Fungal identification in peanuts seeds through multispectral images: Technological advances to enhance sanitary quality.

The sanitary quality of seed is essential in agriculture. This is because pathogenic fungi compromise seed physiological quality and prevent the formation of plants in the field, which causes losses to farmers. Multispectral images technologies coupled with machine learning algorithms can optimize the identification of healthy peanut seeds, greatly improving the sanitary quality. The objective was to verify whether multispectral images technologies and artificial intelligence tools are effective for discriminating pathogenic fungi in tropical peanut seeds. For this purpose, dry peanut seeds infected by fungi (A. flavus, A. niger, Penicillium sp., and Rhizopus sp.) were used to acquire images at different wavelengths (365 to 970 nm). Multispectral markers of peanut seed health quality were found. The incubation period of 216 h was the one that most contributed to discriminating healthy seeds from those containing fungi through multispectral images. Texture (Percent Run), color (CIELab L*) and reflectance (490 nm) were highly effective in discriminating the sanitary quality of peanut seeds. Machine learning algorithms (LDA, MLP, RF, and SVM) demonstrated high accuracy in autonomous detection of seed health status (90 to 100%). Thus, multispectral images coupled with machine learning algorithms are effective for screening peanut seeds with superior sanitary quality.

The effects of microwave application on the physicochemical properties of bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba Mart.) oil.

BACKGROUND: Bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba Mart.) has a high yield of oil, with the potential to produce biologically active natural products and can be considered a new "superfruit" with high value added. METHODS: Acid value, peroxide value, refractive index, saponification value, p-anisidine value, relative density, iodine value, total oxidation value, specific extinction coefficients at 232 and 270 nm (K232 and K270), ΔK, and color were determined. RESULTS: The most significant changes in the quality values, such as peroxide (26.25 mEq·kg-1), p-anisidine (11.41), acidity (14.66 mg KOH·g-1 oil), and total oxidation (63.92) were determined for 15 min of microwave heating. CONCLUSIONS: The microwave heating promoted the acceleration of oxidative processes showing that, overall, much care should be taken when heating the bacaba oil by microwave to avoid oil degradation.

Convolutional Neural Networks Using Enhanced Radiographs for Real-Time Detection of Sitophilus zeamais in Maize Grain.

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) such as deep learning in the quality control of grains has the potential to assist analysts in decision making and improving procedures. Advanced technologies based on X-ray imaging provide markedly easier ways to control insect infestation of stored products, regardless of whether the quality features are visible on the surface of the grains. Here, we applied contrast enhancement algorithms based on peripheral equalization and calcification emphasis on X-ray images to improve the detection of Sitophilus zeamais in maize grains. In addition, we proposed an approach based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to identity non-infested and infested classes using three different architectures; (i) Inception-ResNet-v2, (ii) Xception and (iii) MobileNetV2. In general, the prediction models developed based on the MobileNetV2 and Xception architectures achieved higher accuracy (≥0.88) in identifying non-infested grains and grains infested by maize weevil, with a correct classification from 0.78 to 1.00 for validation and test sets. Hence, the proposed approach using enhanced radiographs has the potential to provide precise control of Sitophilus zeamais for safe human consumption of maize grains. The proposed method can automatically recognize food contaminated with hidden storage pests without manual features, which makes it more reliable for grain inspection.

Multispectral and X-ray images for characterization of Jatropha curcas L. seed quality.

BACKGROUND: The use of non-destructive methods with less human interference is of great interest in agricultural industry and crop breeding. Modern imaging technologies enable the automatic visualization of multi-parameter for characterization of biological samples, reducing subjectivity and optimizing the analysis process. Furthermore, the combination of two or more imaging techniques has contributed to discovering new physicochemical tools and interpreting datasets in real time. RESULTS: We present a new method for automatic characterization of seed quality based on the combination of multispectral and X-ray imaging technologies. We proposed an approach using X-ray images to investigate internal tissues because seed surface profile can be negatively affected, but without reaching important internal regions of seeds. An oilseed plant (Jatropha curcas) was used as a model species, which also serves as a multi-purposed crop of economic importance worldwide. Our studies included the application of a normalized canonical discriminant analyses (nCDA) algorithm as a supervised transformation building method to obtain spatial and spectral patterns on different seedlots. We developed classification models using reflectance data and X-ray classes based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The classification models, individually or combined, showed high accuracy (> 0.96) using reflectance at 940 nm and X-ray data to predict quality traits such as normal seedlings, abnormal seedlings and dead seeds. CONCLUSIONS: Multispectral and X-ray imaging have a strong relationship with seed physiological performance. Reflectance at 940 nm and X-ray data can efficiently predict seed quality attributes. These techniques can be alternative methods for rapid, efficient, sustainable and non-destructive characterization of seed quality in the future, overcoming the intrinsic subjectivity of the conventional seed quality analysis.

