Sugarcane Fiber Research Articles

Zinc hexacyanoferrate polyhedra coating at separator for a long-lasting LiV3O8 nanorods-based Zn-ion battery

We report herein on the use of a zinc hexacyanoferrate (ZnHCF) overlayer at the separator to obtain a long-lived non-aqueous zinc-ion battery (ZIB). The ZIB cathode is a composite of lithium vanadate (LiV3O8) nanorods and carbon flakes (CFs) derived from sugarcane fibers. The LiV3O8/CFs-ZnHCF-based ZIB delivers an outstanding capacity of 254 mAh g−1 (at 25 mA g−1) with ca. 91% capacity retention after 100 charge–discharge cycles and an energy density of 110 Wh kg−1, significantly enhanced compared to a cell without the ZnHCF layer (215 mAh g−1). The CFs additive not only improves the electrical conductivity of the LiV3O8 cathode and promotes ion/electron transport and kinetics, but, by virtue of its sheet-like structure, also accommodates the volume change to which LiV3O8 is subjected, thus restricting the pulverization/detachment of active material and to some extent suppressing capacity fade during cycling. However, the durability of the ZIB is more effectively enhanced by inclusion of the ZnHCF@separator. The ZnHCF layer efficiently confines the Zn2+ ions at the cathode, that is, blocks their uncontrolled diffusion into the electrolyte or towards the anode during discharge, but also allows the facile transport of Zn2+ ions during charging due to the presence of open channels in the rhombohedral lattice, which is confirmed by a high Zn2+ ion diffusion coefficient (>10−6 cm2 s−1). The ZIB LiV3O8/CFs-ZnHCF@separator/Zn(CF3SO3)2-acetonitrile/Zn outperforms its analogue devoid of a ZnHCF layer in terms of cycling stability, capacity, and rate performance. About 71% of initial capacity is retained at 125 mA g−1 after 500 charge–discharge cycles. The stable performance paves the way for the implementation of this new design involving the application of cost-effective, easy-to-apply, Zn2+-ion-conducting layers for developing high-performance ZIBs.

Forensic Analysis of Roof Deterioration Due to Condensation

Corrosion of the structural steel roof deck of large warehouses resulted in several invasive forensic investigations to determine the cause and mechanism of the corrosion. The warehouse roof investigation presented in this paper is one of many similar warehouses located near the Gulf of Mexico and along the Southern Atlantic Seaboard experiencing corroded roof decks when constructed using fiberboard roof insulation made from sugarcane fiber called bagasse. Consensus exists among individuals studying this phenomenon that the fiberboard became saturated with water, which dissolved formic and acetic acid from the fiberboard. The steel deck corroded when it came in contact with the acidic solution. There was little consensus regarding the mechanism by which water intruded into the roof assembly. Invasive investigation of the low-slope roofs of buildings with various types of insulation (including bagasse fiberboard) and observation of physical commonalities between the instances led to the following conclusion: Water in the roof assemblies did not result from leaks through a compromised roof membrane but rather from humid air infiltrating the roof assembly and condensing on the underside of the roof membrane.

Sugarcane Pulp Take-Out Containers Produce More Microparticles in Acidic Foods.

In the current study, the production of microparticles released from fifteen commercial sugarcane pulp (SCP) take-out containers into different food simulants under different conditions was investigated, where deionized water (DI water), 4% acetic acid (4% HAc), and 95% ethanol (95% EtOH) were used to simulate aqueous, acidic, and fatty foods, respectively. Results showed that compared with DI water and 95% EtOH, 4% HAc caused the degradation of sugarcane fibers, thereby releasing the highest number of microparticles. The overall migration values of the sugarcane pulp take-out containers in 4% HAc were above the prescribed limit of 10 mg/dm2. Furthermore, it was estimated that consumers may intake 36,400-231,700 microparticles in a take-out container at one time, of which the proportion of particles with a particle size between 10 and 500 μm was the highest, ranging from 26,470 to 216,060 items. Moreover, the Al and Fe are the main metals in these take-out containers, ranging between 35.16 and 1244.04 and 44.71 and 398.52 mg/kg, respectively, followed by Pb, Ti, and Sr. This study provides important information that the safety of both the production of microparticles and the metallic elements should be considered for SCP take-out containers when in contact with food.

