Search Results (47)

The increasing interest in plant-based diets has driven the demand for sustainable legumes such as lupins. However, their broader utilization is limited by the presence of quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs), secondary metabolites toxic to human health. Despite severe health risks, European legislation lacks harmonized maximum levels, necessitating comprehensive market surveillance. This study evaluates the occurrence of 14 specific QAs across 28 commercial samples collected from the Italian market using a validated LC-MS/MS method. Concurrently, the impact of a laboratory-scale debittering process was examined on a subset of eight dried seed samples to monitor toxin reduction efficiency. The total alkaloid content exhibited significant variability across food categories. Dried lupins samples showed the highest concentration (mean: 13,676 mg/kg), whereas lower levels were detected in lupin flours (mean: 253 mg/kg), brined lupins (mean: 86.1 mg/kg), and ready-to-use products (mean: 70.3 mg/kg), with lupanine being the predominant alkaloid across most matrices. Data on finished lupin-based products confirm the efficacy of industrial processing techniques in significantly reducing the alkaloid content. In parallel, laboratory debittering process demonstrated high QA reduction efficiency, ranging between 94% and 99%. Nevertheless, if initial QA levels were high, most of the debittered lupin seeds still retained residual alkaloid levels exceeding commonly accepted safety thresholds. This highlights the importance of establishing harmonized regulatory limits within the European Union and implementing continuous analytical monitoring programs, both at the field level and on commercial products, to guarantee consumer safety. Full article

The European legislation sets the maximum residue levels for glyphosate in sesame seeds at 0.1 mg/kg (EU Regulation n. 293/2013) and for glufosinate and N-Acetyl-glufosinate expressed as glufosinate at 0.03 mg/kg (EU Regulation n. 2016/1002). The present work describes a rapid methodology to determine glyphosate, glufosinate and its metabolite and N-Acetyl-glufosinate in sesame seeds by LC/MS/MS. The method was studied in the framework of EU proficiency tests on sesame seeds. The analytical method was developed using methanol acidified with formic acid (1%, v/v) extraction with an isotope internal standard, followed by LC/MS/MS detection. The recoveries were performed in the range of 0.05–0.5 mg/kg for glyphosate and 0.02–0.2 mg/kg for glufosinate and N-Acetyl-glufosinate. All the recovery values were between 70 and 114%, which is the acceptable interval according to SANTE/11312/2021; the relative standard deviation (%RSD) values met the requirement of <20%. Linearity for each substance in solvent and matrix was studied, and the response was linear with R2 > 0.999. We considered precision, matrix effect, LOD and LOQ in the validation. All the parameters were in agreement with the acceptability criteria of the document SANTE/11312/2021. The method was considered suitable for the determination of the studied substances on sesame seeds. Full article

This paper presents a computational framework for constructing and analysing a focal legislative citation network. A depth-limited expansion strategy generates subgraphs of the network that capture the local structural environment of a seed Act while avoiding the global hub dominance present in whole-corpus analyses. Centrality measures and community detection show how the seed Act’s perceived influence changes with network radius. To incorporate semantic information, we develop and apply an Large Language Model (LLM)-assisted topic modelling method in which representative keywords and LLM-generated summaries form a compact text representation that is converted into a Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF–IDF) document–term matrix. Although demonstrated on New Zealand’s mental health legislation, the framework generalises to any legislative corpus or jurisdiction. Integrating graph-theoretic structure with LLM-assisted semantic modelling provides a scalable approach for analysing legislative systems, identifying domain-specific clusters, and supporting computational studies of legal evolution and policy impact. Full article

