Agriculture and Natural Resources

Identification of Lasiodiplodia species causing brown leaf spot disease of cassava in Ghana

Muntala Abdulai — 2026-04-10

Importance of the work: This research connected Lasiodiplodia species to brown leaf spot
(BLS) disease of cassava in Ghana, since there is a lack of published data regarding Lasiodiplodia
theobromae (Pat.) Griffon & Maubl., Lasiodiplodia mediterranea Linald., Deidda & Berraf-Tebbal
and Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae A.J.L. Phillips, A. Alves & Crous, as causative agents of BLS
disease in cassava in Ghana.
Objectives: To isolate, identify and describe the fungal pathogens that cause cassava BLS in Ghana.
Materials and Methods: Diseased cassava leaves with BLS symptoms were collected from farms
in five communities, selected from Sunyani Municipality, Sunyani West Municipality and Dormaa
East District, Ghana. Morphological (conidial size and shape, colony diameter, colony growth rate)
characterization was applied in identifying Lasiodiplodia spp. to the genus level, while a multi-locus
study of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and β-tubulin (TUB2) regions was used to identify these
pathogens to the species level.
Results: The fungal pathogens L. theobromae, L. mediterranea and L. pseudotheobromae were
identified morphologically and molecularly using their ITS and TUB2 sequences. Together, these three
isolates produced the characteristic BLS symptoms that were seen in farmers’ fields. Conidia widths
were not significantly different, except for the Nsoa community (5.477 µm). The conidia lengths of
the Asua (35.05µm), Asuo (73.90 µm), Kyere (46.20 µm), Nsoa (37.43 µm) and Wam (48.78 µm)
communities were not significantly different, while the D.A (38.22 µm), K.B (36.45 µm), Yaw (27.67 µm)
and Akon (39.38 µm) communities were significantly different from Asuo (73.90 µm). For both the
colony diameter and average mycelial growth rate, all communities were community were significantly
(p < 0.001) different, except for Nsoa (21.1mm, 2.7 mm/day). Pathogenicity testing on healthy plants
produced similar symptoms, validating Koch’s postulates.
Main finding: The present study was the first of its kind implicating L. theobromae, L. mediterranea
and L. pseudotheobromae as causal agents of BLS on cassava in Ghana.

Identification of Lasiodiplodia species causing brown leaf spot disease of cassava in Ghana

Muntala Abdulai — 2026-04-10

Field investigation of Aedes vectors during dengue outbreak in Araceli, Palawan, the Philippines

Jessie Castañeda Braganza Jr. — 2026-04-10

Importance of work: In mid-2023, the municipality of Araceli in Palawan, the Philippines,
experienced a major dengue outbreak, prompting an urgent field entomological investigation.
Objective: To determine the density, distribution and breeding habitats of Aedes mosquito
vectors in the two most affected barangays (the smallest administrative divisions in the
Philippines) of Poblacion and Dagman to inform evidence-based control strategies.
Materials and Methods: In total, 279 structures were surveyed, followed by the collection
of both immature and adult mosquitoes in the two barangays in Araceli. These samples were
identified morphologically per container and per house. In addition, all female Aedes vectors
collected were tested for dengue virus detection based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: In total, 3,439 mosquito specimens were collected, comprising larvae (74.41%), pupae
(12.88%) and adults (12.71%). Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse,
1894) were the predominant species identified. Key breeding containers were mainly outdoor
artificial water storage items such as pails, drums and discarded items. The entomological
indices—House Index (HI), Container Index (CI), Breteau Index (BI), Pupal Index (PI),
Pupae per Person Index (PPI) and Adult House Index (AHI)—all exceeded national and World
Health Organization threshold values, confirming high dengue transmission risk. Two-sample
proportion tests revealed no significant differences in larval indices between households with
and without dengue history (all p > 0.05); however, lower AHI (p = 0.041) and PPI (p = 0.006)
values in the case-history households suggested post-intervention suppression.
Main findings: Although no dengue virus was detected in adult mosquitoes based on PCR
analysis, the sustained presence of vectors suggested ongoing transmission potential. These
f
indings underscore the importance of integrating larval, pupal and adult surveillance, insecticide
resistance monitoring and community engagement into local vector control programs.

