Search Results (455)

The aim of this study was to compare carcass composition, meat quality, digestive tract morphometry, and leg bone dimensions of Pekin and Muscovy ducks. The study involved 40 birds, including 10 males and 10 females from each genotype, reared to market age. Carcass traits, physicochemical properties of breast and leg muscles, texture parameters, internal organ development, intestinal measurements, and selected dimensions of the femur and tibia were evaluated. The results demonstrated a significant effect of duck genotype (p < 0.05) on carcass weight, dressing percentage, and the proportion of neck, wings, and skin with subcutaneous fat. Genotype also affected meat color (L*, a*, b*), intramuscular fat and collagen content, cooking loss, pH, electrical conductivity, and selected texture parameters of breast muscles. Differences were also observed in the mass and proportion of internal organs, most intestinal morphometric traits, and selected bone measurements. Sex had a significant effect on body and carcass weight, selected meat quality traits, intestinal measurements, and leg bone dimensions, with males generally showing greater body size and more developed skeletal structures. Significant interactions between genotype and sex were observed for several analyzed traits. The findings indicate that both genotype and sex substantially affect slaughter traits and meat quality characteristics of ducks. Full article

River restoration is increasingly promoted as a nature-based solution, but evidence of its ecological effectiveness in mountain gravel-bed rivers remains limited. Macroinvertebrate responses to hydromorphological restoration are variable and are still rarely evaluated using an integrated approach combining taxonomic, biotic index, and trait-based components. This study examined whether the hydromorphological restoration of the upper Raba River was associated with measurable environmental and ecological differences between the restored and unrestored sections. Six river sections were analyzed, including three restored and three unrestored sections. The environmental characterisation included hydromorphological and physicochemical variables. Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled in shallow marginal and main-current habitats, and the analyses included assemblage metrics, biotic indices, taxonomic composition, indicator taxa, and functional traits. The restored sections showed greater channel complexity, including a larger active channel zone, a larger number of active channels, and a coarser substrate. These differences were accompanied by higher Shannon diversity, higher values of the Polish Biological Monitoring Working Party index (BMWP-PL), a higher percentage of individuals of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (%EPT), distinct assemblage composition, and shifts in indicator taxa and selected functional traits. The results highlight the value of multidimensional assessment frameworks to evaluate the effects of restoration on mountain rivers. Full article

This study characterized 58 Phaseolus spp. accessions conserved in the INIA–Amazonas Germplasm Bank (Peru) using an integrated agromorphological, physicochemical, and microstructural approach. Significant variability was observed among vegetative, reproductive, and seed-related traits, reflecting the broad phenotypic diversity of Andean germplasm. Cluster analysis identified groups with contrasting agronomic characteristics, particularly regarding plant height, number of pods per plant, and seed weight. Physicochemical analyses revealed significant differences in colorimetric parameters, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity among accessions. Darker-seeded accessions generally exhibited higher phenolic contents and greater antioxidant capacity. In addition, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, rheological analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed differences in molecular composition, starch functionality, and granule morphology among accessions. Overall, the evaluated germplasm exhibited substantial phenotypic and biochemical diversity, underscoring its potential value for breeding programs and food-related applications. These findings contribute to the conservation, sustainable utilization, and valorization of native bean genetic resources. Full article

