Food Sources Research Articles

Composition and Potential Values of Species in the Agricultural Area of Kupang Indonesia

This research was conducted to investigate the composition and potential value of weeds species in an agricultural area of Kupang, Indonesia. Two sites (dry and wet site) were selected subjectively. In each site, three stands (100 m x 100 m) were placed subjectively and in each stand 25 plots (1 m x 1 m) were placed randomly (∑150 plots). In each plot, all weed present were recorded and their density and percentage cover calculated. Each species was grouped into broad-leaves, sedges, and grasses. To determine the potential value of the weeds, all weeds were grouped into whether they medicinal plants, animal feed or food ingredients. For each species, the number of individuals, dominance, frequency, and Importance Value Index (IVI) were calculated. Species diversity was also calculated using the Shannon-Wienner Diversity Index (H'). Overall, 46 weed species were found. The weeds with the highest IVI (>5.00%) were Panicum repens L (IVI 14.80%), Bolboschoenus maritimus L. Palla (IVI 10.32%), Alternanthera sessilis L (IVI 7.47%), Cyperus rotundus L, (IVI 6.97%), Digitaria ciliaris (IVI 6.69%), Cyperus elatus L (IVI 6.63%), and Ischaemum timorense Kunth (IVI 5.02%). In general, the composition of weeds between the dry and the wet sites were relatively different. Based on the number of species and diversity index, the weed community in the wet site was relatively higher than that in the dry site. Based on the IVI, the dry site tended to be dominated by grasses and broad leaves while the wet site tended to be dominated by sedges. Based on IVI, 42.80% of all the weed species present had the potential to be used as medicinal plants, 39.81% as animal feed, and 17.39% as human food. Overall, most weed species studied had the potential to be used as medicinal plants, animal feed, and food ingredients. The potential of this weed needs to be studied more deeply in the future, including their use as an alternative source of medicine and food, especially as demand increases in the future.

Variations on the chemical compositions of chestnut fruits collected at different locations

Chestnut is an essential food source in many countries. Nutritional quality and potential health benefits of Anatolian chestnut trees (Castanea sativa Mill.) have led to increased concern and interest in chestnut production. However, knowledge of the factors that influence the chemical content of chestnut fruits still needs to be improved. Thus, the chemical compositions were evaluated for Anatolian chestnut fruits collected at 14 different locations in northern Türkiye, which is one of the biggest chestnut producers in the world. The effects of latitude, longitude, altitude, aspect, mean annual temperature (°C) (TMA), and mean annual precipitation (mm) (PMA) of the study locations on the chemical compositions of chestnut fruits were monitored. The effects of these parameters on several chestnut characteristics were examined using a mixed-effects multiple regression model. Latitude, longitude, TMA, and PMA were correlated with the mean concentrations of sucrose, free amino acid, glycine betaine, nitrogen (N) (%), and total carbon (C) (%) of the chestnut samples. The moisture content of the fruits was affected by longitude. The antioxidant and mineral content of the chestnut samples also varied by location. These findings may be helpful in site selection, production, and conservation of chestnut cultivars.

Effect of hot red pepper supplementation and different storage time on hens egg quality

Introduction. Eggs are a food source of protein that easily deteriorates during storage. Supplementation of hot red chilli pepper powder rich in bioactive compounds in diets for laying hens can improve egg quality and prevent egg deterioration during storage. Objective. To determine the effect of hot red pepper powder supplementation and different storage times on the physical egg quality of laying hens. Materials and methods. This study was conducted from January to March 2024 at the Research Barn of PT. Agromix Lestari Group, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Eighty 56-week-old Novogen laying hens (1681 ± 64 g) were assigned into four dietary treatments (4 replications, 5 hens per replication): basal diet as control (P0); basal diet + 0.25 % hot red pepper powder (P1); basal diet + 0.5 % hot red pepper powder (P2); and basal diet + 0.75 % hot red pepperpowder (P3). At the end of week 6, one egg per replicate group was collected and analyzed for physical quality in three storage treatments: fresh condition (S0), one week storage (S1), and two weeks storage (S3). Egg quality data were analyzed with a factorial experimental design (4 x 3) using SPSS 26 software. Results. Supplementation of 0.5 % hot red pepper powder significantly increased egg weight. Hot red pepper addition and treatment duration significantly affected egg yolk colour. The hot red pepper treatment group showed significantly lower pH of albumen and yolk. Conclusions. The supplementation of hot red pepper powder in laying hens diets has been shown to improve the egg yolk color. The inclusion of 0.5 % in the ration was able to keep the pH of yolk and albumen low.

