2026-04-27T16:33:11+02:00 https://library.wur.nl/oai

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/76f31f0c-aefa-442e-b62c-6bb6ecfebcca 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Wesseler, Justus Cingiz, Kutay Delahaye, Roy Kardung, Maximilian Lazorcakova, Ema van Leeuwen, Myrna van Meijl, Hans M’Barek, Robert Philippidis, George Ronzon, Tevecia Sauer, Johannes Soregaroli, Claudio Sturm, Viktoriya Tassinari, Gianmaria Tetere, Vineta Verkerk, Hans Vrachioli, Maria Part of book or chapter of book Natural Resource Management and Policy ISBN: 9783032071118 Bioeconomy, Agriculture, and the Circular Economy : Opportunity and Challenges. Lessons Learned from the EU BioMonitor Project 2026 This chapter analyzes the evolving relationship between the bioeconomy, agriculture, and the circular economy, drawing insights from the EU Horizon 2020 BioMonitor project. It begins by placing the bioeconomy within the broader sustainability agenda, revisiting classical economic thought, and demonstrating how principles of circularity can enhance the value of biological resources while respecting ecological limits. This chapter quantifies Europe’s bioeconomy’s size, growth trajectories, and material flows using newly developed indicators and methods such as environmentally extended input–output analysis, the Bio Flow Monitor, and the BioMAT model. It identifies sectoral hotspots and evaluates the socio-economic and environmental trade-offs involved. Case studies on sludge-based biofertilizer production and regional biorefineries illustrate how hybrid modeling captures the connections between upstream and downstream processes, employment effects, and uncertainties. The results indicate that the value added by bio-based sectors and job creation are growing, particularly in food production, biofuels, and high-value chemicals. However, these sectors still represent a modest share of total economic activity, and their benefits are contingent upon coherent policies, reliable data, and the cascading use of biomass. This chapter concludes by outlining future opportunities and challenges for a bioeconomy transition in the EU, including essential research, regulatory, and skills priorities needed. en Springer text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/bioeconomy-agriculture-and-the-circular-economy-opportunity-and-c 10.1007/978-3-032-07112-5_5 https://edepot.wur.nl/714816 Agriculture Bio-based material BioMonitor Bioeconomy Biofertilizer Biorefineries Circular economy European Union Indicators Material flow Regional development Sustainability Value added https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/fa6fdfae-e324-4094-b298-c4b2dee778df 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Saarloos, Aafke I. Schrama, Maarten J.J. Barmentlo, Henrik van den Brand, Judith M.A. Ennen-Buijs, Natashja M.T. Sikkema, Reina S. Bakker, Wouter van den Berg, Tijs J. van den Brink, Nico W. Article/Letter to editor Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology 8 (2026) ISSN: 2590-1826 Acute mortality in sand martins (Riparia riparia) and barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) linked to dermal or inhalation pyrethroid insecticide exposure 2026 Two acute mortality incidents were studied in colonies of two swallow species (Riparia riparia and Hirundo rustica) in the Netherlands (Utrecht and Noordwijk). The affected birds showed remarkable symptoms of neurological behaviour: proptosis, hypotonia and ataxia. Dead swallows were collected, necropsied and samples taken for a comprehensive virological, pathological and pesticide exposure assessment. Virological tests revealed no evidence for infection and the pathological assessment reported to be cachectic without signs for disease or trauma explaining their death. Screening for 648 pesticides revealed the ubiquitous presence of 2 insecticides, permethrin and tetramethrin, in all extracted feather samples. Permethrin and tetramethrin were absent or detected at relatively low levels in liver and stomach samples, but detected in brain samples. In absence of other plausible explanations, it is concluded that acute neurotoxicity from dermal or inhalation pesticide exposure is the cause of the observed behavioural symptoms and eventually led to the swallows' death. Current risk assessment of chemicals for birds and mammals focusses mainly on oral exposure routes and does not adequately consider the impact of the dermal or inhalation exposure routes. However, the current study demonstrates that these exposure routes can be of crucial relevance for some species or life stages. Knowledge on potential impacts of the dermal and inhalation exposure route is currently lacking which may lead to an underestimation of the risks that pesticide exposure may pose to wildlife. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/acute-mortality-in-sand-martins-riparia-riparia-and-barn-swallows 10.1016/j.enceco.2026.03.019 https://edepot.wur.nl/714815 Acute avian neurotoxicity Dermal exposure Ecological risk assessment of chemicals Inhalation exposure Permethrin Tetramethrin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/27c6ce40-bb62-4f60-bfa2-212136ef5b13 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Postema, Bernard van Heerwaarden, Chiel C. van Stratum, Bart J.H. van Dorp, Pim Baas, Peter Jonker, Harm J.J. Article/Letter to editor Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society (2026) ISSN: 0035-9009 Simulating the year to minute wind spectrum with mesoscale-coupled large-eddy simulations 2026 By coupling large-eddy simulation (LES) codes to weather data from large-scale models, previous studies showed the viability of “real-weather” LES. However, when simulating extended periods (up to one year) of weather, a number of them diagnosed an underestimation of the simulated temporal spectrum (of wind and solar irradiance) at timescales of a few hours (i.e., the atmospheric mesoscale). This study presents simulations aimed at reproducing the observed wind spectrum from timescales of one year to one minute, including the mesoscale. Reanalysis data (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis Version 5) are used as boundary conditions to a mesoscale simulation with either a local or a non-local formulation of vertical diffusion, which then drives an LES (resolution of 50 m). Several domain sizes are used to simulate the weather during 2022 over a meteorological tower in The Netherlands. It is shown that, when increasing the size of the mesoscale simulation from 64 km to 1024 km, the LES wind spectrum at the mesoscale approaches the observed spectrum. The spectrum is also sensitive to the mesoscale diffusion formulation, which either resolves or suppresses explicit convection, resulting in a different LES wind spectrum. In addition, it is shown that the higher order statistics (structure functions) improve by using a large enough mesoscale simulation. The results indicate that LES can be used as a tool to simulate the temporal dynamics of the wind at all timescales between one minute and one year, if the atmospheric mesoscales are taken into account appropriately. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/simulating-the-year-to-minute-wind-spectrum-with-mesoscale-couple 10.1002/qj.70147 https://edepot.wur.nl/714814 atmospheric turbulence large-eddy simulation mesoscale meteorology https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/7d7e6e3a-ca6a-4eb0-a4f3-120dcf2b4536 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Salmanpour, Farid Shakoori, Zahra Langevelde, Frank van Kiabi, Bahram H. Sayahnia, Roumina Ahmadzadeh, Faraham Article/Letter to editor Wildlife Biology (2026) ISSN: 0909-6396 Phenological responses to climate change : advancing mating and calving in wild and semi-captive Caspian red deer 2026 Species respond to climate change through phenological and spatial shifts. Herbivorous mammals, in particular, are vulnerable due to their direct dependence on seasonal vegetation and the potential misalignment between their reproductive cycles and shifting food availability. This study examines the influence of temperature, rainfall, and humidity on the timing of mating and calving in wild and semi-captive populations of Caspian red deer Cervus elaphus maral along the southern Caspian Sea. Our results reveal that in wild populations, rising temperatures from 1 September to 31 May led to earlier calving, while warmer conditions from 1 June to 31 August advanced mating. In contrast, no significant phenological shifts were observed in semi-captive populations, likely due to supplemental feeding and environmental buffering. These findings suggest that climate-induced reproductive changes may threaten the long-term viability of the Caspian red deer, particularly as habitat fragmentation limits access to cooler, higher-altitude refuges. Conservation efforts should prioritize habitat protection and connectivity in mountainous regions to support population resilience under ongoing climate change. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/phenological-responses-to-climate-change-advancing-mating-and-cal 10.1002/wlb3.01486 https://edepot.wur.nl/714813 climate change adaptation conservation management phenological shifts reproductive phenology https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/9d80bb28-3ccf-4133-baf1-35438f896749 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Lan, Jianglin van Henten, Eldert Groot Koerkamp, Peter Sun, Congcong Article/Letter to editor International Journal of Robust and Nonlinear Control (2026) ISSN: 1049-8923 Safe Stabilization Using Non-Smooth Control Lyapunov Barrier Function 2026 This paper addresses the challenge of safe stabilization, ensuring the system state reaches the origin while avoiding unsafe state regions. Existing approaches that rely on smooth Lyapunov barrier functions often fail to guarantee a feasible controller. To overcome this limitation, we introduce the non-smooth control Lyapunov barrier function (NCLBF), which ensures the existence of a safe and stabilizing controller. We provide a systematic framework for designing NCLBF and feedback control strategies to achieve safe stabilization in the presence of multiple bounded unsafe regions. Theoretical analysis and simulations of both linear and nonlinear systems demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of our approach compared to the existing smooth functions method. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/safe-stabilization-using-non-smooth-control-lyapunov-barrier-func 10.1002/rnc.70551 https://edepot.wur.nl/714812 Lyapunov function control barrier function non-smooth function nonlinear system safe stabilization https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/1a24c23a-5a71-4f32-b065-690519a9381c 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Zhu, Mengshuai Cingiz, Kutay Wesseler, Justus Part of book or chapter of book Natural Resource Management and Policy ISBN: 9783032071118 China’s Bioeconomy Transition : A Policy Framework 2026 As the world’s second-largest economy and the country with the second-largest population, China represents a pivotal market for the global bioeconomy. In alignment with its transition toward greener and more circular development, China has elevated the bioeconomy to a strategic priority, integrating it into national policies. This chapter examines China’s bioeconomy agenda, characterizing its key sectors—including biomedicine, bio-agriculture, biomanufacturing, bioenergy, biological environmental protection, bioinformation industry, and biomedical engineering—and analyzing their future focus. We believe policy support and strategic planning, growing demand for sustainable solutions, and new biotechnology innovation and breakthroughs will provide new opportunities. However, challenges such as global competition, regulatory barriers, resource constraints, and low consumer acceptance may pose obstacles. en Springer text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/chinas-bioeconomy-transition-a-policy-framework 10.1007/978-3-032-07112-5_22 https://edepot.wur.nl/714811 Bio-sectors Bioeconomy Policy Challenges Future focus Opportunities https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/0076eb19-301c-4bca-a18a-75788b212793 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Möhring, Niklas Ba, Malick N. Braga, Anna Rafaela Cavalcante Gaba, Sabrina Gagic, Vesna Kudsk, Per Larsen, Ashley Mesnage, Robin Niggli, Urs Qaim, Matin Schreinemachers, Pepijn Stamm, Christian de Vries, Wim Finger, Robert Article/Letter to editor Nature Communications 17 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2041-1723 Erratum : Author Correction: Expected effects of a global transformation of agricultural pest management (Nature communications (2025) 16 1 PII: 3446 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-66982-4.) 2026 en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/erratum-author-correction-expected-effects-of-a-global-transforma 10.1038/s41467-026-71991-y https://edepot.wur.nl/714808 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/83d7cee1-a180-45b1-bd89-8bc3d51cab33 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Ahmad, Mustak Tang, Yun Lister, Andrew J. Gamarra, Javier G.P. Powell, William G. Beane, Nathan R. Choi, Wook Jin Mitra, Ankita Kumar, Amit Cuchietti, Anibal Paquette, Alain Searle, Eric Chen, Jiaxin Chen, Han Y.H. Bongers, Frans Meave, Jorge A. Guevara, Mario Barreras, Aylin de la Rosa, José Armando Alanís Mayorga Saucedo, Rafael Cuenca Lara, Rubi Angélica Moreno García, César Godínez Valdivia, Carlos Isaías Delgado Caballero, Carina Edith de los Ángeles Soriano Luna, Maria Aldrete Leal, Metzli Ileana Medina Casillas, Sandra Liliana Romero Correa, Johny Villela Gaytán, Sergio Armando Corral Rivas, J. Javier Vega-Nieva, José Daniel Briseño-Reyes, Jaime López-Serrano, Pablito Marcelo Fayle, Tom M. Altman, Jan Johnson, Daniel J. Liang, Jingjing Article/Letter to editor Forest Ecosystems 16 (2026) ISSN: 2095-6355 Continental-scale mapping of forest tree density in North America using remote sensing and deep learning with uncertainty quantification 2026 Accurate, spatially consistent estimates of tree density remain elusive at continental scales, limiting our ability to assess forest structure, carbon stocks, and biodiversity. Existing global assessments have relied on simplified statistical models and sparse, heterogeneous ground data that are insufficient to capture nonlinear ecological interactions and spatial variability. To address these limitations, we integrated more than 600,000 harmonized ground-based forest inventory plots with satellite-derived vegetation indices, climate surfaces, soil properties, and topographic covariates to develop a deep learning framework for high-resolution mapping of tree density across North America. We evaluated four modeling approaches—generalized linear models (GLMs), ridge regression (RR), random forest (RF), and a feedforward neural network (FFNN). Among all models tested, the FFNN achieved the highest predictive accuracy (RMSE = 344.8; R 2 = 39.53%), and was used to produce a wall-to-wall tree density map at 3 km resolution for the continent. We estimated that the total number of forest trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm across North America ranges from 339 to 514 billion, substantially lower than the widely cited estimate of 603 billion trees reported by Crowther et al. (2015). When smaller stems were included (no DBH threshold), totals more than doubled, reaching 738 billion to 1.12 trillion trees. We quantified uncertainty using Monte Carlo (MC) Dropout, generating pixel-level error estimates and confidence intervals. Spatial patterns reveal high tree densities in boreal and temperate forests, intermediate densities in mixed broadleaf regions, and relatively low densities in deserts, Mediterranean systems, and tundra. Compared to the global GLM-based benchmark by Crowther et al. (2015), our deep learning framework achieves markedly higher predictive accuracy, aligns more closely with national forest inventory statistics, and provides explicit uncertainty quantification, supporting applications in carbon accounting, biodiversity modeling, and ecosystem monitoring at scales through region specific calibration and validation. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/continental-scale-mapping-of-forest-tree-density-in-north-america 10.1016/j.fecs.2026.100466 https://edepot.wur.nl/714807 Deep learning Feedforward neural network (FFNN) Forest inventory Monte Carlo (MC) dropout North American forests Remote sensing Tree density estimation Uncertainty quantification https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/4dc84560-556d-4ede-a651-8aa38b9f814d 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Fragkos, Nikolaos Bouzembrak, Yamine Erasmus, Sara W. Article/Letter to editor Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition (2026) ISSN: 1040-8398 The role of artificial intelligence in combating food fraud : a systematic literature review 2026 This study presents a systematic literature review evaluating the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in combating food fraud. Following the Kitchenham framework, 69 primary studies from peer-reviewed journals across four academic databases were identified and analyzed. The aim was to examine the types of fraud detected by AI, the food products involved, the specific AI techniques used, and the performance evaluation metrics utilized. Most of the included studies focused on the detection of adulteration and mislabeling, particularly origin and quality mislabeling, with spices, herbs, meat and dairy being the most frequently investigated food product categories. Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) were the primary approaches utilized, ML was the most dominant, with Support Vector Machines (SVMs) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) emerging as the most frequently applied algorithms. Regarding the data types, spectral and imaging data were predominantly used, and most models were developed using supervised approaches. Nevertheless, despite strong model performance with data gathered from controlled environments such as labs, issues such as data availability and interpretability remain. The findings underscore the importance of AI applied in food fraud detection and the need to explore underrepresented fraud types and food categories. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/the-role-of-artificial-intelligence-in-combating-food-fraud-a-sys 10.1080/10408398.2026.2654710 https://edepot.wur.nl/714805 Artificial intelligence food fraud detection machine learning mitigation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/a76ccef8-ffbc-48e2-9fcd-5cff337d1eb5 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Gbadebo, Ololade S. Masibag, Arvie Grace Rosario, Margaret E. He, Ruolin Ye, Yan Song Gomez-Chiarri, Marta Wu, Qihao Rowley, David C. Article/Letter to editor ACS chemical biology 21 (2026) 4 Membrane Vesicle-Mediated Delivery of Antibacterial Lipopeptides by Pseudoalteromonas piscicida 2026 Bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) are natural delivery systems for biomolecules, such as enzymes and nucleic acids, but their role in transporting specialized metabolites is less understood. Many microbial metabolites are lipophilic and poorly water-soluble, raising questions about how they perform ecological functions in aquatic environments. Here, we demonstrate that Pseudoalteromonas piscicida JC3, a marine bacterium with probiotic potential, packages lipophilic depsipeptides known as bromoalterochromides (BACs) into outer membrane vesicles. Untargeted metabolomics and molecular networking identified six known and two previously unknown BACs, while targeted LC-MS/MS localized BACs to MVs and cells, with no detection in culture supernatants. Structure elucidation of a new analogue, bromoalterochromide E/E', was achieved through isolation and spectroscopic analysis, including modified Marfey's analysis to determine amino acid composition and chirality. Functional assays showed that BAC-loaded MVs exhibit antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and the marine pathogen Vibrio anguillarum, linking vesicle-mediated metabolite delivery to microbial competition. These findings highlight MVs as transporters of lipophilic natural products and suggest their potential as natural drug delivery vehicles in clinical and aquaculture settings. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/membrane-vesicle-mediated-delivery-of-antibacterial-lipopeptides- 10.1021/acschembio.5c01016 https://edepot.wur.nl/714804 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/d2150c5a-8cba-4707-9462-a06464c113f0 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Zilberman, David Zhuang, Jie Wesseler, Justus Khanna, Madhu Part of book or chapter of book Handbook of Circular Bioeconomy ISBN: 9783032071118 Preface 2026 en Springer text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/preface-120 https://edepot.wur.nl/714803 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/0801625f-2428-485b-a38e-2e33c584107d 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Mészáros, Gábor Curik, Ino Ouedraogo, Dominique Windig, Jack Leroy, Gregoire Utsunomiya, Yuri Tani Burger, Pamela Colli, Licia Xu, Chang Boettcher, Paul Looft, Christian Soelkner, Johann Article/Letter to editor Frontiers in Genetics 17 (2026) ISSN: 1664-8021 Framework for assessing genetic variation in livestock using demographic, pedigree, and genomic measures 2026 Genetic variation within livestock populations underpins global food security, resilience, and the long-term sustainability of breeding programs. Despite its fundamental role, harmonized approaches for assessing and monitoring genetic variation across data sources remain limited. This review provides an integrated framework for assessing genetic variation in livestock using demographic, pedigree, and genomic data, developed by FAO experts and international collaborators. Demographic indicators offer essential insight into population size, sex ratio, and reproductive structure, while pedigree data allow detailed evaluation of genetic relatedness, inbreeding, and effective population size (Ne) over time. Genomic information now provides unprecedented accuracy in characterizing allelic variation, population structure with admixture, and the dynamics of inbreeding and drift. Each data source differs in availability, resolution, and interpretive limits; therefore, complementary use of demographic, pedigree, and genomic measures is recommended for effective monitoring and decision-making. This framework outlines the main properties, applications, and constraints of these approaches and provides guidance on selecting appropriate indicators for monitoring genetic variation within and among livestock populations. Its implementation supports the objectives of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, contributing to evidence-based management of livestock diversity worldwide. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/framework-for-assessing-genetic-variation-in-livestock-using-demo 10.3389/fgene.2026.1792347 https://edepot.wur.nl/714797 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/ba67d95c-a0f2-43c3-8a46-9aa00f02def3 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Yanow, Dvora Article/Letter to editor Philosophy and Global Affairs (2026) ISSN: 2692-790X Thinking with Kirstie in advance 2026 What logic joins political theory and some circles of interpretive em-pirical research as members of the same category? Aren’t the two on opposite sidesof a methodological and practice divide? The late Kirstie McClure’s work suggestsnot—that the two may be bridged in particular areas, in particular ways, up to apoint. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/thinking-with-kirstie-in-advance 10.5840/pga2026127100 https://edepot.wur.nl/714791 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/44472368-dc71-4492-ae4a-134b1f71d201 2026-04-27 public edurep openaire publickb

van der Valk, O.M.C. Rijswijk, K. External research report The social impact of monitoring offshore infrastructure biodiversity in the North Sea : The use of digital databases for stakeholder understanding of sustainability issues 2026 This report explores the social impact of digitalisation on sustainability monitoring in the North Sea, focusing on how digital infrastructure shapes stakeholders’ understanding of offshore energy and ecosystem sustainability. Using a socio-cyber-physical framework, the study maps existing digital tools and analyses stakeholder practices through desk research and interviews. Findings show limited data exchange, with stakeholders relying on portals and offline networks. While the North Sea Agreement (2019) established a shared vision, its digital monitoring system is still developing. Investments emphasize physical and cyber aspects — such as offshore hardware and advanced tools — while governance and trust-building lag behind. Barriers to data sharing include market sensitivity, fear of misuse and competitive concerns. Stakeholders recognise the potential of linked databases for innovation but stress the need for licensed access, shared protocols and participatory governance. Strengthening social-cyber integration is key to enabling collaboration, learning and sustainable development. en Wageningen Social & Economic Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/the-social-impact-of-monitoring-offshore-infrastructure-biodivers 10.18174/714649 https://edepot.wur.nl/714649 https://edepot.wur.nl/714649 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/14155bdb-be8d-480e-8426-fecd11cd88d8 2026-04-27 public edurep openaire publickb

Brouwer, Bastiaan Polst, Bastian Kleter, Gijs Schouten, Rob Huang, Anna Verschoor, Jan Arts, Gertie External research report Inventory of current pesticide use and sustainable alternatives 2026 With a clear pressure to decrease pesticide use, the Netherlands and EU are working to reduce reliance on conventional synthetic pesticides. However, while alternative plant protection products and methods have been available for decades, their deployment has been lagging. Currently, with the decrease of conventional pesticides during re-assessment procedures, farmers are hard-pressed to adopt alternative methods. However, where for conventional pesticides it was well known what their effects were in both the pre- and postharvest parts of the chain, this is unknown for new-generation pest control methods, threatening the supply chain with increased food loss. To fill this knowledge gap, we evaluated the current state of legislation, available alternative crop protection tools and the current use of conventional and alternative pesticides. This identified a series of regulatory, methodological and practical gaps that constrain the effective deployment of alternative crop protection strategies across the pre- and postharvest chain. These gaps highlight the importance for better alignment between risk assessment approaches, policy objectives, research efforts and on-farm decision-making. Addressing these issues is essential to support a transition towards crop protection and postharvest management systems that are both environmentally sustainable and operationally effective. We conclude that a successful transition towards sustainable crop protection and postharvest management requires a systems-level approach. Our recommendations include a fit‑for‑purpose risk assessment framework, better understanding of pre‑/postharvest interactions, stronger incentives for farmers, improved advisory support and clearer communication across the entire value chain. Such systems‑level approach is essential to ensure sustainable crop protection while maintaining food quality, yield and affordability. en Wageningen Food & Biobased Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/inventory-of-current-pesticide-use-and-sustainable-alternatives 10.18174/710908 https://edepot.wur.nl/710908 https://edepot.wur.nl/710908 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/b62b858a-9df8-4340-adfd-edf3e632b0f0 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire dataset

van Dijk, J. Kamermans, P. Poos, J.J. Jansen, H.M. Dataset Data underlying the publication: Co-cultivating sugar kelp and blue mussel in a mesocosm experiment 2026 Low trophic aquaculture (LTA) is receiving increasing interest, this includes the cultivation of seaweed and shellfish. This study explores any potential benefits or disadvantages of co-cultivating two LTA species, sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) and the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), in a mesocosm experiment. The experimental setup comprised 4 treatments divided over 24 tanks: either seaweed or mussels, both in co-cultivation, and a control with neither. The aim was to assess the growth and performance of S. latissima and M. edulis in the different treatments during the production cycle of seaweed (November to April). Wageningen University & Research text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/datasets/b62b858a-9df8-4340-adfd-edf3e632b0f0 10.4121/1e71dec4-ffd0-40f9-8005-161cfa823c7d https://edepot.wur.nl/714784 Clearance rate Mesocosm Mussel filtration Mytilus edulis Nitrogen dynamics Phytoplankton Saccharina latissima Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/def3d34e-b503-4676-814c-ade5b7d12676 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire

Sani, Muhammad Ikhsan Voort, Mariska van der Tekinerdogan, Bedir Hogeveen, Henk Article/Letter to editor Animal Bioscience 39 (2026) 4 ISSN: 2765-0189 Application of precision livestock farming: challenges and opportunities 2026 Sensor systems have increasingly been explored as tools to support precision livestock farming, particularly in monitoring cow health and improving decision-making. This systematic literature review aims to evaluate advancements in sensor systems for detecting health conditions in dairy cows especially on mastitis, fertility, locomotion, and metabolic disorders. Relevant articles published between 2014 and 2024 were identified from Scopus. Each article was categorized by health condition and assigned to one of four development levels: sensor technique (Level I), data interpretation (Level II), integration of information (Level III), and decision making (Level IV). Relevant information from the articles was systematically reviewed and discussed. We identified 132 articles published in the past 10 years, describing a total of 151 sensor systems. Most sensor systems were aimed at mastitis and reproduction, followed by locomotion and metabolic disorders. The far majority of the articles were at level II (data interpretation) presenting research on (novel) algorithms to detect disease. A large number of different statistical, machine-learning or deep-learning models were described and evaluated, among others random forests. Level II systems applied statistical analysis or machine-learning/deep-learning models (e.g., random forests, you only look once, support vector machine, or convolutional neural network). These algorithms used a wide range of sensor data. Only a few articles aimed at level III research, integration of information and decision support. The Level III sensor systems integrated information from the sensor with economic information and other information (i.e., medication dosage, cost per disease, and supplier selection) and simulated various treatment scenarios. This review highlights the need for sensor systems research to be driven by real-world requirements for on-farm decision making. To move from proof-of-concept toward practical, future research must integrate sensor outputs with herd records and financial models, validate systems across multiple farms and at higher data frequencies, and embed economic evaluation alongside sensitivity and specificity metrics. Addressing these technical, integration, and economic challenges is essential before sensor systems can fully support automated, value-driven health management on commercial dairy farms. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/application-of-precision-livestock-farming-challenges-and-opportu 10.5713/ab.250895 https://edepot.wur.nl/714756 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/0a442e23-561c-495a-be24-0b4c69514617 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Lamers, Machiel Inaugural lecture Tackling the tourism syndrome : Governing tourism and environmental transformations 2026 Tourism and travel practices are omnipresent and continue to grow and diversify across the world, from our urban centres to the most remote and pristine parts of Antarctica. Paradoxically, the joys and benefits of travel come along with far-reaching environmental impacts, complex socio-ecological interrelations and governance challenges. To understand why we grapple with governing sustainable tourism we need to recognise its inherently mobile, performative, and transnational character. Governing environmental transformations in tourism requires improving sustainable mobility systems, building resilience through environmental information, and developing regenerative forms of tourism that actively support ecosystem conservation and restoration. en Wageningen University & Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/tackling-the-tourism-syndrome-governing-tourism-and-environmental 10.18174/711490 https://edepot.wur.nl/711490 https://edepot.wur.nl/711490 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/86f2b7f4-1e5e-49d7-88c3-387a24f57d03 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire

Noort, Martijn Willem-Jan Srpová, Lenka Patent Additive manufacturing of edible objects 2026 The disclosure pertains to a method of producing an edible object by additive manufacturing comprising the steps of depositing a first liquid on a part of a layer of a powder composition and irradiating a part of the layer that contains the first liquid with electromagnetic radiation. The disclosure also pertains to a food product obtainable by such a method and to a use of a pre-gelatinised starch, native starch, one or more organic compounds having one or more hydroxy groups, and/or lipids in the method of the invention. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/additive-manufacturing-of-edible-objects https://edepot.wur.nl/714748 Life Science Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/ce8d4144-457b-414b-adb7-7ac17d060cba 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Ndambi, O.A. Braamhaar, D.J.M. Kimoro, Bernard van der Lee, J. External research report Transforming Livestock Feeding: Sustainable Solutions for Climate Action and Food & Nutrition Security in Kenya 2026 en Wageningen University & Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/transforming-livestock-feeding-sustainable-solutions-for-climate- https://edepot.wur.nl/714737 https://edepot.wur.nl/714737 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/2775de85-77fb-4fdf-91b3-4a70169468c0 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Winkel, A. Brusselman, E. Hensen, A. Otten, G. Vonk, J. Laanen, L. Verfaillie, A. van Dinther, D. Mosquera Losada, J. Ogink, N.W.M. External research report Richtlijnen voor het bepalen van emissies uit veestallen (versie 3) : Guidelines for determination of emissions from livestock barns (version 3) 2026 nl Wageningen University & Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/richtlijnen-voor-het-bepalen-van-emissies-uit-veestallen-versie-3 10.18174/714405 https://edepot.wur.nl/714405 https://edepot.wur.nl/714405 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/88b52846-e2b5-415d-bb2f-9fa02edffadf 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire

Bos, J.A. Nieuborg, T.J. Stienezen, M.W.J. Article in monograph or in proceedings Challenges and innovations for grasslands resilience ISBN: 9789004763425 Opportunities identified by dairy farmers for using autonomously operating robots to harvest and feed fresh grass 2026 A nearly autonomously operating robot is available which, in one working process, can harvest fresh grass, fertilize the paddock, transport the grass, and unload the feed into the feed trough. Ten Dutch farmers were asked about the benefits, drawbacks, implementation and required functions for farm management of such a robot. Farm size varied from 35 to 230 ha and stocking rate at the grazing platform varied from 2.7 to 10.0 cows·ha−1. In general farmers considered this robot a tool that could optimise both grass production and utilisation. They identified opportunities to extend the grazing season in early spring and late autumn by harvesting fresh grass with the robot when circumstances do not suit grazing cows. Grazing infrastructure was mentioned as a key factor for operating the robot. Combining this robot and grazing animals at the same grazing platform is feasible, but the size of the platform and the demand for fresh grass determine the options. To balance the diet, the robot should estimate the nutritional value of the harvested fresh grass. en Brill text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/opportunities-identified-by-dairy-farmers-for-using-autonomously- https://edepot.wur.nl/714725 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/5d74e10a-9263-412d-b7f3-623206e67ce2 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire

Wind, T.M. Bruinenberg, M.H. Bos, J.A. Galama, P.J. de Haan, M.H.A. Article in monograph or in proceedings Challenges and innovations for grasslands resilience ISBN: 9789004763425 Using data-driven grassland tools and fresh grass analyses to reduce dietary crude protein 2026 The Grassland Production Registration project (GPR) followed and supported 20 Dutch dairy farmers, who are also involved in the nationwide project “Koe en Eiwit” (KE). GPR aims to reduce dietary crude protein (CP) levels on dairy farms to 155 g CP per kg DM. Actively using data-driven grassland tools (e.g. the Dutch apps “Grassland Calendar” and “Grass Signal”), combined with weekly fresh grass analyses, is expected to contribute to the insights in grass quality and should make it possible to adjust rations during the grazing season. Analyses showed no differences in CP-level between GPR and KE farms despite a higher proportion of fresh grass in the ration of the GPR farms. Based on this first analysis, it is concluded that data-driven grassland tools can help farmers to reduce the dietary CP level on grass-based dairy farms. en Brill text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/using-data-driven-grassland-tools-and-fresh-grass-analyses-to-red-2 https://edepot.wur.nl/714723 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/bff13825-db4c-408c-a358-59bf49b5acbc 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Peters, R. van de Voorde, T.F.J. Gaastra, S. Lombaers, C. External research report Schaderelatietoets Rhizoctonia in aardappel : Potproef voor onderzoek naar de relatie tussen inoculumdichtheden van Rhizoctonia solani AG 3 en schade in aardappel 2026 Rhizoctonia solani AG 3-PT, is de subsoort van Rhizoctonia solani die de meeste lakschurftschade op aardappel veroorzaakt. Het is een veelvuldig voorkomende schimmel in vrijwel alle gebieden waar aardappels worden geteeld en is met name gevreesd in de pootgoedteelt vanwege het risico op declassificering. Er zijn momenteel geen resistente rassen bekend en de schimmel wordt hoofdzakelijk met behulp van gewasbeschermingsmiddelen beheerst. De schimmel draagt op verschillende wijze bij aan opbrengstderving. Opbrengstderving kan kwantitatief zijn door de aantasting van de stengels welke de plant als geheel verzwakken. Daarnaast treedt ook kwalitatieve opbrengstderving op doordat de bezetting van gevormde knollen met sclerotiën (lakschurft), die de marktwaarde verminderen. Daarnaast komt het symptoom van ‘dry-core’ voor, waarbij een ondiepe krater tot soms meer dan een centimeter diep gat ontstaat in de knol, al dan niet met actief rot of verkurking. Recent is een qPCR-methode ontwikkeld door de Business unit Biointeracties en Plantgezondheid Wageningen Plant Research (Maciá-Vicente et al., 2024, aanpassing van Woodhall et al., 2013) waarmee anastomosegroepen kunnen worden gekwantificeerd. Ook AG 3 kan hiermee worden bepaald in bijvoorbeeld grond, gewasresten en schilmateriaal. Het kunnen detecteren van de hoeveelheid Rhizoctonia in de grond voorafgaand aan een geplande (poot)aardappelteelt kan helpen bij het maken van keuzes in de beheersing. Om te toetsen wat de relatie is tussen hoeveelheid R. solani AG3 startinoculum in de grond en de schade aan de aardappelplant, zowel stengelaantasting als lakschurft (sclerotiënbezetting van de dochterknollen), is een schaderelatietoets opgezet in de kas. De proefopzet bestond uit 2 aardappelrassen (Bintje en Fontane) en 5 inoculumdichtheden, welke gebaseerd waren op eerder onderzoek van Open Teelten. Op 4 momenten (1, 2, 3 en 16 weken na opkomt) is de schade in de vorm van stengelaantasting (na 1, 2 en 3 weken) en lakschurftbezetting (na 16 weken beoordeeld. Opbouw van de hoeveelheid R. solani AG 3 is gevolgd middels qPCR. Voor ieder uithaalmoment waren er voor iedere ras x behandeling combinatie 6 planten (herhalingen). Het in beeld brengen van de opbouw van R. solani AG 3 in de potten was niet succesvol door de slechts zeer lage hoeveelheden DNA die uit het kunstmatige substraat konden worden geëxtraheerd. Het hoge aandeel opgezuiverd kwartszand, mogelijk in combinatie met zouten uit de kunstmest en afwezigheid van organische stof als buffering, bleek zeer problematisch voor de extractie van DNA. De stengelaantasting veel lager als verwacht. Dit had waarschijnlijk te maken met de te beperkte pootdiepte. Hierdoor kwamen planten snel boven, en met name Fontane kleurde daarna paars in de stengel tot onder de stengelvoet. Er werden op geen enkel moment lesies waargenomen anders dan op nog witte scheuten. Er werd na 16 weken geen verschil gevonden tussen weinig en veel inoculum in de grond met betrekking tot de lakschurftbezetting. De enige statistisch significante verschillen waren die tussen de onbehandelde controle en alle andere behandelingen. Al bij aanwezigheid van de laagste getoetste hoeveelheid inoculum was er kans op een bepaalde maximale lakschurftbezetting. Dat is niet volledig consistent met eerder onderzoek met Bintje, waar de lakschurftbezetting vaak consistent laag was. Er is echter wel sprake van een verschil in proefopzet met eerder onderzoek, omdat in het huidige onderzoek met volledig ontwikkelde planten is gewerkt. Op basis van de resultaten voor de rassen Bintje en Fontane lijken er geen duidelijke verschillen te zijn in vatbaarheid tussen de rassen, althans niet voor de lakschurftbezetting. Om een uitspraak te doen over de stengelaantasting was de mate van aantasting in dit onderzoek onvoldoende. Er lijkt een vorm van compensatie op te treden door de planten wanneer er aantasting is door Rhizoctonia, en voor Bintje lijkt de mate van compensatie van het loof ook gekoppeld aan de inoculumdichtheid. Fontane lijkt ook te compenseren maar dan in knolgewicht en niet inoculumniveau gerelateerd. Deze compensatie-effecten waren allen significant tussen de onbehandelde controle en de hoogste inoculumdichtheid. Er lijkt sprake van een rasspecifieke eigenschap. nl Wageningen Plant Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/schaderelatietoets-rhizoctonia-in-aardappel-potproef-voor-onderzo 10.18174/711542 https://edepot.wur.nl/711542 https://edepot.wur.nl/711542 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/44e0df01-55e4-4fe9-bb75-1fbc6e50d68a 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

van den Heuvel-Greve, Martine J. Polling, Marcel de Groot, G. Arjen Kodde, Linda Mulder, Ingeborg M. Verdaat, Hans Renaud, Paul E. Schrøder-Nielsen, Audun Torma, Michal de Boer, Hugo J. Mauvisseau, Quentin Article/Letter to editor Polar Biology 49 (2026) 2 ISSN: 0722-4060 Tracking biodiversity in changing Arctic waters: insights from eDNA metabarcoding in Svalbard 2026 Monitoring biodiversity patterns and their changes in Arctic coastal ecosystems is critical under ongoing climate change. However, common current approaches require high effort and expertise and this in turn limits the spatial and temporal scale of these monitoring efforts. Here, we investigated both the fish and the marine invertebrate communities across Svalbard using a multi-marker environmental DNA metabarcoding approach. We collected and analysed marine water, sediment and zooplankton filtered from marine water from sites influenced by the warm West Spitsbergen Current and the cold East Spitsbergen Current. Following metabarcoding amplification using mitochondrial COI, 12S, 16S and nuclear 18S markers and high-throughput sequencing, we retrieved an extensive overview of Svalbard marine biodiversity. Water, sediment and especially zooplankton samples collected across Svalbard revealed spatial differences in community composition, with significantly distinct assemblages in the northwest and southeast of Svalbard. We identified potential bioindicator species for use in rapid assessment of impacts of marine temperature increase and confirmed observed patterns of ongoing shifts in community structure as a response to changes in dominant water masses. Overall, our findings show that species composition depending on fine-scale climate variation of Arctic waters can be effectively studied and monitored using environmental DNA. These insights can help us understand current and evolving climate-driven changes. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/tracking-biodiversity-in-changing-arctic-waters-insights-from-edn 10.1007/s00300-026-03488-9 https://edepot.wur.nl/714703 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/73aa5bd2-8a0f-4296-af35-236881862cf4 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Bos-Brouwers, Hilke Brouwer, Bastiaan Snels, Joost Alvarado Chacon, Fresia External research report Route- en kansenkaart : acceptatie biobased verpakkingen in de Nederlandse retail 2026 nl Wageningen Food & Biobased Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/route-en-kansenkaart-acceptatie-biobased-verpakkingen-in-de-neder 10.18174/712598 https://edepot.wur.nl/712598 https://edepot.wur.nl/712598 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/1c69c1a7-a2b6-4735-8e6f-004269b5acbf 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Wageningen UR External research report Verbetering en Validatie van Waterwijzer Landbouw 2024-2025 2026 Watervision Agriculture is a modelling framework used to quantify the effects of hydrology and climate on agricultural crop yields. The system, based on the SWAP and WOFOST models, is widely applied in the Netherlands. Despite earlier improvements, several limitations remained, including shortcomings in the representation of drought stress on clay soils and root development.The project Improvement and Validation of Waterwijzer Landbouw (VV-WWL) addressed these issues by introducing mechanistic water uptake, adaptive root growth, and updated crop parameters. In addition, the model has been adapted for use with new climate scenarios and has been extensively validated using field and practical data. Waterwijzer Landbouw is een modelinstrumentarium voor het kwantificeren van de effecten van hydrologie en klimaat op landbouwkundige gewasopbrengsten. Het systeem, gebaseerd op de modellen SWAP en WOFOST, wordt breed toegepast in Nederland. Ondanks eerdere verbeteringen bleken er tekortkomingen, onder andere in de beschrijving van droogteschade op kleigronden en wortelontwikkeling. Het project Verbetering en Validatie van Waterwijzer Landbouw (VV-WWL) heeft deze knelpunten aangepakt door de introductie van mechanistische wateropname, adaptieve wortelgroei en geactualiseerde gewasparameters. Daarnaast is het model geschikt gemaakt voor nieuwe klimaatscenario’s en uitgebreid gevalideerd met veld- en praktijkdata. nl Wageningen Environmental Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/verbetering-en-validatie-van-waterwijzer-landbouw-2024-2025 10.18174/714225 https://edepot.wur.nl/714225 https://edepot.wur.nl/714225 Life Science (c) open_access_other Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/1daec55f-3176-4d40-945e-115e74dd3096 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Kostanjšek, Matic Raynal, Antoine Dimopoulos, George Behrendt, Gerrich Martins dos Santos, Vitor Beekwilder, Jules Batianis, Christos Weusthuis, Ruud A. Asin-Garcia, Enrique Bisschops, Mark Article/Letter to editor ACS synthetic biology 15 (2026) 4 ISSN: 2161-5063 Rhodo-Box: A Synthetic Biology Toolbox to Facilitate Metabolic Engineering of Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2026 Rhodobacter sphaeroides is a purple nonsulfur alphaproteobacterium with a highly versatile metabolism. This microorganism holds promise as a chassis for sustainable biomanufacturing of numerous chemicals. Yet, its potential is constrained by a lack of standardized, well-characterized genetic elements to tune gene expression such as transcriptional promoters and ribosome binding sites (RBSs). In this study, we present Rhodo-Box, a comprehensive toolkit for R. sphaeroides created by adapting and extending the Zymo-Parts modular cloning framework. Using Rhodo-Box we built and characterized: (a) three broad-host origins of replication (pBBR1, RK2 and RSF1010), (b) a set of 13 promoters, (c) four inducible expression systems (NahR-PsalTTC, LacI-PlacT7A1_O3O4, VanR-PvanCC, and XylS-Pm), (d) 11 RBSs, and (e) four transcriptional terminators. Furthermore, we present a semiautomated, user-friendly cloning approach which enables rapid construction of R. sphaeroides strains. The Rhodo-Box toolkit equips R. sphaeroides with a standardized, automation-compatible collection of parts and workflows essential for efficient design–build–test–learn cycles and advanced metabolic engineering. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/rhodo-box-a-synthetic-biology-toolbox-to-facilitate-metabolic-eng-3 10.1021/acssynbio.5c00808 https://edepot.wur.nl/714689 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/3e264dc7-6f7b-4ab5-bdf6-e0d4713f5443 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Stouthamer, Jente Pereira, Danilo Martin-Ramirez, Sergio Mutte, Sumanth Mott, Adam Smakowska-Luzan, Elwira Article/Letter to editor Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal 35 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2001-0370 Genetic Diversity, Predictive Protein Structures, and Interaction Networks of Cysteine-Rich Receptor-Like Kinases in Arabidopsis thaliana 2026 Cysteine-rich receptor-like kinases (CRKs) are a large subfamily of plant receptor-like kinases implicated in immunity and development, yet their ligands, interaction partners, and mechanistic roles remain poorly defined. We combined population-genetic analyses and AlphaFold-based structural prediction to characterize the Arabidopsis thaliana CRK family. Phylogenetic reconstruction from 69 natural accessions resolved 5 well-supported CRK clades. Nucleotide diversity (π) and neutrality tests revealed heterogeneous diversity across loci, with evidence of both positive and negative selection pressure acting on different CRKs. AlphaFold models of CRK extracellular domains (ECDs) recapitulate the DUF26 structure observed in plasmodesmata localizing protein (PDLP)5/PDLP8 and ginkbilobin-2 but display distinct biochemical properties and disulfide-bond topologies. Pairwise AlphaFold dimer modeling of all 780 CRK–ECD combinations produced 145 high-confidence interaction models; ~78% of these adopt a shared dimer conformation characterized by an extended intermolecular β-sheet at the interface. Integrating evolutionary and structural approaches reveal clade-specific selective regimes and conserved structural features of CRK–ECDs that likely underpin receptor–receptor interactions. Predicted high-confidence dimer interfaces suggest a general mode of CRK–ECD association that can guide targeted biochemical and genetic validation, accelerating functional dissection of this important receptor family. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/genetic-diversity-predictive-protein-structures-and-interaction-n 10.34133/csbj.0043 https://edepot.wur.nl/714688 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/3caadc2b-fb88-41db-bdc5-458c00f7768a 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Cho, Ara Kooijmans, Linda Driever, Steven M. Wassenaar, Maarten Koren, Gerbrand Baartman, Sophie L. Mossink, Leon Krol, Maarten C. Article/Letter to editor Open Research Europe 5 (2026) ISSN: 2732-5121 Leaf chamber experiments on sunflowers indicate a temperature-dependent compensation point of carbonyl sulfide 2026 BackgroundCarbonyl Sulfide (COS) is a potential tracer for estimating gross primary productivity (GPP), due to its co-uptake with CO2 in leaves and the assumed absence of re-emission. However, the effectiveness of COS as a GPP tracer depends on understanding the differential responses of COS and CO2 uptake to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.MethodsWe conducted three sets of leaf gas exchange experiments on sunflower leaves. In each experiment, we varied only one environmental factor: COS mole fraction (at two temperatures), humidity, or temperature. During the experiments, COS and CO2 fluxes were measured, and the data were used to optimize a leaf conductance model.ResultsWe identified the existence of a COS compensation point, which increases with higher temperatures, suggesting potential emissions at higher temperatures when atmospheric COS concentrations are low. Our gas exchange measurements detected a COS compensation point of 58.9 ± 52.4 pmol mol-1 at 20 °C and 139.9 ± 26.0 pmol mol-1 at 25 °C. As vapor pressure deficit increased and stomatal conductance decreased, we observed that COS leaf uptake decreased more rapidly than CO2 assimilation. Consequently, the leaf relative uptake ratio (LRU) of COS to CO2 also decreased when stomatal conductance decreased.The optimized conductance model indicated that the optimum temperature for COS and CO2 enzymatic uptake was around 35 °. However, the maximum net deposition velocity for COS lies between 20 and 25 °, due to its temperature-dependent compensation point. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/leaf-chamber-experiments-on-sunflowers-indicate-a-temperature-dep 10.12688/openreseurope.20235.3 https://edepot.wur.nl/714682 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/4638ba94-fe95-47f0-9192-774f5bcb4b26 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire

Lee, Chi-Hsien Bui, Thi Phuong Nam Petitfils, Camille Jian, Ching Wong, Giselle C. Puel, Anthony Le Roy, Tiphaine Bellais, Samuel Ben Abdallah, Bouthaina Nehlich, Mélanie Leicht, Thomas Jia, Manyi Hoyles, Lesley Federici, Massimo Fernández-Real, Jose Manuel Burcelin, Remy Dumas, Marc-Emmanuel Delzenne, Nathalie M. Clavel, Thomas Boeren, Sjef Troise, Antonio Dario Scaloni, Andrea Muccioli, Giulio G. De Vos, Willem M. Van Hul, Matthias Cani, Patrice D. Article/Letter to editor Gut (2026) ISSN: 0017-5749 Novel myo-inositol to butyrate fermentation pathway in the prevalent human gut species Dysosmobacter welbionis, a bacterium associated with improved metabolic and liver health 2026 Background: Dysosmobacter welbionis is a recently discovered butyrate producer whose presence in stool correlates with improved metabolic health. Whether its abundance is reduced in individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remains unknown. Mechanistic insight into its butyrate production from myo-inositol, a dietary compound from fruits, beans, grains and nuts with metabolic benefits, is also limited.Objective: To assess population-level distribution, relative abundance and strain diversity of D. welbionis in humans, and to elucidate its metabolic capacity to ferment myo-inositol into butyrate.Design: We analysed several human cohorts for associations with liver health and evaluated D. welbionis J115T supplementation in a diet-induced steatosis mouse model. An antibody-guided anaerobic cell-sorting strategy enabled isolation of distinct strains. We combined 13C-labelled inositol isotopes with NMR, mass spectrometry, genomics and proteomics.Results: We found that D. welbionis and two related species (D. hominis and D. segnis) are prevalent gut bacteria in the human gut. D. welbionis abundance was reduced in MASLD across two cohorts and inversely correlated with fibrosis score in a third cohort. Treatment with D. welbionis J115T improved glycaemia and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet fed mice. We identified a non-canonical myo-inositol-to-butyrate fermentation pathway. 19 human strains were isolated, comparative genomics of 23 strains revealed an open pangenome (about 2100 core genes) including the full myo-inositol fermentation pathway.Conclusion: D. welbionis possesses a unique, conserved route to convert dietary myo-inositol into butyrate, distinguishing it from other commensals and supporting its potential as a next-generation probiotic for metabolic and liver health. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/novel-myo-inositol-to-butyrate-fermentation-pathway-in-the-preval 10.1136/gutjnl-2025-336617 https://edepot.wur.nl/714666 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/28cd2f59-638e-410a-908a-6383a92790e9 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire

Yamout, Rana El Helou, Remie Hamze, Layal Osman, Hibah Article/Letter to editor Palliative Medicine Reports 7 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2689-2820 High Prevalence of Cancer-Related Distress in a Low-Resource Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study from Lebanon 2026 Background:Cancer-related distress is a multifactorial experience affecting patients’ quality of life and treatment outcomes. Despite global efforts to promote distress screening, data from low-resource settings remain limited.Objectives:To assess the prevalence, severity, and contributors to distress among cancer patients in a tertiary oncology center in Lebanon and identify palliative care (PC) referral gaps.Design:Cross-sectional secondary analysis of a quality improvement initiative.Setting/Subjects:Adult cancer patients receiving treatment at the infusion unit of the Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center.Measurements:Distress was evaluated using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer (NCCN DT). Patients with DT scores ≥ 4 completed the NCCN Problem List. Sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from institutional records.Results:Among 670 patients (mean age: 56 ± 15 years; 56% female), 76% reported moderate-to-severe distress (score ≥ 4), and 37% experienced severe distress (score > 7). Distress was significantly higher in females (p < 0.001) and patients with solid tumors (p = 0.015). Key distress domains included physical (93%), emotional (83%), and practical problems (70%). Only 1% of distressed patients had prior PC referrals.Conclusions:Distress is highly prevalent among cancer patients in Lebanon, particularly among women and those with solid tumors. Despite strong evidence for the benefits of early PC, referral rates remain alarmingly low. Routine distress screening and integration of PC services are urgently needed to address this gap and improve holistic cancer care in low-resource settings. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/high-prevalence-of-cancer-related-distress-in-a-low-resource-sett 10.1177/26892820251413016 https://edepot.wur.nl/714662 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/df29a208-ff90-4fb8-b15b-12f6f13ab741 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire

Yu, Jisang Schaefer, K. Aleks Dalhaus, Tobias de Mey, Yann Article/Letter to editor Agricultural Finance Review 86 (2026) 1 ISSN: 0002-1466 Guest editorial: Financing resilient food systems 2026 en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/guest-editorial-financing-resilient-food-systems 10.1108/AFR-02-2026-218 https://edepot.wur.nl/714661 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/41cba111-b21c-4ca6-9412-dd30ef56706b 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Blok, Annelies E. Steenbekkers, Bea L.P.A. Article/Letter to editor British Food Journal 128 (2026) 13 ISSN: 0007-070X Exploring Dutch consumer practices and preferences regarding purchase, storage and packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables 2026 PurposeReducing plastic packaging is a key goal in tackling plastic pollution. At the same time, packaging can protect fresh produce and potentially prevent food waste. However, little is known about what consumers actually do with packaged produce at home, or how packaging influences their storage decisions. This study explores consumer practices and preferences regarding the purchase, storage and packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted among Dutch consumers (n = 290). The survey focused primarily on how consumers store fresh produce at home, but also included questions about purchase routines and packaging preferences. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.FindingsStorage practices varied widely across respondents and products, both in terms of location and motivation. Shelf life extension of fresh produce was not always the primary consideration, as other practical priorities, such as ease of access, routine and available space, also played a role in determining how and where fresh produce was stored. Vegetables were often kept in their unopened packaging, whereas fruits were more frequently unpacked. These patterns reflect a complex interplay of practical and habitual considerations in household food management.Practical implicationsProviding consumers with knowledge about optimal storage practices for fresh produce could help reduce food waste. Retailers can also play a role by improving the fit between packaging formats and storage needs, and by offering guidance at the point of sale.Originality/valueThis study offers new insights into household storage practices for fresh fruits and vegetables. It highlights that food management behaviours are often driven by everyday routines and practical concerns, rather than by a deliberate intention to reduce food waste. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/exploring-dutch-consumer-practices-and-preferences-regarding-purc 10.1108/BFJ-04-2025-0483 https://edepot.wur.nl/714659 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/57a28052-6396-45a4-994d-85bf39ca2c3e 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire

Karandish, F. Hoving, I.E. de Vries, M. Ruelle, E. Misra, S. Madrid, A. Castellan, E. Novak, S. Delaby, L. Article in monograph or in proceedings Challenges and innovations for grasslands resilience ISBN: 9789004763425 Climate change impacts and adaptation in grasslands: Insights from Western Europe 2026 Climate change poses significant challenges for European grasslands, including frequent droughts and heatwaves, warmer and wetter winters, longer growing seasons, and shifting rainfall patterns. This study reviews the impacts of climate change on grass production in dairy cattle farming systems in The Netherlands, Ireland, and France, and explores potential adaptation strategies. Data were synthesized from modelling, field experiments, and farmer surveys. In The Netherlands, modelling results indicate an approx. 9% decline in grass yield for a representative dairy system on dry sandy soils by 2050, along with more than 20% increase in irrigation demand, while on peat soils excessive rainfall limits grazing opportunities. In Ireland, although yield increases of up to 3.4% are projected, summer droughts and spring and autumn waterlogging threaten grazing stability. In France, grass growth starts earlier in spring and extends later into autumn, but severe summer declines and increased inter-annual variability jeopardize feed security. Adaptation options include higher forage reserves, soil quality improvement, diversification of fodder resources, use of drought- and heat-tolerant species in pastures, improved water management (e.g., irrigation and winter water retention), and adjustments in stocking rates. Findings highlight that adaptation must be tailored to local conditions, combining short- and long-term strategies to sustain dairy production and grassland ecosystem services. However, under more adverse climate conditions, adaptation may ultimately require adjusting stocking rates to the carrying capacity of the system. en Brill text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/climate-change-impacts-and-adaptation-in-grasslands-insights-from https://edepot.wur.nl/714651 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/7fb7f8f7-6359-49ed-ac76-cebf0bd40741 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Brandon, Matthew Homulle, Zohralyn Douma, Jacob C Article/Letter to editor Journal of Experimental Botany (2026) ISSN: 0022-0957 Quantifying the relative importance of disease-suppressive mechanisms in species mixtures: a case study of late blight in strip-intercropped potato 2026 Numerous studies have reported disease suppression in intercropping systems, attributing it to mechanisms such as host dilution, microclimate modification, barrier effect, and induced resistance. However, the relative contributions of mechanisms to altered disease dynamics remain unclear. We combined field experiments and mechanistic modeling to quantify the importance of these mechanisms in suppressing Phytophthora infestans in potato intercropped with faba bean, ryegrass, or maize. Field data were used to estimate effects of disease-suppressive mechanisms on various disease processes. These were integrated into a dynamic microclimate-dependent epidemiological simulation model of late blight to predict the progression of disease severity, and the individual contribution of mechanisms. Even small differences (1–3%) in relative humidity accumulated to significantly impact disease severity. The model most accurately predicted disease suppression only when host dilution, microclimate modification, and barrier effect were combined, suggesting that each contributes substantially. Individual mechanisms varied in strength across companion crops and sometimes counteracted each other (particularly microclimate modification and barrier effect), but their combined effects consistently reduced disease. This study provides a novel framework to disentangle and quantify the contribution of disease-suppressive mechanisms in intercropping systems, enhancing our understanding of disease suppression in species mixtures, to help design cropping systems less reliant on chemical protection. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/quantifying-the-relative-importance-of-disease-suppressive-mechan 10.1093/jxb/erag097 https://edepot.wur.nl/714647 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/25e362db-2d00-4b57-bda1-59173654c1e0 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Ahovi, Emmanuel Sok, Jaap Lansink, Alfons Oude Article/Letter to editor European Review of Agricultural Economics 53 (2026) 2 ISSN: 0165-1587 Can reducing technical inefficiencies of pesticides achieve environmental impact targets? The case of Dutch arable farms 2026 Farmers manage each type of pesticide differently, given the varying risks they address. As both damage-abating and polluting inputs, we have incorporated their negative impacts into a non-parametric framework to estimate the technical inefficiency of different pesticides and environmental inefficiency of Dutch arable farms from 2011 to 2021. Results suggest that farmers are more efficient in using insecticides rather than fungicides, herbicides and other pesticides, and have a higher potential to reduce negative pesticide impacts on aquatic organisms compared to soil organisms. However, even with full efficiency, the vast majority of farmers would not meet acceptable pesticide impact levels that are seen as sustainable in the long run. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/can-reducing-technical-inefficiencies-of-pesticides-achieve-envir 10.1093/erae/jbag001 https://edepot.wur.nl/714646 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/53c0ead1-4f0b-478d-9bf1-95cc2d2ad7d9 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Kremer, Louise van Reenen, Kees Bokkers, Eddie A.M. Gort, Gerrit Engel, Jasper van der Werf, Joop T.N. Webb, Laura E. Article/Letter to editor Animal Welfare 35 (2026) ISSN: 0962-7286 Non-invasive physiological indicators of welfare in dairy cows 2026 Indicators of dairy cow welfare are important for the future assessment and improvement of cow welfare on-farm. The objective of this study was to investigate three categories of non-invasive physiological parameters as potential indicators of welfare in dairy cows, namely cumulation of cortisol in the hair, variability in heart rate (HRV), and variability and composition of milk yield, while taking personality traits into account. These indicators were assessed when cows (all primiparous; n = 48) were housed under reference conditions and when exposed to either improving or worsening housing conditions (weekly changes over the course of six weeks). The worsening housing led to an increase in heart rate and a decrease in milk yield. The housing effects on HRV and other milk-derived indicators, however, were affected by the personality traits of activity, fearfulness and sociability. Less active cows, less fearful cows and less social cows all displayed increases in HRV in the improving housing, but more active cows showed against expectations increased HRV in the worsening housing. More fearful cows showed increases in daily milk fluctuations in the worsening housing. These results point to HRV and milk-derived indicators, the latter of which are often routinely collected and that in addition to being non-invasive are also non-intrusive, as providing interesting physiological indicators of dairy cow welfare which will warrant further research. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/non-invasive-physiological-indicators-of-welfare-in-dairy-cows 10.1017/awf.2026.10063 https://edepot.wur.nl/714644 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/626952b4-d43f-4a3d-a476-365d37350398 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Wang, Guangyao Yu, Shilong Shen, Jianxiang Zhang, Yong Song, Yunwei Li, Chunlin de Boer, Willem F. Article/Letter to editor Diversity and Distributions 32 (2026) 4 ISSN: 1366-9516 Spatial Heterogeneity and Assembly of Waterbird Communities in Core-Satellite Wetland Networks 2026 Aim: Core-satellite wetland networks are widespread worldwide, and exploring how biotic assemblages change over these networks can offer important implications for biodiversity conservation of these systems. We aimed to detect the spatial distribution patterns and assembly processes of waterbird communities within the wetland networks. Location: The core wetland (Shengjin Lake located in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River floodplain, China) and its surrounding satellite wetlands, i.e., reservoirs, aquaculture ponds, paddy fields and natural ponds. Methods: We calculated and decomposed multi-faceted pairwise β-diversity (taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic) of waterbird assemblages within each type of satellite wetland and within counting points of the core wetland. The observed functional and phylogenetic β-diversity were compared with simulated means generated by null models. We also quantified community dissimilarities between satellite wetlands with Shengjin Lake, and tested whether the contribution of different satellite wetlands to regional β-diversity differed. Result: Overall, taxonomic β-diversity and turnover were lower during summer, and all dimensions of these biodiversity metrics were lower in aquaculture ponds and Shengjin Lake. For most wetland types, taxonomic and phylogenetic β-diversity were primarily contributed by turnover, but nestedness dominated functional β-diversity. All dimensions of β-diversity and nestedness components increased with difference in wetland area. The observed functional and phylogenetic β-diversity did not deviate largely from null expectations during all seasons, indicating the dominance of neutral processes in the community assembly. Aquaculture ponds were more similar to Shengjin Lake in species compositions, functional strategies, and evolutionary relatedness during autumn and winter. Reservoirs and paddy fields generally contributed more to regional β-diversity of all three metrics. Main Conclusions: This study quantified how and why the spatial heterogeneity of waterbird communities differed across this wetland network, providing important implications for management and conservation of waterbirds and their habitats in core-satellite wetland networks. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/spatial-heterogeneity-and-assembly-of-waterbird-communities-in-co 10.1111/ddi.70185 https://edepot.wur.nl/714629 https://edepot.wur.nl/714629 assembly rules core wetland large floodplain multi-dimensional β-diversity satellite wetlands waterbird communities https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/70056b79-099b-45dc-8135-5804b9b4470a 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Bagheri, Maryam van de Zedde, Rick Rubiales, Diego Santos, Carla S. Vasconcelos, Marta W. Article/Letter to editor Physiologia Plantarum 178 (2026) 2 ISSN: 0031-9317 High-Throughput Phenotyping for Revealing Key Morpho-Physiological Traits for Drought Tolerance in Pea (Pisum sativum and Wild Relatives) 2026 Pea (Pisum sativum) production is challenged by drought stress. Traditional methods for assessing drought tolerance are limited, and high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) can facilitate the rapid and automated assessment of plant traits. Herein, 180 Pisum spp. accessions were evaluated using an indoor HTP platform under two irrigation treatments, control (70% field capacity) and drought stress (30% field capacity), for 50 days. A combination of digital phenotyping via imaging and manual measurements was used to analyse biomass-related, architectural, and physiological traits. Drought conditions resulted in significant reductions in biomass-related traits including fresh weight (47%), total leaf area (43%), and dry weight (41%). In contrast, PSII photochemical efficiency, leaf weight ratio, and solidity showed negative sensitivity index values (ranging from −7% to −1%), indicating comparatively lower sensitivity to drought and suggesting relative stability of these traits under water-limited conditions. The high heritability value for water use efficiency (0.87) suggests that this parameter may be useful for distinguishing pea's responses to suboptimal soil moisture levels. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted patterns of trait variation and associations among biomass-related traits, such as fresh weight, dry weight, and leaf area, which were sensitive to drought conditions. This suggests that the plants may use a combination of strategies to cope with water limitations. Furthermore, studying the significant variation in drought response among the diverse Pisum species and subspecies revealed distinct adaptation strategies. These findings support the development of crops that are resilient to the negative effects of climate change. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/high-throughput-phenotyping-for-revealing-key-morpho-physiologica 10.1111/ppl.70863 https://edepot.wur.nl/714626 https://edepot.wur.nl/714626 architectural traits drought sensitivity heritability pea collection photosynthetic traits plant phenotyping stress sensitivity index https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/252112d7-b1b0-45b1-af88-cfdadf3ad10d 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Zou, Yiyang Zhang, Xiuming Xu, Xin Wu, Jiami Cheng, Luxi Xu, Xinpeng Deng, Ouping Chen, Yuanyuan Wang, Chen He, Peiying Wang, Sitong Wang, Mengru Winiwarter, Wilfried Gu, Baojing Article/Letter to editor National Science Review 13 (2026) 6 ISSN: 2095-5138 Asymmetry of safeguarding regional air and water nitrogen boundaries in China 2026 Human activities have significantly disrupted the global nitrogen cycle, positioning it as one of the most severely surpassed planetary boundaries. As the country with the largest nitrogen flux, China faces numerous environmental challenges due to excessive losses of reactive nitrogen (Nr) to both air and water from various sources. By quantifying the regional nitrogen boundaries for air and water at the county level, we found that the aggregated regional safe boundaries in China for the atmospheric release of Nr, nitrogen runoff to surface water and leaching to groundwater are 14.6, 5.2 and 4.8 million tonnes per year, respectively. In 2020, the cumulative Nr losses exceeded these boundaries by 54%, 262% and 258%, respectively. Implementing cross-system technical mitigation measures could potentially halve the total Nr losses to both air and water, yielding benefits that are ∼2.5 times greater than the net implementation costs. Despite most counties being capable of meeting the emission boundary for the atmospheric release of Nr after abatement, the boundaries for surface water and groundwater remain exceeded in over half of the counties. This highlights a significant asymmetry in nitrogen-pollution control between air and water, further necessitating socioeconomic transformations to effectively address the persistent issue of water pollution in China. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/asymmetry-of-safeguarding-regional-air-and-water-nitrogen-boundar 10.1093/nsr/nwag113 https://edepot.wur.nl/714625 https://edepot.wur.nl/714625 cost–benefit analysis mitigation potential nitrogen management regional boundaries water pollution https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/f09c08b2-a4f3-4faf-ab3c-5c6ff0eb1c58 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Choi, Jungyu van Beek, Roy Chamberlain, Elizabeth L. Wallinga, Jakob Article/Letter to editor Journal of Archaeological Science 189 (2026) ISSN: 0305-4403 Dating Celtic fields with luminescence 2026 Celtic fields are prehistoric field systems characterised by rectangular plots enclosed by earthen banks, which are widespread across northwestern Europe. They are assumed to have emerged between the final stages of the Middle Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age in continental Europe, but firm chronologies based on radiometric dating (e.g., 14C, luminescence) are sparse, hampering the interpretation of age and formation process. This leads to contrasting interpretations and unexploited potential of the systems to inform on societal transformations. This study focuses on luminescence dating and aims to develop a suitable luminescence dating procedure that can provide robust dates for the construction and raising of Celtic field banks. To achieve this, we sampled two banks in two Celtic fields in the Netherlands (Vaassen and Zeijen) in a systematic manner with high-resolution. We applied small-aliquot quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and single-grain feldspar post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (pIRIR) measurements. The systematic high-resolution sampling proved to be an effective sampling strategy that can provide detailed chronological information. Both quartz OSL and single-grain feldspar pIRIR provided consistent and reliable reliable dates for the time of construction and raising of the banks. Single-grain feldspar pIRIR analysis provided additional information about the formation process of the banks and bleaching history of the deposited material, but also demonstrated potential limitations in universal application. The dating results demonstrated that both investigated Celtic field banks were constructed in the Dutch Middle Bronze Age and have been gradually raised until the Dutch Roman Age. At Zeijen we documented a period of rapid raising of the bank in the Dutch Late Iron Age. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/dating-celtic-fields-with-luminescence 10.1016/j.jas.2026.106536 https://edepot.wur.nl/714623 https://edepot.wur.nl/714623 Agricultural soils Luminescence dating Prehistoric fields Quartz OSL Single-grain feldspar pIRIR https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/5ea88b2c-c482-46ec-a351-859a8fca2b73 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

van der Molen, Michiel K. van de Sande, Marnix In t. Zandt, Michiel Saccomandi, Tori Baartman, Sophie L. Zhao, Hong de Arellano, Jordi Vilà Guerau Article/Letter to editor Global Change Biology 32 (2026) 4 ISSN: 1354-1013 Declining Ecosystem Respiration Linked to Nitrogen Deposition : Insights From a 26-Year FLUXNET Record 2026 Long-term carbon flux measurements at the FLUXNET site Loobos, a Pine forest in the Netherlands, reveal a counter-intuitive decline in total ecosystem respiration (TER) by tens of percents between 1997 and 2021. This trend cannot be explained by temperature variability or methodological changes alone. Instead, our findings point to a biogeochemical mechanism: despite a doubling of soil organic matter stocks, ecosystem respiration appears limited by decomposition rates rather than substrate availability. Soil incubation experiments indicate that microbial activity is limited by substrate quality and strongly acidic conditions (pH = 2.9), associated with large nitrogen deposition. Glucose addition experiments confirm the presence of an active microbiome, but its activity is suppressed under the present acidic soil conditions. These results raise concerns about ecosystem health under conditions of nitrogen deposition and the long-term sustainability of the observed carbon sink. Loobos may serve as an early indicator of broader ecosystem responses to environmental disturbances, as similar negative TER trends have been observed at other long-term FLUXNET sites. To advance understanding of the global carbon cycle, it is essential that observed flux trends are attributed and corroborated by changes in carbon and nitrogen stocks, and that models are continuously confronted with observational data. We therefore discuss the need of periodically measuring pH as soil acidification can be a limiting factor and suggest the need to introduce this variable in model representations of TER near regions sensitive to nitrification. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/declining-ecosystem-respiration-linked-to-nitrogen-deposition-ins 10.1111/gcb.70849 https://edepot.wur.nl/714620 https://edepot.wur.nl/714620 FLUXNET acidification carbon sequestration ecosystem respiration nitrogen soil biology https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/fa6cc6df-50a4-4a6e-a923-04ff6ae616c8 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire dataset

Huijsmans, Jan Goedhart, Paul Dataset Supplementary material for the paper: Revisiting 414 experiments to evaluate ammonia emission and mitigation measures for field-applied manure in The Netherlands 2026 This repository contains the data and data processing scripts for ammonia losses from field-applied manure as presented in the paper “Revisiting 414 experiments to evaluate ammonia emission and mitigation measures for field-applied manure in The Netherlands” by Jan F.M. Huijsmans & Paul W. Goedhart. It describes selected data and scripts for the statistical analyses to create Figures, Tables and Model regression coefficients for a regression model on ammonia losses model for field-applied manure. Wageningen University & Research text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/datasets/supplementary-material-for-the-paper-revisiting-414-experiments-t 10.4121/c420dba5-5e39-4306-adfe-f7e8c56b7582 https://edepot.wur.nl/714619 ammonia application technique arable land bare soil emission factor field-applied manure grassland manure treatment mitigation measures wheat Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/93027769-fe30-45c7-ad89-e03beca25e41 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Morawetz, Linde Widmann, Myriam Eileen Aldea-Sánchez, Patricia Arab, Alireza Ballis, Alexis Brodschneider, Robert Brusbardis, Valters Cadahía, Luis Carreck, Norman L. Chantawannakul, Panuwan Charriere, Jean Daniel Chlebo, Robert Cornelissen, Bram Danihlík, Jiří Danneels, Ellen Diéguez-Antón, Ana Dittman, Tobias Dobrescu, Constantin Fedoriak, Mariia Fischer, Johann Gray, Alison Gregorc, Ales Hatjina, Fani Min Oo, Hlaing Kirby, Melanie Kristiansen, Preben Martikkala, Maritta Mazur, Ewa Wu, Ming Cheng Mutinelli, Franco Özkirim, Asli Raudmets, Aivar Scarlett, Rod Vejsnæs, Flemming Williams, Anthony Williams, Geoffrey R. Fabricius Kristiansen, Lotta Article/Letter to editor Journal of Apicultural Research (2026) ISSN: 0021-8839 From knowledge to healthy colonies: global trends in beekeeper information sources and their usage 2026 Minimising honey bee colony losses requires healthy colonies. An important contributor to maintaining good colony health and vitality is effective colony management, but individual beekeepers vary greatly in their knowledge and application of optimal management practices. Beekeepers become knowledgeable through the acquisition of reliable information, but whilst there are many available information sources for the beekeepers, these vary greatly in quality. The COLOSS B-RAP (Bridging Research and Practice) group, a Core Project of the COLOSS (prevention of honey bee COlony LOSSes) honey bee research association, studies the means for the effective transfer of the latest beekeeping knowledge from scientists and extension workers to practising beekeepers. A purpose-designed questionnaire was used in an international online survey, translated and published by volunteer national coordinators, to collect data on the information sources preferred and most used by the beekeepers, in order to understand the best means for communication and beekeeping education. The study covered 71 countries and received 11,351 responses, mainly from Europe, Asia, North America and Latin America. It was found that knowledge acquisition differed significantly according to various beekeeper characteristics, with the most influential factors being continent, beekeeper age, beekeeping experience and beekeeping education. The results demonstrate the necessity for researchers and beekeeping advisors to diversify their usage of information channels so that a majority of the beekeeping community can access important new bee research results. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/from-knowledge-to-healthy-colonies-global-trends-in-beekeeper-inf 10.1080/00218839.2026.2635698 https://edepot.wur.nl/714617 https://edepot.wur.nl/714617 Honey bees bee health beekeeping education best management practices communication extension good beekeeping practices information source https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/b42b84a4-19be-4d6b-a074-66c6edb548f6 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Rabahi, Soraya Maurin, Lucie Marachlian, Emiliano Guendel, Fabian Mikdache, Aya Quintero-Castillo, Keinis Di Donato, Vincenzo Riou-Ramon, Jessica Kurup, Akshai Janardhana Salloum, Yazan Gros, Gwendoline Diabangouaya, Patricia Garcia-Baudino, Camila Medina-Yáñez, Ignacio Hersen, Pascal Banderas, Alvaro Levraud, Jean Pierre Lutfalla, Georges Bene, Filippo Del Feijoo, Carmen G. Eberl, Gerard Sumbre, German Boekhorst, Jos Brugman, Sylvia Hernandez, Pedro P. Article/Letter to editor Science 392 (2026) 6793 ISSN: 0036-8075 IL-22 from enteroendocrine cells promotes early-life gut motility in zebrafish through the microbiota 2026 The gut microbiota, immune system, and enteric nervous system interact to regulate adult gut physiology. However, the mechanisms establishing gut physiology during development remain unknown. We report that in developing zebrafish, enteroendocrine cells produced interleukin-22 (il-22) in response to microbial signals before lymphocytes populated the gut. in larvae, il-22 shaped the gut microbiota, increasing lactobacillaceae abundance and ghrelin expression to promote gut motility. impaired motility and ghrelin expression were restored in il22−/− zebrafish by transfer of microbiota from wild-type zebrafish or by introducing only Lactobacillus plantarum. il-22–deficient mice also had impaired gut motility and reduced ghrelin expression in early life, indicating a conserved function. Thus, before immune system maturation, enteroendocrine cells regulate early-life gut function by controlling the microbiota through il-22. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/il-22-from-enteroendocrine-cells-promotes-early-life-gut-motility 10.1126/science.adr1707 https://edepot.wur.nl/714616 https://edepot.wur.nl/714616 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/b5e58a8b-94cd-4975-ba54-e034cb734a04 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Berentsen, Jarne Hogeveen, Erwin Wientjes, Emilie Article/Letter to editor Plant Physiology 200 (2026) 4 ISSN: 0032-0889 Ionic regulation of thylakoid membrane architecture: Mg2+-driven destacking and restacking visualized 2026 The thylakoid membrane houses the complexes involved in the light-harvesting reactions of photosynthesis. In plants, this membrane is intricately folded into cylindrical grana stacks, connected by stroma lamellae. This architecture allows for the lateral segregation of photosystem II in the grana and photosystem I in the stroma lamellae. The thylakoid ultrastructure is dynamic and can change in response to light and other environmental cues, allowing for regulation of the light-harvesting reactions. Isolated thylakoid membranes in vitro can reversibly destack and restack depending on the concentration of cations such as Mg2+. However, it is currently unknown how this destacking and restacking is possible, given the complex thylakoid architecture. Here, we combine fluorescence spectroscopy with expansion and electron microscopy to investigate the reversible Mg2+-dependent stacking of Arabidopsis thaliana thylakoids in vitro. Our data suggest that the Mg2+ concentration determines the segregation of photosystem I and photosystem II in the thylakoid membrane, regardless of prior status (stacked or destacked). Furthermore, the microscopy results show that thylakoids under fully destacked conditions still retain loose grana-like structures. The loose nature of this thylakoid architecture likely allows the intermixing of the photosystems. Furthermore, our data suggest thylakoids undergo structural reorganizations upon Mg2+-induced restacking. While complete thylakoid destacking and restacking do not occur in vivo, our results offer insights into how subtle changes in ionic conditions could influence energy distribution and protein mobility through local modulation of membrane stacking. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/ionic-regulation-of-thylakoid-membrane-architecture-mg2-driven-de 10.1093/plphys/kiag101 https://edepot.wur.nl/714614 https://edepot.wur.nl/714614 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/5578a1d0-7615-4ef1-80ee-feed2166b33c 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Togliatti, Elena Jin, Yong Lenzi, Luca Morselli, Davide Degli Esposti, Micaela Fabbri, Paola Milanese, Daniel Strik, David P.B.T.B. Sciancalepore, Corrado Article/Letter to editor ACS Omega 11 (2026) 14 ISSN: 2470-1343 Anaerobic Fermentation of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Plasticized with Glycerol Trilevulinate into Volatile Fatty Acids 2026 Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a promising class of biobased and biodegradable polymers; however, their inherent brittleness and limited processability hinder widespread application. The glycerol trilevulinate (GT) bioplasticizer has been proposed to enhance the mechanical properties of PHAs without compromising their biodegradability. This study investigates the effect of GT at different concentrations on the anaerobic fermentation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) to volatile fatty acids (VFA), focusing on microbial conversion efficiency. These VFA are platform chemicals serving various applications, including resynthesis of PHAs. PHBV/GT blends were characterized in terms of their thermal and morphological properties. The results show that the increased GT percentage reduces the crystallinity and melting temperature, thereby enhancing polymer flexibility. Anaerobic fermentation experiments were conducted using (i) prehydrolyzed PHBV/GT fermentation at fixed 10 wt % GT content and (ii) direct fermentation of PHBV/GT solid particles at different GT concentrations. The findings show that GT-plasticized PHBV was successfully converted into VFA, with acetate and n-butyrate being the predominant fermentation products. While low concentrations of hydrolysate (4–10 g SCOD/L) were efficiently converted, higher concentrations (20 g SCOD/L) did not lead to fermentation, suggesting potential microbial toxicity. The different contents of GT did not affect the microbial conversion process. These findings support the use of GT as plasticizer for PHA-based materials and development of renewable, biodegradable, and microbial recyclable plastic products. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/anaerobic-fermentation-of-poly3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvaler 10.1021/acsomega.6c00869 https://edepot.wur.nl/714613 https://edepot.wur.nl/714613 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/f0ec0c6b-3d83-4af4-a2c6-aa85e91573fc 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Heald, Colette L. Kroll, Jesse H. Murphy, Jennifer G. Farmer, Delphine K. Fry, Juliane L. Article/Letter to editor Environmental Science and Technology 60 (2026) 14 ISSN: 0013-936X Atmospheric Chemistry Insights from the Global COVID-19 Pandemic : A Review 2026 The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting reductions in worldwide emissions, associated primarily with the transport sector, provided an unprecedented opportunity to explore the response of atmospheric chemistry and composition to large anthropogenic emissions perturbations. While air quality generally improved in early 2020, this was tempered by increased formation of secondary pollutants (e.g., O3 and secondary particulate matter, PM) in many regions studied. Declines in NOx emissions were largely responsible for the changes in O3, driving decreases in O3 concentrations in remote regions and increases in urban regions due to both decreases in O3 titration by NOx and also nonlinear changes in O3 production. Lower NOx levels also increased the levels of other oxidants (e.g., OH and O3), leading to a general increase in atmospheric oxidation in polluted urban regions. This enhanced oxidation promoted additional PM formation in some regions but was generally outweighed by decreases in primary PM and other secondary precursors (SO2 and VOCs). The COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to large local perturbations in air quality but only modest reductions in the global abundance of short-lived climate forcers (including O3 and PM). en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/atmospheric-chemistry-insights-from-the-global-covid-19-pandemic- 10.1021/acs.est.5c16737 https://edepot.wur.nl/714611 https://edepot.wur.nl/714611 COVID-19 PM air quality atmospheric chemistry ozone pandemic secondary pollutant https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/ada7296c-49a0-4020-876f-16362aee0667 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Jongen, H.J. Lipson, M. Teuling, A.J. Grimmond, S. Best, M. Baik, J.J. Demuzere, M. Fortuniak, K. Huang, Y. De Kauwe, M. Meili, N. Park, S.B. Wang, C. Wang, Z. Steeneveld, G.J. Article/Letter to editor Geophysical Research Letters 53 (2026) 8 ISSN: 0094-8276 Surface Runoff Discrepancy in Urban-PLUMBER Land Surface Models 2026 Enhanced surface runoff in urban environments reduces water availability and limits the evaporative cooling potential. We evaluate surface runoff in 18 urban land surface models (ULSM) in Urban-PLUMBER for 6,570 rainfall events across 21 urban sites. Surface runoff occurs when rainfall exceeds the infiltration, saturation, or interception capacity. Ten models omit at least one of these processes, while seven fail to increase runoff with increasing imperviousness. Surprisingly, some models lack any runoff during intense (> (Formula presented.)) or prolonged (>20 mm) rainfall. Urban land surface models (ULSMs) turn 0%–86% rainfall into runoff. Most models produce runoff in agreement with an empirical comparison offered by the CN method, especially for high imperviousness. However, ULSM runoff exceeds CN runoff estimates for low impervious fraction, particularly by models with incomplete process description and for low-intensity rainfall. The large discrepancy between ULSMs calls for advancing the urban hydrology representation in ULSMs, which is essential for correct simulation of evaporative cooling in cities. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/surface-runoff-discrepancy-in-urban-plumber-land-surface-models 10.1029/2026GL122048 https://edepot.wur.nl/714610 https://edepot.wur.nl/714610 Hydrometeorology infiltration land-atmosphere exchange modeling saturation urban climate https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/4140a10e-499f-4a19-9871-d92b1d703d5d 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Hapich, Hannah van Emmerik, Tim H.M. Waldschläger, Kryss Maurer, Benjamin Yang, Zhaoqing Gray, Andrew B. Article/Letter to editor Journal of Hydrology 671 (2026) ISSN: 0022-1694 Urban wash-off of tire wear particles 2026 Tire wear particles (TWPs) are an important class of microplastics due to their toxicity and abundance. Because most TWPs are generated on impervious road surfaces, urban wash-off is the critical first phase of waterborne transport from their zone of production to stormwater drainage. However, little is known about the driving factors behind their mobilization. In this study, we use a rainfall simulator to investigate how surface roughness, rainfall intensity, and surface slope affect wash-off behaviors of TWPs. We also analyze how the size and shape of mobilized TWPs change over the course of simulated storm events. We found that low surface roughness, high rainfall intensity (most significant factor), and low slope result in the most rapid conveyance of TWP load. On average, large particles (>1000 µm) travelled faster than small particles (<125 µm). Particle shape explained a very small amount of variance in TWP wash-off velocity but was found to be more important under higher surface roughness conditions. In addition to wash-off velocity, we found similar conditions controlled the percent mobilization of TWPs. Low surface roughness and high rainfall intensity resulting in higher TWP wash-off rates is consistent with mineral sediment wash-off behavior. Conversely, low surface slope and large particle size leading to faster conveyance is directly opposed to mineral sediment wash-off. Our findings suggest drag-dominated flow, and that sufficient runoff depth is the most important parameter governing TWP wash-off. These findings are important first steps to understanding wash-off behaviors of TWPs and informing future modeling efforts and mitigation strategies. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/urban-wash-off-of-tire-wear-particles 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2026.135237 https://edepot.wur.nl/714609 https://edepot.wur.nl/714609 Impervious surfaces Microplastics Particle size distribution Stormwater runoff Tire wear particles Urban wash-off https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/bebc51c3-1edb-490b-a753-a7eb4f50aa04 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire

Sottie, Oscar Kwame Meuwissen, Miranda P.M. Zepeda, Ana Cristina Gavai, Anand K. Koppenberg, Maximilian Article/Letter to editor Agricultural Systems 235 (2026) ISSN: 0308-521X Impact of high-techs on firm-level economic performance and engineering resilience of fruit and vegetable food systems : A systematic review 2026 CONTEXT: High-tech solutions are potential tools to benefit fruit and vegetable (F&V) food systems' firm-level economic performance and engineering resilience. However, their high energy demand and the complexity of integrating high-tech throughout the food system stages may hinder achieving these benefits. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic literature review on the impact of high-techs on firm-level economic performance and engineering resilience of F&V food systems. METHODS: For the period 2016–2024, following the PRISMA protocol, we identified a total of 52 primary studies, yielding 103 estimated effects. Based on predefined criteria, we included high-tech solutions ranging from artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), sensors, blockchain, robotics, data analytics, drones, model predictive control, to decision support systems. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We found that the indicators only partially reflect high-tech solutions' economic performance such as water use reduction (8–95%), increased productivity (5–29%), and reduced food waste (7–25%). The predictive capabilities of high-tech innovations highlight their potential to strengthen the food system's ability to anticipate and mitigate shocks. In addition, we found consumer impacts remain unexamined, including whether high-tech enhances F&V affordability and accessibility. Finally, we developed a conceptual framework illustrating high-techs potential to integrate all F&V system stages. We recommend undertaking more quantitative impact research at the consumer and system-level to identify the potential of high-tech solutions to transform food systems. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results inform policy debates on fostering the use of high-techs in designing F&V systems, and guide firm-level actors who decide on the adoption of high-techs in F&V systems. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/impact-of-high-techs-on-firm-level-economic-performance-and-engin 10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104687 https://edepot.wur.nl/714608 Controlled environment agriculture Digital technology Efficiency Industry 4.0 Supply chain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/da93ff5c-7eac-486a-8003-413d3a3274bd 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Saarloos A., Ardy van Geel, W.C.A. van der Voort, M.P.J. van Oort, P.A.J. van der Gugten, A.S. External research report Climate Neutral Innovation Farm: strategies for sowing catch crops in maize : Testing different sowing strategies for catch crops in Maize and assessing their potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Maize cultivation 2026 In 2025, a field trial took place in Lelystad that evaluated four methods for establishing catch crops in grain maize: no catch crop, under-sowing in early summer, drone-sowing before harvest, and sowing after harvest. All treatments produced good maize yields, and none of the sowing strategies affected the drymatter production or nitrogen uptake. Due to very wet conditions in autumn, all catch crops developed very limited. Because of this, it was not possible to assess the function of the cover crop of reducing mineral nitrogen before winter. Soil measurements in late autumn did not show a decrease in mineral nitrogen in plots with catch-crops compared to the control. Nevertheless, the under-sowing treatment did show the highest soil cover, while drone-sown plots had the poorest development. The digital-twin crop model aligned well with the observed crop development, although it likely underestimated the nitrogen mineralization, leading to lower simulated yields. Model results indicated no serious water or nitrogen stress during the growing season, which is in line with the crop yields. The crop growth model showed its potential for tracking stress and forecasting yields. LCA assessments showed that fertilizer production and soil processes cause over 60% of the greenhouse gas emissions in maize cultivation. Catch crops can theoretically reduce emissions by around 250 CO2-eq/ha, mainly because of the reduced fertilizer needs in the following crop. However, this could not be confirmed due to the poor crop growth. en Wageningen Plant Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/climate-neutral-innovation-farm-strategies-for-sowing-catch-crops 10.18174/711841 https://edepot.wur.nl/711841 https://edepot.wur.nl/711841 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/943e2224-c30a-455f-9d3c-e04404db5895 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Le Floch, Erwan Adam-Blondon, Anne Françoise Alaux, Michael Bardet, Etienne Bas, Noor Bassi, Filippo M. Boczkowska, Maja Bolc, Paulina Brouwer, Matthijs Chalhoub, Boulos De Blok, Reinhoud Desheva, Gergana Etukala, Jagadeeshwar R. Flores, Raphaël Galit, Indira Groenink, Wouter Hauptvogel, Rene Hoekstra, Roel Kehel, Zakaria Kersey, Paul Kowalik, Renata Kumar, Suman Kyosev, Bozhidar Lange, Matthias Lazăr, Cătălin Marinciu, Cristina Martín-Lammerding, Diana Motor, Adrian Pachipala, Mounika Pallero-Baena, Mercedes Petcu, Eugen Pietrusińska-Radzio, Aleksandra Podyma, Wiesław Pommier, Cyril Puchta-Jasińska, Marta Puła, Szymon Reiniers, Laura Ruff, Joseph Ruiz, Magdalena Sansoni, Francesca Schierscher, Beate Șerban, Gabriela Serex, Sarah Vaccino, Patrizia Van Treuren, Robbert Vasile, Mandea Vasilescu, Liliana Visioni, Andrea Weise, Stephan Wijnker, Erik Zaim, Meryem Reif, Jochen C. Berkner, Marcel O. Article/Letter to editor Scientific Data 13 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2052-4463 Wheat historical phenotypic data from European genebanks as an important resource for research and breeding 2026 Plant genetic resources are considered a treasure trove of valuable, untapped diversity that holds the key to breeding the crops of the future. However, the use of these resources in breeding is often limited due to the lack of comprehensive phenotypic characterization. The present study provides extensive historical phenotypic data from nine genebanks as a MIAPPE compliant data set. We compiled and curated phenotypic data from 43,293 wheat accessions, encompassing 460,399 data points across 52 traits, including the three core traits of plant height, heading time, and thousand kernel weight from seven decades. The exceptional quality of the presented dataset was highlighted by predominantly high heritabilities. Phenotypic data of such quantity and quality is a crucial resource for unlocking the valuable diversity of plant genetic resources for agricultural advancement. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/wheat-historical-phenotypic-data-from-european-genebanks-as-an-im 10.1038/s41597-026-06908-x https://edepot.wur.nl/714599 https://edepot.wur.nl/714599 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/56b01159-717f-4c15-a97e-7c5bf725a646 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Klink, Urte Feskens, Edith J.M. Lucassen, Desiree A. Vingerhoeds, Monique H. Haider, Sandra Papantoniou, Kyriaki Matullat, Imke Cuparencu, Catalina Aufschnaiter, Anna Lena Fuchs-Neuhold, Bianca Höfler, Christina Wallner, Marlies Binder-Olibrowska, Katarzyna W. Wrzesińska, Magdalena Agnieszka Lammers-van der Holst, Heidi M. Santonja, Isabel Scionti, Katrin Schoissengeier, Vanessa Wagner, Karl Heinz Wakolbinger, Maria Winzer, Eva Ummels, Meeke Jilani, Hannah Article/Letter to editor Nutrition Journal 25 (2026) 1 ISSN: 1475-2891 Night shift work and dietary behaviors: a comparative analysis of European night shift and day workers from the SHIFT2HEALTH online survey 2026 Night shift workers are more likely to exhibit unfavorable dietary behaviors than day workers. However, these differences remain insufficiently explored within the European workforce. This study aims to examine differences in dietary behaviors (food intake frequency, eating frequency) by night shift exposure (history, frequency, duration) to investigate eating frequency, meal timing, and food choice determinants during night shifts, and to explore gender differences across Europe. Data were collected via an online survey (May 2024-January 2025) in eight countries (Austria, Germany, Denmark, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain). Participants self-reported sociodemographics, occupational sector, current work schedules, shift work history, lifestyle characteristics, and dietary behaviors. A shortened Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) assessed dietary intake, alongside questions on eating rate and frequency on work and non-work-days. Current night shift workers additionally reported eating frequency, timing, and food choice determinants during night shifts. Analyses compared dietary behaviors by night shift exposure (current, former, vs. day worker). Among current night shift workers, associations with night shift frequency (nights/month) and duration (years) were examined. Secondary analyses were stratified by gender. A total of 6,260 individuals were included (mean age 40.7, SD 10.7; 50.5% female). Overall, 60.4% were current night shift workers, 19.6% former night shift workers, and 20% day workers. Compared to day workers, current night shift workers reported significantly faster eating rates (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.06–1.37), more frequent intake of sugar-sweetened (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.14–1.48) and caffeinated beverages (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01–1.30), and lower fruit intake (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77–0.98). Higher monthly night shift load and longer duration of night work were associated with less favorable dietary patterns. Most current night shift workers reported one to two eating occasions per night, typically at the beginning or middle of their shift. Food choices were primarily driven by appetite, time, and food availability. Gender differences were observed only in food choice determinants. Night shift and day workers in Europe showed differences in dietary behaviors, particularly in sugar-sweetened beverage intake and eating rate. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to promote healthy eating among shift working populations. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/night-shift-work-and-dietary-behaviors-a-comparative-analysis-of--2 10.1186/s12937-026-01320-y https://edepot.wur.nl/714597 https://edepot.wur.nl/714597 Diet Diet Surveys Europe Food Intake Food Preferences Night shift work https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/aad56ea2-bad0-48b0-a122-d226698a1817 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Rosa, Nina Long, John W. Klippel, Alexander Zhao, Jiayan Wallgrün, Jan Oliver Brick, Timothy R. Maksi, Sara J. Keller, Kathleen L. Cheah, Charissa S.L. Boot, Lee Edwards, Caitlyn G. Rolls, Barbara J. Masterson, Travis D. Article/Letter to editor Computers in Human Behavior Reports 22 (2026) ISSN: 2451-9588 CRAVE: Cross-Reality Analytics for Virtual Environments — deepening insights into human food selection and eating behavior 2026 Virtual reality (VR) has long been hailed as an effective tool for behavioral research studies combining experimental control with ecological validity. Two frequently used categories of behavioral studies using VR can be distinguished: behavior in VR is studied as a proxy for behavior in physical reality, or behavior change in physical reality is studied after experiencing interventions in VR. In this paper, we explore and discuss a third category: behavior in VR and behavior in physical reality are analytically combined to leverage the experiential differences between the two, and to better understand human behavior. For this approach, we coin the term cross-reality analytics , where behavior in multiple realities is observed, combined and analyzed. We place these three categories in a proposed conceptual framework, and discuss similarities and differences between cross-reality analytical studies, proxy and interventions studies. To illustrate cross-reality analytics, we also present hitherto unpublished results from a cross-reality study, analyzing food selection data collected in VR and connecting it with eating behavior data in physical reality. Results show that data on virtual food choices (e.g., virtual fruit or vegetable first) are associated with physical eating behavior (e.g., total physical food consumed), and that additional insights were gained about human behavior by analyzing unique behavior in VR (e.g., physically impossible portion size manipulation) and combining it with data from physical reality (e.g., total physical food consumed). The results illustrate the potential of cross-reality analytics for developing a deeper understanding of behavioral traits, and show promise for future behavioral research. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/crave-cross-reality-analytics-for-virtual-environments-deepening- 10.1016/j.chbr.2026.101053 https://edepot.wur.nl/714596 https://edepot.wur.nl/714596 Behavioral studies Cross-reality analytics Eating behavior Extended reality Virtual reality https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/20151302-dbac-418b-bb92-3482706e59c3 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Hidayat, Andi Rahmat Hospes, Otto Termeer, C.J.A.M. Article/Letter to editor Land Use Policy 167 (2026) ISSN: 0264-8377 Uneven recognition : A comparative study of indigenous communities’ struggle for securing customary land rights in Indonesia 2026 The struggle for customary land rights in Indonesia gained prominence following the collapse of Suharto's authoritarian regime in 1998 and the country's subsequent transition to democracy and decentralization. While these changes seized new political space to (re)claim rights over land previously appropriated by public authorities and companies, the realization of these rights has remained limited in practice. This study examines why recognition of customary land rights has succeeded in some communities but not in others by comparing three districts in Sulawesi. We identify four main findings: while various national laws have formally recognized customary land rights of adat communities, in all cases, adat communities struggled with legal fragmentation. Second, those who were able to establish close connections with influential politicians and did not face alliances of predatory interests between state and business elites were best positioned to get their adat claims recognized by local authorities. Third, the local presence of NGOs is crucial in helping the communities navigate complex government procedures, but most importantly, in cultivating and maintaining close ties with state actors. Finally, reform-oriented leadership can facilitate recognition, particularly when communities have established strong informal ties with this leader. Based on these findings, we propose several measures to enhance the prospect for recognition: simplifying bureaucratic procedures; strengthening the capacities and outreach of local NGOs to support adat communities; emphasizing the importance of developing close, informal ties by adat communities with local leaders; and reforming the electoral system to reduce politicians’ vulnerability to co-optation by extractive interests. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/uneven-recognition-a-comparative-study-of-indigenous-communities- 10.1016/j.landusepol.2026.108061 https://edepot.wur.nl/714591 https://edepot.wur.nl/714591 Customary rights, adat communities Forest Indonesia Land Recognition Struggle https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/9bed7e65-bc5e-4624-963e-bd1399522ddb 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire

Caylor, Kelly K. Mankin, Justin Rull, Maria Cristina Guan, Dabo Abatzoglou, John de Beurs, Kirsten Le Cozannet, Gonéri Dalin, Carole Diffenbaugh, Noah S. Kopp, Robert E. Mishra, Ashok Mishra, Vimal Puma, Michael Reed, Patrick M. Sadegh, Mojtaba Seroussi, Helene Trugman, Anna Zhang, Xin Zhao, Lei Article/Letter to editor Earth's Future 14 (2026) 4 ISSN: 2328-4277 Thank You to Our 2025 Peer Reviewers 2026 en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/thank-you-to-our-2025-peer-reviewers 10.1029/2026EF008660 https://edepot.wur.nl/714590 editorial peer review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/f98997df-57dc-41c1-ae0c-e696cc910092 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Leermakers, F.A.M. Ruiz-Martínez, L. Stoyanov, S.D. van der Gucht, J. Article/Letter to editor Journal of Physical Chemistry B 130 (2026) 14 ISSN: 1520-6106 Self-Consistent Field Analysis of Segregative Aqueous Dextran─Poly(ethylene glycol) Solutions : (3) Polymer-Induced Loop-to-Bridge and Capillary Bridge Forces 2026 When colloidal particles are added to a two-phase system such that the minority phase forms capillary bridges between the particles, then─above the percolation threshold─a strong gel is formed. We focus on an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) composed of dextran-water-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with dispersed silica particles that are preferentially wetted by the minority PEG-rich phase. This ATPS is characterized by an ultralow interfacial tension between the PEG-rich and dextran-rich phases, especially when the water content (control parameter) in the phases is high. The Scheutjens-Fleer version of self-consistent field (SF-SCF) theory is used to investigate these systems. We focus on the (equilibrium) force–distance relations between the particles using a molecularly detailed model with parameters established by previous works and pay attention to the effects of particle size, the interfacial tension, the Laplace pressure, and the contact angle. The interparticle interactions appear to be strongly dominated by proximal polymer-induced loop-to-bridge attractive forces, and the capillary contributions that dominate at larger interparticle distances, are, as expected, comparatively weak. The three-gradient SCF results indicate that the pairwise additivity approximation, usually assumed in coarse-grained computer simulations, may be compromised because capillary bridges, especially when the contact angle vanishes, can easily merge. As an illustration we present a three-gradient SCF result for a capillary suspension. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/self-consistent-field-analysis-of-segregative-aqueous-dextranpoly-2 10.1021/acs.jpcb.5c08087 https://edepot.wur.nl/714586 https://edepot.wur.nl/714586 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/4af146d9-ae49-4116-be8e-f15ae1deb463 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Guasconi, Daniela Pallandt, Marleen Martinović, Tijana Aleinikoviene, Jūratė Behling, Dorian Filipek, Sara Lehtonen, Aleksi Mäkipää, Raisa Ťupek, Boris Baldrian, Petr Manzoni, Stefano Article/Letter to editor Applied Soil Ecology 222 (2026) ISSN: 0929-1393 Integrating microbial community composition with abiotic drivers enhances prediction of soil respiration in managed Scots pine forests 2026 Carbon (C) turnover in forest soils is jointly controlled by abiotic factors, such as temperature, soil moisture, and soil properties, as well as microbial activity, which drive organic matter decomposition and its associated CO₂ fluxes. While microbial biomass is recognized as a predictor of soil respiration, the role of microbial community composition and diversity in shaping C dynamics under field conditions remains underrepresented in models. Here, we quantify the relative contributions of microbial biomass, taxonomic diversity, and community composition to soil heterotrophic respiration (Rh) across five managed Scots pine forests in Europe. Integrating microbial variables (fungal and bacterial PLFA, ITS and 16S sequencing) with abiotic drivers substantially improved model performance, explaining ~20% more variance in Rh than models based solely on abiotic drivers. Among microbial predictors, the fungi:bacteria ratio and bacterial community composition were consistently strong predictors of Rh. Fungal effects were modulated by soil temperature, with fungal diversity negatively and fungal biomass positively correlated with respiration at high temperatures. A structural equation model further showed that soil properties influenced Rh indirectly through their effects on microbial communities. Together, our results demonstrate that microbial community composition improves predictions of soil respiration beyond abiotic factors alone, and provide insights into how biomass, diversity, and composition interact with environmental drivers to regulate soil C cycling. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/integrating-microbial-community-composition-with-abiotic-drivers- 10.1016/j.apsoil.2026.107015 https://edepot.wur.nl/714584 https://edepot.wur.nl/714584 Bacteria Fungi Soil ecology Soil respiration https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/f5ff4aef-8dd4-4bce-8774-cf266129a397 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

de Vries, Rachelle Neufingerl, Nicole Zandstra, Elizabeth H. Article/Letter to editor Future Foods 13 (2026) ISSN: 2666-8335 Pro animal-based or pro plant-based? A multi-country consumer segmentation and profiling on willingness to pay for animal-versus plant-based meat and dairy products 2026 A gradual shift from animal-based consumption toward more plant-based diets is crucial for public and planetary health. However, one practical barrier for this protein transition includes the (perceived) financial accessibility of plant-based alternatives. We further explore this tension by examining whether consumers in a large multi-country sample can be reliably distinguished based on their relative willingness to pay for animal- versus plant-based products (WTPΔ) across meat and dairy categories. We subsequently profiled emergent segments on psychographic characteristics, including their readiness to reduce animal-based consumption (i.e., behavior change stage). Participants from the USA (N = 1614), the UK (N = 1664), and the Netherlands (N = 1967) completed an online survey that measured their WTP for animal- and plant-based variants of diverse meat and dairy products. Segments were identified using a k -means algorithm on standardized WTPΔ scores across countries. Consistently among product categories, two clusters emerged: a pro animal-based cluster and a pro plant-based cluster. Pro animal-based consumers (25.2 % for meat and 19.8 % for dairy) exhibited a higher relative valuation of animal-based products (MWTPΔMeat = 1.35; MWTPΔDairy = 1.64), while pro plant-based consumers (74.8 % for meat and 80.2 % for dairy) reported a higher WTP for plant-based alternatives (MWTPΔMeat = -0.46; MWTPΔDairy = -0.41). For both categories, the pro animal-based cluster expressed a lower behavior change stage, lower intention to consume plant-based alternatives, greater perceived barriers for reducing animal-based intake, and more older and rurally-situated consumers. Our findings allude to the potential utility of tailoring behavioral interventions to emergent cluster profiles. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/pro-animal-based-or-pro-plant-based-a-multi-country-consumer-segm 10.1016/j.fufo.2026.101005 https://edepot.wur.nl/714580 https://edepot.wur.nl/714580 Behavior change Cluster analysis Consumer segmentation Protein transition Transtheoretical model Willingness to pay https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/78abd098-7aad-424b-9cfe-33ebd9d6b8ee 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Nugroho, Aryo D. Chin, Yi Ling Fischer, Lara F. Boom, Remko M. Keppler, Julia K. Article/Letter to editor Future Foods 13 (2026) ISSN: 2666-8335 Simple downstream processing: Purification of precision-fermented β-lactoglobulin from yeast by Alginate precipitation and Its effect on gelation 2026 Precision fermentation using Komagataella phaffii enables the production of yeast-derived recombinant β-lactoglobulin (rBLG), without the ethical concerns associated with cow’s milk production. However, more cost-effective downstream processing strategies are needed than the conventional chromatographic purification. Alginate has been shown to facilitate the separation of rBLG from impurities through complex coacervation, exploiting electrostatic interactions between alginate and protein at low pH to enable rBLG isolation. As alginate is widely used in foods as a stabilising and gelling agent, its complete removal from the target protein may not be necessary. Optimal protein precipitation was achieved at pH 3 with an alginate-to-protein molar ratio of 0.05:1, resulting in a protein recovery of 95.3 %. Complete removal of alginate proved challenging; following the alginate removal step, a final protein purity of 87 % was achieved, with 13 % residual alginate. In contrast, when alginate was retained, the protein fraction had a purity of 74.5 %, with 25.5 % alginate. Gelation tests confirmed that unpurified rBLG at 28 % protein cannot gel, whereas rBLG purified with alginate resulted in an earlier onset of gelation (23–29 min) and a higher final strength (1–3 kPa) compared to the reference, although the gel remained relatively brittle (with a critical strain of 1–1.5 %). This study highlights alginate coacervation as a viable approach for rBLG purification and suggests that retaining residual alginate may be advantageous for tailoring functionality to specific end-use applications. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/simple-downstream-processing-purification-of-precision-fermented- 10.1016/j.fufo.2026.101003 https://edepot.wur.nl/714578 https://edepot.wur.nl/714578 Cellular agriculture Complex coacervation Fractionation Milk protein Pichia pastoris Protein gel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/df6d08b4-cb56-400f-8037-3de0779ad180 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Wei, Wei Sun, Congcong Wu, Lin Lan, Jianglin Article/Letter to editor Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 248 (2026) ISSN: 0168-1699 Multi-objective hierarchical reinforcement learning for efficient and safe robotic manure cleaning in dairy barns 2026 Autonomous mobile robots for manure removal in dairy barns must resolve conflicting objectives of cleaning efficiency, environmental impact, and animal welfare under highly cluttered and dynamic barn conditions. We introduce a Multi-Objective Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning (MO-HRL) framework that integrates a Global Evolutionary Scheduler (GES) for long-horizon cleaning task planning with an Adaptive RL-based Executor (ARE) for real-time, risk-aware robot motion control. The GES solves a multi-objective optimization problem over the robot's travel distance, ammonia emissions, and cleaning yield via an evolutionary algorithm. The ARE employs a constrained Markov decision process enriched with historical high-loss weighting, adaptive action masking, and a final execution shield to guarantee smooth, non-injurious contacts with cows. In Webots simulations across three barn layouts (with ten, twenty, and thirty free-roaming cows, respectively), MO-HRL maintains high task completion (≥93.03%) with low comfort-distance violations (≤6.67%), achieves a peak throughput of 1.98kg/min, and shortens completion time by up to 6× versus PPO (up to 8× in Small). Ammonia emission reduction reaches up to 0.144 kgm−3. These results indicate that hierarchical, risk-aware RL can translate long-horizon scheduling and real-time safety constraints into tangible gains for rapid, safe, and sustainable barn sanitation. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/multi-objective-hierarchical-reinforcement-learning-for-efficient 10.1016/j.compag.2026.111749 https://edepot.wur.nl/714576 https://edepot.wur.nl/714576 Animal welfare Dairy barn Manure cleaning Mobile robots Reinforcement learning https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/da452cd6-517f-48c6-bf73-594664e36d1a 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Mukhopadhyay, Anirban Pramanick, Niloy Acharyya, Rituparna Loc, Ho Huu Hati, Jyoti Prakash Pramanik, Malay Chanda, Abhra Bharadwaz, Ganni S.V.S.A. Szatten, Dawid Habel, Michal Article/Letter to editor Climate Services 42 (2026) ISSN: 2405-8807 Multidimensional vulnerability and risk analysis of the Andaman coast of Thailand : A coupled model-based approach 2026 This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of vulnerability and risk to populations and critical infrastructure along the Andaman coast of Thailand, an area highly susceptible to coastal hazards. We combined the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-Offs (InVEST) Coastal Vulnerability Model (CVM) and the Digital Shoreline Assessment System (DSAS), further utilising an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to integrate and analyse diverse variables. The analysis considered shoreline change rates, erosion-accretion dynamics, regional sea-level rise projections, flooding and inundation patterns, tsunami surge probabilities, cyclone trajectories, and socioeconomic factors, including population density and the distribution of critical infrastructure. InVEST CVM incorporated indices such as wave exposure, geomorphology, and natural habitats, while DSAS provided long-term shoreline change data. Vulnerability was quantified by integrating model outputs into the ANN, accounting for exposure, hazard, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Risk was calculated by combining vulnerability with the spatial distribution of population and infrastructure. Results reveal that approximately 35% of the coastline is classified as highly vulnerable (particularly the outward-facing shores in Phang Nga, Ranong, Krabi, and Satun), with erosion rates exceeding –9.8 m per year in certain zones. In contrast, the highest risk is concentrated in densely populated areas, particularly Phuket, having risk scores above 0.8 (on a scale of 0 to 1). Less-populated but highly vulnerable regions could become high-risk zones in the future due to development. The study underscores the importance of early, targeted interventions and integrated planning to strengthen the resilience of Thailand's Andaman coastline amid growing climate-related hazards. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/multidimensional-vulnerability-and-risk-analysis-of-the-andaman-c 10.1016/j.cliser.2026.100660 https://edepot.wur.nl/714572 https://edepot.wur.nl/714572 Coastal erosion Coastal flooding Critical infrastructure Cyclone trajectory Population risk Regional sea level rise https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/028bf35c-28a7-4e4d-849e-5aed48b36ef7 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Gupta, Suyash Geurkink, Bert de Rink, Rieks Plugge, Caroline M. Muyzer, Gerard Article/Letter to editor Journal of applied microbiology 137 (2026) 4 ISSN: 1364-5072 Enhanced activity and tolerance of sulfide-oxidizing bacteria in a dual reactor haloalkaline biodesulfurization system 2026 Abstract Aims Studies on haloalkaline biodesulfurization (BD) systems have depicted the process efficiency and active microbial community. This paper aims to unravel the functional potential of BD system’s microbial community by investigating its metabolic potential through molecular and kinetic approaches. Methods and results Biomass from all sections of a pilot dual-reactor BD system from six different operations was analyzed using kinetic, molecular, and genomic approaches. For kinetic analyses, at the end of six runs, biological oxidation (BO) rates of sulfide (0.1-2 mmol L−1), thiosulfate (0.1 to 32 mmol L−1), and biologically formed sulfur in the BD system (bio-sulfur) (5 mmol L−1) were measured. Highest BO rates were ∼0.38 µmol O2 mgN−1 sec−1 for sulfide at 1 mmol L−1-S HS− for the run with 0.9 g L−1 sulfide and 10 min HRT (hydraulic retention time) in anoxic reactor and 0.064 µmol O2 mgN−1 sec−1 at 2 mmol L−1 S2O32−-S, for the run with 0.5 0.9 g L−1 sulfide and 10 min HRT in anoxic reactor, cDNA-based qPCR of sqr and fccB genes revealed association with sulfide oxidation efficiency and element sulfur formation. Function predictions via R-based functional prediction tool Tax4Fun2 indicated a truncated Sox pathway of thiosulfate oxidation. Conclusions Higher sulfide concentrations boosted biological activity and increased tolerance within the active BD microbiome. Both FccAB and Sqr were prevalent, indicating their essential roles in sulfide oxidation. The predicted truncated Sox system suggests thiosulfate dismutation to sulfate and elemental sulfur. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/enhanced-activity-and-tolerance-of-sulfide-oxidizing-bacteria-in- 10.1093/jambio/lxag082 https://edepot.wur.nl/714571 https://edepot.wur.nl/714571 Fcc Sox system Sqr biological sulfide oxidation functional qPCR sulfide tolerance thiosulfate dismutation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/65fc5368-93a1-4fa1-be19-7ff2e7ff2d81 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Teickner, Henning Agethen, Svenja Berger, Sina Boelsen, Rieke Inga Borken, Werner Bragazza, Luca Broder, Tanja De La Cruz, Florentino B. Diaconu, Andrei Cosmin Dise, Nancy B. Drollinger, Simon Estop-Aragonés, Cristian Gałka, Mariusz Martí, Magalí Glatzel, Stephan Groß, Jessica Harris, Lorna Heffernan, Liam Hodgkins, Suzanne B. Hömberg-Grandjean, Annkathrin Hoppe, Helga Kleinebecker, Till Knierzinger, Wolfgang Liu, Haojie Mathijssen, Paul Mollmann, Christopher Schuster, Wiebke Närtker, Lisa Olefeldt, David Pancotto, Verónica Pelletier, Nicolas Reuter, Hendrik Robroek, Bjorn Svensson, Bo H. Talbot, Julie Thompson, Lauren Worrall, Fred Yu, Zhi Guo Knorr, Klaus Holger Article/Letter to editor Scientific Data 13 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2052-4463 Peatland Mid-Infrared Database 2026 Systematic collections of peat mid-infrared spectra and other peat properties are scarce, but useful to understand peat chemistry and develop spectral prediction models. The Peatland Mid-Infrared Database ('pmird') stores 3877 mid-infrared spectra of peat, peat-forming vegetation, and dissolved organic matter, together with measurements of other peat properties that were collated from previous studies. Most of the peat samples are from northern bogs, whereas southern or tropical peat and fen peat is underrepresented. The data are supplemented with metadata on sample origin, sample processing, measurements, and quality indicators on whether spectra are baseline corrected or not and on the relative contribution of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and noise to the spectra. The 'pmird' database can be used to analyze peat properties, develop and test spectral prediction models, and develop data and metadata standards. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/peatland-mid-infrared-database 10.1038/s41597-026-06986-x https://edepot.wur.nl/714570 https://edepot.wur.nl/714570 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/77412541-206b-49fd-82c0-a437a39fd5af 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Yi, Qianying Hempel, Sabrina Janke, David Wang, Xiaoshuai Zhang, Guoqiang Aarnink, André J.A. Amon, Barbara Amon, Thomas Article/Letter to editor Results in Engineering 30 (2026) ISSN: 2590-1230 Influence of barn design on airflow and airborne pollutant dispersion in a naturally ventilated pig barn with an outdoor yard 2026 The environmental impact and potential public health impacts of naturally ventilated pig barns with outdoor exercise yards are less well studied compared to conventional intensive housing systems. The aim of this paper was to investigate the characteristics of airflow and gaseous emissions from an outdoor exercise yard in a naturally ventilated pig barn, and the impact of the barn emissions on the surrounding environment. The investigations were carried out using a 1:50 scaled pig barn model with different inlet opening sizes and roof structures in a large atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel. Air velocities at the emission active surface, as well as air velocities and tracer gas concentrations at four planes downwind of the barn model were measured using a 2-dimensional Laser Doppler Anemometer and a Fast Response Flame Ionisation Detector system. It was found that the opening size and roof structure had a large impact on the airflow patterns and thus on the gas dispersion. The airflow measurement results demonstrated that the pig barn with small openings especially those without roof over the outdoor yard might have less environmental impact on the surroundings. This study contributed to a detailed understanding of airflow and dispersion characteristics downwind the pig barn and provided insights for structural design of similar pig barns aiming to mitigate their environmental impacts. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/influence-of-barn-design-on-airflow-and-airborne-pollutant-disper 10.1016/j.rineng.2026.110458 https://edepot.wur.nl/714568 https://edepot.wur.nl/714568 Gas distribution Mass flux Opening size Roof slope https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/7b7a5bf4-288c-486c-9b6b-580524d13f99 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire

Nieuwland, M. Acierno, V. Article/Letter to editor Voedingsindustrie : vakblad 33 (2026) 3 ISSN: 2213-5758 Eiwitingrediënten uit erwt en tuinboon: verbeterd product door ingrediënten te toasten 2026 Veganistische alternatieven maken voor vlees en zuivel is niet makkelijk. Een grote uitdaging is om gangbare ingrediënten als bonen en granen te laten smaken naar iets wat ze niet zijn: vlees, kaas of melk. Ook de textuur en het mondgevoel moeten lijken op een dierlijke tegenhanger. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (onderdeel van Wageningen University & Research, WUR) onderzoekt of het mogelijk is een product van boon en erwt te maken met minder off-flavours en behoud van functionaliteit. nl application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/eiwitingrediënten-uit-erwt-en-tuinboon-verbeterd-product-door-ing-2 https://edepot.wur.nl/714220 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/d1648b25-a355-4b94-a754-71934c21085f 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire

Savonije, W.M. Savonije, L. Article/Letter to editor H2O online (2026) Waterkwaliteit op de kaart: op zoek naar impact buiten de watersector 2026 ‘Waterkwaliteit staat op de kaart binnen onze bubbel, maar nog niet daarbuiten.’ Met deze scherpe observatie zette keynote spreker Sander Mager direct de toon tijdens het 8e Waterkwaliteit op de Kaart (WOK) Symposium. Want hoewel kennis, data en aandacht voor waterkwaliteit de afgelopen jaren sterk zijn toegenomen, blijft de vraag knagen: waarom vertaalt dit zich nog onvoldoende naar zichtbare verbetering in de praktijk? nl text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/waterkwaliteit-op-de-kaart-op-zoek-naar-impact-buiten-de-watersec https://edepot.wur.nl/714457 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/8d1c7222-33d9-4336-9f86-4ab215806cb2 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire

Renzetti, Stefano Siccama, Joanne Timmermans, Rian Woudstra, Rimmer Nederhoff, Louise Groot, Masja Nierop Article/Letter to editor Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies 111 (2026) ISSN: 1466-8564 Heat-load–guided microbial decontamination of wheat flour and grains: Balancing safety and baking performance across vacuum steam, microwave, and radio-frequency treatments 2026 Wheat flour is microbiologically stable due to low aw, but pathogens like Salmonella and Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli can persist, posing risks in products lacking adequate heat treatment. Conventional high-temperature processing is unsuitable, because it impairs flour functionality for baking. This study compared the effectiveness of three thermal technologies, vacuum steam (VS), microwave (MW), and radio frequency (RF), for microbial inactivation in wheat grain and flour, while assessing impacts on flour functionality. Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354, a surrogate for Salmonella, was used to evaluate microbial reduction. Treatments were conducted at temperatures from 55 °C to 95 °C with holding times of 5–13 min. Heat loads (HL) calculated from measured temperature-time profiles during treatments were used to compare effects across technologies. Flour functionality was evaluated based on free sulfhydryl group (free-SH) content, pasting properties, starch gelatinization behaviour, and bread volume. HL ≤ 11 k°C·s enabled to achieve 3–6 log reduction of E. faecium in flour compared to 1–2.5 in grain, with VS showing generally higher reductions for similar HL compared to MW and RF. Flour functionality (i.e. free-SH, pasting properties and bread volume) were also a function of the applied HL, with gluten aggregation being the main mechanism. Overall, HL emerged as a valuable metric to compare effects of the different technologies and temperature-time conditions. This result allowed to identify heat load conditions to achieve 3–6 log reduction of E. faecium, while preserving flour functionality. Low temperatures (i.e. 55–65 °C) applied for few minutes emerged as promising treatment conditions across technologies. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/heat-loadguided-microbial-decontamination-of-wheat-flour-and-grai 10.1016/j.ifset.2026.104586 https://edepot.wur.nl/714532 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/141c98e8-8b6f-47bd-8d5c-0e4cc71b4112 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Andersson, Erik Enqvist, Johan Tengö, Maria Aaltonen, Valtteri Article/Letter to editor Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 80 (2026) ISSN: 1877-3435 Transforming the nature of cities — stewardship and more-than-human agency 2026 ‘Stewardship’ is widely promoted as a potentially transformative practice to foster more sustainable human-nature relationships. However, much of the evidence relates to collaborative, consensus-based initiatives where the cared-for nature, like gardens or parks, is domesticated or considered to be aligned with human norms and interests. This article uses cities and their complex and often contested nature(s) to investigate how the conceptualization of stewardship could be expanded to better address how to work with, and benefit from, plurality and tensions. Drawing on and synthesizing the recent advances and insights into stewardship and more-than-human agency and entanglements, the article takes a relational perspective on stewardship in recognition of agency in others, people as well as non-humans, and ways of living with tensions between these different actors and agencies. The study concludes with a discussion about stewardship as a compass for relating to others and finding acceptable and constructive ways of working with and around differences to make cities more livable for all their current and future inhabitants. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/transforming-the-nature-of-cities-stewardship-and-more-than-human 10.1016/j.cosust.2026.101628 https://edepot.wur.nl/714530 https://edepot.wur.nl/714530 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/5ca4aafa-468a-4ddb-93f7-d3f875ee15bd 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Remling, Elise Mert, Ayşem Behagel, Jelle Glynos, Jason Feine, Julia Article/Letter to editor Earth System Governance 28 (2026) ISSN: 2589-8116 Ecopolitical catatonia : How political fantasies sustain inaction in global environmental politics 2026 en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/ecopolitical-catatonia-how-political-fantasies-sustain-inaction-i 10.1016/j.esg.2026.100330 https://edepot.wur.nl/714528 https://edepot.wur.nl/714528 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/2221e37c-58fb-4a1d-a2e3-31e9ab2415f9 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Tian, Xuemeng de Bruin, Sytze Schneider, Florian Herold, Martin de Beurs, Kirsten Article/Letter to editor Global Change Biology 32 (2026) 4 ISSN: 1354-1013 Modeling Soil Organic Carbon Changes Using Signal-To-Noise Analysis : A Case Study Using European Soil Survey Datasets 2026 Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a key indicator of soil health and a crucial component of climate mitigation, making its reliable monitoring increasingly important. While Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) based on Machine Learning and Earth Observation (EO) data enables the generation of time series of spatially explicit SOC predictions, detecting temporal changes from these model predictions remains challenging due to the relatively large associated uncertainties. Although prediction uncertainties are now commonly reported, few studies have explicitly accounted for them when assessing SOC change. This study introduces a model-based signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) framework to assess the detectability of SOC change using both the state-first approach—modeling SOC states at each time point and then deriving change—and the change-first approach—modeling SOC change directly from repeated measurements. SNR is defined as the ratio of predicted SOC (concentration, g/kg) change to its modeled uncertainty, enabling evaluation of change-model reliability at pixel levels. Applied to repeated SOC observations from the pan-European Land Use and Coverage Area Frame Survey, this framework assesses the reliability of SOC change modeling across multiple land-cover types using Random Forest and Quantile Regression Forests. At the site level, prediction accuracy was poor and SNR values were consistently low. An illustrative aggregation analysis showed that spatial averaging improved SNR, supporting SOC change assessments at broader scales. However, further work is needed to incorporate land use and management information and to systematically examine how different aggregation schemes affect the results in various contexts, ensuring that aggregated outcomes remain meaningful and policy-relevant. As an internal metric based on model predictions and their estimated uncertainty, SNR provides a practical diagnostic of change-model confidence, especially when repeated ground-truth SOC measurements are not available. We advocate for routine SNR reporting to enhance the transparency and credibility of DSM-based SOC change monitoring. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/modeling-soil-organic-carbon-changes-using-signal-to-noise-analys 10.1111/gcb.70813 https://edepot.wur.nl/714521 https://edepot.wur.nl/714521 change detection digital soil mapping machine learning signal-to-noise ratio soil organic carbon https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/1db2a382-f54c-4110-923c-e1fc9dfdd38a 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire dataset

Kalumbilo, Mubonda Mwaba, Mukuka Banda, Agripina Chuba, David van Mastrigt, Oscar Schoustra, Sijmen E. Smid, Eddy J. De Deyn, Gerlinde Dataset Data supporting the publication: How plant species origin, identity and cereal type shape the microbial composition and functional properties of Munkoyo, a traditional fermented beverage 2026 This dataset supports a study on the microbial and functional diversity of Munkoyo, a traditional non-alcoholic fermented cereal beverage widely consumed in Zambia and neighbouring countries. Munkoyo is produced through spontaneous fermentation of cooked cereals inoculated with roots from specific wild plant species, locally referred to as “Munkoyo plants.” The dataset comprises three complementary experiments designed to evaluate the effects of (i) plant species identity, (ii) geographic origin, and (iii) cereal substrate (maize or sorghum) on bacterial community composition and functional properties of the beverage.Results show that Munkoyo produced using roots from different co-occurring plant species exhibits distinct fermentation dynamics. Final pH values after 72 hours ranged from 3.5 to 4.5, with Rhynchosia insignis-derived beverages showing the lowest pH, while Eminia holubii-derived Munkoyo exhibited faster acidification, reaching minimum pH within 24 hours. In addition, primary metabolite profiles, aroma composition, and bacterial community structure differed significantly between these plant species. Geographic origin effects were assessed using R. insignis roots collected from three districts. The origin significantly influenced titratable acidity, aroma profiles, and bacterial community composition, indicating strong terroir effects.Cereal substrate (maize versus sorghum) did not significantly affect final pH but did influence bacterial community composition.Overall, the dataset demonstrates that plant species identity, geographic origin, and substrate type are key drivers of microbial community assembly and functional characteristics in Munkoyo fermentation. These findings contribute to understanding the role of indigenous microbial resources in traditional fermentation systems and support future efforts in product standardisation and valorisation. Wageningen University & Research text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/datasets/data-supporting-the-publication-how-plant-species-origin-identity 10.4121/1d03823f-22fa-47b2-b060-e057d878992a https://edepot.wur.nl/714520 Biological sciences Munkoyo bacterial microbiome fermented cereal beverage plant root endosphere Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/21d7635a-7726-4051-a42d-8a4665966c1d 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Beraldo, Claudia Bagchus, Cleo Verhoeven, Dana Bellan, Alessandra Gerotto, Caterina Wientjes, Emilie van Amerongen, Herbert Morosinotto, Tomas Alboresi, Alessandro Article/Letter to editor New Phytologist (2026) ISSN: 0028-646X Functional divergence of LhcSR and PsbS in zeaxanthin-mediated non-photochemical quenching 2026 To protect photosystem II from excess light, non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) dissipates excess energy as heat. NPQ relies on trigger proteins, LhcSR in algae and PsbS in vascular plants, and the light-regulated xanthophyll cycle, which interconverts violaxanthin and zeaxanthin through the opposite activities of violaxanthin de-epoxidase and zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP). Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanisms and the differences in NPQ triggers across lineages remain unclear. In this study, we used the moss Physcomitrium patens, an evolutionary intermediate possessing both LhcSR and PsbS, to dissect their contributions to zeaxanthin-mediated quenching by the application of in vivo fast spectroscopy analysis. In the zep knockout (KO) mutant, constitutive zeaxanthin accumulation poises the photosynthetic apparatus in a pre-quenched state even in the dark, resulting in sustained NPQ upon illumination. Multiple zep KO mutants reveal that this constitutive zeaxanthin-driven quenching is mediated by LhcSR, while PsbS-dependent quenching is strictly light-activated. Our findings show that the two NPQ triggers, PsbS and LhcSR, have distinct molecular mechanisms suggesting that the evolutionary shift toward PsbS dominance in vascular plants reflects the need for tighter and more energy-efficient photoprotection. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/functional-divergence-of-lhcsr-and-psbs-in-zeaxanthin-mediated-no 10.1111/nph.71176 https://edepot.wur.nl/714519 https://edepot.wur.nl/714519 non-photochemical quenching photoprotection photosynthesis xanthophyll cycle zeaxanthin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/f33162e1-03b3-432a-bd62-08e03cec3763 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Duives, Dorine C. Wang, Xinyi Sparnaaij, Martijn Bosch, Quirine ten Article/Letter to editor Transportation Research Record (2026) ISSN: 0361-1981 SARS-CoV-2 Spread and Infection Risk in Public Transit Scenes: Simulation Study Featuring a Hybrid Crowd Dynamics and Disease Spreading Modek 2026 Two years ago, a new virus named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged. In the ensuing race to contain the virus, many non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have been introduced. Yet questions like “What is the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a particular scenario?” and “Which NPIs limit virus transmission most effectively?” remain. Crowd and epidemiological simulation models can help formulate an answer to these questions. This paper studies virus spread and infection risk using a newly developed hybrid virus spread model PeDViS (Pedestrian Dynamics–Virus Spread model), which links an existing validated crowd movement dynamics model (NOMAD) with a new virus spread model (QVEmod). In particular, five common public transit scenarios are simulated: walking through a corridor, buying a ticket, moving through the ticket gates, waiting at a platform, and traveling by train. The relative impact of four variables (i.e., demand, waiting time, facial masks, and ventilation) was studied. This study illustrates that PeDViS can provide comprehensive insights into virus spread and the relative differences in infection risk. Furthermore, it corroborates the impacts featured in literature for all public transit scenarios. That is, ventilation and facial masks limit the probability of infecting other individuals. Moreover, waiting time and higher demand levels increase the probability of infecting other travelers. Second, especially large impacts of the NPIs facial masks and ventilation are found for the more “dangerous” scenarios; that is, long queues, delays, or waiting times coincide with high demands and crowd densities. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/sars-cov-2-spread-and-infection-risk-in-public-transit-scenes-sim 10.1177/03611981261429477 https://edepot.wur.nl/714518 https://edepot.wur.nl/714518 NPIs SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology pedestrian movement dynamics modeling public transit virus spread modeling https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/941c019a-e69a-4842-91e2-340ede3616f3 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Hulst, A.D. Pong-Wong, R. Doeschl-Wilson, A. De Jong, M.C.M. Bijma, P. Article/Letter to editor Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics (2026) ISSN: 0931-2668 Estimation of Genetic Variance and Breeding Values for Infectious Disease Susceptibility From Simulated Longitudinal Data Using Generalized Linear Mixed Models Based on Transmission Dynamics 2026 Recent theoretical work shows that the potential of genetic selection to reduce the prevalence of infectious diseases is much larger than expected from classical quantitative genetic theory, due to indirect genetic effects that arise in the transmission process. However, to fully benefit from these indirect effects, we need to estimate genetic parameters and breeding values, which requires statistical methods tailored to the transmission process. Here, we evaluate Generalized-Linear-Mixed Models (GLMMs) implemented using software commonly used in animal breeding to estimate genetic parameters and breeding values for susceptibility of hosts to infection, using simulated data of epidemics. Longitudinal records of individuals' infection state provide information on the order of infection, as well as on the exposure dose of non-infected animals. Such information can be harnessed to estimate genetic parameters for susceptibility, and can be included in a GLMM as a so-called offset. Therefore, we used longitudinal records of individual infection state to assess the impact of sampling interval, population structure, infection characteristics, and model formulation on the estimated genetic variance and breeding values for susceptibility. The results show that a GLMM fitted to longitudinal records of individual binary infection state can produce accurate and unbiased estimates of genetic variance, as well as good prediction accuracies of breeding values for susceptibility to an infectious disease. Of the data requirements, the time interval between consecutive observations on individual infection state was the main factor affecting estimation, while group size had a limited effect. The required observation interval depends on the infection and recovery rates of individuals. The GLMM thus seems an accurate and easily implementable model to estimate genetic parameters and breeding values for susceptibility when dense longitudinal records on individual infection status are available. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/estimation-of-genetic-variance-and-breeding-values-for-infectious 10.1111/jbg.70049 https://edepot.wur.nl/714516 https://edepot.wur.nl/714516 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/8e03e040-7ab7-49f6-93da-13192b7fcc74 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Zhang, Ningyi Yang, Ziyi Kaiser, Elias Qi, Kaijie Tang, Chao Wang, Peng Caleb, Oluwafemi James Tsige, Alemayehu Ambaw Tao, Shutian Zhang, Shaoling Wu, Juyou Article/Letter to editor BMC Plant Biology 26 (2026) 1 ISSN: 1471-2229 Variation of leaf photosynthetic traits is mostly driven by changes in source-sink relationship rather than irradiance in pear tree canopies 2026 Understanding the variation of leaf photosynthetic traits and their regulation is essential for accurately predicting canopy photosynthesis and gross primary production of fruit trees and for modelling carbon balance in agroforestry systems. However, this is underexplored in fruit trees in which management practices strongly impact plant morphology and sink: source ratios. We conducted a field experiment in pear with three levels of fruit loads (0%, 10%, and 100%) on two cultivars (Cuiyu and Hosui) with a Y-trellis trained architecture. Irradiance, leaf photosynthesis, and several leaf physiological traits were measured at different canopy heights and developmental stages. Both cultivars exhibited a very shallow vertical gradient of leaf photosynthetic capacity (Amax), despite a significant irradiance gradient. Considering the canopy Amax profile only had a marginal impact on modelling canopy photosynthesis in Y-trellis trained pear trees. In both cultivars, Amax was affected by source-sink variations, albeit in opposite directions: as fruit load increased, Amax increased in Hosui but decreased in Cuiyu. Increases of Amax in Hosui were related to lower carbon accumulation in the leaf and higher stomatal conductance, whereas decreases of Amax in Cuiyu correlated with reductions in leaf nitrogen. We conclude that under the conditions of this study and in Y-trellis trained pear trees, leaf photosynthetic variation was more strongly associated with internal factors than with irradiance gradients, and that the regulation of Amax is cultivar dependent. Considering photosynthetic responses to source-sink variation might be more relevant than irradiance profiles for accurately modelling canopy photosynthesis in fruit trees. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/variation-of-leaf-photosynthetic-traits-is-mostly-driven-by-chang 10.1186/s12870-026-08433-w https://edepot.wur.nl/714515 https://edepot.wur.nl/714515 Canopy photosynthesis model Fruit thinning Light acclimation Photosynthetic resource distribution Pyrus pyrifolia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/f8e510a2-cf33-45f3-a3bf-5e93e80dfd03 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Ojuok, Irene Awino Lohbeck, Madelon Stellmacher, Till Aynekulu, Ermias Rinaudo, Tony Borgemeister, Christian Article/Letter to editor Land Degradation and Development (2026) ISSN: 1085-3278 Vegetation Structure and Diversity Under Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration : A Comparison of Silvo-Arable and Silvo-Pastoral Systems in Kenya 2026 Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is a low-cost, adaptable agroforestry practice that enhances land restoration by promoting systematic integration of naturally regenerating trees within farming systems through tree selection and management. Despite its increasing adoption in sub-Saharan Africa, comparative evidence across land uses remains limited. This study empirically compares tree and woody regeneration density, species richness, and composition between silvo-arable (maize cultivation) and silvo-pastoral (grazing) FMNR systems in semi-arid Kenya. Sixty-three plots were established across these two land uses, within which a total of 1409 trees and 505 woody regeneration individuals were recorded. Tree density was higher in silvo-pastoral FMNR systems (558/ha) than in silvo-arable systems (150/ha), though the difference was not statistically significant. In contrast, woody regeneration density was significantly greater in silvo-arable systems (2450/ha vs. 727/ha). Rarefied species richness of trees was the same in silvo-arable FMNR and silvo-pastoral FMNR systems, while richness of regeneration was either significantly higher than the tree community, like in silvo-arable systems, or significantly lower than the tree community, like in silvo-pastoral systems. Non-metric multidimensional scaling showed that silvo-pastoral FMNR systems exhibited similar species composition between trees and regeneration, whereas silvo-arable FMNR systems displayed greater variability in tree composition across fields, reflecting less variable preferences by farmers. Given that regeneration represents future tree communities, reduced regeneration diversity in silvo-pastoral systems may constrain long-term species richness. These findings suggest that silvo-arable and silvo-pastoral FMNR systems follow distinct restoration pathways, with implications for biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, and the scaling of FMNR as a restoration practice. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/vegetation-structure-and-diversity-under-farmer-managed-natural-r 10.1002/ldr.70605 https://edepot.wur.nl/714514 https://edepot.wur.nl/714514 Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration dryland restoration silvo-arable silvo-pastoral smallholders sub-Saharan Africa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/9af61473-7c86-499d-82b0-d00665318afc 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Nguyen, Thi Diem Jewell, Nathaniel Brien, Chris Berger, Bettina Johnson, Alexander A.T. Watts-Williams, Stephanie J. Article/Letter to editor Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment 5 (2026) 2 ISSN: 2767-035X Growing Australian Rice in Non-Flooded Soil Increases Water Use Efficiency and Mycorrhizal Colonisation, but Reduces Grain Micronutrient Concentrations 2026 Climate change is driving a global shift from flooded (anaerobic) to dryland/rainfed (aerobic) rice production. While aerobic systems reduce water use and methane emissions, they can exacerbate soil zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) deficiencies due to altered redox conditions. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are more effective at colonising and functioning in aerobic soil and may enhance host plant water use efficiency (WUE) and micronutrient uptake in nutrient-limited soils. We assessed the potential for AM fungi to support aerobic rice growth compared to flooded conditions, in combination with Zn fertiliser treatments. Two Australian rice cultivars, Topaz and Viand, were grown under three watering conditions (flooded, 60% or 80% of soil field capacity [FC]) using a precision irrigation platform. Plants were inoculated with AM fungi (Rhizophagus irregularis) or not inoculated, and Zn was applied at 0 or 5 mg Zn kg⁻¹ soil. At plant maturity, the grain yield, water use, WUE and concentrations of grain Zn were measured. Both rice cultivars produced significantly more grain under aerobic soil conditions than flooded, with improved WUE. AM fungal inoculation led to reduced water use in Viand under 60% and 80% FC. However, reduced water use in mycorrhizal Viand plants was in line with lower grain yield in those plants, so WUE did not increase. Zn fertilisation enhanced grain Zn concentrations of Topaz and Viand grown in both aerobic treatments, but not under flooded conditions. However, the combination of Zn fertilisation and AM fungi reduced grain Fe concentration in all watering conditions, indicating an antagonistic Zn–Fe relationship. These findings support the potential adaptability of Topaz and Viand to aerobic production. Future research should explore integrated nutrient strategies to mitigate the trade-off between Zn and Fe in rice grain, and the potential of AM fungi to contribute to WUE. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/growing-australian-rice-in-non-flooded-soil-increases-water-use-e 10.1002/sae2.70112 https://edepot.wur.nl/714512 https://edepot.wur.nl/714512 aerobic rice arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi water use efficiency zinc nutrition https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/a6ac8f62-b515-4b01-b413-306458b97fce 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Wikström, Mariann Ragnarsson, Sara Köhl, Jürgen Burgers, Saskia Zijlstra, Carolien Groenenboom-de Haas, Belia Hendrika Jönsson, Bodil Wikström, Josefin Article/Letter to editor European Journal of Plant Pathology (2026) ISSN: 0929-1873 Effect of cropping, harvesting, and storage conditions on black spots caused by Rhexocercosporidium carotae: almost two decades of research on the epidemiology of the major disease in Swedish cold-stored carrots 2026 The fungal pathogen Rhexocercosporidium carotae causes black spots on cold stored carrots. Black spot incidence on stored carrots ranged between 37 and 99% per year in a total of 76 field trials conducted 2011–2023 in Sweden. The disease is by far the most important disease of carrots in Sweden leading to substantial losses after storage. A survey of 104 Swedish carrot fields and the corresponding stored carrot lots 2006–2008 allowed to identify the most important variables related to black spot losses. The concentration of DNA of R. carotae, as determined by Taqman qPCR assays, in the canopy or on root surfaces in carrot crops at harvest, did not correlate with black spot incidence in the corresponding carrot lots after storage. Thus, knowledge of the presence of the pathogen at harvest could not be used to predict risks of post-harvest losses. Umbelliferous plants were found in field margins of 84% of the fields surveyed. The disease incidence of carrot lots from such fields was 23% higher compared to carrots from fields where umbelliferous plants were absent. Increase of the variables ‘number of growth days’ and ‘mechanical damage on the carrot surface during harvest’ resulted in significantly higher black spot incidence after storage. A series of field and storage experiments confirmed the effect of these variables. Even if the total gross yield of carrots increased by harvesting late, the marketable carrots decreased on average from 66% to 6.6% after storage in a year of high infection. This drastic yield reduction was solely due to black spot disease caused by R. carotae. Future guidelines for Integrated Crop Management (ICM) of carrots produced for cold storage should recommend the reduction of the number of growth days in combination with harvesting under optimum conditions as sustainable measures to ensure marketable yields. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/effect-of-cropping-harvesting-and-storage-conditions-on-black-spo 10.1007/s10658-026-03196-4 https://edepot.wur.nl/714510 https://edepot.wur.nl/714510 Acrothecium carotae Black spots Carrot Rhexocercosporidium carotae Storage disease https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/7e8a96d8-65c9-4d98-aaf9-1119409f25a6 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Ma, Runqing Bischofberger, Jonas da Silva Torres, Ricardo Baca, Arnold Exel, Juliana Article/Letter to editor Quality and Quantity (2026) ISSN: 0033-5177 A contribution-based valued passing network for quantitative evaluation of player performance and coordination in football 2026 Social Network Analysis is widely used to study interaction structures across diverse domains, yet a persistent methodological concern is how to define and weight edges in a network. Conventional approaches often rely on interaction frequency, which may overlook differences in the impact or significance of individual interactions. This study addresses this issue by proposing a shift in network construction from quantity-based to quality-based weighting. Using football passing interactions as a concrete empirical example, we integrate data-driven pass values derived from Expected Threat (xT) to construct a contribution-based Valued Passing Network (VPN) framework. We compare it with the Conventional Passing Network (CPN), which often overlooks the varying difficulty and impact of passes by focusing solely on their frequency. Using event data from the FIFA World Cup 2022, the VPN is quantitatively compared with the Conventional Passing Network (CPN) by examining correlations between network metrics and benchmarked player ratings. The results show stronger correlations with VPN’s out-degree centrality (r = 0.42) and total degree centrality (r = 0.39). These advantages are particularly evident when analysed by position, especially for forwards (r = 0.44) and midfielders (r = 0.51). These differences were further verified as statistically significant through permutation testing. A case study of the World Cup Final match further illustrates how the VPN provides deeper insights into player contributions and team coordination quality in practice than the CPN. Altogether, this study demonstrates that incorporating data-driven pass value into network models can enhance the assessment of player performance and team dynamic coordination, while also ensuring a balance between analytical depth and practical clarity. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/a-contribution-based-valued-passing-network-for-quantitative-eval 10.1007/s11135-026-02765-3 https://edepot.wur.nl/714508 https://edepot.wur.nl/714508 Data-driven modelling Network weights Performance evaluation Soccer Social network analysis Team sports https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/d3e3942c-2204-4967-beaf-5ccd355edf85 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Botermans, Marleen de Koning, P.P.M. Westenberg, M. Adams, I.P. Mansour, K. Ben Chabi-Jesus, C. de Krom, C. Dullemans, A.M. Festus, R. Fowkes, A.R. Fox, A. Freitas-Astúa, J. Hajizadeh, M. Hellin, P. Knierim, D. Krenz, B. Maclot, F. Malandraki, I. Maliogka, V.I. Margaria, P. Massart, S. Meekes, E.T.M. Menzel, W. Oplaat, C. Orfanidou, C.G. Ramos-González, P.L. Roenhorst, J.W. Ros, V.I.D. Seal, S.E. Silva, G. Silva Dos Santos, G. Tzanetakis, I.E. van der Vlugt, R.A.A. van Gemert, J. Varveri, C. Verbeek, M. Winter, S. Giesbers, A.K.J. Article/Letter to editor Archives of Virology 171 (2026) 5 ISSN: 0304-8608 Expanding insights into plant rhabdovirus diversity through the discovery of viruses representing 32 putative novel species 2026 Plant-infecting rhabdoviruses (family Rhabdoviridae, subfamily Betarhabdovirinae) include several viruses that cause important crop diseases and are subject to phytosanitary regulation. Despite their agricultural and ecological importance, the diversity of plant rhabdoviruses and their impact on plant health remain poorly understood. Here, we report 32 tentative novel species of plant-infecting rhabdoviruses, identified via high-throughput sequencing and spanning nine established genera. The virus sequences originated from diverse hosts and geographic regions, revealing extensive diversity within the family Rhabdoviridae. Several viruses were detected independently in the same host species across multiple countries, demonstrating the practical value of data sharing for confirming host associations and gaining insight into the geographic distribution of these viruses. Our study highlights the underexplored diversity of plant rhabdoviruses and demonstrates the value of coordinated, collaborative virus discovery. With HTS now widely accessible, the challenge has shifted from virus discovery to making sequence data and metadata publicly available, and to conducting the time-consuming biological characterization often deprioritized in favour of viruses with immediate phytosanitary relevance. As a result, many findings remain unreported, leaving valuable data dormant on servers. By sharing genomic data prior to publication, we present an efficient approach to accelerate virus reporting, enable comparative analyses and advance understanding of virus diversity. We hope this collaborative effort will encourage further exploration of plant viruses, including those from hosts without discernable symptoms, supporting virus biology, taxonomy, pest risk assessments, and plant health policies. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/expanding-insights-into-plant-rhabdovirus-diversity-through-the-d 10.1007/s00705-026-06609-1 https://edepot.wur.nl/714507 https://edepot.wur.nl/714507 Betarhabdovirinae Data sharing High-throughput sequencing Rhabdoviridae Taxonomic diversity https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/5e81e252-3662-433d-ab50-9e58db71e924 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Adjei, Moses Van Leeuwen, Judith Pereira, Helder Article/Letter to editor Maritime Studies 25 (2026) 2 ISSN: 1872-7859 Towards decarbonising shipping: Governance challenges and barriers to the implementation of EU emission trading system (ETS) 2026 The shipping industry serves as a major channel of global trade, while contributing increasingly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As a response to challenges with introducing a global policy to decarbonize international shipping, regional policies have emerged that aim to fill this regulatory gap. The EU emission trading system (ETS) as the first Market-based mechanism (MBM) in maritime transport governance has the potential to fundamentally change the sector and its governance. The paper argues that attention to the institutional context of maritime governance within which the EU ETS is embedded provides a broader understanding of the potential of the policy instrument to bring about decarbonisation. This paper therefore analyses how institutional attributes and barriers hamper the implementation of EU ETS. The analyses show three key challenges in EU ETS implementation: uneven participation of the maritime value-chain in decision-making related to EU ETS, lack of transparency and access to relevant information, and lack of coordination between EU and non-EU regulations and actors. These governance challenges emerge from two structural institutional characteristics of maritime transport governance, (1) the dominant role of shipowners in maritime governance and (2) the mismatch of scales in terms of EU decision making and global GHG emission. While addressing these institutional characteristics is challenging, opportunities exist for enhancing collaboration between maritime value chain actors (and the EU) and including GHG emission reduction measures and costs more explicitly in charter contracts. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/towards-decarbonising-shipping-governance-challenges-and-barriers 10.1007/s40152-026-00476-x https://edepot.wur.nl/714503 https://edepot.wur.nl/714503 Decarbonizing shipping EU ETS GHG emissions Maritime transport https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/225c5ce1-a5d0-4487-a783-8a9cee446ddc 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Kunze, Sarah Bovenkerk, Bernice Fischer, Daniel Article/Letter to editor Food Ethics 11 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2364-6853 Beyond Natural, Normal, Necessary, Nice: Introducing “Neglectable” as a Distinct Coping Strategy for the Dairy Paradox 2026 Dairy is the second largest greenhouse gas emitter in animal agriculture and requires the killing of animals. Most people wish to avoid harming animals and the climate but also consume meat. Consumers subconsciously use coping strategies to reduce cognitive dissonance caused by this meat paradox. But is there also a dairy paradox? For this exploratory study, we used focus groups to investigate cognitive dissonance and coping strategies related to dairy consumption and compared these to coping strategies around meat. We found that dairy is framed much more positively than meat. However, the types of dairy-related coping strategies strongly overlap with those for meat. We conclude that dairy-related cognitive dissonance occurs, identify the dairy paradox, and three dairy-specific coping strategies: dairy is indirect, overwhelming, and, in summary, neglectable. We suggest adding a fifth N to the Ns of justification of meat consumption: natural, normal, necessary, nice; specifically for dairy: neglectable. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/beyond-natural-normal-necessary-nice-introducing-neglectable-as-a 10.1007/s41055-026-00214-3 https://edepot.wur.nl/714500 https://edepot.wur.nl/714500 4Ns Cheese Cognitive dissonance Coping strategies Framing Meat paradox Milk Neglectable Vegan Vegetarian https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/d4e5c293-1a88-482d-8f18-4d0a399246fd 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Habibi, Mochammad F. Dorado-Montenegro, Sebastian García-Ruiz, Ana Isabel Gerrits, Walter J.J. Georgaki, Despoina Kwakkel, René P. de Vries, Sonja Article/Letter to editor Poultry Science 105 (2026) 7 ISSN: 0032-5791 Effects of dietary fibers varying in physicochemical properties on total endogenous protein losses and protein digestibility in broilers 2026 This study aimed to quantify endogenous protein losses (EPL) and protein digestibility in broilers fed diets containing dietary fibers (DF) differing in particle size (PS) and solubility. A total of 360 female 1-d-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly allocated to 40 pens (9 birds/pen). From d 10, broilers received one of five dietary treatments. Four diets were tested in a 2 × 2 factorial design containing 120 g/kg coarse or fine soybean hulls (SBH) as an insoluble DF source, with or without 50 g/kg purified wheat arabinoxylans (AX) as a viscous soluble DF source. A fifth diet replaced fine SBH with 150 g/kg fine sugar beet pulp (SBP), a DF source with notable hydration properties. Between d 26 and 31, three birds per pen received a daily oral dose of a 15N-isotope solution containing 1.2 g 15N-enriched milk protein concentrate (2.27 atom %) and 0.12 g 15NH4Cl (≥98 atom %), with an initial dose of milk protein concentrate of 2.4 g at d 26. Six days after 15N-solution withdrawal (d 37), excreta were collected, birds were euthanized, and ileal digesta were sampled. Arabinoxylans increased EPL in feces (+0.35 g/kg DM intake, P = 0.020) and reduced true ileal protein digestibility (−2.45%-units, P < 0.001), regardless of SBH PS. Apparent ileal protein digestibility decreased only when AX was added to the fine SBH diet (PS × AX interaction, P = 0.024). Replacing fine SBH with fine SBP increased EPL in ileal digesta (+0.31 g/kg DM intake, P = 0.002) and feces (+0.92 g/kg DM intake, P = 0.004), without affecting true protein digestibility. Overall, both AX and SBP increased EPL in broilers, but only AX reduced true protein digestibility. The PS × AX interaction suggests that the viscous soluble DF impact depends on PS of the dietary matrix. These results highlight the importance of considering the counteracting DF effects on EPL and nutrient absorption, as apparent digestibility alone is insufficient to capture these responses. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/effects-of-dietary-fibers-varying-in-physicochemical-properties-o 10.1016/j.psj.2026.106902 https://edepot.wur.nl/714499 https://edepot.wur.nl/714499 Chicken Digestion processes Non-starch polysaccharide Nutrient digestion Viscosity https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

