Groundnut Kernels Research Articles

Unveils the metabolic changes in groundnut CO 7 kernels stored under modified atmospheric conditions

Storing groundnut kernels is more challenging than storing pods due to increased oxidative damage. Pod storage requires more space and is not cost-effective for long-term storage. Therefore, an attempt was made to store kernels under modified conditions for six months to address these storage issues. An experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of different modified atmospheric storage conditions on the groundnut cultivar CO 7, in both shelled and unshelled forms. Changes in seed quality parameters and metabolic profiles were analyzed during storage at intervals of 30 days and up to 180 days. The kernels stored under nitrogen and vacuum conditions maintained their seed quality traits, including physical, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. GC-MS analysis was performed at the beginning of storage (fresh seeds) and after 180 days (aged seeds). Sixteen metabolic compounds were identified as responsible for seed viability and deterioration, with sucrose being the predominant compound. The sucrose area percentage in fresh seeds was 52.52%, which decreased during aging. At the end of the storage period, the highest sucrose area percentages were found in kernels stored under nitrogen (28.9%) and vacuum (26.95%) conditions. This study concludes that groundnut kernels stored under nitrogen conditions have good storage potential and excel at maintaining seed longevity.

Assessing the Synergistic Effects of Deficit Irrigation and Growth Retardants on Insitu Sprouting and Quality Parameters of Groundnut VRI 8

Background: Groundnut is a crucial oilseed crop cultivated year-round, with seed dormancy controlled by genetic and environmental factors. Preventing pre-harvest sprouting is essential, as it is a common issue. To study the effect of deficit irrigation management and foliar application of growth retardant chemicals on pre-harvest sprouting control efficiency to achieve higher yield of groundnut. Methodology: In a field experiment conducted during early summer 2024 at the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, the effectiveness of different growth retardant chemicals and deficit irrigation management on reducing in-situ sprouting of groundnut kernels was investigated. The experiment included three irrigation management strategies: conventional irrigation and two deficit irrigation treatments where irrigation was withheld from 90 to 105 DAS (Days After Sowing) and 85 to 100 DAS. Additionally, foliar sprays of growth retardant chemicals were applied at 75 and 90 DAS. The chemicals tested were maleic hydrazide (MH) @ 1250 ppm, cycocel (CCC) @ 1000 ppm, abscisic acid (ABA) @ 750 ppm, and salicylic acid (SA) @ 750 ppm. Proper agronomic practices were followed throughout the crop growth cycle. Results: Among the growth retardant chemicals tested, MH @ 1250 ppm proved effective in inducing dormancy. Withdrawal of irrigation from 90 to 105 DAS also significantly contributed to dormancy induction, extending dormancy by more than 5 days post-harvest as well as reduced the pod loss which significantly increased pod yield. It was because of the reduction in soil moisture content during harvest stage and alteration in the hormonal activities. Specifically, the combined treatment of foliar application of MH @ 1250 ppm and no irrigation from 90 to 105 DAS reduced germination percentage by 12.6%, 36.8% and 60.5% immediately 5, 10 and 15 days after harvest respectively. Conclusion: The reduction in soil moisture content during the harvest stage, coupled with changes in hormonal activities, significantly impacts seed sprouting. These factors can lead to stress conditions that hinder germination, ultimately affecting crop yields. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring optimal seed development and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Weed smothering efficiency of mulching types on groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) productivity in the dry savanna region of Nigeria

