Search Results (376)

Fusarium spp. cause devastating crop diseases and produce carcinogenic mycotoxins such as fumonisins, threatening global food safety and human health. In this study, Trichoderma longibrachiatum A25011, isolated from apples in Aksu, Xinjiang, exhibited significant antagonistic activity with mycelial growth inhibition rates of 54.52% against F. verticillioides 48.62% against F. proliferatum, and 58.22% against F. oxysporum in confrontation assays. Enzyme activity detection revealed high chitinase (583.21 U/mg protein) and moderate cellulase (43.92 U/mg protein) production, which may have the capacity to degrade fungal cell walls. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) analyses enabled the quantification of fungal hormones including gibberellin A3 (GA3, 2.44 mg/L), cytokinins (cis-zeatin riboside (CZR): 0.69 mg/L; trans-zeatin riboside (TZR) : 0.004 mg/L; kinetin: 0.006 mg/L), and auxins (indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) : 0.35 mg/L; abscisic acid: 0.06 mg/L). Application of a T. longibrachiatum A25011 spore suspension around the roots of peanut plants enhanced growth by 13.20% (height), 5.65% (stem and leaf biomass), and 39.13% (root biomass). Notably, A25011 reduced F. proliferatum-derived fumonisin accumulation in rice-based cultures by 93.58% (6 d) and 99.35% (10 d), suggesting biosynthetic suppression. The results demonstrated that T. longibrachiatum strain A25011 exhibited excellent biocontrol capability against Fusarium spp., proving its dual role in simultaneously suppressing fungal growth and fumonisin accumulation while promoting plant growth. T. longibrachiatum A25011 could be applied as a multifunctional biocontrol agent in sustainable agriculture in the future. Full article

The worldwide population is anticipated to reach 10.12 billion by the year 2100, thereby amplifying the necessity for sustainable agricultural methodologies to secure food availability while reducing ecological consequences. Conventional synthetic pesticides, while capable of increasing crop yields by as much as 50%, present considerable hazards such as toxicity, the emergence of resistance, and environmental pollution. This review examines biopesticides, originating from microbial (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis, Trichoderma spp.), plant, or animal sources, as environmentally sustainable alternatives which address pest control through mechanisms including antibiosis, hyperparasitism, and competition. Biopesticides provide advantages such as biodegradability, minimal toxicity to non-target organisms, and a lower likelihood of resistance development. The global market for biopesticides is projected to be valued between USD 8 and 10 billion by 2025, accounting for 3–4% of the overall pesticide sector, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12–16%. To mitigate production costs, agro-industrial byproducts such as rice husk and starch wastewater can be utilized as economical substrates in both solid-state and submerged fermentation processes, which may lead to a reduction in expenses ranging from 35% to 59%. Strategies for process intensification, such as the implementation of intensified bioreactors, continuous cultivation methods, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven monitoring systems, significantly improve the upstream stages (including strain development and fermentation), downstream processes (such as purification and drying), and formulation phases. These advancements result in enhanced productivity, reduced energy consumption, and greater product stability. Patent activity, exemplified by 2371 documents from 1982 to 2021, highlights advancements in formulations and microbial strains. The integration of circular economy principles in biopesticide production through process intensification enhances the safety, quality, and sustainability of food systems. Projections suggest that by the 2040s to 2050s, biopesticides may achieve market parity with synthetic alternatives. Obstacles encompass the alignment of regulations and the ability to scale in order to completely achieve these benefits. Full article

The rhinoceros beetle (Xylotrupes gideon) requires safe and nutritious flake soil substrate for commercial rearing in northern Thailand, yet optimal lignocellulosic formulations remain undefined. This study evaluated five flake soil formulations substituting lignin-rich cadamba sawdust (0–100%) with cellulose-rich corn stover, plus cattle manure and rice bran, fermented for 90 days. Fermentation engineered the cellulose-lignin-hemicellulose matrix, reducing lignin from 25.07% to 7.30% while enriching cellulose from 29.73% to 33.83% and hemicellulose from 6.67% to 17.42%. Increasing corn stover enhanced crude protein (5.46–7.53%) and nitrogen-free extract (24.17–34.14%), creating T1 (25% substitution) as the optimal cellulose-based composite for X. gideon rearing. Microbial analysis showed T1-T2 supported highest α-diversity and lactic acid bacteria enrichment, suppressing pathogens like Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica. Fermentation degraded >99% glyphosate residues (from 106 mg/kg to <0.25 mg/kg or undetectable). T1 is recommended as the optimal, sustainable flake soil for X. gideon rearing, balancing nutrition, microbiology, and safety while valorizing agricultural wastes. Full article

