Search Results (1,468)

Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is driven by a tri-component system involving the pinewood nematode, Monochamus spp. beetle vectors, and susceptible pine hosts. Chemical control remains a scenario-dependent option for emergency suppression and high-value protection, but its deployment is constrained by strong regional regulatory and practical differences. In Europe (e.g., Portugal and Spain), field chemical control is generally not practiced; post-harvest phytosanitary treatments for wood and wood packaging rely mainly on heat treatment, and among ISPMs only sulfuryl fluoride is listed for wood treatment with limited use. This review focuses on recent progress in PWD chemical control, summarizing advances in nematicide discovery and modes of action, greener formulations and delivery technologies, and evidence-based, scenario-oriented applications (standing-tree protection, vector suppression, and infested-wood/inoculum management). Recent studies highlight accelerated development of target-oriented nematicides acting on key pathways such as neural transmission and mitochondrial energy metabolism, with structure–activity relationship (SAR) efforts enabling lead optimization. Formulation innovations (water-based and low-solvent products, microemulsions and suspensions) improve stability and operational safety, while controlled-release delivery systems (e.g., micro/nanocapsules) enhance penetration and persistence. Application technologies such as trunk injection, aerial/UAV operations, and fumigation/treatment approaches further strengthen scenario compatibility and operational efficiency. Future research should prioritize robust target–mechanism evidence, resistance risk management and rotation strategies, greener formulations with smart delivery, and scenario-based exposure and compliance evaluation to support precise, green, and sustainable integrated control together with biological and other sustainable approaches. Full article

Lignocellulosic bio-based materials, such as wood, biocomposites, and natural fibers, exhibit desirable structural properties. This comprehensive review emphasizes the foundational and latest advancements in bioinspired improvement strategies, such as direct mineralization, biomineralization, lignocellulosic nanomaterials, protein-based treatments, and metal-chelating processes. Significant focus was placed on biomimetics, emulating natural protective mechanisms, with discussions on relevant topics including hierarchical mineral deposition, free-radical formation and quenching, and selective metal ion binding, and relating them to lignocellulosic bio-based material property improvements, particularly against fire and fungi. This review evaluates the effectiveness of different bioinspired processes: mineralized and biomineralized composites improve thermal stability, nanocellulose and lignin nanoparticles provide physical, thermal, and chemical barriers, proteins offer biochemical inhibition and mineral templating, and chelators interfere with fungal oxidative pathways while simultaneously improving fire retardancy through selective binding with metal ions. Synergistic approaches integrating various mechanisms could potentially lead to long-lasting and multifunctional protection. This review also highlights the research gaps, challenges, and potential for future applications. Full article

Postharvest losses caused by potato tuber moths severely impact storage in the Andean highlands, where reliance on synthetic insecticides poses sustainability and safety concerns. This study evaluated eco-friendly alternatives for protecting stored seed tubers of the widely adopted cultivar INIA 302 Amarilis in Cajamarca, Peru. In two storage facilities, a completely randomized block design compared four treatments: Bacillus thuringiensis plus talc (Bt-talc), talc, agricultural lime, and wood ash against an untreated control. Powders were applied at 50 g per 10 kg of tubers, and incidence, severity of damage, and live larvae were assessed over 150 days. Bt–talc consistently achieved the lowest damage. Incidence in Cochapampa was 16.8% ± 6.2 with Bt-talc, compared with 58.1% ± 3.9 in the control; in Sulluscocha, incidence was 25.5% ± 4.8 and 64.2% ± 3.0 for Bt-talc and the control, respectively. A similar pattern was observed for moth-damage severity in both localities. Live larvae per unit were also markedly lower with 1.3 ± 0.3 (Cochapampa) and 1.6 ± 0.6 (Sulluscocha) under Bt–talc. A single dusting with Bt–talc, or alternatively agricultural lime, offers effective, accessible, and sustainable control of potato tuber moths in high-Andean storage. Full article

The objective of this study was to determine the total color change and mass loss that heat treatment with six different combinations of temperature and time induces in ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), oak (Quercus robur L.) and walnut (Juglans regia L.) wood. As a result, a color palette was established for the three hardwood species, which are of interest for the furniture industry. Each color was associated with the obtained mass loss to present valuable information on how much the mechanical strength of the heat-treated material was affected. This study is of potential interest for furniture designers, as it promotes the color versatility of wood species without the addition of chemical substances. Full article

