Cocos nucifera and glycerine afterwork moisturizers for secondary prevention of hand dermatitis among fabric worker: a randomized, double-blind, cross over trial.

The use of skin barrier-enhancing topical medication is a favorable approach for the treatment of occupational hand dermatitis (OHD). Cocos nucifera or coconut oil is one of the best sources of lipid enriched with laurate acid, and glycerin is a well-known humectant that improves skin hydration. This study is aimed is to evaluate the effectiveness of C. nucifera and glycerin for secondary prevention of OHD among batik (Indonesian traditional fabric) workers. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial, the effect of glycerine-C. nucifera cream versus glycerin-only was considered with multiple afterwork applications of moisturizer over a 2-week period on batik workers with OHD. Assessment of trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin capacitance, and a clinical assessment using the Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) were carried out at day 0 and 14. The results show thirty-two batik dyeing and/or rinsing workers were enrolled in the study with mild to moderate OHD. Clinical improvement was demonstrated by 20% decrease in HECSI and TEWL, and 20% increase in skin capacitance. Both moisturizers were equally effective for the secondary prevention of OHD. As a conclusion, glycerine-C. nucifera and glycerin-only cream are equally effective for secondary prevention for OHD among batik worker to reduce the prevalence of hand dermatitis.

Proteomic Profiling of Cocos nucifera L. Zygotic Embryos during Maturation of Dwarf and Tall Cultivars: The Dynamics of Carbohydrate and Fatty Acid Metabolism.

There is a limited number of studies analyzing the molecular and biochemical processes regulating the metabolism of the maturation of Cocos nucifera L. zygotic embryos. Our research focused on the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolic pathways occurring at three developmental stages of embryos from the Mexican Pacific tall (MPT) and the Yucatan green dwarf (YGD) cultivars. We used the TMT-synchronous precursor selection (SPS)-MS3 strategy to analyze the dynamics of proteomes from both embryos; 1044 and 540 proteins were determined for the MPT and YGD, respectively. A comparison of the differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) revealed that the biological processes (BP) enriched in the MPT embryo included the glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism along with fatty acid degradation, while in YGD, the nitrogen metabolism and pentose phosphate pathway were the most enriched BPs. Findings suggest that the MPT embryos use fatty acids to sustain a higher glycolytic/gluconeogenic metabolism than the YGD embryos. Moreover, the YGD proteome was enriched with proteins associated with biotic or abiotic stresses, e.g., peroxidase and catalase. The goal of this study was to highlight the differences in the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolic pathways during the maturation of coconut YGD and MPT zygotic embryos.

Molecular Insights into Red Palm Weevil Resistance Mechanisms of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Leaves.

Red palm weevil (RPW) (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) threatens most palm species worldwide. This study investigated the molecular responses of coconut (Cocos nucifera) leaves to RPW infestation through metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis. An RPW insect attack model was developed by placing different RPW larval densitiesin coconut plants and measuring the relative chlorophyll content of different leaf positions and physiological indicators of dysfunction after RPW infestation. The metabolomic changes were detected in the leaves of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 days after infestation (DAI) using GC-MS. Certain metabolites (glycine, D-pinitol, lauric acid, allylmalonic acid, D-glucaro-1, 4-lactone, protocatechuic acid, alpha, and alpha-trehalose) were found to be possible indicators for distinct stages of infestation using metabolomics analysis. The influence on ABC transporters, glutathione, galactose, and glycolipid metabolism was emphasized by pathway analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 5, 10, 15, and 20 DAI through transcriptomics analysis of infested coconut leaves, with altered expression levels under RPW infestation. The KEGG pathway and GO analysis revealed enrichment in pathways related to metabolism, stress response, and plant-pathogen interactions, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying coconut-RPW interactions. The identified genes may serve as potential markers for tracking RPW infestation progression and could inform strategies for pest control and management.

Cost Reduction in the Production of Green Dwarf Coconut Palm Seedlings Biostimulated with Bacillus cereus.