Integrating Optical Imaging Tools for Rapid and Non-invasive Characterization of Seed Quality: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and Carrot (Daucus carota L.) as Study Cases.

Light-based methods are being further developed to meet the growing demands for food in the agricultural industry. Optical imaging is a rapid, non-destructive, and accurate technology that can produce consistent measurements of product quality compared to conventional techniques. In this research, a novel approach for seed quality prediction is presented. In the proposed approach two advanced optical imaging techniques based on chlorophyll fluorescence and chemometric-based multispectral imaging were employed. The chemometrics encompassed principal component analysis (PCA) and quadratic discrimination analysis (QDA). Among plants that are relevant as both crops and scientific models, tomato, and carrot were selected for the experiment. We compared the optical imaging techniques to the traditional analytical methods used for quality characterization of commercial seedlots. Results showed that chlorophyll fluorescence-based technology is feasible to discriminate cultivars and to identify seedlots with lower physiological potential. The exploratory analysis of multispectral imaging data using a non-supervised approach (two-component PCA) allowed the characterization of differences between carrot cultivars, but not for tomato cultivars. A Random Forest (RF) classifier based on Gini importance was applied to multispectral data and it revealed the most meaningful bandwidths from 19 wavelengths for seed quality characterization. In order to validate the RF model, we selected the five most important wavelengths to be applied in a QDA-based model, and the model reached high accuracy to classify lots with high-and low-vigor seeds, with a correct classification from 86 to 95% in tomato and from 88 to 97% in carrot for validation set. Further analysis showed that low quality seeds resulted in seedlings with altered photosynthetic capacity and chlorophyll content. In conclusion, both chlorophyll fluorescence and chemometrics-based multispectral imaging can be applied as reliable proxies of the physiological potential in tomato and carrot seeds. From the practical point of view, such techniques/methodologies can be potentially used for screening low quality seeds in food and agricultural industries.

Gamma Radiation Sterilization Dose of Adult Males in Asian Tiger Mosquito Pupae.

The pathogen-carrying tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, has spread from the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North and South America, and the Caribbean. This species of mosquito transmits arboviral infections, such as yellow fever, chikungunya, dengue, zika, and several encephalitides. The objective of this research was to provide a radiation dose inducing sterilization in adult male Ae. albopictus in the pupal stage. A cobalt-60 source of gamma radiation at a dose rate of 381 Gy/h was used. The pupae were irradiated with doses of 0 (control), 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 Gy. Each treatment had a total of five replications using 60 pupae. After irradiation, the different phases of Ae. albopictus development (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) in the F1 generation were observed daily. Parameters such as viability, fertility, longevity, and mortality were recorded. The results from these studies showed that a dose of 60 Gy was necessary to sterilize 100% of the male Ae. albopictus pupae.

Avaliação físico-química e sensorial de vinho de jabuticaba submetido a tratamento de radiação gama / Physical-chemical and sensorial evaluation of jaboticaba wine subjected to gamma radiation treatment

A jabuticaba é uma fruta tropical, tipicamente brasileira, sendo originária da região centro-sul. Popularmente apreciada por suas características sensoriais in natura, mas também pela utilização em produtos processados como geleias, licores e bebidas fermentadas (SASSO; CITADIN; DANNER, 2010). Apesar da designação vinho referir- -se segundo a Lei nº 7.678, de 08 de novembro de 1988 (BRASIL, 1988) como "bebida proveniente da fermentação alcoólica de mosto de uva sã, fresca e madura", é permitido pela Portaria Nº 64, de 23 de abril de 2008 a produção de vinhos de outras frutas (BRASIL, 2008), desde que se indique o nome da fruta no rótulo após a palavra vinho, como por exemplo vinho de jabuticaba.(AU)

A irradiação gama no tempo de cocção e na absorção de água em grãos de soja com e sem lipoxigenase / The gamma irradiation on the cooking time and absorption of water in soybean grains with and without lipoxygenase

O processamento térmico adequado contribui para aumentar a digestibilidade e eliminar fatores antinutricionais presentes em grãos. Porém, esse processo pode ser prejudicial, causando a perda de nutrientes. A irradiação de grãos pode facilitar sua cocção, reduzindo o tempo de amolecimento. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar possíveis alterações causadas pela irradiação no tempo de cocção e embebição de grãos de soja convencionais e sem lipoxigenase. As duas cultivares analisadas ('BRS 232' - com lipoxigenase e 'BRS 257' - sem lipoxigenase) diferiram entre si na quantidade de água absorvida, no tempo de embebição e no tempo de cocção dos grãos. A irradiação dos grãos, nas doses de 4kGy e 8kGy, diminuiu a absorção de água e o tempo de cocção.

