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ABSTRACT The Oryctes rhinoceros (Scarabaeidae: Coleoptera) is a common coleopteran insect in tropical and subtropical areas with many potential uses. Its larvae are commonly found in dead coconut trees and hay piles in the wild and are widely distributed in the northern hemisphere. This study investigates the environmental factors influencing the growth of Oryctes rhinoceros beetle larvae and provides valuable insights into their breeding conditions versus their potential applications. The research examined three key affecting factors of larval development over time, namely, moisture content, growth space and soil content. Results of a pretest run revealed that moisture content, but not the soil content, affected the larval survival greatly. A reasonable confinement on feed moisture (i.e., 30%–60%) was included in the later conducted three‐factor factorial experiment. At last, results of the factorial run suggested that: (1) for a consistent and massive larval breeding, environmental factors, setting moisture content at 60%, larval space at 100 cm3/larva and no soil addition, are deemed appropriate, (2) for nutritional purpose, setting moisture content at 60%, larval space at 300 cm3/larva and no soil addition are recommended, and (3) for soil pollution remediation, setting moisture content at 60%, larval space at 100 cm3/larva and a soil‐to‐feed (S/F) ratio of 2:1 is concluded. This study marks the first engineering breeding exploration of Oryctes rhinoceros larvae, offering practical recommendations for various research purposes and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB; Oryctes rhinoceros) is one of the most destructive insect pests of coconut and oil palms in tropical Asia and the Pacific islands. Members of a new variant, known as CRB-G (clade I), have recently spread into the Pacific islands, causing significant damage. Biopesticides containing Metarhizium spp. are the strongest candidates for inundative biological control against the emerging CRB threat. Selection of the most virulent and robust isolate may determine the impact of this control option on the pest. In this work, CRB specimens with natural fungal infection were collected in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands (SI). Putative entomopathogenic fungi were isolated and identified. These new isolates and some previously obtained from other Pacific countries were molecularly identified, characterized, and tested for virulence against CRB larval populations in PNG and SI in laboratory bioassays. Of the new isolates collected, four obtained from SI were identified as Metarhizium majus (conidia length ⁓11–15 μm), and four from PNG were identified as Metarhizium pingshaense (conidia length ⁓4–6 μm). The most virulent isolate was M. majus AgR-F717, which caused 100 % mortality in 20–23 days against a CRB variant from the CRB-S grouping (clade II) in laboratory bioassays carried out in PNG. Isolates of M. pingshaense did not show pathogenicity against CRB larvae. M. majus AgR-F717 was also the most virulent in laboratory bioassays using the mixed SI population (from both CRB-S and CRB-G groupings) and was selected for further evaluation using artificial breeding sites. Under field conditions, this isolate demonstrated its ability to infect CRB, dispersal up to 100 m from treated artificial breeding sites, and persistence in soil for at least four months. The new isolate AgR-F717 of M. majus has demonstrated potential as an augmentative biological control agent for CRB in PNG and SI. [Display omitted] • Four new Metarhizium majus isolates from Solomon Islands were identified and characterized. • Four new Metarhizium pingshaense isolates from Papua New Guinea were identified and characterized. • New M. pingshaense isolates AgR-F718 and F720 did not infect Oryctes rhinoceros larvae. • M. majus AgR-F717 caused 100 % mortality and was the most virulent against O. rhinoceros larvae. • AgR-F717 dispersed up to 100m from treated sites and persisted in soil for ≥4 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for coconut water has led to the expansion of irrigated green dwarf coconut cultivation; however, the inefficient use of water has contributed to the degradation and waste of water resources, making fundamental studies aiming to optimize the use of water. The objective of this study was to determine the physical productivity and water productivity of green dwarf coconut palms under the climatic conditions of Santa Izabel do Pará, eastern Amazonia, Brazil. The experiment was carried out from 2020 to 2021, in a green dwarf coconut plantation spaced 7.5 m x 7.5 m in a triangle, at Fazenda Reunidas Sococo, with an area of approximately 7 ha. Water productivity (WP) was determined both in terms of fruit production (WPf ) and coconut water production (WPca), through the relationship of fruit productivity (fruit biomass and water volume) with accumulated evapotranspiration. The dwarf coconut tree presented a total production of 105 and 186 fruits plant-1 and 37 and 62 L plant-1 of coconut water in the years 2020 and 2021. The largest volumes of water and the highest weights occurred during the wettest season. WPf was of 1.87 fruits m-3 (2020) and 2.94 fruits m-3 (2021) andWPca 0.66 L m-3 (2020) and 0.98 L m-3 (2021). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The study was carried out to assess how different fertilizers and their application cycles affected the development and productivity of coconut trees grown in embryos. Methods: The experiment was conducted in an entirely randomized manner with five treatments performed continuously for three years on sap coconut at 5-year-old embryo-cultured trees in Tra Vinh province, Vietnam. Result: It was observed that 7-year-old embryo-cultured sap coconuts did not change in size and girth. The number of newly formed leaves ranged from 24.7 to 25.3 leaves/tree/year. The average number of newly formed inflorescences ranged from 16.1 to 18.5 inflorescences/tree/year. Fertilizers and their application time did not affect the fruits/bunch on embryo-cultured sap coconut trees. Fertilization of embryo-cultured sap coconut trees over 5 years old with 118 N-42 P2O5-54 K2O once a month recorded 72.3-93 fruits/tree/year and 7-year-old embryo-cultured sap coconuts recorded wax fruits/bunch ratio of 94-96%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This pioneering work explores the immense potential of young coconut waste, a continuously marginalized residue of the food and beverage industry, to serve as an indispensable feedstock in the production of biochar. Through an examination of the key carbonization factors that include time, temperature, and concentrations of the activating agent, KOH, the outcomes offer relevant insights that could be leveraged to maximize biochar production for tailored applications. This study stands out for its innovative use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approaches for predictive modeling. Fifty datasets, supplemented with secondary data obtained from the literature and experiments, were utilized for the purposes of training, testing, and validating the neural network model. Here, the datasets were processed utilizing the Deep Neural Network (DNN) framework, which was designed and implemented with the minimal loss function framework feasible. The architectural configuration comprises the following; an input layer, four hidden layers (128-neuron dense layer, batch normalization, and 64-neuron dense layer, batch normalization), a dropout layer, and an output layer. With an R2 of 0.8238 for biochar yield and 0.7324 for iodine number, the trained DNN model showed a relatively high degree of accuracy in making predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: In Southeast Asia, the traditional use of young coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) juice (YCJ) by women to alleviate postmenopausal symptoms suggests potential estrogenic properties. However, few studies explore the impact of YCJ on pathologies associated with estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal animal models. This study examines the impact of YCJ supplementation on memory impairment and depression-like behavior in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats. Methods: Ten-week-old female rats underwent either a sham operation (Sham) or bilateral Ovx. The rats in the Ovx + YCJ group received 5×-concentrated YCJ by gavage at a dose of 15 mL/kg body weight. Twelve weeks later, the Morris water maze and forced swim tests were used to evaluate hippocampus-dependent spatial