Search Results (2,877)

The transition from High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) to energy-efficient Light-Emitting Diode (LED) supplemental lighting alters the plant thermal environment in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). This study evaluated how three practical supplemental lighting regimes, HPS, LED, and LED supplemented with infrared radiation (LED + IR), influence the physiology, growth, and phytochemical profile of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.). We assessed biomass production, photosynthetic performance, oxidative stress markers (TBARS), and the concentration of primary and secondary metabolites. The LED treatment was superior for biomass production, yielding significant fresh mass while maintaining the lowest leaf nitrate content. Conversely, the addition of IR significantly increased leaf temperature, which suppressed growth but acted as a potent “bio-stress” agent, significantly increasing the total phenolic index. This biofortification, however, significantly decreased photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids), increased lipid peroxidation (TBARS), and led to the highest accumulation of undesirable nitrates. Our findings reveal a clear growth-defense trade-off, demonstrating that while LED lighting is optimal for maximizing yield and food safety, the targeted application of IR radiation is an effective strategy for enhancing the nutraceutical value of leafy greens, requiring careful management to mitigate negative impacts on growth and quality. Full article

In the present study, the physicochemical, mechanical, and functional properties of biodegradable pectin/cudlan gum polysaccharide films with CBG oil were evaluated. In these studies, the TS values for the films ranged from 8.50 MPa to 14.80 MPa. The EB values ranged from 33.06% to 39.07%. The WVTR ranged from 13.7 to 9.51 g/m² d. In all the films tested, the change in the L* parameter did not change significantly statistically (p ≥ 0.05). In films with low CBG content (0.125F, 0.25F, 0.35F), L* remained stable, which indicated their resistance to darkening. However, film 0.5F was an exception, as it showed a decrease in L*, suggesting darkening or photodegradation processes. CBG films reduced mold growth, water loss, color degradation, and anthocyanin content in stored fruit, especially films with a content of 0.125F–0.35F, while higher concentrations (0.5F–0.75F) could cause pro-oxidative effects. Soil application of the film showed that moderate CBG concentrations (0.25F–0.35F) increased the content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and phenols, indicating biostimulating potential, while the highest concentrations could cause oxidative stress. At the highest CBG concentration (0.75F), the carotenoid content decreased to 0.054–0.113 mg·g⁻¹ FW. At higher concentrations of active substances in the film (0.5F and 0.75F), stabilization or a decrease in O₂•⁻ levels was observed, which may indicate the effective activation of protective mechanisms leading to the neutralization of excess free radicals. Full article

Foliar nanofertilization is increasingly being explored as a strategy to enhance crop nutritional quality; however, dose-dependent physiological and metabolic responses remain insufficiently defined. This study evaluated the effects of conventional NPK (20:20:20) and nano-formulated NPK combined with zinc (3 and 5 g/L) on the mineral composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and metabolic profile of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L., cv. ‘Dora’) grown under controlled conditions. Physicochemical characterization of the nanofertilizer by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy confirmed nanoscale primary particle size and revealed concentration-dependent aggregation behavior at higher Zn levels. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among treatments in macro- and microelement content, total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant activity. The application of nano NPK combined with 3 g/L Zn resulted in the highest accumulation of total phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C, accompanied by enhanced antioxidant capacity, suggesting stimulation of secondary metabolism. In contrast, the higher Zn concentration (5 g/L) further increased carotenoid content but was associated with elevated proline levels, indicating the onset of physiological stress. Multivariate analyses (PCA and ROC) supported dose-dependent metabolic modulation and confirmed that combinations of selected metabolites contributed to clearer differentiation between fertilization regimes. Overall, the results highlight the existence of an optimal nano-zinc application range that enhances fruit functional quality while avoiding stress-related metabolic imbalance, emphasizing the importance of physicochemical stability in nano-enabled fertilization strategies. While this study focused on a single sweet pepper cultivar, future research should explore other pepper species to evaluate whether similar dose-dependent nano Zn effects are observed. Full article

