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Physiological, Genetic, Molecular, and Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Nutrition

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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 July 2021) | Viewed by 34508

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Dr. Nacer Bellaloui

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Crop Genetics Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Stoneville, MI 38776, USA
Interests: physiology; genetics; seed/grain nutrition; seed/grain nutritional qualities; soybean
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human health and nutrition is one of the objectives of the World Health Organization. Although crop breeding and genetics have advanced our knowledge and agriculture practices to increase yield and improve seed quality and nutrition to meet population needs in the 21st century, malnutrition is still a serious concern in many parts of the world. Seed nutrition, including protein, oil, fatty acids, and minerals, is genetically controlled; however, environmental conditions such as heat, drought, diseases, and pests can significantly affect seed quality and nutrition. Recent research on seed nutrition has focused on increasing seed nutrients, including protein, oil, specific fatty acids, and specific sugars, and decreasing anti-nutritional components. For example, soybean seed is a source of protein (37–42%), oil (18–23%), saturated (palmitic and stearic) and unsaturated (oleic, linoleic, and linolenic) fatty acids, sugars (including sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, glucose, and fructose), minerals (including P, K, Mg, K, Ca, Zn, Fe, and B), and isoflavones (including daidzein, genistein, and glycitein). Recently, breeding programs succeeded in producing varieties with modified protein and fatty acids to meet protein meal requirements for human consumption and livestock, and industry needs for oil processing. Also, transgenic technology led by public sector and private companies is now able to develop soybean cultivars with high-quality seed nutrition, containing modified fatty acids such as a high amount of oleic acid (up to about 80%; conventional cultivars contain about 18–25%) and a low amount linolenic acid (1%; conventional cultivars contain about 5–11%). Both fatty acids are desirable for the oxidative stability of the oil and shelf-life. A high amount of oleic acid and a low amount of linolenic acids can eliminate or minimize hydrogenation to minimize transfatty acid content. Similar research has been conducted to develop desirable seed traits, such as higher sucrose content for taste and flavor; higher protein content for high soymeal quality and human consumption; higher polyunstaturated fatty acid content; higher mineral content, especially Ca, K, P, Zn, and Fe for children’s and pregnant women’s needs; a decrease in anti-nutritional compounds such as phytic acid, which plays a role as a chelating agent for cations such as Ca, Zn, and Fe; a decrease in cottonseed gossypol, a compound that is potentially toxic and has detrimental health effects; a decrease in or elimination of mycotoxins in corn; and the fortification of rice with vitamins and nutrients to address nutrient deficiencies, such as Fe, Zn, and folic acid. Therefore, further research is needed to improve seeds with desirable traits using different tools, including crop breeding, genetic transformation, and best agronomic practices. The objective of this Special Issue is to present studies that use breeding, genetic, molecular, and best agronomic practices to address major abiotic environmental stress factors, including heat, drought, diseases, and pests, to improve seed nutrition and quality. We invite you to submit a research paper on any aspect of improving seed quality and nutrients, including protein, oils, fatty acids, and amino acids, or eliminating or minimizing anti-nutritional compounds.

Dr. Nacer Bellaloui
Guest Editor

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Keywords

seed nutrition
anti-nutritional compounds
seed protein and oil
seed composition
modified protein and oil
seed minerals
seed desirable traits
crop breeding
crop genetics

Related Special Issue

Physiological, Genetic, Molecular, and Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Nutrition Ⅱ in Plants (3 articles)

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 2373 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Differences in Grain Microstructure and Proteomics of a Broad Bean (Vicia faba L.) Landrace Cixidabaican in China Compared with Lingxiyicun Introduced from Japan

by Pengfei Hao, Yaming Zhu, Qidong Feng, Zhuqun Jin and Feibo Wu

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1385; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071385 - 06 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2017

Abstract

In response to the germplasm resources’ conservation in China, the characters of a superior landrace of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) Cixidabaican (CX) were identified, compared with Lixiyicun (LX) introduced from Japan. The plant morphology and root structure of CX were larger, pods/seeds number and yield per plant were higher, but the size of pods/seeds and single-seed weight were lower than the similar characteristics in LX. The protein content of dry seeds of CX was 4.1% lower than LX, while the amino acids contents showed no difference between the two cultivars. The seed scan electron micrograph showed that the structure of starch granules was similar, while the granules number was lower in CX than LX. iTRAQ-based proteomics showed that 80 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were higher, and 45 DAPs were less abundant in the seeds of CX compared to LX, and DAPs were enriched in proteins of carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. These results verified the importance of the further study of landraces by showing superior traits of CX, which could contribute to the breeding of better-quality varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Genetic, Molecular, and Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Nutrition)

