Digitaria Exilis Research Articles

Yield Performance and Stability Analysis of Some Fonio (Digitaria exilis) lines in Nigeria

The experiment to identify some fonio pure lines that are of superior agronomic traits, expressing high yield, stable and well adapted across some ecologies in Nigeria was under taken for D. exilis species. The Twelve (12) pure lines and a local check were evaluated in Nine (9) locations for two years. Combined Analysis and Stability Models were employed. The genotype EXPL03-10-01 had the tallest plants in the population, recorded the highest yield of 810.30kg/ha at Ryom and an overall combined yield of 696.09kg/ha. Finlay-Wilkinson stability model identified the genotype EXPL03-10-01 in the presence of changes in environmental quality, genotype x environment interaction (GEI) shows 30% higher than 1 in 2019 and 32% less than 1 in 2020 for slopes value having significant t-values in both years. GGE biplot analysis of grain yield indicated that, PC1 and PC2 explained a total of 66.3% and 15% of GGE sum of observed variations respectively. AMMI model deployed revealed that greater portion of total variability in the grain yield of the Fonio lines was contributed by the environments. G1 (EXPL03-10-01) was not only an ideal genotype in majority of the tested environments but was also found to be more stable than other genotypes according to GGE Biplot.

Bioavailability of Nutrients in a Fonio (Digitaria exilis) Ricebean (Vigna umbellata) Based Complementary Food

Purpose: This study was carried out to assess the bioavailability of nutrients in a fonio/ricebean based complementary food.
 Methodology: Treated fonio (Digitaria exilis)/sprouted (72h) ricebean (Vigna umbellata) composite were processed into four complementary diets. FNBN-70:30:30:30(Fonio: ricebean: dried carrot: crayfish). A similar blend containing in addition 20g of milk (FNBP), a third blend that contained unsprouted and undehulled ricebean (FNBU) and the fourth that contained only fonio and ricebean (FNBM) were also formulated. These were analyzed for antinutrients, phytochemicals and viscosity using standard methods.
 Findings: There were slight variations in the trypsin inhibitor (1.16-1.78 Tiu/g), phytic (0.12-0.17%) and tannic acid (0.048-0.067%) contents of the samples. Cooking, soaking, sprouting and dehulling might have accounted for the observed low values of these antinutrients suggesting high bioavailability of the nutrients in the diets. The residual phytochemicals were equally low with sample FNBU having the highest values (alkaloid – 028%, flavonoid – 0.35%) and saponin 0.53%) among the samples which can be attributed to the non-sprouting and non-dehulling of the ricebean. The formulated diets showed low viscosities ranging from 84.21-85.77cP due probably to the thinning effect of amylases activated during sprouting. Decreased viscosity indicated increased nutrient density. The results showed high availability of the nutrients and low bulk/high nutrient density of the diets which showed suitability of the diets to argument nutrient and energy intake in children.
 Recommendation: Fonio/ricebean complementary food should substitute commercial complementary food

Composite biscuits from sandpaper and acha flour restore the altered activity of arginase, cholinergic, and purinergic enzymes in hypertensive-diabetic rats.

