Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias
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Effects of Gibberellic Acid on Flowering Reduction, Fruit Quality and Yield of ‘d’Agen’ Plum (Prunus domestica L.) in Mendoza, Argentina
Full text linkIn Mendoza, the primary industrial plum-producing region in Argentina, the ‘d’Agen’ cultivar represents approximately 90% of the cultivated area. The limited implementation of fruit thinning has a detrimental effect on final fruit size. The objective of this study was to determine the timing of flower induction in ’d’Agen’ plum and to evaluate the response to gibberellic acid (GA) application to reduce flower density and improve fruit size. Over three growing seasons in San Rafael (Mendoza), experiments were conducted on plants grafted onto ‘Marianna 2624’, spaced at 5x3 m and drip irrigated. GA (100 ppm) was applied at four distinct phenological stages: fruit set, young fruit, fruit near final size, postharvest, and a control with no GA application. In the first two seasons, the H phenological stage (fruit set, Baggiolini scale) was identified as the optimum time for reducing flowering via GA application. In the third season, increasing GA concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm) were evaluated. All concentrations reduced floral density compared to the control. However, fruit set was negatively affected by the 75 and 100 ppm treatments. The decline in flowering (between 60% and 90%) was incompatible with commercial yields. It was concluded that the optimal time for GA application to reduce floral density in ‘d’Agen’ plum was during phenological stage H. Further research is required to determine the most effective dose below 25 ppm.
Highlights:
Flower induction in ‘d’Agen’ plum occurs at phenological stage H (fruit set).
Gibberellic acid (GA) application at stage H reduced flower density up to 90%.
High GA concentrations (75-100 ppm) decreased both flowering and fruit set (%).
GA treatments improved fruit size but caused excessive yield reduction.
Doses below 25 ppm should be evaluated to balance fruit size and yield.In Mendoza, the primary industrial plum-producing region in Argentina, the ‘d’Agen’ cultivar represents approximately 90% of the cultivated area. The limited implementation of fruit thinning has a detrimental effect on final fruit size. The objective of this study was to determine the timing of flower induction in ’d’Agen’ plum and to evaluate the response to gibberellic acid (GA) application to reduce flower density and improve fruit size. Over three growing seasons in San Rafael (Mendoza), experiments were conducted on plants grafted onto ‘Marianna 2624’, spaced at 5x3 m and drip irrigated. GA (100 ppm) was applied at four distinct phenological stages: fruit set, young fruit, fruit near final size, postharvest, and a control with no GA application. In the first two seasons, the H phenological stage (fruit set, Baggiolini scale) was identified as the optimum time for reducing flowering via GA application. In the third season, increasing GA concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm) were evaluated. All concentrations reduced floral density compared to the control. However, fruit set was negatively affected by the 75 and 100 ppm treatments. The decline in flowering (between 60% and 90%) was incompatible with commercial yields. It was concluded that the optimal time for GA application to reduce floral density in ‘d’Agen’ plum was during phenological stage H. Further research is required to determine the most effective dose below 25 ppm.
Highlights:
Flower induction in ‘d’Agen’ plum occurs at phenological stage H (fruit set).
Gibberellic acid (GA) application at stage H reduced flower density up to 90%.
High GA concentrations (75-100 ppm) decreased both flowering and fruit set (%).
GA treatments improved fruit size but caused excessive yield reduction.
Doses below 25 ppm should be evaluated to balance fruit size and yield
Methodological analyses for determining thermal requirements of grape varieties in Tandil, Argentina
Full text linkThis study evaluated the thermal demand of different grapevine varieties (Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Semillón, and Tannat) in Don Bosco, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Phenology was evaluated during four productive cycles, identifying periods from budburst to flowering onset (BB-FO), flowering onset to veraison onset (FO-VO), and veraison onset to maturity (VO-M). The National Meteorological Service of Argentina provided daily maximum and minimum air temperatures. Six thermal sum methods were used: methods 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 depended on base temperature for vine development (10°C); methods 2.1 and 2.2, considered base temperature and optimum temperature (25°C); and method 3, considered base, optimum, and threshold temperature (35°C). These methods were evaluated using the standard error of the thermal sum. Methods 2.2 and 3 best fit all four varieties, allowing adequate estimates of cumulative daily heat summation.
