Abstract The mechanical and morphological characteristics of Ananas comosus (pineapple leaf fiber, PLF) and Saccharum officinarum (sugarcane bagasse fiber, SBF), both obtained from post-harvest agricultural waste, were investigated in order to ascertain the optimal alkali treatment conditions for high-performance bio-composite reinforcement. Tensile testing, SEM-EDS, FTIR, and XRD studies were used to assess untreated and NaOH-treated fibers (4.9–6.2%) using ASTM C1557-20 single-fiber testing techniques. Alkali treatment enhanced surface roughness, decreased fiber diameter, and eliminated surface contaminants. Diameter reduction is very concentration-dependent, with the most noticeable effects at 6% for PLF and 5.0–5.4% for SBF, according to Dunn's post hoc analysis. For PLF and SBF, the ideal tensile strength was attained at 5.7% and 5.8% NaOH, respectively. Improved crystallinity and the elimination of non-cellulosic components were verified by structural and chemical analyses. This study's novel contribution is the identification of a narrow window of optimal NaOH concentration using fine 0.1% increments, which captures subtle morphological and mechanical transitions not previously reported. It also establishes a direct correlation between controlled surface modification and tensile performance for both fibers. These results show that carefully controlled alkali treatment can greatly enhance PLF’s and SBF's reinforcing potential, offering a refined processing approach for upcoming bio-composite applications. This work contributes to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the valorisation of agricultural waste fibres, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by enabling mechanically reliable bio-reinforcements, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by supporting renewable alternatives to synthetic fibres.

In agriculture, weeds are commonly viewed as nuisances that compete with main crops for resources like air, nutrients, light, and space, potentially reducing plant productivity. However, weeds also play a crucial role in ecosystems, contributing to soil fertility through organic matter decomposition, soil erosion prevention, acting as habitats for beneficial insects, and other benefits. Especially for human welfare, for new food and medicine sources. This is in line with the goals of SDGs 2 and 3. This study is concerned with the advantages of weeds in sugarcane fields. Observation conducted in lowland and highland fields. Vegetation analysis using the quadrat method by a 1x1 meter quadrat. There are 3 replications for each sample. Identification of weeds for significant benefits if properly utilized from the literatures. 10 from 13 species in lowland are useful for medicine. They are Ageratum conyzoides, Portulaca oleracea, Digitaria ciliaris, Phyllanthus niruri Linn., Eleusine indica, Trianthema portulacastrum, and Crassocephalum crepidioides. Meanwhile, from the highland can be found Mimosa pudica L., Cyperus rotundus, Cayratia trifolia, and Montanoa hibiscifolia Benth. All of the 11 weeds in highland have potential for medicine. They are Mimosa pudica L., Amaranthus tricolor L., Ipomoea obscura, Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass., Chromolaena odorata, Eleusine indica, Cyperus rotundus, Cayratia trifolia, Modiola caroliniana, Digitaria sanguinalis, Montanoa hibiscifolia Benth. So, majority of weeds in lowland and highland fields are used as medicines. Other utilized as pesticides, soil conservation, biological agencies, livestock feed, fertilizer, ornamental plants, and food. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 2: Zero HungerSDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Squash ( Cucurbita maxima Duch. and Cucurbita moschata Duch.) remains an underutilized vegetable crop in Uganda, despite its nutritional and potential economic benefits. Squash is grown at a subsistence level with minimal input, and unimproved cultivars and prolonged drought challenge its production. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of cultivar selection and soil mulching with straw on squash yield, marketability, and gross margin across 2 years: Oct 2020 to Feb 2021 (year 1) and Oct 2021 to Feb 2022 (year 2). Field trials were conducted in two subcounties of the Kamuli District, Butansi and Namasagali, in Eastern Uganda, in a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement of treatments and replicated four times in each location and year. The main plot included soil mulching (+/−) using dried sugarcane ( Saccharum officinarum L.) straw, and subplots included four cultivars: two hybrids, ‘Arjuna F1’ and ‘Pujinta F1’ ( C. moschata ), and two open-pollinated, ‘Orange Flesh’ and ‘Mayford’ ( C . maxima ). Hybrid cultivars had the highest total yields, marketable fruit numbers, and weights compared with open-pollinated cultivars during both years in Namasagali subcounty field plots and in Butansi subcounty plot in year 2. Mulched plots had the highest total and marketable fruit numbers and weights in both locations during year 2 and in Butansi subcounty in year 1. Gross margins were higher in mulched plots in years 1 and 2 in Namasagali and in year 1 in Butansi subcounties. Mulched plots had lower aboveground weed biomass and soil temperatures than nonmulched plots. The adoption of hybrid squash cultivars combined with straw mulch presents a viable strategy for enhancing the sustainability of agricultural production in Eastern Uganda. This approach demonstrates significant potential for enhancing yield, improving fruit marketability, and increasing gross margin.

