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.

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.

Horticulture, with its different disciplines (Horticulture/Olericulture, Fruit-growing, Aromatic-Medicinal and Floriculture), has become more relevant, since the Covid-19 pandemic, with a greater appreciation of products from short chains. The objective was to evaluate the degree of knowledge, behavior and preferences of Latin American consumers, regarding the safety, quality and origin of local fruits and vegetables (F&H) produced and consumed within a radius of no more than 100 km, differentiated with the “Km 0” logo. An online survey was generated (GoogleForms): Study on the Latin American production and consumption of "Km 0" fruits and vegetables, within the framework of inter-institutional links (UNCPBA, UNMDP, UNSL, UCA and INTA CERBAS Area, from Argentina; UdelaR, Uruguay; UNAL and UniSalle, Colombia; BUAP, Mexico; UFRRJ, Brazil), from 03/09/2022 to 07/12/2022. The main topics were: Degree of knowledge of the F&H category “Km 0”; Perceived benefits; Predisposition to consume and acquire them; Degree of evaluation of the “Km 0” labelling; and dissemination campaigns; Places of purchase and changes since the pandemic; Valuation of having lists of local producers of F&H “Km 0”; Knowledge of the place of production of the F&H and assessment of the promotion of local productions; Knowledge of GAP; Acquired food and Assessment of the origin of F&H consumed. The surveys answered were 1127. Ignorance of the “Km 0” category was detected (60%), low consumption of F&H (17% consume 5 ≥ portions/day) although there is a high assessment of F&H in the diet (80%). The need for permanent training and dissemination, of the production and consumption of safe and quality F&H, in quantity and diversity, was evidenced. The pandemic was a turning point from which consumers became aware of the importance of the origin of the products consumed, preferring local F&H.

The promotion of an adequate diet that includes a diet rich in vegetables and fruits (H and F), safe, of quality and of known origin, is a fundamental aspect for the health of the population and represents a challenge for institutions. In this sense, and with the aim of studying the degree of knowledge and importance given by consumers to local and regional vegetables and fruits ("Km 0") and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), an on linesurvey was carried out ( Google form) Reality of the Argentine consumption of vegetables "Km 0", in the Argentine national scope, within the framework of the inter-institutional project "Intensive Vegetable Production of Healthy Foods" (INTA-AUDEAS-CONADEV), as well as the research and technology transfer program "Chain asparagus and other vegetables under a systemic approach" FAA-UNCPBA, Extension program "Vegetables PRO Health " (FAA and FCS-UNCPBA) and the Project "Agri-food Systems: Networks for valorization and differentiation of food in the construction of sustainable territories" (FCA-UNMdP). The results show, on the one hand, the interest of the Argentine population in knowing the origin of the H and F consumed, and on the other, the lack of knowledge in the category of products currently called "Km 0". Consequently, the need arises to intensify the dissemination of GPA and the benefits of H and F consumption.

Healthy food productions of plant origin (PVIAS, for their Spanish acronym), particularly of fruit and vegetables, comprises a foodstuffs group of great interest due to the benefits associated with their consumption, given their vitamin, mineral and fiber content, which make their consumption essential for a healthy and balanced diet, fundamental for confronting the epidemiological situation generated by COVID-19. In this context, and with the aim of studying in greater depth (i) their main aspects, (ii) the reality of the PVIAS (from a previous wide ranging questionnaire) enabling the promotion of concrete actions on the principal necessities identified in the productive, agro-industrial and commercial links in their chains, and (iii) the diversity, quantity and quality of their consumption, the “Survey proALIM “Km 0” - Preferences in the production, agroindustry and consumption of local vegetables” was carried out. This was executed within the framework of the interinstitutional Project CIAC-940186 (INTA–AUDEAS–CONADEV) “Healthy food products of plant origin - PVIAS. The results of the survey will allow the realization of concrete actions aimed at promoting expansion in the production, agroindustry and consumption of PVIAS, principally in the area of influence of the CeRBAS region, and that these activities involve enterprises characterized by the sustainability and biodiversity of their production and focused upon the integrated use of raw materials and their added value; as well as encouraging consumers to acquire healthy eating habits that positively impact in their wellbeing, health and quality of life.

Given the importance that, for the health of the population, an adequate consumption of products of plant origin has, and in order to have a diagnosis on the intensive vegetable production of healthy foods (PVIAS) of proximity, at the level of urban family gardens and of commercial ventures, their production, processing, marketing and consumption preferences, in the current socio-economic and productive context, an inter-institutional survey called “ProALIM Km 0” was carried out. It was organized within the framework of the inter-institutional project CIAC-940186 (INTA – AUDEAS – CONADEV) “Intensive Vegetable Productions of Healthy Foods - PVIAS”, using Google form (Google Forms). The main objective of this work to know the habits, preferences and changes produced in the population, regarding the production, agroindustry and / or consumption of vegetables, fruits and medicinal aromatics (intensive vegetable productions - PVIAS), in the current socio-economic and productive context. The surveyed population demonstrated to know and have interest in the production, agribusiness and consumption of PVIAS, and it was detected that, in many cases, this interest is not specified in practice, especially in relation to the consumption of vegetables and water, in the that reality is, to a great extent, far from national and international recommendations. These differences would indicate that, from the institutions, actions must be carried out that make it possible to translate into practice, aspects that the population knows of their convenience.

