Search Results (350)

Fusarium wilt (FW), caused by Fusarium oxysporum, poses a significant threat to mungbean (Vigna radiata L.), impacting its yield and quality. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed by crossing the highly resistant cultivar Weilv 9002-341 with the highly susceptible line V1128. Assessment of resistance revealed a continuous variation in the average disease index within the resulting population, consistent with the inheritance pattern of quantitative traits. Leveraging an F_2:3 segregating population, we conducted linkage mapping analysis and bulked segregant analysis by sequencing, leading to the construction of a genetic linkage map and the identification of a region correlated with resistance. Within this region, 14 novel simple sequence repeat markers were designed to enable refined mapping. A putative resistance locus, spanning 0.17 Mb and encompassing 19 annotated genes, was precisely located. Ultimately, two genes were identified as high-priority candidates conferring resistance. The results of this study lay the foundation for the functional investigation of genes associated with resistance to Fusarium wilt disease in mungbean. Full article

The house cricket, Acheta domesticus, is found globally. It is an agricultural pest causing economic damage to a wide variety of crops including cereal seedlings, vegetable crops, fruit plants, and stored grains. Additionally, crickets act as mechanical vectors of pathogens by harboring bacteria, fungi, viruses, and toxins, causing foodborne illnesses. They can contaminate stored grains, packaged foods, or animal feed due to deposition of their feces, lowering the quality of the food and creating food safety risks. Synthetic insect repellents, such as pyrethroids and carbamates, have been used previously in integrated pest management practices to control crickets. Though successful as repellents, they have been associated with health and environmental risks and concerns. The use of organic green repellents, such as plant essential oils, may be a viable alternative in pest management practices. In this study, we tested the effects of 27 plant-based essential oils on the behavior of A. domesticus. A. domesticus were introduced into an open arena to allow them unrestricted movement. A transparent plastic bottle containing an essential oil treatment was placed in the arena to allow voluntary entry by the crickets. Following a predetermined observation period, the number of crickets that entered the bottle was recorded, and percent entry was calculated as the proportion of individuals inside the bottle relative to the total number in the arena. Analysis of the percentage entry into the bottles allowed for a comparative assessment of repellency of the selected essential oils examined in this study. Essential oils that elicited high levels of entry into the bottle were categorized as having weak or no repellency, while those that demonstrated reduced entry were classified as moderate or strong repellents. Our results indicated that A. domesticus responded with strong repellent behavior to nearly half of the essential oils tested, while four essential oils and two synthetic repellents evoked no significant repellent responses. Four strong repellent essential oils, namely peppermint, rosemary, cinnamon, and lemongrass, were tested at different concentrations and showed a clear dose-dependent repellent effect. The results suggest that selected essential oils can be useful in the development of more natural “green” insect repellents. Full article

This experiment evaluated whether a high-forage, low-starch, and high-oil diet (experimental) could improve lamb meat fatty acid composition without compromising growth performance or overall meat quality, compared with a high-cereal diet typically used in intensive fattening systems (control). Ninety lambs were randomly assigned to six pens (fifteen animals/pen), with each diet provided to three pens for 32 days. Feed intake was monitored daily, and animal weight was monitored weekly. The feeding cost was also assessed. Four lambs per pen were slaughtered to assess carcass and meat traits. Average daily gain was unaffected by diet, but the experimental diet increased the feed conversion ratio. Kidney knob channel fat was higher in the experimental diet, while other carcass traits were unchanged. Meat sensory attributes and most physicochemical properties, including colour and lipid stability during storage, did not differ between diets. However, the experimental diet reduced meat pH and increased the proportions of t11–18:1, c9,t11–18:2, 18:2n-6, and 18:3n-3 in intramuscular fat, while t10–18:1 remained unchanged, and n-6 PUFA/n-3 PUFA ratio increased. A low-starch, high-forage, high-oil diet can be effectively used in lamb feedlots to enhance the intramuscular fat content of healthy fatty acids without compromising animal growth or meat characteristics, although it results in higher feeding costs. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Fourth Italian National Food Consumption Survey (IV SCAI 2017–2020) provides updated and comprehensive data on the dietary habits of the Italian population. The study aimed to assess nutrient intakes and their main food sources among individuals aged 3 months to 74 years and to evaluate the adequacy of intakes against the Italian dietary reference values (DRVs). Methods: A nationally representative sample of 1969 participants were surveyed using two non-consecutive food diaries (ages 3 months–9 years) and 24 h recalls (ages 10–74 years) in accordance with the European Food Safety Authority’s EU Menu guideline. The multiple source method was used to estimate the usual intakes accounted for intra-individual variability. Nutrient adequacy was assessed against age- and sex-specific DRVs, and the main food sources of macro- and micronutrients were identified. Results: Energy intake was below DRVs for adults, particularly women, while protein intake exceeded recommendations across all ages, mainly from animal sources (67% of total). Total fat (38%En) and saturated fat (12%En) exceeded the recommendations, whereas carbohydrates (45%En) and dietary fibre were suboptimal. Vitamin D and calcium intake were markedly below DRVs for all age groups; iron inadequacy was prevalent among females. The main energy sources were cereals (39%), milk and dairy (15%), oils and fats (13%), and meat (10%). Vegetables and fruits were leading contributors to vitamins A and C, while meat, fish, and dairy provided vitamin B12 and D. Conclusions: The Italian diet remains cereal-based but shows nutritional imbalances: notably, excessive protein and fat intake and widespread deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, iron, and fibre. These findings underline the need for targeted nutrition policies to realign dietary patterns with the national recommendations. Full article

Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant, has attracted growing interest for its applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This study aims to optimize the green extraction of astaxanthin from shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) by-products using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as a sustainable solvent, and explore its application in trahana fortification, a traditional Greek fermented cereal-based product. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize astaxanthin extraction conditions (extraction time, liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratio, and ultrasound amplitude). Fatty acid analysis was performed with gas chromatography (GC-FID), and sensory analysis was conducted using a 7-point hedonic scale for sensory attributes. The optimal UAE conditions for astaxanthin, determined by RSM, were 228 min extraction time, a 65:1 liquid-to-solid ratio, and 41% ultrasound amplitude, predicting 83.50 μg astaxanthin/g by-product. At the optimal conditions, the experimentally obtained yield of 76.75 ± 1.17 μg astaxanthin/g by-product fell within the 95% confidence interval of the predicted value. The enriched trahanas retained nutritionally relevant levels after cooking (46.35 ± 0.60 μg astaxanthin per 60 g serving). Accelerated storage testing at 65 °C for six days was used to assess the thermal stability of astaxanthin in enriched trahanas. Based on first-order degradation kinetics and Arrhenius-based extrapolation of literature-derived activation energy values, astaxanthin retention above 80% at 25 °C was estimated to be maintained for approximately 27–51 days. Thereafter, progressive degradation is expected, with the estimated half-life ranging from 85 to 159 days. GC-FID analysis revealed favorable incorporation of bioactive lipids, including omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). Sensory evaluation demonstrated enhanced consumer acceptability, with enriched samples scoring significantly higher in appearance, aroma, and overall acceptance compared to traditional trahanas. These findings highlight UAE as an efficient and environmentally friendly strategy for recovering astaxanthin from seafood by-products and for developing functional cereal-based foods that align with sustainability. This work demonstrates the effective use of extra virgin olive oil as a green extraction solvent that also serves as a nutritional carrier, enabling the enrichment of trahanas with astaxanthin. The approach ensures both nutritional stability and consumer acceptability, providing a practical pathway for the development of sustainable, functional cereal-based foods. Full article

This study examines the determinants of food price inflation in Morocco using a comprehensive econometric framework based on an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. Relying on monthly data and controlling for major structural shocks, the analysis captures both the short-run dynamics and long-run equilibrium relationships between food prices and key macroeconomic, external, and climatic variables. The estimation results reveal strong inflation inertia, indicating that past food prices are the most significant driver of current price changes. External cost variables, including the nominal effective exchange rate, world oil prices, and international cereal prices, are mostly insignificant in the short run, suggesting a muted and delayed pass-through. Import volumes exert a marginal but lagged effect, while rainfall emerges as a consistent determinant, highlighting Morocco’s structural vulnerability to climatic variability. The error-correction term is negative and significant, confirming the existence of a stable long-run relationship. Long-run estimates show that oil prices and precipitation remain relevant drivers of food price dynamics, whereas the exchange rate appears largely neutral, reflecting the impact of subsidies, managed exchange rate arrangements, and domestic supply-chain characteristics. Nonlinear NARDL estimations provide no evidence of asymmetric exchange rate pass-through. The findings underscore some policy recommendations to enhance agricultural resilience, strengthen climate adaptation, and improve supply-chain efficiency for food price stability. Full article

