Journal of Agriculture and Food Research最新文献

{"title":"Nitrogenous waste removal in closed freshwater recirculating aquaculture systems using an innovative DHS-USB bioreactor","authors":"Calvin Owuor Obondo ,&nbsp;Robert Nesta Kagali ,&nbsp;Paul Mwangi Njogu ,&nbsp;Joseph Ngugi Kamau","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101577","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101577","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a combined Down-flow Hanging Sponge and Up-flow Sludge Blanket (DHS-USB) system in managing nitrogenous waste in aquaculture and reducing the need for frequent water changes by mimicking natural nitrification and denitrification processes. The setup included a fish tank, water pumps, and an underground tank for storing filtered water. Fish growth parameters—body weight gain (BWG), standard growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR)—were measured biweekly, while water quality metrics such as dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, pH, turbidity, and electrical conductivity (EC) were monitored daily. Total Ammonium Nitrogen (TAN), nitrites, and nitrates were analysed using a UV–VIS spectrophotometer. Results showed that fish in the DHS-USB system had optimal growth, with an SGR of 1.98 and an FCR of 2.22, outperforming those in a pumice aquaponics setup. The DHS-USB system achieved reductions of 34.68 %, 17.54 %, and 43.71 % for TAN, Total Inorganic Carbon, and Total Suspended Solids, respectively. Bacterial density was highest within the DHS system (3.54 ± 0.27 ⨯ 10⁵ CFUs mL⁻¹), supporting efficient waste processing. Overall, the DHS-USB system demonstrated significant potential for sustainable aquaculture waste management, enhancing water quality without compromising fish growth.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 101577"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143173120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interpretation of genotype-environment-nitrogen management interactions in the early maturing sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) region of China","authors":"Fei Li ,&nbsp;Hongdong Yan ,&nbsp;Zhenguo Wang ,&nbsp;Tao Liu ,&nbsp;Guangyu Fan ,&nbsp;Yuemei Ren ,&nbsp;Yu Zhang ,&nbsp;Guangbing Ren ,&nbsp;Wenjuan Zhu ,&nbsp;Yanxi Jiang ,&nbsp;Hongkui Li ,&nbsp;Yan Huang ,&nbsp;Guoliang Song ,&nbsp;Mo Li ,&nbsp;Zhilan Deng ,&nbsp;Defeng Su ,&nbsp;Fanhua Meng ,&nbsp;Fangchao Gao ,&nbsp;Fenxia Han ,&nbsp;Peng Yan ,&nbsp;Guiying Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101600","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101600","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sorghum (<em>Sorghum bicolor</em> (L.) Moench) is an important cereal crop in arid and semiarid regions. However, research on sorghum cultivation has lagged behind that of major field crops, and few information is available on the interaction of sorghum genotype, environment, and nitrogen fertilization on sorghum yield. Hence, a two-year field experiment included six varieties, and four nitrogen treatments were conducted at six sites in the spring-sown and early maturing regions of China. The results showed that yield variations between years and among sites, varieties, and fertilization were highly significant (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). While the interaction between nitrogen fertilization and year showed significance in some cases, all other interactions were either significant or highly significant. Environment (including year, location, and year-location interaction) contributed the most to total yield variance (45.26%), followed by genotype (23.40%). Nitrogen and its interaction with the environment accounted for only 2.54% of the total variance, while nitrogen fertilization, variety, and their interaction with the environment contributed 6.69%. Although nitrogen fertilization showed no significant impact on sorghum yield in most cases, topdressing 300 kg ha⁻¹ urea around the growing point differentiation stage consistently resulted in higher yields, with few exceptions. Rainfall showed a crucial determinant of nitrogen topdressing efficiency, underscoring its importance in nitrogen fertilization treatments. Topdressing proved to be a widely applicable fertilization practice in the current research areas, albeit optimal when soil moisture conditions are favorable. In unfavorable soil conditions or with excessive nitrogen doses, topdressing might lead to a yield penalty. In addition, the effect of nitrogen fertilization on sorghum production may be influenced by genotype, but further research is still necessary. Our research findings provide a conducive reference for nitrogen fertilization in sorghum production in similar regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 101600"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143171837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Application of the full nitrogen dose at decreasing rates by foliar spraying versus conventional soil fertilization in common wheat","authors":"Manuel Ferrari ,&nbsp;Vittorio Bertin ,&nbsp;Pranay Kumar Bolla ,&nbsp;Francesco Valente ,&nbsp;Anna Panozzo ,&nbsp;Gianluigi Giannelli ,&nbsp;Giovanna Visioli ,&nbsp;Teofilo Vamerali","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101602","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101602","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Foliar fertilization is increasingly recognized as a sustainable agronomic practice, yet its full potential to enhance nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), reduce application rates, and improve wheat grain quality remains largely underexplored. This study evaluated a two-year field trial comparing nitrogen fertilization applied solely through repeated foliar spraying at reduced doses (96, 80, and 64 kg N ha⁻¹) using urea-ammonium-nitrate (UAN) compared to conventional soil fertilization at a standard rate of 160 kg N ha⁻¹. Here it was demonstrated that foliar application at 96 kg N ha⁻¹ achieved grain yields comparable to conventional fertilization (6.80 vs. 7.05 t ha⁻¹) while slightly improving root and shoot growth. Reduced doses also significantly enhanced the glutenins-to-gliadins ratio, total glutenins content (+14 %), and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE: 118.1 vs. 47.5 kg grain DM kg⁻¹ N supplied) but with a 14 % yield reduction at the lowest fertilizer dose (64 kg N ha⁻¹).</div><div>These findings demonstrate that foliar fertilization can maintain wheat productivity while reducing nitrogen input by up to 40 %, enhancing NUE and grain quality. This strategy also provides fertilizer savings and environmental benefits, with potential applications in drought-prone areas. Future research should focus on optimizing application rates and assessing long-term economic and environmental impacts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 101602"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143171835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Potato production under zero tillage with rice straw mulching as a promissory technology to diversify rice-based systems in Southwest Coastal Bangladesh","authors":"David A. Ramírez ,&nbsp;M. Monower Hossain ,&nbsp;E.H.M. Shofiur Rahaman ,&nbsp;Carlos Mestanza ,&nbsp;Javier Rinza ,&nbsp;Johan Ninanya ,&nbsp;Felipe de Mendiburu ,&nbsp;Hildo Loayza ,&nbsp;Marcel Gatto ,&nbsp;Jan F. Kreuze","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101603","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101603","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extreme precipitations that promote flooding, salinity, and soils with low drainage and aeration are challenges that affect food production in the Southwest of Bangladesh. After rice cultivation, most lands are kept fallow, emphasizing the urgency of research on techniques that allow crop diversification to guarantee food security. In this study, 2 years-trials on farmers' plots were established in 3 locations of Khulna district-Bangladesh to test potato cultivation under zero tillage with rice straw mulching (ZT) in comparison to conventional cultivation (CT) after rice. A soil quality index (SQI) using the partial least squares method was run considering key soil indicators related to crop production. ZT allowed a higher tuber yield and a lower C footprint than CT. Although neither method significantly affected soil organic carbon stock, there was a significant increment from season 1 to 2 (29.0 ± 11.3 and 45.8 ± 9.4 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively). ZT allowed potato cultivation 15–25 days earlier than CT. Although crop modeling did not show a significant increase in potential tuber yield when simulating the earlier planting of ZT, this advantage will be crucial in the future, considering that high-intensity rainfall events are increasing, flooding the fields and preventing crop cultivation. Alkalinity, carbonates, and anaerobic soil conditions drove the SQI, influencing the elements kept in the past rice cultivation with a concomitant effect in tuber yield. ZT is a promising technology that allows crop diversification based on soil sustainability and labor reduction in challenging agroecologies like Southwest Bangladesh. Socioeconomic studies into adoption and scaling approaches are necessary for a proper technological transfer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 101603"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143172200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fiber quality, oil seed composition and fatty acid profiling of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seed as influenced by sub-surface drip-irrigation and foliar-fertilization strategy in semi-arid agro-ecology of south-Asia","authors":"Tarandeep Kaur ,&nbsp;Pawan K. Sharma ,&nbsp;A.S. Brar ,&nbsp;Anil K. Choudhary ,&nbsp;Sanjula Sharma ,&nbsp;H.S. Brar","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101604","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101604","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Under climate-change, micro-irrigation practices like sub-surface drip-irrigation (SSDI) coupled with optimized-fertigation and foliar-nutrition, may improve crop-productivity and quality. Hence, current study in cotton (<em>Gossypium hirsutum</em> L.) comprised of three SSDI-regimes [60, 80, 100 % ET_c], two N-fertigation levels [80, 100 % RDN] and two nutrient-application methods [foliar-spray of KNO₃ &amp; MgSO₄ (M_foliar) versus fertigation (M_fert)] in factorial randomized-complete-block-design besides three additional controls (surface-drip + N₁₀₀ + M_foliar; surface-drip + N₁₀₀ + M_fert; flood-irrigation + soil RDN + M_foliar). The results indicated that SSDI at 80%ET_c enhanced seed-cotton-yield by ∼5.3 and 9.9 %, ginning out-turn (GOT) by ∼2.1 and 4.8 %, fiber-length by ∼5.7 and 7.6 %, lint-index by ∼5.8 and 11 % and protein-yield by ∼7.8 and 11.6 %, over 60%ET_c in 2019 and 2020. Oil-content, oil-yield, cake-content, and cake-yield varied significantly with increased irrigation from 60 to 100%ET_c, underscoring the importance of adequate water for oil-synthesis in cottonseeds. Fatty-acid composition was sensitive to irrigation-levels, with significant reduction in saturated-fatty-acid (SFA) and unsaturated-fatty-acid (UFA) by ∼5.4 and 5.5 %, and monounsaturated-fatty-acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated-fatty-acid (PUFA) by ∼2.9 and 5.9 % at 60%ET_c over 80%ET_c during 2019 and 2020, respectively. Polyunsaturated:saturated (P/S) index, vital for human cardio-vascular health, increased by ∼5.2 and 7.1 % under 60%ET_c. To harness higher yield with better quality fiber, protein, oil-yield and cottonseed-cake, SSDI at 80%ET_c proved optimal, with no-additional benefits beyond this level. Enhancing fertigation from 80 to 100%RDN slightly enhanced UFAs and reduced SFAs. Higher UFAs is desirable for reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol-levels. Foliar-spray of KNO₃ &amp; MgSO₄ enhanced GOT, lint-index, UFAs, MUFA:PUFA and P/S index over fertigation. SSDI improved both fiber and seed-composition over flooding. Overall, SSDI at 80%ET_c, combined with fertigation at 80%RDN and foliar-fertilization offers substantial benefits for cotton-productivity and quality in water-scarce agro-ecologies. These practices improve water-use-efficiency and sustainability, hence, enhancing resilience and economic-viability of cotton-industry amidst environmental-challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 101604"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143171838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synergistic effects of humic acid and foliar application of micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu) on saffron (Crocus sativus L.) growth and biochemical compounds","authors":"Hassan Feizi ,&nbsp;Seyyede Zohre Hosseini ,&nbsp;Rooholla Moradi","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101601","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101601","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Saffron, renowned for its economic importance in the medicinal plant market, presents unique challenges due to its weak root system, rendering its nutritional management critical. A field experiment was conducted from 2020 to 2022 in a randomized complete block design with three replications to evaluate the synergistic effects of HA along with irrigation water and foliar application of some micronutrients on various growth, yield, quality and physicochemical attributes of saffron. Experimental treatments were included three levels of HA (0, 3, and 6 kg ha⁻¹) as main plot and foliar applications of micronutrients (control: water, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) (Biozar Company) as subplot. The results unequivocally demonstrated that both HA and the micronutrients significantly impacted flower number, flower weight, stigma weight, leaf parameters, macronutrients uptake and the content of saffron bioactive compounds. The optimal combination of 3 kg HA ha⁻¹ with foliar application of Cu resulted in substantial enhancements in flower number, stigma weight, and leaf length. Furthermore, the study revealed that HA positively influenced the chlorophyll <em>a</em> and <em>b</em> contents, while the micronutrients foliar application, particularly Cu and Mn, played a pivotal role in increasing chlorophyll <em>a</em> and carotenoid levels. Additionally, HA application was found to positively impact safranal production, with foliar application of Cu exhibiting a particularly pronounced effect on safranal content. The influence of micronutrients on crocin and picrocrocin content was more nuanced, with their effects varying depending on the applied HA rates. However, A notable