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18 pages, 7595 KiB  
Article
Accumulated Photosynthetically Active Radiation and Its Heterogeneity Collectively Decrease Soybean Yield in Apple-Based Intercropping Systems
by Ruidong Peng, Huasen Xu, Huaxing Bi and Ning Wang
Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030581 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 17
Abstract
The under-canopy light environment in agroforestry systems is a key limiting factor for the growth of intercropped crops. However, the impact of under-canopy light heterogeneity on crop yield remains unclear. This study focused on 4 (Y4)-, 6 (Y6)-, and 8 (Y8)-year-old apple tree/soybean [...] Read more.
The under-canopy light environment in agroforestry systems is a key limiting factor for the growth of intercropped crops. However, the impact of under-canopy light heterogeneity on crop yield remains unclear. This study focused on 4 (Y4)-, 6 (Y6)-, and 8 (Y8)-year-old apple tree/soybean intercropping systems with root barriers, measuring under-canopy photosynthetically active radiation, yield, and yield components at different phenological stages of soybean, and establishing a quantitative relationship between light heterogeneity and soybean yield. In the apple/soybean intercropping system, the spatial heterogeneity of accumulated photosynthetically active radiation (APAR) is greatest in Y6, with the APAR divided into five categories parallelized along the tree rows. Y4, which had the least spatial APAR heterogeneity, was divided into three categories. The APAR was split into two classes in Y8. The seed number per plant and 100-seed weight of soybean decreased with the increase in tree age. Compared to Y4, yields of Y6 and Y8 treatments decreased by 22.6% and 46.2%, respectively. The reduction in APAR showed a negative effect on yield and its components of soybean, especially in Y4. The shading intensity and under-canopy light heterogeneity jointly constrained the intercropped soybean yield; this effect was gradually strengthened with increasing tree age. Different measures should be taken according to different tree ages and soybean growth stages in intercropping systems to reduce the adverse effects of under-canopy light on soybean yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)
19 pages, 2979 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Core Functional Microbiota Related to Flavor Compounds in Douchi from the Sichuan–Chongqing Region
by Dawei Tu, Junhan Kang, Qingqing Li, Meilin Deng, Meiyan Liu, Wenjun Liu, Jian Ming, Margaret Brennan, Charles Brennan and Linfeng You
Foods 2025, 14(5), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050810 (registering DOI) - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 3
Abstract
Douchi is a traditional Chinese fermented soybean product. In the Sichuan–Chongqing region, Mucor-type douchi was particularly famous for its distinctive flavor. Nevertheless, the association between microorganisms and douchi flavor is still poorly understood. In this study, high-throughput sequencing, amino acid analysis, and [...] Read more.
Douchi is a traditional Chinese fermented soybean product. In the Sichuan–Chongqing region, Mucor-type douchi was particularly famous for its distinctive flavor. Nevertheless, the association between microorganisms and douchi flavor is still poorly understood. In this study, high-throughput sequencing, amino acid analysis, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to investigate the bacterial and fungal profiles as well as the flavor compounds (sixteen amino acids and one-hundred volatile flavor compounds) of seven different types of douchi. High levels of glutamic and aspartic acids were observed. Microbial analysis found that Bacillus, Tetragenococcus, Weissella, Aspergillus, Mucor, and Penicillium were the prime microorganisms. In total, 100 volatile components were detected; however, none of them was common to all the douchi products, although most volatile components had the aromas of flowers, fruits, caramel, and cocoa. An analysis of the flavor compounds was conducted using two-way orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (O2PLS-DA). Based on the analysis, it was found that Glu had negative correlations with most microorganisms, and Aspergillus had positive correlations with 2-pentylfuran and phenylacetaldehyde. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the regulation and enhancement of douchi flavor. Full article
19 pages, 3386 KiB  
Article
Potential of Nb2O5 as a Catalyst in Biodiesel Production: A Study with Different Feedstock
by Helder de Lucena Pereira, Adriano Lima da Silva, Carlos Bruno Barreto Luna, Joyce Salviano Barros de Figueiredo, Simoni Margareti Plentz Meneghetti and Ana Cristina Figueiredo de Melo Costa
Molecules 2025, 30(5), 1075; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30051075 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 2
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the catalytic performance of commercial Nb2O5, supplied by CBMM, in the production of biodiesel by transesterification and esterification, using different feedstocks (soybean, corn, sunflower, and waste oils) and both methyl and [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the catalytic performance of commercial Nb2O5, supplied by CBMM, in the production of biodiesel by transesterification and esterification, using different feedstocks (soybean, corn, sunflower, and waste oils) and both methyl and ethyl routes. For this, the catalyst was characterized in terms of its crystal structure by X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific surface area using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) technique, thermal stability by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), acidity by ammonia desorption at programmed temperature (TPD-NH3), and catalytic activity by gas chromatography. The results from the structural