Search Results (230)

Cannabis is usually dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Cultivators prioritize the use of female plants because their flowers contain a higher density of glandular trichomes, the primary source of cannabinoids, compared to male flowers. Feminized seeds, which give rise exclusively to female plants, are highly valued in the cannabis industry. These seeds are produced by crossing a natural female plant with another female plant that has been masculinized to generate pollen. Masculinization is achieved by inhibiting ethylene and/or applying gibberellins prior to flower initiation in female plants. Currently, silver thiosulfate (STS) is the most common treatment used in the cannabis industry, though environmental concerns arise from silver applications. This study compared STS with three other ethylene-inhibiting agents: aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), cobalt nitrate (CBN), and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). Some STS and CBN treatments also included gibberellic acid as a synergist. STS-treated plants displayed the most effective masculinization and pollen dispersal, compared to plants treated with AVG. Only STS and AVG generated sufficient pollen for collection. This pollen was initially tested for germination potential and subsequently stored for up to five weeks at 22.2 °C, 7.2 °C, or 1.1 °C.Germination rates ranged from 2.2% to 5.8%, underscoring the influence of storage conditions and highlighting the need to refine preservation methods to enhance agricultural viability. Pollen from plants treated with AVG remained viable for three weeks at 1.1 °C, although there were concerns about a high risk of phytotoxicity. STS-treated pollen also remained viable for three weeks at the same temperature. Neither CBN nor 1-MCP treatments were effective in inducing masculinization. No clear synergistic effect of gibberellic acid combined with STS or AVG was observed; however, growth stunting led to increased mortality. Due to pollen viability and phytotoxicity problems with AVG, STS remains the best treatment to masculinize female cannabis plants when breeding for feminized seeds. Full article

Efficiency in vitro regeneration is a crucial prerequisite for the application of New Nenomics Techniques (NGTs) in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) for improving resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This is especially true given that their management must be addressed sustainably, considering the impact of climate change. Unfortunately, in vitro plant regeneration and the establishment of embryogenic calluses are two genotype-dependent processes. Up to now, extensive research has been conducted on major international cultivars, whereas studies on the application of in vitro protocols for autochthonous cultivars remain limited. In this study, protocols for the acquisition of embryogenic calluses were applied on the most relevant Sicilian grapevine cultivars: the red-skinned ‘Frappato’, ‘Nerello mascalese’, and ‘Nero d’Avola’, and the white-skinned ‘Grillo’, ‘Carricante’, and ‘Catarratto’. Stamens and pistils were cultured in two different induction media (PIV and MSII) and at three stages (mother cells in the late premeiotic phase, tetrads, and mature pollen) to induce embryogenic calluses. Five thousand explants per cultivar were cultured, forming calluses in four selected cultivars. Plantlets were successfully generated from calluses of ‘Carricante’, ‘Frappato’, and ‘Nero d’Avola’. Moreover, protoplasts were isolated from ‘Frappato’ and ‘Nero d’Avola’. Our results establish a critical foundation for developing successful regeneration protocols for the future application of NGTs in Sicilian grapevine cultivars. Full article

Many viruses, bacteria, and pollen that cause diseases such as COVID-19 are inhaled by humans as aerosols. Therefore, wearing a mask to block pathogen-containing aerosols is crucial for disease prevention. However, current masks have a drawback—residual bacteria on the mask surface can become aerosolized again, spreading infections. To address this, a reusable mask incorporating the antibacterial properties of silver particles should be developed to suppress the immune response to pathogens and pollen that contact the mask surface. This study analyzed protein surface changes in pollen shells following electroless silver plating on polypropylene (PP) filters of KF94 masks using microcurrent. Pore density increased from 7.94% before microcurrent application to 14.8% and 16.9%, depending on the duration of exposure. These results suggest that microcurrents alter pollen surfaces and affect the proteins in pollen shells that trigger hay fever, confirming the potential for preventing pollen allergies. Full article

