Importance of the Work: Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (International Society for Plant Pathology; www.isppweb.org) is a devastating plant disease that is difficult to control with conventional methods. Green-synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) offer a sustainable, eco-friendly and biocompatible alternative. Their biogenic production uses natural extracts, reduces toxic inputs and energy consumption, and provides strong antibacterial activity. Objectives: To review the biogenic synthesis of IONPs from plant and microbial sources, and to evaluate their mechanisms, characterization and potential for bacterial wilt control. Materials and Methods: The synthesis process involved three stages: reduction of metal salts by biomolecules, nucleation and growth into nanoscale clusters, and stabilization/capping to prevent aggregation. Characterization of these IONPs was performed using a suite of techniques: ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force spectroscopy (AFM). Results: The reviewed studies showed that green-synthesized IONPs exhibited strong antibacterial efficacy against R. solanacearum both in vitro and in greenhouse trials. In tomato plants, root-zone treatments and foliar applications significantly reduced disease incidence dropping as low as 13.09% compared to 98.01% in untreated controls in some reports. Furthermore, IONPs improved plant growth parameters, including biomass, shoot length and chlorophyll content, while enhancing soil health through increased enzyme activity and nutrient availability. Main Findings: The primary finding was that IONPs combat bacterial wilt through a multifaceted mechanism involving: disrupting bacterial cell membranes via electrostatic interactions; generating reactive oxygen species that damage DNA and proteins; and inhibiting the formation of protective biofilms by interfering with quorum sensing. These findings suggest that integrating IONPs into disease management strategies could substantially reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and enhance agricultural resilience.

Importance of the Work: The increasing prevalence of heavy metals in agricultural soil threatens soil quality and poses serious risks to human health and requires eco-friendly and low-cost remediation solutions. Objectives: To evaluate the potential of Sesuvium portulacastrum L. to remediate lead- contaminated agricultural soil by assessing its growth response under different concentrations of Pb(NO3)2 exposure. Materials and Methods: The phytoremediation potential was evaluated during 70 d of the halophyte S. portulacastrum L. in Pb(NO3)2-contaminated agricultural soil, based on quantification of the lead distribution in plant tissues, the biological concentration factor (BCF) and the translocation factor (TF). Results: Pb accumulated predominantly in roots rather than shoots, with consistently low TF values (0.004–0.025), indicating limited root-to-shoot transport. Furthermore, the BCF values supported strong belowground enrichment, with BCF (root/soil) in the range 235.11–2,117.81 and BCF(shoot/soil) in the range 5.89–9.41 across treatments. Based on soil measurements, S. portulacastrum decreased soil Pb by 79.62%, 18.96% and 7.15% in soils initially amended with Pb(NO3)2 at 100 mg/kg dry weight (DW), 500 mg/kg DW and 1,000 mg/kg DW, respectively. Main finding: Overall, the findings supported the use of S. portulacastrum primarily for Pb phytostabilization and risk mitigation in saline soils.

Importance of the work: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has been well-recognized for its role in blood pressure regulation. Jackfruit seed protein hydrolysates (JSPs) are produced via enzymes. Objectives: To assess the potential of jackfruit seed proteins as a functional food for high blood pressure treatment based on bioactive peptides. Materials and Methods: The ACE inhibitory activities were investigated of the JSPs produced via pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin enzymes. After hydrolysis, smaller JSP molecules (≤ 3 kDa) were collected following ultrafiltration and further purified using solid phase extraction (SPE). The ACE inhibitory activity analysis of all peptides revealed positive results. Hence, the peptides were further separated into fractions using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and subsequently, analysis of the inhibitory properties of JSP fractions against ACE was carried out. Results: The mean (± SD) yield of protein from jackfruit seeds extracted using sonication at 30% amplitude was 18.52 ± 0.6% dry basis. The JSPs had a mean (± SD) ACE-inhibitory activity of 77.75 ± 0.17% and a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.54 mg/mL. The impediment to ACE activity by the HILIC 90%_JSP_ACN+0.1%FA fraction was the highest. Based on further RP-HPLC fractionation of this HILIC fraction, the inhibition efficiency of fraction 6 (HILIC90%_JSP_RP-HPLC_6) against ACE was exemplary. Main finding: JSPs are promising alternative sources of antihypertensive functional food, food ingredients and nutraceuticals.

