Faba Bean Seeds Research Articles

EFFECT OF SOME ORGANIC MATERIALS ON PRODUCTION OF WHEAT AND FABA BEAN PLANTS GROWN ON TWO DIFFERENT SOILS

Two pots experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions to study the effect of five organic soil amendments: Bitumen (Bit), Saw dust (SD), Farm yard manure (FYM), Chicken manure (CM) and Compost (Com) on yield, yield components and chemical components of wheat and faba bean plants grown on two different soils. The organic materials were used at rate of 20 Mg fad.-1 (2%). In the first (wheat exp.) and second experiments (faba bean exp.), Ordinary super phosphate at a rate of 13.1 kg p fad-1 and Potassium sulphate at a rate of 41.5 kg k fad-1 were added to both soils before planting, while ammonium sulphate was added after planting at the rates of 75 and 30 kg N fad.-1 to wheat and faba bean plants, respectively. The applied nitrogen was divided into three doses, the first dose was applied after planting (15 days) and the second and the third doses were added at tillering and booting stages (after 45 and 70 days, respectively) in the first experiment, while in the second experiment the added nitrogen was divided into two doses, the first dose was applied after planting and the second dose was added at tillering stage (45 days after planting). The results showed that the chicken manure treatment gave the greatest value for each of straw, grains of wheat, seeds of faba bean, roots dry weight, 1000-wheat grain and 1000-faba bean seed weights, biological yield, Harvest Index (%) and NPK uptake for wheat and faba bean plants grown in both of soil as compared to the other organic treatments. The greatest values of protein content were obtained for wheat and faba bean plants when treated with (CM) and found true in both soils under study. The superiority of used organic amendments effect on all the studied parameters can be arranged in the following descending order: CM > FYM > Com > Bit > SD > Control.

Hydro-Priming Effects on Seed Germination and Field Performance of Faba Bean in Spring Sowing

Seed priming has been used to advance germination and stand in several crops, but relevant research on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is scarce. Laboratory and field trials were carried out for two years to study the effect of hydro-priming on faba bean germination and field performance in spring sowing. In laboratory trials, the effects of hydro-priming for 0, 8, 16, 24, 36, and 48 h on final germination percentage, germination speed, Timson’s germination index, mean germination time, mean daily germination, synchronization index, and seedling vigor index were studied. All hydro-priming treatments improved germination parameters of faba bean seeds, except for final germination percentage and mean daily germination compared with non-primed seeds. Averaged over priming duration treatments, hydro-priming improved germination speed by 16.2%, germination synchrony by 20.7%, and seedling vigor index by 13.4%. All hydro-priming durations improved germination synchrony, while hydro-priming for 8, 16, and 24 h provided the highest values of germination speed (2.56, 2.58, and 2.37 seeds day−1, respectively). Hydro-priming for 8 and 16 h provided the lowest values of mean germination time (5.81 and 5.96 days, respectively). In field trials, hydro-priming periods of 0, 8, 16, and 24 h were compared. On average, seed hydro-priming did not affect significantly seedling emergence 14 days after sowing in the first year, but significantly improved seedling emergence by 34.4% in the second year. No significant effect of seed hydro-priming was noted in the number of plants at 28 and 35 days after sowing. Seed priming for 8 h resulted in higher fresh weight at anthesis by 22.3% and 8.6% in the first and the second year, respectively, than the non-primed control. Similarly, seed priming for 8 h provided higher seed yield by 12.0% in the first year and by 5.9% in the second year compared with non-primed control. Overall, seed hydro-priming accelerated faba bean germination and seedling emergence, but the magnitude of the response was associated with the environment and was more evident under limited soil moisture after sowing, whereas the beneficial effect of priming was masked when rainfall followed sowing. Similarly, the beneficial effect of priming on seed yield was more pronounced with limited soil moisture after anthesis.

Vegetative Characteristics and Nutritional Components of A New Line (Dwarf) As Compared with Three Commercial Genotypes of Faba Bean الخصائص الخضریة والمکونات الغذائیة لسلالة الفول الجدیدة (دوارف) بالمقارنة مع ثلاثة تراکیب وراثیة تجاریة من الفول البلدى.

Seeds of Dwarf as a new bean line were subjected to comparing with three commercial genotypes; Assiut 142, Giza 3 and Romy 80 in some vegetative characteristics and nutritional components. The cooking quality and chemical composition as well as, preparation of biscuit with 10% and 20% of whole faba bean seeds flour from the above four genotypes were investigated. The results showed that faba bean seeds are good source of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, minerals and protein, in addition to phenolics and flavonoids compounds. The abundant minerals in the faba bean seeds were magnesium, calcium and phosphorus with among the other minerals. Amino acids analysis showed that faba bean seeds protein is rich in some essential amino acids, such as Lysine, Isoleucine and Leucine. Based on the study results it could be mentioned that Dwarf faba bean as a new line considered as an acceptable to be consumed directly or after processing.

Physiological role of thiamine and weed control treatments on faba bean and associated weeds grown under salt affected soil

Background and objectiveSalinity stress is an important abiotic stress that affect adversely on crop production, so using of natural compounds to improve plant tolerance to stress is very important.Materials and methodsTwo field experiments were conducted during two winter seasons of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 at Tag El-Ezz Research Station of Agricultural Research Centre, Dakahliea Egypt. Field evaluation of the efficiency of weed-control treatments (unweeded, oxadiargyl, and two hand hoeing) and thiamine levels (0, 50, 75, and 100 mg/l) and their interactive effects on weeds, faba bean growth, yield, yield attributes, and some biochemical constitutes of seeds under salinity levels (1.37, 3.31, and 4.51 dS m−1).ResultsData revealed that number and dry weight of broad-leaved, narrow-leaved, and total weeds were significantly reduced by increasing salinity levels of soil from 1.37 to 4.51 dS m−1. In addition, the highest salinity level 4.51 dS m−1 caused the highest significant decreases in growth, yield, and yield attributes of faba bean. Meanwhile, increasing salinity level from 1.3 to 4.51 dS m−1caused significant increases in total soluble sugar, free amino acids, and proline contents of faba bean plant. Two hand hoeing treatment achieved the highest weed depression expressed in the lowest dry matter of total weeds. Also, two hand hoeing was the most effective weed control treatment in increasing growth, yield, yield attributes, and some biochemical constitutes of faba bean seeds followed by of oxadiargyl treatment. No significant differences between application of two hand-hoeing and oxadiargyl treatment on all studied parameters. Foliar treatment of faba bean plants with thiamine different concentrations could alleviate the harmful effects of different salinity levels.ConclusionWe could conclude that foliar application of thiamine at the rate of 100 mg/l caused the highest increases in all growth and yield parameters under investigation of faba bean plant. Interaction of 100 mg/l thiamine treatment and two hand hoeing was the most effective treatments on enhancing faba bean growth, yield, and its attributes under salinity levels. Results also indicated that free amino and proline works to increase faba bean plants ability to withstand salinity stress.

EFFECT OF GAMMA RADIATION ON PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN FABA BEAN (Vicia faba L.)

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of gamma radiationon phytochemical compounds in faba bean. Samples of faba bean seeds were exposed to gammaradiation at doses of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 kGy. Then the contents of total phenolic andflavonoid compounds in non-irradiated and irradiated samples were determined. The contents of totalphenolic compounds in samples of non-irradiated faba bean was found to be 220.55 ± 0.040 μg gallicacid equivalent/g dry matter, while the total flavonoids in non-irradiated samples were found to be106.33 ± 0.450 μg quercetin equivalent/g dry matter. Exposing faba bean seeds to ascending doses ofgamma irradiation induced significant gradual increases in the contents of total phenolic and flavonoidcontents. The maximum increases were observed in samples irradiated at dose of 9 kGy showingincrease by about 183% and 283% in phenolic and flavonoid contents, respectively. Based on theseresults, phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the ethanolic extracts of non- irradiated faba bean seedsand those irradiated at dose of 9 kGy were fractionated and quantified by High Performance LiquidChromatography (HPLC). The results showed that 21 phenolic and 14 flavonoid compounds couldbe separated and quantified from the extract of non-irradiated faba bean seeds by HPLC. The samecompounds were identified in the extract of seeds irradiated at 9 kGy dose but at increasedconcentrations. The effect of gamma irradiation on the contents of macronutrients in seeds as well astheir water absorption properties was also determined. Significant differences were observed in theproximate chemical composition between samples of non-irradiated faba beans and those irradiated atdoses up to 10 kGy. However, irradiation treatments generally induced slight, but statisticallysignificant, increases in the values of water absorption properties as measured gravimetrically(hydration properties) and volumetrically (swelling properties). From the obtained results for totalphenolic and flavonoid contents in non-irradiated and irradiated faba bean, it is clear that irradiationdose of 9 kGy can be selected as an optimal dose for increasing of these phytochemicals in faba bean.

Alleviation of cadmium-induced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity by calcium chloride in faba bean (Vicia faba L. var. minor) roots.

Alleviation of cadmium-induced root genotoxicity and cytotoxicity by calcium chloride (CaCl2) in faba bean (Vicia faba L. var. minor) seedlings were studied. Faba bean seeds were treated with H2O or 2% CaCl2 for 6h before germination. Seeds were then exposed to 0 and 50µM CdCl2 concentrations for 7days. Genotoxic damaging effects of Cd was examined through the determination of the mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations (CA) and micronucleus (MN) in the meristem cells of faba bean roots. Similarly, effects of Cd stress on metal accumulation, total membrane lipid contents, total fatty acid composition (TFA), lipid peroxidation as indicated by malondialdehyde production, soluble protein and non-protein thiols (NP-SH) contents, hydrogen peroxide production and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) were evaluated after 7days of Cd stress in the seedling roots. Cd stress resulted in the reduction of MI, in addition toMN formation and CA induction in the roots of non-primed seeds (treated with H2O). Moreover, Cd induced lipid peroxidation, H2O2 overproduction and loss of membrane lipid amount and soluble protein content, and changes in the TFA composition in roots of faba bean seedlings. SOD activity declined, but CAT and GPX activities increased. However, seed pre-treatment with CaCl2 attenuated the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of Cd on Vicia faba roots. The results showed that CaCl2 induced reduction of Cd accumulation, improved cell membrane stability and increased the antioxidant defence systems, thus reducing and alleviating Cd genotoxicity and oxidative damage.

Response of Rhizobium-Faba Bean Symbiosis System to Rhizobacterial Inoculation and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi under Graded Levels of Natural Rock Phosphate in Sandy Soil

Two field trials were conducted during two winter growing seasons of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018, using drip irrigation system. The target of this study was to evaluate the response of Rhizobium-faba bean symbiosis system to rhizobacterial inoculation (Serratia marcescens and Bacillus megaterium) and AM-fungi under graded levels of natural rock phosphate (15,30 and 45 kg P2O5/fed).The experimental design was arranged in a completely randomized block design with four replicates. The number and dry weight of nodules, N2-ase activity, plant height, dry weight of shoot and their contents of N, P and K ,the number of pods plant-1 and the number of seeds pod-1as well as 100-seed weight, the biological yield, seed yield and seed crude protein percentage were evaluated. The study was also concerned with the impacts of such microbial inocula and rock phosphate on dehydrogenase and phosphatase activities in soil rhizosphere. The obtained results elicited that the uninoculated plants were poorly nodulated. While, inoculating faba bean seeds with efficient Rhizobium exerted great improvement in nodulation status and N2-ase activity. The microbiological properties of rhizosphere soil, which expressed by dehydrogenase enzyme activity and the activity of phosphatases displayed higher response to applied biofertilizers. In fact, the splendid effect was observed with the use of inoculation approach (mixture of Rhizobium, Serratia, Bacillus and AM-fungi), which caused promotive impression in nodulation, the activity of rhizosphere soil enzymes, plant growth aspects and all faba bean yield charactersin relative to other combinations or plants inoculated with Rhizobium only. Irrespective of inoculation, there is an increase in nodulation status, all vegetative growth characters, the activity of rhizosphere soil enzymes and faba bean yield with increasing natural rock-phosphate rate from 60 to 180 kg/fed(15 to 45 kg P2O5/fed).Hence, data confirmed the superiority of treatment comprising (Rhizobium conjugated mixture of PGPR's and AM-fungi)in combination with 30 or 45 kg P2O5/fed, which surpassed the other tested combinations and caused a significant augmentation in all studied faba bean parameters. While, inoculation with Rhizobium combined with PGPRs or AM-fungi and fertilized with 45 kg P2O5/fed came in the second rank. Obtained findings displayed a considerable evidence that inoculation of faba bean seeds with Rhizobium combined with a mixture of rhizobacteria may revealing a good practice for improving faba bean growth and yield characters and leading to healthier food, particularly when this practice supported by effective AM-fungi and natural rock phosphate (30 kg P2O5/fed).

