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The aim of the study was to assess the quantitative and qualitative changes in crude protein of the white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) green mass during the growing season in stands of three cultivars of white lupin (ZULIKA, AMIGA, DIETA), intended for feeding purposes as protein roughage, when grown under the same soil and climatic conditions in the Czech Republic. Changes in the crude protein and amino acid content were monitored during the growing season from the 9^th to the 18^th week of stand age. Changes in the crop dry weight were characterised by a statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in crude protein from the 9^th to the 15^th week of stand age (ZULIKA 203.50–176.82 g/kg, AMIGA 190.58–161.59 g/kg, DIETA 201.41–175.84 g/kg). In the following period, during the maturation of lupin pods, from the 15^th to the 18^th week, the change in the crude protein content of the green matter was not statistically significant (ZULIKA 176.82–162.12 g/kg, AMIGA 161.59–150.95 g/kg, DIETA 175.84–175.24 g/kg). For most of the amino acids studied, a decrease in their content in the dry weight of the green matter was demonstrated from the 9^th to the 15^th week, with a subsequent statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase from the 15^th to the 18^th week of stand age. Interesting differences were observed in the arginine content, which showed a statistically significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) during the growing season (ZULIKA 7.93–16.03 g/kg, AMIGA 6.88–13.04 g/kg, DIETA 7.56–17.45 g/kg). Changes in the dry weight of the crop in the crude protein and amino acid content can be considered characteristic of lupin crops because of the identical evidence in all three white lupin cultivars studied.

The present experiment studied the effects of egg composition (egg yolk content; Y) of two different chicken genotypes (selected by computed tomography; CT) on hatched chick growth performance, slaughter traits, and meat quality. Three thousand five hundred eggs per genotype were scanned by CT. Then, for each genotype, eggs were selected according to their Y content: low (21.0 ± 0.88 – 350 eggs), medium (24.5 ± 0.15– 350 eggs) and high (28.3 ± 0.98 – 350 eggs). The remaining eggs were excluded from the study. At 11 weeks of age, 15 chickens per group were slaughtered, carcasses were dissected and breast and legs were excised and dedicated to meat quality evaluations. Many parameters were influenced in the meat-type (EE) chickens, including slaughter, breast and leg weights, and abdominal fat content, whereas only the breast incidence on slaughter weight was affected in Tetra-H hybrid. In neither genotype were the meat traits affected by Y content. Two exceptions were represented by leg thawing loss, higher in low Y group compared to medium and high Y group, and by tibia length, longer in high Y content group than in the medium one, both for EE chickens. Similar findings were observed for the meat fatty acid (FA) profile, as only some single FA were influenced by Y content, however, apparently without a specific physiological meaning. The present work demonstrated that the Y content, measured by CT, allowed to select high-quality meat-type animals characterised by the best productive performances in terms of growth rate, live weight, slaughter weight, breast and thigh weights, and with lower abdominal fat content. These findings would bring positive advantages to hatcheries in terms of chick quality and also to farmers in terms of economic revenues: They would rear robust animals that would guarantee a higher probability of survival in the first rearing period and would be characterised by a high slaughter weight at the end of the productive cycle.

Eucalyptus plantations are an important source of raw materials for the Thai forest products industry. Despite its economic value, only a few noncomprehensive papers have been published about the wood properties and fungal susceptibility of eucalyptus. Our study covered the most commonly used commercial eucalyptus clones with a wide variety of sizes from eastern Thailand. We assumed that the properties of the clones would differ based on the tree sizes. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of diameter at breast height (DBH), size, and clone type on wood properties and mould susceptibility. The optimal usage of each log characteristic based on the log quality and properties could be used to determine the maximum payoff. The wood properties and log characteristics of five eucalyptus log classes with three clones were investigated. In general, the levels of means and standard deviations were as follows: the modulus of rupture (MOR) was between 39 ± 4.9 MPa and 66 ± 5.4 MPa, and the modulus of elasticity (MOE) was between 14.5 ± 9.7 GPa and 24.0 ± 2.7 GPa. In addition, the compression parallel to the grain was between 28 ± 3.2 MPa and 43 ± 2.4 MPa, and the compression perpendicular to the grain was between 13 ± 0.7 MPa and 19 ± 1.1 MPa. The shear strength parallel to the grain was between 10 ± 0.3 MPa and 14 ± 0.6 MPa. The cleavage and hardness were from 4.7 ± 1.6 N to 7.4 ± 0.9 N and from 3.6 ± 0.3 kN to 6.2 ± 0.6 kN, respectively. The toughness and nail withdrawal were from 27.3 ± 3.5 kN·mm^–1 to 50.5 ± 1.0 kN·mm^–1 and from 28.56 ± 4.1 N·mm^–1 to 34.52 ± 2.8 N·mm^–1, respectively. Eucalyptus clone K7 had lower MOR and other mechanical properties than clones K58 and K62 except MOE. When DBH increased, the mechanical and physical property values increased as well. This happened for all clones, and especially when DBH was over 200 mm. The results of this study showed that log characteristics, such as taper, slenderness, and crookedness, should be used for log grading standards and that each fast-growing eucalyptus clone could be applied to different product classes.

