Legumes constitute a food group with significant nutritional and economic value worldwide. A large portion of the world's population depends on them as an important and affordable source of protein. Given this importance, the objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical and nutritional properties of legumes. Eight species commonly consumed in the Albanian diet were analyzed: beans, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, faba beans, green beans, peas, and okra. The moisture, fat, protein, selected vitamins, and polyphenol contents were determined in the collected samples. The results revealed that dried legumes exhibited higher nutritional values for most parameters compared to fresh ones (peas, okra, and green beans). The vitamin content was satisfactory, especially for vitamins B1, B2, and E. In conclusion, the findings highlight the importance of including legumes in a balanced diet as valuable nutritional sources and underscore the need to promote their consumption in the context of sustainable nutrition.

In the traditional winemaking practices, the sulfur dioxide (SO2) has been used for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, in recent decades, increasing consumer demand for healthier, low-intervention, and additive-free wines has promoted researchers and producers to explore natural alternatives. Among these, non-Saccharomyces yeasts have been proposed as a sustainable substitute of SO2, addressing both: health and consumer concerns. This method consists of the early inoculation of must or grapes with selected yeast strains, such as Metschnikowia pulcherrima, which produces antimicrobial metabolites to protect the wine and enrich wine aromatic complexity. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a selected M. pulcherrima strain as a bio protection agent in wine production. Controlled fermentations were conducted in triplicate, comparing conventional sulfiting with bio protected must. The kinetic and microbial populations were monitored during the fermentation process, and the respective wines were analyzed for key quality parameters. The results demonstrated that M. pulcherrima effectively limited undesirable microflora and improved fermentation kinetic without compromising wine quality. These findings support the potential of Bioprotectionas a promising strategy for reducing SO2 in winemaking. This approach, previously unexplored in the Albanian wine industry, offers a pathway for producing organic, natural and sustainable wines, using native cultivars, while contributing to preservation of local biodiversity.

The rapid increase in the world population has increased the demand for wheat, and breeding studies that enable the development of high-yield varieties resistant to various stress conditions have accelerated to meet this demand. Brown rust disease poses a serious threat to sustainable wheat cultivation. Classical breeding studies are effectively used in variety development in important agricultural plant species, supported by mutation and molecular breeding studies. In recent years, retrotransposon-based molecular markers have been widely used to better understand the variation in genotypes obtained in breeding processes. In this study, 15 retrotransposon based molecular markers, iPBS primers, were used for molecular characterization in M4 bread wheat populations exposed to different doses of gamma radiation. In addition, the presence of 8 Lr genes was examined in order to determine resistance to brown rust disease, which is one of the important causes of yield loss in various wheat varieties. A total of 102 bands belonging to iPBS primers were observed in 35 genotypes belonging to the seven bread wheat varieties analyzed. The average polymorphism rate of the bread wheat populations used in the study was calculated as relatively low (5.88%). It was observed that the studied wheat varieties had six Lr gene regions (Lr13, Lr19, Lr22a, Lr24, Lr37, and Lr47) except for the Lr14a and Lr34 genes from brown rust resistance genes. The molecular data obtained from the study will provide significant information for using mutation breeding and molecular breeding in classical breeding studies in bread wheat.

This study was conducted on fifteen genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in three ecological sites within the first environmental area (rain-fed conditions) in Syria during 2019/2020 season. The experiment was designed according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replicates at each site, with the aim of identifying stable high-yield genotypes, the ideal environment, and the appropriate genotype for each environment, using Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and GGE Biplot models. AMMI demonstrated significant interactions in G, E, and E×G. The principal components PC1 and PC2 explained 100% of the total variance, with the contribution of PC1 being 70.1% and PC2 29.9%. According to the AMMI biplot analysis, the G4, G1 and G6 genotypes were the most productive, and G3 the most stable, while the G15, G10 and G11 genotypes were the least stable. According to GGE Biplot analysis, E2 was the ideal environment compared to the rest of the tested environments, and G6 and G1 were the ideal genotypes, which indicates the importance of these two genotypes and the necessity of investing them in improving grain yield and stability. "which-won-where" analysis showed that the G4 and G8 genotypes had high yields in both E1 and E2 environment, while G1 was suitable for the E3 environment, G15 and G2 were unsuitable for any of the assessed environments.

