Nutritional Traits Research Articles

Assessment of use of nutritional and organoleptic traits to differentiate the origin of Montesina lambs breed under three feeding regimes

In order to contribute to our knowledge of the meat quality of local lamb breeds in Spain, we carried out a characterization of the Montesina lamb breed, including nutritional (proximal composition, fatty acid profile, mineral content) and organoleptic (color, water holding capacity, shear force and volatile compounds) traits. The lambs were distributed in the following three production systems: spring grazing (SP; n = 10); winter grazing supplemented with concentrate (WP + c; n = 10) and concentrate supplemented with forage (C; n = 10). A combined statistical analysis using ANOVA, principal components and discriminant analysis by steps allowed us to select biomarkers in Montesina lambs' meat to identify the production system. The lambs' meat SP showed the highest moisture content (73.32%) and the lowest fat (1.05%). The lowest redness and yellowness color indices were observed in C lamb's meat (6.76 and 10.08, respectively). A higher content of aldehydes, C18:3n-3 and C22:5 n-3 DPA was associated to SP and WP + c, while alcohols were associated to C lamb's diet. Alcohol and aldehyde compounds, in combination with C18:3n-3 and C22:5 n-3 DPA fatty acids, could be proposed as potential biomarkers to differentiate the three production systems and as a tool to monitor the traceability of lambs' meat from the Montesina breed.

Estimation of iron, zinc, phytic acid concentration and protein content in lentil seeds over locations and their marker-trait association analysis

In the present study, a diverse set of 96 lentil accessions including biofortified variety IPL 220 was used to identify sources of high concentration for Fe and Zn along with low phytic acid concentration and high protein content. Further, Marker Trait Association (MTA) analysis was performed to find molecular markers controlling these nutritional traits. The average Fe, Zn and phytic acid concentration and protein content ranged from 46.5 to 94.8 (mg/kg), 21.5 to 45.3 (mg/kg), 3.7 to 9.3 (mg/kg) and 18.1–28.7 (%), respectively over the locations. This study showed variability for these traits as coefficient of variation was 11.1% for Fe, 18% for Zn, 18.3% for phytic acid and 8.71% for protein content over two locations. The standard error (S.E.) of mean ranged from 0.05 to 21.5 for Fe, 0.15 to 9.71 for Zn, 0.05 to 2.10 for phytic acid and 0.06 to 6.16 for protein content further calculated across the locations. MTA analysis following general linear model resulted in the identification of 31 MTAs for three traits at p < 0.05 explaining 10 to 26% of total phenotypic variation. Association of PBA LC0203 marker with Fe concentration explained the highest proportion of total phenotypic variation (26%) at Kanpur location. However, same marker with different loci also showed association with Fe concentration at Bhopal location explaining 11% of total phenotypic variation. This study also identified association of some genetic markers with more than two nutritional traits that provides opportunity of improving more than two positively associated nutritional traits through marker assisted selection simultaneously. In the present study, EST-SSR markers were used as functional markers for developing high yielding bio-fortified lentils.

How physicochemical and nutritional traits of potatoes may vary under field conditions over long periods.

Potato is the most important non-grain crop worldwide, whose quality characteristics are always affected by temporal and spatial variability. Knowledge of the performance consistency of quality characteristics over long periods could prove very important to identify which quality traits are less variable over time, and therefore provide greater guarantees of stability. In this research, variations in physicochemical and nutritional traits of tubers over five consecutive growing seasons of two potato genotypes (Arizona and Vogue) were monitored in two locations. Although qualitative performances of genotypes fluctuated across the seasons in both locations, two physicochemical traits (pH and dry matter content) and starch content showed less variability throughout the five seasons compared to total soluble solids and most of the nutritional traits (namely reducing sugars, citric acid, vitamin C, total phenolics and antioxidant capacity), which were considerably influenced by weather conditions. The results suggest that pH, dry matter content and starch content traits could be used advantageously in studies of temporal stability in potatoes. This approach could prove useful in providing scientific support for the setup of potato protected geographical identifications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Associations between Serum Mineral Nutrients, Gut Microbiota, and Risk of Neurological, Psychiatric, and Metabolic Diseases: A Comprehensive Mendelian Randomization Study.