Highlights:
The thermal requirements of four grapevine varieties (Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Semillón, and Tannat) were evaluated in Tandil, Argentina, using different thermal accumulation methods.
Methods that consider optimal temperatures and thresholds (methods 2.2 and 3) showed greater accuracy in estimating phenological stages.
Tandil’s climate proved suitable for cultivating red grape varieties, highlighting the region’s viticultural potential.
The study highlights the need for precise thermal models to optimize grape management under changing climate conditions.This study evaluated the thermal demand of different grapevine varieties (Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Semillón, and Tannat) in Don Bosco, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Phenology was evaluated during four productive cycles, identifying periods from budburst to flowering onset (BB-FO), flowering onset to veraison onset (FO-VO), and veraison onset to maturity (VO-M). The National Meteorological Service of Argentina provided daily maximum and minimum air temperatures. Six thermal sum methods were used: methods 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 depended on base temperature for vine development (10°C); methods 2.1 and 2.2, considered base temperature and optimum temperature (25°C); and method 3, considered base, optimum, and threshold temperature (35°C). These methods were evaluated using the standard error of the thermal sum. Methods 2.2 and 3 best fit all four varieties, allowing adequate estimates of cumulative daily heat summation.
Highlights:
The thermal requirements of four grapevine varieties (Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Semillón, and Tannat) were evaluated in Tandil, Argentina, using different thermal accumulation methods.
Methods that consider optimal temperatures and thresholds (methods 2.2 and 3) showed greater accuracy in estimating phenological stages.
Tandil’s climate proved suitable for cultivating red grape varieties, highlighting the region’s viticultural potential.
The study highlights the need for precise thermal models to optimize grape management under changing climate conditions
Feeding strategies for Holando Argentino steers aimed at different markets
Full text linkThe objective was to evaluate the performance and meat quality of Holando Argentino (HA) steers under different feeding strategies. One hundred twenty-eight HA steers (181.4 ± 25.5 kg of live weight [LW]) were allocated to four treatments: FL: feedlot finishing during 98 days; Gr1.25: grazing with 1.25% LW/day maize grain supplementation during 235 days; Gr0.70: grazing with 0.70% LW/day maize grain supplementation during 331 days; and GrFL: 287 days grazing background and 116 days feedlot finishing. Average daily gains (ADG) were 1.14, 1.02, 0.82, and 0.81 kg/day for FL, Gr1.25, Gr0.70, and GrFL, respectively (p<0.01). Adjusted productivity ranged between 710 and 741 kg LW/ha (p>0.05). GrFL and Gr0.70 presented the highest carcass weight (CW; 288.3 ± 5.0 and 267.8 ± 12.2 kg, respectively, p<0.001). Gr0.70 presented the lowest longissimus thoracis (LT) L* (p<0.01) and the highest a* (p<0.05). Intramuscular fat was the highest for GrFL (4.86 ± 0.93%, p<0.05). In all strategies, LT shear force presented values of tender meat (29.9 ± 3.4 N, p=0.60). HA steers have the flexibility to produce tender meat under different, high-productivity strategies.
Highlights:
Holando Argentino steers produced tender meat under contrasting feeding strategies with high productivity.
Intramuscular fat content was mainly determined by total grain intake.
Grains can be used at different phases to manage live weight gains, as well as subcutaneous and intramuscular fat endpoints.
Average daily gains, fat thickness, and carcass weight influenced meat color.The objective was to evaluate the performance and meat quality of Holando Argentino (HA) steers under different feeding strategies. One hundred twenty-eight HA steers (181.4 ± 25.5 kg of live weight [LW]) were allocated to four treatments: FL: feedlot finishing during 98 days; Gr1.25: grazing with 1.25% LW/day maize grain supplementation during 235 days; Gr0.70: grazing with 0.70% LW/day maize grain supplementation during 331 days; and GrFL: 287 days grazing background and 116 days feedlot finishing. Average daily gains (ADG) were 1.14, 1.02, 0.82, and 0.81 kg/day for FL, Gr1.25, Gr0.70, and GrFL, respectively (p<0.01). Adjusted productivity ranged between 710 and 741 kg LW/ha (p>0.05). GrFL and Gr0.70 presented the highest carcass weight (CW; 288.3 ± 5.0 and 267.8 ± 12.2 kg, respectively, p<0.001). Gr0.70 presented the lowest longissimus thoracis (LT) L* (p<0.01) and the highest a* (p<0.05). Intramuscular fat was the highest for GrFL (4.86 ± 0.93%, p<0.05). In all strategies, LT shear force presented values of tender meat (29.9 ± 3.4 N, p=0.60). HA steers have the flexibility to produce tender meat under different, high-productivity strategies.
