Endosperm Of Grains Research Articles

Compositions of Fungicides with Growth Regulators which Reduce the Retarding Effect of Crop Protectants

One of the reasons for the decrease in the yield of crops is the retardant effect of fungicides. In addition, many fungicides have a toxigenic effect on the mycelium of the fungus. The combination of a fungicide and a plant growth stimulant in a complex preparation can help to reduce the level of the negative effect of the pesticide. It is proposed to introduce individual growth regulators and their combination into the composition of the seed protectant in doses of 50, 100, 200 g/l. The length and the weight of the root and shoot of seedlings under the influence of the seed protectant were less than in the control, and the weight of the endosperm of grain was greater. Under the influence of the seed protectant and gibberellic acid, the length of the shoots corresponded to the control, but their weight was decreased. Indolylbutyric acid, added to the seed protectant, contributed to the effective consumption of spare substances of the endosperm of grain and root growth. Under the influence of the protectant and diphenylurea, the length and the weight of the shoot increased significantly in a balanced manner. The composition of the protectant and the named growth regulators in minimal doses affected the growth of the roots and shoots in the best way of all variants. Preference should be given to low doses of phytohormones and their combination.

Composition and Flowering Quality of Cacahuacintle Maize Populations from the High Valleys of Mexico.

Cacahuacintle is one of the maize types with great demand for pozole preparation; however, little is known about the variation in chemical composition and flowered grain quality among populations. Physicochemical characteristics, flowered grain quality, pasting properties, and starch microstructure were evaluated in 33 populations of Cacahuacintle maize collected in Valles Altos, Mexico. The seeds samples of corn were obtained in 2017 from local farmers in the states of Mexico, Puebla, and Tlaxcala. Results were analyzed under a completely randomized design, and the ANOVA, Tukey test, and principal components were obtained. The ANOVA showed significance (p ≤ 0.05) in 18 of the 22 variables evaluated. The TE-6, AM-7, and CA-6 populations were outstanding for the good quality of their protein, pasting viscosity, and flowered grain quality. Nine populations collected in Calimaya, estate of Mexico, and Serdan Valley, state of Puebla, presented excellent physical, pasting, and flowery grain characteristics, with reduced protein content and lysine and tryptophan values typical of maize with normal endosperm. The softness of the endosperm grain, starch microstructural, and pasting characteristics of Cacahuacintle maize populations have a fundamental role in reducing the time and increasing the flowered grain volume, properties that were different from those observed in the Chalqueño, included as dent maize check. Variations in grain quality among Cacahuacintle maize populations is an important genetic resource for the improvement of the nutritional and flowering quality of Cacahuacintle maize.

Embryo and Endosperm Phytochemicals from Polyembryonic Maize Kernels and Their Relationship with Seed Germination

Because of the growing worldwide demand for maize grain, new alternatives have been sought for breeding of this cereal, e.g., development of polyembryonic varieties, which agronomic performance could positively impact the grain yield per unit area, and nutritional quality. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the phytochemicals present in the embryo and endosperm of grain from maize families with high, low, and null polyembryony frequency, which were planted at different locations, and (2) state the relationship between these compounds and seed germination. The extracted phytochemicals from corn were identified by HPLC-MS. The results showed that the genotype with the highest presence of phytochemicals was the brachytic population with high polyembryony called “BAP”, which also required less water during the germination process. The number of phytochemicals in both embryo and endosperm tissues was not related to the sowing location where they came from or the type of polyembryony. The number of different phytochemicals depended on the grain tissue from where they were extracted. The chemical compounds found in the different maize tissues were related to the development of the plant, either in roots or nibs because these are mainly associated with the lignin synthesis.

Screening and identification of rice non-floury endosperm mutants with different starch components

Starch components determine rice quality and utilization. Rice floury endosperm grains have poor quality. In this study, we screened 27 non-floury endosperm mutants with different starch components from a mutant population derived from japonica rice variety Nipponbare using urea gelatinizing grain-iodine staining method. Nine mutants of MY03, MY12, MY16, MA06, MA15, MP09, MP20, MP31 and MP40 were chosen for identification of homozygous mutant and analysis of starch components and grain properties. The amylose content in single grain indicated that the screened mutants were homozygous and the stained solution color of gelatinized grain could reflect the starch components of brown rice grain. The MY03, MY12 and MY16 grains had altered amylopectin structures and exhibited high gelatinization temperatures and strong resistances to urea gelatinization. Compared with Nipponbare grains, MA06 and MA15 grains had very high amylose and lipid contents. The MP09, MP20, MP31 and MP40 grains had significantly lower amylose contents than Nipponbare grains. The screened mutants had similar grain transparency to Nipponbare. This study provided a method reference for rapidly screening rice non-floury endosperm mutants from thousands of mutant lines, and the screened mutants were important genetic materials for revealing starch synthesis and regulation and good germplasm resources for rice quality breeding.

