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The presence of toxic heavy metals in vegetables is a matter of concern worldwide as they impose significant public health hazards. This study quantified heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in widely consumed vegetables such as red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus), radish leaf (Raphanus sativus), brinjal (Solanum melongena), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), carrot (Daucus carota), and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) grown in Savar industrial areas of Bangladesh to assess human health risks. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to determine heavy metals in vegetables (n = 96). Studied heavy metals were detected in most vegetable samples, whereas 59.38% and 40.62% of samples contained carcinogenic Pb and Cd higher than the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) maximum allowable concentration (MAC). Principle component analysis (PCA) revealed that wastewater irrigation due to anthropogenic activities is the main source of heavy metal contamination in vegetables of the study area. Human health risks were assessed in terms of estimated daily intake (EDI), incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI). EDI values of all heavy metals were lower than the corresponding maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI) values. The ILCR values of Pb in most samples (except fenugreek) for children were found above the threshold value (ILCR> 10−4), indicating carcinogenic health effects from lifetime consumption of these vegetables. The THQs of Pb in sample red amaranth and carrot were greater than 1.0, indicating potential non-carcinogenic risks of consuming contaminated vegetables. The HI values of all heavy metals in red amaranth and carrot >1.0 for adults and children, suggesting health hazards from these samples. This study might help policymakers and concerned authorities to implement a strategic plan for safe vegetable production and minimise the health risks of consuming heavy metal contaminated vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate if high barrier recyclable material polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol (PE/EVOH) can be an alternative non‐recyclable polyamides (PA)/PE laminate and also if high barrier is required or recyclable PE material with low barrier properties is good enough to maintain the quality of thermally processed mashed potato and ground carrot. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the PA/PE and PE films decreased after heat treatment, while no change was observed for PE/EVOH films. Food contact did not impact the OTR of PA/PE and PE/EVOH films, while the OTR of PE films decreased. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of PA/PE and PE/EVOH films increased after heat treatment. In general, the WVTR of films increased after food contact. The tensile strength of all films was only reduced up to 3–4 weeks of food contact. After 10 weeks, the PE film showed significantly lower hue values and a larger total color difference than the two other films. Light exposure reduced the hue values and increased total color difference after 6 weeks of storage. The odor and flavor of both mashed potatoes and ground carrots were affected by light exposure. The mashed potato showed a slight reduction in freshness‐odor for all materials with storage time. For flavor, mashed potato and ground carrot showed similar trends; flavor was scored unacceptable when packaged in PE films after 6 weeks, but when packaged in PA/PE and PE/EVOH films, the flavor was still acceptable after 10 weeks of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carrot is a root vegetable well-known for its high nutritional content and health advantages. It is well known for its strong antioxidant content, particularly carotenoids, which have been linked to cancer-fighting effects. Carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamins in carrots have been demonstrated to have anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, and immune-boosting qualities, lending credence to the long-held concept that carrots are good for eye health. Numerous in-vivo and in-vitro research have revealed carrots' numerous health benefits, including cholesterol-lowering, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, renoprotective, hepatoprotective, and facilitate the excretion of fats and bile by the liver. Carrot seed extracts have also been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective effects. Carrot pomace, which contains about 50% -carotene, has been recognized as a valuable byproduct that can be economically helpful for boosting culinary products such as biscuits, bread, and cakes, as well as preparing various functional goods. Carrot pomace powder is used to create bread and extruded items, demonstrating this waste's variety and prospective applications. This comprehensive review focuses on the nutritional composition, phytonutrients, functional properties, product development, and utilization of carrots and their byproducts. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the diverse uses and advantages of incorporating carrots into various food and health products by highlighting the potential health benefits and applications of carrots and their derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate edible films and coatings based on carboxymethylcellulose (ECMC), alginate (EALG), and cassava starch (ECS) polymers that have been nano-emulsified by ultrasound, using food-grade sunflower oil as the lipid source and Tween 20 as an emulsifying agent. The formulations were characterized by particle size distribution, and molecular interactions in the edible films were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the morphological behavior of the films was studied through scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, to assess their effectiveness as a green preservation technology for minimally processed foods, the formulations were applied as edible coatings on carrot slices, and peroxidase activity, total phenols, antioxidant capacity, and color changes during refrigerated storage were studied. FTIR spectra confirmed interactions between the compounds in the formulations of ECMC and ECS films. Instead, the spectrum of EALG was significantly similar to that of ALG, showing poor affinity between alginate and the oil in the nano-emulsion. ECS films showed a compact, smooth, and uniform surface, with oil drops inserted uniformly throughout the matrix. The biodegradable film based on ECS is considered a promising alternative for use as an edible film or coating for food preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study all‐pay auctions under incomplete information in which the designer can impose taxes or subsidies, and his expected payoff is the contestants' expected total effort minus the cost of subsidies, or, alternatively, plus the tax payment. When contestants have linear effort cost functions, we show that taxing the winner's payoff is profitable for the contest designer, and particularly more profitable than the same model with no taxation or the same model with contestants' effort taxation. When the contestants' effort cost functions are convex and the taxation rate is relatively low, we show that the designer should tax the winner's payoff while subsidizing all of the other contestants' effort costs. As a result, contest organizers should think about combining taxation and subsidies in their contests because they complement rather than substitute each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dhaka city is experiencing tremendous growth in traffic. Until recently, the city's demand for traffic was entirely served by public buses, a mix of motorized and non-motorized paratransit, and private personalized transport. The first ever rail-based metro, mass rapid transit (MRT), namely MRT Line 6, was partially inaugurated on 28 December 2022. Authority expects that there will be visible modal shift. However, MRT systems in many Asian and European countries are attracting much lower private motorists than what is expected. Moreover, in Dhaka, a unique mix in road-based transport with public transit and varieties of