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The article is a book review by Alison Pullen and Carl Rhodes, who reflect on the importance of living and researching ethically in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. They discuss the concept of "corporeal ethics" and how the pandemic highlighted the interdependence and vulnerability of human beings. The reviewers also address the need for solidarity and resistance against inequality and oppression, as well as the role of love and generosity in creating a more inclusive and equitable ethics. They emphasize the power of hope and the potential for change through acts of love and dissent. The reviewers also acknowledge the importance of indigenous knowledge and the limitations of their own book. [Extracted from the article]

Background: With the progress of industrialization and urbanization, cadmium (Cd) pollution in farmland is increasingly severe, greatly affecting human health. Sunflowers possess high resistance to Cd stress and great potential for phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil. Previous studies have shown that humic acid (HA) effectively mitigates plant damage induced by Cd; however, its alleviating effects on sunflower plants under Cd stress remain largely unknown. Results: We employed four different concentrations of HA (50, 100, 200, and 300 mg L−1) via foliar application to examine their ability to alleviate Cd stress on sunflower plants' growth, chlorophyll synthesis, and biochemical defense system. The results revealed that Cd stress not only reduced plant height, stem diameter, fresh and dry weight, and chlorophyll content in sunflower plants but also altered their chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics compared to the control group. After Cd stress, the photosynthetic structure was damaged and the number of PSII reactive centers per unit changed. Application of 200 mg L−1 HA promotes sunflower growth and increases chlorophyll content. HA significantly enhances antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT, and APX) and reduces ROS content (O2−, H2O2 and −OH). Totally, Application of 200 mg L−1 HA had the best effect than other concentrations to alleviate the Cd-induced stress in sunflower plants. Conclusions: The foliar application of certain HA concentration exhibited the most effective alleviation of Cd-induced stress on sunflower plants. It can enhance the light energy utilization and antioxidant enzyme activities, while reduce ROS contents in sunflower plants. These findings provide a theoretical basis for using HA to mitigate Cd stress in sunflowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both phosphorus (P) and boron (B) can interact with each other due to their similar properties and P can hinder the uptake of boron by plants. In this study, the effect of P and B concentrations on the growth of rice, sunflower, and maize plants grown under greenhouse conditions in an environment that would induce boron toxicity was investigated. To create a toxic environment, 40 mg kg−1 B was applied to rice plants, and 30 and 25 mg kg−1 B were applied to sunflower and maize plants, respectively. To alleviate the toxicity, 500 mg kg−1 P was added to the respective pots. The results of the study showed that B application reduced the fresh and dry weight of all plant species, while significant increases were observed with the addition of P. Among the applied P sources, TSP was found to be more effective than H3PO4 in terms of fresh and dry weight of maize plants. Plant-B concentrations increased with B application but were significantly reduced by the applied P sources, with no difference observed among the P sources. Plant-P concentrations, which decreased with B applications, increased as a result of P applications. In particular, H3PO4 was found to be more effective than TSP in terms of plant-P concentration, especially in sunflower and maize plants. This study determined that P fertilization can be beneficial in reducing the damage caused by boron toxicity, which is a stress factor that severely limits agricultural production in regions with arid and semi-arid climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed under the state agroecological monitoring program. The purpose of this work is to conduct an environmental assessment of the contents of chromium and nickel in the agroecosystems of the southwestern part of the Central Chernozem region (CChR) from the example of Belgorod oblast. All analytical studies were carried out in the accredited testing laboratory by generally accepted methods. During this study, it was established that the average total Cr and Ni contents in the arable layer in leached chernozems are 19.8 and 24.5; in typical chernozems, 20.0 and 24.9; and in ordinary chernozems, 20.9 and 26.6 mg/kg, respectively. The average contents of mobile forms of chromium and nickel in the studied soils range within 0.13–0.14 and 0.37–0.41 mg/kg, respectively. The levels of the approximate permissible concentration of nickel and the maximum permissible concentration of mobile forms of these heavy metals in soils are not exceeded. In the agroecosystems of Belgorod oblast, Cr and Ni are mainly supplied with organic fertilizers, but this does not pose a risk for soil contamination and crop products. The highest average chromium content (0.45 mg/kg) is observed in sunflower seeds, and the lowest (0.22 mg/kg) is in corn grain. Soybeans are characterized by an anomalously high nickel content (4.81 mg/kg), and the lowest concentration (0.63 mg/kg) is recorded in corn kernels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study on sunflower seed allergy, specifically focusing on the allergenicity of seed-storage 2S-albumins found in sunflower seeds. The study found that patients allergic to sunflower seeds were also sensitized to certain proteins, which were found to be more potent in triggering allergic reactions. The study suggests that IgE sensitization to these proteins may be a marker of clinical severity in sunflower seed allergy. Further research is needed to evaluate the allergenicity of other proteins in sunflower seeds. The study was supported by SOFIPROTEOL as part of the FASO PRODIAL project, and the authors declare no conflicts of interest. [Extracted from the article]

The purpose of the present work is to prepare and characterise a low-cost composite based on sunflowers seed shell (SFS) coated with a small amount of polyaniline. This composite was used in the removal of pharmaceutical compounds from aqueous solutions (sodium salicylate SS). SFS@PANI composite was characterised by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry and infrared spectroscopy. The removal of SS from wastewater, using the synthesised composite as an adsorbent material, was investigated as a function of adsorbent dose, initial concentration, pH of the solution, temperature and contact time. The equilibrium contact time was achieved at 60 min and the experimental results show that the kinetic model of pseudo-second-order (PSO) and Langmuir isotherm provided a good fitting of the whole experimental data. Thermodynamic parameters like free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°) were also calculated. The obtained results suggest that the adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Additionally, the prepared Sunflower seed shell@Polyaniline (SFS@PANI) composite exhibited a good regeneration capacity and excellent reusability after four cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New scalable synthesis approach has been developed for the production of nanoporous carbon