EFFECT OF WATER-HEAT TREATMENT ON SPELT GRAIN FLOUR QUALITY

Studies have shown that the ash content of products after the first grinding was lower compared to the the second grinding. This is due to a decrease in the quality of intermediate product coming to the second grinding. The variation coefficients of analytical replicates for the results after the first grinding varied from 4,65 to 14,18, and for the results after the second grinding - from 2,44 to 13,43. This indicates little or slight variation. Therefore, the average data from the study results can be used for mathematical modeling. The theory of correct distribution of the sample data was rejected, and therefore the relationship between the parameters of water-heat treatment and ash content of flour was carried out using nonparametric statistics (determining Spearman correlation coefficient). With 95 % probability, it can be argued that there was an inverse correlation between the water-heat treatment parameters and ash content. The lowest ash content of flour after the first grinding of spelt grain can be obtained with the highest grain moisture content and the maximum duration of its softening. The correlation and influence of the factors were determined using beta and partial correlation coefficients. For the first grinding, the highest moisture content and influence on the flour ash content had the grain moisture content before grinding. The effect of moisture on milling products during the second pass resulted in a greater impact compared with softening duration. In general, flour ash content in a production using two milling systems is mostly influenced by grain moisture content. Obviously it can be explained by the fact that the formation of microcracks in a bruchid endosperm depends on the tensile forces between water and its structural parts. Moisture increase weakens the bonds between shells and endosperm of grain, which helps them to better separate during the second grinding. Therefore, the response of spelt wheat grain to water-heat treatment is similar to the known regimes for the soft type of soft wheat grain. The tendency of flour whiteness change, depending on the modes of water-heat treatment, varied similarly to the ash content.

Вплив позакореневого підживлення рослин пивоварного ячменю на структуру консистенції ендосперму зерна

Goal. To study the effect of a foliar top dressing of plants during the growing season with micronutrient «Vuksal» (on different backgrounds of mineral fertilizer) on malting quality of spring barley in the parameters of consistency of endosperm of the grain. Methods. Scientific: hypothesis, abstraction, modeling, observation, comparison, generalization, concretization; special: field — to establish the differences between the variants of experience, assessment of action factors on malting quality; laboratory — technical analysis to determine the consistency of the endosperm of barley grain; mathematical and statistical — dispersion multi-rank Duncan criterion for assessment of the factors included in the experiment. Results. The effectiveness is shown of a foliar top dressing of plants with micronutrient «Vuksal». It stabilizes the malting quality of the harvest. The dependence is fixed of the structure consistency of the endosperm of the grain on the technological scheme of the used agricultural measures. Conclusions. Maximum results were achieved at the use of the scheme with a 3-time foliar top dressing of plants of barley with micronutrient «Vuksal R Max» in the phase of tillering, «Vuksal Grain» in the phenological stages of stem elongation and early flowering. On the background of mineral nutrition with N30P45K45 (1-time dose — 1.5 l/hectare), they obtained the least amount of half- vitreous grains — 3%. On the background of mineral nutrition with N60P90K90 (1-time dose — 2 l/hectare), the least amount of half- vitreous grains was 4.2%. The double application of foliar top dressing of barley plants in the phenolo­gical stages of stem elongation and early flowering with micronutrient «Vuksal Grain» also contributed to the improvement of malting quality of grain. On the background of mineral nutrition with N30P45K45, the amount of half-vitreous grains was less than 3.5% as compared to the control, where the rate was 4.2%. On the background of mineral nutrition with N60P90K90, the amount of such grain was 5.8%, and 5% less than in the control variant.

