Stingless bee honey, also known as pot honey, is a unique product that differs from other honey (Apis) in terms of flavor, chemical composition, biological characteristics, and sourness. Raw and by-products made from this honey have substantial use for its diverse health benefits and human dietary requirements. The physiochemical properties of honey from stingless bee mainly rely on nectar sources, geographic locations, climate, bee species, and handling and storage conditions. The honey contains reducing sugars, water, minerals, and ash content, and its characteristic features include color, acidity, pH, electrical conductivity, and viscosity. Further, it contains several biological and therapeutic constituents such as flavonoids, antioxidants, antibacterial, wound-healing, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties, and the Maillard reaction product hydroxymethylfurfural. This review summarizes the literature on the physical and biological properties and therapeutic constituents' use of stingless bee honey. It also highlights the quality standards available worldwide and required modifications in establishing universal standards for promoting this honey.

Sulfur-containing amino acids (SAA), namely methionine, and cysteine are crucial essential amino acids (EAA) considering the dietary requirements of humans and animals. However, a few crop plants, especially legumes, are characterized with suboptimal levels of these EAA thereby limiting their nutritive value. Hence, improved comprehension of the mechanistic perspective of sulfur transport and assimilation into storage reserve, seed storage protein (SSP), is imperative. Efforts to augment the level of SAA in seed storage protein form an integral component of strategies to balance nutritive quality and quantity. In this review, we highlight the emerging trends in the sulfur biofortification approaches namely transgenics, genetic and molecular breeding, and proteomic rebalancing with sulfur nutrition. The transgenic ‘push and pull strategy’ could enhance sulfur capture and storage by expressing genes that function as efficient transporters, sulfate assimilatory enzymes, sulfur-rich foreign protein sinks, or by suppressing catabolic enzymes. Modern molecular breeding approaches that adopt high throughput screening strategies and machine learning algorithms are invaluable in identifying candidate genes and alleles associated with SAA content and developing improved crop varieties. Sulfur is an essential plant nutrient and its optimal uptake is crucial for seed sulfur metabolism, thereby affecting seed quality and yields through proteomic rebalance between sulfur-rich and sulfur-poor seed storage proteins.

IntroductionCoconut testa, a by-product of the coconut processing industry, is currently underutilised. This study aimed to extract a coconut testa-based food colourant using various organic solvents and physical methods, and to utilise this colourant in food product preparation.MethodsDifferent organic solvents, along with various time and temperature combinations, were employed for colourant extraction using both a laboratory-scale water bath and ultrasonication. The colour coordinate values (CIELab) of the testa-derived colourants were measured, and the colourants were screened for various phytochemicals. The in vitro antioxidant potential of the testa colourant was assessed by quantifying total phenolics, and the phytochemical composition, including monomeric anthocyanins, was evaluated.ResultsThe study determined the optimal combinations of organic solvents, temperature and time to obtain extracts with maximum antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC). Acidified ethanol-based extracts of testa colourants yielded highest polyphenol content (154.39 ± 2.63 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids content (53.65 ± 0.62 mg QE/g). Similarly, ethanol-based extractants of coconut testa produced high anthocyanin content [823.02 ± 1.81 mg Cy-3-glc equivalents (C3GE)/100 g]. Acidified (0.3 M HCl) solvents at relatively high temperature and time combinations exhibited high antioxidant potential of testa colourant, as measured by CUPRAC, FRAP, and DPPH assays. Following the foam mat drying process of the colourant, a mature coconut water-based jelly was prepared by incorporating the testa colourant extracted with acidified ethanol.DiscussionThis study highlights the biochemical and antioxidant potential of the food colorant derived from coconut testa and explores its suitability for functional food applications. Therefore, coconut testa extract serves a dual purpose: it enhances the aesthetic appeal of food as a colourant and provides significant health-promoting properties due to its high anthocyanin content. Insights from this study could help in promoting the valorization of one of the beneficial by products of coconut industry.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is an important plantation crop growing in tropical regions of the world and commanding an immense commercial potential. Considering the perennial nature of the crop, it is important to manage physiological and nutritional disorders when they appear. Most disorders are due to unfavourable interactions at the soil, water and palm interface, and at times, these interactions are aggravated by other biotic and abiotic factors. In general, a good supply of nutrients can address most soil deficiencies and thereby overcome any symptoms associated with nutritional disorders. Instances of an association with biotic agents or other factors are also reported, such as those caused by lethal yellowing disease. In this context, this chapter discusses and presents an overview of the nutritional requirements of the coconut palm and its various growth disorders. It concludes with the physiological optimization of growth and development of coconut and presents future perspectives.

