Effect of lactic acid fermentation on the nutritional quality and consumer acceptability of African nightshade.

African nightshade (ANS) is among many underexploited and neglected indigenous vegetables. This study assessed the effect of lactic acid fermentation (LAF) on nutritional and sensory quality in Solanum villosum (Sv) and Solanum scabrum (Ss). Spontaneously fermented (SF) and controlled fermented (CF) conditions using Lactobacillus plantarum LP90 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides LM58 were employed for 15 days and 120 h. From the fermented pickles, relish products were prepared using cooking oil and a variety of spices. The relish products were subjected to a consumer acceptability test. Results show a significant drop in pH to <3.5, increasing titratable acidity (TTA) to around 0.6 after 120 h and 15 days of CF and SF, respectively. LAF resulted in a 2.6-5 and 1.6-4.8-fold significant rise in ß-carotene in pickles and their relish products. All pickles and relish products exhibited a significant decrease (p < .05) in vitamin C by 88.33%-95.90%. LAF significantly reduced total phenolic (26%- 43%) and Chlorophyll (16.45%-39.25%). On the other hand, LAF showed improvement in minerals content (P, Ca, Fe, and Zn) and reduction of tannin (76.27%-92.88%) and oxalate (77.33%-90%) levels. LAF relish products were highly preferred by the consumers, with S. villosum controlled fermented relish (SvCFR) leading. All fermented relishes were stable at ambient (27°C) and refrigeration (4°C) temperatures after 6 months of storage. Generally, LAF is an effective method for ANS preservation, with improved nutritional quality and safety. LAF can therefore be recommended to small-scale farmers, processors, and households for ANS preservation. Ultimately, this method enhances the nutrition and sensory quality, safety, and livelihood.

African nightshades (Solanum nigrum complex): The potential contribution to human nutrition and livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa.

Achieving zero hunger in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) without minimizing postharvest losses of agricultural products is impossible. Therefore, a holistic approach is vital to end hunger, simultaneously improving food security, diversity, and livelihoods. This review focuses on the African nightshades (ANS) Solanum spp. contribution to improving food and nutrition security in SSA. Different parts of ANS are utilized as food and medicine; however, pests and diseases hinder ANS utilization. African nightshade is rich in micronutrients such as ß-carotene, vitamins C and E, minerals (iron, calcium, and zinc), and dietary fiber. The leaves contain a high amount of nutrients than the berries. Proper utilization of ANS can contribute to ending hidden hunger, mainly in children and pregnant women. Literature shows that ANS contains antinutritional factors such as oxalate, phytate, nitrate, and alkaloids; however, their quantities are low to cause potential health effects. Several improved varieties with high yields, rich in nutrients, and low alkaloids have been developed in SSA. Various processing and preservation techniques such as cooking, drying, and fermentation are feasible techniques for value addition on ANS in SSA; moreover, most societies are yet to adopt them effectively. Furthermore, promoting value addition and commercialization of ANS is of importance and can create more jobs. Therefore, this review provides an overview of ANS production and challenges that hinder their utilization, possible solutions, and future research suggestions. This review concludes that ANS is an essential nutritious leafy vegetable for improving nutrition and livelihoods in SSA.

Influence of Supplemental Protein on the Life Expectancy and Reproduction of the Chinese Citrus Fruit Fly, Bactrocera minax (Enderlein) (Tetradacus minax) (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Bactrocera minax (Enderlein) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a major citrus pest in China, whose artificial rearing technology of the adult is not well documented to date. In this study, we tried to determine if supplementing proteins to the adult diet could result in the enhancement of some fitness parameters of B. minax. Four feeds with varying protein source were provided as F0 (water), F1 (sucrose), F2 (sucrose + yeast), and F3 (sucrose + peptone). F0 and F1 being the control, F2 and F3 were protein food types. The results showed that adults fed by F2 and F3 lived longer with 40.1 d and 32.8 d, respectively, had reduced death rates (death peaks were delayed for 5.6 d and 4.1 d, respectively), increased mating frequencies (8.1 and 5.3 per females, 4.7 and 7.3 per males, respectively), and longer mating durations (with 42 d and 34 d). In addition, females recorded an increased adult ovary development, more egg load (with 94.8 and 77.3 brood eggs per ovary) and to greater oviposition rates of 63.2 eggs/female and 19.3 eggs/female. Based on our results, protein supplements enhanced B. minax survival, mating, and fecundity. This study does not only provide basic knowledge to implement artificial rearing of B. minax, but also deepens our understanding on its physiology that could be used to enhance the management of the pest.