Dry milling grain quality changes in Argentinean maize genotypes released from 1965 to 2016

Argentina is one of the most important maize producers worldwide, and is internationally known for producing hard endosperm maize. The physicochemical characteristics of the maize grain directly affects the milling yield of large endosperm grits, the main dry milling product, and specific grain quality values are demanded by industry. Argentinean traditional maize grains used to have optimum hardness quality for dry milling, but higher yielding newer commercial genotypes slowly moved from hard endosperm flints to semi-dent or dent softer endosperm grain type. Our objective was to describe how grain hardness and composition changed in commercial maize genotypes released in Argentina from 1965 to 2016 as an indirect breeding effect when selecting for on-farm yield. Measured traits were yield, individual grain weight, dry milling quality (test weight, floaters, grain vitreousness, 8 mm screen retention), and composition (oil, protein, starch).There were clear genotype differences in yield (p < 0.001), and they were positively correlated with release year at a rate of 113 kg ha−1 yr-1 (consistent with previous studies). Grain quality and composition traits also showed significant genotype effects (p < 0.001), and traits were also correlated with the genotype market release year. When estimating the average genetic gain across environments and stand density treatments, test weight decreased from 79.1 to 76.0 kg hL−1, grain vitreousness decreased from 100 to 0%, screen retention decreased from 65 to 37%, oil concentration decreased from 5.1 to 4.7%, and protein concentration decreased from 11.6 to 8.7%, while floaters increased from 2 to 31% and starch concentration increased from 69.8 to 72.3%. As such, Argentinean grain hardness and protein concentration declined when selecting higher yielding genotypes. The largest grain hardness changes occurred between mid-1980 and 2000, and current commercial genotypes do not have optimum dry milling quality. This helps understand why the dry milling industry started selecting specific genotypes in the 1990s, and is solely relying on genotypes specially released for dry milling purposes since early 2000s. Consequences of the observed trade-offs between grain hardness and protein concentration with yield for the dry milling industry are discussed.

Pyrophosphate: fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase (PFP) regulates carbon metabolism during grain filling in rice.

Key messageDecreased PFPase activity in rice perturbs the equilibration of carbon metabolism during grain filling but has no visible phenotypic effects during the vegetative and reproductive growth stages.Starch is a primary energy reserve for various metabolic processes in plant. Despite much advance has been achieved in pathways involved in starch biosynthesis, information was still lacked for precise regulation related to carbon metabolism during seed filling in rice (Oryza sativa). The objective of this study was to identify and characterize new gene associated with carbon metabolism during grain filling. By screening our chemical mutant pool, two allelic mutants exhibiting floury endosperm were isolated. No visible phenotypic defects were observed during both the vegetative and reproductive growth stages, except for the floury-like endosperm of grains with significantly reduced kernel thickness, 1000-grain weight and total starch content. Map-based cloning revealed that the mutant phenotypes were controlled by a gene encoding pyrophosphate: fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase (PFP, EC 2.7.1.90) β subunit (PFPβ), which catalyzes reversible interconversion between fructose-6-phosphate and fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate. The identity of PFPβ was further confirmed by a genetic complementation test. Subcellular analysis demonstrated that PFPβ was localized in cytoplasm. Quantitative PCR and histochemical staining indicated PFPβ was ubiquitously expressed in various tissues. Furthermore, we found PFPβ could express in both the early and late phases of starch accumulation during grain filling and decreased activity of PFPβ in pfp mutants resulted in compromised carbon metabolism with increased soluble sugar contents and unfavorable starch biosynthesis. Our results highlight PFPβ functions in modulating carbon metabolism during grain filling stage.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00299-016-1964-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Stable radicals and biochemical compounds in embryos and endosperm of wheat grains differentiating sensitive and tolerant genotypes – EPR and Raman studies

The aim of this study was to uncover the specific species in grains that might differentiate the wheat genotypes according to their tolerance to oxidative stress. Measurements by EPR and Raman spectroscopy techniques were used to examine whole grains and their parts (embryo, endosperm, seed coat) originating from four wheat genotypes with differing tolerance to drought stress.Raman spectra showed that, in spite of the similar amounts of proteins in whole grains from tolerant and sensitive genotypes, in tolerant ones they were accumulated mainly in embryos. Moreover, in embryos from these grains, a higher content of unsaturated fatty acids was observed. Endosperm of grains from the tolerant genotype, richer with starch than that of sensitive one, exhibited higher content of amylopectin. Detailed analysis of EPR signals and simulation procedures of the spectra allowed the estimation of the nature of interactions of Fe(III) and Mn(II) with organic and inorganic structures of grains and the character of organic stable radicals. Three types of these radicals: carbohydrate, semiquinone and phenoxyl, were identified. The amounts of these radicals were higher in grains of sensitive genotypes, mostly because of differences in carbohydrate radical content in endosperm. Taking into account the level of radical concentration and greater capacity for radical formation in grains from plants of lower tolerance to stress, the content of radicals, especially of a carbohydrate nature, was considered as a marker of the plant resistance to stress conditions.

