Sustainable Food Research Articles

The Role of Genetic Resistance in Rice Disease Management

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a crucial staple crop for global food security, particularly in Asia. However, rice production faces significant challenges from various diseases that can cause substantial yield losses. This review explores the role of genetic resistance in rice disease management, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying plant–pathogen interactions and strategies for developing resistant varieties. The paper discusses qualitative and quantitative resistance, emphasizing the importance of resistance (R) genes, defense-regulator genes, and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in conferring broad-spectrum disease resistance. Gene-for-gene relationships in rice–pathogen interactions are examined, particularly for Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and Magnaporthe oryzae. The review also covers recent advancements in breeding techniques, including marker-assisted selection, genetic engineering, and genome editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas. These approaches offer promising avenues for enhancing disease resistance in rice while maintaining yield potential. Understanding and exploiting genetic resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing durable and broad-spectrum disease-resistant rice varieties, essential for ensuring sustainable rice production and global food security in the face of evolving pathogen threats and changing environmental conditions.

Echoes of Survival: Climate Change Impact & Typologies of Adaptation among Vulnerable Communities toward Climate-Induced Food Insecurity in Pakistan

Climate change exacerbates severe and differential impacts across diverse classes and genders, influencing their livelihoods, food insecurity vulnerabilities, and adaptation measures. Through an intersectional and social justice approach integrated with grounded theory, we documented field observation with individual narratives and amplified voices from a wide range of individuals, including internally displaced people, women, smallholders, landless tenants, daily wage laborers and community leaders in fragile districts of Bannu and D I Khan in Pakistan. We found a growing impact of climate on these households' food security including socio-psychological stress and stigmas. In addition to formulating an interpretive framework, our results highlight the significant role of socio-religious, cultural, gendered, behavioral, environmental, and institutional factors in shaping individuals' climate-induced food security vulnerabilities, and their ability to adapt to climate extremes. These individuals employed several mitigation strategies to cope with food insecurity, including diversification of non-farming livelihoods, increased reliance on social and communal networks and informal credit markets. The study emphasizes on considering the interplay between socio-economic classes, religion, social networks, and gender dynamics in relation to adaptive strategies to foster sustainable food systems and further suggests that existing policies and adaptation programs should benefit from incorporating community and individual narratives to tackle climate extremes.

Modeling the Effect of Climate Change on Sustainable Food Consumption Behaviors: A Study on Artificial Meat and Edible Insects

Modeling the Effect of Climate Change on Sustainable Food Consumption Behaviors: A Study on Artificial Meat and Edible Insects

Mucilage-based composites films and coatings for food packaging application: A review.

Developing sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions has garnered significant interest in recent years. Mucilage-based coatings and composites offer a promising approach due to their biodegradability, renewable nature, and ability to enhance food quality protection. This review paper discusses the impact of mucilage-based composites and coatings on various packaging applications, focusing on their physical, mechanical, morphological, barrier, and functional properties. These materials' adaptability, flexibility, transparency, and compatibility with various food products make them highly suitable for food packaging. The morphological structure of mucilage-based films contributes to improved adhesion, surface roughness, and homogeneity. Enhanced barriers against moisture, oxygen, and other gases extend the shelf life of packaged food while maintaining its quality. Mucilage from different plant sources exhibits functional properties such as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, which enhance food preservation. These attributes and mucilage's biocompatibility and biodegradability align with the growing demand for environmentally friendly packaging options. The review also addresses cost-effectiveness, regulatory compliance, consumer acceptance, recycling infrastructure compatibility, supply chain considerations, and the need for ongoing innovation. Future advancements in mucilage-based packaging will depend on optimizing performance, scalability, and sustainability. By understanding the effects on physio-mechanical, morphological, barrier, and functional attributes, mucilage-based composites and coatings hold great potential for advancing sustainable food packaging solutions.

Determinants of resilience in local food systems: insights from world agriculture heritage sites

PurposeThis study delves into the relationship between local food systems and food tourism destinations, with a specific focus on resilience. Drawing on stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) theory, we investigate the determinants of this relationship such as destination food image (DFI), food authenticity (FA), food culture (FC), food experience (FE), food traditional value (FTV), local food products (LFPs) and resilient food system (RFS) as crucial components influencing the resilience of the food system.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected in Oita Prefecture, Japan. The domestic, international tourists and local communities of six cities in this area were part of the surveys. A partial least squares approach (Smart-PLS 3.2.9) was used to analyse the data collected.FindingsThe results revealed that a destination’s food image, shaped by authenticity, traditional value and experiences, positively impacts the resilience of the food system, benefiting both the local community and tourists. The findings extend the literature by explaining the resilience of food systems in tourist destinations.Originality/valueThe study provides direction for policymakers and stakeholders to bolster the sustainability and resilience of local food systems as part of tourism.

Integrating Fish Farming into Runoff Water Harvesting Ponds (RWHP) for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: Farmers’ Perceptions and Opportunities in Burkina Faso

Integrated aquaculture–agriculture systems are recognized as sustainable solutions to optimize resources, support livelihoods, and enhance food security in climate-sensitive Sahelian regions. In contexts like Burkina Faso, runoff water harvesting ponds (RWHPs) improve agricultural yields during the rainy season but remain underutilized for the rest of the year. This study assesses the feasibility of integrating fish farming into these ponds. Using the Waso-2 tool, structured perception interviews were conducted with 51 farmers across 17 localities. Welch ANOVA and Games–Howell tests revealed, on a scale of 20, that water insufficiency scored 16.01 among experienced farmers without additional water access as a key obstacle, while pond degradation scored 17.69 for those with water access. For motivations, income generation scored 16.24 among inexperienced farmers, whereas training opportunities scored 17.65 for experienced ones, highlighting varying priorities across strata. Farmers preferred fish farming effluents over NPK for vegetables, scoring 15.99. Some favored raw effluents for immediate use, scoring 13.91, while others preferred decanted water with dried sludge for gradual nutrient release, scoring 12.39. This study demonstrates strong farmer interest in integrated RWHP systems. Enhancing pond retention, supplementing groundwater, and providing tailored training in aquaculture practices, pond maintenance, and water management are recommended to encourage adoption.

Plant secondary metabolites against biotic stresses for sustainable crop protection.

Sustainable agriculture practices are indispensable for achieving a hunger-free world, especially as the global population continues to expand. Biotic stresses, such as pathogens, insects, and pests, severely threaten global food security and crop productivity. Traditional chemical pesticides, while effective, can lead to environmental degradation and increase pest resistance over time. Plant-derived natural products such as secondary metabolites like alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, and phytoalexins offer promising alternatives due to their ability to enhance plant immunity and inhibit pest activity. Recent advances in molecular biology and biotechnology have improved our understanding of how these natural compounds function at the cellular level, activating specific plant defense through complex biochemical pathways regulated by various transcription factors (TFs) such as MYB, WRKY, bHLH, bZIP, NAC, and AP2/ERF. Advancements in multi-omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have significantly improved the understanding of the regulatory networks that govern PSM synthesis. These integrative approaches have led to the discovery of novel insights into plant responses to biotic stresses, identifying key regulatory genes and pathways involved in plant defense. Advanced technologies like CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing allow precise manipulation of PSM pathways, further enhancing plant resistance. Understanding the complex interaction between PSMs, TFs, and biotic stress responses not only advances plant biology but also provides feasible strategies for developing crops with improved resistance to pests and diseases, contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security. This review emphasizes the crucial role of PSMs, their biosynthetic pathways, the regulatory influence of TFs, and their potential applications in enhancing plant defense and sustainability. It also highlights the astounding potential of multi-omics approaches to discover gene functions and the metabolic engineering of genes associated with secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Taken together, this review provides new insights into research opportunities for enhancing biotic stress tolerance in crops through utilizing plant secondary metabolites.

Cultivating Sustainable Health in the Rural Mississippi: A Need Study for Green Economic Developmental Initiatives through the SNAP-Ed program

This study explores the potential role of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) in fostering a green economy in rural Mississippi, specifically in Adams, Claiborne, and Jefferson counties. Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted a comprehensive needs assessment to identify the nutritional and physical activity challenges faced by elementary school-aged children in these communities. Our findings highlight critical issues, including high obesity rates, poor dietary patterns, and limited access to fresh, healthy foods. These challenges not only affect individual health but also have broader implications for community well-being and economic sustainability. We argue that SNAP-Ed interventions are uniquely positioned to address these issues while simultaneously advancing environmentally sustainable food systems. By encouraging healthy eating behaviors such as increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, SNAP-Ed can support local agricultural economies, minimize food waste, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with food production and distribution. Our recommendations emphasize the integration of community-based food initiatives into SNAP-Ed programming. Initiatives such as school gardens, farmers’ markets, and community-supported agriculture can enhance food security, promote equitable access to nutritious foods, and empower residents to participate in sustainable farming practices. These efforts have the potential to transform rural Mississippi into a model of health-driven, community-centered, and environmentally conscious economic growth.

Remote Sensing and Automated Monitoring Systems for Insect Pest Detection and Surveillance

Insect pests pose a significant threat to agricultural production, requiring effective monitoring and management strategies. Recent advancements in remote sensing and automated monitoring technologies offer promising solutions for early detection and surveillance of insect pests in agricultural systems. This review paper explores the current state-of-the-art remote sensing and automated monitoring approaches for insect pest detection, including satellite imagery, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), wireless sensor networks, and machine learning algorithms. We discuss the advantages, limitations, and potential applications of these technologies in precision agriculture and integrated pest management. Case studies highlighting successful implementations of remote sensing and automated monitoring systems for major insect pests are presented. Furthermore, we outline future research directions and challenges in developing cost-effective, scalable, and reliable pest monitoring solutions. The integration of remote sensing and automated monitoring systems with decision support tools and precision pest control strategies holds great promise for improving crop protection and ensuring sustainable food production in the face of increasing pest pressures.

Exploring Nexus between food security and the loss of agro-biodiversity: a study in Madhya Nepal, Lamjung

Nepal has made significant strides in enhancing food security, achieving a moderate hunger index of 15.0 in 2023. However, the relationship between food security and reduced agro-biodiversity remains underexplored. This study investigates this interplay in Madhya Nepal Municipality, Lamjung District, Gandaki Province. Using Food Consumption Score (FCS) and Reduced Coping Strategies Index (rCSI), the study assesses food availability, nutrition sources, and coping mechanisms. The methodology includes field surveys, interviews, and analysis of 30 years of climate data. Ward-wise investigations reveal challenges and opportunities through quantitative and qualitative approaches. Motivated by the complex dynamics affecting food security and agricultural practices amid evolving environmental conditions, this research highlights community struggles and opportunities. It emphasizes the need for a balance between traditional and hybrid agriculture, calling for adaptive strategies to address climate change impacts. Integrating traditional knowledge with scientific innovations is crucial for sustainable food production. Results show higher food stock in some wards due to drought-resistant crops, while others face challenges with traditional farming reliance. Climate data analysis indicates significant temperature increases, affecting rice adaptation and traditional practices. Increased adoption of hybrid crops, supported by irrigation and improved technical knowledge, boosts cereal productivity. The study concludes a positive correlation between agro-biodiversity and food security, highlighting diverse agricultural systems' importance in mitigating climate change challenges.

Implications Due to Challenges to Food Security in Malaysia

The issue of food security encompasses challenges related to production, distribution, and accessibility of nutritious food. In Malaysia, food security is increasingly threatened due to reliance on imports, declining agricultural productivity, and income inequality. In 2023, food imports reached RM78.7 billion, indicating heavy dependence on global markets. Population growth, expected to reach 42 million by 2050, exacerbates the demand for food, creating further stress on the nation's food systems. This study employed a qualitative methodology to analyze factors impacting Malaysia's food security, focusing on secondary data from academic and institutional sources. Document analysis was used to examine existing policies and data on food security and its implications. Key findings highlight that food insecurity in Malaysia leads to hunger, malnutrition, and related health issues, such as childhood stunting and obesity. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly worsened these conditions, with 30% of the population estimated to experience food insecurity. Environmental factors, including climate change, deforestation, and resource overuse, further challenge food production. Additionally, global disruptions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have escalated costs and strained supply chains. The study concludes that addressing Malaysia's food security requires a holistic approach, integrating sustainable agricultural practices, reducing dependency on imports, and strengthening local food systems. Collaborative efforts between governments, private sectors, and international organizations are essential to ensure an equitable and sustainable food future. This research underscores the urgent need for policy reforms and strategic planning to safeguard Malaysia's food security amidst growing global and local challenges.

