scholarly journals Yield and qualitative characterisation of seeds of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. and Amaranthus cruentus L. grown in central Italy

2017 ◽  
pp. 63-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdel Nasser G. El Gendy ◽  
Silvia Tavarini ◽  
Giuseppe Conte ◽  
Laura Pistelli ◽  
Saber F. Hendawy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Yield ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Oil Content ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Growth Cycle ◽  
Unsaponifiable Fraction ◽  
Amaranthus Cruentus ◽  
Amaranthus Hypochondriacus ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Growing Conditions

Amaranth can be considered a very interesting crop for the Mediterranean region, thanks to its inherent tolerance to disadvantageous growing conditions, along with the high nutritional and nutraceutical value of its seeds. The study aims to evaluate the seed yield, and the oil content and quality of two amaranth genotypes (species Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. and Amaranthus cruentus L., respectively) grown in central Italy, testing two types of soil (loamy and sandy soil). The two species showed a good performance in the tested environment, with satisfactory seed yield and relative short growth cycle. Significant differences between the two genotypes were observed in terms of seed yield. The crude oil content ranged from 7.5% to 6.0%, with linoleic, palmitic and oleic acids as the major fatty acids of the oil in both genotypes. The unsaponifiable fraction was rich in sterols (campesterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol), and interesting levels of squalene were found. This study demonstrated the unique nutraceutical properties of the seeds of two genotypes of A. hypochondriacus and A. cruentus, grown in central Italy environment, as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acid and squalene. These characteristics make amaranth a valuable alternative crop for specialty oil production in the Mediterranean region.

Evaluation of fatty acid composition among selected amaranth grains grown in two consecutive years

Biologia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Hlinková ◽  
Adriána Bednárová ◽  
Michaela Havrlentová ◽  
Jana Šupová ◽  
Iveta Čičová
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Oleic Acid ◽  
Oil Content ◽  
Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Amaranthus Cruentus ◽  
Amaranthus Hypochondriacus ◽  
Fatty Acids Profile ◽  
Linoleic Acid Level ◽  
Amaranthus Spp

AbstractThe oil of amaranth grain (Amaranthus spp.) is a rich source of poly-unsaturated fatty acids. In this study, we tested 10 amaranth samples representing two species (Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus) in two consecutive years (2010, 2011). Grain oils were analysed by gas chromatography for their fatty acids profile. In 2010, oil content ranged from 6.4–8.2% for A. cruentus and 6.3–7.9% for A. hypochondriacus. In 2011, the level was 7.1–8.2% and 6.6–8.7% for A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus, respectively. Linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids were dominant fatty acids in all of the oil samples. The essential linoleic acid level was 33.3–38.7% (A. cruentus) and 31.7–47.5% (A. hypochondriacus) in 2010 and 34.6–39.9% (A. cruentus) and 34–44.5% (A. hypochondriacus) in 2011. The minority fatty acids, i.e. stearic, α-linolenic, and arachidic acids were also observed. Eicosenoic and behenic acids were present in the grain in trace amounts. Statistical evaluation showed a significant effect of year and species of amaranth on the levels of certain fatty acids. There was a strong positive correlation between oil content and oleic acid, and a negative correlation between oleic acid and either of the other two fatty acids, linoleic and α-linolenic ones.

scholarly journals Chemical composition and bioactive properties of Sanguisorba minor Scop. under Mediterranean growing conditions

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 1340-1351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anestis C. Karkanis ◽  
Ângela Fernandes ◽  
Josiana Vaz ◽  
Spyridon Petropoulos ◽  
Eleftheria Georgiou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Perennial Plant ◽  
Bioactive Properties ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Sanguisorba Minor ◽  
Growing Conditions

Sanguisorba minor Scop. is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region which exhibits several medicinal activities.

scholarly journals Agronomic performance and beer quality assessment of twenty hop cultivars grown in Central Italy

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Rossini ◽  
Paolo Loreti ◽  
Maria Elena Provenzano ◽  
Diana De Santis ◽  
Roberto Ruggeri
Keyword(s):  
Plant Height ◽  
Sensory Analysis ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Weather Condition ◽  
Intraspecific Diversity ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Cultivar Selection ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Growing Conditions ◽  
Mouth Feel

Hop market and beer industry have always been of secondary relevance in Italy as compared to grape and wine sector. Hence, hop cultivars and the information for growing hops have been generated almost entirely from the major hop production countries. Identifying cultivars that perform well in Mediterranean environments is therefore essential to successfully start hop cultivation and breeding activity in this new growing region. To evaluate the intraspecific diversity of hop in Central Italy, 20 female hop genotypes with different origin were screened during three growing seasons (2013-2015) in an experimental hop yard. Cones yield, plant height and crop phenology were evaluated to determine which cultivars were best suited to the Mediterranean climate. Moreover, given the rising interest for the development of local beers with distinguishing aroma, a sensory analysis was performed and beers flavoured with locally produced and imported cones were compared. A significant diversity among cultivars was found for all parameters investigated. The results indicated that weather condition during flowering and development of cones markedly affected yield and plant height. Cones yield was negatively correlated with thermal time (r=–0.5, P&lt;0.05) to harvest and positively with plant height (r=0.56, P&lt;0.05). <em>Cascade</em>, <em>Hallertauer Magnum</em>, <em>Hersbrucker Spa</em>t and <em>Yeoman</em> showed the best adaptability to the Mediterranean growing conditions as they were the top-performing cultivars across the three years. Sensory analysis evidenced the importance of cultivar selection as determining factor for flavouring properties of beers. In general, results showed that the origin of cones strongly affected the mouth feel of beers. More complex and appreciated aroma profiles were identified for beers flavoured with local cones than those hopped with commercial products.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Chemical Composition of Two Linseed Varieties as Sources of Health-Beneficial Substances

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (20) ◽  
pp. 3729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Tavarini ◽  
Antonella Castagna ◽  
Giuseppe Conte ◽  
Lara Foschi ◽  
Chiara Sanmartin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activity ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Oil Content ◽  
Antioxidant Activities ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Growth Cycle ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Genetic Characteristics ◽  
Linum Usitatissimum L ◽  
Low Linolenic

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is becoming more and more important in the health food market as a functional food, since its seeds and oil represent a rich source of bioactive compounds. Its chemical composition is strongly correlated with, and dependent on, genetic characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation in seed yield, oil content, fatty acid composition and secondary metabolite profiles between a low-linolenic linseed variety, belonging to the Solin-type group (Solal), and a high-linolenic traditional one (Bethune), cultivated, both as spring crops, in open field conditions of Central Italy. The achieved results pointed out the different behavior of the two varieties in terms of growth cycle, oil content, and some important yield components, such as capsule number per plant and thousand seed weight. There were also significant differences in seed composition regarding total phenols, total flavonoids, antioxidant activities as well as in carotenoid, tocopherol, and tocotrienol profiles between the two varieties. In particular, Solal was characterized by the greatest contents of oil, phenols, flavonoids, α- and δ- tocotrienol, together with the highest antioxidant activity. Bethune, on the contrary, showed the highest amounts of carotenoids (lutein and β-carotene). These results indicate a clear effect of the genetic characteristics on the biosynthesis of these secondary metabolites and, consequently, on the related antioxidant activity. Our findings suggest that the mutation process, responsible for the selection of the low-linolenic cultivar, is able to modify the biosynthetic pathways of carotenoids and phenolics.

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