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Duckweeds are widely distributed small, simply constructed aquatic higher plants (the Lemnaceae) found on quiet freshwater surfaces. Species inhabiting temperate climates may have to cope with long periods of severe cold during the winter season. Several duckweeds form compact resting structures from the assimilatory fronds of the growing season that can bridge inhospitable conditions in a quiescent state. Of these, turions separate from the mother fronds and overwinter on the water body bottom in a dormant state. They can surface, germinate, and sprout to resume active growth upon warming in the spring. The turions of the largest duckweed, Spirodela polyrhiza, have been intensively examined as to ultrastructure, the factors governing their formation and release from dormancy, and the signals driving their germination and sprouting and the accompanying starch degradation. Comparative transcriptomics of assimilatory fronds and dormant turions are revealing the molecular features of this developmental cycle. The results illustrate an elegant sequence of reactions that ensures aquatic survival of even severe winters by frost avoidance in a vegetative mode. Since little is known about other duckweed resting fronds, the S. polyrhiza turion developmental cycle cannot be considered to be representative of duckweed resting fronds in general but can serve as a reference for corresponding investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review delves into the untapped potential of underutilized legumes in India, offering a deep exploration of their nutritional composition, health benefits, culinary versatility, and functional attributes. Specifically, we examine kidney beans, fava beans, horse gram, and chickpeas, shedding light on their abundant protein content, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that contribute to human well-being and the prevention of various diseases. The review doesn't shy away from discussing the impact of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) on legume nutritional quality, while also proposing various culinary techniques such as cooking, roasting, and sprouting as effective strategies to mitigate these effects. Moreover, this review underscores the pivotal role that lesser-known legumes can play in addressing malnutrition, bolstering food security, and advancing sustainable agriculture. It outlines strategies aimed at raising awareness, encouraging further research, promoting cultivation, and facilitating market integration, with a strong emphasis on incorporating these legumes into diversified diets and resilient farming systems. Recognizing the cultural and agricultural significance of underutilized legumes in India, this review provides insights into their historical importance and versatile applications. A case study is presented, featuring chickpeas, fava beans, red kidney beans, and horse gram, highlighting their exceptional nutritional value and addressing the challenges posed by ANFs, which can impede nutrient absorption and digestion. The review further delves into strategies to overcome these challenges, encompassing various processing techniques and genetic modifications. It also thoroughly examines several treatments and their effects on specific ANFs, offering a comprehensive perspective on how to harness the full potential of these underutilized legumes for enhanced nutrition, food security, and sustainable agriculture in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Development of high-yielding potato cultivars represents the most efficient and sustainable strategy to secure global food and nutrition. In the past decades, numerous quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping studies have identified various QTLs associated with morphological traits in potato. However, the varying genetic backgrounds of germplasm and the diverse QTL analysis algorithms restrict the utility of identified QTLs for research. Aims: One of the primary objectives of breeders is to identify consistent chromosomal regions linked to economically significant quantitative traits associated with yield through QTL analysis. To achieve this, an investigation was conducted to pinpoint the most stable QTLs for traits such as maturity, harvest index, plant height, stem diameter, tuber starch content, sprouting, and flesh colour. Methods: In order to detect stable QTLs for major agronomic traits, metaQTL analysis was performed using 294 QTLs from 14 publications. Key results: A total of 10 metaQTLs were found to be associated with seven morphological traits. Meta-analysis was considerably refined as compared to the initial QTLs and provided the closest flanking markers for investigated traits and reduce confidence interval mainly to five folds as compared to the mean confidence interval of initial QTLs. The metaQTLs of morphological traits juxtaposed along Chromosomes II, III, IV, and V from independent studies were considered the most stable QTLs over different field trails and genetic background. Conclusions: Ten metaQTLs were identified that contain major consensus QTLs for various morphological traits in potato. Implications: This study will enable the integration of QTLs to create new cultivars with targeted quantitative traits, thereby accelerating breeding initiatives. For decades, potato breeding has been hindered by high diversity and genetic complexity. We identified the individual locations of genes that contribute to potato yield, by analysing data from 14 prior studies. This knowledge will accelerate breeding programmes. This article belongs to the Collection Plant breeding- and genetics-based tools for food security under changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-harvest losses in onions pose a serious challenge, urging exploration of innovative strategies. The scrutiny explores post-harvest technology's pivotal role in curbing losses, vital for food security and economic stability. Grading, sorting, and modern storage methods are outlined, including recent advances like gamma ray irradiation. Additionally, innovative approaches to managing onion diseases are discussed. Insightfulness into traditional and modern storage methods including recent advances are also brought out. As a corollary, this comprehensive review underscores the critical importance of post-harvest technology in reducing onion losses and enhancing the overall efficiency and sustainability of the onion supply chain. It emphasizes the need for improved post-harvest management to minimize losses, highlighting essential recommendations for agricultural stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potatoes are typically seeded as tubers, and their slow sprouting significantly impacts production. Therefore, the effects of polyacrylamide (20 g·L−1, 30 g·L−1, and 40 g·L−1) as a seed potato dressing on sprouting, seedling growth, and biomass were investigated. The phytohormone content, respiratory intensity, and starch metabolism enzyme activity were analyzed to elucidate the physiological mechanisms involved. The sprouting rate significantly increased after 20 g·L−1 and 30 g·L−1 treatments by 40.63% and 15.63%, respectively. The sprouting energy was the highest (52.0%) at 20 g·L−1, 7.67 times higher than the control. The 20 g·L−1 and 30 g·L−1 treatments also promoted emergence and growth, with the emergence rate increasing by 18.18% and 27.27% and growth increasing by over 8.1% and 11.9%, respectively. These effects were related to changes in phytohormone content and accelerated starch conversion. After treatment, the auxin and cytokinin contents in the apical buds increased significantly at the germination initiation stage, and during the germination and vigorous growth phases, the auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellin contents increased. Polyacrylamide treatment activated α-amylase and promoted starch