memory and depression-like behavior, respectively. Results: The Ovx rats displayed significant memory impairment (p < 0.05) and depression-like behaviors (p < 0.05), while the memory performance in the rats in the Ovx + YCJ group resembled that of the Sham rats. However, the administration of YCJ did not result in the improvement of depression-like behavior. Conclusions: These findings suggest that YCJ consumption may help ameliorate memory impairment in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research involved developing an antimicrobial herbal gel using extracts from the shell of Cocos nucifera L. to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of the formulation for potential use in topical drug delivery. The extracts of coconut shell in different solvents such as water, petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol were screened for antimicrobial activity against the causative organisms Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Trichophyton rubrum by well diffusion method. The results of the antimicrobial study demonstrated that the extracted sample exhibits potent activity against the used causative microorganisms with maximum inhibition comparable with the standard. According to studies, the antibacterial activity confirmed that the extracts of water, petroleum ether, and chloroform were more effective against S. aureus than that of E. coli, while methanol extract was similarly effective on both bacterial strains used. The extracted sample showed more potent antifungal activity against C. albicans and A. niger than T. rubrum. The significant antimicrobial activity may be due to their phytochemical compounds. Thus, from the antimicrobial study, we came to know that the extract obtained from petroleum ether solvent is more effective against microbial strain used. Then, the herbal gel was prepared using selected herbal extract and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The prepared herbal gel was subjected to physical evaluation. The gel's physical characteristics met the required benchmarks. Hence, the study can be concluded that the extracts obtained from C. nucifera shell were stable, effective and safe; thus, the herbal gel prepared from the extract was found to have promising antimicrobial activity against many skin-related infections, but more research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a major setback to the global coconut industry, lethal yellowing disease (LYD), caused by phytoplasmas, continues to threaten coconut palms in the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa, and Oceania. Despite its economic impacts, limited information exists on LYD vectors, which impedes the prevention and management of the disease. Using double-sided yellow sticky traps, we investigate the factors that influence the seasonal abundance and population dynamics of three sap-sucking insects of LYD, i.e. Diostrombus (Hemiptera: Derbidae) sp. and Patara sp. (Hemiptera: Derbidae), and Nedoptepa curta Dmitriev (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), on five coconut genotypes (Sri Lanka Green Dwarf (SGD), Vanuatu Tall (VTT), SGD × VTT, Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD) × VTT, and West African Tall (WAT)) in the Western Region, and one (SGD) in the Central Region of Ghana from April 2019 to May 2021. The results showed that N. curta and Patara sp. were the most abundant species in the Western and Central Regions, respectively. There was a significant difference between the coconut cultivars and sap-sucking insects. The peak population development of the sap-sucking insects was recorded during the dry season on all the coconut genotypes at all sampling locations. A significant positive correlation was detected between temperature and the population of N. curta and Patara sp. In the Agona Nkwanta, VTT had the highest population of N. curta , whereas WAT had the highest population of Patara sp. and Diostrombus sp. These findings provide useful information for assessing the role of factors that could affect the Cape Saint Paul Wilt disease pathosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilization of plant sap-derived sugars and syrups, such as palm sugar, birch syrup, maple syrup, and agave syrup, provides versatile alternatives to conventional sweeteners like cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, thereby enriching culinary options and catering to diverse consumer preferences. One noteworthy product derived from coconut palm sap is neera, a traditional beverage celebrated for its natural sugars, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Its nutritional value and cultural significance make it a cherished component of local diets. It is nutritionally important due to its natural sugars (sucrose, glucose, and fructose), rich in vitamins and minerals (potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron). The focus of this study is to comprehend the biochemical changes that occur during the conversion of neera into sugar using an open double-jacket cooker. The process entails meticulous monitoring of various parameters, including total soluble solids (TSS), pH levels, total sugar content, reducing sugar content, total phenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity (measured by DPPH and FRAP assays), and ascorbic acid concentration. Throughout the 3 h heating process, samples are collected at 30 min intervals to track the changes in biochemical composition. Continuous stirring and precise temperature control ensure uniform heat transfer and accurate results. The findings reveal significant alterations in biochemical composition, with notable increases observed in TPC and antioxidant activity, possibly attributed to the Maillard reaction. The conversion from neera to coconut sugar yields a range of compositions suitable for various culinary applications, presenting opportunities for entrepreneurship and the development of value-added products. This not only enhances market competitiveness but also fosters economic growth in the food sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic stresses such as nitrogen deficiency, drought, and salinity significantly impact coconut production, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying coconut's response to these stresses are poorly understood. MYB proteins, a large and diverse family of transcription factors (TF), play crucial roles in plant responses to various abiotic stresses, but their genome-wide characterization and functional roles in coconut have not been comprehensively explored. This study identified 214 CnMYB genes (39 1R–MYB, 171 R2R3–MYB, 2 3R–MYB, and 2 4R–MYB) in the coconut genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes are unevenly distributed across the 16 chromosomes, with conserved consensus sequences, motifs, and gene structures within the same subgroups. Synteny analysis indicated that segmental duplication primarily drove CnMYB evolution in coconut, with low nonsynonymous/synonymous ratios suggesting strong purifying selection. The gene ontology (GO) annotation of protein sequences provided insights into the biological functions of the CnMYB gene family. CnMYB47/70/83/119/186 and CnMYB2/45/85/158/195 were identified as homologous genes linked to nitrogen deficiency, drought, and salinity stress through BLAST, highlighting the key role of CnMYB genes in abiotic stress tolerance. Quantitative analysis of PCR showed 10 CnMYB genes in leaves and petioles and found that the expression of CnMYB45/47/70/83/85/119/186 was higher in 3-month-old than one-year-old coconut, whereas CnMYB2/158/195 was higher in one-year-old coconut. Moreover, the expression of CnMYB70, CnMYB2, and CnMYB2/158 was high under nitrogen deficiency, drought, and salinity stress, respectively. The predicted secondary and tertiary structures of three key CnMYB proteins involved in abiotic stress revealed distinct inter-proteomic features. The predicted interaction between CnMYB2/158 and Hsp70 supports its role in coconut's drought and salinity stress responses. These results expand our understanding of the relationships between the evolution and function of MYB genes, and provide valuable insights into the MYB gene family's role in abiotic stress in coconut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Wheet feed hydrolysate can serve as both hydrophilic carbon and nitrogen source. • At TN concentrations <1.5 g/L production and growth presented a linear relationship. • 0.31 g/L TN from wheat feed hydrolysate led to 60 g/L diacetylated lactonic C18:1. • Sophorolipid gravimetrical quantification should be complemented with HPLC analysis. • Biomass hydrolysates composition influences sophorolipid congeners profile. To explore a sustainable sophorolipid production, several hydrolysates from agricultural byproducts, such as wheat feed, rapeseed meal, coconut waste and palm waste were used as nitrogen sources. The four hydrolysates overperformed the controls after 168 h of fermentation using Starmerella bombicola ATCC 22214. Wheat feed and coconut waste hydrolysates were the most promising feedstocks presenting a linear relationship between yeast growth and diacetylated lactonic C18:1 production at total nitrogen concentrations below 1.5 g/L (R2 = 0.90 and 0.83, respectively). At 0.31 g/L total nitrogen, wheat feed hydrolysate achieved the highest production, yielding 72.20 ± 1.53 g/L of sophorolipid crude extract and 60.05 ± 0.56 g/L of diacetylated lactonic C18:1 at shake flask scale with productivities of 0.43 and 0.36 g/L/h, respectively. Results were confirmed in a 2-L bioreactor increasing 15 % diacetylated lactonic C18:1 production. Moreover, wheat feed hydrolysate supplemented only with a hydrophobic carbon source was able to produce mainly diacetylated lactonic C18:1 congener (88.5 % wt.), suggesting that the composition of the hydrolysate significantly influences the congeners profile. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into agricultural byproduct hydrolysates as potential nitrogen feedstocks for sophorolipid production and their further application on industrial biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is an important agricultural commodity with substantial economic and nutritional value, widely used for various products, including coconut water. The sweetness is an important quality trait of coconut water, which is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. In this study, we utilized next-generation sequencing to identify genetic variations in the coconut genome associated with the sweetness of coconut water. Whole-genome resequencing of 49 coconut accessions, including diverse germplasm and an F2 population of 81 individuals, revealed ~27 M SNPs and ~1.5 M InDels. Sugar content measured by °Bx was highly variable across all accessions tested, with dwarf varieties generally sweeter. A comprehensive analysis of the sugar profiles revealed that sucrose was the major sugar contributing to sweetness. Allele mining of the 148 genes involved in sugar metabolism and transport and genotype–phenotype association tests revealed two significant SNPs in the hexose carrier protein (Cnu01G018720) and sucrose synthase (Cnu09G011120) genes associated with the higher sugar content in both the germplasm and F2 populations. This research provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of coconut sweetness and offers molecular markers for breeding programs aimed at improving coconut water quality. The identified variants can improve the selection process in breeding high-quality sweet coconut varieties and thus support the economic sustainability of coconut cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Results Conclusion The Pickering emulsion delivery technique is widely acknowledged for its efficacy in serving as a carrier that can encapsulate functional components effectively. Previous studies have shown significant differences in the stability of Pickering emulsions composed of different oil phases and in the bioaccessibility of the encapsulated functional ingredients. This study therefore investigated the effects of different carrier oils in the betulin self‐stabilized water‐in‐oil (W/O) Pickering emulsion on the stability of the emulsion and bioaccessibility of betulin.The results showed that the oil type was one of the main factors affecting the stability of the emulsion. Palm oil and coconut oil provided better storage stability and centrifugal stability due to the high saturated fatty acid content. The bioavailability of betulin correlated significantly with the composition and characteristics of fatty acids in carrier oils. Carrier oils rich in low‐saturation long‐chain fatty acids tended to release more free fatty acids (FFAs), thus forming larger and more mixed micelles with stronger swelling and dissolution ability, resulting in a relatively high bioaccessibility of betulin. In contrast, the bioaccessibility of betulin in the emulsion prepared by coconut oil (with high saturated fatty acid content) was relatively low (1.17%).The results of this study indicate that selecting an appropriate carrier oil is important for the design of self‐stabilized W/O Pickering emulsions to improve the bioaccessibility of betulin and other lipophilic bioactivities effectively. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brontispa longissima is a highly destructive pest that affects coconut and ornamental palm plants. It is widely distributed across Southeast and East Asia and the Pacific region, causing production losses of up to 50–70%. While control methods and ecological phenomena have been the primary focus of research, there is a significant lack of studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying these ecological phenomena. The absence of a reference genome has also hindered the development of new molecular-targeted control technologies. In this study, we conducted a karyotype analysis of B. longissima and assembled the first high-quality chromosome-level genome. The assembled genome is 582.24 Mb in size, with a scaffold N50 size of 63.81 Mb, consisting of 10 chromosomes and a GC content of 33.71%. The BUSCO assessment indicated a completeness estimate of 98.1%. A total of 23,051 protein-coding genes were predicted. Our study provides a valuable genomic resource for understanding the mechanisms of adaptive evolution and facilitates the development of new molecular-targeted control methods for B. longissima. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ready-to-cook 'sardine marinade' was developed by marinating Sardinella longiceps with two different marinades, i.e., leaves of Tamarindus indica and Garcinia gummigutta as the main ingredients in the marinade along with Capsicum annuum and Cocos nucifera as minor ingredients in marinade. Apart from nutritional benefits, the developed products along with control (raw sardine) stored under vacuum at 3°C for 20 days have markedly controlled microbial proliferation and lipid oxidation, thereby prolonging the shelf life of fish. Fish with T. indica leaves showed significantly lower value for pH, trimethyl amine, total volatile base nitrogen, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and total viable count till last day of storage than G. gummigutta and control (p< 0.05). Based on sensory evaluation, a shelf life of 16 days can be ensured for fish stored under vacuum, whereas a shelf life of more than 20 days can be ensured due to the synergistic use of plants and vacuum packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high irrigation water demand of coconut trees in semiarid regions makes rational use crucial for crop sustainability. Additionally, it produces residues that could improve the soil water holding capacity. This research aimed to evaluate the application of coconut shell biochar to an irrigated dwarf green coconut palm orchard. The study was carried out from January 2019 to December 2021 at Campo Experimental do Curu, Paraipaba, Brazil, belonging to Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications and included the application of 0, 5, 10, 20, or 40 g of biochar per kg of soil, equivalent to 0.0 kg, 0.5 kg, 1.0 kg, 2.0 kg or 4.0 kg of biochar per plant, respectively. The following biometric variables were evaluated: number of leaves per plant (NL), plant height (PH), number of leaflets per leaf (LFT), canopy diameter (CD) and fruit production: number of bunches per plant (NB), number of fruits per plant (NF), volume of coconut water per fruit (CWF) and total soluble solids (TSS) (°Brix), as well as the daily soil moisture average. The results showed beneficial effects on the number of leaves per plant, fruits per plant, soil moisture and irrigation water productivity in terms of liters per fruit, liters per coconut water and fruits per cubic meter (m3) applied with ideal biochar doses estimated to be 1.40 kg, 1.72 kg, 1.79 kg, 1.56 kg, 1.48 and 1.68 kg of biochar per plant, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocos nucifera, commonly known as coconut is rich in coir dust (CCD) at its outer surface, which is a very significant agri waste used as biosorbent for wastewater treatment. The current work addresses use of CCD for removal of hazardous Sunset Yellow dye (SY) FCF widely used as coloring agent in food industry, from wastewater. The uptake capacity in batch and column mode is 82 mg/g and 160 mg/g respectively. Characterization study including SEM, FTIR and BET results also supported the adsorption process. The comparative analysis with other natural biosorbents showed best results of biosorption with CCD. The output was better at high pH (10) and lower concentration of dye (5 mg/L). The kinetic study suggested pseudo second order rate revealing both adsorbate-adsorbent interdependency. The presence of covalent bonding or valence forces between the interfaces, suggested chemisorption as the rate limiting mechanism with valence forces, hydrogen bonding and pi-pi stacking being the chief forces responsible in binding of the dye molecules to the surface. The isotherm supported Langmuir model with monolayer and uniform adsorption at the interfaces. The interference test confirmed slight decrease in percent adsorption with interference from chloride and sulfate as dominating ions. The techno-economic feasibility highly recommended in field application of the substitute (net profit value, 1.256 Rs/m3, input cost, 0.052 Rs/m3). The industrial sample analysis with lab to land approach justified sustainability and commercial viability of the present work. HIGHLIGHTS: Facile removal of a food dye (sunset yellow, FCF) using Coconut coir dust (CCD). Uptake capacity in batch and column mode is 82 mg/g and 160 mg/g respectively. Chemisorption as the rate limiting mechanism with valence forces, hydrogen bonding and pi-pi stacking being the chief forces. Better uptake efficiency is seen at higher pH (10) and lower concentration (5mg/L). NOVELTY STATEMENT: Indiscriminate use of dyes in multidimensional industries including food industry makes water bodies unsafe. To address the issue, we have investigated efficient removal of toxic food dye (Sunset Yellow FCF) using coconut coir dust (CCD) which is a naturally available agri waste. Current protocol demonstrates the removal of dye in batch mode encompassing several batch parameters like dose, pH, concentration and time. The uptake capacity obtained in batch mode is highly significant with percent removal of 71% (82 mg/L) which is highly appreciable for a biosorbent material. Column uptake capacity with remarkable value of 160 mg/L was calculated using Thomas model rate equation in order to explore the maximum viable efficiency to extend the research for a possible pilot-scale and field application studies. The mechanism of biosorption is governed by the surface active forces including covalent forces, hydrogen bonding and pi-pi stacking. Since several agricultural/non-agricultural biomasses are available for wastewater treatment, a comparative research analysis of the removal efficiency with three other natural bio sorbents were experimented for removal of food dye and the results showed the highest uptake for CCD than others. The current study advances the understanding of coconut coir's efficacy in dye removal by comprehensively analyzing physicochemical parameters and conducting column studies to simulate real-world applications. Additionally, it investigates ion interference and validates findings with real wastewater scenarios, enhancing the authenticity and significance of the research. Thus the process firmly stands as low-cost, environment friendly substitute, and does not generate harmful by products. The uniqueness of the work lies in the fact that it is one of the best substitute compared to the other conventional methods of treatment available with a net profit value of 1.256 Rs/m3 and operating cost of 0.052 Rs/m3.The work also meets few principles of green chemistry/engineering and serves as a sustainable protocol to a great extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Americas, the palm weevils Rhynchophorus palmarum and Dynamis borassi are two of the most economically important palm pests, attacking crops including oil palms, coconut palms, Canary Islands date palms and peach palms. Mass trapping with aggregation pheromone‐baited traps has been used for several decades as the main way to monitor and manage palm weevil populations worldwide. Given that several species of palm weevils have the same main aggregation pheromone and that one species can be attracted to the aggregation pheromones of other species, it is important to compare the efficacy of multiple pheromone lures on several species of palm weevils. Here, we tested the commercial pheromone lure Dynalure (ferruginol) independently, and the lures Rhyncolure (rhynchophorol) and Metalure (89% ferruginol and 11% 2‐methyl‐4‐heptanol) jointly, for their efficacy at attracting R. palmarum and D. borassi in a palm growing area of Tumaco, Colombia. We found that Dynalure and Rhyncolure are effective at attracting both species, but traps with Dynalure attract more D. borassi, while traps with Rhyncolure attract more R. palmarum. Metalure had a repellent effect for both species, highlighting the importance of minor components in pheromone lures. For R. palmarum, captures were female‐biased in traps with the lures Rhyncolure and Metalure, while for D. borassi captures were male‐biased with all lures tested. While both species showed similar numbers of captures per trap at the beginning of the experiment, at the end of the 14‐month observation period, R. palmarum was the most abundant species captured in traps. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating the field efficacy of lures with different aggregation pheromones for mass trapping of palm weevils and to consider the effect of minor components in the lures, especially with the potential invasion of the red palm weevil to the Americas, and the urgent need to develop an integrated pest management programme that covers multiple species of sympatric palm weevils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to isolate and characterize a native strain of Beauveria bassiana, coded as Bv065, showcasing its potential as a biological control agent targeting the palm weevil Dynamis borassi. Originating from a naturally infected D. borassi specimen collected in southwestern Colombia, the fungus underwent molecular identification and was identified as B. bassiana, exhibiting high sequence similarity with known reference strains. The physiological characterization revealed that Bv065 thrived within a temperature range of 25 to 30 °C and a pH range of 6 to 9. Moreover, the key carbon sources that allow optimal growth of the strain were identified through metabolic profiling, including sucrose, D-mannose, and γ-amino-butyric acid. These findings offer strategic insights for scalability and formulation methodologies. Additionally, enzymatic analyses unveiled robust protease activity within Bv065, crucial for catalysing insect cuticle degradation and facilitating host penetration, thus accentuating its entomopathogenic potential. Subsequent evaluations exposed Bv065's pathogenicity against D. borassi, causing significant mortality within nine days of exposure, albeit exhibiting limited effectiveness against Rhynchophorus palmarum. This study underscores the importance of understanding optimal growth conditions and metabolic preferences of B. bassiana strains for developing effective biopesticides. The findings suggest Bv065 as a promising candidate for integrated pest management strategies in neotropical regions, particularly for controlling palm weevil infestations in coconut and peach palm cultivation. Future research avenues include refining mass production methodologies, formulating novel delivery systems, and conducting comprehensive field efficacy trials to unlock the full potential of Bv065 in fostering sustainable pest management practices. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on entomopathogenic fungi and their pivotal role in biological control, offering nuanced perspectives on eco-friendly alternatives to conventional insecticidal interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most important members of the palm family, coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) currently faces a substantial gap between demand and production. Current plantings of this crop are aging, and these traditional varieties are susceptible to several devastating pests and diseases. Consequently, there is an urgent need to replant and expand coconut lands with new, genetically superior varieties. Such replanting cannot be met through the conventional method of seed nut planting, and tissue culture has emerged as a likely solution to address this problem. However, due to certain technical barriers, elevated costs, and a need for improved efficiency, the development of automated and highly efficient tissue culture techniques is yet to be developed. The present research explores the potential of an in vitro temporary immersion system (TIS) to improve the production of somatic embryogenic callus for plantlet regeneration. Results indicated that, in comparison to the conventional agar-based method used to produce coconut somatic embryogenic callus, the TIS method significantly enhanced embryogenic callus production. The optimal biomass of callus for inoculating the TIS was determined to be 0.2 g in each 900 mL vessel and the most favorable embryogenic developmental stage for employing TIS was the globular stage of embryo development. The most effective immersion time to give the highest yield of embryogenic callus was 5 min every 6 h. This foundational research demonstrates that a TIS step is likely to be important to rapidly produce, on a large scale, coconut plantlets to meet the escalating demand for materials for the replanting of coconut lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young coconuts (Cocos nucifera L.) used for export are trimmed to reduce their size and weight to lower transport costs. However, trimmed coconuts have a shorter shelf life due to microbial spoilage and surface discoloration caused by enzymatic browning. To minimize these effects, trimmed coconuts were dipped in an anti-browning agent, sodium metabisulfite (SMB), and stored under ambient conditions. However, there have been no reports on the effects of SMB treatment on metabolome changes in the flesh and water of young coconuts. Hence, this study investigated the metabolite changes in trimmed young coconuts after SMB treatment under different storage conditions using a gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS) metabolomic profiling approach. Tall young coconut samples were trimmed and treated with a 2% SMB solution for 5 min before storage at 25 °C or 4 °C for 2–4 weeks. Coconut flesh and water samples were collected after storage for 0, 2, and 4 weeks, and were subjected to GC–MS analysis. The results showed that the major metabolites affected by coconut deterioration were amino acids, sugars, and sugar alcohols. SMB treatment and/or refrigeration can help prevent metabolite changes in the flesh and water of young coconuts. In the future, improvements in storage conditions based on metabolite profiles should be explored. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut production in the Pacific Islands is threatened by coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB). Distinctive feeding damage caused by adults is often the first indicator of CRB activity in a new location. Multiple approaches to damage assessment have been used, reflecting observers' experience. The lack of standardisation makes it difficult to compare CRB impacts on coconut palms over time. We examine damage assessment from three perspectives: participants, power and purpose. Participants applied binary, 3-point and 5-point damage scales consecutively to photographs of damaged palms. Participant responses were more accurate using the binary scale compared with the 5-point scale. Experience with CRB improved accuracy, but this did not wholly compensate for the effect of scale complexity. Calculations of statistical power determined minimum sample sizes to detect a 20% change in palm damage was 50 palms for the binary scale, 150 palms for the 3-point scale and > 200 palms for the 5-point scale, when the change in damage was spread across damage categories. More complex damage scales did not increase the likelihood of detecting significant changes in palm damage. With real-world examples, including detecting new outbreaks and managing established populations, recommendations were developed to standardise damage assessment for CRB on coconut palms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raoiella indica Hirst has rapidly and widely spread throughout the New World since 2004, primarily infesting coconut palms and interacting with the predator Amblyseius largoensis (Muma). Although A. largoensis feeds on R. indica at all stages of development, it cannot naturally reduce its population to levels that do not impact the host plant. Raoiella indica possesses dorsal setae that secrete exudates during all post-embryonic developmental stages, and females have a behavior that deliberately deposits droplets on the freshly laid egg, possibly as a defense strategy against predation in vulnerable stages. In this context, we analyzed whether the presence or absence of droplets in R. indica eggs affects predation using A. largoensis as a biological model. Thus, we evaluated whether some biological and behavioral characteristics of A. largoensis could be affected by the consumption of R. indica egg masses washed or unwashed with water. Also, we performed a chemical analysis of the droplets exuded by R. indica and provided a description of the oviposition behavior of R. indica. The predator showed a higher consumption rate and preference for washed eggs. The results suggest that the exudate droplets have defensive functions, which are incorporated by the female onto the egg during oviposition and subsequently during a patrolling behavior, as they lose their effect after being washed with water. Although the droplets do not prevent the predator from feeding, they reduce the number of R. indica eggs consumed without affecting the growth of A. largoensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut farming contributes to the livelihoods of millions of people in tropical countries but is less frequently considered as a threat to biodiversity compared to other palm commodities such as oil palm. The expansion of coconut farming alongside other smallholder agriculture in Sulawesi, Indonesia, is of potential concern as the region is a centre of species endemism. We studied bird diversity and community structure in forests, coconut palm plantations and mixed farmland in Gorontalo Province, northern Sulawesi. Forest and non-forest sites supported similar numbers of species overall, but compared to agricultural areas, forest sites had communities that were more diverse and more even (i.e. different species were present at similar abundances). We found far fewer endemic species in agricultural areas compared to forests, and the communities in palm plantations and mixed farmland sites were dominated by generalist birds, with few indicator taxa. Nevertheless, there was a higher number of endemic species in coconut palm plantations than in mixed farmland sites. These findings mirror patterns of biotic homogenization documented elsewhere in the Wallacea centre of endemism, and imply that coconut palm plantations have comparable biodiversity value to other farmland systems. Increased protection of lowland forests and improved management of coconut farms could be important for supporting the conservation of the endemic birds of Sulawesi in the long term, but this warrants further study.

This study investigated an ecofriendly peracetic acid delignification process to extract holocellulose from various fiber rich plant‐based byproducts (coconut palm spathe/leaf, apple pulp, wine grape pomace, hazelnut shell, and hemp fiber/hurd), and evaluated their physicochemical, morphological, and thermophysical properties in comparison with commercial cellulose nanofibers produced from wood. Holocellulose from coconut palm spathe has long fiber (~846.7 μm), whereas that from wine grape pomace and hazelnut shell exhibits a cylinder shape of particles with short fiber length (~123.8 and ~ 71.1 μm, respectively). Biofilms cast from apple pulp and hemp fiber holocellulose have higher degradation temperature (361 and 358°C, respectively) than biofilms from other materials, thus more thermally stable. All biofilms demonstrate high UV absorbance, and the biofilm cast from apple pulp holocellulose is transparent with smooth surface. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirms the presence of cellulose and hemicellulose as the main components in the biofilms, along with traces of residual lignin that remained after the extraction process. This study demonstrates that holocellulose with varied cellulose morphology and polymeric characteristics could be extracted depending on the type of byproducts and be employed to produce sustainable packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a limited number of studies analyzing the molecular and biochemical processes regulating the metabolism of the maturation of Cocos nucifera L. zygotic embryos. Our research focused on the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolic pathways occurring at three developmental stages of embryos from the Mexican Pacific tall (MPT) and the Yucatan green dwarf (YGD) cultivars. We used the TMT-synchronous precursor selection (SPS)-MS3 strategy to analyze the dynamics of proteomes from both embryos; 1044 and 540 proteins were determined for the MPT and YGD, respectively. A comparison of the differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) revealed that the biological processes (BP) enriched in the MPT embryo included the glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism along with fatty acid degradation, while in YGD, the nitrogen metabolism and pentose phosphate pathway were the most enriched BPs. Findings suggest that the MPT embryos use fatty acids to sustain a higher glycolytic/gluconeogenic metabolism than the YGD embryos. Moreover, the YGD proteome was enriched with proteins associated with biotic or abiotic stresses, e.g., peroxidase and catalase. The goal of this study was to highlight the differences in the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolic pathways during the maturation of coconut YGD and MPT zygotic embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Tarsonemidae comprises 51 genera, some of which have been reported on coconut palms, including Fungitarsonemus De Leon, Nasutitarsonemus Beer & Nucifora, Steneotarsonemus Beer and Tarsonemus Canestrini & Fanzago. The genus Tarsonemus consists of approximately 280 species, with only 11 reported in Brazil. During collections of Cocos nucifera L. fruit on the Brazilian coast, four Tarsonemus species were found associated with the perianth of these fruits. Two new species are described, Tarsonemus arrudai França, Araújo & Lofego sp. nov., and T. litoralis França, Araújo & Lofego sp. nov. while the other two species, Tarsonemus pseudokennedyi Ochoa and T. lenticulatus Gheblealivand, Haddad & Magowski, were found for the first time in Brazil, and both are redescribed based on males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural and bio-based construction materials such as bamboo, cork, or natural fiber composites offer a promising solution for enhancing the environmental sustainability of buildings. In this sense, the paper presents an experimental thermo-acoustic characterization of four common Ecuadorian natural fibers, abaca (Musa textilis), cabuya (Furcraea andina), coir (Cocos nucifera), and totora (Schoenoplectus californicus). Different densities were considered, from 85 kg/m3 (Cabuya) to 244 kg/m3 (totora), to thermo-acoustically characterize the samples built with these fibers, by means of the guarded-hot-plate (GHP) and impedance tube methods in-lab experimental benches. The exhaustive original characterization of the evaluated natural fiber composites showed a promising overall thermo-acoustic behavior. The thermal conductivity of the fibers was around 0.04–0.06 W/m·K and, therefore, comparable to other materials such as polystyrene, polyurethane, or aerogel that are already utilized for similar applications. On the other hand, the sound-absorption properties of the evaluated fibers are also very competitive, but strongly affected by the thickness of the sample, with noise reduction coefficient NRC ranging from 0.12 to 0.53. Consequently, the production and distribution of these materials in the Ecuadorian market for thermal insulation and acoustic conditioning constitute an alternative characterized by good technical performance, which, compared to synthetic composites used in the construction industry for similar duties, is ecological, sustainable, and has low built-in energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abscission of fruits has a significant impact on yield, which in turn has a corresponding effect on economic benefits. In order to better understand the molecular mechanism of early coconut fruit abscission, the morphological and structural characteristics, cell wall hydrolysis and oxidase activities, phytohormones, and transcriptomes were analyzed in the abscission zone (AZ) from early-abscised coconut fruits (AFs) and non-abscised coconut fruits (CFs). These results indicated that the weight and water content of AFs are significantly lower than those of CFs, and the color of AFs is a grayish dark red, with an abnormal AZ structure. Cellulase (CEL), polygalacturonase (PG), pectinesterase (PE), and peroxidase (POD) activities were significantly lower than those of CFs. The levels of auxin (IAA), gibberellin (GA), cytokinins (CKs), and brassinosteroid (BR) in AFs were significantly lower than those in CFs. However, the content of abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ETH), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) in AFs was significantly higher than in CFs. The transcriptome analysis results showed that 3601 DEGs were functionally annotated, with 1813 DEGs upregulated and 1788 DEGs downregulated. Among these DEGs, many genes were enriched in pathways such as plant hormone signal transduction, carbon metabolism, peroxisome, pentose and gluconate interconversion, MAPK signaling pathway—plant, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Regarding cell wall remodeling-related genes (PG, CEL, PE, POD, xyloglucan endoglucosidase/hydrogenase (XTH), expansin (EXP), endoglucanase, chitinase, and beta-galactosidase) and phytohormone-related genes (IAA, GA, CKs, BR, ABA, JA, SA, and ETH) were significantly differentially expressed in the AZ of AFs. Additionally, BHLH, ERF/AP2, WRKY, bZIP, and NAC transcription factors (TFs) were significantly differently expressed, reflecting their crucial role in regulating the abscission process. This study's results revealed the molecular mechanism of early fruit abscission in coconuts. This provided a new reference point for further research on coconut organ development and abscission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut plantations throughout the Asia–Pacific region are generally characterised by the presence of low-productivity senile palms over the age of 60, which have negative impacts on farming communities, coconut processors, and the wider economy. In Fiji, despite numerous senile coconut replacement programs, 60% of coconut palms are considered senile. The purpose of this study is to provide preliminary estimates of the financial viability of a market-based approach to senile coconut palm replacement in Fiji by utilising the palms as a feedstock, for the manufacture of rotary peeled veneer, along with plantation pine and mahogany. A mathematical model capable of supporting deterministic and stochastic dynamic optimisation was developed with an objective function to maximise the gross margin of marketable veneer manufacture per hour ( G M p z ) by procuring the optimal allocation of logs throughout the landscape. The majority of facility location and log processing scale scenarios evaluated found that utilising large volumes of senile coconut palms for the manufacture of veneer was optimal, whilst veneering mills situated near the coconut plantations in Vanua Levu were found to maximise G M p z . Overall, the results indicate that a coconut veneer and engineered wood product (EWP) value chain could present a financially viable opportunity to support large-scale senile coconut palm replacement in Fiji. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) is a treasured tree of the tropics, with every part put to use. The edible portions are loaded with diverse nutrients and nutraceutical ingredients. While the unique mineral profile of the liquid endosperm, the low‐glycemic inflorescence sap (neera) and the medium‐chain triglyceride fraction of coconut oil are better recognized, other fractions such as the haustorium remain underexplored. Overall, it is evident that, globally, the present status of coconut value addition is conventional, limited to a handful of products, and novel products hold a promising scope. A massive fraction of global coconut production goes for culinary and religious purposes. In the article, value‐added products from coconut are classified into conventional and non‐conventional products, with the latter in focus. Based on the part from which it is collected, all products have been categorized as haustorium‐based, inflorescence‐based, kernel‐based and water‐based products. For each non‐conventional product introduced, its production approach and unique application range are highlighted. Given its health‐promoting capabilities, characteristic sensorial attributes, wide application range and technological advancements, coconuts are increasingly being recognized around the world, even in regions that do not cultivate them; this applies to non‐food products as well. In the context of value‐added products from coconuts, this decade has witnessed a surge in research and commercial interest considering the inclusion of coconut as an ingredient in several food and nutraceutical products. The future will certainly consider regulatory protocols and standards, better documentation of the health impact of coconut‐based diets, and the sustainability of coconut production, processing and consumption. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red palm weevil (RPW) (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) threatens most palm species worldwide. This study investigated the molecular responses of coconut (Cocos nucifera) leaves to RPW infestation through metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis. An RPW insect attack model was developed by placing different RPW larval densitiesin coconut plants and measuring the relative chlorophyll content of different leaf positions and physiological indicators of dysfunction after RPW infestation. The metabolomic changes were detected in the leaves of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 days after infestation (DAI) using GC-MS. Certain metabolites (glycine, D-pinitol, lauric acid, allylmalonic acid, D-glucaro-1, 4-lactone, protocatechuic acid, alpha, and alpha-trehalose) were found to be possible indicators for distinct stages of infestation using metabolomics analysis. The influence on ABC transporters, glutathione, galactose, and glycolipid metabolism was emphasized by pathway analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 5, 10, 15, and 20 DAI through transcriptomics analysis of infested coconut leaves, with altered expression levels under RPW infestation. The KEGG pathway and GO analysis revealed enrichment in pathways related to metabolism, stress response, and plant–pathogen interactions, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying coconut–RPW interactions. The identified genes may serve as potential markers for tracking RPW infestation progression and could inform strategies for pest control and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to identify the methods, equipment and tools for pruning and harvesting coconut trees through the compilation and analysis of the literature related to these tasks. The results obtained allowed defining two methods used at international level for the execution of both tasks, as well as the equipment and tools that integrate them; in addition to examining the current state of the application of modern technologies for their execution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut farming contributes to the livelihoods of millions of people in tropical countries but is less frequently considered as a threat to biodiversity compared to other palm commodities such as oil palm. The expansion of coconut farming alongside other smallholder agriculture in Sulawesi, Indonesia, is of potential concern as the region is a centre of species endemism. We studied bird diversity and community structure in forests, coconut palm plantations and mixed farmland in Gorontalo Province, northern Sulawesi. Forest and non-forest sites supported similar numbers of species overall, but compared to agricultural areas, forest sites had communities that were more diverse and more even (i.e. different species were present at similar abundances). We found far fewer endemic species in agricultural areas compared to forests, and the communities in palm plantations and mixed farmland sites were dominated by generalist birds, with few indicator taxa. Nevertheless, there was a higher number of endemic species in coconut palm plantations than in mixed farmland sites. These findings mirror patterns of biotic homogenization documented elsewhere in the Wallacea centre of endemism, and imply that coconut palm plantations have comparable biodiversity value to other farmland systems. Increased protection of lowland forests and improved management of coconut farms could be important for supporting the conservation of the endemic birds of Sulawesi in the long term, but this warrants further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was motivated by the abundance of biomass plantations in Indonesia. Accumulated biomass waste will cause environmental problems. Biomass processing can resolve this issue, by producing functionally and economically valuable products. The purpose of this research was to increase the value of biomass by processing it as liquid smoke through pyrolysis and then proceeding to the purification stage. The purification method applied in this research was a combination of distillation and adsorption processes using natural zeolite. The variables of this research were: two types of biomass, namely coconut shells and palm kernel shells, and liquid smoke grade variations. The analysis parameters were: pH, viscosity, density, acid content, and phenol analysis as well as GC-MS. The characteristics analysis results showed that all liquid smoke samples met the Japanese liquid smoke standard. Based on pH, acid, and phenol analysis, the liquid smoke from the coconut shells sample had better quality compared to the liquid smoke from palm kernel shells, namely with pH 2.36, acid content 0.26 mg/mL, and phenol 2,368.75 ppm. The GC-MS test results indicated that grade-1 liquid smoke from both samples contained antibacterial compounds, such as phosphonic acid, formic acid, and carbamic acid, which have the potential to inhibit bacterial growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a delay - induced pest control model is proposed. We have introduced a time delay in healthy trees and whitefly population in the infected tree density of the proposed system of equations to reduce the probability of healthy trees becoming infected, as well as the level of infection. We have analyzed the impact of time delay on the stability of the equilibrium and establish requirements to verify its asymptotic stability over all delays. The solutions of this system of non-linear ordinary differential equations(ODEs) and delay differential equations(DDEs) are presented by using homotopy perturbation method(HPM). Numerical simulation is also obtained for the same model of both ODE and DDE by using MATLAB software. The proposed method works very well and is easy to use, as shown by these findings. Our aim is to control the spread of whitefly such that harvest is not affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particleboards find extensive application in both civil construction and the furniture industry. Nevertheless, concerns about the interaction of panels with humidity require the exploration of alternative sources to develop a product that meets the requirements for use. This work aims to produce single-layer particleboards with coconut fiber (Cocos nucifera) as substrate, bonded with 10% by mass castor oil-based polyurethane resin (CPUR). Two groups of mixtures were proposed, different from each other in the initial moisture content of the Cocos nucifera particles, ranging from 0 to 2% and from 4% to 6%. For this purpose, density (D), thickness swelling after 24 h (TS), moisture content (MC), and water absorption (WA) were evaluated. The Tukey mean contrast test, at a 5% significance level, was used to verify the influence of the initial moisture content of the particles on the physical properties of the particleboards. The microstructure of the composites was assessed through the utilization of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. The results indicated better compaction of the C. nucifera particles, resulting in fewer voids, contributing to the densification of the panels and, with this, the reduction of water absorption by 15.