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van Dooren, Corné Groen, Judith Diaz, Carolina Carrillo Liem, Lana de Weert, Lisanne Grasso, Alessandra C. Article/Letter to editor BMC Nutrition 12 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2055-0928 Eating healthy within the boundaries of one planet : case study for the Netherlands 2026 Background: The current Dutch diet fails to meet existing nutritional guidelines and exceeds the environmental boundaries as defined by the EAT-Lancet Commission. The purpose of this study is to model planet-based diets for the Netherlands for 2030 and 2050 that are in line with national dietary recommendations and within the planetary boundaries, as input for future Food-System Based Dietary Guidelines. Methods: Future Dutch planet-based diets were modelled using mathematical optimisation (Optimeal 3.0) with the most recent 2019–2021 food consumption survey for males and females (18–50 years) and the environmental impact database for Dutch foods (2024). Environmental impacts were adjusted to align with the planetary boundaries and incorporate forecasted improvements. Constraints were applied on nutrients and environmental impacts (greenhouse gas emissions in kg CO2eq/y, blue water use in m3/y, cropland use in hectares, phosphorus application and surplus nitrogen in kg/y). The ReCiPe 2016 endpoint indicator method was applied to calculate biodiversity loss related to diets (extinctions/ million species year). Results: The optimised diets resulted in a significant reduction in meat, eggs, fats/oils, potatoes/tubers, and sugar/confectionery, and a significant increase in legumes, nuts/seeds, vegetables, fish, and meat replacers. In the optimised diets, 64% of total protein is plant-based substantial higher than the 43% in the current diet. These dietary changes led to a 65% lower impact on species richness loss and a diet within five planetary boundaries. Conclusion: A healthy and sustainable diet within the boundaries of one planet is possible, if we manage to reduce food waste, shift to more sustainable production methods, and change our diets. This study shows the urgent need for policymakers to take big steps in the five years leading up to 2030. The results of this study could contribute to more sustainable dietary guidelines and eating habits in the Netherlands and could be an example for other countries. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/eating-healthy-within-the-boundaries-of-one-planet-case-study-for 10.1186/s40795-026-01273-9 https://edepot.wur.nl/714498 https://edepot.wur.nl/714498 Biodiversity loss Climate impact Food-based dietary guidelines Healthy diet Optimisation Planetary boundaries https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

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Meissner, Laura Roeder, Niklas Demetrowitsch, Tobias Keppler, Julia K. Schwarz, Karin Article/Letter to editor Food Chemistry 513 (2026) ISSN: 0308-8146 Modification pattern of whey protein depends on oxidizing agents and accelerated storage conditions 2026 Oxidative modification sites in whey proteins depend on the oxidizing agent and cannot be described by a single analytical parameter. This study therefore examined how oxidative protein modification differs across oxidizing agents and treatment conditions by evaluating whey proteins at multiple structural levels. Overall protein changes were assessed by RP-HPLC and SDS-PAGE; tertiary structure by intrinsic and extrinsic (ANS) fluorescence and zeta potential; secondary structure by ATR-FTIR; primary structure by mass spectrometry; and side-chain reactivity and protein-bound carbonyls by colorimetric assays. RP-HPLC profiles revealed treatment- and intensity-dependent losses in protein nativity in the order hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)/tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) ' ultraviolet radiation (UVB) ' elevated temperature (+40 °C). H2O2 and TBHP promoted oxygen addition at the primary-structure level, affecting secondary and tertiary structure. UVB mainly induced structural rearrangements, while elevated temperature caused partly hydrophobic modifications, increasing RP-HPLC retention times of modified proteins. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/modification-pattern-of-whey-protein-depends-on-oxidizing-agents- 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148967 https://edepot.wur.nl/714497 https://edepot.wur.nl/714497 Alpha-Lactalbumin Beta-Lactoglobulin Elevated temperature Hydrogen peroxide RP-HPLC Structural modification TBHP Ultraviolet irradiation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/89354613-f3f3-44e0-b1c3-1f94cdb08d31 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Lemmink, Ids B. Rollo, Eleonora Beij, Erik Huet, Anne Catherine Bovee, Toine F.H. Suman, Michele Salentijn, Gert I.J. Article/Letter to editor Food Chemistry 514 (2026) ISSN: 0308-8146 Development and methodological user-validation in industry of a 3D-printed biosensing toolkit for tropane alkaloid detection 2026 The number of biosensors for food contaminants are growing, yet few are tested in real-world settings. Here, we developed and validated a biosensor for detecting tropane alkaloids in buckwheat, emphasizing in-field accuracy and user-experience. Sixty participants from a major food producer tested the biosensor in a pre-structured manner. All quality control employees (n = 31) correctly identified blank or contaminated buckwheat. However, non-analytical-users (n = 29) showed lower accuracy when visually interpreting icLFIA-results (Kappa-score = 0.5/1), which improved substantially when using a digital reader (Kappa-score = 0.9/1). Post-test questionnaires yielded an excellent usability score (88/100 ± 8). A difficulty score, based on how many participants struggled and the corresponding perceived difficulty, allowed identification of challenging workflow steps. Notably, most challenging steps could be resolved by adjusting the instructions. This user-validation represents a pioneering effort in food safety analysis, especially point-of-need detection, to offer quantitative evidence for claims related to stakeholder usability and provides a framework for other innovative (bio)sensing approaches. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/development-and-methodological-user-validation-in-industry-of-a-3 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148889 https://edepot.wur.nl/714496 https://edepot.wur.nl/714496 3D-printing Food safety Immunoassay Tropane alkaloids User-validation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/1f385abf-1a5a-4036-8bc2-a5075a15138d 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Ligthart, Kate Elzinga, Janneke Segers, Anneleen Smidt, Hauke de Vos, Willem M. Article/Letter to editor Microbiology Spectrum 14 (2026) 4 ISSN: 2165-0497 High stability of the genome of Akkermansia muciniphila MucT under long-term culturing conditions 2026 To advance our understanding of the genomic stability of Akkermansia muciniphila, its type strain MucT was grown for over 1,000 generations at five different culturing conditions, followed by the isolation of single colonies and their subsequent genomic DNA sequencing, physiological, and functional analysis. Notably, not a single mutation was found in the genomes using our sequencing approach of the dozen strains isolated after growth for 1,000 generations in media containing porcine gastric mucin, either grown with or without shaking. Similarly, strains isolated from cultures grown in minimal medium containing high or low N-acetylglucosamine, or low N-acetylglucosamine containing 1% ox bile, exhibited very low mutation rates between 2.1 × 10-10 and 8.6 × 10-11 per nucleotide per generation. From these, a total of five unique strains were obtained that contained one or more nucleotide variations. Subsequent analysis and characterization revealed that two of the five strains included a G duplication in a nonanucleotide homopolymer G region in the gene with the locus tag Amuc_1413, resulting in a frameshift and a subsequent loss of mucin binding capacity. Analysis of published genomes of Akkermansia spp. confirmed the instability of this nonanucleotide G region in this Amuc_1413 gene, predicted to be involved in exopolysaccharide export. These findings provide valuable insight into the stability of the A. muciniphila genome and identify phase variation as a mechanism that can explain some of the earlier reported heterogeneity. We conclude that A. muciniphila MucT has large genomic stability under long-term culturing conditions and identified the Amuc_1413 protein as essential for mucus binding. IMPORTANCE: Akkermansia muciniphila MucT has emerged as a next-generation beneficial microbe due to its capacity to improve gut barrier function in mouse models and humans. To assess the potential of A. muciniphila MucT for industrial applications, we studied the genomic stability by cultivating different growth conditions for over 1,000 generations. We found that the genome of A. muciniphila MucT is highly stable when grown on mucin medium and relatively stable when grown in industrial media. Additionally, we characterized the obtained mutants that identified phase variation as a mechanism operating in A. muciniphila, which allowed us to identify the gene with the locus tag Amuc_1413, encoding a protein involved in exopolysaccharide production, to be involved in mucus binding. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/high-stability-of-the-genome-of-akkermansia-muciniphila-mucsuptsu 10.1128/spectrum.02400-25 https://edepot.wur.nl/714495 https://edepot.wur.nl/714495 Akkermansia muciniphila genome stability mucus binding phase variation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/7a0a967c-9156-42b1-bc07-0e3c96237eaa 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire

Zantis, L. Bosker, T. Heuvelink, E. Kierkels, Tijs Article/Letter to editor Onder Glas 23 (2026) 2 ISSN: 2215-0625 Micro- en nanoplastics zorgen voor verhoogd stressniveau bij planten : nog veel onbekend over invloed op gewassen 2026 Minuscule plastic deeltjes zijn overal, in de lucht, water en grond. Alle levende wezens krijgen ze binnen. Dat geldt ook voor kasgewassen. Onderzoek naar de effecten op gewassen is pas heel recent op gang gekomen. Planten blijken vrij gevoelig. ze reageren regelmatig met teruggang in de groei. Het meest opvallende en constante effect is verhoging van het stressniveau. Dat blijkt uit hogere stress-stoffen en hormonen waarmee de plant zich weert tegen stress. Biologisch afbreekbare plastics scoren niet beter. nl text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/micro-en-nanoplastics-zorgen-voor-verhoogd-stressniveau-bij-plant https://edepot.wur.nl/710011 Life Science Wageningen University & Research

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Sharat Kumar, M. Heuvelink, E. Kierkels, Tijs Article/Letter to editor Onder Glas 23 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2215-0625 Geïntegreerde bestrijding van plagen is de basis van chrysantenteelt : Er zullen steeds weer nieuwe plagen binnenkomen : thema watermanagement 2026 Chrysant wordt wereldwijd geteeld en de teeltcentra zijn door internationale handel verbonden. Verspreiding van plagen is nooit 100% te voorkomen. Welke insecten en mijten voor de meeste problemen zorgen, wisselt steeds. De manier om hiermee om te gaan is een degelijk en doordacht IPM-systeem (geïntegreerde bestrijding). De basis daarvan is: preventie, vermijding, monitoring en onderdrukking. De veredeling boekt vooruitgang op het gebied van resistenties, geholpen door nieuwe inzichten en technologieën. nl text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/geïntegreerde-bestrijding-van-plagen-is-de-basis-van-chrysantente https://edepot.wur.nl/708437 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/be20ba1b-a069-4358-87e3-2b1f8fed38a5 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire

Wolters, P.J. Heuvelink, E. Kierkels, Tijs Article/Letter to editor In Greenhouses : the international magazine for greenhouse growers 15 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2215-0633 Multiple routes to a robust variety: resistance or reduced susceptibility : What exactly is resistance? 2026 Growing resistant varieties reduces the need for chemical crop protection. All plants possess basic defences against harmful fungi, but targeted control of a specific pathogen requires more, namely recognition of characteristic fungal proteins. Effective recognition and a swift response are the essence of resistance. Breeders also seek to reduce susceptibility by targeting plant traits that benefit the fungus. Besides resistance and reduced susceptibility, there is also tolerance, in which a plant can host a fungus with minimal damage. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/multiple-routes-to-a-robust-variety-resistance-or-reduced-suscept https://edepot.wur.nl/707235 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/6ea7c9c2-8336-460e-9871-5ae11da7a2ef 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire

Chen, Y. Kaiser, M.E. Heuvelink, E. Kierkels, Tijs Article/Letter to editor In Greenhouses : the international magazine for greenhouse growers 15 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2215-0633 Plenty of reasons to take green light in lighting more seriously : Improving water usage leads to further research 2026 For the first time, all the relevant research on green light has been analysed. Partially replacing red/blue or white LEDs with green increases water use efficiency at leaf level by 15%. This finding is leading to further research. Other effects include a slightly higher fresh weight; larger, thinner leaves; and an increase in the shoot/root ratio, with responses differing depending on the crop. Whether using more green light is beneficial depends on economic factors, as green LEDs are less energy efficient. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/plenty-of-reasons-to-take-green-light-in-lighting-more-seriously- https://edepot.wur.nl/707225 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

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Moonen, S. Vimalakanthan, K. Buij, R. Breuer, J. Klaassen, R. Hoenders, T. Schaub, T. Krijgsveld, K.L. External research report Aanvaringsrisico’s voor thermiekende roofvogels door zonneparken bij windturbines te plaatsen : Kennis van ecologie voor de energietransitie: cluster Land 2026 nl Wageningen UR application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/aanvaringsrisicos-voor-thermiekende-roofvogels-door-zonneparken-b https://edepot.wur.nl/714388 https://edepot.wur.nl/714388 Life Science (c) open_access_other Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/10247625-db9a-420b-a44c-221939a5944b 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Smulders, Fee O.H. van Puijenbroek, Marinka E.B. Baptist, Martin J. External research report Beneficial use of dredged sediments : A review of methods and impacts for salt marsh restoration 2026 Dredging activities associated with navigation and coastal infrastructure generate large volumes of sediment that are often deposited nearby their retrieval site or treated as waste, despite their potential value for ecosystem restoration. This report evaluates the beneficial use of dredged sediments for salt marsh restoration, focusing on the methods available, their ecological impacts, and the key trade-offs, bottlenecks, and knowledge gaps that influence restoration success. Salt marshes are highly productive coastal ecosystems that provide biodiversity support, shoreline protection, and carbon sequestration, yet they are increasingly threatened by subsidence, erosion, and sea-level rise. Sediment addition has emerged as a promising nature-based solution to enhance marsh resilience where natural sediment supply is insufficient. Based on a structured review of 50 empirical field studies, the report compares several sediment application techniques, including thin-layer disposal, sediment diversion, and deposition of dredged material in channels near marshes. Thin-layer disposal is the most widely studied approach and is particularly effective for restoring subsiding marshes when sediment layers are kept relatively thin. Across studies, sediment additions of approximately 10–15 cm consistently resulted in the most favorable outcomes for vegetation and macrofauna. These additions raise marsh elevation enough to reduce flooding stress and sulfide toxicity, while maintaining sufficient soil moisture and nutrient availability. In contrast, thicker sediment layers are effective for creating completely new marshes but typically require active transplantation of vegetation and longer timeframes to first recover to initial conditions, after which long-term recovery to reference marshes can take place. This delayed response after the addition of thick layers was especially pronounced for belowground biomass and faunal communities. Ecological responses to sediment addition depend strongly on sediment thickness, grain size, application method, and resulting elevation relative to tidal inundation. Thin layers often allow existing vegetation and benthic fauna to survive burial, leading to rapid recovery exceeding initial conditions within a few growing seasons. Coarser sediments enhance stability and faunal mobility but are nutrient-poor, while finer sediments supply nutrients but are prone to compaction and erosion, highlighting the need for balanced sediment mixtures. Faunal responses generally mirror vegetation responses, with modest elevation gains above mean sea level supporting the fastest recolonization of macrofauna, fish use, and bird habitat, provided hydrological connectivity and habitat heterogeneity are maintained. The report identifies several key trade-offs and bottlenecks that must be addressed in restoration design. These include balancing sediment stability with ecological suitability, selecting appropriate delivery methods and timing to minimize disturbance and erosion, and ensuring that sediment budgets at the system scale remain neutral or positive. Pre-project assessments of hydrodynamics, sediment characteristics, elevation, and seed availability are therefore critical for success. Implementation challenges include logistical constraints, costs of containment and transport, potential contamination of dredged material, and the need for long-term monitoring and adaptive management. Despite growing experience with sediment-based restoration, important knowledge gaps remain. These include limited understanding of belowground biomass recovery, microbial and biogeochemical processes, long-term carbon dynamics, and species-specific responses outside well-studied U.S. marsh systems. The report concludes that beneficial use of dredged sediment can substantially enhance salt marsh resilience when carefully designed, but emphasizes the need for standardized monitoring, long-term studies, and interdisciplinary collaboration to support effective scaling under accelerating sea-level rise. Bij baggerwerkzaamheden ten behoeve van scheepvaart en kustinfrastructuur komen grote hoeveelheden sediment vrij. Deze baggerspecie wordt vaak beschouwd als restmateriaal, terwijl het juist kansen biedt voor natuurherstel. In dit rapport wordt onderzocht hoe baggersediment op een nuttige manier kan worden ingezet voor het herstel en de versterking van kwelders. Daarbij ligt de focus op de beschikbare herstelmethoden, de ecologische effecten ervan en de belangrijkste afwegingen, knelpunten en kennislacunes die het succes van dergelijke projecten bepalen. Kwelders behoren tot de meest productieve kustecosystemen en vervullen een belangrijke rol in biodiversiteit, kustbescherming en koolstofopslag. Tegelijkertijd staan zij onder toenemende druk door bodemdaling, erosie en versnelde zeespiegelstijging, waardoor natuurlijke sedimentatie in sommige gebieden onvoldoende is om het maaiveld op peil te houden. Op basis van een systematische analyse van vijftig empirische veldstudies geeft dit rapport een overzicht van verschillende manieren waarop baggersediment kan worden toegepast, waaronder thin-layer disposal, sedimentdiversies en het aanvoeren van sediment in geulen nabij kwelders. Thin-layer disposal is veruit de meest onderzochte methode en blijkt vooral geschikt voor het herstel van inklinkende kwelders, mits de toegevoegde sedimentlaag beperkt blijft. In veel studies leiden sedimenttoevoegingen van circa 10–15 cm tot de beste resultaten voor herstel van vegetatie en macrofauna. Deze verhoging is voldoende om overstromingsstress en sulfidetoxiciteit te verminderen, terwijl tegelijkertijd een vochtige en nutriëntrijke bodem behouden blijft. Dikkere sedimentlagen zijn effectief voor het creëren van nieuwe kwelders, maar gaan doorgaans gepaard met langere hersteltijden (zowel korte termijn herstel van sedimentaanbreng als lange termijn herstel richting een referentiesituatie) en vereisen vaak actieve aanplant, met name om ondergrondse biomassa en faunagemeenschappen te laten herstellen. De ecologische effecten van sedimenttoevoeging worden in sterke mate bepaald door de dikte en korrelgrootte van het sediment, de wijze van aanbrengen en de uiteindelijke hoogte van het maaiveld ten opzichte van het getij. Dunne lagen maken het vaak mogelijk dat bestaande vegetatie en bodemfauna de bedekking overleven, waardoor herstel al binnen enkele groeiseizoenen kan optreden. Grovere sedimenten bieden meer stabiliteit en vergemakkelijken migratie van bodemfauna, maar bevatten weinig nutriënten. Fijnere sedimenten zijn juist nutriëntrijker, maar gevoeliger voor inklinking en erosie. Een goed afgestemde mix van sedimenttypen blijkt daarom cruciaal. De respons van fauna volgt veelal het herstel van de vegetatie, waarbij dunne lagen sediment gunstige omstandigheden creëren voor macrofauna, vis en broedende vogels, mits de hydrologische verbindingen en ruimtelijke variatie in het gebied behouden blijven. De resultaten laten zien dat herstel met baggersediment altijd gepaard gaat met afwegingen. Zo moet een balans worden gevonden tussen ecologische geschiktheid en fysieke stabiliteit van het sediment, tussen gelijkmatige verspreiding en minimale verstoring, en tussen lokale ingrepen en effecten op het sedimentbudget van het gehele systeem. De timing van sedimentaanvoer is daarbij van groot belang om erosie en verstoring van vegetatie en fauna te beperken. Een zorgvuldige analyse vooraf van hydrodynamiek, sedimentkarakteristieken, maaiveldhoogte en beschikbaarheid van zaad- en bronpopulaties is essentieel om succes te vergroten. In de uitvoering spelen daarnaast praktische en financiële uitdagingen een rol, zoals bereikbaarheid van het gebied, kosten voor transport en opslag, mogelijke verontreiniging van baggerspecie en de noodzaak van langdurige monitoring en adaptief beheer. Hoewel de toepassing van baggersediment voor kwelderherstel steeds vaker plaatsvindt, blijven er belangrijke kennislacunes bestaan. Met name het herstel van ondergrondse biomassa, microbiële processen, langetermijneffecten op koolstofvastlegging en de respons van Europese kweldersoorten zijn nog beperkt onderzocht. Veel bestaande kennis is gebaseerd op Noord-Amerikaanse systemen, wat de toepasbaarheid elders beperkt. Het rapport concludeert dat nuttig hergebruik van baggerspecie een veelbelovende, naturebased solution is om kwelders weerbaarder te maken tegen zeespiegelstijging, mits herstelprojecten zorgvuldig worden ontworpen en ingebed in een langetermijnvisie met gestandaardiseerde monitoring en interdisciplinaire samenwerking. en Wageningen Marine Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/beneficial-use-of-dredged-sediments-a-review-of-methods-and-impac 10.18174/713913 https://edepot.wur.nl/713913 https://edepot.wur.nl/713913 Life Science (c) open_access_other Wageningen University & Research

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Troost, Karin van den Ende, Douwe van Stralen, Marnix External research report Historische ontwikkeling van de mosselpopulatie in de Waddenzee en het daarop gerichte beleid en onderzoek 2026 Over the past decades, the mussel population in the Wadden Sea has experienced significant fluctuations. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the area of mussel beds on the intertidal flats had nearly disappeared. This decline primarily had natural causes, such as disappearance of beds due to storms and ice scour, the absence of successful recruitment, and continued fishing despite these adverse natural conditions. This low point led to a call for policy measures. Areas were closed for mussel seed fishing and target values for the presence of mussel beds (2,000–4,000 hectares) were established. Additionally, large research projects, such as Mosselwad and Waddensleutels, were initiated to study the ecology of mussel beds and the potential for restoration measures. The exceptionally successful spatfall of 2024 demonstrates that, in many locations, the tidal flats of the Dutch Wadden Sea are suitable for the formation of mussel beds. The surface area of mussel beds shows strong natural dynamics, partly as a result of storms and currents. These dynamics are discussed in relation to opportunities for active restoration, such as artificial substrate for mussel seed settlement. The effectiveness of active restoration currently appears limited, compared to the extent of natural spatfall at the scale of the Wadden Sea. The natural high dynamics in mussel bed area means that even under undisturbed conditions, periodically years with very large as well as small mussel bed areas will occur. This is important for management strategies that use target values for mussel bed surface area. The aim of this report is to give more insight in the available scientific knowledge, so that it can be applied more effectively in Dutch policy regarding nature management in the Wadden Sea. In de afgelopen decennia heeft de mosselpopulatie in de Waddenzee sterke schommelingen doorgemaakt. Aan het eind van de jaren ’80 en begin jaren ’90 was het areaal aan mosselbanken op de droogvallende platen nagenoeg verdwenen. Deze afname vond voornamelijk plaats op natuurlijke wijze, zoals het verdwijnen van banken door stormen en ijsgang, het uitblijven van succesvolle rekrutering, en visserij die ondanks deze omstandigheden doorgang vond. Dit dieptepunt leidde tot een roep om beleidsmaatregelen, waaronder gebiedssluitingen voor mosselzaadvisserij en het vaststellen van streefwaarden voor de aanwezigheid van mosselbanken (2000–4000 hectare). Daarnaast werden grote onderzoeksprojecten, zoals Mosselwad en Waddensleutels, opgestart om de ecologie van mosselbanken te bestuderen en de mogelijkheden voor actief herstel te testen. Dit rapport analyseert de historische ontwikkeling van de mosselpopulatie in de Waddenzee, met speciale aandacht voor de bijzonder succesvolle broedval van 2024. Daarnaast biedt het een overzicht van de relevante ontwikkelingen in beleid en onderzoek. De broedval van 2024 toont aan dat de wad bodem op veel locaties geschikt is voor het ontstaan van mosselbanken. Het oppervlak aan mosselbanken kent een grote natuurlijke dynamiek, veroorzaakt door het rekruteringssucces en de overlevingskansen van banken in relatie tot stormen, stroming en predatie. Deze dynamiek wordt besproken in relatie tot mogelijkheden voor actief herstel, zoals het aanbieden van substraat voor vestiging van mosselzaad. Effectiviteit van actief herstel lijkt vooralsnog beperkt in verhouding tot de omvang van een natuurlijke zaadval, op de schaal van de Waddenzee. De grote natuurlijke dynamiek van mosselbanken betekent dat ook in onverstoorde situaties periodiek zeer grote en ook zeer kleine oppervlakten zullen voorkomen. Dit is van belang voor beheer met streefwaarden voor oppervlakten van mosselbanken. Het doel van dit rapport is meer inzicht te geven in de beschikbare wetenschappelijke kennis, zodat deze doelgerichter kan worden toegepast in het Nederlandse beleid op het gebied van natuurbeheer in de Waddenzee. nl Wageningen Marine Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/historische-ontwikkeling-van-de-mosselpopulatie-in-de-waddenzee-e 10.18174/710911 https://edepot.wur.nl/710911 https://edepot.wur.nl/710911 Life Science (c) open_access_other Wageningen University & Research

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van der Zanden, Isabelle Moereels, Lieke Schelfhout, Stephanie De Smedt, Pallieter Lock, Koen Dekoninck, Wouter Korthals, Gerard van der Putten, Wim H. Verheyen, Kris Veen, G.F. Article/Letter to editor npj Biodiversity 5 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2731-4243 Planting food forests can increase soil biodiversity in agricultural landscapes of Northwest Europe 2026 Food forests are an emerging agroecosystem in the temperate zone, aimed at providing food while supporting high levels of biodiversity. How food forestry impacts belowground biodiversity is, however, largely unknown. We compared communities of 12 taxonomic groups of soil organisms between 15 food forests and nearby grasslands, croplands and forests in Northwest Europe. Food forest soil communities appeared to differ from communities in grass- and croplands and more closely resembled forest communities in terms of total biomass or number of individuals of most taxonomic groups, with especially higher numbers of most macroarthropods. In terms of composition, food forest communities of most groups were overall intermediate between those in grass- and croplands and those in forests. For microorganismal and microfaunal groups, food forest communities bore a greater resemblance to grass- and cropland communities than to forest communities. Besides a higher alpha-diversity for non-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and certain macroarthropod groups in food forests, differences in alpha- and beta-diversity were overall limited. As food forests appear to support different soil communities than grass- and croplands, planting food forests could increase soil biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/planting-food-forests-can-increase-soil-biodiversity-in-agricultu 10.1038/s44185-026-00125-w https://edepot.wur.nl/714474 https://edepot.wur.nl/714474 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/a739fdef-163e-40b3-ade5-748cb4c19863 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Fang, Yan de Mutsert, Renée Gijbels, Anouk Deng, Keyong Lamb, Hildo Rosendaal, Frits R. Mook-Kanamori, Dennis O. van Dijk, Ko Willems Afman, Lydia A. Li-Gao, Ruifang Article/Letter to editor Cardiovascular Diabetology 25 (2026) 1 ISSN: 1475-2840 The association between liver fat content and plasma metabolite profiles in fasting and postprandial states: an integration of a cohort study and a randomized controlled trial 2026 Background: Postprandial metabolic impairments play a key role in the pathophysiology of cardiometabolic diseases. While liver fat content has been linked to distinct fasting metabolite profiles, its relationship with postprandial metabolite profiles remains unexplored. In this study, we aimed to (1) examine to what extent liver fat content is associated with the postprandial metabolomic profile beyond fasting metabolites; and (2) investigate whether diet-induced changes in liver fat content are associated with changes in plasma metabolites identified in objective 1. Methods: In a subpopulation (n = 1986) of an existing cohort study and a 12-week dietary intervention study (n = 80), liver fat content was measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and categorized as low (< 2.5%), middle (2.5–5.5%), or high (> 5.5%). In the cohort study, plasma metabolomic profiles were quantified by NMR spectroscopy at fasting (T0) and 150 min after a mixed meal (T150). We examined associations between liver fat content and plasma metabolites at T0, T150 and postprandial response (ΔT150-T0) using multivariate linear regression. In the intervention study, plasma metabolomic profiles were quantified at fasting (T0) and at multiple postprandial time points (120, 240, and 360 min) following a mixed meal, both before and after the intervention. We further examined associations between liver fat content and plasma metabolites at T0, and postprandial response (incremental area under the curves [iAUCs]) and explored associations between diet-induced changes in liver fat content and changes in identified metabolites at fasting and postprandial responses (iAUCs). Results: High liver fat group was characterized by higher fasting and postprandial levels of triglycerides, all VLDL and the small LDL/HDL subclasses, ApoB, fatty acids, glycoprotein acetyls, and BCAAs, and lower medium/larger HDL subclasses, and acetate compared to the low liver fat group. In the high vs. low liver fat group, postprandial responses of cholesterol content of S-LDL, IDL, and S-HDL, glutamine and histidine, omega-3% and DHA % were lower. Diet-induced reductions in liver fat were associated with reductions in 40 fasting plasma metabolites, including VLDL-TG, tyrosine, isoleucine, fatty acid ratios, and most of the VLDL subclasses. Conclusions: Postprandial metabolomic profiling revealed additional associations between liver fat content and plasma metabolites beyond fasting measures, particularly in lipoprotein cholesterol and fatty acid composition. Diet-induced reductions in liver fat were associated with favorable changes in fasting metabolites, but not postprandial metabolite responses. Future studies with harmonized postprandial assessment are needed to further elucidate the postprandial observations and the underlying mechanisms. Trial registration: The trials in this study were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NL21981.058.08/P08.109 and NCT02194504. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/the-association-between-liver-fat-content-and-plasma-metabolite-p 10.1186/s12933-026-03158-4 https://edepot.wur.nl/714472 https://edepot.wur.nl/714472 Lipid metabolism Lipoproteins Liver fat Metabolomics Postprandial metabolism https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/d577293e-08f8-4fd2-be54-54000a633dac 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Guarino, Valentina Scarpino, Valentina Meloni, Raffaele Fryganas, Christos Righetti, Laura Fogliano, Vincenzo Blandino, Massimo Article/Letter to editor Journal of Agriculture and Food Research 28 (2026) ISSN: 2666-1543 Effect of soil tillage and a fungicide application on the accumulation of free asparagine on wheat flours and the risk of acrylamide formation in baked goods 2026 Free asparagine (ASN) is the main precursor of acrylamide (AA), a probable human carcinogenic process contaminant in cereal-based bakery products. This study has assessed the combined effects of soil tillage, minimum tillage (MT) vs conventional tillage (CT), and a chemical disease control fungicide application (F) vs an untreated control (NF) on the accumulation of ASN in wholegrain and refined flour. MT_NF showed the highest ASN levels in wholegrain flour from multiple wheat genotypes and different agronomic years, whereas on average a MT_F treatment reduced ASN by 37%, CT_NF by 22% and CT_F by 48%. The AA levels measured in the wholemeal biscuits mirrored the initial ASN concentrations. Biscuits produced under MT_F accumulated 18% less AA than MT_NF, while those from CT_NF and CT_F showed 14% and 22% lower AA levels than MT_NF, respectively. The observed differences in the ASN concentration were mostly associated with the effects of the applied crop practices on the thousand kernel weight (TKW). The severity of Fusarium head blight was reduced by both the CT and F treatments, leading to heavier kernels due to enhanced starch accumulation, and lowering the ASN concentration per unit weight. This dilution effect accounted for more than 50% of the observed variation of ASN concentration in the wholegrain flour. The observation that the application of F slightly reduced ASN, compared with NF, in the refined flours of the MT treatment, without a corresponding change in the starch content, suggests an additional physiological response of the plant to the applied crop practices. Overall, agronomic practices that ensure an appropriate grain filling can dilute ASN in whole kernels and reduce the AA content of wheat-based products. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/effect-of-soil-tillage-and-a-fungicide-application-on-the-accumul 10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102916 https://edepot.wur.nl/714471 https://edepot.wur.nl/714471 Asparagine Fusarium head blight Minimum tillage Ploughing Wholemeal biscuits Wholemeal flour https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/adde04c8-352e-47aa-9294-4b195e6de357 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Bouwman, Emily P. Bolderdijk, Jan Willem Fischer, Arnout R.H. Dagevos, Hans Onwezen, Marleen C. Article/Letter to editor Journal of Environmental Psychology 111 (2026) ISSN: 0272-4944 The ethical labeling paradox: How the positive framing of animal welfare labels inadvertently promotes value-inconsistent choices 2026 Animal welfare labels on meat products are intended to help people who care about animal welfare to make value-consistent choices, by allowing them to identify and select products with higher animal welfare standards. Most animal welfare labels are framed positively, where a higher score implies higher animal welfare. We argue this positive frame may inadvertently promote value-inconsistent choices among people with animal welfare values and paradoxically normalize current high levels of meat consumption. We call this the ethical labeling paradox. Using online experiments set in a hypothetical country context (Geopoeia), this research examines when and how the ethical labeling paradox arises. We use the lens of cognitive dissonance theory and explore the role of social norms. In Study 1 (N = 1229), we found that a negatively framed animal welfare label, relative to a positively framed label, increased dissonance and led to less denial of animal suffering and a 10% reduction in meat selection. Moreover, we found that social norms, in addition to moral norms, help explain how the ethical labeling paradox unfolds. Study 2 (N = 1242) shows that the effect of label framing on social norms, and a marginal effect on food choice, only persisted when the label was supported (vs. opposed) by the government. This suggests that governmental support plays a key role in whether negative label framing can reduce the ethical labeling paradox. Taken together we conclude that rethinking labeling strategies is needed to support value-consistent food choices. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/the-ethical-labeling-paradox-how-the-positive-framing-of-animal-w 10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.103027 https://edepot.wur.nl/714470 https://edepot.wur.nl/714470 Descriptive norms Injunctive norms Institutional signal Justifications Moral norms Plant-based choices https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

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Křístková, Zuzana Smeets van Dijk, Michiel M'Barek, Robert van Meijl, Hans Ratinger, Tomas Article/Letter to editor Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy (2026) ISSN: 2040-5790 Sustainable Productivity Growth in Agriculture : The Role of Shifts in R&D Investments and Technology 2026 The objective of the paper is to evaluate the long-term prospects of sustainable productivity growth linked to plausible assumptions on public agricultural R&D investments as the key productivity driver. Second, it investigates the role of changing R&D focus from yield maximization to input saving technologies (fertilizers and pesticides). The projections using CGE model MAGNET identify China, India and Brazil as regions with high productivity growth from agricultural R&D while Sub-Saharan Africa regions will struggle with low productivity growth rates and substantial increase in GHG emissions. Overall, GHG emissions are projected to grow more than agricultural output. However it is found that sustainable agricultural productivity growth could become feasible under the reorientation of R&D programs in high income countries (with use of chemical inputs declining as much as 30%) where these policies can make an important contribution to sustainability while food security concerns are limited and spillover effects in terms of higher food prices are low. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/sustainable-productivity-growth-in-agriculture-the-role-of-shifts 10.1002/aepp.70069 https://edepot.wur.nl/714469 https://edepot.wur.nl/714469 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

