Scientia Agropecuaria

Influence of high Andean grasslands on landslide reduction in Peru

Abstract Agricultural and urban expansion has caused considerable degradation of ecosystems. In the case of Peruvian high Andean grasslands, it was reported that between 2000 and 2009, this ecosystem was reduced by 7%. The limited or no protection they receive is partly due to the fact that the benefits of ecosystem services are not widely known. This research aims to establish and predict the influence of high Andean grasslands on the annual occurrence of landslides. To do so, we identified occurrences of landslides, falls, huaycos, avalanches, and alluviums in high Andean grasslands. We also examined urban areas and agricultural zones of Peru for the period from 2003 to 2016. Subsequently, we extracted data on precipitation, temperature, slopes, soil types, and geographical variables. This data was used to train a machine learning model. The results show that 96% of landslides occurred in human-intervened areas, and only 4% in high Andean grasslands. Precipitation and slope thresholds for landslide occurrence are higher in high Andean grasslands compared to agricultural and urban areas. The best-performing machine learning models were linear regression, Gaussian processes, random forest, and support vector machine. They had coefficients of determination of R² = 0.80, 0.80, 0.66, and 0.64, respectively. Predictions show that if agricultural or urban areas are established in wet or dry puna grasslands, the average number of occurrences multiplies. The multiplier factors are 2.1 and 7.08, the number of deaths by 2.8 and 10.49, the number of houses destroyed by 2.4 and 7.51, and the number of roads destroyed by 2.2 and 7.37, respectively. The study demonstrates that conserving high Andean grasslands significantly reduces landslides compared to urban or agricultural areas.

A strategy to optimize soil phosphorus reserve: A study based on native maize of Mexico and genotype selection

Resumen La sustracción ininterrumpida de fósforo (P) por el cultivo, agota la fertilidad del suelo y conduce al uso de fertilizante para la producción agrícola. El fitato es la principal reserva de P en la semilla, pero su contribución a la nutrición humana es reducida. Se caracterizaron 50 genotipos de maíz nativo de la región lacustre de Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México, con base en las formas de P de la semilla. El promedio de la concentración de P total, fitato y Pi, entre todos los genotipos fue de 3,1, 2,6 y 0,43 mg g-1. La correlación entre el P total y fitato fue positiva (r = 0,98**), lo que sugiere que, un incremento de P total en la semilla conlleva a un aumento en la concentración de fitato. El análisis de conglomerados detectó cinco grupos con 1, 14, 11, 15 y 9 genotipos, respectivamente. Los Grupos I y II incluyeron a los genotipos con la menor concentración de fitato (1,74 mg g-1), mientras que el Grupo V integró a los genotipos con la mayor concentración (4,92 mg g-1). El análisis de componentes principales (CP) junto con la prueba F detectó que el P total y fitato fueron las variables que diferenciaron los grupos. Los dos primeros CP explicaron el 95% de la variación acumulada entre genotipos. Estas observaciones proveen el primer estudio sobre la diversidad de maíces nativos y su potencial para seleccionar genotipos con una menor concentración de P en la semilla y reducir la extracción de P del suelo.

Abstract Continual removal of phosphorus (P) by the crop gradually decreases soil fertility and drives the need for fertilizer inputs for agricultural production. Phytate is considered as the major storage pool for P in the seeds, but its contribution to human nutrition is low. The objective of this study was to characterize quantitative P concentrations (phytate, inorganic P and total P) of 50 native maize genotypes of Zea mays L. of the Patzcuaro lake, Michoacan, Mexico. The average total P and phytate concentration observed across all the genotypes was 3,1, 2,64, and 0,43 mg g-1, respectively. The relationship between phytate and total P was strong (r= 0,98**). This clearly suggests that with an increase in total P there is a corresponding increase in phytate concentration. Cluster analysis of data indicated five distinct groups with 1, 14, 11, 15 and 9 genotypes, respectively. Clusters I and II contained low phytate genotypes (1,74 mg g-1) while cluster V grouped most of the high phytate (4,9 mg g-1) contenting genotypes. Principal component analysis and F test showed the attributes more influencing group separation. Those attributes were total P and phytate. The first two components explained the 95% of the accumulation variation among groups. The race of the genotypes, however, was no clearly related to the group differentiation. These observations provide the first study on the genetic variety for breeding maize with lower P concentration to reduce P extraction from maize field at harvest.

