Circular packaging solutions: Active films from food waste pigments and meat industry co-products.

Hydroxycinnamoyl compounds, flavonols, anthocyanins, sugar profiles, and antioxidant activity of low-chill peach, nectarine, and plum cultivars grown in Florida, USA.

Post harvest processing methods such as thermal treatment, freezing, drying, and industrial canning have a significant impact on the nutritional integrity of fruits. This paper is a systematic review of and comparison of the phytochemical profiles of ten economically and nutritionally important fruit species (both fresh and processed) in terms of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ascorbic acid, carotenoid levels and anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity. Based on the known in vitro assay protocols such as DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays, we compared the effects that different processing modalities have on the bioactive compounds content and functional antioxidant properties differently. Findings indicate that thermal treatment invariably led to a 18-42 percent reduction in TPC and ascorbic acid content by 30-65 percent, and freezing retained more than 85 percent of phytochemicals. Lycopene bioavailability in tomato was enhanced by up to 35% following heat treatment. The highest overall retention rates were with freeze-drying. The implications of these findings include considerable implications to dietary recommendations, food industry processing standards and within the nutritional policy of the population health.

Objective: This study aimed to develop a functional fermented beverage using whole forms of nine different fruits and to evaluate its bioactive properties under simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Material and Methods: A mixture of pomegranate, sour cherry, red and green apples, orange, lemon, pear, strawberry, nectarine, and raisins was fermented with kefir culture under controlled conditions. The beverage was evaluated for physicochemical properties, bioactive compound content, and biological activities, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive effects. Results: After fermentation, the final product had a pH of 3.85, a soluble solids content of 5.4°Brix, and malic acid content of 0.73 g/100 mL. The beverage was analyzed for its content of total phenolics, total flavonoids, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid, yielding results of 620 mg CE/L, 230 mg CE/L, 38 mg/L, and 14 mg/L, respectively. After undergoing in vitro digestion, the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities were found to be 480 and 570 µmol TEAC/mL, respectively, indicating that the antioxidant potential was preserved. The ACE inhibition reached 32.1% following digestion, suggesting moderate antihypertensive activity. Moreover, the inhibitions of α-amylase and α-glucosidase indicated moderate antidiabetic activity. Conclusion: The data obtained indicate that fermentation of whole fruits with kefir culture can produce a bioactive-rich beverage that remains functionally active after digestion. This beverage, without heat treatment, added sugar, or juice extraction, has been evaluated as a functional alternative to traditional fruit-based beverages.

Purple-fleshed sweet potato (PFSP) (Ipomoea batatas) is a rich source of anthocyanins, which serve as potent antioxidants and contribute to stress tolerance. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in PFSP under phosphorus stress remain poorly understood. In this study, integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted using the sweet potato cultivar (Xuzishu No. 8) grown under three phosphorus treatments: XP0 (0g), XP1 (1.85g), and XP2 (3.70g). Although phosphorous did not significantly affect total anthocyanin content, however, marked changes were observed in the activities of key biosynthetic enzymes (CHl, DFR, OPC, PAL and UFGT). RNA-seq analysis identified 8,906 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with 11,215 novel genes across the treatments. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that most DEGs were associated phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Metabolomic profiling detected 110 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) among which six were common to all treatments and sixteen metabolites were shared between the treatment groups. Functional annotation of DEMs indicated an overall suppression of anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway, across the treatments, whereas, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis remained consistently active. Notably, Quercetin-3-O-glucoside appeared to play a key role in the restoring anthocyanin biosynthesis. Integrated transcriptome-metabolome analysis showed a strong coordinated regulation between DEGs and DEMs, particularly within anthocyanin and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) biplot further revealed that anthocyanin accumulation is controlled by the combined action of multiple genes, with Tai6.6720 identified as a key regulatory gene closely linked with active metabolites (Pelargonidin-3-O- glucoside and cyanidin-3-O- glucoside). Overall, these findings highlight the significant impact of phosphorous stress on transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming of anthocyanin biosynthesis as an adaptive response. This study provides new insights on the regulatory networks that control anthocyanin accumulation in sweet potato and offers a valuable foundation for nutrient management strategies and molecular breeding approaches to improve crop stress tolerance.