paratransit and private personalized vehicles intensifies the uncertainties involved in modal shift. Therefore, based on a field survey done before four (04) months of the partial inauguration of MRT Line 6, this study intends to explore the modal shift potentials of different mode users to a completely new mode and the modal choice factors. The analysis of the results finds overall, 75% of all mode users are willing to shift, while para and public transit users are comparatively more willing than private personalized vehicle users. However, such willingness comes up with one or more conditions: comfort, reasonable fare, reduced total travel time, less crowd, etc. The study finds that affordability, availability, and accessibility factors have an influence on their modal shift behavior. Also, results from binary logistic model identify significant impact of several sociodemographic, trip- and accessibility-related factors influencing modal shift choice. Findings from this study explain the optimism regarding MRT by different mode users and inform the decision-makers about their course of actions including different interventions, strict and carrot approaches to hold on to the potential shifters and attract more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Political parties often adjust their policy agendas in response to changing electoral landscapes, balancing the need to appeal to new voters against the importance of retaining loyal supporters. While these patterns are generally well‐documented in the literature, the specific impact of voter availability on the electoral market remains underexamined. This article investigates how electoral opportunities – i.e., potential to mobilize new voters – and loyalty – i.e., likelihood of retaining current supporters – influence parties' decisions to expand or narrow their policy focus. To analyze this, the study integrates three decades of population data from the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems and European Election Studies with data on parties' issue focus obtained from the Manifesto Project. The analysis shows that parties strategically balance their focus between core and peripheral issues based on the anticipated utility of each approach. This strategy, however, depends on the stability of voter loyalty: expansion into new issues occurs primarily when voter loyalty is robust, although strong opportunities alone can also encourage agenda broadening. These findings contribute to understanding the calculated risks parties take in adjusting their issue attention and highlight why policy adjustments often backfire; namely, when misaligned with voters' availability on the market. This study speaks to the literature on party competition and representation in Europe, illuminating how electoral dynamics shape parties' policy focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Carrot (Daucus carota) is a nutrient-dense root vegetable, and carrot pomace is a by-product of the juice extraction procedure, which is recognized a source of phytochemicals and functional components. Almonds (Prunus dulcis) are packed with a decent amount of nutrients and bioactives. Methods: This study investigates the utilization of carrot pomace powder (CPP) and almond powder (AP) as partial substitutes for straight grade white flour (SGWF) in cakes to enhance their nutritional value and sensory appeal, while reducing waste from carrot processing. The aim is to assess the effects of incorporating CPP (at 5%, 10%, and 15%) and AP (at 5%) on the chemical composition and properties of cakes. Results and discussion: Comparative analysis reveals that AP is rich in fat (13.8 ± 0.6%) and protein (31 ± 0.6%), while CPP excels in ash (5.0 ± 0.5%) and fiber (43.3 ± 3.3%) content. Furthermore, SGWF exhibits the highest moisture content. Water holding capacities for CPP and AP are 5.2 ± 0.2% and 5.0±0.1%, respectively, and oil holding capacities are 1.3 ± 0.1% and 1.8 ± 0.2%, respectively. Additionally, CPP contains higher levels of sodium, potassium, and calcium, while AP contains higher levels of magnesium, iron, and zinc compared to SGWF. The addition of CPP and AP increases the ash, fat, fiber, and protein contents of the cakes. Notably, cakes containing 80% SGWF, 15% CPP, and 5% AP show significantly higher total phenolic content (TPC) (125.5 ± 3.8 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoid content (TFC) (58.4 ± 1.4 mg QE/100 g), and DPPH activity (17.6 ± 2.7%) compared to control cakes. Furthermore, a significant increment in mineral content is observed in cakes with high levels of CPP and AP. Sensory evaluations reveal high acceptance of cakes containing 15% CPP and 5% AP. In conclusion, this study suggests that the incorporation of CPP and AP into cakes can improve their nutritional profile, antioxidant activity, and sensory characteristics, offering a sustainable approach to bakery product development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Carrot (Daucus carota) is one of the most popular and nutritious vegetable crops worldwide. However, significant yield losses occur every year due to leaf blight, a disease caused by a fungal pathogen (Alternaria dauci). Past research on resistance to leaf blight disease in carrots has been slow because of the low‐quality genome assemblies of both carrot and the pathogen. Here, we report the greatly improved assemblies and annotations of telomere‐to‐telomere (T2T) reference genomes of carrot DH13M14 (451.04 Mb) and A. dauci A2016 (34.91 Mb). Compared with the previous carrot genome versions, our assembly featured notable improvements in genome size, continuity, and completeness of centromeres and telomeres. In addition, we generated a time course transcriptomic atlas during the infection of carrots by A. dauci and captured their dynamic gene expression reprogramming during the interaction process. During infection, A. dauci genes encoding effectors and enzymes responsible for the degradation of plant cell wall components, e.g., cellulose and pectin, were identified, which appeared to increase pathogenic ability through upregulation. In carrot, the coordinated gene expression of components of pattern‐ and effector‐triggered immunity (PTI and ETI) in response to A. dauci attack was characterized. The biosynthesis or signal transduction of plant hormones, including JA, SA, and ethylene, was also involved in the carrot response to A. dauci. This work provides a foundation for understanding A. dauci pathogenic progression and carrot defense mechanisms to improve carrot resistance to leaf blight disease. The Carrot Database (CDB) developed also provides a useful resource for the carrot community. Significance Statement: Here, we report the improved assemblies and annotations of telomere‐to‐telomere (T2T) reference genomes of carrot and its leaf blight pathogen Alternaria dauci. Genome‐wide alterations in gene expression in both carrot and A. dauci during carrot leaf blight disease provide a foundation for understanding A. dauci pathogenic progression and carrot defense mechanisms to improve carrot resistance to leaf blight disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Ultrasound is one of the emerging technologies developed to minimize processing, maximize quality, and ensure the safety of food products. In the food industry, sonication is used for the viscosity of juice/puree "creation". In this study, the comparison of the physical properties of carrot puree before and after sonication is presented. This information can be used in food industries for further design. Ultrasound treatment also enhances the homogenization of the puree, making it easier to control its viscosity and ensure a consistent "texture" that meets industry standards for applications in sauces, baby foods, and soups. Furthermore, US treatment reduces the activation energy necessary for heat transfer and enzyme inactivation, enabling processing at lower temperatures. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasonic frequencies (21 and 35 kHz) on the physical properties of carrot puree at different concentrations (9, 12, and 21 °Brix). The viscosity, total soluble content, density, color, and β-carotene content were tested. It was found that the viscosity of the puree, determined with respect to shear rate, concentration, and the use of ultrasonic treatment, indicates that the purees should be defined as shear thinning fluids. Moreover, a decrease in activation energy was observed with the increase in extract and ultrasonic treatment, which may cause changes in the rate of reactions occurring in the tested material. A significant effect of this may be the observed change in the color of the puree after ultrasonic treatment; the increase in frequency from 21 to 35 kHz caused an increase in redness and yellowness and a decrease in lightness, independently of concentration. The most significant color difference was noted in the puree with a 21 °Brix concentration, where a ΔE value of 21 was recorded. In contrast, the ΔE values for the other purees post-treatment remained below 5. The content of carotenoids did not change after sonication, independently of the concentration of carrot puree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrots, a globally cultivated root vegetable crop, are renowned for their nutritional and functional properties. However, the deep utilization and development of carrots and their derived products are limited in numerous countries, with a particular deficiency in advanced deep‐processing and transformation technologies. Consequently, the value of carrot products is diminished and resources are wasted. This review explores the nutritional value and characteristics of different carrot varieties, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of carrot product processing. These products include primary processed products such as minimally processed carrots, dried carrots, pickles, preserves, fruit purees, yoghurt, juice, and essential oils, as well as processed by‐products including functional phytochemical extractions such as carotenoids, polyphenols, dietary fibers, active peptides, and glycoproteins. This review also covers other by‐products, including feeds, fast food boxes, and bioethanol production. Furthermore, cutting‐edge technologies related to carrot processing are discussed. The ultimate goal of this review is to provide researchers and practitioners with an in‐depth understanding of the present status of carrot production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment investigated the impact of aloe vera gel and safe salts on the physical quality and physicochemical properties of minimally processed carrots during storage, aiming to determine the most effective edible coating postharvest treatment. The experiment employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Results indicated significant (p ≤ 0.01) effects of various treatments on the physical quality and physicochemical properties of carrots compared to untreated ones. Freshly harvested carrots were subjected to different treatments, including a control (T1), 30% aloe vera gel (T2), 1% NaCl (T3), and 1.5% NaHCO3 (T4), combinations thereof, such as 30% aloe vera gel with 1% NaCl (T5) or 1.5% NaHCO3 (T6), and 1% NaCl with 1.5% NaHCO3 (T7), and a combination of 30% aloe vera gel with 1% NaCl and 1.5% NaHCO3 (T8). Among the treatments, the combination of 30% aloe vera gel and 1% NaCl (T5) exhibited the most promising results after nine days of storage, with the lowest weight loss (1.19%), highest firmness (3.80 N), total soluble solids (TSS) content (8.40%), titratable acidity (0.477%), ascorbic acid content (9.02 mg/100 g FW), anthocyanin content (28.84 μg/g FW), phenol content (4.278 mg/100 g FW), and total sugar content (13.32%). This treatment effectively protected carrots from undesirable color, texture, and flavor changes during storage. The utilization of natural‐source‐based edible coatings containing health‐promoting additives presents a viable strategy to enhance both the internal and external qualities of minimally processed carrots. Overall, the edible coating comprising 30% aloe vera gel and 1% NaCl emerges as a promising approach for preserving the quality of minimally processed carrots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translocation of species is a common practice used in endangered species management and conservation plans, which can have the purpose of establishing new populations which are at risk of being wiped out, increase a species chance of survival or recovery, and to preserve genetic diversity. The present study details the rescue and relocation process of Hispaniola Hutia (Plagiodontia aedium) in the municipality of Cotuí, Dominican Republic. Data are presented for eight individuals, belonging to two different families, detailing capture methods, handling, reintroduction method, and behavior, as well as data on post‐release monitoring for both families. It was found that the most efficient capture method was active capture by hand (6/8). The family groups were heterogeneous, although both families had in common the presence of a single adult male. The average weight of the individuals was 1.19 kg. Blood tests were carried out on the animals before being taken to the holding pens and compared with the values of other rodents, showing that hematic values for P. aedium were like those of another hutia species, Cynomys ludovicianus. During the period animals were held in pens before reintroduction, hutias showed trophic preferences for Clusia rosea and Guarea guidonea. The only supplementary food they consumed was Daucus carota. A fight was observed between members of different families during the acclimation period in the holding pen, between a subadult male and another dominant one, evidencing territorial behavior. Post‐release monitoring of the families showed that the selection of habitat for relocation, based on the characterization of active burrows in the area, was successful in one of the two families relocated. One of the families abandoned the selected area for translocation during the monitoring. It is important to note that accurate population data of the targeted population, such as abundance and density, are necessary to guarantee the survival of the translocated animals in the new environment. The reintroduction method used in this study may serve as a baseline for future translocation projects for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Carrot is a major root vegetable in the Apiaceae owing to its abundant carotenoids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The modern dark orange western carrot was derived from sequential domestication events from the white-rooted wild form to the pale orange-, purple-, or yellow-rooted eastern carrot. Genetic and molecular studies between eastern and western carrots are meager despite their evolutionary relatedness. Methods: Twelve RNA seq libraries obtained from distinct eastern and western cultivars at vegetative and reproductive developmental stages were utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to decode the key molecular genetic changes in carotenoid and flowering pathways. Results: In the carotenoid pathway, an upregulation of the PSY, CRTISO, and LCYE genes was observed in the western cultivar, while the eastern cultivar exhibited a higher abundance of downstream enzymes, particularly CCD and NCED1. These later enzymes are crucial in linking apocarotenoids and xanthin-mediated ABA signaling. In the flowering pathway, we noted a greater expression of DEGs associated with the photoperiod and vernalization pathways in the western cultivar. In contrast, the eastern cultivar displayed a dominance of genes from the autonomous pathway (FLD, LD, FLK, and PEBP) that function to repress FLC. The experimental validation of 12 key genes through quantitative real-time PCR further confirms their functional role in carrots. Conclusions: The identified key regulatory genes in these major pathways are valuable for designing breeding strategies for manipulating carotenoid content and flowering time while developing climate-specific carrots. The knowledge of carotenoid and flowering pathways is advantageous in producing nutritionally improved roots and seeds in carrots across diverse climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the effects of thermal pre-treatments such as convective drying (P-CD), water (BL_W), and microwave blanching (M_BL) and osmotic enrichment pre-treatments with juices from pomegranate (PG), chokeberry (CH), and sea buckthorn (SB) on