Search Results (83)

Cyperus esculentus L., commonly known as Yellow Nutsedge or Tiger Nut, belongs to the Sedge family (Cyperaceae), which is widely distributed in tropical and temperate regions around the world. The species is particularly noted for its underground tuber, which is rich in starch and oil, and can be used for both food and industrial purposes. However, cultivated C. esculentus rarely flowers in the field, and when it does, flowering is often accompanied by sterility, significantly hindering the development of superior varieties through sexual hybridization. Our investigation into the causes of pollen abortion in C. esculentus yielded several key findings. Initially, we observed pollen abortion within the anthers using Alexander’s red staining and starch-iodide staining techniques. Further examination through semi-thin sections of the anthers revealed that, although the pollen appeared normal during the pachytene stage, the pollen failed to stain blue in later developmental stages, indicating abnormal development. This was followed by vacuolation, collapse, and degradation of the pollen, ultimately resulting in abortion. Additionally, we monitored chromosome behavior throughout meiosis and observed premature chromosome separation during metaphase II, leading to disarray in the subsequent pseudomonad phase. Chromosomal karyotype analysis and ploidy predictions suggested that the triploid nature of C. esculentus contributes to meiotic disorders, which may explain the phenomenon of pollen abortion. These findings provide valuable insights into the reproductive challenges faced by this species and may inform future breeding efforts aimed at overcoming its sterility. Full article

Due to increased interest in new functional food products, 20 accessions of chufa tubers from the collection of the N.I. Vavilov Institute of Plant Industry, grown in the Kuban–Azov Plain in 2022, as well as bread samples made from mixed flour (70% whole-grain wheat flour, 30% chufa tuber flour) were studied. Biochemical, farinographic, and baking evaluations were carried out. Differences between the properties of dough with the addition of flour from various accessions of chufa tubers were recorded. According to the results of comparative, dispersion, and principal component analysis, all biochemical indicators (oil, fiber, sum of phenolic substances, antioxidant activity) of chufa tuber flour and bread with added chufa flour surpassed control samples (whole-grain wheat flour and wheat bread), with the exception of protein and starch content. Viscoamylographic, farinographic sedimentation, and baking quality evaluations indicated that the dough made from mixed flour was stronger than the control (dough from whole-grain wheat flour), more resistant to kneading, and had a lower degree of liquefaction. In terms of organoleptic properties, differences were also identified, and the accessions that enhance the taste of mixed bread were selected. Therefore, a preliminary conclusion can be drawn that chufa tubers grown in the conditions of the Kuban–Azov Plain with high rheological properties and high sedimentation values of the mixed dough can be recommended for improving the baking properties not only of wheat but also of other bread cereals. Chufa is also a promising crop in the manufacture of functional food products in the Krasnodar region and for the food industry in general as a potential thickener. Full article

To address the challenges in precision seeding of Cyperus esculentus L. seeds caused by their irregular shape and uneven surface, this study investigates the effect of soaking pretreatment on seed germination and adopts rubber-based seed suction holes to improve adsorption performance. Subsequently, calibration and experiments on discrete element simulation parameters were carried out. Initially, by setting four soaking time gradients (0, 24, 48, and 72 h), the optimal soaking duration was determined. Furthermore, through free-fall collision tests, static friction tests, and rolling friction tests, combined with the Plackett–Burman design, steepest ascent experiments, and Box–Behnken response surface methodology, the contact parameters between seeds and between seeds and rubber suction holes were calibrated and optimized. The results showed that the static friction coefficient (D) between seeds, the rolling friction coefficient (E) between seeds, and the rolling friction coefficient (H) between seeds and rubber have significant effects on the stacking angle. The optimal parameter combination obtained was D = 0.592, E = 0.325, H = 0.171. Validation tests on the dynamic stacking angle demonstrated that the relative error between the simulated and physical test values was only 1.89%, confirming the accuracy of the parameters. This study provides reliable parameter references for the design and simulation optimization of precision seed metering devices for C. esculentus after soaking pretreatment. Full article