The objective of this study is to develop coconut flakes that are readily consumable, using various drying techniques following osmotic dehydration in neera syrup concentrate (50ºBrix). A novel methodology and process have been established to create these coconut flakes, offering a distinct production approach. The infusion of neera syrup enhances taste, flavor, and color and augments the product’s nutritional content. Through drying experiments at 55, 65, and 75 ºC temperatures, the study seeks to identify the most suitable drying method and temperature. Analysis of the bioactive profile revealed that coconut flakes dried at 65 ℃ using infrared-assisted hot air dehydration (IRHAD) demonstrated exceptional nutritional attributes. These include a Hausner ratio of 1.04, Carr’s index of 4.22, rehydration ratio of 2.37, hygroscopicity of 1.68

Cocoa is an important plantation crop grown for its beans, used in the chocolate and confectionary industry. It produces a large number of perfect flowers on the stem (cauliflorous), but the fruit set is low. There is a lack of comprehensive information regarding the genotypic variability in flowering, fruit set, and cherelle wilt, as well as their relationship with leaf nutrient status. Thus, a field study was undertaken at ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Vittal, to elucidate the influence of leaf nutrient status on flowering, fruit set, and cherelle wilt in cocoa. The study revealed significant variations among twenty cocoa genotypes for flower production, fruit set, and cherelle wilt. The highest number of flowers (106) produced on a one-meter marked area on the stem and fruit set (13.7) was recorded in VTLC 05. The lowest number of flowers was observed in genotype VTLCH 2 (16). The maximum fruit set percentage was found in VTLC 182 (13.8%), whereas the minimum fruit set percentage was observed in VTLC 30A (1.3%). Cherelle wilt was maximum in upper Amazon clone VTLC 155 (72.9%), whereas the lowest cherelle wilting percentage was recorded in VTLC 148 (22.9%). Pearson’s correlation coefficients indicated that fruit setting percentage in different genotypes had no significant association with leaf nutrient status, except for calcium which had a significant association (r = 0.596). The result indicated that genotypic variability exists for fruit set and cherelle wilt, and an optimum level of calcium should be maintained in the leaf for better fruit setting in cocoa.

Appropriately dried coconut kernel, or copra, is imperative for oil production to ensure consistent quality, taste, aroma, and nutritional properties of the resultant coconut oil. This research assesses the effects of different drying techniques-hot air drying (HAD), infrared drying (ID), and infrared-assisted hot air drying (IAHAD)-on the quality profile of coconut oil extracted from copra. Coconut kernels were subjected to radiation and convective hot-air drying methods at varying temperatures (50 degrees C, 60 degrees C, and 70 degrees C). The fresh oil sample extracted from copra using different drying techniques exhibited zero peroxide value, indicating high quality. Among the methods, IAHAD at 60 degrees C was remarkable for producing the highest-grade copra, resulting in superior quality oil with exceptional preservation of essential nutrients. The physical and biochemical properties of the coconut oil produced using IAHAD at 60 degrees C included specific gravity, refractive index, moisture content, antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic content, all indicating enhanced oil quality.

