Effect of different drying methods on the amino acids,α-dicarbonyls and volatile compounds of rape bee pollen

The significant demand for high quality food has motivated us to adopt appropriate processing methods to improve the food nutritional quality and flavors.In this study,the effects of five drying methods,namely,pulsed vacuum drying(PVD),freeze drying(FD),infrared drying(IRD),hot-air drying(HAD)and sun drying(SD)on free amino acids(FAAs),α-dicarbonyl compounds(α-DCs)and volatile compounds(VOCs)in rape bee pollen(RBP)were determined.The results showed that FD significantly released the essential amino acids(EAAs)compared with fresh samples while SD caused the highest loss.Glucosone was the dominantα-DCs in RBP and the highest loss was observed after PVD.Aldehydes were the dominant volatiles of RBP and SD samples contained more new volatile substances(especially aldehydes)than the other four drying methods.Comprehensively,FD and PVD would be potential methods to effectively reduce the quality deterioration of RBP in the drying process.

Wetting alternating with partial drying during grain filling increases lysine biosynthesis in inferior rice grain

Lysine content is a criterion of the nutritional quality of rice.Understanding the process of lysine biosynthesis in early-flowering superior grain(SG)and late-flowering inferior grain(IG)of rice would advance breeding and cultivation to improve nutritional quality.However,little information is available on differences in lysine anabolism between SG and IG and the underlying mechanism,and whether and how irrigation regimes affect lysine anabolism in these grains.A japonica rice cultivar was grown in the field and two irrigation regimes,continuous flooding(CF)and wetting alternating with partial drying(WAPD),were imposed from heading to the mature stage.Lysine content and activities of key enzymes of lysine biosynthesis,and levels of brassinosteroids(BRs)were lower in the IG than in the SG at the early grainfilling stage but higher at middle and late grain-filling stages.WAPD increased activities of these key enzymes,BR levels,and contents of lysine and total amino acids in IG,but not SG relative to CF.Application of 2,4-epibrassinolide to rice panicles in CF during early grain filling reproduced the effects of WAPD,but neither treatment altered the activities of enzymes responsible for lysine catabolism in either SG or IG.WAPD and elevated BR levels during grain filling increased lysine biosynthesis in IG.Improvement in lysine biosynthesis in rice should focus on IG.

Night warming increases wheat yield by improving pre-anthesis plant growth and post-anthesis grain starch biosynthesis

Global climate change is characterized by asymmetric warming,i.e.,greater temperature increases in winter,spring,and nighttime than in summer,autumn,and daytime.Field experiments were conducted using four wheat cultivars,namely‘Yangmai 18’(YM18),‘Sumai 188’(SM188),‘Yannong 19’(YN19),and‘Annong 0711’(AN0711),in the two growing seasons of 2019-2020 and 2020-2021,with passive night warming during different periods in the early growth stage.The treatments were night warming during the tillering-jointing(NW_(T-J)),jointing-booting(NWJ-B),and booting-anthesis(NWB-A)stages,with ambient temperature(NN)as the control.The effects of night warming during different stages on wheat yield formation were investigated by determining the characteristics of dry matter accumulation and translocation,as well as sucrose and starch accumulation in wheat grains.The wheat yields of all four cultivars were significantly higher in NW_(T-J)than in NN in the 2-year experiment.The yield increases of semi-winter cultivars YN19 and AN0711 were greater than those of spring cultivars YM18 and SM188.Treatment NW_(T-J)increased wheat yield mainly by increasing the 1,000-grain weight and the number of fertile spikelets,and it increased dry matter accumulation in various organs of wheat at the anthesis and maturity stages by increasing the growth rate at the vegetative growth stage.The flag leaf and spike showed the largest increases in dry matter accumulation.NW_(T-J)also increased the grain sucrose and starch contents in the early and middle grain-filling stages,promoting yield formation.Overall,night warming between the tillering and jointing stages increased the pre-anthesis growth rate,and thus,wheat dry matter production,which contributed to an increase in wheat yield.

