Effect of Physical Separation with Ultrasound Application on Brewers' Spent Grain to Obtain Powders for Potential Application in Foodstuffs.

Brewers' spent grain (BSG) is the primary by-product of beer production, and its potential use in food products is largely dependent on its processing, given its moisture content of up to 80%. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical separation with ultrasound application on the color, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, proximate composition, total dietary fibers, and particle size distribution of BSG powders. Wet BSG (W) was subjected to two processes: one without ultrasound (A) and one with ultrasound (B). Both processes included pressing, convective air-drying, sieving, fraction separation (A1 and B1 as coarse with particles ≥ 2.36 mm; A2 and B2 as fine with particles < 2.36 mm), and milling. The total color difference compared to W increased through both processes, ranging from 1.1 (B1 vs. A1) to 5.7 (B1 vs. A2). There was no significant difference in TPC, but process B powders, particularly B2, showed lower antioxidant activity against ABTS•+, likely due to the release of antioxidant compounds into the liquid fraction during pressing after ultrasound treatment. Nonetheless, process B powders exhibited a higher content of soluble dietary fibers. In conclusion, ultrasound application shows potential for further extraction of soluble fibers. However, process A might be more practical for industrial and craft brewers. Further studies on the use of the resulting BSG powders as food ingredients are recommended.

Influence of Test Method on the Determination of Tensile Strength Perpendicular to Grain of Timber for Civil Construction.

Tensile perpendicular to grain is an important mechanical property in the design of joints in timber structures. However, according to the standards, this strength can be determined using at least two different methods: uniaxial tensile and three-point static bending. In this context, the present paper aims to investigate the influence of these test methods on the determination of tensile strength perpendicular to grain of wood used in civil construction timber. Three wood species from Brazilian planted forests (Pinus spp., Eucalyptus saligna, and Corymbia citriodora) were used in this investigation. Twelve specimens of each species were used for each test method investigated. Moreover, a statistical analysis was performed to propose an adjustment to the equation of the Code of International Organization for Standardization 13910:2014 for the three-point bending test. Tensile strength values perpendicular to grain obtained from the uniaxial tensile test were significantly higher than those determined by the three-point bending test. It is proposed that the tensile strength perpendicular to grain can be determined more precisely with adoption of coefficient 5.233 in the term [(3.75·Fult)/b·Lh] of the equation specified by the Code of International Organization for Standardization 13910:2014 for the three-point bending test.

Optimization of enzymatic production of anti-skin aging biopeptides from white sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] grain.

Recently, kafirins from white sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] grain have shown promise as a source of biopeptides with anti-skin aging effects (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and inhibition of photoaging-associated enzymes). This study employed response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the extraction and enzymatic hydrolysis of kafirins (KAF) for the production of peptides with anti-skin aging properties. The optimization of conditions (reaction time and enzyme/substrate ratio) for liquefaction with α-amylase and hydrolysis of KAF with alcalase was performed using 32 complete factorial designs. Subsequently, ultrafiltered peptide extracts were obtained with molecular weights of 1-3 kDa (KAF-UF3) and lower than 1 kDa (KAF-UF1), which mainly contain hydrophobic amino acids (proline, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and valine) and peptide fractions with molecular weights of 0.69, 1.14, and 1.87 kDa. Consequently, the peptide extracts protected immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) from ultraviolet B radiation (UVB)-induced damage by preventing the decrease and/or restoring the activity of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)]. Furthermore, KAF-UF3 and KAF-UF1 inhibited (20-29%) elastase and collagenase overactivity in UVB-exposed murine fibroblasts (3T3 cells). Thus, KAF-UF3 and KAF-UF1 exhibited behavior similar to that observed with glutathione (GSH), suggesting their potential as functional peptide ingredients in skincare products.

Multi-trait index: selection and recommendation of superior black bean genotypes as new improved varieties.

