Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Livestock-mediated food waste conversion: Advancing resource efficiency and sustainable agriculture
Full text linkFood waste throughout the agri-food supply chain has significant environmental and economic consequences on a global scale. To address this issue, upcycling food waste through livestock is a promising approach that can help achieve sustainability goals. The upcycling of food waste via livestock involves feeding food waste to animals, such as pigs or chickens, instead of disposing of it as waste. This approach offers multiple benefits, including reducing the amount of food waste that ends up in landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and producing a source of protein, offering a sustainable solution to the food waste problem. Through utilizing food waste as a resource for animal feed, this process adds value while simultaneously tackling environmental concerns linked to food waste. Furthermore, this process can generate income for farmers and lower the cost of animal feed. However, there are regulatory and safety concerns associated with the use of food waste as animal feed, necessitating strict guidelines and monitoring. Despite the challenges, upcycling food waste via livestock provides a promising solution to food waste management issues. It provides a win-win solution for both the environment and economy, presenting a promising way forward for the future of agriculture by minimizing food waste, promoting sustainability in the food industry, and offering a new source of animal feed. This study argues that upcycling food waste through livestock farming has significant potential for minimizing food waste, promoting sustainability in the food industry, and providing a new source of animal feed. It provides a win-win solution for both the environment and economy, representing a promising way forward for the future of agriculture
Effect of sowing seasons and harvests stage on morphological characteristics, yield potential, nutritive value, and digestibility of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana L.)
Full text linkRhodes grass (Chloris gayana L.) is a multi-cut, C4 specie and widely cultivated grass under tropical and subtropical climatic conditions, famous for its ability to tolerate harsh dry summer condition, soil salinity, and light frost of winter season. The study was aimed to investigate the effect of different sowing season and harvest on biomass yield, nutrient composition, digestibility (in vitro) and morphological characteristics of C. gayana The seeds were in 20 plots (5 m × 15 m) under randomize complete block design (RCBD) and seed rate of 8 kg/ha during each sowing season. The sowing was undertaken through broadcasting method in four different seasons/year (winter, spring, summer, autumn). The samples were collected at the three successive harvest/cuts (1st cut 70 days after sowing (DAS), 2nd cut after 40 days, and third cut at 40 days after the second cut) for fresh matter (FM) and dry matter (DM) yields and samples were studied using PROC MIXED procedure. Higher variation was observed (P < 0.05) for germination rate (%), tillers/ plant (no.) and maximum height of plant (cm) during spring season. The significant variation for FM (18.85 vs 11.83 tons ha-1), DM (5.20 vs 3.35 tons ha-1), and in vitro digestibility (61.0 vs 54.4 g/100 g) were observed during spring season compared to rest of the seasons. The harvest numbers also displayed significant variation for FM, DM yield, nutrient composition, and in vitro digestibility of Rhodes grass. Advancing from first harvest towards the third harvest there was an increase in the yield (tons ha-1) of FM (11.54 vs 17.56), DM (3.01 to 4.94). The highest value for crude protein (CP) (0.51 vs 0.25 tons ha-1) and nutrient detergent fibre (3.32 vs 2.10 tons ha-1) were observed during the third harvest and the lowest value were recorded during the first harvest. The current study displayed that Rhodes grass should be sown during spring season for maximum yield including biomass yield, nutritive value, and in vitro digestibility. Moreover, advance harvests i.e., second, third etc., may improve biomass yield, and fibre digestibility of the Rhodes grass
Optimizing harvest timing: Impacts on physical characteristics and quality parameters of grapes
Full text linkHarvest timing is a critical factor in viticulture, as it directly influences grape composition and, consequently, wine quality. This study evaluated the effects of harvest timing on the physical and chemical traits of two widely cultivated grape varieties from the Trebinje vineyard area, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Basic chemical parameters (total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity) were measured alongside cluster and berry traits, including length, width, and weight of clusters; the number and weight of berries; the skin and flesh weight of 100 berries; and the number and weigh of seeds. Early-harvested grapes showed greater cluster weight but lower total soluble solids, higher titratable acidity, and lower pH compared to later harvests in both cultivars. Changes in cluster and berry traits were more pronounced in ‘Vranac’, where berry weight, skin and flesh mass increased significantly at later harvests, however, in ‘Žilavka’ only the seed weight was notably affected. Across all harvests period, ‘Žilavka’ consistently exhibited higher total soluble solids and lower pH values than ‘Vranac’, indicating a strong varietal effect on grape quality. These findings highlight that delaying harvest within the recommended window can enhance grape composition, while varietal differences determine the extent of morphological and chemical changes during ripening
Physicochemical properties, organic acid composition and free amino acid profiles in selected Cornus mas L. genotypes from the Çoruh Valley
Full text linkCornus mas L. (cornelian cherry) is a species widely used from traditional consumption to modern industrial applications due to its high nutritional content, richness in phenolic compounds, and functional food potential. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the physicochemical properties, organic acid composition, and free amino acid profiles of 15 cornelian cherry genotypes selected from the Çoruh Valley, one of Turkey's important biodiversity centers. Fruit samples were collected at full physiological maturity, and TSS, titratable acidity, pH, sugar composition, ascorbic acid, and tannin contents were analyzed using standard methods. Organic acids were determined by HPLC-UV, and free amino acids were determined by HPLC with OPA/FMOC derivatization. All measured traits differed significantly among genotypes (p < 0.05). Malic acid ranged from 38.12 to 251.34 mg/100 g, and total organic acids from 588.89 to 1038.15 mg/100 g. Free amino acid contents ranged from 71.34 to 93.14 mg/100 g, with the highest values in the G7 and G5 genotypes. This study demonstrates that the Çoruh Valley is an important hotspot of genetic diversity for cornelian cherry and contains genotype groups suitable for different uses. Overall, the findings provide a biochemical basis for selecting genotypes for breeding, nutritional applications, and industrial processing
Molecular insights of pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus mixed infections and its variability in pigeonpea
Full text linkPigeonpea sterility mosaic virus-1 (PPSMV-1) and Pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus-2 (PPSMV-2) are the two distinct Emaraviruses causing Sterility Mosaic Disease (SMD), which is an emerging threat to the pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millspaugh) production in India. The dissemination of virus is progressing at an accelerated rate and existence of PPSMV-1 (Emaravirus cajani) and PPSMV-2 (Emaravirus toordali) exhibiting diversity across the ecosystems. A total of 34 symptomatic and healthy samples were collected from six districts covering Western, North-Eastern, Cauvery Delta Zone and North-Western agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu. The disease incidence ranged from 12.8% to 71.6% and the highest mean incidence of 52.67% was recorded in the North-Eastern agroclimatic zone of Tamil Nadu. The RT-PCR and multiplex RT-PCR analysis differentiated the presence of both PPSMV-1, PPSMV-2 and mixed infections. Sequence analysis of RNA1 and RNA3 segments of the virus genomes demonstrated significant genetic heterogeneity among isolates, while phylogenetic relatedness of PPSMV-1 and PPSMV-2 were grouped into distinct clusters. Intra-specific recombination events were observed in the RNA3 segments of both PPSMV-1 and PPSMV-2. There were no recombination events in RNA1 segments of the virus genomes. These results emphasise the widespread distribution and genetic diversity of PPSMV-1 and PPSMV-2 in Tamil Nadu and provide valuable insights for the development of rapid diagnostic tools for effective field management
Application of Azadirachta indica (Neem) organic crude macerated extracts against postharvest decay of fruits caused by Penicillium expansum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Botrytis cinerea
Full text linkIn present study Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves, seeds and twigs macerated extracts were applied as remedy to minimize fruit decay in terms of evaluating their antifungal potential against different plant pathogenic fungi: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea. Antifungal assay against plant pathogenic fungi B. cinerea, C. gloeosporioides and P. expansum was carried out by well diffusion method. Percent yield, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum fungicidal concentration, percent spore germination inhibition and percent reduction of mycelial dry weight were also determined following reported methods. The results revealed that highest zone of inhibition (22.3±0.58 mm) was shown by methanol seeds extract against Botrytis cinerea while n-hexane leaves and twigs extracts showed no antifungal activities. The n-hexane seed extract zone of inhibition was found to be 20±1.5 mm against C. gloeosporioides however n-hexane leaves and twigs extracts were inactive. Methanol seed extract have shown significant inhibition zone (23±01 mm) against P. expansum however chloroform twigs and n-hexane leaves and twigs extract were inactive. Leaves and seeds extract of A. indica inhibited the growth of spores and mycelium of tested fungal strains. About 100% SGI (total inhibition) was recorded for methanolic leaves and seeds extracts against Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and n-hexane seeds extract against Colletotrichum capsici. The lowest SGI was recorded (36%) for twigs ethyl acetate extract
Effects of different rootstocks on the growth physiology and enzyme activity of Artemisia selengensis
Full text linkIn this experiment, wild-type Artemisia selengensis, Chrysanthemum, Artemisia annua and mugwort were used as rootstocks, while cultivated A. selengensis served as the scion. Cleft grafting was identified as the most effective method. The highest survival rate was observed when wild-type A. selengensis was used as the rootstock, reaching 92.5% on the 12th day post-grafting, with quicker callus formation than in other combinations. The combination of wild-type A. selengensis rootstock and cultivated A. selengensis scion demonstrated the greatest grafting compatibility, whereas the pairing of cultivated A. selengensis with chrysanthemum showed the lowest. During the healing phase, analysis revealed that in compatible graft combinations, soluble sugar levels increased, with a significant rise in soluble protein levels. Following callus formation, levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) declined. Hence, soluble sugars, SOD, POD, and PAL may act as indicators of grafting compatibility in A. selengensis. Weekly elongation measurements from 21 to 49 days post-grafting indicated that combinations rooted in chrysanthemum exhibited markedly greater elongation from 35 to 49 days than other pairs. Comparisons of soluble proteins, sugars, vitamin C, and flavonoids in the scion on days 49, 70, and 91 post-grafting with those in ungrafted plants suggested that different rootstocks differentially influenced nutrient and metabolite accumulation in A. selengensis. These findings suggest that future research could explore the mechanisms underlying these changes during the grafting process. Integrating molecular biology and metabolomics techniques will aid in elucidating specific regulatory mechanisms affected by grafting in Artemisia species, potentially enhancing the content of nutrients or bioactive compounds. This could provide theoretical support for biopharmaceutical applications and propose new methods for improving the quality of Artemisia germplasm resources
