Scientia Agropecuaria

Methylxanthine and catechin content of fresh and fermented cocoa beans, dried cocoa beans, and cocoa liquor

The theobromine and catechin content can affect the quality of cocoa liquor and is influenced by cacao variety, production area (PA), and fermentation, as well as the method of drying beans (FDB) and cocoa liquor production (CLP). This study examined variations in methylxanthine and catechin levels in fresh and fermented cocoa beans, dried cocoa grains, and in cocoa liquor from Trinitario, Criollo, and Forastero cacao varieties. A total of 123 cocoa bean samples from three Peruvian PAs at different altitudes, Tingo María (TM), San Alejandro (SA), and Curimana (CU), were evaluated. The theobromine (Tb) and caffeine (Cf) contents in fresh cocoa beans were affected by both cocoa type and PA. The caffeine content was higher in Trinitario cacao than in Criollo and Forastero varieties (p ≤ 0.05). The Tb and CF contents decreased in dry cocoa grain and was affected by FDB (p ≤ 0.05) (1.449 ± 0.004 to 1.140 ± 0.010 and 0.410 ± 0.03 to 0.165 ± 0.02 g Tb and C, respectively, per 100 g dry weight). Cocoa beans from Tingo María, which has the highest altitude, had higher Tb and CF contents than those from other PAs. The catechin (C) and epicatechin (EC) contents were affected by the FDB and CLP, and were highest in fresh cocoa beans from the Tingo María area (range: 0.065 ± 0.01 to 0.020 ± 0.00 g C/100 g). The C and EC contents decreased during FDB and CLP (0.001 g C/100 g of cocoa liquor). Taken together, these results show that higher concentrations of Tb, Cf, C, and EC are present in fresh cocoa beans. Moreover, the cocoa variety influenced cocoa liquor quality. Overall, cocoa from the Tingo María PA had the most desirable chemical composition

Early growth of camu-camu plants with nitrogen fertilization through fertirrigation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of nitrogen (N), applied via fertirrigation, on the initial growth components of the camu-camu plants. It was conducted with the use of a randomized block experimental design with 5 treatments: 0; 40; 80; 120 and 160 kg ha-1 of N, eight replicates and seven plants per experimental parcel. The experiment lasted for a period of 270 days. The diameter of stem (mm) and the height of the plant (cm) were evaluated every 30 days and the number of branches and total length of branches (cm) were evaluated every 90 days. At the end of the experiment, chlorophyll a index, dry mass of the leaves (g), dry mass of the branches (g), dry mass of the roots (g), total dry mass (g), and the Dickson Quality Index (DQI) were evaluated. According to the results, camu-camu plants that did not receive nitrogen fertilization had a lower initial growth and the doses of N significantly influenced all parameters evaluated in the camu-camu plants, including parameters from a linear and a quadratic model. The dose of 123 kg ha-1 of N, applied via fertirrigation, produced better quality camu-camu plants. Furthermore, greater doses caused depressive effects on growth of camu-camu plants in the first year of cultivation in firm ground conditions and the indirect measurement of chlorophyll a index in camu-camu plants was suitable for the assessment of nutritional status in relation to N

Agrobiodiversity in the floodplains and its economic function in the Peruvian Amazon

El artículo tiene como objeto estudiar la práctica sostenible y la función económica de la agrobiodiversidad en los ambientes más inestables de la várzea, las "playas" y "barreales". El estudio fue realizado en siete comunidades del "Sector Muyuy" próximo a la ciudad de Iquitos en 2004. Este estudio también compara la agrobiodiversidad de una comunidad en 1999. La metodología usada es el mismo aplicado por el Proyecto "People, Land Management and Environmental Change" de la Universidad de las Naciones Unidas, que prioriza la experimentación, demostración y explicación de los sistemas agrícolas por los propios agricultores. Los resultados muestran que los sistemas agrícolas en playas y barreales varían según el tipo de sedimentación anual. En 2004 se promocionó el crédito agrícola para arroz. La agrobiodiversidad en playas y barreales fue constituida por 9 cultivos en 1999 y 2 cultivos en 2004. La diversidad aumenta con los cultivos inundados por el rio, generando ambientes de protección y alimentación de diferentes peces y la tortuga cupiso. Los sistemas agrícolas empleados contienen estrategias de minimización del riesgo sobre el "pulso del rio", utilizándose generalmente cultivos de corto periodo vegetativo en las áreas de mayor riesgo de inundación. Finalmente, la función económica de la agrobiodiversidad está direccionada al consumo y a la comercialización. La diversidad acuática genera un complemento económico para los agricultores

