Article
Food Science & Technology
Silvia Marzocchi, Maria Cristina Messia, Emanuele Marconi, Maria Fiorenza Caboni, Federica Pasini
Summary: Currently, whole grains are obtained by adding bran and middlings to refined flours, resulting in variations in the ratio of endosperm, bran, and germ. This study identifies specific lipid markers in different debranning fractions of Italian and Canadian durum wheat blends, which have high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, and sterols. Palmitic acid, oleic acid, tocopherol isomers, and total sterols could be useful biomarkers for evaluating the grain-to-tissue ratio in recombined flours.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Valentina Di Nardo, Elisa De Arcangelis, Maria Cristina Messia, Stefania Ruggeri, Emanuele Marconi
Summary: This study used durum wheat debranning fractions (fine and coarse bran) as an ingredient in whole-meal spaghetti formulation to investigate their chemical-nutritional characteristics, specifically folate levels and sensory properties. The experimental pasta had higher folate content (40.5 μg/100 g) than commercial whole-meal pasta (28.3 μg/100 g), meeting the health claim requirements for folate (Reg. EU 432/2012) and dietary fiber nutritional claim. After cooking, pasta formulated with coarse bran retained 80% of folate and received good sensory acceptability. This suggests that whole-meal pasta formulated with folate-rich debranning fractions can serve as a natural functional food, potentially improving population health when integrated into the diet.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Paola Valladares Garcia, Francesca Desiderio, Rosanna Simeone, Stefano Ravaglia, Roberto Ciorba, Agostino Fricano, Davide Guerra, Antonio Blanco, Luigi Cattivelli, Elisabetta Mazzucotelli
Summary: This study aimed to determine the genetic control of kernel size and shape in durum wheat and explore their relationships with kernel weight, plant height, and heading date. Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) mapping was performed on a population of 110 recombinant inbred lines, resulting in the identification of stable QTLs on chromosomes 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4B, 6B, and 7A. A QTL cluster on chromosome 4B was particularly associated with kernel size traits and thousand kernel weight (TKW), demonstrating the potential for improving durum wheat germplasm. The results of this study provide valuable insights for utilizing genetic diversity in emmer wheat for wheat breeding and yield improvement.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
R. Al-Sayaydeh, M. J. Shtaya, T. Qubbaj, M. K. Al-Rifaee, M. A. Alabdallah, O. Migdadi, I. A. Gammoh, A. M. Al-Abdallat
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the performance and stability of durum wheat genotypes with improved kernel characteristics across 15 different environments. The results showed that NUR-106 exhibited the most stable performance for grain yield and kernel characteristics in various environments.
Article
Agronomy
Xiaoli Fan, Xiaofeng Liu, Shaodan Guo, Bo Feng, Qiang Zhou, Guangbing Deng, Hai Long, Zhibin Xu, Tao Wang
Summary: In this study, the authors performed traditional and conditional QTL analysis to identify stable major QTLs that play a critical role in kernel-related traits. They deduced the genetic basis for kernel shape and size, providing a reference for the genetic improvement of ideal kernel morphology in wheat.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yajing Qi, Yuying Yang, Alkassoumi Hassane Hamadou, Bo Li, Bin Xu
Summary: This study employed gentle debranning technology to improve the hygienic characteristics of wheat kernels and flours. The results showed that a peeling rate of 1.08% could effectively remove microorganisms and deoxynivalenol, and decrease the ash content of commercial flours, indicating the potential of gentle debranning for reducing contaminants in wheat without compromising milling characteristics.
