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El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el comportamiento postcosecha del fruto de mango cv Ataulfo en estado de madurez fisiológica como respuesta a la infección inducida por Colletotrichum siamense y Colletotrichum asianum. Se inocularon mangos con C. siamense y C. asianum y se almacenaron durante 10 días a 28 °C y HR de 85-90%. En los frutos se evaluó la virulencia de Colletotrichum spp. Y su efecto en las variables de calidad físicas, químicas y la respiración. A los 10 días de almacenamiento, C. siamense mostró mayor virulencia que C. asianum en los frutos de mango, con algunas diferencias en el color interno entre los frutos inoculados y los testigos. Los frutos inoculados con C. asianum presentaron mayor actividad respiratoria y menor textura con respecto al testigo. Las variables de calidad físicas y químicas en los frutos mostraron diferencias significativas con respecto al tiempo de almacenamiento, pero no por la presencia del hongo. La infección de los mangos causada por las dos especies de Colletotrichum se manifestó como manchas necróticas en la zona infectada de los frutos, afectando la apariencia y la calidad visual.

Objetivo: identificar productos potenciales de mango como una alternativa para la producción de mango de comercialización limitada en la zona sur de Sinaloa. Metodología: se implementaron dos primeras etapas: (1) Generación de alternativas de productos. (2) Selección de un producto. Resultados: en la Etapa 1 se identificaron: galleta rellena, ate y barra, por su facilidad de compra, contenido funcional e ingredientes naturales, siendo barra el producto con mayor potencial de éxito. En la Etapa 2, barras en presentaciones de amaranto, mezcla de frutos secos con chocolate y mezcla de cereales con yogurt, resultaron las más preferidas. Limitaciones: la identificación de atributos mediante encuestas puede ser subjetiva, por lo cual, se recomienda realizar pruebas sensoriales con consumidores. Conclusiones: podemos anotar que los tres productos potenciales, y sus atributos, identificados fueron: (1) Barra de mezcla de frutos secos con chocolate fue preferida debido a su aporte de energía, facilidad de compra e ingredientes naturales. (2) Barra de amaranto resultó preferida por sus aportes de proteínas, carbohidratos, fibra, ingredientes naturales y precio. Finalmente, (3) Barra de mezcla de cereales con yogurt es preferida por remplazar una comida, contenido de fibra y contribución a la salud.

Corn (Zea mays) is the most consumed cereal in México, so it is necessary to know the nutritional and anatomical quality of the grains, which have been the main conservation and consumption criteria of the prehispanic peoples. This practice has allowed to preserve varieties of Creole corn, however, due to the lack of knowledge of these characteristics the cultivation of these maize has been reduced, presenting a high risk of disappearing. The objective was to determine the physical, nutritive and functional quality of four varieties of creole corn: Purple-Olotillo, Dos-Puntas, Toro and Olotillo. Toro presented the highest values of width and thickness (10.79 and 7.71 mm). The Toro showed better values of Endosperm and Pericarp (84.25% and 4.01%), Dos-Puntas and Olotillo showed higher values of Germ (10.75%) and Pericarp (6.2%), respectively. The Toro had a higher content of Carbohydrates and Proteins (74.47 and 10.61%). In WSI, the best value was obtained by Dos-Puntas (11.91%) and WAI the Olotillo (245.56 g H2O/g sample). It is concluded that the Toro has better nutritional content and larger and weight grains, while the Olotillo presented the highest values of WAI, it can confer better technological properties for food processing.

The effects of hydrostatic (HHP) and dynamic (HPH) high-pressure treatments on the activity of pectin methylesterase (PME) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) as well as the physicochemical quality attributes of ‘Ataulfo’ mango nectar were assessed. HHP reduced PME relative activity by 28% at 100 MPa for 5 min but increased PPO activity almost five-fold. Contrarily, HPH did not affect PME activity, but PPO was effectively reduced to 10% of residual activity at 300 MPa and at three passes. Color parameters (CIEL*a*b*), °hue, and chroma were differently affected by each type of high-pressure processing technology. The viscosity and fluid behavior were not affected by HHP, however, HPH changed the apparent viscosity at low dynamic pressure levels (100 MPa with one and three passes). The viscosity decreased at high shear rates in nectar samples, showing a shear-thinning effect. The results highlight how different effects can be achieved with each high-pressure technology; thus, selecting the most appropriate system for processing and preserving liquid foods like fruit beverages is recommended.

