Underutilized Crop Research Articles

The influences of storage period and morphotypes on the proximate and selected vitamins of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) fruits

Pumpkin, a member of the Cucurbitaceae plant family is an underutilized crop in Nigeria. This plant requires minimal agronomic input to produce optimal yield and it is drought tolerant. However, due to preservation, the fruit does not remain biochemically the same. What happens to squash stored for months after harvesting at room temperature needs to be examined from nutritional point of view. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the effects of storage at ambient temperature and relative humidity on selected vitamins (A, C, and E), and the proximate (crude protein, crude fiber, crude ash, and carbohydrate) in the green and orange morphotypes of pumpkin fruit. Pumpkins harvested in 2015 were stored for 4 months (January to April) and nutritional parameters evaluated monthly using standard assays. The results showed that the vitamin A content did not change significantly (P<0.05) over the storage period and morphotypes while the vitamin C and vitamin E contents decreased by 15% and 18%, respectively, when comparing the 1st and 4th months of storage. Crude protein and fat content decreased significantly over the storage period. However, crude fiber and ash increased in storage time. Except for crude fiber, the two morphotypes behaved similarly over the storage period. Remarkably, vitamin A concentrations in squash did not change after harvest, and some of the nutrients studied were not significantly affected during the first 4 months of storage. This information is especially important for people in rural areas limited in modern ways of storing fruit vegetable after harvest.

Reformulating Couscous with Sprouted Buckwheat: Physico-Chemical Properties and Sensory Characteristics Assessed by E-Senses.

In the frame of reformulating food products for valorizing underutilized crops and enhancing both the nutritional and sensory characteristics of traditional foods, this study explored the potential impact of sprouting on some features of couscous prepared from buckwheat. Specifically, the impact of two sprouting times (48 h and 72 h) and two enrichment levels (25% and 50%) on physical properties (bulk density, hydration properties), cooking behavior (e.g., texture), chemical features (e.g., total phenolic content, rutin and quercetin), antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), and sensory traits (by means of electronic nose, tongue, and eye) was considered. Results showed that the replacement of 50% of pre-gelatinized buckwheat flour with 72 h-sprouted buckwheat flour resulted in a couscous with a higher content of phenolic compounds (including rutin and quercetin) and antioxidant activity; the related values further increased upon cooking. Moreover, except for the hardness and gumminess that were worsened (i.e., their values increased), cohesiveness and resilience improved in the presence of sprouted buckwheat (i.e., their values increased). Finally, the overall sensory traits improved with the addition of 50% sprouted buckwheat, since both bitterness and astringency decreased in the reformulated couscous.

Genetic Evaluation of a Wildtype Population of Cornus mas Accessions in Austria

Cornus mas grows in the “Cornelian Cherry Valley” in Lower Austria. The characterization of the biodiversity of this underutilized crop was undertaken to increase its visibility and to develop breeding parameters. To determine the genetic relationships among Austrian Cornelian cherries, a collection of 447 mainly wild accessions originating from four regions in Lower Austria were genotyped. Analyses of seven microsatellite loci detected a total of 74 alleles, with 10.57 being the average number per locus. Shannon’s index was calculated to be 0.95 in locus CM008 and 1.80 in locus CM020. The average values of observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.54 ± 0.11 and 0.70 ± 0.12. The analyses revealed a high level of diversity. All accessions could be distinguished from each other, and wild and cultivated accessions could be separated. The pattern of grouping of the accessions based on the STRUCTURE (version 2.3.4) analyses suggested a greater number of subpopulations (K = 9). Karyotyping consistently yielded diploid chromosome numbers 2n = 2x = 18 for a millennial accession. The evaluations yielded a high degree of diversity, which provides excellent starting conditions for considerations of breeding strategies for the genetic enhancement of C. mas in Austria.

