Functional Biology and Molecular Mechanisms of Host-Pathogen Interactions for Aflatoxin Contamination in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and Maize (Zea mays L.).

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by soilborne saprophytic fungus Aspergillus flavus and closely related species that infect several agricultural commodities including groundnut and maize. The consumption of contaminated commodities adversely affects the health of humans and livestock. Aflatoxin contamination also causes significant economic and financial losses to producers. Research efforts and significant progress have been made in […]

Maximising recombination across macadamia populations to generate linkage maps for genome anchoring.

The Proteaceae genus Macadamia has a recent history of domestication as a commercial nut crop. We aimed to establish the first sequence-based haploid-correlated reference genetic linkage maps for this primarily outcrossing perennial tree crop, with marker density suitable for genome anchoring. Four first generation populations were used to maximise the segregation patterns available within full-sib, […]

Thermosensitive Hydrogel for Encapsulation and Controlled Release of Biocontrol Agents to Prevent Peanut Aflatoxin Contamination.

Starch, alginate, and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) were combined to prepare a semi-interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel with temperature sensitivity. Calcium chloride was used as cross-linking agent, the non-toxigenic Aspergillus flavus spores were successfully encapsulated as biocontrol agents by the method of ionic gelation. Characterization of the hydrogel was performed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), and […]

A Sensitive, Point-of-Care Detection of Small Molecules Based on a Portable Barometer: Aflatoxins In Agricultural Products.

Sensitive and point-of-care detection of small toxic molecules plays a key role in food safety. Aflatoxin, a typical small toxic molecule, can cause serious healthcare and economic issues, thereby promoting the development of sensitive and point-of-care detection. Although ELISA is one of the official detection methods, it cannot fill the gap between sensitivity and point-of-care […]

Organic Raisin Production in Turkey

Organic agricultural activities started in Turkey in the mid-1980s in response to a growing demand in Europe. In 2018, 1.65% of the total cultivated land certified as organic was devoted to seedless dried grapes. The global organic food market is increasing and estimated to be around $100 billion in 2018.

By  Prof. Dr. Uygun Aksoy

Industry Highlight: Turkish Sultana Raisins

This section provides an insight into the Turkish Sultana Raisin Industry. It comprises of data on production, consumption, and trade, as well as a look into the future prospects.

Raisins and Health: Challenges and Opportunities

Dried fruits provide a concentrated form of fresh fruits due to their low moisture content. Raisins are obtained by dehydrating grapes, usually with sun exposure or tunnel drying[1]. Due to their nutrient-dense content, raisins have a high caloric value. However, because of their high concentration of naturally present sugars, fiber, vitamins and minerals, they have plenty of “healthy calories” as opposed to “empty calories”. For that reason, they are a good option for a healthy snack and to include in your dishes.

The Value of Disseminating the Health Benefits of Nuts

Australia and the United Kingdom both consume large amounts of nuts, but in general, over the past decade, the Australian nut industry has enjoyed faster and more rapid growth. Through research conducted by the Australian organization Nuts for Life, former Chairman Chris Joyce sheds some light on what might be causing the expedited growth of the Australian industry.