Combined application of organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer alleviates the kernel position effect in summer maize by promoting post-silking nitrogen uptake and dry matter accumulation

Adjusting agronomic measures to alleviate the kernel position effect in maize is important for ensuring high yields.In order to clarify whether the combined application of organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer(CAOFCF)can alleviate the kernel position effect of summer maize,field experiments were conducted during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons,and five treatments were assessed:CF,100%chemical fertilizer;OFCF1,15%organic fertilizer+85%chemical fertilizer;OFCF2,30%organic fertilizer+70%chemical fertilizer;OFCF3,45%organic fertilizer+55%chemical fertilizer;and OFCF4,60%organic fertilizer+40%chemical fertilizer.Compared with the CF treatment,the OFCF1 and OFCF2 treatments significantly alleviated the kernel position effect by increasing the weight ratio of inferior kernels to superior kernels and reducing the weight gap between the superior and inferior kernels.These effects were largely due to the improved filling and starch accumulation of inferior kernels.However,there were no obvious differences in the kernel position effect among plants treated with CF,OFCF3,or OFCF4 in most cases.Leaf area indexes,post-silking photosynthetic rates,and net assimilation rates were higher in plants treated with OFCF1 or OFCF2 than in those treated with CF,reflecting an enhanced photosynthetic capacity and improved postsilking dry matter accumulation(DMA)in the plants treated with OFCF1 or OFCF2.Compared with the CF treatment,the OFCF1 and OFCF2 treatments increased post-silking N uptake by 66.3 and 75.5%,respectively,which was the major factor driving post-silking photosynthetic capacity and DMA.Moreover,the increases in root DMA and zeatin riboside content observed following the OFCF1 and OFCF2 treatments resulted in reduced root senescence,which is associated with an increased post-silking N uptake.Analyses showed that post-silking N uptake,DMA,and grain yield in summer maize were negatively correlated with the kernel position effect.In conclusion,the combined application of 15-30%organic fertilizer and 70-85%chemical fertilizer alleviated the kernel position effect in summer maize by improving post-silking N uptake and DMA.These results provide new insights into how CAOFCF can be used to improve maize productivity.

Short Communication: Enhancing the Drying Process of Microbial-Based Products with a Dehumidifier

The development of microbial-based products requires certain criteria for them to be successfully commercialized. The product must meet the following desirable criteria: effectiveness, contamination free, stability, cost-effectiveness, and a prolonged shelf life. Controlling the drying process is crucial for ensuring the stability and durability of the product. The traditional approach, which involved mechanical and natural drying, led to decreased productivity and quality. The objective of this research endeavour was to achieve a dry process enhancement while preserving the microbial quality of Trichoderma asperellum (M103). The temperature and relative humidity during the drying period were monitored under two conditions: with and without a dehumidifier. The results demonstrate that the dehumidifier increases drying period efficiency by up to 63%.

Modeling the Drying Kinetics of Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh]

We set out to model the oven-drying kinetics of a legume known as pigeon pea, harvested in the Bouenza department in the south-west of the Republic of Congo. The drying kinetics of pigeon peas was carried out in an oven under experimental conditions using temperatures of: 50°C, 60°C and 70°C. Seven mathematical models were used to describe pigeon pea drying. During drying, water loss was faster and shorter at 70°C [10.446 g/25 g wet weight (wwb) for 320 min (5.3 h)] compared to 50°C [10.996 g/25 g wet weight (wwb) for 520 min (8.6 h)] and 60°C [10.616 g/25 g wet weight (wwb) for 420 min (7.0 h)] where it was slower and longer. With regard to modeling, and based on the principle of choosing the right model focusing on the high value of R2 and low values of χ2 and RMSE, two models were selected, the Midili model for temperatures of 50°C and 60°C and the Henderson and Pabis model modified for temperature of 70°C showed better results. The R2, χ2 and RMSE values calculated for pigeon pea are 0.99985, 3.93404E-5 and 0.00627;0.9997, 9.245E-5 and 0.00962;0.99996, 1.56332E-5 and 0.00395 respectively at 50°C, 60°C and 70°C.

