Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias
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Effects of food-related health concerns and risk perception on the consumption frequency of fresh vegetables
Get PDFConsuming fresh vegetables certainly brings health benefits; however, these types of products may also contain biological, chemical and technological elements that can affect people´s health due to lack of food safety. We developed a conceptual model to explain the main relationships between food-related health concerns (FHCs) and risk perceptions (RPs) on consumption frequency of fresh vegetables (CFFV) from a food safety point of view. We applied a structured questionnaire to 1028 consumers in the Central and South Central zones of Chile, where the main agricultural production of the country is concentrated. Through a structural equation model, we determined the moderator effect of RP on the relationship between FHC and CFFV. As a result, CFFV is less if RP is present in the minds of the consumer, impacting the direct effect of FHC on CFFV. Finally, our results suggest that reducing risks associated with the production and commercialization of fresh vegetables can improve health concerns related to food and the consumption of fresh vegetables. Therefore, the state must improve surveillance systems of fresh vegetables commercialized in local markets.Consuming fresh vegetables certainly brings health benefits; however, these types of products may also contain biological, chemical and technological elements that can affect people´s health due to lack of food safety. We developed a conceptual model to explain the main relationships between food-related health concerns (FHCs) and risk perceptions (RPs) on consumption frequency of fresh vegetables (CFFV) from a food safety point of view. We applied a structured questionnaire to 1028 consumers in the Central and South Central zones of Chile, where the main agricultural production of the country is concentrated. Through a structural equation model, we determined the moderator effect of RP on the relationship between FHC and CFFV. As a result, CFFV is less if RP is present in the minds of the consumer, impacting the direct effect of FHC on CFFV. Finally, our results suggest that reducing risks associated with the production and commercialization of fresh vegetables can improve health concerns related to food and the consumption of fresh vegetables. Therefore, the state must improve surveillance systems of fresh vegetables commercialized in local markets
Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza (IBAM). The tenth birthday of a research envision with international impact but strongly involved with the territory
Get PDFAt the beginning of the 2000’ a small group of researchers belonging to the Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias (FCA), began meeting regularly with colleagues from other institutions in a sort of "scientific club" then called Centro de Biología Vegetal de endoza (CEBIVEM). The aim of this group was to carry on seminars to discuss the advances either of the CEBIVEM members and/or the state of arts in some specific subjects related to plant biology and associated organisms. From the beginning, the holistic vision of plants and their environment was clear.At the beginning of the 2000’ a small group of researchers belonging to the Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias (FCA), began meeting regularly with colleagues from other institutions in a sort of "scientific club" then called Centro de Biología Vegetal de endoza (CEBIVEM). The aim of this group was to carry on seminars to discuss the advances either of the CEBIVEM members and/or the state of arts in some specific subjects related to plant biology and associated organisms. From the beginning, the holistic vision of plants and their environment was clear
ECo-friendly postharvest protection: Larrea cuneifolia-nades extract against Botrytis cinerea
Get PDFBotrytis cinerea is a ubiquitous fungus causing gray mold, the main postharvest disease in fruit, which implies important economic losses in agriculture. With growing concern over health and environmental effects of pesticides, the search for eco-friendly alternatives is a clear priority. Plant extracts represent a rich source of biocompounds with attractive antimicrobial properties. In the last decade, Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) has emerged as an auspicious green extraction media to achieve bioextract for a sustainable postharvest control. In the present study, a novel L. cuneifolia NADES-based bioextract was evaluated against B. cinerea. To this purpose, a NADES composed by lactic acid, glucose andwater (LGH) was used as extracting agent and compared with traditional solvents in terms of antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content. Furthermore, the bioextract antifungal activity was tested in vitro and also in vivo on artificially inoculated grapes, in order to obtain preliminary data about the efficacy on gray mold development. The antimicrobial activity of the bioextract was assessed using agar diffusion method against B. cinerea, inhibition of 92% was achieved with the bioextract at 2%. Notably, L. cuneifolia bioextract showed an excellent performance for gray mold control on grapes, supporting their potential as alternative green fungicide.