The appropriate heat processing helps to improve the digestibility and eliminate antinutritional factors present in grain. However, this process can be harmful, causing nutrient losses. The irradiation on grain can facilitate their cooking, and reduces the time for its softening. The objective of this study was to evaluate possible changes caused by irradiation in the time of hydration and cooking in conventional soybean and soybeans without lipoxygenase. The two cultivars ('BRS 232' - with lipoxygenase and 'BRS 257' - without lipoxygenase) differ in the amount of water absorbed, in time of hydration and time of cooking. Irradiation caused lower water absorption, but less time for cooking.

Efeito da radiação gama e do armazenamento na qualidade de padúnculos de caju (Anacardium occidentale L. ) / Effect of gamma radiation and storage on cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L. ) quality

Devido a altas perdas de pedúnculos de caju, métodos de conservação são necessários para um maior aproveitamento dos mesmos. Com esse objetivo, pedúnculos de caju vermelho, maduros, obtidos de cajueiro anão precoce, foram irradiados com doses de 0, 0,5 e 1,0 kGy e armazenados por 9 dias, refrigerados 4 ºC para verificação da estabilidade da qualidade durante o período de armazenamento. Para isso foram realizadas análises químicas, verificando mudanças nos teores de açúcares redutores, Brix, vitamina C e pH. Alterações na firmeza e cor também foram observadas. Os teores de vitamina C diminuíram tanto em função do tempo de estocagem como em função das doses de radiação empregadas. A firmeza dos frutos foi influenciada tanto pelas diferentes doses de radiação quanto pelo armazenamento, aumentando durante o armazenamento e diminuindo quanto maiores as doses de irradiação. O método de conservação por irradiação mostrou-se eficiente para o prolongamento da vida de prateleira dos pedúnculos de caju e manutenção de sua qualidade pós-colheita.

The non-efficiency or absence of techniques for adequate handling, transport, and storage of cashew stalks associated with a high level of perishability, generates high economic loss in the commercialization of these fruits, hence the development of conservation methods becomes a necessity in order to enhance the profitability. Cashew apples from precocious dwarf cashew tree were irradiated with doses of 0, 0.5, and 1.0 kGy and stored during nine days under refrigeration at 4 ºC for evaluation of the quality stability during storage. Chemical analyses were performed to verify changes in reducing sugars, Brix, vitamin C, and pH. Alterations in the firmness and color were also observed. The levels of vitamin C decreased as a function of storage as well as a function of the radiation doses employed. The firmness of the fruits was influenced by both the radiation doses and storage time, increasing during storage and decreasing as the radiation doses increased. Irradiation was shown to be efficient in the prolongation of the shelf-life of cashew stalks.

Effects of radiation (Cobalt-60) on the elimination of Brevipalpus phoenicis (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) Cardinium endosymbiont.

Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is a polyphagous mite with worldwide distribution and it is also a vector of several plant viruses. In citrus, B. phoenicis transmits Citrus leprosis virus (CiLV), the causal agent of leprosis, a disease that costs millions of dollars per year for its prevention and control. Brevipalpus phoenicis mites reproduce through thelytokous parthenogenesis, producing haploid females. This characteristic is attributable to the presence of an endosymbiont bacterium of the genus Cardinium; however, very little is known about the biological and ecological implications of the presence of this endosymbiont in Brevipalpus mites. In order to investigate the role of Cardinium in the transmission of CiLV to citrus plants, our goal was to eliminate the bacterium from the mite. We assessed the effectiveness of different doses of radiation from a Cobalt-60 source to cure B. phoenicis populations from Cardinium sp. The efficiency of irradiation on the elimination of the endosymbiont was determined by counting the number of females and males obtained in the F(1) generation after irradiation and confirming the presence of the endosymbiont by PCR. Both radiation treatments influenced the oviposition period and the number of eggs laid by irradiated females. Also, irradiation eliminated the Cardinium endosymbiont and increased the number of males in progeny of the exposed populations. Although macroscopic morphological abnormalities were not observed among the treated mites, the mortality was higher compared to the non-irradiated control group.

Population dynamics of phytophagous and predaceous mites on coffee in Brazil, with emphasis on Brevipalpus phoenicis (Acari: Tenuipalpidae).

