Faba Research Articles

Synergism Interactions of Plant-Based Proteins: Their Effect on Emulsifying Properties in Oil/Water-Type Model Emulsions

This study investigated the synergistic effects of three protein concentrates from legumes (pea, lentil, and lima bean) as emulsifiers and stabilizers of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions using a simplex-centroid mixture design. The aim was to check whether proteins combined in different proportions have better emulsifying properties than isolated proteins. During this study, each protein concentrate was characterized by different evaluated parameters: emulsifying activity, emulsion stability, accelerated stability test, thermal coagulation time, stability to coalescence, and others. After statistical analysis mixture optimization, it was found that the best formulation for stabilizing O/W emulsion under the tested conditions (2% total protein; 3% sunflower oil) was the protein blend containing 21.21% pea, 32.78% lentil, and 46.01% fava bean. This blend exhibited better emulsification properties compared to the individual proteins.

Effect of different protein sources on the meat quality of Złotnicka Spotted pigs with particular emphasis of slaughter body weight

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the impact of protein feeding from Fabaceae plants and the final slaughter weight on the quality of meat of native Złotnicka Spotted pigs. The experiment was carried out on 96 fattening pigs (48 barrows and 48 gilts) of the Złotnicka Spotted breed. Animals were divided into 4 feeding groups: group A – control cereal-soybean mixture, and 3 experimental mixtures containing different types of domestic protein sources (groups B - lupin, C - faba beans and D - peas). All diets were isoproteic and isoenergetic within the fattening phase, i.e. grower and finisher. In addition, pigs were fattened to 3 different slaughter weights: 120, 130 and 140 kg. The type of protein had no effect on fattening and slaughter traits. These traits (feed intake [kg], gaily gain during fattening [g/day], mean backfat thickness [mm]) were influenced by the body weight of the pigs at slaughter (p<0.01). It was found a statistically significant interaction effect between feeding group and body weight on the fat, the fatty acid profile of meat (longissimus lumborum) and on oxidative stability (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS) of meat. Increasing the slaughter weight to 140 kg affects increasing the fat content (p<0,05) of meat (longissimus lumborum) primarily in groups of pigs fed on cereal-soy mix (A) and faba beans (C). In addition, fat up to 140 kg and feeding with faba beans (C) and peas (D) has a beneficial effect by reducing the proportion of PUFA n-6/n-3 in meat (p<0,05). Finally, the benefit of feeding pigs with faba beans (C) up to a slaughter weight of 140 kg is the reduction of TBARS of meat (p<0,05). In conclusion, increasing the slaughter weight up to 140 kg and the use in the feed mixture of faba beans improves the nutritional value and oxidation durability of pork.

Impacts of Elevated CO2 and a Nitrogen Supply on the Growth of Faba Beans (Vicia faba L.) and the Nitrogen-Related Soil Bacterial Community.

Ecosystems that experience elevated CO2 (eCO2) are crucial interfaces where intricate interactions between plants and microbes occur. This study addressed the impact of eCO2 and a N supply on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) growth and the soil microbial community in auto-controlled growth chambers. In doing so, two ambient CO2 concentrations (aCO2, daytime/nighttime = 410/460 ppm; eCO2, 550/610 ppm) and two N supplement levels (without a N supply-N0-and 100 mg N as urea per kg of soil-N100) were applied. The results indicated that eCO2 mitigated the inhibitory effects of a N deficiency on legume photosynthesis and affected the CO2 assimilation efficiency, in addition to causing reduced nodulation. While the N addition counteracted the reductions in the N concentrations across the faba beans' aboveground and belowground plant tissues under eCO2, the CO2 concentrations did not significantly alter the soil NH4+-N or NO3--N responses to a N supply. Notably, under both aCO2 and eCO2, a N supply significantly increased the relative abundance of Nitrososphaeraceae and Nitrosomonadaceae, while eCO2 specifically reduced the Rhizobiaceae abundance with no significant changes under aCO2. A redundancy analysis (RDA) highlighted that the soil pH (p < 0.01) had the most important influence on the soil microbial community. Co-occurrence networks indicated that the eCO2 conditions mitigated the impact of a N supply on the reduced structural complexity of the soil microbial communities. These findings suggest that a combination of eCO2 and a N supply to crops can provide potential benefits for managing future climate change impacts on crop production.

