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- Assessment of farmer’s knowledge and attitudes toward fungi and mycotoxin contamination in staple crops in Southern MozambiquePublication . Bila, João; Macuamule, Custódia; Bombe, Amina; Ribeiro, Maria Isabel; Venâncio, Armando; Afonso, Sandra; Rodrigues, PaulaIn Mozambique, 80% of the population directly depends on agriculture as a source of food and income. However, some of the most produced food crops, such as maize, rice and peanuts, are easily contaminated by fungi and mycotoxins. The naturally high prevalence of mycotoxins can be aggravated by the high vulnerability and lack of knowledge of the farmers. The aims of this study were to assess the knowledge and perceptions of small-size and medium-size farmers in the provinces of Inhambane and Gaza, southern Mozambique, regarding awareness of fungi and mycotoxin contamination of food crops, losses of production and income, and the causes and consequences of this contamination. A survey was conducted with 180 farmers in the two provinces. A multiple linear regression model was used to correlate the level of knowledge with the sociodemographic characteristics of the studied population. Results The results showed that 97.8% of the farmers have an insufficient level of knowledge about fungi and mycotoxins contamination of food crops. While 17.8% showed sufficient or good knowledge of the conditions that promote fungal contamination, only 3.9% knew what measures to apply to mitigate their occurrence. The level of knowledge was lower for the Inhambane farmers. According to the estimated model, province, gender, age (>45 years old), primary and secondary (1st cycle) education, another source of income other than agriculture and experience as a farmer (>10 years) are statistically significant predictors of the level of knowledge of the Mozambican farmers analyzed. These findings highlight the urgent need of tailored interventions to promote good agricultural and storage practices that allow the mitigation of mycotoxin contamination of food.
- Chemical Composition of Almond Varieties Collected in the Valencian Region (Spain)Publication . Lopéz‐Cortés, Isabel; Fernandes, Luana; Baviera‐Puig, Amparo; Salazar, Domingo M.; Rodrigues, Nuno; Pereira, José Alberto; Ramalhosa, ElsaAlmonds (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) are consumed worldwide, with great economic importance in Spain. In the present work, six varieties collected in Valencia (Spain) were characterised: 'Desmayo Rojo', 'Guara', 'Desmayo Largueta' and 'Marcona' (Spanish varieties), and 'Ferraduel' and 'Ferragn & egrave;s' (French varieties). The different varieties differed significantly in nutritional composition, fatty acid profile, and alpha-tocopherol content. 'Desmayo Rojo' (less known than 'Desmayo Largueta') presented the highest content of alpha-tocopherol and campesterol. beta-Sitosterol was the major sterol, followed by campesterol and stigmasterol. Concerning sugars, sucrose, stachyose, and raffinose were quantified. The highest concentration of sucrose was found in 'Ferragn & egrave;s', whereas stachyose was higher in 'Desmayo Largueta', 'Desmayo Rojo' and 'Guara'. 'Marcona' presented the highest value of raffinose. It was possible to separate the six varieties into five groups, keeping the French varieties in the same group. Thus, this work showed the importance of maintaining and guaranteeing this genetic variability, as each variety has unique characteristics.
- The composition and structure of bacterial and fungal communities in kiwifruit are influenced by photoselective netsPublication . Fernandes, Paulo; Cano-Díaz, Concha; Pinto, Rui; Mourão, Isabel; Brito, Luís Miguel; Moura, LuísaPhotoselective nets in agriculture are typically designed to modify the light spectrum, intensity, and microclimate around crops, influencing plant growth, productivity, and quality. However, knowledge regarding their impact on the microbiota of plants and fruits remains limited. This study assessed the impact of pearl, grey, and yellow photoselective nets on the microbial communities present on kiwifruit surfaces using amplicon high- throughput sequencing of ITS and 16S metagenomic DNA. Kiwifruit pathogens associated with postharvest rot, such as Alternaria, Didymella, and Cladosporium, were significantly more prevalent on kiwis grown without nets. Additionally, different net types influenced microbial diversity, richness, and network structure. Pearl nets promoted bacterial richness and fungal diversity, while yellow nets enhanced overall diversity and resilience in both microbial communities. Grey nets resulted in evenness in fungal communities but led to less robust bacterial networks. Kiwifruit yield increased under photoselective nets compared to outside. At harvest, fruit dry matter, f irmness, pH, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity were similar across treatments. However, fruits under yellow and grey nets showed significantly lower firmness compared to other treatments. Understanding these effects may contribute to optimizing fruit production and shelf-life management.
