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Extracts from Selenicereus monacanthus (synonym: Hylocereus polyrhizus) have received attention due to their potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. The current study aims to determine the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing potential of defatted S. monacanthus seed extract (DSMSE). Anti-inflammatory properties of DSMSE on LPS-induced inflammation on THP-1 were determined by measuring the levels of interleukins IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. Wound healing scratch assay was performed using the human fibroblast (Hs27) cell that assesses the cell migration over 24 h exposure to DSMSE. Administration of DSMSE significantly reduced the LPS-stimulated release levels of IL-6 and IL-8 and significantly increased the levels of IL-10. Treatment with DSMSE showed a significant increase in wound closure with 70% of fibroblast migration. Therefore, the current study showed the anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of DSMSE reducing inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8), increasing IL-10 cytokine, and increasing wound closure at 24 h.

Drying and storage are the common postharvest issues in seed production. Normally, seeds are harvested at physiological maturity when the moisture is higher than desired for safe storage. This study aims to evaluate the use of common drying methods and suggest a suitable storage temperature for the lablab bean seed. Pods at 30 days after anthesis are harvested and the seeds subjected to drying using sun, shade, oven, and drying beads to obtain target moisture contents of 14%, 12%, and 10%. Dried seeds are then stored at two storage temperatures; ambient (27.7–34.2 °C; 74 ± 5% relative humidity) and refrigerated (2.0–5.0 °C; 25 ± 5% relative humidity) for six months. Both shade and drying beads provided good results. However, drying beads gave the highest germination percentage (≥70%) and the shortest drying duration to achieve safe moisture content of 10%, along with the economic benefit from the repeated usage. The beads can be reused indefinitely by recharging in an oven between uses, thus, indicating the potential adoption by farmers. Two commonly used methods (sun and oven) have been proven to be unsuitable as they increase dead seeds due to heating damage. It is further explained that during six months of storage in the ambient temperature, declines were recorded in antioxidant enzyme activities, germination performance, and seedling growth. Therefore, lablab bean seeds are best stored refrigerated (≤5 °C) in which the germination and defense mechanism are maintained, and it is highly recommended to the farmers and seed producers as it is easily accessible, cost-saving, and sustainable.

Understanding the genetic variability using different qualitative and quantitative traits plays a significant role in kenaf breeding program. To achieve this objective, a study was conducted on yield and yield components over two planting seasons to evaluate genetic diversity and heritability among kenaf mutant lines using multivariate analysis to identify superior genotype for future breeding program. Highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) was recorded among the qualitative and quantitative traits. Strong to moderately positive phenotypic correlation was observed between dry fiber weights for all the morphological traits except top diameter and days to flowering. The 31 studied genotypes were grouped into six major clusters based on the UPGMA dendrogram. Principal component analysis based on the correlation matrix of 15 quantitative traits showed that the first five components accounted for 85.16% of the total variation of the genotypes. Based on diversity pattern and morphophysiological performance, hybridization of group IV with group VI, or group III, group V and group I could be used to attain high vigor or heterosis with a comparative photo-insensitive variety with high fiber yield. Also, this evaluation could be useful in developing reliable selection criteria for future improvement in kenaf breeding programs.

Correlation and path coefficient analysis aid in developing breeding strategies aimed at increasing yield traits through selection by providing a better understanding of the relationship. This study was conducted on yield and yield-related traits to determine their direct and indirect effects among thirty-one kenaf mutant lines to identify selection criteria for higher fiber yield. The analysis of variance showed significant differences for all the characters studied except for top diameter, where non-significant differences were observed for genotype and genotype by season interaction. The dry fiber weight significantly correlated with seven traits at the phenotypic and genotypic levels. Hence, selection based on these traits is effective for increasing kenaf fiber yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that fresh stem weight without leaves and pod (0.223) had the maximum contribution to fiber yield per plant, followed by plant height (0.202). Fresh stem weight without leaves and pod (0.252) exhibited the maximum positive direct effect on fiber yield followed by middle diameter (0.226) and plant height (0.186). For the development of kenaf varieties with acceptable yield, effective selection would consider plant height, middle diameter, core diameter, dry stick weight, fresh stem weight with leaves and pod, and fresh stem weight without leaves and pod.