Optimization of a High-Efficiency Single-Cell Regeneration System in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) via Hormonal Regulation and Physiological Characterization.

The Amazon Deforestation Arc remains a critical region for environmental governance, where land-use strategies must consider distinct legal and institutional frameworks across the Amazon and Cerrado biomes. This study applies the Potential Productivity Model (M3P), a theoretical radiation-based framework, to estimate the upper physiological limits of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) productivity on degraded pastures within the Arc of Deforestation. The model integrates satellite-derived solar radiation with climatic variables to quantify potential productivity under optimal biophysical conditions, providing an objective benchmark for planning-oriented bioenergy assessments. Estimated potential yields range from 153 to 178 t·ha−1·yr−1, consistent with global reference values reported for sugarcane in high-radiation environments and relevant for informing public policies such as Brazil’s Agroecological Zoning of Sugarcane. The results demonstrate that agroclimatic potential alone is insufficient to guide land-use decisions. While degraded pastures associated with the Cerrado biome may accommodate sugarcane cultivation as part of productive land recovery strategies, areas belonging to the Amazon biome require priority actions focused on ecological restoration through agroforestry and integrated crop–livestock–forest systems. Overall, the M3P model offers a scalable and scientifically grounded decision-support framework for strategic planning in environmentally sensitive tropical regions.

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), as a long-duration and nutrient-intensive crop, is particularly susceptible to micronutrient depletion, especially under intensive cultivation. Despite the essential roles of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) in plant growth and metabolism, their management is often neglected, and their residual effects on ratoon crops remain underexplored. The present study aims to optimize Zn and B supplementation to enhance yield and quality in plant cane while assessing their carry-over effects on ratoon productivity for improved and sustainable micronutrient management in tropical agroecosystems. Field experiments were conducted at three sites on the College Farm, NAU, Navsari during the winter seasons from 2017 to 18 to 2019–20 for plant cane and from 2018 to 19 to 2020–21 for ratoon cane, to evaluate the direct effects of B and Zn application on plant sugarcane and their residual effects on ratoon sugarcane. The treatments included four levels of boron (0, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 kg ha⁻¹) and four levels of zinc (0, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kg ha⁻¹), applied along with the recommended dose of fertilizers. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications, and the data were subjected to pooled analysis of variance over the years. Significant individual effects of boron and zinc on sugarcane growth and yield was observed. Millable cane height, weight, and the yield of cane and green trash were significantly higher with a B application of 3 kg ha-1 and a Zn application of 10 kg ha-1. Nutrient application influenced the chemical composition of sugarcane, increasing brix (%), sucrose (%), and commercial cane yield (%), particularly at the same application rates. Nutrient content and uptake in sugarcane, specifically nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P₂O₅), potassium (K₂O), boron (B), and zinc (Zn) increased significantly with the application of boron at 3 kg ha-1 and zinc at 10 kg ha-1. No noticeable interaction effect was observed between B and Zn on the yield and quality parameters of both the sugarcane and its ratoon.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-29338-y.

