Search Results (1,486)

The grain aphid, Sitobion miscanthi, poses a serious threat to cereal crops worldwide, leading to considerable yield losses and demanding annual insecticide applications during the grain-filling stage. As a sustainable alternative, we explored host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) targeting an aphid-specific gene. In this study, we identified SmDSR32, a novel gene encoding a salivary peptide in S. miscanthi, and validated its suitability for RNAi. Transgenic wheat lines expressing SmDSR32-dsRNA were generated. Aphids feeding on these lines showed a 20-fold reduction in SmDSR32 transcript levels compared with controls. This silencing disrupted normal feeding behavior in electropenetrography (EPG) analyses, characterized by a 1.94-fold prolongation of intercellular probing and a 61% shortening of phloem ingestion. Consequently, aphid performance was severely compromised, with at least a 56.7% decrease in survival, a shortening of 5 days in lifespan, and a reduction of 9–10 individuals in aphid progeny production. Impressively, upon being transferred to wild-type plants, both the surviving aphids and their progeny sustained fitness deficits, with a 30% reduction in survival still observed in the first generation. These findings validate SmDSR32 as a potent RNAi target and establish HIGS targeting essential salivary genes as a promising strategy for sustainable aphid management in wheat. Full article

Early and non-destructive identification of fungal contamination in cereals is essential to support post-harvest management, reduce economic losses, and mitigate food safety risks along the wheat supply chain. Among filamentous fungi, Alternaria spp. are widespread contaminants of durum wheat and producers of toxic secondary metabolites such as alternariol (AOH), whose early detection remains analytically challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of near-infrared transmittance (NIT) spectroscopy as a rapid, non-destructive pre-screening tool for the early identification of Alternaria-contaminated durum wheat lots and associated AOH risk. Samples from three durum wheat cultivars were artificially inoculated with Alternaria spp. and monitored over time. NIT spectra (570–1100 nm) were acquired in transmittance mode and analyzed using partial least squares (PLS) regression, focusing on the 870–1100 nm spectral region. Clear and time-dependent spectral differences were observed between inoculated and control samples, with the strongest discriminative features at 834 and 966 nm. Classification performance was high, with area under the curve (AUC) values between 0.96 and 0.97. ELISA analysis confirmed progressive AOH accumulation in inoculated kernels, consistent with the observed spectral changes, while control experiments excluded autoclaving and visual grain damage as confounding factors. From an applied perspective, the results indicate that NIT spectroscopy can support post-harvest decision-making as a rapid pre-screening approach, enabling the prioritization of suspect wheat lots for confirmatory analytical testing. Multivariate analysis further confirmed the consistency of spectral differences across datasets. Full article

Background: Polyamines, including putrescine (PU), spermidine (SPD), and spermine (SPM), are ubiquitous bioactive compounds essential for cell proliferation, genomic stability, autophagy, and the regulation of oxidative and inflammatory responses. Growing evidence, particularly for SPD, suggests that polyamine-rich diets may protect against age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative disorders. As endogenous polyamine synthesis declines with age, dietary intake becomes increasingly important, especially in older adults. Methods: This study estimated each polyamine (PU, SPD and SPM) and total polyamine intake in the Spanish population using food consumption data from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Intakes were evaluated across four age groups, and major dietary sources were identified. Results: Total polyamine intake increased with age, reaching 393 µmol/day in adults over 65 years. PU accounted for 49% of total intake, followed by SPD (29%) and SPM (22%). Plant-based foods were the primary contributors to SPD intake, particularly vegetables (36%), fruits (26%), and cereals (18%). PU intake was also predominantly plant-derived, mainly from fruits (58%) and vegetables (23%), whereas SPM intake was largely associated with meat products (59%). A theoretical Mediterranean diet model yielded a slightly higher total polyamine intake of 406.6 µmol/day and a substantially greater SPD intake than that observed in older adults (193.99 µmol/day versus 121.62 µmol/day). Conclusions: Overall, estimated polyamine intake in the Spanish population fell below the optimal level of 540 µmol/day proposed in the literature. These findings highlight the need for public health strategies promoting consumption of polyamine-rich foods, particularly vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruits, to support healthy aging and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. Full article