Recent observational studies have reported associations between serum mineral nutrient levels, gut microbiota composition, and neurological, psychiatric, and metabolic diseases. However, the causal effects of mineral nutrients on gut microbiota and their causal associations with diseases remain unclear and require further investigation. This study aimed to identify the associations between serum mineral nutrients, gut microbiota, and risk of neurological, psychiatric, and metabolic diseases using Mendelian randomization (MR). We conducted an MR study using the large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics of 5 serum mineral nutrients, 196 gut microbes at the phylum, order, family, and genus levels, and a variety of common neurological, psychiatric, and metabolic diseases. Initially, the independent causal associations of mineral nutrients and gut microbiota with diseases were examined by MR. Subsequently, the causal effect of mineral nutrients on gut microbiota was estimated to investigate whether specific gut microbes mediated the association between mineral nutrients and diseases. Finally, we performed sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of the study results. After correcting for multiple testing, we identified a total of 33 causal relationships among mineral nutrients, gut microbiota, and diseases. Specifically, we found 4 causal relationships between 3 mineral nutrition traits and 3 disease traits, 15 causal associations between 14 gut microbiota traits and 6 disease traits, and 14 causal associations involving 4 mineral nutrition traits and 15 gut microbiota traits. Meanwhile, 118 suggestive associations were identified. The current study reveals multiple causal associations between serum mineral nutrients, gut microbiota, risk of neurological, psychiatric, and metabolic diseases, and potentially provides valuable insights for subsequent nutritional therapies.

Evaluation of oat (Avena sativa L.) populations for autumn sowing production in Southwest China

AbstractMuch of Chinese animal husbandry relies on the continuous availability of forage crops, but climactic constraints in production regions cause seasonal shortages which threaten the industry. This study compares the major characteristics of different forage oat lines and cultivars to evaluate their suitability for cultivation in the winter fallow fields of southwest China. To achieve this goal, six oat populations (2 cultivars and 4 lines) were sown in autumn in three locations in southwest China. Yield‐related traits such as dry matter yield (DMY) and plant height (PH), as well as nutritional traits such as crude protein (CP), crude ash (ASH), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and relative feed value (RFV) were measured during two consecutive growing seasons. Our results indicate that all measured traits, with the exception of CP, were significantly influenced by environment, genotype, year and their interaction (p &lt; .05). Forage yield (DMY) had a positive correlation with PH and RFV, but a strong negative one with nutritional values, suggesting a trade‐off between yield and quality. Among the six oat populations, ‘WC109’ consistently displayed the highest DMY, PH, and CP mean values as well as lower ASH, NDF, and ADF compared to all the other cultivars/lines. Based on these findings, ‘WC109’ was selected as the ideal candidate for autumn‐sown forage oat in southwest China.

Evaluation of lablab bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet] genotypes: unveiling superior pod yield, nutritional quality, and collar rot resistance.

