[Effects of stereoscopic traction on photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and quality of Codonopsis pilosula under organic cultivation].

To solve the serious problem of stem and leaf shading in the middle and late stage of traditional flat planting of Codonopsis pilosula, this study analyzed the effects of different stereoscopic traction heights on the photosynthetic characteristics and growth of C. pilosula and explored the optimal traction height to improve the yield and quality of C. pilosula. The experiment designed three stereo-scopic traction heights [H1(60 cm), H2(90 cm), and H3(120 cm)] with natural growth without traction as the control(CK). The results showed that the increase in stereoscopic traction heights broadened the growth space of stems and leaves of C. pilosula, enhanced the ventilation effect, significantly increased the average daily net photosynthetic rate of C. pilosula, promoted the absorption of intercellular CO_2, decreased the transpiration rate, and reduced the evaporation of water. Moreover, it effectively avoided the problem of weakened photosynthesis, maintained the carbon balance of individual plants, and promoted the growth and development of the C. pilosula roots. In terms of the seed yield of C. pilosula, it was ranked as H2>H1>H3>CK. To be specific, H1 increased by 213.41% compared with CK, H2 increased by 282.43% compared with CK, and H3 increased by 133.95% compared with CK. The yield and quality of C. pilosula were the highest in the H3 treatment group, with the fresh yield of 6 858.33 kg·hm~(-2), 50.59% higher than CK, dry yield of 2 398.33 kg·hm~(-2), 76.54% higher than CK, and lobetyolin content of 0.56 mg·g~(-1), 45.22% higher than CK. Therefore, the stereoscopic traction height has a great influence on the photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and quality of C. pilosula. Particularly, the yield and quality of C. pilosula can be optimized and improved in the traction height treatment of H3(120 cm). This planting method is worth popularizing and applying in the cultivated management of C. pilosula.

Effects of the extraction techniques on the chemical composition and bioactive properties of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) plants grown under different cropping and irrigation regimes.

The present study aims to determine the combined effect of cropping system and irrigation regime on the chemical composition and bioactive properties of lemon balm aerial parts. For this purpose, lemon balm plants were grown under two farming systems (conventional farming vs organic farming) and two irrigation levels (full irrigation vs deficit irrigation) and harvested twice throughout the growing period. The collected aerial parts were subjected to three different methods of extractions, namely infusion, maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction and the obtained extracts were evaluated in terms of chemical profile and bioactivities. Five organic acids with varied composition among the tested treatments were identified in all the tested samples for both harvests, namely, citric, malic, oxalic, shikimic and quinic acid. Regarding phenolic compounds composition, the most abundant ones were rosmarinic acid, lithospermic acid A isomer I and hydroxylsalvianolic E, especially for the maceration and infusion extraction methods. Full irrigation resulted in lower EC50 values than deficit irrigation only in the treatments of the second harvest, while variable cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects were recorded in both harvests. Finally, in most cases the lemon balm extracts has similar or better activity than the positive controls, while the antifungal activity of lemon balm extracts was stronger than the antibacterial effects. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that the implemented agronomic practices, as well as the extraction protocol may significantly affect the chemical profile and bioactivities of lemon balm extracts, suggesting that both the farming system and the irrigation schedule may improve the quality of the extracts depending on the implemented extraction protocol.

In Vitro Digestibility, Biological Activity, and Physicochemical Characterization of Proteins Extracted from Conventionally and Organically Cultivated Hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.).

The proteins from two conventionally (CC1 and CC2) and one organically cultivated (OC) hempseed samples were extracted (by alkaline solubilization followed by isoelectric precipitation) and compared in terms of their physicochemical, digestibility and in vitro bioactivity properties. The OC hempseed had higher total protein and lower nonprotein nitrogen content. Protein extracts showed bimodal particle size distributions, with OC showing the smallest and CC1 the largest mean particle diameter (d(0.5)), i.e., 89.0 and 120.0 µm, respectively. Chromatographic analysis showed similar protein profiles for all three protein extracts. The protein extracts were subjected to in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID). Degree of hydrolysis (DH) measurement showed that the highest extent of digestion upon SGID was associated with CC1 (11.0 ± 1.5%), which also had the lowest in vitro antioxidant activity. Only the OC and OC digested samples had lipase inhibitory activity. The results indicate that the cultivation method impacted the composition, physicochemical, digestibility, and biofunctional properties of hempseed proteins.

