Edible Portions Of Crops Research Articles

Groundnut (Arachis hypogeae L.) production, soil biological characteristics, micronutrient content in soil and plant parts, and their uptake are all influenced by phosphorus, AMF and PSB application

Field experiments during rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 were conducted to asses the groundnut production, soil biological characteristics, micronutrient content in soil and plant parts, and their uptake influenced by graded levels of phosphorus (15, 30, 45 and 60 kg ha−1), Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) application in Alfisols at Botany farm, Dr. BSKKV, Dapoli in a factorial randomized block design with twenty treatment combinations which were replicated thrice. Results indicated that higher dose of phosphours (60 kg ha−1), biofertilizers (AMF + PSB @ 10 kg ha−1 each) and their interaction was found prominent in augmenting the highest bacterial, actinomycetes, fungal populations. Further, the combined application of phosphate and the AMF and PSB strain at higher level significantly improved the enzyme activities viz., dehydrogenase, urease, alkaline and acid phosphatase, CO2 evolution and SMBC compared to lower dose of phosphorus and non-inoculated treatment was on par with application of phosphorus @ 45 kg ha−1 with dual inoculation of AMF + PSB @ 10 kg ha−1 each. However, DTPA-extractable micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) status showed significant improvement because of various treatment combinations. Similarly, the application of phosphorus @ 60 kg ha−1 exhibited the highest uptake in edible portion of crops which was resulted in significantly highest pod yield (35.86 q ha−1) of groundnut which was at par with application of phosphorus @ 45 kg ha−1 (31.96 q ha−1) indicating beneficial effect for improving as well sustaining soil health in long term aspects.

Effects of Biochar, Poultry Manure and Their Mixture on Essential Nutrients of Sweet Potato Leaves and Storage Roots in Degraded Tropical Alfisols of Southwest Nigeria

ABSTRACT Essential nutrient concentrations in edible portions of crops can affect human health. Hence, field experiments were carried out for two growing seasons (2019 and 2020) at two degraded sites using a randomized complete block design in a factorial layout with three replications to evaluate the effects of biochar (B), poultry manure (PM), and their combined application on leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition of sweet potato. Each year, the experiment consisted of 4 × 3 factorial combinations of biochar (0, 10.0, 20.0, and 30.0 t ha−1) and poultry manure (0, 5.0 and 10.0 t ha−1). The results showed that the sole application of B and PM and their combined application, improved sweet potato leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition of sweet potato storage roots. In both years, there were significant interactions of B and PM (B × PM) on leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition of sweet potato that were determined, indicating the potential of B in enhancing PM use efficiency and improving better use of the nutrients in the PM. It was found that the highest dosage of combination of 30.0 t ha−1 B and 10.0 t ha−1 PM (B30+ PM10) gave the highest leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition of sweet potato at both sites. Lowest leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition was obtained for the control. The study indicated that B in combination with PM have the potential to improve sweet potato leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition of sweet potato storage roots for human health in severely degraded soils.

Effect of agronomic biofortification on growth, yield, uptake and quality characters of maize (Zea mays .L) through integrated management practices under North-eastern region of Tamil Nadu, India

Agronomic biofortification increases the concentration of target mineral in edible portions of crops by the use of mineral fertilizers to increase dietary intake of target minerals. Among these iron and zinc deficiencies in human nutrition are noticed in countries where maize is the staple food. The objective of this study was to evaluate agronomic biofortification performance in association with Integrated Nutrient Management in maize (Zea mays .L). The study was conducted under field conditions in Chinnakandiankuppam village, Vriddhachalam Taluk, in the North-eastern region of Tamil Nadu state, India of Kharif 2020 season. Two hybrids in main plots (M1 – Non biofortified and M2 – Biofortified) were combined with six treatments in sub-plots (100 % RDF through NPK (S1), 100 % RDF through FYM (S2), 50% RDF through NPK + 50% through FYM (S3) as soil application, S1+ Zinc + Iron (S4), S2 +Zinc + Iron (S5) and S3 + Zinc + Iron (S6) as foliar application with evaluations were carried out in wet season period of the year. Application of 50 percent RDF through NPK + 50 percent RDF through FYM with Fe, Zn, foliar applications (S6) was the most efficient agronomic biofortification practice for growth attributes, yield and yield attributes, nutrient uptake, and quality parameters for the maize cropping system under the irrigated condition of the northeastern zone of Tamilnadu State, India.

