Crude Fiber Research Articles

Short-Term Effects of Cenchrus fungigraminus/Potato or Broad Bean Interplanting on Rhizosphere Soil Fertility, Microbial Diversity, and Greenhouse Gas Sequestration in Southeast China.

Cenchrus fungigraminus is a new species and is largely used as forage and mushroom substrate. However, it can usually not be planted on farmland on account of local agricultural land policy. Interplanting Cenchrus fungigraminus with other crops annually (short-term) is an innovative strategy to promote the sustainable development of the grass industry in southern China. To further investigate this, C. fungigraminus mono-planting (MC), C. fungigraminus-potato interplanting (CIP) and C. fungigraminus-broad bean interplanting (CIB) were performed. Compared to MC, soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), soil organic matter (SOM), ammoniacal nitrogen (AMN), pH and soil amino sugars had a positive effect on the rhizosphere soil of CIP and CIB, as well as enhancing soil nitrogenase, nitrite reductase, and peroxidase activities (p < 0.05). Moreover, CIP improved the root vitality (2.08 times) and crude protein (1.11 times). In addition, CIB enhanced the crude fiber of C. fungigraminus seedlings. These two interplanting models also improved the microbial composition and diversity (Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota, etc.) in the rhizosphere soil of C. fungigraminus seedlings. Among all the samples, 189 and 59 genes were involved in methane cycling and nitrogen cycling, respectively, which improved the presence of the serine cycle, ribulose monophosphate, assimilatory nitrate reduction, methane absorption, and glutamate synthesis and inhibited denitrification. Through correlation analysis and the Mantel test, the putative functional genes, encoding functions in both nitrogen and methane cycling, were shown to have a significant positive effect on pH, moisture, AMN, SOM, SMBC, and soil peroxidase activity, while not displaying a significant effect on soil nitrogenase activity and total amino sugar (p < 0.05). The short-term influence of the interplanting model was shown to improve land use efficiency and economic profitability per unit land area, and the models could provide sustainable agricultural production for rural revitalization.

Nutritional Properties of Fortified Rice (PDS) Distributed at KGBV Hostels of Telangana State, India

Rice is a vital staple crop that serves as the primary source of calories for over half of the global population, particularly in Asia. Despite its importance, rice is inherently deficient in several essential micronutrients, and the nutritional value is further diminished through processing. This study examines the nutritional composition of fortified rice provided through the Public Distribution System (PDS) in KGBV hostels, emphasizing its potential to address nutritional deficiencies. The analysis focused on key parameters including moisture, ash, fat, crude fiber, protein, carbohydrates, energy, and iron content. Results revealed that fortified rice contains 11.8% moisture, 1.57% ash, 0.78% fat, and 31.05 mg of iron, crude fiber content was 0.3%, protein levels were 7.7%, carbohydrate content was 77.85g, and energy content was 349.22 kcal. These findings highlight the superior nutritional profile of fortified rice, particularly in terms of its ash, energy, and iron content, making it a highly beneficial option for addressing nutritional deficiencies and improving public health outcomes.

Nutrient Utilization and Gut Microbiota Composition in Giant Pandas of Different Age Groups.

Proper feeding and nutrition are vital for maintaining the health of giant pandas (GPs), yet the impact of dietary changes and gut microbiota on their nutrient utilization remains unclear. To address these uncertainties, we investigated nutrient intake and apparent digestibility, as well as gut microbiota composition across different age groups of giant pandas: sub-adults (SGPs), adults (AGPs), and geriatrics (GGPs). Our findings revealed notable shifts in dietary patterns from SGPs to GGPs. As they aged, significantly more bamboo shoots and less bamboo were consumed. Consequently, GGPs showed significantly reduced crude fiber (CF) intake and digestibility, while crude protein (CP) did not alter significantly. In addition, 16S rRNA microbial sequencing results showed that unidentified_Enterobacteriaceae and Streptococcus were the dominant genera among all age groups. The relative abundance of the genus Enterococcus in GGPs was significantly higher than that in SGPs and AGPs (p < 0.05). Overall, our results indicated the importance of bamboo shoots as a major source of protein in GGPs' diet, which can effectively compensate for the certain nutritional loss caused by the reduction in bamboo intake. Age-related changes in bacterial abundance have an effect on specific nutrient apparent digestibility in the gut of GPs. The data presented in this study serve as a useful reference for nutritional management in different ages of GPs under healthy conditions.