The aim of the article is to study the sustainable practice and the economic role of the agricultural biodiversity in the more unstable environments of the floodplains, the "sand bars" and "silt bars". The study was carried out in seven communities of the "Setor Muyuy" near the town of Iquitos in 2004. This study also compares the agrobiodiversity of a community in 1999. The methodology used is the same applied by the "People, Land Management and Environmental Change" from United Nations University, which prioritizes experimentation, demonstration and explication of the agricultural systems by farmers themselves. The results show the agricultural systems of sand bars and silt bars vary according to the type of annual sediment. In 2004, agricultural credit is promoted for rice. The agricultural biodiversity in sand bars and silt bars comprised 9 cultures in 1999 and 2 cultures in 2004. The diversity increases among cultures inundated by the river, generating an environment of protection and food for different fish and turtles. The agricultural system have strategies for the minimization of the risk of "river pulse", generally with species cultivated have a short vegetative in the areas of greatest risk of flooding. Finally, the economic role of agricultural biodiversity is aimed for consumption and commercialization. The aquatic diversity generates a complementary economy for the agricultural workers

**Paclobutrazol effect on plant growth and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production in protected environment**

Objetivou-se estudar, para o híbrido AF 7631 o efeito de três concentrações de paclobutrazol (0, 50 e 100 mg ia L-1) e dois métodos de aplicação (embebição de sementes e aplicação em mudas), sobre o desenvolvimento de plantas, produção e qualidade de frutos de tomateiro, em ambiente protegido, no período de primavera/verão. O ensaio foi conduzido, na Fazenda de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão da UNESP Ilha Solteira (SP). Os métodos de aplicação e o incremento das concentrações de PBZ não alteraram significativamente a produtividade, entretanto, o tratamento das mudas, via rega, 15 dias após a semeadura, com concentrações crescentes de PBZ induziu a reduções lineares na altura de plantas avaliadas aos 17, 34, 51 e 65 dias após o transplantio (DAT), na taxa de crescimento absoluto da altura no intervalo entre o 17 e 34 DAT, na altura de inserção de primeiro cacho e fitomassa seca de folhas e hastes. Independentemente do método de aplicação de PBZ, o aumento das concentrações reduziu significativamente o vigor das brotações laterais e aumentou a produção de frutos pequenos. As condições climáticas, principalmente, a temperatura, impossibilitaram a expressão do máximo potencial produtivo da cultura

The objective was to study, for hybrid AF 7631, the effect of three concentrations of paclobutrazol (0, 50 and 100 mg ai L-1) and two application methods (soaking seeds and seedlings application) on the development of plants, production and fruit quality of tomato in greenhouse in the spring / summer period. The trial was conducted the Finance Teaching, Research and Extension UNESP Ilha Solteira (SP). Application methods and the increase in PBZ concentrations did not significantly alter the productivity, however, the treatment of seedlings, via irrigation, 15 days after sowing, with increasing concentrations of PBZ induced linear reductions in plant height evaluated at 17, 34, 51 and 65 days after transplanting (DAT) in absolute growth rate of height in the range between 17 and 34 DAT at the time of first cluster of insertion and dry weight of leaves and stems. Regardless of PBZ application method, the concentrations significantly reduced the effect of side shoots and increased production of small fruit. The climatic conditions, especially temperature, prevented the expression of the maximum yield potential of the crop

**Color stability of Bos indicus bull steaks in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)**

Evaluations of meat quality, including color, influence purchasing decisions and can be affected by type of fresh meat the packaging system. In this study, fresh steaks from Bos indicus bull were packaged in the vacuum (vacuum), 75% O2/25% CO2 (HiOx-MAP) and 40% CO2/0.4% CO/59.6% N2 (CO-MAP). Emphasis is placed on the color and lipid oxidation of bull beef steaks. Results reveal that the steaks stored in CO-MAP and HiOx-MAP exhibited similar or brighter red color than fresh steaks (exposed only to oxygen) or vacuum. The red color of the LD bull beef steaks packaged in CO-MAP was more intense than the color of meat stored in HiOx-MAP after the 14th day of storage. Vacuum packing dramatically impaired the color of the LD bull steaks, which were severely discolored (brown) after all storage times. Bos indicus steaks of all treatments showed extremely low TBARS values in all storage times. The results suggested that HiOx-MAP or CO-MAP may be utilized to stabilize or improve the red color of fresh steaks from bull of so appreciated by the consumer

Isotherms and isosteric heat of sorption of two varieties of Peruvian quinoa

The isosteric heats of sorption of two varieties of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) grain were determined by the static gravimetric method at four temperatures (40, 50, 60 and 70 °C) and in relative humidity environments provided by six saturated salt solutions. Six mathematical equations were used to model the experimental data: GAB, Oswin, Henderson, Peleg, Smith and Halsey. The isosteric heat of sorption was determined using the parameters of the GAB model. All the equations were shown to be appropriate by the coefficients of determination (R2) and the mean absolute error (MA%E). The influence of temperature was observed because the adsorption of water by the grains was lower at higher temperatures. The equilibrium moisture contents for security of storage, for long periods of time at water activity lower than 0.65, were 12 - 13%. The effect of temperature on the parameters of the GAB model was analysed using the exponential Arrhenius equation. The isosteric heats of sorption were determined by applying the Clausius-Clapeyron equation as a function of humidity. The isosteric heat at 5% moisture for grains of the Blanca de Juli variety was 3663 kJ/kg and for the Pasankalla variety it was 3393 kJ/kg. The experimental data for isosteric heat as a function of humidity were satisfactorily modelled using three mathematical equations

