In Uganda, grain amaranth is relatively new and has generally not been considered as an important crop compared to other grain crops and legumes. This study was therefore conducted to determine factors affecting adopt...In Uganda, grain amaranth is relatively new and has generally not been considered as an important crop compared to other grain crops and legumes. This study was therefore conducted to determine factors affecting adoption of grain amaranth growing, factors affecting production, and economic returns on investment of its production. The study was carried out in Kamuli district where a total of 174 grain amaranth farmers and 90 non-grain amaranth farmers were randomly selected and interviewed. Using descriptive statistics, regression analysis （logit model and a Cobb-Douglas type production function） and profitability ratios, it was found that grain amaranth is produced on a small scale and yields are low. Farmer adoption of the crop was favoured by age, gender （female）, education of the farmer, and source of income. The output was positively affected by the amount of labour and manure used in production, while a negative relationship existed between output and male farmers. The crop was most viable under small acreages （0.02-0.04 ha） with positive returns to investment of 0.016. Its production should therefore be encouraged because of its income generation potential and since it requires small land.展开更多
A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of drought induced at different phenological stages on growth, biomass production and yield performance of grain amaranth Amaranthus cruentus G6. After eme...A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of drought induced at different phenological stages on growth, biomass production and yield performance of grain amaranth Amaranthus cruentus G6. After emergence seedlings were exposed to different soil water regimes： constant adequate moisture （W1） and drought （W2） throughout the growing period, drought initiated at crop inflorescence formation （W3）, drought condition during pre-inflorescence formation （W4） and treatment W5 where drought condition occurred in the period from the beginning of inflorescence formation to the beginning of flowering. Crop samples were taken at the maturity. The growth and yield performance of amaranth were assessed by measuring root length, stem height and inflorescence length, and by evaluating fresh and dry weight of plant parts, grain yield and harvest index. Drought stress initiated at different phenological stages affected the evaluated morphological parameters, assimilate allocation and grain yield. Drought throughout the growing period resulted in grain and biomass yield reduction for 51% and 50%, respectively. Water deficit during inflorescence formation appears to be critical growing stage influencing grain yield, while soil drying in the vegetative growth stages improve the assimilate allocation to the above-ground biomass and particularly to the grain.展开更多
In this study,an integrated approach incorporating Remote Sensing(RS),Geographical Information System(GIS),local meteorological weather stations’data and NASA’s virtual meteorological stations’data were used to qua...In this study,an integrated approach incorporating Remote Sensing(RS),Geographical Information System(GIS),local meteorological weather stations’data and NASA’s virtual meteorological stations’data were used to quantify Grain Amaranth(GA)water requirements in Uganda.Penman-Monieth method within CropWAT8 model and Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land(SEBAL)Model was used to quantify the evapotranspiration.Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI),daily spatial distribution of Evapotranspiration(ET),Land Surface Temperature(LST)and surface albedo were extracted from satellite imagery.The ratio of effective rainfall(Pe)to Potential Evapotranspiration(PET)–(Pe/PET)and time series for NDVI were computed to determine the growth stage of GA in different areas.The GA water demand was the highest in Karamoja sub-region(467.5 mm/season)and the lowest in Tororo(174.1 mm/season).The growing season for GA in most areas of Uganda was from March to December.Estimation of evapotranspiration in Karamoja sub-region with SEBAL model corresponded to the NDVI extracted,especially for highly vegetated areas.CROPWAT indicated that if GA was planted during the late September and early October in Karamoja sub-region,despite the decreasing moisture levels,the crop could have sufficient water supply during emergence to maturity.The ability to utilize low available moisture levels makes GA a potential crop to bridge the gap(due to the elongated drought)for the food production cycle in Karamoja sub-region.展开更多
The effect of popping and fermentation on protein quality of three different varieties of amaranth grains cultivated in Ethiopia was evaluated. Total lysine content of the grains was higher than that of commonly avail...The effect of popping and fermentation on protein quality of three different varieties of amaranth grains cultivated in Ethiopia was evaluated. Total lysine content of the grains was higher than that of commonly available cereals but close to that of legumes. Methionine and cysteine contents in the grains were also higher than that found in cereal and legume proteins. Percentage of total indispensable amino acids, excluding tryptophan, was 43% - 49%, which was higher than WHO reference pattern (31%). Popping resulted in 36% and 37% reduction in total lysine and cysteine contents, respectively, whereas fermentation reduced cysteine, lysine and methionine contents by 16%, 20% and 20%, respectively. From the free amino acids, histidine was the major indispensable amino acid but threonine was not detected. During popping, all free amino acids, except threonine, were reduced. On the other hand, fermentation significantly increased (p < 0.01) most amino acids except arginine, which was significantly decreased (p < 0.01), and tyrosine and glutamic acid, for which no change was observed. Popping decreased in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) by 8.3% - 17.1% while fermentation increased IVPD by 4.8% - 7.5%. Substitution of amaranth for wheat and/or maize during complementary food formulation could contribute much to the daily requirements of indispensable amino acids of young children.展开更多
