Structure and genetic diversity of natural populations of Guadua weberbaueri in the southwestern Amazon,Brazil

The Brazilian state of Acre has an extensive natural reserve of bamboo,making it one of the largest in loco gene banks.The aim of this study was to characterize the structure and genetic diversity of Guadua weberbaueri Pilg.in two populations,one native(FAPB)and the other anthropized(FAPBA),using ISSR markers.The results show that the FAPB population exhibited higher values for all estimates of population diversity.However,the FAPBA population also showed high heterozygosity,corroborated by estimated gene flow(Nm=3.9)between the populations.The study of the association between Nei’s genetic distances and the geographic distances between the populations were significantly correlated(r=0.45,p=0.01),corroborated by the dendrogram revealing two distinct groups corresponding to the collection sites,without mixing classes between populations in the same group.As for the coancestry coefficient,pairs of individuals in the first distance class were positive and significant,indicating that plants that are geographically closer share common alleles with a frequency greater than by chance,which means that there is a tendency that geographically closer individuals are related.Individuals presented similar genetic structure when the geographical distance between them was up to 56 m for FAPB and up to 156 m for FAPBA.It was concluded that anthropized environments exhibit less genetic diversity than native environments,inferring risks for species conservation if appropriate and planned management techniques are not adopted.

Ziziphus mucronata: an underutilized traditional medicinal plant in Africa

In Africa, rural people depend heavily, if not exclusively, on medicinal plants and indigenous healthcare knowledge to meet their medical needs. Over 80000 flowering plant species are used medicinally worldwide. Amongst them are the underutilized Ziziphus species in the Rhamnaceae family. In terms of abundance and economic value, Z. jujuba and Z. mauritiana are currently the most important, especially in China and India where they are cultivated and exploited for medicinal use and their edible fruits. We examined a related common species widely distributed in Africa, Z. mucronata, whose economic value has not, as yet, been explored. Local people in various African countries use its different parts to cure a large number of diseases, many of which are similar to those treated with Z. jujuba and Z. mauritiana. Several studies have shown that Z. mucronata has cyclopeptide alkaloids, i.e., mucronines F, G and H, with antibacterial properties. Conservation strategies to sustain and maximize the benefits of Z. mucronata to people are proposed.

Molecular genetic diversity of winged bean gene pool in Thailand assessed by SSR markers

Winged bean[Psophocarpus tetragonolobus(L.)DC.]is a vegetable legume crop.The center of origin,diversity and domestication of this crop are not known.In this study,we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of 457 accessions of winged bean collected from six geographical regions(North,Northeast,East,West,and central,and South)in Thailand using 14 simple sequence repeat(SSR)markers.In total,the SSR markers detected only 55 alleles with an average of 3.9 alleles per locus.Observed heterozygosity was relatively high(0.15)and overall gene diversity was moderate(0.487).Gene diversity,allelic richness and observed heterozygosity in the six regions were comparable,while the estimated out-crossing rate was relatively high(16.4%).STRUCTURE analysis grouped the 457 winged bean accessions into three subpopulations.Neighbor-joining(NJ)analysis grouped all the accessions into two major clusters.Genetic groups identified by both STRUCTURE analysis and NJ analysis were unrelated to geographical origins.Principal coordinate analysis revealed no clear clustering of the winged bean accessions.Although genetic groups were not unrelated to geographical origins,most of the winged bean accessions with long pods(30 cm or higher in length)or having purple seed coats or purple young pods were grouped together.This suggested that the winged beans with long pods or with purple seed or purple young pods may have a single origin.Altogether,these results demonstrated that the genetic diversity of winged bean in Thailand was moderate with high genetic admixture.We argue that the high genetic admixture of the winged bean in Thailand is due to seed migration and relatively high outcrossing rate.

