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Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is an aromatic member of the Apiaceae with a wide diversity of uses. Its rapid life cycle allows it to fit into different growing seasons, making it possible to grow the crop under a wide range of conditions. Even though extensive demand for this herb exists among ethnic communities, its’ production in the eastern USA is essentially non-existent. We are interested in facilitation of commercial production of this herb and to characterize its’ composition. We have previously observed that coriander can be commercially produced in Virginia but composition of coriander seed produced in Virginia (Mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America) is unknown. To remedy this situation, we conducted two experiments during 2015 and 2016 with three cultivars (‘Santo’, ‘Santo Monogerm’, and ‘Marino-Organic’). Coriander seed in this study had 7.6 and 8.7 percent oil and 17 and 15 percent protein in winter (planted in December 2015 and harvested in July, 2016) or summer crop (planted in May, 2016 and harvested), respectively whereas mean concentrations (g per 100 g) of P, K, S, Mg, Ca, and Na were 501, 830, 140, 332, 620, 10, respectively. Concentrations of B, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu (mg per 100 g) were 1.10, 2.71, 2.81, 8.96, and 1.29, respectively. Coriander seed in this study contained approximately 19, 63, and 17 percent total saturated, MUFA, and PUFA fatty acids, respectively. Coriander seed contained 0.179, 0.877, and 0.219 percent fructose, glucose, and sucrose, respectively. Our results indicated that coriander seed produced in Virginia has seed composition, generally, similar to that produced elsewhere.

The world is demanding more protein for human consumption-increasing amounts of plant proteins are being used to meet this increasing demand. It has been estimated that global plant-based alternative protein market could swell to $162 billion in the next decade from $29.4 billion in 2020 and every tenth portion of meat, eggs, and dairy eaten around the globe by 2035 could be derived from plant proteins. White lupin (Lupinus albus L.), a legume, has been researched in Virginia for several years which has resulted in development of several winter-hardy and high yielding lines. However, concentrations of protein and relative concentrations of various amino acids in seeds of these lines are not known. Therefore, objective of this study was to characterize protein in winter-hardy lupin lines. Seeds of five winter-hardy white lupin lines grown during 2020-2021 contained about 51% protein as compared to literature values of about 35 and 24% protein in soybean and winter pea seeds, respectively. Concentrations of nine essential amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, phenylalanine, and histidine) in lupin seed varied from 1.25 to 1.41, 1.98 to 2.51, 1.12 to 1.60, 0.21 to 0.27, 1.03 to 1.28, 0.25 to 0.30, 1.22 to 1.40, 1.14 to 1.28, and 0.69 to 0.79, respectively. These concentrations compared quite well with those in soybean and winter pea seed. These results indicate that white lupin has considerable potential to meet alternative plant protein needs of manufactures and consumers.

Buckwheat has been grown in Virginia since late 1700s; however, today the crop is almost non-existent in Virginia. Since buckwheat flowers profusely in a few weeks after planting, it has potential to support honeybees but there is a lack of information about quality of buckwheat honey produced in Virginia. Our objective was to characterize composition of honey produced by honeybees foraging on buckwheat (Buckwheat honey), compared to that produced by honeybees foraging on wild plants (Wild plant honey). Buckwheat honey differed in composition, antioxidant concentrations, and microbial activities from wild plant honey. Concentrations of fructose, glucose, and melezitos in buckwheat honey were quantitatively lower than that in wild plant honey whereas concentrations of sucrose and maltose exhibited an opposite trend—concentration of maltose being statistical significant. Fructose was the dominant sugar (42 and 52 percent in buckwheat honey and wild plant honey, respectively). Buckwheat honey had significant higher concentrations of K and Cu in comparison to wild plant honey (0.17 and 0.04 percent, and 5.0 and 3.33 ppm, respectively). Concentrations of Trolox and TPC were significantly higher in buckwheat honey than wild plant honey (1.01 and 0.32, and 0.39 and 0.17, respectively). Both types of honeys exhibited anti-microbial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The buckwheat honey was darker in color than the honey from wild plants. We concluded that production of buckwheat as a grain or cover crop can also support honeybees and buckwheat honey might be superior to wild plant honey.

Lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet], essentially a tropical plant, is a native of Asia and Africa. It has been a novelty garden plant in the U.S. for generations. Several studies were conducted to characterize productivity of lablab under Virginia's agro-climatic conditions, an area where environmental conditions are not sub-tropical or tropical. From a forage perspective, fresh and dry yields varied from 33 to 121 Mg/ha with a mean of 66, and 7 to 18 with a mean of 13 Mg/ha, respectively during 2011 whereas fresh and dry yields varied from 40 to 93 with a mean of 59, and 7-18 with a mean of 12 Mg/ha, respectively during 2012. Overall means of fresh and dry yields (over years) varied from 47 to 91 with a mean of 62, and 9 to 15 with a mean of 13 Mg/ha, respectively. Concentrations of protein, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Al, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, and Zn in lablab plant tissue produced in Virginia were 15, 0.28, 2.30, 1.32, 0.27, 0.22, 224, 20, 18, 343, 79, 0.03, and 40, respectively. Lablab seed yields in Virginia varied from 559 (PI 593055) to 1678 (PI 288467) kg.ha-1. The average protein concentration in lablab seed produced in Virginia was 25.4%, with a range from 20.6 to 28.8%, on dry weight basis. The lablab seeds contained small quantities of oil. It varied from 0.54 to 1.13%, dry weight basis, with an average of 0.87%. The sugar concentration in lablab seeds varied from 4.2 to 10.1%, dry weight basis with a mean concentration of 6.2%. Predominant fatty acids in oil of lablab seeds were C18:2 (Linoleic acid: 53.5%), followed by C16:0 (Palmitic acid: 15.8%) and C18:3 (Linolenic acid: 14.1%). Total saturated fatty acids in lablab seed varied from 21.0 to 24.9 % with a mean of 22.2%. Total unsaturated fatty acids in lablab seed varied from 74.8 to 78.9% with a mean of 77.6%. Based on concentrations of Al, P, K, and S (ppm) in lablab biomass (110 to 554, 2400 to 3200, 20300 to 24700, 1900 to 2400, respectively), lablab biomass may also be a potential feed stock for bio-ethanol. One advantage of using lablab biomass as a feedstock for bio-ethanol will be the Symbiotic N Fixation by lablab which could reduce/eliminate use of N fertilizers. It was concluded that lablab is a potential forage and grain crop in mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America.

Lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet], which is one of the most ancient crops among cultivated plants, is a relatively unknown crop in the United States. Lablab is a major source of protein in the human diet in many parts of the world. Even though lablab is a potential alternative food and feed crop in other areas of the United States, it is expected to produce seed in southern United States (Florida, Georgia, and Texas). However, there is a lack of information about production potential of lablab in Virginia and adjoining states. We report the results of a replicated field study that was conducted for 2 years with 17 lablab lines in Virginia. The seed yield varied from 559 to 1678, with a mean yield of 1012 kg·ha−1. The seed protein concentration varied from 20.6 to 28.8, with a mean concentration of 25.4%. Lablab seed contained small amounts of oil (0.54% to 1.13%). Total sugars in lablab seed meal varied from 4.2% to 10.1%. Based on seed yields from other parts of the world and concentrations of protein, oil, and total sugars reported in literature regarding other food legumes, we concluded that lablab is a potential alternative summer crop in Virginia and other mid-Atlantic states.

