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Thailand is one of the major agricultural production countries in the world. Therefore, large amounts of agricultural waste are generated as by-products of the agroindustry. The wastes are usually discarded or burnt, resulting in environmental pollution. The main goal of this research was to evaluate the use of agricultural waste for mushroom cultivation. A total of 15 mushroom isolates were recovered from mother spawns and basidiocarps. They were screened for their cellulolytic enzyme activity on Czapek agar using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as the sole carbon source. Two isolates of the oyster mushrooms, Pleurotus pulmonarius PP6 and Pleurotus ostreatus PO3, produced the best enzyme activities. To observe the mycelial growth on agricultural waste, the two oyster mushroom candidates were cultured in jars containing five different types of agricultural waste: corn husk, rice straw, coconut meal, coconut husk and sugarcane bagasse, and the jars were incubated at 25°C for six weeks. The results show that both isolates grew best on coconut meal, producing very densely packed mycelia. Meanwhile, corn husk and rice straw were also good sources for oyster mushroom cultivation. This study shows that these three substrates have the potential to be utilized in mushroom cultivation on a commercial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food waste is an issue throughout the food supply chain from production to consumption, especially in the later stages, such as retailing and final consumption. For the future of the developing world, changes in farming and retail practices are crucial. This study introduces a digital system for managing agricultural waste in Thailand that aims to encourage farmers and food retailers to sell their excess agricultural materials. The study's objectives are as follows: (1) to explore factors that affect users' behavioral intention to utilize an agriculture waste trading platform; (2) to compare the behavioral differences between farmers and retailers regarding their intention to use a digital platform for sustainable agriculture. Data were gathered from 570 fruit and vegetable sellers and farmers across five provinces in the northeastern region of Thailand. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships between constructs based on the modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), and multigroup analysis (MGA) was employed to analyze differences in path coefficients across groups. The key findings revealed that social influence (SI) had a more significant impact on retailers compared to farmers, while facilitating conditions (FC), habits (HB), and privacy (PR) were necessary for both groups. Unlike retailers, farmers were also motivated by hedonic motivation (HM) from using the platform. Explicitly, retailers' behavioral intentions were influenced by a more significant number of factors than those of farmers. This research suggests that policymakers should develop targeted marketing campaigns leveraging social influence for retailers, improve platform usability and security, and create incentives for habitual use to enhance platform adoption. Additionally, policymakers should promote engaging features for farmers, provide comprehensive education and training, and advocate for supportive policies and financial incentives. Strategic actions to facilitate the transition toward a circular economy will improve the environmental sustainability and economic resilience of the agri-food sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the factors causing affective and ineffective Solid Waste Management (SWM) in Uonuma city in Japan and Mae Chan District in Thailand, and to determine the best way to apply Japanese solid waste management techniques in Mae Chan District, which could serve as a waste management guideline for agricultural areas in Thailand in the future. The findings showed that waste generation and composition in Mae Chan District and Uonuma city were not considerably different; however, waste sorting in Uonuma city, like in every city in Japan, is well-organized, prioritizing the separation of waste into combustible and noncombustible categories for proper disposal through incineration. From the comparison, the main factors indicating the ineffective SWM in Mae Chan District included inadequate waste sorting system, waste collection and transportation, leading to opening dumping, uncooperative waste treatment and disposal resulting in a negligently operated landfills, lack of strict policies and regulations allowing open burning, and inconsistent proper waste sorting practices, waste collection and transportation. Therefore, it is advisable to formulate improved policies and regulations that advocate for the 3Rs, mandate solid waste management (SWM) service fees and violation penalty fees and provide information about SWM to enhance the waste management situation in Mae Chan District. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nam Wah banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) is the most common banana cultivar in Thailand. Large amounts of its non-consumable byproducts are considered undervalued and thrown as waste. Exploring the potential utilization and application of banana byproducts for human benefit can add to their value and minimize the risk of threats. This study aimed to investigate phytochemicals, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and toxicity of Nam Wah banana byproducts. Five banana plant parts, including the midrib, leaf, peduncle, unripe and ripe peels, were extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water. Among the extracts tested, the ethyl acetate leaf extract showed the strongest antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory activity, probably through the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX). Positive correlations existed between the activities and the total phenolic/flavonoid content of banana byproducts. An in silico docking analysis demonstrated that flavonoid glycosides in banana byproducts, such as kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside and rutin, may bind to inducible iNOS, whereas omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid, may bind to 15-LOX and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The extracts showed either low or no toxicity. These findings suggest that banana byproducts are a natural source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. It is recommended that additional investigations be conducted to explore their potential therapeutic applications in treating disorders linked