To address the issues of resistance and food safety stemming from the overuse of chemical fumigants in stored-grain pest control, this study aimed to systematically optimize the insecticidal process of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment on Tribolium castaneum (T. castaneum) and to investigate its electro-neurotoxicity mechanism. Single-factor experiments were used to determine parameter ranges, and response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to analyze the effects of electric field strength, pulse frequency, and treatment time. The finite element method (FEM) was used to simulate the physical field distribution, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was measured to explore neurotoxicity. The results indicated that electric field strength, pulse frequency, and treatment time all had highly significant effects (p < 0.0001), with electric field strength being the primary factor. The optimal process parameters were determined to be: electric field strength of 26 kV/cm, pulse frequency of 20 kHz, and treatment time of 140 s. Under these conditions, the predicted and actual mortality rates were both 100%, and this efficacy was validated in rice samples. Simulation confirmed that PEF achieves physical targeting through a “tip effect” on the insect’s nerve endings; mechanism tests demonstrated that PEF treatment significantly inhibited AChE activity (p < 0.01). This study confirms the “electro-neurotoxicity” mechanism of PEF, providing theoretical support for this green physical control technology. Full article

Thallium (Tl) is a highly toxic trace metal of increasing concern in agricultural soils. This study investigated the uptake, accumulation, and tissue-level distribution of Tl(I) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in three agricultural soils differing in soil pH and texture. In the seedling pot experiment (0–100 mg kg⁻¹ soil Tl), plant Tl concentrations increased dose-dependently, and were at least an order of magnitude lower in the alkaline soil than in the acidic soils. Bioaccumulation factors of roots and shoots generally exceeded unity and declined with increasing Tl dose in acidic soils, consistent with uptake saturation and physiological stress at high exposure. To elucidate how soil Tl speciation and pH regulate Tl availability, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was used; it showed that Tl(I)—sorbed on illite was the predominant species in all soils (89–95%), with a minor fraction (5–11%) associated with non-specific adsorption. In maturity pots (5 mg kg⁻¹ soil Tl), both crops grown in the moderately acidic, coarse-textured soil translocated a small fraction of absorbed Tl to grains, with wheat and rice containing 0.24 and 0.10 mg kg⁻¹ Tl, respectively. Comparatively, plants in the more acidic soil failed to reach maturity, and grain Tl was not detected in the alkaline soil. LA-ICP-MS mapping revealed Tl enrichment in the bran and embryo of rice and in the crease, bran, and embryo of wheat, indicating that unpolished grains may pose higher dietary exposure risks than polished products. Overall, these findings demonstrate the key roles of soil pH and mineral composition in governing soil Tl availability and plant Tl uptake, whereas plant transport processes regulate grain Tl loading. In the absence of food-safety standards for Tl, the results of this study underscore the need to better understand and mitigate Tl transfer from contaminated soils into human food chains via cereal crops. Full article

Rice–fishery integrated farming has expanded rapidly in China, yet its implications for arsenic (As) accumulation remain insufficiently understood. This study evaluated As bioavailability and enrichment in a rice–crayfish farming system (RCFS) by establishing controlled field plots with soil As concentrations ranging from 5 to 40 mg/kg under three water-management regimes: alternating wetting and drying (AWD), continuously flooded (CF), and RCFS. Soil–water physicochemical variables and As accumulation in both rice organs and crayfish tissues were systematically analyzed, followed by human health risk assessment. Inorganic As in brown rice increased linearly with soil As, following Y = 0.0117X + 0.0598 (R² = 0.96), and the estimated soil safety thresholds were 26.48 mg/kg for AWD, 11.98 mg/kg for RCFS, and 9.24 mg/kg for CF. AWD consistently exhibited the lowest As risk due to its ability to elevate soil Eh and maintain a more favorable pH, thereby suppressing As mobilization. Compared with CF, RCFS reduced As bioavailability through crayfish-induced bioturbation, which increased Eh, enhanced SOM and CEC, and improved soil aeration. As accumulation in crayfish tissues also rose with soil As, with abdominal muscle As fitting Y = 0.0085X + 0.0553 (R² = 0.8588). Although abdominal muscle met safety limits, the hepatopancreas accumulated substantially higher As and exceeded carcinogenic risk thresholds, even at 5 mg/kg of soil As, indicating a potential health concern for consumers. This work elucidates As dynamics and enrichment mechanisms in RCFS, providing guidance for safer rice–crayfish production in As-impacted areas. Full article

