Commercial Sugar Research Articles

Leaves from four different sugarcane varieties as potential renewable feedstocks for second-generation ethanol production: Pretreatments, chemical composition, physical structure, and enzymatic hydrolysis yields

Development of Bioeconomy is impossible without establishing efficient technologies of lignocellulosic biomass valorization via transformation into fermentable sugars. Sugarcane is a valuable agricultural crop in several Asian, African, and Latin American countries. Here, leaves from two sugarcane and two energy cane varieties were evaluated for sustainable production of second-generation sugars, and their enzymatic hydrolysis yields were compared. Structural, morphological, and chemical composition changes in sugar and energy cane leaves submitted to acid, and acid-alkaline pretreatments were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser microscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and low-field solid-state NMR techniques. Enzymatic hydrolysis assays were conducted to evaluate saccharification yields of untreated and pretreated leaves. Jointly, our results revealed the significant potential of leaves from two commercial sugar cane cultivars currently bred in Argentina as possible lignocellulose substrates for the 2G ethanol industry.

The Influence of Various Substrates on Power Generation in The Operation of Yeast Microbial Fuel Cells

Several carbon substrates were tried, including glucose commercial, pro analysis glucose, commercial sugar, and yeast extract - peptone - d glucose (YPD) medium to improve the efficiency of the single chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC). The power production of various electron donors was investigated using baker yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Voltage and power density generation were used to establish the pattern of substrate use. In addition, electrochemical analysis of the anodic biofilm was performed. S. cervisiae was shown to successfully consume YPD medium by anode respiration with a higher power density of 18.40±1.98 mW/m2, followed by pro analysis glucose (9.41±1.15 mW/m2), commercial glucose (1.30±0.10 mW/m2), and commercial sugar (0.04±0.01 mW/m2). Furthermore, a clear relationship was established between power density generating rate and voltage output. Voltages produced were 0.16±0.02 V, 0.13±0.03 V, 0.03±0.01 V, 0.01±0.00 V for YPD medium, pro analysis glucose, commercial glucose, and commercial sugar, respectively in MFC. The weight of biofilm indicated that yeast attachment was significantly more common in YPD medium than in other MFC-operated media. This study discovered that the substrate type in the anodic compartment regulates the formation of anodic biofilm.

Coproduction of exopolysaccharide and polyhydroxyalkanoates from Sphingobium yanoikuyae BBL01 using biochar pretreated plant biomass hydrolysate

Sphingobium yanoikuyae BBL01 can produce exopolysaccharides (EPS) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). The effect of side products (furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), vanillin, and acetate) produced during pretreatment of biomass was evaluated on S. yanoikuyae BBL01. It was observed that a certain concentration range (0.01–0.03 %) of these compounds can improve growth, EPS production, and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) accumulation. The addition of HMF increases glucose and xylose utilization while other side products have a negative effect. The C/N of 5 favors EPS production (3.24 ± 0.05 g/L), while a higher C/N ratio of 30 promotes PHB accumulation (38.7 ± 0.08 % w/w), when commercial sugar is used as a carbon source. Pine biomass-derived biochar was able to remove 40 ± 2.1 % of total phenolic. Various biomass hydrolysates were evaluated and the use of detoxified pine biomass hydrolysate (DPH) as a carbon source resulted in the higher coproduction of EPS (2.83 ± 0.03 g/L) and PHB (40.8 ± 2.4 % w/w).

A green approach for Ochratoxin A determination in coffee infusions

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a secondary metabolite of filamentous fungi and is considered within the 2B group by IARC. OTA can be found in a variety of food commodities and beverages. In this study, a new methodology for the detection and quantification of OTA in coffee beverages was developed and validated. The extraction procedure was based on dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction with solidification of a floating organic drop (DLLME-SFO). The extract was analyzed by UHPLC-(ESI+)-MS/MS. The methodology was sensitive, with a LOD and LOQ of 0.3 and 0.9 ng/mL, respectively, and linearity was demonstrated between 0.3 and 70 ng/mL, with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0,9962. The relative standard deviations varied from 1.1% to 8.7% (n = 3). In addition, satisfactory extraction relative recovery was obtained (88.3%, with an enrichment factor of 7-folds). This methodology was evaluated through two green analytical metrics: the Green Certificate and the AGREE software. Thus, an A-category and 0.54 points were obtained, respectively. Finally, the methodology was applied to commercial sugar added-roast coffee (coffee bag) samples.

Interference of bio-control Trichoderma to enhance physical and physiological strength of sugarcane during Pokkah boeng infection.

