Sugar Yield Research Articles

Developing a new ethylene glycol/H2O pretreatment system to achieve efficient enzymatic hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse cellulose and recover highly active lignin: Countercurrent extraction

Improving pretreatment efficiency is a critical premise in achieving efficient biomass conversion, and obtaining high-performance natural polymers is the guarantee of high-value conversion of biomass. In this study, a new pilot-scale continuous countercurrent pretreatment reaction unit about ethylene glycol-alkali solution was designed for pretreating sugarcane bagasse in order to achieve efficient separation of the three major components of lignocellulose when expanding the scale of pretreatment, reduce lignin deposition on the fiber surface, and obtain highly active lignin and excellent enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of cellulose. X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), brunauer-emmett-teller (BET) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) methods are used to analyze the structural properties of sugarcane bagasse before and after pretreatment, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is used to analyze the monosaccharide components in the enzymatic solution. In addition, the structural properties of the recovered lignin are analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), 31P NMR and 2D-HSQC-NMR methods. The results indicate that the system can gain a high cellulose recovery of 92.99% along with a lignin removal of 95.33%, and recovered lignin has low lignin carbohydrate complexes, low condensation, and rich in phenolic hydroxyl groups for 1.95 mmol/g. Meanwhile, the countercurrent pretreatment system can effectively reduce the deposition of lignin on the cellulose surface, which is evidently superior to the non-countercurrent pretreatment and facilitates the efficiency of enzymatic saccharification of substrate, achieving a high glucose yield of 99% as well as a total sugar yield of 91.11%. The method efficiently separates biomass in a green manner, and solid residues are easily hydrolyzed, showing potential for industrial-scale production.

Expression of dehydroshikimate dehydratase in poplar induces transcriptional and metabolic changes in the phenylpropanoid pathway.

Modification of lignin in feedstocks via genetic engineering aims to reduce biomass recalcitrance to facilitate efficient conversion processes. These improvements can be achieved by expressing exogenous enzymes that interfere with native biosynthetic pathways responsible for the production of the lignin precursors. In planta expression of a bacterial 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase in poplar trees reduced lignin content and altered the monomer composition, which enabled higher yields of sugars after cell wall polysaccharide hydrolysis. Understanding how plants respond to such genetic modifications at the transcriptional and metabolic levels is needed to facilitate further improvement and field deployment. In this work, we acquired fundamental knowledge on lignin-modified poplar expressing 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase using RNA-seq and metabolomics. The data clearly demonstrate that changes in gene expression and metabolite abundance can occur in a strict spatiotemporal fashion, revealing tissue-specific responses in the xylem, phloem, or periderm. In the poplar line that exhibited the strongest reduction in lignin, we found that 3% of the transcripts had altered expression levels and ~19% of the detected metabolites had differential abundance in the xylem from older stems. The changes affected predominantly the shikimate and phenylpropanoid pathways as well as secondary cell wall metabolism, and resulted in significant accumulation of hydroxybenzoates derived from protocatechuate and salicylate.

Effects of pretreatment on the microcharacterization and fermentation of bamboo shoot shells

This study focuses on the pretreatment and characterization of natural fibers from the bamboo shoot shell (BSS) of Phyllostachys heterocycla to determine their suitability as biorefining materials. The discarded bamboo shoot shell was used as a source of fibers, which were analyzed for their physical, chemical, and microstructure properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectra, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that a mixture of sodium hydroxide immersion plus high-pressure steam treatment allowed the cellulose structure to be disrupted, providing more adsorption sites for cellulases. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) also showed that the pretreatment exposed the internal structure of the fibers and that high-mass silicon compounds were present in the eluted solution. After adding the cellulase produced by Trichoderma viride and Aspergillus niger, the reducing sugar yield was increased by 268% and 251%, compared to unpretreated BSS fibers. This strategy may apply to many industries, especially biorefining and lignocellulose biotransformation technology.

