High Demand For Food Research Articles

Crop models and their use in assessing crop production and food security: A review

AbstractAgriculture is directly related to food security as it determines the global food supply. Research in agriculture to predict crop productivity and losses helps avoid high food demand with little supply and price spikes. Here, we review ten crop models and one intercomparison project used for simulating crop growth and productivity under various impacts from soil–crop–atmosphere interactions. The review outlines food security and production assessments using numerical models for maize, wheat, and rice production. A summary of reviewed studies shows the following: (1) model ensembles provide smaller modeling errors compared to single models, (2) single models show better results when coupled with other types of models, (3) the ten reviewed crop models had improvements over the years and can accurately predict crop growth and yield for most of the locations, management conditions, and genotypes tested, (4) APSIM and DSSAT are fast and reliable in assessing broader output variables, (5) AquaCrop is indicated to investigate water footprint, quality and use efficiency in rainfed and irrigated systems, (6) all models assess nitrogen dynamics and use efficiency efficiently, excluding AquaCrop and WOFOST, (7) JULES specifies in evaluating food security vulnerability, (8) ORYZA is the main crop model used to evaluate paddy rice production, (9) grain filling is usually assessed with APSIM, DAISY, and DSSAT, and (10) the ten crop models can be used as tools to evaluate food production, availability, and security.

Soil erosion risk assessment using geospatial technologies and RUSLE model in Bore Guda Watershed, Southwestern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Soil loss is one of the critical environmental problems caused by poor land use system, especially in developing countries. The loss of top soil through erosion in developing countries leads to loss of fertile soil which in turn increases the problem of food security. This study used the integration of the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model and geospatial techniques to assess the annual soil loss at Bore Guda watershed of Gibe River basin in southwestern parts of Ethiopia. To calculate the annual soil loss five factors, namely, rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, topographic, cover management, and conservation practices were considered. The final soil loss severity classes were categorized into low, moderate, high, very high, and severe. The findings of the study revealed that the annual soil loss in the study area ranges from 0 to 775.784 ton/ha/year with average annual soil loss of 54.68 ton/ha/year. The results clearly showed that about 199.05 km2 (9.2%) and 872.63 km2 (41.29%) of the study area were identified as very high and severe soil loss, respectively. The results clearly showed that substantial areas categorized under severe erosion severity classes. Agricultural intensification caused by rapid population growth and high demand for more food is aggravating the problem of soil erosion. The increasing conversion due to agricultural intensification played a significant role in soil loss. The results of the study support decision makers, land administration, environmentalists, and others about the urgency of the situation and how to manage landscapes to minimize the severity of soil loss.

The nutritional value, bioactive availability and functional properties of garlic and its related products during processing.

Garlic, a common culinary spice, is cultivated and used around the globe. Consumption of garlic and its supplements reduces the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease and boosts the immune system with antibacterial, antifungal, anti-aging, and anti-cancer properties. Diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, triallyl trisulfide, phenolics, flavonoids, and others are the most commercially recognized active ingredients in garlic and its products. In recent years, global demand for medicinal or functional garlic has surged, introducing several products such as garlic oil, aged garlic, black garlic, and inulin into the market. Garlic processing has been demonstrated to directly impact the availability of bioactive ingredients and the functionality of products. Depending on the anticipated functional qualities, it is also recommended that one or a combination of processing techniques be deemed desirable over the others. This work describes the steps involved in processing fresh garlic into products and their physicochemical alterations during processing. Their nutritional, phytochemical, and functional properties are also reviewed. Considering the high demand for functional food, this review has been compiled to provide guidance for food producers on the industrial utilization and suitability of garlic for new product development.

Makanan Halal Pada Street Food: Halal Awareness, Halal Knowledge, Label Halal Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian (Studi Kasus Di Kota Malang)

Currently, the need for halal products has increased, from the fields of medicine, fashion, halal food, halal cosmetics, Islamic finance to Muslim-friendly tourism. Indonesia is ranked first in the world in consuming halal food in 2019. The high level of Muslim population triggers a high demand for halal food. As a Muslim, sometimes consuming food is not too thorough to see whether a product is halal for consumption or not. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of halal awareness, halal knowledge, prices on purchasing decisions for halal food at street food. The sample used was 100 samples with the criteria of having bought food at street food. Why is research important, because with the emergence of the new halal label issued by BPJPH, the public will be even more selective in the process of choosing halal food, indeed a lot of research on halal has been carried out, but research focusing in the object under study is different. The research method used is quantitative with technical analysis of SEM-PLS data using SmartPLS software. The result showed that halal awareness (X1), halal knowledge (X2) and halal label (X3) had an influence on the purchasing decision (Y) of halal food on street food.