Sea Vegetables: An Alternative Food Source: A Review

Seaweeds or sea vegetables are the non-traditional vegetables largely produced and consumed by China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and other island countries. They are rich in essential nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, amino acids etc. making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Moreover, they have low caloric content and are free from cholesterol, essential for weight management and heart-healthy diets. Additionally, sea vegetables contain unique bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Globally the demand for seaweed as vegetables along with its several value-added products are increasing day by day. The cultivation of seaweed is cost effective as it does not require seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, no freshwater and arable land. Sea vegetables can serve as bio filters by absorbing excess nutrients from aquatic ecosystems, thus promoting environmental sustainability in coastal aquatic system. To combat hunger, achieve food security and protect the environment, it is crucial to create public awareness on the health benefits and nutritional value of sea vegetables. More in-depth research and developments are required to commercialize, explore the diversity of sea vegetables, develop innovative culinary applications and establishment of quality and safety standards. The present review works highlights a comprehensive overview of seaweed diversity, nutritional composition, health benefits, diverse uses, cultivation methods and potential for developing processed products for food and agricultural industry.

The Physicochemical and Nutritional Analysis of Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera) Extracted from the Tall Tree Variety

Aims: Coconut (Cocos nucifera) known as the ‘tree of life’ is an ancient fruit belonging to the palm family Arecaceae family and the only species in the genus Cocos. This study aims to characterize and show the nutritional qualities of coconut oil from the tall tree variety. Methodology: The production methods include natural Fermentation, centrifugation, freeze-thawing, and solvent extraction. In physical and chemical properties, the moisture content, impurity, specific gravity, refractive index, oil yield, flash, fire, smoke point, melting point, thiobarbituric acid number, saponification, peroxide, iodine, and fatty acid value were analyzed and all fall within close ranges. Results: The fat-soluble vitamins ranged from 18.65 ± 5.09 (vitamin A), 4.28 ± 0.68 (vitamin E), 4.11 ± 3.11(vitamin D) and 1.03 ± 0.21 (vitamin K) all in mg/100ml. Mineral analysis shows that coconut oil contains calcium, zinc, and iron with concentrations of 2.53 ± 0.23, 1.21 ± 0.19, and 0.53 ± 0.13 in mg/100ml respectively. Fatty acid analysis shows that coconut oil contains lauric, myristic, palmitic, caprylic, oleic, capric, stearic, linoleic, and caproic acid of which lauric acid was the highest with a range of 48.40 ± 0.23. Conclusion: The result shows that coconut is a good source of nutrients and the fatty acids make it a good moisturizer.

Antimicrobial and Phylogenomic Characterization of Bacillus cereus Group Strains Isolated from Different Food Sources in Italy.

Background:Bacillus cereus is a widespread environmental Gram-positive bacterium which is especially common in soil and dust. It produces two types of toxins that cause vomiting and diarrhea. At present, foodborne outbreaks due to Bacillus cereus group bacteria (especially Bacillus cereus sensu stricto) are rising, representing a serious problem in the agri-food supply chain. Methods: In this work, we analyzed 118 strains belonging to the Bacillus cereus group, isolated from several food sources, for which in vitro and in silico antibiotic resistance assessments were performed. Results: Many strains showed intermediate susceptibility to clindamycin, erythromycin, and tetracycline, suggesting an evolving acquisition of resistance against these antibiotics. Moreover, one strain showed intermediate resistance to meropenem, an antibiotic currently used to treat infections caused by Bacillus cereus. In addition to the phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profile, all strains were screened for the presence/absence of antimicrobial genes via whole-genome sequencing. There was inconsistency between the in vitro and in silico analyses, such as in the case of vancomycin, for which different isolates harbored resistance genes but, phenotypically, the same strains were sensitive. Conclusions: This would suggest that antibiotic resistance is a complex phenomenon due to a variety of genetic, epigenetic, and biochemical mechanisms.

