Search Results (456)

Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) is a globally important economic fruit with high nutritional value. Fruit peelability, defined as the mechanical ease of separating the peel from the fruit flesh, is a critical quality trait influencing consumer experience and market competitiveness and has emerged as a critical breeding target in fruit crop improvement programs. The present review systematically synthesized existing studies on kiwifruit peelability, and focused on its evolutionary trajectory, genotypic divergence, quantitative evaluation, possible underlying mechanisms, and artificial manipulation strategies. Kiwifruit peelability research has advanced from early exploratory studies in New Zealand (2010s) to systematic investigations in China (2020s), with milestones including the development of evaluation metrics and the identification of genetic resources. Genotypic variation exists among kiwifruit genera. Several Actinidia eriantha accessions and the novel Actinidia longicarpa cultivar ‘Guifei’ exhibit superior peelability, whereas most commercial Actinidia chinensis and Actinidia deliciosa cultivars exhibit poor peelability. Quantitative evaluation highlights the need for standardized metrics, with “skin-flesh adhesion force” and “peel toughness” proposed as robust, instrument-quantifiable indicators to minimize operational variability. Mechanistically, peelability is speculated to be governed by cell wall polysaccharide metabolism and phytohormone signaling networks. Pectin degradation and differential distribution during fruit development form critical “peeling zones”, whereas ethylene, abscisic acid, and indoleacetic acid may regulate cell wall remodeling and softening, collectively influencing skin-flesh adhesion. Owing to the scarcity of easy-to-peel kiwifruit cultivars, artificial manipulation methods, including manual peeling benchmarking, lye treatment, and thermal peeling, can be employed to further optimize kiwifruit peelability. Currently, shortcomings include incomplete genotype-phenotype characterization, limited availability of easy-peeling germplasms, and a fragmented understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Future research should focus on methodological innovation, germplasm development, and the elucidation of relevant mechanisms. Full article

Cucumber, a high-yielding crop commonly grown in facility environments, is particularly susceptible to nitrogen (N) deficiency due to its rapid growth and high nutrient demand. This study used cucumber as its experimental subject and established a spectral dataset of leaves under four nutritional conditions, normal supply, nitrogen deficiency, phosphorus deficiency, and potassium deficiency, aiming to develop an efficient and robust method for quantifying N in cucumber leaves using Raman spectroscopy (RS). Spectral data were preprocessed using three baseline correction methods—BaselineWavelet (BW), Iteratively Improve the Moving Average (IIMA), and Iterative Polynomial Fitting (IPF)—and key spectral variables were selected using 4-Dimensional Feature Extraction (4DFE) and Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (CARS). These selected features were then used to develop a N content prediction model based on Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR). The results indicated that baseline correction significantly enhanced model performance, with three methods outperforming unprocessed spectra. A further analysis showed that the combination of IPF, 4DFE, and CARS achieved optimal PLSR model performance, achieving determination coefficients (R²) of 0.947 and 0.847 for the calibration and prediction sets, respectively. The corresponding root mean square errors (RMSEC and RMSEP) were 0.250 and 0.368, while the residual predictive deviation (RPDC and RPDP) values reached 4.335 and 2.555. These findings confirm the feasibility of integrating RS with advanced data processing for rapid, non-destructive nitrogen assessment in cucumber leaves, offering a valuable tool for nutrient monitoring in precision agriculture. Full article

Amylose content significantly influences the technological, quality, and nutritional properties of starchy foods. This study developed a rapid, non-destructive method to quantify amylose content in starch using mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometric techniques. Manually prepared starch mixtures with varying amylose levels were scanned to obtain MIR spectra, which were preprocessed using smoothing and z-score normalization to reduce operational variability. Three variable selection methods, including bootstrap soft shrinkage (BOSS), competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), and uninformative variable elimination (UVE), were applied to select the useful spectra. A partial least square (PLS) model was then constructed to correlate selected spectral data with amylose content. The results revealed that the number and position of selected variables differed across different optimization methods, which influenced the model’s performance. It is worth noting that the optimized PLS model significantly reduced the root mean squared error of cross-validation (RMSECV) and improved prediction accuracy in 50 runs. In particular, the CARS-PLS model showed superior performance, achieving a correlation coefficient (R_p) of 0.964 and a root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) of 4.59, a 60% improvement over the original PLS model, which had an RMSEP of 11.56. These results highlight MIR spectroscopy’s potential, combined with optimized chemometric models, for accurate amylose quantification in food quality control. Full article