The effect of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) supply by phenological stages of horticultural crops such as tomato has been little explored so far. In this study, we evaluated the impact of N supply in the vegetative stage and K in the reproductive stage of tomato, on the carotenoid and nutritive content of fruits of three truss clusters. The concentrations of protein, lycopene, β-carotene, sugars, vitamin C and fruit juice were affected by the N and K application by phenological stages, although the N×K interaction was not significant in the last three variables. Increases in N from 10 to 16 molc m-3 of nutrient solution (NS) in the vegetative stage of the crop increased the concentrations of protein, vitamin C, sugars (temporarily) and fruit juice. Likewise, increases in potassium (5 to 13 molc m-3 NS) in the reproductive stage of the crop raised the concentrations of sugars, vitamin C, protein, lycopene, β-carotene and fruit juice. The concentration of carotenoids and the nutritional value of the tomato fruit were influenced by N and K nutrition by phenological stages, and these effects change slightly depending on the cluster harvested and the temperature during the growing cycle.

Pumpkin pulp is the main waste generated by pumpkin seed growers. This agro-industrial waste is a valuable source of bioactive compounds, especially carotenoids (β-carotene, α-carotene, and lutein), which exhibit a broad spectrum of health-promoting effects. In this study, vegetable oils (canola, corn, and soybean oil) were used as green solvent alternatives to conventional organic solvents for carotenoid extraction from dried pumpkin pulp (DPP) waste. The highest carotenoid extraction yield (CEY) was obtained with canola oil, at a 1:10 DPP/oil ratio. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction process parameters (temperature, time, and stirring rate) through a Box-Behnken design (BBD) maximizing CEY in canola oil. The extraction temperature and stirring rate were found to have a significant linear and quadratic effect, respectively, on CEY. Optimum conditions were achieved at 21.8 min, 250 rpm, and 60°C. Under these optimized conditions, the estimated value for CEY was 378.1 µg β-carotene equivalents/g of DPP, corresponding to 61.6% of the total carotenoid content present in the DPP. In contrast, the observed experimental value was 373.2 µg β-carotene equivalents/g of DPP (61.2%). The experimental value was very close to the estimated value, which verifies the model's adequacy and fit. This study shows an alternative method to extract carotenoids from DPP with canola oil, obtaining an oil naturally enriched with carotenoids that could be used as a potential functional ingredient in the development of food, cosmetics, and medicinal products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Pumpkin by-products are a potential carotenoid source. Vegetable oil can be used as an alternative solvent for carotenoid extraction from pumpkin residues to obtain an enriched carotenoid oil that can be used to formulate food products.

The chemical constituents of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) vary by environmental stimuli and cultivar. The effect of cultivars produced under hydroponic and greenhouse conditions on the mineral composition, chemical and nutraceutical quality of the calyx was evaluated. An experiment was conducted in greenhouse and hydroponic conditions, in a randomized complete design with three replicates and four plants per experimental unit. Treatments were formed by a six roselle cultivars: Cruza Negra, Criolla Huajicori, UAN25-1, UAN16-2, 4Q4, and UAN6-Puga. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that ‘Cruza Negra’ is the best cultivar because it presents the highest values of total and insoluble fiber (395 and 260 g kg-1 dry basis [db]), total phenols (29.178 mg kg-1 db), anthocyanins (18.133 mg kg-1 db), 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH; 645 mg kg-1 db), and the absorption capacity of oxygen radicals (ORAC; 240 mg kg-1 db). The highest contribution of minerals was observed in ‘Cruza Negra’ (K, Na, Zn, and Cu) and ‘Criolla Huajicori’ (Ca, Mg, S, and Mn), contributing significantly to the recommended daily intake (RDI). Variability was evident in all the quality characteristics evaluated in the greenhouse roselle calyx. Ash, total and insoluble fiber, phenols, anthocyanins, DPPH, and ORAC contributed the most to the nutritional and nutraceutical quality of the roselle calyx. These variables were influenced by the cultivar

