Search Results (9,940)

Intensive salmon farming is associated with high mortality rates, highlighting the need for new welfare indicators that can detect adverse conditions earlier and less invasively than many current approaches. Existing animal-based indicators used in the industry typically depend on subjective scoring and provide information mostly after welfare problems have already developed, thereby raising questions about their efficacy. Examples include emaciation, wounds, or scale loss, etc. Preliminary data and ongoing investigation suggest that melanin-based skin pigmentation may change dynamically with stress and condition in salmonid fishes. In this study, we present a semi-automated methodology for assessing changes in the grayscale intensity of melanin-based skin spots within the operculum region of adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) kept in seawater. The pipeline combines computer vision models to detect the operculum, segment individual spots, and extract grayscale-based features for spot-level analysis over time. The method was applied to out-of-water images collected before and after exposure to a confinement episode. The results showed an overall shift in grayscale intensity from black to pigmentation fading after the challenge, although responses varied among individuals. These findings indicate that the proposed methodology can detect temporal changes in opercular melanin-based spots under applied experimental conditions. We therefore present this work as proof of principle for using computer vision to quantify changes in melanin-based skin spots as a potentially useful, non-invasive indicator of stress and welfare in Atlantic Salmon. Full article

The availability of water is a limiting factor for the growth and productivity of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims). The use of bioregulators has been investigated as a strategy to mitigate the effects of abiotic stress. Different concentrations of SNP were evaluated on growth, gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, and enzymatic activity in Passiflora edulis seedlings under different water conditions. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, with two irrigation conditions (80 and 30% of field capacity), combined with three concentrations of SNP (50, 100 and 250 µM) and water (control), with five replications. Water deficit reduced morphological, physiological, and enzymatic parameters. The application of SNP increased root fresh mass (23.56 g at the 100 µM dose) and leaf dry mass (8.21 g at 250 µM SNP), with increases of 24.52% and 30.52% compared to the values obtained under the 50 µM dose, respectively. The highest number of leaves (14) and leaf area (1183.3 cm²) was observed at 250 µM SNP, corresponding to increases of 7.70% and 17.27%, respectively, compared to plants without SNP application. Water deficit reduced growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and enzymatic activity. SNP promotes improvements in growth; however, it does not mitigate water deficit effects in Passiflora edulis seedlings. Full article

The use of microbial consortia has emerged as a promising strategy to improve crop performance under abiotic stress, although their effectiveness under field conditions remains variable. Here, we evaluated whether plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacterial consortia assembled based on synergistic PGP traits can improve physiological performance, yield, and grain quality of yellow lupine (Lupinus luteus L.) under field-based drought conditions. A semi-controlled, field-based pot experiment was conducted under contrasting water regimes (irrigated and drought) to evaluate four rhizobacterial strains (Microbacterium sp. S13.2, Variovorax sp. S14.7, Bacillus sp. S31, and Lysinibacillus sp. S34), assembled into four consortia: two characterized by high (C1 and C2) and two by low (C3 and C4) auxin production and ACC deaminase activity, along with an uninoculated control. Physiological responses were monitored across phenological stages through stomatal conductance and photosynthetic pigments, while agronomic traits, yield components, and grain quality were assessed at harvest. Inoculation effects were stage-dependent and became more evident under drought conditions. Consortia C1(Microbacterium sp. S13.2 + Variovorax sp. S14.7) and C2 (Bacillus sp. S31 + Lysinibacillus sp. S34) consistently improved biomass accumulation, seed number, and grain yield compared to the uninoculated control, whereas C3 (Lysinibacillus sp. S34 + Variovorax sp. S14.7) and C4 (Bacillus sp. S31 + Variovorax sp. S14.7) showed limited or neutral effects. Multivariate analysis indicated distinct performance strategies, with C1 associated with higher productivity and C2 with improved yield stability under drought. Grain quality parameters remained stable across treatments. These results show that cooperative microbial consortia can improve lupine performance under water-limited conditions, and their effectiveness depends on the functional interactions among consortium members. Full article

