Seed Mineral Composition Research Articles

Flax and Sorghum: Multi-Element Contents and Nutritional Values within 210 Varieties and Potential Selection for Future Climates to Sustain Food Security.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends giving priority to nutrient-dense foods while decreasing energy-dense foods. Although both flax (Linum usitatissimum) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) are rich in various essential minerals, their ionomes have yet to be investigated. Furthermore, previous studies have shown that elevated CO2 levels could reduce key nutrients in crops. In this study, we analyzed 102 flax and 108 sorghum varieties to investigate their ionomic variations (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Mo), elemental level interactions, and nutritional value. The results showed substantial genetic variations and elemental correlations in flax and sorghum. While a serving size of 28 g of flax delivers 37% daily value (DV) of Cu, 31% of Mn, 28% of Mg, and 19% of Zn, sorghum delivers 24% of Mn, 16% of Cu, 11% of Mg, and 10% of Zn of the recommended daily value (DV). We identified a set of promising flax and sorghum varieties with superior seed mineral composition that could complement breeding programs for improving the nutritional quality of flax and sorghum. Overall, we demonstrate additional minerals data and their corresponding health and food security benefits within flax and sorghum that could be considered by consumers and breeding programs to facilitate improving seed nutritional content and to help mitigate human malnutrition as well as the effects of rising CO2 stress.

Variability in seed mineral composition of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) landraces and released cultivars

Variability in seed mineral composition of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) landraces and released cultivars

Effects of elevated [CO2] on photosynthesis and seed yield parameters in two soybean genotypes with contrasting water use efficiency

The predicted increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration [CO2] is expected to enhance photosynthesis and seed yield in crops such as soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. However, future breeding for high water use efficiency (WUE) could interfere with the amount of carbon (C) fixed by leaves and seed mineral composition under elevated [CO2] due to lower stomatal conductance (gs). In the present study, two genotypes with contrasting WUE were grown in open top chambers (OTC) under ambient (410 ppm; a[CO2]) and elevated (610 ppm; e[CO2]). In order to test performance of both cultivars to changing CO2 conditions, growth, photosynthetic performance (leaf and canopy level) and seed mineral composition were analyzed. The low WUE genotype had a greater response to e[CO2] in terms of leaf daily photosynthetic C gain due to greater gs, which was compensated in the high WUE genotype by an increase in leaf area (LA). However, in the low WUE genotype, improved daily photosynthetic C gain did not translate into greater biomass or seed yield [CO2] response compared to the high WUE genotype, suggesting better assimilate partitioning by the high WUE genotype. In terms of seed composition, the high WUE genotype generally had lower mineral concentrations at e[CO2] compared to a[CO2], but greater total amounts of nutrient (due to higher seed yield) under e[CO2] compared to the low WUE genotype. Findings presented here highlight importance of genetic variation in soybean response to future atmospheric [CO2] which should be considered when breeding for future climates.

Origin-dependence of variation in seed morphology, mineral composition and germination percentage in Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq. accessions from Africa and Asia

BackgroundSpider plant [Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq.], an economically promising African leafy vegetable, characterized for leaf yield components and nutritive quality, exhibits poor seed germination that hinders a wider expansion of the crop in urban and periurban horticultural systems. So far, there is little information pertaining to seed morphological traits and mineral elements content that may be associated with higher seed germination. This research investigated the hypothesis that spider plants from different geographical areas exhibited differences in seed mineral composition, morphological traits, and germination capacity. To this end, twenty-nine accessions of Gynandropsis gynandra from West and East-Southern Africa, and Asia were screened for variation in seed size (area, perimeter, length, width), 10-seed weight, mean germination time, germination percentage and mineral content variations. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), light microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) solution were used to study seed morphology and mineral composition.ResultsWe show for the first time the external and internal structure of the seeds of Gynandropsis gynandra and measured eight mineral elements, including carbon (C), oxygen (O), magnesium (Mg), aluminium (Al), phosphorus (P), sulphur (S), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca). The accessions differed significantly (p < 0.001) with respect to seed size (area, perimeter, length, width), 10-seed weight, mean germination time and germination percentage. The hierarchical cluster analysis based on fourteen variables grouped the accessions into three distinct clusters, partially dependent on their geographical origin. Asian accessions exhibited smaller seeds and recorded higher values in terms of germination percentage. West African accessions had bigger seeds but with lower germination percentage. Variation in minerals such as potassium, carbon, and calcium content showed different patterns according to geographical origins.ConclusionSmaller seeds in G. gynandra exhibited better germination capacity. The Asian germplasm is a potential source of cultivars with a higher germination percentage for improving seed quality in the species.

