Optimal formulation of a product containing black wheat granules

Development of a multicriteria decision-making model for evaluating hybrid offspring in the sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) breeding process

Sweetpotato variety breeding is always a long process. Screening of hybrid offspring is dominated by empirical judgment in this process. Data analysis and decision fatigue have been troubling breeders. In recent years, the low-efficiency screening mode has been unable to meet the requirements of sweetpotato germplasm innovation. Therefore, it is necessary to construct a high-efficiency method that can screen germplasms for different usages, for mining elite genotypes, and to create dedicated sweetpotato varieties. In this article, the multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) model was constructed based on six agronomic traits, including fresh root yield, vine length, vine diameter, branch number, root number and the spatial distribution of storage roots, and five quality traits, including dry matter content, marketable root yield, uniformity of roots, starch content and the edible quality score. Among these, the edible quality score was calculated by using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation to integrate the sensory scores of color, odor, sweetness, stickiness and fibrous taste. The MCDM model was compared with the traditional screening method via an evaluation in 25 sweetpotato materials. The interference of subjective factors on the evaluation results was significantly reduced. The MCDM model is more overall, more accurate and faster than the traditional screening method in the selection of elite sweetpotato materials. It could be programmed to serve the breeders in combination with the traditional screening method.

Valorization of Local Legumes and Nuts as Key Components of the Mediterranean Diet

Legumes and nuts are components of high importance in the diet of many countries, mainly those in the Mediterranean region. They are also very versatile and culturally diverse foods found all over the world, acting as a basic protein source in certain countries. Their genetic diversity is needed to sustain the food supply and security for humans and livestock, especially because of the current loss of habitats, species, and genetic diversity worldwide, but also because of the ever present need to feed the increasing human population. Even though both legumes and nuts are considered as high-protein food and environmentally friendly crops, developed countries have lower consumption rates when compared to Asia or Africa. With a view to increasing the consumption of legumes and nuts, the objective of this review is to present the advantages on the use of autochthonous varieties from different countries around the world, thus providing a boost to the local market in the area. The consumption of these varieties could be helped by their use in ready-to-eat foods (RTE), which are now on the rise thanks to today's fast-paced lifestyles and the search for more nutritious and sustainable foods. The versatility of legumes and nuts covers a wide range of possibilities through their use in plant-based dairy analogues, providing alternative-protein and maximal amounts of nutrients and bioactive compounds, potential plant-based flours for bakery and pasta, and added-value traditional RTE meals. For this reason, information about legume and nut nutrition could possibly increase its acceptance with consumers.