Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yibo Dong, Ping Li, Chao Chen
Summary: Lysine succinylation is a common post-translational modification that plays important roles in regulating protein structure and function, as well as cellular metabolism. A recent study investigated the effects of lysine succinylation on the growth, development, and physiology of paper mulberry. The results suggested that lysine-succinylated proteins may play key regulatory roles in metabolism, particularly in photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jiana Lin, Bingnan Zhang, Jintuo Zou, Zhen Luo, Hao Yang, Peng Zhou, Xiaoyang Chen, Wei Zhou
Summary: This study investigated the induction effect of colchicine on tetraploid Broussonetia papyrifera. Results showed that the best induction effect was achieved when the leaves of B. papyrifera were treated in liquid MS medium containing 450 mgL-1 colchicine for 3 days. The tetraploid B. papyrifera exhibited larger ground diameter, stomata, and leaf cell structures, as well as higher chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rates compared to its diploid counterpart.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yibo Dong, Chao Chen
Summary: Lysine crotonylation is a reversible posttranslational modification involved in various biological processes, especially metabolism regulation. Through comprehensive analysis of lysine crotonylation in paper mulberry, this study provides evidence that lysine crotonylation is involved in diverse biological processes and contributes to the understanding of the common mechanism of metabolic regulation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mi Hyeon Park, Sunin Jung, Heung Joo Yuk, Hyun-Jae Jang, Won Jun Kim, Doo-Young Kim, GyuTae Lim, Jinhyuk Lee, Sei-Ryang Oh, Su Ui Lee, Hyung Won Ryu
Summary: This study used competitive and slow binding experiments with affinity-based ultrafiltration UPLC-QTof-MS analysis to identify potent bacterial neuraminidase inhibitors from Broussonetia papyrifera roots extract. Thirteen flavonoids were isolated and tested for inhibitory activities against bNA, showing slow and time-dependent reversible inhibition for some compounds, noncompetitive inhibition characteristics for chalcones, and mixed-type behavior for flavonols and flavans. Computational results supported experimental behaviors of certain flavonoids, indicating competitive binding despite mixed-type inhibition.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dominique Serrani, Stefania Cocco, Valeria Cardelli, Paride D'Ottavio, Rogerio Borguete Alves Rafael, Domingos Feniasse, Alcidio Vilanculos, Maria Luisa Fernandez-Marcos, Chiara Giosue, Francesca Tittarelli, Giuseppe Corti
Summary: Slash and burn is a widely used land use practice, but its sustainability has been questioned due to soil degradation. This study investigated rural areas in Mozambique to assess soil quality in agricultural and forest soils at different ages of the forest-fallow period.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Mengxin Li, Qiang Yu, Jinyi Xu, Hong Sun, Qiming Cheng, Yixiao Xie, Chunmei Wang, Ping Li, Chao Chen, Yulong Zheng
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different organic acid additives and their concentrations on the fermentation quality and bacterial community of paper mulberry silage. The results showed that adding different organic acids can improve the quality of paper mulberry silage and alter its microbial community.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wen-Tao Sun, Yuan Huang, Chang-Rong Wu, Chao Peng, Yu-Long Zheng, Chao Chen, Jun Hao
Summary: This study investigated the effects of two lactic acid bacteria strains from Southwest China on the fermentation characteristics and in vitro gas production of paper mulberry silage. The results showed that the addition of lactic acid bacteria significantly decreased the pH value of the silage and effectively preserved the crude protein content. The lactic acid content in the silage increased, and the in vitro gas production was improved. However, no significant changes were observed in the levels of fiber and ash content. Furthermore, the addition of lactic acid bacteria reduced the microbial diversity and increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the silage.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Qifan Wang, Jun Shen, Bin Zeng, Huiyu Wang
Summary: This study focused on identifying odorant compounds in paper mulberry and exploring the influence of moisture content on VOCs and odor emissions. Aromatic compounds and aldehydes ketones were found to be the main odorant compounds in heartwood and sapwood. As moisture content decreased, TVOC and total odor intensity generally decreased, with a greater effect on VOC release when the moisture content decreased from 70 to 50% and from fiber saturation point to air saturation point.
WOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Hirofumi Kajino, Kaoru Kitajima
Summary: This study focused on Broussonetia papyrifera and found that leaf Si accumulation rate is influenced by both shoot growth and light availability, with significant variations among different shoots. Leaf age and microenvironment were identified as factors affecting the within-species variations in leaf Si concentration of this moderate Si accumulator.
JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Zhaohai Wu, Chunyu Liang, Rongcai Huang, Jialiang Ouyang, Liansheng Zhao, Dengpan Bu
Summary: Replacing alfalfa hay with paper mulberry in the diet of low lactating dairy cows did not significantly affect dry matter intake and milk yield, but it did improve their antioxidative capacity. However, caution should be exercised in adding paper mulberry to the diet due to its potential adverse effects on digestibility and milk yield in dairy cows.
