Faba Research Articles

Phyllosphere Bacterial Communities in Wheat and Faba bean intercropping: Structural and Functional Mechanisms in Response to Stripe Rust Infection

Phyllosphere Bacterial Communities in Wheat and Faba bean intercropping: Structural and Functional Mechanisms in Response to Stripe Rust Infection

Accurate Long-Read RNA Sequencing Analysis Reveals the Key Pathways and Candidate Genes under Drought Stress in the Seed Germination Stage in Faba Bean.

Faba bean is an important pulse. It provides proteins for the human diet and is used in industrial foodstuffs, such as flours. Drought stress severely reduces the yield of faba bean, and this can be efficiently overcome through the identification and application of key genes in response to drought. In this study, PacBio and Illumina RNA sequencing techniques were used to identify the key pathways and candidate genes involved in drought stress response. During seed germination, a total of 17,927 full-length transcripts and 12,760 protein-coding genes were obtained. There were 1676 and 811 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the varieties E1 and C105 at 16 h and 64 h under drought stress, respectively. Six and nine KEGG pathways were significantly enriched at 16 h and 64 h under drought stress, which produced 40 and 184 nodes through protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, respectively. The DEGs of the PPI nodes were involved in the ABA (abscisic acid) and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathways, N-glycosylation, sulfur metabolism, and sugar metabolism. Furthermore, the ectopic overexpression of a key gene, AAT, encoding aspartate aminotransferase (AAT), in tobacco, enhanced drought tolerance. The activities of AAT and peroxidase (POD), the contents of cysteine and isoleucine, were increased, and the contents of malonaldehyde (MDA) and water loss decreased in the overexpressed plants. This study provides a novel insight into genetic response to drought stress and some candidate genes for drought tolerance genetic improvements in this plant.

Genetic Variability and Cluster Analysis of Faba Bean (<i>Vicia faba</i> L.) Genotypes in Debre Tabor, Northwestern Ethiopia

Faba bean, a globally important pulse, offers genetic variation for plant breeders, although information on this variability is scarce in Ethiopia. Therefore, the study was conducted to assess the genetic variability of genotypes using 49 genotypes with 7 × 7 simple lattice designs. The experiment was conducted at in Fogera National Rice Research and Training Center at Debre Tabor research site in north western Ethiopia. Analysis of variance revealed that there were highly significant differences among forty-nine genotypes for all studied traits (days to flowering, days to maturity, grain filling period, number of branch, plant height, pod per plant, biomass yield, harvest index, hundred seed weight, chocolate spot and seed yield). High GCV and PCV was observed in pod per plant and chocolate spot both at genotypic and phenotypic level including number of branch at phenotypic level. Moderate to high heritability estimates were observed in all studied traits. A high genetic advance in percent of mean was observed in the number of branches per plant, the number of pods per plant, grain yield, seed weight, and chocolate spot. In conclusion, the study found that the ET 07013-1 and ET 07005-1 genotypes are potential for future breeding programs, but further experimentation across locations and seasons is needed. It is recommended to give much attention to traits with high heritability and GAM, which include the number of branches per plant, the number of pods per plant, grain yield, hundred seed weight, and chocolate spot. The best genotypes should be included in future breeding programs to maximize yield even further. It is recommended to closely monitor traits with high heritability and high GAM.

Multiscale study of structure formation in high moisture extruded plant protein biopolymer mixes

While high moisture extrusion (HME) of plant proteins is known to result in anisotropic structures, there are still gaps in understanding the principles underlying structure formation, as well as how to study the interactions between biopolymers in mixed systems. This study aims to employ advanced rheological and microstructural tools to better characterize the structure of various HME systems and to derive some general principles for their structure formation. Pea protein isolate, with and without starch, and less refined protein fractions from pea and faba bean were used to produce extrudates with varying structures. Mechanical properties were assessed using Texture Profile Analysis, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), and oscillatory rheology, while microstructural insights were obtained through Confocal Laser Scanning and Confocal Raman Microscopy. The addition of maize starch resulted in softer extrudates with clear partitions between protein and starch domains. The different formulations used in this study also suggest the important role of different complex carbohydrates in structure formation. Distinct parabolic shapes were observed in the extrudates, suggesting that lamellae formed during cooling, influenced by melt viscosity and the laminar flow profile resulting from the temperature gradient across the cooling die. DMA was particularly useful in evaluating differences in mechanical behavior and anisotropy. Raman microscopy proved to be valuable in assessing spatial distribution of various components and providing insights of water mobility related to competition. Evaluating various biopolymer mixes allowed for a more general view into the mechanisms of formation of structure in HME, important to enhance the development of plant-based foods.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of faba bean protein isolate: Structural, functional, and thermal properties. Part 2/2