The production of coconut tree seedlings is an important step in the production process, as it substantially affects the productive performance of the adult plant, and the way of obtaining seedlings directly reflects the added costs. To minimize costs, the introduction of biostimulants can be considered a viable and sustainable technology. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of applying Bacillus cereus in promoting growth and reducing the costs of producing Brazilgreen dwarf coconut seedlings. The study has two stages, the first was an experiment carried out in a commercial nursery in the state of Pará-Brazil. The design was completely randomized, with two treatments: control with water (100% mineral fertilization) and B. cereus inoculation (50% mineral fertilization), with 10 replicates each. Biometric parameters and the quality of seedlings were evaluated. In the second stage, the production of stimulated seedlings was compared to that of commercial seedlings, and the effective operating cost (COE) and the total operating cost (TOC) were determined. Biostimulation with B. cereus promotes the growth of coconut tree seedlings, increases seedling quality, and reduces nursery time. In addition, the cost of production is reduced by 10%. Thus, microbial technology is a positive strategy for the production of Brazilian green dwarf coconut seedlings. Using B. cereus can guarantee obtaining seedlings with high performance and at a lower cost. These results may favor obtaining adult plants with high productivity. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-023-01163-9.

Effect of coconut processing by-product graded feeding on carcass traits and meat quality of lambs.

The inclusion of by-product coconut mesocarp skins (CMS) in diets was evaluated in feedlot lambs. The objective of this study was to evaluate CMS levels effects on carcass traits and meat quality of lambs. Thirty-five male lambs with an initial body weight of 16.9 ± 2.93 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with five CMS levels in total dry matter (0; 4.8; 9.6; 14.4 and 19.2%) and fed during 71 d until slaughter. High levels of CMS decreased the intake of dry matter and negatively affected the performance of lambs. Fat and protein contents of Longissimus lumborum muscle (P < 0.05) and the saturated fatty acid (FA) decreased (P < 0.001) whereas polyunsaturated FA increased (P < 0.01) with the inclusion of CMS. The ratio t10/t11-18:1 increased with the inclusion of CMS (P < 0.001). The instrumental color descriptors were unaffected by CMS levels. According to the effects on the investigated meat quality traits we recommend up to 4.8% CMS in diets of confined lambs.

An investigation on the effect of ultrasonication and microfiltration processing on the quality of king coconut (Cocos nucifera var. aurantiaca) water compared to minimal and thermal processing.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of thermal and non-thermal processing on the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory characteristics of king coconut water. King coconut water samples were subjected to ultrasonication (50 kHz, 30 min at 35 °C), microfiltration (0.5 µm), and thermal treatments (at 90 °C for 10 min) with sodium metabisulfite (0.1 g/L) except the fresh sample (control). Samples were tested for physiochemical, microbial, and sensory parameters. Storage studies were conducted at 4 °C for 28 days. pH, titratable acidity, and total sugar of all treated samples were within the Sri Lankan Standard (SLS) limit (4.6-5.5, 0.07-0.1%, 4.1-6.5%, respectively) during the 28 days of storage. Sodium metabisulfite addition was significant in lowering the browning index. Antioxidant and phenolic contents of microfiltered and ultrasonicated samples varied between 49%-65% and 2.5-2.8 GAE mg/100 mL, respectively, during 4 weeks of storage, which was significantly higher compared to the heat-treated samples. Sensory evaluation scored the lowest attribute values for thermally treated samples. Microbial analyses indicated that microfiltered and ultrasonicated king coconut water remained safe for consumption for up to 4 weeks. Ultrasound and microfiltration, with the integration of sodium metabisulfite, were identified as effective methods for processing king coconut water while preserving its wholesome properties.

Cocos nucifera Husk Biomass as an Effective Adsorbent for Industrial Wastewater Removal: Harnessing the Power of Nature.

