Search Results (3,799)

Salinity stress is a major constraint affecting rice establishment and productivity in many coastal and salt-affected regions of the world, as well as in Bangladesh. Seed priming has emerged as an effective technique to enhance seed germination, seedling vigor and growth, and stress tolerance. To address this challenge, the present study investigated the potential of four different seed-priming agents (non-, hydro-(H₂O), osmo-(Polyethylene glycol, 30%), nano-(Zinc EDTA (12%), and 170 ppm) applied to two rice varieties (Binadhan-10 and BINA dhan25) under four levels of salinity stress (0, 5, 8, and 11 dS m⁻¹), with the aim of enhancing germination, improving the seedling vigor index, and promoting early growth performance in a completely randomized design with four replications. Nano-priming with Zinc EDTA (12%, at 170 ppm) involves soaking seeds in a solution containing this concentration of zinc chelate, which can improve seedling vigor and stress resilience, especially under challenging conditions like salinity. The results indicated that salinity significantly reduced germination and seedling growth, whereas seed priming improved seed performance under stress conditions. Among the treatments, nano-priming showed the most pronounced improvement in germination and seedling vigor. Binadhan-10 exhibited a greater tolerance to salinity compared with BINA dhan25. Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis, correlation analysis, and heatmap, revealed strong positive relationships among germination, vigor index, and seedling biomass traits. The findings demonstrate that seed priming, particularly nano-priming, can effectively enhance rice seed germination, the vigor index, and different seedling traits under saline conditions, providing a promising strategy for improving rice production in salt-affected areas in Bangladesh. Full article

Sustainable forklift technologies have become essential in modern industrial logistics due to increasing environmental regulations, rising energy costs, and heightened occupational safety requirements. Given the complexity and variety of sustainable forklift options, selecting the most appropriate one has become a critical multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem for companies. This study aims to determine the most appropriate sustainable forklifts by considering multiple qualitative and quantitative criteria that play a critical role in the forklift selection process of companies. To this end, meetings are conducted with managers possessing expertise in sustainability and logistics at companies operating in Turkey. Based on these insights, ten forklift alternatives and six evaluation criteria are identified. This is the first time, in this study, sustainability criteria such as sustainability in occupational health and safety, sustainability in agility, sustainability in ergonomics, durability and material sustainability, sustainability in load lifting capacity and sustainability in price are incorporated into the evaluation. To the best of our knowledge, no study in existing literature has specifically focused on sustainable forklift selection, incorporating the comprehensive sustainability-oriented criteria considered in this study. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is employed to determine the weight of each criterion. Subsequently, forklift alternatives are ranked using the Multi-objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis (MOORA) ratio approach, the Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS), and the Elimination and Choice Translating Reality (ELECTRE) methods. Moreover, weights derived based on different subjective and objective weighting schemes, specifically FUCOM, BWM, and Entropy, as well as the resulting ranking outcomes are comparatively examined to assess the impact of varying weighting structures on the robustness and consistency of the final decision results. The proposed methodology is applied within manufacturing and logistics companies in Turkey to assess its practical effectiveness. As a result of this study, the most appropriate sustainable forklifts for the companies are identified. Furthermore, the outcomes of the applied methods yield consistent/similar results. The results emphasize that managers should place greater importance on the criteria of sustainability in occupational health and safety—identified as the most critical factor—followed by durability and material sustainability, and sustainability in load lifting capacity when selecting forklifts. Sensitivity analyses indicate that the method yields consistent and effective results. Moreover, it demonstrates the robustness and accuracy of the forklift evaluations. In this context, this study serves as a guided reference for companies in the selection of sustainable forklifts. Full article

