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The scarce availability of good quality water for irrigation in semi-arid regions leads to the reuse of waters, such as reject brine. Associated with this, the use of alternatives, such as hydroponic cultivation in substrates suitable for the development of profitable crops, such as watermelon, a species considered moderately sensitive to salinity, will allow new opportunities for communities assisted by desalination plants. An experiment was conducted in a plastic greenhouse to evaluate the growth, physiological responses, yield, and fruit quality of ‘Sugar Baby’ mini-watermelon cultivated in a hydroponic system with reject brine from desalination plants and different substrates. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with treatments arranged in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to five mixtures of reject brine (9.50 dS m−1) and tap water (0.54 dS m−1) applied to mini-watermelon plants, in an open hydroponic system, with four types of substrate and four replicates, with two plants per plot. Mini-watermelon plants grown in coconut fiber substrate showed the best growth and production. On the other hand, washed sand was the substrate that most hampered the development of plants in all mixtures. The use of reject brine to prepare the nutrient solution reduced the growth and production of mini-watermelon, mainly in mixtures with salinity above 4.00 dS m−1. The changes in gas exchange caused by salt stress in mini-watermelon were of stomatal nature. Mini-watermelon has high energy stability under conditions of salt stress.

A banana é uma fruta de grande importância mundial, consumida em todo o mundo e com demanda crescente a cada ano, principalmente, por frutos orgânicos tanto no mercado interno quanto no externo. Por ser fundamental a caracterização das propriedades físico-químicas das frutas para garantir sua aceitabilidade no mercado, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar tais características físico-químicas da banana ‘Maçã’ e ‘Williams’ produzidas em sistema orgânica de produção. Foram avaliadas as características físicas e físico-químicas: massa fresca, comprimento, diâmetro, coloração (escala – 1 a 7, cromaticidade, ângulo hue e luminosidade), rendimento de polpa, firmeza do fruto(casca) e de polpa, acidez titulável (AT), sólidos solúveis, relação SS/AT e pH. Essas avaliações foram realizadas em buquês com 12 frutos. Os dados foram submetidos a análise descritiva por meio de médias e desvio padrão. A banana ‘Maçã’ e ‘Williams’ produzidas em sistema orgânico são classificadas na categoria Extra. A banana ‘Maçã’ atingiu o amadurecimento completo aos 8 dias de armazenamento em condições ambiente (25,4 ± 0,07 °C e 59,3 ± 1,77% UR), já a ‘Williams’ aos 16 dias nas mesmas condições, apresentando maior vida útil pós-colheita. A banana ‘Maça’ e ‘Williams’ em sistema orgânico apresentam características físicas e físico-químicas adequadas para o consumo.

This study evaluated the effect of saline water irrigation (4.5 dS m−1) on growth, gas exchange and mineral nutrient content in eight melon accessions and two cultivars classified as tolerant (Sancho) and susceptible (Caribbean Gold) to salinity. Results showed saline water irrigation reduced stomatal conductance, which consequently decreased transpiration and photosynthesis. Also, plants became more efficient in water use under salinity and increased K+/Na+ in leaves as a mechanism to mitigate the ionic stress caused by Na+ and Cl−. Moreover, the accessions responded differently from cultivars to saline water irrigation. However, we found accessions more efficient in water use, with more K+/Na+ content and higher photosynthesis rate than Sancho under saline and non-saline water irrigation. Due to these traits, these accessions were more productive than Sancho under salinity.

The use of effluent from fish farming in the greenhouse increases the availability of water and reduces the risk of environmental contamination due to improper disposal. Therefore, a study in a greenhouse was carried out to evaluate the effects of fertigation utilizing fish farming effluent at different phenological stages of cherry tomato. Plants of cherry tomato were fertigated with fish farming effluent (E) alternated with tap water (W) at the four phenological stages of the crop (growth, flowering, fruit formation and ripening). The growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, chloroplast pigments, electrolyte leakage, production and postharvest quality were evaluated. The fertigation with fish farming effluents did not reduce the growth of tomato plants. The fertirrigated plants with fish farming effluents obtained photosynthetic rates and photochemical efficiency similar or superior to the control. There was no interference on photochemical quenching when the plants were fertigated with fish farming effluents. When applied at the flowering stage, fish farming effluent reduces the average fruit weight and increases acidity. For greenhouse cultivation, each application of fish farming effluents, two successive applications of tap water are required.Novelty statement: Use of fish farming effluent did not compromise the growth and photosynthetic activity of cherry tomato plants. Cherry tomato production was compromised when the effluent was applied during growth, flowering and, beginning of fruit set. The fish farming effluent can be used in irrigation without yield losses if alternating with tap water.

