Biology and Life Sciences Forum

52 pages, 470 KiB

Open AccessConference Report

Abstracts of the 3rd International Electronic Conference on Microbiology

by Nico Jehmlich

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 46(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025046003 - 31 Jul 2025

The current proceedings summarize the presentations delivered during the third International Electronic Conference on Microbiology (ECM 2025), which was held online from 1 to 3 April 2025, via the SciForum platform. This virtual event brought together researchers from around the world to share [...] Read more.

The current proceedings summarize the presentations delivered during the third International Electronic Conference on Microbiology (ECM 2025), which was held online from 1 to 3 April 2025, via the SciForum platform. This virtual event brought together researchers from around the world to share recent advances in microbiological sciences. The ECM 2025 highlighted recent developments across a broad spectrum of microbiological research, including antimicrobial resistance, gut microbiota, infectious diseases, and environmental microbiomes. Participants shared their work through online presentations and abstracts, with selected submissions invited for full publication. The event fostered global collaboration, promoted open-access science, and showcased innovative tools for studying and managing microbial systems in health, agriculture, and industry. The multidisciplinary program was organized into several thematic sessions: S1. Gut Microbiota and Health Disease. S2. Foodborne Pathogens and Food Safety. S3. Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance. S4. Emerging Infectious Diseases. S5. Microbiome and Soil Science. S6. Microbial Characterization and Bioprocess. S7. Microbe–Plant Interactions. This conference report presents summaries of the contributions made by participating authors over the three-day event. Full article

12 pages, 547 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

“Animals Are My Friends”: Exploring the Relationship Between Animal Companionship in Childhood and Moral Concerns in Adulthood

by Léa Berger-Meunier, David S. Smith, Nathalie Marec-Breton and Nathalie Bonneton-Botté

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 45(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025045002 - 29 Jul 2025

Abstract

Research on human–animal relationships suggests that close bonds with animals can enhance empathy, reduce speciesism, and improve human physical and psychological health. This study investigated whether pet ownership—particularly attachment to a companion animal during childhood—is associated with differences in moral concerns toward all [...] Read more.

Research on human–animal relationships suggests that close bonds with animals can enhance empathy, reduce speciesism, and improve human physical and psychological health. This study investigated whether pet ownership—particularly attachment to a companion animal during childhood—is associated with differences in moral concerns toward all animals in adulthood. It also aimed to explore the potential effects of empathy and speciesism on overall moral concerns toward animals. Using self-report questionnaires among 72 participants recruited online, the analyses revealed a significant effect of animal categories on moral concerns, F(1, 1.98) = 59.37, p < 0.001. Mean moral concern scores were significantly higher for companion animals (M = 6.04, SD = 1.15) than for food animals (M = 4.90, SD = 1.44), unappealing wild animals (M = 4.20, SD = 1.87), and appealing wild animals (M = 5.73, SD = 1.32), p < 0.05. Additionally, childhood pet owners reported greater moral concerns for all animals, F(1, 1.98) = 4.87, η² = 0.065, p < 0.05. Attachment to a companion animal in childhood was positively correlated with moral concerns for all animal categories. Finally, although attachment and empathy were both positively related to moral concern, only attachment was a significant predictor (p < 0.05). Further research is needed to understand the psychological mechanisms influencing views on animal rights and welfare. Full article

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15 pages, 253 KiB

Open AccessConference Report

Challenges and Opportunities of Genomic Surveillance SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico Meeting

by Hugo G. Castelán-Sánchez, Gamaliel López-Leal, Rodrigo López-García, Ugo Avila-Ponce de León, Luis Delaye, Maribel Hernández-Rosales, Selene Zárate, Claudia Wong, Eric Avila-Vales, Irma López-Martínez, Margarita Valdés-Alemán, Ramón A. González, Luis A. Mendoza-Torres, Nelly Selem-Mojica, Edgar E. Sevilla-Reyes, Paola Rojas-Estevez, Marcela Mercado-Reyes, Aidee Orozco-Hernández, Jesús Torres-Flores and León Martínez-Castilla

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 48(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025048001 - 29 Jul 2025

Abstract

In late 2019, a new virus, SARS-CoV-2, emerged in Wuhan, China, causing COVID-19 and the subsequent global pandemic. As of 30 April 2023, more than 774 million cases of COVID-19 had been reported worldwide, including over 7.5 million in Mexico. Despite advances in [...] Read more.