Effect of Sugarcane Varieties and Milling Delay Time on Cane Sugar Yield

Effect of Sugarcane Varieties and Milling Delay Time on Cane Sugar Yield

Investigating chemical pre-treatment methods: Valorization of wheat straw to enhance polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production with novel isolate Bacillus paranthracis RSKS-3

Wheat is a crucial food crop worldwide, generating straw upon post-harvest. The straw is often burned to enhance soil fertility, leading to massive air pollution. In this study, wheat straw was investigated for the production of Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) using the novel isolate Bacillus paranthracis RSKS-3. The wheat straw was pulverized and valorized with different acids (2 % and 4 % H2SO4, acetic acid, and hydrochloric acid) and alkalis (2 % and 4 % NaOH, calcium carbonate, and potassium hydroxide). The validation of carbohydrates was done using the Molisch test by analyzing purple-ring production and the DNS test which concluded 4 % H2SO4 as an effective treatment with a maximal sugar yield of 5.04 mg/mL at P < 0.05. The bioconversion efficiency of the extract to PHA resulted in 0.87 g/L by Bacillus paranthracis RSKS-3, later characterized by Ultraviolet (UV)-spectroscopy and FT-IR assessment. The findings of the research offer a potential strategy to mitigate airborne pollutants that result from smouldering wheat straw, thereby contributing significant improvements to sustainable development.

Evaluation of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivars for some biochemical and agronomic traits under drought stress

This experiment aimed to evaluate quantitative and qualitative characteristics, tolerance to water deficit, and stability of white sugar in sugar beet cultivars. The experimental design was a split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications, where the irrigation levels (normal and water shortage) were assigned to the main plots and 18 sugar beet cultivars were assigned to the subplots. The result revealed that Palma achieved the maximum root and white sugar yield under normal and water deficit; furthermore, the highest indices of YP, YS, MP, STI, HM, YI, DI, REI and MRP belonged to the Palma cultivar. The results of the AMMI analysis based on white sugar yield showed that the additive effects of genotype and environment and the multiplicative effect of G×E accounted for 75.52, 17.05 and 6.76 % of the total data variance. Based on AMMI stability value, the Delta, Pars, Paya and Novodoro cultivars were recognized as stable varieties. Also, the first 2 significant components of the interaction effect (G×E) accounted for 99.12 % of interaction effects variation. Based on the biplot results of the first 2 significant components against white sugar yield, Azare and Merak were the appropriate cultivars. Finally, Based on the multi-trait stability index, Azara, Novodoro and Merak cultivars were selected as stable genotypes. In 2 years and 2 conditions, the Palma cultivar was identified as a cultivar with high yield and drought tolerance and low stability and the Merak cultivar was identified as a cultivar with white sugar yield and acceptable stability.

Optimization of Ultrasound-enhanced Subcritical Water Hydrolysis of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch for the Production of Fermentable Sugar

To enhance the hydrolysis to produce fermentable sugar, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) has undergone ultrasonication pretreatment prior to subjection to subcritical water hydrolysis. This work aims to optimize the effect of temperature, reaction time, and the concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as the surfactant, with the primary aim of maximizing sugar production in the subcritical water hydrolysis process applied to oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). The pretreatment process conditions were optimized using response surface methodology of the central composite design (RSM–CCD). The experimental design includes three factors and levels, with a range of 180–220 °C temperature (X1), 60–80 minutes process time (X2), and 1–5% w/w SDS concentration (X3), an α value of 1.68, and reducing sugar concentration (g/L) as response (Y1). The optimum condition for subcritical water hydrolysis of OPEFB was obtained at 208 °C, 78 minutes, and 2.6% w/w SDS concentration with an expected yield of 6.09 g/L. As a result, reducing sugar produced by enzymatic hydrolysis increased by 324.7% compared to raw OPEFB, with sugar yield of 45.64% after 36 hours. Along these, changes in crystallinity, chemical composition, lignocellulosic functional groups, and morphology were analyzed to determine the impact of the pre-treatment on OPEFB.