Plant-Parasitic Nematodes (PPNs) Associated with Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) in Selected Areas of Northern Cebu, Philippines

Performance, carcass traits and meat quality of lambs fed sugarcane silage (Saccharum officinarum) with or without Tithonia diversifolia

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) cause yield losses in various crops worldwide. Damage due to PPNs can be severe, causing billions of dollars of crop losses across the globe annually. Information about PPNs occurrence in Mozambique is limited. Based on the literature, twenty-five genera of PPNs have been reported to affect several economically important crops, including root-knot nematodes (RKNs, Meloidogyne spp.), Scutellonema spp., root-lesion nematodes (RLNs, Pratylenchus spp.), spiral nematodes (Helicotylenchus spp.), and the dagger nematode (Xiphinema spp.), which are commonly associated with crops such as banana (Musa spp.), cassava (Manihot esculenta), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), maize (Zea mays), sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Dissemination of these nematodes is not yet fully understood, but the importation of plants, roots, rhizomes, and/or seeds likely contributes to the introduction and spread of PPNs. Although the implementation of PPN-mitigation strategies is crucial to crop production, their application is still limited in Mozambique, with quite a few reported uses of nematicides in the Manica and Maputo provinces. Therefore, adopting integrated management strategies that combine two or more practices, such as biological control, crop rotation, organic amendments, soil solarization, and, as a last resort, chemical nematicides, may be an option to effectively reduce the population of PPNs. This review gathers information on the occurrence and management of PPNs, as reported to date in Mozambique.

Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining oral health through its cleansing, buffering, and remineralization functions. Children aged 11–12 years are at high risk of dental caries due to the frequent consumption of sugary foods and inadequate oral hygiene practices. Adequate saliva production and stable pH are key factors in preventing caries. Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), a plant rich in fiber and sucrose, has the potential to increase saliva volume and pH through mechanical stimulation. This study aims to evaluate the effects of chewing sugarcane on saliva volume and pH in children aged 11–12 years. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pre-test and post-test approach. The sample consisted of 45 elementary school students who met the inclusion criteria. The intervention involved chewing 50 grams of sugarcane for 5 minutes. Saliva volume was measured using the draining method, while saliva pH was assessed using a pH meter. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon statistical test. The results showed that the average saliva volume significantly increased from 0.94 ± 0.81 mL to 2.41 ± 1.86 mL (p < 0.05). However, the change in saliva pH from 7.07 ± 0.28 to 7.1 ± 0.47 was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, chewing sugarcane effectively increases saliva volume but does not significantly affect saliva pH. Sugarcane has potential as a natural material to enhance saliva production, which can support oral hygiene. However, the sucrose content in sugarcane should be considered due to its potential for bacterial fermentation. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of chewing sugarcane on overall oral health.

This study aimed to determine an appropriate planting density for twin-row sugarcane cultivation during the immature phase under rainfed conditions, with the goal of improving agronomic performance. A randomized complete block design was employed, consisting of six treatments and three replications. The evaluated planting densities included twin rows spaced at 0.4 m and 0.5 m, combined with inter-row distances of 1.1 m, 1.3 m, 1.4 m, and 1.5 m. Observations focused primarily on growth parameters, weed infestation, and ground cover. Results indicated that planting density had no statistically significant effect on growth parameters across treatments. However, treatments T3 (twin-row spacing of 0.4 m; inter-row spacing of 1.4 m; middle inter-row spacing of 1.8 m) and T6 (twin-row spacing of 0.5 m; inter-row spacing of 1.3 m; middle inter-row spacing of 1.8 m) enhanced several agronomic traits, including the number of stalks, stools, and ratoons, as well as the soil ground cover.

The genomic footprints of wild Saccharum species trace domestication, diversification, and modern breeding of sugarcane.

Agricultural simulation models have become increasingly vital in modern agricultural production due to their wide range of applications. To fully harness their potential in predicting crop growth and yield under specific agro-climatic conditions, local calibration and validation are essential. This paper explores the use of the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT)-CANEGRO model as a tool to enhance and streamline sugarcane yield estimation within the agro-climatic context of the Isabela Mill District. The genetic coefficients of the Phil 99-1793 variety were calibrated using local agronomic, weather, and soil data from the Isabela State University Research and Development Station. Model validation was subsequently conducted across five field sites in Echague, Isabela, for two cropping seasons: newly planted fields (2023-2024) and first ratoon fields (2024-2025). Calibration results showed strong agreement between observed and simulated data, with R2= 0.92, RMSE= 0.35m, d=0.85 for stalk height, and R2= 0.81, RMSE= 8.72 TC ha-1, and d=0.89 for fresh cane yield. Validation for newly planted fields produced satisfactory predictive performance (R2= 0.83, RMSE= 9.8 TC ha-1, d=0.89). These results highlighted that the DSSAT-CANEGRO model is reliable for estimating sugarcane yield for newly planted fields in the district under normal growing conditions. However, its ability to simulate yields affected by extreme weather events remains limited due to the absence of submodules that can capture typhoon-induced damage, leading to significant overestimations during the 2024-2025 cropping year. Keywords: Genetic Coefficients, Phil 99-1793, Pooled Validation, Model Performance, Yield Simulation