Highlights:
Holando Argentino steers produced tender meat under contrasting feeding strategies with high productivity.
Intramuscular fat content was mainly determined by total grain intake.
Grains can be used at different phases to manage live weight gains, as well as subcutaneous and intramuscular fat endpoints.
Average daily gains, fat thickness, and carcass weight influenced meat color
Compensatory Growth in Pinus ponderosa (Dougl Ex Laws) Plantations Under Early Silvicultural Treatments
Full text linkEarly pruning and thinning in Pinus ponderosa, plantations in Andean Patagonia triggered compensatory growth, characterized by greater trunk growth and structural adjustments. We used a factorial design and mixed-effects models to evaluate stem growth, crown light dynamics, tracheid length (TL), foliar biomass (FB), wood density (WD), and Huber values (Hv) five years after treatment. Trees under combined pruning and thinning (PT) showed the greatest basal area increment, indicating resource reallocation to supportive structures despite early foliage loss. Pruned trees maintained higher Hv and achieved partial recovery of FB. Tracheid elongation was greatest in treated trees, suggesting accelerated xylem maturation, while WD remained unchanged. These results demonstrate the structural plasticity of P. ponderosa, which maintains hydraulic function and growth after canopy disturbance. Our findings provide useful guidance for silvicultural planning in temperate plantations.
Highlights:
Early pruning and thinning triggered compensatory stem growth through hydraulic and structural adjustments, guiding adaptive management in Andean Pinus ponderosa plantations.
The Huber value (Hv) captured the balance between conductive tissue and leaf biomass, revealing hydraulic rebalancing after canopy modification in young plantations.
Tracheid elongation indicated accelerated xylem maturation in treated trees without affecting wood density.
Findings highlight the potential of early canopy interventions to enhance productivity and hydraulic resilience in managed temperate conifer plantations.Early pruning and thinning in Pinus ponderosa, plantations in Andean Patagonia triggered compensatory growth, characterized by greater trunk growth and structural adjustments. We used a factorial design and mixed-effects models to evaluate stem growth, crown light dynamics, tracheid length (TL), foliar biomass (FB), wood density (WD), and Huber values (Hv) five years after treatment. Trees under combined pruning and thinning (PT) showed the greatest basal area increment, indicating resource reallocation to supportive structures despite early foliage loss. Pruned trees maintained higher Hv and achieved partial recovery of FB. Tracheid elongation was greatest in treated trees, suggesting accelerated xylem maturation, while WD remained unchanged. These results demonstrate the structural plasticity of P. ponderosa, which maintains hydraulic function and growth after canopy disturbance. Our findings provide useful guidance for silvicultural planning in temperate plantations.
Highlights:
Early pruning and thinning triggered compensatory stem growth through hydraulic and structural adjustments, guiding adaptive management in Andean Pinus ponderosa plantations.
The Huber value (Hv) captured the balance between conductive tissue and leaf biomass, revealing hydraulic rebalancing after canopy modification in young plantations.
Tracheid elongation indicated accelerated xylem maturation in treated trees without affecting wood density.
Findings highlight the potential of early canopy interventions to enhance productivity and hydraulic resilience in managed temperate conifer plantations
Data-driven Method for the Delimitation of Viticultural Zones: Application in the Mendoza River Oasis, Argentina
Full text linkIn viticulture, understanding the spatial variability of natural factors influencing vineyard potential is essential for terroir characterization. In the present study, we present a data-driven protocol that integrates climate, geomorphology, and soil data to delineate viticultural zones. The method combines spatial layers with statistical tools to partition a region into areas with similar characteristics. The protocol comprises: 1) rescaling multiple spatial data layers, 2) applying spatial multivariate analysis to group spatial units, and 3) using machine-learning algorithms to identify key zoning drivers. The approach was applied to the Mendoza River oasis in Argentina. Climate and geomorphology layers were used first, as they varied at a broader spatial scale than soil data. Two climatic zones were identified, mainly differentiated by elevation and thermal indices. Subsequent soil-based zoning within each climatic zone revealed five distinct edaphoclimatic zones. These zones showed statistically significant differences in environmental variables and exhibited spatial coherence aligned with landscape features. Results showed that this protocol facilitates the integration of diverse data sources and supports a deeper understanding of the uniqueness of vineyard zones in wine-producing regions.