Supply Chain Optimization Model for Fresh Cow's Milk to Reduce Carbon Emissions and Food Waste

The food and beverage industry occupies an important position in Indonesia, with growth in 5 (five) years, an average of 8.16%. In 2022, the food and beverage industry contributed more than one-third or 37.77% of the GDP of the non-oil and gas processing industry. However, growth considered positive for the economy is actually a threat to the environment. With the high demand for food, food waste and carbon emissions from all food supply chain (FSC) activities increase. This study raises a case of a dairy product processing supply chain in the West Java region with multiple milk suppliers (KUD Susu), a single processing production plant, multi distributors, and multi-consumer retail with multi-echelon, multi-period, and multi-product friendly conditions. Environment by considering food waste and carbon emissions as a function of the objective model. In solving this problem, the Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model is used in modeling supply chain processes to optimize total cost/TC, total food waste/TFW, and total carbon emissions/TCE. The results of the completion of the research showed a total cost of IDR 18,036,770,000, a total food waste/TFW of 21,734 liters, and a total carbon emission/TCE of 109,526 l.CO2-eq.

Prediction of the toxic impact on the freshwater microalgae Scenedesmus intermedius produced by the interaction of copper sulfate and copper oxychloride in a binary mixture with glyphosate

The high population growth worldwide causes a high demand for food with an increase in the use of different agrochemicals, with pesticides and herbicides being the primary pollutants of anthropogenic origin in the environment. One of the critical aims of ecotoxicology is the evaluation of toxic effects of mixtures of chemical substances that can have additive, synergistics or antagonistics effects in different ecosystems. For this reason, the aims of this research were to: 1) estimate the individual subchronic toxicity of agrochemicals copper oxychloride [Cu2(OH)3Cl], copper sulfate (CuSO4), and glyphosate (Gly-BH) on the inhibition of population growth of the freshwater chlorophyte Scenedesmus intermedius, and 2) predict the antagonistic, synergistic, or additive behaviour of binary mixtures of Gly-BH with Cu2(OH)3Cl and CuSO4 through the Combination Index Equation (CIE). The individual toxicity order at 7 days of exposure in S. intermedius was CuSO4 (IC50 2.70 mg/l) > Gly-BH (IC50 4.03 mg/l) with no statistical differences between both agrochemicals and > Cu2(OH)3Cl (IC50 25.59 mg/l) with a major tolerance if it compared with the other chemicals. For the binary mixture of CuSO4/Gly-BH, an antagonistic effect was observed (combination index CI > 1), but with lower toxicity (IC50 7.40 mg/l) when compared with the individual responses of these compounds. However, in the mixture, Cu2(OH)3Cl/Gly-BH was more toxic with a synergistic response (IC50 0.85 mg/l) even between 5 and 30 times higher. These results highlight the importance of studying interactions of chemical substances in ecosystems to establish a better evaluation and regulation of their environmental impact.

Absolute environmental sustainability assessment of rice in Pakistan using a planetary boundary-based approach

The increasing anthropogenic pressure with high food demands requires fundamental changes in global food production practices while respecting the environmental and resource limits of the Earth. Half of the world population consume rice as a staple food which is grown in more than a hundred countries. This study aimed at evaluating the environmental repercussions of rice production in Pakistan following a novel approach. The adopted methodology, planetary boundary-based life cycle assessment, enabled the evaluation of the sustainable limits while respecting the carrying capacity of the Earth. The results revealed that the rice production had considerable impacts in terms of global warming (5632 ± 17.8 % kg CO2 eq), freshwater eutrophication (0.67 ± 43.5 % kg P eq), and water use (3928 ± 12.7 % m3) per tonne of milled rice; contributing to the triple planetary crisis, viz., global warming and nutrient pollution as well as unsustainable use of valuable resources. Field emissions due to microbial activity of methanogenic bacteria, fossil-based irrigation processes, and agrochemical applications were identified as the hotspots. Sensitivity analysis revealed that yield increment could be a beneficial approach to reduce environmental burdens; particularly where the impacts were surpassing the sustainable limits. Furthermore, sensitivity and uncertainty analyses also confirmed the obtained results for most of the impact categories (global warming, freshwater eutrophication, and water use) were significantly higher than the considered sustainable limits. Environmentally friendly irrigation systems, improved fertilizer use efficiency, and short-duration rice varieties with higher yield were recommended due to the substantial impacts reduction potential.