Red deer meat represents a sustainable and nutritious alternative to conventional meats, owing to its favourable nutritional profile, and extensive farming practices. The post-rut period is a physiologically demanding phase, particularly for stags, due to energy depletion associated with the mating season. This study evaluated the effects of feed supplementation during the post-rut period on physicochemical, technological and sensory properties of meat from farmed red deer. Meat samples from 22 farmed red deer (11 hinds and 11 stags) were collected from two supplemented groups (n = 8 each; 4 male + 4 female) and a control group (n = 6; 3 male + 3 female). The longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and semimembranosus (SM) muscles were analysed. Supplementation was applied for 60 days during the post-rut period and consisted of protein-rich and phytogenic feed mixtures containing alfalfa, oat protein, herbs and plant-based additives. Muscle type, sex and supplementation significantly affected meat quality (p ≤ 0.05). After ageing, pH values were lower in stags than in hinds, particularly in control and group II animals (5.43 vs. 5.55, p < 0.05), whereas supplemented group I showed greater pH stability. Shear force values were influenced by muscle type × feeding group interaction, with the lowest values observed in SM muscle from group II (15.94 N). Protein content was significantly affected by supplementation, sex and muscle type (p < 0.01), with the highest values generally observed in supplemented stags, particularly in the LTL muscle. Supplemented groups also exhibited more favourable selected sensory attributes, including lower livery flavour intensity and reduced hardness scores (p ≤ 0.05), although overall sensory quality did not differ significantly between groups. These findings suggest that targeted feed supplementation during the post-rut period may influence selected physicochemical, technological and sensory traits of venison, with some responses being more pronounced in stags. Full article

Tomato is susceptible to various fungal pathogens, including Alternaria alternata and Curvularia spicifera, which can cause extensive post-harvest losses. Chemical fungicides have limited effectiveness in controlling post-harvest fungal pathogens and pose risk to human health and the environment. Therefore, this study assessed indigenous isolates of three species of Trichoderma (Tr1: T. longibrachiatum; Tr2: T. harzianum; and Tr3: T. asperellum) as biocontrol agents against two fungal pathogens in vitro and in vivo and determined their physicochemical analysis and plant-growth-promoting traits. The three species of Trichoderma exhibited catalase production in vitro, while T. longibrachiatum and T. asperellum showed the highest potential for plant-growth promotion by producing indole-3-acetic acid and phosphate solubilization but not nitrogen-fixing capability. T. harzianum showed lower potential in these traits. Mycelial growth was found to be maximum (5.77–12.27 cm) at 30 °C and a pH of 7–9, but inhibition (2.60–5.13 cm) was recorded at the highest temperature (45 °C) and pH (11). In vivo, studies on tomato fruits indicated that T. longibrachiatum and T. asperellum significantly (p < 0.05) reduced lesion diameters of A. alternata by 53.60% and 48.71%, respectively, and C. spicifera by 55.58% and 56.19%, respectively, relative to the infected control. Besides their antifungal efficacy, the three species of Trichoderma enhanced tomato seedling growth, particularly at 1/10 filtrate dilution, and improved fruit quality parameters by increasing firmness and nitrate content, while reducing oxidative stress. Physicochemical analysis indicated that Trichoderma-treated fruits had better firmness, pH, and nitrate value coupled with a reduction in oxidative stress (reduced malondialdehyde content) compared to pathogen-infected controls. The indigenous isolates of the three species of Trichoderma provided high efficacy as biocontrol agents of the two fungal pathogens that cause post-harvest losses of tomato, suggesting that biological control can replace synthetic chemicals in preserving tomato under storage conditions and contribute to agricultural sustainability. Full article

In view of the importance of texture and colour characteristics for consumer acceptance of fermented dairy products, this study aimed to evaluate the associations between selected whey proteins, fat-soluble vitamins, and instrumental quality traits of organic plain yoghurts. Physicochemical analyses included acidity, total protein, fat, whey proteins (β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin, lactoferrin, and lysozyme), and fat-soluble compounds (vitamins A, D₃, and E, and β-carotene). Selected instrumental texture and colour attributes were also determined. Whey protein fractions were associated mainly with texture characteristics, whereas lipophilic vitamins and β-carotene were more closely related to colour attributes. Total protein content was positively associated with firmness (r = 0.510, p ≤ 0.05), while β-lactoglobulin was related to apparent viscosity (r = 0.705, p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, vitamin A, vitamin D₃, β-carotene, and fat content were negatively associated with lightness and whiteness, but positively related to yellowness and chroma. Lactoferrin and lysozyme showed stronger relationships with selected secondary texture attributes, particularly gumminess and cohesiveness. Multiple regression analysis indicated that firmness and apparent viscosity were only moderately explained by the selected compositional predictors, whereas colour attributes were more strongly associated with fat-fraction components. The remaining variability likely reflected additional microstructural and processing-related effects. Although the results should be interpreted as associations rather than direct causal relationships, the findings support the concept of protein-driven texture and fat-driven colour development in plain yoghurts and improve understanding of the relationships between bioactive milk components and instrumental plain yoghurt quality. Full article