JOURNAL OF CEREAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christoph A. Spiegel, Maximilian Hackner, Viktoria P. Bothe, Joachim P. Spatz, Eva Blasco
Summary: This paper presents a novel and versatile shape memory ink system that enables 4D printing at both the macroscale and microscale using light. The authors selected digital light processing (DLP) and direct laser writing (DLW) as suitable 3D printing technologies and developed a compatible ink system. They demonstrated the shape memory effect for various complex structures printed using DLP and showed remarkable shape memory properties for microstructures printed using DLW.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Marco Massimo, Katherine R. Long
Summary: This review summarizes the key findings on the mechanisms regulating the development of the human neocortex, studied by scientists from various fields at different scales, and explores their interconnections.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Kun Wang, Dale Taylor, Yuming Chen, Jerry Suchy, Bin Xiao Fu
Summary: The study evaluated the influence of kernel size on durum wheat quality, with genotype also impacting milling performance. Different genotypes showed varying impacts on the milling yields of different kernel sizes, emphasizing the importance of intrinsic physicochemical properties of durum kernels. Despite higher yellow pigment content in small-sized kernels, they resulted in lower brightness and yellowness but elevated redness in semolina and pasta.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Camille Cornet, Pablo Mora, Hannah Augustijnen, Petr Nguyen, Marcial Escudero, Kay Lucek
Summary: Repetitive elements can cause large-scale chromosomal rearrangements, potentially promoting reproductive isolation and speciation. The role of repetitive elements in holocentric organisms and their association with karyotype changes in Erebia butterflies and Carex sedges were investigated at both micro- and macro-evolutionary scales. The results suggest that repetitive elements are associated with population differentiation and chromosomal rearrangements in holocentric clades, playing a role in adaptation and species diversification.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mike Sissons, Samuela Palombieri, Francesco Sestili, Domenico Lafiandra
Summary: The amylose/amylopectin ratio in durum wheat affects its technological and nutritional properties. High amylose content in pasta leads to increased resistant starch and no change in firmness, while low amylose content results in worsened firmness and increased starch digestion.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hedia Manai-Djebali, Amani Taamalli, Ihsan Iswaldi, David Arraez-Roman, Antonio Segura-Carretero, Ahmed Marouani, Ahmed Mliki, Manuel A. Martinez-Canas, Abdelwahed Ghorbel
Summary: Bioactive compounds in wheat have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their nutritional and health benefits. An analytical method called UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was used to detect various classes of bioactive compounds in durum wheat kernels. The study revealed the presence of 81 metabolites in wheat kernels, belonging to different chemical families such as sugars, organic acids, amino acids, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds. The chemical profiles varied greatly among different wheat genotypes, and this study provided a comprehensive map of metabolites in Tunisian durum wheat.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Elissavet Ninou, Ioannis Mylonas, Ioulia Karagianni, Sonia Michailidou, Athanasios Tsivelikas, Iosif Sistanis, Ilias Avdikos, Evangelos Korpetis, Fokion Papathanasiou
Summary: This study assessed the variations in grain yield and protein content within two commercial durum wheat cultivars and found that high-yielding and high-protein lines could be obtained through selection. The experiments revealed significant variation within already improved commercial cultivars. Ultra-low plant density cultivation allowed for efficient selection and differentiation among individual plants.
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Anna Bosi, Paolo Maria Mariano, Luca Salvatori
Summary: The paper proposes a method to explore the influence of microscopic events on the overall behavior of complex bodies using finite element simulations and wavelet-based post-processing analysis. Using quasicrystals as an example, the study shows the effects of atomic rearrangements on the stress field around a crack tip, and demonstrates that this method can be used for dynamic experimental data analysis and monitoring purposes.
MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE APPLIED SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Nabeel T. Alzuwaid, Denise Pleming, Christopher M. Fellows, Barbara Laddomada, Mike Sissons
Summary: This study characterized the properties and composition of different size durum bran fractions and how they impact bread quality. The use of these fractions in bread formulation negatively impacted bread loaf volume, color, and texture, with CB having the least impact. Bran particle size should be considered to combine the highest phytochemical content with minimal impact on bread quality.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Paolo Ruisi, Rosolino Ingraffia, Valeria Urso, Dario Giambalvo, Antonio Alfonzo, Onofrio Corona, Luca Settanni, Alfonso S. Frenda
Summary: Several studies have shown that products made from ancient wheat genotypes have beneficial health properties compared to those made from modern wheat varieties. Despite unclear mechanisms for the positive effects, ancient durum wheat genotypes are currently used for local production of pasta, bread, and bakery products. The study on 15 genotypes of Triticum turgidum subsp. durum revealed higher protein content and better baking qualities in ancient genotypes, while modern genotypes showed more uniform behavior in bread attributes.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Daniela Marone, Anna Maria Mastrangelo, Grazia Maria Borrelli, Antonia Mores, Giovanni Laido, Maria Anna Russo, Donatella Bianca Maria Ficco
Summary: Specialized plant metabolites play important roles in plant functions and resistance. Studies are focused on their mechanisms and applications, including genetic methods and agronomic management. New strategies involving direct application of plant residuals or liquid formulations are also described.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Federica Carucci, Giuseppe Gatta, Anna Gagliardi, Pasquale De Vita, Simone Bregaglio, Marcella Michela Giuliani
Summary: Organic farming systems are often limited by soil nitrogen availability. This study found that foliar applications can improve organic durum wheat yields, especially in modern varieties. The application of sulfur and nitrogen has a positive synergistic effect on nitrogen uptake, utilization efficiency, and grain yield of durum wheat. Additionally, selenium treatment improved post-anthesis nitrogen uptake and utilization efficiency, leading to increased yields in both traditional and modern varieties.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rosolino Ingraffia, Gaetano Amato, Massimo Iovino, Matthias C. Rillig, Dario Giambalvo, Alfonso S. Frenda
Summary: Microplastic contamination can jeopardize agroecosystem sustainability by affecting soil physical properties, the nitrogen cycle, and plant performance. Soil contaminated with polyester microplastic fibers (PMFs) limits crop growth and N uptake, and increases N loss via leaching, posing problems to future agricultural challenges.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Rosolino Ingraffia, Gaetano Amato, Paolo Ruisi, Dario Giambalvo, Alfonso S. Frenda
Summary: This study demonstrates that using no tillage (NT) alone as a substitute for conventional tillage (CT) is not agronomically feasible in organic farming. However, mitigating the negative effects of NT can be achieved by moving up the sowing date and using competitive genotypes. A more effective application of NT would require simultaneous adjustments in other factors of the cropping management system.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Francesca Taranto, Ermanno Di Serio, Monica Marilena Miazzi, Stefano Pavan, Sergio Saia, Pasquale De Vita, Nunzio D'Agostino
Summary: This study aims to analyze the genetic variation patterns of two large germplasm collections of Timilia and Russello durum wheat landraces using SNP genotyping. The results showed that there are two genetic groups of Russello associated with different geographical areas in Sicily, which differ in important traits related to gluten quality and adaptation. Meanwhile, Timilia landraces have undergone conservative selection despite their wide genetic variation, likely associated with their distinctive traits. This study provides a foundation for further exploration of the genetic diversity in Sicilian landraces and emphasizes the importance of considering intra-population genetic diversity when registering conservation varieties in national crop registers.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Bassolino, Katia Petroni, Angela Polito, Alessandra Marinelli, Elena Azzini, Marika Ferrari, Donatella B. M. Ficco, Elisabetta Mazzucotelli, Alessandro Tondelli, Agostino Fricano, Roberta Paris, Inmaculada Garcia-Robles, Carolina Rausell, Maria Dolores Real, Carlo Massimo Pozzi, Giuseppe Mandolino, Ephrem Habyarimana, Luigi Cattivelli
Summary: This review focuses on the impact of antioxidants-rich cereal and Solanaceae derived foods on human health. It discusses strategies for increasing the antioxidant level of grains and fruits and examines the influence of agronomic practices and food processing on antioxidant properties. Despite supporting evidence from in vitro and animal studies, further clinical research is needed to confirm the effects of antioxidant-rich foods on human health.
Article
Agronomy
Federica Carucci, Gustavo Moreno-Martin, Yolanda Madrid-Albarran, Giuseppe Gatta, Pasquale De Vita, Marcella Michela Giuliani
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of foliar application of selenate and organic nitrogen and sulfur sources on the selenium content and species in durum wheat grain. The results showed that foliar application of selenate led to increased selenium accumulation, particularly under conditions of lower rainfall. Organic foliar sulfur had a negative effect on selenium content, while organic foliar nitrogen increased it. Modern varieties generally had higher selenium content compared to old varieties.