Highlights:
A data-driven protocol integrates climate, soil, and geomorphology for vineyard zoning.
Spatial principal components and clustering ensure geographically coherent zones.
Nested zoning distinguishes broad climatic patterns and finer edaphic variability.
Random Forest identifies key environmental drivers defining each viticultural zone.
The method supports terroir analysis, vineyard management, and regional planning.In viticulture, understanding the spatial variability of natural factors influencing vineyard potential is essential for terroir characterization. In the present study, we present a data-driven protocol that integrates climate, geomorphology, and soil data to delineate viticultural zones. The method combines spatial layers with statistical tools to partition a region into areas with similar characteristics. The protocol comprises: 1) rescaling multiple spatial data layers, 2) applying spatial multivariate analysis to group spatial units, and 3) using machine-learning algorithms to identify key zoning drivers. The approach was applied to the Mendoza River oasis in Argentina. Climate and geomorphology layers were used first, as they varied at a broader spatial scale than soil data. Two climatic zones were identified, mainly differentiated by elevation and thermal indices. Subsequent soil-based zoning within each climatic zone revealed five distinct edaphoclimatic zones. These zones showed statistically significant differences in environmental variables and exhibited spatial coherence aligned with landscape features. Results showed that this protocol facilitates the integration of diverse data sources and supports a deeper understanding of the uniqueness of vineyard zones in wine-producing regions.
Highlights:
A data-driven protocol integrates climate, soil, and geomorphology for vineyard zoning.
Spatial principal components and clustering ensure geographically coherent zones.
Nested zoning distinguishes broad climatic patterns and finer edaphic variability.
Random Forest identifies key environmental drivers defining each viticultural zone.
The method supports terroir analysis, vineyard management, and regional planning
Overview of garlic waste management, circular economy and upcycling
Full text linkIn the last three years, 2 billion tonnes of untreated and dismissed agricultural wastes have been accumulated without adequate management of reuse or final disposal, resulting in dumping or burning. The circular economy concept has gained increasing global recognition for addressing environmental and economic challenges. Garlic, the second most common bulb vegetable cultivated worldwide, generates significant waste during its industrial processing, including husks, stalks, straws, and leaves. These wastes, representing 3.0 to 3.7 million tonnes of residual biomass per year, are currently underutilised, with the usual treatment involving dumping in landfills or direct burning, leading to increased soil and air pollution. In this review, we aim to encourage innovation by presenting a search for state-of-the-art garlic waste management. We identified studies about garlic residual biomass valorisation as raw material for obtaining different extracts and polymers, even energy or biofuels. Finally, following circular economy principles, we propose potential uses for garlic by-products to be repurposed or upcycled as materials within agricultural or other production chains. The information above reveals an increasing demand and interest in garlic waste valorisation. Future studies are needed to exploit garlic by-products as important sources of biopolymers and phytochemicals.
Highlights:
Garlic Waste Generation: Garlic production generates 3.0 to 3.7 million tonnes of residual biomass annually, including husks, stalks, and leaves.
Current Disposal Methods: Garlic by-products are often disposed of through landfilling or burning, causing environmental pollution and resource loss.
Valorisation Potential: Garlic residual biomass can be valorised into bioactive compounds, biopolymers, biofuels, and other sustainable materials.
Circular Economy Approach: By-products from garlic can be integrated into circular economy models for use in agricultural and industrial production.