Nigella sativa L. (black cumin) is a widely used medicinal and nutritional crop, yet its chemical characteristics under Albanian agroecological conditions remain unexplored. This study provides the first assessment of the fatty acid profile and macronutrient composition of N. sativa L. varieties cultivated in Tirana, with the aim of supporting breeding efforts, functional food development, and crop diversification. Eight varieties originating from different countries were grown at the Experimental Didactic Field of the Agricultural University of Tirana. Mature seeds were analyzed for fatty acids following derivatization to FAMEs using GCMS-QP2010 Ultra, while macronutrient concentrations (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P) were quantified using ICP-MS. The varieties exhibited significant inter-varietal variability. T7 showed the highest monounsaturated fatty acids (21.9%) and calcium concentration (2,012.31 mg kg⁻¹). T8 recorded the highest saturated fatty acids (17.2%) and sodium level (128.58 mg kg⁻¹), whereas T4 had the highest polyunsaturated fatty acids (63.0%). For minerals, T3 contained the greatest potassium (11,450.19 mg kg⁻¹) and magnesium (2,904.45 mg kg⁻¹), while T5 had the highest phosphorus content (9,309.01 mg kg⁻¹). These results highlight substantial nutritional diversity within N. sativa L. grown under Tirana conditions, identifying promising genotypes with superior fatty acid and mineral profiles. Such genotypes have strong potential for use in functional foods, nutraceutical production, and sustainable agricultural development.

Soybean oil is among the most popular vegetable oils, and is widely used in the food industry, in particular in canned tuna (CT). During processing, soybean oil oxidation induces changes that result in a lower quality. Thus, in this study, we aimed to enrich soybean oil (CT covering oil) using onion leaf powder (OLP) as source of natural antioxidants with potential health promoting effects. The OLP was dried under optimized conditions and added to soybean oil at four different doses (0%; 0.5%; 1%; 1.5% and 2%). All unenriched and enriched soybean oils were used as covering oil in CT which were sterilized at 115 °C and 1.3 bar for 75 min. Quality indices including color, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (TEAC), fatty acid composition, and peroxide value (PV) of CT covering oil were carried out on different doses of added OLP as well as on the control sample. The obtained results showed that the addition of OLP in CT allowed the enhancement of the oil covering color that became close to that of extra virgin olive oil. In addition, our outcomes revealed that the addition of OLP improved soybean oil functional properties by significantly increasing of TPC, TFC and TEAC (P<0.05) of enriched soybean oil as compared to unenriched soybean oil. High values of TPC (0.65 mg GA/ g oil), TFC (2.07 mg GA/g oil) and TEAC (0.74 mg Trolox/ g oil) were recorded in oil enriched with 2% of OLP. Furthermore, the oils enriched with different doses of OLP had PV values in the range of Codex Standards. Remarkably, the addition of OLP in the CT covering oil led to an increase of polyunsaturated fatty acids contents, indicating the preventive effects of OLP against lipid oxidation of oil after heat treatment. The use of OLP, as a valuable by-product, seems to be an efficient nutraceutical food supplement for the improvement of nutritional quality and functional properties of CT.

Due to global warming, climate crises, changes in water regimes, etc., the agricultural sector has become a sector of unprecedented strategic importance. According to data from the second quarter of 2023, the agricultural sector in Türkiye accounted for a significant 4.4% share of Gross Domestic Product. Export data shows that the export volume, which stood at $16.7 billion in 2015, reached approximately $30 billion in 2022. One of the important indicators for responding to the increasing food supply and export pressure at the sectoral level is, of course, sectoral labour force changes and accident data. The aim of this study is to analyse the labour force changes and accident data in the agricultural sector between 2015 and 2024. The study was conducted using the document analysis technique, one of the qualitative analysis methods. The annual statistical bulletins published by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security were analysed under the Agriculture Sector (Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery). In this context, work accidents, fatal work accidents, periods of incapacity for work, and changes in labour force, work accidents and periods of incapacity for work were examined. The analysis revealed that between 2015 and 2024, the number of work accidents in the agricultural sector increased by 150%, fatal work accidents by 76%, and incapacity periods (days) by 37%. It was concluded that the ratio of work accidents to the labour force increased from 1.1% to 3.7%, and the ratio of incapacity period to the labour force increased from 0.15 to 0.29.