Modeling nutrient stress in paddy rice: Calibration practicalities, data needs and performance trade-offs for AquaCrop and Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer models

Nontida Plengwuttikrai — 2026-04-10

Importance of the work: Often, the application of crop simulation models for nutrient
management in paddy rice is constrained by the need for demanding calibration and
intensive data requirements.
Objectives: To compare the calibration methods, data requirements and performance
of the AquaCrop and Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT)
models in simulating the effects of nitrogen on RD43 rice.
Materials and Methods: A pot experiment was conducted using two planting methods
(wet direct sowing and transplanting) and three nitrogen levels: recommended (N1),
approximately one-half-recommended (N2) and zero-application (N3). Data from this
experiment were used to assess model performance in simulating biomass, yield and crop
evapotranspiration for RD43 rice.
Results: Nitrogen availability was a key determinant of observed biomass and yield,
with yields diminishing as the N application was reduced from N1 to N3. Although both
models simulated yield accurately under high fertility (N1), their predictions diverged as
fertility declined. Under moderate (N2) and severe (N3) stress, AquaCrop substantially
overestimated yield due to calibration limitations. Conversely, DSSAT produced
a more graduated response across the N gradient but was more demanding to calibrate.
Both models consistently underestimated total crop evapotranspiration.
Main finding: AquaCrop was suitable for general assessment, yet its simplicity
constrained precision under severe nutrient deficiency. DSSAT produced a more
graduated response at the cost of a more demanding calibration, revealing the necessity to
refine paddy-specific biogeochemistry representations in models.

Astaxanthin-enriched shrimp shell oil as natural preservative in Notopterus chitala fish balls

Duy Tan Nguyen — 2026-04-10

Importance of the work: Shrimp oil enriched with astaxanthin, derived from black tiger shrimp
(Penaeus monodon Fabricius, 1798) shells, possesses strong antioxidant and antimicrobial
properties. Its application as a natural preservative could enhance the quality and shelf life of
f
ish-based products, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic additives.
Objectives: To evaluate the effects of astaxanthin-rich shrimp oil on antioxidant and antimicrobial
activities, as well as its influence on the physicochemical, textural, sensory and microbiological
properties of Notopterus chitala (Hamilton, 1822) fish balls during refrigerated storage.
Materials and Methods: Shrimp oil was extracted from shrimp shells and analyzed for astaxanthin
content and antioxidant activity (IC50
). The oil was incorporated into fish ball formulations at
concentrations of 0–3.5%. Physicochemical parameters (pH, peroxide value, TBARS, sulfhydryl
content), texture (gel strength, water-holding capacity), color, sensory attributes and microbial
stability (total viable count) were monitored over 12 days of chilled storage.
Results: The shrimp oil contained 142 µg/g astaxanthin and demonstrated strong radical
scavenging activity (half maximal inhibitory concentration = 25.12 µg/mL) and antimicrobial
activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Incorporation at 2.0–2.5% improved the gel strength,
water-holding capacity and sensory acceptability. During storage, 2.5–3.5% supplementation
effectively reduced pH decline, lipid and protein oxidation and microbial growth, showing
preservative effects comparable to the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene.
Main finding: Astaxanthin-enriched shrimp oil, effectively enhanced the oxidative stability,
inhibited microbial growth and maintained the physicochemical, textural and sensory qualities of
N. chitala fish balls during refrigerated storage. At optimal incorporation levels, the preservative
performance of the astaxanthin-enriched shrimp oil was comparable to that of synthetic
antioxidants, highlighting its potential as a natural and sustainable alternative for seafood
preservation.

Deep sequencing reveals genetic identity of pepper yellow leaf curl Thailand virus from pepper and whiteflies from Chiang Mai, Thailand

Amisa Laprom — 2026-04-10

Importance of the work: The production of pepper (Capsicum spp.) in Thailand is affected
greatly by viral diseases, particularly those caused by begomoviruses. Transmitted by the
whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius, 1889), these viruses cause severe symptoms, including
yellow leaf curl and considerable yield losses. Understanding the diversity and distribution
of begomoviruses is essential for developing effective disease management strategies.
Objectives: To identify and characterize begomoviruses associated with yellow leaf curl
disease in pepper plants from Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand and to
assess their genetic relationships to known isolates in Thailand.
Materials and Methods: Symptomatic pepper leaves and viruliferous whiteflies were
collected from the field. Viral DNA was extracted, enriched using rolling circle amplification
and analyzed using Illumina HiSeq next-generation sequencing. De novo genome assembly
and sequence comparisons were conducted to identify Begomovirus components and to
assess genetic variation.
Results: Components (two full-length DNA-A and one DNA-B) were recovered from both
plant and whitefly samples. The DNA-A sequences showed 98.0–99.3% identity to Pepper
yellow leaf curl Thailand virus (PepYLCTHV) isolate SNS-CM5, while DNA-B shared
96.0% identity with isolates WF-SPN-Pep2015 and TMK-KR8. Minor sequence variation
was observed in AC1 and AC4 genes. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the Chiang Dao
isolates formed a distinct clade within the PepYLCTHV group.
Main finding: PepYLCTHV is the predominant Begomovirus associated with yellow
leaf curl disease in pepper in northern Thailand and the Chiang Dao isolates represent
a genetically consistent but regionally distinct cluster, emphasizing the need for localized
surveillance in viral disease management.

