Search Results (342)

The premature senescence of red raspberry leaves severely affects plant growth. In this study, the double-season red raspberry cultivar ‘Polka’ was used, with N₁₅₀ (0.10 g N·kg⁻¹) selected as the treatment group (T150) and N₀ (0 g N·kg⁻¹) set as the control (CK). This study systematically investigated the mechanism of premature senescence in red raspberry leaves under different nitrogen application levels by measuring physiological parameters and conducting a combined multi-omics analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. Results showed that T150 plants had 8.34 cm greater height and 1.45 cm greater ground diameter than CK. The chlorophyll, carotenoid, soluble protein, and sugar contents in all leaf parts of T150 were significantly higher than those in CK, whereas soluble starch contents were lower. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide anion (O₂⁻) generation rate in the lower leaves of T150 were significantly lower than those in CK. Superoxide sismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities in the middle and lower functional leaves of T150 were higher than in CK, while catalase (CAT) activity was lower. Transcriptomic analysis identified 4350 significantly differentially expressed genes, including 2062 upregulated and 2288 downregulated genes. Metabolomic analysis identified 135 differential metabolites, out of which 60 were upregulated and 75 were downregulated. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis showed enrichment in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (ko00940) and flavonoid biosynthesis (ko00941) pathways, with the former acting as an upstream pathway of the latter. A premature senescence pathway was established, and two key metabolites were identified: chlorogenic acid content decreased, and naringenin chalcone content increased in early senescent leaves, suggesting their pivotal roles in the early senescence of red raspberry leaves. Modulating chlorogenic acid and naringenin chalcone levels could delay premature senescence. Optimizing fertilization strategies may thus reduce senescence risk and enhance the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of the red raspberry industry. Full article

Natural polymer materials are increasingly utilized in drilling fluid additives. Starch has come to be applied extensively due to its low cost and favorable fluid loss reduction properties. However, its poor temperature resistance and high viscosity limit its application in high-temperature wells. This study innovatively introduces for the first time diatomite as an inorganic material in the modification process of starch-based fluid loss additives. Through synergistic modification with acrylamide and acrylic acid, we successfully resolved the longstanding challenge of balancing temperature resistance with viscosity control in existing modification methods. The newly developed fluid loss additive demonstrates remarkable performance: It remains effective at 160 °C when used independently. When added to a 4% sodium bentonite base mud, it achieves an 80% fluid loss reduction rate—significantly higher than the 18.95% observed in conventional starch-based products. The resultant filter cake exhibits thin and compact characteristics. Moreover, this additive shows superior contamination resistance, tolerating 30% NaCl and 0.6% calcium contamination, outperforming other starch-based treatments. With starch content exceeding 75%, the product not only demonstrates enhanced performance but also achieves significant cost reduction compared to conventional starch products (typically containing < 50% starch content). Full article

This study addresses the challenge of chitosan (CS) being difficult to dissolve in water due to its highly ordered crystalline structure. Chitosan is modified with chloroacetic acid to reduce its crystallinity and enhance its water solubility. Through single-factor experiments, the optimal conditions for preparing carboxymethyl chitosan film (CMCS) were determined: under conditions of 50 °C, a cellulose substrate (CS) concentration of 18.75 g/L, a NaOH concentration of 112.5 g/L, and a chloroacetic acid concentration of 18.75 g/L, the reaction proceeded for 5 h. Under these conditions, the resulting carboxymethyl chitosan film exhibited the best flocculation effect, forming chitosan films in water that had flocculation activity toward mung bean starch protein wastewater. The successful introduction of carboxyl groups at the N and O positions of the chitosan molecular chain, which reduced the crystallinity of chitosan and enhanced its water solubility, was confirmed through analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The prepared carboxymethyl chitosan film (CMCS) was applied in the flocculation recovery of protein. Through single-factor and response surface experiments, the optimal process conditions for flocculating and recovering protein with CMCS were determined: a CMCS dosage of 1.1 g/L, a reaction time of 39.6 min, a reaction temperature of 42.7 °C, and a pH of 5.2. Under these conditions, the protein recovery rate reached 56.97%. The composition and amino acid profile of the flocculated product were analyzed, revealing that the mung bean protein flocculated product contained 62.33% crude protein. The total essential amino acids (EAAs) accounted for 52.91%, non-essential amino acids (NEAAs) for 47.09%, hydrophobic amino acids for 39.56%, and hydrophilic amino acids for 12.67%. The ratio of aromatic to branched-chain amino acids was 0.31, and the ratio of basic to acidic amino acids was 1.68. These findings indicate that the recovered product has high surface activity and good protein stability, foaming ability, and emulsifying properties. Full article