Hypertension is one of the common co-morbidities in diabetes. Thus, the present study sought to study the effects of composite biscuits from the mixture of acha (Digitaria exilis) and sandpaper (Fiscus exasperata) leaf flours (ASLF) on mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), arginase, cholinergic, purinergic enzymatic cascade, and nitric oxide (NO) levels as well as oxidative status in streptozotocin (STZ)/L-NG -nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive/diabetic rats. Experimental rats were distributed randomly into 7 groups (n=5). Group I-III rats were placed on the basal diet; IV-VII rats were placed on composite biscuits designated as A, B, C, and D respectively for 14 days. On the 13th day, the MABP of the experimental rats was monitored and recorded. Thereafter, the rats were sacrificed, tissues of interest were harvested, and homogenized. Subsequently, the activity of arginase cholinesterase and purinergic enzymes, as well as NO levels were evaluated in the experimental rats. However, hypertensive/diabetic rats placed on the formulated diet exhibited reduced MABP when compared with the untreated hypertensive/diabetic rats. Also, altered activity of arginase, cholinergic and purinergic were restored in diet-treated hypertensive/diabetic rats when compared with hypertensive/diabetic rats. Similarly, the NO level and antioxidant status of the treated hypertensive/diabetic rats were notably enhanced when compared with hypertensive/diabetic rats. It could be inferred that composite biscuits exhibited an ameliorative effect in hypertensive/diabetic states via their reductive effect on the MABP, arginase, cholinesterase, and purinergic enzymes and enhanced NO levels in hypertensive/diabetic rats. Meanwhile, the biscuit designated as D had seems better when their effects were compared holistically. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Acha grains and sandpaper leaf have been used in the folklore for disease treatment. However, the production of composite biscuits from these naturally available recipes for the management of hypertensive diabetics proved therapeutic since their effect on hypertensive diabetic rats is positive. Therefore, the composite biscuit will offer nutraceutical benefits to both healthy and disease individuals.

Evaluation of Fonio (Digitaria exilis) Varieties for Improved Agronomic Traits in the Guinea and Sudan Savannah Agroecological Zones of Ghana

Background and Objective. Fonio is categorized as one of the neglected, under-utilized, or orphan crops of West Africa due to its poor yields and inadequate research information for its improvement and use. The need to improve the agronomic traits of this crop and also explore the possibility of growing it in different agroecologies has been felt over the years. A study was therefore conducted during the 2019 cropping season to determine variations among Fonio accessions and also assess the influence of genotype/accession, location, and genotype x location on growth and total grain yield of Fonio. Materials and Methods. Five accessions of the crop were planted in two locations in northern Ghana (Guinea and Sudan savannah) and replicated three times using factorial experiment in randomized complete block design. Results. The study indicated significant ( P < 0.05 ) variations among accessions for most of the attributes measured. Accession OUSAI with 75 days to physiological maturity (DPHM) recorded highest grain yield of 1015.10 kg/ha, and NFAS4 with 98 DPHM recorded the least grain yield of 713.23 kg/ha. The most lodged accession was OUAS1 which recorded 65% lodging of its total plant population, and the least lodged accessions (NFAS4 and EYAS5) recorded about 10% lodging each. Conclusion. The results demonstrated a significant ( P < 0.05 ) diversity among the accessions used in the study and influence of genotype/accession x location on growth and total grain yield of Fonio.

GENETIC DIVERSITY STUDIES, HERITABILITY, CORRELATION AND PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AMONG ACHA (Digitaria exilis) ACCESSIONS

The study assessed variability, heritability and genetic relationships in the proximate composition among 14 Acha (Digitaria exilis Staph) accessions collected from Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Areas of Bauchi State in North Eastern Nigeria. Entries were pretested in the screen house in plastic pots in 2017 and later evaluated in the field under rain-fed conditions in 2017 and 2018 using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Three (3) samples of harvested grain, for each entry, were subjected to proximate analysis in the laboratory to determine their percent proximate composition in: Crude protein (% CP), Crude fiber (% CF), Ether extract (% EE), Ash content (% Ash) and Nitrogen free extract (%NFE) using standard Analytical methods. Analysis of variance was done using Genstat version 16th). Results obtained in this study revealed that all biochemical parameters differed significantly (P≤0.001) among these accessions. Mean percent in crude protein (CP) was 7.5 %, Crude Fiber was 0.85 %, while that of ether extract (%EE) and ash content (% Ash) were 1.94% and 1.87%, respectively. Except for Ether Extract, other biochemical variables under investigation recorded negative correlation with grain yield. Phylogenetic studies revealed two cluster groups among acha accessions. High percent heritability values, in broad sense of (between 77% and 99 %), couple with high genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM) were recorded for most of characters under investigation, indicating a good scope for improvement through selection.

