Search

One-fifth of the world's population consumes too little zinc (Zn) causing deficiencies that can damage cells, stunt growth, and decrease immune response. This study evaluated the effect of time on the priming of beet seeds, in solutions enriched with Zn, on physiology, growth, production, and root biofortification. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted during spring 2015 and autumn 2016. In each experiment, 24 treatments were tested which comprised various combinations of three Zn concentrations (0, 10, and 30 mg mL-1), two Zn sources (sulphate and chloride), and four time periods (12, 16, 20, and 24 h), arranged in a randomised block design with four replicates. The concentration of Zn, mainly as sulphate, affected all parameters evaluated in the beet plants, such as fresh and dry root mass, photosynthesis, and root Zn concentration (biofortification). Compared to the control, fresh root mass increased 70 and 100 g per plant with 10 mg mL-1 of Zn during the experiments in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The same concentration for 16 h produced the highest Zn concentration in the roots, achieving 121 and 42 mg kg-1 in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Priming seeds in solutions enriched with Zn, thus, benefited the physiological response of the beet plants by promoting increases in growth, production, and biofortification of beet roots. Therefore, this method can be used to biofortify beet plants agronomically, regardless of the Zn source. RESUMO Uma quinta parte da população mundial consome pouco zinco (Zn), causando deficiências que podem causar danos celulares, retardo no crescimento e diminuir o sistema imunológico. Nesse trabalho avaliou-se o efeito do tempo de condicionamento osmótico de sementes de beterraba em soluções enriquecidas com Zn sobre a fisiologia, o crescimento, a produção e a biofortificação da raiz. Dois experimentos em estufa foram conduzidos durante primavera de 2015 e outono de 2016. Em cada experimento foram testados 24 tratamentos os quais compreenderam as combinações de três concentrações de Zn (0, 10 e 30 mg mL-1), duas fontes de Zn (sulfato e cloreto) e quatro tempos (12, 16, 20 e 24 horas), sob arranjo de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. A concentração de Zn, principalmente como sulfato, afetou todos os parâmetros avaliados nas plantas de beterraba, massa fresca e seca de raiz, fotossíntese e a concentração de Zn na raiz (biofortificação). Em comparação ao controle, a massa fresca da raíz incrementou 70 e 100 g por planta com 10 mg mL-1 Zn durante os experimentos de 2015 e 2016, respectivamente. A mesma concentração por 16 horas provocou a maior concentração de Zn nas raízes atingindo 121 e 42 mg kg-1 em 2015 e 2016, respectivamente. Assim, o condicionamento osmótico de sementes em soluções enriquecidas com Zn, melhora as respostas fisiológicas das plantas, promovendo incrementos no crescimento, na produção e na biofortificação das raízes de beterraba. Portanto, esse método pode ser utilizado para biofortificar agronomicamente plantas de beterraba, independente da fonte de Zn.

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...

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown the prevention of cardiovascular diseases through the regular consumption of vegetables. Eruca sativa Mill., commonly known as rocket, is a leafy vegetable that has anti-inflammatory activity. However, its antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities have not been described. Methods: Eruca sativa Mill. aqueous extract (0.1 to 1 mg/mL), was evaluated on human platelets: (i) P-selectin expression by flow cytometry, (ii) platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen and arachidonic acid, (iii) IL-1β, TGF-β1, CCL5 and thromboxane B2 release, and (iv) activation of NF-κB and PKA by western blot. Furthermore, (v) antithrombotic activity (200 mg/kg) and (vi) bleeding time in murine models were evaluated. Results: Eruca sativa Mill. aqueous extract (0.1 to 1 mg/mL) inhibited P-selectin expression and platelet aggregation induced by ADP. The release of platelet inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TGF-β1, CCL5 and thromboxane B2) induced by ADP was inhibited by Eruca sativa Mill. aqueous extract. Furthermore, Eruca sativa Mill. aqueous extract inhibited NF-κB activation. Finally, in murine models, Eruca sativa Mill. aqueous extract showed significant antithrombotic activity and a slight effect on bleeding time. Conclusion: Eruca sativa Mill. presents antiplatelet and antithrombotic activity.

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].