Natural fibers are increasingly used as sustainable, lightweight, and low-cost alternatives to glass fibers in polymer composites. However, their inherent hydrophilicity and surface polarity limit compatibility with non-polar polymer matrices. Both gas/solid and plasma fluorination modify only the surface of lignocellulosic materials. Mild conditions are mild, with reactivity governed by fluorine concentration, temperature, and material composition. Surface energy is typically assessed through contact-angle measurements and surface analytical techniques that quantify changes in hydrophobicity and chemical functionalities. In wood, fluorination proceeds preferentially in lignin-rich regions, making lignin a key component controlling reactivity and the spatial distribution of fluorinated groups. Natural fibers follow the same logic as for flax, which is a representative example of lignin content. Applications of fluorinated bio-based materials include improved moisture resistance, enhanced compatibility in composites, and functional surfaces with tailored wetting properties. Scalability depends on safety, cost, and process control, especially for direct fluorination. Durability of the treatment varies with depth of modification, and environmental considerations include the potential release of fluorinated species during use or disposal. Full article

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa (Weston) Rozier) is a high-value crop whose market success depends on fruit quality traits such as sweetness, firmness, and pigmentation. In sustainable agriculture, wood distillates are gaining interest as natural biostimulants. This study evaluated the effects of foliar application of two commercial wood distillates (WD1 and WD2) and one produced in a pilot plant at the Institute for Bioeconomy of the National Research Council of Italy (IBE-CNR) on strawberry physiology, fruit yield, and fruit quality under greenhouse conditions. Non-destructive ecophysiological measurements were integrated using optical sensors for proximal phenotyping, enabling continuous monitoring of plant physiology and fruit ripening. Leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured with a portable photosynthesis system, while vegetation indices and pigment-related parameters were obtained using spectroradiometric sensors and fluorescence devices. To assess the functional relevance of vegetation indices, a linear regression analysis was performed between net photosynthetic rate (A) and the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), confirming a significant positive correlation and supporting PRI as a proxy for photosynthetic efficiency. All treatments improved photosynthetic efficiency during fruiting, with significant increases in net photosynthetic rate, quantum yield of photosystem II, and electron transport rate compared to control plants. IBE-CNR and WD2 enhanced fruit yield, while all treatments increased fruit soluble solids content. Non-invasive monitoring enabled real-time assessment of physiological responses and pigment accumulation, confirming the potential of wood distillates as biostimulants and the value of advanced sensing technologies for sustainable, data-driven crop management. Full article

The molecular weight distribution (MWD) of cellulose and its degree of polymerization (DP) have a significant influence on the strength properties of wood. The most widely used method for analyzing MWD and DP is size exclusion chromatography (SEC). In this study, we monitored changes in the MWD and DP of cellulose in spruce wood after thermal treatment at temperatures of up to 280 °C. We employed the two most prevalent SEC methods: after direct dissolution of cellulose in a solution of dimethylacetamide and lithium chloride, and after its derivatization to tricarbanilates (CTCs). Both methods yield comparable results that correlate well with each other, although CTCs yield approximately 15% higher absolute values of DP. Our results show that a drop in DP begins at 100 °C, particularly above 220 °C, where significant cellulose degradation occurs. Both methods are appropriate for analyzing cellulose in thermally degraded wood. CTCs have the advantage of greater sensitivity and are suitable for small sample quantities. Direct dissolution can also provide information on the aromatic compounds formed during the thermal treatment of wood when used in conjunction with a refractive index (RI) detector and an ultraviolet (UV) detector. There is a strong linear relationship between DP and the modulus of rupture (MOR), as well as between the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and DP. Full article

High and variable moisture in wood logs limits their use in continuous carbonization reactors. Artificial drying emerges as a solution to homogenize the moisture of the raw material, optimizing the process, increasing yield, and improving the quality of charcoal. This study aimed to develop an experimental fixed-bed drying system for logs, evaluating the effects of cutting layout (40 cm, 20 cm, and split), diameter class (>12 cm, 12.1–14 cm, 14.1–16 cm, and 16.1–18 cm), and residence time (30, 60, and 90 min) at 300 °C. Split logs showed higher heating and drying rates, positively impacting efficiency. However, split and 20 cm logs subjected to 90 min of drying underwent combustion, indicating operational limits for these layouts under the tested conditions. The heartwood and sapwood regions of split logs heated more rapidly, resulting in higher drying rates and moisture loss, directly affecting drying efficiency. Split logs dried for 60 min showed the best drying efficiency and greatest moisture reduction, making this the most recommended treatment. This study not only demonstrates the technical feasibility of artificial drying of logs for continuous carbonization but also establishes fundamental guidelines for the development of more efficient, safe and sustainable industrial technologies in the charcoal production sector. Full article