Increasing the appropriate seedling density for higher yield in dry direct-seeded rice sown by a multifunctional seeder after wheatstraw return

Dry direct-seeded rice(DDR) sown using a multifunctional seeder that performs synchronous rotary tillage and sowing has received increased attention because it is highly efficient,relatively cheap,and environmentally friendly.However,this method of rice production may produce lower yields in a rice–wheat rotation system because of its poor seedling establishment.To address this problem,we performed field experiments to determine the rice yield at five seedling density levels(B1,B2,B3,B4,and B5=100,190,280,370,and 460 seedlings m-2,respectively) and clarify the physiological basis of yield formation.We selected a representative high-quality rice variety and a multifunctional seeder that used in a typical rice–wheat rotation area in 2016 and 2018.The proportion of main stem panicle increased with increasing seedling density.There was a parabolic relationship between yield and seedling density,and the maximum yield(9.34-9.47 t ha-1) was obtained under B3.The maximum yield was associated with a higher total spikelet number m-2 and greater biomass accumulation from heading to maturity.The higher total spikelet number m-2 under B3 was attributed to an increase in panicle number m-2 compared with B1 and B2.Although the panicle numbers also increased under B4 and B5,these increases were insufficient to compensate for the reduced spikelet numbers per panicle.Lower biomass,smaller leaf area,and lower N uptake per plant from the stem elongation stage to the heading stage were partially responsible for the smaller panicle size at higher seedling density levels such as B5.The higher biomass accumulation under B3 was ascribed to the increases in the photosynthetic rate of the top three leaves m-2 of land,crop growth rate,net assimilation rate,and leaf area index.Furthermore,the B3 rice population was marked by a higher grain–leaf ratio,as well as a lower export ratio and transport ratio of biomass per stem-sheath.A quadratic function predicted that 260-290 seedlings m-2 is the optimum seedling density for achieving maximum yield.Together,these results suggested that appropriately increasing the seedling density,and thereby increasing the proportion of panicles formed by the main stem,is an effective approach for obtaining a higher yield in DDR sown using a multifunctional seeder in a rice–wheat rotation system.

Numerical Modelling of Drying Induced Cracks in Wood Discs Using the Extended Finite Element Method

Drying crack is a common phenomenon occurring during moisture discharge from wood,reducing efficient wood utilization.Drying crack is primarily caused by drying stress,and the reasonable methods for determining drying stress are sparse.In this study,the initiation and propagation of cracks during wood discs drying were simulated using the extended finite element method(XFEM).The distribution of drying stress and displacement was analyzed at different crack conditions based on the simulation results.This study aimed to solve the problem of the limitation of drying stress testing methods and provide a new idea for the study of wood drying stress.The numerical simulation results are found in good agreement with the experimental results,thus corroborating the feasibility of XFEM in modeling drying crack of wood discs.The stress concentration was observed at the crack tip region,while a minor stress was presented in the region of crack passing through,indicating that the crack formation process was also a process of releasing drying stress.Further,more energy was required to form double cracks in comparison with the single crack mode.

Effect of different drying methods on the taste and volatile compounds,sensory characteristics of Takifugu obscurus

Pufferfish is prone to deterioration due to abundant nutrients and high moisture content.Drying technology can extend the shelf life and enhance the flavor quality of aquatic products.The study investigated the effect of hot air drying(HAD),microwave vacuum drying(MVD)and hot air assisted radio frequency drying(HARFD)on the taste and volatile profiles of Takifugu obscurus.Different drying methods had significant influence on the color,rehydration,5’-nucleotides,free amino acids and volatile components(P<0.05).The results showed that HAD and HARFD could promote the flavor of T.obscurus by producing higher equivalent umami concentration(EUC)values,which were about two times of MVD group,and more pronounced pleasant odor according to sensory analysis.HAD is more appropriate for industrial application than HARFD and MVD considering the economic benefits.This study could provide a reference for the industrial application of drying T.obscurus.

Asymmetric Drying and Wetting Trends in Eastern and Western China

As an important factor that directly affects agricultural production, the social economy, and policy implementation,observed changes in dry/wet conditions have become a matter of widespread concern. However, previous research has mainly focused on the long-term linear changes of dry/wet conditions, while the detection and evolution of the non-linear trends related to dry/wet changes have received less attention. The non-linear trends of the annual aridity index, obtained by the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition(EEMD) method, reveal that changes in dry/wet conditions in China are asymmetric and can be characterized by contrasting features in both time and space in China. Spatially, most areas in western China have experienced transitions from drying to wetting, while opposite changes have occurred in most areas of eastern China. Temporally, the transitions occurred earlier in western China compared to eastern China. Research into the asymmetric spatial characteristics of dry/wet conditions compensates for the inadequacies of previous studies, which focused solely on temporal evolution;at the same time, it remedies the inadequacies of traditional research on linear trends over centennial timescales. Analyzing the non-linear trend also provides for a more comprehensive understanding of the drying/wetting changes in China.

