Food Agricultural Sciences and Technology

Genetic analysis and resistance mechanisms in Anthurium against anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Nattapong Srisamoot — 2026-01-06

The objective of this study was to explore the genetic mechanisms underlying resistance to anthracnose disease in Anthurium cultivars, caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Anthracnose poses a significant challenge to Anthurium cultivation, impacting both yield and ornamental quality. This research aimed to fill the knowledge gap in molecular mechanisms of resistance, focusing on key defense-related enzymes, chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase. The methodology involved collecting ten Anthurium cultivars and performing artificial inoculation with C. gloeosporioides. DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, and sequencing were used to investigate genetic traits associated with anthracnose resistance. Enzymatic assays measured chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase activities to assess physiological responses. Data analysis included genetic similarity comparisons to determine genetic closeness among cultivars. Results revealed that Plew Tien Phuket and Plew Tien Lampang showed higher resistance with increased enzyme activity, displaying fewer lesions compared to susceptible cultivars like Merengue. Chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase activities significantly increased in inoculated plants, indicating a robust defense response. Genetic analysis showed significant diversity, with high similarity coefficients between resistant cultivars, highlighting genetic factors contributing to anthracnose resistance. In conclusion, elevated activities of chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase were associated with enhanced resistance to anthracnose, suggesting these enzymes as potential markers for breeding programs. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular basis of anthracnose resistance, offering a foundation for sustainable disease management in Anthurium cultivation

Cytogenetic study of the redtail bagrid (Hemibagrus wyckioides) using conventional staining and NOR-banding techniques

Nuntaporn Getlekha — 2026-01-06

A karyotype and standard idiogram analysis of the redtail bagrid (Hemibagrus wyckioides) from the Mae Klong River Basin, Kanchanaburi province, was conducted using samples from seven males and eight females. Chromosomes were directly extracted from kidney tissue and stained with Giemsa stain and NOR-banding. The results showed that the redtail bagrid had 58 diploid chromosomes (2n) and 102 fundamental chromosomes (NF). The karyotype included 6 large metacentric, 8 large submetacentric, 6 large acrocentric, 16 medium metacentric, 4 medium submetacentric, 4 medium acrocentric, 8 medium telocentric, and 6 small telocentric chromosomes, respectively. No chromosomal differences were observed between the sexes. NOR staining identified one pair of NOR loci located at the telomeric region of the short arm of a metacentric chromosome. This study is the first cellular genetic analysis of the redtail bagrid and provides valuable data for the taxonomic classification of bagrid catfish. Additionally, the findings can serve as a foundation for the conservation of catfish genetic resources and future studies on chromosomal evolution. The karyotype formula of H. wyckioides is 2n (58) = L^m₆+L^sm₈+L^a₆+M^m₁₆+M^sm₄+M^a₄+M^t₈+S^t₆

Evaluating the impact of leaf trichome on whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) dynamics in cassava

Supawadee Prombut — 2026-01-06

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a vital crop in Thailand. However, its yield is significantly impacted by Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD), caused by the Sri Lankan Cassava Mosaic Virus (SLCMV). CMD is primarily spread by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), as whitefly infestations facilitate disease transmission; therefore, understanding pest resistance in cassava is crucial. Antixenosis, a form of resistance, involves plant traits such as trichome density that deter pest colonization. This study evaluated trichome density and size across six cassava cultivars—Huaybong 60, CMR 89, Kasetsart 50, Rayong 72, Rayong 4, and Pirun 2—and assessed their influence on whitefly settling preferences. Whitefly populations were monitored for four months, while trichome density and size were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated significant variation in whitefly infestation among the cassava cultivars. The CMR 89, Pirun 2, Rayong 4, and Kasetsart 50 cultivars experienced the highest infestation, whereas Huaybong 60 and Rayong 72 had lower infestations. Notably, the Huaybong 60 displayed the highest trichome density, followed by Rayong 72, Pirun 2, and CMR 89, while Rayong 4 and Kasetsart 50 had lower densities. A strong negative correlation was observed between trichome density and whitefly infestation, suggesting that higher trichome density effectively reduces whitefly colonization. These findings indicate that Huaybong 60 and Rayong 72 could serve as promising genetic resources for breeding cassava cultivars with enhanced non-preference resistance (antixenosis) to whiteflies. This research highlights the importance of selecting resistant cultivars to strengthen cassava production while minimizing the impact of whitefly-transmitted diseases.

