The content of bioactive compounds in rat experimental diets based on organic, low-input and conventional plant materials

Rat feed based on raw plant materials was produced according to the nutritional recommendations for rat feeding trials. Rat feeds produced from crops grown under 4 different production systems were used: (a) organic, (b) conventional, (c) low input 1 (organic plant protection was used in combination with mineral fertilizers) and (d) low input 2 (conventional pest management and only organic fertilizers were used). The results showed that rat feeds prepared from the organically produced plants contained more total polyphenols and the nutritionally desirable, bioactive compound lutein. The main objective of analyzing bioactive compounds in the rat feed is to determine whether the differences in composition of feed materials from different production systems could explain any measured differences in impact on the health status of rats

Effect of wheat production system components on food preference in rats

In the study presented the effects of two major system components - fertility management and crop protection - were tested in a rat preference test for the first time. Wheat samples produced under 4 combinations of these management factors: -a) organic fertility and crop protection management, b) organic fertility management and conventional crop protection c) conventional fertility management and organic crop protection and d) conventional fertility management and crop protection - generated in the Nafferton factorial systems comparison (NFSC) trial at Newcastle University, were used as experimental diets. Results showed that the organically fertilised wheat was preferred by rats (P = 0.001) while the organic crop protection resulted in reduced wheat consumption (not significant). This might indicate that the rats did not sense or did not select against possible traces of plant protection agents but responded more clearly to differences that were caused by the fertility management

A morphometric analysis of Actaea racemosa L. (Ranunculaceae)

Actaea racemosa L. (syn. Cimicifuga racemosa [L.] Nutt.), Ranunculaceae, commonly known as black cohosh, is an herbaceous, perennial, medicinal plant native to the deciduous woodlands of eastern North America. Historical texts and current sales data indicate the continued popularity of this plant as an herbal remedy for over 175 years. Much of the present supply of A. racemosa is harvested from the wild. Diversity within and between populations of the species has not been well characterized. The purpose of this study was to assess the morphological variation of A. racemosa and identify patterns of variation at the population and species levels. A total of 26 populations representative of a significant portion of the natural range of the species were surveyed and plant material was collected for the morphological analysis of 37 leaflet, flower, and whole plant characteristics. In total, 511 leaflet samples and 83 flower samples were examined. Several of the populations surveyed had sets of relatively unique characteristics (large leaflet measurements, tall leaves and flowers, and a large number of stamen), and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons revealed significant differences between specific populations for 20 different characteristics. No unique phenotype, however, was found. Considerable morphological plasticity was noted in the apices of the staminodia. Cluster analyses showed that the morphological variation within populations was not smaller than between population and that this variation in not influenced by their geographic distribution

QLIF Workshop 2: Safety of foods from organic and low input farming systems

In this workshop, we will summarize the results of the QLIF project on food safety issues. The participants discuss safety problems related to organic and low input standards and techniques for both animal and plant products. They will relate the findings to consumers’ perception and concern. Improved production and processing techniques will be suggested

The antioxidant compounds in rat experimental diets based on plant materials from organic, low-input and conventional agricultural systems

Results presented in this paper are part of a study that investigates the effect of four production systems on health effects in rats. This study was aimed to evaluate differences in the levels of flavonols, total polyphenols, beta-carotene and lutein which are well known antioxidants in four rat feeds. Raw plant materials were produced according to four different agricultural systems: organic farming (without synthetic pesticides and mineral fertilizers), low-input 1 (organic plant protection was used in combination with mineral fertilizers), low input 2 (conventional pest management and organic fertilizers were used) and conventional farming (synthetic pesticides and mineral fertilizers were used). The results indicate that rat feed prepared from the organically produced plants contained more antioxidant compounds, especially total polyphenols, flavonols and lutein. Rat feed produced for feeding experiments varied significantly in a series of key phytochemicals and therefore have the potential to produce different health effects in the subsequent feeding trials

Sensory evaluation of processed wheat from a defined field- trial (QualityLowInputFood)

The integrated project QualityLowInputFood (QLIF) aims to improve quality, ensure safety and reduce costs along the organic and “low input” food supply chains. Beside safety, freshness, general health benefits as well as nutritional value, one reason for consumers demanding organic foods are more tasty products (Bourn/Prescott 2002). Therefore it is important to evaluate how the sensory attributes such as taste, flavour and texture of fresh and processed products are influenced by the different management systems. For sensory evaluation, in crop year 2005 seven wheat samples were assessed by a trained sensory panel, each with 4 field replicates (in total = 28 samples). The wheat samples were processed to wholemeal bread and biscuits for evaluation. A descriptive panel (12 persons) was well trained according DIN 10967 as well as for quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA). This method enables to show a complete product profile with all sensory characteristics and their intensity in appearance, aroma, texture, mouthfeel and flavour attributes. For wholemeal-bread, results in crop year 2005 showed no significant differences between the different farming systems. The influence of varieties were higher than farming management effects. The varieties “Paragon”, “Zebra” and “Fasan” were significant different to “Monsun” in texture attributes

Effect of organic and conventional crop production systems on food quality and safety

A range of comparative studies have recently been carried out to compare the composition of foods produced in organic, “low input” and conventional production systems. This paper will review the currently available information on nutritional differences between organic and non-organic crops. It will also describe the Nafferton Factorial Systems Experiment which was established as part of the IP Quality-LowInputFood to study the effect (and interactions between) (a) rotational design, (b) fertility management and (c) crop protection regimes on crop quality and safety

QLIF Workshop 1: Product quality in organic and low input farming systems

QLIF researchers have quantified effects on food quality and health of products such as wheat, forage, apples, milk and meat. The workshop identifies factors which cause variation of the product quality for different commodities. Experimental findings on quality of organic and low input foods will be compared with consumer expectations and attitudes. For selected quality improving measures their economic impact will be analysed. Furthermore, the role of processing in maintaining or improving specific ‘organic’ qualities will be examined