- Compositional and Bioactive Differentiation of Opuntia spp. Fruit Varieties by PCA and LDAPublication . Espírito Santo, Liliana; Pereira, Cláudia S.G.P.; Costa, Anabela S.G.; Almeida, Agostinho; Barreira, João C.M.; Oliveira, Beatriz; Vinha, Ana F.The nutritional, mineral, and bioactive profiles of four Opuntia fruit varieties-Opuntia robusta red variety (OR-RV) and three Opuntia ficus-indica varieties (red, yellow, and green: OFI-RV, OFI-YV, and OFI-GV, respectively)-were characterized to assess their compositional diversity and potential discriminant markers. Standard analytical procedures were applied to determine proximate composition, individual sugars, fibre content, mineral concentration, and bioactive compounds, followed by antioxidant activity assays. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) were used to explore multivariate patterns and identify variables with the greatest discriminatory power. Results revealed significant inter-varietal differences across all measured parameters (p < 0.05). OR-RV displayed the highest non-fibre carbohydrate, protein, copper, and ascorbic acid contents, as well as superior antioxidant activity. OFI-GV stood out for its high soluble and insoluble fibre, magnesium, and strontium levels, while OFI-YV was characterized by elevated sodium and calcium, and OFI-RV by increased protein and glucose contents. LDA identified ascorbic acid, protein, and five mineral elements (Sr, Zn, Cu, Mn, B) as key discriminant variables, achieving 100% classification accuracy. These findings highlight compositional diversity among Opuntia varieties and support their differentiated use in food and health applications.
- Comprehensive analysis of particulate matter, gaseous pollutants, and microbiological contamination in a clothing store from an international chain in EuropePublication . Furst, Leonardo; Cipoli, Yago; Galindo, Nuria; Yubero, Eduardo; Viegas, Carla; Gomes, Bianca; Cervantes, Renata; Nunes, Teresa; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, CéliaIn this study, indoor air quality was assessed in a store belonging to one of Portugal’s largest commercial retail groups. A variety of methodologies was used, including gravimetric analysis for particulate matter (PM), optical monitors for real-time PM measurements, gas sensors and analysers for CO2 and other gaseous pollutants, diffusion tubes for VOCs, and passive deposition for microorganisms. The average PM10 concentration indoors was 16.5 ± 3.87 μg/m3, well below the exposure limits set by various international organisations. A significant portion of indoor PM10 – 69% - was originated from outdoor sources. Outdoor PM10 concentrations were sub- stantially higher, averaging 29.4 ± 14.6 μg/m3. Metal concentrations were also higher outdoors than indoors, and the associated cancer risk and hazard quotient were not exceeded, indicating favourable air quality con- ditions within the store. Among VOCs, α-pinene and tetrachloroethylene were detected in notable concentra- tions. α-Pinene likely originated from cleaning products and fragrances, while tetrachloroethylene was attributed to emissions from a dry-cleaning establishment located in the same building, but did not exceed protection thresholds. Microbial analysis showed low concentrations of both fungi and bacteria. However, fungal species with clinical and toxigenic potential were found. The most common fungal species were Trichoderma sp. and Penicillium sp., depending on the culture media. Overall, the clothing store demonstrated good air quality. However, to further reduce the impact of outdoor pollutants on indoor air quality, enhancements to the venti- lation system are recommended. These improvements can help create a healthier indoor environment by filtering and managing the intake of external contaminants more effectively.