with oxidative stress or inflammation. This research has the potential to enhance the value of banana byproducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thailand generates considerable amounts of agricultural food waste. This research focuses on the manufacturing and retail agricultural food system in the northeastern region of Thailand. Our study aimed to investigate the user segments and factors that influence users' behavioral intentions to utilize mobile technology for agricultural waste valorization. This study is based on the Unified Theory of the Adoption and Utilization of Technology (UTAUT2). In order to classify these segments, we performed a cluster analysis using demographic variables: gender, age, and income. In addition, the researchers employed a method known as multigroup structural equation modeling to determine and contrast the users' behavioral intentions. The results showed two types of users: (1) older users with various income ranges, and (2) younger users with a low-income range. Explicitly, age and income were the significant variables for the demographic segmentation, but gender was not. The results also revealed that social influence, price value, and trust highly affected the behavioral intentions of older and various-income users, but did not influence younger and low-income users. However, privacy strongly affected the behavioral intentions in the younger segment, but not those in the older one. Lastly, habit or regularity influenced the behavioral intentions of users in both segments. This study highlights implications for how developers and practitioners might adapt their platform strategies using a circular agricultural platform and user behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural waste is a major problem in Thailand. To eliminate waste and constrain global warming, waste should be renewed for other purposes by thermochemical processes. Pyrolysis is a process that produces biochar, which is useful for amending soil, improving soil fertility, and creating microorganism habitats. This research aimed to produce biochar from agricultural wastes for use as a mushroom substrate and to increase the nutrient consumption by the mushrooms. Sugarcane leaf biochar had the lowest C:N ratio and neutral pH, which are important factors for Pleurotus pulmonarius mycelium growth and the formation of fruiting bodies. Moreover, this biochar has micropores suitable for fungal growth. According to the nutrient measurements, the proximate analysis showed that 1% sugarcane leaf biochar produced a higher yield and protein content than the others, whereas the biochar reduced the fat content but increased the moisture in the fruiting body, including aeration increasing. Thus, 1% sugarcane leaf biochar was suitable as an extra substrate for growing grey oyster mushrooms. From the result of this research, biochar production is an excellent process to convert agricultural wastes to be a renewable resource for improving the efficiency of crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the variation in bioactive compounds (anthocyanins, phenols, and antioxidants) among 22 rice varieties in the same growing locations and among four varieties collected from eight different provinces in Northern Thailand. Wide variation in anthocyanins, phenols, and antioxidant capacity was established, ranging from 1.6 to 33.0 mg/100 g, 249.9 to 477.7 mg gallic acid/100 g, and 0 to 3,288.5 mg trolox equivalent/100 g, respectively. The highest straw anthocyanin and phenol concentrations were found in KDK (a traditional photoperiod-sensitive variety with purple pericarp and leaves) and K4 (an advanced, photoperiod-insensitive variety with purple pericarp and leaves), while the highest antioxidant capacity was found in KH CMU (an improved traditional photoperiod sensitive variety with a purple pericarp and green leaves) and K4. The variation of the bioactive compounds was also found in the same variety grown at different locations, e.g., the KDMl105 grown in Prayao province had a straw anthocyanin concentration higher than when grown in Mae Hong Son province. The effect was also observed in phenol content and antioxidant capacity when the same rice variety was grown across various locations. A significant correlation between total phenol and antioxidant capacity was observed across rice varieties and growing locations but was not found between anthocyanin and antioxidant capacity. This study found that the bioactive compounds in rice straw varied among rice varieties and growing locations. Straw phenol acts as a major antioxidant that can be used as a characteristic for the selection of rice varieties with high antioxidant capacity for use at the industrial scale for the processing of food, pharmaceuticals, and medicinal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) peel, as agricultural waste, is a potential under-utilized lignocellulosic biomass that is sufficiently available in Thailand. In this study, durian peel from monthong (D. zibethinus Murr. cv. Monthong) and chanee (D.zibethinus Murr. cv. Chanee) were subjected to pretreatment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) under autoclaving conditions to improve glucose recovery. The effect of NaOH concentration (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and autoclave temperature (110 °C, 120 °C, and 130 °C) was investigated based on the amount of glucose recovered. The optimal NaOH concentration and autoclave temperature were determined to be 2% and 110 °C, respectively, under which maximum glucose (36% and 35% in monthong and chanee peels, respectively) was recovered. Glucose recovery was improved by about 6-fold at the optimal pretreatment condition for both pretreated monthong and chanee when compared to the untreated durian peels. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed great changes to the surface morphology of pretreated durian peel from the two cultivars. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis also revealed a rise in cellulose crystallinity index (CrIs) after pretreatment. A combination of mild NaOH concentration and autoclaving is a very effective pretreatment technique for maximum glucose recovery from durian peel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durian peel (DP) and spent mushroom compost (SMC) are considered as agricultural wastes. These two materials have potential for the briquetting process according to their quantities. In this study, cold densification method and extrusion process are adopted for solid bio-fuel briquettes. DP and SMC were pyrolysed, milled and combined together by adding 10% of cassava starch as a binder. The study has varied the mass ratio of DP and SMC chars at 10:0, 8:2, 6:4, 4:6, 2:8 and 0:10 respectively. Physical properties of the briquettes were investigated for heating value, ash and moisture content. The results show the highest heating value of 5,880 cal/g and 5,303 cal/g for the briquette made with DP and the mixture of DP and SMC at a mass ratio of 8:2 (Mix 4), respectively. The lowest ash content of 7.9% and 12.4% for the briquette made with DP and Mix 4, respectively. A heating value higher than 5,000 cal/g is acceptable in the market according to the Thailand community standard. DP and Mix 4 briquette had a good propertied as fuel and suitable as an environmentally friendly alternative energy source. Moreover, a payback period of DP and Mix 4 briquette less than three years can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Biomass plays an important role as renewable energy resource for electricity generation and biofuel. It is necessary to study the commercial biomass in 9 provinces of the northern region of Thailand. Information on the status of biomass utilization was applied from biomass fuel project management that approach to the use of renewable energy in macrolevel. The study presents that there is low potential of biofuel in this region. Then, explore the cost of raw fuel, collection and processing cost, transportation costs, electricity prices, prices of agricultural products, price level of agricultural waste, fuel prices, employment and the business of producing biomass energy. After that developed a mathematical model is needed to present the impact of the expansion of the production of biomass to changes in economic variables, using the regression model to plan and manage the forecasts. The study of carbon dioxide emissions using the calculations of Annex 12 Methodological tool (version 01.1) “Tool to calculate the emission factor for an electricity system” and create a database, which is the concept of business strategy for new economic era. This is a practical guide to implementing an effective supply chain management for biomass in the lower northern region of Thailand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A clostridial bacterium is accepted to be one of the important and efficient microorganisms for the application in fuel fermentation process. However, the lack of cellulolytic activity of cellulosome in this organism appears to be one of the main important problems for efficient production of the fuel. It is therefore interesting to search for the genetic resource of natural clostridial bacteria for the application in bioengineering. Presently, Clostridium species selection and identification are based on various physiological properties tests. This article developed the way for a 4-step screening process via mainly three criteria and 16S rDNA identification. In this study, solvent-producing clostridial bacteria were successfully isolated from decomposed sources, cow feaces, and dry grass in Thailand. Anaerobes were screened by cellulolytic activity and butanol tolerance in selective media that composed of basal media supplemented with 2% cellulose and 5% butanol. Thirty isolates of cellulolytic and butanol-tolerant anaerobic bacteria were obtained from screening in this medium. Fifteen isolates were rapidly classified as in the class Clostridia by three selected criteria (endospore formation, sulfite-reducing ability, and metabolic products). Secondary metabolites of the bacteria such as acetone, butanol and ethanol were varied depending on the process. Clostridial differential medium was used as a genus identification tool. Finally, PCR-amplified gene fragments coding for 16S rDNA were analyzed as a key to identify bacteria species. This process can be used to screen and identify Clostridium species in short period. Cellulosome and non-cellulosome cellulases productivity were analyzed. The results revealed that the selected cellulolytic strains (such as Fea-PA) exhibited EngD non-cellulosome cellulase activity especially endoglucanase activity on carboxymethyl cellulose. The selective system in this research was appropriate for the screening of Clostridiaceae in a similarity range between 83% and 100%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dairy farming in Chiang Mai was established in 1965 by the Thai–German Dairy Project and was subsequently taken over by Department of Livestock development in 1970. Starting from 1979, the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand also supports the development of dairy farming in northern Thailand. However, dairy farming in Chiang Mai still faces numerous problems. At present, farm sizes are relatively medium, with an average of 23.75 cattle/farm (cows, heifers and calves). Almost all dairy farmers are member of a dairy co-operative that provides them with an artificial insemination service, supplies of concentrated feed, loans and a center for collecting milk. The average pasture area is 0.3 ha/farm. The main feed resources are green forage from the farm pasture, public areas and roadside pastures, which are abundant only in the rainy season. The farmers are forced to use crop by-products as roughage in the dry season, especially rice straw, even though its nutritive value is limited due to its low digestibility, low nitrogen and low mineral and vitamin content. To improve the nutritional value of crop by-products, physical and chemical treatments are implemented. Agro-industrial wastes such as pineapple waste, sugarcane molasses, the peel, husk or silk of sweet corn and baby corn are also used as dairy feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variation of proximate compositions, amino acids, carotenoids, chlorophyll, and total cyanide contents in cassava leaves was studied to identify the most suitable leaves for human consumption. The cassava leaves from 4 cultivars were analysed at 3 leaf positions as well as at 2 plant ages. The leaves of 'Rayong 5' cultivar from the middle position at 6 months after planting contained the highest crude protein, amino acids, carotenoids, and chlorophyll. The total cyanide content was high and therefore, an effective detoxification method is needed. Protein from the cassava leaves was rich in glutamine, aspartic acid, and leucine, but low in methionine and cysteine. Additionally, cassava leaves were found to be a rich source of carotenoids and chlorophyll. This study provided the evidences that cassava leaves can be an alternative source as protein supplement and for carotenoids and chlorophyll extraction and paves the way to valorise this abundant agricultural by-product., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)