Waxy rice starch (WRS), characterized by low amylose content, high viscosity, and strong gel-forming ability, is highly valued in food and industrial applications. Temperature-sensitive genic male-sterile (TGMS) lines exhibit complete male sterility under low-temperature conditions, a trait widely exploited in hybrid rice breeding. Here, we generated an elite waxy TGMS line, 520S, via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of the Waxy (Wx) gene. The wx mutants displayed robust male sterility, desirable glutinous traits, and favorable physicochemical properties, including gelatinization temperature, gel consistency, paste viscosity, and amylopectin fine structure. Fertility assays confirmed temperature-sensitive pollen sterility consistent with wild-type responses, and T2 generation mutants were transgene-free with stable inheritance of the waxy phenotype. Notably, wx starch maintained gel stability over 48 h, demonstrating superior hydrocolloidal properties and translucency compared with wild-type and commercial WRS. 520Swx1 retained gelatinization temperature and amylopectin structure comparable to wild type, highlighting the potential of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis to enhance waxy rice yield while preserving starch quality. These findings establish an efficient strategy to improve both production and functional performance of WRS for industrial and food applications. Full article

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a vital global forage crop. Transgenic technology promises enhanced yield and quality, but requires rigorous environmental risk assessment, particularly regarding pollen-mediated gene flow, for which standardized protocols are lacking. Based on an optimized in vitro culture medium, this study developed a method to assess alfalfa pollen viability. Using a single-factor experimental design, key assessment parameters were established at 1/4/8 h and 20/30/40 °C. A comparative analysis revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in pollen viability between the transgenic line SA6-8 and its non-transgenic parent “ZM-1” within this evaluation system. This result indicates that the genetic modification did not impact the pollen viability of SA6-8. By establishing this in vitro germination-based pollen viability assessment system and comparatively analyzing pollen viability between transgenic alfalfa and its non-transgenic parent under diverse environmental conditions, our approach provides crucial insights for optimizing transgenic alfalfa planting strategies and strengthening biosafety review protocols. Full article

The predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni Chant (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a key biological control agent against spider mites and other pests. For its broad application, efficient and affordable mass-rearing systems are essential. This study evaluated the effects of rearing substrate, food type, and rearing history on the development, survival, reproduction, and predation efficiency of the predator. Mites were reared on leaf discs or Plexiglas plates and fed one of five diets, including various plant pollens and the stored product mite Carpoglyphus lactis (L.) (Acari: Carpoglyphidae). Additionally, it was assessed whether rearing five generations on cattail pollen supplemented with the natural prey (Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) or frozen C. lactis influenced later predators’ performance. The substrate type did not affect development or survival contrary to the food source, with mites fed on cattail pollen or C. lactis developing faster and producing more eggs. Survival remained high across all diets. The intrinsic rate of increase was highest with cattail pollen and C. lactis. The five-generation rearing did not affect performance or feeding on natural prey such as T. urticae or Aculops lycopersici (Tryon) (Acari: Eriophyidae). These findings demonstrate that A. andersoni can be effectively mass-reared on alternative diets and substrates, supporting biocontrol strategies. Full article

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from plant exudates and enriched with beeswax, pollen, and enzymes. Known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-aging properties, it has attracted interest for applications in food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. In this work, Portuguese propolis from the Guarda region was characterized to evaluate how different solvents influence extraction efficiency and bioactive potential. Samples were extracted by cold maceration using 96% ethanol, 70% ethanol, and ultrapure water, and their physicochemical profile was determined. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, while antioxidant activity was assessed through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Tyrosinase and elastase inhibition tests were performed to assess anti-aging potential. Ethanolic extracts contained markedly higher phenolic and flavonoid levels than aqueous extracts, with 70% ethanol showing a slight advantage for flavonoid recovery. Both TPC and TFC correlated strongly with antioxidant activity (R² > 0.95), highlighting phenolics, particularly flavonoids, as the main contributors to bioactivity. The 96% ethanol extract showed the highest tyrosinase inhibition (46.9 ± 0.9%), while elastase inhibition remained consistently high for ethanolic extracts. Overall, these findings indicate that Portuguese propolis is a rich source of bioactive compounds and emphasize the importance of solvent selection to optimize its functional properties. Full article