Stem rot disease poses a significant challenge in passion fruit production, necessitating the identification of resistant genes for the development of stem rot resistant varieties. In this study, we conducted artificial inoculation of Fusarium solani on leaves of two passion fruit varieties, ‘Huangjinguo’ and ‘Ziguo 7’. Leaf samples were collected at 0 h, 24 h, and 48 h post-inoculation for RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, and 3 370, 4 464, and 3 974 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at these stages. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed associations with functions such as response to reactive oxygen species (ROS), response to hydrogen peroxide, and protein complex oligomerisation. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis highlighted the enrichment of DEGs in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, including genes such as ZX.06G0025070, ZX.01G0064640, ZX.04G0011040, ZX.05G0011380, all implicated in lignin biosynthesis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified three modules significantly associated with passion fruit stem rot resistance. Network analysis highlighted ZX.08G0013660 as the gene with the highest connectivity in these modules, featuring a leucine-rich repeat domain. Reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis further validated ZX.08G0013660 and other genes as potential candidates for passion fruit stem rot resistance. Overall, genes related to ROS, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and leucine-rich repeat domain protein likely play critical roles in passion fruit stem rot resistance. This study provides new insights for breeding passion fruit varieties resistant to stem rot disease.

Meloidogyne hapla is a serious pest of many cultivated plants. In response to the economic significance of the species, efforts are being made to develop a new method to reduce its harmful effects on crops. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of diffusates from seeds of selected species of legumes on the motility of second-stage juveniles and to evaluate the effect of meal from seeds of selected species of legume on the capacity to infect the roots of tomato plants by the J2 stage. The experiment examined the effect of diffusates on the motility of the J2 stage performed in Petri dishes, at temperatures of 10 °C, 17 °C and 21 °C. The evaluation of the J2 stage infectivity was estimated in a pot experiment performed under controlled conditions of 20 ± 1 °C. The pots were filled with sterile substrate mixed with meal from the seeds of selected plants at 1%, 5% and 10% of the substrate weight. The studies carried out in the Petri dishes showed varying effects of the seed diffusates from selected legume plants on the motility of the J2 stage of Meloidogyne hapla. J2 were found to lose their motility within 24 h after immersion in water containing seed diffusates from Melilotus albus, Trifolium pratense T. repens, in the temperature ranges investigated (10 °C, 17 °C and 21 °C). However, in a mixture of seed diffusates and soil filtrate from the root zone of tomato plants, the absence of motility in the second-stage juveniles was observed after 24 h at 17 °C and 21 °C, with seed diffusates from Lotus corniculatus, Medicago sativa, Medicago × varia, Melilotus officinalis, as well as Onobrychis viciifolia, Ornithopus sativus, Vicia sativa, used in the mixture. Galega officinalis Risa (GoR) seed diffusates were found to have an inhibiting effect on the motility of the J2 stage of M. hapla 24 h following the immersion of the J2 stage in the solution of the soil filtrate containing tomato root diffusates, at 21 °C. The J2 stage were not rendered immotile in all the experiment set-ups involving the seeds of V. faba, Lupinus spp., likewise in the control set-ups. In the pots studied, a significant effect of the addition of legume seed meal on the development of M. hapla nematodes and tomato plants was found. The introduction of Lotus corniculatus, Onobrychis viciifolia and Vicia sativa seed meal into the substrate in the proportion of 1%, 5% and 10% resulted in the inhibition of the J2 stage penetration into the roots of tomato plants at temperatures of 17 °C and 21 °C. With the admixture of the M. sativa and T. repens seed meal, within the temperature range investigated, no nematode infection was observed in the roots, regardless of the seed meal content in the substrate. As regards to the fresh weight, tomato plants grown in a substrate containing 1% and 5% of the V. sativa cv. Jaga seed meal were characterised by significantly higher plant weight values as compared to those grown in the control set-up. The obtained results imply that is advisable to expand the scope of research to include other economically important crops damaged by the northern root-knot nematode.

One of the disorders of the mammary gland in the queen is feline mammary fibroadenomatous hyperplasia (FMFH), caused by an increasing concentration of progesterone (P4) and some other local growth factors. It occurs mostly during puberty after the heat characterised by spontaneous or provoked ovulation, as a result of exogenous progesterone intake and sometimes during pregnancy. To diagnose a 14-month-old intact Maine Coon queen with extensive mammary gland hyperplasia, a clinical examination, analyses of the progesterone (P4) concentrations and ultrasound examination were performed. Feline mammary fibroadenomatous hyperplasia associated with a high P4 concentration after spontaneous ovulation was confirmed. After 24 days of therapy with a progesterone antagonist, aglepristone, the symptoms of FMFH resolved. After the next eight weeks, the queen was mated after the owner’s decision. In the third week of pregnancy, a relapse was detected (mammary gland enlargement, pain, discomfort). At the same time, no abnormalities in the uterus or embryos were detected via ultrasound. The P4 concentrations were under regular control. For the next two weeks, only conservative treatment with NSAIDs was used. The queen spontaneously delivered six kittens without any difficulties or perinatal complications 67 days after the first mating. The cat previously treated with aglepristone for FMFH was successfully bred, but FMFH symptoms returned when progesterone concentrations increased during pregnancy.