Organic cultivation induced regulation in yield formation, grain quality attributes, and volatile organic compounds of fragrant rice.

Organic cultivation is an eco-friendly planting strategy. To explore the effects of organic cultivation on yield, grain quality, and volatile organic compounds of fragrant rice, the present study conducted a field experiment with organic cultivation and inorganic cultivation treatments over two subsequent growing seasons. The late season rice was sent for the determination of untargeted flavoromics using GC × GC-ToF-MS. Meanwhile, the GC × MS were used for the quantification of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. Our results showed that compared with inorganic cultivation, organic cultivation increased grain 2-AP and amylose contents by 21.19-26.10 % and 4.51-7.69 %, respectively. 5.89 %-15.55 % lower crude protein contents were recorded in organic cultivation. The results of untargeted flavoromics showed that organic cultivation caused the absence of 56 volatiles and the exclusive presence of 10 new volatiles compared with inorganic cultivation. In conclusion, organic cultivation produced fragrant rice with lower yield and higher 2-AP content as well as different flavor profiles.

Effects of stereoscopic traction on photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and quality of Codonopsis pilosula under organic cultivation / 中国中药杂志

To solve the serious problem of stem and leaf shading in the middle and late stage of traditional flat planting of Codonopsis pilosula, this study analyzed the effects of different stereoscopic traction heights on the photosynthetic characteristics and growth of C. pilosula and explored the optimal traction height to improve the yield and quality of C. pilosula. The experiment designed three stereo-scopic traction heights [H1(60 cm), H2(90 cm), and H3(120 cm)] with natural growth without traction as the control(CK). The results showed that the increase in stereoscopic traction heights broadened the growth space of stems and leaves of C. pilosula, enhanced the ventilation effect, significantly increased the average daily net photosynthetic rate of C. pilosula, promoted the absorption of intercellular CO_2, decreased the transpiration rate, and reduced the evaporation of water. Moreover, it effectively avoided the problem of weakened photosynthesis, maintained the carbon balance of individual plants, and promoted the growth and development of the C. pilosula roots. In terms of the seed yield of C. pilosula, it was ranked as H2>H1>H3>CK. To be specific, H1 increased by 213.41% compared with CK, H2 increased by 282.43% compared with CK, and H3 increased by 133.95% compared with CK. The yield and quality of C. pilosula were the highest in the H3 treatment group, with the fresh yield of 6 858.33 kg·hm~(-2), 50.59% higher than CK, dry yield of 2 398.33 kg·hm~(-2), 76.54% higher than CK, and lobetyolin content of 0.56 mg·g~(-1), 45.22% higher than CK. Therefore, the stereoscopic traction height has a great influence on the photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and quality of C. pilosula. Particularly, the yield and quality of C. pilosula can be optimized and improved in the traction height treatment of H3(120 cm). This planting method is worth popularizing and applying in the cultivated management of C. pilosula.

Chemical and volatile composition, and microbial communities in edible purple flowers (Torenia fournieri F. Lind.) cultivated in different organic systems.

Edible flowers have been widely consumed fresh in drinks, salads, desserts and salty dishes. This study evaluated the color parameters, chemical composition (phenolics, sugars, organic acids), volatiles compounds and microbiota (bacterial and fungal communities) in edible purple flowers (Torenia fournieri F. Lind.) cultivated in biocompost and traditional organic systems. Torenia flowers cultivated in biocompost had high (p < 0.05) contents of anthocyanins (cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside), flavonols (quercitin 3-glycoside, myricetin and rutin), sugars (rhamnose and glucose), organic acids (citric and succinic), aldehydes (hexanal, cis-2-hexenal and trans-2-hexenal), and alcohols (trans-2-hexenol and 3-ethyl-4-methylpentan-1-ol). Flowers cultivated in biocompost showed higher (p < 0.05) abundance Cyanobacteria and Basidiomycota bacterial and fungal phyla, respectively, than flowers cultivated in traditional system. The high abundance of Oxyphotobacteria and Dothideomycetes classes, Acetobacterales and Cladosporiales orders, Oxyphotobacteriaceae and Cladosporiaceae families, and Raoultella and Cladosporium genera characterized torenia flowers cultivated in biocompost. The cultivation system influenced the torenia flowers microbiota and composition, primarily due to environmental response and enhanced uptake of nutrients. Our findings indicate that cultivation of torenia using the agroindustrial based-biocompost improves bioactive and volatiles contents in more purple and fruity flavored flowers, rendering flowers more attractive for consumption.