Malnutrition continues to be a significant concern at unacceptably high levels globally. There is significant potential for addressing malnutrition of human population through the biofortification of climate-resilient vegetables using strategic breeding strategies. Lablab bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet], a underutilized nutrient-dense crop holds great potential in this aspect. Despite its advantageous nutritional profile, the production, research, and consumption of lablab bean are currently limited. Addressing these limitations and unlock the nutritional benefits of lablab beans needs to prioritized for fighting malnutrition in local inhabitants on a global scale. Twenty five genotypes of lablab bean collected through exploration survey in Eastern India and were evaluated in 2020-2021. Among them, the nine highly diverse well adapted genotypes were again evaluated at the experimental farm of ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, Bihar, India in 2021-2022. Horticultural important traits of lablab bean were recorded by using the minimum descriptors developed by ICAR-NBPGR in New Delhi and biochemical analysis was done by using standard protocols. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path coefficient analysis was done used understand relationships, interdependencies, and causal pathways between different traits. The outcome was revalidated by using principal component analysis (PCA). Descriptive statistics revealed substantial heterogeneity across the traits of lablab bean evaluated. Vitamin A content showed nearly a five-fold variation, Fe ranged from 5.97 to 10.5 mg/100 g, and Vitamin C varied from 4.61 to 9.45 mg/100 g. Earliness and dwarf growth was observed in RCPD-1 (60 cm) and early flowering (41 days). RCPD-3 and RCPD-12 had high pod yield due to their high number of pods and pod weight. Pod yield was significantly correlated with number of pod per plant (NPP) (rg = 0.995) and with average pod weight (APW) (rg = 0.882). A significant positive correlation was also found between protein and Zn content (rg = 0.769). Path coefficient analysis revealed that average pod weight had the most direct positive effect on pod yield, followed by NPP and protein content. The reaction of lablab bean genotypes to collar rot disease was also evaluated and significant differences in disease intensity were observed among the genotypes, with the resistant check RCPD-15 exhibiting the lowest disease intensity. The study highlights the substantial heterogeneity in lablab bean traits, particularly in nutritional components such as vitamin A, iron, and vitamin C concentrations. Early flowering and dwarf growth habit are desirable qualities for lablab bean, and certain genotypes were found to exhibit these traits. Positive correlations, both phenotypic and genotypic, existed among different traits, suggesting the potential for simultaneous improvement. Path coefficient and PCA revealed genotypes with high yield and nutritional traits. Finally, resistant and moderately resistant lablab bean genotypes to collar rot disease were identified. These findings contribute to the selection and breeding strategies for improving lablab bean production and nutritional value.

Nutritional, antioxidants and protein profiling of leaves of Moringa oleifera germplasm

This study aimed to select elite germplasm based on nutritional, antioxidants and protein profiling of leaves of Moringa oleifera germplasm. Principal components analysis (PCA) using the fifteen nutritional traits of thirty-four accessions of M. oleifera indicated that 74.70 % variability was accounted for the first six principal components (PCs) with eigenvalues ≥1. The first principal component (PC1) had an eigenvalue of 3.6 and explained 23.90 % of the total variation. Nitrogen, protein, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium and potassium had high positive eigenvectors in PC1. The second component (PC2) explained 15.27 % of the total variance with an eigen value of 2.29 and positively correlated to copper, calcium, phosphorus and total phenols. Protein content was significantly and highly correlated with nitrogen content in leaves (r = +1.0). High magnitude and significant correlation were found between FRAP and DPPH (r = +0.9). The thirty-four germplasm were investigated in this study on quality parameters at ICAR-Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Godhra, Gujarat, India and grouped in five main clusters. Distance estimates based on the fifteen qualitative traits ranged from 2734.15 to 3868.43. The cluster V had maximum mean values for nutrients (mg/100 g dw) iron (81.76),zinc (7.66), manganese (27.13), calcium (4470.58), magnesium (1068.28), sulfur (3758.68), nitrogen (4615.84), potassium (1558.51), protein (29.40 g/100 g), total phenols (900.21 mg GAE/100 g fw), DPPH (31.17 µmol (TE)/g fw) and FRAP (50.42 µmol (TE)/g fw). The germplasm CHES D_40 and CHES D_45 (cluster V) could be utilized for further exploration based on their nutritional, antioxidants and protein content and for conservation of nutritionally superior germplasm.

Novel Fermentation Strategies of Strawberry Tree Arbutus unedo Fruits to Obtain High Nutritional Value Products.

The strawberry tree (Arbustus unedo) is a medicinal plant and an important source of biocompounds, potentially useful for pharmaceutical and chemical applications to prevent or treat several human diseases. The strawberry tree fruits have usually been used to produce traditional products such as jams and jellies and to obtain fermented alcoholic drinks, representing the most valuable derivative products. Other fermented products are potentially interesting for their nutritional value; however, the fermentation process needs to be controlled and standardized to obtain high-quality products/ingredients. In this work, we investigated two different fermentative procedures, using strawberry tree whole fruit and fruit paste as matrices inoculated with a selected starter strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae LI 180-7. The physical, chemical, microbiological and nutritional properties of fermented products were evaluated, as well as their antioxidant activity. The new obtained fermented products are enriched in organic acids (acetic acid varied from 39.58 and 57.21 mg/g DW and lactic acid from 85.33 to 114.1 mg/g DW) and have better nutritional traits showing a higher amount of total polyphenols (phenolic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins) that ranged from 1852 mg GAE/100 g DW to 2682 mg GAE/100 g DW. Also, the amount of isoprenoid increased ranging from 155.5 μg/g DW to 164.61 μg/g DW. In this regard, the most promising strategy seemed to be the fermentation of the fruit paste preparation; while the extract of fermented whole fruits showed the most powerful antioxidant activity. Finally, a preliminary attempt to produce a food prototype enriched in fermented strawberry tree fruits suggested the whole fruit fermented sample as the most promising from a preliminary sensory analysis.

