Microencapsulation of peanut skin polyphenols for shelf life improvement of sunflower seeds.

Derived from industrial processing waste, peanut skins contain polyphenols that delay oxidative food spoilage. However, these compounds are susceptible to light, heat, and oxygen exposure. Microencapsulation provides a solution by offering protection from these factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of peanut skin extract microcapsules on the chemical, microbiological, and sensory property and shelf life of sunflower seeds during storage. Five roasted sunflower seed samples were prepared: control (S-C); added with butylhydroxytoluene (S-BHT); coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (S-CMC); coated with CMC and the addition of peanut skin crude extract (S-CMC-CE); coated with CMC and the addition of microcapsules (S-CMC-M20). Sensory acceptability was determined using hedonic testing. Chemical (peroxide value, conjugated dienes, hexanal and nonanal content, and fatty acid profile), microbiological, and descriptive analyses were carried out on samples stored for 45 days at room temperature. Shelf life was calculated using a simple linear regression. All samples were microbiologically fit for human consumption and accepted by consumer panelists, scoring above five points on the nine-point hedonic scale. S-CMC-M20 exhibited the lowest peroxide value (6.59 meqO2/kg) and hexanal content (0.4 µg/g) at the end of the storage. Estimated shelf life showed that S-MC-M20 (76.3 days) extended its duration nearly ninefold compared to S-C (8.3 days) and doubled that of S-CMC-CE (37.5 days). This indicates a superior efficacy of microencapsulated extract compared to its unencapsulated form, presenting a promising natural strategy for improving the shelf life of analogous food items. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Incorporating peanut skin extract microcapsules in coating sunflower seeds presents a promising strategy to extend the shelf life of lipid-rich foods, capitalizing on the antioxidant properties of polyphenols. This innovative approach not only enhances nutritional quality but also addresses sustainability concerns by repurposing agro-industrial byproducts, such as peanut skins. By meeting consumer demand for functional foods with added health benefits, this technique offers potential opportunities for the development of novel, value-added food products while contributing to circular economy principles and waste management efforts.

Endosphere mycobiome in mature rice roots originate from both seedlings and soils.

Plant-fungus symbioses have functional relevance during plant growth and development. However, it is still unknown whether the endosphere fungi in mature plants originated from soils or seeds. To elucidate the origination of endosphere fungi in mature rice roots, the fungal communities in surface sterilized roots and shoots of mature rice plants germinated in soils, rhizosphere soils and seedlings germinated under sterile conditions were analyzed by Illumina-based sequencing and compared. Total 62 fungal OTUs shared in the seedlings, shoots and roots, 126 OTUs shared in the rhizosphere soils, shoots and roots. Fungal OTUs coexisted in the four types of samples belonged to genera of Rhizophagus, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Atractiella, Myrmecridium, Sporothrix, Microdochium, Massariosphaeria, and Phialemonium. The principle component analysis (PCA) and NMDS plot suggested that the fungal community structure in rhizosphere soils was different from that in seedlings significantly. Rhizosphere soil, shoot and root contained more similar fungal community. The fungal community in seedling was similar to that in shoot and root of mature plants. The results suggested that endophytic fungal communities in mature rice plants originated from both seedlings and rhizosphere soils, and more fungal taxa originated from rhizosphere soils. Mature rice plants contain mycobiome transmitted vertically from seeds, which suggests that inoculation of endophytic fungi isolated from seedlings might be an effective way to introduce beneficial fungal inoculants into rice plants successfully.

The Origin of the Problem: Characterization of Paraguayan Septoria steviae, Causal Agent of Septoria Leaf Spot of Stevia, Based on Multilocus Sequence Analysis.