The quality of food is determined by different aspects: type and quantity of nutrients, quality and sanitary safety. However, one of the most important aspects that will ultimately determine its acceptance or rejection is related to the consumers’ subjective perception, that is, aspects related to the preference of color, taste, texture, consistency and presentation of the product. The objective of this work was to evaluate consumers’ acceptability and preference of lettuce grown with and without incorporation of swine deep-litter compost. The experiment was carried out in the FCA-UNR, Zavalla, Santa Fe (33º 01´ S; 60º 53´ W), comparing two samples: M0, without incorporation of compost into the soil and M1 from lettuce grown with application of deep-litter compost (12 kg m-2). Lettuce plants were harvested the same day of the tasting test. Twenty plants from each treatment were randomly harvested, subsequently conditioned and offered to 72 participants at random. A hedonic questionnaire was used, with the following parameters: global appearance, aroma, bitter taste and texture, allowing participants to make free comments on each attribute. At the same time, participants were asked to choose one of the samples based on their preference. Results were analyzed with Kruskal Wallis test (Infostat Professional) and Roessler test. Under the conditions of the sensory evaluation carried out in this work, lettuce from the treatment with swine deep-litter compost added to the soil would have a greater probability of being chosen by the consumer.

Healthy food that includes a diet rich in vegetables is essential for the population's health and well-being since it strengthens the immune system in order to reduce the risk of illnesses and allows for better life quality. Surveys that reflect trends in diets, mainly quantity and quality of vegetables and the dissemination of their results may represent an incentive for families, producers, institutions and the population in general to become aware of the multiple benefits of an optimal diet based on healthy and diversified food rich in vegetables of safe and known origin that increase immunity, reduce vulnerability to illnesses and contribute to a good physical state of the population. In this context, with the aim of obtaining an updated panorama of the population's vegetable consumption and production preferences and habits and the feeding changes produced in the global Covid-19 pandemic, a survey was carried out by the horticulture team (CRESCA-Centro Regional de Estudio de Cadenas Agroalimentarias) at Facultad de Agronomía (UNCPBA) within its projects and bonds. This survey will motivate actions to make the population aware of the need for adequate quantity, quality and variety of vegetable consumption which benefits its life quality, improves its well being and reduces the risk of developing illnesses as from the present global scenario.

The search for good quality hardwood vegetables has grown, and consumers are becoming increasingly demanding as to the appearance, color and size of these products. Chemical quality is one of the main programs used in food control. The objective of this paper was to determine the macronutrient contents in leafy vegetables marketed in open fairs in the city of São Luís. The experiment was carried out in the laboratory of mineral nutrition of plants of the engineering nucleus of the State University of Maranhão. From a universe of 14 hardwood vegetables, six of the highest consumption in five free fairs through the application of questionnaires, were selected. Sulfuric digestion/ hydrogen peroxide and P and K determined the N contents by nitroperchloric digestion. The six leafy vegetables selected were: Lactuca sativa, Allium schoenoprasum, Coriandrum sativum, Brassica oleracea var. capitata, Talinum triangulare and Hibiscus sabdariffa. It was verified that the regional vegetables are the most consumed by the population, with emphasis on the non conventional vegetables Hibiscus sabdariffa and Talinum triangulare. The results obtained in the chemical analyses showed potassium and phosphorus deficiency for the samples of Lactuca sativa and Brassica oleraceacapitata in the five fairs studied, indicating inadequate mineral fertilization (excess or deficiency) of these vegetables. While for other unconventional vegetables, more studies are necessary because literature is deficient in information about them.

In recent years the cultivation of white mustard (Sinapis alba) has been promoted as a winter alternative crop in the Pampas. Previous studies related to mustard entomofauna, denote the presence of Microtheca ochroloma, a specific chrysomelid of Brassicaceae family, causing significant defoliation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate whether the presence of M. ochroloma varies according to different genetic materials and white mustard phenological stages and describe some parameters of its life cycle feeding on this crop. The studies were carried out in the Experimental field and Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology of Universidad Nacional de Luján. Genetic materials of different origins of white mustard, were sampled weekly in the number of plants infested with larvae and adults of M. ochroloma during a growing season. The development cycle was studied under laboratory conditions (24 ± 2 ºC, 60 ± 10 % RH, photoperiod 10L: 14O) from a cohort of eggs. The larvae were fed with the origin Canada and recorded development time of each stage. Pupae were sexed and then formed pairs to estimate the pre-oviposition period and fecundity for 30 days. Both larvae and adults were recorded in all genetic material, although the number of infected plants showed no significant differences between origins and between phenological stages. The average cycle length was 29.1 days. Females oviposit a mean of 74.9 eggs into several groups. These results suggest that M. ochroloma interchangeably used as a food source to all genetic material evaluated and successfully completes its life cycle feeding on S. alba.