Neglected And Underutilized Species Research Articles

Formulation of children's nutrient-dense recipes from Adansonia digitata pulp and Ocimum gratissimum leaves in North Benin

Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) can play an important role in nutrition and food security. This study aimed to promote the consumption of two NUS, Ocimum gratissimum and Adansonia digitata, by improving recipes that are traditionally consumed by children aged 6–23 months in the Atacora department. Two (02) improved recipes were formulated: baobab pulp-enriched porridge (BPP) and egusi sauce with african basil leaves and red palm oil (ESBR). Formulation was initially carried out using MINITAB 19 mixing software. For each recipe, two factors (two main ingredients of the recipe) were considered for the formulation. The optimized recipes were then tested through a hedonic test with a sample of 66 children in three (03) communes. The nutritional densities of accepted recipes were then determined. Results showed that most of the children liked both recipes formulated. The energy densities of both recipes (1.24 ± 0.03 kcal and 1.89 ± 0.05 kcal/g respectively for BPP and ESBR) met the recommended standards. As for nutritional densities, only iron recommended density was achieved for BPP (4.86 ± 0.12 mg/100 kcal) while for ESBR, in addition to iron density, zinc and vitamin A densities were also achieved. The BPP recipe covered good levels of daily nutritional requirements for one single feed for iron (46.42%) and energy (13.49%) considering the amount consumed by children, whereas the ESBR recipe covered levels of 26.61% for energy, 399.32% for vitamin A, 94.11% for iron and 17.44% for zinc. A better valorization of these species through cooking demonstration sessions addressed to mothers is necessary to ensure the consumption of recipes formulated by communities in general and children in particular.

Study on production and utilization of minor millets in Madhya Pradesh

Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) worldwide are gaining attention as they are suited to sustainable food systems offering food and nutritional security to people in marginal regions. Minor millets are one such group of crop species that can be utilized to supplement the cereal-centric diet. But they are largely neglected in terms of research and development, policy support, and consumer demand. Present study was carried out during 2020 in selected districts of Madhya Pradesh to explore the production, consumption and utilization of minor millets and to identify the problem faced by the farmers at the field level. Farmers grow local varieties of millets with poor management under rainfed conditions. The price received by the farmers vary widely, although it is economically viable. Most sample farmers were unaware of the possibility of processing the grain into various products that suit consumer demand and fetch better prices. They perceive the unavailability of high-yielding variety as the major production constraint. The revival of millets requires a multidimensional approach involving government support, research and development, awareness campaigns, and consumer demand.

Contribution of pollinators to production and reproduction of neglected and underutilized food species in family farming systems in Patagonia

ABSTRACT Many of the species used in family farming systems (FFS) in Patagonia belong to the group known as neglected and underutilized species (NUS), which promote biocultural diversity and contribute to food sovereignty. Due to the scarce attention paid to NUS by agronomic sciences, little is known about their biotic pollination, although it is a well-studied aspect for commercially important plants. We evaluate the contribution of animal pollination to NUS managed by Patagonian FFS. We present a literature review of the NUS used and aspects related to their pollination and floral visitors, for which 725 papers were reviewed. FFS use 426 NUS (414 angiosperms, 10 gymnosperms and 2 ferns). Most NUS (86.7%) depend to some extent on animal pollination, either for the production of fruits or seeds that are harvested for consumption (direct dependence, 35%) or for obtaining seeds (indirect dependence, 65%), which in many cases are necessary for reseeding. Gathering and cultivation are the most common management practices for these species. Hymenoptera and Diptera are the animals that contribute most to NUS biotic pollination. Our results show that animal pollination is a key contribution of nature to sustain cultural aspects and food sovereignty of FFS in Patagonia.

Convective drying of pumpkin: Brief literature review and new data for organically produced indigenous pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) over an expanded temperature range