In late 2019, a new virus, SARS-CoV-2, emerged in Wuhan, China, causing COVID-19 and the subsequent global pandemic. As of 30 April 2023, more than 774 million cases of COVID-19 had been reported worldwide, including over 7.5 million in Mexico. Despite advances in vaccination, epidemic surges of COVID-19 continued to occur globally, highlighting the importance of sharing and disseminating the experiences gained during these first years to better understand the virus’s evolution and respond accordingly. For this reason, the National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT) organized the meeting “Challenges and Opportunities for Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico” from 15 to 17 August 2022, to present the efforts and results accumulated over more than two years of the pandemic. In this meeting report, we summarize the key findings of each participant and provide their contact information. Full article

7 pages, 723 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Octanoic Fatty Acid Significantly Impacts the Growth of Foodborne Pathogens and Quality of Mabroom Date Fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

by Elshafia Ali Hamid Mohammed, Károly Pál and Azza Siddig Hussien Abbo

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 47(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025047002 - 24 Jul 2025

Abstract

Mabroom dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are recognized as one of the most important crops in Qatar. Fresh fruit dates are susceptible to mould and post-harvest spoilage, resulting in a significant financial loss. Octanoic fatty acid (OFA) has been shown to regulate the [...] Read more.

Mabroom dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are recognized as one of the most important crops in Qatar. Fresh fruit dates are susceptible to mould and post-harvest spoilage, resulting in a significant financial loss. Octanoic fatty acid (OFA) has been shown to regulate the growth of mould-causing organisms such as fungi and bacteria. It is known to have antibacterial properties. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of OFA on the post-harvest pathogens of Mabroom fruits. Fresh, apparently healthy, and fully ripe Mabroom dates were obtained from the National Agriculture and Food Corporation (NAFCO). The chosen fruits were packed in sterile, well-ventilated plastic boxes and transported to the lab under controlled conditions. The fruits were distributed into five groups (G1 to G5). The groups G1, G2, and G3 received 1%, 2%, and 3.5% OFA, respectively, while G4 was left untreated and G5 was washed only with tap water as a positive control treatment. Each group contained 200 g of fresh and healthy semi-soft dates. The samples were then dried and incubated in a humidity chamber at 25 °C ± 2 for seven days. The signs and symptoms of decay were monitored and recorded. The presence of pathogens was confirmed via phenotypic and microscopic-based methods. The results showed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) among the groups. OFA at 3.5% had the strongest inhibitory action against post-harvest pathogens, followed by OFA2%. However, there were no differences (p ≤ 0.05) between OFA1% and the control groups. Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., and Botrytis spp. were most abundant in the control group, followed by OFA2% and OFA1%, respectively. In conclusion, octanoic fatty acid at 3.5% may improve the quality of date fruits through its high antimicrobial activity, reduce the effect of post-harvest decay, minimize the loss of date fruits during storage, and improve the sustainability of date fruits. Further experiments are necessary to confirm the effectiveness of OFA as a green solution for sustainable date fruit production. Full article

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1 pages, 136 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Statement of Peer Review

by José David Flores-Félix

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041012 - 21 Jul 2025

Abstract

In submitting conference proceedings to Biology and Life Sciences Forum, the volume editors of the proceedings certify to the publisher that all papers published in this volume have been subjected to peer review administered by the volume editors [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy)

9 pages, 1253 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Effect of Far-UVC and Violet Irradiation on the Microbial Contamination of Spinach Leaves and Their Vitamin C and Chlorophyll Contents

by Alexander Gerdt, Anna-Maria Gierke, Petra Vatter and Martin Hessling

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 47(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025047001 - 16 Jul 2025

Abstract

Microbial contamination of food can lead to faster spoilage and infections. Therefore, disinfection processes are required that have a low detrimental effect on the nutritional content. Concerning radiation disinfection, two spectral ranges have recently become important. The Far-UVC spectral range, with a wavelength [...] Read more.

