Search Results (10,632)

Abstract: The objective of this study was to explore how watermelon rinds (WMRs) and their derivatives, specifically water-soluble polysaccharides (WMRPs) and hemicellulose (WMRH), as sources of dietary fiber, could enhance the quality of wheat bread. The extraction process yielded 34.4% for WMRP and 8.22% for WMRH. WMR, WMRP, and WMRH exhibited promising functional characteristics and were incorporated separately into wheat flour with low bread-making quality (FLBM) at varying proportions (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% (w/w)). The volume, texture, and crust and crumb color underwent evaluation and were compared to the control. The findings indicated that incorporating WMR notably enhanced the alveograph profile of the dough, demonstrating a more effective impact than the addition of WMRP and WMRH. Adding WMR, WMRP, and WMRH at a 1% concentration to low-quality wheat flour for bread making increased the deformation work values by 16%, 15%, and 13%, respectively, and raised the P/L ratios by 42%, 36%, and 38%, respectively. Additionally, the assessment of the bread highlighted a substantial enhancement in both volume and texture profile when WMR was added, in contrast to the control bread (made with FLBM). These findings underscore that incorporating 1% WMR into FLBM was the most effective means of improving bread quality based on the results of this study. Full article

Salt is a potent abiotic stress that arrests plant growth by impairing their physio-biochemical and molecular processes. However, it is unknown how the ABA signaling system and vacuolar-type Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter proteins induce stress tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. The present study aimed to identify salt-responsive proteins and signaling pathways involved in the resistance of wheat to salt stress. We explored the proteome profile, 20 amino acids, 14 carbohydrates, 8 major phytohormones, ion content, and salt tolerance genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv.) under 200 mM NaCl with control plants for six days. The results showed that amino acids such as alanine, serine, proline, glutamine, and aspartic acid were highly expressed under salt stress compared with control plants, suggesting that amino acids are the main players in salinity tolerance. The ABA signaling system was activated in response to salinity stress through the modulation of protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) and ABA-responsive element binding factor (ABF), resulting in an ABA-mediated downstream response. Additionally, the vacuolar-type Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter was identified as a key protein in salt stress tolerance via compartmentalizing Na⁺ in the vacuole. Furthermore, a significant increase in the abundance of the 14-3-3 protein was noticed in salt-fed plants, suggesting that this protein plays an important role in Na⁺ compartmentalization. Moreover, up-regulation of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and thioredoxin-scavenged reactive oxygen species resulted in improved plant growth under salt stress. These data will help to identify salt-responsive proteins that can be used in future breeding programs to develop salt-tolerant varieties. Full article

The aim of the study was to evaluate the functional properties of muffins fortified with white clover flowers (Trifolium repens L.), which were added to the dough in the following amounts: (i) 0% (control); (ii) 2.5%; (iii) 5.5%; (iv) 7.5%; and (v) 10%. The organoleptic properties were assessed by a panel of consumers. Additionally, the following parameters were also tested: basic chemical composition, total polyphenols, the antioxidant activity together with antiproliferative effects on the A375 melanoma cell line, starch nutritional fractions and the in vitro glycemic index. As a result, replacing wheat flour with white clover flour significantly affected the color, aroma and taste of the muffins. The content of proteins, fats, total ash, dietary fiber, resistant starch (RS), slowly digestible starch (SDS),total polyphenols and antioxidant activity increased statistically significantly with the elevated amount of white clover flour added to the dough. At the same time, the content of free glucose (FG), rapidly available glucose (RAG) and rapidly digestible starch (RDS), the value of the in vitro glycemic index and the viability of melanoma cancer cells decreased significantly. The muffins enriched with white clover flowers might constitute an interesting proposition and extension of the existing assortment of confectionery products. Full article

While atmospheric warming intensifies the global water cycle, regionalised effects of climate change on water loss, irrigation supply, and food security are highly variable. Here, we elucidate the impacts of the climate crisis on irrigation water availability and cropping area in Nepal’s largest irrigation scheme, the Sunsari Morang Irrigation Scheme (SMIS), by accounting for the hydraulic capacity of existing canal systems, and potential changes realised under future climates. To capture variability implicit in climate change projections, we invoke multiple Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs; 4.5 and 8.5) across three time horizons (2016–2045, 2036–2065, and 2071–2100). We reveal that although climate change increases water availability to agriculture from December through March, the designed discharge of 60 m³/s would not be available in February-March for both RCPs under all three time horizons. Weed growth, silt deposition, and poor maintenance have reduced the current canal capacity from the design capacity of 60 m³/s to 53 m³/s up to 10.7 km from the canal intake (representing a 12% reduction in the discharge capacity of the canal). Canal flow is further reduced to 35 m³/s at 13.8 km from canal intake, representing a 27% reduction in flow capacity relative to the original design standards. Based on climate projections, and assuming ceteris paribus irrigation infrastructure, total wheat cropping area could increase by 12–19%, 23–27%, and 12–35% by 2016–2045, 2036–2065, and 2071–2100, respectively, due to increased water availability borne by the changing climate. The case for further investment in irrigation infrastructure via water diversion, or installation of efficient pumps at irrigation canal intakes is compelling. Such investment would catalyse a step-change in the agricultural economy that is urgently needed to sustain the Nepalese economy, and thus evoke beneficial cascading implications for global food security. Full article

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds are an interesting raw material for malting regarding its relatively high bioactive compounds concentration and proven advantageous properties in different food products and dietary supplements. In the first stage of the study, important seeds properties relevant to the malting process including moisture content, seed viability, and water absorption capacity were determined. However, a few parameters determining the seeds’ usability for malt preparation, such as germination ability and water sensitivity, are different in comparison to typical malting raw materials such as barley or wheat. However, they make it possible to obtain high-quality hemp malt. In the next stage of research, spectroscopic and chromatographic analyses, including measurements of antioxidant activity and protein separation by SEC-HPLC, were conducted. The results showed that the malting process improved the total antioxidant potential of hemp seeds by 15%, leading to an increase in the concentration of lower molecular weight proteins and oligopeptides—below molecular mass of 10 kDa—responsible for this high antioxidant activity. The processing of hemp seeds reduced the phytate content while increasing phosphate fractions with fewer phosphate groups, which may have a beneficial effect on nutritional value. These results suggest that malting hemp seeds needs optimalization of the process but can increase its nutritional value as a promising raw material in the food industry. Full article

Sustainable agriculture faces challenges balancing the need for increasing crop production with environmental protection. Straw mulching is widely used to improve crop productivity, while reducing nitrogen application is an effective strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the comprehensive evaluation of soil properties, GHG emissions, and soil quality under straw mulching conditions with different N application rates has not been extensively studied, especially in the Loess Plateau region of Central Gansu. Therefore, a two-year field experiment was conducted, involving two tillage practices (CT: conventional tillage, CTS: conventional tillage + straw mulching) and three fertilization levels (LN: low nitrogen fertilizer, 55 kg N ha⁻¹; MN: medium nitrogen fertilizer, 110 kg N ha⁻¹ HN: high nitrogen fertilizer, 220 kg N ha⁻¹). Based on the greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI), the minimum data set (MDS) was constructed by principal component analysis, correlation analysis, and Norm value, and the weighted index method was applied to comprehensively evaluate the soil quality. Our results showed that compared with CT, CTS significantly increased crop yields and improved the content of soil nutrients, and it was more effective when applying moderate amounts of nitrogen fertilizer. Wheat field soil behaves as a nitrous oxide (N₂O) emission source and a methane (CH₄) absorption sink. CTS–MN and CTS–LN reduced N₂O emission by 52.95–87.76%, increased total CH₄ uptake by 16.69–43.60%, and slowed down global warming potential (GWP) by 35.70–48.17% compared with CTS–HN in 2021–2022. They also reduced GHGI. Furthermore, CTS enhanced soil quality at different nitrogen application levels compared with CT, with CTS–MN exhibiting the highest Soil Quality Index (SQI) over the two years. Consequently, considering both economic and environmental benefits, CTS–MN can be regarded as a key practice for the sustainable development of agroecosystems in the Loess Plateau region of Central Gansu. Full article

