Search Results (46)

The growing interest in sustainable food systems has spurred research into the valorisation of agro-industrial by-products as sources of bioactive compounds. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical composition, bioactivity, biotransformation, and potential nutraceutical applications of by-products from chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) and grape (Vitis vinifera L.). Recent studies identify matrices such as chestnut leaves, shells, and burs, as well as grape pomace, skins, seeds, stems, and vine shoots, as rich in phenolic compounds, dietary fibres, vitamins, and minor bioactives, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Emerging evidence highlights the importance of gastrointestinal digestion and microbial biotransformation in modulating the bioavailability and biological efficacy of phenolic compounds, particularly fibre-bound phenolics. The review further discusses state-of-the-art analytical approaches for chemical characterisation, including chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods, as well as emerging strategies for extraction, encapsulation, and delivery to enhance stability and bioavailability. Finally, the integration of chestnut and grapevine by-products into nutraceuticals, functional foods, and natural preservatives is critically examined from technological, safety, regulatory, and sustainability perspectives. Overall, this synthesis underscores the potential of these underutilised biomass streams as multifunctional raw materials that support waste valorisation, resource efficiency, and the development of next-generation health-promoting ingredients aligned with circular bioeconomy principles. Full article

Orchard crops generate substantial quantities of diverse biomass each year, with grapevines being among the most economically significant species worldwide. Considering the scale of this biomass, there is a growing need to explore rational strategies for its utilisation, for example, for energy production or other value-added applications. Such approaches may contribute to improving resource efficiency and reducing the environmental burden associated with agricultural waste. The aim of this study was to examine the energy potential of woody post-production waste from wine processing, with particular emphasis on grape stems of four cultivars—Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, and Zweigelt—grown in two contrasting climatic regions: south-eastern Poland and Moravia (Czech Republic). The results demonstrated that both the grape variety and cultivation site significantly influenced the majority of bunch biometric traits, including bunch and berry weight, berry number, and stem dimensions. A moderately warm climate promoted the development of larger and heavier bunches as well as more robust stems across all examined cultivars. Energy analyses indicated that Zweigelt stems produced under moderately warm conditions and Chardonnay stems from a temperate climate exhibited the most favourable combustion properties. Nonetheless, certain constraints were identified, such as increased ash (12.20%) and moisture content (11.51%) in Chardonnay grown in warmer conditions, and elevated CO and CO₂ emissions observed for Zweigelt (1333.26 kg·mg⁻¹). Overall, the findings confirm that grape stems constitute a promising local source of bioenergy, with their energy performance determined predominantly by varietal characteristics and climatic factors. Their utilisation aligns with circular-economy principles and may help reduce the environmental impacts associated with traditional viticultural waste management. Full article

The valorization of grapevine pruning residues through pyrolysis provides a sustainable approach to agricultural waste management, producing biochar with agricultural use potential and carbon sink functionality. This study investigated pruning residues from 12 grapevine cultivars to evaluate the cultivar effects on biochar properties. Samples were collected along the Croatian coast from Istria to Dalmatia and included six indigenous cultivars (Malvazija istarska, Pošip, Maraština, Teran, Plavina, and Plavac mali) and six introduced cultivars (Chardonnay, Pinot blanc, Sauvignon blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah). For each cultivar, residues were collected from three distinct vineyards with three replicates per vineyard. Pyrolysis was conducted in a muffle furnace at 400 °C. The pruning residues showed acidic pH (4.79–5.45), moderate electrical conductivity (1694–2390 µS cm⁻¹), and ash contents of 2.65–3.49% among all cultivars. Significant differences were observed among cultivars in residue carbon content and ash fraction, which were reflected in the resulting biochar. Biochar yield ranged from 32% to 35%, while pH values were alkaline, ranging from 10.20 to 11.13. Total carbon increased from 43.77 to 45.36% in grapevine-pruning residues to 65.88–71.57% in biochar. FT-IR spectra revealed cultivar-dependent variation in aromatic C=C intensification, while SEM analysis indicated differences in pore abundance and surface area (1.63–4.13 m² g⁻¹) between cultivars. These results demonstrate that carbon-dense cultivars produced biochars with greater structural stability, indicating enhanced resistance to decomposition. Spectroscopic and microscopic analyses consistently showed increased aromatic condensation, reduced aliphatic functionality, and greater porosity following pyrolysis. These cultivar-dependent differences highlight pruning residues as a chemically heterogeneous but predictable feedstock, with biochar properties primarily governed by the intrinsic characteristics of the source material. Full article

