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The presence of micro and nanoplastics in the food chain constitutes an emergent multifactorial food safety and physiological stress problem, which must be approached with a strategic perspective since it affects public health when consuming products that have this pollutant, such as fish and crustaceans, fruits, and vegetables. In this review, the authors present the results by scientists from different disciplines who are dedicated to discovering their chemical constitution and origin, the contents of these microparticles in edible plants, the contamination of water-irrigated soils, the mechanisms that concentrate microplastics in these soils, methods to determine them, contamination of freshwater sources of cities, and the negative effect of nano and microplastics on various food products and their detrimental impact on the environment. Recent findings of plant uptake mechanisms complement this, but more research is needed.

The effect of pH and silicon (Si) in the nutrient solution on the vegetative development of 2-year-old blueberry plants (Vaccinium corymbosum L. cv. Ventura) was studied. Two independent experiments were performed on coir fiber (CF) and sand as substrates. In experiment 1, Si was applied in the nutrient solution at a dose of 0.0, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mm. In experiment 2, plants were treated with nutrient solution at pH 4.00, 4.75, 5.50, and 6.25, using two sources of acidification: nitric acid and citric acid. The parameters of plant growth, foliar surface, and stem biomass were measured. With the application of 1.2 mm Si to CF, plant height registered a significant increase of 8%, and shoot dry and fresh biomass increased by 21% and 25%, respectively. The results of experiment 1 indicated that the application of Si benefits the vegetative growth of blueberry plants in CF, but no effect was observed in the sand substrate. In the results of experiment 2, the pH level of 6.25 in CF decreased the dry weight of stems and leaves by 21% and 18%, respectively. A significant increase in the pH range of 4.00 to 5.50 was recorded in both the citric acid and nitric acid treatments, but these significant effects were not found in sand. Citric acid presented a similar behavior to nitric acid, which indicates that it can be a good source of acidification in organic and ecologically friendly crops.

Effects of highway traffic noise have recently emerged. Greenery has become an essential aspect in urban planning nowadays as an interesting way to improve the quality of life in urban envi...

Rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) is a green leafy vegetable that is increasingly used as an ingredient in salad. The floating system is a way to grow this crop, at high density from sowing to harvest and easy to use in relation substrate culture, and it is well known water culture can be limited by hypoxia. Few studies have examined the use of peroxides or peracetic acid in nutrient solutions as a source of oxygenation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the rocket grown in substrates as compared to the floating system, with a stabilized mixture of peracetic acid in the nutrient solution. The experiment was carried out in and Talca (Chile) from October to November 2008. The treatments were substrate culture perlite and composted pine bark (1:1); floating system with trays filled with the same substrate and 0, 40 and 80 mg·L−1 of stabilized peracetic acid mix (PA). The fresh and dry weight of rocket leaves at harvest we evaluated. We recorded total nutrient solution uptake; the average dissolved oxygen; pH an...

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) son la principal causa de muerte en el mundo. En su prevención tiene mucha importancia el no fumar, realizar actividad física y consumir alimentos saludables. En este contexto, numerosos estudios han demostrado la importancia del consumo frecuente de frutas y hortalizas (al menos 5 porciones al día). Se ha descrito una relación inversa entre su ingesta y el riesgo de desarrollar ECV, lo que se explica principalmente por su actividad antioxidante, hipolipemiante y en algunos casos antiplaquetaria. En ese sentido aumentar el consumo actual de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) y productos del tomate, puede mejorar algunos parámetros cardiovasculares. El actual estilo de vida induce a las personas a consumir alimentos procesados, lo que podría afectar la estabilidad de sus componentes y sus propiedades fisicoquímicas. Esta revisión aborda la actividad antioxidante, hipolipemiante y antiagregante plaquetaria del tomate, como también el efecto que tiene el procesamiento y almacenaje sobre dichas actividades. Adicionalmente se resumen algunas patentes asociadas a efectos beneficiosos en la salud. Como fuentes bibliográficas se utilizó principalmente www.pubmed.org; los términos utilizados en la búsqueda fueron: antiplatelet, tomato, platelet, antioxidant, entre otros; luego se buscaron los textos completos de los artículos que interesaban.

Global reduction of chemical deposition into the environment is necessary. In protected horticulture, different strategies with biodegradable products are used to control pathogens. This review presents the available tools, especially for the management of protected horticultural species, including vegetables and ornamental plants. An analysis of the potential for degradable products that control pathogens and also encourage other productive factors, such as oxygen in the root system, is presented. Biosecurity in fertigation management of protected horticulture is conducted by using peroxyacetic acid mixtures that serve three basic principles: first, the manufacture of these products does not involve polluting processes; second, they have the same function as other chemicals, and third, after use and management there is no toxic residue left in the environment. The sustainability of protected horticulture depends on the development and introduction of technologies for implementation in the field.