microwave-vacuum-dried (MVD) carrot properties. Convective drying (CD) and freeze-drying (FD) were used as a comparative method. The dry matter content and water activity of MVD carrots were varied, but in many cases, the values were comparable to those of FD-dried carrots. Pre-enrichment in CH juice significantly reduced the values of the color parameters L*, a*, and b*, regardless of the drying method. The smallest changes were observed in microwave pre-blanching (M_BL). The lowest loss in carotenoid content was observed in CD-dried carrots (14–34 mg/100 g d.m.). Blanching and enrichment in SB juice allowed significant retention of these compounds. As a result of drying carrots, the total phenolic content (TPC) increased. Compared to the raw material, the TPC content in dried carrots increased 3–9 times. Drying using the FD and MVD methods gave a similar effect of increasing the TPC content, including a greater effect after enrichment in CH juice. The highest average antioxidant activity against the DPPH• and ABTS•+ radicals was recorded for FD-dried carrots (6.9 and 30.0 mg Trolox/g d.m.). SB juice contributed to a significant increase in the total vitamin C content, even by 89.1%, compared to raw carrots. Applying osmotic pre-enrichment in PG juice increased the sugar content in dried FD and CD samples by 37.4–49.9%, and in MVD by 21–59%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrot harvest is a major drudgery operation that includes manual digging using hand hoes and manual detopping. It is a highly labour-intensive operation in the Indian hilly regions. We have developed a poweroperated carrot harvester-cum-detopper suitable for hilly areas. The design parameters of the harvester, viz. blade height (100, 200 and 300 mm), conveying angle (15°, 25° and 35°) and catch height (20, 40 and 60 mm) were considered to evaluate the machine in actual field conditions. The optimum parameter values obtained for field operation were blade height of 300 mm, conveying angle of 25° and catch height of 40 mm. The field results of the power-operated carrot harvester indicate an actual field capacity of 0.028 ha h-1, digging efficiency of 95.5%, conveying efficiency of 97.5%, detopping efficiency of 98.0% and damage percentage of 2.0. The harvester performs well for carrots grown in raised beds and single, narrow-row cultivation practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates groove-based controlled shape morphing in potatoes and carrots during drying. Stamps were manufactured and used to create groove depths (2 mm and 4 mm) onto the surface of the samples, which were then dried at various temperatures (45 °C, 55 °C, and 65 °C). Bending transformation, drying profiles, shrinkage, porosity, and surface morphology were measured as indicators of shape morphing. Potatoes exhibited a positive correlation between morphing transformation with increasing temperatures, reaching maximum angles of 244° (2 mm) and 263° (4 mm). Similarly, carrots showed similar observations with maximum bending angles of 145.1° (2 mm) and 153° (4 mm). The morphing in these samples was observed within the moisture content range of 1–0.5 kg water per kg solids and was concomitant with a substantial shrinkage of 80–84% in both samples. Grooving significantly affects the morphing, creating high-stress points and increasing the moisture transfer rate during drying. This study lays foundational knowledge for the controlled shape morphing of foods using drying technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gibberellins (GAs) are a class of plant hormones that can affect plant growth and development. GA-oxidases are rate-limiting enzymes, which play a direct role in GA accumulation in plants. However, the roles of GA-oxidase on carrot (Daucus carota L.) taproot development are still unclear. In this study, two GA-oxidase genes, DcGA20ox2 and DcGA2ox1, were identified in carrot. Transgenic carrot plants were obtained by using Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation method. The results showed that overexpression of DcGA20ox2 significantly promoted the accumulation of active GAs in carrot, increased plant height, generated more branches, and enhanced xylem development. Overexpression of DcGA2ox1 significantly reduced the total contents of active GAs compared with the control group, resulting in a dwarf phenotype and markedly increased lignin content of the transgenic carrot. The expression profiling showed that the genes of GA metabolic pathway responded to the negative feedback regulation mechanism. At the same time, the expression of most genes in lignin biosynthesis and polymerization process was up-regulated, corresponding to the massive accumulation of lignin. These findings indicated that DcGA20ox2 and DcGA2ox1 affected carrot growth and development by regulating the levels of endogenous GAs. The results from current work might shed light on further studies aimed to regulate lignification in carrot and other crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifying the root uptake of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) by plants remains challenging due to the lack of data on the freely available fractions of HOCs in soil porewater. We therefore hypothesized that a passive sampler could act as a useful tool to evaluate the root uptake potential and pathways of HOCs by plants in soil. We tested this hypothesis by exploring the uptake of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs) by carrot and lettuce with the codeployment of passive samplers in a contaminated soil system. The results showed that the amounts of PBDEs enriched in carrot and lettuce were positively correlated with those in a passive sampler (r2 = 0.46–0.88). No concentration correlation was observed for OPEs between lettuce and passive samplers, due to possible degradation of OPEs in lettuce. The root‐to‐porewater ratios of PBDEs and OPEs, respectively, were 6.2 to 11 and 0.05 to 0.88 L g−1 for carrot, and 8.8 to 130 and less than reporting limits to 1.2 L g−1 for lettuce. The ratios were negatively correlated with log KOW values for carrot, but increased with increasing log KOW values over a range of 1.97 to 6.80, and then decreased with log KOW values greater than 6.80 for lettuce. This finding indicated that passive transport and partition were the accumulation pathways of PBDEs and OPEs in carrot and lettuce, respectively. Overall, passive samplers performed adequately in assessing the available fractions of persistent HOCs in plants, and can serve as a viable tool for exploring the pathways for plant root uptake of HOCs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2338–2349. © 2024 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrot juice color changes from orange to brown immediately after production. Blanching is a suitable way to preserve and commercialize this product. In this study, an ohmic device was used as a heating source, and polyphenol oxidase enzyme was selected as an indicator of enzyme inactivation sufficiency to color change of carrot juice. Fresh carrot juice was subjected to thermal processing under 3 temperature levels of 70, 80, and 90 degrees of Celsius and 4 time levels of 0, 20, 40 and 60 seconds with a constant voltage of 100 volts and the enzyme inactivation, Brix, pH and color indexes L*, a* and b* were checked. Constant values of reaction rate, activation energy, D-value and Q10 were investigated. The kinetics of inactivation of polyphenol oxidase of carrot juice samples were calculated at 70, 80 and 90 degrees of Celsius. The changes of enzyme inactivation, Brix, pH and a* parameter with increasing temperature and time were significant at 1% probability level by completely random design. The level of enzyme inactivation was also measured by the conventional water bath method and compared with the ohmic method, and the results indicated the greater efficiency of the ohmic method. As the temperature increased, the Brix level increased and the color of carrot juice changed from orange-yellow to orange-red (p≤0.05) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Coding genome of a novel potyvirus, hogweed virus Y (HogVY)" published in the Journal of Plant Pathology describes the discovery of a new virus, HogVY, in hogweed and cow parsley plants in the United Kingdom. The study used high throughput sequencing to identify the virus, which belongs to the genus Potyvirus. The research suggests that HogVY may be widespread in apiaceous weeds and has two known hosts in the Apiaceae family. The study was supported by various funding sources and researchers involved in the project. [Extracted from the article]

