Agriculture and Natural Resources

Comprehensive review of benefits and risks from feeding fenugreek(Trigonella foenum-graecum) to bovines

Usman Elahi — 2026-04-27

Importance of the work: This work standardize fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
processing and dosage, ensuring consistent gains in metabolic efficiency and methane
mitigation without compromising animal health or product quality. Establishing these precise
details transforms a natural variable additive into a reliable, evidence-based supplementation
for sustainable bovine production.
Objectives: To critically assess the benefits, limitations and practical conditions for the safe
use of fenugreek in bovine production.
Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted using databases including
Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus for articles and reviews published between 1991 and
2025.
Results: Fenugreek consistently reduced enteric methane production (10.2–62.2%) and
enhanced nutrient digestibility and energy efficiency by shifting rumen fermentation
toward propionate. At the molecular level, it upregulated antioxidant capacity and energy
production pathways. Compared to raw seeds, the germinated seeds significantly improved
growth efficiency (up to 22.18% weight gain) and reproductive traits. These benefits were
dose-sensitive, appearing at approximately 0.23 g/kg of body weight, whereas negligible
doses (approximately 0.004 g/kg) failed to produce responses. Documented risks include
compromised organoleptic quality of animal products and severe pathologies from highvolume intake, such as peripheral neuropathy, muscular hemorrhages and liver inflammation.
Main finding: Safe application of fenugreek requires strict adherence to processing methods
and precise inclusion levels. Practical implementation should prioritize germinated seeds to
maximize bioavailability; however, high-volume feeding of straw should be avoided to mitigate
documented neurological perils and to maintain the organoleptic quality of meat and milk.

Green-synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles for bacterial wilt control: Comprehensive mechanistic and efficacy insights

Vanshika Kardam — 2026-04-27

Importance of the Work: Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (International
Society for Plant Pathology; www.isppweb.org) is a devastating plant disease that is difficult
to control with conventional methods. Green-synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) offer
a sustainable, eco-friendly and biocompatible alternative. Their biogenic production uses natural
extracts, reduces toxic inputs and energy consumption, and provides strong antibacterial activity.
Objectives: To review the biogenic synthesis of IONPs from plant and microbial sources, and to
evaluate their mechanisms, characterization and potential for bacterial wilt control.
Materials and Methods: The synthesis process involved three stages: reduction of metal salts
by biomolecules, nucleation and growth into nanoscale clusters, and stabilization/capping
to prevent aggregation. Characterization of these IONPs was performed using a suite of
techniques: ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron
microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Dynamic light scattering
(DLS) and atomic force spectroscopy (AFM).
Results: The reviewed studies showed that green-synthesized IONPs exhibited strong
antibacterial efficacy against R. solanacearum both in vitro and in greenhouse trials. In tomato
plants, root-zone treatments and foliar applications significantly reduced disease incidence
dropping as low as 13.09% compared to 98.01% in untreated controls in some reports.
Furthermore, IONPs improved plant growth parameters, including biomass, shoot length and
chlorophyll content, while enhancing soil health through increased enzyme activity and nutrient
availability.
Main Findings: The primary finding was that IONPs combat bacterial wilt through
a multifaceted mechanism involving: disrupting bacterial cell membranes via electrostatic
interactions; generating reactive oxygen species that damage DNA and proteins; and inhibiting
the formation of protective biofilms by interfering with quorum sensing. These findings suggest
that integrating IONPs into disease management strategies could substantially reduce reliance
on chemical pesticides and enhance agricultural resilience.