Tremendous benefits have been derived from the use of fungicides but excessive use of chemical fungicides not only posing threat to human and animal life but also contaminates the prevailing environment. Damage by pathogenic fungi alone causes significant damage to crops like maize, rice, wheat, soybeans, and potatoes. Therefore, it becomes imperative that these diseases are checked and controlled, for which chemical pesticides are being sprayed on plants extensively. Considering the devastating damage and toxicity, the global focus has taken a drift from synthetic chemicals to nature-friendly biological control agents. The present study focuses on the use of biological control agents particularly Trichoderma in sugarcane during Pokkah boeng infection. In the present experiment, twenty promising Trichoderma strains were evaluated for plant growth promotion, lytic enzymes, and physiological and biocontrol activity. Out of the twenty, four potential Trichoderma strains were assessed in the pot experiment viz. T. harzianum strain T28, T41 and T49 and T. aureoviride strain T38. The T. harzianum (T28) showed efficient plant growth-promoting traits as it produced IAA (20.67µg/ml), phosphorus solubilization (18.57µg/ml), and cell wall degrading enzymes such as chitinase (24.98µg/ml) and β-glucanase (29.98µg/ml). The interference of biocontrol agent T. harzianum (T28) controlled the disease by 73.55%. Apart from this, the inoculation of Trichoderma (T28) enhanced growth attributes including germination percentage (26.61%), mean tiller number (8.28 tiller/pot), individual cane length (241.5cm), single cane weight (1.13kg) and the number of milleable canes (6.00 cane/pot). Improvements in physiological activities at different growth stages of the sugarcane crop were observed based on the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on the leaf surface, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and photosynthetic rate. Further, improvement in juice quality parameters was also observed as it recorded the highest 0brix, sucrose, and commercial cane sugar by 21.26%, 19.28%, and 13.50%, respectively, by applying T. harzianum strain T28. Thus, results proved that T. harzianum strain T28 may be an effective eco-friendly biocontrol tool for managing Pokkah boeng disease in sugarcane. This is the first report of the biocontrol potential of Trichoderma spp. against Fusarium proliferatum causing Pokkah boeng disease in sugarcane.

Risk assessment of new sequencing information for genetically modified sugar beet H7-1.

The EFSA Panel on genetically modified organisms (GMO Panel) has previously assessed genetically modified (GM) sugar beet H7‐1. This sugar beet was found to be as safe and nutritious as its conventional counterpart and commercial sugar beet varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment in the context of its intended uses. On 19 February 2021, European Commission requested EFSA to analyse new nucleic acid sequencing data and updated bioinformatics data for GM sugar beet H7‐1 and to indicate whether the previous conclusions of the GMO Panel on safety of GM sugar beet H7‐1 remain valid. The new sequencing data indicated seven nucleotide differences as compared to the sequence originally provided in applications EFSA‐GMO‐UK‐2004‐08 and EFSA‐GMO‐RX‐006: five nucleotides in the 5’ genomic flanking region and two nucleotides in the T‐DNA region of the insert. Two mismatches between the originally submitted H7‐1 event sequence and the plasmid sequence were confirmed by the newly obtained H7‐1 sequence. Based on the analysis of the provided data, EFSA considers that the newly reported sequence differences are most likely attributed to sequencing errors in the originally reported sugar beet H7‐1 event sequence. The new sequencing data and the bioinformatic analyses performed on the new sequence did not give rise to safety issues. Therefore, EFSA concludes that the original risk assessment of sugar beet H7‐1 remains valid.

SeedborneCercospora beticolaCan Initiate Cercospora Leaf Spot from Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris) Fruit Tissue

Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) is a globally important disease of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) caused by the fungus Cercospora beticola. Long-distance movement of C. beticola has been indirectly evidenced in recent population genetic studies, suggesting potential dispersal via seed. Commercial sugar beet "seed" consists of the reproductive fruit (true seed surrounded by maternal pericarp tissue) coated in artificial pellet material. In this study, we confirmed the presence of viable C. beticola in sugar beet fruit for 10 of 37 tested seed lots. All isolates harbored the G143A mutation associated with quinone outside inhibitor resistance, and 32 of 38 isolates had reduced demethylation inhibitor sensitivity (EC50 > 1 µg/ml). Planting of commercial sugar beet seed demonstrated the ability of seedborne inoculum to initiate CLS in sugar beet. C. beticola DNA was detected in DNA isolated from xylem sap, suggesting the vascular system is used to systemically colonize the host. We established nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region amplicon sequencing using the MinION platform to detect fungi in sugar beet fruit. Fungal sequences from 19 different genera were identified from 11 different sugar beet seed lots, but Fusarium, Alternaria, and Cercospora were consistently the three most dominant taxa, comprising an average of 93% relative read abundance over 11 seed lots. We also present evidence that C. beticola resides in the pericarp of sugar beet fruit rather than the true seed. The presence of seedborne inoculum should be considered when implementing integrated disease management strategies for CLS of sugar beet in the future.

Evaluation of low-cost, easy-to-prepare protein diets using beer yeast, sugar cane yeast and texturized soy protein for Africanized Apis mellifera in apiaries in Santa Catarina, Brazil

The aim of the study was to evaluate different diets for Apis mellifera in three regions of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The bees received the diets weekly, for 60 days. The treatments used and the corresponding crude protein contents were: D1 – sugar syrup; D2 – commercial feed (24.4%); D3 – sugarcane yeast + commercial sugar (17.0%); D4 – beer yeast + commercial sugar (14.9%); D5 – sugarcane yeast + textured soy protein + commercial sugar (20.9%). The parameters evaluated were: measurement of the breeding areas (drone, open, closed and total), measurement of the food deposit areas (honey and pollen) and percentage of infestation by Varroa destructor. At the end of study, a physical-chemical analysis of the honey was carried out. Significant differences were observed when comparing protein rations with the negative control group in the variables of areas of open brood, total brood (Sierra region) and infestation by Varroa destructor (Santa Catarina western and Sierra region). No changes were detected in the honeys in relation to the current regulations, demonstrating that the supply of the diets, under the conditions of the study, is safe for maintaining the standards of identity and quality of the final product.

Effect of Strip-Till and Variety on Yield and Quality of Sugar Beet against Conventional Tillage

A two-factor field experiment using sugar beet was conducted in 2016–2018 at Sokołowo in Poland (ϕ 53°5′16.05″ N, λ 19°6′21.07″ E), in a strip-plot arrangement with four replicates. Strip-till (ST) was compared to conventional tillage (CT) using four commercial sugar beet varieties (Alegra, Armesa, Contenta, Julius). In each study year, the experiment was established on lessivé soils developed from heavy loamy sand. The soil was rich in available macronutrients, while its reaction was neutral. The plant density, sugar yield, roots quality, and technological sugar yield were determined. A significant increase was found in root yield (6.6%) and, accordingly, in technological sugar yield (8.2%) in ST treatment relative to CT. Consistently, an increasing trend was observed for the root sugar content (0.21%). For the varieties examined, no preferences were observed in respect of tillage systems applied. The direction of changes in root yield, sugar content, and technological sugar yield remained constant regardless of the variety, tillage system, or the study year. The contents of potassium, sodium, and α-amino-nitrogen responded equally to both the variety and study year; however, the direction of changes in the above parameters was ambiguous and varied among the study years.

Effects of Soil and Foliar Applied Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Sugar Quality of Two Sugarcane Cultivars under Rainfed Conditions

Background: In north-eastern Thailand, sugarcane is planted normally in late rainy season wherein the plants may experience drought stress during its early growth stage in dry season and waterlogging stress during late growth stage at peak of rainy season. Hence, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of soil application alone and soil combined with foliar application of nutrients on growth, yield and sugar quality of sugarcane grown under rainfed conditions. Methods: The field experiment was conducted during November 2016 to December 2017. A split-plot design with three replications was laid out. The two sugarcane cultivars (KK3, K93-219) were assigned as main plots. The fertilizer application methods were assigned as sub-plots that comprised of four treatments: (1) soil applied NPK, (2) soil NPK + foliar N and K applied at 90 days after planting (DAP), (3) soil NPK + foliar N and K applied at 210 DAP and (4) soil NPK + foliar N and K applied at 90 and 210 DAP. Result: The soil NPK + foliar N and K applied at 90 and 210 DAP improved yield components and cane yield. The cultivar K93-219 produced significantly higher cane yield than KK3. The fertilizer application methods and cultivars had no significant effect on sugar quality such as brix (%), purity (%), polarity (%), fiber (%) and commercial cane sugar (CCS-%).

Impact of Short-Time Micronization on Structural and Thermal Properties of Sugar Beet Fibre and Inulin.

By tailoring dietary fibre's structural and physicochemical properties, their functionality and applicability can be remarkably increased. One of the approaches used in this respect is fibre particle size reduction. Accordingly, the present study explores the impact of short-time micronization in a planetary ball mill on structural and thermal changes of modified and commercial sugar beet fibre, inulin and sucrose for their potential application as food excipients. Short-time micronization in a planetary ball mill (30 and 60 min) was applied for particle size reduction of modified and commercial sugar beet fibre, inulin and sucrose as less energy-consumptive and less destructive approach than long-time micronization. Dietary fibre and sucrose samples were characterised in terms of particle size, morphology, intermolecular bonds and presence of functional groups, crystallinity and thermal properties, before and after the short-time micronization. Particle size was successfully reduced to micron-scale already after 30 min of micronization in most of the samples without significant changes in thermal properties and crystallinity or present functional groups. An enhanced particle size decrease with prolonged micronization time (60 min) was noticed in modified sugar beet fibre with slightly wider particle size distribution than in other examined samples. Furthermore, morphology and exposure of the present functional groups in samples were altered by the micronization, which is favourable for their further application as excipients in the food matrix. The corresponding research reports the short-time micronization impact on sugar beet fibre and modified sugar beet fibre, inulin and sucrose for the first time, hence contributing to the widening of their application as excipients in diverse products.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) Genotypes through Biochemical Approach

Background: Sugarcane is very important industrial and cash crop in Pakistan and in many countries of the world. It is worldwide an essential source of commercial sugar accounting for nearly 75 per cent of the world sugar production. Biochemical screening is first step in breeding to select superior genotypes in further breeding program. Methods: The experimental investigations were carried out on 10 different genotypes of sugarcane during consecutive years i.e., 2010-2012 to determine their genetic diversity by biochemical approach and SDS-PAGE analysis. The data on biochemical parameters i.e. reducing and non-reducing sugar, protein content, vitamin C, iron content, phosphorus content, calcium content and magnesium content in juice samples of various genotypes was recorded to assess biochemical composition. Result: The genotypes SPF-213, LHO83-153, CP-72-2086 performed better than other ones for reducing and non-reducing sugar, protein content, vitamin C and minerals content. However, on the basis of overall biochemical constituents CP-72-2086 was most efficient genotype. Electrophoretic mobility through SDS-PAGE was revealed clear genetic diversity among genotypes. As genotype S-06-US-469 and S-06-US-312 which showed unique pattern from common ancestors. These diverse genotypes could be successfully utilized in hybridization for improvement of crop.

Evidence that human oral glucose detection involves a sweet taste pathway and a glucose transporter pathway.

The taste stimulus glucose comprises approximately half of the commercial sugar sweeteners used today, whether in the form of the di-saccharide sucrose (glucose-fructose) or half of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Therefore, oral glucose has been presumed to contribute to the sweet taste of foods when combined with fructose. In light of recent rodent data on the role of oral metabolic glucose signaling, we examined psychopharmacologically whether oral glucose detection may also involve an additional pathway in humans to the traditional sweet taste transduction via the class 1 taste receptors T1R2/T1R3. In a series of experiments, we first compared oral glucose detection thresholds to sucralose thresholds without and with addition of the T1R receptor inhibitor Na-lactisole. Next, we compared oral detection thresholds of glucose to sucralose and to the non-metabolizable glucose analog, α-methyl-D-glucopyranoside (MDG) without and with the addition of the glucose co-transport component sodium (NaCl). Finally, we compared oral detection thresholds for glucose, MDG, fructose, and sucralose without and with the sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT) inhibitor phlorizin. In each experiment, psychopharmacological data were consistent with glucose engaging an additional signaling pathway to the sweet taste receptor T1R2/T1R3 pathway. Na-lactisole addition impaired detection of the non-caloric sweetener sucralose much more than it did glucose, consistent with glucose using an additional signaling pathway. The addition of NaCl had a beneficial impact on the detection of glucose and its analog MDG and impaired sucralose detection, consistent with glucose utilizing a sodium-glucose co-transporter. The addition of the SGLT inhibitor phlorizin impaired detection of glucose and MDG more than it did sucralose, and had no effect on fructose, further evidence consistent with glucose utilizing a sodium-glucose co-transporter. Together, these results support the idea that oral detection of glucose engages two signaling pathways: one that is comprised of the T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptor and the other that utilizes an SGLT glucose transporter.

Comparison of the performance of secretome analysis based on metabolic labeling by three unnatural sugars

分泌蛋白质是调控细胞间信号转导的重要生物大分子。由于分泌蛋白的丰度相比于胞内蛋白以及培养基添加剂更低,因此分泌蛋白的高通量鉴定是目前蛋白质组学界研究的热点和难点。目前,基于生物质谱的分泌蛋白质组学分析一般均需要从无血清的条件培养基中获得分泌蛋白质,再对其进行富集和分析。该流程操作步骤繁琐,易造成分泌蛋白质的损失和降解。本工作采用基于生物正交化学生物学技术实现对分泌蛋白质的高选择性标记和高效富集。通过结合点击化学技术,综合评估了分泌蛋白质分析中用于代谢标记的不同糖类似物。采用3种最常用的商品化糖类似物,N-叠氮乙酰甘露糖胺(ManNAz)、N-叠氮乙酰半乳糖胺(GalNAz)和N-叠氮乙酰葡萄糖胺(GlcNAz)分别对HeLa细胞进行代谢标记,之后通过炔基生物素探针对条件培养基中的分泌蛋白进行富集,结合质谱分析来对比3种糖类似物对分泌蛋白的标记效率。最后通过无标定量蛋白质组学分析,系统评估了3种糖类似物用于分泌蛋白质组分析的性能。结果表明,基于ManNAz的分泌蛋白标记方法鉴定到了282个分泌蛋白、224个细胞质膜蛋白以及846个N-糖基化位点;对分泌蛋白的富集效率分别较GalNAz和GlcNAz提高了130%和67.2%;对细胞质膜蛋白的富集效率较GalNAz和GlcNAz分别提高了273.3%和148.7%,体现出了明显的优势。本研究的实验结果为分泌蛋白高选择性富集和系统分析提供了有益的对比分析和新技术策略。

Variations in Pathogenicity of Three Different Forms of Rhizoctonia Inoculum and Assessment of Cultivar Resistance of Sugar Beet

Rhizoctonia solani causes pre-emergence and post-emergence damping-off, as well as crown and root rot of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), which significantly affects the yield returns in the USA and Europe. The pathogen overwinters as sclerotia or melanized mycelium. Traditionally, the resistance of cultivars to R. solani is evaluated by scoring disease reactions at the crowns and roots of older seedlings, thus resistance is not evaluated during seed germination. Moreover, earlier studies evaluated cultivars resistance to R. solani using colonized whole barley or wheat grains which, unlike sclerotia, are artificial inocula of the pathogen that require time, space and technical know-how to produce. Moreover, colonized grains are prone to contamination with other pathogens, consumed by rodents/birds while applied in the field, and are often uneconomic. Considering those limitations, a study was undertaken (1) to develop in vitro methods to generate large-scale sclerotia, (2) to compare pathogenic potentials of sclerotia, mycelia, and colonized barley grains for optimization of dampingoff assays, and (3) to evaluate Rhizoctonia resistance of selected commercial cultivars during the seed germination phase. Comparing six different culture media, we found that R. solani had the highest radial growth (8.9 ± 0.04, cm³) at 8-days and the maximum number of sclerotia produced (203 ± 4.6) at 28-days in CV8 medium. We demonstrated significant differences in pathogenicity of the three different forms of R. solani inocula and susceptibility of cultivars to preand post-emergence damping-off. The highest pre-emergence damping-off and root rot were observed with sclerotia, and the highest post-emergence dampingoff was recorded with both sclerotial and colonized barley inocula. In addition, varietal differences in susceptibility to pre- and post-emergence damping-off were noted. The highest pre-emergence damping-off was recorded on cv Crystal 101RR and lowest in Maribo MA 504. The highest post-emergence damping-off was recorded on BTS 8500 and the lowest in Crystal 467. The maximum mean root rot was observed in BTS 8500, BTS 8606, and Crystal 101R. Our studies demonstrated that sclerotia serve as efficient natural inocula, reemphasized that host-pathogen interactions differ at the early vs. late stages of sugar beet growth, and highlighted the need to reevaluate commercial sugar beet cultivars for resistance at the seed germination stage.

Tissue strength of sugar beet root genotypic variation and environmental impact

AbstractTissue strength of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) roots could be an interesting breeding target, as it is a possible indicator for storability and influences the manufacturing process. The objective of this study was to analyze the importance of genotype and environment and their interaction on three texture parameters (puncture resistance, tissue firmness, and compressive strength) and to investigate the range of tissue strengths of commercial sugar beet genotypes. For that purpose, two trial series were conducted with six sugar beet genotypes in seven environments across Germany in 2018 and 2019. A screening was performed with 12 commercial genotypes at one site in 2020. Tissue firmness and compressive strength were closely correlated with the puncture resistance of sugar beet roots. The genotype effect was distinctly higher for the texture parameters than for yield and quality parameters, whereas the genotype × environment interaction was negligible, allowing a selection based on few sites. For both genotype and environment, compression strength was closely related to the relative sugar content of the beets. Commercial genotypes also covered a wide range of tissue strengths. These differences might affect harvest damage, storage losses, and subsequent processing steps in the factory.