Effects of different water stresses under subsurface infiltration irrigation on eggplant growth and water productivity

Soil moisture deficiency limits eggplant growth and affects the yield and quality. Identifying an appropriate deficit irrigation strategy to enhance irrigation water productivity is an urgent task. Additionally, the dynamic response of eggplants to water stress at various phenological stages needs further clarification. In this study, eggplants were used as experimental materials, with field capacity (FC) (Senyigit et al.) serving as the irrigation standard. Two levels of deficit irrigation treatments (60 % FC and 50 % FC) were applied at three key phenological stages of eggplant (seedling stage, flowering and fruiting, and prime fruit stage). A randomized block design was used with non-deficit irrigation (80 % FC) during the phenological stages as the control (W1), resulting in seven treatments, each with three replicates. The results showed that at the same phenological stage, plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index (LAI), dry matter accumulation, total fresh root weight, total root length, total root surface area, and total root volume decreased as the irrigation threshold was lowered. The content of vitamin C, soluble sugars, souble proteins, and crude fiber increased as the irrigation threshold decreased. Leaf photosynthetic parameters (photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci)) were positively correlated with the irrigation threshold. The W1 treatment had the highest yield (89.1 t·ha−1 in 2018; 88.8 t·ha−1 in 2019), followed by the W2 treatment (86.1 t·ha−1 in 2018; 85.6 t·ha−1 in 2019). Water deficit during the prime fruit stage (W6, W7) had the most significant impact on yield. W1 had the highest water productivity (19.4 kg·m−3 in 2018; 19.2 kg·m−3 in 2019), with no significant difference from W2 (19.4 kg·m−3 in 2018; 19.0 kg·m−3 in 2019). Using the Jensen function, the water sensitivity of eggplants at different phenological stages was ranked as follows:prime fruit stage > flowering and fruiting stage > seedling stage. Path analysis indicated that dry matter accumulation, single fruit weight, and single plant yield were important indicators affecting yield. Considering irrigation amount, eggplant growth, fruit yield and quality, and water productivity, the optimal deficit irrigation thresholds for eggplants in arid regions are determined to be 60 % FC during the seedling stage, 60 % FC during the flowering and fruiting stage, and 80 % FC during the prime fruit stage. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for precision agricultural irrigation practices.

Impact of Irpex lenis and Schizophyllum commune endophytic fungi on Perilla frutescens: enhancing nutritional uptake, phytochemicals, and antioxidant potential

BackgroundEndophytic fungi (EF) reside within plants without causing harm and provide benefits such as enhancing nutrients and producing bioactive compounds, which improve the medicinal properties of host plants. Selecting plants with established medicinal properties for studying EF is important, as it allows a deeper understanding of their influence. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the impact of EF after inoculating the medicinal plant Perilla frutescens, specifically focusing on their role in enhancing medicinal properties.ResultsIn the current study, the impact of two EF i.e., Irpex lenis and Schizophyllum commune isolated from A. bracteosa was observed on plant Perilla frutescens leaves after inoculation. Plants were divided into four groups i.e., group A: the control group, group B: inoculated with I. lenis; group C: inoculated with S. commune and group D: inoculated with both the EF. Inoculation impact of I. lenis showed an increase in the concentration of chlorophyll a (5.32 mg/g), chlorophyll b (4.46 mg/g), total chlorophyll content (9.78 mg/g), protein (68.517 ± 0.77 mg/g), carbohydrates (137.886 ± 13.71 mg/g), and crude fiber (3.333 ± 0.37%). Furthermore, the plants inoculated with I. lenis showed the highest concentrations of P (14605 mg/kg), Mg (4964.320 mg/kg), Ca (27389.400 mg/kg), and Mn (86.883 mg/kg). The results of the phytochemical analysis also indicated an increased content of total flavonoids (2.347 mg/g), phenols (3.086 mg/g), tannins (3.902 mg/g), and alkaloids (1.037 mg/g) in the leaf extract of P. frutescens inoculated with I. lenis. Thus, overall the best results of inoculation were observed in Group B i.e. inoculated with I. lenis. GC-MS analysis of methanol leaf extract showed ten bioactive constituents, including 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester, and hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester as major constituents found in all the groups of P. frutescens leaves. The phenol (gallic acid) and flavonoids (rutin, kaempferol, and quercetin) were also observed to increase after inoculation by HPTLC analysis. The enhancement in the phytochemical content was co-related with improved anti-oxidant potential which was analyzed by DPPH (% Inhibition: 83.45 µg/ml) and FRAP (2.980 µM Fe (II) equivalent) assay as compared with the control group.ConclusionInoculation with I. lenis significantly enhances the uptake of nutritional constituents, phytochemicals, and antioxidant properties in P. frutescens, suggesting its potential to boost the therapeutic properties of host plants.Graphical

