Filters
The Effect of Organic and Conventional Cultivation Systems on the Profile of Volatile Organic Compounds in Winter Wheat Grain, Including Susceptibility to Fusarium Head Blight
The grain of 30 winter wheat cultivars differing in terms of their resistance to FHB (Fusarium head blight) was tested. The cultivars were grown in four variants of field trials established in a split-plot design: control without fungicides, chemical control of FHB with fungicides after Fusarium inoculation, Fusarium head inoculation, and organic cultivation. The profile of volatile compounds in grain samples was determined by mean headspace–solid phase microextraction and analyzed by gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectroscopy. The identified volatile profile comprised 146 compounds belonging to 14 chemical groups. The lowest abundance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was found for the organic cultivation variant. The performed discriminant analysis facilitated the complete separation of grain for individual experimental variants based on the number of VOCs decreasing from 116 through 62, 37 down to 14. The grain from organic farming was characterized by a significantly different VOCs profile than the grain from the other variants of the experiment. The compounds 1-methylcycloheptanol, 2-heptanone, 2(3H)-furanone, and 5-hexyldihydro-2(3H)-furanone showed statistically significant differences between all four experimental variants.
Impact of Various Essential Oils on the Development of Pathogens of the Fusarium Genus and on Health and Germination Parameters of Winter Wheat and Maize
Currently, researchers are looking for ways to replace synthetic pesticides with substances of natural origin. Essential oils are produced by plants, among other things, to protect against pathogens, which is why there is interest in their use as fungicides. This experiment assessed the composition of essential oils from a commercial source, their impact on the development of mycelium of pathogens of the Fusarium genus, and the possibility of using them as a pre-sowing treatment. Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) were inoculated with a suspension of mycelium and spores of fungi of the Fusarium genus and then soaked in solutions containing oils of sage (Salvia officinalis L.), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). The obtained results indicate that thyme essential oil had the strongest effect on limiting the development of Fusarium pathogens and seedling infection, but at the same time it had an adverse effect on the level of germination and seedling development of the tested plants. The remaining essential oils influenced the mentioned parameters to varying degrees. Selected essential oils can be an alternative to synthetic fungicides, but they must be selected appropriately.
The Contribution of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Alcoholic Beverages on the Sensory, Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Characteristics—In Vitro and In Silico Approaches
Food producers have focused on novel and attractive raw materials with functional properties. Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits contain numerous compounds that may be beneficial for health. Objective: This study aimed to compare and assess the physicochemical properties and amygdalin levels in brandy and liquor prepared from frozen cornelian cherry fruits. Density functional theory-based B3LYP functionals were used to analyze the spectral and optical properties of amygdalin. The contents of the compounds and volatile products of amygdalin decay were found in two spirituose beverages of Cornus mas, using HPLC and GC-MS. Significant differences in their physicochemical properties were detected between the samples. Alcoholic beverages based on cornelian cherry fruits were rich in a wide range of functional ingredients with a low concentration of amygdalin. In silico analysis showed that orbital density diffusion has a major effect on the physical properties of amygdalin, while differences between the polarities of water and ethanol had no noticeable effect on the spectral properties of the compound. Cornelian cherry-based alcoholic drinks might be interesting functional products with rich aromatic bouquets. The amygdalin concentration is low enough to pose no toxicological threat, but rather shapes the tastory bouquet of the products. Levels of amygdalin may be controlled using the same analytical methods for solutions with different ethanol–water ratios.