Crop yield responses to reduced solar radiation are central to the design of agrivoltaic systems, yet crop-specific patterns and critical shading thresholds remain insufficiently characterized across diverse environments. This study evaluates yield responses across a global dataset of 546 observations from 66 studies, including agrivoltaic, shading, and agroforestry systems. Relative yield was analyzed in relation to reduction in solar radiation (RSR), crop type, and environmental variables using exploratory analysis, multiple linear regression, and tree-based ensemble models. Crop responses varied systematically across crop types. Fruits, berries, and fruity vegetables maintained or increased yield under lower shading levels, while forages, leafy vegetables, cereals, and tubers showed gradual declines, and maize and grain legumes exhibited the strongest sensitivity. Across models, yield responses were non-linear, with relatively stable yields at lower shading levels followed by accelerated declines beyond approximately 50–60% RSR. Climatic conditions further influenced these patterns, with crops in higher-radiation and warmer environments maintaining yields more effectively under partial shade. These findings demonstrate that crop yield responses depend on crop type, shading intensity, and environmental context, providing an agronomic basis for crop selection and agrivoltaic system design. Full article

Nitrogen is a key determinant of both yield and quality in cereal crops; however, its efficiency is strongly influenced by environmental conditions and genotype. This study evaluated the impact of different sowing densities and nitrogen fertilization regimes on grain quality indices in four triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) varieties—Negoiu, Utrifun, Zvelt, and Tulnic—using a split-plot arrangement of the 4 × 3 × 3 type, under the climatic conditions of northwestern Romania. The experiment, conducted over two contrasting growing seasons (2021–2023), employed a split-plot design testing three sowing densities (450, 550, and 650 seeds/m²) and three fertilization levels: basic soil nitrogen fertilization, soil + foliar N-P-K application, and soil + foliar + biostimulant. The results indicated that climatic variability had a predominant effect on grain quality, followed by the genetic characteristics of the varieties and their response to water stress. In the drought-affected 2021–2022 season, the Zvelt variety recorded the highest protein content (14.2%), significantly outperforming the control (13.3%). Supplementary foliar fertilization and the use of biostimulants under drought conditions did not improve quality; in some cases, they led to significant decreases in protein content (from 14.36% to 13.69%) and thousand-kernel weight (TKW). Under optimal precipitation conditions in the 2022–2023 season, supplementary fertilization significantly improved hectoliter weight and TKW (reaching 46.7 g compared to 44.2 g in the soil-only treatments). Higher sowing densities (650 seeds/m²) generally led to decreases in hectoliter weight and TKW in favorable years. These results suggest that nitrogen fertilization can improve triticale quality. In this study, high yields, both quantitatively and qualitatively, appear to be mainly influenced by varieties and climatic conditions, especially water availability during critical growth stages. Full article

Against the backdrop of intelligent and precision agriculture, mechanized harvesting of pulses is crucial for improving productivity and addressing the challenges posed by the changing agricultural workforce structure. However, the biological characteristics of pulses—such as susceptibility to grain breakage, pod shattering, and asynchronous maturity—impose far more stringent demands on threshing and cleaning performance than those for cereal crops. Existing grain combines, when directly applied to pulses, commonly cause high grain breakage during threshing, high cleaning losses, and poor adaptability. This paper systematically reviews the current status and development trends of threshing and cleaning technologies in mechanized pulse harvesting. The core challenges are analyzed from three perspectives: crop biology, technical bottlenecks, and external operational factors. Research progress and breakthrough pathways in low-damage threshing are reviewed in terms of physical and biomechanical properties, flexible threshing elements, multi-stage cylinder structures, multi-field coupled simulation, intelligent control, and energy consumption analysis. Key achievements and breakthrough pathways in high-efficiency cleaning are summarized from aspects of airflow–screen coupling optimization, screening system innovation, numerical simulation, and intelligent detection and control. Based on typical machine models, the structural characteristics and operational applicability of general-purpose and specialized combine harvesters are compared and analyzed. Finally, future development directions are discussed from four perspectives: multifunctionality and generalization, simplification and adaptability, intelligence and precision, and greening and energy efficiency. This paper aims to provide a systematic theoretical reference and technical support for the development, improvement, and industrial application of low-damage, high-efficiency pulse harvesting equipment. Full article

