Search Results (168)

Wool has distinctive biological, physical, and chemical properties that contribute to its value both for the sheep and in global fibre and textile markets. Its fibres are primarily composed of proteins, principally keratin and keratin-associated proteins (KAPs). To better comprehend the genes that underpin key wool traits, this study examined the keratin-associated protein 36-1 gene (KRTAP36-1) in Chinese Tan lambs. We identified three previously reported alleles of the gene (named A, B and C) that were present in the lambs studied, with genotype frequencies as follows: 2.0% (n = 5; AA), 6.9% (n = 17; AB), 13.8% (n = 34; AC), 8.9% (n = 22; BB), 33.4% (n = 82; BC) and 35.0% (n = 86; CC). The frequencies of the individual alleles in the Chinese Tan lambs were 12.4%, 29.1% and 58.5% for alleles A, B and C, respectively. The three alleles were in Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium. In an association analysis, it was revealed that allele C was associated with variation in the mean fibre curvature of the fine wool of the Chinese Tan lambs, but this association was not observed in their heterotypic hair fibres. This finding suggests that KRTAP36-1 might be differentially expressed in the wool follicles that produce the two fibre types, and that along with other KRTAP genes, it may be involved in determining fibre curvature and the distinctive curly coat of the lambs. Full article

An increasing number of soils, including those in EU countries, are affected by organic matter deficiency and the deterioration of nutrients, and using mineral fertilizers is often associated with negative environmental impacts. One of the basic recommendations for sustainable agriculture is to increase the proportion of organic fertilizers in crop production and preserve soil biodiversity. An increasingly common organic fertilizer is biogas plant digestate, the physical and chemical properties of which depend primarily on the waste material used in biogas production. However, the fertilizer value of this additive and its effects on the soil environment, including beneficial organisms, remain insufficiently studied. Soil macrofauna, particularly earthworms, play a crucial role in soil ecosystems, because they significantly impact the presence of plant nutrients, actively participate in forming soil structures, and strongly influence organic matter dynamics. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of fertilizing a silt loam soil with the solid fraction of digestate in monoculture crop production on earthworm community characteristics and the resulting changes in selected soil physicochemical properties. The research was conducted at a single site, so the original soil characteristics across the experimental plots were identical. Plots were treated annually (for 3 years; 2021–2023) with different levels of digestate: DG100 (100% of the recommended rate; 30 t ha⁻¹), DG75 (75% of the recommended rate; 22.5 t ha⁻¹), DG50 (15 t ha⁻¹), DG25 (7.5 t ha⁻¹), and CL (a control plot without fertilizer). An electrical method was used to extract earthworms. Those found at the study site belonged to seven species representing three ecological groups: Dendrodrilus rubidus (Sav.), Lumbricus rubellus (Hoff.), and Dendrobaena octaedra (Sav.) (epigeics); Aporrectodea caliginosa (Sav.), Aporrectodea rosea (Sav.), and Octolasion lacteum (Örley) (endogeics); and Lumbricus terrestris (L.) (anecics). Significant differences in the abundance and biomass of earthworms were found between the higher level treatments (DG100, DG75, and DG50), and the lowest level of fertilization and the control plot (DG25 and CL). The DG25 and CL plots showed an average of 24.7% lower earthworm abundance and 22.8% lower biomass than the other plots. There were no significant differences in the earthworm metrics between the plots within each of the two groups (DG100, DG75, and DG50; and DG25 and CL). The most significant influence on the average abundance and average biomass of Lumbricidae was probably exerted by soil moisture and the annual dosage of digestate. A significant increase in the abundance and biomass of Lumbricidae was shown at plots DG100, DG75, and DG50 in the three successive years of the experiment. The different fertilizer treatments were found to have different effects on selected soil parameters. No significant differences were found among the values of the analyzed soil traits within each plot in the successive years of the study. Full article