Activated Carbon from Coconut Shells as a Modifier of Urea–Formaldehyde Resin in Particleboard Production
Various methods for the effective modification of urea–formaldehyde (UF) adhesives, aimed at enhancing the performance of wood-based materials, have been continually explored worldwide. The aim of this work was to investigate and evaluate the effect of introducing small amounts (0.25–1.5%) of activated carbon from coconut shells (ACCS) in UF adhesive on the properties of particleboard. The performed investigations of the adhesive mixture’s properties showed an increase in both viscosity and reactivity. Moreover, the use of loadings of 0.75% and 1% had a positive effect on mechanical properties such as bending strength, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond. In these variants, a delay in the degradation of the adhesive bonds by water was also observed, as indicated by the lower thickness swelling values measured after 2 h. However, under long-term exposure to water, the modification had no considerable effect on the dimensional stability of the boards. Markedly, the addition of 1 and 1.5% of ACCS resulted in a reduction in formaldehyde content, which can be attributed to the excellent adsorption capacity of activated carbon. Overall, a loading of 1% was found to be optimal, resulting in improved strength, enhanced water resistance, and reduced formaldehyde content.
The Use of Selected Essential Oils as an Alternative Method of Controlling Pathogenic Fungi, Weeds and Insects on Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.)
The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has led researchers to explore alternative methods for controlling plant diseases and pests. Among these alternatives, essential oils (EOs) derived from various plant species have gained significant attention due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, which can be utilized in plant protection. Essential oils are volatile compounds that possess strong aromatic characteristics and are found in many medicinal and aromatic plants. They are known for their antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities, making them viable candidates for eco-friendly pest and disease management strategies. In this research, six essential oils—pine, patchouli, geranium, spruce, coriander, and eucalyptus oil—have been tested in vitro for controlling mycelium growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria brassicicola, and Cylindrosporium concentricum. The study also covers experiments in controlling pollen beetle and cabbage seed weevil (laboratory trials). In greenhouse conditions, the phytotoxicity of EOs to oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and the effect of these substances on the control of cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) were also tested. The results obtained indicate a large diversity of different essential oils in terms of their action on pathogens, pests, weeds, and winter rapeseed. Differences in their effectiveness were also found, depending on the applied dose.
New Insights into Bioactive Compounds of Wild-Growing Medicinal Plants
Plants contain bioactive substances and secondary metabolites that have a variety of functions, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. In this study, the content of bioactive compounds in five medicinal plants was determined, i.e., Plantago major L., Armoracia rusticana, Hypericum perforatum L., Rumex acetosa L., and Urtica dioica L., from 38 locations. Additionally, the antimicrobial effect of extracts of bioactive compounds from the above-mentioned plants was checked. The experiment used an original method of extracting bioactive compounds. Purpose of the research: the assessment of antimicrobial activity and chemical characterization of extracts obtained using our own method of isolating bioactive compounds from green parts of medical plants in Poland. Based on the research, the presence of bioactive compounds, i.e., phenolic acids and flavonoids, was found in the tested plant extracts. The results of this study suggest that the geographic parameters of the locations where these plants grow have different effects on their biochemical composition and biological activity. The results showed that all tested plants had significant antibacterial activities. Rumex acetose L. showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis. These studies supplement the existing literature on the subject with information about the antimicrobial properties of the tested plant extracts that can be used in herbal medicine. The results have significant implications for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic sectors, establishing a foundation for future research in this area.
Physical and biochemical characteristics of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) eggs based on shell color
Abstract Ten percent of the world’s total edible eggs come from Japanese quail. The popularity of quail eggs is attributed to their high yolk content and hypoallergenic properties. This study aimed to analyze the physical characteristics and selected biochemical parameters of Japanese quail eggs based on shell color (dotted - D group, spotted - S group, and hazy - H group). The heaviest and most elongated eggs were found in the group H. The yolk index was significantly higher in dotted eggs, which also exhibited the highest lysozyme content and activity. The thickest shell (p≤0.05) with the lowest elasticity was observed in hazy eggs. However, no differences were found between eggshell colors concerning their breaking strength. The highest Ca content in the shell was found in the spotted group (S), while hazy eggs exhibited the lowest (p≤0.05) Ca and Mg content, despite having the thickest shells. Hazy eggs were also characterized by the highest crude protein content and the smallest proportion of crude fat and ash. The dotted eggs had the highest (p≤0.05) proportions of C16:1 and C18:2 fatty acids and a higher PUFA content (p≤0.05). Nutritionally, the dotted eggs performed best in terms of fatty acid profile and were also characterized by higher Mg, Ca, Cu, Mn, K, and Na content compared to the other groups. In summary, dotted eggs may be more appealing to consumers due to their advantageous physical and biochemical characteristics.