Due to rising health concerns, consumers are increasingly inclined toward reduced-fat products, which have driven the need for nutritious alternatives through modifications in recipes and production processes. Despite the growing popularity of coconut-based products, there is limited research on baked coconut chips, particularly regarding the effects of baking temperatures and product thicknesses. This study addresses this gap by developing baked coconut chips samples (BCSs) as a healthier alternative to traditional fried chips. Baking experiments were conducted at temperatures of 140 degrees C, 160 degrees C, and 180 degrees C, with 160 degrees C identified as optimal for balancing processing time and product quality. The study also compared baked coconut chips with those that were dried and then baked (dried baked coconut chips samples [DBCS]). Among the trials, the 0.5-mm-thick coconut chips baked at 160 degrees C exhibited favorable sensory attributes and notable biochemical properties, including 3.13% moisture content, 1.13% ash, 40.49% fat, and significant antioxidant activity.

A pot experiment conducted at ICAR-CPCRI, RS, Vittal, provided practical insights into the effects of varying zinc levels (0.25, 0.75, and 1.25 mg/7L pot) on the growth, chlorophyll content and biomass allocation of eight cocoa varieties. The study revealed significant varietal differences and a positive influence of zinc application on growth parameters. Notably, the variety VTLCC-1 exhibited the highest plant height (138.73 cm) and stem diameter (11.40 mm) under the medium zinc level, as well as the greatest leaf count (70.33) under the high zinc level. In contrast, VTLCH-4, grown with a low zinc level, recorded the highest total chlorophyll content (4.79 mg g⁻1). Additionally, VTLCS-1, grown with a low zinc level showed a higher shoot-to-root ratio of 8.74, and varieties VTLCH-4 and VTLCS-1 recorded the highest root-to-shoot ratio of 0.25 at a high Zn level. This underscores the unique responses of different cocoa varieties to varied Zn levels in terms of growth, chlorophyll content and the allocation of biomass, providing valuable information for sustainable cocoa production.

Theobroma cacao L., cocoa, produces fruits throughout the year with one or two peaks. The relationship between pod or bean characteristics and leaf nutrient status in cocoa genotypes grown in the humid tropics of India is not well documented. Our investigation found notable differences amongst twenty genotypes of cocoa for pod weight, husk weight, bean count, fresh bean weight pod, single dry bean weight, nib recovery, and shell percentage. Single dry bean weight is an important parameter of the cocoa beans for the industry, and it was significantly associated with the husk weight, pod weight, and nib recovery. The weight of the dry bean was found to be higher in pods with higher pod weight and husk weight. However, it decreased significantly with increased bean count per pod. Higher nib recovery is another important industry trait and was closely associated with single dry bean weight. Pearson’s correlation coefficients indicated pod and bean characteristics in different genotypes had no significant association with leaf nutrient status. Even, the nutrient ratios had no tangible influence on the pod/bean traits, except for K/P and Ca/B, which had significant associations with the husk weight and pod count per tree, respectively.

This study explored various drying techniques and temperatures to analyze their effects on the drying kinetics and quality of copra. The initial moisture content of coconut kernels was 50%-55% (w.b.), which decreased to 6%-8% (w.b.) as a result of the drying process. This study focuses on evaluating the individual and hybrid effects of infrared drying (IRD) and hot-air drying (HAD) techniques to enhance the quality of copra. Three drying methods were used: IRD, HAD, and infrared-assisted hot-air drying (IRAHAD). Coconut pieces were subjected to different drying temperatures (50, 60, and 70 degrees C) with a constant air speed of 2 m/s. Optimal results were achieved by employing the IRAHAD method at 60 degrees C, preserving a crucial fat content of 68.4% essential for increased extraction of oil from copra and comparatively high drying rates. In particular, the drying rates in IRAHAD were twice as high as those in IRD and HAD. At a drying temperature of 60 degrees C, the logarithmic model and the diffusion approximation model were deemed the best fit for HAD and IRAHAD, respectively.Practical applicationsThis study demonstrates the efficacy of infrared-assisted hot-air drying (IRAHAD) at 60 degrees C in preserving copra's crucial fat content of 68.4% for optimal oil extraction. By implementing IRAHAD, producers can efficiently dry coconut kernels while maintaining quality, enhancing extraction yields, and improving overall profitability in the coconut processing industry. This study evaluates the impact of different drying techniques and temperatures on copra's drying kinetics and quality. The hybrid infrared-assisted hot-air drying (IRAHAD) at 60 degrees C optimally preserved fat content (68.4%) and doubled drying rates compared to infrared drying and hot-air drying. The IRAHAD method significantly enhanced mass and heat transfer, ensuring premium-quality oil extraction. image