With a view towards expanding the menu of available summer forages, a study was conducted to characterize forage traits of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.). When grown in Virginia (mid-Atlantic region of the United States) during 2019 and 2020, 60-day old whole vegetative plants of both black-seeded and white-seeded Chia contained approximately 21 percent protein, 1.5 percent potassium, 2.06 percent calcium, 2.4 percent crude fat, 21.2 percent ADF, and 29.4 percent NDF. The fresh and dry biomass yields were 8310 and 814 kg ha-1, respectively. Based on forage quality values of Chia produced in other countries and other forages, it was concluded that Chia is a potential forage crop.

Seeds from greenhouse-grown plants of five food millet crops—[barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea Link.), finger millet (Eleusine coracana Gaertn.), kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.), little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth ex Roem. & Schult.), and proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)] contained 10.4, 5.5, 7.2, 1.3, and 17.1 percent protein; 69, 29, 239, 105, and 32 Fe (mg/100 g); and 33, 22, 23, 31, and 37 (mg/100 g) Zn, respectively. Concentrations (g/100 g) of oil in seeds varied from 1.32 for finger millet to 3.58 for little millet. The oil concentrations for barnyard, kodo, and proso millets were 1.59, 1.64, and 3.36 g/100 g, respectively. Predominant fatty acid in the oil in the seed of these millets was C18:2 followed by C18:1, and C16:0. Concentration of omega-3 fatty acid (a heart-healthy oil) was 1.06, 0.62, 1.01, 0.91, and 3.11 g/100 g in barnyard, kodo, little, proso, and finger millet, respectively. Oils from seeds of these millet crops were essentially free from concentration of anti-nutritive fatty acid C22:1 (Erucic acid). Concentrations (g/100 g) of total sugars varied from 0.96 for barnyard millet to 2.09 for finger millet. The total sugar concentrations for kodo, little, and proso millets were 1.81, 1.95, and 1.99 g/100 g, respectively. Fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, raffinose, and stachyose concentrations varied from 0.05 to 0.47, 0.44 to 0.85, 0.44 to 0.98, 0.02 to 0.33, 0.005 to 0.083, and 0.002 to 0.053, respectively for barnyard, kodo, little, proso, and finger millet, respectively. Results indicated that these millet crops have potential as sources of healthy food and it might be worthwhile to further study their production potential.

Even though mothbean (Vigna aconitifolia), a drought- and heat-tolerant crop, may have potential in the eastern United States, information about its production in this region is not available. To characterize potential seed yields and preliminary nutritional quality, 54 accessions were grown near Petersburg, VA, during 2011, 2012, and 2013. The seed yields varied from 48 to 413 lb/acre. The mean concentrations of protein, calcium, iron, and zinc in mature mothbean seed were 21.9%, 0.17%, 64.8 ppm, and 37.5 ppm, respectively. These values compared well with those in mungbean (Vigna radiata) and tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius). The results demonstrated that mothbean has considerable potential as an alternative, new food legume crop in Virginia and eastern United States.

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), a pseudo-cereal, has potential as a forage crop, cover crop, grain crop for animal feed and human food, honey bee crop, and a smother crop for weed suppression. Even though, buckwheat has a long history in Virginia, currently this crop is almost non-existent in this area. The New Crops Program of Virginia State University started researching buckwheat in 2015 as an alternate food crop and as a plant to support honey bees. These studies led into evaluation of buckwheat as a forage crop. Approximately 30-day old buckwheat tissue of two cultivars (Koto and Mancan), planted on June 22 or July 20 during 2015, yielded 4784 pounds fresh weight and 1000 pounds dry matter per acre. Buckwheat biomass contained approximately 21 percent protein and approximately 6 percent oil. Quality of buckwheat forage compared well with literature values for alfalfa hay, perennial peanut, soybean, white lupin, and Tepary bean forage.

Six types of starch nanocrystals were prepared from corn, barley, potato, tapioca, chickpea, and mungbean starches with an acid hydrolysis method. The yields and morphological, structural, and thermal properties of starch nanocrystals were characterized. Starch nanocrystals had yields ranging from 8.8 to 35.7%, depending on botanical origin. During acid hydrolysis, amylose was effectively degraded, and no amylose was detected in any starch nanocrystal. Shape and size of native starch granules varied between starches, whereas there was no obvious difference in shape among different types of starch nanocrystals. The average particle size of starch nanocrystals was mainly related to crystalline type of native starches. Compared with their native starch counterparts, changes in crystalline diffraction patterns of starch nanocrystals depended on the original botanical source and crystalline structure. Degree of crystallinity, melting temperature, and enthalpy of starch nanocrystals increased, whereas ...

Lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet], a relatively unknown crop in the United States of America, is understood to be adapted to Southern USA. Even though, previous studies conducted in Virginia have indicated that Lablab can be produced in Virginia as a forage crop, composition of lablab seed produced in Virginia is unknown. To alleviate this limitation, seeds of seventeen lablab lines from a replicated field study, that was conducted for two years, were analyzed for concentrations of fatty acids and sugars. Results indicated that genotypes had mostly significant effects on concentrations of fatty acids and sugars. Prominent fatty acids in lablab seeds, grown in Virginia (USA), were linoleic (53.5%), palmitic (15.8%), and linolenic (14.1%). Mean saturated and total unsaturated fatty acids in lablab seeds were 22.2 and 77.6%, respectively. Mean concentrations of sucrose, fructose, and glucose concentrations in lablab seed were 1.45, 0.42, and 0.78 g per 100 g meal. Mean concentrations of total non-nutritive sugars (Raffinose+Stachyose+Verbascose) in lablab seed were 4.96 g per 100 g meal. Correlations between several nutritional quality traits in lablab seed were observed to be significant. A comparison of nutritional quality of lablab seed with literature values of black bean, navy bean, kidney bean, pinto bean, and pea indicated that lablab has potential as a new food legume for United States of America.

A field study was conducted for two years with seventeen lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] lines to characterize its productivity under Virginia’s agro-climatic conditions and to determine lablab’s potential as a forage crop. One sample per replication (0.3 m row length) was harvested approximately 90 days after planting to record fresh weight. These samples were dried to a constant weight to record dry weights. Dry and fresh yields were not affected by lines and year of production. Overall means of fresh and dry yields varied from 47 to 91 with a mean of 62, and 9 to 15 with a mean of 13 Mg/ha, respectively. Year of production had significant effects on concentrations of P, K, S, Mg, Mn, Cu, and Zn. Concentrations of protein, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Al, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, and Zn in lablab produced in Virginia were 15, 0.28, 2.30, 1.32, 0.27, 0.22, 224, 20, 18, 343, 79, 0.03, and 40, respectively. Quality of lablab forage compared well with literature values of other forage legumes especially alfalfa. Lablab biomass in this study contained 60, 45, and 15 percent ADF, NDF, and lignin, respectively indicating that it may also be a potential feedstock for bio-ethanol manufacture.

