Cultivar Type Research Articles

Transferability of bioprocessing modes for recombinant protease production: from fed-batch to continuous cultivation with Bacillus licheniformis

BackgroundProteases are essential in various industries due to their unique substrate specificities and robustness in different operational conditions. Bacillus strains consist of a genotype favorable for rapid growth whilst secreting enzymes extracellularly, thereby simplifying recombinant protease production. Despite the widespread use of batch and fed-batch fermentations for their ease and robustness, these cultivation types are often marred by significant energy requirements and prolonged downtimes. The switch towards continuous cultivation methods promises reduced carbon footprints and improved equipment efficiency. Yet, research focusing on Bacillus strains is limited, therefore we aimed to establish a continuous cultivation as a competitive alternative to fed-batch.ResultsTherefore, this study aimed to explore the potential of chemostat cultivations for producing a protease from Bacillus licheniformis utilizing a derepressed induction system, and comparing specific productivities and space-time yields to fed-batch cultivations. The continuous cultivations were described in a hybrid model, considering the effect of productivity as function of the applied dilution rate as well as the generation time. The workflow of this study demonstrates that screenings in a fed-batch mode and chemostat cultivations conducted at the same growth rate, result in different specific productivities for derepressible systems.ConclusionThe results of this study highlight that the feeding rate’s impact on specific productivity varies significantly between fed-batch and chemostat cultivations. These differences suggest that fed-batch screenings may not be adequate for developing a continuous process using a derepressed promoter system in B. licheniformis. Although the space-time yield of fed-batch cultivations has not been surpassed by stable continuous operations—achieving only a third of the highest space-time yield observed in fed-batch—valuable mechanistic insights have been gained. This knowledge could facilitate the transition towards a more sustainable mode of cultivation for industrial protease production.

Comparative Economic Analysis Between Bioenergy and Forage Types of Switchgrass for Sustainable Biofuel Feedstock Production: A Data Envelopment Analysis and Cost–Benefit Analysis Approach

ABSTRACTThe capacity to produce switchgrass efficiently and cost‐effectively across diverse environments can be pivotal in achieving the short‐ and medium‐term Sustainable Aviation Fuel targets set by the U.S. Department of Energy. This study evaluated the economic performance of forage‐ and bioenergy‐type switchgrass cultivars and their response to N fertilization under diverse marginal environments across the US Midwest that included Illinois (IL), Iowa (IA), Nebraska (NE), and South Dakota (SD). Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was used to evaluate the efficiency of 23 Decision‐Making Units (DMUs)—cultivar types and N fertilization rate combinations—while a cost–benefit analysis calculated their profitability over 5 years. Results showed that two energy‐type cultivars—“Independence” and “Liberty”—were superior economically to the forage cultivars. Independence performed best with the highest profit margin when fertilized at 56 kg N ha−1, particularly in the US hardiness zone 6a (Urbana, IL). Liberty exhibited the highest profit margins in hardiness zone 5b (Madrid, IA, and Ithaca, NE) at 56 kg N ha−1 and showed exceptional profitability with 28 kg N ha−1 in hardiness zone 6b (Brighton, IL). Switchgrass cultivar “Carthage” showed better efficiency score and profitability results in hardiness zone 4b (South Shore, SD) at 56 kg N ha−1. The profit trends observed in current study sites may indicate broader patterns across similar US hardiness zones. This study provides valuable insights for decision‐makers to optimize input strategies for biomass production of bioenergy switchgrass to meet renewable energy demands.