Septoria leaf spot is a significant disease affecting cultivated stevia, potentially reducing yields by > 50%. The disease is caused by Septoria steviae, first identified in 1978 in Japan as a new pathogen of stevia. Understanding the origin of S. steviae could clarify how it spread to new production areas. To investigate this, 12 isolates of Septoria sp. were obtained from stevia's native range in the Amambay forests and field plantings in Paraguay from 2018 to 2020. These isolates underwent colony morphology and molecular characterization of Actin, ß-Tubulin, Calmodulin, ITS, LSU, RPB2, and TEF1α loci. GenBank sequences from S. steviae isolates collected in France, Japan, and the United States were included. Multilocus sequence phylogenetic analysis generated a maximum likelihood (ML) tree. The morphological characteristics of Paraguayan isolates were similar to those of previously reported S. steviae type cultures from Japan. The ML analysis showed that Paraguayan isolates formed a monophyletic group with S. steviae isolates from France, Japan, and the United States. During blotter tests, pycnidia and cirri of S. steviae were observed on multiple stevia seed surfaces from different sources. Further characterization confirmed viable pathogenic conidia of S. steviae. This observation suggests that S. steviae could be associated with stevia seed, possibly spreading from the center of origin to other countries. This research is the first to genetically characterize S. steviae from Paraguay and propose its potential spread mechanism from the center of origin to the rest of the world.

Application of chemically modified waste tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum) seeds in the biosorption of methylene blue: kinetic and thermodynamic parameters.

Dye effluents cause diverse environmental problems. Methylene blue (MB) dye stands out since it is widely used in the textile industry. To reduce the pollution caused by the MB, we developed biosorbents from tucumã seeds, where the in natura seeds were treated with NaOH (BT) and H3PO4 (AT) solutions and characterized by Boehm titration, point of zero charges, FTIR, TGA, BET, and SEM. It was observed that the acid groups predominate on the surface of the three biosorbents. The process was optimized for all biosorbents at pH = 8, 7.5 g/L, 240 min, C0 = 250 mg/L, and 45 ℃. BT was more efficient in removing MB (96.20%; QMax = 35.71 mg/g), while IT and AT removed around 60% in similar conditions. The adsorption process best fits Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson isotherms, indicating a hybrid adsorption process (monolayer and multilayer) and pseudo-second-order kinetics. Thermodynamic data confirmed an endothermic and spontaneous adsorption process, mainly for BT. MB was also recovered through a desorption process with ethanol, allowing the BT recycling and reapplication of the dye. Thus, an efficient and sustainable biosorbent was developed, contributing to reducing environmental impacts.

Food grain quality: Analysis of physical, biometric, and colorimetric properties to promote consumption.

This research focused on analyzing the biometric, colorimetric and morphological characteristics of thirty seeds, covering legumes, cereals and oilseeds. Thirteen legumes, fourteen cereals and three oilseeds were collected from three different locations. The methodology used was descriptive, applying multivariate multiple factorial and cluster analysis. The results showed variability between biometric, chromatic and morphological characteristics among the seeds. Predominant shapes include circular, oval, oblong, less frequently kidney and lanceolate. Significant differences in biometric parameters stand out, evidencing similarities in colorimetric parameters. Specifically, Pallar and Bean exhibited greater equatorial dimensions, length, weight, 100 g weight, area and perimeter, While peanut and Chickpea presented greater thickness. In terms of colorimetry - luminosity, Pallar, Yellow corn and Tarwi presented higher values unlike Black lentils, Purple corn and Black beans, being less luminous. Multivariate tests revealed the formation of four groups based on the parameters studied. This study provides valuable information about the different seeds, establishing a basis for their propagation and improvement in the Peruvian context.

Modification of the physicochemical, functional, biochemical and structural properties of a soursop seed (Annona muricata L.) protein isolate treated with high-intensity ultrasound.