Honeybee pollen is widely recognized as a functional apicultural product due to its rich nutritional profile, but its composition is strongly influenced by seasonality and floral availability. Understanding these seasonal dynamics is critical for optimizing the nutritional and bioactive quality of bee-collected pollen. This study investigated the seasonal variation in the physicochemical and mineral composition of honeybee pollen collected monthly from April to September 2024 from an apiary in the Tulkibas district, Turkistan region, Kazakhstan. Pollen samples were analyzed for key quality parameters, including moisture, protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, starch, ash, and minerals (Ca, P, K, Mg, Na, Cu, Fe, Zn). Moisture, protein, fat, fiber, starch, and ash were determined using standard AOAC methods, while minerals were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Zn; Analytik Jena novAA 350), flame emission spectrophotometry (Na, K), and the molybdenum blue colorimetric method (P). The moisture content decreased significantly from 10.34 ± 1.74% in April to 5.23 ± 0.86% in June (p = 0.0030), while protein increased from 20.28 ± 2.13% to a peak of 23.66 ± 1.70% in June (p = 0.0268). The fat content reached its maximum in July at 8.67 ± 0.11% (p = 0.0446), and carbohydrates peaked at 14.41 ± 0.11% in the same month. Among minerals, Fe and Zn showed substantial increases, with iron rising from 47.51 ± 5.69 mg/kg in April to 143.39 ± 6.58 mg/kg in July (p = 0.0388), and Zn from 38.56 ± 2.36 mg/kg to 57.14 ± 8.54 mg/kg (p = 0.0302). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation confirmed strong seasonal clustering and nutrient interrelationships. These findings highlight the superior nutritional value of mid- to late-season pollen and underscore the importance of the harvest timing in optimizing the bioactive profile of bee-collected pollen for apicultural and functional food applications. Full article

Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia), Macadamia tetraphylla and hybrids, a crop of high economic and nutritional importance, faces challenges with low fruit set rates and severe fruit drop. To address this, we investigated the effects of exogenous plant growth regulators (PGRs) and boron fertilizer on the development, fruit set, and yield of the A4 macadamia variety. The study was conducted in 2024 at the Lujiangba research base (China, Yunnan Province). Five treatments were applied during key growth stages: boron (B), brassinosteroids (BR), N-(2-Chloro-4-pyridyl)-N’-phenylurea (CPPU), 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), and gibberellic acid (GA₃). Growth stages include flower bud formation, peak flowering, and fruiting. Our findings revealed that B treatment significantly increased pollen viability (95.69% improvement) and raceme length (23.97% increase), while BR enhanced flower count per raceme (26.37% increase) and CPPU improved flower retention (10.53% increase). Additionally, GA₃ and 6-BA promoted leaf expansion in new shoots, increasing leaf length by 39.83% and 31.39%, respectively. Notably, B application significantly improved total yield (43.11% increase) and fruit number (39.12% increase), whereas BR maximized nut shell diameter (5.7% increase) and individual nut weight (19.9% increase). Furthermore, CPPU and 6-BA markedly improved initial fruit set rates, while GA₃, BR, and B effectively reduced early fruit drop. Physiological analyses indicated that elevated soluble sugars and proteins in flowers correlated with higher initial fruit set, whereas increased endogenous cytokinin and GA₃ levels improved fruit retention and reduced drop rates. Based on these findings, we propose an integrated approach to optimize productivity: applying 0.02% B at the floral bud stage, 2 mg/L 6-BA at full bloom, and a combination of 0.02% B and 0.2 mL/L BR during early fruit set. This strategy not only enhances yield but also mitigates fruit drop, offering practical solutions for macadamia production. Full article