Exposure of insects to current use pesticide residues in soil and vegetation along spatial and temporal distribution in agricultural sites

Current use pesticides (CUPs) are recognised as the largest deliberate input of bioactive substances into terrestrial ecosystems and one of the main factors responsible for the current decline in insects in agricultural areas. To quantify seasonal insect exposure in the landscape at a regional scale (Rhineland-Palatine in Germany), we analysed the presence of multiple (93) active ingredients in CUPs across three different agricultural cultivation types (with each three fields: arable, vegetable, viticulture) and neighbouring meadows. We collected monthly soil and vegetation samples over a year. A total of 71 CUP residues in different mixtures was detected, with up to 28 CUPs in soil and 25 in vegetation in single samples. The concentrations and numbers of CUPs in vegetation fluctuated over the sampling period, peaking in the summer months in the vegetation but remaining almost constant in topsoil. We calculated in-field additive risks for earthworms, collembola, and soil-living wild bees using the measured soil concentrations of CUPs. Our results call for the need to assess CUP mixture risks at low concentrations, as multiple residues are chronically present in agricultural areas. Since this risk is not addressed in regulation, we emphasise the urgent need to implement global pesticide reduction targets.

Evaluation of the fatty acid profiles, antioxidant activities, and total phenol and vitamin E contents of three types of Saudi date seed oils

Date seed oil is well known for its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, and antioxidant compounds, such as phenols, tocopherols, phytosterols and vitamin A, which play an important role in reducing the risk of many diseases. Therefore, date seed oil extraction and processing into different pharmaceutical and cosmetic products may be economically beneficial and could be considered an important opportunity for future v industrial utilization. The main goal of this study is to investigate the fatty acid composition, antioxidant activities, and total polyphenol and vitamin E contents of oils extracted from the seeds of three types of Saudi date cultivars: Al-Raziz, Al-Khalas, and Al-Ajwa. Hexane and petroleum ether organic solvents were used for oil extraction due to the unavailability of cold extraction devices. Date seed oils extracted from the specified Saudi date cultivars were further subjected to chemical and statistical analyses using standard Methods. Total lipid extracted from the Al-Raziz, Al-Khalas, and Al-Ajwa date seeds cultivars was 10.38-12.65 g/100 g with hexane and 10.21-12.69 g /100 g with petroleum ether, with no significant differences between them. Oleic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, linoleic, and stearic acids were the most abundant fatty acids in all three types of date seed oils. Particularly, oleic acid accounted for nearly half of the total fatty acid content (48.2-51.12%) in all three types of date seed oils. Total saturated fatty acid contents were 42.2, 40.1, and 43.4% and the total unsaturated fatty acid contents were 57.8, 59.0, and 56.6% in the date seed oils of Al-Khalas, Al-Raziz, and Al-Ajwa, respectively. All date seed oils had high contents of antioxidants (41.1-63.2%), phenols (274.0-302.53%), and vitamin E (16.68-19.2%). Therefore, Al-Raziz, Al-Khalas, and AlAjwa date seed oils can be used for industrial food and caffeine-free coffee production and the development of cosmetic and pharmaceutics products for skin microbial disease and wound treatment. Here, date seed oils were very rich in antioxidants, phenols, and vitamin E, with some fatty acids, such as lauric acid, exhibiting antimicrobial activities. Future studies should investigate the degree of fat oxidation and changes in the total phenol, vitamin E, phytosterol, and phytochemical compound contents during date storage.

Understanding the spread of agriculture in the Western Mediterranean (6th-3rd millennia BC) with Machine Learning tools

The first Neolithic farmers arrived in the Western Mediterranean area from the East. They established settlements in coastal areas and over time migrated to new environments, adapting to changing ecological and climatic conditions. While farming practices and settlements in the Western Mediterranean differ greatly from those known in the Eastern Mediterranean and central Europe, the extent to which these differences are connected to the local environment and climate is unclear. Here, we tackle this question by compiling data and proxies at a superregional and multi-scale level, including archaeobotanical information, radiocarbon dates and paleoclimatic models, then applying a machine learning approach to investigate the impact of ecological and climatic constraints on the first Neolithic humans and crops. This approach facilitates calculating the pace of spread of farming in the Western Mediterranean area, modelling and estimating the potential areas suitable for settlement location, and discriminating distinct types of crop cultivation under changing climatic conditions that characterized the period 5900 – 2300 cal. BC. The results of this study shed light onto the past climate variability and its influence on human distribution in the Western Mediterranean area, but also discriminate sensitive parameters for successful agricultural practices.