Microbial contamination of food can lead to faster spoilage and infections. Therefore, disinfection processes are required that have a low detrimental effect on the nutritional content. Concerning radiation disinfection, two spectral ranges have recently become important. The Far-UVC spectral range, with a wavelength below 230 nm and visible violet light. In this study, leaf spinach was used to investigate the extent to which these radiations inactivate Escherichia coli, but also to determine if the vitamin C or chlorophyll content was reduced. Frozen spinach leaves (Spinacia oleracea) were contaminated with E. coli × pGLO and irradiated with either a 222 nm krypton chloride lamp or 405 nm LEDs. The achieved bacterial reduction was determined by plating the irradiated samples on agar plates and subsequent colony counting. The vitamin C concentration was determined by means of redox titration, and the concentrations of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b were determined using spectrometry. Both irradiations exhibited a strong antimicrobial impact on E. coli. The average log reduction doses were about 19 mJ/cm² (222 nm) and 87 J/cm² (405 nm), respectively. The vitamin C concentration decreased by 30% (222 nm) or 20% (405 nm), and the chlorophyll concentrations decreased by about 25%. Both irradiation approaches are able to substantially reduce microorganisms on spinach leaves by two orders of magnitude, but this is associated with a reduction in the nutrient content. Full article

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5 pages, 212 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Fresh Pork Meat Commercialised in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

by Raúl E. Iza, Hernán D. Nievas, Camila Aurnague, Victorio F. Nievas, Santiago Urtizberea, Silvana M. Arce, Francisco Bucchianeri Faccin, Fabiana A. Moredo and Magdalena Costa

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 46(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025046002 - 9 Jul 2025

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most significant foodborne pathogens capable of causing bacteremia. In the present study, a total of 138 pork meat samples were collected from 46 randomly selected butcher shops selling raw and ready-to-eat products in La Plata, Buenos Aires, [...] Read more.

Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most significant foodborne pathogens capable of causing bacteremia. In the present study, a total of 138 pork meat samples were collected from 46 randomly selected butcher shops selling raw and ready-to-eat products in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Samples were processed according to internationally recognised standards, resulting in a positivity rate of 32.6%. This constitutes the first report of L. monocytogenes in fresh pork meat in the region and provides a strong foundation for control strategies of this microorganism in fresh pork meat retailers in Argentina. Full article

9 pages, 734 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Comparative Evaluation of 16S rRNA and Housekeeping Gene-Specific Primer Pairs for Rhizobia and Agrobacteria Metagenomics

by Romain Kouakou Fossou and Adolphe Zézé

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 46(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025046001 - 2 Jul 2025

Abstract

Of many housekeeping genes, gyrB and rpoB are used as alternative markers to 16S rDNA to analyze Rhizobia and Agrobacteria communities. However, the extent to which the targeted genes and their corresponding primers could be suitable in metagenomic studies within communities belonging to [...] Read more.

Of many housekeeping genes, gyrB and rpoB are used as alternative markers to 16S rDNA to analyze Rhizobia and Agrobacteria communities. However, the extent to which the targeted genes and their corresponding primers could be suitable in metagenomic studies within communities belonging to the two taxa remains elusive. This work evaluates in silico the taxonomic resolution of partial regions of two housekeeping and 16S rRNA genes in differentiating between Rhizobia and Agrobacteria. The study confirmed V5–V7 as the best 16S rDNA variable region for differentiating all the genera at a 100% threshold. However, rpoB and gyrB markers outcompeted the 16S rDNA in terms of taxonomic resolution regardless of the threshold, possibly replacing the use of 16S rDNA V-regions in metagenomics studies of Rhizobia and Agrobacteria. Full article

