Phytochemicals, that include both primary and secondary metabolites (SMs) of the plants, are of great interest in a variety of sectors, such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Recently, it has been recognized that SMs could be used as a basis to develop biopesticides. Lime and orange peels were collected and dried at room temperature from Guerrero, México. They were ground until obtaining a fine powder in a blender and then the extraction of the compounds was conducted. Characterization of plant extracts was done through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The outstanding compounds in the extracts were d-limonene and citric acid. d-Limonene stood out as one of the predominant ones with a concentration of 95.66 %. The ethanolic extracts presented a higher number of compounds than aqueous extracts. This study represents a significant advance in the characterization and comprehension of orange and lime peel extracts, providing a solid base for future studies and practical applications in various scientific and commercial fields.

This research investigated the potential of Tithonia diversifolia as a sustainable nitrogen source for chili (Capsicum annuum L.) production in lime-amended Ultisol using ¹⁵N isotope tracing technology. A factorial pot experiment was conducted with two factors: lime application (0 and 2 ton ha⁻¹) and nitrogen substitution levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% replacement of synthetic N fertilizer with fresh Tithonia biomass). A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of Tithonia diversifolia green manure as a partial substitute for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer in chili (Capsicum annuum L.) production on acidic Ultisol soil. The study employed a factorial design with varying N substitution levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) and lime treatments (with and without lime application). Tithonia biomass was incorporated into the soil and incubated for 21 days before chili transplantation. Soil chemical properties, plant growth parameters, yield components, nutrient uptake, and ¹⁵N isotope analysis were measured throughout the 12-week growing period. The Ultisol soil exhibited typical constraints with pH 5.27, high Al saturation (36.85%), and low fertility status. Results demonstrated that Tithonia application significantly improved soil chemical properties by reducing exchangeable Al from 2.00 to 0.53 cmol kg⁻¹ and Al saturation from 36.85% to 7.48% without lime treatment. Soil organic carbon increased linearly with Tithonia application, reaching 2.47% at the highest substitution level with lime. Lime application enhanced soil pH and further reduced Al toxicity, creating synergistic effects with Tithonia amendments. Optimal chili performance was achieved with 25-30% N substitution, producing maximum straw dry mass (74.95 g pot⁻¹), fruit fresh weight (397.53 g pot⁻¹), and nutrient uptake efficiency. The ¹⁵N isotope analysis revealed that Tithonia contributed 1.78% to 28.40% of total plant nitrogen uptake, with higher substitution levels showing increased N contribution but reduced overall plant performance. Complete substitution (100%) significantly reduced plant growth and yield, indicating incomplete nutrient mineralization within the 21-day incubation period. The study concludes that Tithonia diversifolia can effectively substitute up to 50% of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer in chili production systems while maintaining optimal growth and yield parameters. This integrated approach offers a sustainable solution for reducing synthetic fertilizer dependency in tropical agriculture, particularly in acidic soils where lime application enhances the effectiveness of organic amendments

The cultivation of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) has gained prominence because of its agronomic potential and nutritional benefits. In Brazil, its cultivation is expanding, particularly in the southern region, where it serves as an alternative crop during colder seasons. However, even with its increased production, information on crop management remains scarce, especially regarding the use of biological products in its cultivation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological, productive and biotic characteristics of the flaxseed crop in response to the application of biological inputs. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil, using a randomized block design, with two experiments: one in an area with application of combined chemical + biological inputs and another with only chemical inputs. Each experiment had 10 sampling grids, and variables such as plant stand, plant height, number of branches, soil cover, compaction, productivity and presence of insect pests, diseases and weeds were evaluated. The data were subjected to the Kruskal-Wallis test at 5% probability and Pearson's linear correlation analysis. The results indicated that the combined application of chemical + biological inputs improved variables related to crop growth and development compared to chemical inputs alone. The correlations highlighted the interaction between morphological and productive factors, demonstrating that the use of biologicals can be a sustainable alternative in crop management.