This study characterizes the allelopathic effect in the germination of Allium cepa seeds, and toxic on the species Artemia salina, of aqueous extracts of leaves of Aspidosperma pyrifolium and Combretum leprosum and the constituent phytochemical compositions. For this, Allium cepa seeds were germinated in systems containing aqueous extracts (200, 400 and 800 mg.L-1) and distilled water, to evaluate aspects of germination, mitotic phases, mitotic index and limit value of cytotoxicity. The toxicity of the aqueous extracts was evaluated in Artemia salina. The extracts were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively when the substances present to define the phytochemical profile. The aqueous extract of A. pyrifolium negatively affects the germination process in the hypocotyl and seedling growth at 800 mg.L-1. The LC50 found for the aqueous extract of A. pyrifolium was 4986 mg.L-1. The effect of C. leprosum extract on germination resulted in an increase in the dry matter of the root at 400 mg.L-1 and in the density of the dry matter of the root at 800 mg.L-1. In addition, it reduces the seedling matter at 200 mg.L-1, corresponding to the trend observed in the mitotic index, in which this concentration presented a sublethal score for the limit value of cytotoxicity. The maximum concentration evaluated was not sufficient to determine an LC50 in A. salina. The phytochemical profiles of both species demonstrated classes of substances with potential pharmacological application. This information is important because these species are commonly used as food for farm animals and for purposes in folk medicine. Este estudio caracteriza el efecto alelopático, en la germinación de semillas de Allium cepa, y tóxico, sobre la especie Artemia salina, de extractos acuosos de hojas de Aspidosperma pyrifolium y Combretum leprosum y las composiciones fitoquímicas constituyentes. Para ello se germinaron semillas de Allium cepa en sistemas que contienen extractos acuosos (200, 400 y 800 mg.L-1) y agua destilada, para evaluar aspectos de germinación, fases mitóticas, índice mitótico y valor límite de citotoxicidad. Se evaluó la toxicidad de los extractos acuosos en Artemia salina. Los extractos fueron evaluados cualitativa y cuantitativamente cuando las sustancias presentes para definir el perfil fitoquímico. El extracto acuoso de A. pyrifolium afecta negativamente el proceso de germinación en el hipocótilo y crecimiento de plántula a 800 mg.L-1. La CL50 encontrada para el extracto acuoso de A. pyrifolium fue de 4986 mg.L-1. El efecto del extracto de C. leprosum sobre la germinación resultó en un aumento de la materia seca de la raíz a 400 mg.L-1 y en la densidad de la materia seca de la raíz a 800 mg.L-1. Además, reduce la materia de plántula a 200 mg.L-1, correspondiente a la tendencia observada en el índice mitótico, en el cual esta concentración presentó un puntaje subletal para el valor límite de citotoxicidad. La concentración máxima evaluada no fue suficiente para determinar una CL50 en A. salina. Los perfiles fitoquímicos de ambas especies demostraron clases de sustancias con potencial aplicación farmacológica. Esta información es importante porque estas especies se utilizan comúnmente como alimento para animales de granja y con fines de medicina popular. Este estudo caracteriza o efeito alelopático, na germinação de semestes de Allium cepa, e tóxico, sobre a espécie Artemia salina, de extratos aquosos de folhas de Aspidosperma pyrifolium e Combretum leprosum e as composições fitoquímicas constituintes. Para isso, sementes de Allium cepa foram germinadas em sistemas contendo extratos aquosos (200, 400 e 800 mg.L-1) e água destilada, para avaliar aspectos de germinação, fases mitóticas, índice mitótico e valor limite de citotoxicidade. A toxicidade dos extratos aquosos foi avaliada em Artemia salina. Os extratos foram avaliados qualitativa e quantitativamente quando as substâncias presentes para definir o perfil fitoquímico. O extrato aquoso de A. pyrifolium afeta negativamente o processo de germinação no hipocótilo e no crescimento de plântulas a 800 mg.L-1. A CL50 encontrado para o extrato aquoso de A. pyrifolium foi de 4986 mg.L-1. O efeito do extrato de C. leprosum na germinação resultou no aumento da matéria seca da raiz a 400 mg.L-1 e na densidade da matéria seca da raiz a 800 mg.L-1. Além disso, reduz a matéria de plântula a 200 mg.L-1, correspondendo à tendência observada no índice mitótico, em que essa concentração apresentou escore subletal para o valor limite de citotoxicidade. A concentração máxima avaliada não foi suficiente para determinar um CL50 em A. salina. Os perfis fitoquímicos de ambas espécies demonstraram classes de substâncias com potencial aplicação farmacológica. Esta informação é importante porque essas espécies são comumente usadas como alimento para animais de produção e para fins na medicina popular.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the physical and chemical changes, pectinases activity, and cell wall pectin in melon varieties Acidulus (access 16), Momordica (access 2), Inodorus (cv. ‘Iracema’) and Cantalupensis (cv. ‘Olympic’), in the relation of ripening degree at harvest. Melon fruits were planted and evaluated with different ripening degree at harvest, from 15 to 35 days after anthesis (DAA). The fruits, arranged in a completely randomized design, had been evaluated on the harvest days to physical and chemical characteristics. We evaluate pectin methylesterase, polygalacturonase, beta-galactosidase, and pectin contents (water-soluble, chelate soluble, and sodium carbonate soluble). The ideal harvest for each melon was, 35 days after anthesis for cv ‘Iracema’, 30 days after anthesis for cv. ‘Olympic’, 30 days after anthesis for access 16, and 20 days after anthesis for access 2. High pulp firmness of access 16 is associated with the high levels of sodium carbonate soluble pectin and low levels of polygalacturonase and beta-galactosidase activity. Momordica melon fruit cracking is related to the high levels of pectinases activity, as well as pectin degradation.

