Drought, a critical abiotic stress worsened by climate change, poses a substantial threat to crop production and global food security. White cabbage is classified as a moderately drought-sensitive crop. The function of folic acid, otherwise known as folate, in the plant's response to drought conditions is not yet fully understood. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of folic acid in enhancing certain growth parameters and physiological traits of cabbage seedlings under limited irrigation conditions. In this investigation, the effects of FA as a foliar application at 0, 100, and 200 µM (FA0, FA1, and FA2, respectively) were examined on white cabbage seedlings grown under full-irrigation (I0) and restricted irrigation (I1), set to 50% of full capacity irrigation scheme (I0). Drought stress adversely affected the plant growth properties of cabbage seedlings, whereas FA treatments mitigated the adverse effects of drought stress on the plant growth properties of cabbage seedlings. Under restricted irrigation, plants treated with 100 µM FA (FA1) had higher plant height, stem diameter and leaf area, while plants treated with 200 µM FA (FA2) had higher plant dry weight and plant dry matter content. Plant fresh weight increased with FA treatments under restricted irrigation, but no significant difference was observed between doses. On the other hand, leaf relative water content (LRWC), which decreased under restricted irrigation conditions, increased with FA applications regardless of the dose, while electrical conductivity (EC), which increased under the same conditions, decreased with 100 µM FA (FA1) application. Leaf number, root fresh weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, root dry matter content and chlorophyll value (SPAD) were not affected by FA treatments under both restricted and full irrigation conditions. In conclusion, foliar spray of folic acid in cabbage can be recommended as a potential application to alleviate drought stress.

Tip 2 diyabet (T2DM), vücudun insülin hormonunu etkili bir şekilde kullanamamasıyla karakterize edilen ve yüksek kan şekeri seviyelerine yol açan kronik bir metabolik hastalıktır. Süt, T2DM yönetiminde olumlu etkileri olduğu belirtilen önemli besin bileşenleri bakımından zengin bir kaynaktır. Sütte kaynaklı biyoaktif bileşenler, süt proteinlerinden, yağlarından ve diğer bileşenlerinden türeyen, vücutta çeşitli biyolojik aktiviteler gösteren ve sağlık üzerinde olumlu etkiler sağlayan moleküllerdir. Bu bileşenler (proteinler, peptitler, yağ asitleri), süt ürünlerinin tüketimi sırasında ya da süt proteinlerinin sindirilmesi ve hidroliz edilmesi sonucunda ortaya çıkmaktadır. Son dönemde yapılan müdahale çalışmaları, süt kaynaklı biyoaktif proteinlerin, peptitlerin ve yağ asitlerinin T2DM'nin önlenmesi ve yönetiminde yararlı etkiler sağladığını göstermektedir. Süt biyoaktif bileşenleri arasında kazein, kazein türevi peptitler, peynir altı suyu proteinleri ve peynir altı suyu proteini türevi peptitler yer almaktadır. Bu biyoaktif bileşenler, çeşitli mekanizmalar aracılığıyla anti-diyabetik etkiler göstermektedir. Bu mekanizmalar arasında insülin duyarlılığının artırılması, glukoz metabolizmasının düzenlenmesi ve inflamasyonun azaltılması yer almaktadır. İnsanlarda gerçekleştirilen müdahale çalışmaları sonucunda, süt kaynaklı bu biyoaktif bileşenlerin açlık kan şekeri seviyelerini düşürdüğünü ve insülin duyarlılığını artırdığı ortaya koyulmuştur. Bu çalışma, sütten elde edilen biyoaktif bileşiklerin (proteinler, peptitler ve yağ asitleri) anti-diyabetik etkilerini ve bu bileşiklerin T2DM yönetimindeki etki mekanizmalarını inceleyen güncel çalışmaları kapsamlı bir şekilde ele almaktadır. Böylece, süt biyoaktif bileşenlerinin T2DM üzerindeki potansiyel faydaları ve klinik uygulamaları hakkında bir bakış açısı sunmaktadır.

The addition of dietary fibres (DF) obtained from by-products into bread is an attractive way to enhance consumers’ fibre consumption while simultaneously reducing waste from by-products. This study aimed to examine the viability of replacing kohlrabi peel powder (KPP) into white bread at levels ranging from 0% to 12%. The technological and nutritional characteristics of white breads were evaluated, and sensory analysis was conducted. The specific volume values of the samples ranged from 1.486 to 1.861 mL/g. The findings showed that the specific volume of the white bread samples decreased when KPP was used at concentrations higher than 3%. The sample coded N4 (9%) exhibited higher moisture levels in both the crumb and crust, compared to the all bread samples (p˂0.05). The nutritional features of the bread samples varied as follows: ash content ranged from 0.573% to 0.588%, protein from 6.460% to 7.998%, fat from 3.200% to 4.200%, total DF from 0.250% to 3.214%, total carbohydrate content from 51.963% to 69.272%, and energy levels from 211.7 to 324.0 kcal. The sample coded N3 (6%) was approved by the panelists, however the other samples with a greater quantity of KBB were not favored. SEM images showed the gluten structure in the enriched bread samples coded N2, N3 and N4 were constituted by fibrous components that established a more open network. The study’s results indicated that elevated amounts of KPP might enhance the DF content of white bread; however, consumers do not favor higher fibre content in the bread samples. Utilization of 6% KPP could enhance the technological, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of white bread.

The tomato is a significant vegetable in the world on the basis of consumption, nutrition, and extensive use in processed foods. During plant growth and development, amino acids especially exogenous application of proline (Pro), plays a crucial role to increase stress tolerance under various abiotic stresses. Among abiotic stressors, temperature is considered as an important and alarming stressor for plant development and growth. Sometime a significant drop in crop productivity is the outcome of harsh temperature increment. An investigation was carried out at the Horticulture Lab, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, during 2021-22 to inspect the role of foliar application of proline under heat stress in tomato plants. Tomato seedlings with true leaves were exposed to high temperatures (25°C [control], 40°C, and 45°C) with exogenous proline sprays of (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mili-molars). Various growth attributes like morphological i-e number of leaves, leaf area cm2, shoot fresh weight (mg), shoot dry weight (mg), root fresh weight (mg), root dry weight (mg), and physiological [photosynthetic rate (µ mol/m-2s-1)], chlorophyll contents (spad), stomatal conductance (µ mols m-2 s-1 transpiration rate (µ mol/m-2 s-1),)] were studied. The findings indicated that foliar application of proline at 1.5 mM under heat stress on 40oC and 45oC was found to be more advantageous to improve growth attributes like number of leaves (12.2), leaf area (8.3 cm2), shoot length (10.39 cm), shoot fresh weight (1.88 mg), shoot dry weight (0.28 mg), root dry weight (0.20 mg), and remediated the detrimental effect of heat stress in tomato plants. The variation between control and proline treated heat-stressed plants supported that proline may have a function in alleviating heat stress.

Bu araştırmada ‘Fuyu’ çeşidi meyvelerine, hasattan 14 ve 21 gün önce farklı dozlarda (0, 75, 150 ve 225 mg l-1) AVG (Aminoetoksivinilglisin) uygulamalarının depolama süresince meyve kalitesine etkileri incelenmiştir. AVG uygulaması yapılan meyveler modifiye atmosferli poşetler ile ambalajlanarak 0-1oC sıcaklık ve %85-90 oransal nemde 4 ay süreyle depolanmıştır. Araştırmada ağırlık kaybı, toplam suda çözünür kuru madde miktarı, titre edilebilir asit miktarı, meyve eti sertliği, askorbik asit miktarı, toplam fenolik madde miktarı, toplam antioksidan madde miktarı, solunum hızı ve üşüme zarar oranları incelenmiştir. Çalışmada depolama süresince meyve eti sertliği azalırken, meyvelerin ağırlık kayıplarında artışlar belirlenmiştir. AVG uygulamalarının meyve olgunlaşması üzerine olan geciktirici etkisine paralel olarak üşüme zararı oluşumu da gecikmiştir. Solumun hızı ve biyokimyasal bileşiklerin kaybı üzerine artan dozları ile AVG’nin engelleyici etkisi belirgin bir şekilde ortaya çıkmıştır. Sonuç olarak, ticari hasattan önce uygulanan 150 ve 225 mg l-1 AVG uygulamasının, hasat sonrası depolama döneminde meyve kalitesi açısından Fuyu’ çeşidi Trabzon hurması üzerinde önemli ve olumlu bir etkisi olmuştur.

This study was conducted on the Sinceri grape cultivar grown for both table and raisin (drying) purposes, in the 2021 growing season in Siirt/Türkiye. The primary objective was to create a microclimate within the vine canopy by installing net covers with different shading rates (35%, 55%, and 75%) during the veraison period, thereby delaying the harvest and obtaining high-quality, high-yield grapes. Regarding phenological development, the period between full bloom and harvest was the shortest under the 55% shading treatment, which also recorded the lowest mean temperature (28.54 °C) and the lowest Effective Heat Summation (EHS) value (1965.70 dd). The highest mean temperature (26.28 °C) was observed under the 75% shading treatment, while the highest EHS value (2401.05 dd) was recorded under the 35% shading treatment. In terms of yield compared to the control, the 35% shading treatment provided a 21.75% increase, the 55% treatment yielded a 57.44% increase, and the 75% treatment led to a 37.45% increase. Furthermore, it was determined that all shading treatments increased the macro- and micronutrient contents in grapevine leaves. Economic analyses for the Sinceri grape cultivar revealed that the shading treatments had a statistically significant effect on yield. In conclusion, the net cover with a 55% shading rate proved to be the most effective treatment.

