Search Results (121)

This study presents a definitive framework for Cocos nucifera (coconut) shell valorization, integrating high-resolution thermogravimetry with advanced machine learning. Physicochemical analysis confirms a high-energy feedstock (45.7% carbon, 71.5% volatiles), with SEM/XEDS and FTIR revealing heterogeneous, lignocellulosic, catalytic-rich structural matrix. TG/DTG analysis identified distinct degradation windows: hemicellulose (135–395 °C), cellulose (270–430 °C), and protracted lignin decomposition (275–675 °C). Kinetic modeling indicates that pyrolysis follows a third-order (F3) continuous degradation mechanism across the studied range, supported by high correlation coefficients ($R^2$ = 0.93–0.96). The mean kinetic and thermodynamic parameters—specifically an activation energy of 165 kJ·mol⁻¹ (calculated across the 10–60 wt% conversion range during hemicellulose and cellulose pyrolysis), a positive activation enthalpy (159 kJ·mol⁻¹), and a Gibbs free energy of activation (155 kJ·mol⁻¹)—suggest that the thermochemical conversion of coconut shell is an endothermic, non-spontaneous process with moderate energy requirements. Furthermore, the integration of kNN machine learning yielded near-perfect predictive metrics ($R^2\approx 1.000$) using optimized hyperparameters ($k=85$ for TG, $k=100$ for DTG, and $k=50$ for conversion). These findings suggest that coconut shells can be efficiently valorized as a high-energy feedstock, with data enabling reliable and optimized prediction of thermal degradation to minimize experimental waste. Full article

RNA recognition motif (RRM)-containing proteins are important regulators involved in diverse cellular processes, including splicing, stability, transport, and translation of transcripts. However, their comprehensive characterization remains limited in perennial tropical crops like Cocos nucifera. In this study, we performed a genome-wide analysis of RRM genes in coconut, identifying a total of 326 CnRRM genes. Phylogenetic classification based on complete RRM domain sequences grouped these proteins into eleven clades (I–XI), each exhibiting distinct variations in motif length and domain architecture. Transcriptome profiling revealed diverse expression patterns across coconut tissues, ranging from constitutive to highly tissue-specific. The CnHRLP1 gene, encoding an hnRNP-like multi-RRM protein, was selected for further functional analysis. Subcellular localization showed that the CnHRLP1 protein is predominantly nuclear, and its constitutive overexpression in Arabidopsis led to a severe dwarf phenotype. RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that CnHRLP1 overexpression broadly reshaped the transcriptome. KEGG pathway enrichment highlighted a significant impact on plant hormone signaling, particularly the gibberellin (GA) pathway. CnHRLP1 overexpression induced the coordinated downregulation of key GA biosynthetic genes (KO, KAO1/2, GA20ox, GA3ox) and the upregulation of GA catabolic genes (GA2ox2/6), suggesting its role in modulating GA homeostasis. In conclusion, this study provides a genomic and functional overview of the coconut RRM protein family and establishes that the hnRNP-like protein CnHRLP1 functions as a transcriptional regulator that inhibits vegetative growth, potentially through the suppression of gibberellin biosynthesis. Full article

Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations constitute the largest artificial ecological forest systems in tropical regions of China, while long-term monoculture has significantly reduced biodiversity, particularly among insect communities. Rubber-based agroforestry systems are widely recognized as a promising approach to improving ecosystem functionality. However, the mechanisms by which different intercropping patterns affect insect community dynamics remain poorly understood. This study systematically evaluated the effects of eight rubber-based agroforestry systems on insect community diversity, functional group composition, and associated environmental drivers. Using rubber monoculture as a control, seven rubber-based agroforestry systems were investigated from April 2024 to March 2025. A total of 94,483 insect individuals belonging to 16 orders, 222 families, and 1560 species were recorded. The results indicate that the rubber–fig (Ficus hirta) and rubber–banana (Musa nana) agroforestry systems supported higher insect richness, diversity, and community stability than other systems, while the more complex rubber–coconut (Cocos nucifera)–fig (Ficus hirta) system exhibited a relatively lower value. Functionally, herbivores dominated the rubber monoculture system. The moderately grazed rubber–forage grass (Brachiaria eruciformis)–black goat agroforestry system promoted predators and detritivores, whereas the rubber–konjak (Amorphophallus bulbifer) agroforestry system attracted more omnivores. The permutational multivariate analysis of variance revealed that insect species composition was primarily negatively driven by canopy cover (R² = 14.65%) and management intensity (R² = 11.54%). The ecological benefits of rubber-based agroforestry systems depend not only on crop species diversity but also on vegetation structural complexity and management practices. It is recommended to promote the rubber–banana and rubber–fig agroforestry systems as optimized models and to enhance insect-mediated ecosystem services by maintaining understory vegetation structure, regulating canopy cover, and implementing low-intervention management practices. Full article

