Chitosan has been proven to control numerous postharvest diseases in various horticultural commodities; in addition, its action mechanisms are well documented. To date, in a multifaceted approach, ...the integration of chitosan with other alternatives, including, among others, physical and chemical options to reduce the incidence of diseases during storage, has been proven in various fruit and vegetables. As of today, control of postharvest pathogenic microorganisms by applying chitosan nanomaterials remains an emerging technology. Despite that, overall results indicate that the integration of chitosan with other control methods extend the storage life of numerous important horticultural commodities largely by reducing microorganism incidence. The objective of this article was to gather, analyze and summarize relevant published information about the inclusion of chitosan with other preservation methods including heat, UV irradiation, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), plant derivatives, inorganic acids, salts, antagonistic microorganisms, fungicides and other coatings. Recent advances in the evaluation of chitosan-based nanomaterials were also reviewed. In spite of its demonstrated positive effects, assays about its application to large-scale tests and its integration into postharvest commercial practices are still lacking.
The mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota Jacq. H. E. Moore & Steam) is a tropical fruit native to Mexico with organoleptic and nutritional characteristics that are of commercial interest. The aim of this ...study was to generate maps of the natural geographic and eco-climatic distribution of mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota Jacq. H. E. Moore & Steam) in Mexico and model potential zones according to climate change estimated for 2050. The natural distribution model showed that this species is found in most tropical and some subtropical areas of Mexico. This species grows in three different eco-climatic regions (two tropical and one subtropical): Aw (Yucatán Peninsula), Am (Gulf of Mexico) and A(C)(m) (northern Gulf of Mexico and Pacific coast). The modeling of suitable climatic adaptation zones showed that 15 of Mexico’s 32 states have the potential to grow mamey sapote; in addition, in the global climate change scenario, beneficial effects are predicted in the adaptation of this species considering the identification of at least eight more states with favorable possibilities.
Influence of rootstock on postharvest watermelon quality Suárez-Hernández, Ángel Manuel; Grimaldo-Juarez, Onécimo; García-López, Alejandro Manelik ...
Revista Chapingo. Serie horticultura,
04/2017, Volume:
XXIII, Issue:
1
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Open access
Abstract The cultivation of grafted watermelon has spread to different parts of the world in order to improve production under adverse conditions; however, this technique may alter the quality of the ...fruit. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of eight rootstocks, six native Lagenaria siceraria varieties (L43, L46, L48, L50, L54 and L56) and two commercial squash varieties (Super shintosa and TZ 148), in addition to the control plant (without grafting), on the postharvest quality of watermelon variety Tri-X 313. The experimental design was completely randomized with a factorial arrangement and three replicates per treatment. The evaluated variables were fruit weight, firmness, total soluble solids and pulp color. The post-harvest quality of the fruits was not modified by grafting; however, it increased fruit weight by 44 %, except for L50. Pulp firmness was favored 29 % with Super shintosa. The °Brix increased 7 % with L54 and L56. Pulp color was slightly affected with Lagenaria by presenting a lower-intensity red color. The quality of the fruits, during the 14 days of storage, changed in firmness, °Brix and pulp color. The L43, L46 and L48 rootstocks were identified as the most promising to reduce weight loss, retain firmness and maintain pulp color. On the other hand, L54 and L56 promoted °Brix content, but slightly diminished pulp color.
Abstract Plums (Spondias spp.) are species native to Mexico with adaptive, nutritional and ethnobotanical advantages. The aim of this study was to assess the current and potential distribution of two ...species of Mexican plum: Spondias purpurea L. and Spondias mombin L. The method applied was ecological niche modeling in Maxent software, which has been used in Mexico with good results. In fieldwork, information on the presence of these species in the country was collected. In addition, environmental variables of biogeographic importance, all with nationwide coverage, were generated. The climate change scenario applied was for the horizon 2075-2099, considering the GFDL_CM3, HADGEM2_ES, and Ensamble REA models, all under RCP 8.5 W∙m-2 scenarios. Distribution models were validated by four concordance indices. The most important environmental factors for modeling Spondias spp. were thermal oscillation, low temperatures and precipitation in some months of the year. In the reference scenario, suitability for plums was found in 3.8 and 6.6 % of the country for S. purpurea and S. mombin, respectively. With climate change scenarios at the national level, S. mombin recorded a 13.3 % decrease in suitability growing areas, while S. purpurea recorded a 5.7 % drop.
Abstract Heliconias are grown for production of cut flowers, potted plants and indoor landscapes; however, they are affected by inadequate fertilization and poor water supply. The aim of this ...research was to analyze the effect produced by foliar and soil fertilization with biol, soil chemical fertilization and application of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) on the growth of heliconia. A randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement (A x B x C) and four replicates was used: A) application of biol to the soil (20 mL∙plant-1), chemical fertilization (5 g∙plant-1 of 17-17-17 N, P and K), without application (control) and chemical fertilization + biol (5 g∙plant-1 of 17-17-17 + 20 mL∙plant-1, respectively); B) with and without the application of foliar biol (17 mL∙plant-1) and C) with and without application of SAP (2 g∙plant-1). During 180 days of evaluation, variables measured were: plant height, vigor, color, number of leaves, health, leaf area and number of shoots. The best treatments were chemical fertilization and the biol + chemical fertilizer combination. The interaction of these treatments showed the best values in plant height, health, number of leaves, leaf area, vigor and color. The chemical fertilization and biol + chemical fertilizer with SAP application treatments showed statistical differences in number of leaves, leaf area and vigor. Biol use showed significant differences, so it is suggested as a complement in heliconia fertilization. In addition, the use of substrates with a high level of organic matter is recommended as an alternative for water retention.
Abstract Brazil imports a large amount of onion and the producing states are restricted to the Central-South regions; therefore, it is essential to identify new areas with production potential. In ...the state of Tocantins, located in northern Brazil, there is no record of commercial onion cultivation for bulb production; consequently, it is important to determine the best date for the establishment of this crop. The aim of this research was to determine the adaptation and yield potential of onion planted on three dates in the town of Gurupi, Tocantins. Three experiments were established using the hybrids NUN 1205, Dulciana, and Cimarron, all of early-maturity, and three transplant dates: May 26, June 26 and July 26, 2015. A randomized complete block experimental design with four replicates was used. The bulb was evaluated in terms of commercial yield, average weight, shape and diameter, as well as plant height, pseudostem diameter and number of leaves. In postharvest, concentration levels of pyruvic acid, pH, size and bulb classification were determined. In July and June, commercial bulb yield was 27.90 and 58.05 t∙ha-1, respectively. The average bulb weight varied from 93 to 193 g∙bulb-1, where the round shape predominated. The most suitable month for transplanting onion in the region is June, which was when the highest yield was recorded. The classification of the bulbs obtained on the three dates and from the evaluated hybrids covers the demands of the market. In addition, the commercial yield was similar to that obtained in other producing regions. In July, the hybrid Cimarron obtained a lower yield than the national average; for this reason, its production is not recommended in that month.
The calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is an ornamental plant that grows in several regions of Mexico, and its use as a cut flower is very popular. 'Deja Vu' is the first calla lily variety ...registered in Mexico with the National Seed Certification and Inspection System, with plant breeder’s title number 1478. The 'Deja Vu' spathe is white, pink and green; its size is equal to or greater than that of the white 'Criollo' calla lily and agronomic management is similar in both varieties. Its growth and production are adapted to tropical highland areas in Veracruz, Mexico at 2,000 m.
Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) seeds may present germination problems due to their thick testa. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of 13 pregerminative methods on ...germination and uniformity in the germination of seeds and uniformity in the emergence of physic nut seedlings. The methods involved combining water, Manilkara bidentata ash and cuy (Cavia porcellus) manure with one of two substrates (either sawdust or sand). A completely randomized split-plot design was used. Three replicates of 50 seeds were made for each treatment. Germination onset, germination percentage and emergence percentage were evaluated. The results indicated that soaking in water at 62 °C was lethal to the embryo, while direct sowing in sand led to the latest germination onset. Soaking in manure and rubbing with ash plus soaking in manure, regardless of the substrate, allowed starting germination in two days and reaching more than 90 % emergence; therefore, it is concluded that these pregerminative treatments were the best.
Abstract Pitaya (Stenocereus pruinosus) is a columnar cactus that can be found in semi-arid regions. Fruit have deciduous thorns and shelf life is less than six days at ambient temperature, which ...limits commercialization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the postharvest behavior of pitaya fruit under refrigeration conditions and also to evaluate the effect of thorn removal on fruit quality attributes. Storage for 21 d at 12 °C was conducted with pitaya fruit of red and orange flesh, handled with or without thorns. Fruit weighed between 168.1 and 197.6 g, with respiration rate between 11.9 and 12.6 mL⋅kg-1⋅h-1, and with soft consistency, expressed through firmness in flesh less than 2 N. Color attributes, total soluble solids (TSS), betalains and total soluble phenols (TSP) contents, and antioxidant activity were different between variants. Hue angle, chroma, and lightness in flesh were 22.0-25.0°, 29.0-31.0, and 22.8-23.8, respectively, in red fruit, and 35.5-37.7°, 38.9-41.5, and 29.7-32.6, in orange fruit. The TSS/acidity ratio was higher in orange (152.8-157.0) than in red (115.5-132.0) fruit. Betalains and TSP had average values of 4.7-423.0 and 2.5-221.6 mg⋅kg-1 in red and orange material, respectively, which caused higher antioxidant activity in the former. Betalains content remained constant over time, but TSP diminished and this caused a reduction in antioxidant activity. Thorn removal only affected weight loss and it was considered an advisable practice. Based on firmness modification and loss of antioxidant activity, shelf life was estimated to be 12-14 d.
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