Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA)

This study aimed to assess the impact of adding strawberry and acerola jam, along with Limosilactobacillus mucosae CNPC007, on the technological, nutritional, bioactive, and microbiological properties of Greek-style goat yogurt. Six yogurt formulations were developed: without and with the addition of L. mucosae CNPC007 (CY and PY, respectively), and with 10 % and 15 % jam (CY10, CY15, PY10, and PY15, respectively). The inclusion of jam enriched the yogurt with phenolic compounds and significantly enhanced antioxidant activity, as measured by FRAP and ABTS assays. The highest values were observed after 28 days of storage in the PY15 formulation (0.177 ± 0.01 and 3.43 ± 0.01 µmol TEAC/g, respectively), compared to CY (0.013 ± 0.01 and 0.19 ± 0.01 µmol TEAC/g, respectively) and PY (0.010 ± 0.01 and 0.23 ± 0.01 µmol TEAC/g, respectively). This increase was likely driven by the presence of anthocyanins and flavonoids in the jam, as indicated by heatmap correlation analysis. DPI and EPI were also influenced by the addition of jam and L. mucosae CNPC007, with EPI increasing in the PY10 and PY15 formulations, reaching approximately 40 % after 28 days. The incorporation of jam resulted in a decrease in the L* (<90) and an increase in the b* (>14) color parameters. Additionally, jam-enriched formulations exhibited higher syneresis and lower water retention capacity (WRC) throughout storage compared to control formulations, with average syneresis exceeding 26 % and WRC falling below 75 % after 28 days. In general, all yogurt formulations showed a reduction in lactose, an increase in glucose and galactose, and the production of lactic acid during storage. The lower lactose content observed after 28 days of storage in the PY (0.84 ± 0.01 g/100 g), PY10 (0.82 ± 0.01 g/100 g), and PY15 (0.98 ± 0.01 g/100 g) formulations indicates active sugar metabolism by L. mucosae CNPC007. All formulations met microbiological safety standards, confirming their suitability for consumption. Formulations containing L. mucosae CNPC007 showed viable cell counts exceeding the minimum recommended to produce health benefits (>7 log CFU/g) throughout the 28-day refrigerated storage and after in vitro digestion. These findings underscore the potential of combining tropical fruit jams with probiotics to develop a multifunctional, value-added yogurt product that delivers substantial health benefits to consumers

The growing interest in sustainable biopolymers has highlighted cocoyam starch as a promising material for functional biodegradable packaging film development. This study evaluates its physicochemical, structural, thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties to determine its suitability for packaging. Cocoyam starch contains moisture (9.15%), protein (0.68%), lipid (0.57%), ash (2.82%), and resistant starch (5.61%), offering moderate digestibility. Total soluble phenolic compounds are quantified at 50.56 mg GAE·100 g ⁻¹ of starch, which influences the physicochemical properties. Cocoyam starch presented a semi‐crystalline structure comprising both Type A and B starches, along with monohydrated calcium oxalate crystals. The gelatinization temperature is determined to be 65.81 °C, with an associated gelatinization enthalpy of 15.38 J g ⁻¹ . Gel retrogradation exhibits a rate of 38.52%. Rheological properties reveal a high peak viscosity and breakdown, suggestive of a high amylopectin content in the starch. Cocoyam starch films demonstrate variations in thickness and neutral instrumental color parameters. Mechanical analysis reveals that these films have lower tensile strength but higher elongation to rupture compared to cassava starch films, likely due to the intermolecular connections formed by cocoyam starch. Crystallography patterns of films indicate structural transformations, including calcium oxalate phases and semi‐crystalline structures, underscoring their potential applications in biodegradable packaging materials.

Biocontrol agents play a pivotal role in managing pests and contribute to sustainable agriculture. Recent advancements in genetic engineering can facilitate the development of entomopathogenic fungi with desired traits to enhance biocontrol efficacy. In this study, a CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein system was utilized to genetically improve the virulence of Beauveria bassiana, a broad-spectrum insect pathogen used in biocontrol of arthropod pests worldwide. CRISPR-Cas9-based disruption of the transcription factor-encoding gene Bbsmr1 led to derepression of the oosporein biosynthetic gene cluster resulting in overproduction of the red-pigmented dibenzoquinone oosporein involved in host immune evasion, thus increasing fungal virulence. Mutants defective for Bbsmr1 displayed a remarkable enhanced insecticidal activity by reducing lethal times and concentrations, while concomitantly presenting negligible or minor pleiotropic effects. In addition, these mutants displayed faster germination on the insect cuticle which correlated with higher density of free-floating blastospores in the hemolymph and accelerated mortality of the host. These findings emphasize the utility of genetic engineering in developing enhanced fungal biocontrol agents with customized phenotypic traits, and provide an efficient and versatile genetic transformation tool for application in other beneficial entomopathogenic fungi.

