Publikationsfonds der Universität Hohenheim

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Über den Publikationsfonds der Universität Hohenheim erhalten Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler der Universität finanzielle Unterstützung bei der Veröffentlichung ihrer Forschungsergebnisse im Open Access. Gefördert werden Zeitschriftenartikel in Fully-Open-Access-Zeitschriften (Gold-OA) und hybriden Subskriptionszeitschriften (Hybrid-OA) sowie Monografien. Autorinnen und Autoren können online einen Förderantrag zur Finanzierungsbeteiligung ihrer Publikation stellen.

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The daily relations between workplace anger, coping strategies, work outcomes, and workplace affiliation
(2025) Umbra, Robin; Fasbender, Ulrike
This study examines the daily relations among workplace anger, coping strategies, work outcomes, and employee dispositions using a conceptual framework based on affective events theory and cognitive perspectives on emotions. A sample of 214 full-time employees took part in a two-week study, contributing 1,611 daily observations through an experience sampling approach. Contrary to the assumption that workplace anger always detrimentally relates to work outcomes, the results showed a nonsignificant relation between workplace anger and workplace resource depletion, as well as a positive link between workplace anger and goal achievement. These relations were dependent on the coping strategies used by employees in response to anger-inducing situations, as well as their attitudes toward workplace affiliation. These findings suggest the need to expand affective events theory to include coping strategies as a mediator between affective responses and work outcomes. They also highlight the importance of integrating employee-level factors into organizational research models.
Enhanced crop diversity but not smaller field size benefit bats in agricultural landscapes
(2025) Hiller, Thomas; Gall, Friederike; Grass, Ingo; Hiller, Thomas; Ecology of Tropical Agricultural Systems, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Gall, Friederike; Ecology of Tropical Agricultural Systems, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Grass, Ingo; Ecology of Tropical Agricultural Systems, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Context: Farmland biodiversity continues to decline due to the expansion and intensification of agriculture. Historically, efforts to conserve farmland biodiversity have focused on conserving habitats outside agricultural production areas. More recently, attention has turned to the conservation potential of the cropland matrix, where reducing field size and increasing crop diversity to promote crop heterogeneity can significantly benefit farmland biodiversity. Bats are one group of farmland species that have experienced dramatic declines over recent decades. Objectives: Here we investigated the effects of crop heterogeneity (crop diversity, field size) and landscape structural elements (e.g. length of linear structures, distance to forest, proportion of semi-natural habitat) on the activity of bat functional groups. Results: Increasing crop diversity led to greater bat activity, especially for open space foraging bats. However, contrary expectations, bat activity was not affected by heterogeneity in crop configuration, i.e. field edge density. Furthermore, structural landscape elements, including hedgerows and distance to forest, were important predictors of bat activity, especially for species that hunt in highly cluttered spaces. While crop diversity clearly benefited bat activity, the lack of effect of crop configurational heterogeneity on bat foraging activity may suggest heterogeneityarea trade-offs and intensive pesticide use in small-scale vegetable production. Conclusions: Therefore, in addition to maintaining high levels of crop diversity, promoting hedgerows and tree lines between farmland and woodland may facilitate bat activity across the agricultural landscape matrix. The combination of high crop heterogeneity and structural elements provides favorable hunting grounds for bats and may promote their conservation in agricultural landscapes.
Digital maturity of administration entities in a state-led food certification system using the example of Baden-Württemberg
(2025) Francksen, Sabrina; Ghaziani, Shahin; Bahrs, Enno; Okpala, Charles Odilichukwu R.
Digital transformation is increasingly relevant in food certification systems, improving processes, coordination, and data accessibility. In state-led certification systems, public entities hold a political mandate to promote digital transformation, yet little is known about digital maturity in these systems or how to assess it. This study assesses the digital maturity of a state-led food certification system in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, focusing on private sector stakeholders involved in its administration. Additionally, it examines potential measures that the governing public entity can take and evaluates the suitability of the methods used. A total of 25 out of 43 organisations were surveyed using the Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA) framework validated for the European Union (EU). Six dimensions were analysed: Digital Business Strategy, Digital Readiness, Human-Centric Digitalisation, Data Management, Automation and Artificial Intelligence, and Green Digitalisation. Data Management and Human-Centric Digitalisation were the most developed, highlighting strong data governance and workforce engagement. Automation and Artificial Intelligence were ranked lowest, reflecting minimal adoption but also indicating that not all dimensions might be of the same relevance for the variety of organisations. The variability in scores and organisation-specific relevance underscores the European DMA framework’s value, particularly due to its subsequent tailored consultation process and its integration into EU policy.
