Advances in Food Science and Technology

Advances in Food Science and Technology ISSN: 6732-4215 Vol. 8 (4), pp. 001-003, April, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Short Communication

Storage releases physiologically active content in milled maize and wheat

Alastair M. Sammon* and Frances M. Whittington

¹Department of Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Great Western Road, Gloucester GL1 3NN, England.

²University of Bristol Division of Farm Animal Science, Langford House, North Somerset BS40 5DU, England.

Accepted 15 September, 2019

Abstract

Maize meal and wheat flour were stored at room temperature and humidity and separately sealed at -20 degrees Celsius. Using high resolution gas chromatography breakdown of triglycerides was measured over 12 months. Non -esterified fatty acids increased rapidly; at a higher rate when at room temperature and humidity than in cold dry conditions and to a greater degree in maize than in wheat, reaching levels sufficient to cause interference with normal physiological activity in the stomach. Maize meal underwent significant hydrolysis. The hydrolysis in maize meal was significant without oxidative loss. The content as well as the deficiencies of mono-cereal wheat or maize diets may be hazardous.

Key words: Wheat flour, maize meal, triglyceride, linoleic acid, prostaglandin E2.

Advances in Food Science and Technology ISSN: 6732-4215 Vol. 8 (4), pp. 001-013, April, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research paper

Natural occurrence of AFB1 in maize and effect of traditional maize flour production on AFB1 reduction in Malawi

L. Matumba¹, M. Monjerezi²*, E. Chirwa³, D. Lakudzala⁴ and P. Mumba⁵

¹Chitedze Agricultural Research Station, P. O. Box 158, Lilongwe, Malawi.

²University of Malawi, Chemistry Department, Chancellor College, P. O. Box 280, Zomba, Malawi.

³University of Malawi, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chancellor College, P. O. Box 280, Zomba, Malawi.

⁴University of Malawi, Department of Physical and Biochemical Sciences, The Malawi Polytechnic, P/bag 303, Chichiri, Blantrye 3, Malawi.

⁵University of Malawi, Department of Basic Sciences, Bunda College of Agriculture, P. O. Box 219, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Accepted 12 November, 2019

Abstract

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is one of the most harmful mycotoxins to humans, animals, and crops that result in illnesses and economic losses. Maize, the most important staple food in most southern African countries, is susceptible to these fungi infections throughout its growth, harvest, transport and storage. In this study, we report on the incidence of AFB₁ (determined by indirect competitive ELISA) contamination in maize from Malawi and the effect of traditional maize- flour production procedures on the final AFB₁ levels. AFB ₁ was detected in 45.3% of the maize samples with 12.3% of them exceeding 5 µg/kg (FAO median AFB ₁ MTL). The traditional flour production procedures reduced AFB ₁ significantly in the order: soaking of dehulled maize (72.4±5.4, 75.4±3.5 and 80.9±5.3% for 24, 48 and 72 h soaking periods, respectively) > dehulling of maize (mean 29.3±5.4%) > sun drying (11.7% max). Sun drying followed pseudo-first order kinetics in AFB₁. A maximum AFB ₁ reduction of 88.1 ± 3.1% was achieved using a sequence of dehulling, soaking for 72 h and sun drying the flour for 4.5 h.

Advances in Food Science and Technology ISSN: 6732-4215 Vol. 8 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Antifungal effects of two tropical plant leaf extracts (Ocimum gratissimum and Aframomum melegueta) on postharvest yam (Dioscorea spp.) rot

Okigbo R. N.* and Ogbonnaya, U. O.

Department of Microbiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P. M. B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.

Accepted 03 January, 2020

Abstract

Effects of leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and Aframomum melegueta on spore germination and mycelial reduction of the most occurring fungal pathogen causing soft rot of yam tuber were investigated. Fungi isolated from rotted yams were Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Fusarium oxsporium Rhizopus stolonifer, Botryodiplodia theobromae and Penicillium chrysogenum. The leaf extracts with ethanol extraction were most effective followed by cold-water and hot water extraction. The fungicidal activity with Ocimum gratissimum leaf extracts was more effective. In vitro inoculation of fresh yam with A. niger, A. flavus and F. oxsporum at room temperature for 3 months showed typical rot symptoms characteristic of the disease. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to plant chemical or non-chemical means of disease control on yams in Africa.

Key words: Ocimum gratissimum, Aframomum melegueta, leaf extracts, fungi, rot, storage, yam.

Advances in Food Science and Technology ISSN: 6732-4215 Vol. 8 (3), pp. 001-004, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

In vitro multiplication of Ocimum gratissimum L. through direct regeneration

C. Gopi*, Y. Nataraja Sekhar and P. Ponmurugan

Department of Biotechnology, K. S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode - 637 209, Namakkal District, Tamilnadu. INDIA.

Accepted 11 September, 2019

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a rapid system for regeneration of the important medicinal plant, Ocimum gratissimum L, from nodal explant. Single node explants were inoculated on basal MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) medium containing 3% (w/v) sucrose, supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), kinetin (KN), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) or indole- 3-butyric acid (IBA) for direct plant regeneration. Maximum numbers of shoot (14.3±1.5) were observed on the medium containing 0.5 mg/l BAP and 0.25 mg/l IAA after four weeks of culture. Regenerated shoots were separated and rooted on same half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l of IAA alone for three weeks. Well-developed complete plantlets were transferred on to specially made plastic cup containing soilrite. Acclimatized plantlets were successfully grown in garden soil.

Key words: Ocimum gratissimum L., node explants, multiplication, direct regeneration, plantlets.