Seed priming with calcium chloride improves the photosynthesis performance of faba bean plants subjected to cadmium stress

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) seeds were treated with H2O [nonprimed (NP)] or 2% CaCl2 [primed (P)] before germination for 6 h. After seven days, seedlings were exposed to 0 or 50 µM CdCl2 concentrations for three weeks. Under Cd treatment, P plants showed an improvement of gas-exchange characteristics, chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoids contents as compared to NP plants subjected to Cd stress. Additionally, the values of Chl fluorescence were relatively similar to those of control, implying that no photodamage occurred. Moreover, under 50 µM Cd, the P plants exhibited lesser accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals in leaves as compared to NP plants. Likewise, results showed that CaCl2-seed pretreatment alleviated adverse effects of Cd on electrolyte leakage. In conclusion, CaCl2 improved photosynthesis attributes of faba bean plants subjected to Cd stress by mitigating the adverse effects of Cd toxicity through a reduced generation of reactive oxygen species.

Utility of TRAP markers to determine indel mutation frequencies induced by gamma-ray irradiation of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) seeds

Purpose: The aims were to determine the optimal gamma ray dose for faba bean (Vicia faba) and to identify genetic variation and indel mutation frequency among mutants using target region amplification polymorphism (TRAP) markers.Materials and methods: Seeds from 10 elite lines were irradiated with gamma rays (50–700 Gy), and germination, survival rate, and representative morphological traits were measured. The extent of DNA damage was investigated using comet assays, and TRAP markers were used to evaluate genetic variation, genetic diversity, and mutation frequencies.Results: Germination percentages significantly decreased at doses >100 Gy. Survival percentages and morphological traits decreased with elevation in dose. The comet assays revealed that high irradiation doses decreased head DNA levels. Phylogenetic and principal component analysis of 555 individual faba bean plants resolved eight major groups. Genetic variation between controls and mutants was limited to within groups. Mutation frequencies were associated with gamma dose in each mutant line.Conclusions: The optimal gamma dose was 100–150 Gy on the basis of survival percentage and morphological response analysis. The TRAP markers distinguished mutant lines and showed association between mutation frequency and gamma doses. This study will be useful for faba bean mutation breeding and may be applicable to other crops.

The Effect of Potassium and Sulfur Fertilization on Seed Quality of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

Faba bean seeds are regarded as a highly valuable protein source for human and animal nutrition. High yield and quality of faba bean require adequate mineral nutrition. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of potassium (K) and elemental sulfur (S) on crude protein (CP) and tannin content (TC) in seeds, crude protein yield (CPY), and amino acid (AA) composition. Field trials were carried out during 2010–2013 in the temperate climate of Central Europe. The study assessed the influence of the following factors: variable soil K content and fertilization (K1, K2, K3, and K4) and elemental S application (0, 25, and 50 kg S ha−1). Plants were harvested at two growth stages to obtain immature seeds and mature seeds. K and S applications did not have a significant impact on CP and AA composition, including sulfur AA content. The TC decreased in response to increasing content of plant-available K in soil. In respect to CPY, the results indicate a positive response of faba bean to increasing K content in soil. The effect of S fertilization depended on the K treatment. The most beneficial influence of S on CPY was registered on K-poor soil.

Effects of replacing soybean meal with raw or extruded blends containing faba bean or lupin seeds on nitrogen metabolism and performance of dairy cows

