The effect of MicroRNAs on the insecticide resistance mechanism in populations of the pistachio psyllid Agonoscena pistaciae, a pest of pistachios
The pistachio psyllid, Agonoscena pistaciae Burckhardt and Lauterer (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is a major pest of pistachio orchards in Türkiye, particularly in regions with intensive pistachio cultivation. Despite repeated pesticide applications, psyllid population density and the associated damage continue to persist in many orchards. This situation suggests the possible development of resistance to commonly used pesticides. In this study, resistance to the most widely used pesticide active ingredient in the region, spirotetramat, was investigated at both phenotypic and molecular levels. Psyllid populations were collected from pistachio orchards with a documented history of pesticide application and from orchards with no prior pesticide use. Under laboratory conditions, psyllids were reared on pistachio seedlings, and bioassays were conducted using six concentrations of spirotetramat (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 mg/L). Dose-dependent increases in mortality were observed, with the highest mortality recorded at the highest concentration. Mortality rates were consistently higher in psyllid populations collected from unsprayed orchards compared to those from sprayed orchards. LC50 and LC90 values were notably higher in populations from previously sprayed locations, indicating reduced susceptibility to spirotetramat. Molecular analyses were performed on surviving nymphs following bioassays. Expression levels of the CYP307a1 gene were lower than those of mir-2b-3p, mir-14b-5p, and mir-2756-5p in populations from unsprayed orchards. In contrast, CYP9f2 and the miRNAs mir-2b-3p, mir-14b-5p, mir-316-5p, and mir-2756-5p exhibited variable expression patterns across all populations. These findings suggest that miRNAs and P450 genes may play a role in the molecular mechanisms underlying spirotetramat resistance in A. pistaciae populations.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-026-37604-3
Bio-Epoxy Composites Formulation Using Bio-Oils from Walnut and Almond Shell Pyrolysis: Influence of Temperature on Chemical Composition and Curing Behavior
In this study, we develop bio-epoxy composites incorporating bio-oils obtained from the pyrolysis of almond and walnut shells at 400 °C and 600 °C, with the aim of evaluating their potential as renewable precursors for epoxy resin modification. The influence of pyrolysis temperature on bio-oil yield and chemical composition is examined to identify phenolic-rich fractions relevant to epoxy curing. Bio-oil production increased with temperature, reaching 40.46% for walnut shells and 36.84% for almond shells at 600 °C. Chemical analysis revealed that aromatic compounds, particularly phenolics, were the major constituents associated with epoxy curing reactivity. For walnut hulls, the total aromatic fraction increased from 30.4% at 400 °C to 35.2% at 600 °C, while almond hulls showed an increase from 23.8% to 26.1% over the same temperature range. Incorporation of bio-oil into the epoxy matrix promoted three-dimensional network formation through reactions between epoxy groups and the functional moieties present in the bio-oil, resulting in a higher cross-linking degree, Young’s modulus, and tensile strength. However, compared to neat epoxy, the bio-oil-modified systems exhibited reduced storage modulus (E′) and glass transition temperature (Tg), attributed to the plasticizing effect of lighter oxygenated species. Overall, although bio-oil incorporation decreases Tg and cross-linking degree, it still provides a viable pathway toward partially bio-based epoxy resins with enhanced stiffness and competitive mechanical performance.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042083
Sustainable plant-based milk analogs from pistachio, lupin and almond: a zero-waste approach with improved quality attributes
The growing demand for plant-based foods is driven by health, sustainability, and consumer preferences. In the case of developing dairy alternatives, it requires innovative and sustainable approaches. This study investigates the production of plant-based milk analogs from pistachio, almond, and lupin to develop plant beverage formulations suitable for subsequent production of fermented dairy analogs through an extraction process producing zero waste. Seed-to-water ratios were optimized, with a 1:1.5 ratio identified as optimal after reducing antinutritional factors and bitter compounds. Physicochemical and sensory analyses revealed that pistachio and almond milk analogs exhibited high protein (4.3 and 6.1 g/hg) and fat (9.4 and 12.6 g/dL) contents, while lupin milk analog had similar protein (3.2 g/hg) and lower fat (1.2 g/dL) content but a distinctive flavor profile. Blends of milk analogs in different proportions resulted in improved nutritional and sensory balance, overcoming limitations of individual milk analogs. These findings demonstrate the potential of blended milk analogs as sustainable bases for developing fermented milk analogs, supporting further research. Moreover, the process minimizes waste generation by enabling the valorization of protein- and fat-rich residual pulp for applications such as cheese analogs, thereby contributing to a circular economy and adding value to the production chain.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2026.119223
Exploring the bioherbicide and in vitro biofungicide effects of pistachio hulls for their use in sustainable agriculture