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Sheil, Douglas Akampurira, Emmanuel Article/Letter to editor People and Nature (2026) ISSN: 2575-8314 Supporting interventions to lessen human–wildlife conflict 2026 Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) around protected areas endangers lives and damages livelihoods. It also erodes support for conservation. Yet most mitigation efforts fail to gain the sustained community support needed for long-term success. We drew on 758 one-to-one semi-structured interviews, supplemented by focus groups, practitioner interviews and discussions across six Ugandan protected areas. We examined patterns of success and failure through the perspectives of people directly affected by HWC. Our analysis was guided by collective action theory, social capital and institutional frameworks. Interventions often failed due to several linked problems. These included inadequate consultation and limited local ownership. Deep historical grievances played a role. Trust in authorities had eroded. Links to legitimate local institutions were weak. Technical shortcomings further damaged credibility. Together these factors often led to antagonism. Measures that required intensive collective action proved especially challenging. Examples include physical barriers and communal guarding. They broke down where social cohesion was low. Absentee landowners often left gaps. Projects felt externally imposed to many people. Even technically sound designs failed without genuine participation, transparency and respect for local norms and burdens. Active resistance occurred frequently. This included deliberate damage to interventions. Such actions often expressed protest against perceived unfairness, broken promises or illegitimate authority. They showed how distrust and grievances intensify challenges. Effective, lasting HWC mitigation requires patient, trust-based collaboration. It must fairly recognise the substantial burdens communities bear for conservation. We propose eight evidence-based recommendations: assess community readiness upfront, embed interventions in trusted local institutions, secure informed and transparent co-design, support traditional practices where appropriate, establish legitimate dispute resolution mechanisms, enable ongoing local oversight, maintain transparency, and plan explicitly for long-term sustainability. These steps can bridge the theory–practice gap, avoid repeated shortcomings thereby promoting more durable human–wildlife coexistence. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/supporting-interventions-to-lessen-humanwildlife-conflict 10.1002/pan3.70314 https://edepot.wur.nl/714468 https://edepot.wur.nl/714468 coexistence collective action commons conflict resolution democratic conservation human–wildlife conflict mitigation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/a5de4bdd-e9bb-4c26-baa7-12871a2c440c 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Viet, Nguyen Quoc Van Der Vorst, Jack G.A.J. Article/Letter to editor International Journal of Logistics research and applications (2026) ISSN: 1367-5567 Rethinking food logistics outsourcing : exploring the impact of structural changes in the European supply chain environment 2026 European food supply chains have seen structural changes regarding cost, energy, labour, and sustainability regulations. This has forced food processors to reassess the drivers of logistics outsourcing and rethink their strategies. In this exploratory multiple-case study, we investigated six large food processors that have extensive production and logistics facilities across Europe and conducted semi-structured interviews with their C-suite and high-level supply chain executives. Guided by the decision-making framework for food logistics outsourcing by Hsiao, Van der Vorst, et al. (2010), we analysed the interview data for key drivers behind the logistics outsourcing decisions. While confirming the relevance of traditional drivers examined in literature (e.g. control over operations and food quality, closeness to core business), we identified emerging drivers and propose an extended decision-making framework. Future empirical investigations are needed to test the theoretical perspectives of those new drivers. Managerial insights are provided for both food processors and logistics service providers. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/rethinking-food-logistics-outsourcing-exploring-the-impact-of-str 10.1080/13675567.2026.2654011 https://edepot.wur.nl/714467 https://edepot.wur.nl/714467 Outsourcing cold chain food logistics insourcing logistics strategy sustainability https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/8ed2dd74-84ef-4f81-a529-e1b9406a1d6e 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Kottelenberg, David B. Evers, Jochem B. Anten, Niels P.R. Bastiaans, Lammert Article/Letter to editor European Journal of Agronomy 177 (2026) ISSN: 1161-0301 Managing species dominance in cereal-legume intercrop systems 2026 Weeds threaten crop productivity, while herbicide reliance raises environmental and health concerns. Intercropping offers an alternative for sustainable weed suppression, particularly when component crops differ in competitive ability. However, such differences can also lead to competitive dominance by the stronger crop species, reducing the yield of its companion. To design intercrops for enhanced weed suppression without compromising yield, it is important to understand how species selection and spatial arrangements influence competitive dynamics. We conducted four field experiments (2022–2024) evaluating how species combination, mixing ratio, and spatial design influence dominance in cereal–legume intercrops under herbicide-treated and weed-infested conditions. Cereals showed greater light capture and weed suppression compared to legumes, which generally aligned with cereal dominance in intercrops. Intercrop design can moderate cereal dominance, but with varying trade-offs. Reducing triticale proportion from 50% to 25% achieved balanced yield contributions from both species while maintaining weed suppression and overall productivity. Contrastingly, wider row spacing (37.5 cm vs 12.5 cm) reduced triticale dominance but at the cost of both yield advantages and weed suppression. Weed presence further moderated competitive dynamics: under weed-infested conditions, triticale’s dominance over faba bean decreased compared to weed-free (herbicide-treated) conditions, and faba bean performed better relative to its sole crop, indicating indirect facilitation through cereal–weed competition. On a land-area basis, faba bean in weed-infested alternate row intercrops with 50 or 75% faba bean matched weed-free sole crop productivity. These findings demonstrate that appropriately designed cereal-legume intercrops can suppress weeds effectively while maintaining productivity of both component crops. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/managing-species-dominance-in-cereal-legume-intercrop-systems 10.1016/j.eja.2026.128065 https://edepot.wur.nl/714466 https://edepot.wur.nl/714466 Cereal-legume intercropping Facilitation Herbicide Interspecific interactions Light interception Weed control Yield https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/a4ea4703-ce06-4669-a4e9-8c9ba0a1f0ea 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Lourenço, Marisa S.C. Garrido, Andreia Freitas, Victor A.P. Heuvelink, Ep Carvalho, Susana M.P. Article/Letter to editor Scientia Horticulturae 360 (2026) ISSN: 0304-4238 Context matters : Photoperiodic light spectrum modulates UV-A-induced alkaloid profile and oxidative signaling in Catharanthus roseus 2026 Catharanthus roseus produces pharmacologically relevant terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs), including vinblastine (VLB) and vincristine (VCR). However, their low natural abundance makes it essential to optimize C. roseus photobiology toward enhanced specialized metabolism. This study explored the morphophysiological and biochemical responses of three C. roseus cultivars to ultraviolet-A (UV-A) supplementation (365 nm; 2 h; 3.6 kJ·m⁻²·day⁻¹) and examined how the photoperiodic light spectrum (WT–white; RB–red: blue) shapes these responses. UV-A had no significant effect on plant morphology but increased the photosynthetic rate (37%) and stomatal conductance (2.1-fold) under WT photoperiod. Under RB supplemented with UV-A (RB16+UVA2), plants showed higher malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and significantly higher total anticancer-related TIA concentrations. Notably, VCR in cv. ‘Cora Red’ reached 8.94 µg·g⁻¹ FW, representing a 4.4-fold increase compared with WT16+UVA2. Catharanthine (CAT) increased by 46% under RB16+UVA2, whereas anhydrovinblastine (AVLB) peaked under WT16+UVA2 (2.3-fold higher), indicating that photoperiodic spectrum modulates the UV-A-induced TIA biosynthesis. Both MDA and H₂O₂ correlated positively with total anticancer-related TIAs, and H₂O₂ was strongly associated with final VLB+VCR concentrations, highlighting their potential as biomarkers of alkaloid biosynthesis. These findings demonstrate that UV-A can function as a metabolic enhancer without compromising plant biomass, and that alkaloid biosynthesis is shaped by both cultivar and photoperiod light spectrum. Genotype selection is therefore critical, as cultivars differ markedly in their capacity to perceive UV-A and transduce it into enhanced alkaloid production. Optimizing light spectrum and genotype in vertical farming enables a scalable approach for molecular farming of anticancer alkaloids. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/context-matters-photoperiodic-light-spectrum-modulates-uv-a-induc 10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114803 https://edepot.wur.nl/714464 https://edepot.wur.nl/714464 Anticancer alkaloids Molecular farming Oxidative stress Periwinkle Photobiology Spectral composition Vertical farming https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/b7eb7b7e-56c0-44ed-9fa6-3065c71493aa 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Lotterman, Aniek Olufotebi, Ifeoluwa Wouters, Inge M. Winkel, Albert Smit, Lidwien A.M. de Rooij, Myrna M.T. Article/Letter to editor Annals of Work Exposures and Health 70 (2026) 3 ISSN: 2398-7308 Occupational exposure of goat farm workers to particulate matter and endotoxin 2026 Abstract Introduction Intensive livestock farming exposes workers to elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) and endotoxins, increasing respiratory health risks. Although personal exposure has occasionally been investigated in the 3 major livestock sectors—cattle, pigs, and poultry—emerging sectors such as intensive goat farming remain understudied. This study aimed to quantify personal exposure to inhalable dust, PM10, and endotoxins among workers on Dutch dairy goat farms and to explore associations between exposure levels, specific work tasks, and farm characteristics. Methods Repeated personal air sampling was conducted among 41 participants working at 15 goat farms. Inhalable dust and PM10 samples were collected using filter-based methods attached to portable air pumps. For all inhalable dust and PM10 samples, PM mass concentrations were determined by gravimetrical analyses and endotoxin concentrations with the Limulus-Amebocyte-Lysate assay. Determinants of exposure levels were analyzed by linear mixed modeling. Results Inhalable dust concentrations showed a median of 0.966 mg/m3 (range: 0.228 to 3.093), with a median endotoxin concentration of 612 EU/m3 (range: 48 to 7,818). For the PM10 concentrations, a median of 0.376 mg/m3 (range: 0.070 to 1.233) was observed, with a median endotoxin concentration of 700 EU/m3 (range: 8 to 2,886). In total, 90% of the samples exceeded recommended occupational exposure limits for endotoxin (>90 EU/m3). PM10 and inhalable dust concentrations were strongly correlated (Pearson r = 0.71), as were endotoxin concentrations in both fractions (Pearson r = 0.71). Exposure to PM and endotoxin varied significantly between farms, within farms and within workers. Overall, highest exposures were recorded for workers with milking as a primary job task. Discussion and conclusions Goat farm workers are exposed to substantial levels of PM and endotoxins during routine work activities. On average, concentrations exceeded those reported for dairy cattle farm workers, yet remained lower than levels typically observed in pig and poultry farming. The observed considerable variation in exposure both between farms and among individual workers necessitates future research and more detailed microbiological characterization of air samples on determinants of exposure, to guide appropriate measures in husbandry and practices at goat farms. This research highlights that in emerging intensive livestock farming sectors, increased exposure to PM and endotoxins—and related health effects—can be expected among workers unless reduction of these exposures is explicitly addressed in the development of agricultural policies and practices. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/occupational-exposure-of-goat-farm-workers-to-particulate-matter- 10.1093/annweh/wxag020 https://edepot.wur.nl/714463 https://edepot.wur.nl/714463 bioaerosols exposure assessment intensive livestock farming occupational health respiratory health https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/59e176a5-693f-4f30-a6d7-7f60dbc76396 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Medeleanu, Mădălina Lorena Cascajosa-Lira, Antonio Cătunescu, Giorgiana Socaci, Sonia Ancuța Pichardo, Silvia Article/Letter to editor Food Bioscience 79 (2026) ISSN: 2212-4292 Integrated In silico and In vitro toxicological characterization of citrus essential oil nano-emulsions for food additives 2026 Essential oils (EOs) are gaining attention as potential natural food additives; however, their safety data remain limited. This study combined predictive in silico modelling with EFSA-compliant toxicology assays to evaluate nano-emulsions of bergamot, lemon, orange, and tacle® EOs. Ten major constituents produced 66 predicted metabolites, with dehydration dominant for linalyl acetate, linalool, and terpineol, and desaturation for sabinene, β-cis-ocimene, and γ-/α-terpinene. Guided by these predictions, bergamot EO nano-emulsions were tested in vitro. At 0.001–0.023%, no mutagenic or genotoxic effects were detected in Ames or micronucleus assays. In contrast, TA98 strain in the Ames Test showed metabolism-dependent positives at 0.3–5% with S9 activation, indicating that biotransformation can drive genotoxic risk at higher concentrations. These results demonstrate the value of integrating metabolic transformation into risk assessment and provide mechanism-based evidence to guide the safe use of EO nano-emulsions in food. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/integrated-in-silico-and-in-vitro-toxicological-characterization- 10.1016/j.fbio.2026.108846 https://edepot.wur.nl/714461 https://edepot.wur.nl/714461 Ames Biotransformation Citrus essential oils nano-emulsions In silico In vitro Micronucleus https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/2b7b040d-62c7-4176-8374-468f46b48e2b 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Huang, Qiuhong Heuvelink, Gerard B.M. Berghuijs, Herman N.C. Schut, Antonius G.T. Leenaars, Johan G.B. de Wit, Allard J.W. He, Ping Article/Letter to editor Agricultural Systems 236 (2026) ISSN: 0308-521X What drives the potato yield gap in China? 2026 CONTEXT: China has the world's largest potato cultivation area, yet potato yield remains relatively low. A better understanding of current yield-limiting and reducing factors is essential to improve yield and input use efficiency. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to quantify yield gaps at the field level and uncover its main drivers for irrigated and rainfed potato farming systems across China. METHODS: We used 1836 field-year combinations from major potato-producing areas in China between 2019 and 2021. Potential yield (YP), water-limited yield (YW) and water- and nitrogen- limited yield (YWN) were simulated with World Food Studies model (WOFOST). The primary drivers of the yield gap in irrigated fields (Ygap_irri) and rainfed fields (Ygap_rain) were explored using a WOFOST-based yield gap decomposition scheme and random forest model-based covariate importance analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: There remains substantial potential to increase potato yields in China. The highest Ygap_irri and Ygap_rain were observed in the northern cultivation zone. The average Ygap_irri was 8.2 t dry matter (DM) ha−1, with inadequate amounts and frequencies of irrigation identified as the main drivers, explaining 48.8% of Ygap_irri. Optimising irrigation regimes and water-saving strategies are therefore necessary to close the yield gap. The average Ygap_rain was 9.9 t DM ha−1, and province-level socioeconomic covariates were the primary explanatory variables, particularly farmers' income and education level. This suggests that crop management can only be improved when farmers in rainfed areas have better access to financial resources, high-quality inputs and technical knowledge. Yield limitation due to insufficient rainfall was substantial (3.5 t DM ha−1), indicating a notable water deficit across rainfed fields. Both approaches consistently identified nitrogen as the least influential factor for yield gap because of the general oversupply of N fertiliser, with half of the fields receiving more than 210 kg ha−1. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides valuable recommendations for management practices and policy interventions aimed at narrowing the potato yield gap in China. The findings contribute to enhanced potato productivity and improved resource-use efficiency. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/what-drives-the-potato-yield-gap-in-china 10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104744 https://edepot.wur.nl/714453 https://edepot.wur.nl/714453 Covariate importance Irrigation Potato agronomy Potential yield WOFOST https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/e56d6f9c-b467-40af-bde9-2ac3ab5f30f8 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire

Mauch, Jonas Teurlincx, Sven Schwefel, Robert Köhler, Jan Kramer, Lilith Goldhammer, Tobias Hilt, Sabine Article/Letter to editor Water Research 299 (2026) ISSN: 0043-1354 Cyanobacteria bloom suppression by quagga mussels disappears with global warming 2026 Climate warming and biological invasions are global stressors that jointly influence harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwaters. Quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), a major invasive species in the Northern Hemisphere, may suppress HABs, but this effect disappears above critical temperatures. The combined effects of these stressors remain poorly quantified. We used 10 years of monitoring data from a temperate lake, before and after quagga mussel invasion, to calibrate, parametrize and modify the ecosystem model PCLake+ and simulate combined effects of mussel invasions and warming on HABs. We tested whether (1) incorporating mussels into PCLake+ improves model performance and captures mussel-mediated HAB suppression, (2) suppression is lost under future climate projections, and (3) strong nutrient reduction is required to compensate. Including mussels substantially improved post-invasion model performance, reducing RMSE by 25% for chlorophyll a and 67% for cyanobacteria biomass. After invasion, summer cyanochlorophyll concentrations declined by 40% under ambient conditions. Under moderate warming (RCP 4.5 and 2.6), HAB suppression persisted. However, it was lost when epilimnion temperature increased by ∼2.6 °C in the unmitigated scenario (RCP 8.5) by 2100, causing a fivefold increase in cyanochlorophyll and 50% of summer days exceeding WHO bathing water thresholds. Mussel filtration collapse increasingly drove HAB resurgence with rising temperature under RCP 8.5. External nutrient load reductions of 90% were required to prevent HABs, securing recreational and drinking water safety. Positive ambient effects of quagga mussel invasions on HABs will be lost with future warming, highlighting the need for integrated local nutrient reduction and global climate mitigation. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/cyanobacteria-bloom-suppression-by-quagga-mussels-disappears-with 10.1016/j.watres.2026.125887 https://edepot.wur.nl/714448 Climate change Dreissena rostriformis bugensis Ecosystem modeling Harmful algae blooms Nutrient management PCLake+ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/195d5ef4-e42f-4eca-b22d-cd5c81841493 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Stoffers, Twan Vuorinen, Katariina E.M. Schroer, Sibylle Griffith, Phoebe C. Colls, Miriam Erős, Tibor Geist, Juergen Kuemmerlen, Mathias Schouten, Socrates van Treeck, Ruben Alp, Maria Baldan, Damiano Birk, Sebastian Bilous, Olena Borgwardt, Florian Brauns, Mario Buijse, Anthonie D. Clausnitzer, Viola Darre, Mayra E. Elings, Jelger Fink, Patrick Ferreira, Teresa Glinska-Lewczuk, Katarzyna Graupner, Johannes Gundermann, Daria He, Fengzhi Hein, Thomas Hogan, Zeb S. L’Hoste, Lionel Meulenbroek, Paul Miqueleiz, Imanol Monprapussorn, Sathaporn Musseau, Camille L. Nagelkerke, Leopold A.J. Näslund, Joacim dos Reis Oliveira, Paula Pander, Joachim Pengal, Polona Pfeiffer, Marie Rock, Sebastian L. Royte, Joshua L. Rittweg, Timo D. Scaini, Anna Schmidt-Kloiber, Astrid Schmutz, Stefan Scholz, Mathias Singer, Gabriel A. Tarkowski, Adam Tolonen, Kimmo T. Tosney, Jonah Tschikof, Martin van Rijn, Jimmy Verhelst, Pieterjan Walther, Franziska Wegscheider, Bernhard Wolter, Christian Xiao, Chen Worthington, Thomas A. Zogaris, Stamatis Jähnig, Sonja C. Article/Letter to editor Communications Earth & Environment 7 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2662-4435 A collaborative research agenda for restoring free-flowing rivers 2026 Rivers are increasingly fragmented and degraded, yet the European Union Nature Restoration Regulation calls for restoring at least 25,000 kilometres of free-flowing rivers by 2030. Translating this ambition into effective implementation remains challenging because restoration priorities differ across ecological, social, economic, and governance contexts. Here, we synthesize expert knowledge from 45 countries through a structured, multi-step prioritization process to identify research priorities for restoring free-flowing rivers in Europe. We identified 27 priorities and analysed how expert background and spatial context influenced their ranking. Restoration priorities differed systematically depending on whether experts emphasized ecological integrity, community engagement, economic considerations, or governance capacity, revealing clear patterns in how disciplinary and professional perspectives shape implementation pathways. This demonstrates that restoration strategies cannot be universal but must be adapted to local and regional political, institutional, and ecological conditions. Building on these findings, we propose a structured prioritisation framework that links barrier removal, connectivity restoration, governance mechanisms, and policy instruments to context-specific needs. Together, our results provide an empirically grounded and implementation-oriented roadmap to support European Union Member States in delivering ambitious river restoration targets in a context-sensitive and socially robust manner. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/a-collaborative-research-agenda-for-restoring-free-flowing-rivers 10.1038/s43247-026-03428-9 https://edepot.wur.nl/714447 https://edepot.wur.nl/714447 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/093db0ec-cfd1-4596-8ab5-5522079fc807 2026-04-20 public edurep openaire dataset

Nieuwland, Maaike Zigon, Uros de Wijk, Rene de Rosa Spierings, Karen Vingerhoeds, Monique Dataset Data underlying the publication: Plant-based patties – towards understanding texture and taste 2026 Meat replacers are one of the options to nudge consumers towards a more sustainable, more healthy diet. Unfortunately, quality of meat replacers is usually not up to the standards of their animal counterparts. In this study the effects of five ingredient variations (total fat content, type of fat, type of texturized protein, methylcellulose content and citrus fibre content) for a vegan patty were investigated for their effect on flavour and texture. A sensory QDA panel was applied, supplemented with analytical measurements quantifying serum loss and texture. Most variation in the patties was observed in the texture parameters, that also correlated well with the analytical texture parameters. At the same time, smaller but significant changes were observed in flavour perception, despite all patties having the same flavour type and concentration. This shows the importance of matrix effects and textural effects on flavour perception. From the applied variations, methyl cellulose content and type of texturized protein were found to have the largest impact on the sensory perception of the patties. The data for the sensory evaluation described in paragraph 2.4 and 3.1 can be found in Sensory data.xlsx. Their correlations are presented in the tab 'correlation on averaged data' in that same file.The analytical data described in paragraph 2.5 and 3.2 can be found in Analytical data.xlsxThe mixed model analysis of the sensory data can be found in MixedModelSensory.xlsxThe mixed model analysis of the analytical data can be found in MixedModelAnalytical.xlsxThe data of the partial least square regression of the analytical vs the sensory data can be found in PLS_TAvsSensory.xlsx Wageningen University & Research text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/datasets/093db0ec-cfd1-4596-8ab5-5522079fc807 10.4121/10804ad3-7b87-44f6-b9c6-05d060f8e91c https://edepot.wur.nl/714443 Design of Experiment Health sciences Plant based patties Sensory evaluation juiciness texture analysis Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/9489e38e-69c6-44b8-b61f-3c34e0e54c53 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Khumairoh, Uma Syahrir Ramadhan, Sultan Wildan Nurlaelih, Euis Elih Fajriani, Sisca Setiawan, Adi Groot, Jeroen C. J. Article/Letter to editor Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (2026) ISSN: 2168-3565 Re-designing organic maize systems to improve a local maize yield through co-experimentation of complex agroecosystems 2026 Conservation of local food culture depends on protection of local varieties and their cultivation methods that rely on place-based ecological processes. While local food cultures still persist in many communities, knowledge on fostering ecological processes is underdeveloped. Redesigning current production systems using co-experimentation with 20 farmers, researchers and stakeholders on four commercial farms with four complexity treatments for three cropping cycles in each farm was set to ensure appropriate implementation. The results show that a local maize variety performed better in complex agroecosystems than in monocultures. Velvet-bean and chickens reduced weed infestation by 47% to 64% and 18% to 42% from organic and conventional monocultures with 13% to 75% lower maize damage by stemborers and cutworms. Velvet-bean added nitrogen (ca. 40–100 kg N/ha) in intercropped systems, while chicken manure added 74 kg N/ha. Maize yields in complex systems were 6% to 47% and 8% to 34% higher than in organic and conventional monocultures. Farmers’ feedback was positive for all organic systems and ranked low for conventional on socio-cultural aspects. Interaction among local maize, legumes and chickens shaped the synergistic power of combining culture, nature and science through co-experimentation to protect bio-cultural diversity while enhancing food sovereignty and security. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/re-designing-organic-maize-systems-to-improve-a-local-maize-yield 10.1080/21683565.2026.2660107 https://edepot.wur.nl/714425 https://edepot.wur.nl/714425 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/322dc6b9-b444-4bb7-b74a-a92825fa1a59 2026-04-20 public edurep openaire dataset

Bovio, Marcella Dataset Data from: "Wild relatives of Chrysanthemum as sources of resistance against the thrips Frankliniella occidentalis" 2026 Chrysanthemum is one of the most important ornamental crops worldwide. Cultivation of Chrysanthemum is affected by infestations of thrips, of which in Europe Frankliniella occidentalis is the most important species. Although genetic variation for thrips resistance in Chrysanthemum cultivars has been observed, no strong thrips resistance has been successfully introduced in breeding programmes. Crop wild relatives can be sources of resistance traits, but information on the thrips-resistance level of wild species in the Chrysanthemum genus or of species in the related genus Artemisia is not yet available. Therefore, we screened 47 accessions from 23 Chrysanthemum species and related genera in whole plant assays for thrips population build-up and in leaf-disc assays for larval development and survival. We identified several wild Chrysanthemum and Artemisia accessions on which population build-up was reduced, survival was low, and development of larvae was inhibited. On five highly resistant accessions, larvae were impaired in their development at the first larval stage (L1), effectively interrupting the life cycle of thrips. Next, we investigated the possible role of T-shaped and glandular trichomes in thrips resistance and found a positive correlation between arrested development in the L2 stage and higher density of T-shaped trichomes. However, not all the resistant accessions showed higher trichome density, suggesting that the latter accessions contain other resistance mechanisms. The identified resistant and susceptible wild relatives of Chrysanthemum may be used in further studies to elucidate the mechanism and the genetics of thrips resistance, and resistant accessions could be used as sources of thrips resistance in Chrysanthemum breeding programmes. Wageningen University & Research text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/datasets/data-from-wild-relatives-of-chrysanthemum-as-sources-of-resistanc 10.5281/zenodo.14049714 https://edepot.wur.nl/714424 chrysanthemum frankliniella occidentalis host plant resistance insect resistance thrips larval development western flower thrips wild relatives Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/4b4262d6-27e9-4904-ba4e-83d4bd8a287f 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Bovio, M. Huang, R. Strijker, M.F. Voorrips, R.E. van Loon, J.J.A. Vosman, B. Caarls, L. Article/Letter to editor Euphytica 222 (2026) ISSN: 0014-2336 Wild relatives of Chrysanthemum as sources of resistance against the thrips Frankliniella occidentalis 2026 Chrysanthemum is one of the most important ornamental crops worldwide. Cultivation of Chrysanthemum is affected by infestations of thrips, of which in Europe Frankliniella occidentalis is the most important species. Although genetic variation for thrips resistance in Chrysanthemum cultivars has been observed, no strong thrips resistance has been successfully introduced in breeding programmes. Crop wild relatives can be sources of resistance traits, but information on the thrips-resistance level of wild species in the Chrysanthemum genus or of species in the related genus Artemisia is not yet available. Therefore, we screened 47 accessions from 23 Chrysanthemum species and related genera in whole plant assays for thrips population build-up and in leaf-disc assays for larval development and survival. We identified several wild Chrysanthemum and Artemisia accessions on which population build-up was reduced, survival was low, and development of larvae was inhibited. On five highly resistant accessions, larvae were impaired in their development at the first larval stage (L1), effectively interrupting the life cycle of thrips. Next, we investigated the possible role of T-shaped and glandular trichomes in thrips resistance and found a positive correlation between arrested development in the L2 stage and higher density of T-shaped trichomes. However, not all the resistant accessions showed higher trichome density, suggesting that the latter accessions contain other resistance mechanisms. The identified resistant and susceptible wild relatives of Chrysanthemum may be used in further studies to elucidate the mechanism and the genetics of thrips resistance, and resistant accessions could be used as sources of thrips resistance in Chrysanthemum breeding programmes. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/wild-relatives-of-chrysanthemum-as-sources-of-resistance-against- 10.1007/s10681-026-03723-8 https://edepot.wur.nl/714423 https://edepot.wur.nl/714423 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/047af1aa-a6e0-4817-958a-ea6c09eb0e42 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Schirpke, Uta Candiago, Sebastian Gray, Konrad Komossa, F. Hemminger, Karoline Meyer, Markus Schmitt, Thomas M. Zoderer, Brenda Maria Ebner, Manuel Article/Letter to editor Landscape and Urban Planning 273 (2026) ISSN: 0169-2046 Changing landscapes and their effects on non-material benefits: challenges and opportunities for landscape science 2026 Landscape changes are occurring at unprecedented rate and pace, affecting non-material benefits of human-nature interactions and highlighting the need for better integration of perceptions into decision-making. However, links between landscape changes and impacts on non-material benefits remain poorly understood, despite being core topics in landscape science. This paper aims to provide insights into current approaches to assess landscape changes and related impacts on non-material benefits, highlighting limitations and challenges of research in landscape science. In an interactive workshop setting, experts in landscape science collected and discussed assessment approaches to capture impacts on non-material benefits due to landscape changes as well as factors influencing perceptions of these changes. Current challenges and opportunities of research in landscape science are pointed out applying a Strengths–Weaknesses–Opportunities–Threats (SWOT) analysis. While landscape science as an interdisciplinary and increasingly transdisciplinary research field enables the holistic assessment of human-nature interactions and impacts from landscape changes on non-material benefits, conceptual and methodological issues limit knowledge production and hamper the integration into landscape planning and decision-making. Factors influencing perception of changes are still insufficiently understood, while technological developments can help to develop novel integrative methods. Landscape science has the potential to holistically assess the impacts on human-nature interactions caused by landscapes changes. However, there are several challenges and limitations that still need to be addressed, requiring a steady exchange between research and governance, as well as a better integration of the perception of diverse types of users and beneficiaries. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/changing-landscapes-and-their-effects-on-non-material-benefits-ch 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2026.105667 https://edepot.wur.nl/714422 https://edepot.wur.nl/714422 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/815ad96b-d7d1-4d07-8e51-48502d46bc10 2026-04-20 public edurep openaire thesis

Peeters, N.G.J. McAllister, J.W. de Snoo, G.R. Sleutels, J.J.M. Doctoral thesis Exoot : De begripsgeschiedenis van invasie-ecologie, van Linnaeus tot Darwin 2026 This dissertation examines the conceptual history of invasion ecology from the eighteenth to the nineteenth century, focusing on how alien plants came to be identified, classified, and evaluated within natural history and early ecological thought. Central to the dissertation is the claim that three semantic shifts structured changing understandings of alien plants. These shifts successively frame alien species as colonists, as invasives, and as weeds. The first shift is located in the work of Carolus Linnaeus and his student Jon Flygare, particularly in their 1768 treatise De coloniis plantarum, which offers a systematic account of plant colonization and the role of purposeful and accidental human-mediated dispersal. The second shift concerns the emergence of the concept of invasion in the nineteenth century, most notably in the writings of Charles Darwin and Charles Lyell, who begin to characterize exotic plants and animals that spread rapidly and cause the displacement or extinction of aboriginal flora and fauna as invasive. The final shift addresses the mid-nineteenth-century re-evaluation of exotic plants as weeds. This development coincides with the first reported plant plagues in Europe and the colonies and marks the emergence of a new class of weeds understood as plants that are out of place in nature. nl Noordboek text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/815ad96b-d7d1-4d07-8e51-48502d46bc10 10.60602/1887-4287367 https://edepot.wur.nl/714420 Life Science Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/cca4b90d-221a-42cd-ac09-77fa5ef120d1 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Fijen, Thijs de Groot, Arjen External research report Natuurinclusieve landbouw met boekweit voor bestuivers : De bijdrage van boekweitteelt op wilde bestuiverpopulaties en de invloed van honingbijen 2026 Since 2020, Wageningen University & Research, has been investigating the contribution of buckwheat production, a high-potential crop for nature-inclusive agriculture in the Netherlands, as a resource for pollinators. Buckwheat strongly depends on insect pollination, which – in the absence of sufficient wild pollinators – most likely makes it a necessity to place honeybee hives near the crop fields to avoid pollination deficits. This report describes the results of a set of field experiments that has been investigating (1) the effects of a local presence of honeybee hives on honeybee abundance in the buckwheat fields as well is in other agricultural fields in its direct surroundings and in nearby nature areas, and (2) the long-term effects of buckwheat production on populations of wild pollinators in the buckwheat fields and surrounding agricultural fields Wageningen University & Research doet sinds 2020 onderzoek naar de bijdrage van boekweitteelt voor bestuivers in het kader van natuurinclusieve landbouw. Boekweit is sterk afhankelijk van insectenbestuiving, en dus is plaatsing van honingbijkasten waarschijnlijk noodzakelijk om te voorzien in een goede gewasbestuiving als er niet voldoende wilde bestuivers aanwezig zijn. Dit rapport beschrijft de resultaten van een veldonderzoek dat heeft gekeken naar (1) de effecten van het plaatsen van honingbijkasten op de dichtheid van honingbijen in de boekweit en in het omringende agrarische landschap en nabijgelegen natuurgebieden, en (2) de langetermijneffecten van boekweitteelt op de wilde bestuivergemeenschap in het perceel en in het omringende agrarische landschap nl Wageningen Environmental Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/natuurinclusieve-landbouw-met-boekweit-voor-bestuivers-de-bijdrag 10.18174/713376 https://edepot.wur.nl/713376 https://edepot.wur.nl/713376 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/ee5fa5e0-4401-4205-978b-4a6228431bdf 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Ohenhen, Leonard O. Shirzaei, Manoochehr Kumar, Praveen Aditiya, Arif Tiwari, Ashutosh Davis, James L. Kolawole, Folarin Chaussard, Estelle Sadhasivam, Nitheshnirmal Dasho, Oluwaseyi Zhong, Wen James, Roselyn H. Daramola, Samuel Nicholls, Robert J. Minderhoud, Philip S.J. Article/Letter to editor Science Advances 12 (2026) 15 ISSN: 2375-2548 Land subsidence on Java Island and its contributions to relative sea level change 2026 Rising sea levels and land subsidence combine to determine relative sea level (RSL) rise, which is intensifying coastal hazards. However, many densely populated regions lack the observational infrastructure to identify and quantify land subsidence contribution to RSL, hindering effective planning of responses. Here, we used satellite radar observations to generate a high-resolution assessment of land subsidence across Java Island, Indonesia, and evaluate its contribution to 21st-century RSL change. We identify widespread and temporally evolving subsidence with rates ranging from 1 to 15 cm/year in multiple coastal cities. Using machine learning spatiotemporal clustering and ancillary datasets, we attribute the dominant subsidence mechanisms to resource extraction across various geographic and geological settings. We further construct virtual tide gauges at 5-km intervals along the northern coastline, revealing that contemporary subsidence will dominate RSL budgets over the next 25 years along >75% of the coast. These findings underscore the urgent need to integrate subsidence into sea level risk and adaptation assessments in vulnerable coastal regions. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/land-subsidence-on-java-island-and-its-contributions-to-relative- 10.1126/sciadv.aec0172 https://edepot.wur.nl/714413 https://edepot.wur.nl/714413 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/0e85a2a1-daee-4777-991d-946af34fc906 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

Fijen, Thijs External research report Potentie van massaal bloeiende gewassen voor bestuivers : Bijdrage van massaal bloeiende gewassen aan herstel van bestuivers in agrarische landschappen 2026 Wild pollinators are under significant pressure, especially in agricultural landscapes. Although considerable research and policy efforts have focused on measures such as flower strips and restored landscape elements, temporary interventions have proven to be only marginally effective for long-term recovery. Moreover, these measures often require taking valuable farmland out of production. An overlooked complementary approach is the use of mass-flowering crops, which, due to their large share of the landscape, can substantially increase food availability for pollinators. This exploratory study analyses the potential of perennial, annual and leguminous crops, including crops that are currently grown only to a limited extent in the Netherlands but may become more relevant due to climate and policy changes. Based on literature and field research, existing knowledge on pollinator communities and the ways in which crops can contribute to population recovery was examined. In addition, the empirical evidence for diversification methods such as strip cropping, intercropping and agroforestry was reviewed. The analysis of more than thirty crop groups shows that several crops have clear potential. Buckwheat, lupin, oilseed rape, faba bean and various clover species demonstrate positive effects on pollinator populations. Fruit crops and flowering cover crops can also play important complementary roles, although their impact varies with flowering period and pollinator group. It is recommended that further research focuses on how orchards can extend the flowering period, the effect of undersowing in maize, and the contribution of specific small crops. Wilde bestuivers staan sterk onder druk, vooral in agrarische landschappen. Hoewel er veel onderzoek en beleid is gericht op maatregelen, zoals bloemenstroken en herstelde landschapselementen, blijken vooral tijdelijke ingrepen weinig effectief voor duurzaam herstel. Bovendien kosten deze maatregelen vaak waardevolle landbouwgrond. Een onderbelichte aanvullende route is het benutten van massaal bloeiende gewassen, die door hun grote oppervlakte in het landschap substantieel kunnen bijdragen aan voedselbeschikbaarheid voor bestuivers. Dit verkennende onderzoek analyseert de potentie van meerjarige, eenjarige en vlinderbloemige gewassen, inclusief gewassen die in Nederland nog weinig worden geteeld, maar relevant kunnen worden door klimaat- en beleidsveranderingen. Op basis van literatuuronderzoek is gekeken naar aanwezige kennis over bestuivergemeenschappen en de wijze waarop gewassen kunnen bijdragen aan herstel van populaties. Daarnaast is met literatuuronderzoek verkend welk empirisch bewijs bestaat voor gewasdiversificatiemethoden zoals strokenteelt, mengteelt en agroforestry. Uit de analyse van meer dan dertig gewasgroepen blijkt dat verschillende gewassen duidelijke potentie hebben. Boekweit, lupine, koolzaad, veldboon en diverse klaversoorten laten aantoonbare positieve effecten zien op bestuiverpopulaties. Ook fruitgewassen en bloeiende vanggewassen kunnen belangrijke aanvullende functies vervullen, al verschilt hun impact per bloeitijd en bestuivergroep. Aanbevolen wordt om verder te onderzoeken hoe een verlengde bloeiboog binnen fruitboomgaarden, onderzaai van bloeiende vanggewassen in mais, en kleine gewassen kunnen bijdragen aan bestuiverherstel. nl Wageningen Environmental Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/potentie-van-massaal-bloeiende-gewassen-voor-bestuivers-bijdrage- 10.18174/713374 https://edepot.wur.nl/713374 https://edepot.wur.nl/713374 Life Science (c) open_access_other Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/7021748e-5cba-497a-b6de-432c64ed225e 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire

Vural Gürsel, I. Elbersen, B.S. Ballemans, H.L.M. Abdulbawab, S. Gülşah, Yilan Khosravi, Alireza Zaeemi, Majid Ladu, Luana Rasheed, Mariam Van Acker, Joris Hallez, Tobi Bianchi, Marco Clavell, Janire Garcia Laverde, Laura Garcia Diaz, Carlota External research report D3.3 Case study assessment results 2026 The goal of achieving net-zero emissions by the European economy by 2050 demands a shift from linear, fossil-based systems to circular, biobased systems. This transition is vital for meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and reconciling environmental protection with sustainable growth. However, the complexity of the transition relies on societal transformations, cutting-edge technologies, and multi-actor processes, requiring a new economic framework and policy priorities that align with the European Green Deal. This report presents the SUSTRACK results on case study assessments (task 3.3). In task 3.1, 10 case studies were selected, and later an additional case study was included. In task 2.1, the SUSTRACK – Circular Bioeconomy Monitoring System, was developed. In task 3.2, validation of this monitoring system was carried out and guidelines for the implementation of the case study assessment were prepared. For this, the monitoring system was tested, and the most relevant indicators were identified for each case study. Additionally, guidelines were made for mapping stakeholders and policy instruments, and for the collection of information for the case study analysis. This report builds on the work carried out in task 3.2. The guidance and methodology for case study analysis is followed for the assessment of the 11 selected case studies. Additionally, in task 3.3 stakeholder engagements were used to gather input for the case studies. This includes, besides dedicated interviews with targeted stakeholders, input gathered at the INSPIRE and DESIGN co-creation workshops. The findings from these engagements were categorised into three dimensions: market, policy, and sustainability. The outcomes from these case study assessments serve as input for other work packages (WPs), especially for WP4 for the analysis of each sector by means of the Green Economy Model and for WP5 for the identification of policy priorities, the definition of policy actions based on discussions on challenges and opportunities. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/d33-case-study-assessment-results https://edepot.wur.nl/714380 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/2733fa7e-b3bf-494b-8f14-2a71e844fee9 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire

Elbersen, B.S. Vural Gürsel, I. Ballemans, H.L.M. Gülşah, Yilan Ladu, Luana Rasheed, Mariam Van Acker, Joris Hallez, Tobi Garcia Laverde, Laura Clavell, Janire Khosravi, Alireza Zaeemi, Majid Garcia Diaz, Carlota External research report D3.4 Overall findings, recommendations and conclusions from the case studies 2026 The goal of achieving net-zero emissions by the European economy by 2050 demands a shift from linear, fossil-based systems to circular, bio-based systems. This transition is vital for meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and reconciling environmental protection with sustainable growth. However, the complexity of the transition relies on societal transformations, cutting-edge technologies, and multi-actor processes, requiring a new economic framework and policy priorities that align with the European Green Deal. This report presents the SUSTRACK task 3.4 overall findings, recommendations and conclusions from the case study assessments. In task 3.1, 10 case studies were selected; later, an additional case study was included. In task 2.1, the SUSTRACK – Circular Bioeconomy Monitoring System was developed. In task 3.2, validation of this monitoring system was carried out, and guidelines for the implementation of the case study assessment were prepared. For this, the monitoring system was tested, and the most relevant and suitable indicators were identified for each case study. Additionally, guidelines were made for mapping stakeholders and policy instruments, and for the collection of information and data for the case study analysis. Task 3.3 builds on the work carried out in task 3.2. The guidance and methodology for case study analysis, as set out in deliverable 3.2, are followed for the assessment of the 11 selected case studies. Additionally, in task 3.3, stakeholder engagements were used in gathering input for the case studies. This includes, besides dedicated interviews with targeted stakeholders, input gathered at the INSPIRE and DESIGN co-creation workshops. The findings from these engagements were categorised into three dimensions: market, policy, and sustainability. The outcomes from these case study assessments serve as input for other work packages (WPs), especially for WP4 for the analysis of each sector by means of the Green Economy Model and for WP5 for the identification of policy priorities, the definition of policy actions based on discussions on challenges and opportunities. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/d34-overall-findings-recommendations-and-conclusions-from-the-cas https://edepot.wur.nl/714379 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/1645265b-9acb-4127-8db9-ce812b18f944 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

School, J.J.M. Kampen, J. Koole, M. Volwater, J.J.J. External research report A-toomkuilsurvey 2025 : IJsselmeer en Markermeer 2026 In 2021 is een start gemaakt met een nieuwe vismonitoringsreeks voor het IJsselmeer en Markermeer op basis van gestandaardiseerde jaarlijkse bemonsteringen met een A-toomkuil en stortkuil. Deze nieuwe monitoringsreeks is gestart na geluiden vanuit de visserijsector dat de reguliere bemonstering met de verhoogde boomkor geen volledig representatief beeld zou geven van de visstand op het IJssel- en Markermeer. Met de A-toomkuil zou een breder spectrum aan soorten en lengteklassen worden bemonsterd. Het ministerie van Landbouw, Visserij, Voedselzekerheid en Natuur (LVVN) heeft daarom opdracht gegeven aan Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) om naast de reguliere vismonitoring met de boomkor ook een bemonsteringsprogramma met de A-toomkuil uit te voeren. Op termijn moet hiermee worden vastgesteld of de A-toomkuilsurvey daadwerkelijk een representatiever beeld geeft van de visstand op het IJsselmeer en Markermeer, en uiteindelijk ook de reguliere boomkorbemonstering eventueel zou kunnen gaan vervangen. Om beide monitoringsreeksen goed met elkaar te kunnen vergelijken (met zo min mogelijk invloed van willekeurige (tijds)variatie), zal de A-toomkuilsurvey naar verwachting nog een aantal jaren parallel aan de boomkorsurvey worden uitgevoerd. Bij eventuele vervanging van de reguliere boomkormonitoring zal ook moeten worden bekeken in hoeverre de A-toomkuilsurvey voldoet aan de eisen en informatiebehoeften die volgen uit de Visserijwet, de Europese Kaderrichtlijn Water (KRW) en Natura2000. De monitoring wordt in samenwerking met beroepsvissers, ATKB en Wageningen Marine Research opgezet en uitgevoerd, waardoor de resultaten breed gedragen worden door betrokkenen en belangenpartijen. De opzet van de monitoring is daarbij gebaseerd op een pilot die binnen een Europees Fonds voor Maritieme Zaken en Visserij project in samenwerking met stichting Transitie IJsselmeer, AT-KB en beroepsvissers is uitgevoerd in 2018 en 2019. In de komende jaren zal de methode zoveel mogelijk (gestandaardiseerd) uitgevoerd worden. In september en oktober 2025 zijn er in totaal 74 A-toomkuiltrekken uitgevoerd, waarvan 42 op het IJsselmeer en 32 op het Markermeer. Daarnaast zijn er 19 stortkuiltrekken uitgevoerd in de ondiepere delen, waarvan 10 op het IJsselmeer en 9 op het Markermeer. Alle bemonsteringen zijn in het donker uitgevoerd. Goede communicatie van de deelnemende visserijbedrijven in samenspraak met de Producentenorganisatie (PO) IJsselmeer resulteerde in een goede afstemming met beroepsvissers met staandwantnetten, wat ertoe heeft geleid dat in vrijwel alle situaties ruimte is gemaakt voor het onderzoek in de meren, ook in de diepe putten in het Markermeer. Alle vooraf geplande trekken zijn dit jaar uitgevoerd. Vergeleken met vorig jaar is een trek in een zandwindput verlegd naar een diepte van 4-6 m, vanwege het dichtslibben van de zandwinput. Daarnaast is er een trek toegevoegd aan de oostkant van Marker Wadden en een trek in het IJmeer. Op zowel het IJsselmeer als het Markermeer is het totale vangstsucces (kg/ha) over alle soorten samen in 2025 vergelijkbaar met die in 2024, maar hoger dan in de andere jaren 2021-2023. Op het IJsselmeer gaat het voornamelijk om een hoger vangstsucces van snoekbaars en brasem, maar is het vangstsucces van spiering en baars daarentegen lager in 2025 dan in 2024. Op het Markermeer was het vangstsucces van snoekbaars iets lager in 2025 dan in 2024, maar beslaat het samen met brasem nog steeds de helft van het totale vangstsucces op het Markermeer. Van snoekbaars werd in 2025 minder eerste jaarklasse gevangen op het Markermeer t.o.v. van 2024, terwijl meer eerstejaars snoekbaars werd gevangen op het IJsselmeer t.o.v. het jaar ervoor. Het vangstsucces in gewicht in 2025 op beide meren is van de eerste jaarklasse blankvoorn en baars gelijk of toegenomen t.o.v. van 2024, maar afgenomen voor de oudere jaarklassen. Voor brasem is het vangstsucces in gewicht in 2025 lager voor de eerste jaarklasse op beide meren. Daarentegen is het vangstsucces van grote brasem (> 30 cm) in 2025 op beide meren hoger. nl Wageningen Marine Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/a-toomkuilsurvey-2025-ijsselmeer-en-markermeer 10.18174/713602 https://edepot.wur.nl/713602 https://edepot.wur.nl/713602 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/7669cfd5-e581-4457-975a-5ebb370c6c8c 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Zwart, Nienke R.K. Ueland, Per Magne McCann, Adrian McKay, Jill A. Rütten, Heidi Bogers, Johannes A. de Wilt, Johannes H.W. Kampman, Ellen Kok, Dieuwertje E. Article/Letter to editor Clinical and Translational Radiation Oncology 59 (2026) ISSN: 2405-6308 Plasma serine and glycine in relation to clinical outcomes following neoadjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer 2026 Introduction: There is substantial variation in radiotherapy response among patients with rectal cancer. The amino acids serine and glycine have been proposed as radiosensitizers in preclinical studies. Here, we explored associations between plasma serine, glycine, and their ratio and clinical outcomes following neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer, including tumour downstaging and cancer recurrence. Methods: Based on a prospective cohort study, 288 patients with stage I-III rectal cancer were included. Blood was collected around diagnosis and plasma levels of serine and glycine were measured using GC–MS/MS. Tumour downstaging was defined as T-classification downstaging (pT < cT) after neoadjuvant treatment and recurrence included locoregional recurrences and distant metastases occurring in the 5-years after surgery. Regression models were used to calculate relative risks (RR) and hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for tumour downstaging and recurrence, respectively. Results: Tumour downstaging was observed in 41% (n = 117) of the patients and the 5-year recurrence rate was 23% (n = 67). Serine, glycine, and their ratio were not associated with tumour downstaging. A higher serine/glycine ratio was associated with a lower risk of cancer recurrence (HRperdoubling 0.47, 95%CI 0.22–0.99) and tumour downstaging was associated with lower risk of cancer recurrence (HR 0.40, 95%CI 0.22–0.70). Conclusion: This is the first study demonstrating a potential association between the serine/glycine ratio, an indicator of SHMT enzyme activity, and rectal cancer recurrence. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings, as well as investigate underlying biological mechanisms and potentially explore strategies to target SHMT enzyme activity in the context of cancer treatment. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/plasma-serine-and-glycine-in-relation-to-clinical-outcomes-follow 10.1016/j.ctro.2026.101159 https://edepot.wur.nl/714334 https://edepot.wur.nl/714334 Cancer recurrence Glycine Radiotherapy Rectal cancer Serine https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/8523f8c9-2d44-41cd-995f-2b6df03aa9e2 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Huang, Yanyang Smeets, Paul A.M. Schrooten, Stefanie Boesveldt, Sanne Article/Letter to editor Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 186 (2026) ISSN: 0149-7634 Neural correlates of olfactory dysfunction : A systematic review 2026 Olfactory dysfunction affects over 20% of the population. Despite progress in understanding its neural pathophysiology, research remains fragmented. This systematic review synthesizes evidence of brain structural and functional measures, and their association with clinical characteristics (e.g., etiology, duration) in patients with olfactory dysfunction. This may help to identify neural correlates and potential neuroimaging biomarkers of olfactory dysfunction’s severity and progression. Following PRISMA guidelines, we screened 2374 papers and included 164 studies. Structural MRI studies consistently reported reduced olfactory bulb volume and/or sulcus depth, alongside gray matter reduction in the orbitofrontal cortex, hippocampus, insula, and amygdala in acquired olfactory dysfunction and paradoxical increases in congenital anosmia. Diffusion tensor imaging studies showed widespread white matter abnormalities, with prominent fractional anisotropy reductions. Resting-state and task-based fMRI studies showed heterogeneous, global alterations in connectivity and/or reactivity. PET/SPECT studies generally reported reduced perfusion or hypometabolism in frontal regions, especially in the orbitofrontal regions. Dopamine transporter imaging showed more frequent dopaminergic deficits in Parkinson’s and prodromal individuals with hyposmia. Electroencephalography studies, despite methodological heterogeneity, generally found prolonged latencies and reduced amplitudes in olfactory event-related potentials. Across techniques, these brain alterations often showed low-to-moderate correlations with olfactory function. Although etiological and methodological heterogeneity currently obstructs the identification of robust neuroimaging biomarkers of olfactory dysfunction’s severity and progression, current evidence indicates that olfactory dysfunction involves widespread structural and functional alterations, mainly in olfaction-related areas, with the orbitofrontal cortex as a key area emerging across techniques. Large-scale, standardized studies are needed to enable stratified diagnosis and personalized prognosis. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/neural-correlates-of-olfactory-dysfunction-a-systematic-review 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2026.106665 https://edepot.wur.nl/714331 https://edepot.wur.nl/714331 EEG MRI Neuroimaging Olfactory dysfunction PET SPECT Smell https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/c32e66e2-b02f-4263-980e-76d356452a56 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Guo, Yutong Stibora, Miranda Kooi, Merel Strokal, Maryna Hofstra, Nynke Koelmans, Albert A. Article/Letter to editor Water Research 299 (2026) ISSN: 0043-1354 Global modeling of the role of microplastics in riverine pathogen transport, exposure, and risks 2026 Concern persists that pathogens attaching to microplastics (MPs) may spread farther in rivers and elevate public health risks. Yet whether pathogen flux carried on riverine MP substantially augments transport via river water is unknown. We quantified, under global river conditions, the fraction of pathogen transport attributable to MP attachment. Riverine MP concentrations were simulated with the MARINA-Plastics model and pathogen concentrations with the GloWPa model at a global sub-basin resolution. We assessed Cryptosporidium worldwide and Escherichia coli (E. coli) for China at the same sub-basin resolution. For the first time, outputs from MP and pathogen models were integrated to estimate MP-pathogen binding probabilistically across rivers. Attachment was represented with an empirical Freundlich sorption formulation parameterized from literature data. Predicted MP-bound E. coli concentrations exceeded those of Cryptosporidium, reflecting stronger sorption and higher bacterial abundances. Despite this, under the current modeling framework and parameterization, the contribution of MP to the total pathogen transport flux is minimal and, based on available evidence, does not warrant prioritization as an independent public health risk source. The framework can be extended to evaluate risks from hazardous particles and co-transported contaminants, including other pathogens, metals, and organic chemicals, to inform evidence-based policy and monitoring priorities. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/global-modeling-of-the-role-of-microplastics-in-riverine-pathogen 10.1016/j.watres.2026.125877 https://edepot.wur.nl/714330 https://edepot.wur.nl/714330 Abrasion Global rivers Microplastics Pathogens Transport Vector https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/d89d883a-405f-4626-aff5-93f382b94226 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Frostenberg, Hannah C. Costa-Surós, Montserrat Georgakaki, Paraskevi Proske, Ulrike Sotiropoulou, Georgia May, Eleanor Neubauer, David Eriksson, Patrick Gonçalves Ageitos, María Nenes, Athanasios Pérez García-Pando, Carlos Seland, Øyvind Ickes, Luisa Article/Letter to editor npj Climate and Atmospheric Science 9 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2397-3722 Large discrepancies in dominant microphysical processes governing mixed-phase clouds across climate models 2026 The balance between liquid and ice in clouds remains a major challenge in climate modeling, largely due to uncertainties in ice-related processes. We investigate the relative importance of four microphysical processes—primary ice nucleation (PIN), secondary ice production (SIP), sedimentation, and transport of ice crystals—for the supercooled liquid fraction (SLF) in mixed-phase clouds using three global climate models: EC-Earth3-AerChem, NorESM2-MM, and ECHAM6.3-HAM2.3. All models identify PIN as the dominant influence on SLF at cold temperatures in high northern latitudes, but diverge elsewhere and for higher temperatures. Implementing a unified SIP parameterization produced varied model responses, revealing fundamental differences in how microphysical processes interact within each model framework. These discrepancies suggest that each model prioritizes different processes in shaping the cloud phase. Such divergence may limit the reliability of conclusions regarding microphysical processes drawn from any single model. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/large-discrepancies-in-dominant-microphysical-processes-governing 10.1038/s41612-026-01342-7 https://edepot.wur.nl/714328 https://edepot.wur.nl/714328 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/80eb4cb8-5cbe-4136-ad91-38753cd0a483 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Menon, Rohan Andreadis, Stefanos S. Koenraadt, Constantianus J.M. Verhulst, Niels O. Ignell, Rickard Hill, Sharon R. Article/Letter to editor Parasites and Vectors 19 (2026) 1 ISSN: 1756-3305 Relative proportion and contrasting host preference of Culex pipiens biotypes across Europe 2026 Background: The primary vector of West Nile virus (WNV) in Europe, Culex pipiens, has two morphologically identical but behaviorally and genetically distinct biotypes, here referred to as Pipiens and Molestus. Pipiens and Molestus, and their hybrids, are differentially distributed across Europe and display variable patterns of blood-feeding on birds and humans across the continent, but whether host choice correlates with host preference is unclear. Methods: Samples of mosquitoes were collected and subsequently biotyped using real-time PCR, following which the relative proportions of each biotype and the hybrids was recorded and their host preference analyzed using a two-choice trapping assay. Each trapping assay consisted of two BG-Sentinel type 2 traps, which were baited with CO2 and either a synthetic human odor blend or a chicken odor blend. The trapping assays were conducted in peri-urban sites in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Greece. Results: The relative proportions of Molestus and hybrids were higher in Greece than in the northern locations, while Pipiens remained the dominant biotype across all trapping locations. In Greece, the host preference of Pipiens and Molestus was for avian and human odors, respectively, whereas the host preference was reversed in the Netherlands and Switzerland. The hybrids were opportunistic in host preference regardless of trapping location. Conclusions: The relative proportions of Pipiens and Molestus and their hybrids vary across Europe. The observed variance in host preference, ranging from opportunistic to weakly ornithophilic for Pipiens, from ornithophilic to mildly anthropophillic for Molestus and opportunistic for hybrids—depending on latitude—may have an impact on WNV transmission. This study highlights the discrepancy between host choice and host preference, and the efficacy of the synthetic host odor blends for surveilling the relative proportion and host preference of Cx. pipiens. This methodology provides a framework and the tools required for a more accurate assessment of vectorial capacity and prediction of WNV outbreaks, and may be used to understand the genetic mechanisms regulating host preference. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/relative-proportion-and-contrasting-host-preference-of-culex-pipi 10.1186/s13071-026-07375-4 https://edepot.wur.nl/714327 https://edepot.wur.nl/714327 Chicken odor Host preference Human odor Molestus Pipiens Relative proportion https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/1025f383-c173-4eae-a473-b4540e62534e 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