Polyphenolic Fractions from Three Millet Types (Fonio, Finger millet, and Pearl millet): their Characterization and Biological Importance

As antioxidant-rich plant foods, cereals can impede lipid and starch breakdown in the human body, are germane to diabetes management. We aim to identify newer sources of phytochemicals and health-promoting constituents desirable antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Three millet types i.e. fonio ( Digitaria exilis), finger millet ( Eleusine coracana ), and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) available locally were investigated for antioxidant ability employing these assays i.e. DPPH, ABTS, H 2 O 2 , antidiabetic ability employing these assays i.e. α-amylase, α-glucosidase and inhibitory property on glycosylation formation. Preliminary characterization tools were employed i.e. UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV–visible) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for the polyphenolic confirmation. The absorbance intensity range 325–425 nm confirmed that polyphenolics are present in the three millet types; most of the biological results showed the activities are dose-dependent. Fonio millet extract revealed the highest activity against hemoglobin glycosylation (29.469 ± 0.399%) which compared favorably with the standard (acarbose) (29.354 ± 1.607%). Fonio millet extract also showed the best antioxidant activity (significantly higher% inhibition value = 47.909 ± 3.472) and the pearl millet revealed the least antioxidant activity (significantly lower% inhibition value = 44.910 ± 3.597) both at a concentration of 500 mg·ml −1 , though all the millet extracts showed activity towards this assay better than the standard (19.883 ± 2.485%). Fonio millet extract displayed a significantly higher percentage inhibition of α-amylase and glucosidase (43.729 ± 0.410% and 55.835 ± 2.198%) than finger millet (39.002 ± 1.604%; 43.971 ± 5.849%) and pearl millet (33.223 ± 2.708%; 30.845 ± 2.841%), respectively. The polyphenolic extracts from these millet types have therapeutic potentials, which may play significant roles in type 2 diabetes prevention and management, and hence these millets, especially fonio and finger millet, have the potential to be utilized as functional foods.

Grain yield response of fonio (Digitaria exilis) varieties to fertilizer and cost- effectiveness under two different production systems in The Gambia

Fonio is an easy crop to grow because it grows well even on poor sandy soils, as well as in areas with low rainfall. The crop can withstand long dry spells during the production season which are becoming a common occurrence in the West African sub-region. In The Gambia, the common name for the crop is “Findi”. It is commonly grown in fields that were previously cultivated with groundnut. Fonio is one of the oldest cereal crops grown in the country; however, its cultivation has drastically declined to the extent that it is currently considered a minor crop in the country. Fonio is a very fast-growing crop and matures earlier than most cereals. Its ability to withstand dry spells and its high nutritive value makes it an ideal climate-smart crop. For this reason, there is renewed momentum in promoting the crop in the country. Despite these renewed efforts in its promotion, there still exists a huge gap in terms of information on improved production practices that could help uplift the existing low yields. Appropriate agronomic practices that can boost fonio productivity are not well documented at national level. To gather information on the input requirements and utilizations, adaptability and productivity of fonio in The Gambia, experiments were conducted in 2018 and 2019 with the aim of generating important production information that could guide efficient production and enhance productivity. Results obtained showed that fonio responded positively to application of fertilizer. Application of 100 kg ha -1 comprising half NPK (15-15-15) and half urea was sufficient to produce financially beneficial yields. Results also indicated that “Findiba”, which is a landrace may not be suitable for cultivation anymore due to its long growth period amidst the short and erratic nature of the rainfall. The Momo and the Momosato varieties which are of shorter durations and high-yielding are more suitable in the existing climatic conditions of the country. Key words: Crop, fonio, fertilizer, variety, production, yield, adaptability, The Gambia

Techno-Functional and Gelling Properties of Acha (Fonio) (Digitaria exilis stapf) Flour: A Study of Its Potential as a New Gluten-Free Starch Source in Industrial Applications