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek, Fabaceae] is one of the most important food legume crops in Asia. It is also gaining importance in other parts of the world such as Australia and Canada. The United States imported mungbean worth ≈22 million dollars during 2014. To establish domestic production and to determine if mungbean can be produced in rotation with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), replicated experiments were conducted during 2012 and 2013 using two cultivars (Berken and TexSprout), two planting dates (early and late July), and two row spacings (37.5 and 75 cm). Cultivar and planting date effects on seed yield were not significant, however, narrow row spacing resulted in significant higher seed yield and concentration of protein over the wider row spacing (1.76 vs. 0.86 Mg⋅ha−1 yield and 24.9% vs. 23.7% protein). Early planting resulted in lower sugar and oil concentrations over late planting (4.4% vs. 5.5% sugar and 1.24% vs. 1.99% oil). Average mungbean values for seed yield, seed size, and concentrations of protein, sugars, and oil were 1.31 Mg⋅ha−1, 7.08 g/seed100, 24.3%, 4.91%, and 1.59%, respectively. Low harvest index values (17% to 25%) indicated that potential exists for improvement in mungbean seed yield. The results indicated that mungbean can be easily produced in rotation with winter wheat in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

Mean contents of fructose, glucose, raffinose, stachyose, sucrose, and total sugars in whole sesame seed, produced during 2011 and 2012 in mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America, were 0.95, 1.28, 2.22, 0.14, 0.82, and 5.39 g/100 g meal, respectively. Planting time effects were significant for contents of fructose, glucose, raffinose, stachyose, sucrose, and total sugars. Contents of sucrose and total sugars were highest during both plantings in 20 11 as compared to those for both planting dates in 2012. However, differences between two planting dates for total sugar contents during each year were not significant while earlier plantings in both years had significantly higher contents of sucrose. Raffinose content was significantly greater from late planting during 2011 over early planting whereas planting date effects during 2012 were not different. Stachyose content was significantly greater from early planting in 2012 over late planting whereas planting date effects during 2011 were not significant. An increase in row spacing from 37.5cm to 75cm increased the content of fructose by 24.7% but resulted in 8.1% decrease in content of glucose. Cultivar effects were significant only for sucrose. S26 and S32 cultivars had significantly higher content over that of 22K (0.89, 0.89, and 0.69g/100g meal, respectively). These results indicate that sugar contents in sesame whole seed

Evaluation of green immature seeds from ten cultivars of white lupin (Lupinus albus L., Fabaceae), grown in two locations in Virginia (USA) during two years, indicated that physiological mature but green white lupin seeds con- tained 33 percent protein and 7 oil on dry weight basis. Contents of C18:3, saturated, unsaturated, mono-unsaturated, and poly-unsaturated fatty acids in white lupin green seeds were 10, 18, 84, 40, and 42 percent of total oil, respectively. White lupin green seeds contained 0.39, 1.34, 0.20, 0.37, 0.21, and 0.03 percent, dry weight basis, of P, K, S, Ca, Mg, and Na, respectively. White lupin green seeds contained 56, 8, 224, 8, 56, and 22 mg/kg Fe, Al, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B, respectively. Contents of fructose, glucose, sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, verbascose, and total sugars in green white lupin seeds were 0.25, 0.42, 2.71, 1.17, 6.01, 1.32, and 11.98 g/100 g meal, respectively. Growing locations significantly affected composi- tion of green white lupin seeds whereas effects of cultivars were limited. White lupin green seeds compared well with green peas and vegetable soybean seeds. Results indicated that white lupin green seeds may have potential as human food.

Starches were isolated from Virginia-grown corn, potato, and mungbean, and their resistant starch content, molecular structure and physicochemical properties were investigated for potential applications. All starches, extracted with combination of chemical and physically method exhibited high purity with low protein, fat and ash, and high carbohydrate. Potato starches had the highest resistant starch content, while mungbean starches showed the highest amylose content. Amylose content as well as the starch granule size and structure were responsible for resistance to digestibility. Compared to their mungbean and corn counterparts, potato starches had the highest amylopectin molecular weights and largest granular size. A typical A-and B-type crystalline structure was assigned to corn and potato starches, respectively, while mungbean starches had a CA-type crystalline pattern. Both potato and mungbean starch granules were smooth, oval and irregular ellipsoids, while corn starches had polyhedral granules. The gelatinization transition temperatures (To, Tp, and Tc) of the starches were significantly different, with the order of corn> mungbean> potato. Water absorption capacity of corn starches was lower than that of potato and mungbean starches. The results would assist food scientists in determining the potential end-uses of starches. Key words: Resistant starch, molecular structure, physicochemical properties, starch, Virginia.

Summary Composition and properties of seeds and starches from five Virginia-grown kabuli chickpea cultivars were investigated. The seeds had the average weight of 4.48 g per 10 g and volume of 641.2 mm3, and were rich in carbohydrate with starch as a principal constituent (59.2–70.9%). Resistant starch accounted for 7.7–10.4% of the total starch content. The composition and properties of the starches among the five cultivars were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05). All starches had a C-type crystalline structure. The degree of crystallinity ranged from 21.1% to 27.4%, gelatinisation temperature from 7.97 to 11.2 °C and gelatinisation enthalpies from 2.18 to 3.76 J g−1, and water absorption capacities from 90.7% to 117.5%. Different shapes and granule sizes were observed. Molecular weight of amylopectin was in the range of 6.35 × 108–11.6 × 108 Da. Cultivar ‘HB-14’ was superior to the other cultivars, when combining larger seed size, higher resistant starch level and better properties.

Composition of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) sprouts was significantly affected by growing location whereas cultivar effects were not significant. In general, sprouts made from seed produced at Petersburg, a location with cooler climate and heavier soils, were superior to those produced from seed produced at Suffolk, a location with warmer climate and sandier soils. White lupin sprouts, on average, contained 41 percent protein and 8 percent oil. Contents of fatty acids, expressed as percentage of oil, were 10, 2, 1, 4, 1, 1, 43, 20, 10, 5, 2, 18, 82, 51, and 31, respectively, for C16:0, C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, C24:0, C16:1, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, C20:1, and C22:1, total saturated, total unsaturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The ratio between linoleic (C18:2) and linolenic (C18:3) fatty acids in white lupin sprouts was 0.5. White lupin sprouts, on average, contained 0.4, 0.8, 0.3, 0.3, 0.2, and 0.04 percent P, K, S, Ca, Mg, and Na, respectively. White lupin sprouts, on average, contained 51, 15, 139, 10, 51, and 14 mg·kg−1 Fe, Al, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B, respectively. Based on this study, it was concluded that white lupin sprouts are a potential human food.

The Vernonia galamensis (Cass.) Less [synonym: Centrapalus pauciflorus] Compositae, is a source of naturally epoxidized oil. Its commercial use is limited due to presence of a lipase enzyme that produces high free fatty acid levels in vernonia oil. The genomic information and the gene expression patterns of lipase in vernonia has not been studied in detail. The objectives of our studies were to construct a complementary DNA (cDNA) library from vernonia seed to identify expressed sequence tags (ESTs) related to various plant functions. We were successful in constructing a cDNA library from seed tissues of vernonia. A total of 1325 cDNA clones were randomly sequenced and analyzed. A total of 97 high-quality ESTs with an average length of 400 bp were generated. These ESTs indicated the existence of genes involved in varied functions such as defense, protein processing, transcription, translation, signal transduction, and secondary metabolism. Out of the total EST sequences, there were 129 ESTs containing simple sequence repeats (SSRs) from which 63 SSR primer pairs were designed. It is the first transcriptome report from the vernonia that has generated ESTs as well as EST derived SSR markers capable of being used in future oil quality, transformation and germplasm characterization studies.

