Seed Mineral Concentrations Research Articles

Investigation of the Potential Use, Phytochemical and Element Contents of Acacia Plant Seeds Grown in Wild Form, Considered as Environmental Waste.

In this study, the effect of altitude on oil amounts, antioxidant activity, polyphenol content and mineral contents of Acacia seeds collected from two different locations (up to 1100 m above sea level) was investigated. Total carotenoid and flavonoid contents of Acacia seeds were detected as 0.76 (Konya) and 1.06 µg/g (Taşucu-Mersin) to 1343.60 (Konya) and 184.53 mg/100 g (Taşucu-Mersin), respectively. Total phenol contents and antioxidant activity values of Acacia seeds were identified as 255.11 (Konya) and 190.00 mgGAE/Taşucu-Mersin) to 64.18% (Konya) and 75.21% (Taşucu-Mersin), respectively. The oils extracted from Acacia seeds in Konya and Mersin province contained 62.70% and 70.39% linoleic, 23.41% and 16.03% oleic, 6.45%and 6.04% palmitic and 2.93% and 4.94% stearic acids, respectively. While 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid amounts of seeds are determined as 3.89 (Konya) and 4.83 mg/100 g (Taşucu-Mersin), (+)-catechin contents of Acacia seeds were identified as 3.42 (Konya) and 9.51 mg/100 g (Taşucu-Mersin). Also, rutintrihydrate and ferulic contents of Acacia seeds were found as 23.37 (Konya) and 11.87 mg/100 g (Taşucu-Mersin) to 14.74 mg/100 g (Konya) and 1.12 mg/100 g (Taşucu-Mersin), respectively. Acacia seeds collected from Konya and Mersin contained 4003.75 and 3540.89 mg/kg P, 9819.12 and 16175.69 mg/kg K, 4347.47 and 5078.81 mg/kg P, 2195.77 and 2317.90 mg/kg Mg, 1015.75 and 2665.60 mg/kg S and 187.53 and 905.52 mg/kg Na, respectively.

CARACTERÍSTICAS MORFOLÓGICAS Y DETERMINACIÓN DE MINERALES POR μ-XRF EN FRUTO DE CALABAZA (Cucurbita moschata DUCH)

En la península de Yucatán, México, el sistema milpa involucra una interacción de siembra de dos o tres especies de plantas principales como el maíz (Zea mays), el frijol (Phaseolus vulgaris) y la calabaza (Cucurbita argyrosperma o C. moschata). Sin embargo, en algunas regiones solo se cultiva maíz y C. moschata. Esta calabaza puede mostrar formas, tamaños y colores diversos en una sola plantación, debido a que los productores siembran distintos cultivares de la misma especie. Esta especie se consume fresca, como verdura, y las semillas de la fruta seca se usan en platillos regionales y dulces. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la morfología y la composición mineral de la calabaza. La hipótesis fue que las variantes de calabaza C. moschata cultivadas presentan variación morfológica, la cual está presente en el contenido de los minerales en semillas y en el fruto. Para este estudio se recolectaron seis variantes de calabaza cultivadas en dos parcelas de Conkal, Yucatán, México. Las evaluaciones incluyeron las características morfológicas de la fruta y la composición mineral en semillas, pericarpio y mesocarpio, mediante análisis μ-XRF. Las variantes de C. moschata presentan morfología diferente (semillas y frutos). El contenido de minerales en semillas y fruta (pericarpio y mesocarpio) presentó diferencias significativas entre las variantes. La variante CA4 presentó contenido alto de P, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn y Zn. Variantes se identificaron con características sobresalientes en semillas y característica de los frutos (tamaño, forma, y grosor de la pulpa). El contenido de minerales mostró diferencias entre las variantes de calabazas C. moschata cultivadas en las dos parcelas de Conkal.

Nutritional value of safflower whole seed as animal feed in semi-arid southern African conditions

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a multipurpose crop, grown for its high quality edible oil (poly unsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids), and as a horticultural crop (vegetable and cut flower). It is also grown for flavouring and colouring foods, as herbal tea, livestock feed, pharmaceuticals, dyes, paints and biodiesel.The objective of this study wasto evaluate the influence of safflower genotype on the nutritional quality of whole seed used as livestock feed. Nine safflower genotypes (eight exotic and one local) were grown in winter and summer. The seeds were harvested at physiological maturity and analysed for different nutritional variables. Whole safflower seeds dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and ash varied significantly, depending on genotype and growing season. The seed mineral content (P, K, Mg and Na) also varied across genotypes. Safflower whole seeds have great potential to serve as an excellent livestock feed in semi-arid conditions.

Nutritional value of safflower whole seed as animal feed in semi-arid southern African conditions

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a multipurpose crop, grown for its high quality edible oil (poly unsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids), and as a horticultural crop (vegetable and cut flower). It is also grown for flavouring and colouring foods, as herbal tea, livestock feed, pharmaceuticals, dyes, paints and biodiesel.The objective of this study wasto evaluate the influence of safflower genotype on the nutritional quality of whole seed used as livestock feed. Nine safflower genotypes (eight exotic and one local) were grown in winter and summer. The seeds were harvested at physiological maturity and analysed for different nutritional variables. Whole safflower seeds dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and ash varied significantly, depending on genotype and growing season. The seed mineral content (P, K, Mg and Na) also varied across genotypes. Safflower whole seeds have great potential to serve as an excellent livestock feed in semi-arid conditions.

Identification of loci controlling mineral element concentration in soybean seeds

BackgroundMineral nutrients play a crucial role in the biochemical and physiological functions of biological systems. The enhancement of seed mineral content via genetic improvement is considered as the most promising and cost-effective approach compared alternative means for meeting the dietary needs. The overall objective of this study was to perform a GWAS of mineral content (Ca, K, P and S) in seeds of a core set of 137 soybean lines that are representative of the diversity of early maturing soybeans cultivated in Canada (maturity groups 000-II).ResultsThis panel of 137 soybean lines was grown in five environments (in total) and the seed mineral content was measured using a portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. The association analyses were carried out using three statistical models and a set of 2.2 million SNPs obtained from a combined dataset of genotyping-by-sequencing and whole-genome sequencing. Eight QTLs significantly associated with the Ca, K, P and S content were identified by at least two of the three statistical models used (in two environments) contributing each from 17 to 31% of the phenotypic variation. A strong reproducibility of the effect of seven out these eight QTLs was observed in three other environments. In total, three candidate genes were identified involved in transport and assimilation of these mineral elements.ConclusionsThere have been very few GWAS studies to identify QTLs associated with the mineral element content of soybean seeds. In addition to being new, the QTLs identified in this study and candidate genes will be useful for the genetic improvement of soybean nutritional quality through marker-assisted selection. Moreover, this study also provides details on the range of phenotypic variation encountered within the Canadian soybean germplasm.

The effects of germination and heating on bioactive properties, phenolic compounds and mineral contents of green gram seeds

The moisture contents of non-germinated (control) and germinated (fresh germinated seed (wet)) green gram seeds varied between 7.62% (control) and 64.64% (fresh germinated seed (wet)). The antioxidant activity values of control, fresh germinated and heated samples were determined between 6.93% (conventional oven) and 22.90% (control) while total phenolic contents of green gram samples changed between 48.19 mg/100g (control) and 62.08 mg/100g (microwave oven). The total flavonoid contents of control, fresh germinated, and heated samples vary between 40.09 mg/100g (conventional oven) and 72.67 mg/100g (control). The highest carotenoid content was determined in fresh germinated green gram seeds. Antioxidant activity values, total flavonoid (except fresh germinated) and carotenoid contents of germinated and heated green gram seeds partly decreased compared to control seeds. Gallic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, (+)-catechin, 1,2-dihydroxybenzene, syringic acid, caffeic acid and quercetin were the key phenolic constituents in both germinated and non-germinated (control) green gram seeds. Phosphorus content of control, fresh germinated gram seeds and germinated seeds heated by microwave, oven and infrared systems changed between 1315 mg/kg (fresh germinated seed (wet)) and 4942 mg/kg (microwave oven); K contents of green gram samples varied between 4342 mg/kg (fresh germinated seed (wet)) and 12,621 mg/kg (infrared oven).

