Search Results (1,387)

This study investigates the use of a homopolysaccharide (HoPS)-producing Latilactobacillus sakei strain for the production of protein-enriched plant-based yoghurt analogues based on coconut milk. Formulations varied in added sucrose (2.5% or 5.0% w/w), pea protein isolate (PPI; 0–5.0% w/w), and tapioca starch (0%, 1.5% w/w), and were fermented with either a HoPS-producing strain (L. sakei 1.411), or a non-exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing control strain (L. sakei 1.2037) with very similar acidification kinetics. Microbial growth and pH were monitored, HoPS content was determined via HPLC, and both firmness and syneresis were assessed during 5 days of storage at 4 °C. EPS yields were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in samples with 5.0% w/w added sucrose compared to those with 2.5% w/w. Fermentation with L. sakei 1.411 generally resulted in firmer gels (p < 0.05) and reduced syneresis (p < 0.05) compared to L. sakei 1.2307 and the enhanced viscosity (sample thickness) was also observed in a sensory analysis. Samples containing starch and 5.0% w/w PPI showed the highest firmness-related values. These findings demonstrate the potential of in situ HoPS production to improve the texture and stability of protein-enriched coconut-based yoghurt analogues. It highlights the importance of matrix formulation, strain selection and process control, which all contribute to the final product quality. Full article

Despite being a commensal bacterium, Cutibacterium acnes has been widely considered a major opportunistic pathogen due to its capacity for biofilm production and inflammatory induction, causing device-related, post-implant infections, and skin inflammatory diseases. In this study, we isolated and characterised the novel bacteriophage Cutibacterium acnes phage KIT09 as a potential antimicrobial candidate for the treatment of Cutibacterium acnes-related infections such as acne vulgaris and postsurgical infections. Subsequently, phage-resistant bacterial mutants were generated through phage KIT09 exposure and characterised. Wastewater samples were collected for the isolation of C. acnes phages, followed by their characterisation using C. acnes National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) Biological Resources Center (NBRC) 107605 (phylotype IA1). Resistant mutants were isolated after prolonged exposure of the newly isolated phage to host bacteria and then characterised. A novel C. acnes phage, designated KIT09, was isolated, demonstrating prolonged bacteriolysis lasting up to 96 h at a multiplicity of infection of 10, and exhibiting high thermal and pH stability. Following sustained selective pressure by phage KIT09, three phage-resistant bacterial isolates were obtained, forming smaller colonies than the wild-type strain, but maintaining a high phage adsorption capacity (>90% after 20 min). Whole-genome sequencing revealed 12 nucleotide mutations across five genes, including six non-synonymous substitutions. Three genes encoding a two-component histidine kinase, DNA processing protein A (DprA), and a ThuA-containing domain protein were mutated in all resistant isolates. Characterisation of the novel phage KIT09 demonstrated its robust lytic activity and environmental stability against C. acnes phylotype IA1. Isolated resistant mutants retained high phage adsorption, accompanied by recurrent mutations in genes encoding a two-component histidine kinase, DprA, and a ThuA-domain protein, suggesting the presence of alternative, CRISPR-Cas–independent resistance mechanisms in C. acnes. Full article