BACKGROUND: Rapid industrialization has polluted waterways, threatened aquatic ecosystems and endangered human health. To solve this problem, sustainable industrial practices and innovative water treatment technology must be implemented to ensure clean and safe water for future generations. METHODS: This study aimed to investigate the adsorbent capacity of Cocos nucifera husk for ineffective removal of methylene blue (MB), a cationic dye abundantly found in industrial effluent. Adsorption capacity is measured using parameters such as dye elimination percentage and polymer dosage. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, adsorption kinetics (pseudo-first, pseudo-second, and second order), and intraparticle diffusion were determined to better understand the adsorption process. RESULTS: The increased dosage of cellulose fiber results in the availability of a greater number of adsorption sites and an increased surface area. However, the dye removal efficacy decreased after reaching a specific dosage of 0.6 g/L. A concentration of 0.05 g/L was most effective in eliminating Methylene blue (MB). The value of the separation factor (0.99) suggested a favorable adsorption isotherm. The reciprocal of the heterogeneity factor (-1.469) demonstrated the concentration-independent adsorption behavior of Fiber. Freundlich and Langmuir's isotherm model showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model demonstrated the highest level of correlation with the experimental data about the mechanism of adsorption. The Methylene blue (MB) adsorption is not limited by the intraparticle diffusion and adsorption is influenced by surface area and concentration variation of fiber as well as solvent concentration, as evidenced by low R2 value and the fact that the intraparticle diffusion plot does not intersect with the origin. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that Cocos nucifera husk can be effectively used for the treatment of wastewater.

Topical Nanoemulsion Hydrogel Formulated from Supercritical Fluid Extracted Palm-Pressed Fiber Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil with Antioxidant and Antibacterial Effects.

Skincare industries are growing rapidly around the globe but most products are formulated using synthetic chemicals and organic solvent extracted plant extracts, thus may be hazardous to the users and incur higher cost for purification that eventually leads to phytonutrient degradation. Therefore, this study aimed to formulate a stable natural formulation with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities by using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO 2 ) extracted palm-pressed fiber oil (PPFO) as an active ingredient with virgin coconut oil (VCO) as a formulation base. PPFO was extracted from fresh palm-pressed fiber (PPF) while VCO was from dried grated coconut copra using SC-CO 2 before being subjected to the analyses of physicochemical properties, phytonutrient content and biological activities including antioxidant and antimicrobial. The nanoemulgel formulations were then developed and examined for their stability through accelerated stability study for 3 months by measuring their pH, particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential. The results showed that PPFO contained a high amount of phytonutrients, especially total carotenoid (1497 ppm) and total tocopherol and tocotrienol (2269 ppm) contents. The newly developed nanoemulgels maintained their particles in nano size and showed good stability with high negative zeta potentials. Sample nanoemulgel formulated with 3% PPFO diluted in VCO as effective concentration showed significantly stronger antioxidant activity than the control which was formulated from 3% tocopheryl acetate diluted in mineral oil, towards DPPH and ABTS radicals, with IC 50 values of 67.41 and 44.28 µL/mL, respectively. For the antibacterial activities, the sample nanoemulgel was found to inhibit Gram positive bacteria S. aureus and S. epidermidis growth but not the Gram negative strain E. coli. Overall, this study revealed the potential of SF-extracted PPFO as an active ingredient in the antioxidant topical formulations thus future study on in vitro skin cell models is highly recommended for validation.

Widely targeted metabolomics combined with E-tongue and E-nose reveal dynamic changes of tender coconut water in responses to the infection of Ceratocystis paradoxa.

Ceratocystis paradoxa is a major cause of postharvest disease in tender coconuts worldwide. We conducted a comprehensive study using widely targeted metabolomics, electronic tongue (E-tongue), and electronic nose (E-nose) analyses to investigate the impacts of C. paradoxa invasion on the quality of tender coconut water (TCW) from fresh control (FC), uninoculated (UN), skin-inoculated (SI), and deep-inoculated (DI) nuts. DI exhibited significantly higher taste indicators associated with bitterness, saltiness, astringency aftertaste, and bitter aftertaste, as well as odor sensor values related to various compounds such as long-chain alkanes, hydrides, methane, organic sulfides, etc. Invasion of C. paradoxa into the endosperm altered the flavor characteristics of TCW mainly through the modulation of carbohydrate and secondary metabolite pathways. Furthermore, significant correlations were observed between the differentially expressed flavorful metabolites and the sensor indicators of the E-nose and E-tongue. These findings offer valuable insights into understanding the impact of C. paradoxa infection on coconuts.

An In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Cocos nucifera and Triticum aestivum Formulation.

Background Medicinal plants are traditionally used in Ayurveda, Unani medicine, and Siddha as primary sources of drugs, and mankind has exploited the therapeutic properties of these herbs throughout history. Coconut (Cocos nucifera), a common ingredient of Indian sub-continental cuisine, has been proven to possess various medicinal properties; similarly, wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) is of greater medicinal value and is known as the powerhouse of nutrients and vitamins. These have been used individually, but there is limited data on the synergistic use of these products. Thus, the present in vitro study was designed to prepare an oral gel from the extract of C. nucifera and T. aestivum and to assess its cumulative anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Materials and methods C. nucifera extract and T. aestivum extract were prepared separately, and gel formulation was done. The formulated gel was tested for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Results The results of the present study demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory property of the gel formulation was greater as compared to the standard (diclofenac), with the highest percentage of inhibition of 90.1% at 50 µl. With regard to the antioxidant property, we found that it was comparable to the standard (ascorbic acid) at various concentrations, with greater activity at 50 µl. Conclusion The oral gel formulation of coconut (C. nucifera) and wheatgrass (T. aestivum) showed better anti-inflammatory and a comparable antioxidant activity. Thus, this formulation may be employed as an adjunct to the commercially available oral gel preparations.

Assessment of the neuroprotective effect of Cocos nucifera L. oil on learning and behavior impairment in ovariectomized rats.

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate whether Cocos nucifera L. oil (CO) is effective on menopause-related memory dysfunction in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Materials and Methods: Fifty healthy female Wistar rats were randomly selected and classified into five groups as control, OVX rats, and three OVX groups of rats which received three different doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day) of CO for five consecutive weeks by gavage. To assess the effect of CO, neurobehavioral tests such as Morris water maze (MWM) and Passive avoidance (PA) were done and then the animals were sacrificed to remove cortical and hippocampal tissues for biochemical analysis. Results: In both behavioral tests including MWM and PA, treatment with CO particularly two higher doses of 200, and 400 mg/kg demonstrated significant improvement in comparison with OVX group. Furthermore, antioxidant biomarkers such as total thiol content, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly higher in the OVX-CO groups versus the OVX group. On the contrary, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration as an oxidative stress biomarker was remarkably lower in the OVX-CO200 and 400 mg groups than the OVX group. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the significant improvement of CO on learning and memory impairment induced by ovariectomy. Although the exact mechanism needs further investigation, it might have occurred due to the anti-oxidative effect of CO.