This report demonstrates innovative ancient whole grains, gluten-free, egg-free pasta (no chemicals added) made using a kitchen counter-top appliance. Whole grain, fusilli pasta was prepared with teff, buckwheat, quin...This report demonstrates innovative ancient whole grains, gluten-free, egg-free pasta (no chemicals added) made using a kitchen counter-top appliance. Whole grain, fusilli pasta was prepared with teff, buckwheat, quinoa and amaranth flours. These ancient grains are called “Super Foods” due to their ideal essential amino acids and mineral profiles. Dough formulations contained 95% whole grain flour and 5% guar gum. Taste panels of 62 in-house volunteers judged amaranth pasta significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in color/appearance than other pastas tested. Odor/aroma of buckwheat pasta and texture/mouth-feel of teff pasta were significantly better than quinoa and amaranth pasta. Acceptance and taste/flavor of teff and buckwheat pasta were similar and significantly higher than quinoa and amaranth pasta (teff = buckwheat > quinoa > amaranth). The USDA food guide recommends that at least 1/2 of all the grains eaten should be whole grains. The FDA allows food Health Claim labels for food containing 51% whole gains and 11 g of dietary fiber per serving. Novel health promoting whole grain, good source of protein, gluten-free, egg-free (no chemicals added) pasta had acceptance of teff 87%, buckwheat 82%, quinoa 61% and amaranth 15%. Amaranth pasta needs improvement in several sensory attributes by fortification, processing and/or use of other cultivars for the desired results. Ancient whole grain, gluten-free, egg-free pasta would increase whole grain consumption and offer a healthy option to vegetarians as well as to gluten sensitive individuals.展开更多
The kinetics of K+ absorption and the utilization of both applied K and K in a calcareous alluvisol with low available K by different genotypes of grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), an ancient pseudo-cereal that produc...The kinetics of K+ absorption and the utilization of both applied K and K in a calcareous alluvisol with low available K by different genotypes of grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), an ancient pseudo-cereal that produces a large biomass and a rich source of healthy nutrients and mineral elements, were studied by means of ion depletion technique and pot experiments. Grain amaranth had a high affinity for K+ uptake in comparison with corn and cotton. However, there were differences among Amaranthus spp. in K absorption and utilization. Some cultivars such as R104, CX-4, Du001, Hy015 and Hr029 which had a higher rate of K absorption and stronger affinity for K+ were typical varieties with high K-use efficiency (KUE). The results showed that high KUE cultivars grew quickly, possessed stronger ability to take up soil slowly available K and mineral K, and did not respond to K fertilization in the soil with low available K. Correspondingly, grain amaranth cultivars CX-77, Cr024, Vd001, Re003 and Sn003 were relatively low in KUE. Compared with high KUE cultivars, they took up more soil available K and both of their dry matter accumulation and K uptake responded to K applied significantly.展开更多
This is the only report demonstrating innovative ancient whole grain gluten-free (no yeast or chemicals) products. Ancient whole grain gluten-free flatbreads were prepared with quinoa, teff, amaranth and buckwheat flo...This is the only report demonstrating innovative ancient whole grain gluten-free (no yeast or chemicals) products. Ancient whole grain gluten-free flatbreads were prepared with quinoa, teff, amaranth and buckwheat flours. Dough formulations contained flour, salt and water. Ingredients were mixed for 5 min using table top Kitchen Aid mixer at stir setting 1. Dough was equilibrated for 30 min. 65 g of dough was placed between two sheets of nonstick parchment paper and pressed to 17 cm round flatbreads in a Tortilla Chapatti Press. Each flatbread was cooked for two minutes (one minute each side) in using Flatbread Maker. Taste panels of 64 inhouse volunteers determined that Taste/Flavor of quinoa, teff and amaranth flatbreads were similar and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) better than those for buckwheat flatbread. The taste panel determined ancient whole grain gluten-free flatbreads had acceptance of quinoa 84%, teff 72%, amaranth 66% and buckwheat 38%. Each ancient whole grain gluten-free flatbread contained 25 - 30 g whole grain and 4 - 5 g protein. Quinoa, teff and amaranth one flatbread contained 2 - 3 g dietary fiber, whereas buckwheat flatbread contained 8 g dietary fiber. Consuming two whole grain gluten-free flatbreads with two meals (total = 4) would give 4 - 32 g of dietary fiber. The USDA food guide recom mends that at least 1/2 of all the grains eaten should be whole grains. The FDA allows food Health Claim labels for food containing 51% whole gains and 11 g of dietary fiber. The gluten sensitive individuals would enjoy tasty, health promoting, ancient whole grain easy to make flatbreads. These recipes offer consumers additional nutritious gluten-free choices and would lead to in crease in whole grain consumption.展开更多