A Systematic Review of UAV Applications for Mapping Neglected and Underutilised Crop Species’ Spatial Distribution and Health

Timely, accurate spatial information on the health of neglected and underutilised crop species (NUS) is critical for optimising their production and food and nutrition in developing countries. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with multispectral sensors have significantly advanced remote sensing, enabling the provision of near-real-time data for crop analysis at the plot level in small, fragmented croplands where NUS are often grown. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature on the remote sensing (RS) of the spatial distribution and health of NUS, evaluating the progress, opportunities, challenges, and associated research gaps. This study systematically reviewed 171 peer-reviewed articles from Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science using the PRISMA approach. The findings of this study showed that the United States (n = 18) and China (n = 17) were the primary study locations, with some contributions from the Global South, including southern Africa. The observed NUS crop attributes included crop yield, growth, leaf area index (LAI), above-ground biomass (AGB), and chlorophyll content. Only 29% of studies explored stomatal conductance and the spatial distribution of NUS. Twenty-one studies employed satellite-borne sensors, while only eighteen utilised UAV-borne sensors in conjunction with machine learning (ML), multivariate, and generic GIS classification techniques for mapping the spatial extent and health of NUS. The use of UAVs in mapping NUS is progressing slowly, particularly in the Global South, due to exorbitant purchasing and operational costs, as well as restrictive regulations. Subsequently, research efforts must be directed toward combining ML techniques and UAV-acquired data to monitor NUS’ spatial distribution and health to provide necessary information for optimising food production in smallholder croplands in the Global South.

Underutilized crops as a resource to combat the food, nutrient, and economic security in Sri Lanka

Food insecurity in Sri Lanka has risen dramatically owing to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent economic crisis. Movement and activity restrictions imposed to control the spread of the pandemic, combined with acute shortages of essential food items, have had a severe impact on people's livelihoods, resulting in food insecurity and increased vulnerability to malnutrition. Provision of quality food for the community at a minimum cost is prioritized by the government due to consecutive seasons of poor harvests, foreign exchange shortages, higher food inflation, and reduced household purchasing power. Currently, the focus has shifted to find sustainable food sources to meet both the nutritional and economic needs of communities. Meanwhile, consumption patterns based on a few dominant species of major food crops are recognized as one of the biggest threats to global nutrition and food security and this is also true for Sri Lanka. As a result, there is a growing need to discover new food crops targeting healthy and diversified dietary patterns.Effective use of underutilized crops (UCs) in this context appears to be one of the imperative means to minimize the pressure mounted on major crops as they could produce different kinds of foods rich with macro- (Protein and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (Vitamins and minerals- Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron). Fruits, vegetables, cereals tubers/yams and medicinal plants are examples for different groups of underutilized crops that are nutrient-dense, health-promoting, and climate-resilient. UCs are well adapted to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions as well as low-input farming systems. Their systematic cultivation is advantageous in rural areas where people have poor income generation and lack of market accessibility. Therefore, this rich genetic diversity could be used to enhance food and economic security in numerous ways, most importantly through, direct access to a diversity of nutritionally-rich foods, increased purchasing power from savings on food bills and year-round income from selling the value-added products. It is essential that people know how best to make use of these invaluable natural resources to ensure their wellbeing. This review discusses on the positive aspects of promoting UCs on addressing food, nutrient and economic security in Sri Lanka.

Nutrient Status and Oil Yield of Grain Amaranthus species

Amaranth grain is an underutilized crop known for its vegetative parts as vegetable and grain as food. The grain of the crop contains high amount of iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and other minerals. However, there are gaps in our understanding and technology on the nutritional diversity of different kinds of vegetables grown in India. The aim of this study was to analyse the nutritional value of amaranth grains from different genotypes (A. hypochondriacus, A. cruentus, and A. caudatus) and to select elite genotype for varietal development. Randomized block design with three replication was carried. Evaluation studies were carried out by planting different amaranthus genotypes in the orchard at Tamilnadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore in the year 2022-23. The nutrient composition of the grains was determined using standard methods. The genotype EC- 198122 recorded highest nutritional quality followed by IC–37156. Among the thirty six genotypes EC- 198122 genotype were found to be rich in proteins (20.85%), fat (6.32%), carbohydrate (71.59%), fiber (5.65%), energy (426.64 Kcal), and sugar (1.12g). EC- 198122 genotype contain a high amount of iron (22.74 mg/100g), magnesium (157.3 mg/100g), calcium (199.67mg/100g), potassium (309.77 mg/100g) and other minerals. The anti-nutrients composition also found to be low in grains were oxalate (194mg/100g) and nitrate (87.34μg/g) which are within levels that can be tolerated by the body system. The genotype EC- 198122 (5.20%) posses high oil content. The oil extracted from amaranth grain contained mainly unsaturated fatty acids. The primary acids in the oil were oleic, linoleic and palmitic. Oil was a major component present in the grain amaranthus. This suggests that consuming amaranth grain could be an effective way for mitigating the macro- and micronutrient deficits in the diet.

