Importance of the work: Formulating milk-honey beverages with acceptable colloidal stability is challenging, as Kelulut honey promotes pH-induced casein aggregation, leading to phase separation. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of raw and dehumidified Kelulut honey on the physicochemical and colloidal behavior of milk during storage, as indicated by pH change, particle size and distribution, electrostatic interactions, rheological properties and phase separation. Materials and Methods: Raw and dehumidified Kelulut honey (5–7% volume per volume) were incorporated into ultra-high temperature and pasteurized milk with varying fat contents. System behavior was assessed using the centrifugal sedimentation rate, separation index, particle size distribution (PSD), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ζ), apparent viscosity and pH during storage at 25°C and 4°C. Results: Honey concentration and type influenced the initial physicochemical properties. At 5–6%, both honey types produced relatively uniform dispersions (PSD 257.0–265.2 nm; PDI 0.17–0.21), whereas 7% resulted in significantly larger particles (PSD 270.0–277.9 nm; p < 0.05). Dehumidified honey had improved performance compared to raw honey, with a smaller particle size (266.8 nm versus 392.6 nm, respectively) and more a negative zeta potential (−28.00 mV versus −23.63 mV, respectively) during storage at 25°C. Milk type further affected system behavior, with pasteurized low-fat milk having the highest mean ± SD phase separation (70 ± 1.0%). The combination of 6% dehumidified honey and pasteurized full-cream milk yielded the most favorable physicochemical characteristics among the tested systems (particle size, 289.0 nm; ζ −25.03 mV, after 14 d at 4°C). Main finding: This most favorable formulation had improved resistance to destabilization and maintained acceptable dispersion within 72 hr and up to 14 d at 4°C, supporting its potential as a clean-label component for ready-to-serve milk-honey beverages intended for immediate or short-term consumption.
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.
Importance of the work: Maize pollination is sensitive to canopy microclimate, including temperature, humidity, and airflow. UAV-assisted pollination may improve pollen dispersal; however, the effects of UAV-induced downwash turbulence on canopy cooling and pollen movement remain unclear. Objectives: To develop a simulation model to analyze the cooling effects of UAV-induced downwash turbulence on maize canopies, using thermal imaging to optimize pollination efficiency. Materials and Methods: Advanced techniques (the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations) were used to evaluate the impact of UAV airflow on canopy temperature and pollen dispersion during sensitive pollination stages. Data from UAVs equipped with thermal cameras (DJI Matrice 300 RTK and Zenmuse H20T) were combined with global navigation satellite systems to capture spatial variations in land surface temperature and airflow patterns. Results: UAV-induced turbulence reduced canopy temperature and humidity, enhancing pollination success, while cooling the surrounding soil and vegetation. Main finding: These findings highlight the importance of UAV airflow management in precision agriculture, demonstrating its potential to improve crop health and pollination outcomes through advanced environmental monitoring and control.
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.
Importance of the work: Assessment of the impact of underutilized cocoa pod biochar on brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) yield in soil addresses both waste valorization and productivity gaps. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of cocoa pod biochar on the morphological traits and yield performance of brinjal cultivated in soil. Materials and Methods: Brinjal plants were grown in polybags filled with soil amended with cocoa pod biochar at different rates in six treatments: 0 g (T0, the control); 20 g (T1); 40 g (T2); 60 g (T3); 80 g (T4); and 100 g (T5) per polybag. A randomized complete block design was used with five replications. The measured parameters were: plant height, leaf number, SPAD value, root and shoot biomass, fruit count, fruit weight and total yield. Results were reported as mean ± SD values. Results: Only leaf number showed a significant (p < 0.01) morphological response to biochar, with the highest value (46.4 ± 5.13 leaves) in T3 (60 g). Yield attributes were highly significantly (p < 0.001) affected. Treatment T2 (40 g) recorded the highest yield (3576.2 ± 640.09 g per plant) and the highest fruit count (19.4 ± 3.85). The control produced the lowest yield and fruit number (633.1 ± 540.93 g and 6.0 ± 4.70, respectively). These findings highlighted the positive impact of moderate biochar application on brinjal yield performance. Main finding: Cocoa pod biochar at 40 g per plant or 60 g per plant improved brinjal yield and growth in soil, demonstrating its effectiveness as a sustainable amendment. This finding supports waste valorization and advances soil cultivation practices for enhanced brinjal productivity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Importance of the work: Sesbania grandiflora leaf could reduce dependence on imported protein feed ingredients in rabbit production systems in Malaysia. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of dietary S. grandiflora leaf inclusion on rabbit growth, digestibility, carcass composition and meat quality. Materials and Methods: A completely randomized design was used to assign 15 male rabbits, aged approximately 2 mth after weaning, to three dietary treatments containing 0% (T1), 5% (T2) or 10% (T3) S. grandiflora (L.) Poir. leaves. The rabbits were fed ad libitum for 62 d, including a digestibility trial for 7 d. Carcass composition and meat quality were evaluated after slaughtering. Results: The rabbits fed the T2 diet had higher dry matter, crude fiber (CF) and ether extract intake than the rabbits fed the T1 diet. CF digestibility was significantly higher in the rabbits fed the T3 diet compared with the rabbits fed the T1 and T2 diets, while no significant difference was observed between T1 and T2. Ash digestibility was higher in the rabbits fed the T2 and T3 diets than in the rabbits fed the T1 diet. Growth performance was improved in the rabbits fed the T2 diet, with higher total body weight gain (BWG) and daily BWG. Carcass composition and meat quality were not significantly affected, although the meat ash content was higher in the rabbits fed the T2 diet. Main finding: Inclusion of 5–10% S. grandiflora leaves in the rabbit diets partially replaced imported feed ingredients without adversely affecting growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass composition or meat quality.
Importance of the work: Oil palm yield in southern Thailand is strongly sensitive to climatic variations; however, robust intra-annual forecasting frameworks are largely absent. Objectives: To quantify lagged climate-yield relationships and to build province-scale empirical models for reliable intra-annual yield forecasting. Materials and Methods: Monthly yield data were compiled for 13 southern provinces (2005–2022) to derive province-averaged reanalysis climate variables with lag adjustments. Collinearity was reduced using variance inflation factor analysis and models were trained through exhaustive search with expanding-window cross-validation. Results: Robust models with 2–8 predictors were produced for 11 provinces. Across test splits, the ranges were: coefficient of determination (R2 ), 0.33–0.73; root mean square error, 0.14–0.30 t/ha; coefficient of variation of the root mean square error, 8.38–23.75 %; and mean bias error, within ±0.13 t/ha. Dew-point temperature, soil moisture at 1.6 m and precipitation dominated the selected predictors, with common lags near 3 mth and 21 mth. Forecast lead time spanned 3–20 mth, most often 6–11 mth ahead of harvest. The lowest errors occurred in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani provinces, while southernmost provinces had higher relative errors. Partial-R² attribution highlighted mid-season soil moisture (often a 7 mth lag) as the most influential predictor in 7 of the 11 provinces. Main finding: A time-ordered empirical framework successfully forecast province-scale oil palm yields several months in advance using reanalysis climate and soil-moisture predictors. The results could support operational early warning for mills and agencies, while also clarifying the lagged climatic controls that shape yield variability in southern Thailand.
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.
Importance of the work: Phyllospheric bacteria play a crucial role in shaping plant microenvironments and offer sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The increasing environmental concerns associated with agrochemicals highlight the need to explore plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) for enhancing crop productivity and disease resistance. One major phytopathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum, causes bacterial wilt and greatly impacts a wide range of crops. Objectives: 1) To characterize bacterial isolates from the broccoli phyllosphere; 2) to evaluate their antagonistic activity against R. solanacearum; 3) to assess their plant growth-promoting traits; and 4) to identify the most promising isolate using 16S rRNA gene analysis. Materials and Methods: Bacterial isolates were obtained from broccoli phyllosphere samples and screened for antagonistic activity against R. solanacearum using the disc diffusion method. Plant growth-promoting traits were evaluated based on nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production assays. Molecular identification of the selected isolate was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: In total, 10 bacterial isolates were obtained, among which isolate FB5 had the highest antagonistic activity, with an inhibition zone diameter of 16.37 mm. FB5 tested negative for nitrogen fixation but was positive for phosphate solubilization and IAA production. Molecular identification revealed 91.43% similarity to Bacillus velezensis, indicating that the isolate belonged to the genus Bacillus. Main finding: Bacillus sp. FB5 had strong antagonistic activity against R. solanacearum and displayed key plant growth-promoting traits, highlighting its potential as a biocontrol agent and biofertilizer for Solanaceae crops such as potato, tomato and chili.
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.
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 OPTSto-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.