Effects of microwave, ultrasound, and high-pressure homogenization on the physicochemical properties of sugarcane fibre and its application in white bread

Sugarcane fibre (SCF) is known as an insoluble dietary fibre and a by-product from sugar manufacturing industry. The physicochemical and structural properties of SCF were modified using microwave irradiation at 5% and 10% SCF for 5 and 10 min (MW5%,15m, MW10%,5m, MW10%,15m), ultrasound at 30% amplitude, 7% SCF, for 1.5 h or 3 h (US1h, US2h), and high-pressure homogenization at 1% SCF, 2000 bar for 1 and 2 passes (HPH1p, HPH2p). Different types of disruption on the morphology of SCF were observed with different physical treatments confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. HPH2p treated SCF exhibited the largest particle size, and highest water and oil-holding capacities. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that all physical treatments were able to reduce hemicellulose and enhance cellulose content in SCFs, especially for HPH treatments. After making dough and bread with treated and untreated SCF, HPH2p SCF incorporated bread had the firmest texture, followed by MW10%,15m, while these two samples have the lowest specific volume. The maximum height of bread was significantly lower in breads incorporated with HPH2p, US1.5h and US3h. Subsequently, glycemic response decreased in all SCF-incorporated breads compared to white bread reference.

Experimental Study of Sugarcane Bagasse Fiber with Rice Husk and Wood Powder Polymer Matrix Composite

ABSTRACT This research examines the mechanical, morphological, and moisture assimilation of composite materials built up from sugarcane bagasse fiber (SBF), rice husk (RH), and wood powder (WP) filler. Regular threads are now regarded as eco-friendly materials because of their sustainability. This article’s goal is to choose between two polymer structures with fiber and matrix: case 1 has epoxy (50%) plus sugarcane bagasse fiber (30%–45%) and wooden powder (5%–20%); case 2 has epoxy (50%) plus sugarcane fiber (30%–45%) plus rice husk (5%–20%). The impact of the mechanical test is compared to obtaining the best fiber volume fraction (Vf), and the failure of cracked surfaces and interfacial bonding analysis is done using SEM as a consequence of matrix cracking, void content, and fiber pullout. In order to get the characterization of materials, Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses were also performed. However, Sugarcane Bagasse Fiber, a single fiber, combined with an epoxy composite matrix demonstrated a strength of 14 to 18 Mpa and 230 to 250 g of weight. Nevertheless, when SBF was combined with hybrid materials like Rice Husk and Wood Powder, it demonstrated superior strength, with an estimate of 16 to 20 Mpa and a weight of 220 to 240 g.

Comparative Study of Chemically Treated Sugarcane and Kevlar Fiber to Develop Brake Resistance Composites.

Recently, much research has revealed the increasing importance of natural fiber in modern applications. Natural fibers are used in many vital sectors like medicine, aerospace and agriculture. The cause of increasing the application of natural fiber in different fields is its eco-friendly behavior and excellent mechanical properties. The study's primary goal is to increase the usage of environmentally friendly materials. The existing materials used in brake pads are detrimental to humans and the environment. Natural fiber composites have recently been studied and effectively employed in brake pads. However, there has yet to be a comparison investigation of natural fiber and Kevlar-based brake pad composites. Sugarcane, a natural fabric, is employed in the present study to substitute trendy materials like Kevlar and asbestos. The brake pads have been developed with 5-20 wt.% SCF and 5-10 wt.% Kevlar fiber (KF) to make the comparative study. SCF compounds at 5 wt.% outperformed the entire NF composite in coefficient of friction (µ), (%) fade and wear. However, the values of mechanical properties were found to be almost identical. Although it has been observed that, with an increase in the proportion of SCF, the performance also increased in terms of recovery. The thermal stability and wear rate are maximum for 20 wt.% SCF and 10 wt.% KF composites. The comparative study indicated that the Kevlar-based brake pad specimens provide superior outcomes compared to the SCF composite for fade (%), wear performance and coefficient of friction (Δμ). Finally, the worn composite surfaces were examined using a scanning electron microscopy technique to investigate probable wear mechanisms and to comprehend the nature of the generated contact patches/plateaus, which is critical for determining the tribological behavior of the composites.