Morphological characteristics and variability of traditional starch forming coix (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen) populations from Mindanao Island, Philippines

Abstract. Bon SG, Antesco GP, Enicola EE. 2023. Morphological characteristics and variability of traditional starch forming coix (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen populations from Mindanao Island, Philippines. Biodiversitas 24: 4382-4391. Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen (Rom.Caill.) Stapf) is an underutilized crop in the Philippines with high potential. Characterization and elucidation of the available variability among the local adlay populations are essential information for its improvement and better utilization. The study aimed to characterize the qualitative morphological traits of 34 traditional adlay populations from Mindanao Provinces and assess diversity by the Shannon Index and similarity by multivariate clustering. Results showed that all populations shared the same morphotypes in five descriptors but were variable for the rest. Six populations showed intense leaf anthocyanin coloration, and 23 expressed upright growth habits. Three types of leaf blade colors were observed, while the intensity of anthocyanin coloration of culms was expressed in four types. Most populations had semi-pubescent or highly pubescent leaves, generally intermediate leaf orientation and non-glaucous leaves. Immature grains were generally light green but expressed four color types at maturity, mostly circular with furrows on the surface. Diversity Indices (H') ranged from low to high. Leaf blade pubescence, anthocyanin coloration of culm, and mature grain color had high H' values. Cluster analysis showed that the variability was narrow, where overall clustering achieved 0.50 similarity. At 0.65 similarity, three groups can be derived with three populations as outliers. Clustering can be attributed to the differences in seedling color, anthocyanin coloration, plant growth habit, immature grain color, mature grain color, and shape. The study established the morphological description of the qualitative traits of traditional Philippine adlay and assessed diversity to be generally intermediate, where populations can be clustered into subgroups according to the degree of morphotype similarities. Clustering, however, was not related to provenances. It is recommended to conduct further geographic germplasm sampling, marker-based characterization, and agronomic evaluation to dissect further the genetic diversity and crop potential of the local adlay populations.

Comparative Analysis of Bioactive Phenolic Compounds and Fatty Acids in Seeds and Seedlings of Canadian Alfalfa, Sainfoin, and Fenugreek

The interest in under-utilized crops as a functional food for animals and humans has been increasing recently with advancing research and the need for crop improvement. Canadian forage crops including alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) are marketed in various forms due to their traditionally known health benefits. Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is another forage crop with potential health benefits containing beneficial nutraceuticals. In this study, we assessed selected bioactive phenolic compounds and fatty acids in seeds and seedlings of Canadian-grown alfalfa, sainfoin, and fenugreek. Various phenolic compounds were detected in all three forage crop seeds and seedlings. In general, Sainfoin seeds were high in phenolic compounds relative to that of alfalfa and fenugreek. Chlorogenic acid, epigallo catechin, and gallic acid were at high concentrations at 56.6, 86.8, and 64.7 µg.g−1, respectively, compared to other phenolic compounds in sainfoin seeds. The fatty acids content (%) was significantly affected by the seedling stage and crop type. Some of the bioactive compounds present in seeds were not detected in seedling stages. The comparative bioactive phenolic compounds and fatty acid assessments of these forage legumes could potentially be used as biomarkers for the selection and development of favorable cultivars for animal and human nutrition. In addition, these crops could be used for isolating these bioactive compounds, and thus increasing their agri-food value.

Phytonutritional and Sensorial Assessment of a Novel Functional Beverage Formulated from an Underutilized Fruit of Carissa spinarum L.

