Selenium-enriched and ordinary green tea extracts prevent high blood pressure and alter gut microbiota composition of hypertensive rats caused by high-salt diet

High-salt diet is well recognized as a risk factor for hypertension,and dietary intervention plays a critical role in the prevention of hypertension.The current study investigated the effects of selenium-enriched green tea(Se-GT)and ordinary green tea(GT)on prevention of hypertension of rats induced by high-salt diet,as well as their potential regulatory and mechanism.Our results showed that GT and Se-GT supplementations significantly prevented the increase of blood pressure(BP),activated the phosphoinosmde-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt)signaling pathway,and regulated the gene expression related to BP,as well as improved the tissue damage like heart,liver,and kidneys.Besides,the key parameters associated with oxidative stress,inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were also altered by GT and Se-GT treatments.Importantly,GT or Se-GT administration adjusted the diversity and composition of the intestinal flora.Moreover,GT and Se-GT supplementations increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria and reduced the abundance of harmful or conditional pathogenic bacteria.More specifically,GT intake specifically and significantly enriched the relative abundance of Paraprevotella and Bacteroides,whereas Se-GT was characterized by specific and significant enrichment for Allobaculum and Bifidobacterium.Our results proved that dietary supplement of GT and Se-GT remarkably improved the vascular functions and effectively prevented tissue damage by regulation of intestinal flora,and thus preventing hypertension induced by high-salt diet.

Research on Strategies for the Development of Selenium-enriched Tea in Ankang City of Shaanxi Province in the Context of Targeted Poverty Alleviation

As an important symbol of agricultural and sideline products in Ankang City,selenium-enriched tea affects the development of regional agricultural and sideline industries.In this paper,the development status and problems of the selenium-enriched tea products of Ankang were analyzed in terms of capital,technology,management and sales mode.This research is of positive significance to the development of selenium-enriched products and other agricultural and sideline products of health value,and plays a very important role in promoting the cultivation of village-level characteristic industries and the effective realization of targeted poverty alleviation.

Study on Extraction Method of Selenium-enriched Rice

[Objectives] The aims were to optimize the extraction process of selenoproteins from selenium-enriched rice in Guangxi and provide references for the intensive processing and comprehensive utilization of selenium protein resources. [Methods]Selenium-enriched rice was used as materials to extract selenoproteins by phosphate buffer extraction method and to optimize the extraction process of selenoproteins by using the orthogonal experiment. Proteins and selenium content was measured by Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 reagent and AFS（ atomic fluorescence spectrometry） respectively. [Results] The most significant factor affecting extraction of rice Selenoproteins was extraction NaO H concentration,followed by the ratio of solid-liquid,temperature and then extraction time. The optimum extraction conditions of selenoproteins from rice were extraction temperature of 50 ℃,NaO H concentration of 0. 14 mol/L,extraction time of 5 h,and solid-liquid ratio of 1∶ 30. [Conclusions]The alkali extraction process optimized by orthogonal test could effectively improve the extraction rate of selenoproteins,and the optimized process parameters could be popularized and applied in practical production.

Analysis of Influencing Factors in Production of Selenium-enriched Eggs

Selenium is an essential trace element for human health.Eating selenium-enriched eggs is conducive to easily and effectively solving the problem of selenium deficiency.In the production process of selenium-enriched eggs,different selenium sources,additive doses,feeding time,and the addition of other vitamins,trace elements,and methionine in the diet will influence the deposition of selenium in eggs.Through this review,it is intended to provide a reference for the practical,safe and economical production of selenium-enriched eggs.

Recommendations for Sustainable Development of Selenium-enriched Functional Agriculture in Guangxi under the New Normal

Taking Scientific Outlook on Development as the guiding principle,this paper introduced the principles of innovation,coordination,green,openness and sharing. Based on gifted advantages of selenium-enriched soil and selenium-enriched industry development in Guangxi,it discussed current practice,stressed green,ecological,characteristic demonstration,transformation and upgrading,and targeted poverty alleviation. Finally,it came up with perspective,practical,and operational strategies and recommendations for development of selenium-enriched industry,to provide reference for sustainable development of selenium-enriched functional industry in Guangxi.

