Amaranthus: A Promising Crop of Future

Amaranthus: A Promising Crop of Future
Author: Saubhik Das
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 213
Release: 2016-07-25
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9811014698

This book serves the larger community of plant researchers working on the taxonomy, species delimitation, phylogeny, and biogeography of pseudo-cereals, with a special emphasis on amaranths. It also provides extensive information on the nutritive value of underutilized pseudo-cereals, the goal being to broaden the vegetable list. Amaranthus is a cosmopolitan genus of annual or short-lived perennial plants. Most of the species are summer annual weeds and are commonly referred to as pigweed. Only a few are cultivated as vitamin-rich vegetables and ornamentals. The protein-rich seeds of a handful of species, known as grain amaranths, are consumed as pseudo-cereals. Amaranthusmanifests considerable morphological diversity among and even within certain species, and there is no general agreement on the taxonomy or number of species. Currently the genus Amaranthus is believed to include three recognized subgenera and 70 species. Amatanthus is considered to potentially offer an alternative crop in temperate and tropical climate. The classification of amaranths is ambiguous due to the lack of discrete and quantitative species-defining characteristics and the wide range of phenotypic plasticity, as well as introgression and hybridization involving weedy and crop species. It is a known fact that both vegetable and grain amaranths have evolved from their respective weed progenitors. There are more than 180 different weed species that are herbicide-resistant, and amaranths are considered to be leading members of the resistant biotypes. Amaranth species provide ample scope for investigating herbicide resistance mechanisms. Amaranths also show variability in terms of their mating behavior and germplasm, adaptability to different growing conditions, and wide range of variability in sexual systems, from monoecy to dioecy. A solid grasp of these parameters is essential to the future utilization of amaranths as super crops. There are quite a few amaranth research center and germplasm collections all over the world that maintain and evaluate working germplasms. To date, the genetic improvement of amaranths has primarily involved the application of conventional selection methods. But advances in genomics and biotechnology have dramatically enriched the potential to manipulate the amaranth genome, especially improving the amount and availability of nutrients. In conclusion, the book covers all aspects of amaranths, including their food value, significance as vegetables and pseudo-cereals, taxonomy, phylogeny, germplasm variability, breeding behavior and strategies, cultivation practices, and variability in terms of their sexual systems. It offers a valuable resource for all students, researchers and experts working in the field of plant taxonomy and diversity.

Abiotic and Biotic Stress in Plants

Abiotic and Biotic Stress in Plants
Author: Arun Shanker
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 770
Release: 2016-02-17
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9535122509

The impact of global climate change on crop production has emerged as a major research priority during the past decade. Understanding abiotic stress factors such as temperature and drought tolerance and biotic stress tolerance traits such as insect pest and pathogen resistance in combination with high yield in plants is of paramount importance to counter climate change related adverse effects on the productivity of crops. In this multi-authored book, we present synthesis of information for developing strategies to combat plant stress. Our effort here is to present a judicious mixture of basic as well as applied research outlooks so as to interest workers in all areas of plant science. We trust that the information covered in this book would bridge the much-researched area of stress in plants with the much-needed information for evolving climate-ready crop cultivars to ensure food security in the future.

Cereals and Cereal-Based Foods

Cereals and Cereal-Based Foods
Author: Megh R. Goyal
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 340
Release: 2021-07-30
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1000164292

This book volume sheds light on the health benefits of selected cereal grains, processing technologies of cereals, specific roles of bioactive compounds of cereals in chronic disease prevention, and traditional and latest technologies to improve the functional benefits of cereal-based products. It presents a thorough review of the functional components of some lesser known or forgotten cereals and their role in maintaining good health. With advancements in cereal science and technology, new methods of processing have emerged that help to preserve or even enhance the health-benefitting properties of cereal grains. Further, plant breeding and biotechnology have contributed greatly in improving nutritional quality and functionality of these grains. This book provides comprehensive information on the simple as well as advanced methodologies for enhancing the properties of cereals that benefit human health. Some new approaches such as bio-fortification and extraction of bioactives from cereals are also included in the text.