analyses indicated that Nb2O5 has a single monoclinic phase and a morphology consisting of irregular agglomerates. The specific surface area was 1.3 m2/g, and its density was 4.639 g/cm3. The thermogravimetric analysis showed that the material has thermal stability, maintaining its structural integrity up to temperatures as high as 1000 °C. The total acidity reached 301 μmol NH3/g, indicating the presence of Brønsted and Lewis acidic sites. In catalytic tests, Nb2O5 showed higher efficiency in the methyl route, achieving an initial conversion of 96.43% in esters with soybean oil, outperforming other feedstocks. However, catalyst reuse over five cycles revealed a progressive decrease in catalytic activity, possibly due to blocking active sites by adsorbed products, as confirmed by FTIR and XRD analyses conducted on the catalyst. Despite decreased activity after the cycles, the catalyst maintained its crystal structure, indicating structural stability. These results demonstrate the potential of Nb2O5 as a heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production, particularly with the methyl route and high-quality oils. This study highlights the relevance of Nb2O5 in biodiesel synthesis, contributing to sustainable practices and technological advancement in the renewable energy sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials in Green Chemistry, 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 5838 KiB  
Article
In Silico Characterization of GmbHLH18 and Its Role in Improving Soybean Cyst Nematode Resistance via Genetic Manipulation
by Shuo Qu, Shihao Hu, Miaoli Zhang, Gengchen Song, Fang Liu, Weili Teng, Yuhang Zhan, Yongguang Li, Haiyan Li, Xue Zhao and Yingpeng Han
Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030574 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 37
Abstract
Soybean is crucial to food processing and agricultural output. However, pests and diseases can easily impact soybeans, reducing their production. Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a soilborne pathogen that has a large geographic range, a long lifespan, and the potential to inflict substantial [...] Read more.
Soybean is crucial to food processing and agricultural output. However, pests and diseases can easily impact soybeans, reducing their production. Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a soilborne pathogen that has a large geographic range, a long lifespan, and the potential to inflict substantial harm to the soybean industry. Persistent use of major resistance genes leads to a progressive loss of resistance; therefore, continuous identification of new soybean strains and genes is essential for continued sustainable soybean production. In this research, the SCN-resistant and SCN-sensitive germplasm DN-L10 and Heinong 37 were inoculated with SCN 3. After stress treatment, the stressed roots were collected for RNA-Seq analysis. The sequencing results screened out the differentially expressed gene GmbHLH18. The GmbHLH18 gene was cloned, and the overexpression vector pCAMBIA3300-GmbHLH18 was constructed. Agrobacterium infected soybean hairy roots and genetically modified the roots of DN50 soybeans, and transgenic root seedlings were obtained. The transgenically identified root seedlings were transplanted in soil infested with SCN 3, and resistance to root nematodes was determined by magenta staining. The secondary and tertiary structures of the protein, phosphorylation sites, as well as the hydrophilicity related to the GmbHLH18 gene were analyzed. Subsequently, the recombinant subcellular localization vector pCAMBIA1302-GmbHLH18 was employed. Agrobacterium was injected into tobacco leaves, and organelle-specific expression was observed. Finally, stress resistance-related indexes of the roots of overexpressing plants and WT plants under SCN 3 stress were measured. The results showed that overexpression and subcellular localization vectors were successfully constructed and transformed into Agrobacterium K599 and GV3101, respectively. The encoded protein had 1149 amino acids, a molecular weight of 95.76 kDa, an isoelectric point of 5.04, 60 phosphorylation sites, a tertiary structure of a-helix (36.39%), random coil (53.40%), extended chain (8.64%), and corner (1.57%), and was hydrophilic. The protein that the gene encoded was a nuclear-localized protein, according to the results of subcellular localization analysis. Moreover, the Agrobacterium-induced hairy root test revealed that the number of overexpressed pCAMBIA3300-GmbHLH18 transgenic roots in the unit area of DN50 was substantially lower than in the control group, which at first suggested that the gene had partial resistance to SCN 3. Stress resistance-related indexes suggest that the contents of POD, SOD, and proline in the overexpressing root significantly increase after SCN 3 stress, demonstrating that this gene can enhance the plant’s resistance to the SCN 3 pathogen. Future research could focus on further elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying the gene’s resistance to SCN 3 and exploring its potential application in breeding soybean varieties with enhanced resistance. Full article
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40 pages, 1548 KiB  
Review
The Role of Genistein in Type 2 Diabetes and Beyond: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
by Mateusz Kciuk, Weronika Kruczkowska, Katarzyna Wanke, Julia Gałęziewska, Damian Kołat, Somdutt Mujwar and Renata Kontek
Molecules 2025, 30(5), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30051068 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 57
Abstract
The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) necessitates the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches to mitigate its complex molecular pathogenesis. This review investigates the potential role of genistein, a prominent isoflavone derived from soybeans, in the management of T2DM. Recognized for [...] Read more.