Raw salad vegetables are typically consumed without being cooked. This study compared peracetic acid mix (PAA) and sodium hypochlorite (SH) as disinfectants on vegetables postharvest. Tomato, sweet pepper and cucumber were evaluated in three different experiments: (1) determination of organoleptic characteristics of vegetables by consumer preference; (2) disinfectant capacity comparison of PAA versus SH; and (3) measurement of phytotoxicity of disinfectant products, expressed as alteration of the surface of sweet peppers. Each treatment was replicated four times, and all procedures simulated the procedures carried out in industry. No differences in fruits washed with different treatments were found by the panel. Starting at Day 15, the peracetic acid mixture (PAA) showed better disinfection performance than sodium hypochlorite (SH). The results indicate that the peracetic acid mix is better for washing fruit and improving postharvest life as it is better for the environment (due to low toxicity) and for health safety and does not affect the taste characteristics of the fruit.

Wettability of growing medium in horticulture is an important practical factor of this industry. With a proper choice and a right application, wetting agent in the nutrient solution would improve wettability and some other physical properties of growing media. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on some physical properties of new and reused rockwool and coconut coir dust substrates with different doses of wetting agent (2, 10, 20, 100, 200, 1000, 2000, 10,000 and 20,000 mg L−1) applied to the nutrient solution and their effects measured by using bioassays. The wetting agent was ether poly-ethylene-glycol nonil-phenol with 20% (w/v) as an active ingredient of a non-ionic surfactant. Bioassay results showed differences among species. For this, the method can be suggested as a good tool to be utilized through fertigation in soilless crops; however, other studies should be proposed for each species in particular. Except to the 2 mg L−1 wetting agent content in reused coir waste, the total water-holding capacity increased with the wetting agent. With 2 mg L−1 wetting agent content there was an important and significant increase the easily available water (over 600%) in both substrates (including the reused ones), while higher doses show no significant differences. The effect of adjuvants added through fertigation is directly dependant on the substrate type evaluated. The substrate reutilized after one crop, reduces the air capacity and increases the easily available water and total water-holding capacity. 2 mg L−1 is the wetting agent concentration more adequate in coir waste and rockwool.

Cardiovascular disease prevention is of high priority in developed countries. Healthy eating habits including the regular intake of an antithrombotic diet (fruit and vegetables) may contribute to prevention. Platelet function is a critical factor in arterial thrombosis and the effect strawberries have is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically examine the action of strawberries in preventing platelet activation and thrombus formation. Strawberry extract concentration-dependently (0.1–1 mg/ml) inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP and arachidonic acid. At the same concentrations as strawberry inhibits platelet aggregation, it significantly decreased sP-selectin, sCD40L, RANTES, and IL-1β levels. The strawberry may exert significant protective effects on thromboembolic-related disorders by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Also, this suggests that antithrombotic activity may have novel anti-inflammatory effects.

Nitrate accumulation in vegetable represents a serious threat to man's health. Different methods have been reported to reduce the nitrate accumulation in lettuce and other leafy vegetables with or without variation in the yield. The aim of this experiment was to show the different behavior of some cultivars of lettuce using the replacement of N‐NO3 for chloride in the nutrient solution during last week before harvest. The trial was carried out with three lettuce cultivars: Domino, Elvira, and Daguan and took place in southern Spain (Almeria) under greenhouse by NFT. The results indicated a correct method to decrease nitrate content in leafy vegetables and perhaps sulphate could be an anion to study their effect in this way.

Botanically, soybean belongs to the order Rosaceae, family Leguminosae or Papillonaceae or Fa‐ baceae, subfamily Papilionoidae, the genus Glycine and the cultivar Glycine max. It is an annu‐ al plant that measures up to 1.5 m tall, with pubescent leaves and pods; the stems are erect and rigid. In its primary and secondary roots, are located a variable number of nodes. One of the characteristics of the root system development is its sensitivity to variations in the supply and distribution of inorganic nutrients in the soil. The root system has a main root which can reach a meter deep, with an average being between 40 and 50 centimeters [1].

