Food Agricultural Sciences and Technology

GGE biplot analysis of genotype by environment interaction and yield stability of some accessions of mung bean (Vigna radiata)

Paul Chiedozie Ukachukwu — 2025-09-02

Understanding genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) is essential for sustainable agricultural production and food security. This study assessed GEI and yield stability in 21 mung bean (Vigna radiata) accessions across seven Nigerian locations during the 2023 rainy season using genotype plus genotype by environment (GGE) biplot analysis. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was employed to evaluate agro-morphological traits such as grain yield, plant height, ﬂowering, and pod characteristics. Environmental factors significantly influenced grain yield, accounting for 28.75% of the variation, while genotype and GEI effects explained 4.31% and 17.88%, respectively. Principal component analysis revealed that the first two axes explained 72.25% of total variation, with PC1 and PC2 accounting for 60.20% and 12.05% of the variation, respectively. Ballah was identified as the most favorable environment due to its high-yielding potential in mung bean accessions, and Tvr-5 emerged as the most stable and high-yielding genotype, particularly excelling in the southern guinea savanna. Variability in plant height, pod number, and grain yield across environments highlighted the need for breeding strategies targeting both broad and specific adaptability. Tvr-58, Tvr-5, and Tvr-8 were identified to exhibit stability with high yield and are therefore recommended for cultivation and breeding programs.

The relationship between coral disease and abnormal symptoms with coral reef fsh in the inner Gulf of Thailand: Si Chang Island coral reefs and adjacent area in Chon Buri, Thailand

Ason Meenapha — 2025-09-02

The coral reefs in Chon Buri province are prone to degradation, given their proximity to estuaries and the influence of widespread tourist activities. This research assesses the impact of coral diseases and abnormal symptoms on the composition and diversity of coral reef fish species. The study focuses on Si Chang Island and its surrounding coral reefs at six stations. A video census technique was used to collect data for fish species diversity along 50-meter survey lines, with three replicates. For coral disease and abnormal symptoms, a photo belt transect method was employed within 0.5 m² areas along 30-meter survey lines, with three replicates at each station. The relationship between coral disease and abnormal symptoms in coral reef fish was suggested. Abnormal symptoms were significant in 17 species of coral reef fish. In addition, it was found that the relationship could not be determined, and species richness, diversity, and functional groups were not found to be related to coral disease or abnormal symptoms in corals. However, there is a trend of an inverse relationship between the coral disease and coral abnormalities with fish. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship, it is imperative to gather more information on coral diseases that may affect coral reef fish. Future research should focus on expanding the study area and conducting a thorough examination of additional environmental factors.

Integrating CRISPR-driven pheromones and RNAi production – Possible “savior” for the management of Nilaparvata lugens in rice paddy felds

Nur Syakila Rohawi — 2025-09-02

The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) is a serious pest affecting rice production worldwide, causing significant economic losses and posing challenges to food security. Traditional and conventional approaches have relied heavily on synthetic insecticides, which have led to increased pest resistance and environmental concerns, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. This review discusses innovative strategies that integrate pheromone-targeted approaches and RNA interference (RNAi)-induced biopesticides, enhanced by CRISPR technology. Pheromones, particularly sex pheromones, can disrupt mating behaviours, offering a non-toxic alternative to sustainably reduce pest populations. RNAi biopesticides provide a precision-based solution by silencing essential genes related to pest survival and reproduction, thereby minimizing off-target effects and environmental impacts. Additionally, CRISPR technology enhances these strategies by enabling the synthesis of pheromones independent of insect hosts and facilitating the delivery of RNAi constructs, with potential applications in developing pest-resistant rice varieties. A thorough understanding of the biological and ecological aspects of N. lugens is crucial for evaluating current research on pheromone and RNAi applications within integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks. The challenges and opportunities presented by these innovative approaches necessitate interdisciplinary research to optimize their effectiveness while addressing regulatory and public acceptance concerns. These insights can significantly advance agricultural practices, mitigate rising pest pressures, and enhance both food security and environmental sustainability.

Eﬀects of psyllium husk utilization on the efciency of feed utilization and the fecal hairballs elimination

Pwich Sornsadanant — 2025-09-02

The aim of this research is to examine the impact of psyllium husk utilization on the nutrition of cats and the reduction of fecal hairballs. A hybrid breed (Maine Coon × Persian) totaling 18 animals, mixed genders, with an average age of 2.58 ± 1.04 years and weight of 4.07 ± 1.22 kilograms, were included in a randomized completely block design. All cats were randomly assigned to receive three fiber-enriched food treatments: control (T1), 1% psyllium husk (T2), and 1% psyllium husk plus 6% cellulose (T3). Water was available ad libitum throughout the 30-day duration. The results showed that the control group (T1) exhibited lower feed intake (g/d) compared to the fiber groups (T2, T3) (P = 0.022). When analyzing feed intake relative to body weight (g/BW), the control group (T1) also showed lower values compared to the fiber groups (T2, T3) (P = 0.049). Fecal production (as-is basis) was highest in the group receiving 1% psyllium husk (T2) (P = 0.023), and significantly greater than the group receiving psyllium husk plus cellulose (T3) (P = 0.032). However, the use of psyllium husk and cellulose did not influence the total trichobezoar levels (P > 0.05). This study concludes that incorporating psyllium husk at a concentration of 1% increased feed intake and led to a higher wet fecal output, without significantly affecting trichobezoar reduction.