degradation, increasing soluble sugar content to provide nutrients and energy for sprouting. This study provides a promising approach for promoting potato tuber sprouting and seedling growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hallmark of angiogenesis is the sprouting of endothelial cells. To replicate this event in vitro, biomaterial approaches can play an essential role in promoting cell migration. To study the capacity of a scaffold of fibrin (fibrinogen:thrombin mix) to support the movement of the endothelial cells, the migration area of spheroids formed with the HULEC cell line was measured. The cells were first allowed to form a spheroid using the hanging drop technique before being encapsulated in the fibrin gel. The cells' migration area was then measured after two days of embedding in the fibrin gel. Various conditions affecting fibrin gel polymerization, such as different concentrations of fibrinogen and thrombin, were evaluated alongside rheology, porosity, and fiber thickness analysis to understand how these factors influenced cell behavior within the composite biomaterial. Data point toward thrombin's role in governing fibrin gel polymerization; higher concentrations result in less rigid gels (loss tangent between 0.07 and 0.034) and increased cell migration (maximum concentration tested: 5 U/mL). The herein presented method allows for a more precise determination of the crosslinking conditions of fibrin gel that can be used to stimulate angiogenic sprouting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION. The outbreak of foodborne botulism that occurred in Russia in June 2024 once again demonstrated the danger of this rather rare but severe infectious disease caused by ingesting botulinum neurotoxin. The only aetiological treatment for botulism is currently the administration of antitoxins against various serotypes of botulinum toxin. However, antitoxins do not provide rapid regression of neurological symptoms, which may raise doubts about the effectiveness of the selected treatment option. It is impossible to assess the potential of specific treatment without understanding the mechanisms of action of botulinum toxin and antitoxin.AIM. This study aimed to systemise information on the mechanism underlying the damaging effect of botulinum neurotoxin, aetiological antitoxin treatment, and the patient recovery process.DISCUSSION. The mechanism underlying the damaging effect of botulinum neurotoxin consists in the destruction of SNARE proteins in presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals, which disrupts the release of acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft and the transmission of excitation between neurons. The lack of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction results in a distinctive form of persistent flaccid paralysis. The specific mechanism of action of botulinum toxin determines the treatment strategy, which includes a set of life-sustaining measures and the earliest possible antiserum administration. If used within 48 hours from the onset of symptoms, botulinum antitoxin binds botulinum toxin circulating in the blood, which stops the progression of paralysis and prevents further disorders in patients. However, botulinum antitoxin cannot neutralise the effect of the toxin that has already bound to nerve receptors, so clinical symptoms may worsen within 12 hours after antiserum administration. Restoration of normal neuronal transmission occurs through the formation of new axonal sprouts and can take a long time.CONCLUSIONS. Antitoxin administration is effective and irreplaceable in the aetiological treatment of botulism. Nevertheless, the duration of recovery depends on the speed of reinnervation and restoration of transmission at the neuromuscular junction.

Purpose: Swiss Cheese (Monstera adansonii) is an ornamental plant valued for its exotic leaves with openings and for the variety of colors. The technique of controlled exposure to gamma radiation was investigated to induce variegation (color change) in the leaves of this plant. Materials and methods: Monstera adansonii cuttings were irradiated with different doses of radiation with 60Co gamma rays (0, 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 Gy) and evaluated for size, color, health, and growth. Results: Cuttings irradiated with 1 and 5 Gy exhibited temporary variegation in leaf color, but did not maintain these characteristics over time. Cuttings with higher doses of radiation (10, 15, and 20 Gy) did not survive well and showed a reduction in growth, number of leaves, health, and sprouting rate. Conclusions: This research concludes that gamma radiation can affect the development of cuttings and shows the potential to induce variegation at lower doses, but more studies and prolonged observation are needed to determine whether this technique can produce variegation in a consistent and lasting way in M. adansonii. Therefore, although promising initial results have been observed, it is premature to state that gamma radiation is an effective method for inducing variegation in this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory experiments on the use of expanded vermiculite for seed germination of five vegetable plant species promising for cultivation in the Kola Subarctic (Beta vulgarisL.,Brassica oleraceaL.,Brassica oleraceaL. var.botrytisL.,Brassica rapaL. Chinese Cabbage Group,Lactuca sativaL.) were carried out. The research used two types of substrates from Kovdor vermiculite differing in firing conditions; agricultural soil was used as acontrol. Plant growth and development at the juvenile stage of ontogenesis differed significantly (p0.005) for three variants of the experiment. The best results were obtained in the variants with the use of vermiculite substrates, which promoted more intensive seed germination, growth of shoots and roots in seedlings of all five vegetable crops, compared to the control (soil). Significant differences in accumulation of green biomass by seedlings were observed only in the experiment with beetroot. In the other four species, the difference in seedling weight was insignificant. New type of thermovermiculite(TV2-H), obtained by firing in an innovative furnace of A.I. Nizhegorodovs design, had amore pronounced positive effect on seed germination, seedling growth and root length of the studied species of vegetable crops, compared with Vipon-2 thermovermiculite. TV2-H thermovermiculite can be recommended for the use in crop production for germination of vegetable seeds.

This study was performed to evaluate the beneficial role of germinated wheat green part and seed on growth performance, survival, somatic indices, and hemato-biochemical responses of Cyprinus carpio fingerlings. Dietary supplementation at an inclusion rate of (control: no supplements, T1: 5g green part of germinated wheat, T2: 10g green part of germinated wheat, and T3: 5g whole germinated wheat seeds) were fed to the fish with average body weight 36.68g at 3% body weight, for six weeks. The final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate (‌58.38, ‌22.1, and ‌1.14), respectively, were found ‌to be highest at the T2 (10g green part of germinated wheat), and it also ‌had the best feed conversion ratio (1.91).‌ No significant difference was observed in some biological index such as hepatic, kidney, gill, intestine weight, and length index, while the lowest condition factor (1.37) was recorded in the control group‌. The results revealed that T1 and T2 were higher significantly in each of the red blood cells, ‌ hemoglobin, and hematocrit, while a significant variant was not observed in the white blood cell count. However, supplementation of germinated wheat parts‌ had different effects on some serum biochemical and liver function parameters‌. The present study revealed that diets supplemented with germinated wheat green part and seed increased Cyprinus carpio growth and health performance.

