Domestic Cultivation Research Articles

Cannabis sativa as a clinically relevant nsLTP allergen in the Mediterranean region: a case series exemplifying different possible routes of sensitization.

Cannabis is the most widely used drug worldwide sought for recreational and medicinal purposes. Cannabis allergy was first described 50 years ago but has become more frequently reported over the past decade due to a larger industrial and domestic cultivation, and an evolving legal status. However, it remains an infrequent cause of allergy in the Mediterranean European countries. We describe three clinical cases with primary sensitization to cannabis characterized by anaphylactic reactions. We hypothesize that in all three case reports, sensitization to Can s 3 nsLTP played a crucial role in the development of anaphylaxis, either directly following ingestion of hemp-containing food, or even indirectly through primary sensitization via involuntary exposure or occupation exposure to cannabis sativa.

Biological Characteristics, Domesticated Cultivation Protocol, Antioxidant Activity, and Protective Effects against Cellular Oxidative Stress of an Underutilized Medicinal Mushroom: Fomitopsis palustris.

Brown-rot fungus is one of the important medicinal mushrooms, which include some species within the genus Fomitopsis. This study identified wild macrofungi collected from a broad-leaved tree in Liaoning Province as Fomitopsis palustris using both morphological and molecular methods. To elucidate the potential medicinal and economic value of F. palustris, we conducted single-factor and orthogonal tests to optimize its mycelium culture conditions. Subsequently, we completed liquid culture and domestic cultivation based on these findings. Furthermore, crude polysaccharides were extracted from the cultivated fruiting bodies of F. palustris and their antioxidant activity was evaluated using chemical methods and cell-based models. The results showed that the optimal culture conditions for F. palustris mycelium were glucose as the carbon source, yeast extract powder as the nitrogen source, pH 6.0, and a temperature of 35 °C. Moreover, temperature was found to have the most significant impact on mycelial growth. The liquid strains were fermented for 6 days and then inoculated into a cultivation substrate composed of broadleaf sawdust, resulting in mature fruiting bodies in approximately 60 days. The crude polysaccharides extracted from the cultivated fruiting bodies of F. palustris (FPPs) possess in vitro scavenging abilities against DPPH radicals and OH radicals, as well as a certain ferric-reducing antioxidant power. Additionally, FPPs effectively mitigated H2O2-induced oxidative stress in RAW264.7cells by enhancing the intracellular activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and CAT, scavenging excess ROS, and reducing MDA levels. This study provides preliminarily evidence of the potential medicinal and economic value of F. palustris and offers initial data for the future development and utilization of this species.

Effects of nutrient conditions to stem photosynthesis and growth in Ephedra intermedia (Ephedraceae)

ABSTRACT Ephedra intermedia Schrenk et C.A.Meyer (Ephedraceae, Gnetales, Gymnospermae) contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, and has been used as Ephedra herb, a traditional medicine. Instead of degenerated leaves, photosynthetic assimilation is performed in their stems. Recently domestic cultivation of this species has been required, but relevant nutrient conditions for cultivation remain uncertain. In this study, we examined stem photosynthetic parameters in E. intermedia plants grown under different nutrient conditions in order to clarify relationships between the photosynthetic parameters and growth in their stems. Also, we examined whether the regulation of two photosystems of the photosynthetic electron transport system in E. intermedia stems is similar to that of angiosperm leaves. We cultivated E. intermedia plants under various nutrient conditions with different levels of nitrogen (N), and regularly measured CO2 assimilation rates, parameters of the photosynthetic electron transport system, and growth of E. intermedia stems. The stem growth was better under the condition with the additional ordinary chemical fertilizer compared to those with urea or magnesium lime. The seasonal changes were observed in the CO2 assimilation rates, Y(II), the quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII), and Y(ND), the non-photochemical yield due to donor side limitations in photosystem I (PSI). However, these parameters differed between nutrient conditions to small extents, and were not related to stem growth. Therefore, the measured parameters of photosynthesis could not explain the difference in stem growth between nutrient conditions. Although the photosynthetic parameters seasonally changed, the tight relationships between Y(ND), the PSI parameter, and Y(II) or Y(NPQ), the PSII parameters, were found throughout the seasons. These relationships between two photosystems in stems of gymnosperm E. intermedia were as the same as those in angiosperm leaves, although a flavodiiron protein can function as the electron sink in the stems of E. intermedia. This balance between two photosystems may be regulated by the system dependent on the thylakoid lumen pH, which may lead to the protection of two photosystems throughout the seasons.

Determination of macro and micronutrients in diferentes species of ora-pro-nóbis and comparison with conventional vegetable

The aim of this work was to determine the proximate composition and contents of iron, copper, manganese, phenolic compounds, phytic acid, total titratable acidity and pH of three species of ora-pro-nóbis (OPN): Pereskia aculeata Miller (PA), Pereskia aculeata var. godseffiana (PAG) and Pereskia grandifolia Haworth (PG) from domestic cultivation. Furthermore, compare the results obtained with a conventional vegetable kale (CM) (Brassica oleracea L. acephala) and evaluate the interrelationships through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The ora-pro-nóbis species were statistically different from the CM in terms of total titratable acidity, pH, phenolic compounds, iron and copper at a significance level of 5%. The CM and PA showed statistical similarities in relation to protein, carbohydrate and manganese content at a significance level of 5%, while for PA and PG samples statistical similarities were observed for moisture and phytic acid at a significance level of 5%. For OPN species, the minerals concentrations varied from 15.26 ± 6.40 to 25.52 ± 4.72 mg Fe 100 g-1, 1.23 ± 0.81 to 5.31 ± 6.57 mg Cu 100 g-1, 12.00 ± 6.31 to 17.72 ± 13.13 mg Mn 100 g-1. ACP demonstrated that the PAG sample made the greatest contribution to the study, having in its composition the highest levels of iron, copper, phytic acid and moisture. Therefore, the species of ora-pro-nóbis evaluated in this work, even in residential cultivation conditions, proved to be potential sources of minerals, mainly iron, especially the species Pereskia aculeata var. godseffiana. In this way, the evaluation of the proximate and mineral composition of unconventional food plants is relevant for understanding the nutritional composition and increasing the consumption of these vegetables, in their use for food enrichment, as well as in helping to reduce the population's food insecurity.

Vernacular artifacts for plant cultivation: a sustainable design

Purpose: this paper aims to present vernacular artifacts produced to aid the domestic cultivation of plants and discuss its sustainability. Methodology: research using the digital universe to gather market and vernacular products for cultivation and field research through visits to the residences of people who practice some type of planting with the same objective. Research Limitation/implication: compare the product research with bibliographic research with references from social design, co-creation, sustainability, and innovation, used to support the proposal to compare homemade products with market analogs (if any) presenting as many possible justifications for the consumer's decisions to create their own products instead of buying them, representing a potential opportunity for design. Results: the creation of vernacular artifacts is independent of design quality projects. Most likely they will always exist, as interests go beyond those related to the need for a specific product. But for the designer, observing these initiatives is a way of understanding the users desires. Originality/Value of paper: presentation of sustainability precepts of and the reuse of materials and products from the perspective of sustainable design, also the potentialities for working in this field.

Yerba mate residue (Ilex paraguariensis – Aquifoliaceae) in the production of edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatoroseus

Mushrooms are cultivable on various plant substrates and the yerba mate residue may be one of the most promising, especially if domestic cultivation techniques are developed. As a large producer and consumer of yerba mate, southern Brazil also presents a large production of this residue. In this sense, this work aimed to test the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatoroseus on yerba mate residue, seeking a technique for its domestic cultivation. Three substrates were prepared: a) partially decomposed yerba mate; b) recently discarded yerba mate; c) yerba mate recently discarded and added with eucalyptus sawdust. Cultivation of P. ostreatoroseus in yerba mate just after disposal and partially decomposed proved to be unviable, with good mycelial colonization of the substrate, but without basidioma production. In cultivation with sawdust, all concentrations tested showed the formation of primordia, with 70% of sawdust, being the first to form primordia and having the largest basidiome in diameter. It is believed that aeration is an important factor for mycelial and basidiome development in P. ostreatoroseus, contrary to what has already been mentioned for P. djamor, contributing to the differentiation of both species in cultivation situations. The mycelium of the species growing on yerba mate residue was able to reduce the inoculum of pathogenic fungi, indicating that it is an adequate practice for the treatment of the final residue. Thus, the yerba mate residue added with sawdust proved to be a possible substrate for the cultivation of P. ostreatoroseus, in addition to eliminating pathogenic fungi from plants. Keywords: Cultivation; Alternative substrates; Shimeji; Mycelial growth.

Geographical considerations for capturing value in the U.S. sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) industry

The United States’ seaweed industry is worth over $300 million annually thanks in part to the rising popularity of seaweed-based products. Seaweed has myriad uses and great potential for novel product innovation and development while also providing numerous environmental benefits including carbon and nitrogen sequestration and other crucial ecosystem services . One of the most promising and prevalent species under domestic cultivation is Saccharina latissma. Also known as sugar kelp, this abundantly grown cold-water species dominates the edible seaweed market in the United States . This paper provides an in-depth geographical analysis of the current state of the U.S. sugar kelp industry, comparing regional market differences and opportunities for growth in Maine, Alaska, and Connecticut. Data was collected from the 2020 National Sea Grant Seaweed Symposium (https://seaweedhub.org/symposium/) and through a series of semi-structured interviews with key industry participants, yielding insights into the challenges that seaweed stakeholders face across the country. Proposed solutions for increasing the profitability of sugar kelp are explored and include market differentiation through regional origin labels, eco-labels, and quality labels.

The Regulation Backyard: Home Growing Cannabis in Uruguay

Background: Uruguay was the first country in the world to explicitly authorize the personal cultivation of cannabis in 2013 within a comprehensive market regulation model. This policy development provides a unique opportunity to gauge the first impact of cannabis regulation on domestic cannabis growing and to have a more accurate picture of the characteristics of cannabis growers, a topic largely neglected by previous research in the country. Method: The Survey on Regulated Cannabis in Uruguay was conducted between October and December of 2017 to a random sample of the population between 15 and 65 years of age ( n = 2,181). Using face-to-face interviews, the survey asked about the use of cannabis (forms, amounts, access, motivations, etc.) and other drugs, included a sociodemographic module, and a specific section on domestic cultivation ( n = 213). The questions were formulated to ensure comparability with previous international surveys (ICCQ-GCCRC) conducted in 13 industrialized countries. Results: After regulation, the type of product consumed in Uruguay changed completely, with a significant increase in the preference for domestically grown cannabis. Most growers are experienced and frequent cannabis users. In the comparison with other countries, important similarities appear, as the quantity produced or the ages of growers, as well as relevant differences. While there is a predominance of men, a higher number of women got involved in growing after the law was adopted. Most cannabis is produced outdoors and with low costs per harvest. Conclusions: In a context of scarcity of legally sold cannabis, both registered and unregistered cannabis personal growing increased in Uruguay, though mostly through “experimental” attempts and motivations.

큰꽃삽주의 생육 특성 및 유효성분 함량 변이

Background: The rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala is used in traditional medicine. Atractylenolides I, II and III are the major components used in traditional medicine and possess gastroprotective properties. Although the domestic cultivation and production scale of A. macrocephalaare currently expanding, research on cultivation physiology remains insufficient.<BR>Methods and Results: A. macrocephala seeds were sown in a greenhouse in mid-March, and the seedlings were transplanted in mid-May to investigate growth characteristics and atractylenolide content on a monthly basis. While the shoot growth decreased after peaking in mid-October, the growth of the rhizome increased sharply from mid-June to mid-July and continued to increase until mid-November. The length of the rhizome increased until mid-October, and then stopped, but its diameter continued to increased steadily until mid-November. The total content of the three atractylenolides was the highest in mid-November followed by mid-August.<BR>Conclusions: Growth of the rhizome continued until mid-November, when the shoot had dried, and the active content was highest at this time, followed by mid-August before flowering. These findings provide basic imformation regarding the phsiology of A. macrocephala that can be useful to researchers and farmers.

황기 후작지 재배 약용작물의 수량 평가

Background: Roots of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge have medicinal uses. This study was conducted to select promising succeeding crops by planting 10 different kinds of medicinal crops such as balloon flower on continuously cropped and firstly cropped land, for comparing and investigating the yields of each crop.BRMethods and Results: For the yield evaluation of 10 kinds of medicinal crops in continuously cropped land and firstly cropped land, test field located in Songhak-myeon, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do was selected. In order to maintain the cultivated area for medicinal crops while avoiding the injury by continuous cropping, 10 kinds of candidate crops those can be harvested in that same year with a high domestic cultivation area were planted for selecting promising succeeding crops of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge. The yield was evaluated at the optimal harvest time of the crops. The yield of Peucedanum japonicum Thunberg and Platycodon grandiflorum A. De Candolle in the continuously cropped land was significantly higher than in the firstly cropped land.BRConclusions: These results may help enhance the understanding of the selection of promising medicinal crops in continuously cropped land and to establish countermeasures for injury by continuous cropping research.

Optimizing dynamics of water-energy-food nexus in a desert climate

This study explores the potential effects of electricity pricing on crop cultivation in Saudi Arabia. The country recently started implementing a domestic energy price reform strategy to make energy consumption more sustainable and increase government revenues as highlighted in the Fiscal Balance Program one of the key realization programs of Vision 2030. Two modeling schemes were developed to complete this analysis. First, a model that applies physical equations to estimate water and energy requirements for 21 crops across 13 provinces. Second, an optimization model that runs iteratively to determine short-run electricity costs, import costs and export revenues. The main finding from the model simulations is that increasing electricity prices will shrink the domestic cultivation and exports of the crops while increasing their imports. For example, as an extreme case, if the agriculture electricity price is raised from $0.048 per kWh to the US industrial electricity price level of $0.692 per kWh, the model optimizes that this will reduce electricity consumption from 33.65 gWh to 7.84 gWh, domestic crop cultivation from 15.1 million tons to 6.3 million tons, and crops' export from 0.062 million tons to 0.057 million tons while will increase crops’ import from 9.5 million tons to 18.3 million tons.

Consumer Acceptance and Market Potential of Iodine-Biofortified Fruit and Vegetables in Germany.

Biofortification of food crops with iodine is a novel approach to preventing iodine deficiency in humans. The present study analyses the consumer target groups and the market potential of iodine-biofortified fruit and vegetables in Germany. For this purpose, an online survey of 1016 German fruit and vegetable consumers was conducted to investigate the acceptance of different product categories as well as relevant criteria for the market launch. The results show that iodine-biofortified fruit and vegetables are particularly attractive to consumers who purchase at farmers’ markets, organic food shops, and farm stores. Out of this group, 39% of consumers rate such iodine-rich foods as very appealing. They attach importance to food that naturally contains iodine and prefer produce from integrated domestic cultivation. With their focus on sustainability and naturalness, this group of consumers clearly differs from typical users of dietary supplements, who are primarily concerned with health benefits. However, overall about 85% of respondents would prefer biofortified fruits and vegetables to supplements to improve their iodine supply. The greatest market potential for iodine-biofortified fruit and vegetables is to be expected in supermarkets, as this is the preferred food shopping location for most consumers. A total of 28% of those who buy here rate the biofortified foods presented as very appealing. Nevertheless, a successful market launch requires that the benefits of the new products are communicated according to the potential consumer group needs.

Trade Protectionism and Border Closure in Nigeria: The Rice Economy in Perspective

Rice is one of those staples that Nigerians cannot do without; several tonnes of rice are consumed by Nigerians on daily basis. Yet its domestic cultivation and processing are largely ignored by a greater percentage of ordinary Nigerians. Although scholars have produced fascinating studies on both the domestic production of rice, its international trade, and the border closures that are contrived to facilitate local production, there is scarcely any serious scholarly effort that attempts to examine Nigeria’s rice economy from the political-economic perspective, especially with attention on the gainers and losers during periods of border closures in Nigeria. This study intervenes in the discourse by focusing on the political-economic implications of Nigeria's rice economy. The major thrust of the research is to discover how far the trade protectionist efforts of the governments of Nigeria impact the domestic economy. In essence, it seeks to discover the gainers and losers of Nigeria's border closures.&#x0D;

Stock or Soil? The Growth of Early American Literature

Stock or Soil? The Growth of Early American Literature

감초 종간교잡 육성품종 ‘다감’의 재배 및 품질특성

Background: Licorice is an important medicinal plant, but climate conditions can hinder seed production. Because it is difficult to produce the seeds, Korea mostly depends on the imported product. In addition, when grown domestically, the standard ingredients do not comply with those of the Korean Pharmacopoeia (glycyrrhizin 2.5% and liquritigenin 0.7%). Therefore, it is necessary to develop licorice variety suitable for the domestic environment.<BR>Methods and Results: A new interspecific hybrid cultivar designated ‘Dagam’, was developed from Glycyrrhiza glabra × G. uralensis (G. korshinskyi Grig.) and is regarded as a high-yielding and high-quality licorice by Rural Development Administration. On average the yield for ‘Dagam’ was recorded 431.5 ㎏/10a. The cultivar displayed strong brown spot disease and lodging resistance. Additionally, the glycyrrhizin and liquiritigenin contents of ‘Dagam’ (3.0 and 0.7%, respectively) met, the Korean Pharmacopoeia standard. This cultivar can widely adapt to most cultivation areas in Korea except Jejudo, Gangwondo, and the mountain-alpine regions. Furthermore, ‘Dagam’ was not showed any cytotoxicity and high cell viability compared to ‘G. uralensis’.<BR>Conclusions: The interspecific hybrid cultivar ‘Dagam’ will contribute to the stability of domestic cultivation of licorice in Korea.

Formation of rice plants productivity traits in first generation hybrids and their inheritance

Rice is the oldest and widespread food crop, which is a staple food in many countries such as India, Japan, China, Vietnam. Milled rice has a balanced amino acid composition, excellent taste, is highly digestible and assimilable, it is widely used, in general, and dietary nutrition, and its broth has healing properties. Derivatives produced from cereals are widely used in the textile, perfumery, and medical industries. The straw is used to feed livestock and make household goods. Huge shifts have taken place in recent years in domestic and foreign rice cultivation, varieties of various purposes and uses have been developed and are cultivated, but, despite this, there are still many unsolved urgent problems. The main of these problems is the development of high-yielding varieties, which are greatly influenced by economically important traits: plant height, total and productive tillering, the number of spikelets and grains in a panicle, grain size, mass of 1000 grains, etc. The solution to this problem largely depends on the availability of genetically diverse initial material with a broad response to changes in environmental conditions, its study and correct selection; as well as the identification of new sources of valuable traits and properties, among ecologically distant agroecotypes, which enrich the genetic potential of domestic varieties. In the modern biological science of heredity, there is still the question of the inheritance of quantitative traits. The study of the inheritance of quantitative traits that make up the main elements of the yield structure is one of the most important tasks, the solution of which is necessary to accelerate the breeding process. The inheritance of any trait is often determined by researchers by the value of the dominance coefficient [7].

Genetic diversity and population structure of Croton urucurana Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) in Central Brazil by ISSR markers

Studies on the genetic diversity of species with pharmacological potential are essential for the conservation of genetic resources. The genetic characterization of a species can guide efforts to collect and conserve germplasm and, in the future, genetic improvement. Domestic cultivation of medicinal plants is an important strategy for protecting these species from over harvesting. Genetic studies of medicinal species by molecular markers could allow for assessment and management of these species. Croton urucurana Baill. is widely used in Brazilian traditional medicine, but there are practically no data about its genetic patterns. We used 12 ISSR markers to evaluate the genetic diversity levels of 30 trees distributed in three populations of C. urucurana, two of which were located in Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) and one on semi-deciduous tropical forest areas. From a total of 82 bands recorded, 89% were polymorphic and presented a Shannon’s diversity index of 0.26. The populations formed two distinct groups: Two populations were divided each into a different genetic group, while the Aquidauana population, which is in a transition area between the Cerrado and the Pantanal, presented a mixture of the two genetic groups. Croton urucurana has GST values (0.200) similar to those found in species with a mixed mating system, but the lack of detailed studies on the reproductive system of this species makes it difficult to correctly interpret the origin of the population structure observed. Moreover, even using a simpler marker we were able to identify regions that deserve further studies, especially from a chemical point of view, to see whether there are any differences between the populations that could help in defining future conservation strategies, management and genetic improvement plans of the species.