Productividad de híbridos varietales de maíz de grano amarillo para valles altos de México.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity of non-conventional intervarietal maize hybrids with yellow endosperm grain with respect to their parental varieties. At the National Institute for Forestry, Agricultural and livestock Research (INIFAP) and the Faculty of Superior Studios Cuautitlan, of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (FESC-UNAM), early maize varieties of yellow grain were generated. In the year 2010, combinations with two single crosses were carried out. In 2012, 15 genotypes were evaluated in three uniform experiments, with three repetitions. Two trials were planted in the FESC-UNAM, and the other one in the Experimental Station of Valley of Mexico. The combined analysis detected differences highly significant to the variable performance in genotypes, environments and the interaction genotype x environment. The best non-conventional combination of single cross x variety, CS156 x V 54 A (6,796 kg/ha), yielded 38% more than V-54 A (4918 kg/ha) and the second best combination (CS156 x V 55), yielded 6,204 kg / ha, which was superior by 17.3% compared to its progenitor variety V-55 A (5,288 kg/ha). The grain yield was increased by crossing the improved varieties with the single crosses. This represents an alternative to offer genotypes with greater productive capacity while maintaining its same maturity and with ease for the supply of maize seed for the farmers.

Differentiation reсombinant line of the sweet corn on parameter of the combinational ability

Materials and methods. The brought results of the study to combinational ability on productivities cob 30 recombinant sweet line got as a result combinational-tranсrationale to breeding between sample of the sweet corn and carrier specific gene biosynthesis carbohydrate in endosperm grain. The Evaluated lines are differentiated on parameter effect to general combinational ability (OKS), constants and variance specific (SKS) when undertaking the studies in contrasting condition growing (2012-2013 gg.) north Steppe Ukraine.Results. They Are Chosen valuable in genetic attitude of the lines РКЦ18, РКЦ35, РКЦ98, РКЦ83, РКЦ83-2, which are characterized high and stable estimation effect OKS and variance SKS, as well as lines РКЦ17, РКЦ34, РКЦ310, РКЦ49 with high general combinational ability and average and volatile specific.The Level of the manifestation of the specific particularities of the shaping to productivities under combining line with different combinational ability condition, as a rule, genotype best on this factor line, which capable reorientation system to genetic organization of the rule-oriented process of the most worst component of the crossbreeding both when making new line, and at syntheses hybrid. The Best results are herewith received when use the forms with high parameter of the combinational ability.The chosen high productive to hybrid combinations of the sweet corn vastly exceed average populate importance as well as level of the standard - an average early (FAO 250) of the hybrid Konkurent (13,28 and 12,42 t/ga) on productivities cob on 2,62-6,46 and on 1,42-4,90 t/ga in 2012 and 2013. The High level heterosis beside them provided combining line with high genetic value with tester both with high, and average and low combinational ability. In genotype F1 these hybrid has occurred the co-ordination and genome maternal and father component of the crossbreeding and their harmonizationгармонизация that has conditioned the accumulation in hybrid organism favorable acting on sign alleles, which with high expression check the manifestation positive heterosis. They have a prospect of the use in facilities of the different property categories for production high valuable vegetable product.

Ozone treatment efficiency on Fusarium graminearum and deoxynivalenol degradation and its effects on whole wheat grains (Triticum aestivum L.) quality and germination

The contamination of wheat grains by Fusarium graminearum is directly associated with deoxynivalenol (DON) production. In order to overcome fungal growth, ozone gas (O3) has been widely used in food laboratory trials, but the application of O3 at high doses may affect grain quality attributes. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of O3 treatment on wheat grains artificially contaminated by F. graminearum and DON. In addition, several physical and biochemical properties after treatment were investigated. The tests were performed in laboratory pilot cylinders containing grains, divided into control groups (no O3 gas) and treated groups (40 and 60 μmol/mol), which were exposed for 30, 60, 120 and 180 min. After 30 min of O3 exposure, F. graminearum showed significant growth reduction at both concentrations, complete inhibition occurring after 180 min. With regard to mycotoxins, the DON levels of pericarp and endosperm grain were depleted and after 120 min of exposure, DON was eliminated from both grain portions. Afterward, physical and biochemical analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the carboxyl contents of control and treated wheat starches only after 180 min of O3 exposure. X-ray diffraction (XRD), lipid peroxidation, total protein profile and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) did not reflect any significant differences after O3 treatment. The application of O3 treatment only affected wheat germination after 180 min of exposure, reducing germination capacity by 12.5%. Additionally, there were no changes with respect to the length of the coleoptile or seminal root of germinated wheat seeds. In summary, O3 gas was effective against fungal growth and caused DON degradation, especially after 120 min at 60 μmol/mol concentration, without causing physical and biochemical changes in whole wheat grains.