Purification and kinetic characterisation of extracellular glutaminase from Priestia aryabhattai B8W22 with deamidation activity on wheat gluten

Ha Phuong Trang — 2026-04-27

Importance of the work: Glutaminase, an enzyme catalyzing the conversion of glutamine to
glutamate and ammonia, has garnered considerable interest due to its role in enhancing the physical
and functional properties of proteins in food processing industries.
Objectives: To isolate and characterize an extracellular glutaminase from strain B1, evaluate its
enzymatic properties and assess its effect on improving the functionality of gluten proteins.
Materials and Methods: An extracellular glutaminase was isolated from a bacterial strain
(designated B1), based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and showed 97% homology to the strain
Priestia aryabhattai B8W22. Screening was carried out for influential factors for glutaminase
production (incubation time, temperature, pH, carbon and nitrogen sources, concentration of
glutamine). Partial glutaminase purification using ammonium sulfate was performed based on 10 kDa
molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) dialysis followed by 3 kDa MWCO concentration. The molecular
weight was determined using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDSPAGE). Glutaminase activity and kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax) were measured under various
temperature and pH conditions. The glutaminase’s deamidation ability was evaluated by treating
wheat gluten and using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, followed by analysis
of the functional properties (solubility, foaming capacity, water-holding and oil-holding capacities).
Results: Glutaminase displayed maximal activity ± SE of 161.571 ± 0.704 U/mL. Optimal catalysis
occurred at 40°C and pH 7, with a Km value of 0.9611 mM and a Vmax value of 193.3 U/mL.
The molecular weight of the partially purified glutaminase was approximately 60 kDa, based on
SDS-PAGE. Based on the FTIR results, there was a substantial influence of glutaminase in all the
gluten samples. Compared to the untreated controls, the wheat gluten treated with partially purified
glutaminase had significantly enhanced solubility (33.4-fold), foaming capacity (163.2-fold),
water-holding capacity (3.1-fold) and oil-holding capacity (28.0-fold), outperforming conventional
chemical treatments.
Main finding: Partial purified glutaminase was an effective biocatalyst for wheat gluten modification,
offering promising applications to improve protein functionality in food processing industries.

Endophytic bacteria of Ficus microcarpa enhance rice root formation through phytohormone production

Ngoc-Linh Le — 2026-04-27

Importance of the work: Endophytic bacteria play a crucial role in promoting plant growth and resilience through the production of phytohormones, offering promising applications in sustainable agriculture. Objectives: To isolate and characterize endophytic bacteria from the aerial roots of Ficus microcarpa L.f. and to evaluate their abilities to produce gibberellins (GAs) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), as well as their effects on the root development of rice seedlings. Materials and Methods: In total, 28 bacterial strains were isolated from the aerial roots, screened for IAA and GA production and identified through molecular techniques. Three promising isolates (Bacillus sp. LV34, Pantoea sp. CM21 and Rhizobium sp. TN43) were selected for inoculation on rice seedlings, with root growth parameters assessed after 9 d. Results: Bacillus sp. LV34 showed the highest IAA production (427.17 ± 16.59 µg/ mL), whereas Rhizobium sp. TN43 showed the highest GA production (179.99 ± 7.41 µg/mL). Inoculation with Bacillus sp. LV34 significantly increased both the number of roots (7.5 roots per plant on average) and total root length (450 mm) in the rice seedlings, with Rhizobium sp. TN43 and Pantoea sp. CM21 also promoting root growth to varying degrees. Main finding: The high phytohormone-producing endophytic bacteria isolated from Ficus microcarpa demonstrated notable potential to enhance plant growth, highlighting their applicability as biofertilizer candidates for sustainable crop management.

Yield stability evaluation in melon (Cucumis melo L.) hybrid based on additive main effects and multiplicative interaction, GGEbiplot software and multi-trait stability index in Malang, Indonesia