The Effect of Mineral Fertilization on the Content of Bioactive Compounds in Hemp Seeds and Oil
The popularity of hemp cultivation for industrial purposes has been steadily growing for many years. With the addition of products derived from these plants to the Novel Food Catalogue, maintained by the European Commission, a significant increase in interest in hemp food is also expected. The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics of hempseed, oil, and oil cake samples produced from experimental plots grown in different conditions. The research was conducted on the Henola variety, one of the newest and most popular varieties of hemp, recently bred for grain and oil. The content of bioactive compounds in grain and oil has been subjected to detailed chemical analyses in order to determine the effect of fertilization, the method of plant cultivation, and processing conditions on their quantity. The test results and the statistical analysis carried out showed a significant impact of the tested factors on the content of some of the tested bioactive compounds. The obtained results will help in the development of an effective method of cultivation for this hemp variety in order to maximize the content of the desired bioactive compounds per unit of cultivation area.
Diverse approaches to insect control: utilizing Brassica carinata (A.) braun and Camelina sativa (L.) crantz oil as modern bioinsecticides
The forest environment is exposed to a number of harmful factors that significantly reduce the resistance of forest stands, often leading to their extinction. In addition to abiotic and anthropogenic factors, biotic factors pose a significant threat to forests, among which insect pests are at the top of the list. Until now, the use of chemical insecticides has been considered the most effective method of pest control, resulting in pesticide residue in the environment. In an effort to minimize the harmful effects of insecticides, the European Union (EU), through EU Commission Implementing Regulations 2022/94, 2021/2081, 2021/795, and 2020/1643, has decided to withdraw from use a number of preparations containing compounds such as phosmet, indoxacarb, alpha-cypermethrin, and imidacloprid, among others. Botanical insecticides appear to be a promising alternative. Among them, plant oils and essential oils have become an innovative solution for controlling pests not only of forests but also of agricultural crops. The purpose of this literature review was to select oilseed plants with great biological potential. The rich chemical compositions of the seeds of Brassica carinata (A.) Braun and Camelina sativa (L.) Cranz predispose them to use as raw materials for the production of biopesticides with broad mechanisms of action. On the one hand, the oil will provide a physical action of covering pests feeding on a plant with a thin film, which will consequently lead to a reduction in gas exchange processes. On the other hand, the bioactive compounds in it or extracts of fat-insoluble compounds suspended in it and derived from the pomace fraction may have deterrent or lethal effects. This paper presents evidence of the potential action of these raw materials. Preparations based on these oils will not pose a threat to living beings and will not negatively affect the environment, thus allowing them to gain social acceptance.
Antimicrobial Activities Evaluation and Phytochemical Screening of Some Selected Plant Materials Used in Traditional Medicine
Plant extracts are a source of valuable ingredients that can be used in many industries. This paper presents research on the content of selected bioactive compounds in extracts obtained from various plant materials. Raw materials have a documented use in traditional medicine not only in Poland. The tested plants were: bitter melon (fruit), elderberry (flowers, fruit, leaves), wild rose (fruit, flesh, seeds), mountain ash (fruit), guelder rose (fruit), and sea buckthorn (fruit, leaves, pomace). The main goal of these tests is to indicate the potential raw materials that may constitute an alternative source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity. The plant material was tested for the content of bioactive antioxidant compounds and possible antimicrobial activity. The content of polyphenols (phenolic acids and flavonoids) was analyzed using UPLC/PDA, sterols, organic acids, and other bioactive compounds. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined. The total free phenolic acids (TPC) and total free flavonoids (TFC) of all plant raw materials was varied and ranged from 0.21 (mg RUTE/1 g of extract) to 38.30 mg RUTE/1 g of extract) for TFC. The concentration of sterols was, on average, about 10 mg/1 g of extract. The value of approx. 20 mg/1 g of the extract was recorded for bitter melon and beach rose. The content of organic acids was about 1.5 mg/1 g of the extract to even 13 mg/1 g of the extract for sea buckthorn berries. The most sensitive to the extracts’ activity were the following bacteria: M. luteus, P. mirabilis, P. fragii, S. enteritidis, and E. coli. The tested plant materials can be used in various industries as a source of bioactive compounds of an antibacterial nature.
