Scientia Agropecuaria

Causal agent of anthracnose in the pea crop (Pisum sativum L.) in northern of Perú: Symptomatology, isolation and identification, pathogenicity and control

Resumen La arveja (Pisum sativum L.) es un cultivo económicamente importante y de gran demanda en el mercado nacional e internacional, debido al considerable número de familias que dependen de su cultivo, especialmente en la sierra norte y centro del Perú. Pero, la antracnosis es uno de los factores limitantes para la baja productividad y ocasiona pérdidas económicas. El objetivo del estudio fue describir la sintomatología, identificar cultural y morfométricamente al agente causal y evaluar la eficacia de fungicidas in vitro. El aislamiento se hizo a partir de hojas y vainas con síntomas de antracnosis colectadas en campo. En la prueba de patogenicidad se emplearon vainas sanas de arveja y en ellas se inocularon discos de medio PDA que contenían los hongos aislados. Para evaluar el efecto de los fungicidas se usó la técnica del alimento envenenado y se midió el crecimiento de la colonia. Los resultados según los síntomas y las características culturales y morfométricas descritas, los aislamientos se identificaron como Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, C. truncatum y Ascochyta pisi, el cual se confirmó con los postulados de Koch. El fungicida más efectivo fue trifloxystrobin+tebuconazole, seguido de tebuconazole, procloraz y mancozeb que inhibieron completamente el crecimiento micelial (100%) de los hongos identificados. Estos resultados son útiles para el control de Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, C. truncatum y Ascochyta pisi en el cultivo de arveja.

Abstract Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an economically important crop and of great demand in the national and international market, due to the considerable number of families that depend on its cultivation, especially in the northern and central highlands of Peru. However, the anthracnose is one of the limiting factors for low productive and causes economic losses. The aim of this study was to describe the symptoms, culturally and morphometrically identify the causal agent and to evaluate under in vitro the efficacy of fungicides. Isolation was made from samples of leaves and pods with anthracnose symptoms collected in the crop field. Healthy pea was used in the pathogenicity test, and discs of PDA medium containing isolated fungi were inoculated into them. The poisoned food technique was used, and colony growths were measured to evaluate the effects of fungicides. The results based on the symptoms, morphological and cultural characteristics described, the isolates were identified as Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, C. truncatum y Ascochyta pisi, which was confirmed with Koch's postulates. Trifloxystrobin+tebuconazole was found to be the most effective fungicide followed by tebuconazole, procloraz and mancozeb completely inhibited mycelial growth (100%) of identified fungi. These results are useful for the control of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, C. truncatum y Ascochyta pisi in the pea crop.

Nutritional and functional evaluation of 17 quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) accessions cultivated in the Andean area of Peru

Resumen El objetivo fue evaluar la composición nutricional y el potencial funcional en accesiones de quinua provenientes de la sierra del Cuzco y sembradas en Huancayo. Se evaluaron 17 accesiones provenientes de Huancayo, 7 de bajo contenido de saponinas (< 0,11) y 10 de contenido alto. El resultado promedio de humedad, proteínas, grasa, cenizas, fibra bruta y carbohidratos fue 9,79% ± 0,01, 17,27% ± 0,02 6,76% ± 0,01, 2,10% ± 0,05, 3,07% ± 0,04 y 70,81% ± 0,11 respectivamente. La digestibilidad in vitro de almidones y proteína fue 32,23% ± 0,008 y 83,6% ± 0,002 respectivamente. La fibra dietaria total fue 7,44% ± 1,86. En las accesiones de quinua del Cuzco, los resultados de humedad, proteínas, grasa, ceniza, fibra bruta y carbohidratos fueron 11,29% ± 0,02, 16,46% ± 0,04, 7,67% ± 0,01, 1,97% ± 0,01, 2,52% ± 0,01 y 71,38% ± 0,04 respectivamente. La digestibilidad in vitro de almidón y proteínas fue 72,52% ± 0,001 y 83,53% ± 0,007 respectivamente. La fibra dietaria total fue 7,02% ± 1,57. Entre las accesiones de quinua de Huancayo y sus correspondientes originales del Cuzco, el contenido de proteínas, fibra cruda, carbohidratos y fibra dietaria total, compuestos fenólicos y digestibilidad in vitro de proteínas no se encontraron diferencias significativas (p ˃ 0,05).