Effects of water-table depth on seed quality as β-glucan content in waxy and non-waxy naked barley grains

ABSTRACT Naked barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is often planted as a regional specialty crop in the western region of Japan, where there are many hilly and mountainous areas. Water-table depths there are often shallow, due to the inflow of spring melt-water and underground water from the mountains. In this study, the effects of water-table depth on growth and β-glucan content in naked barley were studied by using a lysimeter. The new, waxy-type, naked barley cultivar ‘Fukumifiber’, with high β-glucan content, showed that β-glucan content per grain with same ripeness were decreased by shallower water-table depth, while in the non-waxy cultivar ‘Ichibanboshi’, the effect to β-glucan content per grain was not significant. During ripening, the β-glucan content in both waxy and non-waxy cultivars increased sharply from the 20th to the 30th days after anthesis. In waxy-type cultivar ‘Fukumifiber’, β-glucan further accumulated from the 30th to the 50th days after anthesis, but the accumulation was suppressed as the water-table depth shallowed. While in non-waxy type cultivar ‘Ichibanboshi’, there was no significant increase from the 30th to the 50th days after anthesis and there were no significant differences due to the water-table depth. These results suggest that good drainage may be particularly important before from the 20th to the 30th days after anthesis for all cultivars. Furthermore, for some cultivars similar measures until the 50th day after anthesis may also be important. And even under shallow water-table depth condition, the difference between cultivars that have high β-glucan content or low content was maintained.

Application of Multiple Linear Regression Method for Predicting Fish Production Based on Cultivation Type

Application of Multiple Linear Regression Method for Predicting Fish Production Based on Cultivation Type

Genetic Diversity on Farm in Japanese Paper Mulberry.

Paper mulberry is a fiber resource for paper making. Washi, a traditional paper in Japan, has been produced from Broussonetia × kazinoki, a hybrid between B. monoica and B. papyrifera. Elite strains have been vegetatively propagated and distributed within Japan. In this study, these three strains' complete chloroplast (cp) genomes were reconstructed as pseudomolecules consisting of 160,861, 160,868, and 160,878 bp, respectively. They were compared with other database strains to detect insertion/deletion (INDEL) polymorphisms. In total, 25 INDELs were identified in these cp genomes. ISSR-based MIG-seq polymorphisms were applied to determine whether varieties or regional groups can be discriminated. Although various types of cultivars exhibiting different appearances are hard to discriminate, principal component analysis (PCA) distinguished two major groups. Maternal lineages reflecting the diverse origins of Japanese paper mulberry were determined using hypervariable maternal markers. An NGS-oriented nuclear marker system revealed the heterogeneous nature of domesticated paper mulberry, reflecting the complex origins of Japanese B. × kazinoki.

YIELD POTENTIALS OF RICE VARIETIES UNDER IRRIGATED LOWLAND IN COTE DIVOIRE GUINEA SAVANNAH ZONE

Cote dIvoire every year resorts to rice imports to cover its populations needs, due to significant shortfall in national production. This study aimed to assess the yield potentials of 20 rice varieties in irrigated rice farming to enhance national production. The 20 lines were evaluated in a split-plot design with 3 replications and 2 factors. The mainplotwas variety group with 2 levels (improved and local), while the sub-plot was the variety type (cultivar). NPK fertilizer (15-15-15) was applied as basal dressing at 200 g/15 m2 before transplanting. Urea (CO(NH2)2, 46% N) was applied as top dressing at rates of 14 g/15 m2 at tillering and 19 g/15 m2 at flowering. Analysis of variance showed significant differences at the 5% level for grain yield (GY), straw yield (SY), total dry matter (TDM), harvest index (HI), and agronomic efficiency of fertilizer (AE). Furthermore, these analyses revealed that local rice varieties, Koite and GT11, yielded around 5 tha-1, approximately two-thirds of the hybrids yields. However, the Danane variety had one of the lowest yields with 1.5 tha-1. The hybrids AR043H, AR034H, and AR051H were statistically identical and the top three in grain yield.Furthermore, the varieties AR043H, AR034H, and AR051H could be recommended to increase rice in Cote dIvoire. These results constitute a significant step in the search for genotypes suited to lowland rice cultivation with high yield potential.