The Impact of Different Soaking Solutions on Minerals Availability and In Vitro Protein Digestibility of Faba Bean (Vicia faba)

The Impact of Different Soaking Solutions on Minerals Availability and In Vitro Protein Digestibility of Faba Bean (Vicia faba)

Improving dual cover crop mixtures to increase shoot biomass production and weed suppression potential

IntroductionCover crop services depend on biomass production and species composition of the cover crop stand. In this study, we investigated the interactions in shoot biomass of dual cover crop mixtures and their competitiveness to suppress weeds before winter under different growing conditions.MethodsA field experiment was performed on sandy loam soil in Triesdorf, Germany, for two consecutive years. The cover crop species white mustard (Sinapis alba L.), oil radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleiformis L.), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia J.), Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), field pea (Pisum sativum L.), and field bean (Vicia faba L.) were grown in pure stands or dual mixtures. Cover crops were sown in August, and shoot biomass was harvested at the end of the vegetation period. Cover crop shoot biomass was dried, and the share of each species and the sown test weed (Brassica napus L.) were determined.ResultsThe share of shoot biomass of a cover crop species in dual-species mixtures was closely related to its shoot biomass in its pure stand. In both years, mustard and phacelia showed similar interactions in shoot biomass production when growing with a second species. Regarding competitiveness against weeds, cruciferous species outperformed other cover crop species and could suppress weeds even if they were mixed with a less competitive partner. Weed suppression of mixtures with phacelia depended on the second component in the mixture and was more effective in a dry season. Legume species, especially Egyptian clover and common vetch could not suppress weeds in a pure stand.DiscussionOur results show that species with high weed suppression potential as single stands retain this ability in dual cover crop mixtures, regardless of the suppression potential of the second species that completes the mixture.

Faba Beans as a Sustainable Source of Protein

Abstract The growing demand for plant-based proteins and growing consumer awareness of the medicinal and health advantages of alternative proteins have prompted the nutrition and food industries to explore novel sources of protein. Faba beans represent a nutrient dense source of protein with low fat content with concomitant benefit of having low cost, accessibility, and environmentally sustainable and confer several health benefits. The presence of many antinutritional compounds in raw faba beans limits their applicability in a variety of culinary applications. Another limiting factor is the “beany flavor” commonly encountered in products derived from faba beans. Several processing techniques such as boiling, germination, and enzymatic treatment can easily be applied at domestic and industrial levels to lower certain allergens’ concentrations to enhance the applicability of faba bean in distinct food systems and guaranteeing consumer safety. However, careful consideration must be taken into account to minimize the loss of valuable nutrients such as minerals and vitamins during processing. It is anticipated that more research in this field will close the information gap regarding the nutritional and health benefits of faba bean seeds and expand their use in many different types of applications. Information © The Author 2024

Effect of Treatment with Humic Acid on Some Growth Characteristics and Protein Content in Different Varieties Vicia faba L. Plant

An experiment was carried out using plastic pots in the 2023-2024 season to evaluate the method of treatment with humic acid in the growth characteristics and protein percentage of different varieties of faba bean plants. The study included two factors, the method of adding humic acid (without acid, spraying acid on the plant, adding acid to the soil). The second factor included four varieties of beans (local Iraqi, Netherland, Spanish, and French). The results showed: superiority of the treatment of adding Humic acid to the soil in terms of plant height, total chlorophyll percentage, number of leaves, and protein percentage by 13.25% and 7.59 mg g-1 wet weight. 6.78% and 8.75%, respectively Compared to the control treatment, the local variety was superior in the characteristics of plant height and number of leaves by 31.72 and 7.26% compared to the French variety, which was superior in the characteristics of number of leaves and protein percentage by 12.27 and 24.0%, respectively. The interaction also outperformed adding acid to the local variety in plant height. By 53.13%, the French variety with added acid exceeded the characteristics of number of leaves and protein percentage by 26.40 and 30.50%, respectively.

Response of Growth and Yield of two Broad Bean (Vicia faba L) varieties for antioxidants and diammonium phosphate DAP fertilizer.

Response of Growth and Yield of two Broad Bean (Vicia faba L) varieties for antioxidants and diammonium phosphate DAP fertilizer.