In the Czech Republic, the pig carcass classification is mandatory in slaughterhouses processing over 200 pigs weekly. As breeding practices evolve to enhance lean meat yield, it is essential to update regression equations used in classification systems. This study presents new regression models for the Fat-O-Meater II (FOM II) device, using computed tomography (CT) as the reference method. Separate equations were developed for barrows, gilts, and boars to improve the accuracy of lean meat percentage (LMC) estimation. To calibrate the CT method, 24 carcasses were selected across a range of backfat thicknesses and sexes. CT scans were performed on chilled left carcass halves, followed by manual dissection to determine the true LMC. A correction model was applied to align the CT-derived LMC with dissection results. Subsequently, 128 carcasses were measured using FOM II and CT to develop sex-specific regression equations using ordinary least squares. The models revealed sex-specific differences in prediction accuracy. Gilts achieved an R² of 0.66 and RMSEP of 1.35; barrows had higher R² (0.759) and greater RMSEP (1.46); boars showed the most consistent composition (R² = 0.734, RMSEP = 1.14). Compared to the standard method, gilts and boars had slightly higher LMC (+0.03% and +0.82%), while barrows had lower LMC (–0.14%). These differences translated into economic impacts, with gains of CZK 1.23 and CZK 4.33 per gilt and boar carcass, respectively, and a loss of CZK 5.55 per barrow carcass. These results support the formulated hypotheses, and the fact that sex-specific calibration enhances classification accuracy and economic efficiency.

Water deficit severely constrains sugar beet productivity by impairing photosynthetic capacity. However, the underlying structure-function mechanisms conferring photosynthetic resilience remain poorly characterised. This study investigates the temporal dynamics of photosynthetic limitations and structural adaptations in sugar beet during water deficit and subsequent rehydration. We found that water deficit significantly reduced the maximum net CO₂ assimilation rate (A_Nmax) and the Rubisco carboxylation rate (V_cmax) by impairing CO₂ diffusion and biochemical processes. The reduction in photosynthetic capacity is primarily and stably attributed to mesophyll limitation, while contributions from stomatal and biochemical limitations flexibly change with deficit degree and rehydration. Severe water deficit caused irreversible structural damage that hinders recovery even after rehydration, while moderate water deficit allows partial restoration of leaf and chloroplast function. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) demonstrated that CO₂ diffusion was governed by the volume fraction of intercellular air space (f_ias, β = 0.28) and surface areas of the chloroplasts exposed to leaf intercellular air spaces (S_c/S, β = 0.35), with S_c/S indirectly influencing mesophyll conductance (g_m) through fias mediation (β = 0.53). Severe water deficit caused irreversible fias reduction and chloroplast interface damage (59% cell volume loss). These findings establish that resilience to water deficit in sugar beet depends on mesophyll structural integrity, with f_ias and S_c/S as key modulators of gm recovery. The study advances understanding of stress recovery mechanisms in sugar beet and provides a framework for multiscale crop improvement in the context of climate change.

Salinity stress poses an increasing threat to global rice production, particularly under climate change. Enhancing salinity tolerance is crucial to sustain rice production and food security. This study aimed to assess genetic variation among rice parental genotypes and their derived crosses under salinity stress by evaluating physiological, biochemical, agronomic, and yield-related traits. Seven diverse rice genotypes were used to develop 21 crosses using a half-diallel mating design in the summer of 2023. The parental genotypes and their derived crosses were evaluated in the summer of 2024 under controlled greenhouse lysimeter conditions. Salinity stress was induced by irrigation with water containing 10.60 dS/m, and soil salinity was maintained at 9.60 dS/m through controlled irrigation and drainage. Twenty key traits were studied, including phenological and agronomic attributes, yield traits, and physiological and biochemical markers such as relative water content, leaf CO₂ assimilation, proline accumulation, malondialdehyde content, and antioxidant enzyme activities, to assess salinity tolerance in rice genotypes. The results demonstrated highly significant variation among the evaluated parental genotypes and their derived crosses across physiological, biochemical, agronomic, and yield-related traits, indicating considerable genetic variability in the studied plant materials. The genotypes C9, R8, and R6 were identified as superior combiners contributing favourable alleles for salinity tolerance. Eleven promising F1 crosses exhibited enhanced growth, improved antioxidant enzyme activities, osmotic adjustment, reduced oxidative damage, and higher grain yield under salinity stress. Exploiting these plant materials can improve the development of novel rice genotypes tolerant of salt-affected environments, addressing the current challenges posed by climate change. Strong associations were observed among physiological, biochemical, agronomic, and yield-related traits, indicating an integrated network of responses that collectively contribute to enhanced salinity tolerance in rice.

The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the relationships between the nutrient content and the DM (dry matter) content of various maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) in the dynamics of vegetative maturity and various soil-climatic growing conditions. Over the course of 7 growing seasons (years), a set of 1 972 samples of whole silage maize plants consisting of 206 different hybrids grown in two contrasting regions (lowland and foothill areas) was analysed. The focus was on DM content and the content of key energy nutrients (WSC – water soluble carbohydrates, starch, NDF – neutral detergent fibre) and their interactions. Results show that the transformation of WSC into starch has four key points: (i) it begins at a DM content of 150 g/kg; (ii) it peaks at a DM content of approximately 235 g/kg; (iii) it begins to decrease significantly from a DM content of 300 g/kg; and (iv) it practically stops rapidly after exceeding a DM content of 350 g/kg. In the dynamics of vegetative development of maize plants, the DM content is very closely related to the WSC content (R² = 0.728) and the starch content (R² = 0.873). With the gradual increase in vegetative maturity and DM content in maize plants, the transformation of WSC into starch dynamically increases. These characteristics, with small deviations, were also confirmed at different levels of evaluation (all analyses, regions, seasons and individual hybrids). These results show that a DM content of 300 g/kg to 350 g/kg can be considered the optimal harvesting window for maize ensiling and the optimal phase of silage maturity for whole maize plants, because once the DM content exceeds 350 g/kg; the transformation of WSC into starch stops and the drying phase of plants begins.

