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Keywords = seed coat ratio

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14 pages, 876 KiB  
Article
Pecan Shell Extract Effectively Inhibits Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and Pseudomonas spp. on Contaminated Lettuce Seeds
by Ivannova Lituma, Francisco Valle, Jong Hyun Ham and Achyut Adhikari
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1865; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081865 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 135
Abstract
Contaminated seeds pose a major risk in hydroponic systems, as a single contaminated seed can compromise the entire setup. Effective decontamination strategies are essential to control seed-borne pathogens. Pecan shells, a byproduct comprising nearly 50% of the nut’s weight, have demonstrated antimicrobial properties [...] Read more.
Contaminated seeds pose a major risk in hydroponic systems, as a single contaminated seed can compromise the entire setup. Effective decontamination strategies are essential to control seed-borne pathogens. Pecan shells, a byproduct comprising nearly 50% of the nut’s weight, have demonstrated antimicrobial properties against key pathogens. This study evaluated pecan shell extract (PSE) as a treatment to inactivate Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Pseudomonas spp. on lettuce seeds and its effect on germination. Lettuce seeds were inoculated with L. monocytogenes strains (101 M, V7, LCDC, and Scott A) and treated with PSE (1:10 w/v) either by coating in sodium alginate or priming for 6 h (4 °C or room temperature). Hydropriming was used as a control. Additional trials with E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. tested PSE at 1:10, 1:20, and 1:30 w/v ratios. Priming at refrigeration significantly reduced Listeria levels. E. coli priming treatments showed significant reductions at 1:20 and 1:30 w/v. For Pseudomonas, priming at 1:20 showed the highest reduction. PSE priming also enhanced germination (88.3%), outperforming other treatments. These findings suggest PSE is a sustainable and effective seed treatment to reduce microbial contamination and enhance seed germination in hydroponic systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)
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21 pages, 3177 KiB  
Article
The Physiological and Biochemical Mechanisms Bioprimed by Spermosphere Microorganisms on Ormosia henryi Seeds
by Meng Ge, Xiaoli Wei, Yongming Fan, Yan Wu, Mei Fan and Xueqing Tian
Microorganisms 2025, 13(7), 1598; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13071598 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 335
Abstract
The hard-seed coat of Ormosia henryi significantly impedes germination efficiency in massive propagation, while conventional physical dormancy-breaking methods often result in compromised seed vigor, asynchronous seedling emergence, and diminished stress tolerance. Seed biopriming, an innovative technique involving the inoculation of beneficial microorganisms onto [...] Read more.
The hard-seed coat of Ormosia henryi significantly impedes germination efficiency in massive propagation, while conventional physical dormancy-breaking methods often result in compromised seed vigor, asynchronous seedling emergence, and diminished stress tolerance. Seed biopriming, an innovative technique involving the inoculation of beneficial microorganisms onto seed surfaces or into germination substrates, enhances germination kinetics and emergence uniformity through microbial metabolic functions and synergistic interactions with seed exudates. Notably, spermosphere-derived functional bacteria isolated from native spermosphere soil demonstrate superior colonization capacity and sustained bioactivity. This investigation employed selective inoculation of these indigenous functional strains to systematically analyze dynamic changes in endogenous phytohormones, enzymatic activities, and storage substances during critical germination phases, thereby elucidating the physiological mechanisms underlying biopriming-enhanced germination. The experimental results demonstrated significant improvements in germination parameters through biopriming. Inoculation with the Bacillus sp. strain achieved a peak germination rate (76.19%), representing a 16.19% increase over the control (p < 0.05). The biopriming treatment effectively improved the seed vigor, broke the impermeability of the seed coat, accelerated the germination speed, and positively regulated physiological indicators, especially amylase activity and the ratio of gibberellic acid to abscisic acid. This study establishes a theoretical framework for microbial chemotaxis and rhizocompetence in seed priming applications while providing an eco-technological solution for overcoming germination constraints in O. henryi cultivation. The optimized biopriming protocol addresses both low germination rates and post-germination growth limitations, providing technical support for the seedling cultivation of O. henryi. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Microbe Interactions)
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17 pages, 2500 KiB  
Article
Superhydrophobicity Effects on Spheroid Formation, Structure, and Viability on Co-Culture Conditions
by María del Carmen Morán, Francesca Cirisano and Michele Ferrari