Effect of Ozonation on the Mechanical, Chemical, and Microbiological Properties of Organically Grown Red Currant (Ribes rubrum L.) Fruit.

Red currant fruits are a valuable source of micro- and macronutrients, vitamins, and chemical compounds with health-promoting properties, the properties of which change depending on the harvest date and the time and method of storage. This study analysed the effect of applying 10 ppm ozone gas for 15 and 30 min on the mechanical properties, chemical properties and microbiological stability of three organic-grown red currant fruit cultivars. Fruits harvested at the time of harvest maturity had significantly larger diameters and weights and lower water contents compared with fruits harvested seven days earlier, and the ozonation process, regardless of its harvesting date, reduced the physical parameters in question (diameter, weight, and water content). The ascorbic acid content of the ozonated fruit varied, with the highest decreases observed for fruit harvested 7 days before the optimal harvest date and stored for 15 days under refrigeration (an average decrease of 13.31% compared with the control fruit without ozonation). In general, the ozonation process had a positive effect on the variation of fruit antioxidant activity, with the highest average values obtained for fruit harvested 7 days before the optimum harvest date and stored for 15 days under refrigeration conditions; in addition, it also had an effect on reducing the development of microorganisms, including mesophilic aerobic bacteria, yeasts, and moulds, mainly for the cultivar 'Losan'.

Influence of the Washing Process and the Time of Fruit Harvesting throughout the Day on Quality and Chemosensory Profile of Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oils.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for organic extra virgin olive oils (OEVOOs) as quality products with greater added value. The aim of the present work was to determine whether the washing process and time of harvesting (morning or afternoon) plays an important role in the quality of Picual OEVOOs by studying quality parameters (degree of acidity, peroxide value, K232, K270, oxidative stability), and volatile and sensory profiles. Olive fruits were harvested at three maturity stages and within each phase at two times of the day (morning and afternoon). Then, samples were divided into two blocks (washed and unwashed). Volatile profile was obtained by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Regarding the physicochemical quality parameters, sensory and volatile profiles, there were no differences between the oils produced under the two treatments applied (washed/non-washed). However, the time of harvesting (morning or afternoon) did influence the volatile and sensory profile, with higher values in the oils obtained from fruits harvested in the morning, being statistically significant for the families of aldehydes, hydrocarbures and lactones. Besides, the olives harvested during the mornings gave rise to oils with higher values in the green and apple fruit attributes.

Impact of Zulla cover crop in vineyard on the musts volatile profile of Vitis vinifera L. cv Syrah.

Grape aromatic characteristics are very important for producing quality wines. There have been very few studies on concentrations of volatile compounds in grape berries from vines with cover crops. For this reason, the aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of "Zulla" cover crop on the volatile profiles of organically grown Syrah variety grapes. For this purpose, volatile profiles of grapes obtained from vines with three different amounts of cover crop (one line, two lines, and four lines) and without cover crop, over three harvests (2019, 2020, and 2021) were determined. Moreover, a comparative study of conventional and organic crops, both submitted to soil tillage, was performed. The grape samples came from a warm climate zone. Must volatile compounds were determined by sequential sorptive extraction with Twisters by immersion (SBSE) and headspace (HSSE), followed by GC-MS analysis. A total of 160 compounds were determined and most of them were influenced by the presence of cover crop. However, the results showed an important influence of the harvest year over agronomic practices. Therefore, organic cultivation using Zulla cover crop seems to be a suitable tool for the implementation of friendly ecosystem management in a warm climate Syrah vineyard.

Crop Yield and Essential Oil Composition of Two Thymus vulgaris Chemotypes along Three Years of Organic Cultivation in a Hilly Area of Central Italy.