Weed interference during early growth stages is a major constraint on sugarcane productivity, yet effective tools for species-specific detection remain limited in tropical agricultural systems. This study evaluated the spectral separability between Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) and a dominant weed species, Rottboellia cochinchinensis, to develop an accessible framework for early-stage weed mapping. Multispectral data acquired from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and hyperspectral data obtained from a field spectrometer were utilized. Hyperspectral data were synthesized to reconstruct multispectral bands (UAV image bands) using a regularized linear synthesis model, thereby generating spectral signatures. Spectral separability between sugarcane and Rottboellia cochinchinensis was assessed visually and statistically (Jeffries–Matusita distance). Blue and Green bands provided the strongest differentiation between species, while RedEdge enhanced separability when paired with pigment-sensitive wavelengths. When using vegetation indices based on the near-infrared (NIR) band, the visual appearance of class separation was poor due to the NIR band’s sensitivity to variation in leaf internal structure, canopy architecture, water content, and spectral mixing with the soil background at the early stage of sugarcane. These results were used to differentiate weed coverage from sugarcane. Object-based image analysis (OBIA) outperformed the pixel-based method, achieving higher overall accuracy (0.9038) and a more spatially coherent weed delineation (Kappa = 0.8499). These findings suggest that synthesized spectral signatures of Rottboellia cochinchinensis and sugarcane, combined with targeted spectral indices and OBIA techniques, offer a practical and transferable approach for early detection of Rottboellia cochinchinensis at the farm level. Full article

The jalapeño pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a crop of great economic and nutritional importance worldwide; however, increasing yield and quality under conditions of reduced synthetic inputs remains a significant challenge, mainly due to restrictions in plant nutrition and stress response capacity; in this context, plant-based biostimulants, such as Ricinus communis extracts, are of particular interest due to their potential to modulate plant metabolism, promote growth, and favor the accumulation of bioactive compounds. In this study, the effect of a foliar-applied biostimulant derived from a methanolic extract of Ricinus communis L. on the physiological, agronomic, and biochemical parameters of jalapeño peppers was evaluated under open field conditions. A randomized complete design with five treatments was established: three extract concentrations (T50: 50 mg L⁻¹, T75: 75 mg L⁻¹, and T100: 100 mg L⁻¹), a commercial biostimulant (Pepton 85/16 ^®), and an absolute control. Significant differences (α ≤ 0.05) were observed between treatments T50, T75, and T100 with the application of castor bean and the absolute control in stem diameter, fruit number, yield, and polar and equatorial fruit diameter, as well as phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH). The application of R. communis extract (T50, T75, and T100) significantly improved plant performance compared to the control, particularly in yield (up to 270%), fruit number (73%), shoot biomass (up to 38%), and root development (up to 32%). Furthermore, increases in chlorophyll content and in antioxidant-related compounds were observed, including phenols, flavonoids, ABTS, and DPPH (up to 17%). Spearman correlation analysis revealed strong associations between structural and metabolic variables, highlighting the relationship between stem diameter, fruit traits, and bioactive compound accumulation, as well as the link between chlorophyll content and reproductive performance. The ¹H NMR analysis indicated the presence of secondary metabolites such as ricin, unsaturated fatty acids, and phenolic compounds; however, their isolation and relationship with the biostimulant activity of the extract require further specific studies. Overall, foliar application of R. communis extract improved the growth, productivity, and biochemical attributes of jalapeño pepper, highlighting its potential as a sustainable alternative for crop management. Full article

Background: Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos are transparent in early stages of embryonic development; however, pigment formation at later stages hinders internal organ visualization during imaging. Chemicals such as 1-phenyl-2-thiourea (PTU) and kojic acid, used to block pigmentation, pose significant toxicity risks to human health. Therefore, effective and risk-free depigmentation agents are needed. This study investigates the efficacy of Alchemilla vulgaris (Lady’s mantle) as a safe, natural alternative for zebrafish embryo depigmentation. Methods: A. vulgaris was extracted using four solvents of varying polarities and evaluated for depigmentation efficacy and toxicity. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to identify major constituents of the extract. Results: Ethyl acetate extract was more effective at removing pigments than all other extracts, and exhibited the lowest toxicity compared to PTU and kojic acid. Ethyl acetate extract of A. vulgaris remained effective even when administered 48 h post fertilization (post-pigmentation), making it suitable for long-term experiments requiring optical clarity. GC-MS revealed that this extract was rich in linoleic acid, various fatty acid esters, and phenolics, which likely contributed to its depigmentation activity. Conclusions: Based on these findings, we propose that ethyl acetate extract of A. vulgaris is a safer, natural alternative to PTU and kojic acid for depigmenting zebrafish embryos, particularly in long-term imaging experiments. The extract exhibits high efficacy at low concentrations, accompanied by a favorable toxicity profile, demonstrating potential as a depigmentation agent during early zebrafish development. However, further studies are needed to elucidate its mechanism of action. Full article