Eﬀects of incorporating dragon fruit peel powder into cookies on their nutritional composition, microbial quality, and sensory properties

Zerin Akter — 2025-09-02

This study investigates the effects of incorporating dragon fruit peel powder (DPP) into cookies on their nutritional composition, microbial quality, and sensory properties. Two formulations were prepared: a control (DPP0) and a formulation with 5% DPP (DPP5). Nutritional analysis revealed significant improvements in ash (2.42±0.03% in DPP5 and 2.15±0.02% in DPP0), crude protein (7.69±0.14% in DPP5 and 6.75±0.02% in DPP0), crude fiber (0.82±0.08% in DPP5 and 0.09±0.02% in DPP0), and crude fat (27.63±0.04% in DPP5 and 26.63±0.02% in DPP0). Moisture content slightly decreased (4.50±0.14% in DPP5 and 4.78±0.21% in DPP0), and carbohydrate content was lower in DPP5 (56.94±0.03%) compared to DPP0 (59.60±0.19%). Over a 30-day storage period, the DPP5 cookies consistently showed lower microbial loads, starting from 0.5×10² CFU/g at day 5 to 1.9×10³ CFU/g at day 30, compared to DPP0, which ranged from 0.8×10² CFU/g to 2.2×10³ CFU/g over the same period. Sensory evaluation indicated a significant preference for DPP5 cookies, with mean scores for color (8.40±0.67), texture (8.28±0.55), odor (8.50±0.82), flavor (8.50±0.75), and overall acceptance (8.03±0.70), all surpassing those of the DPP0 cookies, which scored 7.25±0.63, 7.13±0.46, 7.05±0.68, 7.20±0.69, and 6.90±0.78, respectively. These results suggest that dragon fruit peel powder enhances the nutritional composition, microbial stability, and sensory appeal of cookies, making it a valuable ingredient for functional food development.

Faty acid composition of lipids from Ugandan green coﬀee beans

Michael Bamuwamye — 2025-09-02

The study assessed the lipid content of green Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora var. robusta beans, the fatty acid (FA) composition of the lipids, and their nutritional quality to provide a basis for utilization. The green coffee beans (GCB) were obtained from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and coffee dealers. Lipid was extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus using n-hexane. Fatty acids were determined as the FA methyl esters using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Differences in lipid content were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The polyunsaturated FA; PUFA/saturated fatty acid; SFA (PUFA/SFA), palmitic acid; PA/PUFA, and ω6:ω3 ratios were used to evaluate the nutritional quality of the GCB lipids. Lipid content ranged between 1.75 and 15.45%. Higher lipid content was obtained for C. arabica than for C. canephora. Unsaturated FA (UFA) predominated over SFA. Linoleic acid (LA; 18:2ω6) and oleic acid (OA; 18:1ω9) were the main UFA and accounted for 50–60% of the total FA. Palmitic acid (16:0) was the major SFA. The PUFA/SFA ratio was within the desired range. Fifty-eight percent of the samples had PA/PUFA ratio < 1. The ω6/ω3 ratio was higher than the recommendation of 1:1 to 4:1 for a healthy diet. Information on the FA composition of coffee lipids will provide a basis for their industrial utilization. Coffee lipid can be a source of 16:0 and 18:2ω6 that can be used in food and as an excipient in drug preparations, respectively.

Physical and chemical properties and antioxidant characteristics of gac aril juice fermented with Aspergillus niger

Kessara Mungkunkoth — 2025-09-02

Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng) is a medicinal herb that contains carotenoid substances, phenolic compounds, and ﬂavonoids, and is well-known for reducing the risks of coronary heart disease and prostate cancer. This study investigated the carotenoid and antioxidant properties of Gac aril juice fermented for a 48-hour fermentation process with 2% (v/v) Aspergillus niger. The fermented juice exhibited an orange hue with L*, a*, and b* values of 51.47±4.50, 28.37±1.16, and 43.19±0.97, respectively. Total dissolved solids (TDS) decreased to 8.20±0.69 °Brix, and pH also decreased during fermentation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed higher lycopene (8349.48 µg/100 mL) and β-carotene (57.09±0.64 µg/100 mL) contents than the control. Antioxidant activity, assessed using 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, increased with fermentation time. At 48 hours, DPPH activity reached 1.76±0.01 µg of TE/mL, and FRAP activity reached 108.92±0.78 µg Fe (II)/mL. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total ﬂavonoid content (TFC) were 267.30±1.53 µg GAE/mL and 742.10±2.65 µg RE/mL, respectively. Fermented Gac aril juice with A. niger contained CO₂ and carbamic acid, which were not found in the non-fermented juice. Our findings created value-added products, such as health-promoting beverages and cosmetic ingredients.