Thymus vulgaris L. is one of the most commonly used medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), owing to a range of therapeutic properties of its essential oil. Plant growth, biomass yield, essential oil content and composition are influenced by chemotype, environmental conditions, cultivation techniques and vegetative development. Since in MAPs cultivation special attention is paid on high quality of raw material, the adoption of sustainable agriculture methods is of pivotal importance. Therefore, we evaluated the agronomic and qualitative performances of two Thymus vulgaris L. chemotypes, organically cultivated under the Mediterranean climate of hilly lands of central Italy for three consecutive years (2017-2019). Along the trial, total above-ground dry biomass significantly increased from the 1st to 3rd year after planting and large variations in the main biological, biometric and productive traits were observed between the two chemotypes. The 'thymol' chemotype EO obviously showed thymol as the major constituent (51.26-49.87%) followed by γ-terpinene and p-cymene. The 'linalool' chemotype EO showed high percentages of oxygenated monoterpenes (about 90%) with linalool (75%), linalyl acetate (8.15%) and b-caryophyllene (3.2%) as main constituents. This study highlighted that T. vulgaris can be successfully organically grown in the hilly lands of Tuscany, with interesting biomass and essential oil yields, even though the plants were in the initial years of crop establishment (start in 2017). The introduction of this species into organic cultivation systems could contribute to obtain high-quality raw material, as well as to enhance crop rotation diversification, which is of pivotal importance in the management of organic farms.

Impact of climate change and early development of coffee rust - An overview of control strategies to preserve organic cultivars in Mexico.

Coffee is one of the most important commercial traded commodities in the international market, as well as the most popular beverage around the world. In Mexico, organic coffee cultivation (specifically, Arabica coffee crops) is a highly demanded that generates up to 500,000 employments in 14 federal entities. Among various coffee producers, Chiapas, Veracruz, and Oaxaca are responsible of 80% of the total coffee production in the country. Currently, Mexico is the leading producer of organic coffee in the world. However, there have been a slow recovery due to the large production losses since 2012, caused by earlier and highly aggressive outbreaks of coffee leaf rust (CLR), in the country, where the infectious agent is known as Hemileia vastatrix (HV). This phenomenon is becoming frequent, and climate change effects could be the main contributors. This spontaneous proliferation was generated in Mexico, due to the precipitation and temperature variability, during the last decade. As result, in Mexico, the biological interaction between coffee crops and their environment has been harmed and crucial characteristics, as crop yield and quality, are particularly being affected, directly by the negative effects of the greenhouse phenomenon, and indirectly, through diseases as CLR. Therefore, this review discusses the contribution of climate change effects in the early development of CLR in Mexico. The focus is also given on possible schemes and actions taken around the world as control measures to adapt the vulnerable coffee varieties to tackle this challenging issue.

Molecular diagnosis of the curly lettuce parasitic contamination from hydroponic cultivation from supermarkets / Diagnóstico molecular da contaminação parasitária de alface crespa de cultivo hidropônico em supermercados

Abstract The consumption of vegetables has increased in recent years due to the search for a healthier diet that is rich in fiber and has fewer calories. To assess the parasitic contamination of lettuce sold in markets, a survey of parasites was carried out from a supermarket chain in the city of Londrina, Paraná. A total of thirty samples of lettuce were purchased in the ten markets visited, three in each, of which ten were conventionally cultivated, ten were hydroponically cultivated, and ten were organically cultivated. All samples were analyzed using the sedimentation methods of Hoffman, Pons and Janer and the fluctuation method of Faust and colleagues and Willis with adaptations. In addition, the samples were subjected to DNA extraction by a commercial kit and polymerase chain reaction to detect Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp., which are protozoa that cause food and waterborne parasitic outbreaks. All samples were negative for sedimentation and flotation techniques. One of the hydroponically cultivated samples was positive for T. gondii. The results demonstrate the risk of curly lettuce contamination from hydroponic cultivation and the need for proper cleaning of these foods before consumption.