The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) necessitates the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches to mitigate its complex molecular pathogenesis. This review investigates the potential role of genistein, a prominent isoflavone derived from soybeans, in the management of T2DM. Recognized for its selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) activity, genistein exerts a multifaceted influence on key intracellular signaling pathways, which are crucial in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and insulin signaling. Genistein’s anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and metabolic regulatory properties position it as a promising candidate for T2DM intervention. This review synthesizes current research spanning preclinical studies and clinical trials, emphasizing genistein’s impact on insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and inflammatory markers. Additionally, this review addresses genistein’s bioavailability, safety, and potential influence on gut microbiota composition. By consolidating these findings, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of genistein’s therapeutic potential in T2DM management, offering valuable insights for future research and clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals as Valuable Tools for Fighting Metabolic Disorders)
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19 pages, 9167 KiB  
Article
Rare Taxa as Key Drivers of Soil Multi-Nutrient Cycling Under Different Crop Types
by Qingmiao Yang, Hanwen Liu, Biao Tang, Chunxiao Yu, Shide Dong, Yang Li, Guangxu Cui, Yi Zhang and Guangmei Wang
Microorganisms 2025, 13(3), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13030513 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 87
Abstract
Soil microorganisms are crucial for nutrient cycling, with abundant and rare taxa playing distinct roles. However, the mechanisms by which soil microbes influence nutrient cycling under different crop types remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the network structure, diversity, and microbial composition [...] Read more.
Soil microorganisms are crucial for nutrient cycling, with abundant and rare taxa playing distinct roles. However, the mechanisms by which soil microbes influence nutrient cycling under different crop types remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the network structure, diversity, and microbial composition of croplands in the Yellow River Delta, focusing on four primary crops: soybean, maize, cotton, and sorghum. The findings revealed that the co-occurring network structure of sorghum planting-soils exhibited greater complexity than other crop types. Bacterial alpha diversity in cotton-planting soil is the highest and susceptible to environmental variations. The diversity of both rare and abundant taxa responds differently to soil nutrients depending on the crop type. While abundant taxa play a crucial role in soil multi-nutrient cycling, rare taxa are key drivers of variations in nutrient cycling expression. The diversity of rare taxa showed a strong correlation with critical nutrients. Structural equation modeling revealed that the alpha diversity of rare bacterial and fungal taxa significantly influenced the soil multi-nutrient cycling index (MNC). Specifically, higher Shannon indices of rare bacterial taxa were associated with lower MNC, while the opposite was true for soil fungi. Soil organic carbon and soil total nitrogen are the key factors influencing alpha diversity in rare bacterial and fungal taxa. Moreover, this study provides new insights into the role of rare soil microbial diversity in the nutrient cycling of agricultural ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Microbiology)
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12 pages, 2018 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Red Yeast Rice Residue as an Alternative Feed Ingredient in Growing-Finishing Pig Diets
by Zhengqun Liu, Longbo Zhu, Ning Li, Zi Zheng, Chunyan Xie, Shiyue Liang, Jun Yan and Shuqin Mu
Agriculture 2025, 15(5), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15050495 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 217
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of graded levels of red yeast rice residue (RYRR) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and fecal microbiota of growing-finishing pigs. A total of 144 pigs were randomly allocated into four dietary treatment groups, over a [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of graded levels of red yeast rice residue (RYRR) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and fecal microbiota of growing-finishing pigs. A total of 144 pigs were randomly allocated into four dietary treatment groups, over a 75-day experimental period. The study comprised a control group and three dietary supplementation groups receiving RYRR. The control (CON) group was fed a two-phase diet tailored to the pigs’ body weight, while the RYRR groups were provided with the CON diet, where corn, soybean meal, puffed soybeans, and wheat shorts were substituted with 5%, 10%, and 20% of RYRR. Supplementation with 10% RYRR enhanced the apparent digestibility of gross energy, dry matter, and crude fiber, while reducing the feed-to-gain ratio and serum triglyceride levels (p < 0.05). Microbiological analyses revealed that short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria (Anaerotignum and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-009) were biomarkers in pigs fed the RYRR supplementation diets (p < 0.05). These results demonstrated that RYRR supplementation of the diet exerted beneficial effects on promoting nutrient digestibility as well as modulating the fecal microbiota of pigs, and the recommended proportion of RYRR added to the growing-finishing pigs’ diet is 10%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of Nutritional Value of Animal Feed Resources)