Small-scale farms deserve attention and support because they play crucial and important roles. Apart from ensuring provision of food security, they also provide other economic, environmental, and social–cultural benefits. In the United States of America, these farms are agriculturally, culturally, and geographically different. They have varied needs that trigger an array of distinct biophysical, socioeconomic, and institutional challenges. The effects of these challenges are exacerbated by economic uncertainty, technological advancements, climate change, and other environmental concerns. To provide ideal services to the small-scale farm audience, it is necessary to understand these challenges and opportunities that can be leveraged to enhance their productivity and profitability. This article reviews the challenges faced by small-scale farming in the United States of America. It then reviews possible pathways to enhance their productivity and profitability. The review revealed that U.S. small-scale farms face several challenges. They include accessing farmland, credit and capital, lack of knowledge and skills, and technology adoption. Others are difficulties to insure, competition from corporations, and environmental uncertainties associated with climate change. The paper then reviews key pathways to enhance small-scale farmers’ capacities and resilience with a positive impact on their productivity and profitability. They are enhanced cooperative extension services, incentivization, strategic marketing, annexing technology, and government support, among others. Based on the diversity of farms and their needs, responses should be targeted towards individual needs. Since small-scale farm products have an effect on human health and dietary patterns, strategies to increase productivity should be linked to nutrition and health. Full article

Interrow management in vineyards significantly contributes to sustainable viticulture, particularly in water-scarce European regions. Grassy and herbaceous cover crops have been proven to enhance multiple regulating ecosystem services, including soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and improved water infiltration. However, the potential for water competition with vines necessitates region-specific approaches. This review aims to analyze the effects of different cover crop types and interrow tillage methods on water management and regulating ecosystem services, focusing on main European vineyard areas. The research involved a two-stage literature review by Google Scholar and Scopus, resulting in the identification of 67 relevant scientific publications, with 11 offering experimental data from European contexts. Selected studies were evaluated based on climate conditions, soil properties, slope characteristics, and interrow treatments. Findings highlight that the appropriate selection of cover crop species, sowing and mowing timing, and mulching practices can optimize vineyard resilience under climate stress. Practical recommendations are offered to help winegrowers adopt cost-effective and environmentally adaptive strategies, especially on sloped or shallow soils, where partial cover cropping is often the most beneficial for both yield and ecological balance. Cover crops and mulching reduce erosion, enhance vineyard soil moisture, relieve water stress consequences, and, as a result, these cover cropping techniques can improve yield and nutritional values of grapes (e.g., Brix, pH, K concentration), but effects vary; careful, site-specific, long-term management is essential for best results. Full article

Small-scale fisheries and aquaculture play a crucial role in securing food, income, and nutrition for millions, especially in the Global South. Rural small-scale aquaculture (SSA) is characterized by limited investment and technical training among farmers, diversification and dispersion of farms over large areas, reduced access to competitive markets for inputs and products, and family labor. Small-scale integrated circular aquaponic (ICAq) systems, in which systems’ component outputs are transformed into component inputs, have significant potential to increase circularity and promote economic development, especially in a rural context. We offer an integrated and comprehensive approach centered on aquaponics or aquaponic farming for small-scale aquaculture units. It aims to identify and describe a series of circular processes and causal links that can be implemented based on deep study in SSA and ICAq. Circular processes to treat by-products in ICAq include components like composting, vermicomposting, aerobic and anaerobic digestion, silage, and insect production. These processes can produce ICAq inputs such as seedling substrates, plant fertilizers, bioenergy, or feed ingredients. In addition, the plant component can supply therapeutic compounds. Further research on characterization of aquaponic components outputs and its quantifications, the impact of using circular inputs generated within the ICAq, and the technical feasibility and economic viability of circular processes in the context of SSA is needed. Full article

Against the backdrop of the green circular economy, the exploration of reliable and sustainable applications of lignocellulosic biomass (LCBM) has emerged as a critical research frontier. The utilization of LCBM as a ruminant roughage source offers a promising strategy to address two pressing issues: the “human-animal competition for food” dilemma and the environmental degradation resulting from improper LCBM disposal. However, the high degree of lignification in LCBM significantly restricts its utilization efficiency in ruminant diets. In recent years, microbial pretreatment has gained considerable attention as a viable approach to reduce lignification prior to LCBM application as ruminant feed. White-rot fungi (WRF) have emerged as particularly noteworthy among various microbial agents due to their environmentally benign characteristics and unique lignin degradation selectivity. WRF demonstrates remarkable efficacy in enzymatically breaking down the rigid lignocellulosic matrix (comprising lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose) within LCBM cell walls, thereby reducing lignin content—a largely indigestible component for ruminants—while simultaneously enhancing the nutritional profile through increased protein availability and improved digestibility. Solid-state fermentation mediated by WRF enhances LCBM utilization rates and optimizes its nutritional value for ruminant consumption, thereby contributing to the advancement of sustainable livestock production, agroforestry systems, and global environmental conservation efforts. This review systematically examines recent technological advancements in WRF-mediated solid-state fermentation of LCBM, evaluates its outcomes of nutritional enhancement and animal utilization efficiency, and critically assesses current limitations and future prospects of this innovative approach within the framework of circular bioeconomy principles. Full article

