Search Results (2,566)

MADS-box transcription factors play a vital role in the development of reproductive organs and fruits. However, the mechanisms by which MADS-box transcription factors participate in determining the size of organs remain incompletely understood. This study demonstrated that the overexpression of SlMADS48 results in elongated sepals and is accompanied by an elevated gibberellin content, compared with the wild type (WT). The interaction between SlMADS48 and several proteins (SlMC, SlMBP21, SlJOINTLESS, and SlFYFL) involved in sepal development was identified. In addition, the OE-SlMADS48 lines exhibited increased branches and total numbers of flowers. Molecular analysis revealed that SlMADS48 interacted with TM29, FUL1, FUL2, and MBP20, which are associated with inflorescence development. Moreover, SlMDS48 directly targeted the promoter of SlTM3 via the CArG-box motif, reducing its transcript levels. Additionally, the overexpression of SlMADS48 led to a reduction in the size of fruit, together with decreased contents of cytokinins and indole acetic acid (IAA) compared with the WT. Furthermore, SlMADS48 directly combined with the promoters of SlcycD6;1 and SlIAA29 in the cytokinin and auxin pathways, respectively. This research advanced our understanding of SlMADS48’s role in determining organ size and provided valuable insights into target gene selection in tomato breeding programs. Full article

The pomegranate cultivar Barski slatki, the most widely cultivated on the Eastern Adriatic coast, was evaluated over one growing season across four growing areas to assess its pomological and chemical properties and antioxidant activity. Results showed that location significantly influenced fruit weight, volume, number of arils per fruit, and both total and individual aril weight, with the Kaštela (CRO) site producing the largest fruits and highest aril yields. Climatic factors, such as precipitation during bud differentiation, flowering, and early fruit development, were found to impact fruit set, aril number, and fruit size. Aril and juice yields, however, remained relatively stable across sites. Notable differences were observed in total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, total phenolic content, and anthocyanin profiles. Location with higher rainfall occurring during fruit growth favored enhanced phenolic accumulation. Although total anthocyanin content remained consistent among locations, significant variation occurred in aril coloration and composition of individual anthocyanins. In conclusion, microclimatic factors, particularly rainfall distribution, temperature, and altitude, play a decisive role in shaping the physical, chemical, and visual attributes of ‘Barski slatki’. Despite being cultivated under similar Mediterranean conditions, the observed differences across sites highlight the strong adaptability of this cultivar to diverse agroecological environments, while maintaining stable quality. Full article

eSports and recreational video gaming are expanding in Peru, yet evidence on gamers’ dietary habits and correlates is scarce. We aimed to identify factors associated with eating habits among Peruvian video gamers and professional eSports players. Quantitative and cross-sectional study (Peru, 2023). A culturally adapted version of the German Sport University Cologne questionnaire (28 items; Cronbach’s α = 0.86) was administered online using non-probability snowball sampling. The primary outcome was eating-habit classification (adequate vs. inadequate) based on the instrument’s scoring. Associations with hypothesized correlates (e.g., gaming-related influences, peer interaction, advertising) were assessed with χ² or Fisher’s exact test (α = 0.05). We analyzed 288 respondents (median age 21 years). Overall, 77.8% exhibited inadequate eating habits. Daily water intake was reported by 72%, whereas daily fruit and vegetable consumption was 21% and 32%, respectively. Peer interaction within the gaming environment (p = 0.037) and the perceived influence of video games (p = 0.031) were significantly associated with poorer eating habits. Sitting time, number of meals per day, daily water intake volume, and weekly gaming hours showed no significant association (all p > 0.05). Most Peruvian gamers report suboptimal diets. Social dynamics in the gamer community and gaming-related influences are linked to poorer eating habits, suggesting that nutrition strategies should be embedded in gamer ecosystems (teams, communities, platforms). Longitudinal and interventional studies are warranted to test targeted behavior-change approaches. Full article

Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) is an underutilized Amazonian fruit species with significant food, nutritional, and economic potential, but its genetic improvement remains limited. This study aimed to estimate the heritability of 13 morpho-agronomic traits in two F₂ populations, assess the efficiency of early visual selection, and identify traits associated with fruit yield. Approximately 250 plants from each population were grown in the Central Amazon. One week before the first harvest, plants were visually screened for yield potential, and the selected individuals were further evaluated for fruit traits. Broad-sense heritability (h²) was significant for most traits; the highest values were for number of flowers per plant (h² = 0.88), petiole length (h² = 0.87), collar diameter (h² = 0.71), canopy diameter (h² = 0.58), and fruit length (h² = 0.55). Early visual selection achieved ~65% efficiency. Fruit yield was correlated strongly and positively with the number of fruits per plant. These results indicate that phenotypic selection is effective for improving key plant and fruit traits in cocona. Early visual selection can be used to identify high-yielding individuals and the number of fruits per plant can be used as a complementary criterion to enhance selection accuracy for fruit yield. Full article

Background and Objectives: Esophageal cancer (EC) remains a major global public health challenge due to its aggressiveness and poor survival rates. Therefore, this study aims to summarize the incidence, mortality, prevalence, and global burden of EC based on sex, age, and geographical divisions and to investigate the correlation of some risk factors including the Sociodemographic Index (SDI) and important health indicators to identify high-risk populations. Materials and Methods: We extracted the number and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of EC incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and targeted risk factors for 204 countries and territories from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study. Correlations between the ASRs of incidence, death, and DALYs and risk factors were investigated using SPSS 22 with Spearman’s correlation coefficient at a 0.05 significance level. Results: In 2021, the global age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), death rate (ASDR), and DALY rate for EC were 6.65 (95% UI: 5.88–7.45), 6.25 (95% UI: 5.53–7.00), and 148.56 (95% UI: 131.71–166.82) per 100,000, respectively. Middle-SDI and high–middle-SDI regions showed the highest and lowest ASIR, ASDR, and DALY ASRs of EC. SDI correlated negatively with ASIR (–0.363), ASDR (–0.414), and DALY ASRs (–0.422). Male-to-female ratios for ASIR, ASDR, and DALY ASRs were 3.32, 3.37, and 3.51, respectively. As age increased, the incidence, death, and DALYs of EC also increased. East Asia recorded the highest incidence, death, and DALY values and ASRs of EC. The ASIR, ASDR, and DALY ASRs also increased with dietary risks, including the low intake of calcium, fruits, omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, seafood omega-3 fatty acids, and vegetables. Conclusions: Considering the incidence, mortality, and high burden of EC in some regions, alongside the presence of modifiable risk factors, major interventions are needed to reduce these risks. Therefore, identifying high-risk areas and factors of EC, promoting lifestyle changes, and lowering the screening age could enable earlier detection and reduce the mortality of EC. Full article

The background of this study is grounded in the economic importance of Planococcus ficus (P. ficus) Signoret (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), commonly known as the vine mealybug, which is a major pest in vineyards across South Africa, the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, Argentina, California, and Mexico. This pest causes both direct damage to grapevines and indirect damage by promoting the development of sooty mold, which reduces fruit quality and marketability. The limited effectiveness of conventional pesticides—due to the pest’s concealed habitats and biological resistance—combined with their negative impacts on beneficial arthropods, underscores the need for alternative and environmentally sustainable pest management approaches. The methodology of this study involved a field trial conducted in Koruk Village, Elazığ Province, Turkey, from March to October 2022. The aim of the study is to determine the repellent and toxic effects of two types of wood vinegar (WV) and hazelnut vinegar (HV) on P. ficus populations under natural vineyard conditions by using statistical data analysis methods used in basic engineering. Various concentrations of each vinegar wereapplied to the vines, and pest population dynamics were monitored. Additionally, the potential repellent effects of the vinegars on beneficial predatory insects, particularly members of the Coccinellidae family, were assessed. The results of the study indicated that wood vinegar (WV) was more effective than hazelnut vinegar (HV) in reducing P. ficus populations. Both vinegars demonstrated statistically significant, dose-dependent reductions in pest numbers compared to the untreated control. Although both treatments also exhibited repellent effects on Coccinellidae species, these effects were not statistically significant when compared with the positive control group. These findings support the potential application of vinegar-based products in integrated pest management. The conclusion of this study is that wood vinegar (WV) and hazelnut vinegar (HV), as natural carbonization-derived products, can serve as environmentally friendly alternatives for controlling P. ficus in vineyards. Their application may reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides, contribute to sustainable viticulture practices, and minimize negative impacts on non-target beneficial organisms. This research introduces an innovative, eco-compatible control that could be effectively integrated into broader Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. Full article