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a natural fibre crop that can be used for a variety of purposes and has various applications in industry. Despite this, its potential has not been fully exploited because of low yields and a narrow genetic base, limiting hybrids’ development. Based on this background, eight kenaf mutants and one commercial cultivar were selected and crossed in a half-diallel for general and specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA) to get the desired results done in this investigation. The 36 hybrid offspring and their parental lines were tested in the field over two environments. Diallel results based on Griffing B method 2 indicated significant differences for all characters studied except for GCA in top diameter and plant height and top diameter SCA, indicating the existence of both additive and nonadditive gene actions for the inheritance of the traits. The amplitude of GCA variation was much higher than that of SCA variation for all parameters except top diameter and node number, showing the additive gene’s prevalence and the likelihood of genetic advancement through selection. In both conditions, Hayman and Jinks graphical studies demonstrated that partial dominance controlled various fibre yield component parameters such as plant height, middle diameter, stick weight, and fibre weight. On the other hand, fibre yield and the majority of physical features indicated either dominance or overdominance gene action. Plant height, base diameter, core diameter, middle diameter, fresh stem weight, and stick weight all strongly positively correlated with fibre yield. These traits also had a higher proportion of additive effects, a moderate narrow-sense heritability, and a higher baker ratio, indicating successful indirect selection for fibre yield. The parents P1, P3, and P4 had the most dominant alleles for most of the features, while the parents P2, P7, and P9 had the most recessive alleles. The hybrids , , , , , , , , and outperformed the parents in

Several studies have demonstrated the advantage of using of edible pectin films in preserving fruits and vegetables. Findings suggest that these films/coats act as a barrier on the surface of fruits and vegetables, which allows better moisture and water retention. It creates a good barrier by maximizing the gases accumulation and delaying ripening process. Initiatives were taken to refine food films by incorporating essential oils and other polysaccharides. These additives are a vital factor in enhancing the functional properties of pectin-based films/coatings and extending the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. This review covers current research on different fruit and vegetable preservation processes. Fruit and vegetable safety aspects are highlighted to ensure the competencies of phenols, EOs, and nano-forms utilization in edible films/ coatings meet the purpose. Several studies have demonstrated the advantage of using of pectin edible films in preserving fruits and vegetables. Findings suggest that these films/coats act as a barrier on the surface of fruits and vegetables, which allows better moisture and water retention. It creates a good barrier by maximizing the gases accumulation and delaying ripening process. Initiatives were taken to refine food films by incorporating essential oils and other polysaccharides. These additives are a vital factor in enhancing the functional properties of pectin-based films/coatings and extending the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. This review covers current research on different fruit and vegetable preservation processes. Fruit and vegetable safety aspects are highlighted to ensure the competencies of phenols, EOs, and nano-forms utilization in edible films/ coatings meet the purpose.

It is crucial to assess genetically superior parents when developing novel hybrids. This experiment was conducted to find out the diversity of 27 Capsicum annuum mutant lines derived from two varieties.To achieve the objective, 23 morpho-physiological and yield traits were recorded through two planting seasons. Highly significant differences (p < 0.01) were recorded among the studied traits. There was a strong to moderately positive phenotypic association between yield and all other morphological traits except first bifurcation length, stem diameter, pedicle length, flowering date, and maturity date. A higher Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) and Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV), combined with moderate to high heritability and high hereditary progress, have been found in the number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, and number of seeds per fruit. High heritability was found in yield characteristics, vis-à-visnumber of seeds per fruit, number of fruits per plant, and indicated high genetic advance. The studied genotypes were divided into six groups after the cluster analysis. Based on the correlation matrix of 23 quantitative characteristics, principal component analysis revealed that the percentage of variation for PC1 and PC2 is 28%and 19%, respectively, andPC1 represents the largest percentage of the overall total variation. The calculated genetic distance also explains the potential of heterosis breeding. The revealed findings might be helpful for breeders to target quantitative characters and the parental lines of C. annuum during the execution of their future breeding programmes for developing high-yielding and climate-resilient chilli varieties.