Several honeybee species can coexist within a given geographical region; however, their interactions and the extent to which their foraging niches overlap remain poorly understood. To address this gap, we assessed niche overlap among four honeybee species (Apis cerana, Apis dorsata, Apis florea and Apis mellifera) in West Bengal, India, using palynological analysis of corbicular pollen loads. The monofloral composition of individual corbicular loads indicated flower constancy in all species. A wide range of pollen types was recorded for each species, confirming their polylectic foraging behaviour. Although the level of pollen diversity in their diet did not differ among species, it did vary seasonally. Vital pollen sources (including Acacia auriculiformis, Borassus flabellifer, Brassica juncea, Bridelia retusa, Cocos nucifera, Coriandrum sativum, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Lannea coromandelica and Sesamum indicum) were shared by all four species, and their pollen-foraging niches showed significant overlap in every season. Considering the floral traits of the plants visited, all honeybee species behaved as generalist flower visitors. This study quantifies foraging niche overlap among honeybee species and identifies common floral resources shared by the exotic Apis mellifera and native honeybees. Such insights will assist in honeybee management, biodiversity conservation, and the enhancement of ecosystem services and stability. Full article

Aromatic coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is valued in the consumer market primarily for its distinctive fragrance, which is largely attributed to the compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP). The accumulation of 2AP has been observed in several crops, such as rice, when exposed to salt stress. In rice, exposure to salt stress influences the activity of enzymes, alters amino acid metabolism, and modulates the expression of genes associated with 2AP formation. Nevertheless, the processes responsible for 2AP biosynthesis in aromatic coconut under salt stress conditions are still not well clarified. In this study, five-month-old aromatic coconut seedlings were subjected to four distinct levels of sodium chloride (NaCl) treatment (0, 100, 200, and 300 mM). This experiment was conducted to investigate the mechanisms involved in salt-induced responses and the biosynthesis of 2AP in aromatic coconut. Although salt stress did not produce any apparent injury in the coconut seedlings, it led to a marked decline in chlorophyll content. Meanwhile, salt stress markedly enhanced the accumulation of betaine and boosted the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. The aromatic coconut demonstrated a moderate level of salt tolerance. Salt stress also had a significant influence on 2AP biosynthesis. Under salt stress conditions, the 2AP content increased substantially, reaching its highest level with a 93.55% rise compared to the control. Furthermore, the synthesis of 2AP in aromatic coconut under salt stress appears to be primarily regulated through the metabolic pathways of proline and glutamate. Therefore, salt stress enhances 2AP production, with 200 mM NaCl identified as the optimal concentration for its accumulation. Full article

Coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L.) are a critical economic and ecological resource in Wenchang City, Hainan. Accurate mapping of their spatial distribution is essential for precision agricultural planning and effective pest and disease management. However, in tropical monsoon regions, persistent cloud cover, spectral similarity with other evergreen species, and redundancy among high-dimensional features hinder the performance of optical classification. To address these challenges, we developed a scalable multi-source remote sensing framework on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) with an emphasis on species-oriented feature design rather than generic feature stacking. The framework integrates Sentinel-1 SAR, Sentinel-2 MSI, and SRTM topographic data to construct a 42-dimensional feature set encompassing spectral, polarimetric, textural, and topographic attributes. Using Random Forest (RF) importance ranking and out-of-bag (OOB) error analysis, an optimal 15-feature subset was identified. Four feature combination schemes were designed to assess the contribution of each data source. The fused dataset achieved an overall accuracy (OA) of 92.51% (Kappa = 0.8928), while the RF-OOB optimized subset maintained a comparable OA of 92.83% (Kappa = 0.8975) with a 64% reduction in dimensionality. Canopy Water Index (CWI), Green Chlorophyll Index (GCI), and VV-polarized backscattering coefficient (${\mathsf{\sigma }}_{\mathrm{V}\mathrm{V}}$) were identified as the most discriminative features. Independent UAV validation (0.07 m resolution) in a 50 km² area of Chongxing Town confirmed the model’s robustness (OA = 90.17%, Kappa = 0.8617). This study provides an efficient and robust framework for large-scale monitoring of tropical economic forests such as coconut palms. Full article