In this study, a novel strategy was developed for upcycling kimchi cabbage by-products (KCBs) into sustainable edible coatings to extend the shelf life of blueberries. High-purity cellulose microfibres (CMFs) were successfully extracted using eco-friendly citric acid-hydrogen peroxide (25 and 30%, w/v) pretreatment and mechanical disintegration. The resulting CMF-2 exhibited a high whiteness index (91.22%), high crystallinity (67.35%), and excellent dispersion stability (zeta-potential of -46.07mV), rendering it ideal for use in sprayable coatings. Upon increasing the CMF concentration in the films from 0.3wt% to 1.0wt%, the ultraviolet-shielding capacity and tensile strength increased significantly, while the water vapour permeability and elongation at break decreased, indicating a denser and more robust film matrix. Higher CMF concentrations (0.7 and 1.0wt%) led to superior anti-abrasion performance and water-induced self-healing behaviour compared with the 0.3wt% CMF film. Furthermore, these coatings were completely removed from the blueberries within 3min by washing with distilled water. After 35 d of storage at 4°C, the 1.0wt% CMF-coated blueberries showed a significant reduction in weight loss (4.52%) compared with the control (8.95%). Moreover, they maintained superior quality retention, with a moisture content of 81.21%, titratable acidity of 0.95%, and total anthocyanin content of 106.05mg/100g, indicating significantly higher levels than those of the blueberries coated with lower concentrations (i.e., 0.3wt%). These findings highlight the potential of KCB-derived CMFs as a clean-label preservation technology for highly perishable blueberry fruits, offering environmental benefits through agricultural waste valorisation.

Abstract Purpose: This study examines the integration of biomass ash derived from the combustion of poultry litter at 700 °C into a nutrient-rich biowaste fertilizer. The objective is to recycle waste nutrients back into the soil system, with a particular focus on the pigmentation and bioactive compound profiles of black carrots (BC). Method: BCs were cultivated using compost formulations prepared by blending biomass ash with dairy cow manure at application rates of 0% (T0), 15% (T1), 25% (T2), and 50% (T3). After harvest, yield, color parameters, total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and antioxidant activity (AA) were evaluated. Results: The root fresh weights increased significantly (10.4%) at T1 but were negatively affected by increasing biomass ash in compost at T2 and T3. Specifically, the cultivation with 15% nutrient-enriched biomass ash compost produced the highest levels of TPC (2153 ± 121.94 mg100 g − 1 ), TAC (138.79 ± 8.00 mg100 g − 1 ), and antioxidant activity (32.23 ± 0.69 µM Trolox g − 1 ), indicating a beneficial effect at this supplementation level. Increasing the compost rate beyond 25% led to a decline in phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity, suggesting that excessive ash incorporation may negatively influence the accumulation of phenolic and anthocyanin compounds of BCs. These compositional changes were supported by both color measurements and image processing outcomes. Image analysis of BC powders clearly differentiated the 15% treatment from the control, mainly due to its darker appearance and higher anthocyanin content. Conclusion: This study suggests that nutrient-enriched biomass ash compost has the potential to improve the coloration, phytochemical profile, and antioxidant capacity of black carrots when applied at an ideal rate, highlighting its value as a sustainable soil amendment.