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the nutritional composition and functional potential of quinoa accessions from Cuzco and cultivated in Huancayo. Were evaluated 17 accessions of Huancayo, 7 of low saponin content (< 0.11) and 10 of high. The average results of moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fiber and carbohydrates were 9.79% ± 0.01, 17.27% ± 0.02, 6.76% ± 0.01, 2.10% ± 0.05, 3.07% ± 0.04 y 70.81% ± 0.11 respectively. The in vitro digestibility of starches and protein was 32.23% ± 0.008 and 83.6% ± 0.002 respectively. The total dietary fiber was 7.44% ± 1.86. In Cuzco accessions, the average results of moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fiber and carbohydrates were 11.29% ± 0.02, 16.46% ± 0.04, 7.67% ± 0.01, 1,97% ± 0.01, 2.52% ± 0.01 and 71.38% ± 0.04 respectively. The in vitro digestibility of starch and proteins was 72.52% ± 0.001 and 83.53% ± 0.007, respectively. The total dietary fiber was 7.02% ± 1.57. Among the quinoa accessions of Huancayo and their corresponding originals from Cuzco, content of protein, crude fiber, carbohydrates, total dietary fiber, total phenolic compounds, and in vitro digestibility of protein did not show significant differences (p ˃ 0.05).

Allometric models to estimate the volume of Guazuma crinita in forest plantations

Resumen El uso de ecuaciones alométricas en la estimación del volumen comercial de madera permite planificar el manejo silvicultural. En ese sentido, el objetivo en este trabajo fue seleccionar los mejores modelos alométricos para estimar el volumen de madera en árboles de G. crinita, para ello, fueron utilizados árboles entre 13,09 m de altura y 10,58 cm de DAP en media. Para la determinación del mejor modelo fueron considerados el mayor coeficiente de determinación R2 ajustado (˃ R2Aj), menor coeficiente de variabilidad (˂ CV%) y menor índice de Furnival, (IF). De los 17 modelos alométricos existentes para especies forestales, dos fueron adecuados, el modelo: ln (V) = a + b ln (D) (R2 = 0,93, CV = 11,93%, IF = 0,003444) y el modelo que utiliza la variable combinada Log: ln (V) = a + b ln (D2*H) (R2 = 0,91, CV = 11,93%, IF = 0,003444), así mismo, un tercer modelo propuesto en este estudio: ln (V) = a + b ln (D2) + c ln (D*H) - d ln (D2*H) (R2 = 0,98, CV = 11,93%, IF = 0,003444), también presentó el mejor ajuste para estimar el volumen comercial de G. crinita a los 31 meses de edad. Con todo, se recomienda el uso del modelo de Husch, por ser de fácil aplicación, puesto que utiliza apenas el diámetro a la altura del pecho (DAP) como variable independiente.

Abstract The use of allometric equations in the estimation of the commercial volume of wood allows to plan the management Forestry In that sense, the objective in this work was to select the best allometric models to estimate the volume of wood in G. crinita trees, for this, trees between 13.09 m high and 10.58 cm DAP were used on average. For the determination of the best model, the highest adjusted coefficient of determination R2 (˃ R2Aj), lower coefficient of variability (˂ CV%) and lower Furnival index (IF) were considered. Of the 17 existing allometric models for forest species, two were suitable, the model: ln (V) = a + b ln (D) (R2 = 0.93, CV = 11.93%, IF = 0.003444) and the model that uses the combined variable Log: ln (V) = a + b ln (D2*H) (R2 = 0.91, CV = 11.93%, IF = 0.003444), likewise, a third model proposed in this study: ln (V) = a + b ln (D2) + c ln (D * H) - d ln (D2*H) (R2 = 0.98, CV = 11.93%, IF = 0.003444), also presented the best fit to estimate the commercial volume of G. crinita at 31 months of age. However, the use of the Husch model is recommended, as it is easy to apply, since it only uses the diameter at chest height (DBH) as an independent variable.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of polyphenols from avocado residues: Modeling and optimization using response surface methodology and artificial neural networks

