Seven newly bred and three established varieties of mung bean were analysed for proximate composition, minerals, anti-nutrients and in vitro mineral accessibility. They contained 18–23 g protein, 4.0–5.6 g crude fibre and 2.5–4.1 g ash per 100 g dry sample. Iron, zinc, calcium, sodium and potassium ranged from 3.4 to 4.6, 1.2 to 2.3, 79 to 115, 8.1 to 13.5 and 362 to 415 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively. Phytic acid and polyphenols averaged 769 and 325 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively. Varieties differed significantly in terms of nutrient and anti-nutrient contents. Phytic acid and polyphenols were negatively correlated with in vitro mineral accessibility and nutrient digestibility. Protein and starch digestibility ranged from 53 to 67 g/100 g dry weight and 20 to 29 mg maltose released/g dry weight, respectively. Average molar ratios of phytic acid to iron and zinc were 16.8 and 52.7, respectively. Differences in in vitro iron and zinc accessibility could not be explained by phytic acid to calcium nor magnesium molar ratios. However, the phytic acid amount in mung beans suffices to bind all minerals into indigestible complexes. The newly bred varieties have better agronomic yields but no better nutritional potential than the established varieties tested.

Seven newly bred and three established varieties of mung bean were analysed for proximate composition, minerals, anti-nutrients and in vitro mineral accessibility. They contained 18–23 g protein, 4.0–5.6 g crude fibre and 2.5–4.1 g ash per 100 g dry sample. Iron, zinc, calcium, sodium and potassium ranged from 3.4 to 4.6, 1.2 to 2.3, 79 to 115, 8.1 to 13.5 and 362 to 415 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively. Phytic acid and polyphenols averaged 769 and 325 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively. Varieties differed significantly in terms of nutrient and anti-nutrient contents. Phytic acid and polyphenols were negatively correlated with in vitro mineral accessibility and nutrient digestibility. Protein and starch digestibility ranged from 53 to 67 g/100 g dry weight and 20 to 29 mg maltose released/g dry weight, respectively. Average molar ratios of phytic acid to iron and zinc were 16.8 and 52.7, respectively. Differences in in vitro iron and zinc accessibility could not be explained by phytic acid to calcium nor magnesium molar ratios. However, the phytic acid amount in mung beans suffices to bind all minerals into indigestible complexes. The newly bred varieties have better agronomic yields but no better nutritional potential than the established varieties tested.

The natural variability in nutrient composition among and within commercially important California almond varieties was investigated in a multi-year study. Seven major almond varieties (Butte, Carmel, Fritz, Mission, Monterey, Nonpareil and Sonora) were collected over three separate harvests and from various orchards in the north, central and south growing regions in California. Comprehensive nutritional analysis (20 macronutrients and micronutrients, 3 phytosterols) of 39 almond samples was carried out by accredited commercial laboratories. The macronutrient and micronutrient profiles obtained were notably similar for all the almond varieties in this study. The three-year mean contents of protein, total lipid, fatty acids (saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) and dietary fiber for these major varieties varied by no more than 1.2-fold. For individual nutrients, statistically significant variety, year and/or growing region effects were observed, which contributed to the natural variability in nutrient composition of the California almonds among and within varieties. Harvest year had a highly significant effect (P<0.01) on the contents of total lipid, monounsaturated fatty acids and dietary fiber. Growing region had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the content of ash and all minerals tested.

A field experiment was conducted at Dryland Agriculture Project, Bangalore to study the impact of graded levels of nutrients on yield, yield attributes, nutrient uptake and economic returns of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajana (L.) Millsp.] varieties during Kharif 2006 and 2007. In all fifteen nutrient levels were tested on ‘TTB-7’ and ‘BRG-2’ pigeonpea varieties. The treatment combinations were derived from four levels of N (0, 25, 37.5 and 50 kg/ha), four levels of P₂O₅ (0, 50, 75 and 100 kg/ha), four levels of K₂O (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg/ha) along with zinc (Zn) in the form of zinc sulphate (0 and 12.5 kg/ha) and sulphur (S) (0 and 10 kg/ha) as elemental sulphur. The results revealed significant increase in grain (1759 kg/ha) and stalk yield (6004 kg/ha) of pigeonpea with application of 50, 100 and 75 kg N, P₂O₅ and K₂O/ha along with common dose of Zn and S. The increase in grain yield was due to improvement in number of pods/plant, test weight and grain yield/plant. The nutrient uptake by grain and stalk was significantly higher with 50, 100 and 75 kg N, P₂O₅ and K₂O/ha along with Zn and S as compared to no application of respective nutrient. Higher yield potential of pigeonpea resulted in higher net income (25,518/ha) and B:C ratio (3.21) than other treatment combinations. Graded levels of nutrients for short duration dwarf varieties of pigeonpea can enhance yield, nutrient uptake and economic returns in Alfisols of Karnataka.