Angiogenesis, or the development of blood vessels by growing from already-formed vessels, is observed in embryonic development, physiological cyclical processes such as wound healing, the encapsulation of foreign bodies, tumor growth, and some other situations. In this review, we analyze the cellular mechanisms of angiogenesis, namely, angiogenesis by sprouting, ansiform (by loop formation) angiogenesis, coalescent angiogenesis, and angiogenesis by intussusception (splitting the capillary into two channels). The analysis of data revealed a lot of unanswered questions and contradictions. Here, we propose several new models of angiogenesis explaining these contradictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation on a pre-harvest spray of alpha-1-naphthalene acetic acid (alpha-NAA) on potato crops in relation to improving the storage ability was undertaken in the Botany Department of Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India on Solanum tuberosum cv. 'Kufri Chandermukhi'. Sprout initiation was observed in tubers on the 20th day, with 4.0 x 10-4 M application of alpha-NAA during storage. In control, it was prominently noticed on the first observation made on the 10th day (0.8 mm), whereas in the treated one, it was very small. These treatments were able to check the percentage of sprouting. Rottage was observed after the 40th day of storage. The decline in starch content was less in the treatment group than in the control group up to the 20 days, but a reverse trend was witnessed after that compared with initial values. The starch contents were significantly higher in treated tubers than untreated in most stages. After 40 days, per cent cumulative physiological weight loss values were 9.20, 9.62, and 10.33% in 4.0 x 10-4 M alpha-NAA, 5.5 x 10-4 M alpha-NAA, and control, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Knee joints are densely innervated by nociceptors. In human knees and rodent models, sprouting of nociceptors has been reported in latestage osteoarthritis (OA). Here, we sought to describe progressive nociceptor remodeling in early and late-stage OA, using four distinct experimental mouse models. Methods: Sham surgery, destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM), partial meniscectomy (PMX), or non-invasive anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACLR) was performed in the right knee of 10-12-week old male C57BL/6 NaV1.8-tdTomato mice. Mice were euthanized (1) 4, 8 or 16 weeks after DMM or sham surgery; (2) 4 or 12 weeks after PMX or sham; (3) 1 or 4 weeks after ACLR injury or sham. Additionally, a cohort of naïve male wildtype mice was evaluated at age 6 and 24 months. Mid-joint cryosections were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively for NaV1.8+ or PGP9.5+ innervation. Cartilage damage, synovitis, and osteophytes were assessed. Results: Progressive OA developed in the medial compartment after DMM, PMX, and ACLR. Synovitis and associated neo-innervation of the synovium by nociceptors peaked in early-stage OA. In the subchondral bone, channels containing sprouting nociceptors appeared early, and progressed with worsening joint damage. Two-year old mice developed primary OA in the medial and the lateral compartment, accompanied by nociceptor sprouting in the synovium and the subchondral bone. All four models showed increased nerve signal in osteophytes. Conclusion: These findings suggest that anatomical neuroplasticity of nociceptors is intrinsic to OA pathology. The detailed description of innervation of the OA joint and its relationship to joint damage might help in understanding OA pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth-regulating factors (GRFs) are transcription factors that play a pivotal role in plant growth and development. This study identifies 12 Solanum tuberosum GRF transcription factors (StGRFs) and analyzes their physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures and gene expression patterns using bioinformatics. The StGRFs exhibit a length range of 266 to 599 amino acids, with a molecular weight of 26.02 to 64.52 kDa. The majority of StGRFs possess three introns. The promoter regions contain a plethora of cis-acting elements related to plant growth and development, as well as environmental stress and hormone response. All the members of the StGRF family contain conserved WRC and QLQ domains, with the sequences of these two conserved domain modules exhibiting high levels of conservation. Transcriptomic data indicates that StGRFs play a significant role in the growth and development of stamens, roots, young tubers, and other tissues or organs in potatoes. Furthermore, a few StGRFs exhibit differential expression patterns in response to Phytophthora infestans, chemical elicitors, heat, salt, and drought stresses, as well as multiple hormone treatments. The results of the expression analysis indicate that StGRF1, StGRF2, StGRF5, StGRF7, StGRF10 and StGRF12 are involved in the process of tuber sprouting, while StGRF4 and StGRF9 may play a role in tuber dormancy. These findings offer valuable insights that can be used to investigate the roles of StGRFs during potato tuber dormancy and sprouting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology / Zhongguo Shipin Xuebao is the property of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology Periodical Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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]

Nutraceuticals obtained from sprouted wheat and oat grains and processing by-products (bran and hull, respectively) naturally containing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds were evaluated. The objective of this study was the development of a cereal-based nutraceutical formula combining extracts from sprouts and by-products and the exploration for potential synergetic effects in their bioactive properties. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities, glycemic index, phytic acid, and β-glucan of individual wheat bran hydrolysate (EH-WB), sprouted wheat (SW), oat hull hydrolysate (EH-OH), sprouted oat (SO), and combined ingredients (CI 1, CI 2, and CI3) were used to tailor an optimal nutraceutical formula. The three blend ingredients (CI 1, CI2, and CI3) were formulated at different ratios (EH-WB:SW:EH-OH:SO; 1:1:1:1, 2:1:2:1, and 1:2:1:2, w:w:w:w, respectively). The resulting mixtures showed total phenol (TPs) content ranging from 412.93 to 2556.66 µmol GAE 100 g−1 and antioxidant capacity values from 808.14 to 22,152.54 µmol TE 100 g−1 (ORAC) and 1914.05 to 7261.32 µmol TE 100 g−1 (ABTS•+), with Fe3+ reducing ability from 734. 