Flexible grid regulation necessitates Francis turbines to operate at heads of 120–180 m (compared to the rated head of 154.6 m), breaking the designed rotational symmetry and inducing hydraulic instabilities that threaten structural integrity and operational reliability. This study presents extensive field measurements of pressure pulsations in a 600 MW prototype Francis turbine operating at heads of 120–180 m and loads of 20–600 MW across 77 operating conditions (7 head levels × 11 load points). We strategically positioned high-precision piezoelectric pressure sensors at three critical locations—volute inlet, vaneless space, and draft tube cone—to capture the amplitude and frequency characteristics of symmetry-breaking phenomena. Advanced signal processing revealed three distinct mechanisms with characteristic pressure pulsation signatures: (1) Draft tube rotating vortex rope (RVR) represents spontaneous breaking of axial symmetry, exhibiting helical precession at 0.38 Hz (approximately 0.18 f_n, where f_n = 2.08 Hz) with maximum peak-to-peak amplitudes of 108 kPa (87% of the rated pressure p_rated = 124 kPa) at H = 180 m and P = 300 MW, demonstrating approximately 70% amplitude reduction potential through load-based operational strategies. (2) Vaneless space rotor-stator interaction (RSI) reflects periodic disruption of the combined C₂₄ × C₁₃ symmetry at the blade-passing frequency of 27.1 Hz (N_r × f_n = 13 × 2.08 Hz), reaching peak amplitudes of 164 kPa (132% p_rated) at H = 180 m and P = 150 MW, representing the most severe symmetry-breaking phenomenon. (3) Volute multi-point excitation exhibits broadband spectral characteristics (4–10 Hz) with peak amplitudes of 146 kPa (118% p_rated) under small guide vane openings. The spatial amplitude hierarchy—vaneless space (164 kPa) > volute (146 kPa) > draft tube (108 kPa)—directly correlates with the local symmetry-breaking intensity, providing quantitative evidence for the relationship between geometric symmetry disruption and hydraulic excitation magnitude. Systematic head-dependent amplitude increases of 22–43% across all monitoring locations are attributed to effects related to Euler head scaling and Reynolds number variation, with the vaneless space demonstrating the highest sensitivity (0.83 kPa/m, equivalent to 0.67% p_rated/m). The study establishes data-driven operational guidelines identifying forbidden operating regions (H = 160–180 m, P = 20–150 MW for vaneless space; H = 160–180 m, P = 250–350 MW for draft tube) and critical monitoring frequencies (0.38 Hz for RVR, 27.1 Hz for RSI), providing essential reference data for condition monitoring systems and operational optimization of large Francis turbines functioning as flexible grid-regulating units in renewable energy integration scenarios. Full article

The sustainable management of dredged sediments contaminated with heavy metals represents a major environmental challenge. This study evaluated the phytoremediation potential of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) cultivated in metal-enriched sediment from the Bega Canal (Cu = 204 mg kg⁻¹, Pb = 171 mg kg⁻¹, Cr = 281 mg kg⁻¹, Ni = 56 mg kg⁻¹, Cd = 6.8 mg kg⁻¹) and examined the effects of glutamic (GA) and tartaric (TA) acids (20 mmol kg⁻¹) on sediment properties and metal uptake. Pot experiments under natural conditions (n = 3, 6–8 weeks) showed that GA treatment resulted in cation exchange capacity (CEC) values ranging from 31.0 to 58.5 cmolc kg⁻¹, which were lower than in the initial sediment (60.7 cmolc kg⁻¹) but still higher than in the corresponding controls and TA treatments. GA also increased electrical conductivity from 435 to 1189 µS cm⁻¹, which may indicate enhanced ion mobility and be consistent with redox-related processes, whereas TA maintained near-neutral pH (8.0–8.2) and caused only minor changes in CEC and EC, preserving overall structural stability. Hemp produced up to 40% more biomass than sorghum and allocated a relatively larger share of Cu, Pb and Cd to shoots, whereas sorghum retained up to 80% of total Cr and Ni in roots. Bioaccumulation factors ranged from 4.3 for Cu in hemp (GA) to 20.8 for Cu in sorghum (GA), while translocation factors remained <1.0 in both species, indicating that root-based phytostabilization was the dominant mechanism. The results demonstrate that combining low-molecular-weight organic acids with energy crops can effectively enhance metal mobility and plant uptake, offering a viable route for sediment remediation and biomass valorization within circular economy strategies. Full article

The process of wound healing is intricate and regulated by a network of cellular, molecular, and biochemical pathways. Acute wounds progress via distinct phases of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Chronic wounds frequently cease to heal and exhibit resistance to conventional therapies. These types of injuries are frequently attributed to diabetes, infection, or senescence. Existing therapies are constrained due to their ineffectiveness against bacteria, inability to promote regeneration, and inadequate control over medication release. Nanotechnology presents novel methods to overcome these challenges by providing multifunctional platforms that enable biological repair and medicinal delivery. Nanoparticles, which combat germs and modulate the immune system, in addition to being intelligent carriers that react to pH, oxidative stress, or enzymatic activity, provide targeted and adaptive wound therapy. Nanocomposite hydrogels are particularly advantageous as biointeractive dressings due to their ability to maintain wound moisture while facilitating regulated drug delivery. Recent advancements indicate their potential to aid in tissue regeneration, enhance therapy precision, and address issues related to safety and translation. Nanotechnology-based approaches, especially smart hydrogels, give significant promise to transform the future of wound care due to their flexibility, adaptability, and efficiency. Full article