Objective: This study systematically evaluated the nutritional compositions and bioactive compounds of six unconventional feed resources (Pepper residue (PR), Grape marc (MC), Pepper straw (PS), Lycium barbarum branches and leaves (LBBL), Licorice straw (LS), and Cyperus esculentus leaves (CES)). It also assessed the rumen degradability and rumen fermentation characteristics at different substitution levels through in vitro and in situ methods, to explore their potential application in sheep diets. Methods: Samples were analyzed considering nutrient composition, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and bioactive compounds. In situ degradation was measured using rumen-fistulated sheep, and in vitro batch fermentation culture was conducted at varying substitution levels (0–100%) to measure gas production, pH, VFAs, NH₃-N, and microbial crude protein (MCP). Results: The six unconventional feed resources showed significant differences in nutrient composition, bioactive compounds, and fermentation performance. Crude protein (CP) ranged from 4.45% to 15.76%, with LS highest in total amino acids. LBBL contained 4.24 g/kg Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, LS had 9.24 g/kg liquiritin, GM was richest in proanthocyanidins, and PS had more capsaicin than PR. PR exhibited the highest DM degradation (74.77%, p < 0.001), followed by LS; CEL was lowest. PR and LS also had the highest CP degradation. In vitro fermentation revealed significant differences in fermentation characteristics among the six feeds. At 100% replacement, PR and LS exhibited high cumulative gas production, elevated MCP concentrations, and total VFAs of 54.41 and 64.02 mmol/L (p < 0.001), respectively. At 25% replacement, GM and CEL achieved high concentrations of VFAs and maintained MCP levels of 27.84 and 31.57 mg/dL (p < 0.001). PS reached its maximum total VFAs and MCP at 50% replacement, while LBBL reached 64.90 mmol/L total VFAs and 32.63 mg/dL MCP at 75% replacement. Conclusions: Nutrient composition and degradation kinetics varied significantly among substrates. PR had the highest DM degradability, while CEL had the lowest. PR and LS maintained stable fermentation at 100% substitution. GM and CEL were most effective at 25%; PS at 50%; and LBBL at 75% substitution levels. Full article

Cyperus esculentus is a very destructive perennial weed, rapidly propagating and spreading through large amounts of daughter tubers. Successful control relies on depleting the soil tuber bank. This study investigated the effect of different control measures, applied across several cropping systems, on tuber bank dynamics over time. Therefore, 52 infested fields were monitored over 3 consecutive years, with annual quantification of the C. esculentus tuber bank. In maize monocropping systems, substantial 3-year tuber bank reductions (>90%) are achievable with preplant incorporation of dimethenamid-P or S-metolachlor, followed by a post-emergence application of mesotrione and pyridate at the 4–5 leaf stage, combined with delayed sowing (after 20 May) or mechanical measures (e.g., hoeing, harrowing). On non-maize fields, effective strategies (median tuber bank reductions of 57–70%) include intensive black fallow with at least four control timings or winter cereal cropping followed by intensive control (at least three measures) during the stubble phase. Established, fertilized grasslands also offer moderate reductions (17–67%) via intensive grazing or mowing. These results demonstrate that significant C. esculentus reductions are possible across different crops, but control remains challenging, requiring intensive, repeated strategies over multiple years. Less intensive approaches may undermine previous efforts. Full article

Cyperus esculentus, a drought-resistant Cyperaceae with ecological and economic value (stems/leaves as feed, tubers as oil source), stabilizes arid soils through its extensive root system. Understanding its biomass allocation strategies is crucial for comprehending carbon storage in arid environments. The results showed that allometric models best described leaf biomass, while Gompertz and logistic models provided superior accuracy (evaluated using R², p-value, AIC, RMSE, and RSS) for estimating root, tuber, and whole plant biomass. In our study, the equilibrium biomass showed that underground (74.29 g and 64.22 g) was superior to aboveground (63.63 g and 58.72 g); and the growth rate showed the same result, underground (0.112 and 0.055) surpassed aboveground (0.083 and 0.046). The initial inflection point (POI1 = 11) suggests that leaves are prioritized in acquiring limited resources to support growth. In conclusion, the tiller number is a reliable predictor for developing robust biomass models for C. esculentus. The Gompertz model is best for leaves, roots, and total biomass, while the logistic model is optimal for predicting tuber biomass in arid areas. The tiller number is a reliable predictor for developing robust biomass models for C. esculentus. The research findings have supplied useful insights into the growth modifications, production potential, and management experience gained from Cyperus esculentus plant agriculture. Full article

