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Agroforestry systems incorporate several productive components per unit area to yield efficiency. However, considering the high degree of complexity inherent to interspecific plant-plant interactions, little is known about most of these systems' real productive potential and efficiency. In this context, it is important to analyze the interactions between the components to identify potential favorable associations. The objective of this research was to evaluate the performance of the transitory crops maize (Zea mays L) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L) in a family farming system under three agroforestry arrangements with cocoa in the municipality of Páez, Boyacá, Colombia. A split-plot design was used, where the main plots corresponded to three shade forest species, which were associated with cocoa and the transient crops. The subplots corresponded to three planting systems: CS1 cocoa+maize, CS2 coca+beans, and CS3 cocoa+maize+beans. The effect on agronomic and productive variables of transitory crops (maize and beans) was evaluated, and an economic analysis was carried out. For beans, the effect of the cropping system on yield (t. ha-1) stood out, while for maize, the statistical effect was given by the forest x cropping system interaction in most of the variables evaluated. Considering the interspecific interactions found under the influence of different forests, the use of Colombian mahogany as a companion species in these intercropping systems is suggested. The cost analysis revealed that the maize-bean association is more efficient in the equivalent use of land. Therefore, the data obtained reveal more efficient strategies for sustainable cocoa productivity in Colombia.

Background: Biofortification is a method that improves the nutritional value of food crops through conventional plant breeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intra-amniotic administration of soluble extracts from zinc (Zn) biofortified and Zn standard cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) flour on intestinal functionality and morphology, inflammation, and gut microbiota, in vivo. Methods: Seven treatment groups were utilized: (1) No Injection; (2) 18 MΩ H2O; (3) 50 mg/mL Inulin; (4) 50 mg/mL BRS Pajeú soluble extract (Zn standard); (5) 50 mg/mL BRS Aracê soluble extract (Zn biofortified); (6) 50 mg/mL BRS Imponente soluble extract (Zn biofortified); (7) 50 mg/mL BRS Xiquexique soluble extract (Zn biofortified). Results: Treatment groups with BRS Imponente and BRS Xiquexique reduced the abundance of Clostridium and E. coli when compared with all other experimental groups. All cowpea soluble extracts increased villi goblet cell number (total), specifically acidic goblet cell type number per villi relative to inulin and 18MΩ H2O groups. Moreover, BRS Xiquexique increased the crypt goblet diameter and the crypt depth compared to all treatments and controls. The Zn content in the Zn biofortified cowpea flours was higher when compared to the Zn standard flour (BRS Pajeú), and the phytate: Zn molar ratio was lower in the Zn biofortified flours compared to the Zn standard flour. In general, all cowpea soluble extracts maintained the gene expression of proteins involved with Zn and iron absorption, brush border membrane (BBM) functionality and inflammation compared to inulin and 18MΩ H2O. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential nutritional benefit of standard and biofortified cowpea treatment groups to improve intestinal morphology, BBM functionality, inflammation, and gut microbiota, with the highest effect of BRS Xiquexique soluble extracts to improve assessed cecal microflora populations and intestinal morphology.

Background: Biofortification is a method that improves the nutritional value of food crops through conventional plant breeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intra-amniotic administration of soluble extracts from zinc (Zn) biofortified and Zn standard cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) flour on intestinal functionality and morphology, inflammation, and gut microbiota, in vivo ., Methods: Seven treatment groups were utilized: (1) No Injection; (2) 18 MΩ H2O; (3) 50 mg/mL Inulin; (4) 50 mg/mL BRS Pajeú soluble extract (Zn standard); (5) 50 mg/mL BRS Aracê soluble extract (Zn biofortified); (6) 50 mg/mL BRS Imponente soluble extract (Zn biofortified); (7) 50 mg/mL BRS Xiquexique soluble extract (Zn biofortified)., Results: Treatment groups with BRS Imponente and BRS Xiquexique reduced the abundance of Clostridium and E. coli when compared with all other experimental groups. All cowpea soluble extracts increased villi goblet cell number (total), specifically acidic goblet cell type number per villi relative to inulin and 18MΩ H2O groups. Moreover, BRS Xiquexique increased the crypt goblet diameter and the crypt depth compared to all treatments and controls. The Zn content in the Zn biofortified cowpea flours was higher when compared to the Zn standard flour (BRS Pajeú), and the phytate: Zn molar ratio was lower in the Zn biofortified flours compared to the Zn standard flour. In general, all cowpea soluble extracts maintained the gene expression of proteins involved with Zn and iron absorption, brush border membrane (BBM) functionality and inflammation compared to inulin and 18MΩ H2O., Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential nutritional benefit of standard and biofortified cowpea treatment groups to improve intestinal morphology, BBM functionality, inflammation, and gut microbiota, with the highest effect of BRS Xiquexique soluble extracts to improve assessed cecal microflora populations and intestinal morphology., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press.)

The quality of the cowpea bean protein was improved through supplementations with flours from beans exposed to microwave oven treated with cereal proteins such as wheat, rice, corn, and sorghum. Biological assays results with these blends showed that the casein exceeded the other diets concerning digestibility only; however, in parameters such as biological value, net protein utilization (NPU), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and nutritional efficiency ratio (NER), no significant differences occurred. Among all elaborated blends, the one with irradiated beans submitted to microwave oven for 30 minutes (65%) + rice (35%) presented the best results. The soup elaborated with the best supplemented blend was satisfactory concerning color, odor, flavor and texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]