La industrialización del mango genera subproductos con potencial para reprocesarse y comercializarse. En este estudio, se obtuvo del mango ʻAtaulfoʼ maduro la pectina del polvo del pericarpio, que se evaluó con un análisis FODA (Fortalezas-Oportunidades, Debilidades-Amenazas) la propuesta de valor agregado de extracción de pectina. El pericarpio del mango ʻAtaulfoʼ maduro, fue deshidratado, molido y presentólas siguientes características: contenido de 34.36 ± 1.67% de fibra soluble, 22.86 ± 0.03% de fibra insoluble, 0.39 ± 0.01 de actividad de agua y 38.72 ± 0.8 grados de ángulo de reposo. El rendimiento de la pectina con respecto al polvo de pericarpio fue de 5.40 ±1 %, con 94.27 ± 8.7 kDa en peso molecular, 6.35 ± 0.63% de grupos metoxilo y 46.07 ± 0.87% de esterificación. El espectro en infrarrojo de la pectina de mango ʻAtaulfoʼ maduro fue similar al espectro de las pectinas de subproductos de cítricos comerciales. El pericarpio deshidratado del mango ʻAtaulfoʼ maduro, puede ser utilizado en la elaboración de fórmulas alimenticias y la pectina enla industria de productos deshidratados de mango como valor agregado.

Abiotic factors can alter the chemical profile of crops and the number of compounds they contain. In this study, the anthocyanin and anthocyanidin contents, determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-MS/MS), and the colour attributes of the calyces of three cultivars of Hibiscus sabdariffa subjected to three water stress regimes during the stage of physiological maturity were investigated. The total anthocyanin content in calyx increased relative to the control content under a 65% moisture irrigation regime. Among the cultivars, UAN16-2 showed the greatest increases in the contents of cyanidin, delphinidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, and cyanidin 3-O-sambubioside. The content of cyanidin 3-O-sambubioside showed the greatest increase, increasing by 55% relative to the control level. The contents of these compounds are correlated with colour attributes such as luminosity. Water stress under the 33% moisture condition during plant development led to decreased anthocyanin contents in all of the roselle cultivars.

The giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) is a species of commercial interest as a source of protein, and it can be developed into ready-to-eat food products, including expanded extrusion snacks (EES). EES are prepared primarily from starch; however, adding animal protein increases the nutritional contents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the protein-carbohydrate interactions on the physical and morphological characteristics of an EES made of squid mantle and potato-corn flour. The independent variable was the squid mantle content (40, 60, 80, and 100%) and two controls (01 = 100% potato, 02 = 100% corn). The expansion rate (ER) of the sample is significantly minor (p

Los polvos de pericarpio de mango (Mangifera indica L.) de los cultivares Ataulfo, Keitt y Tommy Atkins se obtuvieron por deshidratación y molienda. Se evaluó el contenido de humedad, ceniza, grasa, fibra, capacidad antioxidante y fenoles totales. El cultivar con potencial de ingrediente funcional fue Ataulfo, en el que el polvo del pericarpio mostró una capacidad antioxidante de 34,811 µmol ET g-1 y 7578 mg de EAG 100 g-1 de fenoles totales. Los tres cultivares evaluados pueden considerarse como ingredientes para agregar o enriquecer la fibra en formulaciones de alimentos.

The majority of snacks expanded by extrusion (SEE) are made with vegetable sources, to improve their nutritional content, it has been proposed to incorporate squid (Dosidicus gigas), due to its high protein content, low price and high availability. However, the interaction of proteins of animal origin with starch during extrusion causes negative effects on the sensory properties of SEE, so it is necessary to know the type of protein–carbohydrate interactions and their effect on these properties. The objective of this research was to study the interaction of proteins and carbohydrates of SEE elaborated with squid mantle, potato and corn. The nutritional composition and protein digestibility were evaluated, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the formation of protein–starch complexes and the possible regions responsible for their interactions. The SEE had a high protein content (40–85%) and biological value (&gt, 93%). The melting temperature (Tm) was found between 145 and 225 °C, the Tm values in extruded samples are directly proportional to the squid content. The extrusion process reduced the amine groups I and II responsible for the protein–protein interaction and increased the O-glucosidic bonds, so these bonds could be responsible for the protein–carbohydrate interactions.