Prevalence, genetic diversity, and molecular detection of the apple hammerhead viroid in Germany
(2025) Zikeli, Kerstin; Berwarth, Constanze; Born, Ute; Leible, Thomas; Jelkmann, Wilhelm; Hagemann, Michael Helmut; Zikeli, Kerstin; Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Fruit Crops and Viticulture, Dossenheim, Germany; Berwarth, Constanze; Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Fruit Crops and Viticulture, Dossenheim, Germany; Born, Ute; Department of Production Systems of Horticultural Crops, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Leible, Thomas; Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Fruit Crops and Viticulture, Dossenheim, Germany; Jelkmann, Wilhelm; Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Fruit Crops and Viticulture, Dossenheim, Germany; Hagemann, Michael Helmut; Department of Production Systems of Horticultural Crops, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Introduction: Apple hammerhead viroid (AHVd) is an emerging plant pathogen infecting apple orchards worldwide. Its genetic variability and geographical distribution remain poorly understood, limiting effective diagnostics and management strategies. Methods: In this study, 192 samples from German apple orchards were analyzed using reverse transcription (RT) and real-time PCR, one-step RT real-time PCR, and Sanger sequencing. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was employed on pooled RNA extracts to explore genetic diversity. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using maximum likelihood methods, and viroid-derived small RNAs (vd-sRNAs) were identified from small RNA sequencing data. Results and discussion: AHVd was detected in 78% of samples, with prevalence varying by region: southern (82%), eastern (90%), northern (72%), and western (70%) states of Germany. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct clusters linked to geographical origins, indicating isolated evolutionary pathways. NGS analysis uncovered 39% inter-sample variability and 169 polymorphic positions, while Sanger sequencing of RT real-time PCR products derived from the same samples showed only 3% variability, reflecting dominant quasispecies populations. Small RNA analysis mapped 128,388 reads to the AHVd genome, identifying hotspots within and outside the rod-like structure, suggesting structural and regulatory functions of vd-sRNAs. These findings underline AHVd’s genetic diversity. The complex relationship between AHVd genetic variability and symptom expression necessitates the development of highly sensitive diagnostic tools and adaptive management strategies to effectively monitor and control its spread in apple production.
In vitro maturation of bovine oocytes in the presence of resveratrol and ellagic acid but not chlorogenic acid modulates blastocyst antioxidant gene expression without impacting embryo development and oxygen consumption
(2025) Giller, Katrin; Schmid, Dominique; Serbetci, Idil; Meleán, Manuel; Greve, Sarah; von Meyenn, Ferdinand; Bollwein, Heinrich; Herrera, Carolina; Giller, Katrin; Department of Molecular Nutritional Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany;; Schmid, Dominique; Animal Nutrition, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; Serbetci, Idil; AgroVet-Strickhof, University of Zurich, Eschikon 27, 8315 Lindau, Switzerland; (I.S.); (M.M.); (H.B.); (C.H.); Meleán, Manuel; AgroVet-Strickhof, University of Zurich, Eschikon 27, 8315 Lindau, Switzerland; (I.S.); (M.M.); (H.B.); (C.H.); Greve, Sarah; Department of Molecular Nutritional Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany;; von Meyenn, Ferdinand; Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, ETH Zurich, Schorenstrasse 16, 8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland;; Bollwein, Heinrich; AgroVet-Strickhof, University of Zurich, Eschikon 27, 8315 Lindau, Switzerland; (I.S.); (M.M.); (H.B.); (C.H.); Herrera, Carolina; AgroVet-Strickhof, University of Zurich, Eschikon 27, 8315 Lindau, Switzerland; (I.S.); (M.M.); (H.B.); (C.H.); Jiang, Zhongliang
In vitro fertilization is used to produce embryos from high-genetic-merit cattle. However, these embryos often exhibit inferior quality than those derived in vivo, possibly due to increased oxidative stress. This study investigates whether adding antioxidant polyphenols (resveratrol (RV), chlorogenic acid (CA), ellagic acid (EA)) to the in vitro maturation (IVM) medium at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 μM could improve embryo development. Oxygen consumption and gene expression were evaluated at the blastocyst stage following treatment with 1 μM of each polyphenol. Embryo development (cleavage, blastocyst, and hatched blastocyst rates) and oxygen consumption were not significantly affected by polyphenols. However, RV significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), while GPX4 expression was significantly downregulated by EA. Expression of other gene markers related to antioxidant defense, apoptosis, development, and metabolism was not significantly affected. The results indicate that applying RV, CA, and EA during bovine oocyte IVM does not enhance in vitro embryo development at the tested concentrations. Given the opposing effects of RV and EA on the expression of GPX4, the effects of those polyphenols regarding the protection of embryos from oxidative stress and potential long-term effects on the offspring remain to be elucidated.