Assessment of food-related nitrogen and phosphorus footprints in Indonesia

As an agricultural country with a large population, Indonesia has a high demand for food and agricultural nutrients. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are two crucial agricultural nutrients that are especially important to the food sector. However, N and P emissions from food production and consumption result in several environmental problems and pose a threat to human health. Therefore, an assessment of the N and P loss to the environment from the food sector is necessary to form a baseline for achieving a reduction in these emissions over time. In this study, we evaluated food-related N and P footprints in Indonesia using a modified N-Calculator and P-Calculator. This study aimed to provide quantitative evidence to help achieve sustainable N and P management for food production in Indonesia. The calculated food N footprint in 2013 was 13.7 kg-N capita−1 year−1 and that of P was 2.1 kg-P capita−1 year−1. These footprints increased from 1961 to 2013 owing to dietary changes and low nutrient use efficiency in the agricultural sector. The food N and P footprints are predicted to reach 15.9 kg-N capita−1 year−1 and 2.3 kg-P capita−1 year−1 in 2030 unless concrete measures are taken to reduce them. Fertilizer application and urbanization trends need to be managed to help reduce the N and P footprints of food. Stakeholder cooperation between academics, researchers, government, farmers, and the general public will be essential to carry out successful policies and practices designed to optimize nutrient management in Indonesia.

Proximate and fatty acid analysis of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens)

High food demand in the world is not easy to accomplish as the number of world population keeps expanding; meanwhile the number accessible lands for food production keeps decreasing and livestock activities continues to contribute environment pollution. Moreover, the level of food waste currently is relatively high and is expected to increase over time. The use of BSF (black soldier fly) as an alternative nutrient source, is expected to be one of the solutions to minimalize the negative impact on the environment from animal husbandry activities in general, while also contributing to the decomposition of food waste. In this study, the proximate content and fatty acid profile of BSF larvae will be determined, to acknowledge the nutritional content of BSF larvae. The BSF larvae observed in this study was fed and reared by using fruits and vegetables waste for three weeks. The water content, ash content, and fat content in proximate analysis of BSF larvae will be determined using gravimetric method, whereas protein content and carbohydrate content in proximate analysis of BSF larvae will be determined by using titrimetric method and by difference method respectively. The fatty acids profile analysis of BSF larvae will be determined by using gas chromatography method. Based on the result, BSF larvae has protein content, fat content, and mineral content of 31.70 ± 0.43%, 35.90 ± 0.26%, and 18.06 ± 0.08% respectively. BSF larvae has four types of essential fatty acids and 18 non-essential fatty acids. High protein content and fat content of BSF larvae promotes the incorporation of BSF larvae in feed and food processing and production.

Validation of the Food Purchase Task (FPT) in a clinical sample of smokers with overweight and obesity

Obesity is a major health problem associated with disease burden and mortality. In this context, analyzing food as a powerful reinforcer from a behavioral economics framework could be relevant for the treatment and prevention of obesity. The purposes of this study were to validate a food purchase task (FPT) in a clinical sample of Spanish smokers with overweight and obesity and to assess the internal structure of the FPT. We also analyzed the clinical utility of single-item breakpoint (i.e., commodity price that suppresses demand). A total of 120 smokers [% females: 54.2; Mage = 52.54; SD = 10.34] with overweight and obesity completed the FPT and weight/eating-related variables. Principal component analysis was used to examine the FPT structure, and a set of correlations were used to examine the relationship between the FPT, eating and weight-related variables. The FPT demonstrated robust convergent validity with other measures of eating. Higher food demand was related to higher food craving (r = .33), more binge eating problems (r = .39), more weight gain concerns (r = .35), higher frequency of both controlled (r = .37) and uncontrolled (r = .30) grazing, as well as to an eating style in response to emotions (r = .34) and external eating (r = .34). Of the demand indices, Intensity and Omax showed the highest magnitudes of effects. The FPT factors, persistence and amplitude, do not improve individual FPT indices; and the single-item breakpoint was not related to any eating or weight variable. The FPT is a valid measure of food reinforcement with potential clinical utility in smokers with obesity/overweight.