An outbreak of acute diarrhoeal disease caused by Shigella sonnei in a village in Dibrugarh district, Assam.

Background & objectives Food and waterborne illnesses remain a neglected public health issue in India. Events with large gatherings frequently witness outbreaks of acute diarrheal diseases due to consumption of contaminated food or water or poor food handling practices. In the present study, an outbreak of acute diarrhoeal disease (ADD) occurring among the attendees of a birthday party in rural Dibrugarh district in the northeastern Indian State of Assam was investigated. Methods Sociodemographic information along with details of ADD outbreak that included information about source of foods, food handlers, illness details, etc., were collected using an outbreak investigation form for descriptive and analytical epidemiology. Rectal swabs from affected individuals and food handlers were collected along with bore-well water samples and tested in the laboratory by performing bacterial culture, biochemical analysis and polymerase chain reaction. Due to the delayed report on the outbreak, collecting leftover food for laboratory testing and analysis was impossible. Results A total of 25 cases of ADD had similar signs and symptoms. The mean incubation period for developing acute diarrhoea was 26.36±8.76 (± standard deviation) hours from food consumption. The overall attack rate was 60.04 per cent (25/41); 20 per cent (5/25) required hospitalization. Thirteen rectal swab samples were tested for pathogens and found positive for Shigella sonnei. Antibiotic susceptibility test of isolated S. sonnei showed resistance to nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime. Consumption of one of the food items - chicken curry was significantly associated with illness (Odds Ratio=14.8; 95% Confidence Interval: 2.75-85.11); P value<0.05 and Population Attributable Fraction (PAF) was 70.18 per cent. The water samples were found satisfactory for human consumption. Interpretation & conclusions The findings suggested that S. sonnei infection could be implicated in the investigated food-borne diarrhoeal disease outbreak and that there was a potential for human-poultry cross-infection. Additionally, the study revealed concerning levels of S. sonnei resistance to recommended antibiotics and drew attention to their public health relevance.

Antinutrients in Halophyte-Based Crops

The cultivation of halophytes is an alternative approach to sustain agricultural productivity under changing climate. They are densely equipped with a diverse group of metabolites that serve multiple functions, such as providing tolerance to plants against extreme conditions, being used as a food source by humans and ruminants and containing bioactive compounds of medicinal importance. However, some metabolites, when synthesized in greater concentration above their threshold level, are considered antinutrients. Widely reported antinutrients include terpenes, saponins, phytate, alkaloids, cyanides, tannins, lectins, protease inhibitors, calcium oxalate, etc. They reduce the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients from the diet and also cause serious health problems. This review focuses on antinutrients found both in wild and edible halophytes and their beneficial as well as adverse effects on human health. Efforts were made to highlight such antinutrients with scientific evidence and describe some processing methods that might help in reducing antinutrients while using halophytes as a food crop in future biosaline agriculture.

Micromorphological and Phytochemical Evaluation of Heliotropium rariflorum Stocks From Karak, Pakistan