Black and navy beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are economically important crops for US Agriculture and provide nutritious food for humans. These crops are predominantly grown in Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Washington states. We are interested in introducing these crops in Virginia as alternative summer crops. Four cultivars each of black (Eclipse, T-39, Zenith and Zorro) and navy bean (Alapena, Avalanche, Norstar, and Vista) were grown in the field at Randolph Farm of Virginia State University in Ettrick, Virginia during 2016. We planted these twice (May 26 and June 30) by using two inter-row spacings (37.5 and 75 cm). Results indicated that yields of black bean (1691 kg/ha) didn't differ significantly from that of navy bean (1402 kg/ha). Effects of cultivars and row spacings were not significant. Seed yield for May planting date (883 kg/ha) was significantly lower than that for June planting (2210 kg/ha). Concentrations of protein, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Al, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, fructose, glucose, sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, verbascose, total sugar, insoluble dietary fiber, and total dietary fiber in black and navy bean seeds were not different. Black bean had significantly higher soluble dietary fiber concentration (4.46%) as compared to navy bean (3.68%). Nutritional quality traits of black and navy bean seed produced in Virginia compared well with values in the literature. Based on desirable seed yield levels and nutritional quality, it was concluded that black and navy bean are potential new/alternate crops for Virginia and adjoining areas in the mid-Atlantic region of United States of America.

In this study, the contents of total and individual phytosterols in sprouts made from seeds of seven canola (Brassicanapus L.) lines (Acropolis, Banjo, Jetton, KS-7740, KSM3-1-124, Mussette and Virginia), grown at three locations in Virginia (Orange, Petersburg and Suffolk), were determined. Canola sprouts contained, on an average, 36.3 g sterols in 100 g of unsaponifiable matter (UNSAP), 10.7 mg sterols in 1 g of oil and 2.4 mg sterols in 1 g of dry sprouts. The contents of individual phytosterols (μg per g of oil) in canola sprouts were 1,162 brassicasterol, 3,799 campesterol, 34 stigmasterol, 5,359 β-sitosterol, 201 Δ5-avenasterol and 97 Δ7-stigmastenol. Canola lines had significant effects on the contents of oil, brassicasterol and campesterol. Locations had significant effects on the oil, UNSAP, total sterols, brassicasterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. The oil content in canola sprouts was positively correlated with total sterols and Δ5-avenasterol, whereas oil content was negatively correlated with brassicasterol content. In general, the contents of campesterol and β-sitosterol increased with an increase in total sterol content. The concentrations of sterols were in the following decreasing order: β-sitosterol > campesterol > brassicasterol > Δ5-avenasterol > Δ7-stigmastenol > stigmasterol. These results indicate that canola sprouts may have the potential as a natural source of dietary sterols and might be desirable for human nutrition.

We are interested in developing mungbean [(Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] as a short duration summer crop to be produced in rotation with winter wheat due to its’ increasing popularity and potential for Symbiotic N Fixation (SNF). However, scarcity of mungbean SNF information is limiting to support its use as an N-fixing crop. We conducted a greenhouse study with ten mungbean genotypes and twelve Bradyrhizobium strains. The objective was to study nodule traits (number and size) and chlorophyll concentration in leaves using Minolta SPAD meter using a CRD design with six replications. Eight to ten seeds of each of the 120 combinations were planted in vermiculite and inoculated with the bacterial strains. Upon germination, plants were thinned to six plants per pot. The data were recorded on approximately 40-day old plants. Results indicated that variation for nodule traits was not significant. However, significant effects of bradyrhizobial strains and mungbean genotypes on SPAD readings were observed. Results indicated existence of specificity between mungbean genotypes and bradyrhizobial strains, as indicated by significant interaction for SPAD values. We identified three bradyrhizobial strains (Strain-11 isolated from partridge pea, Strain-12 isolated from Baptisia sp., and Strain-3-CB 756, wide range type strain from Australia) to be highly efficient. Three mungbean genotypes (MB-80, TexSprout, and MB-84) were identified to be best for SNF. The results provide basic information to support future detailed SNF research in mungbean.

Although sprouts have played a significant role in human nutrition, there is a lack of information about sprouts made from seed of canola, a new crop in the United States as a source of edible and industrial-use oil. We studied oil content and fatty acid composition in sprouts made from seed of four canola cultivars (Banjo, KS 8200, KS 8227, and Virginia) grown at three locations in Virginia (Orange, Petersburg, and Suffolk) during 2001–2002 and 2002–2003 crop seasons. Canola cultivars exhibited significant effects on contents of oil and all fatty acids except for C20:0, whereas growing locations only affected contents of oil and C22:0, C18:2, and C18:3 fatty acids in the sprouts. The contents of oil and C16:0, C18:0, C20:0 C22:0, C24:0, C16:1, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, C20:1, C22:1, total saturated, total unsaturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated in canola sprouts were 27.33%, 5.38%, 1.21%, 0.53%, 0.27%, 0.15%, 0.68%, 45.71%, 18.35%, 8.82%, 7.44%, 11.46%, 7.54%, 92.46%, 60.18%, and 27.17% of total fatty acids, respectively. The ratio of C18:2 to C18:3 fatty acids in canola sprouts averaged 1.00 to 2.09 with Virginia cultivar having the highest ratio (2.33) and KS 8227 having the lowest ratio (1.91). These ratios were within the recommended ratios of 1.00 to 4.00 for optimal human nutrition. Our results indicated that, based only on oil and fatty acid contents, canola sprouts may be healthier than alfalfa, brussels sprout, mungbean, and radish sprouts.

Sprouts from seeds of cruciferous plants, such as brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower (Brassica sp.) are considered desirable for human diets. However, no information is available about sprouts made from seeds of canola (Brassica napus L.), a cruciferous crop that is increasing in acreage in the United States and is considered a source of healthful, edible oil. This study reports contents of aluminum (Al), boron (B), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn) in sprouts made from seeds of four canola cultivars (Banjo, KS 8200, KS 8227, and Virginia) grown at three locations (Orange, Petersburg, and Suffolk) in Virginia during two crop seasons (2001–02 and 2002–03). The contents of protein, oil, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, and Na (expressed as percent on a dry weight basis) in canola sprouts were 27.33, 25.1, 0.61, 0.43, 0.43, 0.31, 0.57, and 0.01, respectively. The contents of B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn (expressed as mg·kg−1) in canola sprouts were 12.35, 5.69, 88.46, 45.44, and 48.98, respectively. Contents of various minerals in canola sprouts were greater than those in sprouts of alfalfa, brussels sprouts, mungbean, and radish reported in the literature. It was concluded that canola sprouts are a potential component of diets for superior human nutrition.

The tropical legume sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) could be a valuable green manure/cover crop for vegetable producers in the southeastern USA because of its rapid growth and large N 2 fixing ability. Planting and termination date effects on biomass and N accumulation are relatively unknown for the region, but would help producers manage sunn hemp between summer and winter cash crops. We determined sunn hemp biomass and N content at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after planting (DAP) for four planting dates (mid-April to mid-July) at a Piedmont and a Coastal Plain location in Georgia. Maximum biomass at a given DAP was produced from May and June plantings in the Piedmont and from April and May plantings in the Coastal Plains. Maximum biomass and N ranged from 8.9 to 13.0 Mg ha -1 and 135 to 285 kg ha -1 , respectively. An equation for estimating sunn hemp biomass as a linear function of cumulative degree days (CDD) and cumulative solar radiation (CSR) was verified with independent data from Alabama, Florida, and Virginia. A similar equation for estimating N content as a quadratic function of CSR was not as accurate but still might be useful. Sunn hemp can fit well into short-rotation sustainable vegetable production systems in the Southeast, and these equations can be used by producers to make reliable estimates of sunn hemp biomass production.