Highlights
Green solvents are a promising alternative to traditional solvents for obtaining bioextracts.
Larrea cuneifolia bioextract was effective against Botrytis cinerea mycelial growth.
L. cuneifolia bioextract reveals the valuable use as sustainable fungicide.Botrytis cinerea is a ubiquitous fungus causing gray mold, the main postharvest disease in fruit, which implies important economic losses in agriculture. With growing concern over health and environmental effects of pesticides, the search for eco-friendly alternatives is a clear priority. Plant extracts represent a rich source of biocompounds with attractive antimicrobial properties. In the last decade, Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) has emerged as an auspicious green extraction media to achieve bioextract for a sustainable postharvest control. In the present study, a novel L. cuneifolia NADES-based bioextract was evaluated against B. cinerea. To this purpose, a NADES composed by lactic acid, glucose andwater (LGH) was used as extracting agent and compared with traditional solvents in terms of antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content. Furthermore, the bioextract antifungal activity was tested in vitro and also in vivo on artificially inoculated grapes, in order to obtain preliminary data about the efficacy on gray mold development. The antimicrobial activity of the bioextract was assessed using agar diffusion method against B. cinerea, inhibition of 92% was achieved with the bioextract at 2%. Notably, L. cuneifolia bioextract showed an excellent performance for gray mold control on grapes, supporting their potential as alternative green fungicide.
Highlights
Green solvents are a promising alternative to traditional solvents for obtaining bioextracts.
Larrea cuneifolia bioextract was effective against Botrytis cinerea mycelial growth.
L. cuneifolia bioextract reveals the valuable use as sustainable fungicide
Biodiversidad de insectos polinizadores y depredadores en agroecosistemas vitícolas de Mendoza, Argentina. Consideraciones para el manejo del hábitat
Get PDFThis study exposes first results about the influence of habitat management with native vegetation on the ecosystem services offered by pollinators and pest controller insects, in vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina. The work was carried out in three vineyards located in Gualtallary, department of Tupungato, which present biological corridors and inter-row coverings with different proportions of native vegetation. In order to determine relevant groups of beneficial insects present, samples with entomological net were taken in corridors and vineyards. The specimens captured were identified and richness, diversity and abundance of pollinating insects (Apidae, Andrenidae, Colletidae, Halictidae, Megachilidae and Syrphidae) were estimated, as well as of certain groups of predatory insects (Coccinellidae, Nabidae, Reduviidae, Geocoridae, Anthocoridae, Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae, Crabronidae and Sphecidae), which were found in those environments. Results suggest that habitat management with intentional provision of native vegetation covers, and particularly with attracting flowering forbs, is potentially efficient to increase biodiversity of the functional groups studied and, therefore, maintain the ecosystem services offered by them.El presente estudio expone los primeros resultados obtenidos acerca de la influencia del manejo de hábitat con vegetación nativa sobre los servicios ecosistémicos ofrecidos por insectos polinizadores y controladores de plagas, en viñedos de la provincia de Mendoza, Argentina. El trabajo se realizó en tres viñedos situados en Gualtallary, departamento de Tupungato, los cuales presentan corredores biológicos con diferentes proporciones de vegetación nativa y un manejo del espacio interfilar con coberturas. Con el objetivo de determinar los grupos relevantes de insectos benéficos en corredores y en viñedos, se realizaron muestreos con red entomológica. Se identificaron las especies colectadas y se estimó la riqueza, diversidad y abundancia de insectos polinizadores (Apidae, Andrenidae, Colletidae, Halictidae, Megachilidae y Syrphidae), así como de ciertos grupos de insectos depredadores (Coccinellidae, Nabidae, Reduviidae, Geocoridae, Anthocoridae, Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae, Crabronidae y Sphecidae), que se encontraron en esos ambientes. Los resultados sugieren que el manejo de hábitat con provisión intencional de coberturas de vegetación nativa, y en particular de especies con flores atractivas para insectos, es potencialmente eficiente para favorecer la biodiversidad de los grupos funcionales estudiados y, por lo tanto, el mantenimiento de los servicios ecosistémicos ofrecidos por estos
