Search Results (63)

Low-commercial-value natural pistachios (broken, closed, or immature) can be revalorised through oil extraction, obtaining a high-quality oil and partially defatted flour as by-product. This study evaluated the techno-functional and nutritional properties of the flours obtained by hydraulic press (HP) and single-screw press (SSP) systems, combined with pretreatment at 25 °C and 60 °C. The extraction method significantly influenced flour’s characteristics, underscoring the need to tailor processing conditions to the specific technological requirements of each food application. HP-derived flours presented lighter colour, greater tocopherol content, and higher water absorption capacity (up to 2.75 g/g), suggesting preservation of hydrophilic proteins. SSP-derived flours showed higher concentration of protein (44 g/100 g), fibre (12 g/100 g), and minerals, and improved emulsifying properties, enhancing their suitability for emulsified products. Pretreatment at 25 °C enhanced functional properties such as swelling power (~7.0 g/g) and water absorption index (~5.7 g/g). The SSP system achieved the highest oil extraction yield, with no significant effect of pretreatment temperature. The oils extracted showed high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid (~48% of ω-9), highlighting their nutritional and industrial value. The findings support the valorisation of pistachio oil extraction by-products as functional food ingredients, offering a promising strategy for reducing food waste and promoting circular economy approaches in the agri-food sector. Full article

Background: Sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) and dynapenia (loss of strength) are prevalent in older adults aged 70 years and over. Both have an impact on their functional ability and quality of life, with type II muscle fibres being particularly affected. Although traditional resistance training (TRT) is effective, it presents technical difficulties and an increased risk of injury among this vulnerable population. Isometric strength training (IST) is a potentially safer, more accessible and more effective alternative. Objective: To describe the protocol of a single-arm, pre-post intervention trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and applicability of a 16-week IST programme on muscle strength, skeletal muscle mass, quality of life and applicability (safety, acceptability, perceived difficulty) in 18 older adults aged 70 years and above with a diagnosis of sarcopenia and dynapenia. The influence of genetic and environmental factors on the variability of response to IST will also be explored. Methodology: The participants, who have all been diagnosed with sarcopenia according to EWGSOP2 (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2) criteria, will perform two IST sessions per week for 16 weeks. Each 30-min session will consist of one progressive set (total duration 45 s to 90 s) for each of the eight major muscle groups. This series will include phases at 20% and 40% of individual Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC), culminating in 100% Maximal Effort (ME), using the CIEX SYSTEM machine with visual feedback. The primary outcome variables will be: change in knee extensor MVIC and change in Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (ASMMI). Secondary variables will be measured (other components of sarcopenia, quality of life by EQ-5D-5L, use of Likert scales, posture and physiological variables), and saliva samples will be collected for exploratory genetic analyses. The main statistical analyses will be performed with t-tests for related samples or their non-parametric analogues. Discussion: This protocol details a specific IST intervention and a comprehensive evaluation plan. The results are expected to provide evidence on the feasibility and effects of IST among older adults with sarcopenia and dynapenia. Understanding individual variability in response, including genetic influence, could inform the design of more personalised and effective exercise strategies for this population in the future. Full article

Background: Ready-to-eat cereals (RTECs) are a large, heterogeneous category of cereals designed to fit into busy lifestyles with minimal preparation time. Methods: This systematic review evaluated nutrient intake data from seven national surveys. Using PubMed and Science Direct (1 January 2004 until 16 September 2024), we investigated RTECs in relation to their contributions to macro, micronutrient and food group intakes, breakfast/diet quality and effects on health with focus on non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention. The search was restricted to Systematic Reviews (SRs), meta-analyses (MAs), randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. Fifty-one publications were obtained. Studies related to health outcomes and NCD risk were graded using an updated Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network approach. Results: Grade A evidence: Based on high-quality MA, SRs, or RCTs, this showed that RTEC consumption was associated with improved nutrient intakes (particularly fibre and micronutrients), reduced cardiovascular disease and mortality. One good-quality Grade A meta-analysis showed that total whole grain intake which included cereals was associated with a reduced risk of total cancer. Grade B evidence: Based largely on observational evidence, this showed that RTEC consumption was associated with reduced risk of overweight and obesity, body mass index and composition improvements and type 2 diabetes risk. For food group intakes, breakfast/diet quality and lipid profiles, more well-designed studies were needed (Grade D evidence). Conclusions: There is consistent evidence that RTECs generally have positive or neutral effects on nutritional status and NCD prevention. Strongest evidence exists for RTEC and micronutrient intakes, reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), body weight regulation, and reduced type 2 diabetes risk. Public health messaging should recognise that RTECs, especially whole-grain, higher-fibre and lower-sugar varieties, may help to reinforce micronutrient intakes and a range of health outcomes. Full article

