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Blackberries are fruits of great commercial value, but at the same time highly fragile and with reduced shelf-life. Their extreme fragility and susceptibility to mechanical deterioration justifies the need to deepen into technological alternatives that allow prolonging their useful life. The use of edible coatings emerges as a promising alternative to preserve the postharvest quality of blackberries. Natural additives such as antimicrobials, antioxidants, firmness agents or bioactive ingredients can be added into them in order to increase safety and maintain the sensory, nutritional and functional characteristics of minimally processed fruits. The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of blackberries (Rubus fructicosus var Ouchita) from the first harvest (December) and their behavior during the postharvest, after applying chitosan, alginate and alginate coatings with the addition of vanillin, as an alternative to maintain the quality of the fruits. The first stage of the work was carried out analyzing the fruits at the time of harvest and during 14 days of refrigerated storage without the application of coatings, in order to determine their useful life. In addition, physicochemical and nutritional quality parameters (firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid retention, total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity) were evaluated at 0, 4, 7, 11 and 14 days of storage. Microbiological quality, sensory acceptability and fungal deterioration were also evaluated. In a second stage of the experimental design, the blackberries were treated with different edible coatings and stored under refrigeration (5ºC) to determine their useful life, performing the previously detailed determinations. The results obtained indicated that active edible coatings could be considered as a potential alternative for postharvest preservation that allows maintaining the quality attributes of blackberries and prolonging their marketing period; however, even more research is required to be able to be transferred to fruit and vegetable producers.

PDF 456.7 KB (114 downloads)

Squash in Argentina is a vegetable of great economic, social and nutritional importance, it is among the vegetables with the highest levels of consumption and it is consumed in every social stratum and at all ages. The objective of the study was to determine the natural growth rate, commercial yield, and quality of commercial fruits for plants that were developed after cover crops and extended fallow periods. The study was conducted in a soil known as Petrocalcic Paleustol, located in the semi-arid region of the rocky plain in southern La Pampa, Argentina. For two consecutive seasons, rye, rye and vicia, and fallow without cover crops were planted as cover treatments in the same plot. Each cover treatment was implemented using two methods: rolling andherbicide growth stoppage.In this way, six management treatments for squash cultivation were performed. The results after two consecutive seasons showed that the plants developed under cover crop treatments prior to cultivation, along with conventional weed control management, presented the highest values of natural growth rate, achieving excellent coverage of the sowing area. The highest commercial yields were obtained with prior rye cover treated with herbicide growth stoppage, and with rolled rye-vicia cover, for the first and second seasons respectively. The shape of the commercial fruits was not affected by any treatment. All crops with prior coverage had a positive effect on small and medium sizes,which are the most preferred fruit sizes by the domestic market.

PDF 908 KB (475 downloads)

Broccoli, Brassica oleraceaL. var. italicPlenck, belonging to the Brassica family, are known for their nutritional health benefits, as they contain bioactive compounds that could reduce cardiovascular, neurological or cancer risk. The demand has been growing in recent decades and is expected to continue in the coming years. Due to its growing popularity, considerable research is focused on different production topics. The main objective of this review is to update the information on broccoli related to the market, genetic improvement, crop management, postharvest and recycling of crop residues. Most of the articles focus on two topics: the functional value of broccoli in human health and the sustainable approach in the production chain. In the first, pre- and post-harvest factors are evaluated to obtain the maximum of bioactive compounds, in the second, new post-harvest practices are developed to minimize losses and new alternatives are proposed for the recycling of harvest and processing residues. Genetic breeding is being used to incorporate pest and disease resistance genes, and more stable cultivars to use in organic management systems. Very few studies arefocused on crop management and those are referred to the efficient water and soil use. It will be necessary to maximize efficiency in all links of the production chain in order to reduce the impact on climate change indicators.

PDF 1.1 MB (296 downloads)

In some types of garlic (Allium sativum), and specifically for the Argentine classification, those that correspond to ecophysiological groups II (pink garlic), IIIa (purple garlic) and IV (red and brown garlic), the presence of an intense coloring, red or purple, in the bulb cataphylls and clove protection leaves, is a highly appreciated quality factor in some markets. This coloring is due to the accumulation of anthocyanins in these tissues. Several factors seem to condition the biosynthesis and accumulation of anthocyanins in garlic bulbs, including the genotype, biotic- (e.g., attacks by phytopathogens and insects) and abiotic stress (e.g., low temperatures), agricultural practices (e.g., soil fertilization, date of planting, refrigeration of the bulbs prior to planting, and post-harvest storage conditions), as well as climatic and edaphic characteristics (e.g., pH and soil texture). Bibliography on this subject is not abundant, it is mainly published in local journals, and it is not easily accessible. The aim of this review was to compile and critically discuss the available information on the various factors affecting anthocyanin pigmentation in garlic. This information may be of interest to breeders and producers seeking to obtain garlics with intense coloring, to satisfy some markets and consumer preferences.

