Componentes nutrimentales y nutraceúticos de cuatro especies de Cantharellus (Cantharellaceae, Cantharellales) de La Región de Las Montañas, Veracruz, México

Background and Aims: Cantharellus species are traded in agricultural markets of the Mountain Region, Veracruz, Mexico, as an appreciated mushroom. The objective of this study was to analyze nutrients and nutraceutical properties in four Cantharellus species from Veracruz: antioxidant activity, total phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, lycopene, and β-carotene; as well as the nutritional properties: dry matter, total ashes, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, moisture, carbohydrates and energy value of four wild edible mushrooms (Cantharellus violaceovinosus, C. veraecrucis, C. roseocanus and Cantharellus sp.). Methods: Basidiomas of Cantharellus spp. were collected in the Mountain Region, Veracruz, Mexico. The ITS and tef-1α regions were amplified and sequenced. Species were identified molecularly based on the BLAST results. Samples were lyophilized and stored at 4 °C in vacuum bags for the preservation of nutraceutical and nutritional compounds. A methanol-water mixture (80:20 v/v) was used to extract the nutraceutical compounds and to analyze them by spectrophotometric techniques. Key results: In general, outstanding values ​​were found in C. violaceovinosus both in crude protein content (8.04 g/100 g-1) and in antioxidant capacity 2.28 mg TE/g extract. For flavonoids, C. roseocanus showed 2.98 mg QE/g extract and 6.23±0.68 mg/g of carotene. In addition, a high energy value was found in C. violaceovinosus (266.53 Kcal/100g) and C. roseocanus (222.73±15.43 Kcal/100 g). The nutritional and nutraceutical content of C. violaceovinosus, C. veraecrucis and C. roseocanus is presented for the first time. Conclusions: The results show these species from nutritional and nutraceutical perspectives. Cantharellus violaceovinosus showed the highest values of the parameters evaluated. The consumption of these species constitutes an alternative source of protein and nutraceutical components that contribute to food security.Antecedentes y Objetivos: Las especies de Cantharellus se comercializan en los mercados agrícolas de la Región de Las Montañas, Veracruz, México, como un hongo apreciado. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los nutrientes y propiedades nutracéuticas en cuatro especies de Cantharellus de Veracruz: capacidad antioxidante, fenoles totales, flavonoides, ácido ascórbico, licopeno y caroteno; así como las propiedades nutricionales: materia seca, cenizas totales, proteína bruta, grasa, fibra bruta, humedad, carbohidratos y valor energético de cuatro hongos silvestres comestibles (Cantharellus violaceovinosus, C. veraecrucis, C. roseocanus y Cantharellus sp.).Métodos: Se colectaron basidiomas de Cantharellus spp. en la Región de la Montaña, Veracruz, México. Se amplificaron las regiones ITS y tef-1α y secuenciaron. Las especies se identificaron molecularmente en base en los resultados de BLAST. Las muestras fueron liofilizadas y almacenadas a 4°C en bolsas al vacío para la conservación de compuestos nutracéuticos y nutricionales. Se utilizó una mezcla metanol-agua (80:20 v/v) para extraer los compuestos nutracéuticos y analizarlos por técnicas espectrofotométricas.Resultados clave: En general, se encontraron valores sobresalientes en C. violaceovinosus, tanto en contenido de proteína cruda (8.04 g/100 g-1) como en capacidad antioxidante (2.28 mg TE/g extracto). Para los flavonoides, C. roseocanus mostró 2.98 mg QE/g de extracto y 6.23±0.68 mg de caroteno/g de extracto. Además, se encontró un alto valor energético en C. violaceovinosus (266.53 Kcal/100g) y C. roseocanus (222.73±15.43 Kcal/100g) (266.53±14.64 Kcal/100g). Se presenta por primera vez el contenido nutricional y nutracéutico de C. violaceovinosus, C. veraecrucis y C. roseocanus.Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran estas especies desde las perspectivas nutricional y nutracéutica. Cantharellus violaceovinosus mostró los valores más altos de los parámetros evaluados. El consumo de estas especies constituye una alternativa como fuentes de proteínas y componentes nutracéuticos que contribuyen a la seguridad alimentaria

Caracterización de un aislado bacteriano causante de manchado rojizo en Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw.

