Identity of Archaeologic Grain Amaranths from the Valley of Tehuacan, Puebla, Mexico

1969 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan D. Sauer

AbstractCoxcatlán Cave has yielded the earliest records of two domesticated species still grown as minor grain crops in Mexico. Amaranthus cruentus, previously unknown archaeologically, is tentatively identified from a level dated at about 4000 B.C. and positively identified from six levels dated between about 2500 B.C. and the time of the Conquest. Amaranthus hypochondriacus was found at two levels dated about A.D. 500. There is no evidence that either species was domesticated locally.

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Kim Margarette C. Nogoy ◽  
Jia Yu ◽  
Young Gyu Song ◽  
Shida Li ◽  
Jong-Wook Chung ◽  
...  

The amaranth plants showed high potential feed value as forage for ruminants. An in-depth study of this plant, particularly in cattle, will help extend its utilization as an alternative protein and fiber feed source in cattle feeding. In this study, the nutrient compositions of three different species of amaranth, Amaranthus caudatus L., Amaranthus cruentus L., and Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.—two varieties for each species, A.ca 74, A.ca 91, A.cu 62, A.cu 66, A. hy 30, and A. hy 48—were evaluated. The in vitro technique was used to evaluate the fermentation characteristics such as total gas production, total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration, pH, and ammonia concentration of the rumen fluid. Moreover, the effective degradabilities of dry matter (EDDM) and crude protein (EDCP) of the amaranth forages were determined through in situ bag technique. The amaranth forages: A. caudatus, A. cruentus, and A. hypochondriacus showed better nutritive value than the locally produced forages in Chungcheong province of Korea. The CP of the amaranth ranged from 11.95% to 14.19%, and the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents ranged from 45.53% to 70.88% and 34.17% to 49.83%, respectively. Among the amaranth varieties, A. hypochondriacus 48 showed the most excellent ruminant feed nutrient quality (CP, 14.19%; NDF, 45.53%; and ADF, 34.17%). The effective degradabilities of dry matter (EDDM; 33–56%) and crude protein EDCP (27–59%) of the amaranth were lower compared to other studies, which could be due to the maturity stage at which the forages were harvested. Nonetheless, A. hypochondriacus 48 showed the highest EDDM (56.73%) and EDCP (59.09%). The different amaranth species did not differ greatly in terms of total VFA concentration or molar proportions, total gas production, or ammonia-N concentration. The high nutrient composition, and highly effective degradability of dry matter and crude protein, coupled with the favorable fermentation characteristics, suggest that the amaranth forages showed good to excellent feed quality for cattle.


Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1849
Author(s):  
Ranjita Thapa ◽  
Matthew Edwards ◽  
Matthew W. Blair

Amaranthus is a genus of C4 dicotyledonous herbaceous plants, and three New World species have been domesticated to produce grain crops with light colored seed which are classified as pseudo-cereals rich in protein and minerals. A core collection of grain amaranths and immediate precursor species has been established, representing the closest related species. The goal of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity in that collection of cultivated and wild species, using competitive allele single nucleotide polymorphism markers. A secondary objective was to determine the relationships among the three cultivated species and non-domesticated Amaranthus, while a third objective was to evaluate the utility of the markers in detecting diversity in the 276 genotypes. The markers were found to be highly variable with an average polymorphism information content of 0.365. All markers were bi-allelic; and the major allele frequency ranged from 0.388 to 0.871. Population structure analysis of the cultigens revealed the presence of two sub populations. Phylogeny confirmed that the two Mesoamerican species, Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus, were related and distant from the South American species Amaranthus caudatus, which in turn was very closely clustered with Amaranthus quitensis, even though this is considered a weedy relative. The first pair of species were likely to have inter-crossed, while the latter two likely exist in a wild-cultivated hybrid state. In conclusion, the results of this SNP study provided insights on amaranth cultivars and their relationship to wild species, the probable domestication events leading to the cultivars, and possible crop breeding or germplasm conservation strategies.