This study presents the identification of Colletotrichum nymphaeae for the first time as the causal agent of anthracnose on argan fruits (Argania spinosa L.) in Morocco. The affected fruits were collected from Dar Chef Province (Ouazzane region). The pathogen was isolated and identified using morphological and molecular characterization. The pathogenicity tests were also carried out to confirm its ability to induce disease symptoms on argan fruits. The results showed fungal colonies that produce abundant orange conidial masses. The microscopic examination showed cylindrical, hyaline, unicellular conidia similar with known morphology of C. nymphaeae. Pathogenicity tests confirmed Koch’s postulates. The typical anthracnose symptoms were developed on inoculated fruits, with larger lesions developing on wounded tissues (average diameter: 1.64 cm) compared to unwounded tissues (0.66 cm). However, control fruits were asymptomatic. Molecular identification using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA showed 99.83% similarity with C. nymphaeae isolate from China (GenBank: ON793164.1). Phylogenetic analysis grouped the Moroccan isolate (OP363901) within a well-supported clade alongside Asian and Central American C. nymphaeae species complex, confirming its taxonomic status within the C. acutatum species and highlights its genetic divergence from related species such as C. acutatum, C. lupini, and C. godetiae. This finding raises an important phytopathological concern, given the economic importance of argan oil production in Morocco. The wide host diversity and environmental adaptability of C. nymphaeae suggest its potential impact as an exotic threat to argan agroecosystems. The study highlights the urgent need for integrated disease management strategies and subsequent future research including multilocus sequencing in order to better understand the population structure and epidemiology of C. nymphaeae in Morocco.

Natural processes and anthropogenic activities are responsible for the ever-increasing contamination of heavy metals in plants and soils. Elevated levels of heavy metals are reported to threaten physiological processes and functions of plants, also deteriorating microbial activities that, in turn, lower the quality of soils. However, some plant species are capable of tolerating elevated levels of heavy metals by extracting large amounts of the metals without developing any phytotoxic effects. The effectiveness of plants/crops to remove heavy metal pollutants from the soils depends on the nature of the plant and physical, chemical, geological and biological conditions of a particular region. This study aimed to investigate the potential of Helianthus annuus L. (sunflower) to extract lead and cadmium from polluted soils at the University of Dodoma, considering that the soil in that area is reportedly polluted. The levels of lead and cadmium in sunflower roots, leaves and in artificially polluted soils and control (pollutant-free soils) were measured by the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results indicate significantly high bioaccumulation factor and translocation factor of sunflower grown in lead-polluted soil and the control soil with cadmium (non-polluted), respectively (p < 0.05). The study concluded that in Dodoma, a semi-arid area, sunflower, which is highly cultivated in that region, is a hyperaccumulator for cadmium and an excluder for lead; thus, suitable for phytoremediation initiatives. Further studies on sunflowers, particularly heavy metal accumulation in seeds, which are borne on the harvestable part of the plant, are recommended.

Cooking is a thermal unit operation that causes many changes in food. Thus, this study investigated the effect of two cooking methods (boiling and roasting) on physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds and anti-nutritional factor contents in Dioscorea alata cv “bètè-bètè” using standard procedures and methods. Results showed that both methods significantly affected this yam’s properties. They resulted in a drop in water content with a slightly acidic pH. In addition, boiling decreased protein content by 36.35% but increased the fiber content by 6.2% more than roasting, while both methods increased the carbohydrate content by 5.45%, and an increase in energy value by 0.59% and 3.17% was observed with boiling and roasting respectively. With the bioactive compounds, a similar decrease in total polyphenol (39.30%) was observed with both methods but the roasting completely degraded the flavonoids although the antioxidant activity was high compared to the rawe. Furthermore, both methods resulted in a similar decrease in phytic acid (2.99%) and oxalate (20%), but the reduction of tannins was 24.53% higher with boiling. For minerals, a decrease in iron, calcium and zinc contents was observed with boiling (16.67%) and roasting (4.81% and 12.5%) respectively. Additionally, a higher increase in potassium (0.89%) and sodium (81.51%) was observed with boiling and roasting respectively. However, roasting increased phosphorus (51.57%) and decreased magnesium (3.16%), whereas boiling decreased phosphorus and increased magnesium. Ultimately, both cooking methods have different effects on the properties of Dioscorea alata cv “Bètè-bête”, consumers must be aware to choose the one that suits their needs.