Salt stress is one of the most common factors reducing the productivity of crops. We tested the effect of Rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor and autophagy inducer, for the possible amelioration of high-salinity stress in Eruca sativa. We analyzed the germination rate, the macro- and micro-morphology of seedlings, and the ultrastructure of cotyledons with a Transmission Electron Microscope. The most striking observation was that salt stress blocked the catabolism of the lipid droplets stored in the embryos of E. sativa, also dramatically reducing the starch storage capability in the plastids. As a consequence, lipid droplets remained in the developing seedlings until a late stage. On the contrary, the catabolism of the lipid storage in the embryos in the presence of rapamycin and salt stress was comparable to the control, even if the starch stored in the plastids was lower. Rapamycin-induced autophagic activity was shown by characteristic ultrastructural changes, such as increased membrane recycling. Part of this activity was interpreted as pexophagy, i.e., the autophagy of peroxisomes, where an increase in their turnover rate could be necessary to maintain an active glyoxylate cycle. Full article

Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth, and both insufficient and excessive use of nitrogen have been shown to negatively affect sweet potato production. Nitrogen supply can affect carbon metabolism in plant storage organs; however, limited studies have examined its effects on the accumulation of non-structural carbohydrates (soluble sugar and starch) during the formation of sweet potato storage roots. Two pot trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of different nitrogen application levels and timings on the accumulation of non-structural carbohydrates during the formation of sweet potato storage roots. In the first experiment, plants were supplied with 0, 50, 100, or 200 mg/L of nitrogen. In the second experiment, the optimum nitrogen rate (100 mg/L) for storage root formation from the previous experiment was applied at five different times: nil N supply and nitrogen applied at planting or 3, 7, or 14 days after planting. A significant highest starch accumulation in roots during the first 35 days after transplanting was recorded in the 100 mg/L treatment. However, sweet potato required more nitrogen after storage root formation, as indicated by higher non-structural carbohydrate accumulation in roots (1905 mg/plant) in the 200 mg/L treatment at 49 days after planting. Earlier nitrogen applications promoted soluble sugar and starch accumulation in plants during storage root formation, with up to 5697 mg of non-structural carbohydrate accumulated in a plant. The study provided agronomic indicators that moderate nitrogen should be available in soil before or on planting day. Full article

The nursery phase is vital for forest regeneration, yet studies on plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria to enhance sustainable nursery production in forest species are scarce. This study explores whether endophytic bacteria from disease-resistant Pinus pinea L. can improve germination and seedling quality in susceptible Pinus radiata D. Don. Root endophytes were isolated, screened for PGP traits, and identified via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Bacterial formulations were applied to P. radiata seeds to determine their impact on germination and plant quality indicators (photosynthetic pigments and other metabolites). Paenibacillaceae (19%) and Bacillaceae (13%) were predominant among 68 isolates, with 94% producing indole-3-acetic acid, and Burkholderiaceae showing the broadest PGP trait diversity. Seedlings inoculated with formulation C3 (Caballeronia R.M3R3, Rhodococcus T.M4R4, and Mesorhizobium R.M1R2) displayed an improved germination rate (89% compared to 71% from the uninoculated control), while those inoculated with formulation P4 (Paenibacillus T.M5R4, Bacillus R.M2R7, Acinetobacter T.M2R22, and Paraburkholderia R.M1R3) showed an improved germination rate (81%), increased amount of starch (0.4-fold), and free amino acids (1.5-fold). This study presents a comprehensive approach, from endophyte isolation to in vivo tests, highlighting two bacterial formulations as candidates for further proof-of-concept nursery trials. Ultimately, these bioinoculants represent eco-friendly strategies to enhance forest seedling establishment and support sustainable forest management. Full article