Data on transgenerational memory effects of photosynthetic efficiency of twelve wheat varieties under elevated carbon dioxide concentration and reduced soil water availability
(2025) Berauer, Bernd J.; Chaudhary, Suraj; Kottmann, Lorenz; Schweiger, Andreas H.
This data represents ACi curves of twelve winter wheat varieties, which were grown under elevated and ambient CO2 concentrations within a FACE experiment and the subsequent F1 generation was exposed to ambient and elevated CO2 concentrations in a highly controlled environment using climate chambers. The 12 winter wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) were selected based on their susceptibilty to leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks.) and Fusarium head blight (Fusarium graminearum Schwabe) according to the descriptive variety list of the German Federal Office of Plant Varietes (Beschreibende Sortenliste, Bundessortenamt 2024). The aim was to obtain a diverse set of varieties with the widest possible range of susceptibilities to leaf rust and fusarium head blight. Photosynthesis was measured using the novel Dynamic Assimilation Technique, thus not with the common steady-state approach. The individual wheat plants were measured twice, once under saturating soil water availability (θFC) and once under reduced soil water availability (θcsoil). θcsoil represents the gravimetric water content when the soil matric potential drops below the root matric potential, thus the onset of plant drought stress (sensu Cai et al. [2]). The photosynthesis data was used to fit ACi curves and extract the maximum Rubisco carboxylation rate [Vcmax], maximum rate of electron transport [Jmax] and dark respiration [Rd]. At both measurements we determined BBCH and plant height to quantify plant morphological development, as well as leaf water potential to quantify plant ecohydrologic status. At the end of the experiment, biomass was harvested and reported. Further, we provide environmental data of the climate chambers in use. Within the data repository, we provide comprehensive experimental data on the investigation of transgenerational memory effects on photosynthetic efficiency. We provide photosynthetic raw data as well as processed (merged) and derived (extracted ACi fit) data. Additionally, we provide the R-code to reproduce the calculation of the derived parameters. Data on transgenerational memory effects (that is, the influence of the parental environment on offspring phenotype and performance) are scarce, i.e. on the adaptive capacity of the photosynthetic apparatus. Thus, the data provided here can contribute to closing this gap. The highly controlled environment allows to closely investigate cause-effect relationships, thereby contributing to a mechanistic understanding of the transgenerational memory effects on photosynthetic efficiency and how this is altered by reduced soil water availability. By using a recently developed methodological approach, the data contributes to further investigate the quality of the method and establish it within the field of plant ecophysiology.
The therapeutic potential of vitamins A, C, and D in pancreatic cancer
(2025) Piotrowsky, Alban; Burkard, Markus; Schmieder, Hendrik; Venturelli, Sascha; Renner, Olga; Marongiu, Luigi
The pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest tumor diseases worldwide. While treatment options have generally become more diverse, little progress has been made in the treatment of PDAC and the median survival time for patients with locally advanced PDAC is between 8.7 and 13.7 months despite treatment. The aim of this review was to explore the therapeutic potential of complementing standard therapy with natural or synthetic forms of vitamins A, C, and D. The therapeutic use of vitamins A, C, and D could be a promising addition to the treatment of PDAC. For all three vitamins and their derivatives, tumor cell-specific cytotoxicity and growth inhibition against PDAC cells has been demonstrated in vitro and in preclinical animal models. While the antitumor effect of vitamin C is probably mainly due to its pro-oxidative effect in supraphysiological concentrations, vitamin A and vitamin D exert their effect by activating nuclear receptors and influencing gene transcription. In addition, there is increasing evidence that vitamin A and vitamin D influence the tumor stroma, making the tumor tissue more accessible to other therapeutic agents. Based on these promising findings, there is a high urgency to investigate vitamins A, C, and D in a clinical context as a supplement to standard therapy in PDAC. Further studies are needed to better understand the exact mechanism of action of the individual compounds and to develop the best possible treatment regimen. This could contribute to the long-awaited progress in the treatment of this highly lethal tumor entity.
Classifying early-stage soybean fungal diseases on hyperspectral images using convolutional neural networks
(2025) Hsiao, Chieh Fu; Feyrer, Georg; Stein, Anthony
Using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to detect plant diseases has proven to reach high accuracy in the classification of infected and non-infected plant images. However, most of the existing researches are based on RGB images due to the availability and the comparably low cost of image collection. The limited spectral information restricts the detectability of plant diseases, especially in the early stage where often symptoms of pathogen infection have not yet become visible. To this end, in this study, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) data are combined with deep learning models to test the classification ability of two soybean fungal diseases: Asian soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyhizi) and soybean stem rust (Sclerotinia scleroriorum). Different CNNs employing 2D, 3D convolution, and hybrid approaches are compared. The influences of the depth of the convolutional layer and the regularization techniques are also discussed. Besides, image augmentation methods are investigated to overcome the problem of data scarcity. The results indicate the 6-convolutional-layer depth hybrid model to have the best capacity in classifying Asian soybean rust in the early-mid to mid-late stage when there are over 2 % visible symptoms but a limited detectability in the early stages when there are below 2 % visible symptoms on leaves. On the other hand, the optimized CNN model shows a limited capability to detect both diseases when there are no visible symptoms observable. Overall, this study suggests a hybrid 2D-3D convolutional model with augmentation and regularization methods has a high potential in the early detection of fungal diseases. This research is expected to contribute to a new cropping system that vastly reduces the chemical-synthesis plant protection products, where a continuous pathogen disease monitoring plays a key to manage the crop stands.
Predicting tilling and seeding operation times in grain production: a comparison of machine learning and mechanistic models
(2025) Scheurer, Luca; Zimpel, Tobias; Leukel, Jörg
Field operations management in grain production requires accurate and timely predictions of operation times for machine tasks. While machine learning (ML) is being adopted more widely in operations management, little is known about its ability to predict tilling and seeding operation times. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prediction performance of ML models for these operation times by using readily available tractor and operations data rather than dynamic environmental data. We collected data between March 2022 and August 2023 from 70 grain fields in the southwest of Germany, including variables such as tractor speed, engine speed, fuel consumption, and field geometry. Operation times exhibited high variability (coefficient of variation [CV] = 0.88). Nine ML algorithms and two conventional mechanistic models proposed by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASAE EP496.3) were evaluated in a temporal external validation. Random forest (RF) models outperformed all other models, achieving a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 0.215 and a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.910. Compared to a conventional mechanistic model, the RF model reduced the mean absolute error (MAE) by 37.8 %, and enhanced the R2 by 0.107. The study results highlight the potential of our approach to predict tilling and seeding operation times in grain production without increasing the effort for data collection, offering an accessible and cost-effective solution for resource-constrained grain farming systems that experience data shortages.
Do regional-specific differences influence smallholder farmers’ climate information use? Evidence from Ghana
(2025) Owusu, Victor; Asravor, Jacob
Mounting evidence underscores the importance of improving smallholder farmers’ use of reliable climate information (CI) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Previous studies have not examined the differences in region-specific climate information use, as well as predictors of the source, type and timing of climate information use. In this study, we provide empirical evidence on how location-specific differences influence the source, type and timing of CI use. Integrating cross-sectional data from 503 households in the Upper West Region (UWR) and Brong-Ahafo Region (BAR) of Ghana into a multivariate probit model, our results indicate that farm households in the two regions exhibit different preferences regarding the source, type and timing of CI use. We find that while households in the BAR are more interested in CI ahead of the season – given that rainfall is relatively secure in that region, CI use ahead of the season is of less interest to those in the UWR where rainfall is more erratic. Our results further show that while CI source, type and timing are considerably influenced by education, distance to the farm, access to credit and extension in the UWR, gender, farm size, education and tractor access tend to drive the source, type and timing of CI use in BAR. These findings underscore the need for a more downscaled and context-specific strategy in disseminating CI services in the various regions of SSA. Practical implications: Notwithstanding evidence that the adverse impacts of the changing climate on smallholder livelihoods continue to vary within and across communities, districts, regions and agro-ecological zones (Abbam et al., 2018) in sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about how location-specific distinctions in climate change impact, infrastructural endowments as well as socioeconomic and plot-level attributes of smallholder farmers influence farm households’ use of climate information (CI). Given that these location-specific distinctions can considerably influence the generation and dissemination of CI, and its subsequent uptake by farm households in various regions, the empirical findings from this study are relevant for policy formulation towards boosting the use of CI. Evidence from this study strongly suggests that the diverse locations of smallholder farmers tend to significantly influence the source, type and period of CI use; for example, farm households in the Brong-Ahafo Region, a relatively more infrastructurally developed region, have better prospects of accessing different types of CI from diverse sources. We further find that the period of the cropping season in which CI is used is considerably influenced by the location of the farmers; and we identify disparities in the plot-level, institutional and socioeconomic characteristics of rural households in these two study regions that significantly influence the types, sources and times of CI used by farm households. Consequently, there is a need to take into account the unique regional, agro-ecological, plot-level, institutional and socioeconomic attributes of farm households. Policy recommendations on CI use should be tailored to the needs of these specific locations rather than being wholesale. Investment in rural infrastructure may trigger economic opportunities in deprived regions such as the Upper West Region. This may motivate rural households in such regions to invest in different CI types and sources for enhanced uptake of climate information.
Plant-based burger patties are a source of bioaccessible iron and zinc
(2025) Pospiech, Jonas; Kruger, Johanita; Frank, Jan
Background: The consumption of plant-based meat alternatives has increased substantially in recent years. However, due to the presence of absorption inhibitors, such as phytate, oxalate, and condensed tannins, the uptake of zinc and iron from plant foods may be low. We therefore quantified minerals (Fe, Zn), inhibitors (phytate, oxalate, condensed tannins), and enhancers (ascorbic acid, carotenoids) of mineral absorption in pea protein-, soy protein-, soy flour-, and sunflower protein-based burger patties and the resulting bioaccessibility of the contained iron and zinc conducting in vitro digestion experiments. Results: The soy flour-based burger had nearly complete bioaccessibility for zinc (105 ± 6 %) and iron (101 ± 11 %), while the three other plant burgers had significantly lower bioaccessibilities (zinc, 9–12 %; iron, 43–57 %). The phytate but not the oxalate and condensed tannin contents of the patties were negatively correlated with the bioaccessibility of iron and zinc (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Plant-based meat alternatives may be an important source of bioaccessible iron and zinc, if they contain low amounts of phytate, and may contribute to an adequate supply of these minerals. Conclusion: Plant-based meat alternatives may be an important source of bioaccessible iron and zinc, if they contain low amounts of phytate, and may contribute to an adequate supply of these minerals.
Soil moisture–atmosphere coupling strength over central Europe in the recent warming climate
(2025) Schwitalla, Thomas; Jach, Lisa; Wulfmeyer, Volker; Warrach-Sagi, Kirsten; Schwitalla, Thomas; Institute of Physics and Meteorology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Jach, Lisa; Institute of Physics and Meteorology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Wulfmeyer, Volker; Institute of Physics and Meteorology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Warrach-Sagi, Kirsten; Institute of Physics and Meteorology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
In recent decades Europe has experienced severe droughts and heatwaves. Notably, precipitation in central Europe exhibited strong dry anomalies during the summers of 2003, 2018, and 2022. This phenomenon has significant implications for agriculture, ecosystems, and human societies, highlighting the need to understand the underlying mechanisms driving these events. Despite significant advancements in understanding land–atmosphere (LA) coupling, the temporal variability in LA coupling strength and its associated impacts remain poorly understood. This study aims to quantify the variability in LA coupling strength over central Europe during the summer seasons from 1991 to 2022, with a focus on the relationships between temperature, soil moisture, precipitation, and large-scale weather patterns. Our results reveal that interannual variability occurs in different coupling relationships throughout the summer seasons, with significant implications for climate extremes, agriculture, and ecosystems. The increasing frequency of warm and dry summers from 2015 onwards hints at extended periods of reduced soil moisture available for evapotranspiration and the likelihood of locally triggered convection. This study provides new insights into the dynamics of LA coupling, highlighting the importance of considering the interannual variability in LA coupling strength in climate modeling and prediction, particularly in the context of a warming climate.
Legume-derived phenolic acids influence Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. strigae compatibility and biocontrol potential in a Striga push–pull system
(2025) Assena, Mekuria Wolde; Schöne, Jochen; Rasche, Frank
Biological control of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. includes push–pull, intercropping using legumes, and soil-borne fungi such as Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. strigae (FOS). Efficacy of both technologies is compromised by various environmental factors. Combining them could potentially overcome their limitations and enhance control of S. hermonthica. It was hypothesized that FOS inoculation is compatible with push–pull intercropping, allowing consistent S. hermonthica suppression. Effects of selected phenolic acids and crude root exudates from three legume species (Mucuna pruriens, Desmodium uncinatum, Crotalaria juncea) on FOS mycelial growth and spore germination were studied. Bioassays showed that most phenolic acids (e.g., caffeic, p-hydroxybenzoic, syringic) had no effect on FOS development, except for piperonylic (80 %, 38 %) and t-cinnamic (53 %, 33 %) acids, which strongly inhibited growth at concentrations of 1 and 0.5 mM, respectively. Crude root exudates from Crotalaria inhibited FOS mycelial growth at 1 (44 %) and 0.5 (32 %) mg ml-1. Desmodium and Mucuna exudates showed no inhibition. Greenhouse results showed that legume intercropping and FOS inoculation reduced S. hermonthica emergence, with their integration achieving over 95 % suppression and boosting maize biomass. Legume presence enhanced FOS proliferation, with Mucuna and Desmodium increasing FOS gene copy numbers by over 44 %. LC-MS analysis identified nine phenolic acids, with p-coumaric (85–128 µg g−1) and p-hydroxybenzoic (50–97 µg g−1) acid being most abundant; the latter positively correlated with FOS abundance. In this setting, legume intercropping with maize did not impair FOS proliferation in rhizosphere soil and effectively suppressed S. hermonthica, demonstrating compatibility of FOS inoculation with push–pull for effective S. hermonthica management.
Developing marginal‐land‐based bioeconomy systems — A design and development approach for bio‐based value chains and webs
(2025) Schlecht, Valentin; Vargas‐Carpintero, Ricardo; von Cossel, Moritz; Lewandowski, Iris; Schlecht, Valentin; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Vargas‐Carpintero, Ricardo; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; von Cossel, Moritz; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Lewandowski, Iris; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Industrial crops grown on marginal lands offer a potential source of low-iLUC feedstock for bio-based industries, supporting sustainable bioeconomic development. However, marginal-land-based bioeconomy systems face significant uncertainties at early stages, such as limited data, farmers' hesitancy to adopt novel crops, undeveloped markets and immature technologies. This study implements an integrated multi-criteria framework as a structured, multi-step approach to connect bio-based value chain components and stakeholders in marginal-land-based bioeconomy systems at the research level. The framework was applied within the EU Horizon project MIDAS to identify, evaluate and combine bio-based value chain components, with a case study in the Swabian Alb (southern Germany) demonstrating its potential for designing scalable bio-based value chains tailored to regional conditions. Key findings emphasise the importance of stakeholder collaboration, iterative design processes and context-specific criteria that address technical, economic, social and regulatory aspects. The approach, based on qualitative data and stakeholder input, offers critical insights into the feasibility of biomass-to-product pathways and serves as a foundation for advanced research. Future research needs to focus on expanding data availability, incorporating quantitative methods, and addressing economic and market factors, such as stakeholder willingness to produce feedstocks, to enhance the scalability and robustness of the findings and facilitate the establishment of sustainable bioeconomy systems on marginal lands.
Importance of the 5’ untranslated region for recombinant enzyme production in isolated Bacillus subtilis 007
(2025) Senger, Jana; Schulz, Adriana; Seitl, Ines; Heider, Martin; Fischer, Lutz; Senger, Jana; Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 25, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Schulz, Adriana; Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 25, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Seitl, Ines; Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 25, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Heider, Martin; Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 25, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Fischer, Lutz; Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 25, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
The production of industrial enzymes requires an efficient expression system with a suitable host. This study investigated the isolated Bacillus subtilis 007 as a host for expressing three enzymes with potential application in the food industry. Firstly, testing the PaprE and P43 promoters and the corresponding 5’ untranslated regions revealed great differences in the production of the recently discovered β-galactosidase from Paenibacillus wnnyii. Expression controlled by the PaprE promoter yielded a significantly higher activity of 2515 µkat/L, compared to 56 µkat/L with the P43 promoter. Modifications on the PaprE core promoter region or the spacer, the sequence between the Shine-Dalgarno sequence and the start codon, did not improve β-galactosidase production. Since the aprE 5’ untranslated region contributes to a high mRNA stability, it was incorporated into the P43 construct to determine whether mRNA stability is responsible for the differences observed in β-galactosidase production. Interestingly, mRNA stability was significantly improved and led to a nearly 50-fold higher β-galactosidase production of 2756 µkat/L. This strategy was successfully validated by the expression of two other enzymes: the cellobiose-2-epimerase from Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus and the β-glucosidase from Pyrococcus furiosus. These findings underscored the crucial role of post-transcriptional regulation and emphasized mRNA stability as a key role in recombinant enzyme production in B. subtilis 007.