Background: The China Diet Balance Index 2022 (DBI-2022), released in 2024, is the latest dietary quality assessment tool developed in alignment with the updated Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022). However, its association with hypertension in the Lingnan region—a geographic area distinguished by a unique dietary culture—has not been fully examined. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the dietary quality of Lingnan residents using DBI-2022 and explore its association with hypertension. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from the 2015 China Adults Chronic Diseases and Nutrition Surveillance, focusing on 2982 Lingnan residents aged 45 years and older. Dietary information was collected via 3 consecutive days of 24-h dietary recalls and food frequency questionnaires, supplemented by standardized anthropometric measurements. We assessed the contribution of specific dietary components to overall quality and investigated the association between DBI-2022 indices and hypertension using multivariable regression models. Results: Among the 2982 participants, 821 (27.5%) were identified with hypertension. The primary dietary imbalances in the Lingnan population were characterized by moderate insufficient consumption (Low Bound Score [LBS] = 40.48) and moderate excessive intake (High Bound Score [HBS] = 22.58), with insufficient intake being the more prominent concern. Cereals, cooking oils, and salt emerged as key contributors to poor dietary quality, whereas soybeans, fruits, adequate water consumption, and dietary diversity were associated with better dietary quality. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the highest quartile of Diet Quality Distance (DQD) had significantly higher odds of hypertension (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.05–2.35) compared to those in the lowest quartile. Similarly, the odds were elevated for those with high LBS (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.24–2.87). Conclusions: Dietary insufficiency appears to be a more critical issue than excessive consumption among the Lingnan population. Poor dietary quality, particularly insufficient intake of protective foods, is significantly associated with elevated odds of hypertension. These findings support the applicability of DBI-2022 for regional dietary surveillance and highlight key priorities for targeted nutritional intervention strategies. Full article

Maize is a key staple cereal, with its cultivation improved through genetics, denser planting, and greater fertilizer use. However, little is known about the effects of nanomaterials on maize’s grain quality. This study evaluated the effect of the foliar application of orange carbon dots (o-CDs) on maize’s growth, grain yield, and quality under typical field conditions. Two ZP maize hybrids and their inbred lines were tested. The results showed a gradual increase in grain yield for the hybrids, particularly ZP 4567, which responded significantly to a 5 mg/L treatment. Increased starch content was observed in both the hybrid ZP 4567 and the inbred line L56 L026 following treatment with o-CDs at concentrations of 1 mg/L and 5 mg/L. The significant increase in oil content was observed in inbred line L56 L026. Photosynthetic parameters and pigments were elevated in both hybrids after treatments, although the antioxidative capacity remained unchanged. The findings suggest that o-CDs positively influence grain yield and quality by enhancing photosynthesis and increasing the accumulation of key biochemical compounds. This study provides novel insights into the application of carbon nanoparticles in sustainable crop production. Full article

Tropical germplasm has accumulated a large number of genes adapted to a variety of adversities. In this study, we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of 109 inbred maize lines newly released from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in the last few years. The results indicated the following: (1) linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis showed that tropical maize germplasms had a faster rate of LD decay, suggesting higher recombination rates and genetic diversity; (2) both the phylogenetic tree and structure analysis supported the classification of the material into three subgroups; (3) the results of the principal component analysis were consistent with the population structure analysis, further verifying the reliability of subgroup delineation; (4) the genetic distances between the tropical germplasms from groups 2 and 3 and the elite temperate inbred lines were relatively close, which is suitable for temperate germplasms improvement. The results can help us select suitable tropical germplasms and speed up the process of inbred line development and maize improvement. Full article

This research compares the Mediterranean and Japanese diets and considers diet as associated with anti-ageing as well as leading a long and healthy life. Since Mediterranean countries, including Italy and Greece, have one-third the mortality ratio with respect to cardiovascular diseases compared to America and northern Europe, the Mediterranean diet is regarded as healthy. Here, the research shows the reasons why Mediterranean and Japanese diets have these properties. Both the Mediterranean and Japanese diets are typically low in fat, sugar, and calories, and are characterised by a high intake of vegetables, legumes, fish, and cereals. Differences include a greater consumption of polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil, dairy products, and a lower amount of meat consumption in the Mediterranean diet, as well as less use of fat; there is an abundant consumption of fermented foods and seaweed in the Japanese diet. Japan’s globally leading long life expectancy is partly attributed to the cultural concept of “ME-BYO,” which emphasises recognising and managing non-disease conditions before they develop into clinical illness. This tendency may be one of the reasons for the long lifespan of Japanese people. Full article

