Nutrition Security Research Articles

Response to Various Water Regimes of the Physiological Aspects, Nutritional Water Productivity, and Phytochemical Composition of Bush Tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) Grown under a Protected Environment

The influence of water regimes on plants is crucial for integrating bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) into strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa to tackle food and nutritional insecurity by considering physiological aspects, nutritional yield, nutritional water productivity, and metabolite composition. The objective of the study was to determine the physiological aspects, including leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, nutritional yield, nutritional water productivity, and metabolite composition of bush tea under varying water regimes. The tunnel experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with treatments consisting of three water regimes: 100% of crop water requirement (ETa), 30% of ETa, and a control (no irrigation), all replicated three times. The morphological aspects were recorded on a weekly basis. However, yield, nutrient content, nutritional water productivity (NWP), and phytochemical composition were determined at harvest. The phytochemical analysis by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), coupled with visualization of the detected chemical spaces through molecular networking, indicated Athrixia phylicoides DC. to be rich in various bioactive compound derivatives, including methyl chlorogenate, flavonoids, tartaric acid, caffeoylquinic acid, and glutinane. The results showed that 30% ETa enhanced plant growth, nutrient content, and nutritional water productivity compared to other water treatments. Nevertheless, 100% ETa yielded more (95.62 kg ha−1) than 30% ETa (60.61 kg ha−1) and control (12.12 kg ha−1). The accumulation of chlorogenic acids was higher under 30% ETa compared to 100% ETa and control. Therefore, this study is the first to determine the accumulation of various bioactive compounds in bush tea leaf extracts under varying water regimes. This confirms that in areas with low water availability, bush tea is well adapted for production without limiting nutrients.

Development of Sustainable Integrated Farming Systems for Small and Marginal Farmers and Ecosystem Services -A Comprehensive Review

This review article shows a holistic approach regarding integrated farming system (IFS) for livelihood security and sustainable development of small and marginal households in India. Integrated farming systems are being developed for location specific because enormous problems are being aroused in the agriculture and allied sectors such as declined factor productivity, profitability, unscientific management of farm resources, decreases in crops and livestock productivity due to climate change, changes in food habits of the people, deprived soil health, low inputs use efficiencies, declined in crop diversification and biodiversity, increased cost of production, utilization of high energy inputs, produces low energy outputs and other problems are also coexisted in current farming system. The integrated farming system includes different components like crops, livestock, poultry, beekeeping, fisheries, mushroom, kitchen garden, boundary plantation and others to cultivate in an integrated way for efficient utilization of limited farm resources. Moreover, imperative need to resolve these ablaze issues with the help of development of location-specific integrated farming system modules/models. IFS is a tool of sustainable strategies for the meeting of assorted agrarian anxieties along with ensured food and nutritional security and conserved ecosystem services. The standardized and upscale IFS models increased the productivity and profitability of the farmers more than mono-cropping and single-farm enterprises. The conducted studies emphases about enhance soil quality indicators, recycling and saving plant nutrients by around 55.6% through proper management of farm-based waste and byproducts. A total of 265.18 kg nitrogen, 48.91 kg phosphorus and 269.48 kg potassium can be saved through recycled farm-based waste or byproducts of a 1.5 ha model which comprises nine components. In conclusion, IFS modules/models are emission-negative or low GHG emitters, paving the way for promoting of climate-friendly farming in India. IFS emerges as a holistic approach to increase climate-resilient, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, it is a potential for sustainable agriculture development requiring continued research, policy support and innovative strategies for widespread adoption. As regards to livelihood security, the IFS approach has adapted to meet the home-grown family needs of cereals, pulses, oils, fruits, milk, meat, eggs, and vegetables. The future direction for research includes vertical farming, climate-smart farming systems, and improving the quality and sustainability of the farming systems, especially for underprivileged farm householders.

Exploring how mobile money adoption affects nutrition and household food security

AbstractThis paper explores how using mobile money services affects food security and nutritional status of households in Tanzania. This study uses data obtained from three waves of the Tanzanian National Panel Surveys and the instrumental variable (IV) approach. The evidence from this paper shows that using mobile money services resulted in household's enhanced nutritional and food security status. Households' receipt of remittances is the main pathway in which using mobile money services influences the food security and nutritional outcomes among households in Tanzania.

Can Entomophagy be a Good Option for Nutrition and Food Security?