Comparative physiological, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal the mechanisms of differences in pear fruit quality between distinct training systems

BackgroundCanopy architecture is critical in determining the fruit-zone microclimate and, ultimately, in determining an orchard’s success in terms of the quality and quantity of the fruit produced. However, few studies have addressed how the canopy environment leads to metabolomic and transcriptomic alterations in fruits. Designing strategies for improving the quality of pear nutritional components relies on uncovering the related regulatory mechanisms.ResultsWe performed an in-depth investigation of the impact of canopy architecture from physiological, metabolomic and transcriptomic perspectives by comparing pear fruits grown in a traditional freestanding system (SP) or a flat-type trellis system (DP). Physiological studies revealed relatively greater fruit sizes, soluble solid contents and titratable acidities in pear fruits from DP systems with open canopies. Nontargeted metabolite profiling was used to characterize fruits at the initial ripening stage. Significant differences in fruit metabolites, including carbohydrates, nucleic acids, alkaloids, glycerophospholipids, sterol lipids, and prenol lipids, were observed between the two groups. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that a series of organic substance catabolic processes (e.g., the glycerol-3-phosphate catabolic process, pectin catabolic process and glucan catabolic process) were overrepresented in fruits of the DP system. Moreover, integrative analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome at the pathway level showed that DP pear fruits may respond to the canopy microenvironment by upregulating phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway genes such as PpPOD. Transient assays revealed that the contents of malic acid and citric acid were lower in the pear flesh of PpPOD RNAi plants, which was associated with regulating the expression of organic acid metabolism-related genes.ConclusionsOur results provide fundamental evidence that at the physiological and molecular levels, open-canopy architecture contributes to improving pear fruit quality and is correlated with increased levels of carbohydrates and lipid-like molecules. This study may lead to the development of rational culture practices for enhancing the nutritional traits of pear fruits.

Endemic island plant–herbivore interactions: Kamehameha butterfly (Nymphalidae) and Hawaiian Urticaceae

AbstractInsect–plant interactions are less well studied than other types of herbivory on islands, precluding a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary ecology of these interactions. Declines in native island plants and insects call for urgent attention to characterize these species' interactions for their conservation and to better understand evolution in these unique, insular ecosystems. In Hawai‘i, the Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameamea) is one of only two native butterflies, and larvae are specialists on native urticaceous plants. Using a no‐choice bioassay, we investigated performance of V. tameamea reared from egg hatching through eclosion on four native urticaceous host plants, Boehmeria grandis, Pipturus albidus, Touchardia latifolia, and Touchardia oahuensis, and one exotic urticaceous species, Cecropia obtusifolia. Performance varied significantly among the plant diets, with V. tameamea performing best on P. albidus and T. oahuensis among the performance metrics of survival, pupal and adult body mass, and development time. Larval responses to the exotic host plant C. obtusifolia varied among populations, with O‘ahu caterpillars successfully completing development on it, but Hawai‘i Island caterpillars rejecting it completely, suggesting a geographic mosaic for this novel species interaction. Characterization of a suite of nutritive and defensive plant traits revealed significant variability among plant species, but patterns did not align well with V. tameamea performance rankings, making it difficult to identify key drivers of host plant quality. Future work examining additional plant traits under natural conditions would provide new insights, contributing critical ecological information to conserve this charismatic island species.

