Sugar Industry Research Articles

Ethanol from Bagasse Obtained During Non-centrifuged Sugar Production. A Comprehensive Sustainability Analysis in the Colombian Context

AbstractThe production of biofuels is an alternative to reduce the impacts of the transformation of fossil fuel sources. In this work, the evaluation of ethanol production from the bagasse obtained during non-centrifuged sugar production (BNCS) to determine its sustainability in the Colombian context is proposed. Two pretreatments (i.e., dilute acid and alkaline) are proposed, followed by enzymatic saccharification to release glucose from cellulose. Both liquors rich in C6 sugars were followed by a fermentation stage with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the obtained ethanol concentration was measured. The process was simulated and evaluated to obtain metrics in technical, economic, environmental, and social terms. Also, an evaluation of the sustainability index of the process in the Colombian context was proposed. Diluted acid was the best processing pretreatment, reaching glucose and xylose concentrations of 15.13 g/L, and 12.15 g/L respectively, and a final ethanol concentration of 3.45 g/L. The technical analysis yielded results for Process Mass Intensity (PMI) of 38.14 and Renewable Material Index (RMI) of 5.09. The minimum process scale for economic feasibility (MPSEF) was 19.6 Ton/h. In this sense, the payback period and turnover ratio were 12 years and 35.01%, respectively. Values of 1.85 kg CO2 eq/kg ethanol for carbon footprint and 1.02 m3/kg ethanol for water depletion were also obtained. For the social analysis, the minimum-to-living wage ratio (M/L) was 1.03. Finally, the sustainability index was 75.19%, and the social and environmental values were the most influential aspects affecting the sustainability index. The results of this work allows a novelty vision related to the integral analysis of sustainability for one of Colombia’s native raw materials, and to propose viable solutions for its use, without threatening food security. Graphical Abstract

Understanding the role of porous particle characteristics and water state distribution at multi-scale variation on cellulase hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass

Porous particle characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass and the water state distribution surrounding particles determine enzyme/solute transfer, while inherently affecting the liquefaction and hydrolysis reactions. For submillimeter biomass particles (<500 μm), deep eutectic solvent pretreatment tended to create additional macropores (∼4%, pore volume of 4.3 mL/g) and micropores (∼3%, pore area of 2.26 m2/g) at the extragranular and cell wall scales, simultaneously with reducing particle size by 15%. The pretreated biomass exhibited preferential rapid liquefaction over sugar production, leading to a ∼70% reduction in particle size only after 3 h hydrolysis. This further increased particle porosity (∼85% after 12 h hydrolysis) with the transition from large surface-pores to interior micropores. The increases in the tissue/cell-scale pore size and intraparticle area had greater significance for improving hydrolysis performance than particle size reduction. Additionally, particle liquefaction released constrained water in capillary pores and enhanced slurry fluidity; capillary water and free water became main transfer carriers during the hydrolysis. Free water activity was positively related to sugar production (r = 0.80–0.85), and integrating it with particle component and porosity allowed for accurate prediction of hydrolysis yields (R2 = 0.98–0.99). Inspired by particle liquefaction, a short-time feeding strategy was proposed to reconstruct high-solid hydrolysis.

Additive-assisted passivating manipulation for printable carbon-based CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots solar cells with stacked structure

Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted attention as low-cost and facile fabrication process. However, the ionic nature of perovskite and nonradiative recombination at perovskite/carbon interface are present inevitable obstacles in approaching their highly efficiency. Herein, the multifunctional molecules of zinc oxalate is implanted into the precursor of perovskite to passivate defects and narrowing the interface energy barrier, and a flexible method of screen-printing employed in prepare stacked structure device ITO/SnO2/CsPbBr3•x % ZnOX //CQDs/ITO. In this regard, CQDs are used as carbon electrodes to replace expensive materials of hole transport layer and precious metal electrode, in which CQDs extracted from sugarcane molasses, a cheap by-product of native sugar industry. Additionally, the stacked structure composed of a photoanode (ITO/SnO2/CsPbBr3•x % ZnOX) and back electrode (CQDs/ITO) exhibits a promising prospect in photovoltaic application. Finally, the power conversion efficiency of 2 % ZnOX modified PSCs increases to 1.96 %, and the improvement rate has reached 1.54 times. In addition, modified PSCs with a greater stability compared with that of the control device. This work presents a useful approach to passivate defects and provides a cost-effective option to fabricate devices with stacked structure.

