Tomato post-harvest fungal rot represents a significant challenge in the agriculture industry, leading to substantial economic losses and reduced quality of produce. This preliminary study investigates the factors contributing to fungal rot in tomatoes following harvest. We conducted a series of experiments to identify the fungal species responsible for the rot and examined environmental conditions, handling practices, and storage methods that may exacerbate the problem. The study involved sampling tomatoes from different stages of the supply chain, analyzing fungal contamination, and assessing the impact of various storage conditions on fungal growth. Our findings indicate that specific fungal species, such as Fusarium and Botrytis, are prevalent in post-harvest tomatoes. Additionally, improper handling and suboptimal storage conditions significantly increase the incidence of fungal rot. These insights highlight critical areas for intervention, including improved handling practices and optimized storage conditions to mitigate fungal contamination. The results of this study provide a foundational understanding of the factors leading to post-harvest fungal rot and suggest practical measures to enhance tomato storage and handling practices.

Pentatrichomonas hominis is a protozoan parasite commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, including wild rodents. While the parasite is typically asymptomatic, it can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and may serve as a potential zoonotic threat due to its presence in wild rodent populations that interact with human habitats. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of P. hominis in wild rodents from a mixed forest habitat located in [Location Name], assessing various factors that influence infection rates. A total of 300 wild rodents, including species such as Rattus norvegicus, Apodemus sylvaticus, and Mus musculus, were trapped and tested for P. hominis using fecal smears, culture methods, and molecular PCR analysis. The overall prevalence of infection was 20.7%, with significant differences observed between species, age groups, and habitat types. Rattus norvegicus exhibited the highest infection rate (27.5%), while juvenile rodents had a significantly higher prevalence compared to adults. Rodents from urban-adjacent habitats showed higher infection rates than those from more remote forest areas. This study provides valuable insights into the ecological and environmental factors influencing P. hominis prevalence in wild rodent populations, highlighting the potential for zoonotic transmission. Further research is needed to assess the broader implications of P. hominis in wildlife health and its risk to human populations.

Mangrove ecosystems provide vital ecological services, yet their survival increasingly depends on effective community stewardship. This study explores local perceptions, participation levels, and conservation attitudes within coastal communities engaged in mangrove management. Using surveys and focus group discussions across selected sites, we identified factors shaping community commitment, including cultural values, livelihood dependencies, and awareness of ecosystem benefits. Results reveal strong support for conservation but highlight barriers such as limited resources, conflicting land use interests, and inadequate institutional support. The findings underscore the need for participatory frameworks, capacity-building initiatives, and policies aligning community incentives with long-term mangrove sustainability goals.

This article presents the results of an assessment of heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) contamination in irrigated meadow and meadow-alluvial soil agroecosystems and analyzes their transfer patterns to crop and livestock products. The study was carried out at reference monitoring points across three districts over the 2021–2023 period. The results demonstrated that mobile forms of heavy metals in all studied areas remained substantially below the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) thresholds, with the chemical pollution coefficient (Kp) mostly below 0.1. The highest copper (Cu) concentration was recorded in a district with intensive chemical reclamation and mineral fertilizer application, while zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) levels were relatively elevated in districts closer to industrial facilities. Among vegetable crops, beet exhibited the highest accumulation coefficient (Kp = 0.33), whereas tomato showed the lowest (Kp = 0.21). Heavy metal levels in dairy products remained within permissible limits, although an upward trend in background lead and cadmium concentrations was identified in one district over recent years. The findings justify the need for continuous ecological monitoring along the soil–plant–animal–human chain.