Importance of the work: This is the first report of the family Gelastocoridae from a mangrove area in Thailand, providing a new country record for species and the family. Objectives: Providing a taxonomic list and distributions of Hebridae, Gelastocoridae, and Mesoveliidae in Thai mangroves. Materials and Methods: In total, 150 specimens were collected of the Hebridae, Gelastocoridae and Mesoveliidae from 24 localities during 2013–2024 in coastal mangrove areas of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea using sweeping and hand-picking methods. Results: Specimens of Hebrus nereis (Polhemus and Polhemus, 1989) were collected from muddy margins of small streams and emergent rocks in mangrove forests in South Thailand. Three species of Mesoveliidae (Mesovelia vittigera Horvath, 1895, Mesovelia sp. and Nereivelia murphyi Polhemus and Polhemus, 1989) were collected. Female specimens of Mesovelia were reported from several mangroves in Central Thailand. One of these females was probably Mesovelia horvathi Lundblad, 1933; however, a male specimen is needed to confirm the identification. Specimens of the Mesoveliidae were collected from muddy margins with vegetation or dead logs. Nerthra macrothorax (Montrouzier, 1855) was a single species of Gelastocoridae collected among organic matter on a beach in mangroves in South Thailand. Main finding: A single species of the Hebridae was found restricted to South Thailand, whereas three species of the Mesoveliidae were collected throughout mangrove areas in Thailand. Furthermore, a species of the Gelastocoridae was reported from a single locality.

Importance of the work:The optimum conditions of biocoal and techno-economic analysis are important in determining the potential of biocoal production based on a torrefaction.Objectives: 1) To experiment with torrefaction for simulation; 2) to simulate and design biocoal production; and 3) to perform techno-economic analysis. Materials & Methods:A palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB) sample from Thailand was used in the torrefaction experiment.The simulation used the Aspen Plus to model the torrefaction.Investment and optimization aimed to maximize profitability.The torrefaction temperature was set at 200300C, with a heating rate of 10C/min and a residue time of 1050 min. Results:The yield of biocoal from PEFB at 300C and a residue time of 30 min was 56.13%, which was higher than the biogas and bio-oil yields.There was a good correlation between the PEFB yield and the temperature factor at 300-320C, suggesting that this temperature range influenced the yield of PEFB, making it a suitable biomass material for making biocoal.The simulation generated 1,876.25 t/d of PEFB at 300C, producing 21,631.70kg/hr of char, 14,530.29 kg/hr of gas, 1,279.31kg/hr of bio-oil and 40,736.10kg/hr of vapor.The optimal utility cost was USD 4.06 million, with a 20 yr life cycle and a total capital investment of USD 20.38 million. Main finding:In the simulation using PEFB, the production of biocoal decreased with increasing temperature due to faster devolatilization and a reduction in carbon levels.The conceptual design of biocoal production was presented with supported data from experiments and techno-economic analysis.

Importance of the work: Optimization of plant spacing and applying hard pruning in jatropha cultivation are promising ways to improve production.Objectives: This study examined the effects of pruning and planting spacing on jatropha traits including flower, fruit, and seed characteristics. Materials and Methods:A study was conducted on 14 jatropha varieties, evaluating them under narrow and standard spacing conditions over two years.The plants were pruned after the initial year to stimulate new growth, and data on flower, fruit, and seed characteristics were collected. Results:The results are noteworthy, indicating that, while plant spacing had a minimal impact on jatropha traits, pruning significantly accelerated flowering and enhanced inflorescence number, seed size, and weight, albeit reducing the number of seeds per fruit.A strong correlation was also found between the inflorescence number in jatropha and their growth and yield traits (r = 0.53* to 0.89**).Main finding: These findings suggested that reducing plant spacing did not affect jatropha flowering, fruiting, and seed setting, but pruning enhanced these traits and correlated with a higher yield.

