Article
Plant Sciences
Ieva Urbanaviciute, Luca Bonfiglioli, Mario A. A. Pagnotta
Summary: Soil salinity is a serious threat to food production. This study evaluated the root system of six durum wheat genotypes under control and salt conditions. Phenotypic and genotypic analyses revealed that root angle is not a good indicator of salt tolerance, but root quantity is more important.
Article
Plant Sciences
Khaled Salhi, Hichem Hajlaoui, Abdelmajid Krouma
Summary: Tunisian genotypes of durum wheat showed genotype-dependent responses to calcareous-induced iron deficiency. Salim and Karim showed relative tolerance with higher iron uptake and translocation capacity, which supported chlorophyll biosynthesis, photosynthesis, and plant growth.
Article
Microbiology
Imen Ghazala, Nour Chiab, Mohamed Najib Saidi, Radhia Gargouri-Bouzid
Summary: Soil salinity negatively affects plant growth and production. A plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), identified as the I4 strain of Bacillus mojavensis, was isolated from Tunisian soil and showed the ability to tolerate high NaCl concentrations. Inoculating wheat plants with the I4 strain improved their growth, preserved membrane integrity, and enhanced their stress adaptation. These findings suggest that the use of PGPB as biofertilizers can help enhance wheat growth in saline soil and contribute to food security in challenging global conditions.
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Tesfaye Geleta Aga, Fetien Abay Abera, Kebebew Assefa Abebe, Tesfaye Balemi Tufa, Bekele Geleta Abeyo, Negash Geleta Ayana
Summary: Breeding for nitrogen use efficiency is crucial for improving agricultural sustainability. Evaluating 200 durum wheat genotypes in Ethiopia revealed significant genetic variation and traits for optimum and low nitrogen environments. Selection and hybridization methods can be employed to enhance yield and adaptation to nitrogen stress conditions.
COGENT FOOD & AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Salim Ltaief, Abdelmajid Krouma
Summary: In Tunisia's arid and semi-arid lands, drought stress is the most critical factor limiting agricultural production due to low and irregular precipitation. The scarcity of underground water for irrigation and climate change have further intensified and expanded the aridity. Exploring genotypic variability to identify tolerant genotypes and useful tolerance traits is an efficient and sustainable approach to mitigate drought stress.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michele Denora, Mariana Amato, Gennaro Brunetti, Francesco De Mastro, Michele Perniola
Summary: The current social context emphasizes the need for increased food production, improved quality, and sustainable agricultural systems. Technological innovation, such as precision farming and variable rate techniques, can contribute to achieving these goals. This study incorporated soil property maps into nitrogen balance calculations for variable rate nitrogen fertilization of durum wheat. The results showed that variable rate techniques reduced nitrogen fertilizer use by 25%, while maintaining the same level of yield. Additionally, the crop response to variable rate application showed higher grain protein content and improved nitrogen use efficiency, indicating lower environmental impact and higher economic profitability.
Article
Plant Sciences
Stefania Marzario, Rita Sica, Francesca Taranto, Fabio Fania, Salvatore Esposito, Pasquale De Vita, Tania Gioia, Giuseppina Logozzo
Summary: This study analyzed 123 durum wheat accessions to understand the genetic evolution and provide detailed information about agro-morphological-quality traits of different groups. By comparing the differences in traits and heritability among different environments, this study can help to better manage and utilize the genetic diversity of durum wheat.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Clara Duffner, Susanne Kublik, Barbel Fosel, Asa Frostegard, Michael Schloter, Lars Bakken, Stefanie Schulz
Summary: Stimulating litho-autotrophic denitrification with hydrogen is a promising strategy to remove excess NO3-, but it often leads to the accumulation of cytotoxic intermediate NO2- and greenhouse gas N2O. This study investigated if the genomic composition, gene transcription regulation, or kinetics of reductases contribute to the high concentrations of NO2- and N2O. The findings suggest that the kinetics of reductases and the expression of N2O reductase play a role in the accumulation of NO2- and N2O during denitrification.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Said Khourchi, Wissal Elhaissoufi, Ammar Ibnyasser, Meryem Haddine, Rachid Ghani, Youssef Zeroual, Pierre Delaplace, Adnane Bargaz
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a PSB consortium (PSBCs) on wheat growth, P use efficiency (PUE), and yield parameters under PolyP (PolyB) application. The results showed that the co-application of PolyB-PSBCs significantly enhanced wheat growth, PUE, root traits, and spike number. Therefore, the co-application of PolyP-PSBCs can be considered as an integrated and environmentally preferred approach for P fertilization.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Thomas Vatter, Adrian Gracia-Romero, Shawn Carlisle Kefauver, Maria Teresa Nieto-Taladriz, Nieves Aparicio, Jose Luis Araus
Summary: This study uses multispectral data acquired by a UAV-mounted camera and analyzes it with machine learning models to successfully predict grain yield and quality traits. The results demonstrate the high potential of this method in improving grain quality and optimizing resource allocation.