Carissa spinarum L. belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is a native shrub of Asia, locally known as Karonda or Karanda, and is an underutilized crop throughout the Asian region. The Karonda fruit is a rich source of vitamin C, minerals, phenolics, antioxidants, flavonoids, and other biofunctional compounds. The lack of awareness and knowledge among the community results in the wastage of fruits. Therefore, the present research was designed to formulate an easy-to-prepare beverage drink using C. spinarum fruit to evaluate the nutritional potential of the undervalued Karonda fruit. A beverage drink was formulated with three pulp concentrations: 20, 30, and 40%, each having 12, 14, and 16 °Brix, respectively. A total of nine treatments were prepared and stored for up to 10 weeks in refrigerated storage. The physicochemical parameters, such as pH, titratable acidity, vitamin C, total sugars, anthocyanin, total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants, were measured at two-week intervals from 0 to 10 weeks. Additionally, a sensory assessment of the beverage was conducted. A decreasing trend in titratable acidity was exhibited among all the treatments (from treatment 1 to treatment 9), with the values decreasing from 0.815 to 0.556 as the fruit concentration increased. On the other hand, an increasing trend was observed for pH (from 3.04 to 3.37), vitamin C (from 22.2 to 31.48), reducing and non-reducing sugars, anthocyanin (from 31.95 to 110), total phenolics (from 19.86 to 32.16), flavonoids (from 0.64 to 0.77), and antioxidants (from 48.8 to 67.6) from treatment 1 to treatment 9, respectively. The sensory studies of the beverage formulations revealed that treatment 9, which consisted of a 40% fruit base and 16 °Brix, was the most acceptable for further development of the beverage at a commercial scale. This study represents a novel scientific contribution toward the utilization of the undervalued fruit of C. spinarum L. for the development of a beverage product. Ultimately, it has the potential to address food insecurity issues worldwide while offering its associated health benefits.

Effects of Zero Energy Evaporative Cooling Pads on the White Sapote (Casimiroa edulis L.) Fruit Quality and Storage Life

White sapote fruit is one of the underutilized crops in Ethiopia, with a high postharvest loss magnitude (30-70%). Zero energy cooling chamber (ZECC) performance was evaluated with this fruit. The chamber was constructed from locally available materials in a hot and arid area, Dire Dawa. The experiment evaluated the cooling efficiency of ZECC with different cooling pads (sawdust, charcoal, and sand) in CRD with three replications. The cooling efficiency of ZECC was evaluated before and after loading for six weeks. Seventy-five litres of water (25 L for each ZECC) was used thrice daily to keep the cooling pads wet. The environmental air condition of the storage area varied between 24.5 and 32°C, and the average relative humidity (RH) was 47.59%. ZECC storage with different porous materials reduced the temperature by 6.0-10.2°C and raised the RH to 88.2, 85.1, and 87.6% for the cooling pads of sand, sawdust, and charcoal, respectively. Cooling efficiencies of pads resulted in 91.22, 87.95, and 87.82%, respectively, for sand, sawdust, and charcoal with no significant difference. Physiological weight loss of fruit stored in ZECC was 17% on day 18, whereas a similar loss was recorded for control by the 12th day. The shelf life of the fruits was very much prolonged, as expressed in terms of various quality attributes. Hence, smallholder farmers can use ZECC to extend the storage life of fruits in arid and semiarid areas.

Exploring the potentials of sorghum genotypes: a comprehensive study on nutritional qualities, functional metabolites, and antioxidant capacities.