Soil passivation conditioners effectively reduce cadmium (Cd) bioavailability and limit its accumulation in rice, though their efficacy and stability vary considerably among different types. A three-year paddy field study in southern China evaluated a calcium–silicon–magnesium composite (CSM) applied at 1500 and 3000 kg/ha (CSM1 and CSM2), with a no-CSM control (CK), on Cd behavior, soil properties, and functional groups. Results demonstrated a clear dose–response relationship, with CSM reducing brown rice Cd by 35−74% across sites (2021−2023). High-dose treatments achieved grain safety standards (0.183 mg/kg, p < 0.05). Soil pH increased annually by 0.2−0.37 units, while DTPA-extractable Cd decreased by 2.6−27% over three years. CSM application significantly transformed Cd speciation, reducing exchangeable Cd by 3% while increasing the iron–manganese oxide-bound fraction by 5%. Soil base saturation increased from 42.6% to 73.2% (HS) and 71% to 97.3% (XY). FTIR analysis revealed enhanced silicate polymerization, increased hydroxyl group abundance, and Si-O-Mg/Fe vibrations indicating a significant increase in Cd complexation in treated soil. The CSM passivator immobilizes Cd by elevating soil pH to promote its transformation into stable Fe-Mn-bound forms, enhancing hydroxyl and siloxane complexation with Cd, and synergizing with silicon–calcium ionic antagonism, collectively reducing Cd bioavailability while improving soil fertility through base saturation regulation. Full article

Wheat is a major staple crop in Xinjiang, China; however, comprehensive data on Fusarium mycotoxin contamination in wheat from this region remain limited. Despite recent observations of Fusarium head blight (FHB), few studies have characterized the mycotoxin profiles in wheat from Xinjiang, especially regarding emerging mycotoxins. This study aimed to systematically investigate the occurrence of both conventional and emerging mycotoxins in freshly harvested wheat from Xinjiang, to evaluate the effects of sampling year and geographical region on mycotoxin contamination levels, and to identify the Fusarium species responsible for mycotoxin production. A total of 151 freshly harvested wheat samples were collected from Southern and Northern Xinjiang in 2023 and 2024. Mycotoxins were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Fusarium isolates were obtained and identified through the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF-1α) gene sequencing. Genotyping was assessed by genotype-specific multiplex PCR, and mycotoxigenic potential was detected by rice culture assays. A high incidence (72.9%) of co-contamination with multiple mycotoxins was observed. Conventional mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) were detected in 31.1% and 41.1% of samples. Notably, emerging mycotoxins, including enniatins (ENNs) and beauvericin (BEA), were present at significantly higher concentrations than those reported in some regions of China. Significant spatiotemporal variation was observed, with markedly higher contamination levels of emerging mycotoxins in 2024, particularly in Northern Xinjiang, where the symptoms of FHB epidemic occurred due to the humid climate and maize–wheat rotation system. Fusarium graminearum was identified as the primary producer of conventional mycotoxins, while F. acuminatum and F. avenaceum were mainly associated with emerging mycotoxins except BEA. This study provides the first comprehensive dataset on the co-occurrence of conventional and emerging Fusarium mycotoxins in wheat from Xinjiang and highlights significant spatiotemporal variations influenced by environmental factors. These findings underscore the necessity for continuous, region-specific monitoring and effective risk management strategies to address the evolving mycotoxin threat in Xinjiang’s wheat. Future research should focus on characterizing the populations of Fusarium toxin-producing fungi and the long-term impacts of mycotoxin exposure on food safety. Full article

This study investigates heavy metal pollution in agricultural soils and its associated health risks in Zhenjiang and Yangzhou in the core of the Yangtze River Delta, China, based on high-density sampling at 449 sites. Although the total concentrations of As and Cd remain below national Risk Intervention Values (GB 15618-2018), the Cd level significantly exceeds the national background, and the potential ecological risk index (PERI) indicates very high ecological risk (>320) at 88.2% of sites, driven primarily by Hg and Cd. The results show acceptable non-carcinogenic risks (HI < 1) for adults and children, but carcinogenic risks are elevated: arsenic alone exceeds the 1 × 10⁻⁶ threshold in 71.7% of adult and 92.1% of child scenarios, with the total carcinogenic risk averaging 1.89 × 10⁻⁶ (adults) and 3.05 × 10⁻⁶ (children). These probabilistic findings justify stricter local action thresholds for As and Cd in this densely populated rice-producing region and demonstrate the value of Monte Carlo simulation for delivering transparent, population-specific risk exceedance probabilities to support evidence-based regional soil management and food-safety policies. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in rice poses a serious threat to global food safety and human health. Foliar application of nano-silica (Si) offers a promising remediation strategy, but its efficacy is often limited by poor droplet retention on hydrophobic leaf surfaces. This study hypothesized that surfactants could overcome this barrier by enhancing the foliar performance of nano-Si. Through field experiments, we evaluated the synergistic effects of five surfactants (Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) powder, Aerosol OT (AOT), Rhamnolipid (RH), Didecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), and Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG)) when combined with nano-silica. The results demonstrated that all surfactants significantly improved wetting and retention, with alkyl polyglycoside (APG) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) being the most effective. These improvements translated into a remarkable suppression of Cd translocation within rice plants. The PVP–nano-Si combination emerged as the most potent treatment, reducing grain Cd content by 50% and achieving the lowest levels of As and Cr among all treatments. Furthermore, this synergistic effect was linked to a significant increase in grain concentrations of manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn), which exhibit a competitive relationship with Cd. The findings reveal that surfactant co-application not only optimizes the physical application of nano-Si but also triggers beneficial nutrient–Cd interactions, providing a novel and efficient strategy for mitigating Cd contamination in rice. This study provides critical theoretical support for developing efficient and environmentally friendly foliar barrier technologies and supports safe production of rice in lightly to moderately contaminated paddy fields. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils poses a significant risk to crop production and food safety. This study explored the role and mechanisms of manganese (Mn) in mitigating Cd toxicity using two rice genotypes: ZS97B (Cd-tolerant) and MY46 (Cd-sensitive). A hydroponic experiment was conducted under two Mn levels (0 and 100 µM) and three Cd levels (0, 5, 10 µM). Exposure to 10 µM Cd significantly inhibited plant growth and induced physiological disorders, with more severe effects observed in MY46 than in ZS97B. The addition of Mn markedly alleviated Cd toxicity, as reflected by increased antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) contents in both roots and shoots. Gene expression analysis showed that Mn addition up-regulated genes related to antioxidant enzymes and down-regulated key Cd uptake and transport genes, including OsNramp1, OsYSL2, OsMTP9, and OsHMA3. These changes contributed to enhanced antioxidant capacity and reduced Cd accumulation in rice plants under Cd stress. Our findings demonstrate that appropriate Mn application can effectively reduce Cd accumulation and alleviate toxicity in rice grown in Cd-contaminated environments. Full article