The modern lifestyle, characterized by uncontrolled eating, fast rhythm and lack of regular periods of metabolic rest, has significantly influenced the increase in chronic morbidity and the destabilization of the intestinal microbiota. Together with environmental pollution and constant stress, these factors have contributed to the deterioration of the population's health, prompting the search for natural and effective alternatives for rehabilitation. Fasting, known for centuries as a spiritual and physiological practice, has gained increasing interest in recent decades as a possible strategy for metabolic regeneration, increasing insulin sensitivity, stimulating autophagy and significantly improving the intestinal microbiota. Numerous studies at the global level in animal and human models clearly demonstrate the potential of fasting for cell regeneration, reducing inflammation and increasing the body's protective capacities. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of fasting on the remodeling of thegut microbiota and the improvement of metabolic and mental functions. Special attention is givento the distinction between the microbiota inherited at birth and the one gradually shaped throughout life by nutrition and lifestyle. The analysis is structured around a theoretical framework developed step bystep, unraveling the biological mechanisms triggered during fasting and their effects onthegut microbiota. A multidisciplinary perspective is adopted, incorporating insights on autophagy, stem cells, ketone body production, and refeeding phases in relation to the intestinal flora. Complementary laboratory data are included, primarily from the scientific literature, alongsideselected original food analyses. These are not only for their nutritional value alone, but tobetterunderstand how specific foods promote or hinder the growth of beneficial gut microbe. Fasting, through temporary suspension of food intake, activatesmetabolic pathways that support the regeneration of the gut microbiota and enhance insulinsensitivity. Reduced oxidative stress, increased mental clarity, and a more stable microbial composition were observed. Fasting represents a natural and controlled mechanism for rebalancing the body–microbiota relationship, offering significant benefits for metabolism, cognition, and long-termwell-being.When applied carefully and adapted to individual needs, it can serve as a powerful preventive and supportive health strategy.

The study of the technological characteristics of the white varieties Tamyanka, Slava and Druzhba in the Kyustendil region was carried out during four consecutive harvests (2021 – 2024). The climatic factors in the growing region were monitored annually for the period of the study. The grapes were harvested upon reaching optimal maturity for each variety. It was found that the sugar content in the grapes depended on the varietal specifics and the weather conditions of the year. The variety with the best sugar accumulation and the earliest grape harvest was Tamyanka. The lowest sugars and titratable acidity were found in the Druzhba variety. The classical scheme for the production of white dry wines was applied for processing and vinification of the grapes. The obtained experimental wines had a chemical composition without deviations from the normal ranges of the studied indicators. The alcohol concentration was in line with the sugar accumulation in the grapes per variety and harvest. The Tamyanka samples had the highest extract content and titratable acidity. The quantity of phenolic compounds in the wines of the studied varieties was similar. Their sensory characteristics corresponded to the varietal features. In the organoleptic analysis, the samples with the highest tasting ratings were the Tamyanka variety, followed by Slava, and the lowest rated were those of the Druzhba variety.

Over four consecutive harvests (2017-2020), the possibilities for organic cultivation of the Misket Vrachanski (susceptible) and Misket Kaylashki (resistant) varieties were studied in the region of Pleven, Central Northern Bulgaria. Two variants were grown in the experimental vineyards – with conventional and with organic methods of plant protection against the diseases downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and powdery mildew (Oidium, tuckeri). In both varieties, the damage to the leaves and clusters from the observed diseases was higher in the organic cultivation but that did not have a negative impact on the quantity and quality of the grape harvest. Misket Vrachanski showed greater susceptibility to downy mildew and powdery mildew in both cultivation practices. In Misket Kaylashki, the damage index was minimal. No significant difference was found in the rates of the studied indicators of the chemical composition of grapes from the organic and conventional cultivation. The differences due to the varietal specifics were more significant. The Misket Kaylashki variety exhibited higher sugar accumulation rates and titratable acidity in both variants. In the Misket Vrachanski wines, the conventional samples had higher extract and titratable acids, while the organic ones contained more total phenols. In the Misket Kaylashki wines, from both investigated variants, the amount of total extract, titratable acidity and phenolic components was similar, with the sugar-free extract being higher in the conventional samples. The organoleptic features of the experimental wines Misket Vrachanski and Misket Kaylashki, from the organic and conventional variants, were close, therefore the differences in their tasting ratings were insignificant.

Food supply security in agricultural production is becoming an increasingly important issue for societies. In this context, developed and developing countries are creating stronger investment areas for machinery and equipment used in agricultural activities. Particularly in the last quarter of a century, the increase in the production of these tools, the reduction in their costs, and the provision of their affordability have enabled their acquisition by a greater number of people within the agricultural sector. Recent developments in technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems, and unmanned vehicles have also found extensive application in the field of agricultural machinery. This entire mechanisation process is explained by agricultural mechanisation. The aim of this study is to reveal the effects of changes in agricultural mechanisation between 2005 and 2024, covering the last 20 years of data in Türkiye, on agricultural production and labour. To this end, data on agricultural mechanisation, tractors, combine harvesters, and other agricultural tools were converted into a mechanisation index using Principal Component Analysis and analysed using linear regression with agricultural production and labour force data. Agricultural production was analysed using statistics on cereals and other crop products, as well as fruit, beverage, and spice crop production. Labour force data registered under insurance types 4-A and 4-B were also analysed. The study found that agricultural mechanisation has a positive and very strong effect on the production quantities of cereals and other plant products, as well as fruits, beverages, and spice plants, which are indicators of agricultural production. It was determined that it has a very strong and negative effect on the labour force.