Amrul Mubarok — 2026-04-27

Importance of the work: The increasing demand for melon in Malang City, Indonesia, coupled with agro-climatic challenges, necessitates the development of stable and high-yielding varieties. Objectives: To evaluate stable and high-yielding hybrid melon genotypes by integrating multiple methods, namely additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), GGEbiplot software and the multi-trait stability index (MTSI). Materials and Methods: In total, 20 low-temperature-resistant hybrid melon genotypes were evaluated (selected for their resilience across four locations in Malang), using a randomized complete block design with three replications. AMMI and GGEbiplot analyses were conducted on fruit weight and fruit sweetness, while the MTSI was used to assess multiple traits, including size and quality. Results: The AMMI analysis identified G4 and G13 as genotypes with high fruit weight and stable performance across the various environments. G10, G14 and G16 had high sweetness and stable performance across these environments. The GGEbiplot analysis, using the means versus stability model, identified G4, G11 and G13 as the best genotypes for fruit weight and G9 and G4 as the best for sweetness. Furthermore, the “Which-Won-Where” model revealed that, for fruit weight, G3 was the best genotype in locations L1, L2, L4, while G10 was the best in L3. However, for fruit sweetness, no specific environmental preferences were observed. The MTSI analysis identified G9 as the best genotype, demonstrating promising trait stability. Main finding: High-yielding and stable hybrid melon genotypes were identified. These could serve as a basis for melon breeding programs in Malang City.

Experimental-based design of oil palm trunk valorization as feed to bioethanol-biochar coproduction process and its exergy-enviro-economic assessment

Teuku Beuna Bardant — 2026-04-27

Importance of the work: Managing the very large volume of palm trunks in land clearing and the replanting of palm oil plantations is a costly and difficult. Finding a productive and environmentally friendly way to utilize this biomass is therefore important. Objectives: To design and simulated the valorization of palm trunk as raw materials for producing ethanol and biochar in a self-sustained process. Methods: The process simulation started by separating the trunk sap and the trunk fiber. The trunk sap was fermented to produce bioethanol. The fiber was treated by amylase hydrolysis and fermentation to convert its starch into ethanol. The remaining lignocellulosic material was sent to a pyrolysis unit for biochar production. Laboratory experiments and chemical analyses were conducted to determine palm trunk chemical composition, ethanol yield from sap fermentation and amylase hydrolysate and biochar yield. These experimental data were then used for process design and simulation. Results: The simulation showed that when all production units operated at full capacity, the energy generated from bark combustion and pyrolysis was not enough to meet the plant’s total energy demand. However, the plant model achieved self-sustained energy production by operating the amylase hydrolysis step at 63.77% capacity and sending the rest of fiber to combustion. Operating this plant using the self-sustained conditions was still economically attractive. The ethanol production cost, including plant depreciation, was USD 0.775/L (USD 0.981/kg). The return on investment was 8.36% and the payback period was 11.96 yr. Main findings: Palm trunk valorization for ethanol and biochar production can provide an environmentally friendly and profitable solution for managing the large biomass volume generated during palm oil plantation replanting, and it is more favorable than disposal by natural decay or large-scale burning.

Integrating predatory mites and pupal parasitoids for biological control of house fly (Musca domestica)

Morel Damien — 2026-04-27

Importance of the work: Combining beneficial organisms provides strong biocontrol of house flies, highlighting the potential of integrated pest management in livestock farming. Objectives: To evaluate and propose the biocontrol of filth flies when they are resistant to all available insecticides. Materials and Methods: The efficiency was checked of the parasitoids alone, predatory mites alone and both at the same time, to control the emergence of house flies from 1,000 eggs compared to a control, in a laboratory-controlled experiment. Results: The use of predatory mites (Macrocheles muscaedomesticae) in addition to parasitoids (Spalangia cameroni and Muscudifurax raptorellus) was more efficient than using only parasitoids. Main finding: The benefit was demonstrated of combining predatory mites targeting the egg and larval stages of house flies, with pupal parasitoid wasps. These findings support the potential of this biological control strategy and indicate that it merits further evaluation under field conditions in livestock farming systems for the management of house flies and stable flies.