Rice cadmium (Cd) contamination is a serious threat to global food security and human health. Plant-associated microbiomes are known to affect Cd accumulation in plants. However, the response of the rice microbiome to Cd contamination and its role in modulating grain Cd accumulation remain poorly understood. In the present study, the responses of the rhizospheric fungi (RF) community and seed endophytic fungi (SEF) community to the soil physiochemical properties of rice from moderately (MC) and severely (SC1 and SC2) Cd-contaminated paddies were investigated. Moreover, the effects of soil physiochemical properties, RF community and SEF community on grain Cd accumulation were analyzed through correlation analysis. The results showed that the Cd concentration in rice grains from SC2 exceeded the food safety standard of China and was higher than that of SC1 and MC. The Cd concentration in rice grains was positively correlated with the soil-available Cd concentration, while being negatively correlated with the available nutrient elements and pH value of soil. In addition, it was found that the diversity of RF increased with the soil-available Cd concentration, while the diversity and richness of SEF decreased with the soil-available Cd concentration. Moreover, the RF community was influenced by soil physiochemical properties. The Spearman correlation analysis showed that the soil-available Cd was positively correlated with RF Sebacina, Clonostachys, Acremonium, Talaromyces and Fusarium, and most of them were related to grain Cd concentration, while unclassified SEF Pleosporales and Xylariales were associated with grain Cd concentration. These results suggested that Cd stress triggered a niche-specific response of the rice fungal microbiome. The fungi related to soil Cd availability and rice grain Cd accumulation may have a great potential application in food safety production in Cd-contaminated soil. Full article

Arsenic (As) contamination in rice poses a serious risk to food safety and human health. Genetic dissection of As-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs) provides a sustainable strategy for breeding low-As cultivars. In this study, we aimed to improve the detection of minor-effect QTLs for total As accumulation by optimizing both environmental and genetic factors. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross between Yuzhenxiang (YZX, indica) and YBK (Javanica) was used for initial QTL mapping, and a single locus, qAs1, was identified on chromosome1. To enhance As uptake and phenotypic differentiation, we conducted QTL validation and fine mapping under high-As and continuously flooded conditions using near-isogenic lines (NILs) to minimize background genetic interference. The effect of qAs1 was consistently validated across generations, and the locus was refined to a 159.5 kb genomic interval. Transcriptome analysis revealed three differentially expressed genes (LOC_Os01g52110, LOC_Os01g52214, and LOC_Os01g52260) involved in redox regulation and detoxification. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of NIL-based fine mapping under optimized environmental conditions and provide promising targets for the genetic improvement of low-As rice cultivars. Full article

The accumulation of heavy metals in rice (Oryza sativa L.) compromises food safety and endangers public health. Previous studies have postulated that ecological co-cultivation systems can potentially improve soil quality and reduce crop absorption of heavy metals. Herein, three treatment groups, rice mono-culture (CG), low-density rice–frog co-culture (LRF), and high-density rice–frog co-culture (HRF), were employed to evaluate the effects of rice–frog co-culture on the physicochemical properties of soils in reclaimed rice fields and heavy metal accumulation in rice. Notably, the rice–frog co-culture markedly increased levels of soil organic matter (SOM), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, and redox potential (Eh) (p < 0.05), particularly under high-density conditions, compared to the mono-culture system. These changes significantly reduced the bioavailable fractions of Cd, As, and Hg in the soil and substantially diminished their uptake in the roots, stems, leaves, and grains of rice. Conversely, the co-cultivation systems increased the bioavailable content and plant uptake of Pb, particularly under high-density conditions. These findings highlight the feasibility of the rice–frog co-cropping systems in improving soil conditions and reducing the accumulation of specific toxic metals within rice, thereby enhancing the safety of rice grown in reclaimed fields. However, increased Pb accumulation warrants further investigation. Full article

In the context of increasing interest in healthy and sustainable nutrition, the food industry is challenged to develop innovative products that combine high nutritional quality with consumer acceptance. This study evaluated the potential of pumpkin seed flour (PSF) as a natural ingredient in biscuit formulations. PSF was analyzed for its proximate composition, and biscuits were formulated by replacing rice flour with various concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30%. The products were analyzed for moisture, protein, fat, fiber, and ash content, subjected to microbiological testing, and evaluated sensorially using a 9-point hedonic scale. Results showed that PSF incorporation in biscuits significantly increased protein content from 6.20% in the control to 9.80% and fiber content from 2.10% to 5.90% in the formulation containing 30% PSF. Lipid content also increased proportionally with PSF addition. All samples complied with microbiological safety standards, and sensory evaluation indicated that biscuits with 10 and 20% PSF achieved the highest acceptability, particularly in terms of taste and texture. Overall, the use of PSF improves the nutritional density of biscuits, enhances their nutritional value, and supports sustainable food production by valorizing underutilized plant resources, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Full article