The growing demand for healthy and sustainable plant-based foods has encouraged the development of alternatives to conventional meat products. This study formulated bean-based hamburgers (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and evaluated their nutritional composition, sensory attributes, and microbiological quality. Five formulations were prepared using bean paste, sodium alginate, salt, and different flavoring agents. Physicochemical (pH, moisture, crude fiber, lipid, ashes, carbohydrates and sodium) sensory (color, aroma, texture and flavor), and microbiological analyses (total coliforms) were performed using a completely randomized design with a 95 % confidence level. Significant differences were observed among treatments for several nutritional parameters, whereas aroma, color, and texture showed no significant differences. Treatments T1 and T4 achieved the highest acceptability scores, while T4 also presented a lower sodium content (0.75 g.100 g⁻¹) than formulations containing processed meat flavorings. All formulations complied with the microbiological limits established by the Chilean Food Sanitary Regulations. Bean paste proved to be a suitable ingredient for producing plant-based hamburgers with a favorable nutritional profile, satisfactory sensory acceptance, and adequate microbiological quality. Among the evaluated formulations, T4 (bean paste + alginate + salt + parsley, onion, and garlic flavoring) showed the greatest potential by combining high consumer acceptance with a lower sodium content, making it the most promising formulation developed in this study.
The low efficiency of conventional fertilization limits nutrient use in intensive horticultural crops; therefore, microencapsulated bioinputs represent an alternative to improve cucumber productivity under greenhouse conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent response of growth, productive components and yield of Cucumis sativus L. to foliar application of chitosan and micronutrient microcapsules with SiO₂ nanoparticles. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions at the Technical State University of Quevedo, Ecuador, with a mean internal temperature of 27.9 °C. A completely randomized design was used with four treatments and four replications: T1, control with basal fertilization and no foliar spraying; T2, 1,000 mg.L⁻¹; T3, 1,500 mg.L⁻¹; and T4, 2,000 mg.L⁻¹, sprayed at 12, 25 and 35 days after sowing with 100 mL.plant⁻¹ per application. Plant height, stem diameter, days to flowering, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight and yield per plot were assessed. The 2,000 mg.L⁻¹ dose showed the most consistent response, with 456.25 cm plant height at 60 days, 8.00 mm stem diameter, 3.00 fruits per plant, 30.28 cm fruit length, 5.67 cm fruit diameter and 6.72 kg per plot, equivalent to a projected 42.0 t.ha⁻¹ against 24.8 t.ha⁻¹ in the control. The 2,000 mg.L⁻¹ dose showed the best agronomic performance under the evaluated conditions, although validation in additional cycles is required.
In the South of Lake Maracaibo, fine aroma cocoa production systems (FACPS) have been developed where good quality beans are produced, but with low yields; this situation can beassociated with multiple social, technical and economic factors, whose interrelationships require a comprehensive analysis to be able to identify their limitations and potentialities. This research was proposed with the objective of explaining how the functional relationships of the FACPS affect its productivity, as well as weighing the productive factors. A sample of 84 producers from the South of Lake Maracaibo was taken. Data were analyzed by Cluster analysis to group the production units by their functional similarities according to four calculated indices: Agronomic Practices Index (API), Labor Force Index (LFI), Production Means Index (PMI) and Socioeconomic Environment Index (SEI), then an analysis of variance was performed to establish the productivity differences between groups. The factors weighting was carried out by a logistic regression model. Results showed the formation of four functional groups with their arrangement of components and relationships. Productivity indicators were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) among groups, this indicates that the way the system's components are arranged affects its productive outputs. The logistic regression model indicated that the educational level, the low percentage of flat surface and the farm size are the main factors that increase the probability that a production unit belongs to the group with the highest yields.