Existen escasos reportes de enfermedades bacterianas en el cultivo de chayote Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw , casi todas se atribuyen a otros patógenos, principalmente hongos. El objetivo del proyecto fue Caracterizar e identificar bioquímicamente el aislado bacteriano pigmentado obtenido en  Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw (chayote). Se realizó una colecta de frutos de chayote en mercados de la región seleccionandolos de acuerdo a la sintomatología que consiste en la observación de manchas rojizas a nivel superficial del fruto. Se realizaron cortes que se desinfestaron con hipoclorito de sodio al 3% para eliminar organismos asociados a la infección ubicados superficialmente, se lavaron 5 veces con agua destilada estéril a fin de eliminar el hipoclorito. Las muestras desinfestadas se maceraron en un mortero estéril con un poco de agua destilada, posteriormente se sembraron por la técnica de extensión de placa con varilla acodada diluciones de 10-1 a la 10-7 en cajas con agar nutritivo y papa dextrosa agar. Posteriormente se incubaron a 28° C durante 24 horas. La purificación se llevó a cabo mediante resiembras sucesivas del primo aislamiento. El perfil exoenzimático realizado pone de manifiesto que este microorganismo posee 8 enzimas: Amilasa, esterasas, colagenasas, fosfolipasa, lipasa, caseínasa, DNAsa y quitinasa. De la prueba de sensibilidad bacteriana realizada con antibiograma se observó que la bacteria presentó alto grado de inhibición a los antibióticos: levofloxacina (LEV), netilmicina (NET), gentamicina (GE), trimetropim o sulfametoxazol (SXT), amikacina (Ak), y ceftriaxona (CRO). Con alto grado de resistencia a los antibióticos: cefeprime (FEP), cefotaxima (CTX), y amplicilina (AM). Las pruebas de identificación morfológica, microscópica y bioquímica, dieron como resultado, que el microorganismo problema corresponde a Serratia marcescens

Conventional to organic transition of Citrus x sinensis (L.) Osbeck (pro. sp.) orchards in municipalities of northern Veracruz state

This research determined the degree of transition towards organic production and management of Valencia orange in the municipalities of northern Veracruz State. One hundred and six surveys were administered to producers grouped into four consolidated civil associations. A constructed transition index considering six variables revealed an average of 0.768. Citrus grower/institution positively correlated with intercropping (p = 0.0281) and with internal factors (p = 0.0257). Determinant factors for transition index were intercropping (p = 0.00009), and citrus grower/institution interaction (p = 0.0000). These internal and external factors together with years of conversion, averaging six years, resulted in an intermediate transition degree towards organic Valencia orange production. Municipalities of northern Veracruz State stand on varying degrees of transition towards organic agriculture. Yet, many growers still conserve some management practices not consistent with organic production. Highlights: Transition index to organic agriculture of citrus growers was 0.768. Some citrus growers with few years of organic production apply all practices as advanced or organic. Growers of northern Veracruz, Mexico are in intermediate transition degree towards organic Valencia orange production.This research determined the degree of transition towards organic production and management of Valencia orange in the municipalities of northern Veracruz State. One hundred and six surveys were administered to producers grouped into four consolidated civil associations. A constructed transition index considering six variables revealed an average of 0.768. Citrus grower/institution positively correlated with intercropping (p = 0.0281) and with internal factors (p = 0.0257). Determinant factors for transition index were intercropping (p = 0.00009), and citrus grower/institution interaction (p = 0.0000). These internal and external factors together with years of conversion, averaging six years, resulted in an intermediate transition degree towards organic Valencia orange production. Municipalities of northern Veracruz State stand on varying degrees of transition towards organic agriculture. Yet, many growers still conserve some management practices not consistent with organic production. Highlights: Transition index to organic agriculture of citrus growers was 0.768. Some citrus growers with few years of organic production apply all practices as advanced or organic. Growers of northern Veracruz, Mexico are in intermediate transition degree towards organic Valencia orange production