Environmental concerns linked to animal-based protein production have intensified interest in sustainable alternatives, with a focus on underutilized plant proteins. Faba beans, primarily used for animal feed, offer a high-quality protein source with promising bioactive compounds for food applications. This study explores the efficacy of ultrasound-assisted extraction under optimal conditions (123 W power, 1:15 g/mL solute/solvent ratio, 41 min sonication, 623 mL total volume) to isolate faba bean protein (U-FBPI). The ultrasound-assisted method achieved a protein extraction yield of 19.75 % and a protein content of 92.87 %, outperforming the control method’s yield of 16.41 % and protein content of 89.88 %. Electrophoretic analysis confirmed no significant changes in the primary structure of U-FBPI compared to the control. However, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed modifications in the secondary structure due to ultrasound treatment. The U-FBPI demonstrated superior water and oil holding capacities compared to the control protein isolate, although its foaming capacity was reduced by ultrasound. Thermal analysis indicated minimal impact on the protein’s thermal properties under the applied ultrasound conditions. This research highlights the potential of ultrasound-assisted extraction for improving the functional properties of faba bean protein isolates, presenting a viable approach for advancing plant-based food production and contributing to sustainable protein consumption.

Simulating the development and growth of lentil using the CSM‐CROPGRO model

AbstractThe pulse crop lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is often grown in crop rotations to provide nitrogen (N) and water benefits for subsequent crops. Lentil yields vary greatly with environmental factors and management. A reliable crop model for lentil could assist efforts to assess the effects of management practices to mitigate environmental stresses and maximize lentil yields. However, few crop models simulate the development and growth of lentil. In this study, we adapted the CSM‐CROPGRO model in the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer to simulate lentil development and growth based on data collected from six experiments conducted from 2001 to 2021 globally. The initial parameter values taken from faba bean (Vicia faba L.) were modified based on reported information and analysis of observed data. Those values were fine‐tuned to minimize the gaps between the simulated and observed crop attributes. The model simulated well development stages with root mean square error (RMSE) of 4 days and aboveground biomass with normalized root mean square error (nRMSE ≤ 23%). Seed yields were generally well simulated across experiments in calibration and validation (nRMSE = 19%) datasets, except for overestimation under the humid environment of Quebec in Canada, which may have resulted from excessive vegetative growth. The underlying mechanisms leading to excessive vegetative growth need to be explored further and included in the model for evaluating the adaptability of lentils to specific regions. Overall, the CSM‐CROPGRO‐Lentil model is ready for simulating lentil production under various scenarios, which may identify ways to improve the productivity and resiliency of cropping systems that include lentil.

Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Dietary Fiber's Impact on Growth, Slaughter Performance, and Gut Microbiome in Durco × Bamei Crossbred Pig.

Dietary fiber (DF) is an important nutrient component in pig's diet that remarkably influences their growth and slaughter performance. The ability of pigs to digest DF depends on the microbial composition of the intestinal tract, particularly in the hindgut. However, studies on how DF alters the growth and slaughter performance of pigs by shaping the gut microbial composition and metabolites are still limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of DF on microbial composition, functions, and metabolites, ultimately altering host growth and slaughter performance using Durco × Bamei crossbred pigs supplemented with 0%, 10%, 17%, and 24% broad bean silage in the basic diet. We found that the final weight, average daily gain, fat, and lean meat weight significantly decreased with increasing DF. Pigs with the lowest slaughter rate and fat weight were observed in the 24% fiber-supplemented group. Gut microbial communities with the highest alpha diversity were formed in the 17% fiber group. The relative abundance of fiber-degrading bacteria, bile acid, and succinate-producing bacteria, including Prevotella sp., Bacteroides sp., Ruminococcus sp., and Parabacteroides sp., and functional pathways, including the butanoate metabolism and the tricarboxylic acid [TCA] cycle, significantly increased in the high-fiber groups. The concentrations of several bile acids significantly decreased in the fiber-supplemented groups, whereas the concentrations of succinate and long-chain fatty acids increased. Our results indicate that a high-fiber diet may alter the growth and slaughter performance of Durco × Bamei crossbred pigs by modulating the composition of Prevotella sp., Bacteroides sp., Ruminococcus sp., Parabacteroides sp., and metabolite pathways of bile acids and succinate.