Selected cultivars form part of the neglected and underutilized species (NUS), which can contribute to building sustainable and resilient food systems, particularly for food-insecure households. Advances in the drying of pumpkin cultivars are briefly reviewed. Background on drying, including pretreatment techniques, is discussed. It emerged that convective air drying remains the most used dehydration technique, while most pretreatment and drying approaches, although innovative and promising, have not yet been investigated for pumpkin species. Areas for future scientific investigations are also suggested. A closer look at the literature data revealed notable inconsistencies for pumpkin diffusivity data even for the same species. For this reason, independently of the review, new data are reported in this study for the Cucurbita Pepo cultivar in a quest for more accuracy and a wider temperature validity range. A convective dryer using hot air was used to determine the drying characteristics of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) slices at four different temperatures (40, 45, 50, 55 and 65) °C at a constant velocity of 1.5 m/s. The extended temperature range and the large number of experimental temperatures were meant to increase the newly reported properties’ accuracy and validity range. The Page model stood out as the most accurate approach to describe the investigated dehydration process. Pumpkin effective diffusivity was calculated as 3.74–7.30 × 10−9 m2/s while the activation energy was 21.07 kJ/mol based on experiments undertaken in the present study. The newly obtained data did not solve the problem associated with inconsistencies between the two data sets found in the literature for drying the same pumpkin cultivar. The reported data would be helpful in the accurate determination of diffusivity data instrumental for convective drying process modelling and optimization.

Underutilised food crops for improving food security and nutrition health in Nigeria and Uganda—a review

Food and nutrition insecurity are pressing global issues, pertinent to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 (zero hunger). About 1 in 10 people globally are food insecure, with both the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia crisis exacerbating the problem, partly due to unprecedented shortages in major food commodities, such as wheat, rice, and sunflower oil. Food and nutrition security have been negatively impacted in sub-Saharan African countries like Nigeria and Uganda where, prior to both crises, 25% of the population were already food insecure and children under five and women of reproductive age faced severe undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and their associated health challenges. The recent crises have highlighted the need for a paradigm shift from relying on a few crops to a diversified, sustainable food system that harnesses the potential of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) for food and nutrition insecurity solution, especially in low and middle-income countries. Despite their abundance (>100 edible species) and high nutritional value, various political, socio-cultural, and infrastructural factors have deterred commercialization and utilization of NUS in sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, there are limited sophisticated studies on many of NUS local to the region. This review aimed to discuss selected NUS, peculiar to Nigeria, namely, African walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorium), African breadfruit (Treculia africana), and Uganda, namely, sesame (Sesamus indicum L.) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.), and their potential to sustainably contribute towards improved food and nutrition security. The crops are briefly described, and their indigenous uses, nutritional value and medicinal properties highlighted. Issues relating to their production, processing, consumption, and exportation are reviewed considering their contribution towards sustainable food systems.

Potentials of baobab in food systems

The current study aims to review the prospects for baobab domestication and cultivation, nutrient variability, food applications, industrial value and future potentials of the African baobab. The variations in nutrient content of baobab as seen in several studies could have arisen from differences in provenance the sample was obtained, age of the parent plant, as well as differences in soil and climate. Regardless, baobab is a rich source of nutrients, bioactives and functional polysaccharides, representing a huge market potential for food industries. It has garnered widespread interest as a functional ingredient for preventive health care and disease management. Due to approvals given by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission (EC), baobab fruit pulp has gained widespread popularity as a novel food ingredient. In addition, baobab fruit pulp offered as a dietary supplement has been used in its naturally dehydrated form or processed into pills. There are huge information gaps on processing and safety of baobab seed oil, use of baobab seeds and leaf powder - a rich source of mucilage, in food systems. An industrially significant product from baobab are the functional polysaccharides which are a rapidly advancing application. Baobab plant parts, fruit pulp, kernels, whole seeds, funicles, leaves, empty fruit shells and roots all inclusive, are of significant value for their key role in nutrition and health, food security and economic welfare of the rural communities in regions where the trees are originally found. Both traditional and novel applications of the various parts of the baobab tree have been explored in this paper. These include use in edible products like gruels, jams, yoghurt, wines, juice etc. Application of extrusion processing as an economical means of value addition to baobab commodities has been reviewed, especially relating to the classification of baobab as a neglected and underutilized species (NUS).

Data-driven, participatory characterization of farmer varieties discloses teff breeding potential under current and future climates.

In smallholder farming systems, traditional farmer varieties of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) support the livelihoods of millions of growers and consumers. NUS combine cultural and agronomic value with local adaptation, and transdisciplinary methods are needed to fully evaluate their breeding potential. Here, we assembled and characterized the genetic diversity of a representative collection of 366 Ethiopian teff (Eragrostis tef) farmer varieties and breeding materials, describing their phylogenetic relations and local adaptation on the Ethiopian landscape. We phenotyped the collection for its agronomic performance, involving local teff farmers in a participatory variety evaluation. Our analyses revealed environmental patterns of teff genetic diversity and allowed us to identify 10 genetic clusters associated with climate variation and with uneven spatial distribution. A genome-wide association study was used to identify loci and candidate genes related to phenology, yield, local adaptation, and farmers' appreciation. The estimated teff genomic offset under climate change scenarios highlighted an area around lake Tana where teff cropping may be most vulnerable to climate change. Our results show that transdisciplinary approaches may efficiently propel untapped NUS farmer varieties into modern breeding to foster more resilient and sustainable cropping systems.

