3rd Global Conference on Agriculture

Over the past few decades, global population growth and improved living standards have led to increased demand for livestock products. However, this has resulted in a significant rise in manure production, particularly in the pig industry. In the European Union, this sector generates 18 million tons of waste annually, reaching nearly 25 million tons of greenhouse gases in 2018. Approximately 70% of this waste is used directly as organic fertilizer without proper pretreatment, causing serious transboundary environmental and potential health issues. To address these concerns, hydrothermal carbonization technology has been applied to convert swine waste into a non-toxic, carbon-rich solid material called hydrochar. This approach allows for various applications of the resulting biomass. By adopting Circular Bioeconomy principles, the study of different product streams revealed that hydrochar derived from this waste mitigates some of the problems associated with composting, such as seasonal variations, large land requirements, and heavy metal contamination. As a result, it was proven to be a superior fertilizer with advantages in soil quality, serving as an amendment matrix, a remediation agent, a precursor to selective adsorbents, and a means to treat acidic soils. Furthermore, it exhibits a comparable energy content to coal, making it a viable energy storage device and solid biofuel. Its utilization also reduces the risk of eutrophication and uranium pollution in wastewater from nuclear fuel activities. Moreover, this hydrochar can effectively remove rotavirus and adenovirus from groundwater. Due to this, the application of hydrothermal carbonization presents an opportunity to address environmental hazards associated with waste management, contributes to renewable energy production, and enhances the recycling of animal waste. Therefore, it holds promise for a more sustainable and circular future.

Portugal holds a vast mycological heritage, both for its high diversity and its productivity. The Northeastern natural bioeconomy area of the country is particularly abundant in a wide range of mushrooms, due to its high-quality soils and the variety of vegetal species that occupy this area. Many of these mushrooms have been consumed for the local populations due to its outstanding taste and nutritional value, though a systematic and detailed characterization of these mycological patrimony is still scarce. Considering this gap of knowledge, a systematic prospection and characterization (physicochemical and nutritional) of the mycological diversity of the “Trás-os-Montes” region has been conducted. Field expeditions were carried out and 391 accessions were georeferenced. Conventional identification was based on the analysis of sporocarp morphology (phenotypic characters) coupled with spatiotemporal characterization of the habitat in which the sporocarp was found. This approach allowed for sporocarp taxonomic identification down to the species level for most accessions. From these 391 accessions, 91 were established in vitro, aiming the creation of an inoculum bank, representative of the mycological diversity of the region. This inoculum bank is of great importance for studies in the areas of biodiversity and for conservation purposes. The data collected in this study contributes to a deeper knowledge of the mycological diversity of “Trás-osMontes” region, allowing a better conservation and use of this unique Portuguese patrimony.

Microalgae are gaining significant attention due to their unique composition and possibilities of wide applications, namely as feed in aquaculture and animal nutrition, since they are a sustainable and nutritious alternative to conventional feed sources. This study aims to highlight the potential of microalgae as a valuable feed ingredient for enhancing the growth, health, and sustainability of aquaculture and animal farming practices. An overview of the nutritional composition of microalgae, emphasizing their high protein content, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and bioactive compounds is given, and their potential advantages in improving animal growth, feed conversion efficiency, and overall health is pinpointed. As a renewable and sustainable source of feed, Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella were chosen as the case studies, since they have shown promise as feed ingredients in aquaculture and animal nutrition, and can be cultivated efficiently. Additionally, the environmental benefits associated with microalgae-based feed are addressed, since microalgae cultivation can contribute to carbon sequestration and nutrient recycling. In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of microalgae as a sustainable and nutrient-rich feed source for aquaculture and animal nutrition and a key option to develop a sustainable bioeconomy. By harnessing the nutritional and environmental benefits of microalgae, there is an opportunity to foster more sustainable and efficient production practices in these industries while maintaining the nutritional quality and well-being of the animals.