Wheat is a globally important food crop, and its yield is crucial for ensuring food security. Lunxuan 13 is an elite wheat variety developed by the Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. It has high yield potential and outstanding agronomic traits, such as excellent seed setting rate, plump kernels, and good lodging resistance. However, this variety is highly susceptible to pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) when exposed to rain during the maturation period, leading to premature grain germination on the spike, which causes yield losses and quality deterioration, severely restricting its popularization. This study focused on addressing the PHS susceptibility of Lunxuan 13 by employing CRISPR/Cas9 technology for the targeted knockout of the three homoeologous copies (A, B, and D subgenomes) of TaQsd1, a key gene regulating seed dormancy. A total of 41 transgenic plants were obtained, achieving a transformation efficiency of 52.6%, among which 27 plants exhibited edits at the target sites, resulting in an editing efficiency of 65.9%. Phenotypic analysis of homozygous T₂ edited lines revealed significant functional redundancy among the three TaQsd1 homoeologs: a significant extension of the seed dormancy period and a substantial increase in PHS resistance were achieved only when all three A, B, and D copies underwent loss-of-function mutation (aabbdd genotype). After-ripened seeds from these mutants showed normal germination ability, indicating enhanced dormancy rather than loss of germination capacity. Importantly, all of the edited lines exhibited no significant differences compared to the wild type in key agronomic traits such as plant height, spike length, and grains per spike, thus retaining the excellent characteristics of Lunxuan 13. This study successfully optimized Lunxuan 13 for significantly enhanced PHS resistance while retaining its superior agronomic traits. This work provides an effective approach for improving PHS resistance in white-grained wheat and removes a key barrier to the potential commercialization of this variety. Full article

To support low-cost, non-destructive crop growth monitoring, this study systematically compared different vegetation indices, voxel sizes, and camera angles using a point cloud voxelization approach combined with a vegetation index weighted canopy volume index (CVM_VI) to assess aboveground biomass (AGB) in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). Field experiments were conducted from 2021 to 2024 at the Yangma Experimental Base of the Chengdu Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences. Red, green, blue (RGB) imagery of oilseed rape was acquired using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during the following five key growth stages: seedling, bolting, flowering, podding, and maturity. Collected images were processed to generate point clouds, which were subsequently voxelized at four resolutions (0.03, 0.05, 0.07, and 0.1 m). CVM_VI was constructed by integrating vegetation indices (VIs) derived from the RGB data and the voxelized canopy structural information. Regression models were established between the CVM_VI values and field-measured AGB to estimate biomass. Model performance was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R²), root mean square error (RMSE), and relative error (RE). There were strong correlations (r > 0.80) between the estimated and measured AGB across all voxelization treatments throughout the growth period. Among the 20 VIs tested, regression methods based on the blue green ratio index (BGI), color intensity index, blue red ratio index, vegetative index, and green red ratio index consistently showed superior estimation performance across three consecutive years, demonstrating their good applicability for estimating AGB in oilseed rape under varying agronomic conditions (different varieties, densities, and sowing dates). The cubic regression model CVM_BGI performed best under a 45° UAV camera angle, with the highest R² and lowest RMSE and RE (2021–2022: R² = 0.864, RMSE = 2414.18 kg/ha, RE = 14.8%; 2022–2023: R² = 0.754, RMSE = 2550.53 kg/ha, RE = 14.9%; 2023–2024: R² = 0.863, RMSE = 1953.61 kg/ha, RE = 22.9%). Since the estimation performance showed negligible differences among voxel sizes, and the 0.1–m voxel offered the smallest data volume and shortest analysis time, the CVM_BGI model with a 0.1–m voxel was selected as the preferred approach, providing a practical balance between estimation performance and processing demand. These findings highlight the application potential of point cloud voxelization technology for crop biomass estimation. This study proposes a novel, non-destructive, and efficient framework for estimating field crop AGB using low-cost UAV RGB imagery, facilitating the wider adoption of UAV technology in practical agricultural production. Full article