Background: Epidemiological evidence suggests a link between the risk of IBD and diet. Macro- and micro- nutrient intake, diet quality and dietary patterns may play a pivotal role in disease pathogenesis. We aimed to study the dietary intake of newly diagnosed IBD patients compared to non-IBD controls. Methods: A cohort of newly diagnosed IBD patients were invited to complete the Scottish Collaborative Group Food Frequency Questionnaire (SCGFFQ) at their first clinic visit. Controls were recruited from non-IBD ambulatory patients, university students, and healthcare workers. The SCGFFQ estimates habitual diet over a 3-month period. Component nutrient data were calculated based on previous validation studies, deriving nutrient data by comparison of the SCGFFQ to actual weighted food records. Data on age, gender, ethnicity, and disease phenotype were collected. The intake of macro- and micro-nutrients was expressed as mean and standard deviation and compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis. Differences in the dietary patterns for age, gender, and ethnicity were analysed by logistic regression analysis. The diet quality was compared to the dietary recommendation values (DRVs) and measured using the diet quality index. Results: We enrolled 160 IBD cases (114 UC and 46 CD) and 126 non-IBD controls, and in the study, with a median age across the groups of 40 years (IQR = 24) for UC, 34 years (IQR = 29) for CD, and 36 years (IQR = 24) for non-IBD controls. The diet quality indexes for both UC and CD were low compared to controls: 59.0% (SD 18.0) for UC, 46.0% (SD 17.7) for CD, and 63.2% (SD 17.1) controls. UC patients had excessive total energy consumption (>2500 kcal/day) compared to the DRVs. UC patients reported higher retinol, vitamin D, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and panthanoic acid intake, consistent with a diet rich in animal products and low in fruit/vegetable intake. This is likely driven by higher consumption of dietary patterns 2 (rich in carbohydrates, refined sugar and low fibre) and 5 (refined sugar and saturated fat) in the UC cohort. Dietary pattern 1 (variety of food items and oily fish) was less likely to be consumed by the CD population. CD patients tended to have a lower overall intake of both macro- and micro-nutrients. Conclusions: The dietary patterns identified here are a proof of concept, and the next phase of the study would be to ideally monitor these patterns in a case–control cohort prospectively, and to further understand the mechanisms behind which dietary patterns influence IBD. Patients with newly diagnosed CD have low dietary quality and lower overall intake of macro- and micro-nutrients. This finding supports the role for dietetic attention early in newly diagnosed CD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Maternal Body Mass Index (BMI), diet quality, and their associated effects on offspring birth measures are well-established. Emerging evidence, largely from animal studies, has indicated paternal factors can influence offspring birth outcomes. However, this effect is poorly understood in humans. Our aim was to examine the association between paternal BMI and diet quality score and offspring birth measures. Methods: Participants from the STEPS (Steps to the healthy development) Study in Southwest Finland were recruited during the first trimester of pregnancy or after delivery. A total of 1586 fathers and their children were included for BMI analysis, and 208 fathers and their children were included for dietary analyses. Paternal BMI was calculated using self-reported weight and height at recruitment, and dietary behaviour was assessed using the Index of Diet Quality (IDQ) at 30 weeks’ gestation. Offspring birth weight and length z-scores were calculated using the recently published references specific to the Finnish population. Generalized linear model analyses were carried out to determine associations between paternal factors and offspring z-scores. Results: The mean paternal BMI was 26 (SD ± 3.5). Over half of the fathers were classed as having an unhealthy diet, classified as poor in adhering to nutrition recommendations including higher intakes of saturated fatty acids, and inadequate intakes of protein, saccharose, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Paternal BMI was not significantly associated with offspring birth weight (β = 0.00 p = 0.884) or birth length (β = 0.00, p = 0.774) z-scores when adjusted for maternal and other paternal and parental factors. Paternal diet quality score was not associated with offspring birth weight (β = −0.01, p = 0.515) or birth length (β = 0.07 p = 0.291) z-scores. Conclusions: This study shows paternal BMI or diet quality at 30 weeks’ gestation does not significantly impact offspring birth measures. Given the known impact of nutrition on epigenetics, examining the potential influence of paternal factors at conception on offspring growth is of major importance and should be included in future studies. Full article