Intercropping medicinal and aromatic plants with other crops has demonstrated substantial potential for improving sustainable agricultural systems. Across a wide range of species, including yarrow, dill, wormwood, pot marigold, ajowan, coriander, saffron, cumin, lemongrass, Moldavian dragonhead, fennel, hyssop, dragons head, lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, mint, black cumin, basil, rose-scented geranium, aniseed, patchouli, rosemary, sage, summer savory, marigold, thyme, fenugreek, and vetiver, integration with cereals, legumes, vegetables, and perennial trees enhanced both land use efficiency and overall crop productivity. These systems often resulted in improved essential oil (EO) yield and composition, optimized plant growth, and increased economic returns, particularly when combined with organic inputs or biofertilizers. In addition to productivity gains, intercropping provides important ecological benefits. It can enhance soil fertility, stimulate microbial activity, and contribute to effective pest and weed management. Incorporating medicinal and aromatic plants into orchards, vineyards, or agroforestry systems further supported biodiversity. It influenced secondary metabolite production in companion crops, demonstrating the multifunctional role of these species in integrated farming systems. Overall, intercropping medicinal and aromatic plants represents a versatile and economically viable approach for sustainable crop production. The selection of compatible species, careful management of planting ratios, and appropriate agronomic practices are critical to maximizing both biological and economic benefits. Such strategies not only increase farm profitability but also promote environmental sustainability and resilience in diverse cropping systems. This review explores the effects of MAP integration on agroecological performance and identifies key mechanisms and practical outcomes. Full article

Background: Foundational learning spaces in South Africa, designed to nurture growth and development, continue to grapple with malnutrition, a persistent barrier to the health, cognitive potential, and wellbeing of preschool-aged children, amidst a nutrition transition. Aim: This study assessed dietary diversity, nutritional status, and their associations among children aged 2–5 years attending funded Early Learning Centres (ELCs) in Johannesburg (Region C). Methods: Using systematic random sampling across 33 nutrition-funded ELCs in Region C, we assessed the nutritional status of children aged 2–5 years with WHO Anthro software (z-score cut-offs for undernutrition: stunting, underweight, thinness; overnutrition: overweight, obesity). Dietary diversity scores (DDSs) were derived from a 24 h recall of 16 food groups, classified by primary nutrient contributions (some groups spanning multiple classes), and categorized as low (≤8) or normal (≥9). Associations between DDS and nutritional indicators were analyzed using Poisson regression to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs). Results: Despite structured feeding practices, all ELCs reported inadequate nutritional funding, prompting calls for dietitian support. While 27% sourced groceries from wholesalers, most relied on supermarkets and spaza shops; all had cooking infrastructure, but only 12% had food gardens, and 88% expressed interest in establishing them to improve dietary diversity. The mean DDS was 9.47 (±1.07), and 83% of children had a normal DDS (≥9), with common consumption of cereals (100%), vitamin A-rich vegetables (100%), oils (100%), and leafy greens (96%), but limited intake of protein-rich foods like eggs (7%), legumes (19%), and fish (37%). A dual burden of malnutrition was observed: 31% of children were stunted and 30% were overweight or obese. Multivariable analysis showed that boys had significantly lower odds of stunting compared to girls (aPR = 0.38; 95%CI: 0.01–0.74), while younger age (aPR = 0.61; 95%CI: 0.37–0.85) and low DDS (aPR = −0.15; 95%CI: −0.29–−0.06) were independently associated with increased risk of stunting. Age was positively associated with underweight (aPR = 1.27; 95%CI: 0.58–1.96), and thinness was strongly associated with boys (aPR = 17.00; 95%CI: 15.12–18.74), with a marginal association with age. Conclusions: Integrated nutrition strategies are critical to addressing the dual burden of stunting and being overweight in urban ELCs. Strengthening funding, professional dietetic support, and promoting food gardens can enhance dietary diversity and child health outcomes. Full article