As the population increases, so does the demand for food and resources. Insects are rich in proteins, unsaturated fats and low in carbohydrates. They contain all the essential minerals and vitamins like iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, sodium, copper, riboflavin, biotin, and vitamin B9. Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), estimated that the world need to increase its food production to feed a worldwide population of more than nine billion by the year 2050. Insects offer so much potential as an alternative food source to meet this need. More than two billion people including various ethnic communities around the world practice entomophagy and consume more than 2000 species of edible insects. Southeast Asian countries and African countries are one of the biggest consumers of edible insects. Due to its health and nutritional benefits, there is an increased demand and interest in European and American countries. Government policymakers, entrepreneurs, educationists, and chefs worldwide are exploring and promoting edible insects. Promoting novel insect-based food that is made of insects or insect ingredients such as insect flour, and insect protein powder could increase consumers and consumption. This review highlights insects as an alternative protein source for future food production. Insects like black soldier flies are used as insect feed for animals in poultry, pigs, and cows and are high in demand. Insects produce significantly less greenhouse gas emissions compared to other livestock. Edible insect farming and entomophagy present an important and sustainable opportunity for the future of food. This could also help generate employment for the rural women and youths as an alternate source of livelihood. Entomophagy has the potential to solve the world’s food hunger and at the same time save the environment.

Income Generation Opportunities through Secondary Agriculture towards Sustainability in Angul District of Odisha: A Case Study

Aims: The aim of the study was for attempting various Income Generation interventions to address poverty, unemployment and lack of economic opportunities which could increase participants’ ability towards secured livelihoods. Secondary agriculture is essentially a way of business development that aids in providing farming households in rural areas with income and employment. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in Krishi Vigyan Kendra Angul, Odisha between 2016-17 to 2021-22. Methodology: PRA survey of the village followed by group discussions and other approaches were conducted to identify the constraints and accordingly the process planning was performed for strengthening their livelihood. By the technological interventions from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Angul the famers took trainings for grasping ideas & scientific knowledge about the enterprises. Periodically some critical inputs under various programme were also provided from the KVK. Results: As a result, year after year the farmers practicing bee-keeping could able to earn in an average of Rs. 5,14,100/- from 180 bee boxes by selling pure honey & bee-colonies. Besides this, another group of farmers with improved colour poultry breeds under backyard condition with an average yield of 1.62 kg could earn an average net return of Rs. 14,742/-. Conclusion: Given that the world's population is quickly growing, it is imperative for global agriculture to turn to secondary agriculture (honey bee and poultry farming) in order to provide opportunities not only for improving livelihood but also for nutritional security.

Tackling mosaicism in gene edited livestock

The farming of livestock has a critical role to play in global nutritional security and poverty alleviation. To meet these goals through more efficient, environmentally sustainable and animal welfare focused means, gene editing technologies could be integrated into current breeding programs. A common issue with gene editing in livestock zygotes is the high incidence of genetic mosaicism. Genetic mosaicism, characterised by a single individual carrying distinct genotypes in different cell lineages, can lead to inconsistent presentation of a desired trait phenotypically, or the absence of the intended genotype in the animal’s germline. This review explores the present status of genetic mosaicism associated with CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in cattle, sheep, and pigs, and identifies four areas for refinement; (1) the type of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editor used; (2) the CRISPR-Cas9 formats and timing of gene editing during embryonic development; (3) the method used to deliver the genome editor and (4) the genetic screening strategies applied. We also discuss alternatives to direct zygote gene editing, including surrogate sire technology and blastomere separation, which circumvent the production of mosaic offspring. By exploring these avenues for reducing mosaicism, gene editing protocols in livestock could become more efficient and effective, which will ultimately pave the way for traits to be introduced that improve animal welfare standards and help address gaps in the security of global nutrition access.

Use of Optical and Radar Imagery for Crop Type Classification in Africa: A Review.