Genetic parameters and genotypic values of fruits from umbu-cajazeira clones were determined using the restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased prediction (REML/BLUP) method, from the morphological, physicochemical and chemical characterization of fruits. The experiment was composed of six experimental clones, in three randomized complete block designs and three replicates per plot in an unbalanced arrangement in Ipanguaçu/RN, due to non-fructification of some clones of the experiment. Morphological, physicochemical and chemical characterization of 20 fruits of each clone was performed. The variance components for REML and medium components (BLUP), were estimated using the mixed model?s method REML/BLUP. The three best clones selected were from Serra do Mel, Açu, and Carnaubais. The method used allowed selection of clones with high soluble solids content and pulp yield based on the genotypic value of clones. Fruit clones from Serra do Mel can be used for pulp processing or fresh consumption. The Açu clone showed a high pulp yield and is recommended pulp processing. Carnaubais, Alto do Rodrigues, and Ipanguaçu generated fruits for fresh consumption. Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-22T00:55:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rafaela2018.pdf: 362307 bytes, checksum: 163d2243ec4ed1d85d93b1b9f976343d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-05-21

Brackish waters represent great potential for profitable agricultural production; however, productive usage depends on the adoption of proper cultural practices as well as a culture tolerant of salinity, which can require some restrictions related to soil and crop production. Given the lack of information pertaining to hydroponic melon culture, the objective of this study was to investigate physiological changes promoted by the use of brackish water in the preparation of the nutrient solution for melon (Cucumis melo L., cv. AF 015) growth in coconut fiber substrate under greenhouse conditions in Mossoró-RN, a semiarid region of Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 12 treatments arranged in a 4 x 3 factorial scheme, with 4 salt concentration levels (1.1 - control, 2.5, 4.0 and 5.5 dS m-1) and 3 exposition times (vegetative growth: 10-30 days after transplanting, DAT; flowering: 31 to 50 DAT; and fruiting and ripening: 51-70 DAT, which are the assessment phases of physiological maturation). Increasing salt concentrations in the nutrient solution reduced photosynthetic efficiency, stomatal conductance and transpiration, but increased the intercellular CO2 concentration in melon plants. A salt concentration in the low to intermediate range (2.5 dS m-1) resulted in the best water use efficiency by melon crops. A água salobra pode representar um grande potencial para a produção agrícola rentável, com base na adoção de práticas culturais adequadas e tolerância das culturas à salinidade, contrapondo aos problemas produtivos e de solo que normalmente ocasionam. Devido à escassez de informações sobre o cultivo hidropônico de melão, o presente estudo teve o objetivo de investigar as alterações fisiológicas provocadas pelo uso de água salobra no preparo da solução nutritiva para o cultivo de melão (Cucumis melo L., cv. AF 015) em ambiente protegido e em substrato de fibra de coco, em Mossoró-RN, região semiárido do Brasil. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com 12 tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial 4 x 3, sendo 4 níveis de concentração de sais (1,1 dS m-1 - controle, 2,5, 4,0 e 5,5 dS m-1) e 3 fases de desenvolvimento (vegetativo: 10-30 dias após o transplantio, DAT; floração: 31-50 DAT e frutificação: 51-70 DAT, que representam as fases de avaliação da maturação fisiológica) com três repetições. O aumento da concentração de sal da solução nutritiva reduziu a eficiência da fotossíntese, da condutância estomática e da transpiração e aumentou a concentração intracelular de CO2 em plantas de melão. A melhor eficiência do uso da água pela cultura do melão cultivada em fibra de coco foi alcançada na solução nutritiva com concentração de 2.5 dS m-1.

Because of the food and industrial importance of tomato, it holds great significance, and is one of the most produced species using the hydroponic cultivation systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of nutrient solution on the production and quality of cherry tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum ‘Samambaia’) grown in a hydroponic system in protected conditions. The experiment was conducted in pots filled with coconut fiber substrate using a randomized complete block design with four replications and six plants per plot. Five concentrations of nutrients were evaluated (50, 75, 100, 125, and 150% of the standard nutrient solution); the solutions produced the following electrical conductivities: 1.8, 2.0, 2.6, 3.4, and 3.9 dS m-1, respectively. At 90 days after transplanting, the tomato fruits were harvested, at which time the production variables and post-harvest quality of mature fruits were determined. The best production and post-harvest quality indexes of cherry tomatoes (‘Samambaia’) were found when using 111% of the standard nutrient solution, corresponding to the concentrations of 9.44, 2.44, 2.22, 6.44, 4.11, 2.44, and 2.78 mmolc L-1, of NO3-, NH4+, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S, respectively; and 66.6, 55.5, 14.4, 1.89, 0.56, and 0.44 mmolc L-1, of Fe, B, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Mo, respectively. Nutrient solutions with electrical conductivity above 2.89 dS m-1 severely reduced the fruit yield of cherry tomatoes. Devido à importância alimentar e industrial do tomateiro, a cultura destaca-se entre as hortaliças, sendo uma das espécies mais produzidas em sistema hidropônico de cultivo. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de diferentes concentrações de solução nutritiva na produção e na qualidade dos frutos de tomate cereja (Licopersicon esculentum, cv. Samambaia) em sistema hidropônico sobre condição de ambiente protegido. O experimento foi conduzido em vasos preenchidos com substrato de fibra de coco utilizando o delineamento de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições e seis plantas por parcela. Foram avaliadas cinco concentrações de nutrientes na solução nutritiva hidropônica (50, 75, 100, 125 e 150% da solução nutritiva padrão) que, após a diluição dos nutrientes em água de torneira, estas produziram as seguintes condutividades elétricas: 1.8, 2.0, 2.6, 3.4 e 3.9 dS m-1, respectivamente. Aos 90 dias após o transplantio, os frutos de tomate foram colhidos, ocasião em que se determinaram as variáveis de produção e qualidade pós-colheita de frutos maduros. A análise dos resultados indicou que os melhores índices de produção e qualidade dos frutos de tomate cereja cultivado em sistema hidropônico foram encontrados nas concentrações de macronutrientes da solução nutritiva correspondente a 9,44; 2,44; 2,22; 6,44; 4,11; 2,44 e 2,78 mmolc L-1 de NO3-, NH4+, P, K, Ca, Mg e S, respectivamente, e 66,6; 55,5; 14,4; 1,89; 0,56 e 0,44 mmolc L-1, de Fe, B, Mn, Zn, Cu e Mo, respectivamente. As soluções nutritivas com condutividade elétricas acima de 2,89 dS m-1 reduziram severamente o rendimento de frutos de tomate cereja.

Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade de frutos de banana ‘Prata Rio’ sob refrigeração. Os frutos foram armazenados em bandejas de isopor na câmara fria à temperatura de 13 ± 3 °C e umidade relativa (UR) de 85 ± 3% por 30 dias. As avaliações se deram a cada 5 dias. Foi analisada a perda de massa, firmeza, acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis, relação sólidos solúveis/acidez titulável, açúcares solúveis totais, açúcares redutores e amido. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado sendo os tratamentos compostos pelos tempos de armazenamento (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 e 30 dias) com três repetições de 3 frutos cada, totalizando 63 frutos avaliados. Os resultados foram avaliados por meio de comparação de médias dos tratamentos seguidos pelo desvio padrão proveniente de 3 repetições. No amadurecimento da banana ‘Prata Rio’ há aumento dos açúcares solúveis totais e dos sólidos solúveis. Os frutos amaciaram ao longo do armazenamento com consequente degradação do amido. A banana ‘Prata Rio’ tem comportamento pós-colheita com potencial para comercialização.

Grafting is widely used to provide resistance to pests and diseases in yellow passion fruit, such as fusariosis, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae (FOP). However, this practice may generate some changes in the postharvest characteristics of the fruits. The objective of this work was to verify the postharvest quality of fruits of P. edulis collected mature and ripe in three areas with different forms of cultivation (conventional without grafting, conventional with grafting and organic with grafting). The experiment was installed in a completely randomized design, in a 3 x 2 factorial scheme, with five replicates of four fruits each. The first factor was the different cultivation systems and the second factor was the maturity stage. The fruits were harvested, selected and submitted to physical, physical-chemical and chemical analysis, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Fruit and pulp weight, longitudinal and transverse length and firmness were superior in fruits from conventional without grafting system, however fruit yield was inferior for this system. Soluble solids, pH, reducing sugars and total soluble sugars were superior in fruits from organic with grafting system. Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity were improved in conventional without grafting system fruits.