Development of Pectin-Based Films with Encapsulated Lemon Essential Oil for Active Food Packaging: Improved Antioxidant Activity and Biodegradation

This study evaluated the physicochemical, morphological, and functional properties of pectin-based films incorporated with lemon essential oil (EO) to assess their potential as biodegradable food packaging materials. The results showed that EO incorporation significantly influenced the film’s characteristics. The control film exhibited a smooth surface, while the EO-containing film had a rougher texture with globular structures and interconnected channels, likely representing dispersed EO droplets and matrix alterations. The mechanical analysis revealed increased elongation at break (20.05 ± 0.784%) for EO-incorporated films, indicating improved flexibility, while tensile strength and Young’s modulus decreased, suggesting reduced stiffness. Film thickness increased slightly with EO (0.097 ± 0.008 mm) compared to the control (0.089 ± 0.001 mm), though the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Moisture content decreased in EO-containing films (28.894%) compared to the control (35.236%), enhancing water resistance. Water solubility increased slightly (16.046 ± 0.003% vs. 15.315 ± 0.040%), while the swelling rate decreased significantly (0.189 ± 0.003 vs. 0.228 ± 0.040; p < 0.05), indicating greater structural stability in aqueous environments due to the hydrophobic nature of EO. Transparency tests showed that EO slightly increased film opacity (0.350 ± 0.02 vs. 0.290 ± 0.012), aligning with trends in UV-protective materials. The EO-incorporated films also exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Antifungal tests revealed strong inhibition of Botrytis cinerea (100%) and moderate inhibition of Alternaria alternata (50%) in EO-containing films. These results demonstrate that EO incorporation improves the functional properties of pectin films, enhancing their flexibility, antimicrobial activity, and environmental stability, making them promising candidates for sustainable food packaging applications. These novel active food packaging materials exhibit strong physical properties and significant potential in maintaining food quality and prolonging shelf life.

Sustainable Food Security and Nutritional Challenges

Sustainable Food Security and Nutritional Challenges

Literature Review on Malaysia National Food Security: Challenge And Strategy in Meeting Population Rise

This research examines Malaysia's national food security, focusing on the challenges posed by rising population, global disruptions, and the need for sustainable strategies. The primary objective is to analyze the effectiveness of Malaysia's current food security measures in light of the growing population and increasing demand for food. Through qualitative methodologies, including document analysis and case studies, the study investigates the role of government policies, agricultural productivity, and technological adoption in ensuring food sustainability. The findings highlight Malaysia's dependency on food imports, aging farmer demographics, and the lack of investment in agricultural research and development as key factors threatening food security. Additionally, disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, exacerbate vulnerabilities. The research emphasizes the need for comprehensive policies, enhanced private investment, and technological advancements to build resilience in the nation's food systems.

China's sustainable food system requires concerted efforts.

China's sustainable food system requires concerted efforts.

Food Eco-Covering: Characterization of Biodegradable Films Made With Starch From Andean Oxalis tuberosa

Objective: This research focused on the characterization of biodegradable films made from nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica) mucilage and oca (Oxalis tuberosa) starch to cover food. Theoretical Framework: This study is grounded in the growing environmental concerns surrounding conventional plastics and the urgent need for sustainable alternatives in the food industry. The research builds upon the emerging concept of circular economy, focusing on biodegradable materials derived from underutilized agricultural resources. Method: Nine biodegradable films were prepared by thermoforming and dried at 40, 50, and 60 °C. Their physical properties and degradation versus temperature were evaluated by thermogravimetry, and structural identification was carried out by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Results and Discussion: The films exhibited a water solubility more significant than 91%. Water activity ranged between 0.402 and 0.573, correlating with the percentage of humidity (<25.3%). The starch and pectin content influenced these properties, as well as transparency (T<2.08). Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the films reached the highest mass loss at around 300 °C. Finally, the IR analysis demonstrated the relationship between the components and the new molecular arrangement of the films, influenced by the concentrations of oca starch. Research Implications: It provides significant implications for sustainable food packaging and agricultural waste utilization, offering a potential solution to reduce plastic waste in the food industry. The findings suggest that local agricultural products can be transformed into value-added materials with environmental benefits. Originality/Value: The study offers unique value through its comprehensive characterization and its potential for promoting local agricultural resources in sustainable packaging solutions.