Biologia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Hlinková ◽  
Adriána Bednárová ◽  
Michaela Havrlentová ◽  
Jana Šupová ◽  
Iveta Čičová

AbstractThe oil of amaranth grain (Amaranthus spp.) is a rich source of poly-unsaturated fatty acids. In this study, we tested 10 amaranth samples representing two species (Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus) in two consecutive years (2010, 2011). Grain oils were analysed by gas chromatography for their fatty acids profile. In 2010, oil content ranged from 6.4–8.2% for A. cruentus and 6.3–7.9% for A. hypochondriacus. In 2011, the level was 7.1–8.2% and 6.6–8.7% for A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus, respectively. Linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids were dominant fatty acids in all of the oil samples. The essential linoleic acid level was 33.3–38.7% (A. cruentus) and 31.7–47.5% (A. hypochondriacus) in 2010 and 34.6–39.9% (A. cruentus) and 34–44.5% (A. hypochondriacus) in 2011. The minority fatty acids, i.e. stearic, α-linolenic, and arachidic acids were also observed. Eicosenoic and behenic acids were present in the grain in trace amounts. Statistical evaluation showed a significant effect of year and species of amaranth on the levels of certain fatty acids. There was a strong positive correlation between oil content and oleic acid, and a negative correlation between oleic acid and either of the other two fatty acids, linoleic and α-linolenic ones.


Genetika ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 211-218
Author(s):  
Jana Ziarovska ◽  
Michal Zahorsky ◽  
Andrea Hricova

Bioinformatic tool have became an inevitable part of molecular genetic research in many applications. In the present study, an in silico based approach was used to find conservative region of currently known prosystemin gene sequences and its PCR identification was performed in Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus x hybridus. Identification results were veryfied by direct sequencing of obtained amplicons. For both of analysed species, the prosystemin sequence specifity was confirmed by sequencing. For a hybrid A. hypochondriacus x hybridus no differences were returned in bioinformatic alighment for known prosystemin sequence. For A. cruentus, two bases were found as to be different in the DNA sequence of prosystemin.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 153-164
Author(s):  
Barbara Skwaryło-Bednarz ◽  
Patrycja Maria Stępniak ◽  
Agnieszka Jamiołkowska ◽  
Marek Kopacki ◽  
Anna Krzepiłko ◽  
...  

Amaranth is one of the oldest arable crop in the world. It was brought to Europe around the 17th century, but as an ornamental plant. It was not until the 1970s, after thorough examination of the chemical composition of amaranth seeds, that in effect of which the nutritional value of this plant was rediscovered and recognized. Since then, there has been increased interest in amaranth as a ‘plant with a future’. A great deal of scientific research has been carried out, leading to recognition of its nutritional, ecological, agricultural and health-promoting values (especially for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems). Among cultivated amaranths species Amaranthus caudatus, Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus have the highest nutritional value. However, differences in the nutrient content are also noticeable between these species. One of the attributes of this plant is the high content of highly digestible complete protein and the presence of all essential amino acids in the seeds. The seeds also contain large amounts of gluten-free starch with a small grain diameter, fibre, vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, they have a high fat content compared to cereal grains. Amaranth oil consists mainly of unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic and linolenic). Some of the unsaturated fatty acids, such as linolenic acid, are exogenous fatty acids, essential for the human body. Valuable components of the fatty acid fraction include squalene, tocopherols and tocotrienols. These compounds are particularly valuable due to their antioxidant properties.


2017 ◽  
pp. 63-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdel Nasser G. El Gendy ◽  
Silvia Tavarini ◽  
Giuseppe Conte ◽  
Laura Pistelli ◽  
Saber F. Hendawy ◽  
...  

Amaranth can be considered a very interesting crop for the Mediterranean region, thanks to its inherent tolerance to disadvantageous growing conditions, along with the high nutritional and nutraceutical value of its seeds. The study aims to evaluate the seed yield, and the oil content and quality of two amaranth genotypes (species Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. and Amaranthus cruentus L., respectively) grown in central Italy, testing two types of soil (loamy and sandy soil). The two species showed a good performance in the tested environment, with satisfactory seed yield and relative short growth cycle. Significant differences between the two genotypes were observed in terms of seed yield. The crude oil content ranged from 7.5% to 6.0%, with linoleic, palmitic and oleic acids as the major fatty acids of the oil in both genotypes. The unsaponifiable fraction was rich in sterols (campesterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol), and interesting levels of squalene were found. This study demonstrated the unique nutraceutical properties of the seeds of two genotypes of A. hypochondriacus and A. cruentus, grown in central Italy environment, as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acid and squalene. These characteristics make amaranth a valuable alternative crop for specialty oil production in the Mediterranean region.