In mushroom cultivation, acute gamma radiation can be used and studied to improve the production of its fruiting body. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of gamma radiation on the mycelial growth and production of the fruiting body of Volvariella volvacea (Bull.) Singer. The mycelia were exposed to gamma radiation at various doses: 0 (control), 300, 600, 900, 1200 and 1500 Gy. The irradiated mycelial growth rate was recorded on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and spawning substrate. The spawn was then produced by inoculating the treated mycelia on paddy straw and subsequently cultivated on an empty fruit bunch to compare the production. The result showed no significant difference in mycelial growth rate on wheat, the number of mushrooms, and mushroom weight between control and treatments of 300, 600 and 900 Gy. However, there was the presence of hairy structures on the fruiting bodies of V. volvacea in all spawns with irradiated mycelia and the production of clustered fruiting bodies from spawns treated with 1200 Gy observed. The effect of treatments on the texture of fruiting bodies was insignificant. Although acute gamma radiation did not significantly increase the production of V. volvacea compared to the control treatment, there were morphological changes observed on the V. volvacea fruiting body which can be studied further.

Vernonia amygdalina Del. is a botanical plant used for self-medication purposes. It is important to understand its acclimatization process, which is influenced by abiotic factors and agronomic practices on growth performance. The present study was conducted to determine the optimum light intensity, growing media, and harvest time required to maximize the growth performance of V. amygdalina. The treatments consisted of three light intensities (30, 50 and 100%), four growing media (soil, cocopeat, empty fruit bunch and burnt paddy husk) and six harvest times. The highest biomass yield of V. amygdalina was achieved with exposure to 50% light intensity. Highest plant height and specific leaf area were found on V. amgdalina grown under 30% light intensity, while 50% light intensity attained the highest photosynthetic rate on empty fruit bunch growing media. Both total phenolic and flavonoid contents of V. amygdalina increased when harvested at 9 and 18 weeks after transplanting. Therefore, the practice of using oil palm empty fruit bunch with 50% of light intensity exposure and harvest at 18 weeks after transplanting is recommended to optimize the growth and phytochemicals yield of V. amygdalina.

Nine morphologically distinct kenaf genotypes were hybridized to produce 36 hybrids following a half diallel mating design. The combining ability and gene action of 15 yield and yield components were assessed in hybrids and their parents across two environments. Except for the mid diameter and plant height traits, there were highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) between the environments and the interaction of genotype and environment. Additive gene effects were considerable for the inheritance of these traits, and the expression of these additive genes was heavily influenced by the environment. Significant differences were found for all studied traits for GCA except top diameter and SCA except plant height and top diameter, implying the presence of both additive and non-additive gene action for the inheritance of the concerned characters. For all features except top diameter and number of nodes, the magnitude of GCA variation was significantly higher than that of SCA variance, indicating the additive gene's predominance. The parental lines P1, P3 and P4 were outstanding general combiners for fiber yield and yield-related parameters. Considering combining ability and genetic analysis study, the crosses P1 × P4, P1 × P9, P2 × P3, P2 × P5, P4 × P6, P4 × P7, P4 × P9, P5 × P8, and P7 × P9 were found promising for their heterotic response to higher fiber yield, stick yield, seed yield and could be for future improvement in kenaf breeding programmes.

