Journal of Agriculture and Food Research最新文献

The increasing the efficiency of phosphate and micronutrient fertilization in tropical soils should be better studied to close crop yield gaps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a soluble P source with or without humic acids (HA) and micronutrients (M) on P-availability and maize and soybean yield in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The crops were grown under a rainfed and no-till cropping system, with maize grown in the 2016/2017 rainy summer season, wheat grown as a cover crop in the 2017 winter season, and soybean grown in the 2017/2018 crop year. The field trial was organized in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement [4 sources of P in combination with 2 forms of M supply]. The coated monoammonium phosphate (MAP) P source was supplied in three ways: 1) MAP, 2) MAP + HA, and 3) MAP + HA + M (B, Cu, Mn, and Zn), plus a control for P (no P). The micronutrient supply was 1) Mn + Zn + Cu + B (MZCB) and 2) control for MZCB (no M supply). Coating MAP with HA increased soil P availability but did not increase P content within the soybean leaves. The multivariate approach also showed that soybean yield can increase in response to coating MAP with HA. The study showed that MAP + HA increased soil P content. However, this increase was diminished when micronutrients were included in the same granule (MAP + HA + M). However, P sources raised P in soybean leaves equally compared to control for P. Soybean yield was unaffected by the P source, likely due to adequate leaf P concentrations across all treatments. However, soybean yield generally increased with micronutrient supply. For maize, yields were unaffected by supplying micronutrients with the P source. Conversely, maize yields typically decreased with micronutrient supply, except when using the MAP + HA + M combination granule.

This study investigated the variability of antioxidant compounds and capacity of four wild edible fruits from Mozambique: Adansonia digitata (AD), Dialium schlechteri (DS), Garcinia livingstonei (GL), and Syzygium cordatum (SC), collected over three consecutive years from seven locations. Antioxidant compounds including total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and vitamin C, as well as the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by three methods (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Results in dry basis for TPC ranged from 42.8 ± 1.05 to 65.4 ± 0.51 mg GAE/g, TFC from 8.6 ± 0.03 to 66.7 ± 1.41 mg RE/g and, vitamin C from 1.7 ± 0.28 to 40.1 ± 0.35 mg/100 g. TAC-DPPH ranged from 53.5 ± 1.80 to 88.3 ± 0.29 μmol TE/g, TAC-ABTS from 52.8 ± 0.50 to 136.7 ± 0.97, μmol TE/g, and TAC-FRAP from 12.4 ± 0.79 to 75.0 ± 2.32 μmol TE/g. AD exhibited the highest TPC and vitamin C, indicating higher antioxidant capacity. Notably, yearly variations had a more pronounced impact on antioxidant compounds than locations. It was found a yearly variation of about 30 % for TFC in SC and vitamin C in AD. Despite these variations, these underutilized fruits hold potential nutritional and health benefits and can be used in food product development.

Agriculture is vital to Ethiopia's economy, yet postharvest losses persist, threatening food security and economic growth. The literature indicates that losses range from 15 to 45 %, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. Agro-processing offers a promising solution by adding value to raw products. This article examines Ethiopia's potential in agro-processing, aligning with existing agricultural policies. Techniques such as drying, canning, freezing, and packaging can optimize agricultural potential and minimize losses. Despite challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and limited financial resources, Ethiopia can leverage its market-oriented approach to establish integrated agro-processing systems. A holistic approach is necessary, requiring the Ethiopian government to develop an integrated policy framework with incentives for investment and technology adoption. Improving infrastructure, enforcing quality standards, and strengthening market linkages are essential. Climate-smart practices and information technologies can enhance long-term viability. Collaborative efforts can drive sustainable development and prosperity through agro-processing in Ethiopia.