nanoparticles derived from renewable sunflower seed shell, with an average size of 41 nm and spherical shape. Interestingly, the developed nanoporous carbon nanoparticles achieved mesopores feature with specific surface area and total pore volume of 442 m2 g−1 and 0.21 cm3 g−1, respectively. Moreover, the newly attained adsorbent has mesopore size ranging from 2 to 10 nm as well as naturally doped with oxygenated functional groups. These features are precious and desirable for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dyes. Additionally, spherical porous carbon nanoparticles were facilely decorated with one-dimensional polyaniline nanofibers (PANI-NFs) producing hybrid nanocomposites. The porous carbon nanoparticles and their nanocomposites-based PANI-NFs were implemented individually as an efficient adsorbent for removal of MB from aqueous solution, recording superior maximum uptake capacity compared to reported. The as-developed sustainable nanoadsorbents were elucidated using different spectroscopic, microscopic, and thermogravimetric tools. The new hybrid nanoadsorbents achieved good removal efficiency of MB recording 81.4% with maximum uptake capacity of 140 mg g−1 compared to 67.7% and 110 mg g−1 for free-PANI-NF porous carbon adsorbent, respectively. Several adsorption parameters such as contact time, nanoadsorbent dose, dye concentrations, pH, and temperature were also studied and optimized. The Freundlich and Langmuir models are used, and the Langmuir model was found to be effective and well suited to characterize the MB adsorption isotherms. Additionally, the commercial viability of produced adsorbents was assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of river and borehole water fluctuates because of both agricultural and industrial pollutants. Surface runoff during the rainy seasons is high which promote increased turbidity levels in water sources, and this exerts pressure on the quality and usability of the water for domestic use. Unfortunately, most municipalities in developing countries are poor to afford conventional water treatment methods. This study assessed the use of natural coagulants extracted from sunflower seeds for turbidity treatment. Water samples were collected during summer, winter, and autumn from 10 randomly selected groundwater sources and three segments of the Mwerahari River in Buhera District, Zimbabwe. Results captured seasonal turbidity variations across the river segments and the boreholes. Summer season recorded the maximum average levels of turbidity (76 NTU) while autumn and winter recorded 38.7 NTU 36.7 NTU, respectively. Water turbidity levels were above the acceptable 5 NTU Standard Association of Zimbabwe and WHO. The maximum removal efficiency of turbidity was achieved at 80 min at the dose of 4 g/l. These results revealed that the removal efficiency of 95% with 4.6 NTU turbidity is a function of dose; removal efficiency increases as dose of coagulant increases. These results demonstrated that sunflower seed is an effective low-cost natural coagulant for turbidity water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of microwave (540, 720 and 900 W) and oven (120, 150 and 230°C) roasting techniques on the total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, polyphenolic and fatty acid results of sunflower seed and oils were investigated. Total phenol (except oven 150°C), flavonoid (except oven 120°C) contents and antioxidant activity values of sunflower seeds and oils subjected to oven and microwave heat treatment decreased compared to the control. Total phenolic, total flavonoids and antioxidant activities were higher in MRS oil than ORS oil. Individual phenolic constituent in both seed and oil samples from ORS and MRS showed significant (p < 0.05) changes to the control (non‐roasted seed and its oil). A general increase in the phenolic components of seeds and oils was observed with oven and microwave roasting compared to the control. Oleic acid values (%) of the oil extracted from seeds roasted in oven and microwave systems were recorded to be between 23.76 (120°C) and 29.41% (150°C) to 24.32 (540 W) and 26.10% (720 W), respectively. Linoleic acid values of the oils obtained from seeds roasted in oven and microwave systems varied to be between 57.01 (150°C) and 65.89% (120°C) to 60.70 (720 W) and 65.26% (540 W), respectively. As a result of the applied heat treatment, while the linoleic acid values of the oil samples decreased, an increase was observed in the palmitic, stearic and oleic acid values of the oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-based milk has gained considerable attention; however, its high nutritional variation highlights the need for improved formulation designs to enhance its quality. This study aimed to nutritionally compare cow milk with plant-based milk produced from hazelnuts (H), Brazil nuts (BN), cashew nuts (CN), soybeans (S), and sunflower seeds (SS), and to perform physicochemical and technological characterization. The plant-based milk produced with isolated grains showed a nutritional composition inferior to that of cow milk in almost all evaluated parameters, protein content (up to 1.1 g 100 g−1), lipids (up to 2.7 g 100 g−1), color parameters, minerals, and especially calcium (up to 62.4 mg L−1), which were originally high in cow milk (up to 1030 mg L−1). However, the plant-based milk designed using a blend composition was able to promote nutritional enhancement in terms of minerals, especially iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg), high-quality lipids (up to 3.6 g 100 g−1), and carbohydrates (3.4 g 100 g−1 using CN, BN, and S). The protein content was 1.3% compared to 5.7 in cow milk, and the caloric value of plant-based milk remained 32.8 at 52.1 kcal, similar to cow milk. Satisfactory aspects were observed regarding the shelf life, especially related to microbiological stability during the 11 d of storage at 4 °C. For the designed plant-based milk to be equivalent to cow milk, further exploration for optimizing the blends used to achieve better combinations is required. Furthermore, analyzing possible fortification and preservation methods to increase shelf life and meet the nutritional and sensory needs of the public would be interesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrips, Frankliniella intonsa, is a highly polyphagous pest with a worldwide distribution. F. intonsa‐infested sunflower seeds show marked visual damage. The study findings revealed that significantly more F. intonsa infested confection sunflower compared to oilseed sunflower, via olfactometer bioassay studies, we found that compared with the flower and pollen of oilseed sunflowers, those of confection sunflowers attract F. intonsa. Considering this discrepancy in the preference of F. intonsa on oilseed and confection sunflowers, the volatiles of the flower and pollens of two sunflowers were analysed by gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy. The behavioural responses of F. intonsa were assessed for these compounds using Y‐tube bioassays. Geranyl bromide, a unique volatile component of oilseed sunflowers, induced an assertive approach‐avoidance behaviour in F. intonsa, whereas the unique component ethyl isovalerate in confection sunflowers attracted F. intonsa. F. intonsa adults demonstrated significant attraction to the blends of confection sunflowers. Furthermore, field verification revealed that intercropping confection and oilseed sunflowers could effectively control F. intonsa. The study provided insights into the chemical cues used by F. intonsa in locating hosts. Therefore, oilseed sunflowers can be used