The obtained seeds from fruit processing are considered by-products containing proteins that could be utilized as ingredients in food manufacturing. However, in the specific case of soursop seeds, their usage for the preparation of protein isolates is limited. In this investigation a protein isolate from soursop seeds (SSPI) was obtained by alkaline extraction and isoelectric precipitation methods. The SSPI was sonicated at 200, 400 and 600 W during 15 and 30 min and its effect on the physicochemical, functional, biochemical, and structural properties was evaluated. Ultrasound increased (p < 0.05) up to 5 % protein content, 261 % protein solubility, 60.7 % foaming capacity, 30.2 % foaming stability, 86 % emulsifying activity index, 4.1 % emulsifying stability index, 85.4 % in vitro protein digestibility, 423.4 % albumin content, 83 % total sulfhydryl content, 316 % free sulfhydryl content, 236 % α-helix, 46 % ß-sheet, and 43 % ß-turn of SSPI, in comparison with the control treatment without ultrasound. Furthermore, ultrasound decreased (p < 0.05) up to 50 % particle size, 37 % molecular flexibility, 68 % surface hydrophobicity, 41 % intrinsic florescence spectrum, and 60 % random coil content. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed smooth structures of the SSPI with molecular weights ranging from 12 kDa to 65 kDa. The increase of albumins content in the SSPI by ultrasound was highly correlated (r = 0.962; p < 0.01) with the protein solubility. Improving the physicochemical, functional, biochemical and structural properties of SSPI by ultrasound could contribute to its utilization as ingredient in food industry.

Assessing the cadmium content of cacao crops in Arauca, Colombia.

The district of Arauca is the second-largest producer of cacao in Colombia. However, despite its quality, it faces issues for export due to levels of cadmium (Cd) higher than the regulatory thresholds. A central question is how it may impact agricultural performance in the presence of Cd in cacao and chocolates. This study quantified Cd in cacao plantations from Arauca. Thus, 180 farms were assessed in the municipalities of Arauquita, Fortul, Saravena, and Tame. Five sample types (soil, irrigation channel sediment, soil litter, cacao seeds, and chocolates) were assessed for Cd. As a technological innovation, the new MXRF technology was used for Cd in chocolates. The sequence of Cd content was soil litter > chocolate > soils > cacao seeds > irrigation-channel sediment. A gradient north-south of Cd content in soil was observed, where highest content was found in farms near the Arauca River, and lower farther away. In irrigation channel sediment, Cd levels averaged 0.07 mg kg-1. The Cd content in cacao seeds was 0.78 mg kg-1 on average. Cd content in chocolates was above the threshold (1.10 mg kg-1 on average, including several cacao mass percentages). These artisanal chocolate bars produced by single farms were near the limit of Cd set by the European Union (up to 0.8 mg kg-1). Therefore, mixing beans from different farms could reduce their Cd content. The present study underscores the complexity of Cd distribution, emphasizing the importance of integrating soil, crop, and landscape features in managing and mitigating Cd levels in cacao.

Secretome Analysis of Thermothelomyces thermophilus LMBC 162 Cultivated with Tamarindus indica Seeds Reveals CAZymes for Degradation of Lignocellulosic Biomass.

The analysis of the secretome allows us to identify the proteins, especially carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), secreted by different microorganisms cultivated under different conditions. The CAZymes are divided into five classes containing different protein families. Thermothelomyces thermophilus is a thermophilic ascomycete, a source of many glycoside hydrolases and oxidative enzymes that aid in the breakdown of lignocellulosic materials. The secretome analysis of T. thermophilus LMBC 162 cultivated with submerged fermentation using tamarind seeds as a carbon source revealed 79 proteins distributed between the five diverse classes of CAZymes: 5.55% auxiliary activity (AAs); 2.58% carbohydrate esterases (CEs); 20.58% polysaccharide lyases (PLs); and 71.29% glycoside hydrolases (GHs). In the identified GH families, 54.97% are cellulolytic, 16.27% are hemicellulolytic, and 0.05 are classified as other. Furthermore, 48.74% of CAZymes have carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs). Observing the relative abundance, it is possible to state that only thirteen proteins comprise 92.19% of the identified proteins secreted and are probably the main proteins responsible for the efficient degradation of the bulk of the biomass: cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin.

Fruit dehiscence mechanism and release of dimorphic seeds with different germination properties in Commelina erecta.