PDF 612.4 KB (423 downloads)

One of the ways to grow basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is in soil by transplanting, but there is little information on the production of seedlings. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the production of potted basil seedlings under a greenhouse with different substrates (pine bark compost and commercial substrate), irrigation systems (sub-irrigation and sprinkler) and fertilization doses (high:300N-87P-249K, medium: 150N-44P-125K and low: 75N-22P-62K).A trial of 12 treatments (2x2x3) and 20 repetitions was performed. Electrical conductivity (EC), pH and physical variables were measured for each substrate. At the end of the test, the dry mass (DM) of the stem, leaves, radical and aerial parts was measured. The commercial substrate had higher water retention capacity and less aeration than pine bark compost. The pH of both substrates was within the appropriate range and the E.C. at the maximum limit. At the end of the trial, in the treatments with sprinkler irrigation, the pH decreased and the EC increased. The seedlings obtained in the commercial substrate with low and medium doses had the highest DM of leaves and, together with those developed in the pine bark compost with low dose, they had the highest stem and root DM. Using sub-irrigation, the seedlings developed with commercial substrate (with the three doses) and with the lowest dose of pine bark compost presented the highest DM of leaves and roots. In conclusion, the seedlings produced by sub-irrigation systems in commercial substrate and with the three doses of fertilization, achieved the greatest development.

PDF 318.7 KB (609 downloads)

About 50% of species of the botanical family Asteraceae have been studied in relation to their morphogenesis capacity in vitro; in the case of the genus Tagetes, only 5% of the species have been explored. Research on the in vitro culture of cells, tissues and organs of this genus was reviewed as a basic reference to explore other species, highlighting the critical role of factors involved in in vitro morphogenesis of Tagetes. Callogenesis is promoted by a ratio of auxin and cytokinin concentrations, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid is a frequent inducer of callus. Another auxin used successfully has been naphthaleneacetic acid. Organogenesis is influenced by the type of growth regulators and the auxin / cytokinin ratio. The best responses have been recorded using indoleacetic acid, naphthaleneacetic acid, benzyladenine and kinetin. The genotype is also important, since a relationship of growth regulators can induce shoots in one species or variety, but in another it can generate different responses. To induce direct organogenesis, gibberellins play an important role, since they inhibit callus formation. Embryogenesis is regulated by the auxin / cytokinin ratio; being 2,4-D, supplemented with benzyladenine the most used. These factors to induce morphogenesis basically correspond to domesticated species, and it is expected that such factors will be useful for ruderal, weed or wild species of this genus.

Vegetable flour as a strategy for use and valorization - asparagus. Part II

Particularities of the II range agribusiness of asparagus: flavoring flours and powders, preliminary studies - Review

ADVANCES IN HORTICULTURE - REVIEW | Díaz, K.E. - Castagnino, A.M. - (Ex, A. - Rosini, M.B. - Favazzo, M.E.

Tags: II range, waste, circular economy, raw material, added value

PDF 879.7 KB (559 downloads)

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis var. Altilis L.), is a globally valued vegetable, marketed mainly as I Gama (fresh); the industrialization processes for obtaining II Gama by-products (dehydrated, canned and creams) are still incipient, which has the particularity of generating a high proportion of discard (30-50%) corresponding to the bases of the stems, which are cut at the time of conditioning, shoots with shape defects and spikes. The supply of asparagus in Argentina is concentrated in the September-December period; Therefore, in the months where the demand is unsatisfied , there is the possibility of extending the supply calendar, through agro-industrial processing (dehydrated, etc.). Although the by-products obtained from this species are numerous, the production of powders and flours is a segment of the agro-industry with incipient studies and applications. In this context, the objective of this study was to prepare a review of the characteristics of the crop, quality requirements, benefits of consumption, market, agroindustry experiences (flours and flavoring powders), market potential of asparagus powder (uses, trends of the market and type of consumers), tending to intensify the use of the raw material (by-products) taking as reference national and international sources of information. These product categories would promote the recovery / conversion of lost / wasted food, from production to consumption, into nutritious and safe food with added value and would represent alternatives to optimize the population's diet, contributing to improve health, food security and environmental sustainability.