Insight into the effect of gel drying temperature on the structure and desulfurization performance of ZnO/SiO_(2)adsorbents

A series of ZnO/SiO_(2) adsorbents were prepared by a sol-gel method using tetraethyl orthosilicate,ethylene glycol(EG)and nitrates as precursors.The effect of gel drying temperature on the structure and desulfurization performance of the adsorbents were investigated in detail.It is found that the low drying temperature led to a weak interaction among EG,Si AOH/H_(2)O and the nitrates in the gel system,which caused the oxidation of EG by NO3-and formed zinc glyoxylate complex during the gel calcination process,whereas this oxidation process also occurred at a high drying temperature during the gel drying process.The formed zinc glyoxylate complex promoted the generation of monodentate carbonate on the surface of Zn O,which resulted in the inferior desulfurization performance of adsorbents despite they have smaller Zn O nanoparticles.The gel dried at 120°C formed the hydrogen bonds between EG and Si AOH/H_(2)O and a strong interaction between zinc oxo-clusters and NO3-was also found in the gel system,which avoided the oxidation of EG by NO3-during the preparation process and the Zn O nanoparticles with sizes of 6 nm were formed by a combustion method.The adsorbent affords a highest sulfur capacity of 104.9 mg·g^(-1) in this case.In addition,the gel drying temperature has a significant influence on the textural properties of the adsorbents except their surface area.

Anthropogenic Influence on Decadal Changes in Concurrent Hot and Dry Events over China around the Mid-1990s

The frequency and duration of observed concurrent hot and dry events(HDEs) over China during the growing season(April–September) exhibit significant decadal changes across the mid-1990s. These changes are characterized by increases in HDE frequency and duration over most of China, with relatively large increases over southeastern China(SEC), northern China(NC), and northeastern China(NEC). The frequency of HDEs averaged over China in the present day(PD,1994–2011) is double that in the early period(EP, 1964–81);the duration of HDEs increases by 60%. Climate experiments with the Met Office Unified Model(MetUM-GOML2) are used to estimate the contributions of anthropogenic forcing to HDE decadal changes over China. Anthropogenic forcing changes can explain 60%–70% of the observed decadal changes,suggesting an important anthropogenic influence on HDE changes over China across the mid-1990s. Single-forcing experiments indicate that the increase in greenhouse gas(GHG) concentrations dominates the simulated decadal changes,increasing the frequency and duration of HDEs throughout China. The change in anthropogenic aerosol(AA) emissions significantly decreases the frequency and duration of HDEs over SEC and NC, but the magnitude of the decrease is much smaller than the increase induced by GHGs. The changes in HDEs in response to anthropogenic forcing are mainly due to the response of climatological mean surface air temperatures. The contributions from changes in variability and changes in climatological mean soil moisture and evapotranspiration are relatively small. The physical processes associated with the response of HDEs to GHG and AA changes are also revealed.

Fine Characterization and Analysis of Drying Strain of the ELM Board via DIC Technology

In this paper,the occurrence and development mechanism of strain on the cross-section during the wood drying is explored.Therefore,strain regularity on the cross-section of 50 mm thickness elm(Ulmus rubra)board at the temperature of 40℃and 80℃is detected via digital image correlation technology.Hence,the difference between tangential and radial strain at surface and core layers was denoted.The results showed that strain distribution in the width direction of the board is uneven.Moreover,a large drying shrinkage strain occurs at the near-core layer,while the maximum strain difference reaches 4.08%.Hence,the surface of the board is cracked along the thickness direction.The radial strain of the board is higher than the tangential strain in the early stage of drying,while these strains are reversed in the later stage of drying.The temperature is related to the difference between the tangential and radial strains of the elm board.These differences at the core layer are larger than those of the surface layer.The conducted research results provide a theoretical basis for process optimization.

