GREEN-IT "Bioresources for Sustainability"

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Comparative Analysis of Maize Physico-Chemical Parameters and Mycotoxin Levels in Dual Environments

Publication . Carbas, Bruna; Barros, Sílvia; Freitas, Andreia; Silva, Ana Sanches; Brites, Carla; Carbas, Bruna

Maize (Zea mays L.) stands as a vital staple food globally, holding significant nutritional and economic value. However, its susceptibility to mycotoxin contamination under stressful environmental conditions poses a considerable concern. This study aimed to assess the quality and pasting characteristics of maize varieties across two distinct regions and examine the occurrence of mycotoxins influenced by climatic factors. Five maize varieties were cultivated in triplicate in the Goleg & atilde; and Coruche regions. The nutritional composition (protein, fat, fiber, ash, starch, and lutein), pasting properties, and mycotoxin levels were evaluated. A statistical analysis revealed notable differences in the nutritional profiles of the maize varieties between the two regions, particularly in the protein and lutein content. The peak viscosity ranged from 6430 to 8599 cP and from 4548 to 8178 cP in the maize varieties from the Coruche and Goleg & atilde; regions, respectively. Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between the climatic conditions and the grain nutritional quality components (p < 0.05). The M variety showed the highest ash content, protein content, final viscosity, and setback viscosity and the lowest peak viscosity. The Y variety revealed the lowest fat, fiber, and lutein content and the maximum peak viscosity. The incidence of mycotoxins was notably higher in the varieties from Coruche, which was potentially attributable to higher temperatures and lower precipitation levels leading to more frequent drought conditions. Fumonisin B1 was detected in 58% of the varieties from Coruche and 33% of the samples from Goleg & atilde;, while deoxynivalenol was found in 87% and 80% of the varieties from Coruche and Goleg & atilde;, respectively. The H variety, which was harvested in Coruche, exhibited the highest number of fumonisins and higher amounts of protein, lutein, and fat, while fumonisins were not detected in the Goleg & atilde; region, which was potentially influenced by the precipitation levels. The K variety revealed higher protein and lutein contents, a lower amount of fat, excellent pasting properties (a higher peak viscosity and holding strength and a lower peak time), and no fumonisins B1 or B2. This variety may be considered well adapted to higher temperatures and drier conditions, as verified in the Coruche region. In conclusion, our study underscored the profound impact of environmental factors on the quality and occurrence of mycotoxins in maize varieties.

2024Journal article

Open access

Understanding the transition from embryogenesis to seed filling in Phaseolus vulgaris L. non-endospermic seeds

Publication . Lopes, Cláudia; Fevereiro, Pedro; Araújo, Susana; Araújo, Susana de Sousa

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the most consumed grain legumes. These legumes are a major source of proteins and other important nutrients, especially in developing countries. Studying seed development in common bean is crucial for improving yield, nutrition, stress tolerance and disease resistance while promoting sustainable agriculture and food security, with its sequenced genome and available molecular tools making it an excellent research model. Despite advances in studying P. vulgaris seed development, the precise timing and molecular regulation of the transition from embryogenesis to seed filling remain poorly understood. Although P. vulgaris seeds at 10 days after anthesis (DAA) were previously characterized as being in the late embryogenesis stage, our previous studies suggested that this transition might occur earlier than 10 DAA, prompting us to investigate earlier developmental stages.Methods To accomplish this goal, we conducted a comprehensive analysis at 6, 10, 14, 18 and 20 DAA, integrating morphological, histological, and transcriptomic approaches.Results and discussion Morphological and histochemical data revealed that by 10 DAA, cotyledons are fully formed, but storage compound accumulation is only noticed at 14 DAA, indicating that the transition from embryogenesis to seed filling occurs between 10 and 14 DAA. Transcriptomic analysis further supported this finding, showing upregulation of genes associated with seed storage proteins, starch metabolism, and hormonal regulation at 14 and 18 DAA. This study redefines the developmental timeline of P. vulgaris seed filling initiation, bridging a critical knowledge gap in legume seed biology. Given the limited availability of histological studies on early P. vulgaris seed development, our findings provide essential insights into the structural and molecular events driving this transition. By refining the timing and regulatory mechanisms of early seed development, this study lays the groundwork for future research aimed at enhancing seed quality and resilience in legumes.

2025Journal article

Open access

Spectral markers and machine learning: Revolutionizing Rice evaluation with near infrared spectroscopy

Publication . Sampaio, Pedro Sousa; Carbas, Bruna; Soares, Andreia; Sousa, Inês; Brites, Carla

The evaluation of rice varieties is a complex, time-consuming process requiring advanced equipment. This study aimed to discriminate 22 commercial rice varieties from six types by analyzing biochemical, physicochemical, and cooking properties. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, combined with machine learning, linked molecular properties with quality traits, offering a high-throughput solution. Partial Least Squares (PLS) models accurately predicted parameters such as whiteness (R2 = 0.94), width (R2 = 0.94), resilience (R2 = 0.96), and springiness (R2 = 0.98), highlighting key wavelength regions. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed distinct clustering patterns, while Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) achieved a 17 % error rate in external predictions. Spectral markers at A6032/4457 cm-1, A7004/5241 cm- 1, and A7004/4749 cm-1 reflected biomolecular differences among varieties. This innovative approach enables precise quantification, classification, and differentiation of rice types, enhancing quality control, improving consumer satisfaction, and optimizing breeding selection processes efficiently.

2025Journal article

Open access