Removing altered varnishes and retouching from oil paintings is a delicate and irreversible procedure in the conservation of cultural heritage. Surfactant-free gelled o/w emulsions containing dibasic esters (DBE) provide a green, safe, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solvent methods. The use of Xanthan gum and polyacrylate as thickening agents successfully restricted solvent diffusion, thereby minimizing the risk of interaction with water-sensitive substrates. Spectroscopic and microscopic analyses (FTIR and SEM) were employed to evaluate the cleaning efficacy and to assess the morphological integrity of the paint surface post-treatment, detecting potential inhomogeneities, erosion, or pigment loss. Determination of surface conductivity has allowed us to verify the degree of removal of any residues that could have undesirable long-term effects. Fatty acid leaching was quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS): the use of free DBE resulted in a loss of up to 60% of the lipid component, while for surfactant-free gelled o/w emulsions with DBE, this figure was significantly reduced, with no observable surface damage. The tests were performed at both neutral pH and pH 8.5. The pH change was consistent with expected values: alkaline and ionizing conditions enhanced the emulsifying and removal effect, as well as the interaction with the painting medium. These results suggest that surfactant-free gelled o/w emulsions represent a promising alternative to conventional solvent-based systems, offering effective varnish removal while minimizing risks to both artifacts and restorers. Full article

A comparative chemical analysis was conducted between P. aibuhitensis of orange and green body colors, evaluating their proximate composition, fatty acid profile, amino acid profile, astaxanthin content, lipidomic profile, and other biochemical parameters. Samples were categorized by body color into two groups, each with ten biological replicates. The samples were collected from the same local polychaete farm. The results revealed that the green phenotype had significantly higher moisture content but lower crude protein, crude lipid, and ash content compared to the orange phenotype. The orange polychaete was characterized by significantly higher concentrations of 16:0 and saturated fatty acids (SFAs), whereas the green one exhibited higher contents of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFAs) and a higher PUFA/SFA ratio. Regarding free amino acids, the orange polychaete had significantly higher threonine content, while the green ones had significantly higher levels of valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, glutamate, alanine, histidine and proline. Additionally, the astaxanthin content was significantly higher in the orange phenotype. The bile acid level was significantly higher in the green phenotype compared to the orange one, but no significant differences were observed in other biochemical parameters such as total protein, total cholesterol, and triglyceride content. The lipidomic analysis revealed that glycerophospholipids were the most abundant lipid class in both phenotypes, followed by glycerolipids and sphingolipids. A total of 65 differentially abundant lipid molecules were identified between the two groups. Compared to the orange polychaete, the green one had higher levels of 59 lipids (predominantly ceramides) and lower levels of six lipids, including three triglycerides, one monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, and two phosphatidylserines. In general, the orange P. aibuhitensis showed a favorable nutritional profile for aquafeed and human nutrition, whereas the green ones had potential for targeted health applications owing to its specific lipid composition. However, direct validating experiments are required. Full article

A small dyer’s handbook in Dr. Georg Kremer’s archive presents unexpected challenges. The handwritten recipes can be dated back to the early 19th century. The author must have been an experienced dyer, who wrote down detailed instructions for dyeing or printing on cotton, wool and silk. More than 80 dyed textile samples were sewn or glued into the book. A colourful palette is achieved with natural dyes such as indigo, cochineal, madder, alkanna, annatto, turmeric and quercitron. Furthermore, inorganic pigments like Prussian blue and chrome yellow were used. Unfortunately, the text is characterized by regional accent and inconsistent spelling. Language analysis was able to assign the origin of the author to the Vogtland, a region in Germany that covers parts of Bavaria, Thuringia and Saxony. The spelling or misspelling of the words may leave readers with a smile, but also make it difficult to figure out ingredients, chemicals or dyes. The measurement units given in the recipes are problematic. Additionally, vessels of vague volumes such as hand buckets or coffee cups are used. In this study, the content of the notebook is evaluated, and initial reproductions are carried out to find out how useful these recipes are for further research. Full article