Endogenous mucosal phosphatases characterization in duodenum brush border membrane of laying hens
(2025) Hanauska, Anna; Sommerfeld, Vera; Schollenberger, Margit; Huber, Korinna; Rodehutscord, Markus
Chicken mucosal phosphatases can partially degrade phytate contained in the feed. Little is known about the characteristics and degradation products of such mucosal phosphatases and the effects of age and genetic strain of the chicken. The objective of this study was to characterize endogenous mucosal phosphatases of two laying hen strains fed diets with or without mineral phosphorus (P) before and after the onset of egg laying. Hens of the strains Lohmann Brown-classic (LB) and Lohmann LSL-classic (LSL) were sacrificed in weeks 19 and 24 of age after 4 weeks of feeding one of two diets with (P+) or without (P-) mineral P supplement. Mucosa of the duodenum was collected, and the brush border membrane (BBM) of enterocytes was enriched and used for phosphatase activity determination. Additionally, the BBM was used in a modified three-step in vitro assay to study the InsP6 degradation products. The results of both in vitro assays were not significantly affected by hen strain and diet. The activity of mucosal phosphatase in 19-week-old hens was, on average, 0.8 µmol Pi/g BBM protein/min lower than in 24-week-old hens (P < 0.002). Consistently, the InsP6 concentration in the incubation residue was significantly higher in 19-week-old hens than in 24-week-old hens (P < 0.001). In the incubation residue, the concentrations of Ins(1,2,3,4,5)P5, Ins(1,2,3,4,6)P5, and Ins(1,2,3,4)P4 were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.002), and those of InsP3 and InsP2 were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.027) when BBM of 24-week-old hens was used compared to 19-week-old hens. The InsP6 degradation products suggest the activity primarily of a 6- and secondarily of a 5-phytase in the duodenal mucosa. The consistent results from both in vitro assays provide a comprehensive characterization of these enzymes. Under the conditions of this study, small intestine calcium concentration appeared to influence mucosal enzyme activity more than dietary mineral P supplementation.
Adapting wheat production to global warming in West Asia: facultative wheat outperforms winter and spring wheat at conventional nitrogen levels
(2025) Yousefi, Afsaneh; Koocheki, Alireza; Mahallati, Mehdi Nassiri; Khorramdel, Soroor; Trenz, Jonas; Malakshahi Kurdestani, Ali; Ludewig, Uwe; Maywald, Niels Julian; Yousefi, Afsaneh; Department of Nutritional Crop Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Koocheki, Alireza; Department of Agrotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Mahallati, Mehdi Nassiri; Department of Agrotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Khorramdel, Soroor; Department of Agrotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Trenz, Jonas; Department of Agronomy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Malakshahi Kurdestani, Ali; Department of Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Ludewig, Uwe; Department of Nutritional Crop Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Maywald, Niels Julian; Department of Nutritional Crop Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Global warming and weather anomalies pose significant threats to cereal production in West Asia. Winter wheat, which requires vernalization to trigger reproductive growth, is particularly vulnerable to heat, while spring wheat faces limitations due to short and hot vegetation periods. Facultative wheat, which does not require vernalization and can be planted in either fall or spring, offers potential flexibility and resilience to fluctuating temperatures. This study aimed to evaluate the development and grain yield of facultative, spring, and winter wheat varieties under different nitrogen fertilization rates in current climate conditions. Facultative wheat, grown as either facultative winter (FWW) or facultative spring (FSW), along with winter (WW) and spring wheat (SW) varieties, was cultivated over two consecutive seasons (2020–2022) at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Developmental stages were monitored, and grain yield, protein, and nutrient concentrations were measured at four nitrogen levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg N ha −1 ) in both shoots and grains. Crop modeling under the RCP 8.5 climate scenario supported the experiments and projections. Facultative wheat sown in autumn exhibited a shorter tillering stage and a longer early reproductive stage compared to winter wheat. While nitrogen fertilization delayed development, it significantly increased yield. Facultative wheat achieved higher grain yields at conventional nitrogen levels (100–200 kg N ha −1 ). Additionally, increasing nitrogen fertilization improved grain protein and nutrient concentrations (N, P, and K). Crop modeling indicated that facultative varieties sown in winter could offer greater yield stability and might benefit from a more consistent phenological development. Overall, facultative wheat performed better at conventional nitrogen levels, highlighting its potential in a changing climate in West Asia. Optimizing sowing dates and nitrogen fertilization could help mitigate some of the negative effects of rising temperatures, enhancing wheat resilience and productivity.