New Perspectives on the Application of Chito-Oligosaccharides Derived from Chitin and Chitosan: A Review

The study of chitin and chitosan has stood out for many years due to their potential application in various areas such as the food industry, where they are either used as additives, prebiotics, or bio-conservatives; as to biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, where they function to treat diseases. Besides, in the agriculture field, it is known that they can cause a positive effect on the development of plants and optimize nitrogen fixation. In recent years, attention has been paid to their derivatives, chito-oligosaccharides which, unlike chitin and chitosan, they have different chemical characteristics, like their solubility, a characteristic that facilitates their use, contrary to chitin and chitosan. Moreover, the small size of chito-oligosaccharides can facilitate their entry into the cell. This review covers recent studies on the biological functions of chito-oligosaccharides and their impact on a priority area such as agriculture, where these compounds could be used to substitute the demand for chemical compounds that, until now, have generated serious health issues as well as environmental pollution

Composting of byproducts from the orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) and sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) agroindustries

There is a global problem involving the generation, management, disposal, and treatment of agro-industrial waste, since it requires technologies for its transformation into the sustainable production of food, fodder, biofuels, fibers, bioproducts, and biofertilizers. The citrus and sugarcane agroindustries generate waste or byproducts that require a special treatment to be reused. Sugarcane byproducts already have an established but unsustainable use. In the case of citrus fruits, 50-60% of the organic waste has an acidic pH (3-4), 95% organic matter, and 80-90% moisture. The objective of this research was to evaluate and model the pile composting method applied to byproducts of the orange and sugarcane agroindustries to obtain compost with competitive physicochemical parameters for use as a soil improver. The pile was designed with a pyramidal rectangular arrangement, and 9 points were established for temperature sampling in three different sections during composting. An average of 55 °C and a pH of 9,1 were obtained at the end of the process. Compared to the regional control, the C/N ratio (27,5), organic matter (65,5%), and macro- and microelements show improved characteristics for use in food production in agroecological agriculture.Hay una problemática global que implica la generación, manejo, disposición y tratamiento de residuos agroindustriales, dado que requieren tecnologías para su transformación en la producción sostenible de alimentos, forrajes, biocombustibles, fibras, bioproductos y biofertilizantes. Las agroindustrias de cítricos y caña de azúcar generan residuos o subproductos que requieren un tratamiento especial para ser reutilizados. Los subproductos de caña ya tienen un uso establecido, pero no sostenible. En el caso de los cítricos, entre 50-60 % de los residuos orgánicos tienen pH ácido (3-4), 95 % de materia orgánica y 80-90 % de humedad. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue evaluar y modelar el método de compostaje de pila en subproductos de la agroindustria de naranja y caña de azúcar para obtener composta con parámetros fisicoquímicos competitivos para uso como mejorador de suelos. La pila se diseñó con un arreglo piramidal–rectangular y se establecieron 9 puntos para el muestreo de temperatura en tres secciones diferentes durante el compostaje. Se obtuvieron un promedio de 55 °C y un pH de 9,1 al final del proceso. Comparado con el testigo regional, la relación C/N (27,5), la materia orgánica (65,5 %), y los macro y microelementos presentan características mejoradas para su empleo en la producción de alimentos en la agricultura agroecológica

Morphological and Molecular Identification of <i>Phytophthora capsici</i> Isolates with Differential Pathogenicity in <i>Sechium edule</i>

Chayote (Sechium edule) is a crop of great economic and pharmaceutical importance in Mexico. Chayote is affected by Phytophthora capsici, which causes plant wilt and fruit rot. Three isolates of P. capsici (A1-C, A2-H, and A3-O) were obtained from three producing areas in Veracruz, Mexico. Morphometric characteristics of sporangia and the colony pattern on three different media were described. They were molecularly identified by amplification of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and the partial sequence of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI), sequences that were phylogenetically analyzed. The mating type, pathogenicity in S. edule fruits, and sensitivity to metalaxyl were determined. Isolate A1-C presented the largest sporangium; all sporangia were papillated, with different morphologies and pedicel lengths. All isolates showed different colony patterns: chrysanthemum (A1-C), stellate (A2-H), and petaloid (A3-O). The topology of the phylogenetic tree was similar for the ITS region and COI gene, the sequences of the three isolates clustered with sequences of the genus Phytophthora classified in group 2b, corroborating their identity as P. capsici. The mating type of isolates A1-C and A3-O was A2 and of isolate A2-H was A1. The pathogenicity test indicated that isolate A1-C was the most virulent and with intermediate sensitivity to metalaxyl. This work suggests that P. capsici isolates from various production areas in Mexico may exhibit morphological and virulence variability

Comparison of Different Semi-Automated Bioreactors for In Vitro Propagation of Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott)

Taro is important for its nutritional content, medicinal use, and bioethanol production. The aim of the present study was to compare different semi-automated bioreactors (SABs) during in vitro multiplication of C. esculenta. The SABs used were temporary immersion bioreactors (TIBs), SETIS™ bioreactors and ebb-and-flow bioreactors; semi-solid culture medium was used as a control treatment. At 30 d of culture, different developmental variables, determination of chlorophyll, stomatal content, and survival percentage during acclimatization were evaluated. SABs increased the shoot multiplication rate relative to the semi-solid medium; however, the SETIS™ bioreactor showed the highest shoot production, with 36 shoots per explant, and the highest chlorophyll content. The stomatal index was higher in the semi-solid medium compared to the SABs, while the percentage of closed stomata was higher in the SABs than in the semi-solid culture medium. The survival rate during acclimatization showed no differences among the culture systems assessed, obtaining survival rates higher than 99%. In conclusion, the SETIS™ bioreactor showed the highest multiplication rate; however, other bioreactor alternatives are available for semi-automation and cost reduction for micropropagation of C. esculenta

Nematodes in Sceloporus variabilis (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) in localities in the Altas Montañas region of Veracruz, Mexico: Nematodes in S. variabilis

Nematodes were identified in the digestive tract of 11 specimens of the lizard S. variabilis in localities of Las Altas Montanas, Veracruz. Meristic data were obtained and the intestine was dissected to obtain the nematodes, 17 nematodes belonging to the Oxyuridae family were identified. No significant differences were found in the frequency of nematodes between sexes of S. variabilis. Future studies increasing the number of samples, localities and identifying nematodes at the species level using molecular phylogeny methods will help to measure the impact of this type of relationship. Key words.- absence, frequency, .host, Oxyuridae, parasites. &nbsp;Objective: Identify nematodes of the digestive tract of the lizard Sceloporus variabilis.Methodology: In different localities in the Altas Montañas region, 11 individuals of S. variabilis were collected and a range of morphological characteristics measured. Their intestines were dissected to identify the nematodes present.Results: Were identified 17 nematodes belonging to the Oxyuridae family, present in the lizard S. variabilis. Not found differences in the frequency of nematodes between sexes and localities.Implications: Identification of nematodes in S. variabilis is basic information for the knowledge of the parasite-host relationship.Conclusions: The nematodes of the Oxyuridae family may cause mechanical symptoms in S. variabilis