Production of powder yeast starter culture for fermentation of cocoa beans

On-ong Chanprasartsuk — 2026-01-06

The unique flavor and aroma of cocoa beans are derived from the spontaneous fermentation with natural microorganisms, where yeast is the primary microorganism found during the initial period of fermentation. However, the natural fermentation process may cause variations in the quality of cocoa beans. The powdered starter culture of Saccharomyces yeast was produced for cocoa fermentation. The inoculums were prepared and dried at 40 ^oC for 14, 15, and 16 hours, and 45 ^oC and 50 ^oC for 7, 8, and 9 hours, respectively. Liquid starter culture fermentation was used as a control. The powder yeast starter culture was dried at 40 ^oC for 15 hours with a moisture content of < 8.5% (w/w) and the maximum survival of the yeast population (P < 0.05) was used for small-scale cocoa fermentation. The cut test results showed that the powdered starter culture could complete cocoa fermentation with a consistent quality of cocoa beans. To improve the quality of powdered starter cultures and better understand the role of powdered yeast inoculum on the quality of cocoa beans, the shelf life of powdered starter cultures and the chemical composition of cacao beans after fermentation with powdered starter cultures were further investigated.

Karyotypic analysis of the blunt-headed burrowing frog (Glyphoglossus molossus) using conventional staining and NOR-banding techniques

Kamika Sribenja — 2026-01-06

This study investigated the karyotype of the blunt-headed burrowing frog (Glyphoglossus molossus) using ten individuals (five males and five females) collected from Chombueng district, Ratchaburi province. Chromosome preparations were made from bone marrow cells, and mitotic chromosomes were obtained using a colchicine-hypotonic-fixation-air drying technique. Conventional staining was performed with 20% Giemsa’s solution to assess the diploid number, shape, and size of the chromosomes. The results revealed that the diploid chromosome number (2n) for the blunt-headed burrowing frog is 26, with the fundamental number (NF) of 52 in both males and females. The karyotype consists of 6 large metacentric chromosomes, 2 medium metacentric, 2 medium submetacentric, 12 small metacentric, and 4 small submetacentric chromosomes. NOR staining revealed a pair of NOR loci located at the subtelomeric region of the short arm of a submetacentric chromosome. Notably, no distinguishable sex chromosomes were observed. The karyotype formula for the species is 2n (26) = L^m₆+ M^m₂+M^sm₂+ S^m₁₂+ S^sm₄.

Optimizing nitrogen management practices to enhance nutrient use efficiency and growth of maize (Zea mays L.)

Janaki Budha — 2026-01-06

Efficient nitrogen (N) management is crucial for improving growth, yield, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of maize (Zea mays L.) while maintaining environmental quality. This study evaluated growth parameters, yield attributes, soil nutrient dynamics, nitrogen uptake, and NUE under various N sources and management practices on the sandy loam soil of Chitwan, Nepal. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block with three replications, incorporating the following treatments: N check, N all at basal dose, N at three split doses, polymer-coated urea (PCU), neem-coated urea (NCU), urea deep placement (UDP), leaf color chart (LCC ≤4.5), and soil plant analysis development (SPAD ≤40) meter. The results depicted that the slow-releasing nitrogen sources, such as PCU, NCU, and UDP, along with split applications, outperformed conventional methods significantly. PCU emerged as the most effective treatment, achieving the highest plant height, yield, and nitrogen uptake. Compared to conventional applications, PCU increased grain yield by 11.2%, LCC (≤4.5) improved agronomic efficiency by 54.2%, and UDP enhanced recovery efficiency by 61.5%. These findings suggest that integrating slow-release and split-application practices can optimize N use and support sustainable maize production, with PCU being the best among all other treatments.

Evaluation of the food safety of vegan almond-based cream cheese analogue produced in an artisanal way in Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil

Nicolle Spricigo — 2026-01-06

In recent years, the demand and preference for artisanal foods, including cheeses, have increased even in industrialized countries. The objective of this work was to present a plant-based cream cheese which, although similar to dairy products, is new and specially created based on almond milk. To evaluate its safety, microbial and physicochemical analyses were performed. Almond milk was prepared manually and mechanically. Analysis of thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli|, Salmonella spp., determination of viable aerobic mesophiles and mold/yeast count, and positive coagulase Staphylococcus aureus count were carried out. The physicochemical determinations as pH, moisture, ashes, and fat content, were carried out. Sensory evaluation was carried out by a non-trained panel. There was an absence of Salmonella spp. and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aures. All samples analyzed showed <3 MPN/g of thermotolerant coliforms. The count of viable aerobic mesophiles presented values of 6.27 - 6.47 Log₁₀for almond-based type cream cheese and 2.41 Log₁₀ for traditional cream cheese. pH values of 5.2 and 5.4, fat content of 24.04 % and 26.44 % were obtained for almond-based type cream cheese and traditional cream cheese, respectively. Ash values of 2.5% and 71.44% of moisture content were obtained with the manual extraction, which were higher than with the mechanical extraction. Most of the panelists approved the almond-based cream cheese. Results demonstrated that the vegetarian product type “cream cheese” is suitable for consumption and meets the demand of vegetarian or vegan consumers and consumers who choose not to consume meat.