Ex situ plant conservation in Poland is shaped by a dual institutional framework that distinguishes between agricultural genetic resources and the protection of rare and endangered wild flora. The National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources (NCPGR) focuses on cultivated taxa and Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs), whereas the PAS Botanical Garden Seed Bank prioritizes wild species of high conservation concern, including those listed under the EU Habitats Directive (HD). This review examines the legal and institutional foundations of ex situ conservation in Poland within global and regional regimes (CBD, ITPGRFA, EU Habitats Directive) and analyzes a harmonized dataset of 1458 species. Comparative analyses show significant discrepancies in institutional holdings: CWRs are relatively well represented in the gene bank, whereas many HD species remain underrepresented, particularly those producing non-orthodox seeds that cannot be stored by conventional methods. Conversely, rare wild taxa maintained in the Seed Bank often fall outside agricultural genetic resource frameworks. The limited overlap between these collections highlights gaps in coordination, data integration, and methodological development. Strengthening institutional synergy, developing approaches for non-orthodox seeds, and enhancing international cooperation will be crucial for Poland to meet the goals of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. Full article

The survival status of Lumnitzera littorea is near threatened globally and critically endangered in China. Clarifying its global distribution pattern and its changing trends under different future climate models is of great significance for the protection and restoration of its endangered status. To build a model for this purpose, this study selected 73 actual distribution points of Lumnitzera littorea worldwide, combined with 12 environmental factors, and simulated its potential suitable habitats in six periods: the Last Interglacial (130,000–115,000 years ago), the Last Glacial Maximum (27,000–19,000 years ago), the Mid-Holocene (6000 years ago), the present (1970–2000), and the future 2050s (2041–2060) and 2070s (2061–2080). The results show that the optimal model parameter combination is the regularization multiplier RM = 4.0 and the feature combination FC (Feature class) = L (Linear) + Q (Quadratic) + P (Product). The MaxEnt model has a low omission rate and a more concise model structure. The AUC values in each period are between 0.981 and 0.985, indicating relatively high prediction accuracy. Min temperature of the coldest month, mean diurnal range, clay content, precipitation of the warmest quarter, and elevation are the dominant environmental factors affecting its distribution. The environmental conditions for min temperature of the coldest month at ≥19.6 °C, mean diurnal range at <7.66 °C, clay content at 34.14%, precipitation of the warmest quarter at ≥570.04 mm, and elevation at >1.39 m are conducive to Lumnitzera littorea’s survival and distribution. The global potential distribution areas are located along coasts. Starting from the paleoclimate, the plant’s distribution has gradually expanded, and its adaptability has gradually improved. In China, the range of potential highly suitable habitats is relatively narrow. Hainan Island is the core potential habitat, but there are fragmented areas in regions such as Guangdong, Guangxi, and Taiwan. The modern centroid of Lumnitzera littorea is located at (109.81° E, 2.56° N), and it will shift to (108.44° E, 3.22° N) in the later stage of the high-emission scenario (2070s (SSP585)). Under global warming trends, it has a tendency to migrate to higher latitudes. The development of the aquaculture industry and human deforestation has damaged the habitats of Lumnitzera littorea, and its population size has been sharply and continuously decreasing. The breeding and renewal system has collapsed, seed abortion and seedling establishment failure are common, and genetic variation is too scarce. This may indicate why Lumnitzera littorea is near threatened globally and critically endangered in China. Therefore, the protection and restoration strategies we propose are as follows: strengthen the legislative guarantee and law enforcement supervision of the native distribution areas of Lumnitzera littorea, expanding its population size outside the native environment, and explore measures to improve its seed germination rate, systematically collecting and introducing foreign germplasm resources to increase its genetic diversity. Full article

Several Apulian (Southern Italy) vegetable landraces are considered at risk of genetic erosion, constituting an issue for the loss of important genetic traits. ‘Tiggiano’ and ‘Polignano’ carrots are two Apulian landraces, noteworthy for their historical, cultural, and agricultural significance. In this research, both the morphological traits and seed yield ability of these landraces were evaluated, aiming to potentially register them for seed commercialization as a tool of valorization. The data of morphological traits according to the ‘International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants’ guideline evidenced a clear distinction between the two landraces. However, the great variability observed in certain characters represents an obstacle to their registration in the national variety register, except for the Conservation Varieties one. ‘Polignano’ and ‘Tiggiano’ carrots showed an average seed yield of about 63 and 106 g/plant, equating to about 1258 and 2116 kg/ha. Average seed germination rates were 79.7 and 85.8%, respectively, for ‘Polignano’ and ‘Tiggiano’ carrots. In conclusion, registering these local varieties as Conservation Varieties could enhance their appreciation, encourage sustainable cultivation, and help mitigate genetic erosion while boosting their economic and cultural value. Full article