Optimizing Bioethanol (C2H5OH) Yield of Sweet Sorghum Varieties in a Semi-Arid Environment: The Impact of Deheading and Deficit Irrigation

Bioethanol production offers promise in mitigating environmental impacts from ethanol consumption despite water scarcity. This study endeavors to evaluate the nuanced influence of different deheading times (45 days before harvest, 21 days before harvest, and no deheading) along with varying water regimes on select sweet sorghum cultivars (Honey, Willy, MN1500, and Atlas), focusing on yield traits, theoretical ethanol production, and water productivity. Findings underscore the substantial impact of cultivation practices on bioethanol yield. A water deficit ranging from 30% to 70% resulted in a discernible reduction in stalk yields of 17.86% to 18.54% and in sugar yields of 0.2 to 0.31 Mg ha−1, accompanied by a corresponding decline in theoretical ethanol yield of 120.9 to 180.9 L ha−1. Additionally, notable enhancements in Brix and sugar content of 16.32% to 18.42% and 16.81% to 19.03%, respectively, were observed across both seasons. Of particular significance, the Honey variety, subjected to a 30% water deficit and deheading at 21 days before harvest, demonstrated exceptional growth and yield characteristics. These empirical insights furnish valuable guidance for optimizing sweet sorghum cultivation practices, thereby augmenting sustainable bioethanol production and propelling forward the frontier of renewable energy technologies towards a more environmentally sustainable future.

PGPB Consortium Formulation to Increase Fermentable Sugar in Agave tequilana Weber var. Blue: A Study in the Field.

Agave tequilana Weber var. Blue is used as the primary raw material in tequila production due to its fructans (inulin) content. This study evaluates the formulation of a plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) consortium (Pseudomonas sp. and Shimwellia sp.) to increase sugars in A. tequilana under field conditions. A total of three doses were tested: low (5 L ha-1), medium (10 L ha-1), and high (15 L ha-1), with a cellular density of 1 × 108 CFU mL-1 and one control treatment (without application). Total reducing sugars (TRS), inulin, sucrose, glucose, fructose, and plant growth were measured in agave plants aged 4-5 years at 0 (T0), 3 (T3), 6 (T6), and 12 (T12) months. Yield was recorded at T12. The TRS increased by 3%, and inulin by 5.3% in the high-dose treatment compared to the control at T12. Additionally, a low content of sucrose, glucose, and fructose (approximately 1%) was detected. At T12, the weight of agave heads increased by 31.2% in the medium dose and 22.3% in the high dose compared to the control. The high dose provided a higher inulin content. The A. tequilana plants were five years old and exhibited growth comparable to the standards for 6-7-year-old plants. This study demonstrates a sustainable strategy for tequila production, optimizing the use of natural resources and enhancing industry performance through increased sugar content and yield.

Agronomic evaluation and adaptability of Pinot gris to an environment with high grey mould disease pressure: a comparative analysis on 17 clones

The grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivar Pinot gris is an international variety that has spread world wide and is oneof the most important in Italy, especially in the northern regions where almost half of the world's total is grown. Over a three-year period (2019–2021), a comparative study was conducted on 17 clones to evaluate their agronomic aptitudes, susceptibility of grapes to Botrytis cinerea, fertility of buds, vigour, and oenological characteristics. We aimed to provide local viticulture with agronomic, sanitary status, and oenological indications that help to choose the genotype that best fits and enhances the clone/environment synergy. This is important given climate change, one of the most significant factors affecting viticulture. Hence, productive, qualitative, and health surveys were conducted on grapes during harvest. Vigour and vegetative/productive balance were also evaluated regarding the weight of the pruned wood. The Ravaz index and fertility of buds were studied when the inflorescences were separated and clearly visible (between DOY 131 and DOY 141 each year). The confirmation of the bunch was also evaluated (shape and number of wings) according to the Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin (OIV) descriptors. Through the use of digital photogrammetry, some descriptors of the cluster that most correlate with the severity of Botrytis cinerea were identified. In 2020 and 2021, microvinifications were carried out in white and with maceration of skins, respectively, following tested protocols. Sensory analysis of the wines was performed with a trained panel of experts. The study revealed interesting differences between clones concerning grapes' qualitative, productive, and sanitary aspects. Some clones stood out for their sugar accumulation, yield and resistance to Botrytis cinerea, as well as for the oenological olfactory profile. Statistical analysis highlighted that the severity of Botrytis cinerea and bunch rot was not correlated with the vigour of the plant but rather with the hardness of skin, content of soluble solids, soluble solids/total acidity ratio, pH, and total acidity. From the sensory analysis, several clones had a higher score for some descriptors in both study years and were more appreciated than others.