Microwave assisted popping of five Andean cultivars of ñuña beans: Process optimization and effect of grain’s moisture content

Abstract This research aimed to optimize the microwave popping process of 5 cultivars of ñuña beans under different moisture content. This work was divided into two stages: determining the optimal time and microwave power for maximum popping and studying the effect of initial grain moisture content on popping percentage. For this, grains were conditioned to 9%, 11%, 13% and 15% of moisture content. The results suggested that only the cultivars “Vaquita poroto”, “Negra” and “Jabona” cultivars reach the highest popping percentages selecting optimum microwave power and process time. In addition, this work found that for every studied cultivar, moisture content between 9 to 11% w.b (wet basis). is suitable to maximize popping percentage. Moisture contents greater than 13% w.b. drastically reduced the popping percentage but increased expansion percentage. In conclusion, this work recommended “Vaquita poroto” cultivar since it presented the maximum popping percentage even at moisture content up to 13% w.b. As practical applications, popping process using microwave has not been widely study, especially for non-conventional popping beans. These beans are consumed in South America; however, they can be exported as a healthy snack. In addition, this work optimized the process and selected the best cultivar of this bean to be industrialized. In addition, the present work demonstrated the importance of the initial moisture content of the beans to improve quality and yield of burst grains.

Methodological approach for the use of agricultural transformation losses based on lean manufacturing: Case Study on a coffee farm in Colombia

Resumen Las mejoras en sistemas productivos que utilizan el enfoque de manufactura esbelta conocido como “Lean” tienen el objetivo de eliminar o reducir desperdicios o ineficiencias de proceso (muda). Este enfoque es adoptado por diferentes sectores industriales, entre ellos el agrícola de manera reciente. Aunque tradicionalmente se aplican mejoras Lean en procesos ya existentes desde el cultivo hasta la distribución, se dejan de lado oportunidades de intervención de pérdidas de procesamiento (mermas). Este artículo presenta un enfoque metodológico enmarcado en principios Lean, conformado por actividades orientadas al diseño de nuevos procesos que dan uso de las mermas generadas por cosecha y transformación agrícola. Se aplica el enfoque metodológico en una finca cafetera colombiana en la que se desarrollan procesos de transformación de café pergamino. Se diseña un proceso paralelo de compostaje de mermas que transforma granos defectuosos, verdes, sobremaduros, pulpa de café, mucilago y cascarilla. Los resultados demuestran que al aplicar el enfoque metodológico en la finca cafetera se logra un nivel de transformación de mermas del 86%. También se reducen las muda tanto para la línea actual de producción de café pergamino como la de compostaje al 35% y 50% respectivamente. Las principales muda reducidas son reprocesos y tiempos de espera. Finalmente se obtiene una reducción del 30,3% en el tiempo de actividades que no agregan valor haciendo de los procesos tanto actual como propuesto más eficientes y con mejores tiempos de entrega.

Abstract Improvements in production systems that use the lean manufacturing approach known as “Lean” have the objective of eliminating or reducing waste or process inefficiencies (muda). This approach is increasingly adopted by different industrial sectors, including agriculture. Although Lean improvements are traditionally applied to existing processes from cultivation to distribution, opportunities to intervene in processing wastes (losses) are left aside. This article presents a methodological approach framed in five Lean principles, made up of six activities aimed at the design of new processes that make use of the losses generated by harvesting and agricultural transformation. The methodological approach is applied in a Colombian coffee farm where parchment coffee transformation processes are developed. A parallel losses composting process is designed that transforms defective, green, overripe beans, coffee pulp, mucilage and husk. The results show that by applying the methodological approach on the coffee farm, a level of losses transformation of 86% is achieved. Molting is also reduced for both the current parchment coffee production line and the composting line to 35% and 50% respectively. The main reductions are reprocessing and waiting times. Finally, a 30.3% reduction is obtained in the time of activities that do not add value, making both the current and proposed processes more efficient and with better delivery times.