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11 pages, 1346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Effects of Agronomic Management Practices on Soybean (Glycine max L.) Post-Grain Harvest Residue Quality in the Lower Mississippi Delta

by Srinivasa R. Pinnamaneni and Saseendran S. Anapalli

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071337 - 30 Jun 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1521

Abstract

Livestock producers often resort to either baling or grazing of crop residues due to high hay prices and reduced supply of other forages and silage in the markets. Soil-water-crop management practices can affect residue nutrient qualities for its use as cattle feedstock. A two-year study (2018–2019) was conducted to investigate the effects of irrigation (AI, all row-irrigation; ARI, alternate row irrigation; and RF, rainfed) and planting pattern, PP (SR, single row; and TR, twin-row) on soybean (maturity group IV cv. 31RY45 Dyna-Gro) post-grain harvest residue quality such as crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), net energy for maintenance (NEM), net energy for gain (NEG), net energy for lactation (NEL), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and relative feed value (RFV). Irrigation has a significant effect on CP, ADF, NDF, and TDN while PP affected only NDF. All the above parameters were significantly affected except NEM by the contrasting climate conditions, particularly during July through August coinciding with early crop reproductive stages and maturity. The RFV values ranged from 70.4 to 81.6 and this lower range was attributable to nutrient translocation to seeds and higher lignification during plant senescence towards the grain filling stage of the crop as good quality hay records over 120 RFV. These results indicate that both irrigation and weather during soybean seed development can alter post-grain harvest residue quality parameters, thereby playing critical roles in its RFV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Genetic, Molecular, and Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Nutrition)

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13 pages, 22127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Variability of Mineral Content in Different Grain Structures of Bean Cultivars from Mesoamerican and Andean Gene Pools

by Douglas Mariani Zeffa, Alison Fernando Nogueira, Juliana Sawada Buratto, Raquel Barboza Reis de Oliveira, José dos Santos Neto and Vânia Moda-Cirino

Plants 2021, 10(6), 1246; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061246 - 19 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1940

Abstract

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are an important source of proteins, carbohydrates, and micronutrients in the diets of millions of people in Latin America and Africa. Studies related to genetic variability in the accumulation and distribution of nutrients are valuable for biofortification programs, as there is evidence that the seed coat and embryo differ in the bioavailability of essential nutrients. In this study, we sought to evaluate the genetic variability of total mineral content in the grain and its constituent parts (seed coat, cotyledon, and embryonic axis) of bean genotypes from Mesoamerican and Andean centers of origin. Grain samples of 10 bean cultivars were analyzed for the content of proteins and minerals (Mg, Ca, K, P, Mn, S, Cu, B, Fe, and Zn) in the whole grains and seed coat, cotyledons, and embryonic axis tissues. Genetic variability was observed among the cultivars for protein content and all evaluated minerals. Moreover, differential accumulation of minerals was observed in the seed coat, cotyledons, and embryonic axis. Except for Ca, which accumulated predominantly in the seed coat, higher percentages of minerals were detected in the cotyledons. Furthermore, 100-grain mass values showed negative correlations with the contents of Ca, Mg, P, Zn, Fe, and Mn in whole grains or in the different grain tissues. In general, the Mesoamerican cultivars showed a higher concentration of minerals in the grains, whereas Andean cultivars showed higher concentrations of protein. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Genetic, Molecular, and Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Nutrition)

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14 pages, 734 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cottonseed Protein, Oil, and Minerals in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Lines Differing in Curly Leaf Morphology

by Nacer Bellaloui, Rickie B. Turley and Salliana R. Stetina

Plants 2021, 10(3), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030525 - 11 Mar 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2253