Sustainable Solution to Antibiotic Resistance: Pavetta indica-Based Nanomedicine

The escalating global health crisis, characterized by the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, necessitates innovative strategies. This study explores the potential of Pavetta indica, a previously underutilized plant, as a multifaceted resource for addressing this critical challenge. A comprehensive phytochemical investigation unveiled a rich repertoire of bioactive compounds within P. indica, including essential metabolites Moisture (9.14%), Crude Protein (10.93%), and Crude Fiber (15.46%). Additionally, significant levels of Calcium, Phosphorus, and Ether Extract were identified, suggesting its potential contribution to a balanced diet and a diverse array of secondary metabolites identified through GC-MS analysis identified diverse bioactive compounds including Dodecanoic acid, Lupeol, and β-D-Glucopyranose among others, highlighting its potential health benefits and paving the way for further research on specific bioactivities. P. indica extract exhibited concentration-dependent ABTS and DPPH scavenging activities, comparable to ascorbic acid. This underscores its potential as a natural antioxidant source to combat oxidative stress-related diseases. Leveraging the bio-reducing capabilities of P. indica extract, we embarked on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. P. indica extract successfully synthesized silver nanoparticles, confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy (SPR band at 420 nm) and TEM (spherical particles, 25-50 nm). These nanoparticles showed potent antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, comparable to Gentamicin. The synthesized silver nanoparticles demonstrated concentration-dependent antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Sporothrix schenckii, suggesting their potential as effective antifungal agents. Our findings underscore the significance of exploring underutilized plant resources for developing innovative solutions to pressing global health challenges. By integrating phytochemistry, nanotechnology, and microbiology, this research offers a promising approach to combating antimicrobial resistance. The study's outcomes lay the groundwork for future investigations into the underlying mechanisms of antimicrobial action, optimization of nanoparticle properties, and preclinical evaluation of their therapeutic efficacy.

Shoot Production and Metabolite Content of &lt;i&gt;Cosmos sulphureus&lt;/i&gt; Cav. Leaves with Different Rates of Goat Manure

&lt;i&gt;Cosmos sulphureus&lt;/i&gt; Cav. is a plant species commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes, with its young leaves being consumed as vegetables. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of goat manure rates and different harvest criteria on shoot production as well as the metabolite of &lt;i&gt;C&lt;/i&gt;. &lt;i&gt;sulphureus&lt;/i&gt;. The experiment was conducted in Kuningan Regency, West Java, Indonesia, from October to November 2022, using a factorial randomized complete block design. Goat manure rates examined were 0, 100, 200, and 300 kg N/ha, equivalent to 0, 6, 12, and 18 tons of goat manure/ha. Shoot harvest criteria were two and four top nodes, with each treatment replicated three times. The result showed that applying goat manure significantly increased the shoot production of &lt;i&gt;C&lt;/i&gt;. &lt;i&gt;sulphureus&lt;/i&gt;. The harvest criteria affected the shoot weight per plant, where the four-node harvest was 98.3% higher than the two-node. The metabolite content, such as crude fiber, phenolic, and antioxidant activity, was not significantly different between the upper and lower leaves. However, the lower leaves had a total flavonoid and sugar content of 38.9 and 12.6%, higher than the upper leaves.

