Leafy Vegetables Research Articles

Unveiling the threat of lead, cadmium, and nickel toxicity in salient commercially grown vegetables in Kolkata, India.

Heavy metal (HM) contamination in agricultural crops, particularly vegetables, is a matter of global concern due to its potential health risks to humans. Commercially growing vegetable samples were analyzed for heavy metals using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for leafy greens and fruit vegetables collected during winter from highly susceptible zones, in the vicinity of Kolkata. ICP-MS is advantageous over Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) for unparalleled accuracy, efficiency, faster turnaround time, cost-effectiveness, etc. The results revealed that Saturia (Pb, 0.1-0.3 mg/Kg; Cd, 0.1 mg//kg; Ni, 0.1-0.2 mg/Kg) and Dhapa (Pb, 0.2-1.3 mg/Kg; Cd, 0.07-0.2 mg/Kg; Ni, 0.1-0.3 mg/Kg) have shown significantly higher heavy metal accumulation in the edible part of the vegetables. Leafy vegetables such as red spinach, bathua, and coriander have shown much higher accumulation (Pb, 0.1-1.3 mg/Kg; Cd, 0.07-0.2 mg/Kg; Ni, 0.1-0.2) than fruit vegetables in the edible parts, except capsicum from Chelegualia (Pb, 0.11 mg/Kg; Cd, 0.135 mg/Kg; 0.18 mg/Kg). Translocation factor (< 1.5) and bioaccumulation factor (< 1.2) are observed to have lower values for Dhapa, Saturia, Jirangachi, Raghunathpur, and Kulti compared to Chelegualia, Gabtala, and Vogalirampur. The health-risk effect Hazard Index is greatest in Dhapa, Saturia, and Chelegualia regions. Pb in red spinach and mustard in Dhapa had a higher hazard quotient. The study highlights the need for monitoring the regulation of HM contamination in commercially growing belts near Kolkata to ensure food safety and protection of human health. Putative remedial strategies like phytoremediation involving hyperaccumulators, soil amendments like biochar, and microbial mechanisms for diminishing the translocation of HMs to edible commodities are being explored presently.

From Soil to Salad: Strategies for Reducing Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

ABSTRACTThis study addresses the global issue of foodborne illness, specifically focusing on those resulting from the consumption of leafy green vegetables. It explores the rising trend of consuming minimally processed or raw foods and the imperative of maintaining safety standards starting at the preharvest stage to prevent pathogenic bacterial contamination. The study identifies soil and irrigation water as key sources of pathogens and emphasizes the need for strict preventive measures during production and preharvest. It discusses the challenges of postharvest decontamination and highlights the importance of early‐stage prevention strategies. The paper also examines advanced pathogen detection methods and food safety practices recommended by USDA and FSMA's PSR, including HACCP and LGMA strategies. Aimed at providing insights for consumers and producers, the study underscores the necessity of effective manufacturing strategies to ensure the safety of leafy greens.

Heavy Metal Pollution Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Soil-crop System in Gold Mine Activity Area