Fonio (Digitaria exilis Stapf) is an ancient African cereal that represents a rich source of carbohydrate, fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and sulfur-containing amino acids. Processing and utilization of fonio require adequate knowledge of its structural, chemical, and nutritional characteristics. The present work evaluates the structural, techno-functional, and gelling properties of fonio and compares them to other major gluten-free cereals (rice, maize, sorghum, and millet). Fonio flour presented significantly higher water absorption index and swelling power, while it scored a lower water solubility index than the reference flours. The pasting viscosity profile of fonio was similar to that of rice, with equivalent peak viscosity but a breakdown viscosity 24% lower than rice, indicative of higher stability and resistance to shearing and heating. Rheological properties demonstrated that fonio generates gels with remarkably strong structures. At 15% concentration, fonio gel withstood stress 579% higher than those observed in the reference flours without breaking its structure. Fonio flour presented the highest gelatinization enthalpy (11.45 J/g) and a narrow gelatinization temperature range (9.96 °C), indicative of a better-packed starch structure than the other analyzed flours. The texture of the gels made with fonio showed higher firmness over the evaluated period. These combined results suggest that fonio is a suitable ingredient for gel-like food formulations.

Cross-linking with multifunctional excipients and its effect on the physicochemical properties and release profile of ibuprofen-loaded Digitaria exilis starch nanoparticles

Cross-linking with multifunctional excipients and its effect on the physicochemical properties and release profile of ibuprofen-loaded Digitaria exilis starch nanoparticles

Behaviour of a Traditional Variety of Fonio (Digitaria exilis (Kippist) Stapf) sowed following five densities of pot seeds in the municipality of Korhogo (COTE D’IVOIRE)

Behaviour of a Traditional Variety of Fonio (Digitaria exilis (Kippist) Stapf) sowed following five densities of pot seeds in the municipality of Korhogo (COTE D’IVOIRE)

Genome-Wide Scanning Enabled SNP Discovery, Linkage Disequilibrium Patterns and Population Structure in a Panel of Fonio (Digitaria exilis [Kippist] Stapf) Germplasm

White fonio (Digitaria exilis) is a staple food for millions of people in arid and semi-arid areas of West Africa. Knowledge about nutritional and health benefits, insights into morphological diversity, and the recent development of genomic resources call for a better understanding of the genetic structure of the extant germplasm gathered throughout the region in order to set up a robust breeding program. We assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of 259 fonio individuals collected from six countries from West Africa (Nigeria, Benin, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger) in this study using 688 putative out of 21,324 DArTseq-derived SNP markers. Due to the inbreeding and small population size, the results revealed a substantial level of genetic variability. Furthermore, two clusters were found irrespective of the geographic origins of accessions. Moreover, the high level of linkage disequilibrium (LD) between loci observed resulted from the mating system of the crop, which is often associated with a low recombination rate. These findings fill the gaps about the molecular diversity and genetic structure of the white fonio germplasm in West Africa. This was required for the application of genomic tools that can potentially speed up the genetic gain in fonio millet breeding for complex traits such as yield, and other nutrient contents.

Antioxidant Potential of Crude Powder, Methanol and Aqueous Extracts of Fonio Millet (Digitaria exilis) Grains

This study evaluated the antioxidant potential along with total phenolic content, total flavonoid content of the crude powder, methanol and aqueous extracts of Digitaria exilis grains. The antioxidant activities of the crude powder and extracts were determined by measuring the reducing ability and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. The results showed that methanol extracts exhibited the highest total phenolic content (57.96 ± 6.84 mg gallic acid equivalence/g dried weight) and total flavonoid content (38.75 ± 9.76 mg quercetin equivalence/g dried weight) compared to the crude powder and aqueous extracts. A concentration- dependent increase in the reducing ability and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity was observed in all the samples. The results were comparable to ascorbic acid, the standard antioxidant used. These results indicate that Digitaria exilis grains have antioxidant activity and may account for the use of the grains in traditional systems of medicine.