Background/Objectives: The high temperatures associated with climate change represent an important constraint for tomato production in tropical regions, affecting plant growth, reproductive development, and fruit metabolic composition. In this context, protected cultivation systems capable of modifying greenhouse microclimates may help reduce thermal stress and maintain crop productivity. Methods: This study evaluated the effects of two protective environments, diffuse agricultural film (AF) and twin-walled polycarbonate panels with laminar water flow (P), on the agronomic performance and fruit metabolic traits of five grape–tomato hybrids grown under tropical conditions. Microclimatic variables, vegetative growth, yield components, postharvest behavior, and fruit quality attributes were evaluated, with emphasis on carotenoid accumulation. Results: Compared with the agricultural film environment, the polycarbonate system reduced global radiation and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and was associated with an increase in yield of approximately 25%, an increase in fruit number of approximately 13%, and an 8% increase in fruit diameter. In addition, some hybrids cultivated under the polycarbonate system showed greater lycopene and β-carotene accumulation, indicating that microclimate moderation may favor carotenoid-related fruit quality depending on genotype. Principal component analysis revealed a clear separation between cultivation environments, with the polycarbonate system more closely associated with yield-related and canopy development traits, whereas the agricultural film environment was linked to biomass accumulation and selected physicochemical attributes. Among the evaluated hybrids, BS IGR0104, Jacy, and GI7545 showed the most favorable combination of agronomic performance and fruit quality traits. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the importance of climate-adaptive protected cultivation systems and hybrid selection for improving tomato productivity under tropical heat conditions. Full article

This study evaluated breast meat quality of broiler chickens following dietary inclusion of full-fat Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) sourced from three food-waste production sites in a nutritionally balanced diet. Broilers were fed diets containing 0%, 3%, 6%, or 9% BSFL sourced from 3 different facilities in a 3 × 4 factorial design. At 42 days of age, breast meat samples were collected for evaluation of physicochemical traits, chemical composition, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles. Inclusion of dietary BSFL had no adverse effects on key meat quality parameters, including water-holding capacity, pH, color, cooking loss, or shear force. Breast meat protein content increased significantly in broilers fed the 9% BSFL diet compared with the control, while essential amino acid composition remained unchanged across treatments. In contrast, BSFL inclusion substantially modified the fat profile of breast meat, characterized by enrichment of short- and medium-chain saturated fatty acids, increased eicosapentaenoic acid, reduced ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and an improved ω-3/ω-6 ratio. These results demonstrate that food-waste-derived full-fat BSFL can be incorporated into broiler diets at levels up to 9% without compromising breast meat quality, while enhancing its nutritional fat profile and protein content. Full article

