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Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Phytopathogenic species pose a significant threat to global plant health, resulting in estimated annual economic losses exceeding USD (US Dollars) 68 billion in the... (Review)
Review
Phytopathogenic species pose a significant threat to global plant health, resulting in estimated annual economic losses exceeding USD (US Dollars) 68 billion in the agriculture and forestry sectors worldwide. To combat this pervasive menace effectively, a comprehensive understanding of the biology, ecology, and plant infection mechanisms of these pathogens is imperative. This comprehensive review critically examines various aspects of spp., including their intricate life cycle, their disease mechanisms, and the multifaceted environmental factors influencing their spread. Recent studies have quantified the economic impact of infections, revealing staggering yield losses ranging from 20% to 80% across various crops. In particular, oil palm plantations suffer devastating losses, with an estimated annual reduction in yield exceeding 50 million metric tons. Moreover, this review elucidates the dynamic interactions between and host plants, delineating the pathogen's colonization strategies and its elicitation of intricate plant defense responses. This comprehensive analysis underscores the imperative for adopting an integrated approach to disease management. By synergistically harnessing cultural practices, biological control, and chemical treatments and by deploying resistant plant varieties, substantial strides can be made in mitigating infestations. Furthermore, a collaborative effort involving scientists, breeders, and growers is paramount in the development and implementation of sustainable strategies against this pernicious plant pathogen. Through rigorous scientific inquiry and evidence-based practices, we can strive towards safeguarding global plant health and mitigating the dire economic consequences inflicted by infections.
PubMed: 38921400
DOI: 10.3390/jof10060414 -
Journal of Agricultural and Food... Jun 2024This review investigates coconut as a sustainable and nutrient-rich plant-based alternative to traditional animal-based food sources. We have explored the nutritional... (Review)
Review
This review investigates coconut as a sustainable and nutrient-rich plant-based alternative to traditional animal-based food sources. We have explored the nutritional profile, culinary versatility, particularly focusing on the use of coconut meat, milk, cream, and oil in diverse dietary contexts when consumed in balance. Comparative analysis with animal-derived products reveals the high content of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), essential vitamins, and minerals in coconut, contrasted with its lower protein content. Researchers have underscored the environmental sustainability of coconut, advocating for its role in eco-friendly food production chains. We have also addressed challenges like potential allergies, nutritional balance, sensory attributes, and consumer motivations for coconut-based products, in terms of understanding the market dynamics. In conclusion, this review positions coconut as a promising candidate within sustainable diet frameworks, advocating for further research to augment its nutritional value, sensory characteristics, and product stability, thereby facilitating its integration into health-conscious and eco-centric dietary practices.
PubMed: 38920018
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09838 -
G3 (Bethesda, Md.) Jun 2024Elaeis guineensis and E. oleifera are the two species of oil palm. E. guineensis is the most widely cultivated commercial species, and introgression of desirable traits...
Elaeis guineensis and E. oleifera are the two species of oil palm. E. guineensis is the most widely cultivated commercial species, and introgression of desirable traits from E. oleifera is ongoing. We report an improved E. guineensis genome assembly with substantially increased continuity and completeness, as well as the first chromosome-scale E. oleifera genome assembly. Each assembly was obtained by integration of long-read sequencing, proximity ligation sequencing, optical mapping and genetic mapping. High interspecific genome conservation is observed between the two species. The study provides the most extensive gene annotation to date, including 46,697 E. guineensis and 38,658 E. oleifera gene predictions. Analyses of repetitive element families further resolve the DNA repeat architecture of both genomes. Comparative genomic analyses identified experimentally validated small structural variants between the oil palm species and resolved the mechanism of chromosomal fusions responsible for the evolutionary descending dysploidy from 18 to 16 chromosomes.
PubMed: 38918881
DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae135 -
Nutrition Reviews Jun 2024Vitamin E, a well-known antioxidant with numerous positive effects on human health, encompasses tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF), a natural variant abundant in palm oil.
CONTEXT
Vitamin E, a well-known antioxidant with numerous positive effects on human health, encompasses tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF), a natural variant abundant in palm oil.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review analyzed findings from randomized controlled trials published until 2022 to evaluate the health impacts of palm TRF.
DATA SOURCES
A literature search was performed in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, OVID Medline, SCOPUS, and Web of Science from inception until December 2022. Thirty studies involving 2646 patients, including both healthy individuals and those with underlying conditions, were identified.
