A novel system with robust compatibility and stability for detecting Sugarcane yellow leaf virus based on CRISPR-Cas12a.

Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) can reduce sugarcane productivity. A novel detection system based on reverse transcription-multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification (RT-MIRA) combined with CRISPR-Cas12a, named RT-MIRA-CRISPR-Cas12a, was developed. This innovative approach employs crude leaf extract directly as the reaction template, streamlining the extraction process for simplicity and speed. Combining RT-MIRA and CRISPR-Cas12a in one reaction tube increases the ease of operation while reducing the risk of aerosol contamination. In addition, it exhibits sensitivity equivalent to qPCR, boasting a lower detection limit of 25 copies. Remarkably, the entire process, from sample extraction to reaction completion, requires only 52-57 minutes, just a thermostat water bath. The result can be observed and judged by the naked eye.IMPORTANCESugarcane yellow leaf disease (SCYLD) is an important viral disease that affects sugarcane yield. There is an urgent need for rapid, sensitive, and stable detection methods. The reverse transcription-multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification combined with CRISPR-Cas12a (RT-MIRA-CRISPR-Cas12a) method established in this study has good specificity and high sensitivity. In addition, the system showed good compatibility and stability with the crude leaf extract, as shown by the fact that the crude extract of the positive sample could still be stably detected after 1 week when placed at 4°C. RT-MIRA-CRISPR-Cas12a, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect SCYLV on 33 sugarcane leaf samples collected from the field, and it was found that the three methods reached consistent conclusions. This Cas12a-based detection method proves highly suitable for the rapid on-site detection of the SCYLV.

Sparse testing designs for optimizing predictive ability in sugarcane populations.

Sugarcane is a crucial crop for sugar and bioenergy production. Saccharose content and total weight are the two main key commercial traits that compose sugarcane's yield. These traits are under complex genetic control and their response patterns are influenced by the genotype-by-environment (G×E) interaction. An efficient breeding of sugarcane demands an accurate assessment of the genotype stability through multi-environment trials (METs), where genotypes are tested/evaluated across different environments. However, phenotyping all genotype-in-environment combinations is often impractical due to cost and limited availability of propagation-materials. This study introduces the sparse testing designs as a viable alternative, leveraging genomic information to predict unobserved combinations through genomic prediction models. This approach was applied to a dataset comprising 186 genotypes across six environments (6×186=1,116 phenotypes). Our study employed three predictive models, including environment, genotype, and genomic markers as main effects, as well as the G×E to predict saccharose accumulation (SA) and tons of cane per hectare (TCH). Calibration sets sizes varying between 72 (6.5%) to 186 (16.7%) of the total number of phenotypes were composed to predict the remaining 930 (83.3%). Additionally, we explored the optimal number of common genotypes across environments for G×E pattern prediction. Results demonstrate that maximum accuracy for SA ( ρ = 0.611 ) and for TCH ( ρ=0.341 ) was achieved using in training sets few (3) to no common (0) genotype across environments maximizing the number of different genotypes that were tested only once. Significantly, we show that reducing phenotypic records for model calibration has minimal impact on predictive ability, with sets of 12 non-overlapped genotypes per environment (72=12×6) being the most convenient cost-benefit combination.

Adsorptive removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous effluents using O-carboxymethyl chitosan Schiff base-sugarcane bagasse microbeads.

In this study, a novel and cost-effective approach was employed to prepare an effective Pb(II) adsorbent. We synthesized highly porous CMCSB-SCB microbeads with multiple active binding sites by combining carboxymethylated chitosan Schiff base (CMCSB) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB). These microbeads were structurally and morphologically characterized using various physical, analytical, and microscopic techniques. The SEM image and N2-adsorption analysis of CMCSB-SCB revealed a highly porous structure with irregularly shaped voids and interconnected pores. The CMCSB-SCB microbeads demonstrated an impressive aqueous Pb(II) adsorption capacity, reaching a maximum of 318.21 mg/g, under identified optimal conditions: pH 4.5, 15 mg microbeads dosage, 30 min contact time, and Pb(II) initial concentration (350 mg/L). The successful adsorption of Pb(II) onto CMCSB-SCB beads was validated using FTIR, EDX, and XPS techniques. Furthermore, the experimental data fitting indicated a good agreement with the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.99633), whereas the adsorption kinetics aligned well with the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.99978). The study also identified the Pb(II) adsorption mechanism by CMCSB-SCB microbeads as monolayer chemisorption.

Functional and structural assessment of an experimental section gap graded modified with sugarcane bagasse ash.

Gap-graded aggregate combined with asphalt rubber presents a high-performance alternative for roads with heavy traffic loads, offering advantages over conventional mixtures in terms of permanent deformation (rutting), fatigue life, and texture. In this study, the conventional filler in the well-established mixture was substituted with sugarcane bagasse bottom ash (SCBA) at a proportion of 5% of the total mineral aggregates. The objective was to enhance the mechanical performance of the asphalt coating while ensuring proper disposal of this waste material. Compared to conventional filler, SCBA is less dense, has smaller dimensions, and exhibits greater roughness, thereby affecting the volumetric parameters of the Marshall mix design. Consequently, the volume of voids in mineral aggregates and voids filled with asphalt increased while maintaining the same volume of air voids (5.3%). Consequently, there was a notable increase in Marshall Stability (40%) and Indirect Tensile Test (22%) mechanical parameters. Following laboratory analysis, the modified mixtures were applied as asphalt coating on a high-traffic highway (BR-158). Field specimens revealed an 18% increase in the Resilience Modulus (4088 MPa; 3478 MPa). Additionally, its Flow Number exhibited a 73% increase (16,707; 9681), and its permanent deformation rate was 28% lower within 10,000 cycles in the dynamic creep test. This was further supported by an 11% reduction in permanent deformation rate in the Hamburg Wheel Tracking Device (HWTD) within 20,000 cycles (3.2 mm; 3.6 mm). In conclusion, the partial replacement of conventional filler with sugarcane bagasse ash within the established granulometric range has demonstrated technical feasibility both in laboratory and field settings.

Novel sulfonic groups grafted sugarcane bagasse biosorbent for efficient removal of cationic dyes from wastewater.

In this research, we reported the synthesis of effective sulphonated sugarcane bagasse (SCB@SA) biosorbent based on agriculture waste materials via a simple diazotization strategy for the removal of methylene blue (MB) and Bismarck Brown R(BB) dyes from waste water samples. First, the sugarcane bagasse (SCB) waste was collected, grinded, and sieved to obtain the desired size. Secondly, the SCB powder is modified with sulfanilinic acid (SA) via the formation of its diazonium salt to introduce sulfonic groups on the SCB surface. Different advanced techniques were applied to characterize the prepared materials before and after the adsorption process viz. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Different parameters affecting the adsorption process of both MB and BB were studied. Because of the higher correlation coefficient (R2 ≥ 0.999) and lower error functions, the equilibrium MB and BB adsorption isotherms for a single-dye system fit Langmuir with maximum adsorption capacity reaching to 127.48 and 166.75 mg/g for MB and BB, respectively. Moreover, the RL values obtained for both dyes lie between 0 and 1, indicating that MB and BB adsorption by SCB@SA is a favorable process. Besides, the error functions' values of the pseudo-2nd-order are significantly lower than those of the pseudo-1st-order, implying that the adsorption MB and BB onto SCB@SA biosorbent fitted the pseudo-2nd-order kinetic model in a chemosorption manner. In the thermodynamic studies, the adsorption process is spontaneous, exothermic, and has less randomness. In addition, the SCB@SA biosorbent could be reused in five cycles maintaining on suitable adsorption efficiency. Finally, the MB and BB dyes could be adsorbed on the SCB@SA biosorbent via three mechanisms including π-π stacking, columbic attraction, and hydrogen bonding.

A Preliminary Study on the Effect of Adding Sugarcane Syrup on the Flavor of Barley Lager Fermentation.

This study focuses on the diversified utilization of the sugarcane industry, and sugarcane syrup, as a by-product of the sugarcane industry, is a good raw material for fermentation. Bringing sugarcane syrup into beer is conducive to the enrichment of the sugar industry, and it can improve the flavor of beer and make it more aromatic. This study determined the optimal fermentation process for beer. By analyzing the consumption rate of the carbon and nitrogen sources of raw materials, the nutrient utilization of yeast, and the causes of differences in flavor substances, the flavor composition and flavor stability of beer were determined by SPME-HS-GC-MS technology. The results showed that beer brewed with sugarcane syrup as an auxiliary raw material met the basic specifications of beer. The addition of sugarcane syrup to the wort base increased the utilization of amino acids by the yeast, and LS (lager with added cane syrup) increased the nine flavor compounds of the beer, which constituted the basic flavor of the beer, bringing new flavor compounds compared with the normal all-barley beer. Forced aging experiments showed that LS produced fewer aging compounds than OWBL. Various experiments have shown that it is feasible to ferment beer with sugarcane syrup instead of partial wort.