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) plays a vital economic and cultural role in many tropical and subtropical regions. A comprehensive review of the existing literature underscores that advanced biotechnologies are pivotal in unlocking the full potential of coconut germplasm exchange, which is crucial for the future sustainability of this crop. While traditional exchange methods are hampered by phytosanitary risks and logistical burdens, biotechnological interventions such as in vitro conservation and cryopreservation present targeted solutions to overcome these bottlenecks. The exchange, facilitated by these technologies, allows for the efficient introduction of desirable traits. We indicate that diversification and germplasm exchange hold the key to improving coconut quality and yield, developing varieties resistant to pests and diseases, and ensuring long-term conservation of coconut genetic diversity. This review highlights the potential to overcome the challenges faced by regional breeding programs often hindered by restricted genetic resources. Furthermore, by examining past successes and challenges in coconut germplasm identification and exchange, we offer perspectives on optimizing strategies to conserve diversity. This work emphasizes that germplasm exchange paves the way for coconut varieties that can thrive under changing environmental conditions, securing the future of this highly valuable crop. Full article

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) cultivation is increasingly threatened by destructive fungal pathogens that reduce yield and compromise tree health, particularly in tropical regions in China. To address this challenge, the present study aimed to isolate and identify antagonistic bacteria with potential biocontrol activity against key pathogens of coconut, including Ceratocystis paradoxa (crown rot), Pestalotiopsis menezesiana (leaf blight), and Curvularia oryzae (leaf spot). A total of 65 bacterial strains were isolated from 58 soil samples collected from healthy coconut orchards. Among these, strain X1 exhibited the most vigorous antagonistic activity, with inhibition rates exceeding 70% against multiple pathogens in both plate confrontation and mycelial growth rate assays. Morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular (16S rDNA and gyrB gene sequencing) analyses confirmed the identity of strain X1 as Bacillus velezensis. Optimization of fermentation conditions for strain X1 revealed that maximum antimicrobial activity was achieved using a medium containing 2% glucose, 3% peptone, 0.3% NaH₂PO₄·2H₂O, and 0.4% Na₂HPO₄·2H₂O, at 28 °C and pH 7.0–7.5, 5% inoculum, 50–70 mL liquid volume in 250 mL flasks, 72 h fermentation, and agitation at 180–220 rpm. These findings highlight B. velezensis X1 as an up-and-coming biocontrol agent with dual functionalities: effective suppression of coconut fungal pathogens and potential plant growth promotion. Its application could significantly reduce the dependence on synthetic fungicides, offering an eco-friendly alternative for integrated disease management in coconut farming. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fungal and bacterial infections are major contributors to oral diseases in older adults. Although chlorhexidine (CHX) is widely recognized for its antimicrobial efficacy, its prolonged use is constrained by adverse effects. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) possesses antimicrobial properties; however, its high viscosity reduces acceptability. This study aimed to develop a flavor-enhanced coconut oil-based mouthwash (FCoMW) and evaluate its clinical safety, antimicrobial efficacy, and user satisfaction. Methods: A 14-day randomized controlled trial was conducted in older adults at the Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Thailand (April–July, 2024). Participants were randomly allocated by simple randomization to FCoMW, CHX, and normal saline solution (NSS). The evaluator was blinded. Assessments included burning sensation, oral mucosal alterations, changes in oral Candida and bacterial counts, and user satisfaction. Results: Among 51 participants (NSS: 17; CHX: 16; FCoMW: 18), FCoMW significantly reduced oral Candida counts by Day 14 (p < 0.0001), with efficacy comparable to CHX. CHX achieved greater bacterial reduction (p < 0.05). No adverse effects occurred with FCoMW. User satisfaction was high for scent, freshness, and overall acceptability. Conclusions: FCoMW is safe, well-accepted, and efficacious against oral Candida, offering a natural alternative to chlorhexidine for long-term use in older adults. Full article