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9 pages, 4406 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Estimating Leaf Area Index of Wheat Using UAV-Hyperspectral Remote Sensing and Machine Learning

by Rajan G. Rejith, Rabi N. Sahoo, Rajeev Ranjan, Tarun Kondraju, Amrita Bhandari and Shalini Gakhar

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041011 - 18 Jun 2025

Abstract

Hyperspectral remote sensing using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provides accurate, near real-time, and large-scale spatial estimation of the leaf area index (LAI), a significant crop variable for monitoring crop growth. In the present study, the LAI of wheat crops was estimated using high-resolution [...] Read more.

Hyperspectral remote sensing using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provides accurate, near real-time, and large-scale spatial estimation of the leaf area index (LAI), a significant crop variable for monitoring crop growth. In the present study, the LAI of wheat crops was estimated using high-resolution UAV-borne hyperspectral data. The PLS (Partial Least Squares) regression combined with the VIP (Variable Importance in the Projection) was used for selecting the optimum indices as feature vectors to the Extreme Gradient Boosting (Xgboost) model for predicting LAI. Twelve of twenty-seven vegetation indices were selected to develop the prediction model. On validation against the in situ measured LAI values, the prediction model shows good accuracy with an R² of 0.71. The model was used to generate a spatial map showing the variability of the LAI. Accurate mapping of LAI from high-resolution hyperspectral UAV data using machine learning models facilitates near-real-time monitoring of crop health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy)

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42 pages, 371 KiB

Open AccessConference Report

Abstracts of the 4th International Electronic Conference on Brain Sciences

by Stephen D. Meriney

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 42(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025042003 - 12 Jun 2025

Abstract

The Fourth International Electronic Conference on Brain Sciences (IECBS 2024), after the strong success of the previous annual online conference, was held online from 23 to 25 October 2024. The scope of this online conference is to bring together well-known worldwide experts who [...] Read more.

The Fourth International Electronic Conference on Brain Sciences (IECBS 2024), after the strong success of the previous annual online conference, was held online from 23 to 25 October 2024. The scope of this online conference is to bring together well-known worldwide experts who are currently working on brain sciences and to provide an online forum for presenting and discussing new results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Brain Sciences (IECBS 2024))

8 pages, 1284 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Alteration in Gut Microbiome of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L., 1758) Mediated by Probiotics and Yeast Prebiotic

by Elshafia Ali Hamid Mohammed, Milán Fehér, Péter Bársony and Károly Pál

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 45(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025045001 - 28 May 2025

Cited by 2

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to examine the impact of dietary supplementation with probiotics and yeast cell wall prebiotics on the intestinal microbiota of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 96 carp, with an average body weight of 932 [...] Read more.

The objective of the present study was to examine the impact of dietary supplementation with probiotics and yeast cell wall prebiotics on the intestinal microbiota of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 96 carp, with an average body weight of 932 ± 161 g, were distributed into 12 fish tanks (800 L), with 8 fish/tank. The fish were fed a variety of experimental diets, including a basal diet only (CD) or a basal diet supplemented with the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici (PA), the yeast probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), or the yeast cell wall prebiotic (YANG) at a concentration of 0.1% (1 g/kg) for a duration of 42 days. At the end of the trial, fish digesta were withdrawn, and the total bacterial community of the gut of common carp was analyzed using Illumina’s NGS targeting the 16S rRNA gene. A Krona phyla richness pie chart showed that 11 bacterial phyla were recorded in fish fed YANG, with the top three phyla being Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. In addition, 10 phyla were identified in fecal samples from carp fed PA, with the top three phyla being Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Fusobacteria. Furthermore, nine phyla were recorded for carp fed SC, with the top three phyla being Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. However, carp fed a basal diet exhibited 14 phyla, with the most abundant phyla being Fusobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria. This study concluded that the tested feed supplements could cause considerable alterations in the composition of the gut microbiome of carps reared in recirculating systems. Full article