Multi-source remote sensing-derived information on crops contributes significantly to agricultural monitoring, assessment, and management. In Africa, some challenges (i.e., small-scale farming practices associated with diverse crop types and agricultural system complexity, and cloud coverage during the growing season) can imped agricultural monitoring using multi-source remote sensing. The combination of optical remote sensing and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data has emerged as an opportune strategy for improving the precision and reliability of crop type mapping and monitoring. This work aims to conduct an extensive review of the challenges of agricultural monitoring and mapping in Africa in great detail as well as the current research progress of agricultural monitoring based on optical and Radar satellites. In this context optical data may provide high spatial resolution and detailed spectral information, which allows for the differentiation of different crop types based on their spectral signatures. However, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites can provide important contributions given the ability of this technology to penetrate cloud cover, particularly in African tropical regions, as opposed to optical data. This review explores various combination techniques employed to integrate optical and SAR data for crop type classification and their applicability and limitations in the context of African countries. Furthermore, challenges are discussed in this review as well as and the limitations associated with optical and SAR data combination, such as the data availability, sensor compatibility, and the need for accurate ground truth data for model training and validation. This study also highlights the potential of advanced modelling (i.e., machine learning algorithms, such as support vector machines, random forests, and convolutional neural networks) in improving the accuracy and automation of crop type classification using combined data. Finally, this review concludes with future research directions and recommendations for utilizing optical and SAR data combination techniques in crop type classification for African agricultural systems. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of developing robust and scalable classification models that can accommodate the diversity of crop types, farming practices, and environmental conditions prevalent in Africa. Through the utilization of combined remote sensing technologies, informed decisions can be made to support sustainable agricultural practices, strengthen nutritional security, and contribute to the socioeconomic development of the continent.

Coordinates of Food and Nutrition Security in States with Limited Agricultural Resources

Abstract Food security is a topic of a large interest, the new approach shifting towards nutrition security, from people access to sufficient towards safe and nutritious food, emphasizing the structure of the diet and the importance of the nutrients in assuring a healthy life. But malnutrition problems affect people worldwide, in different forms, both undernourishment and overweight and obesity, mostly in countries where agricultural resources, as one of the main sources of food, are scarce. Such a country is United Arab Emirate, where people have access to sufficient food, but based on imports, signalizing a low level of food self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the alarming rate of obesity of 30% raises questions about the structure of the diet and nutrition security. The aim of the study is to determine the level of food security in the United Arab Emirates and identify the factors behind it. Statistical data referring to food and nutrition security in United Arab Emirate have been analysed and predictions have been made using machine learning algorithms. The results are relevant for underpinning food policy at macroeconomic level, helping decision makers in finding solutions for improving nutrition security and food self-sufficiency.

Insegurança alimentar e nutricional e os comportamentos de risco e proteção para saúde em adolescentes durante a pandemia de covid-19

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced access to food and increased food insecurity. The objectives were to analyse the prevalence of Food and Nutritional Insecurity (FNI) in Brazilian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic according to sociodemographic characteristics and to examine the association between FNI and risk and protective behaviours in Brazilian adolescents during the that period. Cross-sectional study with data from the ‘ConVid teenagers – Behaviour Survey,’ carried out between June and October 2020, using a self-administered questionnaire via mobile phone or computer. The population was made up of teenagers aged 12 to 17, totalling 9,470. The Prevalence Ratio (PR) and 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) were used, using Poisson regression with robust variance. The prevalence of FNI (26.1%) was higher among adolescents of black and mixed race/colour and who study in public schools. Adolescents who reported FNI had lower consumption of vegetables and fruits, less physical activity, and greater use of cigarettes and alcohol. FNI was more prevalent in adolescents with worse socioeconomic conditions, and adolescents with FNI showed a higher frequency of health risk behaviours, highlighting the importance of intersectoral public policies to reduce inequalities.

Food and nutritional insecurity and health risk behaviors in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMO A pandemia de covid-19 reduziu o acesso aos alimentos e aumentou a insegurança alimentar. Objetivouse analisar a prevalência de Insegurança Alimentar e Nutricional (IAN) em adolescentes brasileiros durante a pandemia de covid-19 segundo características sociodemográficas e examinar a associação entre IAN e comportamentos de risco e proteção em adolescentes brasileiros durante esse período. Estudo transversal com dados da ‘ConVid Adolescentes – Pesquisa de Comportamentos’, realizada entre junho e outubro de 2020, utilizando-se um questionário autoaplicado por meio de celular ou computador. A população foi adolescentes de 12 a 17 anos, totalizando 9.470. Utilizou-se a Razão de Prevalência (RP) e Intervalo de Confiança de 95% (IC95%), por meio da regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. A prevalência de IAN (26,1%) foi mais elevada entre os adolescentes da raça/cor preta e parda e que estudam em escola pública. Os adolescentes que relataram IAN tiveram menor consumo de hortaliças e frutas, menor prática de atividade física e maior uso de cigarros e álcool. A IAN foi mais prevalente em adolescentes com piores condições socioeconômicas, e, adolescentes com IAN apresentaram maior frequência de comportamentos de risco para a saúde evidenciando a importância de políticas públicas intersetoriais para a redução de desigualdades.