Importance of the work: The incorporation of medicinal plants as natural feed additives is recognized increasingly as essential for improving productivity and profitability in catfish aquaculture. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of dietary Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. on growth performance, health indices, tissue histology and economic returns in hybrid catfish. Materials and Methods: Hybrid catfish fingerlings with an initial mean weight of 15.95 ± 0.01 g were fed diets containing 0 to 2.0% X. aethiopica (XE) for 56 d and assessed for growth performance, hematological parameters, serum biochemistry, enzyme activities, histological alterations and profitability. Results: Growth parameters differed significantly (p < 0.05), with 0.5% XE producing the highest final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate and feed efficiency. Conversely, 2.0% XE significantly (p < 0.05) reduced performance. Hematological indices (red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin and packed cell volume) improved at 0.5% XE (p < 0.05). Based on serum biochemical markers, there were increased protein and globulin levels, reduced cortisol and glucose and enhanced hepatic and renal function at 0.5–1.0% XE. Plasma electrolytes remained stable at moderate XE inclusion but were significantly (p < 0.05) altered at 2.0% XE. Histological examination revealed minimal hepatic and renal changes at 0.5–1.0% XE, while 2.0% XE caused vacuolation and inflammation. Economic analysis indicated that 0.5% XE achieved the highest profit index and gross margin (p < 0.05). Main finding: Moderate supplementation of X. aethiopica at 0.5–1.0% enhanced growth, health and profitability in hybrid catfish culture, while excessive inclusion at 2.0% had adverse effects.
Importance of the work: Rice yield response to warming exhibits non-linear threshold behavior dependent on rhizosphere biogeochemical status. Objectives: To identify thermal tipping points and quantify carbon intensity (CI) moderation of temperature-yield relationships. Materials and Methods: A balanced panel dataset (1995−2024, n = 180) across six Mekong Delta provinces was analyzed using data envelopment analysis and Hansen’s threshold model, with temperature data from the Ca Mau hydrological station and emission factors from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change guidelines. Results: A statistically significant threshold was identified at γ = 27.5°C (95% confidence interval: 27.3−27.7°C, p < 0.01). Below this threshold, each 1°C increase raised yields by 0.18 t/ha, whereas above it for each 1°C, yields declined by 0.24 t/ha. Systems with CI >1.2 kg CO2e/kg had 35% greater yield volatility and 82% larger thermal penalties at supra-threshold temperatures than low-carbon systems. Main finding: This study provided the first regional-scale, panel-based quantification of a 27.5°C thermal tipping point governing rice yield in the Mekong Delta, demonstrating that CI functions as a biophysical stress multiplier. Specifically, high-emission systems (CI >1.2 kg CO2e/kg) suffer 50% larger thermal yield penalties above the threshold than their low-emission counterparts. Achieving CI <1.0 kg CO2e/kg (as mandated by Decision No. 1490/QD-TTg by the Prime minister of Vietnam) confers the dual co-benefits of a reduction in CH4 and N2O emissions, as well as enhanced thermal resilience, providing a biophysical basis for differentiated provincial adaptation strategies under National Assembly of Vietnam Resolution No. 202/2025/QH15.
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.
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.
Importance of the work: The quantification of climate and land use change effects on multi-crop systems can inform strategic agricultural adaptation. Objectives: To evaluate the combined effects of climate (CMIP5/CMIP6) and land use change (LUC) on multi-crop economic output and to determine spatial susceptibility across the Mun River Basin, northeast Thailand. Materials and Methods: The decision support system for agrotechnology transfer (DSSAT) model and the land-similarity-unit technique were applied to assess four major cash crops: rice, maize, cassava and sugarcane. Land use was projected using a cellular automata-Markov chain model. Economic effects were quantified across four scenarios: baseline, climate change (CC)-only, LUC-only and integrated CC & LUC. Results: The CC-only scenario caused an 8.9% reduction in total output. Rice and maize had very unstable yields (coefficient of variance up to 43.0%). The LUC-only scenario increased output by 4.5%, driven by converting rice paddies to higher-value crops. The integrated effect resulted in a net reduction of 4.4%. District-level analysis revealed non-uniform responses: uplands experienced output increases (+22.2% in Sangkha), reflecting successful adaptation, whereas lowlands showed aggravated losses (-15.0% in Kaset Wisai). Main finding: Strategic land use adaptation can offset economic losses from climate change. Spatial targeting is critical and vulnerability remains high in rainfed lowlands where crop conversion is unsuitable.