Agriculture requires sustainable approaches for effective weed management reducing the negative consequences of synthetic herbicides. In this context, some agricultural by-products such as pistachio hulls could be considered as source of biopesticide compounds due to their allelopathic effect. The application of pistachio hull extract and powder produced an allelopathic effect against the weeds Solanum nigrum, Lactuca serriola and Lolium rigidum in in vitro and in vivo assays. In the in vitro assay, the germination and radicle and epicotyl growth of Lactuca serriola and Solanum nigrum was significantly reduced under both 2.5% and 10% extract concentrations, while in Lolium rigidum the germination was not affected by the 2.5% extract. In pot assay, the effect of the extract (10%) was more noticeable in the broad-leaf weeds Solanum nigrum and Lactuca serriola, while the powder (1 g per pot) seemed to be a more efficient strategy in Lolium rigidum according to the reduction in weeds’ fresh and dry weights and plant number. The allelopathic effects were mainly produced by the high concentration of phenolic compounds such as gallic and protocatequic acids, since the pure compounds application at the concentration found in the extract inhibited seed germination and radicle and epicotyl development. Moreover, hull extract had no biofungicide effect against Alternaria alternata, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Aspergillus niger and Rhizoctonia solani pathogens. Altogether led to conclude that pistachio hull extract and powder could be a good approach to control weeds in sustainable agriculture. Further studies are required to elucidate the mode of action of these phenolic compounds.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0322263
Valorization of Pine Nut Shells in Polypropylene and Low-density Polyethylene Composites
The pine nut industry generates a high amount of residues, currently under-valorized in most cases as energy production through incineration. A more effective end-of-life option involves using pine nut shells in polymeric composites, since they represent a source of valuable compounds, such as polysaccharides, lignin, and polyphenols. In the current study, composites were prepared by melt blending pine nut shells with polypropylene and low-density polyethylene. In particular, the composites were loaded with up to 10% and 30% by weight of pine nut shells with respect to polypropylene and polyethylene, respectively. To improve the compatibilization with the hydrophobic matrices, the natural filler was functionalized with stearic acid and added as a compatibilizer. The filler was characterized in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant capability, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. Thermal and mechanical properties of the final materials were evaluated through differential scanning calorimetry and tensile testing. Some composites were subjected to accelerated UV aging to assess the antioxidant effect of the biowaste loaded. This approach has a high potential as to what concerns the reduction of plastics use, limiting the use of fossil-derived polyolefins, improving their durability with natural fillers while maintaining their thermal and mechanical properties, and avoiding waste dumping.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129698
Spent Lithium-ion Battery Recycling: the Thermodynamics and Kinetics Process of NCM Cathode Materials Reduced with Hazelnut Shells Via the Coats-Redfern Method
The reduction of NCM cathode materials by waste biomass is currently a hot topic in the field of energy recovery. In China, large quantities of hazelnut shells are discarded every year, which, if as a reducing agent, can achieve the eco-friendly goal of “treating waste with waste”. While there is currently a lack of comprehensive studies on the kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of NCM reduction using hazelnut shells. In this study, the thermodynamic feasibility of reducing NCM cathode with pyrolysis products from hazelnut shells was confirmed. Subsequently, based on thermogravimetric analysis, the entire reduction process was divided into four stages, in which the reactions including dehydration, pyrolysis, and reduction. Kinetic analysis, which via the Coats-Redfern method in the segments with distinct reaction characteristics in the stages, indicated that the Random nucleation (n = 1) model (A1) consistently exhibited the highest correlation coefficient across all four segments. At heating rates ranging from 5 ~ 20°C/min, Ea remained between 40.6 and 405.9 kJ/mol. And the ranges of A from segment I to segment IV are 7.4 × 105 ~ 1.6 × 106, 8.7 × 108 ~ 6.1 × 1011, 1.8 × 1020 ~ 7.9 × 1030, and 8.5 × 1018 ~ 4.7 × 1019 min−1, respectively. The thermodynamic parameter ΔG and ΔH values are positive, ΔS changes from negative to positive in segment I to Ⅳ. The information obtained in this study presents a preliminary theoretical framework for the potential industrial application of hazelnut shells reducing NCM cathode materials.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-026-00671-w
Rethinking the ageing process of spirits: Nutshells as a sustainable alternative to wood
Aguardente bagaceira, a Portuguese grape marc spirit (GMS), represents an opportunity for sustainable innovation in ageing process. This study investigates the use of nutshells (almond, hazelnut, walnut, chestnut) as alternative ageing materials to conventional wood. Spirits were aged for six months in 20 L stainless steel vessels (50 g/L, chestnut tested at 12.5 and 25 g/L). An unaged sample and oak wood chips served as controls. Total phenolics (TPC), tannins (TAN), flavonoids (TF), pH, acidity, dry extract, and chromatic characteristics were monitored monthly. GMS aged with chestnut shells showed the highest levels of TPC (2.02 ± 0.17 g GAE/L), TAN (1.91 ± 0.07 g/L) and TF (0.250 ± 0.007 g CE/L) among the tested materials. Sensory analysis highlighted enhanced flavour complexity in chestnut-aged GMS after three months. These results demonstrate the potential of nutshells as sustainable, circular-economy alternatives to oak in spirit ageing, reducing ageing time without compromising quality.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.147899