Regulatory mechanisms of the microbial starter fortification on the community and flavor characteristics in Doubanjiang

Doubanjiang is a special Chinese seasoning paste produced by mixing broad bean paste with chili paste. Besides the antimicrobial substances, such as capsaicin contained in chili, the microbiota and metabolism are directly developed by the stress effect of abiotic factors that periodically change during the fermentation process. The microbial starter is a promising way to improve the quality of Doubanjiang production. In the present study, the regulatory mechanisms of the microbial starters (Tetragenococcus halophilus, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, and Candida versatilis) were explored by comparing the microbial community, flavor characteristics and their correlation networks between the fortified and control groups. In comparison to the control group, the volatile compound content increased by 30.77%, with notable increases in phenylethyl alcohol, beta-ionone, etc. Conversely, there was a reduction in non-volatile compounds, including reducing sugar, acidity, amino acid nitrogen, and organic acids. The microbial structure underwent a shift, with an increase in the relative abundance of C. versatilis, while Z. rouxii demonstrated no variance and T. halophilus was not detected. The correlations of the specific microbes and certain flavor compounds were modified by the starter (p < 0.05). Notably, the correlation between Enterobacter/Malassezia and 3-furaldehyde was shifted from a negative to a positive conversion. The observed increase in beta-ionone, ethyl phenylacetate, etc., resulted from the synergistic effects, correlated transformations, and reduction of antagonistic interactions. These findings indicate that the starter powerfully regulates the interactions between microbial communities and metabolic networks, thereby provide valuable insights for the improvement of Doubanjiang quality.

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

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

Optimization of Genotyping‐by‐Sequencing (GBS) for Germplasm Fingerprinting and Trait Mapping in Faba Bean

ABSTRACTFaba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important pulse crop with a wide range of agroecological adaptations. The development of genomic tools and a comprehensive catalog of extant genetic diversity are crucial for developing improved faba bean cultivars. The lack of a cost‐effective genotyping platform limits the characterization of large germplasm collections, understanding of genetic diversity across populations, and implementing breeder's tools like genomic selection. Genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) offers high‐resolution genotyping for both model and crop plant species, even without a reference genome sequence. The genome fragments targeted by GBS depend substantially on the restriction enzyme (RE) used for the complexity reduction step. Species with complex genomic architecture require optimization of GBS with proper RE to realize the full potential of GBS. Here, we evaluated various REs in the GBS method and identified that the combination of ApeKI/MseI proved to be the most appropriate for faba bean based on the best library quality, a high number of genomic loci spread across chromosomes, and high enrichment loci associated with the gene space. With the new optimized protocol, we constructed a genetic map using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population and identified a QTL for seed hilum color on Chromosome 1. In addition, we also genotyped a diversity panel and performed a genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) for important agronomic traits, including plant height (PH), flowering time (FT), and number of pods per plant (PPP). We identified six SNP markers significantly associated with these traits and listed potential candidate genes. The optimized faba bean‐specific GBS procedure will facilitate access to the untapped genetic diversity for genetic research and breeding and may facilitate functional genomics.

Characterization of the virome in broad bean: First detection of Potyvirus phaseoluteum and Orthotospovirus impatiensnecromaculae in Montecillo, Texcoco, Mexico

Background / Objective. In broad bean (Vicia faba) crops established in Montecillo, Texcoco, State of Mexico, 100% of plants were observed with viral symptoms consisting of mosaic, mottling, leaf curling, wilting and a notable decrease in plant development. These symptoms led to a significant reduction in seed yield and quality. In this context, the present study was carried out with the objective of identifying the viral species associated with these symptoms. Materials and Methods. The experimental strategy consisted of extraction of total RNA from leaves showing the aforementioned symptoms, followed by next-generation sequencing. Results. In the results, the complete genomes of Orthotospovirus impatiensnecromaculae (before impatiens necrotic spot virus) and two isolates of the Potyvirus phaseoluteum (before bean yellow mosaic virus) were obtained. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate of O. impatiensnecromaculae (INSV CPMEX) shows significant divergences from those previously reported in other plant species. On the other hand, the two P. phaseoluteum isolates (BYMV CP1MEX and BYMV CP2MEX) proved to be different from each other, being related to isolates reported in Sudan and Iran. Conclusion. This result suggests considerable genetic diversity among the viruses associated with viral symptoms in faba bean crops in the region, which underlines the importance of accurate identification for the management and control of these viral infections.