Identification and characterization of granule bound starch synthase (GBSS-I) from common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)

Starch grains present in the endosperm of grains of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) show a monomodal distribution with size ranging from 4 to 10 μm. SDS-PAGE analysis of starch granule bound proteins revealed the presence of a single band corresponding to molecular mass of 59.7 kDa. The protein is localized within the central core of the starch grains. Antisera raised against the 59.7 kDa protein cross reacted with the 61 kDa GBSS-I from endosperm starches of maize and the 60 kDa GBSS-I from endosperm starches of rice and wheat, thereby indicating serological homology between the 59.7 kDa buckwheat starch granule bound protein and GBSS-I of wheat, maize and rice. 2D-PAGE of starch granule bound proteins of common buckwheat resolved the fraction into 7 spots with pI ranging from 5.2 to 5.6. N-terminal amino acid sequence for 25 residues of two immunoreactive proteins separated by 2D PAGE showed 94 % homology with N-terminal amino acid sequence of GBSS-I from Hordeum vulgare, Triticum spp. and Phaseolus vulgaris. Even though analysis of the sequence alignment revealed a clear diversification into monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous groups, the protein from buckwheat showed similarities with GBSS-I from both dicots as well as monocots. As is the case with dicots, the sequence of GBSS-I from buckwheat has valine as the 11th residue. GBSS-I from majority of monocots has methionine at this position. The sequence also showed similarities with monocots with valine at P’5 from the N-terminus. GBSS-I from majority of dicots has isoleucine at this position. The significance of these substitution remains to be ascertained.

Changes in NMR Relaxation of Rice Grains, Kernel Quality and Physicochemical Properties in Response to a High Temperature after Flowering in Heat-Tolerant and Heat-Sensitive Rice Cultivars

Rice productivity is related to the ability of plants to adapt to heat stress. The heat-tolerant cultivars ‘Nikomaru’ and ‘Chikushi 64’ and heat-sensitive cultivar ‘Hinohikari’ were grown at 30ºC and 25ºC for 49 days after flowering. At 30ºC, only a few white immature kernels were produced in ‘Nikomaru’ and ‘Chikushi 64’, but about 22% of grains had immature kernels in ‘Hinohikari’. The high temperature(30ºC) caused no significant changes in grain dry weight, water content, and the NMR T1 value during the early ripening stage in ‘Nikomaru’ and ‘Chikushi 64’. It also did not affect grain development, especially with respect to the nucellar epidermis, in ‘Nikomaru’ and ‘Chikushi 64’, but caused clear cessation of development of the nucellar epidermis at 14 days after flowering in ‘Hinohikari’. In addition, high temperature decreased the amylose content and increased hardnessvs. adhesion ratio of cooked rice in both ‘Nikomaru’ and ‘Chikushi 64’ resulting a softer, less sticky texture, but not in ‘Hinohikari’. The maximum viscosity and breakdown values were increased, and final viscosity decreased at 30ºC in all three cultivars. These results suggested that starch in the endosperm of grains changed from a fluid state to a doughy state more slowly in ‘Nikomaru’ and ‘Chikushi 64’ than in ‘Hinohikari’, in which the water content and NMR relaxation time decreased, and transported assimilates accumulated slowly during grain development.

Corn Grain Endosperm Type and Brown Midrib 3 Corn Silage: Feeding Behavior and Milk Yield of Lactating Cows

Interactions of endosperm type of corn grain and the brown midrib 3 mutation (bm3) in corn silage on feeding behavior, productivity, energy balance, and plasma metabolites of lactating dairy cows were evaluated. Eight ruminally and duodenally cannulated cows (72±8 d in milk; mean±SD) were used in a duplicated 4×4 Latin square design experiment with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments were corn grain endosperm type (floury or vitreous), and corn silage type (bm3 or isogenic control). Diets contained 26% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and 30% starch. Floury endosperm grain decreased dry matter intake (DMI) 1.9kg/ d compared with vitreous grain when combined with control corn silage but did not affect DMI when combined with bm3 corn silage. This interaction of treatments occurred because of changes in meal size; floury endosperm grain decreased meal size in control silage diets but increased meal size in bm3 corn silage diets. Ruminal pool sizes reflected DMI differences among diets, suggesting that ruminal fill was not the primary limitation on intake. Brown midrib 3 corn silage reduced rumination time per day and number of rumination bouts per day. Floury endosperm grain decreased 3.5% fat-corrected milk by 1.2kg/d when combined with control silage but increased 3.5% fat-corrected milk by 2.1kg/d when combined with bm3 corn silage. Starch and fiber digestibility interact to affect feeding behavior and milk production and production response to bm3 corn silage depends on the grain source that is fed.