Food fermentation is driven by microbial interactions. This article reviews the types of microbial interactions during food fermentation, the research strategies employed, and their impacts on the quality of fermented foods. Microbial interactions primarily include mutualism, commensalism, amensalism, and competition. Based on these interaction patterns, the safety, nutritional composition, and flavor quality of food can be effectively improved. Achieving precise control of fermented foods’ qualities via microbial interaction remains a critical challenge. Emerging technologies such as high-throughput sequencing, cell sorting, and metabolomics enable the systematic analysis of core microbial interaction mechanisms in complex systems. Using synthetic microbial communities and genome-scale metabolic network models, complicated microbial communities can be effectively simplified. In addition, regulatory targets of food quality can be precisely identified. These strategies lay a solid foundation for the precise improvement of fermented food quality and functionality. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sports tourism, particularly international running events such as half marathons and marathons, has rapidly grown due to rising health consciousness and active lifestyles. Runners competing abroad face unique nutritional challenges that extend beyond physiological needs, including adaptation to local food cultures and psychosocial factors. This study aims to explore the nutritional difficulties encountered by international runners during competitions abroad, using participants of the Poznan Half Marathon 2025 as a case example. Methods: A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured in-depth interviews with 12 international runners from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Ukraine. Participants had at least two years of experience competing internationally. Results: Four primary categories of nutritional challenges emerged: (1) quality and availability of food, (2) adaptation to local eating habits and physiological impacts, (3) hydration and access to appropriate fluids, and (4) logistical factors and the interactions between psychological stress, physical well-being, and nutritional choices. These factors influenced runners’ preparation, race-day performance, and recovery, highlighting the complexity of managing nutrition in unfamiliar environments. Conclusions: Nutritional challenges for international runners are multidimensional, requiring flexible and culturally sensitive nutritional strategies. Although these findings offer useful insights, they are based on a small, specific sample and should be generalized with caution. Further research is necessary to explore the broader applicability of the findings and their relevance to diverse athletic populations and contexts. Full article

While the interest and participation in general endurance training and recreational sports competitions have continuously increased in recent decades, the number of recreational master-level endurance athletes has additionally multiplied. Athletes, active men and women older than 40 years of age, who participate in competitive athletics are usually referred to by the term master athletes (MAs). Previous research revealed the significant benefits of regular moderate physical activity, i.e., its positive influence on cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular health; however, recent data have raised concerns that long-term endurance exercise participation is associated with cardiac remodeling and potential adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Previous research also indicated potential structural, functional, and electrical remodeling in MAs due to prolonged and repeated exposure to high-intensity endurance exercise—a condition known as athlete’s heart. In this review, we focus on the association between extreme levels of endurance exercise and potential cardiovascular controversies, such as arrhythmogenesis due to new-onset atrial fibrillation, accelerated coronary artery atherosclerosis, and exercise-induced cardiac remodeling. Additionally, the exercise-dependent modulation of immunological response, such as proteomic response and cytokine alterations, is discussed. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of nutritional supplements in MAs and their potential benefits and harmful interactions. We aim to provide sports medicine practitioners with knowledge of these contemporary longevity controversies in sports cardiology and to highlight the importance of shared decision making in situations of clinical uncertainty. Full article