A contamination analysis was conducted on the soil and crops in the Liu Jia Dian gold mining area of the Pinggu District, Beijing, utilizing the contents and seven-step forms of heavy metals （Hg, Cd, Cr, Pb, and As） in soil and the heavy metal contents in crops at the same location. An assessment of ecological risk caused by heavy metal contamination in the soil and crops was carried out using the enrichment coefficient method and the risk assessment coding method. The study investigated the process of heavy metal absorption and enrichment in the soil-crop system, aiming to establish a scientific foundation for preventing and controlling soil pollution, as well as ensuring the safety of edible crops in the study area. Evidence indicated the presence of soil contamination by heavy metals in the study area, with Cd, Pb, and As being the primary pollutants. Moreover, the distribution of pollution levels could be categorized as severe, moderate, and mild, with proportions of 26.09%, 4.35%, and 10.87%, respectively. The content of each heavy metal decreased following the implementation of environmental governance； however, the ecological risk remains present. Hg, Cr, Pb, and As posed minor ecological risks； however, Cd had a high ecological risk, making it the primary soil ecological risk factor. Fruits, nuts, and cereals in the Pinggu gold mining area remained uncontaminated. Various degrees of contamination were found in melons, rhizomes, and leafy vegetables. The Chinese cabbage, Chinese chive, radish, and eggplant were heavily contaminated, with Cd and Pb being the primary sources of contamination. The accumulation of heavy metals in crops was intricately linked to gold mines and their mining operations. The accumulation of Cd in crops was mainly influenced by the high availability of Cd in soil, whereas the accumulation of Pb was mainly influenced by the high concentration of Pb in the soil. The concentration of heavy metals in the soil and their bioavailability in the Pinggu gold mining area indicated the accumulation of metal elements in crops and impacted the geographical distribution of heavy metal pollution in crops. The physiological characteristics of crops could affect the degree of heavy metal enrichment in the gold mining area. The order of heavy metal accumulation, from highest to lowest, was as follows： leafy vegetables, melons, rhizomes, cereal, fruits, and nuts. Peppers and eggplants were limited in their planting variations for melons, while leeks and cabbages were restricted for leafy vegetables, given the current agricultural planting conditions in the study area.

Exploration of the Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Driving Mechanisms of Vegetation Greenness Changes in Laos

In the context of climate change, vegetation changes in Laos have attracted widespread attention, especially the profound impact of its greenness changes on ecosystems, water cycles, and climate feedback. However, our understanding of the driving factors of vegetation greenness changes in different latitudes is still limited. This study utilized EVI and climate factor data from 2001 to 2023, employing trend analysis, correlation analysis, and machine learning methods to investigate the spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation greenness changes across Laos and their responses to climate factors. Results revealed an overall increasing trend in vegetation greenness, with 75% of the area exhibiting annual increases, primarily in northern, central, and parts of the southern regions. Conversely, 24.8% of the area experienced declines, concentrated near Vientiane and certain southern regions. Seasonal trends during the wet season largely aligned with annual patterns, although reduced rainfall negatively impacted some areas. The dry season exhibited the most pronounced changes, with 70% of the area showing increased greenness, especially in northern and central regions, despite localized rainfall constraints. Minimum temperature (TMMN) emerged as the most influential factor, with importance values of 0.42 for annual changes and 0.37 for dry season changes, while precipitation impacts varied across space and time. High temperatures affected vegetation more significantly in low-latitude regions, whereas high-latitude areas relied on changes in DSR. This significant finding underscores the differential impact of climate factors on vegetation greenness across latitudes, which is crucial for understanding the complex dynamics of tropical inland ecosystems under climate change and for developing targeted conservation and adaptation strategies.

Pharmacognostic &amp; Phytochemical Investigation of wild leafy vegetable of Ipomoea aquatica Forssk

Pharmacognostic &amp; Phytochemical Investigation of wild leafy vegetable of Ipomoea aquatica Forssk

The Role of Dietary Magnesium in Cardiovascular Disease

In the past 20 years, a large number of epidemiological studies, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses have found an inverse relationship between magnesium intake or serum magnesium and cardiovascular disease, indicating that low magnesium status is associated with hypertension, coronary artery calcification, stroke, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and cardiac mortality. Controlled metabolic unit human depletion–repletion experiments found that a mild or moderate magnesium deficiency can cause physiological and metabolic changes that respond to magnesium supplementation, which indicates that these types of deficiencies or chronic latent magnesium deficiency are contributing factors to the occurrence and severity of cardiovascular disease. Mechanisms through which a mild or moderate magnesium deficiency can contribute to this risk include inflammatory stress, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia and deranged lipid metabolism, endothelial dysfunction, and dysregulation of cellular ion channels, transporters, and signaling. Based on USA official DRIs or on suggested modified DRIs based on body weight, a large number of individuals routinely consume less magnesium than the EAR. This especially occurs in populations that do not consume recommended amounts of whole grains, pulses, and green vegetables. Thus, inadequate magnesium status contributing to cardiovascular disease is widespread, making magnesium a nutrient of public health concern.