Evaluation of mycorrhizal application in overcoming soil water limitations in cocoa seedlings

Sakiroh — 2026-04-10

Importance of the work: Mycorrhiza could play a major role in overcoming soil water
limitations that restrict crop growth.
Objectives: To evaluate the impact of mycorrhizal application on enhancing cocoa
seedling resilience to water limitations in the soil.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted using a split-plot design based
on a randomized block design. The main plot had two soil moisture levels: 100% and 50%
f
ield capacity. The sub-plots were applications of different mycorrhizae: M0, CM, CGK1,
CGK2, CGK3, CGK4, CGK5, CS1, CS2, ACS1, ACS2, ACS3 and RCS.
Results: The 12 mycorrhizae evaluated had different responses to soil moisture levels.
The soil moisture level at 50% field capacity in the control treatment significantly
reduced the nitrogen uptake, seedling height, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight
of cocoa seedlings; however, it did not cause drought stress. These four variables served
as indicators for evaluating mycorrhizal applications in managing soil moisture levels at
50% field capacity. Consistently, the mycorrhizae CGK3, ACS3 and RCS exhibited similar
performance at both 50% and 100% field capacity across these four indicator variables.
Main finding: The identification of three mycorrhizae, CGK3, ACS3 and RCS, could
enhance the diversity of mycorrhizae that help cocoa seedlings overcome soil water
limitations.

Influence of shading on growth, physiological responses and yield of field-grown Habanero chili (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

Juan Carlos Díaz-Pérez — 2026-04-10

Importance of the work: Research on habanero (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) chili production and
physiology remain limited, despite their economic and culinary relevance.
Objectives: To assess the effects of shade levels on the plant growth, fruit yield, and chemical
composition of habanero.
Materials and Methods: A two-season field experiment was conducted using five shade levels [0%
(unshaded), 30%, 47%, 63%, 80%] and two cultivars (‘Kukulkan’ and ‘Kabal’). The experiment
was conducted using a randomized complete block design with 4 replications and 10 treatments,
comprising 5 shade levels and 2 cultivars. Response variables were environmental factors, plant
height and stem diameter, leaf pigment content, fruit yield, postharvest water loss and fruit soluble
solids, total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, and capsaicin concentration.
Results: Shade-grown plants were taller and had thinner stems relative to unshaded plants.
Shading decreased root-zone and canopy temperatures, lowered evaporative demand and reduced
plant water use. Total and marketable yields under 30% and 47% shade were comparable to those
under unshaded conditions; however, yields declined significantly at 63% and 80% shade levels.
While the number of fruits decreased with increasing shade, the individual fruit weight increased.
Kukulkan consistently produced higher total and marketable yields than Kabal. Shading reduced
fruit soluble solids, total phenols and antioxidant capacity; however, it did not affect capsaicinoid
or carotenoid contents, the incidence of fruit sunscald or blossom-end rot or the postharvest rate of
fruit water loss.
Main finding: Shading did not increase fruit yields compared to unshaded conditions. However,
moderate shading (30% and 47%) did increase individual fruit weight and reduce crop water use.
Therefore, moderate shading may be a viable strategy to mitigate environmental challenges without
compromising habanero fruit yield or quality.