Commelina erecta is a successful weed species. The aims of this study were to analyse the morpho-anatomy of the fruit and dimorphic seeds of the weed C. erecta, the dynamics and type of dormancy, and water entry. Flowers and fruits at different development stages were processed using standard anatomical techniques. Besides, experiments of imbibition, germinability and water entry were performed on both seed types. In the fruit of C. erecta, free and coated seeds are developed within dehiscent and indehiscent carpels, respectively. Dehiscent carpels open through a region of mechanical weakness in the dorsal vascular bundle. This region does not form in the indehiscent carpel. The main anatomical differences between the two seed types were observed in the testa and in the number of covering layers. Imbibition experiments showed that the covering of both seed types is water permeable, so these seeds lack physical dormancy and may exhibit physiological dormancy. Germinability experiments showed that the dormancy in free seeds is variable throughout the reproductive season, whereas, in coated seeds, it is high throughout the reproductive season. The embryotega is an area where the hardness of the seed coat is interrupted and facilitates water entry. Differences in the morpho-anatomy of carpels result in the formation of dimorphic seeds with different covering layers and different germination properties. These different properties allow some seeds germinate immediately after falling from the mother plant, and others to be incorporated into the seed bank. These results are useful for designing weed management strategies in agroecosystems.

Purification, Characterization and Evaluation of the Anticoagulant Effect of an Uncompetitive Trypsin Inhibitor obtained from Bauhinia pulchella (Benth) Seeds.

INTRODUCTION: Trypsin inhibitors (TIs) have the ability to competitively or non-competitively bind to trypsin and inhibit its action. These inhibitors are commonly found in plants and are used in protease inhibition studies involved in biochemical pathways of pharmacological interest. OBJECTIVES: This work aimed to purify a trypsin inhibitor from Bauhinia pulchella seeds (BpuTI), describing its kinetic mechanism and anticoagulant effect. METHODS: Affinity chromatography, protein assay, and SDS-PAGE were used to purify the inhibitor. Mass spectrometry, inhibition assays, and enzyme kinetics were used to characterize the inhibitor. In vitro assays were performed to verify its ability to prolong blood clotting time. RESULTS: Affinity chromatography on a Trypsin-Sepharose 4B column gave a yield of 43.1. BpuTI has an apparent molecular mass of 20 kDa with glycosylation (1.15%). Protein identification was determined by MS/MS, and BpuTI showed similarity to several Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitors. BpuTI inhibited bovine trypsin as an uncompetitive inhibitor with IC50 (3 x 10-6 M) and Ki (1.05 x 10-6 M). Additionally, BpuTI showed high stability to temperature and pH variations, maintaining its activity up to 100ºC and in extreme pH ranges. However, the inhibitor was susceptible to reducing agents, such as DTT, which completely abolished its activity. BpuTI showed an anticoagulant effect in vitro at a concentration of 33 µM, prolonging clotting time by 2.6 times. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that BpuTI can be a biological tool to be used in blood clotting studies.

A voltammetric peptide biosensor for Cu2+ metal ion quantification in coffee seeds.

A prion-derived copper(II)-binding peptide was assembled onto a gold electrode for the building of a voltammetric biosensor for measuring the Cu2+ metal ion in biological samples. The chosen sequence was H-CVNITKQHTVTTTT-NH2, with an appended cysteine residue for binding to the gold surface as a self-assembled monolayer and a histidine residue as the anchorage point for copper(II) complexation. The biosensor showed a linear range of 10-7 to 10-6 M with an 8.0 × 10-8 M detection limit and a 1.0 × 10-7 M quantification limit, with good precision, trueness, and absence of matrix effect. The quantification of Cu2+ was performed in the presence of other transition metal ions, such as Zn2+, Cd2+, Fe2+, or Ni2+, which indicates the excellent selectivity of the biosensor. When the modified electrode was applied for measuring copper(II) in calcined coffee seeds, a difference in copper amount was observed between two Coffea arabica cultivars that were submitted to a treatment with a copper-based antifungal, showing the applicability of the biosensor in the agricultural field.

A bioactive compound digested chia protein is capable of modulating NFκB mediated hepatic inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet.