Synthesis and Characterization of Y_ (0.9-x)Gd_xEu_(0.1)BO_3 Phosphors by Spray Drying Process

Y 0.9-xGd xEu 0.1BO 3 phosphors were synthesized by spray drying (SD) method, and the results were compared with those by conventional solid state (SS) and citrate gel (CG) methods. The PL intensity of phosphors increases with the increase of x value in Y 0.9-xGd xEu 0.1BO 3 (prepared by SD) due to an energy migration process like Gd 3+-(Gd 3+) n-Eu 3+ occurred in the material. Compared with the latter two methods, the phosphor particles prepared by spray drying method have a better morphology, such as homogeneous size (about 1～3 μm) with spherical shape and smooth surface. Furthermore, the spray drying-derived phosphors have higher photoluminescence (PL) intensity than those by citrate gel method, but still a little lower than those by the solid state method.

Preparation and Characterization of Porous Spherical LiFePO_4/C by Spray Drying and Carbothermal Method

The porous spherical LiFePO4/C powders were prepared by spray drying and carbothermal method （SDCTM）. Cheaper trivalent iron ion was used as the precursor. The pure olivine phase can be prepared with the spray drying and subsequent heat-treatment. The average particle size is around 10μm, and the value of porosity is 63.04%. The results indicate that the initial discharge capacity decreases with increasing charge/ discharge rate and reduces from 138.8 mAh · g^-1 at C/20 rate to 98.3 mAh ·g^-1 at 2C rate, while the polarization between the charge and discharge plateaux is enlarged from 53 mv to 347 mv. However, the average discharge efficiency is up to 99.5% at 2C rate compared to 80.6% at C/20 rate from the second cycle.

Synthesis of Ti-Ce-Si Binary and Ternary Nanocomposite Photocatalyst by Supercritical Fluid Drying Technology

Ti-Ce, Ti-Si binary and Ti-Ce-Si ternary novel nanocomposite oxide photocatalysts were prepared with cheap inorganic salts TiCI4, Na2SiO3·9H2O and Ce（NO3）3·6H2O as precursors by supercritical fluid drying （SCFD） technology. The catalysts were characterized by means of XRD and TEM. The particle size of nanocomposite oxide photocatalysts synthesized by SCFD method is about 6 - 11 nm, which is smaller than those obtained by common drying method （CD）. The phase transformation from anatase to rutile was inhibited by SCFD technology. The peaks of SiO2 and CeO2 in XRD patterns indicate that a SiO2 amorphorous phase exists in all the samples and CeO2 is well dispersed on the surface of TiO2. The orthogonal test was designed to optimize the preparing conditions. It is found that ceria dop;.ng enhances the photocatalyric activity markedly, and the optimum doping of CeO2 is 0.1%. The thermal stability of photocatalyst can be improved ; the growth of particle-size and the decrease of surface area can be prohibited by doping of SlOe. Heat-treatment is a necessary factor to induce chemistry change of Ti-Si surface. The optimum heat-treating temperature is 600℃. A novel and efficient Ti-Ce-Si ternary nanocomposite was prepared by SCFI） method with strong thermal stability and high photoactivity in the photodegratation of phenol.

Synthesis and Characterization of TiO_2-CeO_2 Nanocomposite by Supercritical Fluid Drying

TiO_2-CeO_2 nanocomposite particles were prepared with Ce(NO_3)_3·6H_2O and TiCl_4 as precursors by the codeposition method and supercritical fluid drying (SCFD) technology. The particles prepared were characterized by means of XRD, TEM and FTIR. The results show that SCFD can give rise to the direct synthesis of the anatase TiO_2-CeO_2,and the particle size is 6～11 nm under 500 ℃ thermal-treated,smaller than that by common drying (CD). The phase transformation from anatase to rutile is inhibited by supercritical fluid drying technology. The peak of CeO_2 is not observed in XRD patterns,Ce-O band vibration was present in FTIR spectrum,which indicates that CeO_2 is well dispersed on the surface of TiO_2.