This study presents an integrated approach to sustainable soil and crop management by evaluating the individual and combined effects of cow manure (CM), rice husk biochar (RHB), and potassium humate (KH)—three underutilized, low-cost organic amendments derived from agricultural byproducts. Uniquely, it investigates how these amendments simultaneously affect soil physical and chemical properties, plant growth, and the accumulation of bioactive compounds in sunflower sprouts, thereby linking soil health to crop nutritional quality. The application of 2% w/w KH alone resulted in the greatest increases in macroaggregation (+0.51), soil pH (from 6.8 to 8.6), and electrical conductivity (+298%). The combination of 1% w/w CM and 2% KH led to the highest increases in soil organic carbon (OC, +62.9%) and soil respiration (+56.4%). Nitrate and available phosphorus (P) peaked with 3% w/w RHB + 2% KH (+120%) and 1% w/w CM + 0.5% KH (+35.5%), respectively. For plant traits, 0.5% w/w KH increased the total leaf area by 61.9%, while 1% w/w CM enhanced shoot and root biomass by 60.8% and 79.0%, respectively. In contrast, 2% w/w KH reduced chlorophyll content (−43.6%). Regarding bioactive compounds, the highest total phenolic content (TPC) was observed with 1% w/w KH (+21.9%), while the strongest DPPH antioxidant activity was found under 1% w/w CM + 1% w/w KH (+72.6%). A correlation analysis revealed that biomass production and secondary metabolite accumulation are shaped by trade-offs arising from resource allocation under stress or nutrient limitations. Potassium, P, soil microbial respiration, and OC emerged as key integrators connecting soil structure, fertility, and plant metabolic responses. Overall, the combination of 1% w/w CM with 0.5–1% w/w KH proved to be the most effective strategy under the tested conditions. Full article

While resistance or tolerance is a highly sought-after trait in new grape varieties, producing such grapes does not guarantee acceptance in the market. The objective of this study was to explore consumers’ appreciation of a novel tolerant table grape variety by integrating chemical, textural, and sensory analyses with near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. To achieve this, we developed multivariate prediction models using artificial neural networks (ANNs) that were applied to the spectra of samples subjected to sensory analysis, allowing us to predict their composition. This approach offers a non-destructive way to conduct sensory analysis, as a single NIR spectrum can assess consumer appreciation and identify the chemical and physical characteristics of each berry. For the grape variety tested, we observed a significant favorable consensus among consumers. Therefore, instead of identifying differences, we focused on determining the optimal maturity ranges that enhance consumer appreciation for this variety. Our findings represent a step toward non-destructive sensory analysis; however, further research is still needed to refine this approach. Full article

Despite its broad application due to its affordability, biodegradability, and natural antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, chitosan (CS) still exhibits limitations in mechanical strength and barrier effectiveness. Owing to its unique chemical characteristics, itaconic acid (IT) presents potential as a compatibilizing agent in polymeric blend formulations. Biodegradable polymers composed of chitosan (CS), itaconic acid (IT), and starch (S) were synthesized using two polymerization methods. The first method involved grafting IT onto CS at varying ratios of IT (4%, 6%, and 8% wt.), using 1% v/v acetic acid/water as the solvent and potassium persulfate as the initiator. In the second approach, starch (S) was blended with the copolymer P(CS-g-IT) at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5%, utilizing water as the solvent and glacial acetic acid as a catalyst. The resulting biodegradable films underwent characterization through FTIR, TGA, SEM, and mechanical property analysis. To further explore the effects of combining IT, starch, and carbon black, the blends, referred to as P[(CS-g-IT)-b-S], were also loaded with carbon black. This allowed for the evaluation of the materials’ physicomechanical properties, such as viscosity, tensile strength, elongation, and contact angle. The findings demonstrated that the presence of IT, starch, and carbon black collectively improved the films’ mechanical performance, physical traits, and biodegradability. Among the samples, the blended copolymer with 1% starch exhibited the highest mechanical properties, followed by the grafted copolymer with 8% IT and the blended copolymer mixed with carbon black at 7%. In contrast, the blended copolymer with 5% starch showed the highest hydrophilicity and the shortest degradation time compared to the grafted copolymer with 8% IT and the blended copolymer mixed with 7% carbon black. Full article