In Mossoró-RN, which is part of the semi-arid region of Brazil, a large part of the country’s melon production is concentrated, whose great potential is currently limited by water quality due to salt concentration. Therefore, the objective of this work was to investigate the use of saline nutritive solutions in the irrigation of greenhouse melon (Cucumis melo L. cv. Néctar) culture in coconut fiber. The experiment was carried out using a randomized block design with a 5 x 2 factorial arrangement, with four replications, where the treatments consisted of nutritive solutions with five salinity levels (1.25 - control, 1.43, 1.86; 2.96 and 4.86 dS m-1) and for two different times to evaluate fruit quality parameters (at harvest and after 12 days of storage). Increasing the salinity in the nutrient solution reduces fruits’ mean weight, while total yield is only reduced with EC above 3.5 dS m-1. Fruit length and diameter and peel and pulp thickness, SS and pH, decrease when submitted to nutrient solution with EC above 3.8 dS m-1. The peel and pulp thickness, pulp internal cavity, firmness, SS, pH, TA and fruit SS/TA ratio were influenced by the storage period. Resumen En Mossoró-RN, región semiárida de Brasil, se concentra gran parte de la producción de melón (Cucumis melo L. cv. Néctar) del país, no obstante su potencial productivo es limitado actualmente por la alta concentración de sales en el agua de riego. Por tanto, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue investigar el uso de soluciones nutritivas salinas conjuntamente con el riego del cultivo en un ambiente protegido, empleando como sustrato fibra de coco. El diseño experimental utilizado fue de bloques al azar con arreglo factorial 5 x 2, con cuatro repeticiones, donde los tratamientos consistieron en soluciones nutritivas con cinco niveles de salinidad (1,25 -control, 1,43; 1,86; y 4,86 dS m-1) aplicadas durante dos épocas diferentes para evaluar parámetros de calidad de la fruta al momento de la cosecha y 12 días después de almacenamiento. El incremento de la salinidad en la solución nutritiva redujo el peso promedio de los frutos, mientras que el rendimiento total se redujo con aplicaciones de CE > 3,5 dS m-1. La longitud y el diámetro del fruto, el espesor de la cáscara y de la pulpa, los sólidos solubles (SS) y el pH disminuyeron cuando se sometieron a CE > 3,8 dS m-1. Otras características como espesor de la cáscara y de la pulpa, la cavidad interna, la firmeza, el SS, el pH, la acidez titulable (TA) y la relación SS/TA fueron afectadas por el período de almacenamiento.

Garlic is a vegetable that has economic and social relevance in Brazil. Rio Grande do Norte is among the consumer states, however, despite having regions with favorable conditions for growing garlic, it depends on imports of this product to meet its demand. The introduction of cultivars that have high yield and quality, and the adjustments in vernalization technology, which is a key issue for adaptation of new cultivars, are mechanisms that can contribute to garlic revitalization in areas previously producing this vegetable. Therefore, the objective of this work was to assess the quality characteristics of semi-noble garlic cultivars subjected to different bulb-seed pre-planting vernalization periods in two counties of the Western Mesoregion of Rio Grande do Norte State (RN), Brazil. Two experiments were simultaneously conducted in Barauna RN and Governador Dix-sept Rosado RN, from April to November, 2012. A complete randomized block experimental design was used with four replications. The treatments were arranged in split-plot design, with the plots consisted of cultivars (Gigante-do-Nucleo and BRS-Hozan) and subplots consisted of bulb-seed pre-planting vernalization (4±1°C) periods (0, 10, 20 and 30 days). The evaluations consisted of bulb diameter, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, pungency, total solids and industrial index. The use of 