Wild pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum)is a valuable genetic resource for food and agriculture. The patternsof variation of 12 morphological traits of 17 populations ofwild pepper collected across a latitudinal and climate gradients innorthwestern Mexico were analyzed in a uniform greenhouse experiment.The morphological traits data were axamined by univariateand multivarite analysis. The relationship between phenotypicvariation and latitude of population origen was tested using linearregression analysis. We found high variation within and amongpopulations for most of the measured traits. Populations wereclearly differentiated by univariate analysis of variance and principalcomponent analysis. Because plants grew in a uniform environment,these results indicate that the differences among the populationswere due to genetic differences among them. Plant height,number of fruits, fruit weight, number of seeds per fruit, numberof seeds per plant showed a clinal pattern of variation across latitudinalgradients. Plants from northern populations were shorter,produced more fruits, fruits were heavier, more seeds per fruit andmore seeds per plant than plants from southern populations. Thevariation pattern observed in these traits suggests adaptation to localclimate conditions. The variation of the other traits (stem diameter,leaf length and width, number of branches, fruit length andwidth and seed weight) was not significantly related to latitude deorigin. It is possible that the observed differentiation in these traitswas the result of different regimens of selection (and nonclinal) ineach population, or a consequence of genetic drift.

Background: Mexican damiana (Turnera diffusa Willd. Ex. Schult), specifically damiana of California has a high demand in the international market for its popularity as aphrodisiac, but its marketing has been affected by the adulteration of its products due to a lack of authentication mechanisms and limited information on the differences between the two currently known varieties. The aim of this study was to establish a leaf standard monograph with scientific bases of the varieties aphrodisiaca and diffusa of Turnera diffusa Willd. Ex. Schult, cultivated at the same agronomic and environmental conditions.Material and Methods: Damiana leaves were collected from a cultivar located in the municipality of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico in 2016. The pharmacognostic studies were carried out in terms of macroscopic and both optical and electronic microscopic characteristics of leaves of the two varieties for their distinction.Results: The leaves of diffusa variety were twice as large as those of the aphrodisiaca variety, whereas papillose glandular trichomes were observed with greater density in the aphrodisiaca variety than those on diffusa leaves where unicellular trichomes were the ones observed in greater density. The leaves of both varieties are dorsiventral and hypostomatic with paracytic stomata.Conclusion: The obtained qualitative and quantitative leaf standards provide reference information for the proper identification and monograph preparation of the aphrodisiaca and diffusa varieties of Turnera diffusa. Pharmacognostic characteristics such as the type of stomata, trichomes, and leaf identify the species, whereas characteristics as leaf size and trichome density differ between varieties.Keywords: Turnera diffusa, var. diffusa, var. aphrodisiaca, medicinal plant, trichomes, microscopy.

Los problemas ambientales generados por el control químico de hongos fitopatógenos, requiere de la búsqueda de alternativas amigables con el medio ambiente para su control, como el aceite esencial de ajo (Allium sativum L.) para el control de Alternaria tenuissima. El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar los volátiles del aceite esencial de ajo por cromatografía de gases acoplado a masas y evaluar el crecimiento radial y biomasa in vitro de A. tenuissima en presencia del aceite esencial. Se identificaron el dialil disulfuro y dialil sulfuro en un 23.64 y 20.33%, respectivamente, entre otros compuestos en menor proporción. Con la concentración de 1,000 ppm se inhibió el crecimiento radial y producción de biomasa en 100 y 86.20%, respectivamente, comparado con el testigo PDATween 80 sin aceite. Las concentraciones media y mínima inhibitorias obtenidas para A. tenuissima fueron 229 y 1,023 ppm, respectivamente. Se inhibió la germinación de esporas del hongo en 88.89 y 94.17% con las concentraciones media y mínima inhibitorias, respectivamente. El aceite esencial de ajo mostró capacidad antifúngica contra A. tenuissima inhibiendo la germinación de esporas, crecimiento radial y la producción de biomasa.