文摘In Uganda, grain amaranth is relatively new and has generally not been considered as an important crop compared to other grain crops and legumes. This study was therefore conducted to determine factors affecting adoption of grain amaranth growing, factors affecting production, and economic returns on investment of its production. The study was carried out in Kamuli district where a total of 174 grain amaranth farmers and 90 non-grain amaranth farmers were randomly selected and interviewed. Using descriptive statistics, regression analysis （logit model and a Cobb-Douglas type production function） and profitability ratios, it was found that grain amaranth is produced on a small scale and yields are low. Farmer adoption of the crop was favoured by age, gender （female）, education of the farmer, and source of income. The output was positively affected by the amount of labour and manure used in production, while a negative relationship existed between output and male farmers. The crop was most viable under small acreages （0.02-0.04 ha） with positive returns to investment of 0.016. Its production should therefore be encouraged because of its income generation potential and since it requires small land.
文摘A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of drought induced at different phenological stages on growth, biomass production and yield performance of grain amaranth Amaranthus cruentus G6. After emergence seedlings were exposed to different soil water regimes： constant adequate moisture （W1） and drought （W2） throughout the growing period, drought initiated at crop inflorescence formation （W3）, drought condition during pre-inflorescence formation （W4） and treatment W5 where drought condition occurred in the period from the beginning of inflorescence formation to the beginning of flowering. Crop samples were taken at the maturity. The growth and yield performance of amaranth were assessed by measuring root length, stem height and inflorescence length, and by evaluating fresh and dry weight of plant parts, grain yield and harvest index. Drought stress initiated at different phenological stages affected the evaluated morphological parameters, assimilate allocation and grain yield. Drought throughout the growing period resulted in grain and biomass yield reduction for 51% and 50%, respectively. Water deficit during inflorescence formation appears to be critical growing stage influencing grain yield, while soil drying in the vegetative growth stages improve the assimilate allocation to the above-ground biomass and particularly to the grain.
文摘In this study,an integrated approach incorporating Remote Sensing(RS),Geographical Information System(GIS),local meteorological weather stations’data and NASA’s virtual meteorological stations’data were used to quantify Grain Amaranth(GA)water requirements in Uganda.Penman-Monieth method within CropWAT8 model and Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land(SEBAL)Model was used to quantify the evapotranspiration.Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI),daily spatial distribution of Evapotranspiration(ET),Land Surface Temperature(LST)and surface albedo were extracted from satellite imagery.The ratio of effective rainfall(Pe)to Potential Evapotranspiration(PET)–(Pe/PET)and time series for NDVI were computed to determine the growth stage of GA in different areas.The GA water demand was the highest in Karamoja sub-region(467.5 mm/season)and the lowest in Tororo(174.1 mm/season).The growing season for GA in most areas of Uganda was from March to December.Estimation of evapotranspiration in Karamoja sub-region with SEBAL model corresponded to the NDVI extracted,especially for highly vegetated areas.CROPWAT indicated that if GA was planted during the late September and early October in Karamoja sub-region,despite the decreasing moisture levels,the crop could have sufficient water supply during emergence to maturity.The ability to utilize low available moisture levels makes GA a potential crop to bridge the gap(due to the elongated drought)for the food production cycle in Karamoja sub-region.
文摘The effect of popping and fermentation on protein quality of three different varieties of amaranth grains cultivated in Ethiopia was evaluated. Total lysine content of the grains was higher than that of commonly available cereals but close to that of legumes. Methionine and cysteine contents in the grains were also higher than that found in cereal and legume proteins. Percentage of total indispensable amino acids, excluding tryptophan, was 43% - 49%, which was higher than WHO reference pattern (31%). Popping resulted in 36% and 37% reduction in total lysine and cysteine contents, respectively, whereas fermentation reduced cysteine, lysine and methionine contents by 16%, 20% and 20%, respectively. From the free amino acids, histidine was the major indispensable amino acid but threonine was not detected. During popping, all free amino acids, except threonine, were reduced. On the other hand, fermentation significantly increased (p < 0.01) most amino acids except arginine, which was significantly decreased (p < 0.01), and tyrosine and glutamic acid, for which no change was observed. Popping decreased in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) by 8.3% - 17.1% while fermentation increased IVPD by 4.8% - 7.5%. Substitution of amaranth for wheat and/or maize during complementary food formulation could contribute much to the daily requirements of indispensable amino acids of young children.