Coconut yield and quality are significantly affected by multiple female inflorescences (MFF), which disrupt flower differentiation balance. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms, we compared MFF with normal female inflorescences (NFF) using phenotypic, morphological, physiological, and multi-omics approaches. The results revealed that MFF exhibited altered flower structures. MFF showed elevated iron (Fe), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), proline (Pro), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), abscisic acid (ABA), and jasmonic acid (JA), but reduced molybdenum (Mo), soluble sugar (SS), soluble protein (SP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), indole acetic acid (IAA), zeatin riboside (ZR), and gibberellic acid (GA). We detected 445 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) mainly enriched in ABA, ETH, BR, and JA pathways in MFF compared to NFF. We identified 144 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) primarily in lipids and lipid-like molecules, phenylpropanoids and polyketides, as well as organic acids and derivatives in the comparison of MFF and NFF. Integrated analysis linked these to key pathways, e.g., “carbon metabolism”, “carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms”, “phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis”, “glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism”, “glycolysis/gluconeogenesis”, “pentose and glucuronate interconversions”, “flavonoid biosynthesis”, “flavone and flavonol biosynthesis”, “pyruvate metabolism”, and “citrate cycle (TCA cycle)”. Based on our results. the bHLH137, BHLH062, MYB (CSA), ERF118, and MADS2 genes may drive MFF formation. This study provides a framework for understanding coconut flower differentiation and improving yield. Full article

This review examines strategies to enhance the antifungal properties of commercial soft lining materials (SLMs) through modification with plant-derived oils, extracts, and powders. These natural bioactive compounds act via multiple mechanisms, including disruption of fungal cell membranes, inhibition of biofilm formation, and interference with Candida albicans metabolism, the pathogen causing denture-associated candidiasis. Their incorporation into SLM provides localized antifungal activity at the denture–mucosa interface. The review highlights Aloe vera (aloe), Azadirachta indica (neem), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), Cocos nucifera (coconut), Allium sativum (garlic), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), and chitosan as notable sources of phytotherapeutics that consistently inhibit C. albicans growth. In addition to antimicrobial effects, studies assessed both intrinsic (hardness, tensile strength, tear strength) and interfacial (bond strength) mechanical properties, as well as surface roughness. Most formulations maintained acceptable mechanical performance and improved surface smoothness. Key limitations include rapid leaching of active compounds, variability in testing methods, and insufficient in vivo and cytotoxicity data. Future research should prioritize the high-quality purification of natural extracts, the isolation of well-defined bioactive compounds, and the design of systems enabling selective and sustained release of these agents, ensuring reproducibility, enhanced stability, and clinical reliability of next-generation bioactive SLMs. Full article

Natural fibers have been widely used for reinforcing polymers, attributed to their sustainable nature, light weight, biodegradability, and low cost compared with synthetic fibers, for example, carbon or glass fibers. The objective of this research was to promote the use of natural resource-blended polypropylene (PP) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to explore the potential of using grain by-products, such as coconut shell (CS), as fillers for thermoplastic materials. CS (30 wt%) is embedded in the PP matrix of the composite. Thereafter, CS/PP composites were produced utilizing a hot press compounding machine to produce the specimens and a high-speed mixer set at 3000 rpm for five minutes. The impact of coconut shell content on the mechanical and thermal properties of CS/PP composites was examined. The results show the CS/PP composite’s tensile strength and tensile modulus improved by 36% and 30%, respectively. In the meantime, the CS/PP composite’s flexural strength and flexural modulus increased by 16% and 13%, respectively. At a maximum temperature of 260 °C, the CS/PP composite demonstrated thermal stability. Due to the unprocessed particles, the coconut fiber appeared on the surface as homogenous particles. Researchers and industry professionals can use these results to help create new products. Full article