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19 pages, 2526 KiB  
Article
Exploring Climate-Driven Mismatches Between Pollinator-Dependent Crops and Honeybees in Asia
by Ehsan Rahimi and Chuleui Jung
Biology 2025, 14(3), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14030234 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 251
Abstract
In Asia, Apis cerana (native) and Apis mellifera (introduced) are the primary managed honeybee species, vital for pollination and honey production. However, climate change and other threats are driving pollinator declines, while research on their ecology in Asia remains limited. Bridging these knowledge [...] Read more.
In Asia, Apis cerana (native) and Apis mellifera (introduced) are the primary managed honeybee species, vital for pollination and honey production. However, climate change and other threats are driving pollinator declines, while research on their ecology in Asia remains limited. Bridging these knowledge gaps is crucial for developing conservation strategies to sustain pollination services and agricultural systems in the region. In this study, we evaluated the potential impacts of climate change on the spatial interactions between two honeybee species (A. cerana and A. mellifera) and 20 pollinator-dependent crops across 23 countries in Asia. We used species distribution models (SDMs) to generate habitat suitability maps for both honeybees and crops under current and future climate scenarios (SSP585 for 2070). Schoener’s D statistic was employed to quantify the spatial overlap, and a novel spatial approach was applied to create mismatch maps that identified areas of increased or decreased interactions. We found that, on average, A. cerana demonstrated higher overlap with 12 crops compared to 8 for A. mellifera in future projections. Key crops like sesame, eggplant, and mango retained strong overlaps with both pollinators, while mismatches were more pronounced for A. cerana, particularly with watermelon, strawberry, and buckwheat. In contrast, A. mellifera showed greater stability and resilience in spatial overlaps with crops such as soybean and sunflower. Overall, A. cerana is expected to face more significant spatial mismatches, highlighting its vulnerability to climate-induced changes and the critical need for targeted conservation efforts. This study highlights the urgent need for region-specific conservation strategies by identifying areas at risk of losing critical pollination services. Our results provide a crucial framework for informed management and policy interventions to safeguard pollination-dependent agricultural systems and biodiversity in Asia amidst accelerating environmental challenges. Full article
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16 pages, 3598 KiB  
Article
Rapeseed and Palm Oils Can Improve the Growth, Muscle Texture, Fatty Acids and Volatiles of Marine Teleost Golden Pompano Fed Low Fish Oil Diets
by Fang Chen, Yunkun Lou, Junfeng Guan, Xue Lan, Zeliang Su, Chao Xu, Yuanyou Li and Dizhi Xie
Foods 2025, 14(5), 788; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050788 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 161
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of different lipid sources—fish oil (FO), soybean oil, rapeseed oil, and palm oil—on the growth and muscle quality of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) cultured in offshore cages for 10 weeks. Three diets (D1–D3) were formulated: D1 [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of different lipid sources—fish oil (FO), soybean oil, rapeseed oil, and palm oil—on the growth and muscle quality of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) cultured in offshore cages for 10 weeks. Three diets (D1–D3) were formulated: D1 used only fish oil, D2 blended fish, rapeseed oil, and palm oil, and D3 combined fish and soybean oils. Fish in the D1 group showed the highest weight gain, specific growth rate, and muscle protein content, significantly outperforming D3. No significant differences in muscle lipid content or edible quality were found between groups. D1 had the highest levels of long-chain and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), while D3 had higher n-6 PUFA. Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were higher in D1 and D2 than in D3. Muscle volatiles like aldehydes and amines were elevated in D1, with more pleasant flavors compared to D2 and D3. Muscle texture was superior in D2. These results suggest that rapeseed and palm oils can enhance growth, flavor, and texture in fish on low FO diets, offering a sustainable alternative to reduce reliance on marine-based feed in aquaculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Research on Flavor Components and Sensory Properties of Food)
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20 pages, 3591 KiB  
Article
Effects of Fertilization on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Enzyme Activities of Zanthoxylum planispinum var. Dingtanensis Plantation
by Yurong Fu, Yanghua Yu, Shunsong Yang, Guangguang Yang, Hui Huang, Yun Yang and Mingfeng Du
Forests 2025, 16(3), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16030418 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 73
Abstract
Zanthoxylum planispinum var. Dingtanensis (hereafter Z. planispinum) has excellent characteristics, including Ca and drought tolerance. It can flourish in stony soils, and it is used as a pioneer plant in karst rocky desertification control. However, soil degradation, coupled with the removal of [...] Read more.