First Report of Neopestalotiopsis clavispora causing Leaf Spot on Coconut Seedling in Malaysia.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a high economic value cash crop in Malaysia. In December 2021, irregular spots with dotted rust-like appearance were observed mainly on the tip of the leaves of MATAG variety coconut seedlings at the nursery in Perak state. More than 90% of the coconut seedlings surveyed were infected with leaf spot symptoms. These symptoms could bring huge economic losses due to the downgrade value of the seedlings. 15 symptomatic leaves were obtained from the nursery, 10 mm2 of cut leaves were disinfected with 10% sodium hypochlorite for 10 minutes and rinsed with sterile distilled water before plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). A total of 4 single-spore isolates were obtained and were observed morphologically. The isolates had white cotton-like appearance with undulate edge. Black acervuli were seen after 7 days of incubation at 26 °C. The conidia were fusiform and contained five cells with four septate and three versicolor cells in between the apical and basal cell. The conidia were 17.2 µm long and 5.9 µm wide (n=30). Conidia consisted of two to three apical appendages and one basal appendage. These morphological characters were consistent with the original description of Neopestalotiopsis clavispora (Santos et al., 2019; Abbas et al., 2022). Species identification was done by amplifying internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region using primers ITS 4 and ITS 5 (White et al., 1990) and beta-tubulin (TUB2) using primers Bt2a and Bt2b (Glass & Donaldson et al., 1995) of the representative isolate LKR1, then sequenced. The 488 bp ITS and 409 bp TUB2 sequences were deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers ON844193 and OP004810, respectively. Isolate LKR1 shares 99.8% identity with the ITS sequence (MH860736.1) of the reference pathogenic N. clavispora strain CBS:447.73 and 100% identity with the TUB2 sequence (KM199443.1) of the reference pathogenic N. clavispora strain CBS 447.73. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the isolate LKR1 belonged to N. clavispora when a supported clade is formed with 98% and 94% bootstrap support for ITS and TUB2 respectively with other related N. clavispora. Pathogenicity test was conducted by using five replicates of 8 month old seedlings, they were incubated under greenhouse condition and were watered daily. The leaves of the seedlings were injured with sterile needles and were sprayed with conidial suspension (1 x 10^6 conidia/ml). The control plants were also injured but sprayed with sterile distilled water. After a month, signature symptoms of spots on the leaves appear but none on the control seedling. N. clavispora was successfully re-isolated only from the inoculated symptomatic leaves and identified morphologically. No fungus was re-isolated from the control seedlings. The result was consistent even after repeating the test one more time. N. clavispora has been reported causing leaf spot on Macadamia integrifolia (Santos et al., 2019), Phoenix dactylifera L. (Basavand et al., 2020) and Musa acuminata (Qi et al., 2022). N. clavispora has also been reported causing rust-like appearance of leaves on strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) (Obregón et al., 2018). To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. clavispora causing leaf spot disease on coconut seedlings in Malaysia. Through the identification of N. clavispora as the causal agent of leaf spot on coconut, this can help coconut growers to tackle the disease problem earlier thus, preventing the disease from spreading until the adult phase.

Antimicrobial Potential of Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil on Bacterial Isolates.

This study investigates the in vitro antibacterial activity of coconut oil on selected clinical and pure bacterial isolates. Clinical samples were isolated from the people of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Biochemical examination of the microorganisms was done according to standard methods. Pure bacterial cultures were provided from LTA srl Italia. In this research work, an effort has been made to highlight the valuable properties of Cocos nucifera oil, in order to rationalize the use of coconut oil against bacteria. Experiments were performed by agar well diffusion method. Ciprofloxacin was used as a standard antibiotic. The assay of antibacterial activity of clinical isolate of Streptococcus species showed the highest susceptibility to coconut oil while Escherichia coli had the least. This study endorses the use of coconut oil as therapeutic agent since it contains lauric acid which is bactericidal. The utilization of coconut oil should be promoted as a functional food and the use of coconut seed flesh in our diets should be encouraged for health-supporting functions. Further studies should be done on the oil and its derivatives both in vitro and in vivo to unveil their mechanism of action.

Potential of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) for Efficient Classification Based on Postharvest Storage Time, Cultivar and Maturity in Coconut Water.

Coconut water (CW) is a popular and healthful beverage, and ensuring its quality is crucial for consumer satisfaction. This study aimed to explore the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and chemometric methods for analyzing CW quality and distinguishing samples based on postharvest storage time, cultivar, and maturity. CW from nuts of Wenye No. 2 and Wenye No. 4 cultivars in China, with varying postharvest storage time and maturities, were subjected to NIRS analysis. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were developed to predict reducing sugar and soluble sugar contents, revealing moderate applicability but lacking accuracy, with the residual prediction deviation (RPD) values ranging from 1.54 to 1.83. Models for TSS, pH, and TSS/pH exhibited poor performance with RPD values below 1.4, indicating limited predictability. However, the study achieved a total correct classification rate exceeding 95% through orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models, effectively discriminating CW samples based on postharvest storage time, cultivar, and maturity. These findings highlight the potential of NIRS combined with appropriate chemometric methods as a valuable tool for analyzing CW quality and efficiently distinguishing samples. NIRS and chemometric techniques enhance quality control in coconut water, ensuring consumer satisfaction and product integrity.