Effects of nitrogen fertilization and seasons on the morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Piatã (Brachiaria brizantha) grass
Get PDFThe objective of this study was to evaluate the morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Piatã grass under rotational stocking and nitrogen fertilization during the seasons. A randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement with three replications was used. The main plots were the applications of 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg per ha of N in the form of urea, and the subplots were seasons of the year: late summer/fall, winter, spring and summer. No interaction was detected between nitrogen fertilization and season for leaf appearance rate, leaf lifespan, number of live leaves and final length leaves. However, an interaction (P<0.05) of nitrogen fertilization and season influenced leaf elongation rate, phyllochron, leaf senescence rate and stem elongation rate. The leaf elongation rate and leaf appearance rate were linearly affected (P<0.05) by nitrogen fertilization. The seasons affected (P<0.05) the leaf lifespan and number of life leaves. The leaf lifespan decreased by 0.06 days for each kg of N applied. On the other hand, the number of live leaves increased by 0.0026 leaves/tiller for each kg of N. Fertilization with nitrogen positively affects morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Piatã grass under rotational stocking. This effect can be optimized during rainy periods in spring and late summer/autumn.The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Piatã grass under rotational stocking and nitrogen fertilization during the seasons. A randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement with three replications was used. The main plots were the applications of 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg per ha of N in the form of urea, and the subplots were seasons of the year: late summer/fall, winter, spring and summer. No interaction was detected between nitrogen fertilization and season for leaf appearance rate, leaf lifespan, number of live leaves and final length leaves. However, an interaction (P<0.05) of nitrogen fertilization and season influenced leaf elongation rate, phyllochron, leaf senescence rate and stem elongation rate. The leaf elongation rate and leaf appearance rate were linearly affected (P<0.05) by nitrogen fertilization. The seasons affected (P<0.05) the leaf lifespan and number of life leaves. The leaf lifespan decreased by 0.06 days for each kg of N applied. On the other hand, the number of live leaves increased by 0.0026 leaves/tiller for each kg of N. Fertilization with nitrogen positively affects morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Piatã grass under rotational stocking. This effect can be optimized during rainy periods in spring and late summer/autumn
Phenology, pollen synchronization and fruit characteristics of european hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) cv. tonda de Giffoni in three sites of central Chile
Get PDFPhenology, pollen synchronization and fruit characteristics were studied during the season 2011-2012 for European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) cv. "Tonda di Giffoni" and three of its pollinizers ("Tonda Romana", "Tonda Gentile delle Langhe" and "Barcelona") in three agro-ecological conditions of central Chile. Male and female blooms occurred from June through August, with a flowering span ranging between two to two and a half months depending on the cultivar, pollinizer and study sites. "Tonda di Giffoni" male flowering onset occurred during the first week of June, up to two weeks earlier than female flowers (271 to 417 chilling hours) showing a marked protandrus dichogamy. "Tonda Gentile delle Langhe" and "Barcelona" pollinizers completely covered the female flowering period of "Tonda di Giffoni", while "Tonda Romana" fail to cover the first flowering week. In general, starting dates for the different phenological stages were directly and significantly (P<0.05) correlated with chilling hour accumulation and growing degree days. Fruit set (34.1%) and maximum fruit diameter (16.6 mm) were significantly lower in the case of "Tonda Gentile delle Langhe" compared to "Tonda Romana" (82.2%, 17.3 mm) and "Barcelona" (74.7%, 17.4 mm).Phenology, pollen synchronization and fruit characteristics were studied during the season 2011-2012 for European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) cv. "Tonda di Giffoni" and three of its pollinizers ("Tonda Romana", "Tonda Gentile delle Langhe" and "Barcelona") in three agro-ecological conditions of central Chile. Male and female blooms occurred from June through August, with a flowering span ranging between two to two and a half months depending on