The objective was to test the effects of replacing soybean meal in dairy cow diets with either raw or extruded faba bean:linseed or lupin:linseed blends on intake, milk yield and composition, N partitioning, and ruminal and plasma parameters. Our main hypotheses were that N from extruded blends was less degradable in the rumen than N from raw seeds, and that a higher extrusion temperature favored ruminal protection of proteins and milk protein yield, and lowered urinary N excretion. Eight Holstein cows fitted with ruminal cannulas were used in two 4 × 4 Latin square design experiments conducted in parallel. In both experiments, cows were fed diets with a crude protein content of 14.6%, containing 60% of forage (dry matter basis). Treatments differed by the composition of the concentrates: control in both experiments was based on soybean meal, and experimental treatments were based on proteaginous:linseed (90:10%) blends consisting of faba bean blends (first experiment) or lupin blends (second experiment) presented either raw, extruded at 140°C, or extruded at 160°C. Intake, milk yield and composition, ruminal pH, volatile fatty acids and ammonia kinetics, digestibility, N partitioning, Maillard compounds in feed and feces, plasma AA, and 15N natural enrichment were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA according to the MIXED procedure of SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Ammonia content in ruminal fluid did not significantly change when soybean meal was replaced by either raw or extruded faba bean, but tended to be higher with lupin. Milk yield was increased by 2.6 kg with faba bean blend extruded at 140°C compared with faba bean blend extruded at 160°C. Milk fat and milk protein concentrations were decreased by 3.1 and 2.3 g/kg, respectively, with lupin blends compared with soybean meal. Nitrogen partitioning between milk, feces, and urine did not change. Nitrogen apparent digestibility decreased by 3 g/100 g of N between faba bean blend extruded at low and at high temperatures. The content of Maillard compounds in feces was higher with blends extruded at 160°C than with raw or extruded at 140°C blends within both experiments. Total plasma AA tended to be higher with extruded blends than with raw in the faba bean experiment. Both extrusion temperatures appeared to protect dietary proteins from ruminal degradability, but proteins seemed to be overprotected at 160°C.

Impacts of short-term germination on the chemical compositions, technological characteristics and nutritional quality of yellow pea and faba bean flours.

In the present study, yellow pea (CDC Amarillo) and faba bean (CDC Snowdrop) seeds were soaked overnight and then germinated in the dark at ambient temperature for 24, 48 and 72 h. During the short-term germination, germination percentages higher than 96.6% were achieved and progressive growth of radicles was observed for both varieties. The soaked and germinated seeds were dried at 55 °C and milled into flours, and their chemical compositions, physicochemical properties and in vitro starch and protein digestibility were systematically examined. Overall, soaking and germination did not noticeably alter the chemical compositions of each flour. The most obvious changes in the physicochemical properties were found in the pasting, emulsifying and foaming properties of the pulse flours. Soaking and 24-h germination greatly enhanced the pasting viscosities of the flours; as the germination proceeded, their viscosities gradually decreased, resulting from the degradation of starch by endogenous amylase(s) during pasting. Germination progressively improved the emulsion activity and stability, foaming capacity and foam stability of both pulse flours. In addition, germination enhanced the in vitro digestibility of starch and protein of the flours; however, the treatment did not improve their in vitro protein digestibility corrected amino acid scores (IV-PDCAAS). Short-term germination of 24-72 h has been demonstrated to be an effective approach to generating pulse flours possessing diverse functional properties and enhanced digestibility of macronutrients.

Effect of Pre-sowing Magnetic Field Treatment on Some Biochemical and Physiological Processes in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L. spp. Minor)

The aim of this paper was to determine the changes in some biochemical and physiological processes, which occurred in seeds and seedlings of faba bean and to evaluate the germination dynamics and plant emergence after pre-sowing seeds treatment with a magnetic field. The study was carried out on Petri dishes in climatic chambers of the company HERAEUS (Germany). Each plate was lined with filter paper and 80 seeds of faba bean were sown. The paper was sprayed with the same amount of distilled water in each plate. Treatment of seeds significantly increased the activity of amylolytic enzymes in faba bean seeds and seedlings. The greatest differentiation in enzymatic activity between stimulated and nontreated seeds was noted after 96 h from the time of sowing. Seeds treated with the magnetic field showed greater dynamics of weight at the time of imbibition than nontreated seeds. Treating of seeds with a magnetic field considerably increased the amount of indole-3-acetic acid and gibberellic acid in germinating seeds, above-ground parts and in roots of faba bean seedlings. The pre-sowing treatment with a magnetic field had favorable effects on the growth and development of seedlings.