This study addresses the early detection of water stress in grapevines (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Monastrell), a key challenge for precision irrigation. The main objective is to assess the feasibility of VIS–NIR hyperspectral imaging (400–1000 nm) to anticipate water stress, relating the spectral signal to stem water potential. This study was developed over two campaigns, in 2024 and 2025, using 18 potted plants. In 2024, eight vines were irrigated, and the remaining 10 were subjected to water-deprivation treatments, whilst in 2025, all plants were irrigated, but half at a control dose and the rest at a reduced dose equivalent to 33% of the control. Images were acquired over five dates in June 2024 and over seven in June 2025 using a Specim IQ camera; stem potential was also measured to provide a physiological reference. Individual time series were developed, calculating the Mahalanoubis distance in a PCA space. Results revealed a change window between 10 and 13 June, consistent with the divergence in water potential from 17 to 24 June. PCA highlighted spectral regions related to changes in pigments, nitrogen and water content as main indicators of water stress. We conclude that HSI is a promising tool for early water stress detection. Full article

The co-culture between Trametes sp. D and Aspergillus niger L14 resulted in a distinct orange-brown antagonistic band at their interface. Direct hyphal contact was associated with markedly enhanced production of numerous secondary metabolites (SMs), some of which were absent or decreased in monocultures. T. sp. D induced indolic compounds and cyclic dipeptides, such as Indole-3-acetamide and Cyclo-(Pro-Phe), whereas A. niger L14 overproduced polyketide-derived pigments and organic acids, such as Fonsecin and Kojic acid. These SMs did not inhibit their producer but suppressed the opponent’s growth, indicating reciprocal chemical antagonism. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of stress-related and metabolic genes, consistent with each fungus activating defense pathways. Biochemical assays showed that the confrontation zone had the highest oxidative stress markers, cell wall-degrading enzyme activity, and acidification (notably by A. niger L14), reflecting intense interfungal antagonism. The stress-response mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was also activated in both fungi. Our findings supported a mechanistic model of fungal competition involving direct contact, chemical exchange, enzymatic attack, and stress signaling, highlighting that physical interactions likely contributed to triggering cryptic secondary metabolism and robust defense responses. Full article

Mining wastewater contains complex mixtures of regulated and emerging contaminants that challenge treatment technologies. This study evaluates the bioremediation potential of 10 phytoplankton species, including Chlorella vulgaris, and the aquatic fern Salvinia natans for removing contaminants from synthetic and mine outflow water. Batch screening experiments were conducted using synthetic wastewater containing regulated elements, rare earth elements (REEs), or selected organic flotation reagents, followed by validation using acidic mine outflow water from a decommissioned mine (Romania). All tested phytoplankton species and Salvinia natans showed high removal efficiencies for several priority elements, including Pb, Ag, Cr, Th, U, and multiple REEs. Organic flotation reagents were efficiently removed by all phytoplankton species. Chlorella vulgaris and Salvinia natans emerged as high-performing species and were further evaluated in mine outflow, where species-specific and matrix-dependent removal behavior was observed. Here, Chlorella vulgaris showed a higher average removal. Time-resolved analyses indicated a rapid initial removal followed by equilibrium phases, suggesting biosorption and bioaccumulation mechanisms. Li and Se showed limited removal capacities across all species. Photosynthetic pigment analysis revealed stress responses in Salvinia natans under acidic, multielement exposure. Overall, phycoremediation and phytoremediation represent effective low-chemical treatment strategies with potential for integration into a complementary mining wastewater treatment workflow. Full article

Citrus bud mutants provide valuable genetic resources for breeding early-ripening cultivars with improved fruit quality. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying early ripening traits remain poorly understood. To elucidate the physiological basis for the early-ripening phenotype of the bud mutant ‘Longhuihong’ navel orange, fruit development was systematically monitored from 60 to 240 days after full bloom over two consecutive growing seasons, with the maternal cultivar ‘Newhall’ serving as a control. The results demonstrate that the precocity of ‘Longhuihong’ arises from the coordinated optimization of multiple fruit quality traits in this cultivar. The mutant exhibited enhanced fruit growth potential, with an average increase of 12.07–15.92% in single fruit weight. Peel coloration was significantly accelerated, as reflected by the faster coloring rate. Internal quality development followed a distinct pattern, characterized by high sugar accumulation, rapid acid degradation, and elevated vitamin C content. Notably, citric acid metabolism in ‘Longhuihong’ displayed a unique biphasic profile: substantial accumulation in the early stage, followed by rapid degradation in the later stage, which advanced the peak of the TSS/TA ratio by approximately 15 days. Principal component analysis further confirmed that the early ripening trait represents a systemic and integrated advancement in fruit size, sugar–acid balance, and peel pigmentation. Collectively, these findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying precocity in ‘Longhuihong’ and offer key indices for breeding high-quality, early-ripening citrus cultivars. Full article