Allelopathic Effects of Sugarcane Leaves: Optimal Extraction Solvent, Partial Separation of Allelopathic Active Fractions, and Herbicidal Activities.

The inhibitory potential of allelopathic plants is the subject of increasing research attention for their application in weed management. The sugarcane leaf is an agricultural waste product that has been reported to have allelopathic potential. Therefore, the present study determined the optimal organic solvent system and fractionation procedure to enhance the quantity of this extract and its allelopathic efficiency. Sugarcane leaves were extracted using five ethanol/water solvent ratios (v/v): 00:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:00. Their allelopathic effects on seed germination and seedling growth were assayed in two major weeds, Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. and Amaranthus viridis L. The results showed that the extract concentration, solvent ratio, and their interaction significantly inhibited the growth parameters in A. viridis. Consequently, a crude ethanol/water ratio of 00:100 was used to separate the active fraction via acid-base solvent partitioning. The acidic fraction (AE) exerted the greatest inhibitory effect and completely (100%) inhibited A. viridis at all concentrations, followed by the original crude fraction, neutral fraction, and aqueous fraction. Moreover, all of the fractions had selective effects, inhibiting A. viridis much more than E. crus-galli in the laboratory tests. The chemical analysis using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry indicated that the AE fraction contained 20 different compounds. The five major compounds included alkaloids, organic acids, and phenols. Therefore, the AE fraction was selected for formulation in a concentrated suspension and tested for its herbicidal characteristics. The formulation exhibited early post-emergence activities and had a stronger effect on A. viridis compared to E. crus-galli. The physiological mechanism of the formulation was tested against A. viridis. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and H2O2 occurred in the A. viridis leaf, which suggests lipid peroxidation and cell disruption.

Antioxidative and Metabolic Responses in Canola: Strategies with Wood Distillate and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash for Improved Growth under Abiotic Stress.

In the context of increasing agricultural challenges posed by soil salinity and drought stress, the main importance of the present study was to evaluate some novel treatments for improving canola productivity and resilience by applying wood distillate (WD) in combination with bagasse ash (SBA). A two-year field experiment using a split plot design was conducted and evaluated several physiological and biochemical parameters under different irrigation regimes conducted at 80% and 50% field capacity. While there were considerable moderation effects of SBA and WD on soil salinity, expressed as exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), under both well-irrigated and drought conditions, more importantly, the ESP was reduced to 31% under drought stress with combined WD and SBA applications over any single factor. WD and SBA treatments of canola leaves showed reduced Na content with increased K levels, and the plants maintained physiological attributes-chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and relative water content-to the level of controls of well-irrigation. Besides, they significantly alleviated oxidative stress by decreasing the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and electrolyte leakage (EL) levels and increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Nonenzymatic antioxidants such as total soluble sugars (TSS), total soluble proteins (TSP), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) were significantly increased under stress conditions with a special accent on combined treatment, whereas the levels of proline and GB that increased in alignment with drought reduced under the combined application. Various growth parameters of plants like plant height, number of branches, and siliques per plant were significantly improved with WD and SBA under drought stress. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation further confirmed the relationships among these parameters and thus underpinned that WD and SBA can evoke a synergistic effect to enhance growth promotion and stress tolerance in canola. This, therefore, infers that the combined application of WD and SBA can be key, offering very high potential as viable options to better canola productivity under adverse environmental conditions.

Relationship between the mineral content of sugarcane and its genuine derivative, non-centrifugal raw cane sugar.

