This study analysed fisherfolk’s poverty and food insecurity status in the coastal region of Nigeria. Data from 420 artisanal fisherfolk, selected through a multistage sampling procedure, were analysed using descriptive statistics, a multidimensional poverty index approach, a household food insecurity access scale, and Seemingly unrelated regression equation (SURE). Findings from the study showed that about 62% of the respondents lived in households with malnourished individuals, no clean water, no electricity, no education, a dirty floor, inadequate infrastructure, and poor healthcare services. Infrastructure such as markets and road networks had the highest contribution to the poverty intensity with education having the least contribution in the study area. The results revealed that artisanal fisherfolk who are non-poor are more food secure than those who are poor. Also, estimates from SURE show that household size, daily income, and owning a house significantly influenced household food insecurity level, while multidimensional poverty level was significantly influenced by age, education experience, daily income, owning a house, and credit constraint. It is, therefore, recommended that initiatives that address poverty and food insecurity issue among the artisanal fisherfolk in the coastal region of Nigeria should be given utmost priority because of the contribution of the sub-sector to the economy. Also, artisanal fisherfolk are encouraged to diversify their means of livelihood in order to reduce their level of poverty.

The effect of treatment of the Californian earthworm Eisenia fetida with preparations containing silver (Ag; in the form of either nanoparticles (AgNPs) or cations (AgNO3 solution)) and gold (Au; in the form of nanoparticles (AuNPs)) on its vitality was studied in a laboratory experiment for 12, 48, and 158 h. After the observations were completed, the total elemen content was analysed after exposure to individual preparations applied to the soil. Earthworms and the soil in which they were grown were analysed. Measurements were performed using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique, with prior mineralisation of earthworms and soil samples. The results of quantitative studies showed a several-fold increase in Ag content in earthworms exposed to preparations containing Ag compared to the control group. Significantly higher contents of K, Na, P, Mg, and Si were also found in earthworms exposed to Ag and Au compared to the control group. Despite exposure to AuNPs, no increase in the concentration of this element was observed in the earthworms. The analysis also included other elements: Li, Al, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Ba, Au, Hg, Tl, and Pb. The initial analysis did not show any significant differences in the concentrations of these elements in earthworms exposed to individual preparations compared to the control. The high level of elements classified as toxic to earthworms, including As, Cd, and Pb, is noteworthy, but the concentrations of these elements were not dependent on the use of any of the preparations. Based on a visual inspection of live individuals, we could not confirm the reduced vitality of earthworms exposed to individual preparations compared to the control. In contrast, individual populations retained full vitality after exposure and reproduced.

Plantation forestry primarily aims to enhance the production of high-quality timber. This research focuses on evaluating the effect of various climatic factors (such as relative humidity, annual precipitation, average, minimum and maximum temperatures) on the growth parameters (including tree height, breast height diameter and base diameter) of Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) and Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallasiana (L.) Holmboe). This study was conducted in two adjacent plantations established in 1995, with data collected over a three-year period (2022-2024). To assess growth patterns, 30 trees from each plantation were randomly selected and monitored. Climatic data were sourced from Türkiye’s general directorate of meteorology and climatology. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that growth and climate parameters were statistically similar (p>0.05) for both species, except for tree height, which showed significant differences in Taurus cedar. The Spearman rank correlation analysis identified a strong and statistically significant relationship (p<0.05) between temperature variables (minimum, maximum, and average) and the growth traits of both tree species. On the other hand, relative humidity and annual precipitation showed no significant correlations (p>0.05). The findings underscore the critical role of temperature in influencing tree growth within plantation forestry, offering valuable insights for sustainable forest management practices.

Bread is among the most commonly consumed foods in daily diets around the world. It is known that breads produced with sourdough or different cereal flours have positive effects on health. Consumer demand for these types of bread is steadily growing. One key factor influencing bread consumption is their sensory qualities. The aim of our study was to assess the sensory properties of sourdough breads made with various cereal flours and a buckwheat (pseudocereal) substitute. For this purpose, six types of sourdough breads were produced with durum (yellow) wheat, wheat, rye, einkorn, wheat germ flours and buckwheat flour as a grain substitute, and these bread varieties were scored between 1-5 by 9 trained panelists according to loaf and crust appearance, crust thickness, crust color, crust odor, crumb appearance, crumb porosity, crumb color, crumb elasticity, chewability, odor, taste, and general appreciation features. As a result of the evaluation, in terms of general appreciation, the average scores of the bread varieties, from the most to the least appreciated, were determined as buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) bread (4.017), durum wheat (Triticum durum) bread (3.811), wheat (Triticum aestivum) bread (3.685), einkorn (Triticum monococcum) bread (3.102), wheat germ bread (3.076) and rye (Secale cereale) bread (3.008). Additionally, when the average total scores were reviewed at the end of the evaluation, it was found that the breads were rated at least 2.5 points (medium), which is above average. Therefore, it was concluded that breads produced with sourdough by substituting buckwheat, durum wheat, einkorn, wheat germ and rye flours could serve as a good alternative to sourdough wheat bread for healthy nutrition by gaining consumer approval.

The most complex microhabitat is the rhizosphere, which is composed of a varied alliance of archaea, fungi, bacteria, and eukaryotes as well as an interconnected network of plant roots and soil. Crop yield and growth are directly affected by rhizosphere conditions. Plant development and yield were enhanced under nutrient-rich rhizosphere conditions. Most soils that require nurturing before or at the time of next harvest are drained by extensive agriculture. Fertilizers are the primary source of nutrients for crop. However, their extensive and unchecked use seriously threatens ecosystem stability and agricultural sustainability. These toxic substances accumulate in the soil, leak into water, and are discharged into the atmosphere, where they stay for decades and impart a vital risk to the ecosystem as a whole. The rhizosphere of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) transforms a variety of vital nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc, and others that are unavailable to plants into forms that they can use. In order to interact with the valuable or pathogenic counterparts in the rhizosphere, PGPR produces a variety of hormones such as auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, antimicrobial agents, secondary compounds, cell lytic enzymes, chitinases, proteases, hydrolases, stress- releasing materials 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase, chelating siderophores, and certain signaling substances such as N-acyl homoserine lactone. PGPR can be used for rhizosphere engineering, which has several uses beyond crop fertilization, development of plant growth, sustainability, and environment friendly agriculture. There is an increasing concern regarding stress-resilient plant growth promoting. microorganisms (PGPM). This review paper covers the three elements of rhizosphere engineering with a particular emphasis on PGPM and how it might promote the appropriate use of rhizosphere engineering particularly in hosts, as an important aspect of environmentally conscious farming.

This study investigated the impact of various drying techniques and ultrasound pretreatments on the drying kinetics, rehydration properties, energy efficiency, and quality parameters of apple slices. Apples were dried using hot-air drying at 55 °C and 65 °C, and intermittent microwave drying at 240 W and 400 W. US pretreatment was applied at acoustic densities of 60 and 80 W L⁻¹ prior to hot-air drying to assess its effect on mass transfer and quality. The drying behavior was modeled using both thin-layer mathematical models and artificial neural networks. Results revealed that US pretreatment significantly enhanced the drying rate and reduced drying time and energy consumption, particularly at higher acoustic density and temperature, while intermittent microwave drying achieved the shortest drying durations and lowest energy consumption. Among the models, the Midilli and Kucuk model best described the thin-layer drying data, although ANN models provided superior predictive performance across most conditions. Rehydration ratio was positively influenced by US pretreatment at lower temperatures but was adversely affected at higher temperatures and higher microwave power levels due to structural damage. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were preserved or enhanced by microwave drying, whereas US pretreatment showed no clear benefit and, in some cases, led to degradation, likely due to prolonged sonication and water immersion. Color values showed minimal undesirable changes with US pretreatment, and higher L* values (lightness) were retained in most cases. a* and b* values increased after drying processes. Principal component analysis (PCA) effectively differentiated treatment groups based on all measured parameters. US pretreated and unpretreated samples are positioned in the same place, while intermittent microwave dried and fresh samples are in a different plane. In conclusion, US pretreatment and microwave drying are promising technologies for improving drying efficiency and maintaining quality in dried apple products.

Mitochondrial genomes are key targets in controlling fungal plant pathogens and mediate adaptive responses like fungicide resistance. Respiratory inhibitor fungicides (RIs) are widely used against many fungal pathogens, including Monilia fructi cola and M. lax, which are casual agents of brown rot of stone fruits worldwide. Although resistance to RIs has been reported in these species, the genetic basis is not fully elucidated. and is hypothesized to involve mitochondrial genome variations. To explore this, mitogenomic variations was comprehensively analysed to assess the resistance responses of two Monilia species to three RIs, including two technical grade fungicides (bosclid and azoxystrobin) and, a commercial one (signum). Whole mitogenome data from sixteen isolates of two species with different resistance/susceptibility phenotypes were analysed for certain gene mutations, mitochondrial variants, heteroplasmy, and sequence kernel associations. The results indicated that commonly known mutations and low levels of heteroplasmy do not fully explain resistance. In Monilinia fructicola, the presence of multiple variants appears to contribute to resistance, however, no variant patterns corresponded significantly with resistance phenotype in M. laxa. Providing a broad perspective, this study serves as a valuable model and supports the potential of mitogenome-focused RI resistance research. These insights contribute to a better understanding of specific resistance responses, thereby supporting the development of more effective pathogen control strategies.