This study presents a comparative benchmarking analysis of G20 nations’ agri-food competitiveness across five critical pillars: food security and nutrition, trade and geopolitics, environmental sustainability, fiscal regimes, and entrepreneurship support. Using a structured benchmarking framework with 13 performance indicators sourced from internationally recognized datasets, the research delivers a comprehensive evaluation of national agri-food systems. The analysis reveals significant disparities in transparency, policy coherence, and investment in innovation across member states. Countries such as the United States, Germany, and Australia emerge as leaders, driven by integrated policy frameworks, trade surpluses, and sustainable production practices. Others fall behind due to import dependence, fragmented governance, or weak innovation ecosystems. Canada performs consistently in trade metrics but is hindered by high emissions intensity, infrastructure constraints, and a lack of a cohesive national food strategy. Theoretically, this work contributes to the emerging field of agri-food system diagnostics by operationalizing a cross-pillar benchmarking methodology applicable at the national level. Practically, it offers policymakers a decision-support tool for identifying structural gaps and setting reform priorities. The framework enables governments, trade partners, and multilateral institutions to design targeted interventions aimed at boosting food system resilience, economic competitiveness, and sustainability in an era of rising geopolitical and environmental volatility. Full article

Background: Optimal nutrition and training regimens are essential for athletes to maximize performance and recovery. Probiotic supplementation, through the modulation of the gut microbiota, and omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, may enhance physiological adaptations when combined with targeted training. This study evaluated the effects of probiotics and omega-3 supplementation, alongside ultra-short race pace training (USRPT), on performance metrics in competitive sprint swimmers. Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 male sprint swimmers (age: 19.2 ± 3.6 years; height: 182.2 ± 5.2 cm; weight: 81.6 ± 4.4 kg) with a minimum of five years of training experience, were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10 per group): (1) Control (CON), (2) USRPT only, (3) Placebo + USRPT (PLA + USRPT), (4) Probiotics + USRPT (PRO + USRPT), (5) Omega-3 + USRPT (OMEGA + USRPT), and (6) Probiotics + Omega-3 + USRPT (PRO + OMEGA + USRPT). Over the eight-week intervention, the participants in PRO + USRPT consumed one multi-strain probiotic capsule daily (4.5 × 10¹¹ CFU) and a placebo capsule. Those in OMEGA + USRPT ingested 1000 mg of fish oil after lunch (500 mg EPA and 180 mg DHA per capsule) paired with a placebo capsule. The combined supplementation group (PRO + OMEGA + USRPT) received both probiotic and omega-3 capsules. The PLA + USRPT group consumed two starch capsules daily. The USRPT protocol was implemented across all the training groups, where the swimmers performed 17 sets of 25 m and 12.5 m sprints based on weekly recorded race times. Performance assessments included pre- and post-test measurements of sprint times (50 m and 100 m freestyle), vertical jump tests (both in water and on dry land), and other strength and endurance metrics (reaction time, agility T-test, sprint index, fatigue index, and velocity). Results: The combined intervention of probiotics and omega-3 with USRPT produced the greatest improvements in performance. The PRO + OMEGA + USRPT group reduced 50 m freestyle time by 1.92% (p = 0.002, pEta² = 0.286) and 100 m freestyle time by 2.48% (p = 0.041, pEta² = 0.229), demonstrating significant Time × Group interactions consistent with a synergistic effect. Additionally, the sprint index improved (pEta² = 0.139, p = 0.013) and reaction time decreased (pEta² = 0.241, p = 0.009) in the combined group, indicating enhanced anaerobic capacity and neuromuscular responsiveness compared to single interventions. Conclusions: This study suggests that combining probiotics and omega-3 supplementation with USRPT leads to synergistic improvements in sprint swimming performance, enhancing anaerobic power and recovery beyond what is achieved with individual interventions. This integrated approach may provide a practical strategy for competitive swimmers seeking to optimize their performance. Future studies should incorporate mechanistic markers, longer intervention durations, and diverse athlete populations to clarify further and extend these findings. Full article

Monoculture and legume–grass mixed cropping are the two most common planting methods, with mixed cropping generally demonstrating higher hay yield and superior nutritional quality compared to monoculture. However, research on legume–grass mixed cropping for establishing cultivated pastures in typical sand-fixing vegetation areas of the Mu Us Sandy Land remains scarce. These knowledge gaps have hindered the synergistic integration of forage production and ecological restoration in the region. This study conducted mixed cropping trials in the sand-fixing vegetation zone of the Mu Us Sandy Land using Dahurian wildrye (Elymus dahuricus), Mongolian wheatgrass (Agropyron mongolicum), and Standing milkvetch (Astragalus adsurgens) to investigate the effects of species combinations and planting ratios on forage productivity and nutritional quality, aiming to determine the optimal planting strategy. Results showed that in the first establishment year, the yield of all mixed cropping systems significantly exceeded that of monocultured Dahurian wildrye and Mongolian wheatgrass. All mixed cropping combinations exhibited land equivalent ratios (LER) and relative yield totals (RYT) below 1, indicating varying degrees of interspecific competition during the first year, with grass species generally demonstrating stronger competitive abilities than legumes. Mixed-cropped forages showed higher crude protein, crude fat, and crude ash content compared to monocultures, alongside lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) levels, suggesting improved relative feed value (RFV). Among the combinations, E₅A₅ and E₆A₄ (5:5 and 6:4 ratio of Dahurian wildrye to Standing milkvetch) achieved higher RFV, with RFV gradually declining as the legume proportion decreased. In conclusion, both monoculture and legume–grass mixed cropping are viable in the Mu Us Sandy Land’s sand-fixing vegetation areas and the E₅A₅ combination (5:5 ratio of Dahurian wildrye to Standing milkvetch) as having the highest overall score, demonstrating that this mixed cropping ratio optimally balances yield and nutritional quality, making it the recommended planting protocol for the region. This mixed cropping system offers a theoretical foundation for efficiently establishing artificial pastures in the Mu Us Sandy Land, supporting regional pastoral industry development and desertification mitigation. Full article