The consumption of diets high in saturated fat can induce damages in liver morphology and function, which leads to increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and hepatic steatosis. Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) is rich in protein, which provides bioactive peptides with potential benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. Then, this study aimed to analyze the effect of digested total protein (DTP) of chia on inflammation, oxidative stress, and morphological changes in liver of C57BL/6 mice fed a diet rich in saturated fat. Male C57BL/6 mice (n = 8/group), 8 weeks old, were fed standard diet (AIN), high-fat diet (HF), standard diet added digested protein (AIN + DTP) or high-fat diet added digested protein (HF + DTP) for 8 weeks. In animals fed a high-fat diet, chia DTP was able to reduce weight gain, food efficiency ratio and hepatosomatic index. In addition, it presented antioxidant capacity, which reduced catalase activity and lipid peroxidation. DTP was also able to reduce hepatic inflammation by reducing p65-NFκB expression and IL-1ß expression and quantification. The APSPPVLGPP peptide present in chia DTP presented binding capacity with PPAR-α, which contributed to the reduction of hepatic fat accumulation evidenced by histological analysis. Thus, chia DTP improved hepatic inflammatory and histological parameters, being an effective food in reducing the liver damage caused by a high-fat diet.

Date seeds (Phoenix Dactylifera L. ) valorization: chemical composition of lipid fraction / Valorização de sementes de tâmara (Phoenix Dactylifera L. ): composição química da fração lipídica

This research was aimed to study the lipid fraction of date seeds. Seventeen seeds of date palm varieties and clones were evaluated and assessed for their chemical components and for the properties of the date pits oil. Gas liquid chromatography showed that the main unsaturated fatty acid was oleic acid (46.00 - 50.87%), while the main saturated fatty acid was lauric acid (10.11 - 19.03%) for the cultivars Mentouj Tissgharine (MTN) and Bheir Ingli (KBN) respectively; other fatty acids were also identified. The physicochemical characterization showed an acid value ranging from 0.068 to 1.188%, a specific extinction value equal to (K232: 1.350-2.225; K270: 0.318- 0.521), a peroxide value in the interval (1.059-5.618 meq O2/kg) and an iodine value (41.861-59.980 g Iodine/100 g). The pheophytin content of date seed oils was found within the range from 21.855 to 75.685%. The chemical analysis showed that date seed oil can be useful in cosmetic and food products processing.

Dezessete sementes de variedades e clones de tamareiras foram avaliadas quanto aos seus componentes químicos e às propriedades do óleo de caroço de tâmara. A cromatografia gasosa líquida mostrou que o principal ácido graxo insaturado foi o ácido oleico (46,00% - 50,87%), enquanto o principal ácido graxo saturado foi o ácido láurico (10,11% - 19,03%) para as cultivares MTN e KBN, respectivamente; outros ácidos graxos também foram identificados. A caracterização físico-química mostrou um valor ácido variando de 0,068% a 1,188%, um valor específico de extinção igual a (K232: 1,350-2,225; K270: 0,318-0,521), um valor de peróxido no intervalo (1,059-5,618 meq O2/kg) e um valor de iodo (41,861-59,980 g Iodo/100 g). O teor de feofitina dos óleos de sementes de tâmara foi encontrado na faixa de 21,855% a 75,685%. A análise química mostrou que o óleo de semente de tâmara pode ser útil no processamento de produtos cosméticos e alimentícios.

Changes in flax yield and quality in response to various mineral nutrition / Alterações no rendimento e qualidade do linho em resposta a vários nutrientes minerais

The researchers of Russian State Agrarian University, Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy in 2013-2016 conducted a long-term stationary experiment to study chemical and toxicological properties of fiber flax, Voskhod variety, growing on sod-podzolic soil in the soil and climate of the Moscow region. Test plots were selected with following crop rotation options: without fertilizers, without liming; without fertilizers, with liming; N100P150K120 (kg a.i./ha), without liming; N100P150K120, with liming; N100P150K120 + manure 20 t/ha, without liming; N100P150K120 + manure 20 t/ha, with liming. The agro-climatic conditions of the growing seasons during the research years did not have a negative impact on the growth and development of fiber flax, the hydro-thermal index was 1.1 in 2013, -1.05 in 2014, 1.5 in 2015, and 1.5 in 2016. The maintained crop rotation and the introduction of a full range of mineral and organic fertilizers has been found to contribute to high yields of flax in terms of fiber (18.5-18.9 hwt/ha) and seeds (7.9-8.3 hwt/ha). The seeds contain 16.9-19.5% protein and 33.5-39.4% lipids. The yield of flaxseed oil from seeds ranged from 19.5-35.7% on average for different variants of the experiment. The peroxide number index was 2.5-1.5 mg-eq O2/kg, the acid number index was 1.1-1.9 mg KOH/g, which corresponds to obtaining high-quality linseed oil in compliance with quality standards for all variants of the experiment.