ABSTRACT Styrax japonicus is a widely cultivated ornamental plant with highly valuable flowers. However, the related research on flower colour formation in its pink-flowered varieties remains poorly understood. This study investigated the anthocyanin content, types, and endogenous physiological factors contributing to petal colour differences between pink- and white-flowered varieties of S. japonicus across three key developmental stages: pre-bloom (S1), full-bloom (S2), and post-peak (S3). The results demonstrated that total anthocyanin content is the determining factor of petal colour in S. japonicus. Among the anthocyanins identified, three key types of anthocyanin – delphinidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, and delphinidin-3-O-sophoroside – were major contributors to pink coloration. In addition, the petal cells of both varieties maintained a weakly acidic environment, with significantly lower pH values observed in pink petals compared to white ones across all three developmental stages. Furthermore, the moisture content has no direct impact on the synthesis of anthocyanins. Additionally, the accumulation of condensed tannins contributed to the stability of the colour in pink petals in the S1 stage. Finally, jasmonic acid (JA) levels showed a significant negative correlation with anthocyanin content, suggesting that JA may act as a negative regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis in S. japonicus petals. This study provides a theoretical basis for cultivating the pink-flowered variety of S. japonicus and enhancing its ornamental value.

Organic farming is an influential practice for minimizing the environmental and ecological impact of sustainable development. The use of organic materials in agricultural practices can reduce the adverse effects on the environment by preserving its natural cycles during the recovery process. The study evaluated the effects of different organic growing media and liquid organic fertilizer i.e. Jeevamrit on foliage expansion, aesthetic appeal and nutritional properties of ornamental kale genotype ‘Kt OK-2’. The growing media tested included a combination of leaf mould collected from ban oak soil and cocopeat in a (1:1, v/v), cocopeat alone and leaf mould alone. Jeevamrit was soil drenched at weekly, fortnightly and monthly intervals and was compared with a control using the recommended dose of fertilizers. Results indicated that the growing medium of leaf mould and cocopeat (1:1, v/v) demonstrated superior qualitative and quantitative effects on plant growth compared to the other media, owing to its high nutritional content. Jeevamrit @ 20% at weekly intervals further enhanced plant performance. This combination of growing medium and jeevamrit led to the highest measurements of plant height (22.06 cm), spread (35.75 cm), number of leaves (46.43), rosette diameter (23.55 cm), percentage of green and coloured leaves per plant (36.84% and 67.73%) and pot display life (68.55 days). Furthermore, total chlorophyll content (32.88 mg/100 g), anthocyanin content (0.64 mg/100 g) and total carotenoid content (2.13 mg/100 g) of the plant was recorded highest for the same treatment combination. Additionally, the study assessed physico-chemical properties of the soil. The results underscore the effectiveness of using a balanced growing medium with regular organic manure applications to optimize plant health and aesthetic quality in ornamental kale.

This study tested the hypothesis that anthocyanin content and grain characteristics in pigmented wheat are influenced by genotype (G), nitrogen (N) fertilization, growing season (GS), and their interactions. Purple wheat (cv. PS Karkulka) and blue wheat (cv. Skorpion) were grown for three consecutive seasons (2016-2019) at Velký Týnec, Czech Republic, using a randomized block design (three replications) with two N rates (150 and 210 kg ha-1). Skorpion accumulated approximately 3-6× higher total anthocyanin concentrations than PS Karkulka. Across cultivars, delphinidin derivatives - especially delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside and delphinidin-3-O-glucoside - were major contributors to the profile, while cyanidin-3-O-glucoside became the most abundant anthocyanin in PS Karkulka in several treatments in the second and third seasons. Analysis of variance indicated that G (10.41-71.70%) and GS (10.07-33.89%) explained most of the variation in anthocyanin traits, whereas N had a smaller but significant positive effect (0.37-7.70%); most N-related interactions were not significant. For grain traits, G and GS strongly affected yield (41.13% and 44.34%, respectively), 1000-kernel weight (18.45% and 74.06%), grain-size fractions (3.68-20.24% and 56.00-76.09%), sedimentation volume (4.39% and 71.17%), and protein content (4.39% and 71.17%), with a significant G × GS interaction (1.20-29.92%) indicating cultivar-specific seasonal responses. N had limited effects on yield and kernel size but increased protein content and sedimentation volume. The hypothesis was supported. Genotype and growing season were the dominant drivers of both anthocyanin profiles and grain traits, while nitrogen fertilization primarily improved protein-related technological quality rather than yield or kernel size. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of arginine and ultrasound treatments on the quality attributes of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cv. ‘Albion’). Fruits were divided into five groups: control (C), water treatment (W), arginine (Arg), water+ultrasound (W+UltS), and arginine + ultrasound (Arg+UltS). All samples were stored at 5 ± 2 °C and 85–90% relative humidity for 20 days, and quality analyses were performed at 4-day intervals. The parameters measured included total monomeric anthocyanin content (TMAC), total phenolic content (TPC), color values (L*, a*, b*, hue), weight loss, fruit firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), and the SSC/TA ratio. Results showed a decline in TMAC and TPC across all treatments during storage, with the most pronounced reductions in the Arg+UltS group. While no significant differences were observed among treatments for L*, a*, and b* values, the hue angle was significantly reduced in the Arg+UltS treatment compared with the control, suggesting treatment-induced modifications in fruit pigments. W and W+UltS treatments were the most effective in preserving fruit firmness, maintaining SSC, and the reducing weight loss. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate pre-storage treatments to minimize quality losses in strawberries during cold storage. Future studies should explore different arginine concentrations and ultrasound parameters to achieve more optimized outcomes.

