Changes in some nutritional components of Vigna racemosa as influenced by hydrothermal processing techniques

Vigna racemosa is an underutilised hard-to-cook legume in Southwest Nigeria. The seed of V. racemosa was subjected to varying degrees of hydration levels (0%, 10%, 25%, 50% 75% and 100%) before treatment with four hydrothermal techniques, atmospheric boiling, atmospheric steaming, pressure boiling and pressure steaming. The highest percentage reduction of 65.56% in cooking time was achieved at a 100% hydration level when the seeds were processed by boiling at elevated pressure. All the hydrothermal techniques had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the protein content of the seeds. Hydration of the seeds to 100% followed by boiling at elevated pressure caused the least reduction in the protein and mineral element contents. The seed is a good source of important nutrients that are not degraded beyond the levels necessary to meet physiological needs after processing. Widening the scope of utilisation of this legume seed will make critically important nutrients such as protein more available for the teeming populations in developing countries at affordable prices, and thus, alleviating the problem of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM).

Evaluation of Seed Dormancy, One of the Key Domestication Traits in Chickpea

Legume seed dormancy has been altered during the domestication process, resulting in non-dormant seeds with a testa that is readily permeable for water. Ultimately, this provides fast and uniform germination, in contrast to dormant seeds of the wild progenitor. To date, germination and seed dormancy were studied mostly in relation to two types of cultivated chickpea: kabuli and desi. We studied seed dormancy, from physiological and anatomical perspectives, in chickpea crops and compared cultivated chickpeas to the wild chickpea progenitor and set of recombinant inbred lines (RIL). There was significant difference in the macrosclereid length of parental genotypes. Cultivated chickpea (C. arietinum, ICC4958) had mean of 125 µm, while wild C. reticulatum (PI48977) had a mean of 165 µm. Histochemical staining of the seed coat also showed differences, mainly in terms of Sudan Red detection of lipidic substances. Imbibition and germination were tested and several germination coefficients were calculated. Cultivated chickpea seeds imbibed readily within 24 h, while the germination percentage of wild chickpea at various times was 36% (24 h), 46% (48 h), 60% (72 h) and reached 100% only after 20 days. RIL lines showed a broader distribution. This knowledge will ultimately lead to the identification of the underlying molecular mechanism of seed dormancy in chickpea, as well as allowing comparison to phylogenetically related legumes, such as pea, lentil and faba bean, and could be utilized in chickpea breeding programs.

Rearing Tenebrio molitor and Alphitobius diaperinus Larvae on Seed Cleaning Process Byproducts

The exploitation of agricultural byproducts and organic side-streams as insect feeding substrates is advantageous for insect farming both from an economic and a sustainability perspective. In this context, in the present study we evaluated the suitability of ten byproducts of the cereal and legume seed cleaning process for the rearing of larvae of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, and the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus. Byproducts were offered singly to 20 T. molitor and 50 A. diaperinus larvae with provision of carrots as moisture source. After four weeks of undisturbed development, larval weight and survival was evaluated biweekly until pupation. Feed utilization and economic feasibility parameters were determined for each byproduct at the end of the bioassays. Our results show the suitability of several of the byproducts tested for the rearing of T. molitor and A. diaperinus larvae. The best results though among the byproducts tested in terms of larval growth and survival, development time and feed utilization were obtained with larvae fed with lupin and triticale byproducts, which efficiently supported complete larval development. The results of our study aim to boost the integration of circular economy strategies with insect farming practices.

Analysis of Physicochemical Parameters of Congress Worts Prepared from Special Legume Seed Malts, Acquired with and without Use of Enzyme Preparations

This study was conducted to produce malt from legume seeds (chickpea, lentil, pea, and vetch) and test whether malting with parameters, typically barley grain, will result in well-modified legume seed malt. Analysis of malt was performed by producing congress worts from legume seed malts. Concentration of phenolic compounds, as well as antioxidant activity of legume seed malts was analysed. Acquired worts were characterised with poor technological characteristics (wort extract, wort volume, saccharification time, brewhouse efficiency); however, the malting process increased concentration of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of the plant material. Subsequent mashing tests with addition of different external enzymes and/or gelatinisation of legume seed malt were performed. Use of external enzymes improved saccharification time, extract content, wort volume, as well brewhouse efficiency in the case of some legume seed malts. The best brewhouse efficiencies and highest extract values were acquired by the samples prepared with 30% of gelatinised vetch malt or chickpea malt mixed with 70% of Pilsner malt. The study shows that there is possibility of creating legume seed malts, but malting and mashing characteristics need to be customised for these special malts.

Grain legume seed systems for smallholder farmers: Perspectives on successful innovations

Grain legumes are nutritionally important components of smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Unfortunately, limited access to quality seed of improved varieties at affordable prices due to inadequate seed systems has reduced their contribution to improving nutrition and reducing poverty in these regions. This paper analyses four seed systems case studies: chickpea in Ethiopia and Myanmar; cowpea in Nigeria; and tropical grain legumes in Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda highlighting outcomes, lessons learned, and the enabling factors which supported the successful innovations. All four case studies highlighted at least some of the following outcomes: increased adoption of improved varieties and area planted; increased productivity and income to farmers; improved market access and growth; and significant national economic benefits. Important lessons were learned including the value of small seed packets to reach many farmers; the value of innovative partnerships; capacity building of value chain actors; and continuity and coherence of funding through Tropical Legumes projects II and III and the recently funded Accelerated Varietal Improvement and Seed Delivery of Legumes and Cereals in Africa (AVISA) project. Successful adoption of innovations depends not just on the right technologies but also on the enabling environment. The case studies clearly showed that market demand was correctly identified, establishment of successful partners and institutional linkages overcame constraints in production and delivery of improved seed to smallholders, and fostered conducive policies supported national seed systems. All were integral to seed system viability and sustainability. It is hoped that these examples will provide potential models for future grain legume seed systems efforts. In addition, the analysis identified a number of areas that require further research.