Towards sustainable food systems: developing a monitoring framework for the EU

Towards sustainable food systems: developing a monitoring framework for the EU

Supply and Demand of Rice in Indonesia: A Critical Review

The demand and supply of rice as a staple food is a crucial factor in the food supply chain and food security in Indonesia. Indonesia still faces a deficit in domestic rice supply, which leads the government to adopt import policies to fill this shortage. Therefore, there is a need to understand the dynamics of rice supply and demand, as the interaction between the two is complex, to address food security concerns. This research aims to critically assess the dynamics of rice supply and demand in Indonesia, highlighting the key challenges and opportunities to improve food security. Using a critical review methodology, the study analyzes and critiques recent linear studies, literature, government policies, and statistical data to highlight their strengths, weaknesses, and challenges, providing a comprehensive understanding of the rice production supply and demand. The conclusion of this research is that a holistic approach is needed to achieve food security. The findings suggest that Indonesia must implement a comprehensive approach, incorporating environmental, political, and socioeconomic factors in food security. Future research should explore the role of climate resilience and global trade dynamics in shaping Indonesia’s rice sector. This comprehensive perspective can help decision-makers create a more sustainable food system.

Sustainable Protein Sources: Functional Analysis of Tenebrio molitor Hydrolysates and Attitudes of Consumers in Poland and Spain Toward Insect-Based Foods.

This study explores the potential of Tenebrio molitor protein hydrolysates as functional food ingredients, evaluating their bioactivity and consumer acceptance of the incorporation of edible insects into food across Poland and Spain. By aligning technical advancements with consumer preferences, this research bridges the gap between laboratory innovation and market feasibility, contributing to the development of sustainable functional foods. The study optimized the process of enzyme hydrolysis using serine protease from Cucurbita ficifolia, thereby enhancing DPPH scavenging capacity increased from 3.15 ± 0.53 to 8.17 ± 0.62 µM Trolox/mL and ABTS decolorization capacity increased from 4.29 ± 0.01 to 10.29 ± 0.01 µM Trolox/mL after 5 h of hydrolysis. Consumer surveys incorporating the Food Neophobia, Insect Phobia, and Entomophagy Scales revealed demographic and cultural influences on entomophagy acceptance. Among respondents, 27.1% in Poland and 25.7% in Spain had previously consumed insect-based products, while Polish participants showed a higher willingness to adopt insect-enriched foods. The study confirmed that hydrolysis enhances the antioxidant activity of T. molitor protein hydrolysates and that demographic and cultural factors significantly influence consumer acceptance of insect-based foods.

Enhancing drought tolerance in horticultural plants through plant hormones: a strategic coping mechanism.

Abiotic stresses are considered as a significant factor restricting horticultural crop productivity and quality. Drought stress is a major environmental constraint among the emerging concerns. Plants have significant susceptibility to drought stress, resulting in a marked decline in production during the last several decades. The development of effective strategies to mitigate drought stress is essential for sustainable agriculture and food security, especially considering the continuous growth of the world population. Several studies suggested that exogenous application of phytohormone to plants can improve drought stress tolerance by activating molecular and physiological defense systems. Phytohormone pretreatment is considered a potential approach for alleviating drought stress in horticultural plants. In addition, melatonin, salicylic acid, jasmonates, strigolactones, brassinosteroids, and gamma-aminobutyric acid are essential phytohormones that function as growth regulators and mitigate the effects of drought stress. These hormones frequently interact with one another to improve the survival of plants in drought-stressed environments. To sum up, this review will predominantly elucidate the role of phytohormones and related mechanisms in drought tolerance across various horticulture crop species.