Cyperus esculentus is an invasive sedge causing high losses in many crops. Prevention is key in minimizing further spread and damage. Propagules (tubers or seeds) may spread via cattle manure. This study examined the effect of ensiling, digestion, and storage in manure on the viability of C. esculentus propagules. Propagules were subjected to five durations (0–16 weeks) in silage maize, seven durations (0–48 h) of ruminal digestion, and five durations of storage (0–16 weeks) in manure (slurry or farmyard), or combinations of previous processes. Afterwards, the viabilities were determined by a germination and tetrazolium test. After 6 weeks in a maize silo, the viability of the propagules was reduced by at least 96%. Incubation for 36 h in the rumen, followed by post-ruminal digestion in vitro, reduced seed viability by 30%. However, for the tubers, no effect was observed. The viability of seeds and tubers was reduced by 90% after 11.5 and 13.7 weeks of incubation in slurry, respectively. Compared with seeds, tubers were less tolerant to 12–24 h of animal digestion, followed by 8 weeks of storage in slurry. Keeping a maize silo closed for at least 6 weeks and maintaining slurry storage for at least 16 weeks are excellent measures to eliminate C. esculentus. For farmers, these preventive measures are relatively easy and cheap to implement compared to the requirements of curative control methods. Full article

Weed and disease management in organic watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] production is challenging. Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) and Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.) are two competitor weeds in watermelon plasticulture production systems. Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is an emerging non-chemical approach to control weeds and soilborne plant pathogens, especially in organic farming. The effect of ASD treatments on weeds and soilborne diseases is being documented on different specialty crops. However, the impact of ASD treatments on the crop and crop genotypes; specifically watermelon has not been elucidated. Therefore, the impact of chicken manure and molasses (CMM)-induced ASD on twenty commercially available watermelon genotypes/rootstocks and major weed species was evaluated in a high tunnel experiment. The experiment was constructed as a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of a factorial of carbon source (1) non-treated check (CK), (2) CMM by twenty watermelon genotypes and rootstock. Soil treated with carbon CMM demonstrated significantly greater cumulative anaerobicity (246,963) activity relative to CK (575,372). Under anaerobic conditions, CMM achieved 91% weed control compared to CK. A lower number of yellow nutsedge (2) and Palmer amaranth (1) counts were recorded in CMM compared to CK (8) and (28), respectively. Among watermelon genotypes, ‘Extazy’, ‘Powerhouse’, ‘Sangria’, and ‘Exclamation’ had greater vigor 8.5, 8.4, 8.4, and 8.3, respectively, at 28 days after transplanting in CMM-treated soil. Greater watermelon plant fresh biomass was recorded in CMM-treated soil for ‘Extazy’ (434 g), ‘Powerhouse’ (409 g), ‘Exclamation’ (364 g), and ‘Sangria’ (360 g). This study demonstrated the variable response of watermelon genotypes to CMM-induced ASD and provides a guide for germplasm selection in organic watermelon production under field conditions. Full article

The seeds of Cyperus esculentus L. exhibit an uneven surface and irregular shape, which adversely affect precision seeding. Pre-sowing seed soaking treatment not only improves seeding performance, but also enhances the germination capability of C. esculentus seeds. However, the intrinsic parameters of the seeds undergo significant changes after soaking in terms of their physical properties, such as volume, weight, and density. These changes directly influence the fluidity and positioning accuracy of the seeds during the seeding process. Additionally, contact parameters, such as the coefficient of friction and the contact area between the seeds and the seeding apparatus, are altered by soaking. These parameters are crucial for designing efficient seeding devices. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the intrinsic parameters of soaked C. esculentus seeds and their contact parameters with the seeding apparatus to provide parameter support for the precision seeding analysis of pre-soaked C. esculentus. This study focuses on the calibration and experimental investigation of discrete element parameters for soaked C. esculentus seeds. Free-fall collision tests, static friction tests, and rolling friction tests were conducted to calibrate the contact parameters between soaked C. esculentus seeds and between the seeds and steel materials. Using Design-Expert, Plackett–Burman tests, steepest ascent tests, and Box–Behnken response surface tests were designed to obtain the optimal parameter combination for the C. esculentus contact model. The optimal parameters were validated through angle of repose simulation tests and physical experiments. The results indicate that the rolling friction coefficient (F) between seeds, the static friction coefficient (E) between seeds, and the rolling friction coefficient (J) between seeds and steel plates significantly affect the angle of repose. The optimal combination of discrete element parameters is as follows: the static friction coefficient (E) between seeds is 0.675, the rolling friction coefficient (F) between seeds is 0.421, and the rolling friction coefficient (J) between seeds and steel plates is 0.506. Using the calibrated parameters for simulation, the average angle of repose was 32.31°, with a relative error of 1.1% compared to the physical experiments. Full article