Improving the Yield and Quality of Faba Bean Grown in Alkaline Soils Using Agricultural Gypsum, Organic Fertilizers and Cobalt

Improving the Yield and Quality of Faba Bean Grown in Alkaline Soils Using Agricultural Gypsum, Organic Fertilizers and Cobalt

Revealing the formation mechanism of umami peptides in fermented broad bean paste based on peptidomics and macrogenomics

Revealing the formation mechanism of umami peptides in fermented broad bean paste based on peptidomics and macrogenomics

Evaluation of Alternative Break Crops in Rotation with Bread Wheat (triticum aestivum l.) in South-Eastern Ethiopia

Crop rotation could be a possible intervention to resolve multifaceted problems of monoculture. In recent years, there is a concern about soil depletion caused by intensive farming. In crop rotation legume crops, which capture atmospheric nitrogen and “fix” it into forms available to plants will increase soil fertility. Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), oat (Avena sativum L.) and vicia (Vicia dasycarpa Ten.) forage mixture were considered as a break/precursor crops. The result showed that most profitable cropping sequence was faba bean grown in a 3 year cycle with 2 crops of wheat (Amanuel et al., 1994). Thus, searching for promising and alternative break crops for wheat based rotation could increase productivity and maximize profit. Adaptaion trial around Bekoji showed that sweet lupine seems an option in tolerating acidity where faba bean is found susceptible. Thus, the objectives of this study was to evaluate alternative break crops on yield and yield components of the succeeding wheat and soil fertility maintenance in the rotation scheme. Thus, this study was executed for three consecutive years from 2017- 2019 main cropping seasons at Kulumsa, Bekoji and Asasa Arsi zone, South-Eastern Ethiopia to evaluate advantage of alternative break crops on yield and yield components of the succeeding wheat and its effect on soil fertility maintenance in the rotation scheme. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with five replications. The treatment include: wheat-sweet lupine-wheat-wheatwheat in year one (2017), sweet lupine-wheat-wheat faba bean-Ethiopian mustard in year two (2018) and wheat-wheat-wheat-wheat-wheat in the third year (2019). These leguminous crops have improved physico-chemical properties of soil. Plant nutrients of soil on which legumes were grown were increased. This improvement of soil properties by leguminous crops has resulted in higher yield of wheat than plots on which wheat was grown after wheat. Although non-significant, the third year Bekoji and Asasa combined analysis of variance revealed that the highest wheat grain yield (4197kg/ha) was obtained at sweet lupine-wheat-wheat followed by wheat-faba bean-wheat (4003kg/ha). However, plant height was significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected by rotational crops effect. The tallest plant height of wheat (105.0cm) was recoded from wheat-Ethioian mustard-wheat treatment. From this study, sweet lupine-wheat-wheat followed by wheat-faba bean-wheat with proper agronomic packages could be forwarded as a temporary recommendation in Asasa, Bokoji and Kulumsa areas and in areas with similar agro ecologies.

Preparation and characterization of β-glucan/polyvinyl alcohol/clove essential oil film and its application in the preservation of fresh broad bean pods

In this study, an active film was developed based on β-glucan (BG)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/clove essential oil (CEO) and its preservation effects on fresh broad bean pods were examined. The impact of different BG:PVA ratios (50:50, 40:60 and 30:70) and CEO concentrations (0.25%, 0.50% and 1.00%) on the capacities of film were investigated. A BG:PVA ratio of 40:60 and CEO content of 0.5% (w/w) were adopted following the optimization of the physical, mechanical and barrier capacities of the blended film. Subsequent characterization of the film via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy suggested that the BG hydroxyl groups interacted well with the PVA and CEO, and the good heat stability of the BG/PVA-CEO film was confirmed via thermal gravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry. Importantly, the BG/PVA-CEO film also showed good antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the BG/PVA-0.5% CEO film effectively preserved fresh broad bean pods over a 30-day storage period, based on assessments of appearance, firmness, weight loss and the enzyme activities. These results indicate the promising applicability of the novel BG/PVA-CEO films as active coating materials for the preservation of fresh produce and food products.