Coupling and Coordination Analysis of Land Use Function and Ecological Quality in Yellow River Basin, Henan Province, China

As economic development and urbanization continue to accelerate, the Yellow River Basin experiences increasing challenges in balancing land use with ecological environmental protection. Understanding their interactions is crucial for sustainable regional development. This study adopts an integrated evaluation system and a coupling model to examine the dynamic interactions between land use functions and ecological quality in the Yellow River Basin section of Henan Province, China, from 2000 to 2020. The primary findings are as follows: (1) Land use functions improved from 0.276 to 0.303, with high-land-use-function areas expanding eastward. (2) Ecological quality initially declined but subsequently improved, with areas having good and excellent ecological quality increasing from 44.47% to 72.61%. (3) Coupling coherence stabilized, with moderate coordination covering 69.80% of the area by 2020. (4) The fractional vegetation cover and leaf area index were identified as critical influencing factors. Overall, these results highlight the importance of balanced land use planning and targeted ecological conservation strategies. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers aiming to enhance sustainable regional development, emphasizing the importance of integrating ecological security with economic growth in rapidly urbanizing areas.

Behavior of two varieties of baby leaf arugula grown under different photoselective nets

The market for baby leaf vegetables has grown steadily, their cultivation is being done in protected environments, and these can be constructed of different materials. The aim of the work was to evaluate the development of two baby leaf arugula varieties in protected environments composed of different photoselective nets. The work was developed at the (FAEXP) Experimental Farm, of the University of the State of Minas Gerais-UEMG, Campus Unidad Ituitutaba-MG. The experimental design was in randomized blocks in a 2x5 factorial scheme, being two varieties of baby leaf arugula and five growing environments: no nets (witness); black shading net (mesh for 30% shading); white photoselective net (mesh for 20% shade); blue photoselective net (mesh for 20% shade) and red photoselective net (mesh for 20% shade) with four repetitions, being seven plants of each variety per experimental plot. The results evaluated were chlorophyll A and B, plant height, leaf number, stem diameter, plant length, plant height, aerial fresh phytophytomass, root fresh phytophytomass, aerial dry phytophytomass, root dry phytophytomass. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (F test) and the treatment means were compared by Tukey's test at 5% probability. Among the varieties, Antonella had a better performance than the Rokita variety. Regarding the photoselective screens, the white one stood out more in relation to the quantities of items evaluated. The use of red screens is the most indicated since there was a greater development of fresh phytomass, which is interesting since the vegetable is sold fresh by volume.

Reasons for difficulties in isolating the causative organism during food-borne outbreak investigations using STEC as a model pathogen: a systematic review, 2000 to 2019.

IntroductionFood-borne disease outbreak investigations use epidemiological, microbiological and food chain evidence to identify the implicated food and inform risk management actions.AimsWe used Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) as a model pathogen to investigate the success of outbreak strain isolation from food or environmental samples during outbreak investigations, and examined the factors influencing the chance of isolation.MethodsWe searched for reports of food-borne STEC outbreak investigations worldwide in peer-reviewed and grey literature in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.ResultsWe found a total of 223 outbreaks suitable for inclusion. Food and/or environmental samples were available for testing in 137 investigations, and the outbreak strain was isolated in 94 (42%) of investigations. We found no significant effect of STEC serovar or size of outbreak on likelihood of successful outbreak strain isolation. Isolation success ranged across different implicated commodities from 86% for beef-related outbreaks to 50% for salads and leafy greens. In 20% of outbreaks with samples available for testing, an additional STEC strain was isolated alongside the outbreak strain and in 6.6%, only an alternative STEC strain was isolated. Risk management action was taken on epidemiological evidence alone in 21 incidents.ConclusionThe principal reasons why the outbreak strain was not isolated were lack of sample availability and methodological issues concerned with laboratory isolation. We recommend strategies that could improve the likelihood of isolation including the rapid collection of samples based on epidemiological intelligence.

Summer atmospheric drying could contribute more to soil moisture change than spring vegetation greening

Widespread spring vegetation greening (inferred by LAI) in the Northern Hemisphere leads to additional summer soil moisture (SM) deficits through increasing transpiration. Meanwhile, vapor pressure deficit (VPD) has also been rising, which can increase atmospheric evaporative demand. However, the extent and magnitude of influence of these two factors on SM changes have not been elucidated. Here, based on the state-of-the-art reanalysis and remote sensing data, we use three statistical methods to quantify the contributions of spring LAI and summer VPD to summer SM deficit. The results show that summer VPD contributes more to SM change than spring LAI in the southwestern and northern regions of North America, northeastern Europe, and central and southeastern Asia, covering 13.4% of the vegetated areas despite of the certain influence of spring vegetation greening on summer soil drying. The results are of great significance for climate change adaptation and the enhancement of surface water management.

Knowledge and dietary habits regarding anemia of pregnancy in the Republic of Gabon.

This study contributes to clarifying the anemia status of pregnant women living in Gabon, knowledge of anemia, and its association with dietary habits. Thereby, we can provide educational approaches such as health guidance and nutritional counseling for pregnant women in the future. This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire, and the study participants were pregnant women who are in Libreville. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 20 years age or older, a single pregnancy with no history of hematopoietic disease, at least at the second antenatal care and have blood test results, and can read and write French. The survey included basic information, knowledge of anemia, eating habits, and dietary diversity. A total of 121 questionnaires were analyzed, of which 75 (62.0%) indicated anemia; the mean hemoglobin level was 10.6 g/dL (SD ± 1.25) (range 7.0-14.3 g/dL). The mean number of correct answers out of seven statements about knowledge of anemia was 2.55 (SD ± 1.59). More than half of the respondents understood that anemia also affects the baby, but less than half understood that it affects the mother after childbirth, revealing a lack of knowledge. The group that consumed dark green leafy vegetables was significantly less anemic than the group that did not consume those. (χ2 = 6.563, p = .038). The maternal anemia rate was 62% in this study. There was little knowledge about anemia, including its effects on the mother's body, premature birth, and anemia without symptoms. And we suggest that dark green leafy vegetables are effective foods for anemia; therefore, healthcare providers can introduce these into their foods and recipes for improving anemia in the health education.

A Listeria monocytogenes aptasensor on laser inscribed graphene for food safety monitoring in hydroponic water

AbstractConsumption of fresh produce, such as leafy greens, is often encouraged as part of a healthy diet. Hence, indoor facilities for hydroponic production of leafy greens are increasingly being established. However, fresh produce entails a higher risk of microbial foodborne illnesses than processed foods. Listeria monocytogenes is a major source of fresh produce contamination and is among the leading causes of severe foodborne illnesses in the United States, with a 16% mortality rate. Tools for rapid monitoring are needed for pathogens such as L. monocytogenes to prevent outbreaks. In this manuscript, we have demonstrated the feasibility of a multi-aptamer approach for development of label-free aptasensors targeting L. monocytogenes in irrigation water for lettuce hydroponic production. We use screening studies with surface plasmon resonance to rationally develop mixtures of relevant aptamers for targeting L. monocytogenes. Based on this screening, multiple aptamers targeting extracellular structures on intact L. monocytogenes were tethered to platinum-modified laser inscribed graphene electrodes. This is the first report of a L. monocytogenes biosensor based on laser inscribed graphene. We show that mixing multiple aptamers with varying affinity improves the diagnostic performance over one aptamer alone in complex sample matrices (lettuce hydroponic water). Multi-aptamer biosensors showed high accuracy for L. monocytogenes and were at least three times more selective than Escherichia coli (Crooks, K12, O157:H7) with an accuracy of 85%. The limit of detection (10 CFU/10 mL) is based on data which were significantly different after calibration toward L. monocytogenes or E. coli (Crooks) and validated against gold standard molecular analysis (polymerase chain reaction). Rapid screening of pathogens is a global need to meet food safety and water quality regulations. This study shows the importance of sensors targeting more than one bacterial surface structure in complex samples relevant to the food-water nexus.