Bioethanol from Arthrospira platensis biomass using a combined pretreatment

With the aim to reduce the reliance on gasoline by supporting efficient bioethanol production to meet the biofuel goal of 46 % in the transportation sector by 2050, the present study proposes a combined pretreatment of microwave-assisted acid hydrolysis for bioethanol production, which was applied to commercially-produced microalgal biomass of Arthrospira platensis. The Separated Hydrolysis and Fermentation (SHF) method was applied to prevent sugar loss and produce a higher bioethanol yield. After examining the effect of acid concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 M) and hydrolysis duration (30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min) on the fermentable sugars, it was discovered that both operation parameters had a major impact on the synthesis of monosaccharides. With a 0.3 M H2SO4 concentration and a 90-minute hydrolysis time at 100 °C, the maximum concentration of fermentable sugars of 11.60 g/L was obtained. Regarding the fermentable sugar yield, the suggested combined pretreatment (78.4 %) outperforms the literature-reported single pretreatment of acid hydrolysis (55 %), under comparable operating settings. After 96 h of anaerobic fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the hydrolysate of the fermentable sugars produced 0.06 g ethanol/g biomass, corresponding to 0.35 g ethanol/g total carbohydrates in Arthrospira platensis.

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Management on Dry Matter Accumulation and Yield of Drip-Irrigated Sugar Beet in Arid Areas

Clarifying the optimal combination of N fertilizer application rate and application method can maximize the yield of drip-irrigated sugar beet in arid areas, which is of great significance for reducing farmland N pollution and achieving sustainable agricultural development. In this three-year field experiment in Xinjiang, China, the effects of three N application rates [75 kg ha−1 (N1), 150 kg ha−1 (N2), and 225 kg ha−1 (N3)] and three N application methods [the proportion of N applied at canopy rapid growth stage, taproot expansion stage, and sugar accumulation stage were (M1) 100%: 0%: 0%, (M2) 70%: 30%: 0%, and (M3) 50%: 30%: 20%] on the dry matter accumulation (DMA) and distribution, leaf senescence, yield, and agronomic N use efficiency (aNUE) of drip-irrigated sugar beet were explored. The results showed that N application (N1, N2, and N3 treatments) increased the shoot DMA by 27.7% (three-year average), 52.6%, and 83.1%, and the taproot DMA by 28.3%, 43.2%, and 61.6%, respectively (p &lt; 0.05), compared with CK (no N supply) treatment. The N application methods M2 and M3 increased the shoot DMA by 5.6% (three-year average) and 1.0% (p &gt; 0.05), respectively, and the taproot DMA by 7.2% and 3.6% (p &lt; 0.05), respectively, compared with M1. In addition, M2 could delay the end of shoot and taproot growth (te) and the occurrence of maximum growth rate (tm). In particular, the N3M2 treatment increased the leaf area index (LAI) by 20.4–75.9% (p &lt; 0.05) compared with other treatments by increasing the leaf area duration (LAD) and decreasing the leaf senescence rate (LSR). The taproot yield and sugar yield of N3M2 treatment reached the maximum at harvest time, but there was no significant difference in taproot yield and sugar yield between N3M2 treatment and N2M2 treatment. The aNUE in N2M2 treatment was the highest (p &lt; 0.05), which was 1.29–7.85 times higher than that of other treatments. Therefore, reducing the N application rate from 225 kg·ha−1 to 150 kg·ha−1 and applying 70% and 30% of 150 kg N ha−1 at the canopy rapid growth stage and the taproot expansion stage, respectively, could achieve the goal of increasing sugar beet yield and N use efficiency. This study will provide an important reference for the sustainable production of sugar beet under drip irrigation in Xinjiang, China.

Enhanced Production of Clean Fermentable Sugars by Acid Pretreatment and Enzymatic Saccharification of Sugarcane Bagasse

Sugarcane bagasse (SCB), an agro-industrial byproduct generated by a sugar mill, holds a substantial carbohydrate content of around 70 wt.%, comprising cellulose and hemicellulose. Saccharification plays a pivotal role in the conversion of SCB into second-generation (2G)-ethanol and valuable compounds, which is significantly aided by thermochemical pretreatments. In this study, SCB underwent diluted sulfuric acid pretreatment (2% H2SO4, 80 rpm, 200 °C, 20 min), resulting in the removal of 77.3% of the xylan. The hemicellulosic hydrolysate was analyzed to identify the sugars and degraded products acting as microbial inhibitors. The acid hydrolysate showed a xylose yield of 68.0% (16.4 g/L) and a yield of 3.8 g/L of acetic acid. Afterward, the hemicellulosic hydrolysate was concentrated 2.37 times to obtain a xylose-rich stream (39.87 g/L). The sequential detoxification, employing calcium oxide and activated carbon, removed the inhibitory compounds, including acetic acid, while preserving the xylose at 38.10 g/L. The enzymatic saccharification of cellulignin at 5% and 10% of the total solids (TSs) yielded comparable reducing sugar (RS) yields of 47.3% (15.2 g/L) and 47.4% (30.4 g/L), respectively, after 96 h, employing a 10 FPU/g enzyme loading of Cellic® CTec3 (Novozymes Inc. Parana, Brazil). In summary, these findings outline an integrated green chemistry approach aimed at addressing the key challenges associated with pretreatment, concentration, detoxification, and enzymatic hydrolysis to produce fermentable sugars.

Does the Amount of Pre-Sowing Nitrogen Fertilization Affect Sugar Beet Root Yield and Quality of Different Genotypes?

There has always been a specific focus on nitrogen fertilization in sugar beet production due to its important effect on sugar beet root yield and quality. For stable sugar beet growth and satisfactory root yield and quality, balanced N fertilization is crucial. Thus, this study aimed to investigate spring N fertilization in two seasons as the following treatments: N0—control, N1—only pre-sowing fertilization, and N2—pre-sowing with topdressing. Four different genotypes were included in the study (Serenada, Colonia, Fred, and Danton). The experiment was set up in a plain area, belonging to the temperate climate zone in Eastern Croatia (Županja and Vrbanja), with the long-term mean (LTM) (March–October) air temperature around 16 °C and the total precipitation of 515 mm. Pre-sowing N fertilization had a smaller impact on root yield in the year with higher precipitation (31% higher than LTM). Therefore, the average yields with pre-sowing fertilization (N1) and pre-sowing fertilization with top dressing (N2) were very similar and were only 7% higher than those of the control. In a season with less rainfall (29% less than LTM), pre-sowing fertilization with top dressing (N2) had a more pronounced effect on the increase in sugar beet root yield, which was 17% higher compared to that of the control treatment. The sugar beet sucrose content and quality parameters (brei impurities, loss of sugar in molasses, extractable sugar) differed when N fertilization was applied among locations in both seasons. The white sugar yield was the highest at N2 treatment with pre-sowing and topdressing N fertilization. In general, according to the average of all locations and years of research, the Serenada hybrid achieved the highest average root yield (81.1 t ha−1), while Colonia exhibited the highest root sugar content (14.5%) and white sugar yield (9.7 t ha−1).