Sesame has potential as an alternative crop for former tobacco farmers in eastern USA to increase agricultural diversification and enhance farm incomes. Oil yield and quality of five shatter-resistant and dwarf sesame cultivars when grown using rows 37.5 cm or 75 cm apart were evaluated. Sesame was planted on 23 May and 8 Jun. (PT1) during 2011 and on 17 and 9 Jul. (PT2) during 2012. Early planting (Late May to early June) resulted in 716.6 kg oil/ha as compared to 479.6 kg oil/ha from late planting (early June to mid-July). The closer row spacing of 37.5 cm out-yielded the wider row spacing of 75 cm by about 34% for oil yield. Early planting increased the contents of C16:0, C20:0, C18:1, and C20:1 fatty acids whereas late planting increased the contents of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids. Contents of total saturated fatty acids and mono-unsaturated fatty acids were also greater after early planting as compared to those after late plantings. Closer row spacing of 37.5 cm resulted in significantly higher contents of C20:1 and saturated fatty acids in the oil as compared to the wider row spacing of 75 cm. Sesame seed produced in Virginia contained 6.8% more oil than that produced in Texas (45. 5 vs. 42.6%, respectively). The results indicated that sesame could be produced in the mid-Atlantic region of USA.

Winter legume cover crops have been successfully used to meet N needs of many summer crops, but they are not being used extensively in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region, especially for specialty crops such as muskmelon and sweet corn. The objective of these studies was to determine the potential of winter legume cover crops in meeting N needs of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) and sweet corn (Zea mays L.). Comparisons of performances of muskmelon and sweet corn, grown after lupin (Lupinus albus L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), Austrian winter pea ([AWP] Pisum arvense L.), and control fertilized with 112 kg N ha–1, and unfertilized control were made during 1999, 2000, and 2001. The interactions between cover crop treatments and years were, generally, significant. The muskmelon fruit yields were 53.6, 45.0, 23.1, 13.0, and 5.6 Mg·ha–1 during 1999; 27.8, 26.3, 8.6, 5.8, and 2.2 Mg·ha–1 during 2000; and 41.1, 39.9, 25.5, 21.4, and 2.1 Mg·ha–1 during 2001 respectively for lupin, hairy vetch, AWP, 112 kg N ha–1, and control. Similar results were obtained for number and size of muskmelon fruits. The sweet corn ear yields (Mg·ha–1) were 8.5, 5.6, 3.1, 1.5, and 0.7 during 1999; 5.2, 3.9, 4.0, 4.8, and 1.2 during 2000; and 2.6, 2.4, 1.9, 2.0, and 0.9 during 2001, respectively for lupin, hairy vetch, AWP, 112 kg N ha–1, and control. White lupin and hairy vetch, as winter cover crops, were superior than AWP and 112 kg N ha–1 for sweet corn ear number and size, and plant height. These results demonstrated that winter legume crops, especially lupin and hairy vetch, can be excellent winter cover crops for meeting N needs of muskmelon and sweet corn.

Multi-environment trials (MET) are an important activity in agriculture to identify superior cultivars for production. Visual evaluation of MET data via GGEbiplot software makes the cultivar recommendation easy. Our objectives were to evaluate performance of 100 soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars belonging to five maturity groups (MG II through MG VI) from MET data from Virginia. Analyses of variance revealed significant differences among cultivars in MG II, MG IV, and MG V. The study was conducted in 1993 and 1994 at two locations [Petersburg (PBG) and Suffolk (SFK), Virginia]. Cultivar-by-environment interaction was only significant for MG IV and MG V. In MG II, the highest yielding cultivars were: ‘CN-290’ (at Suffolk in 1993), ‘Sloan’ (at Petersburg in 1993 and 1994), and ‘Vickery’ (at Suffolk in 1994). In MG IV, ‘Union’ was the best cultivar for 93PBG and 94SFK. ‘Stafford’ was superior at 93SFK and Cutler at 94PBG. Being closest to the ideal cultivar, ‘Union’, ‘Morgan’, and ‘Egyptian...

Sunn hemp (Crotolaria juncea L.), a legume plant, has potential in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. as a renewable source of fiber and pulp, due to its biological nitrogen fixation capability that can help reduce/eliminate N pollution of Chesapeake Bay. Most research in this region has focused on kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) and little is known about sunn hemp. We evaluated effects of three planting dates (late-May, mid-June, and late-June) and three row spacings (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 m) on dry matter yields (DMY) of kenaf and sunn hemp during 1997, and 1998 by using three crop treatments (CT1: kenaf grown with 100 kg N ha−1; CT2: sunn hemp grown without inoculation and with 100 kg N ha−1; and CT3: sunn hemp inoculated with Bradyrhizobium but without N fertilization). DMY following CT1 and CT3 (7.8 and 6.4 Mg ha−1, respectively) during 1997 were similar and greater than that following CT2 (5.7 Mg ha−1). However, DMY following CT1, CT2, and CT3 were similar in 1998 and ranged from 12.6 to 13.4 Mg ha−1. Kenaf planting date did not affect DMY during 1997 but during 1998 the highest DMY was obtained from kenaf planted in late-May. The optimal planting date for sunn hemp during 1997 was mid-June, whereas in 1998 it was late-May. Row spacing effects on kenaf DMY were not significant. Row spacings of 0.3 m were optimal for DMY of N-fertilized sunn hemp during 1997 and 1998, whereas row spacing did not affect DMY of non-fertilized, but affected inoculated sunn hemp. We conclude that both kenaf and sunn hemp could produce similar dry matter yields in the mid-Atlantic region of U.S.

Characteristics of the seed oil of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.), a potential alternative winter crop in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States, are not well established. Replicated experiments were conducted during the 1998–1999 and 1999–2000 growing seasons with a determinate and an indeterminate cultivar to characterize oil and FA in lupin seed in relation to production practices. The experiments were planted in early October, late October, and mid-November using row spacings of 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 m at each planting time. Seeds from the planting date of early October had significantly (P 18∶2> 18∶3>16∶0>20∶1>22∶1>22∶0>18∶0>24∶0>20∶0. The saturated FA/unsaturated FA ratio in lupin oil was 0.14. White lupin seed contained higher contents of oil and FA than literature values for seed of navy, kidney, and pinto beans.

This study was conducted to determine effects of genotypes and growing environment on phytosterols, triterpene alcohols, and phospholipids (PL) in lupin (Lupinus albus L.) oil from seven genotypes grown in Maine and Virginia. The unsaponifiable lipid (UNSAP) and phospholipid (PL) fractions ranged from 2.1 to 2.8% and from 2.6 to 2.8% of oil, respectively. UNSAP in lupin oil contained 19.9 to 28.7% sterols and 17.3 to 22.0% triterpene alcohols. Growing location significantly affected contents of total PL, PS, phosphatidylglycerol, β-sitosterol, campesterol, and β-amyrin. Genotypic effects were significant for stigmasterol. PC (32.6 to 46.3% of PL), PE (21.6 to 32% of PL), and PS (11.2 to 17.9% of PL) were the major PL in lupin oil. The concentration of PL classes in lupin oil were in the following descending order: PC>PE>PS>PI>phosphatidic acid > lysophosphatidylcholine > phosphatidylglycerol > diphosphatidylglycerol. In descending order of abundance, the sterols present in lupin oil were: β-sitosterol > campesterol > stigmasterol > Δ5-avenasterol > Δ7-stigmastenol Lupeol was the most prominent triterpene alcohol in lupin seed oil. In general, growing environment had a much greater influence on lupin oil characteristics than the genotypes.

