Greenhouse gas emissions continue raising the planet’s temperature by 1.5 °C since the industrial age, while the world population growth rate is 1.1%. So, studies aimed at food security and better land use are welcomed. In this paradigm, we choose Vigna unguiculata to test how it would behave in the face of severe abiotic stresses, such as drought and salt stress. This study shows that under abiotic stresses V. unguiculata tries to overcome the stress by emitting chlorophyll a fluorescence and promoting photobleaching. Thus, fewer photons are directed to photosystem I, to generate lethal reactive oxygen species. The antioxidant system showed a high activity in plants submitted to drought stress but fell in salt-stressed plants. Thus, the reductor power not dissipated by fluorescence or heat was captured and converted into hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) which was 2.2-fold higher in salt-stressed V. unguiculata plants. Consequently, the malondialdehyde (MDA) increased in all treatment. Compiling all data, we can argue that the rapid extinguishing of chlorophyll a fluorescence, mainly in non-photochemical quenching and heat can be an indicator of stress as a first defense system, while the H₂O₂ and MDA accumulation would be considered biochemical signals for plant defenses or plant injuries.

The research focuses on optimizing extraction methods for Cannabis sativa to ensure the production of high-quality oils with consistent cannabinoid profiles, critical for therapeutic applications. The study highlights the plant’s medicinal potential, driven by bioactive compounds such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which are effective against various conditions, including epilepsy and chronic pain. The objective is to evaluate and compare advanced extraction techniques like supercritical CO₂, ethanol-based, and microwave-assisted extraction to identify methods that balance efficiency, yield, and sustainability. Upon exploration, the study reviewed scientific literature, analyzing efficiency metrics and cost-effectiveness across methods. Results underscore the superiority of supercritical CO₂ extraction for purity and pharmaceutical-grade standards but note its high cost. Ethanol-based techniques are cost-effective but require additional refinement. Microwave-assisted methods offer terpene preservation but lack scalability. These findings stress the need for hybrid techniques that integrate advantages while addressing limitations. The research concludes that standardization and technological innovations are essential to overcome inconsistencies in cannabinoid profiles, enhancing clinical and industrial viability. It advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration to improve extraction protocols, ensuring sustainable and effective use of Cannabis sativa in medicine.

The manuscript explores Brazil's pivotal role in the global biofuels industry, emphasizing the potential of alternative oilseed species for sustainable energy production. As the world grapples with fossil fuel depletion and climate change, biofuels emerge as a crucial solution for energy security and environmental preservation. Brazil, a leader in bioethanol production and one of the major biodiesel producers, leverages its vast agricultural resources to expand biofuel research and production. The study reviews key oilseed species, including Jatropha curcas, Moringa oleifera, and castor bean, assessing their viability as alternative feedstocks. While biofuels offer environmental benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, their production poses challenges, including land use conflicts and water consumption. The review underscores the importance of life cycle analysis (LCA) in assessing sustainability of biofuels and highlights policy frameworks like Brazil's National Program for the Production and Use of Biodiesel (PNPB). Additionally, the global energy crisis, exacerbated by geopolitical events like the war in Ukraine, has accelerated investments in renewables. The manuscript also discusses economic aspects, comparing biofuel costs with petroleum-based fuels and addressing the financial viability of biofuel adoption. With technological advancements in second-generation biofuels and increasing government incentives, biofuels are positioned as a long-term energy solution. The study concludes that Brazil, with its favorable climate, arable land, and established infrastructure, is uniquely positioned to lead the biofuel revolution. Future perspectives indicate that biofuels could account for a significant share of the global energy mix, especially in developing countries, fostering a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

Renewable energy sources are essential to mitigating climate change, with biofuels offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Jatropha curcas, the best, non-edible, high-oil-yielding species, is a leading candidate for biodiesel production. However, ensuring a stable seed supply through effective storage is critical for biodiesel markets stability. This study evaluated the physiological and biochemical viability of J. curcas seeds stored at 4 °C with controlled humidity using 1.5 g of silica gel per gram of seed over 12 months. The results demonstrated that low-temperature, low-humidity storage significantly reduced metabolic activity, embryo respiration, and seed deterioration, preserving high germinability and oil quality. Despite a slight increase in mean germination time, seeds retained resilience in germination potential and viability. Additionally, preliminary assessments of salt tolerance revealed the potential of J. curcas seeds to germinate under saline conditions, supported by analyses of mineral nutrition and salt tolerance-related gene expression. These findings underscore the practicality of optimized storage conditions for maintaining seed quality and economic value, ensuring a consistent supply chain for biodiesel production. This study highlights the importance of integrating storage strategies into biodiesel systems to enhance sustainability and market resilience in the face of fluctuating production demands.

This study investigates the effects of seasonal variations on seed germination, dormancy, and ecological strategies in desert-adapted grasses and halophytes. Using species such as Chloria virgata, Coelachyrum brevifolium, Cenchrus ciliaris, Pennisetum divisum, Panicum turgidum, Seidlitzia rosmarinus, and Halothamnus iraqensis, the research evaluates germination parameters under varying temperature regimes, light conditions, and seed bank types. Results revealed that seeds matured in summer exhibited higher mass, synchrony, and germination rates than winter-matured seeds, which displayed greater dormancy. Physical barriers like winged perianths significantly reduced germination, with de-winged seeds showing a marked improvement. Aerial seed banks demonstrated higher germination rates than soil seed banks, emphasizing their role in maintaining seed viability and supporting population dynamics under fluctuating conditions. Photoblastic responses varied, with species like C. ciliaris showing positive photoblasticity, while others displayed neutral or negative responses. These findings underscore the adaptive mechanisms desert plants employ to optimize germination timing, enhance survival, and support ecological restoration. The research highlights practical implications for rangeland rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of understanding seed dormancy and germination dynamics in arid ecosystems.