Future Research Directions: Further research is needed to optimize garlic by-products for biopolymer and phytochemical production, enhancing sustainability.In the last three years, 2 billion tonnes of untreated and dismissed agricultural wastes have been accumulated without adequate management of reuse or final disposal, resulting in dumping or burning. The circular economy concept has gained increasing global recognition for addressing environmental and economic challenges. Garlic, the second most common bulb vegetable cultivated worldwide, generates significant waste during its industrial processing, including husks, stalks, straws, and leaves. These wastes, representing 3.0 to 3.7 million tonnes of residual biomass per year, are currently underutilised, with the usual treatment involving dumping in landfills or direct burning, leading to increased soil and air pollution. In this review, we aim to encourage innovation by presenting a search for state-of-the-art garlic waste management. We identified studies about garlic residual biomass valorisation as raw material for obtaining different extracts and polymers, even energy or biofuels. Finally, following circular economy principles, we propose potential uses for garlic by-products to be repurposed or upcycled as materials within agricultural or other production chains. The information above reveals an increasing demand and interest in garlic waste valorisation. Future studies are needed to exploit garlic by-products as important sources of biopolymers and phytochemicals.
Highlights:
Garlic Waste Generation: Garlic production generates 3.0 to 3.7 million tonnes of residual biomass annually, including husks, stalks, and leaves.
Current Disposal Methods: Garlic by-products are often disposed of through landfilling or burning, causing environmental pollution and resource loss.
Valorisation Potential: Garlic residual biomass can be valorised into bioactive compounds, biopolymers, biofuels, and other sustainable materials.
Circular Economy Approach: By-products from garlic can be integrated into circular economy models for use in agricultural and industrial production.
Future Research Directions: Further research is needed to optimize garlic by-products for biopolymer and phytochemical production, enhancing sustainability
Long-term Supplementation Affects the Production, Composition and Lactation Curve of Local Grazing Goats
Full text linkTwenty-four local goats were divided into two treatments: 1) control group fed only on grazing, and 2) supplemented group, which received supplemental feeding before parturition and during lactation. The highest values of milk production per goat, total milk production, days in milk production fat, protein and lactose yield per day were observed in goats of the supplemented treatment. No treatment effect was found for peak lactation production, persistence of peak production, duration of peak lactation production phase, total yield and fat, protein and lactose concentration, nor for milk production per goat, total milk production and days in milk production by type of calving (single or double). Wood’s curve parameters had the lowest standard error of the estimator in control group, but the highest values of the estimator in supplemented group. We concluded that long-term dietary supplementation of local goats in northern Mexico increases milk production and milk protein, fat and lactose. In addition, it positively influences the estimation of lactation curve parameters.
Highlights:
The utilization of totally mixed diets as a supplementation strategy in grazing goats has been demonstrated to enhance milk production.
Long-term supplementation has been shown to exert a beneficial influence on the estimation of lactation curve parameters.
Furthermore, long-term supplementation has been observed to elevate productivity in Criollo goats from northern Mexico.Twenty-four local goats were divided into two treatments: 1) control group fed only on grazing, and 2) supplemented group, which received supplemental feeding before parturition and during lactation. The highest values of milk production per goat, total milk production, days in milk production fat, protein and lactose yield per day were observed in goats of the supplemented treatment. No treatment effect was found for peak lactation production, persistence of peak production, duration of peak lactation production phase, total yield and fat, protein and lactose concentration, nor for milk production per goat, total milk production and days in milk production by type of calving (single or double). Wood’s curve parameters had the lowest standard error of the estimator in control group, but the highest values of the estimator in supplemented group. We concluded that long-term dietary supplementation of local goats in northern Mexico increases milk production and milk protein, fat and lactose. In addition, it positively influences the estimation of lactation curve parameters.
Highlights:
The utilization of totally mixed diets as a supplementation strategy in grazing goats has been demonstrated to enhance milk production.
Long-term supplementation has been shown to exert a beneficial influence on the estimation of lactation curve parameters.
Furthermore, long-term supplementation has been observed to elevate productivity in Criollo goats from northern Mexico
Impact of Ozone-Based Postharvest Treatment on the Quality and Shelf Life of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Microgreens
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Microgreens are young vegetable seedlings that have garnered significant attention due to their high concentrations of health-promoting phytochemicals. However, their highly perishable nature presents a significant challenge for postharvest storage. Among the various preservation technologies available, ozone treatment applied to microgreens-an innovative and environmentally sustainable method-has not been extensively studied. This study evaluated the effect of ozone-based sanitization on the shelf life and quality of radish microgreens. Conventional washing treatments using chlorinated water and tap water were compared to ozonated water. During refrigerated storage, key quality parameters were systematically monitored, including fresh weight loss, electrolyte leakage, color changes, and microbial counts. Ozonated water effectively reduced the initial aerobic mesophilic bacterial populations, with no statistically significant differences compared to conventional chlorine treatment. Furthermore, ozone treatment had minimal impact on color, and the weight loss remained below 1%. Although tissue wilting was observed, it was significantly less severe than that associated with chlorine treatment. These findings suggest that ozonated water is a promising alternative to conventional postharvest treatments for enhancing the shelf life and microbiological safety of ready-to-eat microgreens.