1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (9) ◽  
pp. 1219-1223 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Mihail ◽  
E. R. Champaco

Experimental plantings of several species and crosses of Amaranthus were monitored during the 1990–1992 growing seasons to identify diseases that might limit commercial production of grain amaranth in Missouri. Two diseases, previously unreported on the Amaranthus spp. being evaluated in Missouri, are described. Pythium stem canker, caused by Pythium aphanidermatum, was observed when high temperatures coincided with prolonged periods of soil saturation. Tan cankers with black borders developed at the soil line on nearly mature (flowering) plants and lodging was associated with 2.7% of plants examined. Of the species and crosses examined, A. cruentus (cultivar K436) and A. hypochondriacus × A. hybridus (cultivars K432, K433, and K593) were affected most severely by the disease. Differences in susceptibility among the 11 cultivars suggest the potential for the development of disease-resistant cultivars. Charcoal rot, caused by Macrophomina phaseolina, affected A. hypochondriacus × A. hybridus (cultivars K432 and K433) growing in two mid-Missouri locations in 1990. Key words: Amaranthus cruentus, Amaranthus hypochondriacus, Amaranthus hypochondriacus × Amaranthus hybridis, charcoal rot, grain amaranth, stem canker.


2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olusegun A. Oduwaye ◽  
Justina B.O. Porbeni ◽  
Ibidun S. Adetiloye

Abstract For plant genetic improvement, it is paramount to determine genetic components for the selection of desirable traits. Eighteen Amaranthus cruentus and 11 Amaranthus hypochondriacus genotypes were evaluated at two locations in Nigeria differing in temperature/precipitation to determine the influence of environment on genetic gain. Genotype × environment was significant for all analysed morphological parameters and for grain yield, 1000 seed weight and no. of days to 50% flowering in A. cruentus. In A. hypochondriacus genotype × environment was significant for plant height, leaf length and width, leaf area, inflorescence length, 1000 seed weight and grain yield. Higher genotypic coefficient of variability, heritability estimates, and genetic advance was observed for the traits at Abeokuta (more wet) than Ibadan (more dry) conditions. Grain yield had positive association with the traits at the two locations except the number of leaves and inflorescence length. Inflorescence length was positively associated with grain yield at Abeokuta and negatively associated at Ibadan. Path analysis indicated simultaneous improvement of grain yield with petiole length and leaf length at Abeokuta but with petiole length and leaf area at Ibadan. In general, the locations had potential for genetic improvement of traits of amaranth grain; therefore, selection criteria for improving grain yield should be considered with respect to environment.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-149
Author(s):  
J. García Pereyra ◽  
G. N. Aviña Martínez ◽  
R. B. Rubio Garciano ◽  
R. Medina Medrano ◽  
O. Alvarado Gómez ◽  
...  

Se analizaron cinco genotipos de amaranto; cuatro de la especie Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.,153-5-3, 655, 653 y Criollo Tlaxcala y uno de la especie Amaranthus cruentus L., 33 en cuatro ambientes, contrastantes en clima y topografía ubicados en el norte de México. Los estudios se efectuaron entre el 15 de agosto de 2000 y el 15 de noviembre de 2002. El objetivo del presente trabajo  fue:  determinar  la interacción  genotipo  por ambiente (A x  G) en  el  requerimiento  de unidades (UC) calor en el desarrollo fenológico del cultivo y el rendimiento de grano (RG). Se utilizó un diseño experimental de bloques completos al azar con tres repeticiones para diferentes ambientes. Los resultados indican que para MC (Madurez comercial), Criollo Tlaxcala de A. hypochondriacus fue el de mayor requerimiento con 977 UC en el ambiente A1, en A2; 655, 33,653 presentaron comportamientos estadísticos similares con un requerimiento de 1475 UC cada uno, superando a Criollo Tlaxcala y 153-5-3 que requirieron de 1133 y 1473 UC, en A3 Criollo Tlaxcala fue el de menor requerimiento con 1384 UC, los demás genotipos estadísticamente fueron similares en el requerimiento de UC en promedio con 1568, para A4 los genotipos en estudio presentaron requerimientos en promedio de 315 UC. Los genotipos de mayor RG (p< 0.05) fueron 153-5-3 de A. hypochondriacus en el ambiente A1 con 2144 kg ha-1, en los ambientes A2 y A3 el genotipo 33 con 1637 y 1283 kg ha- 1, para A4 los genotipos 153-5-3 y 653 con y 1539 y 1562 kg ha-1 respectivamente.


2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 16-23
Author(s):  
O.I. Sakhatsky ◽  
◽  
G.M. Zholobak ◽  
A.A. Makarova ◽  
O.A. Apostolov ◽  
...  

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