Pod Shell Research Articles

Optimization of wood vinegar from cacao pod shells by response surface methodology

The purpose of this study is to find the optimal conditions for producing wood vinegar from cacao pod shells using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Box Behnken Design (BBD) was used to optimize the variables of pyrolysis times, temperature, and particle size. Wood vinegar was prepared by slow pyrolysis technology. The RSM with three design variables including pyrolysis duration at 50, 75, and 100 minutes; pyrolysis temperatures at 300°C, 340°C, and 380°C; and particle size of 3, 5 and 7 cm with 15 runs were applied. Chemical characterization of wood vinegar was performed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The results showed that phenolic, furan, and ketone compounds were the main component in the cacao pod shells vinegar. The optimum production of wood vinegar from cacao pod shells based on RSM results was identified at a pyrolysis time of 100 minutes, a temperature of 353°C, and a particle size of 3 cm.

Design and synthesis of surface-decorated zinc-doped carbon quantum dots as fluorescent probes for tartrazine detection in real food samples exploiting the inner filter effect mechanism

We developed a rapid and sensitive method for detecting tartrazine (Tar), a common food colorant, using zinc-doped carbon quantum dots (Zn-doped CQDs). Synthesized from biowaste pigeon pod shells and zinc acetate, the Zn-doped CQDs exhibited a high quantum yield (47.63%) and were characterized by photo-stability, non-toxicity, and water solubility. The inner filter effect (IFE) allows selective attenuation of Zn-doped CQD fluorescence by Tar, enabling precise detection. The approach obtains a low detection limit of 20.35 ng/mL and a quantification limit of 61.69 ng/mL within a linear range of 0–100 ng/mL under optimal conditions when employing the Box-Behnken statistical design. The approach demonstrates excellent reproducibility, successfully detecting Tar in real food samples with recovery rates ranging from 89% to 102.2%. This high accuracy confirms the sensor's reliability and effectiveness in practical applications. This cost-effective and rapid technique presents a promising solution for monitoring Tar levels in food products.

A comprehensive decision-making approach for the application of biochar in agriculture to enhance water security: A GIS-AHP based approach

In the context of climate change, biochar application is a promising approach to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture. However, the selection of suitable biochar produced from food waste and optimization of loading rates to improve soil quality remains a significant challenge. This study explores the potential impact of biochar application using an integrated analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and geographical information system (GIS) approach. The study first aims to develop an AHP model to prioritize the appropriate biochar source and dosage for soil amendment. The different biochar sources considered are: peas pod shell, pistachio shell, and mixed vegetable waste. The AHP design evaluated the weight percentage of different types of biochar amendments ranging from 0 % to 8 % based on soil quality, nutrient analysis and water retention capacity. Furthermore, an integrated spatial analysis case study was conducted for fodder farms across Qatar using GIS mapping with seasonal variation to evaluate the impact of biochar on water management. According to the AHP decision making, 2 % mixed vegetable waste biochar achieved the goal with the highest priority score, with a value of 0.29, followed by 2 % pistachio shell biochar with a score of 0.22. This is attributed to the high water retention rate determined from the experimental study. The 2% biochar amendment retained 20 % more water compared to the 0 % biochar. Results from the GIS mapping identified priority areas for improving water retention and soil quality. The evapotranspiration maps for winter and summer generated using GIS provide valuable insights into the spatial disributio of biochar application across Qatar fodder farms. The outcomes may encourage policymakers and stakeholders to consider valorizing food waste into biochar.

The genome of Vicia sativa ssp. amphicarpa provides insights into the role of terpenoids in antimicrobial resistance within subterranean fruits.