“Micronutrient Content in Plant, Its Uptake, and Crop Yield in Cauliflower–cowpea-Okra Cropping Sequence as Impacted by Graded Level of Boron Fertilization”

ABSTRACT For assessing the effect of boron fertilization on the micronutrient concentration in plants, its uptake in edible portion and crop yield in cauliflower–cowpea-okra cropping sequence in an Inceptisol of North East India field experiments were conducted during the year 2015–17 at Horticultural Experimental Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. Five graded levels of boron were applied (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kg ha−1) to cauliflower once in both the years to assess the direct effect of boron fertilization in soil while cowpea and okra were grown as a succeeding test crops to study the concomitant residual effects of boron fertilization in cauliflower–cowpea-okra cropping sequence. Recommended dose of NPK fertilizer along with FYM for each crops were uniformly applied. Among the different levels of boron, experimental findings revealed that application of 2 kg B ha−1 was found prominent in augmenting the highest content of micronutrients in plant parts while the control recorded the lowest content for all the three crops in the sequence. A highly significant positive correlation between the different micronutrients content in edible portion of crops were recorded except copper. Similarly, application of 2 kg B ha−1 exhibited the highest micronutrient uptake in edible portion of crops, crop yield, crop equivalent yield, nutrient use efficiencies, and benefit cost ratio for all the crops in the sequence. Multivariate analysis (PCA) exercised on micronutrients content in edible portion of crops explained up to 97.19% of total variance with two principal components.

Biochar Affects Essential Nutrients of Carrot Taproots and Lettuce Leaves.

Essential nutrient concentrations in crops can affect human health. While biochar has the potential as a soil amendment to improve crop yields, it may also affect the concentrations of nutrients such as Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, and Zn in edible portions of crops. To better characterize effects of biochar on important human nutrients in food crops, we evaluated the effects of biochar on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Black-Seeded Simpson) leaf and carrot [Daucus carota subsp. sativus (Hoffm.) Schübl. cv. Tendersweet] developing taproot nutrients. Plants were grown in pots in a greenhouse using sandy loam (Coxville, fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Paleaquults) and loamy sand (Norfolk, fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kandiudults,) series soils, amended with biochar produced from four feedstocks: pine chips (PC), poultry litter (PL), swine solids (SS), and switchgrass (SG); and two blends of PC plus PL [Pc/PL, 50%/50% (55) and 80%/20% (82) by weight]. Biochar was produced at 350, 500, and 700 °C from each feedstock. Lettuce leaf and carrot taproot total nutrient concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma analysis. Biochar (especially at least in part manure-based, i.e., PL, SS, 55, and 82 at nearly all temperatures) primarily decreased nutrient concentrations in lettuce leaves, with Ca, Mg, and Zn affected most. Carrot taproot nutrient concentrations also deceased, but to a lesser extent. Some biochars increased leaf or taproot nutrient concentrations, especially K. This study indicated that biochar can both decrease and increase leaf and taproot nutrient concentrations important for human health. Thus, potential effects on nutrients in plants should be carefully considered when biochar is used as a soil amendment with vegetable crops.

Advances in Genomic Interventions for Wheat Biofortification: A Review

Wheat is an essential constituent of cereal-based diets, and one of the most significant sources of calories. However, modern wheat varieties are low in proteins and minerals. Biofortification is a method for increasing the availability of essential elements in the edible portions of crops through agronomic or genetic and genomic interventions. Wheat biofortification, as a research topic, has become increasingly prevalent. Recent accomplishments in genomic biofortification could potentially be helpful for the development of biofortified wheat grains, as a sustainable solution to the issue of “hidden hunger”. Genomic interventions mainly include quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, marker-assisted selection (MAS), and genomic selection (GS). Developments in the identification of QTL and in the understanding of the physiological and molecular bases of the QTLs controlling the biofortification traits in wheat have revealed new horizons for the improvement of modern wheat varieties. Markers linked with the QTLs of desirable traits can be identified through QTL mapping, which can be employed for MAS. Besides MAS, a powerful tool, GS, also has great potential for crop improvement. We have compiled information from QTL mapping studies on wheat, carried out for the identification of the QTLs associated with biofortification traits, and have discussed the present status of MAS and different prospects of GS for wheat biofortification. Accelerated mapping studies, as well as MAS and GS schemes, are expected to improve wheat breeding efficiency further.