Nutritional and phytochemical enrichment of pineapple peel using Aspergillus niger through solid-state fermentation

Noell Tenajas Santos — 2026-04-27

Importance of the work: Aspergillus niger fermentation improves the nutritional and
phytochemical value of underutilized pineapple peel (PP), highlighting its potential as an
animal feed or additive.
Objectives: To evaluate the nutritional and phytochemical composition of PP fermented by
A. niger using solid-state fermentation (SSF).
Materials and Methods: The PP was dried, supplemented with ammonium sulfate, sterilized,
inoculated with A. niger strain ANL-AN01 and fermented for 120 hr. After fermentation,
samples were analyzed for proximate composition, amino acid profile, total phenolic content
and total antioxidant capacity.
Results: SSF of the PP using A. niger significantly (p < 0.01) reduced dry matter by 29.74%
and nitrogen-free extract by 25.12%, while crude protein increased by 263.12%, crude fiber
by 37.93% and ash by 38.73%, whereas crude fat remained unaffected (p ≥ 0.05). The total
phenolic content decreased by 19.47% (p < 0.01), whereas the total antioxidant capacity
improved markedly by 119.44% (p < 0.01). Amino acid profiles were significantly (p < 0.01)
enhanced, except for lysine and methionine (p < 0.05). Total amino acids, total essential
amino acids and total non-essential amino acids increased by 102.85%, 68.69% and 124.88%,
respectively. Glutamic acid, arginine and aspartic acid had the highest improvements among
the individual amino acids.
Main finding: A. niger fermentation significantly enhanced the contents of protein and amino
acids, as well as the antioxidant capacity of PP, demonstrating its novel potential as a nutrientenriched animal feed and sustainable utilization strategy for agro-industrial byproducts.

Effect of bandotan leaf extract (Ageratum conyzoides L.) on oxidative stress, blood biochemistry and immunity in female quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica Temminck & Schlegel, 1848) reared under tropical conditions

Hariono — 2026-04-27

Importance of the work: Heat stress causes physiological disorders, decreased immunity
and increased mortality in quail in tropical regions. Bandotan leaf extract has the potential to
address these issues through its antioxidant activity.
Objectives: To investigate the effects of bandotan leaf extract on oxidative stress, blood
biochemistry and immune status in tropical quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica Temminck &
Schlegel, 1848).
Materials and Methods: The study involved 200 female quail. Bandotan leaf extract was
administered daily to birds through their drinking water at concentrations of 0% (as a control),
1.5%, 3% or 4.5%. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design.
The parameters measured were: stress indicators (oxygen saturation, heterophil-tolymphocyte ratio, superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde
(MDA) levels); blood biochemistry (cholesterol, glucose); and ex vivo bacterial clearance
against Salmonella pullorum.
Results: The administration of bandotan leaf extract had a significant effect (p < 0.05)
on MDA levels, blood cholesterol and the resistance of quails to S. pullorum. A 3% dose
reduced MDA levels by 78.2%, indicating a decrease in oxidative stress and a lowered blood
cholesterol level by 15.4%, reflecting improved lipid metabolism. In addition, the extract
increased resistance to S. pullorum by 5.7%, indicating an enhanced immune response and
a reduction in quail mortality by 71.4%.
Main finding: Administering 3% bandotan leaf extract in drinking water reduced oxidative stress,
lowered cholesterol, enhanced ex vivo antibacterial clearance against S. pullorum and decreased
mortality in female quail, indicating improved physiological resistance during heat exposure.

Influence of cereal bran type on rheological, physicochemical and sensory properties of fiber-enriched steamed buns