Effect of Soil Selenium on Nutritional Quality of Vegetables in the Selenium-enriched Areas of Qinghai Plateau

In order to improve the added value of the main vegetable products in Qinghai Province,we researched the effect of soil selenium content on vegetable quality in selenium-enriched area of Qinghai. Through the analysis of Qinghai selenium-enriched soil selenium content and5 kinds of main vegetables corresponds to the total selenium,part of the mineral elements and soluble sugar and VC content,the effects of soil selenium levels on selenium absorption and nourishment quality of vegetables were researched. The results showed that he Qinghai selenium-enriched soil selenium content in the range of 100. 00-563. 00 μg/kg,among them,the soil samples with sufficient selenium and rich selenium accounted for 76. 53% and 18. 88%,respectively. Soil selenium content of garlic sampling area was relatively high,and soil selenium content of sugar beet sampling area was relatively low. Vegetable selenium content was in the range of 11. 00-340. 94 μg/kg,the average content of total selenium content of garlic was up to 170. 40 μg/kg,and the average content of the total selenium content of radish is 73. 00 μg/kg.90. 63% of the vegetables in the region reached the level of sufficient selenium,and 70. 31% reached the level of selenium enrichment. The average content of Ca and Mg was higher than the national average. There was no significant correlation between selenium content of soil and vegetable and nutritional quality.

Grasshopper Incidence and Severity of Damage as Influenced by Cyanogenic Potential in Leaf Tissue of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

This study assessed the effect of cyanogenic potential (CNP) in leaf tissue on grasshopper incidence and severity of damage in cassava for the identification of parents with desired complementary traits for crossing. The experiment was conducted at the Foya Wulleh, Njala experimental site in Sierra Leone during 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons in a randomized complete block design with three replications. A total of 30 genotypes comprising 26 breeding lines, two improved and two local genotypes were assessed. Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) linear relationship between leaf CNP and grasshopper infestation (incidence and severity of damage) among cassava genotypes. Findings showed that the higher leaf CNP, the lower the grasshopper infestation in cassava genotypes. About two genotypes (Cooksoon and Cocoa) had low leaf CNP;three genotypes (TR0020, TR0037 and TR0013) CNP had moderately low leaf CNP;eight genotypes (SLICASS 6, TR0029, TR0032, TR0011, TR0012, TR0016-1/17, TR0002 and TR0010) had intermediate leaf CNP;seven (TR0009, TR0015-1/17, TR0036, TR0022-1/17, SLICASS 4, TR0007 and TR0026-1/17) had moderately high leaf CNP;eight (TR0008, TR0019-1/17, TR0006, TR0005, TR0021, TR0021-1/17, TR0022 and TR0024-1/17) had high leaf CNP;and two genotypes (TR0001 and TR0018-1/17) had very high leaf CNP. This suggests the indirect dependence of leaf cyanogenic potential on grasshopper infestation (incidence and severity of damage) in cassava that could be exploited for the genetic improvement of cassava for improved resistance to grasshopper infestation, nutrition and utilization of the crop.

The Influence of Gratering, Fermentation and Variety on the Physio-Chemical Quality of Cassava Starch

The study was conducted to determine the influence of gratering and fermentation parameters on the physicochemical quality of starch obtained from two cassava varieties in Sierra Leone (i.e., SLICASS 11 and SLICASS 6). Fresh cassava roots harvested from the Department of Agricultural Engineering were peeled, washed and grated before fermentation and starch extraction. Fermentation was carried out under separate aerobic and anaerobic conditions for a period of Seven days. Physicochemical analyses were conducted at the Postharvest Food and Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory of the Department of Agricultural and Bio-System Engineering, Njala University to determine the solubility, water absorption capacity and swelling power of starch extracts obtained from various experimental treatments. Fermentation method and duration had significant effects on the solubility, water absorption capacity (WAC) and swelling power (SP) of starch extracts. Maximum solubility and WAC were recorded on the fifth day, for both cassava varieties tested, with apparent significant difference resulting from the two gratering bands (i.e., with 1.5-inch nail hole and 4-inch nail hole sizes, respectively). While swelling power increased consistently with temperature for starch obtained from SLICASS-11 variety, an irregular pattern was observed for SLICASS-6 variety. A multiple correlation analysis proposes a significant and weak correlation between temperature, WAC (+0.150) and swelling power (+0.048). Also multiple correlation analyses suggest a significant correlation between fermentation period, the functional properties of starch extracts obtained from both fermentation methods and cassava varieties (i.e., solubility (−0.226), water absorption capacity (+0.301) and swelling power (+0.329)).

