Legume Science最新文献

Lupine, an underutilized legume with high protein content, offers a promising plant-based protein source for functional foods. This study evaluated four lupine genotypes to determine how extraction pH (EpH) and isoelectric precipitation pH (IEPpH) influence the techno-functional and thermal properties of lupine protein isolates (LPIs) using response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD). LPIs exhibited genotype-dependent functional behavior: Vitabor showed the highest solubility (95.9%–95.7%) at pH 7–9 and superior foaming capacity (240%) with stability of 89.2%; the local genotype excelled in emulsifying capacity (50%) and gelation (8%), and Probor had the highest oil holding capacity (2.96 g/g). Thermal analysis revealed Sanabor possessed the highest enthalpy (ΔH = 87.36 J/g) and broad denaturation range (T_d = 82.5°C, T_e = 122.8°C), indicating robust structural integrity, while the local genotype showed comparable thermal stability. Optimal EpH and IEPpH were genotype-specific, reflecting inherent compositional differences affecting protein functionality and thermal behavior. Based on their distinct profiles, LPIs from Local are suitable for dairy alternatives and meat analogues, Vitabor for protein-enriched beverages, and Probor and Sanabor for sauces, spreads, and heat-processed foods. These findings demonstrate lupine's versatility as a functional plant protein and provide mechanistic insight into how genotype and extraction conditions govern structural and functional performance. Future studies should investigate protein digestibility, bioactive peptide formation, and application in real food and industrial systems to fully harness the nutritional and functional potential of LPIs.

The study aimed to optimize the rate of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) fertilization in dryland chickpea. A 2-year study was conducted to analyze the chickpea responses to N (0, 25, and 50 kg ha⁻¹), P₂O₅ (0, 30, and 60 kg ha⁻¹), and Zn (0, 10, and 20 kg ha⁻¹) using the response surface methodology (RSM) technique. The optimization of fertilizer application was conducted using three approaches: economic, environmental, and economic-environmental (integrated). There was more and better-distributed precipitation in the first year compared to the second year. Increasing the N rate in the first year improved seed yield and increased the content of protein, phosphorus, and zinc in seeds, while the crop's response to N in the second year was lower. Phosphorus improved seed yield in the first year but had no effect on it in the second year. Zn positively affected seed yield in both years. Comparing the optimization methods indicated that the integrated approach was most successful. This approach decreased fertilizer usage significantly compared to the economic approach and resulted in higher seed yield than the environmental approach. According to the integrated approach, the optimal amounts of N, P₂O₅, and Zn to be used were 26, 16, and 8 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, in the high rainfall year, and 13, 0, and 4 kg ha⁻¹ in the low rainfall year. The findings indicated that by incorporating economic and environmental considerations, a low-input fertilization strategy could be implemented to achieve satisfactory yields in chickpea dryland farming.

Aphanomyces root rot (ARR) incidence and prevalence are increasing throughout pea-growing regions worldwide, highlighting the need for effective management strategies to safeguard yields. Understanding pea defense against ARR is essential for developing resistant cultivars. To decipher defense mechanisms, a comprehensive transcriptional study was conducted using RNA-seq from roots of partially resistant (PR, PI 660736, PI 660729, PI 557550 and 5001) and a susceptible (S, CDC Meadow) pea genotype at various time points (2, 6, 12, and 24 h post-pathogen inoculation [hpi]). We found significant differences in metabolic pathway enrichment between the PR and S genotypes, with notable distinctions at 6 and 24 hpi. At 6 hpi, ethylene-activated signaling and phosphorylation pathways were enriched across all PR genotypes, whereas response to abscisic acid and response to stress were enriched only in the S genotype. By 24 hpi, PR genotypes demonstrated upregulation of processes related to regulation of DNA-templated transcription, and RNA biosynthetic and metabolic processes, while the processes linked to shift in photosynthesis and energy reallocation were associated with the S genotype. The PR genotypes also exhibited upregulation of critical defense signaling genes, including WRKY transcription factors, ethylene response factors, MAPKs, and JAZ proteins, which remained unchanged in the S genotype. RNA-seq and targeted metabolomics revealed the upregulation of pisatin (a phytoalexin) biosynthesis genes and the accumulation of pisatin in the PR genotypes. Our results suggest that partial resistance is controlled by the jasmonic acid and ethylene-related signaling pathways, reactive oxygen species, and ubiquitin-related proteins which modulate transcription factor activity and initiate wholescale changes in transcription, leading to activated phenylpropanoid and ultimately pisatin biosynthesis. These findings provide novel insights into pea partial resistance to Aphanomyces euteiches, paving the groundwork for resistance breeding and alternative strategies to mitigate the impact of ARR.