No support for the optimal allocation to indirect plant defenses mediated by ant-hemipteran interactions

The Optimal Defense Theory (ODT) postulates that reproductive structures should be more heavily defended because they contribute the most to a plant's fitness and have the highest probability of being attacked by herbivores. Ants can provide indirect defense to plants through their mutualistic interactions with hemipteran insects. In this well-studied interaction, ants provide protection to hemipterans against their natural enemies (e.g., predators and parasitic wasps) in exchange for the sugar-rich honeydew secreted by hemipterans. In turn, ants attending hemipterans can indirectly benefit plants by suppressing other harmful herbivores. Despite the numerous investigations of this ant-hemipteran mutualism, patterns of optimal allocation to indirect plant defenses mediated by this mutualistic interaction have not been previously investigated. In this study, we evaluated whether allocation to indirect plant defenses mediated by ant-hemipteran interactions and the effectiveness of such indirect defenses differ between vegetative branches (with only leaves) and reproductive branches (with leaves and inflorescences) of the tropical shrub Solanum lycocarpum. For this, we selected plants with aggregations of the ant-tended hemipteran Enchenopa brasiliensis in both reproductive and vegetative branches. We then estimated indirect defenses (measured as the production of sugar in the plant sap and hemipteran honeydew, as well as ant attraction), and their effectiveness in terms of plant protection by ants (measured as the damage and survival of leaf-chewing herbivores). Supporting ODT predictions, we found that the sugar concentration in the plant sap, and consequently in hemipteran honeydew, was higher in reproductive than in vegetative branches. However, the increase in sugar concentration in hemipteran honeydew did not result in greater ant attraction to reproductive branches. Additionally, contrary to ODT predictions, we found that ants attending hemipterans did not enhance plant protection against leaf-chewing herbivores on reproductive branches. Overall, our study demonstrated that the patterns of allocation to indirect defenses mediated by ant-hemipteran interactions in S. lycocarpum plants did not support the predictions of the ODT.

Evaluation of seed sett ages and stem segment position on sugarcane yield and yield related traits

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) plays a vital role in tropical and sub-tropical economies due to its high sucrose content, bioenergy potential, and drought resistance. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the effects of different seed sett (seed material) ages and variations in stem position of the seed setts on both yield and yield related traits of sugarcane cv. Khon Kaen3 (KK3). The experiment was laid out by 3×3 factorial in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Factor A represented sugarcane seed sett ages (8, 9 and 10 months old), factor B represented different stem positions where seed setts segments were sectioned out (basal, mid and top part) and- used as planting material (clones). Agronomic management was administered at recommended rates and the growth, development and yield traits were observed. The results showed that seed sett ages influenced the number of tillers at specific growth stages, while different segments affected leaf area (LA) and stalk fresh weight. Seed sett age and position showed significant interactions for some traits. Notably, juice yield was significantly affected by both seed sett ages and segments, with the combination of 10-month-old seed setts and the middle segment yielding the highest juice. Brix value, a crucial trait for sugar production, remained unaffected by these factors. Dry matter accumulation was inconsistent, with seed sett ages impacting stalk dry weight. In conclusion, the results showed that most growth and development traits were not influenced by seed sett ages and stem position segments, but most importantly juice yield at maturity was influenced by seed sett age and position of stem segments. These findings enhance our understanding of sugarcane cultivation practices, offering valuable insights for optimizing planting strategies in the sugarcane industry.

Enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis of corn stover by γ-valerolactone pretreatment and the characteristics of enzymatic residues

Efficient pretreatment methods are crucial for the generation of fermentable sugars from the renewable lignocellulose. In this study, γ-valerolactone (GVL), a biomass-derived green solvent, was used to fractionate corn stover (CS). The impact of different additives on the enzymatic hydrolysis and pretreatment of CS within the GVL/water system was carefully investigated. The results demonstrate that the use of H2SO4-assisted GVL/H2O (80:20, w/w) pretreatment at mild conditions successfully facilitates the depolymerization of CS, thereby improving the cellulase accessibility. Furthermore, by increasing the GVL pretreatment temperature to 160 °C with 100 mM H2SO4 addition, the pretreated CS led to nearly 100 % of hydrolysis yield at 2 % (w/v) solid load. Finally, the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed to evaluate the thermal decomposition characteristics of untreated CS and enzymatic residues based on the H2SO4-assisted GVL/H2O pretreatment. The results indicate that the enzymatic residues had two depolymerization stages from 200 °C to 500 °C with a final residual mass of 22.73 %, which was higher than that of untreated CS (20.56 %). Overall, this study provides an efficient lignocellulose pretreatment for fermentable sugars production and valorization of enzymatic residues.

The feasibility of using epoxy resin reinforced with sugar cane bagasse residue for a high performance coatings: a cost of goods sold and blue ocean analysis

The natural and biodegradable characteristics of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) make it a promising ingredient for composite materials. Researchers have explored ecological and low-cost materials, identifying SCB as a green option with low pollution levels. This study investigates the strategic position for SCB and epoxy composite when applied as high-performance coatings. Epoxy resin is valued for its adhesion, strength and durability. Integrating sustainable, cost-effective reinforcements is vital for enhancing these properties and reducing environmental impact. SCB, a sugar industry waste, has favorable characteristics like fibrous structure and polymer compatibility. In this research, SCB residue was processed and incorporated into epoxy resin. Both analisys the Cost of Goods Solds (COGS) and a Blue Ocean Strategy analysis identified new market opportunities, positioning this composite as a sustainable, high-performance solution in coatings. It´s relevant to point that SCB could offer substantial improves on corrosion resistance, offering a sustainable alternative with competitive performance and cost.

Pretreatment of Vine Shoot Biomass by Choline Chloride-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents to Promote Biomass Fractionation and Enhance Sugar Production.

Vine shoots hold promise as a biomass source for fermentable sugars with efficient fractionation and conversion processes. The study explores vine shoots as a biomass source for fermentable sugars through pretreatment with two deep eutectic solvents mixtures: choline chloride:lactic acid 1:5 (ChCl:LA) and choline chloride:ethylene glycol 1:2 (ChCl:EG). Pretreatment conditions, such as temperature/time, solid/liquid ratio, and biomass particle size, were studied. Chemical composition, recovery yields, delignification extent, and carbohydrate conversion were evaluated, including the influence of washing solvents. Temperature and particle size notably affected hemicellulose and lignin dissolution, especially with ChCl:LA. Pretreatment yielded enriched cellulose substrates, with high carbohydrate conversion rates up to 75.2% for cellulose and 99.9% for xylan with ChCl:LA, and 54.6% for cellulose and 60.2% for xylan with ChCl:EG. A 50% acetone/water mixture increased the delignification ratios to 31.5%. The results underscore the potential of this pretreatment for vine shoot fractionation, particularly at 30% solid load, while acknowledging the need for further process enhancement.

The Influence of Safety Leadership and Safety Climate on Safety Behavior is Mediated by Safety Motivation in Sugar Factory Employees

The sugar industry has complex production processes and involves various risks, including the high potential for employee accidents. To reduce this risk, the implementation of an effective work safety programme is required. This reserach aims to analyse the effect of safety leadership and safety climate on safety behaviour mediated by safety motivation in sugar factory employees. The method used is quantitative with data collection through questionnaires. The population of this study were all sugar factory employees in Indonesia, with a sample of 100 respondents selected using random sampling technique. Data analysis was carried out using Path Analysis in the SEM-PLS programme. The results showed that Safety Leadership and Safety Climate positively influence the Safety Behaviour of sugar factory employees. In addition, Safety Motivation mediates the influence of Safety Leadership and Safety Climate on Safety Behaviour, which indicates that Safety Motivation can strengthen the influence of these two factors on the safety behaviour of sugar factory employees. This reserach provides important implications for sugar factory management to pay more attention to aspects of motivation and safety climate to improve safety behaviour in the workplace.