Sustainable Carbon Source from Almond Shell Waste: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Properties
This study demonstrates the complete transformation of almond shell waste into a high-performance carbon material for carbon paste electrode (CPE) fabrication. The biocarbon was synthesized via carbonization at 800 °C and subsequently activated with CO2, resulting in a semicrystalline structure rich in carbonyl groups-consistent with its lignocellulosic origin (34.25% cellulose, 13.48% hemicellulose, 48.03% lignin). Carbonization increased the total pore volume of carbonized almond (CAR_ALD) by nearly 13-fold and the specific surface area by over two orders of magnitude compared to raw almond (RAW_ALD), while CO2 activation further enhanced activated almond's (ACT_ALD) surface area (~19%) and pore volume (~35%). To improve electrochemical performance, Bi2O3 doped with Sm was applied as a surface modifier. Comprehensive characterization (N2 physisorption X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis (FTIR), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic Analysis (XPS), Thermogravimetric and Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA), Cyclic voltammetry (CV), Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)) confirmed the material's structural integrity, graphitic features, and successful modifier incorporation. Electrochemical testing revealed the highest current response (48 µA) for the CPE fabricated from CAR_ALD/Bi2O3-Sm, indicating superior electrocatalytic activity and reduced charge transfer resistance. Notably, this is the first report of a fully functional CPE working electrode fabricated entirely from waste material.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19010008
Valorization and Environmental Impacts of Pecan Waste: A Critical Review
Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) cultivation generates a substantial number of byproducts, particularly nutshells, which are often discarded despite being rich in bioactive and structural compounds. These agro-industrial residues, comprising nearly 50% of the total nut mass, contain high levels of phenolics, flavonoids, dietary fiber, and lignocellulosic matter, making them suitable for circular economy applications. This review critically evaluates the potential of pecan shell waste for value-added applications in environmental remediation, food and pharmaceutical formulations, and green materials production. It explores innovative green extraction techniques, such as ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, and subcritical water extraction, to recover valuable compounds like ellagic acid and tannins with high efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Moreover, the review highlights the conversion of pecan shells into activated carbon for wastewater treatment and soil remediation. Pecan byproducts have been used as sustainable feedstocks for catalyst support, contributing to energy conversion and biomass catalysis. The bioactive compounds also offer therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, supporting their inclusion in nutraceutical and cosmetic applications. Through a comprehensive synthesis of recent studies, this work highlights the role of pecan shell valorization in reducing waste, improving public health, and increasing economic resilience within agro-industrial systems. By aligning with sustainable development and circular economies, the utilization of pecan byproducts provides a low-cost, eco-innovative pathway to mitigate environmental pollution and promote sustainable development.
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15010168
Development of Antioxidant Polycaprolactone Films Incorporating Peanut Skin Food Waste Extract for Active Packaging
Biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) films were developed with 13% w/w ethanol extract from industrial peanut skin residues (PSE), a rich source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials. Films retain actives during processing. Antioxidant activity was evaluated via total phenolics, flavonoids, condensed tannins, and radical scavenging assays (DPPH, ABTS). PSE incorporation enhances oxidative thermal stability, increasing oxidation onset temperature (OOT) by 61°C—eliminating the early oxidative stage of neat PCL—and extending oxidation induction time (OIT), without compromising suitability for food packaging. Oxidative stability is maintained after accelerated storage (90 days at 40°C) and repeated migration tests simulating contact with refrigerated fatty foods. Migration assays confirm effective release of actives under repeated use. Mass transfer parameters were obtained by fitting experimental data to Fick's second law and the Arrhenius model, yielding intrinsic diffusion coefficients in 95% ethanol from 5°C to 40°C (4.17 × 10−15–7.1 × 10−14 m2·s−1), eliminating swelling at 40°C. Coefficients fall within typical polymer–antioxidant ranges, reflecting strong retention and controlled release due to the PCL matrix and complex PSE mixture. Overall, the films demonstrate long-term chemical and functional stability, enhanced thermo-oxidative resistance, and controlled antioxidant release, supporting their application in refrigerated, lipid-rich foods within a circular economy framework.
https://doi.org/10.1002/app.70266