Regional differences in soybean seed protein and amino acid content in Canada present significant challenges for crop improvement and the market value of high-protein livestock feed. This study employed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using a novel panel of 206 cultivars to investigate the genetic basis of regional variations. Field trials were conducted across six site years in Eastern and Western Canada in 2021 and 2022. Phenotypic analysis revealed lower protein and amino acid content in Western regions, with an average decrease of 0.9% in protein compared with Eastern regions. Using 31,362 SNPs, we identified 370 significant marker trait associations (MTAs), consolidated into 175 quantitative trait loci (QTL), 27 of which are novel. Differences in reporting methodology for amino acid content, whether on a dry matter or protein basis, resulted in different results in phenotypic correlation and detected MTAs. Gene ontology analysis of novel QTL revealed pathways related to amino acid metabolism, cold stress response, and auxin biosynthesis. Previously reported QTL on Chromosomes 14, 15, and 20 were validated through detection in this panel. Stable critical amino acid values (CAAVs) across regions and only one detected MTA suggest that an amino acid–specific and not CAAV-targeted approach should be used in breeding strategies. The novel association panel assembled here will be a resource for crop improvement efforts. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic architecture of regional protein and amino acid variation in Canadian soybean and identifies promising targets for breeding programs aimed at improving seed protein content and amino acid profiles in specific growing regions.

Legumes are staple foods and essential sources of nutrients for populations facing food insecurity in Africa. Within this group, the genus Vigna—including cowpea (Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata)—is among the most widely cultivated and consumed. Yet, despite their potential as both food sources and reservoirs of genetic diversity, wild Vigna remain underexplored. This study integrates existing knowledge with new data on the diversity, nutritional value and bioactive properties of wild edible Vigna taxa in Africa. We document 34 taxa traditionally consumed across the continent, characterised by high protein levels, low fat content and appreciable supplies of essential amino acids, starch, fatty acids, minerals and bioactive compounds. Among them, V. frutescens, V. luteola, V. unguiculata subsp. dekindtiana and V. vexillata emerge as particularly nutrient-rich and agronomically resilient, making them promising candidates for domestication and breeding. Although antinutritional factors may hinder nutrient absorption, processing and selective breeding offer pathways to enhance their value. These findings position wild Vigna as a promising resource for improving food security, nutrition and sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture in Africa.

This study characterised the volatile compounds in flatbreads prepared from red non-tannin sorghum flour, cassava starch, whole and dehulled red and white cowpea flours and composite flours (30% cowpea flour and varying combinations of cassava starch and sorghum flour). Compounds were extracted using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and determined by GC-TOF-HRMS. A wheat flatbread was used as the standard. Compounds that were correlated with aroma and flavour attributes were identified. Volatile compound classes included hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alcohols, acids, esters, ketones, benzene derivatives, sulphur- and nitrogen-containing compounds, terpenes and terpenoids. Adding sorghum flour to the composite reduced the generation of aldehydes and contributed 2-methoxyphenol and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol to the flatbreads. The cassava starch presented acetic acid and aldehydes, which contributed to the fermented and green aroma of cassava–cowpea composite-flour flatbreads. The cowpea variety influenced the volatile profile of flatbread. The red cowpea flatbreads had more 1-octen-3-ol, phenylethyl alcohol and decane, different from the white cowpea flatbreads. Soaking and dehulling the cowpeas reduced flour hexanal levels while increasing 1-hexanol and 1-octen-3-ol in derived flatbreads. Cowpea flatbreads were characterised by pyrazines, with higher levels contributed by dehulled flour. The main compounds responsible for beany flavour were dimethyl trisulphide, hexanal, nonanal, 1-octen-3-ol, 2-pentylfuran, heptanal and 1-(2-furanyl)-2-butanone. Characterising the aroma compounds of flatbreads prepared from sorghum, cassava and cowpea flours offers valuable insights that manufacturers can apply to improve the sensory quality of bread products made from these flours to meet specific consumer demands and preferences and diversify bread flour options.