LEA_5 domain-containing proteins constitute a small family of late embryogenesis-abundant proteins that are essential for seed desiccation tolerance and dormancy. However, their roles in non-seed storage organs such as underground tubers are largely unknown. This study presents the first genome-scale analysis of the LEA_5 family in tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.), a Cyperaceae plant producing desiccation-tolerant tubers. Four LEA_5 genes identified from the tigernut genome are twice of two present in model plants Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa. A comparison of 86 members from 34 representative plant species revealed the monogenic origin and lineage-specific family evolution in Poales, which includes the Cyperaceae family. CeLEA5 genes belong to four out of five orthogroups identified in this study, i.e., LEA5a, LEA5b, LEA5c, and LEA5d. Whereas LEA5e is specific to eudicots, LEA5b and LEA5d appear to be Poales-specific and LEA5c is confined to families Cyperaceae and Juncaceae. Though no syntenic relationship was observed between CeLEA5 genes, comparative genomics analyses indicated that LEA5b and LEA5c are more likely to arise from LEA5a via whole-genome duplication. Additionally, local duplication, especially tandem duplication, also played a role in the family expansion in Juncus effuses, Joinvillea ascendens, and most Poaceae plants examined in this study. Structural variation (e.g., fragment insertion) and expression divergence of LEA_5 genes were also observed. Whereas LEA_5 genes in A. thaliana, O. sativa, and Zea mays were shown to be preferentially expressed in seeds/embryos, CeLEA5 genes have evolved to be predominantly expressed in tubers, exhibiting seed desiccation-like accumulation during tuber maturation. Moreover, CeLEA5 orthologs in C. rotundus showed weak expression in various stages of tuber development, which may explain the difference in tuber desiccation tolerance between these two close species. These findings highlight the lineage-specific evolution of the LEA_5 family, which facilitates further functional analysis and genetic improvement in tigernut and other species. Full article

Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is a promising alternative to synthetic chemical-driven pest management methods facilitated by incorporating carbon sources into the soil, tarping the soil with plastic mulch, and irrigating to soil saturation. To evaluate the impact of ASD on southern root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White), SRKN] and yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) management in organically grown sweetpotato, greenhouse studies were conducted. The treatments were structured as a factorial of two carbon amendments [chicken manure + molasses (CM + M), and no additional carbon (control)] by 20 sweetpotato genotypes with 4 replications using a randomized complete block design. The results suggest that the microcosms receiving the carbon amendment spent the most time under anaerobic conditions (<200 mvh). Planting of sweetpotato genotypes in CM + M-treated microcosms resulted in 60–90% and 56–92% suppression of soil population and egg reproduction of SRKN as compared to no additional carbon. The application of CM + M reduced overall weed cover by 79% relative to the control. Sweetpotatoes in CM + M-treated microcosms had significantly higher dry above-ground biomass (6.8 g) as compared to the control (3.6 g). The results of this study demonstrated that ASD has the potential to manage nematodes and weeds in organic sweetpotato production systems. Full article

Plant oils rich in oleic acid (OA) are attracting considerable attention for their high nutritional value and significant industrial potential. Stearoyl-acyl carrier protein desaturases (SADs) are a class of soluble desaturases that play a key role in OA accumulation in plants. In this study, the first genome-wide characterization of the SAD gene family was conducted in tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L. var. sativus Baeck., Cyperaceae), an oil-rich tuber plant typical for its high OA content. Six SAD genes identified from the tigernut genome are comparative to seven reported in two model plants Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, but relatively more than four were found in most Cyperaceae species examined in this study. A comparison of 161 SAD genes from 29 representative plant species reveals the monogenic origin and lineage-specific family evolution in Poales. C. esculentus SAD genes (CeSADs) were shown to constitute two evolutionary groups (i.e., FAB2 and AAD) and four out of 12 orthogroups identified in this study, i.e., FAB2a, FAB2b, FAB2c, and AAD1. Whereas FAB2a and AAD1 are widely distributed, FAB2b and FAB2c are specific to Cyperaceae, which may arise from FAB2a via tandem and dispersed duplications, respectively. Though FAB2d and AAD2 are also broadly present in monocots, they are more likely to be lost in the Cyperaceae ancestor sometime after the split with its close family, Juncaceae. In tigernut, FAB2a appears to have undergone species-specific expansion via tandem duplication. Frequent structural variation and apparent expression divergence were also observed. Though FAB2a and AAD1 usually feature two and one intron, respectively, gain of certain introns was observed in CeSAD genes, all of which have three introns. Despite recent expansion of the FAB2 group, CeFAB2-1 has evolved into the dominant member that was highly and constitutively expressed in all tested organs. Moreover, CeFAB2-1, CeAAD1, as well as CeFAB2-5 have evolved to be predominantly expressed in tubers and thus contribute to high OA accumulation. These findings highlight lineage-specific evolution of the SAD family and putative roles of CeSAD genes in tuber oil accumulation, which facilitate further functional analysis and genetic improvement in tigernut and other species. Full article