Cnidoscolus aconitifolius Mill. I.M. Johnst, is a plant distributed in tropical and subtropical, for its high nutritional value and adaptability to diverse environments. To evaluate the chemical composition of two varieties of chaya at different harvest ages. A completely randomized experimental design with a 2x4 factorial arrangement was used, with chaya varieties (Estrella and Mansa) and harvest age (60, 90, 120, and 150 days) as factors. The chemical composition and the presence of some secondary compounds (phenols, tannins, saponins, catechins and flavonoids) in chaya leaves were analyzed. The comparison of means tests for the interaction between variety and cutting time showed that the Mansa variety at 120 days had a higher fat content (7.04 %) and phenols (5.39 mg.g-1), as well as a lower FDA content (15.12 %), unlike the Estrella variety, which at 90 days had a higher protein content (33.90 %). The Estrella variety had higher protein (29.90 %) and NDF (37.57 %) contents; however, the Mansa variety had higher total phenol content (4.78 mg) and ADF (16.90 %). The Estrella variety showed the highest protein content in the 90-day harvest, while NDF was higher in the first harvests (60 days) of the Mansa variety. Fat content was similar in both varieties. Phenols were more prevalent in the Mansa variety, although both showed high concentrations of tannins, saponins, catechins, and flavonoids, and low concentrations of triterpenes, amino acids, and reducing sugars.
The silverskin (SS) of Coffea arabica L., a byproduct of coffee processing, represents a potential source of bioactive compounds with nutraceutical properties. The chemical composition (residual moisture, ash, fats, proteins, and minerals) and antioxidant capacity of the SS from three varieties of C. arabica (Acau & atilde; [AW], Sarchimor Rojo [CR], and Catuca & iacute; Amarillo [CA]) from the province of El Oro, Ecuador, were evaluated. The extraction of secondary metabolites (total phenols and caffeine) was performed for 60 min using ultrasound (US: 30 degrees C, 40 Hz) and dynamic digestion (D: 60 degrees C, 60 rpm), employing an ethanol:water mixture of (70:30 % v/v) and a plant material:solvent ratio of 20:80 % w/v. Total phenols were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and caffeine analysis was performed through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with DAD detection. The evaluated samples met the residual moisture (RM) and total ash content requirements according to the NTE INEN standards, also exhibiting low percentages of fat and protein. The CR variety stood out with 44.8 mg.g-1 of K and 24.9 mg.g-1 of N. Method D extracted the highest amount of phenolic compounds, with CR recording the highest content at 85.0 mg GAE.g-1 of dry extract (DE), which positively correlated with a higher Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (DPPH: 108.61 mg TEAC.g-1 DE; FRAP: 122.96 mg TEAC.g-1 DE). In contrast, caffeine levels were higher for the AW variety extracted by US (128.44 mg.g-1 DE), being statistically different from the rest. The three varieties meet regulatory standards and demonstrate that SS is a raw material of great interest to the food and pharmaceutical industries.
The semi-intensive commercial shrimp farming in Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela, is affected by eutrophication processes resulting from excess nutrients, which favor the proliferation of microalgae and the deterioration of water quality. There is limited information on the relationship between production variables, fluctuations in planktonic communities, and their impact on the physiological state of the shrimp. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between production and ecological variables with the Relative Condition Index (RCI) as a physiological indicator of Penaeus vannamei during a ten-week grow-out cycle. Production and ecological variables were monitored weekly, including qualitative and quantitative analyses of phytoplankton and zooplankton. Data were evaluated using Pearson correlation, variable selection with VIF and FCR, logistic regression with Firth's bias reduction, and deviance analysis. Shrimp exhibited a final average RCI of 1.36 +/- 0.92 and an average FRC of 1.81 +/- 0.89. The phytoplankton community was dominated by Cyanobacteria (57.8%), followed by Chlorophyta (32.4 %) and Heterokontophyta (9.1 %), while zooplankton was primarily represented by copepods (69.9 %). However, the model showed a positive association between RCI and the abundance of Chlorella sp. and barnacle nauplii, and a negative relationship with Mesocyclops sp. These results suggest that the nutritional and functional quality of plankton may be more relevant than its total abundance, constituting a bioindicator of physiological well-being and a potential supplementary food source.
Based on a systematic literature retrieval from multiple mainstream databases including Web of Science, Google Scholar and J-STAGE, this paper collected and sorted relevant research literature published from 1960 to 2024, and also supplemented information through exchanges with Japanese rice biotechnology researchers. Japan has made foundational contributions to rice genetic transformation technology, establishing key systems such as protoplast regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. These advances have enabled the development of transgenic rice with improved stress resistance, enhanced quality, and nutritional fortification. Despite slow commercialization domestically, Japan's technological platforms have become essential tools for global functional genomics and molecular breeding in rice. The integration of these systems with gene editing promises innovative solutions for future food security challenges.
