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India has occupied third position in biscuit manufacturing with an average production of 1.95 million tonnes. The major ingredients in biscuit manufacturing are refined wheat flour, sugar and fat. Fat to be used must be chosen carefully as it affects quality of final product in terms of fatty acid composition and oxidative stability. Therefore, the present work was planned to study fatty acid profile of highly consumed baked products of biscuit family such as biscuits and cookies available in market. The study was carried out to do fatty acid profiling of a range of highly consumed baked products of biscuit family as a primary objective and also, to determine oxidative stability of these products by analysing peroxide value and free fatty acid content. The most commonly consumed packaged and unpackaged bakery products were selected and were bought from the local market of Ludhiana city on the basis of a survey conducted on 200 subjects. The selected products were analysed for fatty acid composition and oxidative stability using standard methods. Fatty acid profiling of 22 bakery products of biscuit family was done. Palmitic acid was the most abundant among all fatty acids in packaged and unpackaged samples. Peroxide value of all the products even after storage period of three months was found below the permissible limits (< 10 meq/kg). Free fatty acids value of all the products also did not cross acceptable level of 0.5 percent. Out of total selected eight brands, six were national and two were international. Amount of palmitic acid was higher in the products belonging to local brands.

Climate change is shifting agricultural production, which could impact the economic and cultural contexts of the oilseed industry, including sesame. Environmental threats (biotic and abiotic stresses) affect sesame production and thus yield (especially oil content). However, few studies have investigated the genetic enhancement, quality improvement, or the underlying mechanisms of stress tolerance in sesame. This study reveals the challenges faced by farmers/researchers growing sesame crops and the potential genetic and genomic resources for addressing the threats, including: (1) developing sesame varieties that tolerate phyllody, root rot disease, and waterlogging; (2) investigating beneficial agro-morphological traits, such as determinate growth, prostrate habit, and delayed response to seed shattering; (3) using wild relatives of sesame for wide hybridization; and (4) advancing existing strategies to maintain sesame production under changing climatic conditions. Future research programs need to add technologies and develop the best research strategies for economic and sustainable development.

The defatted Brassica napus (rapeseed) meal can be high-protein feed for livestock as the protein value of rapeseed meal is higher than that of the majority of other vegetable proteins. Extensive work has already been carried out on developing canola rapeseed where the focus was on reducing erucic acid and glucosinolate content, with less consideration to other antinutritional factors such as tannin, phytate, sinapine, crude fiber, etc. The presence of these antinutrients limits the use and marketing of rapeseed meals and a significant amount of it goes unused and ends up as waste. We investigated the genetic architecture of crude protein, methionine, tryptophan, total phenols, β-carotene, glucosinolates (GLSs), phytate, tannins, sinapine, and crude fiber content of defatted seed meal samples by conducting a genome-wide association study (GWAS), using a diversity panel comprising 96 B. napus genotypes. Genotyping by sequencing was used to identify 77,889 SNPs, spread over 19 chromosomes. Genetic diversity and phenotypic variations were generally high for the studied traits. A total of eleven genotypes were identified which showed high-quality protein, high antioxidants, and lower amount of antinutrients. A significant negative correlation between protein and limiting amino acids and a significant positive correlation between GLS and phytic acid were observed. General and mixed linear models were used to estimate the association between the SNP markers and the seed quality traits and quantile-quantile (QQ) plots were generated to allow the best-fit algorithm. Annotation of genomic regions around associated SNPs helped to predict various trait-related candidates such as ASP2 and EMB1027 (amino acid biosynthesis); HEMA2, GLU1 , and PGM (tryptophan biosynthesis); MS3, CYSD1 , and MTO1 (methionine biosynthesis); LYC (β-carotene biosynthesis); HDR and ISPF (MEP pathway); COS1 (riboflavin synthesis); UGT (phenolics biosynthesis); NAC073 (cellulose and hemicellulose biosynthesis); CYT1 (cellulose biosynthesis); BGLU45 and BGLU46 (lignin biosynthesis); SOT12 and UGT88A1 (flavonoid pathway); and CYP79A2, DIN2 , and GSTT2 (GLS metabolism), etc. The functional validation of these candidate genes could confirm key seed meal quality genes for germplasm enhancement programs directed at improving protein quality and reducing the antinutritional components in B. napus .