Stressful effects on agriculture are of paramount importance in the 21st century. Water deficiency is considered a major constraint in crop succession, particularly for maize. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential roles of brassinolide (BL) and silicon (Si) in mitigating biotic (incidence of pests and diseases) and abiotic stresses (naturally occurring water deficit) in maize grown after soybean harvest. The field experiments were conducted over two growing seasons on a Rhodic Haplustox in the Cerrado, Goiás, Brazil. A randomized complete block design was employed in a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement, with five BL doses (0.000, 0.050, 0.100, 0.150, and 0.200 mg L⁻¹) and two Si treatments (absence and presence), each with four replicates. BL was applied immediately when the soil moisture in the 0–0.20 m layer reached 16.25%, corresponding to the crop’s critical water threshold. This specific phenological point corresponded to the R₂ stage in the first off-season and the V₁₀ stage in the second off-season. Si applications were performed at the V₃ and V₈ stages. BL application enhanced growth, as well as physiological and metabolic performance by increasing protein synthesis and sugar content, thereby maintaining relative water content, sustaining antioxidant enzyme activity, and reducing lipid peroxidation under water-deficit conditions. The BL doses that achieved the highest yields were 0.149 mg L⁻¹ (R₂ stage) in the first off-season and 0.134 mg L⁻¹ (V₁₀ stage) in the second off-season. Si application effectively reduced pest damage and disease severity while improving plant water status. However, in the second off-season, a significant BL × Si interaction was limited to carotenoids, pheophytinization index, and disease severity. These results indicate that the combined use of BL and Si provides a promising strategy to enhance maize resilience by integrating BL-mediated yield promotion with Si-driven physical and biotic protection under adverse environmental conditions. Full article

Macroalgae are increasingly recognised as promising sources of bioactive compounds with nutritional and functional relevance. This study investigated the biochemical composition of selected green, brown, and red marine macroalgae from the Mediterranean coast sampled at different seasons, focusing on fatty acid profiles, carotenoid composition, phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, and multivariate biochemical structuring. Fatty acid distributions were determined by Gas Chromatography (GC)-Flame Ionisation detector (FID), carotenoids were quantified and profiled by Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), and total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity (ABTS^•+ and DPPH^• methods) were assessed using standard spectrophotometric assays. Principal component analysis was applied to evaluate relationships among biochemical variables and taxonomic patterns. Brown macroalgae tended to exhibit more complex and enriched biochemical profiles, containing high proportions of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid, elevated total carotenoid contents dominated by fucoxanthin, the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activities. Green macroalgae were characterised by fatty acid profiles rich in saturated and C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids, while carotenoid compositions were dominated by lutein and siphonoxanthin. Red macroalgae exhibited comparatively simpler lipid and pigment patterns, characterised by palmitic acid and zeaxanthin as dominant components and lower total carotenoid levels. Principal component analysis revealed taxonomic structuring, with brown algae clearly separated from green and red groups, while seasonal differences were minor. Antioxidant activity closely clustered with carotenoids and total phenolic content, suggesting their combined contribution to radical-scavenging capacity. Overall, brown species appear as promising candidates for functional foods and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Red palm oil (RPO) is a rich source of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, tocopherols, and tocotrienols with notable health benefits; however, their vulnerability to oxidation, heat, and light during processing and storage limits their functional application. This study aimed to develop an emulsifier-free, biocompatible Pickering emulsion powder using native and modified starches from tapioca and rice to encapsulate RPO. The powders were evaluated for encapsulation efficiency, antioxidant activity, storage stability, FTIR characteristics, thermal properties, and morphology. Modified rice starch-based Pickering emulsion yielded the highest encapsulation efficiency (27.41%), while native rice starch showed the lowest (17.54%) (p < 0.05). FTIR analysis confirmed successful encapsulation through functional group identification. DSC indicated a higher thermal stability in native starch-based powders, while scanning electron microscopy confirmed RPO entrapment in microcapsules. The microcapsule powder of Pickering emulsion stabilized with modified tapioca starch and stored at room temperature (27–29 °C) showed the lowest water activity, minimal lipid oxidation, and the highest retention of carotenoids, α-tocopherol, and total phenolic contents (p < 0.05), along with superior DPPH^• and ABTS^•+ scavenging activities. Therefore, modified tapioca starch offers a promising, clean-label delivery system for protecting RPO’s bioactive compounds in functional food applications without the need for added emulsifiers. Full article