This study explored the effects of one mineral fertilizer and two microbial inoculants and their combined applications on soil physicochemical properties, bacterial community structure, and plant growth of Cymbidium faberi under potted cultivation, aiming to provide theoretical and technical support for the sustainable cultivation of ornamental orchids. A single-factor randomized block experiment was designed with eight treatments: control (CK), mineral sulfosulfuric acid potassium (HF), Bacillus subtilis (KC), Trichoderma harzianum (HC), mineral sulfosulfuric acid potassium + Bacillus subtilis (HK), mineral sulfosulfuric acid potassium + Trichoderma harzianum (HH), Bacillus subtilis + Trichoderma harzianum (KH), and mineral sulfosulfuric acid potassium + Bacillus subtilis + Trichoderma harzianum (HKH). Plant growth traits, soil properties, and soil bacterial community characteristics were measured. The effects of inoculant agents on Cymbidium faberi growth, soil environment, and bacterial community, as well as their interaction relationships, were systematically analyzed. The combination of three inoculants significantly promoted plant height and leaf thickness in Cymbidium faberi. Compared with CK, the relative abundance of Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota in HH treatment increased by 6.0% and 11.0%, respectively, while the relative abundance of Acidobacteriota and Verrucomicrobiota decreased by 6.0% and 12.0%, respectively. Venn diagram analysis revealed 146 ASVs shared among all treatments. KC, HC, and HF had more unique ASVs, whereas HK and HKH had the fewest. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to visualize differences in bacterial community structure. Significant differences among treatments were confirmed using ANOSIM. Ecological network analysis indicated predominantly positive (cooperative) associations among bacterial taxa, with HKH showing the highest proportion of positive edges, suggesting stronger bacterial cooperation. Correlation analysis showed that Patesibacteria, Acidobacterita, and Planctomycetota were significantly negatively correlated with pH and TP, while Bacteroidota, Actinomycetota, and Methylomirabilota were significantly positively correlated with pH. The Mantel analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between bacterial community composition and richness and pH. Further analysis using the structural equation model revealed that soil nutrients and bacterial communities were the main factors affecting plant growth. This study clarifies the response rules of plant growth, soil physicochemical properties and rhizosphere bacterial communities to different mineral fertilizer and microbial inoculant combinations, and provides a practical basis for the rational screening of functional inoculants and the construction of healthy rhizosphere microecosystems in Cymbidium faberi pot cultivation. Full article

Plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) have shown broad potential to improve soil conditions and enhance root growth and development. However, few studies have examined the effects of exogenous PGPF inoculation on the growth of the medicinal plant Saposhnikovia divaricata and the associated changes in the rhizosphere microbiome. In this study, Aspergillus neoalliaceus MR-86 exhibited phosphate solubilization, growth in nitrogen-free medium, potassium solubilization, IAA production, and siderophore production. PCR assays did not detect the aflatoxin biosynthesis-related genes aflR, aflS, and omtA in strain MR-86. Pot trials demonstrated that inoculation with MR-86 significantly increased the plant height and root dry weight of S. divaricata by 10.32% and 21.05%, respectively (p < 0.05). In the rhizosphere, soil pH decreased, whereas soil alkaline-hydrolyzable nitrogen and available phosphorus levels, as well as the activities of protease, urease, and cellulase, increased significantly. Illumina NovaSeq sequencing revealed that MR-86 inoculation altered the soil microbial community structure and specifically enriched several microbial taxa, including Talaromyces, Subulicystidium, and Aspergillus. Moreover, MR-86 inoculation did not alter the composition of dominant bacterial and fungal phyla, but significantly modified microbial interactions and the topology of microbial networks. Correlation analysis indicated that the specific microbial taxa Subulicystidium, Aspergillus, and Talaromyces were positively associated with soil nutrient indices, enzyme activities, and plant growth parameters. Functional prediction analysis indicated that MR-86 treatment was predicted to be enriched bacterial metabolic pathways, including flavone and flavonol biosynthesis and ether lipid metabolism, and was predicted to increase the relative abundance of functional fungal groups such as ectomycorrhizal and wood-decomposing fungi. In summary, A. neoalliaceus MR-86 may contribute to improved growth of S. divaricata by enhancing nutrient availability and transformation and by modulating the structure and function of the rhizosphere microbiome. Full article