Zanthoxylum planispinum var. Dingtanensis (hereafter Z. planispinum) has excellent characteristics, including Ca and drought tolerance. It can flourish in stony soils, and it is used as a pioneer plant in karst rocky desertification control. However, soil degradation, coupled with the removal of nutrients absorbed from the soil by Z. planispinum’s fruit harvesting, exacerbates nutrient deficiency. The effects of fertilization on soil nutrient utilization and microbial limiting factors remain unclear. Here, we established a long-term (3 year) field experiment of no fertilization (CK), organic fertilizer + chemical fertilizer + sprinkler irrigation (T1), chemical fertilizer + sprinkler irrigation (T2), chemical fertilizer treatment (T3), and leguminous (soybean) + chemical fertilizer + sprinkler irrigation (T4). Our findings indicate that fertilization significantly improved the nutrient uptake efficiency of Z. planispinum, and it also enhanced urease activity compared with CK. T1 increased soil respiration and improved water transport, and the soil nutrient content retained in T1 was relatively high. It delayed the mineralization rate of organic matter, promoted nutrient balance, and enhanced enzyme activity related to the carbon and nitrogen cycle. T4 caused soil acidification, reducing the activity of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). The soil microbial community in the Z. planispinum plantation was limited by carbon and phosphorus, and T1 mitigated this limitation. This study indicated that soil nutrient content regulated enzymatic activity by influencing microbial resource limitation, with organic carbon being the dominant factor. Overall, we recommend T1 as the optimal fertilization strategy for Z. planispinum plantations. Full article
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20 pages, 3296 KiB  
Article
Presence of Soybean Vein Necrosis Orthotospovirus (Tospoviridae: Orthotospovirus) in Pakistan, Pakistani Scientists’ and Farmers’ Perception of Disease Dynamics and Management, and Policy Recommendations to Improve Soybean Production
by Asifa Hameed, Cristina Rosa, Paige Castillanos and Edwin G. Rajotte
Viruses 2025, 17(3), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17030315 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 123
Abstract
Soybean vein necrosis orthotospovirus (SVNV: Tospoviridae: Orthotospovirus) is a well-recognized thrips-vectored and seed-borne virus common in the United States (U.S.), Canada, and Egypt. Pakistan started the commercial cultivation of soybeans in the 1970s, when some soybean cultivars were imported from the U.S. to [...] Read more.
Soybean vein necrosis orthotospovirus (SVNV: Tospoviridae: Orthotospovirus) is a well-recognized thrips-vectored and seed-borne virus common in the United States (U.S.), Canada, and Egypt. Pakistan started the commercial cultivation of soybeans in the 1970s, when some soybean cultivars were imported from the U.S. to meet the country’s domestic requirement of oil, poultry, animal feed, and forage. A survey of farmers and scientists was conducted in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of Pakistan to understand perceptions of SVNV in the indigenous Pakistani community. Concurrently, soybean fields were sampled for SVNV presence at the National Agricultural Research Institute in Islamabad, Pakistan. Based upon survey and SVNV detection results through ELISA and qRT-PCR, a policy was developed. Overall, we found that SVNV was present in Islamabad, Pakistan in USDA-approved soybean cultivars. Although scientists knew about general thrips biology and insecticides, knowledge about identification of vectors (Thrips species) was not significantly different between the scientists and the farmers. Scientists at the Islamabad location were more aware of crop production technology and pests. This study reports that Pakistan needs to strengthen its research institutes, scientists’ and farmers’ capacity building, and extension programs to understand the disease complex in soybean crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Viruses and Their Vectors: Epidemiology and Control)
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22 pages, 1779 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Extruded Sorghum-Soy Blends to Develop Pre-Cooked and Nutritionally Dense Fortified Blended Foods
by Michael Joseph, Qingbin Guo, Brian Lindshield, Akinbode A. Adedeji and Sajid Alavi
Foods 2025, 14(5), 779; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050779 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 176
Abstract
Food aid commodities are essential food items in global food aid programming. Some are primarily made from an extrusion of corn and soybeans. However, there are concerns about the genetically modified organisms (GMOs) of some of these grains. Hence, there is a need [...] Read more.