Agricultural informatisation (AgI) is hailed as a 'game-changer' for farmers worldwide, even as climate change increases agriculture's vulnerability to climatic risks and threatens sustainable agrifood production. While AgI aspires to help alleviate hunger and poverty in smallholder farm households by improving on-farm productivity through the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs), limited empirical evidence exists on the AgI–SAPs nexus, particularly under severe environmental stress such as drought. We analysed data from a survey of maize farmers in central Zambia – a country exemplifying the impact of severe drought, declared a national emergency and disaster – to explore whether and how AgI can optimise SAP adoption and improve crop yields. Given the potential endogeneity of AgI adoption, we employed a recursive bivariate probit (RBP) and endogenous-treatment regression (ETR) to estimate the former and the latter, respectively. We focused on adoption portfolios of three AgI tools – radio, television and mobile phones – and five SAPs: minimum tillage, residue retention, planting basins, improved seed varieties and irrigation. The results reveal that AgI adoption significantly influences SAP adoption, with varying impacts across different AgI and SAP portfolios. Importantly, the adoption of productivity-enhancing SAPs, particularly improved seed and drip irrigation, produced the largest yield effects (124.46 g/capita/day) for AgI adopters. This increase potentially contributes 43.21% towards daily maize-supply quantity, which is crucial for helping households meet the minimum recommended daily caloric intake. The study therefore underscores that AgI plays a critical role in improving yields through SAP adoption, serving as a compelling pathway for agricultural resilience, especially under adverse climatic conditions. These insights align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those aimed at zero hunger, climate action and poverty alleviation, which advocate re-thinking and transforming food-production strategies.

This systematic review synthesises evidence from published articles investigating nutritional strategies to modulate heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). A total of 1 616 records were identified from four databases and snowballing. After screening and eligibility assessment, 25 studies comprising 29 reports published between 2004 and 2025 were included. The analysis shows that targeted interventions particularly antioxidants (vitamins C, E, and selenium), amino acids and their derivatives (methionine, betaine), and phytogenic compounds effectively downregulate HSP70 expression in a dose or tissue-dependent manner. This modulation is associated with improved growth performance, enhanced redox balance, and normalised stress hormone profiles. Key findings indicate that synergistic combinations outperform single additives in suppressing HSP70 and improving carcass yield under chronic heat stress (32–38 °C); the early-life nutrient delivery modulates HSP70 expression and influences post-hatch thermotolerance; and organic mineral or methionine hydroxy analogue are more effective than inorganic forms. However, efficacy varies by life stage, with most studies focused on Ross and Cobb genotypes, and is influenced by gut microbiota interactions. Major research gaps remain, including defining stage-specific optimal HSP70 thresholds, clarifying links between HSP70 modulation, immunity or gut health, understanding long-term effects of early-life nutritional programming, and determining the influence of administration routes on nutrient efficacy.

Pyrenophora teres is a pathogen causing a net blotch disease in cultivated barley, which is present worldwide and can thus significantly reduce barley yields. This fungus also infects wild barley and other plants of the Hordeum genus, as well as barley grass, wheat, oats and plants from various genera, including Agropyron, Bromus, Elymus, Hordelymus and Stipa. Based on the symptoms it causes on the infected barley plants, the pathogen can be divided into two forms: P. teres f. teres, which causes net-like symptoms, and P. teres f. maculata, which causes blotchy symptoms. Infected seeds, stubble and plant debris, and volunteer and weed plants represent primary sources of pathogen inoculum. During the growing season, the pathogen enters a sexual stage, developing pseudothecia with asci and ascospores. This is followed by an asexual stage, during which conidiophores with conidia are formed. The conidial (anamorphic) stage is much more common, whereby conidia is a source of inoculum for secondary infection during the barley growing season. The first symptoms appear at the end of winter and the beginning of spring, often during the tilling phase. The most characteristic symptoms form on barley leaves. Frequently, symptoms of the net form can be mistaken for other diseases occurring on barley, making molecular analysis essential for accurate detection of P. teres, its forms, mating types and hybrids. Current net blotch control measures are based on the combined application of cultural, chemical and biological control methods and the selection of resistant varieties.