The objective of this work was to study the population dynamics of Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) and predaceous mites (Phytoseiidae and Stigmaeidae), as well as the interactions among these mite species, in a coffee plantation in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Tydeids were also evaluated because of the high frequency of these mites on coffee plants. Samples of leaves, branches and fruits were taken fortnightly, from April 2001 to June 2003, from plants randomly chosen in the coffee plantation. B. phoenicis mites were found on leaves in higher number during the drier periods of the year. Among the predaceous mites, Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma and Euseius concordis (Chant) were the most frequent species on the surface of leaves. During the evaluations, 72,534 domatia were cut and opened to remove the mites, from 6,360 leaves examined. Zetzellia malvinae Matioli, Ueckermann & Oliveira was the most frequent predator species found inside domatia. Significant correlations were observed between population dynamics of, among others, E. concordis and B. phoenicis, Z. malvinae and B. phoenicis, and Z. malvinae and E. concordis. Significant correlations were also verified between the number of domatia and the population densities of B. phoenicis, E. concordis, Lorryia sp. and Z. malvinae. Interactions between predator-prey and predator-predator on coffee plants are discussed. The influence of the meteorological factors temperature and precipitation on the most frequent mite species is also discussed.

Diversidade de ácaros (Arachnida: Acari) em Coffea arabica L. cv. Mundo Novo, nos municípios de Jeriquara e Garça, Estado de São Paulo / Diversity of mites (Arachnida: Acari) on Coffea arabica L. cv. 'Mundo Novo' in Jeriquara and Garça counties, state of São Paulo

O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a diversidade de ácaros em cafeeiros da cultivar Mundo Novo em duas importantes regiões produtoras (Jeriquara e Garça) do Estado de São Paulo. Para tanto, foram coletadas amostras quinzenais de folhas, ramos e frutos, entre abril de 2001 e junho de 2003, do terço médio de 10 plantas tomadas ao acaso em cada campo. De cada planta foram tomadas 12 folhas (cada uma do terceiro ou quarto par a partir da extremidade distal de um ramo), 12 ramos (25 cm apicais) e 100 frutos. Foram coletados no total 13.052 ácaros nos dois locais estudados, sendo 7.155 em Jeriquara e 5.897 em Garça. De um total de 108 espécies de ácaros coletados de plantas de café neste estudo, 45 espécies foram observadas em ambos os locais estudados, que apresentaram similaridade de 56 por cento. O número de espécies encontradas exclusivamente em Jeriquara (47) foi aproximadamente três vezes superior ao número de espécies observadas somente em Garça (16). Em Jeriquara, a diversidade foi maior tanto na superfície das folhas, quanto nas domácias, ramos e frutos. Nos dois locais estudados, Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) e Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor 1919) foram as espécies de fitófagos mais abundantes e freqüentes. Os estigmeídeos e fitoseídeos foram os ácaros predadores mais abundantes e freqüentes em ambos locais. As espécies mais abundantes e freqüentes de predadores foram Agistemus brasiliensis Matioli, Ueckermann & Oliveira, 2002, Zetzellia malvinae Matioli, Ueckermann & Oliveira, 2002, Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma, 1970 e Euseius concordis (Chant 1959) em Jeriquara; e Z. malvinae, E. citrifolius e E. concordis em Garça.

The objective of this study was to characterize the diversity of mites on coffee plants of the Mundo Novo cultivar in two important coffee producing areas (Jeriquara and Garça) in the state of São Paulo. Samples of leaves, branches and fruits were fortnightly collected, from April 2001 to June 2003, from the middle third of 10 plants randomly taken from each field. Twelve leaves (each leaf from the third or forth pair from the distal part of each branch), 12 branches (apical 25 cm) and 100 fruits. A total of 13,052 specimens were collected in the two studied places, 7,155 in Jeriquara and 5,897 in Garça. From a total of 108 mite species collected from coffee plants in this study, forty five species were collected in both studied fields, which presented 56 percent of similarity. The number of species found exclusively in Jeriquara (47) was approximately three times higher than the number of species observed only in Garça (16). For Jeriquara, the diversity of mites on surface of leaves, as well as in domatia, and on branches and fruits was higher than for Garça. In both studied areas, Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) and Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor 1919) were the most abundant and frequent phytophagous mite species. Stigmaeids and phytoseiids were the most abundant and frequent predaceous mites in both localities. The most abundant and frequent predaceous species were Agistemus brasiliensis Matioli, Ueckermann & Oliveira, 2002, Zetzellia malvinae Matioli, Ueckermann & Oliveira, 2002, Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma, 1970, and Euseius concordis (Chant 1959) in Jeriquara; and Z. malvinae, E. citrifolius and E. concordis in Garça.