Bean Production Research Articles

Release of ‘Kikatiti’ a multiple disease resistant pinto bean cultivar with superior productivity in Tanzania identified from evaluation of the Durango Diversity Panel

Abstract‘Kikatiti’ pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Reg. no. CV‐361, PI 705149) was developed by the dry bean breeding program at the University of Nebraska, Agricultural Research Division, and submitted for release in 2021 by the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro as an upright indeterminate pinto bean with high yield potential and multiple disease resistance across bean production environments in Tanzania. Kikatiti was officially released in 2024 by the National Seed Committee. Kikatiti is an F7:8 derived line developed using the pedigree breeding method in Nebraska. The exceptional performance of Kikatiti in Tanzania was first identified by evaluation of the Durango Diversity Panel (DDP), which consisted of 200 accessions in on‐station trials conducted in Arusha and Mbeya. Kikatiti was identified as accession DDP‐094 (advanced breeding line NE2‐09‐3). Kikatiti yielded 1584 kg ha−1 across 5 years of trials in Tanzania and matured in 89 days. Kikatiti is resistant to bean rust conferred by the Ur‐3 and Ur‐11 genes, resistant to all strains of Bean common mosaic virus and Bean common mosaic necrosis virus conferred by the I and bc‐3 genes, moderately resistant to common bacterial blight conferred by the SAP6 quantitative trait locus, avoids white mold disease due to its upright architecture, and is moderately susceptible to angular leaf spot disease. Kikatiti has large seed size (35.9 g 100 seeds−1), and in on‐farm trials, farmers ranked Kikatiti above local pinto cultivars for its performance and market potential. Kikatiti has the potential to expand pinto bean production across East Africa.

Advancing common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) disease detection with YOLO driven deep learning to enhance agricultural AI

Common beans (CB), a vital source for high protein content, plays a crucial role in ensuring both nutrition and economic stability in diverse communities, particularly in Africa and Latin America. However, CB cultivation poses a significant threat to diseases that can drastically reduce yield and quality. Detecting these diseases solely based on visual symptoms is challenging, due to the variability across different pathogens and similar symptoms caused by distinct pathogens, further complicating the detection process. Traditional methods relying solely on farmers’ ability to detect diseases is inadequate, and while engaging expert pathologists and advanced laboratories is necessary, it can also be resource intensive. To address this challenge, we present a AI-driven system for rapid and cost-effective CB disease detection, leveraging state-of-the-art deep learning and object detection technologies. We utilized an extensive image dataset collected from disease hotspots in Africa and Colombia, focusing on five major diseases: Angular Leaf Spot (ALS), Common Bacterial Blight (CBB), Common Bean Mosaic Virus (CBMV), Bean Rust, and Anthracnose, covering both leaf and pod samples in real-field settings. However, pod images are only available for Angular Leaf Spot disease. The study employed data augmentation techniques and annotation at both whole and micro levels for comprehensive analysis. To train the model, we utilized three advanced YOLO architectures: YOLOv7, YOLOv8, and YOLO-NAS. Particularly for whole leaf annotations, the YOLO-NAS model achieves the highest mAP value of up to 97.9% and a recall of 98.8%, indicating superior detection accuracy. In contrast, for whole pod disease detection, YOLOv7 and YOLOv8 outperformed YOLO-NAS, with mAP values exceeding 95% and 93% recall. However, micro annotation consistently yields lower performance than whole annotation across all disease classes and plant parts, as examined by all YOLO models, highlighting an unexpected discrepancy in detection accuracy. Furthermore, we successfully deployed YOLO-NAS annotation models into an Android app, validating their effectiveness on unseen data from disease hotspots with high classification accuracy (90%). This accomplishment showcases the integration of deep learning into our production pipeline, a process known as DLOps. This innovative approach significantly reduces diagnosis time, enabling farmers to take prompt management interventions. The potential benefits extend beyond rapid diagnosis serving as an early warning system to enhance common bean productivity and quality.