Ecological risks of heavy metals in soil under different cultivation systems in Northwest China

The increasing population worldwide and high demand for food have changed the conventional open-field cultivation system (OFS) to plastic shed cultivation system (PSS), resulting in serious concern about soil contamination by heavy metals due to the intensive planting in PSS. However, there is limited research on heavy metals ecological risk after converting the cultivation system from OFS to PSS in Northwest China. Therefore, a total number of 341 soil samples were collected in Shaanxi province to measure heavy metals contents (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn) and assess the ecological risk. In this study, the PSS cultivation system exhibited more severe contamination than the OFS; whereas the heavy metals pollution in different regions was in the following order: southern Shaanxi (SS) > central Shaanxi (CS) > northern Shaanxi (NS). Although the mean values of the selected heavy metals were below the national limited standard, Cd and Pb posed considerable accumulation in both cultivation systems and the growing cultivation years increased the Cd, Hg and Zn contents in soils of PSS. The results of correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between total phosphorus (TP) and Cd in PSS cultivation systems. However, soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK) had different interactions with other heavy metals in each region under both cultivation systems due to the variations in crop management techniques such as planting intensity and fertilizer input. Partial least square path model (PLS-PM) analysis showed that the different cultivation regions had a greater impact than the type of cultivation system, which should be carefully taken into account in mitigating pollution risk. Additionally, research on heavy metals species and fractions in connection to their bioavailability under various agricultural production systems is advised for improved food safety.

Seaweed restocking along the Chilean coast: History, present, and inspiring recommendations for sustainability

Several seaweed species are commercialized worldwide both due to high demand for food and feed and as a raw material for the extraction of phycocolloids such as agar, carrageenan, and alginates that are used broadly in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Chile is the world’s leading marine seaweed biomass producer when it comes to the exploitation of natural kelp beds. This extraction pressure has persisted for decades and has resulted in a reduction in natural stocks along the benthic ecosystems of the Chilean coast. Over the last three decades, several strategies aimed at restoring seaweed stocks have been implemented (i.e., sexual and asexual reproduction, the use of spore-type propagules or fragments of thalli, and entire thallus transplants). Success rates have varied, but the biological feasibility of such strategies has been demonstrated for several species. However, technological improvements must be achieved to move from small-scale, pilot experiments to cost-effective restocking strategies that are easy to transfer to fisher communities and another end-user, scalable to marine field conditions, and socio-ecologically sustainable. Researchers in other geographic areas have explored similar pathways for developing kelp restocking strategies and have tackled the research gaps regarding its massification. This work summarizes the research activities carried out in recent decades in the search for sustainable strategies to restore algal stocks in Chile.

RESEARCH ON THE HEAVY METAL CONTENT IN ONION BULBS CORRELATED WITH SOIL FROM PRIVATE HOUSEHOLDS LOCATED IN THE COPŞA MICĂ AREA, CENTRAL ROMANIA

Food safety and the high demand for food have represented worrisome problems worldwide in recent decades. It is well known that plants can accumulate metals from contaminated soil and through deposits from pollutant emissions released by contaminated sources. Cadmium, copper, zinc, and lead are poisonous elements. The accumulation of heavy metals in plants grown in polluted areas represents a major risk to human and animal health. Soil pollution with heavy metals is a global problem that has an unfavourable impact on the environment. For this study, data collected from 65 individual households located in the Copşa Mică area were used to estimate the bioaccumulation of four different heavy metals [cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu)] in onion bulbs in different scenarios, in correlation with the total metal content from the soil. The highest correlation coefficients were obtained for the regression curves established for the estimation of Cd (r = 0.648***), Zn (r = 0.592***), and Pb (r = 0.525***) in onion bulbs. In the case of copper (Cu), the linear correlation coefficient was insignificant (r = 0.088ns). The mean cadmium and lead values determined in the onion samples from the study area did not exceed the maximum stable levels for these contaminants in vegetables.

Genome editing in rice: New paths for an old crop

Abstract Rice is one of the most consumed cereals worldwide and feeds about 3 billion people. However, the occurrence of climate changes has influenced abiotic and biotic stresses and consequently affected the production and quality of rice grains. The development of new, higher yielding cultivars is necessary to ensure global food security. Although great progress has already been achieved by conventional breeding, biotechnological tools, such as transgenics and genome editing, can aid in meeting future demands. Gene editing is characterized by cutting and modifying target genes. Among the genome editing techniques, CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas), has been proposed because of its ease of manipulation. Variants such as multiple Cas proteins, base editing and prime editing, which aim to increase editing efficiency have also been proposed. Edited plants are more accepted because they are transgene-free. Thus, the objective of this review is to describe the different gene editing techniques and their respective applications in rice breeding. It was observed that the CRISPR/Cas tool was efficient in gene editing in studies related to yield, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and rice grain quality. However, the impact of this approach in breeding programs depends on the cultivation of edited plants on a large scale in the field. Based on the progress made so far, it is believed that rice breeders can bet on CRISPR/Cas and its variants to help face the current and future challenges of climate change and high food demand.