In many vertebrates, ritualized behaviors serve to settle conflicts while minimizing the risk of injury. The Jamaican fruit bat (Artibeus jamaicensis) is a polygynous species that roosts in caves, where dominant males form and defend harems by displaying agonistic behaviors against satellite males attempting to mate with females. We examined how the distance of satellite males from the harem and the number of females influenced the latency of approach by dominant males during agonistic encounters, and whether these encounters follow a defined behavioral sequence. We analyzed 50 agonistic interactions from video recordings of A. jamaicensis harems collected between May and October 2021 in “Cantil Blanco” cave, Veracruz, Mexico. We quantified the number of females per harem and measured the distance of satellite males to the nearest female just before the dominant male initiated an approach. Our results show that satellite male distance determined dominant male approach latency, reflecting a minimum tolerable distance, whereas harem size had no effect. Furthermore, the succession of behaviors observed indicates that these encounters are sequential, escalating from ritualized displays to physical aggression. Full article

Enhancing plant nutrient use efficiency, yield, and quality without compromising sustainability remains a critical challenge in agriculture. Utilization of materials such as biowaste derivatives as alternatives to conventional agrochemicals (e.g., fertilizers, biostimulants) can be leveraged to optimize crop productivity and resilience while adhering to sustainable practices. A soluble bioproduct (BP), isolated from the hydrolysis of anaerobic digestates derived from organic residues of urban waste, was examined for its capacity to enhance tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production and quality. Five basal fertilization treatments were applied: conventional (CF), conventional/organic (CF + OF), bioproduct at 150 kg ha⁻¹ (BP), and conventional/BP at 150 and 300 kg ha⁻¹ (CF + BP, CF + 2BP), without or with supplementary fertigation (SF). The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Intermediate plant growth under BP was comparable to CF, while their combination enhanced growth parameters. However, addition of BP to CF did not affect final plant growth, biomass, and yield compared to CF alone, though non-significant reductions of height (5.37%), leaf number (15.89%) and fresh weight (36.09%) were observed with BP alone. The same treatment reduced intermediate leaf macronutrients (N, K, Na), whereas this was ameliorated with CF + BP. The use of BP without fertigation enhanced final P content in leaves and roots. However, fruit P declined, reflecting delayed P availability and translocation. The use of BP induced plant stress responses, accompanied by stimulation of phenolic and antioxidant accumulation in leaves, with fruit exhibiting comparable increases only without fertigation. Fruit lycopene and total soluble solids were enhanced by CF + BP, with fertigation mediating differences. Combined CF and BP application promoted tomato fruit quality, without diminishing growth, while the performance of BP alone was improved with supplementary fertigation to maintain tomato growth, yield, and quality. Full article

This study examined the impact of different bio-based and biodegradable mulching films (TSCs) and soil conditioners (SCs) on plant productivity and fruit quality in a tomato cultivation trial under non-irrigated conditions. In particular, different TSCs were developed based on xanthan gum (XG) or gelatine (GEL) mixed with wood fibres (WFs), while SCs were produced using XG and cellulose fibres. A total of 72 plants of Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme were planted. The yield and number of fruits were measured at harvest, followed by physico-chemical analyses, while plant root systems were examined at the end of the experimental period. The results highlighted that the GEL-based TSCs improved the total fruit yield compared to the control (+50% on average). Furthermore, improved fruit yield was also observed for the XG-based SCs when applied in the soil with a higher organic content. Overall, no significant differences in fruit quality (i.e., Brix degree, carotenoids, lutein and potassium content) and plant root system parameters were found for all the treatments applied. At the end of the test, it was noticed that GEL-based films substantially retained their consistency due to their greater density and thickness, while XG-based films were more disintegrated, indicating higher biodegradation. Full article