10-day bulb-seed pre-planting vernalization increased the semi-noble garlic quality produced in Barauna and Governador Dix-sept Rosado. The cultivars Gigante-do-Nucleo and BRS-Hozan presented good prospects for industrialization, with good characteristics of flavor and aroma. O alho é uma hortaliça de relevância econômica e social no Brasil. Entre os estados consumidores, o Rio Grande do Norte, especialmente, apesar de apresentar regiões com condições favoráveis ao cultivo de alho, depende da importação deste produto para atender a sua demanda. A introdução de cultivares mais produtivas e de qualidade, e ajustes da tecnologia de vernalização, ponto fundamental para adaptação de novas cultivares, são mecanismos que podem contribuir para revitalização do alho em regiões, anteriormente produtoras desta hortaliça. Com o presente trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar as características qualitativas de cultivares de alho semi-nobre, submetidas a diferentes períodos de vernalização pré-plantio dos bulbos-semente em dois municípios da Mesorregião Oeste Potiguar. A pesquisa constou de dois experimentos desenvolvidos, simultaneamente, em Baraúna/RN e Governador Dix-sept Rosado/RN, entre os meses de abril e novembro de 2012. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em parcelas subdivididas, sendo as parcelas representadas pelas cultivares Gigante do Núcleo e BRS Hozan e as subparcelas constituídas pelos períodos de vernalização à 4 ± 1 ºC: 0, 10, 20 e 30 dias. Foram avaliados: diâmetro de bulbos, pH, acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis, açúcares solúveis totais, açúcares redutores, pungência, sólidos totais e índice industrial. O uso de 10 dias de vernalização pré-plantio dos bulbos-semente possibilitou incrementos na qualidade do alho semi-nobre produzido em Baraúna e Governador Dix-sept Rosado. As cultivares Gigante do Núcleo e BRS Hozan mostraram-se com boas perspectivas para industrialização, apresentando boas características de sabor e aroma.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito dos danos mecânicos provocados por impacto, corte e abrasão sobre a qualidade de banana 'Prata Catarina', submetida ao armazenamento refrigerado (14°C ±1ºC e 84% ±5% de UR durante 21 dias). Os frutos foram provenientes de um pomar comercial, localizado no município de Limoeiro do Norte-CE. O experimento foi instalado em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, no esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, tendo-se, nas parcelas, as amostragens ao longo do tempo e, nas subparcelas, os quatro tratamentos: testemunha ou ausência de dano mecânico (T1), impacto (T2), abrasão (T3) e corte (T4), com quatro repetições de dois frutos cada. Os danos por impacto e abrasão foram os que proporcionaram maior velocidade de amadurecimento, sendo que o dano por impacto proporcionou maior atividade da enzima polifenoloxidase. As bananas 'Prata Catarina' que não sofreram danos podem ser comercializadas por até 21 dias de armazenamento (14°C ± 1ºC e 84% ±5% UR), sem perda da qualidade The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mechanical damages caused by impact, cut and abrasion on the quality of 'Prata Catarina' banana subjected to cold storage (14°C±1°C and 84%±5% RH for 21 days). The fruits were from a commercial orchard in the city of Limoeiro do Norte-CE. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in split plot in time, taking up the samples in portions over time and in the subplots the four treatments: control or absence of mechanical damage (T1), impact (T2), abrasion (T3) and cut (T4), with 4 replicates of 2 fruits. Damages by impact and abrasion were the ones which provided the highest speed of ripening, and the damage caused by impact provided greater polyphenoloxidase enzyme activity. 'Prata Catarina' bananas that suffered no damage can be marketed until 21 days of storage (14°C±1°C and RH 84%±5%), without loss of quality