In order to increase groundnut productivity, a field experiment was carried out in the dry season of 2020 to assess the effectiveness of various mulching materials at suppressing weeds. The experimental treatments comprised of five mulching types; Control (no mulch), transparent polythene mulch, black polythene mulch, rice straw mulch and saw dust mulch) and three groundnut varieties (SAMNUT 23, SAMNUT 24 and SAMNUT 26). These were factorially combined and laid out in a Randomized complete block design with three replications. Findings revealed that mulching had a significant (p < 0.05) impact on crop qualities including canopy cover, chlorophyll content, pod yield, 100 kernel weight, and groundnut kernel yield as well as weed attributes like weed cover scores, weed density, weed dry weight, and weed control efficiency in both BUK and Wasai, respectively. The weed compositions were further grouped into various families comprising Poaceae (11), Euphorbiaceae (3), Amaranthaceae (4), Asteraceae (3), Cyperaceae (2), Cucurbitaceae, and Aizoaceae, each having one species with a different level of occurrence across the two locations. On the other hand, SAMNUT 26 significantly produced higher pod (2798 & 2119) and kernel yields (1198 & 1191), although SAMNUT 23 produced a heavier 100 kernel weight (55.51 & 54.52) at BUK and Wasai, respectively. In comparison to the other mulching types, applying black polythene mulch or transparent mulch lowered weed density and dry weight by limiting the amount of sunlight that the weeds got, preventing them from growing. Therefore, for dry season production of groundnut in the Sudan savannah ecology of Nigeria, mulching with black or transparent polythene film using the SAMNUT 26 variety was found to be effective in conserving soil moisture for optimum crop growth and development, while on the other hand, weed populations were suppressed.

Weed Competition and Performance of Sorghum and Groundnut Intercrop as Influenced by Row Orientation and Arrangement

Background: Intercropping and row arrangement represent a dynamic frontier of research and practical application, influencing resource allocation, weed competition and overall crop productivity in a modern agro ecosystem. This study aimed to investigate the impact of row orientation and arrangement on weed competition and crop performance within the Sudan savannah ecology of Nigeria during the 2018 rainy season. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at BUK (Latitude 11°58'N and Longitude 8°25'E) and Minjibir (Latitude 12.14590N and Longitude 0.866'4850E), utilizing two orientations (East-West and North-South) and seven sorghum: groundnut row arrangements (1:1, 1:2, 2:1, 2:2, 3:3, 2:4 and 4:2). A randomized complete block design with three replications was used, with simultaneous cultivation of SAMSORG 40 sorghum and SAMNUT 24 groundnut varieties. Result: The 2:1 row arrangement exhibited the lowest weed density (23.2 and 31.1 m-2) and dry weight (408.6 and 438.2 kg ha-1). East-West orientation reduced weed density by 24.5% at BUK and 20.8% at Minjibir. North-South row orientation significantly increased sorghum grain yield by 17.7% and reduced groundnut kernel yield by 9.37%. Higher sorghum yield (699.6 and 773. 7 Kg ha-1) was observed with 2:1 whereas the 1:2 arrangement yielded more groundnut kernels (329.2 and 338.1 kg ha-1). East-West orientation and the 2:1 row arrangement suppressed weed growth and recorded higher yields.

Ultra-dry storage extends the viability of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seeds

In general, the groundnut seed possess short viability. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to extend the storability of seeds by ultra-dry moisture content. The results showed that the groundnut kernels dried to 5% moisture content, vacuum packed in aluminium foil pouch and stored at-200C, -5 0C and 50C maintained the germination above Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards (>70%) with maximum seedling vigour for the period upto 20 months.

Effect of Gypsum, Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Growth, Yield and Quality of Spring Groundnut

Background: Groundnut kernels contain 48-50% edible oil, 25-34% protein, 10-20% carbohydrates and are a rich source of vitamins (E, K and B complex). Groundnut is a legume-oilseed crop, its requirement of phosphorus, calcium and sulphur is quite high. Gypsum is commonly used as a source of calcium and sulphur for groundnut all over the world. Keeping all these points in view the present study was undertaken to find out the optimum mineral nutrition of spring groundnut Methods: A field experiment was conducted for 2 years at the Students’ Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during spring season of 2018 and 2019. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design replicated three times with four levels of gypsum (0, 125, 175 and 225 kg ha-1) in combination with two gypsum application stages (Full at sowing and 50% at sowing + 50% at flower initiation stage) in the main plot and three levels of nitrogen and phosphorus (15 kg N ha-1 + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1, 25 kg N ha-1 + 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 35 kg N ha-1 + 40 kg P2O5 ha-1) in the sub-plot. Result: Application of 225 kg ha-1 gypsum resulted significantly higher growth parameters, pod yield, haulm yield, kernel yield over other gypsum levels. Growth parameters, pod yield, haulm yield and kernel yield were significantly higher with the split application as compared to basal application of gypsum. Growth parameters viz., emergence count, plant height, number of branches plant-1 and dry matter accumulation were increased with increase in the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus up to 25 kg N ha-1 + 30 kg P2O5 ha-1. However, 35 kg N ha-1 + 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 resulted significantly higher protein and oil content of kernels over other levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, while pod yield, haulm yield and kernel yield were at par with 25 kg N ha-1 + 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 during both the years.