Food aid commodities are essential food items in global food aid programming. Some are primarily made from an extrusion of corn and soybeans. However, there are concerns about the genetically modified organisms (GMOs) of some of these grains. Hence, there is a need for alternatives to grains, like sorghum, which is not GMO. It is critical to ensure that products from this new ingredient meet the quality requirements, hence the need to profile them. An expanded formulation sorghum-soy blend (SSB), obtained from extrusion cooking, was ground using a hammer mill and analyzed for changes in properties that were affected by the transformation of starch and protein during processing. Macro- and micro-nutrients were added to these milled blends to prepare fortified blended foods (FBFs) that could meet the recommendations of Food Aid Quality Review (FAQR) report on energy, protein, and micronutrient content. The water absorption index (WAI) ranged from 2.82 to 5.90 g/g, the water solubility index (WSI) ranged from 6.22 to 18.50%, and the blends were affected by the formulation—whole/decorticated sorghum and different levels of fat. Extrusion processing caused starch gelatinization in the range of 90.69–96.26%. The pasting properties indicated that whole grain blends of SSB had lower peak time and higher final viscosity when compared to decorticated sorghum blends. The Bostwick flow rate of cooked porridges with 20% solids was within the recommended range of 9–21 cm/min. Starch digestibility significantly increased after extrusion, with a 149.65% increase in rapidly digestible starch (RDS). The protein digestibility did not vary significantly when subjected to extrusion and wet cooking. There was a significant reduction in anti-nutritional factors in the extruded binary blends of SSB when compared to respective raw blends: phytic acid was reduced by 25.33%, tannins were not found, and trypsin inhibitors were reduced by 19.50%. Thus, the extrusion processing of SSB with the subsequent addition of macro- and micro-ingredients was effective in producing FBFs with high nutritive value, comparable to FBF made from traditional ingredients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Innovative Processing Technologies on Food Quality)
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14 pages, 3382 KiB  
Article
Effects of Konjac Glucomannan and Chitin Nanowhiskers on Structural and Physical Properties of Soy Protein Isolate Composite Hydrogels
by Jianbo Zhao, Danjie Li, Ronghua Deng, Jie Pang, Cailing Tong and Chunhua Wu
Foods 2025, 14(5), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050767 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 157
Abstract
Soybean protein isolates (SPIs) have been widely studied because of their excellent gel-forming properties. However, their unstable gel structures and poor strength limit their applications in the food industry. To address this, konjac glucomannan (KGM) and oxidized chitin nanocrystals (O-ChNCs) were introduced into [...] Read more.
Soybean protein isolates (SPIs) have been widely studied because of their excellent gel-forming properties. However, their unstable gel structures and poor strength limit their applications in the food industry. To address this, konjac glucomannan (KGM) and oxidized chitin nanocrystals (O-ChNCs) were introduced into SPI-based hydrogels to enhance their mechanical properties. The present study investigated the effects of incorporating KGM and O-ChNCs on the physical properties and microstructure of SPI hydrogels, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms. The rheological behavior test of the solution demonstrated that the viscoelastic properties of the sol were enhanced upon incorporating O-ChNCs and KGM. Scanning electron microscopy showed highly compact and uniformly distributed SPI hydrogels with the addition of O-ChNCs and KGM. Gel strength and textural property tests showed that the gel strength and gel hardness of SPI hydrogels with the addition of O-ChNCs and KGM were 102.57 ± 1.91 g/cm2 and 545.29 ± 6.84 g. O-ChNCs effectively filled the SPI hydrogel network, while KGM enhanced physical entanglement between SPI molecular chains and formed intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Therefore, this study provides an important basis for the introduction of SPI-based hydrogels in the biomedical and food industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Foods)
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14 pages, 3010 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Crop Rotation Revealed the Relationship Between Soil Organic Carbon Physical Fraction and Bacterial Community at Aggregate Scales
by Xianghai Meng, Baicheng Wang, Xingzhe Zhang, Chunguang Liu, Jinghong Ji, Xiaoyu Hao, Bing Yang, Wenhui Wang, Dehai Xu, Shuai Zhang, Xiaomei Wang, Minghui Cao and Yuming Wang
Microorganisms 2025, 13(3), 496; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13030496 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 206
Abstract
Crop rotation enhances soil fertility and health by modulating microbial communities, with soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics governed by aggregate–microbial interplay. To date, the effects of different crop rotations on SOC fractions and relevant bacterial communities at aggregate scales remain uncertain. Here, a [...] Read more.