Vicia sativa ssp. amphicarpa is a unique forage crop capable of simultaneously producing fruits above and below ground, representing a typical amphicarpic plant. In this study, we sequenced and assembled seven pseudo-chromosomes of the genome of V. sativa ssp. amphicarpa (n = 7) yielding a genome size of 1.59 Gb, with a total annotation of 48 932 protein-coding genes. Long terminal repeat (LTR) elements constituted 62.28% of the genome, significantly contributing to the expansion of genome size. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the divergence between V. sativa ssp. amphicarpa and V. sativa was around 0.88 million years ago (MYA). Comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of aerial and subterranean pod shells showed biosynthesis of terpenoids in the subterranean pod shells indicating a correlation between the antimicrobial activity of subterranean pod shells and the biosynthesis of terpenoids. Furthermore, functional validation indicates that overexpression of VsTPS5 and VsTPS16 enhances terpenoid biosynthesis for antibacterial activity. Metabolomic analysis suggests the involvement of terpenoids in the antimicrobial properties of subterranean pod shells. Deciphering the genome of V. sativa ssp. amphicarpa elucidated the molecular mechanisms behind the antimicrobial properties of subterranean fruits in amphicarpic plants, providing valuable insights for the study of amphicarpic plant biology.

Enhanced adsorption of phenolic compounds using biomass-derived high surface area activated carbon: Isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics.

The progress of industrial and agricultural pursuits, along with the release of inadequately treated effluents especially phenolic pollutant, has amplified the pollution load on environment. These organic compounds pose considerable challenges in both drinking water and wastewater systems, given their toxicity, demanding high oxygen and limited biodegradability. Thus, developing an eco-friendly, low-cost and highly efficient adsorbent to treat the organic pollutants has become an important task. The present investigation highlights development of a novel adsorbent (CFPAC) by activation of Cassia fistula pod shell for the purpose of removing phenol and 2,4-dichlorophnenol (2,4-DCP). The significant operational factors (dosage, pH, concentration, temperature, speed) were also investigated. The factors such as pH = 2 and T = 20°C were found to be significant at 1.6g/L and 0.6g/L dosage for phenol and 2,4-DCPrespectively. Batch experiments were further conducted to study isotherms, kinetic and thermodynamics studies for the removal of phenol and 2,4-DCP. The activated carbon was characterised as mesoporous (specific surface area 1146 m2/g, pore volume = 0.8628cc/g), amorphous and pHPZC =6.4. At optimum conditions, the maximum sorption capacity for phenol and 2,4-DCP were 183.79mg/g and 374.4mg/g respectively. The adsorption isotherm was better conformed to Redlich Peterson isotherm (phenol) and Langmuir isotherm (2,4-DCP). The kinetic study obeyed pseudo-second-order type behaviour for both the pollutants with R2 > 0.999. The thermodynamic studies and the value of isosteric heat of adsorption for both the pollutants suggested that the adsorption reaction was dominated by physical adsorption (ΔHx < 80kJ/mol). Further, the whole process was feasible, exothermic and spontaneous in nature. The overall studies suggested that the activated carbon synthesised from Cassia fistula pods can be a promising adsorbent for phenolic compounds.

Potential Torrefaction of Tropical Forest Fruits Waste

Biomass torrefaction can improve the quality of raw biomass as fuel. Tropical forest fruit waste that is not managed properly will become waste that contributes to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Conversion of tropical forest fruit waste into biomass fuel by torrefaction can be used as coal co-firing. In this research, torrefaction was carried out on the biomass from the cocoa pod shell, coffee husks, and mangosteen pod shell. The samples used in this study came from tropical forest fruits in Lampung Province. Samples were chopped and dried using the hot sun. The samples were then torrefied in a tubular reactor at temperatures of 250, 275, and 300°C and their calorific values were tested. Torrefaction at 275°C has increased the calorific value of tropical forest fruit waste to exceed the calorific value of sub-bituminous A. Torrefaction of tropical forest fruit waste has the potential to be used as fuel for co-firing coal in power plants. Thus, it can indirectly reduce the rate of CO2 emissions from power generation and waste accumulation. In addition, it also has the potential to become a competitive sustainable export commodity.