Article
Microbiology
Hanseob Shin, Yeonghyeon Kim, Shahbaz Raza, Tatsuya Unno, Song-Hee Ryu, Hor-Gil Hur
Summary: WWTPs are both a sink and a source of antibiotic resistance, with MDR bacteria and core ARGs concentrated in specific genera during the treatment process. The diversity and abundance of ARB and ARGs are reduced but not completely removed, indicating a potential source for the spreading of antibiotic resistome.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Tessa E. Reid, Vanessa N. Kavamura, Maider Abadie, Adriana Torres-Ballesteros, Mark Pawlett, Ian M. Clark, Jim Harris, Tim H. Mauchline
Summary: The research investigated the impact of inorganic chemical fertilizer application on rhizobacterial diversity in wheat, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and predictive metagenomics. The results showed that fertilization reduced the abundance of potential plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, suggesting the need for more targeted biofertilization strategies.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Soumia Benchelali, Nadjat Benkherbache, Mohamed Mefti, Domenico Ronga, Nasreddine Louahdi, Mario Russo, Nicola Pecchioni
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of nitrogen fertilization on durum wheat cultivation in Algeria under rainfed semiarid conditions, finding that nitrogen levels significantly influenced nitrogen uptake and utilization efficiency, economic returns, and yield. In the North African environment, nitrogen had a greater impact on quality than on yield, and modern genotypes showed better tolerance to different nitrogen levels and water shortages.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Larry M. York, Marcus Griffiths, Tai McClellan Maaz
Summary: Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) is a measure of the ratio between crop yield and soil nutrient availability, but it often overlooks the impact of plant traits. Recent research has shown that integrating different plant traits can improve NUE. This includes measuring root nutrient uptake rates and respiration, engineering reductions in photorespiration, and identifying nutrient assimilation pathways. To improve synchrony between plant demand and soil nutrient supply in agricultural systems, it is important to consider plant traits, including crop mixtures. Simulation modeling and multi-objective optimization can further enhance NUE gains beyond selecting based on a single ratio.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Pavel Travnicek, Zuzana Chumova, Eliska Zaveska, Johana Hanzlickova, Lucie Kupkova (Jankolova), Jaromir Kucera, Eliska Gburova Stubnova, Ludmila Rejlova, Terezie Mandakova, Jan Ponert
Summary: Knowledge of population variation across species' ranges is crucial for understanding evolutionary history, taxonomy, and conservation strategies. In this study, the genus Neotinea was examined using various biosystematic methods, revealing four major lineages with distinct phenotypic variations. Relationships within the genus were identified, highlighting the importance of considering both morphological and phylogenetic data when delineating cryptic taxa among orchids.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Antonio Bevilacqua, Barbara Speranza, Leonardo Petruzzi, Milena Sinigaglia, Maria Rosaria Corbo
Summary: This research assessed the effects of different acids and pH values on A. acidoterrestris and found that ascorbic acid was the most effective compound. Activated spores showed the highest sensitivity to acids, indicating that acids may act during the outgrowing phase. The two strains exhibited different resistance at pH 3.0.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Raquel Munoz, Antonio Bevilacqua, Maria Soledad Perez, Maria Arevalo-Villena
Summary: Microwave has been used in the food industry as an alternative or enhancement to traditional techniques. Its potential use in Enology, specifically for the inactivation of microorganisms and maceration treatments, is still unclear. This study focuses on the application of microwave on different microorganisms to evaluate their behavior under various conditions. The results showed that microwaves affect microorganisms differently, with yeasts being less resistant than L. plantarum. Some cases showed inactivation after treatment, but ODmax values after 96 hours were closer to the controls, indicating the restoration of microorganism growth. In a few cases, the treatments improved the kinetic parameters.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Clelia Altieri, Barbara Speranza, Maria Rosaria Corbo, Milena Sinigaglia, Antonio Bevilacqua
Summary: Many scientific studies have found a significant link between human intestinal microbiota, eating habits, and the development of chronic-degenerative diseases. The composition and function of microbiota can affect chronic inflammatory mechanisms. This paper focuses on the changes in the gut microbiota of MS patients, its implications for health and disease, and the variables that influence it. It also discusses the role of microbiota in modulating immune responses in both the intestine and the brain, as well as the potential of microbiota modulation as a therapeutic approach for MS. Additionally, a case study evaluates the significance of gastrointestinal pains indirectly related to dysbiosis and the willingness of MS patients to use probiotics to modulate gut microbiota.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Antonio Bevilacqua, Orazio Palmieri, Antonio Derossi, Maria Rosaria Corbo, Milena Sinigaglia, Carla Severini, Carmela Lamacchia
Summary: Celiac Disease (CD) is a clinical, nutritional, and social issue that can only be relieved by a strict gluten-free diet. CD is always associated with a dysbiosis of gut microbiota. The Gluten FriendlyTM technology (GF), a temperature-based treatment of wheat seeds, has been developed to reduce the immunogenicity of gluten.
Article
Agronomy
Michele Andrea De Santis, Daniela Campaniello, Damiana Tozzi, Luigia Giuzio, Maria Rosaria Corbo, Antonio Bevilacqua, Milena Sinigaglia, Zina Flagella
Summary: Peanut is a widely cultivated crop with potential adaptability to the Mediterranean area, but limited cultivation in Europe. In a two-year field trial, the Virginia-type genotype showed better adaptability to irrigation and biofertilization. The inoculated treatment led to the highest agricultural crop water productivity, with implications for sustainability. The expression of storage proteins in peanuts varied with water supply.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Antonio Bevilacqua, Alessandro De Santis, Gaetano Sollazzo, Barbara Speranza, Angela Racioppo, Milena Sinigaglia, Maria Rosaria Corbo
Summary: Risk assessment is a crucial step in the food production path, ensuring the safety of the processing chain. This paper contributes to understanding the process and importance of risk assessment, providing information on its structure, tools for identification and measurement, and communication. Case studies on lettuce, chicken salad, and fresh egg pasta were conducted, along with a comparison of different pathogens' risk for chicken salad. Finally, a critical evaluation of Risk Ranger was performed.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Davide Gottardi, Gabriella Siesto, Antonio Bevilacqua, Francesca Patrignani, Daniela Campaniello, Barbara Speranza, Rosalba Lanciotti, Angela Capece, Patrizia Romano
Summary: This study aimed to validate the fermentative behavior of seven wild S. cerevisiae strains and evaluate their impact on the aromatic profiles of resulting wines. Through pilot-scale fermentation trials, the strains were evaluated for their microbiological, chemical, and volatile aroma performance. The results showed significant differences among the strains in terms of aroma production, with high-producing and low-producing strains found in each class of compounds. These findings provide insight into selecting strains that can impart desired sensory features to the wines.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Barbara Speranza, Antonio Bevilacqua, Daniela Campaniello, Clelia Altieri, Maria Rosaria Corbo, Milena Sinigaglia
Summary: Thymol and carvacrol, important components of Essential oils (EOs), were evaluated for their bioactivity against various microorganisms. The study found a common MIC range (150-400 mg/L) for some bacterial species, with exceptions to this trend. Different bacterial species exhibited either homogeneous or heterogeneous trends, depending on sub-species or experimental conditions. The study also highlighted the need for resolving issues such as microbial variability and lack of standard protocols and reference strains for effective use of EOs.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hayrunisa Icen, Maria Rosaria Corbo, Milena Sinigaglia, Burcu Irem Omurtag Korkmaz, Antonio Bevilacqua
Summary: This paper provides an overview of the microbiota, nutritional composition, and antimicrobial effects of kombucha. The microbiota of kombucha includes acetic acid bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts. Kombucha is suggested to have the status of a post-biotic with probiotic properties.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Antonio Bevilacqua, Milena Sinigaglia, Leonardo Petruzzi, Barbara Speranza, Daniela Campaniello, Angela Racioppo, Clelia Altieri, Maria Rosaria Corbo
Summary: This study examines the effects of different acids on A. acidoterrestris, revealing that weak acids may have antimicrobial effects on the microorganism. The type of acid, pH, and acid concentration are identified as potential factors influencing the acid resistance of A. acidoterrestris.
Review
Microbiology
Barbara Speranza, Angela Guerrieri, Angela Racioppo, Antonio Bevilacqua, Daniela Campaniello, Maria Rosaria Corbo
Summary: Modern society is increasingly concerned about the use of antibiotics and chemical compounds in food production, leading to a demand for foods without artificial and harmful chemicals. Improper use of antibiotics has contributed to the rise of antibiotic resistance. As a result, scientific research has focused on natural remedies, such as aromatic plants and their essential oils, as potential alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. This review summarizes the latest research on sage and lavender essential oils, highlighting their chemical composition, biological properties, and potential use in food and pharmaceutical industries.
MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)