Diversidad de mamíferos medianos en el Parque Nacional Pico de Orizaba

ABSTRACT: Pico de Orizaba National Park (PONP) is the highest mountain in Mexico that protects temperate ecosystems. Clandestine logging, forest fires, land-use changes, and increased tourism affect the structure of the mammal community and its study will allow the design of appropriate conservation strategies. The objective was to analyze the richness of mammals in PONP during the dry and rainy seasons, evaluate their conservation status, and classify them by trophic guilds. From January to December 2017, 14 camera traps (average distance between cameras of 0.5-2 km) were activated for mammal recording. Photo-captures were classified into independent records and indicators such as sampling coverage (Čn), richness, abundance, trophic guilds and risk category were calculated. The Čn was higher than 95% in each season, an indicator of a representative sampling by recording 10 species (qD = 9 species in the rainy season; qD = 8 species in the dry season) of eight genera and belonging to six families. Mammals presented different richness and abundance between seasons, but it was not significantly different when the Shannon index was compared between seasons (p > 0.05). The Carnivorous order was the best represented with 60% of mammals, the result of an unbalanced trophic network. Leopardus wiedii, Conepatus semistriatus and Sciurus oculatus are at risk; their conservation can be through habitat improvement practices and PONP management can consider them under the concept of flag species.RESUMEN: El Parque Nacional Pico de Orizaba (PNPO) es la montaña más elevada del territorio mexicano que protege ecosistemas templados. Tala clandestina, incendios forestales, cambio de uso de suelo e incremento en la afluencia turística, afectan la estructura de la comunidad de mamíferos y su estudio permitirá el diseño de estrategias oportunas de conservación. El objetivo fue analizar la riqueza de mamíferos del PNPO en la época de secas y lluvias, evaluar su estado de conservación y clasificarlos por gremios tróficos. De enero a diciembre del 2017, se activaron 14 cámaras-trampa (distancia promedio entre cámara de 0.5-2 km) para el registro de mamíferos. Las fotocapturas se clasificaron en registros independientes y se calcularon indicadores como cobertura del muestreo (Čn), riqueza, abundancia, gremios tróficos y categoría de riesgo. La Čn fue superior al 95% en cada época, indicador de un muestreo representativo al registrar 10 especies (qD = 9 especies en época de lluvias; qD = 8 especies en época de secas) de ocho géneros y pertenecientes a seis familias. Los mamíferos presentaron distinta riqueza y abundancia entre épocas, pero no fue significativamente diferente cuando se comparó el índice de Shannon entre épocas (p > 0.05). El orden Carnívora fue el mejor representado con el 60% de mamíferos, resultado de una red trófica desbalanceada. Leopardus wiedii, Conepatus semistriatus y Sciurus oculatus se encuentran en riesgo, su conservación puede ser mediante prácticas de mejoramiento de su hábitat y la gestión del PNPO puede considerarlas bajo el concepto de especies bandera

Characterization of the genetic diversity of a population of Odocoileus virginianus veraecrucis in captivity using microsatellite markers

The genetic diversity and effective population size (Ne) of a population of Odocoileus virginianus veraecrucis in captivity were characterized in the Wildlife Management Unit “El Pochote”, located in Ixtaczoquitlán, Veracruz, Mexico. Blood tissue was collected from 20 individuals of the reproductive nucleus, its genomic DNA was extracted, and genetic diversity was characterized by six microsatellites amplified by PCR and visualized in polyacrylamide gels. With four polymorphic microsatellites, 66.7% of the population’s genetic variation was explained, which was characterized by an allelic diversity that fluctuated between 9 and 28 alleles (18 average alleles), suggesting a mean allelic diversity (Shannon index = 2.6 ± 0.25), but only 12 ± 2.9 effective alleles would be fixed in the next generation. The heterozygosity observed (Ho= 0.81) exceeded that expected (He= 0.79) and these were significantly different (P> 0.05), as a result of a low genetic structure in the population (fixation index F = -0.112 ± 0.03), due to the genetic heterogeneity that each sample contributed, since the specimens came from different geographical regions. The Ne was 625 individuals and a 1:25 male:female ratio, with which 100% of the genetic diversity observed can be maintained for 100 years. The information obtained in the study can help in the design of a reproductive management program to maintain the present genetic diversity, without risk of losses due to genetic drift and inbreeding.To the project “Caracterización de recursos zoogenéticos de las Altas Montañas, Veracruz: implicaciones de la filogeografía y modelación ecológica (PRODEP: 511-6/18-9245/PTC-896) for the financial and technical support of the study. To the Unidad de Manejo y Conservación de Recursos Genéticos y al Programa de Fortalecimiento de la Calidad Educativa of the Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Veracruzana, for the materials provided; and to the Instituto de Investigaciones en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), Spain, for the team and training to the first author.Peer reviewe