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The draft Strategic plan of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the Czech Republic has provoked the displeasure of many entrepreneurs in agriculture due to the redistributive payments, to which 23% of the total volume of direct payments will be directed instead of the originally planned 10%. According to the creators of the Strategic plan, this should support the fairer distribution of payments, respecting the benefits arising from the scale of production of large companies. Critics of the plan claim that operating subsidies are already degressive and fear an adverse impact on medium-sized companies, which, given the structure of the companies in the Czech Republic, will affect a large part of agriculture. This article aims to identify the farm size for which direct payments will be reduced and the likely degree of the impact on the farm economy. Our results suggest that the new payment system will lead to a reduction in direct payments for farms larger than 313 ha and, from a farm size of 873 ha, direct payments will fall below 85% of the average, which may cover around 50% of the agricultural land in the Czech Republic.

The aim of the present study was to compare carcass characteristics and meat quality of fast- (Ross 308), medium- (Hubbard JA757) and slow-growing (ISA Dual) chickens (n = 1 980). When the chickens reached an average live weight of 2 kg, 40 birds (males to females, 1 : 1) of each genotype were randomly selected and slaughtered for carcass analysis. Pectoralis major (PM) muscle samples were taken to determine the physical and chemical parameters of the meat quality. The fast- and medium-growing genotypes had higher (+3.24% and +3.84%, respectively) dressing out percentages than the slow-growing chickens. As expected, the breast percentage significantly decreased in the order of fast growth > medium growth > slow growth. The abdominal fat percentage was the lowest in Ross 308 chickens, but the abdominal fat percentage in JA757 and ISA Dual chickens did not differ. For edible organs, fast- and medium-growing chickens had heavier hearts and livers than slow-growing chickens. In contrast, ISA Dual chickens showed heavier gizzards. Genotype dramatically affected the chemical composition of PM muscle. The ISA Dual chickens exhibited a significantly higher proportion of dry matter and protein and lower ether extract and cholesterol content than Ross 308 chickens, with intermediate values for JA757 chickens. The ISA Dual group had a lower ash content than Ross 308 and JA757 groups. In terms of physical parameters, the ISA Dual chickens had higher lightness and yellowness and lower redness, pH 24, and cooking loss than those of the other genotypes. Concerning all genotypes, the shear force values increased from fast- to slow-growing chickens. In conclusion, this study found a difference between the genotypes. Although the slow-growing chickens showed the lowest dressing out and breast percentages compared with the other genotypes, the breast meat of the slow-growing chickens had more favourable nutritional properties.

Quantitative bacterial culture (QBC) is the gold standard for determining urinary tract infections. However, the majority of urine samples were sent to a lab for further bacterial culture. Therefore, the storage condition was vital to maintain the quality and accuracy of the urine samples. The main objective of our study was to examine the urine QBC outcomes of (1) immediate culture, (2) culture after urine sample storage at ambient temperature for 24 h, and (3) culture after urine sample storage at 4 °C for 24 hours. There were 49 feline samples and 30 canine samples included in this study. All QBC samples kept at ambient temperature and refrigerator were consistent with immediate QBC in cats. Eight positive results from immediate QBC were in accordance with refrigerated results in dogs. There were ten positive results in the room-temperature sample with two false-positive results. Our study showed that storing conditions at room temperature or refrigeration for 24 h does not impact the results of QBC in cat urine samples. For dog samples, chilled samples have a higher accuracy rate than room temperature samples, although the overall agreement was still satisfactory.

The aim of the study was to establish reference values for plasma bile acid (BA) concentrations in a collection of healthy green iguanas and to compare the results with BA concentrations in iguana patients presented to the clinic with various types of chronic liver diseases, patients with other chronic diseases and healthy iguanas that were presented for routine or pre-surgical health check-up. The concentration of BA was determined using the enzymatic colorimetric method. Mean plasma bile acid concentration in 110 samples from healthy green iguanas fasted for 24 h was higher (15.89 ± 15.61 μmol/l) than plasma bile acid concentration in the same iguanas fasted for 48 h (9.56 ± 8.52 μmol/l) (P < 0.01). The 3α-hydroxy bile acid concentration was significantly altered in 9 patients suffering from chronic liver diseases (diagnosed by histology) (84.85 ± 22.29 µmol/l). BA concentration in one iguana with hepatocellular adenoma (13.0 µmol/l) was within the interval of BA in healthy iguanas. Mean plasma BA concentration in 10 green iguanas that were suffering from various types of chronic diseases, but without any hepatopathy was 7.85 ± 4.86 μmol/l. The mean plasma BA concentration in 18 samples from green iguanas presented to the clinic for routine health check-ups and 17 green iguana females with preovulatory follicle stasis (POFS) syndrome presented for ovariectomy was 11.95 ± 9.43 μmol/l and 12.97 ± 9.06 μmol/l, respectively. The data collected from this study suggest that plasma bile acids are significantly increased in green iguanas suffering from chronic liver diseases.