This review examines sorghum digestibility from molecular structure to clinical implications, focusing on compositional factors, processing methods, and health outcomes. We evaluate how sorghum’s unique protein–starch interactions influence digestibility and explore emerging technologies that can modulate these properties for targeted nutritional benefits. Cooked sorghum generally has lower digestibility than raw sorghum and other cereals due to heat-induced protein–starch cross-linking and the formation of disulfide bonds by sorghum proteins (kafirins), which restrict enzymatic access. Enzyme inhibitors in sorghum further reduce starch hydrolysis. This reduced digestibility may negatively impact malnourished individuals and those relying on sorghum as a dietary staple. However, it can be advantageous to individuals with diabetes by lowering postprandial blood glucose levels. Sorghum consumption may also beneficially influence the gut microbiome. Certain processing methods have been shown to significantly enhance digestibility while preserving beneficial bioactive compounds. Improving digestibility through these strategies may enhance sorghum’s value for vulnerable populations while maintaining its metabolic advantages. Balancing increased nutrient bioavailability with preservation of beneficial functional properties is critical for optimizing sorghum as a health-promoting grain across diverse populations. Full article

This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of producing a functional baked snack formulated with sweet potato flour, cereals, and upcycled brewer’s spent grain (BSG). The analysis, developed in SuperPro Designer^®, integrates experimentally derived parameters from literature, justifying the transition from laboratory-scale data to an industrial production model. The analysis identified refrigerated storage (48 h) and tray drying as the primary bottlenecks limiting throughput. By synchronizing equipment cycles and increasing the number of units, the production capacity was adjusted from 154.32 to 1077.21 metric tons per year, capturing approximately 0.8% of the estimated annual demand for sweet potato snacks in Mexico. Economic evaluation for this scale demonstrated a capital investment of USD 24.6 million and annual operating costs of USD 8.49 million. The inclusion of a sedimentation-based water treatment, while increasing costs, enables a significant reduction in freshwater intake. The project yielded a payback period of 3.62 years and a Net Present Value (NPV) of USD 23.908 million. Sensitivity analysis revealed that profitability is strongly influenced by production volume and sweet potato costs. These findings provide a realistic framework for assessing the commercial viability of functional food formulations when scaled for industrial production. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal pollutant to which most people are exposed daily through their diet because of its presence in nearly all food types, including potatoes, vegetables, cereals, grains, legumes, shellfish, and organ meat. Cd has no physiological role or nutritional value in the body and causes toxicity to multiple tissues and organs via oxidative stress and chronic inflammation; as such, at high prevalence, it is frequently associated with diseases, notably cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and chronic kidney disease. Using kidneys and bones as critical toxicity targets, current dietary Cd exposure guidelines vary from 0.21 to 0.83 μg/kg b.w./d. There is a widespread concern about these guidelines because they were based on the excretion of β₂-microglobulin (β₂M) at a rate of 300 µg/g of creatinine as an endpoint. Concerningly, rice is a staple food for over 50% of the world’s population; however, the permissible Cd level in this commodity has not been adequately addressed. This narrative review focuses on critiquing existing food standards and exposure guidelines for Cd. It discusses the threshold-based risk assessment that was used to define the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for Cd, when β₂M excretion was used with Cd excretion at a rate of 5.24 µg/g of creatinine being a threshold. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is recommended as an appropriate kidney disease endpoint. The current view around how Cd uses various transport proteins to enter and induce toxicity to its target cells are summarized. The strategies to minimize Cd accumulation and mitigate its nephrotoxicity are highlighted. Full article