Common bean provides diet rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and protein, which could contribute into food security of needy populations in many countries. Developing genotypes that associate favorable agronomic and grain quality traits in the common bean crop could increase the chances of adopting new cultivars black bean. In this context, the present study aimed at selection of superior black bean lines using multi-variate indexes, Smith-Hazel-index, and genotype by yield*trait biplot analysis. These trials were conducted in Campos dos Goytacazes - RJ, in 2020 and 2021. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with 28 treatments and three replications. The experimental unit consisted of four rows 4.0 m long, spaced at 0.50 m apart, with a sowing density of 15 seeds per meter. The two central rows were used for the evaluations. The selection of superior genotypes was conducted using the multiple trait stability index (MTSI), multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI), multi-trait index based on factor analysis and genotype-ideotype distance (FAI-BLUP), Smith-Hazel index, and Genotype by Yield*Trait Biplot (GYT). The multivariate indexes efficiently selected the best black bean genotypes, presenting desirable selection gains for most traits. The use of multivariate indexes and GYT enable the selection of early genotypes with higher grain yields. These lines G9, G13, G17, G23, and G27 were selected based on their performance for multiple traits closest to the ideotype and could be recommended as new varieties.

The trade-off between grain weight and grain number in wheat is explained by the overlapping of the key phases determining these major yield components.

Enhancing grain yield is a primary goal in the cultivation of major staple crops, including wheat. Recent research has focused on identifying the physiological and molecular factors that influence grain weight, a critical determinant of crop yield. However, a bottleneck has arisen due to the trade-off between grain weight and grain number, whose underlying causes remain elusive. In a novel approach, a wheat expansin gene, TaExpA6, known for its expression in root tissues, was engineered to express in the grains of the spring wheat cultivar Fielder. This modification led to increases in both grain weight and yield without adversely affecting grain number. Conversely, a triple mutant line targeting the gene TaGW2, a known negative regulator of grain weight, resulted in increased grain weight but decreased grain number, potentially offsetting yield gains. This study aimed to evaluate the two aforementioned modified wheat genotypes (TaExpA6 and TaGW2) alongside their respective wild-type counterparts. Conducted in southern Chile, the study employed a Complete Randomized Block Design with four replications, under well-managed field conditions. The primary metrics assessed were grain yield, grain number, and average grain weight per spike, along with detailed measurements of grain weight and dimensions across the spike, ovary weight at pollination (Waddington's scale 10), and post-anthesis expression levels of TaExpA6 and TaGW2. Results indicated that both the TaExpA6 and the triple mutant lines achieved significantly higher average grain weights compared to their respective wild types. Notably, the TaExpA6 line did not exhibit a reduction in grain number, thereby enhancing grain yield per spike. By contrast, the triple mutant line showed a reduced grain number per spike, with no significant change in overall yield. TaExpA6 expression peaked at 10 days after anthesis (DAA), and its effect on grain weight over the WT became apparent after 15 DAA. In contrast, TaGW2 gene disruption in the triple mutant line increased ovary size at anthesis, leading to improved grain weight above the WT from the onset of grain filling. These findings suggest that the trade-off between grain weight and number could be attributed to the overlapping of the critical periods for the determination of these traits.

Selenium mitigates the loss of nutritional quality in rice grown at an elevated concentration of carbon dioxide.

Atmospheric CO2 enrichment has the potential to improve rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield, but it may also reduce grain nutritional quality, by reducing mineral and protein concentrations. Selenium (Se) fertilization may improve rice grain nutritional composition, but it is not known if this response extends to plants grown in elevated carbon dioxide concentration (eCO2). We conducted experiments to identify the impacts of Se fertilization on yield and quality of rice grains in response to eCO2. The effect of the Se treatment was not significant for the grain yield within each CO2 condition. However, the reduction in macronutrients and micronutrients under eCO2 was mitigated in grains of plants fertilized with Se. Fertilization with Se increased the concentration of Se in roots, flag leaves, and grains independently of atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Elevation of the transcripts of ion transport-related genes could, at least partially, explain the positive relationship between mineral concentrations and grain mass resulting from Se fertilization under eCO2. Treatment with Se also increased the accumulation of total protein in grains under eCO2. Overall, our results revealed that Se fertilization represents a potential asset to maintain rice grain nutritional quality in a future with rising atmospheric CO2 concentration.