Corn husk, a by-product of corn starch production and processing, contains high-quality dietary fiber (DF). Our study compares and analyzes the impact of Hericium erinaceus solid-state fermentation (SSF) on the structure and physicochemical characteristics of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) of corn husks. The study also investigates the kinetics of SSF of H. erinaceus in this process. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results revealed significant structural changes in corn husk SDF before and after fermentation, with a significant elevation in the functional group numbers. The data indicate that the fermented corn husk SDF’s water-holding, swelling, and oil-holding capacities increased to 1.57, 1.95, and 1.80 times those of the pre-fermentation SDF, respectively. Additionally, the results suggest that changes in extracellular enzyme activity and nutrient composition during SSF of H. erinaceus are closely associated with the mycelium growth stage, with a mutual promotion or inhibition relationship between the two. Our study offers a foundation for corn husk SDF fermentation and is relevant to the bioconversion of maize processing by-products. Full article

The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, known for its famous Mongolian horses, faces significant environmental challenges due to the large-scale rearing of these animals, which produces a substantial amount of manure. If not managed effectively, this manure can lead to severe environmental pollution. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a small-scale intelligent aeration and heating composting system is effective in treating Mongolian horse manure, with the objective of enhancing composting efficiency and resource utilization to support sustainable agricultural development in the region. The equipment was utilized to treat a compost mixture of Mongolian horse manure and corn stover, allowing for an analysis of the changes in key indicators throughout the composting process. The results demonstrated that the equipment maintained high temperatures for up to eight days during the composting process, effectively inactivating pathogens and promoting the efficient decomposition of organic matter. The system also successfully controlled humidity to 12.7% and maintained oxygen concentration within the optimal range. Post-composting analysis revealed that the final compost contained 2.3% nitrogen, 1.3% phosphorus, and 1.2% potassium, with a pH of 6.4 and conductivity of approximately 5.2 mS/cm. Additionally, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio decreased significantly from 27.3 to 15.9, indicating substantial organic matter degradation. Seed germination tests showed germination rates of 80%, 86%, and 75% for corn, mung bean, and wheat, respectively, with a final seed germination index of 104%. This study concluded that the small aeration and heating composting equipment is highly effective in treating Mongolian horse manure, producing high-quality organic fertilizers that significantly enhance soil fertility and demonstrate considerable potential for supporting sustainable agricultural practices and improving environmental management in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Full article

During the domestication of crops, seed dormancy has been reduced or eliminated to encourage faster and more consistent germination. This alteration makes cultivated crops particularly vulnerable to pre-harvest sprouting, which occurs when mature crops are subjected to adverse environmental conditions, such as excessive rainfall or high humidity. Consequently, some seeds may bypass the normal dormancy period and begin to germinate while still attached to the mother plant before harvest. Grains affected by pre-harvest sprouting are characterized by increased levels of α-amylase activity, resulting in poor processing quality and immediate grain downgrading. In the agriculture industry, pre-harvest sprouting causes annual economic losses exceeding USD 1 billion worldwide. This premature germination is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, biochemical, and molecular factors closely linked to environmental conditions like rainfall. However, the exact mechanism behind this process is still unclear. Unlike pre-harvest sprouting, vivipary refers to the germination process and the activation of α-amylase during the soft dough stage, when the grains are still immature. Mature seeds with reduced levels of ABA or impaired ABA signaling (weak dormancy) are more susceptible to pre-harvest sprouting. While high seed dormancy can enhance resistance to pre-harvest sprouting, it can lead to undesirable outcomes for most crops, such as non-uniform seedling establishment after sowing. Thus, resistance to pre-harvest sprouting is crucial to ensuring productivity and sustainability and is an agronomically important trait affecting yield and grain quality. On the other hand, seed color is linked to sprouting resistance; however, the genetic relationship between both characteristics remains unresolved. The identification of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-3 (MKK3) as the gene responsible for pre-harvest sprouting-1 (Phs-1) represents a significant advancement in our understanding of how sprouting in wheat is controlled at the molecular and genetic levels. In seed maturation, Viviparous-1 (Vp-1) plays a crucial role in managing pre-harvest sprouting by regulating seed maturation and inhibiting germination through the suppression of α-amylase and proteases. Vp-1 is a key player in ABA signaling and is essential for the activation of the seed maturation program. Mutants of Vp-1 exhibit an unpigmented aleurone cell layer and exhibit precocious germination due to decreased sensitivity to ABA. Recent research has also revealed that TaSRO-1 interacts with TaVp-1, contributing to the regulation of seed dormancy and resistance to pre-harvest sprouting in wheat. The goal of this review is to emphasize the latest research on pre-harvest sprouting in crops and to suggest possible directions for future studies. Full article