Indo-Birmanian is considered as the domesticated region and primary center of eggplant diversity from where it spread to other secondary centers of diversity. In this study, the genetic diversity among 56 eggplant genotypes from three secondary centers of diversity (Bangladesh, Malaysia and Thailand) was assessed using 11 morphological traits. The experiment was laid in a complete randomized block design with three replications. A wide significant variation was observed for all the morphological traits, and highly significant differences among the three centers of diversity. High heritability and genetic advance was found for different traits i.e. fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit girth, fruit length to width ratio, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, plant height and number of primary branches per plant. The selected best traits i.e. number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and fruit yield per plant showed high heritability along with high genetic advance and less environmental influence but the high value of PCV and GCV. So these traits could be useful for selection criteria in the future breeding program. These results are relevant for evolutionary studies, breeding programs, and management of eggplant genetic resources.

Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes, which are beneficial to human health. They are one of the most commercially high-value vegetable crops that experience a huge postharvest loss after harvest. The present experiment is conducted to investigate the effect of different maturity stages (mature green, breaker, and half-ripe stage), pre- and post-harvest treatment with different concentrations (0.0%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%, w/v) of calcium chloride (CaCl2) on the postharvest performance, antioxidant and enzymatic activity of lowland tomato fruits, stored at ambient temperature (28 ± 2 °C and 75 ± 5% RH). Tomato fruit of mature green stage treated with 2% CaCl2 significantly (p = 0.05) declined the ethylene production (15.53%), weight loss (16.43%), and delayed color development by slowly synthesizes the lycopene content as well as extended the shelf life. The maximum amount of total phenolic content (TPC) was demonstrated at the highest level of CaCl2 (2%) after 20 days of storage life at ambient conditions. The concentration of CaCl2 influenced the activity of different plant defense enzymes, and the higher doses of CaCl2 (2%) accelerated the activity of peroxidase (POD) (13%), polyphenol oxidase (POP) (7.3%), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) (8.5%) relative to that of the control samples. Therefore, the tomato producers and traders could extend the storage duration of tomato fruits by harvesting at the mature green stage and applying 2% CaCl2 in both pre-and postharvest at ambient storage conditions.

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an herbaceous crop and plays an important role as common spices and vegetables. Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is one of the most cost-effective and agricultural vegetables in the world. The most significant characteristics of peppers, as spices and in various pharmacological uses, are pungency and oleoresin (color). Cabsicum annuum L. is widely used as a medicinal herb and in the Mediterranean diet (at the present, C. annuum var. acuminatum Fingerh. and Capsicum frutescens L. are considered synonyms of C. annuum L.). Capsicum annuum includes a wide range of carotenoids including capsanthin, capsorubin, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, fanthophyl, and xanthophyll, and capsaicinoid. However, it remains limited in production due to the lack of development in varieties especially under severe climatic circumstances such as drought, high temperature, or salt. Some reports were provided through distinct traditional approaches for genetic improvement. A combination of traditional and molecular breeding, especially breeding for heterosis, might be a good option for developing a novel genotype for ecologically adversely affected niche adaption. This review summarizes the current chilli breeding approaches with their drawbacks and highlights some recent classical efforts for the improvement of the crop. This would be the milestone for the breeders in the planning of a successful chilli breeding program to combat the adverse ecological condition. Thus, the information gathered in this article might be considered as the cornerstone of Chilli breeders at their ongoing and sustainable future programs as well.

Frozen storage was introduced to maintain the quality and prolong the shelf life of durian pulps. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the changes of organic acids, sugars, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in “Musang King” (“MK”) and “D24” pulps under long-term frozen storage. Organic acids in “MK” and “D24” only showed slight decrements, but sugar contents especially sucrose drastically decreased during 1 year frozen storage. Fructose and glucose in both durian pulps increased during the first half period of storage; this might be due to the conversion of sucrose to monosaccharides during storage. Freezing also caused the loss of some VOCs especially sulfur- and ester-containing VOCs in “MK” and “D24” pulps. These results indicated that the flavor losses in “MK” and “D24” were mostly related to the losses of ester-containing compounds rather than organic acids and sugar compositions following 1 year frozen storage.