UNVEILING THE DYNAMICS OF DOMESTIC PRICES OF CACAO BEANS IN INDONESIA

This study is crucial for understanding the factors affecting cacao bean prices in Indonesia. Cacao is a vital commodity in the country's economy, and fluctuations in its price impact various stakeholders. By analyzing these factors, we can make informed decisions benefiting the government, industry, and cacao farmers. The purpose of this study is to analyze the domestic price of cacao beans in Indonesia. The dependent variable in this study is the domestic price of cacao in Indonesia, while the independent variables are volume of cacao bean exports, volume of cacao bean imports, global price of cacao beans, volume of domestic production of cacao beans, Rupiah to USD exchange rate, the federal reserve rate, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annual growth rate of Indonesia, and export duties imposed on export of cacao beans. This research design utilizes time series data from 1996 to 2022 to analyze the factors influencing the domestic price of cacao beans in Indonesia. The results of the analysis show that the variables of the volume of cacao bean imports, the global price of cacao beans, Rupiah to USD exchange rate, and dummy variable for export duties imposed on export of cacao beans are significant affecting the domestic price of cacao. While volume of cacao bean exports, the federal reserve rate, volume of domestic production of cacao beans and GDP annual growth rate of Indonesia are not significant. The non-significance of volume of cacao bean exports, the federal reserve rate, volume of domestic production of cacao beans, and GDP annual growth rate could be caused by weak relationships, multicollinearity, data issues, or model specification limitations.

Mapping of flumioxazin tolerance in a snap bean diversity panel leads to the discovery of a master genomic region controlling multiple stress resistance genes.

Effective weed management tools are crucial for maintaining the profitable production of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Preemergence herbicides help the crop to gain a size advantage over the weeds, but the few preemergence herbicides registered in snap bean have poor waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) control, a major pest in snap bean production. Waterhemp and other difficult-to-control weeds can be managed by flumioxazin, an herbicide that inhibits protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO). However, there is limited knowledge about crop tolerance to this herbicide. We aimed to quantify the degree of snap bean tolerance to flumioxazin and explore the underlying mechanisms. We investigated the genetic basis of herbicide tolerance using genome-wide association mapping approach utilizing field-collected data from a snap bean diversity panel, combined with gene expression data of cultivars with contrasting response. The response to a preemergence application of flumioxazin was measured by assessing plant population density and shoot biomass variables. Snap bean tolerance to flumioxazin is associated with a single genomic location in chromosome 02. Tolerance is influenced by several factors, including those that are indirectly affected by seed size/weight and those that directly impact the herbicide's metabolism and protect the cell from reactive oxygen species-induced damage. Transcriptional profiling and co-expression network analysis identified biological pathways likely involved in flumioxazin tolerance, including oxidoreductase processes and programmed cell death. Transcriptional regulation of genes involved in those processes is possibly orchestrated by a transcription factor located in the region identified in the GWAS analysis. Several entries belonging to the Romano class, including Bush Romano 350, Roma II, and Romano Purpiat presented high levels of tolerance in this study. The alleles identified in the diversity panel that condition snap bean tolerance to flumioxazin shed light on a novel mechanism of herbicide tolerance and can be used in crop improvement.

Evaluating the effect of manual hoeing and chemical weed management practices on the productivity and profitability of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in the south-eastern zone of the DR Congo

Evaluating the effect of manual hoeing and chemical weed management practices on the productivity and profitability of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in the south-eastern zone of the DR Congo

Peningkatan Mutu Kakao Melalui Percepatan Lama Fermentasi dengan Penggunaan Pektinase Aspergillus niger dan Ion Kalsium

Indonesia is the third largest producer of cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.) in the world, but the quality of Indonesian cocoa beans is considered as low. Fermentation is one of the factors that affect the quality of cocoa beans. Fermentation of cocoa beans is a spontaneous fermentation and takes about 5-7 days (for bulk cacao). The objective of this study was to determine the potential of adding pectinase from Aspergillus niger and calcium ions in accelerating fermentation time and the quality of cocoa beans produced. The independent variable in this study was the concentration of calcium ions as an enzyme activator. The concentration of calcium ions and pectinase are applied to cocoa fermentation. The observations made were reducing sugar content, total sugar content, protein content, lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria levels. Parametric data will be analysed by T-test independent with a confidence level of α=0.05. The results showed that added 4.5 units of pectinase and 100 mM calcium ions have significant in reduce the total sugar compared with control due to enzimatic activity. Therefore, the addition of pectinase enzymes from Aspergillus niger and calcium ions have a potential to accelerate the fermentation time and the fermented cocoa beans that have been carried out have met the quality standards of SNI 2828:2008 and included in I – B group of forastero cocoa. This potential needs to be tested further with a larger fermentation volume, for example above 40 kg, to achieve the optimal temperature for the formation of flavor precursors. Keywords: cocoa bean, ion calcium, pectinase, quality