Variation in Yellow Root Cassava (Manihot esculentus Crantz) Genotypes and Phenotypic Relationship for Selected Postharvest and Morphological Traits

This study evaluated the variation in yellow root cassava (Manihot esculentus Crantz) genotypes and phenotypic relationship for selected postharvest and morphological traits. The trial was established at the Njala Agricultural Research Centre experimental site, Njala, during 2017/2018 cropping season in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Findings showed that the higher the total carotene content (TCC) in yellow flesh cassava genotypes, the longer the rate of postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD). Genotypes TR-0051-TCC/17 and TR-0012-TCC/17 recorded higher TCC (18.9 µg/g and 13.6 µg/g) and longer rate of PPD (4.29 and 3.14), respectively. Genotypes TR-0051-TCC/17, TR-0016-TCC/17, TR-0028-TCC/17, TR-0012-TCC/17 and TR-0020-TCC/17 had the highest TCC values of 18.9 µg/g, 16.09 µg/g, 14.72 µg/g, 13.6 µg/g and 11.23 µg/g with corresponding higher color chart values of 6, 6, 6, 5, and 6, respectively. This suggests the direct dependence of TCC on the root parenchyma color intensity in yellow flesh cassava genotypes. Findings also show a direct relationship between morphological and postharvest traits in yellow flesh cassava genotypes that could be exploited for the genetic improvement of cassava for increased shelf life, nutrition and related quality traits, as well as conservation and utilization of the crop.

Application of Predictive Model for Efficient Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Yield in the Face of Climate Variability in Enugu State, Nigeria

Climate variability as occasioned by conditions such as extreme rainfall and temperature, rainfall cessation, and irregular temperatures has considerable impact on crop yield and food security. This study develops a predictive model for cassava yield (Manihot esculenta Crantz) amidst climate variability in rainfed zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. This study utilized data of climate variables and tonnage of cassava yield spanning from 1971 to 2012;as well as information from a questionnaire and focus group discussion from farmers across two seasons in 2023 respectively. Regression analysis was employed to develop the predictive model equation for seasonal climate variability and cassava yield. The rainfall and temperature anomalies, decadal change in trend of cassava yield and opinion of farmers on changes in rainfall season were also computed in the study. The result shows the following relationship between cassava and all the climatic variables: R2 = 0.939;P = 0.00514;Cassava and key climatic variables: R2 = 0.560;P = 0.007. The result implies that seasonal rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, sunshine hours and radiation parameters are key climatic variables in cassava production. This is supported by computed rainfall and temperature anomalies which range from −478.5 to 517.8 mm as well as −1.2˚C to 2.3˚C over the years. The questionnaire and focus group identified that farmers experienced at one time or another, late onset of rain, early onset of rain or rainfall cessation over the years. The farmers are not particularly sure of rainfall and temperature characteristics at any point in time. The implication of the result of this study is that rainfall and temperature parameters determine the farming season and quantity of productivity. Hence, there is urgent need to address the situation through effective and quality weather forecasting network which will help stem food insecurity in the study area and Nigeria at large. The study made recommendations such as a comprehensive early warning system on climate variability incidence which can be communicated to local farmers by agro-meteorological extension officers, research on crops that can grow with little or no rain, planning irrigation scheme, and improving tree planting culture in the study area.