Ultrasonication assisted enzymatic hydrolysis for generation of pulses protein hydrolysate having antioxidant and ACE-inhibitory activity

The main objective of this work was to investigate the impact of ultrasonication assisted enzymatic treatment on the physicochemical and bioactive properties of broad bean (BBP), lentil bean (LBP), and mung bean (MBP) protein isolates. The protein was extracted using alkaline acid precipitation method, ultrasonicated at a frequency of 20 kHz, temperature 20–30 °C and then hydrolysed using alcalase enzyme (1 % w/w, pH 8.5, 30 min, 55 οC). The generated hydrolysates were characterized by degree of hydrolysis (DH), SDS, FTIR, surface hydrophobicity, amino acid composition, antioxidant and antihypertensive properties. Results showed that the degree of hydrolysis was found to increase in ultrasonicated protein hydrolysate (18.9 to 40.71 %) in comparison to non- ultrasonicated protein hydrolysate (11 to 16.3 %). SDS-PAGE results showed significant changes in protein molecular weight profiles (100–11kDa) in comparison to their natives. However, no substantial change was found in ultrasonicated and non-ultrasonicated protein hydrolysates. The FTIR spectrum showed structural alterations in ultrasonicated and non-ultrasonicated protein hydrolysates, suggesting modifications in secondary structure such as amide A, amide I and amide II regions. The essential amino acid content varied in the range of 60.09 mg/g to 73.77 mg/g and 28.73 to 50.26 mg/g in case of ultrasonicated and non-ultrasonicated protein hydrolysates, and non-essential content varied in the range of 49.42 to 65.93 mg/g and 43.12 to 47.12 mg/g. Both antioxidant and antihypertensive activities were found to increase significantly in ultrasonicated and non-ultrasonicated protein hydrolysates in comparison to their native counterparts, highlighting their potential as functional ingredients for management of hypertension. It was concluded that ultrasonication assisted enzymatic hydrolysis is an efficient approach for production of bioactive pulse protein hydrolysates with enhanced nutracutical properties, thus offering promising avenues for their utilization in the food industry and beyond.

Optimizing Soaking and Boiling Time in the Development of Tempeh-like Products from Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

Tempeh is a fermented soybean food with high nutritional value, culinary versatility, and palatability. Its popularity is rising because it aligns with the trend towards sustainable and healthy plant-based diets. However, consumers have exhibited a strong preference for local ingredients over soy. Faba bean is a promising raw material in Scandinavia due to its high protein, dietary fiber, and phytochemical content. In this study, we evaluated the effects of soaking media (vinegar, water and sodium bicarbonate with or without lactic acid bacteria (LAB)) on boiling time and physicochemical properties of faba bean-based tempeh. We demonstrated that sodium bicarbonate, with and without LAB, significantly reduces the boiling time of faba beans (7–8 min), while beans soaked in vinegar and water with and without LAB require longer boiling times for tempeh production (&gt;16 min). Texture analysis has revealed notable variations among the samples, with statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) observed across the majority of the measured attributes. Our study has demonstrated that faba beans are suitable for tempeh production and expand the sources of possible raw materials. However, further studies are needed to investigate consumers’ preferences and expectations towards faba bean-based tempeh.

Effect of Burned Multi-Crop Ashes on Faba Bean-Development Parameters.

The use of burned plant biomass ashes could help not only with respect to utilizing combustion residues, but also with respect to optimizing the nutrition of cultivated agricultural plants without harming the environment. With this aim, a pot experiment of the effects of multi-crop biomass ash on faba bean seedlings was carried out in the Academy of Agriculture of the Vytautas Magnus University (VMU). Four ash fertilization rates were tested: 1. unfertilized (N0, comparative-control treatment); 2. fertilized at a low rate (N1, 200 kg ha-1); 3. fertilized at an average rate (N2, 1000 kg ha-1); 4. fertilized at a high rate (N3, 2000 kg ha-1). Final observations showed that ash fertilization significantly increases the height of faba bean sprouts by 21-38%, the length of the roots by 10-20% and the chlorophyll concentration in the leaves by 17%. The average green biomass of faba bean sprouts consistently increased with increasing fertilization rate, from 56% to 209%. Dried biomass increased by 160-220%. With increasing ash fertilization rate, the percentage of dry matter in the roots decreased by 10-50%. We recommend fertilizing faba bean with medium (1000 kg ha-1) and high (2000 kg ha-1) ash rates, as these rates led to the largest plants with the highest productivity potential.

