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- Enhancing germination of Dianthus lusitanus: a sustainable approach to plant production and biodiversity conservationPublication . Reis, C.M.G.; Diogo, Maria da GraçaIncorporating native spontaneous flora species into urban landscapes enhances biodiversity, supports ecosystem services, and contributes to sustainable development. Dianthus lusitanus, an Ibero-North African endemic chamaephyte from the Caryophyllaceae family, thrives in full sun exposure and sandy, acidic soils. The aim of this study was to develop a germination protocol for D. lusitanus by evaluating the effects of two seed conservation methods, as well as different treatments with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on germination. Seeds were stored at either 6 °C for three months (lot A) or at room temperature (lot B). Five germination treatments were applied: T1) sterilized water (control); T2) immersion in 1% H2O2 for 30 minutes; T3) immersion in 3% H2O2 for 30 minutes; T4) immersion in 1% H2O2 for 15 hours (overnight); and T5) periodic watering with 50 mM H2O2. Ninety seeds per treatment were tested in a randomized complete block design and incubated at alternating temperatures of 25/22 °C (day/night) with a 16/8 hour photoperiod. Germination percentages were quantified after 20 days. Seeds stored at 6 °C exhibited significantly higher germination rates compared to those stored at room temperature (p = 0.007). A positive effect on seed germination percentage was observed when seeds were soaked in H2O2 solutions. The highest germination percentage (83.3%) was recorded in treatment T4, while the lowest values were observed in treatments T1 and T5 for seeds from Lot B (11.1% and 22.2%, respectively). This protocol has practical applications in ornamental plant production, biodiversity conservation, and the restoration of degraded areas, contributing to sustainability and the preservation of natural resources.
- Reproductive toxicity assessment of four portuguese plant hydrolates: Effects on oocyte maturation and sperm viabilityPublication . Dias, Sandra D.F.; Andrade, L.P.; Rolo, Joana; Gaspar, Carlos; Ruivo, Patrícia Gomes; Oliveira, Ana Sofia; Ferreira, Sandra Saraiva; Oliveira, Rita Palmeira; Oliveira, José Martinez de; Gonçalves, José Carlos; Delgado, F.M.G.; Oliveira, Ana Palmeira deExtracts of aromatic medicinal plants have been extensively studied regarding their numerous bioactivities. However, despite being highly used by humans, studies on the safety of these extracts for animal use are scarce. In this study, we aim to contribute to the determination of the safety profile of plant extracts by focusing on the reproductive toxicity of hydrolates (a by-product of essential oils production) of four endogenous Portuguese plants—Cistus ladanifer, Cupressus lusitanica, Helychrisium italicum, and Thymbra capitata—by studying their effects on bovine oocytes and spermatozoa. To achieve our aims,we determined the oocyte maturation and viability rate in the bovine in vitro maturation test (bIVM) and the bovine sperm viability using the eosin–nigrosin test, in the presence of five concentrations of each hydrolate at half-log intervals (% v/v of culture media). We found that hydrolates did not affect oocyte maturation or viability (maximum concentration tested: 0.2%, v/v). Regarding the sperm viability test, we found that T. capitata and C. ladanifer hydrolates impaired sperm viability (p < 0.05) (maximum concentration tested: 0.2%, v/v), in comparison with the negative control. In summary, we found that H. italicum and C. lusitanica hydrolates were safe regarding oocyte maturation, oocyte viability, and sperm viability, being candidates to be included in bovine husbandry as feeding additives.