Secondary envelopment of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a critical but not well-understood process that takes place at the cytoplasmic viral assembly complex (cVAC) where nucleocapsids acquire their envelope by budding into cellular membranes containing viral glycoproteins. Previous studies presented controversial results regarding the composition of the viral envelope, suggesting trans-Golgi and endosomal origins, as well as intersections with the exosomal and endocytic pathways. Here, we investigated the role of endocytic membranes for the secondary envelopment of HCMV by using wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) pulse labeling to label glycoproteins at the plasma membrane and to follow their trafficking during HCMV infection by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). WGA labeled different membrane compartments within the cVAC, including early endosomes, multivesicular bodies, trans-Golgi, and recycling endosomes. Furthermore, TEM analysis showed that almost 90% of capsids undergoing secondary envelopment and 50% of enveloped capsids were WGA-positive within 90 min. Our data reveal extensive remodeling of the endocytic compartment in the late stage of HCMV infection, where the endocytic compartment provides an optimized environment for virion morphogenesis and serves as the primary membrane source for secondary envelopment. Furthermore, we show that secondary envelopment is a rapid process in which endocytosed membranes are transported from the plasma membrane to the cVAC within minutes to be utilized by capsids for envelopment. Full article

The shortage of water resources seriously limits sustainable production in agriculture, and the ridge–furrow planting pattern is an effective water-saving cultivation pattern. However, the mechanism of the ridge–furrow planting pattern that drives the efficient utilization of field water resources in the North China Plain (NCP) is still unclear. A two-year field experiment was conducted in the NCP from 2021 to 2023. The ridge–furrow planting patterns followed a randomized block design as follows: ridge–furrow ratios of 50 cm:50 cm (M2), 75 cm:50 cm (M3), and 100 cm:50 cm (M4). A traditional planting pattern was used as the control (M1). These were used to investigate the effects of different treatments on water use and roots. The results showed that M3 reduced the amount of irrigation, improved water distribution after irrigation, increased water use efficiency (WUE), and promoted root growth. Compared with other treatments, M3 increased soil water consumption at a 0–100 cm soil depth by 6.76–21.34% (average values over two years), root length density by 8.46–20.77%, and root surface area density by 7.87–22.13%. On average, M3 increased grain yields by 3.96–9.80%, biomass yields by 5.32–10.94%, and WUE by 4.5–9.87%. In conclusion, M3 is an effective planting pattern for improving the yield and WUE of wheat in the NCP. Full article

Ampicillin (AMP) and amoxicillin (AMX) are popular antibiotics, which are penicillin derivatives, and are used in both human and veterinary medicine. In the conducted study, AMP, AMX and their mixtures did not cause major changes in the total bacterial counts in soil samples, and even an increase in the bacterial counts from 3,700,000 to 6,260,000 colony-forming units (cfu) per gram of soil dry weight (g of soil DW) was observed for minimal amounts of these drugs in the soil. The total abundance of fungi, on the other hand, increased from values ranging from 17,000 to 148,000 cfu∙g⁻¹ of soil DW to a level of 32,000 to 131,000 cfu∙g⁻¹ of soil DW. The tested antibiotics and their mixtures had no significant effect on the mortality and growth of H. incongruens. AMX and the AMP + AMX mixture also showed no effect on the plant fresh weight yield, plant aboveground part length and dry weight content of wheat seedlings. In contrast, AMP caused an increase in the plant fresh weight yield and wheat seedling length compared to the control. The drug also caused a slight decrease in the seedling dry weight content. Both AMP and AMX showed inhibitory effects on the plant root length at the highest concentrations of the compounds. Full article