Among the varieties of pineapples, honey pineapple is suitable to be processed as a probiotic beverage. The study aimed to evaluate the honey pineapple juice as a growth medium for Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum Dad-13 probiotic strain. The pineapple juice was fermented by adding a starter culture of L. plantarum Dad-13. The fermentation time (0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h) was used as a variable. The number of L. plantarum Dad-13 cells increased significantly after fermentation (P < 0.05). In acidic pineapple juice L. plantarum Dad-13 can still grow more than 2 log cycles. After 16 h, the results showed the best characteristics with cell count (8.86 log CFU·mL^–1), pH (3.52), and titratable acidity (0.59%). To balance the sour taste, the 8% sucrose addition was the most preferred by the panellists (n = 67), with a 5.74 (slightly like) overall acceptance score. After 42 days, there was no significant decrease in cell viability. The number of cells on day 42 was 8.81 log CFU·mL^–1 with significant changes in pH and titratable acidity. The study showed that honey pineapple juice is a suitable growth medium for L. plantarum Dad-13.

This study was conducted to model and optimise the efficiency of a disc plough on loamy-sand soil in South-East Nigeria to aid farmers to examine and choose the right ploughing implement based on the soil type for an effective and bountiful production. The operational speed and cutting depth were taken as factors for the study of the plough efficiency. The results revealed that the highest field efficiency of 80% was noted when the plough worked at the cutting depth of 30 cm and a speed of 5 km·h^–1 while the lowest efficiency of 68.10% was achieved at a speed of 9 km·h^–1 and a depth of 10 cm. The quadratic model was significant for the response (P < 0.05). The results indicated that the coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.98, which specified the high correlation among the factors. The predicted R² (0.76) was consistent with the adjusted R² of 0.96. The adequacy precision of 24.89 showed a suitable indicator and that the model could navigate the design space. The optimum field efficiency and the desirability of 77.50% and 1.00 were, respectively, obtained at an optimum speed of 7 km·h^–1 and a cutting depth of 30 cm. Farmers can, however, assess and select the implements with the aid of the developed model.

Rice serves as a crucial staple food for nearly half of the world’s population. However, rice paddies contribute remarkably to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Prior studies often showed a trade-off between reducing GHG emissions and impairing rice yield. In this study, we explore the possibility of employing modulating probiotics to develop a win-win strategy for enhancing rice yields while reducing GHG emissions. Three paired plots of rice paddies were used in the field experiment during the spring growing season (from February to July 2022). Each pair of plots was divided into control and probiotic addition paddies to investigate the effects of modulating probiotic treatment on GHG emissions using the whole-plant chambers. Our results revealed notable reductions in GHG emissions and increases in rice yield with the probiotic treatment relative to the control. The probiotic treatment resulted in a 47.58% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, a 21.53% reduction in methane (CH₄) emissions, and an impressive 88.50% reduction in nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions over the growing season. We also observed a 27.75% increase in rice yield with the probiotic treatment. These findings suggest that employing modulating probiotics has the potential to pave the way for mutually beneficial outcomes, enhancing rice productivity while mitigating the GHG emissions associated with rice cultivation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exogenous 2, 4-epibrassinolide (EBR) on the yield of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.). A 2-year field experiment was conducted on Tartary buckwheat (cv. Jinqiao 2) with different concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/L) of EBR and brassinolide (BRZ, inhibitor of brassinolide synthesis). The seed setting rate, agronomic traits, and yield initially increased and then decreased with an increase in the EBR application rate. The seed setting rate, agronomic traits, and yield decreased gradually with an increase in BRZ concentration, and yield was the lowest at 2.0 mg/L. The appropriate application of exogenous EBR could promote the increase of Tartary buckwheat yield. Compared with 0 mg/L (control), the 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/L treatments increased yield by 13.53, 32.73, and 7.08%, respectively, while the high-concentration treatment (2.0 mg/L) decreased by 4.13%. In conclusion, the appropriate concentration of EBR treatment (0.5 mg/L) delayed the senescence of Tartary buckwheat by increasing its root activity and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in leaves. Simultaneously, it increased the chlorophyll content of Tartary buckwheat leaves, enhanced photosynthesis, increased nonstructural carbohydrate content, and augmented the "source," increasing the seed setting rate and yield of Tartary buckwheat. This concentration is recommended for use in the production of Tartary buckwheat.