Assessment of the Antioxidative Properties of Extracts from the Fruits of Pyrus pyraster (L.) Burgsd and Pyrus ×myloslavensis Czarna & Antkowiak Grown under Natural Environmental Conditions
Analyses were conducted on extracts from the fruits of P. pyraster and P. ×myloslavensis. Extraction with 80% methanol was performed at room temperature. The total phenolic content was determined by spectrophotometry using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, with gallic acid as the reference standard. Phenolic compounds and organic acids were identified on a liquid chromatograph. The antioxidative activity of the extracts was tested in relation to linoleic acid incubation of the emulsions for 19 h based on the neutralization of the DPPH radical (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and the ABTS cation radical (2,2′-azino-bis[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]) as well as by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The analyses showed that the extract from P. pyraster fruits is characterized by a higher content of phenolic compounds and a higher antioxidative potential compared with that from P. ×myloslavensis. In extracts of both pear species, seven phenolic compounds and four organic acids were identified. The total fiber content in pears of P. pyraster and P. ×myloslavensis was determined at 36.45 g and 24.74 g/100 g d.m. of the pear fruits, of which most comprised the insoluble fraction (32.49 g and 20.86/100 g, respectively). The results of the conducted research are highly significant, as they confirm that pears contain many valuable nutrients and biologically active compounds, including antioxidants and dietary fiber. Adding pear extracts to food products may offer a way to boost their health benefits while also broadening the variety of items that have appealing sensory characteristics. Moreover, research has shown that fruit extracts can help to prolong the shelf life of food products by safeguarding them against lipid oxidation and the decline in their nutritional value.
Profile of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of organically and conventionally grown black-grain barley genotypes treated with biostimulant
Beneficial dietary and pro-health values, have resulted in the increasing consumption importance of barley. Therefore, genotypes and cultivation methods are sought that guarantee high functional value of grain. The aim of the study was to assess the content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, chlorophylls, anthocyanidins, phytomelanin and antioxidant activity of grain of three barley genotypes depending on agricultural technology. Two of them are primary genotypes with dark grain pigmentation Hordeum vulgare L. var nigricans and H. vulgare L. var. rimpaui, the third is a modern cultivar ’Soldo’ H. vulgare with yellow grain, which is the control sample. Evaluated the effect of foliar application of a amino-acids biostimulant on the functional properties of grain under the conditions of organically and conventionally cultivations. The results indicated a higher antioxidant activity and the concentration of phenolic acids, flavonoids and phytomelanin in the black-grain genotypes. Organic cultivation and application of amino acids had increased the content of phenolic compounds in grain. The antioxidant activity was correlated with the content of syringic acid, naringenin, quercetin, luteolin and phytomelanin. Organically cultivation and the foliar application of an amino acid biostimulant improved the functional properties of barley grain, in particular the original, black-grained genotypes.