Resumo O consumo de vegetais aumentou nos últimos anos devido à busca de uma dieta mais saudável, rica em fibras e com menos calorias. Para avaliar a contaminação parasitária de alface vendida nos mercados, foi realizado um levantamento de parasitas em vegetais folhosos de uma cadeia de supermercados da cidade de Londrina, Paraná. Um total de 30 amostras foram compradas nos dez mercados visitados, três em cada, dos quais dez foram convencionalmente cultivados, dez cultivados hidroponicamente e dez foram cultivados organicamente. Todas as amostras foram analisadas, usando-se os métodos de sedimentação de Hoffman, Pons e Janer e o método de flutuação de Faust e colaboradores e Willis com adaptações. Além disso, as amostras foram submetidas à extração de DNA por um kit comercial e reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para detectar Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp. e Giardia spp., que são protozoários causadores de surtos transmitidos pela água e alimentos. Todas as amostras foram negativas para técnicas de sedimentação e flutuação. Uma das amostras cultivadas hidroponicamente foi positiva para T. gondii. Os resultados demonstram o risco de contaminação por alface crespa do cultivo hidropônico e a necessidade de limpeza adequada desses alimentos antes do consumo.

Effect of salinity stress on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of wheat microgreen extract under organic cultivation conditions.

This study was conducted to confirm the effects of salinity stress on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of wheat microgreen extract. The microgreens were cultivated for 8 days in organic media with different concentrations of Na [0 (control), 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mM from sodium chloride] which was contained in a growth chamber with controlled temperature (20/15 °C, day/night), light (14/10 h, light/dark; intensity 150 µmol·m-2·s-1 with quantum dot light-emitting diodes), and humidity (60%). Treatment with increasing concentrations of Na resulted in an increase in the Na content of microgreens. Treatment with 12.5 mM of NaCl significantly maximized ß-carotene (1.21 µg/mL), phenolic acid (41.70 µg/mL), flavonoid (165.47 µg/mL), and vitamin C (29.51 µg/mL) levels and the nitrite-scavenging activities (37.33%) in wheat microgreen extracts. In addition, the salt-stress caused due to treatment with 25 mM of NaCl resulted in the highest anthocyanin (51.43 µg/mL), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (89.31%), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (63.28%) radical-scavenging activity. Therefore, attaining adequate levels of salt-stress may be useful for the industrial manufacturing of new products from wheat microgreen extract.

Ammonia and Ammonium Exposure of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Growing in an Organically Fertilized Peat Substrate and Strategies to Mitigate Related Harmful Impacts on Plant Growth.

Organic pot-based production of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) often has lower biomass yield than conventional cultivation. Previous investigations indicate that this growth impairment is related to high ammonium (NH4 +) concentrations in the growing media released by the mineralization of organic nitrogen (N) fertilizers. However, as a result of this ammonification process substrate pH may also increase. Under neutral to alkaline conditions NH4 + is converted to ammonia (NH3), which is known to be phytotoxic even at low concentrations. Therefore, we investigated the impact of both ammonical N species on basil grown in a peat substrate. In total, three fertilization pot experiments were conducted in a greenhouse in order to compare the effect of different organic base dressings [250 and 750 mg N (L substrate)-1 mainly supplied by a liquid amino acid fertilizer (AAF)] and two initial substrate pH levels (5.5 and 6.5). In two treatments, 5% (v/v) mature compost was mixed into the peat 1 day and 12-days before the substrate was used for sowing, respectively. The aim of this procedure was to stimulate nitrification in this way to reduce ammonical N concentration. Ammonia concentration in the aerial plant surrounding environment was measured by using NH3 detector tubes in combination with an open-top chamber method. The results showed that the growth of basil (number of plants, fresh matter yield, plant height) was significantly inhibited in the second and third week of cultivation by rising NH3 and NH4 + exposure, as well as by a substrate pH ≥ 7.0. These adverse effects were reduced by lowering the organic base dressing rate and adjusting the initial substrate pH to 5.5. Furthermore, the addition of mature compost to peat in combination with a 12-day storage was proven to be effective for promoting nitrification in the organically fertilized substrate. As a result, plant growth was improved by both lower NH3 and NH4 + exposure as well as a faster supply of nitrate (NO3 -) as an additional N source. Using this approach, it was possible to feed organically fertilized basil right from the seedling stage with a NO3 --N/NH4 +-N-balanced and later on providing a predominant NO3 --N supply.