Investigating seed mineral composition in Korean landrace maize (Zea mays L.) and its kernel texture specificity

Mineral malnutrition affects billions of people all over the world and biofortification of staple crops provides a potential way to alleviate dietary mineral deficiencies. For example, nutritional quality is an important breeding target for fresh waxy maize (Zea mays L.), which is widely consumed in Asian countries. Successful improvement of mineral composition will require comprehensive profiling of the mineral composition of maize varieties and an understanding of the capacity for maize grains to accumulate minerals. Here, using inductively coupled plasma absorption emission spectrometry, we quantified 12 minerals from the seeds of 47 maize varieties, including 25 Korean landraces. We also compared the mineral contents in varieties with different seed starch profiles: waxy maize (which contains 100% amylopectin), dent maize (roughly 75% amylopectin and 25% amylose), and flint maize (similar to dent maize). The amounts of potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur were correlated with seed texture, waxy maize having higher amounts of phosphorus and potassium than dent maize and lower amounts of sulfur than flint maize or dent maize. In addition, a positive relationship was detected between the amount of phosphorus and that of potassium, magnesium, and manganese. These results provide information on maize seed mineral composition and indicate that it could be affected by starch composition. Furthermore, the landraces that exhibit high mineral contents could be used as germplasm materials for breeding programs aimed at producing biofortified maize cultivars.

Seed mineral reserves and vigour of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.) landraces differing in seed coat colour

A newly emerged seedling, given light and water, but no external source of minerals, uses its internal mineral nutrient reserves effectively for an early establishment. This research sought to investigate the influence of seed coat colour on the abundance of mineral elements in Bambara groundnut. Four landraces (G340A, Kazai, Kazuma, and Mana) varying in seed coat colour were analysed for differences in seed mineral composition using energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Seeds were germinated at 10 °C and 25 °C, and various indices including, (1) mean emergence time, (2) mean germination rate, (3) coefficient of velocity of germination, and (4) final germination percentage (FGP) were calculated. The importance of seed mineral elements in the establishment of Bambara groundnut was examined by measuring root length (RL), shoot length (SL), shoot dry mass (SDM), and root dry mass (RDM). Plant tissue elemental analysis was done using flame atomic emission spectrometry (FAES) for K and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) for Mg, Cu, Mn, and Zn. There were significant differences (P < 0.001) in mineral element content of dry seeds. G340A and Kazai had the highest and the lowest K, P, Mg, Mn, and Zn (11.65 gkg-1, 7.2 gkg-1, 2.33 gkg-1, 59.56 mgkg-1, and 44.42 mgkg-1), and (8.82 gkg-1, 4.75 gkg-1, 1.38 gkg-1, 48.9 mgkg-1, and 42.6 mgkg-1), respectively. Cold test germination indices were significantly different, the highest FGP was 73.3% in G340A and the lowest was 57.8% in Kazai. There were strong positive correlations between seed mineral concentration and plant growth parameters (p < 0.001). We concluded that (1) seed mineral concentration has a significant impact on the early establishment of Bambara groundnut and (2) the dark-coloured landraces (hue 8º) used in this study have the highest concentration of macro and micro elements compared to light coloured seeds (hue 38º).

Changes in fatty acid and mineral composition of rapeseed (Brassica napus ssp. oleifera L.) oil with seed sizes

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of seed sizes on fatty acid composition and oil content, mineral composition and heavy metal contents of oil and seed samples in same cultivar of rapeseed. Seeds were divided into four size groups (D1: <1.4, D2: 1.4–1.7, D3: 1.7–2.0 and D4: >2.00 mm). Oil ratios were determined with a soxhalate, fatty acid composition was determined with a gas chromatography (GC) and mineral composition with an ICP/OES devices. Oil contents of the samples varied between 36.9–40.52%. A total of 11 fatty acid compositions were identified. The C18:1 n9c (oleic acid) was the major component and it was respectively followed by C18:3 n6c (linoleic acid), C18:3 n3 (linolenic acid) and C16:0 (palmitic acid). The C18:1 n9c contents varied between 53.95–60.98%, C18:2 n6c contents between 20.42–25.02%, C18:3 n3 contents between 8.74–9.56% and C16:0 contents between 4.24–6.00%. Macro-micro nutrients and heavy metal contents exhibited significant variations. With regard to seed mineral composition, D4 group generally had higher Ca, Mg, K and S contents and were richer in minerals than D1 group. However, Cd and Pb heavy metal contents were also higher in D4 group. It was concluded based on present findings that D2 group could be recommended for high oil yield and D4 group could be recommended for low saturated fatty acids (SFA) and high Omega3-fatty acid (FA) contents.