Crop Host Influences on Outcomes of Competition Between Aspergillus Section Flavi Species Coinfecting Maize and Groundnuts

Aspergillus section Flavi species co-occur and contaminate crops, including maize and groundnuts, with aflatoxins. Competition among A. flavus genotypes is influenced by crop host, but competition between Aspergillus species has not been examined. The objectives of the current study were to (i) assess competition among four aflatoxin-producing species on maize and groundnuts and (ii) evaluate within-species variation in competitive ability during coinfection with another species on the two crops. For the first objective, maize and groundnut kernels were coinoculated with all possible pairs of A. flavus, A. parasiticus, A. aflatoxiformans, and an unnamed taxon known as the Lethal Aflatoxicosis Fungus (LAF). For the second objective, three isolates from each of the four species were coinoculated with a representative isolate of a competing species on the two hosts. In all experiments, isolates were cocultured for 7 days at 30°C, and then aflatoxins and total conidia were measured, and the percentages of each species within a treatment were assessed with quantitative pyrosequencing. Maize kernels supported greater aflatoxin production than groundnuts, whereas groundnuts supported greater sporulation than maize. Hosts differentially influenced competition between species, with A. flavus generally more competitive on maize and LAF more competitive on groundnuts. Overall, A. flavus and LAF were the most competitive species, whereas A. parasiticus was the least competitive. However, isolates within a species varied in competitive ability and in their response to host and competing species. Results suggest that although crop hosts influence Aspergillus community composition, within-species variability makes it difficult to predict outcomes of competition on a particular crop. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Evaluation of IPM modules against major sucking insect pests of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the major oilseed crops, contributing 45% of oilseed production in India. Being a cash crop, groundnut helps farmers to support themselves and their families. Additionally, it gives farm families access to nutrient-dense groundnut kernels, which are high in protein and energy and it also provides nutritious fodder (haulms) to livestock. Insect pest menace is one of the few essential biotic stresses contributing towards lower yield. The sucking pests like aphids, leafhoppers and thrips are the major biotic constraints for a crop like groundnut. Currently, farmers are accustomed to using synthetic insecticides to control their infestation. Unregulated insecticide use may also endanger farm-friendly insects. This practice must be replaced with some other methodologies such as integrated pest management modules. Therefore, present study was carried out to evaluate 11 different IPM modules including untreated (control) against sucking insect pests of groundnut during rainy (kharif) season of 2020 and 2021 at Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Rajasthan. The maximum per cent reduction in sucking insect pests populations was observed in module M10 (farmer practices-imidacloprid) and mentioned as effective IPM module. The maximum pod yield of 27.08 q/ha was also obtained in the module M10. On the basis of cost benefit (B:C) ratio the module M10 gave the highest ratio (25.62) followed by M7 (12.35) and M1 (12.15).