Recently, protected cultivation of bananas under subtropical conditions has gained popularity due to the impact of global climate change. Several factors influence the yield and quality of banana cultivation. Among these factors, variety plays an important role along with cultural practices. This study aimed to determine the performance of ‘Azman’, ‘Bango’, ‘Bonus’, ‘Grand Nain’, ‘Lider’, and ‘Paşa’ banana varieties in terms of morphological and yield characteristics under protected cultivation, as well as to elucidate the relationship between yield and factors affecting yield. The research was conducted between 2020 and 2022 in the Manavgat district of Antalya. The research findings showed that each morphological parameter examined varied significantly. However, the ‘Bango’ variety exhibited superior results in terms of finger circumference (13.23 cm), finger length (21.08 cm), bunch weight (39.33 kg), and yield per hectare (72 t/ha). Moderate to high-level phenotypic correlations were found between bunch weight and pseudo stem girth, pseudo stem height, number of fingers, finger weight, finger circumference, and finger length, with values of 0.544, 0.478, 0.326, 0.669, 0.581, and 0.543, respectively. Positive and significant phenotypic correlations were determined between finger length affecting export quality, bunch weight, finger weight, and finger circumference, with values of 0.543, 0.799, and 0.625, respectively. It can be concluded that the ‘Bango’ variety exhibited better results as compared to other varieties in terms of both yield and quality criteria. Additionally, positive phenotypic correlations were observed between bunch weight (which directly influences yield) and finger length (which affects export quality), as well as various morphological and pomological characteristics.

In pursuit of a low-cost, pollution-free, and scalable technology for remediating heavy metal pollution in mining areas, this study examines a gold mining area with heavy metal pollution (Cd, Pb, and Hg) and employs soil replacement, biochar passivation, and a combination of hyperaccumulators for the remediation. Results show that both soil replacement and the application of biochar significantly reduce the effective content of these three heavy metals, with pig manure biochar demonstrating superior passivation effects on Pb and Hg compared to fruitwood biochar. Combining biochar with hyperaccumulators leads to better results than using either method alone. The combined approach achieved maximum reductions of 69.8, 70.1, and 56.0% for Cd, Pb, and Hg, respectively. The application of biochar improves the originally coarse soil structure, with maximum increases in organic carbon, available potassium, available phosphorus, and total nitrogen under different treatments being 6.26 times, 4.66 times, 4.04 times, and 3.21 times, respectively. Biochar anchors heavy metals around roots, while hyperaccumulators utilise their excellent stress-resistant physiological characteristics to thrive in nutrient-deficient soil enriched with biochar, thereby absorbing the heavy metals anchored by biochar. The synergy of biochar and hyperaccumulators enhances their individual effectiveness, showing promise for remediating polluted mining areas.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of propolis ethanol extract collected from the Tarsus district of Mersin province, Kilis province, Yayladagi district of Hatay province in southern Türkiye and Sarkoy district of Tekirdag province of northwestern Türkiye against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Helicobacter pylori (ATCC 43504), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213). Their chemical constituents were detected via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). They were used in a molecular docking approach to search the interactions between the propolis compounds. A total of 24 phenolic compounds were detected in all samples. 3–4 dimethoxycinnamic acid, caffeic acid and genistein were indicated to be the predominant phenolic compounds in propolis extracts by LC-MS/MS, while rutin was found in the lowest concentration. Phenolic compounds were detected in a high concentration of the propolis samples collected from the Tarsus district of Mersin province. The broth microdilution method determined minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) values. MIC values ranged from 0.02 to 14 mg·mL^–1. E. coli and S. aureus examined were as susceptible to the propolis extracts except for Mersin and Tekirdag propolis samples. The propolis sample collected from the Tarsus district of Mersin province presented the highest antibacterial activity on P. aeruginosa with MIC values of 1 mg·mL^–1. Active substances in propolis were docked to the relevant target proteins (5LMM, 4NX9, 5YHG, and 5FXT) representing E. coli (ATCC 25922), H. pylori (ATCC 43504), P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and S. aureus (ATCC 29213), and with the help of molecular simulation. With this study, we indicated that the ethanol extract of propolis had a stronger antibacterial activity on S. aureus isolates than that of E. coli, H. pylori, and P. aeruginosa. Although each component of propolis contributed to the antibacterial activity, the contribution of the vitexin component to the antibacterial activity was found to be quite significant.

Forests are atmospheric CO₂ sinks, but their losses and degradation accelerate the emissions of carbon stored as a sink. Deforestation and forest degradation are widespread in Bangladesh, but their impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is unknown. We assess land use and land cover (LULC) change and forest loss in this study by classifying different Landsat satellite imagery with a focus on forest cover loss from 1989 to 2020. Tier 1 standards were used to estimate the carbon removal and emissions from a small-scale tropical forest. Over the last three decades, the forest area has decreased by 2.40%, 3.74% and 7.52%, respectively. The primary causes of forest loss are large-scale tea garden and homestead expansion, as well as increase in agricultural activities. Because of a reduction in the forest area, the annual gain of carbon in forest biomass has also decreased. Although overall carbon emission was a net gain for the Maulvibazar hill forest, it has decreased from 331.24 Gg·yr^–1 in the first decade (1989 to 2000) to 307.7 Gg·yr^–1 in the most recent decade (2011 to 2020), which is an alarming trend. As a result, this research will contribute to leaders’ commitment to “halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030” at the 26^th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 26) in 2021 to improve carbon sequestration, combat climate change and conserve biodiversity.