Quality Characteristics and Sensory Properties of Noodles Produced from Blends of Wheat, Acha (Digitaria exilis), Bambara Groundnut, and Cocoyam Composite Flours

The objective of this study was to investigate the quality characteristics and sensory properties of noodles produced from composite flours of wheat, acha, bambara groundnut, and cocoyam. Composite flours of wheat/acha, wheat/bambara groundnut, wheat/cocoyam and wheat/acha/bambara groundnut/cocoyam were formulated by substituting acha, cocoyam and bambara groundnut flours at 10, 20 and 30% each while 100% wheat flour was used as the control. The composite flours were used to produce noodles and the noodles subjected to chroma meter analysis, proximate analysis, culinary and sensory properties evaluation. Proximate analysis revealed that the noodles contained moisture content of 10.11-11.11%, 2.72-3.99% ash, 10.34-17.52% protein, 1.25-7.51% lipid, 0.56-1.64% crude fibre and 59.38-75.03% carbohydrate. There was an increase in the moisture, ash, protein, lipid and crude fibre contents with a decrease in carbohydrate as substitution with cocoyam, acha and bambara groundnut flours increased without observed significant (p>0.05) differences. With the addition of acha, bambara groundnut and cocoyam composites into wheat flour, water absorption progressively increased from 1.75 (control) to 2.07ml/g (Wheat-Acha-bambara-cocoyam 60:10:20:10). There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the cooking loss of the noodle samples as substitution levels of acha, Bambara groundnut and cocoyam flour increased. Cooking time decreased for wheat: acha flour noodles and increased for wheat: cocoyam flour noodles as substitution levels of acha and cocoyam flour increased. The composite flour of wheat: acha: cocoyam: Bambara groundnut flour also showed a decrease in cooking time as acha, cocoyam and Bambara groundnut flours were incorporated. There was no significant (p 0.05) difference in the L*, a* and b* values of wheat-bambara composite noodles. L* values of wheat-acha composite noodles increased significantly (p 0.05) with the increase in substitution with acha composite. Substitution of wheat flour with 10% to 30% acha flour and 10% to 20% Bambara groundnut flour resulted in noodles with acceptability sensory attributes.

Genome sequence and genetic diversity analysis of an under-domesticated orphan crop, white fonio (Digitaria exilis).

Background Digitaria exilis, white fonio, is a minor but vital crop of West Africa that is valued for its resilience in hot, dry, and low-fertility environments and for the exceptional quality of its grain for human nutrition. Its success is hindered, however, by a low degree of plant breeding and improvement.FindingsWe sequenced the fonio genome with long-read SMRT-cell technology, yielding a ∼761 Mb assembly in 3,329 contigs (N50, 1.73 Mb; L50, 126). The assembly approaches a high level of completion, with a BUSCO score of >99%. The fonio genome was found to be a tetraploid, with most of the genome retained as homoeologous duplications that differ overall by ∼4.3%, neglecting indels. The 2 genomes within fonio were found to have begun their independent divergence ∼3.1 million years ago. The repeat content (>49%) is fairly standard for a grass genome of this size, but the ratio of Gypsy to Copia long terminal repeat retrotransposons (∼6.7) was found to be exceptionally high. Several genes related to future improvement of the crop were identified including shattering, plant height, and grain size. Analysis of fonio population genetics, primarily in Mali, indicated that the crop has extensive genetic diversity that is largely partitioned across a north-south gradient coinciding with the Sahel and Sudan grassland domains.ConclusionsWe provide a high-quality assembly, annotation, and diversity analysis for a vital African crop. The availability of this information should empower future research into further domestication and improvement of fonio.

Agricultural diversification in West Africa: an archaeobotanical study of the site of Sadia (Dogon Country, Mali)

