Quantification of Mineral Composition and Total Protein Content in Sorghum [ (L.) Moench] Genotypes

Sorghum is a drought tolerant cereal and staple food which is a dietary source of protein and more than 20 minerals. The concentration of the mineral elements and protein content in sorghum varies due to genotypic and environmental influences and genotype by environment interactions. The objective of this study was to determine the contents of eight mineral elements (Ca, Fe, K, Mn, Na, P, Zn and Mg) and protein in sorghum genotypes. The analysis of variance showed significant differences in mineral and protein contents. There was a significant relationship between Zn and Fe and between protein and P and Zn. The principal component (PC) analysis showed that Fe, Mn, P, Zn and protein contributed largely to clustering of the genotypes in PC1; Ca, P and Mg to PC2 and Ca, K and Na to PC3. The presence of a considerable amount of compositional variability of mineral and protein contents among tested genotypes suggests that they can be a valuable source of genes for nutritional quality improvement of sorghum

Enhancement of the functional, pasting and textural properties of poundo yam flour through cassava flour supplementation

In this study, poundo yam flour was supplemented with cassava flour (5, 15, 30 and 50%) and the functionality of the flour and quality of the cooked dough were determined. The composite flours and yam flour (approx. 56%) were more dispersible than the cassava flour (approx. 50%). Cassava flour addition significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the lightness of poundo yam flour (75.65–84.67) and the ability of the flours to absorb water, but the lightness values (61.60–64.79) of the cooked dough did not change significantly (p > 0.05). Samples with cassava flour were firmer (7.56–22.87 N), stickier (2.51–5.92 Ns) and gummier (2.57–5.48 N) than the control dough. Sensory ratings were similar across the cooked poundo yam samples. This study demonstrated that cassava flour can be used to supplement yam flour for poundo yam flour production

A chromosome-level Amaranthus cruentus genome assembly highlights gene family evolution and biosynthetic gene clusters that may underpin the nutritional value of this traditional crop

Traditional crops historically provided accessible and affordable nutrition to millions of rural dwellers but have been neglected, with most modern agricultural systems over reliant on a small number of internationally-traded crops. Traditional crops are typically well-adapted to local agro-ecological conditions and many are nutrient-dense. They can play a vital role in local food systems through enhanced nutrition (especially where diets are dominated by starch crops), food security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers, and a climate-resilient and biodiverse agriculture. Using short-read, long-read and phased sequencing technologies we generated a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly for Amaranthus cruentus, an under-researched crop with micronutrient- and protein-rich leaves and gluten-free seed, but lacking improved varieties, with respect to productivity and quality traits. The 370.9 MB genome demonstrates a shared whole genome duplication with a related species, Amaranthus hypochondriacus. Comparative genome analysis indicates chromosomal loss and fusion events following genome duplication that are common to both species, as well as fission of chromosome 2 in A. cruentus alone, giving rise to a haploid chromosome number of 17 (versus 16 in A. hypochondriacus). Genomic features potentially underlying the nutritional value of this crop include two A. cruentus-specific genes with a likely role in phytic acid synthesis (an anti-nutrient), expansion of ion transporter gene families, and identification of biosynthetic gene clusters conserved within the amaranth lineage. The A. cruentus genome assembly will underpin much-needed research and global breeding efforts to develop improved varieties for economically viable cultivation and realisation of the benefits to global nutrition security and agrobiodiversity

Selection of cowpea genotypes based on grain mineral and total protein content

Grain legumes, including cowpea, are the cheapest sources of minerals and protein to enhance human nutrition. Cultivar development and deployment of cowpea with increased grain mineral content and protein composition rely on selection of genetically unique and complementary breeding lines. The objective of this study was to assess the grain minerals and protein composition of diverse cowpea collections of eastern, southern and western Africa to select promising parents to develop a breeding population. Twenty-two genetically diverse cowpea genotypes were field evaluated using a randomised complete block design with three replications in two locations in South Africa. The dried grain mineral contents were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometre, while the protein content was determined by the combustion method. Analyses of variance showed significant (P < 0.05) effects of genotypes, locations and their interactions. The test genotypes showed considerable variation for the following nine mineral contents: calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) varying from 0.07 to 0.12 mg kg−1; 4.46 to 7.81 mg kg−1; 0.06 to 0.11 g; 11.82 to 14.45 g; 1.86 to 2.27 g; 9.24 to 13.30 mg kg−1; 0.26 to 0.80 g; 4.63 to 5.92 g and 0.03.00 to 0.05 g, respectively. Further, the total protein content varied from 23.16 to 28.13%. Significant correlations were detected among some mineral elements and total protein content, suggesting the possibility of simultaneous selection for these traits. The principal component analysis (PCA) identified four principal components (PCs) contributing to 70.93% of the total explained variation amongst genotypes. Overall the following genotypes with desirable grain mineral and protein attributes were selected: IT90K-59 (Ca), 98K-5301 (Ca and protein), ITOOK-1060 (Cu), ITOOK-1217 and IT845-2246 (Fe), Bensogla (K, Na, and P), TVU11424 and ITOOK-1217 (Mg), CH14 (Mn and Na), TVU12637 (Mn) and Glenda and Vuli (Zn). The selected cowpea genotypes are useful genetic resources for population and cultivar development for grain nutrients composition