The objective of the research was to determine the potential of Trichoderma spp. strains, Isaria fumosorosea, and Isaria javanica as biocontrol agents against Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood, obtained from tomato cv. Saladette (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Strains of T. harzianum, T. viride, T. koningii, T. asperellum, and a Trichoderma sp. isolate, as well as I. fumosorosea and I. javanica, were used. These were previously selected for their high parasitic capacity, antibiosis, and adaptation to diverse environmental conditions and substrates. In the in vitro assays, parasitism of the biological control agents (a pure filtrate of each strain) on eggs, oothecae, and juveniles (J2) of M. incognita was evaluated. Observations were carried out using an optical microscope with a 40X objective lens at 10 days and 72 hours, respectively. Nematodo control under semi-controlled conditions was conducted in an experimental area using 10 kg polyethylene bags, inoculated with approximately 5,000 juveniles (J2) and planted with tomato seedlings. Seven days after nematode inoculation, the biological agents were applied to the soil; 45 days later, incidence and severity variables were evaluated. Based on the results obtained, it was found that the strains of T. harzianum, T. asperellum, T. koningii, and I. fumosorosea are efficient for the control of different stages of the biological cycle of M. incognita.
Pistacia atlantica Desf. is a key drought-tolerant tree in hyper-arid North African ecosystems, yet little is known about how its osmolytes and phenolic-based antioxidant system respond when water availability is transiently improved. This study evaluated the short-term effects of irrigation on osmolyte levels, phenolic composition, and antioxidant activity in drought-acclimated P. atlantica trees. Ten adult trees in Igli region (southwestern Algeria) were assigned to non-irrigated and irrigated groups. Leaves were sampled before and after 90 days of irrigation. The relatively small sample size reflects the limited number of trees available and suitable for the study criteria in the area. Relative water content, proline, glycine betaine, total phenolics, and individual phenolics (HPLC-DAD) were determined. Results showed that irrigation increased leaf water content by about 12 % and significantly reduced proline (-25 %), glycine betaine (-22 %), and total phenolics (-30 %), while IC50 increased by 25 %. All quantified phenolics decreased after irrigation, with maximum reductions of-24 to-27 % were observed for chlorogenic, ferulic, andp-coumaric acids and quercetin, whereas gallic, syringic, ellagic acids and naringenin showed smaller declines (-8 to-16 %). The close coupling between osmolytes, key hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols, and antioxidant activity indicates an integrated defence network that is highly sensitive to water availability and central to drought resistance and recovery in this species.
Despite irrigation expansion, durum wheat yields in Algeria remain substantially below genetic potential. This study quantified emergence, natural, and mechanical losses under irrigated arid conditions in Laghouat Province, Algeria, during 2024-2025. Five experimental fields (Vitron variety) were monitored, measuring emergence densities, potential yield components, pre-harvest yield, and harvested yield. Emergence losses (24-43 %) were compensated through tillering (r =-0.996, p <= 0.001), though excessive densities (> 600 seeds.m-2) increased losses without yield benefit. Potential yield ranged from 9.3 to 13.7 t.ha(-1), with grain number per spike as primary determinant (r = 0.994, p <= 0.001). Natural losses (12-38 %) were amplified by extreme weather (hail, 36 mm.h-1 rainfall, May 14, 2025). Mechanical losses (31-47 %) exceeded international standards (3-7 %). Cumulative losses reached 54-60 % of potential, valorizing between 40 and 46 %. Optimization must prioritize mechanical loss reduction, legume rotations, and row seeding at moderate density.
Cherry tomatoes (Lycopercicum esculentum, Mill.) were immersed in 1.5 % or 3 % sucralose solutions with 0.5 % Instantgum BB (R), and stored under modified atmosphere conditions (11.9 degrees C and 73 % RH) in selectively permeable bags with CO2 injection (450 mbar). Sensory attributes, nutritional parameters, and microbiological quality were assessed at 20 and 35 days. The treatments were as follows: T0: no sucralose, no CO2; T1: CO(2 )only; T2: 1.5 % sucralose + 0.5 % Instantgum BB (R), no CO2; T3: 1.5 % sucralose + 0.5 % Instantgum BB (R), with CO2; T4: 3 % sucralose + 0.5 % Instantgum BB (R), no CO2; T5: 3 % sucralose + 0.5 % Instantgum BB (R), with CO2. Thirteen panelists evaluated aroma, color, flavor, texture, appearance, and overall acceptability. The following were measured: vitamin C (mg.100 g(-1)), total sugars (%), water content (%), titratable acidity (%), pH ([H+]), soluble solids (degrees Brix), and total coliform counts (CFU.g(-1)). The experimental design was a randomized block design with 95 % confidence (p < 0.05). Results were analyzed using ANOVA. The combination of sucralose, Instantgum BB (R), and CO(2 )did not alter the nutritional status of the cherry tomatoes. Microbiological analysis showed counts <10 CFU.g(-1), within the limits established by the Chilean Food Sanitary Regulation. The cherry tomatoes showed no differences in appearance, with a score of 7 ("like moderately"). At 20 days, samples without CO(2 )showed higher panelist acceptance (score 8: "like very much") compared to those with CO(2 )injection.
This research was developed at the "La Maria" Experimental Farm of the State Technical University of Quevedo (UTEQ), located in the province of Los Rios, Ecuador. The objective was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae in balanced diets on the organoleptic properties of free-range chicken meat. Two treatments were compared: UTEQ balanced and UTEQ + yeast balanced. The sensory evaluation included a descriptive attribute intensity test and a triangular discriminative test, with the participation of 50 panelists. The data were analyzed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test (p <= 0.05). The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between treatments for the attributes chicken flavor, fish flavor, chicken odor, fish odor, white color, yellow color, texture (juiciness) and general acceptability. The sensory profile showed a normal chicken flavor, slight characteristic aroma, slightly white color, moderate juiciness and high acceptability in both treatments. In the triangular test, 17 correct answers were recorded, a value lower than the minimum required (22) at 95 % confidence, confirming the absence of perceptible differences between the samples. It was concluded that supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae does not modify the organoleptic characteristics of free-range chicken meat, maintaining its sensory quality and acceptability by the consumer.
Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a vegetable and medicinal crop with significant genetic diversity in Mediterranean regions. The valorization of this condiment is necessary to meet production demands. An experiment was conducted at ITCMI of Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria, to evaluate the variation of agro-morphological properties of 10 garlic cultivars during the 2023/2024 growing season. The morphological evaluation revealed significant variety effects on leaves, bulbs, and cloves. The varieties Rose de Chine, Rouge Local, and Germidour showed important leaf length dimensions (52.79, 53.23 and 52.1 cm) and leaf surface area (97.61, 88.48 and 86.26 cm2), respectively. Regarding bulbs and cloves, the varieties Messidr & ocirc;mes and Mocta Bulgare indicated better performance in weight (54.45 and 6.9 g) and diameter (52.69 and 22.71 mm), respectively. The Fructidor variety had the highest number of cloves per bulb (14.16). These results highlight the potential of selected cultivars for specific end uses: foliage-vigorous varieties for biomass-oriented programs, and high-yielding bulb varieties for commercial production under semi-arid conditions. The identified agro-morphological diversity provides a valuable basis for varietal selection, breeding programs, and the conservation of locally adapted garlic germplasm.