Thunnop Laokuldilok — 2026-04-27

Importance of the work: Bran type is an important factor influencing the steamed-bun
dough structure, nutrition and consumer acceptability.
Objectives: To compare the effects of black rice, wheat and oat brans on the rheological,
nutritional and sensory properties of steamed buns.
Materials and Methods: Black rice, wheat and oat brans (5% and 10%) replaced wheat flour
in steamed-bun formulations. Dough rheology, specific volume and sensory attributes were
analyzed using standard Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods, rheometry
and a 9-point hedonic scale. Data were evaluated using analysis of variance (p < 0.05).
Results: The black rice bran had the highest values for the moisture (10.42%), water
activity (0.55), lipid (17.90%), crude fiber (19.16%) and total phenolic (853.10 mg gallic
acid equivalents/100 g) content. Wheat bran had the highest values for the protein content
(13.36%) and yellowness (b* = 25.46), while oat bran had the greatest value for lightness
(L* = 80.81). All doughs had weak-gel behavior (storage modulus > loss modulus)
with tan δ = 0.386–0.417, indicating elastic dominance. Fiber fortification increased
the phenolic and crude fiber contents but reduced the specific volume. The oat-bran buns
were the lightest and smoothest, whereas the black rice-bran buns appeared the darkest.
Sensory evaluation at 10% fortification indicated the highest texture (7.27) and overall
liking (7.23) for the oat-bran buns, confirming their superior balance of texture, color and
acceptability among the tested fiber-enriched steamed buns.
Main finding: Oat bran, rich in soluble β-glucans, improved the texture and acceptability
of steamed buns. This comparative analysis clarified how fiber type and composition
influenced the dough structure and should help to guide the formulation of nutritionally
enhanced, consumer-acceptable steamed foods.

Yield-related traits and biochemical properties of Thai black sugarcane at different harvest ages

Nongluk Teinseree — 2026-04-27

Importance of the work: Black sugarcane is a traditional Thai landrace with medicinal and
functional food potential; however, its biochemical traits and their relationships to yield attributes
remain poorly characterized.
Objectives: To evaluate the phenolics, anthocyanins and antioxidant activity in the juice and
bagasse of Thai black sugarcane, to investigate genotypic variation and to examine the relationships
between yield traits and bioactive accumulation.
Materials and Methods: A field trial in Kamphaeng Saen, Thailand was conducted in a randomized
complete block design using six genotypes (five black sugarcane landraces and Suphanburi 50).
Growth and yield traits were recorded during 4–9 mth after transplanting (MAT) and juice and
bagasse samples were analyzed for total phenolics, anthocyanins and antioxidant activity.
Results: Black sugarcane had greater values for stalk length, internode number and stalk number per
clump, whereas Suphanburi 50 had larger values for stalk diameter, internode length and single-stalk
weight. Black sugarcane accumulated higher phenolics (up to 867 µg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/
mL in juice; 4,966 µg GAE/g in bagasse), anthocyanins (14.5 µg/mL in juice, 34 µg/g in bagasse)
and antioxidant activity (>400 µg Trolox equivalents (TE)/mL in juice; approximately 3,600–4,100
µg TE/g in bagasse at mid-maturity), while Suphanburi 50 consistently had the highest soluble solids
(18.7°Brix). Stalk length and internode number were positively correlated with phenolics, anthocyanins
and antioxidant activity, whereas soluble solids were negatively correlated with internode number and
stalk number per clump but positively correlated with stalk diameter and single-stalk weight.
Main finding: Thai black sugarcane is a promising source of health-promoting bioactive
compounds, particularly when harvested at 8–9 MAT and the identified trait associations should
provide guidance for breeding and utilization strategies that integrate biomass productivity with
biochemical quality

Soil organic carbon study in mangroves with diverse vegetation and seasonal variations

Dewi Kresnasari — 2026-04-27

Importance of the work: Mangroves are major global carbon sinks, where effective coastal
ecosystem management is crucial to understand seasonal soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics.
Objectives: To analyze the spatial distribution and seasonal variation in SOC in the mangrove
forest of Segara Anakan Lagoon, Indonesia.
Materials and Methods: An observational method with purposive sampling was
used across two primary stations, each containing three sites with five replicate plots
(30 plots total). Sampling was conducted during four seasonal periods May 2023–February
2024. The main parameter measured was SOC concentration, with supporting variables
including temperature, salinity and pH.
Results: The highest mean ± SD SOC concentration (3.09 ± 0.61%) was at Station 1.1,
dominated by Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl., while the lowest (1.61 ± 0.34%) occurred
at Station 2.1, characterized by Acanthus ilicifolius L. and Derris trifoliata Lour., indicating
ecosystem degradation. Seasonally, the SOC peaked in February (3.98 ± 0.12%) and was
lowest in August (1.20 ± 0.39%). Dunn’s post-hoc test showed significant differences in SOC
between the dry and rainy seasons and across transitional periods. Principal components
analysis revealed strong associations between SOC, rainfall and the number of rainy days.
During the rainy season, increased litterfall and soil moisture supported anaerobic conditions,
slowing decomposition and enhancing SOC accumulation.
Main finding: The distribution of SOC concentrations in the Segara Anakan Lagoon was
influenced by litter productivity and rainfall patterns.