Optimization of the Pretreatment of the Mixture of Cassava Peelings and Pineapple Fibers Using Response Surface Methodology and a Process Simulator for the Bioethanol Production

The increase in oil prices and greenhouse gas emissions has led to the search for substitutes for fossil fuels. In Cameroon, the abundance of lignocellulosic resources is inherent to agricultural activity. Production of bioethanol remains a challenge given the crystallinity of cellulose and the presence of the complex. The pretreatment aimed to solubilize the lignin fraction and to make cellulose more accessible to the hydrolytic enzymes, was done using the organosolv process. A mathematical modeling was performed to point out the effect of the temperature on the kinetics of the release of the reducing sugars during the pretreatment. Two mathematical model was used, SAEMAN’s model and Response surface methodology. The first show that the kinetic parameters of the hydrolysis of the cellulose and reducing sugar are: 0.05089 min-1, 5358.1461 J·mol-1, 1383.03691 min-1, 51577.6100 J·mol-1 respectively. The second model was used. Temperature is the factor having the most positive influence whereas, ethanol concentration is not an essential factor. To release the maximum, an organosolv pre-treatment of this sub-strate should be carried out at 209.08°C for 47.60 min with an ethanol-water ratio of 24.02%. Organosolv pre-treatment is an effective process for delignification of the lignocellulosic structure.

Physicochemical Characterisation of Flours from Local Cereals and Powder from Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Leaves Varieties Cultivated in the Northern-Cameroon in Order to Supplement Infant Flours

The aim of the present study was to investigate on the inventory and determination of the nutritional value of cereals flour and cassava leaves powder in order to analyse their use in the production of infant flour. In this paper, a A survey to identify the cereals used in the preparation of infant porridge in the Northern Cameroon was done by using 447 mothers having children between 06 and 59 months from areas (Gbakoungue, Sassa-Mbersi, Sanguere-Ngal and Kotkong-Wouldata) with high rate on malnourished children. Flour was prepared from the most preponderant cereals and Cassava leaves powder from varieties identified by the Regional Centre of Agricultural Research (CRRA) of Wakwa and local population. Flour and powder samples obtained were subjected to chemical composition analysis. Parameters analysed were crude proteins, total carbohydrates, ash, total fats, total phenols, total tannins, total carotenoids, vitamin C or cyanide. Also Iron, calcium and zinc were determined. The results revealed that white maize (62%) was the main cereal used in the preparation of infant porridge followed respectively by red sorghum, white rice and muskwari. Ten cassava varieties were identified: three (03) by CRRA (TME, 96/1/14 and IRAD 4115) and seven (south, gambada, sweet, Benin, six months, M. glaziovii and grouna) by local population. Amongst cereals flour, those from white maize indicated high protein (10.09%), carbohydrates (84.46%) and total fat (7.46%) contents. The powder from 96/14/14 cassava variety showed high amount of iron (11.98 mg/100g), calcium (751.02 g/100g) and low cyanide content (1.21 ppm) amongst all the cassava leaves powder samples. The supplementation of white maize flour by cassava leaves powder from 96/14/14 variety could therefore be recommended for the preparation of infant flours.

Effect of Different Chemical Treatments on Seedling Emergence Growth of Frozen Cassava

The rooting and growth of frozen cassava under different chemical treatments were studied.The result has demonstrated that disinfection effect could increase rooting rate and seedling emergence rate of cassava seed stem and decrease the rate of mildew.The sportak treatment could generate better effect(rooting rate and seedling emergence rate were 63%,the mildew rate of stem was 28%).Among different rooting reagents,Genwang+lime treatment generated better effect on rooting rate and emergence rate of frozen cassava than these of other groups and control group.It was concluded from the effects of different rooting reagents on growth of seed stem that Genwang+lime treatment could promote elongation and growth of cassava significantly(the mean plant height of experimental groups inceased 8.58 cm compared with that of control group) while paclobutrazol+lime generated the best effect on crassation of stem(the stem diameter of experimental group increased 0.4 cm compared with that of control group).