This study analyzed the degree of fungal contamination of cereal grains and assessed the potential of gemini surfactants as antifungal agents used in seed dressing. Identification analysis based on the ITS region showed that representatives of the genera Penicillium and Fusarium were most frequently identified among the isolated microorganisms. The sensitivity testing of the gemini surfactants—12-6-12 hexamethylene-1,6-bis(N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide) and 12-O-12 3-oxa-1,5-pentane-bis(N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide), as well as formulations derived from them—showed that the growth of mold monocultures was inhibited at concentrations <0.0005–0.0016%. A consortium containing a mixture of five different strains inhibited the growth at concentrations of 0.031–0.125%. In studies of treated grains, both on synthetic media and in pot tests, the following parameters were considered: the type of gemini surfactant in the fungicide, the coating agent concentration, and various filamentous fungi. It was found that wheat grains showed comparatively lower infection levels under the tested conditions for the 12-6-12/N/IT7/S formulation, containing the main active ingredient, hexamethylene-1,6-bis(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylammonium) dibromide, and a single concentration of the coating agent. Fusarium sp. monocultures colonized treated grain more quickly than a consortium of five strains. The results indicate that seed coatings based on gemini surfactants may represent a potentially useful approach under controlled conditions; however, further studies including toxicity assessment, environmental impact evaluation, and field validation are required. Full article

Pea–cereal intercropping may combine ecological disease regulation with improved land-use efficiency, but field evidence for pea powdery mildew responses on the pea component under temperate continental conditions remains limited. A two-year field experiment (2017/2018 and 2018/2019) was conducted in Novi Sad, Serbia, to evaluate the effects of intercropping on pea powdery mildew disease index (DI%), pea grain yield, seed physical quality traits, and land-use efficiency. Winter pea cv. Kosmaj was grown as a sole crop or in mixed intercropping (70% pea + 30% cereal seeding rates) with wheat, triticale, rye, or oat in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Powdery mildew DI% was assessed at BBCH 71–75, while pea grain yield, thousand-seed weight (TSW), hectoliter weight (HLW), and yield-based land equivalent ratio (LER) were determined at harvest. Under the low natural disease pressure recorded in the study, intercropping was associated with lower DI% than sole cropping (approximately 2.8-fold lower on seasonal means; p < 0.001), but DI% did not show a significant independent effect on pea grain yield, TSW, or HLW after accounting for year and cultivation system. Pea grain yield was generally lower under intercropping, although the magnitude of reduction depended on the cereal companion; pea–triticale maintained pea yield closest to the sole crop, whereas pea–oat showed the lowest pea yield. TSW and HLW were generally higher under intercropping, but additional analyses indicated that these traits reflected different response patterns. All intercrops achieved LER > 1, with the highest values recorded for pea–triticale. Full article

Pigmented wheat varieties represent a promising source of bioactive compounds, particularly anthocyanins, with potential applications in the development of functional cereal-based foods. This study investigated the combined effect of pigmented wheat genetics and innovative milling technologies on the nutritional and technological properties of wheat-derived products. Two pigmented bread wheat genotypes, the blue-grained cultivar Purendo and the purple-grained line Vanilnoir, were compared with the non-pigmented cultivar Peralba. Grains were processed using conventional milling or through micronization followed by air-classification to obtain enriched fractions (F250 and G250). The resulting flours and fractions were evaluated for compositional traits, rheological properties, antioxidant activity, and pasta-making performance. Air-classification significantly increased ash, protein, and lipid contents while reducing total starch, confirming the enrichment of outer kernel components. Bran-enriched fractions exhibited enhanced antioxidant capacity, with the highest FRAP and TEAC values observed in pigmented genotypes. Pasta produced from enriched fractions showed improved nutritional profiles and, in most cases, a reduced predicted glycemic index compared with conventional flour-based pasta. Technological responses were genotype-dependent: while bran enrichment negatively affected dough rheology, the purple genotype maintained more balanced technological and sensory properties in pasta compared with the blue genotype. These results demonstrate that integrating pigmented wheat genetics with targeted milling strategies can support the development of functional cereal-based foods with enhanced antioxidant potential and improved nutritional quality. Full article