Growing consumer preference for natural products has prompted interest in the use of plant extracts as plant raw materials providing active ingredients for cosmetics. This study focuses on vine tendrils, a by-product of grape cultivation, as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds. The idea of loan extraction using components borrowed from the final formulation was applied to extract valuable compounds from vine tendrils. The effectiveness of different extraction media was compared by analyzing the chemical profile of the extracts obtained using LC–MS/MS and UV–VIS techniques. The results obtained indicate the potential of extracts from grapevine tendrils as plant materials rich in bioactive substances with antioxidant properties, which supports their use in cosmetic products aimed at improving hair condition and skin protection. It is important to emphasize that grapevine tendrils are considered waste material that must be removed during vineyard maintenance. Cosmetics based on the processed extracts were prepared and evaluated. The viscosity, foaming properties, color parameters, and irritation potential of the developed cosmetics were assessed. The obtained results demonstrated the potential of the waste material as a valuable source of natural cosmetic components. Full article

The intensification of agricultural practices and the consequent dramatic decrease in soil organic matter has increased the use of organic fertilizer to recover soil fertility and plant productivity. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of three amendments obtained from the recycling of urban and agri-food wastes on rhizosphere microbial community, soil, and plant nutrient status. The experiment was carried out on rhizobox-grown, 1-year-old vines of Sangiovese (Vitis vinifera L.), grafted onto 110 Richter (V. berlandieri × V. rupestris) planted in April 2023. Twenty-four rhizoboxes were filled with soil collected from a field trial in which three types of amendments had been applied since 2019. In detail, the complete randomized experimental design (with four replications) compared the following treatments: (1) municipal organic waste compost (ACM), (2) agri-food organic waste compost (ACF), (3) defecation gypsum (GDD), and (4) a control that received 60 kg of N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ (CK). The application of the amendments increased the soil concentration of total C, total N, and pH. The application of ACM increases soil K and Zn and the concentration of N and K in plant roots. The application of all the amendments increased leaf N concentration in comparison with CK, but only ACF increased leaf P. ACM was the most effective in promoting microbial biodiversity, increasing phyla like Bacillota, Pseudomonata, and Bacteroidota, including genra like Bacillus, Neobacillus, Paenibacillus, and Pseudomonas. ACF promoted Nitrosospherota and Chitinophaga, and GDD promoted Chloroflexota and Agrobacterium. Full article

In view of the growing challenges related to energy transition and the need to implement circular economy principles, the use of waste from the wine industry as bioenergy raw materials is becoming increasingly important. The aim of the study was to assess the energy potential of biomass in the form of grape stems and pomace from four varieties (PIWI)—Hibernal, Muscaris, Regent and Seyval Blanc—grown in south-eastern Poland. The analyses included the determination of technical and elementary parameters, pollutant emission indicators and exhaust gas composition parameters. The pomace was characterised by a higher calorific value, higher carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) content and lower dust emissions compared to the stems, but with higher carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Stems had a higher ash content, which may limit their energy use. The Hibernal variety achieved the highest calorific values at low moisture and low sulphur content, while Muscaris was characterised by increased nitrogen and sulphur content and higher sulphur dioxide emissions (SO₂) and dust emissions. The Regent variety showed relatively high nitrogen oxides (NO_X) emissions. Cluster analysis confirmed the diversity of varieties in terms of energy potential and waste biomass quantity. The results indicate that waste from PIWI grapevine cultivation can be a valuable local raw material for renewable energy production, contributing to waste reduction and greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector, but its suitability depends on the variety and type of biomass. Full article

The utilisation of agricultural residues for power generation is an opportunity to reduce fossil fuel usage and foster a sustainable circular economy in Mediterranean European regions. This can be achieved by resorting to the gasification process, which faces challenges such as optimising its operation parameters on real-world applications and lowering operational costs. This work studies the gasification process of a set of agricultural biomasses widely available in the Mediterranean Europe regions through modelling and simulation in Aspen Plus. The selected biomasses are olive stone, grapevine waste, and wheat straw. The effect of temperature, equivalence ratio, and steam-to-biomass ratio on gasifier performance and their effect on gas composition was assessed. The results indicate that olive stone and wheat straw performed best in terms of syngas composition and cold gas efficiency. The analyses show good gasification performance for temperatures above 750 °C, equivalence ratios ranging from 0.1 to 0.3, depending on the raw material and steam-to-biomass ratios below 0.1. The obtained values show the validity and the potential of a downdraft gasification reactor to be used with these abundant agricultural biomasses in the Mediterranean European region. Its integration with a reciprocating engine is a rational choice for distributed power generation. Full article

This study evaluates the agronomic potential of two types of vermicompost—one produced solely from wine industry residues (WIR) and one incorporating sewage sludge (WIR + SS)—under rainfed and deficit irrigation conditions in Mediterranean vineyards. The vermicompost was obtained through a two-phase process involving initial thermophilic pre-composting, followed by vermicomposting using Eisenia fetida for 90 days. The conditions were optimized to ensure aerobic decomposition and maintain proper moisture levels (70–85%) and temperature control. This resulted in end products that met the legal standards required for agricultural use. However, population dynamics revealed significantly higher worm reproduction and biomass in the WIR treatment, suggesting superior substrate quality. When applied to grapevines, WIR vermicompost increased soil organic matter, nitrogen availability, and overall fertility. Under rainfed conditions, it improved vegetative growth, yield, and must quality, with increases in yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN), sugar content, and amino acid levels comparable to those achieved using chemical fertilizers, as opposed to the no-fertilizer trial. Foliar analyses at veraison revealed stronger nutrient uptake, particularly of nitrogen and potassium, which was correlated with improved oenological parameters compared to the no-fertilizer trial. In contrast, WIR + SS compost was less favorable due to lower worm activity and elevated trace elements, despite remaining within legal limits. These results support the use of vermicompost derived solely from wine residues as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, in line with the goals of the circular economy in viticulture. Full article

Biochar has attracted interest in viticulture for its potential to enhance nutrient uptake and improve grapevine physiology under changing climatic conditions, particularly in Mediterranean regions. However, the widespread adoption of biochar has been limited due to economic and logistical constraints associated with its large-scale application. To address these barriers hindering the widespread adoption of biochar, this study investigates the effects of foliar-applied water suspensions of biochar at concentrations of 300 mg/L (B300), 600 mg/L (B600), and 1200 mg/L (B1200), compared to a water-only control (C), as a practical alternative application method. The research focused on Malvazija istarska (Vitis vinifera L.), an indigenous Croatian grapevine variety, conducted in an experimental vineyard in Poreč, Croatia. The key physiological parameters examined included photo-synthetic activity, leaf water potential, the elemental composition of the grapevine leaves, and grape yield. Foliar applications were administered three times during the growing season, with five replicates per treatment. The results indicated that biochar treatments had no significant impact on photosynthetic activity, suggesting that foliar application did not cause leaf shading. However, higher biochar concentrations (B600 and B1200) led to increased leaf concentrations of nitrogen (2.1–3.8%), potassium (10.1–18.4 g/kg), sulfur (2.2–2.5 g/kg), boron (65.1–83.6 mg/kg), and manganese (42.4–69.8 mg/kg) compared to B300 and C treatments. Conversely, magnesium content decreased (2.1–2.7 g/kg), likely due to potassium–magnesium antagonism. Furthermore, the B600 treatment produced the highest grape yield (2.67 kg/vine), representing up to a 37% increase compared to other treatments. These findings suggest that the foliar application of biochar can be an effective and sustainable strategy to enhance vineyard productivity. Moreover, it offers a circular economy approach by valorizing grapevine pruning waste as a biochar source. Full article