- Espécies piscícolas existentes na Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules – Escola Superior Agrária de Castelo BrancoPublication . Rodrigues, A.M.; Pitacas, F.I.A Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules é uma exploração agrícola com 166 ha. Nesta propriedade da Escola Superior Agrária do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco (ESACB), Portugal, predominam os terrenos de sequeiro. As culturas mais importantes são o olival tradicional e as pastagens de sequeiro. Nas zonas baixas estão instalados prados de regadio e pomares e cultivam-se forragens de outono/inverno e de primavera/verão. Estas últimas são regadas com água armazenada nos diversos poços e nas três charcas existentes na exploração. Entre a fauna rica e diversificada que se observa na Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules, uma área de “não caça”, incluem-se quatro espécies piscícolas que foram identificadas nas charcas e nos poços existentes nomeadamente: Micropterus salmoides (Lacépède, 1802) – achigã, identificado na charca grande localizada na zona Este da Quinta (39,824174; -7,448806) (C1) e na charca pequena localizada por trás do Parque de Máquinas (39,822938; -7,457389) (C2); Gambusia holbrokii (Girard, 1859) - gambúsia ou peixe mosquito, identificado nas charcas pequenas, à entrada do Parque Florestal (39,826201; -7,463912) (C3) e por trás do Parque de Máquinas (39,822938; -7,457389) (C2); Carassius carassius (Linnaeus, 1758) e Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) – pimpões, identificados em vários poços espalhados pela Quinta, Poço 1 no extremo Norte da Quinta (39,828319; -7,458634) (P1), Poço 2 no parque de regadio à frente da Vacaria (39,825905; -7,454868) (P2), Poço 3 atrás do Picadeiro (39,825377; -7,452748) (P3) e Poço 4 no parque de regadio próximo das estufas (39,822907; -7,452679) (P4). Relativamente à monitorização feita em 2011, verifica-se que em 2024 na charca grande já não existem gambúsias, provavelmente como resultado do aumento da população de achigãs. Porém, foram identificados achigãs na charca pequena por trás do Parque de Máquinas, provavelmente como consequência da transferência de alguns exemplares provenientes da charca grande. Considera-se que a biodiversidade existente na Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules é uma mais-valia para fins pedagógicos e de conservação da natureza (evitar a poluição e respeitar os ecossistemas de água doce) e também educação ambiental (existência de espécies exóticas e o impacto que a sua introdução nos ecossistemas).
- Screening wild birds for tick-borne zoonotic pathogens in PortugalPublication . Loureiro, Filipa; Mesquita, João R.; Cardoso, Luis; Santos-Silva, S.; Moreira, G.; Bento, J. T.; Silva, F.; Barradas, P. F.; Matos, M.; Matos, Ana Cristina; Coelho, A. C.Wild birds may be involved in the transmission of agents of infectious diseases, including zoonoses, a circumstance which raises a number of public and animal health issues. Migratory bird species play a significant role in the introduction of tick-borne pathogens to new geographic areas, contributing to the dissemination of various etiological agents. This preliminary study aimed to assess the occurrence of four potentially zoonotic pathogens (Hepatozoon spp., Borrelia spp., Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) in the wild birds of Portugal. Blood and tissue samples were taken from 103 birds admitted at wildlife rehabilitation centers. Through the use of conventional PCR, our findings indicate no evidence of the circulation of these pathogens among the studied bird populations in the region. In the One Health context, it is relevant to understand how faraway avian populations play a role in the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Further molecular studies are needed to deepen the knowledge of avian piroplasmosis, borreliosis and hepatozoonosis.
- Potential of different eighteen grapevine genotypes to produce wines in a hot region: First insights into volatile and sensory profilesPublication . Caldeira, Ilda; Roque, Rita; Anjos, O.; Lourenço, Sílvia; Deus, João de; Damásio, Miguel; Silvestre, JoséA major challenge for the viticulture and oenology sector is to understand the impact of climate change on grapevine agronomic performance and wine quality. Genetic variability offers a key tool for adaptation, as some grape varieties may better withstand changing conditions while maintaining wine quality. As part of the WineClimAdapt research project (PDR2020-101-031010), a study was conducted on the adaptability of 18 white grape varieties to hot and dry conditions in Portugal. These grape varieties from Herdade do Esporão (Alentejo, Portugal) were vinified in duplicate at the INIAV winery, the result being 36 wines. The wines underwent physicochemical and sensory analyses, including gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC-FID), to assess their composition and sensory profiles. Tasters evaluated the wines using a structured scale (0–10) and rated their overall quality (0–20). Results from analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences in the physicochemical composition and sensory profiles of the wines. Notably, some White wines displayed high acidity, which is advantageous for hot regions. The study also highlighted clear varietal differentiation across physicochemical, volatile and sensory analyses. Among the tested varieties, “Cayetana Blanca” and “Fernão Pires” achieved the highest average quality ratings, indicating promising potential for future studies and adaptation to climate change.