Herbal Nutraceuticals

Herbal Nutraceuticals
Author: Santosh Kumar Upadhyay
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 452
Release: 2024-10-14
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1394241542

Holistic approach to the herbal aspects of nutraceuticals and their implementation in the health and agriculture sectors Herbal Nutraceuticals: Products and Processes delivers comprehensive coverage of the herbal aspects of nutraceuticals along with their many applications in the health and agriculture sectors. The book begins with an overview of plant-based nutraceuticals and the role of plant biotechnology in nutraceutical production. Each chapter covers a unique topic related to nutraceuticals and the positive and negative implications associated with each substance discussed. The text concludes by addressing safety concerns associated with microalgal nutraceuticals and discussing toxicity evaluation of nutraceuticals overall. Written by two academics with significant experience in the field, Herbal Nutraceuticals: Products and Processes includes information on: Significance of nutraceuticals in modern health maintenance and disease prevention, and applications of spices in nutraceuticals Antioxidant properties and anti-ageing potential of food plants, beverages such as herbal wine, and nutraceuticals Nutraceuticals with anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic potentials, and sources, medicinal properties, and applications of carotenoids in food and the nutraceutical industry Nutraceuticals in legumes, herbal beverages, edible oils, conventional and nonconventional fruits, staple food crops, and pseudocereals Herbal Nutraceuticals: Products and Processes is an essential up-to-date reference on the subject for academics and researchers, as well as professionals and research institutions involved in agri-biotech product development.

Food Fraud

Food Fraud
Author: Rosalee S. Hellberg
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 415
Release: 2020-11-30
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0128172436

Food Fraud: A Global Threat With Public Health and Economic Consequences serves as a practical resource on the topic of food fraud prevention and compliance with regulatory and industry standards. It includes a brief overview of the history of food fraud, current challenges, and vulnerabilities faced by the food industry, and requirements for compliance with regulatory and industry standards on mitigating vulnerability to food fraud, with a focus on the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Benchmarking Requirements. The book also provides individual chapters dedicated to specific commodities or sectors of the food industry known to be affected by fraud, with a focus on specific vulnerabilities to fraud, the main types of fraud committed, analytical methods for detection, and strategies for mitigation. The book provides an overview of food fraud mitigation strategies applicable to the food industry and guidance on how to start the process of mitigating the vulnerability to food fraud. The intended audience for this book includes food industry members, food safety and quality assurance practitioners, food science researchers and professors, students, and members of regulatory agencies. - Presents industry and regulatory standards for mitigating vulnerability to food fraud including Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Benchmarking Requirements - Provides tools and resources to comply with industry and regulatory standards, including steps for developing a food fraud vulnerability assessment and mitigation plan - Contains detailed, commodity-specific information on the major targets of food fraud, including specific vulnerabilities to fraud, analytical methods, and strategies for mitigation

Conceptualizing Plant-Based Nutrition

Conceptualizing Plant-Based Nutrition
Author: Ramesh S. V.
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 282
Release: 2022-10-10
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 981194590X

This book deliberates on the various aspects of plant-based nutrition. Plant-based nutrition has numerous potential health benefits as it is low on calories nevertheless high on nutrient density and satiety, and also nutrient supplementation makes them wholesome diets.Starting with the importance of biodiversity contributing to the nutrition, the book discusses the development or utilization of nutrient-dense crops/foods with their bioavailability properties and health effects. Further, it deals with the enrichment of micronutrients through bio-fortification, fortification, the role of food matrix, and nutrient bioavailability, including the role of plant-based milk alternatives. The linkage between food and health is also being discussed in the context of anti-nutritional factors, metabolic fate of the food, and genomics. Finally, the implications of next-gen biotech crops and food safety issues imperative to define the concept of safe nutrition are discussed.With contributions from plant nutrition experts, this book serves as a one-stop reference for plant scientists, food technologists, and nutritionists looking to understand the concept of plant-based nutrition and its linkage with human health.

