Sugar Extraction Research Articles

Phytochemical Diversity Comparison in Leaves and Roots of Wild and Micropropagated Latvian Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum L.).

The goal of the current study was to compare the chemical composition of the roots, shoots, and leaves of wild-growing Eryngium maritimum L., and of in vitro and in field-cultivated plants in Latvia. The essential oil yield obtained by hydrodistillation ranged from 0.14% to 0.54%, while analysis of the chemical composition using GC-MS revealed a total of 44 different volatiles, with differences in the types and amounts of volatiles between the leaves and roots. Using 96-well plate techniques, the concentration of total phenolic compounds, saponins, and sugars in the aqueous ethanolic extracts of E. maritimum were assessed, along with their capacity to scavenge stable DPPH radicals. Extracts from roots had a lower concentration of total phenolic compounds compared to those from the leaves of wild grown and cultivated plants but did not differ from in vitro shoots. Root, leaf, and shoot samples of the same genotype from different growth conditions had approximately the same concentration of total saponins, while total sugar concentrations were higher in the roots. The growth conditions had a significant effect on the concentration of total phenolic compounds and antiradical activity, with differences that were significant observed between plant aboveground and belowground parts. Analysis using UHPLC-ESI-q-TOF-MS revealed 63 compounds, with amino acids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (such as chlorogenic and rosmarinic acid) being the major compound groups that significantly differed between plant growth conditions. We also demonstrated that rapid screening of volatile compounds in in vitro plants using headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyses can predict the formation of marker compounds in the same mericlones grown in field conditions. These findings provide valuable insights into the chemical composition of E. maritimum and its potential for use in various applications.

THE OBTAINING OF WATER-ALCOHOLIC AND SUGAR EXTRACTS FROM BERRIES

It was investigated the extraction of the dry substances with a water-alcohol solvent and the subsequent preparation of sugar extract from black currant, jostaberry, and plum. The water-alcohol solvent extracts the least dry matter from currant berries. The dry substance content in the black currant extract was 1.6%, while water-alcohol extracts from jostaberry and plum contained 4.3-5.5% of dry substances. At the same time, the content of dry substances in the extract is 1.6%, while water-alcohol extracts from gooseberry and plum contain 4.3–5.5% of dry substances. A significant amount of alcohol accumulates in the berries during the water-alcohol extraction. The alcohol content in all extracts, compared to the extractant, decreases from 40.0 to 25.06–26.39 wt. %. Simultaneously the alcohol losses decrease in further obtaining sugar extract from berries. The alcohol content in berries reaches 9.79 wt.% in black currant, 14.51 wt.% in plum, and 14.92 wt. % in jostaberry extract, particularly. The obtained sugar extracts contain different amounts of dry matter depending on the type of berries. The maximum degree of sugar utilization (79.0%) was during the preparation of black currant extract, which contains the maximum amount of dry substances (43.4%). The degree of sugar utilization by the plum extract obtaining was 71.6%. That corresponds to the dry substances content in the extract at 34.5%. The minimum degree of sugar utilization (31.5%) was during the production of jostaberry extract. The degree of sugar use ensures the content of dry substances in the extract of 31.8%. It was established that water-alcohol and sugar extracts from berries have maxima of visible light absorption in the range corresponding to anthocyanins absorption. The highest optical density has a water-alcohol extract from currants. A high content of polyphenolic compounds characterizes that. We established that acids are extracted almost the same amount from the berry raw material with a water-alcohol solution and during sugar treatment. The extracts from jostaberry have the maximum acidity, and its lowest value is characteristic of extracts from plum. The degree of extraction of vitamin C from berries was approximately the same and was 59% for jostaberry and 66% for black currant and plum. The perspective of using berries after extracting them as raw materials for obtaining various confectionery products is indicated.

Acute Anti-Hyperglycaemic Activity of Five Traditional Medicinal Plants in High Fat Diet Induced Obese Rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a prevalent non-communicable disease, is a metabolic condition involving defective pancreatic β-cells and/or insulin resistance. Researchers are presently exploring traditional medicinal plants to identify alternatives for treating diabetes due to the various disadvantage of current anti-diabetic medicines. The present study evaluated the anti-hyperglycaemic effects of ethanol extracts of five medicinal plants (EEMPs) (Gynura nepalensis, Glochidion thomsonii, Clerodendrum splendens, Clerodendrum infortunatum and Xanthium strumarium) which are traditionally used as an ethnomedicine to treat diabetes and numerous other health problems. High-fat fed (HFF) obese rats were used to perform acute in vivo tests, including oral glucose tolerance, feeding test, metabolic studies, and gastrointestinal motility using BaSO4 milk solution. Priliminary phytochemical screening were performed to discover the presence or absence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, and reducing sugars in extracts. Oral administration of ethanol extracts (250 mg/kg, body weight), along with glucose (18 mmoL/kg body weight), ameliorated glucose tolerance (p < 0.05-0.01). In addition, the extracts improved gut motility (250 mg/kg; p < 0.05-0.001), as well as reduced food intake during the feeding test (250 mg/kg; p < 0.05-0.001). Phytochemical screening of these medicinal plants depicted the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids and reducing sugars. Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins and saponins may be responsible for the glucose-lowering properties for these plants. Additional research is warranted to fully identify the bioactive phytomolecules and mechanistic pathways that might lead to the development of a viable, cost-effective type 2 diabetes therapy.

Detoxification of areca nut acid hydrolysate and production of xylitol by Candida tropicalis (MTCC 6192)

Areca nut husk is the most promising alternative source of low-cost raw materials because it contains a considerable amount of five-carbon monosaccharide sugar in the form of xylose. This polymeric sugar can be isolated and transformed into a value-added chemical using fermentation. To extract sugars from areca nut husk fibers, preliminary pretreatment, such as dilute acid hydrolysis (H2SO4), was performed. The hemicellulosic hydrolysate of areca nut husk can produce xylitol through fermentation, but toxic components inhibit the growth of microorganisms. To overcome this, a series of detoxification treatments, including pH adjustment, activated charcoal, and ion exchange resin, were carried out to reduce the concentration of inhibitors in the hydrolysate. This study reports a remarkable 99% removal of inhibitors in the hemicellulosic hydrolysate. Subsequently, a fermentation process using Candida tropicalis (MTCC6192) was executed with the detoxified hemicellulosic hydrolysate of areca nut husk, yielding an optimum xylitol yield of 0.66 g/g. This study concludes that detoxification techniques like pH adjustment, activated charcoal, and ion exchange resins are the most economical and effective methods for eliminating toxic compounds in hemicellulosic hydrolysates. Therefore, the medium derived after detoxification from areca nut hydrolysate may be considered to have significant potential for xylitol production.

Innovations and trends in the coconut agroindustry supply chain: A technological surveillance and foresight analysis

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a raw material that has gained particular relevance for agribusiness in recent years. This has come about largely owing to the paradigm shift regarding its genuine nutritional benefits. It is especially due to innovation that has been incorporated into agro-industrial processing and the development of new products, and the fruits of such labor can be seen in the growing demand by consumers around the world. Integrally making full use of coconut, it turns out, is extremely important for agribusiness. Coconut indeed has become a benchmark, not only from the environmental dimension but also from the social and economic perspectives both of the communities that plant it and the agribusinesses that transform it. This study aims to identify technologies, new uses, trends, and innovations related to the coconut agro-industrial chain, as well as their prioritization, by means of a prospective study, using the Delphi method in two rounds. Two methods applied at the methodological level comprised a technological surveillance study by means of a literature review in a SCOPUS database, PatentsInspiration, complemented with commercial surveillance for the four major topics of plastic wood, coconut oil extraction, high salinity and moisture, and small-scale coconut by-products. Moreover, the Delphi method was used, in two rounds, with 178 topics, technologies, and innovations, classified into seven thematic groups. The Delphi was answered by 32 experts in the two rounds. Vantage Point text mining software was also applied for the analysis of the surveillance results. Within the seven thematic groups, the following 10 priority technologies are highlighted: functional phytochemicals, non-caloric sweeteners, coconut milk preservation technologies, water activity and shelf life, coconut sugar extraction methods, batch and continuous drying technologies, lyophilization, coconut fiber and shredded recycled PET, magnetic particle modification of activated carbon derived from coconut shell and biochar to effectively remove phenol from water, and biodegradable packaging for coconut derivatives. In addition, the following topics were prioritized in the sustainability grouper: sustainable agriculture, bioeconomy, family agriculture, and circular economy.

EFFECT OF COMBINATION OF CONCENTRATION OF TURMERIC EXTRACT (Curcuma longa L.) AND SUGAR ON WATER CURRENT AND ORGANOLEPTIC JELLY CANDY

Jelly candy is made from gelling agents and essences to produce a variety of flavors, a clear transparent appearance, and a chewy texture. In general, jelly candy uses gelatin as its gelling agent. Doubts about the halalness of gelatine make research into the potential of other gelling agents necessary. Carrageenan can replace gelatin as a gelling agent because of its gelling ability. This study used turmeric extract as a colorant for jelly candy. This study aimed to determine the effect of adding sugar and turmeric extract on the water content and organoleptic of turmeric jelly candy (Curcuma longa L.). This study used a completely randomized design with two factors: variations in sugar concentration (25%, 75%) and turmeric extract (5%, 10%, 15%). The results showed that the combination of turmeric (C. longa) extract concentration significantly affected water content; the greater the concentration of sugar and turmeric extract affected the color and taste of jelly candy. The concentration of carrageenan and konjac mixture that the panelists most liked was 75% sugar. Meanwhile, the concentration of turmeric extract that the panelists most liked was the addition of 10% turmeric extract.

Energy audit of a sugarcane plant to find out the main energy saving opportunities

Sugar extraction from sugarcane/sugar-beet is an energy-intensive process, both thermal and electrical energies. However, there are numerous opportunities for energy efficiency improvements. A number of tests were conducted in an old sugarcane factory, including the boiler, electricity generation, process, and mill section, to better understand these opportunities. During four years, specific energy consumption was 16-28 GJ/ton of raw sugar. Measurements and calculations revealed that some equipment, e.g. shredder's steam turbine and some gearboxes, require extensive repairs. The second set of areas for improvement relates to proper operation, such as determining the boiler excess air (which results in an average 0.6% efficiency reduction) and factory planning (near 200 MWh per year). The third type of improvement is to modify or integrate new elements into the existing plant, like water storage tank insulation (3.8 MW) and switching from load-unload operation to drive control for instrumentation compressors (43 MWh). Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 58(1), 09-18, 2023

Promotion of Sugar Extraction from Sewage Sludge by Microwave Combined with Thermal-Alkaline Pretreatment

A large amount of sludge is produced in the process of municipal sewage treatment. The recovery and utilization of large amounts of sugar, protein, lipids and other organic matter from sewage sludge (SS) is of great significance for reducing environmental pressure and producing clean energy. In this study, microwave combined with thermal-alkaline pretreatment was used to accelerate the dissolution of primary sedimentation sludge and the release of intracellular substances, and to promote the extraction of sugar from SS. The results showed that the yield of crude sugar and the extraction efficiency of pure sugar increased with the increase in NaOH dosage. The extraction of crude sugar reached the equilibrium at about 30 min. During the response surface analysis, the optimal pretreatment conditions were determined as follows: the dosage of NaOH was 9.93 mL, and the leaching time and the microwave time were 27.65 min and 33.2 s, respectively. The crude sugar yield and extraction efficiency obtained under this condition were 39.80 ± 3.57% and 89.74 ± 3.61%, respectively. The pretreated sludge and crude sugar were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the combined use of thermal-alkaline and microwave effectively destroyed the structure of the sludge and increased the yield of crude sugar.

Wastewater treatment via sugarcane bagasse pulp

Textile wastewater effluents yield tons of dyes that, even at low concentrations, are toxic and need to be removed before this water is disposed of in aquatic life. Methylene blue has a low degradation rate and causes severe harm to the environment even at low concentrations. Adsorption is an effective method of getting rid of these dyes. In this study sugarcane bagasse pulp, which is a waste resulting from the sugar extraction process, is examined as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue from textile wastewater. Batch experiments are carried out to determine the efficiency of the adsorption of methylene blue onto the sugarcane bagasse pulp surface. Seven different parameters including the adsorbent dose, temperature, initial dye concentration, contact time, pH, and adsorbent particle size are studied to determine their effect on the adsorption process; characterization of the adsorbent is carried out. Artificial neural network is used to determine the optimum conditions that give maximum efficiency. The results of this study showed that bagasse pulp is an effective adsorbent material for methylene blue removal with a maximum adsorption efficiency of 95%.Graphical abstract

Non-Thermal Plasma as a Biomass Pretreatment in Biorefining Processes

Climatic changes and the growing population call for innovative solutions that are able to produce biochemicals by adopting environmentally sustainable procedures. The biorefinery concept meets this requirement. However, one of the main drawbacks of biorefineries is represented by the feedstocks’ pretreatment. Lately, scientific research has focused on non-thermal plasma, which is an innovative and sustainable pretreatment that is able to obtain a high sugar concentration. In the present review, literature related to the use of non-thermal plasma for the production of fermentable sugar have been collected. In particular, its sugar extraction, time, and energy consumption have been compared with those of traditional biomass pretreatments. As reported, on one hand, this emerging technology is characterized by low costs and no waste production; on the other hand, the reactor’s configuration must be optimized to reduce time and energy demand.

Effect of Sugar Beet Pulp and Anionic Salts on Metabolic Status and Mineral Homeostasis during the Peri-Parturient Period of Dairy Sheep.

Sugar beet pulp is a popular by-product of sugar extraction; however, it can potentially cause depletion of Ca availability due to its oxalic content. The experiment examined the effect of sugar beet pulp and anionic salts administration during the dry period on the serum concentration of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium of dairy sheep. Eighty-seven sheep were divided into three groups (A, B, and C) according to their body condition score (BCS) and age at 40 days before the expected lambing. All groups received alfalfa hay, mixed grass straw, and a concentrate supplement. The concentrate fed to groups B and C contained sugar beet pulp. The nutritional value fed to all three groups was similar, except for Dietary Cation Anion Difference (DCAD). Animals of group A had a DCAD of +198 mEq/kg, animals of group B of +188 mEq/kg, and animals of group C were fed 20 gr/d ammonium chloride to achieve a negative DCAD (-52 mEq/kg). All groups were fed the same ration after lambing. Blood samples were collected 30 d, 20 d, 17 d, 14 d, 10 d, 7 d, and 4 d before lambing (a.p.), 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 7 d, 10 d, and 15 d after lambing (p.p) for calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium, and 30 d a.p., 7 d, and 15 d p.p. for beta hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA) concentrations. Urine samples were also collected 20 d, 10 d, 4 d a.p., and 7 d p.p for the evaluation of pH levels. Ca levels of the control group decreased earlier and were lower at 4 d a.p. compared to those of group B and C. Additionally, the control group showed lower p values compared to group C at 20 d and 17 d a.p. P levels recovered earlier post parturition in young (age 1-1.5 years old) compared to older ewes. Group C had lower urine pH values throughout the pre-parturient period, reflecting the acidifying effect of the administered ammonium chloride, without any side effect on macromineral blood concentration. Feeding sugar beet pulp and systemic acidifying before parturition is considered safe and might even be beneficial in preventing hypocalcemia.

Cellulose and Lignocellulose Nanofibrils and Amphiphilic and Wet-Resilient Aerogels with Concurrent Sugar Extraction from Almond Hulls

With downward pressure on the value of almond hulls (AHs), the major byproduct from the largest tree nut crop globally, the streamlined production of several grades of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) toward novel aerogels with concurrent sugar extraction was introduced to synergistically drive these products toward commercial adoption. Hot water extraction produced 50% lignocellulose (LC) with equal water-soluble sugars from AH of a soft-shell variety. Aqueous NaOH and NaClO2/KOH treatments isolated ca. 15% alkali cellulose and 12% cellulose, respectively. Coupled 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) oxidation and blending yielded 88, 91, and 95% LC micro-/nanofibrils (LCMNFs), alkali cellulose nanofibrils (ACNFs), and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) with, respectively, 0.76, 1.02, and 0.84 mmol/g surface carboxyls in a similar 4:1 width-to-thickness aspect ratio and ultrahigh length-to-thickness aspect ratios (800–1900). The LCMNF aerogel was mostly wet-resilient, wet-stable, and dry/wet shape-recoverable, whereas the most charged ACNFs gave the stiffest aerogel [31.6 kPa/(mg/cm3)].

The Role of Micro-Irrigation Systems in Date Palm Production and Quality: Implications for Sustainable Investment

This research examines the role of micro-irrigation systems, i.e., sprinkler and drip irrigation, on date palm production and quality in a semi-arid region. The field experiment was carried out for two successful seasons at a private farm, in the Al-Nubaria region of Egypt. The date palm was planted under pressurized irrigation (drip irrigation and mini-sprinkler irrigation) to investigate the effect of both irrigation systems and three water treatments (100, 80, and 60% from ETc) on the yield and quality of date palms. Results on the productivity of date palm yields showed that the yield of date palm under a drip-irrigation system with 80% of crop water demand was an equal match to the yield of the sprinkler-irrigated date palm with 100% of crop water demand. This reflects the high efficiency of the drip irrigation system compared to the sprinkler irrigation system in date palms, especially in the semi-arid region. The results showed a significant increase in productivity by increasing water applied from 60% up to 80 and 100%. Quality attributes of date palm (particularly, sucrose, purity, and extractable sugar %) have a rise with increasing water deficit. The results have numerous implications, especially for sustainable investment in date palms. Implications for three aspects of sustainable investment, economic, social, and environmental, are discussed.

Improvement of fermentable sugar extraction from hazelnut shells through microwave assisted dilute acid pretreatment

The most effective method for producing fermentable sugars (FSs) from biomass is thermochemical pretreatment assisted by enzymatic hydrolysis. However, the enzymatic hydrolysis-assisted thermochemical pretreatment method is limited by the formation of fermentation inhibitors, and it is time-consuming. There is growing interest in using a microwave (MW) pretreatment due to its uniform and rapid heating. This study aimed to determine, perform data-driven modeling, and optimize the effect of MW combined with dilute acid pretreatment (MW-DA) on the production of FSs from hazelnut shells. An artificial neural networks (ANNs) model based on Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was the best model described for fermentable sugar extraction (FSE). Optimization via BBD-based ANNs model was carried out for an acid concentration of 0.5 to 2% (w/w), a pretreatment time of 5 to 25 min, a pressure of 5 to 15 bar, and a temperature of 120 to 160 °C. The optimized FSE was estimated at 374 mg/g (81.4% conversion efficiency), with a severity factor of 3.61 under 1.58% H2SO4 for 13 min at 160 °C and 8.5 bar. Using the MW-DA pretreatment process lowered the costs significantly due to the decreases in acid concentration and pretreatment time.

Beauveria bassiana Growth and Development in Various Liquid Media

Beauveria bassiana is entomopathogenic fungi that can be cultivated on solid or liquid media. The cultivation of B. bassiana on cracked corn medium leaves unwanted waste. Therefore, cultivating B. bassiana on liquid media is expected to shorten the cultivation time and leave no waste. The purpose of the research was to analyze the physical characteristics of the B. bassiana colony, nutritional changes of the liquid media, and the pH level changes of the liquid media. This research used an experimental complete randomized design with six treatments and 4 times repetitions. The main phases of this research were the subculture of B. bassiana isolate; the preparation of liquid media consisting of distilled water, Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB), Potato Sugar extract (PSE), PSE+NPK 1%, PSE+coconut water, PSE+NPK 1%+coconut water each for 150 ml; B. bassisana inoculation into the liquid media; incubation process for 30 days; and measurement of fungal blastospore density, medium pH, and carbohydrate, protein, and lipid content. The results obtained from the morphological observation of B.bassiana on liquid media showed that the colonies are white, growing on the surface of the media with a powdery texture. There are some differences in the nutrient content of the media after 30 days of B. Bassiana incubation. After the incubation, there is an increase in carbohydrates and a decrease in protein and lipid content, as well as an increase in the pH level of the media.

Enhanced cellulosic d-lactic acid production from sugarcane bagasse by pre-fermentation of water-soluble carbohydrates before acid pretreatment

After several rounds of milling process for sugars extraction from sugarcane, certain amounts of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) still remain in sugarcane bagasse. It is a bottleneck to utilize WSC in sugarcane bagasse biorefinery, since these sugars are easily degraded into inhibitors during pretreatment. Herein, a simple pre-fermentation step before pretreatment was conducted, and 98 % of WSC in bagasse was fermented into d-lactic acid. The obtained d-lactic acid was stably preserved in bagasse and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) generation was sharply reduced from 46.0 mg/g to 6.2 mg/g of dry bagasse, after dilute acid pretreatment. Consequently, a higher d-lactic acid titer (57.0 g/L vs 33.2 g/L) was achieved from the whole slurry of the undetoxified and pretreated sugarcane bagasse by one-pot simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (SSCF), with the overall yield of 0.58 g/g dry bagasse. This study gave an efficient strategy for enhancing lactic acid production using the lignocellulosic waste from sugar industry.

Evaluation of sugar feedstocks for bio‐based chemicals: A consequential, regionalized life cycle assessment

AbstractFermentable sugars are an attractive feedstock for the production of bio‐based chemicals. However, little is known about the environmental performance of sugar feedstocks when demand for sugars increases, and when local conditions and sensitivities of receiving ecosystems are taken into account. Production of monosaccharides from various first‐ and second‐generation feedstocks (sugar beet, sugar cane, wheat, maize, wood, residual woodchips, and sawdust) in different geographic locations was assessed and compared as feedstock for monoethylene glycol (MEG) using consequential, regionalized life cycle assessment. Sugar cane grown in Thailand performed best in all three areas of protection, that is, for life cycle impacts on human health, ecosystem quality, and resources (respectively, equal to −7.6 × 10−5 disability‐adjusted life years, −1.2 × 10−8 species‐years and −0.046 US dollars per amount of feedstock needed to produce 1 kg of MEG). This was mainly due to benefits from by‐products—incineration of sugar cane bagasse generating electricity and use of sugar cane molasses for the production of bioethanol. The wood‐based feedstocks and maize performed worse than sugar cane and sugar beet, but their evaluation did not consider that sugar extraction technology from lignocellulose is immature, while identification of marginal suppliers of the marginal crop is particularly uncertain for maize. Wheat grown in Russia performed the worst mainly due to low agricultural yields (with impacts equal to 8.9 × 10−5 disability‐adjusted life years, 6.9 × 10−7 species‐years, and 1.8 US dollars per amount of feedstock required to produce 1 kg of bio‐based MEG). Our results suggest that selection of sugar feedstocks for bio‐based chemicals should focus on (i) the intended use of by‐products and functions they replace and (ii) consideration of geographic differences in parameters that influence life cycle inventories, while spatial differentiation in the life cycle impact assessment was less influential.

Considerations for Increasing Sugar Accumulation in Sugarbeet Production

AbstractSugarbeet growers are paid for sugarbeet tons delivered to the factory and for the extractable sugar content found in those beets. The focus of this article will be on agronomic principles that lead to higher extractable sugar. There are several factors that influence sugar development in sugarbeets. Among the most important factors are variety selection, nutrition, and harvest management. Weather, environmental conditions, soil chemical properties, and pest management also influence sugar development. What can we as crop advisers do to ensure the best possible outcome for sugar accumulation in the sugarbeet crop? Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.