Steps toward developing legume cover crop varieties: Study of biomass and nitrogen partitioning and within‐plant δ115N variation of faba bean at different growth stages

AbstractModern legumes are engineered to enhance nutrient allocation to grains and maximize harvest index (HI) and yield. Breeding legumes for cover crop requires optimizing source‐sink relationship to prolong nutrient allocation to vegetative organs, support post‐flowering nodule activity, and extend biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). We studied the variation of faba bean (Vicia faba) germplasm for biomass (DM) and nitrogen (N) allocation to plant organs at the lower and upper parts of the canopy. Three genotypes were established during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons, and DM, N, and δ15N of upper and lower leaves, stems, pods, seeds, and pod shells were quantified at vegetative, first‐pod, and full‐pod stages. Of the three genotypes, PI 678631 displayed early vigor, allocated more DM and N in vegetative organs, and accumulated more total DM and N than Windsor and PI 655333 by first‐pod stage. The advantage of PI 678631 over the other two genotypes seemed to be associated with smaller allocation of DM and N in pods at early reproductive phase. These findings support existing variations within faba bean germplasm that can be used to improve its ecosystem service as cover crop. Within‐plant variation of δ15N was minimal, suggesting that under favorable soil N and moisture where N remobilization is low, vegetative organs can serve as proxies to estimate the entire plant %Ndfa (proportion of plant N derived from the atmosphere) prior to plant maturity. The δ15N of plant organs at vegetative and early‐pod stages were similar and consistent with the only whole plant δ15N measurement in 2020.

Identification of two major QTLs for pod shell thickness in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) using BSA-seq analysis.

Pod shell thickness (PST) is an important agronomic trait of peanut because it affects the ability of shells to resist pest infestations and pathogen attacks, while also influencing the peanut shelling process. However, very few studies have explored the genetic basis of PST. An F2 segregating population derived from a cross between the thick-shelled cultivar Yueyou 18 (YY18) and the thin-shelled cultivar Weihua 8 (WH8) was used to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for PST. On the basis of a bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq), four QTLs were preliminarily mapped to chromosomes 3, 8, 13, and 18. Using the genome resequencing data of YY18 and WH8, 22 kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers were designed for the genotyping of the F2 population. Two major QTLs (qPSTA08 and qPSTA18) were identified and finely mapped, with qPSTA08 detected on chromosome 8 (0.69-Mb physical genomic region) and qPSTA18 detected on chromosome 18 (0.15-Mb physical genomic region). Moreover, qPSTA08 and qPSTA18 explained 31.1-32.3% and 16.7-16.8% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Fifteen genes were detected in the two candidate regions, including three genes with nonsynonymous mutations in the exon region. Two molecular markers (Tif2_A08_31713024 and Tif2_A18_7198124) that were developed for the two major QTL regions effectively distinguished between thick-shelled and thin-shelled materials. Subsequently, the two markers were validated in four F2:3 lines selected. The QTLs identified and molecular markers developed in this study may lay the foundation for breeding cultivars with a shell thickness suitable for mechanized peanut shelling.

Development of a highly sensitive fluorescent probe using Delonix regia (Gulmohar) tree pod shell for precise sarcosine detection in human urine samples: advancing prostate cancer diagnosis

We designed a highly sensitive fluorescent sensor for the early detection of sarcosine, a potential biomarker for prostate cancer. This sensor was based on surface-cobalt-doped fluorescent carbon quantum dots (Co-CD) using a FRET-based photoluminescent sensing platform. Blue luminescent carbon quantum dots (CQD) were synthesised through a hydrothermal approach, utilizing Delonix regia tree pod shells. Cobalt was employed to functionalize the CQD, enhancing the quantum-entrapped effects and minimizing surface flaws. To optimize Co-CD preparation, we employed a Box-Behnken design (BBD), and response surface methodology (RSM) based on single-factor experiments. The Co-CD was then used as a fluorescent probe for selective Cu2+ detection, with Cu2+ quenching Co-CD fluorescence through an energy transfer process, referred to as ‘turn-off’. When sarcosine was introduced, the fluorescence intensity of Co-CD was restored, creating a ‘turn-on’ response. The sensor exhibited a Cu2+ detection limit (LOD) of 2.4 µM with a linear range of 0 μM to 10 µM. The sarcosine detection in phosphate buffer saline (PBS, pH 7.4) resulted in an LOD of 1.54 μM and a linear range of 0 to 10 µM. Importantly, the sensor demonstrated its suitability for clinical analysis by detecting sarcosine in human urine. In summary, our rapid and highly sensitive sensor offers a novel approach for the detection of sarcosine in real samples, facilitating early prostate cancer diagnosis. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Integrating Heavy Metal Adsorption on Organic Waste Materials into Defense and Security Studies: A Sustainable Approach