Industrial hemp is mainly cultivated for its fibers aimed at the production of textiles, paper, and cordage; the inflorescences for medicinal purposes; and the seeds are used by the food industry due to their high nutritional and functional matrix of protein, fiber, lipids, and microelements. Hemp seed oil (HsO) is a unique source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with a phenomenal ω6:ω3 ratio of 2.5–3.0, significantly enhancing human health when consumed daily. HsO is mostly obtained through cold pressing due to minimal thermal treatment, and although of lower yield compared to solvent extraction, it presents higher quality lipid fractions and organoleptic characteristics such as color, taste, flavor, and density. Although HsO is a powerful source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytosterols, its production lacks standardized quality control parameters, except for THC, which is subject to EU legislation. Therefore, it is essential to build up a quality protocol system for standardizing seed conservation, oil extraction methods, and quality parameters. This review aims to display an overall nutritional framework of the HsO and encourage further research into its use in the food value chain. Full article

In Peru, overweight and obesity affect 20–38% of adults, increasing the risk of NCDs (type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, and others) that emphasize the need for healthy foods. Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acid essentials (omega-3) (17–23%), antioxidants, proteins, and minerals that prevent NCDs. Chia grows in the regions of Arequipa and Puno–Peru, with 4098 tn of production in 2023. Chia mucilage is a soluble fiber with a high water-holding capacity that possesses the techno-functional properties that would improve the properties of gelification and emulsification of foods: jams, ice cream, yogurt, and others. Peru holds the N°1 position in the ranking of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) exporters. This berry contains antioxidants and flavonoids. Cushuro (Nostoc sphaericum) is a gelatinous spherical blue-green alga; it grows over 3000 masl on the Peruvian highland, and it contains good protein and polysaccharide contents. The work aimed to develop a hydrogel-type jam with chia mucilage (0.05–1.00%), blueberries (36–40%), and fresh cushuro (54–60%), compared with a control sample containing pectin and sugar. The characterization of the hydrogel-type jam was moisture (79.53 ± 1.51%), ash (0.20 ± 0.01%), protein (1.02 ± 0.28%), total carbohydrates (19.05 ± 1.76%), fat (0.21 ± 0.03%), antioxidants (318.56 ± 61.5 µm Trolox/g), and phenolic content (2.43 ± 0.93 mg GAE/g). Then, after 30 days of storage, the °Brix (9.9 ± 0.3), viscosity (3921.62 ± 1373.19), pH (3.18 ± 0.02), and water activity (0.82 ± 0.5) values of the hydrogel type-jam complied with the Peruvian applicable legislation (NTP 203.047) and health law (No. 30021). The hydrogel’s functional properties could help reduce the percentage of NCD, promoting the food industry with healthy products. Full article

Pesticide use in crops is a severe problem in some countries. Each country has its legislation for use, but they differ in the degree of tolerance for these broadly toxic products. Several synthetic pesticides can cause air, soil, and water pollution, contaminating the human food chain and other living beings. In addition, some of them can accumulate in the environment for an indeterminate amount of time. The agriculture sector must guarantee healthy food with sustainable production using environmentally friendly methods. In this context, biological biopesticides from microbes and plants are a growing green solution for this segment. Several pests attack crops worldwide, including weeds, insects, nematodes, and microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses, causing diseases and economic losses. The use of bioproducts from microorganisms, such as microbial biopesticides (MBPs) or microorganisms alone, is a practice and is growing due to the intense research in the world. Mainly, bacteria, fungi, and baculoviruses have been used as sources of biomolecules and secondary metabolites for biopesticide use. Different methods, such as direct soil application, spraying techniques with microorganisms, endotherapy, and seed treatment, are used. Adjuvants like surfactants, protective agents, and carriers improve the system in different formulations. In addition, microorganisms are a tool for the bioremediation of pesticides in the environment. This review summarizes these topics, focusing on the biopesticides of microbial origin. Full article