Purification and kinetic characterisation of extracellular glutaminase from Priestia aryabhattai B8W22 with deamidation activity on wheat gluten

Ha Phuong Trang — 2026-04-27

Cassava pulp and rain tree pods fermented with loog pang kao mark improve feed utilization, modulate rumen microbial populations and reduce methane production in beef cattle

Thitima Norrapoke — 2026-04-27

Importance of the work: Sustainable ruminant production requires feed strategies that improve
nutrient utilization while lowering enteric methane emissions. Cassava pulp and rain tree pods
fermented with loog pang khao mak (CPRFLK) represent a promising feed supplement because
they may enhance intake and digestibility, improve rumen fermentation, and reduce methane
production.
Objectives: To evaluate the effects of cassava pulp and rain tree pods fermented with loog pang kao
mark on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, methane production and microbial
population in beef cattle.
Materials and Methods: A 4 × 4 Latin square design was used to randomly allocate four beef cattle
to four dietary treatments. The treatments consisted of cassava pulp and rain tree pods fermented
with loog pang kao mark (CPRFLK) at cassava pulp:rain tree pod ratios of 100:0 (T1), 60:40 (T2),
50:50 (T3) and 40:60 (T4). Loog pang kao mark was used as the fermentation starter in all CPRFLK
formulations. Feeding rates for the diet were 1.5% body weight (concentrate 50%, CPRFLK 50%).
The experiment was conducted over four periods, each lasting 26 d (21 d for adaptation followed
by 5 d for data collection), during which each animal received its respective diet.
Results: Overall, rice straw consumption increased in the beef cattle fed CPRFLK at ratios of
60:40, 50:50, and 40:60, while DM intake increased at ratios of 50:50 and 40:60. In addition, these
treatments enhanced DM and organic matter (OM) digestibility. The acetic acid concentration
was reduced (p < 0.05), while the total VFA and propionic acid concentrations increased
(p < 0.05), particularly in the cattle fed CPRFLK 40:60. Additionally, protozoal populations
and CH4 production decreased (p < 0.05) with CPRFLK 40:60 supplementation.
Main finding: Feeding concentrate along with CPRFLK 40:60 improved rumen fermentation
by increasing total VFA, propionic acid, and total bacterial population, while reducing protozoal
population and CH4 production.

Sesuvium portulacastrum L. as a salt-tolerant phytostabilizer for lead (Pb) immobilization in saline agricultural soil

Van Nhan Le — 2026-04-27

Importance of the Work: The increasing prevalence of heavy metals in agricultural soil
threatens soil quality and poses serious risks to human health and requires eco-friendly
and low-cost remediation solutions.
Objectives: To evaluate the potential of Sesuvium portulacastrum L. to remediate
lead- contaminated agricultural soil by assessing its growth response under different
concentrations of Pb(NO3)2 exposure.
Materials and Methods: The phytoremediation potential was evaluated during 70 d of
the halophyte S. portulacastrum L. in Pb(NO3)2-contaminated agricultural soil, based on
quantification of the lead distribution in plant tissues, the biological concentration factor
(BCF) and the translocation factor (TF).
Results: Pb accumulated predominantly in roots rather than shoots, with consistently
low TF values (0.004–0.025), indicating limited root-to-shoot transport. Furthermore, the
BCF values supported strong belowground enrichment, with BCF (root/soil) in the range
235.11–2,117.81 and BCF(shoot/soil) in the range 5.89–9.41 across treatments. Based on
soil measurements, S. portulacastrum decreased soil Pb by 79.62%, 18.96% and 7.15%
in soils initially amended with Pb(NO3)2 at 100 mg/kg dry weight (DW), 500 mg/kg DW
and 1,000 mg/kg DW, respectively.
Main finding: Overall, the findings supported the use of S. portulacastrum primarily for
Pb phytostabilization and risk mitigation in saline soils.