Lameness and mastitis are two of the most economically important issues for the dairy industry. This study aimed to obtain a clearer analysis of the link between mastitis and lameness in dairy cows using the Mastitis Score and detecting the pathogens that predominate in dairy cows’ milk samples with claw diseases. During routine claw trimming, milk samples were collected from dairy cows in two Slovak dairy farms. Out of 558 cows presented for claw trimming, 144 cows (25.8%) exhibited lameness from claw diseases. The most prevalent disease in our study was digital dermatitis (43.1%), followed by toe necrosis (41.7%), and Rusterholz ulcer (15.3%). Udder inflammation in clinical form was diagnosed based on clinical examination of individual udder quarters, and sensory evaluation of milk from each quarter and in the subclinical form by the CMT. Mastitis was detected in 80 cows with claw diseases, clinical mastitis in 14 cows (17.5%), and subclinical mastitis in 66 cows (82.5%). On both farms, Mastitis Scores were significantly higher in dairy cows affected by claw diseases than in the non-lame ones. In mastitic cows affected by claw diseases, environmental pathogens dominated the infected milk samples. Our findings showed that cows with claw disease were more likely to have mastitis.

This study examined the impact of selenomethionine (SeMet) on the growth and physiological traits of Salvia miltiorrhiza seedlings. Application of SeMet significantly improved the photosynthetic performance by reducing stomatal limitation value (Ls) and increasing soil and plant analyser development (SPAD) value, net photosynthetic rate (P_n), transpiration rate (T_r), stomatal conductance (g_s) and water use efficiency (WUE), compared to the control. Furthermore, SeMet also improved the photosynthetic performance by reducing non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and increasing the actual photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Y(II)), photochemical quenching (qP), maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (F_v/F_m) and apparent electron transport rate (ETR). Meanwhile, the findings indicated that SeMet was able to enhance the antioxidant capacity of S. miltiorrhiza seedlings by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), thereby reducing the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Besides, SeMet notably impacted plant growth by promoting plant height, basal diameter and biomass. Among different concentrations, 60 mg/L exhibited the most favourable impact on photosynthetic performance, antioxidant capacity and the growth of S. miltiorrhiza seedlings. In summary, the appropriate dosage of SeMet can stimulate the growth of S. miltiorrhiza by enhancing photosynthetic and antioxidant capacities. These findings can serve as a solid theoretical foundation for the application of SeMet in the cultivation and production of S. miltiorrhiza.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) extract on in vitro rumen fermentation, fatty acid profile, and microbial population. Rumen fluid was obtained from three female dairy goats fed a similar diet of 60% Napier grass and 40% commercial pellets. The substrate used for the fermentation was a Napier grass and commercial pellet mixture (60 : 40 in dry matter) and the treatment diets were: CON (substrate without OPEFB extract), OPEFB-5 (substrate with 5% of OPEFB extract), OPEFB-10 (substrate with 10% of OPEFB extract). The characteristics of rumen fermentation including pH, fermentation kinetics, total gas production, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, fatty acid (FA) production, and microbial populations were examined. Results showed that OPEFB supplementation decreased rumen acetate concentration, increased isoacid concentrations as well as palmitic acid concentration. Meanwhile, the population of total bacteria, protozoa, and B. fibrisolvens decreased with the OPEFB supplementation. OPEFB-5 resulted in a moderate amount of acetate, isobutyrate, isovalerate concentration, insoluble fraction of gas production (but degradable), estimated potential gas production as well as B. fibrisolvens population when compared with the control and OPEFB-10 diet. Therefore it is suggested that the supplementation of OPEFB extract at 5% is suitable and practical to be used in ruminant feed without causing an imperative effect on rumen fermentation.