as repellent plants to prevent F. intonsa invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In the sports protein beverage market, the demand for plant‐based substitutes is rising. Sunflower press‐cake, a protein‐rich by‐product, offers a compelling alternative to traditional options like soy, pea, or rice proteins. With its natural allergen‐free composition, sunflower proteins are suitable for individuals with soy or nut allergies, broadening the market of allergen‐free protein products. This study focuses on the characterisation of micronized dehulled sunflower press‐cake (DSPC) and preliminary explores its valorization in a protein‐rich beverage. Micronization treatment was applied to the DSPC, since the reduction in particle size positively influences sensory attributes. The comprehensive analysis of micronized industrial DSPC revealed a high protein content (44.35 g/100 gDB), elevated polyphenol levels (33.75 mgGAE/gDB) and positive outcomes in water and oil holding capacities. However, proteins showed low in vitro digestibility (42.82%) and poor solubility (~10%). Additionally, the high phytate content (5.00 g/100 g) prompted consideration for nutritional implications, whether positive or negative. From the analysis of the volatile profile, the diverse array of compounds revealed the absence of off‐odours typically formed during autoxidation. In view of the potential application within a functional beverage formulation intended for athletes, four aqueous dispersions, featuring two different percentages of micronized DSPC (25% and 16% w/v) and pH levels (6.5 and 3.5), were prepared and tested for rheological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Olive and sunflower seeds are by‐products generated in large amounts by the plant oil industry. The technological and biological properties of plant‐based substrates, especially protein hydrolysates, have increased their use as functional ingredients for food matrices. The present study evaluates the physical and oxidative stabilities of 50 g kg−1 fish oil‐in‐water emulsions where protein hydrolysates from olive and sunflower seeds were incorporated at 20 g kg−1 protein as natural emulsifiers. The goal was to investigate the effect of protein source (i.e. olive and sunflower seeds), enzyme (i.e. subtilisin and trypsin) and degree of hydrolysis (5%, 8% and 11%) on the ability of the hydrolysate to stabilize the emulsion and retard lipid oxidation over a 7‐day storage period. RESULTS: The plant protein hydrolysates displayed different emulsifying and antioxidant capacities when incorporated into the fish oil‐in‐water emulsions. The hydrolysates with degrees of hydrolysis (DH) of 5%, especially those from sunflower seed meal, provided higher physical stability, regardless of the enzymatic treatment. For example, the average D [2, 3] values for the emulsions containing sunflower subtilisin hydrolysates at DH 5% only slightly increased from 1.21 ± 0.02 μm (day 0) to 2.01 ± 0.04 μm (day 7). Moreover, the emulsions stabilized with sunflower or olive seed hydrolysates at DH 5% were stable against lipid oxidation throughout the storage experiment, with no significant variation in the oxidation indices between days 0 and 4. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study support the use of sunflower seed hydrolysates at DH 5% as natural emulsifiers for fish oil‐in‐water emulsions, providing both physical and chemical stability against lipid oxidation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Derived from industrial processing waste, peanut skins contain polyphenols that delay oxidative food spoilage. However, these compounds are susceptible to light, heat, and oxygen exposure. Microencapsulation provides a solution by offering protection from these factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of peanut skin extract microcapsules on the chemical, microbiological, and sensory property and shelf life of sunflower seeds during storage. Five roasted sunflower seed samples were prepared: control (S‐C); added with butylhydroxytoluene (S‐BHT); coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (S‐CMC); coated with CMC and the addition of peanut skin crude extract (S‐CMC‐CE); coated with CMC and the addition of microcapsules (S‐CMC‐M20). Sensory acceptability was determined using hedonic testing. Chemical (peroxide value, conjugated dienes, hexanal and nonanal content, and fatty acid profile), microbiological, and descriptive analyses were carried out on samples stored for 45 days at room temperature. Shelf life was calculated using a simple linear regression. All samples were microbiologically fit for human consumption and accepted by consumer panelists, scoring above five points on the nine‐point hedonic scale. S‐CMC‐M20 exhibited the lowest peroxide value (6.59 meqO2/kg) and hexanal content (0.4 µg/g) at the end of the storage. Estimated shelf life showed that S‐MC‐M20 (76.3 days) extended its duration nearly ninefold compared to S‐C (8.3 days) and doubled that of S‐CMC‐CE (37.5 days). This indicates a superior efficacy of microencapsulated extract compared to its unencapsulated form, presenting a promising natural strategy for improving the shelf life of analogous food items. Practical Application: Incorporating peanut skin extract microcapsules in coating sunflower seeds presents a promising strategy to extend the shelf life of lipid‐rich foods, capitalizing on the antioxidant properties of polyphenols. This innovative approach not only enhances nutritional quality but also addresses sustainability concerns by repurposing agro‐industrial byproducts, such as peanut skins. By meeting consumer demand for functional foods with added health benefits, this technique offers potential opportunities for the development of novel, value‐added food products while contributing to circular economy principles and waste management efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the most essential oil crops in the world. Several component traits, including flowering time, plant height, stem diameter, seed weight, and kernel weight, determine sunflower seed and oil yield. Although the genetic mechanisms governing the variation of these yield-related traits have been studied using various approaches, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have not been widely applied to sunflowers. In this study, a set of 342 sunflower accessions was evaluated in 2019 and 2020 using an incomplete randomized block design, and GWAS was conducted utilizing two complementary approaches: the mixed linear model (MLM) and the fixed and random model circulating probability unification (farmCPU) model by fitting 226,779 high-quality SNPs. As a result, GWAS identified a number of trait-associated SNPs. Those SNPs were located close to several genes that may serve as a basis for further molecular characterization and provide promising targets for sunflower yield improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS Conclusion The Cosmos sulphureus Cav. plant is studied for its high polyphenolic content with antioxidant properties. Its flowers, rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, hold promise as antioxidants in food preservation. The inclusion of these compounds in chickpea‐based coatings with a previously studied preservative effect would be an excellent option as a food preservation method and microencapsulation addresses challenges like dispersion and degradation of polyphenols in the coating. The objective of this research was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of Cosmos sulphureus leaves, seed, and flower extracts and explore the protective