Expression of Trichoderma spp. endochitinase gene improves red rot disease resistance in transgenic sugarcane.

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.)is an economically useful crop grown globally for sugar, ethanol and biofuel production. The crop is vulnerable to fungus Colletotrichum falcatum known to cause red rot disease. The pathogen hydrolyses stalk parenchyma cells where sucrose is accumulated resulting in upto 75% losses in sugar recovery. In this study, transgenic sugarcane having resistance against red rot was developed by introducing Trichoderma spp. endochitinase following Agrobacterium mediated transformation. The transgene introduction and expression in genetically modified plants were verified through qRT-PCR revealing upto 6-fold enhancement in endochitinase expression than non-transgenic plants. Hyperspectral Imaging of transgenic plants displayed altered leaf reflectance spectra and vegetative indices that were positively correlated with ransgene expression. The bioassay with virulent pathotypes of C. falcatumCF08 and CF13 known for epiphytotic occurrence resulted in identification of resistant plant Chit 3-13.The plants with higher reflectance also displayed improved disease resistance, implying their early classification into resistant/susceptible. The losses in sucrose content were minimized (up to 4-fold) in inoculated resistant plant Chit 3-13 as compared to susceptible non-transgenic plant, and a fewer pathogen hyphae were detected in vascular cells of the former through optical microscopy. The electron micrographs confirmed sucrose-filled stalk parenchyma cells in Chit 3-13; in contrast, cells of non-transgenic inoculated plant were depleted of sucrose. The active sites involved in cleaving 1-4 β-glycoside bonds of N-acetyl-d-glucosaminein the pathogen hyphal walls were detected through endochitinase protein structural modelling. The transgenic sugarcane is an important source for in trogressingred rot resistance in plant breeding programs.

Delphi/AHP-Based Method for Biomass Sustainable Assessment in the Sugar Industry

Multi-criteria methods are highly attractive tools to address the inherent complexity of evaluating problems in various scientific areas. The combination of methods such as Delphi/AHP is emerging as a robust alternative to evaluate the sustainability of renewable energy sources. In this theoretical-descriptive research, the use of the Delphi method is proposed to select criteria and sub-criteria to obtain a high level of reliability, while the AHP method is used to establish an order of preference among the alternatives analyzed. This process requires the support of a committee of experts, whose role is to identify the various biomass alternatives that can be used in the sugar industry, considering aspects related to sustainability. The selected experts have identified energy, exergy, and emergetic indicators, in which economic, environmental, and social aspects are integrated. The multi-criteria analysis shows that the V1 variant was the most satisfactory in terms of biomass sustainability, representing 45% and 53% of the overall priorities in the evaluated case studies. In addition, the sensitivity analysis under an equal-weighted scenario for both study cases evidenced that variant V1 acquired the highest score (38.17%) among all alternatives. Variant V4 achieved the second highest score (31.79%), while alternative V2 achieved only 29.04%, respectively. The integration of Delphi/AHP methods emerges as a novel tool to assess sustainability in different industries of the energy sector.