Development of traditional gardening to improve household food and Nutrition security: A Review

Development of traditional gardening to improve household food and Nutrition security: A Review

Information Needs and Sources for Food and Nutrition Security among Smallholder Farmers in Mvomero District, Tanzania

This study focused on information needs and sources for food and nutrition security among smallholder farmers in Mvomero District, Tanzania, using the descriptive research design. The study employed the stratified random sampling method to select the sample of 84 respondents from the population of 2,389 smallholder farmers in the district. The data sources included a questionnaire, which provided the quantitative data and a Focus Group Discussion, which provided the qualitative data. The study used the STATA program for data analysis to perform descriptive statistics and the thematic approach in addressing the qualitative data. The study established a myriad of food and nutrition security needs. The identified needs include climate change adaptation strategies, nutritional value and dietary diversity, food crop processing techniques, land ownership and tenure, food preparation and dietary practices, market and trade insights and agricultural finance and investment opportunities. Furthermore, the study established a variety of sources of information including community meetings and workshops, extension services, traditional knowledge, mobile phones and SMS services, agricultural cooperatives and farmer groups, radio and television programs, online platforms and digital resources and research institutions and agricultural universities.

Socio‐economic impacts of climate change and adaptation actions among smallholder fish farmers in Sub‐Saharan Africa

AbstractAquaculture is the world's fastest‐growing food‐producing sector, making it a significant contributor to food and nutrition security for the globally growing human population. Nevertheless, its long‐term growth is limited by the effects of climate change. Aquaculture in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), which is dominated by small‐scale fish farming, is increasingly threatened by climate change, which has a substantial influence on its productivity and scalability. In this context, the present research looks at the socio‐economic consequences of climate change on small‐scale fish producers in SSA, as well as potential adaptation techniques to the effects of climate change. A clear understanding of these socio‐economic repercussions of climate change is critical for developing effective strategies to reduce future impacts and safeguard aquaculture‐based livelihoods. Furthermore, understanding the socio‐economic consequences of climate change on communities dependent on aquaculture is important for advising policymakers and decision‐makers on formulating and implementing policies that sustain aquaculture production amidst the climate change crisis. This article suggests various adaptation strategies to increase resilience to climate change, including diversification of livelihoods and species, use and incorporation of local and indigenous knowledge, shifting to aquaculture species less vulnerable to changing climatic conditions, capacity building through aquaculture insurance schemes, continued fish supply from capture fisheries, and consolidation of equity and human rights concerns. These adaptive methods, when combined, have the potential to enhance outcomes for populations who are more susceptible owing to their unstable socio‐economic conditions.

Multisectoral approaches for sustainable food and nutrition security actions in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has demonstrated a commitment to tackling the high burden of Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) challenges by developing and implementing various policies, strategies, and programs. Despite the efforts, the current FNS situation is of significant public health concern observed by various nutrition indices. The narrative review aimed to appraise multisectoral policy, strategic and programmatic initiatives aimed at addressing FNS challenges and identify entry points for enhancing coherent and integrated FNS approaches. The review involved broad literature research using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 1,086 articles and grey literature were identified. Out of this, 47 full-text articles and documents met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Evidence was synthesized in themes to characterize the successes and challenges of key FNS policies, strategies, and programs and identify potential areas of improvement to enhance multisectoral actions and address FNS challenges. Overall, Ethiopia has made considerable progress in enhancing FNS through the implementation of a range of FNS policies, strategies, and programs such as the National Nutrition Program (NNP), Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP), and Agricultural Growth Program (AGP) among others. These efforts have resulted in notable achievements, such as the reduction of the prevalence of undernourishment from 47.0% in 2000 to 24.9% in 2020 and the reduction of stunting among children under five years from 57.4% to 35.2% over the same period. Nonetheless, the pace of progress has been hindered by various contextual and programmatic challenges such as climatic shocks, poverty, high inflation, political instability, limited access to production resources, inadequate coverage of FNS interventions, inadequate financing, and inadequate multisectoral coherence and integration. A comprehensive and integrated multisectoral FNS approach focusing on enhancing commitment, planning, coordination, financing, capacity building, and accountability across sectors and levels is imperative. Strengthening coherence across various sectors, alongside the operationalization of robust multisectoral monitoring and evaluation systems highlighted in the National Food and Nutrition Strategy, constitutes the most suitable entry points for ensuring sustainable advancement in mitigating the prevailing FNS challenges in Ethiopia. Key words: Food and nutrition security, policy and program, multisectoral approaches, Integration, Ethiopia