Non-centrifugal raw cane sugar (NRCS) is a minimally processed product from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L). This product contains phytochemical and nutritional compounds that benefit human health. Despite these advantages, NRCS commercialization is hindered by a lack of knowledge about its composition and, consequently, the absence of quality standards. Studies associating the nutritional composition of sugarcane varieties and their genuine products have not yet been found in the literature, and understanding this relationship can help establish quality standards for this product. Therefore, this study evaluated the mineral nutritional composition of genuine derivative NRCS produced from two sugarcane varieties obtained under different agronomic conditions at two stages of maturation to verify the relationships between raw material and the product. The obtained sugarcanes, juices, and bagasse, as well as the produced sugars, were analyzed for mineral content, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper, and zinc, using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Most mineral constituents of sugarcane are in the juice in direct proportions to those in raw sugarcane. Thus, minimally processed food derivatives have nutritional characteristics equivalent to the raw materials. Consumption of NRCS contributes to meeting daily requirements for essential nutrients such as magnesium, copper, potassium, and manganese. For manganese, 25 g of NRCS, like the one produced in this study, can fulfill 22 to 76 % of an adult male's daily mineral requirements. The variation observed in the four NRCS samples, obtained from the same sugarcane variety under different maturation and agronomic conditions, was 250 %. This variation makes establishing quality parameters for mineral or ash content difficult. Therefore, setting mineral content levels for NRCS is inappropriate, as this parameter naturally depends on the raw material.

Development of a model for the ethanol concentration limit as a function of temperature and initial substrate concentration using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In this study, a model was developed to simulate the effect of temperature ( T $T$ ) and initial substrate concentration ( S 0 ${S}_{0}$ ) on the ethanol concentration limit ( P max ${P}_{\max }$ ) using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To achieve this, regressions were performed using data provided by other authors for P max ${P}_{\max }$ to establish a model dependent on T $T$ and S 0 ${S}_{0}$ capable of predicting results with statistical significance. After constructing the model, a response surface was generated to determine the conditions where P max ${P}_{\max }$ reaches higher values: temperatures between 28°C and 32°C and an initial substrate concentration around 200 g/L. Thus, the proposed model is consistent with the observations that increasing temperatures decrease the ethanol concentration obtained, and substrate concentrations above 200 g/L lead to a reduction in ethanol concentration even at low temperatures such as 28°C.

Reflecting on the Plantationocene: the political economy of sugarcane plantations in Guangxi, China.

This paper reflects on the concept of the Plantationocene through an analysis of sugarcane plantations in Guangxi province, China. It argues that although these plantations are owned and operated by local villagers, they are de facto controlled by corporations, and subject to state intervention through a 'zoning scheme'. They are constructed and operated according to the same logic as other plantations all over the world, namely, the logic of extraction based on cheap land and labor. By demonstrating that plantations are not necessarily large-scale and do not always entail the alienation of land and labor, this paper hopes to empirically broaden the concept of the Plantationocene and to highlight the extractive nature of and the power relations around plantations.

Production of Nanocellulose from Sugarcane Bagasse and Development of Nanocellulose Conjugated with Polylysine for Fumonisin B1 Toxicity Absorption.

The present study aimed to extract nanocellulose (NC) from sugarcane bagasse agricultural waste through a chemical method (sulfuric acid hydrolysis and ultrasonication). Subsequently, the nanocellulose product was conjugated with polylysine (NC-PL) and assessed for its efficacy in reducing the toxicity of Fumonisin B1 (FB1), a mycotoxin produced by fungi commonly found in corn, wheat, and other grains. Experimental results confirmed the successful conjugation of NC and PL, as evidenced by FTIR peaks at 1635 and 1625 cm-1 indicating amide I and amide II vibrations in polylysine (PL). SEM analysis revealed a larger size due to PL coating, consistent with DLS results showing the increased size and positive charge (38.0 mV) on the NC-PL surface. Moreover, the effect of FB1 adsorption by NC and NC-PL was evaluated at various concentrations (0-200,000 µg/mL). NC-PL demonstrated the ability to adsorb FB1 at concentrations of 2000, 20,000, and 200,000 µg/mL, with adsorption efficiencies of 94.4-100%. Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells were utilized to assess NC and NC-PL cytotoxic effects. This result is a preliminary step towards standardizing results for future studies on their application as novel FB1 binders in food, food packaging, and functional feeds.

Endosaccharibacter trunci gen. nov., sp. nov. and Rhizosaccharibacter radicis gen. nov., sp. nov., two novel bacteria of the family Acetobacteraceae isolated from sugarcane.

Two novel endophytic bacterial strains, designated KSS8T and KSS12T, were isolated from the stems and roots of sugarcane, respectively, collected in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. They were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, and rod-shaped. The strain KSS8T was a motile bacterium with a subpolar flagellum, while the strain KSS12T was non-motile. Strains KSS8T and KSS12T were closely related to Lichenicola cladoniae PAMC 26569T (97.3 and 95.6 %, respectively) and Lichenicoccus roseus KEBCLARHB70RT (97.2 and 95.8 %, respectively) based on the similarity on their 16S rRNA gene sequence. This similarity corresponded to their phylogenomic positions within the evolutionary radiation of the family Acetobacteraceae. The average nucleotide identities and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between the genome sequences of the two strains and other genera were significantly lower than the defined threshold values of 95-96 % and 70 %, respectively, which are used for the delineation of prokaryotic species. Both strains contained summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c), C16:0, C19:0 cyclo ω8c, C18:0, and C18:1 2OH as the predominant cellular fatty acids, but C18:3 ω6c (6, 9, 12) were found only in strain KSS12T. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic, and genomic analyses, these strains clearly represented two novel genera within the family Acetobacteraceae, for which the name Endosaccharibacter gen. nov., with the type species Endosaccharibacter trunci sp. nov. (type strain, KSS8T = TBRC 14669T = NBRC 115232T = KCTC 92115T = LMG 32414T) and the name Rhizosacchari bacter gen. nov., with the type species Rhizosaccharibacter radicis sp. nov. (type strain, KSS12T = TBRC 13066T = NBRC 114898T = KCTC 82433T = LMG 32137T) are proposed.

Mealybug Population Dynamics: A Comparative Analysis of Sampling Methods for Saccharicoccus sacchari and Heliococcus summervillei in Sugarcane (Saccharum sp. Hybrids).

This research is focused on a comparative field-based study of the population dynamics and sampling methods of two mealybug species, Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell, 1895) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha, Pseudococcidae) and Heliococcus summervillei (Brookes, 1978) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha, Pseudococcidae), in sugarcane (Saccharum sp. hybrids) (f. Poaceae) over consecutive growing seasons. The research monitored and compared the above- and belowground populations and seasonal abundance of these two mealybug species in sugarcane fields in Far North Queensland, with non-destructive sampling techniques of yellow sticky traps, pan traps, and stem traps, and destructive sampling of the whole leaf and whole plant. The results indicated that S. sacchari (n = 29,137) was more abundant and detected throughout the growing season, with population peaks in the mid-season, while H. summervillei (n = 2706) showed peaks of the early-season activity. S. sacchari is primarily located on sugarcane stems and roots, compared to H. summervillei, which is located on leaves and roots. The whole-leaf collection and stem trap were the most effective sampling techniques for quantification of H. summervillei and S. sacchari, respectively. This study enhanced the understanding of S. sacchari and the first-ever record of H. summervillei on sugarcane in Australia and will contribute to the development of more effective pest management strategies.

Valorization of Sugarcane Bagasse for Co-Production of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and Bacteriocin Using Bacillus cereus Strain S356.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) is an attractive biodegradable plastic alternative to petroleum-based plastic. However, the cost of microbial-based bioplastic production mainly lies in the cultivation medium. In this study, we screened the isolates capable of synthesizing P(3HB) using sugarcane bagasse (SCB) waste as a carbon source from 79 Bacillus isolates that had previously shown P(3HB) production using a commercial medium. The results revealed that isolate S356, identified as Bacillus cereus using 16S rDNA and gyrB gene analysis, had the highest P(3HB) accumulation. The highest P(3HB) yield (5.16 g/L, 85.3% of dry cell weight) was achieved by cultivating B. cereus S356 in an optimal medium with 1.5% total reducing sugar with SCB hydrolysate as the carbon source and 0.25% yeast extract as the nitrogen source. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed the accumulation of approximately 3-5 P(3HB) granules in each B. cereus S356 cell. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses confirmed that the polymer extracted from B. cereus S356 was P(3HB). Notably, during cultivation for P(3HB) plastic production, B. cereus S356 also secreted bacteriocin, which had high antibacterial activity against the same species (Bacillus cereus). Overall, this work demonstrated the possibility of co-producing eco-friendly biodegradable plastic P(3HB) and bacteriocin from renewable resources using the potential of B. cereus S356.