Intake of NFE, Crude Fibre and Extract Eter of Male Kacang Goats in the Realimentation Phase after Experiencing Different Levels of Feed Restriction

This study aims to determine the intake of nitrogen free extract (NFE), crude fiber (CF), and extract eter (EE) of male Kacang goats in the realimentation phase after experiencing different levels of feed restriction. This study used the experimental method Completely Randomized Design (CRD) which consisted of 3 treatments and 5 replications that is T0 livestock without feed restrictions, T1: livestock are limited to 100% of basic life, T2: livestock are limited to 50% of basic life. Variables observed included NFE, crude fiber, and crude fat intake. The results showed that the NFE, CF and EE of male kacang goats in the realimentation phase of the 3 group were not different/ or significant (P &gt; 0.05). The intake of NFE each treatment is a T0 treatment 222,63±18,17; T1 210,12±29,79, and T2 186,72±34,89. The intake of CF (g/e/h) in treatment T0 56,32±2,47; T1 51,94±9,20; and T2 was 49,82±8,79. The intake of EE (g/e/h) in treatment T0 treatment of 10,19±1,10; T1 9,68±1,37; and T2 8,41±1,64. It can be concluded that the intake of NFE, CF and EE in the realimentation phase of livestock restricted feed 100% according to basic life and 50% below the main life is not much different from the Kacang goats which are given normal feed according to their needs.

Assessment of Proximate and Biomass Composition of Cori Fibre for Potential Industrial Application

Background: The versatile nature of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) husk fibres, known as Cori fibres, makes them suitable for various industrial applications. This study aims to assess the biomass composition of Cori fibres to explore their potential in industrial applications. Materials and Methods: Coconut husks were procured from Ihiagwa market, Owerri, Nigeria, and processed to obtain Cori fibres. The fibres were cleaned, dried, and weighed. A comprehensive proximate analysis was performed, including moisture content (ASTM E1756-08), ash content, carbon content, crude fibre, crude fat, and crude protein (Kjeldahl method). Biomass characteristics such as pectin, amylopectin, cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose contents were also determined using standard methodologies. Results: The proximate analysis revealed the following composition of Cori fibres: moisture content (7.43 ± 0.33%), carbohydrate content (71.85 ± 0.25%), ash content (3.15 ± 0.13%), crude fibre (1.39 ± 0.40%), protein content (11.15 ± 0.60%), and crude fat (5.02 ± 0.35%). Biomass characteristics included water absorption capacity (51.51 ± 3.23%), density (0.93 ± 0.03 g/ml), cellulose (9.42 ± 0.12%), hemicellulose (20.77 ± 0.19%), lignin (10.92 ± 0.09%), and pectin (9.74 ± 0.10 mg/kg). Conclusion: The detailed composition analysis of Cori fibres suggests their significant potential for various industrial applications, particularly in areas where fibre strength, absorbency, and density are critical.

Assessment of Proximate, Mineral, Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Brassica oleraceae L. Leaf Concentrates

Food insecurity, ill health due to microbial infection and malnutrition have led to the search for alternative and affordable measures to address food shortage problems and associated health issues worldwide. This provides an opportunity to investigate the use of plants as a remedy. A fresh sample of Brassica oleracea was selected for the study; the sample was obtained and identified at the Botany Department of the University of Ibadan, washed before being processed into the leaf concentrate and assessed for proximate, mineral, phytochemical and antimicrobial potentials using the standard methods. The results of proximate analysis in g/100g showed; moisture; 8.80±0.16, Ash; 1.38±0.10, crude fat; 4.66±0.12, crude protein; 35.52±0.3, crude fibre; 3.16±0.06 and NFE; 46.45±0.23. The mineral analysis in mg/100g showed Na; 35.81±0.23, K; 3.37±0.01, Ca; 24.71±0.02, Mg; 0.24±0.00, P; 0.91±0.00, Fe; 0.90±0.01, Zn; 0.50±0.00, Cr; 0.10±0.00, Ni; 0.00, and Cu; 0.02±0.01. The sample contains some bioactive phytochemical compounds like steroids, anthraquinones terpenes, and coumarin. The sample extracts also showed antimicrobial potential against the ten selected microbes. The study conducted so far on the selected sample revealed that the sample will be viable ingredients in food formulation, pharmaceutical raw materials and alternative sources of protein.