Comparison of Zn accumulation and speciation in kernels of sweetcorn and maize differing in maturity.

Understanding the speciation of Zn in edible portions of crops helps identify the most effective biofortification strategies to increase the supply of nutrients for improving the health and nutrition of consumers. Kernels of 12 sweetcorn and three maize (Zea mays) varieties were analysed for Zn concentration and content. The speciation of the Zn in the embryos, endosperms and whole kernels at 21, 28 and 56 days after pollination (DAP) was then examined for one maize and one sweetcorn variety using synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Averaged across all sweetcorn and maize varieties at 21 DAP, the embryo contributed 27-29% of the whole kernel Zn whilst the endosperm contributed 71-73 %. While sweetcorn embryos contributed a lower proportion to the total kernel Zn than those of maize, the proportion of total Zn in the embryo increased as kernels aged for both varieties, reaching 33 % for sweetcorn and 49% for maize at 28 DAP. Using XAS, it was predicted that an average of 90 % of the Zn in the embryos was present as Zn-phytate, while in the endosperm the Zn was primarily complexed with an N-containing ligand such as histidine and to a lesser extent with phytate. However, in maize endosperms, it was also observed that the proportion of Zn present as Zn-phytate increased as the kernel matured, thereby also probably decreasing its bioavailability in these mature maize kernels. The apparent low bioavailability of Zn supplied in maize at its consumption stage (i.e. mature kernels) probably undermines the effectiveness of biofortification of this crop. Conversely, successful biofortification of Zn in sweetcorn and green maize consumed as immature kernels could potentially provide a good source of bioavailable Zn in human diets.

The mycorrhizal pathway of zinc uptake contributes to zinc accumulation in barley and wheat grain

BackgroundIncreasing zinc (Zn) concentrations in crops is important for alleviation of human Zn deficiency. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) contribute to plant Zn uptake, but their contribution to Zn in the edible portion of crops has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to quantify the mycorrhizal pathway of Zn uptake into grain of wheat and barley under varying soil Zn availabilities. Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) were grown in pots with a hyphal compartment containing 65Zn. Plants were inoculated with Rhizophagus irregularis and grown at three soil Zn concentrations. Radioactive Zn in grain and straw was measured and the contribution of AMF to Zn uptake was calculated.ResultsThe mycorrhizal pathway of Zn uptake contributed up to 24.3% of total above-ground Zn in wheat, and up to 12.7% of that Zn in barley. The greatest contribution by the mycorrhizal pathway was observed in barley at the lowest Zn addition, and in wheat at the highest one. In addition, grain yield of bread wheat was increased by AMF.ConclusionsThese results suggest that AMF have a substantial role in uptake of Zn into cereals, and the proportional contribution by the MPU is dependent on plant species, as well as available soil Zn.

Alteration of Crop Yield and Quality of Wheat upon Exposure to Silver Nanoparticles in a Life Cycle Study.