Abstract Seed and peel avocado (Persea Americana) are agro-industrial residues whose structure presents an important quantity of source of polyphenolic components which can be obtained by various extraction methods. Response surface methodology (RSM) and the artificial neural network (ANN) were used to model and optimize the conditions of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) (25 W/L) with respect to temperature (40 - 60 °C), concentration of ethanol/water (30% - 60%) and extraction time (40 - 80 min) in obtaining phenolic from avocado residues. RSM and ANN allowed finding an optimal phenolic content for seeds (145.170 - 146.569 mg GAE/g; 49 °C, 41.2% and 65.5 - 65.1 min) and peels (124.050 - 125.187 mg GAE/g; 50.9 °C, 49.5% and 61.8 min). The models estimated between predicted and experimental values were significant (p < 0.05), presenting a high correlation (R2> 0.9907) and a low root mean square error for the prediction of phenolics (RMSE < 0.9437 mg GAE/g). The results of this study allow the design of efficient, economic and ecologically friendly extraction procedures in the industry for obtaining bioactive metabolites from avocado residues.

Nano-fertilizer prevents environmental pollution and improves physiological traits of wheat grown under drought stress conditions

Abstract Nano fertilizers offer benefits in nutrition management through their strong potential to increase nutrient use efficiency. Traditional fertilizers are not only costly for the producer but may be harmful to humans and the environment. Furthermore, nano fertilizers may also be used for enhancing abiotic stress tolerance. This study was performed on the evaluation of nano chelated nitrogen and urea fertilizers on the physiological characteristics of wheat under drought stress conditions. Experiments were carried out in two locations in Fars province, Iran. The experimental design was performed as a split-split plot in RCBD design. The first factor included irrigation treatments (normal and withholding irrigation at the flowering stage), sub factor was nitrogen treatment (0, 37, 74 and 110 k g.ha-1) in the form of Urea fertilizer, and sub-sub factor was nitrogen (0, 14, 27 and 41 kg.ha-1) in the form of nano chelated nitrogen fertilizer. Studied traits were RWC, Ion Leakage, Protein, Phosphorus and Potassium content, Remobilization and photosynthesis rate. According to the analysis of variances, stress, nitrogen (urea) and nano chelated nitrogen had significant effects on all studied traits. Mean comparisons showed that drought stress led to 13% reduction in RWC, 21% Ion Leakage, 26% Protein, 13% Phosphorus and 26% Potassium content, 22% Remobilization and 69% photosynthesis rate compared to normal irrigation. In conclusion Application of 41 kg.ha-1 nano chelated nitrogen fertilizer in comparison with urea led to increase 4% in Rwc, 3% Ion leakage, 52% protein, 26% phosphor, 6% potassium, 6% Remobilization and 21% photosynthesis rate compared to control, respectively.

Impact of COVID-19-induced rural-rural migration on agricultural productivity in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract This study was embarked on to unveil the impact of COVID-19-induced migration on agricultural productivity in Delta State, Nigeria. This survey study involved rural arable crop farmers. Data were collected from households and community survey of 517 families through structured interview schedule (questionnaire administered by face to face interview). It was found that 41% and 30% of the present and second generations respectively, in receiving communities were immigrants. In receiving communities, 68% of the households were of the largest ethnic group compared to 95% fraction in sending communities. Households in sending communities had smaller farm sizes than those in receiving communities. In sending communities, 41% and 65% of the migrant and indigenous populations, respectively, contacted the disease, while there was no recorded case in receiving communities. The mean yield in receiving communities was higher than that in the sending communities. COVID-19 incidents and other factors influenced immigration to receiving communities. The soil and land factors in receiving communities also contributed to decision on migration. Migration increased agricultural productivity in receiving communities, while productivity was reduced in sending communities. However, other factors such as distance to farm, farm size, age of household head and assets also affected yields in sending and receiving communities. The policy implications are that government ought to have considered the fact that, naturally, farm families work while giving distances to themselves in farms. Communities need to participate in decisions on issues like this in the future to collectively, fathom a way out especially in rural communities.

Genetic variability of 29 Peruvian quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) accessions using AFLP markers and multivariate analysis

Resumen Con el objetivo de determinar la variabilidad genética de accesiones de Chenopodium quinoa Willd. “quinua” del Banco de Germoplasma del INIA - Ayacucho, se analizaron 29 accesiones, las cuales fueron caracterizadas utilizando marcadores moleculares AFLP. La calidad del ADN extraído mediante el método de Doyle & Doyle modificado, fue óptima para todas las muestras, obteniéndose concentraciones en un rango de 100 - 400 ng/μl. En la estandarización de la técnica AFLP se determinó que las concentraciones entre 100 y 200 ng/μl de ADN digerido fueron adecuadas para desarrollar de manera eficiente la técnica de AFLP, además se determinó que los productos de preamplificación que permitieron perfiles de amplificación de mayor resolución fueron las concentraciones con una relación de 1:4. Un total de 7 combinaciones de iniciadores generaron 220 bandas de ADN, siendo 201 loci polimórficos. Los datos moleculares agruparon las accesiones en siete grupos a una similitud de 0,81 unidades ultramétricas, de los cuales un grupo está constituido por 23 accesiones y las seis restantes conformadas por una sola accesión. Se encontró que la variancia genética promedio fue de 0,306 ± 0,011, con un índice de información de Shannon de 0,463 ± 0,015, estos resultados mostraron que en las 29 accesiones de quinua presenta un alto grado de variabilidad genética y no existe ninguna accesión duplicada. El estudio determina la relación genética y es fundamental para plantear estrategias de mejoramiento genético y conservación de la quinua.

Abstract Aiming to determine the genetic variability of accessions of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. "Quinoa" from the Germplasm Bank of INIA - Ayacucho, analyze 29 accessions, which were characterized using AFLP molecular markers. The quality of the DNA extracted by the Doyle and modified Doyle method was optimal for all samples, obtaining modifications in a range of 100 - 400 ng / μl. In the standardization of the AFLP technique, it was determined that the proteins between 100 and 200 ng / μl of digested DNA were adequate to efficiently develop the AFLP technique, and it was also determined that the preamplification products that allowed the resolution amplification profiles variables were higher with a 1:4 ratio. A total of 7 primer combinations generated 220 DNA bands, being 201 polymorphic loci. Molecular data grouped the accessions into seven groups at a similarity of 0.81 ultrametric units, of which a group is made up of 23 accessions and the remaining six made up of a single accession. It was found that the mean genetic variance was 0.306 ± 0.011, with a Shannon information index of 0.463 ± 0.015, these results showed that in the 29 quinoa accessions it presents a high degree of genetic variability and there is no duplicate accession. The study determines the genetic relationship and is essential to raise the genetic improvement and conservation of quinoa.

Non-destructive technique based on acoustic tomography for the identification of internal defects in trees

Resumen El presente trabajo muestra la aplicación de una técnica no destructiva como método para la identificación de defectos internos en árboles de marupa (Simarouba amara Aubl.) ubicados en plantaciones forestales en la región Ucayali. Esta técnica contempló el uso de un tomógrafo acústico (ArborSonic 3D) que permitió la obtención de tomogramas que hicieron posible analizar la sección transversal de los árboles evaluados, mostrando el estado interno de sus fustes tomados a diferentes alturas (0 cm, 40 cm, 90 cm, 130 cm y 160 cm). Los resultados obtenidos permitieron identificar que los árboles de marupa no presentan defectos internos significativos a lo largo de sus fustes y sólo se reportaron daños a nivel de la base a 0 cm del suelo. Estos resultados muestran el potencial de empleo de esta técnica no destructiva en plantaciones forestales, aportando de este modo a la necesidad de caracterizar la madera en pie en especial para plantaciones con fines comerciales.

Abstract The present work shows the application of a non-destructive technique as a method for the identification of internal defects in marupa trees (Simarouba amara Aubl.) Located in forest plantations in the Ucayali region. This technique contemplated the use of an acoustic tomograph (ArborSonic 3D) that allowed obtaining tomograms that made it possible to analyze the cross section of the evaluated trees, showing the internal state of their shafts taken at different heights (0 cm, 40 cm, 90 cm, 130 cm and 160 cm). The results obtained made it possible to identify that the marupa trees did not present significant internal defects along their stems and damage was only reported at the base level at 0 cm from the ground. These results show the potential of using this non-destructive technique in forest plantations, thus contributing to the need to characterize standing wood, especially for commercial plantations.