This study explored the effects of adding a newly developed type of polydextrose on the appearance, sensory score, and textural parameters of steamed bread and the microstructure of dough, as well as the pasting, thermal, and thermal mechanical properties of high-gluten wheat flours. The results revealed that, compared with a control sample, 3–10% of polydextrose addition significantly increased the hardness, adhesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness of steamed bread, but other textural parameters like springiness, cohesiveness, and resilience remained basically the same. Further, in contrast to the control sample, 3–10% polydextrose addition significantly reduced the specific volume and width/height ratio of steamed bread but increased the brightness index, yellowish color, and color difference; improved the internal structure; and maintained the other sensory parameters and total score. Polydextrose addition decreased the peak, trough, final, breakdown, and setback viscosity of the pasting of wheat flour suspension solutions but increased the pasting temperature. Polydextrose additions significantly reduced the enthalpy of gelatinization and the aging rate of flour paste but increased the peak temperature of gelatinization. A Mixolab revealed that, with increases in the amount of added polydextrose, the dough’s development time and heating rate increased, but the proteins weakened, and the peak torque of gelatinization, starch breakdown, and starch setback torque all decreased. Polydextrose additions increased the crystalline regions of starch, the interaction between proteins and starch, and the β-sheet percentage of wheat dough without yeast and of steamed bread. The amorphous regions of starch were increased in dough through adding polydextrose, but they were decreased in steamed bread. Further, 3–10%of polydextrose addition decreased the random coils, α-helixes, and β-turns in dough, but the 3–7% polydextrose addition maintained or increased these conformations in steamed bread, while 10% polydextrose decreased them. In unfermented dough, as a hydrogel, the 5–7% polydextrose addition resulted in the formation of a continuous three-dimensional network structure with certain adhesiveness and elasticity, with increases in the porosity and gas-holding capacity of the product. Moreover, the 10% polydextrose addition further increased the viscosity, freshness, and looseness of the dough, with smaller and more numerous holes and indistinct boundaries between starch granules. These results indicate that the 3–10% polydextrose addition increases the chewiness and freshness of steamed bread by improving the gluten network structure. This study will promote the addition of polydextrose in steamed bread to improve shelf-life and dietary fiber contents. Full article

In the severe environment of Hunshandake Sandy Land, the uncommon and indigenous Chinese tree species Picea mongolica is an important biological component. Conventional seed propagation in P. mongolica is constrained by low germination rates, prolonged breeding cycles, and hybrid offspring genetic instability, limiting efficient varietal improvement. In contrast, somatic embryogenesis (SE) offers superior propagation efficiency, exceptional germination synchrony, and strict genetic fidelity, enabling rapid mass production of elite regenerants. However, SE in P. mongolica is hampered by severe genotype dependence, poor mature embryo induction rates, and loss of embryogenic potential during long-term cultures, restricting the production of high-quality seedlings. In this study, we aimed to analyze the transcriptome and metabolome of three crucial phases of SE: mature somatic embryos (MSEs), globular somatic embryos (GSEs), and embryogenic calli (EC). Numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found, especially in pathways linked to ribosomal functions, flavonoid biosynthesis, and the metabolism of starch and sucrose. Additionally, 141 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) belonging to flavonoids, organic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and other metabolites were identified. An integrated study of metabolomic and transcriptome data indicated considerable enrichment of DEGs and DAMs in starch and sucrose metabolism, as well as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways, all of which are required for somatic embryo start and development. This study revealed a number of metabolites and genes linked with SE, offering important insights into the molecular mechanisms driving SE in P. mongolica and laying the groundwork for the development of an efficient SE system. Full article

In the current context of environmental concerns and the search for sustainable food solutions, this study investigated the valorization of Luffa cylindrica seed press cake, a waste byproduct from oil extraction, as a functional ingredient for meat substitute formulations. The research systematically characterized the functional and bioactive properties of L. cylindrica seed press cake powder (LP) and its blends with tapioca flour (TF) at ratios of 30–70%. Techno-functional analyses included: hydration properties (water holding capacity, water absorption capacity, water absorption index, water solubility index, swelling power, oil absorption capacity); rheological characteristics; bioactive profiling through antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP); and reducing sugar content determination. Meat substitute formulations were developed using an LP30/TF70 blend combined with coral lentils, red beet powder, and water, followed by a sensory evaluation and storage stability assessment. Pure L. cylindrica powder exhibited the highest water holding capacity (3.62 g H₂O/g) and reducing sugar content (8.05 mg GE/g), while tapioca flour showed superior swelling properties. The blends demonstrated complementary functional characteristics, with the LP30/TF70 formulation selected for meat substitute development based on optimal textural properties. The sensory evaluation revealed significant gender differences in acceptance, with women rating the product substantially higher than men across all attributes. The study successfully demonstrated the feasibility of transforming agricultural waste into a valuable functional ingredient, contributing to sustainable food production and representing the first comprehensive evaluation of L. cylindrica seed press cake for food applications. However, the study revealed limitations, including significant antioxidant loss during thermal processing (80–85% reduction); a preliminary sensory evaluation with limited participants showing gender-dependent acceptance; and a reliance on locally available tapioca flour, which may limit global applicability. Future research should focus on processing optimization to preserve bioactive compounds, comprehensive sensory studies with diverse populations, and an investigation of alternative starch sources to enhance the worldwide implementation of this valorization approach. Full article