Background: Few studies have explored the relationship between habitual dietary patterns and disease activity in people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This cross-sectional study explored the association between dietary patterns and clinical and objective markers of inflammation in adults from the Australian IBD Microbiome Study. Methods: Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis (PCA) of baseline food frequency questionnaire data. Food intake was quantified using 3-day food record data. Associations between dietary intake and both clinical disease activity index (CDAI) and faecal calprotectin (FCP) were analysed. Results: Participants included 412 adults (IBD = 223, Healthy controls (HC) = 189). Both cohorts consumed poor-quality diets with inadequate servings of most food groups compared to Australian reference standards. IBD participants without FCP inflammation had significantly higher fibre intake than those with moderate FCP. In the Crohn’s Disease group, high adherence to ‘High plant diversity’ and ‘Meat eaters’ dietary patterns were associated with increased CDAI and FCP, respectively. In the combined IBD cohort, high adherence to a ‘Vegan-style’ dietary pattern was associated with increased FCP. Conclusions: There is a need for dietary modifications among Australian adults, both with and without IBD, to improve dietary fibre intake and adherence to dietary guidelines. Dietary patterns characterised by a high intake of plant foods or meat products were both positively associated with indicators of active IBD. It is possible that some participants with active IBD were modifying their diet to try to manage their disease and reduce symptoms, contributing to the association between healthier dietary patterns and active disease. Further clinical and longitudinal studies are needed to expand upon the findings. This study offers a unique contribution by utilising FCP as an objective marker of intestinal inflammation and applying dietary pattern analysis to investigate the relationship between diet and inflammatory markers. Full article

The aim of this research carried out in the period 2021–2023 was to analyse the influence of competitiveness between Festuca arundinacea Schreb. and Trifolium pratense L., cultivated in simple mixtures, on the quality of the fodder obtained, under the conditions of the northern Romanian forest steppe. In the experiment organized at the Ezăreni Student Research and Practice Station of Iasi University for Life Sciences, at an altitude of 117 m, with coordinates 47°07′27″ N latitude and 27°30′25″ E longitude, on a cambic chernozem soil, with 2.40% humus, 0.178% Nt, 26 ppm P_AL and 242 ppm K in the 0–30 cm layer, two factors were studied, namely the cultivation system used, with five graduations: a₁—Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (100%—control); a₂—Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (75%) and Trifolium pratense L. (25%); a₃—Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (50%) and Trifolium pratense L. (50%); a₄—Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (25%) and Trifolium pratense L. (75%); and a₅—Trifolium pratense L. (100%), and mineral fertilization, with five graduations, respectively: b₁—unfertilized (control), b₂—N₅₀P₅₀; b₃—N₇₅P₇₅; b₄—N₁₀₀P₁₀₀; and b₅—N₁₅₀P₁₅₀. The obtained results showed that the process of interspecific competitiveness was greatly influenced by the percentage of participation in the sowing norm of the species in the mixture and the biological peculiarities of the species under study, as well as the climatic conditions specific to each agricultural year, with consequences for the quality of the feed. The crude protein quantity (Q_CP) obtained in the mixture of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (25%) and Trifolium pratense L. (75%), fertilized with N₁₅₀P₁₅₀, was higher by 788.7 kg·ha⁻¹ than that in the control variant, represented by the Festuca arundinacea Schreb. species (100%), unfertilized. The lowest values of NDF (neutral detergent fiber) and ADF (acid detergent fiber) were recorded in the variants where the Trifolium pratense L. species was present and low doses of mineral fertilizers were used, determining a better quality of the forage. In the third year of vegetation, relative forage quality (RFQ) had values of 113.7 in the variant represented by the mixture of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (25%) + Trifolium pratense L. (75%), unfertilized, and only 91.2 in the variant represented by the Festuca arundinacea Schreb. species (100%), fertilized with N₁₅₀P₁₅₀. Full article