Study on Pathogeny Identification and Biological Characteristics of Anthracnose in Cassava

[Objective] The research aimed to isolate and identify the anthracnose pathogen of Cassava and study its biological charcteristics.[Method] Two isolates of anthracnose （CCGHN01 and CCGHN03） in Cassava were isolated from the diseased leaves collected from Hainan of China.They were identified through the morphological observation of conidia and ITS sequence analysis.And the morphological characteristics were studied.[Result] The morphological observation of conidia and ITS sequence analysis indicated that the two isolates were Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.The morphological characteristics study results showed that optimum medium for the growth of two strains was PSA,the optimum temperatures were 26 ℃ and 30 ℃ respectively,the optimum pH was 8.0,the optimum light conditions were alternative light and dark and complete darkness respectively.For the conidia germination of two strains,the optimum temperatures were 28 ℃ and 30 ℃ respectively and the lethal temperature was 55 ℃ remaining 10 min.[Conclusion] The research laid the foundation for further control of anthracnose in Cassava.

Effects of Different Intercropping Modes on Growth, Yields and Economic Benefit of Cassava and Peanut in Symbiotic Period

[Objective] This study was conducted to investigate effects of different intercropping modes on growth, yields and economic benefit of cassava and peanut in symbiotic period. [Method] With sole cropping of cassava （M1） and sole cropping of peanut （M2） as control groups, effects of intercropping of cassava with 1 row, 2 rows and 3 rows of peanut （M3, M4 and M5）on crop growth, yields and economic benefit were studied. [Result] Intercropping affected both growth and yields of cassava and peanut. Growth competition existed between cassava and peanut, and plant heights of cassava and peanut changed similarly. In late stages of intercropping, treatments M1, M2 and M5 showed higher plant heights under no nitrogen application, while treatment M3 and M4 exhibited higher plant heights under nitrogen application; intercropping improved leaf temperature, but no obvious law could be observed among different intercropping treatments; and intercropping improved total dry matter amount, which was the highest in M5 in root expanding stage and on the 30th day of the expanding stage, and the highest in M4 on the 60th day of the expanding stage. Intercropping reduced the yield of single plant, but improved the economic benefit of red upland soil; and under no nitrogen application and nitrogen application, cassava yields decreased by 25.35% and 14.55%, respectively, peanut yields decreased by 28.76% and 52.60%, respectively, while economic benefit increased by 72.90% and 56.82%, respectively. [Conclusion] Compared with sole cropping, interplanting cassava with 1 row, 2 rows or 3 rows of peanut could all improve economic benefit, and the economic benefit increased with number of rows of interplanted peanut increasing.

Effects of Different Cultivation Methods on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cassava

The research explored effects of cultivation methods on growth, yield and quality of cassava. The results showed that the mulching treatment by direct seed- ing, the mulching treatment by transplanting, and the exposed treatment by trans- planting performed excellently in bringing seedling stage forward, improving germina- tion rate, yield and quality. For example, seedling emergence stages were 36, 31 and 31 d earlier; germination rates improved by 19.24%, 14.29% and 14.29%; yields grew by 41.98%, 26.72% and 11.45%; starch contents increased by 3.50%, 2.10% and 1.40%, respectively. Therefore, cassava in the mulching treatment by direct seeding is characterized by earlier seedling emergence stage, high germination rate, high yield and quality.

Ethanol Production Ability of 11 Cultivars of Cassava

In this study,11 cultivars of cassava（Manihot esculenta Crantz） were taken as materials to determine the starch contents and the ability to produce ethanol with uncooked and cooked materials.The results showed that the starch content differed among different cultivars.Among the 11 cultivars,SC9 had the highest starch content（82.33%）.The ethanol yield of cooked material was significantly higher than that of uncooked material.Moreover,there was a significant difference in ethanol yield among different cultivars.For the uncooked materials,H680 produced the most ethanol yield（9.7%）;while for the cooked materials,H609 produced the most ethanol yield（13.8%）.

