Lentil Seeds Research Articles

Prediction of fatty acid and mineral composition of lentils using near infrared spectroscopy

Lentils are an important source of both macro- and micronutrients. Their fat content is relatively low and is composed of mainly polyunsaturated fatty acids. The minerals found in lentils are mainly magnesium, potassium and iron. This study investigates the use of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict the mineral content and fatty acid profile of lentil seeds (Lens culinaris Medicus). Samples (57) of brown, green, black and red lentils were analysed, and their mineral (calcium, iron and magnesium) and fatty acid contents were determined. NIR spectra for whole intact samples and after the samples were ground into powder were obtained, and the two recording methods were compared. The different compounds were predicted using the modified partial least squares regression method. The predictive models developed show excellent coefficients of determination (RSQ > 0.9) for the C 16:0, C 18:2, C 20:5n-3, C 21:0, omega 6 and calcium parameters. The results obtained reveal that it is possible to predict the fatty acid and mineral composition of lentils using near infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the results obtained show that the equations obtained can be applied to unknown lentil samples.

Effect of Lentil’s Variety and Cultural Farming System on Nutritional Value and Physicochemical Sensory Properties as Related to Human Daily Coverage

The aim of this study is to determine if there is any influence of lentil variety and environment of cultivation in the chemical composition of seeds originating from organic and conventional farming systems. Particularly, an evaluation was made on the physicochemical properties of three lentil cultivars (‘Thessalia’, ‘Dimitra’, ‘Samos’) and also the effect of farming system towards the composition of seeds to be assessed for discovering the tendency which specific cultivar or farming system are most preferable for the consumers. For the evaluation of the physicochemical properties of lentil seeds: (a) Seed density, (b) Hydration coefficient, (c) Swelling coefficient, (d) pH and (e) Content in macro- and micronutrients (total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, and boron), were estimated. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied for every characteristic in order to determine similarities/ differences among the cultivars in both organic and conventional farming systems. In addition, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were conducted. Regarding the three cultivars under evaluation, cv. ‘Dimitra’ is superior especially in the organic environment, followed by cv. ‘Thessalia’, whose nutritional value increases under organic farming conditions. While ‘Samos’ exhibited a slightly better performance under conventional conditions. Based on the results of this research, the interaction between the lentil cultivar and the cultivating environment can influence the nutritional value and the physicochemical properties of lentil’s seeds.

Genotypic and Environmental Effect on the Concentration of Phytochemical Contents of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.)

The health-promoting effects of lentil seeds due to phenolic compounds and other antioxidants make lentils a potential source of functional food or feed ingredients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of genotype and growing environment on the phytochemical contents and antioxidant activities such as ABTS (2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays of soluble extracts from five lentil cultivars grown in ten diverse locations over a 2-year experimental period. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total proanthocyanidin content (TPAC), total hydrolyzed tannin content (TNC), tocopherols and carotenoids were investigated. The major proanthocyanidins and individual polyphenols were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results indicated that flavanols were the main phenolic compounds in hydrophilic extracts, followed by phenolic acids. Concerning lipophilic extracts, tocopherols and carotenoids were the main components, with γ-tocopherol and lutein being the predominant isomers, respectively. In general, both genetic and environmental effects had a strong impact on all bioactive components tested. Greater variation due to environmental effects was found for phenolic compounds (TPC, TFC and TPAC) and antioxidant activities; however, tocopherols and carotenoids revealed a high genotypic dependence. The principal component analysis highlighted the genotypes with higher content of antioxidants and stability across environments. The red lentil population “03-24L” was characterized as a promising genetic material due to its high phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity values across environments and is suggested for further investigation. In conclusion, multi-environmental trials are essential for a better understanding of the genotypic and environmental effect on phytochemical profiles of lentils and provide important information for breeding or cultivating lentil varieties of high-bioactive value.