Influence of Sorbent Type on Drying Efficiency, Production Costs and Nutritional Values of Mango By-Products Feeds for Livestock

The aim of the study was to determine the best food absorbents between wheat, rice and maize bran and palm kernel cake, from a technical and economic point of view, in order to make a better recommandation for their use in the production process of food based on mango by-products (peels, peels + pulp). To this end, series of 18 kg of fresh feed were prepared and spread out in a stall for sun-drying using a randomized Fisher system. Preparations were made using either mango peels (75%) + absorbent (25%) or pulp + mango peels (67%) + sorbent (33%). The results show that mango Peel feed loses more water (WL) with lover production yields (PY), higher mango incorporation rates into dry feed (MRI), longer drying times (UDT) and lower production costs (CPkgPD) than mango peel + pulp. The average DM, MAT, ADF and NDF fiber contents were almost equal to those of mango peels + pulp feed. The average Crude Fiber (CF) (25.13%) and DEp (2839 kcal/kgDM) contents were higher for mango skin feed than for mango skin + pulp feed, at 8.59% and 2536 for MAT and DEp respectively. Mango peels + wheat bran (PSB25) and whole mango (MESB33) feeds recorded the highest and almost equal levels of TCP, NDF and MM. Production costs per kg of feed dry mater (CPkgDM) for feed produced at 25% were on average 33% higher than for whole mango (WM) feed. Excluding mango raw material, palm kernel meal (PK), rice bran (RB), maize bran (MB) and wheat bran (WB) can be ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in terms of cumulative performance of production parameters. Producers can then choose the type of sorbent they wish to use according to this ranking and the local availability of the sorbent. These feeds can be used for both ruminants and monogastrics, but are better suited to ruminant feeding due to their high fiber content.

Natural Solar Drying and Charcoal Production by Pyrolysis of Empty Shells of Cocoa Pods Using a Carbonisation Stove Fitted with a Chimney

The world’s production of cocoa highly has grown since 1960.In West Africa,the production reached about 3,000,000 tons in 2012.More than 50%of the world’s production of cocoa comes nowadays from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire is the biggest producer.After harvesting,the empty shells,considered as non-useful wastes,are abandoned in the fields where they become a source of pollution.That yields millions of tons of biomass that can be converted into charcoal,instead of being sources of pollution.In the present work,the drying kinetics of the empty wet shells were studied.Then,charcoal production by pyrolysis of those empty shells of cocoa pods was performed,using a carbonisation stove fitted with a chimney.The study showed that the empty shells have a high moisture content.The different phases of the drying were observed.The study compared the drying rates and the diffusion coefficients of a small sample and a big sample.Two experiences of carbonisation of the empty shells were successfully carried out.For the first experiment,the pyrolysis temperatures were recorded and the charcoal mass efficiency calculated.For the second experiment,the temperatures were higher and the result was colored charcoals.The colorations disappeared after some hours.

Short-Term Effect of Grazing Exclusion and Uncontrolled Grazing on Species Abundance, Dry Matter Yield and Nutritive Value in an Invaded Area by Euryops floribundus in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Grazing exclusion (GE) is the most effective rangeland restoration technique which facilitates species diversity and forage quality. This study aimed at assessing short-term impact of GE and continuously grazed rangeland on relative frequency, dry matter yield and nutritive value of dominant grasses in an area invaded by Euryops floribundus. A plot of 2.5 ha was measured and the boundaries demarcated using tape measure and steal pins, the plot was further divided into two subplots of 1ha each which were 5 m apart. One subplot was fenced and protected from grazing livestock, while one subplot was grazed continuously and not fenced. Three parallel belt transects of 100 m × 2 m with 3 m apart were laid out in both subplots. Woody plants occurring within the transects were identified and recorded to determine density. In each subplot, a 0.25 m2 quadrant measuring was thrown randomly to take detailed records on plant species, relative frequency of species and herbage biomass. Four dominant species at the two sites were harvested to determine the nutritive value. Results indicate that grazing exclusion (GE) facilitates grass species diversity, subsequently sixteen and thirteen grasses species were recorded in the GE and uncontrolled grazed (UG) sites, respectively. Eragrostis chloromelas (21.7%), and Themeda triandra (13.2%) had high relative frequencies in the GE site. Highest biomass production was recorded in the GE site (1400 kg·ha-1) compared to UG site (1102 kg·ha-1). Crude protein content was relatively lower at UG site (5.4% - 5.8%) as compared to GE site (7.2% - 7.8%). It was concluded that, GE showed a positive impact on a relative frequency (%), dry matter yield and crude protein content. UG creates a conducive environment for Euryops recruitment. Further studies are required to examine the impact of GE in long-term trial setup.