Highlights:
Addressing the issue of limited shelf life of microgreens.
Innovative and sustainable ozone technology applied to the postharvest of microgreens.
Ozone as an alternative to chlorine for sanitation of ready-to-eat microgreens.
Aqueous ozone for initial control of aerobic mesophilic bacteria in microgreens.
Minimal weight loss and no color change in ozone-washed microgreens.
Microgreens are young vegetable seedlings that have garnered significant attention due to their high concentrations of health-promoting phytochemicals. However, their highly perishable nature presents a significant challenge for postharvest storage. Among the various preservation technologies available, ozone treatment applied to microgreens-an innovative and environmentally sustainable method-has not been extensively studied. This study evaluated the effect of ozone-based sanitization on the shelf life and quality of radish microgreens. Conventional washing treatments using chlorinated water and tap water were compared to ozonated water. During refrigerated storage, key quality parameters were systematically monitored, including fresh weight loss, electrolyte leakage, color changes, and microbial counts. Ozonated water effectively reduced the initial aerobic mesophilic bacterial populations, with no statistically significant differences compared to conventional chlorine treatment. Furthermore, ozone treatment had minimal impact on color, and the weight loss remained below 1%. Although tissue wilting was observed, it was significantly less severe than that associated with chlorine treatment. These findings suggest that ozonated water is a promising alternative to conventional postharvest treatments for enhancing the shelf life and microbiological safety of ready-to-eat microgreens.
Highlights:
Addressing the issue of limited shelf life of microgreens.
Innovative and sustainable ozone technology applied to the postharvest of microgreens.
Ozone as an alternative to chlorine for sanitation of ready-to-eat microgreens.
Aqueous ozone for initial control of aerobic mesophilic bacteria in microgreens.
Minimal weight loss and no color change in ozone-washed microgreens
Physicochemical Properties, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity of Andean Fruits: Optimization of Extraction by Response Surface Methodology
Full text linkNative fruits from the Peruvian Andes, such as ushpa (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) and sachon (Hesperomeles obtusifolia (Pers.) Lindl.), grow in high-altitude environments that favor the accumulation of bioactive compounds. However, limited characterization has restricted their sustainable utilization. This study analyzed the physicochemical properties, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), vitamin C (VC), and antioxidant activity (AA) of both fruits. It also evaluated the effects of solvent type (ethanol and methanol) and concentration (70% and 80%), and extraction time (60, 90, and 120 minutes) on extraction efficiency using response surface methodology. Both fruits exhibited higher levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity compared to other berry species. Optimal conditions for ushpa (64.86% methanol, 139.68 minutes) and for sachon (64.86% ethanol, 90 minutes) yielded TPC = 3,587 and 948 mg GAE/100 g, TFC = 1,821 and 701 mg CE/100 g, TAC = 252 and 8 mg C3G/100 g, and AA = 563 and 501 µmol TE/g, respectively. These findings support further research and potential valorization of these native fruits.
Highlights:
Ushpa and sachon are two native Peruvian Andean fruits that have not yet been commercialized.
Ushpa, in particular, exhibited an outstanding chemical composition and antioxidant activity compared to commercial berries.
The high antioxidant capacity was associated with phenolic richness and adaptation to high-altitude ecosystems.
Response surface methodology and the desirability function were applied for multi-response optimization.