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8 pages, 907 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Unsaturated 10H2DA Queen Bee Acid from Royal Jelly Modulates Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in SW-480 Colorectal Cancer Cells

by Milena M. Jovanović and Dragana S. Šeklić

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 43(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025043003 - 26 May 2025

Abstract

Cancer research largely focuses on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a critical mechanism required for the formation of metastases. This process involves the transformation of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells by acquiring suppressed levels of anti-EMT and elevated expression of pro-EMT markers. Unsaturated fatty [...] Read more.

Cancer research largely focuses on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a critical mechanism required for the formation of metastases. This process involves the transformation of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells by acquiring suppressed levels of anti-EMT and elevated expression of pro-EMT markers. Unsaturated fatty acid 10H2DA has not been investigated hitherto regarding its potential to target specific EMT markers in colorectal cancer (CRC). In our study, this substance showed successful upregulation of the expression of the anti-EMT marker E-cadherin and downregulation of the expression of pro-EMT markers SNAIL, N-cadherin, and Vimentin at the gene and protein levels. This prominent effect of 10H2DA in modulating the expression of specific and significant EMT markers in CRC should not be neglected in future studies regarding anticancer therapeutic approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 2nd International Electronic Conference on Genes)

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8 pages, 2207 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Drone-Based Multispectral Imaging for Precision Monitoring of Crop Growth Variables

by Devanakonda Venkata Sai Chakradhar Reddy, Rabi N. Sahoo, Tarun Kondraju, Rajan G. Rejith, Rajeev Ranjan, Amrita Bhandari, Ali Moursy, Subhash Chandra Tripathi and Nitesh Kumar

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041010 - 23 May 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of drone-assisted crop monitoring in precision agriculture by evaluating the relationships between the NDVI, leaf area index (LAI), and leaf nitrogen content (LNC) in three wheat varieties (DBW-187, HD-3086, PBW-826) under eight nitrogen treatments (N0–N210). The [...] Read more.

This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of drone-assisted crop monitoring in precision agriculture by evaluating the relationships between the NDVI, leaf area index (LAI), and leaf nitrogen content (LNC) in three wheat varieties (DBW-187, HD-3086, PBW-826) under eight nitrogen treatments (N0–N210). The NDVI was derived from drone-based multispectral imagery at the flowering (90 DAS) and grain-filling (108 DAS) stages. Strong correlations were observed between the NDVI, LAI, and LNC, with the R² values improving from 0.78–0.86 at flowering to 0.88–0.90 at grain filling. These findings highlight the potential of drone-derived indices for efficient crop monitoring, resource use optimization, and yield prediction in precision agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy)

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1 pages, 145 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Statement of Peer Review

by Michael Wink

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2024, 39(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2024039009 - 23 May 2025

Abstract

In submitting conference proceedings to Biology and Life Sciences Forum, the volume editors of the proceedings certify to the publisher that all papers published in this volume have been subjected to peer review administered by the volume editors [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Diversity: Biodiversity of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms)

10 pages, 674 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Microbial Growth Kinetics of Fermenting Botanicals Used as Gluten-Free Flour Blends

by Peace Omoikhudu Oleghe, Fred Coolborn Akharaiyi and Chioma Bertha Ehis-Eriakha

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041009 - 23 May 2025

Abstract

The fragmentary and whole substitution of wheat flour with flour blends is an alternative approach for producing cheaper, nutrient-rich, and comparatively advantageous gluten-free foods through fermentation. Dry samples of sweet potato, pigeon pea, and maize botanicals were purchased from local vendors, authenticated and [...] Read more.