Rhizoctonia species, anastomosis groups, and pathogenicity isolated from common bean in Lake Van Basin, Turkiye

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important vegetable crop grown in Lake Van Basin. Local genotypes are widely grown in the region. Rhizoctonia root rot induced by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn is an important soilborne plant disease that leads to global economic losses as well as in Turkey. The present study was conducted to determine anastomosis groups and pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia spp. obtained from bean plants in Lake Van Basin in 2013 and 2014. A total of 236 Rhizoctonia isolates in 5 anastomosis groups were obtained from bean plant roots. It was observed that AG- 4 (112) was the most isolated group in beans, followed by AG- 2 (41), AG- 3 (28), AG- 5 (33), and binucleate AG- K (22) isolates. Pathogenicity test conducted in thirty isolates in 5 anastomosis groups was analyzed for A64 (Bitlis/ Adilcevaz), TR68557 genotypes, and Gina (cv.) under growth chamber conditions. The study findings demonstrated that all tested isolates could infect the bean plant with different degrees of severity; however, the most virulent group was AG- 4. It was determined that the most virulent isolate was Isolate No. 19 in the A64 genotype, Isolate No. 2 in TR68557, and Isolate No. 18 in Gina cv. in in vivo tests. The identification and pathogenicity determination of Rhizoctonia isolates are the first steps towards an efficient control strategy for bean diseases caused by Rhizoctonia species. In order to obtain quality and productive products in the Van Lake Basin, where intensive bean production is carried out, precautions should be taken by considering the damage caused by Rhizoctonia spp. on plants.

Green synthesis of a dual-functional sulfur nanofertilizer to promote growth and enhance salt stress resilience in faba bean

BackgroundSalinity is a major abiotic stress, and the use of saline water in the agricultural sector will incur greater demand under the current and future climate changing scenarios. The objective of this study was to develop a dual-functional nanofertilizer capable of releasing a micronutrient that nourishes plant growth while enhancing salt stress resilience in faba bean (Vicia faba L.).ResultsMoringa oleifera leaf extract was used to synthesize sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs), which were applied as a foliar spray at different concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/l) to mitigate the negative effects of salt stress (150 mM NaCl) on faba bean plants. The SNPs were characterized and found to be spherical in shape with an average size of 10.98 ± 2.91 nm. The results showed that salt stress had detrimental effects on the growth and photosynthetic performance (Fv/Fm) of faba bean compared with control, while foliar spraying with SNPs improved these parameters under salinity stress. SNPs application also increased the levels of osmolytes (soluble sugars, amino acids, proline, and glycine betaine) and nonenzymatic antioxidants, while reducing the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA and H2O2). Moreover, SNPs treatment under salinity stress stimulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO)) and upregulated the expression of stress-responsive genes: chlorophyll a-b binding protein of LHCII type 1-like (Lhcb1), ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large chain-like (RbcL), cell wall invertase I (CWINV1), ornithine aminotransferase (OAT), and ethylene-responsive transcription factor 1 (ERF1), with the greatest upregulation observed at 50 mg/l SNPs.ConclusionOverall, foliar application of sulfur nanofertilizers in agriculture could improve productivity while minimizing the deleterious effects of salt stress on plants. Therefore, this study provides a strong foundation for future research focused on evaluating the replacement of conventional sulfur-containing fertilizers with their nanoforms to reduce the harmful effects of salinity stress and enhance the productivity of faba beans.

Predicting Field Effectiveness of Endophytic Bacillus subtilis Inoculants for Common Bean Using Morphometric and Biochemical Markers.

According to four field experiments, after the inoculation of Phaseolus vulgaris L. cultivar Ufimskaya with the commercial strain Bacillus subtilis 26D and the promising strain B. subtilis 10-4, it was found that inoculation with B. subtilis 10-4 improved seed productivity (SP) by 31-41% per plant, but only in dry years. In contrast, all 4 years of inoculation with B. subtilis 26D were ineffective or neutral. It was intended to determine the growing and biochemical characteristics of inoculated 7-day-old plants, which correlate with the field SP of bacterial preparations. The SP of inoculated plants (average of 4 years) correlated with root length (0.83), MDA content (-0.98), and catalase (CAT) activity in roots (-0.96) of week-old seedlings. High correlation coefficients between the H2O2 content in the roots and SP (0.89 and 0.77), as well as between the H2O2 content in shoots and SP (0.98 and 0.56), were observed only in two dry years, when the influence of bacteria was detected. These physiological indicators were identified as potential markers for predicting the effectiveness of the endophytic symbiosis between bean plants and B. subtilis strains. The findings may be used to develop effective microbial-based, eco-friendly technologies for bean production.