Naphthalene induced “Cross-Talk” between pollen mother cells in Vicia faba L. plants

Naphthalene induced “Cross-Talk” between pollen mother cells in Vicia faba L. plants

Influence of Forecrop on Soil Quality Estimated on the Basis of the Growth and Development of Faba Bean and Biochemical Properties of the Soil

Influence of Forecrop on Soil Quality Estimated on the Basis of the Growth and Development of Faba Bean and Biochemical Properties of the Soil

Intercropping wheat and appropriate nitrogen supply can alleviate faba bean wilt disease by reshaping soil microbial community structure

RationaleThe faba bean-wheat intercropping system is widely adopted to mitigate the incidence of faba bean wilt. The application of nitrogen fertilizers is imperative for promoting crop growth. Determining the optimal nitrogen dosage is crucial for enhancing the disease control efficacy of intercropping systems. So far, the impact of different nitrogen input management on soil microbial communities during the occurrence of faba bean diseases under intercropping conditions of faba bean and wheat has not been clear. ObjectiveTo explore the effect of different nitrogen application levels on the inter-root soil microbial community of faba bean in intercropping scenarios and its relationship with the incidence of faba bean wilt. Materials and methodsTwo planting modes, namely sole faba bean cultivation (M) and faba bean-wheat intercropping (I), were established in both field and pot experiments. Four nitrogen application levels (N0: 0 kg ha−1; N1: 45 kg ha−1; N2: 90 kg ha−1; and N3: 135 kg ha−1) were used to assess the incidence of wilt disease in faba bean. Furthermore, collect soil samples from the rhizosphere of faba bean plants for enzyme and microbial assays in the rhizosphere soil. ResultsThe application of nitrogen (N1, N2, and N3) reduced the incidence of faba bean wilt in the monocultures. Among the same N application levels, intercropping exhibited a significant decrease in wilt incidence compared with monocropping, with the lowest incidence observed at the N2 level. Additionally, the rhizosphere enzyme activity in faba bean was maximized under intercropping at the N2 level. Intercropping increased the richness and diversity of soil microorganisms, leading to an adjusted microbial community structure and the promotion of beneficial microorganism functions. Notably, nitrogen application played a pivotal role in changing the rhizosphere soil microbial community structure of faba bean. A reasonable nitrogen application rate (N2) can significantly improve the disease control effects of intercropping. ConclusionIntercropping with N2(90 kg ha−1) resulted in a significant increase in microbial diversity in faba bean soil. This led to an adaptable microbial structure, effectively mitigating the occurrence of faba bean wilt and ultimately promoting soil function and health.

Role of Wilting Time on the Chemical Composition, Biological Profile, and Fermentative Quality of Cereal and Legume Intercropping Silage

Agricultural production in the Azores primarily focuses on the livestock sector, notably, dairy production, where cows graze year-round in a rotational system. To maintain pasture productivity, farmers often rely on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which have adverse environmental impacts like ammonia emissions and nitrate leaching. Alternatively, nitrogen-fixing crops like legumes are explored as green manures to enhance soil quality and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. The traditional practice of using mixed forages of legumes and grasses, known as “outonos” or intercrops, has been crucial but is declining over time. These mixtures include plants such as lupins, Vicia faba, oats, and vetch, noted for their adaptability and nitrogen-fixing ability. Due to the high perishability of these crops, effective conservation strategies like ensiling are essential to preserve forage nutritional quality through controlled fermentation. This study evaluates the productivity and quality of intercrop forages in the Azores, focusing on fresh samples and silage prepared with wilting times of 0, 24, 48, and 96 h, followed by comprehensive chemical analyses. Results showed significant changes in fiber components (neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and acid detergent lignin) with increased wilting time, leading to reduced digestibility. However, wilting improved dry matter content.

Facile‐Prepared Size‐Controllable Nanogels for Enhancing Bidirectional Translocation, Control Efficiency, and Security of Nanopesticide