Plant extracts are recognized by improving sperm function during refregiration. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating aqueous extracts of Urtica dioica, Scabiosa atropurpurea L. and Silybum marianum to the preservation medium on chilled ram semen quality. Plant extracts were prepared from dried parts of the plants and added in a commercial dilution medium. Three doses were tested for each plant extract: 1g/l, 2g/l and 5g/l for Urtica dioica and Scabiosa atropurpurea and 2g/l, 5g/l and 10g/l for Silybum marianum and control (0g/l). The individual motility of the sperm was then assessed at different time intervals 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after semen collection at 5°C. The results showed that the incorporation of Urtica dioica revealed variable levels of motility, with peaks at 2g/l and 5g/l, after 24 hours this dose still maintained relatively high motility (58.0% and 56.4% respectively). The addition of Scabiosa atropurpurea showed a significant improvement especially at 1% which preserved individual motility over time with 74.8% after 6 hours and 39.2% after 48 hours, but also a significant decline at higher concentrations. Silybum marianum maintained the best motility with the highest doses at 10% with 57.8% after 24 hours of semen collection indicating prolonged efficacy for sperm preservation. This study concludes that aqueous extracts of Urtica dioica, Scabiosa atropurpurea and Silybum marianum have significant benefits on sperm preservation, with specific concentrations optimizing individual motility.

Sustainable crop production depends on proper soil management and nutrient supplementation. This study assessed the physical and chemical properties of soils in Erenköy village, Yusufeli district, Artvin province, characterized commonly used animal manures, and evaluated their effects on plant growth under controlled greenhouse conditions. Soil samples from 26 locations were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter, lime content, macro- and micronutrients. Eight manure samples including fermented and unfermented cattle and goat manures were analyzed for pH, EC, organic matter, moisture, and nutrient composition. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with rye (Secale cereale L., Aslım-95) using a completely randomized design. Fermented cattle and goat manures were applied at 5% (w/w) to 200 g soil pots in triplicate, and plant growth, dry weight, and total nitrogen content were recorded after 21 days. Soils were slightly to moderately alkaline (average pH 8.11), very slightly saline (EC 0.38 dS m⁻¹), moderately calcareous, and exhibited very high organic matter. Mg, K, total nitrogen, and inorganic N (NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻) were high, Ca and P sufficient, and Na within normal range. Micronutrients Mn, Fe, and Cu were adequate, while Zn was elevated. Soil textures were mainly sandy loam and sandy clay loam. Manures were moderately alkaline, slightly to moderately saline, high in organic matter (40–84%), low in moisture (~4.5%), rich in K, Ca, and Mg, deficient in P, and elevated in Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn. Application of fermented manures significantly increased plant nitrogen content and dry weight compared to control (p<0.001), with average dry weights of 1.66 g/pot (control), 1.51 g/pot (goat manure), and 1.61 g/pot (cattle manure). The results highlight the potential of fermented animal manures to enhance soil fertility and sustainable crop production in the region.

Linum usitatissimum is an economically important species that is a dicotyledonous, self-pollinated, and annual herbaceous plant. L. usitatissimum provides both oil and fiber, which have a wide range of uses. The genetic variation existing within the genome is important to preserve the genetic resources and establishment of an effective breeding programmes successfully. Several molecular markers have been employed to analyse genetic characterization within the different genotypes of the species or among other plant species, including L. usitatissimum as well. Various molecular markers e.g., SSR, SCOT, RAPD, IRAP, REMAP, ISSR, and iPBS were used to understand the genetic diversity and genotyping of flax varieties, and to characterize relationships in L. usitatissimum. In the presented study, bibliometric analysis was performed to evaluate the published articles related to molecular marker studies in L. usitatissimum from 1998 to 2025 based on the WOS database. Searching the Web of Science Core Collection (WOS) by "Linum usitatissimum’’ and "molecular markers" criterias were analyzed, and the parameters include category areas, subject, country of publication, and country collaborations. According to the research results, a total of 91 published data were identified through research analysis from 1998 to 2025. Plant science, agronomy, and genetics/heredity were the top three categories. Canada and China have been the top contributors to research on molecular markers in L. usitatissimum based on WOS data. This bibliometric study evaluates the molecular marker analyses from different perspectives based on bibliometric analyses, which may be helpful to researchers working on this field and give an idea for possible projects. As a result, this study is the first bibliometric approach that aims to guide future studies by revealing molecular marker studies on flax genotypes between 1998 and 2025.