The fragmentary and whole substitution of wheat flour with flour blends is an alternative approach for producing cheaper, nutrient-rich, and comparatively advantageous gluten-free foods through fermentation. Dry samples of sweet potato, pigeon pea, and maize botanicals were purchased from local vendors, authenticated and processed before spontaneous fermentation at room temperature. The pH and microbiological growth patterns of the fermenting botanicals were evaluated every 12 h for 72 h, using standard test protocols. It revealed that the rates of growth of isolated microorganisms were affected by pH; all the botanicals fermented had a reduction in their pH values. Acids were produced during fermentation, leading to a reduction in pH. Bacteria growth on the fermenting samples on nutrient agar reveals that the bacterial load increased with fermentation time, from 7.52 Log₁₀ CFU/g to 10.6 Log₁₀ CFU/g (sweet potato); 6.3 Log₁₀ CFU/g to 10.54 Log₁₀ CFU/g (pigeon pea), and 6.3 Log₁₀ CFU/g to 10.54 Log₁₀ CFU/g (maize). On MacConkey agar, the bacterial load on all samples started after 24 h of fermentation, peaked at 48 h, and gradually reduced towards 72 h of fermentation. There was increase in fungal growth with time from 0 to 36 h across all samples. The microorganisms isolated can be categorized into lactic acid bacteria, spore formers, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcace, yeast, and molds. Fermentation of botanicals over 72 h results in organic acid formation, which lowers pH; this attribute helps in checkmating undesirable microorganisms capable of affecting the production of gluten-free flours with good keeping qualities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy)

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7 pages, 1056 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Comparing the Effect of Chemical and Biol Fertilization on the Fruit Yield and Selected Traits of Greenhouse-Grown Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

by Jorge Ortiz-Romero, Vianney Villafranco-Godinez, Isaac Fernando Soriano-Gonzalez, Jonathan Alfredo Fernandez-Mendiola, Fernando Ortiz-Salgado, Edgar Orlando Sotelo-Noguez, Martha Elena Domínguez-Hernandez and Elisa Dominguez-Hernandez

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041008 - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) greenhouse cultivation offers higher yields and quality compared to open-field systems, but success depends on balanced fertilization. This study compared chemical and biol (liquid organic fertilizer) treatments on cucumber yield, fruit number, and size (Centauro 1 variety). Four [...] Read more.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) greenhouse cultivation offers higher yields and quality compared to open-field systems, but success depends on balanced fertilization. This study compared chemical and biol (liquid organic fertilizer) treatments on cucumber yield, fruit number, and size (Centauro 1 variety). Four treatments—Biol30 (3% biol), Biol70 (7% biol), Nitro (urea), and Comp (complete chemical fertilization)—were applied in a randomized design. Results indicated no statistically significant differences in yield among treatments (p = 0.094), yet Biol70 outperformed Nitro and Comp by 1.44× and 1.18×, respectively. Notably, Nitro produced the largest and heaviest fruits but the lowest fruit count, while organic treatments (Biol30 and Biol70) demonstrated comparable fruit quality and higher yields. The Biol70 treatment, in particular, highlighted the potential of biol as a sustainable alternative, achieving yields of 272.59 kg total production and 34.07 kg per bed, with fruit weights averaging 0.4309 kg and lengths of 26.511 cm. These findings underscore the viability of biol, especially at higher concentrations, as an eco-friendly substitute for chemical fertilizers, aligning with global efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy)

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5 pages, 712 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Bacterial and Fungal Diversity from the Rhizosphere of Plants Wildly Growing in Agricultural Soil Under Unfavourable Environmental Conditions

by Marta Adalia-Mínguez, Esther Morate-Gutiérrez, Lilyana Tihomirova-Hristova, Sandra Bielsa-Lozoya, Alicia Rodríguez-Cárdenas, Miguel Martínez-Illana and Belén Álvarez

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2024, 39(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2024039008 - 20 May 2025

Abstract

Rhizospheres harbor many beneficial microorganisms interacting with the plant ecosystem. However, in agriculture, there is a tendency to remove any plant that is different from that being cultivated. This work aimed to display the root microbial communities of native vegetation growing wild in [...] Read more.