Qualitative characteristics of carcass, meat and subcutaneous fat of commercial heavy pigs raised indoors and outdoors

Castro Ndong Ncogo Nchama — 2026-04-10

Importance of the work: Usually, heavy commercial pigs are raised indoors,
with limited information available on the meat and fat characteristics in such animals
reared outdoors.
Objectives: To examine how the farming system (FS; outdoors versus indoors)
and sex affect the carcass, meat and lard characteristics in heavy commercial pigs.
Materials and Methods: In total, 24 animals, 10 barrows and 14 gilts (Italian Duroc ×
TalentTopigs crossed with Landrace × Large White) were reared in two sex-balanced FS
groups under a factorial experimental design (with FS and sex as fixed factors). The pigs
were slaughtered when they had reached the standard hot carcass weight for heavy-pig
production. Meat characteristics were assessed in the longissimus lumborum muscle and
the lard was analyzed for its proximate and fatty acid (FA) profile.
Results: Rearing pigs outdoors resulted in slower growth than those raised indoors,
with a lower percentage of lean carcass mass (48.8% versus 51.1%, respectively;
p = 0.05) and a redder meat (3.66 versus 2.19, respectively; p < 0.01) which tended to be
tougher (35.9 N versus. 31.2 N, respectively; p = 0.06), due to the lower soluble collagen
content (34.0% versus 43.5%, respectively; p = 0.03). However, the lard of the outdoors
pigs had a lower saturated FA content than for the indoor-raised pigs (41.13% versus
42.43%, respectively; p = 0.04). Gilts had loins and lard with higher polyunsaturated FA
contents than the barrows (20.51% versus 19.11%, respectively; p = 0.01).
Main finding: Both sex and FS impacted the nutritional and technological characteristics
of carcass, meat and lard of the pigs. Outdoor farming improved the lard nutritional
quality but produced firmer, darker meat and a lower carcass yield. The lard analysis
provided insights for developing niche markets, underlining the importance of the
production method in meat and fat quality.

Genetic variations in somatostatin gene and their association with body weight and morphometric traits in two sheep breeds

Thamer R.S. Aljubouri — 2026-04-10

Importance of Work: Somatostatin (SST) is a peptide hormone that regulates growth,
metabolism and reproduction in sheep. Given the pronounced growth differences between
the Awassi and Karakul breeds, investigating SST-related genetic variation may help explain
these disparities.
Objectives: To identify polymorphisms in the SST gene and to evaluate their potential
association with growth performance in Awassi and Karakul sheep.
Materials and Methods: In total, 175 sheep were evaluated, comprising 100 Awassi and
75 Karakul. Various growth trait indices were monitored in five successive time intervals,
from birth to age 12 mth. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction–single
strand conformation polymorphism analysis, followed by electrophoretic identification of
genotypes. The detected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were confirmed based on
Sanger sequencing. Genotype-phenotype associations were analyzed using a linear mixed
model to account for repeated measures and the fixed effects of genotype, breed, sex and season.
Results: No polymorphism was detected in exon 2, whereas a novel silent SNP (154G>A;
p.Q36=) was identified in exon 1. While no significant genotype differences were observed
at birth for any measured traits, the 154G>A SNP showed significant associations
(p < 0.01) with body weight, body length, and rump and wither heights from age 3 mth
onward. Animals with the AA genotype had higher values for these traits than those with the
GA and GG genotypes. In addition, the GA and AA genotypes occurred at higher frequencies
in Karakul lambs than in Awassi lambs. The 154G>A SNP may serve as a potential marker
for growth selection; however, the present findings, based on a moderate sample size and
polygenic traits, require validation in larger and independent sheep populations.
Main Findings: The identified 154G>A SNP in the SST gene was associated strongly with
postnatal growth performance in sheep and may serve as a useful molecular marker for
selection programs. Its higher prevalence in Karakul sheep could partly explain the superior
growth performance observed in this breed compared to Awassi sheep.

Effect of bambara bean and barley flour inclusion on nutritional, functional, structural and pasting properties of broken rice-based blends

Agus Setiyoko — 2026-04-10

Importance of the work: A novel triple-flour blend was developed by mixing underutilized
broken rice with barley and bambara bean flour a combination remains to be studied, with
other published research focusing mainly on each component individually.
Objectives: To investigate the nutritional composition, structural properties, pasting
characteristics and functional properties of composite flours.
Materials and Methods: Composite flours with varying ratios of broken rice, barley and
bambara bean were analyzed for proximate composition, antioxidant activity, functional
properties, pasting behavior, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and X-ray
diffraction patterns.
Results: Increasing the bambara bean flour content significantly enhanced the protein, fiber, fat
and antioxidant levels, while reducing the starch and amylose contents. The water absorption
index increased with higher inclusion of bambara beans and barley. All blends exhibited
A-type crystallinity; however, crystallinity decreased in the high-bambara formulations,
indicating an increase in amorphous structures. Reduced setback viscosity was suggested
to improve thermal stability and resistance to retrogradation. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed
the presence of similar functional groups, with intensity differences reflecting compositional
variation. Antioxidant activity increased significantly in the bambara-rich blends.
Main finding: These blends offer enhanced nutritional value, functional quality and
structural characteristics, highlighting their potential for functional and sustainable food
applications.