Extraction of essential oils by hydrodistillation of four aromatic species: Conditioning, extraction conditions, yield and chemical composition

Abstract Essential oils are one of the most important products in the agricultural and food industry, as they are obtained from aromatic plants using various extraction techniques, such as steam distillation or hydrodistillation. However, these methods present challenges, such as low efficiency, limited selectivity, extensive use of solvents and long extraction times. Moreover, the quality of the oils obtained can be affected by hydrolysis or oxidation due to the duration and amount of water used in the process. This review updates the information on Clevenger-type hydrodistillation extraction of four high-value commercial plant species: Matricaria chamomilla, Rosmarinus officinalis, Origanum vulgare, and Eucalyptus spp. The aim is to evaluate the results of original articles, considering the origin and characteristics of the plant material, extraction conditions, yield and metabolites. The search covered a 10-year period (2013-2023) in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as species names and terms “essential oils” and “hydrodistillation”, with Boolean connectors such as OR, AND or NOT. The results show that quality and yield are influenced by factors such as geographical regions of origin, plant part used, drying techniques or extraction conditions (plant material/water ratio, extraction temperature, extraction time, etc.). In future research, the conditions associated with the plant material and the extraction process need to be optimized in obtaining high quality essential oils.

Correlations, genetic and phenotypic parameters in quantitative and qualitative traits of Swietenia macrophylla in Ucayali, Peru

Resumen La velocidad de crecimiento en altura de Swietenia macrophylla destaca en términos de resistencia al ataque del barrenador Hypsipyla grandella y la selección de familias de rápido crecimiento puede viabilizar las plantaciones comerciales. Los caracteres altura, diámetro, número de hojas y forma del tronco de árboles de 4 familias de S. macrophylla, de 47,5 meses de edad, plantados en Ucayali, Perú, se utilizaron para investigar la posibilidad de seleccionar genotipos de rápido crecimiento. La heredabilidad promedio (h2m) y la precisión selectiva (Acprog) entre familias fueron moderadas para la altura total (Ht: h2m: 0,407; Acprog: 0,638) y la altura comercial (Hc: h2m: 0.472; Acprog: 0.687), además de que Hc correlacionó positivamente con la susceptibilidad a el ataque del taladro. La forma del fuste mostró diferencias importantes entre las familias y alta h2m (0,984) y Acprog (0,921). Las correlaciones genéticas (r g ) y fenotípicas (r f ) entre rasgos mostraron que una selección de individuos con mayores alturas generalmente resultará en un mayor crecimiento en diámetro, número de hojas y mejor forma del tallo. El estudio destaca la importancia de seleccionar familias con rápido crecimiento en altura y tallos rectos para posibilitar, mejorar la calidad y aumentar la productividad de las plantaciones comerciales con la especie.

Abstract The speed of growth in height of Swietenia macrophylla stands out in terms of resistance to attack by the Hypsipyla grandella borer and the selection of fast-growing families can make commercial plantings viable. The characters height, diameter, number of leaves and stem form of trees from 4 families of S. macrophylla, aged 47.5 months, planted in Ucayali, Peru, were used to investigate the possibility of selecting fast-growing genotypes. The average heritability (h2m) and selective accuracy (Acprog) between families were moderate for total height (Ht: h2m: 0.407; Acprog: 0.638) and commercial height (Hc: h2m: 0.472; Acprog: 0.687), in addition to Hc positively correlating with susceptibility to the drill attack. The stem form showed statistical differences between families and great h2m (0.984) and Acprog (0.921). The genetic (r g ) and phenotypic (r f ) correlations between traits showed that a selection of individuals with greater heights will generally result in greater growth in diameter, number of leaves and better stem form. The study highlights the importance of selecting families with fast growth in height and straight stems to enable, improve the quality and increase the productivity of commercial plantations with the species.

Commercial Tara Protein: Functional properties and use to stabilize sacha inchi oil emulsions obtained by ultrasound