Overwintering Safe Storage Methods and Regional Division of Seed-stem of Cassava in China

[Objective] In this study,the climatic features and overwintering sage storage methods of seed-stem of cassava in cassava-planting areas were investigated aiming at providing a technical guidance for sustainable development of cassava industry in China.[Method] The seed-stem of cassava was overwintered through keeping in field,piling up in the open air,burying in soil or piling up in greenhouses in Hepu,Nanning and Laibin of Guangxi,Hunan and Zhejiang.After the beginning of spring,the survival buds in seed stem of cassava were counted.And then the survival rates of buds were calculated for different storage methods.[Result] In Hepu,where the seed-stem of cassava was piled up in the open air for overwintering,the survival rates of buds were all higher than 90.00%.In particular,the survival rate of buds in seed-stem of cassava that was buried shallowly in the open field was highest（94.38%）.In Nanning,the seed-stem of cassava that was stored in greenhouses had the highest survival rate（94.98%） of buds.In Laibin,the seed-stem of cassava was usually stacked in greenhouses.Thus the survival rates of buds were almost all higher than 89.60%.Particularly,the survival rate of buds in seed-stem of cassava that was buried horizontally in soil and covered with sugarcane leaves reached the peak（98.79%）.In Jiangyong and Hangzhou,the seedstem of cassava was stored in specific facilities.So the survival rates of buds were relatively high.[Conclusion] In the frost-free areas south of 21.6° N（south of Maoming（Guangdong）-Hepu（Guangxi）-Jinghong（Yunnan））,the seed-stem of cassava can be buried shallowly in the open air or stacked and covered with film.In the light to heavy-frost areas（21.6° N-23.8° N,south of Qingyuan（Guangdong）-Laibin（Guangxi）-Lincang（Yunnan））,the seed-stem of cassava can be stacked in greenhouses,stacked and covered with film in the open air or buried vertically in greenhouses.In the heavy-frost areas and low-temperature areas north of 23.8° N（north of Qingyuan（Guangdong）-Laibin（Guangxi）-Lincang（Yunnan） to HunanJiangxi-Zhejiang）,the seed-stem of cassava can be stored in coldness-resistant caves or cellars or stacked vertically in greenhouses along with small sheds.

Comparative Experiment on Fertilizer Tolerance and Yielding Ability of Cassava in Hunan

[Objective] In order to explore the yield potential of cassava, the responses of new cassava varieties to fertilizer quantity was investigated. [Method] A comparative experiment was carried out on 5 new fertilizer-tolerant high-yield cassava varieties（Guire 8, Guire 9, Guire 10, Xinxuan 048 and Guiken 09-26） with the normal-level fertilization groups of these varieties as controls. [Result] The results showed that：（1） increasing fertilizers could significantly improve the stem and leaf yield of cassava;（2） increasing fertilizers could reduce the dry matter content of cassava; and（3） different varieties differed in fertilizer tolerance, and the fertilizing amount should be determined according to specific varieties. [Conclusion] Guire 10 and Xinxuan 048 are suitable for being cultivated at a high fertilizer level, and the remaining three varieties（Guiken 09-26, Guire 8 and Guire 9） are suitable for being cultivated at a normal fertilizer level.

Application Effect of Cassava Starch Anaerobic Fermentation Liquid on Watermelon Production

In order to find out a new way for environment-friendly and resourcelized utilization of cassava starch processing wastewater, the cassava starch anaerobic fermentation liquid was applied in watermelon production, and its effects on the growth and development, yield and fruit quality of watermelon were investigated. The results showed that the cassava starch anaerobic fermentation liquid significant- ly promoted the vegetative and reproductive growth and improved the yield and fruit quality of watermelon. Compared with conventional fertilization, the application of cassava starch anaerobic fermentation both with COD concentration of 1 200 mg/L according to the amount of 150 t/hm2 promoted the growth of vines and leaves of watermelon plants, brought forward the flowering, fruiting and harvest of watermelon and significantly increased the fruit number, fruit weight, yield, fruit size, fruit shape index, soluble solid content, soluble sugar content, soluble protein content and Vita- min C content of watermelon. At the same time of improving the yield and quality of watermelon, cassava starch anaerobic fermentation liquid was turned into treasure as a liquid fertilizer. This study provides a new ideal for the yield and quality im- provement of watermelon and the wastewater treating of starch factories.