Abstract Micromorphological and phytochemical studies play a major role in quality control and standardization of traditional or herbal medications. In the present research, micromorphological assessment of Heliotropium rarifloum stocks was performed through light and scanning electron microscopies (LM &amp; SEM). The anatomy of leaves, stem and root showed salient histological features. Both surfaces of the leaves had setose glandular trichomes measuring 20–38 × 6–15 µm. The lower epidermis had comparatively a maximum anomocytic stomata (16–35) and stomatal index (12–33). The mature pollen grains were small (74 µm) and spheroidal shaped, with psilate exine (2 μm) sculpturing. Vein termination and vein islet number of the upper epidermis were 5–20 and 5–15, respectively. The palisade ratio of the leaf lamina for the upper and lower epidermis was 2–10 and 2–8. LM and SEM of the powdered samples displayed crystals, phloem fibers, xylem, vessels, sieve tube elements, companion cells, and tracheids. Extractive values determination, fluorescence, and phytochemical analysis were employed for quality control according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Phytochemical screening revealed various secondary metabolites. It is suggested that H. rariflorum might be a reliable source of nutrients and secondary metabolites and might be more medically effective. The current findings confirm its standardization and validation.

Experiences of ecosystem changes on food services of mopane woodland communities in Vhembe, South Africa

Mopane woodlands have been shifting. While it is important to understand the spatial patterns that characterise this phenomenon, it is even more important to understand the impacts of shifting Mopane woodlands on rural communities that rely on them. This study sought to establish the impacts of shifting mopane woodlands on the production of indigenous plant food in Ward 12 of Musina local municipality in the Vhembe District municipality in the Limpopo province of South Africa. To accomplish this, the study utilised a hybrid inductive approach involving thematic-based questionnaire interviews and an exploratory view to gain insight into the narratives of focus group participants. Results revealed that seven (7) out of eleven (11) indigenous plant foods are becoming extinct, thereby limiting food sources of indigenous and local people who used to rely on them. The spatial pattern of the plant foods that are still available has now changed as they no longer grow within the reach of local communities. The community members are struggling to adapt to these changes. From these observations, we recommend that local and regional levels’ policies related to natural resource management should consider the unique challenges faced by communities experiencing disruptive ecosystem changes and provide the necessary support for sustainable adaptation.

High levels of the health-relevant antioxidant selenoneine identified in the edible mushroom Boletus edulis

BackgroundSelenoneine, the selenium analogue of the sulfur antioxidant ergothioneine, has been ascribed a multitude of beneficial health effects. Natural nutritional sources for this selenium species are, hence, of high interest. So far marine fish is the only significant selenoneine source consumed by larger parts of the population worldwide. MethodsAs selenoneine and ergothioneine share their biosynthetic pathways and transport mechanisms and the popular edible porcini mushroom Boletus edulis is rich in ergothioneine and selenium, we conducted a preliminary study investigating a composite sample of two specimens of B. edulis for their selenoneine content by HPLC coupled to elemental and molecular mass spectrometry after aqueous extraction. ResultsSelenium speciation analysis by HPLC-ICPMS revealed that ca. 860 µg Se kg−1 wet mass (81 % of the total Se) co-eluted with a selenoneine standard and a minor selenium species with Se-methylselenoneine. The presence of selenoneine was rigorously proven by HPLC-ESI-Orbitrap MS. The selenoneine content of the investigated specimens of B. edulis was higher than that of commonly consumed muscle of marine fish species, like tuna or mackerel. ConclusionThis is the first report of a terrestrial food source containing significant selenoneine levels. Our results suggest that B. edulis might represent a complementary natural supply with this health-relevant selenium species for humans.

Comparative study on metabolites, nutrients, and antioxidant capacity of endosperm in Gymnocladus chinensis, Gleditsia sinensis, and Gleditsia japonica var. delavayi

‘Zaojiaomi’ is a traditional food derived from Gleditsia sinensis or Gleditsia japonica var. delavayi endosperm. However, metabolite profile of Gymnocladus chinensis endosperm and its comparison to the aforementioned species remains understudied. This research employed a UPLC-MS based metabolomics approach to investigate and compare metabolite composition of G. chinensis endosperm with that of G. sinensis and G. japonica endosperm. A total of 1177 metabolites were identified, with 579 and 577 differentially abundant metabolites found between G. chinensis vs. G. japonica and G. chinensis vs. G. sinensis, respectively. They were mainly enriched in pathways related to flavonoid biosynthesis, suggesting potential for enhanced antioxidant activity, compared to G. japonica and G. sinensis. Additionally, G. chinensis endosperm was found to be rich in L-arginine, L-aspartic acid, and zinc elements, which have various health benefits. These findings provide valuable insights into metabolic composition of G. chinensis endosperm and its potential as a functional food source.