Spelt wheat is one of the oldest wheats cultivated by humans. It is characterised by high nutritional values and is sought after by consumers. Additionally, it does not have high habitat and fertilisation requirements and is resistant to diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of nitrogen fertilisation and the intensification of fungicide protection on the grain quality characteristics of spelt cv. ‘Rokosz’ grown under south-eastern Polish conditions. The present research showed that the intensification of fungicide crop protection and increasing the nitrogen dose from 70 to 130 kg ha⁻¹ had a positive effect on the quality features of spelt grains. The highest protein, gluten and starch contents were found after four fungicide treatments. These parameters increased their values under the influence of fungicides. After the application of 130 kg ha⁻¹, spelt wheat grain had the most favourable chemical composition, containing the most protein, gluten, soluble dietary fibre, insoluble dietary fibre and fat. It also had a positive effect on the Zeleny sedimentation index and the amino acid content of the grain. Due to the favourable response of the spelt cv. ‘Rokosz’ to intensified fungicide protection and nitrogen fertilisation, it should be recommended for cultivation in integrated technology. Full article

Background: Flaxseeds are functional foods popular in current diets. Cold-pressing is a solvent-free method to extract flaxseed oil, resulting in a by-product—defatted flour. Objectives/Methods: This study compared whole flaxseeds and defatted flour (proximate composition, fatty acids, vitamin E, total phenolics and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, amino acids, and protein quality) and updated the composition of cold-pressed oil (oxidative stability, peroxide value, UV absorbance, colour, fatty acids, vitamin E, total phenolics and flavonoids, and antioxidant activity) to assess the nutritional relevance and potential for food applications of these samples. Results: The flour had higher ash (6% vs. 4%), fibre (36% vs. 34%), protein (28% vs. 16%), phenolics (205 vs. 143 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g), and antioxidant activity than seeds (p < 0.05), so it should be valued as a novel high-fibre food ingredient with high-quality plant-based protein, as it contains all essential amino acids (106 mg/g) and a high essential amino acids index (112%), with L-tryptophan as the limiting amino acid. The oil, while low in oxidative stability (1.3 h), due to its high polyunsaturated fatty acids sum (75%), mostly α-linolenic acid (57%), contains a significant amount of vitamin E (444 mg/kg), making it a specialty oil best consumed raw. Conclusions: The exploration of the flour as a minimally processed food ingredient highlights its role in supporting food security, circular economy, and sustainability goals, aligning with consumer preferences for natural, low-fat foods. Future research should investigate the bioactivity and shelf-life of the samples, as well as the bioavailability of compounds after digestion. Full article