The consumption of fruits and vegetables is accepted to be one of the strategies to reduce risk factors for these diseases. The aim of this study was to examine potential relationships between the antioxidant and the antiplatelet activities in green mature and fully ripe (red) tomatoes and of lycopene-rich byproducts of tomato paste processing such as pomace. The total phenol content of tomato components was the highest in peels, pulp, and in the mucilaginous myxotesta covering the tomato seeds with values36.9±0.8,33.3±00.5, and17.6±0.9 mg GAE/100 g, respectively (P<0.05). Tomato peels had the highest antioxidant activity, both, as measured by the FRAP (46.9±0.9 μmol Fe+2/g,P<0.05) and the DPPH assays (97.4±0.2%, 1000 μg/mL,P<0.05). Pomace extracts showed the highest antiplatelet activity induced by ADP, collagen, TRAP-6, and arachidonic acid. While the maturation stage of the tomato fruit affected the antioxidant effect, antiplatelet activity was independent of fruit ripeness. Finally, based on the present results, tomato and its byproducts may be considered as a valuable source of antioxidant and antiplatelet activities.

Background: Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables (e.g., tomatoes) has been shown to be beneficial in terms of reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The industrial processing of tomatoes into tomato-based products includes several thermal treatments. Very little is known on the effect of tomato industrial processing on antiaggregatory activity and phenolic profile. Methods: It was assessed the effect of tomato and by-products extracts on platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, TRAP-6 and arachidonic acid. These in vitro antithrombotic properties were further supported in an in vivo model of thrombosis. A set of antiplatelet compounds has been selected for HPLC analysis in the different extracts. Results: Some natural compounds such as chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic and p-coumaric acids were identified by HPLC in tomatoes and its products may inhibit platelet activation. Red tomatoes, tomato products (sauce, ketchup and juice) and by-products extracts inhibited platelet aggregation induced adenosine 5'-diphosphate, collagen, thrombin receptor activator peptide-6 and arachidonic acid, but to a different extent. Also, pomace extract presents antithrombotic activity. Conclusions: Processed tomatoes may have a higher content of health-benefiting compounds than fresh ones. Pomace even presents the best antiplatelet activity. Finally, tomato products may be used as a functional ingredient adding antiplatelet activities to processed foods.

In seeking the functionality of foodstuff applicable to medicine, ripe tomato fruits were found to show an antiplatelet activity. Therefore, the bioactive compound was isolated, structurally identified, and studied for an inhibitory effects on platelet adhesion, secretion, and aggregation. The concentration of adenosine in ripe tomato fruits (pulp and skin extracts) and its processing by-products (paste and pomace) was determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). According to platelet aggregation inhibition induced by ADP, the total extract residual was fractionated by liquid-liquid separation, obtaining aqueous, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extracts. The aqueous extract was subjected to repeated permeation over sephadex LH-20 and semipreparative TLC. The isolate finally obtained was identified as adenosine on the basis of ESI-MS,1H NMR, HPLC, and UV spectra. Adenosine concentration dependently (2.3–457 μM) platelet aggregation inhibited induced by ADP. Also, adenosine present inhibition of platelet secretion and thrombus formation under flow conditions. The quantitative HPLC analysis revealed significant amounts of adenosine in ripe tomato fruits and its processing by-products. From these results, extracts/fractions of ripe tomato fruits and their processing by-products may be referred to as functional food and functional ingredients containing a compound that inhibits platelet function with a potent preventive effect on thrombus formation, as those that occur in stroke.

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 enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT), especialmente las enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) y el cancer, representan un importante problema de salud publica. Una de las estrategias para revertir esta situacion es incrementar el consumo de frutas y hortalizas. Por lo anterior, esta revision muestra los hallazgos epidemiologicos y mecanismos por los cuales la ingesta de tomate podria prevenir el desarrollo de ECV y cancer. El tomate, rico en licopeno, es la hortaliza de mayor consumo a nivel mundial y la que mas se cultiva en Chile. Desde la decada de los noventa, varios estudios epidemiologicos han mostrado que el consumo de tomate puede prevenir el desarrollo de eventos cardiovasculares (infarto agudo de miocardio y enfermedad cerebro vascular) y ciertos tipos de cancer. Respecto a los mecanismos protectores de ECV se ha observado que el tomate presenta actividades antiplaquetaria, protectora del endotelio, antioxidante y antiaterogenica. Por su parte, entre los mecanismos por los cuales puede prevenir el cancer, se han descrito las siguientes actividades: antioxidante, activacion de apoptosis, disminucion de la proliferacion celular y disminucion de la angiogenesis y metastasis. A futuro sera necesario avanzar en el conocimiento de los mecanismos moleculares involucrados (celulas, receptores y vias de senalizacion). Por otra parte, teniendo en consideracion el aporte del tomate y sus productos en la prevencion de las ENT, junto con incrementar las campanas sobre consumo interno y exportacion, sera fundamental idear nuevos alimentos funcionales y nutraceuticos.