Drought significantly impacts nutrient use efficiencies and sugarcane biomass. Interspecific hybridization between Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum spontaneum may improve drought resistance and enhance nutrient use efficiency. This research enhances the understanding of nutrient (N, P, and K) use efficiency and the biomass of interspecific hybrids and commercial sugarcane genotypes under early drought and recovery. The experiment was conducted using a split plot in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replications. The main plot consisted of two water regimes (well-watered, WW, and early drought stress, DS), whereas the subplot consisted of six diverse sugarcane genotypes. Biomass, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), phosphorus use efficiency (PUE), and potassium use efficiency (KUE) were measured 6, 8, and 12 months after transplanting (MAT). The results showed that drought reduced NUE, PUE, KUE, and biomass in all sugarcane genotypes throughout the drought period at 6 MAT. F03-362 and KK09-0358 had high biomass and NUE under drought stress. Meanwhile, F03-362 displayed consistently high biomass, NUE, PUE, and KUE during the recovery phase (8 MAT) as well as at 12 MAT under DS conditions, whereas TPJ04-768 showed high biomass only at 12 MAT. These contrasting responses highlight the important implications of selecting parental genotypes to improve nutrient use efficiency and biomass under early drought stress.

IntroductionSugarcane is a critical global crop, primarily used for sugar production, with applications spanning the food, industrial, and pharmaceutical sectors. Improving nutrient efficiency in sugarcane varieties is essential to enhance yield, ensure sugar security, and improve nutritional value.MethodsThis study analyzed 109 sugarcane stem segment samples to assess major (magnesium, calcium, phosphorus) and trace (manganese, iron, copper) nutrient content, along with SNP genotyping data. Two multi-model Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) approaches—MLM_Q+Kinship and MLM_PCA+Kinship—were employed to identify SNPs associated with nutritional traits.ResultsUnder a P-value threshold of <10⁻⁴, the MLM_Q+Kinship approach identified SNPs linked to several traits, including total sugar (4), nitrogen (7), phosphorus (179), potassium (4), sulfur (41), magnesium (26), calcium (20), and silicon (66). Similar results were obtained with MLM_PCA+Kinship. A stricter threshold (P < 1.53×10⁻⁶) yielded 59 reliable "Peak" SNP loci, which explained over 15% of phenotypic variance. Notably, SNPs 3B_33126337 and 5C_64683842 were strongly associated with magnesium, calcium, and iron utilization. Genotypic analysis revealed superior nutrient accumulation in genotypes TT (3B_33126337) and AA/AG (2D_29369331, 3B_14919731). Bioinformatics analysis identified 12 candidate genes involved in magnesium, calcium, and manganese metabolism, linked to pyruvate metabolism, purine metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. RT-qPCR analysis confirmed significant expression differences in three genes (Sspon.003B0015150, Sspon.002D0013560, and Sspon.003B0007030) between genotypes, suggesting their potential as key targets.ConclusionThese findings provide valuable genetic markers and candidate genes for the development of nutrient-efficient, high-yield sugarcane varieties, contributing to advancements in both agriculture and nutrition.

Comparative elucidation of functional metabolites in fermentation byproduct of Nata de Saccharum derived from sugarcane juice (Saccharum officinarum L.)