There is little information available about phytosterols in canola (Brassica napa L.) oil and the effects of genotype and growing locations from Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region of the United States, a potential area for the establishment of domestic production to provide edible oil. Our objectives were to characterize the phytosterols, phospholipids, unsaponifiable matter, and FA in oil from Virginia-grown canola. Among 11 canola genotypes grown at two locations during 1995–1996 significant variations existed for oil content and FA profiles, but not for contents of phospholipids, unsaponifiable matter, total phytosterols, campesterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol, Total phytosterol content in the oil of Virginia-grown canola varied from 0.7 to 0.9% with a mean of 0.8%. This concentration compared favorably with oil from Canadian canola, which typically contains 0.5 to 1.1% total phytosterols. The mean contents of brassicasterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, Δ5-avenasterol, and Δ7-stigmatenol as percentages of total phytosterols in Virginia-grown canola were: 9.7, 32.0, 0.6, 49.3, 4.99, and 3.5%, respectively. Growing location did not affect phytosterols in Virginia-grown canola oil but had significant effects on contents of phospholipids, and saturated (myristic, stearic, and arachidic) and unsaturated (palmitoleic, linoleic, linolenic, eicosenoic, and erucic) FA.

The glucosinolate-free meal from rapeseed can be used as livestock feed, whereas glucosinolate-rich meal can be used as a pesticide. It has also been shown that glucosinolate content in Brassica (rapeseed) seeds can be manipulated by application of chemicals. However, the stage of seed development when potential chemical treatments could be applied has not been clearly identified. Thus, an experiment was conducted to evaluate accumulation of glucosinolate, oil, and erucic acid in developing seeds of rapeseed lines. These included lines that were classified as low or high for glucosinolate content. The florets of eight rapeseed lines were tagged at the 50% flowering stage and were sequentially harvested at 26, 28, 30, 33, 35, 37, 40, 42, 44, 47, 49, and 52 days after flowering (DAF). The oil content in both the high and low-glucosinolate lines increased approximately by a factor of four from 26 to 52 DAF. The oil content accumulation was not affected by glucosinolate content. Erucic acid content in the oil was significantly higher in low glucosinolate lines compared with high glucosinolate lines on 28 and 40 DAF. Developing seeds were most amenable to change in erucic acid content at approximately 37 DAF. The glucosinolate contents in high glucosinolate lines started to increase significantly at 26 DAF and continued up to 33 DAF. However, the glucosinolate content in the low glucosinolate lines increased only from 33 to 35 DAF. This indicates that the greatest accumulation of glucosinolate in developing rapeseed seeds may occur at approximately 26 DAF.

Soyfood products like tofu are becoming popular among American consumers due to health benefits. In order to increase production to meet consumer demands, it is imperative that factors that effect quantity and quality of tofu be characterized. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of soybean genotypes and growing locations on contents of oil and fatty acids in tofu which was prepared from twelve soybean genotypes (BARC-8, BARC-9, Enrei, Hutcheson, MD86-5788, Nakasennari, S90-1056, Suzuyutaka, V71-370, V81-1603, Ware, and York) grown at three southern U.S. locations (Huntsville, Alabama; Princess Anne, Maryland; and Petersburg, Virginia) during 1995. The results showed that tofu quality was determined by the soybean genotype. The tofu made from seeds of high seed-protein and low seed-oil genotypes (BARC-8 and BARC-9) resulted in tofu with low contents of oil (15.8 and 11.3 g/100g, respectively) and total saturated fatty acids (2.59 and 160 g/100g, respectively). Tofu made from seeds of conventional grain type genotypes, such as Hutcheson, resulted in higher oil (24.0 g/100g) and total saturated fatty acids (3.80 g/100g) contents in tofu. Effects of growing environment on contents of oil were not significant but tofu made from seeds grown in Alabama had significantly higher content of total saturated fatty acids (3.50 g/100g) as compared to that made from seeds grown in Maryland (2.88 g/100g) or Virginia (2.96 g/100g). Tofu made from seeds of large and medium-seeded genotypes had higher contents of total monounsaturated fatty acids in tofu as compared to that made from small-seeded genotypes. Highly positive correlation existed between contents of oil, 18:1, 18:2, total saturated, and total unsaturated fatty acids in the seeds and their contents in the tofu (+0.80, +0.75, +0.79, +0.62, +0.68, respectively). These results indicated that tofu quality is governed by soybean genotype, seed size and growing location.

Although there is increasing interest in reducing the use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers due to the potential of unused N causing pollution of surface and groundwater, N is a major nutrient for plant growth. Our objective was to determine the potential of using winter legume cover crops to meet the N needs of seedless watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), a potential cash crop for farmers in Virginia. Fruit number, fruit weight, fruit yield, and fruit quality traits (flesh to rind ratio, water content, total soluble solids, sugar content, and pH) of seedless watermelons were evaluated in replicated experiments in Virginia at three locations during 1997-98 and two locations during 1998-99 following cover crop treatments consisting of crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), crimson clover + rye (Secale cereale), hairy vetch + rye, and a bareground control treatment that received 100 lb/acre (112 kg·ha-1) of N. At all five locations, the bareground control treatment resulted in fewer fruit [1803 fruit/acre (4454 fruit/ha)], lower fruit weight [9.8 lb (4.5 kg)], and lower fruit yield [8.9 tons/acre (20.0 t·ha-1)] compared to the four cover crop treatments. The crimson clover + rye and hairy vetch treatments resulted in highest numberof fruit [2866 and 2657 fruit/acre (7079 and 6563 fruit/ha), respectively], whereas the highest fruit yield was obtained following hairy vetch [21.2 tons/acre (49.8 t·ha-1)], hairy vetch + rye [20.3 tons/acre (45.5 t·ha-1)], and crimson clover + rye [19.6 tons/acre (43.9 t·ha-1)]. Cover crop treatments did not affect the quality of watermelon flesh. The seedless watermelon fruit averaged 1.4 flesh: 1 rind ratio, 90% water content, 9.5% total soluble solids, 8.0% sugar, and a pH value of 5.9. These results indicated that legume cover crops, such as crimson clover and hairy vetch, can be successfully used to produce seedless watermelons, in a no-till system, without any use of N fertilizers with dryland conditions.