GGE biplot analysis for cane yield and sugar yield in advanced clones of sugarcane (Saccharum sp. complex).

The present investigation was taken up to study the G × E interaction and stability in 14 sugarcane clones during 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 at four different locations namely Pantnagar, Kashipur, Dhanauri (Haridwar), and Dhakrani (Dehradun) for cane yield (CY) and sugar yield (SY) at the 10-month and 12-month stages. The research aimed to identify stable, high-yielding sugarcane clones adaptable to diverse environmental conditions, enhancing productivity and profitability for farmers in Uttarakhand, India. The combined ANOVA revealed significant differences among the clones (22.20% to 29.54% variation), environments (35% to 39.62% variation), and their interactions (19.91% to 24.16% variation) for CY and SY at both stages. To analyze the stability of genotypes and G × E interactions, the GGE biplot method was employed. The first two PCs explained 77.94% for CY, 74.39% for SY at the 10-month stage, and 81.01% for SY at 12-month stage of the total variation of the GGE model. The GGE biplots revealed that for CY, the mega-environment exhibited CoPant 16222 and CoPant 16223 as the winning genotypes. For SY at the 10-month stage, CoPant 17221 and CoPant 16222 were the best clones in two different mega-environments, while at the 12-month stage, the mega-environment showed CoPant 16222 and CoPant 16223 as the winning genotypes. Dehradun (2020) and Kashipur (2020) were identified as the best test environments for selecting widely and specifically adapted genotypes, respectively, for CY and SY at the 10-month as well as 12-month stages. In a nutshell, GGE biplot analysis identified the best-performing sugarcane clones and best test environments in Uttarakhand, India. Clone CoPant 16222 showed high mean performance and stability for cane and sugar yield, making it suitable for recommendation to farmers.

Recent developments in sugarcane bagasse fibre-based adsorbent and their potential industrial applications: A review.

In recent years, there has been an increase in research devoted to the advancement of cellulose and nanocellulose-based materials, which are advantageous due to their renewable nature, strength, rigidity, and environmental friendliness. This exploration complies with the fundamental tenets of environmental stewardship and sustainability. An area of industrial biotechnology where cellulosic agricultural residues have the potential to be economically utilized is through the conversion of such residues; sugarcane bagasse is currently leading this charge. SCB, a plentiful fibrous byproduct produced during the sugarcane industry's operations, has historically been utilized in various sectors, including producing paper, animal feed, enzymes, biofuel conversion, and biomedical applications. Significantly, SCB comprises a considerable amount of cellulose, approximately 40 % to 50 %, rendering it a valuable source of cellulose fibre for fabricating cellulose nanocrystals. This review sheds light on the significant advances in surface modification techniques, encompassing physical, chemical, and biological treatments, that enhance sugarcane bagasse fibres' adsorption capacity and selectivity. Furthermore, the paper investigates the specific advancements related to the augmentation of sugarcane bagasse fibres' efficacy in adsorbing a wide range of pollutants. These pollutants span a spectrum that includes heavy metals, dyes, organic pollutants, and emerging contaminants. The discussion provides a comprehensive overview of the targeted removal processes facilitated by applying modified fibres. The unique structural and chemical properties inherent in sugarcane bagasse fibres and their widespread availability position them as highly suitable adsorbents for various pollutants. This convergence of attributes underscores the potential of sugarcane bagasse fibres in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable solutions across multiple industries.

The impact of credit accessibility and information communication technology on the income of small-scale sugarcane farmers in Ndwedwe Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.

