Agriculture and Natural Resources

Nutritional evaluation of Bunaeopsis aurantiaca (Rothschild, 1895) caterpillar meal for broiler chickens: Effects on growth performance, blood profiles, apparent nutrient digestibility, carcass and economic characteristics

Makinde Olayinka John — 2026-10-07

Importance of the work: Fish meal is used widely in poultry diets due to its high digestibility, balanced amino acid profile and absence of anti-nutritional factors. However, rising costs, limited supply, environmental constraints and competition with human consumption have highlighted the urgent need for affordable, sustainable alternative protein sources for poultry production in Africa. Objectives: To assess the effects of Bunaeopsis aurantiaca (Rothschild, 1895) caterpillar meal (BAM) on performance, blood biochemistry, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and economics. Materials and Methods: In total, 300 unsexed day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (mean weight ± sd = 48.00 ± 0.01 g) were assigned to three dietary treatments containing BAM. From days 3–28, diets with different weights of BAM on a dry matter (DM basis) were tested replacing fish meal: 0 g/kg (BAM0), 10 g/kg (BAM50) and 20 g /kg (BAM100). Then, from days 29–56, the DM BAM levels for these three diets were 0 g/kg, 7.5 g/kg and 15 g /kg, respectively. Birds were allotted to a completely randomized design with five replicates of 20 birds each. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. Results: BAM0 birds had higher (p < 0.0001) feed intake during days 3–28 and overall (3–56 days). Hemoglobin, total protein and urea levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the BAM0 birds, while the serum Ca, Mg and K levels declined (p < 0.05) in the BAM100 sample. The crude protein digestibility was greater (p < 0.0001) in the BAM0 birds, but the ether extract digestibility was highest in the BAM100 sample. Feed cost and gross margin improved (p < 0.05) with BAM50 and BAM100 diets. Main finding: BAM could be used to replace fish meal in broiler diets without adverse effects on key performance indices. Further research is warranted to assess long-term impacts.

Assessment of horseshoe crab [Tachypleus tridentatus (Leach, 1819)] by catch in artisanal fish corrals of Palawan, the Philippines

Maria Mojena G. Plasus — 2026-10-07

Importance of the work: Incidental capture in small-scale fisheries is an increasingly recognized threat to marine megafauna, yet quantitative assessments remain limited in data-poor tropical regions, particularly for stationary fishing gear. This study has provided the first fishery-wide baseline estimate of horseshoe crab bycatch in artisanal fish corrals in Palawan, the Philippines. Objectives: to provide the first fishery-wide baseline assessment of horseshoe crab [Tachypleus tridentatus (Leach, 1819)] bycatch in artisanal fish corrals in Palawan, the Philippines. Materials and Methods: A full census was conducted of fishers (n = 60) from nine coastal villages in Puerto Princesa City, complemented by spatial mapping of 155 fish corrals. Interview-derived catch per unit effort (CPUE) was used to estimate annual bycatch by scaling weekly catches across reported months of operation, with median values applied where data were unavailable. Results: The weekly bycatch was in the range 0–20 individuals/trap/wk, with median values of 2–3 individuals/trap/wk. Annual bycatch was estimated at approximately 14,300–28,600 individuals. Bycatch hotspots were concentrated in Honda Bay and Ulugan Bay. Although spawning was reported throughout the year, observations were strongly associated with periods of active trap operation, suggesting observation bias rather than distinct seasonal spawning. No respondents reported intentional killing, consumption, or sale of horseshoe crabs. Main finding: Artisanal fish corrals exert substantial incidental bycatch pressure on horseshoe crabs, despite the absence of targeted exploitation. These findings have established the first quantitative baseline for this fishery and have identified priority areas for spatially targeted management and community-based conservation.