Acid phosphatases (Apases) are an important group of enzymes that hydrolyze soil and plant phosphoesters and anhydrides to release Pi (inorganic phosphate) for plant acquisition. Their activity is strongly correlated to the phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) of plants. Indian mustard ( Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss) is a major oilseed crop that also provides protein for the animal feed industry. It exhibits low PUE. Understanding the genetics of PUE and its component traits, especially Apase activity, will help to reduce Pi fertilizer application in the crop. In the present study, we evaluated 280 genotypes of the diversity fixed foundation set of Indian mustard for Apase activity in the root (RApase) and leaf (LApase) tissues at three- low (5µM), normal (250µM) and high (1mM) Pi levels in a hydroponic system. Substantial effects of genotype and Pi level were observed for Apase activity in both tissues of the evaluated lines. Low Pi stress induced higher mean RApase and LApase activities. However, mean LApase activity was relatively more than mean RApase at all three Pi levels. JM06016, IM70 and Kranti were identified as promising genotypes with higher LApase activity and increased R/S at low Pi. Genome-wide association study revealed 10 and 4 genomic regions associated with RApase and LApase, respectively. Annotation of genomic regions in the vicinity of peak associated SNPs allowed prediction of 15 candidates, including genes encoding different family members of the acid phosphatase such as PAP10 (purple acid phosphatase 10), PAP16 , PNP (polynucleotide phosphorylase) and AT5G51260 (HAD superfamily gene, subfamily IIIB acid phosphatase) genes. Our studies provide an understanding of molecular mechanism of the Apase response of B. juncea at varying Pi levels. The identified SNPs and candidate genes will support marker-assisted breeding program for improving PUE in Indian mustard. This will redeem the crop with enhanced productivity under restricted Pi reserves and degrading agro-environments.

Background Breeding crops for enhanced understanding of apparent nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) requires understanding of phenotypic variations and underlying genetics. Improving NUE in Indian mustard is considered important to reduce nitrogen (N) fertilizer use without sacrificing crop yield. In the present study, 260 genotypes of Brassica juncea were field evaluated for seed yield and NUE-related traits at three N levels: N 0 (no added nitrogen), N 50 (50 kg/ha nitrogen), and N 100 (100 kg/ha nitrogen) for two years. Results N response in plants varied depending on the dose of nitrogen applied and tended to vary across genotypes and the plant’s developmental stages. A pooled analysis of variance revealed significant variations in the diversity-fixed foundation set for all the traits. Genotypes 252,026, PBR-91, EJ-15, IM-22, YSRL-9, RE-14, and IM-18 recorded high NUE at low N levels. These also showed improved crop performance under high N. Association analysis and principal component analysis revealed positive associations between seed yield and NUE. Associative transcriptomics enabled the prediction of 15 candidate genes for association with NUE, N uptake efficiency (NUpE), and N utilization efficiency (NUtE). Notable among these were: NRT1.7 , AAP5 , and PTR1 . These are major nitrogen, amino acid, and protein transporter genes. Another significant amino acid transporter gene, AAP5 , appeared associated with NUE under limited N conditions. Conclusions Breeding for high NUE will be aided by sequence information for predicted candidate genes. Molecular pathways controlling nitrogen assimilation, transport, and redistribution within plants can be revealed by these genes.

The wide spread cultivation of transgenic Bt-cotton in India has altered the pest profile from bollworms to sap-sucking insect-pests especially whitefly [Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)]. A whitefly epidemic in 2015 destroyed cotton crop on nearly 1.5 million hectares in North Indian cotton growing states. Management of whitefly is not easy due to its wider host adaptability, potential for insecticide resistance development and rapid evolution. Host plant resistance is the most viable approach for combating whitefly menace. A wild cotton species Gossypium armourianum Kearney Accession PAU 1 tolerant to various biotic stresses was used for the introgression of whitefly tolerance in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Various morpho-anatomical characteristics (viz. stomatal frequency, gossypol glands, trichome density, leaf thickness) were studied from leaf discs in experimental material (i.e. parents G. armourianum Acc. PAU 1, G. hirsutum cv. F 1861 and LH 1556, F1, BC1F1, BC2F1 derivatives). The BC2F1 individuals differed significantly in stomatal frequency, trichome density, number of gossypol glands and lamina thickness; and hence their response to whitefly tolerance. However, with age progression, a significant decline in stomatal frequency, gossypol glands and trichome density were observed in mature leaves. Correlation studies revealed a positive association of whitefly incidence with trichome density (r = 0.319*) and stomatal frequency (r = 0.372*) in young leaves. A positive correlation of stomatal frequency with gossypol gland (ry = 0.251* and rm = 0.296*) and trichome density (ry = 0.360* and rm = 0.305*) was observed in both young and mature leaves. G. armourianum possessed 4–5 -folds higher tannin contents than G. hirsutum parents before infestation. Surprisingly in G. armourianum, increase in tannin levels were observed much earlier (after 24 h of infestation) as compared to G. hirsutum.

Lipaphis erysimi is a key pest of rapeseed-mustard in Indian subcontinent. Although chemical control is the basis of its management, the unsustainability of this approach has accelerated global research efforts to find alternate solutions. Host plant resistance is one among these. A set of introgression lines were developed using Brassica fruticulosa previously found to be resistant to L. erysimi . Rigorous screening over the years led to the identification of 3 introgression lines (I 8 , I 79 , and I 82 ) for field resistance to aphids. We evaluated these introgression lines under field and laboratory conditions along with B. fruticulosa (resistant parent), B. juncea var. PBR-210 (susceptible parent) to elucidate the mechanism of resistance. Significantly a smaller number of aphids settled on circular leaf discs of B. fruticulosa , I 8 and I 82 compared to that on PBR-210 after 24 and 48 h of release. A similar trend was observed in free choice field experiment with significantly less aphid colonization on B. fruticulosa , I 8 , I 79 and I 82 compared to PBR-210 indicating lower aphid preference for these genotypes. Further, no choice experiments revealed significant negative effects of these genotypes on aphid demographic parameters (nymphal survival, development period, fecundity and longevity). Tolerance may not be a mechanism of resistance as aphid population failed to develop on these genotypes. Thus, resistance in these introgression lines may be attributed to a synergistic combination of antixenosis and antibiosis mechanisms.

