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Full-Text Articles in Plant Sciences

Fusarium Species Structure In Nebraska Corn, Yuchu Ma Apr 2023

Fusarium Species Structure In Nebraska Corn, Yuchu Ma

Department of Food Science and Technology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Fusarium species are known to infect corn and cause significant yield losses and mycotoxin contamination worldwide. In this study, we investigated the diversity of Fusarium species infecting corn in Nebraska and their potential to produce fumonisins and trichothecenes. A total of 259 Fusarium isolates were collected from different corn tissues (ear, stalk, and root), revealing a significant association between the various Fusarium species complexes and different plant parts (p < 0.05). Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC) was the most widespread and abundant, followed by the Fusarium sambucinum (FSAMSC) and Fusarium fujikuroi species complexes (FFSC). In the subsequent analysis, we investigated the mycotoxin …


The Influence Of Native Woody Species, Combretum Glutinosum And Piliostigma Reticulatum, On Soil Fertility In Dialacoto, Senegal, Gwen Jacobson Jan 2017

The Influence Of Native Woody Species, Combretum Glutinosum And Piliostigma Reticulatum, On Soil Fertility In Dialacoto, Senegal, Gwen Jacobson

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

In the low-fertility soils of Senegal, West Africa, management of woody species in agricultural fields has the potential to improve soil fertility and crop production. However, optimal species for this purpose have not been clearly defined. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential for two native woody species, Combretum glutinosum and Piliostigma reticulatum, to improve soil fertility. Soil samples were collected from beneath tree crowns of P. reticulatum and C. glutinosum and compared with fertilizer-amended and non-amended soil from adjacent open fields in a bioassay experiment. Two common crops, millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and maize (Zea mays), …


From Milpas To The Market: A Study On The Use Of Metal Silos For Safer And Better Storage Of Guatemalan Maize, José Rodrigo Mendoza Jul 2016

From Milpas To The Market: A Study On The Use Of Metal Silos For Safer And Better Storage Of Guatemalan Maize, José Rodrigo Mendoza

Department of Food Science and Technology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This project aimed to implement the use of metal silos to improve quality and safety of maize consumed by inhabitants of the highlands of Guatemala. This manuscript includes a literature review of the maize production chain in Guatemala, a survey about agricultural practices used in the region of study, as well as a characterization of the analyzed maize regarding its mycoflora, nutritional composition, and insect infestation. To better understand the current situation regarding agricultural practices and maize consumption, a survey was carried out. Sample consisted of 280 families representing 14 rural communities distributed in the townships of Todos Santos and …


The Trehalose Pathway In Maize: Conservation And Gene Regulation In Response To The Diurnal Cycle And Extended Darkness, Clémence Henry, Samuel W. Bledsoe, Allison Siekman, Alec Kollman, Brian M. Waters, Regina Feil, Mark Stitt, L. Mark Lagrimini Sep 2014

The Trehalose Pathway In Maize: Conservation And Gene Regulation In Response To The Diurnal Cycle And Extended Darkness, Clémence Henry, Samuel W. Bledsoe, Allison Siekman, Alec Kollman, Brian M. Waters, Regina Feil, Mark Stitt, L. Mark Lagrimini

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Energy resources in plants are managed in continuously changing environments, such as changes occurring during the day/night cycle. Shading is an environmental disruption that decreases photosynthesis, compromises energy status, and impacts on crop productivity. The trehalose pathway plays a central but not well-defined role in maintaining energy balance. Here, we characterized the maize trehalose pathway genes and deciphered the impacts of the diurnal cycle and disruption of the day/night cycle on trehalose pathway gene expression and sugar metabolism. The maize genome encodes 14 trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) genes, 11 trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP) genes, and one trehalase gene. Transcript abundance of most …


Effect Of Spontaneous Fermentation And Amylase Rich Flour (Arf) On The Nutritive Value, Functional And Viscoelastic Properties Of Cowpea-Fortified Nixtamalized Maize, Dr. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa (Phd), Philip Roger Aidoo, Randy Adjonu Apr 2010