In light of the growing plastic waste problem worldwide, including in agriculture, this study focuses on the usefulness of both conventional, non-degradable plastics and environmentally friendly bioplastics in the agricultural sector. Although conventional plastic products are still essential in modern, even ecological agriculture, the increasing contamination by these materials, especially in a fragmented form, highlights the urgent need to search for alternative, easily biodegradable materials that could replace the non-degradable ones. According to the literature, polymers are widely used in agriculture for the preparation of agrochemicals (mostly fertilizers) with prolonged release. They also play a role as functional polymers against pests, serve as very useful super absorbents of water to improve crop health under drought conditions, and are commonly used as mulching films, membranes, mats, non-woven fabrics, protective nets, seed coatings, agrochemical packaging, or greenhouse coverings. This widespread application leads to the uncontrolled contamination of soil with disintegrated polymeric materials. Therefore, this study highlights the possible applications of bio-based materials as alternatives to conventional polyolefins or other environmentally persistent polymers. Bio-based polymers align with the strategy of innovative agricultural advancements, leading to more productive farming by reducing plastic contamination and adverse ecotoxicological impacts on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. On the other hand, advanced polymer membranes act as catching agents for agrochemicals, protecting against environmental intoxication. The global versatility of polymer applications in agriculture will not permit the elimination of already existing technologies involving polymers in the near future. However, in line with ecological trends in modern agriculture, more “green” polymers should be employed in this sector. Moreover, we highlight that more comprehensive legislative work on these aspects should be undertaken at the European Union level to guarantee environmental and climate protection. From the EU legislation point of view, the implementation of a unified, legally binding system on applications of bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics should be a priority to be addressed. In this respect, the EU already demonstrates an initial action plan. Unfortunately, these are still projected directions for future EU policy, which require in-depth analysis. Full article

In 1998, the European Union aimed to make the official Common European Catalogue of Plant Varieties more flexible and to mitigate the decline of agricultural biodiversity in European rural areas by introducing the Conservation Varieties Regime (CVR): a set of rules pertaining to local and/or traditional varieties cultivated in specific regions that are at risk of genetic erosion. This initiative was intended to permit the sale of those varieties that do not fully meet the distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) criteria required for the registration of standard varieties in the Common European Catalogue. In this review, we examine the impact of establishing the CVR 25 years after its first definition. As of the date of data collection, 191 conservation varieties were registered throughout Europe, representing only 0.88% of the total number of varieties included in the Common Catalogue. The most important countries are Spain, Italy and Croatia, which have, respectively, 57, 43 and 26 conservation varieties. The case study from Italy highlights that the CVR is poorly structured and is characterised by the initiatives of individual entities that take it upon themselves to protect and/or promote specific vegetable varieties. In this review, we discuss such data in relation to the protection and commercialisation of vegetable landraces in Europe. Overall, the CVR has failed to promote and enforce a dedicated market for all those varieties excluded from registration in the Common Catalogue due to DUS requirements. Full article

The cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao L.) has seeds that after processing become a valuable agricultural commodity in the world. In Brazil, the state of Pará located in the Eastern Amazon is the main producer, accounting for more than 53% of the national production. Although the region is the largest producer, no studies are found in the literature containing data on the sensory quality of the beans. Thus, the purpose of this study is to establish the sensory profile of Amazonian cocoa from the main cocoa-producing regions of the Eastern Amazon (Lower Tocantins River, Northeast, West, Southeast and Trans-Amazon). The sensory profile was established from the Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA), in addition to using an affective test to verify consumer preference for the chocolates produced. Physical, physicochemical and bioactive compound evaluations were carried out. Beans from different regions had a similar sensory profile; however, it was possible to observe some differences in certain descriptor terms. In the physical evaluation, the samples presented an acceptable commercial standard, and the humidity was within the values established by the legislation. It was found that the post-harvest and/or processing parameters had no influence on the quality attributes of cocoa beans. Full article

In the quality monitoring of 18 sunflower oil samples from the EU market, 14 were refined and 4 were cold-pressed. They demonstrated high quality of technological processing with low values of trans-unsaturated fatty acids, acid value, and peroxide value and also met the limits set by legislation in the content of process contaminants 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) esters and glycidyl esters. Measurements of oxidative stability showed a difference in utility value. The average induction period of the oils from the traditional varieties was 2.6 h, predisposing them to cold cooking or short-term frying, while the 11.8 h of the four high oleic sunflower oils (HOSO) indicates the possibility of long-term heat stress. The nutritional benefit is the average vitamin E content of 663 mg/kg oil. The overall sensory quality of the samples was evaluated by a 12-member panel of trained assessors. On the seven-point category scale, the oils were of good to exceptional quality. The cold-pressed oils (CPOs) differed in having, on average, lower trans-unsaturated fatty acid content, process contaminants at unmeasurable levels, and, on average, higher vitamin E concentrations. The specific organoleptic properties of the CPOs were characterized by a pleasant nutty and sunflower seed flavor. Full article

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) is used in various industries, such as food, animal feed, paper, textile, biofuel, etc. Hemp seeds intended for food production should not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) level above 0.3%, according to Serbian legislation. Hemp seeds and their processed products, such as oil and flour, have high nutritional quality in terms of lipids, proteins, fiber, minerals, and plant secondary metabolites. The interest of society in healthy eating is rising constantly. Advice on the selection of foods which promote health includes functional food, such as sprouted seeds. Since hemp seed is rich in phytochemicals, it is assumed that their sprouts will be more nutrient-dense. Although sprouted seeds of many crops, such as legumes, cereals, pseudo-cereals, oilseeds, and vegetables are included in a healthy diet, hemp seed sprouting is barely studied. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine the fatty acid profile of hemp sprouts harvested after seven days of germination which are ready for consumption. The majority of fatty acids in sprouts are polyunsaturated fatty acids (67.7%) comprising linoleic and α-linolenic acids. Sprouts are less abundant in oleic acid, monounsaturated fatty acid (10.5%), followed by saturated fatty acids (21.8%), with the highest content in palmitic acid. As it was expected, the fatty acid composition of seeds and sprouts is similar. Full article

An analysis methodology was optimised and validated for the quantification of opium alkaloids (OAs) in ground poppy seeds. This involved ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) purification before analysis using a high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry detector (HPLC-MS/MS). UAE was optimised through the design of experiments with three factors and a three-level full factorial design. For SPE optimisation, a commercial material was compared with a previously synthesised material of SBA-15 silica functionalised with sulfonic groups (SBA-15-SO₃⁻). The synthesised material demonstrated superior efficiency with only 25 mg and proved to be reusable for up to four cycles. The methodology was properly validated in terms of linearity, limits of detection and quantification, and selectivity. Matrix effects were negligible; adequate recovery values (85–100%) and inter-day and intra-day precision (≤15%) were obtained. The greenness of the method was evaluated with the AGREEprep metric scale, being more environmentally friendly compared to OA analysis methods. Finally, the method was applied to different samples of ground poppy seeds and revealed a concentration of 140 mg/kg of morphine equivalents in one of the samples, surpassing the legislatively established limits by sevenfold. This highlights the need to analyse these types of samples to mitigate potential public health issues. Full article