Effect of different cooking oils and methods on physicochemical, nutritional, and microbial safety for mixed vegetables focusing on Bangladesh

SummaryCooking is an essential aspect of everyday life. Cooking oils and methods exert enormous effects on the nutritional, physicochemical, microbial qualities, and bioactive compounds of vegetables. Most of them are either directly or indirectly related to human health. Hence, the present investigation was undertaken to find out the effect of two cooking methods (traditional and steam cooking) and four selected culinary oils (soybean oil, mustard oil, extra virgin olive oil, and extra virgin coconut oil) on the cooked vegetables. The results indicated that steam‐cooked mixed vegetables retained more nutrients than traditional ones. The traditional cooking method of preparing mixed vegetables with soybean oil revealed higher amounts of crude fat, 26.90 ± 0.10%, whereas steam cooking and traditionally cooked vegetables without oils showed lower amounts of crude fat, 1.21 ± 0.04%, and 1.94 ± 0.04%, respectively. The highest crude fibre from 5.68 ± 0.20 to 6.48 ± 0.02% was recorded by the steam‐cooked vegetables in comparison with traditionally prepared mixed vegetables. Traditionally cooked vegetables with mustard oil showed a higher crude protein (13.30 ± 0.10%). The mixed vegetables that were steam‐cooked using extra virgin olive oil revealed a decreased percent of carbohydrates, 49.42 ± 0.03%. Most of the essential minerals especially for the human body like Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, and Zn were found notable in both traditional and steam‐cooking processes using extra virgin olive oil, and mustard oil. The leading bioactive compound ß‐carotene 67.04 ± 0.04 mg/100 g was noted by the steam‐cooked vegetables with mustard oil. The highest anthocyanin 32.69 ± 0.02 mg/100 g and ascorbic acid 42.31 ± 0.01 mg/100 g were recorded in the steam‐cooked vegetables without culinary oils. Steam‐cooking with extra virgin coconut and olive oil resulted in high total carotenoid and phenolic content (31.60 ± 0.05 and 3.11 ± 0.04 mg/100 g, respectively). However, the findings suggest that culinary oils used in the present study retained more essential minerals and bioactive compounds than soybean oil. Only sufficient amount of edible oil may be used for vegetables cooking and proper functioning of fat‐soluble vitamins.

Licorice Extract Supplementation Benefits Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry and Hormones, Immune Antioxidant Status, Hindgut Fecal Microbial Community, and Metabolism in Beef Cattle.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of licorice extract (LE) on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum index (biochemistry, hormones, humoral immunity, and antioxidant function), hindgut fecal microbiota, and metabolism in beef cattle. In total, 12 male yellow cattle aged 12 months were divided into two groups (6 cattle per group): the basal diet (CK group) and the basal diet supplemented with 2 g/kg LE (CHM group). The entire experimental phase lasted for 120 days, including a 30-day pre-feeding period. Compared to the CK group, the average daily gain, crude fiber, calcium, and crude protein nutrient digestibility were greater on d 30 than d 60 (p < 0.05) and the feed meat ratio was lower for LE addition (p < 0.01). In terms of serum indexes, the insulin and nitric oxide contents were enhanced on d 30, the alkaline phosphatase level was improved on d 60, and the levels of albumin, immunoglobulin A, and catalase were increased on d 90 (p < 0.05). In contrast, the cholesterol content was lower on d 60 for LE addition compared with the CK group (p < 0.05). The higher enrichment of [Eubacterium]-oxidoreducens-group, p-2534-18b5-gut-group, and Ileibacterium were observed in the CHM group (p < 0.05), while the relative abundances of Gallibacterium and Breznakia in the CHM group were lower compared with the CK group (p < 0.05). In addition, the differential metabolites related to healthy growth in the CHM group were increased compared with the CK group. And there was a close correlation between hindgut microbiota and metabolic differentials. In general, LE has a promoting effect on the growth performance and health status of beef cattle over a period (30 to 60 days).