van der Werf, Jebbe Campmans, Geert Damveld, Johan Duong, Trang Minh Haan, Robert Jan den Horstman, Erik M. Huisman, Bas Krafft, Douglas van de Lageweg, Wietse Larsen, Bjarke Limpens, Juul Lodder, Quirijn Maarse, Maaike McFall, Brian C. Price, Timothy Ruessink, Gerben Schaafsma, Marije de Schipper, Matthieu Wijsman, Jeroen Part of book or chapter of book Coastal Research Library ISBN: 9783032154767 Sand Nourishments : Review of Research and Introduction of the SOURCE Project 2026 Sand nourishments have become a popular management option to mitigate coastal retreat for sites with abundant sand supplies. Off-site sand is placed on the dry beach or under water at typical water depths up to 10 m. This nearshore zone has a high bed level variability and contains a cascade of morphological features. This makes the understanding and forecasting of nourishment morphodynamics and impacts challenging. The emerging climate-change effects, sea-level rise in particular, call for significant progress on this topic in due time. This paper presents an overview of field, laboratory and modeling studies on nourishment morphodynamics. Four key knowledge gaps were identified. First, the spreading of nourished sand through the coastal zone is poorly understood, and has not been quantified. Second, it is unclear how design variables such as size, placement location and grain-size affect the nourishment lifetime, spreading and impact. Third, the cumulative effect of repeated nourishments on the coastal system is unknown. Fourth, models are not capable to reliably predict the morphological development and impact of nourishments. To tackle these knowledge gaps, we have launched the SOURCE research project. en Springer application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/sand-nourishments-review-of-research-and-introduction-of-the-sour 10.1007/978-3-032-15477-4_35 https://edepot.wur.nl/714326 https://edepot.wur.nl/714326 Coastal morphodynamics Field Measurements Laboratory Experiments Numerical Modeling Sand Nourishments https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/2a57dc72-09dc-4573-ad44-72b86b6ccc37 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Zilberman, David Zhuang, Jie Wesseler, Justus Khanna, Madhu Part of book or chapter of book Natural Resource Management and Policy ISBN: 9783032071118 What Is the Bioeconomy and How Does It Make a Difference? An Introduction 2026 The discovery of the DNA and the enhanced capacity to manage living organisms, combined with the challenges of climate change, food security, and rural development, led to the emergence of the concept of the bioeconomy. A broad definition of the bioeconomy is a sector of the economy that relies on living organisms and biological processes and services. The definition of the bioeconomy varies among nations reflecting different emphases and capabilities. The bioeconomy consists of multiple sectors and is evolving over time. This book is divided into three main segments. The first provides diverse perspectives on the bioeconomy, reflecting different geographic and disciplinary points of view. The second focuses on specific sectors and approaches within the bioeconomy and their development. The third presents several studies on emerging bioeconomy sectors in Latin America and other continents. en Springer application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/what-is-the-bioeconomy-and-how-does-it-make-a-difference-an-intro 10.1007/978-3-032-07112-5_1 https://edepot.wur.nl/714325 https://edepot.wur.nl/714325 Bioeconomy Biological resources Biotechnology Sustainable development https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/d37cc58b-688c-4b3f-81a9-c89bb800899b 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Maciá-Vicente, Jose G. Gomes, Sofia I.F. Ampt, Eline A. Hennecke, Justus Bakker, Lisette M. van Ruijven, Jasper Mommer, Liesje Article/Letter to editor New Phytologist (2026) ISSN: 0028-646X The phylogenetic structure of plant communities drives the belowground transmission of fungal pathogens 2026 Biodiversity is known to influence disease risk, yet the pathways of pathogen transmission within plant communities remain poorly understood, especially belowground. In particular, how soil-borne pathogens move from resident vegetation and soil to colonize new hosts is unresolved. We traced belowground pathogen transmission using phytometer seedlings of two plant species planted in a long-term grassland biodiversity experiment. After 3 months, we characterized the fungal communities of phytometer roots, resident plant roots, and soil using high-throughput sequencing and the FungalTraits database to identify associations between pathogen taxonomy and plant families. Next, we related pathogen abundance to phytometer growth. The phylogenetic similarity of phytometers with resident plant species strongly predicted the relative abundance of pathogens that were considered family-specific, but not of pathogens without a clear host preference. However, neither pathogen abundance in phytometers nor resident plant biomass affected phytometer growth, which was best explained by the resident communities' species richness. Combining sequencing of fungal communities with in situ field manipulations enabled us to track the associations between multiple soil-borne pathogens and plant hosts within the full complexity of plant–soil systems. While pathogen dynamics were readily detectable, their consequences for plant performance may only become apparent over longer ecological timescales. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/the-phylogenetic-structure-of-plant-communities-drives-the-belowg 10.1111/nph.71156 https://edepot.wur.nl/714321 https://edepot.wur.nl/714321 biodiversity grasslands pathogens plant–soil feedback roots soil-borne fungi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/0b302401-626f-4188-9433-b923f5643abe 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Ebile, Pride Anya Ndambi, Asaah Stuetz, Wolfgang Brulé, Mathieu Ndah, Hycenth Tim Schuler, Johannes Article/Letter to editor Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics 127 (2026) ISSN: 1612-9830 Evaluating the impact of home gardening and nutrition education on haemoglobin levels, dietary diversity, and mid-upper arm circumference in Mbororo women : Case of Northwest region, Cameroon 2026 The nutritional status of the Mbororo, a Fulbe minority group in Cameroon’s Northwest Region, is often inadequate. This cross-sectional study assessed the impact of a home garden project combined with nutrition education on the nutritional status of Mbororo women, using dietary diversity score (DDS), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and haemoglobin levels as indicators. Data were collected from 70 healthy, non-pregnant Mbororo women aged 65 years or younger. These women were randomly selected from communities with and without home gardens. Women in home garden communities had significantly higher mean DDS (5.4 ± 0.9) than those in non-garden communities (4.2 ± 0.7; p = 0.001), indicating improved dietary quality. However, no significant differences were found in MUAC or haemoglobin levels between groups. Anaemia prevalence across all communities was 52.9 %, a severe public health concern, with 27.1% of women underweight and 15.8% overweight, highlighting the double burden of malnutrition. While home gardens improved dietary diversity, they did not resolve broader nutritional challenges. The study concludes that addressing malnutrition in minority communities requires integrated, nutrition-sensitive interventions. These should include nutrition education, home gardening alongside small-scale livestock rearing and fish farming to enhance access to iron-rich foods and diversify nutrient sources. Such approaches are vital for improving long-term nutrition and health outcomes in underserved populations like the Mbororo. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/evaluating-the-impact-of-home-gardening-and-nutrition-education-o 10.17170/kobra-2026011411804 https://edepot.wur.nl/714320 https://edepot.wur.nl/714320 food-based intervention minority community nutrition education overweight and underweight https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/8a1ab2f9-ea16-4420-ad28-97e7003240f6 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Marijnissen, Richard Schrijvershof, Reinier van Weerdenburg, Roy van Maren, Bas Part of book or chapter of book Coastal Research Library ISBN: 9783032154767 A 21st Century Projection of Sediment Management Strategies as Nature-Based Solutions in the Ems Estuary 2026 The Ems estuary faces rising turbidity and increased flood risk due to sea-level rise. We investigated three Nature-based Solutions (NbS) through hydro-morphological modeling to address these issues by 2100: converting a polder to wetland, facilitating salt marsh growth with brushwood groynes, and re-using dredged sediment. Without NbS, turbidity is projected to increase, especially with sea-level rise. Reconnecting a polder can help reduce turbidity in the Dollard while expanding facilitating new wetland, but may not fully counteract the increased sediment import projected with sea-level rise. Extracting mud from the Delfzijl harbour is the most effective measure in reducing turbidity, while marsh expansion with brushwood groynes does not significantly affect turbidity. Nevertheless, groynes facilitate both marsh expansion as well as significant local flood risk reduction. en Springer application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/a-21supstsup-century-projection-of-sediment-management-strategies 10.1007/978-3-032-15477-4_83 https://edepot.wur.nl/714319 https://edepot.wur.nl/714319 Flood risk Nature-based solutions Sea-level rise Sediment management Turbidity https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/25c1c0d7-96b6-4cee-beaa-9304b14658df 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Agostinho, Beatriz Silvestre, Armando J.D. Thiyagarajan, Shanmugam Sousa, Andreia F. Article/Letter to editor RSC Sustainability (2026) ISSN: 2753-8125 Heterogeneous-catalyzed methanolysis for efficient chemical recycling of bio-based PEF 2026 The promising bio-based polymer poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF) is expected to be produced on a large scale worldwide to meet demands across various market segments due to its superior properties and performance, although its end-of-life management still remains challenging due to its non-(bio)degradable nature. In this work, two different heterogeneous catalysts, Amberlyst 70 and Zeolite H–Y, were studied for the first time in the methanolysis of PEF. The depolymerization conditions, such as time, temperature, and catalyst loading, were optimized to maximize the depolymerization of PEF, resulting in high selectivity to dimethyl 2,5-furandicarboxylate (DMFDC), as confirmed by 1H NMR and GC-MS. A complete PEF conversion and 100% DMFDC yield were achieved during a 1 hour reaction at 175 °C with 5 wt% zeolite. The potential to reuse the most effective catalyst (Zeolite H–Y) across two depolymerization cycles while maintaining its catalytic activity comparable to that of virgin zeolite was also demonstrated, enhancing process greenness as assessed by its E-factor. Additionally, a closed-loop PEF value chain is confirmed by reusing the recovered monomers to produce PEF polyester with physical and thermal properties, such as Tg and thermal stability, identical to those of the original, as verified by 1H and 13C NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/heterogeneous-catalyzed-methanolysis-for-efficient-chemical-recyc 10.1039/d5su00905g https://edepot.wur.nl/714318 https://edepot.wur.nl/714318 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/0b62d29c-febc-4e5d-bde2-69cab318e7b3 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Adjouman, Désiré Doh Amenan, Aline Charlemagne, Nindjin Dekker, Matthijs Kohi Kouamé, Alfred Achille Tetchi, Fabrice N’Guessan, Georges Amani Article/Letter to editor Journal of Food Processing and Preservation 2026 (2026) 1 ISSN: 0145-8892 Optimization of Cassava Starch-Based Biodegradable Films With Garcinia kola Oil and Cocos nucifera L. Microfibers Using Response Surface Methodology 2026 Starch-based films have low water resistance and poor mechanical properties. This study aimed to optimize the properties of biodegradable films based on cassava starch reinforced with Garcinia kola oil and Cocos nucifera L. microfibers. To this end, OléKanga cassava starch, G. kola oil, and C. nucifera L. microfibers were used to produce an optimized packaging film using response surface methodology (RSM). The desirability function subsequently determined an optimal formulation. The results showed that adding microfibers, and oil increased thickness by 77%, reduced water content by 43%, decreased water solubility of the film by 46%, and reduced water vapor permeability (WVP) of the starch-based films from 955 × 10−13 to 5.15 × 10–13 g·Pa−1·s−1·m−1. In other words, there was a 99% increase in the film’s water vapor barrier. However, elongation was reduced with the addition of microfibers. The addition of G. kola oil increased film opacity from 1.56 ± 0.05 to 4.26 ± 0.08 A·mm−1 and reduced the breaking strength by 62%. An optimal film formulation was determined using the desirability function, with 4 g OléKanga cassava starch, 30% glycerol, 5% C. nucifera L. microfibers, 25% G. kola oil, and 5% lecithin. The properties of the films were improved by adding G. kola oil and C. nucifera L. microfibers to the starch matrix. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/optimization-of-cassava-starch-based-biodegradable-films-with-gar 10.1155/jfpp/5579163 https://edepot.wur.nl/714317 https://edepot.wur.nl/714317 Cocos nucifera L. microfibers Garcinia kola oil biodegradable film cassava starch https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/d985cf5d-d803-4387-93bd-a08e46614a3a 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Wijnberg, K.M. Bakhshianlamouki, E. van Rosmalen, S.J. Teixeira, M. Augustijn, P.W.M. Brugnach, M.F. Horstman, Erik M. Limpens, Juul Mulder, J.P.M. Riksen, M.J.P.M. Voinov, A.A. Part of book or chapter of book Coastal Research Library ISBN: 9783032154767 How Development of Recreation, Embryo Dune Habitat and Flood Safety Interact at Evolving Nature-Based Sandy Interventions 2026 Socio-economic pressures on coastal zones demand innovative solutions for balancing human needs and natural dynamics. This study investigates how recreation, embryo dune habitat development, and flood safety interact within nature-based, multifunctional sandy anthropogenic shores (SAS), focusing on two Dutch case studies: the transient Sand Motor and the permanent Hondsbossche Dunes. Utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, surveys, sensors, and advanced modeling tools (Agent-Based Models and the Cellular Automata model DuBeVeg), we explore socio-bio-physical dynamics and long-term landscape evolution. Results show that recreational activities influence vegetation establishment, affecting embryo dune formation and thus habitat size. While high recreational pressure restricts embryo dune formation, this enhances foredune growth, strengthening their functionality as flood defense. However, with restricted embryo dune development, ecological value is compromised. Our findings highlight the need for design strategies that balance these competing objectives. Further recreational use scenario analyses, for different SAS designs, including morphological design and spatial design of facilities, could uncover whether it is also possible to achieve synergy among recreation, flood safety, and ecological value of SAS. en Springer application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/how-development-of-recreation-embryo-dune-habitat-and-flood-safet 10.1007/978-3-032-15477-4_37 https://edepot.wur.nl/714316 https://edepot.wur.nl/714316 anthropogenic coastal management mega-nourishment multifunctional vegetation establishment https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/7dedb8a3-5e6e-44b1-a2c7-7c32c5440b96 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Engbersen, Dore Biesbroek, Robbert Termeer, Catrien J.A.M. Article/Letter to editor Environmental Policy and Governance (2026) ISSN: 1756-932X The “Magic” of Conflict : How Participatory Governance Can Enable Transformative Climate Adaptation 2026 In many cases, addressing climate risks requires transformative climate adaptation (TCA) that goes beyond small adjustments to existing systems. While scholars increasingly argue that participatory governance is key and should embrace conflict rather than push for consensus to enable TCA, this assumption remains underexplored. Therefore, this study investigates how participatory governance deals with conflict to enable TCA, drawing on a historical analysis of the Dutch Hegewarren case—a co-creation process that led to the decision to transform an agricultural polder into a natural peatland. We find that conflict serves TCA indirectly. By allowing for conflict and taking political alternatives seriously, the co-creation process created the enabling conditions for TCA. Specifically, allowing disagreement within the process improved participants' perceptions of the legitimacy of the co-creation process and its outcomes. Simultaneously, the co-creation process reshaped the social and cognitive context, reducing distrust and reframing conflicts as participants' perspectives evolved through sustained interaction. Finally, our analysis highlights the unpredictable nature of transformative change. We consider this the “magic” of conflict: moments when new combinations of problems and solutions spark contestation, yet simultaneously generate the energy needed for continuous improvement in later phases and open opportunities for policy change. By illuminating how participatory governance can productively engage with conflict, this research contributes to a better understanding of the conditions under which TCA becomes possible. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/the-magic-of-conflict-how-participatory-governance-can-enable-tra 10.1002/eet.70071 https://edepot.wur.nl/714315 https://edepot.wur.nl/714315 agonism conflicts participatory adaptation participatory governance transformative climate adaptation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/8c7b9bd1-13df-4224-899f-2878df6a8c60 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Roepert, Anne Middelburg, Jack J. Weiss, Gabriella M. van der Meer, Marcel T.J. Polerecky, Lubos Article/Letter to editor Scientific Reports 16 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2045-2322 Sodium and potassium analysis of individual coccoliths by secondary ion mass spectrometry 2026 Coccoliths are individual plates of calcium carbonate that comprise the shells of marine calcifying haptophyte algae. Their remains provide an excellent sedimentary archive for the reconstruction of past environmental parameters. Using nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), we measured the Mg, Sr, Na and K contents in individual coccoliths of Emiliania huxleyi, now named Gephyrocapsa huxleyi, to explore their potential as a paleoproxy. For recent environmental samples from the Mediterranean and Black Sea as well as cultured specimens, all elements appeared to be homogeneously distributed within, but highly variable among, the individual coccoliths. Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios covered a range of 0.06–83 mmol mol−1 and 1.9–3.8 mmol mol−1, respectively, and were in line with the previously determined values. Na/Ca ranged between 1.6–186 mmol mol−1. K/Ca could not be calibrated, but the measured 39K+/44Ca+ ion count ratios varied between 0.03–2.7. Although the Na/Ca ratios significantly decreased with increasing total alkalinity and salinity in the Mediterranean samples, these trends were not observed in samples collected from cultures where the alkalinity and salinity varied separately. Similarly, K/Ca ratios showed no clear trends with total alkalinity or salinity of the culture medium. Calcification in coccolithophores is biologically controlled and this may mask the impact of environmental factors on the observed variation in the Na and K content of individual coccoliths of E. huxleyi. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/sodium-and-potassium-analysis-of-individual-coccoliths-by-seconda 10.1038/s41598-026-40623-2 https://edepot.wur.nl/714314 https://edepot.wur.nl/714314 Coccolithophores Elemental ratios Environmental proxies Gephyrocapsa huxleyi (Emiliania huxleyi) NanoSIMS https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

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Saddi, Khim Cathleen van Emmerik, Tim H.M. Miglino, Domenico Poggi, Matteo Isgrò, Francesco Tasseron, Paolo F. Daniele, Luigi Manfreda, Salvatore Article/Letter to editor Water Resources Research 62 (2026) 4 ISSN: 0043-1397 Exploring the Transferability of Image-Based Algorithms for River Plastic Detection : The Value of Small Mixed Data Sets 2026 Using large image data sets has been the conventional strategy to improve object detection, but it increases annotation effort and training cost and does not guarantee robust transfer to new sites. Here we quantify the value of a small, diverse training set for floating macroplastic detection by jointly evaluating performance, computational cost, annotation effort, and cross-site transferability. We compile four river-camera data sets from Indonesia, The Netherlands, and Vietnam (training/internal validation) and Italy (external validation, single site and single day data from a long-term camera monitoring system), harmonized into 13 litter classes and a five-level tiering scheme (progressive class aggregation). We train YOLOv7 and YOLOv8 models and compare site-specific data sets with a merged “Mixed” data set (999 images) spanning heterogeneous environmental conditions. Results show that data sets with more diverse backgrounds (Type II; e.g., The Netherlands) achieve higher performance per annotation than homogeneous data sets (Type I; e.g., Indonesia, Vietnam), whereas naïvely merging data sets can degrade internal validation unless accompanied by feature-aware filtering. Class aggregation substantially increases overall detection skill, with gains consistent across data sets when moving from fine (Tier 4) to coarse (Tier 0) label spaces. Finally, internal validation does not reliably predict external-site performance, underscoring the need for transferability-aware data set design and evaluation. Overall, our findings emphasize that data diversity and curation, rather than data set size alone, are key levers to scale river plastic detection toward broader deployment. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/exploring-the-transferability-of-image-based-algorithms-for-river 10.1029/2025WR040605 https://edepot.wur.nl/714313 https://edepot.wur.nl/714313 YOLO data set quality deep learning mixed data set optical remote sensing https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/35c38a1a-e245-42d5-a362-1fb6af918eb4 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Zhang, Hanyue Tang, Darrell W.S. Gooren, Harm Wang, Kai Liu, Xuejun Geissen, Violette Yang, Xiaomei Article/Letter to editor Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 314 (2026) ISSN: 0147-6513 UV and tillage abrasion facilitate macro- and micro-plastic fragmentation in agricultural soils 2026 Understanding mulch film fragmentation is essential for predicting macroplastic (MaP) and microplastic (MiP) contamination in farmland. Under laboratory conditions, we investigated the fragmentation of four typical mulch films (8 µm polyethylene (PE) (PE08-f), 40 µm PE (PE40-f), 15 µm polybutylene adipate terephthalate-based film (PBAT-f), and 15 µm starch-based film (Starch-f)) at two soil moisture levels (20% and 60% of field capacity) under UV exposure, tillage abrasion (TA, using a rotavator model), both factors combined (UVTA), and twice UVTA (2UVTA). UV more effectively generated MiPs (590-4800 items 100 cm-2), whereas TA more effectively generated MaPs (up to 2.3 items 100 cm-2), if comparing individual factors only. Across all treatments, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed that 2UVTA induced the strongest surface oxidation and abrasion, accelerating film mass loss (1.4-18.5%) and promoting MaP (0-3.3 items 100 cm-2) and MiP (1970-30200 items 100 cm-2) formation. Most MiPs were fragment (29.2-78.4%) or particle (15.2-69.6%) shaped, predominantly < 500 µm (62.3-97.5%). Starch-f fragmented most, followed by PBAT-f, PE08-f, and PE40-f. Redundancy analysis showed strong positive correlations between 2UVTA and MaP area distribution (%), MaP and MiP counts. Our results demonstrate that UV and TA, together with soil moisture, drive distinct fragmentation behaviors in PE versus biodegradable films. Further study is urgently needed to take agricultural management practices into account for better understanding plastic fragmentation and its potential risks to soil health. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/uv-and-tillage-abrasion-facilitate-macro-and-micro-plastic-fragme 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120065 https://edepot.wur.nl/714312 https://edepot.wur.nl/714312 Fragmentation Microplastics Plastic mulch film Tillage abrasion UV weathering https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/fad42cff-68a7-4ae6-8353-a84e1741ac1b 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Rizki, Zulhaj Ham, Judith C.A. Boom, Remko M. Defraeye, Thijs Schutyser, Maarten A.I. Article/Letter to editor Next Energy 11 (2026) ISSN: 2949-821X Multiphysics modeling of corona wind generation for electrohydrodynamic (EHD) drying of thin films 2026 Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) drying allows drying at lower temperatures and is thus more energy efficient, and provides better product quality. EHD drying utilizes an electric field to generate an airflow, which is then applied to dry moist materials. We present a multiphysics model to simulate corona wind generation during EHD drying of thin films. The simulations are used to (1) characterize corona wind generation in terms of air flow field and magnitude, (2) simulate the electric potential distribution with varying material permittivity, and (3) explore design improvements. A generic equation was developed in the form of a power-law correlation between Reynolds and EHD numbers: Re=aEHDb. It allows straightforward design of EHD dryers since the Reynolds number can be used to estimate mass and heat transfer rates. This modeling study provides valuable insight into corona wind generation and can be used for further development of EHD dryer devices. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/multiphysics-modeling-of-corona-wind-generation-for-electrohydrod 10.1016/j.nxener.2026.100608 https://edepot.wur.nl/714310 https://edepot.wur.nl/714310 Corona wind Drying Electrohydrodynamic Modeling Multiphysics model https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/745dd2f5-607e-4057-9d22-5c0707d8e41a 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Giebels, Diana Ligtenberg, Arend Bakker, Martha Article/Letter to editor Environmental Policy and Governance 36 (2026) 2 ISSN: 1756-932X Successful Implementation of Environmental Policy and Governance : Understanding and Modeling Micro Governance 2026 Successful implementation of environmental policy and governance highly depends on the capacity to know about, build new and utilize existing governance structures. However, the theoretical tools and available methods to assess the complexity of emerging or existing structures are rather limited. This paper responds to this knowledge gap through the development of a theoretical framework, called the MiGov model, that enables us to understand and analyze the structure and functioning of governance processes on the micro level. Studying governance approaches on the micro level means assessing the complex interplay of involved social, institutional and environmental factors that continuously affect individual decisions and finally aggregate into (non-)success of implementation. The micro governance framework therefore includes a variety of actor-based (e.g., individual character, financial capacity), societal (e.g., launch of a policy, peer group influence) and ecological factors (e.g., local ecological characteristics) that typically influence the overall success of implementation. To facilitate the huge amount of data input demanded by research on the micro-level of governance, we present agent-based modeling (ABM) as a suited tool for operationalization. The use of agent-based modeling enables the combination of fragmented and non-compatible data with proxy data or theoretical assumptions from existing literature. ABM therefore also is an efficient research strategy in the face of lacking data, which is a severe and persistent problem in assessments of environmental policy implementation success. Once an agent-based model has been established it is possible to experiment with different scenarios or threshold values, enabling a reality check to (partially) known micro structures. To exemplify the use of ABM for micro governance we present the case of ecosystem-based soil management (EBM) in the Dutch agricultural sector as a typical case for micro governance. This case resembles the micro structure and dynamic interaction of a high variety of decision-makers with dynamic, multi-level interactions activated to increase the implementation of organic residues in the agricultural sector. The results of our ABM reveal that the agent-based model is suited to identify case-specific mechanisms that increase governance success. In particular, activities that decrease individually perceived uncertainty about implementation practices and effects increase implementation success whereas financial support like subsidies is, to our surprise, less effective. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/successful-implementation-of-environmental-policy-and-governance- 10.1002/eet.70016 https://edepot.wur.nl/714309 https://edepot.wur.nl/714309 agent-based modeling complexity ecosystem-based soil management micro governance policy implementation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/93a88da0-efc7-4475-b922-6168a53cba84 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Fombona-Pascual, Alba Gamaethiralalage, Jayaruwan G. de Smet, Louis C.P.M. Palma, Jesús Lado, Julio J. Article/Letter to editor Environmental Science and Technology 60 (2026) 13 ISSN: 0013-936X Membrane-Free Polymer-Based Faradaic Deionization System for Enhanced Desalination 2026 The development of cost-effective and energy-efficient water desalination technologies remains a critical challenge, particularly for treating brackish water. Herein, we present a membrane-free, dual-polymer electrochemical deionization system that leverages the complementary ion selectivities of polyaniline chloride (PAni-Cl) and poly(naphthalene diimide-ethylenediamine) (PNDIE) to achieve simultaneous sodium and chloride ion removal. By eliminating ion-exchange membranes and utilizing a simple separator, the proposed system minimizes operational complexity and cost while maintaining efficient ionic transport. Initially, the electropolymerized PAni-Cl buckypaper electrode exhibited enhanced electronic conductivity and remarkable cycling stability, retaining 84% of its initial performance after 800 cycles (15 days of operation). Comparative evaluation of three cell architectures, a symmetric CDI cell, a hybrid YP80F//PNDIE cell, and a full polymer-based cell, revealed that the dual-polymer configuration outperforms conventional setups, attaining a salt removal capacity of up to 64 mg·g–1 after 80 cycles in 50 mM NaCl (50 h test). Moreover, the system demonstrated promising desalination performance in simulated brackish water containing mixed cations, highlighting its practical applicability. These findings establish dual-polymer, membrane-free deionization cells as a promising platform for next-generation, selective, and sustainable water treatment technologies. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/membrane-free-polymer-based-faradaic-deionization-system-for-enha 10.1021/acs.est.6c00876 https://edepot.wur.nl/714306 https://edepot.wur.nl/714306 PAni-Cl PNDIE dual-ion selectivity faradaic deionization full-cell membrane-free https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/f2bb3ed3-9c33-4337-8fe1-7681b1fc5e20 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Uddin, Zamil Bense, Victor Mojid, Abdul Mustafa, Syed Article/Letter to editor Groundwater for Sustainable Development 33 (2026) ISSN: 2352-801X Managed aquifer recharge in Bangladesh : A review of practices, groundwater responses, and implications across diverse geological contexts 2026 Groundwater depletion and salinity intrusion have deepened concerns over the long-term reliability of freshwater resources across Bangladesh, stimulating increased attention to the role of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) in strengthening water security. The review examines the development, implementation, and performance of MAR across two distinct hydrogeological settings: the Barind Tract in the northwest, where groundwater levels are rapidly declining, and the coastal zone in the southwest, where salinity limits access to freshwater. The study evaluates the development of MAR practices in Bangladesh and synthesizes evidence on the effectiveness of major MAR techniques, including Rainwater Harvesting Systems (RWHS), Aquifer Storage, Transfer and Recovery (ASR/ASTR), and Induced Bank Filtration (IBF). RWHS installations, which rely on rooftop and stormwater capture, typically recharge shallow aquifers ranging from 140 to 1,070 m3/year. ASR/ASTR systems using treated pond or surface water achieve recharge capacities of up to 3,600 m3/year, although their performance is influenced by water turbidity, filter clogging, and aquifer properties. IBF systems provide substantially larger recharge volumes, reaching up to 31,200 m3/day where permeable riverbank sediments permit efficient infiltration; however, their effectiveness is reduced in areas with thick clay layers. Findings highlight the dominant role of geological variability in determining the suitability and long-term performance of MAR interventions. The study emphasizes the need for site-specific hydrogeological assessments, operational monitoring, and coordinated strategies that integrate technology, policy support, financing mechanisms, and community participation. Strengthening these elements is essential for enhancing groundwater sustainability and improving resilience in drought-sensitive and salinity-prone regions. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/managed-aquifer-recharge-in-bangladesh-a-review-of-practices-grou 10.1016/j.gsd.2026.101622 https://edepot.wur.nl/714305 https://edepot.wur.nl/714305 Droughts Groundwater abstraction Hydrogeology Managed aquifer recharge Resilience Saline aquifer Water security https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/62deafb3-1ac4-4f69-b681-255fc5519bd1 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Gallardo-Albarrán, Daniel Jochemsen, Jurre Article/Letter to editor Economics and Human Biology 61 (2026) ISSN: 1570-677X The international diffusion of medical innovation since 1900 : Revisiting the Preston curve 2026 The health of nations has improved at an unprecedented rate since the start of the 20th century, following a series of waves of mortality declines. While the timing and intensity of these waves have been documented, the factors influencing their emergence and diffusion are still debated. This article examines the creation and adoption of health-enhancing technologies since the early stages of the epidemiological transition around 1900. We estimate health frontiers, as originally done by Preston (1975), to infer how health-enhancing knowledge develops and diffuses across countries. Our results show that the creation of health-enhancing innovation has been strongly income biased since 1900. Up to 1920, upward shifts in the health frontiers happened almost exclusively at high levels of income. After that and until 2000, we find evidence that health frontiers moved up at low levels of income with a delay of about 20–40 years, relative to upward shifts at high income levels. We also show that education does not confound our findings because factors other than income are also associated with life expectancy increases. Finally, we perform a growth accounting exercise suggesting that Western Europe and its Offshoots have mostly reached high health levels by pushing up the knowledge frontier, while the experience of the rest of the world is much more varied. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/the-international-diffusion-of-medical-innovation-since-1900-revi 10.1016/j.ehb.2026.101591 https://edepot.wur.nl/714304 https://edepot.wur.nl/714304 GDP Health Health Innovation Health Transition Life expectancy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/63a51929-ea59-4d75-b7ea-51a27ab842a1 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

de Jong van Lier, Maíra Duncan, Jessica Bush, Simon Article/Letter to editor Journal of Rural Studies 124 (2026) ISSN: 0743-0167 Practices of knowledge pluralization : Knowing and doing organic agriculture in a participatory guarantee system 2026 Participatory guarantee systems (PGS) are gaining increasing popularity as a form of organic certification, in part due to their potential to enhance knowledge exchange among farmers. However, the ways in which farmers produce and exchange knowledge in PGS has received limited attention. Gaining insight into these dynamics is essential to understanding PGS's potential to integrate farmers' knowledge into certification. In this paper, we apply a social practices lens to examine knowledge as fundamentally emergent and situated, and knowledge and practice as mutually constitutive. We analyze the case of Orgânicos Sul de Minas in southeast Brazil and identify a process of knowledge pluralization unfolding through three interrelated bundles of PGS assurance practices: building community, managing a PGS farm, and becoming a farmer-auditor. Through these practices, PGS members perform certification and thereby incorporate their knowledge into the very fabric of PGS. The plural nature of this knowledge reflects both members' varied backgrounds as well as the expertise required to run a PGS, challenging any singular characterization of PGS knowledge. Critically, we argue that Brazil's centralized organic standard does not hinder knowledge pluralization, as coordination and evaluation remain firmly in the hands of PGS members. This suggests that PGS's strength lies not in rejecting formal standards, but in democratizing the process of assessment. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/practices-of-knowledge-pluralization-knowing-and-doing-organic-ag 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2026.104164 https://edepot.wur.nl/714303 https://edepot.wur.nl/714303 Agroecology Brazil Organic agriculture Participatory guarantee systems Politics of knowledge Practice theory https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/1020544c-5b9e-448a-9a31-6f7b85fa1569 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire

Boxman, I.L.A. Cook, Nigel Gantzer, Christophe de Graaf, Miranda Gitonga Ithinji, Duncan Jaykus, Lee-Ann Jiang, Tao Kittigul, Leera Kniel, Kalmia E. McLeod, Catherine Melhem, Nada M. Meng, Xiang Jin Nasheri, Neda Saba, Courage Kosi Setsoafia Simonsson, Magnus Rosado Spilki, Fernando Williams-Woods, Jacquelina Book (monograph) Microbiological risk assessment of viruses in foods. Part 2: Prevention and intervention measures : Meeting report 2026 en FAO application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/microbiological-risk-assessment-of-viruses-in-foods-part-2-preven 10.4060/cd7637en https://edepot.wur.nl/714302 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/ca919fd3-041d-42d7-818a-23381400b65c 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Munhoz, Davi R. Meng, Ke Merloti, Luis F. Geissen, Violette Zhang, Jianhua Harkes, Paula Article/Letter to editor Science of the Total Environment 1030 (2026) ISSN: 0048-9697 Harnessing fungi and bacteria to speed up the biodegradation of plastic mulch films 2026 Plastics and microplastics are pervasive in agricultural systems, underscoring the need for effective mitigation strategies. Here, we explored microbial treatments to accelerate the degradation of plastic mulch films composed of commercial (LDPE-m) and additive-free (LDPE-p) low-density polyethylene and a blend containing polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate and polylactic acid (PBAT-PLA). We tested four microbial treatments: a compost-derived microbial community (m1), a multi-strain Aspergillus consortium with Peribacillus simplex (B. simplex) (m2), an Aspergillus-only fungal consortium (m3), and an Aspergillus fumigatus–Pseudomonas aeruginosa co-culture (m4). These were incubated under carbon-free (CF), low-carbon (LC), autoclaved compost (AC), and raw compost (C) conditions (at 30 °C for 180 days), with and without abiotic pre-treatments (UV-aging and mineral oil amendment (MO)) to accelerate microorganisms association with plastics. Our results show that the Aspergillus-only consortium (m3) accelerated LDPE-m degradation (3.71 ± 0.86 WL, Mw = −17.2 kDa and O-H and C-O formation) while the fungal–bacterial co-culture (m4) quickened LDPE-m weight loss (2.79 ± 0.95%) and C-O formation in CF media. Multi-strain Aspergillus consortium with B. simplex (m2) colonized the UV-aged LDPE-m plastisphere in AC, and the m1-dwelling Brucella combined with Aspergillus sp. optimized UV-aged LDPE-m degradation patterns. The co-occurrence of compost-dwellers Gordonia, Thermomyces, and Mycobacterium with inoculated Aspergillus sp. enhanced LDPE-p weight loss (4.91 ± 2.28%) and surface changes (C-O formation) in compost under MO. Most Aspergillus treatments dominated the plastisphere in autoclaved compost and were eclipsed by Thermomyces in compost. Slower-than-expected degradation occurred for PBAT-PLA mulch films. This study sheds light on possible microbial treatments for accelerating the degradation of plastic mulches. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/harnessing-fungi-and-bacteria-to-speed-up-the-biodegradation-of-p 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181778 https://edepot.wur.nl/714297 https://edepot.wur.nl/714297 Aspergillus Bacillus Compost Microplastics Niche Plastisphere Thermomyces https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/032f7a9b-0179-443f-8293-bb55ba1f3ac1 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Willmes, Rolien de Vries, Jasper Mulder, Bob Poortvliet, Marijn Klerkx, Laurens Article/Letter to editor One Health 22 (2026) ISSN: 2352-7714 Farmer–veterinarian interaction as multi-level situated learning : Negotiating health, risk, and responsibility in intensive pig farming — a scoping review 2026 Farmer–veterinarian interaction is central to how responsibility for animal health and antimicrobial use is enacted. Especially in intensive pig systems, where high animal density, economic pressures, and stringent biosecurity requirements elevate both zoonotic risks and public health concerns. Yet, empirical research on these interactions remains limited as these are often embedded in broader animal health studies and disproportionately focused on dairy contexts. This scoping review synthesizes 40 empirical studies on farmer–veterinarian interaction in intensive pig farming, applying PRISMA-ScR methodology and a four-level socio-ecological framework encompassing individual, interpersonal, interprofessional, and systemic influences. Eligible sources included all studies including relevant empirical insights published until July 2023, with no geographical restrictions, retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, Agricola, and CAB Abstracts. Findings indicate that veterinarians in intensive pig farming are increasingly positioned as strategic partners in herd health management. Their influence depends not only on technical expertise but also on trust, embeddedness in local practice, and their role in enabling ongoing learning in complex farm environments. However, tensions persist. Farmers may turn to peer networks over professional advice in times of stress, especially under economic pressure, and divergent views and priorities concerning animal health management, welfare, and antimicrobial use can complicate interaction. Structural pressures—such as short-term economic incentives, market constraints, and the dual commercial-regulatory role of veterinarians— further limit joint decision-making capacity. Although zoonotic risk and antimicrobial resistance dominate macro-level policy discourse, these concerns did not emerge as central themes in the empirical literature on everyday farmer–veterinarian interaction. By adopting a multi-level lens, this review exposes the layered complexity of human–animal health governance in industrial livestock systems. The synthesis offers a systems-aware perspective on how contextually situated relationships shape management behaviours, health and biosecurity outcomes. These insights support more effective policy design and cross-sectoral collaboration at the livestock–public health interface for resilient livestock farming. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/farmerveterinarian-interaction-as-multi-level-situated-learning-n 10.1016/j.onehlt.2026.101401 https://edepot.wur.nl/714295 https://edepot.wur.nl/714295 Antimicrobial use Health governance Intensive farming Pig farming Socio-ecological systems Veterinarian–farmer interaction https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/31e1c1da-3ea6-4b64-9d8a-9b3bbfbd402d 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Kovačič, Ana Garcia-Aloy, Mar Masuero, Domenico Lotti, Cesare Franceschi, Pietro Mancini, Andrea Rubert, Josep Vrhovšek, Urška Article/Letter to editor Food Chemistry 513 (2026) ISSN: 0308-8146 Neuroactive compounds in tomatoes : metabolic fate during in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation 2026 Neurodegenerative diseases are hard to treat, and their progression is linked to diet and the gut microbiota. Tomatoes contain potentially neuroactive compounds, but their fate during digestion and colonic fermentation remains unclear. This study tracked neuroactive compounds and fecal fatty acids ('C12) during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fecal fermentation. Conditions included a fecal blank, digested inulin, digested tomato, tomato with neuro-disrupting compounds, and individual neuroprotective compounds. Targeted analyses and linear mixed-effects models showed samples were primarily differentiated by tomato presence and fermentation time. Several neuroprotective compounds (e.g., tomatine, serotonin) remained stable ('50%, 24 h) or increased, whereas others (e.g., caffeic acid, rutin) degraded rapidly ('LOQ, 3 h). Neuro-disrupting compounds, including bisphenol S and difenoconazole, persisted largely unchanged ('80%, 24 h). Digested tomato enhanced acetic and propionic acid production, though attenuated by neuro-disruptors. The study clarifies colonic bioaccessibility of neuroactive compounds and their potential influence on the gut–brain axis. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/neuroactive-compounds-in-tomatoes-metabolic-fate-during-in-vitro- 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148888 https://edepot.wur.nl/714294 https://edepot.wur.nl/714294 Bioaccessibility Colon fecal fermentation In vitro digestion Neuroactive compounds Targeted metabolomics Tomato https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/2eab8025-ee85-4d3c-b1a8-d79c6ded644b 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Lamain, Corinne Marijnen, Esther Edwards, Nico Jeursen, Thijs Article/Letter to editor Geoforum 173 (2026) ISSN: 0016-7185 Picking up arms against a collapsing planet : militarised ecologies on a planetary scale 2026 The current era of intensified militarization is exemplified by the number of inter-state armed conflicts (the highest since the end of the Second World War), increased risk of nuclear weapons use, and an unprecedented global arms trade. Simultaneously, the climate crisis results in widespread damage and biodiversity decline. Despite the socio-ecological harm of warfare and military buildup, many responses to declining climate and biodiversity conditions are militarised through so-called ‘climate security’ action, military greening, and militarised conservation efforts.. We examine this military capture of ecological phenomena and the encroachment of military actors, investments, logics and practices into social and environmental domains. Drawing on cases from Nepal, the United Kingdom, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Gaza Strip, we find that the expansion of military infrastructures, technologies, strategies and interests comes with detrimental socio-ecological implications. Our concept of ‘militarised ecologies’ encapsulates green militarism and green militarisation—the destruction of local ecologies, and encroachment of military interests into national and global policy on climate change and biodiversity. Such intensified militarisation and its socio-ecological effects have been recognised in some academic fields, but not sufficiently from its critical scholars, and needs more attention within political ecology and critical military studies. This is needed to further advance a research agenda on militarised ecologies, which this paper proposes. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/picking-up-arms-against-a-collapsing-planet-militarised-ecologies 10.1016/j.geoforum.2026.104636 https://edepot.wur.nl/714293 https://edepot.wur.nl/714293 Climate justice Climate security Geopolitical ecology Green militarisation Green militarism Militarised ecologies https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/e2e12185-1138-4485-a4a9-57a62a598ed1 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Manfredonia, Ilaria Chioso, Laurina Mateescu, Ioana Konu, Mauno Brons, Jolanda K. Deelman-Driessen, Cécile Viljakainen, Lumi Wertheim, Bregje Lequime, Sebastian Article/Letter to editor Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 217 (2026) ISSN: 0022-2011 Prevalence and distribution of two polycipiviruses in wild black garden ants (Lasius niger L.) in the Netherlands 2026 Metagenomic studies have revealed diverse viruses in insects. Yet, our understanding of the ecology of insect viruses, especially in ants, remains limited, despite the insects’ ecological importance. Viruses of the family Polycipiviridae are increasingly recognized as widespread yet poorly characterized components of ant viromes. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of Lasius niger virus 1 (LniV-1) and Myrmica scabrinodis virus 1 (MsaV-1) in wild colonies of the black garden ant (Lasius niger L.) across the Netherlands. We surveyed 40 wild L. niger colonies, sampled at geographically distinct locations, using RT-PCR to assess viral prevalence and genetic diversity. Viral prevalence was estimated at both colony and individual levels. Amplicons were sequenced to explore potential correlations between geographic distribution and genetic diversity for both viruses. In addition, complete or almost complete viral genome sequences were obtained and assembled for one MsaV-1 genome from Groningen, The Netherlands, and one MsaV-1 and one LniV-1 from Vienna, Austria. In the Netherlands, LniV-1 was detected in 17.5% of colonies, whereas MsaV-1 was detected in 27.5%, including evidence of co-infection at the colony level. Neither the geographical distribution of infected colonies nor the inferred phylogenies for both viruses showed strong geographic structuring. The prevalence in workers within colonies was variable, ranging from 10 to 60%. These findings suggest that polycipiviruses are common in natural L. niger populations and may transmit via both horizontal and vertical routes. This study provides baseline data on ant-virus interactions in natural environments, advancing understanding of viral ecology in social insects and informing future research on virus transmission dynamics in natural ecosystems. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/prevalence-and-distribution-of-two-polycipiviruses-in-wild-black- 10.1016/j.jip.2026.108611 https://edepot.wur.nl/714292 https://edepot.wur.nl/714292 Ant virology Lasius niger Polycipiviridae Viral ecology https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/0e406996-4bd9-419b-a954-31a8774c390e 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Ang, Frederic Owusu-Sekyere, Enoch Alvåsen, Karin Hansson, Helena Article/Letter to editor American Journal of Agricultural Economics (2026) ISSN: 0002-9092 Accounting for animal health in efficiency analysis : An application to Swedish dairy farms 2026 Poor animal health is a central concern in modern livestock production. Despite the necessity to incorporate animal health in efficiency analysis, the theoretical and empirical developments are limited on this subject. This article appropriately characterizes the axiomatic properties of animal health within a production framework. We treat animal health as a weakly disposable output with characteristics of an input and an output, which permits computing animal health-adjusted efficiency measures and shadow prices of animal health. The application considers 980 observations of Swedish dairy farms over the years 2009–2016. We use a Benefit-of-the-Doubt approach for assessing animal health, which captures its multiple dimensions with weights being optimized for each farmer. Applying a random sample-split procedure within a Data Envelopment Analysis framework, we statistically verify the extent to which inclusion of animal health in the production framework changes the efficiency estimates. The results show that including animal health in production analysis increases the average efficiency estimates from 0.900 to 0.973, a finding that largely also holds in a statistical sense. The shadow prices of animal health are mostly positive, which indicates a general willingness to accept lower levels of production for higher levels of animal health. Our findings suggest the importance of incorporating animal health into efficiency analysis. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/accounting-for-animal-health-in-efficiency-analysis-an-applicatio 10.1002/ajae.70062 https://edepot.wur.nl/714290 https://edepot.wur.nl/714290 Swedish dairy animal health and welfare data envelopment analysis shadow prices statistical inference https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/e57582ca-033e-4685-ac0e-e71553701cdb 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