Assessment of the antimicrobial potential of the selected phytochemically riched medicinal plants against the antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacterial strains
Full text linkTribal communities of Tanawal have been known for the formulations of herbal remedies and their supply to pharmaceutical industries for more than 50 years in KPK, Pakistan. This study aims to report on the ethnomedicinal uses and evaluation of the medicinal efficacy of eight selected medicinal plants of Tanawal region, KPK. These plants were selected due to their popularity and frequency of utilization among communities in the study area. Anti-microbial activities of three different kinds of plant extracts (ethanol, methanol, n-hexane) were evaluated against four strains of bacteria Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6058), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 7222) (gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25928), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6537) (gram-negative) bacteria. An agar disc diffusion assay was performed to investigate the anti-bacterial activity. Results exhibited significant control of all extracts over bacterial growth but the results of ethanolic extracts were most prominent. Moreover, the choice of plant has a statistically significant influence on the zone of inhibition in the case of gram-positive strains but less effect for the gram-negative strains. Further, analysis revealed a significant effect of extract concentration on the zone of inhibition for both gram-positive and negative bacterial strains. Some concentrations are even better than the reference drugs i.e. chloramphenicol and streptomycin
Biochemical and Raman spectroscopic insights into plant-mold interactions
Full text linkPlants continuously interact with diverse biotic and abiotic factors in their environment, and understanding these intricate ecological relationships is crucial for advancing sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. This study investigates the interactions between wheat plants and mold contaminants in in vitro cultures using Raman Spectroscopy (RS) and biochemical analyses, offering a novel approach to understanding plant responses at a molecular level. Conventional culturing methods identified Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium sp., and Nigrospora sp. as the primary mold strains present in the cultures. Biochemical assays revealed that mold contamination led to a marked decrease in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, along with an increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), indicating heightened oxidative stress. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX), and catalase (CAT), were significantly elevated, though proline levels remained unchanged. Raman Spectroscopy further uncovered profound metabolomic shifts, particularly in carotenoid-related peaks, signalling impaired photosynthetic function. Additionally, RS detected increased carbohydrate-associated bands, suggesting that carbohydrate-derived osmolytes may play a more pivotal role than proline in maintaining cellular integrity under mold stress. To validate these findings, advanced multivariate techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) were employed, achieving high accuracy in distinguishing mold-infected samples from controls. These results highlight the potential of RS as a rapid, non-invasive diagnostic tool for plant health monitoring, offering significant advantages over traditional methods. This approach not only advances our understanding of plant-microbe interactions but also offers practical applications for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in the face of global food security challenges
Identification of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in queñua (Polylepis rugulosa) in the forest of southern Peru
Full text linkQueñua (Polylepis rugulosa) forests are heavily impacted by anthropogenic activities, necessitating effective reforestation strategies. These efforts often face challenges due to various environmental factors, highlighting the importance of studying soil biotic associations, particularly with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which play a crucial role in forest ecosystem health by forming symbiotic associations with plants, facilitating nutrient exchange, and promoting growth. This study investigated the AMF community in P. rugulosa forests in Arequipa, Peru. Rhizospheric soil was collected from two zones (A and B) differentiated by an altitude gradient. Spore density was measured to analyze colonization percentage; AMF spores were counted per 100 grams of soil, and morphological identification was performed using The International Collection of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi. The findings revealed a 10% colonization rate, with Acaulospora as the dominant genus, representing 63.2% of the AMF community in both zones. 41 taxa were identified, including Acaulospora, Glomus, Rhizoglomus, Claroideoglomus, and Racocetra. The most abundant species was Acaulospora kentinensis. Biodiversity indices indicated moderate AMF diversity in both zones, with the highest spore density observed in zone B at the lower altitude. These results suggest that AMF monitoring and study can enhance reforestation efforts for P. rugulosa and serve as a valuable bioindicator in forest conservation strategies