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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lentil, a cool‐season food legume, is highly sensitive to high temperatures, which drastically reduce biomass and seed yield. The effects of heat stress on qualitative and quantitative aspects of seeds are not yet known. RESULTS: In this study, we assessed the effects of high temperatures on quantitative and qualitative aspects of seeds in a heat‐tolerant (HT; FLIP2009) and heat‐sensitive (HS; IG4242) genotypes in a controlled environment. Initially, the plants were raised in a natural, outdoor environment (22/10 °C mean day/night temperature, 1350 µmol m−2 s−1 light intensity, 60–65% relative humidity) from November to mid‐February until 50% flowering (114–115 days after sowing). After that, one set of plants was maintained in a controlled environment (28/23 °C, as mean day and night temperature, 500 µmol m−2 s−1 light intensity, 60–65% relative humidity;control) and one set was exposed to heat stress (33/28 °C, as mean day and night temperature, 500 µmol m−2 s−1 light intensity, 60–65% relative humidity), where they remained until maturity. Compared to control, heat stress reduced the seed growth rate by 30–44% and the seed‐filling duration by 5.5–8.1 days, which ultimately reduced the seed yield by 38–58% and individual seed weights by 20–39%. Heat stress significantly damaged cell membranes and reduced chlorophyll concentration and fluorescence, and the photosynthetic rate, which was associated with a significant reduction in relative leaf water content. The proximate analysis of seed reserves showed that heat stress reduced starch (25–43%), protein (26–41%) and fat (39–57%) content, and increased total sugars (36–68%), relative to the controls. Heat stress also inhibited the accumulation of storage proteins including albumins, globulins, prolamins and glutelins (22–42%). Most of the amino acids decreased significantly under heat stress in comparison to control, whereas some, such as proline, followed by glycine, alanine, isoleucine, leucine and lysine, increased. Heat stress reduced Ca (13–28%), Fe (17–52%), P (10–54%), K (12.4–28.3%) and Zn (36–59%) content in seeds, compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: High temperatures during seed filling are detrimental for seed yield and quality components in lentil genotypes, with severe impacts on heat‐sensitive genotypes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chickpea is one of the world's largest cultivated food legumes and is an excellent source of high‐quality protein to the human diet. Plant growth and development are controlled by programmed expression of a suite of genes at the given time, stage, and tissue. Understanding how the underlying genome sequence translates into specific plant phenotypes at key developmental stages, information on gene expression patterns is crucial. Here, we present a comprehensive Cicer arietinum Gene Expression Atlas (CaGEA) across different plant developmental stages and organs covering the entire life cycle of chickpea. One of the widely used drought tolerant cultivars, ICC 4958 has been used to generate RNA‐Seq data from 27 samples at 5 major developmental stages of the plant. A total of 816 million raw reads were generated and of these, 794 million filtered reads after quality control (QC) were subjected to downstream analysis. A total of 15,947 unique number of differentially expressed genes across different pairwise tissue combinations were identified. Significant differences in gene expression patterns contributing in the process of flowering, nodulation, and seed and root development were inferred in this study. Furthermore, differentially expressed candidate genes from “QTL‐hotspot” region associated with drought stress response in chickpea were validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bambara groundnut is an indigenous African vegetable grown mainly for human food and animal feed due to its high protein content. Different factors like varieties and origin can influence the chemical composition of Bambara groundnut cultivars. Therefore, the aims of this study are to produce defatted flour and protein concentrate from newly developed Bambara groundnut cultivars [Accessions No: TVSU 5 – Bambara Groundnut White (BGW) and TVSU 146 – Bambara Groundnut Brown (BGB)] and compare their nutritional, physicochemical, and functional properties with market sample [Bambara groundnut commercial (BGC)]. Higher protein content was observed in BGW (20.73%) and BGB (20.14%) as compared to BGC (18.50%). Also, the fat and ash contents of BGB and BGW were higher than that of BGC. Also, the new varieties were found to contain higher levels of some essential fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acids. The concentration of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic, ascorbic acids, pyrodoxine, alpha tocopherol, and vitamin K were also significantly higher in the two new varieties. The new varieties were good sources of magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, sodium, and potassium. The oil and water absorption and swelling capacities of whole, defatted, and protein concentrate flour of the new varieties increase with increase in temperature. The defatted flour and protein concentrate of brown Bambara groundnut was found to exhibit high emulsifying activity and stability at different pH's and salt concentrations. The new varieties possess significantly higher foaming capacity and stability than the commercial variety. The results obtained from this study have shown the potential for the industrial and household use of the new Bambara groundnut cultivars into shelf stable protein products and could be a useful ingredient in food formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important food legume crop in Africa and Latin America where rainfall pattern is unpredictable. The objectives were to identify better yielding common bean lines with good canning quality under drought, and to identify traits that could be used as selection criteria for evaluating drought-tolerant genotypes. In all, 35 