Towards a bioeconomy: How sugarcane fibre price structure stimulates farm-level decisions and sugarcane biorefinery feedstock supply

Biorefineries are fundamental to support the development of bio-based economies. Further development of sugarcane biorefineries in South Africa is likely to involve the use of sugarcane fibre as a feedstock. The current cane payment system incentivises growers to supply sugarcane with high sucrose yield per hectare; consequently, they are unlikely to produce energy cane cultivars that have high yields of fibre per hectare and lower sucrose yields. Because economies of scale are central to the economic viability of biorefinery investments, sugarcane biorefinery businesses may be willing to use price mechanisms to increase their supply of sugarcane fibre. This research is a case study for the Eston milling area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It demonstrates the potential impact of changes in the price paid for fibre on the farm-level decisions pertaining to the area planted with cane, the optimal choice of cultivars, and its implication for the quantities of sugar and fibre supplied. Optimisation mathematical models representing a “typical sugarcane farm” were constructed for three agricultural areas using a representative farm level linear programming approach. Each farm model provides a baseline scenario with supply from conventional cane varieties and an alternative scenario including a hypothetical cultivar, energy cane. It was found that the introduction of a composite fibre price results in expansion of the area under cane, modifies enterprise and cultivar selection and increases biomass availability, hence revitalising the sector. This informs policy makers and stakeholders to carefully consider the impact of introducing certain strategies and policies on biorefinery biomass suppliers.

Effects of Incorporating Alkaline Hydrogen Peroxide Treated Sugarcane Fibre on The Physical Properties and Glycemic Potency of White Bread.

The consumption of dietary fibres can affect glycemic power and control diabetes. Sugarcane fibre (SCF) is known as insoluble dietary fibre, the properties of which can be affected by physical, chemical, and enzymatic treatments. In this study, alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) treatments were conducted over time (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 h) at 12.6% (w/v) SCF and the effects on the physicochemical and structural properties of the SCF were evaluated. After making dough and bread with the SCF, with and without AHP treatments, the glycemic responses of the bread samples were evaluated. Shorter durations of AHP treatment (0.5 and 1 h) reduced lignin effectively (37.3 and 40.4%, respectively), whereas AHP treatment at 1 and 3 h duration was more effective in increasing particle sizes (50.9 and 50.1 μm, respectively). The sugar binding capacity, water holding capacity (from 2.98 to 3.86 g water/g SCF), and oil holding capacity (from 2.47 to 3.66 g oil/g SCF) increased in all AHP samples. Results from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the polymorphism transition of cellulose (cellulose I to cellulose II). The morphology of SCF detected under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated the conversion of the surface to a more porous, rough structure due to the AHP treatment. Adding SCF decreased dough extensibility but increased bread hardness and chewiness. All SCF-incorporated bread samples have reduced glycemic response. Incorporation of 1, 3, and 5 h AHP-treated SCF was effective in reducing the glycemic potency than 0.5 h AHP-treated SCF, but not significantly different from the untreated SCF. Overall, this study aims to valorize biomass as AHP is commonly applied to bagasse to produce value-added chemicals and fuels.

Tannin improves the processability and delays the biodegradability of poly (lactic acid)‐starch‐based thermoset materials produced by injection molding made with renewable compounds

AbstractThe incorporation of tannin in bio‐composite biodegradable thermoset materials (BTM) based on poly (lactic acid), starch, sugarcane fiber, and nutrient compounds, to achieve an alternative material for conventional plastics processed by injection molding aiming environmental applications was investigated. The biodegradation of injection molded BTM dog‐bone shape specimens prepared with and without incorporation of 1% tannin extract was evaluated up to 60 days with overall characterization by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyzer, and X‐ray diffraction. The BTM produced with 1% tannin showed reduced molding defects with an increased productivity of up to 82%, improved mechanical properties and reduced biodegradation of samples buried in an organic substrate. Based on physicochemical characterization, the observed delay in biodegradation of BTM induced by tannin is suggested to result from its tight interaction with the starch and lignocellulosic fibers, acting as antimicrobial agent and reducing the hydrophilicity of blends. Natural polyphenols such as tannins are suitable additives to improve the processability of injection molded bio‐composites and to extend the lifetime of biodegradable materials subjected to contact with high microbial load substrates, such as pots and buckets used to grow plants.