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most extensively cultivated crops in temperate climates, with its primary fate being wine production, which is paired with a great generation of grape pomace (GP). GP contains a plethora of antioxidant phenolic compounds, being well-known for its high content of various tannins, liable for the astringency of this fruit. Winemaking produces a great mass of by-products that are rich in tannins. Grape seed (GSd) and pulp waste, as well as leaves and stems (GSt), are rich in condensed tannins (CTs), while its skin (GSk) contains more flavonols and phenolic acids. CTs are polymers of flavan-3-ols, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are well-accounted for, being the subject of extensive research for various applications. CTs from the diverse fractions of grapefruit and grapevine share similar structures given their composition but diverge in their degree of polymerization, which can modulate their chemical interactions and may be present at around 30 to 80 mg/g, depending on the grape fraction. Thus, this prominent agroindustrial by-product, which is usually managed as raw animal feed or further fermented for liquor production, can be valorized as a source of tannins with high added value. The present review addresses current knowledge on tannin diversity in grapefruit and grapevine by-products, assessing the differences in composition, quantity, and degree of polymerization. Current knowledge of their reported bioactivities will be discussed, linking them to their current and potential applications in food and feed. Full article

This paper presents the identification of the functional requirements and development of a preliminary concept of the AgriRover, a low-cost, modular autonomous vehicle intended to support sustainable practices in traditional vineyards in developing countries, focusing on the Ica region of Peru. Viticulture in this region faces acute challenges such as soil salinity, climate variability, labour shortages, and low technological readiness. Rather than offering a ready-made technological integration, this study adopts a step-by-step design approach grounded in the realities of smallholder farmers. The authors mapped the phenological stages of grapevines using the BBCH scale and systematically reviewed available sensing and monitoring technologies to determine the most context-appropriate solutions. Virtual modelling and preliminary analysis validate AgriRover’s geometric configuration and path-following capabilities within narrow vineyard rows. The proposed platform is meant to be adaptable, scalable, and maintainable using locally available material and human resources. AgriRover offers a practical and affordable foundation for precision agriculture in resource-constrained settings by aligning viticultural challenges with sensor deployment strategies and sustainability criteria. The sustainability analysis of the initial AgriRover concept was evaluated using the CML methodology, accounting for local waste processing rates and energy mixes to reflect environmental realities in Peru. Full article

The application of biochar is extensively recognized as an effective strategy to enhance soil ecosystem services. However, its combined effect with beneficial microorganisms, such as Trichoderma, still requires further investigation to understand its impact on soil microbiota and nutrient cycling processes. To address this gap, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of biochar produced from on-farm winery waste, specifically grape stalks (GSB) and grape fermentation residues (GFB), generated after wine production, when co-applied with Trichoderma aureoviride URM 5158 and Trichoderma hamatum URM 6656 in soil cultivated with Malbec grapevines. Our findings reveal that both types of biochar and Trichoderma promoted changes in soil properties. The application of GSB biochar combined with T. hamatum increased grape productivity, while GFB biochar enhanced soil enzymatic activities, particularly those expressed per unit of microbial biomass carbon. Additionally, biochar applications increased pH, phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon, and microbial biomass carbon of the soil. Soils treated with the GFB + T. hamatum treatment exhibited an increase of 569.23% in microbial biomass carbon compared to the control. The results of this study provide substantial evidence that biochar and Trichoderma can be used to improve the chemical and biological properties of vineyard soils, increasing nutrient availability, especially carbon. These effects may contribute to soil fertility by promoting a more favorable environment for microbiota development and grapevine growth. This is the first field study to investigate the impact of on-farm winery waste transformed into biochar, combined with Trichoderma isolates, on Malbec grapevines. Full article