the cultivar, pollinizer and study sites. "Tonda di Giffoni" male flowering onset occurred during the first week of June, up to two weeks earlier than female flowers (271 to 417 chilling hours) showing a marked protandrus dichogamy. "Tonda Gentile delle Langhe" and "Barcelona" pollinizers completely covered the female flowering period of "Tonda di Giffoni", while "Tonda Romana" fail to cover the first flowering week. In general, starting dates for the different phenological stages were directly and significantly (P<0.05) correlated with chilling hour accumulation and growing degree days. Fruit set (34.1%) and maximum fruit diameter (16.6 mm) were significantly lower in the case of "Tonda Gentile delle Langhe" compared to "Tonda Romana" (82.2%, 17.3 mm) and "Barcelona" (74.7%, 17.4 mm)
Actual evapotranspiration and the pattern of soil water extraction of a soybean (Glycine max) crop
Get PDFCrop evapotranspiration knowledge during different phenological stages helps determine crop water requirements and water use efficiency. This study was intended to estimate evapotranspiration of soybean grown under field conditions using the water balance equation and to characterize root water extraction across different soil layers analyzing daily values of its availability. In order to estimate the crop daily water consumption, temporal and spatial variability (vertical) of soil water content up to a depth of 1.10 m was investigated. At the beginning of the experiment, measurements showed that the soybean crop extracted water from the upper levels, and as it continued to grow, water uptake at deeper levels increased. The highest water uptake occurred during reproductive growth stages, which matched the period of highest atmospheric demand. The crop showed a better response to atmospheric demand under water availability, whereas under stress conditions, both evapotranspiration and soil water content decreased.Crop evapotranspiration knowledge during different phenological stages helps determine crop water requirements and water use efficiency. This study was intended to estimate evapotranspiration of soybean grown under field conditions using the water balance equation and to characterize root water extraction across different soil layers analyzing daily values of its availability. In order to estimate the crop daily water consumption, temporal and spatial variability (vertical) of soil water content up to a depth of 1.10 m was investigated. At the beginning of the experiment, measurements showed that the soybean crop extracted water from the upper levels, and as it continued to grow, water uptake at deeper levels increased. The highest water uptake occurred during reproductive growth stages, which matched the period of highest atmospheric demand. The crop showed a better response to atmospheric demand under water availability, whereas under stress conditions, both evapotranspiration and soil water content decreased
Male sterility and somatic hybridization in plant breeding
Get PDFPlant male sterility refers to the failure in the production of fertile pollen. It occurs spontaneously in natural populations and may be caused by genes encoded in the nuclear (genic male sterility; GMS) or mitochondrial (cytoplasmic male sterility; CMS) genomes. This feature has great agronomic value for the production of hybrid seeds, since it prevents selfpollination without the need of emasculation which is time-consuming and cost-intensive. CMS has been widely used in crops, such as corn, rice, wheat, citrus, and several species of the family Solanaceae. Mitochondrial genes determining CMS have been uncovered in a wide range of plant species. The modes of action of CMS have been classified in terms of the effect they produce in the cell, which ultimately leads to a failure in the production of fertile pollen. Male fertility can be restored by nuclear-encoded genes, termed restorer-offertility (Rf) factors. CMS from wild plants has been transferred to species of agronomic interest through somatic hybridization. Somatic hybrids have also been produced to generate CMS de novo upon recombination of the mitochondrial genomes of two parental plants or by separating the CMS cytoplasm from the nuclear Rf alleles. As a result, somatic hybridization can be used as a highly efficient and useful strategy to incorporate CMS in breeding programs.
Highlights
Plant cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) has great agronomic value for the production of hybrid seeds.
Male fertility can be restored by nuclear-encoded genes, termed restorer-of-fertility (Rf) factors.
Somatic hybridization is a useful scheme to uncover novel CMS/Rf systems to integrate in plant breeding programs.
CMS from wild plants can be transferred to species of agronomic interest through somatic hybridization.