Freezing pretreatment is one of the novel pretreatments for fruit and vegetable drying, and its treatment intensity has a direct impact on the effectiveness of color protection and drying promotion. However, there are major limitations on transformations of dynamic changes of and water status of material, which is crucial for judging processing intensity. Here a mathematical model was presented to characterize heat transfer in freezing pretreatment of carrot crisps. The model accounts for freezing phase change heat transfer. And a further analysis on the effect of freezing pretreatment on product quality was made according to experimental results. Results showed that the heat transfer process of freezing pretreatment is divided into four stages based on the temperature changes, namely fast cooling segment, phase transition segment, secondary cooling segment, constant temperature holding segment. In the phase transition segment, the presence of latent heat is the core element that the temperature of the material can be maintained constant. In the constant temperature holding segment, the effect of processing time on the material was significant. The optimal pre‐freezing conditions for carrots was a temperature of −15°C for the duration of 45 min plus an additional 10 h, resulting in dried products with minimal color difference, maximum rehydration ratio, and optimal puffing degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is widely cultivated and consumed in Pakistan in both raw and processed form. Data on the proximate composition and natural occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) in carrots and marketed carrot products is lacking in Pakistan and the risk exposure of AF has not been characterised before. Thus, the current study was designed to know the frequently consumed carrot products with per capita consumption, and risk assessment of AF through these products in various regions of South Punjab Pakistan. A survey was conducted with 125 respondents and appeared that raw carrot, fresh carrot juice, gajrella and pickle are the most frequently consumed marketed carrot products with per capita consumption i.e. 62.5, 46.6, 16.2 and 14.5 gday-1, respectively. Proximate analysis revealed that carrot root and processed carrot products contained 9.65–98.2% moisture, 0.23–0.60% ash, 6.2–14.1% carbohydrates, 0.31–0.80% protein, 0.40–3.7% fat and 1.4–4.20% fibre. AF analysis revealed that 36.67% of samples were contaminated with TAF. Thirty-five (35%) percent of samples were tainted with aflatoxin B1, and 13.33% of samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B2. All the samples of carrot root, fresh carrot juice and gajrella contained TAF levels less than the maximum limit (ML) (2 ppb) assigned by the European Union (EU). However, the entire AFB1 positive samples of carrot pickle contained AFB1 levels of more than 2 ppb exceeding the ML. Furthermore, daily dietary exposure of TAFs ranged from 0.11 to 1.27 ng/kg of body weight per day which relatively exceeds the permissible limit of 1 ng/kg of body weight per day as defined by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. This is the first prevalence and risk assessment report of AF in marketed processed carrot products in Pakistan. These baseline data are an initial step in the effort to deal with this significant food safety issue and the establishment of legislation for AF in marketed products is needed in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Plant seeds from weeds and energy crops have the potential to survive anaerobic digestion (AD). Species able to form physically dormant, i.e., hardseeded (HS) seeds seem particularly resistant. However, it is not yet known to what extent the storage of the digestate after AD affects seed viability. Methods: Seed survival of five HS and six non-HS (NHS) species was investigated in three combinations of digestate storage (DS) and AD. First, untreated seeds were exposed to DS for maximum 12 weeks. To simulate short-circuited AD (ADshort) in biogas reactors, seeds were second subjected to lab-scale AD for 1 day before DS. Third, seeds of six species were exposed to full-scale AD (ADfull) followed by DS. Seed viability was determined using a combination of germination tests and tetrazolium staining. Viability was modeled as a function of exposure time. Results and discussion: Seed viability was affected by DS, AD and AD + DS, but responses varied greatly between species and treatments. With increasing exposure time, viability decreased after a lag-phase, remained stable or even increased. The NHS species Cichorium intybus , Daucus carota , Echium vulgare , and Verbascum thapsus were most susceptible, with seed-killing close to 100% if DS was involved. The HS species Malva sylvestris , Melilotus albus and Melilotus officinalis were most resistant. They survived all treatments and were alive after 35 days of ADfull plus 3 months of DS. The resistance potential of the HS species Abutilon theophrasti and Malva alcea and of the NHS species Chenopodium album and two tomato varieties was intermediate. None of them survived ADfull + DS, but except A. theophrasti they were viable after ADshort + DS. With few exceptions, seed-killing by AD + DS was higher than that by AD alone. In conclusion, DS and AD + DS have the potential to reduce seed viability, but do not completely inactivate all species. Therefore, digestate can be contaminated with viable seeds and may lead to the spread of weeds, especially after a short-circuited AD. In order to ensure the sustainable use of digestates in terms of weeds, we recommend to investigate the factors contributing to seed inactivation and the quantity of seed introduced to AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reviews the knowledge to date on the carrot cyst nematode Heterodera carotae, which has become the primary threat to the carrot sector following the withdrawal of the last chemical soil fumigants in Europe. A keyword co-occurrence network was used to structure this review into five research areas: i) biology and epidemiology of H. carotae; ii) molecular identification and phylogeny; iii) population genetics and genomics; iv) control methods and strategies; and v) root exudates and hatching stimulation. Our findings indicate that H. carotae is an under-studied plant-parasitic nematode species, with several identified alternative control methods that require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn recent years, driven by increasing consumer demand for natural and healthy convenient foods, the food industry has been shifting from synthetic to natural products. This shift is also reflected in the growing popularity of non-conventional extraction methods for pigments, which are favored for sustainability and environment-friendliness compared to conventional processes. This review aims to investigate the extraction of carotenoids from a variety of natural sources, including marine sources like fungus, microalgae, and crustaceans, as well as widely studied plants like tomatoes and carrots. Additionally, it delves into the recovery of valuable carotenoids from waste products like pomace and peels, highlighting the nutritional and environmental benefits. The review also emphasizes the role of green solvents such limonene, vegetable oils, ionic liquids, supercritical fluids, and natural deep eutectic solvents in effective and ecologically friendly carotenoid extraction. These technologies support the ideas of a circular and sustainable economy in addition to having a smaller negative impact on the environment. Overall, the present study highlights the crucial importance of green extraction technologies in achieving the dual goals of sustainability and public safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of vegetables is essential for reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases, yet global intake falls short of recommended levels. Enhancing the nutraceutical content of vegetables through postharvest abiotic stress, such as ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, offers a promising solution to increase health benefits. This study developed a user-friendly, at-home UVB device designed to increase the phytochemical content in common vegetables like carrots, lettuce, and broccoli. The device applies UVB radiation (305–315 nm) to fresh-cut vegetables, optimizing exposure time and intensity to maximize nutraceutical enrichment. The results demonstrated that UVB exposure increased the phenolic content by 44% in carrots, 58% in broccoli, and 10% in lettuce, with chlorogenic acid levels rising by 367% in lettuce, 547% in broccoli, and 43% in carrots after 48 h of storage. UVB treatment also enhanced antioxidant activity by up to 41% in broccoli and anti-inflammatory potential by 22% in carrots. In terms of gene expression, UVB treatment upregulated UCP-1 expression by 555% in carrots, enhanced thermogenesis, and increased SIRT-1 and ATGL expression by over 200%, promoting lipid metabolism. This process provides a convenient and efficient method for consumers to boost the health benefits of their vegetables. The study concludes that UVB-induced abiotic stress is an effective strategy to improve vegetable nutritional quality, offering a novel approach to increasing bioactive compound intake and aiding in the prevention of diet-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavior of 7 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in agricultural Chernozem and Fluvisol soils from the Czech Republic planted with radishes, onions, and carrots was studied. Only the total biomass yield of carrots was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) when compared to the control biomass yield. All tested PCBs, especially congener PCB 28, were able to accumulate in slightly higher amounts in the radish surface than in the onion one. The highest PCB content was observed in the surface layer of carrots, which could be related to the agrochemical properties of soil, vegetation period, and more intensive contact of carrot roots with PCBs in a bulk soil. The translocation factors of PCBs were lower than 1, indicating a poor ability for PCB uptake from soil. The highest relative PCB removal from soil was observed in acidic Fluvisol, accounting for 27.2%, with a maximum of 2% plant contribution to soil PCB dissipation. The low relative removal of PCBs by plants indicates that in vegetable-planted soil, the removal of PCBs could be due to autochthonous soil microorganisms in the rhizosphere of vegetables. The bioaccumulation factors for PCBs derived from the cultivation of examined root vegetables in Chernozem and Fluvisol soils contaminated with PCBs at nearly 1500 µg/kg dry weight can be considered low and negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to compare and analyze the levels of heavy metal contaminants in Solanum tuberosum (Irish Potato) and Daucus carota (Carrot) in Bokkos Local Government Area Plateau State, Nigeria, assessing potential health risks associated with consuming these crops. The research was focused to five heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb) in Irish potato and carrot sample from five different farms. The concentrations of these metals were gotten in decreasing order as follows: (DIM) Irish potato (A) Cd > Pb > Cr > Ni; (EDI) Irish potatoes (C) Cu > P B > Cr B > Ni B > Cd; (DI) carrot (A), Cu > B > Cu B > P Ni; and (DIMA) carrot(A) Pb Cd Cu Pb. The health risk assessment indices for the populations through the consumption of contaminated fish were estimated based on the daily intake of metals relative to the reference oral dose (RfD) for each metal. The mean concentration of Pb, Cd, Ni and Cd in tubers was less than the recommended values of FAO/WHO. The risk analysis factors considered were transfer factor (TF), EDI, DIM, bioaccumulation factor (BF), target hazard quotient (THQ), and Health risk index (HRI) evaluated for this study showed moderate to less high risk levels with respect to human exposure through consumption of the vegetables and not the soil as may be indicate in transfer factor. It is therefore recommended to monitor periodically the agricultural farmlands using a different analysis techniques with a view for possible remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Three freeze–thaw (FT) pre‐treatments using different freezing methods that freezing at −80 °C (FT‐80), freezing at −25 °C (FT‐25) and vacuum freezing (VFT) were used for carrot slices, the effects and mechanisms of FT pre‐treatment on the drying characteristics and product quality of carrots during microwave freeze drying (MFD) were studied. The results showed that FT pre‐treatment under different freezing methods affected the water state of carrots, resulting in varying degrees of moisture loss and shortening drying time by 14.3% to 42.8%. VFT treatment caused the greatest water loss (35.33%) during FT and significantly increased the effective moisture diffusivity in the MFD process. FT treatments did not cause any significant degradation in the colour of the carrots. The VFT and FT‐80 treatments resulted in an elevated rehydration ratio, increased crispiness of MFD carrots and products with a porous microstructure and higher porosity. In contrast, the FT‐25 treatment led to a decrease in porosity due to destructive damage to the carrot cell structure. However, this damage favoured the extractability of carotenoids, resulting in a higher carotenoid content than the other treatments. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the practical implementation of FT pre‐treatment using various freezing methods on fresh foods prior to drying. It is recommended to employ VFT pre‐treatment before MFD due to its efficiency and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Picturebooks can be an effective resource to provide opportunities for classrooms to engage in community building conversations and activities. Community building mantras have been developed from several picturebooks that are used as a means of implementing the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) components of creating a caring community. The NAEYC components of creating a caring community of learners include: [1] each member of the community is valued by the others, [2] relationships are an important context through which children develop and learn, [3] each member of the community respects and is accountable to the others to behave in a way that is conducive to the learning and well-being of all, [4] practitioners design and maintain the physical environment to protect the health and safety of the learning community members, and [5] practitioners ensure members of the community feel psychologically safe [and] the overall social and emotional climate is positive. Each mantra has been developed from a picturebook and is formulated around a NAEYC component of creating a caring community of learners. The mantras explored are "stand tall", "we are a family", "mistakes are how we learn", "what if everybody did that", and "be a carrot." Book and author information, ideas for community building conversations, and related engaging activities are provided in relation to each mantra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrots are root vegetables rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Phytochemicals present in them need to be preserved at an appropriate level for human health. Therefore, novel processing techniques have been utilized to maintain the nutritional composition, functional properties, and phytochemical profile of carrots. Furthermore, emerging technologies in carrot processing are also being developed to meet specific consumer demands for safe, wholesome, and minimally processed products. These novel procedures also result in environmentally friendly, sustainable food production methods that consume less energy and water while overcoming the drawbacks of conventional food processing methods. This review seeks to explain the fundamental concepts behind these emerging technologies as well as the current state of knowledge about their effects on biological cells, enzymes, and food components. The discussions on current and new applications will focus on the links between process, structure, function, and recent developments in carrot processing. The primary discoveries in the review paper are centered around the minimal processing of carrots using innovative technologies to satisfy consumer preferences while preserving their fundamental functional quality. While these methods involve mild heat treatment that impacts carrot vegetative cells, they result in increased availability of bioactive components and improvements in texture, flavor, carotenoids, total phenolic content, and more. Additionally, significant key findings include the elimination of microbes and enzymatic inactivation, which extend the shelf life of both raw and processed carrot products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carrot culture stands out on the world stage due to its nutritional characteristics and economic importance, an aspect that demands the constant development of research aiming greater productivity. Thus, this study proposed an experimental plan, determining the estimates of plot size, sample size, and number of repetitions, with the purpose of increasing the precision and reliability of the results of the experiments with the carrot crop. Six uniformity trials were conducted, using three cultivars in two growing seasons (Season: 2019 and 2021). Each plant was considered a basic experimental unit and in each BEU, the variables shoot height, root length, shoot fresh mass, root fresh mass, and root diameter were measured. The size of the plot, sample, and the number of repetitions was estimated by the method of maximum curvature of the coefficient of variation. The results recommend that for experiments with the carrot crop, plots with twelve plants should be used. For a sampling of carrot plants in the plot, samples of eleven plants must be used in the direction of the row, considering a semi-amplitude of the confidence interval (D%) equal to 20% of the mean, with a confidence level of 95%. For a minimum significant difference in the Tukey test expressed as a percentage of the 50% mean, plots of twelve plants per crop row, with eight replicates, are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As global demand increases for poultry products, innovative feeding strategies that reduce resource efficiency and improve food safety are urgently needed. This paper explores the potential of alternative sustainable poultry feeding strategies aimed at achieving SDG2 (Zero Hunger) while increasing production performance and food quality, focusing on the potential recycling of by-products, plants, and food waste derived from fruits, vegetables, and seeds, which account for up to 35% annually. The paper provides a review analysis of the nutritional (protein, fat, fiber, and ash) and minerals (i.e., calcium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, copper, and iron) content as well as the bioactive compounds (polyphenols, antioxidants, carotenoids, fatty acids, and vitamins) of alternative feed ingredients, which can contribute to resource efficiency, reduce dependency on conventional feeds, and lower production costs by 25%. The nutritional benefits of these alternative feed ingredients, including their effects on poultry production and health, and their potential for improving poultry product quality, are presented. Carrot, paprika, rosehip, and some berry waste represent a great source of carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamins, while the seed meals (flax, rapeseed, and sea buckthorn) have been reported to enhance the essential fatty acid composition in eggs and meat. Numerous plants (basil, sage, rosemary, and lettuce) are natural reservoirs of bioactive compounds with benefits for both animal and food products. Some challenges in implementing these alternative sustainable feeding strategies, including inconsistencies in quality and availability, the presence of anti-nutrients, and regulatory barriers, are also explored. In conclusion, future research directions in sustainable poultry feeding with alternative feed ingredients should be considered to achieve SDG2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modelling and predicting agricultural production processes have high cognitive and practical values. Plant growth, the threat of pathogens and pests, and the structure of agricultural machinery treatments are mostly non-linear, measurable processes that can be described mathematically. In this paper, a multiple regression analysis was carried out in the first step to check the non-linearity of the data and yielded a coefficient of determination of R2 = 0.9741 and the coefficient of determination corrected for degrees of freedom was R2adj = 0.9739. An artificial neural network model, called CH-NET, is then presented to predict the yield loss of carrot roots by leaving root mass in the field during harvest at the mechanical heading stage. The proposed network model has an architecture consisting of an input layer, three hidden layers with 12 neurons each, and an output layer with one neuron. Twelve input criteria were defined for the analysis and testing of the network, eight of which related to carrot root parameters and four to the heading machine. The training, testing, and validation database of the CH-NET network consisted of the results of field trials and tests of the operation of the patented (P.242097) root heading machine. The proposed CH-NET neural network model achieved global error (GE) values of 0.0931 t·ha−1 for predicting carrot root yield losses for all twelve criteria adopted. However, when the number of criteria is reduced to eight, the error increased to 0.0991 t·ha−1. That is, the prediction was realised with an accuracy of 90.69%. The developed CH-NET model allows the prediction of economic losses associated with root mass left in the field or contamination of the raw material with undercut leaves. The simulations carried out showed that minimum root losses (0.263 t·ha−1) occur at an average root head projection height of 38 mm and a heading height of 20 mm from the ridge surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document explores the impact of biostimulants on horticultural crops, emphasizing the importance of food security and the challenges faced by horticultural production due to various factors. Six research articles in the Special Issue focus on different biostimulants and their effects on crops like apricots, olives, geraniums, carrots, tomatoes, and onions. The studies highlight the potential of biostimulants, including microbial and natural sources, to enhance plant growth, yield, and quality, offering sustainable solutions for horticultural practices. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term effects and scalability of biostimulants in horticulture. [Extracted from the article]

This paper investigates the effect of legal deterrence (sticks) and economic conditions (carrots) on environmental crime in Italy. We have a unique dataset of environmental crime related to illegal wastewater and waste activities across regions for the decade 2006–2016. Considering that, albeit scant, a first recent literature on environmental crimes in Italy has already begun to study the relationship between economic growth, socio-economic variables, and environmental crime, our analysis is committed to explore the extent to which enforcement and deterrence variables can have an impact on the phenomenon under observation. Consistent with the law and economics literature, our empirical findings show evidence that both economic conditions and enforcement efforts may be effective tools for the fight against environmental crime and, thus, support policy makers to better target environmental crime-control policies in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrot is a highly significant vegetable cultivated worldwide and possesses a unique aroma with abundant edible and medicinal values. However, it remains largely unknown whether jasmonic acid could regulate aroma formation in carrot. Here, an integrated analysis of the volatile metabolome and transcriptome of carrot roots exposed to different concentrations of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) was performed. The results revealed 1,227 volatile organic compounds and 972 differential accumulated metabolites, with terpenes representing the