文摘This report demonstrates innovative ancient whole grains, gluten-free, egg-free pasta (no chemicals added) made using a kitchen counter-top appliance. Whole grain, fusilli pasta was prepared with teff, buckwheat, quinoa and amaranth flours. These ancient grains are called “Super Foods” due to their ideal essential amino acids and mineral profiles. Dough formulations contained 95% whole grain flour and 5% guar gum. Taste panels of 62 in-house volunteers judged amaranth pasta significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in color/appearance than other pastas tested. Odor/aroma of buckwheat pasta and texture/mouth-feel of teff pasta were significantly better than quinoa and amaranth pasta. Acceptance and taste/flavor of teff and buckwheat pasta were similar and significantly higher than quinoa and amaranth pasta (teff = buckwheat > quinoa > amaranth). The USDA food guide recommends that at least 1/2 of all the grains eaten should be whole grains. The FDA allows food Health Claim labels for food containing 51% whole gains and 11 g of dietary fiber per serving. Novel health promoting whole grain, good source of protein, gluten-free, egg-free (no chemicals added) pasta had acceptance of teff 87%, buckwheat 82%, quinoa 61% and amaranth 15%. Amaranth pasta needs improvement in several sensory attributes by fortification, processing and/or use of other cultivars for the desired results. Ancient whole grain, gluten-free, egg-free pasta would increase whole grain consumption and offer a healthy option to vegetarians as well as to gluten sensitive individuals.
文摘The kinetics of K+ absorption and the utilization of both applied K and K in a calcareous alluvisol with low available K by different genotypes of grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), an ancient pseudo-cereal that produces a large biomass and a rich source of healthy nutrients and mineral elements, were studied by means of ion depletion technique and pot experiments. Grain amaranth had a high affinity for K+ uptake in comparison with corn and cotton. However, there were differences among Amaranthus spp. in K absorption and utilization. Some cultivars such as R104, CX-4, Du001, Hy015 and Hr029 which had a higher rate of K absorption and stronger affinity for K+ were typical varieties with high K-use efficiency (KUE). The results showed that high KUE cultivars grew quickly, possessed stronger ability to take up soil slowly available K and mineral K, and did not respond to K fertilization in the soil with low available K. Correspondingly, grain amaranth cultivars CX-77, Cr024, Vd001, Re003 and Sn003 were relatively low in KUE. Compared with high KUE cultivars, they took up more soil available K and both of their dry matter accumulation and K uptake responded to K applied significantly.
文摘This is the only report demonstrating innovative ancient whole grain gluten-free (no yeast or chemicals) products. Ancient whole grain gluten-free flatbreads were prepared with quinoa, teff, amaranth and buckwheat flours. Dough formulations contained flour, salt and water. Ingredients were mixed for 5 min using table top Kitchen Aid mixer at stir setting 1. Dough was equilibrated for 30 min. 65 g of dough was placed between two sheets of nonstick parchment paper and pressed to 17 cm round flatbreads in a Tortilla Chapatti Press. Each flatbread was cooked for two minutes (one minute each side) in using Flatbread Maker. Taste panels of 64 inhouse volunteers determined that Taste/Flavor of quinoa, teff and amaranth flatbreads were similar and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) better than those for buckwheat flatbread. The taste panel determined ancient whole grain gluten-free flatbreads had acceptance of quinoa 84%, teff 72%, amaranth 66% and buckwheat 38%. Each ancient whole grain gluten-free flatbread contained 25 - 30 g whole grain and 4 - 5 g protein. Quinoa, teff and amaranth one flatbread contained 2 - 3 g dietary fiber, whereas buckwheat flatbread contained 8 g dietary fiber. Consuming two whole grain gluten-free flatbreads with two meals (total = 4) would give 4 - 32 g of dietary fiber. The USDA food guide recom mends that at least 1/2 of all the grains eaten should be whole grains. The FDA allows food Health Claim labels for food containing 51% whole gains and 11 g of dietary fiber. The gluten sensitive individuals would enjoy tasty, health promoting, ancient whole grain easy to make flatbreads. These recipes offer consumers additional nutritious gluten-free choices and would lead to in crease in whole grain consumption.