Çimlenmiş Tohumların Ekmeğin Beslenme ve Teknolojik Özellikleri Üzerine Etkileri

In this study, wheat, rye and green lentil seeds were germinated at different germination period (1, 3 and 5 days), dried and ground into flour. Germinated seed flours were substituted for wheat flour at different ratios (0, 5, 10 and 15%) in bread making; it was carried out in order to increase nutritional and functional properties of bread. As the germination period increased, L* values of germinated seed flour decreased, a*, b* and chroma values increased. The highest protein value was observed in germinated green lentils. Increase germination time resulted in increase in the ash content and minerals (calcium, magnesium and iron) and decrease in phytic acid. Increase in the level of supplementation of germinated flour in bread making, decrease in L* and hue angle values, increase in a*, b* and saturation index values were observed. Soft bread crumb were observed at the 3rd day hardness with using 15% germinated seed flour. The highest phytic acid value among the bread samples was observed with control bread samples. Using all germinated flours in formulation led to a higher total phenolic content than control sample. Among the bread samples, the highest calcium, magnesium and phosphorus values of bread samples were obtained with germinated rye flour addition. The highest iron and potassium values were observed with green lentil flour addition. The 5% substitution rate was defined as an acceptable value in terms of bread volume and specific volume values.

Heat Priming of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) Seeds and Foliar Treatment with γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), Confers Protection to Reproductive Function and Yield Traits under High-Temperature Stress Environments.

Gradually increasing temperatures at global and local scales are causing heat stress for cool and summer-season food legumes, such as lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), which is highly susceptible to heat stress, especially during its reproductive stages of development. Hence, suitable strategies are needed to develop heat tolerance in this legume. In the present study, we tested the effectiveness of heat priming (HPr; 6 h at 35 °C) the lentil seeds and a foliar treatment of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA; 1 mM; applied twice at different times), singly or in combination (HPr+GABA), under heat stress (32/20 °C) in two heat-tolerant (HT; IG2507, IG3263) and two heat-sensitive (HS; IG2821, IG2849) genotypes to mitigate heat stress. The three treatments significantly reduced heat injury to leaves and flowers, particularly when applied in combination, including leaf damage assessed as membrane injury, cellular oxidizing ability, leaf water status, and stomatal conductance. The combined HPr+GABA treatment significantly improved the photosynthetic function, measured as photosynthetic efficiency, chlorophyll concentration, and sucrose synthesis; and significantly reduced the oxidative damage, which was associated with a marked up-regulation in the activities of enzymatic antioxidants. The combined treatment also facilitated the synthesis of osmolytes, such as proline and glycine betaine, by upregulating the expression of their biosynthesizing enzymes (pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase; betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase) under heat stress. The HPr+GABA treatment caused a considerable enhancement in endogenous levels of GABA in leaves, more so in the two heat-sensitive genotypes. The reproductive function, measured as germination and viability of pollen grains, receptivity of stigma, and viability of ovules, was significantly improved with combined treatment, resulting in enhanced pod number (21–23% in HT and 35–38% in HS genotypes, compared to heat stress alone) and seed yield per plant (22–24% in HT and 37–40% in HS genotypes, in comparison to heat stress alone). The combined treatment (HPr+GABA) was more effective and pronounced in heat-sensitive than heat-tolerant genotypes for all the traits tested. This study offers a potential solution for tackling and protecting heat stress injury in lentil plants.

Mineral Composition of Lentils: Physiological Functions, Antinutritional Effects, and Bioavailability Enhancement

Lentil (Lens culinaris) is an important nutritious crop, grown and consumed throughout the world due to its high macro- and micronutrients contents, including minerals. Minerals have several beneficial influences on human health. Thus, lentils play a major role in food security, particularly among low-income countries. The current review aims to highlight the present knowledge on the mineral composition of lentils, compare it with the recommended dietary allowance and adequate intake of minerals, investigate the literature regarding its physiological role, give detailed information on different antinutritional factors preventing its bioavailability, and present adopted solutions to enhance the bioavailability of minerals in lentil seeds. Thereby, a literature search was conducted using reliable sources: Elsevier, Springer, PubMed, and CrossRef. Based on the previous studies, 100 g of cooked lentils, for example, may be enough to cover the recommended dietary allowance/adequate intake of iron in infants under six months and children aged one to three years. One hundred grams of cooked lentils may also cover the recommended dietary allowance/adequate intake of zinc and magnesium in infants and children aged one to three years. Hence, it is imperative that the scientists continue to show the significance of pulses as a mineral source and their effects on human health. Indeed, lentils should be exploited for a variety of purposes, mainly towards eliminating malnutrition, on the condition of being well-balanced. Lentils should be incorporated either in snacks or while preparing household, school, or hospital meals, particularly in developing countries.