The field of animal feed production it is consider one of the most important areas in livestock production. Given that the livestock sector in Algeria faced many problems, such as water scarcity and the high cost of traditional feed, it is important to find other local sources to overcome those difficulties. This study aimed to determine the content of secondary metabolites, including total phenolic compounds, tannins, and flavonoids, and the antioxidant activity in different parts (leaves, stems, and panicle residues) often landraces of sorghum found in the Algerian desert and cultivated in the Bordj Bou Arreridj region of Algeria. The results showed significant differences between the contents of the studied samples, as well as among the three different parts of the plant, namely the leaves, stems, and panicle residues. The total phenolic content ranged from 122.33 to 1344.44 mg EAG.100 g-1, with tannin levels from 4.84 to 927.78 mg EAG.100 g-1, while the flavonoid values ranged from 0.24 to 558.25 mg EQ.100 g-1. The antioxidant activitie also showed a significant variation, with DPPH values between 46.10 and 1481.68 mg AAE.100 g-1, FRAP from 31.76 to 1145.92 mg AAE.100 g-1, and ABTS values ranging from 28.89 to 459.92 mg AAE.100 g-1. These results confirmed that the sorghum plants not only represented a source of primary metabolic compounds such as fibers, starch, proteins, and energy materials used as animal feed, but they could also be utilized as a rich source of phenolic compounds with effective value in the health field.
Opuntia cochenillifera (L.) Mill. has a forage potential in arid areas. Because pastures are insufficient to meet livestock's nutritional demands during the dry season, this research aimed to evaluate the effects of sectioning (S), drying (D), and shading (Sh) of cladodes on the propagation of Opuntia cochenillifera (L.) Mill. The S factors (whole cladode and apical, middle, and basal sections), D (pre-drying at room temperature on mesh under shade for 14 days), and Sh (with and without shading under 80 % density raffia mesh), resulted in a combination of 16 treatments, arranged in a split-plot treatment design and a completely randomized experimental design. Percentages of living, rooted, and sprouted cladodes, number of shoots per cladode, and number and length of roots were evaluated 35 days after establishment. An analysis of variance and a means test were applied to determine differences among treatments. An increase in the percentage of rooted cladodes was obtained with the middle, apical, and basal fractions compared to the whole cladode, regardless of the drying process. Prior shading was counterproductive for cladode survival; high environmental humidity, combined with their water content, may have favored the appearance of secondary rots. In general, considering most of the variables evaluated, cladode sectioning without drying emerged as the best technique for asexual propagation of the species, due to the yield of vegetative material and its practicality.
The peels of Musa acuminata constitute a by-product of interest due to their richness in metabolites that influence important biological activities. The objective of the study was to evaluate the chemical composition of the peels (maturation stage 1) of Musa acuminata AAB (Blue Java), through the application of chemical and physicochemical methods, for their utilization. A comparative study was carried out with a single experimental factor and two independent samples: treatment without antioxidants (ST) and treatment with antioxidants (T). The proximate analysis performed demonstrated the presence of fiber, proteins, and minerals; moreover, it was verified that the application of antioxidants does not alter the nutritional profile. The absence of heavy metals was confirmed, ensuring the safety of the samples. For the identification and structural characterization of specialized metabolites, an HPLC-MS-UV study was carried out, which allowed the identification of 9 flavonoid glycosides in the acetone extracts of the peels. A higher concentration of phenols and tannins (20.21 mg GAE.g-1; 8.36 mg GAE.g-1) was quantified in the samples treated with antioxidants (T) compared to the untreated samples (ST) (6.46 mg GAE.g-1; 1.71 mg GAE.g-1), demonstrating that the application of antioxidants inhibits oxidative degradation and preserves these metabolites. These findings show that the immature peels of Musa acuminata AAB of the Blue Java variety constitute a viable and safe source of phytonutrients and phenols. Additionally, the effectiveness of a treatment with antioxidants was confirmed for preserving these metabolites without compromising their nutritional composition.
Corn is one of the most important species worldwide due to its uses for feeding humans and animals. In Ecuador, the province of Manab & iacute; is considered the area with the largest cultivated area nationwide. This work aimed to characterize weeds' floristic composition and predominance in El Junco, Tosagua corn production systems. To estimate the dominance of existing weeds, 10 farms were selected, where thirty random samplings were carried out for each farm using a 0.50 x 0.50 m quadrant. At each sampling point, the existing weeds and their respective identification were counted. In total 39 species were identified, 32 belonging to the Magnoliopsida class (dicotyledons) and 7 to the Liliopsida class (monocotyledons) and grouped into 16 botanical families. The families with the greatest representation were: Poaceae (25,06 %), Euphorbiaceae (18,61 %), Cyperaceae (14,79 %), Asteraceae (9,76 %) and Malvaceae (8,49 %). The most frequent species were Urochloafasciculata, Euphorbia hirta, Cyperus rotundus, Cyanthillium cinereum, Richardia scabra, Corchorus hirtus and Alternanthera sp. The species U. fasciculata, E. hirta, and C. rotundus obtained the highest dominance values with 3.88, 3.49, and 3.03 % respectively. In this way, we concluded that the Poaceae family, presented the greatest number of weeds in the corn production systems in the El Junco locality. Adequate knowledge of the floristic composition of an agroecosystem will allow the development of appropriate weed management strategies in different commercial corn fields.