Prediction of Spatiotemporal Invasive Risk by the Red Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in South Korea

In this study, we analyzed the potential distribution of red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in response to climate change in South Korea using CLIMEX, a species distribution model. We further attempted to evaluate the risk of the distribution/invasion and subsequent dispersion by considering climatic suitability, and functional characteristics of cities and covered cultivated areas. The climatic suitability has extended from the southern and coastal regions to inland regions due to climate change. The number of areas with EI (Ecoclimatic Index) values of more than 20 was 9 (12%) in the current climate; the value was assumed to increase to 23% (2040), 24% (2060), 42% (2080), and 62% (2100) from the South Korea coast to inland. We predicted that May to October would be the most active period in seven domestic high-habitation areas. We also analyzed the invasive risk of the red imported fire ant into covered domestic cultivation areas. Considering climatic suitability, we determined that Jeju, Pohang, Busan, Ulsan, Mokpo, and Gosan would be the most affected areas. This study can provide baseline data for the management of invasive species nationally and for regional control through predictions of the probability of settlement and direction of spread.

Exploring the Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Winter Rape on the Middle Reaches of Yangtze River Valley Using Time-Series MODIS Data

Rapeseed is an important oil product in China. China’s current soybean trade issues with major soybean producing countries have caused a large decline in soybean import since 2017. This may bring the increasing needs of rapeseed import, which would have an impact on domestic production. However, our knowledge on the effects of international rapeseed trade on domestic production remains unknown. It is thus important to understand the pattern of rapeseed in China under this scenario, as it may provide necessary information for all relevant stakeholders. With this goal, this study aims to investigate the spatial and temporal patterns of winter rape in China’s major winter rape production region, the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River Valley (MYR), during 2003–2015 using time-series Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. A decision tree according to the difference in enhanced vegetation index (EVI) profiles of land-cover types was built to extract winter rape. The results show that there is an essential decrease in both the number and density of winter rape patches under the opening global rapeseed market. There are significant hotspots of winter rape gain and loss, within which the loss dominated the trend. The significant cost advantage of rapeseed in the international market may largely reduce the domestic cultivation in China through telecoupling effects. Understanding the spatio-temporal dynamics of winter rape on the MYR has significant economic and policy implications and can provide great supports for the agricultural production, policy-making, and oil products trade in the international market.

온도구배터널에서 기온상승에 따른 만주감초의 생육, 수량, 약리성분 특성에 관한 연구

Background: Studies have suggested that the northern provinces of Gangwon-do are good sites for licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) cultivation in Korea, as they have similar temperatures to its original locations in northern China. However, poor growth and freezing injury are often reported in Korea. Therefore, it is necessary to reassess the domestic cultivation site of licorice.BR Methods and Results: To determine the optimum temperature for cultivating licorice, the growth, yield, and pharmacological characteristics of G. uralensis were assessed in a temperature gradient tunnel at Eumseong, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea in 2017. Plant height increased until the temperature rose to 5.9℃ above the local external temperature. Yield (㎏/10a) increased by 46.9% when the growing temperature was 1.5℃ to 3.0℃ (T2) above the external temperature and by 72.6% when the growing temperature was 3.0℃ - 4.5℃ (T3) above the external temperature. However, a difference of 4.5℃ - 5.9℃ (T4) above the external temperature, decreased the yield by 9.8% compared to that at T2. The glycyrrhizin content of G. uralensis roots in each temperature band was 0.72%, 0.53%, 0.91%, and 0.84% (T1, T2, T3, T4), these differences appear to result form individual plant variation rather than growth temperature.BR Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, we estimate that the temperature-based optimum cultivation site for G. uralensis in Korea is the south central region, rather than the northern province of Gangwon-do. Improvement in growth and yield maybe observed if the plantations in the central Jecheon (Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea) are expanded into the south central region.