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Headed studs are shear connectors in composite structures used at the adjoining face of a steel beam and a concrete slab. In this research, the conventional shape of a headed stud was restructured to resemble the shape of a coconut palm stem (royal palm) without a change in the overall material volume, with the aim of improving the shear strength of the composite connection. Six innovative shear connectors for composite structures, named coconut palm stem royal shaped headed stud shear connectors (CPSR studs), were examined. Abaqus/Explicit was used to model a push-out specimen and the finite-element model was successfully validated using published experimental results. The six different CPSR studs encased in three grades of concrete (C40, C50 and C60) were tested for shear strength, stiffness and load–slip performance. The results for the innovative CPSR studs were compared with those for uniform cross-section headed studs; when embedded in C40, C50 and C60 grade concrete, the results showed, respectively, 35–41%, 37–44% and 41–52% improvements in the ultimate strength of the shear connection. The improved shear strength capacity of the CPSR studs without a change in the overall volume of stud material means that fewer studs are required, leading to economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Açaí berry is the main product from Euterpe oleracea, a palm tree largely found in the Amazon forest. The management of açaí areas involves the selective thinning of stems, a waste that accumulates in the area without any use. We aimed to assess the flexural properties of the peripheral zone of E. oleracea stems and their relationships with density and anatomical features. Açaí palm wood has properties similar to Amazon timbers, such as Hymenaea courbaril and shows strong correlation of density and fibre percentage with flexural properties. Euterpe oleracea palm wood has percentage of fibre tissue (46.99%) and bundle diameter (0.83 mm) similar to Cocos nucifera, but density (0.95 g cm- 3) and flexural properties (strength = 151.6 MPa, stiffness = 16.89 GPa) superior to other palm woods, such as C. nucifera and Elaeis guineensis. Due to the stem peripheral zone thickness, açaí palm wood has the same limitations as bamboos have and, thus, can be used as a local substitute for imported bamboo products. According to its properties, açaí palm wood can be used for handicrafts, doors, frames, furniture, and structural purposes. By aligning with the ecological and social sustainability trend seen in our society, açaí palm wood products can generate deluxe items with high added value and serve as an additional income source for traditional Amazon people dependent on açaí berry management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unwanted sound is called noise. Noise from any direction can be reduced by employing sound-absorbing material. All materials have some sound absorption capabilities and can be efficiently regulated by selecting the right material and their construction. The effect of perforated panel thickness (A), hole diameter in the perforated panel (B), hole spacing in the perforated panel (C), porous coir matt thickness (D), density of the porous non-woven (E), porosity (%) of the non-woven (F), percentage of latex added with the non-woven (G), and air gap (H) on sound absorption was discussed in this article. The plan of experiments was determined using the Taguchi L27 experimental design, and the optimization was calculated using S/N ratio analysis. Sample number 24 was found to be an optimized one, and the results show that the optimal combination of process variables and their levels is A3B1C1D1E3F2G3H3. The corresponding optimized NRC value is 0.762. SEM research revealed that the diameter of coir fibers ranges from 120 to 300 µm, while the length of fibers ranges from 80 to 240 mm. Furthermore, the inclusion of latex caused more voids within the surfaces. The influence of all process parameters versus NRC levels was also investigated using univariate ANOVA. The model was significant, and except for porosity percentage, all of the primary effects of individual parameters were significant with NRC value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kopyor is a coconut with unique characteristics from Indonesia, one of the largest coconut producers in the world. Kopyor is an edible mature coconut with soft endosperm. Although this fruit is one of the most popular coconuts in the world, there are limited studies on its properties, including its sensory attributes and metabolite profiles. This study investigates the characteristics of kopyor using sensory evaluation, a widely targeted metabolomics approach, and multivariate analysis. The liquid (water) and solid (flesh) endosperms were collected as the samples. The results showed that kopyor has characteristics that distinguish it from normal mature and young coconuts. Kopyor water has a milky, creamy, nutty, bitter, and astringent taste with an oily aftertaste and mouthfeel. Kopyor flesh is soft and moist and gives a sandy mouth feel. This study analyzed the sensory attributes of the kopyor endosperm for the first time and compared it with those of normal mature and young coconuts. A gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis showed that kopyor contained wider variety of metabolites than normal coconuts of the same age. Based on the differential analysis and orthogonal projections to latent structures-regression, kopyor water was characterized by the accumulation of flavor-related metabolites, such as amino acids and organic acids, which contributed to its sensory complexity. This study solidified the effects of maturation and endosperm type on metabolite accumulation in kopyor endosperm. This pioneering information will lead to the future use of kopyor and other unique coconuts worldwide for food, contributing to the sustainability of the coconut industry. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to stabilize and mask the bitterness of peptides obtained from the enzymatic hydrolysis of coconut‐meal protein with maltodextrin (MD) and maltodextrin‐pectin (MD‐P) as carriers via spray‐drying. Essential (~35%), hydrophobic (~32%), antioxidant (~15%), and bitter (~45%) amino acids comprised a significant fraction of the peptide composition (with a degree of hydrolysis of 33%). The results indicated that the peptide's production efficiency, physical and functional properties, and hygroscopicity improved after spray‐drying. Morphological features of free peptides (fragile and porous structures), spray‐dried with MD (wrinkled with indented structures), and MD‐P combination (relatively spherical particles with smooth surfaces) were influenced by the process type and feed composition. Adding free and microencapsulated peptides to the bread formula (2% W/W) caused changes in moisture content (35%–43%), water activity (0.89–0.94), textural properties (1–1.6 N), specific volume (5.5–6 cm3/g), porosity (18%–27%), and color indices of the fortified product. MD‐P encapsulated peptides in bread fortification resulted in thermal stability and increased antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS+ radical scavenging: 4.5%–39.4% and 31.6%–46.8%, respectively). MD‐P (as a carrier) could maintain sensory characteristics and mask the bitterness of peptides in the fortified bread. The results of this research can be used to produce functional food and diet formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is an important palm species that serves as the mainstay of several industries and contributes to the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. International exchange of coconut germplasm has been undertaken for several decades to facilitate the conservation of selected varieties within global genebanks and for the distribution to farmers and scientists. In vitro systems are a convenient and an efficient method for the exchange of coconut germplasm. However, it is possible that these tissue culture systems can transfer lethal pathogens causing a threat to the importing countries. In this review, the following topics are discussed: the major disease-causing agents of concern, the various tissues that could be used for coconut germplasm exchange, and the techniques available for the detection and elimination of disease-causing agents from various transmission systems. Additionally, the lack of clear, science-backed guidelines to facilitate the exchange of in vitro coconut materials is raised, along with recommendations for future studies to ensure the safe movement of coconut germplasm without biosecurity risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hard work like climbing a tall coconut tree while balancing and stretching the whole body increases musculoskeletal discomfort and pain. Scratches, cuts and dermatitis problems cause serious health problems. Injury and accidents badly affect the human body, reducing farmers' productivity and quality of work. Sometimes, they are physically incapable of performing such work or die. Sometimes, disasters and environmental conditions have a negative impact on coconut farming. The main aim of this study was to calculate the discomfort level of coconut farmers in the coastal districts of Odisha using the QEC (quick exposure checkup) tool of Ergofellow 3.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]