Millets: a nutritional powerhouse for ensuring food security.

Millets are important food source to ensure global food and nutritional security and are associated with health benefits. Millets have emerged as a nutritional powerhouse with the potential to address food security challenges worldwide. These ancient grains, which come in various forms, including finger millet, proso millet, and pearl millet, among others, are essential to a balanced diet, since they provide a wide range of nutritional advantages. Millets have a well-rounded nutritional profile with a high protein, dietary fiber, vitamin, and mineral content for optimal health and wellness. In addition to their nutritional advantages, millets exhibit remarkable adaptability and durability to various agroecological conditions, making them a valuable resourcefor smallholder farmers functioning in resource-poor regions. Promoting the growth and use of millet can lead to several benefits that researchers and development experts may discover, including improved nutrition, increased food security, and sustainable agricultural methods. Therefore, millets are food crops, that are climate smart, nutritional, and food secured to feed the increasing global population, and everyone could have a healthier, more resilient future.

Laboratory maintenance and care of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and other Triatominae

Abstract Triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) are hematophagous insects that transmit Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent for Chagas disease, to humans and other mammals. As medically important vectors, species such as Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) have long been used as a model organism for physiological studies. Laboratory rearing of triatomines is needed to support vector and parasite research. Many environmental conditions, such as suitable housing containers, light source and duration, temperature, humidity, and density, must be addressed when adapting triatomines from a natural habitat for artificial rearing to create conditions for optimal growth and survival. Food source is also an important factor, as triatomines are considered the obligate blood feeders. Parasites and pathogens present risks not only for triatomines but also for the laboratorians handling them. Equipping an insectary space should apply best practices to ensure community, personnel, and insect health. Various triatomine colonies have been maintained in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Entomology Branch insectary for over 25 years and have more recently been made available to the research community through the Biodefense and Emerging Infections Research Resources Repository (BEI Resources). The CDC Rhodnius prolixus genome has been characterized and thus represents an opportunity for continued model organism research. In addition to fulfilling requests for live triatomines, inquiries are received for support in establishing new and troubleshooting existing laboratory colonies. To accompany the extensive MR4 manual, Methods in Anopheles Research, procedures for triatomine husbandry have been developed and are shared here to address the aforementioned topics.

A new species of Platypterygius (Ophthalmosauridae) from the lower Barremian of Colombia and assessment of the species composition of the genus

In this paper, we describe a new ophthalmosaurid specimen found in the lower Barremian beds of the Paja Formation at Villa de Leiva, Boyacá, Colombia. The specimen represents a new species of Platypterygius, P. elsuntuoso sp. nov. defined by three unique features within the genus: a small ventral peg in the anterior ventral border of the extracondylar area of the basioccipital; a supratemporal groove in the quadrate; and a shallow neck at the base of the acellular cementum ring on the teeth root. In support of our taxonomic determination, in this contribution we also assess the species composition of the genus Platypterygius, comparing the known anatomy of the type species P. platydactylus with that of the other species previously assigned to the genus. We found that a great morphological affinity in the forelimb of the species P. americanus, P. australis, P. hercynicus, and P. sachicarum (lower Barremian to lower Cenomanian) with that of the type species (Aptian) is unquestionable and differentiate them from all other ophthalmosaurids. Three new diagnostic features (synapomorphies of the genus) support their inclusion in Platypterygius. Consequently, the genus name “Kyhytysuka”, recently proposed to differentiate P. sachicarum from the genus Platypterygius is here rejected. A careful comparison of the cranial characteristics of Platypterygius specimens preserving associated cranial and fin remains demonstrate that Platypterygius is a genus distinguishable from other ophthalmosaurids not only by a typical forelimb but also by a particular combination of skull features. In this context, the skull morphology of “Simbirskiasaurus” concurs with that defining Platypterygius and its minor differences are not sufficient to support its generic distinction. The morphological comparisons and our phylogenetic analysis show the new species P. elsuntuoso more closely related to the Colombian species P. sachicarum than to other species of Platypterygius. Given that the new species came from the lower Barremian and P. sachicarum came from the upper Barremian, the minor differences in dentition found between the two species suggest a speciation by adaptation to new food sources in the Cretaceous epicontinental sea of Colombia.