Enhancement quality and quantity of faba bean plants grown under sandy soil conditions by nicotinamide and/or humic acid application

BackgroundTwo field experiments were conducted at the Research and Production Station, National Research Centre, El-Nubaria Province, El-Behira Governorate, Egypt, during the two successive winter seasons of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. This work aimed to study the enhancement effect of foliar application of nicotinamide at 5, 10, and 20 mg/L and/or humic acid at 5% on quality and quantity of faba bean plants (cultivar Sakha 4) grown under sandy soil conditions.ResultsData show that nicotinamide at 5, 10, and 20 mg/L and/or humic acid at 5% had a positive effect on growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, seed yield, and yield components as well as some biochemical constituents of the yielded faba bean seeds (total carbohydrate, total phenolic content, proline, and free amino acids). Individually, nicotinamide treatments had a more positive effect than humic acid treatment and their effect was increased by increasing nicotinamide concentrations. The most promising treatment appeared due to the interaction between nicotinamide at 10 mg/L and humic acid. Hence, this treatment increased plant dry weight/plant by 32.67%, total photosynthetic pigments by 113.2%, seed yield/feddan by 110.16%, total carbohydrate by 9.4%, total phenolic content by 0.33%, proline by 24.83%, and free amino acids by 21.33%.ConclusionsWe can conclude that nicotinamide and/or humic acid had a positive effect on growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, seed yield, and yield components as well as some biochemical constituents of the yielded faba bean seeds. The most promising treatment appeared due to the interaction between nicotinamide at 10 mg/L and humic acid.

Peptides obtained from fermented faba bean seeds (Vicia faba) as potential inhibitors of an enzyme involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome

The influence of faba bean seed fermentation on the release of bioactive peptides after digestion in gastrointestinal conditions was investigated. The molecular mass of protein detected by SDS-PAGE was in the range from 6.5 to 97 kDa. The highest degree of protein hydrolysis (98.72%) was noted for protein obtained from seeds fermented for 3 h at 37 °C. The hydrolyzate of seeds fermented for 7 days at 30 °C was characterized by the highest peptide content (4.78 mg/mL). The highest ACE-inhibitory and antiradical against ABTS·+ activity were noted for a peptide fraction obtained from a sample fermented for 3 days at 30 °C (IC50 = 1.01 and 0.99 mg/mL, respectively). The sample obtained after 3-h fermentation at 22 °C was characterized by the highest LOX inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.54 mg/mL). The lowest IC50 value was determined for fractions obtained from seeds fermented for 3 h and 7 days at 37 °C, and the value was not significantly different (0.92 and 0.89 mg/mL, respectively). The peptide fraction obtained from seeds fermented for 3 days at 30 °C with the highest potential for inhibition of metabolic syndrome development was separated on Sephadex G10 and peptide sequences were identified by LC-MS/MS.

Effect of Lygus spp. and Botrytis spp. on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) seed quality — are there insect–pathogen interactions?

Lygus bugs and Botrytis fungal pathogen, the causal agent of chocolate spot in faba bean, can cause necrotic spots on faba bean seeds, thereby reducing market value. The mid-pod stage is the most susceptible stage for chocolate spot development and Lygus infestation in faba beans. Therefore, we hypothesised that the concomitant presence of Lygus spp. and Botrytis spp. might increase seed necrosis. Hence, the study was conducted to determine (i) the spatial and local distribution of chocolate spot and Lygus spp. in central and southern Alberta, and (ii) the association of chocolate spot disease severity and Lygus abundance. Chocolate spot and Lygus were present in all the counties surveyed. Chocolate spot had a negative association with Lygus abundance, but only the latter was significantly associated with seed necrosis. Botrytis spp. were frequently isolated from seeds despite the lack of expression of chocolate spot on the foliage. No significant effect of Lygus abundance on Botrytis isolation from seeds was found. Therefore, seed quality losses can occur both due to the fungal pathogen and the insect, which likely occupy different niches influenced by microclimate. Economic thresholds and management strategies will be required to keep insect populations and disease progression under check.

Quality and Nutritive Value of Faba Bean (V<i>icia faba L.</i>) as Affected by Production Environment and Genotype

Faba beans (Vicia faba L.) represent an essential source of food protein for many people in Sudan, especially those who cannot afford to buy animal meat. The demand for faba bean seeds is greatly increased in recent years, and consequently its production area was extended where the climate is marginally suitable, these marginal environments’ were affect the quality aspects of faba bean. An experiment was conducted for three consecutive seasons (2005/2006, 2006/2007 and 2007/2008), at five environments representing different soil types. The objective was to study the effect of these environments on cookability (quality) of Faba bean with consideration to the prevailing temperature and relative humidity of these environments. The environments were: (E1): Al Salama location to represent lower terrace soil (Riverian); (E2): Hudeiba Research Station Farm to represent middle terrace soil (Kuru); (E3): Almatara location; to represent high terrace soil; (E4): Wad Medani location= Gazira Research Station Farm to represent central clay plain soil (Vertisols); (E5): Ed Damer Food Security Scheme location to present high terrace soil. Six Faba bean lines were selected: Small-medium seeded (H.72/7/1, Daba.1/1, Z B F.1/1, C.86, Triple White and Large seeded Turki. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that soil types had significant effects on cookability aspect. The high cookability seed of faba bean under all production environments was recorded from lower terrace soil (Riverian) in E1 (Al Salama location) and the poor cookability seeds of faba bean were recorded from the high terrace soils in E3 (Almatara location) and E5 (Ed Damer) Food Security Scheme). The new production area E4 (Wad Medani) location) produced a moderate cookability seed.

The effect of faba bean extrusion on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, metabolizable energy, excretion of sialic acids and meat quality of broiler chickens

Soybean meal in broiler chicken diets can partly be replaced by faba bean seeds. Unfortunately, high levels of antinutritional factors and resistant starch found in these seeds can have a detrimental impact on both broiler chickens’ performance and nutrient digestibility. It is, however, possible to increase the usefulness of faba bean for broiler nutrition by a technological process known as extrusion. In this study, the authors made and attempt to investigate the effect of different forms of faba bean seeds (raw or extruded) on broiler chicken performance, nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy values (AMEN), nutrient utilization and meat quality, as well as on the excretion of total and free sialic acids. In the trial, the total of 160 1-day-old male broiler chicks of the Ross 308 strain were used. Experimental birds were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments, each containing 10 replication (floor pens); one replication included nine birds. The first group contained 300 g/kg diet of raw faba bean seeds, whereas the second group – 300 g/kg diet of extruded faba bean seeds. The applied extrusion process was found to exert a positive impact and led to a decrease in phytic phosphorus, H, NDF, ADF and resistant starch content in studied faba bean seeds. Experimental birds fed diets containing extruded faba bean seeds were characterized by a lower feed intake (2299 g) and feed conversion ratios (FCRs) (1.52 g/g) in comparison with the other group (feed intake 2466 g; FCR 1.61 g/g). Extrusion of faba bean seeds improved dry matter retention, dietary AMEN value, apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter and starch, as well as most amino acids. In addition, the above-mentioned process resulted in a decrease in the excretion of total and free sialic acids. Extruded faba bean seeds failed to have a significant impact on broiler meat quality. It was concluded that application of extrusion can increase the use of faba bean seeds in broiler chicken nutrition.

Quantitative Analysis of Pathway Enrichment within Faba Bean Seeds RNA-Seq (<i>Vicia faba</i> L)

Faba bean (Vicia faba L) seeds are an important source of plant protein for humans and animals. A total of 15,697 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) with pathway annotation were discovered in RNA-Seq of the faba bean seeds. A total of 75 significant KEGG pathways abundance were discovered and 9 pathways were conserved within all genotypes. 41 significant pathways were found to be partially conserved within comparisons of 2 to 6 pairs of genotypes and 25 significant pathways were unique to single pairs of genotypes. There were 8 specific significant pathways discovered related to the faba bean seed Hydration Capacity trait and 9 specific significant pathways discovered related to the PSbMV seeds staining trait. The DEGs demonstrated the genetic distance between these varieties was confirmed by the breeding pedigree selection information and a PCA graph clearly illustrated the genetic distance within these genotypes.

Determination of Physical Properties of some Legume Crops

Physical properties such as principal dimensions, surface area, projected area, volume, mass of 1000 seeds, true and bulk densities and porosity for faba bean and lentil seeds were measured and calculated at different levels of seed moisture contents. The obtained results showed that, the principal dimensions, geometric and arithmetic diameter, surface area, actual and calculated volume, sphericity, mass of 1000 seed and porosity of faba bean (pods and seeds) and lentil seeds generally increased linearly with the increasing of moisture content. For faba bean pods and seeds, shape parameters (flakiness ratio Fr and elongation ratio Er) increased with the increase of moisture content but aspect ratios R1 (W/L), R2 (L/Th) and R3 (W/Th) of faba bean pods and seeds decreased with the increasing of moisture content. The values of projected area for faba bean and lentil seeds were also increased with the increase of moisture content. On the other hand, the results also showed that, both of bulk and true densities decreased by increasing the moisture content. Mathematical relationships were also developed relating the obtained values of all physical properties with the change in seed moisture contents.