Floristic composition, structure and tree diversity of an amazon forest in Peru

Resumen Los bosques amazónicos del Perú están entre los más diversos y disturbados por actividades antrópicas del planeta, hoy en día sigue habiendo vacíos sobre la composición de las comunidades y sus relaciones interespecíficas. Se realizó un inventario forestal en un bosque de terrazas en la región Madre de Dios, se establecieron 5 bloques con 2 parcelas rectangulares de 20m x 500m cada uno para identificar y medir los individuos con diámetro mayor a 10 cm. Se evaluaron 4429 árboles e identificaron 254 especies, 165 géneros y 53 familias. La distribución de clases diamétricas y altura presenta patrones típicos de bosques intervenidos, en este caso por la extracción de madera décadas atrás. El promedio de los índices de biodiversidad son: Shannon- Wienner 4.039 ± 0.16 y α-Fisher 39.90 ± 9.23, indicando que existe una alta diversidad de especies. Las especies de mayor importancia ecológica fueron: Tetragastris altissima (Aubl.) Swart, Iriartea deltoidea Ruiz & Pav, Euterpe precatoria Mart., las cuales son de rápido crecimiento y están presentes en todo el neo trópico, Tachigali vasquezii Pipoly, abundante solo en los bosques de esta región; estas especies aprovecharon la apertura de dosel por talas e incrementaron su abundancia y dominancia en el área. Por otra parte, Ocotea bofo Kunth, Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl, Eschweilera coriácea (DC.) S.A. Mori, dominan el bosque, pero de baja abundancia, debido a los cambios de la composición florística después del aprovechamiento de madera.

Abstract The Amazonian forests of Peru are among the most diverse and disturbed by anthropic activities on the planet, today there are still gaps on the composition of the communities and their inter-specific relationships. A forest inventory was carried out in a terraced forest in the Madre de Dios region, 5 blocks were established with 2 rectangular plots of 20m x 500m each to identify and measure individuals with diameter greater than 10 cm. 4429 trees were evaluated and 254 species, 165 genera and 53 families were identified. The distribution of diameter classes and height presents typical patterns of intervened forests, in this case by the extraction of wood decades ago. The average of the biodiversity indices are: Shannon-Wienner 4.039 ± 0.16 and α-Fisher 39.90 ± 9.23, indicating that there is a high diversity of species. The species of greatest ecological importance were: Tetragastris altissima (Aubl.) Swart, Iriartea deltoidea Ruiz & Pav, Euterpe precatoria Mart., Which are fast growing and are present throughout the neo-tropics, Tachigali vasquezii Pipoly, abundant only in the forests of this region; These species took advantage of the opening of the canopy by felling and increased their abundance and dominance in the area. On the other hand, Ocotea bofo Kunth, Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl, Eschweilera coriácea (DC.) S.A. Mori, dominate the forest, but of low abundance, due to changes in the floristic composition after wood harvesting.

Influence of altitude and soil characteristics on organic carbon storage capacity of high Andean natural pastures

Resumen El suelo se considera como el reservorio de carbono más grande en la naturaleza después de los océanos, su contenido se ha estudiado mayormente en ecosistemas forestales, dejando de lado otros ecosistemas importantes como los pastos naturales altoandinos, cuya cobertura vegetal está conformada por diversidad de especies, que ocupan grandes extensiones. El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar la influencia de la variabilidad altitudinal en la capacidad de almacenamiento de carbono orgánico del suelo (COS) de las especies Stipa, Festuca y Calamagrostis, así como su relación con las características de los suelos. Se extrajeron 73 muestras de suelo a 0,2 m de profundidad, entre las altitudes de 4000 a 4410 m.s.n.m.; para determinar el COS se empleó la metodología de oxidación húmeda. Los resultados muestran que no existe diferencia significativa en la acumulación de COS de las especies estudiadas, su media general es 364,33 ± 48,80 t ha-1. Los coeficientes de correlación entre la cantidad de COS y altitud, arena, limo, arcilla, temperatura y materia orgánica fueron de 0,84; 0,72; -0,30; -0,56; -0,82 y 0,91, respectivamente. A medida que se acrecienta la altitud el contenido de COS se incrementa; la variación de arena y arcilla en la estructura del suelo, influyen en este proceso, mientras que las bajas temperaturas favorecen la acumulación de carbono de acuerdo con la disponibilidad de materia orgánica.

Abstract The soil is considered the largest carbon reservoir in nature after the oceans, its content has been studied mostly in forest ecosystems, leaving aside other important ecosystems such as high Andean natural pastures, whose plant cover is made up of species diversity, which occupy large areas. The objective of the research was to determine the influence of the altitudinal variability on the Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) storage capacity of the Stipa, Festuca and Calamagrostis species, as well as its relationship with the characteristics of the soils. 73 soil samples were extracted at 0.2 m depth, between altitudes of 4000 to 4410 m.a.s.l.; To determine the COS, the wet oxidation methodology was used. The results show that there is no significant difference in the accumulation of SOC of the species studied, its general mean is 364.33 ± 48.80 t ha-1. The correlation coefficients between the amount of SOC and altitude, sand, silt, clay, temperature and organic matter were 0.84; 0.72; -0.30; -0.56; -0.82 and 0.91, respectively. As the altitude increases the COS content increases; the variation of sand and clay in the structure of the soil, influence this process, while low temperatures favor the accumulation of carbon according to the availability of organic matter.

