Efecto de Xoconostle (Opuntia matudae Scheinvar) sobre la concentración de metano y las variables ruminales durante una fermentación in vitro de rastrojo de maíz

The effect of the addition of xoconostle on in vitro ruminal fermentation of corn stover was determined in order to reduce methane emission. Previous studies have shown that xoconostle contains bioactive compounds with potential antimicrobial activity that enhance ruminal fermentation. Zero point zero percent, 2.0 %, 4.0 % and 6.0 % of xoconostle were added. The following were determined: chemical composition of the substrates, phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, in vitro disappearance of dry matter (IVDDM), the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and the kinetic variables of gas production. The volume of methane was measured using the technique of capturing carbon dioxide in sodium hydroxide solution. The content of protein, ether extract, total phenols and antioxidant activity significantly increased (P<0.05) with the addition of xoconostle. The IVDDM also increased with the addition of xoconostle. Regarding the production of propionic acid, it increased significantly (P<0.05) with 6.0 % of xoconostle. The kinetic parameters obtained by the best fit of the experimental data showed a higher digestion rate and lower methane production with the addition of 4.0 and 6.0 % of xoconostle. The use of xoconostle as an additive in ruminant diets decreases methane production in vitro so it can be an alternative to mitigate the increase in the greenhouse effect and benefit the cultivation of a commercially not very appreciated fruit.Se determinó el efecto de la adición de xoconostle en la fermentación ruminal in vitro de rastrojo de maíz con objeto de reducir la emisión de metano. Estudios previos han demostrado que el xoconostle contiene compuestos bioactivos con actividad antimicrobiana potencial que mejoran la fermentación ruminal. Se adicionaron el 0.0%, 2.0%, 4.0% y 6.0% de xoconostle. Se determinó la composición química de los sustratos, compuestos fenólicos, capacidad antioxidante, desaparición in vitro de la materia seca (DIVMS), la producción de ácidos grasos volátiles (AGV) y las variables de cinética de producción de gas. El volumen de metano se midió utilizando la técnica de captura de bióxido de carbono en solución de hidróxido de sodio. Con la adición del xoconostle se incrementó significativamente (P<0.05) el contenido de proteína, extracto etéreo, fenoles totales y actividad antioxidante. La DIVMS también se incrementó con la adición del xoconostle. Respecto a la producción de ácido propiónico, ésta se incrementó significativamente (P<0.05) con el 6.0 % de xoconostle. Los parámetros cinéticos obtenidos mediante el mejor ajuste de los datos experimentales mostraron una mayor tasa de digestión y menor producción de metano con la adición del 4.0 y 6.0 % de xoconostle. El uso de xoconostle como aditivo en dietas para rumiantes disminuye la producción de metano in vitro por lo que puede ser una alternativa para mitigar el incremento del efecto invernadero y beneficiar el cultivo de un fruto comercialmente no muy apreciado.

Impact of Argemone mexicana L. on tomato plants infected with Phytophthora infestans

Background Fungal diseases can cause significant losses in the tomato crop. Phytophthora infestans causes the late blight disease, which considerably affects tomato production worldwide. Weed-based plant extracts are a promising ecological alternative for disease control. Methods In this study, we analyzed the plant extract of Argemone mexicana L. using chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS). We evaluated its impact on the severity of P. infestans, as well as its effect on the components of the antioxidant defense system in tomato plants. Results The extract from A. mexicana contains twelve compounds most have antifungal and biostimulant properties. The findings of the study indicate that applying the A. mexicana extract can reduce the severity of P. infestans, increase tomato fruit yield, enhance the levels of photosynthetic pigments, ascorbic acid, phenols, and flavonoids, as well as decrease the biosynthesis of H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide anion in the leaves of plants infected with this pathogen. These results suggest that using the extract from A. mexicana could be a viable solution to control the disease caused by P. infestans in tomato crop

Nutritional and Nutraceutical Properties of Mexican Traditional Mole Sauce

Mole sauce is one of the traditional Mexican foods; it is a complex mixture of ingredients of diverse origins that directly influence its nutritional value. The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant properties and nutritional components in five varieties of mole from Hidalgo in Mexico namely verde (V), ranchero (R), almendrado (A), casero (C), and pipian (P). Proximal chemical analysis and determination of the color index and the content of total starch, dietary fiber, mineral content (Ca, Na, K, and Mg), total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity by ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and DPPH (2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl) were carried out. All the five varieties of mole reported less than 25% moisture content while fat content varied from 42.9% to 58.25%. The color index ranged from a deep orange to a deep red color. A fair percentage of dietary fiber was found in all mole varieties with a low amount of starch as well. The presence of mostly insoluble dietary fiber, high phenolic content (36.13–79.49 mg GAE/100 g), and high antioxidant activity could be considered important strengths to boost the consumption of these traditional preparations. This research will contribute to a better scientific knowledge of traditional Mexican sauces as functional foods or nutraceuticals that could be used to avoid health disorders