Some Swedish spring wheat varieties have recently been shown to carry a rare wildtype (wt) allele of the geneNAM-B1, known to affect leaf senescence and nutrient retranslocation to the grain. The wt allele is believed to increase grain protein concentration and has attracted interest from breeders since it could contribute to higher grain quality and more nitrogen-efficient varieties. This study investigated whether Swedish varieties with the wt allele differ from varieties with one of the more common, non-functional alleles in order to examine the effect of the gene in a wide genetic background, and possibly explain why the allele has been retained in Swedish varieties. Forty varieties of spring wheat differing in NAM-B1 allele type were cultivated under controlled conditions. Senescence was monitored and grains were harvested and analyzed for mineral nutrient concentration. Varieties with the wt allele reached anthesis earlier and completed senescence faster than varieties with the non-functional allele. The wt varieties also had more ears, lighter grains and higher yields of P and K. Contrary to previous information on effects of the wt allele, our wt varieties did not have increased grain N concentration orgrain N yield. In addition, temporal studies showed that straw length has decreased but grain N yield has remainedunaffected over a century of Swedish spring wheat breeding. The faster development of wt varieties supports the hypothesis of NAM-B1 being preserved in Fennoscandia, with its short growing season, because of accelerated development conferred by the NAM-B1 wt allele. Although the possible effects of other gene actions were impossible todistinguish, the genetic resource of Fennoscandian spring wheats with the wt NAM-B1 allele is interesting to investigate further for breeding purposes.

To our knowledge, no previous research exists concerning the molecular structure and metabolic characteristics of the proteins and energy that new cool-season corn varieties provide for dairy cattle. The objectives of this study were to identify the differences in the molecular structures of proteins among several new cool-season corn varieties [Pioneer P7443R, Pioneer P7213R, Pioneer P7535R (Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., Johnston, IA), Hyland Baxxos RR, Hyland SR22, and Hyland SR06 (Hyland Seeds, Blenheim, ON, Canada)] using Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FT/IR-ATR) molecular spectroscopy, and to determine the nutrient profile and supply that each variety provided for dairy cattle. The protein molecular structure studies showed that the amide I to amide II ratio ranged from 1.09 to 1.66 and that the α-helix to β-sheet ratio ranged from 0.95 to 1.01 among the new cool-season corn varieties. Energy content was significantly different among the new varieties. We found significant differences in the protein and carbohydrate subfractions and in the ruminal degradation kinetics of the organic matter, crude protein, starch, and neutral detergent fiber of the new varieties. The new varieties had similar estimated intestinal digestibilities for rumen undegraded crude protein. However, the new varieties had significant differences in predicted total truly absorbable protein, ranging from 39 to 57g/kg of dry matter, indicating that these newly developed varieties are satisfactory sources of truly absorbed protein for dairy cattle. Further study on the molecular structure profiles of cool-season corn in relation to its nutrient utilization and availability in dairy cattle is necessary.

A field experiment was conducted at Bichpuri, Agra in Uttar Pradesh during kharif 2009 and 2010 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield, nutrients uptake, economics and energy efficiency of three soybean {Glycine max (L.) Merril} varieties ‘JS93 05’, ‘PK 472’ and ‘NRC 37’ in relation to six nutrient management options (F₀: control, F₁: 15–13.1–16.6; F₂: 30–26.2–33.2; F₃: 60–26.2–33.2 NPK kg/ha, F₄: 15–13.1–16.6 kg NPK/ha + 2.5 t/ha poultry manure, F₅: 15–13.1–16.6 kg NPK/ha + 5 t/ha poultry manure). Results indicated that over the years and varieties, growth parameters, yield traits, seed and stover yields and energy output or total energy were maximum with 15–13.1–16.6 kg NPK/ha + 5 t/ha poultry manure. Economic efficiency, net returns and B:C ratio was the highest with 60–26, 2–33.2 kg NPK/ha. Across years and nutrient management treatments, cultivar ‘JS93-05’ recorded higher dry matter/plant, pods/plant, seed weight/plant and seed and stover yields. Highest values of all economic parameters were also the highest for ‘JS 93–05’ and lowest with variety ‘PK 472’. Energy output was also highest for variety ‘JS 93–05’ (9,90,000 MJ/ha) with lowest energy intensiveness (2.96 MJ/). With balanced and integrated nutrient soybean recorded significantly higher uptake of N and P. Across the years and varieties, maximum N and P uptake was recorded with 15–13.1–16.6 kg NPK/ha + 5 t/ha poultry manure both in seed and stover. Over nutrient management options, maximum N and P uptake was recorded in variety ‘JS 93–05’.