effects of chickpea‐based coatings containing microcapsules of flower polyphenolic extract on the chemical quality of stored roasted sunflower seeds during storage.The ethanolic leaf extract exhibited the highest antiradical activity, followed by the aqueous flower extract. After a storage period of 15 days, at 40 °C, the chickpea‐based coatings effectively delayed lipid oxidation in the roasted sunflowers seeds, and the inclusion of polyphenolic microcapsules with 0.01% extract (SMC 0.01%) in the coating significantly improved the protective effect. By day 15 of storage, SMC 0.01% showed comparable peroxide value, conjugated dienes, and linoleic acid content to samples containing the synthetic antioxidant BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene). Samples that only contained chickpea‐based coating and coating with polyphenolic microcapsules with 0.005% extract exhibited significantly greater reduction in fatty acid content compared to the 0.01% SMC treatment.The chickpea‐based coating with polyphenolic microcapsules demonstrated antioxidant activity akin to synthetic BHT, offering a promising biopackaging solution for lipid‐rich foods like roasted sunflower seeds. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to improve the yield of protein isolates obtained from sunflower oil cakes by means of sequential implementation of isoelectric precipitation and ultrafiltration. The proteins were extracted from sunflower oil cake in mild acidic conditions (pH = 6 with solution of NaCl with concentration of 0.5, 1 and 2M). The first fraction of protein isolate was obtained by means of isoelectric precipitation at pH = 4, 3.5 and 3. Total protein, ash and dry matter contents, and residual chlorides of raw material and precipitates were determined. The second fraction was obtained from supernatant taken from the highest yield precipitate by means of ultrafiltration. The ultrafiltration experiments were conducted with an UF10-PAN membrane at a transmembrane pressure of 0.2, 0.35 and 0.5 MPa, and a volume reduction ratio (VRR) of 2, 3, 4, and 5. Total protein, ash, and dry matter contents of retentates and permeate were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, sunflower breeding needs new approaches and methods. Using computer-aided image analysis techniques combined with other data on the phenotyping subject creates a sound basis for selection. Selection work on the size and weight of sunflower seeds causes many complications related to the variety of seeds, even in one head. To solve this problem, field experiments, mathematical modelling, and computer processing of photographs were involved. As a result of combining the results of actual measurement and evaluation of photographic images, a method of measurement and determination of patterns of distribution of phenotypic characteristics of sunflower seeds in a head was developed. The methodology includes a developed mathematical model of the location of sunflower seeds in the head and a methodology for determining the geometric dimensions of the seeds from the image. The distribution patterns of geometric (length L, width W, thickness T) and mass (seed mass Ms, seed kernel mass Mk) parameters of seeds in the head were studied. The variability of the seed phenotype in the head was established depending on its location based on the material of four lines and the sunflower variety. A complex index of phenotypic characteristics of sunflower seeds I is introduced, defined as the product of the ranks of individual phenotypic parameters of seeds (L, W, T, Ms, Mk). A general pattern was determined, like three tiers with different phenotypic characteristics in each head. The possibilities of visualising the phenotype of seeds by their location in the head have been revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enhancement of seed germination by using nanoparticles (NPs) holds the potential to elicit the synthesis of more desired compounds with important biomedical applications, such as preventing protein glycation, which occurs in diabetes. Here, we used 7 nm and 100 nm ZnO and 4.5 nm and 16.7 nm Fe2O3 NPs to treat sunflower seeds. We evaluated the effects on germination, total phenolic content, and the anti-glycation potential of extracted polyphenols. Sunflower seeds were allowed to germinate in vitro after soaking in NP solutions of different concentrations. Polyphenols were extracted, dosed, and used in serum albumin glycation experiments. The germination speed of seeds was significantly increased by the 100 nm ZnO NPs and significantly decreased by the 4.5 nm Fe2O3 NPs. The total phenolic content (TPC) of seeds was influenced by the type of NP, as ZnO NPs enhanced TPC, and the size of the NPs, as smaller NPs led to improved parameters. The polyphenols extracted from seeds inhibited protein glycation, especially those extracted from seeds treated with 7 nm ZnO. The usage of NPs impacted the germination speed and total polyphenol content of sunflower seeds, highlighting the importance of NP type and size in the germination process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The study aimed to analyze the influence of germination on the chemical composition and concentration of bioactive compounds in oilseeds and starchy seeds. The kinetic study of the germination process revealed a gradual increase in seed moisture content. The protein content of chickpea and lentil seeds decreased with germination time, whereas sunflower and flaxseed showed an increase in protein content. Throughout germination stages, the lipid concentration was significantly higher for sunflower and flaxseed seeds, as these seeds naturally have high levels of this nutrient. The total sugar concentration increased with germination time, possibly due to starch degradation into simple carbohydrates. Regarding bioactive compounds, the phenolic compound content accumulated in plant tissues with germination time, improving the composition of seed secondary metabolites. Conversely, tannin concentration significantly decreased, possibly linked to the elimination of antinutritional factors from the seeds. The germination process demonstrated that as the total phenolic content increased, it directly enhanced the seeds' antioxidant activity. Therefore, germination can be safely applied to nutritionally modulate chickpea, lentil, sunflower, and flaxseed seeds, aiding in the development of natural foods that are nutritionally safe for consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate for the first time the degree of contamination of soil and crops with major and trace elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, F, Na, Mg, Si, P, Cl, Fe, Al) in agricultural lands situated in the Lower Danube Basin, Galati and Braila counties (SE Romania), impacted by the steel industry. Soil samples, as well as leaves and seeds of wheat, corn, and sunflower, were collected from two depths in 11 different sites. Along with elemental and mineralogical analyses, performed by HR-CS AAS, PIGE, SEM-EDX, and ATR-FTIR, the soil pH, texture, organic matter, electric conductivity, and CaCO3 content were investigated. The results showed that the levels of Cr (83.27–383.10 mg kg−1), Cu (17.11–68.15 mg kg−1), Ni (30.16–55.66 mg kg−1), and F (319–544 mg kg−1) in soil exceeded the Romanian regulations for sensitive use of the land. Igeo, EF, PI, and PERI pollution indices indicate that the soil is moderate to highly contaminated with Cr, Ni, and Cu, while the CSI and mERMQ indices suggested a relatively low risk for metal contamination. The elemental concentrations in plant tissues and bioaccumulation factors (BFs) provide