advanced lines were developed through single seed descent and evaluated with a standard check under drought and irrigated conditions at two locations over 2 years in Ethiopia. Grain yield ( GY), pod number per m2, seed number per m2 and seed weight decreased by 56%, 47%, 49% and 14%, respectively, under drought stress. Eight genotypes had better yield with good canning quality under drought compared to the check. Moderate to high proportion of genetic effects were observed under drought conditions for GY and yield components compared to genotype × environment effects. Significant positive correlations between GY and pod harvest index ( PHI) in drought suggest that PHI could be used as an indirect selection criterion for common bean improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although pulse production grew significantly by 1.3% between 1980 and 2013, its per capita availability remained stagnant at around 6.5 kg/capita/year. In 1961, its availability was 9.3 kg/capita/year. One consequence of slower growth in its production is rising pulse prices, which are twice that of cereals. The declining availability of pulses also triggered a boom in its trade, with 19% of the global pulse production traded in 2011 compared with 7% in 1980. In absolute terms, there has been a more than fourfold increase in pulse trade, compared with an only 1.5-fold increase for cereals. To meet the export demand, pulse production diversified, with developed countries emerging as the main exporters while developing countries were the main importers. The exceptions were Southeastern Asia (Myanmar) and Eastern Africa, which also emerged as important exporters. Projections using an International Model for Policy Analysis of Agricultural Commodities and Trade indicate that the demand for pulses will continue to grow in the short-to-medium term in developing counties owing to growing population, rising per capita incomes among the lower-income groups, and increasing demand for snack/processed foods due to growing urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving nutrition is a development priority, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa and South Asia, in which there is a persistent burden of undernutrition and increasing obesity. Healthy food systems can play a necessary role, aligned with other multisectoral actions, in addressing this challenge. Contributing to improved nutrition and health outcomes through food-based solutions is complex. In considering the role that pulses can play in addressing this challenge, there are useful conceptual frameworks and emerging lessons. National food systems in LMICs provide limited diet quality. Foods for a healthy diet may be produced locally, but they increasingly rely on improved markets and trade. What might be done to transform food systems for healthier diets, and what role can pulses play? Food systems innovations will require a convergence of technical innovation with smarter institutional arrangements and more effective policies and regulations. In many countries in Africa and South Asia, pulses can make important contributions to healthier diets. Options for supporting pulses to make a greater contribution to healthier diets include increasing the efficiency of pulse supply chains, creating more effective public-private institutional arrangements for innovation, and establishing policies, regulations, and investments that are nutrition sensitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) present important unmet prevention and treatment challenges. Dietary pulses are sustainable, affordable, and nutrient-dense foods that have shown a wide range of health benefits in the prevention and management of these conditions. Despite these findings, recommendations for pulse intake continue to vary across chronic disease guidelines, and intake levels continue to remain low. Here, we summarize findings from recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing the relationship between dietary pulse consumption and cardiometabolic health and assess the overall strength of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool. We conclude that systematic reviews and meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies assessing the relationship between legumes and the risk of coronary heart disease appear to provide moderate-quality evidence of a benefit, and several systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of pulses on cardiometabolic risk factors provide low- to moderate-quality evidence of a benefit. There remains an urgent need, however, for more high-quality prospective cohort studies and large, high-quality, randomized trials to clarify the benefits of dietary pulses in the prevention and management of overweight/obesity, diabetes, and CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulses are a dry, edible variety of beans, peas, and lentils that have been consumed for 10,000 years. Pulses are rich in plant-based protein and fiber, as well as micronutrients such as iron and potassium. The satiating effect of both fiber and protein assists in managing weight and combating obesity. The high fiber content and low glycemic index of pulses aid people with diabetes in maintaining blood glucose and insulin levels. Pulse consumption may improve serum lipid levels to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Pulses developed as a member of both the protein and vegetable food groups as a result of its high content of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. The last two revisions of the Dietary Guidelines saw the transformation from the MyPyramid 'meat and beans group' to the MyPlate 'protein foods group,' a nutrient name rather than a food source. Research suggests that consumers better identify with food source examples rather than nutrient names. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines also came with a new area: sustainable diets. Encouraging the consumption of sustainable food sources, like pulses, is imperative to ensuring a secure, healthy food supply for the U.S. population over time and for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total phenol and antioxidant activity of the crude extract, dichloromethane, ethylacetate and butanol fractions of the leaves of Bauhinia species and Piliostigma reticulatum plants were determined and EC50 value calculated. The extract with highest antioxidant activity was used in the stabilization study of freshly extracted groundnut oil samples. The results revealed that ethylacetate fraction of P. reticulatum had the highest total phenolic content (106.50 ± 2.26 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram extract) and the lowest EC50 value (8.29 μg/mL). The stabilization study revealed that the plant extract-protected groundnut oil recorded the least values for lipid hydroperoxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and p-anisidine value and the least reduction in total tocopherol. This showed that the plant extract had sparring role on tocopherol. It can be concluded that ethylacetate fraction of P. reticulatum was a better antioxidant than butylated hydroxyanisole and could be used as an antioxidant in vegetable oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A baked yellow split pea cracker was developed with fat replacement (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) using inulin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and maltodextrin. Effects of fat replacement on physical (water activity, moisture content, colour and hardness), nutritional properties and consumer acceptance (nine-point hedonic rating) of snacks were investigated. Water activity (0.15-0.32) and moisture (1.28-3.16%) readings were consistent, and products were considered shelf stable. High levels of fat replacement (100%) were detrimental to snack colour and hardness. Snacks with 75% fat replacement using inulin and maltodextrin received similar mean overall acceptability scores (6.40 ± 1.36 and 6.26 ± 1.37, respectively) to the control and a similar commercial product. These snacks were eligible to claim that they were a 'good source' of protein (requirement; ≥10 g per serve) and an 'excellent source' of dietary fibre (requirement; ≥7 g per serve) while providing 'reduced' fat content (≤25% than reference food) based on the Australian Food Standards Code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grass pea ( Lathyrus sativus) is an important food-legume crop for resource-poor farmers in the developing world. However, given its cultivation in the most underprivileged regions, the crop has not received appropriate scientific attention particularly from the genomic perspective, thereby giving it a status of genomic orphan. Nevertheless, some recent studies have attempted to develop modern molecular tools to strengthen the genetic and genomic research. In the present investigation, a comprehensive collection comprising 176 accessions was analysed using EST-simple sequence repeats ( SSRs). The SSR analysis revealed existence of a total of 51 alleles with an average polymorphic information content value of 0.35. A moderate level of gene diversity was noticed that ranged from 0.04 to 0.73 with an average of 0.43. Noticeably, two distinct subpopulations were recovered using cluster analysis. In addition, the presence of admixtures in population reflected the strong possibilities of gene flow between the accessions across the geographical boundary. In summary, we provide additional insights about the informativeness of available EST- SSR markers along with an extended understanding of relatedness, genetic structure and gene flow in an under-researched legume crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing emphasis on health and well-being, nutrition aspects need to be incorporated as a dimension of product development. Currently, Spain's legume intakes are below recommendations. Therefore, a chickpea gel formulation was developed using response surface methodology. Independent variables considered were lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, soymilk and xanthan gum, the first three being commonly included as ingredients of hummus and having known beneficial health effects. Variables were studied according to a rotatable central composite design matrix (−2, −1, 0, +1, +2). Response variables were rheological properties, instrumental texture, color measurements and sensory attributes. The study was extended to find interrelationships. Ingredient effects are predominantly linear, although quadratic effects are also significant in some cases. Lemon juice has the strongest effect, followed by xanthan gum. Improved binding occurs at a high level (≥30 mL) of lemon juice, but results suggest the advisability of reducing acidity to increase product acceptance. Practical Applications Developing a chickpea gel may be an effective strategy to increase the daily consumption of legumes. The ability to design and control the desired gel structure is an essential feature to guarantee consumer satisfaction with this product. In order to increase the nutritive value of such gels, incorporation of lemon juice, olive oil and soymilk is important. When designing new healthier foods, one must understand the effect that the increase, reduction or elimination of ingredients may have on final product quality. Response surface methodology was used to define the relationships between responses and composition variables and was used as an effective screening process before consequent acceptance by consumers. Information obtained with this study clearly identified the ingredients content that should be modified to obtain more acceptable chickpea-based gels, indicating the potential commercial use of this new product. It is expected that this study will help better formulation of textured chickpea products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is an important food legume and is a major ingredient in many human diets. Chemical composition, physical parameters, functional properties and microstructural characteristics of three kabuli chickpea cultivars and the effects of three cooking methods were investigated. Carbohydrate and protein were two major components in all seeds. Cooking increased fibre, total carbohydrate and total and resistant starch contents, but decreased ash content. Protein and oil levels of the cooked samples either decreased or did not change significantly. Seed weight and density decreased with cooking. Hydration and swelling capacities as well as water absorption and holding capacities of cooked chickpeas were higher than raw samples, with the largest increases in the pressure-cooked seeds. Seed weights were highly correlated with hydration ( r = 0.89) and swelling ( r = 0.76) rates. Emulsifying activity, emulsifying stability and foaming capacity of cooked chickpea flours decreased, while foaming stability increased. Chickpea flours had pronounced morphological changes after cooking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consistency of porridge made from sweet potato, cowpea, soybean, sorghum, and maize flours was measured in a texture analysis method using back extrusion. The consistency measured was correlated to the swelling volume of the flours, and determined by centrifugation, gravity sedimentation, and least gelation concentration. The reference level of maximum acceptable consistency was estimated from measurements on two ready-to-use child porridges. In general, porridge consistency could not be predicted accurately from swelling volume measured using any of the methods. However, gravity sedimentation, which is the simplest, gave the most consistent results. This method could be used in the field to provide a conservative approximate maximum flour concentration for porridge of acceptable consistency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ICRISAT scientists, working with Indian programme counterparts, developed the world's first cytoplasmic-nuclear male sterility ( CMS)-based commercial hybrid in a food legume, the pigeonpea [ Cajanus cajan ( L.) Millsp.]. The CMS, in combination with natural outcrossing of the crop, was used to develop viable hybrid breeding technology. Hybrid ICPH 2671 recorded 47% superiority for grain yield over the control variety ' Maruti' in multilocation on-station testing for 4 years. In the on-farm trials conducted in five Indian states, mean yield of this hybrid (1396 kg/ha) was 46.5% greater than that of the popular cv. 'Maruti' (953 kg/ha). Hybrid ICPH 2671 also exhibited high levels of resistance to Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic diseases. The outstanding performance of this hybrid has led to its release for cultivation in India by both a private seed company (as ' Pushkal') and a public sector university (as ' RV ICPH 2671'). Recent developments in hybrid breeding technology and high yield advantages realized in farmers' fields have given hope for a breakthrough in pigeonpea productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Freeze-dried aqueous phenolic extracts with possible application as natural antioxidant functional food ingredients were prepared from marama bean seed coats by extracting with water. Phenolic acids, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins in the extracts were characterised by HPLC/MS. The major flavonoids were the flavanols methyl (epi)afzelechin-3-O-gallate (40%) and methyl (epi)catechin-3-O-gallate (28%), and the major phenolic acid was gallic acid (10%). Proanthocyanidins in the extracts were predominantly prodelphinidins composed of epicatechin-3-O-gallate and epigallocatechin present as major terminal and extension units and epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate and epicatechin present as minor extension unit constituents. The polymer structure was found to be unique compared with other legumes because of the high percentage of galloylated units. Extracts showed a high DPPH free radical scavenging activity (707 μmol TE g−1), protective effect against AAPH-induced human red blood cell haemolysis and copper-catalysed human LDL oxidation suggesting that the extracts may have potential health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BSTRACT Soluble solid leached out during soaking and cooking of food legumes generally decreases the overall quality of the final products. Solid loss behavior of whole chickpea during soaking and cooking in water was investigated at 20, 30, 50, 70, 85 and 100C. The amount of solid loss and its rate increased with increasing temperature, and the former was 2.3% at 20C and 10.2% at 100C at the end of the process. Carbohydrates and proteins composed of 80-91% of the solid lost. A zeroth-order kinetic model fit the solid loss data. The solid loss rate constant (k ds) increased with temperature, and it was 4.7 × 10−5/s at 20C and 240.3 × 10−5/s at 100C. Effect of temperature on k ds was determined using an Arrhenius-type equation. The Arrhenius plot exhibited two linear lines crossing at the gelatinization temperature (61C) of the whole chickpea. The activation energy was determined to be 59.5 and 22.6 kJ/g/mol above and below the gelatinization temperature, respectively. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Soaking and cooking are the two main steps during processing of chickpea. Soluble solid loss into the soaking or cooking water generally decreases the nutritional and economic value of the final product and it is one of the quality indicators of the dry, soaked and soaked/cooked legumes. In the current study, soluble solid loss from whole chickpea seeds during soaking and cooking in water were studied as a function of time and temperature. Results from the current study can be useful in designing the process parameters of soaking and cooking and for the evaluation of the quality of dry or processed whole chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term crop rotation trials were designed to assess sustainability of alternatives to traditional fallow and monocropping. The trial described here (6 years) involved wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) in rotation with lentil ( Lens culinaris L.), forage vetch ( Vicia sativa), pasture medic ( Medicago spp.), fallow and watermelon ( Citrullus vulgaris). Barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) was compared with wheat for an additional 2 years. Cereal grain and