Evaluation of Differences in Capacity of Nutrient Content Accumulation between two Ecotypes of Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera) due to Environmental Difference in Tropical and Temperate Regions

Environmental fluctuations can amplify variations even in clonal plants. However, it is unclear whether these differences in environmental conditions can alter physiological activities of two different ecotypes of lotus. We intended to evaluate whether the difference in nutrient content accumulation capability between two ecotypes is different because of the different geographical distribution. The present study revealed us a substantial difference in capacity of nutrient accumulation of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) due to environmental difference in tropical and temperate zone. The moisture content of lotus in the tropical region was 8.25%, whereas the temperate region was 86.04%.Maintaining a low moisture content might extend the shelf life of the seed. Crude protein and crude fibres levels were found to be high in tropical lotus (24.4% and 3.15%, respectively) and low in temperate lotus (17.50% and 2.00%). Growth amplifying environmental conditions leads to increase in production of protein content. The tropical lotus has the largest crude lipid content (3.68%), whereas the temperate lotus had the lowest (1.90%).Because of the presence of big rhizomes in temperate lotus, the amount of Ash content produced (8.00%) was about double that of tropical lotus (4.03%). Overall, the tropical lotus ecotype had the highest nutrient content accumulation for crude protein, crude fibres and crude lipids. However, temperate lotus has the highest moisture and ash content.

Chemical and Functional Properties of Tortilla Produced from Rice Flour for Shawarma Production

The intent of this study was to assess the quality of rice flour tortillas used in shawarma preparation. Rice flour was dry milled from paddy rice, and four samples were created by varying the amount of rice flour with xanthan gum (RS0 = 100% rice flour, RS1 = 80% rice flour + 0.8% xanthan gum, RS2 = 60% rice flour + 0.6% xanthan gum, and RS3 = 40% rice flour + 0.4% xanthan gum). The functional properties of rice and wheat flours were also determined. The materials were tested for their proximate composition. The results showed that wheat flour had much better water absorption, oil absorption, and swelling capabilities, but rice flour had increased bulk density. The proximate composition results showed 2.43 to 2.85% ash, 1.00 % to 1.45 % fat, 7.82 to 9.50 crude protein and 0.93 to 78.94% crude fiber. The results likewise showed no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in the proximate composition of the tortilla samples. However, the inclusion of xanthan gum decreased moisture and carbohydrate levels.

Natural variation in the nutritional composition of African baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) from two ecological sites in Northern Malabar, Kerala, India

Adansonia digitata L., commonly known as the African baobab, is an important plant within the Malvaceae family. It is a highly nutritious forest tree and holds a special place in several African countries. Despite its prevalence in Africa, its presence is very limited in India, and only a few individual plants of this species are reported from different parts of India, including Kerala. This study focuses on the plants growing at Ajanur and Thalassery in the Kasaragod and Kannur districts of Kerala, respectively. This study reports natural variation in phytochemicals, minerals, and the proximate components of its flowers and leaves at these locations. The results of this study show that total carbohydrate (28.79 %), crude fibre (10.76 %), and protein (53.09 %) content was higher in leaves at Ajanur. In contrast, chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid content were highest in leaves at Thalassery and showed a value of 39.03 mg/g, 16.65 mg/g, and 13.21 mg/g, respectively. The highest quantity of elements viz. Ca, Zn, K, Fe, Cu, Ni, and Cr were reported in leaves from Thalassery, whereas Mg and Mn were abundant in the leaves from Ajanur. Flowers from Ajanur demonstrated a superior nutritional index, while Thalassery leaves exhibited a higher mineral index. Assessment of antioxidant activity indicated the highest DPPH scavenging activity in the leaves from Ajanur (IC50 = 102.57 μg/mL) and the highest ABTS scavenging activity in its flowers from Thalassery (IC50 = 62.74 μg/mL). The differences in nutritional components and antioxidant properties of the baobab from these two ecological sites underscore the role of ecological factors in its natural variation. Although it is an important forest food tree in the African continent, its potential contribution towards food security from the Indian subcontinent remains untapped.