Abstract

Cottonseed is an important source of protein, oil, and minerals for human health and livestock feed. Therefore, understanding the physiological and genetic traits influencing the nutrient content is critical. To our knowledge, there is no information available on the effects of leaf shape—curly leaf (CRL)—on cottonseed protein, oil, and minerals. Therefore, the objective of the current research was to investigate the effect of the curly leaf trait on cottonseed protein, oil, and minerals in cotton lines differing in leaf shape. Our hypothesis was that since leaf shape is known to be associated with nutrient uptake, assimilation, and photosynthesis process, leaf shape can influence seed protein, oil, and minerals. A two-year field experiment using two curly leaf lines (Uzbek CRL and DP 5690 CRL) and one normal leaf (DP 5690 wild type) line was conducted in 2014 and 2015 in Stoneville, MS, USA. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The results showed that both Uzbek CRL and DP 5690 wild type lines had higher seed oil, and nutrients N, P, K, and Mg than DP 5690 CRL. Calcium was higher in DP 5690 CRL for two years and protein was only higher than the parents in 2015. Consistent significant positive and negative correlations between some nutrients were observed, which may be due to environmental conditions, especially heat. This indicates that curly leaf trait may partially regulate the accumulation of these nutrients in seeds. The results demonstrated that leaf shape trait—curly leaf—can affect cottonseed nutritional qualities. This research is important to breeders for cotton selection for high seed oil or protein, and to other researchers to further understand the genetic impact of leaf shapes on seed nutritional quality. It is also important for scientists to use leaf shape as a tool for physiological, biochemical, and morphological research related to leaf development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Genetic, Molecular, and Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Nutrition)

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22 pages, 929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Temperature and Drought-Resilience Traits among Interspecific Chromosome Substitution Lines for Genetic Improvement of Upland Cotton

by Kambham Raja Reddy, Raju Bheemanahalli, Sukumar Saha, Kulvir Singh, Suresh B. Lokhande, Bandara Gajanayake, John J. Read, Johnie N. Jenkins, Dwaine A. Raska, Luis M. De Santiago, Amanda M. Hulse-Kemp, Robert N. Vaughn and David M. Stelly

Plants 2020, 9(12), 1747; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9121747 - 10 Dec 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3009

Abstract

Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth and development during the pre-and post-flowering stages are susceptible to high temperature and drought. We report the field-based characterization of multiple morpho-physiological and reproductive stress resilience traits in 11 interspecific chromosome substitution (CS) lines isogenic to each other and the inbred G. hirsutum line TM-1. Significant genetic variability was detected (p < 0.001) in multiple traits in CS lines carrying chromosomes and chromosome segments from CS-B (G. barbadense) and CS-T (G. tomentosum). Line CS-T15sh had a positive effect on photosynthesis (13%), stomatal conductance (33%), and transpiration (24%), and a canopy 6.8 °C cooler than TM-1. The average pollen germination was approximately 8% greater among the CS-B than CS-T lines. Based on the stress response index, three CS lines are identified as heat- and drought-tolerant (CS-T07, CS-B15sh, and CS-B18). The three lines demonstrated enhanced photosynthesis (14%), stomatal conductance (29%), transpiration (13%), and pollen germination (23.6%) compared to TM-1 under field conditions, i.e., traits that would expectedly enhance performance in stressful environments. The generated phenotypic data and stress-tolerance indices on novel CS lines, along with phenotypic methods, would help in developing new cultivars with improved resilience to the effects of global warming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Genetic, Molecular, and Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Nutrition)

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15 pages, 1589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in Seed Weight, Amino Acid, Fatty Acid, Oil, and Squalene Content in γ-Irradiation-Developed and Commercial Amaranth Varieties (Amaranthus spp.)

by Monika Szabóová, Michal Záhorský, Ján Gažo, Jeroen Geuens, Ann Vermoesen, Els D’Hondt and Andrea Hricová

Plants 2020, 9(11), 1412; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9111412 - 22 Oct 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3396