The caatinga ecoregion in northeast Brazil presents a wide variety in plant species. However, the potential of these species as a source of energy, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and bioactive properties beneficial to health is still unknown. Among these species we can find the wild plum (Ximenia americana). Due to its various phytotherapeutic properties and absence of studies on the chemical composition of the fruit this article aimed to evaluate the bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential of the X. americana in different stages of maturation. The fruits of X. americana showed considerable amounts of bioactive compounds, as well as antioxidant activity and antioxidant enzymes. The fruits at green maturity stage showed higher content of yellow flavonoids (22.07 mg/100g), anthocyanins (1.92 mg/100 g), polyphenols (3051.62 mg/100 g), starch (4.22%), antioxidant activity (489.40 g fruit/g DPPH and 198.77 μmol Trolox/g) and activity of antioxidant enzymes; the antioxidant activity allocated to the fruit was shown to be related to the contents of extractable polyphenols, yellow flavonoids, total anthocyanins and antioxidant enzymes.

This study aimed at evaluating the fruits quality of different clones of umbu-cajazeira. The fruits were har­vested from clones of umbu-cajazeira cultivated in the Experimental Station of the Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuaria do Rio Grande do Norte (EMPARN) located in Ipanguacu-RN. Completely randomized design was used with six treatments (different clones) and six replications of 30 fruits per clone. Clones evaluated were: Alto do Rodrigues, Serra do Mel, Carnaubais, Assu, Due, Ipanguacu. The ripe fruit were evaluated as for fresh mass, longitudinal and transversal diameter, pulp yield, vitamin C, soluble solids (SS), soluble sug­ars, titratable acidity (TA), pH, SS/TA ratio, anthocyanins total and yellow flavonoids. There is a reasonable phenotypic variability among clones, making it possible to indicate the Ipanguacu and Serra do Mel clones, which produce fruits that gather quality traits favorable (fresh mass, pulp yield, fruit shape, titratable acidity, soluble solids, SS/TA ratio) for the composition of commercial orchards, both for in natura consumption and for industrial processing.