Assessment of Alternaria Toxins and Pesticides in Organic and Conventional Tomato Products: Insights into Contamination Patterns and Food Safety Implications.

Alternaria toxins (ATs) are a group of toxins produced by Alternaria fungi that frequently contaminate tomatoes and tomato products. Recently, the European Food Safety Authority evaluated ATs for their genotoxic and carcinogenic properties. Alternaria infestation is often controlled using ad hoc treatment strategies (fungicides). In this study, two analytical methods were developed, validated and applied for the determination of five ATs and 195 pesticides in tomato products collected from the Italian market. Two distinct groups, organic (n = 20) and conventional (n = 20) Italian tomato sauces, were characterized in depth. Tenuazonic acid, alternariol and alternariol monomethyl ether were found up to 517, 27 and 7.1 µg/kg, respectively, while pesticides were detected between 0.0026 and 0.0421 mg/kg in conventional products, and, interestingly, up to 0.0130 mg/kg in organic products. No correlation emerged between the detected levels of ATs and pesticides and the type of tomato cultivation, but the probability of pesticide contamination in conventional products was eight times higher than in organics. Some considerations about exposure assessment and risk characterization for ATs were also proposed in the overall population and in more sensitive and/or exposed subgroups, underlining the need for new focused toxicological and monitoring studies to establish reliable reference values. Moreover, these data highlight that fungicide treatments may not protect tomatoes from ATs contamination, although it may remove fungi infestation. As organic product consumption is increasing, it is important to lay down dedicated regulations for maximum permitted levels to ensure the food safety of these products that are often perceived by consumers as a healthier and environmentally friendlier choice.

К вопросу целесообразности использования аквапоники как эффективного ресурса для производства объектов аквакультуры и микрозелени

Modern realities, in particular the need to expand import substitution, contribute to the development of new or alternative ways to ensure food security in the Russian Federation. In this regard, the expediency of using aquaponic systems for the cultivation of hydrobionts and various types of micro-plants is being considered. The results of monitoring the hydrochemical regime indicate a decrease in the concentration of ammonia-ammonium, nitrate nitrites relative to the content of the same forms of nitrogen in fish tanks without the use of aquaponics by 1.9; 2.2 and 1.6 times, respectively, which had a beneficial effect on the size and weight indicators of farmed fish. The average mass of tilapia Nile specimens cultivated in the aquaponic system, as well as the absolute growth rate of individuals, exceeded similar indicators of the control group by 1.5 and 1.7 times, respectively. The fish belonging to the experimental group were also characterized by the largest body length relative to the specimens of the control population. The duration of the growing season of microgreens, depending on the culture, ranged from 13 to 25 days. Various types and hybrid forms of basil were characterized by the highest green mass, number of leaves, height, development of the root system and a shorter growing cycle relative to other experimental plant samples (arugula and watercress). The conducted research indicates a high adaptation of this crop to existence in aquaponics conditions, therefore it must be considered as one of the key ones for this type of cultivation. The results obtained allow us to recommend the use of joint cultivation of microgreens and aquatic organisms as a resource for increasing the economic efficiency of industrial systems of aquaculture farms.