Iron chlorosis induced by bicarbonate is very common in calcareous soils, where bicarbonate (HCO3-) ions are present at high concentrations. In this study, morpho-physiological and biochemical responses of two Lactuca sativa varieties (Romaine and Vista) to bicarbonate induced iron deficiency were investigated. The culture was conducted on nutrient solution containing 5 µM Fe and 10 mM NaHCO3, in a growth chamber with controlled conditions. After 14 days of bicarbonate treatment, the two varieties seedling showed a slight yellowing of young leaves associated with a significant decline of plant biomass, leaf number and area. Furthermore, the concentrations of the nutrient elements (potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium) in leaves and roots of two lettuce varieties were modified. In roots of bicarbonate treated plants, the Fe-chelate reductase activity was increased as compared to control in both varieties. PEPC activity was enhanced only in Vista variety. Moreover, Fe deficiency induced a small change in the photosynthetic parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence, especially in Romaine variety. These changes are accompanied by decreases in ribulose 1.5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity. These findings indicated that Vista variety could survive at low iron supply.

Among cereals, durum wheat has a central role in the Italian diet and economy, where there is a historical tradition of pasta making. In the present study, we evaluated the nutrient and nutraceutical properties of 2 old and 6 modern durum wheat varieties grown under low input agricultural management. Considering the lack of available data on the adaptability of existing durum wheat varieties to the low input and organic sectors, the research aimed at providing a complete description of the investigated genotypes, considering the agronomic performance as well as the nutrient and phytochemical composition. The experimental trials were carried out at the same location (Bologna, Northern Italy) for two consecutive growing seasons (2006/2007, 2007/2008). No clear distinction between old and modern varieties was observed in terms of grain yield (mean values ranging from 2.5 to 4.0 t/ha), highlighting that the divergence in productivity, normally found between dwarf and non-dwarf genotypes, is strongly reduced when they are cropped under low input management. All durum wheat varieties presented high protein levels and, in addition, provided remarkable amounts of phytochemicals such as dietary fibre, polyphenols, flavonoids and carotenoids. Some of the investigated genotypes, such as Senatore Cappelli, Solex, Svevo and Orobel, emerged with intriguing nutritional and phytochemical profiles, with the highest levels of dietary fibre and antioxidant compounds. The study provided the basis for further investigations into the adaptability of the durum wheat genotypes to low input management, for the selection of genotypes characterised by higher yield and valuable nutrient and nutraceutical quality.

Iron chlorosis induced by bicarbonate is very common in calcareous soils, where bicarbonate (HCO3-) ions are present at high concentrations. In this study, morpho-physiological and biochemical responses of two Lactuca sativa varieties (Romaine and Vista) to bicarbonate induced iron deficiency were investigated. The culture was conducted on nutrient solution containing 5 µM Fe and 10 mM NaHCO3, in a growth chamber with controlled conditions. After 14 days of bicarbonate treatment, the two varieties seedling showed a slight yellowing of young leaves associated with a significant decline of plant biomass, leaf number and area. Furthermore, the concentrations of the nutrient elements (potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium) in leaves and roots of two lettuce varieties were modified. In roots of bicarbonate treated plants, the Fe-chelate reductase activity was increased as compared to control in both varieties. PEPC activity was enhanced only in Vista variety. Moreover, Fe deficiency induced a small change in the photosynthetic parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence, especially in Romaine variety. These changes are accompanied by decreases in ribulose 1.5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity. These findings indicated that Vista variety could survive at low iron supply.