This study aims to examine the plausible fusion of heavy metal adsorption through lignin derived from organic waste materials into the realm of defense and safety studies. This study underscores the imperative nature of addressing heavy metal pollution within defense operations and environmental conservation. It proposes utilizing lignin, derived from organic waste materials, as a pivotal solution to combat heavy metal contamination. By synthesizing insights from existing literature, this research delves into lignin's potential as a highly effective adsorbent tailored for the defense sector. The study illuminates lignin's versatility in interacting with heavymetals through multifaceted adsorption mechanisms, offering a sustainable strategy to mitigate environmental harm while fortifying national resilience. Derived from diverse biomass sources, including peanut shells, cocoa pod shells, coconut shells, rice husks, and empty oil palm fruit bunches, lignin exhibits promising adsorption capacitiesattributed to its ample surface area and diverse functional groups. Emphasizing a holistic perspective, this research advocates for an integrated approach that harnesses lignin's robust adsorption capabilities to meet the specific demands of defense and security, envisioning a future that is both secure and sustainable. This is attributed to the inherent properties of lignin, such as its abundant surface area and diverse functional groups. The lignin derived from these biomasses offers a versatile and effective solution, showcasing high adsorption potential due to its ability to accommodate various heavy metal ions and contribute to sustainable environmental remediation practices. By synergizing lignin's robust adsorption attributes with therequisites of defense and security, this research advocates for a comprehensive approach, fostering a vision of a secure and sustainable future.

Effect of varieties and applications of clove oil on growth, productivity, and pest and disease resilience of soybean

Efforts to increase soybean productivity are carried out in various ways, including improving cultivation technology and applying pest and disease control technologies for soybeans. In addition to chemical pesticides, pest and disease control can use botanical pesticides or biopesticides, including those made from clove oil. This study aimed to determine the effect of varieties and clove oil on the growth, production, and pest-disease resilience of soybean. The study was conducted at Majalengka Regency, West Java, Indonesia from April to July 2021. The research used a factorial randomized complete block design with four replications. The first factor was soybean genotypes: Dena 1, Dega 1, and Anjasmoro. The second factor was the concentration and interval of application of clove oil: control, 3 mL L-1 with an interval of 10 days, 3 mL L-1 with an interval of 15 days, 5 mL L-1 with an interval of 10 days, and 5 mL L-1 with an interval of 15 days. The results showed that the Dena 1 variety had the highest plant height, number of branches, number of pods per plant, and dry weight per plant. The Dega 1 variety produced the highest weight of plant dry mass, dry pod shell weight, and 100-grain. Anjasmoro variety had the highest root length and number of nodules per plant. The Anjasmoro was more resistant to leaf caterpillar attacks, while the Dena 1 was more resistant to leaf rust disease. Botanical pesticides derived from clove oil affected various aspects of soybean growth including plant height at 60 days after planting, weight of dry biomass, root length and number of root nodules per plant, dry pod shell weight, dry seed weight, and 100-grains weight.&#x0D; Keywords: botanical pesticide; clove oil; Glycine max; root nodulation; variety

Potential of Coffee and Cocoa Shell Waste as An Energy Source: Analysis of Characteristics of Briquettes From Coffee and Cocoa Shell Waste Through The Carbonization Process

This research aims to compare the characteristics of briquettes as an energy source produced from coffee shell waste and cocoa waste. The briquette-making process involves carbonization to produce charcoal as the primary raw material for briquettes. Carbonization time varies, influenced by the type of waste and size of the material. After that, the charcoal is reduced and sifted into fine and coarse powder. Briquette molding uses pressure using a pipe as a mold. The characteristics of briquettes are analyzed through water content, density, burning rate, and ash content. The research results show differences in characteristics between coffee and cocoa waste. The carbonization process affects the time and mass difference of raw materials. Cocoa pod shells require the longest (±35 minutes), while cocoa bean shells require the shortest (±17 minutes). Next, making briquettes involves molding and pressing using a pipe as a mold. The results showed that waste cocoa pod shells and cocoa bean shells produced more briquettes than waste coffee pod shells and coffee bean shells. The moisture content of briquettes from all types of waste meets the standards, but the density of the raw material for coffee husk waste is low, while the briquettes have a high density. The burning rate of briquettes varies, with cocoa bean shell briquettes having the fastest burning rate and producing much smoke. The ash content of cocoa pod husk briquettes exceeds the standard, while cocoa bean husk briquettes have low ash content. The density of the raw material is correlated with the moisture content of the briquettes. The highest burning rate occurs in cocoa bean shell briquettes, influenced by low density and high water content. The ash content of the briquettes meets standards, except for cocoa shell briquettes. This research proves that cocoa and coffee shell waste can be processed into briquettes with different characteristics.