Peat, a vital component of horticultural growing media (GM), is recognized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a solid fossil fuel which significantly contributes to the depletion of fossil resources and greenhouse gas emissions. This study evaluated the partial replacement of peat with three locally available by-products—wood fiber (WF), coffee silverskin (CS), and brewers’ spent grain (BSG)—in the cultivation of potted ornamental sage through an integrated environmental–economic approach. Ten GM formulations were modeled, with peat substitutions ranging from 0 to 40% (v/v) across one hectare of greenhouse production (90,000 pots). Environmental impacts were assessed using the EPD 2018 method in SimaPro, while eco-efficiency was calculated as the ratio of the environmental impact costs resulting from the different energy consumptions (EUR) to related revenues (EUR). Results revealed only minor variations among impact categories when comparing the alternative growing media with the peat-based control (0PR), with the exception of the Abiotic Depletion of Fossil Fuels (ADff), which showed a consistent decrease at higher peat replacement levels. Treatments with 40% substitution performed best, particularly BSG40 and CS40, with the lowest eco-efficiency ratios (≈approximately 11.4%). WF40 also showed favorable outcomes (≈12.7%), confirming that a 20–40% peat replacement offers the optimal balance between environmental sustainability and economic viability. Overall, partial peat replacement using local by-products effectively reduces the consumption of fossil resources without significantly impacting other environmental indicators, promoting circularity and competitiveness in ornamental plant production. Full article

Lignocellulosic biomass wastes are renewable carbon resources that can be available for conversion into biofuels. There is a growing interest in utilizing a broader range of alternative biomass feedstocks such as agri-crop residues aside from the traditional forest-origin wood residues for fuel pellet production. However, crop residues typically have low and inconsistent fuel quality. This paper investigated the effectiveness of the combined steam explosion and water leaching pretreatment techniques to upgrade the fuel properties of wheat straw. The experimental treatments involved auto-catalyzed steam explosion and acid-catalyzed steam with and without subsequent water leaching. Using steam explosion catalyzed by dilute H₂SO₄ at a low concentration of 0.5 wt%, results showed the highest ash, Si, and Ca removal efficiencies of 82.2%, 91.1%, and 74.3%, respectively. Moreover, there was significant improvement in fuel quality in terms of fuel ratio (0.34) and calorific value HHV (21.9 MJ/kg), as well as a pronounced increase in the comprehensive combustibility index at the devolatization stage, indicating better combustion characteristics. Overall, the results demonstrate that with adequate pretreatment, the quality of agri-pellets derived from wheat straw could potentially be on par with wood pellets that are utilized for heat and power generation and residential heating. To mitigate the dry matter loss due to steam explosion, future studies shall consider using the process effluent to produce biofuel. Full article

Co-combustion in a refuse incinerator is a primary method for treating aged refuse (AR). Given the high contents of heavy metals and chlorine in AR, it is crucial to investigate their release and fate during co-combustion to achieve environmentally sound treatment. This study investigated the release and volatilization of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb) and HCl during the co-combustion of AR and municipal solid waste (MSW) through chemical thermodynamic equilibrium analysis. The effects of several parameters on the volatilization of heavy metals and HCl were analyzed, including incineration temperature, the N₂/O₂ ratio, the degree of refuse classification, the blending ratio of AR, and the effects of conventional calcium-based additives. The results showed that high temperature promoted the volatilization of Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, and HCl. A lower N₂/O₂ ratio suppressed Zn and HCl volatilization. A higher degree of MSW classification (with lower proportions of kitchen and wood waste) and an increased AR blending ratio enhanced Zn fixation. CaO at high temperature only suppressed HCl volatilization, with a minor effect on heavy metals. Two modified calcium-based additives (CaBSiO₄OH and CaB₅SiO₉(OH)₅) with strong high-temperature Cu removal capabilities were explored, and their risk index was analyzed. Full article