Paeonia delavayi displays exceptionally diverse flower colors. This study established a quantitative classification system for these colors and analyzed the relationships among pigment composition, content, and geographical distribution, providing a scientific basis for genetic diversity conservation and ornamental peony breeding. Petals from 465 plants across 30 wild populations and nurseries in central and northwestern Yunnan, China, were analyzed. Color values were quantified using CIE-Lab and Munsell color systems, while pigment content was determined using HPLC and spectrophotometry. Correlations between color values, pigments, and environmental factors were examined. The results were as follows: (1) Flower colors were classified into nine color series, each with distinct boundaries in the color value space: white (W), yellow (Y), yellow-green (YG), orange (O), orange-brown (OB), pink (P), red (R), purple-red (PR), and dark purple (DP). (2) Color values showed wide variation (a*: −23.10–65.54; b*: −4.11–94.26), indicating high diversity. (3) Yellow-category petals had high b* values (24.91–94.26), correlated with carotenoid, chlorophyll, and flavonoid content, and lacked anthocyanins. The lightness value (L*) of red-category petals was correlated with total flavonoid (TF) and total anthocyanin (ACN) content. (4) Correlation analysis showed that the formation of dark-flower colors (DP, PR, R) was significantly and positively correlated with high altitude, high soil organic carbon (SOC), and high soil total nitrogen (STN) content. The distribution of yellow-series flower colors (Y, YG) was correlated with lower altitude and weaker UV radiation, while increasing mean annual temperature (MAT) limited their distribution. (5) Analysis incorporating environmental factors showed that high-altitude areas in northwestern Yunnan, such as Shangri-La and Lijiang, had the richest flower color diversity, whereas central Yunnan’s low-altitude areas were dominated by yellow flower colors. This study indicates that the high-altitude areas of northwestern Yunnan represent the region with the richest flower color diversity in P. delavayi, and are important for the conservation of its flower color genetic diversity and as a source of genetic diversity in flower color in ornamental cultivar breeding.