Impact of Cricket and Caterpillar Meal Supplementation on the Nutritional Profile and Consumer Acceptability of Cookies

The quality of cookies produced from wheat flour, cricket, and caterpillar meal blends was evaluated. This was done to examine the effect of adding edible cricket and caterpillar meals on the nutritional and sensory quality of wheat-based cookies. Edible crickets and caterpillars were purchased from local farmers in Benue state, de-gutted, washed, oven-dried, sorted, milled, and sieved to produce their respective meals. The meals were mixed in wheat flour: edible insects ratios of 95:5, 90:10, 85:15 and 80:20 for Cricket and Caterpillar meal blends, respectively. However, samples 100:0 were not mixed and contained 100% wheat flour. The samples were subjected to functional analysis of proximate composition, mineral, vitamin, amino acid profile, physical properties analysis, and sensory attributes evaluation. The result generated from the study was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) was used for mean separation at the probability level of significance of 5%. While the protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, and moisture content of the cookies increased with increasing amount of edible insect meal incorporated into the formulation, the carbohydrate content of the cookies decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05). All minerals evaluated in the study (Ca, Zn, K, P, Na, Mg, and Fe) increased with the increase in the amount of edible insect meals in the formulations. An increase in vitamin content was also observed in the cookies, but this increase was insignificant (p&gt;0.05). There was a significant increase in all essential and non-essential amino acid content of the cookies as the level of cricket/caterpillar meal in the formulation increased. The addition of up to 20% of edible cricket/caterpillar meals to wheat flour increased all sensory attributes of the cookies. Cookies fortified with caterpillar meal were found to be more nutritious than those fortified with cricket meal. In general, samples 85:15(85% wheat flour + 15% cricket meal) and 85:15(85% wheat flour + 15% caterpillar meal) contained high nutritional content and recorded the best sensory attributes and therefore were selected as the best blends for a wheat flour+cricket meal and wheat flour+caterpillar meal blends for cookies production.

Effect of Different Levels of Farmyard Manure (FYM) Integrated with Organic Modules on Yield, Quality and Pest Incidence of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

The study was conducted during late Kharif season during 2021-22 and 2022-23 at administrative office (PGIHS), Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, Mulugu, Telangana, India. The experiment was laid out in contrast factorial randomized block design (CFRBD) with two factors i.e., factor-1 consists of three levels of FYM and factor-2 consists of three organic modules and separate control (100% RDF) plot was grown and replicated thrice. The pooled results indicated that, control treatment (100 % RDF-100:50:50 kg NPK/ha) reported highest number of fruits per plant (19.05), highest fruit weight (14.72 g), maximum fruit yield per plant (0.28 kg), maximum fruit yield per hectare (9.52 t/ha) over the other treatments. L1M1 (FYM equivalent to 100 % RDN + organic module-1) registered minimum crude fibre content (7.10%), and maximum chlorophyll content in fresh fruit (1.19 mg/100g). While, minimum mean percent of fruit infestation (6.28%) was reported with control (100% RDF-100:50:50kg NPK/ha + emamectin benzoate 5%SG @ 70 g/200 lit) and lowest mean population of jassid per leaf (1.08/leaf), was recorded with control (100 % RDF-100:50:50 kg NPK/ha + imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 100 ml/acre).

Effects of germination on the physicochemical, thermal, in vitro protein digestibility, Antinutrients, and antioxidant properties of sorghum flour

SummaryThe present study investigates the impact of germination (72 h) on physicochemical, protein solubility, in vitro protein digestibility, antinutrient, antioxidant, and structural properties of sorghum flour. Germination resulted in a reduction of crude protein, fat, fibre, and ash. However, it significantly improved the DPPH (58.42%–69.44%), total phenolic content (1.31–3.58 mg GAE g−1), and total flavonoid content (57.66–80.16 mg QE g−1). Germination also increased in vitro protein digestibility (50.12%–75.52%) and Fe2+ chelating activity (11.18%–48.06%), while reducing antinutrients such as phytic acid (176 to 86 mg/100 g) and tannin (3.53–2.16 mg/100 g). Structural analyses (XRD and FTIR) revealed modifications in crystalline and molecular structures, while scanning electron microscopy showed disrupted starch granules in germinated flour. These findings suggest that germination enhances the functional and nutritional properties of sorghum flour, making it more suitable for various applications in food products.