Over the past years, increasing attention has been drawn to the adverse effects of agricultural pesticide use on pollinators, with honeybees being especially vulnerable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of residues detectable and/or quantifiable of neonicotinoid pesticides and other pesticides in biological materials (bees, bee brood, etc.) and beehive products (honey, pollen, etc.) applied as seed dressings in rapeseed and sunflower plants in two growing seasons (2020–2021) in fields located in three agro-climatic regions in Romania. The study involved the comparative sampling of hive products (honey, pollen, adult bees, and brood) from experimental and control apiaries, followed by pesticide residue analysis in an accredited laboratory (Primoris) using validated chromatographic techniques (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS). Toxicological analyses of 96 samples, including bees, bee brood, honey, and pollen, confirmed the presence of residues in 46 samples, including 10 bee samples, 10 bee brood samples, 18 honey samples, and 8 pollen bread samples. The mean pesticide residue concentrations detected in hive products were 0.032 mg/kg in honey, 0.061 mg/kg in pollen, 0.167 mg/kg in bees, and 0.371 mg/kg in bee brood. The results highlight the exposure of honeybee colonies to multiple sources of pesticide residue contamination, under conditions where legal recommendations for the controlled application of agricultural treatments are not followed. The study provides relevant evidence for strengthening the risk assessment framework and underscores the need for adopting stricter monitoring and regulatory measures to ensure the protection of honeybee colony health. Full article

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) has been identified as one of the most harmful invasive weed species in Europe due to its allergenic pollen and competitive growth in diverse habitats. In the first part of this review [Common Ragweed—Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.: A Review with Special Regards to the Latest Results in Biology and Ecology], its biological characteristics and ecological behavior were described in detail. In the current paper, control strategies are summarized, focusing on integrated weed management adapted to the specific habitat where the species causes damage—arable land, semi-natural vegetation, urban areas, or along linear infrastructures. A range of management methods is reviewed, including agrotechnical, mechanical, physical, thermal, biological, and chemical approaches. Particular attention is given to the spread of herbicide resistance and the need for diversified, habitat-specific interventions. Among biological control options, the potential of Ophraella communa LeSage, a leaf beetle native to North America, is highlighted. Furthermore, innovative technologies such as UAV-assisted weed mapping, site-specific herbicide application, and autonomous weeding robots are discussed as environmentally sustainable tools. The role of legal regulations and pollen monitoring networks—particularly those implemented in Hungary—is also emphasized. By combining traditional and advanced methods within a coordinated framework, effective and ecologically sound ragweed control can be achieved. Full article

Polyploidy in plants can enhance stress resistance and secondary metabolite production, offering potential benefits for Clausena lansium (L.) Skeel, a medicinally valuable species. However, systematic studies of polyploidy-induced morphological, anatomical, and metabolic changes in this species are lacking. This study aimed to induce and characterize polyploid C. lansium lines, assess ploidy-dependent variations, and evaluate their impact on bioactive metabolite accumulation. Three cultivars were hybridized, treated with colchicine, and bred, yielding 13 stable polyploid lines confirmed by flow cytometry and chromosome counting. The polyploids exhibited distinct traits, including larger pollen grains, altered leaf margins, increased leaflet numbers, enlarged guard cells with reduced stomatal density, and thicker leaf tissues. Metabolomic analysis revealed that tetraploids accumulated significantly higher levels of flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids compared to diploids, while triploids showed moderate increases. These findings demonstrate that polyploidization, particularly tetraploidy, enhances C. lansium’s medicinal potential by boosting pharmacologically active compounds. The study expands germplasm resources and supports the development of high-quality cultivars for pharmaceutical applications. Full article

The increasing scale of honey adulteration poses a significant challenge for modern food quality and safety management systems. Honey authenticity, defined as the conformity of products with their declared botanical and geographical origin, is challenging to verify solely through documentation and conventional physicochemical analyses. This study presents an integrated, process-oriented approach for digital honey authentication, building on initial findings from an interdisciplinary research and development project. The approach includes the creation of a comprehensive digital pollen database and the application of AI-driven image segmentation and classification methods. The developed system is designed to support decision-making processes in quality assessment and VACCP (Vulnerability Assessment and Critical Control Points) risk evaluation, enhancing the operational resilience of honey supply chains against fraudulent practices. This study aligns with current trends in the digitization of food quality management and the use of Industry 4.0 technologies in the agri-food sector, demonstrating the practical feasibility of integrating AI-supported palynological analysis into industrial workflows. The results indicate that the proposed approach can significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of honey authenticity assessments, supporting the integrity and transparency of global honey markets. Full article