Rhizospheres harbor many beneficial microorganisms interacting with the plant ecosystem. However, in agriculture, there is a tendency to remove any plant that is different from that being cultivated. This work aimed to display the root microbial communities of native vegetation growing wild in agricultural soil. Thus, high-throughput sequencing of culture-independent marker genes was performed for bacteria and fungi from these habitats after a period of high environmental temperatures. With respect to bacteria, results revealed a number of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) ranging from 3210 to 3266. With respect to fungi, the results revealed a number of OTUs ranging from 963 to 973. Information on the composition of the rhizosphere microbial communities favours the understanding of their potential functions and their beneficial effects on the sustainability of the agrosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Diversity: Biodiversity of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms)

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9 pages, 866 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

The Impact of Vermicompost on the Quality of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Seedlings and Plant Productivity

by Kristina Laužikė, Vitalis Laužikas and Julė Jankauskienė

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041007 - 19 May 2025

Abstract

Lettuce is the most widely consumed leafy vegetable in the world. Its quality and yield depend highly on the growing conditions, including the growing substrate. Peat is commonly used as a growing substrate, but there is an increasing interest in finding alternatives to [...] Read more.

Lettuce is the most widely consumed leafy vegetable in the world. Its quality and yield depend highly on the growing conditions, including the growing substrate. Peat is commonly used as a growing substrate, but there is an increasing interest in finding alternatives to reduce peat usage. One potential alternative is vermicompost, and this study aims to investigate the impact of vermicompost as an additive to a peat substrate on the quality of lettuce seedlings and yield. This research was carried out in a greenhouse covered with a polymer film at the Institute of Horticulture of the Lithuanian Agricultural and Forestry Research Center. Lettuce seedlings were grown in peat with varying amounts of vermicompost (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% vermicompost). Various parameters such as lettuce growth, biometric data, the content of pigments in the leaves, and the accumulation of elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) were evaluated. The addition of vermicompost, regardless of its amount, significantly increased plant height (from 7.5 cm in control up to 10.9–11.3 cm with vermicompost), the number of leaves (up to 4.2–4.6), the leaf area (up to 107–131 cm²), and the percentage of dry matter accumulation (up to 6.4–7.5%). Vermicompost also had a positive effect on photosynthesis, resulting in higher yields and a better quality of lettuce. The summarized research results demonstrate the potential of using vermicompost in the production of high-quality lettuce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy)

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16 pages, 1310 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Exploring How Moroccan Farmers in Khemisset Province Adapt to Climate Change: Perceptions and Strategies

by Noureddine Chaachouay

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041006 - 19 May 2025

Abstract

Climate change negatively affects agricultural productivity by altering weather patterns, increasing the frequency of extreme events, and disrupting growing seasons. These changes lead to reduced crop yields, soil degradation, and challenges to food security. This research investigates how climate change affects plant cultivation [...] Read more.

Climate change negatively affects agricultural productivity by altering weather patterns, increasing the frequency of extreme events, and disrupting growing seasons. These changes lead to reduced crop yields, soil degradation, and challenges to food security. This research investigates how climate change affects plant cultivation and agricultural farming operations in Khemisset Province of Morocco. A research study based on surveys of 120 farmers combines quantitative and qualitative methods to determine their views about climate change and their adaptive measures. The researchers select their farmers according to land conditions, plant life, and livestock management patterns. The obtained data demonstrate climate parameter deterioration throughout the period extending from 1985 to 2015, which corresponds with meteorological measurements. Climate variability produces adverse environmental effects which negatively affect agricultural output. The Zemmour tribe members and other farmers use different agricultural adaptation strategies, including fertilizer application, rotational cropping, and planting maturation-premature seeds. The research findings highlight the necessity of developing specific adaptation methods that defend agricultural sectors against climate change risks and secure food supplies. This investigation adds to climate resilience knowledge by delivering important findings that guide agricultural sustainability policy development and implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy)

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Journal Description

Biology and Life Sciences Forum

Vol. 44

Cells 2025

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