Key messageGenome wide association studies allowed prediction of 17 candidate genes for association with nitrogen use efficiency. Novel information obtained may provide better understanding of genomic controls underlying germplasm variations for this trait in Indian mustard.Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.) is low and most breeding efforts to combine NUE with crop performance have not succeeded. Underlying genetics also remain unexplored. We tested 92 SNP-genotyped inbred lines for yield component traits, N uptake efficiency (NUPEFF), nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUTEFF), nitrogen harvest index (NHI) and NUE for two years at two nitrogen doses (No without added N and N100 added @100 kg/ha). Genotypes IC-2489-88, M-633, MCP-632, HUJM 1080, GR-325 and DJ-65 recorded high NUE at low N. These also showed improved crop performance under high N. One determinate mustard genotype DJ-113 DT-3 revealed maximum NUTEFF. Genome wide association studies (GWAS) facilitated recognition of 17 quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Environment specificity was high. B-genome chromosomes (B02, B03, B05, B07 and B08) harbored many useful loci. We also used regional association mapping (RAM) to supplement results from GWAS. Annotation of the genomic regions around peak SNPs helped to predict several gene candidates for root architecture, N uptake, assimilation and remobilization. CAT9 (At1g05940) was consistently envisaged for both NUE and NUPEFF. Major N transporter genes, NRT1.8 and NRT3.1 were predicted for explaining variation for NUTEFF and NUPEFF, respectively. Most significant amino acid transporter gene, AAP1 appeared associated with NUE under limited N conditions. All these candidates were predicted in the regions of high linkage disequilibrium. Sequence information of the predicted candidate genes will permit development of molecular markers to aid breeding for high NUE.

Honey bee products comprise various compounds, including honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee pollen, bee wax and bee venom, which have long been recognized for their pharmacological and health-promoting benefits. Scientists have discovered that periodontal disorders stem from dental biofilm, an inflammatory response to bacterial overgrowth produced by dysbiosis in the oral microbiome. The bee products have been investigated for their role in prevention of oral diseases, which are attributed to a myriad of biologically active compounds including flavonoids (pinocembrin, catechin, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and galangin), phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, p-coumaric, ellagic, caffeic and ferulic acids) and terpenoids. This review aims to update the current understanding of role of selected bee products, namely, honey, propolis and royal jelly, in preventing oral diseases as well as their potential biological activities and mechanism of action in relation to oral health have been discussed. Furthermore, the safety of incorporation of bee products is also critically discussed. To summarize, bee products could potentially serve as a therapy option for people suffering from a variety of oral disorders.

The physical, biochemical and antioxidant properties of one white pulped (Hylocereus undatus; DG-I) and two red pulped dragon fruit species (H. polyrhizus, DG-II; H. costaricencis, DG-III) grown under sub-tropical conditions of north-west India were determined. Fruit size, fruit weight, pulp weight and pulp: peel ratio was significantly higher in DG-III, though the fruit numbers and yield per pillar was significantly less than other species. The pH, TSS, acidity, total sugar, reducing sugars and moisture content in all the species varied between 4.78-5.72, 8.63-9.31 oBrix, 0.30-0.56%, 6.64-6.91%, 4.60-4.76% and 83.44-85.82%, respectively. Total phenols and flavanols content in DG-I was 24.04 mg GAE 100 g−1 and 14.54 mg RE 100 g−1, whereas in red pulped it was significantly higher; varying between 49.12-56.40 mg GAE 100 g−1 and 30.41-31.10 mg RE 100 g−1 fruit pulp, respectively. β-carotene values in red pulped species DG-II and DG-III were 47.48 and 43.82 µg 100 g−1, respectively compared to corresponding values of 1.96 µg 100 g−1 in DG-I, a white pulped dragon fruit. Similarly, DPPH-RSC, FRAP, CUPRAC and ABTS values for red pulped dragon fruit ranged between 238.98-262.04 µmol 100 g−1, 358.8-386.40 µmol TE 100 g−1, 830.40-917.0 µmol TE 100 g−1 and 571.4-589.60 µmol 100 g−1, respectively in DG-II and DG-III in comparison to respective values of 108.75 µmol 100 g−1, 192.6 µmol TE 100 g−1, 525.6 µmol TE 100 g−1 and 400.2 µmol 100 g−1 in DG-I. The β-lain, responsible for imparting red colour in DG-II and DG-III was absent in white pulped DG-I. Seed oil content in both groups of dragon fruit varied between 31.90-33.5% with highest proportion of an essential fatty acid, linoleic acid (46.32-47.96%). In conclusion, red pulped dragon fruit has a considerably higher antioxidative potential than white one and these species may play a vital role in ensuring nutritional security for millions of people in developing nations.