Date Seed: Rich Source of Antioxidant Phenolics Obtained by Hydrothermal Treatments.

The growing interest in natural compounds is helping to improve the management of agro-industrial by-products such as the date seed as sources of such compounds. In this work, the application of a hydrothermal treatment at 160 and 180 °C for 60 min was studied to achieve the solubilization of its phenolic components and sugars in order to obtain biologically active extracts. The percentage of phenols and total sugars in the final extracts were very similar, at 45 and 25% for the 160 and 180 °C treatments, respectively. The treatment at a higher temperature allowed greater solubilization of other components. The antioxidant activity was measured as free-radical scavenging capacity. For the DPPH• method, expressed as EC50, the results were 0.34 and 0.37 mg/L, the TEAC values for the ABTS• method were 6.61 and 3.28 mg/g dried extract, and the values obtained by the ORAC method were 12.82 and 9.91 mmol Trolox/g dried extract, for 160 and 180 °C, respectively. All these values are higher than those of other plant extracts and extracts obtained using the whole date. Therefore, the date seed is a very important source of phenols, and through thermal and chromatographic processes, it is possible to obtain extracts with high antioxidant activity.

Natural Plant By-Products and Mulching Materials to Suppress Weeds and Improve Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Yield and Quality

To reduce the use of herbicides in agriculture, there is an urgent need to look for cost-effective and environmentally friendly non-chemical methods to control weeds in field crops. Plant by-products could be exploited directly as plant residues or indirectly as plant extracts for weed control. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of several plant wastes and extracts in controlling weeds of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) with enhancing yield and quality. Three weed control groups of twelve practices were examined. The first weed control group included three aqueous extract concentrations (15, 20, and 25%) of Plectranthus amboinicus L. The second weed control group involved six soil mulching plant materials [rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) hay, peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) straw, mango (Mangifera indica L.) leaves, flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) meal, and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) meal], while the third group comprised of desmedipham/ethofumesate/lenacil/phenmedipham (DELP) herbicide 1.5 L ha−1 [desmedipham 70.5 g active ingredient (ai) ha−1 + ethomesufate 112.5 g ai ha−1 + lenacil 40.5 g ai ha−1 + phenmedipham 90 g ai ha−1], hoeing, and unweeded check. During a 2-year field trial (2019/20 and 2020/21), the 12 weed control treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Compared to the recommended applications (hoeing and herbicide), reduction averages of both seasons for total weeds biomass were 46.3–54.2%, 37.3–46.4%, and 23.0–34.4% due to rice straw, wheat hay, and mango leaves, respectively. Root and sugar yields of sugar beet divulged the highest values with hoeing in both seasons statistically equaling (P ≥ 0.05) rice straw and wheat hay for root yield and wheat hay for sugar yield in the first season. Except flax meal, all weeded treatments in the first season as well as mango leaves, wheat hay, peanut straw, and hoeing in the second one caused significant (P ≤ 0.05) reductions in sodium content of beet juice. Wheat hay, mango leaves, and hoeing in both seasons, in addition to rice straw, peanut straw, and herbicide in the first season, were the most efficient practices for improving sucrose % and extractable sugar %. Compared to hoeing, reductions in net return were –286.7 and –320.0 ($ ha−1) by percentage of 6.5 and 7.2, due to mulching soil by rice straw and wheat hay, respectively. Recycling the plant by-products such as wheat hay, rice straw, peanut straw, or mango leaves in the form of soil mulch could serve as safe and eco-friendly tools in weed control programs of sugar beet. The beneficial effect of mulching extended to enhance root and sugar yields with low impurities. Since the plant wastes are available in the farm, better revenues will be gained for sugar beet growers. Further investigations related to the use of plant extracts as natural herbicide should be performed to reach acceptable levels for weed control.