A Preliminary Survey of Transfer RNA Modifications and Modifying Enzymes of the Tropical Plant Cocos nucifera L.

The coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a commercial crop widely distributed among coastal tropical regions. It provides millions of farmers with food, fuel, cosmetics, folk medicine, and building materials. Among these, oil and palm sugar are representative extracts. However, this unique living species of Cocos has only been preliminarily studied at molecular levels. Benefiting from the genomic sequence data published in 2017 and 2021, we investigated the transfer RNA (tRNA) modifications and modifying enzymes of the coconut in this survey. An extraction method for the tRNA pool from coconut flesh was built. In total, 33 species of modified nucleosides and 66 homologous genes of modifying enzymes were confirmed using a nucleoside analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) and homologous protein sequence alignment. The positions of tRNA modifications, including pseudouridines, were preliminarily mapped using a oligonucleotide analysis, and the features of their modifying enzymes were summarized. Interestingly, we found that the gene encoding the modifying enzyme of 2'-O-ribosyladenosine at the 64th position of tRNA (Ar(p)64) was uniquely overexpressed under high-salinity stress. In contrast, most other tRNA-modifying enzymes were downregulated with mining transcriptomic sequencing data. According to previous physiological studies of Ar(p)64, the coconut appears to enhance the quality control of the translation process when subjected to high-salinity stress. We hope this survey can help advance research on tRNA modification and scientific studies of the coconut, as well as thinking of the safety and nutritional value of naturally modified nucleosides.

Population dynamics of Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum, a neglected mite pest in coconut fruits (Cocos nucifera).

The meristematic region of Cocos nucifera fruits can be colonized by various species of mites, including Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum, Steneotarsonemus furcatus, and Aceria guerreronis. The consequence of this colonization is the development of necrotic lesions on the fruit, and sometimes its abortion. Losses are commonly attributed to A. guerreronis alone, owing to the similarities in the injuries caused and its predominance in coconut plantations. However, S. concavuscutum may be the predominant pest species in some crops. Despite the possible impact of S. concavuscutum, little is known about its bioecological aspects, such as the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on its population dynamics. Our objective was to document macroclimatic abiotic factors (temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation) and biotic factors (interspecific competition and predation) interfere in the population dynamics of S. concavuscutum. We evaluated the diversity and abundance of mites in the perianth of coconut fruit naturally infested by S. concavuscutum for 1 year. The species found in the fruits of bunch 6 of the plant, which is the fruit age at which the mites commonly reach the highest abundance, were counted every 2 weeks. We found mites from nine families and S. concavuscutum was the predominant species, representing about 92% of the individuals collected. Predators represented approximately 2% of the total collection, with Neoseiulus baraki as the predominant species. Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum population density ranged from 60 to 397 mites/fruit. The highest population densities of S. concavuscutum were observed in the hottest and driest periods of the year. The population densities of S. concavuscutum were negatively associated with the presence of N. baraki, suggesting that this predator may have a role in the biological control of this pest.

Genomics and Transcriptomics Reveal Genetic Contribution to Population Diversity and Specific Traits in Coconut.

Coconut is an economically important palm species with a long history of human use. It has applications in various food, nutraceuticals, and cosmetic products, and there has been renewed interest in coconut in recent years due to its unique nutritional and medicinal properties. Unfortunately, the sustainable growth of the coconut industry has been hampered due to a shortage of good quality seedlings. Genetic improvement through the traditional breeding approach faced considerable obstacles due to its perennial nature, protracted juvenile period, and high heterozygosity. Molecular biotechnological tools, including molecular markers and next-generation sequencing (NGS), could expedite genetic improvement efforts in coconut. Researchers have employed various molecular markers to reveal genetic diversity among coconut populations and for the construction of a genetic map for exploitation in coconut breeding programs worldwide. Whole genome sequencing and transcriptomics on the different varieties have generated a massive amount of publicly accessible sequence data, substantially improving the ability to analyze and understand molecular mechanisms affecting crop performance. The production of high-yielding and disease-resilient coconuts and the deciphering of the complex coconut genome's structure can profit tremendously from these technologies. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the progress of coconut research, using genomics, transcriptomics, and molecular markers initiatives.

Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal key metabolic pathways in response to potassium deficiency in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) seedlings.

Potassium ions (K+) are important for plant growth and crop yield. However, the effects of K+ deficiency on the biomass of coconut seedlings and the mechanism by which K+ deficiency regulates plant growth remain largely unknown. Therefore, in this study, we compared the physiological, transcriptome, and metabolite profiles of coconut seedling leaves under K+-deficient and K+-sufficient conditions using pot hydroponic experiments, RNA-sequencing, and metabolomics technologies. K+ deficiency stress significantly reduced the plant height, biomass, and soil and plant analyzer development value, as well as K content, soluble protein, crude fat, and soluble sugar contents of coconut seedlings. Under K+ deficiency, the leaf malondialdehyde content of coconut seedlings were significantly increased, whereas the proline (Pro) content was significantly reduced. Superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities were significantly reduced. The contents of endogenous hormones such as auxin, gibberellin, and zeatin were significantly decreased, whereas abscisic acid content was significantly increased. RNA-sequencing revealed that compared to the control, there were 1003 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the leaves of coconut seedlings under K+ deficiency. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that these DEGs were mainly related to "integral component of membrane," "plasma membrane," "nucleus", "transcription factor activity," "sequence-specific DNA binding," and "protein kinase activity." Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated that the DEGs were mainly involved in "MAPK signaling pathway-plant," "plant hormone signal transduction," "starch and sucrose metabolism," "plant-pathogen interaction," "ABC transporters," and "glycerophospholipid metabolism." Metabolomic analysis showed that metabolites related to fatty acids, lipidol, amines, organic acids, amino acids, and flavonoids were generally down-regulated in coconut seedlings under K+ deficiency, whereas metabolites related to phenolic acids, nucleic acids, sugars, and alkaloids were mostly up-regulated. Therefore, coconut seedlings respond to K+ deficiency stress by regulating signal transduction pathways, primary and secondary metabolism, and plant-pathogen interaction. These results confirm the importance of K+ for coconut production, and provide a more in-depth understanding of the response of coconut seedlings to K+ deficiency and a basis for improving K+ utilization efficiency in coconut trees.

Safety Assessment of Cocos nucifera (Coconut)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics.

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 11 Cocos nucifera (coconut)-derived ingredients, most of which are reported to function as skin-conditioning agents in cosmetic products. The Panel reviewed the available data to determine the safety of these ingredients. The Panel concluded that 10 ingredients, derived from coconut flower, fruit, and liquid endosperm, are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment, and that the available data are insufficient to make a determination of safety for Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Shell Powder under the intended conditions of use in cosmetic formulations.

Effect of surface treatment on the technological properties of coconut fiber-reinforced plant polyurethane composites.

Polymeric composites reinforced with plant fibers have numerous advantages, such as low cost, high raw material availability and good physical, mechanical and thermal properties. Thus, in recent years, they have been studied as thermal insulation substitutes for synthetic polymers in buildings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technological properties of castor oil-based polyurethane composites reinforced with coconut fibers treated with hot water, alkaline solutions of NaOH and Ca(OH)2 and corona discharge and without surface treatment as materials for the thermal insulation of buildings. The composites were produced by the hand lay-up method followed by compression; 10% by weight coconut fibers were used to replace the synthetic polymer. Specimens were produced, and physical, mechanical, thermal and microstructural tests were performed. The results showed that the polymer had a thermal conductivity of 0.016 W/(mK), while the composites produced with fibers treated with NaOH had a thermal conductivity of 0.028 W/(mK); therefore, these polymers are considered insulating materials (k = 0.01 to 1.0 W/(mK)). Thus, the composites produced with coconut fibers can be considered as lighter, less expensive and environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic polymers.