Fertilización foliar en la calidad de tallos de lisianthus ‘flamenco purple’ (Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinners.)

Objetivo: Evaluar dos fuentes de fertilización foliar para mejorar la calidad y vida postcosecha de tallos de lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) ‘Flamenco Purple’ Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Plantas de lisianthus fueron asperjadas con diferentes fuentes de fertilización (T1:Bayfolan Forte®;  T2: Humifert® (Cosmosel) (10 mL L-1); T3: (Ca(NO3)2+ KNO3) y T4:  Humifert® (Cosmosel) (20 mL L-1) cada semana, a partir de la aparición de los primeros botones florales, realizando cuatro aplicaciones. Las variables evaluadas en precosecha fueron: altura de planta, diámetro del tallo, número de hojas y número de botones florales; y en postcosecha: vida de florero, peso fresco de los tallos, y análisis nutrimental (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu y Zn) de flores, hojas y tallo. Se utilizó un diseño experimental completamente al azar y comparación de medias (Tukey, ?= 0.05) con 8 repeticiones. Resultados: El tratamiento con Humifert® (20 mL L-1) incrementó significativamente la longitud del tallo (16 %) con relación al testigo, este tratamiento implicó la presencia de ácidos húmicos que mejoran la absorción de nutrimentos en la hoja. Por otro lado, el tratamiento de Ca(NO3)2+ KNO3 aumentó 2.8 días más la vida de florero con relación a los tallos testigo. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Establecer una relación costo beneficio para determinar el número mínimo de aplicaciones de fertilizantes foliares que garanticen mayor calidad de tallos.   Hallazgos/conclusiones: La aplicación de Humifert® (20 mL L-1) y Ca(NO3)2+ KNO3 mejoraron la calidad de los tallos de lisianthus ‘Flamenco Purple’, por lo cual son una buena opción para los floricultores

Efecto del beneficiado tradicional de Vanilla planifolia en los fitoquímicos de frutos de Vanilla pompona Schiede

Objective: To evaluate the effect of two Mexican traditional curing process of Vanilla planifolia in the concentration of total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoids (TFLAV), total saponins (TSAP) and total triterpenes (TTRIT) in fruits of V. pompona from tree localities. . Design/methodology/approach: Fruit maturity of 31 weeks were subjected to two curing processes (C1 and C2). The phytochemicals in green fruits (GF) and cured fruits (CF) were quantified by spectrophotometric methods. The data were analyzed under a completely randomized design, with an analysis of variance and under a mean comparison by Tukey (?=0.05). Results: The concentration of phytochemicals in the fruits of V. pompona was reduced by the curing process. The effect was more noticeable in the TPC and the TSAP, since in the CF of the three localities and of both curing process, the content decreased significantly. The concentration of TFLAV (1.255 and 1.238 g?100 g-1) and TTRI (9.583 and 8.536 g?100 g-1) showed no variation by the C2 process, since they had a similar concentration in the GF and CF respectively. The CF of C2 conserved a higher concentration of the four phytochemicals evaluated. Limitations on study/implications: The two traditional curing process used for fruits of V. pompona, negatively affected the concentration of phytochemicals. Findings/conclusions: The concentration of TPC and TSAP in the cured fruits of Cazuelas (B1), Morelos (B1) and Puntilla Aldama (B2) was markedly reduced in comparison with that of the GF. The C2 process with sun-killed had a minor effect in decreasing phytochemicals in the CF.Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de dos procesos de beneficiado tradicional mexicano de Vanilla planifolia Schiede en la concentración de compuestos fenólicos totales (CFT), flavonoides totales (FLAVT), saponinas totales (SAPT) y triterpenos totales (TRIT) en frutos de Vanilla pompona de tres localidades de la zona tropical en México. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Frutos de 31 semanas de madurez se sometieron a dos procesos de beneficiado (B1 y B2). Los fitoquímicos en los frutos verdes (FV) y frutos beneficiados (FB) se cuantificaron por métodos espectrofotométricos. Los datos se analizaron bajo un diseño completamente al azar, con un análisis de varianza y bajo una comparación de medias por Tukey (?=0.05). Resultados: La concentración de fitoquímicos en los frutos de V. pompona se redujo por el proceso de beneficiado. El efecto fue más notable en los CFT y las SAPT, ya que en los FB de las tres localidades y de ambos beneficiados, el contenido disminuyó significativamente. La concentración de FLAVT (1.255 y 1.238 g?100 g-1) y de TRIT (9.583 y 8.536 g?100 g-1) no mostró variación por el proceso del B2, pues tuvieron una concentración similar en los FV y FB respectivamente. Los FB del B2 conservaron una concentración mayor de los cuatro fitoquímicos evaluados. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Los dos beneficiados tradicionales utilizados en frutos de V. pompona, afectaron negativamente la concentración de fitoquímicos. Hallazgos/conclusiones: La concentración de CFT y SAPT en los frutos curados de Cazuelas (B1), Morelos (B1) y Puntilla Aldama (B2) se redujo marcadamente en comparación con la de los FV. El proceso del B2 con matado al sol tuvo un efecto menor en disminuir los fitoquímicos en los FB