**Flavonoids extracted from orange peelings tangelo (Citrus reticulata x Citrus paradisi) and their application as a natural antioxidant in sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) vegetable oil**

La investigación tuvo como objetivo obtener extractos de flavonoides de la cáscara de naranja tangelo (Citrus reticulata x Citrus paradisi) y aplicarlos como, antioxidante natural en el aceite vegetal Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis). La información se obtuvo de las pruebas experimentales, que se realizó en siete etapas: caracterización física y química de la naranja tangelo y del aceite vegetal sacha inchi, obtención de los extractos de flavonoides por soxhlet , detección de los flavonoides de cada extracto por cromatografía de capa fina y cromatografía de papel, identificación y cuantificación de los flavonoides por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC), determinación de la capacidad antioxidante de cada extracto de flavonoide y finalmente se evaluó la actividad antioxidante en el aceite sacha inchi, del extracto que tuvo la mayor capacidad antioxidante, para lo cual se utilizó un diseño multifactorial con dos factores : extractos de flavonoides y concentración con tres niveles: 0,05%; 0,1% y 0,15% y 16 bloques que son los tiempos. Los resultados mostraron que en el extracto acuoso se encontró la mayor cantidad de flavonoides: 100,3724 mg/g, siendo la naringina con 81,1727 mg/g el flavonoide que se encontró en mayor proporción. A la concentración del 0,1% el extracto de flavonoide presentó el menor índice de peróxido a las 384 horas. Se concluye que los flavonoides presentes en la cascara de naranja tangelo pueden ser utilizados como extractos crudos sin necesidad de purificaciones parciales o totales, para conseguir aumentar la vida útil del aceite sacha inchi

The purpose of this research was to obtain extracts of flavonoids from orange tangelo peelings (Citrus reticulata x Citrus paradisi) and apply them as natural antioxidant to the vegetable oil Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis). The information was obtained from experimental tests which were made in seven steps: physical and chemical characterization of the orange tangelo and the sacha inchi oil; extraction of flavonoids by the Soxhlet extractor; detection of flavonoids in each extract through fine layer chromatography and paper chromatography; identification and quantification of flavonoids by high resolution chromatography liquid (HPLC); determination of the antioxidant capacity of each extract of flavonoid, and finally evaluation of the antioxidant activity in oil sacha inchi, of the extract with the higher level of antioxidant capacity using a multifactorial design with two factors: extracts of flavonoids and concentration at three levels: 0.05%; 0.1% and 0.15%, and 16 blocks which are the times. The results showed that the liquid extract had the greatest quantity of flavonoids: 100.3724 mg/g, being naringine with 81.1727 mg/g, the flavonoid found in greatest proportion. At a concentration of 0.1%, the extract of flavonoid showed the lowest index of peroxide at 384 hours. It is concluded that the flavonoids present in the orange tangelo peeling can be used as raw extracts, without needing partial or total purification, to increase the sacha inchi oil life

**Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia): Tropical fruit of excellent functional properties that help to improve the quality of life**

El camu-camu, es la fruta que posee el mayor contenido de vitamina C, el cual es 100 veces mayor al limón. Esta fruta tropical es nativa de la región amazónica y se encuentra principalmente distribuida en Bolivia, Brasil, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú y Venezuela. En su composición, presenta diversos compuestos bioactivoscomo carotenoides, antioxidantes, vitaminas y compuestos fenólicos como antocianinas y taninos, que le confieren las características de un alimento funcional. Asimismo, tiene propiedades benéficas en la salud de quienes lo consumen, ya que es considerado un poderoso antioxidante, antiinflamatorio y antimicrobial; también es un gran aliado contra enfermedades cardiovasculares y para personas que sufren de obesidad.Investigaciones demuestran su efecto positivo para el tratamiento de las etapas iniciales de la diabetes, además de ofrecer otros beneficios. Este trabajo de revisión tuvo como objetivo el estudio de la literatura respecto al Camu-camu como alimento funcional que contribuye a mejorar la calidad de vida debido a su impacto positivo en la salud

Camu camu is the fruit that has the highest content of vitamin C, which is 100 times higher than the lemon. This tropical fruit is native to the Amazon region and it is mainly distributed in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. In its composition, it has different bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, antioxidants, vitamins and phenolic compounds such as anthocyanins and tannins that give it the characteristics of a functional food. It also has beneficial properties on the health of those who consume it, because it is considered a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial; it is also a great ally against cardiovascular diseases and for people suffering from obesity. Research shows a positive effect for the treatment of early stages of diabetes, as well as providing other benefits. This review work aimed to study the literature regarding camu-camu as a functional food that contributes to improve the quality of life due to its positive impact on health