Os pesquisadores da Universidade Agrária Estatal Russa, Academia Agrícola Timiryazev de Moscou, de 2013 a 2016, realizaram um experimento estacionário de longo prazo para estudar as propriedades químicas e toxicológicas da fibra de linho, variedade Voskhod, crescendo em solo sod-podzólico e no clima da região de Moscou. As parcelas-teste foram selecionadas com as seguintes opções de rotação de culturas: sem fertilizantes e sem calagem; sem fertilizantes e com calagem; N100P150K120 (kg ia/ha), sem calagem; N100P150K120 e com calagem; N100P150K120 + esterco 20 t/ha e sem calagem; N100P150K120 + esterco 20 t/há e com calagem. As condições agroclimáticas das épocas de cultivo durante os anos de pesquisa não tiveram impacto negativo no crescimento e desenvolvimento do linho têxtil, o índice hidrotérmico foi de 1,1 em 2013, -1,05 em 2014, 1,5 em 2015 e 1,5 em 2016. Verificou-se que a manutenção da rotação de culturas e a introdução de uma gama completa de fertilizantes minerais e orgânicos contribuem para altos rendimentos de linho em termos de fibra (18,5-18,9 hwt/ha) e sementes (7,9-8,3 hwt/ha). As sementes contêm 16,9-19,5% de proteína e 33,5-39,4% de lipídios. O rendimento de óleo de linhaça das sementes variou de 19,5 a 35,7% em média para diferentes variantes do experimento. O índice de peróxido foi de 2,5-1,5 mg-eq O2/kg, o índice de acidez foi de 1,1-1,9 mg KOH/g, o que corresponde à obtenção de óleo de linhaça de alta qualidade em conformidade com os padrões de qualidade para todas as variantes do experimento.

Moisture content and temperature of storage in peach palm seed conservation / Teor de água e temperatura de armazenamento na conservação de sementes de pupunha

The peach palm (Bactrisgasipaes) is an important alternative for heart-of-palm extraction, showing precocity, rusticity and high tillering. The seeds of this species are considered recalcitrant making storage for long periods and production of seedlings difficulty. This identified a combination of moisture content of peach palm seeds and temperature during storage for longer seed longevity. Seeds with 35% and 45% of moisture content (wet basis - wb) were storage at 20 °C and 25 ºC during 180 days. The evaluations were carried out every 60 days by the germination test, emergence in sand, shoot length, diameter of stem, shoot dry matter, root dry matter and moisture content. It was observed that seeds with moisture content of 45% wb showed better performance during storage. The storage at 20 ºC provides higher seed quality maintenance. Peach palm seeds maintain their viability for 120 days when stored with moisture content of 45% wb at 20 ºC.

A pupunha (Bactris gasipaes) é uma importante alternativa para a extração de palmito, apresentando precocidade, rusticidade e alto grau de perfilhamento. As sementes desta espécie são consideradas recalcitrantes, dificultando o armazenamento por longos períodos e a produção de mudas. Neste trabalho objetivou-se identificar uma combinação de teor de água das sementes de pupunha e temperatura durante o armazenamento para maior longevidade das sementes. Foram utilizadas sementes com teor de água de 35% e 45% (base úmida - bu), armazenadas a 20 °C e 25 ºC por 180 dias. As avaliações foram realizadas a cada 60 dias, por meio do teste de germinação, emergência em areia, comprimento da parte aérea, diâmetro de coleto, massa de matéria seca de parte aérea, massa de matéria seca de raiz das plantas e teor de água das sementes. Observou-se que as sementes com teor de água de 45% tiveram desempenho superior durante o armazenamento. A temperatura de 20 ºC proporciona maior manutenção da qualidade das sementes. Sementes de pupunha mantêm sua viabilidade durante 120 dias, quando armazenadas com teor de água de 45% a 20 ºC.