Immature rice is a distinctive cereal product widely consumed in Asian countries due to its natural green color, soft texture, unique flavor, and high nutritional value. However, its fragile structure and pigment sensitivity create significant processing challenges. This study investigates the effects of infrared (IR) roasting temperature (550–650 °C) and time (20–40 min) on the physicochemical, nutritional, and cooked-rice qualities of immature rice (Oryza sativa L., cv. RD6). A two-factor study with three level of factorials was designed and response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate roasting variables and to identify optimal processing conditions (p ≤ 0.05). Increasing roasting severity decreased rice yield, moisture content, water activity, and chlorophyll content, while promoting grain darkening, increasing phenolic content, and enhancing cooked-rice expansion and hardness. Several responses exhibited significant linear and quadratic relationships with roasting conditions, with model coefficients of determination (R²) ranging from 0.676 to 0.829. Multi-response optimization using desirability analysis identified the optimal roasting condition as 650 °C for 20 min, which produced predicted values that closely matched experimental validation (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate that IR roasting provides an effective green-energy processing approach for producing value-added immature rice while maintaining desirable color, nutritional properties, and cooked-rice texture. Full article

Agronomic practices can modify cereal grain chemical composition and processing performance. Long-term evidence linking agricultural management with functionality-related quality remains limited, especially in terms of combined tillage x crop residue management strategy. We evaluated the effects of long-term tillage simplifications and straw management on productivity and processing-relevant traits of winter wheat and spring barley in a split-plot field experiment (Lithuania). Straw was either removed (S0) or chopped and retained (S1), and six tillage systems were compared (conventional ploughing (CP), shallow ploughing (SP), shallow cultivation (SOW), stubble over winter, no-till with cover crops (NTC), and no-till without cover crops (NT)). The yield and starch content of winter wheat and spring barley groats increased with the addition of straw and the application of SOW, NTC, and NT systems. The hectolitre mass of winter wheat and spring barley grains increased with the addition and removal of straw using SP technology. The protein content and wet gluten content of winter wheat and spring barley grains decreased, while the starch content increased, with the addition and removal of straw using SC technology. In wheat, protein content showed weak separation among treatments, while wet gluten and Zeleny sedimentation displayed mostly directional trends (wet gluten–sedimentation correlation: r = 0.844 under S0 and r = 0.984 under S1). In terms of the tillage systems, it can be stated that in most cases, SP and NT increased grain yield and improved quality indicators, while SC and NTC technologies showed opposite results. Soil-function assessment (CEI, 10–25 cm) indicated substantially higher integrated soil functioning under conservation agriculture (e.g., SOW/NTC/NT: 5.28–5.70) than under conventional systems (CP: 3.23). The results support framing sustainable soil management for cereal functionality as a system package: residue retention enables the productivity benefits of reduced-tillage systems while maintaining key quality proxies. Full article

Emerging mycotoxins are unregulated natural toxins, often detected in small-grain cereal crops. They are produced by various Fusarium molds and have been reported in surveys conducted across Europe. Many Fusarium species that produce mycotoxins thrive and exhibit greater pathogenicity under relatively warm and humid conditions. Environmental conditions that promote fungal growth often also enhance mycotoxin accumulation. Various abiotic factors influence both Fusarium growth and mycotoxin biosynthesis, and several studies have associated these environmental conditions with the occurrence of enniatins (ENNs) and beauvericin (BEA) in cereal crops. Ongoing climate change in Europe may further support the spread and development of Fusarium species, potentially increasing the production of emerging mycotoxins. Following recent updates on the occurrence of these mycotoxins, this review evaluates the scientific literature concerning Fusarium species responsible for ENNs and BEA production. Full article