Potential of breadfruit cultivation to contribute to climate-resilient low latitude food systems

The number of people in food crisis around the world is increasing, exacerbated by COVID-19, conflict, and climate change. Major crop yields are projected to decrease in low-latitude regions, making tropical and sub-tropical food systems particularly vulnerable. Increased cultivation of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), a neglected and underutilized species (NUS), has the potential to enhance climate resilience and overall sustainability of low-latitude agricultural systems. To better understand breadfruit’s cultivation suitability and geographic range in current and future climates, we use breadfruit presence data collected from previous studies and a global citizen science database, and a selection of bioclimactic variables, to build an ensemble of 6 species distribution models that delineate the current climatically viable breadfruit range. We then assess the climatically viable future breadfruit range (2061–2080) under stabilization and high emission scenarios using an ensemble of 8 global circulation model (GCM) projections. The area of suitable breadfruit range within the global tropics and subtropics is projected to decrease ~4.4% in the stabilization scenario and ~4.5% in the high emission scenario. In Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, yield quality and consistency show minimal decreases under the high emission scenario, with increases in total suitable area under both. In contrast, in Latin America and the Caribbean, the current suitable breadfruit range is projected to contract ~10.1–11.5% (stabilization-high emission). Present and future model suitability outputs suggest opportunities to successfully expand breadfruit cultivation over the next decades in sub-Saharan Africa, where food insecurity is coincidentally high. However, in all regions, high emission scenario conditions reduce the overall consistency and quality of breadfruit yields compared to the stabilization scenario. Our results have the potential to inform global food security adaptation planning, highlighting breadfruit as an ideal NUS to incorporate in food security adaptation strategies.

Evaluation of Plant Materials for the Control of Leafworm (Acraea terpsicore L.) On Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) in Lapai Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

Jute mallow, (Corchorus olitorius L.) is an important vegetable grown in most part of subsaharan Africa and classified as Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS). But insect pests are serious hindrance to its production. The present research was conducted at the teaching and research farm of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State in the growing season of 2017 - 2018. The research aimed at evaluating the efficacy of three plant materials (alligator pepper (Aframomum melegueta K. Schum,), black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) and neem seed (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) for the control of Acraea terpsicore (L.) (Leaf worm) on jute mallow. The plant materials were grounded separately into powder and weighed into 100g per litre of water. A day to spraying, the materials were soaked in water separately for 24hours and thereafter sieved with a muslin cloth and further filtered with Whatman filter paper to remove all fine particles. The extracts were then transferred in to the sprayer for onward spraying of the plant. Before spraying, the number of leafworms were counted, the count was repeated a day after spraying. The spraying was done at 3days interval. The numbers of damaged leaves were also counted at 4, 6 and 8 week after planting (WAP). At the end of the research, neem seed extract caused significantly highest mortality after each spray and the least number of damaged leaves at 4, 6 and 8 WAP, followed by black pepper. But contrarily, alligator pepper, on the other hand, had no significant effect on the leaf worm. The control presents the highest number of leaf worms and highest number of damaged leaves at 4, 6 and 8 WAP. Conclusively, with further research, neem seed extracts can be encouraged to be used in the control of vegetable insect pests as this is cheaper than synthetic pesticides and not toxic to man and his environment.

Functional potential of yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.) grape, fruit from a neglected and underutilized species

Consumption of plant foods, including fruits and vegetables, has been associated with a lower risk of some diseases. Besides food constituents, such as fibre or beta-carotene, other bioactive plant compounds such as polyphenols have been suggested to contribute to this protective effect. Yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.) is a tropical fruit with increasing acceptance in both national and international fruit markets. However, it remains a neglected and underused species. Neglected and underutilized species (NUS), also known as minor crops or 'orphan' crops, can help solving some global issues, such as hunger, poverty and adaptation to climate change. In this review, we have highlighted the functional potential of the fruit of Spondias mombin. Particular emphasis has been placed on polytphenols, vitamins and minerals.