Food spoilage leads to both food waste and consumer health damage. Smart packaging systems inform the consumer about food spoilage and prevent food waste by consuming at the right time. Considering this and consumers’ increasing preference for natural packaging materials for food products, in this study, it was aimed to produce smart packaging elements using naturally sourced cellulose derivatives and black carrot anthocyanins. Two types of nanocelluloses, namely bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), were synthesized from natural resources using different production methods. Black carrot was used to extract anthocyanin, a pH-responsive pigment. The attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to examine the chemical structures of BNC, CNF, and anthocyanin. The total anthocyanin content (TAC) in the black carrot extract was determined by UV spectroscopy. Thus, it was concluded that the colored substance obtained from black carrots had the cyanine 3-O glucoside structure and its total anthocyanin content was 469±35 mg/100 g. Also, the color changes of anthocyanin in response to pH alterations were investigated. Hydrogels were prepared based on BNC and CNF, separately, with Zn2+ used as crosslinker, and then these hydrogels were impregnated with the anthocyanin dye. Using ATR-FTIR, the chemical structure of the hydrogels loaded with anthocyanins was examined. Also, their swelling index was calculated and it was noted that BNC had a 15% higher swelling index. The morphology of the hydrogels was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, printable hydrogel suspensions were prepared from BNC, CNF, and anthocyanins, to develop intelligent pH sensitive labels. These suspensions were used to print on paper using the screen-printing technique. An X-Rite spectrophotometer was used to analyze the color characteristics of the printed hydrogel suspensions in both basic and neutral settings. The cumulative release of anthocyanin from the CNF and BNC-based smart labels in ethyl alcohol was also examined in this work. It was determined that the anthocyanin released from BNC hydrogel was 3% higher than from CNF. The ability of these novel colorimetric freshness indicator labels to identify deterioration in minced beef was evaluated. It was observed that, with the change of ambient pH, the color changes of the printed labels can be detected both spectrally and visually. Thus, the color of the hydrogel ink on the labels changed from pink/purple to blue as the meat deteriorated, indicating the potential of these smart labels as spoilage indicators. According to the study's findings, these smart labels can serve as useful freshness labels for meat products, providing a useful application for materials derived from natural resources and advancing environmentally friendly packaging technology.

Brassinosteroids are recognized regulators of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in grapevine; however, their spatiotemporal effects remain insufficiently characterized. This study examined the stage-specific impacts of exogenous 24-epibrassinolide and brassinazole on these phenolic compounds in Cabernet Sauvignon. Treatments were applied at fruit set and veraison, with skin and seed tissues collected across six developmental stages. Berry ripening and quality parameters were evaluated, and phenolic profiles were quantified via HPLC. The results revealed that both 24-epibrassinolide and brassinazole significantly influenced grape maturation and phenolic biosynthesis in a timing-dependent manner. Specifically, 24-epibrassinolide application at fruit set increased the content of proanthocyanidins and trihydroxylated subunits, as well as the galloylation percentage, in both skins and seeds, while also altering their composition and subunit architecture. In contrast, veraison-stage treatment reduced these parameters in seeds but promoted them in skins, highlighting a tissue-specific response within the same developmental window. Moreover, compared with fruit-set treatment, 24-epibrassinolide application at veraison more significantly enhanced total anthocyanin content in skins, predominantly through the accumulation of specific monomeric forms. Together, based on two consecutive growing seasons (2022-2023) in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon, these findings demonstrate that brassinosteroid regulation of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in grape berries depends not only on the tissue but also on the phenological stage of application. In conclusion, this study reveals distinct spatiotemporal patterns in the regulation of phenolic biosynthesis by 24-epibrassinolide in grapevine, providing new insights into the hormone-mediated modulation of secondary metabolism and suggesting a potential agronomic strategy for precisely shaping the phenolic profile of wine grapes through stage-targeted brassinosteroid application.

Polysaccharides-protein-based microencapsulation of anthocyanin-rich riceberry rice extract and its incorporation into rice gel matrices via 3D food printing.