Oats (Avena sativa L.) are forage grasses moderately tolerant to saline-alkali soil and are widely used for the improvement and utilization of saline-alkali land. Using the oat varieties collected from the Qaidam Basin as experimental materials, based on the analysis data of the main agronomic traits, quality, and soil physical and chemical properties of different oat varieties at the harvest stage. The hay yield of Molasses (17,933.33 kg·hm⁻²) was the highest (p < 0.05), the plant height (113.59 cm) and crude fat (3.02%) of Qinghai 444 were the highest (p < 0.05), the fresh-dry ratio (2.62), crude protein (7.43%), and total salt content in plants (68.33 g·kg⁻¹) of Qingtian No. 1 were the highest (p < 0.05), and the Relative forage value (RFV) of Baler (122.96) was the highest (p < 0.05). In the 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm soil layers of different oat varieties, the contents of pH, EC, total salt, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and HCO₃⁻ showed a decreasing trend at the harvest stage compared to the seedling stage, while the contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, Cl⁻, and SO4²⁻ showed an increasing trend. The contents of K⁺ and Na⁺ maintained a relatively balanced relationship between the seedling stage and the harvest stage in the two soil layers. Qingtian No. 1, Qingyin No. 1, and Molasses all rank among the top three in terms of production performance and soil physical and chemical properties, and they are the oat varieties suitable for cultivation in the research area. Full article

Investigating viable processes for the use of lignocellulosic biomass in clean fuels and high-value-added chemical products is essential for sustainable development. Large amounts of lignin are available every year as by-products of the paper and biorefinery industries, causing a series of problems, particularly environmental ones. Its structure and composition make lignin compatible with the concept of sustainability, since it can be used to produce new chemical products with high added value. As such, this study aims to extract lignin from green coconut fiber (LIG), with the subsequent impregnation of a sodium-octanoate-based surfactant (LIG-SUR), and determine its applicability as an adsorbent for removing copper ions from synthetic waste. To this end, the green coconut fiber lignocellulosic biomass was initially subjected to alkaline pre-treatment with 2% (w/v) sodium hydroxide in an autoclave. Next, the surface of the lignin was modified by impregnating it with sodium octanoate, synthesized from the reaction of octanoic acid and NaOH. The physical and chemical traits of the lignin were studied before and after surfactant impregnation, as well as after copper ion adsorption. The lignin was analyzed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The adsorption tests were carried out using lignin pre-treated with surfactant in a batch system, where the effects of pH and adsorbent concentration were investigated. XRF and SEM analyses confirmed surfactant impregnation, with Na₂O partially replaced by CuO after Cu²⁺ adsorption. FTIR analysis revealed shifts in O–H, C–H, C=O, and C=C bands, indicating electrostatic interactions with lignin. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemisorption, with equilibrium reached in approximately 10 and 60 min for LIG-SUR and LIG, respectively. The Langmuir model best described the isotherm data, indicating monolayer adsorption. LIG-SUR removed 91.57% of Cu²⁺ and reached a maximum capacity of 30.7 mg·g⁻¹ at 25 °C and a pH of 6. The results of this research showed that pre-treatment with NaOH, followed by impregnation with surfactant, significantly increased the adsorption capacity of copper ions in solution. This technique is a viable and sustainable alternative to the traditional adsorbents used to treat liquid waste. In addition, by using green coconut fiber lignin more efficiently, the research contributes to adding value to this material and strengthening practices in line with the circular economy and environmental preservation. Full article

Aphis craccivora significantly affects cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) production, leading to yield reductions. Management strategies encompass physical barriers and biological and chemical methods, which can be costly and detrimental to the environment. Host-plant resistance offers a more sustainable alternative. This study evaluated cowpea genotypes in a screenhouse experiment. Tswana and B261-B were resistant, while B301, B259, and ER7 showed a tolerance phenotype. Tswana exhibited a low aphid population and minimal plant damage, probably due to suppression of reproduction and fecundity. Conversely, IT97K-556-6, SARI-21KTA-6, SARC 1-57-2, B013-F, B339, and Blackeye were susceptible to aphids, as shown by high aphid populations and dense sooty molds. Severe damage to plant vigor may be linked to direct aphid feeding and reduced photosynthesis efficiency. SNP1_0912 and CP 171F/172R markers confirmed aphid resistance in Tswana and ER7 as well as in the IT97k-556-6 and SARI-21KTA-6 controls. The inverse susceptible phenotype in the control group suggests that the markers may not function properly due to negative interactions between quantitative trait loci (QTL) and environmental factors. This could also indicate the presence of different aphid biotypes that severely damage Western African breeding lines. This study offers essential insights for breeding aphid-resistant cowpea varieties. Future efforts will involve sequencing Tswana to identify more resistance sources and create novel markers. Full article

The invasive spotted wing Drosophila (SWD) represents new challenges for European and North American fruit producers. The aim of our study was to examine wine grape cultivar susceptibility to this pest and melanogaster-type Drosophila (MTD) by surveying drosophilid populations using field traps and conducting emergence tests. We assessed fly development from intact and artificially injured berries collected from four cultivars. Berries were incubated individually and in pooled samples to evaluate infestation patterns and potential larval interactions. Although grapes are generally considered less favorable hosts for SWD, the pest was consistently present across all vineyard plots. Infestation levels differed significantly among cultivars, with the Hungarian white cultivar Furmint being the most susceptible, while French-origin red cultivars Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with the other Hungarian cultivar Rózsakő, were less susceptible. Berry integrity played a crucial role: intact berries showed minimal infestation, whereas physical injuries led to a substantial and significant increase in infestation rates and fly emergence. In contrast to SWD-dominated trap catches and the nearly equal proportions of SWD and MTD observed in intact berries, injured berries were predominantly colonized by MTD. This dominance became even more pronounced in pooled samples, suggesting that larval competition in shared environments favors MTD over SWD. These findings underscore the importance of grape cultivar traits and berry condition in shaping Drosophila infestation dynamics. Further research into the chemical and ecological drivers of host selection and interspecific interactions is warranted to improve vineyard pest management strategies. Full article

Human activities have increased the imbalance in atmospheric N and P deposition, which changes soil nutrient availability and subsequently affects the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems. Dioecious plants are important parts of terrestrial ecosystems and are characterized by sex-related differences in their response to the external environment and always exhibit a skewed sex ratio, which makes them more vulnerable to climate change and increases their risk of extinction. However, little attention has been paid to the effects of unbalanced N and P deposition on these plants, especially on their defense traits. In this study, we used dioecious Populus cathayana to investigate the influence of gradient N and P deposition on the correlation between growth and defense traits. The results showed that although the different rates of N and P deposition enhanced biomass accumulation in both sexes to varying degrees, the most substantial biomass increment was noted under a lower-nitrogen and higher-phosphorus (LNHP) treatment regimen, with females showing an approximately 112% increase and males a 47% increase in total biomass. In response to varying levels of simulated N and P deposition, males and females adopt distinct strategies for biomass allocation. Although declines in root biomass were observed in both sexes as nutrient availability increased, the decrement was more marked in males; under the LNHP treatment, it dropped by about 11%, while under a high-nitrogen and high-phosphorus (HNHP) treatment, the decrease was about 35%. Conversely, females demonstrated a heightened propensity to allocate biomass towards leaf development. Furthermore, with increasing N and P deposition, there was a general reduction in the concentrations of physical and chemical defense substances within the leaves of both sexes. Nonetheless, the correlations between defense substances, nutrient element content, non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content, and dry biomass were more pronounced in males, suggesting a greater sensitivity to defense substance responses in males than in females. Overall, these results indicate that there is sexual dimorphism in the accumulation of chemical substances in male and female P. cathayana under unbalanced N and P deposition and they provide a technical and theoretical basis for predicting the population dynamics of dioecious plants, maintaining the stability of poplar populations, and constructing high-productivity poplar plantations globally in the future. Full article

A typical Mashrabiya in Islamic architecture represents an integral climatic and sustainable solution, not only by offering recycling and the responsible use of small pieces of wood assembled in stunning geometrical and natural abstract lattice panels, but also because it offers air cooling, filtration, and flow from the exterior to the interior of a building. This leads to the air flow being cooled by the water spray offered by the interior patio fountains, in addition to protecting the sanctity and privacy of a building’s inhabitants, which complies with religious beliefs and social considerations. This integral sustainable solution acts on multiple scales: material recycling and responsible use, as well as climatic and socio-cultural considerations similar to Gaudi’s approach with Trencadís technology, not far from the Arabic and Islamic architectural influence revived in the Catalan Modernism contemporary to his time. In these footsteps, we explore the Mashrabiya of our time: an interactive and living architectural membrane, a soft interface that reacts by growing, giving shade, filtrating air, and transforming in time. Despite attempts to design a contemporary concept of the Mashrabiya, none of them have adopted the living organism to form an interactive living lattice architectural system. In this work, we propose the biodigital micro-cellular Mashrabiya as a novel idea and a proof of concept based on employing the authors’ previously published research findings to utilize eco-friendly biopolymers inoculated with useful native–domestic microbial strains to act as soft and living membranes, where these organisms grow and vary in their chemical and physical characteristics, sustainable function, and industrial value. This study implements an analytical–descriptive methodology to analyze the key characteristics of a traditional Mashrabiya as an integral sustainable solution and how the proposed micro-cellular biodigital Mashrabiya system can fulfill these criteria to be integrated into the built environment, forging future research trajectories on the bio-/micro-environmental compatibility of this biomaterial-based biodigital Mashrabiya system by understanding these materials’ physical, chemical, and physiological traits and their sustainable value. In this work, a biodigital Mashrabiya is proposed based on employing previous research findings on experimentally analyzed biomaterials from a biomineralized calcium-phosphate-based hydrogel and bio-welded seashell–mycelium biocomposite in forging the lattice system of a biodigital Mashrabiya, analyzing the feasibility and sustainability impact of these systems for integration into the architectural built environment. Full article

This study examined the effects of incorporating processed (hydrolysed) (POP) and unprocessed (non-hydrolysed) (UOP) orange peels into the diets of lactating ewes on the proximate composition, fatty acid profile, antioxidant properties, physicochemical characteristics, and sensory attributes of traditional sheep milk yoghurt. Thirty-six Chios breed ewes were divided into three dietary groups: POP, UOP, and a conventional control diet (Control). Yoghurt produced from the UOP and POP diets had higher protein content (5.93 and 5.53%, respectively) and fat content (6.79 and 6.24%, respectively) compared to the Control (5.42% for protein and 6.06% for fat). Additionally, there were no significant differences in the nutritional indices of yoghurt fat. The determination of antioxidant activity showed no significant differences among the groups using the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP methods, whereas significant differences were observed when measured with the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Textural analysis revealed that UOP yoghurt had greater firmness and cohesiveness. The whiteness index of yoghurt across all treatments remained consistent during storage, maintaining the desirable visual characteristics of traditional sheep milk yoghurt. Syneresis levels were similar across all groups, indicating no negative effects on yoghurt stability. Sensory evaluation confirmed the high acceptability of yoghurt produced from both experimental diets. These findings highlight the potential of orange peels as a sustainable feed additive, with no adverse effects on the nutritional, functional, or sensory properties of dairy products, while contributing to effective waste valorisation. Full article