Paspalum is a vital forage and turf grass in tropical and subtropical regions, yet its breeding programs face challenges due to the lack of natural flowering synchronization between some parent species. Pollen cryopreservation offers a potential solution to this issue. This study aimed to adapt a cryopreservation protocol for the pollen of P. atratum, P. malacophyllum, and P. regnellii, and to evaluate the viability of cryopreserved pollen grains (CPG) for hybridization purposes. Two dehydrating agents (LiCl and silica gel) were tested for different durations (30, 60, and 120 min) alongside a non-dehydration treatment. The effectiveness of cryopreservation was assessed over multiple time points (1, 10, 30, 90, 180, 270, and 365 days) with freshly harvested grains as controls. Pollen viability was determined using 0.25% 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Viability of CPG ranged from 40.67 to 80.67% across treatments. Optimal dehydration involved LiCl for 30 min and silica gel for 120 min, achieving an average viability of 66% after 12 months, comparable to fresh pollen. In vivo germination tests confirmed successful pollen tube germination with the combinations P. urvillei × P. malacophyllum; P. urvillei × P. regnellii and hybrid (P. plicatulum 4PT × P. guenoarum cv. Azulão) × P. atratum, although pollen tubes did not reach the micropyle in some crosses. This study established effective pollen cryopreservation protocols for P. atratum and P. malacophyllum, facilitating in vivo germination and enhancing the potential for hybridization in Paspalum breeding programs, thereby addressing flowering asynchrony and broadening crossing opportunities within the genus.

Carbon nitrides have emerged as promising supports for catalytically active metals in various chemical reactions. Among these, the selective oxidation of benzene to phenol stands out as particularly challenging within the chemical industry due to its traditionally low yields and complex reaction pathways. In our current investigation, we have focused on the synthesis of ionic carbon nitride fragments via a straightforward alkaline hydrolysis method. These fragments demonstrate a remarkable ability to stabilize iron cations within the carbon nitride structure (Frag‐Fe), resulting in a highly efficient photocatalyst for benzene oxidation. Employing hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant in a single‐step reaction, we achieved an impressive 47 % yield of phenol using Frag‐Fe at 12 hours, with negligible production of CO2 as a byproduct. This compelling outcome underscores the effectiveness of our alkaline synthesis approach in generating carbon nitride‐based photocatalysts with exceptional activity for C−H oxidation reactions. Our findings not only contribute to the advancement of carbon nitride‐based catalysis, but also hold significant promise for the development of more sustainable and efficient chemical processes in the future.

Sida mottle virus (SiMoV) and Sida micrantha mosaic virus (SiMMV) are major Brazilian begomoviruses (Geminiviridae). However, the range of DNA–A identity of isolates of these viruses (81–100%) is not in agreement with the current criteria for Begomovirus species demarcation (<91%). To clarify this putative classification problem, we performed a comprehensive set of molecular analyses with all 53 publicly available isolates (with complete DNA–A genomes) designated as either SiMoV or SiMMV (including novel isolates obtained herein from nationwide metagenomics-based studies). Two well-defined phylogenetic clusters were identified. The SiMMV complex (n = 47) comprises a wide range of strains (with a continuum variation of 88.8–100% identity) infecting members of five botanical families (Malvaceae, Solanaceae, Fabaceae, Oxalidaceae, and Passifloraceae). The SiMoV group now comprises eight isolates (90–100% identity) restricted to Malvaceae hosts, including one former reference SiMMV isolate (gb|NC_077711) and SP77 (gb|FN557522; erroneously named as “true SiMMV”). Iteron analyses of metagenomics-derived information allowed for the discovery of the missing DNA–B cognate of SiMoV (93.5% intergenic region identity), confirming its bipartite nature. Henceforth, the correct identification of SiMoV and SiMMV isolates will be a crucial element for effective classical and biotech resistance breeding of the viral host species.

