Agronomy

Article Agricultural Engineering

Construction of robust and fully bio-based epoxy vitrimers with facile malleability, self-healing ability, and recyclability from peach gum polysaccharide and itaconic acid

Xianjie Pan, Zhaoyi Luo, Fanqi Liu, Quanqian Yi, Yanning Zeng

Summary: This study presents a novel strategy for fabricating fully bio-based epoxy vitrimers using peach gum and itaconic acid, which exhibit superior mechanical properties and thermostability. The materials were characterized and the self-healing and recycling capabilities were evaluated. The results demonstrate the potential of using these materials for sustainable industrial applications.

INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS (2024)

Article Agronomy

Application of methyl jasmonate to control disease of postharvest fruit and vegetables: A Meta-analysis

Dedong Min, Fujun Li, Maratab Ali, Xinhua Zhang, Yunguo Liu

Summary: This review explores the application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) for controlling postharvest fruit and vegetable diseases. MeJA exhibits antifungal effects on pathogens by eliciting host defense, regulating reactive oxygen species metabolism, ensuring energy supply, and interacting with phytohormone signaling. However, challenges to MeJA use include determining optimal application parameters, minimizing potential negative effects, and establishing comprehensive usage guidelines.

POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY (2024)

Article Agronomy

Inhibitory mechanism of esculetin on tyrosinase and browning of fresh-cut apple: New perspectives

Lin-Jun Wang, Qiu-Han Bai, Qiu-Xia Pan, Yi-Feng Wu, Ting-Ting Shao, Yi-Wen Guo, Wen-Shuang Wei, Yi-Ting Wen, Wei-Ming Chai

Summary: This study systematically investigated the anti-tyrosinase mechanism of esculetin using spectroscopic techniques and molecular simulation. The results revealed that esculetin is a competitive and excellent tyrosinase inhibitor, affecting the enzyme's structure and microenvironment. It also showed potential in inhibiting intracellular tyrosinase activity and browning.

POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY (2024)

Article Agronomy

The Pest Risk Reduction Scenario Tool (PRReSTo) for quantifying trade-related plant pest risks and benefits of risk-reducing measures

Jens G. Froese, Justine V. Murray, Nicholas J. Beeton, Rieks D. van Klinken

Summary: This article introduces a generic Bayesian network model called PRReSTo, which estimates likely infestation rates of host items in consignments. PRReSTo takes into account the vulnerability of host items to pest infestation, the abundance of pests to which host items are exposed, and the effects of risk-reducing measures. PRReSTo can be used to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of risk reduction measures in different pest-host systems.

CROP PROTECTION (2024)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Out-of-plane shear performance of a novel non-metallic CLT dovetail joint subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading

Feiyang Xu, Minghao Geng, Xinmiao Meng, Yue Diao, Ying Gao

Summary: This study proposes a novel non-metallic dovetail joint for connecting perpendicular CLT walls and lintels. The shear behavior of the joint is investigated through monotonic and cyclic loading tests, and the mechanical properties and failure modes are analyzed. A simplified strength model is developed to evaluate the shear strength of the joint.

INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS (2024)

Article Agronomy

Sucrose and brassinolide alleviated nitrite accumulation, oxidative stress and the reduction of phytochemicals in kale sprouts stored at low temperature

Yu Du, Mengyue Wang, Mengting Tong, Dengyun Wu, Jianzhou Chu, Xiaoqin Yao

Summary: This study investigated the effects of sucrose, brassinolide (BR), and their combination on the storage quality of kale sprouts. The results showed that the combined treatment improved the growth and development of sprouts, reduced oxidative stress, and inhibited nutrient loss. Furthermore, the combination treatment maintained the antioxidant capacity and nutrient content of kale sprouts.

POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY (2024)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Efficient and accurate fractionation of eucalyptus using glycolic acid-catalyzed hydrothermal treatment and alkali treatment comprehensive technology

Yadan Luo, Baojie Liu, Baojuan Deng, Xing Long, Zicheng Du, Chengrong Qin, Chen Liang, Caoxing Huang, Shuangquan Yao

Summary: This study successfully obtained a high yield of fermentable sugars and lignin rich in phenolic hydroxyl groups from eucalyptus using glycolic acid-catalyzed hydrothermal and alkaline treatment. The two-step process based on glycolic acid has great potential in converting eucalyptus into biomass energy and chemicals.

INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS (2024)

Article Agronomy

Phytophthora megasperma and P. nicotianae causing root and crown rot in sesame fields in Iran and information on cultivar resistance

Fariba Ghaderi, Soraya Karami

Summary: This study identified Phytophthora species causing root and crown rot in the main sesame-producing regions of Iran. The most aggressive species was found to be P. nicotianae. Additionally, sesame cultivars with high resistance to P. nicotianae and P. megasperma were identified. This is the first report of P. megasperma infection in sesame worldwide.

CROP PROTECTION (2024)

Article Agronomy

Melatonin treatment induces DNA methylation to alleviate chilling induced-browning in cold stored peach fruit

Zeyang Bao, Qihang Zhou, Yan Yu, Wei Chen, Zhenfeng Yang, Shifeng Cao, Liyu Shi

Summary: Exogenous melatonin treatment can alleviate the chilling-induced browning in cold-stored peaches by upregulating gene expression and affecting DNA methylation levels to increase phenolic accumulation.

POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY (2024)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Colonization of Satureja hortensis L. (Summer savory) with Trichoderma harzianum alleviates salinity stress via improving physio-biochemical traits and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites

Mohsen Sabzi-Nojadeh, Mohammad Pouresmaeil, Mina Amani, Mehdi Younessi-Hamzekhanlu, Filippo Maggi

Summary: This study shows that inoculating Summer savory plants with endophytic fungus Trichoderma harzianum can improve plant growth and increase salt tolerance. The fungus enhances growth, restores chlorophyll and antioxidant levels, reduces harmful substances, and increases proline and soluble sugar levels, thereby increasing crop productivity in saline conditions.

INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS (2024)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Sustainable fragrance release wax oil coating for wood substrate based on peppermint essential oil microcapsules

Yu Liu, Lei Li, Aichen Zhao, Xiuming Song, Lulu Wei, Mengdi Fang, Chuchu Zheng, Xiaodong Zhu

Summary: This study investigates the impact of peppermint essential oil microcapsules on the unpleasant odor emissions from wax oil coated wood products. The results show that microcapsules can improve the time and stability of odor release.

INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS (2024)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Land suitability assessment for rapeseed potential cultivation in upper Tigris basin of Turkiye comparing fuzzy and boolean logic

Mesut Budak, Mirac Kilic, Hikmet Guenal, Ismail Velik, Mesut Sirri

Summary: This study assessed land suitability for rapeseed production using topography, climate, and soil data by analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System (MFIS). The study area covered land in the Diyarbakir province of southeastern Turkiye. The results indicated the proportions of different land suitability classes and showed the compatibility of AHP and MFIS methods in assessing suitability.

INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS (2024)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Alternative for natural sweeteners: Improving the use of stevia as a source of steviol glycosides

Marcos Vinicius Silva de Andrade, Simone Ribeiro Lucho, Renato Delmondez de Castro, Paulo Roberto Ribeiro

Summary: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, commonly known as stevia, is a widely cultivated shrub with highly sweetening metabolites. It has gained significant interest in the food and beverage industries due to its extremely sweet taste and various health benefits. Researchers are currently focused on studying biotechnological strategies to enhance the biosynthesis of stevia plant metabolites for improved cultivation and production.

INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS (2024)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Advancing multi-stimuli 4D printing of polylactic acid with rapid shape memory and enhanced toughness using lignin-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles

Zechun Ren, Xinyuan Zhou, Kejiao Ding, Tong Ji, Hao Sun, Xiang Chi, Yunzhao Wei, Min Xu

Summary: This study prepared a thermal/magnetic/light-triggered multi-stimuli responsive shape memory polymer composite with excellent properties by adding magnetic nanoparticles into a polyurethane composite. The composite showed high shape recovery rate, fast response behavior, and suitability for 3D printing. Controllable external stimuli allowed for dynamic, remote, and precise control of 4D transformations. This work is significant for the design of smart materials and devices.

INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS (2024)

Article Agronomy

Do intercropping and mineral nitrogen fertilizer affect weed community structures in low-input maize-based cropping systems?

Talent Namatsheve, Remi Cardinael, Regis Chikowo, Marc Corbeels, Joyful Tatenda Rugare, Stanford Mabasa, Aude Ripoche

Summary: Weeds pose a significant threat to crop growth in low-input cropping systems in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that planting sole cowpea can effectively reduce weed infestation, while having little impact on maize yield.

CROP PROTECTION (2024)

Article Agronomy

A multiscale computation study on bruise susceptibility of blueberries from mechanical impact

Jixin Hou, Bosoon Park, Changying Li, Xianqiao Wang

Summary: This study used a data-driven computational method to assess the bruise susceptibility of blueberries under various free drop scenarios. The results showed that the susceptibility to bruising was influenced by the modulus ratios between the contact surface material and blueberries, as well as the drop height.

POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY (2024)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis provides insights into the flavonoid formation in different Glycyrrhiza species

Yuping Li, Ziyan Xie, Yun Huang, Jiangyi Zeng, Chao Yang, Ling Yuan, Ying Wang, Yongqing Li

Summary: In this study, the characteristic flavonoids (CFs) of three licorice species were identified through integrated metabolic and transcriptomic analysis. The key regulators of CF biosynthesis were also identified. These findings provide valuable information for understanding the biosynthesis of CFs and future breeding of Glycyrrhiza varieties.

INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS (2024)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Study on anionic dye toxicity reduction from simulated media by MnO2/ agro-biomass based-AC composite adsorbent

Bestani Benaouda, Gouaich Iman, Beata Michalkiewicz

Summary: This study successfully prepared a biomass-based activated carbon adsorbent for the removal of Helianthine dye from industrial effluents. The efficient adsorbent was prepared through a redox reaction, activating and heating the waste material. The experimental results showed that the activated carbon had good adsorption performance and potential for industrial applications.

INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS (2024)

Article Agronomy

Sensors in postharvest technologies: Evidence from patent portfolio analysis

Jasna Mastilovic, Zarko Kevresan, Dragan Kukolj, Renata Kovac, Dragana Ubiparip Samek, Stevan Stankovski, Gordana Ostojic, Marina Deric

Summary: This study analyzes the patent portfolio and trends of sensors in postharvest of fresh produce, providing insights into the development of sensing technologies in this area. China is the leading country in patent applications, and the patent themes include produce sorting and packaging, produce storage, and the development and application of sensors. The findings highlight the significant impact of these technologies on postharvest processes, particularly in quality and safety monitoring. Moreover, they are expected to facilitate the integration of artificial intelligence into postharvest processes, enhancing the coherence and efficiency of supply chains.

POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY (2024)

Article Agronomy

Attenuation of prochloraz phytotoxicity to postharvest mango fruit by melatonin is associated with the regulation of detoxification capacity

Zhiwen Hu, Jing Wei, Weimin Zhang, Long Wu, Di Gong, Yue Xiang, Jialiang Liu, Zhengke Zhang

Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the effect of melatonin (Mel) on the phytotoxicity and residues of the fungicide prochloraz (Pcz) in mango fruit during storage. The results showed that pretreatment with Mel reduced Pcz residues and alleviated phytotoxicity in the fruit. Mel also suppressed Pcz-induced oxidative stress and enhanced the detoxification capacity of the fruit.

POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY (2024)