Green manuring with Calotropis procera for the production of coriander in two growing seasons / Adubação verde com Calotropis procera na produção de coentro em duas épocas de cultivo

ABSTRACT The use of spontaneous species of the Caatinga biome can contribute significantly to the nutritional demand of vegetable crops, thereby providing an agroecological and sustainable form of production. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of different biomasses of Calotropis procera (rooster tree) and times of incorporation into the soil of green manure during two growing seasons on the agronomic performance of coriander cv. Verdão produced in Serra Talhada, a semi-arid region of Pernambuco, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replications. The treatments were arranged in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme, with the first factor consisting of biomass amounts of C. procera (5.4, 8.8, 12.2 and 15.6 t ha-1 on a dry basis) and the second by the incorporation times into the soil (0, 10, 20 and 30 days before coriander planting). The evaluated characteristics were plant height, number of stems per plant, yield of green mass and dry mass of shoot. The best productive performance of coriander was observed in amounts of 12.2 (spring) and 8.8 (autumn-winter) t ha-1 C. procera added to the soil, with an ideal incorporation time of 13 (spring) and 23 (autumn-winter) days before sowing of the crop and with larger accumulations of green and dry mass of the shoot being obtained in autumn-winter.

RESUMO O uso de espécies espontâneas do bioma Caatinga pode contribuir de forma significativa no suprimento nutricional demandado pelas hortaliças, sendo uma forma agroecológica e sustentável de produção. O objetivo da pesquisa foi determinar os efeitos de quantidades de biomassa de Calotropis procera (flor-de-seda), de tempos de incorporação ao solo do adubo verde e de duas épocas de cultivo sobre o desempenho agronômico do coentro cv. Verdão produzido em Serra Talhada, semiárido de Pernambuco, Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com três repetições. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, com o primeiro fator constituído por quantidades de biomassa de C. procera (5,4; 8,8; 12,2 e 15,6 t ha-1 em base seca), e o segundo pelos tempos de incorporação ao solo (0, 10, 20 e 30 dias antes do plantio do coentro). As características avaliadas foram altura de plantas, número de hastes por planta, rendimento de massa verde e massa seca da parte aérea. O melhor desempenho produtivo do coentro foi observado nas quantidades 12,2 (primavera) e 8,8 (outono-inverno) t ha-1 de C. procera adicionada ao solo, com um tempo ideal de incorporação de 13 (primavera) e 23 (outono-inverno) dias antes da semeadura da cultura e com maiores acúmulos de massas verde e seca da parte aérea sendo obtidos no outono-inverno.

Sprout density for the production of organic mini-cabbage from mother plant regrowth / Densidade de brotos para a produção de mini-repolho orgânico do rebrota da planta mãe

ABSTRACT: The method of producing organic mini-cabbages from regrowth of mother-plant was initiated at the Unidade de Referência em Agroecologia of the Incaper in 2013, possibly acting as an efficient alternative for the obtainment of cabbages with a more adequate average weight for the desires of the modern consumer. The aim of this study was to define sprout density in the mother plant, which allows better productivity and commercial standards for organic mini-cabbages. The experiment was developed during the period from September to November 2015, using the F1 Shinsei hybrid, in a design with randomized blocks, with five replications. Sprout density was determined following thinning, constituting the following treatments: two, three, four, five and six sprouts per plant. Best management of sprouts was the technique with four sprouts per plant, since it allowed greater productivity (52,997kg ha-1) and a greater number of commercial heads, together with a commercial standard of heads with average weight (414g) and median diameter (8.8cm) adequate for the standards demanded by the consumer.

RESUMO: A técnica de produção de mini-repolhos orgânicos por rebrota da planta-mãe foi iniciada na Unidade de Referência em Agroecologia do Incaper, no ano de 2013, podendo ser uma alternativa eficiente para obtenção de repolhos com peso médio mais apropriado ao desejo do consumidor moderno. O objetivo deste trabalho foi definir a densidade de brotos da planta-mãe, que permita melhor produtividade e padrão comercial de mini-repolhos orgânicos. O experimento foi desenvolvido no período de setembro a novembro de 2015, utilizando-se o híbrido F1 Shinsei, no delineamento de blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições. As densidades de brotos foram estabelecidas após desbastes, constituindo os seguintes tratamentos: dois, três, quatro, cinco e seis brotos por planta. O melhor manejo de rebrotas foi a condução com quatro brotos por planta, pois permitiu maior produtividade (52.997kg ha-1) e maior número de cabeças comerciais, aliados a um padrão comercial de cabeças com peso médio (414g) e diâmetro médio (8,8cm) adequados aos padrões exigidos pelo consumidor.