Article
Plant Sciences
Salvatore Esposito, Francesca Taranto, Paolo Vitale, Donatella Bianca Maria Ficco, Salvatore Antonio Colecchia, Piergiorgio Stevanato, Pasquale De Vita
Summary: In this study, researchers identified candidate genes controlling biomass composition traits in tetraploid wheat through the analysis of multi-locus genome-wide association models. They also investigated the functions of these genes and validated their effects through molecular methods. The findings provide new insights into the genetic basis of biomass composition traits and contribute to the development of high-yielding wheat varieties for biofuel production.
Article
Agronomy
Dario Giambalvo, Gaetano Amato, Davide Borgia, Rosolino Ingraffia, Calogero Librici, Antonella Lo Porto, Guglielmo Puccio, Paolo Ruisi, Alfonso S. Frenda
Summary: This study demonstrates that nitrogen availability plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of AM symbiosis in enhancing salt tolerance in durum wheat. The benefits of mycorrhizal symbiosis are only observed when sufficient nitrogen is available. In conditions of nitrogen deficiency, mycorrhizal symbiosis has no effect or can even be detrimental to plant growth and nitrogen uptake.
Article
Plant Sciences
Donatella Bianca Maria Ficco, Michele Canale, Virgilio Giannone, Maria Concetta Strano, Maria Allegra, Silvia Zingale, Alfio Spina
Summary: Enriching semolina bread with prebiotic ingredients like beta-glucans can have health benefits. This study investigated the effects of adding varying amounts of thin bran or barley flour to wheat semolina bread. The results showed that the inclusion of barley flour or thin bran increased water absorption and dough stability, but also increased dough development time. The specific volume and hardness of the bread decreased, while beta-glucan levels increased. The study concludes that barley flour or thin bran have potential as ingredients to increase beta-glucan intake, but further research is needed for improved quality features.
Article
Plant Sciences
Valeria Menga, Valentina Giovanniello, Michele Savino, Antonio Gallo, Salvatore Antonio Colecchia, Vanessa De Simone, Silvia Zingale, Donatella Bianca Maria Ficco
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the differences in quality traits and the concentration of phenolic compounds (such as phenolic acids) in different durum wheat genotypes. Among the cultivars, Cappelli showed the highest phenolic acid content, while Kronos had the lowest one. Durum wheat genotypes with low yield potential, such as Cappelli, accumulated higher concentrations of phenolic acids, significantly contributing to health-promoting purposes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dario Giambalvo, Gaetano Amato, Rosolino Ingraffia, Antonella Lo Porto, Giulia Mirabile, Paolo Ruisi, Livio Torta, Alfonso S. Frenda
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the adverse effects of microplastics in soil on maize plants. It was found that soil contamination with polypropylene microfibers significantly reduced maize growth and nitrogen uptake, and these effects intensified with increasing microfiber concentration. Additionally, fungal inoculation further decreased maize root biomass, but did not mitigate the negative impact of microplastics on plant growth.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Francesca Taranto, Salvatore Esposito, Pasquale De Vita
Summary: In recent years, the genetic basis of yield and yield components in durum wheat has been studied extensively using linkage mapping and genome-wide association studies. The reductionist approach of dissecting yield into individual components appears insufficient for significant yield increases due to limited resources, land loss, and climate change. Polyploidy in durum wheat makes it challenging to identify genes and chromosomal regions controlling grain yield. Next-generation sequencing, improved wheat genome assembly, high-throughput genotyping platforms, and genome editing technology offer great potential for revolutionizing plant breeding. Genomic selection can model optimal allelic combinations to maximize phenotypic potential under specific environments.
Article
Agronomy
Salvatore Esposito, Paolo Vitale, Francesca Taranto, Sergio Saia, Ivano Pecorella, Nunzio D'Agostino, Monica Rodriguez, Vincenzo Natoli, Pasquale De Vita
Summary: The improvement of grain yield and grain protein concentration through GWAS and GBLUP has significant implications for durum wheat breeding.
THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS
(2023)