The paper presents a study of changes in selected physicochemical properties of honeys during their refrigerated storage at 8 ± 1 °C for 24 weeks. On the basis of the study of primary pollen, the botanical identification of the variety of honeys was made—rapeseed, multiflower and buckwheat honey. The samples were stored for 24 weeks in dark, hermetically sealed glass containers in a refrigerated chamber (8 ± 1 °C, 73 ± 2% relative humidity). The comprehensive suite of analyses comprised sugar profiling (ion chromatography), moisture content determination (refractometry), pH and acidity measurement (titration), electrical conductivity, color assessment in the CIELab system (ΔE and BI indices), texture parameters (penetration testing), rheological properties (rheometry), and microscopic evaluation of crystal morphology; all data were subjected to statistical treatment (ANOVA, Tukey’s test, Pearson correlations). The changes in these parameters were examined at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks of storage. A slight but significant increase in moisture content was observed (most pronounced in rapeseed honey), while all parameters remained within the prescribed limits and showed no signs of fermentation. The honeys’ color became markedly lighter. Already in the first weeks of storage, an increase in the L* value and elevated ΔE indices were recorded. The crystallization process proceeded in two distinct phases—initial nucleation (occurring fastest in rapeseed honey) followed by the formation of crystal agglomerates—which resulted in rising hardness and cohesion up to weeks 6–12, after which these metrics gradually declined; simultaneously, a rheological shift was noted, with viscosity increasing and the flow behavior changing from Newtonian to pseudoplastic, especially in rapeseed honey. Studies show that refrigerated storage accelerates honey crystallization, as lower temperatures promote the formation of glucose crystals. This accelerated crystallization may have practical applications in the production of creamed honey, where controlled crystal formation is essential for achieving a smooth, spreadable texture. Full article

Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) are perennial herbaceous flowers with high ornamental and medicinal value. Currently, the breeding of new daylily cultivars was mainly achieved through hybrid breeding, but issues such as self-incompatibility, hybridization barriers, and asynchronous reproductive phenology severely hinder the breeding process. Understanding pollen viability was essential for daylily breeding and cultivar improvement. In this study, we systematically investigated the effects of pollen viability determination methods, collection time, medium combinations, culture temperature and storage conditions on the pollen germination characteristics of daylily, using five daylily cultivars introduced in the Zhanjiang region of China as materials. Comparing the Iodine-potassium iodide (I₂-KI) staining and Acetocarmine staining, the results of 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium Chloride (TTC) staining showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) with the in vitro germination rate, which is suitable for the rapid detection of daylily pollen vigor. The daylily variation of pollen vigor was significant in different cultivars, and most cultivars had the highest vigor at 9:00–12:00 a.m., which was suitable for artificial pollination. The in vitro germination experiment showed that sucrose concentration was the key factor for daylily pollen germination and pollen tube growth, and the optimal medium for pollen in vitro germination was 50 g/L⁻¹ sucrose + 0.1 g/L⁻¹ H₃BO₃ + 0.06 g/L⁻¹ KNO₃ + 0.2 g/L⁻¹ Ca(NO₃)₂. The temperature experiment showed that the optimum temperature for pollen germination was 24.1–26.7 °C, and the optimum range for pollen tube growth was 24.1–25.7 °C, and the high temperature significantly inhibited the elongation rate of pollen tube. Storage experiments showed that low temperature (−40 °C) combined with drying treatment could significantly prolong pollen life, and the “Water Dragon” variety still maintained 41.29% vigor after 60 days of dry storage. This study provides theoretical basis and technical support for the introduction and domestication of daylily in South China, hybridization and garden application. Full article