The planting area of the maize–soybean strip intercropping system has been increasing annually in the Hexi Corridor oasis irrigation area of China. However, long-term irrational water resource utilization and the excessive mono-application of fertilizers have led to significantly low water and nitrogen use efficiency in this cropping system. To explore the sustainable production model of high yield and high water–nitrogen productivity in maize–soybean strip intercropping, we established three irrigation levels (low: 60%, medium: 80%, and sufficient: 100% of reference crop evapotranspiration) and three nitrogen application levels (low: maize 230 kg ha⁻¹, soybean 29 kg ha⁻¹; medium: maize 340 kg ha⁻¹, soybean 57 kg ha⁻¹; and high: maize 450 kg ha⁻¹, soybean 85 kg ha⁻¹) for maize and soybean, respectively. Three irrigation levels without nitrogen application served as controls. The effects of different water–nitrogen combinations on multiple indicators of the maize–soybean strip intercropping system, including yield, water–nitrogen productivity, and quality, were analyzed. The results showed that the irrigation amount and nitrogen application rate significantly affected the kernel quality of maize. Specifically, the medium nitrogen and sufficient water (N2W3) combination achieved optimal performance in crude fat, starch, and bulk density. However, excessive irrigation and nitrogen application led to a reduction in the content of lysine and crude protein in maize, as well as crude fat and crude starch in soybean. Appropriate irrigation and nitrogen application significantly increased the yield in the maize–soybean strip intercropping system, in which the N2W3 treatment had the highest yield, with maize and soybean yields reaching 14007.02 and 2025.39 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, which increased by 2.52% to 138.85% and 5.37% to 191.44% compared with the other treatments. Taking into account the growing environment of the oasis agricultural area in the Hexi Corridor and the effects of different water and nitrogen supplies on the yield, water–nitrogen productivity, and kernel quality of maize and soybeans in the strip intercropping system, the highest target yield can be achieved when the irrigation quotas for maize and soybeans are set at 100% ET0 (reference crop evapotranspiration), with nitrogen application rates of 354.78~422.51 kg ha⁻¹ and 60.27~71.81 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. This provides guidance for enhancing yield and quality in maize–soybean strip intercropping in the oasis agricultural area of the Hexi Corridor, achieving the dual objectives of high yield and superior quality. Full article

Dual-physical modification is an eco-friendly and waste-free approach for enhancing the functionality of native starches compared with a single modification. In the present study, the individual and combined interrelating effects of hydrothermal (heat moisture (HM) with 15%, 20%, and 25% moisture) and non-thermal (ultrasonication (US) with 200, 400, and 600 power (W)) on the physical modification of Eleocharis tuberosa (Chinese water chestnut (CWCS)) starch were studied. Furthermore, their effects on the morphology, FTIR, XRD, crystallinity, thermal, pasting, swelling power, solubility, rheological characteristics, and in vitro digestibility of native and modified starches were investigated. The results indicated a consistent B-type structure of CWCS, with a significant decrease in the crystallinity (22.32 ± 0.04–28.76 ± 0.02%), which was linked with ΔH (19.65 ± 0.01–12.18 ± 0.06 Jg⁻¹) and amylose content (34.67 ± 0.07–40.73 ± 0.11%). The absorbance ratio 1048/1025 specified that the combination of HM-US compacted the short-range order degree up to 1.30 for HM25–US600-CWCS. The starch treated with HM, followed by the US, considerably amplified the setback, peak, and final viscosities compared with the HM-treated starch. The rheological analysis demonstrated that the fluidity of CWCS was enhanced (G′ > G″, tan δ < 1) by the synergistic effect of HM and US, increasing the resistivity toward deformation during paste development. The dual-modified starch exhibited a slower glucose release rate with increasing moisture (25%) during HM and 600 W during the US, with higher RS contents of 45.83 ± 0.28% and 43.09 ± 0.12%, respectively. Dual-physical modification exhibited a significant aptitude for modifying native starches structurally and functionally as a substitute for product formulation with a low glycemic index. Full article

In recent years, the consumers’ demand for healthy foods has been increased. To address the dietary related diseases, the food products enriched with mushroom or colored rice were promoted. The effects of Tricholoma matsutake powder and colored rice flour on baking quality and volatile aroma compound of cookies were investigated. Texture analyzer, and electronic nose (e-nose) were used to analyze the physicochemical, structural, and digestibility properties and volatile aroma compound of cookie. With the content of Tricholoma matsutake powder and colored rice flour increased, the hardness and free amino acid content increased. Cookie in terms of weaker network structure, relatively crispy cookie texture, and better in vitro digestion activity was obtained with appropriate amount replacement. The cookie sample contained with 5% Tricholoma matsutake and 20% red rice exhibited acceptable hardness and lowest starch hydrolysis rate. The volatile aroma compounds were also affected by the wheat flour substitution. The results indicated that Tricholoma matsutake powder and colored rice flour substitution improved the baking quality of cookie. Full article