Microgreens have become popular due to the positive health and high nutritional value effects of the bioactive compounds they contain. This study aimed to determine the total phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant contents of red radish and parsley microgreens and to evaluate their anticancer effects in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells (CLL). After methanolic extraction of microgreens, DPPH, radical scavenging activity and total polyphenol and flavonoid content were analyzed spectrophotometrically. The effects of microgreens on MEC-1 and HG-3 CLL cell lines were determined by MTT method. The methanolic total flavonoid content of red radish and parsley microgreens were 2,562 mg/g RE and 1,306 mg/g RE, respectively; total polyphenol contents were 4,133 mg/g GAE and 1,851 mg/g GAE, respectively; DPPH radical scavenging activity were 701,423 µg/g GAE and 625,717 µg/g GAE, respectively. The IC50 concentrations were found 70 mg/ml and 75 mg/ml for parsley microgreen for MEC-1 and HG-3 cell lines, respectively; 65 mg/ml for red radish microgreen for MEC-1 cells, while more cell proliferation was observed at the doses applied for HG-3 cells. Higher antioxidant content was found in microgreen radish than in parsley. Methanolic microgreen extracts significantly reduced cell proliferation in CLL cell cultures at varying levels. Of interest in terms of potential antitumor effects, microgreen radish extracts, which are rich in polyphenol content, showed a proliferative effect on wild-type CLL cells. In conclusion, this study is important in terms of revealing the activities of various microgreens, particularly radish and parsley microgreens, and detailing their benefits on human health.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is an annual herbaceous plant in the Fabaceae family. It is an important legume plant with 20-25% protein, 1.3-1.5% fat and 5.1-5.8% fiber, and has an important place in human and animal nutrition. In recent years, the rapid increase in the world population, the zoning of agricultural areas and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers in order to obtain higher yields from the unit area cause deterioration of the soil structure. Different methods have started to be applied to improve soil structure. One of these methods is the use of microbial fertilizers. Microbial fertilizers are an innovative and sustainable approach that improves chemical, physical and microbiological properties of soil and facilitates the uptake of plant nutrients. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of different microbial fertilizer applications on the technological characteristics of Akkız 86 and Karagöz 86 cowpea varieties by multivariate analysis methods. The minimum and maximum values obtained in the study are as follows: dry weight 17.98 - 19.29 g, dry volume 18.16 - 20.66 ml, fresh weight 42.15 - 46.53 g, fresh volume 44.16 - 47.83 ml, water absorption capacity 0.24 - 0.27 g/piece, water absorption index 1.33 - 1.66%, hydration coefficient 132.80 - 142. 55%, swelling capacity 0.256 - 0.296 ml/grain, swelling index 2.25 - 2.63%, unit volume weight 0.93 - 0.99 g/ml, cooking time 18.16 - 20.16 min and number of grains dispersed after cooking 0.33 - 2.66. In this study, İmed microbial fertilizer applied to cowpea plant had positive effects on cooking time, water absorption index, swelling index and swelling capacity parameters.

In this study, the effects of season, gender, parity and year of birth on the birth weight of Holstein and Swedish Reds calves raised under ecological conditions in the eastern Black Sea region of Türkiye were investigated. For this purpose, 985 birth weight records of calves born on a private organic dairy farm were utilized. The data were analyzed by Univariate Analysis of Variance method available in IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 software. Study results showed that season had a significant (P < 0.01) effect on the birth weight of Holstein Friesian calves. The highest birth weight was observed in the spring season with 42.29 kg. Average birth weight for male calves was 41.8 kg, while female calves weighed 40.4 kg (P < 0.01). First parity dams had the lowest calf birth weight with an average of 38.7 kg. Calves from Holstein cows in second parity had the highest birth weight with 42.8 kg (P < 0.01). The effects of season on the birth weight were statistically significant in Swedish Red calves. Male and female Swedish Reds did not differ significantly with respect to their birth weights. The parity significantly influenced the birth weight of Swedish Red calves in a way (P < 0.05). Calves born from first-parity dams had an average birth weight of 40.3 kg, while those born to multiparous cows had an average of 41.4 kg. Additionally, the year had a notable effect on birth weight, with statistical significance (P < 0.01) observed in both breeds.