Any alternatives to rice? Ethnobotanical insights into the dietary use of edible plants by the Higaonon tribe in Bukidnon Province, the Philippines

Though considered an agricultural country,the Philippines is the world’s largest importer of rice.The persistent problem of insufficient rice supply,however,has been exacerbated by economic crises and natural calamities.Yet,for the Higaonon tribe in Bukidnon Province,the Philippines,the rich agrobiodiversity and wild edible plants are vital for food security and resilience since the mountainous terrain in this province presents a challenge for rice cultivation.To gain insight from the indigenous edible plant knowledge of the Higaonon tribe,we conducted an ethnobotanical research to document the diversity,utilization,and biocultural refugia of both cultivated and wild edible plants.A total of 76 edible plant species belonging to 62 genera and 36 botanical families were documented.The most represented botanical families included the Fabaceae,Solanaceae,and Zingiberaceae.In terms of dietary usage,3 species were categorized as cereals;8 species were white roots,tubers,and plantains;3 species were vitamin A-rich vegetables and tubers;16 species were green leafy vegetables;12 species were categorized as other vegetables;2 species were vitamin A-rich fruits;27 species were classified as other fruits;7 species were legumes,nuts,and seeds;and 8 species were used as spices,condiments,and beverages.Using the statistical software R with ethnobotanyR package,we further calculated the ethnobotanical indices(use-report(UR),use-value(UV),number of use(NU),and fidelity level(FL))from 1254 URs in all 9 food use-categories.The species with the highest UV and UR were from a variety of nutrient-rich edible plants such as Ipomoea batatas(L.)Lam.,Musa species,Colocasia esculenta(L.)Schott,Zea mays L.,and Manihot esculenta Crantz.The extensive utilization of root and tuber crops along with corn and plantain that contain a higher amount of energy and protein,carbohydrates,minerals,and vitamins were shown to be an important nutrient-rich alternatives to rice.Whilst males appeared to be more knowledgeable of edible plant species collected from the forests and communal areas,there were no significant differences between males and females in terms of knowledge of edible plants collected from homegardens,riverbanks,and farms.The various food collection sites of the Higaonon tribe may be considered as food biocultural refugia given their socio-ecological function in food security,biodiversity conservation,and preservation of indigenous knowledge.

Underutilized Edible Plants of Nagaland: A Survey and Documentation from Kohima, Phek and Tuensang District of Nagaland, India

With the rapid rise in the population, there is higher demand of the food supply to fed millions of people. As such dependence on the few major staple crops to meet the needs of the people has led to increases in starvation and poverty. Underutilized edible plants offer a cheaper and affordable option in providing more crop diversification to tackle these problems and provide food security to the poor to the world in general and to the developing countries in particular. In the present investigation, a total of 142 underutilized edible plants were collected, identified and documented from three districts (Kohima, Phek and Tuensang) of Nagaland, India. The collected plant consists of 126 species of plants and 16 wild edible mushrooms or macro fungus species. The collected plants were categorized according to types of plant and their parts used collected during the period 2012-2016 with their scientific name, family, common name, vernacular name and accession number. The study discusses the need to promote these plants for providing food security and income generation through sustainable collection, cultivation and marketing and to workout proper conservation strategies to prevent depletion and lost of the natural habitat caused by anthropogenic activities. The study also encourages more survey and researches in the rest of the districts of the state and to study the phytochemical constituents to harness the nutraceutical properties of these plants.

Quantification of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of an underutilized Indian fruit:Rayan[Manilkara hexandra(Roxb.)Dubard]

The fruit of Manilkara hexandra(Roxb.)Dubard is one of the most underutilized fruits of India and in Gujarat state.It is popularly known as‘Rayan’.The fruit and seed of Rayan were analysed for their total phenolic and flavonoid content,phenolic compounds and total antioxidant capacity with six different assay methods.The results indicated that the methanolic extract of Rayan fruit being a good source of phenolic(811.3 mg GAE/100 g fw)and flavonoid(485.56 mg RE/100 g fw)content.Also,eleven known phenolic compounds were tentatively identified for the first time from the fruit and seed of Rayan.The LC–MS/MS analysis of fruit revealed the presence of major phenolic compounds such as gallic acid,quercetin and kaempferol,while quercetin,gallic acid and vanillic acid in seed.The presence of quercetin suggests health benefits.The fruit of Rayan was also proved to be a better source of antioxidants as measured by FRAP,RPA,DPPHRSA,ABTSRSA and HRSA except NORSA in comparison with that of seed.The current study explains that M.hexandra is a relatively good source of antioxidants such as phenols and flavonoids for diet.