Introduction: Access to credit and information and communication technology (ICT) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the practices of small-scale sugarcane farmers, impacting their financial, social, and economic wellbeing. However, many small-scale farmers need help accessing these resources, thereby affecting their ability to generate sustainable income. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing the adoption of ICT and access to credit and their subsequent impact on small-scale farmers' income. Methods: Employing a multistage sampling technique, 300 small-scale farmers were selected as participants in the study. The recursive bivariate probit regression model was used to assess the factors affecting adoption ICT and a selectivity-corrected ordinary least square regression model was utilized to estimate the synergistic effect of ICT adoption and access to credit on the income of small-scale sugarcane farmers. Results and discussion: The findings revealed that approximately 77% of small-scale farmers had access to credit, while more than 80% had adopted ICT. The results derived from the recursive bivariate probit (RBP) regression model indicated that access to credit, education, and extension support positively and significantly influenced the adoption of ICT. Conversely, marital status and non-farm income exhibited a negative and significant influence on the adoption of ICT. Gender and marital status were positively and significantly associated with access to credit, whereas age, education, and non-farm income showed a negative and significant relationship on access to credit. Subsequently, a selectivity-corrected ordinary least square regression model analysis revealed that factors such as gender, marital status, extension, government support, and transportation costs positively and significantly influenced farmer's income. In contrast, education, employment status, and non-farm income exhibited a negative and significant influence on income. Conclusion and recommendations: The study concludes that socio-demographic factors, such as gender, marital status, extension support, government support, and transportation costs, positively contribute to farmers' income. Small-scale sugarcane farmer involvement in other non-farm activities is associated with reduced farm income. This implies that farmers' livelihoods options are reduced as they can only focus on sugarcane development as a source of income. There is a pressing need to educate small-scale farmers on ICT and provide them with access to agricultural credit. Additionally, extension workers should offer advisory support to small-scale farmers requiring assistance in accessing agricultural credit. There is a need to train sugarcane farmers on different agricultural income generating activities to reduce their over-reliance on sugarcane development. By addressing the identified socio-demographic factors and implementing targeted policy interventions, stakeholders can foster an enabling environment for small-scale farmers to thrive, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the sugarcane sector and the broader agricultural landscape in South Africa.

Machine learning for the adsorptive removal of ciprofloxacin using sugarcane bagasse as a low-cost biosorbent: comparison of analytic, mechanistic, and neural network modeling.

Contamination with traces of pharmaceutical compounds, such as ciprofloxacin, has prompted interest in their removal via low-cost, efficient biomass-based adsorption. In this study, classical models, a mechanistic model, and a neural network model were evaluated for predicting ciprofloxacin breakthrough curves in both laboratory- and pilot scales. For the laboratory-scale (d = 2.2 cm, Co = 5 mg/L, Q = 7 mL/min, T = 18 °C) and pilot-scale (D = 4.4 cm, Co = 5 mg/L, Q = 28 mL/min, T = 18 °C) setups, the experimental adsorption capacities were 2.19 and 2.53 mg/g, respectively. The mechanistic model reproduced the breakthrough data with high accuracy on both scales (R2 > 0.4 and X2 < 0.15), and its fit was higher than conventional analytical models, namely the Clark, Modified Dose-Response, and Bohart-Adams models. The neural network model showed the highest level of agreement between predicted and experimental data with values of R2 = 0.993, X2 = 0.0032 (pilot-scale) and R2 = 0.986, X2 = 0.0022 (laboratory-scale). This study demonstrates that machine learning algorithms exhibit great potential for predicting the liquid adsorption of emerging pollutants in fixed bed.

Determining Factors and Economic Injury Levels for Sphenophorus levis for Chemical and Biological Control in Irrigated and Non-irrigated Sugarcane Crops.

Globally, people use sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) to produce sugar and ethanol. Rainfed or irrigated sugarcane agricultural systems are available. Among the pests affecting this crop, the weevil Sphenophorus levis, Vaurie 1978 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is increasingly becoming a significant threat in southern South America. Sphenophorus levis populations are controlled using chemical or biological measures. Control decisions hinge upon the economic injury level (EIL). The EIL delineates the pest density that results in financial losses for producers. This study aims to determine the EIL for S. levis, considering the factors favoring this insect pest and chemical and biological control methods in rainfed and irrigated systems. The intensity of S. levis attacks was monitored in commercial sugarcane plantations over four years in João Pinheiro, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Sampling occurred in a 50 × 50 × 30-cm-deep trench dug in the soil surrounding the sugarcane clump. The total number of stumps in the clump, including those attacked by S. levis, was tallied. The EILs for this pest were 5.93% and 4.85% of targeted stumps for chemical control in rainfed and irrigated crops, respectively. Biological control in sugarcane plots resulted in an EIL of 4.15% and 3.40% for stumps attacked in rainfed and irrigated crops, respectively. Pest attacks were more severe during rainy years and in older sugarcane crops. The EIL values determined in this study could inform integrated pest management programs for sugarcane crops.