02 to 8674.51 mmol reduced Fe 100 g−1 (FRAP) for the individual ingredients produced from EH-WB and EH-OH, where high antioxidant activity was observed. However, the anti-inflammatory results exhibited an interesting behavior, with a potentially synergistic effect of the individual ingredients. This effect was observed in CI2 and CI3, resulting in a higher ability to inhibit IL-6 and TNF-α than expected based on the anti-inflammatory values of their individual ingredients. Similar to the antioxidant properties, oat-based ingredients significantly contributed more to the anti-inflammatory properties of the overall mixture. This contribution is likely associated with the β-glucans and avenanthramides present in oats. To ensure the bioaccessibility of these ingredients, further studies including simulated digestion protocols would be necessary. The ingredient formulated with a 2:1 hydrolysate-to-sprout ratio was the most effective combination, reaching higher biological characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of perennial weeds has become increasingly complex with the reduction of herbicide use and tillage. Their capacity to store nutrients into vegetative organs and to regenerate to establish new individuals makes them very persistent and hard to control. A key aspect for managing perennial weeds is to minimise storage reserves to reduce vegetative regeneration. For that prospect, better knowledge of the regrowth capacities from storage organs is needed. Our work focused on the mechanistic understanding of belowground regrowth dynamics from fragments of Elymus repens rhizomes by analysing the effect of source and sink factors. The effect of rhizome fragment weight (i.e., source) and the number of regrowing buds and belowground shoots (i.e., sinks) was assessed for four mechanisms: sprouting, belowground shoot elongation, belowground shoot biomass to length conversion and biomass allocation to belowground shoots versus roots. Heavier fragments contributed to faster sprouting, faster belowground shoot elongation and increased the proportion of remobilised biomass allocated to belowground shoots. Higher belowground shoot density increased the proportion of remobilised biomass allocated to belowground shoots but decreased individual elongation rate. In other words, larger reserves resulted in a better regeneration capacity and a higher number of growing belowground shoots increased the competition for reserves among them. The belowground shoot that sprouted first on a fragment grew faster and dominated the other shoots on the same fragment. Dominant belowground shoots were located toward the apical end of the fragment. These findings support the fact that tillage should aim at cutting storage organs into the smallest fragments possible to reduce regeneration capacity. This study also emphasised that belowground regrowth mechanisms are complex, and further studies should investigate other species with different types of storage organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Kirkuk University for Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The 1996 Goseong forest fire, the largest recorded, prompted a debate on the potential for natural forest recovery, leading to the designation of a natural restoration research area. This study mainly aimed to demonstrate the forest's natural regenerative ability in a prefire Pinus densiflora forest that had been affected by a stand-replacing fire. To achieve this, the study tracked the key aspects of the succession process, specifically the formation of vertical structure and changes in species composition. Results: The regenerating vegetation initially passed through stages dominated by herbaceous and shrub layers, then differentiated into the canopy layer, eventually forming the early-stage forest after 20 years. Site A had developed into a forest with an average canopy height of 13.3 m and 73% coverage, while Site B was restored with a canopy height of 10 m and 27% coverage. Tree species of the genus Quercus dominated the canopy layer, occupying 99% of the tree basal area (from 17% prefire). Consequently, the prefire pine forest shifted to a Quercus-dominated forest after secondary succession. Pinus densiflora (83% of the prefire basal area) occupied only 1% after 20 years. Oak species became dominant from the initial stages of regeneration, playing a key role in shaping the early-stage forest structure. The species composition of the regenerating stands was already determined in the initial stage and closely resembled that of 20 years later. Since most species regenerated through resprouting, the understory remained dominated by pine forest companion species. Oak-associated species tended to increase in later stages. No invasive species were observed, and annual plants had low abundance. Conclusions: The study demonstrated the natural regenerative power of the forest following the fire, revealing that it takes around 20 years for a prefire pine forest to be restored an early-stage oak-dominated forest. Quercus trees, particularly Quercus variabilis and Quercus mongolica, regenerated rapidly immediately after fire, contributing to the development of the early-stage forest. Although this study was small in scale, it is a rare study conducted at permanent plots over 20 years, revealing the secondary succession process.

Currently, the construction of novel biomimetic reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-based nanocomposites to induce neurite sprouting and repair the injured neurons represents a promising strategy in promoting neuronal development or treatment of cerebral anoxia or ischemia. Here, we present an effective method for constructing palladium-reduced graphene oxide (Pd-RGO) nanocomposites by covalently bonding Pd onto RGO surfaces to enhance neurite sprouting of cultured neurons. As described, the Pd-RGO nanocomposites exhibit the required physicochemical features for better biocompatibility without impacting cell viability. Primary neurons cultured on Pd-RGO nanocomposites had significantly increased number and length of neuronal processes, including both axons and dendrites, compared with the control. Western blotting showed that Pd-RGO nanocomposites improved the expression levels of growth associate protein-43 (GAP-43), as well as β-III tubulin, Tau-1, microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2), four proteins that are involved in regulating neurite sprouting and outgrowth. Importantly, Pd-RGO significantly promoted neurite length and complexity under oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R) conditions, an in vitro cellular model of ischemic brain damage, that closely relates to neuronal GAP-43 expression. Furthermore, using the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in rats, we found Pd-RGO effectively reduced the infarct area, decreased neuronal apoptosis in the brain, and improved the rats’ behavioral outcomes after MCAO. Together, these results indicate the great potential of Pd-RGO nanocomposites as a novel excellent biomimetic material for neural interfacing that shed light on its applications in brain injuries.

Onions are produced and consumed in large amounts all over the world. Even though the dry onion bulb is well suited to storage, significant losses occur due to sprouting and diseases during the storage period. The objective of this study was to find methods to support decision-making in storage and prevent some of these losses. Three onion cultivars were tested during two storage seasons, and quality indicators such as firmness, sugar content, dry matter content and mineral content were measured. All but one of the samples were treated with maleic hydrazide for sprouting inhibition. Contents of fructose and glucose were found to be connected to the extent of sprouting, with the highest contents coinciding with the onset of sprouting in spring. Firmness and dry matter losses differed between samples from different growing conditions with firmness losses up to 35.2% and dry matter losses between 4.9% and 11.1% found. Dry matter content was significantly connected to the fraction of sprouted bulbs in a sample. While firmness had a decreasing trend for all but one sample, the firmness measurements carried out with a handheld penetrometer were not consistent enough to be a reliable indicator of sprouting.

The post-harvest phase of potato tuber dormancy and sprouting are essential in determining the economic value. The intricate transition from dormancy to active growth is influenced by multiple factors, including environmental factors, carbohydrate metabolism, and hormonal regulation. Well-established environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light play pivotal roles in these processes. However, recent research has expanded our understanding to encompass other novel influences such as magnetic fields, cold plasma treatment, and UV-C irradiation. Hormones like abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA), cytokinins (CK), auxin, and ethylene (ETH) act as crucial messengers, while brassinosteroids (BRs) have emerged as key modulators of potato tuber sprouting. In addition, jasmonates (JAs), strigolactones (SLs), and salicylic acid (SA) also regulate potato dormancy and sprouting. This review article delves into the intricate study of potato dormancy and sprouting, emphasizing the impact of environmental conditions, carbohydrate metabolism, and hormonal regulation. It explores how various environmental factors affect dormancy and sprouting processes. Additionally, it highlights the role of carbohydrates in potato tuber sprouting and the intricate hormonal interplay, particularly the role of BRs. This review underscores the complexity of these interactions and their importance in optimizing potato dormancy and sprouting for agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the aftermath of a high-intensity wildfire in La Michilía Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, an initial study suggested a shift from an oak–pine forest to a grass–savanna ecosystem. We conducted repeated measurements on 60 permanent plots 1, 5, 10, and 20 years after the original wildfire at paired burned and unburned study sites to capture spatial and temporal dynamics in forest composition and structure. We found that the burned site regained most pre-wildfire characteristics two decades after the wildfire. The ongoing regeneration in the burned site suggests that despite the remaining differences, the site is approaching a complete recovery, with forest characteristics analogous to the unburned site. Our findings indicate that the combination of seeders' wildfire resistance and resprouters' post-wildfire sprouting strategies in mixed-species forests provides high resilience to high-intensity wildfire. Moreover, protecting La Michilía as a biosphere reserve and heightened public awareness of the natural environment likely played an indispensable role in facilitating the recovery of the post-wildfire ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Horticolas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The differential expression of transcription factors during embryonic development has been selected as the main feature to define the specific subclasses of spinal interneurons. However, recent studies based on single-cell RNA sequencing and transcriptomic experiments suggest that this approach might not be appropriate in the adult spinal cord, where interneurons show overlapping expression profiles, especially in the ventral region. This constitutes a major challenge for the identification and direct targeting of specific populations that could be involved in locomotor recovery after a traumatic spinal cord injury in adults. Current experimental therapies, including electrical stimulation, training, pharmacological treatments, or cell implantation, that have resulted in improvements in locomotor behavior rely on the modulation of the activity and connectivity of interneurons located in the surroundings of the lesion core for the formation of detour circuits. However, very few publications clarify the specific identity of these cells. In this work, we review the studies where premotor interneurons were able to create new intraspinal circuits after different kinds of traumatic spinal cord injury, highlighting the difficulties encountered by researchers, to classify these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The germination process of cereal and legumes has been used to improve their nutritional value. In this study, sorghum, oat, mung bean and barley were germinated for 96 hours. Dry matter, total ash content and phenolic content analyses of germinated samples were performed. Sprouts of germinated grains and legumes were dried and ground into flour. The obtained flour was used in the production of bread (20-40%), cake (5-15%) and rice pudding (10%). In the prepared bread, % baking loss and specific volume were calculated, and sensory analyses of rice pudding, glutenfree cake and bread samples were carried out. All samples' dry matter contents except sorghum decreased by the germination process. Germination caused a slight increase in ash contents of all samples except for barley. The total phenolic contents of mung bean and barley significantly increased during germination. All sprout flours added at 40% reduced the specific volume of the bread. Based on the results, it can be concluded that products with a substitution of sorghum sprout flour were more acceptable in sensorial properties compared to other samples. It can be concluded that it is feasible to produce high nutritional value tasty functional foods with germinated sorghum flour supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus sp.) is an exotic crop with a great potential for its cultivation in semi arid tracts throughout India. Its planting is mainly confined to harsh climates and degraded lands facing challenges in its establishment. Hence, availability of quality planting material is essential for attaining success. Due to long juvenile phase of the sexually propagated seedlings it can be propagated asexually by stem cuttings but proper rooting is not possible without exogenous auxin application. Hence, during 2022- 2023 a research was carried out at the Horticultural Experimental area of Khalsa College, Amritsar to standardize the concentration of plant growth regulators viz. IBA, NAA and PHB for rooting and success rate in stem cuttings comprising of sixteen treatments with three replications arranged in randomized block design. The results revealed that the stem cuttings treated with IBA 4000 ppm proved to be superior for the sprouting and survival of the cuttings resulting in the improved vegetative growth with profuse, longer, thicker and the heaviest roots. Hence, the cutting treatment of IBA 4000 ppm can be proposed for dragon fruit plant propagation to meet the market demand in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-year study experiment was conducted from January 2021 to December 2022 at the Teppi Agricultural Research Center (TARC) with the aim of identifying suitable planting material and an appropriate pre-planting storage method that can enhance turmeric seed quality and yield under rain-fed conditions. The experiment consisted of three planting materials (mother rhizomes, finger rhizomes, and mixed rhizomes) and five pre-planting storage methods (cemented floor, under tree shade, raised mesh-wired bed, pit with grass cover, and pit with soil cover). These factors were factorially arranged using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results from the analysis of variance revealed that the seed quality, growth, and seed rhizome yield of turmeric were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the main effect of both planting material and storage method. However, their interaction effect did not significantly affect these attributes (p>0.05). The highest clean and sprouted seed rhizomes, as well as total sprouts, were recorded in mother seed rhizomes and seed rhizomes stored under tree shade. Conversely, storing mother seed rhizomes on cemented floors resulted in the highest seed weight losses. Finger seed rhizomes stored in soil-covered pits produced the highest percentages of non-sprouted and decayed seed rhizomes. Regarding growth attributes, mother seed rhizomes led to the highest plant stands, plant height, stem girth, leaf growth, and tiller number. Storing seed rhizomes under tree shade performed the best across these growth attributes. Turmeric plants grown from mother seed rhizomes yielded a higher number of mother and finger rhizomes per plant and the highest fresh rhizome yield. Likewise, storing seed rhizomes under tree shade resulted in the highest fresh rhizome yield. In general, utilizing mother seed rhizomes and storing them under tree shade improved turmeric seed quality, growth, and seed rhizome yield. Therefore, farmers in the area are recommended to adopt these practices, but further research is needed to assess their economic feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sprouting of potatoes during storage could result in general quality losses, including weight and nutrient losses. In this work, potato tubers were treated with 18 kinds of plant essential oils during a storage period of 270 days at low temperature (3 ± 0.5 °C), and at the end of the storage period, the sprout inhibition effect, starch and reducing sugar contents were assessed. Results showed that citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil, wintergreen (Ilex chinensis Sims) essential oil, DL-menthol, jasmine (Jasminum sambac) essential oil, citral and nerol had a better sprouting control than that of CIPC (isopropyl N-(3-chlorophenyl) carbamate). Raspberry ketone was found to promote potato sprouting; the sprout length reached 5 cm at 270 days, whilst the control was 1.7 cm. On the other hand, the potatoes treated with 100 μL/L of citronella essential oil and wintergreen essential oil did not sprout, whilst the sprouting rate and sprouting index of the control were 73.33% and 23.81%, respectively. At the end of storage, the starch content of potato tubers treated with citronella essential oil and wintergreen essential oil were maintained at 15.32% and 15.80%, respectively, which was higher than that of the control (14.14%). On the contrary, the reducing sugar content of potato tubers treated with the above two essential oils were 1.28% and 1.24%, respectively, which was lower than that of the control (1.47%). These results suggest that citronella essential oil and wintergreen essential oil treatments reduced starch breakdown and reducing sugar accumulation. Therefore, citronella essential oil and wintergreen essential oil could be considered as new sprout suppressants for potato storage. Further work needs to be done at higher temperatures (8–12 °C) to confirm their effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a commercial potato sprout suppressant, ethylene (Eth) is usually used under a low temperature for long-term storage of potato tubers. However, in many cases, potato tubers are usually transferred from a refrigeration house and sold at room temperature. In the present research, Eth's inhibitory effects on tuber sprouting at room temperature were investigated. The potential molecular mechanisms of Eth-induced sprout suppression were revealed by phytohormone and transcriptome analyses. Results showed that exogenous Eth significantly suppressed sprout growth in potato tubers during two weeks of storage. The endogenous plant hormone levels of abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin (Aux) were markedly reduced by Eth treatment. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that more transcriptional changes occurred in the early stage of sprouting. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) assigned to the pathways of plant hormone signal transduction, photosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, which were closely associated with sprouting, were extensively down-regulated by Eth treatment. In addition, the heat map of six hormone signal transduction pathways showed that the expression of most DEGs annotated into the Aux signal transduction pathway was suppressed by Eth treatment, while the expression of many DEGs annotated as ETR (Eth receptor) and ERF1/2 (Eth-responsive transcription factor 1 and 2) in the Eth signal transduction pathway was enhanced by Eth treatment. Taken together, our results indicated that Eth-induced sprout inhibition might be closely related to the suppression of internal Aux production and signal transduction and the activation of Eth signal transduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveKnee joints are densely innervated by nociceptors. In human knees and rodent models, sprouting of nociceptors has been reported in late-stage osteoarthritis (OA). Here, we sought to describe progressive nociceptor remodeling in early and late-stage OA, using four distinct experimental mouse models.MethodsSham surgery, destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM), partial meniscectomy (PMX), or non-invasive anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACLR) was performed in the right knee of 10-12-week old male C57BL/6 NaV1.8-tdTomato mice. Mice were euthanized (1) 4, 8 or 16 weeks after DMM or sham surgery; (2) 4 or 12 weeks after PMX or sham; (3) 1 or 4 weeks after ACLR injury or sham. Additionally, a cohort of naïve male wildtype mice was evaluated at age 6 and 24 months. Mid-joint cryosections were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively for NaV1.8+ or PGP9.5+ innervation. Cartilage damage, synovitis, and osteophytes were assessed.ResultsProgressive OA developed in the medial compartment after DMM, PMX, and ACLR. Synovitis and associated neo-innervation of the synovium by nociceptors peaked in early-stage OA. In the subchondral bone, channels containing sprouting nociceptors appeared early, and progressed with worsening joint damage. Two-year old mice developed primary OA in the medial and the lateral compartment, accompanied by nociceptor sprouting in the synovium and the subchondral bone. All four models showed increased nerve signal in osteophytes.ConclusionThese findings suggest that anatomical neuroplasticity of nociceptors is intrinsic to OA pathology. The detailed description of innervation of the OA joint and its relationship to joint damage might help in understanding OA pain.

To optimize food-derived bioactive components, a significant concern is their stability and bioavailability. Quercetin, a well-known polyphenol found in onions, has garnered attention for its potential bioactivity. Recent studies have illuminated the heightened quercetin content in sprouted onions, offering a unique avenue for exploration. The well documented interaction between quercetin and the colonic microflora depicts the bioconversion of natural bio actives by gut bacteria. The review also cites the prebiotic activity of quercetin which occurs due to hydrolysis during sprouting which suggests the development of quercetin-based nanoparticles for personalized clinical needs. This requires considerable research on use of quercetin nanoparticles with significant focus on nanoscale formulation, scale-up, regulatory aspects and in preventing gut dysbiosis.To explore the bioavailability enhancement and its implications for gut health, this comprehensive review examines the nutritional aspects, metabolic pathways, stability, and bioavailability of quercetin derived from onions. Additionally, it investigates the interplay between sprouting and the bioefficacy of quercetin metabolites. While literature exploring quercetin from sprouted onions and its role in mitigating lifestyle-related disorders is limited, this review aims to consolidate existing knowledge, with a primary focus on diabetes management and gut microbiota modulation. We anticipate that the insights presented in this article will contribute to strategies for optimizing food-derived bioactive components, enhancing their stability, and realizing their potential in health promotion.

Potatoes are typically seeded as tubers, and their slow sprouting significantly impacts production. Therefore, the effects of polyacrylamide (20 g·L−1, 30 g·L−1, and 40 g·L−1) as a seed potato dressing on sprouting, seedling growth, and biomass were investigated. The phytohormone content, respiratory intensity, and starch metabolism enzyme activity were analyzed to elucidate the physiological mechanisms involved. The sprouting rate significantly increased after 20 g·L−1 and 30 g·L−1 treatments by 40.63% and 15.63%, respectively. The sprouting energy was the highest (52.0%) at 20 g·L−1, 7.67 times higher than the control. The 20 g·L−1 and 30 g·L−1 treatments also promoted emergence and growth, with the emergence rate increasing by 18.18% and 27.27% and growth increasing by over 8.1% and 11.9%, respectively. These effects were related to changes in phytohormone content and accelerated starch conversion. After treatment, the auxin and cytokinin contents in the apical buds increased significantly at the germination initiation stage, and during the germination and vigorous growth phases, the auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellin contents increased. Polyacrylamide treatment activated α-amylase and promoted starch degradation, increasing soluble sugar content to provide nutrients and energy for sprouting. This study provides a promising approach for promoting potato tuber sprouting and seedling growth.

A hallmark of angiogenesis is the sprouting of endothelial cells. To replicate this event in vitro, biomaterial approaches can play an essential role in promoting cell migration. To study the capacity of a scaffold of fibrin (fibrinogen:thrombin mix) to support the movement of the endothelial cells, the migration area of spheroids formed with the HULEC cell line was measured. The cells were first allowed to form a spheroid using the hanging drop technique before being encapsulated in the fibrin gel. The cells’ migration area was then measured after two days of embedding in the fibrin gel. Various conditions affecting fibrin gel polymerization, such as different concentrations of fibrinogen and thrombin, were evaluated alongside rheology, porosity, and fiber thickness analysis to understand how these factors influenced cell behavior within the composite biomaterial. Data point toward thrombin’s role in governing fibrin gel polymerization; higher concentrations result in less rigid gels (loss tangent between 0.07 and 0.034) and increased cell migration (maximum concentration tested: 5 U/mL). The herein presented method allows for a more precise determination of the crosslinking conditions of fibrin gel that can be used to stimulate angiogenic sprouting.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases (MAP3Ks) dual leucine kinase (DLK) and leucine zipper kinase (LZK) are essential mediators of axon damage responses, but their responses are varied, complex, and incompletely understood. To characterize their functions in axon injury, we generated zebrafish mutants of each gene, labeled motor neurons (MNs) and touch-sensing neurons in live zebrafish, precisely cut their axons with a laser, and assessed the ability of mutant axons to regenerate in larvae, before sex is apparent in zebrafish. DLK and LZK were required redundantly and cell autonomously for axon regeneration in MNs but not in larval Rohon-Beard (RB) or adult dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons. Surprisingly, in dlk lzk double mutants, the spared branches of wounded RB axons grew excessively, suggesting that these kinases inhibit regenerative sprouting in damaged axons. Uninjured trigeminal sensory axons also grew excessively in mutants when neighboring neurons were ablated, indicating that these MAP3Ks are general inhibitors of sensory axon growth. These results demonstrate that zebrafish DLK and LZK promote diverse injury responses, depending on the neuronal cell identity and type of axonal injury.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The MAP3Ks DLK and LZK are damage sensors that promote diverse outcomes to neuronal injury, including axon regeneration. Understanding their context-specific functions is a prerequisite to considering these kinases as therapeutic targets. To investigate DLK and LZK cell-type-specific functions, we created zebrafish mutants in each gene. Using mosaic cell labeling and precise laser injury we found that both proteins were required for axon regeneration in motor neurons but, unexpectedly, were not required for axon regeneration in Rohon-Beard or DRG sensory neurons and negatively regulated sprouting in the spared axons of touch-sensing neurons. These findings emphasize that animals have evolved distinct mechanisms to regulate injury site regeneration and collateral sprouting, and identify differential roles for DLK and LZK in these processes.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an essential crop with increasing importance for food supply and as raw material for industrial processing. The crop is vegetatively propagated through stem cuttings taken at the end of the growing cycle and its low multiplication rate and the high cost of stem transportation are detrimental to the increasing demand for high-quality cassava planting materials. Rapid multiplication of vegetative propagules of crops comprises tissue culture (TC) and semi-autotroph hydroponics (SAH) that provide cost-effective propagation of plant materials; however, they contrast the need for specific infrastructure, special media and substrates, and trained personnel. Traditional methods such as TC and SAH have shown promise in efficient plant material propagation. Nonetheless, these techniques necessitate specific infrastructure, specialized media and substrates, as well as trained personnel. Moreover, losses during the intermediate nursery and adaptation stages limit the overall effectiveness of these methods. Building upon an earlier report from Embrapa Brazil, which utilized mature buds from cassava for rapid propagation, we present a modified protocol that simplifies the process for wider adoption. Our method involves excising single nodes with attached leaves from immature (green) cassava stems at 2 months after planting (MAP). These nodes are then germinated in pure water, eliminating the need for specific growth substrates and additional treatments. After the initial phase, the rooted sprouts are transferred into soil within 1–8 weeks. The protocol demonstrates a high turnover rate at minimal costs. Due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and robustness, this method holds significant promise as an efficient means of producing cassava planting materials to meet diverse agricultural needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sprouting is an irreversible deterioration of potato quality, which leads to the production of harmful toxins and loss of the commercial value of potatoes. However, there is no report on the changes in different stages of potato sprouting through transcriptome and metabonomics. In this study, 1471 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found between DP and BP. In comparison with SP, a total of 6309 DEGs were detected in BP. Additionally, 6624 DEGs were identified between DP and SP. Moreover, 96 and 117 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were detected between DP and BP and between BP and SP, respectively. Furthermore, 130 DAMs were identified in total between DP and SP. In each group, a correlation analysis of DAMs and DEGs was performed to examine the regulatory network. The results indicated that the sprouting of tubers is mainly regulated by plant hormone signals, and during the sprouting of tubers, significant changes in metabolic products occur in the body. According to the combined analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics, multiple metabolites were both positive and negative regulated by genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In potatoes, tuber secondary growth, especially sprouting, deforms the tubers and severely lowers their commercial value. Tuber sprouting is induced by signal substances, such as gibberellin (GA), which are transported to the tuber from the plant body. The molecular mechanism underlying GA-induced sprouting remains ambiguous. Here, we tried to recreate tuber secondary growth using in vitro stemmed microtubers (MTs) (with the nodal stem attached) and MT halves (with the nodal stem entirely removed). Our experiments showed that GA alone could initiate the sprouting of stemmed microtubers; however, GA failed to initiate MT halves unless 6-benzyladenine, a synthetic cytokinin CK, was co-applied. Here, we analyzed the transcriptional profiles of sprouting buds using these in vitro MTs. RNA-seq analysis revealed a downregulation of cytokinin-activated signaling but an upregulation of the "Zeatin biosynthesis" pathway, as shown by increased expression of CYP735A, CISZOG, and UGT85A1 in sprouting buds; additionally, the upregulation of genes, such as IAA15, IAA22, and SAUR50, associated with auxin-activated signaling and one abscisic acid (ABA) negative regulator, PLY4, plays a vital role during sprouting growth. Our findings indicate that the role of the nodal stem is synonymous with CK in sprouting growth, suggesting that CK signaling and homeostasis are critical to supporting GA-induced sprouting. To effectively control tuber sprouting, more effort is required to be devoted to these critical genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the efficacy of carvone, abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA3), and variable temperature in managing dormancy and sprouting in aeroponically grown mini-tuber potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) seeds. The results showed that carvone treatment effectively reduced the weight loss rate by 12.25% and decay rate by 3.33% at day 25 compared to control. ABA treatment significantly enhanced the germination rate, increasing it to 97.33%. GA3 treatment resulted in the longest sprouts of 14.24 mm and reduced the MDA content by 23.08% at day 30, indicating its potential in shortening dormancy and maintaining membrane integrity. The variable-temperature treatment demonstrated a balanced performance in reducing weight loss and maintaining a lower relative conductivity, indicating less cellular damage. The enzymatic activities of α-amylase, CAT, and SOD were modulated by the treatments, ensuring a balanced enzymatic environment for seed vitality. These results establish a solid basis for improving postharvest management strategies to optimize germination uniformity and preserve the quality of aeroponic potato seeds during extended dormancy, promising enhanced yield and productivity in potato cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-year study experiment was conducted from January 2021 to December 2022 at the Teppi Agricultural Research Center (TARC) with the aim of identifying suitable planting material and an appropriate pre-planting storage method that can enhance turmeric seed quality and yield under rain-fed conditions. The experiment consisted of three planting materials (mother rhizomes, finger rhizomes, and mixed rhizomes) and five pre-planting storage methods (cemented floor, under tree shade, raised mesh-wired bed, pit with grass cover, and pit with soil cover). These factors were factorially arranged using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results from the analysis of variance revealed that the seed quality, growth, and seed rhizome yield of turmeric were significantly (p0.05). The highest clean and sprouted seed rhizomes, as well as total sprouts, were recorded in mother seed rhizomes and seed rhizomes stored under tree shade. Conversely, storing mother seed rhizomes on cemented floors resulted in the highest seed weight losses. Finger seed rhizomes stored in soil-covered pits produced the highest percentages of non-sprouted and decayed seed rhizomes. Regarding growth attributes, mother seed rhizomes led to the highest plant stands, plant height, stem girth, leaf growth, and tiller number. Storing seed rhizomes under tree shade performed the best across these growth attributes. Turmeric plants grown from mother seed rhizomes yielded a higher number of mother and finger rhizomes per plant and the highest fresh rhizome yield. Likewise, storing seed rhizomes under tree shade resulted in the highest fresh rhizome yield. In general, utilizing mother seed rhizomes and storing them under tree shade improved turmeric seed quality, growth, and seed rhizome yield. Therefore, farmers in the area are recommended to adopt these practices, but further research is needed to assess their economic feasibility.

Abstract The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food crops worldwide. Nevertheless, due to food safety concerns, substantial amounts of potatoes are not utilized, resulting in losses. Dormancy development is affected by potato variety, temperature, light, humidity, and so forth. Traditional and novel techniques to detect potato dormancy have been developed based on infrared spectroscopy, hyperspectral, and multispectral imaging systems in combination with simulation verification. This review describes the ability of novel approaches to address the uncertain hazardous issue and delay or inhibit potato dormancy incidence and development. Further, this review describes the role of carbohydrate metabolism and phytohormone regulation involved in potato dormancy, the mechanism of action to address dormancy, and challenges and recommendations moving forward. More work is needed to develop novel approaches toward addressing the problem of potato germination after harvest.

Nutraceuticals obtained from sprouted wheat and oat grains and processing by-products (bran and hull, respectively) naturally containing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds were evaluated. The objective of this study was the development of a cereal-based nutraceutical formula combining extracts from sprouts and by-products and the exploration for potential synergetic effects in their bioactive properties. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities, glycemic index, phytic acid, and β-glucan of individual wheat bran hydrolysate (EH-WB), sprouted wheat (SW), oat hull hydrolysate (EH-OH), sprouted oat (SO), and combined ingredients (CI 1, CI 2, and CI3) were used to tailor an optimal nutraceutical formula. The three blend ingredients (CI 1, CI2, and CI3) were formulated at different ratios (EH-WB:SW:EH-OH:SO; 1:1:1:1, 2:1:2:1, and 1:2:1:2, w:w:w:w, respectively). The resulting mixtures showed total phenol (TPs) content ranging from 412.93 to 2556.66 µmol GAE 100 g−1 and antioxidant capacity values from 808.14 to 22,152.54 µmol TE 100 g−1 (ORAC) and 1914.05 to 7261.32 µmol TE 100 g−1 (ABTS•+), with Fe3+ reducing ability from 734. 02 to 8674.51 mmol reduced Fe 100 g−1 (FRAP) for the individual ingredients produced from EH-WB and EH-OH, where high antioxidant activity was observed. However, the anti-inflammatory results exhibited an interesting behavior, with a potentially synergistic effect of the individual ingredients. This effect was observed in CI2 and CI3, resulting in a higher ability to inhibit IL-6 and TNF-α than expected based on the anti-inflammatory values of their individual ingredients. Similar to the antioxidant properties, oat-based ingredients significantly contributed more to the anti-inflammatory properties of the overall mixture. This contribution is likely associated with the β-glucans and avenanthramides present in oats. To ensure the bioaccessibility of these ingredients, further studies including simulated digestion protocols would be necessary. The ingredient formulated with a 2:1 hydrolysate-to-sprout ratio was the most effective combination, reaching higher biological characteristics.