largest portion. MeJA treatment evidently increased the relative odor activity values as well as the accumulation of most volatile compounds. In addition, 4,787 differentially expressed genes were identified and subjected to function enrichment analysis, indicating a role of terpene biosynthesis and metabolism in response to MeJA application. A network consisting of 4,680 transcription factor-structural pairs that showed highly significant positive correlations was constructed, which may be utilized as genetic targets for examining terpene accumulation and aroma formation elicited by methyl jasmonate. The results from the present work substantially improved our understanding of MeJA-mediated aroma formation in carrot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to determine the characteristics of oat cookies with the addition of apple ("A": 5, 10%) and carrot pomace ("C": 5, 10%). Modifying the recipe and fortifying the oat cookies with such byproducts decreased the hardness and increased the elasticity and chewiness. A colour change in the products containing fruit pomace was also observed. The use of carrot and apple residues resulted in a decrease in the value of the L* parameter, i.e., colour brightness. Moreover, for cookies containing carrot pomace, a significant increase in colour chromaticity towards red and yellow was observed. Fortified oatmeal cookies contained more polyphenols (0.67 mg/g–"CP", control probe; 0.92 mg/g–"C10") and fat (21.85%–"CP"; 22.55%–"A10") but less protein (10.78%–"CP"; 10.25%–"C10"). A higher content of some minerals, i.e., P (0.334%–"CP"; 0.468%–"A10"), K (0.325%–"CP"; 0.387%–"C10"), and Ca (0.057%–"CP"; 0.073%–"C10"), was recorded in the cookies fortified with pomace. The obtained results indicate the significant impact of the addition of apple and carrot residues on the textural properties, colour parameters, and chemical composition of oat cookies. Pomace can be used to increase the content of antioxidants and microelements in this type of product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics and quality of soil can affect the suitability of a land for a certain type of land use. The quality of the soil itself has a close relationship with the characteristics of the land because it has a score weight that affects the suitability of the land. Land characteristics such as slope and land cover affect soil quality such as nutrient content. Erosion calculations using the USLE method show that slope and land cover affect the rate of erosion, where erosion can leach nutrients that result in decreased soil quality. This study aims to determine the suitability of land for carrot plants in Sirampog District. Sirampog District has suitable marginal to suitable temperature, suitable humidity and rainfall, suitable soil texture (loam, sandy loam, and silty loam) relatively low cation exchange capacity (CEC) with very high base saturation, acidic soil pH, medium C-organic, medium N-total, very low P2O5 and very low K2O. This study provided an evaluation of land suitability so that farmers use effective and efficient techniques in cultivating carrot plants, so that carrot crop productivity can be optimal.

Introduction: Developing somatic embryogenesis is one of the main steps in successful in vitro propagation and gene transformation in the carrot. However, somatic embryogenesis is influenced by different intrinsic (genetics, genotype, and explant) and extrinsic (e.g., plant growth regulators (PGRs), medium composition, and gelling agent) factors which cause challenges in developing the somatic embryogenesis protocol. Therefore, optimizing somatic embryogenesis is a tedious, time-consuming, and costly process. Novel data mining approaches through a hybrid of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and optimization algorithms can facilitate modeling and optimizing in vitro culture processes and thereby reduce large experimental treatments and combinations. Carrot is a model plant in genetic engineering works and recombinant drugs, and therefore it is an important plant in research works. Also, in this research, for the first time, embryogenesis in carrot (Daucus carota L.) using Genetic algorithm (GA) and data mining technology has been reviewed and analyzed. Materials and methods: In the current study, data mining approach through multilayer perceptron (MLP) and radial basis function (RBF) as two well-known ANNs were employed to model and predict embryogenic callus production in carrot based on eight input variables including carrot cultivars, agar, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), calcium dichloride (CaCl2), manganese (II) sulfate (MnSO4), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), and kinetin (KIN). To confirm the reliability and accuracy of the developed model, the result obtained from RBF-GA model were tested in the laboratory. Results: The results showed that RBF had better prediction efficiency than MLP. Then, the developed model was linked to a genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the system. To confirm the reliability and accuracy of the developed model, the result of RBF-GA was experimentally tested in the lab as a validation experiment. The result showed that there was no significant difference between the predicted optimized result and the experimental result. Conclutions: Generally, the results of this study suggest that data mining through RBF-GA can be considered as a robust approach, besides experimental methods, to model and optimize in vitro culture systems. According to the RBF-GA result, the highest somatic embryogenesis rate (62.5%) can be obtained from Nantes improved cultivar cultured on medium containing 195.23 mg/l MgSO4, 330.07 mg/l CaCl2, 18.3 mg/l MnSO4, 0.46 mg/l 2,4- D, 0.03 mg/l BAP, and 0.88 mg/l KIN. These results were also confirmed in the laboratory [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Apiaceae, distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, is the largest family of angiosperms. However, little is known about the conservation status, diversity, and distribution of Apiaceae species in Mongolia. This study had two main aims: (1) to assess the national status of Apiaceae species under IUCN Red List Criterion B; (2) to evaluate the species diversity and richness of Apiaceae across Mongolia. We utilized ConR packages to assess the national Red List status of all known Mongolian Apiaceae species by analyzing their most comprehensive occurrence records. The results indicated that 27 species were classified as threatened, including 4 Critically Endangered (CR), 9 Endangered (EN), and 14 Vulnerable (VU) species. Meanwhile, 39 species were assessed as non-threatened, with 2 Near Threatened (NT) species and 37 species of Least Concern (LC). Furthermore, detailed distribution maps for 66 Apiaceae species in Mongolia were presented. We assessed the species diversity and Shannon and Simpson diversity indices of Apiaceae by analyzing all occurrence records using the iNext package. Overall, the Hill diversity estimates indicate that the sampling conducted in Mongolia adequately captured species occurrences. For species pattern analysis, we examined the species richness, weighted endemism, and the corrected weighted endemism index using Biodiverse v.4.1 software. Mongolia was portioned into 715 grid cells based on 0.5° × 0.5° grid sizes (equivalent to approximately 50 × 50 km2). There was a total of 3062 unique occurrences of all Apiaceae species across Mongolia. In the species richness analysis, we identified 10 grids that exhibited high species richness (18–29 species) and 36 grids with 11–17 species. For genus richness, we observed seven grids that exhibited a high genus richness of 16–22 genera. Furthermore, we analyzed species richness with a specific focus on threatened species, encompassing CR, EN, and VU species throughout Mongolia. A total of 92 grids contained at least one threatened species. There were six grids that had two to five threatened species, which were adequately covered by protected areas in western Mongolia. Overall, our results on species richness and conservation status will serve as important foundational research for future conservation and land management efforts in Mongolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]