Evaluation of genetic resources of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) from different geographical areas using molecular markers (RAPD) is of great importance in the breeding process. A total of 90 polymorphic amplified products were obtained from 10 decametric RAPD primers, used to analyse the genetic diversity of 20 genotypes of eggplant (16 local and 4 genotypes of foreign origin). The highest polymorphism was determined using the OPAF-16 primer (70.83%). The number of detected bands ranged from 13 (OPF-04) to 24 (OPAF-16), while the average number of bands per primer was 17.2. The lengths of the amplified fragments ranged from 400 to 9 000 bp. The value of the Jaccard’s genetic distance coefficient ranged from 0.095 to 0.35, and the dendrogram constructed using the UPGMA method showed that 16 local and 4 foreign genotypes were grouped into nine groups (clusters). Populations K1, K8/1, K19, K22, K25 and K38 represent genotypes that separated from the others and formed single clusters. The lowest value of the calculated genetic distance was 0.095 between domestic genotypes K13 and K12, which also showed morphological similarity in terms of shape and colour. On the other hand, the highest value of genetic distance was calculated between foreign genotypes K19 and K25 (0.35), K19 and K34 (0.34) and K19 and K38 (0.34). Genetically distinct genotypes identified using RAPD markers could be potential starting genetic material for crossing with other genotypes to obtain new and improved eggplant varieties.

The Alentejano pig (Sus ibericus) is an autochthonous breed of swine from Portugal phylogenetically close to the Iberian breed that is known to develop melanocytic lesions. In this study, 34 melanocytic skin lesions were identified and collected from Alentejano pigs slaughtered for human consumption for further routine histologic assessment. The samples were classified into 4 age ranges: 1 (1 to 6 months), 2 (7 to 12 months) 3 (13 to 24 months), and 4 (more than 25 months). All the lesions were considered benign after the histopathological assessment, of which 52.9% and 47.1%, were classified as melanosis and melanocytomas, respectively. Regarding the age ranges, a statistical difference between the groups was observed, indicating that the probability of melanosis presentation was higher at the age range 4 and for melanocytomas at the age range 3. While no malignant lesions were observed in this study, it was concluded that benign melanocytic lesions are commonly found in Alentejano pig carcasses. Further research is necessary to accurately distinguish between malignant and benign lesions, which is crucial for official veterinarians to make decisions regarding meat approval or condemnation.

The presented study estimated the aboveground biomass (AGB) of Pinus roxburghii (chir pine) natural forests and plantations, and created biomass maps using a relationship (regression model) between AGB and Sentinel-2 spectral indices. The mean AGB and BGB (belowground biomass) of natural forests were 79.54 Mg·ha^–1 and 20.68 Mg·ha^–1, respectively, whereas the mean AGB and BGB of plantations were 94.48 Mg·ha^–1 and 24.56 Mg·ha^–1, respectively. Correlation showed that mean diameter at breast height (DBH) and mean height have weak relationships with AGB, and BGB has shown correlation coefficients (R² = 0.46) and (R² = 0.56) for polynomial models. Regression models between AGB (Mg·ha^–1) of Pinus roxburghii natural forest and Sentinel-2 spectral indices showed a strong relationship with Ratio Vegetation Index (RVI) with R² = 0.72 followed by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index (ARVI) with R² = 0.70. In contrast, the lower performance of spectral indices has been shown in regression with plantation AGB. Correlation coefficients (R²) were 0.41, 0.41, and 0.40 for RVI, NDVI, and ARVI, respectively. All indices showed that the distribution of AGB data was not the best fit with the linear regression model. Therefore, non-linear exponential and power models were considered the best fit for NDVI, RVI, and ARVI. A biomass map was developed from RVI for both natural forests and plantation because RVI has the highest R² and lowest P-value.

This work addresses short-run fluctuations of nominal global meat commodity prices, that is, beef, lamb, pork, and poultry, from January 1980 to October 2023, thus including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. It tries to answer the following questions: how do fluctuations in meat commodity prices behave historically? Are meat commodity prices synchronised? Do their co-movements show specific features during recent global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russo-Ukrainian war? Using a ‘classical’ framework of cycle analysis, the work provides a series of turning points upon which statistics on phase and cycle durations and amplitudes are generated. Care is put into highlighting the pros and cons of employing algorithms based on turning points instead of harmonic models. Global nominal meat prices feature cycles lasting between 3.8 and 4.6 years on average. Pork prices, contrary to other meat prices, are characterised by a highly volatile and prevalently contractionary behaviour. From a policy perspective, the article provides results on the synchronisation of couples of meat prices and on the existence of a common meat price cycle both historically and during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Chips made from maize semolina are rarely mycotoxin analysed because they are classified as low-risk foods in routine legal control plans. It is essential to foresee the health risks these snack foods may pose in the medium and long term, whose consumption frequency and quantity have increased with the changing consumer behaviours during the pandemic. The most outstanding development in mycotoxin analysis in recent years has been the use of high-pressure liquid chromatography together with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) as a detector. For aflatoxin (AF) B₁, B₂, G₁, G₂, ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin B₁ (FB₁), fumonisin B₂ (FB₂), citrinin (CIT), HT-2 toxin, and T-2 toxin determination in our samples, the LC-MS/MS analysis method with electrospray ionisation interfaces was utilised. Aflatoxin B₁ levels in 22.7% of the samples (2.01–17.49 μg·kg^–1) and total aflatoxins (TAF) in 26.7% of the samples (6.71–24.67 μg·kg^–1) were determined to exceed the limits defined in the Turkish Food Codex Contaminants Regulation. CIT could not be detected in any of the samples. ZEN + DON + OTA was found in 21.3% of the samples, DON + TAF + total fumonisins (FUM) in 19.3%, and TAF + ZEN + FUM in 18.7%.