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a climate-smart legume crop widely grown in Ethiopia, well-known for its resilience to abiotic stresses, and serves as an insurance crop. Despite its ecological and agronomic benefits, the crop's market supply remains underexplored from both economic and sustainability perspectives. This study examines the determinants of grass pea market supply and its broader implications for ecological resilience and smallholder sustainability. Two hundred fifty grass pea producers were selected using a two-stage random sampling technique. Data on household characteristics, multi-year yields, income recall, follow-up crop yields, and perception-based Likert-scale responses were collected through structured questionnaires. The Box-Cox regression model was employed to analyze determinants of grass pea market supply. Results indicate that farm experience, land size, yield, credit access, and livestock ownership significantly enhance market supply, whereas distance to the market negatively affects participation. Moreover, t/χ² test results show that farmers with higher market supply levels reported greater adoption of sustainable practices, higher follow-up crop yields, and stronger agreement on the grass pea's ecological benefits. Based on the findings, this study recommends that policy initiatives should focus on increasing smallholders' access to reasonably priced credit, enhancing rural transportation and market linkages to lower transaction costs, and providing focused training on soil fertility and market-oriented production, particularly for subsistence farmers. These initiatives will promote sustainable agricultural systems and economic growth if they are incorporated into local extension programs and aligned with Ethiopia's Climate-Smart Agriculture policies.

Sub-Saharan Africa faces intersecting challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition and climate variability, exacerbated by the predominance of rainfed agriculture and limited input use. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) offers a framework to address these issues through increased productivity, enhanced resilience and reduced environmental impact. Underutilised legumes such as Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea), tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) present untapped opportunities for advancing CSA objectives. This review synthesises current knowledge on their physiological and agronomic traits such as drought tolerance, nitrogen fixation, short growth cycles and seed priming responses that support climate adaptation in dryland systems. Despite their potential, these legumes remain marginal in formal seed systems, research investment and public policy. Key gaps include limited field-based evaluations, underdeveloped seed and market systems and weak institutional support. The review suggests a whole-of-system approach linking research, extension and policy to scale these crops as strategic assets for resilient, inclusive and nutrition-sensitive food systems in sub-Saharan Africa.

This study reports the purification and characterization of protease inhibitors (PIs) from three Egyptian legumes: soybean (Glycine max), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), and chickpea (Cicer arietinum). Their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities were also assessed. PIs were extracted using different buffers: 0.02 M HCl yielded the highest activity for soybean and cowpea, while 0.3 M NaCl was optimal for chickpea. Ammonium sulfate precipitation at 0%–90% saturation was best for soybean and chickpea, whereas 0%–60% was most effective for cowpea. Purification via DEAE-Sepharose showed that 0.25 M NaCl fractions had the highest total and specific activity across all legumes. Sephadex G-50 further enhanced specific PIs activity. Electrophoresis revealed bands at 25 kDa (soybean), 45 kDa (cowpea), and 35 kDa (chickpea). PIs showed variable cytotoxicity depending on legume, lyophilization, cell line, and exposure time. Lyophilized soybean PIs significantly reduced human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell viability after 48 h, while nonlyophilized chickpea PIs also affected HepG2. Cowpea PIs notably induced human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cell death at higher concentrations; instead, human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells were generally less sensitive, except at high cowpea PI doses. All lyophilized PIs inhibited Bacillus subtilis but were inactive against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas stutzeri.

Dry pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a cold-season food legume widely used as a source of plant-based protein. Improving flavor-related traits through conventional plant breeding, rather than food additives, is vital to creating desired outcomes for consumers. This study aimed to identify precursor molecules associated with flavors in organically grown dry pea. The experiment was conducted with 44 genotypes (25 dry pea cultivars and 19 dry pea breeding lines) in a randomized complete block design in two locations with two replicates per location (n = 176). Unsaturated fatty acid esters, organic acids, terpenoids, and phytosterols were identified. Among unsaturated fatty acid esters, linoleic acid esters had the highest concentration (1518.52 ± 59.4 mg/100 g) while linolenic acid esters had the lowest (295.58 ± 9.20 mg/100 g). Citric acid (27.58 ± 2.60 mg/100 g) was the most abundant organic acid in dry pea. Concentrations of phytosterols (γ-sitosterol: 4.25 ± 0.06 mg/100 g and stigmasterol: 1.07 ± 0.004 mg/100 g) were higher than those of terpenoids (β-amyrin: 0.65 ± 0.011 mg/100 g and γ-tocopherol: 0.56 ± 0.01 mg/100 g). Of the identified traits, tartaric acid, citric acid, β-amyrin and γ-sitosterol demonstrated significant genotype effects at p < 0.05 and p < 0.001. The remainder of the traits evaluated did not significantly vary with genotype, environment, or genotype by environment effects. Identification of these flavor-related precursors provides foundational insights for targeted breeding approaches aimed at improving the flavor towards consumer acceptance of dry pea.