As a result of the rapid development of nanotechnology, metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) are inadvertently released into the environment and may pose a potential threat to the ecosystem. However, information for food quality and safety in NP-treated crops is limited. In the present study, wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) was grown in different concentrations of Ag-NP-amended soil (20, 200, and 2000 mg kg-1) for 4 months. At harvest, physiological parameters, Ag and micronutrient (Fe, Cu, and Zn) contents, and amino acid and total protein contents were measured. Results showed that, with increasing the exposure doses, Ag NPs exhibited severe phytotoxicity, including lower biomass, shorter plant height, and lower grain weight. Ag accumulation in roots was significantly higher than that in shoots and grains. Decreases in the content of micronutrients (Fe, Cu, and Zn) in Ag-NP-treated grains suggested low crop quality. The results of amino acid and protein contents in Ag-NP-treated wheat grains indicated that Ag NPs indeed altered the nutrient contents in the edible portion. In the amino acid profile, the presence of Ag NPs significantly decreased the contents of arginine and histidine by 13.0 and 11.8%, respectively. In summary, the effects of metal-based NPs on the edible portion of crops should be taken into account in the evaluation of nanotoxicity to terrestrial plants. Moreover, investigation of the potential impacts of NP-caused nutrient alterations on human health could further our understandings on NP-induced phytotoxicity.

Reverse flow of urban pollutants in sewage irrigated crops in developing countries

Dwindling fresh water supplies in developing countries have led to increased interest in exploring alternative irrigation water sources including untreated or partially treated wastewater. Wastewater originates from a variety of sources including domestic sewage, mixed with industrial effluents, and stormwater. Wastewater irrigation benefits farmers and other stakeholders through better crop yields owing to reliable water and nutrient supply and pollution reduction of rivers and other surface water bodies. However, it poses health risks to farmers and consumers alike due to pathogens, build-up of chemical pollutants especially heavy metals in soils and groundwater contamination. A very small proportion of sewage water (SW) is treated in a few working sewage treatment plants (STPs) in developing countries. Many existing STPs are running above the capacity and only partially treat SW. Many studies on SW in developing countries show the presence of high metal and metalloid concentrations beyond maximum permissible limits. Likewise, several studies evidence increased concentrations of heavy metals in both groundwater and surface waters in developing countries. Repeated use of SW for irrigation may result in accumulation of heavy metals in soils, which can enter the food chain. Review of pertinent literature demonstrates heavy metal accumulation in soils and eventually in edible portion of crops grown in peri-urban areas. Site specific best management practices aimed at curtailing the bioavailability of pollutants in soil and eventual uptake and translocation to edible parts of the crops are required. New STPs and upgradation of the existing STPs are the need of hour. Developing countries need to develop pretreatment standards for industrial waste discharged to the STP collection systems.

Genetic Processes of Iron and Zinc Accumulation in Edible Portion of Crops and Their Agro-Biofortification: A Review

Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) are essential micronutrient for both human and plants, but Fe and Zn deficiency is prevalent in the world especially developing countries including India and China. Biofortification is considered the most promising approach to alleviate Fe and Zn malnutrition. Thus this study was mainly conducted to review the recent progresses on the strategies of the processes affecting Fe and Zn accumulation in edible portion of crops at genetic and physiological levels. While agricultural approaches are useful to gain Fe and Zn enriched cereals, therefore agro-biofortification of Fe and Zn by agricultural approaches was also reviewed for possible solution in intensive agriculture system.

Soil Pollution Due to Irrigation with Arsenic-Contaminated Groundwater: Current State of Science

Food with elevated arsenic concentrations is becoming widely recognized as a global threat to human health. This review describes the current state of knowledge of soil pollution derived from irrigation with arsenic-contaminated groundwater, highlighting processes controlling arsenic cycling in soils and resulting arsenic impacts on crop and human health. Irrigation practices utilized for both flooded and upland crops have the potential to load arsenic to soils, with a host of environmental and anthropogenic factors ultimately determining the fate of arsenic. Continual use of contaminated groundwater for irrigation may result in soils with concentrations sufficient to create dangerous arsenic concentrations in the edible portions of crops. Recent advances in low-cost water and soil management options show promise for mitigating arsenic impacts of polluted soils. Better understanding of arsenic transfer from soil to crops and the controls on long-term soil arsenic accumulation is needed to establish effective arsenic mitigation strategies within vulnerable agronomic systems.

Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Micronutrient Concentrations in Two Recombinant Inbred Wheat Lines

Micronutrient malnutrition affects over three billion people worldwide, especially women and children in developing countries. Increasing the bioavailable concentrations of essential elements in the edible portions of crops is an effective resolution to address this issue. To determine the genetic factors controlling micronutrient concentration in wheat, the quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis for iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium concentrations in two recombinant inbred line populations was performed. In all, 39 QTLs for five micronutrient concentrations were identified in this study. Of these, 22 alleles from synthetic wheat SHW-L1 and seven alleles from the progeny line of the synthetic wheat Chuanmai 42 showed an increase in micronutrient concentrations. Five QTLs on chromosomes 2A, 3D, 4D, and 5B found in both the populations showed significant phenotypic variation for 2–3 micronutrient concentrations. Our results might help understand the genetic control of micronutrient concentration and allow the utilization of genetic resources of synthetic hexaploid wheat for improving micronutrient efficiency of cultivated wheat by using molecular marker-assisted selection.

Antioxidant response and carboxylate metabolism in Brassica rapa exposed to different external Zn, Ca, and Mg supply

Zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) malnutrition are common deficiencies in many developed and developing countries, resulting in a widespread health problem. Biofortification of food crops is an agricultural strategy that can be used to increase the levels of these elements in the edible portions of crops. Deficiency or toxicity of these cations in soils reduces plant growth, crop yield, and the quality of plant foodstuff. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of external Zn, Ca, and Mg supply on accumulation and distribution of this elements as well as antioxidant response and organic acid composition of Brassica rapa ssp. trilocularis line R-o-18. Plants were grown at low Zn (0.05μM Zn) and high Zn (500μM Zn), low Ca (0.4mM) and high Ca (40mM), and low Mg (0.2mM), and high Mg (20mM) to simulate deficiency and toxicity conditions. Larger shoot biomass reductions were observed under high Zn, Ca and Mg treatments, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total ascorbate (AA) showed a marked increase in these treatments. Therefore, Brassica plants might be more sensitive to excess of these elements in the nutrient solution. The translocation factor (TF) and distribution coefficient (DC) values of Zn, Ca, and Mg indicated higher translocation and accumulation in deficient conditions. High biosynthesis and citrate content in Brassica plants may be associated mainly with a high-nutrient solution extraction ability of these plants. These results provide background data, which will be used to characterize TILLING mutants to study the effects of mutations in genes involved in regulating Zn, Ca, and Mg distribution and accumulation in plants.

OPT3 Is a Phloem-Specific Iron Transporter That Is Essential for Systemic Iron Signaling and Redistribution of Iron and Cadmium inArabidopsis

Iron is essential for both plant growth and human health and nutrition. Knowledge of the signaling mechanisms that communicate iron demand from shoots to roots to regulate iron uptake as well as the transport systems mediating iron partitioning into edible plant tissues is critical for the development of crop biofortification strategies. Here, we report that OPT3, previously classified as an oligopeptide transporter, is a plasma membrane transporter capable of transporting transition ions in vitro. Studies in Arabidopsis thaliana show that OPT3 loads iron into the phloem, facilitates iron recirculation from the xylem to the phloem, and regulates both shoot-to-root iron signaling and iron redistribution from mature to developing tissues. We also uncovered an aspect of crosstalk between iron homeostasis and cadmium partitioning that is mediated by OPT3. Together, these discoveries provide promising avenues for targeted strategies directed at increasing iron while decreasing cadmium density in the edible portions of crops and improving agricultural productivity in iron deficient soils.

Reviews of Science for Science Librarians: Second-generation Biofuels Feedstock: Crop Wastes, Energy Grasses, and Forest Byproducts

With the goal of determining which plant materials—other than the edible portions of crops like corn, small grains, sugar cane, and vegetable oils—were being researched as alternative energy feedstocks, a search was performed on the topic of Biofuels within the Web of Science. An examination of article titles and keywords in the 50 most cited and 250 most recent biofuels articles disclosed 263 pertinent mentions of plants. Underutilized portions of crops already being grown for food or biofuels led, followed by inedible “energy” grasses. Residues from wood processing, inedible plant oils, and aquatic plants were less referenced.