Pemanfaatan Limbah Kulit Kakao (Theobroma Cacao. L) sebagai Pakan Ternak

Cocoa pod shell waste is the largest waste generated from cocoa plants that will cause problems for the environment if not processed properly. Further processing is needed in order to reduce pollution problems. Fresh cocoa fruit shells have a good nutrient content of 88% dry matter, 11.71% crude protein, 20.79% crude fiber, 11.80% fat and 34.90% extractable material without nitrogen (BETN). However, cocoa pods have a disadvantage when given as sole feed, due to the presence of theobromine in cocoa pods. This substance can inhibit the growth of rumen microbes. It is better to do fermentation first to increase digestibility and livestock liking of the feed. Protein content in cocoa pods can play a role in helping the growth or formation of body cells, especially in young cows and support production needs in adult cows. The crude fiber contained in cocoa pods is a complex carbohydrate that is needed by livestock in launching the digestive process. Meanwhile, fat contained in cocoa pods can play an important role for the growth and development of livestock and become a reserve source of energy. Fat serves as a carrier of vitamins in the body, especially vitamins A, D, E, and K because these vitamins are the type of vitamins that can dissolve in fat.

Uji Aktivitas Anti Bakteri Ekstrak Etanol Dan Fraksi n-Heksana, Etil Asetat, Air Dari Kulit Buah Kakao (Theobroma cacao L.) Terhadap Bakteri Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 Dengan Metode Difusi Dan Dilusi

Cacao fruit peel (Theobroma cacao L.) is a plant that can be used as an antibacterial. Cocoa pod shell contains chemical alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, triterpenoids. The purpose of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of the ethanol extract, n-hexane fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, and water fraction from cocoa pod shells to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC and Minimum Killing Concentration) of the most active fraction of cocoa pod shell on the growth of staphylococcus bacteria. epidermidis ATCC 12228. Cocoa pod powder was macerated using 96% ethanol, then fractionated using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water and tested for antibacterial activity using the diffusion and dilution method.Diffusion and dilution methods used the same concentration of 50% preliminary test 25%; 12.5%; 6.25%; 3.125%; 1.565% against Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228. The results of the antibacterial activity test using the diffusion method showed that the n-hexane fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, and water fraction from cocoa pod shell Each concentration of 50% inhibited the growth of bacteria in the presence of inhibition.The ethanol extract of cocoa pod shells had the greatest inhibition, namely 13.9 mm. The average diameter of the inhibition zone at a concentration of 25%; 12.5%; 6.25%; 3.125%; 1.565% respectively is 13.43 mm; 6.2mm; 4.23mm; 4.06mm; 3.46mm. The results of the dilution method test showed the MIC and KBM values of the ethanol extract, namely 12.5%, based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the ethanol extract has the most active antibacterial content.

The effect of Cocoa Fruits (Theobroma cacao L.) extracts on serum blood glucose levels in white rats (Rattusnovergicus)