Editorial

Sustainable agriculture is just one of the important facets of sustainable food systems which also includes other very important practices such as food distribution, consumption as well as reduction of food wastage. All of these are intricately interlinked. A recent study in 2020 conducted in the European Union attributed 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions to food systems including livestock and crop harvest, their transportation, changing landscapes, and food wastage (McFall-Johnsen & Woodward, 2019). Conventional agriculture depends on the use of large amounts of fertilizers, pesticides, fossil fuels, exploitation of water resources, processing, and packaging. Though this increases productivity, they wreak havoc on both nature as well as human health. It has also resulted in a gradual loss of indigenous food systems and cultures grounded in a harmonious relationship between man and nature. Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) of crops, such as various millets in India, which were once primary cereals cultivated because of their adaptability to a particular region and climate, slowly lost to cash crops such as rice and wheat that increasingly formed the mainstay agricultural practices.

Productive and Morphometric Traits, Mineral Composition and Secondary Metabolome Components of Borage and Purslane as Underutilized Species for Microgreens Production

Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) offer largely unexplored opportunities for providing nutritious plant food, while making agro-ecosystems more diverse and resilient to climate change. The aim of this work was to explore the potential of two typical Mediterranean underutilized species, purslane and borage, as novel vegetable product (microgreens). Micro-scale production of edible plants is spreading due to the simplicity of their management, rapid cycle, harvest index, and phytochemical value of the edible product. Microgreens, therefore, represent an opportunity to link NUS, nutrition, and agricultural and dietary diversification. By analyzing yield, antioxidants activities, mineral composition, and main phenolic acids and flavonoids, our work indicated that the two species provide interesting results when compared with those reported for crops and horticultural species. Specifically, purslane should be considered highly nutritional due to the amount of phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid, and to potential good β-carotene bioavailability. Borage microgreens have a very high fresh yield and a more composite and balanced phenolic profile. In conclusion, our work provided evidence for implementing new ways to expand the NUS market-chains and for developing added-value food products.

A study of the bioactive potential of seven neglected and underutilized leaves consumed in Brazil

This study investigated the vitamin C content, total phenolic compounds (TPC), and the potential bioactivities (antioxidant, antiproliferative, antibacterial activities, and inhibition capacity against N-nitrosation) of seven neglected and underutilized species (NUS): culantro (Eryngium foetidum), false roselle (Hibiscus acetosella), roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), tree basil (Ocimum gratissimum), Barbados Gooseberry (Pereskia aculeata), purslane (Portulaca oleracea), and tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium). Phenolic-rich extracts were obtained by a sequential optimization strategy (Plackett-Burman and Central Composite Design). O. gratissimum presented the highest TPC and X. sagittifolium the greater total vitamin C content. Overall, the plant extracts presented promising bioactive capacities, as scavenging capacity against HOCl, H2O2 and ROO• induced oxidation. P. oleracea demonstrated the highest cytostatic effect against ovarian and kidney tumor cells. O. gratissimum effectively inhibited S. Choleraesuis growth. Maximum inhibition on n-nitrosation was showed by O. gratissimum and E. foetidum. These results highlight the studied NUS as sources of potential health-promoting compounds.

Wild gardening as a sustainable intensification strategy in northwest Cambodian smallholder systems

Within the last decade, Sustainable Intensification (SI) has emerged as a strategy to respond to future food security challenges. It incorporates increased food production without the cultivation of more land while incurring no net environmental cost. Frameworks attempting to measure SI often focus heavily on production indicators while overlooking other important indicators, such as impacts on economic, social, or human conditions. In this study, we evaluate the purposeful assemblage and management of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) in fringe areas around rural homesteads as a potential SI strategy. We use a recent SI assessment framework developed by the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sustainable Intensification (SIIL) that incorporates five measurable domains (productivity, economic, environmental, human condition, and social). We present findings from a qualitative case study in northwest Cambodia to assess local conceptu­alization of wild gardening, current uses of NUS, perceived benefits and challenges to their use and management, and the potential of wild gardening as a SI strategy. The qualitative methods employed 65 key informant interviews and four focus group discussions with both men and women partici­pants. Our results indicate that wild gardening is an important component of rural livelihoods in northeast Cambodia. However, a general lack of knowledge of strategic benefits, such as nutrition poten­tial, inhibits its use for maximum benefits. Wild gardening addresses multiple SI domains simultaneously and demonstrates the potential to be a promising SI strategy for improving rural livelihoods in Cambodia.