Tomato landraces possess distinct flavors, colors, textures and aromas, making them suitable for traditional cuisine. Tomato landraces contain a wide range of genes, including those involved in fruit quality, that can be isolated and used in local breeding programs. In regions recognized as centers of origin, domestication and diversification, traditional farmers play an important role in the preservation of tomato landraces adapted to local conditions and agricultural practices, on the whole maintaining high genetic diversity. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of the crop cycle (C), genotype (G) and C × G interactions on the contents of soluble solids, reducing sugars, lycopene, total polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C, as well as the pH and antioxidant activity, in fifteen tomato landraces (genotypes) undergoing phenotypic selection and a commercial tomato variety (control). All the varieties were grown in two crop cycles under uniform greenhouse management using a randomized block design with four repetitions. Fruit composition was analyzed with AOAC and spectrophotometric methods. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) were detected in the soluble solid content, pH, flavor and maturity indices, polyphenol and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity between C, G and C × G interactions. In contrast, titratable acidity, reducing sugars, lycopene and vitamin C did not differ between cycles. Coefficients of phenotypic and genotypic variation and broad-sense heritability (H²) ranged from 4.3 to 33.7, 2.0 to 19.0, and 3.2 to 63.5%, respectively. H² for bioactive compounds ranged from moderate to slightly high (16.3–38.8%). These findings, supported by laboratory analyses, suggest that genotypes under agronomic selection have potential as parents to enhance fruit quality in current and future breeding programs. Full article

Background: Cigarette smoking exposes the human body to a complex mixture of toxic and carcinogenic compounds that can exert widespread biological effects across different organ systems. From addictive responses and consequence maladaptive neuroendocrine responses, cigarette smoke delivers a variety of reactive oxygen species, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrosamines, and heavy metals that collectively contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic disruption. The liver, as the primary organ responsible for xenobiotic metabolism, plays a central role in processing these harmful substances and is therefore uniquely susceptible to their effects. This narrative review will aim to provide an overview of the current evidence of cigarette smoking effects on hepatic structure and function and discuss clinical implications. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes evidence from in vitro studies, animal models, and human clinical research examining the effects of cigarette smoking on liver biology. Mechanistic pathways of injury, metabolic and vascular alterations, and clinical consequences for liver disease were considered. Results: Smoking influences hepatic function both directly—through biotransformation pathways generating reactive intermediates—and indirectly via vascular impairment, immune modulation, hormonal alterations, and changes in lipid and glucose metabolism. Emerging evidence indicates that cigarette smoking contributes to hepatic steatosis, accelerates fibrosis progression, worsens outcomes in viral and alcohol-related liver disease, and increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusions: Cigarette smoking exerts multifaceted deleterious effects on the liver. Recognition of smoking as a modifiable risk factor for liver-related morbidity underscores the importance of smoking cessation in patients with or at risk for liver disease and highlights implications for research and clinical practice. Full article

Grape pomace represents a widely available agro-industrial by-product in Chile with considerable potential for valorization within circular economy frameworks; however, its functionality as a cosmetic ingredient depends on both grape cultivar and processing strategy. In this study, the direct incorporation of solid grape pomace residues into cream formulations was first evaluated, revealing limitations related to color control, homogeneity, and sensory performance. Subsequently, the influence of varietal origin (Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, and Grenache) on the extraction, stability, color behavior, and functional performance of anthocyanin-rich extracts was investigated for cosmetic applications. pH-standardized color analysis revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) varietal differences, with Malbec extracts showing superior chromatic stability under acidic and near-neutral conditions, exhibiting lower reduction in a* values across the pH range compared to other varieties. In contrast, Syrah, Grenache, and Merlot showed a more pronounced decrease in red chromaticity, indicating higher sensitivity to pH-induced structural transformations. Although Merlot and Syrah exhibited higher ABTS antioxidant activity, Malbec presented the highest total phenolic content and the most balanced functional profile when considering both stability and color retention. Incorporation of anthocyanin-rich extracts into cosmetic cream formulations demonstrated that a 4.5% (m/v) loading ensured a skin-compatible pH (4.5–5.5), with Malbec-based creams exhibiting superior color stability and formulation performance over time. These findings demonstrate that grape pomace valorization requires variety-specific evaluation and identify extraction as a key enabling step for the development of sustainable, bio-based color-functional cosmetic ingredients. Full article