RESULTS
This review shows palm TRF to be a promising natural supplement against inflammation and lipid peroxidation and that can significantly enhance overall health. Additionally, the study underscores the necessity for further research to ascertain the optimal dosage, formulation, and duration of supplementation, maximizing the potential health advantages.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review provides evidence supporting the health benefits associated with palm TRF.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020204070.
PubMed: 38916919
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuae061 -
Preparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology Jun 2024This research performed cellulase production by A4112 and evaluated its potential use in palm oil mill effluent (POME) hydrolysis to recover oil simultaneously with the...
Cellulase production by A4112 and the potential use of the enzyme in cooperation with surfactant to enhance floating oil recovery and methane production from palm oil mill effluent.
This research performed cellulase production by A4112 and evaluated its potential use in palm oil mill effluent (POME) hydrolysis to recover oil simultaneously with the generation of fermentable sugar useful for biofuel production under non-sterilized conditions. Empty fruit bunch (EFB) without pretreatment was used as carbon source. The combination of nitrogen sources facilitated CMCase production. The maximum activity (3.27 U/mL) was obtained by 1.0 g/L peptone and 1.5 g/L (NH)SO and 20 g/L EFB at 40 °C for 7 days. High level of FPase activity (39.51 U/mL) was also obtained. Interestingly, the enzyme retained its cellulase activities more than 60% at ambient temperature over 15 days. In enzymatic hydrolysis, Triton X-100 was an effective surfactant to increase total oil recovery in the floating form. High yield of reducing sugar (50.13 g/L) and 21% (v/v) of floating oil was recoverable at 65 °C for 48 h. Methane content of the raw POME increased from 41.49 to 64.94% by using de-oiled POME hydrolysate which was higher than using the POME hydrolysate (59.82%). The results demonstrate the feasibility of the constructed process for oil recovery coupled with a subsequent step for methane yield enhancement in biogas production process that benefits the palm oil industry.
PubMed: 38909283
DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2024.2368627 -
Food Chemistry Jun 2024This study investigated the potential of a novel sustainable ingredient composed of rapeseed oil, linseed meal and beta-glucan (PALM-ALT) to mimic palm shortening...
This study investigated the potential of a novel sustainable ingredient composed of rapeseed oil, linseed meal and beta-glucan (PALM-ALT) to mimic palm shortening functionality in cake. The combined functional properties of linseed meal and beta-glucan led to stable semi-solid emulsion-gels (20-31 μm oil droplet size, 105-115 Pa.s viscosity and 60-65 Pa yield stress). PALM-ALT contained 25 and 88% less total and saturated fat than palm shortening, whilst PALM-ALT cakes contained 26 and 75% less total and saturated fat than the palm-based control. PALM-ALT cakes matched the flavour profile of the palm-based control, while rapeseed oil cakes tasted more sour and less sweet than the control (p < 0.05). PALM-ALT cakes proved less hard and more cohesive than the control (p < 0.05), with 100% of the consumer panel preferring PALM-ALT formulations. This study demonstrated the unique potential of PALM-ALT as healthier, sustainable and competitive alternative to palm shortening.
PubMed: 38901335
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140134 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024AP2/ERF transcription factor genes play an important role in regulating the responses of plants to various abiotic stresses, such as cold, drought, high salinity, and...
AP2/ERF transcription factor genes play an important role in regulating the responses of plants to various abiotic stresses, such as cold, drought, high salinity, and high temperature. However, less is known about the function of oil palm AP2/ERF genes. We previously obtained 172 AP2/ERF genes of oil palm and found that the expression of was significantly up-regulated under salinity, cold, or drought stress conditions. In the present study, the sequence characterization and expression analysis for were conducted, showing that it was transiently over-expressed in L. The results indicated that transgenic tobacco plants over-expressing could have a stronger tolerance to salinity stress than wild-type tobacco plants. Compared with wild-type plants, the over-expression lines showed a significantly higher germination rate, better plant growth, and less chlorophyll damage. In addition, the improved salinity tolerance of transgenic plants was mainly attributed to higher antioxidant enzyme activities, increased proline and soluble sugar content, reduced HO production, and lower MDA accumulation. Furthermore, several stress-related marker genes, including , , , , , , and , were significantly up-regulated in transgenic tobacco plants subjected to salinity stress. Overall, over-expression of the gene significantly enhanced salinity stress tolerance in transgenic tobacco plants. This study lays a foundation for further exploration of the regulatory mechanism of the gene in conferring salinity tolerance in oil palm.