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

The Cu, Cr and Pb concentrations were determined in Mugil cephalus and Eleginops maclovinus, fish species inhabiting the mouths of the Maule and Mataquito Rivers (Maule Region, Chile) which are consumed by the coastal population in large quantities. Measurements were taken by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy to analyse representative muscle tissue of the two species. The method was validated using certified reference material (DOLT-1). The concentration ranges of Cu, Cr and Pb (mg . kg -1 , dry weight) in Mugil cephalus from the Maule river were: Cu 0.5-36.2; Cr 0.3-6.3; Pb 0.4-11.2 and from the Mataquito river varied between: Cu 0.6-23.2; Cr 0.3-6.0 and Pb 0.4-11.1. For the species Eleginops maclovinus from the Maule river the concentration ranges were: Cu 0.8-13.2; Cr 0.2-5.6; Pb 0.2-9.6 and from the Mataquito river: Cu 0.5-18.4; Cr 0.2-3.2 and Pb 0.3-4.0. The concentration ranges of Cu and Cr recorded in the two species of fish are within the levels permitted by FAO and EPA, however the concentrations of Pb in Mugil cephalus originating from both estuaries exceeds the levels permitted by current legislation. The statistical analysis done with one way ANOVA (p < 0.05) indicated that for each metal there are no significant differences between the species and the two sampling sites; however with two way ANOVA between the species and the two sampling sites a significant difference was found for Cu and Cr, but not for Pb.

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.

Los híbridos de Lilium spp. son importantes productos de exportación de la floricultura chilena. En cultivos al aire libre se suele sombrear para reducir la temperatura, sin embargo se desconoce el grado de sombreamiento adecuado para lograr buena calidad de varas florales y de bulbos. El presente estudio evaluó la calidad de las varas florales de dos cultivares híbridos de Lilium spp., el cv. Dreamland de tipo asiático y el cv. Alhambra de tipo oriental, cultivados en la VII Región (35°17’ lat. Sur, 71°17’ long. Oeste) bajo diferentes niveles de sombreamiento, utilizando mallas de 35; 50; 65; y 80% de sombra y un testigo sin malla. Además se midió el perímetro y peso de los bulbos al cabo de una, cuatro y ocho semanas después de la cosecha de flores. En ambos cultivares las plantas cultivadas bajo mallas de 65 y 80% de sombra fueron significativamente más altas, sin diferencias significativas en diámetro y cantidad de botones por vara entre los tratamientos. El peso de bulbos en ambos cultivares fue superior en los tratamientos control y 35% de sombra. El perímetro de los bulbos del cv. Dreamland presentó valores superiores en el tratamiento testigo y bajo malla de 35% de sombra. En el cv. Alhambra el perímetro de los bulbos de los distintos tratamientos fue similar en la evaluación realizada a las ocho semanas después de la cosecha de las flores. En cultivos de doble propósito, el objetivo calidad de la flor se contrapone con perímetro del bulbo, en este caso se propone utilizar mallas de 50% de sombra. Lilium spp. hybrids are important export products among the Chilean cut flower exports. Field plantations are often shaded to reduce temperature; however, the best shading percentage to attain a good quality cut flower and also a good quality bulb is unknown. This study assessed the cut flower quality of two Lilium spp. hybrid cultivars, cv. Dreamland belonging to the Asiatic group and cv. Alhambra of the Oriental group, cultivated in the VII Region (35°17’ S lat, 71°13’ W long) under shading nets of 35, 50, 65, and 80% shading, and a control treatment without shade. The perimeter and weight of the bulbs were recorded at one, four and eight weeks after flower harvest. In both cultivars the plants grown under 65 and 80% shade were significantly taller, with no differences in both stem diameter and number of florets per stem among all the treatments. Bulb weight in both cultivars was higher in the control and 35% shade treatments. The bulb perimeter of cv. Dreamland was higher in the control and 35% shade treatments, and showed higher values at each subsequent evaluation. In cv. Alhambra, the perimeter of the bulbs of the different treatments was similar in all treatments in the last evaluation performed eight weeks after flower harvest. In double purpose crops, attaining good quality in both cut flowers and bulbs are contradictory; in this case it is proposed the use of 50% shade.

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.