Ivan Palomo1, Luis Guzman1, Elba Leiva1, Veronica Mujica2, Gilda Carrasco3, Nora Morgado4 and Daniel R. Gonzalez5 1Departamento de Bioquimica Clinica e Inmunologia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Talca, , 2Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, 3Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Talca, 4Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, 5Departamento de Ciencias Basicas Biomedicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is known to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the information regarding the antithrombotic activity (antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and fibrinolytic) of fruits and vegetables is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the antithrombotic activity of extracts from fruits and vegetables widely consumed in central Chile. The study included samples of 19 fruits and 26 vegetables, representative of the local diet. The extracts prepared from each sample included an aqueous (juice or pressed solubles) and/or methanol-soluble fraction. The extracts were evaluated for antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and fibrinolytic activity in vitro at a final concentration of 1 mg/ml. The antiplatelet activity was assessed by platelet aggregation inhibition; anticoagulant activity was measured by the prothrombin time (PT), diluted prothrombin time (dPT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), kaolin clotting time (KCT), and thrombin time. The fibrinolytic effect was determined with the euglobin clot lysis time and fibrin plate methods. Extracts of green beans and tomatoes inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP and arachidonic acid, in a concentration-dependent manner. The methanolic extracts of grapes prolonged the PT and dPT. Finally, extracts of raspberry prolonged the APTT and also presented fibrinolytic activity. In conclusion, from a screening that included a variety of fruits and vegetables, we found antiplatelet activity in green beans and tomatoes, anticoagulant activities in grapes and raspberries, whereas fibrinolytic activity was observed only in raspberries. Further investigations are necessary to advance in knowledge of the active compounds of these fruits and vegetables and their mechanisms of action.

Las especies reactivas del oxígeno (ERO) causan daño celular que se puede expresar como patología, tales como las enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) y otras enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. El organismo humano cuenta con sistemas antioxidantes; algunos provienen de la dieta, especialmente de frutas y hortalizas, otros los genera el mismo organismo de manera endógena. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la capacidad antioxidante in vitro de algunas frutas y hortalizas que se consumen en la Región del Maule de Chile. Las once especies de frutas y 16 de hortalizas empleadas en el estudio fueron adquiridas en el Centro Regional de Abastecimiento de Talca, en época de cosecha; a partir de ellas se obtuvo extractos acuosos y metanólicos. La actividad antioxidante se determinó mediante decoloración del radical violeta 2,2-difenil-l-picril hidrazilo hidratado (DPPH). En general la actividad antioxidante, en extractos metanólicos, fue mayor en frutas (70,3%; 87,7-54,3% de decoloración) que en hortalizas (54,7%; 44,3-79,7%) (p< 0.003) y dependiente de la concentración del extracto evaluado. En los ensayos a 1000 f

El cultivo de Liatris spicata (L.) Willd. para flor cortada fue introducido en Chile hace mas de una decada. Se suele plantar en forma escalonada al aire libre en primavera y verano. Su estructura de propagacion corresponde a un cormo, el cual se reutiliza en la siguiente plantacion. Otros cultivos al aire libre se sombrean para reducir la temperatura, pero en liatris se desconoce el efecto del sombreamiento en nuestras condiciones, tanto para la vara floral como para el cormo. El presente estudio evaluo la calidad de las varas florales de L. spicata, cultivadas en la VII Region (35°33’ lat. Sur, 71°13’ long. Oeste) bajo diferentes niveles de sombra, utilizando mallas de 35; 50; 65 y 80% de sombra y un testigo sin sombra. Ademas se midio el peso de los cormos al cabo de una, cuatro y ocho semanas despues de la cosecha de flores. El efecto de la sombra sobre la calidad de las varas se manifesto al momento de cosecha, encontrandose una mayor longitud de espiga y diametro de varas en las plantas que crecieron a pleno sol. El peso de cormos en la tercera evaluacion fue superior en el tratamiento testigo, y en la primera evaluacion los valores fueron inferiores a los de la ultima evaluacion. La sombra afecto negativamente la calidad de flores y el peso del cormo, por lo que se concluye que en las condiciones del presente experimento no se recomienda el uso de mallas sombreadoras para su cultivo.

Se estudió el contenido de nitrato en lechugas cultivadas en sistemas hidropónicos. Altos niveles de nitrato pueden ser dañinos a la salud humana. La Comisión Europea indica que las plantas de lechuga cultivadas en invernadero en período invernal deberían contener una concentración de nitrato foliar menor a 4.500 mg/kg (peso fresco). En este estudio se determinaron los contenidos de nitrato de lechugas cultivadas en los sistemas hidropónicos de mesa flotante y nutrient film technique (NFT), en invernadero no calefaccionado y en invierno. Cuatro experimentos se realizaron en Talca, Chile, en período invernal (mayo a septiembre). Tres cultivares de lechuga tipo Española (Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata) fueron evaluados: “Loreto”, “Floresta” y “Esmeralda”. En el sistema flotante, el contenido de nitrato foliar fluctuó entre 1.344 y 3.839 mg/kg y desde 1.754 a 2.157 mg/kg a inicios y término del período invernal, respectivamente. Los contenidos de nitrato en cultivares de lechuga cultivados en el sistema NFT fluctuaron desde 2.552 a 2.818 mg/kg y entre 2.676 a 3.100 mg/kg a inicios y fin del invierno, respectivamente. Ninguno de los cultivares de lechuga sobrepasó el contenido máximo estipulado por la Comisión Europea y tampoco existieron diferencias consistentes entre ellas.