valuable insights into the soil–plant relationship, health risks, and the selectivity of plant compartments for different elements. Thus, the results revealed that the wheat plants tended to exclude the bioaccumulation of particular elements in their tissues, while exhibiting a different bioaccumulation pattern for Zn and Cu. In the case of corn, most BFs were below one, indicating a limited phytoaccumulation capacity. However, exceptions were observed for Cd, Zn, and Cu with the sunflower BFs indicating higher bioconcentration of these elements in leaves and seeds compared to other elements. Chromium (Cr) contributes to non-carcinogenic dermal contact and ingestion hazards, children being more susceptible to the adverse effects of this contaminant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower line HA 488 (where HA is Helianthus annuus) is resistant to the red sunflower seed weevil, Smicronyx fulvus LeConte, with ≈80% less seed damage compared to susceptible lines. To determine the value of resistance in single‐cross hybrids, six hybrids were created by pollinating weevil‐resistant (cms HA 488, where cms cytoplasmic male sterile) or susceptible (cms HA 412HO) inbred lines with three putatively susceptible restorer lines (RHA 274, RHA 464, or RHA 468) and artificially infesting each with 30 weevils head−1. In 2021–2022, resistant hybrids from cms HA 488 reduced seed damage by ≈40%–50% for hybrids with RHA 274 or RHA 464. However, cms HA 488 did not reduce damage when crossed with RHA 468. Infestation of male‐fertile isogenic lines HA 488 and HA 412HO with 60 weevils head−1 showed resistance remained effective at 12–20 times economic thresholds. Results confirm the value of resistance to S. fulvus for sunflower hybrids but also suggest a need to further examine the role of the male heterotic group in resistance to the red sunflower seed weevil. Core Ideas: Inbred cms HA 488 reduced seed weevil damage ≈40%–50% in single‐cross hybrids.Some male (RHA) parents may provide non‐complementary resistance.Field trials showed resistance in HA 488 per se was effective at 12–20 times economic thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (eCO2) can affect plant growth and physiology, which can, in turn, impact herbivorous insects, including by altering pollen or plant tissue nutrition. Previous research suggests that eCO2 can reduce pollen nutrition in some species, but it is unknown whether this effect is consistent across flowering plant species. We experimentally quantified the effects of eCO2 across multiple flowering plant species on plant growth in 9 species and pollen chemistry (%N an estimate for protein content and nutrition in 12 species; secondary chemistry in 5 species) in greenhouses. For pollen nutrition, only buckwheat significantly responded to eCO2, with %N increasing in eCO2; CO2 treatment did not affect pollen amino acid composition but altered secondary metabolites in buckwheat and sunflower. Plant growth under eCO2 exhibited two trends across species: plant height was taller in 44% of species and flower number was affected for 63% of species (3 species with fewer and 2 species with more flowers). The remaining growth metrics (leaf number, above-ground biomass, flower size, and flowering initiation) showed divergent, species-specific responses, if any. Our results indicate that future eCO2 is unlikely to uniformly change pollen chemistry or plant growth across flowering species but may have the potential to alter ecological interactions, or have particularly important effects on specialized pollinators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower seeds are key agricultural commodities due to their nutritional and industrial value. This study aimed to analyze the distribution of targeted bioactive compounds and assess the physical properties across 27 sunflower seed genotypes, including parental lines and F1 and F2 hybrids, cultivated in Serbia. Various analytical techniques were employed to determine the chemical composition and physical characteristics of the seeds. This research revealed significant genetic variability in fatty acid profiles, with differences in polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acid levels among the genotypes. Hybrid seeds displayed variations in 1000-seed weight and bulk density compared to parental lines, which exhibited higher essential fatty acid contents and mechanical properties advantageous for industrial processing. These insights highlight the potential for refining breeding strategies to improve seed quality for specific industrial purposes. Overall, this study emphasizes the critical role of genetic selection in enhancing the nutritional and processing qualities of sunflower seeds, offering valuable perspectives for advancing agricultural and breeding practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People of different age can consume honey, but the taste is often not accepted easily. Therefore, products made from honey with a pleasant taste and high nutritional and health benefits are highly demanded on the market. Honey is a bioindicator of environmental pollution. Certain plants are known as high accumulators of toxic elements. Here on the example of three honey-based prototypes, with sesame, shelled pumpkin, sunflower seeds, plums, walnut, almond, hazel, and cinnamon as minor ingredients, we demonstrated the creation of new products putting the accent on the content of toxic and potentially toxic elements, usually treated as irrelevant in making products. Nineteen elements (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Si, and Zn) were determined by ICP-OES after oven-based and wet digestion methods in blossom honey and prototypes samples. Among the investigated elements, the most abundant element in blossom honey for the products and the investigated products was potassium in most cases. Investigated honey (used for the products) and two of the products contain small quantities of toxic and potentially toxic elements. However, the second product, containing besides honey two accumulators of toxic metals (sesame, sunflower seeds), shows higher values for toxic elements. Therefore, the ICP-OES analysis can be a good step in making new products with high nutritional and health values but almost free from toxic and potentially toxic elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of nitrogen application on the rhizosphere soil microenvironment of sunflower and clarified the relationship between ammonium assimilation and the microenvironment. In a field experiment high (HN, 190 kg/hm²), medium (MN, 120 kg/hm²) and low nitrogen (CK, 50 kg/hm²) treatments were made to replicate plots of sunflowers using drip irrigation. Metagenomic sequencing was used to analyze the community structure and functional genes involved in the ammonium assimilation pathway in rhizosphere soil. The findings indicated that glnA and gltB played a crucial role in the ammonium assimilation pathway in sunflower rhizosphere soil, with Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria being the primary contributors. Compared with CK treatment, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria increased by 15.57% under MN treatment, while the relative abundance decreased at flowering and maturation stages. Conversely, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria was 28.57 and 61.26% higher in the MN treatment during anthesis and maturation period, respectively, compared with the CK. Furthermore, during the bud stage and anthesis, the abundance of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and their dominant species were influenced mainly by rhizosphere soil EC, ammonium nitrogen (NH+4-N), and nitrate nitrogen (NO- 3-N), whereas, at maturity, soil pH and NO-3-N played a more significant role in shaping the community of ammonium-assimilating microorganisms. The MN treatment increased the root length density, surface area density, and root volume density of sunflower at the bud, flowering, and maturity stages compared to the CK. Moreover, root exudates such as oxalate and malate were positively correlated with the dominant species of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria during anthesis and the maturation period. Under drip irrigation, applying 120 kg/hm² of nitrogen to sunflowers effectively promoted the community structure of ammonium-assimilating microorganisms in rhizosphere soil and had a positive influence on the rhizosphere soil microenvironment and sunflower root growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a near-dry electrical discharge machining (NDEDM) process has been conducted using compressed air mixed with a low quantity of biodegradable refined sunflower oil (called oil-mist) to investigate the machining characteristics. The Box-Behnken method looks at how oil flow rate (OR), air pressure (AR), spark current (SC), and pulse width (PW) affect gas emission concentration (GEC), material removal rate (MRR), and surface roughness (SR). The TOPSIS (The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution) technique estimates the parameter optimal set for the best machining characteristics. The optimal machining parameters have been used to examine the microstructure of the machined surfaces using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The 0.981 mg/min of GEC, 55.145 mg/min of MRR, and 2.43 µm of surface roughness have been attained by the 14 ml/min flow rate, 7 bar of air pressure, 10 A spark current, and 48 µs pulse duration of the sun-flower oil-mist NDEDM process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of energy input and output processes in agricultural systems is a crucial method for assessing sustainability levels within these systems. In this research, the investigation focused on the input and output energies and related indices in sunflower farms in Khoy County during the agricultural year 2017–2018. Data were collected from 140 sunflower producers through specialized questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Additionally, artificial neural networks (ANNs), specifically the multilayer perceptron, were employed to predict the output energy. The results revealed that a substantial portion of the total input energy was attributed to chemical nitrogen fertilizer (43.98%), consumable fuel (25.74%), and machinery (8.42%). The energy efficiency (energy ratio) in these agroecosystems was relatively low, measured at 1.57 for seed and 7.96 for seed and straw. These values should be improved. The energy efficiency in seed production was computed at 0.06 MJ·ha−1, while, for the combined seeds and straw, it was 0.57 MJ·ha−1. In particular, seed energy efficiency represents approximately 11% of the overall biological energy efficiency, highlighting that a substantial 89% of the produced energy is associated with straw. The proper use of this straw is crucial, as its improper handling could lead to a drastic decrease in overall efficiency. Furthermore, the explanatory coefficient (R2) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) to predict the output energy with the best neural network were 0.94, and 1.77 for the training data, 0.97 and 1.55 for the test data, and 0.9 and 2.08 for the validation data, respectively; additionally, 0.97 and 0.42 were obtained by an ANFIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and genetic map are of great significance for ornamental sunflowers in China. In this study, a total of 956.50 Mbp data were obtained, the average Q30 was 93.76%, the average GC content was 42.43%, and the GC distribution of the parents and F2 population of the ornamental sunflowers was normal. At the same time, the double-end comparison efficiency of control data was 90.28%, and the enzyme digestion efficiency was 92.01%. The Specific-Locus Amplified Fragment (SLAF) library construction was normal. Furthermore, a total of 734,893 SLAF markers were obtained, among which 127,855 were polymorphic SLAF markers and 38,908 could be used for genetic map construction, and the effective polymorphism of the parents was 5.29%. Moreover, we constructed a total of 17 linkage groups, with 6181 markers in the QTL mapping, the total map distance was 2608.66 cM, the marker integrity in the figure above was 99%, the proportion of double exchange was 0.05, the sequencing depth of the parents was 42.455 × , and the progeny was 9.24 ×. The relationship of traits (plant height, stem diameter, disk diameter, number of petals, leaf number, stigma color, petal color, petiole color) and QTL mapping was closely related to show the best of ornamental effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) has severely restricted the development of the sunflower industry in China, and more efficient and convenient control methods are urgently needed. In this experiment, we investigated the effects of N, P and silica fertilizers on the parasitism rate of O. cumana, as well as on the yield of sunflower and native microbial communities in the field. Firstly, pot experiments were conducted to select the most effective fertilization method and to determine the physiological and biochemical indexes of sunflowers. Subsequently, field application studies were carried out to determine the physiological indexes, yield, O. cumana parasitism on sunflower, and the effect on the indigenous microbial community. The results demonstrate that compared with the CNP treatment (Control), the number of parasites under the N1P5 treatment significantly decreased by 66.15%. The exogenous application of silica can significantly reduce the number of O. cumana parasites. The treatments with N1P5 (N/P = 1:5) and available SiO2 content higher than 40 mg/kg (NS2, NS3, SF2 and SF3) significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in sunflower leaves. In the field, fertilization significantly decreased the number of O. cumana parasites. The S treatment improved the native microbial community structure and enriched beneficial microorganisms, including Vicinamibacteria and Pyrinomonadaceae. Additionally, applying the S treatment significantly increased sunflower yield by 23.82% and crude protein content by 20.20%. In summary, the application of silicon fertilizer can effectively improve the host microbial community, reduce O. cumana parasitism and improve the yield and quality of sunflower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the member countries of the European Union, Romania is consolidated as the country with the sixth largest agricultural area and the fifth largest arable area; this natural advantage allows it to be a major agricultural producer and possibly a potential agro-exporter in the world. This research sought to analyse the competitiveness levels of the Romanian agro-export sector through its five most representative products using a competitiveness matrix; as a complement to the analysis, the Revealed Comparative Advantage indicator was used; the information was extracted from the ITC-TradeMap. As general results, Romania evidenced a solid agro-export sector, which manages to compete with the main exporters in the world and even manages to take advantage of different categories of the selected target markets, as is the case of Sunflower Seed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of molasses