Effect of management (organic vs conventional) on volatile profiles of six plum cultivars (Prunus salicina Lindl.). A chemometric approach for varietal classification and determination of potential markers.

The volatile profiles of six plum cultivars ('Laetitia', 'Primetime', 'Sapphire', 'Showtime', 'Songold' and 'Souvenir') produced under two management systems (conventional and organic) and harvested in two consecutive years were obtained by HS-SPME-GC-MS. Twenty-five metabolites were determined, five of which (pentanal, (E)-2-heptenal, 1-octanol, eucalyptol and 2-pentylfuran) are reported for the first time in Prunus salicina Lindl. Hexanal stood out as a major volatile compound affected by the management system. In addition, partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) achieved an effective classification of genotypes based on their volatile profiles. A high classification accuracy model was obtained with a sensitivity of 97.9% and a specificity of 99.6%. Furthermore, the application of a dual criterion, based on a method of variable selection, VIP (variable importance in projection) and the results of a univariate analysis (ANOVA), allowed the identification of potential volatile markers in 'Primetime', 'Showtime' and 'Souvenir' genotypes (cultivars not characterised to date).

Sensory and metabolic profiles of "Fuji" apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) grown without synthetic agrochemicals: the role of ethylene production.

Flavors of "Fuji" apple cultivated with or without synthetic agrochemicals were compared using quantitative descriptive analyses (QDA) and metabolite profiling for 3 seasons. Experimental plots included conventional crops (with agrochemicals) and organic crops (without agrochemicals) at our institute and organic and conventional farms. Additionally, mass market samples were analyzed. Organic apples were weak in sweetness and floral characteristics and had enhanced green and sour flavors. Most esters and sugars were present in lower concentrations in organic than in conventional apples. Close relation of principal component 1 of QDA and metabolite profiles, to ethylene production suggested that ethylene is considerably involved in flavor synthesis. Reduced ethylene associated with immaturity accounted for insufficient flavor synthesis and weak aroma and flavor attributes of organic apples. Furthermore, organic apples from the farm were more flavorsome than those from the institute in 2012, suggesting possible recovery of ethylene production after a long organic cultivation period.

Fungos micorrízicos arbusculares, biomassa e atividade microbiana de solo sob banana, braquiária e degradado / Abuscular mycorrhizal fungi, microbial soil biomass and activity under banana, brachiaria and degraded soil / Hongos micorrízicos arbusculares, actividad y biomasa microbiana en suelo cultivado con banana, brachiaria y degradado

O uso e manejo adequado do solo podem ser medidos por meio de bio-indicadores de qualidade do solo. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram determinar a densidade de esporos de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs), carbono da biomassa microbiana do solo (C-BMS), respiração basal do solo (RBS) e quociente metabólico (qCO2) de áreas com cultivo orgânico com banana e com braquiária sem pastejo, comparativamente com uma área próxima degradada com palmeiras imperiais em Umuarama, PR. O solo foi coletado na profundidade de 0-10 cm com 4 repetições em cada área e analisadas em duplicata no laboratório. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e teste de Tukey (p ? 0,05), usando o programa SPSS v.16. A densidade de esporos de FMAs foi significantemente menor na área degrada. O C-BMS foi significantemente maior na área com braquiária, comparativamente com o solo cultivado com banana e degradado. Na área com banana o C-BMS foi maior que na área degradada. A análise química do solo revelou na área degradada apresentou baixo teor de fósforo, carbono, cálcio e potássio, o que pode ter contribuído para o baixo C-BMS, devido ao estresse elevado neste solo. Não houve diferença significativa na RBS entre as áreas, mas o qCO2 foi significantemente maior no solo degradado, indicando novamente um nível de estresse elevado neste solo. Manejo e uso adequado do solo como o cultivo orgânico de bananas e/ou braquiária aumentou a densidade de esporos de FMAs e C-BMS, além disso, diminuiu o qCO2 comparado com a área degradada.(AU)