Fibre fermentation and pig faecal microbiota composition are affected by the interaction between sugarcane fibre and (poly)phenols in vitro

We investigated the effects of (poly)phenol-rich sugarcane extract (PRSE), sugarcane fibre (SCFiber), and the combination of them (PRSE + SCFiber) on the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) production using in vitro digestion and pig faecal fermentation. Measuring total phenolic content and antioxidant activity through the in vitro digestion stages showed that PRSE + SCFiber increased the delivery of (poly)phenols to the in vitro colonic fermentation stage compared to PRSE alone. The PRSE + SCFiber modulated the faecal microbiota profile by enhancing the relative abundances of Prevotella, Lactobacillus, and Blautia, and reducing the relative abundance of Streptococcus. PRSE + SCFiber also mitigated the inhibitory effects of PRSE on SCFA production. These results suggest that the inclusion of sugarcane fibre with PRSE could increase the availability of phenolic compounds in the colon and modulate the gut microbiota towards a more favourable profile.

Studies on fly ash/coir/sugarcane reinforced epoxy polymer matrix composite

AbstractIn the past years studies were conducted on natural fibre reinforced polymer composites to observe their mechanical properties in order to decide their industrial applications. These composites have already been used in many applications from aerospace to sporting equipment. These green composites can be used as a replacement for synthetic composites. This is because the natural fibres are eco‐friendly, biodegradable, renewable, etc. In this work, an attempt is made to reinforce fly ash, coir fibre and sugarcane fibre with epoxy polymer matrix. Central composite design under response surface methodology (RSM), one of the approaches of design of experiments (DOE) is used to determine optimum sample preparation conditions of fly ash, coir fibre and sugarcane fibre. Both tensile and flexural (three‐point bending) tests are conducted on these fabricated composites to determine their materialistic characteristics. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is carried out using Minitab software to find the influence of fly ash, coir fibre, sugarcane fibre on composites. Regression equations obtained from analysis of variance is used to calculate values. Experimental and calculated values are compared and their error % are calculated and tabulated. Response surface optimization study is carried to find the optimized parameters of composites. It is observed that, increase in wt.% of coir fibre and decrease in wt.% of fly ash and sugarcane fibre, increases yield stress and these parameters have mixed impact on ultimate tensile stress. The addition of fly ash, coir fibre and sugarcane fibre in low percentages increases Young's modulus. Increase in wt.% of fly ash and coir fibre and decrease in wt.% of sugarcane, increases flexural modulus and flexural stress.

Manufacturing and Characterization of Polymer Concrete with Aggregate from Sand, Egg Shell and Sugarcane Waste with Epoxy Resin Binder as Sound Absorber

Environmentally friendly polymer concrete by utilizing waste has been widely developed, one of which is sugarcane fiber waste and egg shell powder. Utilization of this waste is not optimal, for that by being used as a filler in polymer concrete, it is expected that it will have a higher economic value. This study was to determine the composition of the epoxy resin binder and the mechanical characteristics of polymer concrete fabricated using sugarcane fiber waste with an epoxy resin adhesive. Variations in composition made of sand, egg shells (1 : 1) or (50 g : 50g), bagasse waste 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% of the total weight. Epoxy resin composition variation of 20%, 25% and 30% of the total weight of sand and egg shells. Then carried out the characteristics in the form of density test, water absorption, porosity, compressive strength and tensile strength. From the test results, the characteristics of polymer concrete have optimum values, namely density (1.76 g/cm3), water absorption (4.04%), porosity (5,252%), compressive strength (26,27 MPa), tensile strength (4,06 MPa). Of the three samples, the best in the A5 sample with a sound absorption coefficient of 0.237 met the requirements of ISO and ASTM C.384.

Immobilization of TiO2NP@ oxidized cellulose nanocrystals for paper-based active packaging materials

In the current work, we present a renewable alternative coating formulation made of durable titania nanoparticles and oxidized nanocellulose (TiO2NPs@OCNs) nanocomposites and sodium alginate (SA), to create an environmentally friendly and secure food packaging paper. OCNs sugarcane fibers are firstly hydrolyzed using ammonium persulphate (APS). Then, TiO2NPs@OCNs nanocomposites are made in situ with OCNs using a green water-based sol-gel synthesis. Gram (+) microorganisms as well as Gram (−) bacteria are used to test the antibacterial properties of the TiO2NPs@OCN dispersions. The results show that the TiO2NP@OCNs significantly decreases the growth for all bacterial species. The TiO2NP@OCNs nanocomposites are mixed with SA, and the resulting formulations are used to coat paper sheets. The corresponding physicochemical properties are evaluated using FTIR, TGA, AFM, SEM, and EDX. Furthermore, the mechanical strength, air permeability, and water vapor characteristics of the paper sheets treated with SA/TiO2NPs@OCN are carried out, resulting in a great improvement of these properties. Finally, the SA/TiO2NPs@OCNs coated papers have been used as packaging for strawberries. The findings demonstrate that coated papers could preserve strawberry quality better than unpacked fruit and extend strawberry shelf life from 6 to 18 days.

Experimental investigation on no fines concrete by addition of natural fibres

No fines concrete is a type of lightweight concrete that is made without the use of fine aggregates. In this experimental investigation, the effect of adding bamboo and sugarcane fibres on the mechanical properties of no fines concrete was studied. The specimens were prepared by replacing a portion of the coarse aggregates with 1.5% of bamboo and sugarcane fibres by volume. The specimens were tested for compressive strength and splitting tensile strength at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. The results showed that the addition of bamboo and sugarcane fibres improved the mechanical properties of no fines concrete. The optimal percentage of fibre content was found to be 1.5% by volume, which improved the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength by 23% and 18% respectively, compared to the control specimens. Additionally, the use o natural fibres in no-fine concrete can result in a more sustainable and eco-friendly construction material.

Computational Buckling Analysis of Epoxy-Based Composite Reinforced with Sugarcane Fiber, Fly-Ash, and Carbon Nanotube

Computational Buckling Analysis of Epoxy-Based Composite Reinforced with Sugarcane Fiber, Fly-Ash, and Carbon Nanotube

PREDICTION OF VIRTUAL FATIGUE PARAMETERS OF FLY ASH, BORON NITRIDE, AND SUGARCANE FIBER-REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITE

Composite materials are blended in such a way that their properties are multi-fold their components' properties. The use of green materials, as components, makes the product eco-friendly and that needs to prove product quality. This work identifies the fatigue limit of 3D-modeled composite laminate and virtually predicts the fatigue life cycle under a certain fatigue load. The 3D model is assigned with the properties of the different combinations of epoxy composite and fatigue analysis is carried out. The epoxy composite considered in the analysis has fly ash, boron nitride (BN), and sugarcane (SC) fiber as reinforcements. A central composite design (CCD) method under response surface methodology (RSM) has been used to develop the experimental trials. The regression equations of the RSM model are utilized to study the influences of reinforcements and their wt. % in the determined fatigue limit and fatigue life cycle. The results show that the fatigue limit of the composite is maximum when the wt. % of fly ash and BN is 2% and 1%, respectively. However, the fatigue life cycle is maximum with 2% wt. of sugarcane (1982 × 10<sup>3</sup> cycles) amidst minimum fly ash and BN. This work emphasizes the blending of specific wt. % of reinforcement in epoxy has significant control on the fatigue properties of the composites.