Information on molecular genetic diversity among Hibiscus cannabinus L. lines is crucial for developing a new variety from the existing germplasms based on consumer demand. Based on this premise, the allelic diversity of thirty-one kenaf genotypes were assessed using polymorphic EST-SSR. From the 72 EST-SSR primers tested, 10 showed sharp and clear polymorphic bands ranging from 4 (137 to 225 bp) to 7 (182 to 382 bp) alleles with a mean value of 5.2 per primer. The Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) value ranged from 0.531 to 0.737, with a mean of 0.610, indicating that the genotypes are genetically diverse. Shannon index estimation varied from 0.982 to 1.515, whereas 0.123 to 0.405 was recorded within the groups. Genetic differentiation ranged from 0.67 to 1 alongside the average gene flow (Nm) of 0.024. The AMOVA revealed 76% variation within the population, while the population gain recorded was 24%. UPGMA dendrogram indicated the relationship and categorized the evaluated kenaf mutants into five major groups. This study revealed the existence of significant variation in kenaf mutants based on EST-microsatellites. These results could be used for future breeding programs and conservation of germplasms to enhance Hibiscus cannabinus L. genotypes.

Volvariella volvacea, also known as straw mushroom, is an edible mushroom, and a highly nutritious food source. In Malaysia, tremendous increase in the consumption of this mushroom is due to its characteristics; short cropping duration, distinct flavour, and pleasant taste. During harvesting, the maturity of V. volvacea is vital to obtain high quality produce. As the mature stage quickly succeeds the immature stage, farmers usually collect both the immature and mature stages at harvest. Thus, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the physical quality, nutrients, and health risk assessment of V. volvacea at both maturity stages. The mushrooms were cultivated on composted empty fruit bunch (EFB), and harvested after a week at immature (button) and mature (veil opening) stages. The absence of spores at the button stage could lower the metabolic activity after harvest, thus decelerating the deterioration rate. Button stage mushrooms showed significantly higher firmness and higher content of glutamic acid. In term of safety, both stages were within the dietary intake limit for heavy metals. In conclusion, the button stage could be suitable and practical for consumption and commercialisation.

Eleven morphologically diverse cultivated eggplant accessions were used for hybridization following half diallel mating design to obtain 55 hybrids. Evaluation of hybrids along with the parents was conducted over two locations followed by randomised complete block design with three replications to study gene action and combining ability of 15 morphological and biochemical traits. The analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences among the environments and interaction of genotype and environment, except for fruit length to width ratio. Additive gene effects were significant for the inheritance of these traits and expression of these additive genes were greatly affected by environments. The general combining ability (GCA) was greater than their respective specific combining ability (SCA) for all traits except for fruit yield per plant. High values of GCA and SCA effects for characters of interest were dispersed among different genotypes. From this study it was observed that the best parental line was BT15 based on days to first flowering, total number of fruits per plant, total soluble solids and total phenol content. Besides, the parent BM5 showed good general combining ability effects for fruit yield per plant, fruit length and fruit length to width ratio and the parent BB1 performed good general combining ability for fruit diameter, fruit girth and fruit weight. Besides, other parents showed the best performance for only one trait. On the other hand, the hybrid BT6 × BT15 was reported bearing early flowering with high total phenol content and the hybrid BM9 × BB26 has high fruit yield with high soluble solids. Besides, the hybrid BM9 × BB1 has a high fruit diameter and fruit weight. All other hybrids except for these three (BT6 × BT15, BM9 × BB26 and BM9 × BB1) were shown the best performance for only one trait. Hence, based on the desired trait, the hybrid can be selected for future use after large scale evaluation.

Indo-Burmese region was the primary center of eggplant diversity from where the crop extended to several secondary origins of diversity. In this study, the genetic diversity among fifty-six eggplant accessions collected from three countries was assessed using sixteen polymorphic SSR markers to determine suitable parents for heterotic hybridization. The estimation of genetic diversity among the population of three countries (Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Thailand) varied from 0.57 to 0.74, with Shannon’s index value of 0.65. The mean value of expected heterozygosity and Nei’s index was 0.49, with an average PIC value of 0.83. A dendrogram was constructed based on UPGMA (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean), and the dendrogram categorized all accessions into six groups. The AMOVA (analysis of molecular variance) revealed a 77% total variation within the population from three different countries and 23% total variation among the populations. The result revealed a high genetic differentiation among the eggplant germplasms while the accessions that are farther from each other show a high level of diversity; thus, they can be recommended as parental in breeding programs. Hence, accessions, EB12, ET11, ET13, ET15, ET16, and ET17 could be crossed with accessions EM3, EB34, and EB3 for improvement in the future breeding program.