Recording the peculiarities of life activities fixed on the surface of the incisors of the spotted ground squirrel (Spermophilus suslicus, Rodentia, Sciuridae)

The increments on the surface of the incisors of young spotted ground squirrels are wide, of medium definition. They probably reflect intensive nutrition and growth of the body. Starting with the third month of life, growth slows down, the width of the growths is decreased, and they become narrower and more distinct. Deformations appear in the form of swellings of the incisor wall. The frequency of occurrence of the deformations in underyearlings reaches a peak in the second half of July. The same pattern is observed in adult ground squirrels. By this time, gophers reach their maximum body weight. The majority of adult ground squirrels kept in captivity also reach the maximum body weight in the first half of July, this indirectly indicating the relationship between the appearance of deformations and the achievement of maximum fatness. Under laboratory conditions, at a temperature not exceeding 22°C, overwintered males and dry females after reaching their maximum body weight, even in the presence of food, fall into a stupor resembling a state of hibernation. Their body temperature is only 1–1.5°C higher than the room temperature, the animals are lethargic, they do not open their eyes during manipulations, and the frequency of breaths is 4–6 per minute. These observations suggest that ground squirrels living in natural conditions also fall into a similar hibernation, since the proportion of overwintered males and females among the individuals caught in the middle of summer is decreased. The appearance of deformations at this time seems to be associated with a violation of the normal growth of the incisors during physiological changes in the body, these being caused by the onset of a transition from the active nutrition of plant food to endogenous consumption of fat reserves characteristic of the state of hibernation. The record of autumn-winter hibernation is characterized by very narrow increments or deformations, a change in the enamel boundary, as well as a change in the contour of the incisor surface. After spring awakening, growths are at first narrow and distinct, 150–160 µm each, subsequently increasing in width, which is probably due to a gradual transition from endogenous nutrition of the body with fat deposits during hibernation to intensive nutrition of green vegetation. Lactation of females usually does not affect daily gains.

PKA and NBC expression patterns in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa after kaempferol treatment

Kaempferol (KAE) is a member of the flavonoid family, which exhibits antioxidant properties. The richest sources of KAE are green leafy vegetables and herbs like kale, spinach or dill. The goal of our study was to evaluate a possible cryoprotective effects of KAE through to gene expression of protein kinase A (PKA) and sodium bicarbonate cotransporter (NBC). For the experiments we used semen samples obtained from 12 adult Holstein bulls. Before cryopreservation, all samples were divided equally and supplemented by different concentrations of KAE (0, 12.5, 25 and 50 µmol/L), except for native control. After that, RNA was isolated, and the purity and quality of RNA was verified nanophotometrically at A260/A280 nm. Next step was a transcription of RNA into cDNA, which was used for two-step qPCR while expression of PKA and NBC was quantified under specific cycling conditions. Data was evaluated by the delta delta Ct method and One-way ANOVA using Tukey’s range test. According to expression patterns, it was observed that 25 µmol/L of KAE significantly preserved (P&lt;0.0001) the PKA compared to cryopreserved control without KAE treatment. In the case of NBC, there was slightly increase of expression in the group treated with 50 µmol/L of KAE but without significant changes. In conclusion, KAE treatment exhibit promising cryoprotective properties of PKA and NBC genes especially in higher concentration 25 and 50 µmol/L, which may successfully preserved proper expression after thawing of cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa.