Intercropping legumes offers a sustainable approach to enhance resource efficiency and yields, yet the effects of different legume densities and nitrogen addition levels on soil quality within such systems remain unclear. We conducted a comparative analysis of crop yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and soil quality between intercropping and monoculture systems, and further examined the effects of four planting densities (D1: 210 kg ha⁻¹, six rows; D2: 280 kg ha⁻¹, eight rows; D3: 350 kg ha⁻¹, ten rows) and four nitrogen application levels (N0: 0 kg ha⁻¹; N1: 80 kg ha⁻¹; N2: 160 kg ha⁻¹; N3: 240 kg ha⁻¹) within a jujube–alfalfa (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. and Medicago sativa L. respectively) intercropping system. The results showed that intercropping significantly enhanced land productivity within the agricultural system, with the highest yields (alfalfa: 13790 kg ha⁻¹; jujube: 3825 kg ha⁻¹) achieved at an alfalfa planting density of 280 kg ha⁻¹. While the intercropping systems generally improved productivity, an alfalfa planting density of 350 kg ha⁻¹ resulted in an actual yield loss due to excessive nutrient competition at higher densities. As the planting density of alfalfa increased, its competitive ratio declined, whereas the competitive ratio of jujube trees increased. Compared to monocropping systems, intercropping systems demonstrated a clear trend of enhanced nitrogen utilization efficiency and improved soil quality, particularly at an alfalfa planting density of 280 kg ha⁻¹. At an alfalfa density of 280 kg ha⁻¹, the intercropping system exhibited increases of 15.13% in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), 46.60% in nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP), and 32.74% in nitrogen nutrition index (NNI), as well as improvements in soil quality of 19.53% at a depth of 0–20 cm and 15.59% at a depth of 20–40 cm, compared to the monoculture system. Further analysis revealed that nitrogen utilization efficiency initially increased and then decreased with a rising competitive ratio of alfalfa. Accordingly, soil quality was improved along with the enhanced nitrogen utilization efficiency. Thus, at an alfalfa planting density of 280 kg ha⁻¹, resource use efficiency and soil quality were maximized as a result of optimal interspecific competitiveness and the highest nitrogen use efficiency, with minimal influence from the application of nitrogen fertilizer. Full article

Lutein- and astaxanthin-fortified eggs can greatly improve both nutritional and economic values of eggs. High doses of lutein and astaxanthin are often supplemented in hen diets to rapidly accumulate lutein and astaxanthin in eggs. In this study, an additional 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg lutein and astaxanthin were added in hen diets to explore the effects of high-dose lutein and astaxanthin on egg quality, egg production, and carotenoid deposition in eggs, which remains unclear. The results showed that high-dose lutein and astaxanthin supplementation had no significant impact on laying rates and egg quality, except for markedly improving yolk color. Additionally, a quantitative profile of carotenoids in egg yolk was performed through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. A total of 26 carotenoids were detected including 14 whose concentrations exceed 0.1 µg/g. Notably, the zeaxanthin content in yolk decreased with the increase in levels of lutein supplementation. Conversely, the content of lutein, zeaxanthin, 5,6 epoxy-lutein-caprate-palmitate in yolk decreased as astaxanthin supplementation increased. These findings suggest that high doses of lutein and astaxanthin supplementation may competitively inhibit the deposition of other carotenoids in egg yolk. Overall, this study suggests that during the production of functional eggs enriched with lutein and astaxanthin, it is important to consider the interaction effects among different carotenoids. Full article