Capillary electrophoresis as a tool for genotyping S_H3 mediated coffee leaf rust resistance

Abstract Coffee is an important agricultural commodity in the world. However, it is susceptible to Hemileia vastatrix (Hv), an obligatory biotrophic fungus that causes coffee leaf rust (CLR). Natural resistance to rust has been identified in the wild species Coffea canephora and Coffea liberica. These species have been used in breeding programs where interspecific resistant hybrids have been generated. The SH3 gene, derived from C. liberica, has been shown to confer extreme and long-lasting resistance to Hv. A total of 167 accessions of the INIA’s Coffee Germplasm Collection of Peru (INIA-CGC) were screened with 4 markers linked to the SH3 gene. As positive controls, EA67 (C. liberica) and the hybrid S.288 (C. arabica x C. liberica) were used. Separation of PCR products was done by capillary electrophoresis, which allow to discriminate the alleles of each marker. For three markers, specific alleles for either C. arabica or C. liberica species were found. In all cases, S.288 exhibited specific alleles for both species; whereas the INIA-CGC accessions had exclusively C. arabica alleles and EA67 had C. liberica alleles. The BA-48-21O-f marker did not produce PCR fragments for any of the positive controls, suggesting that this marker is not as predictive as the other three to determine the presence of SH3. This work reports the existence of multiple alleles for the Sat244 marker; however, the collection does not have the SH3 mediated-resistance gene. Finally, the utility of capillary electrophoresis as a tool to identify alleles linked to SH3 was demonstrated.

Climate change in the Andes and its impact on agriculture: a systematic review

Resumen En los últimos años, la agricultura de los Andes ha mostrado mayor sensibilidad al cambio climático, favoreciendo procesos de erosión del suelo, retroceso de glaciares, pérdida de cobertura vegetal, incremento en la intensidad de lluvias y alteración en la dinámica de los cultivos de la región como: papa, quinua, maíz, entre otros. Lo que motivó que, muchos autores desarrollen simulaciones de modelos regionales para estimar el índice de vulnerabilidad de estos sistemas agrícolas ante estos eventos climáticos, permitiéndoles otorgar una data climatológica más confiable en presencia de vientos cálidos y secos. En el presente artículo de revisión, se detallan los principales aportes brindados por diversos investigadores respecto al impacto del cambio climático en la agricultura andina. Según los antecedentes recopilados se concluye que, el cambio climático en los Andes provocará que países como Brasil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana y Colombia, incrementen su temperatura local, potencial de evapotranspiración y escasez de agua, ocasionando la pérdida de cultivos importantes como el arroz. En contraste, países como Perú, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia y Uruguay registrarán temperaturas más bajas que afectarán su producción y rendimiento en cultivos como la quinua, papa, tarwi, entre otros.

Abstract In recent years, agriculture in the Andes has shown greater sensitivity to climate change, favoring processes of soil erosion, retreat of glaciers, loss of vegetation cover, increased intensity of rainfall and alteration in the dynamics of crops in the region such as: potato, quinoa, corn, among others. This motivated many authors to develop regional model simulations to estimate the vulnerability index of these agricultural systems to these climatic events, allowing them to provide a more reliable climatological data in the presence of hot and dry winds. In this review article, the main contributions provided by various researchers regarding the impact of climate change on Andean agriculture are detailed. According to the collected information, it is concluded that climate change in the Andes will cause countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana and Colombia, to increase their local temperature, potential for evapotranspiration and water scarcity, causing the loss of important crops such as rice. In contrast, countries such as Peru, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Uruguay will register lower temperatures that will affect their production and yield in crops such as quinoa, potatoes, tarwi, among others.

