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The present study aims to assess the nutritional quality and the antioxidant capacity of (Punica granatum L. 'Gabsi') and date (Phoenix dactylifera L. 'Bouhattam') juices and their combination at three proportions (PPD 2:1, PD 1:1, and PDD 1:2). This investigation revealed the interesting potentialities in terms of bioactive molecules, natural antioxidants, and high organoleptic characteristics of various prepared juice formulations. For all juices, the sugar contents were averaged to 16°Brix. The highest monosaccharide content was obtained at the pomegranate/ date juice (PDD) (glucose: 9.52 ± 0.88 g/100 ml, fructose: 9.91 ± 0.44 g/100 ml). The comparative study of the five juice formulations based on phenolic contents showed that they are loaded with phenolic compounds. Indeed, the PD juice had the highest polyphenols content (10.77 mg GAE/ml of juice); however, the pomegranate juice had the highest flavonoids content (5.71 mg RE/ml of juice). The assessment of the antioxidant activity was conducted based on three methods: ferric reduction power, DPPH°, and ABTS + assays. Our results confirmed that all juices were loaded with natural antioxidants. Moreover, the sensorial test of the five juice formulations showed an acceptable quality by the tasting panel. To conclude, this study reveals that the formulation of a cocktail pomegranate/date juice seems to be an interesting initiative for the processing of noncommercial varieties.

The food and agricultural industries have numerous practical advantages to be gained from the use of cold plasma technology. This paper attempts to showcase the possible uses of cold plasma in the food sector, while also highlighting the most recent developments and market trends. The efficiency of cold plasma in enhancing food products’ quality and shelf life has been demonstrated in several investigations. This review has concentrated on current research into how this technology affects various food chain production stages. Cold plasma has become a cutting-edge non-thermal technique that can be used to ensure food safety. The precise mechanism underlying the effectiveness of cold plasma is still unclear. Understanding these mechanisms and potential elements that can restrict or increase their effectiveness and results is crucial to further enhancing and implementing cold plasma treatment in food processing. The main objective of this review is to investigate the use of plasma, its exceptional characteristics, and its advantages in safe, sustainable food production. In particular, this review summarizes recent studies on the use of cold plasma for microorganisms and pesticides treatment, compiling them and discussing their content. As reported in the literature, a critical point has also been reviewed about some diverse plasma configurations. A comparative study of the efficacy of cold plasma in environmental applications (microorganisms/pesticides) has also been reviewed from the literature.

In arid regions, starchy agricultural products such as wheat and rice provide essential carbohydrates, minerals, fibers and vitamins. However, drought, desiccation, high salinity, potentially toxic metals and hydrocarbon accumulation are among the most notable stresses affecting soil quality and cereal production in arid environments. Certain soil bacteria, referred to as Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), colonize the plant root environment, providing beneficial advantages for both soil and plants. Beyond their ability to improve plant growth under non-stressed conditions, PGPR can establish symbiotic and non-symbiotic interactions with plants growing under stress conditions, participating in soil bioremediation, stress alleviation and plant growth restoration. Moreover, the PGPR ability to fix nitrogen, to solubilize insoluble forms of nutrients and to produce other metabolites such as siderophores, phytohormones, antibiotics and hydrolytic enzymes makes them ecofriendly alternatives to the excessive use of unsuitable and cost-effective chemicals in agriculture. The most remarkable PGPR belong to the genera Arthrobacter, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, etc. Therefore, high cereal production in arid environments can be ensured using PGPR. Herein, the potential role of such bacteria in promoting wheat and rice production under both normal and derelict soils is reviewed and highlighted.