The field experiment was conducted in 2016–2018 at the Department of Agronomy of the Poznań University of Life Sciences on the fields of the Research and Education Centre in Gorzyń, Złotniki branch. It was a single-factor experiment with six sowing dates of an ultra-early maize variety: A1—12 April, A2—26 April, A3—10 May, A4—24 May, A5—7 June, and A6—21 June. Seeds of the maize variety ‘Pyroxenia’ were used in the experiment. This variety is characterized by extremely early maturity (FAO 130), rapid initial development and elongation growth. Delaying the maize sowing date from A1 to A2 resulted in a 16.5% reduction in starch content in the silage dry matter, and a 14.6% increase in the ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber) fiber fraction. The difference in milk production per hectare between maize sown on date A1 and date A6 was 14,189.51 kg/ha, representing 97.1%. Delaying the maize sowing date led to an increase in the abundance of Clostridium spp. in silages, which are responsible for increased losses of dry matter, including starch. No butyric acid was detected in the silages as a final product of butyric fermentation. The low abundance of bacteria from the family Enterobacteriaceae in the silages indicated that they were well prepared. Silages prepared from maize sown at later dates were characterized by a higher abundance of undesirable mold fungi, which are responsible for dry matter losses, including starch. The coefficient of determination showed that 38.54% of the variation in silage starch content was explained by variation in mold abundance in the silage. According to the Flieg–Zimmer scale, all silages received a very good rating, regardless of maize sowing date. Full article

Domestication has profoundly shaped the phenotypic differentiation and genetic architecture of Perilla. However, analyses of the morphological difference between its cultivated and weedy forms across its varieties remains incomplete. This study analyzed morphological variation, genetic diversity, population structure, and marker–trait associations of 45 accessions representing the cultivated and weedy forms of two Perilla varieties (P. frutescens var. frutescens and var. crispa) collected from South Korea and Japan. Analyses of ten qualitative and quantitative agronomic traits revealed clear domestication-related differentiation. Cultivated var. frutescens showed larger and heavier seeds, whereas cultivated var. crispa and the weedy accessions were characterized by longer inflorescences and higher floret numbers but smaller seeds. Strong positive correlations were observed among seed-related traits, particularly between seed size and seed weight (r = 0.932), indicating coordinated selection of seed traits. Genetic diversity analysis using 70 SSR markers identified 330 alleles consistent with domestication bottlenecks in cultivated forms while higher diversity was generally retained in the weedy accessions. Population structure, UPGMA clustering, and principal coordinate analyses broadly differentiated the cultivated and weedy accessions, although partial admixture indicated shared ancestry and historical gene flow. Association mapping using Q-based GLM and Q + K MLM models identified 23 significant marker–trait associations involving 16 SSR markers consistently detected across both models. Several markers were associated with multiple traits, implying pleiotropy or tight genetic linkage. Notably, five SSR markers (KNUPF192, KNUPF202, KNUPF207, KNUPF230, and KNUPF238) may represent potential candidate loci for marker-assisted selection to improve seed-related traits in var. frutescens and leaf-related traits in var. crispa. Full article

In authenticity checking of tobacco products, the identification of the varieties present is of primary importance. Nowadays the detection of illegal tobacco products is often based on package analysis and administrative verification, sometimes complemented with laboratory analysis. In this study an approach based on IR spectroscopy (MID-IR and NIR) for the identification of tobacco varieties in tobacco blends is proposed. Therefore, different blends were prepared, spectra were measured, and binary PLS-DA models were created. All models were evaluated and compared for their predictive performance, using both cross-validation (internal validation) and an external test set. For the best-performing model for each analyte the limit of detection was estimated. Finally, quantitative models were created to estimate the relative amount of one of the targeted varieties in the mixtures and a proof of concept using five commercial tobacco blends was performed. NIR proved to outperform MID-IR with maximum values of correct classification rate, precision, specificity, and accuracy for four varieties and only one misclassification for the two remaining ones. Indicative limit of detection values were obtained between 1 and 8%. Quantitative errors were all smaller than 5%. These values as well as the application to commercial samples proved the feasibility of the presented approach and its potential value as tool in the fight against fraud and counterfeited tobacco products. Full article