ANIMAL FEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ping Sheng, Li He, Shaoshi Ji, Jiangli Huang, Zhihong Zhang, Dongsheng Wang, Jianping Liu, Huaqi Zhang
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of Broussonetia papyrifera as a roughage substitute in Hu ram lambs, finding that supplementing 60% of roughage feed with B. papyrifera resulted in higher weight gain and daily gain, as well as improved carcass weight. The inclusion of B. papyrifera also led to lower saturated fatty acids and higher monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the meat, as well as enhanced immune response in terms of immunoglobulins IgG, IgA, and IgM.
ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Daojie Li, Gangqin Shu, Hui Wang, Yuan Xu, Jannati Adni, Yunhua Zhang, Jennifer W. MacAdam, Juan J. Villalba, Xin Dai, Lijuan Chen
Summary: The study found that mixing alfalfa with paper mulberry leaves can increase degradable dry matter and organic matter content, reduce gas production, and increase the production of short-chain fatty acids.
ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ly Thi Huong Nguyen
Summary: This narrative review summarizes the chemical composition, biological activities, and applications of paper mulberry in cosmetics. Paper mulberry contains various components with pharmacological properties, such as flavonoids and phenols. In addition to its skin-lightening effects, paper mulberry exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial activities, and more. It is widely used in cosmetics for skin lightening and moisturizing, and shows potential for hair care products.
Article
Anthropology
Barbara Thais Ferreira de Alencar Mendes, Marcos Roberto Pinheiro, Eduardo Hortal Pereira Barretto, Andre Mateus Barreiros, Sheila Aparecida Correia Furquim, Fernando Nadal Junqueira Villela
Summary: This study aims to investigate the potential effects of slash-and-burn agriculture on soils and vegetation. The results suggest that this practice does not significantly damage the soil structure and chemical properties, while vegetation is expected to recover in the long term. Therefore, it is recommended that land legislation should protect the livelihoods of agricultural communities.
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Aminou Arouna, Jeffrey D. Michler, Wilfried G. Yergo, Kazuki Saito
Summary: Research shows that providing personalized fertilizer management advice to farmers through digital technology can effectively increase yields and profits without the need to increase the total amount of fertilizer used.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tomislav Hengl, Matthew A. E. Miller, Josip Krizan, Keith D. Shepherd, Andrew Sila, Milan Kilibarda, Ognjen Antonijevic, Luka Glusica, Achim Dobermann, Stephan M. Haefele, Steve P. McGrath, Gifty E. Acquah, Jamie Collinson, Leandro Parente, Mohammadreza Sheykhmousa, Kazuki Saito, Jean-Martial Johnson, Jordan Chamberlin, Francis B. T. Silatsa, Martin Yemefack, John Wendt, Robert A. MacMillan, Ichsani Wheeler, Jonathan Crouch
Summary: Detailed soil property maps of the African continent have been successfully produced at a 30-meter resolution using a comprehensive dataset of soil samples and Earth Observation data. Machine learning techniques were employed for predicting soil nutrients, with varying levels of accuracy. Sentinel-2 and Landsat satellite data were identified as important covariates for predicting soil information.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Aminou Arouna, Krishna Prasad Devkota, Wilfried Gnipabo Yergo, Kazuki Saito, Benedicta Nsiah Frimpong, Patrice Ygue Adegbola, Meougbe Ernest Depieu, Dorothy Malaa Kenyi, Germaine Ibro, Amadou Abdoulaye Fall, Sani Usman
Summary: Benchmarking and monitoring of rice production performance indicators are crucial for improving rice production self-sufficiency, increasing profitability, reducing labor requirements, and optimizing fertilizer inputs, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study quantified five sustainability performance indicators across 12 countries in the region, revealing gaps in yield, profit, and labor productivity, with positive correlations to nitrogen and phosphorus application rates, but not use efficiencies. The study emphasizes the urgent need for precision nutrient management practices to enhance rice performance indicators in both rainfed and low-yielding irrigated lowlands.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Kazuki Saito, Johan Six, Shota Komatsu, Sieglinde Snapp, Todd Rosenstock, Aminou Arouna, Steven Cole, Godfrey Taulya, Bernard Vanlauwe
Summary: Meeting future global staple crop demand requires continual productivity improvement. Simple but robust key performance indicators (KPIs) are needed to standardize knowledge across crops and geographies.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Kalimuthu Senthilkumar, Fitta Silas Sillo, Jonne Rodenburg, Christian Dimkpa, Kazuki Saito, Ibnou Dieng, Prem S. Bindraban
Summary: The study demonstrates that applying micronutrients along with NPK can significantly increase rice yields in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in environments without drought stress. Foliar application is effective only under moist conditions across different rice growing environments.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Koichi Futakuchi, Kalimuthu Senthilkumar, Aminou Arouna, Elke Vandamme, Mandiaye Diagne, Dule Zhao, Baboucarr Manneh, Kazuki Saito
Summary: Genetic improvement in rice has been a key focus in sub-Saharan Africa, with efforts to develop varieties adapted to the region's diverse production systems resulting in the release of numerous new rice varieties. While NERICA varieties are well-known, recent assessments show potential for further yield improvement with the introduction of upland indica materials from Asia. Adoption studies indicate that older varieties still dominate in many SSA countries, particularly in irrigated and rainfed lowland systems where Asian varieties are still prevalent.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Jean-Martial Johnson, Andrew Sila, Kalimuthu Senthilkumar, Keith D. Shepherd, Kazuki Saito