Enhanced production of bioethanol through supercritical carbon dioxide-mediated pretreatment and saccharification of dewaxed bagasse

The pretreatment and saccharification of dewaxed bagasse (DWB) has been investigated under various reaction conditions ranging 2000 to 3200 psi, at 70 ± 1 °C in supercritical carbon dioxide (SCC). This has been in attempt to transform the DWB into fermentable sugar and bioethanol in high yields. The effect of SCC mediated pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis on structural and morphological alterations in DWB has been ascertained through diverse analytical methods. The sugar has been released through cellulase (40 FPU/mL) mediated enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated DWB in sodium acetate buffer (pH 4.7) within 1 h at SCC 2800 psi, 70 ± 1 °C. The released sugar was subsequently fermented in the presence of yeast (Saccharomyces crevices, 135 CFU) at 28 ± 1 °C over 72 h to afford the bioethanol. The SCC mediated process conducted in acetic acid:water media (1:1) at 2800 psi, 70 ± 1 °C over 6 h has afforded the pretreated DWB with maximum yield towards the production of fermentable sugar and bioethanol. The production of fermentable sugar and bioethanol has been electrochemically estimated through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) over glassy carbon electrode in KOH (0.1 M). The electrochemical methods were found selective and in close agreement for estimation of the yields (%) of fermentable sugars and bioethanol. The yield (%) of fermentable sugar estimated from CV and SWV were 80.10 ± 5.34 and 79.00 ± 5.09 respectively. Whereas the yield (%) of bioethanol estimated from CV and SWV were 81.30 ± 2.78% and 78.6 ± 1.25% respectively. Present investigation delivers a SCC mediated green and sustainable method of pretreatment of DWB to afford the enhanced saccharification, to produce bioethanol in high yields.

Thin-Film Nanocomposite Membranes of Cellulose Nanocrystal/Silver (CNC/Ag) for Removal of Phenol Compounds

Bagasse is the sugar cane residue obtained from the sugar industry. It is produced in large quantities and used to make paper because of its fibrous structure. In the present research, sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was chemically treated with HNO3, NaOH, and a bleaching agent to recover 58% of the chemically purified cellulose (CPC), which was subsequently hydrolyzed with H2SO4 to form cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). The capacity of a composite membrane made of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) enhanced with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to extract phenols from petrochemical effluent was examined. The prepared membrane was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the white spot on the crystal surface suggested AgNP agglomeration on the CNC surface. The nanocellulose possessed crystallinity indices ranging from 21.9 to 33.1 nm, whereas the silver particles measured 23 and 62 nm. The high separation result of phenol obtained at casting composition of 14% Ag NPs reached 60% at an equilibrium time of 45 min and pH 9. The isothermal and kinetic analysis explained that the rate of adsorption process is the pseudo-second order and followed the Frendlich isotherm models. The CNCs generated using this approach were found to be less agglomerated and more crystalline, indicating a better potential as bio-nanocomposite materials for wastewater treatment.

EFFECTS OF ADDITION BAGASSE DEGRADANT BY CELLULOLYTIC BACTERIA Bacillus subtilis ON GROWTH MEDIA OF OYSTER MUSHROOM Pleurotus ostreatus

Background: Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) serves as a valuable resource for the sugar and beverage industries, a significant quantity of its by-product, bagasse, remains underutilized. A promising strategy for increasing the value of bagasse involves improving its substrate quality through the application of cellulose-degrading bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis. Methods: The objective of this research is to investigate the influence of bagasse degradant supplementation on the growth of oyster mushrooms. A randomized experimental design was employed to evaluate growth media containing varying concentrations of bagasse degradant (500, 600, 700, and 800 gram) in comparison to a control group. The study assessed the impact of bagasse degradant on pin diameter, fresh weight, dry weight, and water content, using ANOVA and the Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a significance level of 5%. Results: The study showed the addition of bagasse degradant affected the pin diameter, fresh weight, and dry weight of oyster mushroom. However, it is not effective towards the water content of oyster mushroom. Conclusion: The addition of bagasse degradant affected the pin diameter, fresh weight, and dry weight, whereas the water composition did not affected the growth of P. ostreatu

An improved industrial fault diagnosis model by integrating enhanced variational mode decomposition with sparse process monitoring method