Exploration of Agronomic Efficacy and Drought Amelioration Ability of Municipal Solid-Waste-Derived Co-Compost on Lettuce and Maize

Organic soil amendments, such as composts, mitigate the negative impacts on the environment that are caused by poor waste management practices. However, in the sub-Saharan African region, and Malawi in particular, studies investigating the agronomical efficacy and their ability to ameliorate drought stress when used as a soil amendment are minimal. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sewage sludge and municipal solid waste (MSW) co-compost to ameliorate drought stress and improve crop productivity. Three experiments were conducted (i) to determine optimal application rate for co-compost, (ii) to evaluate yield response of maize and lettuce to co-compost application under contrasting soils, and (iii) to assess the effect of co-compost under water-limited conditions. Our results indicate that an application rate of 350 g co-compost per station was the most effective. This rate is 50% and 37% lower than the currently recommended rate for applying conventional compost to green vegetables and maize, respectively. In addition, under drought conditions, the co-compost application enhanced growth in lettuce, with less wilting, increased biomass and yield, approximately 130% greater leaf yield, and a 138% improvement in root growth. Furthermore, the relative root mass ratio (RRMR) was enhanced with the co-compost application by 103% under drought stress. This suggests that the co-compost amendment resulted in a greater allocation of biomass to the roots, which is a crucial morphological attribute for adapting to drought conditions. The concentration of K in the leaves and roots of plants treated with co-compost was significantly increased by 44% and 61%, respectively, under drought conditions, which may have contributed to osmotic adjustment, resulting in a significant increase in leaf relative water content (RWC) by a magnitude of 11 times. Therefore, in light of the rising inorganic fertilizer costs and the limited availability of water resources, these results demonstrate the potential of MSW and sludge co-composting in ameliorating the drastic effects of water- and nutrient-deficient conditions and optimizing growth and yield under these constraining environments.

Diminished water yield coefficient of glacial catchments in Northwest China

Study region19 glacial catchments located in Northwest China. Study focusThe water yield coefficient (denoted as WYc) of glacier catchments in Northwest China has changed over the past six decades, closely linked to shifts in land cover dynamics. However, quantifying the impacts of climate and land cover changes on glacier catchments remains challenging due to the complexity of glacier hydrological processes and the scarcity of long-term glacier runoff data. In this study, the Budyko equation was coupled with a glacier runoff model to enable quantitative analysis of the factors driving changes in water yield (WY). Path analysis was then employed to assess the direct and indirect effects of climate and landscape changes on the WYc. New hydrological insight for the regionThe results indicated that 14 out of 19 catchments experienced a decline in WYc, particularly in those with greater glacier coverage. Glacier retreat and increased vegetation greenness adversely affected WYc by increasing the catchment parameter, with effects of −26.42 % and −25.21 %, respectively. Although overall WY in the catchments has increased—driven primarily by increased precipitation and glacier storage loss, with contribution rates of 100.66 % and 25.05 %, respectively—the diminished WYc is expected to decelerate the rate of WY increase. This trend poses significant challenges for water resource management in arid and water-scarce regions.

Leaf Orientation Method as a Proxy for Sensing Nitrogen and Water Deficit in Tomato Plants