van Keulen, D. Kranenburg, W.M. Hoitink, A.J.F. Article/Letter to editor Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans 131 (2026) 4 ISSN: 2169-9275 Harbor-Induced Tidal Salinity Dispersion in Partially Stratified Estuaries 2026 The contribution of tidal trapping to salt dispersion has been well described for well-mixed estuaries, in terms of barotropic filling and emptying of the traps. How traps contribute to salt dispersion in deeper, partially stratified systems remains underexplored. We investigate the dispersive effect of temporary storage of saltwater in harbors adjacent to a partially stratified estuary using field observations and numerical modeling. Our results show that instantaneous channel–harbor salt exchange is dominated by density-driven exchange flows arising from baroclinic pressure gradients between the channel and the harbors. This pressure gradient, and consequently the exchange flow, reverses during the tide due to tidal variations in main-channel salinity. Quantification of the trapping-induced additional salt transport from individual basins reveals substantial differences in contributions of individual basins. These differences are linked to a region in the main channel where the tidal salinity range has a minimum, thus limiting the set-up of baroclinic pressure gradients, reducing exchange flow strength and tidal trapping. Analysis of the density-driven exchange reveals that it scales with the tidal salinity range raised to the power 3/2. Using this relationship, we derive an expression for the dispersion coefficient associated with density-driven tidal trapping. This formulation indicates that the resulting dispersion is governed by the main-channel tidal excursion length and the propagation speed of the density current within the trap, and that the dispersion coefficient scales with the square root of the along-channel salinity gradient, in contrast to tidal trapping driven by basin filling and emptying, which is independent of this gradient. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/harbor-induced-tidal-salinity-dispersion-in-partially-stratified- 10.1029/2025JC023208 https://edepot.wur.nl/714285 https://edepot.wur.nl/714285 channel-harbor exchange gravity currents salt intrusion tidal dispersion tidal trapping https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/f789e3c5-78a4-4956-97be-b38b36495bd0 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Schenkel, Martijn A. Ågren, Arvid Patten, Manus M. Article/Letter to editor Journal of Evolutionary Biology 39 (2026) 4 ISSN: 1010-061X Evolutionary transitions and reversions in individuality 2026 Biological individuality exists in different forms-unicellular, multicellular, colonial, etc.-which have arisen through evolutionary transitions in individuality. These involve bundling separate, lower-level individuals (particles) into higher-level ones (collectives) that transition to being individuals in their own right. What it is that "transitions" in the process is an open question inviting different answers, based on distinct conceptual accounts of biological individuality. We argue that evolutionary transitions in individuality always produce "paradigmatic" individuals, i.e., those identified as individuals under any concept. This renders distinguishing among individuality concepts moot, yielding two negative consequences. First, it has let evolutionary biologists refrain from declaring what kind of individuality they speak of in the evolutionary transitions in individuality, which has led them to talk past one another. Second, it has made them overlook the possibility that transitions may revert. Drawing on different individuality concepts, we identify two conceptually-different ways for collectives to "lose" their individuality. Paradigmatic reversions involve the complete undoing of a former evolutionary transition in individuality, e.g., a shift from multicellularity to unicellularity. Agential reversions do not involve such an organizational shift-a multicellular organism remains multicellular-but rather see the level at which selection and adaptation prevails change. Whereas paradigmatic reversions could also be caused by ecological shifts, agential reversions can occur only through internal conflict, where different particles within a collective have mutually-exclusive evolutionary interests. We conclude by discussing how reversions help create a more elaborate and accurate understanding of individuality and its evolution. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/evolutionary-transitions-and-reversions-in-individuality 10.1093/jeb/voag007 https://edepot.wur.nl/714283 https://edepot.wur.nl/714283 adaptation cooperation evolutionary conflict internal conflict levels of selection major transitions organismality selfish cellular lineages selfish genetic elements https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/98d85663-4291-488b-a286-07369203b5a8 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

van der Woude, Sietse Reiche, Johannes Balling, Johannes Nabuurs, Gert Jan Sterck, Frank Welsink, Anne Juul Slagter, Bart Herold, Martin Article/Letter to editor Remote Sensing of Environment 337 (2026) ISSN: 0034-4257 European forest disturbance alerting using Sentinel-1 2026 We demonstrate a near-real time forest disturbance alerting system for Europe using Sentinel-1 radar data. Sentinel-1 radar can penetrate clouds and offers high spatial (∼20 m) and temporal (3- to 6-day) detail. We directly integrated near-real time ERA5-Land temperature and Copernicus forest type data into the disturbance detection framework to address freezing temperatures and seasonal phenology, both of which influence the Sentinel-1 backscatter signal and thus need to be accounted for. This facilitates year-round monitoring across a range of environmental conditions (sub-zero, wet and dry) and forest types (coniferous, deciduous) throughout the boreal, temperate, and Mediterranean forests of Europe. Validation across Europe showed high accuracy, with a user accuracy of 91.2% (±1.3%) and producer accuracy of 74.5% (±6.0%). User accuracy increased to 99% (±0.4%) when excluding errors in the European-scale forest cover mask primarily caused by local overestimation of forest height and density. Disturbances were detected with a median delay of 27 days relative to the first high-resolution optical Planet reference image, which can further be reduced to 1 day through retrospective event-based correction of late detection bias. Compared to existing annual optical-based products, our method improves the detection of small-scale disturbances such as group fellings in Romania. We generated European-scale estimates of intra-annual disturbance seasonality, capturing variation in forest management practices and disturbance regimes such as winter harvesting in northern Europe, spring sanitation cutting in central Europe, and summer wildfires in southern Europe. Overall, this alerting system provides timely and detailed forest disturbance information in support of sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, carbon accounting, and law enforcement efforts across Europe. The alerts are available at https://wurnrt-raddeurope.projects.earthengine.app/view/radd-europe. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/european-forest-disturbance-alerting-using-sentinel-1 10.1016/j.rse.2026.115325 https://edepot.wur.nl/714280 https://edepot.wur.nl/714280 Disturbance Europe Forest Near-real time Radar Seasonality https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/997d3e5d-058b-4d14-974e-fa2cbde4eef3 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Mtaallah, Oumaima Germeraad, Evelien A. Puspitarani, Gavrila Amadea Bayle, Bastien Nguyen, Uyen H.P. Meester, Marina Stegeman, Arjan Apolloni, Andrea Hautefeuille, Claire Article/Letter to editor Preventive Veterinary Medicine 253 (2026) ISSN: 0167-5877 Efficacy of swine Influenza A virus vaccines on transmission, viral shedding and clinical signs : Systematic review and meta-analysis 2026 Swine influenza A viruses (swIAV) are a major cause of respiratory disease in pigs, and vaccination remains the main control strategy. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantify the efficacy of swIAV vaccines in pigs, regarding viral transmission, viral shedding and clinical signs. Data were extracted from experimental studies involving vaccinated pigs subsequently challenged with swIAV. The review followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Article selection was performed using two approaches: conventional dual-reviewer screening and ASReview, an artificial intelligence-based tool for systematic reviews. A total of 163 publications met the eligibility criteria, and data were extracted from 146 studies. Meta-analyses were conducted on 11 articles for transmission, 72 for shedding, and 89 for clinical signs. Vaccination, both homologous and heterologous, significantly reduced the median transmission rate (β) and the median reproduction ratio (R) compared to unvaccinated controls. However, the median R-values remained above 1 (4.15 for heterologous and 1.44 for homologous challenges), indicating continued potential for outbreak occurrence. Vaccination also significantly reduced both mean and peak viral shedding, with standardized mean differences of –0.53 and –0.25, respectively. A generalized linear mixed model revealed a strong effect of vaccination under homologous challenge conditions. Meta-regression confirmed the influence of vaccine and challenge type on shedding outcome. No statistically significant difference in body temperature was found between vaccinated and control groups. This review highlights the need for greater harmonization in experimental study design and reporting, to improve the comparability of swIAV vaccine efficacy studies. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/efficacy-of-swine-influenza-a-virus-vaccines-on-transmission-vira 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106877 https://edepot.wur.nl/714278 https://edepot.wur.nl/714278 ASReview Fever Pigs Shedding Swine flu Transmission Vaccination https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/74de56a4-2b79-4c55-bd56-751dd0f7ed6e 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Sigmund, Gabriel Smith, Sanne J. Georgi, Anett Wagner, Thomas V. Ateia, Mohamed Aumeier, Benedikt M. Dykstra, Jouke E. Lutze, Holger V. Neumann, Michael Sutton, Nora B. Zahn, Daniel Wang, Zhanyun Article/Letter to editor RSC Sustainability (2026) ISSN: 2753-8125 A concept for the molecular design of readily treatable chemicals 2026 Existing chemicals assessment and management approaches focus on chemical behavior in the natural environment and humans, including using chemical-specific inherent properties such as persistence (P), bioaccumulation potential (B), and mobility (M). To prevent chemical pollution, concepts such as safe-by-design and benign-by-design consider P, B, M, toxicity, and other hazardous properties when selecting existing chemicals or developing new ones. However, certain applications rely on chemical properties that inherently conflict with safe-by-design (e.g., high stability during use often results in P). In such cases, in addition to applying such chemicals only for essential uses and reducing emissions, early consideration of effective removal using available (water) treatment technologies may also be advisable. This may serve as a second line of defense to safe-by-design by minimizing environmental exposure. Here we explore inherent chemical properties relevant to “treatability”, focusing on commonly used and widely available water treatment technologies. These technologies include (i) biodegradation in wastewater and drinking water treatment, (ii) advanced separation technologies such as activated carbon and membrane-based separation, and (iii) oxidation processes. Our conceptual framework sheds light on “treatable-by-design” chemicals for specific applications where safe-by-design chemicals are not (readily) feasible, offering potential for further exploration by the broader community. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/a-concept-for-the-molecular-design-of-readily-treatable-chemicals 10.1039/d5su00944h https://edepot.wur.nl/714277 https://edepot.wur.nl/714277 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/e9ad729f-3d09-49b8-9847-29f10630bb7a 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Wang, Xiang Jun Voortman, Trudy Bos, Daniel Kavousi, Maryam Ghanbari, Mohsen Conrad, Nathalie Schram, Miranda T. Steur, Marinka Article/Letter to editor The Lancet Regional Health - Europe 64 (2026) ISSN: 2666-7762 Association between healthy plant-based diet-lifestyle (hPDI-Lifestyle) score and incidence of coronary heart disease, and effect modification by genetic predisposition : a prospective analysis in a population-based cohort 2026 SummaryBackgroundHealthy plant-based diet has been shown to benefit cardiovascular health and prevent coronary heart disease (CHD). However, association in combination with other ideal health behaviours on CHD prevention has been understudied. Furthermore, limited attention has been given to potential interactions with genetic CHD predisposition, which may add personalized health behaviour recommendations. We evaluated the association between healthy lifestyle and CHD incidence and investigated potential effect modification with genetically determined CHD risk.MethodsWe analysed 7764 participants (mean age 63, 60.1% women) from the population-based Rotterdam Study. The degree of adherence to the healthy lifestyle was quantified by a healthy plant-based diet-lifestyle (hPDI-Lifestyle) score. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95%-confidence intervals (CIs) for CHD according to the hPDI-Lifestyle score, stratified by polygenic risk score of coronary artery disease.FindingsWe documented 918 CHD cases during 116,324 person-years of follow-up. Ideal adherence to the hPDI-Lifestyle was associated with a 20% lower CHD risk among participants at low genetic risk (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.71–0.90), and a 44% lower CHD risk among those at high genetic risk (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.49–0.64) compared with participants at high genetic risk but with poor adherence to the hPDI-Lifestyle (p for interaction <0.001).InterpretationOur findings support recommendations to adopt a healthful plant-based diet in combination with lifestyle (non-smoking, adequate physical activity and moderate sleep duration) for personalized CHD prevention. Potential differences by genetic predisposition of lifestyle on CHD prevention warrants further investigations.FundingThis work was supported by the Erasmus Medical Centre and Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/association-between-healthy-plant-based-diet-lifestyle-hpdi-lifes 10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101619 https://edepot.wur.nl/714275 https://edepot.wur.nl/714275 Cardiovascular health Coronary heart diseases Epidemiology Healthy plant-based diet index Plant-based eating https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/300b3d8c-ee61-4c56-85a8-cdee7a1aae97 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Rumetshofer, Theodor Langensee, Lara Li, Ping Zhao, Jiayan Klippel, Alexander Wennberg, Linda Nilsson, Markus Sundgren, Pia C. Gullberg, Marianne Mårtensson, Johan Article/Letter to editor Neurobiology of Language 7 (2026) ISSN: 2641-4368 Impact of technological immersion and sensorimotor engagement on performance and brain plasticity in short-term second language vocabulary training 2026 Classroom-based language learning has typically taken place in relatively static body positions, but research suggests that embodied learning through sensorimotor engagement and technical immersion, using virtual realities, can significantly enhance learning outcomes. Recent research has linked differences in the learning context to different cortical structures within the language learning network. In this study, we investigated the effect of technical immersion and sensorimotor engagement on performance in behaviour and grey matter volume in the brain after a single 20-minute language learning task. We tested two learning environments: a low-embodied desktop-based virtual (dVE) environment using a computer screen and a high-embodied virtual reality (iVR) environment using a head-mounted display, as well as a no training group. We assessed morphological brain changes using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 7 Tesla before and after training. Participants with less sensorimotor engagement, compared to those with high, performed significantly better and showed higher grey matter volume in the left angular gyrus, a key hub region for vocabulary training within the language network, as well as in the left middle temporal gyrus, a region associated with lexical semantic processing. However, we could not identify a difference between the dVE and iVR groups. Our results suggest that both virtual platforms, although different in the level of immersion and whole-body involvement, rely on similar cortical structures within the language learning network. Further, sensorimotor engagement might have a stronger influence on performance and related brain changes than the learning context itself. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/impact-of-technological-immersion-and-sensorimotor-engagement-on- 10.1162/NOL.a.238 https://edepot.wur.nl/714274 https://edepot.wur.nl/714274 immersion second language learning sensorimotor engagement ultra-high field MRI virtual reality voxel-based-morphometry https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/e100d12f-83f5-4401-9b03-59a662f876a4 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Andreotti, F. Hordijk, D.J.A. Frehner, A. Muller, A. Mason-D’Croz, D. Herrero, M. Celiberti, S. Tzanavaris, S. van Zanten, H.H.E. Article/Letter to editor Sustainability Science (2026) ISSN: 1862-4065 The CiFoS game : a serious game to redesign food systems for human and planetary health 2026 Food systems are exceeding planetary boundaries and endanger both human and planetary health. Transforming these systems requires stakeholder engagement and constructive dialogue for acknowledging the diversity of views and values from different actors within the food system. Serious games have proven effective in fostering collaboration and exploring social-ecological dynamics, yet a holistic food system game linking planetary and human health remains absent. This paper presents the CiFoS Game, a serious game designed to explore food system transformation strategies, showing both the individual and collective impacts of diets, production choices and circularity principles on environment and human health. Co-designed with university students, food system experts, and game designers, the game was tested in multiple pilot sessions in different contexts. Throughout its development, multiple dynamics were added in a step-by-step process to enhance complexity, while improving and aligning already existing dynamics along the way. Results highlight its potential to facilitate learning and support discussions, connecting dietary and production choices to food sustainability challenges. By engaging stakeholders in interactive explorations of food system transformations, the CiFoS game can serve as a boundary crossing tool to foster dialogue, create common understanding and support collaboration towards sustainable food futures for human and planetary health. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/the-cifos-game-a-serious-game-to-redesign-food-systems-for-human- 10.1007/s11625-026-01826-8 https://edepot.wur.nl/714273 https://edepot.wur.nl/714273 Dialogue Food systems Game design Serious game Transformation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/fb195ce7-03b9-4f62-b6f9-461473546984 2026-04-20 public edurep openaire publickb

Westerink, Judith Plomp, Marleen de Kool, Eline Dekker, Jurre Visser, Tim Ottburg, Fabrice Lammertsma, Dennis Schrijver, Raymond Smidt, Rob van Eekeren, Nick van Doorn, Anne External research report Natuurinclusieve landbouw met natuurgrond : Nulmeting monitoring natuurinclusieve bedrijven die samenwerken met Staatsbosbeheer 2026 This report accounts of the baseline results (2020-2022) of the monitoring of 17 nature-inclusive farms that collaborate with the State Forest Service through long-term lease contracts. The multi-year, interdisciplinary monitoring includes indicators of farm management and nutrient cycles, farm economy and Ecology (vegetation, soil, birds, insects, landscape features). The current level of nature-inclusive farming of the participating farms is assessed. Dit rapport doet verslag van de nulmeting (2020-2022) in het kader van de monitoring van zeventien natuurinclusieve landbouwbedrijven die samenwerken met Staatsbosbeheer via langjarige pachtcontracten. Er wordt langjarig en integraal gemonitord op indicatoren van bedrijfsvoering en kringlopen, bedrijfseconomie en ecologie (vegetatie, bodem, vogels, insecten, landschapselementen). Ook is het huidige niveau van natuurinclusieve landbouw bepaald voor de gemonitorde bedrijven. nl Wageningen Environmental Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/natuurinclusieve-landbouw-met-natuurgrond-nulmeting-monitoring-na 10.18174/714149 https://edepot.wur.nl/714149 https://edepot.wur.nl/714149 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/450d8864-8ca7-423a-b2e9-fbc6ee4d42da 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire dataset

Kapembwa, Chindi Shitumbanuma, Victor Yengwe, Jones Schoustra, Sijmen E. De Deyn, Gerlinde Dataset Determination of N mineralization of Tropical soils amended with compost and bokashi generated from water hyacinth and hippo grass 2026 The spread of aquatic weeds, notably water hyacinth and hippo grass, in rivers of tropical regions cause serious problems. Using these weeds as soil amendments could promote their utilization and help reduce their spread. We investigated their use when dried, composted, and fermented (bokashi), to supply nitrogen (N) to tropical soils and to improve sorghum N uptake and dry matter yield (DMY). Our objectives were to determine: (i) the N mineralization rates for the different aquatic weed amendments; (ii) the correlation between N mineralization rates and sorghum N uptake; and (iii) the correlation between N mineralization rate and sorghum DMY. In an incubation greenhouse experiment, we used a Typic Kandiustalf and applied: (i) dried, (ii) fermented, and (iii) composted water hyacinth or hippo grass, (iv) mineral fertilizer, and (v) no amendment. Nitrogen application in treatments i-iv was standardized to rates equivalent to 90 kg N ha-1. Overall, N mineralization rates were highest for compost (0.412 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹), intermediate for bokashi (0.265 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹), and lowest for dried weeds (0.211 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹). Across amendments, N mineralization rates were strongly correlated to sorghum N uptake (r = 0.808) and to sorghum DMY (r = 0.844). Relative agronomic effectiveness for sorghum biomass production was 163% for compost, 97% for bokashi, and 2% for dried weeds. Both aquatic weeds can supply sufficient N for sorghum when processed into compost or bokashi, with compost providing faster mineral N release. Wageningen University & Research text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/datasets/determination-of-n-mineralization-of-tropical-soils-amended-with- 10.4121/f0539cee-c288-42ff-872d-af11320e183c https://edepot.wur.nl/714244 Bokashi Nitrogen Mineralization rate Relative agronomic efficiency compost Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/c0ec5154-d5be-480d-b5e5-c1246a236f4a 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Baakman, Coos A.B. Crocioni, Giulia Geng, Cunliang Rademaker, Daniel T. Frühbuß, David Aarts, Yannick J.M. Xue, Li C. Article/Letter to editor Cell Reports Methods 6 (2026) 4 ISSN: 2667-2375 A high-speed attention network for MHC-bound peptide identification and 3D modeling 2026 We developed SwiftMHC, an ultra-fast and accurate structure-based framework for peptide-MHC (pMHC) modeling and binding affinity prediction. Using task-specific deep learning trained on physics-derived synthetic data, SwiftMHC predicts pMHC binding affinities in 0.009 s per case on a single A100 GPU when running in batch mode, offering improved speed compared with leading sequence-based tools such as netMHCpan and MHCflurry while maintaining competitive accuracy. In addition, SwiftMHC generates all-atom 3D pMHC structures with a median Cα-RMSD of 1.32 Å against crystallographic benchmarks, matching or exceeding state-of-the-art methods such as AlphaFold2-finetune but at a lower computational cost. Optimized for HLA-A∗02:01 9-mer peptides but readily extensible to other alleles, SwiftMHC unites structural insight with high-throughput scalability to accelerate safe and effective epitope discovery in cancer immunotherapy. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/a-high-speed-attention-network-for-mhc-bound-peptide-identificati 10.1016/j.crmeth.2026.101364 https://edepot.wur.nl/714234 https://edepot.wur.nl/714234 3D modeling CP: computational biology CP: immunology attention neural networks binding prediction cancer immunotherapy peptide-MHC complexes physics-informed AI task-specific AI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/5499321a-45b4-4822-8d50-77a9f8457de9 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Baas, Sander Carson, Nessa Saggiomo, Vittorio Article/Letter to editor Digital Discovery 5 (2026) 4 ISSN: 2635-098X Hacking 3D printers as laboratory robots 2026 The emergence of affordable and reliable 3D printers has enabled laboratories to optimize setups, print custom parts, accelerate research, and rapidly prototype. A new movement has emerged in the past decade, where 3D printers are repurposed as laboratory-specific robots. There are three distinct approaches in the 3D-printer-as-lab-robot approach: modifying the extruder for non-standard material printing, replacing the extruder with a third-party implement, such as a pipette, microscope, or slide holder, or deconstructing the printer completely and using it as a cheap and widely available parts kit for lab-built robots such as syringe pumps. New developments in printer hardware and software control, which enable the use of printers as laboratory robots, are also discussed. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/hacking-3d-printers-as-laboratory-robots 10.1039/d5dd00451a https://edepot.wur.nl/714230 https://edepot.wur.nl/714230 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/44d01823-9147-4674-bc9b-e1b212409fae 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Shrestha, Samikshya Kaiser, Elias Berman, Sarah R. Wassenaar, Maarten L.J. Berg, Tom van den Mavrou, Evi Marcelis, Leo F.M. Vialet-Chabrand, Silvere Article/Letter to editor Plant, Cell and Environment (2026) ISSN: 0140-7791 Concurrent Temperature and Light Intensity Fluctuations Promote Stomatal Opening and Non-Steady State Photosynthesis 2026 In nature, fluctuations in light intensity (FL) are tightly coupled to rapid changes in leaf temperature (Tleaf), yet the short-term physiological effects of these concurrent drivers remain largely unresolved. Here, we combined rapid infrared induced Tleaf fluctuations with controlled step changes in light intensity for leaf gas exchange measurements to disentangle how each factor, and their interaction, affects stomatal conductance (gs) and net CO2 assimilation (A) in cucumber plants grown under constant light or FL. Modest but rapid increases in Tleaf (~3°C) alone triggered a pronounced wrong‑way–like stomatal response, leaf movements due to change in epidermal cell turgor, and transient (but long-lasting) decrease in A. This transient decrease in A disappeared under low O₂, indicating a photorespiratory origin. When Tleaf and light increased simultaneously, both gs and A responded faster and more strongly than to light alone, with cumulative enhancement across successive cycles. Plants acclimated to FL displayed larger transient increases in A and maintained higher integrated carbon gain under combined fluctuations. Our findings demonstrate that realistic, rapid Tleaf dynamics exert strong biomechanical and biochemical influences on dynamic gas exchange that are distinct from steady-state responses and should be explicitly considered in experimental design and dynamic photosynthesis models. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/concurrent-temperature-and-light-intensity-fluctuations-promote-s 10.1111/pce.70509 https://edepot.wur.nl/714228 https://edepot.wur.nl/714228 acclimation fluctuating light leaf temperature net CO2 assimilation stomatal conductance https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/31b1e5ef-93d6-4c3c-b842-646eefd70006 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Steffens, Quinten Yu-Jing, Dyllan Gan Schuppert, Naomi van der Sman, Ruud Boom, Remko Ma, Yizhou Zhang, Lu Article/Letter to editor Current Research in Food Science 12 (2026) ISSN: 2665-9271 Mechanical characterization of elastic edible films with single, crosslinked and interpenetrating biopolymer networks using combined uniaxial and biaxial analysis 2026 Stretchable and compliant films can be prepared from edible biopolymers such as hydrocolloids and proteins. Their mechanical performance under stress affects their potential applications. This study investigates the uniaxial and biaxial extensional properties of various edible hydrogel films plasticized to various degrees. Hydrogel films consisting of single biopolymer networks (SN), crosslinked networks (CN) and interpenetrating networks (IPN) were prepared using gelatine, gelatine-caseinate and alginate-agar, respectively, with different concentrations of glycerol. Their extensional properties were characterized with computer-vision-based biaxial extension testing and compared to standard uniaxial tensile testing. The IPN films exhibited strain-hardening and the highest stiffness and tensile strength. Adding plasticizer reduced the stiffness of all film types, and also reduced the tensile strength in SN and CN films. The influence of the plasticizer on the tensile strength of IPNs is governed by the architectures of the first and second networks. While standard, uniaxial extension of IPN films showed no relation between glycerol content and fracture properties, our biaxial methods showed that plasticization by glycerol reduced both fracture strain and stress. Our results highlighted the necessity of combining uniaxial and biaxial tensile tests to evaluate film properties for practical applications relying on different types of stress load. The insight obtained may be used to design edible films with improved extensional performance, and our biaxial method could potentially be used as a screening tool for evaluating tensile properties in novel materials. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/mechanical-characterization-of-elastic-edible-films-with-single-c 10.1016/j.crfs.2026.101381 https://edepot.wur.nl/714218 https://edepot.wur.nl/714218 Computer vision Edible films Plasticizer Tensile strength https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/23a4e2af-9e73-47ea-ad0c-132da2a1c70d 2026-04-17 public edurep openaire publickb

Erjavec, Emil Rac, Ilona Jongeneel, R.A. Gonzalez Martinez, A.R. van Asseldonk, M.A.P.M. Wember, Carla Charvalis, Giorgos Witzke, Peter Arbelaez-Gaviria, Juliana Schingo, Christian Donnellan, Trevor Palma Molina, Paula Dillon, Emma Wieliczko, Barbara García, Alberto Gutiérrez Szabó, Zsolt External research report D 5.2 Analysis of case studies 2026 en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/d-52-analysis-of-case-studies https://edepot.wur.nl/714205 https://edepot.wur.nl/714205 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/5f5dc1fd-d3e5-4c78-8a38-db51f003c144 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire publickb

van Puijenbroek, Marinka Smulders, Fee Sonneveld, Cor External research report De ontwikkeling van kwelders in de Waddenzee : Langetermijnontwikkeling (1990-2025) en een blik op de toekomst 2026 Salt marsh development in the Wadden Sea: Long-term development (1990–2025) and future outlook Salt marshes are dynamic areas whose development is driven by sedimentation and vegetation dynamics. These processes determine whether salt marshes can maintain sufficient elevation to keep pace with sea level rise and retain their ecologically value. In recent decades the area of salt marsh in the Netherlands has increased in almost all locations. Along the mainland coast this was due primarily to seaward growth and re-naturalisation of polders, while on the West Frisian Islands vegetated beach zones and natural development behind sand dunes contributed to this expansion. In these areas the vegetation is progressing into later successional stages, with more species of high marsh and brackish environments. However, erosion and regression are also occurring on the islands, particularly where the supply of sediment is low or there is subsidence, as on the eastern part of Ameland. Mainland salt marshes exhibit high sedimentation rates (11–17 mm/year), making them able to more or less keep pace with sea level rise, while the salt marshes on the islands remain vulnerable (1–5 mm/year). Management, especially grazing, influences both vegetation and sedimentation and therefore has an effect on biodiversity and resilience. An integrated approach combining geomorphological development and ecological management is crucial for the future of salt marshes. Kwelders zijn dynamische gebieden waarvan de ontwikkeling wordt bepaald door opslibbing en vegetatiedynamiek. Deze processen zorgen ervoor dat kwelders voldoende hoogte behouden om met de zeespiegelstijging mee te kunnen groeien en ecologisch waardevol te blijven. In Nederland is het kwelderareaal de afgelopen decennia vrijwel overal toegenomen. Langs de vastelandskust gebeurde dit vooral door zeewaartse uitbreiding en ontpoldering, terwijl op de Waddeneilanden de natuurlijke ontwikkeling achter stuifdijken en groene stranden bijdroeg. De vegetatie verschuift daarbij naar latere successiestadia, met meer hoge kwelder en brakke soorten. Op de eilanden treedt echter ook erosie en regressie op, vooral bij een lage sedimentaanvoer of bodemdaling, zoals op Oost-Ameland. Vastelandskwelders vertonen een hoge opslibbing (11-17 mm/jaar) en zijn relatief toekomstbestendig, terwijl eilandkwelders kwetsbaar blijven (1-5 mm/jaar). Beheer, met name begrazing, beïnvloedt zowel de vegetatie als de sedimentatie en heeft daardoor effect op de biodiversiteit en veerkracht. Een integrale aanpak van geomorfologie en beheer is dan ook cruciaal voor de toekomst van kwelders. nl WOT Natuur & Milieu application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/de-ontwikkeling-van-kwelders-in-de-waddenzee-langetermijnontwikke 10.18174/709520 https://edepot.wur.nl/709520 https://edepot.wur.nl/709520 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/13d56824-b465-4479-a0c4-faaabbfdbfad 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

García Victoria, Nieves Kempkes, Frank Bijlaard, Monique Vletter, Gert Konings, Wouter External research report LED-spectrum Spathiphyllum : Oriënterend onderzoek als bouwsteen voor emissievrije teelt in Kas 2030 2026 Lighting in Spathiphyllum counteracts the growth standstill in winter, helps maintain the leaf colour and promotes compactness. Before this study, there was no experience with LED in practice with this crop, which is normally grown without supplementary light or with HPS lamps in low intensity. LED lighting is an important element for reducing electricity consumption, and contributes to reduce the heat demand in fossilfree cultivation. In preparation for demonstrating a fossil- and emission-free cultivation in Greenhouse2030 at Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture, a short test was carried out in the summer of 2024 under simulated winter conditions. The aim was to make a pre-selection of a suitable LED spectrum, intensity and day length for Spathiphyllum. Results showed that a 16-hour photoperiod delayed the flowering compared to 12 light hours. Flowering, plant weight, plant volume and compactness increased with increasing light intensity. Plants responded better to the lower intensity (67 μmol/m²s PAR) in terms of visual characteristics and leaf quality. The spectra used did not result in differences in plant height or number of flowers per plant. The Green and FR-rich spectra performed best for plant weight and leaf quality (color, mottling, and gloss). No strong cultivar effects were observed in the trial. Belichting bij Spathiphyllum heft de groeistilstand in de winter op, helpt verkleuring voorkomen en bevordert compactheid. Vóór dit onderzoek was er nog geen ervaring met LED bij dit gewas in de praktijk, die normaal niet wordt belicht of belicht wordt met lage intensiteit SON-T. LED-belichting is een belangrijk element voor verlaging van het elektriciteitsgebruik, en geeft ook deels invulling aan de warmtevraag in een fossielvrije teelt. Als voorbereiding op een demonstratie van een fossiel- en emissievrije teelt in Kas2030 bij Wageningen UR Glastuinbouw, is in de zomer van 2024 een korte proef uitgevoerd onder gesimuleerde wintercondities. Het doel was een voorselectie te maken van een voor Spathiphyllum geschikte LED-spectrum, intensiteit en daglengte. Gebleken is dat een daglengte van 16 uur tot bloeivertraging leidt in vergelijking met 12 uur. Bloei, plantgewicht, plantvolume en plantcompactheid nemen toe met de lichtintensiteit. Voor visuele kenmerken en bladkwaliteit reageerden planten beter op de lagere intensiteit (67 μmol/m2s PAR). De gebruikte spectra hebben niet geleid tot verschillen in planthoogte of in aantal bloemen per plant. Het beste op plantgewicht en bladkwaliteit (kleur, vlekkerigheid en glans) presteerden de Groen- en FR-rijke spectra. In de proef zijn geen sterke cultivar effecten waargenomen. nl Wageningen Plant Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/led-spectrum-spathiphyllum-orienterend-onderzoek-als-bouwsteen-vo 10.18174/710517 https://edepot.wur.nl/710517 https://edepot.wur.nl/710517 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/761adc4a-1e80-40e9-9512-80f42f69d546 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

van Breugel, Bram van Steekelenburg, Guido García Victoria, Nieves External research report Grip op nog meer licht II : Effect van hoog diffuse lenticulaire lamellen op het verminderen van lichtstress en schade bij verschillende lichtgevoelige siergewassen 2026 Previous research demonstrated that highly diffuse lenticular lamellae can optimally distribute light without loss, combining 90% hortiscatter with 90% hemispherical transmission. Model calculations showed that this could potentially reduce the need for artificial lighting by 22-34% for light-sensitive crops, but only if the high light scattering allows for a safe 25% or 50% increase in daylight admittance in the greenhouse while maintaining the same daily light integral. In this follow-up study, the actual damage thresholds were experimentally determined for various lightsensitive ornamental crops at 90% hortiscatter compared to approximately 40% hortiscatter. The results show that for Phalaenopsis in the last stage of cultivation, it can even be reasonable to target 400 μmol/m²∙s instead of 200 μmol/m²∙s. For a likewise increase from 100 to 200 μmol/m²∙s in the initial phase this would result in a 47% reduction in electricity consumption for lighting. In addition, an average of 14% higher light use efficiency was observed under the highly diffuse treatment. In eerder onderzoek is aangetoond dat hoog diffuse lenticulaire lamellen (LTV Lamelle) licht optimaal kunnen verspreiden zonder lichtverlies, waarbij 90% hortiscatter kan worden gecombineerd met 90% hemisferische transmissie. Modelberekeningen toonden aan dat dit bij lichtgevoelige gewassen potentieel kan leiden tot een reductie van de behoefte aan kunstlicht met 22-34%, maar alleen als door de hoge licht verstrooiing veilig 25% of 50% meer daglicht toegelaten kan worden bij sturing op een gelijk gebleven dagsom. In dit vervolg onderzoek zijn de daadwerkelijke schadegrenzen experimenteel opgezocht voor verschillende lichtgevoelige siergewassen bij 90% hortiscatter ten opzichte van ~40% hortiscatter. De resultaten laten zien dat het bij Phalaenopsis zelfs redelijk kan zijn om te sturen op 400 in de plaats van 200 μmol/m2∙s waarmee 47% bespaard kan worden op elektriciteitsgebruik voor belichting. Tevens is onder de hoog diffuse behandeling gemiddeld een 14% hogere licht benutting efficiëntie behaald. nl Wageningen Plant Research application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/grip-op-nog-meer-licht-ii-effect-van-hoog-diffuse-lenticulaire-la 10.18174/708957 https://edepot.wur.nl/708957 https://edepot.wur.nl/708957 Life Science (c) publisher Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/b4581706-8ae8-4c50-9aa5-c89feb955021 2026-04-21 public edurep openaire

Nieuwland, M. Acierno, V. Article/Letter to editor Voedingsindustrie : vakblad (2026) ISSN: 2213-5758 Eiwitingrediënten uit erwt en tuinboon : Verbeterd product door ingrediënten te toasten 2026 Veganistische alternatieven maken voor vlees en zuivel is niet makkelijk. Een grote uitdaging is om gangbare ingrediënten als bonen en granen te laten smaken naar iets wat ze niet zijn: vlees, kaas of melk. Ook de textuur en het mondgevoel moeten lijken op een dierlijke tegenhanger. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (onderdeel van Wageningen University & Research, WUR) onderzoekt of het mogelijk is een product van boon en erwt te maken met minder off-flavours en behoud van functionaliteit. nl application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/eiwitingrediënten-uit-erwt-en-tuinboon-verbeterd-product-door-ing https://edepot.wur.nl/714170 Life Science Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/91ef391d-9c21-4fa0-af3d-4a6859635a6e 2026-04-17 public edurep openaire publickb

van Belzen, J. Velilla Perdomo, Estefania Article/Letter to editor Visserijnieuws (2026) 27 maart ISSN: 1380-5061 Van harde grens naar levendige overgang: hoe natuurlijke dijkzones ecologie en visserij versterken 2026 In het Regiocentrum Yerseke van Wageningen Marine Research werken onderzoekers en de schelpdier- en visserijsector samen aan kennis en innovaties voor duurzaam gebruik van de delta, kustwateren en zee. Kennis van en voor de regio Zeeland. Hierover is een convenant gesloten tussen wetenschap, bedrijfsleven en regionale publieke organisaties. Het werk beslaat een scala aan onderwerpen, zoals het verbeteren van het kweekrendement van mosselen, off-bottom kweek van oesters, verbeteren van de kennis over het kreeftenbestand, schelpdiersurveys en effecten van kustverdediging op natuurwaarden en (schelpdier)visserij. Deze column zet regelmatig een activiteit van het Regiocentrum in de schijnwerpers. Deze keer gaat het over de veranderingen in de overgang tussen land en water door de jaren heen. nl application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/van-harde-grens-naar-levendige-overgang-hoe-natuurlijke-dijkzones https://edepot.wur.nl/714164 https://edepot.wur.nl/714164 Life Science Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/006f3c16-a5f0-428e-9e97-f15f8df9bd7c 2026-04-17 public edurep openaire publickb