In order to investigate the impact of drought and saline–alkaline stress on the growth and metabolic components of wheat, as well as to identify advantageous components of wheat under saline–alkaline conditions, metabolomics analysis was conducted separately on wheat cultivated in saline–alkaline soil at Zhong Jie Industrial Park (AAW) and generally grown wheat at Xian Huanyuan Village (GW). The results revealed that AAW exhibited higher levels of accumulated metabolites compared to GW. Specifically, under drought and saline–alkaline stress, alkaloids, flavones, amino acids, and derivatives were significantly up-regulated, while phenolic acids and terpenoids were down-regulated. Notably, 29 differential metabolites, including vitexin-2″-O-glucoside, N-feruloyl agmatine, apigenin-8-C-glucoside, and L-alanyl-L-phenylalanine, showed significant differences between AAW and GW. Flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, apigenin C-glycosides biosynthesis, and metabolic pathways were identified as key pathways contributing to the observed differences in metabolite production. Apigenin-8-C-glucoside and vitexin-2″-O-glucoside emerged as reliable biomarkers for distinguishing between AAW and GW. These findings suggest that metabolites unique to wheat grown in saline–alkaline soil may serve as biomarkers for developing stress-resistant varieties, warranting further study of their functional components in food products. Full article

Due to increased interest in new functional food products, 20 accessions of chufa tubers from the collection of the N.I. Vavilov Institute of Plant Industry, grown in the Kuban–Azov Plain in 2022, as well as bread samples made from mixed flour (70% whole-grain wheat flour, 30% chufa tuber flour) were studied. Biochemical, farinographic, and baking evaluations were carried out. Differences between the properties of dough with the addition of flour from various accessions of chufa tubers were recorded. According to the results of comparative, dispersion, and principal component analysis, all biochemical indicators (oil, fiber, sum of phenolic substances, antioxidant activity) of chufa tuber flour and bread with added chufa flour surpassed control samples (whole-grain wheat flour and wheat bread), with the exception of protein and starch content. Viscoamylographic, farinographic sedimentation, and baking quality evaluations indicated that the dough made from mixed flour was stronger than the control (dough from whole-grain wheat flour), more resistant to kneading, and had a lower degree of liquefaction. In terms of organoleptic properties, differences were also identified, and the accessions that enhance the taste of mixed bread were selected. Therefore, a preliminary conclusion can be drawn that chufa tubers grown in the conditions of the Kuban–Azov Plain with high rheological properties and high sedimentation values of the mixed dough can be recommended for improving the baking properties not only of wheat but also of other bread cereals. Chufa is also a promising crop in the manufacture of functional food products in the Krasnodar region and for the food industry in general as a potential thickener. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has declined even within Mediterranean regions, while its adoption has become more common in non-Mediterranean contexts. This study compares Germany and Türkiye, two culturally contrasting contexts traditionally classified as non-Mediterranean and Mediterranean, respectively, to examine cross-cultural differences and patterns in MedDiet adherence and related lifestyle behaviors. Specifically, it aims to compare adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (MedLife), physical activity, and social participation, and to analyze their associations within each country. Methods: Using data from the MEDIET4ALL survey, 1184 valid responses (609 from Germany and 575 from Türkiye) were analyzed for dietary behaviors, perceived barriers to MedDiet adherence, physical activity, and social engagement, with adherence assessed via the MEDLIFE index. Results: The majority of respondents were healthy (79%), employed (67%), young adults (56%), of normal weight (51%), living in urban environments (72%), and showed a gender balance (52.5% female). Most were classified as medium MedDiet adherent in both Germany (45%) and Türkiye (56%), with no significant difference in total MedLife scores. However, block- and item-level analyses revealed that Turkish participants showed higher adherence to Mediterranean food consumption (p < 0.001), particularly in limiting processed meat and consuming legumes, dairy, nuts/olives, and olive oil. In contrast, German participants adhered more closely to recommendations for red meat and cereal intake. German participants also scored higher on lifestyle-related behaviors (e.g., regular napping and recommended sleep duration), while no significant differences were found in the dietary habits block. Awareness of the MedDiet was significantly higher among German participants (p < 0.001), with country-specific differences in perceived barriers (i.e., higher total score among Germans with p = 0.03). Germans reported more barriers related to social norms and health conditions, while Turkish respondents more often cited attitudes, cost, and individual beliefs. Physical activity levels were significantly higher in Germany, whereas Turkish respondents reported greater social participation (p < 0.001). Weak to moderate correlations (r = 0.09 to 0.035) were found between MedLife adherence and both physical activity and social participation, with stronger associations observed among German participants. Conclusions: These findings highlight the culturally embedded nature of lifestyle behaviors related to MedDiet adherence. Despite similar overall adherence levels, Germans and Turks differ in specific dietary patterns, lifestyle practices, and perceived barriers, underscoring the need for culturally tailored interventions to improve adherence. Full article