Hordeum brevisubulatum ‘Mengnong No. 2’ is a new forage variety developed using traditional group selection breeding techniques. It features notable advantages in plant height, tillering capacity, and overall biomass yield. However, key molecular breeding techniques such as molecular marker identification and genetic manipulation have yet to be established for this variety, limiting improvements in important traits. Consequently, we assessed the biomass of ‘Mengnong No. 2’ against ‘Mengnong No. 1’, the most widely cultivated variety in the central and western regions of Inner Mongolia, China. We report that fresh forage, dry forage, and seed yields of ‘Mengnong No. 2’ increased by 20.6%, 31.78%, and 34.35%, respectively, compared with the control variety, indicating broad prospects for its application and promotion. To enable rapid identification of ‘Mengnong No. 2’ during its promotion and to prevent production losses caused by variety admixture, we used three screened SSR primer pairs (GST25, GST37, GST127) to construct a DNA fingerprint for five H. brevisubulatum varieties, including ‘Mengnong No. 2’. With the percentage of polymorphic bands exceeding 95%, these profiles enabled precise identification of the ‘Mengnong No. 2’ variety. Furthermore, callus regeneration in H. brevisubulatum represents a bottleneck for directed molecular breeding techniques such as genetic transformation and gene editing. Accordingly, we selected the inflorescences of ‘Mengnong No. 2’ as explants and investigated the callus induction and regeneration capacity of inflorescences at different developmental stages. We found that explants at the spikelet primordia differentiation stage exhibited the highest callus induction and regeneration efficiencies, reaching 62.7% and 72.8%, respectively. The resulting embryogenic callus lines can serve as recipients for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or gene gun bombardment, facilitating the development of subsequent high-efficiency genetic transformation and gene-editing systems. The SSR-based variety identification system and the highly efficient regeneration technology using inflorescence-derived callus established in this study lay a solid foundation for the development of a molecular breeding system for ‘Mengnong No. 2’. Full article

Deciphering the coloration mechanism of natural-colored cocoons in the domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori) is of great importance for the green and sustainable development of the sericulture industry. In this study, 14 silkworm strains were selected for studying differences in the coloration mechanism of diverse cocoon colors, and the present research carried out integrated investigations from three aspects: pigment content, differences in gene expression levels, and gene structural variation. The results demonstrated that pigment accumulation presented distinct tissue-specific and strain-specific characteristics. The middle silk gland (MSG) acts as the primary locus for pigment deposition: silkworm strains forming yellow or red cocoons accumulate carotenoids at high levels in this tissue, whereas those producing green cocoons show abundant flavonoid enrichment here. Analysis of gene expression profiles indicated that the expression patterns of core transporter genes are highly correlated with the spatial distribution of pigments. The expression level of CBP gene in the MSG is over 10-fold higher than that in the midgut (MG) among yellow/red cocoon strains. The pivotal glycosylation gene UGT86 displayed remarkably elevated expression in the MSG relative to other tissues across all green cocoon silkworm strains. The CBP gene acts as a core regulatory factor governing the transport of carotenoid pigments, and notable disparities existed in the coding region of the gene among silkworm strains with different cocoon colors. In contrast to yellow and red cocoon strains, the transcription start site of CBP gene is displaced in silkworm varieties that form green or white cocoons. In summary, this study clarified the expression patterns and variations in key pigment deposition-related genes at the population level for the first time and provided data references for the study of the biological basis and coloration mechanism of diverse cocoon colors. Full article

Phosphorus deficiency in the environment induces phosphate (Pi) starvation responses of plants, in which the phosphate transporter is one of the most critical functional genes in this response mechanism. As a prevalent green manure crop in China, Vicia villosa plays a critical role in sustainable agricultural systems, and the expression of its phosphate transporter gene (VvPHT1) is modulated by soil phosphorus availability, highlighting its key adaptive function in nutrient acquisition and utilization under low-Pi conditions. Functional studies of this gene and its promoter contribute to exploring the molecular mechanisms of the tolerance of green manure crops to low phosphorus stress and to improving phosphorus-efficient V. villosa varieties. In this study, analysis of the VvPHT1 promoter sequence revealed a 1524 bp region containing multiple root-specific cis-regulatory elements, including five NODCON2GM, one NODCON1GM, six OSE2ROOTNODULE, one OSE1ROOTNODULE, and fifteen ROOTMOTIFTAPOX1 motifs. Histochemical GUS staining of transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.) showed that the VvPHT1 promoter directed root-specific expression of the GUS reporter gene. A fusion expression vector pCAMBIA1300-VvPHT1--GFP was constructed and transformed into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) cells for subcellular localization analysis, indicating that the protein encoded by VvPHT1 was localized to the plasma membrane. To quantify its expression, VvPHT1 transcript levels in VvPHT1-overexpressing Arabidopsis (OEPHT1) lines were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) under different phosphorus supply conditions. The results demonstrated that under low-Pi conditions, the expression of VvPHT1 was significantly upregulated in the OEPHT1 lines compared to those of normal-Pi conditions. Furthermore, under low-Pi treatment, the OEPHT1 lines showed significantly increased fresh weight, primary root length, phosphorus content, and chlorophyll content compared to the wild-type Arabidopsis (WT), while no such differences were observed under normal-Pi conditions. In conclusion, the VvPHT1 promoter exhibits root-specific activity, and the VvPHT1 gene encodes a plasma-membrane-localized phosphate transporter that is strongly induced by phosphorus deficiency. Its overexpression enhances phosphorus uptake and plant growth under low-Pi conditions, suggesting that VvPHT1 likely functions as a high-affinity phosphate transporter involved in the adaptation to phosphorus starvation. Full article