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(7), 953; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18070953 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 373
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models more accurately simulate the in vivo tissue environments as compared to conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures. Among these, spheroid cultures are particularly valuable for pharmaceutical research, as they allow for the study of tumor growth, drug responses, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models more accurately simulate the in vivo tissue environments as compared to conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures. Among these, spheroid cultures are particularly valuable for pharmaceutical research, as they allow for the study of tumor growth, drug responses, and cell–cell interactions in a physiologically relevant manner. Superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) have shown a promise in enhancing spheroid formation by reducing cell–substrate adhesion and promoting cell–cell aggregation. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two different SHS coatings (SHS1: fluorinated; SHS2: silicone-based) in generating co-culture spheroids composed of non-tumoral fibroblasts (3T3) and tumoral epidermoid carcinoma cells (A431), thereby mimicking aspects of the tumor microenvironment. Methods: Co-cultures of 3T3 and A431 cells were seeded at varying ratios onto SHS1 and SHS2 substrates to assess their ability to support 3D spheroid formation. Spheroids were characterized by measurements of circularity and size distribution, viability through live/dead staining, and surface topography using 3D profilometry. Results: Spheroid formation was significantly influenced by both the surface properties and the fibroblast-to-carcinoma cell ratio. The fluorinated SHS1 surface facilitated superior cell viability and promoted the formation of well-rounded, uniform spheroids. In contrast, the silicone-based SHS2 surface resulted in less defined spheroidal structures and lower overall viability. Profilometry confirmed more consistent and compact 3D architectures on SHS1. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that SHS1, a fluorinated superhydrophobic coating, is more effective than SHS2 in supporting the formation of viable and structurally coherent 3D co-culture spheroids. These findings underscore the potential of SHS1 as a low-cost, tunable platform for developing in vitro cancer models and advancing the study of tumor–stroma interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Technology)
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11 pages, 1901 KiB  
Article
The Fabrication and Characterization of Self-Powered P-I-N Perovskite Photodetectors Using Yttrium-Doped Cuprous Thiocyanate
by Jai-Hao Wang, Bo-Chun Chen and Sheng-Yuan Chu
Micromachines 2025, 16(6), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16060666 - 31 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 636
Abstract
In the first part of this study, Y2O3-doped copper thiocyanate (CuSCN) with different x wt% (named CuSCN-xY, x = 0, 1, 2, and 3) films were synthesized onto ITO substrates using the spin coating method. UV-vis, SEM, AFM, EDS, [...] Read more.
In the first part of this study, Y2O3-doped copper thiocyanate (CuSCN) with different x wt% (named CuSCN-xY, x = 0, 1, 2, and 3) films were synthesized onto ITO substrates using the spin coating method. UV-vis, SEM, AFM, EDS, and cyclic voltammetry were used to investigate the material properties of the proposed films. The conductivity and carrier mobility of the films increased with additional yttrium doping. It was found that the films with 2% Y2O3 (CuSCN-2Y) have the smallest valence band edges (5.28 eV). Meanwhile, CuSCN-2Y films demonstrated the densest surface morphology and the smallest surface roughness (22.8 nm), along with the highest conductivity value of 764 S cm−1. Then, P-I-N self-powered UV photodetectors (PDs) were fabricated using the ITO substrate/ZnO seed layer/ZnO nanorod/CsPbBr3/CuSCN-xY/Ag structure, and the characteristics of the devices were measured. In terms of response time, the rise time and fall time were reduced from 26 ms/22 ms to 9 ms/5 ms; the responsivity was increased from 243 mA/W to 534 mA/W, and the on/off ratio was increased to 2.47 × 106. The results showed that Y2O3 doping also helped improve the P-I-N photodetector’s device performance, and the mechanisms were investigated. Compared with other published P-I-N self-powered photodetectors, our proposed devices show a fairly high on/off ratio, quick response times, and high responsivity and detectivity. Full article
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15 pages, 1328 KiB  
Article
Effect of Hydropriming on Seedling Growth of Different Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) Landraces
by Anne Linda Chisa, Takudzwa Mandizvo, Alfred Odindo and Paramu Mafongoya
Agronomy 2025, 15(6), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15061301 - 26 May 2025
Viewed by 571
Abstract
Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) is a drought-tolerant, underutilised legume with the potential to improve food security, but its slow, uneven germination due to hard seed coats constrains cultivation. This study investigated the effects of hydropriming (0, 12, 24, and 36 [...] Read more.
Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) is a drought-tolerant, underutilised legume with the potential to improve food security, but its slow, uneven germination due to hard seed coats constrains cultivation. This study investigated the effects of hydropriming (0, 12, 24, and 36 h) on the seed imbibition, emergence, and early seedling growth in four landraces (NW, Nov4, ARC, and 519) under greenhouse conditions. The results showed genotype-specific variation in the water uptake, with Genotype 519 exhibiting the highest water imbibition (17.31%) at 36 h, while NW displayed slower but steadier hydration (13.51%). These differences reflect contrasting seed coat permeability and hydration strategies, which influenced the subsequent emergence patterns. Hydropriming significantly reduced the time to emergence (50% emergence by Day 5 in NW) and increased the seedling vigour. After 9 days of growth, the shoot length increased from 7.8 cm to 12.7 cm, the root length from 11.6 cm to 18.1 cm, and the dry mass from 0.38 g to 0.67 g. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant effects (p < 0.01) of the genotype, the priming duration, and their interaction on traits such as the root length, dry mass, and root-to-shoot ratio. PCA identified the whole-plant dry mass, root dry mass, and root-to-shoot ratio as key contributors to performance. Pearson correlation showed a strong positive association (r = 1.0, p < 0.001) between the priming duration and seedling biomass, although the extended imbibition time may partially explain this trend. Hydropriming, particularly for 36 h, showed promise in promoting early growth, indicating that it is a favourable low-cost intervention. Field-level validation is recommended to assess the practical scalability under diverse environmental conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)
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15 pages, 3066 KiB  
Article
Flower Color and Seed Coat Color as a Phenotypic Marker: Correlations with Fatty Acid Composition, Antioxidant Properties, and Metabolite Profiles in Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)
by Weilan Li, Eun-Gyeong Kim, Dongho Lee, Young-Min Choi, Jae-Eun Lee, Sookyeong Lee, Gi-An Lee and Eunae Yoo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 3105; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26073105 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 529
Abstract
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a versatile oilseed crop valued for its adaptability, high oil quality, and antioxidant properties. This study investigates the influence of flower color (FC) on the phenotypic diversity of 172 safflower accessions, analyzing agronomic traits, metabolite profiles, and [...] Read more.
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a versatile oilseed crop valued for its adaptability, high oil quality, and antioxidant properties. This study investigates the influence of flower color (FC) on the phenotypic diversity of 172 safflower accessions, analyzing agronomic traits, metabolite profiles, and antioxidant capacities. Frequency distribution, effect size, principal component analysis (PCA), and network analysis were employed to elucidate trait associations and interrelationships. FC significantly impacted traits such as oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), oleic desaturation ratio (ODR), and N-feruloylserotonin (FS), with large effect sizes (η2 > 0.16). Medium effects were observed for 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging capacity, palmitic acid (PA), and flowering date (FD). PCA and network analyses highlighted relationships between FC and other fatty acid and antioxidant traits. Qualitative traits such as seed coat color (SCC) and thorn of involucre (TI) also showed significant associations with FC, underscoring its role as a phenotypic marker. These findings provide a robust framework for trait-based breeding strategies in safflower and emphasize the need for further genetic validation of these associations. Full article
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29 pages, 872 KiB  
Article
Cumulative Sum Schemes for Monitoring the Ratio of Two Correlated Normal Variables in Short Production Runs with Fixed and Variable Sampling Interval Strategies: Application in Wheat Seed Processing
by Wei Yang, Xueting Ji, Hongxing Cai and Jiujun Zhang
Mathematics 2025, 13(4), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13040657 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 537
Abstract
Short-run production is frequently used in manufacturing due to technological advancements, and it is integral to Agriculture 4.0. In addition, monitoring multiple variables in short production runs (SPR) is often essential. For example, balancing the ratio of coating components of wheat seeds is [...] Read more.