Underutilized Plant Species in Far West Nepal

Underutilized plant species help to alleviate common food insufficiencies by providing alternative food supply. They also complement primary health care, furnishing raw materials where the cultivation of staple cereal crops is least feasible and health care is pursued indigenously. Research and promotion of extraction, utilization, and conservation of underutilized species lead to exploration of new staple crops and motivate people to consume in a sustainable manner. The present study describes the current status, uses, and management of underutilized plant species in Far West Nepal. The relative importance of 49 underutilized plant species was computed employing a Relative Importance (RI) technique. The use-values assigned to the species fall into six use-categories: beverage, fodder, food & edible, medicinal, vegetable and veterinary. A total of 22 species appeared in multiple use-categories, while the rest were characterized by a single use-category. Based on relative importance and frequency, Ficus semicordata, Debregesia longifolia, Girardinea diversifolia, Hydrocotyle nepalensis, Garuga pinnata, Aloe vera and Pyrus pashia offer the most potential for future. Underutilized plants proved important to folk medicine and food. These species persist because they remain useful to local people as means of subsistence, production, and primary health care. The findings are important so far as they point up the role of underutilized plants in national food security policy and health care, spelling out their potentialities and cross cutting relationships.

Comparative Phytochemical and Nutritional Composition of <i>Trichosanthes cucumerina</i>(L.) and Some<i>Solanum lycopersicum </i>(L.) Cultivars in Nigeria

The phytochemical and nutritional composition of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. an underutilized vegetable used as substitute for Solanaceous tomatoes by rural dwellers was examined in comparison with majorly cultivated tomato cultivars in Nigeria (Roma VF and Ibadan local). The fruit pulp of T. cucumerina was higher in carotenoid (2053.33 mg/100g), flavonoid (861.67 mg/100g), cardiac glycoside (11.67 mg/100g), alkaloids (93.33 mg/100g), lycopene (118.5 μg/100g), tannin (555.00 mg/100g), oxalate (2.55 mg/100g) and quercetin (5.25 mg/100g) than Roma VF and Ibadan local. However, Roma VF had the highest concentration of saponin (66.67 mg/100g) but there was no significant difference in steroid among the fruits. The Vitamins A, E and C contents of T. cucumerina (5346 μg/100g, 6.23 μg/100g and 25.33 μg/100g) were significantly higher (P S. lycopersicum. T. cucumerina had the highest values of crude protein and crude lipid (1.97% and 0.40%). The fruit pulp of T. cucumerina also had the highest ash and total carbohydrate contents (1.63% and 16.50%). Roma VF was significantly higher in crude fibre and moisture contents (1.77% and 89.40%) than other vegetables investigated. All the evaluated mineral elements (Na, K, Ca Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, P and S) in T. cucumerina compared favourably with S. lycopersicum cultivars. It was observed that T. cucumerina pulp contained an appreciable number of nutrients and secondary metabolites which qualify it as a good substitute to S.lycopersicum.

Bio-Banking on Neglected and Underutilized Plant Genetic Resources of Nigeria: Potential for Nutrient and Food Security

The poor quality of habitual diet and lack of dietary diversity in Sub-Sahara Africa are grossly contributing to deficiencies of micronutrients in the menu of poor rural and semi urban communities particularly in Nigeria, leading to the high incidence of hidden hunger. This has manifested in the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as stunted growth, goiter, blindness, kwashiorkor and marasmus. Five underutilized traditional leafy vegetables (TLVs) of southeast Nigeria were assessed by standard methods to determine their physiochemical and antioxidant values. These TLVs were Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Monench (Okra), Ageratum conyzoides Linn (Goat weed), Acanthus montanus (Ness) T. Anders. (Leopard’s tongue), Bombax buonopozense P. Beauv. (Kapok Tree) and Mucuna flagellipes (Devil bean). Results showed that the leaves of Bombax buonopozense and Abelmoschus esculentus contained appreciable amounts of protein, fat, fibre, carbohydrate and mineral elements, and generally low level of toxicants. Furthermore, the anti-oxidant contents of the five TLVs highlighted their biological values as medicinal plants with the high potency in fighting diseases. The above results showed that these vegetables could be valuable and important contributors to the diets of the rural poor and semi-urban people of southeast Nigeria for improved human nutrition, reduction of hidden hunger and food security.