Genetic diversity is referred to as any variation at the phenotypic, DNA or genomic level of an individual, population or species. The appraisal of diversity is important to understand its pattern and evolutionary relationships between germplasms or genotypes, which will aid in sampling the genetic resources in a more systematic manner for conservation and crop improvement. The present study employed 50 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers linked to the yield and fibre quality/colour traits for estimating the genetic diversity in 33 cotton genotypes of diploid and tetraploid species differing in fibre colour. The diversity analysis was performed in GenAlEx (Ver. 6.41) and Powermarker (Ver. 3.25) while DARwin (Ver. 6.0.21) software was used to establish the phylogenetic relationships following neighbour-joining (NJ) and unweighted pair group method with arithmetic (UPGMA) mean method. Markers generated 186 polymorphic loci as genotypic data with an average of 3.72 alleles and an average polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.59 per SSR locus. The NJ and UPGMA grouped 33 genotypes into three major clusters I, II and III consisting of 21 tetraploid Gossypium hirsutum, 10 G. arboreum coloured and 2 white cotton genotypes, respectively. In the PCA, the first two components (PC1 and PC2) explained 74.69% of the variation and the biplot plotted the 33 genotypes in three groups. The study established the diverse nature of 33 cotton genotypes based on their fibre colour and ploidy level. With confirmation of the prevalent genetic diversity, we suggest that hybridisation can be planned among diverse genotypes to unleash greater variation in the fibre colour or to derive superior cross combinations.

Predators of aphids on apples were studied during the growing season in 2021 and 2022 in the region of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Eleven predator species were found on eight apple cultivars in the colonies of three aphid species, Aphis spp., Dysaphis plantaginea Passerini and Dysaphis devecta Walker. Seven species were identified from the family Syrphidae: Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer), Meliscaeva (Episyrphus) auricollis (Meigen, 1822), Eupeodes flaviceps (Rond.), Eupeodes corolae (Fabr.), Scaeva pyrastri (L.), Syrphus ribesii (L.) and Syrphus vitripennis Mg. The larvae of syrphids were more numerous in the Kula location, 99 (52 in 2021 and 47 in 2022), while their number in the Klek location was 59 (35 in 2021 and 24 in 2022). The most abundant species was E. balteatus (40.50%), followed by E. flaviceps (12.65%), S. ribesii (10.75%), M. auricollis (10.12%), S. pyrastri (10.12%) and S. vitripennis (6.96%). The family Coccinellidae is represented by three species: Adalia bipunctata L., Coccinella septempunctata L., and Harmonia axyridis Pallas. From the family Cecidomyiidae, one species Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani), was detected. The largest number of predatory species (nine) was found on the Idared cultivar (in D. plantaginea colonies), where the colonies of this aphid species were the most abundant. The least numerous predatory species were identified on the Gloster cultivar in D. devecta and Aphis spp. colonies. E. balteatus was the most common and numerous of all the predatory species.

Joint field experiments were established in Southwestern Germany to investigate the potential of herbicide savings on-farm sites with high densities of problematic weed species. From 2020 until 2024, 21 field studies were conducted in maize, soybean and winter wheat, all realised as randomised complete block designs with four replications. Mechanical weeding and two combined chemical with mechanical weeding methods were compared to conventional broadcast pre- and post-emergence herbicide spraying and an untreated control. Weed density, herbicide savings, greenhouse gas emissions and crop yield were determined for all treatments. On average, 142 weeds/m² were counted in the untreated plots. The most frequent weed species were Chenopodium album, Echinochloa crus-galli, Solanum nigrum, Stellaria media, and Veronica persica. Combined chemical with mechanical weed control in soybean and winter wheat was more effective than chemical and mechanical weed control alone. In maize, the combination of hoeing and herbicide application achieved equal weed control efficacy (WCE) as chemical weeding alone. Hoeing removed less intra-row weeds than inter-row weeds. Hoeing and harrowing had low WCE against Chenopodium album and perennial weed species. Combined treatments reduced herbicide use by 24–60% in relation to conventional herbicide treatments. Mechanical and combined weed control achieved equal yield as the conventional herbicide treatment. This study underlines the potential for herbicide savings by integrating mechanical weed control methods.

We investigated the phenotypic and genetic diversity among 25 grapevine accessions of white grape maintained in a germplasm collection ex situ. The selected varieties were characterised using standardised ampelographic descriptors and microsatellite markers to obtaintheir complete description. The ampelographic analysis based on 24 OIV descriptors and the obtained first dendrogram based on common features, revealed the extent of the phenotypic diversity ranging from 0.29 (between Coarnă albă and Chardonnay) to 0.92 (between Crâmpoşie and Cioinic), without any connection with their supposed origin or the current geographic area of distribution. The SSR allelic analysis with nine standard markers proved and confirmed its high discrimination potential for genotype identification and diversity. The second cluster analysis aimed to evaluate the genetic relationships among analysed accessions,based on Dice’s similarity coefficient, revealed two groups of varieties: the first group (A) included twelve accessions with a degree of similarity between 0.37 and 0.5. The second (B) included eleven accessions, with a similarity degree between 0.33 and 0.67. The genotypic cluster analysis showed a distinct lower similarity between the Majarcă albă variety and all the varieties from the first group, and between Busuioacă de Bohotin and all the analysed varieties. The phenotypic and genetic matrices and dendrograms, although not correlated, were complimentary and provided valuable information about the diversity of the grapevine genotypes and the identification of the synonyms.