Phenotypic characterization and diversity estimates in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) germplasm

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to identify genotypes with superior phenotypic performance, level and pattern of phenotypic diversity, and major contributing traits to the diversity of the test materials. Sixteen phenotypic traits of 81 sugarcane genotypes were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical methods. The genotypes were planted across two locations using a partially balanced lattice design with two replications. The study depicted the existence of substantial variation among the test materials in all the studied traits. The selected top 5% clones for cane yield, sucrose content and sugar yield were as follows: B694–11, B658–10, B707–1 and B572–1; B552–11, B498–9, B552–21 and B564–1; and B552–11, B549–10, B658–10 and B572–1, respectively. Sugarcane genotypes of clusters V and VII were the most divergent as demonstrated by their greatest intercluster distances, while sugar yield, cane yield and recoverable sucrose percent were the major contributors for the diversity of the test materials as revealed by PCA based on all of the studied traits. This suggests that the most divergent genotypes could be used as donor for hybridization, while those with greater mean values of the major contributing traits could be targeted for selection breeding.

Assessment of Biochemical Parameters and Yield Performance in Rice under Different Crop Establishment Methods

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), a staple food for half of the global population, is cultivated using various methods, with transplanting being conventional in many Asian countries. However, challenges such as high-water consumption, labour intensiveness, and environmental degradation have prompted the exploration of alternative methods. In this study, we assessed the impact of various crop establishment methods (CE) i.e. conventional puddled transplanting, direct drill seeding on flatbed (DSR), and direct seeding on raised beds (FIRB) on five stress-tolerant rice varieties (V) i.e. DRR 42, DRR 44, Sukha Dhan 5, Sukha Dhan 6 and Sarjoo 52 by analysing biochemical parameters i.e. total sugar content, starch content, MDA content, SOD content and yield outcomes. Our findings reveal significant variations in biochemical parameters and yield across different CE and V combinations. Notably, FIRB consistently outperformed other CEs, indicating its potential for enhancing stress tolerance and yield. Similarly, DRR 44 exhibited superior performance across most growth stages. Our study highlights the potential advantages of FIRB method in mitigating water wastage and addressing the limitations of conventional transplanting practices.

Efficacy and Functional Mechanisms of a Two-Stage Pretreatment Approach Based on Alkali and Ionic Liquid for Bioconversion of Waste Medium-Density Fiberboard.

A novel pretreatment strategy utilizing a combination of NaOH and 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) was proposed to enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis of abandoned Medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The synergistic effect of NaOH and [Bmim]Cl pretreatment significantly improved the glucose yield, reaching 445.8 mg/g within 72 h, which was 5.04 times higher than that of the untreated samples. The working mechanism was elucidated according to chemical composition, as well as FTIR, 13C NMR, XRD, and SEM analyses. The combined effects of NaOH and [Bmim]Cl led to lignin degradation, hemicellulose removal, the destruction and erosion of crystalline regions, pores, and an irregular microscopic morphology. In addition, by comparing the enzymatic hydrolysis sugar yield and elemental nitrogen content of untreated MDF samples, eucalyptus, and hot mill fibers (HMF), it was demonstrated that the presence of adhesives and additives in waste MDF significantly influences its hydrolysis process. The sugar yield of untreated MDF samples (88.5 mg/g) was compared with those subjected to hydrothermal pretreatment (183.2 mg/g), Ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment (406.1 mg/g), and microwave-assisted ionic liquid pretreatment (MWI) (281.3 mg/g). A long water bath pretreatment can reduce the effect of adhesives and additives on the enzymatic hydrolysis of waste MDF. The sugar yield produced by the combined pretreatment proposed in this study and the removal ability of adhesives and additives highlight the great potential of our pretreatment technology in the recycling of waste fiberboard.

Rapid and specific detection of Pentastiridius leporinus by recombinase polymerase amplification assay.