Density-mediated foraging behavioral responses of Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

Tribolium castaneum and Rhyzopertha dominica are cosmopolitan, destructive postharvest pests. Although research has investigated how high densities of T. castaneum affect attraction to the aggregation pheromone by conspecifics, research into the behavioral response of both species to food cues after high density exposure has been lacking despite its importance to foraging ecology. Our goal was to manipulate and observe the effects of crowding on the behavioral response of both species to common food and pheromonal stimuli and to determine how the headspace emission patterns from grain differed under increasing densities. Densities of colonies for both species was altered (10-500 adults) on a fixed quantity of food (10 g of flour or whole wheat), then the behavioral response to common food and pheromonal cues was evaluated in a wind tunnel and release-recapture experiment, while volatiles were examined through gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Importantly, at least for T. castaneum, crowded conditions attenuate attraction to food-based stimuli, but not pheromonal stimuli. Crowding seemed to have no effect on R. dominica attraction to food and pheromonal stimuli in the wind tunnel, but exposure to high density cues did elicit 2.1-3.8-fold higher captures in traps. The relative composition and abundance of headspace volatiles emitted varied significantly with different densities of beetles and was also species-specific. Overall, our results have implications for expanding our understanding of the foraging ecology of two economically important pests.

Utilization of Sustainable Ingredients (Cañihua Flour, Whey, and Potato Starch) in Gluten-Free Cookie Development: Analysis of Technological and Sensorial Attributes.

In recent years, the consumption of gluten-free products has increased due to the increasing prevalence of celiac disease and the increased preference for gluten-free diets. This study aimed to make cookies using a mixture of cañihua flour, whey, and potato starch. The use of a Box-Behnken design allowed for flexible ingredient proportions and physicochemical properties, centesimal composition, color, texture, and sensory attributes to be evaluated through consumer tests (Sorting and acceptability). The results highlighted significant variations in physicochemical data, composition, color, and texture across formulations. The blend with 38.51% cañihua flour, 10.91% sweet whey, 25.69% potato starch, 8.34% margarine, 11.10% sugar, 0.19% sodium chloride, 0.51% baking powder, 0.51% vanilla essence, and 4.24% egg exhibited superior sensory appeal. This formulation boasted excellent texture, aroma, flavor, color, and appearance, indicating high sensory and physicochemical quality. The use of cañihua flour, sweet whey, and potato starch not only provides a gluten-free option but also delivers a nutritious and sensorily pleasing choice for those with dietary restrictions. Future research could explore the commercial viability of producing these cookies on a larger scale, as well as investigating the potential health benefits of these ingredients.

Evaluation of PSP1 biostimulant on Fusarium graminearum-wheat pathosystem: impact on disease parameters, grain yield, and grain quality.

BACKGROUND: Plant defense elicitors are valuable tools in sustainable agriculture, providing an environmentally friendly and effective means of enhancing plant defense and promoting plant health. Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most important fungal diseases of cereal crops worldwide. The PSP1 is a novel biopesticide formulated based on an elicitor, the extracellular protein AsES, from the fungus Sarocladium strictum. The present work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PSP1 in controlling FHB under field conditions. Experiments were conducted during three consecutive growing seasons (2019, 2020, and 2021). Three biostimulant treatments were tested in different physiological stages (from late tillering to heading stage), and FHB inoculations were performed at anthesis. Disease parameters, seed parameters, grain yield, and grain quality parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Depending on the year and the genotype, reductions in disease incidence (up to 11%) and disease severity (up to 5%) were reported, although these differences could not be attributed to the use of the PSP1 biostimulant. Occasional improvements in seed parameters and grain quality were observed, suggesting that early treatments could work better than late treatments, probably due to early activation/priming of defense response mechanisms. However, more studies are deemed necessary. CONCLUSION: The use of PSP1 biostimulant in commercial wheat crops could be a biological alternative or complement to traditional chemical fungicides to manage FHB. The reduced environmental impact and the potential benefits in grain yield and quality are other reasons that can generate new adherents of this technology in worldwide agriculture systems in the coming years. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Monitoring and predicting corn grain quality on the transport and post-harvest operations in storage units using sensors and machine learning models.

