The Open Agriculture Journal 

About: The Open Agriculture Journal is an academic journal published by Bentham Science Publishers. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Biology & Agriculture. It has an ISSN identifier of 1874-3315. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 239 publications have been published receiving 2544 citations. The journal is also known as: TOASJ.

History and use of wood pyrolysis liquids as biocide and plant protection product.

Abstract: Archeological studies have found that pyrolysis liquids were already used in the time of the Neanderthal. Wood vinegar and other slow pyrolysis liquids are produced as a by-product of charcoal production. However, future business ideas may be the other way round as pyrolysis liquids may replace synthetic chemicals in the form of pesticides and biocides. Directives and regulations related to the sustainable use of pesticides govern and direct plant protection strategies towards a lower use of synthetic chemicals. It is hoped that many mega trends of global policies will boost the use of plant based products given that a reduced reliance on fossil fuel is a general target in the global food and feed production economy. Pyrolysis technology has been actively studied and developed around the world and is linked to the development of the knowledge based bio-economy. The importance and social impact of pyrolysis technologies will also be enhanced because it is a practicable technique in the sustainable use of wastes and biomasses. However, very little scientific evi- dence is available to support efficacy claims of wood vinegar and toxicology assessments of the products used. Wood tar has been investigated a bit more thoroughly. The aim of this review was to clarify the potential of slow pyrolysis liquids in agricultural use, in particular, in pesticide applications. In addition, some of the main challenges in developing novel bio control technologies are discussed and the barriers in the commercialization of biological control agents are revealed.

The Wood-Based Biorefinery : A Source of Carbon Fiber?

Abstract: In this mini-review, various attempts to make carbon fiber from lignins are discussed. The replacement of construction steel in cars and trucks with a much lighter carbon fiber-based composite will ...

Evaluation of the Chemical Composition of Different Non-Woody Plant Fibers Used for Pulp and Paper Manufacturing

Abstract: The chemical composition of several non-woody plant fibers (bast fibers from flax, hemp, kenaf, jute; leaf fi- bers from sisal, abaca and curaua; and giant reed), which are used as raw materials for pulp and papermaking, has been evaluated. Particular attention was paid to the composition of the lipophilic compounds and the structure of the lignin polymer since they are important components of the fiber that strongly influence the pulping and bleaching performances.

Bioactive Compounds and their Antioxidant Capacity in Selected Primitive and Modern Wheat Species

Abstract: Whole grain foods have been recommended for healthy diets as being recognized sources of dietary fiber and antioxidants. A diverse array of wheat was evaluated in terms of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. The bio- active compounds examined include phenolic acids, carotenoids and tocols which were determined by HPLC. Antioxidant was based on the determination of scavenging capacity of DPPH . and ABTS .+ radicals and total phenols assay. Significant differences were observed in total phenols and ferulic acid between wheat species. Wheat species contained four major to- cols including 2 tocopherols and 2 tocotrienols with � -tocotrienol being the most abundant tocol. Lutein, the primary caro- tenoid in wheat, significantly differed among wheat species ranging from 1.0 to 8.1 mg kg -1 . Scavenging capacity of DPPH . and ABTS .+ radicals significantly varied being 1.97-3.20 and 17.1-24.7 μmole g -1 , respectively. The results show the presence of considerable variability among wheat species in antioxidant composition and capacity with certain wheats hold promise for the development of functional foods for health promotion.

"Green" Chemicals from Renewable Agricultural Biomass - A Mini Review

Abstract: Recently, utilization of renewable resources to replace petroleum as a primary feedstock for liquid fuels, chemicals and materials has become a topic of interest around the world. It is intriguing due to rising oil prices, the nega- tive effects of petroleum on the environment and the advantages of renewable resources, such as their abundance and sustainability. Herein, the possibilities for biobased chemicals prepared from renewable resources are reviewed. The most popular feedstocks for commodity and specialty chemicals are carbohydrates as they account for approximately 95% of the biomass produced annually. The conversion routes, including chemical and biological routes, direct extraction, and se- lected technical advancements are discussed. Examples of select biochemcials, their conversion pathways from biomass, and their derivatives and potential applications are indentified.