Abstract Commercial tara protein (CTP) and sacha inchi oil are promising Peruvian products for forming food emulsions. The present work aimed (1) to characterize the functional properties of CTP as a new protein source (water and oil absorption, foam, and gelling capacity) and (2) to deepen the CTP to form sacha inchi oil emulsions. The CTP (2%, 4%, 6%) and oil concentration (15%, 20% and 25%) were evaluated for rotor-stator (RS) emulsion production. Final emulsions (RS-US) were produced with RS emulsions added with 2% tara gum and ultrasound homogenization at 75% power amplitude for 3 min. Emulsions were analyzed according to gravitational stability, droplet size, and optical microscopy. The results showed that the CTP presented a centesimal composition of 6.03% moisture, 45.16% proteins, 12.32% lipids, 2.49% fiber, 6.04% ashes, and 27.96% carbohydrates. CTP had a greater oil absorption (2.1442 ±0.26 g/g solids) than water absorption (1.8201 ±0.02 g/g solids), did not present foam formation, and the least gelation concentration was 18%. RS-US emulsions prepared with 25% oil and 2% or 4% protein had greater stability against the creaming index and phase separation during 4h, despite emulsion prepared with 15% oil presenting the lowest mean droplet size. In conclusion, the results show that commercial tara protein effectively prepared emulsions with a combined method (rotor-stator, ultrasound, and tara gum).

Indicator values for food shelf life prediction: A review

Abstract The short time that people have to cook their own food has led industries to satisfy the need for ready-to-eat products. This has motivated a progressive increase in studies that can determine the time at which the product can be safely consumed (shelf life). There are several methods for determining the shelf life of products; but regardless of the method used, the key is to know the minimum and/or maximum values of the indicators that define their deterioration. These values of spoilage indicators can change according to the compositional conditions of the food or the conditions under which it is stored during its shelf life. This review provides values for indicators used in tests for the determination of food shelf life, according to their nature, and environmental conditions, as way to be used by researchers as a reference in their predictions. The results of this research show scientific evidence through published articles about indicator values, their changes, referring to food shelf life kinetics. These values can be used for the prediction of food shelf life, for comparison purposes with their respective studies. It will be of importance for consumers, who will be able to use these values as a reference in the storage of these products. Shelf life indicator values for foods not considered in this work should be evaluated or experimented with in future work.

A computational analysis revealed BES1 transcription factor and β-amylase as crosstalk elements in Upland cotton species (Gossypium sp.)

Abstract Cotton is a resilient and multipurpose crop, meeting major of the world’s textile needs while also yielding byproducts like edible oil and animal feed. Starch plays a crucial role in cotton fabric production. It enhances fabric strength by forming a protective film around cotton fibers, making them more resistant to wear and tear. BES1 (brassinosteroid insensitive 1) is a key regulator in brassinosteroid signaling. It controls thousands of target genes involved in development processes. Interestingly, two β-amylase proteins (BAM7 and BAM8) are part of the BES1 family, despite their primary function as β-amylases. β-Amylase (BAM) and BES1 are two gene families with functional and regulatory roles in controlling shoot growth and development by mediating brassinosteroid effects. They share similar domains and participate in various biological processes, tolerance and responses to stresses like salt and drought. In a computational analysis comparing Arabidopsis and Gossypium species, BAM and BES1 were characterized. BES1 genes were grouped into four clusters based on the comparison of the two species. Two clusters corresponded to BAM7 and BAM8, while the other two clusters were associated with BES1. The conserved nucleotide domain sequence is GCTGGATGG. Short tandem repeats include TG and TTG, which can serve as molecular markers. BES1 is specifically linked to cellulose and fiber production and holds promise as a candidate for plant selection and breeding in Gossypium (cotton).

Bioactive compounds from agroindustrial byproducts and their applications: From traditional methods to green technologies

Abstract The use of agroindustrial byproducts (solids and liquids) with bioactive compounds has developed and grown remarkably. Existing methodologies and some new approaches developed through various research efforts have demonstrated their viability. The bioactive compounds commonly studied in research are phenolic compounds and carotenoids because of their potential as antioxidants and natural additives that can prolong the shelf life of certain foods. Meanwhile, conventional extraction methods are being replaced with green technologies, which offer reduced extraction time and are more environmentally friendly, among other advantages. In addition, protecting and preserving bioactive compounds from environmental conditions by applying microencapsulation and nanoencapsulation methods is crucial. These studies have shown that combining methods yields better results than using them individually. Therefore, it is recommended that unconventional methods and green technologies be integrated into future research. This approach will help determine whether acquiring them is profitable and feasible for the agroindustrial companies responsible for this waste. This review demonstrates the potential use of agricultural byproducts to obtain bioactive compounds (through combined extraction methods for improved efficiency) and incorporate them in different industries, such as food, cosmetics, and aquaculture, thereby creating a favorable socio-environmental impact by reducing soil and water pollution.