Tribolium confusum is a major stored-product pest that exhibits resistance to chemically synthesized pest repellents. This study investigated the potential of essential oil (EO) extracted from the roots of Cyperus esculentus as a natural alternative for pest management. The EO was obtained through steam distillation, and its chemical composition was elucidated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The primary compounds, cyperotundone and cyperene, were further isolated from the EO through silica gel column chromatography. The efficacy of the EO and its isolated compounds as pest repellents was evaluated against a flaxseed pest, which was identified as T. confusum through DNA sequence analysis. The results demonstrated that at 86.12 μg/cm², the EO and its two main components maintained significant repellent activity for up to 24 h. In contrast, the effectiveness of the positive control, N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) declined rapidly after 8 h. At 16 h, the repellent activity of the EO and one of its main components, cyperotundone, was significantly greater than that of DEET. Furthermore, at a lower concentration of 43.06 μg/cm², cyperotundone’s repellent activity was significantly stronger than DEET’s at 16 h. Additionally, cyperotundone outperformed DEET significantly from 4 to 16 h at 21.53 μg/cm² and at 16 h at 10.76 μg/cm². Among the two compounds, cyperotundone exhibited a longer-lasting repellent effect compared to cyperene, which is consistent with the lower evaporation rate of cyperotundone. Biochemical assays revealed that exposure to the EO of C. esculentus and its major compounds significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the activities of acetylcholinesterase and glutathione-S-transferase in T. confusum. Molecular docking experiments indicated that the compounds could bind to olfactory receptors with low binding energies. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the EO and its two compounds significantly altered (p < 0.05) the expression levels of odorant receptor genes in the pest. These findings suggest that the repellent action of C. esculentus EO and its major compounds on T. confusum may be mediated through the modulation of the pest’s olfactory system, as well as by inhibiting essential enzymatic activities in the pests. This research contributes valuable insights into the development of sustainable, long-lasting, and eco-friendly pest repellents, harnessing the potential of the rich botanical resource C. esculentus. Full article

The nutritional content of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) is abundant, rich in oil, protein, and starch. Conventional methods for assessing the nutrient composition of tiger nuts (TNs) are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) combined with chemometrics has been widely applied in rapidly predicting the nutritional content of various crops, but its application to TNs is rare. In order to enhance the practicality of the method, this study employed a portable NIR in conjunction with chemometrics to rapidly predict the contents of crude oil (CO), crude protein (CP), and total starch (TS) from TNs. In the period from 2022 to 2023, we collected a total of 75 TN tuber samples of 28 varieties from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Henan Province. The three main components were measured using common chemical analysis methods. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was utilized to establish prediction models between NIR and chemical indicators. In addition, to further enhance the prediction performance of the models, various preprocessing and variable selection algorithms were utilized to optimize the prediction models. The optimal models for CO, CP, and TS exhibited coefficient of determination (R²) values of 0.8946, 0.8525, and 0.8778, with root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) values of 1.1764, 0.7470, and 1.4601, respectively. The absolute errors between the predicted and actual values for the three-indicator spectral measurements were 0.80, 0.59, and 0.99. The results demonstrated that the portable NIR combined with chemometrics could be effectively utilized for the rapid analysis of quality-related components in TNs. With further refinements, this approach could revolutionize TN quality assessment and be used to determine optimal harvest times, as well as facilitate the graded marketing of TNs. Full article

Tiger nuts were enzymatically hydrolyzed by Alcalase and then separated and purified by ultrafiltration classification and Sephadex G-15 fractionation to obtain tiger nut peptides. Their chemical antioxidant activities and cytoprotective functions on HepG2 and Caco-2 cells were systematically evaluated in this study. The tiger nut peptides (TNP) were found to perform excellent antioxidant activity supported by their chemical and cell antioxidant behaviors, amino acid composition, and morphological observation. Higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH• RSA, 64.05–124.07%) and ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, 0.17–1.78 μmol/mL) were observed in the TNP with more hydrophobic amino acids (41.77 ± 1.36 g/100 g) compared with traditional soybean and peanut peptides. Furthermore, the peptides from tiger nut (TNP, TNP-4, T1, T2, T3) could effectively protect H₂O₂-induced HepG2 and Caco-2 cells from oxidative damage by enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities and reducing oxidative stress levels, especially the T3 peptides purified from the fraction less than 1 kDa molecular weight. The catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities significantly increased, and the contents of intracellular reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde decreased. This study highlights the potential of the peptides from tiger nuts as antioxidant ingredients for food applications. Full article