Abstract

Grain amaranth is known as an alternative crop with exclusive nutritional value and health benefits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of gamma irradiation on quantitative and qualitative amaranth seed traits, including 1000-seed weight, amino acids, fatty acids content, oil, and squalene yield. Two Slovak mutant varieties “Pribina” (A. cruentus) and “Zobor” (A.hypochondriacus x A. hybridus) were evaluated and compared to nonirradiated controls Ficha (A. cruentus L.) and K-433 (A. hypochondriacus x A. hybridus) and commercial varieties, Aztec (A. cruentus L.), Plainsman and Koniz (A. hypochondriacus x A. hybridus). Mutant varieties, “Pribina” and “Zobor”, showed superior 1000-seed weight performance compared to all investigated amaranth samples. The change in quantitative seed trait was accompanied by significantly higher oil and squalene content compared to commercial varieties. Moreover, significantly higher content of essential linoleic acid was detected in mutant variety “Zobor”. The present findings suggest that seeds of irradiation-derived varieties have high nutritional potential and can be used as a supplementary crop in the human diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Genetic, Molecular, and Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Nutrition)

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17 pages, 973 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Effects of Interspecific Chromosome Substitution in Upland Cotton on Cottonseed Micronutrients

by Nacer Bellaloui, Sukumar Saha, Jennifer L. Tonos, Jodi A. Scheffler, Johnie N. Jenkins, Jack C. McCarty and David M. Stelly

Plants 2020, 9(9), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9091081 - 23 Aug 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2708

Abstract

Micronutrients are essential for plant growth and development, and important for human health nutrition and livestock feed. Therefore, the discovery of novel germplasm with significant variability or higher micronutrients content in crop seeds is critical. Currently, there is no information available on the effects of chromosome or chromosome arm substitution in cotton on cottonseed micronutrients. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of chromosome or chromosome arm substitution on the variability and levels of micronutrients B, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Ni in cottonseed from chromosome substitution (CS) cotton lines. Our hypothesis was that interspecific chromosome substitution in cotton can affect cottonseed micronutrients content, resulting in significant differences and variabilities of these nutrients among CS lines and between CS lines and the controls. Nine CS lines were grown in two-field experiments at two locations (in 2013 in South Carolina, USA; and in 2014 in Mississippi, USA). TM-1 (the recurrent parent of the CS line) and AM UA48 (cultivar) were used as control. The results showed significant variability among CS lines compared to the controls AM UA48 and TM-1. For example, in South Carolina (SC), B concentration in cottonseed ranged from 10.35 mg kg⁻¹ in CS-M02 to 13.67 mg kg⁻¹ in CS-T04. The concentration of Cu ranged from 4.81 mg kg⁻¹ in CS-B08sh to 7.65 mg kg⁻¹ in CS-T02, and CS-T02 was higher than both controls. The concentration of Fe ranged from 36.09 mg kg⁻¹ to 56.69 mg kg⁻¹ (an increase up to 57%), and six CS lines (CS-B02, CS-B08sh, CS-M02, CS-M04, CS-T02, and CS-T04) had higher concentration than both controls in 2013. In 2014 at the Mississippi location (MS), similar observation was found with CS lines for micronutrients content. The CS lines with higher concentrations of these micronutrients can be used as a genetic tool toward QTL identification for desired seed traits because these lines are genetically similar with TM-1, except the substituted chromosome or chromosome segment pairs from the alien species. Chromosome substitution provides an effective means for upland cotton improvement by targeted interspecific introgression, yielding CS lines that facilitate trait discovery, such as seed micronutritional qualities, due to increased isogenicity and markedly reduced complexity from epistatic interactions with non-target alien chromosomes. The positive correlation between B, Cu, and Fe at both locations, between Ni and Mn, between Zn and Cu, and between Zn and Ni at both locations signify the importance of a good agricultural and fertilizer management of these nutrients to maintain higher cottonseed nutrient content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Genetic, Molecular, and Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Nutrition)

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16 pages, 568 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Harvest-Aids on Seed Nutrition in Soybean under Midsouth USA Conditions

by Nacer Bellaloui, H. Arnold Bruns, Hamed K. Abbas, Daniel K. Fisher and Alemu Mengistu

Plants 2020, 9(8), 1007; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9081007 - 09 Aug 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2765