The study assessed the yield and quality as well as the energy potential of biomass from stalks and pomace of four grape varieties, Riesling, Chardonnay, Zweigelt, and Merlot Vitis vinifera L., grown in temperate climate conditions. The research is innovative because the evaluation of the energy potential of biomass originating from Vitis vinifera L. has not been carried out so far in the northern wine-growing regions. Field studies were conducted in 2023 in the Experimental Vineyard of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, located in southeastern Poland. Biometric yield assessment showed that Chardonnay vines were characterized by the lowest mass of clusters and peduncles, number of berries in the cluster, berry diameter, and peduncle size, and at the same time the highest berry mass among the assessed biotypes. Merlot clusters were characterized by the highest mass of clusters and the largest peduncles. Riesling had the most berries in the cluster, the heaviest peduncles, and the highest share of peduncles in the cluster mass (8.99%). For grape pomace, the LHV values range from 15.98 MJ kg⁻¹ for the Chardonnay variety to 16.91 MJ kg⁻¹ for Riesling, while for peduncles, these values range from 15.11 MJ·kg⁻¹ for Merlot and Riesling to 15.26 MJ kg⁻¹ for Chardonnay. The differences in pollutant emissions are more pronounced between grapevine varieties than between types of biomass (pomace vs. peduncles). The greatest variation among varieties was observed for carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in the pomace category, while the smallest differences were noted for sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions. Total gas emissions were highest for Zweigelt pomace (7.72 Nm³ kg⁻¹) and lowest for Merlot (6.99 Nm³ kg⁻¹), while for stalks, Chardonnay had the highest values (6.77 Nm³ kg⁻¹) and Merlot the lowest (7.32 Nm³ kg⁻¹). The largest variation among varieties was observed in the pomace category. These results indicate differences in exhaust gas emissions for different plant parts and grape varieties, which are relevant for optimizing production processes and ensuring sustainable development. Full article

This study evaluates the effect of protein hydrolysates, obtained from grape seed meal (industrial waste), as colour stabilisers in red wines from warm climates. Protein hydrolysates were added to the wine after fermentation and maceration. Assays were performed using different types and doses of protein hydrolysates. Two grapevine-growing seasons were monitored over 8 months. Attention was focused on different families of polyphenolic compounds, copigmentation, and polymerisation, and colour changes were assessed by differential tristimulus colourimetry. Regardless of doses and typology, wines with protein hydrolysates suffered a decrease in the amount of phenolics and an increase in % polymerisation. Only wines treated with 3 g/L of hydrolysates showed lower colour intensity and greater clarity and hue after 8 months, while treatment with 0.5 g/L produced brownish wines. The addition of hydrolysates from a low hydrolysis time did not affect the copigmentation balances or produced negative visually perceptible colour differences over time. These results indicate that the post-fermentation addition of protein hydrolysates does not seem to significantly improve the stabilisation of the wine colour, in contrast to the addition at other stages. This information is of great interest to wineries to consider the application of this novel technique at the optimal time. Full article

The grapevine industry is confronted with challenges such as plant stress from environmental factors and microbial infections, alongside the need for sustainable waste management practices. Natural polymers offer promising solutions to these issues due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional versatility. This review explores the dual role of natural polymers in enhancing the grapevine industry: as protective agents against various stressors and as carriers for the delivery of valuable compounds recovered from grapevine wastes. We examine the use of natural polymers such as chitosan, alginate, and cellulose in formulating bio-based protective coatings and treatments that bolster plant resistance to abiotic stress, pathogens, and pests. Additionally, the review delves into the innovative utilization of grapevine residues, including skins, seeds, and stems, as sources of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds. These compounds can be efficiently encapsulated in natural polymer matrices for applications in agriculture, food, and pharmaceuticals. Key topics include the mechanisms of action, benefits, and limitations of natural polymer-based interventions, as well as case studies demonstrating their practical implementation in vineyards. The review also addresses future research directions, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that enhance sustainability and economic viability in the grapevine industry. Full article