Ultrathin fibers have been used to design functional nanostructured materials for technological and biomedical applications. Combining the use of renewable and compatible sources with the emerging alternative SBS (solution blow spinning) technique opens new opportunities for material applications. In this review, we introduce the benefits of SBS over the classical electrospinning technique by following studies that use collagen or gelatin. SBS offers distinct advantages over electrospinning in the preparation of ultrathin fibers based on natural proteins, including the absence of high-voltage sources and the possibility of using fewer toxic solvents. Notably, there is also the prospect of using SBS directly in injured tissues, opening new strategies for in situ structure assembly SBS is a suitable approach to produce fibers at the nanoscale that can be tailored to distinct diameters by blending or simply adjusting experimental conditions. The focus on producing collagen or gelatin fibers contributes to designing highly biocompatible mats with potential for promoting cellular growth and implantation, even though their applications can be found also in food packaging, energy, and the environment. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the topic is essential to evaluate the current strategies regarding these materials and allow for their expanded production and advanced applications.

Purpose This study aimed to assess the effects of a new high-value bioproduct from the King palm byproduct valorization on in vitro ruminal fermentation variables. Methods The bioproduct was developed through solid-state fermentation of King-palm’s shells supplemented with soybean meal and cassava bagasse, carried out by Lentinula edodes. Three in vitro experiments were performed to evaluate the in vitro gas production profiles (GP), enteric methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) production, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and ammonia–nitrogen (NH3-N), comparing the bioproduct with corn silage (Exp. 1), brachiaria hay, and sugarcane (in nature) (Exp. 2), and on the replacement of corn silage in beef cattle finishing diets (0%, 33%, 66%, and 100%) (Exp. 3). Results For Exp. 1 and 2, the first 24 h of total GP bioproduct had the lowest value compared to corn silage, brachiaria hay, and sugarcane, as well as for 48 h and 72 h. The in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), production of CH4 and CO2, and total VFA concentrations were lower for the bioproduct than corn silage, brachiaria hay, and sugarcane. Bioproduct concentrations (Exp. 3) did not affect total GP at 24 h and 48 h incubations, IVOMD, CH4, and CO2 production, pH, total VFA concentration, and NH3-N concentration. The NDF degradation rate decreased with the bioproduct inclusion concentrations. Conclusion This study highlighted a promising nutrient source and bioactive compound reservoir for cattle diets, demonstrating efficacy in vitro ruminal fermentation. This agro-industry and livestock sector integration could promote a circular bioeconomy, enhancing sustainability. Graphical Abstract

Recently, farmers in Brazil have observed a decline in efficacy of glyphosate, chlorimuron, and imazethapyr control of smooth pigweed ( Amaranthus hybridus L.). The objectives of this study were to quantify the resistance of Amaranthus in Brazil to glyphosate and acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides, elucidate the mechanism of resistance, and assess the frequency of sensitivity shifts to glyphosate and chlorimuron in Brazil. Dose–response assays were conducted in a greenhouse with glyphosate, chlorimuron, and imazethapyr. This was followed by sequencing of the EPSPS and ALS genes. Additionally , 740 Amaranthus populations across several Brazilian states were monitored over 4 yr, subjected to a single discriminatory dose of glyphosate and chlorimuron. The populations BR18Asp051 and BR21Asp205 were resistant to glyphosate, chlorimuron, and imazethapyr. The elevated resistance level to glyphosate in these populations is attributed to multiple amino acid substitutions (TAP-IVS) in the EPSPS gene; and cross-resistance to sulfonylureas and imidazolinones is conferred by the Trp-574-Leu substitution in the ALS gene in both populations. Overall, resistance distribution indicated that 88% of the sampled populations were considered sensitive to glyphosate, while 66% were sensitive to chlorimuron. Furthermore, 10% of the samples demonstrated multiple resistance to both active ingredients. A shift in glyphosate sensitivity was observed in four states in Brazil; however, sensitivity shifts to chlorimuron were more widely dispersed in Brazilian agricultural regions.

This review deals with the role of soil microorganisms on the availability of phosphorus (P) derived from its two predominant low-solubility soil sources: 1) fixed P via inner-sphere adsorption onto Fe oxides (e.g., goethite), and 2) structural P sequestered within Ca-phosphate minerals (e.g., hydroxyapatite). The processes addressed the exudation of organic acids, siderophores, and reduction reactions. Organic acids, notably citric acid, facilitate the liberation of inner-sphere bound P by mechanisms such as acidification. Hydroxyapatite solubility at pH 4.0 exceeds that at pH 6.0 by a factor of nearly 40,000. Siderophores form inner-sphere complexes with Fe oxides (siderophore-Fe3+), reducing the concentration of Fe in the soil solution. The organic acid/siderophore-Fe3+ complex favors the dissolution of Fe oxides by mitigating the soil’s electrical potential. Reduction reactions emerge as pivotal players in liberating inner sphere-bound P complexes. The presence of organic molecules capable of shuttling electrons from microorganisms to solid phase Fe minerals augments reduction conditions and influences Fe reduction kinetics. The environment that favors the synergistic interaction of these factors, leading to the enhanced release and increased P availability for plants, can be highlighted: i) the application of low-solubility phosphates (hydroxyapatite), along with the association and incorporation of animal and plant residues (organic matter) to soils, favors microbial growth and the release of organic acid. The organic matter and hydroxyapatite should be distributed across the land surface rather than being confined to the planting furrow and the incorporation of these products carried out by agricultural implements.; ii) the Brazilian agriculture occur mainly in oxidic soils (Oxisols with high contents of Fe and Al oxides). The applying of organic residues is also recommended in this production system to increase the microbial population, promote the release organic acid and siderophore, and reduce the soil’s redox potential. The major challenge is to solubilize the residual soil P from previous plant cultives and convert it into forms that are more readily available to plants (outer-sphere and soluble). In this context, the microbial mechanisms discussed in this review are of great significance.

The upcoming Landsat Next will provide more frequent land surface observations at higher spatial and spectral resolutions that will greatly benefit the agricultural sector. Early modeling of the upcoming Landsat Next products for soybean yield prediction is essential for long-term satellite monitoring strategies. In this context, this article evaluates the contribution of Landsat Next’s improved spectral resolution for soybean yield prediction under varying levels of water availability. Ground-based hyperspectral data collected over five cropping seasons at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation were resampled to Landsat Next spectral resolution. The spectral dataset (n = 384) was divided into calibration and external validation datasets and investigated using three strategies for soybean yield prediction: (1) using the reflectance from each spectral band; (2) using existing and new vegetation indices developed based on three general equations: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI-like), Band Ratio Vegetation Index (RVI-like), and Band Difference Vegetation Index (DVI-like), replacing the traditional spectral bands by all possible combinations between two bands for index calculation; and (3) using a partial least squares regression (PLSR) model composed of all Landsat Next spectral bands, in comparison to PLSR models using Landsat OLI and Sentienel-2 MSI bands. The results show the distribution of the new spectral bands over the most prominent changes in leaf reflectance due to water deficit, particularly in the visible and shortwave infrared spectrum. (1) Band 18 (centered at 1610 nm) had the highest correlation with yield (R² = 0.34). (2) A new vegetation index, called Normalized Difference Shortwave Vegetation Index (NDSWVI), is proposed and calculated from bands 19 and 20 (centered at 2028 and 2108 nm). NDSWVI showed the best performance (R² = 0.37) compared to traditional existing and new vegetation indices. (3) The PLSR model gave the best results (R² = 0.65), outperforming the Landsat OLI and Sentinel-2 MSI sensors. The improved spectral resolution of Landsat Next is expected to contribute to improved crop monitoring, especially for soybean crops in Brazil, increasing the sustainability of the production systems and strengthening food security in Brazil and globally.

Amazonian Dark Earths (ADEs) are fertile soils from the Amazon rainforest that harbor microorganisms with biotechnological potential. This study aimed to investigate the individual and potential synergistic effects of a 2% portion of ADEs and Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu roots (Brazil's most common grass species used for pastures) on soil microbial communities and overall soil attributes in degraded soil. We conducted a comprehensive plant succession experiment, utilizing next-generation sequencing for 16S rDNA metabarcoding, enzymatic activity assays, and soil chemical properties analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to understand better the microbial interactions within soil environments influenced by ADEs and U. brizantha roots, including differential abundance, diversity, and network analyses. Our findings reveal a complementary relationship between U. brizantha and ADEs, each contributing to distinct positive aspects of soil microbial communities and quality. The combined influence of U. brizantha roots and ADEs exhibited synergies that enhanced microbial diversity and enzyme activity. This balance supported plant growth and increased the general availability of beneficial bacteria in the soil, such as Chujaibacter and Curtobacterium , while reducing the presence of potentially pathogenic taxa. This research provided valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of plant-soil feedback, emphasizing the potential for complementary interactions between specific plant species and unique soil environments like ADEs. The findings highlight the potential for pasture ecological rehabilitation and underscore the benefits of integrating plant and soil management strategies to optimize soil characteristics.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity between genotypes based on the physical, chemical and physicochemical characteristics of araçá-boi in tropical conditions. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Roraima, in the municipality of Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil. Genotypes were obtained in the F1 generation, through open pollination. Twelve plants were evaluated, with 10 fruits being collected per plant. The physical and physicalchemical characteristics of the fruits were evaluated: fresh mass, length and diameter of the fruits, pulp yield, firmness, mass of the pulp, peel and seeds, number of seeds, soluble solids, tritratable acidity, pH, ratio SS/AT and vitamin C from fruits. The araçá-boi genotypes showed medium to high genetic variability, obtaining averages for the physical and physicalchemical characteristics higher than those observed in the literature. G genotypes A9, A10 and A6 adopted fruits with larger sizes and produced a greater number of fruits genotypes A1 obtained fruits with higher organoleptic quality. Genotypes A3 produced fruits with higher levels of Vitamin C and fruits with greater firmness. Genotypes A3, A6, A9 and A10 were promising with high agronomic potential and could be selected for the genetic improvement program of the species.

This article reports changes to virus taxonomy and taxon nomenclature that were approved and ratified by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) in April 2024. The entire ICTV membership was invited to vote on 203 taxonomic proposals that had been approved by the ICTV Executive Committee (EC) in July 2023 at the 55th EC meeting in Jena, Germany, or in the second EC vote in November 2023. All proposals were ratified by online vote. Taxonomic additions include one new phylum (Ambiviricota), one new class, nine new orders, three new suborders, 51 new families, 18 new subfamilies, 820 new genera, and 3547 new species (excluding taxa that have been abolished). Proposals to complete the process of species name replacement to the binomial (genus + species epithet) format were ratified. Currently, a total of 14,690 virus species have been established.

Biochar is an effective material for enhancing soil ecosystem services. However, the specific impacts of biochar on microbial indicators, particularly in degraded soils, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biochar produced from cashew residues and sewage sludge, in a highly degraded soil, on microbial indicators. We analyzed soil chemical composition and microbial biomass C and N, enzyme activity, and stoichiometry. Cashew biochar increased soil respiration, indicating a higher availability of C to microorganisms compared to sewage sludge biochar and a better adaptation of soil microbial communities to C-rich organic material obtained from a native plant. Although the biochar differentially impacted microbial biomass C, both significantly increased N in the microbial biomass. Arylsulphatase activity did not respond to biochar application, while β-glucosidase, urease, and phosphatases showed significant changes with biochar treatments. Importantly, stoichiometry and vector analysis revealed that both types of biochar increased P limitation for soil microbes. Conversely, both biochar alleviated C and N limitations for the soil microbes. Thus, biochar applications in highly degraded soils should be supplemented with external P sources to maintain soil functions, mainly for cashew residues. Our results provide evidence that biochar can restore soil biological properties and enhance the availability of C and N to microorganisms. These findings have significant implications for restoration practices in degraded lands of semiarid regions.

The aim of this study was to characterise the lignocellulosic fractions of pruning waste from tree species showing potential for furniture production in Acaraú, Ceará. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomised, split-plot design, with the plots corresponding to two water regimes (irrigated for one year and irrigated for three years) and the sub-plots to eight tree species, with three replications. The chemical attributes were determined after seven years. Except for the insoluble lignin content, there was a significant effect from the different species in terms of the chemical properties of the wood. The results for the lignocellulosic fractions show the possibility of developing technological ways of adding value to these waste products, especially considering their lignin content. The different species also showed potential for use in producing cellulose pulp, with the exception of Handroanthus impetiginosus due to its high ash content. The results of this study offer new perspectives for future research into the use of forestry waste. Key words: Chemical characterisation; Native; Exotic

Metal-polluted soils can pose a severe threat to the environment and need remediation. The work aimed at assessing the potential of jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis L.) and mucuna (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.) inoculated with rhizobial strains on the phytoremediation of soils contaminated by lead (Pb) smelting activities in Santo Amaro, Bahia state, the most severe case of Pb contamination in Brazil. Plants were grown in pots containing soils with three contamination levels for Pb, cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn) based on the distance from the chimney of the abandoned Pb smelter plant. The results showed that legumes and inoculated strains were tolerant to soil contamination. The BR 2811 strain is potentially indicated to increase jack bean biomass. The Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations in plants were highest when grown on the soil with the highest contamination level. We found significant interactions between strains and soil contamination levels for phytoextraction efficiency. However, the very high metal contents of the soil can make phytoextraction unfeasible due to the time required to bring the metals to regulatory concentrations. The Cd, Pb, and Zn net removal from soil was proportional to increased contamination levels. The legumes did not show potential for Pb phytoextraction, but they have the potential for Zn phytoextraction and Cd phytostabilization. The BR 2811, BR 3501, and BR 7606 strains were the most promising, increasing the phytoremediation potential of jack bean and mucuna.