While narratives of the spread of agriculture are central to interpretation of African history, hard evidence of past crops and cultivation practices are still few. This research aims at filling this gap and better understanding the evolution of agriculture and foodways in West Africa. It reports evidence from systematic flotation samples taken at the settlement mounds of Sadia (Mali), dating from 4 phases (phase 0=before first–third century AD; phase 1=mid eighth–tenth c. AD; phase 2=tenth–eleventh c. AD; phase 3=twelfth–late thirteenth c. AD). Flotation of 2200 l of soil provided plant macro-remains from 146 archaeological samples. As on most West African sites, the most dominant plant is pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). But from the tenth century AD, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and African rice (Oryza glaberrima) appear in small quantities, and fonio (Digitaria exilis) and barnyard millet/hungry rice (Echinochloa sp.), sometimes considered weeds rather than staple crops, are found in large quantities. Some samples also show remains of tree fruits from savannah parklands, such as baobab (Adansonia digitata), marula (Sclerocarya birrea), jujube (Ziziphus sp.), shea butter (Vittelaria paradoxa) and African grapes (Lannea microcarpa). Fonio and Echinochloa sp. cultivation appears here to be a later addition that helped to diversify agriculture and buffer against failures that might affect the monoculture of pearl millet. This diversification at the end of the 1st millennium AD matches with other evidence found in West Africa.

The Effect of Ascorbic Acid on the Physical and Proximate Properties of Wheat-Acha Composite Bread

This work studied the effect of different proportions of ascorbic acid on the physical and proximate properties on wheat-acha composite bread. Bread was produced from wheat (Triticum aestivum) and acha (Digitaria exilis) composite flours. The wheat: acha ratios used were 100:0, 90:10 and 80:20. The proximate, and functional properties of the flours were analysed. The dough improver, ascorbic acid was added at 80, 100 and 120ppm during the bread making process and the proximate, physical and sensory properties of the bread was analysed. Flour sample with 20% acha had the significantly highest values for bulk density (0.744g/cm3), water absorption capacity (1.5g/g), oil absorption capacity (1.564g/g), foam capacity (11.32%) and swelling index (1.24). There was no significant difference in the crude fat and ash content of all bread samples. Significant difference was observed in the volume and specific volume of the bread samples, with 100% wheat flour giving the highest values of 431.33 ml and 3.16 ml/g respectively. However, addition of ascorbic acid significantly improved these parameters with no significant difference between the 100ppm and 120ppm bread samples. Also the bread samples produced with 100:0 and 90:10 wheat: acha flours showed no significant difference in their sensory properties. The 80:20 composite bread gave significantly lower sensory scores for all the sensory parameters.

Haematology and serum biochemistry of rabbits fed acha offal (Digitaria exilis) meal-based diets supplemented with Maxigrains® enzyme