Exploring reasons for high levels of food insecurity and low fruit and vegetable consumption among university students post-COVID-19

High rates of food insecurity and low consumption of fruit and vegetables among university students have been observed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and intensified during the pandemic. This study aimed to investigate food insecurity among university students and its associations with sociodemographic factors, fruit and vegetable consumption behaviours, and preferred campus programs to address these issues. A convenience sample of 237 Australian university students completed a cross-sectional online survey from October to December 2022. Food insecurity was assessed using the 10-item US Adult Food Security Module, applying the Canadian classification scheme. Sociodemographic variables, fruit and vegetable consumption behaviours, and perceptions of fruit and vegetable access and their affordability were included in the survey. Students were also asked to select the most suitable program(s) and provide reasons for their choice using open-ended questions. Approximately half of respondents (46.4%) were identified as food insecure. The proportion of students meeting the recommended intake of vegetables as specified in the Australian Dietary Guidelines was very low (5.1%) compared with fruit (46.2%). Low fruit consumption was significantly associated with food insecurity (OR = 1.81; 95%CI 1.03, 3.18, p = 0.038). Factors such as the perceived lower accessibility and higher price of fruit and vegetables were significantly associated with higher odds of food insecurity. In terms of potential programs, a free fruit and vegetable campaign was the most popular program, with affordability and physical access being the most frequently cited reasons. These findings suggest that food insecurity is associated with low fruit and vegetable consumption in university students. Therefore, transforming campus food environments and developing food policies at the university level must be considered to address food and nutrition security in university students.

Leafy chenopods: a nutritional powerhouse

Leafy chenopods, a group of nutrient-dense, underutilized plant species, have emerged as a promising nutritional powerhouse with immense potential to combat micronutrient malnutrition globally. These resilient, drought-tolerant plants, including quinoa, amaranth, and huauzontle, have been cultivated for centuries by indigenous communities in the Americas and are now gaining recognition for their exceptional nutritional profile. Leafy chenopods are rich sources of protein, dietary fibre, and essential amino acids, making them valuable additions to plant-based diets. Moreover, they are abundant in micronutrients such as iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and E, addressing common deficiencies in many populations. Their high antioxidant content, derived from compounds like betalains and polyphenols, may confer protective effects against chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties hold promise for therapeutic applications. These resilient crops can thrive in marginal lands and harsh climatic conditions, making them well-suited for cultivation in areas affected by climate change and water scarcity. Their tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses further enhances their potential as sustainable and climate-smart crops. Leveraging these underutilized crops could be a significant step towards achieving food and nutrition security in the face of climate change and population growth.

Development and Evaluation of Calcium-Fortified Multi-Millet Biscuits: A Nutritious Alternative to Refined Wheat Flour.

Millet products have garnered global recognition for their exceptional nutritional profile, appealing to various age demographics, and, therefore, fortifying such products with minerals can ensure nutritional security. This research explores the feasibility of utilizing millet as a substitute for refined wheat flour in biscuit production. Three distinct millet varieties were investigated: finger, pearl, and buckwheat. Employing response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal ratio of these flours was determined, resulting in a blend of 1.5:1:1, respectively. The optimized multi-millet biscuits were further enhanced with calcium fortification and subjected to comprehensive physico-chemical analysis. Proximate composition analysis revealed favorable levels of protein (5.472 ± 0.31%), ash (2.80 ± 0.57 g/100 g), and energy density (5.8015 ± 0.004 kcal/g), indicating a significantly higher protein content, enriched mineral profile, and high energy density as compared to refined wheat flour products. Sensory evaluation encompassing attributes such as color and texture and organoleptic assessment using a nine-point hedonic scale demonstrated favorable acceptance. Additionally, the overall acceptability of the biscuits remained consistently high throughout storage, ranging from 8.263 ± 0.65 (day 0) to 8.053 ± 0.85 (day 14). This study underscores the potential of multi-millet biscuits as a nutritious and palatable alternative to traditional wheat-based snacks, offering an avenue for diversifying dietary options and promoting healthier food choices.