Agroforestry is a system that combines household and community level food production ecosystem services along with income security. It has potential of carbon sequestration and puts a positive impact on balancing greenhouse gases. The research was carried out to assess the variability of carbon stock under the agro-forestry systems in Churiya range at Rakshirang Rural Municipality of Makwanpur district of Nepal. Thirty households were sampled for this study; ten households from each of three different systems namely, Agrisilviculture, Silvopasture and Homegarden for data collection. Simple random sampling was used for the sample plot selection from the selected agroforestry systems for biomass and soil carbon estimation. Each system consisted of ten sample plots. Diameter and height of all trees with diameter at breast height greater than 10 cm were measured. The diameters of the trees were measured at standard height, i.e., diameter at breast height. Above ground biomass, below ground biomass and soil organic carbon were summed to determine the total carbon stock in the agroforestry systems. Collected data were analyzed through tabular analysis, and volume and biomass estimation of the trees. Total carbon stock was found higher in Silvopasture system (32.41t/ha), 28.58 t/ha in Agrisilviculture system and 30.71 t/ha in Homegarden system. Results have shown the potentiality of agroforestry systems for carbon sequestration. Such systems need to be promoted for their efforts by encouraging them with some subsidized input support, financial support or some capacity building trainings by the government.

Urban and peri-urban agriculture is vital for enhancing food security in rapidly growing cities by bridging the food production gap between urban and rural areas. This study employed a snowball sampling technique to gather data from urban farmers in Mogadishu to assess the constraints and opportunities for growing horticultural crops in the city. Utilizing this sampling method, the research identifies key challenges and motivating factors for urban horticulture. Findings indicate that temperature, wind, pest and disease outbreaks, and limited irrigation water significantly restrict production. Farmers using greenhouses experience fewer obstacles due to enhanced protection from environmental factors, improving crop quality. In contrast, those farming in open fields struggle with high irrigation demands, pest infestations, and low-quality yields unattractive to buyers. Leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) and whiteflies are the most prevalent insect populations, sometimes requiring the removal of infested plants to control their spread. The study also observed that urban farmers use two conventional protected farming types, plastic greenhouses and net houses with steel frames, in which plastic greenhouses face issues such as inadequate gutter height and poor ventilation. To combat extreme temperatures, farmers employ primitive methods such as fogging, applying lime solutions, and adjusting greenhouse openings. Additionally, factors like increased market availability, the rise of supermarkets and hotels, rural displacement, diaspora return, and drought-induced vegetable scarcity in rural areas have motivated urban residents in Mogadishu to pursue farming within and around the city.

Environmental factors such as drought, resulting from global climate change, have increasingly limited productivity in melon cultivation in recent years. Turkiye's geographical location and rich genetic diversity make it highly probable that drought-tolerant genetic material exists within this diversity. In this study, 192 melon genotypes were used, sourced from the cucurbit genetic resource collection of the Department of Horticulture at Çukurova University, which includes materials from various regions of Turkiye and around the world. In the pre-screening screening phase conducted in the first year of the research, 192 genotypes were grown under drought stress conditions created using 5% PEG 6000 for two months. Parameters such as stem length, stem dry weight, root dry weight, number of leaf, and a 0-5 scale were evaluated in the green parts and roots of the plants. A general decrease was observed in all parameters except root dry weight, where a 3% increase was noted in the average of the genotypes. In the special screening phase of the study, 15 genotypes selected based on the initial screening results were subjected to a second stress test under hydroponic conditions in a climate-controlled plant growth chamber using 8% PEG 6000, parameters such as visual scale evaluation (0-5), stem fresh and dry weight, root fresh and dry weight, stem and root length, number of leaf, leaf relative water content, relative water content, and electrolyte leakage were examined. All parameters showed varying degrees of reduction in the drought-stressed genotypes compared to the control groups, except for percentage change values. An increase in electrolyte leakage was observed compared to the control. As a result of the two different screenings, the drought tolerance levels of the melon genotypes were determined. Genotype Kav-248 was identified as the most drought-tolerant, while Kav-20 was found to be the most sensitive.

In this study, the freshness levels of boiled chicken eggs were determined using an electronic nose and machine learning techniques. Eggs were boiled and stored under refrigerator conditions (3±1ºC) from day 0 to day 6. Each storage day, eggs were divided into two groups based on cooling methods: quick-cooled and fast-cooled. Sensor readings were taken using an electronic nose, and image changes from 110 daily image files were processed with a machine learning program. With 85% of the image data used for training and 15% for testing, a classification accuracy of over 98% was achieved. The results showed that egg white solidified in more than 4 minutes and yolk solidified in 11 minutes. Fast-cooled eggs exhibited significantly lower odor levels, indicating superior freshness. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of electronic nose and machine learning systems in accurately determining the freshness of boiled eggs.