With the continuous development of intelligent industrial processes, the sparse principal component analysis (SPCA), as a promising process monitoring method, has been widely used in the field of industrial fault detection. However, due to the inadequacy of data preprocessing and the insufficient detection accuracy for minor faults, the SPCA models exhibit obvious limitations in dealing with the processes with dynamic and temporal features. In this study, a Harris Hawk optimization method enhanced variational mode decomposition (HHO-VMD) coupled with the sliding window optimized adaptive SPCA (SWOASPCA) method is proposed to improve the fault detection performance of the SPCA models. In the HHO-VMD-SWOASPCA method, the process data is first preprocessed by adaptively and iteratively optimizing the number of modes and penalty terms in the VMD method via the Harris Hawk Optimization (HHO) method, and then the original SPCA model is combined with the sliding window method and the weight assignment strategy to enhance the model's adaptive capability and accuracy to detect minor faults. Moreover, an improved reconstruction-based contribution (RBC) method is presented to diagnose the detected faults for determining the fault causes. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by its application in the industrial sugar production process.

Molasses-based waste water irrigation: a friend or foe for carrot (Daucus carota L.) growth, yield and nutritional quality

Management of molasses-based wastewater generated in yeast and sugar industries is a major environmental concern due to its high chemical oxygen demand and other recalcitrant substances. Several strategies have been used to reduce the inland discharge of wastewater but the results are not satisfactory due to high operating cost. However, reuse of molasses-based wastewater irrigation in agriculture has been a major interest nowadays to reduce the freshwater consumption. Thus, it is crucial to monitor the impacts of molasses-based waste water irrigation on growth, metabolism, yield and nutritional quality of crops for safer consumer’s health. In present study, carrot seeds of a local cultivar (T-29) were germinated on filter paper in Petri dishes under controlled conditions. The germinated seeds were then transplanted into pots and irrigated with three different treatments normal water (T0), diluted molasses-based wastewater (T1), and untreated molasses-based wastewater (T2), in six replicates. Results revealed that carrot irrigated with untreated molasses-based waste water had exhibited significant reductions in growth, yield, physiology, metabolism, and nutritional contents. Additionally, accumulation of Cd and Pb contents in carrot roots irrigated with untreated molasses-based waste water exceed the permissible limits suggested by WHO and their consumption may cause health risks. While, diluted molasses-based waste water irrigation positively enhanced the growth, yield of carrot plants without affecting the nutritional quality. This strategy is cost effective, appeared as most appropriate alternative mean to reduce the freshwater consumption in water deficit regions of the world.

Efficient conversion of corn stover to glucose using alkaline DBU synergized glycerol-based deep eutectic solvent under mild conditions

Efficient pretreatment is crucial for the high-value and effective conversion of lignocellulose. However, the current glycerol-based deep eutectic solvent (DES-Gly) pretreatment method requires high reaction temperatures, considerable solvent usage, and yields low conversion efficiency. In this study, we investigated the pretreatment of corn stover with 1,8-diazobicyclic [5.4.0] undeca-7-ene (DBU) synergized with DES-Gly, which significantly enhances the glucose yield from corn stover. The strong synergistic effect of DBU and DES-Gly effectively removes lignin and substantially increases glucose yield. Under optimal conditions, 95.27 % glucose conversion could be achieved, even with the addition of only 2 FPU/mL of cellulase. The physicochemical properties of the DES-Gly solution and pretreated corn stover were analyzed using FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, and 1 H NMR characterization techniques. In addition, DES-Gly and DBU synergy mechanisms are further explored. Our work provides a mild, efficient and low-cost DES-Gly-based pretreatment method, introducing a new way for the catalytic conversion of lignocellulose to sugar production.