Summary: The determination of nutrient concentrations in plants is crucial for crop management and environmental sustainability. In this study, NIR-MIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed promising accuracy in predicting a variety of macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations in rice plants. Variations in nutrient concentrations in rice plants were influenced by agro-ecological zones and production systems.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Elliott Ronald Dossou-Yovo, Kazuki Saito
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of safe alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation on rice yield, water productivity, weed biomass, and grain quality. The results showed significant variations in weed biomass, rice yield, and water productivity in AWD fields, with higher rice yield and water productivity compared to continuous flooding and farmers' practice.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Pauline Chivenge, Kazuki Saito, Michelle Anne Bunquin, Sheetal Sharma, Achim Dobermann
Summary: Plant nutrition is crucial in addressing global challenges such as producing enough and nutritious food, reducing rural poverty, and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. Site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) offers field-specific solutions for smallholder farmers, leading to increased productivity and sustainability benefits. Studies show that SSNM can significantly increase grain yield and profitability while reducing nitrogen fertilizer use and pollution, making it a promising approach for improving agriculture worldwide.
GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY-AGRICULTURE POLICY ECONOMICS AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Antoine Brosseau, Kazuki Saito, Pepijn A. J. van Oort, Mandiaye Diagne, Diego Valbuena, Jeroen C. J. Groot
Summary: This study explores the trade-offs and synergies of farming systems in response to innovative rice cultivation activities by analyzing current farming systems, main drivers impacting farm management, and farmers' perspectives on rice intensification. The results show that government programs and farmers' unions strongly influence farmers' decision-making in agricultural production, with a trend towards investing in vegetable production rather than increasing or maintaining rice double cropping. The modeling outcomes highlight the importance of aligning government priorities with farmers' objectives and constraints in order to ensure national food security in the Senegal River Valley.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Hidetoshi Asai, Kazuki Saito, Kensuke Kawamura
Summary: This study conducted a meta-analysis using a Bayesian approach to quantitatively assess the impact of mineral fertilizer application on upland rice yield in SSA. Results showed that precipitation, N fertilizer application rate, and soil type were key factors influencing the yield gain with fertilizer application (YG). High clay soils exhibited higher YG than low clay soils, and greater precipitation improved YG with high credibility.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shen Yuan, Bruce A. Linquist, Lloyd T. Wilson, Kenneth G. Cassman, Alexander M. Stuart, Valerien Pede, Berta Miro, Kazuki Saito, Nurwulan Agustiani, Vina Eka Aristya, Leonardus Y. Krisnadi, Alencar Junior Zanon, Alexandre Bryan Heinemann, Gonzalo Carracelas, Nataraja Subash, Pothula S. Brahmanand, Tao Li, Shaobing Peng, Patricio Grassini
Summary: Most rice cropping systems have potential for increasing yield and resource-use efficiency, with a focus on specific systems offering the greatest opportunities for improvement. This study highlights the importance of prioritizing national and global agricultural R&D investments in order to increase rice production and reduce negative environmental impacts.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
K. Saito, K. Senthilkumar, E. R. Dossou-Yovo, I. Ali, J-m. Johnson, G. Mujawamariya, J. Rodenburg
Summary: Rice production in sub-Saharan Africa has increased significantly since 1961, but consumption has exceeded production, leading to a low self-sufficiency rate of 48% in 2020. The main challenges in rice production include low yield in rainfed environments, which are affected by climate extremes and suboptimal management practices. Various technologies have been developed to alleviate these constraints, but further research is needed to develop locally adapted solutions for sustainable intensification and increased resilience to climate change.
PLANT PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Development Studies
Aminou Arouna, Irene Akoko Fatognon, Kazuki Saito, Koichi Futakuchi
Summary: The study found that the contribution of CARD to paddy rice production in 2018 was 10.2 million tons, equivalent to 74% of the target. However, the yield growth rate was not sustainable in almost two-thirds of countries, emphasizing the need for sustainable investments in demand-pull factors to achieve rice self-sufficiency in SSA.
WORLD DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES
(2021)
Article
Development Studies
Esperance Zossou, Kazuki Saito, Alidou Assouma-Imorou, Kokou Ahouanton, Bitrus Dawi Tarfa
Summary: Scaling RiceAdvice requires improved access to financial and input supply services through partnerships, identifying and testing business models where RiceAdvice can be used, and a dissemination approach where female service providers reach female farmers.
DEVELOPMENT IN PRACTICE
(2021)