Modification patterns in germinating barley—malting II

Modification refers to breaking down of cell walls and the conversion of starch-to-sugars in the endosperm of grains by the action of enzymes released from the aleurone layer and possibly the scutellum during germination. Experimentalists have observed two completely different modification patterns in germinating barley. Based on an enzyme reaction, strongly nonlinear diffusion model developed in Part I of this series of papers on malting we examine simple models which predict modifications patterns similar to both observed patterns. We show that one of the observed patterns represents a natural propagation mode that acts as an attractor for the system. The speed of approach to this mode is strongly effected by initial conditions, a consequence of the enzymic nature of the reaction and the dramatic change of diffusivity brought about by the reaction.

Potential health benefits of Golden Rice: a Philippine case study

Golden Rice has been genetically modified to produce beta-carotene in the endosperm of grain. It could improve the vitamin A status of deficient food consumers, especially women and children in developing countries. This paper analyses potential impacts in a Philippine context. Since the technology is still at the stage of R&D, benefits are simulated with a scenario approach. Health effects are quantified using the methodology of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Golden Rice will not completely eliminate the problems of vitamin A deficiency, such as blindness or increased mortality. Therefore, it should be seen as a complement rather than a substitute for alternative micronutrient interventions. Yet the technology could bring about significant benefits. Depending on the underlying assumptions, annual health improvements are worth between US$ 16 and 88 million, and rates of return on R&D investments range between 66% and 133%. Due to the uncertainty related to key parameters, these results should be treated as preliminary.

Potential health benefits of Golden Rice: a Philippine case study

Golden Rice has been genetically modified to produce beta-carotene in the endosperm of grain. It could improve the vitamin A status of deficient food consumers, especially women and children in developing countries. This paper analyses potential impacts in a Philippine context. Since the technology is still at the stage of R&D, benefits are simulated with a scenario approach. Health effects are quantified using the methodology of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Golden Rice will not completely eliminate the problems of vitamin A deficiency, such as blindness or increased mortality. Therefore, it should be seen as a complement rather than a substitute for alternative micronutrient interventions. Yet the technology could bring about significant benefits. Depending on the underlying assumptions, annual health improvements are worth between US$ 16 and 88 million, and rates of return on R&D investments range between 66% and 133%. Due to the uncertainty related to key parameters, these results should be treated as preliminary.

Traditional processing of high-tannin sorghum grain in Uganda and its effect on tannin, protein digestibility, and rat growth

In the southern highlands of Uganda and neighboring areas, where high-tannin sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] types with soft endosperm grains are extensively grown, a unique traditional technology was evolved to process high-tannin grains before they are consumed. This technology, which is simple and uses locally available material, involves mixing high-tannin grains with wood-ash slurry, followed by soaking the grains in water overnight. The grains are then germinated for 3-4 days, dried in the sun, cleaned, and ground into flour. This wood ash treatment is shown to effectively detoxify the grain and improve the nutritional quality up to the level of low-tannin grains. The traditional technology to process high-tannin sorghum is described, and its simplicity and effectiveness in detoxification and nutritional quality improvement are demonstrated.

Effect of Time of Evaluation on Alkali Spreading Values

The gelatinization temperature of the endosperm starch, a test of rice cooking quality, is estimated by the extent of spreading and clearing of milled rice treated with a 1.7% solution of potassium hydroxide for 23 h at 30 degrees Celsius. Grain with low gelatinization temperature dissolves completely; the endosperm of grain with intermediate gelatinization temperature spreads partially; rices with high gelatinization temperature are essentially unaffected. The effect of time of exposure was studied in the alkaline test using 41 Argentinian and United States varieties and lines of rices with alkali spreading values ranging from 2.62 to 7 in a random split-plot design with 3 replications. The alkali test was evaluated at 6, 12, 18, and 23 h following the original method. No significant difference in the varietal reaction was noted between alkali exposure at 18 and at 23 h.