In the present study, Shuidong mustard (Brassica juncea) produced in Maoming City, Guangdong Province, was fermented at 25 °C for 15 days, using wild microorganisms and 20 g/kg table salt in water. The results showed that this fermentation endowed Shuidong mustard with acid production via utilizing reduced sugar as the fermentation substrate, causing the fermented Shuidong mustard to have a decreased pH value and increased total titratable acidity. Partly as the result of NaCl usage or fermentation, the fermented Shuidong mustard had enhanced NaCl or ash contents, decreased contents in nitrite/nitrate, vitamin C, total phenols, and total carotenoids, and altered textural features reflected as reduced hardness, chewiness, springiness, and fracturability. Moreover, 90 volatile compounds, including 2-butyl, 3-butenyl, isobutyl, and ethyl isothiocyanates, were detected in the fermented Shuidong mustard after the 15-day fermentation, while 21 members comprised 95% (w/w) of total volatiles. Additionally, the analysis results revealed that the microorganism community of fermented Shuidong mustard was structured at respective phylum, genera, or species levels by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, or Lactiplantibacillus, Enterobacteriaceae, Lactococcus, and Pediococcus, or Lactiplantibacillus, Enterobacteriaceae, Pediococcus, and Lactococcus. It is thus concluded that this explored fermentation induced both acid production and, more importantly, compositional and textural changes in Shuidong mustard, which had production potential at an industrial scale as part of a healthy diet because these bioactive compounds include isothiocyanates, polyphenols, and carotenoids. Overall, this study focused on the Shuidong mustard fermentation using 20 g/kg table salt to fill a research gap in low-salt fermentation, showing its significance by providing a scientific basis for product development. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high-intensity ultrasound (40 W/5 min), applied with and without mild heating (59 °C and 23 °C), and of pasteurization (63 °C/30 min), on the physicochemical, rheological, and microbiological parameters, as well as on ascorbate oxidase activity, total carotenoid content, phenolic compound profile, and antioxidant capacity of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.) pulps. Ultrasound processing induced changes in color (L*, a*, and b*), resulting in high ∆E values. Following ultrasound treatment, an increase in apparent viscosity at 100 s⁻¹ was observed. Ultrasound also promoted partial inactivation of ascorbate oxidase and a significant reduction in mold and yeast counts. Moreover, the application of ultrasound without heating (US-20) promoted the retention of 55% of ascorbic acid after 63 days of storage. The condition with heating (US-60) led to an increase in catechin content in both bright red passion fruit pulp (173.96%) and yellow passion fruit pulp (5.89%), demonstrating a balance between the retention of bioactive compounds, microbial inactivation, and reduction in ascorbate oxidase activity. Therefore, these results highlight ultrasound as a non-thermal and sustainable technology capable of extending shelf life, maximizing the preservation of bioactive compounds, and enhancing the functional properties of fruit pulps. Full article