Preliminary Studies on Conversion of Sugarcane Bagasse into Sustainable Fibers for Apparel Textiles

Owing to increased environmental awareness and the implementation of stringent governmental regulations, the demand for the valorization of natural fibers has increased in recent years. Sugarcane bagasse after juice extraction could be a potential source of natural fibers to be used in textile applications. In this paper, sugarcane bagasse is converted to textile fibers. Sugarcane fibers are extracted through alkali and H2O2 treatment with varying concentrations (6, 10, 14) g/L and (8, 12, 16) g/L, respectively. To soften the fibers for textile use, extracted fibers were post-treated with a constant ratio of silicone softener (50 g/L). Treatment of sugarcane fibers with varying concentrations of alkali–H2O2 significantly influenced the fiber surface morphology. Furthermore, an increase in the crystallinity of extracted fibers was observed, whereas a reduction in fiber linear density from 54.82 tex to 45.13 tex as well as moisture regain (6.1% to 5.1%) was observed as the ratio of alkali–H2O2 treatment was increased. A notable improvement in overall mechanical strength was achieved upon alkali–H2O2 treatment, but at a higher concentration (conc.) there was a loss of mechanical strength, and the torsional and flexural rigidity also increased significantly. Based on the results, sugarcane fibers treated with 10 g/L NaOH, 12 g/L H2O2 and 50 g/L silicone softener showed the most optimum results. These sustainable fibers have the potential to be used in textile applications due to their enhanced softness, optimum moisture regain, and better mechanical properties.

Study on Tensile Properties of Fly Ash, Sugarcane Fiber and Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite Using Objective Evolutionary Algorithm.

Composite materials have a wide range of applications in emerging eco-friendly environments. Composites that created from naturally available materials are easily decomposed over time and very cost-effective. Fly ash and sugarcane fiber are widely available waste materials produced on a massive scale. This research was aimed to find an optimal mixture of reinforced composites (fly ash, sugarcane fiber and CNTs) in order to maximize yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and Young's modulus using a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm with Decomposition (MOEA/D). Optimizing one objective may have a negative impact on another objective, so the authors used the sophisticated MOEA/D algorithm to simultaneously find optimal values on all three objectives. The Design of Experiments (DOE) method was performed using ANOVA, and then regression equations were generated. The regression equations were optimized using the MOEA/D algorithm to obtain optimal values. Using the optimal compositional values produced by the algorithm, materials were fabricated. The fabricated materials were tested using a Shimadzu UTM machine to cross-validate the findings. A combination of 0.2 wt.% of fly ash, 2 wt.% of SCF, and 0.39 wt.% of CNTs showed a maximum yield strength of 7.52 MPa and Young's modulus of 1281.18 MPa, with a quite considerable ultimate tensile strength of 10.54 MPa compared with the optimized results obtained through the response surface methodology.

An Innovative Prototype of Insulated Lightweight Wall Panel

The construction industry's growth significantly affected the environment. Since global warming occurred, the drastic change in the weather has threatened the lives of living things. As a result, the effort to reduce the impact of global warming and construction work on the environment must be taken. This research introduced an innovative prototype proposed as an insulated lightweight wall panel. This research aims to produce an innovative product using sugarcane fibre as the insulation material. This research was conducted by assembling the prototype to test the prototype's performance. The result obtained by the experiment that was carried out meets the objective of this research. Finally, with the excellent performance shown by the product, this product has the potential to be introduced in the current market.

Genetic Improvement of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) Contributed to High Sucrose Content in China Based on an Analysis of Newly Developed Varieties

In China, sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) hybrid cross-breeding began in 1953; approximately 70 years since then, >100 commercial sugarcane varieties have been created. In this study, 88 commercial varieties bred in China between 1953 and 2010 and 12 original foundational varieties were planted to investigate the effect of improving sugarcane varieties in China. Considering 20 years as a time node, the commercial varieties were classified into four improved generations. Retrospective analysis showed significant improvements in sucrose and other technological characteristics of commercial sugarcane varieties. The adoption of improved varieties over generations has continuously increased sugarcane’s sucrose, juice sugar, and gravity purity, and the difference was significant between Gen1 and Gen3, and between Gen2 and Gen4. Gen4 showed 2.06%, 2.35%, and 3.69% higher sugarcane sucrose (p < 0.01), juice sugar (p < 0.01), and purity (p < 0.05), respectively, and 1.13% lower sugarcane fiber (p < 0.01) than Gen1, the original foundational hybrid varieties. The development of new varieties has improved the technological characteristics of Chinese sugarcane. Sugarcane sucrose, juice sugar, and purity showed an increasing trend. Sugarcane fiber content did not significantly change with the development of new varieties but declined in comparison with the original foundational hybrid varieties.