MINERAL COMPOSITION OF WILD RELATIVES AND INTROGRESSIVE FORMS IN WHEAT SELECTION

The study of seed mineral composition of wheat and its wild relatives revealed higher content of all elements in Aegilops ovata and Ae. triuncialis, as well as an overall increased background in relatives compared to modern varieties of Triticum aestivum (standards). By content of macro- and microelements, synthetic forms of wheat occupy an intermediate position between wild relatives and modern varieties. Transitional forms with the level of mineral composition typical of wild forms (Zhetysu×T. militinae; Zhetysu×T. kiharae; Bezostaya 1×Ae. cylindrica) have been identified. All genotypes have been differentiated into 3 clusters. The first consists predominantly of introgressive forms, Ae. triaristata and the Komsomolskaya 1 variety, which has wild forms in its origin. The second cluster includes mainly varieties (parental forms), T. timopheevii and the introgressive form (Steklovidnaya 24×T. militinae). The third cluster consists largely of T. militinae, T. kiharae, Ae. cylindrica species and introgressive forms originated from them: Zhetysu×T. militinae and Bezostaya 1× Ae. cylindrica. Such division allows us to classify genotypes according to the level of metabolism: wild relatives (3rd cluster), varieties (2nd cluster) and an intermediate group – introgressive forms (1st cluster). In general, inclusion of cultural forms (backcrossing with varieties) to crosses with introgressive forms is usually accompanied by a decrease in the total metabolic level, but it varies in cultivars and wild species characterized by polymorphism. Sources of high content of elements have been revealed: wild relatives and introgressive forms, some of which are donors. According to the results of topcross breeding with testers – commercial common wheat varieties Steklovidnaya 24, Almali, Zhetysu – inheritance of this trait by progenies in F 2 –F 3 generations has been revealed in two constant lines: (Bezostaya 1×Ae. cylindrica)×T. kiharae and Zhetysu×T. kiharae.

Root morphology and seed and leaf ionomic traits in a Brassica napus L. diversity panel show wide phenotypic variation and are characteristic of crop habit.

BackgroundMineral nutrient uptake and utilisation by plants are controlled by many traits relating to root morphology, ion transport, sequestration and translocation. The aims of this study were to determine the phenotypic diversity in root morphology and leaf and seed mineral composition of a polyploid crop species, Brassica napus L., and how these traits relate to crop habit. Traits were quantified in a diversity panel of up to 387 genotypes: 163 winter, 127 spring, and seven semiwinter oilseed rape (OSR) habits, 35 swede, 15 winter fodder, and 40 exotic/unspecified habits. Root traits of 14 d old seedlings were measured in a ‘pouch and wick’ system (n = ~24 replicates per genotype). The mineral composition of 3–6 rosette-stage leaves, and mature seeds, was determined on compost-grown plants from a designed experiment (n = 5) by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).ResultsSeed size explained a large proportion of the variation in root length. Winter OSR and fodder habits had longer primary and lateral roots than spring OSR habits, with generally lower mineral concentrations. A comparison of the ratios of elements in leaf and seed parts revealed differences in translocation processes between crop habits, including those likely to be associated with crop-selection for OSR seeds with lower sulphur-containing glucosinolates. Combining root, leaf and seed traits in a discriminant analysis provided the most accurate characterisation of crop habit, illustrating the interdependence of plant tissues.ConclusionsHigh-throughput morphological and composition phenotyping reveals complex interrelationships between mineral acquisition and accumulation linked to genetic control within and between crop types (habits) in B. napus. Despite its recent genetic ancestry (<10 ky), root morphology, and leaf and seed composition traits could potentially be used in crop improvement, if suitable markers can be identified and if these correspond with suitable agronomy and quality traits.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12870-016-0902-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Climatic Thresholds for Concentrations of Minerals and Heavy Metals in Argentinean Soybean

Minerals affect the nutritional, rheological, and safety features of food products. Soybeans represent a good source of minerals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the environment on the variability of mineral elements in Argentinean soybeans in field experiments. Climatic variables (maximum, mean, and minimum air temperature; solar radiation; precipitation; and potential evapotranspiration) were recorded daily during the seed filling period; soil properties were also reported. Minerals in soybeans were determined by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Selenium was determined by hydride generation coupled to an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Molybdenum and selenium were significantly increased (over 100%) in soybeans grown at higher soil pH with high available molybdenum. Air temperature was the climatic variable that best predicted changes in the soybean seed mineral composition. Optimum weather conditions (OWC) were defined by thresholds of the climatic variables by regression trees for desirable mineral composition. Maximum and minimum daily air temperatures during the seed filling period (30.1 and 17.1°C, respectively) were the OWC for maximizing calcium, magnesium, and manganese contents. A maximum daily air temperature over 28.0°C resulted in higher iron and cobalt levels (p &lt; 0.001). Maximum zinc content was observed when solar radiation exceeded 18.1 MJ m−2 during seed filling (p &lt; 0.001). Results from this study showed variation in the mineral composition of soybeans. Environmental features during the seed filling period should be considered when desired mineral composition is expected in soybean according to the end uses.

NATURAL VARIATION IN SEED COMPOSITION OF 91 COMMON BEAN GENOTYPES AND THEIR POSSIBLE ASSOCIATION WITH SEED COAT COLOR

In this report, seeds from 91 common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes were analyzed for their concentrations of protein, starch, and other chemical elements. The first objective of this study was to survey the genetic variability of seed composition in common beans. A second objective was to determine the possible association between seed coat color and seed composition. Significant positive correlation was found between seed starch, cadmium (Cd), and molybdenum (Mo) concentration (R2 = 0.81). Overall, genotypes with black seed coat color displayed the highest levels of minerals tested. We concluded that there is substantial variation for seed composition. Varieties with green coat color had a distinct mineral composition, while extreme accumulation of individual minerals was found to be more prevalent in black seeded varieties. We identified a set of common beans with superior seed mineral composition that could be used to potentially improve nutritional quality of common bean seeds.

Effects of Maturity, Genotypic Background, and Temperature on Seed Mineral Composition in Near‐Isogenic Soybean Lines in the Early Soybean Production System

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects of maturity, genotypic background, and maximum temperature 20 d before maturity on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed mineral concentrations. A field experiment was conducted in Stoneville, MS, in 2004 and 2005, using two sets of near‐isogenic soybean lines that differed in maturity genes. One set of isolines derived from cultivar Clark and the other from cultivar Harosoy. The maturity of each line within a set varied, but all had a common genotypic background. For Clark isolines, there were positive correlations (P &lt; 0.05) between maturity and N with r = 0.83 in 2004 and r = 0. 62 in 2005, and between maturity and Ca (r = 0.59 in 2004 and r = 0.89 in 2005). For Harosoy isolines, there were positive correlations (P &lt; 0.05) between maturity and Ca with r = 0.60 in 2004 and r = 0.83 in 2005, and between maturity and B (r = 0.48 in 2004 and r = 0.72 in 2005). There was a highly significant genotypic background effect (P &lt; 0.01) on seed N, S, Ca, K, Mg, P, and B concentrations, and maturity gene (E‐gene) effect (P &lt; 0.01) on Ca and B. Generally the contribution of genotypic background or maturity to total variation of nutrient concentrations was greater than that of temperature. This information may be useful when developing soybean germplasm with higher seed mineral content by using genotypes with a higher nutrient uptake efficiency trait as either parental lines or source material to improve existing varieties for the seed nutrition trait.

Yield and seed quality of two N2-fixing common bean cultivars grown on calcareous soil

Legume seeds such as common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are of major importance for human nutrition in the Mediterranean region, owing to their high protein and iron contents. Iron deficiency is a major agricultural issue limiting crop yields, especially on calcareous soils which represent more than 30% of the world’s land surface. In the present study, we compared the effect of iron deficiency on the yield and the seed quality of two common bean cultivars, contrasting in their tolerance ability to iron deficiency. Seedlings were inoculated with an efficient strain of Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899 and were grown on either non-calcareous or calcareous soil. Seed and pod numbers, seed weight and quality were evaluated. On the calcareous soil, iron deficiency decreased the plant yield, reduced the weight and the number of seeds and impaired the seed quality as expressed by seed mineral composition, protein and soluble sugar contents. The tolerant cultivar, Flamingo, grew better and produced seeds with higher protein and mineral contents than the sensitive cultivar, Coco blanc.