The effective use of high-quality and high-yielding germplasm resources is of great importance for the development of hulless barley varieties. Therefore, the search for such resources has long been a goal of the breeding community. In this study, a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) analysis was performed on an F₂ (Nierumuzha × Kunlun 10) population. A high-density genetic map of hulless barley was constructed, which contained 1 475 efficient single-nucleotide polymorphism markers with 7 052 bin markers. The total length of the seven chromosomes was 1 139.4 cM, with an average marker distance of 0.59 cM. Based on this high-density linkage map, a total of 54 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to the seed traits were detected, including seed colour (SC), thousand kernel weight (TKW), seed average area (SAA), seed perimeter (SP), seed length (SL), seed width (SW), seed length/width (SLW), seed diameter (SD), and seed circular degree (SCD). These QTLs explained 3.32–35.73% (mean = 11.45%) of the phenotypic interpretation, including 24 main QTLs and 30 epistatic QTLs. A total of 24 candidate genes were identified within the QTL region, including one SC-associated transcription factor (ANT1), two TSW-related genes, a transcription factor (NAC021), a gene associated with the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway (ku70), three SAA-associated genes (LOL2, NAC021, TSK), two SL-associated genes (MADS21, MADS4), six SW-associated genes (FIP1, NAC021, DREB 1A, HVA22A, CYP78A6, SAUR71), five LW-related genes (NAM-B2, CRY1, LHY, CYP710A1, WRKY72), two SP-related genes (SKIP11, TCP18), two SD-related genes (NAC021, SKIP8), and three SCD-related genes (MYB1R1, RAX3, NAC100). These genes are involved in the regulation of the cell development, material transport, signal transduction, and plant morphogenesis and play an important role in the regulation of agronomic traits in hulless barley. The high-density genetic mapping and QTL identification of the seed traits in hulless barley provide a valuable genetic resource and the basis for further molecular marker-assisted selection and genomic studies.

Mungbean seeds [Vigna radiata (L.)] are easily damaged by insects during storage, and essential oils (EOs) have proved effective for controlling insect infestation. This research study assessed the bioactivity of EO from Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). The chemical composition of EO was analysed by a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). All experiments were conducted following a completely randomised design (CRD) with four replications of the residual contact and seed dressing bioassays. Results indicated that J. sambac EO contained 35 compounds (97.587%), with the main component 3-hexen-1-ol benzoate. Residual contact toxicity LC50 values of this EO on adult C. maculatus at 24, 48, and 72 h were 5.01, 4.00, and 3.13 µL/mL, respectively. J. sambac EO at 8 µL/L showed the highest residual contact efficacy against C. maculatus, killing up to 100% in 72 hours. The highest concentration of J. sambac EO (1 mL/kg) gave optimal protection against C. maculatus within 4 and 5 days with 100% mortality. This concentration showed 100% inhibition of adult F1 progeny emergence, with no seed damage and weight loss of V. radiata L. after 30 days of exposure, and not significantly different from 0.8 mL/kg. Results indicated that J. sambac EO effectively prevented C. maculatus infestation and it could be used as an alternative to commercial chemical insecticides.

The establishment of the reference ambient background concentrations (ABCs) and quality reference values (QRVs) for trace metal (TM) concentrations in soils are required for the environmental assessment and any implementation of a protective action. This information is lacking for soils of the eastern Mitidja plain, which is an important agricultural production area in Algeria. Data for the aqua regia extractable Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations from 180 composite topsoil samples taken across the Mitidja plain in a stratified random pattern were statistically analysed. Descriptive statistical methods and linear regression equations were applied to determine the upper limit of the ABCs for the TMs. After removal of outliers, the derived QRVs were: Cd 0.24, Cr 62.1, Cu 99.3, Fe 45 590, Ni 47.7, Pb 33 and Zn 115 mg/kg. Iron is a macro element in the soils, but is included as its concentration can be used to normalise the concentrations of the other elements. The derived QRVs are similar or less than those reported for other regions of the world, apart from Cu, where a wide range (36 to 206 mg/kg) is reported. These reference values can be used to identify areas that may require follow-up surveys or to identify priority sites for decision making.

The physiological performance, growth and competitive ability of fruit trees are increasingly affected by the effects of global climate change, very different at a regional level, which mainly causes considerable changes in water availability. The purpose of this study was the evaluation of three sweet cherry cultivars from the Research Station for Fruit Growing (RSFG) Iași, Romania under the climatic conditions of 2022–2023 by performing physiological investigations into the water regime and the transpiration process through the stomatal conductance, the water content of the leaves as well as their dehydration rate after 24 hours. The obtained data were statistically interpreted taking three experimental factors into account: factor A consisted of three distinct phenological stages (full flowering, fruit about 80% of the final size and fruit ripening); factor B constituted by the three cultivars (‘Van’, ‘Andreiaș’ and ‘Margonia’); and factor C was constituted by the canopy area from the samples (internal and external). The experimental variants statistically interpreted by Duncan’s test (P ≤ 0.05) registered significant differences. The Pearson correlation coefficient (R²) between the measured variables obtained positive distinctly significant values of R² = 0.686 (with the stomatal conductance) and negative distinctly significant values of R2 = –0.874 (with the water content). The obtained results will support the development of predictive models for different irrigation and breeding strategies to improve the sweet cherry production in temperate continental climates.