Purification, Characterization and Bioefficacy of Legume Lectins against Mustard Aphid

Background: Lectins are carbohydrate binding proteins which perform diverse roles in plants. One important role is in plant defense. These proteins hold great potential as entomotoxic proteins as a part of integrated pest management. Methods: Lectins were purified and characterized from seeds of two legumes, Glycine max-Soybean and Lens culinaris-Lentil, employing ammonium sulfate fractionation and ion exchange chromatography. Bioefficacy of the purified lectins was evaluated against mustard aphid.Result: Lectins isolated from seeds of soybean (Glycine max agglutinin GMA-I, II) and lentil (Lens culinaris agglutinin LCA-I) were purified upto 9.30 (GMA-I), 4.60 (GMA-II) and 8.70 (LCA-I) fold, respectively. Lectin characterization revealed that soybean agglutinin and lentil agglutinin were specific towards D-Galactose and D-mannose, respectively. Insect bioassay was carried out with five different concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 µg/ml) of purified lectins of soybean and lentil against mustard aphid. The lethal concentration LC50 value for GMA-I was obtained as 32.1 µg/ml with a 95% confidential interval of 18.2 to 40.5 µg/ml and that of LCA-I was 19.1 µg/ml with a 95% confidential interval of 9.3 to 26.8 µg/ml. Lentil lectin (LCA-I) with lower LC50 value, was found to be the potential candidate for integrated pest management.

Validated B vitamin quantification from lentils by selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry

A validated method for B vitamin separation and quantification from lentil seeds using ultra high performance liquid chromatography-selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (UHPLC-SRM MS) was reported. The use of three enzymes (acid phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and rat serum) with a 4 h incubation was sufficient to convert bound B vitamins into their free forms. Twenty B vitamers were selected and a 5-min UHPLC-SRM MS method was optimized for rapid analysis. This method was applied to quantify B vitamin concentration during lentil seed germination over a 5-day period. Total B vitamins increased up to 1.5-fold on day 5 (from 39.2 µg/g to 60.6 µg/g of dry weight) comparing with dry seeds. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) was the most abundant B vitamin in both dry seeds (34.2%) and in germinated seeds (17.7%-24.5% of total B vitamins); B8 (biotin) and B12 (cyanocobalamin) were not detected in lentil samples.

SURVEY AND DETECTION OF SEED BORNE MYCOFLORA IN LENTIL (Lens culinaris medic.)

Total One hundred fifty seed samples of Lentil from 18 districts namely Ajmer, Bundi, Barmer, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Churu, Dausa, Dholpur, Hanumangarh, Jaipur, Jalore, Jhunjhnu, Karauli, Kota, Nagaur, Pali, Sirohi, Tonk of Rajasthan were analyzed for the detection of seed-borne mycoflora using standard blotter, agar-plate and deep-freezing methods as suggested by ISTA. A Total of 26 fungal species belonging to 16 genera (SBM) were recorded. Of the three methods used, agar plate method was found to be better for the isolation of fungi from lentil seeds. Surface disinfection by 1% Ca(OCl)2 reduced the incidence of Aspergillus spp

Sustainable improvement of seeds vigor using dry atmospheric plasma priming: Evidence through coating wettability, water uptake, and plasma reactive chemistry

Lentil seeds have been packed in a dielectric barrier device and exposed for several minutes to a cold atmospheric plasma generated in helium with/without a reactive gas (nitrogen or oxygen). While no impact is evidenced on germination rates (caping nearly at 100% with/without plasma exposure), seeds’ vigor is clearly improved with a median germination time decreasing from 1850 min (31 h) to 1500 min (26 h), hence representing a time saving of at least 5 h. We show that the admixture of nitrogen to helium can further increase this time saving up to 8 h. Contrarily, we demonstrate that the addition of molecular oxygen to the helium discharge does not promote seeds’ vigor. Whatever the plasma chemistry utilized, these biological effects are accompanied with strong hydrophilization of the seed coating (with a decrease in contact angles from 118° to 25°) as well as increased water absorption (water uptakes measured 8 h after imbibition are close to 50% for plasma-treated seeds instead of 37% for seeds from the control group). A follow-up of the seeds over a 45-days aging period shows the sustainability of the plasma-triggered biological effects: whatever the plasma treatment, seeds’ vigor remains stable and much higher than for seeds unexposed to plasma. For these reasons, the seed-packed dielectric barrier device supplied with a He–N2 gas mixture can be considered as a relevant dry atmospheric priming plasma in the same way as those used in routine by seed companies.

Plasma treatments help lentil seeds improve water uptake and germination

With a suitable plasma treatment, seeds can get a boost in their growth parameters that can be retained for at least 45 days.