The sustainable use and management of soil can be measured using soil quality bioindicators. The objectives of this study were to determine arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) spore density, carbon in soil microbial biomass (MB-C), soil basal respiration (SBR) and metabolic quotient (qCO2) in different areas under organic cultivation of banana and brachiaria without grazing compared to nearby degraded area growing imperial palms in the city of Umuarama, in the state of Parana. Soil samples were collected at 0-10 cm depth with four repetitions in each area and analyzed in duplicate. All the results were submitted to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey?s test (p ? 0.05), utilizing the statistical program SPSS, version 16.0 for Windows. The results showed that AMF spore density was significantly lower in the degraded area. MB-C was significantly higher in the area cultivated with brachiaria in comparison with banana and degraded areas. However, in the banana area, the MB-C was higher than that in the degraded area. Soil chemical analysis showed that the degraded area had low soil phosphorus, carbon, calcium and potassium content, which could have contributed to the decrease in MB-C, due to a high stress condition in this soil. No significant differences were found for SBR among the analyzed areas. However, qCO2 increased significantly in the degraded area, indicating high stress under this condition. Soil use and management under organic cultivation with banana and/or brachiaria increased AMF spore density and MB-C, as well as decreasing qCO2 when compared to the degraded area.(AU)

El uso y manejo adecuado del suelo pueden ser medidos mediante indicadores biológicos de calidad del suelo. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron determinar la densidad de esporas de hongos micorrízicos arbusculares (HMA), carbono de la biomasa microbiana del suelo (C-BMS), respiración basal del suelo (RBS) y cociente metabólico (qCO2) en áreas con cultivo orgánico de banana, brachiaria sin pastoreo, comparativamente con una zona cercana degradada con palmeras imperiales en Umuarama, PR. Se ha recogido suelo a una profundidad de 0-10 cm con 4 repeticiones en cada área y analizados por duplicado en el laboratorio. Los resultados han sido sometidos a análisis de varianza (ANOVA) y la prueba de Tukey (p ? 0,05), utilizando el programa SPSS v.16. La densidad de esporas de HMA fue significativamente menor en el área degradada. El C-BMS fue significativamente mayor en el área con brachiaria en comparación con el suelo cultivado con banana y degradado. En el área con banana C-BMS fue mayor que en el área degradada. El análisis químico del suelo reveló en el área degradada bajo tenor en fósforo, carbono, calcio y potasio, lo que puede haber contribuido a la baja C-BMS, debido al estrés elevado en el suelo. No hubo diferencia significativa en RBS entre las áreas, pero el qCO2 fue significativamente mayor en el suelo degradado, indicando nuevamente alto nivel de estrés en ese suelo. Manejo y uso adecuado del suelo como el cultivo de bananas y/o brachiaria aumentaron la densidad de esporas de HMAs y C-BMS, además disminuyó el qCO2 en comparación con el área degradada.(AU)

Estabilidade química, físico-química e microbiológica de polpas de acerola pasteurizadas e não-pasteurizadas de cultivo orgânico / Chemical, physicochemical and microbiological stability of pasteurized and non pasteurized acerola pulps from organic cultivation

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a estabilidade química, físico-química e microbiológica de polpas de acerola pasteurizadas e não-pasteurizadas, oriundas de cultivo orgânico e armazenadas sob congelamento (-18±2°C) durante 360 dias. O armazenamento sob congelamento não ocasionou perdas significativas de qualidade das polpas de acerola. No entanto, o tratamento térmico influenciou negativamente nos conteúdos iniciais de alguns componentes, principalmente sólidos solúveis, açúcares solúveis totais e redutores, que apresentaram conteúdos inferiores no início do armazenamento para as polpas pasteurizadas. As polpas pasteurizadas e não-pasteurizadas apresentaram boa qualidade microbiológica do início ao final do armazenamento. Dentre as polpas estudadas, as polpas não-pasteurizadas apresentaram melhores características iniciais de cor. As polpas pasteurizadas garantiram melhores características microbiológicas no que concerne aos aspectos de segurança alimentar.

The present research aimed to evaluate the chemical, physical-chemical and microbiological stability of pasteurized and non-pasteurized acerola pulp coming from organic cultivation stored frozen for 360 days. Storage under freezing did not cause significant loss of acerola pulp's quality. However, the heat treatment had a negative influence on the initial contents of some components, especially soluble solids, total soluble and reducing sugars, which showed lower contents at the beginning of storage for pasteurized pulp. Among the pulps studied, non-pasteurized pulps showed the best characteristics of the initial color. The pasteurized pulps guaranteed best features in regard to the microbiological aspects of food safety.