A comparative between sonication and adsorption technique to removal Pharmaceuticals pollutant

Synthesis of C decorates/Clay/Fe2O3 as a new Micro/Nanocomposite adsorbent for removal of pollutants (Amoxicillin (AMX), Phenylephrine Hydrochloride (PHE)) from aqueous solutions. Micro/Nanocomposites are synthesized by using the hydrothermal method, and loaded with type of carbon (C) on Clay surface. A Comparative study between (commercial Sugar (Sucrose)/Clay (Bentonite)/Fe2O3 Micro/Nanocomposite, CNT/Clay (Bentonite)/Fe2O3 Micro/Nanocomposite, AC/Clay(Bentonite)/Fe2O3 Micro/Nanocomposite, that found CNT, AC and Clay (Bentonite) the best result to removal pollutant found CNT/Clay (Bentonite)/Fe2O3Micro/Nanocomposite gave E% (93.11 %) of PHE and (81.11%) of AMX at optimized value of agitation time is 60 mint after that the adsorption becomes constant.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators in In Vitro Culture of Hippophae rhamnoides

This study was carried out to establish in vitro propagation system influenced by plant growth regulators through organogenesis with three different seed sources (China, Mongolia and Russia) for conservation of genetic resources in Northeast Asia. The experiment compared two different carbon sources (commercial sugar, sucrose), which showed no significant differences in germination rate. Induced adventitious buds from leaf segments were found to be highly effective when supplemented with 1.0 mg/L BA, 1.0 mg/L Kinetin, and 5.0 mg/L IAA, in the case of Chinese origin 96.8%, Russian origin R-1: 95.6%, R-2: 85.6%, and Mongolian origin M-2: 77.8%. It was effective in BA and Kinetin with supplemented with IAA, respectively. Shooting development was also efficient in Woody Plant Media (WPM) supplemented with 1.0 mg/L BA, 1.0 mg/L Kinetin and 5.0 mg/L IAA.

Lipozyme 435-Mediated Synthesis of Xylose Oleate in Methyl Ethyl Ketone.

In this paper, we have performed the Lipozyme 435-catalyzed synthesis of xylose oleate in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) from xylose and oleic acid. The effects of substrates’ molar ratios, reaction temperature, reaction time on esterification rates, and Lipozyme 435 reuse were studied. Results showed that an excess of oleic acid (xylose: oleic acid molar ratio of 1:5) significantly favored the reaction, yielding 98% of xylose conversion and 31% oleic acid conversion after 24 h-reaction (mainly to xylose mono- and dioleate, as confirmed by mass spectrometry). The highest Lipozyme 435 activities occurred between 55 and 70 °C. The predicted Ping Pong Bi Bi kinetic model fitted very well to the experimental data and there was no evidence of inhibitions in the range assessed. The reaction product was purified and presented an emulsion capacity close to that of a commercial sugar ester detergent. Finally, the repeated use of Lipozyme 435 showed a reduction in the reaction yields (by 48 and 19% in the xylose and oleic acid conversions, respectively), after ten 12 h-cycles.

To bee or not to beet with neonicotinoids

In January 2021 the UK government granted an application for authorisation to use thiamethoxam, a neonicotinoid pesticide, to protect commercial sugar beet crops from attack by viruses transmitted by aphids. This was the first time such an authorisation had been granted in the United Kingdom (UK) and there were concerns that it signalled a weakening of environmental standards now that the UK was no longer part of the European Union. In fact, similar authorisations had been granted by several European Member States in the last 2 years, despite the ban on the use of neonicotinoids introduced in 2018. Nevertheless, the reasons for granting the authorisation do suggest that the balance between adopting a precautionary approach to environmental protection and taking emergency action to protect economic interests may have shifted. It was acknowledged that the proposed mitigation to safeguard bees and other wildlife was not entirely satisfactory. In the end, due to unforeseen weather conditions it meant that the pesticide is not necessary, which in itself demonstrates that short-term emergency measures are unsuitable for dealing with the problem. If the sugar beet industry is to continue to prosper in the UK, it will need to be managed in a way that provides resistance to virus infection without the use of controversial chemicals.