Influences of Thidiazuron Concentrations and Exposure Duration on Axillary Shoot Proliferation of Faba Bean [Vicia faba (L.)] Genotypes

Background: Faba bean is one of the most important feed grain legume crops in the world. However, this crop is a recalcitrant species for in vitro regeneration. Methods: In this study, in vitro shoot proliferation of ten faba bean genotypes, that are classified according to their seed size into small, medium and large, were investigated in response to different light regimes and thidiazuron (TDZ) treatments. Result: Incubation under different light regimes, explant type as well as genotypes influenced seedling growth and axillary shoot multiplication of faba bean. The explants with single cotyledon and incubated under continuous darkness for 6 days resulted higher number of shoot than nodal explants. Medium size seeded genotype (ILB4347) produced the highest shoot and root length and shoot proliferation as compared with large (Luz) or small (Triple White) seeded genotypes. The effects of TDZ concentrations (2-10 mM/L) and exposure duration (10 and 20 days) on axillary shoot multiplication were investigated for the ten faba bean using cotyledonary explants. The overall mean of TDZ time exposure showed that treatment of 20 days exposure had higher number of shoot compare to 10 days exposure treatment with 3.77 shoot per explant. On the basis of genotype used, the three most responsive genotype in tissue culture were medium sized seeds genotypes (ILB4347, Hassawi 2 and Misr 3 with 4.76, 4.40 and 4.15 shoot per explant, respectively). ILB4347 were the most responsive genotype in tissue culture. Treatment of 8 mM TDZ after 20 days followed by 2 weeks on MS medium without PGRs generated the highest proliferation with 6.63 shoot per explant. These findings contribute towards effective in vitro propagation of faba bean.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Yield and Yield Components in Faba Bean (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia faba &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;L.) Genotypes

Through the use of path coefficient analysis and correlation, crop breeders can improve complex traits like grain yield through indirect selection. The current study set out to quantify the relationship between yield and traits related to yield as well as pinpoint critical features for indirect selection aimed at enhancing the grain yield of faba bean. The objective of the current study was to identify key characteristics for indirect selection targeted at increasing the grain yield of faba beans as well as quantify the relationship between yield and variables related to yield. The study was conducted at Fogera National Rice Research and Training Center at the Debre Tabor research site used a 7x7 simple lattice design with two replications to evaluate 49 faba bean genotypes during the rainy cropping season of 2022. The study found a significant positive correlation between grain yield, plant height, pod number, biomass yield, 100-seed mass, and harvest index. The study found that biomass yield and harvest index significantly impact grain yield, suggesting they can be used as indirect selection criteria to enhance faba bean grain yield.

Study of Metroglyph Analysis in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Genotypes for Different Quantitative Characters

The study conducted at the Research Farm of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences during the rabi/winter season of 2022-23 aimed to estimate the genetic diversity and morphological variations among 20 Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes using Anderson’s metroglyph analysis for different quantitative traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for all the characters studied indicating the presence of considerable amount of variability among the genotypes. The genotypes viz, IVT HB19-14 I, IVT HB 19-11, ABSPS-2-1, AVT I HB16-15, IVT HB18-15, VIKRANT (CHECK), ABSPS-1-5, ABSPS-1-2 recorded significantly superior seed yield and yield contributing traits respectively. Six distinct morphological complexes were identified as a result of the analysis, which showed significant variation among the genotypes for the majority of traits. Complex I included eight genotypes with high seed yield and a high number of seeds per plant, while Complex II comprised five genotypes with low seed yield and a low number of seeds per plant. Complex III: High seed yield with a lower number of seeds per plant including three genotypes. Complex IV: Moderate seed yield with a higher number of seeds per plant, represented by two genotypes, Complex V: Very low seed yield and a very low number of seeds per plant, represented by one genotype and Complex VI: Low plant height with a very low number of spikelet’s per panicle, represented by one genotype. The genotypes IVT HB18-15, IVT HB19-13, IVT HB19-14 I, IVT HB19-11, ABSPS-1-1, ABSPS-1-2, ABSPS-1-4, and VIKRANT were identified as superior due to their high index scores and were suggested for use in breeding programs to enhance yield and other desirable traits. The study concluded that metroglyph analysis is an effective method for assessing genetic diversity and morphologicalvariations, providing valuable insights for breeders to improve Faba bean yield and adaptability through targeted cross-breeding of superior genotypes.