Abstract

Interest in using harvest aids (defoliants or crop desiccants) such as paraquat, carfentrazone-ethyl, glyphosate, and sodium chlorate (NaClO₃) have become increasingly important to assure harvest efficiency, producer profit, and to maintain seed quality. However, information on the effects of harvest aids on seed nutrition (composition) (protein, oil, fatty acids, sugars, and amino acids) in soybean is very limited. The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of harvest aids on seed protein, oil, fatty acids, sugars, and amino acids in soybean. Our hypothesis was that harvest aid may influence seed nutrition, especially at R6 as at R6 the seeds may still undergo biochemical changes. Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 under Midsouth USA environmental conditions in which harvest aids were applied at R6 (seed-fill) and R7 (yellow pods) growth stages. Harvest aids applied included an untreated control, 0.28 kg ai ha⁻¹ of paraquat, 0.28 kg ai ha⁻¹ of paraquat, and 1.015 kg ai ha⁻¹ of carfentrazone-ethyl (AIM); 6.72 kg ai ha⁻¹ sodium chlorate, 1.015 kg ai ha⁻¹ carfentrazone-ethyl; and 2.0 kg ae ha⁻¹ glyphosate. Results showed that the application of harvest aids at either R6 or R7 resulted in the alteration of some seed composition such as protein, oil, oleic acid, fructose, and little effects on amino acids. In addition, harvest aids affected seed composition constituents differently depending on year and growth stage. This research demonstrated the possible alteration of some nutrients by harvest aids. This research helps growers and scientists to advance the understanding and management of harvest aids and investigate possible effects of harvest aids on seed nutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Genetic, Molecular, and Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Nutrition)

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10 pages, 1357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Purple Seed Stain on Seed Quality and Composition in Soybean

by Richard E. Turner, M. Wayne Ebelhar, Teresa Wilkerson, Nacer Bellaloui, Bobby R. Golden, J. Trenton Irby and Steve Martin

Plants 2020, 9(8), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9080993 - 05 Aug 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3346

Abstract

Purple seed stain disease, caused by (Cercospora kukuchii), is a major concern in soybean (Glycine max (L.)) in Mississippi, USA, due to its effects on seed quality, reducing soybean seed grade and potential market price at elevators. Therefore, investigating the effects of purple seed stain (PSS) on seed quality (germination and vigor) and seed composition (nutrition) is critical. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of PSS on seed harvest index, seed germination, seed vigor, and seed composition components (protein, oil, fatty acids, and sugars). A field experiment was initiated in 2019 in Stoneville, MS, at the Delta Research and Extension Center (DREC) on a Commerce silt loam soil (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, nonacid, thermic Fluventic Epiaquepts). Soybean variety Credenz 4748 LL was used. The results showed that infected (symptomatic) seed had a 5.5% greater Seed Index (based on 100 seed weight) when compared to non-infected (non-symptomatic, as control) seed. Non-infected seed had greater percent germination and seedling vigor when compared to infected seed. Germination was 30.9% greater and vigor was 58.3% greater in non-infected seed. Also, the results showed that infected seed with PSS had higher protein content and some amino acids. No changes in total oil and fatty acids. Sucrose and stachyose were lower in infected seed than in non-infected seed. The research showed that PSS impacted seed health and seed quality (germination and vigor) and seed composition (protein, sugars, and some amino acids). Purple stained seed should be avoided when planting and should be managed properly as low germination is a potential risk. Planting population should be adjusted accordingly due to lack of germination and vigor if PSS is present. This research help growers for purple seed management, and scientists to further understand the potential negative impact on seed quality and nutrition. Further research is needed before conclusive recommendations are made. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Genetic, Molecular, and Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Nutrition)

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21 pages, 6040 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insights into the Phytochemical Composition and Bioactivities of Seeds from Wild Peony Species

by Zhenguo Yan, Lihang Xie, Yao Tian, Mengchen Li, Jing Ni, Yanlong Zhang and Lixin Niu

Plants 2020, 9(6), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9060729 - 09 Jun 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2502

Abstract

Peony is an important medicinal and ornamental plant widely cultivated in the world. Its seeds as a functional food source have attracted much more attention in recent years, and they are rich in monoterpene glycosides and phenolic compounds. To assess the application value of wild peony seeds, the main chemical composition and content, such as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total flavanol content (TAC), and α and γ tocopherol content, of the seeds from 12 species and 2 subspecies were systematically explored in the present study. Four different antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and HRSA), antibacterial, and antifungal assays were also performed using various in vitro biochemical methods. The results showed that the seeds of P. delavayi, P. obovata. subsp. obovata, and P. rockii. subsp. rockii had a high content of TPC, TFC, and TAC, respectively. Twenty-five individual chemical compounds were qualitatively and quantitatively measured by HPLC-MS, with paeoniflorin being the most abundant compound in all samples. P. mairei was grouped individually into a group via hierarchical cluster analysis according to its relatively highest monoterpene glycosides and TPC content. This work has provided a basis for the development and utilization of seeds for the selection of wild peony species of dietary interest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Genetic, Molecular, and Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Nutrition)