Genes putatively involved in Phaseolus vulgaris resistance against Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. phaseoli revealed by a genome‐wide association study

AbstractCarioca and black bean groups play a significant role in Latin American common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) consumption, serving as excellent sources of nutrients. One of the most significant threats for common bean production is common bacterial blight (CBB), a disease caused by the gram‐negative bacteria Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. phaseoli (Xpp) and Xanthomonas citri pv. fuscans (Xcf). An effective method for managing this disease is the use of plant genetic resistance. However, it is not known whether the same or overlapping sets of genes are associated with resistance to both pathogens. This study aimed to identify a repertoire of genes potentially associated with resistance to Xpp and compare it with that previously reported for Xcf. Eighty carioca and black common bean cultivars that had previously been challenged with Xcf were inoculated with a strain of Xpp, and a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) using single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and disease severity data was conducted. Three carioca and three black bean cultivars exhibited high levels of resistance to Xpp. Five SNPs with the highest −log10(p) values unveiled genes coding for diverse putative biochemical functions, including a light‐regulated Lir1 protein, a proton‐dependent oligopeptide transporter family protein, a metallo‐dependent phosphatase‐like protein, a WPP domain‐interacting tail‐anchored protein 2 and a pectin lyase‐like superfamily protein. No overlap between this repertoire of genes with that reported for Xcf was found. These findings provide important insights into genes potentially involved in the P. vulgaris resistance to Xpp and the complexity of the resistance response to CBB.

Preliminary Insights on Barriers to and Facilitators of Healthy Eating for Rural Residents Emerging from Extreme Poverty: A Qualitative Study in Dafang, China.

The purpose of this study was to examine the dietary views and practices and to identify associated barriers to and facilitators of healthy eating of rural residents emerging from poverty in the context of rapid socio-economic development. A qualitative design with semi-structured interviews was utilized to collect detailed insights into the dietary behaviors of 22 rural residents from 10 villages in Fengshan town, Dafang county, Guizhou province, China. Thematic analysis was applied to interpret the interview data, guided by the socio-ecological model. Four themes were identified: traditional eating patterns, factors influencing food choice, limited knowledge of healthy diet, and lack of nutritional guidance. Barriers to healthy eating included traditional but unhealthy foods, limited nutritional knowledge, inadequate understanding of nutritional requirements, overwhelming nutritional information, and limited professional guidance. Facilitators encompassed healthy traditional eating patterns, household composition, home gardening, preference for traditional bean and soy products, improved food supply and availability owing to poverty alleviation efforts, and being open to receiving professional dietary guidance. As a preliminary investigation into the dietary views and practices of this population, the study highlights a significant gap in the nutritional knowledge and guidance available to rural residents in China, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies that address the complex socio-ecological factors influencing dietary behaviors.

First report of Stemphylium eturmiunum causing Stemphylium blight on Vicia faba in Canada

Faba bean is an important, protein-rich pulse crop grown worldwide, with increasing acreage in Canada in the last 50 years. Stemphylium blight can cause substantial yield losses due to defoliation of the plant. In 2022, high incidence levels of Stemphylium blight were observed in research plots at Rosthern and Melfort, SK. Based on morphological characteristics, DNA barcoding, and virulence testing, S. eturmiunum was confirmed as the causal pathogen of these Stemphylium blight lesions. This is the first report of S. eturmiunum infection causing Stemphylium blight on faba bean in Canada. Based on the severity of symptoms it can cause, S. eturmiunum has the potential to pose a serious threat to faba bean production.

Sources of Profit Inefficiency for Faba Bean Producers in Ethiopia

Sources of Profit Inefficiency for Faba Bean Producers in Ethiopia

Occurrence, distribution, and genetic diversity of faba bean viruses in China.