Sourdough bread production relies on metabolically active starters refreshed daily with flour and water. The stability of sourdough microbial strains is crucial for consistent bread quality. However, many bakeries lack information on the persistence of starter cultures in ongoing sourdough production. Consequently, there is growing interest in identifying microbial strains from regularly used sourdoughs that possess good functional properties and resist changes in the complex growth environment. This study aimed to evaluate the composition and stability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in industrial wheat (WS) and rye (RS) sourdoughs propagated over a long period. LAB isolates (n = 66) from both sourdoughs, sampled over four seasons, were identified using phenotypic methods and genotyped via ITS-PCR and ITS-PCR/TaqI restriction analysis. Eight LAB species were detected, with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum being the most dominant and stable. Nineteen distinct LAB genotypes were observed, highlighting significant diversity. The presence of identical LAB genotypes in both sourdoughs suggests microbial transfer through the environment and bakery workers. LAB in RS were found to be more stable than those in WS. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring microbial stability and diversity in industrial sourdough production to maintain consistent bread quality. Full article

Garlic constitutes a significant small-scale agricultural commodity in China. A key factor influencing garlic prices is the planted area, which can be accurately and efficiently determined using remote sensing technology. However, the spectral characteristics of garlic and winter wheat are easily confused, and the widespread intercropping of these crops in the study area exacerbates this issue, leading to significant challenges in remote sensing image analysis. Additionally, remote sensing data are often affected by weather conditions, spatial resolution, and revisit frequency, which can result in delayed and inaccurate area extraction. In this study, historical data were utilized to restore Sentinel-2 remote sensing images, aimed at mitigating cloud and rain interference. Feature combinations were devised, incorporating two vegetation indices into a comprehensive time series, along with Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) time series and other temporal datasets. Multiple classification combinations were employed to extract garlic within the study area, and the accuracy of the classification results was systematically analyzed. First, we used passive satellite imagery to extract winter crops (garlic, winter wheat, and others) with high accuracy. Second, we identified garlic by applying various combinations of time series features derived from both active and passive remote sensing data. Third, we evaluated the classification outcomes of various feature combinations to generate an optimal garlic cultivation distribution map for each region. Fourth, we developed a garlic fragmentation index to assess the impact of landscape fragmentation on garlic extraction accuracy. The findings reveal that: (1) Better results in garlic extraction can be achieved using active–passive time series remote sensing. The performance of the classification model can be further enhanced by incorporating short-wave infrared bands or spliced time series data into the classification features. (2) Examination of garlic cultivation fragmentation using the garlic fragmentation index aids in elucidating variations in accuracy across the study area’s six counties. (3) Comparative analysis with validation samples demonstrated superior garlic extraction outcomes from the six primary garlic-producing counties of the North China Plain in 2021, achieving an overall precision exceeding 90%. This study offers a practical exploration of target crop identification using multi-source remote sensing data in mixed cropping areas. The methodology presented here demonstrates the potential for efficient, cost-effective, and accurate garlic classification, which is crucial for improving garlic production management and optimizing agricultural practices. Moreover, this approach holds promise for broader applications, such as nationwide garlic mapping. Full article

The SnTox1 effector is a virulence factor of the fungal pathogen Stagonospora nodorum (Berk.), which interacts with the host susceptibility gene Snn1 in a gene-for-gene manner and causes necrosis on the leaves of sensitive wheat genotypes. It is known that salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene are the key phytohormones involved in plant immunity. To date, effectors of various pathogens have been discovered that can manipulate plant hormonal pathways and even use hormone crosstalk to promote disease development. However, the role of SnTox1 in manipulating hormonal pathways has not been studied in detail. We studied the redox status and the expression of twelve genes of hormonal pathways and two MAPK genes in six bread wheat cultivars sensitive and insensitive to SnTox1 with or without treatment by SA, JA and ethephon (ethylene-releasing agent) during infection with the SnTox1-producing isolate S. nodorum 1SP. The results showed that SnTox1 controls the antagonism between the SA and JA/ethylene signaling pathways. The SA pathway was involved in the development of susceptibility, and the JA/ethylene pathways were involved in the development of wheat plants resistance to the Sn1SP isolate in the presence of a SnTox1-Snn1 interaction. SnTox1 hijacked the SA pathway to suppress catalase activity, increase hydrogen peroxide content and induce necrosis formation; it simultaneously suppresses the JA and ethylene hormonal pathways by SA. To do this, SnTox1 reprogrammed the expression of the MAPK genes TaMRK3 and TaMRK6 and the TF genes TaWRKY13, TaEIN3 and TaWRKY53b. This study provides new data on the role of SnTox1 in manipulating hormonal pathways and on the role of SA, JA and ethylene in the pathosystem wheat S. nodorum. Full article