- Deciphering How Olive Volatiles and Fatty Acids Shape Bactrocera oleae (Rosii) Oviposition Preference Using Multivariate Regression ModelsPublication . González‐Fernández, Antonio; Rallo, Pilar; Peres, António M.; Rodrigues, Nuno; Casal, Susana; Pereira, José Alberto; Morales‐Sillero, AnaThe olive fly (Bactrocera oleae (Rossi)), the major pest of olives, primarily recognises visual, olfactory, acoustic, gustatory and tactile signals that regulate its behavioural activity, courtship and reproductive success, as well as the search for ideal conditions for its offspring. Recent studies highlight the importance of chemical compounds present in olive fruits, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in these processes. This paper aims to further explore the relationships between B. oleae and specific chemical traits in fresh sound fruits that might trigger and enhance infestations, namely VOCs, their precursors (fatty acids) and lipidic antioxidants (tocopherols). The study has been performed within the framework of a table olive cross-breeding program in order to develop predictive models to identify genotypes less susceptible to olive fly infestation. Significant differences in chemical traits were observed among the genotypes studied, highlighting their role in oviposition preference of the olive fly. 'Hojiblanca' and 'Kalamon', known for their lower susceptibility, stood out for their high concentrations of D-limonene among the 33 identified VOCs and low saturated fatty acid content. Specific VOCs like alpha-pinene, copaene, nonanal and o-xylene, along with some minor fatty acids, were key predictors for developing multivariate models that estimate susceptibility to olive fly oviposition.
- Environmental Impact of Wastewater on Surface and Groundwater in Central AsiaPublication . Kalmakhanova, Marzhan S.; Kurtebayeva, Assel A.; Tleuova, Zhanna T.; Satybaldiev, Bagdat; Orynbayev, Seitzhan A.; Malakar, Arindam; Gomes, Helder T.; Snow, Daniel D.This review aims to increase attention on present water quality issues on Central Asia, finding gaps in the literature on ways to address treatment needs, and help ensure future use of Central Asia surface waters and groundwater for all beneficial uses. Central Asia is a landlocked region known for its harsh climatic conditions and scarce water resources, despite being home to some of the world's largest internal drainage basins. The available literature suggests that increasing salinity has rendered water unsuitable for irrigation and consumption; hazardous trace elements are found throughout Central Asia, most often associated with mining and industrial sources; and that legacy pesticides influence water quality, particularly in agriculturally influenced basins. This study also focuses on the effects of municipal and industrial wastewater discharge. Additionally, the impact of inadequately treated wastewater on water resources is analyzed through a review of available data and reports regarding surface and groundwater quantity and quality. Given the challenges of water scarcity and accessibility, the reuse of treated wastewater is becoming increasingly important, offering a valuable alternative that necessitates careful oversight to ensure public health, environmental sustainability, and water security. However, due to insufficient financial and technical resources, along with underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, many urban areas lack adequate wastewater treatment facilities, significantly constraining their safe and sustainable reuse. Proper management of wastewater effluent is critical, as it directly influences the quality of both surface and groundwater, which serve as key sources for drinking water and irrigation. Due to their persistent and biologically active nature even at trace levels, we discuss contaminants of emerging concern such as antibiotics, pharmaceuticals, and modern agrochemicals. This review thus highlights gaps in the literature reporting on impacts of wastewater inputs to water quality in Central Asia. It is recommended that future research and efforts should focus on exploring sustainable solutions for water quality management and pollution control to assure environmental sustainability and public health.