enhancement in crocin and picrocrocin production was observed when foliar Mn was applied in combination with a 3 kg HA ha⁻¹ treatment. In terms of nutrient uptake, both HA and micronutrients significantly elevated the concentrations of N, P, and K in saffron leaves. Overall, the findings of this study underscore the potential of HA and foliar application of micronutrients (especially Cu and Mn) to significantly improve saffron yield and quality through their synergistic effects on various growth and metabolic processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 101601"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143172156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of genetically modified foods and consumer: 25 years of research indexed in Scopus","authors":"Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales ,&nbsp;Aldo Alvarez-Risco ,&nbsp;Mercedes Rojas-Osorio ,&nbsp;Hugo Meza-Perez ,&nbsp;John Simbaqueba-Uribe ,&nbsp;Rosa Talavera-Aguirre ,&nbsp;Luis Mayo-Alvarez ,&nbsp;Paul Espinoza-Ipanaque ,&nbsp;Neal M. Davies ,&nbsp;Jaime A. Yáñez","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101594","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101594","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Genetically modified (GM) foods are frequently recognized as an essential source of world food supply, linked to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero hunger. However, several aspects of the risks and benefits of consuming GM foods have not yet been fully clarified. It is necessary to have the most relevant information to have more accurate legislation that benefits the population. The current research aimed to develop a bibliometric analysis; it also used VOSviewer visualization software to show the evaluation of publications indexed in the Scopus database focused on GM foods and consumers between 1999 and 2023. 979 documents were evaluated. The United States was recognized as the most productive (988 articles); however, Universiteit Gent was the institution with more publications (22), and the European Commission was the funding sponsor with more publications (19). The top institutions originated are from USA, UK, China, Italy and Germany. Nature Biotechnology was the journal with more articles published (28 articles). The study allows for gathering information that helps companies to improve the supply of GM foods and help regulators to generate policies and laws according to scientific evidence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 101594"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143172175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unravelling the impacts of elevated CO2 and elevated temperature on Spodoptera exigua in chickpea - Indian climate change context","authors":"Srinivasa Rao M,&nbsp;Rama Rao CA,&nbsp;Gayatri DLA,&nbsp;Pratibha G,&nbsp;Sarath Chandran MA,&nbsp;Subba Rao AVM,&nbsp;Prabhakar M,&nbsp;Singh VK","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101578","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101578","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change is a worldwide concern with a peril to the long-term viability of agriculture. Elevated temperature (<em>e</em>Temp.) and elevated CO₂ (<em>e</em>CO₂) are the two facets of climate change with a substantial effect on crop production and protection. The life table analysis of <em>Spodoptera exigua</em> (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in chickpea was conducted using a unique facility, CO₂ and Temperature Gradient Chambers (CTGC). Two CO₂ levels (<em>a</em>CO₂ – 400 and <em>e</em>CO_2- 550 ppm) and six temperatures (20, 27, 28, 30, 33 &amp; 35 ± 0.5 °C) were adopted for the experimentation. Leaves of the chickpea crop raised at <em>e</em>CO₂ had higher carbon, lower leaf nitrogen, and a higher ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C: N) over <em>a</em>CO₂. Higher r_m, intrinsic rate of increase (0.22), Ro, net reproductive rate (123.80) and λ, finite rate of increase (1.25) were with <em>e</em>Temp + <em>e</em>CO₂ condition and started decreasing beyond the point of inflection that varied with the parameters. Reduction in generation time ‘T’ with increase in temperature at both levels of CO₂ and varied between 50 and 20 days at 20–35 °C. Empirical models developed using the data of life table parameters with <em>e</em>Temp and <em>e</em>CO₂. Ensembled temperature data of 32 GCMS of 4 Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) viz., RCP 2.6, 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5 of Coupled Model Inter comparison Project 5 (CMIP5) models was used for predicting the pest scenarios. The increase in projected maximum temperature (Tmax) is 0.71–4.66 °C and minimum temperature (Tmin) is 0.82–5.26 °C which are apparent in 3 future Time slice periods (TSPs) viz., 2030's, 2050's and 2080's over base line (BL) period across 4 RCPs at 18 chickpea