The molecular mechanisms responsible for CMS are highly variable and involve RNA editing, homologous and non-homologous recombination, as well as a variety of gene regulators like non coding RNA.Plant male sterility refers to the failure in the production of fertile pollen. It occurs spontaneously in natural populations and may be caused by genes encoded in the nuclear (genic male sterility; GMS) or mitochondrial (cytoplasmic male sterility; CMS) genomes. This feature has great agronomic value for the production of hybrid seeds, since it prevents selfpollination without the need of emasculation which is time-consuming and cost-intensive. CMS has been widely used in crops, such as corn, rice, wheat, citrus, and several species of the family Solanaceae. Mitochondrial genes determining CMS have been uncovered in a wide range of plant species. The modes of action of CMS have been classified in terms of the effect they produce in the cell, which ultimately leads to a failure in the production of fertile pollen. Male fertility can be restored by nuclear-encoded genes, termed restorer-offertility (Rf) factors. CMS from wild plants has been transferred to species of agronomic interest through somatic hybridization. Somatic hybrids have also been produced to generate CMS de novo upon recombination of the mitochondrial genomes of two parental plants or by separating the CMS cytoplasm from the nuclear Rf alleles. As a result, somatic hybridization can be used as a highly efficient and useful strategy to incorporate CMS in breeding programs.
Highlights
Plant cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) has great agronomic value for the production of hybrid seeds.
Male fertility can be restored by nuclear-encoded genes, termed restorer-of-fertility (Rf) factors.
Somatic hybridization is a useful scheme to uncover novel CMS/Rf systems to integrate in plant breeding programs.
CMS from wild plants can be transferred to species of agronomic interest through somatic hybridization.
The molecular mechanisms responsible for CMS are highly variable and involve RNA editing, homologous and non-homologous recombination, as well as a variety of gene regulators like non coding RNA
Las transiciones agroecológicas: múltiples escalas, niveles y desafíos
Get PDFSustainable food production through the principles of agroecology implies several simultaneous transitions at different scales, levels and dimensions, of a social, biological, economic, cultural, institutional, political nature. To describe these transitions the use of different conceptual frameworks, derived from ecology, agronomy and the science of innovation, are proposed. The article addresses the agroecological transition as a succession of emerging innovations and analyses the stages of the technical-institutional transition and its drivers. It is also proposed to conceptualize the transition as a restoration of the functions and resilience of the socio-ecosystem. Finally, we explore with a couple of examples what the transition implies in terms of changes in agricultural management practices. The agroecological transition can involve the optimization of management practices to increase productive efficiency, an inputs substitution, or the redesign of the system. The examples analyzed show that the transition does not always start from highly industrialized and/ or degraded systems. Many producers who do not consider themselves agroecological implement however many agroecological-based practices. It is concluded that the transit to agroecology implies a technical-productive transition at the subsystems of the farm, a socio-ecological transition at the level of the rural family, its community and its landscape, and a political-institutional transition to level of territories, regions and countries. Understanding the transition as an interdependence between scales and dimensions, allows to reconcile the looks of the different ´schools´ of agroecology, from the most ecological to the most socio-political.Transitar hacia una producción de alimentos sostenible a través de los principios de la agroecología implica no una transición, sino varias transiciones simultáneas, a diferentes escalas, niveles y dimensiones; de índole social, biológica, económica, cultural, institucional, política. Este artículo propone utilizar diferentes marcos conceptuales, derivados de la ecología, la agronomía y la ciencia de la innovación, para describir estas transiciones. El artículo aborda a la transición agroecológica como una sucesión de innovaciones emergentes, y analiza las etapas de la transición técnico-institucional y sus forzantes. Se propone demás conceptualizar a la transición como una restauración de las funciones y de la resiliencia del socio-ecosistema. Por