The Genetic Basis of Nutritional Quality Traits in Maize: Insights from GWAS

The Genetic Basis of Nutritional Quality Traits in Maize: Insights from GWAS

Combining QTL Mapping and Multi-Omics Identify Candidate Genes for Nutritional Quality Traits during Grain Filling Stage in Maize

Combining QTL Mapping and Multi-Omics Identify Candidate Genes for Nutritional Quality Traits during Grain Filling Stage in Maize

Combining ability and gene action studies for nutritional traits in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R Br.

Combining ability and gene action studies for nutritional traits in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R Br.

Characterizing Nutritional, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Values of Diploknema butyracea (Roxburgh) H. J. Lam from the Chepang Community, Makwanpur, Nepal

The multipurpose tree Diploknema butyracea (Roxb. H.J. Lam), known locally as Chiuri, is vital for food security and beekeeping in rural Nepal. This study examines its nutritional and phytochemical traits sourced from a Chepang community in Makwanpur, Nepal. This research focuses on macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein, fat, and ash alongside phytochemicals such as phenolic content, vitamin C, β-carotene, and lycopene. The study aimed to estimate this fruit's antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics. The pulp and seed samples were analyzed for their nutritional and phytochemical components using standard methods (AOAC 1995). We determined the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity using the DPPH assay and agar diffusion method. This fruit has a high-fat content: 30.29% in the seed and 20.23% in the pulp. The pulp and seed also contain noteworthy levels of the total phenolic content (486.08 ± 0.006 and 182. 26 ± 0.001 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (G.A.E.s) /100 g), vitamin C (20.70 ± 0.002 and 19.08 ± 0.005 mg Ascorbic Acid (A.A.)/100 g) with trace extents of compounds lycopene, β-carotene and carotenoids. We observed the antioxidant activity at 2207 ± 0.01 g/mL in pulp and 1841.05 ± 0.77 g/mL in seed, which is a substantial value. Both were discovered to be effective against Candida albicans at doses ranging from 25 to 100 mg/mL. By performing this study, we concluded that D. butyracea is a significant food source that can also be used medically.

Larval Rearing and Nutrition of the Polyphagous Tephritid Pest Anastrepha ludens on Artificial Diets with Calcium Alginate, Agar, or Carrageenan as Gelling Agents at Various Concentrations and across Extreme Larval Density Conditions.

Research on larval rearing and nutrition of tephritid flies on artificial diets is key for the sterile insect technique. Here, we examined the effects of the type of gel (calcium alginate, agar, or carrageenan), at varying percentages in artificial diets for the polyphagous pest Anastrepha ludens, on the physicochemical and nutritional traits of the diets, and the effects of the type of gel, the gel content and the larval density (larvae/g of diet) used in production, quality parameters for mass-reared tephritids, diet removal (an indirect estimation of diet consumption), and nutritional traits of flies. Regardless of the gel content, calcium alginate diets were firmer and more resistant to penetration than the agar and carrageenan diets. The larval recovery, pupation, pupal weight, and flight ability of A. ludens were lower in calcium alginate diets than in agar and carrageenan diets. Diet removal was higher in calcium alginate diets; however, low levels of ammonium and high levels of uric acid in excretions from larvae on these diets suggest an alteration in protein metabolism. The firmness and penetration resistance characteristics of calcium alginate diets may have limited movement and feeding of larvae, but this could be overcome by the collective feeding of large groups of larvae. Our findings provide insights into the mechanism governing gel-diet rearing systems for A. ludens.

Assessing Grain Quality Changes in White and Black Rice under Water Deficit.

Rice is an essential diet component for a significant portion of the population worldwide. Due to the high water demand associated with rice production, improving water use efficiency and grain quality is critical to increasing the sustainability of the crop. This species includes rice varieties with diverse pigmentation patterns. Grain quality, including industrial, nutritional, and functional quality traits, of two black rice genotypes and a commercial white rice cultivar were evaluated in different locations and under different water regimes. Flooding produced higher grain weight compared to alternate wetting and drying irrigation. A high correlation was found between grain color, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity. The black rice genotypes showed higher TPC levels and antioxidant capacity, mainly due to higher levels of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside. The phenolic profile varied between whole and polished grains, while mineral composition was influenced by location and irrigation regime. In turn, the environment influenced grain quality in terms of industrial and nutritional characteristics, with significant differences in quality between whole and polished grains. This study provides valuable information on the genotype-environment relationship in rice and its effect on grain quality, which could contribute to selecting genotypes for an appropriate environment.