Autophagy is an intracellular process that recycles and degrades cytoplasmic components, including organelles and macromolecules, to provide energy and basic components for cell survival, maintain cellular homeostasis, and avoid self-damage. It is currently not fully known if mouse sperm undergoes the autophagy process, nor is the subcellular distribution, protein levels of autophagy-related proteins, and the biological role of autophagy in epididymal mouse sperm physiology fully understood. We aimed to investigate key autophagy markers, including LC3 (microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3), p62/SQSTM1 (Sequestosome 1), and mTOR (mechanistic Target of Rapamycin), in epididymal mouse sperm under capacitation (Cap) or non-capacitation (NC) conditions. Furthermore, we evaluated the possible role of these autophagy-related proteins on sperm viability, motility, intracellular pH (pHi), intracellular calcium concentrations [Ca²⁺]i, mitochondrial membrane potential, and acrosome reaction (AR) induction in the presence or absence of chloroquine (CQ), K67, and rapamycin. Our results suggest a dynamic re-localization of the autophagy-related proteins LC3, p62/SQSTM1, and mTOR under capacitation conditions. Moreover, treatment with specific autophagy inhibitors, such as CQ and K67, resulted in decreased LC3-II and p62/SQSTM1 protein levels. Additionally, rapamycin did not increase mTOR levels. Interestingly, treatment with these inhibitors also resulted in decreased motility, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and hindered AR induction without affecting sperm viability. Overall, the presence and dynamic re-localization of LC3, p62/SQSTM1, and mTOR suggest that mouse epididymal sperm could perform initial steps of autophagy under capacitation conditions, and results of the pharmacological treatment could be associated with an important role of these autophagy-related proteins in sperm motility and AR induction. Full article

The presence of mycotoxins in food poses a significant risk to food safety, and it is essential to develop effective and safe detoxification strategies. In this study, we demonstrate the strong ability of Pichia fermentans KCB21_L2, a yeast isolated from kefir, to eliminate aflatoxin B₁, fumonisin B₁ and ocratoxin A. Viable cells removed aflatoxin B₁ and fumonisin B₁ more efficiently than heat-inactivated cells, particularly at pH values of 5.5 and 7.0, suggesting the involvement of an active removal process. Subsequently, we evaluated the capacity of P. fermentans KCB21_L2 to remove mycotoxins at high concentrations and investigated the underlying molecular and cellular responses. The yeast effectively eliminated high levels of all three mycotoxins. Transcriptional analysis revealed the activation of metabolic pathways related to amino acid catabolism and fatty acid metabolism, likely reflecting an adaptive stress response. However, no significant upregulation of specific genes related to mycotoxin-degrading enzymes was observed. In conclusion, the reduction process may involve multiple factors, including stress response pathways, possible production of organic acids, adsorption of mycotoxins into the cell wall, and constitutively expressed enzymes capable of degrading mycotoxins. In general, these findings highlight the multifactorial nature of yeast-mediated mycotoxin removal and establish P. fermentans KCB21_L2 as a promising candidate for safe biological decontamination in food systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aging-related cognitive decline, linked to oxidative stress and impaired hippocampal neurogenesis, is a major contributor to neurodegenerative disorders. In rodents, this condition can be modeled by D-galactose (D-gal) administration, which induces oxidative stress and recognition memory deficits. Prunus domestica L. (PD), rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds with antioxidant properties, may counteract such impairments. This study evaluated the effects of PD extract on D-gal-induced memory decline by analyzing its phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and neuroprotective potential. Methods: Phytochemicals were quantified by colorimetric and pH differential methods, and antioxidant capacity was determined using DPPH and FRAP assays. Male Sprague Dawley rats (12 weeks; n = 12/group) were assigned to 8 groups: vehicle, D-gal, PD (75, 100, or 150 mg/kg), and D-gal + PD (same respective doses). D-gal (50 mg/kg, i.p.) and/or PD were administered by oral gavage daily for 8 weeks. Recognition memory was assessed by the novel object recognition (NOR) test. Hippocampal tissues were processed for immunofluorescence staining of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity using the cytochrome C reduction method. Results: PD extract contained abundant phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, and exhibited notable antioxidant activity. D-gal impaired recognition memory, reduced hippocampal cell proliferation, and decreased SOD activity. Co-treatment with PD improved memory performance, enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis, and restored antioxidant enzyme activity. Conclusions: PD extract may protect against D-gal-induced age-related cognitive decline through antioxidant effects and support of hippocampal neurogenesis. Full article

Pea protein isolates (PPIs) from Pisum sativum have emerged as strategic ingredients at the interface of nutrition, sustainability, and functional food design. This review synthesizes advances linking isolation procedures with molecular structure and techno-functional performance. We compare alkaline extraction–isoelectric precipitation with wet and dry fractionation, as well as green/fermentation-assisted methods, highlighting the purity–functionality trade-offs driven by denaturation, aggregation, and the removal of anti-nutritional factors. We relate globulin composition (vicilin/legumin ratio), secondary/tertiary structure, and disulfide chemistry to interfacial activity, solubility, gelation thresholds, and long-term emulsion stability. Structure-guided engineering strategies are critically evaluated, including enzymatic hydrolysis, deamidation, transglutaminase cross-linking, ultrasound, high-pressure homogenization, pH shifting, cold plasma, and selected chemical/glycation approaches. Application case studies cover high-moisture texturization for meat analogues, emulsion and Pickering systems, fermented dairy alternatives, edible films, and bioactive peptide-oriented nutraceuticals. We identify bottlenecks—weak native gel networks, off-flavors, acidic pH performance, and batch variability—and outline process controls and synergistic modifications that close functionality gaps relative to animal proteins. Finally, we discuss sustainability and biorefinery opportunities that valorize soluble peptide streams alongside globulin-rich isolates. By integrating extraction, structure, and function, the review provides a roadmap for designing PPI with predictable, application-specific performance. Full article

Reservoirs are hotspots for the coupling of nutrients and heavy metals, and they substantially modify the compositions and spatiotemporal distributions of microorganisms in fluvial systems. However, relatively few studies have been performed that investigate the microbial mechanisms driving interactions among heavy metals and nutrients in reservoirs. The Goupitan Reservoir, a seasonal stratified reservoir located within the Wujiang River catchment, was chosen as the research subject. The temporal and spatial variations in heavy metals and nutrients, and the metagenomic composition of the reservoir water were analyzed in January, April, July, and October 2019. The results revealed that As, Ni, Co, and Mn were derived primarily from mine wastewater, whereas Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cr were related to domestic and agricultural wastewater discharge. The study area was dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, with the proportion of dominant phyla reaching 90%. Decreases in the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration and pH in the bottom water during July and October were conducive to increases in the abundance of the anaerobic bacterial groups Planctomycetes and Acidobacteria. The functional genes norBC and nosZ associated with denitrification (DNF), the key gene nrfAH involved in the dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) process, the functional genes aprAB and dsrAB responsible for sulfate reduction/sulfide oxidation, as well as the thiosulfate oxidation complex enzyme system SOX, all exhibit high abundance in hypoxic water bodies and peak in the redoxcline, highlighting the significance of related nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) metabolic processes. In addition, the concentrations of heavy metals significantly affected the spatial differentiation of the planktonic bacterial community structure, with Mn, Co, Fe, Ni, As, and Cu making relatively high individual contributions (p < 0.01). This study is important for elucidating the sources and microbiological mechanisms influencing heavy metals and nutrients in seasonally stratified subtropical reservoirs. Full article