Development of functional noodles enriched with encapsulated sage powder: Evaluation of physicochemical, microbial, nutritional and sensory properties

Muhamad Hafiz Abd Rahima — 2026-10-07

Importance of the work: Functional noodles enriched with encapsulated sage powder should address gaps in shelf-life, nutritional enhancement and natural preservation. Objectives: To evaluate the physicochemical, microbiological, nutritional, antioxidant and sensory properties of noodles fortified with encapsulated sage powder. Materials and Methods: Wheat noodles were fortified with encapsulated sage powder (0%, 3%, 6%). Analysis considered physicochemical properties, microbial counts, phenolic content, antioxidant activity, vitamin levels, and sensory evaluation. Results: SESP fortification improved noodle pH stability, water absorption, and texture. At 6% SESP, microbial counts remained approximately 1–1.5 log colony-forming units/mL lower than the control throughout 14 d of refrigerated storage. Nutritionally, phenolics increased by 50% and antioxidants by 2.2-fold, with higher β-carotene and vitamin C retention. Sensory evaluation of the 3% SESP formulation showed higher appearance and texture scores than the control, with no significant differences in aroma, taste, aftertaste, or overall acceptability. Main finding: Encapsulated sage powder (SESP) improved noodle storage stability and nutritional quality while maintaining consumer acceptability, supporting its use as a functional ingredient in staple food development

Characterization of dominant fungal contamination and integration of some “Generally Regarded as Safe” additives for control in natural rubber sheets

Chainarong Rattanakreetakul — 2026-10-07

Importance of the work: Thailand is one of the world's largest exporters of latex and rubber sheets. However, fungal contamination during rubber sheet drying remains a major problem affecting product quality and economic value. Objectives: To identify fungal pathogens associated with rubber sheet diseases and to evaluate environment-friendly control treatments in vitro to support improved disease management strategies. Materials and Methods: Fungal samples were isolated from contaminated rubber sheets and cultured on potato dextrose agar. Morphological observation and molecular analysis of the internal transcriber spacer (ITS)1-5.8S-ITS2 region and the β-tubulin gene were used for identification. The antifungal efficacy was investigated of three food additives (potassium sorbate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate) at three different concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%) to evaluate their effectiveness against the pathogen. Results: A combination of morphological and molecular analyses identified the pathogen as Aspergillus tamarii Kita (1913), a common contaminant known for its resilience and ability to thrive in humid conditions. The tested antifungal and “Generally Regarded as Safe” additive treatments showed that sodium bicarbonate, particularly at concentrations of 1% and higher, was highly effective in completely inhibiting both the mycelial growth and spore germination of A. tamarii. Based on these findings, sodium bicarbonate, a commonly used and safe food additive, could serve as a promising solution for controlling A. tamarii in rubber sheets. Main finding: This research provided the first scientific evidence confirming A. tamarii infection in natural rubber sheets and demonstrated the potential of sodium bicarbonate as an environment-friendly and practical antifungal strategy for large-scale, industrial rubber sheet production.

Drying-dependent changes in phytochemicals and bioactivities of Curcuma stahlianthoides Škorničk. & Soonthornk., a vulnerable endemic Thai species

Juthamas Kongphapa — 2026-10-07

Importance of the work: There is a lack of documentation regarding the nutritional and phytochemical composition and bioactivities of Curcuma stahlianthoides Škorničk. & Soonthornk., an endemic species in Thailand, as well as the effects of drying methods on these properties.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of sun drying and freeze drying on the phytochemicals and bioactivities of C. stahlianthoides rhizomes.

Materials and Methods: Rhizomes were sun-dried or freeze-dried, ground into powder and analyzed for proximate composition, total curcuminoid content (using highperformance liquid chromatography), total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activities (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulfonic acid and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assays) and antibacterial activity based on minimum inhibitory concentration determination.