straw yields were highest with fallow and watermelon followed by vetch, lentil and medic; the latter showed no differential effect of variable grazing intensity. Fertilizer N increased yields except in the low-rainfall years (less than 250 mm). Barley out-yielded wheat in terms of grain, but not straw. Medic yielded highest in dry matter, whereas lentil produced highest seed yield. Despite the difficulty of assessing crop and animal-oriented rotations because of non-commonality of outputs, economic considerations are foremost, but other benefits of rotations (soil quality, water-use relations) are also relevant to the overall assessment of cereal-based Mediterranean rotations. The study suggested barley rather than wheat as the desired cereal in rotation with legumes in this marginal-rainfall (350 mm) environment and provided support for the viability of vetch and lentil in the cropping system. Given the importance of sheep in the region's farming system, vetch is likely to have a major role in crop rotations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is one of the most consumed legumes in the world. The classification of chickpea based on the size and morphological properties is important for the market. The objective of this study is to design and implement a computer vision system (CVS) integrated with artificial neural networks (ANN) for quality evaluation of chickpeas based on their size, colour, and surface morphology. The system is composed of a flat bed scanner for acquiring digital image and software that has been developed in Matlab for image analysis. Physical properties (length, width and volume) of the samples of chickpeas as well as their colour properties and surface characteristics have been determined by using the system, and results have been validated. High correlations have been found between the results from ANN-integrated CVS and those obtained by callipers or professionally trained inspectors based on the experiments. Overall, percentages of correct classification have been determined as 95.4%, 87.6%, and 96.0% for colour, surface morphology, and shape evaluations, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct consumption of vegetable proteins in food products has been increasing over the years because of animal diseases, global shortage of animal protein, strong demand for wholesome and religious (halal) food, and economic reasons. The increasing importance of legume and oilseed proteins in the manufacturing of various functional food products is due to their high-protein contents. However, the greatest obstacle to utilizing these legumes and oilseeds is the presence of antinutrients; but these antinutrients can be successfully removed or inactivated by employing certain processing methods. In contrast, the potential negative impact of the antinutrients is partially balanced by the fact that they may have a health-promoting role. Legumes and oilseeds provide well-balanced amino acid profiles when consumed with cereals. Soybean proteins, wheat gluten, cottonseed proteins, and other plant proteins have been used for texturization. Texturized vegetable proteins can extend meat products while providing an economical, functional, and high-protein food ingredient or can be consumed directly as a meat analog. Meat analogs are successful because of their healthy image (cholesterol free), meat-like texture, and low cost. Mycoprotein is fungal in origin and is used as a high-protein, low-fat, health-promoting food ingredient. Mycoprotein has a good taste and texture. Texturized vegetable proteins and a number of mycoprotein products are accepted as halal foods. This article summarizes information regarding the molecular, nutritional, and functional properties of alternative protein sources to meat and presents current knowledge to encourage further research to optimize the beneficial effects of alternative protein sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 1 figure and 4 tables Male-sterility has been successfully used for enhancing yield in a number of cereal and vegetable crops. In food legumes, this technology could never be used either due to non-availability of natural out-crossing system, or an efficient male-sterility system or both. Pigeonpea [ Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is a partially cross-pollinated food legume and recent success in breeding a stable male-sterility system has allowed breeders to exploit hybrid vigour for increasing yields. The cytoplasmic-nuclear male-sterility (CMS)-based hybrids have recorded 28.4% yield superiority over local checks in farmers’ fields. This paper besides summarizing the reports of all the genetic and CMS systems, also discusses the prospects of utilizing these male-sterility systems in commercial hybrid breeding programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field surveys were conducted in Syria during the 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 growing seasons to identify viruses which affect cool-season food legumes, volunteer crops, and weeds with yellowing, reddening and/or stunting symptoms. Serological tests (tissue blot immunoassay) showed that Faba bean necrotic yellows virus and luteoviruses including, Beet western yellows virus, Bean leafroll virus and Soybean dwarf virus were the main viruses identified. In addition, a large number of samples reacted positively with the broad spectrum legume luteovirus (5G4) monoclonal antibody but not with any other specific luteovirus monoclonal antibodies suggesting the occurrence of new luteovirus species/strains. RT-PCR assay of 27 of such samples revealed the presence of Chickpea chlorotic stunt virus (CpCSV; genus Polerovirus, family: Luteoviridae). The coat protein nucleotide sequence analysis of the Syrian CpCSV isolate from chickpea showed a high homology (98%) to that of the Ethiopian CpCSV isolate. However, there were some differences in host range and aphid transmission characteristics between the Syrian and Ethiopian isolates. This is the first report of CpCSV naturally affecting eight legume species ( Cicer arietinum L., Lens culinaris Medik., Pisum sativum L., Vicia