Food-feed competition between human and animals has necessitated farmers to turn to alternative feed resources such as Acha Offal. Forty eight rabbits of mixed breeds and similar live weight were utilized in an experiment to evaluate the effect of feeding acha offal meal- based diets supplemented with Maxigrain enzyme on their haematology and serum biochemistry. The experiment had two phases (weaner and grower) each lasting for 42 days. Six treatments diets namely T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 were compounded to be iso-caloric (2700kcal/kg) and iso-nitrogenous (18% crude protein) for the weaner phase while (15% crude protein) and isocaloric (2500kcal/kg) for the grower phase. The Acha Offal (AO) was included at 0, 15 and 30% while the enzyme was supplemented at 0 and 200ppm. The experiment was arranged in a 2x3 factorial fitted into a Completely Randomized Design. Each treatment was replicated 4 times having two rabbits per replicate. Feed and water were provided to the animals daily and all standard routine management practices were strictly observed throughout the experimental period. At the end of the feeding trial, blood samples were collected from each animal for blood analyses. The results show that there was no significant (P>0.05) variation on the haematological and biochemical parameters due to enzyme or AO effect. In the growing phase, main effect of AO was not significant (P>0.05) on the haematological parameters except on white blood cell (WBC) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Effect of enzymes on growing rabbit was not significantly different (P>0.05) except on WBC at 0ppm (5.75 x109/L) and 200ppm (6.60 x109/L) and on MCHC at 0ppm (33.27 x109/L) and 200ppm (33.20 x109/L). The Interactive effect of AO and enzyme showed that T2 had the highest WBC (8.80 x109/L) while T4 had the lowest MCHC (33.10 x109/L). Serum biochemical parameters were not affected by Acha offal except phosphorus where there was a significant (P<0.05) reduction in 30% AO (1.35g/dL). Enzymes effect showed that animals on 0ppm had significantly (P<0.05) higher phosphorus (1.83g/dl) than 200ppm (1.38g/dL). Acha offal supplemented with Maxigrain enzyme can be included in the diets of grower rabbits without adverse effect on haematological and serum biochemical indices. La concurrence entre les humains et les animaux en matière d'aliments pour animaux a obligé les agriculteurs à se tourner vers d'autres ressources alimentaires comme 'acha'. Quarante-huit lapins de races mixtes et de poids réel similaire ont été utilisés dans une expérience pour évaluer l'effet de l'alimentation d'acha complétés par l'enzyme 'Maxigrain' sur leur hématologie et biochimie sérique. L'expérience a eu deux phases (sevreur et producteur) chacune durant 42 jours. Six régimes de traitements, à savoir T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 et T6, ont été composés pour être iso-caloriques (2700kcal/kg) et iso-azotés (18% de protéines brutes) pour la phase de sevrage tandis que (15% de protéines brutes) et isocaloriques (2500 kcal/kg) pour la phase de croissance. L'alimentation d'acha (AO) a été inclus à 0, 15 et 30% tandis que l'enzyme a été complétée à 0 et 200ppm. L'expérience a été organisée dans un factorial 2x3 intégré dans une conception complètement randomisée. Chaque traitement a été reproduit 4 fois ayant deux lapins par réplique. Des aliments et de l'eau ont été fournis quotidiennement aux animaux et toutes les pratiques de gestion de routine standard ont été strictement observées tout au long de la période expérimentale. À la fin de l'essai d'alimentation, des échantillons de sang ont été prélevés sur chaque animal pour des analyses sanguines. Les résultats montrent qu'il n'y avait aucune variation significative (P>0.05) sur les paramètres hématologiques et biochimiques dus à l'effet d'enzyme ou d' 'AO'. Dans la phase de croissance, l'effet principal de l' 'AO' n'était pas significatif (P>0,05) sur les paramètres hématologiques, sauf sur les globules blancs (le 'WBC') et la concentration moyenne d'hémoglobine cellulaire (le 'MCHC'). L'effet des enzymes sur la croissance du lapin n'était pas significativement différent (P>0,05) excepté sur WBC à 0ppm (5.75 x109/L) et 200ppm (6.0ppm 60 x109/L) et sur le 'MCHC' à 0ppm (33.27 x109/L) et 200ppm (33.20 x109/L). L'effet interactif de l'AO et de l'enzyme a montré que T2 avait le 'WBC' le plus élevé (8,80 x109/L) tandis que T4 avait le 'MCHC' le plus bas (33,10 x109/L). Les paramètres biochimiques du sérum n'ont pas été affectés par le phosphore d'alimentation d'acha sauf où il y avait une réduction significative (P<0.05) de 30%AO (1.35g/dL). L'effet d'enzymes a prouvé que les animaux sur 0ppm ont eu sensiblement (P<0.05) le phosphore plus élevé (1.83g/dl) que 200ppm (1.38g/dL). L'alimentation d'Acha complété avec l'enzyme 'Maxigrain' peut être inclus dans les régimes des lapins 'grower' sans effet défavorable sur les indices biochimiques hématologiques et sériques.

Metataxonomic analysis of bacterial communities and mycotoxin reduction during processing of three millet varieties into ogi, a fermented cereal beverage