Food waste is a growing concern in Europe, the production, the distribution and storage of food consume natural resources and cause significant environmental impacts. In 2015, under the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the target of halving per capita food waste at retail and consumer and to reduce food losses along the production and supply chains. Aligned with these goals, this study aimed to develop a biofunctional coating to replace traditional chemical synthesis products in smoked sausages towards a sustainable and circular bioeconomy framework. An edible coating based on alginate with olive pomace extract was developed, then characterized through physicochemical parameters, namely, moisture content, solubility, absorption capacity, color and texture. Moreover, its antioxidant potential was evaluated, in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging potential and total phenolic content (TPC). Microbiological analyses were also carried out, namely count of total aerobic microorganisms at 30 °C, molds and yeasts, E. coli, Staphylococcus coagulase positive and Salmonella. After the application of the edible coatings, the smoked sausages were stored at refrigerated temperature and monitored for 12 weeks to assess the shelf life. This study allowed to conclude that it is possible to obtain a coating using an agrifood residue with improved properties to increase the shelf life of the smoked sausages.

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) is a protein-rich cool season legume plant that has been used by humans since the early days of agriculture. With the climate change, the phenology and seed yield of lentils are significantly affected in the regions where lentil cultivation is carried out. With this study, the phenology and yield components of different lentil genotypes are investigated, and it is aimed to determine the suitable lentil genotypes for the agricultural region. The research was carried out with 25 lentil genotypes in the winter growing season of 2021-2022, according to the randomized blocks experimental design with 4 replications. As a results of the analysis of variance, statistically significant differences were determined between the genotypes in all traits except the number of branches. As a result of the research, phonologically; flowering days and physiological maturation days ranged between 67.8 and 80.3 days; between 94.3 and 100.0 days respectively. As yield and yield components: it was determined that plant height; first pod height, number of main branches per plant, total number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, thousand seed weight varied between 27.3 and 37.5 cm, 13.0 and 19.5 cm, 1.8 and 2.3 number per plant, 8.5 and 28.5 number per plant; 6.5 and 28.3 number per plant, 0.2 and 1.0 g, 25.9 and 38.1 g, respectively. According to the genotypes the seed yield values varied from 35.6 to 171.3 kg/da. DB 2012-22, DB 2012-24, ILL 8128, 08S 41120-01 and DB 2012-6 genotypes were determined as higher yield and earlier flowering genotypes compared to control cultivars and other genotypes.

Lentil (Lens culinaris, Medik) is among the edible grain legumes that make an important contribution to global food security. The cultivation of the product is widely carried out in semi-arid or marginal areas and is exposed to various environmental stress factors during the growing season. In order to determine the grain quality of different lentil genotypes, the technological properties of the grains obtained from the field study carried out according to the randomized blocks trial design with 4 replications in the 2021-2022 winter growing season with 25 lentil genotypes in Southeast Anatolia ecological conditions were investigated. Although it varies according to lentil genotypes, wet weight, dry weight, wet volume, dry volume, water intake capacity, water intake index, swelling capacity, and swelling index ranged between 4.84 and 7.95 g; between 2.43 and 4.21 g; between 105.0 and 110.0 ml; between 52.33 and 54.07 ml; between 0.02 and 0.04 g/seed; between 0.39 and 1.90%; between 0.02 and 0.07 ml/seed; between 1.53 and 3.33%.

Currently it is estimated that 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted annually, 45% concerns to fruit and vegetable production sector with high negative impact in the compliance of Circular Bioeconomy targets. It is necessary to find new technological solutions for the use of these wastes to convert in value-added products and re-introduce in Economy. This study aims to identify and characterize the functional biomolecules of the bioresidues from fig fruit production and to optimize the green extraction method for their recovery. The equitable mixture obtained from the leaves of the 5 fig fruit varieties (‘Pasteliere’, ‘Longue d'Aout’, ‘Dauphine’, ‘Bourjassote Noire’ and ‘Marseille’) was extracted by ultrasound assisted extraction using ethanol solvent. An experimental design was used to optimize the conditions, namely, temperature (25°C, 40°C and 50°C), extraction time (20min, 30min and 60min) and solvent (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%) which resulted in 36 trials with 5 central points. The effect of these variables on the yield and antioxidant potential was studied. The latter was evaluated through three parameters: ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazylhydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging potential and total phenolic content (TPC). The results obtained showed that the best compromise between the antioxidant potential and the yield was obtained in experiment 20 (40ºC, 30 min, 20%). This condition presented a yield of 22,9% and revealed a higher antioxidant potential for the three parameters: (i) FRAP, 669,21 mM FeSO4 equivalents/gram of extract; (ii) DDPH, 109,81 mM Trolox equivalents/gram of extract; and (iii) TPC, 48,36 mg gallic acid equivalents/gram of extract. This study revealed that it is possible to obtain bioactive extracts from agrifood bioresidues to incorporate into functional products.