This study explores the potential of hydroponic barley as an innovative feed strategy to address shortages in intensive livestock production, with a focus on small-scale landless farms. Twelve three-parous Normande cows, averaging 717 +/- 34 kg, were allocated into two homogeneous groups based on body weight, calving date, and previous lactation performance. Both groups received identical total mixed rations (TMR), while the experimental group was supplemented with 10 kg of hydroponic barley per cow per day. Over the lactation period, cows in the experimental group exhibited higher daily dry matter intake (20.62 +/- 1.21 vs. 19.13 +/- 1.14 kg.d-1) and milk production (22.17 vs. 18.91 kg.d-1), resulting in a 17.25 % increase in total lactation yield (6,760.80 vs. 5,765.68 kg). Feed efficiency improved by 9.09 %, and milk composition analysis revealed elevated fat (40.13-42.49 g.kg-1) and protein (32.21-34.87 g.kg-1) concentrations. Daily fat and protein yields were also significantly higher in the experimental group (942 and 758.06 g.d-1, respectively) compared to the control (777.76 and 609.09 g.d-1). No significant differences were observed in body weight or body condition score between groups. These results suggest that hydroponic barley supplementation can enhance both milk yield and quality by improving nutrient intake and digestibility. However, to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these benefits, further investigations are needed to assess its effects on rumen metabolism and gut microbiota. Overall, this study highlighted the practical potential of hydroponic barley as a sustainable, high-value feed supplement in modern dairy systems.
Soil acidity severely limits biological activity in high Andean systems, where aluminum toxicity and low pH reduce agricultural productivity and constrain microbial processes. In this context, the effect of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), applied both individually and in combination with a commercial organo-mineral amendment, was evaluated on soil pH, exchangeable aluminum, and microbial respiration in an acidic soil collected from an agricultural farm located in the mountainous region of Pamplona (Norte de Santander), through a 15 day controlled incubation conducted between March and May 2021. A completely randomized design with four treatments (control, 100 % CaCO3, 50 % CaCO3, and 50 % CaCO3 + amendment) and five replicates per treatment was used, measuring chemical variables and respiration at multiple incubation times; statistical analyses included ANOVA, Spearman correlations, and multiple linear regressions. Results showed that CaCO3 significantly increased pH (up to +0.62 units at the full dose) and reduced exchangeable aluminum only in this treatment, while all amended treatments enhanced microbial respiration, particularly during early stages, with a tendency toward a stronger response in the organic combination. However, multivariate analysis revealed that chemical variables did not independently explain respiratory variability, highlighting the predominance of the integrated treatment effect. It is concluded that liming, especially when combined with organic amendments, corrects chemical acidity and revitalizes microbial activity through systemic effects, with practical implications for the sustainable management of high Andean soils.
The isolation of halotolerant bacteria represents a strategy to mitigate soil salinization and promote crop adaptation. This study aimed to identify bacteria from saline soils in Remedios, Cuba, and evaluate their potential as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). Three bacterial strains tolerant to 200 mM NaCl were selected and identified as Proteus sp. RM 4.2, Lysinibacillus sp. RM 6.2, and Tenebrionicola sp. RM 4.1. The three strains showed the ability to fix nitrogen and produce siderophores and lytic enzymes. In tomato plant inoculation assays, Proteus sp. RM 4.2 significantly promoted plant growth in the evaluated cultivars, standing out as the strain with the greatest growth-promoting effect. Overall, the results indicated that the evaluated strains exhibited functional traits associated with plant growth promotion and represented a viable alternative for developing bioinoculants in saline soils.