Effect Of Spontaneous Fermentation And Amylase Rich Flour (Arf) On The Nutritive Value, Functional And Viscoelastic Properties Of Cowpea-Fortified Nixtamalized Maize, Dr. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa (Phd), Philip Roger Aidoo, Randy Adjonu

Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa

Studied were conducted to evaluate the combined effects of spontaneous fermentation and Amylase Rich Flours (ARF) on some nutritive value, functional and viscoelastic properties of cowpea-fortified nixtamalized maize. A 2x3x3 factorial design, with fermentation medium, fermentation time and ARF level was performed. The blends were fermented for the specific times and analysed for their titratable acidity, pH, water absorption capacity, viscoelastic properties, texture, protein and mineral content. Fermentation and ARF addition influenced titratable acidity, pH, water absorption, viscoelastic properties and texture of the cowpea-fortified nixtamalized maize. Addition of ARF decreased the viscoelastic properties, texture and pH of all the blends …


Viscoelastic Properties And Pasting Characteristics Of Fermented Maize: Influence Of The Addition Of Malted Cereals, Dr. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa (Phd), Randy Adjonu, Justice Asomaning Dec 2009

Viscoelastic Properties And Pasting Characteristics Of Fermented Maize: Influence Of The Addition Of Malted Cereals, Dr. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa (Phd), Randy Adjonu, Justice Asomaning

Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa

Investigations were conducted on the viscoelastic properties and pasting characteristics of fermented maize with malted cereals and their suitability for infant feeding. A 3x3x2 factorial experimental design with malting time, cereal malt concentration and cereal type was used. Maize, millet, and sorghum malts were added to fermented maize to reducing its bulk density. Samples were analysed for their viscoelastic properties and pasting characteristics using Brabender Viscoamylograph. Sorghum malt in comparison to millet and maize malts was not effective in terms of lowering the hot and cold paste viscosities of the fermented maize. Maize and millet malts liquefied the dough considerably …


Acidification And Starch Behaviour During Co-Fermentation Of Cassava And Soybean Into Gari., Dr. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa (Phd), Edem John Kongor, George Annor, Randy Adjonu Dec 2009

Acidification And Starch Behaviour During Co-Fermentation Of Cassava And Soybean Into Gari., Dr. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa (Phd), Edem John Kongor, George Annor, Randy Adjonu

Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa

Changes in acidification and starch behaviour were investigated during co-fermentation of cassava and soybean into gari, an African fermented product. Non-volatile acidity, pH and starch content were evaluated using standard analytical methods. Starch breakdown and pasting characteristics were also analysed using Brabender Viscoamylograph. Fermentation caused significant variations in the pH, non-volatile acidity and starch concentration. The pH decreased with concomitant increases in non-volatile acidity during co-fermentation of the cassava dough. Soy-fortification upto 20% caused only minimal effects on the pH, titratable acidity and starch content during the fermentation period. Starch content decreased from 69.8%-60.4% within the 48 h fermentation time …


Effects Of Cowpea Fortification, Dehydration Method And Storage Time On Some Quality Characteristics Of Maize-Based Traditional Weaning Foods., Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, Samuel Sefa-Dedeh, Esther Sakyi-Dawson Jun 2004

Effects Of Cowpea Fortification, Dehydration Method And Storage Time On Some Quality Characteristics Of Maize-Based Traditional Weaning Foods., Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, Samuel Sefa-Dedeh, Esther Sakyi-Dawson

Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa

Fortification of cereal-based traditional foods with legume protein can improve their nutritional value. It is, however, important to find out the extent to which the addition of cowpea affects the desirable quality characteristics of traditional weaning foods prepared from fermented maize and also to assess the effect of dehydration method and storage time on the chemical, physico-chemical and functional properties of the products. A 3 x 2 x 4 factorial experiment with cowpea level, drying method and storage time as the respective variables was done. The traditional weaning food was prepared by steeping maize in water for 24 hours, mixed …