Lardizabala biternata is a culturally valued, endemic vine of the Chilean Winter Rainfall–Valdivian Forest biodiversity hotspot, traditionally harvested for its sweet, edible fruits. Despite its ecological singularity as the sole species in a monotypic genus, the species remains biologically and agronomically understudied, with no formal cultivation systems. There is currently no baseline information on its fruit morphology, which limits the design of conservation strategies and the development of its agronomic potential. This study provides the first phenotypic characterisation of L. biternata fruits, aimed at supporting germplasm evaluation, ex situ conservation, and sustainable domestication of this rare species. A total of 205 fruits were sampled across two seasons and two geographically distant populations. We measured 14 traits, including weight, length, diameter, pulp content, and seed metrics, and analysed morphological variation using t-tests, ANOVA, regression, and principal component analysis or PCA. Fruits averaged 21.0 g in weight, 54.2 mm in length, and 23.8 mm in diameter. Edible pulp constituted 44.4% of total fruit weight and showed strong positive correlations with fruit size, seed number, and seed weight. Significant differences were observed across seasons and populations, with cooler, wetter conditions associated with larger fruits and higher pulp yield. Our findings reveal substantial morphological variability and climate sensitivity, providing a crucial baseline for selecting desirable traits. This work informs ongoing efforts in plant domestication, sustainable agriculture, and the conservation of underutilised species of cultural and ecological importance. Full article

The Marburg virus (MARV) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes a high case fatality rate of up to 100% in humans. In response to Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreaks in the Kagera region, an ecological investigation was initiated to map the population and ecological threat to the reservoir host of MARV: Egyptian fruit bats. The investigation conducted from October 2023 to December 2024 included interviews with local authorities to locate all known autochthonous bat colonies in the region. Bat species confirmation was performed using high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA) and DNA barcoding, targeting two mitochondrial genes: cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) and 16S rRNA. We found five considerably large cave-dwelling Egyptian fruit bat colonies (with approximately 100,000 individuals) at the geolocations between 1°06′04.2″ and 2°26′35.8″ S latitude and 30°40′49.7″ and 31°51′19.8″ E longitude. The study also provides the first confirmed identification of Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) (accession numbers: PV700530-PV700534) in major bat colonies in the Kagera River Basin ecosystem. Cave-dwelling Egyptian fruit bats in mines face higher risks, and thus, attention is needed to prevent this species from becoming more vulnerable to extinction. The loss of bat roosting sites and subsequent population declines are primarily driven by the destructive practice of burning car tyres and logs, a method used to eliminate colonies through toxic smoke and heat. The collection of guano and partially eaten fruits in mining caves, as well as daily contact with Egyptian fruit bats in mines, homes, and churches, have become major potential risk factors for MARV transmission to humans. Increased threats to bats in the Kagera region warrant the implementation of conservation strategies that ensure the survival of the bat populations and inform policies on MVD risk reduction in Tanzania and the broader East African region. Full article

‘Korla fragrant’ pear has a long history of cultivation in Xinjiang, China, with favorable economic and social benefits. The selection of tree growth has a direct impact on improvements in fruit yield and quality. In order to provide a theoretical basis for the efficient and high-quality cultivation of ‘Korla fragrant’ pear, two ‘Korla fragrant’ pear tree growth forms, namely trunk shape and small-canopy shape, were selected as experimental materials to study the differences in the parameters of different tree growth forms, as well as the effect on photosynthetic activity and fruit quality. The results show that the small-canopy-shape trees exhibited significantly improved photosynthetic activity, with a 60.64% higher net photosynthetic rate (Pn) in the upper canopy compared to the trunk-shape trees. Fruit quality was also superior in the small-canopy-shape trees, with increases in single-fruit weight (29.36–46.91%), soluble solids content (13.51–14.39%), soluble sugar content (25.79–27.56%), and vitamin C content (up to 0.4363 mg·100 g⁻¹ in the upper layer). However, the yield per unit area of the trunk-shape trees was significantly higher than that of the small-canopy-shape trees by 19.32% because of the higher number of short fruit branches and increased prevalence of smaller row spacing. In addition, within the same tree growth forms, photosynthetic activity and fruit quality were improved in the upper layers compared to the lower layers. Full article