The aim of this research was to show that the absorption of divalent cadmium ions (Cd²⁺) in Theobroma cacao L. seedlings can be controlled and adjusted by remediation with maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles (NPs), i.e., leading to the low tolerance limits established by the European Union (EU) in 2014 for Cd in products made from cocoa. The research had two stages; the first one involved the medium scale synthesis of 92 g of 15 nm γ-Fe₂O₃ NPs via room temperature chemical co-precipitation of ferrous salts and their characterizations using diverse physicochemical techniques. In the second stage, and for the first time, three doses of these γ-Fe₂O₃ NPs (1, 2, and 4 g) were applied to the substrate of cocoa seedlings of genotypes ICS 39, ICS 95, and CCN 51 for three months of exposure. A morphological analysis revealed non-significant toxic effects on the seedlings’ height, leaf area, and stem diameter among the genotypes and tested doses. The results of the atomic absorption analysis of the treatment with 4 g of γ-Fe₂O₃ NPs showed a concentration of 0.10 mg kg⁻¹ of Cd²⁺, a limit lower than the control and the recommended value by the 2014 EU regulation. Thus, the transport and/or absorption of the Cd²⁺ toxic metal were significantly inhibited, since up to 74 % of Cd²⁺ uptake in the genotype ICS 95 was experimentally observed. Also, the environmental Fe-dynamics in the seedlings and soils demonstrated no transport of γ-Fe₂O₃ NPs to the seedlings. Thus, the study found that the Cd²⁺ adsorption in remediated soil using γ-Fe₂O₃ NPs involves three steps: electrostatic exchange, Fe-oxide adsorption, and substrate-γ-Fe₂O₃ NPs complexation and precipitation.

Direct seeding mulch-based cropping system (DMC) is often touted for providing diverse ecosystem services, but its implementation may impose private costs that often limit its adoption by farmers. This study uses a contingent valuation method and a double hurdle model to estimate Quebec farmers' willingness to accept (WTA) compensation for adopting DMC and to analyze the underlying factors associated with WTA. Results show that farmers would demand, on average, 161 Canadian dollars per hectare as compensation for adopting DMC. Our results also indicate that farmers are willing to convert only 25.5 % of their farm size to DMC. While the adoption of DMC is positively influenced by the ease of implementation and farmers’ perception of DMC yield, the WTA for adopting DMC increases with the perceived risk and yield, as well as farm size. Conversely, it decreases with the age of farmers and if the farmers know a DMC producer. The findings of the study suggest that compensating farmers for adopting DMC is encouraging, but compensation alone may not be sufficient to induce the conversion of entire farms to DMC. The study, therefore, calls for further research to investigate why farmers are willing to convert only a quarter of their farms to DMC.

Pectin derived from mango peel biomass offers a noteworthy alternative to starch in food products, potentially assisting in controlling hyperglycaemia by impacting starch digestion. Consequently, this study evaluates the potential of Mahachanok mango peel (MHMP) pectin in glycaemic index (GI) reduction of meat products using simulated in vitro carbohydrate digestion. The physicochemical characteristics of MHMP pectin (MHMPP) were assessed using both FTIR and titration techniques, with microarray polymer profiling employed to analyse the glycan profile. In vitro simulations of carbohydrate digestion were carried out to assess its efficacy. Additionally, meatballs fortified with MHMPP were formulated, and the glycaemic index of the resultant products was ascertained. Microarray polymer profiling revealed distinct glycans in different fractions, including galactose, xyloglucan, and glycoprotein. Microwave extraction of pectin yielded 19.04 % MHMPP content with specific characteristics: L* (58.04), a* (12.80), b* (23.50), 6.81 % moisture content, and 78.63 % solubility. The degree of esterification at 55.73 %, an equivalent weight of 789.26 mg/moL, and a methoxyl content of 8.39 %, evidently identified MHMPP as high-methoxyl pectin. In a simulated system of MHMPP, content correlates with reduced digestion, supported by lowered values across the hydrolysis index (HI), rapidly available glucose (RAG), slowly available glucose (SAG), and expected glycaemic index (eGI). Higher MHMPP levels consistently exhibit a decreased impact on these digestive factors. In a simulated meat product system, increased MHMPP content corresponded to slower digestion rates, indicating its potential to retard digestion, as supported by HI, RAG, SAG, and eGI. The supplementation of 25 % pectin to meatballs is the most successful treatment, as it results in eGI, RAG, and SAG values of 8.71 (mg/g_sample), 6.65 (mg/g_sample), and 1.85 (mg/g_sample), respectively. This study highlights the advantage of MHMP-derived dietary fibre in product development from industrial byproducts, aligning with sustainable development goals by reducing reliance on non-renewable materials.