Ogi is a fermented cereal beverage, made primarily from maize (Zea mays) and rarely from millets. Unlike maize-based ogi, little is known about the bacterial community and mycotoxin profile during the production of millet-based ogi. Therefore, the bacterial community dynamics and mycotoxin reduction during ogi processing from three millet varieties were investigated using next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. A total of 1163 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were obtained, with ASV diversity across time intervals influenced by processing stage and millet variety. ASV distribution among samples suggested that the souring stage was more influenced by millet variety than the steeping stage, and that souring may be crucial for the quality attributes of the ogi. Furthermore, bacterial community structure during steeping and souring was significantly differentiated (PERMANOVA, P < 0.05) between varieties, with close associations observed for closely-related millet varieties. Taxonomically, Firmicutes, followed by Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria phyla were relatively abundant (>1%). Lactic acid bacteria, such as Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and Pediococcus, dominated most fermentation stages, suggesting their roles as key fermentative and functional bacteria in relation to mycotoxin reduction. About 52–100%, 58–100% and 100% reductions in mycotoxin (aflatoxins, beauvericin, citrinin, moniliformin, sterigmatocystin and zearalenone) concentrations were recorded after processing of white fonio, brown fonio and finger millet, respectively, into ogi. This study provides new knowledge of the dominant bacterial genera vital for the improvement of millet-based ogi through starter culture development and as well, elucidates the role of processing in reducing mycotoxins in millet ogi.

Evaluation of the chemical, antinutritional and antioxidant properties of composite flour comprising native and modified acha (digitaria exilis stapf) flour supplemented with mango kernel seed and soy cake flours.

Gluten-free flours that are nutritionally balanced with appropriate functional characteristics were developed by supplementation of native and modified acha flours with protein, dietary fiber and antioxidants-rich mango kernel and soy cakes flours. Acha flour was subjected to chemical and enzymatic modifications. The proximate, mineral compositions, bioactive and antinutrients properties of the composite flours were evaluated. The water content of the composite flours with native and chemically modified acha flour was between 7.62 and 9.30%, while that of enzymatic acha flour was between 10.12 and 10.79%. However, samples made with 20 and 30% incorporated mango kernel flour had around 13 and 19% increase in the protein content respectively, others including sample with enzymatically modified acha flour had lower protein content. On the other hand, all samples with enzymatically modified acha flour had between 83 and 100% increase in fibre content. The Na/K ratio of all the samples were less than one, as nutritionally required. Samples with enzymatically modified acha flour had best total flavonoid (0.03-0.77 mgGAE/g), total phenol (2.35-11.99 mgTAE/g) and DPPH radical scavenging activities (58.29-94.02%) contents. In addition, samples with enzymatically modified acha flour had the least antinutritional values. Although all the samples had values that were significantly (p ≥ 0.05) different, the samples had significant protein, dietary fiber, minerals and antioxidants contents, while the antinutritional contents were well lower than the standard.

Cabo Verde’s Poaceae Flora: A Reservoir of Crop Wild Relatives Diversity for Crop Improvement

Africa is home to important centers of origin and diversity of crop wild relatives (CWR), including many species adapted to adverse agroecological conditions, namely drought and poor soils. Plant genetic resources from Cabo Verde Islands have been poorly explored for their potential to supplement the genetic pool of cultivated species. In this paper we identify Cabo Verde’s CWR from the Poaceae family and provide a checklist of priority CWR taxa, highlighting those of particular conservation concern and the areas which should be the focus of the most intensive conservation efforts in these islands. Our results revealed that Cabo Verde archipelago is an important center of CWR diversity of West African crop millets, namely fonio (e.g., white fonio, Digitaria exilis, and black fonio, Digitaria iburua) and other African millets [e.g., pearl millet (Cenchrus americanus = Pennisetum glaucum), teff millet (Eragrostis tef), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), barnyard millet (Echinochloa colona), proso millet (Panicum miliaceum), and foxtail millet (Setaria italica)], which represent a diverse group of cereal crops, and important components in agriculture and food security of this country. Also, hotspot areas of diversity for in situ conservation were identified in Cabo Verde, as well as several populations occurring under extreme habitats conditions that are well adapted to drylands and poor soils. The evaluation of their potential for new ecologically important adaptive characteristics associated with tolerance to abiotic stresses is discussed. The survey of international Germplasm Banks revealed that very few accessions from Cabo Verde are conserved, contributing to the loss of genetic diversity of plant genetic resources in this archipelago. Particularly, the diversity of millets and the associated indigenous knowledge are critical for the food security and cultural identity of many poor farmers in Cabo Verde.