- Edible insects – Exotic food or gastronomic innovation? Study involving 14 countriesPublication . Guiné, Raquel P. F.; Florença, Sofia G.; Bartkiene, Elena; Tarcea, Monica; Chuck-Hernández, Cristina; Djekic, Ilija; Sarić, Marijana Matek; Boustani, Nada M.; Korzeniowska, Malgorzata; Klava, Dace; Papageorgiou, Maria; Fresno Baro, José Maria; Bizjak, Maša Cernelic; Damarli, Emel; Ferreira, Vanessa; Costa, Cristina A.; Correia, Paula M. R.; Ferreira, Manuela; Cardoso, Ana P.; Campos, Sofia; Anjos, O.This study explores the perceptions about edible insects and their usage in modern gastronomy. Data were collected through questionnaire survey in 14 countries, and 7222 responses were obtained. ANOVA and factor analysis were used, respectively to evaluate differences between groups and to analyze the scale items. The results showed that participants showed higher agreement toward insects being considered exotic foods and being associated with taboos and neophobia. Some sociodemographic factors (country, age class, education level and income) were proven to significantly influence with the perceptions. while sex and living environment did not. Factor analysis extracted three factors, one associated with the uses of insects in gastronomy, another associated with insects as foods and a third about insects not being proper for human consumption. In conclusion, the work revealed diferences between countries in the perceptions about edible insects, and that these perceptions were also significantly influenced according to other sociodemographic variables.
- Unveiling the chemistry and bioactivity of bee products and their derivativesPublication . Anjos, O.; Miguel, Maria GraçaApiculture, or beekeeping, refers to the cultivation and management of honey bees for honey and byproducts, including the extraction, bottling, and sale of hive products such as honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee venom, bee pollen, bee bread and other fermented bee products [1]. Honey is a supersaturated solution or semi-solid natural sweet product produced by both honey bees (Apis subfamily) and stingless bees (Meliponinae subfamily) from carbohydrate-containing exudates produced by plants, mainly from nectar sources. The most common honey bee is Apis mellifera L., whereas stingless bees comprise multiple genera, including Scaptotrigona, Melipona and Trigona, with the last two being the most domesticated worldwide [1–3]. Honeydew honey is also a sweet natural product produced by bees from honeydew (sugary substance that aphids release on the bark or other parts of plants after assimilating the lymph) [1–4]. Honey is a complex mixture of carbohydrates along with other less common components like vitamins, minerals, lipids, organic acids, proteins, amino acids, flavonoids, pigments, waxes, pollen grains, various enzymes, and other phytochemicals. The first method for identifying the botanical source of bee honey is pollen analysis. With this information, one may identify pollen grains and use them to describe the honey-producing region [5]. According to the pollen analysis, honeys can be classified as (a) monofloral/unifloral if honeys contain predominantly pollen grains from an unique plant species (≥45% of all nectariferous pollen grains counted); (b) bifloral honeys contain pollen grains from two plant species with a frequency of 15–45% per nectariferous species; (c) plurifloral/ multifloral honeys contain pollen grains from three or more nectariferous plant species with frequencies in the 3–15% (“important minor pollen types,) or <3% (“minor pollen types) [5]. working on developing an ISO standard for this purpose.
- Healthy motivations for food consumption in 16 countriesPublication . Guiné, Raquel P. F.; Gonçalves, Joana; Florença, Sofia G.; Ferreira, Manuela; Cardoso, Ana Paula; Bartkiene, Elena; Djekić, Ilija; Tarcea, Monica; Rumbak, Ivana; Sarić, Marijana Matek; Bizjak, Maša Černelič; Isoldi, Kathy; El-Kenawy, Ayman; Ferreira, Vanessa; Klava, Dace; Korzeniowska, Małgorzata; Vittadini, Elena; Leal, Marcela; Papageorgiou, Maria; Anjos, O.There are many factors that can influence people’s attitudes towards healthy eating, including personal nature, sociodemographic influences, and lifestyle. This work investigated to what extent the motivations for healthy food consumption are shaped in individuals from different countries. A questionnaire survey was carried out on a sample of 11,919 participants from 16 countries. The results indicated that the strongest motivations for healthy food consumption were related to the perception of consuming healthy food, eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, allied to food safety and hygiene concerns. Significant differences were found in healthy motivations between countries. Additionally, the sociodemographic variables that had a higher influence on health motivation levels were country, age, and gender. Concerning the anthropometric and lifestyle variables influencing healthy motivation for food consumption, the discriminating variables were: believing in having a healthy diet, physical exercise, and chronic diseases. In conclusion, the work showed important differences in the motivations for a healthy diet in different countries, but other variables also play a role in the motivation for the consumption of foods for health and well-being.
- Cultural heritage on gastronomic usages of honey: Recipe analysis and cluster segmentationPublication . Florença, Sofia G.; Ferrão, Ana C.; Costa, Cristina A,; Barroca, Maria João; Silva, Aida; Pedro, Soraia; Anjos, O.; Guiné, Raquel P. F.Honey has been a food product used by humans since immemorial times, both for nutritional and medicinal reasons. Gastronomic recipes contain a great deal of knowledge and cultural heritage, both in the form of traditional ancient recipes as well as innovative and modern recipes. This study intends to investigate the use of honey in gastronomy with the purpose of increasing knowledge regarding the culinary usages of honey, much valued by traditional culture as well as modern practices. An analysis was conducted based on 150 recipes that include honey as an ingredient. A classification of the recipes according to several types of recipes and cooking variables was made, and ingredients were categorised according to the defined classes. Results show that honey is added to recipes essentially as a secondary ingredient in most dishes, while for desserts, it has a more prominent role. Factor analysis revealed two factors: one linked with cooking variables and the other associated with ingredients. Cluster analysis showed five clusters, distinguished according to dish type and ingredient groups, among other distinctive variables. In conclusion, this work showed that honey is a very versatile ingredient with broad applicability in gastronomic preparations.
- Edible insects: Consumption, perceptions, culture and tradition among adult citizens from 14 countriesPublication . Raquel P. F. Guiné; Sofia G. Florença; Costa, Cristina A.; Correia, Paula M. R.; Lopes, Luísa Cruz; Esteves, Bruno; Ferreira, Manuela; Fragata, Anabela; Cardoso, Ana P.; Campos, Sofia; Anjos, O.; Boustani, Nada M.; Bartkiene, Elena; Chuck-Hernández, Cristina; Djekic, Ilija; Tarcea, Monica; Sarić, Marijana Matek; Kruma, Zanda; Korzeniowska, Malgorzata; Papageorgiou, Maria; González Árias, Leticia; Černelič-Bizjak, Maša; Damarli, Emel; Ferreira, Vanessa; Bayraktaroğlu, Emre; Arpa, Fatmanur OzyurekAlthough edible insects (EIs) are encouraged as a sustainable source of protein, their consumption is not as generalised as other types of food that are internationally accepted. While in some regions of the world, EIs are part of the gastronomic and cultural traditions, in other regions, people are not so receptive to this type of food, and some people even express some disgust towards it. Hence, this research focused on the habits of the participants regarding the consumption of insects as well as their perceptions about EIs being or not a part of the local culture or gastronomic patrimony. A questionnaire survey was implemented in fourteen countries (Brazil, Croatia, Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey), and globally, 7222 adult participants responded to the questionnaire. SPSS software (version 28) was used to process the data and carry out chi-square tests and Factor Analyses (FA). The obtained results showed significant differences between countries for all the questions included in the survey, either those regarding the habits of the participants or their opinions about the facts linked with EI tradition or cultural aspects. It was found that participants from Mexico consume EIs more than in all other countries and that strong motivations that would lead to consumption among those who do not consume include curiosity and food shortage. The solution obtained with FA considering the ten statements of the scale consisted of two factors: F1—Culture and Tradition of EIs (α = 0.675) and F2—Acceptance of EIs (α = 0.614). In conclusion, the consumption of EIs and the perceptions of people are highly variable according to geographic location and cultural environment.