Checking blood glucose levels supports healthy lifestyle and pattern changes to avoid foods that contain high glucose, which can increase blood glucose levels. This study aims to analyze the administration of cocoa pod extract (Theobroma cacao L.) to describe serum blood glucose levels in white rats (Rattusnovergicus). This study used an RCT (randomized controlled trial) design involving five groups of cocoa pod extract samples through an evaporation process using a rotary vacuum evaporator after going through the maceration process for 3 x 24 hours divided into three concentrations of 50 mg/Kg body wt, 100 mg/Kg body wt, 150 mg/Kg body wt. Furthermore, serum blood glucose levels will be measured on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day after administration of metformin and waste extract of cocoa pod shell (Theobroma cacao L.). Analysis of the research data used a paired t-test. The results showed that the average fasting blood glucose levels of K1 rats (Mus musculus) to the average fasting glucose levels in K2, K3, K4, and K5, respectively, were as follows: 0.037 (p &lt;0.05); 0.000 (p &lt; 0.05); 0.028 (p &lt; 0.05); and 0.015 (p &lt;0.05). This shows that the average fasting blood glucose level is significantly different (p &lt;0.05). The average fasting blood glucose levels of K2 (metformin group) to the average glucose levels in K3 (extract group 50 mg/kg body wt), K4 (extract group 100 mg/kg body wt), and K5 (extract group 150 mg/kg body wt) respectively are as follows: 0.157 (p &gt; 0.05); 1.000 (p &gt; 0.05); and 0.995 (p &gt; 0.05). This shows that the average blood glucose levels between K2, K3, K4, and K5 did not differ significantly (p &lt;0.05) after measuring cocoa pod extract for two days. Based on the results of data analysis from this experimental study, it can be concluded that there is an effect of giving cocoa pod extract (Theobroma cacao L.) on fasting blood glucose levels of mice (Mus musculus) with type 2 diabetes mellitus hypercholesterolemia model. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Cacao; Blood Glucose; Rats

Natural antimicrobial properties of liquid smoke derived from cocoa pod shells in meatball preservation

The liquid smoke, which is produced by pyrolyzing wood materials containing cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, can be used to preserve food. Phenolic, acetic, and carbonyl compounds found in liquid smoke can serve as a natural preservative. This study aimed to determine meatball preservation ability of liquid smoke from cocoa pod shells. Specifically, cocoa pod shells were converted to liquid smoke using slow pyrolysis at three different temperatures, 300 °C, 340 °C and 380 °C. Prior to its use, liquid smoke was purified using distillation at 190 °C. Liquid smoke at concentrations of 0.5%–3.0% was then used to preserve meatballs using an immersion method. Total volatile base-nitrogen (TVB-N), total plate count (TPC), and most probable number (MPN) analyses were used to evaluate preservation performance of liquid smoke. The statistical methods for MPN using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's tests. The SNI (Standar Nasional Indonesia) threshold to test whether meatballs remained fresh (TVB-N <20 mg N/g). TPC test results indicated that beef meatballs stay fresh at room temperature for 42 h or 48 h of storage using 0.5% or 1%–3% liquid smoke concentrations, respectively. Based on MPN tests showed meatballs could last for 48 h for all samples. Liquid smoke produced from cocoa pod shells can be used as a natural preservative for beef meatballs; however, liquid smoke concentrations influence the maximum preservation period for meatballs.

Upcycling post-harvest biomass residues from native European Lupinus species: from straws and pod shells production to nutritive value and alkaloids content for ruminant animals.

The production of Lupinus seeds for food and feed is increasing worldwide, which results in large amounts of post-harvest biomass residues, considered of low value and left in the field to be burned or incorporated in the soil. To valorize these agricultural wastes, this work aimed to assess their potential as an alternative feed for ruminants. Thus, the production yield, nutritive value, and alkaloid content of straws and pod shells from three native European Lupinus species, L. albus 'Estoril' (white), L. angustifolius 'Tango' (narrow-leafed), and L. luteus 'Cardiga' (yellow), cultivated in two locations, were evaluated. The dry matter (DM) yield of straws and pod shells were the highest for L. albus 'Estoril' (4.10 t ha-1) and the lowest for L. angustifolius 'Tango' (1.78 t ha-1), suggesting a poor adaptation of narrow-leafed lupin to the particularly dry and warm agronomic year. Despite species-specific differences, lupin biomass residues presented higher crude protein (53.0-68.9 g kg-1 DM) and lignin (103-111 g kg-1 DM) content than cereal straws usually used in ruminant feeding, thus resulting in higher metabolizable energy (6.43-6.58 MJ kg-1 DM) content. In vitro digestibility was similar among lupin species (47.7-50.6%) and higher in pod shells (53.7%) than in straws (44.6%). Lupinus albus 'Estoril' and L. luteus 'Cardiga' presented considerable amounts of alkaloids in straws (23.9 and 119 mg kg-1 DM) and pod shells (20.5 and 298 mg kg-1 DM), while no alkaloids were detected in L. angustifolius 'Tango' biomass residues. Considering the combined production of straw and pod shells per lupin species, it is anticipated that lupin biomass residues produced per ha can fulfill 85% of the energy and nearly 50% of protein requirements of a flock of 4 to 9 dry and mid-pregnancy sheep with 50 kg body weight for one year. No negative effects on small (ovine) and large (bovine) ruminant species due to alkaloids are expected, even if biomass residues are consumed at up to 85% DM intake. The large production yield along with its nutritive value unveils the potential of lupin biomass residues valorization as alternative fodder for ruminants, promoting sustainability under a circular economy approach.