Monitoring the intergranular variables of corn grain mass during the transportation, drying, and storage stages it possible to predict and avoid potential grain quality losses. For monitoring the grain mass along the transport, a probe system with temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide sensors was developed to determine the equilibrium moisture content and the respiration of the grain mass. These same variables were monitored during storage. At drying process, the drying air and grain mass temperatures, as well as the relative humidity, were monitored. For the prediction of the physical and physical-chemical quality of the grains, the results obtained from the monitoring were used as input data for the multiple linear regression, artificial neural networks, decision tree, and random forest models. A Pearson correlation was applied to verify the relationship between the monitored and predicted variables. From the results obtained, we verified that the intergranular relative humidity altered the equilibrium moisture content of the grains, contributing to the increased respiration and hence dry matter losses along the transport. At this stage, the artificial neural network model was the most indicated to predict the electrical conductivity, apparent specific mass, and germination. The random forest model satisfactorily estimated the dry matter loss. During drying, the air temperature caused volumetric contraction and thermal damage to the grains, increasing the electric conductivity index. Artificial neural network and random forest models were the most suitable for predicting the quality of dry grains. During storage, the environmental conditions altered the moisture contents causing a reduction in the apparent specific mass, germination, and crude protein, crude fiber, and fat contents. Artificial neural network and random forest were the best predictors of moisture content and germination. However, the random forest model was the best predictor of apparent specific mass, electrical conductivity, and starch content of stored grains.

Hydrothermal co-liquefaction of microalgae, sugarcane bagasse, brewer's spent grain, and sludge from a paper recycling mill: Modeling and evaluation of biocrude and biochar yield.

Biomass can be used as an energy source to thermochemical conversion processes to biocrude production. However, the supply and dependence on only one biomass for biocrude production can be an obstacle due to its seasonality, availability, and logistics costs. In this way, biomass waste and agroindustrial residues can be mixture and used as feedstock to the hydrothermal co-liquefaction (co-HTL) process as an alternative to obtaining biocrude. In this sense, the present paper analyzed the biocrude yield influence of the co-HTL from a quaternary unprecedented blend of different biomasses, such as sugarcane bagasse, brewer's spent grain (BSG), sludge from a paper recycling mill (PRM), and microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris). In this way, a simplex lattice design was employed and co-HTL experiments were carried out in a 2000 mL high-pressure stirred autoclave reactor under 275 °C for 60 min, considering 15% of feedstock/water ratio. Significant effects in each feedstock and their blends were analyzed aiming to increase biocrude and biochar yield. It was found that the addition of microalgae is only significant when considered more than 50% into the blend with BSG and PRM sludge to increase biocrude yield.

Diatomaceous earth as insecticide: physiological and morphological evidence of its underlying mechanism.

BACKGROUND: Wheat grain containers or silos can be perfect habitats for insects, which generate large economic losses to grain production. Natural alternatives to synthetic insecticides have grown in popularity because of health, economic and ecological issues. Diatomaceous earth is a natural compound that has an insecticide effect by enhancing an insect's dehydration with no toxicity on mammals including humans. The aim of this study is to confirm the effect of diatomaceous earth as an insecticide for the wheat grain pest, the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and demonstrate its underlying mechanisms as an insecticide by open-flow respirometry and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Survival bioassays of T. castaneum revealed a dose-dependent insecticide effect of diatomaceous earth. Gravimetric measurements showed that 2 days exposure to diatomaceous earth produces a significant increase of mass loss. Open-flow respirometry measurements showed an increase of total water emission rate on insects due to an increase of both, respiratory and cuticular water loss. Our study revealed that diatomaceous earth produces an increase of insect's cuticle permeability, which is responsible for elevated cuticular water loss. Scanning electron microscopy images provided visual evidence of the lipid absorbent properties of diatomaceous earth particles, and showed a tendency for higher, although not significant, damaged area of the cuticle's surface from diatomaceous earth treated insects compared to control ones. CONCLUSION: With state-of-the art techniques like open-flow respirometry and scanning electron microscopy, we demonstrated the underlying mechanism of diatomaceous earth as an insecticide and provided new cues for understanding the properties of the cuticle and its ecological importance. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mathematical model for the plastic flow and ductile fracture of polycrystalline solids.