A short-rotation coppice (SRC) system for bioenergy production is vital to supporting climate change mitigation by absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing carbon as biomass. However, SRC's operation also released some greenhouse gas emissions, affecting the environment. This study aims to assess the potential environmental impacts through the life cycle assessment method in bioenergy production from the SRC system. Data was collected through a literature review and database, and the impact categories were then analysed using Sphera LCA for Experts Education License software (Version 9.2.1.68, 2020). In managing plantations for bioenergy production, plants during one rotation (15 years) will be harvested every 3 years (harvesting cycle). Then, there will be five harvesting cycles during a single rotation. The result showed that the first cycle had the highest environmental impacts because the inputs (fuel, lubricant, electricity, fertiliser, and pesticides) in this cycle were higher than others. The highest contribution comes from the first and end cycles as 3 200 and 2 700 kg CO₂ eq, respectively. Meanwhile, cycles 2, 3, and 4 contribute to the carbon footprint as 2 500 kg CO₂ eq for each cycle. Based on input, fuel consumption has resulted in higher environmental impacts than lubricants, fertilisers, and electricity consumption. In conclusion, energy consumption (fuel, lubricant, and electricity) and agrochemicals (fertilisers and pesticides) have released emissions and affected the environment. In the future, fuel and agrochemical consumption should be reduced to minimise the negative environmental impacts in the short-rotation coppice system.

This study evaluated the potential of spent coffee grounds extract (CGE) as an antioxidant supplement in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four experimental diets with varying CGE levels were formulated: 0% (CGE0, control), 2% (CGE2), 4% (CGE4), and 6% (CGE6). Nile tilapia (initial mean body weight = 38.65 ± 0.85 g) were cultured in fiberglass tanks at a stocking density of 20 fish/m² under continuous aeration. The fish were fed three times daily at 5% of their total body weight. After an 8-week experimental period, the fish fed CGE-supplemented diets exhibited significantly higher growth rate compared to the control group, with CGE4 showing the most pronounced improvement in final body weight (P = 0.027) and weight gain (P = 0.050). However, no significant differences were observed in average daily growth (P = 0.054), specific growth rate (P = 0.256), survival rate (P = 0.487), and feed conversion ratio (P = 0.105) between the dietary treatments. Fish on the CGE6 diet exhibited the highest total plasma protein (P = 0.001) and immunoglobulin levels (P = 0.000). Moreover, CGE supplementation enhanced superoxide dismutase (P = 0.000) and glutathione peroxidase (P = 0.016) activities relative to the control group. The histopathological analysis showed significantly longer intestinal villi in fish fed CGE-supplemented diets, with the longest villi observed in the CGE6 group (P = 0.000). Fish fillets from the CGE6 group exhibited the highest springiness, while hardness was comparable between CGE6 and CGE4 but significantly higher than in CGE2 and CGE0. Additionally, CGE supplementation significantly influenced the colour expression, increasing lightness (L*) while decreasing redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values. These findings indicate that 4% CGE supplementation is the most effective concentration, as it significantly promotes growth as evidenced by the highest weight gain, while also enhancing blood biochemical parameters, flesh quality, and antioxidative responses in Nile tilapia.

This study evaluated the effects of feeding European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) that developed from the fingerling to juvenile stage a diet supplemented with a blend of Padina sp. and GroBiotic^®-A over a 12-week period. A total of 480 fish (initial weight: 2.08 ± 0.06 g) were randomly allocated to four groups, each comprising three replicates. The fish were fed to satiation with diets containing varying proportions of Padina sp. and GroBiotic^®-A: 0% Padina sp. and 0% GroBiotic^®-A (0P0G), 1% Padina sp. and 1% GroBiotic^®-A (1P1G), 2% Padina sp. and 1% GroBiotic^®-A (2P1G), and 4% Padina sp. and 1% GroBiotic^®-A (4P1G). The 4P1G group demonstrated significant improvements in growth performance parameters, including final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in other parameters including feed conversion ratio, visceral somatic index, and survival rate (P > 0.05). Histological analysis of liver and intestinal tissues showed no pathological alterations (P > 0.05); more likely, only adaptive and non-pathological morphological changes such as moderate lipid vacuolisation and preserved mucosal structure were noted. Furthermore, dietary supplementation of the Padina sp. and GroBiotic^®-A blend significantly upregulated the expression of growth-related genes, specifically growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the combination of Padina sp. and GroBiotic^®-A has a synergistic potential to enhance the growth performance without inducing digestive disturbances. Nevertheless, further studies are recommended to assess its effects on fish grown to market size before commercial application.