Pentastiridius leporinus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) is the main vector of an emerging and fast spreading sugar beet disease, the syndrome 'basses richesses' (SBR), in different European countries. The disease is caused by the γ-3-proteobacterium 'Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus' and the phytoplasma 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' which are exclusively transmitted by planthoppers and can lead to a significant loss of sugar content and yield. Monitoring of this insect vector is important for disease management. However, the morphological identification is time consuming and challenging as two additional cixiid species Reptalus quinquecostatus and Hyalesthes obsoletus with a very close morphology have been reported in sugar beet fields. Further, identification of females and nymphs of P. leporinus at species level based on taxonomic key is not possible. In this study, an isothermal nucleic acid amplification based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) was developed to specifically detect P. leporinus. In addition, real-time RPA was developed to detect both adults (male and female) and nymph stages using pure or crude nucleic acid extracts. The sensitivity of the real-time RPA for detection of P. leporinus was comparable to real-time PCR, but a shorter time (< 7 min) was required. This is a first report for real-time RPA application for P. leporinus detection using crude nucleic acid templates which can be applied for fast and specific detection of this vector in the field.

Enhancing deep eutectic solvent systems for efficient fermentable sugar recovery from lignocellulosic fiber

Efficient conversion of sugars into fermentable sugars is a critical challenge in the cost-effective production of lignocellulosic biopolymers and biofuels. This study focuses on various sugar quantification techniques applied to Furcraea Foetida (Mauritius Hemp) samples, utilizing natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) and deep eutectic solvents (DES) like urea, glycerol, citrates, pyrogallol (PY), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Employing a Taguchi-designed experiment, operational conditions were fine-tuned to evaluate the influence of time, concentration, and temperature on each deep eutectic solvent-based process. The emerging green solvent extraction approach demonstrated significant results, achieving notably high sugar yields compared to traditional techniques such as alkali, hot-water, and acid-mediated extraction. At a CTAB:PY molar ratio of 1:3, optimized for 60 min at 50 °C, the highest fermentable sugar (FS) yield of 0.6891 ± 0.0123 g FS/g LCB was attained—2 to 6 times higher than non-optimized values and 0.2 to 0.3 times higher than optimized traditional methods. In light of this, this research study emphasizes the pivotal significance of efficient sugar conversion through optimized deep eutectic solvent-based extraction methods, with a particular focus on Furcraea Foetida fibers, offering promising outcomes for the biofuel and biopolymer production industry.

Use of pre-sowing soil microbiological analysis to predict the spread of sugar beet root rot

Aphanomyces cochlioides and Rhizoctonia solani are two of the main soil phytopathogens of sugar beet, which lead to substantial losses in yield and quality. Since disease control capabilities are complex and pathogen monitoring is important for predicting risks, it is of great importance in rural production to create available methods for preliminary field assessment. The purpose of the study was to introduce a predictive methodology for assessing the potential of soils for their suitability for growing sugar beet in the system of short-rotation crop rotations. As an indicator plant, sugar beet seeds were used, which are not characterised by genetic resistance against these diseases. The possibility of using the pre-growing disease index (PPDI), which has a gradation from 0 to 100 and covariance with the actual yield, sugar content and gross sugar yield per hectare, is tested. The pre-sowing PPDI value is compared with the actual yield from each specific field to really assess the possibility of using the PPDI index to characterise yield losses on production crops. It is determined that with an increase in the PPDI value, the gross yield of sugar beet, sugar content, and gross sugar yield decreased. The results of studies show that one unit of PPDI causes a loss of gross yield at the level of 0.24 t/ha and a decrease in the sugar harvest by 0.018 t/ha. That is why, to manage the risks of growing sugar beet, it is necessary to assess the phytopathogenic load of the soil. It is established that the most harmful and permanently identified phytopathogens are Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium ssp, which indicates the need to select hybrids that are characterised by resistance or high tolerance to these pathogens. The information obtained can be used for timely identification of infection risks, development of effective management strategies, and improvement of agricultural techniques for growing sugar beet to reduce crop losses and increase the efficiency of agricultural products