growing locations of India. The prediction of S. exigua during the future TSPs reveals that insect pest would be with higher ‘r_m’ and ‘λ’, varied ‘R_o’ and reduced ‘T’ at 18 locations of India implying increased pest prevalence in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 101578"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143173116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimization of blending ratios of germinated cowpea and extrusion parameters on physical, functional, mineral, and anti-nutritional content of Ethiopian emmer wheat-based snack food","authors":"Desye Alemu Teferi ,&nbsp;Neela Satheesh ,&nbsp;Messenbet Geremew Kassa","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101586","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101586","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Childhood m</em>alnutrition in Ethiopia, exacerbated by limited access to affordable, nutrient-rich foods, particularly zinc and iron, was addressed in this study. This study explores the optimization of extrusion parameters and blending ratios of emmer wheat and germinated cowpea to produce nutrient-dense, functional snacks. Using a Box-Behnken design, the effects of cowpea ratio (10–25 %), barrel temperature (80–120 °C), and feed moisture (22–26 %) were analyzed. Results revealed significant improvements in physical properties, such as radial expansion and bulk density, alongside enhanced functional traits like water absorption and solubility indices. Mineral analysis indicated increased iron and zinc content, while anti-nutritional factors like phytic acid and tannins were reduced due to optimized extrusion conditions. The interaction between barrel temperature and blending ratio was crucial in reducing phytic acid levels, supported by thermal hydrolysis and enzymatic activity. Optimal conditions included 16.74 % cowpea, 120 °C barrel temperature, and 22 % feed moisture, achieving snacks with a composite desirability rating of 0.90. This study highlights the potential of emmer wheat-cowpea extrudates as affordable, nutrient-rich solutions to combat malnutrition. These extruded snacks offer a promising solution for addressing micronutrient deficiencies while maintaining desirable sensory and functional qualities. Optimal conditions achieved balanced nutrient profiles, making these snacks suitable for addressing childhood malnutrition and promoting food security in Ethiopia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 101586"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143173121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving pear (Pyrus spp.) harvest maturity assessment: Integration of color composite indicators and sophisticated multivariate analysis techniques","authors":"Zeinab Shafaei-Cherush ,&nbsp;Kazem Arzani ,&nbsp;Nima Ahmadi ,&nbsp;Ali Mokhtassi-Bidgoli ,&nbsp;Mahdi Ayyari ,&nbsp;Hamid Abdollahi","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101596","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101596","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Predicting the appropriate maturity index for pear fruit at the time of harvest is crucial for preventing post-harvest losses and preserving fruit quality. This study aims to elucidate the relationships among peel color (p-color), nutraceutical parameters, and dry matter content as harvest indices to establish an effective pear fruit maturity index for harvest. We measured the fruit physicochemical changes, color, and texture during different harvest stages of two commercial pear cultivars: 'Shahmiveh’ (<em>Pyrus communis</em> L.) and 'KS6’ (<em>Pyrus serotina</em> Rehd). The variables under study were categorized into four main blocks: fruit harvest, p-color, nutraceutical, and dry matter. We utilized Multivariate Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) and Partial Least Square Path Modeling (PLS-PM) to explore and quantify the relationships between the harvest index and the other blocks of variables. The analysis revealed that the harvest index was positively correlated with p-color and nutraceuticals but negatively with dry matter content. Specifically, the fruit maturation process of the ‘KS6’ Asian pear cultivar was more closely associated with dry matter content and then color, whereas for the 'Shahmiveh’ European pear, p-color and nutraceutical parameters showed a stronger correlation with the harvest index. Due to the complexity and multi-dimensionality of harvest maturity, composite indicators provide a more accurate description and assessment. Following this, the PLS-PM and MFA methods are useful for investigating this complicated issue, offering significant insights into determining the optimal harvest index by leveraging composite indicators and variables.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 101596"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143100111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}