Vaccinium spp.: Karyotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, nutritional composition, edaphoclimatic conditions, biotic factors and beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere

Resumen El género Vaccinium spp. crece de forma silvestre en los páramos de los Andes. Sus frutos son reconocidos por presentar propiedades antioxidantes y nutricionales El objetivo de la investigación bibliográfica fue comprender la ecología del cultivo, la composición química del fruto y el efecto que poseen los microorganismos endófitos y aquellos asociados a la rizosfera en el crecimiento y desarrollo de Vaccinium sp. Las especies silvestres de Vaccinium han presentado baja variabilidad genética, a diferencia de la alta variabilidad de las especies cultivadas. Por ende, para cultivar las especies silvestres en diferentes épocas del año y lograr su producción de forma permanente y en varias localidades es necesario la domesticación de la misma. Esta domesticación, se puede realizar mediante estudios genéticos, fisiológicos, requerimientos edafoclimáticos y análisis de las interacciones de microorganismos con la planta, entre otros componentes. Una de las principales limitantes del género Vaccinium son las enfermedades provocadas por hongos, como Botrytis sp. y Hemileia vastatrix. No obstante, otros microorganismos endófitos y de la rizosfera de Vaccinium interaccionan de forma positiva con la planta favoreciendo la absorción de nutrientes, ofreciendo protección contra enfermedades e incluso mejorando la estructura del suelo. La diversidad del microbioma asociado a la rizosfera de la planta, así como la diversidad genética de Vaccinium floribundum son aspectos importantes que deben ser estudiados para establecer un programa de mejoramiento genético de esta especie y seguir con su domesticación.

Abstract Genus Vaccinium groups plants like shrubs that grows in the highlands of the Andes Mountains. Its fruits are characterized by their antioxidant and nutritional properties. The objective of this paper review was to understand the effect of endophytic and associated microorganisms with the rhizosphere of Vaccinium spp. Wild Vacciunium species present low genetic variability, in comparison with cultivated species that present high variability. Therefore, wild species must be domesticated in order to achieve permanent production in various locations along the year. Domestication of this plant could be achieved by stablishing physiological plant system, determining its edaphoclimatic requirements and analysis of interactions with the plant. One of the main problems of the Vaccinium genus is fungal diseases, such as Botrytis sp. and Hemileia vastatrix. However, other endophytic and rhizosphere microorganisms interact positively with Vaccinium plants: providing mineral nutrients, offering protection against diseases, and even improving soil structure. The diversity of microbiome associated with the plant rhizosphere and the genetic diversity of Vaccinium floribundum are relevant aspects that should be studied to stablish genetic improvement programs and achieve the commercial cropping of the species.

The murta (Ugni molinae) and its beneficial health properties: A review

Resumen Actualmente existe una gran demanda de productos alimenticios que contengan propiedades funcionales y/o compuestos bioactivos. Uno de los frutos que ha sido ampliamente estudiado es la murta (Ugni molinae), el cual parece contener diversas propiedades benéficas para la salud. En la presente revisión se recopila información científica de las propiedades funcionales y benéficas de la murta para la salud humana; como, por ejemplo, los principales componentes asociados a la actividad antiinflamatoria, actividad antimicrobiana, actividad antioxidante, composición nutricional, otros usos de la murta, aspectos económicos, retos actuales y futuros de la murta; todo basado en trabajos científicos actualizados.

Abstract Currently there is a great demand for food products containing functional properties and/or bioactive compounds. One of the fruits that has been widely studied is the murta (Ugni molinae), which appears to contain various beneficial health properties. This review compiles scientific information on the functional and beneficial properties of murta for human health, such as the main components associated with anti-inflammatory activity, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, nutritional composition, other uses of murta, economic aspects, and current and future challenges of murta, all based on updated scientific work.

Impact of COVID-19 in Food Industries and potential innovations in Food Packaging to combat the pandemic - A review

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic created worldwide havoc by infecting more than 100 million populations all over the world. Many industrial sectors were shut by the complete lockdown phase but to the contrary, food sector remained as one of the prime areas to be operational even in this pandemic period. The panic and fear of the disease generated various myths and rumors about the effects of the corona virus on raw as well as processed food materials; the associated industries like food processing and packaging severely suffered and faced huge threats due to this pandemic, affecting food safety. This article reviews the possible modes of transmission via food and attempts to highlight the innovations in food packaging that may be implemented for the safety and the quality of the food products during this COVID-19 period and future viral pandemics. This work details the precautions and safety measures employed in the food industries during this pandemic situation to create awareness and preparedness for such situations of pandemics in the future.