Chickpeas and oats are rich in essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and flavonoids. Extrusion technology enhances food digestibility, nutrition, and shelf life, thus meeting consumer demands. Instant food products are experiencing market growth due to advancements in processing technologies that cater to healthier ingredients. This study aims to evaluate pre-gelatinised flours produced through extrusion using different proportions of chickpeas and oats (100 : 0, 90 : 10, and 80 : 20) and compare them with their respective raw versions. The physicochemical properties, technological characteristics [Rapid Viscosity Analysis (RVA) and Water Absorption Index (WAI)], applications within the instant food industry, and their potential for acceptance were evaluated. The extruded flours showed lower moisture content and water activity – finally, their application in instant soups, mainly at 10%, increased consumer acceptance. Incorporating oats in the flours resulted in higher water activity, WAI, final viscosity, peak viscosity and pasting temperature. Our results demonstrate that flours with suitable physicochemical and technological properties could be obtained using chickpeas, oats, and extrusion. Its incorporation into instant soups resulted in products with suitable acceptance by consumers.

This study optimised the drying process of kaffir lime leaves (Citrus hystrix DC.) to extend the shelf life and preserve the quality by reducing the moisture content. A Central Composite Design (CCD) under the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) framework was employed, with the temperature (55 °C, 60 °C, 65 °C) and drying time (5, 5.5, 6 h) as the variables. Experiments were conducted with a mechanical food dehydrator, and the parameters evaluated included the water content and drying yields. The optimal condition was identified as 60 °C for 5 h, resulting in a drying yield of 33.3% and a final moisture content of 7.153 (% w.b.), which meets the quality standards for dried products. The novelty of this research lies in the application of RSM to determine effective drying conditions for kaffir lime leaves, which are not widely used, but have good economic potential. The research proved that drying with the right conditions can greatly improve the quality and stability of dried kaffir lime leaves.

This study investigates the effects of salt stress and gamma irradiation on growth, biochemical, and physiological responses in three sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivars. Control plants were irrigated with fresh water (EC = 1.1 dS/m), whereas salt stress was imposed with an irrigation of 9 dS/m. Seeds were irradiated with gamma rays (0, 50, 100, 200, 400 Gy) before sowing. Exposure to salt stress reduced root yield (RY), sugar yield (SY), chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)). In contrast, oxidative damage increased, as indicated by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. Interestingly, salt stress enhanced sugar content, with the Eudoro cultivar showing the greatest resilience, maintaining higher RY and SY and lower MDA compared to the other cultivars. Gamma irradiation at moderate doses (50–200 Gy) alleviated the effects of salt stress, with the strongest improvements in SY observed at 100 and 200 Gy. These treatments enhanced RY, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant activities, while also improving photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) and cellular integrity. Higher doses (> 200 Gy) reduced sugar content, indicating dose-specific effects. Eudoro exhibited superior salt tolerance, maintaining higher root and sugar yields (RY, SY) and reduced oxidative damage (lower MDA) under salt stress. These findings demonstrate that gamma irradiation at optimal doses enhances salt tolerance in sugar beet, offering cultivar-specific benefits for breeding programmes in saline environments.

In this study, we present a detailed geochemical characterisation and stable isotope systematics of silver (Ag) in a mining waste facility at the Namib Lead & Zinc mine in Namibia (Africa). We examined a series of flotation tailings and ore minerals to address two principal questions: (1) the distribution, chemical form and leachability of Ag, and (2) the local Ag isotopic signature(s) and its variability in relation to Ag speciation in the solid phase, as well as the fate of stable Ag isotopes. Our findings reveal a significant correlation between Ag and Pb concentrations, indicating that galena is the primary Ag carrier. Most importantly, all mild extractions mobilised only a minimal amount of Ag (≤ 1 wt.% of the total amount). This suggests that most Ag is associated with geochemically stable phases, specifically sulphides, which are not subjected to leaching and/or intensive weathering. Unlike other isotope studies, the present research demonstrates a homogeneous Ag isotopic signal in the tailings and individual ore samples with an average δ¹⁰⁹Ag value of ~ 0‰ (± 0.1, 2SD). Therefore, this study provides new knowledge and clearly supports the use of Ag isotopic data to track primary Ag sources globally, not only in Africa.