Germination of bean seeds (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) in strong electric fields.

This paper presents a tutorial for the germination of bean seeds (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) in strong electrostatic fields up to 1240 V/cm. The seeds were allowed to germinate under different electric field strengths for 48 h. Although most of such germination experiments did not show any visible effect, the field strength of 945 V/cm strongly increased the seedling's vigor during the early growth stage. In the end, 30 % more yield was obtained from stimulated seeds when compared to the control group. This article postulates for the first time a hypothesis of the mechanism of action of the electric field during germination. In biological cells of any species, water confined between narrow surfaces can undergo a phase transition that shifts its melting point to higher temperatures when an external electric field is applied. This effect has already been known as electrofreezing, and has been confirmed by several experimental and molecular modeling studies. As a consequence, the transport kinetics of molecules across cell organelle membranes might be altered, which in turn leads to different plant properties. With emphasis on the presented method, this work reports: •An inexpensive electric circuit for the generation of strong electric fields•Instructions regarding the setup and operation of an adequate germination chamber.

Non-stressful temperature changes affect transgenerational phenotypic plasticity across the life cycle of Arabidopsis thaliana plants.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Plants respond in a plastic manner to seasonal changes, often resulting in adaptation to environmental variation. Although much is known about how seasonality regulates developmental transitions within generations, transgenerational effects of non-stressful environmental changes are only beginning to be unveiled. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ambient temperature changes on the expression of transgenerational plasticity in key developmental traits of Arabidopsis thaliana plants. METHODS: We grew Columbia-0 plants in two contrasting temperature environments (18 and 24 °C) during their whole life cycles, or the combination of those temperatures before and after bolting (18-24 and 24-18 °C) across two generations. We recorded seed germination, flowering time and reproductive biomass production for the second generation, and seed size of the third generation. KEY RESULTS: The environment during the whole life cycle of the first generation of plants, even that experienced before flowering, influenced the germination response and flowering time of the second generation. These effects showed opposing directions in a pattern dependent on the life stage experiencing the cue in the first generation. In contrast, the production of reproductive biomass depended on the immediate environment of the progeny generation. Finally, the seed area of the third generation was influenced positively by correlated environments across generations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that non-stressful environmental changes affect the expression of key developmental traits across generations, although those changes can have contrasting effects depending on the parental and grandparental life stage that perceives the cue. Thus, transgenerational effects in response to non-stressful cues might influence the expression of life-history traits and potential adaptation of future generations.

Applications and Market of Micro-Organism-Based and Plant-Based Inputs in Brazilian Agriculture.

The use of plant-based and micro-organism-based biological inputs is a sustainable agricultural practice. It promotes a suitable and better utilization of non-renewable resources in the environment. The benefits of using micro-organisms are associated with direct and indirect mechanisms, mainly related to improvements in the absorption and availability of nutrients, resulting in a consequent impact on plant growth. The main benefits of using biochemical pesticides are the promotion of sustainability and the management of resistance to pests and diseases. Although the use of micro-organisms and botanical metabolites is a promising agricultural alternative, they are still primarily concentrated in grain crops. There is a huge opportunity to expand the plant-based and micro-organism-based biological inputs used in agriculture due to the wide range of mechanisms of action of those products. At a global level, several terminologies have been adopted to characterize biological inputs, but many terms used conflict with Brazilian legislation. This review will clarify the classes of biological inputs existing in Brazil as well as present the application and evolution of the market for microbiological and plant-based inputs.