último, se explora con un par de ejemplos lo que implica la transición en términos de cambios en las prácticas de manejo agropecuario. La transición agroecológica puede involucrar una optimización de prácticas de manejo para aumentar la eficiencia productiva, una substitución de insumos, o bien el rediseño del sistema. Los ejemplos analizados muestran que la transición no siempre comienza a partir de sistemas altamente industrializados y/o degradados. Muchos productores que no se autodenominan agroecológicos implementan sin embargo muchas de sus prácticas con bases agroecológicas. Se concluye que el tránsito hacia la agroecología implica una transición técnico-productiva a nivel de los subsistemas de la explotación, una transición socio-ecológica a nivel de la familia rural, su comunidad y su paisaje, y una transición político-institucional a nivel de territorios, regiones y países. Entender a la transición de esta forma, como una interdependencia entre escalas y dimensiones, permite conciliar las miradas de las diferentes ´escuelas´ de la agroecología, desde las más ecológicas a las más socio-políticas
Assessment of grapevine stems as source of phenolics with antioxidant properties
Get PDFWinemaking industry generates considerable amounts of bunch stems that are usually wasted despite their potential value as source of bioactive compounds. Phenolic profiles and antioxidant capacity (AC) of bunch stem extracts from eight grape varieties of Vitis vinifera L. were determined. Sixteen phenolic compounds (PC) were quantified by high performance-liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The maximum concentrations corresponded to the flavanols (+)-catechin (6462 µg g-1 DW) and procyanidin B1 (1987 µg g-1 DW), followed by the hydroxycinnamic acid caftaric acid (2967 µg g-1 DW). Naringin, myricetin and OH-tyrosol were identified for the first time in grape bunch stems. Total phenolic content (TPC) of extracts, assessed as gallic acid equivalents (GAE), ranged between 47 and 125 mg GAE g-1 DW. The AC of extracts was appraised by ORAC, ABTS and DPPH assays, with a good correlation between TPC and AC when measured by ABTS and DPPH (r ≥ 0.92), while for ORAC the correlation was lower (r ≤ 0.41). Samples of cv. Malbec, the most representative variety of Argentina, presented the highest contents in PC, particularly flavanols. The results showed that grape bunch stems may be an inexpensive, sustainable and high value source of bioactive compounds as functional ingredients.
Highlights
Phenolic profiles and antioxidant capacity of bunch stem extracts from different varieties of Vitis vinifera L. are presented.
A total of 16 phenolic compounds (PC) were quantified by high performance-liquid chromatography-diode array detection.
Malbec, the most representative variety of Argentina, presented the highest contents of polyphenols PC, particularly flavanols.
Naringin, myricetin and OH-tyrosol were identified for the first time in grape bunch stems.Winemaking industry generates considerable amounts of bunch stems that are usually wasted despite their potential value as source of bioactive compounds. Phenolic profiles and antioxidant capacity (AC) of bunch stem extracts from eight grape varieties of Vitis vinifera L. were determined. Sixteen phenolic compounds (PC) were quantified by high performance-liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The maximum concentrations corresponded to the flavanols (+)-catechin (6462 µg g-1 DW) and procyanidin B1 (1987 µg g-1 DW), followed by the hydroxycinnamic acid caftaric acid (2967 µg g-1 DW). Naringin, myricetin and OH-tyrosol were identified for the first time in grape bunch stems. Total phenolic content (TPC) of extracts, assessed as gallic acid equivalents (GAE), ranged between 47 and 125 mg GAE g-1 DW. The AC of extracts was appraised by ORAC, ABTS and DPPH assays, with a good correlation between TPC and AC when measured by ABTS and DPPH (r ≥ 0.92), while for ORAC the correlation was lower (r ≤ 0.41). Samples of cv. Malbec, the most representative variety of Argentina, presented the highest contents in PC, particularly flavanols. The results showed that grape bunch stems may be an inexpensive, sustainable and high value source of bioactive compounds as functional ingredients.
Highlights
Phenolic profiles and antioxidant capacity of bunch stem extracts from different varieties of Vitis vinifera L. are presented.
A total of 16 phenolic compounds (PC) were quantified by high performance-liquid chromatography-diode array detection.
Malbec, the most representative variety of Argentina, presented the highest contents of polyphenols PC, particularly flavanols.
Naringin, myricetin and OH-tyrosol were identified for the first time in grape bunch stems