Identification of promising lactic acid bacteria for the fermentation of lupine‐ and faba bean‐based substrates to produce refreshing protein‐rich beverages—A strain screening

AbstractLupines and faba beans are rising stars among legumes as sources of valuable, vegan plant‐based proteins. To enter new application areas like the production of protein‐rich refreshing beverages, the typical beany aroma impression has to be overcome, and the sensory appearance has to be improved, as it can be accomplished with lactic acid fermentation. An extensive strain screening of 70 lactic acid bacteria from 16 genera was performed to identify suitable strains to transform substrates made from lupines and faba beans into refreshing beverages and to improve their sensory characteristics. By analyzing carbohydrate utilization, production of organic acids and aroma compounds, and sensory appearance, 22 strains for lupine and eight strains for faba bean were preselected. Subsequently, the most suitable strains (five for lupine and three for faba beans) were identified by a trained sensory panel, and finally their growth kinetics were discussed. Generally, the aroma profile varied highly with the utilized strain. However, by selecting suitable strains, the beany impression can be highly reduced and pleasant aroma impressions (e.g., fruity and buttermilk) can be added. Most strikingly, it was proven that using germinated lupines and faba beans instead of raw ones can bypass the usual growth restriction, and the strain selection can be focused exclusively on sensory aspects. This opens the option to use strains usually excluded for the fermentation of legumes due to their lack of utilization of the legume‐typical α‐galactosides.

Toxicological Analysis of Acetamiprid Degradation by the Dominant Strain Md2 and Its Effect on the Soil Microbial Community.

Microbial degradation is acknowledged as a viable and eco-friendly approach for diminishing residues of neonicotinoid insecticides. This study reports the dominant strain of Md2 that degrades acetamiprid was screened from soil and identified as Aspergillus heterochromaticus, and the optimal degradation conditions were determined. Research indicated that the degradation of Md2 to 100 mg/L acetamiprid was 55.30%. Toxicological analyses of acetamiprid and its metabolites subsequently revealed that acetamiprid and its metabolites inhibited the germination of cabbage seed, inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, and induced the production of micronuclei in the root tip cells of faba beans. Based on the analysis of metabolic pathways, it has been determined that the primary metabolic routes of acetamiprid include N-demethylation to form IM-2-1 and oxidative cleavage of the cyanoimino group to produce IM-1-3. Using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, the results showed that acetamiprid and Md2 elevated the relative abundance of Acidithiobacillus, Ascomycetes, and Stramenobacteria, with increases of 10~12%, 6%, and 9%, respectively, while reducing the relative abundance of Acidobacteria, Chlorobacteria, Ascomycetes, and Sporobacteria, with decreases of 15%, 8%, 32%, and 6%, respectively. The findings will facilitate the safety evaluation of the toxicological properties of neonicotinoid insecticides, their biodegradable metabolites, and associated research on their degradation capabilities.

Response surface methodology guided approach for optimization of protein isolate from Faba bean. Part 1/2

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was evaluated as a green procedure to produce faba beans protein isolates from faba beans. Magnetic stirring was performed as conventional extraction. A three-level five-factor Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was applied to obtain the optimal UAE conditions to concurrently maximize extraction yield and protein content. The response surface methodology (RSM) showed a quadratic curvature for extraction yield and protein. The optimal extraction conditions were determined as: Power of 123 W, solute/solvent ratio of 0.06 (1:15 g/mL), sonication time of 41 min, and total volume of 623 mL with a desirability value of 0.82. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of 19. 75 ± 0.87 % (Protein yield of 67.84 %) and protein content of 92.87 ± 0.53 % were obtained for optimum ultrasound extraction. Control samples using magnetic stirring under similar conditions without ultrasound treatment showed an extraction yield of 16.41 ± 0.02 % (Protein yield of 54.65 %) and a protein content of 89. 88 ± 0.40 %. This shows that BBD can effectively be used to optimize the extraction of proteins from faba beans using optimal extraction conditions, resulting in a higher extraction yield and protein purity.