With worldwide cultivation, the faba bean (Vicia faba L.) stands as one of the most vital cool-season legume crops, serving as a major component of food security. China leads global faba bean production in terms of both total planting area and yield, with major production hubs in Yunnan, Sichuan, Jiangsu, and Gansu provinces. The faba bean viruses have caused serious yield losses in these production areas, but previous researches have not comprehensively investigated this issue. In this study, we collected 287 faba bean samples over three consecutive years from eight provinces/municipalities of China. We employed small RNA sequencing, RT-PCR, DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis to detect the presence of viruses and examine their incidence, distribution, and genetic diversity. We identified a total of nine distinct viruses: bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV, Potyvirus), milk vetch dwarf virus (MDV, Nanovirus), vicia cryptic virus (VCV, Alphapartitivirus), bean common mosaic virus (BCMV, Potyvirus), beet western yellows virus (BWYV, Polerovirus), broad bean wilt virus (BBWV, Fabavirus), soybean mosaic virus (SMV, Potyvirus), pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV, Potyvirus), and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV, Cucumovirus). BYMV was the predominant virus found during our sampling, followed by MDV and VCV. This study marks the first reported detection of BCMV in Chinese faba bean fields. Except for several isolates from Gansu and Yunnan provinces, our sequence analysis revealed that the majority of BYMV isolates contain highly conserved nucleotide sequences of coat protein (CP). Amino acid sequence alignment indicates that there is a conserved NAG motif at the N-terminal region of BYMV CP, which is considered important for aphid transmission. Our findings not only highlight the presence and diversity of pathogenic viruses in Chinese faba bean production, but also provide target pathogens for future antiviral resource screening and a basis for antiviral breeding.

Organoleptic Assessment of Cream Soup Formulation "KRIMERA" as a Functional Food Alternative for Anemia Adolescents

Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the concentration of oxygen carriers in the blood (hemoglobin) in the body is insufficient for physiological needs. Hemoglobin itself functions to help red blood cells to get their natural shape, which is round with a flat center. Anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough iron reserves, so there is a shortage of iron distribution to the body's tissues. Based on the results of Riskesdas in 2018, the prevalence of anemia in Indonesia is still relatively high at 48.9%. This study aims to make functional food alternatives for adolescents with anemia by using raw red bean and brown rice materials to manufacture cream soup and to find out the organoleptic, preferred formulation, nutrient and iron contribution. The method used in this study is an experimental method with a RAL (Complete Random Series) research design with two repetitions and as many as eight experimental units with four formulas with comparisons in the use of red beans and brown rice F0 (0%: 13%), F1 (10.4%: 2.6%), F2 (9.1%: 3.9%), and F3 (7.8%: 5.2%). The results of the most preferred red bean and brown rice cream soup formulation product based on the overall parameter with the highest value is the first formulation (F1) with a value of 4.10. This value is higher than the F0 value of 3.87, so this product can be used as an alternative functional food for anemia sufferers.

Pelatihan dan Pendampingan Pemeliharaan, Intensifikasi, Rehabilitasi Tanaman Kakao Desa Rendenao Kecamatan Kotakomba Kabupaten Manggarai Timur

Cocoa is one of the dominant plantation crops in Rendenao Village, Kotakomba District. Rendenao Village, Kotakomba District, is one of the cocoa development areas in East Manggarai Regency. The planting area is quite satisfactory, but the yield and quality are still below the national average. The general aim of this activity is to build and develop farming communities through cocoa commodity businesses in order to produce quality and reliable human resources. Reliable human resources will be able to manage all existing natural resource potential to produce quality cocoa bean production, both in terms of production and productivity, so as to create added value and competitiveness according to market needs. Apart from that, in the long term it is hoped that this activity will be able to increase people's income and create jobs as well as being able to increase the competitiveness of the cocoa value chain by providing more business opportunities in the cocoa plantation subsector within it. East Manggarai Regency, especially Rendenao Village, Kotakomba District. The focus of implementing this service is increasing knowledge and skills capacity in managing cocoa gardens and plants, rejuvenating old plants, and improving the quality of harvests. During extension activities and field practices, cocoa farmers have been able to carry out cocoa maintenance practices, plant rejuvenation and post-harvest fruit processing practices. At least farmer groups will create demonstration plots to implement care, rejuvenation and post-harvest care which will then be compared with the results achieved conventionally. Apart from that, cocoa farmers are also trained in managing farmer groups. Where the harvest will be concentrated to be given fermentation and drying treatment simultaneously. Marketing will be done collectively, not individually. Collective sales will save transportation costs, so the sales value received will be higher.

