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Reducing respiration rate and increasing chemical stability of mulberry fruits by using postharvest putrescine and melatonin
No full textBackgroundPlant growth regulators have been widely used to extend the cold storage period of fruits and preserve quality. These phytohormones help mulberry fruit in maintaining its postharvest quality and soft texture, prevent from spoiling during cold. For this purpose, mulberry fruit were stored in cold for 5, 10 and 15 day (0.5 degrees C and 90% RH) and the impacts of melatonin (1.0 mM) and putrescine (1.0 mM) on quality parameters, phenolic compounds (gallic, protocatechuic, catechin, syringic, p-coumaric, chlorogenic, o-coumaric, ferulic, phloridzin, rutin and quercetin) and organic acids (malic, citric, succinic, oxalic, tartaric, fumaric and ascorbic) were investigated.ResultsThe combined application of putrescine and melatonin maintained the weight loss (4.35%), decay rate (9.48%) and 29.89% lower respiration rate (6.07 mg CO2 kg- 1 h- 1) in mulberry fruits stored for 15 d as compared to the control. Phenolic compounds (especially rutin) and organic acids were found to be more affected by melatonin and putrescine applications compared to other findings in this study. However, melatonin treatment is more effective in maintaining the level of organic acids and phenolic compounds in mulberry fruit during storage than the putrescine. It was determined that soluble solids content, weight loss, decay rate and pH values had a positive relationship with each other. Also, it was also seen that phenolic compounds and organic acids had a linear relationship.ConclusionThe combined application of melatonin and putrescine was found more effective in maintaining the quality parameters of mulberry fruits during cold storage
Simultaneous determination of sunset yellow and tartrazine in real samples on an n-butylamine-graphite/polyaminophenol composite electrode
No full textA composite electrode was fabricated for simultaneous determination of sunset yellow (SY) and tartrazine (Tz) in foods and syrup. It is based on n-butylamine intercalation into graphite and then dropped on a poly (4-aminophenol)/glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrode surface morphologies, chemistry, and electrical properties were identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The new composite electrode significantly increased the electrochemical response of SY and Tz relative to a bare GCE. The peak current of SY and Tz increased linearly depending on their concentrations from 0.006 µmol L–1 to 1.0 µmol L–1 (r = 0.994) and over two linear ranges from 0.06 to 1.50 µmol L–1 (r = 0.9955) and from 2.0 to 10.0 µmol L–1 (r = 0.9902), respectively. The limits of detection of SY and Tz were 2.60 nmol L–1 and 0.025 µmol L–1, respectively (S/N = 3). SY and Tz contents in real samples were determined in syrup, juice powder, and candy. Spiked recovery for samples was from 96.4% to 106.8%. The relative standard deviations were lower than 5.0%. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Hepatoselüler karsinom hücrelerinde lncRNA PVT1/ miR145-5p/ABCC-1 gen hattının kemoterapi ve kanser mekanizması üzerindeki etkileri
No full textHepatoselüler karsinom (HCC), en yaygın birincil karaciğer kanseri türlerinden biridir ve dünya genelinde kansere bağlı ölümlerin başlıca nedenleri arasında yer almaktadır. Uzun kodlamayan RNA'lar (lncRNA'lar), 200 baz çifti (bp) uzunluğunun üzerinde olan ve protein kodlama yeteneğine sahip olmayan RNA molekülleri olarak tanımlanmaktadır. LncRNA'lar, hem transkripsiyonel hem de post-transkripsiyonel düzeyde gen ekspresyonunun düzenlenmesinde kritik roller üstlenmektedir. Bu genlerin anormal ekspresyonu; kardiyovasküler hastalıklar, nörodejeneratif bozukluklar ve kanser dahil olmak üzere birçok insan hastalığı ile ilişkilendirilmiştir. MikroRNA'lar (miRNA), yaklaşık 20 bp büyüklüğünde olan kodlamayan RNA'lardır ve lncRNA'lar gibi hücre biyolojisinde kritik rollere sahiptir. Bunun yanında, lncRNA'lar spesifik olarak miRNA'lara bağlanarak onlar için sünger görevi görmekte ve genlerin hedef mRNA'lar üzerindeki etkisini azaltmaktadır. Lnc-PVT1, 8q24'te bulunan PVT1 geninden eksprese olmaktadır. Çalışmalar, Lnc-PVT1'in özofagus karsinomu ve mide kanseri gibi çeşitli kanser türlerinde yüksek düzeyde eksprese edildiğini ve bir onkogen olarak işlev gördüğünü bildirmiştir. ABCC1 (MRP1), ATP-binding cassette (ABC) taşıyıcı süper ailesine ait bir gendir ve klasik ilaç direnciyle ilişkilendirilmiştir. Yapılan araştırmalar, ABCC1 geninin HCC dahil olmak üzere neredeyse tüm tümörlerde kemoterapi direncinin oluşumuna katkıda bulunduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Ayrıca, önceki çalışmalar PVT1 ve miR-145-5p'nin kanser hücrelerinin hayatta kalması ve metastazı üzerindeki etkilerini göstermiştir. Bu nedenle, bu tez önerisinde lnc-PVT1 ekspresyonunun susturulmasının HCC hücre hattı (HEPG-2) üzerinde miR-145-5p ve ABCC1 ekspresyon seviyelerine etkilerinin araştırılması planlanmıştır. Buna ek olarak, PVT1, miR-145-5p ve ABCC1 ekspresyon seviyelerindeki değişikliklerin apoptoz, hücre döngüsü, metastaz ve HEPG-2 hücrelerinin doksorubisine verdiği yanıt üzerindeki etkilerinin de analiz edilmesi hedeflenmektedir. Bu Tezde, insan hepatoselüler karsinom hücre hattı olan HEPG-2 kullanılarak, bu kanser türünde lncRNA PVT1/miR-145-5p/ABCC1 gen hattının kemoterapiye duyarlılık ve kanser hücrelerinin biyolojik özellikleri üzerindeki etkileri araştırılmıştır. Öncelikle, HEPG-2 hücre hattında 5-Fluorourasil (5-FU) ilacının IC50 değeri MTT testi kullanılarak belirlenmiştir. Ardından, si-PVT1'in HEPG-2 ve miR-145 hücre hattına transferi elektroporasyon yöntemi ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Kanser hücrelerinin göç yeteneğini değerlendirmek amacıyla wound healing assay tekniği uygulanmıştır. Apoptoz seviyesini ve hücre döngüsünü analiz etmek için ise Annexin V-FITC/PI ve DAPI boyama yöntemleri ile flow sitometri analizleri yapılmıştır. Müdahaleler sonrasında, HEPG-2 hücrelerinin koloni oluşturma kapasiteleri colony formation testi ile değerlendirilmiştir. Gen ekspresyon düzeyleri qRT-PCR yöntemiyle analiz edilirken, ABCC1 geninin protein düzeyindeki ekspresyonu western blot yöntemi ile incelenmiştir. Ayrıca, miR-145'in ABCC1 ve lnc-PVT1 genlerindeki bağlanma bölgelerini değerlendirmek amacıyla luciferaz rapor gen testi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Analizler sonucunda, HEPG-2 hücre hattında lnc-PVT1 mRNA ekspresyonunun, spesifik siRNA uygulanması ile downregüle edildiği tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca, real-time PCR (Polimeraz Zincir Reaksiyonu) sonuçlarına göre, miR-145'in hücrelere transfekte edilmesinin ardından ekspresyon düzeyinin anlamlı şekilde arttığı belirlenmiştir. Lnc-PVT1 siRNA ve miR-145 transfeksiyonunun ardından, kanser hücrelerinde proliferasyon, migrasyon, apoptoz seviyesi ve hücre döngüsü üzerinde anlamlı düzeyde inhibisyon meydana geldiği gözlemlenmiştir. Ayrıca, bu transfeksiyonların HEPG-2 hücrelerinin 5-FU ilacına duyarlılığını artırarak ilacın etkili dozunun azalmasına neden olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Mevcut araştırmanın verilerine göre, siRNA ve mikroRNA'nın hücrelerde ABCC1 geninin ekspresyonunu azalttığı gözlemlenmiştir. Real-time PCR sonuçlarına dayanarak, apoptoz, metastaz ve hücre döngüsü ile ilişkili genlerin de bu transfeksiyonlardan etkilendiği belirlenmiştir. Western blot analizleriyle ABCC1 geninin protein düzeyi değerlendirilmiş ve hem miR-145 hem de anti-lncPVT1 siRNA bu genin protein seviyesinde anlamlı etkiler oluşturduğu tespit edilmiştir. Luciferaz rapor gen testi sonuçları ise, miR-145'in hem ABCC1 hem de lnc-PVT1 genlerinde bağlanma bölgelerine sahip olduğunu göstermiştir. Sonuç olarak, bu çalışmayla lncRNA PVT1 / miR-145-5p / ABCC1 gen hattının hepatoselüler karsinom gelişimi, progresyonu, metastazı, koloni oluşumu ve kemoterapi yanıtı üzerinde önemli bir rol oynadığı ayrıntılı biçimde ortaya konulmuştur. Buna ek olarak, miR-145-5p'nin ABCC1 genine bağlanarak onun ekspresyonunu düzenleyebildiği; Ayrıca, lnc-PVT1'in miR_145'e bağlanma bölgesine sahip olduğu ve onun ifadesini düzenleyerek ABCC1 geninin ifadesini kontrol ettiği belirlenmiştir. Tüm bu bulgular doğrultusunda, bu çalışmanın literatürde bu eksende yürütülmüş ilk kapsamlı araştırmalardan biri olması, elde edilen verilerin özgünlüğü ve potansiyel terapötik hedefler sunması açısından önem arz etmektedir.Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules longer than 200 base pairs that do not encode proteins. They play important regulatory roles at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, and their abnormal expression has been linked to a variety of human diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are also non-coding RNAs approximately 20 base pairs in length, play critical roles in regulating cellular processes. Furthermore, lncRNAs can specifically bind to miRNAs and act as molecular sponges, thereby reducing the ability of miRNAs to regulate their target mRNAs. Lnc-PVT1 is expressed from the PVT1 gene located on chromosome 8q24. Studies have reported that LncPVT1 is highly expressed in various cancers, including esophageal carcinoma and gastric cancer, and functions as an oncogene. ABCC1 (MRP1) is a gene that belongs to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily and has been traditionally associated with drug resistance. Research has demonstrated that the ABCC1 gene contributes to the development of chemotherapy resistance in nearly all tumor types, including HCC. Moreover, previous studies have shown that both PVT1 and miR-145-5p influence cancer cell survival and metastasis. In this context, the present study also aimed to analyze how changes in the expression levels of PVT1, miR-145, and ABCC1 affect apoptosis, cell cycle progression, metastasis, and the response of HEPG-2 cells to the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. In this thesis, using human hepatocellular cancer cell lines HEPG-2, the effects of LncRNA PVT1/ miR145-5p/ABCC-1 gene line on chemotherapy and biological properties of cancer cells were investigated. Firstly, the IC50 value of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in the HEPG-2 cell line was determined using the MTT assay. Then, the electroporation method was used to transfer si-PVT1 into HEPG-2 and miR-145 cell lines. The wound healing assay technique was used to examine the migration of cancer cells. In addition, flow cytometry was performed with Annexin V-FITC/PI and DAPI staining methods to analyze the apoptosis level and cell cycle. The colony transportation potential of HEPG-2 cells after treatment was evaluated by colony formation assay. The qRT-PCR method was used to evaluate gene expression, and finally, the ABCC-1 gene was assessed by western blotting. In addition, luciferase assay miR-145 binding sites in ABCC1 and lnc-PVT1 genes were assessed. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the expression of lnc-PVT1 mRNA was significantly downregulated in the HEPG-2 cell line following transfection with specific siRNA. Additionally, real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) results showed that the expression level of miR-145 increased after successful transfection into the cells. The transfection of lnc-PVT1 siRNA and miR-145 led to significant inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis level, and cell dungus. Moreover, these transfections led to a reduction in the effective dose of the chemotherapeutic agent 5-FU in the cells. According to the data obtained in the present study, both siRNA and microRNA were found to reduce the expression of the ABCC1 gene in the cells. Real-time PCR analysis further revealed that genes associated with apoptosis, metastasis, and the cell cycle were also affected by the transfections. Finally, the protein expression level of the ABCC1 gene was evaluated by Western blotting, and the effects of miR-145 and anti-lnc-PVT1 siRNA on this gene were confirmed. Additionally, the luciferase assay demonstrated that miR-145 has specific binding sites within both the ABCC1 and lnc-PVT1 genes. In conclusion, this study demonstrated in detail that the LncRNA PVT1 / miR-145-5p / ABCC1 gene line plays a significant role in the development, progression, metastasis, colony formation, and chemotherapeutic response of HCC. Additionally, miR-145-5p was found to have the ability to bind to the ABCC1 gene and regulate its expression. Furthermore, it was determined that lnc-PVT1 contains a binding site for miR-145 and indirectly controls ABCC1 gene expression by modulating miR-145 activity. For all these reasons, this study holds significant importance as it represents the first comprehensive investigation of its kind in the literature
Evaluation of exercise barriers-benefits, kinesiophobia, fear of falling, balance confidence and psychosocial status in individuals post stroke
No full textObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the relationship between exercise barriers and benefits, kinesiophobia, balance confidence, fear of falling, and psychological status in individuals post-stroke. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 102 participants, including 60 individuals post-stroke (mean duration since stroke: 32.09 +/- 55.09 months) and 42 healthy controls. Disability levels were evaluated using the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) by a clinical neurologist. The Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), International Fall Efficacy Scale (FES-I), Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to assess exercise perceptions, movement-related fear, balance confidence, and psychological status. ResultsIndividuals post stroke showed significantly lower EBBS scores compared to controls (p < .05). Additionally, they had higher TSK and FES-I scores and lower ABC scores (p < .05). A positive correlation was observed between TSK and EBBS total, barriers, and benefits subscales (p < .001). Regression analysis indicated that EBBS scores were significantly associated with both TSK and mRS scores (p < .001), while HADS scores were not significant predictors. ConclusionIndividuals post-stroke showed lower perceptions of exercise benefits/barriers and higher levels of kinesiophobia, fear of falling, and balance problems compared to healthy controls. Kinesiophobia was negatively correlated with exercise perceptions. Regression analysis indicated that TSK and mRS significantly affected EBBS scores, while depression and anxiety had no significant impact
pH INFLUENCE ON SHELF LIFE OF LIQUID PGPR FORMULATIONS WITH Bacillus subtilis STRAINS
No full textFYL-2020-21642Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs) are bacteria that promote plant growth through both direct and indirect mechanisms. The formulation of PGPR inoculants is crucial for the efficacy and commercial success of microbial fertilizers. Formulation aims to optimize the survival of microbial strains under specific environmental conditions and enhance their capacity to promote plant growth. This process ensures protection of bacterial cells against harsh conditions such as high temperatures, desiccation, and storage, thereby extending product shelf life. Proper formulation of PGPR inoculants is a critical component for sustainable agricultural practices, playing a significant role in improving both plant health and productivity. Among PGPR strains, Bacillus species are particularly produced and utilized as microbial fertilizers commercially due to their high efficacy potential and long shelf life. However, for large-scale production, strain-specific PGPR formulations need to be developed and optimized to produce PGPR inoculants with high efficacy potential and extended shelf life. In this study, acidic liquid formulations were prepared using acetic acid for B. subtilis EGE-B-36.5 strain, and alkaline liquid formulations were prepared using calcium acetate-calcium hydroxide for B. subtilis EGE-B-1.19 strain. The viable cell count in the liquid formulations was statistically compared with the control. In the acidic liquid formulation, statistically significant changes in viable cell count were observed for B. subtilis EGE-B-36.5 strain at pH 4.0 after 12 months and for B. subtilis EGE-B-1.19 strain at pH 4.0 after 12 months (pPlant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs) are bacteria that promote plant growth through both direct and indirect mechanisms. The formulation of PGPR inoculants is crucial for the efficacy and commercial success of microbial fertilizers. Formulation aims to optimize the survival of microbial strains under specific environmental conditions and enhance their capacity to promote plant growth. This process ensures protection of bacterial cells against harsh conditions such as high temperatures, desiccation, and storage, thereby extending product shelf life. Proper formulation of PGPR inoculants is a critical component for sustainable agricultural practices, playing a significant role in improving both plant health and productivity. Among PGPR strains, Bacillus species are particularly produced and utilized as microbial fertilizers commercially due to their high efficacy potential