Precision field management and modeling crop growth requires precise, efficient, timely, nondestructive, and cost-effective measurements of structural component including leaf area index (LAI) and leaf orientation based on the foliage mean tilt angle (MTA), which is defined as the average leaf inclination angle of a canopy. Two experiments were carried out to investigate 1) the influence of different nitrogen (N) fertigation levels and 2) cycles of water deficit on leaf orientation (specifically, MTA) of young tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Florida 47). N rates were 10, 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg·L−1 (mg N per liter of water) and irrigation treatments were well-watered and deficit irrigation. MTA was measured using the LAI-2200C Plant Canopy Analyzer. Across the experimental period, low N supply to leaves reduced the angle between leaf petiole and stem (high MTA) and produced plants with more erect leaves compared with N-sufficient plants. The MTA for the 10 mg·L−1–N treatment ranged from 54.3° to 73.6° and higher levels of N (50 to 300 mg·L−1–N) had MTA between 36.4° and 51.9°. Compared with lower N level (10 mg·L−1), LAI of tomato plants fertigated with a nutrient solution containing 300 mg·L−1–N increased by 3.6- to 4.9-fold across the study period. Similarly, canopy normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and leaf N% values at 300 mg·L−1–N were 2- to 3-fold higher than at 10 mg·L−1–N. However, MTA did not consistently differ across the 100 to 300 mg·L−1–N rates. In terms of water treatments, MTA of well-watered plants ranged from 32.3° to 40.5° whereas the same plants at water-deficit level had MTA between 45.7° and 51.8°. Although the relationship between MTA and canopy LAI, NDVI as well as leaf N was inconsistent or not significant under well-watered and water-deficit conditions, leaf gas exchange components (photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration) showed a significant negative relationship (R2, 0.39–0.81, P &lt; 0.001) with MTA. Overall, leaf orientation, specifically MTA, was modulated by N levels (highest at 10 mg·L−1; lowest at 300 mg·L−1–N) and cycles of water deficit and therefore, MTA determination hold promise as a nondestructive method to assess N and water deficit in young tomato plants.

Quantitative microbial risk assessment of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella enterica contaminating hydroponic leafy vegetables

Hydroponics plays an important role in addressing food security concerns, particularly in countries aiming to increase food self-sufficiency. However, it is vulnerable to microbial contamination, and biofilms formed in hydroponic facilities may promote horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Eventually, the bacteria are internalized into the edible parts of the vegetable through the roots, which can lead to human exposure to antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Microbial risk assessment can play a pivotal role in microbial risk management; however, it has not been conducted for hydroponic systems. In this study, a quantitative microbial risk assessment of hydroponic vegetables was performed using literature values regarding the concentration of Salmonella spp. in hydroponics, efficiency of HGT, probability and rate of internalization, vegetable consumption patterns, and dose-response relationships. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the factors that had a significant impact on the infection probability per single exposure event for all Salmonella spp. by calculating Spearman's correlation coefficients. The estimated annual probability of infection per person by all Salmonella spp. was 2.04×10−1, while the estimated probability of infection from Salmonella spp. that acquired ARGs was 2.54×10−6. Our sensitivity analysis showed the correlation between the occurrence of internalization and hydroponic contamination levels, highlighting the need for increased awareness and regulatory action.

Combining Tenebrio molitor frass with inorganic nitrogen fertilizer to improve soil properties, growth parameters, and nutrient content of Sonchus oleraceus crop

This study evaluates the impact of yellow mealworm frass in combination with an inorganic nitrogen fertilizer on growth, yield, and nutrient concentration in annual sowthistle plants. It was found that the combined application of yellow mealworm frass (YM-frass) as basal fertilizer and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer (INF) as top dressing increased the shoot biomass of annual sowthistle up to 67.2 % compared to the INF treatment (100 kg N/ha). The application of both YM-frass and INF increased P, Mg and Fe root concentration. Moreover, the lowest P and K concentration in shoot tissues were found in the unfertilized control treatment, while the reverse was the case for Ca and Fe. In conclusion, yellow mealworm frass can be used instead of inorganic basal fertilizer, whereas its combination with an inorganic nitrogen fertilizer applied as top-dressing during the vegetative growth can increase the yield and quality of leafy vegetables.

Forest Carbon Estimation Using Two Vegetation Structural Indices Derived from Terrestrial Laser Scanner: Vegetation Area Index and Leaf Area Index

Forest Carbon Estimation Using Two Vegetation Structural Indices Derived from Terrestrial Laser Scanner: Vegetation Area Index and Leaf Area Index