An experiment was conducted with the objective of evaluating the agronomic performance of eight melon cultivars under the soil and climatic conditions of the Amazon savannah. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications and five plants per plot. The treatments consisted of eight cultivars: Eldorado 300, Favo, and Goldex (Yellow type), Hales Best Jumbo, Imperial, and Rock (Cantaloupe type), Gaúcho (Caipira type), and Juazeiro (Piel de Sapo type). Productive characteristics, seed characteristics, and fruit quality were evaluated. The highest commercial yields were obtained with the cultivars Juazeiro (27,551.75 kg ha⁻¹), Rock (24,170.0 kg ha⁻¹), and Imperial (24,116.75 kg ha⁻¹), respectively. Seed characteristics varied depending on the cultivar, with the highest seed quantity in the 'Favo' cultivar and the highest seed mass in 'Eldorado 300'. Regarding fruit quality, the cultivars Juazeiro and Goldex exhibited greater pulp firmness and higher soluble solids content, which meet the qualitative demand of both domestic and international markets. The cultivars Juazeiro, Rock, and Imperial demonstrated high potential for cultivation under the soil and climatic conditions of the Amazon savannah. It was concluded that the soil and climatic conditions of the Amazon Savannah favored productive characteristics and fruit quality for different analyzed cultivars.

Water hyacinth bokashi, manure, and rice husk biochar are organic ameliorants known for their potential to improve productivity, particularly under drought stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of some important organic ameliorants in reducing the negative effects of drought on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.). A factorial randomized block design (FRBD) was used, involving two factors: (1) combination of organic ameliorants —water hyacinth bokashi + manure (BoM), water hyacinth bokashi + rice husk biochar (BoBi), manure + rice husk biochar (MBi), and a mixture of all three (BoMBi); and (2) four levels of drought stress (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% of field capacity, FC). The results showed that under optimal moisture conditions (100% FC), BoBi and BoMBi treatments significantly enhanced plant height, leaf area, and fruit weight, indicating their strong growth-promoting effects. However, under moderate to severe drought stress (50% and 25% FC), the ameliorants provided limited mitigation, with reductions in stomatal size and only modest improvements in growth. Notably, the highest total soluble solids (TSS) were observed under 25% FC in BoMBi50 (12.00°Brix) and MBi25 (11.33°Brix), suggesting a stress-induced increase in fruit quality. . Overall, the study identifies BoBi and BoMBi as the most effective treatments for enhancing watermelon productivity under normal to moderate drought conditions. These combinations show potential for practical application by farmers, especially in areas with intermittent water availability. However, under severe drought, their effectiveness is limited, highlighting the need for additional drought mitigation strategies.

The establishment of commercial forest plantations necessitates the use of high-quality genetic seed and the selection of superior individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the germination ability including germination percentage, germination velocity index, and germination rate as well as the initial growth characteristics (height and root collar diameter) of seedlings from 23 half-sibling families of Pinus pseudostrobus Lindl., selected for their exceptional resin production, across three altitudinal gradients. Half-sibling seeds of P. pseudostrobus were sown in 310 cm3 plastic-coated containers filled with a 1:1:1:1 substrate mixture of pine bark, Canadian sphagnum peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite, supplemented with Multicote® fertiliser at a concentration of 5 kg/m3. Each family was represented by four replicates, or experimental units, consisting of 25 completely randomised seeds. The evaluated variables were as follows: 1) germination percentage (PG), 2) germination vigour (VG) through the index of germination velocity (IVG), 3) germination rate (TG), 4) plant height (A), and 5) diameter of the root collar (DCR). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the germination percentage and index of germination velocity between altitudinal gradients and between families in all measured variables. Our results suggest that germplasm collection should be performed within a gradient between 2,200 and 2,400 m, where seeds present the most intraspecific variation and the highest germination percentage, height, and root collar diameter.

This article reviews the historical background, production processes, nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and health benefits of tempeh and tofu as alternative protein sources in Indonesia. Tempeh and tofu are popular plant-based proteins integral to Indonesian cuisine for centuries, offering a sustainable and nutritious alternative to animal proteins. Tempeh, a fermented soybean product, is rich in proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. At the same time, tofu, made from coagulated soy milk, provides a complete amino acid profile and is low in carbohydrates. The fermentation process enhances the bioavailability of nutrients in tempeh, making it a functional food with health benefits, including digestive and cardiovascular health booster and potential anti-cancer properties. Tofu, with its bioactive peptides, offers antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to overall health. This review also highlights the potential of tempeh and tofu in addressing Indonesia's growing protein needs and sustainability challenges, through innovative products promising economic and nutritional benefits