Assessment of the fungal isolates interactions using laboratory culture technique with brown lentil seed germination using Egyptian vermicompost suspension

This study focuses on the interaction among vermicompost fungi and vermicompost's ability to enhance seed germination by cultivating brown lentil seeds through using filter paper and pertri-dishes technique. Vermicompost also prepared using wastes materials and earthworms, then used for fungal isolation and lentil seed germination in the suspended form. The interaction among vermicompost fungi was observed during direct isolations using the serial dilution method and then using pure culture dual plate's plans. At the same time, brown lentil seed germination was occurred using vermicompost suspension and measuring seed germination percentage method. The results revealed that most isolated microorganisms were fungal isolates which used for study interaction among vermicompost fungi varied from neutral interaction to negative interaction; brown lentil seeds achieved a high germination percentage (80%) using vermicompost suspension compared to a positive and negative control. The overall results confirmed that the vermicomposting fungi play an essential role as biological control and growth-promoting factor.

Optimised ANN and SVR models for online prediction of moisture content and temperature of lentil seeds in a microwave fluidised bed dryer

Online monitoring and control of the drying processes are necessary to maintain the final products’ quality attributes, especially when a microwave system is used to facilitate the drying process. Machine learning techniques could be a suitable and very accurate approach for modelling the drying process. Two machine learning techniques including Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) were employed to predict lentil seeds’ temperature and moisture ratio during drying in a microwave fluidised bed dryer with inputs of microwave power (0–500 W), fluidising air temperature (50 °C and 60 °C) and drying time. Mean squared error (MSE) and the coefficient of determination (R2) were used to evaluate the performance of the models. One hidden layer and 10 hidden neurons, the logistic sigmoid transfer function for the hidden layer, and a linear function for the output layer were determined to be the best structure for the ANN. Weights and biases were found by training the network with Bayesian Regularisation (trainbr) and the optimum MSE and R2 of the test set were 3.8×10-5 and 0.999 respectively. Optimised SVR could also provide a good model to predict MR and temperature (overall MSE = 1.96 ×10-4 andR2 = 0.995), although ANN provided relatively more accuracy for the temperature data. Therefore, ANN could be utilised as an accurate tool for the prediction of MR and temperature of lentil seeds during microwave fluidised bed drying.

CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES, SEED CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND GRAIN YIELD IN LENTIL VARIETIES ( Lens culinaris Medik culinaris) UNDER IRRIGATED AND RAINFED CONDITIONS

In Algeria, pulses are rain crops and are drought-prone during their breeding period, resulting in a loss of yield. To this end, four varieties of lentil are tested for their drought tolerance through bio-stress indicators in a field trial during the 2016/2017 crop year. Plants are grown under rained and irrigated conditions (irrigation + rainfall), from the flowering stage to the filling of grains stage. The results indicated that drought stress significantly decreased the relative water content (13.4%), leaf surfaces (32.21%), and grain yield of all genotypes tested (58.37%). The chemical composition of lentil seeds showed a reduction in starch content (4.41%) and an increase in protein content (32.21%). Potassium ions and Sodium ions were present at the highest and lowest concentrations (747.91ppm- 4.5ppm) in rainfall conditions, respectively, while Ca++, PO4-, and Mg++ concentrations were not affected by drought. In conclusion, the emphasis on bio-indicators of water stress tolerance at the reproductive period is of great importance in minimizing grain yield losses and the quality of seeds.

Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Hemostasis by Flavonoids from Lentil Aerial Parts.

While specific metabolites of lentil (Lens culinaris L.) seeds and their biological activity have been well described, other organs of this plant have attracted little scientific attention. In recent years, green parts of lentils have been shown to contain diverse acylated flavonoids. This work presents the results of the research on the effect of the crude extract, the phenolic fraction, and seven flavonoids obtained from aerial parts of lentils on oxidative damage induced by H2O2/Fe to lipid and protein constituents of human plasma. Another goal was to determine their effect on hemostasis parameters of human plasma in vitro. Most of the purified lentil flavonoids had antioxidant and anticoagulant properties. The crude extract and the phenolic fraction of lentil aerial parts showed antioxidant activity, only at the highest tested concentration (50 μg/mL). Our results indicate that aerial parts of lentils may be recommended as a source of bioactive substances.

Seed health evaluation of Different varieties of Lentil by incubation methods

Seeds of lentil harbour the seed borne mycoflora which adversely affect the germination and seedling vigour. Five varieties of lentil and one local variety were taken in the present investigation to assess the seed health by incubation methods. In this study, varying degree and types of mycoflora associated with lentil seeds were recorded. The mycoflora recorded were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp., Trichoderma sp., Nigrospora sp., Chaetomium globosum, Alternaria alternata, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium sp., and Rhizopus stolonifer. In most of the methods, poor germination was observed in local variety, may be due to presence of seed associated mycoflora with higher frequencies whereas JL-3 variety has higher germination due to lower frequencies of detected mycoflora as compared to other varieties of lentil taken in the study.

Effects of roasting process on nutritional and antinutritional factors of two lentils varieties (Lens culinaris. Medik) cultivated in Algeria

The present study aimed to incite the lentil seeds consumption among people by innovating a healthy method of preparation which improves its nutritional quality. Roasting process at different temperature and time was tested for reducing antinutritional (phytic acid and condensed tannins), and nutritional components (Phenolics and flavonoids), as well as in vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays for two varieties (Dahra and Syria.229) of lentils lens culinaris. Medik cultivated in Algeria. A significant de-crease (P<0.01) of phytates and condensed tannin contents was recorded for all roasted varieties (reduction up to 63.01% and 41.41% respectively for phytates and condensed tannin contents at 140°C for 30 min), indicating that roasting of lentil seeds improve nutritional quality by reducing their antinutritional factors. The loss of total phenolic content reaches 12.71% for the Syria.229 cultivar and 23.04 % for the Dahra cultivar, while approximatively half of the total flavonoids content (46.96% for the S.229 cultivar and 48.93% for the Dahra cultivar) were lost during this treatment. Roasting at 140° C for 15 min and at 120° C for 30 min respectively for the varieties DAHRA and SYRIE 229 seem to be the most appropriate heat treatments among other studied one, with more phytates and condensed tannins reduction, and less regression of polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity of the tested lentils. Results indicate that roasted lentils flour can be used as a culinary recipe and an industrial raw material for the production of innovated baking foods with great nutritional value.

Lantil in world and Ukraine: current state and prospects

Aim. The aim of the article is to describe lentil seeds as an essential source of nutrition for the population of our planet; substantiate the need to introduce this crop to rotation in arid conditions of the steppe zone of Ukraine. Methods. Field research was conducted in the central area of Odesa region, which is characterized by high air temperatures and a significant deficit of soil moisture. Accessions were sewn by hand in two-meter rows, the control nursery – by a breeding seeder „Klen-1.5C”. During the growing season, the dates of emergence, the beginning and end of flowering, full ripening, resistance to disease and lodging were noted. In the laboratory, the estimated plants' height, the number of the first and second-order branches, the number of beans and seeds per plant, and the mass of seeds per plant were evaluated in the collected cultivars. Results. Based on a three-year study, significant genetic variability in the duration of the growing season and its phases, elements of productivity, resistance to lodging and disease were identified. The most effective forms that come from different countries had been described. Attention is paid to the Canadian gene pool of lentil, which was distinguished by high seed productivity, drought resistance, increased attachment of the lower beans from the soil surface. The results of competitive variety testing of the best forms are given, which testify to the significant prospect of lentil in the steppe zone. Conclusions. Among the 290 foreign accessions of lentil, sources with a set of economically valuable traits were identified. We recommend to use them as parental forms for creating a new breeding material.

Changes in chemical composition of germinated leguminous under abiotic stress conditions

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of abiotic stress conditions on the synthesis of compounds with antioxidant properties in germinating seeds. The seeds of edible lentils (Lens culinaris L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and mung beans (Vigna radiata L.) were germinated for 120 hours. We studied the influence of abiotic stress on the amount of dry matter, vitamin C and phenolic compounds, as well as flavonoids, in germinated seeds. The use of higher than optimal germination temperatures led to a higher accumulation of dry matter in the mung bean, while the accumulation of phenolic compounds and flavonoids was higher in the alfalfa sprouted seeds. Oxidative stress substantially increased the content of dry matter in the seeds of mung bean, and more vitamin C was found in the lentils. The conditions of abiotic stress in lentil seeds during their sprouting reduced the amount of phenolic compounds in comparison to that in the control variant of the seeds. However, these same conditions (with the exception of oxidative stress) benefitted the accumulation of phenolic compounds in alfalfa seeds.

Effect of germinated lentil seeds eddition on the nutritional value of the beverage

Effect of germinated lentil seeds eddition on the nutritional value of the beverage