Mating-type analysis in Diaporthe isolates from soybean in central Europe
(2025) Hosseini, Behnoush; Käfer, Lena Sophia; Link, Tobias Immanuel; Cai, Lei
Species of the genus Diaporthe have a mating-type system with the two mating types MAT1-1 and MAT1-2, like other ascomycetes. They can either be heterothallic, which means that any isolate only possesses one of the two mating types and needs a mating partner for sexual reproduction, or homothallic, which means that they possess both mating types and are self-fertile. For several Diaporthe species, no sexual reproduction has been observed so far. Using PCR with primers specific to the defining genes MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 , we determined the mating types of 33 isolates of Diaporthe caulivora , D. eres , D. longicolla , and D. novem from central Europe. In addition, we partially sequenced the mating-type genes of 25 isolates. We found that different D. longicolla isolates either possess MAT1-1-1 or MAT1-2-1, making the species heterothallic, which is in contrast to previous studies and the general assumption that D. longicolla only reproduces asexually. D. eres and D. novem were also found to be heterothallic. Using genomic sequence information and re-sequencing of DNA and RNA, we identified the MAT1-1-1 gene in D. caulivora and present here the full sequence of the mating-type locus of this homothallic species. Finally, we used sequence information from MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 , respectively, for improved phylogenetic resolution of our isolates.
Exploring the link between fat-soluble vitamins and aging-associated immune system status: a literature review
(2025) Schmieder, Hendrik; Leischner, Christian; Piotrowsky, Alban; Marongiu, Luigi; Venturelli, Sascha; Burkard, Markus; Schmieder, Hendrik; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Leischner, Christian; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Piotrowsky, Alban; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Marongiu, Luigi; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Venturelli, Sascha; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Burkard, Markus; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
The importance of vitamin D for a well-functioning immune system is becoming increasingly evident. Nevertheless, the other fat-soluble vitamins A, E and K also seem to play a central role regarding the adequate function of immune cells and to counteract excessive immune reactions and inflammatory processes. However, recognizing hidden hunger, particularly micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable groups like the elderly, is crucial because older adults often lack sufficient micronutrients for various reasons. This review summarizes the latest findings on the immune modulating functions of fat-soluble vitamins in a physiological and pathophysiological context, provides a graphical comparison of the Recommended Daily Allowances between Deutschland, Austria, Confoederatio Helvetica (D-A-CH; eng. GSA, Germany, Switzerland, Austria), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (DGE; eng. German Nutrition Society) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) across all age groups and, in particular, addresses the question regarding the benefits of supplementation of the respective micronutrients for the aging population of industrialized nations to strengthen the immune system. The following review highlights the importance of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K which play critical roles in maintaining immune system function and, in some cases, in preventing excessive immune activation. Therefore, a better understanding of the relevance of adequate blood levels and consequently potential supplementation strategies may contribute to the prevention and management of infectious diseases as well as better overall health of the elderly.
Impact of added phytase and different dietary InsP6 levels on the structure and core microbiota of the digestive tract in broiler chickens
(2025) Rubio-Cervantes, Ismael; Wolfrum, Stephanie; Rodehutscord, Markus; Camarinha-Silva, Amélia
The main objective of this research was to investigate the composition and shifts of the gut microbiota of broiler chickens in response to varying exogenous phytase combined with increasing levels of myo-inositol (1,2,3,4,5,6) hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate) (InsP6) in the feed. The InsP6 level was adjusted with the addition of oilseed meals (OSM) at the expense of maize starch. A secondary objective was to assess the existence of a core microbiota across the feed, litter and gastrointestinal tract (GIT). A total of 840 Ross 308 broiler chickens were raised in 84 elevated pens in groups of 10. The treatments consisted of four feed mixtures (FM) designed to achieve 1.4 (FM1.4), 1.9 (FM1.9), 2.4 (FM2.4), and, 3.0 (FM3.0) g InsP6-P/kg, each combined with 500, 1500 or 3000 FTU phytase/kg. In the crop and the ileum, Lactobacillus relative abundance decreased when OSM and phytase increased (p < 0.05), while FM2.4 and FM3.0 were associated with increased Ligilactobacillus abundance across the GIT (p < 0.05). No interaction effects were found across the studied sections (p = 0.22). Four amplicon sequence variants (ASV), identified within the genera Lactobacillus, Ligilactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus were consistently found across the intestine sections. These four ASVs represented 58.9 % of the relative abundance in the crop, 72.9 % in the ileum and 29.7 % in the ceca. The results demonstrated that higher levels of OSM in the feed and exogenous phytase significantly affected these bacterial populations, decreasing Lactobacillus while increasing Ligilactobacillus, indicating independent effects of FM and phytase supplementation.

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