Effectiveness of plant oil in stabilizing the antioxidants, phenolic compounds and antimicrobial effects of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) oil

This study appraised the biological qualities of blended groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) oil to determine its nutritional and pharmaceutical applications. Two sets of oils were produced; one with 100% groundnut kernels and the other produced by blending 500 g of groundnut kernels, with 100 g of onion bulbs, 100 g of ginger and 50 g of pepper. Three heavy metals (iron, lead and copper), iodine value, nitrate, thirteen phenolic compounds, thirteen antioxidants compounds, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and antimicrobial actions of both the fortified (FGKO) and the unfortified (GKO) groundnut oil were quantified. The results revealed that the fortified oil developed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher concentrations of phenolic compounds, antioxidants parameters, iodine value, antimicrobial actions and TBARS than the unfortified oil, which it (FGKO) maintained throughout the storage period. Conversely, the GKO had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher heavy metals and nitrate concentrations than the FGKO. This portrayed that the combination of ginger, onions and pepper oils greatly enhanced the groundnut oil’s quality. The oils (GKO and FGKO) antioxidants followed an increasing concentration trend: ascorbic acid < proanthocyanin < β-carotene < resveratrol < isoflavonoids < Flavone < tocopherol < catechin < kaempferol < aglycone < gallocatechin < ribalinidine < lunamarin, revealing that the oils had high Gallocatechin, Ribalinidine and Lunamarin concentrations, and low ascorbic acid and proanthocyanin concentrations. Likewise, the oils phenolic compounds concentration followed this increment pattern: quercetin < naringenin < anthocyanin < rutin < ferulic acid < sapogenin < spartein < vanillic acid < luteolin < hydroxytyrosol< epicatechin < coumaric acid < ellagic acid. The findings revealed that the FGKO had a lot of preservative, medicinal and nutritional values, when compared to the GKO. These results portrayed the potential of using low-cost agricultural materials for promising and novel use in the production of nutrients rich oils. The hybridization of ginger, onions and pepper oils will be a good replacement for synthetic materials in improving oil qualities, thus eliminating the high risk factors associated with the introduction of synthetic blending materials. The FGKO has these potentials in the food industry: enhancement of food shelf life though inhibition of food spoilage agents, nutrients booster and natural flavor agent.

A comparative study of the effect of field practices on the fuel properties of groundnut kernels biodiesel

The impact of pre-harvest treatments (field practices) on the fuel (biodiesel) properties produced from groundnut kernels was evaluated in this work. Ahigh-quality oil-yielding groundnut hybrid (SAMNUT 11) was grown under five different soil treatment regimes. The regimes were organic and conventional, though the treatment concentrations were systematically varied. Biodiesels produced from matured kernels (for the different treatment plans) were tested following the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) International and European Biodiesel (EN) procedures. Results obtained revealed that the biodiesel density ranged between 856 kg/m3 and 869 kg/m3, the acid value ranged between 0.695% and 1.118%, the iodine value ranged from 27.54 mg/L to 34.63 mg/L, the phosphorus concentration varied from 8.21 mg/L to 10.25 mg/L, the ester content ranged between 91.87% and 98.34%, and the alkali metals varied from 2.143 mg/L to 3.428 mg/L. All biodiesel produced fromthe pre-harvest treated kernels met the EN-ISO 12185 and EN 14213 standards for densities and ester contents, respectively. It was observed that the T2 and T3 acid values were 0.871% and 0.695%, respectively, while the T4 and T5 acid values were 1.033% and 1.118%, respectively, and all failed to meet both ASTM and EN standards, though the organically produced kernel’s biodiesels had better prospects. Furthermore, it was observed that the iodine values of the biodiesels, obtained from the five treatment plans, were within the EN 14214 approved standards for biodiesel. The findings portrayed that the organic manure had a more positive impact on the groundnut kernels, compared to groundnut grown with fertilizers. As observed from the results, the biodiesel produced from the organic kernels hada better fuel quality than that acquired from the convectional kernels.

Influence of ozonation and roasting on functional, microstructural, textural characteristics, and aflatoxin content of groundnut kernels.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of ozonation, roasting and their combination on the moisture content, color, functional, structural, textural components, and aflatoxins in groundnut kernels. Samples were subjected to three treatments namely, dry roasting (R): 166°C for 7min; gaseous ozone treatment (O): 6mg/L for 30 min; combined ozonation-roasting (OR): gaseous ozonation at 6mg/L for 30 min followed by dry roasting at 166°C for 7min. The ozonated-roasted samples had the lowest moisture content (3.45%), the highest total phenolic content (4.18 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g), and antioxidants capacity (69.59%). The treatments did not induce significant changes in color of kernels (p< .05). Scanning electron microscopy indicated cracking of granules in roasted and swelling in ozonated kernels whereas more uniform orientation of granules was observed in ozonated-roasted kernels. Roasted and ozonated kernels indicated a significant reduction of fracturability force to 54.60 and 14.11%, respectively, whereas ozonated-roasted samples demonstrated a nonsignificant increase (4.37%). An increase in wave number of ozonated samples to 3,289.37 cm-1 in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum (FTIR) indicated stretching in OH groups. FTIR spectrum of ozonated-roasted kernels suggested the formation of a new compound with CC and CC groups. The major aflatoxin B1 was reduced to maximum, that is, 100% in ozonated-roasted kernels followed by ozonated (80.95%) and roasted (57.14%) samples. The findings indicate that the ozonation-roasting treatment had a prominent role in the enhancement of functional compounds, structural and textural attributes along with the considerable reduction in aflatoxin content.

Optimization of Crop Harvesting and Processing Machines, Through Modification of the Soil Biochemical Properties

This work investigated the impact of soil biochemical properties on the mechanical properties of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) pods and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) kernels, which are necessary for the design of production and optimization of harvesting and handling and processing operations equipment. Okra and groundnut were cultivated under seven soil treatment programs, which are: T1, the control; T2 treatment with composted manure at the of 2500 kg/ha; T3, treatment with composted manure at the rate of 3500 kg/ha; T4, treatment with fertilizer at the rate of 100 kg/ha; T5, treatment with fertilizer at the rate of 200 kg/ha; T6, treatment with the combination of 1500 kg/ha of compost manure + 50 kg/ha of fertilizer; and T7, treatment with the combination of 2000 kg/ha of compost manure + 100 kg/ha of fertilizer. At peak maturity stage, the okra pods and groundnut kernels were harvested and subjected compression test, using a universal testing machine, at a speed of 10 mm/min. Findings of the study revealed that okra pods and groundnut kernels produced with compost manure (T2 and T3) both had higher failure force, failure energy, failure strain, rupture energy and rupture force, than the okra pods and groundnut kernels produced with NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer (T4 and T5); but a combination of the compost manure and fertilizer (T6 and T7) gave better results than the individual treatments. The groundnut kernels’ failure force ranged between 67.5 N and 131.58 N; while the okra pods’ failure force ranged between 62.77 N and 112.88 N. The results further revealed that the okra pods’ failure energy varied from 0.172 Nm to 0.324 Nm; while the groundnut kernels’ failure energy ranged from 0.044 Nm to 0.084 Nm. Similarly, the failure strain of the groundnut kernels ranged between 30.1% and 37.8%; while the failure strain of the okra pods ranged between 20.1% and 31.3%. Additionally, the groundnut kernels’ rupture force ranged between 62.89 N and 126.21 N; while the okra pod’s rupture force ranged between 59.44 N and 108.22 N. The results of this research can be used to optimize the operation of harvesting, transportation and manufacturing of processing machines; thus increasing food production.

MORPHOCULTURAL CHARACTERIZATION AND QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF AFLATOXINS PRODUCING Aspergillus flavus ASSOCIATED WITH Arachis hypogaea IN PUNJAB, PAKSITAN

Aflatoxins, produced by ubiquitous Aspergillus section Flavi species, are polyketide pathway-derived secondary metabolites and, due to their highly carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic nature, pose human severe health issues globally. In this study, raw groundnut kernels were collected from groundnut growing districts of Punjab, Pakistan, at pre and post-harvest stages. Groundnut-associated Aspergillus flavus isolates were morphologically identified, and their respective aflatoxins producing potential was determined through cultural methods; UV illumination and ammonia vapor exposure. Three hundred isolates were cultured on differential media, Malt extract agar, and Sabouraud dextrose agar, for studying typical morphocultural characteristics, and detailed microscopy. Observed phenotypic variability assorted isolates into twenty groups. Representative isolate of each group was grown on coconut agar medium and exposed to UV illumination and ammonia vapors to observe possible fluorescence excitation and reverse colony color change, respectively. Results of both cultural methods conformed to each other; 35% of isolates produced fluorescent ring upon UV exposure and pinkish reverse colony color upon ammonia vapors exposure (toxigenic), 50% isolates showed no change (atoxigenic), and 15 % showed unclear results. This study provides evidence that groundnut kernels are highly exposed to toxigenic A. flavus strains both at pre and post-harvest stages.

Effect of Desiccant Beads on Groundnut Bruchid, Caryedon serratus (Olivier) Infestation in Stored Groundnut

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of desiccant beads on the stored groundnut against groundnut bruchid, Caryedon serratus Olivier. The experiment was carried out in the storage laboratory of Department of Entomology, OUAT, Bhubaneswar during 2019-20 in Completely Randomised Design. Groundnut pods(100 grams) in each treatment were mixed with 2 types of beads viz., zeolite beads and sodium aluminium silicate in four different ratios (1:1, 1:0.9, 1:0.8, 1:0.7) along with an untreated control and the observations on the fecundity, adult emergence, weight loss(%), moisture content, germination(%) were recorded during 6 months of storage at an interval of 60 days. Among the different treatments, the pods mixed with zeolite beads in 1:1 ratio was found to be the most superior treatment after 2, 4 and 6 months with the lowest fecundity (14.67, 25.67 and 34.33 eggs, respectively) and adult emergence (10.00, 17.33 and 25.00 adults, respectively). However, all the treatment dosages were found significantly superior over control which recorded maximum weight loss due to bruchid infestation. It was also noted that there was reduction in moisture content of the groundnut kernels with the increase of storage period with desiccant beads as these beads absorbed the moisture from the groundnut and created unsuitable environment for insect development and infestation. These beads did not show any adverse effects on the germination of groundnut.

Health Impacts of Foodborne Mycotoxins and Factors Affecting Occurrence of Toxigenic Fungi and Their Toxins in Stored Foods

Many cereal and other crops are susceptible to fungal attack either in the field or during storage. These fungi may produce as secondary metabolites a diverse group of chemical substances known as mycotoxins. Poor harvesting practices, improper storage and less than optimal conditions during transportation, marketing and processing can also contribute to fungal growth and increase the risk of mycotoxin production. However a large number of fungi are associated with groundnut kernel, maize, rice, and sorghum grain, chilli, and various spices, the most common mycotoxin-producing fungi are aspergillus spp( Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus ochraceus), fusariumspp (Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium graminearum, F. proliferatum ) and Penicillium spp (Penicillium verrucosum). Among the mycotoxins fitting into this major group would be the aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, zearalenone, T-2 toxin, ochratoxin and certain ergot alkaloids. The diseases (mycotoxicoses) caused by these mycotoxins are quite varied and involve a wide range of susceptible animal and humans. Most of these diseases occur after consumption of mycotoxin contaminated grain or products made from such grains but other routes of exposure exist. The resulting implications include immuno-suppression, impaired growth, various cancers and death depending on the type, period and amount of exposure. Possible intervention strategies include good agricultural practices such as early harvesting, proper drying, and sanitation, storage, transportation, marketing and insect management among others. Other possible interventions include biological control, chemical control, and decontamination, breeding for resistance as well as surveillance and awareness creation. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-13-01 Publication date: July 31 st 2022

An expedient ion chromatography based method for high-throughput analysis of phytic acid in groundnut kernels.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05527-9.

Processing techniques alter resistant starch content, sugar profile and relative bioavailability of iron in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) kernels

The effect of processing techniques (soaking, roasting and microwave irradiation) on biochemical parameters of groundnut, especially resistant starch (RS) and non-resistant starch (NRS), along with phytic acid (PA), iron (Fe), PA/Fe molar ratio and sugars were studied. Changes in RS and NRS content after processing have not been reported yet. Roasting for 12 min at 160 °C caused an increase in RS (61.1 %) and NRS (67.2 %) content in the GAUG-10 genotype. Water-soaking of kernels for 8 h reduced the amount of PA and increased the amount of Fe and the molar ratio of PA/Fe. Processing techniques reduced sugar alcohols (inositol and mannitol) and stachyose content in groundnut kernels. Variation in nutritional and antinutritional traits of groundnut influenced by processing technique suggests a degree of genotypic tolerance.