Fungus-Based Magnetic Nanobiocomposites for Environmental Remediation

The use of a variety of microorganisms for the degradation of chemicals is a green solution to the problem of environmental pollution. In this work, fungi–magnetic nanoparticles were studied as systems with the potential to be applied in environmental remediation and pest control in agriculture. High food demand puts significant pressure on increasing the use of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. The global problem of water pollution also demands new remediation solutions. As a sustainable alternative to commercial chemical products, nanobiocomposites were obtained from the interaction between the fungus M. anisopliae and two different types of magnetic nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical and electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to study the interaction between the fungus and nanoparticles, and the morphology of individual components and the final nanobiocomposites. Analyses show that the nanobiocomposites kept the same morphology as that of the fungus in natura. Magnetic measurements attest the magnetic properties of the nanobiocomposites. In summary, these nanobiocomposites possess both fungal and nanoparticle properties, i.e., nanobiocomposites were obtained with magnetic properties that provide a low-cost approach benefiting the environment (nanobiocomposites are retrievable) with more efficiency than that of the application of the fungus in natura.

Performance Evaluation and Identification of New Quality Protein Maize Inbred Lines

Background: Maize plays a critical role in meeting high food demand. It is a globally widely adopted and cultivated crop. Hybrid and open-pollinated varieties development from fixed inbred lines is one of the strategies for the improvement of maize production. Compared with the world average, the national average maize yield is low in Ethiopia. According to this development and selection of promising germplasm has indispensable value for developing high-yielding maize varieties. The study consists of 21Quality Protein Maize (QPM) lines, two QPM testers lines, and one Conventional Maize (CM) line check (FS67). They were evaluated in RCBD with two replications at Ambo and Arsi-Negele. The objective was to identify new lines with good performance compared with released QPM checks and CM lines.
 Results: There is a significant difference between the lines for 28 traits in Ambo and 24 traits at Arsi-Negele. In combined mean performance analysis, the highest yielding line (L8) exceeded the mean of all line checks, mean QPM checks, CM line check (FS67), and best QPM line check (CML144) by 34.89%, 54.80%, 7.30%, and 25.31%, respectively for GY. The value of EPP ranged from 0.91 (L14) to 1.85 (L3) with an overall mean of 1.19). The highest yielding line (L8) had the 2nd highest EPP (1.63). Mean EPP of the top five QPM lines was less by 5.45%, 4.96%, 22.41%, and 6.41% compared with the mean of all checks, mean of QPM line checks, best QPM check, and CM line check, respectively. The high yielder line (L8) had a higher mean value than the mean of lines checks (CML144, CML159, and FS67), mean of QPM lines checks, best QPM check (CML144), and FS67 by 25.71%, 26.36%, 3.16%, and 24.43%, respectively.
 Conclusion: In general, the study confirmed the existence of promising new QPM parental lines. These promising lines can be used as source material in the breeding program for further improvement.

Improvement of crop and soil management practices through mulching for enhancement of soil fertility and environmental sustainability: A review

The logarithmic phase of the human population creates high food demand near the future throughout the world. On the flip side, improved crop production requires uninterrupted water irrigation. Therefore, sensible agricultural inputs are needed to overcome these concerns. New technology-based innovative agronomic research steps will boost the contemporary agriculture practices in developed and developing countries. Agricultural cropping systems could follow mulching practices as one of the best crop management practices for its water and nutrient management potential. It is primarily to accomplish healthy economic and environmental bonds. By covering the soil's surface with biodegradable resources such as organic and inorganic materials, mulching improves the physicochemical characteristics of the soil. This approach provides a favorable environment for the development of plant growth and fosters the activities of microbial communities. Additionally, it reduces the growth of weeds, manages erosion, gets rid of pesticide residue, and increases soil fertility. Mulching the soil surface has profound benefits in improving the soil moisture levels due to a reduced evaporation rate. This method is a practical agronomic entrance to reduce water scarcity and raise the chance of water conservation, notably in arid and semiarid regions. It can also boost crop security and production to meet the global food requirements. This review significantly focuses on the current influence and advantages of organic mulches for crop establishment in the agriculture sector, which can close the production gap between achievable and actual yield.