Root Tonics and Resilience: Building Strength, Health, and Heritage in Jamaica

Jamaican root tonics are fermented beverages made with the roots, bark, vines (and dried leaves) of several plant species, many of which are wild-harvested in forest areas of this Caribbean island. These tonics are popular across Jamaica, and also appreciated among the Jamaican diaspora in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Although plants are the focal point of the ethnobotany of root tonics, interviews with 99 knowledgeable Jamaicans across five parishes of the island, with the goal of documenting their knowledge, perceptions, beliefs, and oral histories, showed that studying these tonics solely from a natural sciences perspective would serve as an injustice to the important sociocultural dimensions and symbolism that surround their use. Jamaican explanations about root tonics are filled with metaphorical expressions about the reciprocity between the qualities of “nature” and the strength of the human body. Furthermore, testimonies about the perceived cultural origins, and reasons for using root tonics, provided valuable insights into the extent of human hardship endured historically during slavery, and the continued struggle experienced by many Jamaicans living a subsistence lifestyle today. On the other hand, the popularity of root tonics is also indicative of the resilience of hard-working Jamaicans, and their quest for bodily and mental strength and health in dealing with socioeconomic and other societal challenges. Half of all study participants considered Rastafari the present-day knowledge holders of Jamaican root tonics. Even though these tonics represent a powerful informal symbol of Jamaican biocultural heritage, they lack official recognition and development for the benefit of local producers and vendors. We therefore used a sustainable development conceptual framework consisting of social, cultural, economic, and ecological pillars, to design a road map for a cottage industry for these artisanal producers. The four steps of this road map (growing production, growing alliances, transitioning into the formal economy, and safeguarding ecological sustainability) provide a starting point for future research and applied projects to promote this biocultural heritage product prepared with Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) of plants.

Documentation and on farm conservation of neglected and underutilized plant species in Lamjung district, Nepal

Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) are proven superfoods, but still many of those species are not mainstreamed in our food system. In this regard, research was carried out to explore diversity and identify prioritized species, explore use-values, and identify the role of a socio-demographic factor in its conservation and promotion. For this, a survey was conducted at two rural municipalities’ viz. Marsayndi Rural Municipality-01 (Ghanpokhara) and Kwhlosothar Rural Municipality (ward no-03, Ghalegaun & ward no-04, Bhujung) in Lamjung district of Nepal. Location wise cluster sampling was conducted for data collection and the techniques employed were direct field observation, household sampling, key informant interview, personal interviews, and field studies. 92 species were documented during the study, moreover, a significant role of socio-demographic factors was seen in characterizing, evaluating, and conserving NUS on-farm. The results indicated that the education status and primary occupation of the household head had a major role whereas ethnicity had a certain level of the role while gender had no role to play on on-farm conservation of NUS. People with basic education status and agriculture as their primary occupations showed a higher influence on conservation. The result concludes with some insight on the way forward for NUS and addresses a need to establish a research and development program including all potential participants such as with government, academics, entrepreneurs, and producers to promote NUS.

Future Smart Food: Harnessing the potential of neglected and underutilized species for Zero Hunger.

Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2: ‘Zero Hunger’—eradicating all forms of hunger and malnutrition—is a major challenge in many developing countries. To be successful, agriculture and food policies need to target both production and consumption. Conventional agri‐food systems in developing countries could become more sustainable through agricultural diversification. In Asia, over‐reliance on a few staple crops is a leading cause of low dietary diversity and persistent malnutrition. Promising neglected and underutilized species (NUS) that are nutrient dense, climate resilient, economically viable, and locally available or adaptable have been prioritized as Future Smart Food (FSF) and have a central role to play in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. An enabling environment for agriculture diversification with a food system approach—to promote sustainable production, processing and consumption of FSF—is essential for achieving Zero Hunger. This article (a) provides the context of hunger and malnutrition and highlights the features and gaps in current agriculture and food systems, (b) demonstrates the multidimensional benefits of FSF as an effective means to bridge production and nutrition gaps to address Zero Hunger and (c) offers a holistic food systems approach that promotes sustainable production, processing and consumption of FSF as a key element for achieving Zero Hunger.

Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species: The Key to Improving Dietary Diversity and Fighting Hunger and Malnutrition in Asia and the Pacific.