Effect of Coconut Water on Physical Characteristics and Yield of Vanilla planifolia Fruit

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la aspersión de agua de coco sobre características físicas y rendimiento del fruto de vainilla y su relación con las variables ambientales y componentes de rendimiento en Gutiérrez Zamora, Veracruz, México. Metodología: El estudio se realizó en un vainillal de entre 3-4 años de edad, bajo malla-sombra con tutores de bambú. Las variables registradas fueron: dimensiones y peso de los frutos, componentes de rendimiento y variables ambientales (temperatura, humedad relativa y radiación fotosintéticamente activa; RFA). Desde floración, las plantas se asperjaron, cada dos semanas durante tres meses con cuatro tratamientos (T1: 100% agua; T2: 50% agua de coco T3: 100 % agua de coco y T4: solución de Megafol) en dos sitios dentro del mismo vainillal. Se realizaron análisis estadísticos ANAVA, prueba de medias y análisis de correlaciones canónicas. Resultados: Los promedios más altos de dimensiones y peso de frutos se obtuvieron en el Sitio 1. Los frutos de T1 y T2 mostraron un peso fresco mayor que los de T1 y T4. El análisis de correlaciones canónicas evidenció que la RFA  y la humedad relativa se relacionaron de manera diferente con variables de componentes de rendimiento en función del Sitio del vainillal. Implicaciones: Utilizar el agua de coco como una alternativa orgánica para fertilización puede reducir la aplicación de sustancias químicas y disminuir los costos de producción, entre otras ventajas. Conclusión: El agua de coco aplicada al inicio de la etapa de floración en vainilla, tiene un efecto significativo en las dimensiones y peso de los frutos y puede ser una alternativa orgánica para la nutrición e incremento del rendimiento en vainilla.Objective: To evaluate the effect of coconut water spray on the physical characteristics and yield of vanilla fruit and to identify the relationship between environmental variables and yield components in Gutiérrez Zamora, Veracruz, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted in a 3- to 4-year-old vanilla plantation under shade mesh with bamboo stakes as support. The variables measured were fruit and plant dimensions, weight, yield components, and environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity, and photosynthetically active radiation, PAR). Beginning at flowering, the plants were sprayed every two weeks for three months with one of four treatments (T1: 100% water; T2: 50% coconut water; T3: 100% coconut water; and T4: Megafol solution) at two sites within the same vanilla plantation. Statistical analysis consisted of ANOVA, comparison of means, and canonical correlation analysis. Results: The highest averages of fruit dimensions and weight were obtained from Site 1. T2 and T3 fruits were heavier than T1 and T4 fruits. The canonical correlation analysis showed that PAR and relative humidity were related in different ways to yield component variables in function of the vanilla plantation site. Study Limitations/Implications: Using coconut water as an organic alternative for fertilization can decrease application of chemical substances and reduce production costs, among other advantages.  Findings/Conclusion: Coconut water applied at the beginning of the vanilla flowering stage has a significant effect on fruit dimensions and on the accumulation of fruit dry matter and may be an organic option for supplying nutrients and increasing vanilla yield

Postharvest management of Heliconia psittacorum x H. spathocircinata cv. Tropics

Objetive:  Evaluate different techniques to prolong the postharvest life of  Heliconia psittacorum x H. spathocircinata cv. Tropics. Design/methodology/approach: Two experiments were carried out; in the first it was evaluated the effect of five pulse solutions [(T1 = control (water); T2 = Hydraflor® 100 (0.5 g L-1); T3 = Hydraflor® 100 (0.5 g L-1) + sucrose (5% w/v); T4 = salicylic acid (1mM) and T5 = salicylic acid (1mM) + sucrose (5% w / v)] prior to storage at 11 ° C and 85 % RH for 10 d. In the second experiment, a wax coating was applied to the heliconia bracts and then maintain at 13 °C and 84% RH for 10 d; after storage the stems were placed in water or salicylic acid solution (1 mM). The results were analyzed by a completely randomized design, 10 replicates were used per treatment, one stem was one experimental unit. An ANOVA and a means comparison test (Tukey, ?=0.05) were performed with the SAS version 9.4. Results: The anatomy of heliconia stems determines their vase life, since they have wide xylem vessels susceptible to cavitation, for which the absorption of water is limited, also and non-functional stomata in the bracts, which increase the loss of moisture from the tissue. The use of pulse solutions or preservatives has little effect in prolonging the life of heliconia stems. Therefore, the application of wax creates a physical barrier that maintains the turgor of the stems, reduces oxidation, maintaining the bracts quality and increased the total postharvest life for 6 d more than the control stems. Study limitations/implications: No limitations were found in this study Findings/conclusions: The postharvest life of heliconia is conditioned by the loss of turgor and low water absorption, which leads to an early wilting of the inflorescences. The application of pulse solutions or preservatives have little effect in prolonging the life of the vase, so the most suitable technique to preserve the quality of the stems is waxing

Morphological and biochemical characteristics in fruits of Mangifera indica L. var. Ataulfo with and without conventional management

Objective: To identify the morphometric and biochemical variation in mango fruits var. Ataulfo (Mangifera indica L.) in two contrasting environments with and without conventional management. Design/methodology/approximation: Morphological and biochemical variables were studied in mango fruits var. Ataulfo in two environments, one of them (La Norteña) with Leptosol soil and Aw climate with conventional agrochemical-based management and the other (Santa Cecilia) on Acrisol soil and Am climate with agroecological management. There were 30 fruits used, all from five trees (n=150) per study garden in a state of commercial maturity. Each fruit was considered as an experimental unit, and morphological and biochemical variables were evaluated for each fruit. Results: Increase in fruit weight, higher pH and increase in total soluble solids, but decrease in pulp weight on site with conventional handling. Increase in pulp content and firmness in fruits from the site without handling. Study Limitations/implications: Changes in the amount and distribution of rainfall in both environments each year. Findings / conclusions: Morphological and biochemical modifications are presented. Greater size and weight, pH and TSS content in the conventional production system, but increased pulp and greater firmness, as well as higher citric acid content in the agroecological system. The results suggest differential effects in mango fruits according to the management and environment where they develop

Increased Temperature Affects Tomato Fruit Physicochemical Traits at Harvest Depending on Fruit Developmental Stage and Genotype

In this study, we investigated how increasing temperature affects tomato fruit physicochemical traits and looked for genetic variability to help maintain fruit quality in the context of climate change. High temperature (HT: +3 °C) was applied at four fruit developmental stages, from anthesis and 15, 30 or 45 days after anthesis until ripening to three genotypes, a commercial cultivar (Money Maker, “MM”) and two genotypes likely more tolerant to HT (Campeche 40 “C40”, a landrace from a warm, humid region, and a hybrid Chapingo F1, “F1”, resulting from crossbreeding landraces tolerant to high temperature). Increasing average diurnal temperature (from 27.0 to 29.9) reduced fruit firmness and size and affected fruit composition according to genotype. Sugar and acid contents were highly impacted in MM and C40 fruits, especially when HT was applied during the rapid fruit growth period. The application of HT at different fruit developmental stages revealed that HT could enhance acid accumulation and degradation (rate and/or duration), resulting in different effects on fruit acidity between genotypes. The F1 genotype appeared to be more adapted to HT, producing larger fruits with higher sugar, lower acid and increased vitamin C and calcium content. These results provide interesting directions for breeding programs that want to maintain future tomato fruit yields and quality