Effects of Phytogenically Synthesized Bimetallic Ag/ZnO Nanomaterials and Nitrogen-Based Fertilizers on Biochemical and Yield Attributes of Two Wheat Varieties.

Wheat is the most important staple food worldwide, but wheat cultivation faces challenges from high food demand. Fertilizers are already in use to cope with the demand; however, more unconventional techniques may be required to enhance the efficiency of wheat cultivation. Nanotechnology offers one potential technique for improving plant growth and production by providing stimulating agents to the crop. In this study, plant-derived Ag/ZnO nanomaterials were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD methods. Various concentrations of phytogenically synthesized Ag/ZnO nanomaterials (20, 40, 60, and 80 ppm) and nitrogen-based fertilizers (urea and ammonium sulphate 50 and 100 mg/L) were applied to wheat varieties (Galaxy-13 and Pak-13). The results obtained from this research showed that application of 60 ppm Ag/ZnO nanomaterials with nitrogenous fertilizers (50 and 100 mg/L) were more effective in improving biochemistry and increasing yield of wheat plants by reducing enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants (proline content, soluble sugar content, malondialdehyde, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase); and significantly increasing the protein content, number of grains per pot, spike length, 100-grain weight, grain yield per pot, and harvest index of both wheat varieties, compared to untreated plants. These findings allow us to propose Ag/ZnO nanomaterial formulation as a promising growth- and productivity-improvement strategy for wheat cultivation.

Corn Cob as a Green Support for Laccase Immobilization-Application on Decolorization of Remazol Brilliant Blue R.

The high demand for food and energy imposed by the increased life expectancy of the population has driven agricultural activity, which is reflected in the larger quantities of agro-industrial waste generated, and requires new forms of use. Brazil has the greatest biodiversity in the world, where corn is one of the main agricultural genres, and where over 40% of the waste generated is from cobs without an efficient destination. With the aim of the valorization of these residues, we proposed to study the immobilization of laccase from Aspergillus spp. (LAsp) in residual corn cob and its application in the degradation of Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) dye. The highest yields in immobilized protein (75%) and residual activity (40%) were obtained at pH 7.0 and an enzyme concentration of 0.1 g.mL−1, whose expressed enzyme activity was 1854 U.kg−1. At a temperature of 60 °C, more than 90% of the initial activity present in the immobilized biocatalyst was maintained. The immobilized enzyme showed higher efficiency in the degradation (64%) of RBBR dye in 48 h, with improvement in the process in 72 h (75%). The new biocatalyst showed operational efficiency during three cycles, and a higher degradation rate than the free enzyme, making it a competitive biocatalyst and amenable to industrial applications.

Standard Heterosis Estimation for Quality Protein Maize Hybrids Over Best Released and Commercialized Hybrids

Maize plays an indispensable role in meeting high food demand. It is globally one of the most widely adopted and cultivated crops. Hybrid development from fixed inbred lines is one of the tactics to boost maize production. The national average maize yield in Ethiopia is low and thus, selection of promising germplasm, knowledge of combining ability, and heterotic grouping are prerequisites to develop high-yielding maize varieties. Forty-two Quality Protein Maize (QPM) single crosses (21 inbred lines each crossed with two testers) along with three popular standard hybrid checks were evaluated in two replications using alpha lattice design during the 2017 cropping season at Ambo, Arsi-Negele, and Kulumsa. The objective of this study was to estimate standard heterosis for grain yield (GY), and other agronomic and morphological characters. Significant difference among crosses was observed for 19 traits at Ambo, 14 traits at Arsi-Negele, and 19 traits at Kulumsa in the hybrid trial. For GY, at Ambo, almost all crosses showed negative heterosis against the best check (AMH853). At Arsi-Negele 14 crosses had positive standard heterosis, from these only three crosses: L8xT1 (50.8%), L8xT2 (46.6%), and L7xT1 (33.9%) showed significant difference against Jibat but at Kulumsa, the difference for standard heterosis was positive but non-significant only by two crosses: (L7xT1 (6.6%) and L19xT1 (4.7%). Based on mean grain yield and standard heterosis, L8xT2, L7xT1, L8xT1, L19xT1, L6xT2, and L18xT1 are promising. The study of the results highlighted that the breeding program was successful in generating superior QPM hybrids. Based on the finding we suggest that it is better to use the parents of theses hybrids as potential source materials in the breeding program through to form different crosses formation.