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an important agricultural crop for human food and animal feed. Soybean yield is severely constrained by abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought, which affect large proportions of arable and irrigated lands worldwide. This necessitates the development of new soybean varieties tolerant to these stress factors. Mutation breeding is an effective approach to improve the stress tolerance of plants due to increased genetic diversity. In this study, two gamma-induced salinity and drought-tolerant soybean mutants (SM1 and SM3-1) were compared with the parental line S04-05 using GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. GO enrichment analyses revealed extensive differential gene expression in the mutant lines under stress conditions, with significant enrichment of pathways related to photosynthesis, hormone signaling, carbohydrate metabolism, and flavonoid and isoflavonoid biosynthesis. Genotype-specific analyses indicated that the SM3-1 mutant exhibited a dynamic regulatory response associated with maintaining the photosynthetic apparatus and chloroplast homeostasis under stress, whereas the SM1 mutant showed an adaptation strategy based on metabolite-mediated osmotic adjustment and ROS scavenging. Compared to the parental variety S04-05, the mutants showed distinct metabolic regulation in phenylpropanoid/isoflavone metabolism, with upregulation of many isoflavone biosynthesis genes under salinity, drought, and untreated conditions, indicating a key and sustained role of this pathway in stress tolerance. Most SNPs identified in the isoflavone biosynthesis pathway consist of moderate-impact and modifier variations. These findings suggest that gamma mutagenesis and subsequent selection processes allow for the development of novel genetic variants that operate through different physiological and metabolic mechanisms but exhibit similar levels of tolerance. In this respect, the study reveals that mutation breeding is a potentially sustainable and effective breeding strategy for increasing abiotic stress tolerance in soybeans. Full article

Common wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. vulgare) is one of the three major cereal crops cultivated worldwide and plays a key role in ensuring food safety. Adequate nitrogen supply is a key factor affecting the yield and functional properties of the grain of common wheat. Improving the efficiency of soil nitrogen use can be achieved through the application of appropriate mineral fertilizers and proper variety selection. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of residual nitrogen (N_res) remaining after maize cultivation on the functional properties of winter and spring wheat grain. The results of the present study clearly indicate that appropriate selection of the maize hybrid (preceding crop) and nitrogen fertilization strategy (residual nitrogen, N_res) can significantly enhance the antioxidant potential of grain in both forms of wheat (winter and spring). At the same time, our results highlight the practical importance of agronomic practices in improving the functional value of grain, both in terms of nutritional quality and health-promoting potential. Total polyphenol content in grain was stable, while antioxidant activity (ABTS⁺, DPPH) depended on genotype × fertilization interaction, particularly in winter wheat. These changes likely result from differences in polyphenol profile and the proportion of other antioxidants. Appropriate cultivar selection and nitrogen fertilization can enhance the antioxidant potential of wheat. No significant effect of either the preceding crop (maize) or its cultivar, or the form of nitrogen fertilizer, was found on the amino acid and total polyphenol content in winter and spring wheat grain. Population growth and the need to ensure adequate food supply highlight the importance of improving nitrogen management efficiency in agriculture by accounting for the amount and quality of residual soil nitrogen after the preceding crop. Full article