Calidad de frutos vainilla (Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews) procedente de la Huasteca Potosina, México

Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Jacks ex Andrews), is an orchid, whose fruit has outstanding organoleptic characteristics, being the second most expensive spice after saffron and used as flavoring. Due to changes in the climate pattern in the Totonacapan producing region, in Veracruz, Mexico, the productivity of vanilla has decreased, but in other regions such as the Huasteca Potosina, commercial production represents an option for local producers. Therefore, in this study the quality of the vanilla from 14 sites of eleven localities, belonging to eight municipalities of the Huasteca Potosina, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, was evaluated. Method Vanilla fruits were harvested from each locality, in physiological maturity at 32 weeks of age (224 days after pollination), and they were subjected to the same process of curing and variables such as size, humidity percentage water activity, total soluble sugars and aroma compounds in the cured fruit were evaluated. Results It was found that the predominant sugar in vanilla fruits was glucose, with 1.55-4.28%. The fruits from 60 % of the collect sites achieve the minimum standard length. Vanillic acid was the component of the aroma with the greatest variation. The vanillin content of the fruits from all the municipalities had more than 1.2 %, and only the fruit samples from two sites (Tixcuayuca3 and Tamala) achieve the minimum of 2.0 % required by NOM-182-SCFI-2011. Discussion and conclusion There is a significant variation in the content of aromatic compounds, with a low ratio between the aroma compounds (p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic acid and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde) and vanillin from 6.97-11.87 of the vanilla cured fruits from 14 sites of the Huasteca Potosina, Mexico. These differences are considered the result of the interaction of the environment with the species, culture conditions, nutrition, among others. Despite this it was found several fruits which stand out for their organoleptic quality, mainly for the vanillin content, such the ones grown at the municipalities of Matlapa, Xilita and Tamazunchale.La vainilla (Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews), es una orquídea cuyo fruto beneficiado presenta características organolépticas sobresalientes, siendo la segunda especia más costosa después del azafrán y utilizada como saborizante y aromatizante. Debido a cambios en el patrón climático en la región productora del Totonacapan, en Veracruz, México, la productividad de la vainilla ha disminuido, pero en otras regiones como la Huasteca Potosina, la producción comercial representa una opción para los productores locales. Por lo anterior en este estudio se evaluó la calidad de la vainilla procedente de 14 sitios de once localidades, pertenecientes a ocho municipios de la Huasteca Potosina, San Luis Potosí, México. Método Se cosecharon frutos de vainilla de cada localidad, en madurez fisiológica de 32 semanas de edad (224 días después de polinización), y se sometieron a un mismo proceso de beneficio y posteriormente se evaluaron variables como dimensión, porcentaje de humedad, actividad de agua, contenido de azúcares solubles totales y compuestos del aroma en el fruto beneficiado. Resultados Se encontró que el azúcar predominante en frutos de vainilla beneficiado fue la glucosa, con 1.55-4.28 %. Los frutos provenientes del 60% de los lugares de colecta cumplieron con la norma de longitud mínima. El ácido vaníllico fue el componente del aroma con mayor variación. El contenido de vainillina de los frutos provenientes de todos los municipios tuvieron más de 1.2 %, y solo las muestras de fruto de dos sitios (Tixcuayuca3 y Tamala) cumplieron con el mínimo de 2.0 % que exige la NOM-182-SCFI-2011. Discusión y conclusión Existe una variación significativa en el contenido de compuestos aromáticos, con una baja relación entre los compuestos del aroma (p-hidroxibenzóico, ácido vaníllico y p-hidroxibenzaldehído) y vainillina de 6.97-11.87 de los frutos de vainilla beneficiadas procedentes de 14 sitios de la Huasteca Potosina, México. Estas diferencias se consideran el resultado de la interacción del medio con la especie, condiciones del cultivo, nutrición, entre otras. A pesar de esto se pueden encontrar frutos que sobresalen por su calidad organoléptica, principalmente por el contenido de vainillina, como los frutos procedentes de los municipios de Matlapa, Xilita y Tamazunchale