India, home to 4 biodiversity hotspots, hosts 675 wild species used for nutritional and therapeutic purposes. Wild edible fruits are highly valuable for their rich content of health-beneficial compounds, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamins. The shift in modern lifestyles has increasingly impacted human health. Several factors contribute to heightened oxidative stress, which underpins the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Endometriosis, one of these conditions influenced by oxidative stress, currently lacks a definitive cure, leaving patients reliant on hormonal and surgical treatments. According to the WHO, 10% of girls and women worldwide are affected by endometriosis, often experiencing severe symptoms. This review explores the role of oxidative stress in the progression of endometriosis, its pathophysiology, and the effects of polyphenols found in wild Himalayan fruits, including various phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans. It also examines their synergistic effects with other non-polyphenolic compounds in reducing these biomarkers, such as inflammatory enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and estrogen receptors, and in modulating pathways like NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, among others, based on preclinical and clinical studies. Additionally, the review highlights key wild fruit species native to the Indian Himalayas, details their nutritional and phytochemical profiles, and assesses their potential, individually and synergistically, as functional foods or nutraceuticals for non-invasive treatment options for endometriosis. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of low- and high-temperature bleaching processes on the quality parameters of pumpkin seed oil. The research focused on optimizing the process to improve the oil’s physicochemical properties while reducing losses of valuable bioactive components. The bleaching process was carried out using 12 adsorbents in four technological variants, differing in temperature and adsorbent amount (30 °C/2% w/w, 30 °C/5%, 90 °C/2%, and 90 °C/5%). The scope of the analyses included, among others, the determination of acid (AV), peroxide (POV), and anisidine values (AnV), as well as the characterization of the fatty acid profile and the content of phytosterols and tocopherols. The data obtained were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) to correlate the type of adsorbent with the process effects. It was shown that bleaching partially improves the oil’s quality parameters, though it is associated with a reduction in tocopherol and carotenoid content. Aluminum oxides are very poor adsorbents of vegetable oil components. Finely divided activated carbons exhibit the broadest spectrum of adsorbed components. Furthermore, bleaching earths have different effects on oil components depending on their composition and process temperature. Full article

Low-temperature stress adversely impairs rice germination and seedling establishment. This study assessed a nano-bio-priming strategy using lecithin (L) and silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) to enhance chilling tolerance. Two fragrant rice cultivars (Xiangyaxiangzhan and Meixiangzhan 2) were primed with six combinations of lecithin (0, 50, and 100 μmol·L⁻¹, denoted as L0, L1, and L2) and SiO₂ NPs (0 and 100 mg·L⁻¹, denoted as S0 and S1) and exposed to optimal temperature (25 °C) or low-temperature stress (15 °C). Low-temperature stress delayed germination onset by two days. Combined priming treatments L1S1 and L2S1 significantly alleviated this inhibitory effect. Crucially, cultivar-specific responses were evident in Meixiangzhan 2, where L1S1 increased the germination vigor index by 50.97%. Meanwhile, the effect was less pronounced or inhibitory at normal temperature in Xiangyaxiangzhan. Priming substantially enhanced seedling growth, and L2S1 maximally increased root and shoot length in Meixiangzhan 2 by 55.30% and 15.82%, respectively. Furthermore, biomass accumulation was strongly promoted. L1S1 increased total dry weight and total fresh weight in Meixiangzhan 2 by 19.64% and 23.48%, respectively. Physiologically, priming elevated chlorophyll and carotenoid contents upregulated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and increased levels of soluble protein and ascorbate (AsA), while maintaining nitrate reductase (NR) activity and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) homeostasis. These physiological improvements were positively correlated with enhanced growth. Our findings demonstrate that co-priming with lecithin and SiO₂ NPs is a potent strategy for enhancing low-temperature tolerance, with efficacy depending on both the treatment combination and rice genotype. Full article

Temporary Immersion Systems (TISs) are an efficient alternative for in vitro plant regeneration. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different culture methods on the in vitro shoot proliferation and acclimatization of agave (Agave marmorata Roezl). The culture methods compared were a recipient for automated temporary immersion (RITA^®), a temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB), a SETIS™ bioreactor, and a semisolid medium control. After eight weeks of in vitro culture, the hyperhydricity of the explants, development variables, photosynthetic pigment content, stomatal density, and survival percentage during acclimatization were evaluated. The results showed that TISs significantly reduced explant hyperhydricity and increased the multiplication rate, number of shoots and leaves, number of roots per shoot, root length, carotenoid content, stomatal density, and percentage of closed stomata during in vitro shoot proliferation. Furthermore, TISs resulted in a higher number of leaves and roots and improved the survival percentage during acclimatization compared to the semisolid medium. Explants cultured in the SETIS™ bioreactor showed the highest photosynthetic pigment content. In conclusion, the evaluated TISs enhanced the physiological development of the explants, favoring the multiplication rate and survival percentage during the acclimatization of A. marmorata. Full article