Does livestock-crop diversification improve food and nutrition security? Evidence from Eastern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Pastoral and agro-pastoral households are the most vulnerable parts of the population to climate change-induced shocks and they are increasingly subject to acute food and nutrition insecurity. We identified drivers of livestock-crop diversification and examined its effects on improving households’ food and nutrition security using cross sectional data collected from 258 households across five districts in the East Hararghe zone in Ethiopia. Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) analysis was used to identify factors associated with the households’ food and nutrition security outcomes and estimate the causal effects of livestock-crop diversification on the households’ food and nutrition security. Our results show that land certification, mobile phone ownership, and access to pastoral training centres were positively and significantly associated with livestock-crop diversification. In contrast, being located in Meyu Muluke and Kumbi districts were negatively and significantly associated with livestock-crop diversification, compared to Chinaksen district. The average treatment effect estimations suggest that livestock-crop diversification has positively and significantly improved diversified households’ nutritional security outcome. The findings also reveal that non-diversified households’ food insecurity would have reduced had they diversified. Nonetheless, livestock-crop diversification is neither enough to pull farm households fully out of food and nutrition insecurity nor the only factor influencing farm households’ food and nutrition security outcomes. Hence, there is also a need to strengthen access to physical infrastructure, credit facilities, extension services, provision of farm inputs, and pastoral training centres to reduce food and nutrition insecurity in the study area.

Identification of drought tolerant inbred lines and assessment of combining ability in maize (Zea mays L.)

AbstractMaize is an important agricultural crop ensuring food and nutritional security throughout the globe. It is highly sensitive to many of the biotic and abiotic stresses, and among them, drought is the most severe abiotic stress limiting maize production. Climate change tends to worsen this scenario by changing precipitation patterns and decreasing water availability. Hence, the present study was undertaken to identify drought‐tolerant inbred lines under well‐irrigated and managed stress conditions in the field toward developing drought‐resilient maize hybrids. The initial in vitro screening of 65 agronomically elite maize inbred lines was undertaken at 15%, 20%, and 25% polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations. Subsequently, the 15 inbreds selected for their promising performance under varying concentrations of PEG were evaluated in the pot (100%, 60%, and 40% of field capacity [FC]) and managed field experiments (moisture stress). Various physiological, biochemical, and yield attributing traits were measured among the inbreds to assess their drought tolerance potential. The analysis of variance in the pot and field experiments indicated significant genotypic differences among the inbreds and genotype × treatment interaction for different traits considered. In the pot experiment, the phenotypic correlation analysis showed a significant positive association of shoot fresh weight with plant height (r = .71), number of leaves (r = .58), relative water content (r = .60), root fresh weight (r = .58), shoot dry weight (r = .60), and SPAD meter readings under (r = .71) moisture stress condition. In the field experiment, the grain yield had a significant positive association with plant height, relative water content, SPAD before stress, ear length, ear girth, kernel rows per ear, kernels per row, and per day productivity under stress. Proline accumulation in inbreds during stress was found to be higher compared to nonstress conditions. The inbred lines CML 505, CML 444, CML 451, CML 504, QM 11408, and MAI 214 were promising for most of the drought tolerance imparting traits. These six inbreds along with four inbreds having low DRI (SKV 50, MAI E2‐163, MAI 16, and MAI E2‐241) were crossed in half diallel manner, and crosses involving low × high or high × low DRI inbreds showed higher grain yield. The current study also revealed the need of combining various physiological and yield attributing traits in drought breeding programmes.

Consumers’ preferences for the attributes of plant-based meat in China: A best-worst scaling approach

Plant-based meat could contribute substantially to nutritional security and environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, its diffusion is highly dependent on consumers’ perception and acceptance. Plant-based meat products have various attributes through which nutritional, environmental, and ingredient information are delivered to consumers. To elucidate consumers’ preferences for these attributes, we conducted a large-scale consumer survey in five major cities of the largest national meat consumption market, China, with a total of about 2500 respondents. Best-worst count analysis indicated that “zero cholesterol” is the most preferred and “vegan formula” is the least preferred attribute. Mixed logit model analysis showed that “rich in dietary fiber”, “zero hormones”, and “zero cholesterol” are the three most preferred attributes. Latent class model analysis revealed that respondents with better socioeconomic conditions tended to focus more on the positive nutritional aspects of plant-based meat, whereas respondents with worse conditions tended to place a higher value on avoiding negative health impacts of traditional meat when choosing plant-based meat. This study suggests that Chinese consumers pay more attention to nutritional attributes as compared to other attributes. In addition, apparent market segments exist among different consumers. The findings of this study could contribute to the transformation of sustainable food system.