It is mathematically shown that ductile fracture after finite plastic strain is a necessary consequence of the polycrystalline nature of the materials. A closed-form equation for the plastic strain to fracture of a fine-grained polycrystal with no voids is derived. The mathematical model for the plastic deformation is grounded on the physical hypothesis that adjacent grains slide with a relative velocity proportional to the local shear stress resolved in the plane of the shared grain boundary, when exceeds a finite threshold. Hence plastic flow is governed predominantly by the in-plane shear forces making grain boundaries to slide, and the induced local forces responsible for the continuous grain reshaping are much weaker. The process is shown to produce a monotonic hydrostatic pressure variation with strain that precludes a stationary flow. The hydrostatic pressure dependence on strain has two solutions. One of them leads to superplasticity, the other one is shown to diverge logarithmically at a finite fracture strain and then represents ductile behaviour. Emphasis is done in the mathematical aspects of the deformation of the polycrystal up to the initiation of fracture. Although theoretical predictions agree well with mechanical tests of commercial alloys, technical issues like the effects of the presence and evolution of porosity and other imperfections, or how fracture evolves after initiation are left for a more specific communication.

Distillers' grains organic fertilizer alters soil bacterial composition and co-occurrence patterns in a tobacco-growing field.

In recent years, numerous studies have indicated that the combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers can effectively improve soil fertility and soil productivity. Distillers' grain (DG), the primary by-product of Chinese spirits production, has a high utilization value for producing organic fertilizer. We investigated the effects of distillers' grain organic fertilizer (DGOF) on soil chemical properties and microbial community composition, as well as the effects of chemical properties on the abundance of keystone species. The results indicated that the application of DGOF significantly increased tobacco yield by 14.8% and mainly affected the composition rather than the alpha diversity of the bacterial community. Ten amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified as keystone species in the bacterial communities, and most of their relative abundance was influenced by the DGOF addition through affecting soil chemical properties. Our results elucidated the alterations in soil chemical properties and microbial community composition resulting from DGOF application, which is of great importance to better understand the relationship between DGOF and soil microorganisms in the flue-cured tobacco cultivation field.

Eco-physiology of maize crops under combined stresses.

The yield of maize (Zea mays L.) crops depends on their ability to intercept sunlight throughout the growing cycle, transform this energy into biomass and allocate it to the kernels. Abiotic stresses affect these eco-physiological determinants, reducing crop grain yield below the potential of each environment. Here we analyse the impact of combined abiotic stresses, such as water restriction and nitrogen deficiency or water restriction and elevated temperatures. Crop yield depends on the product of kernel yield per plant and the number of plants per unit soil area, but increasing plant population density imposes a crowding stress that reduces yield per plant, even within the range that maximises crop yield per unit soil area. Therefore, we also analyse the impact of abiotic stresses under different plant densities. We show that the magnitude of the detrimental effects of two combined stresses on field-grown plants can be lower, similar or higher than the sum of the individual stresses. These patterns depend on the timing and intensity of each one of the combined stresses and on the effects of one of the stresses on the status of the resource whose limitation causes the other. The analysis of the eco-physiological determinants of crop yield is useful to guide and prioritise the rapidly progressing studies aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to combined stresses.

"Eu preferia estar doente!": o cuidado a contrapelo. Um breve ensaio sobre o que a pandemia de Covid-19 pode revelar acerca do ofício da antropóloga / "I'd rather be ill!": care against the grain. A brief essay on what the Covid-19 pandemic can reveal about the craft of anthropology / "¡Preferiría estar enferma!": el cuidado a contrapelo. Un breve ensayo sobre lo que la pandemia de COVID-19 puede revelar sobre el oficio de la antropóloga

O presente ensaio se propõe a pensar, a partir de uma inspiração benjaminiana, o cuidado a contrapelo, buscando desnudá-lo. A autora do texto cruza sua experiência de cuidadora durante a pandemia de Covid-19 com as narrativas de suas interlocutoras na Serra Leoa (África do Oeste) durante a epidemia do ebola (2014-2016). A interseção dessas realidades - antropóloga-cuidadora e mulheres serra-leoneses cuidadoras - acaba levando a pesquisadora a pensar o próprio ofício da Antropologia, considerando questões de nomeação, gênero, raça, subalternidade, lugar de fala e o engenhoso espaço da relacionalidade.(AU)