Background. Berries are a valuable source of minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals in human nutrition. Due to the growing demand for organic food products enriched with biologically active compounds (BACs), there is a need to assess the levels of these substances in berries of various plant species and to develop optimal methods for processing raw berry materials that preserve their biological value. The aim of this study was to investigate the content of BACs (total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid) and the antioxidant capacity of fresh and dried berry extracts and berry juices from bush plants distributed in the territory of Ukraine (chokeberry, blackthorn, elderberry, and blackberry). Materials and Methods. The study was conducted using berry fruits of Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott (chokeberry), Prunus spinosa L. (blackthorn), Sambucus nigra L. (elderberry), and Rubus fruticosus L. (blackberry) growing in natural conditions in the Lviv region. The collecting of plant material, its preparation for analysis, as well as drying of berries, obtaining and pasteurization of berry juices were carried out following conventional methods. Berry extracts were prepared by 90 % ethanol extraction of fresh berries and water-ethanol extraction (in a 1:1 (v/v) ratio) of dry berries. The total content of phenolic compounds and the concentrations of anthocyanins, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) were determined using generally accepted spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant capacity of plant materials was assessed by spectrophotometric analysis using the stable free radical DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl). Statistical processing the obtained results was performed using a two-way ANOVA method. Results. Extracts of fresh berries from the studied plant species contained higher concentrations of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid than berry juices and extracts of dried berries, with the highest content of biologically active substances noted in fresh fruits from A. melanocarpa. In particular, chokeberry fruits contained phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and flavonoids in concentrations of up to 1204 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents), 643 mg C3GE (cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents), and 490 mg of QE (quercetin equivalents) per 100 g of sample wet weight, respectively. Pasteurized berry juices had lower concentrations of the indicated compounds than fresh berry extracts, whereas dried berry extracts tended to contain higher concentrations of the mentioned biologically active substances compared to berry juices. Among the plant materials studied, the highest antioxidant capacity measured by the DPPH radical absorption method was found in extracts of fresh chokeberries (93 %), whereas fresh berries of P. spinosa, S. nigra, and R. fruticosus plants showed significantly lower antioxidant potential (83 %, 85 %, and 82 %, respectively). For most of the analyzed parameters (except for the concentration of ascorbic acid), a stable pattern of preservation of biologically active substances in plant materials was observed in descending order: fresh berry extract > dried berry extract > berry juice, which confirmed the advantage of the extraction method compared to direct pressing and juicing for obtaining high levels of biologically active compounds in berry products. At the same time, the obtained results show that both the species characteristics of the berries and the method of their treatment significantly determine the antioxidant profile of berry products. Conclusions. Analysis of the concentrations of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins and ascorbic acid found in the berries of A. melanocarpa, P. spinosa, S. nigra, and R. fruticosus suggests that the fruits of these species are promising sources of natural antioxidants in human nutrition. However, the berry treatment regime significantly affects the content of biologically active substances in berry juices and extracts. The obtained results can be applied in the food industry for the development of functional products with improved antioxidant properties.

Strawberries ( Fragaria ×ananassa ) are highly sought-after fruit because of their flavor, color, and nutritional benefits. The balance of the soluble solids content (SSC) and titratable acidity (Tacid) contribute to the overall strawberry taste and perceived sweetness, while the total monomeric anthocyanin content (TMAC) is the primary basis for fruit color. Although North Carolina has an active strawberry breeding program to develop genotypes adapted to the South Atlantic region of the United States, parental germplasm has not been characterized. In this study, a greenhouse collection of fruit from 268 commercial cultivars and advanced breeding lines was used to characterize fruit composition diversity. Strawberry genotypes (all octoploids) were separated into four distinct clusters based on fruit composition profiles and multivariate analysis results. Genotypes in cluster 1 exhibited the lowest SSC (7.0%), Tacid (0.72%), and TMAC (31.22 mg/100 g), whereas cluster 2 had the second lowest %SSC and %Tacid and highest TMAC (54.57 mg/100 g). Cluster 3 was characterized by high SSC (10.3%) and pH (3.66), and fruit from cluster 4 had the highest average Tacid (1.21%) and lowest pH (3.43). Genotypes from Florida were found in the same cluster, while California genotypes were split among clusters 1 and 2. The first principal components (PCs; PC1 and PC2) accounted for 64.88% of the total variance within total fruit composition, with pH and Tacid contributing to PC1 (91.1%), SSC contributing to PC2 (71.1%), and TMAC associated with PC3 (77.4%). These differences in fruit composition among genotypes in the North Carolina core germplasm collection will be useful in the determination of future crosses in the breeding program.

As a medicinal and culinary important species, Codonopsis pilosula requires comprehensive germplasm research and innovation. This study elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying stem pigmentation in C. pilosula through integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Comparative profiling of purple-stemmed (CZ) and green-stemmed (CL) cultivars revealed 8674 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 105 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs). Notably, the CZ cultivar demonstrated elevated levels of procyanidin B2, delphinidin, and four cyanidin derivatives, exhibiting 44.6-fold higher total anthocyanin content compared to the CL cultivar. This phenotype was associated with the coordinated regulation of MYB/bHLH transcription factors and structural genes (including F3'5'H, ANS, and CHS). Multi-omics networks identified flavonoid biosynthesis (enriched with 30 DEMs) and redox regulation (involving 23 antioxidant-related DEGs) as pivotal pathways. Enhanced catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) enzymatic activities, coupled with increased accumulation of proline and raffinose, together with anthocyanin-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, were associated with enhanced stress tolerance in the CZ cultivar. Key transporters (such as GSTU45 and MATE30), potentially involved in vacuolar anthocyanin deposition, were characterized. These findings provide novel insights into metabolic regulation and molecular breeding strategies for medicinal plant quality improvement, primarily through understanding the mechanisms underlying stem-specific anthocyanin accumulation and associated stress resilience.

Pasta, a globally appreciated staple food, is an excellent source of carbohydrates. Nevertheless, wheat-based pasta contains certain nutrients. Thus, a new product with enhanced nutritional value is required to overcome this nutritional limitation and enhance the health-related advantages of pasta. A feasible strategy is to partially replace wheat flour with Tubtim Chumphae rice (TCR) flour. This study aimed to manufacture tagliatelle pasta using a formulation wherein wheat flour is replaced by 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% TCR flour. The microstructure, color, texture, total phenol and anthocyanin levels, antioxidant activity, cooking properties, and proximate composition profiles of the product, along with its sensory attributes, were evaluated. Sample analyses indicated that TCR incorporation elevated the levels of fiber, proteins, lipids, and ash content in comparison to pasta devoid of TCR flour. Furthermore, the yellowness and brightness diminished significantly compared to the control. In TCR-fortified pasta, the cooking time and yield were reduced, but cooking loss increased. However, the concentrations of total phenolics and anthocyanins, as well as antioxidant activity, were also markedly elevated. In addition, the pasta displayed an evidently undesirable texture, including surface roughness, particularly when TCR levels were more than 45%. These findings indicate that replacing wheat flour with TCR flour enhanced the functional and nutritional value of pasta, making TCR flour a feasible functional food ingredient.

Frequent rainfall during the ripening season in Shaanxi’s grape-growing regions increases the incidence of downy mildew and black rot. In recent years, rain-shelter cultivation has reduced the incidence of these diseases; however, it has been associated with frequent powdery mildew outbreaks that severely compromise fruit quality and yield. To mitigate powdery mildew under rain-shelter conditions, we characterized disease dynamics and evaluated “bio-based” or “microbial-derived” pesticide control strategies. A large number of studies have shown that rain shelter cultivation can significantly change the microclimate. This study found that changes in microclimate affect the incidence pattern of powdery mildew, and there are significant differences in the resistance of different grape varieties to powdery mildew. A prediction model based on microclimate showed that 15-day accumulated growing degree days (GDD15; base 10 °C) before disease onset were positively correlated with the disease index (r = 0.860), whereas relative humidity was negatively correlated (r = −0.637); a multiple regression including both variables explained 81.4% of the variance. In biopesticide screening, blasticidin S and polyoxin inhibited spore germination by >95%. In-shelter efficacy varied among cultivars, and biopesticide effects on fruit quality were also cultivar dependent. For example, blasticidin S increased total phenol and anthocyanin contents in Cabernet Sauvignon but reduced phenolic accumulation in Chardonnay.