Cotton fibre development: Genes and physiological determinants of fibre length

Cotton fibres, single-celled extensions of the seed epidermis, progress through a series of developmental stages. This review explores fibre developments' genetic and physiological components, focusing on factors that affect fibre length. An attempt has been made to summarize the evolution of cotton species, highlighting the transition from wild to cultivated types and the selection for improved fibre traits. The stages of fibre development–initiation, elongation, secondary wall synthesis and maturation, as well as the roles of specific genes and physiological determinants governing fibre length during these processes, are discussed. The prospects for improving cotton fibre length to meet the industry standards, supported by the wealth of research information generated, are also outlined.

Hybrid solutions for agricultural vehicles: a comparative life cycle analysis from the users’ standpoint

In recent years, the need to reduce fossil fuel consumption has triggered a push towards alternative solutions for more sustainable vehicles. This trend is stimulated by increasingly stringent regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector. However, in agriculture, the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) is not aligned with the trends seen in other sectors due to technological barriers. Currently, only a few prototypal solutions for hybrid tractors have emerged due to their advantages in battery size, weight, and cost compared to fully electric solutions. In the literature, few studies have examined the environmental performance of hybrid electric tractors (HETs), mainly comparing them to conventional models in terms of work performance. Conversely, the user perspective is scarcely addressed although users' needs vary significantly depending on farm dimensions and cultivation types. The study proposes an analysis of the environmental impact of a hybrid solution by comparing it with a diesel engine Stage V and one produced under the Stage IIIb requirements. The novelty of this paper results from combining the life cycle assessment (LCA) outputs with a scenario modelling framework to uncover the potential environmental impact of the three models considering different use scenarios. Such an approach goes beyond traditional LCA analyses by providing more detailed information on the practical environmental implications related to these propulsion units. The results show that depending on the user scenario, the hybrid solution is not always the least pollutant, thus requiring further research in the HET sector to better tailor technical solutions based on the target customer.

Cultivation of Top Innovative Talents Leads the Formation of New Quality Productivity: Ideal Picture, Realistic Dilemma and Practical Way Forward

Top-tier innovative talents possess characteristics of innovation, leadership, sociality, timeliness, and openness, which meet the needs of the development of new quality productivity. Vigorously cultivating top-tier innovative talents is a key factor in leading the formation of new quality productivity. The cultivation of top-tier innovative talents generates the connotation of new quality productivity, and the formation of new quality productivity also influences the training concepts and quality structure of top-tier innovative talents. There is an inherent logic of two-way drive and mutual promotion between the two. With the acceleration of the current new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, the cultivation of top-tier innovative talents leading to the formation of new quality productivity faces practical dilemmas such as the lack of future-oriented thinking in talent cultivation, insufficient coordination in the talent cultivation system, and a lack of diversity in the types of talent cultivation. It is necessary to take a holistic approach, focusing on integrating educational resources, incubating cross-border innovation, advancing human-machine cooperation, adhering to open training, and highlighting regional characteristics to continuously exert efforts, explore new paths for the cultivation of top-tier innovative talents, and lay a talent foundation for accelerating the formation of new quality productivity. aggressive behavior in older preschoolers has long been a nuisance to kindergarten teachers and parents, and it is a common yet difficult problem in society. This study recorded the proportion, context, and reasons for aggressive behavior in older preschoolers at the Tianfu New Area Experimental Kindergarten in Chengdu. Combining the physical and mental development patterns of older preschoolers, methods such as observation records and situational analysis were used. Through real confrontation, observation, analysis, and exploration, effective ways to reduce and correct aggressive behavior in older preschoolers were found, with the aim of helping teachers cope with such behaviors.