Short-run production is frequently used in manufacturing due to technological advancements, and it is integral to Agriculture 4.0. In addition, monitoring multiple variables in short production runs (SPR) is often essential. For example, balancing the ratio of coating components of wheat seeds is crucial for the growth and yield of wheat. Therefore, in this paper, two one-sided cumulative sum (CUSUM) schemes for monitoring the ratio of two correlated normal variables in SPR are proposed. Furthermore, performance metrics are evaluated, and the effects of various parameters on the schemes are analyzed through Monte Carlo simulations. To improve the detection efficiency of the proposed schemes, variable sampling interval (VSI) strategy is considered. The performance of these schemes under different sampling intervals is simulated. The results indicate that the monitoring performances of the schemes utilizing the VSI strategy surpass that of both the system without the VSI strategy and the Shewhart scheme. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis was conducted on the VSI strategy scheme to ensure its robustness. The analysis examined the effects of parameter variations, data contamination, and data correlation on the scheme’s performance. The proposed schemes were applied to the experiment of monitoring the nutrient composition ratio of wheat seed coating, and the results show that the schemes achieved the anticipated monitoring performance and possess practical application value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stochastic Processes and Its Applications)
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20 pages, 3010 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Acrylic–Urethane Hybrid Polymer Dispersions and Investigations on Their Properties as Binders in Leather Finishing
by Selime Keskin, Catalina N. Cheaburu-Yilmaz, Aylin Altinisik Tagac, Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita and Onur Yilmaz
Polymers 2025, 17(3), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17030308 - 24 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1296
Abstract
This study investigates the synthesis and application of acrylic–urethane hybrid polymer dispersions as advanced binders for leather finishing. Two polymerization techniques—seeded emulsion and miniemulsion—were used to produce hybrid polymer dispersions by varying the ratios of polyurethane (PU) and acrylic (AC). The synthesized dispersions, [...] Read more.
This study investigates the synthesis and application of acrylic–urethane hybrid polymer dispersions as advanced binders for leather finishing. Two polymerization techniques—seeded emulsion and miniemulsion—were used to produce hybrid polymer dispersions by varying the ratios of polyurethane (PU) and acrylic (AC). The synthesized dispersions, i.e., the hybrid polyurethanes, showed stable, uniform particle sizes, inferring good compatibility and interaction between the PU and AC phases, as confirmed by particle sizes, FTIR, and DSC analyses. The performance of the coating on leather surfaces was assessed by using standard physical tests, including rubbing fastness, flexing endurance, water spot resistance, and grain strength. The results showed that the hybrid polymers outperformed their individual PU and AC counterparts, particularly in terms of abrasion resistance and mechanical integrity. Of the two polymerization techniques, the seeded emulsion hybrids exhibited superior coating properties, providing greater resistance to cracking and abrasion under stress, improved grain strength, and better color retention during rubbing tests. These findings highlight the potential of acrylic–urethane hybrids, particularly those prepared via seeded emulsion polymerization, to address the limitations of traditional binders in high-performance leather applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites)
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12 pages, 2410 KiB  
Article
Seedling Growth and Systemic Uptake of Liquid Vermicompost-Coated Seeds in Organic Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.)
by Wissanee Pola and Sukanya Aiamla-or
Horticulturae 2025, 11(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11010058 - 8 Jan 2025
Viewed by 817
Abstract
Liquid vermicompost (LVC) is one of the organic ingredients for improving plant growth. This study aims to investigate the impact of the application of LVC coating formulations in distinct ratios on seeding emergence, seedling growth parameters, and nitrogen content as well as the [...] Read more.
Liquid vermicompost (LVC) is one of the organic ingredients for improving plant growth. This study aims to investigate the impact of the application of LVC coating formulations in distinct ratios on seeding emergence, seedling growth parameters, and nitrogen content as well as the systemic uptake characteristics in seedlings. Coating formulations contained gum arabic (GA) mixed with 5–15% of LVC and were applied to pumpkin seeds and compared to non-coated seeds. All samples were stored under cold and ambient conditions for 3 months to evaluate the performance of the coating. Results showed no statistical distinctions in the percentage of seedling emergence. Nevertheless, the 5LVC-GA in the organic formulation significantly increased shoot length, seedling growth rate (SGR), seedling vigor index (SVI), and nitrogen content (%) in the coated seedlings. Additionally, the evaluation of seedling uptake was achieved using rhodamine B as a fluorescent tracer which was diluted in the organic formulation. This explored the transportation of the treatment within a seedling. Therefore, the application of an optimum concentration of 5LVC-GA treatment can improve seedling growth and nitrogen accumulation. This could be confirmed with fluorescence imaging of translocation to seedling organs. However, seed storability declines over three months, emphasizing the need for better coatings and packaging solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Propagation and Seeds)
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17 pages, 2806 KiB  
Article
Cold Plasma as a Novel Pretreatment to Improve the Drying Kinetics and Quality of Green Peas
by Jun-Wen Bai, Dan-Dan Li, Reziwanguli Abulaiti, Manqian Wang, Xiaozhi Wu, Zhenwei Feng, Yutong Zhu and Jianrong Cai
Foods 2025, 14(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14010084 - 1 Jan 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2124
Abstract
Green peas, with their high moisture content, require effective drying techniques to extend shelf life while preserving quality. Traditional drying methods face challenges due to the dense structure of the seed coat and wax layer, which limits moisture migration. This study investigates cold [...] Read more.
Green peas, with their high moisture content, require effective drying techniques to extend shelf life while preserving quality. Traditional drying methods face challenges due to the dense structure of the seed coat and wax layer, which limits moisture migration. This study investigates cold plasma (CP) pretreatment as a novel approach to enhance drying kinetics and maintain the quality attributes of green peas. The results showed that CP treatment significantly improves drying efficiency by modifying the pea epidermis microstructure, reducing drying time by up to 18.18%. The moisture effective diffusivity coefficients (Deff) for untreated and CP-pretreated green peas were calculated to range from 5.9629 to 9.9172 × 10−10 m2·s−1, with CP pretreatment increasing Deff by up to 66.31% compared to the untreated group. Optimal CP parameters (90 s, 750 Hz frequency, 70% duty cycle) were found to improve the rehydration ratio, preserve color, and increase total phenolic content (TPC) by 24.06%, while enhancing antioxidant activity by 29.64%. Microstructural changes, including pore formation and increased surface roughness, as observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), partially explain the enhanced moisture diffusion, improved rehydration, and alterations in nutrient content. These findings underscore the potential of CP technology as a non-thermal, eco-friendly pretreatment for drying agricultural products, with broad applications in food preservation and quality enhancement. Full article
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14 pages, 5102 KiB  
Article
Advanced Nested Coaxial Thin-Film ZnO Nanostructures Synthesized by Atomic Layer Deposition for Improved Sensing Performance
by Pengtao Lin, Lari S. Zhang, Kai Zhang and Helmut Baumgart
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 10959; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142310959 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 857
Abstract
We report a new synthesis method for multiple-walled nested thin-film nanostructures by combining hydrothermal growth methods with atomic layer deposition (ALD) thin-film technology and sacrificial films, thereby increasing the surface-to-volume ratio to improve the sensing performance of novel ZnO gas sensors. Single-crystal ZnO [...] Read more.
We report a new synthesis method for multiple-walled nested thin-film nanostructures by combining hydrothermal growth methods with atomic layer deposition (ALD) thin-film technology and sacrificial films, thereby increasing the surface-to-volume ratio to improve the sensing performance of novel ZnO gas sensors. Single-crystal ZnO nanorods serve as the core of the nanostructure assembly and were synthesized hydrothermally on fine-grained ALD ZnO seed films. Subsequently, the ZnO core nanotubes were coated with alternating sacrificial coaxial 3D wrap-around ALD Al2O3 films and ALD ZnO films. Basically, the center nanorod was coated with an ALD 3D wrap-around Al2O3 sacrificial layer to realize a nested coaxial ZnO thin-film nanotube. To increase the surface-to-volume ratio of the nested multiple-film nanostructure, both the front and backside of the nested coaxial ZnO films must be exposed by selectively removing the intermittent Al2O3 sacrificial films. The selective removal of the sacrificial films exposes the front and backside of the free-standing ZnO films for interaction with target gases during sensing operation while steadily increasing the surface-to-volume ratio. The sensing response of the novel ZnO gas sensor architecture with nested nanotubes achieved a maximum 150% enhancement at low temperature compared to a conventional ZnO nanorod sensor. Full article
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19 pages, 3489 KiB  
Article
Effects of Purified Vitexin and Iso-Vitexin from Mung Bean Seed Coat on Antihyperglycemic Activity and Gut Microbiota in Overweight Individuals’ Modulation
by Pornlada Yutharaksanukul, Preuk Tangpromphan, Paiboon Tunsagool, Sudathip Sae-tan, Sunee Nitisinprasert, Surasawadee Somnuk, Massalin Nakphaichit, Nut Pusuntisumpun and Bandhita Wanikorn
Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 3017; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16173017 - 6 Sep 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3021
Abstract
Exceeding a healthy weight significantly elevates the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM). A commercially available singular constituent, available as either purified vitexin or iso-vitexin, has been associated with a decreased risk of T2DM, but its synergistic effect has not been reported [...] Read more.
Exceeding a healthy weight significantly elevates the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM). A commercially available singular constituent, available as either purified vitexin or iso-vitexin, has been associated with a decreased risk of T2DM, but its synergistic effect has not been reported yet. Vitexin and iso-vitexin were extracted using an ethanol-based solvent from mung bean seed coat (MBCE) and subsequently purified using preparative liquid chromatography (Prep-LC). Eleven mixture ratios of vitexin and/or iso-vitexin were determined for their antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities. The 1:1.5 ratio of vitexin to iso-vitexin from MBCE demonstrated the most synergistic effects for enzyme inhibition and glucose uptake in HepG2 cells within an insulin-resistant system, while these ratios exhibited a significantly lower antioxidant capacity than that of each individual component. In a gut model system, the ratio of 1:1.5 (vitexin and iso-vitexin) regulated the gut microbiota composition in overweight individuals by decreasing the growth of Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae, while increasing in Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae. The application of vitexin/iso-vitexin for 24 h fermentation enhanced a high variety of abundances of 21 genera resulting in five genera of Parabacteroides, Ruminococcus, Roseburia, Enterocloster, and Peptacetobacter, which belonged to the phylum Firmicutes, exhibiting high abundant changes of more than 5%. Only two genera of Proteus and Butyricicoccus belonging to Proteobacteria and Firmicutes decreased. The findings suggest that these phytochemicals interactions could have synergistic effects in regulating glycemia, through changes in antihyperglycemic activity and in the gut microbiota in overweight individuals. This optimal ratio can be utilized by industries to formulate more potent functional ingredients for functional foods and to create nutraceutical supplements aimed at reducing the risk of T2DM in overweight individuals. Full article
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14 pages, 3217 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Application of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Supported Metconazole Suspension Concentrate for Seed Coating to Control Wheat Sharp Eyespot
by Xuexiang Ren, Dongdong Qi, Zhao Li, Yu Chi, Xianyan Su, Kaixin Gu, Zhenghe Ye, Shun He and Li Chen
Agronomy 2024, 14(9), 1985; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14091985 - 1 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1324
Abstract
Wheat sharp eyespot is a prevalent soil-borne disease that causes substantial economic losses in agriculture. Metconazole, a new triazole broad-spectrum fungicide, has demonstrated effective control of soil-borne diseases. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are an innovative adsorbent material known for their large surface area [...] Read more.
Wheat sharp eyespot is a prevalent soil-borne disease that causes substantial economic losses in agriculture. Metconazole, a new triazole broad-spectrum fungicide, has demonstrated effective control of soil-borne diseases. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are an innovative adsorbent material known for their large surface area and high absorptive capacity. This study identifies MWCNTs as the optimal adsorption material for metconazole, achieving an adsorption rate of 85.27% under optimal conditions (stirring time of 30 min and feeding ratio of 6:1). The optimized formula consists of 1.5% dispersant sodium wood, 1% emulsifier BY-112, 2% AEO-15, 3% glycol, 3% filmogen, and 4% red dyes. A 0.5% MWCNT–metconazole suspension concentrate for seed coating (FSC) significantly enhances the inhibitory effect of metconazole on wheat growth and promotes root development. At the tillering stage, a coating ratio of 1:100 shows a marked impact on wheat growth, and MWCNTs can improve the control effect of metconazole to Rhizoctonia cerealis. This work offers a novel approach for applying metconazole in a wheat suspension concentrate for seed coating. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)
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15 pages, 1614 KiB  
Article
Morphological Seed Traits Predict Early Performance of Native Species to Pelletized Seed Enhancement Technologies
by Samantha E. Andres, Paige E. Lieurance, Charlotte H. Mills, Sasha G. Tetu and Rachael V. Gallagher
Plants 2024, 13(16), 2256; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162256 - 14 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1784
Abstract
Native seeds are a finite resource, and their inclusion in revegetation is vital for supporting restoration outcomes that are both effective and scalable. Pelletized seed enhancement technologies (SETs) offer a promising solution to improve seed use efficiency in ecological restoration. Yet, knowledge of [...] Read more.
Native seeds are a finite resource, and their inclusion in revegetation is vital for supporting restoration outcomes that are both effective and scalable. Pelletized seed enhancement technologies (SETs) offer a promising solution to improve seed use efficiency in ecological restoration. Yet, knowledge of how diverse suites of native species perform when pelletized is required to optimize the application of SETs to the many species and ecosystems where restoration is required. Using a greenhouse trial of 64 Australian plant species, we assessed species performance to pelleting by evaluating (1) overall species amenability to pelleting based on total emergence and survival and (2) how pelleting modifies the rate of emergence based on average time to emergence, emergence rate index, and time spread of emergence. We investigated the potential for using morphological seed traits (seed endosperm:seed ratio, seed length, seed area, and seed coat thickness) to predict performance outcomes, by identifying traits that may aid in the prediction of species amenability to pelleting and emergence speed when pelletized. We found that some species demonstrate high amenability to pelleting and that pelleting can modify the emergence rates for many species. This work advances our understanding of the applicability of SETs for diverse native species, demonstrating the application of such technologies for meeting ecological restoration goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Seed Enhancement Technologies)
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16 pages, 2982 KiB  
Article
Analyzing Cooking Efficiency of Gradoli Purgatory Beans: Effects of Dehulling, Malting, and Monovalent Carbonates
by Alessio Cimini, Lorenzo Morgante and Mauro Moresi
Foods 2024, 13(16), 2505; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13162505 - 9 Aug 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1842
Abstract
Legumes, rich in protein, fiber, and micronutrients, are increasingly popular in pulse-based and gluten-free foods despite global consumption stagnating at 21 g/day due to taste, low protein digestibility, anti-nutrients, and long cooking times. Bean resistance to cooking causes textural defects like the hardshell [...] Read more.
Legumes, rich in protein, fiber, and micronutrients, are increasingly popular in pulse-based and gluten-free foods despite global consumption stagnating at 21 g/day due to taste, low protein digestibility, anti-nutrients, and long cooking times. Bean resistance to cooking causes textural defects like the hardshell and hard-to-cook phenomena. The pectin–cation–phytate hypothesis explains why soaking beans in sodium salts reduces cooking time by enhancing pectin solubility in water. Gradoli Purgatory beans (GPB), from Italy′s Latium region, were malted, reducing phytic acid by 32% and oligosaccharides by 63%. This study evaluated the hardness of cooked GPB seeds in various conditions, including decorticated or malted states, using a modified standard method. Cooking at 98 °C for 7–75 min on an induction hob with a water-to-seed ratio of 4 g/g was tested. Soaking was applied before cooking for conventional seeds only, followed by texture analysis. Conventional GPBs were adequately cooked if their cotyledons disintegrated upon pressing, requiring a force peak of 250 to 220 N and cooking times of 52 to 57 min. Malted, decorticated, and split GPBs cooked similarly to raw decorticated and split ones, with times of 32 and 25 min, respectively. Faster cooking was due to bean coat removal and splitting, not chemical changes. Sodium or potassium carbonate/bicarbonate at 1–2 g/L improved cooking efficiency, with 2 g/L of sodium carbonate reducing cooking time to 13 min. Higher concentrations caused non-uniform cooking. Cooking malted, decorticated, and split GPBs in sodium-carbonated water reduced greenhouse gas emissions from 561 to 368 g CO2e/kg, meeting the demand for eco-friendly and nutritionally enhanced plant protein sources. Full article
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