Hazeu, Gerard Droesen, Jan van Elburg, Eline Thomas, Daphne Vittek, Marian External research report Landelijk grondgebruiksbestand Nederland 2024 (lgn2024) : achtergronden, methodiek en assessment 2026 National Land Use Database of the Netherlands 2024 (LGN2024): Background, methodology and assessment The National Land Use Database of the Netherlands (LGN) shows land use in the Netherlands. Until 2018 the LGN was revised every three years, but since 2018 a new version has been produced each year. LGN2024 is a grid database of land use in the Netherlands in 2024 at a spatial resolution of 5 m. The database comprises 51 land use classes for the main agricultural crops, forests, water, nature and urban areas. The production method and number of LGN classes are the same as in previous versions. LGN2024 was produced from recent data sources (mostly with a 2024 reference year) and an updated nature classification. Small adjustments in certain masks (particularly the salt marsh mask, freshwater/salt water mask and the national registry of land parcels mask) and the definition of naturally managed grasslands have resulted in some minor changes in areas compared with LGN2023. Het Landelijk Grondgebruiksbestand Nederland (LGN) geeft het landgebruik in Nederland weer. Tot 2018 werd het LGN iedere drie tot zes jaar vernieuwd; sinds 2018 verschijnt er jaarlijks een nieuwe versie. LGN2024 is een gridbestand dat het Nederlandse landgebruik in 2024 met een ruimtelijke resolutie van 5 m weergeeft. Het bestand kent 51 landgebruiksklassen waarbij de belangrijkste landbouwgewassen, bos, water, natuur en stedelijke klassen worden onderscheiden. De productiemethodiek en het aantal LGN-klassen is gelijk gebleven aan voorgaande versies. LGN2024 is geproduceerd met recente bronbestanden (veelal referentiejaar 2024) en een vernieuwde natuurclassificatie. Kleine aanpassingen in bepaalde maskers (m.n. kweldermasker, zoet-/zoutwatermasker en het BRP-masker) en de definitie van natuurlijk beheerde agrarische graslanden zorgen voor wat kleine verschuivingen in arealen t.o.v. LGN2023. nl WOT Natuur & Milieu application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/landelijk-grondgebruiksbestandnederland-2024-lgn2024-achtergronde 10.18174/708426 https://edepot.wur.nl/708426 https://edepot.wur.nl/708426 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/d3e35666-cd3d-4e0c-8dbb-af7b873e467b 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Kortsmit, Yvonne First, Tomer Dicke, Marcel van Loon, Joop J.A. Article/Letter to editor Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (2026) ISSN: 0013-8703 Substrate Preference of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Is Influenced by Rearing History 2026 Black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens Linnaeus (Diptera: Stratiomyidae; BSF)) have a natural diet of diverse decomposing materials with variable nutrient and water contents. BSF larvae prefer substrate pre-colonised by conspecifics over uncolonised substrates. The chemical cues left behind in the feed substrate by conspecifics may vary with rearing history. To investigate larval feed preference behaviour, BSF larvae were reared under six different conditions: low, medium or high larval density and three different feed water contents. Larval developmental stage and body weight of the six groups of larvae were recorded after eight days of growth. Medium feed water content, medium and low larval density conditions were most favourable for development and growth; high water content and high density were intermediate, while low feed water content was the least suitable condition. The six groups of larvae were offered a choice between uncolonised and pre-colonised substrates. In addition, they were offered a choice between substrates colonised by conspecifics reared on feed with low water content and substrate colonised by conspecifics reared on feed with medium water content. Behavioural variables recorded were number of substrate contacts and entries, and number of larvae and time spent within the substrates. Our results show that BSF larvae reared under all six conditions prefer substrate colonised by conspecifics, with insects reared on high-water feed showing the strongest preference. Larvae reared at high density showed the highest number of substrate contacts, entries, and spent most time within feed substrates. When given a choice between substrates colonised either by conspecifics reared on low-water feed or on medium-water feed, substrate colonised by conspecifics reared on medium-water feed was preferred; however, only by larvae reared on either low- or high-water feed. This indicates that water stress may cause changes in conspecific cues that are only recognised by individuals that experienced such stress. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/substrate-preference-of-black-soldier-fly-larvae-is-influenced-by 10.1111/eea.70083 https://edepot.wur.nl/714153 https://edepot.wur.nl/714153 Hermetia illucens chemical cues feed water content feed-choice behaviour larval density https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/74dfafae-404b-4a95-a3cb-7b1ae1a03515 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Lin, Chih Chen Trista Article/Letter to editor Compare (2026) ISSN: 0305-7925 Biopolitics at the margins of human capital investment: vocational education in the affect economy of Cusco, Peru 2026 Recent global education policy literature pays much attention to the expansion of formal education and skill formation for school-to-work transition. This paper discusses Peru’s vocational education formalisation, influenced by technocratic and individualist discourses of human capital investment. The author introduces biopolitics as a useful range of analytical tools for tracing the logics underpinning policies, as well as for examining how regimes of education and labour become enacted and lived. Based on research with students, alumni and education staff in the increasingly professionalising vocational training sector in the city of Cusco, the author argues that the Peruvian national skilling imperative adds new layers to the multi-faceted biopolitics facing underprivileged young people. It embeds them further in a postcolonial history of social, cultural, economic and territorial inequalities, creating gendered financial, social and work pressure at the margins of Cusco’s urban service economy. Moreover, it shows a biocapitalist tendency to economise and pre-empt young people’s affectivity and futurity. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/biopolitics-at-the-margins-of-human-capital-investment-vocational 10.1080/03057925.2026.2639754 https://edepot.wur.nl/714152 https://edepot.wur.nl/714152 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) affect biopolitics human capital socio-emotional skills youth https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/6e41347f-958a-4fa0-88b0-e1fdf4960da8 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Blok, Chris Barbagli, Tommaso Eveleens-Clark, Barbara Nguyen, Van T.H. Beerling, Ellen Boedijn, Alexander Article/Letter to editor Frontiers in Horticulture 5 (2026) ISSN: 2813-3595 Future directions of the global growing media industry: insights from Dutch Policy up to 2050 2026 Introduction: Global efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions include reductions in the use of coal, gas, oil, and fossil peat. In reaction to parliament-requested action related to peat use, the Dutch Covenant “Agreement on environmental impact of potting soil and substrates” was initiated. To support the Covenant parties, a project was started in 2023. The first goal was a quantitative list of renewable raw materials for growing media with a horizon up to 2050. Methods: An extensive list of possible growing media constituents was reduced to a short list based on price, minimum quantities, competition from other industries, and various levels of risks. This short list was arranged into groups. An analysis was then made of the main drawbacks and the required technical ameliorations. Results: The results showed market-accepted materials such as coir, coniferous wood fiber, coniferous bark, compost, and perlite. Less familiar but promising materials included acrotelm, other types of wood and bark fiber, biochars, non-wood plant fiber, co-composts, and reused growing media. Discussion: Technical ameliorations required for market acceptance of new raw materials need efforts of the industry, knowledge institutes, and the government. Therefore, a joint Roadmap for research steps up to 2050 was made. The focus is on combinations of more advanced processing; sanitization of materials; and stabilization of materials, specifying the base fertilization and the maintenance fertilization. Although this work concentrates on the Dutch situation, the approach is on material availability in Europe, and the results are thought to be of value for tuning global research efforts toward sustainable growing media. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/future-directions-of-the-global-growing-media-industry-insights-f 10.3389/fhort.2026.1791241 https://edepot.wur.nl/714151 https://edepot.wur.nl/714151 GHG emission hydroponics peat alternatives renewable raw materials sanitation soilless culture sustainability https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/6871636a-a363-484a-8d89-55a6ceb49819 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Kruikemeier, Sanne Vliegenthart, Rens Article/Letter to editor Media International Australia (2026) ISSN: 1329-878X Scrolling through? Generational divides in media consumption and their impact on trust and polarization 2026 The purpose of this article is to examine news consumption among different generations, with a focus on younger adults. Additionally, we investigate how social media news use and news minimalism influence political and media trust, as well as affective polarization during an election campaign. We conducted a longitudinal survey during the run-up to the Dutch general election in November 2023 (Wave 1: N = 2405; Wave 2: N = 1785). Results show that young adults are characterized not only by substantially higher social media use but also by comparatively high levels of trust and low levels of polarization. Interestingly, news minimalism is more widespread. Finally, we found that the effects of media repertoires on trust and polarization are limited and appear to be largely absent when examining changes over time. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/scrolling-through-generational-divides-in-media-consumption-and-t 10.1177/1329878X261436572 https://edepot.wur.nl/714150 https://edepot.wur.nl/714150 affective polarization generational differences news minimalism political trust social media young adults https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/698a7963-3d2a-4e36-b6ca-4e4157e97860 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

de Lange, Erik van de Schans, Milou van Tricht, Frederike Jongedijk, Esmer Berentsen, Ron Blokland, Marco Article/Letter to editor Food Additives and Contaminants - Part A 43 (2026) 3 ISSN: 1944-0049 Trends of growth promoters and veterinary drugs in bovine urines using retrospective LC-HRMS analysis 2026 National and international food safety authorities are increasingly adopting risk-based monitoring approaches due to EU legislation. These new monitoring approaches require retrospective analysis to follow trends, identify food safety hazards, and monitor the effectiveness of policy interventions. High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) is perfectly equipped for retrospective analysis because it acquires full scan data (untargeted analysis) that can be investigated for chemical hazards that have not been reported before, without re-analysing samples. Furthermore, retrospective data analysis of HRMS data files enables the investigation of trends and food safety hazards over an extended timeframe covering multiple years. In this study, we developed a retrospective approach HRMS data files for searching chemical food safety hazards in 1484 urine samples from food-producing bovines collected from 2015 to 2022. Two proofs-of-concept were conducted: 1) occurrence analysis of growth promoters and veterinary drugs in bovine urine, and 2) trend analysis over 2015 to 2022, evaluating antibiotic sales data with our retrospective analytical data. The results revealed the presence of naturally occurring hormones and the presence of three painkillers. Regarding antibiotics, 34% of the bovine urines were suspected to contain antibiotic residues, of which 16% contained two or more antibiotics. The antibiotics detected in this study largely reflected the usage data reported by the Authority of Veterinary Drugs in the Netherlands. The two concepts prove that the retrospective approach is a powerful tool for retrospective trend analysis, enabling improved food safety monitoring policies. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/trends-of-growth-promoters-and-veterinary-drugs-in-bovine-urines- 10.1080/19440049.2026.2614340 https://edepot.wur.nl/714148 https://edepot.wur.nl/714148 Retrospective analysis antibiotics growth promoters high-resolution mass spectrometry multi-class screening trend analysis https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/cf43234c-a213-4978-bbf4-2cfe8077c17f 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire

Batra, Aditi Tueffers, Leif Haas, Kira Loeblein, Tabea Botelho, João Habig, Michael Schuetz, Daniel Sakalyte, Gabija Buchholz, Florian Berríos-Caro, Ernesto Uecker, Hildegard Unterweger, Daniel Schulenburg, Hinrich Article/Letter to editor The ISME journal 20 (2026) 1 ISSN: 1751-7362 Resistance variation and bacterial interactions shape adaptation of a genetically diverse pathogen population to antibiotic therapy 2026 Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major threat to global human health. The emergence and spread of AMR is usually studied for single pathogen lineages. Therefore, we currently have only limited knowledge on the causes and dynamics of resistance evolution in polymicrobial or multistrain infections that involve different pathogen species or strains, respectively, even though these kinds of infections are widespread. To address these current knowledge gaps, we here used the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a model to investigate how AMR evolves in populations with different genetically distinct strains (multistrain communities). By using controlled evolution experiments, extensive phenotyping and genome sequence analysis, we demonstrate that the response to antibiotic selection is shaped by a combination of strain-specific resistance profiles, ecological interactions between strains, and metapopulation structure. Moreover, the likelihood of de novo resistance evolution varied in dependence on mutation rates for resistance. A second independent evolution experiment emphasized the central role of strain variation and strain-strain interactions during adaptation. We conclude that AMR evolution in genetically diverse pathogen populations is driven by the interplay of ecological and evolutionary dynamics, thus deserving particular attention during treatment of polymicrobial infections. en text/html https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/resistance-variation-and-bacterial-interactions-shape-adaptation- 10.1093/ismejo/wrag039 https://edepot.wur.nl/714147 Pseudomonas aeruginosa antimicrobial resistance evolution eco-evolutionary feedback evolution experiment polymicrobial infection https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/a7c35b3e-055e-42b3-906f-17abb6cae7f5 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Haverkate, Tessa M.I. Brals, Daniella Abukaraig, Egbal A.B. Kapata, Nathan Kapata-Chanda, Pascalina Kirenga, Bruce Klinkenberg, Eveline Law, Irwin Maama-Maime, Llang B. Moyo, Sizulu Obasanya, Joshua Rutebemberwa, Elizeus Stuck, Logan Tiemersma, Edine Cobelens, Frank Article/Letter to editor EClinicalMedicine 92 (2026) ISSN: 2589-5370 Environmental-demographic determinants associated with tuberculosis prevalence in seven African countries : an aggregated dataset analysis 2026 SummaryBackgroundKnowledge about environmental and demographic determinants of tuberculosis is largely limited to studies with ecological designs. We explored the association between these determinants and tuberculosis prevalence in an individual participant dataset aggregated across seven African countries.MethodsData of nationally representative tuberculosis prevalence surveys (2012–2019) from highly endemic countries were supplemented with publicly accessible data at district level. Associations between individual-level diagnosis of bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis and district-level environmental-demographic variables were investigated in generalised linear mixed-effects models accounting for the multi-level structure of the data.FindingsOf 322,615 participants aged ≥15 years across 400 districts, 976 were newly diagnosed with tuberculosis (prevalence 183–638/100,000 across the countries). Living at latitude 7.6–14.6° (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 2.07, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 1.48–2.90) or in higher population density (aOR 1.07 per percent increase in mean population density, 1.01–1.13), or urban districts (aOR 1.31, 1.11–1.54) were independently associated with higher prevalence. Living in distsricts above 900 m altitude (aOR 0.52, 0.32–0.84), with 50–100 mm precipitation (aOR 0.62, 0.46–0.84), or at higher temperature (aOR 0.93 per degree Celsius, 0.88–0.98) was independently associated with lower tuberculosis prevalence. No significant associations were observed with fine particulate matter (aOR 1.04, 0.70–1.54 for 20–40 μg/m3, 0.82, 0.44–1.53 for >40 μg/m3), solar radiation (aOR 1.04, 0.93–1.15) or International Wealth Index (aOR 1.01 (1.00–1.02).InterpretationOur results suggest that in high-burden African countries, some of the variation in tuberculosis prevalence can be explained by environmental and demographic factors that merit further investigation.FundingMr Willem Bakhuys Roozeboom Foundation. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/environmental-demographic-determinants-associated-with-tuberculos 10.1016/j.eclinm.2026.103773 https://edepot.wur.nl/714146 https://edepot.wur.nl/714146 Ecological Environmental Planetary health Sociodemographic Tuberculosis https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/e3a949ac-d85e-4faa-825f-77f21b43b7b3 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Lu, Qiaofang Wang, Kunguang Gu, Shaohua Ma, Jing Cui, Dongming Chi, Zhiguang Li, Baoshen Zai, Xiaoyu Wang, Nanqi Wang, Tianqi Dou, Zhechao Zhang, Fusuo Geisen, Stefan Raaijmakers, Jos M. Song, Chunxu Zuo, Yuanmei Article/Letter to editor Nature Communications 17 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2041-1723 Siderophore-producing Bacillus and free-living nematodes are associated with soil suppressiveness to banana root-knot nematodes 2026 The control of soil-borne diseases is crucial for ensuring global food security. Here, we investigate the impact of the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne) on banana continuous cropping over a period of 11 years. The results show significant root infestation initially, but disease incidence declined markedly from the 7th cropping year onwards. Soil community profiling revealed that this intriguing onset of nematode suppressiveness was associated with changes in free-living nematode populations and rhizosphere microbiome composition. Rhizosphere microbiome analyses and strain isolation pinpointed Bacillus velezensis as a keystone taxon in soil suppressiveness to Meloidogyne. Genomics, metabolomics and bioassays validated the suppressive effects of B. velezensis against Meloidogyne and identified the siderophore bacillibactin as key metabolite with repellent and nematicidal activities. By integrating long-term field studies with multi-omics approaches, this study uncovered co-occurring increases in specific rhizobacterial genera and free-living nematodes associated with reduced root-parasitic nematode populations, offering valuable insights for sustainable agriculture. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/siderophore-producing-bacillus-and-free-living-nematodes-are-asso 10.1038/s41467-026-69647-y https://edepot.wur.nl/714145 https://edepot.wur.nl/714145 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/b07153e8-f212-45de-beee-1d3c596239a5 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

El Helou, Remie Srour, Bernard Hadla, Ruba Azar, Riwa Mahfoud, Ziyad R. Touvier, Mathilde Temraz, Sally Jabbour, Jana Article/Letter to editor BMC Public Health 26 (2026) 1 ISSN: 1471-2458 Ultra processed food consumption and nutrients adequacy among cancer survivors in Lebanon 2026 Evidence on the impact of ultra-processed food (UPF) intake on diet quality among cancer survivors remains limited. This study examined UPF consumption and nutrient intake adequacy among cancer survivors in Lebanon. In this cross-sectional study, adult cancer survivors in remission for at least three months were recruited from two medical centers. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and food items were categorized according to the NOVA classification. Nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) were calculated. Participant characteristics, nutrient adequacy, and macronutrient intakes were compared across UPF quartiles using Chi-square tests, and ANOVA. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of nutrient inadequacy. The study included 268 participants (mean age: 59 years; 83% female). UPF accounted for 8 ± 7% of total food weight and 17.5 ± 11% of energy intake. Most participants did not meet requirements for potassium (95%), vitamin A (87%), and vitamin D (99%) with mean intakes of 2,527 ± 1236 mg, 350 ± 175 Retinol Activity Equivalents, and 0.8 ± 1.2 µg, respectively. Higher UPF intake was significantly associated with higher energy (p < 0.001), carbohydrate (p < 0.001), protein (p = 0.017), fat (p < 0.001), and saturated fat intake (p < 0.001), and with lower vitamin C adequacy (p = 0.02). In multivariable analysis, higher education predicted lower odds of nutrient inadequacy (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.1–0.65, p = 0.004), while UPF intake did not. Despite the relatively low UPF contribution, significant micronutrient inadequacies were observed among cancer survivors. These findings underscore the importance of integrating dietary counseling into cancer care to address nutrient gaps and promote healthier food choices. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/ultra-processed-food-consumption-and-nutrients-adequacy-among-can 10.1186/s12889-026-26547-6 https://edepot.wur.nl/714144 https://edepot.wur.nl/714144 Cancer survivors Diet adequacy Diet quality Lebanon Ultra processed food https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/0c02818b-8e5d-4588-8e9e-6af2ddd28805 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Faessen, Janine P.M. Mattijssen, Soe van Lonkhuijzen, Renske M. Feskens, Edith J.M. Wagemakers, Annemarie Brouwer-Brolsma, Elske M. Article/Letter to editor BMC Health services research 26 (2026) 1 ISSN: 1472-6963 Health care professionals’ postpartum nutritional counselling to women; a mixed-methods approach 2026 Background: Healthy maternal nutrition during the postpartum period is crucial for both maternal and child health. Yet, understanding the extent and content of nutritional support from healthcare professionals (HCPs) during this period is poorly understood. We investigated current practices of postpartum nutritional counselling by HCPs, its determinants, and HCPs’ perspectives on digital nutritional counselling. Methods: We employed a mixed-methods approach, using an explanatory sequential design involving both an online survey and elaborative semi-structured interviews based on the COM-B model. HCPs involved in postpartum care in the Netherlands were invited through social media and direct outreach via healthcare organizations. Results: The online survey was completed by 69 HCPs. Additionally, 16 HCPs were invited for a semi-structured interview to further elaborate on their survey responses. Fifty-three HCPs (77%) provided postpartum nutritional counselling through verbal general advice (n = 34, 49%), referral to a dietician (n = 23, 33%), or referral to written information sources (n = 21, 30%). Determinants of nutritional counselling were available time, HCPs knowledge, and perceived clients’ characteristics and situation (e.g., culture and prior knowledge). Most HCPs (n = 51, 80%) championed the development of an app to support women in making healthier food choices. Conclusions: Most HCPs offer limited postpartum nutritional counselling. To improve knowledge, HCPs would highly benefit from refresher courses on the latest dietary guidelines and the development of protocols for delivering high quality nutritional counselling. Additionally, the development of an mHealth app – introduced by the HCP - was considered a valuable addition to support HCPs with limited time. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/health-care-professionals-postpartum-nutritional-counselling-to-w 10.1186/s12913-026-14211-z https://edepot.wur.nl/714143 https://edepot.wur.nl/714143 Dietary support Health care professionals Lactation Maternal diet Nutrition education Postpartum mHealth https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

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Kaan, Jiri Kunz, Sonja Moore, Spencer Khaluf, Yara Article/Letter to editor Scientific Reports 16 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2045-2322 Lack of group-to-individual generalizability in pseudocontingencies 2026 Decades of research have shown that people use a basic learning process called pseudocontingency inference to form beliefs about relationships between variables. Rather than relying on co-occurrences, people infer relationships based on separate occurrences of each variable. However, a fundamental question remains unanswered: how do individuals differ in their reliance on pseudocontingencies when forming beliefs? Existing computational models on pseudocontingencies have focused on group-level patterns, obscuring how individual differences affect belief formation. To this end, we formalize the degree to which people rely on actual contingencies or on pseudocontingencies. We focus on the belief that unhealthy food tastes better, a pseudocontingency effect observed even when actual contingencies suggest no or a negative relationship. Using data from previous experiments, we estimate the reliance on pseudocontingencies by calibrating a bias strength parameter at both individual and group levels. Our results reveal that people generally rely on pseudocontingencies instead of actual contingencies, but they do so to varying degrees. Bootstrapped estimates suggest that the median reliance on pseudocontingencies was 22-28% lower in individual-level compared to group-level models. The findings have implications for normative models that assume that people form beliefs about relationships based on actual contingencies. The significant lack of group-to-individual generalizability warrants concerns about the validity of group-level models as these may overestimate the reliance on pseudocontingencies. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/lack-of-group-to-individual-generalizability-in-pseudocontingenci 10.1038/s41598-026-41585-1 https://edepot.wur.nl/714142 https://edepot.wur.nl/714142 Computational modeling Contingency learning Pseudocontingencies https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/18c0e4ab-0308-40a9-961f-f41a10b1c064 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Zinsmeister, Julia Sano, Naoto Lounifi, Imen Groot, Steven P.C. He, Dongli Lagesse, Mathilde Balzergue, Sandrine Huguet, Stéphanie Huguet, Romain Collet, Boris Cueff, Gwendal Clément, Gilles Rajjou, Loïc Galland, Marc Article/Letter to editor Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 232 (2026) ISSN: 0981-9428 Combined “omics” and physiological approaches highlight the roles of the GABA shunt and mitochondria-related functions in rice seed longevity 2026 In the context of global warming, the ability of seeds to withstand higher temperatures and humidity during dry storage is critical to maintain food production. Seed longevity, also referred to as storability, is therefore an essential trait. As a major staple crop, rice (Oryza sativa L.) has been widely studied to identify the genetic determinants of seed longevity, primarily through QTL mapping and molecular analyses. However, integrated multi-omics data remain limited, especially compared to advances made for other seed physiological features (e.g., dry quiescence, germination). This study investigates the molecular determinants of rice seed longevity under varying storage conditions using controlled deterioration treatments (CDTs) at 25 °C (no deterioration), 40 °C (reduction of germination speed and uniformity) and 45 °C (loss of germinative capacity) under high relative humidity. Through physiological characterizationand multi-omics analyses, we identified key metabolic pathways and genetic factors associated with seed aging. By integrating transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data, we pinpointed specific pathways critical to seed viability loss. CDTs revealed that only a small number of genes and proteins are significantly affected. In particular, our results highlight a major impact of CDTs on the GABA shunt and mitochondrial factors as the DEAD-box ATP-dependent RNA helicase 9. Altogether, this work opens the way for in-depth functional studies on a small number of mitochondria-related genes involved in rice seed longevity. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/combined-omics-and-physiological-approaches-highlight-the-roles-o 10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111094 https://edepot.wur.nl/714141 https://edepot.wur.nl/714141 DEAD-box ATP-Dependent RNA helicase 9 GABA MOTHER of FT and TFL1 homolog 2 Methionine Mitochondria Rice seed longevity Trehalose https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/5745e250-3162-4305-9c19-467970859d15 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Phurbu, Dorji Duan, Weijun Crous, Pedro W. Cai, Lei Liu, Fang Article/Letter to editor Journal of Fungi 12 (2026) 3 ISSN: 2309-608X A Sensitive Real-Time PCR-Based Assay for the Identification of Colletotrichum in Phytosanitary and Clinical Applications 2026 Colletotrichum species are major plant pathogens and emerging opportunistic human pathogens. Due to their vast genetic diversity, existing diagnostic tools often suffer from narrow specificity or labor-intensive workflows. In this study, we developed a rapid, universal, and highly sensitive genus-specific real-time PCR assay utilizing a TaqMan MGB probe targeting the conserved 28S rDNA region. The assay demonstrated exceptional specificity, with no cross-reactivity against closely related fungal taxa or common co-occurring pathogens. The method exhibited high sensitivity, achieving a limit of detection (LOD) of 680 fg of genomic DNA. Furthermore, the assay was successfully validated using simulated environmental samples, where it accurately identified Colletotrichum within complex fungal communities. By providing a robust platform for genus-level screening, this methodology significantly enhances the efficiency of phytosanitary inspections and clinical diagnostics, facilitating timely biosecurity interventions and therapeutic decisions. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/a-sensitive-real-time-pcr-based-assay-for-the-identification-of-c 10.3390/jof12030171 https://edepot.wur.nl/714140 https://edepot.wur.nl/714140 human pathogen molecular diagnosis plant pathogen qPCR specific primer https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/aa363c83-633d-4959-aa24-a48044e5116d 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

de Pagter, Tijs Canedo, João Nuno Gomes Vicente Pijl, Anton Coelho, Luisa Nunes, João Pedro Prats, Sergio Article/Letter to editor Agronomy 16 (2026) 6 ISSN: 2073-4395 UAV-Based Soil Erosion Assessment in Mediterranean Agricultural Orchards 2026 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) imagery has become an important tool for erosion monitoring, but little is known about its application in Mediterranean agricultural systems such as vineyards and olive groves. In this study, drone flights were conducted in vineyards and olive groves where mulch and biochar treatments had been applied. Digital terrain models (DTMs) and orthomosaics were constructed using a photogrammetry workflow, and model error was determined via global positioning system (GPS) transects. Erosion was assessed using Digital elevation models of Difference (DoD) and compared with field-based erosion plot measurements. Explanatory variables for erosion (soil roughness, slope length, steepness, vegetation cover) were derived from DTMs and orthomosaics and were evaluated in a multiple linear regression model. Although direct measurement of erosion from the DoDs was difficult, this was primarily influenced by the unexpectedly low erosion rates during the study period, and the high root mean square error (RMSE) of the DTMs. Significant differences in DTM-derived variables were found between study areas, and especially between areas with organic and integrated management, even though treatments showed similar patterns. The multiple linear regression model demonstrated strong explanatory power, accounting for a large part of the variation in measured erosion using the UAV-derived variables (R2 = 0.81). Slope and slope length were the most important predictors of erosion together with the interaction between these two variables. The results suggest that soil erosion in the study areas was mostly determined by topographic and management factors, rather than the applied treatments. This study highlights the value of UAV imagery in advancing the understanding of erosion processes in Mediterranean agricultural systems, while also identifying the challenge of accurately measuring erosion from DoDs under conditions of low erosion rates. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/uav-based-soil-erosion-assessment-in-mediterranean-agricultural-o 10.3390/agronomy16060645 https://edepot.wur.nl/714139 https://edepot.wur.nl/714139 erosion modeling photogrammetry soil management terrain analysis vegetation cover https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/62d7eb44-2a29-4ae3-8eab-b1f8847ff4c6 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

van Dongen, Bonnie M. Camfferman, Naomi A. Klunder, Sandra Veldhuis, Lydian Raghoebar, Sanne Renders, Carry M. Article/Letter to editor Health and Place 98 (2026) ISSN: 1353-8292 Does the physical food environment in secondary school influence students’ social norm perceptions regarding healthy dietary choices? – An exploratory study in the Netherlands 2026 Creating a healthy food environment in secondary schools has the potential to communicate social norms regarding healthy dietary choices. This study explored the relationship between the schools’ food environment and perceived descriptive (what others do) and injunctive (what others approve) norms regarding healthy dietary choices among adolescents. An exploratory (quasi-experimental) study was conducted in 23 Dutch schools, differing between three arms based on implementation degree of a Healthy School Canteen Program: limited, moderate or sustainable. Students (n = 1004) completed a questionnaire about descriptive and injunctive norms regarding water, fruit/vegetables, snacks, sugar-containing beverages, brown/whole wheat bread. Multi-level analyses were conducted (two-level hierarchical data structure). Compared to limited implementation, students in schools with moderate implementation indicated less favorable norm perceptions with (a) lower descriptive norm scores regarding water (-.30, 95 % CI [-.47; -.12]), (b) lower injunctive norm scores regarding fruit/vegetables (-.29, 95 % CI [-.49; -.10]) and water (-.34, 95 % CI [-.49; -.20]), and (c) higher injunctive norm scores regarding sugar containing beverages (.17, 95 % CI [.02; .32]). No significant differences were observed between students in schools with sustainable implementation and limited implementation. Compared to sustainable implementation, students in schools with moderate implementation indicated less favorable injunctive norm perceptions regarding fruit/vegetables (-.28, 95 % CI [-.47; -.08] and water (-.26, 95 % CI [-.41; -.12]). This study illustrates the complex interplay between perceived social norms regarding healthy dietary choices and efforts to create a healthy food environment. Future research should examine how social norms evolve over time within schools, taking into account their unique context. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/does-the-physical-food-environment-in-secondary-school-influence- 10.1016/j.healthplace.2025.103594 https://edepot.wur.nl/714138 https://edepot.wur.nl/714138 Adolescents Canteen Food environment Perceived social norms Secondary schools https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/1703136b-d364-49be-86c9-7a7366134e3e 2026-04-24 public edurep openaire publickb

Mondragon, Nancy Bakker, Evert Jan Medema, Gertjan Okaali, Daniel A. Hofstra, Nynke Article/Letter to editor Journal of Water and Health 24 (2026) 3 ISSN: 1477-8920 Estimating wastewater concentrations of norovirus and rotavirus from global data on community-level infection prevalence and viral shedding 2026 Water quality modelling offers the opportunity of estimating the magnitude of pathogen loads into wastewater by using data on disease prevalence and excretion. The objective of this paper is to reflect on the potential of using prevalence and excretion rate data from the literature to simulate wastewater concentrations for norovirus and rotavirus. Three systematic literature reviews were carried out to collect worldwide data. Firstly, targeting community-level prevalence data, secondly, viral excretion rates in faecal material, and thirdly, concentrations in wastewater. Data collected in the first two reviews were input to simulate concentrations in wastewater. Model results were compared with reported concentrations collected in the latest review. Of 2,193 studies, 97 were included. Reported community-level prevalence of infection ranged from 0.22 to 9.5% for norovirus and 0 to 3.3% for rotavirus. Mean viral excretion was 4.9 × 1010 and 9.7 × 108 GC/g stool for norovirus and rotavirus, respectively. Average reported wastewater concentrations were 1.5 × 107 and 2.4 × 107 GC/100 mL, respectively. Modelled concentrations were generally higher than observed values. This synthesis demonstrates the potential of integrating prevalence and excretion data through modelling to estimate pathogen loads in wastewater while highlighting major sources of variability and the need for more data collection on prevalence and excretion. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/estimating-wastewater-concentrations-of-norovirus-and-rotavirus-f 10.2166/wh.2026.212 https://edepot.wur.nl/714137 https://edepot.wur.nl/714137 community-level prevalence norovirus rotavirus virus shedding wastewater surveillance water quality modelling https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/c615dfee-1ee4-4557-a4ed-d6d67dae8d65 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Zhang, Chao da Silva Torres, Ricardo Gansel, Lars Christian Bracke, Marc Article/Letter to editor Smart Agricultural Technology 13 (2026) ISSN: 2772-3755 Automated extraction of scientific statements for integrated assessment of animal welfare using language models 2026 AbstractAnimal welfare is a key concern in livestock farming, and a semantic modeling approach for welfare assessment is recognized as scientifically grounded. However, extracting supporting scientific evidence still relies heavily on manual review of the literature, limiting scalability and efficiency. To address this challenge, we propose a natural language processing (NLP)-based framework for the automatic extraction and classification of welfare-related scientific statements. To mitigate the lack of negative samples, we adopt a positive-unlabeled (PU) learning strategy enhanced by adversarial contrastive sampling, enabling the automatic extraction of high-confidence negative samples from unstructured documents. Three classification paradigms are evaluated: (1) few-shot learning with large language models (LLMs), (2) a two-stage method combining Transformer-based encoders with traditional classifiers, and (3) end-to-end fine-tuning of pre-trained Transformer models, including BERT, RoBERTa, BGE, and E5. Our experiments reveal that the end-to-end models achieve the best performance, with the E5 reaching 96.0% precision and 92.4% recall on the test set. The adversarial sampling strategy also demonstrates strong robustness across different similarity thresholds. In a challenging scenario where semantic differences between positive and negative statements were small, the BGE-based model outperformed the other models, achieving 59.1% precision and 76.5% recall. To support practical deployment, we also introduce an interactive visualization interface for real-time statement extraction and inspection. Overall, the proposed framework offers a scalable and generalizable solution for extracting welfare-related scientific statements, thereby advancing AI-assisted modeling in animal welfare research. The source code is available at https://github.com/jay-zc/SM_classification.git (as of September 2025). en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/automated-extraction-of-scientific-statements-for-integrated-asse 10.1016/j.atech.2026.101814 https://edepot.wur.nl/714136 https://edepot.wur.nl/714136 Animal welfare Machine learning Natural language processing Sentence classification https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/a12c9cc7-a650-4e6c-9d90-9adeea0d6a4c 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Tagliasco, Marianna Neijenhuis, Kim Nguyen, Vu Trang Anh Pellegrini, Nicoletta Fogliano, Vincenzo Article/Letter to editor Food Frontiers 7 (2026) 2 ISSN: 2643-8429 Enhancing Lycopene Extraction and Isomer Selectivity From Tomato Pomace : A Study of Particle Size, Drying Technique, and Supercritical Fluid Extraction Processing Variables 2026 The growing demand for functional ingredients and the food industry waste burden have increased interest in recovering valuable compounds, such as lycopene, particularly its bioavailable form (cis), from tomato pomace, a by-product of the tomato industry. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using supercritical CO2 offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional solvent extraction (SE) methods. This study evaluated the effects of drying method (freeze-drying [FD] vs. oven-drying [OD]), particle size (<0.5 vs. <2 mm), thermal pretreatment (1 h at 120°C), and extraction temperature (50°C vs. 90°C) on lycopene extraction using SFE at 200 bar. A conventional SE with hexane–acetone–ethanol (2:1:1 v/v) was used as a reference. Lycopene yield and cis-isomer content obtained by SE and SFE were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Extraction temperature was the most influential factor: SFE at 50°C yielded significantly more lycopene than at 90°C. At 50°C, lycopene yield increased by approximately 1.6 times with both particle size reduction and thermal pretreatment. FD also enhanced yield, showing a 1.2–1.3-fold increase compared to OD. Although overall lycopene yields were lower with SFE compared to SE, the proportion of cis-isomers was consistently higher in SFE extracts across all treatments. In conclusion, the optimal SFE conditions for lycopene extraction from tomato pomace, balancing high yield and enhanced cis-isomer content, include low extraction temperature (50°C), reduced particle size, thermal pretreatment, and FD. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/enhancing-lycopene-extraction-and-isomer-selectivity-from-tomato- 10.1002/fft2.70215 https://edepot.wur.nl/714134 https://edepot.wur.nl/714134 analytical high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) isomers lycopene supercritical fluid extraction tomato pomace https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/df1f9a01-3c94-4c47-9271-e67f681fc3c7 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Russello, Helena van der Tol, Rik van Henten, Eldert J. Kootstra, Gert Article/Letter to editor Smart Agricultural Technology 13 (2026) ISSN: 2772-3755 Lameness detection in dairy cows using pose estimation and bidirectional LSTMs 2026 AbstractLameness is a prevalent health condition in dairy cattle that negatively impacts welfare and productivity. Automatic lameness detection would allow for timely detection and treatment with limited labor. This study presents a lameness detection approach that combines pose-estimation and Bidirectional Long-Short-Term Memory (BLSTM) neural networks. Combining pose-estimation and BLSTMs offers the following advantages: markerless pose-estimation, elimination of manual feature engineering by learning temporal motion features from the keypoint trajectories, and working with short sequences and small training datasets. Motion sequences of nine keypoints (located on the cows’ hooves, head and back) were extracted from videos of walking cows with the T-LEAP pose-estimation model. Keypoint sequences were then used as an input to a BLSTM classifier that was trained to perform binary lameness classification. We experimented with different model architectures and with sequences lengths of one, two and three seconds. The best model architecture consisted of three BLSTM layers of size 128, and the experiments revealed that our BLSTM classifier could detect lameness with as little as one second of video data. Additionally, we performed a direct comparison against an established method based on manually-designed locomotion features and an SVM classifier. The established method achieved a classification accuracy of 80%. On the same dataset, our BLSTM classifier outperformed the established method and achieved an accuracy of 85%. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/lameness-detection-in-dairy-cows-using-pose-estimation-and-bidire 10.1016/j.atech.2026.101831 https://edepot.wur.nl/714133 https://edepot.wur.nl/714133 Cows Deep-learning LSTM Lameness Locomotion Pose-estimation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/ad4eaf7c-de7a-4f2f-989f-b9a1f794ff64 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Wichgers Schreur, Paul J. de Vogel-van den Bosch, Heleen Massop, Ruben Harders-Westerveen, José van de Water, Sandra Rockx, Barry van Amerongen, Aart Article/Letter to editor Viruses 18 (2026) 3 ISSN: 1999-4915 A Species-Independent Lateral Flow Test to Detect Rift Valley Fever Virus Antibodies Using a Double Antigen Approach 2026 Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a re-emerging, vector-borne pathogen endemic to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, posing an increasing threat to human and animal health. Outbreaks have severe economic and social impacts on farmers, communities, and governments. Current diagnostic methods rely on PCR and ELISA; however, rapid pen-side tests would enable faster, cost-effective monitoring and outbreak control. Here, a species- and immunoglobulin class-independent capillary flow immunodiagnostic assay (lateral flow test; LFT) for detecting RVFV-specific antibodies is described. The assay uses a double-antigen approach, coupling the RVFV nucleocapsid protein, a major viral antigen, both to carbon nanoparticles and to a nitrocellulose membrane. The method was qualified with immune sera from sheep, calves, goats, and humans and benchmarked against a newly developed double-antigen ELISA and a commercial competition ELISA. Both the LFT and double-antigen ELISA demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity. This advancement brings RVFV-specific pen-side testing significantly closer to practical implementation. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/a-species-independent-lateral-flow-test-to-detect-rift-valley-fev-3 10.3390/v18030316 https://edepot.wur.nl/714132 https://edepot.wur.nl/714132 ELISA bunyavirus double-antigen lateral flow test pen-side test rift valley fever virus https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/57308ebc-22e0-4143-9b01-4a99fffee7d6 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

van de Ven, Robert Bresilla, Trim Nelissen, Bram Nieuwenhuizen, Ard van Henten, Eldert J. Kootstra, Gert Article/Letter to editor Smart Agricultural Technology 13 (2026) ISSN: 2772-3755 Enhancing annotations for 5D apple pose estimation through 3D gaussian splatting (3DGS) 2026 Automating tasks in orchards is challenging because of the large amount of variation in the environment and occlusions. One of the challenges is apple pose estimation, where key points, such as the calyx, are often occluded. Recently developed pose estimation methods no longer rely on these key points, but still require them for annotations, making annotating challenging and time-consuming. Due to the abovementioned occlusions, there can be conflicting and missing annotations of the same fruit between different images. Novel 3D reconstruction methods can be used to simplify annotating and enlarge datasets. We propose a novel pipeline consisting of 3D Gaussian Splatting to reconstruct an orchard scene, simplified annotations, automated projection of the annotations to images, and the training and evaluation of a pose estimation method. Using our pipeline, 105 manual annotations were required to obtain 28,191 training labels, a reduction of 99.6%. Experimental results indicated that training with labels of fruits that are ≤ 95% occluded resulted in the best performance, with a neutral F1 score of 0.927 on the original images and 0.970 on the rendered images. Adjusting the size of the training dataset had small effects on the model performance in terms of F1 score and pose estimation accuracy. It was found that the least occluded fruits had the best position estimation, which worsened as the fruits became more occluded. It was also found that the tested pose estimation method was unable to correctly learn the orientation estimation of apples. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/enhancing-annotations-for-5d-apple-pose-estimation-through-3d-gau-2 10.1016/j.atech.2026.101910 https://edepot.wur.nl/714131 https://edepot.wur.nl/714131 3D Detection Fruit occlusions Fruit pose Gaussian splatting https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/1cc5aead-66af-4df0-a5b6-2c799d52d2e5 2026-04-23 public edurep openaire publickb

Wang, Yuxin Smant, Geert van de Ruitenbeek, Stefan J.S. Geisen, Stefan Article/Letter to editor Geoderma 467 (2026) ISSN: 0016-7061 Litter-type-specific succession of microeukaryotic communities and their associations with litter decomposition 2026 Litter decomposition regulates nutrient cycling and carbon turnover, with fungi arguably being the main drivers. While protists are interacting with fungi, their role, as well as the interaction between both groups of microeukaryotes in litter decomposition, remain largely unknown. In this study, we used long-read nanopore sequencing to investigate the taxonomic and functional succession of microeukaryotes throughout one-year decomposition. To obtain more generalizable insights, we used six different litter types, spanning a wide C/N gradient (6–47) and diverse plant families (Poaceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae). Our results revealed that microeukaryotic succession during litter decomposition was strongly shaped by litter type. Across all litter types, taxonomic richness (Chao1) followed a unimodal trajectory, peaking at mid-decomposition, whereas Shannon diversity increased consistently over time. Microeukaryotic community composition (i.e., β-diversity) changed primarily with litter type, while temporal progression reduced within-litter dissimilarity and was associated with phase-specific indicator taxa. Microeukaryotic functional composition further diverged among litter types, with saprotroph and predator abundances showing distinct litter-dependent trajectories, highlighting strong litter-type-specific successional patterns in microeukaryotic communities. Random forest analysis indicated that protist-related metrics increased in importance over time, becoming the strongest predictors of litter mass loss by explaining 47% of the variation at the end of decomposition. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating fungal and protist dynamics to understand litter decomposition and underscore the role of litter-type-specific microeukaryotic succession in shaping carbon cycling and ecosystem functioning. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/litter-type-specific-succession-of-microeukaryotic-communities-an 10.1016/j.geoderma.2026.117745 https://edepot.wur.nl/714130 https://edepot.wur.nl/714130 Fungi Litter decomposition Litter type Microeukaryotes Protists Succession https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/7c38f21e-1cc7-4486-848b-151fafde6849 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Lai, Yuqing Mulder, Vera L. Heuvelink, Gerard B.M. Kros, Hans Ros, Gerard H. Article/Letter to editor Geoderma 467 (2026) ISSN: 0016-7061 A RothC-based spatiotemporal analysis of soil organic carbon stocks in agricultural soils of the Netherlands (1986–2022) 2026 Soils are the largest terrestrial carbon reservoir, with soil organic carbon (SOC) playing a critical role in maintaining soil quality and associated ecosystem services. Accurately estimating SOC stocks at high spatial and temporal resolution over large scales remains challenging, particularly in agricultural systems where carbon inputs are often uncertain or unavailable. In this study, we used the RothC model to simulate SOC stocks in Dutch agricultural mineral soils from 1986 to 2022, at 25 m × 25 m resolution. We examined the temporal and spatial variation of the total SOC stock and its distribution over RothC carbon pools and unravelled how livestock manure inputs and land use affect the observed trends. Averaged SOC stocks in the topsoil (0 – 30 cm) increased by 13.2% under grassland, decreased by 10.4% under cropland, and decreased by 3.9% in areas with changing land use. Carbon gains in grassland were linked to systematically higher manure inputs and accumulation in stable pools, whereas lower manure inputs and more intensive management led to declining labile SOC pools. Independent validation on three spatial datasets showed the highest model performance for point-based field data (model efficiency coefficient MEC = 0.32 in 1986 and 0.37 in 2022). Observed changes in SOC over time could be less well reproduced (MEC ≈ 0) across all datasets, but simulated spatiotemporal patterns were consistent with previous observational studies. The study illustrates the potential of RothC for national-scale SOC stock assessment and monitoring, while highlighting the need for improved input data and temporal validation data. Importantly, this modelling approach effectively captures SOC stock dynamics, which remains challenging for purely empirical, statistical models. Future work could benefit from hybrid modelling approaches that integrate RothC with machine learning, enhancing the ability to capture currently unexplained variability and improve simulation performance. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/a-rothc-based-spatiotemporal-analysis-of-soil-organic-carbon-stoc 10.1016/j.geoderma.2026.117753 https://edepot.wur.nl/714129 https://edepot.wur.nl/714129 Carbon pools Land use National scale Soil organic carbon dynamics Space-time https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/45a55cd2-a71a-4959-874d-4f9a8cd1d5b3 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Aththar, Muhammad Hunaina Fariduddin Mengistu, Samuel Bekele Benzie, John A.H. Komen, Hans Bastiaansen, John W.M. Article/Letter to editor Scientific Reports 16 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2045-2322 Log-transformed variance from individual growth curves as a potential indicator of resilience in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus 2026 The ability of the animal to cope with environmental changes may be measured by log-transformed variance of deviations from expected weights (LnVar). We calculate LnVar by fitting the expected individual growth curve based on longitudinal weights (LnVarind) of Nile tilapia that were grown in either an aerated or a non-aerated freshwater pond. We estimated genetic parameters for LnVarind in Nile tilapia, the genetic correlation between LnVarind and growth and the genetic correlation for LnVarind between aerated and non-aerated pond. The heritability estimate for LnVarind (0.28) in the non-aerated pond was higher than in aerated pond (0.06). In the aerated pond, genetic correlations of LnVarind were − 0.44 ± 0.23 with daily growth coefficient (DGC) and − 0.45 ± 0.24 with harvest weight (W5). In the non-aerated pond, genetic correlations with DGC and W5 were − 0.68 ± 0.12 and − 0.52 ± 0.17, respectively. These values suggest that selection for fish with high growth rate will reduce LnVarind. However, genetic correlation of LnVarind between aerated and non-aerated pond was 0.50, suggesting that genetic improvement in the aerated environment will reduce LnVarind in the non-aerated environment. Therefore, incorporating records from relatives in non-aerated pond is beneficial for breeding programs targeting this environment. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/log-transformed-variance-from-individual-growth-curves-as-a-poten 10.1038/s41598-025-91353-w https://edepot.wur.nl/714128 https://edepot.wur.nl/714128 Genetic improvement Heritability Nile tilapia Resilience Variance of deviation of individual growth https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/e2178198-ce97-4cad-8919-506925dd7aa9 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Noël, Amélie Boer, Cathelijne G.A. Kotrschal, Séverine D. de Miranda, Joachim R. Keehnen, Naomi Locke, Barbara Article/Letter to editor Scientific Reports 16 (2026) 1 ISSN: 2045-2322 Evidence for virus-associated recapping behaviour in honey bees (Apis mellifera) with differential detection sensitivity between varroa-resistant and non-resistant colonies 2026 Social immunity is vital for protecting honey bee colonies from pathogens and parasites. Among these threats, the parasitic mite Varroa destructor is particularly devastating, both by weakening parasitized bees and by transmitting several potentially lethal viruses, most notably Deformed Wing Virus (DWV). To counteract varroa and the damage caused by viral epidemics, honey bees exhibit complex, socially organized hygienic behaviours, including Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH), in which workers detect and remove varroa infested brood. A related behaviour, known as recapping, involves workers opening, inspecting, and re-sealing brood cells. While the triggers for VSH are increasingly understood, the factors driving recapping remain largely unexplored, especially the potential role of brood viral infections. This study investigates the relationship between brood viral infections and recapping, and whether this relationship differs between naturally varroa-resistant and non-resistant colonies. Building on earlier work linking varroa-parasitized brood to recapping, our results provide evidence that viruses may also play a role in this behaviour. These findings suggest that worker bees may be able to detect changes induced by different virus infections and modulate recapping accordingly, highlighting a nuanced interplay between pathogen pressure and social immunity. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/evidence-for-virus-associated-recapping-behaviour-in-honey-bees-a 10.1038/s41598-026-44836-3 https://edepot.wur.nl/714110 https://edepot.wur.nl/714110 Deformed Wing Virus Sacbrood Virus Varroa-Sensitive Hygiene hygienic behaviour parasite-host interaction https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research

oai:library.wur.nl:wurpubs/533b7177-49e4-466a-95e5-332e93613279 2026-04-22 public edurep openaire publickb

Shi, Yao Widmalm, Göran Sorieul, Charlotte Roodsant, Thomas J. Rush, Jeffrey S. Korotkova, Natalia Vrieling, Manouk Jacobs, Antonius A.C. Spaninks, Mirlin Grommen, Ries Domínguez-Medina, C. Coral Schimmel, Irene M. van der Wel, Nicole N. Kenner, Cameron W. Heiss, Christian Azadi, Parastoo Tan, Li Codée, Jeroen D.C. Stegeman, Arjan Schultsz, Constance Benedictus, Lindert van Sorge, Nina M. Article/Letter to editor Science Advances 12 (2026) 13 ISSN: 2375-2548 A conserved glycan motif induces broadly reactive functional antibodies against the zoonotic pathogen Streptococcus suis 2026 Streptococcus suis is a largely neglected but emerging bacterial zoonotic pathogen of global concern for animal welfare, antibiotic resistance development, and human health. No effective vaccines are now available. Here, we identified and characterized the function and structure of two cell wall polysaccharide variants in pathogenic S. suis strains using genetic deletion and (heterologous) complementation, lectin staining, glycan composition analysis, and specialized NMR spectroscopy. Both glycan variants were anionic polymers that differed in the presence of glucose in the side chain as a result of allelic variation in a glycosyltransferase gene. Deletion of this variable glycosyltransferase revealed an identical glycan “core” and affected S. suis morphology and lysozyme resistance. Immunization of pigs with this core domain elicited antibodies that recognized antigenically diverse pathogenic S. suis strains and induced complement deposition on encapsulated pathogenic S. suis strains. This study provides valuable insights for developing next-generation glycoconjugate vaccines, whereby a single-glycan target could protect against the emerging zoonotic pathogen S. suis. en application/pdf https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/a-conserved-glycan-motif-induces-broadly-reactive-functional-anti 10.1126/sciadv.adz1854 https://edepot.wur.nl/714109 https://edepot.wur.nl/714109 Life Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Wageningen University & Research 200:::oai_dc:public: