Stumps are a significant component of coarse woody debris in plantations, but their effect on microsite soil organic carbon (C) and enzyme activities remains understudied. Soil (Alfisol) samples were collected at varying distances from larch (Larix olgensis Henry) stumps different depths (0–20 cm 20–40 cm) to analyze total C (TOC), particulate (POC), easily oxidizable (EOC), microbial biomass (...

Abstract The use of organic matter is a highly accepted environmental practice among scientists for the bioremediation polluted soils. In this manuscript we study under laboratory conditions capacity new biostimulant obtained from slaughterhouse sludge in soil by oxyfluorfen at rate 4 l ha −1 (manufacturer’s recommended) over 90-day period. We determined its effects on dehydrogenase, urease, β-...

Insects often release noxious substances for their defence. Larvae of Zygaena filipendulae (Lepidoptera) secrete viscous and cyanogenic glucoside-containing droplets, whose effectiveness was associated with their physical and chemical properties. The droplets glued mandibles and legs of potential predators together and immobilised them. Droplets were characterised by a matrix of an aqueous solu...

Soybeans and soy-based products contain isoflavones which can be used for nutraceutical medical applications. In soybeans in unfermented soy foods, are normally present as glycosides. Isoflavone glycosides enzymatically converted to isoflavone aglycones, thus releasing the sugar molecule. The effective absorption of humans requires bioconversion aglycones through activity enzyme β-glucosidase. ...

Background Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer on earth, is an alternative for fossil fuels as a renewable feedstock for the production of second-generation biofuels and other chemicals. The discovery of novel, highly efficient β-glucosidases remains as one of the major bottlenecks for cellulose degradation. In this context, the ascomycete Talaromyces amestolkiae, isolated from cereal sampl...

Isoflavone occurs abundantly in leguminous seeds in the form of glycoside and aglycone. However, isoflavone glycoside has anti-nutritional effect and only the free type is beneficial to human health. In the present study we identified a β-glucosidase from thermophilic Neosartorya fischeri P1, termed NfBGL1, capable of efficiently converting isoflavone glycosides into free isoflavones. The gene,...