Fine mapping of qAHPS07 and functional studies of AhRUVBL2 controlling pod size in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

Cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oil and cash crop. Pod size is one of the major traits determining yield and commodity characteristic of peanut. Fine mapping of quantitative trait locus (QTL) and identification of candidate genes associated with pod size are essential for genetic improvement and molecular breeding of peanut varieties. In this study, a major QTL related to pod size, qAHPS07, was fine mapped to a 36.46 kb interval on chromosome A07 using F2 , recombinant inbred line (RIL) and secondary F2 populations. qAHPS07 explained 38.6%, 23.35%, 37.48%, 25.94% of the phenotypic variation for single pod weight (SPW), pod length (PL), pod width (PW) and pod shell thickness (PST), respectively. Whole genome resequencing and gene expression analysis revealed that a RuvB-like 2 protein coding gene AhRUVBL2 was the most likely candidate for qAHPS07. Overexpression of AhRUVBL2 in Arabidopsis led to larger seeds and plants than the wild type. AhRUVBL2-silenced peanut seedlings represented small leaves and shorter main stems. Three haplotypes were identified according to three SNPs in the promoter of AhRUVBL2 among 119 peanut accessions. Among them, SPW, PW and PST of accessions carrying Hap_ATT represent 17.6%, 11.2% and 26.3% higher than those carrying Hap_GAC，respectively. In addition, a functional marker of AhRUVBL2 was developed. Taken together, our study identified a key functional gene of peanut pod size, which provides new insights into peanut pod size regulation mechanism and offers practicable markers for the genetic improvement of pod size-related traits in peanut breeding.

Cocoa pod shell mediated silver nanoparticles synthesis, characterization, and their application as nanocatalyst and antifungal agent

Cocoa pod shell mediated silver nanoparticles synthesis, characterization, and their application as nanocatalyst and antifungal agent

Cadmium found in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) kernels mainly originates from root uptake rather than shell absorption from soil

Roots and shells are two potential organs through which peanut plants absorb cadium (Cd) from soils; however, the relative contributions of the two uptake pathways (root uptake and shell absorption) to kernel Cd accumulation and their translocation characteristics are poorly understood. In this study, the relative contributions of the two pathways to Cd accumulation in two peanut cultivars, Xianghua2008 (XH) and Yueyou43 (YY), were accurately assessed by labeling rooting and podding zone soils with 113Cd and 111Cd isotopes (0.3 mg kg-1 dry soil), respectively, in a split-pot design. The results showed that approximately 96% of the Cd accumulated in the peanut kernels was derived from root uptake, while only 4% originated from shell absorption. Only 1% of the Cd accumulated in whole peanut plants was attributed to shell absorption, of which 41%–44% was retained in shells and 56%–59% was translocated to kernels. In contrast, the Cd absorbed by roots was efficiently translocated into all plant organs, of which 80%–84% was distributed in shoots. Although YY accumulated 1.3 times more Cd in whole plants than XH, the relative contributions of the two pathways to Cd accumulation in each plant organ were barely affected by peanut cultivars. Due to the strong retention effect of shells, shell-derived Cd was approximately 2 times higher than root-derived Cd in shells. These results would improve the understanding of Cd accumulation processes in peanut plants, revealing that the root uptake pathway contributes predominantly to the Cd concentration in peanut kernels, based on which strategies and technology for the reduction of Cd in peanut plants could be designed and developed.