Importance of the work:The GABA-producing Companilactobacillus zhachilii isolated from fermented pork ('nham') demonstrates both efficacy and safety in GABA production.Objectives: To identify the GABA-producing strains ASK-1 and ANB-1 to compare their genomes with those of Levilactobacillus brevis and Companilactobacillus zhachilii strains.Materials and Methods: Two fermented food samples were collected and used for the isolation of lactic acid bacteria.The strains obtained were evaluated for GABA production.The selected strains were identified based on their phenotypic and genotypic characteristics.Genomic comparisons of the GABA-producing strains were performed using genome sequencing, assembly, annotation and comparative analysis.This analysis included the examination of CRISPR regions, antimicrobial genes, functional attributes and genome visualization. Results:The GABA-producing lactic acid bacteria (ASK-1 and ANB-1) were isolated from traditional Thai fermented foods ('sai-krog-prieo' and 'nham').The strains ASK-1 and ANB-1 produced 9.12 0.51 g/L GABA and 12.73 0.57 g/L GABA, respectively.On the basis of phenotypic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, strain ASK-1 presented 100% sequence similarity to Levilactobacillus brevis ATCC 14687 T , whereas ANB-1 presented 99.93% similarity to Companilactobacillus zhachilii HBUAS52074.Genome analysis identified ASK-1 as L. brevis ATCC 367, with an average nucleotide identity based on a BLAST (ANIb) value of 98.86% and ANB-1 with an ANIb value of 96.92%, to C. zhachilii HBUAS52074.Additionally, genomic studies revealed GABA-producing genes (gadA and gadB) via the KofamKOALA-KEGG Orthology database.Main finding: Levilactobacillus brevis ASK-1 and Companilactobacillus zhachilii ANB-1 efficiently and safely produced GABA and exhibited probiotic properties, making them promising starter cultures for functional food production in both local food and industrial fermentation processes.

Importance of the work: Organic acids show potential for inhibiting Eimeria tenella that causes chicken coccidiosis with diarrhea and weight loss; however, there is no available specific efficacy data.Objectives: To evaluate citric acid and formic acid, both individually and combined, as well as a commercial product (known as Bluetec) for in vitro inhibition of E. tenella.Materials and Methods: E. tenella oocysts were identified using morphology and polymerase chain reaction.The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for sporulation inhibition was determined by exposing oocysts to citric and formic acids at various concentrations.Trials consisted of citric acid, formic acid, their combination and Bluetec, with sporulation inhibition assessed after 24 hr and 48 hr by counting unsporulated and sporulated oocysts. Results:The IC50 values were 4.33 mg/mL for citric acid and 2.40 mg/mL for formic acid.After 24 hr of incubation, the sporulation inhibition (SI) percentages were 2.95% for the 3% diclazuril (PC), 12.07% for citric acid, 8.50% for formic acid and 15.13% for the combination and 48 hr of incubation were 21.49%, 11.34% and 23.51%, respectively.Incubation for 48 hour resulted in a reduced sporulation percentage, indicating that the inhibition of sporulation was dependent on the duration of exposure.The SI percentages were 0% for distilled water, 7.96% for PC and 29.74% for Bluetec, highlighting significant differences among the tested items and suggesting a synergistic effect between citric and formic acids. Main finding:Combining citric acid and formic acid, as well as using Bluetec effectively inhibited E. tenella sporulation.There was a notable synergistic effect of citric and formic acids, though its mechanism remained unclear.The most effective treatments were citric and formic acids with incubation for 48 hr and Bluetec with incubation for 24 hr.These organic acids could be utilized as food additives or disinfectants in poultry production.

Importance of the work:The study of the combined effects of the wormwood plant (Artemisia absinthium L.) and trace elements is crucial for understanding their impact on cattle metabolic systems. Objectives:To evaluate the effect of Artemisia absinthium L. and cobalt chelate compounds on the metabolic parameters and mineral metabolism of bulls. Materials and Methods:The study was undertaken at the Federal Scientific Center for Biological Systems and Agrotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences using a sample of 16 Kazakh bulls (white-headed breed, aged 1314 mth).The experiment used a 4 4 Latin square design, comprising four repetitions with four bulls per group, across 17 d periods (10 d of adaptation and 7 d of sampling).Blood samples were collected during each sampling period to determine biochemical indicators and trace elements.Biochemical analyses were performed using an automatic biochemical analyzer, while trace element levels in serum were assessed using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry.Results: Alterations in feeding conditions significantly affected the metabolism of the Kazakh white-headed bulls.During the experimental period, incorporating a plant-based feed supplement derived from Artemisia absinthium L. was an optimal strategy for enhancing metabolic processes and promoting growth in the bulls.The combined introduction of wormwood and cobalt compounds into the diet resulted in increases in the levels of cobalt (Co) by 67% (p = 0.002), chromium by 80% (p = 0.004) and selenium by 12% (p = 0.05).Furthermore, when Co compounds were administered alone, there was a notable increase in Co levels by 100% (p = 0.002), accompanied by a decrease in iodine levels by 33% (p = 0.007).Additionally, groups receiving wormwood supplements had increased concentrations of heavy metals (nickel and lead) exceeding 10%.Main finding: Feeding a plant-based additive comprising Artemisia absinthium L. and cobalt chloride (CoCl) compounds was optimal for cattle.This combined supplementation effectively enhanced protein, carbohydrate, lipid and mineral metabolism in the bulls.