Ready-to-eat Chevon Sinina: Novel Formulation Using Extreme Vertices Mixture Design Optimization

Jose Amado Ds. Torreda — 2026-04-27

Importance of the work: The supply of ready-to-eat (RTE) halal chevon sinina, a traditional
spiced goat‑meat stew from Mindanao, Philippines, remains underdeveloped despite strong
market demand for convenient, culturally rooted halal foods.
Objectives: To optimize the tomato puree-palapa-chili powder proportions in RTE chevon
sinina using an extreme vertices mixture design to maximize sensory acceptability.
Materials and Methods: Optimization involved varying the proportions of tomato puree
(32–43%), palapa (55–65%) and chili powder (2–3%) using an extreme vertices mixture design
applied to RTE chevon sinina. Nine formulations were processed thermally at 121°C for 41 min.
Then, 50 untrained panelists evaluated the samples using a 9-point hedonic scale. Quadratic
models were fitted and the superimposed contour and desirability analyses produced two
optimized formulations, which were validated in triplicate.
Results: Tomato puree, palapa and chili powder significantly affected sensory responses.
Quadratic models for appearance, taste, spiciness and overall acceptability had high coefficients
of determination (0.92–0.95). Superimposition of contour plots for each response variable
identified an optimum region, with a consumer overall acceptability rating ≥ 7.0. Within this
region, optimum formulations comprised all combinations of tomato puree, palapa and chili
powder that met the multi‑response desirability criteria, including two global solutions: 37.5%
tomato puree, 59.8% palapa, 2.7% chili powder and 32.4% tomato puree, 64.9% palapa, 2.7%
chili powder. Validation sensory tests gave overall acceptability scores of 7.68 and 7.76, both
significantly higher than model predictions and within the “like moderately” to “like very much” range.
Main finding: High palapa and chili with low-to-moderate tomato optimally balanced the
flavor, spiciness and appearance in RTE chevon sinina, demonstrating the usefulness of extreme
vertices mixture design for culturally specific RTE product development.

Endophytic bacteria of Ficus microcarpa L.f. enhance rice root formation through phytohormone production

Ngoc-Linh Le — 2026-04-27

Importance of the work: Endophytic bacteria play a crucial role in promoting plant
growth and resilience through the production of phytohormones, offering promising
applications in sustainable agriculture.
Objectives: To isolate and characterize endophytic bacteria from the aerial roots of
Ficus microcarpa L.f. and to evaluate their abilities to produce gibberellins (GAs)
and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), as well as their effects on the root development of rice
seedlings.
Materials and Methods: In total, 28 bacterial strains were isolated from the aerial
roots, screened for IAA and GA production and identified through molecular techniques.
Three promising isolates (Bacillus sp. LV34, Pantoea sp. CM21 and Rhizobium sp.
TN43) were selected for inoculation on rice seedlings, with root growth parameters
assessed after 9 d.
Results: Bacillus sp. LV34 showed the highest IAA production (427.17 ± 16.59 µg/
mL), whereas Rhizobium sp. TN43 showed the highest GA production (179.99 ± 7.41
µg/mL). Inoculation with Bacillus sp. LV34 significantly increased both the number of
roots (7.5 roots per plant on average) and total root length (450 mm) in the rice seedlings,
with Rhizobium sp. TN43 and Pantoea sp. CM21 also promoting root growth to varying
degrees.
Main finding: The high phytohormone-producing endophytic bacteria isolated from
Ficus microcarpa demonstrated notable potential to enhance plant growth, highlighting
their applicability as biofertilizer candidates for sustainable crop management.