- Grape Winemaking By-Products: Current Valorization Strategies and Their Value as Source of Tannins with Applications in Food and FeedPublication . Echave, Javier; González Pereira, Antía; Jorge, Ana O. S.; Barciela, Paula; Nogueira-Marques, Rafael; Yuksek, Ezgi N.; Oliveira, María B. P. P.; Barros, Lillian; Prieto, Miguel A.Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most extensively cultivated crops in temperate climates, with its primary fate being wine production, which is paired with a great generation of grape pomace (GP). GP contains a plethora of antioxidant phenolic compounds, being well-known for its high content of various tannins, liable for the astringency of this fruit. Winemaking produces a great mass of by-products that are rich in tannins. Grape seed (GSd) and pulp waste, as well as leaves and stems (GSt), are rich in condensed tannins (CTs), while its skin (GSk) contains more flavonols and phenolic acids. CTs are polymers of flavan-3-ols, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are well-accounted for, being the subject of extensive research for various applications. CTs from the diverse fractions of grapefruit and grapevine share similar structures given their composition but diverge in their degree of polymerization, which can modulate their chemical interactions and may be present at around 30 to 80 mg/g, depending on the grape fraction. Thus, this prominent agroindustrial by-product, which is usually managed as raw animal feed or further fermented for liquor production, can be valorized as a source of tannins with high added value. The present review addresses current knowledge on tannin diversity in grapefruit and grapevine by-products, assessing the differences in composition, quantity, and degree of polymerization. Current knowledge of their reported bioactivities will be discussed, linking them to their current and potential applications in food and feed.
- Influence of Produced Water and Light Irradiation on the Composition of Exopolysaccharide Produced by L. amnigena Evaluated by Raman SpectroscopyPublication . Silva, Anna Paula Lima Teixeira da; Soares, Luiz Guilherme Pinheiro; Gulberg, Lars Duarte; Crugeira, Pedro; Almeida, Paulo Fernando de; Fernandes, Adjaci Uchoa; Silveira, Landulfo; Pinheiro, Antonio Luiz BarbosaThis study aimed to compare the changes in the composition of the exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Lelliottia amnigena in culture medium containing distilled water (DW) and dialyzed produced water (DPW) irradiated by either Laser (λ660 nm, 8.0 J/cm2) or LED (λ630 nm, 12.0 J/cm2) during bacterial growth using Raman spectroscopy at 1064 nm. The cultures of L. amnigena were irradiated at 9‐ and 12‐h, and the EPS obtained from different production protocols were analyzed dehydrated. Raman spectra showed peaks assigned to saccharides from EPS polymer, and principal component analysis revealed differences in the composition of the EPS produced depending on the water used in production and the light source used for irradiation. Remarkably, the presence of acyl groups (acetyl and pyruvyl) in the mannose residues at the group DW and mannose without evidence of acetyl in the irradiated groups; the irradiated groups also presented evidence of carboxylate (succinyl).
- Interdisciplinary investigations identify local knowledge important for pastoralist adaptation to climate change in Montesinho (Portugal)Publication . Aleixo-Pais, Isa G.; Castro, José; Frazão-Moreira, Amélia; Castro, João Paulo; Castro, MarinaPastoralists are among the most vulnerable groups to climate change and variability, as they depend on bioclimatic conditions for livestock forage biodiversity and production. In the complex socio-ecological system of the mountainous area of Montesinho Natural Park (north-east Portugal, Western Europe), traditional pastoralists are impacted by climate change in their rangelands (e.g. average monthly temperature increase, shifts in precipitation patterns) (Castro et al. 2021; Oliveira 2023). To understand the adaptive responses of local pastoralists to environmental change, this interdisciplinary research applied a three-step method. Firstly, we performed walking ethnographies with shepherds for over two years and used dialogues and observations to identify perceptions and local adaptations. Secondly, adaptive practices from other pastoral groups that could be viable in the study area were identified from the literature. And thirdly, co-participatory consultation workshops with pastoralists and representatives of local and national entities were developed to discuss and assess the adaptive measures for its practicality and sustainability. Shifts in precipitation patterns, drought and higher temperatures in the winter were identified as climate changes by local pastoralists, and several adaptive practices for water provision and conservation, additional fodder supply and livestock thermal comfort were listed by all local stakeholders involved in the project, as feasible solutions to overcome regional ecosystem shocks and trends. Local knowledge and climate perceptions were important for the documentation of adaptations at the rangeland level. This integrative approach, which resulted in a good practices guide, promotes practitioners and decision-makers to identify and discuss measures that will contribute to the resilience of traditional mountain pastoralism in the protected area of Montesinho and similar agro-pastoral systems