Coconut oil is highly regarded for its nutritional and functional attributes, making it an attractive candidate for diverse food and health applications. This study evaluates the fatty acid profile, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, oxidative stability, and sensory properties of selected coconut oils (Coco24, Health, Kospa, Smetol, and Vita) from the Slovak republic market. Acid values (0.09 ± 0.060–0.42 ± 0.060 mg KOH/g) and peroxide values (0.51 ± 0.058–1.20 ± 0.010 mmol O₂/kg) were within recommended safety limits. Oxidative stability varied significantly (p ˂ 0.05), with Smetol showing the highest induction time (124.5 ± 0.98 h) and Coco24 the lowest (25.8 ± 0.22 h). DPPH antioxidant activity was highest in health (469.2 ± 2.01 mg TEAC/kg) and Coco24 (369.3 ± 1.99 mg TEAC/kg) (TEAC—Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity). Coco24, Health, and Kospa exhibited the most potent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (2.01 ± 0.001 mm, 1.37 ± 0.021 mm, 1.15 ± 0.010 mm, respectively), Candida glabrata (1.17 ± 0.015 mm, 1.17 ± 0.015 mm, 0.45 ± 0.025 mm, respectively), Candida tropicalis (2.12 ± 0.017 mm, 2.13 ± 0.017 mm, 1.52 ± 0.006 mm, respectively), and Bacillus subtilis (1.29 ± 0.055 mm, 1.35 ± 0.006 mm, 0.31 ± 0.020 mm, respectively). FAME analysis revealed that saturated fatty acids dominated, especially in Smetol (97.6 ± 0.067%), while Coco24 had the highest levels of unsaturated fatty acids. Vita and Kospa received the highest panel ratings for smell, taste, and overall acceptability, indicating superior sensory appeal, whereas Smetol scored the lowest. Correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships between MUFA and PUFA (r = 0.986) and taste and acceptability (r = 0.993), as well as between antioxidant activity and Candida albicans inhibition (r = 0.859). Oxidative stability was negatively correlated with PUFA (r = –0.924). PCA grouped oils high in MUFA/PUFA (Kospa, Vita) with superior sensory scores, while PC2 reflected microbial safety. These differences suggest that Coco24, Health, Vita, and Kospa offer enhanced functional and sensory benefits, whereas Smetol is better suited for applications that prioritize oxidative stability. Full article

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is one of the most widely cultivated crops, with increasing popularity and demand for its products, which necessitates increased production. However, the lack of high-quality planting materials is a major limitation in replanting the senile palms worldwide. This study examined the possibility of using a direct shoot organogenesis pathway as an alternative to somatic embryogenesis to produce clonal coconut plantlets using immature inflorescence explants obtained from Indonesia and Australia, through investigation of the explant types, exogenous plant growth regulators, and additives. Histological analysis showed suitable stages of immature inflorescence explants to be used, which led to the formation of shoot-like structures resembling true vegetative shoots, in all treatments consisting of exogenous plant growth regulators except for those without activated charcoal. The culture medium supplemented with thidiazuron (100 μM) alone or those supplemented with various combinations of other plant growth regulators showed similar shoot induction percentages (ca. 63 to 80%) or shoot-like structures per explant (ca. 6 to 8). The addition of adenine sulphate (217 μM) was found to significantly improve shoot induction (ca. 50%) from immature inflorescence explants compared to the control (ca. 5%), whereas phloroglucinol was found to negatively impact shoot induction, and L-glutamine showed a positive influence. The current study showed several improvements, which warrant further studies to develop commercial protocol for mass production of clonal coconut plantlets through direct organogenesis. Full article

Rich in cellulose, the agro-industrial residue of “Cocos nucifera L.” stands out due to its high global production. In view of this, this research into the development of cellulose nanofibrils from green coconut fiber residue evaluated the fiber produced from an alkaline pre-treatment associated with a grinding process using a colloidal mill, which produced pure and renewable cellulose with characteristics similar to those of commercial celluloses. FTIR and XRD spectroscopy analyses showed that the methodologies established for coconut fiber are efficient in removing amorphous groups. The XRD corroborated the spectrogram and revealed a peak at 2θ = 22°, corresponding to the crystalline region of cellulose I. Both analyses were preceded by thermal analysis showing a reduction in lignin and an increase in the cellulose fraction. The AFM and SEM morphological micrographic analyses confirm the efficiency of the mechanochemical treatment in producing nanometric fibers, which, when submitted to rheology analyses, presented the desired gel profile. Full article