Exogenous nutrient bags are essential for the artificial cultivation of Morchella sextelata, but the effects of different formulations on yield, nutritional quality, and the soil microecological environment remain unclear. In this study, nine exogenous nutrient bag formulations and one conventional treatment (CK) were evaluated during M. sextelata cultivation. Fruiting time, fresh and dry yields, and nutritional quality indicators were measured, and principal component analysis combined with membership function analysis was used for comprehensive evaluation. Soil physicochemical properties were determined for all treatments, and A7, A3, and CK were selected to represent the best-performing, worst-performing, and conventional treatments, respectively, for soil microbial community analysis. Different formulations significantly affected agronomic and nutritional traits (p < 0.01). A6 showed the shortest fruiting time and the highest fresh and dry yields, whereas A7 had the highest polysaccharide content and ranked first in the comprehensive evaluation. The D values of A7, A6, and CK were 0.789, 0.777, and 0.653, respectively. Soil nutrient analysis showed that morel cultivation markedly altered soil nutrient structure, especially available nutrients and phosphorus-related indicators. Microbial analysis showed that A7 had the highest bacterial richness among the three sequenced treatments and stronger colonization by M. sextelata. Its bacterial and fungal communities were also more closely associated with soil organic carbon. Overall, A6 was more suitable for yield-oriented production, whereas A7 showed the best comprehensive performance when yield, nutritional quality, and soil ecological characteristics were considered together. Full article

This study explored the link between orchard-derived cherry quality and circular food innovation through the valorization of dried cherry pomace. Sweet cherry fruits from the cultivars Van and Stella, grown under the pedoclimatic conditions of north-eastern Romania, were evaluated for physicochemical traits, phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, and heavy metal content. In parallel, cherry pomace obtained during juice processing of cultivar Van was freeze-dried, characterized, and incorporated into dairy-based spreadable formulations at 5% and 10% addition levels in order to assess its bioactive potential. The results showed clear cultivar-dependent differences, with Van exhibiting a superior bioactive profile, including higher total polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity than Stella. Heavy metal concentrations in fruits remained below the maximum allowable limits, while health-risk indices indicated no significant non-carcinogenic risk (HI = 3.18 × 10⁻²). The dried cherry pomace powder was characterized by high dietary fiber content (49.83 g/100 g dw), substantial total polyphenols (1046.80 mg GAE/100 g dw), anthocyanins (123.27 mg C3G/100 g dw), and antioxidant activity (21.43 μM TE/g dw). Its incorporation into dairy-based spreadable products significantly improved ash, carbohydrate, fiber, phytochemical content, and antioxidant activity, with the 10% level showing the highest functional enhancement. Sensory evaluation indicated that the 5% formulation achieved the most balanced and preferred overall sensory profile. Overall, the findings support dried cherry pomace as a valuable functional ingredient and highlight a practical circular strategy for reconnecting cherry by-products with value-added food applications. Full article

One of the fundamental recommendations for sustainable agricultural practices is protecting soil biodiversity by increasing the use of organic fertilizers and substrates. According to EU regulations, certain animal by-products (including horn shavings) may be used as crop fertilizers; however, insufficient information is available on the impact of this fertilizer substrate on the soil environment. This study was conducted to determine the effects of annual soil application of horn shavings on selected characteristics of Lumbricidae communities and physicochemical properties of the soil. Experimental plots had the following treatments of cattle horn shavings (CHS): CHS100 (100%; 1.3 t·ha⁻¹; equivalent to 161 kg N/ha), CHS75 (75%; 0.98 t·ha⁻¹), CHS50 (50%; 0.65 t·ha⁻¹), and SL (control without fertilization). After 2 years of application, an electrical method was used to collect earthworms over the following 3 years. Earthworms found belonged to five species representing three ecological groups: Dendrobaena octaedra, Dendrodrilus rubidus tenuis, Lumbricus rubellus, Aporrectodea caliginosa, and Lumbricus terrestris. Significantly higher values of earthworm metrics were demonstrated between the plot with the highest fertilization (CHS100) and the plots with lower horn shavings additions (abundance: CHS100 > CHS75 and CHS50 by a mean of 43.2%; biomass: CHS100 > CHS75 and CHS50 by a mean of 43%). Species richness was not affected but an increase in CHS application led to a greater biodiversity index. CHS treatments affected selected soil parameters to varying degrees, with soil moisture having the greatest influence on the given earthworm traits. Cattle horn shavings used as a fertilizer are a positive promoter of earthworms in soils and further research in this area may be warranted. Full article

Postharvest quality of carrot (Daucus carota L.) is determined by the interaction between genotype and storage environment, yet systematic comparative evidence across pigmented genotypes with contrasting biochemical profiles remains scarce. This study evaluated the postharvest behavior of five carrot genotypes (6KUR, 14BER, yellow, white, and purple) under refrigeration (4 °C) and room temperature (15 °C) over 30 days, integrating physicochemical, spectral, and consumer-based assessment. Variables included color, fresh weight loss, respiration rate, firmness, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and β-carotene quantification by spectrophotometry. Non-destructive monitoring was performed using Vis/NIR reflectance (350–1900 nm) with spectral indices sensitive to anthocyanin and carotenoid content (CRI1, CRI2, mARI) and tissue structural integrity (NDVI), and consumer perception (~60 participants per evaluation) was characterized through natural language processing of open-ended responses. Refrigeration significantly reduced β-carotene degradation (~15–20% loss vs. 50–60% at room temperature) and better preserved overall quality across genotypes. Purple carrots demonstrated superior postharvest stability across multiple traits, whereas white carrots showed the greatest susceptibility to quality loss. Spectral indices exhibited genotype-dependent temporal variation, particularly in pigmented roots, supporting their potential for non-destructive pigment monitoring during storage. Consumer descriptors reflected a progressive decline in desirable sensory attributes under both conditions. These findings support the integration of physicochemical, spectral, and sensory approaches for comprehensive postharvest characterization of genotypically diverse carrot germplasm, and identify priority genotypes and trait combinations for future predictive modeling studies. Full article

The effects of pre-harvest application of Bacillus velezensis LYB73 on rhizosphere soil properties, microbial communities, fruit quality, and flavor-related traits in different peach cultivars are still not well understood. In this study, three peach cultivars, “Jinxia” (JX), “Wanhujing” (WHJ), and “Youpantao” (YPT), were subjected to B. velezensis LYB73 treatment or a sterile-water control under field conditions. Rhizosphere bacterial (16S rRNA) and fungal (ITS) communities were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. Soil physicochemical properties, fruit nutritional and functional components, antioxidant capacity, and electronic sensory traits were also evaluated. The application of LYB73 was associated with lower rhizosphere soil pH (5.52–6.82) and changes in several soil nutrient-related parameters. Microbial community analyses indicated that LYB73 treatment was accompanied by shifts in the composition of rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities. For example, the relative abundance of Pseudomonadota increased in the JX treatment group, while Ascomycota was enriched in the JX and YPT treatment groups. At the genus level, taxa such as Gemmatimonas, Saitozyma, and Cephalotrichum showed increased relative abundance in some treated groups. Compared with the control, LYB73-treated fruits generally showed higher levels of reducing sugars, titratable acids, amino acids, total phenols, total flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity. The magnitude of these responses varied among cultivars: JX showed larger increases in total phenols, total flavonoids, and DPPH scavenging activity, WHJ showed a greater increase in amino acids and ABTS scavenging activity, and YPT showed the largest increase in superoxide anion scavenging activity. Electronic sensory analysis further suggested that LYB73 treatment affected taste and aroma-related traits, although the responses differed among cultivars. Correlation analysis showed that several dominant microbial genera were significantly associated with soil properties, fruit quality indices, and sensory indicators. Overall, these results suggest that pre-harvest application of B. velezensis LYB73 may influence rhizosphere microecology and fruit quality in a cultivar-dependent manner, providing preliminary support for its potential use in peach production. Full article