Relationship of TRHDE Gene Polymorphism and Performance of Local Awassi Lambs

This study was conducted at the farm of animal production department / college of agricultural engineering sciences/ University of Baghdad, to detect the TRHDE gene polymorphism and its association with productive performance, daily gain, live weight gains and some characteristic of fat carcass on local Awassi lambs from 22/1/2022 to 2/4/2022. The experiment was conducted to study the effect of genetic polymorphism of the TRHDE gene on some nutritional traits in 40 Awassi lambs. There were three polymorphism appear in this variant (A>G SNP), which are AA, AG and GG, and their percentage was 70, 25, 5%, respectively. The results show that highly Significant (P≤0.01) with Polymorphism GG on total weight gain, While the wild genotype AA was superior to the genotype GG in feed conversion ratio and there no significant effect in carcass fat production. It can be concluded that the TRHDE gene polymorphism is related to the productive traits of Awassi lambs.

Comparison of resistance to pest infestation between native and exotic mangrove species

Pest infestation is one of the critical biotic threats to mangrove ecosystem stability. Early observations of infestation-induced damage and plant resistance could reveal the initial status of insect attacks. However, the differences between the pest resistance of native and exotic mangrove species remain poorly addressed. Here, we collected leaf photosynthetic, nutritional, morphological, and optical traits from four native and two exotic mangrove species in a subtropical mangrove ecosystem under healthy and infested conditions. Interspecific differences in resistance to pest infestation were assessed based on trait and spectral susceptibility. The results showed that photosynthetic pigments and anthocyanin correlated significantly with the health status of mangrove species. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll contents in native species decreased significantly after infestation compared to those in exotic species, which led to consequent decreases in red-edge range reflectivity. Our findings demonstrate that both exotic species, Sonneratia apetala, and Sonneratia caseolaris, have much higher resistance to pest infestation than native species.

Comparative analysis of compact and benchtop near-infrared spectrometers for forage nutritional trait measurements

We compared near-infrared (NIR) partial least squares models of a compact and a benchtop spectrometer to measure six nutritional traits of Brachiaria forages, including in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and lignin (LG). The relative prediction errors (RMSE/mean) for both instruments varied between 1.5% (for NDF) and 13% (for CP). Additionally, we obtained multivariate figures of merit and used a robust randomization t-test to comprehensively compare the two instruments. Our results show that, despite its lower analytical sensitivity, the compact instrument performs sufficiently well compared to the benchtop instrument and can be used for routine measurement of all six forage nutritional traits. The small performance difference between the two spectrometers can primarily be attributed to the narrower spectral range measured by the compact instrument.

The Effects of UV Light and Methyl Salicylate on Phytochemical Constituents and Nutritional Traits in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Background: Mutagenesis has also been used to improve many desirable traits such as earliness, darkness, resistance or tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, seed yield and oil quality. There are numerous mutagen agents, both chemical and physical, available to create and obtain valuable mutations in crop plants. Methods: The experiment was done at the laboratory of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University in Vietnam from September 2021 to December 2022. This study examined the effects of ultraviolet B-light (UV-B) and methyl salicylate (MeSA) treatment on phytochemical constituents (total phenols and flavonoids) and nutritional characteristics (protein and fat content) in a common bean cultivar, GRIS2. Result: The results show that UV irradiation for 3 hours increased the phenolic content in M1 seeds when compared to the control and other treatments. Furthermore, compared to the control and other treatments, UV-B irradiation for up to 5 hours increased the phenolic, protein and lipid content in the pod (in the immature pod, mature pod and seed). Alternatively, treatment with MeSA considerably decreased the levels of these same compounds. Treating the seed with 0.05 mM MeSA did increase the flavonoid content. These findings demonstrate the potential of UV-B treatment for improving bean nutritional quality. On the other hand, the negative general implications of the higher MeSA treatment suggest exogenous treatments should be kept at lower concentrations to ensure the minimization of nutritional losses.