Global transcriptome analysis reveals resistance genes in the early response of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to Colletotrichum lindemuthianum

BackgroundDisease can drastically impair common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production. Anthracnose, caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. and Magnus) Briosi and Cavara, is one of the diseases that are widespread and cause serious economic loss in common bean.ResultsTranscriptome analysis of the early response of common bean to anthracnose was performed using two resistant genotypes, Hongyundou and Honghuayundou, and one susceptible genotype, Jingdou. A total of 9,825 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) responding to pathogen infection and anthracnose resistance were identified by differential expression analysis. By using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), 2,051 DEGs were found to be associated with two resistance-related modules. Among them, 463 DEGs related to anthracnose resistance were considered resistance-related candidate genes. Nineteen candidate genes were coexpressed with three resistance genes, Phvul.001G243600, Phvul.001G243700 and Phvul.001G243800. To further identify resistance genes, 46 candidate genes were selected for experimental validation using salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). The results indicated that 38 candidate genes that responded to SA/MeJA treatment may be involved in anthracnose resistance in common bean.ConclusionsThis study identified 38 resistance-related candidate genes involved in the early response of common bean, and 19 resistance-related candidate genes were coexpressed with anthracnose resistance genes. This study identified putative resistance genes for further resistance genetic investigation and provides an important reference for anthracnose resistance breeding in common bean.

Pesticidal Plant Treatments Combined with Improved Soil Fertility Can Reduce Damage Caused by Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. phaseoli) and Bean Fly (Ophiomyia phaseoli) in Common Bean Production (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Pesticidal Plant Treatments Combined with Improved Soil Fertility Can Reduce Damage Caused by Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. phaseoli) and Bean Fly (Ophiomyia phaseoli) in Common Bean Production (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Percentage And Intensity Of Stick Cancer (Phythotora Palmivora. Butler) On Cocoa Plants (Theobroma Cacao) And Its Influence On Dry Cocoa Bean Production (Kg)

This study aims to determine the intensity and percentage of P. palmivora stem canker disease and identify the types of disease that occur on cocoa plant stems (Theobroma cacao) as well as the influence of the intensity and incidence of stem canker on stem canker disease. production of cocoa beans (T. cacao). The method used in this research is the observation method, the procedure for determining the research location was carried out by means of purposive sampling. The results of the research showed that the sample plants that were attacked by stem cancer showed symptoms of attack such as brown, purplish red stems, no holes, wet skin texture and black spots like rot. The highest percentage of stem cancer attacks was on plantation 3 at 37.78% and the lowest percentage of stem cancer attacks was on plantation 1 at 11.11%. The highest intensity of stem cancer attacks was on plantation 3 at 17.33% and the lowest intensity of stem cancer attacks was on plantation 1 (maintained) with an attack percentage of 6.39%. The results of observations on cocoa plant stem samples found a type of disease belonging to the Phytophthora palmivora fungus group at research locations 1, 2 and 3.

Associations between specific dietary patterns, gut microbiome composition, and incident subthreshold depression in Chinese young adults

IntroductionThe interplay between influential factors and the incidence of subthreshold depression (SD) in young adults remains poorly understood. ObjectivesThis study sought to understand the dietary habits, gut microbiota composition, etc. among individuals with SD in young adults and to investigate their association with SD occurrence. MethodsEmploying a cross-sectional approach, 178 individuals with SD, aged 18–32 years, were matched with 114 healthy counterparts. SD status was evaluated using the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Beck Depression Inventory 2nd version (BDI-II), the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scales of Depression (HAMD-17), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Metagenomic sequencing was utilized to identify fecal microbial profiles. Dietary patterns were discerned via factor analysis of a 25-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Logistic regression analysis and mediation analysis were performed to explore the potential links between gut microbiota, dietary patterns, and incident SD. ResultsData on dietary habits were available for 292 participants (mean [SD] age, 22.1 [2.9] years; 216 [73.9 %] female). Logistic regression analysis revealed that dietary patterns Ⅰ (odds ratio [OR], 0.34; 95 % CI, 0.15–0.75) and IV (OR, 0.39; 95 % CI, 0.17–0.86 and OR, 0.39; 95 % CI, 0.18–0.84) were associated with reduced risk of SD. Distinct microbial profiles were observed in young adults with SD, marked by increased microbial diversity and taxonomic alterations. Moreover, mediation analysis suggested Veillonella atypica as a potential mediator linking SDS or BDI-II scores with a healthy dietary pattern rich in bean products, coarse grains, nuts, fruits, mushrooms, and potatoes (β = 0.25, 95 % CI: 0.02–0.78 and β = 0.18, 95 % CI: 0.01–0.54). ConclusionsOur findings highlight the complex interplay between dietary patterns, gut microbiota, and the risk of developing SD in young adults, underscoring the potential for dietary interventions and microbiome modulation in mental health promotion.