Organic and inorganic fertilization effects on DTPA-extractable Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn, and their concentration in the edible portion of crops

SUMMARYThe application of organic composts to soil may affect the availability of micronutrients and their concentration in plants. The present field research study compared soil micronutrient extractability after 5 years of organic fertilization v. conventional inorganic fertilization. Iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were extracted from soil using diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) and the data obtained were compared with the concentration of these micronutrients in the edible portion of the crop. The study was carried out on a loam soil classified as a Xerofluvent. The soil was fertilized with composted plant residues or with conventional inorganic fertilizer and all treatments were replicated four times in a randomized complete block design. In all cases a crop rotational system was applied. The use of organic fertilization resulted in a higher extractability for all the elements studied; however, the micronutrient content in the edible part of the crops was variable depending on the plant species and element. Crop yields depended on the type of crop rather than the type of soil fertilization. The present study showed that the use of plant compost and the elimination of synthetic fertilizers result in an increase of Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn extractability compared to soil treated with inorganic fertilization, which should provide long-term fertility benefits.

Combating Human Micronutrient Deficiencies through Soil Management Practices that Enhance Bioavailability of Nutrients to Plants

Micronutrient malnutrition affects the health and well being of 3 billion people globally. Identifying means to improve the micronutrient density in the edible portions of crops is an important way to combat nutrient deficiencies. By studying how plants obtain micronutrients from the soil, we can develop methods to enhance uptake. Although more research is necessary, important farming methods include micronutrient and biofertilizers, crop rotations, organic matter management, and irrigation water fortification.

The role of arbuscular mycorrhizas in improving plant zinc nutrition under low soil zinc concentrations: a review

Many of the world’s soils are zinc (Zn) deficient. Consequently, many crops experience reduced growth, yield and tissue Zn concentrations. Reduced concentrations of Zn in the edible portions of crops have important implications for human Zn nutrition; this is a cause of global concern. Most terrestrial plant species form arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) with a relatively limited number of specialized soil fungi. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can take up nutrients, including Zn, and transfer them to the plant, thereby enhancing plant nutrition. Under high soil Zn concentrations the formation of AM can also ‘protect’ against the accumulation of Zn in plant tissues to high concentrations. Here, a short review focusing on the role of AM in enhancing plant Zn nutrition, principally under low soil Zn concentrations, is presented. Effects of Zn on the colonisation of roots by AMF, direct uptake of Zn by AMF, the role of AM in the Zn nutrition of field grown plants, and emerging aspects of Zn molecular physiology of AM, are explored. Emergent knowledge gaps are identified and discussed in the context of potential future research.

Efficacy of Bacterial or Fungal Soil Amendments on Vegetables Following Peanut

Amendment of soil with microorganisms during the growth cycle of one crop may affect development of succeeding crops. Species of Rhizobium bacteria or abuscular-mycorrhizal fungi were added alone to, or in combination with, potting soil in pots in a greenhouse. Controls were no amendments. Seed of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) were planted and two levels of a combination NPK fertilizer, the recommended and one-fourth the recommended rate, were applied. After harvest of peanut and remoistening of soil, seed of the bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) or navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were sown into the same planting medium in pots without additional inoculation with microbes. Dry weights of above-ground vegetative and edible portions of crops were determined. Inoculum type only affected peanut top and total dry weights. The recommended fertilizer level did not affect peanut yield but did cause improvement in bell pepper and navy bean yield over that of the deficient fertilizer rate. In field experiments, peanut was planted into soil receiving Rhizobium spp. bacteria, or arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungi alone or in combination. Controls consisted of no amendment. Only the recommended fertilizer rate was used. In the next 2 years, bell pepper or navy bean were established in plots without use of additional microbial amendment. Yields and nutrient contents of crops were determined. Type of inoculum did not affect yield or nutrient content in any crop. Bell pepper marketable yield was unaffected by year, and navy bean seed yield was higher in 2004 than in 2005. In both years, navy bean yields were below U.S. averages. Concentrations of most nutrients in edible portions of bell pepper and navy bean were lower in 2004 than in 2005. Results of the field trials were generally similar to those of greenhouse studies. Use of inocula did not provide substantial benefits to yield or nutrient content of peanut or vegetable crops that followed.