AbstractNanopesticides have been acknowledged by International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry as a critical tool for revolutionizing future agricultural practices. However, the existing nanopesticides are often plagued by high costs, strict preparation conditions, uncontrollable size, and poor stability. Herein, taking the non‐systemic insecticide lambda‐cyhalothrin (LC) as a model pesticide, a series of LC‐loaded poly(octyl acrylate) nanogel formulations (LONFs) simultaneously featuring easy‐preparation, size‐controllable, and targeted delivery using microemulsion polymerization are developed. By adjusting the ratio of surfactants, the size of LONFs can be accurately designed to be 20, 50, 100, and 200 nm, exhibiting good stability under unconventional storage conditions (0 °C, 54 °C, ultraviolet radiation). Furthermore, reducing the particle diameter enhances the bidirectional translocation of LONFs in Vicia faba L., potentially reaching an optimal diameter (≈20 nm) for unique and rapid transport. LONFs increase the acute toxicity of LC to Aphis craccivora compared to conventional microemulsions (with a maximum reduction of 82.40% in LC50 at 24 h). Additionally, LONFs alter the lethal process of LC in human embryonic kidney 293T cells, with minimal cytotoxicity at a concentration of general application (40 mg L−1). This strategy simultaneously considers convenience, size controllability, and efficiency, providing a feasible method for the industrial development of nanopesticides.

Extruded plant protein two-dimensional scaffold structures support myoblast cell growth for potential applications in cultured meat

Cultured meat has been proposed as a promising alternative to conventional meat products. Five different plant protein blends made from soy (from two different manufacturers), wheat, mung bean, and faba bean, were extruded to form low-moisture meat analogs (LMMA) and were used to assess LMMA scaffold potential for cultured meat application. Extruded LMMAs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, water-holding capacity, total soluble matter, and mechanical properties. Two-dimensional LMMA scaffolds were seeded with C2C12 skeletal myoblast cells and cultured for 14 days, and cell attachment and morphology were evaluated. All five extrudates exhibited directionality of their fibrous protein structures but to varying degrees. Soy, wheat, mung bean, and faba bean-based LMMA scaffolds initially supported myoblast cell growth. However, after 14 days of culture, the extruded wheat LMMA exhibited superior myoblast cell growth. This may be attributed to the highly aligned fibrous structure of the extruded wheat LMMA as well as its elastic modulus, which closely approximated that of native skeletal muscle. Overall, two-dimensional structures of the extruded plant proteins support cell growth and advance the development of cultured meat.

Lactic and propionic acid bacteria starter cultures for improved nutritional properties of pea, faba bean and lentil

Increasing plant-based food consumption as a sustainable and health-oriented alternative to meat is pivotal. Pulses are rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins; however, they also contain antinutritional compounds, impairing their nutritional value. This study addresses this challenge through the development and application of four distinct microbial consortia in pulse-based fermentations, featuring lactic acid bacteria or a combination of lactic and propionic acid bacteria. Microbial starters significantly reduced galacto-oligosaccharides in all pulse materials, concurrently degrading vicine and convicine in faba beans, while the impact on tannins in faba beans and lentil was moderate. Fermentation with lactic acid and propionic acid bacteria consortia exhibited notable vitamin B12 production, and the effect on the content of phenolic compounds of the studied pulses was also evidenced. Additionally, genomic analyses discerned distinctive profiles among the samples, elucidating the microbial community dynamics shaping fermentation outcomes. The results of this study proved how fermentation can advance the development of pulse-based products with improved nutritional and sustainability attributes.

Economic thresholds and economic injury level for pea aphid in tannin and low tannin faba bean

Pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum, are one of the major insect pests of faba bean (Vicia faba). Infestations of pea aphids on faba bean can occur at any plant growth stage and result in drastic yield losses (up to 100%). There was no established guideline to determine when to manage pea aphids on faba bean in Saskatchewan. We conducted a field study to develop an economic threshold for pea aphids on faba bean at six sites in the Saskatoon area in 2019 and 2020. No choice experiments were performed to determine pea aphid growth rate on tannin and low tannin faba bean. Under field conditions, the population of pea aphids on faba bean doubled in approximately 5.25 ± 0.19 days. The average economic threshold (ET) was 34–50 aphids per main stem of a plant. This ET provides a 7-day lead time before aphid populations are expected to exceed the economic injury level (EIL) of 680–984 cumulative aphid days or 96 to 142 aphids per faba bean main stem. All ETs were estimated based on the cost of registered insecticides and the average of three benchmark prices (high, medium and low) of faba bean from January 2018 to July 2021. Laboratory no-choice bioassays demonstrated no significant effect of faba bean tannins on pea aphid growth. Therefore, economic thresholds established in this study are applicable to both tannin and low tannin varieties of faba bean.