Compost application to soil is an effective strategy to enhance soil fertility, promote plant growth, and support sustainable agriculture. Nevertheless, the variability in the responses of plants to compost amendments across different compost types, concentrations, exposure durations, application media, and across different physiological traits of plants is not well understood. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis using data from 92 peer-reviewed scientific articles to better understand the effect of compost amendments on plant physiological, biochemical, and yield traits. The results of this study showed that compost amendment significantly improved plant growth parameters, and the increase in shoot biomass and plant height was the highest (~19.4–42.7%), followed by root length (20.4%) and root biomass (19.7%), indicating the important role of compost in promoting root development. In addition, photosynthetic efficiency was significantly enhanced, and total chlorophyll and carotenoid content increased by 13.5–49.1%. The yield-related traits, total yield, and 100-grain weight responded positively and significantly increased by ~18%. There were variations among different plant species and different exposure conditions. The mechanistic interaction between compost components, soil agrochemical properties, and plant physiological and yield responses should be further explored to maximize the benefits of compost application in sustainable agriculture. Full article

Salinity stress impairs maize growth by inducing osmotic stress, pigment degradation, and ionic imbalance, particularly during early seedling development. This study investigated the morpho-physiological and ionic responses of different maize genotypes exposed to increasing salinity levels (control, 3, 6, and 9 dS/m) at the seedling stage. Salinity caused a reduction in biomass accumulation (shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight), plant height, and K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, with pronounced effects under severe stress. Significant genotypic variability was detected for photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids) growth traits, and ionic regulation, indicating diverse physiological adaptation strategies. Stress tolerance indices and multivariate analysis revealed that chlorophyll stability, carotenoid accumulation, and maintenance of ionic homeostasis (K⁺/Na⁺ ratio) were the dominant physiological determinants of salinity tolerance. Additionally, principal component analysis showed a shift from biomass-driven variation under non-stress conditions to pigment- and ion-driven variation under higher salinity. Based on the results, genotypes BML 6 and HKI 163 maintained higher pigment content and improved K⁺/Na⁺ balance, enabling better growth under saline conditions. These findings highlight key physiological traits underlying salinity tolerance and provide insight into early-stage adaptive mechanisms in maize. Full article

Anthelmintic treatment is widely used in equine health management to control parasitic infections; however, its potential effects on the gut microbiota and metabolic characteristics remain poorly understood. In this study, twelve Yili horses were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (C), which received no anthelmintic treatment, and a Miechongshu-treated group (T), which was orally administered Miechongshu at a dose of 0.36 g/kg body weight on day 0. Fecal samples were collected from the rectums of Yili horses on day 14 after administration, and differences in gut microbial composition and metabolic characteristics between the two groups were further examined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in combination with LC–MS/MS-based metabolomic analysis. The results showed that there was no significant difference in α diversity (p > 0.05). At the phylum level, compared with Group C, the relative abundance of Halobacterota significantly increased (p < 0.05). At the family level, the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae in Group T was significantly higher than that in Group C, while the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae decreased (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). A total of 98 differentially expressed metabolites were identified in the total ion mode. Among them, 64 were upregulated compared with Group C, and 34 were downregulated. KEGG analysis revealed that four enriched metabolic pathways showed significant differences. Metabolic pathways, tryptophan metabolism, purine metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis and carotenoid biosynthesis differed between the two groups. Compared with Group C, the contents of the metabolites tetradecanoic acid and adenosine were significantly decreased, while tryptophol was significantly increased. These results indicate that anthelmintic treatment is associated with alterations in the intestinal microecological balance and metabolic homeostasis of the host, providing new insights for evaluating the use of anthelmintics and the management of intestinal health in horses. Full article