Kent's Technology of Cereals

Kent's Technology of Cereals
Author: Kurt A. Rosentrater
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
Total Pages: 926
Release: 2017-09-21
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0081005326

Kent's Technology of Cereals: An Introduction for Students of Food Science and Agriculture, Fifth Edition, is a classic and well-established book that continues to provide students, researchers and practitioners with an authoritative and comprehensive study of cereal technology. This new edition has been thoroughly updated with new sections, including extrusion cooking and the use of cereals for animal feed. In addition, it offers information on statistics, new products, the impact of climate changes and genetics, new economic trends, nutrition regulations and new technologies. The book is useful for students, researchers, and industrial practitioners alike, covering the full spectrum of cereal grain production, processing, and use for foods, feeds, fuels, industrial materials, and other uses. - Provides readers with a leader in cereal science literature - Includes new sections on extrusion cooking and the use of cereals for animal feed, along with information on statistics, new products, impact of climate changes and genetics, new economic trends, new nutrition regulations and new technologies - Useful for students, researchers and industrial practitioners alike

Pandemics and Innovative Food Systems

Pandemics and Innovative Food Systems
Author: Anil Kumar Anal
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 266
Release: 2023-06-30
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 100090931X

The debate on health, nutrition and food security could not have arisen at a more opportune time. The recent pandemic has given rise to increased food and nutrition insecurity for individuals, families, and communities. The crisis threatened the food security and nutrition of millions of people, many of whom were already suffering. We face possible disruptions to the functioning of food systems, with severe consequences for health and nutrition. Pandemics create a greater burden for poorer countries and countries since they are already pressure of inadequate food supplies. With concerted action, we can not only avoid some of the worst impacts but do so in a way that supports a transition to more sustainable food systems that are in better balance with nature and that support healthy diets – and thus better health prospects for all. This book aims to highlight the impact of pandemics in food systems and nutrition security. It draws on the experience from the past and present pandemics to better prepare the world for future crises.

Nutritional Value of Amaranth

Nutritional Value of Amaranth
Author: Viduranga Yashasvi Waisundara
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 178
Release: 2020-03-18
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 1838800832

Pseudocereals, belonging to the genus Amaranthus, have been cultivated for their grains for 8,000 years or more. The grain was a staple food of the Aztecs and was also considered an integral part of Aztec religious ceremonies. The book primarily focuses on the nutrient properties of amaranth and expresses its viewpoint in considering this crop as a remedy for many nutrient deficiencies and curbing food insecurity. The functional properties of the grain are immense and it is clear that the crop would be a valuable agricultural product around the world.

Millets and Pseudo Cereals

Millets and Pseudo Cereals
Author: Mohar Singh
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
Total Pages: 224
Release: 2020-09-20
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0128204052

Millets and Pseudo Cereals is the first comprehensive resource to focus on the potential crop improvements through genetic enhancements. The choice of food crop for a region is primarily determined by the conditions of climate and soil. Once labelled as orphan crops, millets and pseudo-cereals are now known as miracle grains due to their adaptation to harsh conditions and high nutritional quality. Small millets and pseudo-cereals are now seen to occupy special niches through their ability to adapt to challenging conditions. These crops have a comparative advantage in marginal lands where they withstand stress conditions and contribute to sustainable production. They also contribute to the diversity-richness and production stability of agro-ecosystems. Millets include sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, little millet and kodo millet while the other group which are not cereals but consumed as cereals and generally referred as pseudo-cereals comprises of grain amaranths, buckwheat and chenopods. Millets and Pseudo Cereals presents current information on the genetic architecture of important economic traits and the genomic resources for gene enabled breeding. This compilation contains information on the global status, available germplasm resources, nutritional value, breeding advancements, genomics applications and sustainability of agriculture through millets and pseudo-cereals cultivation. This book is a valuable resource for those conducting research and exploring new areas for advancing crop genetic understanding. - Explores the current challenges of pseudo-cereal production and how that can be overcome by developing genetic and breeding resources using appropriate germplasm - Provides holistic information on millets and pseudo-cereals - Features global perspectives from an international contributing team of authors