Considerable losses are inflicted by plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) due to their obligate parasitism; serious damage occurs in many susceptible crops, and the parasites have a broad distribution worldwide. As most PPNs have a subterranean nature, the complexity of soils in the plant rhizosphere and the structures and functions of the soil food webs necessitate a grasp of the relevant biotic/abiotic factors in order to ensure their effective control. Such factors frequently lead to the inconsistent performance and untapped activity of applied bionematicides, hindering efforts to develop reliable ones. Research efforts that take these factors into account to back the usage of these bionematicides by combining the disease-suppressive activities of two or more agricultural inputs are highlighted herein. These combinations should be designed to boost useful colonization in the rhizosphere, persistent expression of desirable traits under a wide range of soil settings, and/or antagonism to a larger number of plant pests/pathogens relative to individual applications. Relevant ecological/biological bases with specific settings for effective PPN management are exemplified. Determining the relative sensitivity or incompatibility of some biologicals entails studying their combinations and reactions. Such studies, as suggested herein, should be conducted on a case-by-case basis to avoid unsatisfactory outputs. These studies will enable us to accurately define certain outputs, namely, the synergistic, additive, neutral, and antagonistic interactions among the inputs. In optimizing the efficiencies of these inputs, researchers should consider their multi-functionality and metabolic complementarity. Despite previous research, the market currently lacks these types of safe and effective products. Hence, further explorations of novel integrated pest management plans that boost synergy and coverage to control multiple pathogens/pests on a single crop are required. Also, setting economic incentives and utilizing a standardized regulation that examines the authentic risks of biopesticides are still called for in order to ease cost-effective formulation, registration, farmer awareness, and usage worldwide. On the other hand, tank mixing that ensures legality and avoids physical and chemical agro-input-based incompatibilities can also provide superior merits. The end in view is the unraveling of the complexities of interactions engaged with in applying multiple inputs to develop soundly formulated, safe, and effective pesticides. Sophisticated techniques should be incorporated to overcome such complexities/limitations. These techniques would engage microencapsulation, nanopesticides, volatile organic compounds as signals for soil inhabitants, bioinformatics, and RNA-Seq in pesticide development. Full article

Supplemental zinc in fattening lambs improves their health, performance, and meat quality. However, the Zn effect on grazing animals combined with different levels of concentrate should be known unknown. The objective was to evaluate the Zn-organic effect in the diet of grazing lambs supplemented with two levels of concentrate on growth, dry matter (DM) intake, carcass traits, body composition, meat quality, and fatty acid profile in Longissimus dorsi muscle. Twenty-eight lambs were used in a factorial arrangement of two levels of concentrate (C) feed intake (C-0.75 and C-1.5% of live weight) and two Zn-Met levels (0 and 80 ppm Zn kg⁻¹ DM) on the grazing of Lolium perenne L. Digestibility and dry matter intake, weight gain, and productive performance were measured. At the end of the fattening period (90 d), the lambs were slaughtered and the carcass traits, body composition, instrumental quality, and lipid profile of meat were evaluated. The effect of treatment (T), measurement period (P), and T × P interaction was observed (p < 0.05) for dry matter intake (DMI). For the final live weight (FLW) and daily weight gain (DWG), there was an effect (p < 0.05) of T and P, with Zn-80 ppm + C-1.5% treatment being greater. The live weight at slaughter (LWS) and leg length (LL) showed an effect (p < 0.05) of C × Zn. Zn-80 ppm + C-1.5% treatment was higher in the kidney fat, empty body weight, carcass fat, fat and retained energy but lower in protein content (p < 0.05). The physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid content of meat were not affected (p > 0.05). It can be concluded that the concentrated-organic zinc synergy in grazing lambs improved the performance, weight gain, and body composition, which resulted in heavier carcasses with greater amounts of fat, protein, and energy deposited. Furthermore, the physical and chemical meat traits were not affected, but the n-3 fatty acid content and n-3/n-6 ratio in Longissimus dorsi was affected by the Zn level supplemented. Full article

Future climate conditions may jeopardize the suitability of traditional grape-growing areas in the Mediterranean. However, precise vineyard management is a crucial component of adaptation strategies aimed at optimizing resource efficiency, which is essential for sustainable farming practices. A fine-scale characterization, based on the spatial variability of soil’s physical–chemical and hydrological traits combined with temporal variability of vine canopy temperature extracted from UAV thermal images has been adopted in a rainfed vineyard of central Italy, for better understanding the impact of soil and climate abiotic factors in the vineyard for planning precision adaptation strategies encouraging sustainable resource use. This study identifies significant soil heterogeneity within the tested vineyard, affecting water retention, nutrient availability, and vine water stress. We combined ground-based measurements with remote sensing-enhanced data spatialization and helped to advocate for site-specific management techniques as short- and long-term strategies (such as canopy management, deficit irrigation, and compost application) to counter climate emergencies, restore soil health, and preserve vine function and economic yields. Full article