and long shelf life. However, for large-scale production, strain-specific PGPR formulations need to be developed and optimized to produce PGPR inoculants with high efficacy potential and extended shelf life. In this study, acidic liquid formulations were prepared using acetic acid for B. subtilis EGE-B-36.5 strain, and alkaline liquid formulations were prepared using calcium acetate-calcium hydroxide for B. subtilis EGE-B-1.19 strain. The viable cell count in the liquid formulations was statistically compared with the control. In the acidic liquid formulation, statistically significant changes in viable cell count were observed for B. subtilis EGE-B-36.5 strain at pH 4.0 after 12 months and for B. subtilis EGE-B-1.19 strain at pH 4.0 after 12 months (pE.Ü Rektörlüğü BAP Koordinasyon Birim
Hemolymph analyses in medicinal leeches, Hirudo verbana and H. sulukii (Hirudinida: Hirudinidae)
No full textThe aim of this study was to determine the hemocyte type of medicinal leeches, Hirudo sulukii and H. verbana. It was also determined the fractions of hemolymph proteins in these leech species. According to the analyses, four types of hemocyte (prohemocyte, plasmatocyte, granulocyte, and eleocyte) were detected in two species. The prohemocytes have large nuclei, and their cytoplasm occupies a small area. The plasmotocytes are the most abundant hemocyte type. They are polymorphic cells and are found together as aggregations. The granulocytes are generally rounded in shape and typically have large granules in their cytoplasm. The eleocytes are the least found cells in hemolymph and have few granules in their cytoplasm. The areas of hemocyte types did not differ between the two species. Using polyacrilamid disc gel electrophoresis, it was determined that the hemolymph proteins of H. verbana were separated into 11 fractions or fraction groups. On the other hand, they were separated into 10 fractions or fraction groups in H. sulukii. In addition to qualitative differences, there were important quantitative differences between electropherograms of the two leech species. Therefore, these findings made a contribution to studies considering Hirudo sulukii as a new species different from Hirudo verbana.Ege University Scientific Research Projects Coordination [21354]This research is based on the MSc thesis of the first author and supported by Ege University Scientific Research Projects Coordination (Project ID: 21354). We also thank the Serology and Genetics laboratory of the Biology Department at Ege University for the use of the photomicroscope
Meyve Bazlı Probiyotiklere Genel Bir Bakış
No full textProbiyotikler, yeterli miktarlarda alındığında kişiye fayda sağlayan canlı mikroorganizmalardır. Probiyotiklerin, bağırsak mikrobiyotası dengesini korumak ve bağışıklık sistemini düzenlemek gibi başlıca fonksiyonları bulunmaktadır. İnsan sağlığının sürdürülmesinde kritik bir rol oynayan bağırsak mikrobiyotası, düzenli probiyotik tüketimi ile dengelenebilmektedir. Son yıllarda veganların artması, tüketicilerin süt proteinlerine alerjik reaksiyonlar göstermesi ve laktoz intoleransı nedeniyle süt bazlı probiyotiklerin tüketimi azalmaktadır. Süt bazlı probiyotiklerin yerine meyve bazlı probiyotiklerin kullanılması iyi bir alternatiftir. Meyveler probiyotiklerin büyümesini teşvik eden bir dizi besin içerdikleri için meyve bazlı probiyotik tüketimi, vücuda probiyotikleri taşımak için mükemmel bir araçtır. Meyve bazlı probiyotiklerin canlılığını sürdürerek etkili bir sonuç verebilmeleri için dayanıklı olduğu bilinen probiyotik suşları seçmek oldukça önemlidir. Bu derlemenin amacı, probiyotik mikroorganizmaların sağlık etkileri ve meyve bazlı ürünlerde kullanımı hakkında bilgiler vermektir. Bu derleme, probiyotik kavramını, meyvelerin probiyotik kaynağı olarak kullanımını, meyve bazlı probiyotiklerin fermantasyon mekanizmasını ve fermantasyon sonrasında meydana gelen fizikokimyasal değişikleri içermektedir
The Effect of Nutrition Education on Intradialytic Weight Gain in Haemodialysis Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textAim This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the impact of nutrition education on intradialytic weight gain (IDWG) in haemodialysis (HD) patients based on primary studies. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Ten databases were searched for randomised controlled trials between November 1st and November 30th, 2022. A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Results The meta-analysis of 15 studies examining the effects of nutrition education on IDWG showed a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis based on the duration of data collection indicated that this significant effect persisted in the 1st and 2nd months, as well as the 3rd and 4th months, but was not significant in the 5th and 6th months (p = 0.15)
IL-4 impairs the formation of skin-resident memory CD8+ T cells
No full textLocal cytokines, including TGF beta, drive CD8+ tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cell differentiation and long-term persistence within tissues. However, the signals that prevent CD8+ TRM cell formation are not well defined. Here we found that IL-4 suppressed CD8+ T cell acquisition of an epithelial TRM cell phenotype. IL-4 inhibited the expression of TGF beta-induced CD103 and CD49a and increased the expression of Eomes by activated CD8+ T cells in vitro and in vivo. This change in phenotype was correlated with prolonged downregulation of TGF beta RII, decreased expression of pSmad2/3 and increased expression of inhibitory Smad7. Naive CD8+ T cells exposed to IL-4 during activation exhibited impaired cutaneous CD103+CD8+ TRM cell formation. Additionally, IL-4 produced within atopic dermatitis lesions decreased the expression of CD103 in infiltrating CD8+ T cells and reduced CD8+ TRM cell formation, resulting in reduced protection from cutaneous herpes simplex virus infection. Together, these findings reveal that IL-4 decreases the responsiveness of CD8+ T cells to TGF beta, resulting in impaired formation of CD8+ TRM cells and impaired CD8+ TRM cell-mediated protection from local infection.U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) [R01 AI163517]; NIH [NEA19-CRG121]; National Eczema Association Catalyst Research GrantWe thank M. Conroy, S. Islam, A. Luster and C. Sokol for helpful discussions. We thank F. Tabatabaei for critical reading of the manuscript. We thank K. Fairfax (University of Utah) for providing KN2 mice, S. Islam (MGH) for providing Ilfrafl/fl mice with permission from F. Brombacher (University of Cape Town) and F. Finkelman (University of Cincinnati) for Il4ra-/- mice. This work was supported by NIH grant no. R01 AI163517 (to S.K.B.) and National Eczema Association Catalyst Research Grant no. NEA19-CRG121 (to R.M.-B.)
INTEGRATING AGROECOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE HORTICULTURE
No full textThe world population is increasing rapidly and projections for the coming years show that the population will be over 10 billion in the next century. The most important risk arising with the increasing population is the elevated demand for food and non-food products leading to vast monocultures and long-distance transfer of goods. The challenges of producing more on the one hand and creating resilient agri-food systems globally underscores a critical need for transformative approaches in agriculture and value chains. Beyond simply increasing output, there is now a pressing demand for sustainable practices that balance long-term soil and environmental health, social fairness, and economic viability in agri-food systems. Agroecological practices represent a holistic approach while managing the agroecosystem, aiming to produce substantial amounts of quality food by embedding ecological processes and ecosystem services at the core of production systems. Unlike conventional approaches that often rely on external inputs like chemical fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, and genetically modified organisms, agroecology seeks to harness natural processes within the ecosystem itself to sustain productivity and resilience. Agroecological management bases on principles that aim to create ecologically sound, economically viable and socially just agricultural systems. It does not follow a precise standard or does not seek certification as of today. Due to changes in consumer demand and effects of climate change, integration of an agroecology in the management of the system is essential especially in horticulture, which is an input intensive system, to enhance sustainability. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved