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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1956. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 92-96).

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The maternal rearing environment (MRE) of an organism can be a key determinant of an organism's host choice decisions, its own fitness, or the fitness of its offspring. Here, it is investigated if the MRE of an organism can influence lower or higher trophic levels. A series of reciprocal cross-over experiments was conducted using pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum), bean (Vicia faba) or pea (Pisum sativum) plants, and an aphid natural enemy, the parasitoid wasp Aphidius ervi, as model organisms. In each experiment, pea aphid offspring experienced either the same or an alternative plant host to that experienced by their mothers. This PhD showed that the MRE of pea aphids and parasitoid wasps was not a main contributory factor of host choice decisions or offspring fitness but influenced mother parasitoid wasp fecundity. Additionally, the MRE of pea aphids influenced the foliar nutrient concentration of pea plants when infested with the aphid's offspring. First, over shorter infestation periods, variation in foliar nitrogen and essential amino acid concentrations of pea leaves could be explained by pea aphid MRE. Over longer infestation periods, variation in foliar nitrogen and essential amino acid concentrations of pea leaves was explained by a combination of pea aphid MRE and aphid genotype. Second, the 13C concentration of pea leaf tissue, an indicator of stomatal aperture and leaf water stress, varied with pea aphid MREs over longer infestation periods. However, stomatal conductance and the expression of abscisic acid-responsive genes did not vary in a manner that was consistent with leaf water stress. Additional components of an organism's maternal rearing conditions are considered, including symbioses, as a more realistic MRE compared with that observed in nature. Taking account of MREs could provide a better understanding of the factors influencing the fitness of many organisms interacting in natural and managed ecosystems.

The production, processing and marketing of sustainable and affordable food involve complex phenomena that affect the lives of millions of people worldwide. Due to the rapid growth of the world's population, the provision of food is a significant challenge for the agrifood industry and policy makers, as this is strictly interlinked with climate change and public health interventions. The overall aim of this research was to contribute to delivering nutritious food to feed an increasing unhealthy population. High-protein crops that can be grown sustainably in high latitude countries, including Scotland, could provide a healthy alternative to partially replace our dependency on unsustainable protein-rich foodstuffs. These include meat, the production of which is responsible for a substantial share of food-related environmental pressures. For this reason, green pea, lupin, fava bean, hemp and buckwheat were selected and analysed for their macro- and micro- nutrient content, as well as their phytochemical profile and compared to a red meat- and wheat-based meal in a human intervention trial. The crops studied were high in protein (ranging from 20 to 43% in buckwheat and lupin, respectively) and fibre (up to 25% in hemp) and also found to contain a diverse range of phenolic compounds, considered to participate in the prevention of diet-related disorders. As fava bean contained relatively high amounts of protein (approx. 22% w/w), protein fractions were isolated and further investigated to understand the contribution of the phytochemical components in terms of protein functionality and oxidative stability. Since fava bean protein isolates showed promising food applications, they were used to develop meat patties. The addition of fava bean proteins significantly decreased lipid and protein oxidation of the processed products. The results of this research could encourage a higher consumption of plant-based products, which would be favourable from both a health and environmental perspective.

[Truncated abstract] Faba bean (Vicia Faba L.) ranks third worldwide in overall production among coolseason legume crops and is used as a main source of protein both for food and feed purposes in many parts of the world. Australia is a major exporter of faba beans and the price received depends on the quality of the seed especially colour of the seed coat. Consumers don?t like faba beans that are dark coloured or that have blemishes on the seed coat. Environmental staining and storage discolouration deteriorate seed colour causing substantial economic losses to growers and grain handlers. To investigate the influence of environmental conditions, especially during pod/seed development and maturity, on the degree of environmental staining, field trials were conducted using four faba bean varieties (Fiord, Fiesta, Ascot and Cairo) in a range of environmental conditions under the Mediterranean-type climate of south western Australian grain belt. Although a majority of seeds had good colour but 3-25% were stained up to an unacceptable level across the trials and this varied with location and variety. Seeds formed later in plant development (located on the upper nodes of the plant) were more stained than seeds formed earlier (located on the lower nodes). This may be due to end of season environmental factors, such as high temperature and light intensity, and water and nutrient stress. Similarly seeds formed on small and weak plants, which may have developed under stressful conditions, had more staining than seeds formed on normal sized and healthy plants. Genotypic variation was also evident with Fiord showing greater staining than Ascot, Fiesta and Cairo. The cause of environmental staining appears to be complex but was associated with phenolic contents. Storage discolouration was influenced by a number of factors including temperature, seed moisture content, light and storage period and these were critical in determining storage life. ... Faba bean hardness, examined by the hard-to-cook test, also increased with increased storage temperature. There was a high negative correlation (r2 = 0.98) between storage temperature and cooking ability of faba bean. There was a three-fold increase in lignin content of faba bean stored at 50°C compared to those stored at 5°C and it was correlated with bean hardness (r2 = 0.98). Reduction in free phenolics was negatively correlated (r2 = 0.75) with bean hardness. The environmental staining in faba bean can be minimized with correct choice of varieties, robust agronomic practices to establish and maintain healthy plants and the use of mechanical graders and colour sorters. For minimizing storage discolouration faba beans must be dehydrated to ≤12% seed moisture content and stored in insulated bins (silos) or at least bins painted white and constructed under trees shades. In addition occasional flushing with N2 will further help reduce the colour darkening. The above approaches will improve quality, market opportunities, price and hence profitability of faba bean in the farming systems.

Typescript / Bibliography: leaves [137]-[157] / xx, 136 leaves : ill ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Agronomy, Waite Agricultural Research Institute, 1987