The Influence of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yields and Nitrogen Use Efficiencies of <i>Solanum macrocarpon</i>and <i>Solanum scabrum</i>in Southwest Nigeria

Solanum macrocarpon and Solanum scabrum are good sources of vitamin, minerals, protein, anti-oxidants and fiber in southwest Nigeria. The study examined the effects of nitrogen fertilizer application on yields and nitrogen use efficiencies of Solanum macrocarpon and Solanum scabrum in Iwaro-Oka, Ondo State in southwest Nigeria in 2014 and 2015. The experiment was a 4 × 4 factorial arranged into a randomized complete block design with four rates of urea-N drilled at 0, 40, 80 and 160 kg/ha and replicated four times. Each plot was 3 m × 2 m with space of 1 m between plots. Vegetable seeds were planted by drilling. Fresh shoot and dry matter yields were determined. Nitrogen content and uptake were determined, and nitrogen use efficiency estimated. The result showed that average dry matter weight for S. macrocarpon was 228 kg/ha and S. scabrum was 6116 kg/ha. Average nitrogen uptake was 5.90 kg/h and 158.60 kg/ha for S. macrocarpon and S. scabrum, respectively. Nitrogen use efficiencies were 6.48 kg/ha, 0.15 kg/ha and 0.1 kg/ha for S. macrocarpon and 87.33 kg/ha, 26.14 kg/ha and 24.35 kg/ha for S. scabrum at 40, 80 and 160 kg N/ha, respectively. Negative values were obtained for N-recovery for S. macrocarpon while S. scabrum gave 5.85%, 2.10% and 1.44% at 40, 80 and 160 kg N/ha, respectively. The study concluded that S. scabrum had higher nitrogen use efficiency in the soil than S. macrocarpon and that highest NUE and N recovery were obtained at 40 kg N/ha.

Linking Local Appreciation with Conservation of an Edible Fruit Species: The Case Study of Ilama (<i>Annona diversifolia</i>Saff.) in Tierra Caliente, Mexico

The ilama tree (Annona diversifolia Saff.) is an underutilized fruit species from Mesoamerica with a noteworthy variability in southern Mexico. The present study describes differences in knowledge and appreciation of the fruit among inhabitants from different communities in Southern Mexico, as well as differences among their ilama trees. The study took place in Tierra Caliente, a region located in the states of Guerrero and the State of Mexico. Interviews were administered in three different communities as an attempt to associate the natural morphologic variation of plants and locals’ knowledge and use of the tree in order to identify their implications for conservation. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis, and the results suggest that the morphological variation of the plants and the commercial importance of ilama are well known by locals. Indigenous community inhabitants prefer and select only white pulp trees, whereas mestizo communities promote and conserve plants with white, red, purple, and blue pulp. Germplasm flow is dynamic in the region, and ilama fruit represents a different economic value for each community. Selling the fruit is the primary goal, but not specifically its conservation and promotion. Implications for in situ conservation of ilama in Mexico are discussed.