Mineral nutrition of wheat, chickpea and lentil as affected by mixed cropping and soil moisture

Interspecific complementary and competitive interactions on yield and N, P, K, Fe, Zn and Mn nutrition of mixed wheat/chickpea and wheat/lentil grown in a glasshouse under normal and drought conditions, and intercropping of wheat/chickpea in the field under rainfed conditions were investigated. The results of the experiments confirmed that drought significantly decreased the growth and mineral nutrition of all plant species. Individual plant dry weights of wheat, chickpea and lentil in the glasshouse experiment, and vegetative shoot dry weight of intercropped wheat in the field experiment were significantly increased by the associated plant species as compared with their monoculture. Even though there were increases in vegetative shoot dry weight of wheat, biological and seed yield of intercropped wheat and chickpea were decreased due to the lower row number in intercropping. However, the calculated LER (Land Equivalent Ratio) was found to be higher than 1.0 for biological and seed yields, showing that intercropping of wheat and chickpea has an advantage over monoculture. In many cases, the drought × cropping system interaction on the nutrient concentrations of plant species was not significant. Results of the glasshouse study showed that P nutrition of wheat was improved by chickpea and lentil, which might result from increases in leaf acid phosphatase in mixed cropping. The release of Fe(III)-complexing compounds from the roots was higher in the sole wheat and mixed culture than that of monocultured chickpea and lentil. This improves Fe nutrition of wheat and chickpea, but those improvements were not significant. However, Zn and Mn concentrations of mixed cropped chickpea were also increased. Under the field conditions, shoot concentration of P, K, Fe, Zn and Mn in wheat were increased by intercropping. Furthermore, the concentrations of Zn and Mn in chickpea were increased by intercropping while N, P and K concentrations were decreased. In addition, the concentrations of N, P, K and Fe for wheat seeds and of Zn and Mn for chickpea were improved by intercropping. It is concluded that interspecific interaction was complementary and generally facilitated the mineral nutrition of wheat and chickpea species grown in mixed culture. Besides giving a yield advantage, intercropping of chickpea and wheat also had a positive effect on seed mineral composition.

Influência do boro no desenvolvimento e na composição mineral do pimentão

O experimento foi conduzido no município de Piracicaba (SP), de fevereiro a junho de 1994, em solo classificado como Terra Roxa Estruturada eutrófica A moderado textura argilosa. Visou-se estudar a aplicação de boro no desenvolvimento e na composição mineral de plantas de pimentão cv. Magda. Adotou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro doses de bórax aplicadas nas covas de plantio (0; 5; 10 e 20 kg ha-1 equivalentes a 0; 0,6; 1,1 e 2,2 kg ha-1 de B) e quatro repetições. Avaliou-se a altura das plantas, o número de folhas e de flores, a área foliar, o peso da matéria seca da parte aérea e os teores de nutrientes nas folhas recém-maduras mais pecíolos, aos 45 dias após o transplante. Foram avaliados também, aos 40 dias após o transplante, o peso do material verde dos frutos e a composição mineral do pericarpo e das sementes dos mesmos. As doses de bórax não influenciaram as características avaliadas e os teores de macronutrientes e de B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn nas folhas mais pecíolos. Entre as partes dos frutos, os teores de B foram superiores nas sementes em relação ao pericarpo, nas quatro doses utilizadas.

Peanut Yield Potential as Influenced by Cropping System and Plant Density

Abstract This study was conducted on a Memphis silt loam at Alcorn State University in 1992 and 1993 and investigated row-intercropping as a low-input alternative to the conventional cropping system for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production in southwestern Mississippi. Extractable P and exchangeable cations were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher for vetiver-peanut row-intercropping in 1992. Extractable S and P were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher for vetiver-peanut row-intercropping and conventional peanut monocropping, respectively, in 1993. Plant height, shoot dry weight, the number of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) per row, insect lesions per leaflet, and rodent diggings per row were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher for conventional peanut monocropping than when peanut was intercropped with vetiver grass [Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash]. Peanut pod number, pod weight, seed number, and seed weight also were higher for conventional peanut monocropping. The seed mineral composition generally was not affected by cropping system and plant spacing. Peanut yield was higher for 15.2 cm within-row plant spacing compared to 10.2- and 20.3-cm spacings investigated in this study. Interaction between cropping system and plant spacing was significant for pod number, pod weight, seed number, seed weight, and seed Ca and Fe compositions in 1992, but only significant for seed number, seed weight, and seed Fe and Zn compositions in 1993.