A common strategy for a protein’s functionality modification is the covalent binding of phenolic compounds (PCs) under alkaline conditions. Whether intentionally applied or arising during food processing and storage, such reactions are highly relevant, as alkaline pH promotes oxidation, covalent adduct formation, and polymerization, thereby altering both PC and protein properties. However, the interplay of these reactions and the impact of PC structure remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed at characterizing covalent binding products of structurally related PCs with tryptic peptides of the model protein β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) at pH 9. Emphasis was given on substitution patterns and steric effects influencing polymerization and peptide adduct building. Hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonoid derivatives differing in hydroxyl substitution and carrying polar (glycosidic) groups were selected. Incubation products were characterized by HPLC–DAD and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Results showed that both mono- and dihydroxy PC undergo oxidation under alkaline conditions, but with distinct reactivity. Monohydroxy PCs form only limited peptide adducts due to resonance stabilization and steric hindrance. In contrast, dihydroxy PCs displayed a higher reactivity, producing more polymerization products and covalent adducts. Their enhanced reactivity is linked to the ability of quinone formation with reduced electrostatic repulsion, while additional polar substituents promote interactions with polar amino acids. At the same time, these substituents impose steric constraints on PC polymerization, modulating oligomer size and thereby influencing peptide binding. Overall, the findings highlight structural determinants of PC reactivity and provide mechanistic insight into the balance between polymerization and covalent peptide modification under alkaline conditions. Full article

This review relates the kinetics of anaerobic digestion (AD) to energy outcomes, including typical ranges of methane yields and volumetric methane productivities (down to hourly g L⁻¹ h⁻¹ scales relevant for industrial plants). It further translates these relationships into practical control principles that support stable, high methane productivity. Evidence spans substrate selection and co-digestion with emphasis on carbon/nitrogen (C/N) balance, pretreatment strategies, and reactor operation, linking process constraints with operating parameters to identify interventions that raise performance while limiting inhibition. Improving substrate accessibility is the primary step: pretreatment and co-digestion shift limitation beyond hydrolysis and allow safe increases in organic loading. Typical mesophilic operation involves hydraulic retention times of about 10–40 days for food waste and 20–60 days for different types of livestock manure and slowly degradable energy crops, with stable performance achieved when the solids retention time (SRT) is maintained longer than the hydraulic retention time (HRT). Stability is further governed by sustaining a low hydrogen partial pressure through hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. Temperature and pH define practicable operating ranges; meanwhile, mixing should minimise diffusion resistance without damaging biomass structure. Early-warning indicators—volatile fatty acids (VFAs)/alkalinity, the propionate/acetate ratio, specific methanogenic activity, methane (CH₄)% and gas flow—enable timely adjustment of loading, retention, buffering, mixing intensity and micronutrient supply (Ni, Co, Fe, Mo). In practice, robust operation is generally associated with VFA/alkalinity ratios below about 0.3 and CH₄ contents typically in the range of 50–70% (v/v) in biogas. The review consolidates typical feedstock characteristics and biochemical methane potential (BMP) ranges, as well as outlines common reactor types with their advantages and limitations, linking operational choices to energy yield in combined heat and power (CHP) and biomethane pathways. Reported pretreatment effects span approximately 20–100% higher methane yields; for example, 18–37% increases after mechanical size reduction, around 20–30% gains at 120–121 °C for thermal treatments, and in some cases nearly a two-fold increase for more severe thermal or combined methods. Priorities are set for adaptive control, micronutrient management, biomass-retention strategies, and standardised monitoring, providing a coherent route from kinetic understanding to dependable energy performance and explaining how substrate composition, pretreatment, operating parameters, and kinetic constraints jointly determine methane and energy yield, with particular emphasis on early-warning indicators. Full article