Microbial contamination during seafood processing can often lead to a reduction in shelf life and the possibility of food-borne illnesses. Sanitisation with chlorine-based products during seafood processing is therefore sometimes undertaken. This study compared the effects of two sanitisers, chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) at their suggested concentration (5 ppm and 10 ppm; 50 ppm and 100 ppm respectively), on physical, chemical, and microbial qualities of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fillets throughout 7 days of simulated retail display refrigeration. Parameters used for assessment included quality index (QI), drip loss, colour, texture, histology, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), lipid oxidation (malonaldehyde, MDA), pH, and total viable count changes. Results indicated that whilst drip loss increased over the storage time, day 4 and 7 drip loss in both sanitisers decreased significantly compared with the control. There was a linear relationship (R > 0.70) between QI and storage time in all treatments, particularly in regard to skin brightness, flesh odour, and gaping parameters, but treatment differences were not present. Texture parameters including gumminess, chewiness, and hardness increased over time in the control whilst both sanitiser treatments seemed to provide protective effects against texture hardening during storage. The observed softening effects from the sanitiser treatments were aligned with microstructural and cytological changes in the histology results, as evidenced by a reduced fibre–fibre adhesion, myodigeneration, and an increase in interfibrillar space over storage time. Colour, especially chroma (C*), was shown to decrease over time in control, whereas insignificant protective effects were observed in both sanitiser treatments at day 7. Irrespective of treatment and storage time, MDA levels exceeded the acceptable limit on all days, whilst TVB-N levels were below the critical limit. Although pH was influenced by treatment and storage time, the pH was within the normal range. Microbiological results showed that with sanitiser addition, TVC was below the permissible level (10⁶ CFU/g) until day 4 but ClO₂ ice (5 ppm), ClO₂ (10 ppm), and HOCl (100 ppm) treated fillets all exceeded the limit on day 7. The mixed results on the effect of sanitiser addition on fillet quality and shelf life suggested that further investigation on pathogen reduction, sanitiser introductory method, as well as testing the same treatments in low-fat fish models would be recommended. Full article

Many non-destructive optical testing methods are currently used for material research, providing various information about material parameters. At RECENDT, a multimodal experimental setup has been designed that combines terahertz (THz) spectroscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), infrared (IR), and Raman spectroscopy with a tensile test stage. This setup aims to gather material information such as crystallinity and optical parameters of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) during a tensile test. The setup compares common IR and Raman spectroscopy and the less common optical methods THz and OCT. Complementarity is achieved through different frequency ranges and measurement approaches, resulting in different measured optical material parameters and depths. During tensile testing, HDPE samples with varying crystallinity were analysed, and the determined optical parameters such as refractive index, birefringence, scattering coefficient of decay, and penetration depth can be correlated with the change in crystallinity. These findings demonstrate that the optical methods and their outcomes can be interconnected. With further optimization of the experimental setup, it would be possible to observe the alignment of fibres in fibre composite panels and the stress distribution of polymers effectively. This opens interesting possibilities for polymer characterization in the future, including quality control during moulding processes and material testing. Full article

This study aimed to develop the ‘Healthy Eating Index for Older People’ (the index), based on New Zealand dietary guidelines, and measures the validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to derive the index scores in older adults. In Auckland, New Zealand, participants (community-dwelling adults aged 65–74 years, [n = 273, 36% male]) completed a 109-item FFQ administered one month apart (FFQ1, FFQ2), with a four-day food record (4-DFR) collected in between. Adherence to the guidelines was scored using the index, comprising a total score (maximum = 100) and two sub-scores: adequacy (maximum = 60) and moderation (maximum = 40). A comparison of FFQ1 and FFQ2 determined reproducibility, and FFQ1 and 4-DFR determined validity. Higher index scores (from FFQ1) were associated with higher intakes of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals and lower intakes of alcohol and saturated fats (nutrients from 4-DFR) after adjusting for age and sex (all p < 0.001). Total index and sub-indices correlation coefficients ranged from 0.42 to 0.77 (all p < 0.001); weighted kappa values ranged from 0.35 to 0.67; and mean differences were all <10% of FFQ1 for reproducibility and validity. The Bland–Altman analysis showed no bias for the total index score for reproducibility and validity. However, with validation, the sub-index scores became less reliable as food intake increased (p < 0.05). The index applied to the FFQ demonstrated good construct validity and reproducibility. Relative and absolute validity were acceptable, though caution is required when using the absolute sub-index scores. The index is suitable for measuring total diet quality in older New Zealand adults. Full article

Tilted fibre Bragg gratings are optical fibre structures used as sensors of various physical quantities. Their unique measurement capabilities result from the high complexity of the optical spectrum consisting of several dozen cladding mode resonances. TFBG spectra demodulation methods generate signal features that highlight changes in the spectrum due to changes in the interacting quantities. Such methods should enable the distinction between two slightly different values of the measured quantity. The paper presents an effective method of processing the TFBG spectrum for use in measuring the refractive index of liquids. The use of Gabor and log-Gabor filters and their adaptive version eliminates the problem of discontinuity in determining the SRI value related to the existence of the cladding mode comb. The Gabor filters used make visible the shifting and fading of spectral features related to the decrease in the intensity of leaking modes. Subsequent modifications of the proposed algorithm led to an increase in the quality factor of the processed spectrum. Full article

Nut-based products are a good source of high-quality plant protein in addition to mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and may aid low-glycaemic dietary strategies important for the prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In particular, they may be advantageous in populations susceptible to dysglycaemia, such as Asian Chinese. The present study aimed to compare effects of a higher-protein nut bar (HP-NB, also higher in total fibre and unsaturated fats, comprising mixed almonds and peanuts) vs. an isoenergetic higher-carbohydrate cereal bar (HC-CB) within the diet of 101 Chinese adults with overweight and normo- or hyperglycaemia. Ectopic pancreas and liver fat were characterised using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (MRI/S) as a secondary outcome. Participants were randomized to receive HP-NB or HC-CB daily as a 1 MJ light meal or snack replacement, in addition to healthy eating advice. Anthropometry and clinical indicators of T2D risk were assessed fasted and during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), pre- and post-intervention. No significant difference was observed between diet groups for body weight, body mass index, waist or hip circumference, blood pressure, glucoregulatory markers, lipid profile or inflammatory markers over 12 weeks (all, p > 0.05). No difference was observed between glycaemic subgroups or those with normal versus high ectopic organ fat. Although HP-NB can attenuate postprandial glycaemia following a meal, no effects were observed for either fasting or glucose-mediated outcomes following longer-term inclusion in the habitual diet of Chinese adults with overweight, including at-risk subgroups. Full article

Winter sprouting potential and red rot resistance are two key parameters for successful sugarcane breeding in the subtropics. However, the cultivated sugarcane hybrids had a narrow genetic base; hence, the present study was planned to evaluate the Erianthus procerus genome introgressed Saccharum hybrids for their ratooning potential under subtropical climates and red rot tolerance under tropical and subtropical climates. A set of 15 Erianthus procerus derived hybrids confirmed through the 5S rDNA marker, along with five check varieties, were evaluated for agro-morphological, quality, and physiological traits for two years (2018–2019 and 2019–2020) and winter sprouting potential for three years (2018–2019, 2019–2020, and 2020–2021). The experimental material was also tested against the most prevalent isolates of the red rot pathogen in tropical (Cf671 and Cf671 + Cf9401) and subtropical regions (Cf08 and Cf09). The E. procerus hybrid GU 12—19 had the highest winter sprouting potential, with a winter sprouting index (WSI) of 10.6, followed by GU 12—22 with a WSI of 8.5. The other top-performing hybrids were as follows: GU 12—21 and GU 12—29 with a WSI of 7.2 and 6.9, respectively. A set of nine E. procerus-derived hybrids, i.e., GU04 (28) EO—2, GU12—19, GU12—21, GU12—22, GU12—23, GU12—26, GU12—27, GU12—30, and GU12—31, were resistant to the most prevalent isolates of red rot in both tropical and subtropical conditions. The association analysis revealed significant correlations between the various traits, particularly the fibre content, with a maximum number of associations, which indicates its multifaceted impact on sugarcane characteristics. Principal component analysis (PCA) summarised the data, explaining 57.6% of the total variation for the measured traits and genotypes, providing valuable insights into the performance and characteristics of the Erianthus procerus derived hybrids under subtropical climates. The anthocyanin content of Erianthus procerus hybrids was better than the check varieties, ranging from 0.123 to 0.179 (2018–2019) and 0.111 to 0.172 (2019–2020); anthocyanin plays a vital role in mitigating cold injury, acting as an antioxidant in cool weather conditions, particularly in sugarcane. Seven hybrids recorded a more than 22% fibre threshold, indicating their industrial potential. These hybrids could serve as potential donors for cold tolerance and a high ratooning ability, along with red rot resistance, under subtropical climates. Full article