Relationship of altitude, individual seed weight, and kernel colonization by Aspergillus flavus with biochemical parameters of various Ethiopian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) accessions

Groundnut is one of the five extensively grown oil crops of Ethiopia. Groundnut kernels contain 40-50% fat, 20-50% protein, and 10-20% carbohydrate and are rich in vitamin E, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, falacin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium. This study aimed to determine individual seed weight, kernel colonization by Aspergillus flavus, and biochemical parameters in groundnut seeds collected from different areas of Ethiopia. Groundnut germplasm in the form of seeds was collected from the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI), further information about each accession location and altitude was also collected from the institute. Parameters such as individual seed weight (ISW), kernel colonization by A. flavus, and biochemical parameters (i.e. total carbohydrate, protein, and total free amino acids) were measured in the groundnut seeds. A negative relationship between ISW and altitude (p&lt;0.01) was observed in this study which indicates that an increase in altitude would result in a decrease in seed weight. A positive relationship between altitude with total carbohydrate (p&lt;0.01) and with total free amino acids (p&lt;0.05) was also observed. Low-ISW accessions exhibited significantly higher total carbohydrates while high-ISW accessions exhibited significantly higher total free amino acids in their seeds. Groundnut seeds of EBI accessions with 0% kernel colonization contained less total carbohydrate, and the accessions with 100% kernel colonization contained the highest total carbohydrates. Besides, total carbohydrates correlated positively with kernel colonization (p&lt;0.01). So, it is postulated that high total carbohydrate makes groundnut seeds susceptible to A. flavus colonization.

STUDIES ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF INFECTED GROUNDNUT KERNELS BY FUNGAL PATHOGENS, EAST KHANDESH, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

In 2020, groundnut production for Maharashtra was 0.32 million tonnes. Groundnut production of Maharashtra fell gradually from 0.42 million tonnes in 2017 to 0.32 million tonnes in 2020. Ground nut production and utilization has increased since last decades due to high nutritive value and its uses. Seed borne fungi of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) are responsible to deteriorate and degrade kernels quality and quantity of potential nutrients causing losses to the farmers in East Khandesh region during storage practices. The prevalent symptoms on seeds were decay, rots, pod rots, spots etc. In these studies, an attempt was made to note the dominant fungal organisms like Aspergillus flavus, Rhyzoctonia bataticola, Penicillium sps., Fusarium sps. and so on, affecting the primary contents in the seeds such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The best storage practices are needed to check the damages. Present paper highlights % Changes in primary metabolites contents of groundnut kernels infected with different fungal species

DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF GROUNDNUT DECORTICATOR

Appropriate and efficient technology is desired to obtain clean groundnut kernels for further processing such as edible oil extraction and for meeting international export standard. An existing groundnut decorticator was modified and a proto-type was constructed to decorticate groundnut in-shell with minimum kernel damage. The modified decorticator was tested with Samnut 14 groundnut variety at 20 mm concave clearance. The groundnuts in-shell was graded into three grades (grades I, II and III) while screen apertures of 8, 10 and 12 mm were used at 8, 10 and 20 % moisture levels using three replications in a complete randomized design. The components of the decorticator include the hopper, frame, decorticating drum, main shaft, blower, pulleys, belt, bearings and a 5 kW electric motor. Results obtained showed a high decorticating efficiency of 94.66% of clean kernels at 10% moisture content was obtained from grade III samples using 8 mm screen aperture. The least kernel bruises and splits of 2.08 and 1.37%, respectively were recorded at 8% moisture level and 12 mm aperture from grade II samples. These results reduced the high incidence of aflatoxin contamination on the decorticated kernels, thus increasing the kernel’s value as well as making it less carcinogenic.