Asia continues to suffer from a high prevalence of malnutrition. Persistent malnutrition can be attributed to low dietary diversity, together with low production diversity. Dietary diversity represents a more healthy, balanced, and diverse diet, which ensures nutrient adequacy. The principle of dietary diversity is affirmed in all national food-based dietary guidelines. Food-based approaches that address malnutrition, especially micronutrient deficiencies, are embedded in evidence-based healthy diet patterns; however, they are disconnected from the current agricultural production system. Promising neglected and underutilized species (NUS) that are nutrient-dense, climate-resilient, profitable, and locally available/adaptable are fundamental to improving dietary and production diversity. The Future Smart Food Initiative, led by FAO's Regional Initiative on Zero Hunger, aims to harness the enormous benefits of NUS in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. Recognizing that NUS covers crops, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, and forests, the FAO has set crops as an entry point for NUS to address hunger and malnutrition.

Urban gardening and neglected and underutilized species in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

BackgroundUrban agriculture has been evidenced as a food production and environmental sustainability strategy, although it faces many obstacles in Latin American countries. Additionally, in urban areas, low consumption of fruit and greenery is noticeable, along with loss in food diversity, including the neglected and underutilized species (NUS), which involve potential to strengthen local food systems. For this reason, this work has sought to map urban gardens in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, characterizing their gardeners, and to systematize information regarding food produced and the use of NUS.MethodsThe municipality’s urban gardens were mapped and data was collected from the gardeners. The study included two steps: (i) garden localization; (ii) on-site visits for interviews with gardeners and verification of cultivated food, destination of production, availability, and use of NUS.ResultsEighteen active food gardens were located, seventeen of which participated in the study: eight (8) communal (UCG) and nine (9) private (UPG). Respondents were on average 55.76 years old, mostly (52.9%) male, working at UPG (88.9%). Women predominated in the UCG (87.5%), with higher levels of education. For 52.9% of the interviewees, the garden was their main source of income. Food produced at the urban gardens was consumed by 82.4% of the gardeners and their families. In 70.6% of the gardens, production was also sold, while 47.1% donated. During the survey, 59 NUS were found and 76.5% of respondents reported consuming 19 of the species. NUS leaves, fruits, and seeds were found to be eaten raw, boiled, or sautéed in various preparations, especially Coleus amboinicus Lour. (76.5%), Eryngium foetidum L. (35.3%), Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss., and Pereskia aculeata Mill (both 29.4%). Occurrence and utilization of NUS did not present significant associations with the gardens or gardeners (p > 0.05).ConclusionsSalvador urban gardens, even in small numbers and without government support, have produced affordable food for the local population, preserved food diversity, and the tradition of NUS cultivation and use. Thus, urban gardens are reaffirmed as relevant spaces that should be included in public policies in order to promote food and nutritional security, biodiversity, and urban environmental sustainability.

Unlocking plant resources to support food security and promote sustainable agriculture

Societal Impact StatementBiodiversity is essential to food security and nutrition locally and globally. By reviewing the global state of edible plants and highlighting key neglected and underutilized species (NUS), we attempt to unlock plant food resources and explore the role of fungi, which along with the wealth of traditional knowledge about their uses and practices, could help support sustainable agriculture while ensuring better protection of the environment and the continued delivery of its ecosystem services. This work will inform a wide range of user communities, including scientists, conservation and development organizations, policymakers, and the public of the importance of biodiversity beyond mainstream crops.SummaryAs the world's population is increasing, humanity is facing both shortages (hunger) and excesses (obesity) of calorie and nutrient intakes. Biodiversity is fundamental to addressing this double challenge, which involves a far better understanding of the global state of food resources. Current estimates suggest that there are at least 7,039 edible plant species, in a broad taxonomic sense, which includes 7,014 vascular plants. This is in striking contrast to the small handful of food crops that provide the majority of humanity's calorie and nutrient intake. Most of these 7,039 edible species have additional uses, the most common being medicines (70%), materials (59%), and environmental uses (40%). Species of major food crops display centers of diversity, as previously proposed, while the rest of edible plants follow latitudinal distribution patterns similarly to the total plant diversity, with higher species richness at lower latitudes. The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List includes global conservation assessments for at least 30% of edible plants, with ca. 86% of them conserved ex situ. However, at least 11% of those species recorded are threatened. We highlight multipurpose NUS of plants from different regions of the world, which could be key for a more resilient, sustainable, biodiverse, and community participation‐driven new “green revolution.” Furthermore, we explore how fungi could diversify and increase the nutritional value of our diets. NUS, along with the wealth of traditional knowledge about their uses and practices, offer a largely untapped resource to support food security and sustainable agriculture. However, for these natural resources to be unlocked, enhanced collaboration among stakeholders is vital.