Tetragonula iridipennis Smith, commonly known as the stingless bee or 'dammer bee', is a key native species that pollinates a wide variety of horticultural crops, including onions, in India. Climate change significantly affects species distribution and habitat suitability. This study utilized Maximum Entropy Modeling (MaxEnt) to predict the current and future distribution of T. iridipennis in India. By modeling the species' potential distribution using both historical climate data (1970-2000) and future projections for 2050 and 2070 under two socio-economic scenarios, SSP126 (low-emission) and SSP585 (high-emission), the study provided accurate predictions. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for model training and testing was 0.848 and 0.830, respectively, indicating strong model accuracy. Additionally, the Continuous Boyce Index (CBI) values for training and testing were 0.966 and 0.907, while the True Skill Statistic (TSS) values were 0.510 and 0.484. These metrics confirm that the model effectively distinguishes between suitable and unsuitable habitats for the species. The two most influential variables determining 84.9% of T. iridipennis's potential distribution were temperature seasonality (bio4; 66.2%) and mean temperature of the coldest quarter (bio11; 18.7%). The ideal zone for these variables were 155-170 and 13-28, respectively. The model indicated that the potential distribution of T. iridipennis is concentrated primarily in central and southern peninsular India, with the species' habitat predicted to expand under both SSP126 and SSP585 scenarios. This study provides a detailed overview of the current and potential future habitable areas for T. iridipennis in India, offering insights that could help guide conservation efforts for this important native pollinator.

Background The bud rot pathogen Phytophthora palmivora poses a significant threat to coconut production worldwide. Effective management strategies against this devastating pathogen are lacking due to the absence of resistant cultivars and limited knowledge about its pathogenicity mechanisms. To address this, we conducted dual RNA-seq analyses at three time points (12, 24, and 36 hours post-infection) during the initial progression of the disease, using a standardized in vitro assay. This study aimed to identify transcriptional regulation following infection and decipher the system-level host response to P. palmivora . Results Differential gene expression (DGE) analysis between control and infected samples revealed extensive modulation of stress-responsive genes in coconut. In contrast, P. palmivora showed differential expression of genes encoding effector and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZy). Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted the up-regulation of genes associated with plant-pathogen interaction pathway and plant hormone signal transduction in coconut. To validate our findings, we selected ten candidate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from both coconut and P. palmivora for quantification using qRT-PCR at the three time points. The expression trends observed in qRT-PCR confirmed the reliability of the dual RNA-seq data, further supporting the comprehensive outlook on the global response of coconut to P. palmivora infection. Conclusions This study highlights the significant modulation of stress-responsive genes in coconut and differential expression of effector and carbohydrate-active enzyme genes in P. palmivora during bud rot infection. The findings provide valuable insights into the molecular interactions and transcriptional regulation underlying the coconut- P. palmivora pathosystem, aiding in the development of effective management strategies against this devastating pathogen.