Circular Economy Implementation in an Organization: A Case Study of the Taiwan Sugar Corporation

The implementation of circular economy principles is increasingly seen as a viable way to promote sustainable development and reduce environmental impact. This case study examines the implementation of circular economy principles at the Taiwan Sugar Company (TSC), a leading sugar manufacturer in Taiwan. This study analyzes the company’s efforts to redesign its production processes, develop closed-loop systems, and promote resource efficiency. It also explores the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing circular economy principles in the sugar industry, such as the complexity of supply chains, the need for stakeholder engagement, and the availability of sustainable technologies. This study follows the principles of British standard 8001:2017 to implement the concept of a circular economy into the organization. This study finds that the Taiwan Sugar Company has made significant progress in implementing circular economy principles, including adopting renewable energy sources, using byproducts as raw materials, developing sustainable packaging solutions, and using the output products of the company to make another useful product for industrial or agricultural use. These initiatives will result in the reduction of waste, an increase in resource efficiency, and enhanced environmental performance. However, this study also identifies several challenges that the company faces in implementing circular economy principles, such as the lack of standardized regulations and guidelines, the need for investment in sustainable technologies, and the need for stakeholder collaboration. Overall, this case study provides valuable insights into the implementation of circular economic principles in the sugar industry and offers practical recommendations for other organizations seeking to adopt circular economy principles. This study highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement, technological innovation, and regulatory support in promoting a transition toward a more sustainable and circular economy.

Enhancing Soybean Growth with Phytohormone-enriched PGPR Bioinoculants and Biofertilizers in Plant Stress Physiology

Background: The present investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) bioinoculants and their carrier-based biofertilizers on the physiology of soybean. Methods: Seeds of two soybean varieties (cv. NARC-1 and cv. William-82) were either soaked in broth cultures of two PGPR strains, Planomicrobium chinense (MF616408) and Pseudomonas putida (KX574857), containing 106 cells/mL, or coated with biofertilizers. Three biofertilizers, namely biostimulant, biozote and biofert, were used. Result: Significant increases in root and shoot weight were observed with both liquid bioinoculants and carrier-based biofertilizers compared to the control. The consortium of P. chinense and P. putida resulted in the highest proline content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Biostimulant-treated plants exhibited higher catalase (CAT) activity and phenolics content. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA) levels were enhanced in plants treated with PGPR and biofertilizers. Specifically, P. chinense and the biostimulant significantly promoted IAA content in cv. William-82, while biozote and P. chinense treatments increased GA content in both varieties. The consortium of P. chinense and P. putida showed the lowest ABA levels. The highest IAA/ABA and GA/ABA ratios were observed in plants treated with P. chinense. Liquid bioinoculants had a more pronounced effect on plant growth than carrier-based biofertilizers, though biofertilizers had stronger residual effects on rhizosphere soil organic matter. The combined effects of phytohormones, sugar, protein and proline production and antioxidant enzyme activity influenced plant growth and development.

Analisis Profitabilitas Pelaku Usaha Gula Semut di Desa Serayu Larangan

Research objectives a) Identify the internal and external factors of ant sugar business actors in Serayu Larangan Village, Mrebet District, b) Find out the level of production, production costs, profits and profitability of ant sugar business actors in Serayu Larangan Village, Mrebet District. The research method used was a survey with location determination carried out purposively in Serayu Larangan Village, Mrebet District with a total of 3,831 productive coconut trees managed by 169 craftsmen with an average production reaching 115,050 kg. The sample was determined purposively as many as 20 ant sugar business actors who were considered to represent those who had been working in this profession for more than 3 years and also as their main livelihood. The type of data collected is primary and secondary data through interview, observation and documentation techniques. Qualitative and quantitative data processing techniques. Profitability is the ratio between profit/profit from sales of ant sugar. The results of the research show the identification of internal and external factors in the ant sugar business, including availability of land, availability of raw materials, skills of the perpetrator, availability of labor in the family and sources of capital, market demand, prices of ant sugar products tend to be high, technological developments, and the presence of competitors. from outside villages, and collaboration with outside. Ant sugar business actors in Serayu Larangan Village, Mrebet District have an average total cost structure of IDR 94,952.37,- with an average of IDR 159,732.50,-. The gain or profit was IDR 64,780.13, - with a profitability value of the ant sugar business actor of 68.22%, meaning that every time IDR 1.00 of production input is used, it will produce a profit of IDR 68.22.