Inspired by Benjaminian thinking, this essay proposes that we think about care against the grain in an attempt to denude it. The author crosscuts her experience as a caregiver during the Covid-19 pandemic with the narratives of her interlocutors in Sierra Leone (West Africa) during the Ebola epidemic (2014-2016). The intersection of these realities - an anthropologist caregiver and female Sierra Leonean caregivers - prompts the researcher to think about the craft of anthropology, considering issues such as designation, gender, race, subalternity, place of speech and the resourceful space of relationality.(AU)

Este ensayo se propone pensar, a partir de una inspiración benjaminiana, el cuidado a contrapelo, buscando desnudarlo. La autora del texto cruza su experiencia de cuidadora durante la pandemia de Covid-19 con las narrativas de sus interlocutoras en Sierra Leona (África del Oeste) durante la epidemia de ébola (2014-2016). La intersección de estas realidades, antropóloga-cuidadora y mujeres cuidadoras de Sierra Leona, acaba llevando a la investigadora a pensar el propio oficio de la antropología, considerando cuestiones de nombramiento, género, raza, subalternidad, lugar de diálogo y el ingenioso espacio de la relacionalidad.(AU)

Effects of Grain Boundary Misorientation Angle on the Mechanical Behavior of Al Bicrystals.

This research article explores the effect of grain boundary (GB) misorientation on the mechanical behavior of aluminum (Al) bicrystals by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The effect of GB misorientation on the mechanical properties, fracture resistance, and crack propagation are evaluated under monotonic and cyclic load conditions. The J-integral and the crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) are assessed to establish the effect of the GB misorientation angle on the fracture resistance. The simulations reveal that the misorientation angle plays a significant role in the mechanical response of Al bicrystals. The results also evidence a gradual change in the mechanical behavior from brittle to ductile as the misorientation angle is increased.

Caracterización de 11 líneas de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) resistentes a Zabrotes subfasciatus Boheman en Cuba / Characterization of 11 common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lines resistant to Zabrotes subfasciatus Boheman in Cuba

RESUMEN Por su alto valor nutricional, el frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) es la especie más importante para el consumo humano entre las leguminosas de grano comestibles. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar 11 líneas RAZ de frijol común, promisorias por su resistencia contra Zabrotes subfasciatus Boh. En octubre de 2019, se sembraron 11 líneas RAZ del Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT), utilizando un diseño de bloques completos al azar en el Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas (INCA), San José de Las Lajas, Cuba. Se evaluaron 22 caracteres cuantitativos y cualitativos del descriptor del frijol común y se realizaron análisis de frecuencia para las características cualitativas y estadígrafos básicos y análisis de componentes principales (ACP) de los atributos cuantitativos. Los caracteres con mayor variabilidad fueron el color primario de la semilla (reportándose 5 diferentes, y siendo el blanco sucio el más frecuente); el color predominante de la vaina en la madurez fisiológica (las cuales presentaron 4 variantes de color, principalmente verdes y amarillas); el aspecto de la testa (destacando el aspecto opaco, registrándose en 6 líneas); así como la ausencia del color alrededor del hilo en 10 de ellas. Los parámetros relacionados con el ciclo biológico presentaron menor variabilidad. El peso de 100 granos correspondió al tipo de grano pequeño. El rendimiento promedio fue 1 685 kg/ha, destacándose la línea 'RAZ 124' con 4 237 kg/ha. El ACP explicó el 61.82 % de la variabilidad total e integró las 11 líneas en 4 grupos que caracterizaron su comportamiento. Los resultados indican que las líneas estudiadas pueden incorporarse en el programa de mejoramiento del frijol en Cuba a través de su evaluación en diferentes ambientes regionales para la selección de posibles nuevos cultivares comerciales.