Soil amendments can enhance soil and plant health; however, limited research has addressed their effects on soil health and crop productivity in alkaline soil. This study investigated the effects of various soil amendments and biostimulants by the Haney Soil Health Test, plant sap analysis, and Cucurbita pepo cv. ‘Dunja’ yield and quality. Treatments included unamended soil (T1) and applications of Humisoil® (T2), Humisoil with biochar (T3), wood vinegar (T4), Ensoil algae^TM (T5), and Humisoil with biochar and basaltic rock dust (T6). Compared to T1, T6, T5, T2, and T3 increased yield by 107%, 87%, 86%, and 52%, respectively. Regarding total fruit number per plant, T2, T6, and T5 outperformed T1 by 42%, 37%, and 37%, respectively. Additionally, T6 decreased Na concentration by 59% in the sap of young leaves and 50% in old leaves compared to T1. Compared to T1, T2 also reduced Na concentration in the sap of old leaves by 63%. For Cl, decreases of 30%, 16%, and 24% in old leaves were observed in T2, T4, and T6 treatments, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of biostimulants and soil amendments to improve zucchini yield and quality while improving soil health in alkaline soils. Full article

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a widely cultivated and economically important fruit crop with increasing consumer demand worldwide. Nowadays, in Uzbekistan, strawberry cultivation surpasses that of many other fruits and vegetables in terms of production volume. However, most genetic studies have focused on a limited set of cultivars, leaving a substantial portion of varietal diversity unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic variability and heritability among selected strawberry cultivars, as well as correlations between certain valuable agronomic traits, using molecular and statistical approaches. Polymorphism analysis was performed, using 67 gene-specific SSR markers, through PCR, and allele variations were observed in 46.3% of the markers analyzed. Among them, 31 markers displayed polymorphic bands, identifying fifty alleles, with one to four alleles per marker. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using MEGA 11 software, while statistical evaluations included AMOVA (GenAIEx), correlation (OriginPro), and descriptive statistics based on standard agronomic methods. Additionally, the degree of cross-compatibility and pollen viability among the cultivars were studied, and their significance for cultivar hybridization was analyzed. The highest fruit weight was observed in the Cinderella cultivar (26.2 g), and a moderate negative correlation (r = −0.688) was found between fruit number and fruit weight. These findings demonstrate the potential of molecular tools for assessing genetic diversity and provide valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at developing improved strawberry cultivars with desirable agronomic traits. Full article

‘Pera’ sweet orange is a key variety for the Brazilian citrus industry, but orchards rely on a limited number of clonal selections, which restricts adaptability and productivity across diverse environments. This study assessed the agronomic performance of 13 ‘Pera’ selections grafted on Rangpur lime, cultivated under rainfed conditions in subtropical Brazil. From 2002 to 2010, trees were assessed for vegetative growth, cumulative yield, alternate bearing, and fruit quality. Market-specific performance indices were calculated to determine suitability for fresh fruit or juice processing. Substantial genotypic variation was observed across traits, particularly during early orchard stage. Selections such as ‘Morretes’, ‘Seleção 11’, ‘Seleção 27’, ‘Seleção 37’, and ‘IPR 153’ demonstrated high cumulative yield, stable productivity, and favorable canopy traits, supporting their use in both conventional and high-density systems. ‘IPR 153’ combined compact growth with high yield efficiency and excellent fruit quality, while ‘Morretes’ had the highest juice content and broad market adaptability. In contrast, ‘IPR 159’ showed low vigor and yield under rainfed conditions. The results emphasize the value of regionally targeted clonal selection to improve orchard performance and market alignment. The identification of dual-purpose genotypes offers a pathway to diversify citrus production and improve profitability under subtropical growing conditions. Full article