Agriculture is a fundamental sector of the Portuguese economy. Although its activity generates a lower Gross Domestic Product (GDP) than the tertiary sector, the COVID-19 pandemic and Ukraine war impacts have shown the importance of local food answers. When applying the concepts of Circular Bioeconomy to agriculture, it is expected to not only influence the material flow by reducing the materials consumption and excessive use of inputs, without negatively affecting this sector's yield, but to also be used as a tool for policies making that will accelerate the economic growth and create more employment opportunities through innovative approaches. In Portugal's three regions of Coimbra, Viseu Dão Lafões and Beiras e Serra da Estrela, the percentage of employed people in the agriculture sector varies from 17% to 55% of the active population, mostly family labor. The main agricultural activities of these three regions are viniculture and, on a lesser scale, cereals production. Still, traditionally disregarded agricultural products can be the starting point of numerous value chains and opportunities for industrial symbiosis. One such example is the Cynara cardunculus L. (thistle) whose flowers are important for pollinizers, therefore enhancing activities such as apiculture, being also an ingredient for the production of Serra da Estrela cheese. By potentiating cheese production, it's also possible to increase the production of curd cheese, since one of its raw materials is a cheesemaking subproduct. Symbioses can be achieved by linking many sectors. Since animal feed will influence meat qualities, sensorial and nutritional, it is possible to create a unique product through symbioses from the cereals producer to the feed transformer, the animal rearing, the slaughterhouse, and finally the sausages industry.

Plants are source of phytochemicals for numerous medicines. Phytochemicals are not only related to the biodiversity but also constrained by various ecological factors. In the present study, methanol seed extracts (MSEs) of Azadirachta indica A. Juss from eight populations of Gangetic alluvial plains of northern India were screened for various phytochemicals and antioxidant properties. Total phenolics content in MSEs of A. indica was quantified using Folin–Ciocalteau reagent and their antioxidant potential was assessed by using 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2’-Azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Oleic acids, 9-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester-e, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, beta carotene, proline, squalene, phytols were major phytochemicals (>5%; w/w) in the MSEs of A. indica. Oleic acid and total phenolics content in the MSEs ranged between 51% - 68% and 16.2 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dw - 43.2 mg GAE/g dw, respectively among populations. DPPH, ABTS and FRAP activities (µM ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/g dw) in MSEs of A. indica, ranged between 102.2 - 82.2, 88.3 -114.7 and 72.5 - 130.8, respectively. The present study concludes that seeds from different populations of A. indica plants are rich in phytochemicals, total phenolics and also possessed high antioxidant activities. The present study shows a general approach that can be used to predict the phytochemical diversity hotspots of A. indica plants. Such approach further offers promising perspectives in drug discovery and global biodiversity conservation programs.

Since ancient times, the almond (Prunus dulcis) has been consumed worldwide due to its taste, texture and nutritional value. In Portugal, the production of this dried fruit holds a very important bioeconomic and cultural role in several Portuguese regions, as is the case of the Northeastern area, particularly the “Trás-os-Montes” region. In fact, Portugal is already considered as a cluster of almond production globally, considering the productivity and the quality of the product, currently with a positive trade balance of 10 million euros. To this extent, understanding and exploring the Portuguese almond genetic diversity is of utmost importance to promote an efficient use and conservation of this valuable resource with agrifood interest for the “Trás-os-Montes” region. Therefore, the present work offers an overall perspective of this impactful plant resource, focusing on the genetic diversity of Prunus dulcis, the existing germplasm collections and the conservation efforts that have been made to preserve this diversity. Finally, this work addresses some breeding activities performed within the existing and new cultivars. The knowledge acquired here aims to contribute to a more efficient conservation of almond genetic resources, while providing information towards the broadening of the genetic basis of breeding programs.