Sorghum, long regarded as one of the most underutilized crops, has received attention in recent years. As a result, conducting multidisciplinary studies on the potential and health benefits of sorghum resources is vital if they are to be fully exploited. In this study, the nutritional contents, functional metabolites, and antioxidant capacities of 23 sorghum breeding lines and three popular cultivars were assessed. All of the sorghum genotypes were grown under the same conditions, and mature seeds were hand-harvested. The metabolite contents and antioxidant capacities of sorghum seeds were assessed using standard protocols. Fatty acids were quantified using a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector, whereas flavonoids and 3-deoxyanthocyanidins were analyzed using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The data were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate statistical approaches. Total protein (9.05-14.61%), total fat (2.99-6.91%), crude fiber (0.71-2.62%), dietary fiber (6.72-16.27%), total phenolic (0.92-10.38 mg GAE/g), and total tannin (0.68-434.22 mg CE/g) contents varied significantly across the sorghum genotypes (p < 0.05). Antioxidant capacity, measured using three assays, also differed significantly. Five fatty acids, including palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, were found in all the sorghum genotypes with statistically different contents (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the majority of the sorghum genotypes contained four 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, including luteolinidin, apigeninidin, 5-methoxyluteolinidin, and 7-methoxyapigeninidin, as well as two dominant flavonoids, luteolin and apigenin. Compared to the cultivars, some breeding lines had significantly high levels of metabolites and antioxidant activities. On the other hand, statistical analysis showed that total tannin, total phenolic, and antioxidant capacities varied significantly across white, yellow, and orange genotypes. Principal component analysis was used to differentiate the sorghum genotypes based on seed color and antioxidant index levels. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed strong links between biosynthetically related metabolites and those with synergistic antioxidant properties. This research demonstrated the diversity of the sorghum resources investigated. Those genotypes with high levels of nutritional components, functional metabolites, and antioxidant activities could be used for consumption and breeding programs.

Design optimization and comparative analysis of hypoallergenic muffins to wheat muffins and nutritive improvement using Moringa leaves powder

PurposeGluten is a triggering factor for gluten-related disorders. However, the present market provides expensive, less varied and poor nutritional products. Therefore, this study aims to develop gluten-free muffins and improve their nutritional profile, as well as evaluate the physical, chemical and sensorial aspects of them.Design/methodology/approachA combination of pearl millet, buckwheat and amaranth was used to formulate gluten-free muffin using central composite rotatable design of response surface methodology for optimization of selected parameters (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose [HPMC], baking temperature and baking time). The optimized muffins were incorporated with Moringa leaves powder. Finally, the final products were compared with the wheat muffins.FindingsThe optimization range of selected variables was 1% HPMC, 170°C baking temperature and 30.33 min baking time with a desirability function of 0.75. The incorporation of 5% Moringa leaves powder enhanced the nutritional profile of gluten-free muffins – increased protein (38%), fiber (208%), iron (224%) and calcium (25%) values. However, the overall acceptability reduced due to decrease in flavor and odor.Originality/valueNonetheless, the ease of accessibility of these convenience gluten-free muffins as well as the nutritional density can help the food research and nutritionists to bridge the gap in current gluten-free market. This puts focus on the use of underutilized crops such as millets and buckwheat which are nutritionally dense.

Plant-insect interaction in underutilized horticultural crops for sustainable production

Plants and insects have been living together for more than 350 million years. In co-evolution, both have evolved strategies to avoid each other’s defense systems. This evolutionary arms race between plants and insects has resulted in the development of an elegant defense system in plants that can recognise the non-self-molecules or signals from damaged cells, much like animals. It activates the plant’s immune response against the herbivores. Differences in genotypes of plant characters may affect insect-plant herbivore interactions, and variations in genotype traits are responsible for modifying the bottom-up effects. Recent evidence shows that the simultaneous occurrence of abiotic and biotic stress can positively affect plant performance by reducing the susceptibility to biotic stress, a positive sign for pest management. Plant responses to these stresses are multifaceted and involve copious antibiosis, physiological, antixenotic, molecular, molecular and cellular adaptations. Plants with antibiosis characteristics such as flavonoids, phenols, tannins, alkaloids, etc., may cause reduced insect survival, prolonged development time, decreased size and reduced new generation fitness. Quality and quantity of constitutive secondary metabolites production is species as well as cultivar specific and can be expressed as the signature of a particular plant or species and leads to the phenomenon of host-plant resistance. Hence, such plant resistance mechanisms have been effectively and widely used for managing insect pests in fields of underutilized crops. Natural defences are mediated through plant characteristics that affect insect biology, such as mechanical protection on the surface of the plants (e.g., hairs, trichomes, thorns, spines and thicker leaves) that either kill or retard the development of the herbivores. These phenomena of host plant resistance to insects can be exploited for the development of resistance crop cultivars which readily produce the inducible response upon mild infestation and can perform as one of the integrated pest management for sustainable crop production.