Determination of Phytochemical and Mineral Contents of Seeds from ‘Semillon’ and ‘Carignane’ Wine Grape Cultivars Grown Under Different Irrigation Conditions

In this experiment, the effects of two deficit irrigations (DI50, DI75) and full irrigation (FI100) together with control (Rainfed) treatment were evaluated. Irrigation was started when the midday leaf water potential reached −10 bars. Accordingly, irrigation was initiated after berry set and continued at weekly intervals until harvest time in the study area. To calculate water volumes applied to the irrigated plots, 50%, 75% and 100% of the cumulative evaporation from the class A pan for a week were considered. Considering gibberellic, salicylic and abscisic acid, organic acids, macro and micro elements, ‘Carignane’ had lower values than those of ‘Semillon’. The amount of fructose, xylose and arabinose were higher in ‘Carignane’. The amounts of all hormones, carbohydrates, organic acids and macro and micro elements were generally higher in control and DI50 treatments. But, no significant differences were found between irrigation levels considering hormones, indole acetic, citric, maleic and succinic acids. As a result of the study, it can be concluded that the amounts of compounds in the grape seeds increased with rainfed and deficit irrigation together with the rainfall under experimental conditions.

Genome-Wide SNP Identification and Association Mapping for Seed Mineral Concentration in Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.).

Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) quality is dependent on seed chemical composition, which in turn determines the benefits of its consumption for human health and nutrition. While mung bean is rich in a range of nutritional components, such as protein, carbohydrates and vitamins, it remains less well studied than other legume crops in terms of micronutrients. In addition, mung bean genomics and genetic resources are relatively sparse. The objectives of this research were three-fold, namely: to develop a genome-wide marker system for mung bean based on genotyping by sequencing (GBS), to evaluate diversity of mung beans available to breeders in the United States and finally, to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for nutrient concentrations based on a seven mineral analysis using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy. All parts of our research were performed with 95 cultivated mung bean genotypes chosen from the USDA core collection representing accessions from 13 countries. Overall, we identified a total of 6,486 high quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the GBS dataset and found 43 marker × trait associations (MTAs) with calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, phosphorous, sulfur or zinc concentrations in mung bean grain produced in either of two consecutive years’ field experiments. The MTAs were scattered across 35 genomic regions explaining on average 22% of the variation for each seed nutrient in each year. Most of the gene regions provided valuable candidate loci to use in future breeding of new varieties of mung bean and further the understanding of genetic control of nutritional properties in the crop. Other SNPs identified in this study will serve as important resources to enable marker-assisted selection (MAS) for nutritional improvement in mung bean and to analyze cultivars of mung bean.

Seed Mineral Composition and Protein Content of Faba Beans (Vicia faba L.) with Contrasting Tannin Contents

Two-thirds of the world’s population are at risk of deficiency in one or more essential mineral elements. The high concentrations of essential mineral elements in pulse seeds are fundamentally important to human and animal nutrition. In this study, seeds of 25 genotypes of faba bean (12 low-tannin and 13 normal-tannin genotypes) were evaluated for mineral nutrients and protein content in three locations in Western Canada during 2016–2017. Seed mineral concentrations were examined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and the protein content was determined by Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Location and year (site-year) effects were significant for all studied minerals, with less effect for calcium (Ca) and protein content. Genotype by environment interactions were found to be small for magnesium (Mg), cobalt (Co), Ca, zinc (Zn), and protein content. Higher seed concentrations of Ca, manganese (Mn), Mg, and cadmium (Cd) were observed for low-tannin genotypes compared to tannin-containing genotypes. The protein content was 1.9% higher in low-tannin compared to tannin-containing genotypes. The high estimated heritability for concentrations of seed Mg, Ca, Mn, potassium (K), sulphur (S), and protein content in this species suggests that genetic improvement is possible for mineral elements.

Seed yield, crude protein and mineral nutrient contents of sesame during a two-year continuous cropping on upland field converted from a paddy

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop that is negatively affected by continuous cropping but there is still limited research on this phenomenon. A three-year field experiment was conducted from 2012 to 2014 at Tottori, Japan, on an upland field converted from a paddy to determine the effect of continuous cropping on seed yield, crude protein and mineral nutrient contents of four sesame cultivars (‘Maruhime’, ‘Nishikimaru’, ‘Gomazou’, ‘Masekin’) and identify cultivars adaptable to continuous cropping obstacle. Seed yield, crude protein and mineral nutrient contents were negatively affected in the second cropping: however, the level of response differed among the cultivars. In the first cropping, the intercultivar yield differences were not significant whereas seed yield showed significant differences among the cultivars in the second cropping. Averaged over years, seed yield was significantly lowest in ‘Maruhime’ and ‘Nishikimaru’ compared with ‘Gomazou’ (588.3 kg ha−1) and ‘Masekin’ (450.3 kg ha−1). Averaged across cultivars, the seed crude protein and N, P, Fe, Zn and Mn contents decreased by 7.5, 10.0, 19.4, 14.7, and 13.6% in the second cropping compared with the first cropping. Although ‘Maruhime’ yields in the second cropping were lower than those of the other cultivars, its crude protein, N, P, and Fe contents were generally highest. Changes in the soil nutrients N and available P partially explained the decrease in the yield and seed mineral contents. The variation in the seed yield, crude protein and mineral nutrient contents in the second cropping reflected differences in the cultivar response to continuous cropping that influence the seed composition. To minimize this yield reduction, adoption of two sesame cultivars ‘Gomazou’ and ‘Masekin’ could be recommended to overcome continuous cropping obstacle on upland fields converted paddy.

Biochemical Characterization of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Seeds

Fig fruit has been a typical component of the health-promoting Mediterranean diet since centuries. One of the fig fruit’s parts responsible for health effects is fig seeds that do not come to mind. Firstly, the proximate compositions of Sarilop fig seed cultivars were determined in this study. It was seen that the fig seeds were rich in oil and carbohydrate contents. Then, the mineral contents of fig seeds were analyzed by UV-vis spectrophotometer and an atomic absorption spectrometer. The major minerals in fig seeds were found as Ca, K and P. Moreover, the fatty acid compositions of the seeds were evaluated by gas chromatography. The fig seed oil had greater amount of the unsaturated fatty acids than saturated fatty acids. The chemical compositions of fig seeds are presented for the first time in this study.

Genetic variability and diversity in okra landraces using agromorphological traits and seed elemental minerals

ABSTRACTOkra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] landraces found in Nigeria are being examined as sources of genetic variation offering potential to improve agro-morpho-nutritional traits and broaden the gene pool. Objectives of this investigation were to: (1) assess variability of agro-morpho-nutritional traits in okra landraces sourced from five agroecological zones in Nigeria, and (2) estimate divergence among the germplasm. The landraces were evaluated in field experiments over a period of 2 years at the research farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and Mahalanobis statistics were employed to study the diversity pattern. Differences existed for all evaluated traits among landraces. Genotypes NGB00378b, NGB00297, NGB00347, NGB00293, and NGB00350 combined high seed mineral concentrations with high yield potential. A genotype × year interaction was present, as reflected by relatively low broad-sense heritability (<30%) and genetic advance (GA) (<10%) for pod yield and pod width (PDW), which limits potential for improvement. Heterosis breeding could be effectively used to improve K and Mg, as these traits expressed high variation and broad-sense heritability coupled with moderate GA. Using D2 divergence analysis, landraces were separated into seven distinct clusters, with no phylo–agroecological pattern of diversity. Based on the present study, selection for a trait in 1 year may not provide the same benefit in other years due to year-to-year fluctuations in environmental conditions, evaluation in more than 1 year is required.

Evaluation of the Phytochemical and Mineral Characteristics of Some Selected Sapotaceae Plants

Aims: To study the spectral and thermal characteristics, and the oil, starch, polyphenol and mineral contents of seeds and leaves from three Sapotaceae species, provided that trees and shrubs of this family are an important source of nutritional and functional products.&#x0D; Methodology: Leaves and seeds from three Sapotaceae plants, namely Moa tree (Madhuca indica J. F. Gmel.), Chico sapote (Manilkara zapota (Linn.) van Royen) and Spanish cherry (Mimusops elengi Linn.), were collected in the Raipur area of Chhattisgarh, India. Their physicochemical characterization (including oil, polyphenol, starch and mineral contents; functional groups; and thermal degradation patterns) was carried out by using various techniques, viz. solvent extraction, spectrophotometry, enzymatic digestion, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies, thermogravimetric/derivative thermogravimetric (TG/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively.&#x0D; Results: The three Sapotaceae seeds under study were found to contain polyphenol, mineral, starch and oil contents in the 1850–23180 mg/kg, 11390–19385 mg/kg, 6.7–9.1% and 9.8-54.1% range, respectively. Their leaves and seed coats featured total phenolic contents in the 24260–28600 mg/kg and 7810–23060 mg/kg range, respectively, and mineral contents in the 8823–27462 mg/kg and 3619–15884 mg/kg range, respectively. The functional groups of the phytochemicals, studied by FTIR, were assigned. Their thermal decomposition patterns, which involved loss of water and volatile organic compounds, proteins, oil and starch/cellulose, were also described.&#x0D; Conclusion: The Sapotaceae leaves, seed coat, kernel and cake are enriched with very high contents of starch, proteins, polyphenols and minerals, suggesting their possible valorization in human food, animal feeding and as herbal medicines.

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).

Fatty Acid Composition and Mineral Contents of Pea Genotype Seeds

Metal, non-metal and and heavy metal contents of different pea genotype seeds were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). For all genotypes, significant differences were observed in the mineral contents. Potassium was the most abundant element, ranged from 10146.13 mg/kg (PS3048) to 13171.97 mg/kg (PS3053) (Table 1). In addition, the phosphor content of pea seeds was found between 4004.31 mg/kg (PS 30100) and 5651.27 mg/kg (PS 3057). These pea genotypes contained 1562.32 mg/kg to 2034.28 mg/kg magnesium. Zinc contetns of pea samples changed between 29.66 mg/kg (PS 3055) and 67.81 mg/kg (PS 4053 B). The oil contents of pea samples ranged from 0.84% (PS4053 B) to 3.59% (PS 3055). Oleic acid is predominant fatty acid 12.95% to 45.02% followed by palmitic 13.68% to 77.28%, stearic (1.66% to 15.99%) acids. The highest oleic acid was found in PS3048 genotype (45.02%). The highest palmitic acid was found in PS4021 pea sample (77.28%). The current study contributes to the available information concerning the composition of several pea genotypes grown in Turkey. Fatty Acid Composition and Mineral Contents of Pea Genotype Seeds

Effect of Varieties on Bioactive Properties and Mineral Contents of Some Sorghum, Millet and Lupin Seeds.

In this study, some physico-chemical properties, amino acids, fatty acids, sugars and mineral contents of sorghum, millet and lupin seeds. Sorghum (red, white and yellow) and millet seeds were purchased from market in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh). Lupin seeds were provided from in Turkey (Konya). Protein contents of seed samples ranged from 8.6% (yellow sorghum) to 37.7% (lutop) (p < 0.05). The extractable phenolics contents for gallic acid equivalent (GAE) of grains ranged between 1.43 mgGAE/g (white sorghum) to 8.23 mgGAE/g (red sorghum), and hydrolysable phenolics contents for GAE of grains varied between 1.48 mgGAE/g (white sorghum) to 26.10 mgGAE/g (red sorghum (p < 0.05). Total phenol contents of seeds were found between 2769 mg GAE/g (bablon) to 6087 mgGAE/g (yellow sorghum) (p < 0.05). Amino acid contents of millet changed between 0.02% (ornithine) and 2.07% (glutamic acid), while amino acid contents of yellow sorghum range from 0.02% (hydroxyproline) to 1.71% (glutamic acid), amino acid values of white sorghum changed between 0.02% (hydroxyproline) and 2.21% (glutamic acid), amino acid values of lutop seed changed between 0.02% (ornithine) and 6.77% (glutamic acid) (p < 0.05).While the oleic acid contents change between 25.27% (white sorghum) and 53.50% (Bablone), linoleic acid contents ranged from 14.60% (Bablone) to 42.67% (Millet) (p < 0.05). However, the amount of potassium in the seeds varied between 1831.34 mg/kg (while sorghum) and 11895.8 mg/kg (Lutop). Generally, protein, oleic acid, amino acid and mineral contents of lupin varieties were higher as compared to those of millet phenol, anthocyanin and sorghum seeds.

Some Physical Properties and Nutritional Compositions of Lupin (Lupinus albus L.) Seed in Turkey

In this study, nutrient contents for human diet and some physical properties that are important for the design of equipments for sowing, harvesting, processing, transportation, sorting, separation and packaging of lupin cv. grown in Turkey were determined. Mineral contents of lupin seeds including P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, S and B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn were determined 0.14%, 0.4%, 0.04%, 0.06%, 0.02%, 0.06%, 22.3 ppm, 3.6 ppm, 11.9 ppm, 533.4 ppm,15.8 ppm respectively. The physical properties were evaluated as functions of moisture content in the moisture range from 7 to 35% d.b. for the rewetted lupin seed. As a result, the average length, width, thickness, the geometric mean diameter, sphericity, unit mass and volume were 9.5, 8.4, 4.9, 6.61 mm, 73.9%, 0.27 g and 0.18 cm3, respectively. The bulk density decreased from 727.2 to 678.8 kg/m3, true density decreased from 1428.5 to 1000 kg/m3, porosity decreased from 48.8 to 32.1%, one thousand seed mass increased from 230.7 g. to 327.4 g, the sphericity of lupin seed decreased from 73.9 to 71.5% while the moisture content of lupin seed increased from 7 to 35% d.b..

English

In this study, proximate composition, physical characteristics and mineral content of fruit, pulp and seeds of Parinari curatellifolia (Maula) fruits from Bunda forests in Central Malawi were determined. Proximate composition included crude protein, crude fat and crude fiber, while physical characteristics included mass, length, thickness of whole fruit and kernels and minerals included potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron and phosphorus. Total carbohydrate contents were also determined. All the results have been presented on dry matter basis. Results on crude protein ranged from 3.9&plusmn;0.03 to 15.61&plusmn;0.05% with pulp registering the lowest values (P&lt;0.05) while the highest values were registered in kernels. Results on crude fat revealed that kernels had the highest values (46.05&plusmn;0.19%) compared to values obtained in pulp or a mixture of pulp and peels while for crude fiber, the highest values (21.39&plusmn;0.28%) were obtained in whole fruit. Furthermore, results on ash content showed that the highest values (5.71&plusmn;0.25 %) were obtained in fruit peels while the lowest values (1.58&plusmn;0.15 %) were registered in whole fruit. Lastly, results on carbohydrate content revealed that the highest values (84.95&plusmn;0.14%) were obtained in the pulp while the lowest values (34.34&plusmn;0.21%) were registered in kernels. The findings from this study have shown that there are significant differences in nutrient and mineral composition in the whole fruit, seeds and pulp of P. curatellifolia from Central Malawi and therefore these findings can be useful in nutritional planning regarding consumption of the P. curatellifolia fruit. &nbsp; &nbsp; Key words: Maula (Parinari curatellifolia), indigenous fruits, kernels, minerals, crude protein, nutrition, Bunda forest.

Mineral Content and Phytochemical Profile of Mungbean Sprouts and Dry Seeds of Five Mungbean Varieties

Mineral Content and Phytochemical Profile of Mungbean Sprouts and Dry Seeds of Five Mungbean Varieties

Meta-QTL analysis of seed iron and zinc concentration and content in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Twelve meta-QTL for seed Fe and Zn concentration and/or content were identified from 87 QTL originating from seven population grown in sixteen field trials. These meta-QTL include 2 specific to iron, 2 specific to zinc and 8 that co-localize for iron and zinc concentrations and/or content. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important legume for human consumption worldwide and it is an important source of microelements, especially iron and zinc. Bean biofortification breeding programs develop new varieties with high levels of Fe and Zn targeted for countries with human micronutrient deficiencies. Biofortification efforts thus far have relied on phenotypic selection of raw seed mineral concentrations in advanced generations. While numerous quantitative trait loci (QTL) studies have been conducted to identify genomic regions associated with increased Fe and Zn concentration in seeds, these results have yet to be employed for marker-assisted breeding. The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis from seven QTL studies in Andean and Middle American intra- and inter-gene pool populations to identify the regions in the genome that control the Fe and Zn levels in seeds. Two meta-QTL specific to Fe and two meta-QTL specific to Zn were identified. Additionally, eight Meta QTL that co-localized for Fe and Zn concentration and/or content were identified across seven chromosomes. The Fe and Zn shared meta-QTL could be useful candidates for marker-assisted breeding to simultaneously increase seed Fe and Zn. The physical positions for 12 individual meta-QTL were identified and within five of the meta-QTL, candidate genes were identified from six gene families that have been associated with transport of iron and zinc in plants.