Silicon (Si) is a relatively novel element that has found widespread application in various fields. Gibberellic acid (GA3) is known to induce different physiological traits in a variety of plants. While Si and GA₃ independently improve plant performance, their interactive mechanisms and potential synergy are poorly understood. In the present study, different treatments of GA3 (0, 10, 20, 50, 75 and 100ppm) and Si (50ppm) were applied as foliar and soil irrigation on sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L. cv. GT55) plants at specific time intervals, such as 60 and 90days. The result findings indicated that the application of foliar and soil irrigation containing GA3 and Si notably enhanced and/ or stabilized enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities, i.e., soluble protein, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, proline, ascorbate, glutathione, oxidized glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, dehydroascorbate, and plant hormones, such as indole-3-acetic acid, abscissic acid, and gibberellic acid in sugarcane plant leaves and roots after foliar and soil irrigation application. The results showed that the interactive applications of GA3 and Si were not harmful to sugarcane plants, and positively affected their growth and development. The simultaneous application of Si and GA₃ is a safe and highly effective strategy to upregulate sugarcane growth and metabolic regulation. This innovative approach presents sustainable technology to enhance crop productivity and contribute to global food security goals without relying on conventional chemical inputs.

Potential of bionematicides in suppressing Pratylenchus zeae and changing the bacterial community in the rhizosphere of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are a major constraint to black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in Espírito Santo (ES), Brazil. No state-wide comprehensive surveys have been conducted so far, and the influence of crop rotation and resistance evaluation is not explored. To address these gaps, 253 root samples were randomly collected from plants across four key microregions of ES. Species diversity, mix-population, and distribution were determined using a polyphasic approach that combined esterase isozyme phenotyping with mitochondrial COII and NADH5 sequencing. In addition, the resistance of the main cultivars 'Bragantina BR-124' and 'Kottanadan' was evaluated using the reproduction factor (Rf), while the influence of preceding crops on nematode occurrence was assessed through a Chi-square test of independence (χ²) and correspondence analysis. Meloidogyne spp. were detected in 94% of the samples (240/253), with mixed infections in 26.7% (64/240) of the fields distributed across 16 municipalities using esterase electrophoresis test. Three species were identified: M. arenaria (88/240), M. incognita (80/240), and M. javanica (8/240). Statistical analyses revealed strong associations between preceding crops and nematode occurrence, particularly M. javanica with papaya (Carica papaya) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), and M. incognita with robusta coffee (Coffea canephora). Resistance screening showed that 'Bragantina BR-124' and 'Kottanadan' were immune to M. enterolobii (Rf = 0), resistant to M. paranaensis (Rf < 1), moderately resistant to M. javanica (Rf = 1.09 and 1.56), but highly susceptible to M. arenaria (Rf = 9.19 and 3.48) and M. incognita (Rf = 4.87 and 2.55). These findings establish the first state-wide baseline for Meloidogyne diversity, distribution, and cultivar resistance in black pepper and demonstrate the critical role of land-use history in shaping nematode communities. The exceptionally high incidence of Meloidogyne spp. in ES black pepper fields is likely linked to the use of infected planting material and preceding crops, underscoring the urgent need for certified nematode-free seedlings, nursery monitoring, and breeding programs incorporating resistance from wild Piper accessions to ensure the long-term sustainability of black pepper cultivation.

ABSTRACT Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is an important crop in India and its cultivation plays an important role in the country's economy. Rhizosphere microbiome plays a critical role in plant health, nutrient acquisition, and productivity. In this study, we investigated the rhizosphere microbiota of high- and low-yielding sugarcane fields using 16S rRNA gene (Ribosomal RNA gene) based high-throughput sequencing. The results revealed a diverse microbial community that present in high- and low-yield sugarcane, dominated by bacterial phyla such as Proteobacteria, Firmicutes_A, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteriota, Patescibacteria, Firmicutes_D, Acidobacteriota, and Chloroflexota. High-yielding sugarcane in Shamli district was enriched with plant growth-promoting genera such as Azospirillum, Burkholderia, Mesorhizobium, Sphingomonas, Sphingobium and Rhizobium, whereas low-yielding sugarcane in Hapur district was dominated by Thiobacillus. This study highlights the importance of rhizosphere bacteria in sustainable sugarcane farming. To increase sugarcane yield, this study offers a foundation for developing microbial consortia of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs) that can be helpful in enhancing crop productivity.