Assessment of Nutrient Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Some Popular Underutilized Edible Crops of Nagaland, India

In Nagaland ~70% of population lives in rural areas and depends on forest products for livelihood. Being part of the biodiversity hotspot, state is rich in biodiversity. The present study was an attempt made to understand the nutritional properties of 22 popular underutilized edible plants (UEP) Kohima, Phek, Tuensang districts. Results revealed moisture content of 22 studied plants ranged between 4.8 to 88.15 g/100g, while protein content varied between 0.00269 - 0.773 g/100g with highest in Terminalia chebula (0.773 g/100g) fruit while lowest protein content was in Setaria italica (0.00269 g/100g). Total carbohydrate content was between 0.198 - 5.212 g/100g with highest in Setaria italica (5.212 g/100g) and lowest in Juglans regia (0.198 g/100g). Of the 22 samples, maximum antioxidant activity was in Terminalia chebula fruits (37.49 μg/ml) followed by Clerodendrum glandulosum (65.29 μg/ml) leaves, Phyllanthus emblica (79.08 μg/ml) fruits against Trolox (96.89 μg/ml). Highest total phenol content (TPC) was recorded in Terminalia chebula (53.11 mg GAE/g) and Rhus chinensis (43.99 mg GAE/g) while in other 20 crops the values varied from 0.09 - 8.44 mg GAE/g. Total flavonoid content (TFC) varied between 0.004 - 43.67 mg QE/g with clerodendrum glandulosum (43.67 mg QE/g) and Terminalia chebula (27.78 mg QE/g) were found to be highest among the 22 plant samples. Findings suggest that these underutilized edible plants should be popularized as they can contribute to nutritional support to different region of the state for health improvement and cultivated them commercially to help and develop various value added local product to improve the livelihood status of the rural population and also add to the economy of the state and region.

Planning an adaptive reuse development of underutilized urban underground infrastructures:A case study of Qingdao,China

Urban underground infrastructures(UUIs)are a vital component of built capital for urban sustainability.However,many cities are now home to a multitude of disused or underutilized UUIs,not least aged purpose-built underground facilities,causing a waste of valuable underground space resource assets.In the process of urban renewal,adaptive reuse can be an attractive solution to breathe new life into underutilized UUIs,while addressing some of the modern problems of the built environment by an economically feasible means.Nevertheless,there is a prevalent absence in the current literature of the overarching planning and decision-making approaches for an adaptive reuse development of underutilized UUIs.With the intention of addressing this shortfall,this paper first lays out development strategies,then sets the generic patterns for adaptive reuse of disused or underutilized UUIs.Taking the city of Qingdao,China as a case study,detailed planning and decision-making approaches with the aid of multi-source data and spatial analysis tools are presented.It is anticipated that the findings of this research will assist the adaptive reuse development of UUIs in providing theoretical guidance and empirical evidence,thereby enhancing the role of urban underground space use in contributing to urban revitalization and urban sustainability.

Regeneration patterns and drivers of different underutilized lands in the rust belt city of developing country:An empirical case study for Northeast China

Rust belt cities are largely threatened by a waste of urban space at their core;however,in developing countries where land resources are widely used as instruments for macroeconomic stabilization,urban periphery is also at risk of being underutilized due to land hoarding.Such geographic differences entail new knowledge about how,where,and why underutilized lands are regenerated in the city.Furthermore,rapid urban growth imposes development disparity and mixed underutilization issues on cities in developing countries;therefore,how the geo-information obtained by the regeneration of different underutilized lands differs will be valuable for urban planners and policymakers to make prudent trade-offs.To fill these gaps,we conducted a sequential investigation into the regeneration of underutilized lands in a representative rust belt city – Changchun City in Northeast China,in an attempt to measure the regeneration pattern and analyze the underlying determinants using the Classification and Regression Trees analysis.The results indicated that,of all underutilized lands,increments of vacant lot and remnant cultivated land continued to plague the expanding urban periphery during 2016–2019.In a way,reduced underutilized lands alleviated land use conflicts at the city core.Nearly 23% of the underutilized areas had been regenerated,dominated by realty development,with most converted to residential lands,ecological lands and industrial lands.On the contrary,conversion to transportation lands and parking lots seemed to avoid the rapidly expanding sites.The regeneration rates in a certain area can be increased by a multitude of factors,including denser,simply structured land underutilization,abundant ecosystem services nearby and accessibility to public infrastructures.Site conditions such as residential density and accessibility may have fueled the regeneration associated with residential purposes,while regeneration of industrial development was closely associated with the underutilization density and parcel regularity.This research provides an empirical paradigm for delivering regeneration geo-information across different underutilized lands,particularly for rust belt cities that are caught between a shrinking core and speculative periphery.