ABSTRACT Due to high nutritional value, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important species for human consumption among the food grain legumes. The objective of this study was to characterize 11 RAZ lines of common bean, promising for their resistance to the Mexican bean weevil (Zabrotes subfasciatus Boh.). In October 2019, 11 RAZ lines from the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) were planted using a randomized complete block design at the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (INCA), San José de las Lajas, Cuba. Twenty-two quantitative and qualitative traits of the common bean descriptors were used, and frequency analyses were performed for the qualitative traits and basic statistics and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed for the quantitative traits. The traits with greater variability were the primary seed color (5 different colors were reported, with dirty white being the most frequent); the predominant color of the pods at physiological maturity, (which presented 4 color variants, with green and yellow ones standing out); the opaque aspect of the coat stood out, being registered in 6 lines, as well as the absence of color around the hilum in 10 of them. All possible variants were found for the predominant appearance of the seed coat, predominant pro-file of the pod and presence of color around the hilum. Variables related to the biological cycle showed less variability. The weight of 100 grains corresponded to the small grains type. The average yield was 1 685 kg/ha, with the 'RAZ 124' line standing out with 4 237 kg/ha. The PCA explained 61.82 % of total variability and classified the 11 lines into four groups that characterize their performance. These results indicate that the lines under study can be incorporated into the vean breeding program in Cuba by means of their evaluation in different regional environments for the selection of possible new commercial cultivars.

Nutritive value of fermented soybean grains for ruminants.

Fermented soybean grain (FSBG) is considered improper to use as a protein source in animal nutrition, since it is assumed that defects cause changes on its chemical composition and favor mycotoxins production, but chemical composition data does not support this theory and in vivo studies are missing. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of FSBG in feedlot lamb diets. For that, two types of FSBG (partially fermented and completely fermented, PFSBG and CFSBG) and one standard soybean grain (SSBG) were obtained and evaluated alone or as a component of experimental diets by in vitro and in vivo studies, where FSBG totally replaced SSBG in feedlot lamb diets, which was included in the experimental diets in 17.4% on dry matter basis as protein source. Before the studies, both soybeans were sent to a specialized laboratory where no mycotoxins were detected. As a result, lower DM and carbohydrate contents but higher crude protein, fiber, and indigestible NDF contents were measured in CFSBG than in SSBG. Furthermore, both types of FSBG showed lower digestibility in vitro dry matter (IVDMD) than SSBG when evaluated separately; however, when evaluated in experimental diets, the substitution of SSBG for FSBG did not affect IVDMD. It was also observed that FSBG also had less rumen-degradable protein than SSBG (mean 47.9 vs 86.4%). In the in vivo study, FSBG did not affect nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, or animal performance (i.e., average daily gain and carcass gain). Thus, mycotoxins-free FSBG may be an alternative to totally replace SSBG in feedlot lamb diets.

Combining Ability and Reciprocal Effects for the Yield of Elite Blue Corn Lines from the Central Highlands of Mexico.

The development of hybrid plants can increase the production and quality of blue corn, and, thus, satisfy its high demand. For this development, it is essential to understand the heterotic relationships of the germplasm. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability, as well as the reciprocal effects (REs) on the yields of 10 blue corn lines, and to select the outstanding lines. Diallel crosses were generated with 10 lines and evaluated at the Valle de México Experimental Station in Chapingo, Mexico, and Calpulalpan, Tlaxcala, Mexico. There were differences (p ≤ 0.01) in the hybrids, Loc, effects of GCA, SCA, and REs, and in the following interactions: hybrids × Loc, GCA × Loc, SCA × Loc, and RE × Loc. For GCA, lines Ll, L4, L6, and L9 stood out, with significant values of 3.4, 2.9, 2.9, and 3.1, respectively. For SCA, the hybrids featured were L4 × L10, L2 × L10, L1 × L10, L7 × L8, and L2 × L6, with values of 3.0, 2.5, 2.3, 2.3, and 2.2, and yields of 11.2, 10.2, 10.4, 10.4, and 10.5 t ha-l, respectively. There were no significant REs in these lines. Considerable effects of GCA and SCA were detected; therefore, we concluded that native populations had favorable dominance and additive genetic effects that could be used to support the development of high-yielding lines and hybrids.