faba L., Vicia sativa L., Vicia ervilia L. Willd., Vicia narbonensis L. and Medicago sp.) and four wild non-legume plant species [ Apium sp . (Apiaceae), Euphorbia sp. (Euphorbiaceae), Physalis longifolia Nutt. (Solanaceae) and Sinapis arvensis L. (Brassicaceae)] in Syria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agronomic performance and nutritive value of twelve annual and perennial grasses and legumes were analysed in order to define alternatives to local forages for dry-season feeding of ruminants in the Peruvian Andes. There were twelve species and two fertilizer treatments (no fertilizer and a N;P;K fertilizer mainly applied at sowing) in an experiment with a randomized complete block design with three replicates at each of two sites. Plant height, soil cover by forage and weed species, frost damage, dry matter (DM) yield and nutritive value of herbage were evaluated in 2005 and 2006. Among the annual species, Hordeum vulgare L. cv. UNA 80 and × Triticosecale Wittm. had the highest DM yields when fertilized (8226 and 6934 kg ha−1 respectively). Without fertilizer the alternative cultivars had similar DM yields to that of the local forages. Cultivars of Avena sativa L. had lower concentrations of neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) (557 g kg−1 DM) and higher concentrations of predicted net energy for lactation (5·86 MJ kg−1 DM) than the other annual grass species (625 g kg−1 DM and 5·01 MJ kg−1 DM respectively), while the legumes were superior in concentrations of crude protein (277 g kg−1 DM) and NDF (362 g kg−1 DM). Considering the low agronomic performance of the perennial forages, a mixture of fertilized annual grasses and legumes appears the most appropriate approach to meeting the demand for forage of high nutritive value in the Peruvian highlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Legumes are second only to cereals in their importance to humans, and study of their functional genomics of nutrition and other trace elements is crucial for agricultural production and food fortification. We describe here an ionomic screening experiment carried out to investigate the accumulation of 15 elements in shoots of mutants of Lotus japonicus, a good genetic tool for legume study. • Approximately 2000 mutagenized M2 plants were cultivated in a novel low-cost high-throughput system and their elemental profiles were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). • After triple-checking the element concentrations in M2 or M3 plant shoots, 31 mutants with altered elemental profiles were identified. Surprisingly, the number of genes regulating essential elements was similar to the number regulating nonessential elements. Magnesium (Mg) and nickel (Ni) were correlated in a number of mutants. Further investigation suggested that phosphorus (P) and cobalt (Co) might be involved in the ion homeostasis network of Mg and Ni. • The results suggested that the pathways for element uptake or translocation were highly linked through the ion transport-related genes. Ionomics proved to be a powerful functional genomics tool for determining genes related to ion homeostasis in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed size, a key quality determinant in the marketing of the cool-season food legume chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), can be reduced under terminal drought. Sucrose synthase and invertase, important enzymes in sugar metabolism, play an important role in seed filling. This study aimed to determine whether these enzymes in the developing cotyledons are associated with the final seed size of chickpea by following their level of activity during seed filling in large- and small-seeded chickpea genotypes. The level of invertase in the cotyledons was unchanged during seed filling, but sucrose synthase reached a maximum about 500 to 600 growing degree days (GDD) after flowering when cell numbers were no longer increasing, but the cotyledons were increasing rapidly in dry weight. In a range of genotypes differing in seed size, the level of sucrose synthase activity in the developing cotyledons at 500 to 600 GDD was correlated with the final seed size at maturity when measured at a rainfed site in two different years. The level of activity of sucrose synthase at the same stage of development in F2, F3, and F7 populations of crosses between a large-seeded cultivar and two small-seeded genotypes was also correlated with final seed size. It is concluded that sucrose synthase, but not invertase, in developing cotyledons is the key enzyme influencing seed size in chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological control may provide an affordable and sustainable option for reducing losses to pest Bruchidae in stored food legumes, a crucial source of human dietary protein. Previous investigations have focused primarily on the role of parasitism in bruchid biological control, while the potential of generalist predators has been comparatively unexplored. The true bug Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) exhibited a Type II functional response to the majority of cosmopolitan bruchid species evaluated when data were fit to Holling's disc equation. A negative correlation was detected between mean pest species body weight and rate of predation. The rate of attack on adult prey was quite low but fairly consistent, with the larger-sized female predators generally more effective. The eggs and neonate larvae of Acanthoscelides obtectus Say (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) were the only accessible immature stages among all prey species examined; predation on A. obtectus eggs and larvae was higher than on any adult bruchids. Mean predator kill of A. obtectus immature stages was 40 first instars or 10–20 eggs per 24-h interval. Further investigation of the biological control potential of X. flavipes against pest Bruchidae is merited due to the predator's ability to kill adult stages of all prey species evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To validate a five-item, semi-quantitative, short food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) designed to estimate daily legume consumption over a week, against results obtained from 7-day food diaries (7-day FD). Design Participants completed a 7-day FD and at the end of this period completed the SFFQ, to indicate the number of times they ate five legume-containing dishes in the previous week and what size portion of each dish they consumed. Daily legume intake (g day−1) was calculated for both methods and participants were classified into tertiles of intake for each method. Subjects/setting Fifty-one healthy females aged 25–55 years, employed at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK between May 2003 and December 2004. Results The two methods produced a similar mean intake of legumes [SFFQ: 14.8 (95% CI: 9.9–19.8) versus 7-day FD: 14.9 (95% CI: 9.3–20.6) g day−1] and the Pearson’s correlation coefficient was 0.353 ( P = 0.038). Exact agreement within tertiles and gross misclassification were 54.9% and 9.8% respectively. The weighted kappa statistic indicated fair agreement between the two methods (κ = 0.262). Conclusions The SFFQ is an acceptable instrument for estimating legume consumption over a week and can be used to rank individuals according to the intake of this food group in similar nutrition intervention studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to analyze the nutritional and sensory profiles of decorticated legumes (dhals) cooked in a microwave oven in comparison with pressure-cooked samples. Four dhals, namely Bengal gram (Cicer arietinum ), green gram (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.), lentils (Lens esculenta ) and red gram (Cajanus cajan ), were selected for this study. Cooked weight, cooking time, water uptake and extent of sedimentation were the parameters used to determine the cooking quality. Samples were analyzed for their nutrient composition and in vitro protein and starch digestibility. The sensory attributes were measured using a ranking test and quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA). Microwave cooking required more time with a higher water uptake. The ranges of nutrients analyzed in 100 g of cooked samples were as follows: moisture (72.1–77.3 g), protein (21.5–23.2 g), fat (1.0–6.4 g), ash (1.8–3.5 g), iron (3.0–5.4 mg, calcium (37–59 mg), phosphorus (256–377 mg) and thiamine (0.17–0.41 mg). The cooking methods did not affect the nutrient composition of legumes except for thiamine, which was lost to a significant extent in microwave-cooked samples. Cooking altered the dietary fiber content of some dhals. The mean in vitro protein digestibility values of pressure- and microwave-cooked samples were 81.0 and 75.2%, respectively. The in vitro starch and protein digestibility values of pressure-cooked samples were higher. The sensory evaluation of legume samples exhibited a significant difference in the overall quality of green gram in the ranking test, whereas varied responses were obtained for different dhals in the QDA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a major pulse crop in the Indian subcontinent and other world regions and is characterized by narrow adaptation relative to other cool season food legumes. Comparative ecophysiology employing closely related wild species is a powerful tool to broaden the understanding of the genetic and physiological basis of crop adaptation. However, meager data are available on the ecological preferences of annual wild Cicer species. Moreover, the geographic range, its size, shape, and boundaries as well as its internal structure have never been studied for any of the wild Cicer taxa, thereby limiting our understanding of Cicer biology. Accordingly, this work focused on Israeli C. judaicum Boiss. a wild annual relative of chickpea. We defined the range of the species across the Mediterranean zone of Israel, characterized the ecogeographical profile of its habitats and studied two populated sites at the macro- and microsite levels in terms of plant density, frequency, and niche physical characteristics. Throughout the survey area the species is mostly confined to stony and rocky niches where competition with more aggressive annuals is small. This habitat preference dictates a patchy distribution pattern at all levels, from local niche to the region and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is an important yield-reducing factor for corn and soya bean which are the two major crops in the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia (Delmarva) region of the United States. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculataL. Walp.) is primarily grown in drier regions of the world where it is one of the most drought-resistant food legumes. Field experiments were conducted in which 10 genetically diverse cowpea genotypes were evaluated for adaptability to the Delmarva area. The cowpea genotypes were grown in rain-out shelters under non-water-stressed and water-stressed conditions. The results showed that under non-water-stressed conditions cowpea genotypes California Blackeye 5, Champion and Mississippi Silver gave higher seed yields, while genotypes White Acre, Six Week Browneye and Texas Cream 8 provided lower seed yields. Genotypes California Blackeye 5 and Champion gave comparatively better seed yields under water-stressed conditions. California Blackeye 5 was the highest seed-yielding genotype under both water-stressed and non-water-stressed conditions. The highest biological yield under non-water-stressed conditions was given by genotypes Two Crop Brown, White Acre and Elite, whereas under the water-stressed condition genotypes Texas Cream 8, California Blackeye 5, and Mississippi Silver gave higher biological yield. Genotypes Quickpick Pinkeye and Elite were identified as early maturing genotypes. The harvest index (HI) varied significantly among genotypes, with Texas Cream 8 having the lowest HI. Cowpea genotypes which gave higher seed yield under water-stressed conditions could play an important role in sustaining crop production in the Delmarva region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some physical and mechanical properties of lentil whole grain/pulse and dhal (dehusked split pulse), at different moisture contents were determined. Among the physical properties, size, sphericity, roundness, average surface area, bulk density and void fraction were determined. Bulk densities of whole pulse were between 785 and 831 kg m−3, whereas for dhal they were between 741 and 840 kg m−3 and bulk density decreased as moisture content was increased for both the whole grain and the dhal. The compression behaviour was judged by determining the firmness and the linear elastic limit, of which the former decreased with moisture content but the linear elastic limit increased. A method is proposed to calculate the total surface area of dhal and whole pulse. Photomicrographs showed the thickness of the outer seed coat to be between 25 and 65 microns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractJava citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt., Family: Poaceae) is a perennial, multiharvest aromatic grass, the shoot biomass of which, on steam distillation, yields an essential oil extensively used in fragrance and flavour industries. It has a long initial lag phase. To utilize the crop resources more efficiently during this lag phase, a field experiment was conducted for two years (1995–97) in semiarid tropical climate to explore the feasibility of intercropping food legumes and vegetables in Java citronella. Among food legumes, greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilez.), and among vegetables, clusterbean (Cyamopsis psoraloides D. C., syn. Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and lady's finger (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench.) as intercrops did not decrease the biomass yield, essential oil yield of Java citronella and produced bonus yields of these crops over and above that of Java citronella. Maximum monetary returns were recorded by Java citronella intercropped with tomato or greengram. Java citronella intercropped with redgram (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.), horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verd. syn. Dolichos biflorus Roxb.) and brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) suffered significant biomass and essential oil yield reductions. Horsegram proved to be the most competitive intercrop producing least yields and minimum monetary returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of storage temperature and humidity were monitored on several physical and chemical components of cowpeas and beans. Seeds stored at 29°C, 65% RH required prolonged cooking times; however, seeds stored in other conditions (5°C, 30% RH; 29°C 30% RH; and 5°C, 65% RH) maintained short, stable cooking times throughout storage. As cooking time increased, phytate, phytase activity, amylose solubility, high methoxyl pectin and protein solubility decreased. Solids leached during soaking and low methoxyl pectin increased as cooking time increased. These results were consistent with the proposed theory that the hard-to-cook defect involves interactions between phytate, minerals, and pectin. However, they did not eliminate possible roles of starch and protein solubility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on the allergic reactions of hypersensitive kids to legumes, eggs and cow's milk. Despite of many food included in the Western diet, almost 80% of allergic reactions in children are the result of hypersensitivity to legumes, cow's milk, and chicken eggs. It has been noted that 80% of children outgrow their hypersensitivity to milk and eggs by the end of their first 10 years. However, peanut allergy persists in about 80% of young children.

Determines the bioavailability of calcium from three commonly consumed legumes which varied in tannin content. Effect of heating on the bioavailability of calcium; Calcium absorption data from GN Beryl, Pinto Topaz and SR Garnet beans by rats; Constituents measured in the hydroponically grown, intrinsically labeled raw beans after harvesting.

The article reports on the retracted article of Zia-ur-Rehman and Majeed Salariya concerning the effects of hydrothermal processing on antinutrients, protein and starch digestibility on food legumes. The article was published as thermal processing effects on antinutrients, proteins and starch digestibility of food legumes in the June 2005 issue.

Epidemiological studies demonstrated that the consumption of dietary antioxidant was associated with the prevention of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activities of the hydrophilic extracts from 9 selected legumes based on copper-induced human LDL oxidation model in vitro. The antioxidant activities were assessed on the basis of the formation of conjugated dienes (lag time of oxidation) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as the early and later stage markers of LDL oxidation. The results showed that the extracts of black beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.), lentils ( Lens culinaris), black soybeans ( Glycine max), and red kidney beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) had significant ( P < 0.05) longer LDL oxidation lag times (128.8, 124.2, 107.7, and 111.1 min, respectively) than the LDL control group (94.9 min). No significant lag-time lengthening was observed in other tested legume extracts. On the other hand, black beans, lentils, black soybeans, red kidney beans, and pinto beans exhibited higher antioxidant capacities (Trolox equivalents) than yellow peas, green peas, chickpea, and yellow soybeans in both LDL-conjugated dienes assay and LDL-TBARS assay. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activities of these legumes against LDL-lipid peroxidation in the above assays were found to correlate very significantly ( P < 0.01) with their phenolic substances, and DPPH radical scavenging activity and ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity). These results suggest that consuming black beans, lentils, black soybeans, and red kidney beans may have potential in preventing the development of atherosclerosis from the perspective of inhibiting LDL oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]