Beyond community forests: Carbon variability in Nepal’s mixed and pure private forests and its implications for climate policy

Sujana Dhakal — 2026-04-10

Importance of the work: Private forests are a major component of Nepal’s landscape and have substantial
potential for carbon sequestration, yet their role remains understudied and underutilized in national climate
mitigation strategies, such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).
A comparative understanding of carbon stocks in different private forest management systems is crucial for
developing effective policies and incentives.
Objectives: To quantify and compare the above-ground biomass and carbon stocks in pure and mixed private forests,
to analyze the structural attributes (diameter at breast height over bark (DBH), height, density) driving these
differences and to identify species preferred by landowners to inform sustainable management and carbon policy.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Rautahat District of Nepal’s Terai region.
A systematic sampling design was applied, establishing 14 plots in a pure Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.
forest and 4 plots in a mixed-species forest. Tree DBH, height and species were recorded in circular plots (each
250 m²). The above-ground biomass was calculated using a species-specific allometric equation and carbon
stock was derived using a 0.47 conversion factor. A one-tailed t test was used to assess the significance of
differences between forest types.
Results: Pure eucalypt private forests in Nepal’s Terai stored 61% more carbon than mixed-species stands, offering
a rapid climate mitigation pathway while balancing livelihood needs. Pure E. camaldulensis forests contained
significantly higher mean ± SD carbon stocks (61.15 ± 0.78 t/ha) compared to mixed forests (37.87 ± 2.23 t/ha;
p < 0.05). This carbon advantage was due to structural superiority as indicated by a larger tree height (16.11 m
versus 10.43 m) and a higher stand density (695 trees/ha versus 560 trees/ha) than in pure stands. Beyond carbon,
11 tree species were identified as being managed by landowners primarily for timber, fuelwood and income generation,
revealing private forests as socio-ecological systems where climate mitigation and livelihoods intersect.
Main finding: Pure eucalypt private forests sequestered significantly more carbon per hectare than mixed
species forests, demonstrating the high potential of the former for rapid carbon gains. This supports their
integration into carbon incentive schemes, such as REDD+, while the diversity of species in mixed forests
underscores the need for policies that balance carbon objectives with biodiversity and livelihood benefits.
Private forests are no longer climate afterthoughts but strategic assets for Nepal’s mitigation targets.

GeneBank Genie: An interactive toolkit for integrated multivariate analysis and visualization of GenBank records

Yash Munnalal Gupta — 2026-04-10

Importance of the work: GeneBank Genie fills a critical gap by providing integrated
desktop software for accessible and comprehensive analysis of GenBank data.
Objectives: To develop intuitive software facilitating simultaneous automated parsing,
preliminary genomic analysis, visualization and sequence extraction from multiple
GenBank records.
Materials and Methods: GeneBank Genie was built in the Python programming
environment, using Tkinter for the graphical user interface (GUI) design, Biopython and
custom Python scripts for sequence processing and scikit-learn for principal component
analysis (PCA) and clustering analytics.
Results: The developed software called GeneBank Genie was used successfully to analyze
a dataset of 333 Orthoptera mitochondrial genomes, automatically computing nucleotide
compositions, the percentage of nitrogenous bases that are either guanine or cytosine
(GC content) and gene annotations. The PCA revealed distinct genomic clustering
patterns and Mahalanobis distances were used to identify outliers effectively. Taxonomic
visualizations demonstrated robust exploratory capabilities based on interactive Sankey
diagrams, dendrograms, correlation heatmaps and K-means clustering. Additionally,
rapid extraction of gene sequences illustrated practical applications for molecular
research workflows.
Main finding: GeneBank Genie uniquely integrates automated batch processing of
GenBank records, PCA-based analytics and intuitive visualizations, greatly simplifying
genomic data exploration for biologists. GeneBank Genie is freely available at:
https://github.com/yashmgupta/GeneBank-Genie

Effects of substituting oil palm tree trunk silage for Napier grass silage in total mixed ration on feedlot performance, ruminal fermentation, carcass characteristics and meat quality of crossbred goats