PDF 907.9 KB (517 downloads)

The objective of this review is to highlight the potential and feasibility of the cultivation of native species of the sub-Andean Yungas, Physalis peruviana and P. pubescens, in Argentina. Both species produce fruits with similar characteristics, being almost indistinguishable. Some names of the fruit are Physalis, cape gooseberry, capulí, aguaymanto, Cape goosberry or goldenberry. It is an exotic fruit of worldwide growing interest, mainly for its nutraceutical properties and excellent prices in Europe and the US, where it is considered a "speciality" fruit. It grows in environments with thermal ranges from 5 to 35°C, with a base temperature of 6.29°C and an optimal temperature of 21°C, requiring a constant supply of water, with demands in the range of 1000 to 1800 mm of precipitation, well distributed throughout the year. The main pests are Epitrix cucumeris (Coleoptera), Chloridea (Heliothis) subflexa (Lepidoptera) and Liriomyza sp. (Diptera). The most important pathogen is Fusarium oxysporum, followed by Phoma sp., Pythium sp., Cercospora physalidis and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The fruit can be affected by postharvest pathogens such as Botrytis sp., Cladosporium, Pestalotia and Phomopsis. In Tucumán, INTA-Famaillá carried out adaptation tests with both Physalis species, verifying their agronomic viability. Argentina’s northwestern region has developed as an agro-export hub for fresh berries to the northern hemisphere, where the main consumer markets for goldenberry are located, constituting an opportunity. The processing of goldenberry allows the production of stable, sensory-pleasant products, broadening the possibilities of commercialization, and allowing the addition of value (pulp, nectars, juices, jams, dehydrated products, energy bars, sauces, ice cream, etc.).

Agrohomeopathy: New tool to improve soils, crops and plant protection against various stress conditions. Review

ADVANCES IN HORTICULTURE - REVIEW | Prieto Méndez, J. - Prieto García, F. - Hernández Pérez, A.D. - Quijada Morales, L.M. - Aquino Torres, A. - Acevedo Sandoval, O.A.

Tags: agroecology, homeopathy, secondary metabolites, salt stress, agriculture

PDF 962.9 KB (4728 downloads)

Homeopathic treatments influence growth, production of secondary metabolites, essential oil yield, phytochemical profile, and tolerance to salt stress, among others, when applied to various crops. Homeopathic ultra high dilution is used safely for various purposes (seed germination, soil health improvement, seedling growth, flowering, fruiting, disease protection and to overcome environmental stress). Proper selection of Homeopathy medicament for each case is very important, to have hight efficiency and profitability. The agrohomeopathy can increase farmers' income by reducing the cost of use chemical fertilizers and insecticides. Literature articles on research related to the use of homeopathic preparations in plant cultivation were collected. Their impact on growth, yield, essential oil composition and tolerance to salt stress was emphasized. Various publications in which homeopathy was applied to various crops and its use increased crop yield, production of secondary metabolites (coumarins, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids), absorption and growth of nutrients in medicinal plant species, as well as tolerance to saline stress. Therapeutic treatments for human and animal health are shown to be important for various plant crops. The application of homeopathic preparations is an alternative for plant growth, friendly to the environment. It is also affordable for farmers and researchers, however more studies are required to improve its influence and effects.

PDF 434 KB (764 downloads)

Red beet plants (Beta vulgaris L.) are widely cultivated for the consumption of their roots, generating considerable amounts of byproducts. In particular, beet leaves represent about 50% of the whole plant’s weight and are usually discarded by the producer or the consumer. This practice reduces significantly the efficiency of the production process and constitutes not only an economic issue but also a serious environmental problem. However, beet leaves represent a valuable and inexpensive source of nutrients, minerals, fiber, and bioactive compounds. Traditional revalorization techniques do not allow to completely exploit the high biological potential of this byproduct. The present work aims to review the literature concerning some of the latest and most innovative beet leaves’ revalorization strategies for human consumption. This includes, i) the development of minimally processed foods preserved by non-heat treatments, ii) the inclusion of beet leaves as ingredients in the formulation of vegetable smoothies, iii) the development of extracts rich in bioactive compounds with antimicrobial capacity, and iv) the development of fortified vegetable smoothies. These strategies consider the demands of different stakeholders (consumers, producers, and environmental entities) towards nutritive and natural foods produced under more efficient, profitable, and environmental-friendly processes.