Spirodela polyrhiza is a suitable model organism for investigating plant developmental influences due to its intracolonial variations in response to various environmental fluctuations, like nutrient deficiency. In this study, transmission electron microscopy was used to examine age-dependent variation in chloroplast ultrastructure, while pigment levels (chlorophyll and anthocyanins), starch accumulation, and metabolic activity (photosynthetic and respiratory rates) were measured to determine metabolic responses to sulfur deficiency. For a comprehensive insight into electron transport efficiency and the redox states of the photosynthetic apparatus, rapid light curves, chlorophyll fluorescence (JIP test parameters), and modulated reflection at 820 nm were analyzed. Under S deficit, mother fronds relied on stored reserves to maintain functional PSII but accumulated reduced PQ pools, slowing electron flow beyond PSII. The first-generation daughter fronds, despite having higher baseline photosynthetic capacity, exhibited the largest decline in photosynthetic indicators (e.g., rETR fell about 50%), limitations in the water-splitting complex, and reduced PSI end-acceptor capacity that resulted in donor- and acceptor-side bottlenecks of electron transport. The youngest granddaughter fronds avoided these bottlenecks by absorbing less light per PSII, channeling electrons through the alternative pathway to balance PQ pools and redox-stable PSI while diverting more carbon into starch and anthocyanin production up to 5-fold for both. These coordinated and age-specific adjustments that provide response flexibility may help maintain photosynthetic function of the colony and facilitate rapid recovery when sulfur becomes available again. Full article

This study comprehensively assessed the effects of ten highland barley varieties on the quality and digestibility of noodles. The characteristics of highland barley flour, including proximate composition, pasting properties, and dough mixing behavior, were analyzed. The quality of the resulting noodles was evaluated through cooking and textural property analysis. The digestion characteristics of the noodles were determined to evaluate the starch hydrolysis rate and glycemic index (GI). Additionally, a correlation analysis was conducted among the proximate composition of highland barley flour, the characteristics of flour, and the quality of noodles. The results demonstrate that Chaiqing 1 exhibited superior performance in terms of flour quality and noodle texture compared to other varieties. The noodles produced from this variety possessed an outstanding texture, with moderate hardness and excellent elasticity. Additionally, its noodles also exhibited superior cooking resistance and low cooking loss. Nutritionally, the moderate estimated glycemic index (eGI) and high resistant starch (RS) content of Chaiqing 1 were beneficial for intestinal health. Ximalaya 22 showed good processing performance but slightly inferior texture, whereas Kunlun 14 had a high dietary fiber content, which resulted in noodles prone to breaking. Through a comprehensive variety comparison and screening, Chaiqing 1 emerged as the preferred choice for producing high-quality highland barley noodles. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed that dietary fiber was significantly and positively correlated with water absorption, stability time (ST), and hardness (p < 0.01). Amylose content was associated with peak temperature and breakdown viscosity. This study provides valuable insights into the selection of highland barley varieties for noodle production. Full article

The bioprocessing of agricultural wastes to produce microbial enzymes has become significant due to its benefits in reducing enzyme production costs and improving waste management. In this study, various substrates, including spent coffee grounds, coffee husks, coffee pulp, rice husks, rice bran, pomelo albedo, pomelo flavedo, orange peel, banana peel, sugarcane bagasse, and starch, were used as organic nutrient sources for α-amylase biosynthesis by B. licheniformis TKU004. Among the tested substrates, pomelo albedo (3%, w/v) was the most suitable carbon source for amylase production, with a productivity of 80.645 U/mL. The purification process resulted in a 60 kDa amylase. The protein identification of B. licheniformis TKU004 amylase revealed a coverage rate of 39% with α-amylase from Bacillus subtilis 168. B. licheniformis TKU004 amylase exhibited optimal activity at 60 °C and pH = 7 and showed a high compatibility with EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) analysis demonstrated that B. licheniformis TKU004 amylase is an α-amylase with the final products of maltobiose, maltose, and glucose. Due to its important properties, such as tolerance to EDTA, B. licheniformis TKU 004 amylase may be valuable for industrial applications, especially in detergents and food processing. Full article