Evaluating Proximate, Antinutrient, and Antioxidant Activity of Raw and Processed Quinoa (Chenopodium Quinoa Willd) Flour and Developing Food Products by Incorporating Them

Background: This study evaluates proximate, antinutrient, and antioxidant activities of raw and processed quinoa flour (RQF and PQF). Product development and sensory evaluation were also addressed to provide prospects for human consumption. Methods: Quinoa was processed by two methods - soaking and roasting. Some nutrients like moisture, ash, protein, carbohydrate, crude fibre, fat, iron, calcium, vitamin C, phytic acid, saponins, total phenol, and 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were analyzed. The recipes were made and conduct acceptability evaluation by a 9-point hedonic scale. The mean, standard deviation, and One-Way Analysis of Variance (proximate, antinutrient, antioxidant) were utilized as the statistical approach for the analysis of data. Results: The study revealed that some nutrient composition of RQF was found to be impressive with moisture (11%), ash (2.1%), protein (16.6%), crude fibre (2%), iron (11.6%), and calcium (76.1%) as compared to PQF; however, carbohydrate (69.9%), fat (9.6%), and vitamin C (9.1%) was increased in PQF, and phytic acid and saponins were decreased in all the PQF. DPPH’ free antioxidant potential was observed that RQF lowered free radical scavenging activity. In all PQF, the total phenol content was both raised and reduced. Also, proximate and antioxidant activity showed significant differences (P&lt;0.05), and antinutrient analysis showed no significant differences (P&gt;0.05). The two recipes were prepared as upma (soaked for 48 h), and chakli (roasted at 145 °C). Sample B of upma (50% semolina with 50% soaked quinoa flour) and sample A of chakli (75% refined flour with 25% roasted quinoa flour) were more acceptable. Conclusion: This study concluded that the use of domestic processing of quinoa seeds decreases some nutrient value compared with RQF and also infers the dietary importance of quinoa.

Evaluation of Physiological and biochemical traits of selected soybean line in Makurdi

Twelve genotypes of soybean were selected for physiological and seed biochemical evaluations at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. These seeds were collected from NCRI Badegi; Niger State- Nigeria. Ten of these genotypes S1075-6-93, S1179-6-58, S1239-6-135, S1240-6-288, S1252-6-277, S1252-6-156, S1268-6-15, S1273-6-65, S1365-6L-20 and SC SENTINEL is newly introduced to Makurdi while SC SIGNA and SLO1 used as checks have been released. The seed crop field was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications in 4-rows of 5m long. Seed samples were collected and subjected to seed quality tests at the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Science Laboratory of the University. Data were collected on germination count which was expressed as germination percentage and its (germination rate and germination rate index) were consequentially obtained. These seeds were also subjected to proximate analysis and percentage protein, fat, ash, moisture content and crude fibre were determined using soxhlet method. The result showed that significant differences existed for germination rate index (GRI) and germination index (GI) while other seedling traits were not different in magnitude from each other. Protein was highest in three varieties (S1075-6-93, S1239-6-135 and S1252-6-156) with 40.25%, respectively and significantly different from others and the checks. SC SENTINEL had the least protein content (37.19) and highest oil content (20.82). Meanwhile, genotype S1239-6-135 had the least oil content (18.83). Compositionally, an inverse relationship existed between protein oil in genotypes studied. Biochemical composition has more effect on seed quality of these soybean genotypes than physiological traits. Genotypes (S1075-6-93, S1239-6-135 and S1252-6-156) had higher protein content than the checks. Also, Sc SENTINEL, S1365-6L-20, S1273-6-65, S1268-6-15 and S1240-6-288 had higher oil content than the checks. Soybean oil producers could use SC SENTINEL for their productions and (S1075-6-93, S1239-6-135 and S1252-6-156) could be used for protein-based products.