Indigenous taro is a notable carbohydrate-rich food ingredient with significant dietary fiber. However, its natural itchiness has limited its widespread use. A new non-itchy variant, Febi521, was developed through in-vitro soma-clonal induction. This study aimed to create a high-fiber snack, specifically egg-roll cookies, using non-itchy taro (Colocasia esculenta var. Febi521). The cookies underwent comprehensive evaluation for their physical, chemical, and nutritional characteristics, including polyphenol content, glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL). By fully substituting taro Febi521 flour in the recipe, we produced egg-roll cookies that were sensorially preferred, high in fiber (19.2 % wet basis), and had a low GI (39) and low GL (3). This formulation also met nutritional requirements for claims related to total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Substituting taro flour increased fiber content threefold compared to wheat flour-based egg-roll cookies. This research highlights the potential of indigenous taro for diverse product development aimed at enhancing fiber intake among the population.

Thua nao, a traditional fermented soybean product in Thailand, is widely consumed as a plant-based food or a condiment due to its distinct flavor, taste, and nutritional benefits. In this research, thua nao samples were produced from black soybeans. After fermentation, various drying methods, including sun drying (SUN), hot air drying (HOT), microwave vacuum drying (MIC), and vacuum drying (VAC) were employed to produce dried thua nao. The dried samples were stored under ambient conditions for 8 months. Results revealed lipid oxidation and the Maillard reaction occurred during storage, leading to a decline in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities. Volatile aroma compounds were analyzed using solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, while principal component analysis (PCA) evaluated aroma profile changes during storage. PCA indicated that HOT, MIC, and VAC -treated samples remained stable for up to 4 months, while SUN-treated samples changed after 2 months. It was found that SUN treatment prominently promoted the formation of oxidized volatile compounds associated with fatty-waxy and green attributes. The HOT treatment contributed more to aroma volatile compounds associated with nutty-roasted, floral, woody-smoky, and sweet attributes. While, both MIC and VAC treatments showed a noticeable loss of aroma volatile compounds, they retained higher level of bioactive compounds compared to the other treatments. This information aids in selecting suitable drying techniques for thua nao products and enhances understanding of chemical transformations induced by drying.

Blueberries, which belong to the Vaccinium spp. Genus, have attracted considerable interest because of their abundant phytochemical composition and potential for medicinal uses. The present study examines the many phytochemicals found in blueberries, such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and stilbenes, as well as their biological activities contributing to the health benefits of blueberries. Anthocyanins, the primary pigments that give blueberries their unique color, are renowned for their powerful antioxidant capabilities. These substances counteract oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, decreasing the likelihood of developing chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurological disorders. Furthermore, the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids in blueberries contributes to their ability to reduce inflammation, prevent cancer, and protect the brain, improving their potential for therapeutic use. This study delves into the bioavailability and metabolism of these phytochemicals, specifically examining the impact of factors like food composition, gut microorganisms, and individual metabolic variations on their effectiveness. Both clinical and preclinical studies provide strong evidence for the beneficial effects of blueberries on multiple health factors, such as enhanced cognitive function, lowered blood pressure, and improved insulin sensitivity. These findings suggest that blueberries may play a significant role in managing conditions like Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Moreover, this study examines the synergistic impacts of blueberry phytochemicals, suggesting that the health advantages of blueberries arise not alone from individual substances but also from their collective interactions. Proposed future study areas include the advancement of functional foods and nutraceuticals derived from blueberries, as well as the need for standardized clinical studies to determine appropriate dose guidelines and ensure long-term safety. Overall, the significant variety of phytochemicals in blueberries and their potential for therapeutic use make them a promising functional food. Further research into these substances' mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses will clarify their function in enhancing human health and avoiding illness.