This study aims to determine the main characteristics of the agricultural start-up ecosystem in the inner regions, as well as its main statistical data to analyze and support decision. In this regard it is our intent to determine the impact of entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture value chain. Also, we highlight the agricultural sector economic development main difficulties and it is functioning with the fast evolution of digital technologies towards new opportunities for new agricultural business models based on the Circular Economy principles. It is our concern to verify the farmer’s perspective to how different technologies are used within the agricultural value chain and its impact. This study engages in the development of new entrepreneurship framework for the agricultural sector. The benefits to understanding the impact of Circular Economy and Industry 4.0 in Circular Agriculture 4.0 and how they can be enhanced simultaneously are performed and discussed. The knowledge, agricultural literacy, technology and innovation are key success factors for a disruptive and resilient agriculture. In conclusion, this study underscores the criteria and indicators used to support and promote start-ups in Circular Agriculture 4.0.

In order to study of wheat genotypes for stem reserves utilizing for grain filling under normal and water stress conditions, this investigation was conducted using split split plot design based on Randomized compeletly Block Design. Water stress treatment in two levels: 1- Normal conditions (full irrigation) and 2- water stress assigned to main plots, Wheat genotypes treatment in 8 levels genotypes were located in sub plots, and photosynthetic conditions with 2 levels: 1- using of current photosynthesis and 2 Inhibition of current photosynthesis were in sub-sub plots. Water stress imposed by cutting of irrigation from anthesis to maturity stages. Also, for inhibition of current photosynthesis, Iodid potassium 0.4% solution was used. Results showed that, the effect of water stress on grain yield (GY), Thousands kernel weight (TKW), Plant height(PLH),No of kernel per spike (NKS), Spike length (SL), Peduncle length (PL) and dry weight of spike (DWS) in anthesis stage, were significant. There was a significant difference between genotypes for above mentioned traits. Finally, genotypes under different irrigation conditions had the high potential for reserves and remobilizations of assimilates. The genotypes with high yielding potential under different conditions of this experiment, had the more harvest index (HI) and NKS in comparison with the others genotypes. Also, solution method with potassium Iodid for evaluating of contribution of remobilized dry matter in wheat was the simpler and more precision method via conventional sampling method.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer derived from renewable resources. It is often used as a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics, considering that not will be used sugar and starch sources from food products. Its environmental advantages and positive transition for a Circular Bioeconomy, coupled with its versatility and wide range of applications, make PLA a promising material in the pursuit of more sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. This study aims to obtain PLA samples with the incorporation of bioactive extracts for the production of flexible food films. The synthesis of PLA was performed from commercial raclactide through ring opening polymerization (ROP), in which the PEG/PLA ratio was increased in a controlled way obtaining PEG/PLA=90000 as the final product. The final sample was characterized by ATR-FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), 1H NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry). Extracts rich in bioactive compounds were obtained from agrifood residues, namely, from apple 'Bravo-de-Esmolfe' and 'Malápio Fino'. By FTIR analysis it is possible to suggest that the synthesized polymer is indeed PLA, since its characteristic bands are present. Additionally, the samples analysed by 1H NMR confirmed the expected structure of PLA and made it possible to determine its molecular weight PEG/PLA=90000. The DSC results allowed to conclude that the studied PLA presents a glass transition temperature of 60.8 ºC.

Around the world, iron deficiency is a common dietary issue, particularly in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Peptides produced from protein hydrolysates have recently attracted interest as novel iron chelators due to their superiority in terms of improving solubility, bioavailability, and absorption. In this study, mung bean protein concentrate was hydrolyzed using Alcalase and Flavourzyme; Alcalase mung bean protein hydrolysates (MBHA) and Flavourzyme mung bean protein hydrolysates (MBHF) had increasing Fe2+ chelating activity (6.2-66.6 µM EDTA) as concentration rose from 0.1 to 2 mg/mL. It was shown that the Fe2+ chelating activity of Alcalase and Flavourzyme hydrolysates differed, most likely due to changes in amino acid sequence and peptide chain length. The resulting hydrolysates fractionated by size exclusion – high performance liquid chromatography, Fraction 4 of MBHA had the most active chelating activity (98.69±0.2%), and further identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. In our investigation, KLLPLKL, LLKKTV, KPLLPPN, and VKGTTDK were discovered as significant iron-chelating peptides in MBHA. Results indicated that peptides from fraction 4 of both MBHA and MBHF had a great potential as natural iron chelator materials for supplement.