Germinación y establecimiento de plántulas de Dioclea guianensis Benth. (Fabaceae) / Germination and establishment of seedlings of Dioclea guianensis Benth. (Fabaceae)

Objective. The germination capacity of Dioclea guianensis is being described. Materials and methods. The fruits were collected in the La Depresión district of La Sierra municipality, Cauca, where floristic and ecological restoration studies are being conducted. For the morphological description, 50 fruits and 75 seeds were used, and morphometric measurements of length, width, and thickness were taken. The stages of germination were observed and described through nursery sowing with four repetitions of 290 seeds each; observations were made daily and establishment was determined by the appearance of the second leaf. Results. Morphological description of the fruit and seeds: The fruit of D. guianensis is a dry, oblong-compressed legume with explosive dehiscence. The seeds are oblong-elliptical with a semicircular hilum, without a persistent funicle. Germination in D. guianensis is epigeal and phanerocotylar, with an average germination time of 25 to 40 days. The survival rate of seedlings until the appearance of the second leaf was 85%. Conclusion, D. guianensis exhibits a maximum germination rate of 99.8% and a seedling survival rate of 85%. The seedlings have phanerocotylar, epigeal, and straight germination, with fleshy cotyledons and the development of photosynthetic membranous leaf primordia. This allows the seedlings to develop in the first few weeks with the protection and storage of the cotyledons, and later assume the nutritional role of the photosynthetic leaf primordia.

Objetivo. Describir la capacidad de germinación de Dioclea guianensis. Materiales y métodos. Los frutos fueron colectados en el corregimiento La Depresión del municipio La Sierra ­ Cauca, donde se adelantan estudios florísticos y de restauración ecológica. Para la descripción morfológica fueron utilizados 50 frutos y 75 semillas, se tomaron medidas morfométricas de largo, ancho y grosor. Las etapas de la germinación se observaron y describieron a partir de la siembra en vivero con cuatro repeticiones de 290 semillas cada una; las observaciones se realizaron cada día y el establecimiento se determinó por la aparición del segundo nomofilo. Resultados. Descripción morfológica del fruto y semillas: El fruto de D. guianensis, es seco de tipo legumbre oblongo-comprimidas con dehiscencia explosiva. Las semillas son oblongo-elípticas con hilo semicircundante, sin funículo persistente. La germinación es epigea fanerocotilar, el tiempo medio de germinación es de 25 a 40 días y el porcentaje de sobrevivencia de plántulas a la aparición del segundo nomofilo fue del 85%. Conclusiones. D. guianensis presenta una tasa máxima de germinación del 99.8%, una sobrevivencia del 85% de las plántulas, las cuales, al presentar una germinación fanerocotilar, epigea y recta, con cotiledones carnosos, y desarrollo de los primordios foliares membranosos fotosintéticos les permiten a las plántulas desarrollarse en las primeras semanas con la protección y almacenamiento de los cotiledones, para luego asumir el papel nutricional, los primordios foliares fotosintetizadores.

Volatile Organic Compounds Produced by Kosakonia cowanii Cp1 Isolated from the Seeds of Capsicum pubescens R & P Possess Antifungal Activity.

The Kosakonia cowanii Cp1 strain was isolated from seeds of Capsicum pubescens R. & P. cultivated in Michoacan, Mexico. Genetic and ecological role analyses were conducted for better characterization. The results show that genome has a length of 4.7 Mbp with 56.22% G + C and an IncF plasmid of 128 Kbp with 52.51% G + C. Furthermore, pathogenicity test revealed nonpathogenic traits confirmed by the absence of specific virulence-related genes. Interestingly, when fungal inhibitory essays were carried out, the bacterial synthesis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with antifungal activity showed that Sclerotinia sp. and Rhizoctonia solani were inhibited by 87.45% and 77.24%, respectively. Meanwhile, Sclerotium rolfsii, Alternaria alternata, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides demonstrated a mean radial growth inhibition of 52.79%, 40.82%, and 55.40%, respectively. The lowest inhibition was by Fusarium oxysporum, with 10.64%. The VOCs' characterization by headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) revealed 65 potential compounds. Some of the compounds identified with high relative abundance were ketones (22.47%), represented by 2-butanone, 3-hydroxy (13.52%), and alcohols (23.5%), represented by ethanol (5.56%) and 1-butanol-3-methyl (4.83%). Our findings revealed, for the first time, that K. cowanii Cp1 associated with C. pubescens seeds possesses potential traits indicating that it could serve as an effective biocontrol.