The results highlight the potential of ushpa and sachon as functional ingredients.Native fruits from the Peruvian Andes, such as ushpa (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) and sachon (Hesperomeles obtusifolia (Pers.) Lindl.), grow in high-altitude environments that favor the accumulation of bioactive compounds. However, limited characterization has restricted their sustainable utilization. This study analyzed the physicochemical properties, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), vitamin C (VC), and antioxidant activity (AA) of both fruits. It also evaluated the effects of solvent type (ethanol and methanol) and concentration (70% and 80%), and extraction time (60, 90, and 120 minutes) on extraction efficiency using response surface methodology. Both fruits exhibited higher levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity compared to other berry species. Optimal conditions for ushpa (64.86% methanol, 139.68 minutes) and for sachon (64.86% ethanol, 90 minutes) yielded TPC = 3,587 and 948 mg GAE/100 g, TFC = 1,821 and 701 mg CE/100 g, TAC = 252 and 8 mg C3G/100 g, and AA = 563 and 501 µmol TE/g, respectively. These findings support further research and potential valorization of these native fruits.
Highlights:
Ushpa and sachon are two native Peruvian Andean fruits that have not yet been commercialized.
Ushpa, in particular, exhibited an outstanding chemical composition and antioxidant activity compared to commercial berries.
The high antioxidant capacity was associated with phenolic richness and adaptation to high-altitude ecosystems.
Response surface methodology and the desirability function were applied for multi-response optimization.
The results highlight the potential of ushpa and sachon as functional ingredients
Nutritional characterization of Larrea divaricata Cav during winter and its potential as cattle and goats feed
Full text linkThe ever-increasing global demand for agricultural commodities and progressive climate change factors are displacing extensive beef cattle and goat ranching from temperate humid regions to peripheral regions with semi-arid characteristics. Extensive investigation is required on native desert plants to be safely incorporated into feed programs and to maintain the biodiversity and sustainability of these fragile ecosystems. Larrea divaricata is a native plant adapted to arid and semi-arid biomes of South and Western-South America. This research evaluates the nutritional composition of the browsing available canopy parts of Larrea divaricata during the winter season in a semi-arid region of Argentina. Its crude protein content resulted in 11.20% of dried matter and its soluble protein content resulted in nearly 80% of the crude protein. Acid detergent fiber fraction, ash-corrected neutral detergent fiber fraction, lignin, ash content, fat-like compounds, and non-fibrous carbohydrates resulted in 17.42, 35.51, 12.09, 9.96, 5.92 and 3.82% of dried matter, respectively. Essential bioelements Ca, Mg and K resulted within standard forage requirements. Total polyphenols and flavonoids resulted in 430 mg/g and 140 mg/g, respectively. These results demonstrate that Larrea divaricata can be an effective complement for winter-feeding beef cattle and goats in arid and semi-arid regions.
Highlights:
Larrea divaricatacan be an effective complement for winter-feeding beef cattle and goats in arid and semi-arid regions.
Crude protein and carbohydrates resulted in 11.20% and 9.74% of dried matter, respectively.
Essential bioelements resulted within standard forage requirements.The ever-increasing global demand for agricultural commodities and progressive climate change factors are displacing extensive beef cattle and goat ranching from temperate humid regions to peripheral regions with semi-arid characteristics. Extensive investigation is required on native desert plants to be safely incorporated into feed programs and to maintain the biodiversity and sustainability of these fragile ecosystems. Larrea divaricata is a native plant adapted to arid and semi-arid biomes of South and Western-South America. This research evaluates the nutritional composition of the browsing available canopy parts of Larrea divaricata during the winter season in a semi-arid region of Argentina. Its crude protein content resulted in 11.20% of dried matter and its soluble protein content resulted in nearly 80% of the crude protein. Acid detergent fiber fraction, ash-corrected neutral detergent fiber fraction, lignin, ash content, fat-like compounds, and non-fibrous carbohydrates resulted in 17.42, 35.51, 12.09, 9.96, 5.92 and 3.82% of dried matter, respectively. Essential bioelements Ca, Mg and K resulted within standard forage requirements. Total polyphenols and flavonoids resulted in 430 mg/g and 140 mg/g, respectively. These results demonstrate that Larrea divaricata can be an effective complement for winter-feeding beef cattle and goats in arid and semi-arid regions.
Highlights:
Larrea divaricatacan be an effective complement for winter-feeding beef cattle and goats in arid and semi-arid regions.
Crude protein and carbohydrates resulted in 11.20% and 9.74% of dried matter, respectively.
Essential bioelements resulted within standard forage requirements