Seeds of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.), known to potentially fix 150 to 200 kg/ha N via Symbiotic N Fixation (SNF), are classified as sweet or bitter based on their alkaloid contents: sweet lupins contain very low whereas bitter lupins contain high contents of alkaloids. However, precise information about effects of alkaloid content on SNF is not very well unknown. Experiments were conducted to determine if alkaloid content in the seed is related to that in other plant tissue such as leaves and pod shells, characterization of relationship between alkaloid concentration and SNF, and to study variation among 126 white lupin accessions for concentration of alkaloids. In the first experiment, the Dragendorff test, a colorimetric test, was used to categorize field-grown lupin lines into 6 categories: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 with 0 representing sweet and 5 representing extreme bitterness with bitterness increasing from 0 to 5. In the second experiment, ten lupin lines differing in their Dragendorff score from 0 to four were inoculated with seven bradyrhizobial strains and studied for SNF in a greenhouse. A numerical scale from 0 to 4 with 1 representing absence of nodules and 4 representing many functional nodules was used as a measure of SNF. In the third experiment, concentrations of alkaloids (Dragendorff scores), oil, and protein were studied in 126 accessions.Results indicated that all progenies with Dragendorff score of 1 for the seeds also had the same score for leaves and pod shells. However, this was not true for other progenies. In the case of progenies with Dragendorff scores of 0, 2, 3, or 4 in the seed, the Dragendorff scores for leaves and pod shells were above and below the seed scores indicating existence of variation for alkaloids in various tissues of the lupin plant. Alkaloid content also had significant effects on root nodulation. The interaction between alkaloid categories and bradyrhizobial strains was non-significant. The root nodulation score for lupin lines in alkaloid categories 0, 3, and 4 were similar, indicating that the same bradyrhizobial strain could be used to effectively inoculate sweet and bitter white lupin lines. The root nodulation induced by the seven bradyrhizobial strains were statistically different. It was observed that S96-A15, S96-A19, and S96-B9 were more efficient bradyrhizobial strains whereas S96-A5 was observed to be less efficient for root nodulation. Significant variation existed among 126 white lupin accessions for Dragendorff score and concentrations of oil and protein. The alkaloid content did not affect oil content in the seed, however, alkaloid content significantly affected protein content. The results indicated that bitter seeds had higher protein content.

With growing obesity and cardiovascular disease concerns, the meat industry aims to reduce fat content in meat products. Currently Omega Fatty Acid (FA) enhanced beef and eggs are being marketed in the US, but Omega enhanced goat meat (Omega-Chevon) has not been developed. Meat goats were fed ground flaxseed and canola supplemented feed for 90 days. There were no palatability, weight, or health issues in meat goats fed canola and flaxseed supplemented feed. Chevon from goats fed canola and flaxseed had significant (P

Tepary bean and pigeonpea were highly drought tolerant food legumes and were profitable in arid regions with sustainable productivity. Protein and starch, major constituents of legume grain, were used in various forms for human and animal consumption. Therefore, present investigation was carried out with an objective to evaluate protein content and various factors influencing qualities of starch in pigeonpea and tepary bean. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for protein and starch qualities among the two crops and between the drought responsive cultivars of these crops. The protein content of pigeon pea (22.5-26.2 mg/100 mg) was high compared to tepary bean (17 to 26 mg/100 mg) seed. The resistant starch content of pure starch extracted from drought responsive cultivars varied from 1.09 (TB #7) to 8.75 (TB #31) in teparybean and 14.68% (G2) - 21.35% (W1) in pigeonpea. Amylose content of pigeonpea varied from 7.76 to 12.31% and the degree of crystallinity were 13.42 - 19.30% with X-ray diffraction pattern of the C-type. The pigeonpea starch granules were large, oval to ellipsoidal shape with a smooth surface and mean granule size of 47.6 µm in length X 36.4 µm in width. The transition temperatures and enthalpy of gelatinization ranged from 67.25-68.29 oC (To); 71.4-72.49 oC (Tp) and 77.04-78.51 oC (Tc) and 4.80-6.43 J/g respectively. Amylose content of tepary starch varied from 8.08 to 12.38% and the degree of crystallinity were 13.52-18.29% with X-ray diffraction pattern of the C-type. The tepary bean starch granules were round to oval shape with a smooth surface and mean granule size of 39.26 µm in length X30.36 µm in width. The transition temperatures and enthalpy of gelatinization ranged from 73.12-74.65 oC (To); 77.71-78.85 oC (Tp); 82.65-84.29 oC (Tc) and 2.21-5.27 J/g respectively. Pigeon pea starches were with low molecular weights of amylopectin (5.26 x 108 Da) and high molecular weights of amylose (4.63 × 105 Da) compared to those in tepary bean (13.6 × 108; 1.35 × 105) on an average. In both crops, the gelatinization showed significant correlation with amylose content, crystallinity and granule size. Pigeonpea grain was superior with quality starch and protein with adequate amounts of digestible fiber without any reduction in quality during extraction of starch compared to tepary bean. Black seed coated tepary had lowest gelatinization energy compared to brown and white. The drought tolerant cultivars identified in teparybean (TB #24) and Pigeonpea (W1) with high resistant starch and protein content will be useful in selection for crop production, developing homozygous line for industrial use in southern USA.

This study was conducted to determine if sesame (Sesamum indicum L., Pedaliaceae) could be grown in Virginia. Five proprietary sesame cultivars (22K, S26, S28, S30, and S32) were planted on May 23 and June 8 during 2011 and on July 9 and July 17 during 2012 using two row spacings (37.5 or 75 cm). Effects of cultivars and row spacings on seed yield, and contents of protein and minerals were, generally, non-significant. Effects of planting dates were significant for most traits under study except for contents of Fe and Al. Contents (averaged over two years, five cultivars, two row spacing, four planting dates, and two years) of protein (%), P (%), K (%), S (%), Ca (%), Mg (%), Na (%), Fe (mg.kg-1), Al (mg.kg-1), Mn (mg.kg-1), Cu (mg.kg-1), Zn (mg.kg-1), and B (mg.kg-1) in whole seed sesame were 26, 0.67, 0.51, 0.32, 1.12, 0.33, 0.02, 110, 24, 29, 17, 68, and 13, respectively. It was concluded that earlier planting dates using either 37.5 or 70 cm space between rows are desirable for sesame production in Virginia. Mean seed yield in these studies was 1282 kg.ha-1. Highest seed yields were obtained using closer row spacings and early plantings. The results indicated that sesame could be easily produced as a commercial crop in Virginia.

Epoxidized oils, manufactured by chemical epoxidation of fats and vegetable oils such as soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.], are useful in reformulation of oil based (alkyd-resin) paints to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds that contribute to production of smog. Other potential markets for epoxy fatty acids include plasticizers, additives to polyvinyl chloride, polymer blends and coatings, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. Currently, no oilseed crop has been commercialized as a source of natural epoxidized oils. However, Vernonia galamensis (Cass.) Less. has been identified to have potential for domestication as a new industrial oilseed source of natural epoxy fatty acids. The main objective of this research was to evaluate feasibility of vernonia production in mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Specifically, we wanted to evaluate available vernonia germplasm for seed yield, oil content, and oil quality, and to determine suitable production practices. The seed yield (kg/ha) in field experiments conducted from 1994, 1995, and 1996 at Randolph Farm of Virginia State University (37°15′N and 77°30.8′W), with a selected group of vernonia lines, ranged from 490 to 1288, 494 to 1394, and 1070 to 1934, respectively. Oil content ranged from 30.2 to 36.7% and 32.1 to 39.2%, respectively for 1995 and 1996 and the vernolic acid content ranged from 68.9 to 74.7% and 69.1 to 75.6%. A significant positive correlation ( r =0.34) between oil content and vernolic acid content indicated that both these characteristics could be improved simultaneously. The highest seed yield was obtained with 100 kg N/ha. A pre-plant-incorporated application of Trifluralin herbicide at 0.5 kg/ha a.i. did not reduce vernonia stand establishment. Seedhead shattering was observed to be a limitation in the evaluated vernonia germplasm. These results indicate that commercial vernonia production in Virginia and other areas in the mid-Atlantic region of United States may be feasible.

The US industry uses ≈18 million kg of high erucic acid oil annually, mostly from imports. Therefore, a large overall market potential exists for development of annually renewable domestic sources of erucic acid. The present research was conducted to characterize the winter hardy rapeseed germplasm for oil, erucic acid, and glucosinolate contents for use in breeding programs to develop commercial production of rapeseed. Significant variation existed among the 455 accessions of Brassica napus L. and the 44 accessions of Brassica rapa L. for oil, erucic acid, and glucosinolate contents. B. napus had significantly higher mean oil content in the seeds (37.4%) than the Brassica rapa (36.6%). The glucosinolate content was higher in napus than the rapa meal (49.2 vs. 43.8 μmol/g). The erucic acid content was higher in rapa (32.6%) than the napus accessions (26.1%). Within species, the correlation between oil and glucosinolate contents was significantly negative among the napus accessions (−0.14), but was significantly positive among rapa accessions (+0.39). The results indicate that plant material from either napus or rapa species could be used in breeding for increasing erucic acid content. Accessions with high, medium, and low contents of oil, erucic acid, and glucosinolate contents were identified.

In recent times, the use of sprouted seeds has become popular in human diets. Considerable information is available in the literature about various types of sprouts such as alfalfa, mungbean, and radish. However, information about canola (Brassica napus L.) sprouts, an oilseed crop that is receiving serious consideration as a source of domestic oil for human consumption, is lacking. We studied the composition traits of sprouts made from four canola cultivars (‘Banjo’, ‘KS8200’, ‘KS8227’, and ‘Virginia’) grown at three locations (Orange, Petersburg, and Suffolk) in Virginia for two crop seasons (2001 to 2002 and 2002 to 2003). Two 20-g seed samples (two replications) of each cultivar × location combination were sprouted for 6 d in the laboratory using tap water. Sprouting of canola seeds increased the weight 5.6 times over the original seed weight. Canola sprouts, on average, contained 27.3% oil, 25.1% protein, and 10.8% crude fiber on dry weight basis. Fresh yield of canola sprouts, from 20-g seed, averaged 111.1 g, whereas moisture content averaged 80.3%. Effects of cultivars on fresh sprout yield and moisture content were not significant. Locations where seeds were grown had significant effects on all traits of canola sprouts except for fresh sprout yield. Canola sprouts made from seed of ‘Virginia’ cultivar had the highest protein content (26.2%), whereas those made from seeds of ‘KS8227’ cultivar had the highest oil content (28.7%). Based on traits under study, canola sprouts compared well with alfalfa, brussel sprouts, mungbean, and radish sprouts for overall nutritional quality.

Currently, white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is gaining importance due to its high nitrogen fixation capability and potential in sustainable crop production systems. Even though research conducted in Australia, Chile, Germany, New Zealand, and Portugal has indicated lupin's positive potential as human and animal food, such information from Virginia and adjoining areas of the United States is not available. In addition, effects of growing environment and genotypes on lupin seed composition need to be characterized to evaluate lupin's potential as a food and feed crop. Towards this end, seed of 12 lupin genotypes produced in Maine (USA) and Virginia (USA) were compared to determine genotypic and environmental effects on contents of protein, sugar, oil, various fatty acids, amino acids, and minerals. The protein content of dry seed was not affected by growing environment. However, growing environment had significant effects on contents of total sugar, amino acids, oil, fatty acids, and minerals. Significant variation existed among 12 lupin genotypes for various traits when composition of seed produced in Virginia was evaluated. The results indicated that site-specific evaluation of adapted lupin genotypes for chemical composition should be included in efforts to evaluate lupin's overall potential as a food or feed crop.

The optimum nitrogen fertilizer rates for the production of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L. cv. Asian, C1410, and C18135) were investigated. Nitrogen applications in excess of 100 kg N/ha did not result in increased yields. The cultivar C1410 produced the highest foliar yield and Asian cultivar had the highest concentration of essential oils as compared with the other cultivars. Age of plants at harvest had a significant effect on yield with highest yield at 52 days after planting for a summer planting (June-September) and at 73 days after planting for a fall planting (August-November). The results indicated that cilantro can be produced in Virginia from April to August.

Information about oil and fatty acids in tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray) seed, a promising alternative crop for the mid-Atlantic region of U.S., is largely unknown. Such information is needed to assess the food and feed potentials of tepary bean seed. We determined the concentrations of oil and fatty acids in seed produced by eight tepary bean genotypes planted at three different dates each during 1997 and 1998 at Ettrick, Va. Tepary bean seeds contained 1.8% oil as compared to literature values of 1.3%, 1.1%, and 1.1% for navy, kidney, and pinto beans, respectively. Tepary bean seed oil contained 33% saturated, 67% unsaturated, 24% monounsaturated, and 42% polyunsaturated fatty acids. Planting dates and genotypes did not affect oil concentration. Neb-T-14 was identified to be a desirable genotype based on a low concentration of saturated and a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Based on concentrations of oil and fatty acids, tepary bean seeds compared well with those of navy, kidney, and pinto beans.

There is a lack of crop options for planting when summer crops, such as corn and soybean, fail due to drought during late summer period. This study evaluated the potential of using tepary bean as a short-duration forage crop when planted late during summer period. Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray), a short-duration, drought-tolerant, summer crop, is a potential candidate forage crop for this situation. A study with 31 tepary bean lines indicated that 59 days old crop can be harvested as forage with mean fresh and dry matter yields of 22.2 and 4.4 Mg.ha-1, respectively. Tepary bean forage contained 21.4 percent protein, 37.5 percent ADF, 41.1 percent NDF, 0.48 Mcal/pound NE, 60.8 percent TDN, and 1.12 percent fat. Mean values of P, K, S, Ca, Mg, and Na (% dry matter) in tepary bean forage were 0.28, 2.5, 0.28, 2.11, 0.54, and 0.05, respectively. Mean values of Fe, Al, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B (mg.kg-1) were 307, 229, 359, 9.3, 39.5, and 20.9, respectively. Tepary bean forage quality compared well with that of alfalfa hay, perennial peanut hay, and soybean forage. These results indicated that tepary bean has potential as a short-duration forage crop.

The oil and fatty acid profile of flax (Linum usitatissimum) sprouts and seed were compared to determine nutrition potential of sprouts. Equal quantities of seed from three flax cultivars (Rahab-94, Pembina and Linott) were sprouted twice in three replications and were analysed for oil and fatty acid contents during summer 2011. Three flax cultivars were observed with high oil content on dry weight basis in sprouts (15.9%) and seeds (33.99%). Significant variations (P 0.05) variation among three cultivars was observed. The percentage of PUFAs in cultivars Pembina and Linott was 68.7 and in Rahab-94 was 67.7. The percentage of linoleic acid (C18:2) was significantly high in sprouts (19.51%) compared to seed (17.7%). The percentage of linolenic acid (18:3) was high in seed (52.8%) compared to sprouts (48.8%). The ratio of PUFA/SFA in sprouts was high in Pembina (6.97%) and Linott (6.82%) compared to Rahab-94 (6.38%). The fatty acid profile was similar in all the three cultivars with significant (P