Biochemical Properties of Bioactive Compounds in the Oil from Polish Varieties of Camelina sativa Cultivated in 2019–2022
AbstractCold‐pressed Camelina oil is a traditional oil registered as a traditional food in Poland. Camelina oil has health‐promoting properties and high oxidative stability. This may be due to the presence of various bioactive antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids, sterols and polyphenols. Bioactive compounds content in Camelina oil depends mainly on the varieties and on the conditions under which the crop was grown therefore the aim of the research was to analyse antioxidant bioactive compounds in oil from different cultivars of Camelina sativa seeds and to determine their relationship with oil parameters.
Determination of chemical markers affecting the occurrence of Panolis flammea Den. & Shiff.
AbstractThe research conducted so far on the chemical mechanisms of trees' defence against foliophages has not uncovered the chemical compounds biosynthesized by plants that are essential for these mechanisms. The objective of this study was to identify a chemical indicator for the presence of the pine beauty moth in Pinus sylvestris stands. Fresh needled shoots were collected from the crowns of pine trees in stands where the pine beauty moth tends to occur in large numbers, as well as from control stands. Total phenolic contents, total flavonoids contents, total chlorophyll content, terpene compounds, phenolic compound concentration, LMWOAs, sugar content, and colour analysis were conducted. Chlorophyll content, the presence of Panolis flammea in forest stands, and the colour of pine needles were discovered to be related. Variable L* correlated positively with the concentrations of chlorophyll a and b. In pine needles that were not attacked by the pine beauty moth, significantly higher concentrations of 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, salicylic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, quercitin, and rutin were found, with the first compound having the most significant effect (4‐hydroxybenzoic acid). Based on the study results, the connected compounds in pine needles make them susceptible to insect attack. In addition, insect repellent programmes were mentioned.
Fungal Biotransformation of Hazardous Organic Compounds in Wood Waste
A diverse spectrum of organisms, such as fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes, can degrade and transform organic matter, including wood, into valuable nutrients. A sustainable economy has the goal of efficiently using waste as raw materials, and in this optic, it uses biological preparations more and more often, supporting the decomposition of lignocellulosic waste. With reference to wood wastes, which are produced in a substantial amount by the forest and wood industry, one of the possibilities to biodegrade such lignocellulosic material is the composting process. In particular, microbiological inoculum containing dedicated fungi can contribute to the biodegradation of wood waste, as well as the biotransformation of substances from the protection of wood, such as pentachlorophenol (PCP), lindane (hexachlorobenzene) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The purpose of this research was to produce a literature review in terms of the selection of decay fungi that could potentially be used in toxic biotransformation unions. The findings of the literature review highlighted how fungi such as Bjerkandera adusta, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and Trametes versicolor might be ingredients of biological consortia that can be effectively applied in composting wood waste containing substances such as pentachlorophenol, lindane, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Ground lemon and stevia leaves as renewable functional fillers with antioxidant activity for high-density polyethylene composites
AbstractThe development of new sustainable material solutions in the processing of thermoplastic polymers concerns both the application of biopolymers and the use of valorized plant derivatives as fillers and modifiers of petrochemical polymers. Herein, the possibility of using unprocessed raw parts of two commonly used in the food industry leaves, i.e., lemon (LL) and stevia (ST), as active and functional fillers for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been verified. The series of composites containing 1, 2, and 5 wt% of ground leaves produced in the melt-mixing process were analyzed for thermal properties (DSC and TGA), and the antioxidant potential of the fillers was evaluated. Verifying the active effect of the ground leaves on the resistance to oxidation in the molten state was carried out by oxygen induction time (OIT by DSC) analysis and oscillatory rheology under steady-state shear conditions combined with spectroscopic (FTIR) carbonyl index (CI) analysis. Studies have shown that the introduction of 5 wt% of both types of leaves allows for a significant increase in the melt oxidation resistance (above 2 times longer OIT concerning HDPE, ~ 35 min) of composites without substantial changes in their crystalline structure and thermal stability. Determined after the long-term rheological measurements in an oxidative atmosphere CI showed 70 and 82% lower values for 5 wt% LL and ST composites compared to unmodified polyethylene. Graphical abstract