EFB and EFB-based mushroom compost (SMC) from Volvariella volvacea cultivation is a promising energy feedstock because it has adequate nutrient quality. The biochemical methane potential (BMP) and calorific value (CV) of this biomass are investigated. Other analyses such as proximate, compositional, and final analysis; thermogravimetric analysis (TGA); and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are also performed. The biomass samples consist of two types of EFB, namely fibers (F) and pellets (P) and SMC from the subsequent cultivation of Volvariella volvacea, with samples FS and PS from the first cultivation and FS2 and PS2 from the second cultivation. P produces the highest biological efficiency (BE) of 28% compared to 9.83% for F. Subsequent cultivation with FS and PS then produces only 2.9 and 6.83% of BE. A higher amount of methane is measured in samples P and PS2, while better biodegradability is observed in PS2 and FS2, suggesting that subsequent cultivation is a good pretreatment of the substrate for anaerobic digestion (AD). CV is highest in F (20.57 MJ/kg), followed by P (19.06 MJ/kg), which is comparable to commercial wood pellet. Samples F, FS, and FS2 have higher ash content, which is due to higher mineral content. The cellulose composition is reduced to almost 50% during cultivation due to fungal metabolism, which is also evidenced by FTIR analysis. TGA analysis revealed that EFB-based SMC exhibits higher weight loss during combustion compared to EFB, which reduces its thermal properties. SMC of EFB is a high potential biomethane feedstock, but not recommended as a fuel pellet.

Silicon (Si) is a micronutrient that can increase the resistance of certain plants against multiple biotic or abiotic stresses. It is known that Si has a beneficial effect on plant growth, beginning in the soil, which could lead to a good crop yield. Despite its benefits, Si is not listed among the generally essential elements or nutrients for rice production in many countries such as Malaysia. This review discusses the ability to uptake Si and its benefits on rice. Environmental factors affect rice production, and among the factors, high temperature has been shown to disrupt the physiological development of rice grain, which contributes to chalkiness. Chalkiness is an undesirable trait that decreases grain’s value, milling, cooking, and eating quality. The application of Si could ameliorate rice grain quality, thus providing a valuable reference for Si fertiliser use in high-quality rice production. This review also presents an update on the potentials of Si in improving the rice yield and grain quality, including Si’s ability to minimise grain chalkiness. Therefore, it is anticipated that Si applications will increase rice yield and grain quality and help to reduce chalkiness.

Exposing fruits to freezing temperature has been shown to successfully extend the shelf life and control the microbiological activity in the fruits. However, freezing could also lead to undesirable losses in the fruit quality. The present work was conducted to investigate the effect of frozen storage on physicochemical qualities and microbial contaminations of “MK” (Musang King) and “D24” durian pulp and paste for one year. During frozen storage, both durian pulp and paste lost 1 %–2 % of their weight along with an increase in pulp softening. Changes in color intensity during freezing storage shifted the golden yellow “MK” pulp to higher hº (lighter yellow) and this directly reduced the total carotenoids and ß-carotene contents in “MK”. Similarly, “D24” changed to pale yellow alongside reduction on L* and C* after one year frozen storage. Long term frozen storage in the present work also decreased the SSC and ascorbic acid contents for both durian pulp and paste. However, the pH and TA were not affected. “MK” and “D24” pulp showed lower microbial contamination than paste, with higher contaminations were observed in “D24”. These results showed that frozen storage could be used to preserve the quality of durians for less than one year of storage.