Stopover by migrant Montagu's Harriers in the Thar Desert is determined by vegetation greenness and grasshopper abundance but not locust outbreaks

Food availability is an important criterion for migrant birds' decision to stay or leave a stopover site. This can vary depending on the conditions at the site. The Thar Desert of the Indian subcontinent is a major stopover area for birds wintering further south in the region. The desert is also prone to stochastic outbreaks of desert locusts that often coincide with the stopover time of migrating birds. Between 2017 and 2022, we tracked nine tagged Montagu's Harriers (Circus pygargus) using PTT and GPS-GSM transmitters to determine if the stopover duration at stopover sites in the desert is influenced by the availability of migratory locusts or resident grasshoppers and the strategies the birds employ, such as, foraging over a wide area or multiple sites to ensure refuelling during stopover. The mean stopover duration during the 2019 peak locust outbreak was 12 days compared to 18 days in other years. Birds did not track locust occurrence deliberately and preferred to stopover at the same sites each year, irrespective of locust outbreaks. The stopover duration at stopover sites appears to be linked to arrival date, vegetation greenness (NDVI) and marginally to grasshopper abundance. We conclude that the stochastic availability of locusts at stopover sites may provide only an opportunistic source of abundant food for migrant harriers and does not seem to affect their stopover duration. Instead, they choose a more stable strategy of relying on resident grasshoppers, less prone to strong fluctuations in abundance and distribution at the stopover sites.

Modeling Behavior of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in Raw and Processed Vegetables.

Given the persistent occurrence of foodborne illnesses linked to both raw and processed vegetables, understanding microbial behavior in these foods under distribution conditions is crucial. This study aimed to develop predictive growth models for Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in raw (mung bean sprouts, onion, and cabbage) and processed vegetables (shredded cabbage salad, cabbage and onion juices) at various temperatures, ranging from 4 to 36 °C. Growth models were constructed and validated using isolated strains of Salmonella spp. (S. Bareilly, S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium) and L. monocytogenes (serotypes 1/2a and 1/2b) from diverse food sources. The minimum growth temperatures for Salmonella varied among different vegetable matrices: 8 °C for mung bean sprouts, 9 °C for both onion and cabbage, and 10 °C for ready-to-eat (RTE) shredded cabbage salad. Both pathogens grew in cabbage juice at temperatures above 17 °C, while neither demonstrated growth in onion juice, even at 36 °C. Notably, Salmonella spp. exhibited faster growth than L. monocytogenes in all tested samples. At 8 °C, the lag time (LT) and specific growth rate (SGR) for Salmonella spp. in mung bean sprouts were approximately tenfold longer and threefold slower, respectively, compared to those at 10 °C. A decrease in refrigerator storage temperature by 1 or 2 degrees significantly prevented the growth of Salmonella in raw vegetables. These findings offer valuable insights into assessing the risk of foodborne illness associated with the consumption of raw and processed vegetables and inform management strategies in mitigating these risks.