Extensive growth promoter use in livestock production has raised concerns about their role in selective pressure on resistant microorganisms, driving interest in natural alternatives such as essential oils (EOs). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of tea tree, holy wood, and citronella EOs on in vitro ruminal fermentation. The study follows a completely randomized design with the following five treatments: control, monensin (5 μM), tea tree EO (50 mg/L), holy wood EO (50 mg/L), and citronella EO (50 mg/L), each conducted in triplicate. Incubations were performed at 39 °C for 48 h in the rumen fluid collected from fistulated cattle fed a 20:80 forage-to-concentrate diet. Notably, EOs exhibited no significant effects on pH, microbial protein production, total volatile fatty acids, or in vitro dry matter digestibility (p > 0.05). Tea tree and holy wood EOs enhanced deamination activity, and all treatments increased ammonia concentration compared with that in the control. Monensin treatment increased acetate concentration and reduced in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility; holy wood EO exhibited a similar trend. Altogether, the findings of this study suggest that EOs can selectively modulate the ruminal microbiota, influencing nitrogen metabolism and fermentation patterns without impairing rumen stability. Full article

Windows represent a critical component of a building’s envelope, influencing not only thermal performance and natural interior lighting but also the overall environmental impact of the structure. This study applies life cycle assessment to evaluate the impacts of operable and fixed wood-based windows covering the system boundaries of the product stage and maintenance. Scenarios are modelled for different frame surface treatments, regarding varnish layers, paint presence, and aluminium cladding. The impact categories assessed include elements, fossils, and ozone layer depletion; potentials of global warming, acidification, eutrophication; photochemical ozone creation; and toxicity to humans, freshwater and marine water, as well as terrestrial ecotoxicity. The results indicate that the embodied environmental impact of the wood material alone remains relatively small while glazing and aluminium cladding dominate. Regarding the surface treatment, the varnish quantity as well as the presence of paint do not significantly influence the environmental impact. Differences between operable and fixed windows also reflect additional materials and hardware requirements, resulting in operable windows exhibiting higher environmental impacts across all assessed categories. The findings of this study highlight the important role of structural elements and additional components on the overall environmental impact regarding the complexity of a window. Full article

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of hydrothermal treatment (different steaming process) conditions, specifically temperature, pressure, and steaming time on selected physical properties of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.), such as moisture content, density, colour, and longitudinal contraction. The research was conducted using two steaming modes: pressure steaming process (108 °C, 181 kPa, 7 h) and atmospheric steaming process (80 °C, 101 kPa, 15 h). The results showed that pressure steaming caused a more significant decrease in moisture content (by 16.9%) compared to atmospheric steaming (by 8.0%) and a smaller variation in values, which is favourable for subsequent drying. The differences in density after steaming were not statistically significant. On the contrary, longitudinal shortening was significantly greater with pressure steaming, which may indicate the release of tension reaction wood. The colour change was similar in both modes; lightness (L*) decreased and the wood acquired a redder hue without a significant effect of steaming conditions on the overall colour differentiation (ΔE). The results confirm that steaming temperature and pressure have a significant effect on the moisture change and longitudinal contraction of beech wood, while density and colour change remain relatively stable. The length of the steaming process has a major effect on the colour change of the wood. Full article

The global production of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) has increased rapidly due to rising demand for antioxidant-rich fruits, making this crop increasingly important worldwide. Because blueberries require acidic soils, soilless systems offer a promising alternative by optimizing nutrient availability and reducing soil-related limitations. Among sustainable amendments, biochar (BC) improves water retention, porosity, and microbial activity, while wood distillate (WD), rich in bioactive compounds, can enhance plant resilience and growth. Although often used separately, their combined application may exert synergistic effects on substrate fertility and plant performance. This study investigated the effects of BC and WD, alone and in combination, on the growth, yield, and fruit quality of the ‘Cargo’ blueberry cultivar grown in a soilless system. Two distinct harvests were conducted during the growing season, and statistical analyses were performed independently for each, assessing treatment effects in relation to harvest timing. Moreover, the metabolic activity of the substrate’s microbial community was evaluated to assess the impact of the treatments. Results showed that BC application, particularly at 10%, significantly enhanced plant yield and fruit quality, increasing total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, while WD exhibited variable, dose-dependent effects on growth and biochemical traits, highlighting species-specific responses in soilless blueberry cultivation. Full article