The CcGRXS12 gene protects plants from cellular oxidative damage that are caused by both biotic and abiotic stresses. The protein possesses GSH-disulphide oxidoreductase property but lacks Fe–S cluster assembly mechanism. Glutaredoxins (Grxs) are small, ubiquitous and multi-functional proteins. They are present in different compartments of plant cells. A chloroplast targeted Class I GRX (CcGRXS12) gene was isolated from Capsicum chinense during the pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) infection. Functional characterization of the gene was performed in Nicotiana benthamiana transgenic plants transformed with native C. chinense GRX (Nb:GRX), GRX-fused with GFP (Nb:GRX-GFP) and GRX-truncated for chloroplast sequences fused with GFP (Nb:Δ2MGRX-GFP). Overexpression of CcGRXS12 inhibited the PMMoV-I accumulation at the later stage of infection, accompanied with the activation of salicylic acid (SA) pathway pathogenesis-related (PR) transcripts and suppression of JA/ET pathway transcripts. Further, the reduced accumulation of auxin-induced Glutathione-S-Transferase (pCNT103) in CcGRXS12 overexpressing lines indicated that the protein could protect the plants from the oxidative stress caused by the virus. PMMoV-I infection increased the accumulation of pyridine nucleotides (PNs) mainly due to the reduced form of PNs (NAD(P)H), and it was high in Nb:GRX-GFP lines compared to other transgenic lines. Apart from biotic stress, CcGRXS12 protects the plants from abiotic stress conditions caused by H2O2 and herbicide paraquat. CcGRXS12 exhibited GSH-disulphide oxidoreductase activity in vitro; however, it was devoid of complementary Fe–S cluster assembly mechanism found in yeast. Overall, this study proves that CcGRXS12 plays a crucial role during biotic and abiotic stress in plants.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the importance of snack items in diets, particularly among children and adolescents who enjoy them socially with friends. Chips, commonly produced through frying, have garnered significant popularity. This study aimed to assess the quality of fried coconut chips of thickness 0.5 mm and 1.4 mm, made using both sunflower oil and coconut oil. Deep frying was conducted at 160 °C for both types of oil. The findings indicated that coconut oil-fried chips, regardless of thickness, exhibited superior sensory attributes (i.e. appearance, colour, crispiness and flavour). All sensory attributes (except appearance) were rated the highest for coconut oil fried chips. The biochemical properties of chips fried in both oils were largely similar, yet coconut oil-fried chips displayed slightly better characteristics compared to their counterparts. For instance, the 0.5 mm thick coconut oil-fried chips were noted for their improved protein content and fat content, leading to a higher overall acceptability of the 0.5 mm thickness.

CRISPR/Cas9 –based genome editing to expedite the genetic improvement of palms: challenges and prospects

Utilization of plant sap-derived sugars and syrups, such as palm sugar, birch syrup, maple syrup, and agave syrup, provides versatile alternatives to conventional sweeteners like cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, thereby enriching culinary options and catering to diverse consumer preferences. One noteworthy product derived from coconut palm sap is neera, a traditional beverage celebrated for its natural sugars, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Its nutritional value and cultural significance make it a cherished component of local diets. It is nutritionally important due to its natural sugars (sucrose, glucose, and fructose), rich in vitamins and minerals (potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron). The focus of this study is to comprehend the biochemical changes that occur during the conversion of neera into sugar using an open double-jacket cooker. The process entails meticulous monitoring of various parameters, including total soluble solids (TSS), pH levels, total sugar content, reducing sugar content, total phenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity (measured by DPPH and FRAP assays), and ascorbic acid concentration. Throughout the 3 h heating process, samples are collected at 30 min intervals to track the changes in biochemical composition. Continuous stirring and precise temperature control ensure uniform heat transfer and accurate results. The findings reveal significant alterations in biochemical composition, with notable increases observed in TPC and antioxidant activity, possibly attributed to the Maillard reaction. The conversion from neera to coconut sugar yields a range of compositions suitable for various culinary applications, presenting opportunities for entrepreneurship and the development of value-added products. This not only enhances market competitiveness but also fosters economic growth in the food sector.