Topics: Nicotiana; Plants, Genetically Modified; Plant Proteins; Salt Tolerance; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Salt Stress; Stress, Physiological; Arecaceae; Germination
PubMed: 38891808
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115621 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024This study focused on strains isolated from fermented palm sap in southern Thailand that exhibit potential probiotic characteristics, including antibiotic...
This study focused on strains isolated from fermented palm sap in southern Thailand that exhibit potential probiotic characteristics, including antibiotic susceptibility, resistance to gastrointestinal stresses, and antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. However, a thorough investigation of the whole genome sequences of isolates is required to ensure their safety and probiotic properties for human applications. This study aimed to sequence the genome of isolated from fermented palm sap, to assess its safety profile, and to conduct a comprehensive comparative genomic analysis with other species. The genome sizes of the seven strains ranged from 3,070,747 bp to 3,131,129 bp, with a GC content between 46.11% and 46.17% supporting their classification as nomadic lactobacilli. In addition, the minimal presence of cloud genes and a significant number of core genes suggest a high degree of relatedness among the strains. Meanwhile, phylogenetic analysis of core genes revealed that the strains possessed distinct genes and were grouped into two distinct clades. Genomic analysis revealed key genes associated with probiotic functions, such as those involved in gastrointestinal, oxidative stress resistance, vitamin synthesis, and biofilm disruption. This study is consistent with previous studies that used whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics to assess the safety and potential benefits of probiotics in various food fermentation processes. Our findings provide valuable insights into the potential use of seven strains isolated from fermented palm sap as probiotic and postbiotic candidates in functional foods and pharmaceuticals.
PubMed: 38891001
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111773 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Palm oil has a bad reputation due to the exploitation of farmers and the destruction of endangered animal habitats. Therefore, many consumers wish to avoid the use of...
Palm oil has a bad reputation due to the exploitation of farmers and the destruction of endangered animal habitats. Therefore, many consumers wish to avoid the use of palm oil. Decorative sugar contains a small amount of palm oil to prevent the sugar from melting on hot bakery products. High-oleic sunflower oil used as a substitute for palm oil was analyzed in this study via multispectral imaging and an electronic nose, two methods suitable for potential large-batch analysis of sugar/oil coatings. Multispectral imaging is a nondestructive method for comparing the wavelength reflections of the surface of a sample. Reference samples enabled the estimation of the quality of unknown samples, which were confirmed via acid value measurements. Additionally, for quality determination, volatile compounds from decorative sugars were measured with an electronic nose. Both applications provide comparable data that provide information about the quality of decorative sugars.
PubMed: 38890921
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111693 -
Journal of Applied Genetics Jun 2024Water-Soluble Palm Fruit Extract (WSPFE) has been shown to confer anti-diabetic effects in the Nile rat (NR) (Arvicanthis niloticus). Liquid and powder WSPFE both...
Water-Soluble Palm Fruit Extract (WSPFE) has been shown to confer anti-diabetic effects in the Nile rat (NR) (Arvicanthis niloticus). Liquid and powder WSPFE both deterred diabetes onset in NRs fed a high-carbohydrate (hiCHO) diet, but the liquid form provided better protection. In this study, NRs were fed either a hiCHO diet or the same diet added with liquid or powder WSPFE. Following feeding of the diets for 8 weeks, random blood glucose levels were measured to categorize NRs as either diabetes-resistant or diabetes-susceptible, based on a cut-off value of 75 mg/dL. Livers were then obtained for Illumina HiSeq 4000 paired end RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) and the data were mapped to the reference genome. Consistent with physiological and biochemical parameters, the gene expression data obtained indicated that WSPFE was associated with protection against diabetes. Among hepatic genes upregulated by WSPFE versus controls, were genes related to insulin-like growth factor binding protein, leptin receptor, and processes of hepatic metabolism maintenance, while those downregulated were related to antigen binding, immunoglobulin receptor, inflammation- and cancer-related processes. WSPFE supplementation thus helped inhibit diabetes progression in NRs by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing both the inflammatory effects of a hiCHO diet and the related DNA-damage compensatory mechanisms contributing to liver disease progression. In addition, the genetic permissiveness of susceptible NRs to develop diabetes was potentially associated with dysregulated compensatory mechanisms involving insulin signaling and oxidative stress over time. Further studies on other NR organs associated with diabetes and its complications are warranted.
PubMed: 38890243
DOI: 10.1007/s13353-024-00880-1