addition on the fermentation quality, chemical composition, and bacterial community of seed pumpkin peel residue (SPPR) mixed with sunflower straw (SS) in microstorage feed. Molasses additions on a dry matter basis (DM) were divided into three groups: 0% control (CON), 1% (MA), and 2% (MB), and the raw materials underwent mixed microstorage for a period of 60 days. MA exhibited the highest content of dry matter (DM), the lowest content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), as well as the lowest microbial diversity abundance and the highest relative abundance of lactobacilli (p < 0.05). MB demonstrated the highest crude protein (CP) content and acetic acid (AA) and propionic acid (PA) concentrations, with the lowest pH. In conclusion, the addition of molasses could enhance the quality of mixed microsilage feeds composed of seeded pumpkin peel pomace (SPPR) and sunflower straw (SS), with the optimal addition of molasses being 1% on a DM basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented paper presents the results of laboratory tests aimed at verifying the suitability for use as a biomass reducing agent in the form of sunflower pellets for the reduction of nonferrous metal oxides. A number of research techniques were used to verify the behavior of the tested material in the reduction process. The techniques used are mainly based on the use of high temperature, which is characteristic of metallurgical processes. The obtained results indicate that this material has similar values to other raw materials of this type in terms of heat of combustion at the level of 16 to 19 MJ kg−1 and the content of volatile components at the level of 75 pct by mass. Research on the reduction of copper slags using sunflower pellets was carried out in various variants of duration and the amount of reducing agent added. The temperature of 1300 °C adopted in the tests reflects the actual process conditions. The obtained results indicate that with the increase in the amount of reducing agent added from 5.67 up to 12.0 wt pct, the degree of transition of copper and lead to the metallic phase increases from approximately 24 to 56 pct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energetic fossil resources of the world have decreased drastically in recent decades, and the quick and efficient solution to replace them is to use renewable biomass resources. This category also includes vegetable biomass, and within it, sunflower seed shells have an important contribution. The present work aimed to analyze the pellets obtained from the husks of sunflower seeds, as lignocellulosic biomass resulting from the production of edible oil, and for comparison, some pellets from beech sawdust were used. The main physical properties (such as moisture content, density, coefficient of densification, etc.), mechanical properties (such as shear strength) and calorific properties (high and low calorific value, calorific density, volatile content and ash content) were determined and statistically analyzed. As the main element of comparison of these types of pellets, the pellets obtained from beech sawdust were used. For the comparison of the pellets obtained from the husks of sunflower seeds, especially to observe their differences compared to the torrefied pellets, charcoal was chosen. The conclusions highlighted the fact that sunflower seed husks are an important source of biomass that can be used to obtain lignocellulosic pellets, and the torrefied pellets obtained from these husks are comparable with the energetic value of charcoal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purification of used oils and their introduction into production cycles lead to reduction in environmental contamination. A simulation was conducted to study the thermal degradation of sunflower oil under varying temperatures over time. In the purification process of used cooking oil, an adsorption technique using zeolite and eggshell as an adsorbent (5, 10, 20, and 30 g/100 mL used oil) was applied. To optimize purification, different doses of thermally and chemically activated adsorbents were used, at different temperatures (30 and 80 °C). Therefore, this study was conducted in batch operations to determine the effect of suitable adsorption for a contact time of the adsorbent of 2 h. In comparison, the purification of used vegetable oils was achieved using a saline solution. The adsorption capacity was evaluated by determining the physicochemical parameters of the oils before and after purification. The characterization of natural adsorbents was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The results showed that the adsorbent in a dose of 30 g of zeolite activated with NaOH and heat-treated eggshell, respectively, exhibited a larger surface area and greater adsorption capacity. Adsorption increased with contact time. The FT-IR spectra of the oils showed the IR bands at 1097, 1160, and 1237, corresponding to the presence of the ester C-O-, 1743 for C=O ester, 2853, 2922 for (CH2, CH3), and 3008 for (C=C). The acidity and peroxide values decreased with increasing dose and contact time with zeolite or eggshell. Together, our result strongly suggests that natural adsorbents contribute to the purification of used oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research focuses on optimizing vegetable oil production processes for human consumption, emphasizing green and efficient extraction methods using renewable solvents with minimal toxic residues. Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), especially with ethanol, is studied for its efficiency and low solvent usage in intermittent processes. By evaluating extraction parameters and kinetics, the study aims to determine optimal conditions for higher extraction rates and yields, providing insights into production costs and other factors. Specifically, the research examines the behavior of extraction kinetics for vegetable oils like rice bran, sunflower seeds, and rolled soybeans. It also seeks to determine mass diffusivity in semi-continuous processes and to model PLE in intermittent processes using Fick's Law and Mathematica Wolfram Software v11.2. The effective diffusivity (Deff) for rice bran oil in pressurized ethanol varied between 13.09 and 15.70 × 10−12 m2/s, and the Deff value of sunflower seed oil was between 8.10 and 12.60 × 10−12 m2/s. For rolled soybean oil, the Deff value ranged from 17.25 to 31.29 × 10−12 m2/s. The mass diffusivity values of vegetable oils in pressurized ethanol remained within the same order of magnitude. The mass diffusivity for PLE in an intermittent process presented values of 5.97 × 10−12 m2/s for rice bran oil with 3 extraction cycles. The Deff value for sunflower seed oil in pressurized ethanol was 1.38 × 10−12 m2/s, with 4 cycles, and for rolled soybeans, the Deff value was 1.77 × 10−12 m2/s in 3 cycles. The Deff value found in the intermittent extraction process was lower than that in the semi-continuous process. The total solvent renewal in the semi-continuous extraction process significantly impacted the diffusivity values for all extracted oils, as this process utilizes much more solvent compared to the intermittent process for all matrices studied. Various factors, including geometry, average particle diameter, extraction temperature, and rinse solvent volume, can affect the differences in curve behavior between the semi-continuous and intermittent processes. Despite these factors, the intermittent process is considered more viable for implementation due to its favorable economic and environmental characteristics, primarily because it requires a much smaller amount of solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms with multiple ecological functions can be a useful biotechnological resource in integrated pest- and disease-management programs. This work aimed to investigate the potential endophytic and virulent effects of a strain of Purpureocillium lilacinum on organic cultivation in Brazil. Specifically, the strain's ability to establish itself as an endophyte in common bean, soybean, and sunflower plants when inoculated via seed was evaluated. Furthermore, its antifungal activity against phytopathogens and its pathogenicity and virulence against insects of the order Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera were evaluated. Furthermore, the strain was evaluated for its biochemical and physiological characteristics. For virulence bioassays, the experiments were conducted under a factorial scheme (2 × 3), with the following factors: (a) fungal inoculation and control without inoculum and (b) types of inocula (blastospores, aerial conidia, and metabolites). The treatments were sprayed on insect species at different stages of development. In summary, it was found that the SBF054 strain endophytically colonized the common bean, with partial recovery from the root tissues of soybean and sunflower plants, 30 days after inoculation; suppressed 86% of Rhizoctonia solani mycelial growth in an in vitro assay; and controlled eggs, nymphs, and Euschistus heros adults. These multifunctional abilities are mainly attributed to the strain's mechanisms of producing metabolites, such as organic acids, soluble nutrients, and hydrolytic enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work investigates the quality and the chemical effects of dehydration, using a novel dehydration system based on an electromagnetic induction and low pressures technique, comparing it with the thermo-solar drying system. High oleic sunflower seeds, which are an important oil seed crop, were used due to the fact that they have a special place in the food industry. The seed samples were exposed to electromagnetic induction and low pressures by 0.5 and 1 h, then several chemical characterizations were carried out, in the electrophoresis study, it was found that most proteins in the hull were degraded or denatured, some of them were lost during the time in the thermosolar dryer while in kernel keeps 94.9% of the concentration in control proteins. Otherwise, the electromagnetic induction dryer did not lose the most of proteins in the kernel keeping 99.1% in 0.5 h and 98.4% in 1 h, just degrading its concentration. Germination viability results did not show changes after 0.5 h in the electromagnetic fields, but they decreased in 1 h from 66 to 40% until the thermosolar method fell to 24% in 4 h, both analysis results change proportionally with the treatment time and moisture content and the amount of the oxygen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union's (EU) agricultural self-sufficiency is challenged by its reliance on imported plant proteins, particularly soy from the Americas, contributing to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing the EU's protein deficit, this study evaluates alternative protein sources for aquaculture, focusing on their nutritional value, elemental content, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Protein flours from gastropods (Helix pomatia, Arion lusitanicus, Arion vulgaris) and their hepatopancreas, along with plant-based proteins from food industry by-products (oilcakes, coffee grounds, spent brewer's yeast), were analyzed. Results revealed that snail flour contained the highest protein content at 59.09%, significantly outperforming hepatopancreas flour at 42.26%. Plant-based proteins demonstrated substantial nutritional value, with coffee grounds flour exhibiting a remarkable protein content of 71.8% and spent brewer's yeast flour at 57.9%. Elemental analysis indicated high levels of essential minerals such as magnesium in hepatopancreas flour (5719.10 mg/kg) and calcium in slug flour (48,640.11 mg/kg). However, cadmium levels in hepatopancreas flour (11.45 mg/kg) necessitate caution due to potential health risks. PAH concentrations were low across all samples, with the highest total PAH content observed in hepatopancreas flour at 0.0353 µg/kg, suggesting minimal risk of PAH-related toxicity. The analysis of plant-based protein sources, particularly oilcakes derived from sunflower, hemp, flax, and pumpkin seeds, revealed that these by-products not only exhibit high protein contents but present a promising avenue for enhancing the nutritional quality of feed. This study underscores the potential of utilizing gastropod and plant-based by-products as sustainable and nutritionally adequate alternatives to conventional feeds in aquaculture, contributing to the EU's environmental sustainability goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on new compounds against plant pathogens is still socially and economically important. It results from the increasing resistance of pests to plant protection products and the need to maintain high yields of crops, particularly oilseed crops used to manufacture edible and industrial oils and biofuels. We tested thirty-five semi-synthetic hydrazide–hydrazones with aromatic fragments of natural origin against phytopathogenic laccase-producing fungi such as Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Cerrena unicolor. Among the investigated molecules previously identified as potent laccase inhibitors were also strong antifungal agents against the fungal species tested. The highest antifungal activity showed derivatives of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and salicylic aldehydes with 3-tert-butyl, phenyl, or isopropyl substituents. S. sclerotiorum appeared to be the most susceptible to the tested compounds, with the lowest IC50 values between 0.5 and 1.8 µg/mL. We applied two variants of phytotoxicity tests for representative crop seeds and selected hydrazide–hydrazones. Most tested molecules show no or low phytotoxic effect for flax and sunflower seeds. Moreover, a positive impact on seed germination infected with fungi was observed. With the potential for application, the cytotoxicity of the hydrazide–hydrazones of choice toward MCF-10A and BALB/3T3 cell lines was lower than that of the azoxystrobin fungicide tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of side streams from the food industry, especially oil and dairy by-products, has become an important issue linked to the European Commission's recommendations for a circular economy. This study aimed to obtain sustainable food additives in the form of soluble-type powders composed of whey and recovered phenolics originating from sunflower seed cake. In order to valorise these di-blend products, the powders were characterised in terms of their physical, chemical, and sensory attributes. Based on the study findings, the addition of sunflower seed cake washouts (SSCWs) to whey (Wh) decreased the dry matter in the feed that affected the viscosity and drying yield. The addition of SSCWs did not have a significant effect on the physical properties of powders, except for colour. By-product management proposed in the study resulted in the production of nutritious and ready-to-use products in powder form with improved functional properties in terms of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. The powders were sensorially appealing with a tangy sourness entwined with a delicate interplay of sweet and salty flavours, which can be easily incorporated into different types of foodstuffs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]