An alternative perspective of an underutilized fruit tree Choerospondias axillaris in health promotion and disease prevention:A review

Many underutilized fruit plants are still obscure,in spite of possessing high medicinal and nutritional properties.Here,we reviewed one of the underutilized fruits tree(Choerospondias axillaris)and explored its occurrence,distribution,nutritional properties,phytochemicals,and medicinal value,along with associated challenges and prospects.Literature mining using scientific and common name of this plant species,yielded 77 articles,indicating limited availability of information.Various parts of the species including fruits,seeds and bark have the potential to be used in different daily needs and therapeutic activities.The core problem to underutilized fruit tree sustainability includes indiscrimination,lesser accessibility and acceptability,insufficient information on their growth and cultivation.The challenges for the production and marketing of C.axillaris fruits along with the opportunities of having a high source of income and health benefits from these plants have been discussed.A scheme for the enhancement of utility of this underutilized fruit plants has been suggested in this review.A collective effort of botanists,food scientists,government and international shareholders are needed for promoting its domestication and commercialization.C.axillaris fruits have been found to be a very promising resource in the areas of food and health industries,and possess great opportunity to flourish in the international market.

Effect of high shear homogenization on quality characteristics of bael fruit pulp

Response surface methodology was used to investigate the influence of high shear homogenization speed(A:3000-12000 r/min)and processing time(B:30-120 min)on bael fruit pulp quality parameters.The experimental results were best fitted in the suggested quadratic model to delineate and envision the responses in terms of color(values of L^(*),meaning brightness to blackness,1oo-0;a^(*),meaning green-a^(*)to red+a^(*);and b^(*),meaning blue-b^(*)to yellow+b),total soluble solids,ascorbic acid,viscosity,andβ-carotene content with the highest coefficients of determination(R2)ranging from 0.80 to 0.99.Significant(P<0.05)change in the L^(*)value,total soluble solids,ascorbic acid,andβ-carotene content was found with change in homogenization speed.The interaction effect of homogenization showed a significant difference in a^(*)value and total soluble solid content of the pulp.The best homogenization conditions were determined via multiple response optimization as 10682 r/min speed and 43.18 min process time.The quality parameters of the pulp at optimized conditions were observed as L^(*)15.35,a^(*)4.51,b^(*)10.25,ascorbic acid 18.64 mg/100 g,viscosity 5349 cP,andβ-carotene 4.14μg/100 g.In addition,total phenolic content,flavonoid content,and antioxidant content of homogenized bael fruit pulp was found to significantly(P<0.05)increase from(83.76±1.24)to(119.21±1.35)mg gallic acid equivalent(GAE)/100 mL,(147.39±0.69)to(156.10±1.11)mg quercetin equivalent(QE)/100 mL,and(41.77%±0.60%)to(66.53%±0.41%),respectively.Consequently,this strategy could be used in fruit processing industries to process highly fibrous fruits and nonuniform-textured fruit pulptoavoid sedimentation whileretaining functionality.

Nutritional, health benefits and toxicity of underutilized garden cress seeds and its functional food products: a review

Garden cress seed is a potential source of macro and micronutrients including essential fatty acids and amino acids as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. The seed also provides appreciable amount of health-protective bioactive compounds used to treat diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, bone fracture, asthma, constipation and some forms of cancer. Besides,, it is used to develop functional foods of therapeutic value in food manufacturing industries and traditional food preparations. Even though, it is known for its superior health benefits, provision of essential nutrients, and wider application in functional food development it is among the most underutilized crop in the world. Additionally, majority of studies conducted on garden cress seeds are mainly animal trials and hence needs to conduct studies on human. Therefore, the aim of this review paper is to provide up to date research evidence on the nutrient composition and therapeutic use of underutilized garden cress seeds and its functional food products, promising for the prevention of non-communicable and communicable diseases.