IMPACT OF INTEGRATED ORGANOMINERAL FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON GROWTH, YIELD, QUALITY, AND HEALTH-RELATED COMPOUNDS OF SWEET CORN

In this study, the effectiveness of two organomineral formulations (OMF I and OMF II) on the growth, yield, kernel quality and health-related compounds of sweet corn were evaluated. Organomineral fertilizers were compared with chemically fertilized and unfertilized control to evaluate their effects as a basic fertilizer source. Field experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design, with three replications over 2 years. Two cultivars (cv. ‘Sentinel’ and cv. ‘Khan’) were used as plant material. The results indicated that (1) compared to control, the application of organomineral and chemical fertilizers resulted in improvements in most growth, yield and quality traits of sweet corn in both cultivars; (2) use of organomineral fertilizers led to similar or significantly higher than chemical fertilizer in plant height, leaf number per plant, ear size, ear weight, ear yield (husked and de-husked) and total soluble solids. However, these effects showed responses that varied with type of organomineral fertilizer or cultivar; (3) use of OMF I treatment with cv. ‘Khan’ significantly improved ear size, ear weight, ear yield (husked and de-husked), colour traits, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity compared to other treatments.

Биохимичен състав на някои сортове ечемик, отглеждан в различни системи на земеделие

Biochemical analyzes were made of some varieties of barley grown in different farming systems, to establish the presence of antioxidants and other useful substances in their composition. The antioxidant capacity equivalent (vit. E), total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total antioxidants, zinc, iron and sulfur were analyzed. The research was carried out at the Institute of Agriculture - Karnobat, Bulgaria and Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Research unit Microbe-Plant Interactions, Ingolstädterlandstr. 1, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany. The data show significant differences in the biochemical characteristics of different barley cultivars depending on the type of cultivation. Under conventional cultivation, the cultivars showed high levels of 1000-grain weight, crude protein content, antioxidant activity, and iron and sulfur content. In organic cultivation, the cultivars have good indicators of weight per 1000 grains, antioxidant capacity, total flavonoid content and zinc content. In biodynamic cultivation, the varieties have increased values for some biochemical indicators. Sitara variety has the highest total phenolic compounds content (TPC content) and antioxidant activity (DPPH activity), while Obzor variety has the highest iron content. These data highlight the possibility of achieving higher levels of some beneficial parameters in barley through biodynamic and organic cultivation.

Effects of gender and agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices: evidence from an emerging economy

PurposeThis study explores the effects of gender and participation in agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices in vegetable production.Design/methodology/approachThis study used data collected from a survey of 627 vegetable farmers in Viet Nam and employed the Ordered Probit regression model to examine the effects of gender and participation in agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices.FindingsWe find that female vegetable farmers are more likely to conduct biodiversity conservation farming practices than male farmers. This gender difference is, however, removed when participation in agricultural cooperatives is controlled, suggesting that agricultural cooperatives effectively facilitate biodiversity conservation farming practices.Research limitations/implicationsIt is noted that our study is not free from some limitations. First, we conducted our study on vegetable farmers only. The biodiversity conservation practices in vegetable cultivation might be different from other types of farming. Future studies should be conducted with other types of agricultural cultivation. Second, we do not have enough data to explain why female farmers are more likely to adopt biodiversity conservation practices than male farmers. Future studies should capture biological and social aspects of gender differences to address this limitation.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on biodiversity conservation by presenting empirical evidence on the effects of gender and agricultural cooperatives. Participation in agricultural cooperatives is revealed to facilitate the adoption of biodiversity conservation practices. In addition, we find that the education of farmers, the number of years that farmers have been living in the local area and the quality of land and water are positively related to the adoption of biodiversity conservation practices in vegetable production.

Morphological and molecular characterization of some Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) cultivars