Long-term fertilization profoundly influences soil biochemical processes and microbial functionality, yet the coupling mechanisms between soil enzyme activities and functional genes in nutrient cycling remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of different fertilization regimes—nitrogen alone (N), nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium fertilizer (NPK), organic fertilizer (M), and combined organic–inorganic fertilizer (MNPK)—on soil properties, enzyme activities, N- and P-cycling-related functional gene abundances, and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) yield in a 45-year ongoing field experiment in subtropical eastern China. Results showed that long-term fertilization significantly affected soil pH, electrical conductivity, nutrient contents, and crop yield. Organic fertilizer addition (M and MNPK) markedly improved soil organic matter, total and available nutrients, and enhanced faba bean grain yield by 75.07–92.79% compared with NPK, whereas NPK had limited benefits on total and available soil nutrients compared with N-only application. Soil enzyme activity analysis revealed that the MNPK treatment achieved the highest urease and neutral protease activities, while acid and alkaline protease activities responded inconsistently. Phosphorus-related enzymes (acid, neutral, and alkaline phosphatases) were strongly stimulated by organic inputs, reflecting enhanced P mineralization potential. Functional gene analysis showed that N-fixation and assimilatory nitrate reduction genes increased under M and MNPK, while N assimilation, N mineralization, anammox, nitrification, denitrification, and dissimilatory nitrate reduction genes were enriched under N treatment. Phosphate uptake and transport genes were upregulated under NPK, M, and MNPK, whereas inorganic P solubilization genes were highest under N. Significant positive correlations were observed among soil enzyme activities, nutrient contents, and faba bean yield, whereas acid and alkaline protease activities showed opposite trends. The relative abundances of N- and P-cycling functional genes exhibited distinct yet coordinated relationships with soil fertility indicators and enzyme activities. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the long-term regulation of soil–microbe interactions and nutrient cycling, offering a scientific basis for sustainable fertilization strategies in agroecosystems. Full article

The recycling of by-products from fish processing procedures has recently been attracting increased attention. In this study, three types of gelatin were isolated from grass carp skin, bone, and scales, named SKG, BG, and SCG, respectively, and their structural and functional characteristics were investigated. Compared with BG and SCG, SKG exhibited the highest extraction yield (18.30 ± 0.24%) and protein content (90.12 ± 0.21%) and the lowest ash content (1.50 ± 0.08%). Electrophoresis analysis revealed that SKG contained more α chains than BG and SCG. Fourier transform infrared spectra showed that the absorption peaks of gelatin were mainly positioned in amide band regions, whereas some of the triple helix structure was lost. More than 85% solubility was observed in all gelatin types with pH 3–10. Meanwhile, there was a higher gel strength in SKG (288.2 g) than in BG (270.2 g) and SCG (245.1 g). Furthermore, the water or oil absorption and emulsifying characteristics of SKG were also better than those of BG and SCG. The differences in functional properties between gelatin types appear to be related to protein distribution and composition. All the results indicate that grass carp skin is a material with the potential to extract gelatin with a higher yield and gel strength and better functional characteristics compared with bone and scales. Full article

Capsicum spp. support diverse fresh and processing value chains, yet integrated assessments of phenotypic stability and genome-enabled prediction remain limited. In this study, 32 representative accessions, selected from a panel of 235 genotyped entries from the Colombian Capsicum germplasm collection, were evaluated across three contrasting environments to characterize physicochemical traits (texture, pH, soluble solids, color) and biochemical attributes (total carotenoids, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, phenolics, antioxidant capacity). Variance partitioning and AMMI models quantified the contributions of genotype (G), environment (E), and G × E interactions (GEIs). Significant effects were detected for most traits. The AMMI analysis identified stable genotypes across locations for pH, moisture, firmness, and cohesiveness. In contrast, color attributes, total carotenoids, and phenolic compounds showed greater environmental responsiveness. Texture-related and solid content traits showed broad adaptability and high phenotypic stability, making them reliable targets for selection under variable production conditions. For the genomic component, we analyzed 235 accessions genotyped with 68,481 high-quality SNPs obtained through GBS. These data were used to estimate genomic heritability and prediction accuracy with Bayesian and semi-parametric models. Among them, BayesC showed the best performance. Prediction accuracy reached r = 0.94 within the training environment and ranged from r = 0.64 to 0.73 when tested across contrasting environments. Genomic heritability was highest for pH (h² = 0.48) and pungency-related traits, including capsaicin (h² = 0.39) and dihydrocapsaicin (h² = 0.48), indicating strong additive genetic control. Finally, by integrating AMMI-based stability analysis and BayesC genomic prediction, we identified genotypes exhibiting both high performance and environmental robustness. This combined selection approach provides a comprehensive framework for genomic-assisted breeding to enhance fruit quality, carotenoid content, and pungency stability in Capsicum spp. under heterogeneous environments. Full article