Rice paddy fields serve as an important source of stable food supply and a notable contributor to atmospheric methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). Rice cultivar selection acts as a pivotal factor in regulating greenhouse gas (GHGs) of CH₄ and N₂O emissions from rice paddy fields. However, little is known about how different types of rice cultivars affect CH₄ and N₂O emissions. In the study, three types of rice cultivars, including Japonica-type Indica-Japonica hybrid rice (JHR: ZJY1578 and JHY5), Indica-type hybrid rice (IHR: ZZY8 and JFY2), and inbred rice (IR: J67 and XS121), were selected to evaluate differences in mitigating GHGs. Results showed that the total CH₄ and N₂O emissions of two Japonica-type Indica-Japonica hybrid rice cultivars were 49.81–60.01 kg/ha and 0.67–0.83 g/ha, respectively, which were lower than those of the other two rice cultivar types. The total equivalent of carbon dioxide emissions of CH₄ and N₂O (TCO₂-eq) of two Japonica hybrid rice significantly reduced by 16.7–46.9%, compared with the other two types of rice cultivars (IHR and IR). CH₄ contributed 85.5–89.9% to the GWP, while 65.6–80.4% in the field of planting inbred rice. The reduction in GHGs emissions is mainly attributed to yield, available carbon and nitrogen contents, root morphological characteristics, and functional genes. Consequently, GHGs emissions in paddy fields could be mitigated by selecting or breeding cultivars with high yield, lower root exudates, and greater root porosity.

The growing demand for vegetables free from pesticide residues has fuelled the search for sustainable pest management solutions. This study assessed the efficacy of azadirachtin, a neem-derived biopesticide, in achieving no detectable pesticide residues in tomato production under open-field conditions. The experiment, conducted from April to September 2024, included a systematic application and residue analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The results showed that azadirachtin degraded rapidly, with residual levels in leaves, green fruits, and mature fruits falling below the detection threshold (0.01 mg/kg) after 8–10 days following treatment. The statistical analysis revealed strong time-dependent residue dissipation, with little systemic buildup in fruit tissues. The findings suggest that azadirachtin is a viable, environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides, aligning with food safety requirements and customer preferences for pesticide residue-free fruit. Future research should investigate the ecological factors that affect degradation rates to optimise its application in diverse agro-climatic conditions.

Despite all the complications that arise with root research, such as slow, laborious, and unclear genetics, roots are a promising object of interest for breeders because many root traits are compatible with high yield potential. It is a great challenge for further research that there is a wide demand for information on the “hidden half of plant metabolism” from many research fields. We have summarized the main obstacles in root system research and sketched a solution for breeding in field conditions so that the result was more meaningful to the farmer. (i) The most important challenge in root research is linking the functional identification of root system properties with the aboveground parts. (ii) Field breeding is irreplaceable, and methods allowing the evaluation of roots under field conditions are indispensable. (iii) Low heritability of root system trait discourages breeders. However, root properties show broad genotypic variability, allowing the efficient use of these traits as selection criteria. (iv) The root traits are variable, and many fluctuate under the influence of environmental factors, which complicates efforts to define ideotypes and explains the different conclusions obtained by researchers from different environments. The breeding programs targeting the root system are sporadic even in a global context. This is a great reserve for breeding progress in the era of climate change, water scarcity, a possible shift to extensive farming systems, and in the era of environmental programs.

In this study, we assessed the salt tolerance of 38 wheat cultivars from primary wheat cultivation regions in China using a membership function value (MFV) during the germination and seedling emergence stages. Based on salt tolerance assessment, three contrasting groups were classified, with 10 tolerant, 23 moderately tolerant and 5 sensitive cultivars under low salt stress, and 4 tolerant, 25 moderately tolerant and 9 sensitive cultivars under high salt stress and in addition to Na⁺ and K⁺ homeostasis regulation, nitrogen efficient transfer from seed to plant tissues denoted the significant positive correlation with salt tolerance, confirming the importance of nutrient spectra organisation. Salt-tolerant and moderately tolerant cultivars had lower trait network modularity than salt-sensitive cultivars, demonstrating that wheat with different salt tolerance uses alternative strategies to cope with salt stress. These results were important for germplasm evaluation and variety breeding of salt tolerance in wheat.

The aim of this work was to study the use of different types of wood products by the G20 countries. In the current scenario, every country is concerned about the severe exploitation of forests and the ensuing lack of markets for timber. Production and consumption of wood and wood products by the G20 countries account for 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world's population. Data for the study includes eight major categories of wood products in the G20 countries from 2004 to 2021: industrial raw wood, sawlogs and veneer logs, sawn wood, wood fuel, wood-based panels, paper and paperboard, pulp for paper, wood pellets, and other agglomerates. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were used to predict the production, export, and import behaviour of wood and wood products from 2022 to 2030. According to the findings, the G20 countries would consume 1 644.6 million m³ of industrial raw wood in 2030, followed by 984.8 million m³ of sawlogs and veneer logs, 454.7 million m³ of sawn wood, 882.5 million m³ of wood fuel, 406.2 million t of paper and paperboard, 199.4 million t of pulp for paper, and 51.7 million t of wood pellets and other agglomerates. This study provides decision-makers with an analysis of the production and consumption of wood product markets in the G20 countries, which can be used for policy decisions.

Restoration of Arrhenatherion meadows is limited both by the lack of local seed availability in natural habitats for self-restoration purposes and the lack of information on the germination of target species in these meadows. Understanding germination strategies can optimise local seed use. This study aimed to define germination strategies for groups of species based on relevant six germination parameters: germination capacity (GC), fresh ungerminated seed (FUS), median germination time, germination velocity, germination synchrony and germination uniformity. The germination test of 23 meadow species was performed according to ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) rules. The hierarchical clustering method and PCA biplot divided the species into five groups. Based on the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s test, the evaluation of six parameters in five groups showed that species such as Arrhenatherum elatius, Centaurea jacea, Plantago lanceolata, Tragopogon pratensis and Dianthus deltoides differed significantly in terms of higher GC, lower FUS and faster germination velocity than Lathyrus pratensis, Vicia angustifolia and Geranium pratense. Conversely, these three species had more synchronous germination than species such as Knautia arvensis and Briza media and expressed the shortest peak of germination period among other species. These six parameters potentially describe germination strategies across groups of species.

In this study, the effect of abscisic acid (ABA; 150 μmol) or epibrassinolide (EBL, 3 μmol) in mitigating the adverse drought conditions was evaluated in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Vilma). Potted plants were subjected to two 6-day periods separated by a one-time rehydration. Results showed that water deficit increased the content of superoxide radical (O₂^•−), malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, ABA and its metabolites. On the other hand, the studied cytokinins showed a rather opposite trend. ABA application maintained and later reduced the O₂^•− content. At the same time, the MDA level was lower but later increased, while the proline content was reduced compared to untreated plants. This indicates that ABA helps the plants cope with the initial stress phase. In addition, ABA-activated signalling pathways showed increased levels of ABA, auxins, salicylic acid or jasmonic acid. EBL even more increased O₂^•− and proline content. At the same time, EBL increased the content of auxins, jasmonic acid and later ABA. In contrast, a decrease in salicylic acid and cytokinins was monitored. These findings indicate that ABA contributed to improved stress responses through early phytohormone-mediated signalling and reduction of stress markers, whereas EBL appeared less effective under our experimental conditions.

Xinjiang apricot is favoured by consumers because of its distinctive aroma, high nutritive value, and abundant functional active substances. Carotenoids of apricot are efficient antioxidants that can protect the human body from free radical attack. However, the extraction, quantification, and antioxidant activity of carotenoids from Xinjiang apricots have not been reported. In this work, ultrasound-assisted ionic liquid (ILs) extraction and optimisation of carotenoids from Xinjiang apricots and to evaluate their antioxidant potential. Based on Box–Behnken design (BBD), the best conditions were IL/ethanol (R_IL/E) ratio of 1 : 2, solid-liquid ratio (R_S/L) of 1 : 3, extraction time of 17 min and number of extractions of 3. The content of carotenoid extracted by ultrasonic-assisted [Bmim][BF₄] ILs was 32.98 ± 0.27 μg·g^–1 that of traditional extraction method was 25.05 ± 0.35 μg·g^–1. Moreover, ultrasonic-assisted ILs extraction technology can shorten the extraction time, simplify the extraction steps and increase the extraction amount. Meanwhile, in order to recover and reuse ILs, ILs-ethanolic solution was frozen at temperatures lower than –80 °C, allowing the ILs precipitation and separation from the ethanol solution. Meantime, the antioxidant potential of five Xinjiang apricot varieties were evaluated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS [2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] assays in vitro and analysed by UV–vis spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed Shushanggan apricot has the highest carotenoid content and the strongest antioxidant activity. In conclusion, this research further proves the advantage of ultrasonic-assisted ILs in carotenoid extraction and the potential to obtain valuable carotenoids from the apricot industries.

Potassium (K) is crucial for rice yield and quality, but continuous yield increase reduces protein content, challenging the balance between high yield and quality. This study analysed 3 178 case studies (1994–2024) on K management impacts on rice yield, grain protein, and amylose content, evaluating effects of K fertiliser rates, base-topdressing ratios, planting regions, and soil properties. The results showed that K application significantly increased rice yield, protein content and amylose content by 11.6, 2.0 and 1.0%, respectively. Importantly, we identified targeted K fertilisation strategies tailored to different quality goals: optimising for eating quality, nutritional quality, or synergistic improvement of yield and comprehensive quality. This study provides a scientific basis for precision K management to help growers balance rice yield with specific quality needs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOSs) in broiler chicken feed throughout the complete rearing cycle, focusing on zootechnical performance and lactic acid bacteria. Over a period of 49 days, a total of one thousand and eighty (1 080) day-old ISA 15 chicks were divided into two (control and experimental) groups of 540 subjects each (9 replicates of 60 chicks per treatment). They were fed the same basic diet, but only the experimental group received a yeast cell wall extract-based prebiotic (AGRIMOS^®, France), administered continuously at a dose of 2 g/kg throughout the different rearing phases. Under our local conditions, the prebiotic supplementation resulted in a significant increase in body weight gain (P < 0.01), reaching 1 559.82 ± 41.47 g during the growth phase and 913.20 ± 72.58 g during the finishing phase. Moreover, a significant reduction in the feed conversion ratio was observed throughout the rearing cycle (P < 0.05). Across all segments of the analysed intestinal tract (duodenum, ileum, and caecum), the data showed that chickens supplemented with the prebiotic had a significantly higher number of lactic acid bacteria than the control group at the start, growth, and finishing phases (P < 0.01). Our findings demonstrated a clear impact of the prebiotic on the feed utilisation under our rearing conditions, which required further studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.

Assessing of genetic diversity is essential for identifying useful alleles for crop improvement. This study evaluated genetic diversity among two cassava breeding populations for total carotenoid content (TCC), dry matter content (DMC), and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) concentration using trait-linked single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A total of 360 genotypes were analysed, including 261 from the IITA breeding programme (Population 1), 23 progenitor lines, and 76 from the University of Ibadan Cassava (UIC) breeding programme (Population 2). Minor allele frequency (MAF), gene diversity (GD), observed heterozygosity (H_e), and polymorphic information content (PIC) were computed. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering were performed to examine genetic variation and population structure. Call rates were high (96–100%). MAF ranged from 0.00 to 0.50, with mean values of 0.28, 0.28, and 0.29 for Population 1, Population 2, and progenitors, respectively. GD averaged 0.36, 0.36, and 0.35 across these groups. Observed heterozygosity was 0.42, 0.41, and 0.43, while PIC values averaged 0.29, 0.27, and 0.27 for Population 1, Population 2, and progenitors, respectively. PCA and clustering analyses grouped the genotypes into three clusters containing 257, 88, and 15 genotypes. The first two principal components explained 39.1% of the total genetic variation. The results indicate substantial genetic diversity among the studied genotypes, suggesting strong potential for allele pyramiding and highlighting the informativeness of the SNP markers used.

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