Supinya Chuchai — 2026-04-10

Importance of the work: Commonly, oil palm trunk residues are discarded at the end
of the palm’s productive life. However, oil palm trunk silage (OPTS) has potential as an
additional roughage source for ruminants.
Objectives: To evaluate the levels of substitution of conventional Napier grass silage
(NGS) with OPTS in the total mixed ration fed to crossbred goats
Materials & Methods: The experiment used 32 crossbred (Boer × Anglo-Nubian) male
goats (aged 3 mth) with a mean ± SD initial body weight of 16.50 ± 0.5 kg. The experiment
was arranged in a completely randomized design. Equal numbers of goats were assigned
randomly to four treatment diets (8 goats per treatment) containing different OPTS
to-NGS percentages up to 45% of the total mixed ration diet: 1) 0:45 (NGS); 2) 15:30
(15OPTS); 3) 30:15 (30OPTS); and 4) 45:0 (45OPTS). After being fed the respective
diet for 90 d, the animals were slaughtered and evaluated for feedlot performance,
ruminal fermentation, blood metabolites, carcass characteristics and meat quality.
Data were analyzed using orthogonal polynomial contrasts to test linear, quadratic
and cubic responses to roughage levels.
Results: Dry matter intake, nutrient intake and average daily gain decreased with increasing
OPTS levels (p < 0.05). Ruminal pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), short-chain fatty acids,
blood urea nitrogen, blood glucose and hematocrit were not affected by the treatments.
OPTS substitution had no negative impact on carcass characteristics and meat quality.
Main finding: OPTS could be substituted for NGS at inclusion levels below 30% dry
matter content of the roughage in the total mixed ration diet.

eDNA-Based aquatic biodiversity monitoring in East and Southeast Asia: Current practices and priorities

Maslin Osathanunkul — 2026-04-10

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has revolutionized aquatic biodiversity monitoring by
enabling sensitive, non-invasive detection of species from environmental samples.
This review completed a comprehensive synthesis of eDNA research across East and
Southeast Asia—a region with exceptional biodiversity and environmental challenges.
Based on the evaluation of 890 peer-reviewed publications from 2008 to 2024, there have
been rapid growth and methodological evolution in the field, dominated by research from
China and Japan, with emerging contributions from Thailand and other Southeast Asian
countries. The review highlights key advancements in eDNA methodologies, including
species-specific assays, metabarcoding and the increasing adoption of digital polymerase
chain reaction (dPCR). The performance of different sampling, preservation and
detection strategies was discussed, along with the comparative advantages of eDNA over
traditional monitoring approaches in terms of sensitivity, cost-effectiveness and reduced
ecological disturbance. Critical challenges remain, including incomplete reference
databases, quantification uncertainties and bioinformatic standardization. Future research
priorities should enhance eDNA applications in tropical ecosystems, improve detection
accuracy and promote integration into conservation policy and biodiversity management.
This review has established a regional framework for advancing eDNA research and
supporting sustainable aquatic biodiversity conservation in Asia.

Effectiveness of ultrasound pretreatment on dried plant-based food quality: A meta-analysis

Tri Yulni — 2026-04-10

Importance of the work: Ultrasound has promising potential for pretreatment to enhance drying
quality; however, there is a lack of quantitative synthesis across commodities and conditions.
Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of ultrasound pretreatment on dried plant-based products and
to investigate the effects of commodity category, ultrasound pretreatment (UP) parameters and drying
parameters based on subgroup analyses.
Materials and Methods: A meta-analysis of 55 Scopus-indexed studies was conducted using
OpenMEE and applying Hedges’d and a random-effects model. The key quality parameters analyzed
were color, rehydration ratio (RR), flavonoids (TFC), phenolics (TPC), vitamin C, antioxidant capacity
based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant assay and water activity (Aw). Subgroup
analyses examined commodity category, as well as ultrasound and drying parameters.
Results: Ultrasound pretreatment significantly (p < 0.05) improved most quality parameters,
except DPPH and vitamin C. Large effect sizes were observed for RR (3.339), TFC (2.093),
TPC (0.876) and Aw (–2.096). High heterogeneity (inconsistency index >75%) indicated substantial
inter-study variability, necessitating subgroup analyses. These analyses confirmed that commodity
categories, ultrasound pretreatment parameters (equipment, sample-to-water ratio, frequency, power,
duration, temperature) and drying parameters (method and temperature) significantly influenced UP
effectiveness.
Main finding: UP consistently improved multiple quality parameters, especially color stability,
rehydration ratio, bioactive compound retention and water activity. Subgroup analysis revealed
that treatment using 28 kHz, 300 W and 30°C for 30 min, followed by hot-air drying at 60°C,
was particularly favorable for enhancing the drying quality of low-porosity root crops