Relative abundance of a mesocarnivore in a human-dominated, semi-arid rangeland in Namibia

Mesocarnivores fill important roles in ecological communities globally, but their distribution and abundance are often understudied. Many species have historically been regarded as vermin and subject to lethal control due to their role in livestock predation. Identifying the factors influencing mesocarnivore populations can help disentangle their relationship within ecological communities and inform conflict mitigation and conservation priorities. To help identify these factors, we used camera traps to study the community of medium and large mammals in four communal conservancies of northeastern Namibia covering the wet and dry seasons using 99 and 97 camera trap stations, respectively. We modelled black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) abundance using the robust Royle-Nichols model. Black-backed jackal were widespread, with a mean per site abundance of 2.01 (SD=0.66) in the wet season and 2.41 (SD=0.49) in the dry season. Black-backed jackal showed seasonally contrasting covariate associations, with lower abundance in areas with medium and large-sized wild prey during the wet season, and higher abundance in areas with more villages and close to African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) dens in the dry season. We identified localized hotspots of black-backed jackal abundance during the dry season, which may indicate that when resources are scarce, black-backed jackals rely on anthropogenic food sources despite an elevated risk for conflict, and on carcass remains from African wild dog kills. These findings highlight potential drivers of mesocarnivore abundance that would be obscured in a conventional occurrence modelling framework, and illustrate how local abundance may be influenced by seasonal variability, wild and anthropogenic food sources, and a likely facilitative relationship with a large carnivore. Further investigations in areas with more complex carnivore guilds and higher density of dominant predators are needed to understand black-backed jackal-African wild dog interactions and impacts on population dynamics.

Acartia tonsa grazing on the harmful dinoflagellate Dinophysis acuminata reduces copepod survival and increases extracellular toxin concentrations

Dinophysis spp. synthesize lipophilic toxins and form harmful algal blooms (HABs) across the globe. Zooplankton can play a role in controlling HABs and be a vector for HAB toxins; however, no study has explored the grazing and survival of copepods fed cultured Dinophysis. Here, the copepod Acartia tonsa isolated from New York, USA, was fed 3 strains of D. acuminata from the eastern USA (Massachutsetts, New York, Virginia), as well as 2 non-toxic prey (Rhodomonas salina and Gymnodinium aureolum). Grazing and survival rates of A. tonsa were quantified along with toxins. A. tonsa fed on D. acuminata at rates similar to R. salina and G. aureolum. Mixed-prey experiments suggested that D. acuminata was not acutely toxic to A. tonsa. Extracellular levels of okadaic acid (OA) significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) and extracellular pectenotoxin (PTX2) increased by 50% upon exposure to copepods, suggesting that grazers stimulated extracellular toxin release. During 3 wk survival experiments, copepods consuming D. acuminata as a sole food source displayed significantly lower survival rates compared to those fed a control diet of R. salina (p &lt; 0.05). This depressed survivorship was ameliorated by feeding the copepods a diet of D. acuminata mixed with G. aureolum, suggesting that nutritional deficiencies drove mortality. Since grazing on Dinophysis may be low when prey abundance is low, reduced grazing may contribute to bloom development; however, as blooms intensify, grazing may increase, potentially causing a reduction in copepod survival and continued bloom progression. Finally, grazing-induced increases in OA and PTX2 could enhance the introduction of Dinophysis-derived toxins into food webs.

The Effect of Weathering Conditions in Combination with Natural Phenomena/Disasters on Microplastics’ Transport from Aquatic Environments to Agricultural Soils

Concern over microplastics (MPs) in the environment is rising. Microplastics are generally known to exist in aquatic settings, but less is known about their occurrence in soil ecosystems. When plastic waste builds up in agricultural areas, it can have a negative impact on the environment and food sources, as well as have an indirect effect on all trophic levels of the food chain. This paper addresses the relationship between microplastics and the management of plastic waste, which contributes to their accumulation, and it describes the sources and the movement processes of microplastics in agricultural soils as a result of natural events and disasters. Evaluating the impact of weather on coastal microplastic contamination is critical, as extreme weather events have become more frequent in recent years. This study sheds light on how weather patterns affect the dispersion of plastic waste in terrestrial habitats, including the impacts of seasonality and extreme weather. According to the results of this review, typhoons, monsoons, rainfall, and floods contribute significantly more microplastics to the surface sediment through surface runoff and wind transport, particle redistribution caused by agitated waves, and fragmentation under intense abrasion forces. Severe weather conditions have the potential to disperse larger and more varied kinds of microplastics.