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24 pages, 3215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Agricultural Practices, the Environment, and Cultivar Differences on Soybean Seed Protein, Oil, Sugars, and Amino Acids

by Nacer Bellaloui, Angela M. McClure, Alemu Mengistu and Hamed K. Abbas

Plants 2020, 9(3), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9030378 - 19 Mar 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3240

Abstract

Information on the effects of agricultural practices such as seeding rate (S), row spacing (RS), herbicide apical treatment (T), and nitrogen application (N) on soybean seed nutrition (protein, oil, fatty acids, sugars, and amino acids) is limited. Although seed composition (nutrition) constituents are genetically controlled, agricultural practices and environmental conditions significantly influence the amount and quality of seed nutrition. Therefore, the objective of this research was to understand the responses of these seed composition constituents to these practices, the environment, and cultivar differences. Two-field experiments were conducted, in 2015 and 2016, in Milan, TN, USA. The experiments were irrigated with four replications and included: two soybean cultivars, two seeding rates, three different row spacings, two N rates, and Cobra herbicide apical treatment. The results showed significant effects of S, RS, N, and T on some seed composition constituents, including protein; oleic, linolenic, and stearic acids; sugars; and some amino acids. The current research demonstrated that single or twin row with a seeding rate of 40,000 seeds ha⁻¹ resulted in higher protein, oleic, some sugars, and some amino acids. However, a high seeding rate of 56,000 seeds ha⁻¹ resulted in lower protein, oleic acid, some sugars, and some amino acids due to plant competition for soil nutrients. Herbicide apical application of Cobra1X resulted in higher linolenic acid and some amino acids. Application of nitrogen resulted in higher protein, linolenic, and some amino acids. This research is beneficial to the scientific communities, including breeders and physiologists through advancing knowledge on the interactions between cultivars and environment for seed nutritional quality selection, and to soybean producers through consideration of best agricultural management to maintain high seed nutritional qualities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Genetic, Molecular, and Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Nutrition)

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14 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships between Nut Size, Kernel Quality, Nutritional Composition and Levels of Outcrossing in Three Macadamia Cultivars

by Tarran E. Richards, Wiebke Kämper, Stephen J. Trueman, Helen M. Wallace, Steven M. Ogbourne, Peter R. Brooks, Joel Nichols and Shahla Hosseini Bai

Plants 2020, 9(2), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9020228 - 11 Feb 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4780

Abstract

Tree nuts play an important role in healthy diets, but their economic value and nutritional quality may be affected by their size and paternity. We assessed relationships between nut size and kernel recovery, the incidence of whole kernels, fatty acid composition and mineral nutrient concentrations in three macadamia cultivars, “Daddow”, “816” and “A4”. We determined to what extent differences in nut size and quality were the result of different levels of cross- or self-paternity. Small nuts of all cultivars had lower kernel recovery than large nuts, and small nuts provided lower incidence of whole kernels in “Daddow” and “A4”. Small kernels had a lower relative abundance of the saturated fatty acid, palmitic acid, in all cultivars and higher relative abundance of the unsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid, in “Daddow” and “A4”. Small kernels had higher concentrations of many essential nutrients such as nitrogen and calcium, although potassium concentrations were lower in small kernels. Most nuts arose from cross-pollination. Therefore, nut size and kernel quality were not related to different levels of cross- and self-paternity. Identified cross-paternity was 88%, 78% and 90%, and identified self-paternity was 3%, 2% and 0%, for “Daddow”, “816” and “A4”, respectively. Small macadamia kernels are at least as nutritious as large macadamia kernels. High levels of cross-paternity confirmed that many macadamia cultivars are predominantly outcrossing. Macadamia growers may need to closely inter-plant cultivars and manage beehives to maximise cross-pollination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Genetic, Molecular, and Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Nutrition)

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