Abstract Lead (Pb) is one of the noxious trace metal element (TME) contaminants in the environment. In this work, we conducted a comparative physiological response study through some germination parameters between four cereals ( Triticum durum , Triticum aestivum , Hordeum vulgare , and Zea mays ) grown on a nutrient solution for 10 days and treated with three increasing levels of lead acetate (0.15, 0.3, and 0.6 g/L) in order to evaluate the impact of different lead concentrations on the germination capacity of these species. The results showed that lead has an abiotic stress effect on the four varieties examined at 0.3 g/L and 0.6 g/L. We recorded a significant to very highly significant effect in all the parameters studied. In the underground parts, in particular, a highly significant reduction in precocity of germination was recorded in Triticum durum , Triticum aestivum , Hordeum vulgare , and Zea mays . There was also a highly significant to very highly significant decrease in germination percentage in durum wheat, soft wheat, and maize. Under the most severe stress conditions (0.6 g/L), the barley variety showed stress tolerance with a germination rate of 92%. According to the findings of this study, the varieties examined can be grouped into two categories: variants that are susceptible to metal stress ( Triticum durum , Triticum aestivum , and Zea mays ) and varieties that are tolerant to lead exposure ( Hordeum vulgare ).

Abstract The study intends to analyze the situation of the agri-food systems in Italy over a one-year period (2020–2021) of the pandemic caused by COVID-19, with a focus on the Marche Region in the North-Center of Italy. The study presents the economic situation prior to the pandemic (2019), with an analysis of quantitative and qualitative data on the most relevant sectors of the agri-food systems. The scope is to investigate, from a socio-economic dimension, the impacts on the agri-food sectors and estimate the alterations occurring in production and consumption during and after the Italian lockdown from March to April 2020. The analysis mainly compares the two-year momentum (2019–2021) of the demography of the agri-food companies and showcases current trends. This analysis of the Italian agri-food system demonstrates that the pandemic and the territorial restrictions severely affected the sectors and altered some of the usual market trends. The pandemic caused disruptions in the distribution of inputs, extension services, and cooperative services, also leading to a shortage of labour. Factors such as market accessibility, postharvest value addition, pricing, and product shortages played a crucial role in shaping the market supply during this period of upheaval. The findings obtained by this preliminary study could be important in supporting decision-makers and producers in shaping new policy strategies for possible future crises.

Abstract The review explores the role of gluten in food products, its associated health issues, and the growing market for gluten-free alternatives. Gluten, a protein in wheat, barley, and rye, is widely used in the food industry for its binding and stabilizing properties. Increasing gluten intolerance, especially in those with celiac disease, has boosted demand for gluten-free options like sorghum. Sorghum, a gluten-free grain, offers high protein and fiber content but also contains antinutritional factors like tannins, phytates, and protease inhibitors. Various processing techniques, such as dehulling, soaking, fermentation, and heating, have been developed to address these factors. Future trends in sorghum are expected to focus on innovative processing methods to enhance its nutritional value. This review also provides a detailed examination of gluten, its functions in foods, health concerns, gluten-free products, sorghum-based foods, antinutritional properties, processing technologies, and future opportunities.