Examining the contribution of an underutilized food source, Bambara Groundnut, in improving protein intake in Sub-Saharan Africa

IntroductionBambara groundnut (BGN) is an underutilised, indigenous crop in sub-Saharan Africa. As an underutilised crop the nutritional contribution it can make is not well researched and documented. This study aims to better understand the nutritional profile and protein quality of BGN and the potential of this legume to combat food and nutritional security in rural and malnourished communities.MethodsNutritional analysis, including proximate analysis, minerals, total fat and amino acid profile of BGN from three different regions in the Mpumalanga (MP) province of South Africa (SA), were determined. The protein quality was evaluated with various methods including CSEAA, IEAA, PDCAAS and DIAAS and compared with other pulses and legumes in the diet.ResultsBGN consists of - 18,9% carbohydrates, 9,4% protein and 3% fat as consumed. The protein quality is lower than some other commonly consumed pulses but can still be valuable as a complementary protein in the current traditional diet of the region.DiscussionThere is the potential that BGN, together with other commonly consumed plant-based foods (e.g. maize) form a complete protein, that can contribute to protein intake and alleviate the burden of protein-energy malnutrition, specifically in developing countries.

Cross-species transferability of soybean SSR markers to yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L.): an underutilized crop for diversity analysis

Cross-species transferability of soybean SSR markers to yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L.): an underutilized crop for diversity analysis

Tuberisation Pattern of Tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) in Response to Crop Management Practices in the South Central Laterites (AEU 9) of Kerala, India

The study was conducted to outline the rooting and tuberisation pattern of tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) as influenced by different crop management practices. As an underutilised crop, it was uncertain as to the management techniques which would increase tuberisation and productivity levels of tannia. Hence the study was to promote tuberisation in tannia with a focus on the underground portions of the plant. The variation in rooting pattern was studied in terms of root number, root weight and root volume and the tuberisation pattern as number of cormels per plant, corm weight per plant, cormel weight per plant and rate of tuber bulking. The study was conducted in Kollam district under AEU (Agro Ecological Unit) 9 during the period from Feb 2021- Dec 2021. The experiment comprised three treatments in completely randomised design with six replications. The treatments were t1 - KAU POP (Kerala Agricultural University Package of Practices Recommendations), t2 - farmers’ practice and t3 - absolute control. The results revealed that, the root number (43.29), root weight (32.74 g plant-1) and the root volume (38.22 g plant-1) were significantly the highest in t1 (KAU POP) at harvest followed by farmers’ practice and absolute control. When considering the percentage increase in root production, KAU POP recorded 19.22 per cent, 8.79 per cent, 11.04 per cent and 15.66 per cent more number of roots at 4 MAP, 6 MAP, 8 MAP and harvest than farmers’ practice. The number of cormels per plant (12.16), corm weight per plant (563.16 g), cormel weight per plant (439.16 g) at harvest and the rate of tuber bulking (1.27 kg ha-1 d-1) at 4 to 5 MAP were found to be the highest with t1 followed by t2 and t3.

Extraction process optimization for antioxidants, nutritional, physicochemical and functional properties in Fagopyrum esculentum Moench leaves of Himalayan region

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, Polygonaceae) leaves, possess health promoting nutrients and bioactives. The current study focused on comparative assessment of the physico-chemical, nutritional, functional and phytochemical properties of fresh, oven dried (OD) and freeze dried (FD) variants of the F. esculentum Moench leaves and process optimization for extracting maximum bioactives. Response Surface Methodology employing homogenization-assisted-ultrasonication effectively optimized process conditions for extraction yield (27.243 %), total phenolic content (227.964 mg GAE. g−1), total flavonoid content (105.682 mg RE. g−1) and antioxidant activity (14.127 µg. ml−1) for OD leaf extract. Optimized extraction conditions were applied to fresh and FD leaves and variability in phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant and metal chelating ability and targeted metabolites, quantified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography, was studied. FD leaves retained significant phenolics along with higher metal chelating ability whereas OD leaves showed greater antioxidant capacities. Metabolite profiling revealed that though FD leaves contained adequate vanillic, gallic, caffeic acid and catechin, OD leaves consisted of significantly higher amounts of chlorogenic, ferulic acid, and rutin. The eminence of Fagopyrum esculentum Moench leaves renders it as a natural source of food fortificant which can stimulate nutritional security and aid in economic and sustainable growth of underutilized crops of Himalayan region.

Status of underutilized crop production: Its potentials for mitigating food insecurity

AbstractGlobally, the gap between the production of nutritious quality crops and their consumption is widening, resulting in high rates of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Our goal is to examine the rich tapestry of studies on underutilized crops (UUCs) and consider their potential role in alleviating food and nutritional insecurity. Published research articles on UUC were retrieved from databases, such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The key terms used were “UUC,” “neglected crops,” and lists of UUC, which were frequently cited in literature. A bibliometric innovative approach, such as reference co‐citation, co‐citation, and co‐word analysis, was used. We observed an annual growth rate of 6.4% in UUC research outputs with the number of annual publications increasing from less than 700 article publications in 2000–3000 article publications in 2021. It is also developing into a noticeably interdisciplinary research field with more collaborations and institutional affiliations. The most relevant affiliated countries in UUC‐related studies are developed and transition countries, such as the United States of America, China, India, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, and Germany. The pressing and emerging research studies in UUC‐related studies are genetic diversity and identification, agronomic knowledge, seed improvement, and environmental stresses. There is a shift in the focus of UUC studies, which provides a deeper understanding of the global trends and directions that have evolved in UUC studies over the past two decades. This result provides researchers and policymakers in the field of UUC with a useful tool for decision‐making on UUC.

Sustainable Nonfarm Approaches to Achieve Zero Hunger and Its Unveiled Reality.

Millions of people worldwide are deprived of sufficient, safe, and nutritious food required for an everyday and healthy life. The hunger crisis is worsening over time, even though many attempts have been made to minimize it. Increasing world population and competition for natural resources, climate change, natural disasters, urbanization, poverty, and illiteracy are the main causes that need to be addressed to reduce the hunger crisis. Various nonfarm technologies are being used to eradicate hunger but their long-term impact on the environment should also be considered. The real sustainability of several novel technologies being implemented to deal with hunger is an issue to tackle. This paper discusses the potential applications of storage facilities, underutilized crops, waste valorization, food preservation, nutritionally enriched novel food products, and technological advancement in food processing to achieve zero hunger. An attempt has also been made to address the sustainability of various nonfarm technology utilized to minimize the global hunger crisis.

The Role of Home Gardens in Promoting Biodiversity and Food Security.

Plant genetic resources provide the basis for sustainable agricultural production, adaptation to climate change, and economic development. Many present crop plants are endangered due to extreme environmental conditions induced by climate change or due to the use of a limited selection of plant materials. Changing environmental conditions are a challenge for plant production and food security, emphasizing the urgent need for access to a wider range of plant genetic resources than what are utilized today, for breeding novel crop varieties capable of resilience and adaptation to climate change and other environmental challenges. Besides large-scale agricultural production, it is important to recognize that home gardens have been an integral component of family farming and local food systems for centuries. It is remarkable how home gardens have allowed the adaptation and domestication of plants to extreme or specific ecological conditions, thus contributing to the diversification of cultivated plants. Home gardens can help in reducing hunger and malnutrition and improve food security. In addition, they provide opportunities to broaden the base of cultivated plant materials by harboring underutilized crop plants and crop wild relative species. Crop wild relatives contain a wide range of genetic diversity not available in cultivated crops. Although the importance of home gardens in conserving plant genetic resources is well recognized, there is a risk that local genetic diversity will be lost if traditional plant materials are replaced by high-yielding modern cultivars. This paper provides an overview of home gardens and their present role and future potential in conserving and utilizing plant genetic resources and enhancing food and nutritional security under global challenges.