Quality of floral stems of lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum Raf.) inoculated with Bacillus subtilis and Glomus intraradices

Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) is an ornamental species used as a potted plant or cut flower, its popularity is due to the diversity of colors, number of flower buds, and shelf life. Nevertheless, during the first phases of development, problems such as foliar chlorosis and root diseases affects most cultivars, causing poor growth, thin stems, and few flowers. The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) improved plant growth as these microbes colonize the plant system root. Therefore, in order to provide better conditions for the stem development, the aim of this work was to evaluate the individual and combined effect of Bacillus subtilis (PGPR) and Glomus intraradices (AMF) on the growth and postharvest quality of the stems of lisianthus cv. Mariachi. Then commercial product Alubión-X (Bacillus subtilis (PGPR) and mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus intraradices) were used. The variables evaluated were stem height and diameter, foliar area, leaves number and in postharvest, buds number, open and diameter of flowers and stem dry weight. The results showed a significant effect of the inoculation of G. intraradices on the size (66.92 cm) of the stem, as well as the combination of B. subtilis + G. intraradices (65.51 cm) compared to the control (36.9 cm). The number of buds and open flowers of the stems treated with G. intraradices were 33.35 and 23.9 respectively significantly higher than the control. G. intraradices alone is the best option for applying to lisianthus, when compared to applying with B. Subtilis

<i>Vanilla pompona</i> Schiede (Vanilloideae-Orchidaceae): Morphological Variation of the Labellum in the Mexican Localities of Veracruz, Puebla, Jalisco and Oaxaca

Vanilla pompona is the third most important commercial species of the genus Vanilla, but the morphometric variation of its flowers is not well known. In orchids, infraspecific variation is expressed in the labellum. This study had the objective of analyzing the floral variation of V. pompona collections from the localities in Veracruz, Puebla, Jalisco and Oaxaca, in Mexico. During the flowering period, we obtained 55 collections of V. pompona flowers, and the labellum of each flower was dissected. We used ImageJ to measure and portray 54 lines and 7 angles in these labella. With the data obtained, we performed an analysis of variance, principal component analysis and cluster analysis. The results showed significant differences among the collections and localities in the means of the lines of the basal, middle, and apical regions of the labellum. Also, six morphotypes were obtained, and we found that variation was associated with factors such as the environment, geographic barriers, and pollinator pressure. Moreover, we observed variation in flowering periods in one locality of Veracruz. We concluded that there is infraspecific variation within and between the collection localities of V. pompona in the Atlantic region (Puebla and Veracruz) and the Pacific region (Jalisco and Oaxaca), Mexico

Chayote Fruit (<i>Sechium edule</i> var. <i>virens levis</i>) Development and the Effect of Growth Regulators on Seed Germination

The chayote fruit is a nontraditional vegetable belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. The fruit has an endocarpic recalcitrant seed that emerges postharvest, drastically shortening its shelf life. In this study, the changes during fruit and seed development before and after harvest (ah) are reported. Additionally, in order to investigate how growth regulators (GRs) affect seed germination, 2-cloroethylphosphonic acid (CPA) (200 µL L−1), gibberellic acid (GA3) (100 and 200 mg L−1), auxin (2,4-D) (0.5 and 1.0 mM), and abscisic acid (ABA) (0.5 and 1.0 mM) were applied after harvest. The results showed that the chayote fruit reached horticultural maturity at 21 days after anthesis, with a sigmoid trend: phase I featured slow growth and high transpiration; in phase II, growth was accelerated and accumulation of endosperm was observed; and in phase III, both growth rate and transpiration were reduced, soluble sugars increased, and the seed showed 25% cotyledon development. At day 13 ah, CPA, GA3, and 2,4-D (0.5 mM) increased seed germination, with values between 10 and 15 mm of the embryonary axis, and the treatments with 2,4-D (1 mM) and ABA (0.5 and 1.0 mM) retarded their growth (2–6 mm). This research allowed us to reveal the phenological phases and the shelf life of the chayote fruit, as well as the results of possible postharvest treatment with GRs; our results suggest that strategies to delay viviparism and prolong the shelf life of the fruit should be applied before 10 days ah, when the embryonic axis of the seed has not developed