Previous studies have analyzed bacterial taxa associated with rhizospheric cinnamon forest soil associated with Cicer montbretii Jaub. & Spach (C. montbretii), an endemic species for the Strandzha, was analyzed using a metagenomic approach. The diversity of endophytic microorganisms is essential for ecology, as it makes it possible to understand in detail the plant-microbial interactions. The objectives of this study were to isolate, identify and identify endophytic bacteria from the roots of C. montbretii associated with cinnamon forest (A1) and yellow earth podzolic soils (A2). A study of endophytic bacteria in the roots of C. montbretii legume plant, by assessing its PCR amplicon of 16S rDNA with the Illumina metagenomics technique used to generate a total of 81,782 reads from the samples. The analyses revealed that Proteobacteria were similar in cinnamon forest and yellow earth podzolic soils. Bacteriodota prevailed in yellow earth podzolic soils. Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were the common genera in cinnamon forest soil. The roots of plants grown in A1 soil have the largest composition with Proteobacteria 78%, which consisted of the genus— Erwinia 13%, Pseudomonas 11%, Shingomonas 11%, Rhizobium 5%, and Bradirhyzobium 4%. In the A2 soil found to prevail Proteobacteria 76% and Bacterioidota 15%. The most abandoned genus in A2 was Orchobactrum 20%, Stenotrophomonas 15%, Sphingobactrium 12%, Serratia 4%, and Flavobactrerium 4%. The α-diversity analysis indicated the richness and inverse Simpson diversity index of the bacterial endophyte communities for the root tissues to be 6.551 for A1 and 4,692 for A2 soil, respectively. Endophytic bacterial communities differed among the two different soil samples, indicating that the soil and the climatic conditions did not considerably affect the entire endophytic community.

Food insecurity stems from a third of the food produced for human consumption being wasted by vendors and consumers globally, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In sub-saharan Africa, research shows little food waste occurs at the consumption level, suggesting that efforts are better targeted earlier in the food supply-chain. Reports indicate the majority of Kenyans and Nigerians buy their goods from traditional markets. We set out to understand the behaviors of consumers and vendors in Wuse, Nyanya (Nigeria), Othaya, Wote (Kenya) markets, and to create dual consumer-supplier interventions that encourage them to reduce food waste at the point of selection. To this end, carried out formative research to understand the food waste landscape, combined with in depth interviews of consumers and vendors within both market contexts. Moreover, incorporated co-design workshops that take a human centered approach to build interventions targeted to prevent food waste at the point of purchase. Our findings show that knowledge and awareness of less visually appealing Produce (LVAP) is low, additionally, differentiating between LVAP and spoiled produce is difficult and feelings toward LVAP were negative. Although vendors are receptive to receiving shipments of LVAP, they are resistant to the idea of displaying them because they fear that consumers will not purchase them. Therefore, in order to prevent food waste at the point of purchase, two main interventions (point of purchase guide and innovating the display formats) were designed to improve communication between vendors and consumers about LVAP, and to optimize marketplace display methods

The adverse effects of multiple challenges cause farmers to face unsustainable livelihoods. The solution to this challenge is to make a data-driven ecosystem for farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector. Farmers need granular data on rainfall patterns, water cycles, fertilizer requirements, and more to ensure a sustainable agricultural system. Big Data Farming has proven to be an effective technique for gathering and analysing agricultural data from private and public stakeholders, social media, sensors, GPS, and private and other internet sources. The use of technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data Farming, cloud computing, and analytics will enable farmers to enhance the entire process in real-time significantly. Therefore, a Smart Agriculture data-driven ecosystem is required to enable smart devices or solutions to optimize agricultural resources. The ecosystem will also ensure climate-sensitive forecasting for the farmers to make production and harvesting more efficient. This research mainly aims to assess the global practices of data-driven approach and outline a proposed framework of such approach in respect to Bangladesh’s context. Case study from India, Estonia and Singapore proved to be successful upon development of the digital stack. Hence, looking in the context of Bangladesh, the layers were defined accordingly. Findings from this study stated that Bangladesh should build 5 layers (Identity, Payment, Data, Service, and Access) to ensure sustainability and encompass everything under one platform. Also, necessary provision should be updated or formulated in order to empower the layers functionality.