Crop rotation enhances soil fertility and health by modulating microbial communities, with soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics governed by aggregate–microbial interplay. To date, the effects of different crop rotations on SOC fractions and relevant bacterial communities at aggregate scales remain uncertain. Here, a 17-year field experiment was used to reveal the effects of maize monoculture (MM), soybean monoculture (SS), and maize and soybean rotation on the SOC fractions and bacterial communities. Compared with the SS treatment, only the MS treatment significantly increased the particulate organic carbon (POC) content at the aggregate scale. Nevertheless, higher mineral-associated organic carbon (MaOC) contents were observed under the MS and MM treatments than under the SS treatment. The microbial co-occurrence networks for macro- and microaggregates were divided into three main ecological clusters. The specific taxa in Cluster 1 and Cluster 2 are involved in SOC fraction turnover within macro- and microaggregates, respectively. In total, the Vicinamibacteraceae-driven Cluster 1 community dominated the MaOC turnover process within macroaggregates, whereas the Actinobacteria- and Pyrinomonadaceae-driven Cluster 2 communities changed the MaOC turnover process within microaggregates. This study strengthens our understanding of the role of the microbial community in the accumulation of SOC fractions under different crop rotation practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Microbiology)
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20 pages, 3542 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Analysis of Soybean Apyrase Gene Family and Functional Characterization of GmAPY1-4 Responses to Aluminum Stress
by Yanyu Yu, Shengnan Ma, Lanxin Li, Zhen Song, Lin Yu, Chunshuang Tang, Chunyan Liu, Qingshan Chen, Dawei Xin and Jinhui Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 1919; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26051919 - 23 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Apyrases (APYs) directly regulate intra- and extra-cellular ATP homeostasis and play a key role in the process of plants adapting to various stresses. In this study, we identified and characterized soybean APY (GmAPY) family members at the genomic level. The results identified a [...] Read more.
Apyrases (APYs) directly regulate intra- and extra-cellular ATP homeostasis and play a key role in the process of plants adapting to various stresses. In this study, we identified and characterized soybean APY (GmAPY) family members at the genomic level. The results identified a total of 18 APYRASE homologous genes with conserved ACR domains. We conducted a bioinformatics analysis of GmAPYs, including sequence alignment, phylogenetic relationships, and conserved motifs. According to the phylogenetic and structural characteristics, GmAPYs in soybeans are mainly divided into three groups. The characteristics of these GmAPYs were systematically evaluated, including their collinearity, gene structure, protein motifs, cis-regulatory elements, tissue expression patterns, and responses to aluminum stress. A preliminary analysis of the function of GmAPY1-4 was also conducted. The results showed that GmAPY1-4 was localized in the nucleus, presenting relatively high levels in roots and root nodules and demonstrating high sensitivity and positive responses under aluminum stress circumstances. Further functional characterization revealed that the overexpression of GmAPY1-4 in hairy roots not only induced root growth under normal growth conditions but also significantly prevented root growth inhibition under aluminum stress conditions and contributed to maintaining a relatively higher fresh root weight. By contrast, RNAi interference with the expression of GmAPY1-4 in hairy roots inhibited root growth under both normal and aluminum stress conditions, but it exerted no significant influence on the dry or fresh root weight. To sum up, these findings support the significant functional role of GmAPY1-4 in root growth and the aluminum stress response. These findings not only enhance our comprehension of the aluminum stress response mechanism by identifying and characterizing the APY gene family in the soybean genome but also provide a potential candidate gene for improving aluminum tolerance in soybeans in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biology of Soybean)
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