, thus ensuring the sustainability of the industry for future generations.

Development and Use of Microsatellite Markers for Germplasm Characterization in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a widely consumed food crop and a primary protein source for many of the indigenous inhabitants of the Andean region of South America. The objective of this study was to develop a collection of reproducible and highly informative microsatellite markers for quinoa. A total of 1276 clones were sequenced from three microsatellite‐enriched (CA, ATT, ATG) libraries. Four hundred fifty‐seven (36%) of the clones contained unique microsatellites. The most common repeated motifs, other than CA, AAT, and ATG, were GA and CAA. Flanking primers were designed for 397 microsatellite loci and screened using a panel of diverse quinoa accessions and one accession of C. berlandieri Moq., a wild relative of quinoa. Two hundred eight (52%) of the microsatellite markers were polymorphic among the quinoa accessions. An additional 25 of the microsatellite markers (6%) were polymorphic when the C. berlandieri accession was included in the analysis. Only in rare instances (nine) did a microsatellite amplify in quinoa and not in C. berlandieri The number of observed alleles ranged from 2 to 13, with an average of four alleles detected per locus. Heterozygosity values ranged from 0.20 to 0.90 with a mean value of 0.57. Sixty‐seven markers (32%) were highly polymorphic (H ≥ 0.70). These microsatellites markers are an ideal resource for use in managing quinoa germplasm, trait mapping and marker‐assisted breeding strategies. The wide cross‐species transportability of these markers may extend their value to research involving other Chenopodium species.

Development and use of an expressed sequenced tag library in quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) for the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms

Quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a widely consumed food crop and a primary protein source for many of the indigenous inhabitants of the Andean region of South America. In this study, we report the development of immature seed and floral expressed sequenced tag (EST) libraries and the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for quinoa. A total of 424 cDNA clones derived from immature seed and floral tissue were sequenced and analyzed for homology with known gene sequences. Three hundred and eleven of the clones were identified as homologues of known plant proteins, 38 were homologous to Arabidopsis proteins with no known function and 75 do not share significant homology with any protein in the queried databases. Interestingly, several of the annotated ESTs were present in relatively high abundance and have putative functions related to plant defense. Based on EST sequence information, fragments of 34 ESTs were amplified and sequenced in five quinoa accessions and one related weed species, C. berlandieri. Analysis of the quinoa EST sequences revealed a total of 51 SNPs in 20 EST sequences, including 38 single-base changes and 13 insertions–deletions (indels), with an average 1 SNP per 462 base pairs (bp) and 1 indel per 1812 bp. When the C. berlandieri accession was included in the analysis, 29 of the EST clones screened had at least one SNP present and an additional 81 SNPs were identified, bringing the total number of SNPs discovered to 132 (1 per 179 bp). The EST clones and SNP markers identified in this manuscript are of particular value in ongoing efforts to characterize gene expression and regulation associated with seed development, while the SNPs identified have immediate application for genetic mapping experiments, germplasm development, and the investigation of evolutionary relationships within the genus Chenopodium.