The diversity and genetic relationships among seven commercial chrysanthemum cultivars were analyzed using morphological and molecular markers. Vegetative growth, flowering, flower yield, and flower quality parameters were evaluated to assess genetic variability across the cultivars. Cultivars Crystal Red, Kodiack, and Crystal White exhibited superior vegetative growth, while Abrun, Crystal Red, and Kodiack displayed better flowering characteristics, particularly in terms of the number of inflorescences per plant and mass of colored flowering. Crystal White, Coca Bleach, and Crystal Red cultivars demonstrated the highest inflorescence stalk length, while cvs. Crystal Red, Crystal Yellow, Crystal Pink, and Kodiack Yellow recorded the maximum number of ray floret inflorescences. Other quality parameters such as inflorescence diameter and ray floret length were found to be optimal in Kodiack, Crystal White, Crystal Pink, Coca Bleach, and Crystal Yellow cultivars. Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers were employed to distinguish and identify standard-type chrysanthemum cultivars, utilizing twelve SSR markers from the chrysanthemum SSR database. The results suggest that these SSR markers hold promise for identifying additional chrysanthemum cultivar types and assessing genetic relationships among them. Association studies combining morphological and molecular data offer a valuable approach to identifying informative markers for plant breeding purposes.

Metabolic profile of fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and methylxanthines of cocoa kernels (Theobroma cacao L.) from different cultivars produced in cabruca and full sun farming systems

The demand for high-quality cocoa beans has increased in line with the growing global demand for chocolate. The chemical composition of cocoa beans can vary according to their origin and growing conditions. In this context, this study evaluated the influence of the cultivar type (CCN51 and PS1319) and the cocoa management system (cabruca and full sun) on the chemical composition of unfermented cocoa kernels. The cultivation system influenced the fatty acid composition of cocoa kernels, with higher values of linoleic acid associated with the full sun system, although higher total lipid contents were obtained in the cabruca system. The cultivar influenced the content of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and the saturated/unsaturated ratio (S/U). Lower levels of total phenolic compounds, total anthocyanins and antioxidant properties were found in the full sun system, especially in the PS1319 cultivar. Higher levels of epicatechin and catechin were found in the cocoa kernel of the CCN51 cultivar. Theobromine and caffeine were not influenced by the treatments. Neither the PCA of total lipids and fatty acids, nor the PCA of antioxidant properties, phenolic compounds and methylxanthines indicated an isolated clustering between cultivar and cultivation system. The results showed that the factors under study influenced the chemical composition of the unfermented cocoa kernel. Furthermore, they indicated that the migration from traditional systems, such as cabruca, to full sun systems can reduce the total lipids and phenolic compounds content of the cocoa beans. When planning new plantations, the choice of genetic material should also be carefully considered to produce higher-quality cocoa butter and beans with a higher phenolic compound content.

Variations in the root mycobiome and mycorrhizal fungi between different types of Vanilla forest farms on Réunion Island.

The mycorrhizal fungi of cultivated Vanilla spp. have mainly been studied in America, while a recent study has investigated them on Réunion Island (Indian Ocean). However, there are many different types of cultivation on Réunion, from shade-house crops to forest farms of endemic or exotic trees. Here we fill a gap in the study of the root mycobiome of Vanilla by sampling vines in forest plantations on recent lava flows in the southeast of Réunion. Specifically, we aimed to characterize the fungal communities between terrestrial and epiphytic roots, between forest farms that differ mainly in the species of trees, and between Vanilla roots and ECM-like roots of nearby trees. By sequencing fungal ITS2, we showed that the Vanilla root mycobiome is diverse and differed between the root types and forest farms. Epiphytic and terrestrial roots host endophytic fungi, while a putative rust with visible urediniospores was abundant in terrestrial roots mainly. Other pathogens were detected in epiphytic roots (Colletotrichum) with no sign of disease. Following sequencing and electron microscopy, Tulasnellaceae, characterized by imperforate parenthesomes and cell wall expansion with an amorphous matrix, were shown to be the main mycorrhizal fungi in both vanilla root types. Interestingly, the dominant Tulasnellaceae OTU was found in ECM-type roots of trees belonging to the ectomycorrhizal family Sapotaceae. Further observations are needed to confirm the ectomycorrhizal association of endemic trees with Tulasnella. Moreover, labeling experiments will be instrumental in investigating the transfer of nutrients between the trees and the Vanilla through the network of mycorrhizal associations in the soil.