Results: The freeze-dried samples contained higher fat (4.16%) and protein (3.44%) contents than the sun-dried samples (3.28% and 2.93%, respectively), while the carbohydrate content was comparable at approximately 78%. The freeze-dried samples had a higher mean ± SD total phenolic content (1.67 ± 0.08 mg gallic acid equivalents/g) and total flavonoid content (4.82 ± 0.17 mg quercetin equivalents/g) than the sun-dried extracts (p < 0.05). Antioxidant activities and antibacterial effects were also enhanced, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 12.5–25 mg/mL. Extraction yields were 2.75% for the sun-dried and 2.18% for the freezedried samples, while the total curcuminoid content was 12.95 µg/g dry weight and 14.11 µg/g dry weight, respectively. The total phenolic content had a strong positive correlation with antioxidant activities (Pearson’s correlation coefficient > 0.90, p < 0.05).

Main finding: Drying methods influenced phytochemical retention and related antioxidant and antibacterial activities of C. stahlianthoides, offering new insight into post-harvest processing and utilization of this rare Thai species.

Inheritance of photoperiod sensitivity and cannabinoid stability in F2 generation of hemp variety ‘CBD Charlotte’s Angel’: Implications for biological intellectual property protection

Tanee Sreewongchai — 2026-09-30

Importance of the work: A breeding-based biological barrier in the F2 generation can effectively complement the legal protection of the proprietary F1 hemp variety. Objectives: To evaluate photoperiod sensitivity and cannabinoid stability inheritance in a ‘CBD Charlotte’s Angel’ F2 population to validate biological intellectual property (IP) protection. Materials and Methods: Female cuttings of CBD Charlotte’s Angel were induced to develop hermaphroditic flowers using a 30 parts per million colloidal silver solution. These plants were self-pollinated to produce F2 seeds. In total, 162 F2 plants were cultivated and evaluated in a plant factory with an artificial lighting environment. Results: Photoperiod sensitivity in the F2 population followed a 3:1 segregation ratio (photoperiod-sensitive to photoperiod-insensitive; chi squared = 0.67, p = 0.414), confirming that the photoperiod sensitivity in this variety was controlled by a single dominant gene. Conversely, the cannabinoid profiles remained within the expected Type III range across all sampled individuals; all F2 plants consistently maintained high cannabidiol (CBD) levels (mean ± SD = 10.68 ± 2.08%) and low tetrahydrocannabinol levels (0.024±0.065%), with no significant deviation from the parental variety. Based on these results, while the parental lines exhibited physiological divergence, they had high genetic stability in cannabinoid biosynthesis, suggesting putative homozygosity at the CBD-synthase gene. Main finding: Segregation of photoperiod sensitivity in the F2 generation complicated reverse hybridization and challenged parental line recovery. Along with consistent cannabinoid profiles, this forms a strong breeding-based biological barrier that safeguards proprietary hemp hybrids.

Chemical ecology of Streptomyces-fungal interactions in soil: Competition, signaling and antifungal metabolites

Phu-Tho Nguyen — 2026-10-07

Soil is a spatially heterogeneous and chemically dynamic environment in which microorganisms often compete for spatially and temporally variable resources. Among the most ecologically important competitors are Streptomyces and filamentous fungi—two metabolically versatile groups whose interactions are strongly shaped by secondary metabolites. Although Streptomyces-derived antifungal compounds have been studied widely for pharmaceutical and biocontrol applications, their ecological and evolutionary roles in natural soil systems remain insufficiently integrated. This review synthesized Streptomyces-fungal interactions through the combined framework of chemical ecology and evolutionary competition. It examined the ecological basis of microbial antagonism in soil, the offensive chemical strategies used by Streptomyces and the defensive and adaptive responses of fungal competitors. The dual role was further highlighted of secondary metabolites as both inhibitory compounds and signaling molecules, with emphasis on how spatial heterogeneity, temporal dynamics and inducible chemistry shape interaction outcomes. Finally, the implications were considered of this eco-evolutionary perspective for biocontrol and sustainable agriculture and future directions were identified, including spatially resolved analyses, metabolic tracing and predictive modeling. Overall, antifungal metabolites in Streptomyces are best understood not as isolated bioactive products, but as context-dependent mediators of competition and communication that may contribute to adaptive diversification in soil ecosystems.