Five elite blue maize hybrids and two blue maize landraces were evaluated for various quality characteristics. Hybrids showed physical characteristics demanded by dry-millers and tortilla processors: above 290 g in one hundred-kernel weight test, higher test weight (76.1–78.5 kg hl−1) and lower flotation index (22–61%). Hybrid maize 613 × 27 (9.9%) and 611 × 8 (9.5%) contained the highest protein. Potassium, magnesium, manganese and zinc contents of hybrid maize were higher than landraces by 15, 30, 55 and 41%, respectively. Nutrimental profile showed linoleic acid contents above 50% in 503 × 67, 613 × 27 and 611 × 8 hybrid samples. Lysine levels of landraces and hybrids 503 × 67 (33.9 g kg−1 protein) and 631 × 27 (31.7 g kg−1 protein) were higher than reported for regular white corn (27 g kg−1 protein), as well as the highest tryptophan levels for Chalqueno (6.0 g kg−1 protein) and hybrid 503 × 67 (6.9 g kg−1 protein). Highest protein quality based on its digestibility was found in hybrid 503 × 67. Results indicated that elite blue maize hybrids could be an important source of nutrimental compounds with potential for functional food industries.

Blue maize is an excellent source of bioactive components such as phenolic acids and anthocyanins but when it is processed for human consumption, these compounds decrease considerably. Therefore, blue maize could be directed to produce nutraceutical extracts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between anthocyanins composition of acidified and non-acidified extracts from native and hybrid blue maize genotypes and their antiproliferative effect in mammary (MCF7), liver (HepG2), colon (Caco2 and HT29) and prostate (PC3) cancer cells. The most abundant phenolic acid was ferulic acid. Nine anthocyanins were quantified in the extracts, being Cy3-Glu the most abundant. Acylated forms were also obtained in high abundance depending of the extraction method. An extract concentration range of 4.31 to 7.23 mg/mL inhibited by 50 % the growth of untransformed cells NIH3T3. Antiproliferative effect on PC3, Caco2, HepG2 and MCF7 cancer cells of acidified extracts from hybrid blue maize was larger than the observed using non-acidified extracts. Among the nine compounds that were quantified in the extracts tested, CyMalGlu I showed the strongest correlation with the reduction of cell viability in Caco2 (−0.876), HepG2 (−0.813), MCF7 (−0.765) and PC3 (−0.894). No significant correlation or differences in antiproliferative effect on HT29 was found among the extracts. The method of extraction of maize anthocyanins must be selected to obtain a high yield of CyMalGlu I more than only Cy3-Glu since acylation affects the inhibition of cancer cell growth.

Free and bound phenolics, antioxidant capacity and anthocyanins content of five elite blue maize hybrids and two native blue varieties grown in Mexico highlands were evaluated. Phenolic content of free and bound fractions was found from 1037 to 1488 and from 9064 to 11,987 mg gallic acid/kg, respectively. The free phenolic fraction of hybrid maize showed 3.7-fold higher hydrophilic antioxidant capacity than landrace counterparts. The highest anthocyanin content was found in hybrid 503 × 67 (1052 mg Cy3Glu/kg), which represented 73.1% of the free phenolics. Results indicated that elite blue maize hybrids could be an important source of antioxidant compounds with potential for either food or nutraceutical industries.

In this work we compared the cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) contents of muscle, liver and placenta of gestating females of the viviparous shark Rhizoprionodon longurio and of muscle, liver and umbilical cord of their respective embryos. The higher values of the essential Cu and Zn were in embryonic or embryo-related tissues (placenta and umbilical cord). Maternal muscle and liver had the highest values of Pb and Cd, respectively. There were significant direct correlations between the Zn and Cd concentrations of placenta and umbilical cord, as well as between maternal muscle and embryonic livers for Pb and Cd, but the relation between these tissues was inverse in the case of Zn. All correlations between the metal content of embryonic tissues and size of the embryos were negative, suggesting an inverse relation between the rate of mother-to-embryo metal transfer and embryonic growth.

Powdery mildew Phyllactinia ( Ovulariopsis cf. insolita ) is reported on Funastrum clausum and F . cynanchoides in Sinaloa, Mexico. The fungus was reported as Oidium insolitum on Lycium chilense in Argentina, later as Phyllactinia chubutiana (anamorph Ovulariopsis insolita ). This fungus was studied by light microscopy and molecular techniques. Fungal mycelium was smooth, effuse, with septate hyphae; appressoria distinct, or ramified; conidiophores pseudoidium type; mature conidium cingulum-like, subcylindric with sub-apical and sub-terminal protuberances. Two rDNA ITS nucleotide sequences were 99% homolog with P. chubutiana 's sequence.

The aim of this work was to survey the discharges of dissolved and particulate Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn of the eight main rivers of Sinaloa State to the Mexican coastal environment. Zn was the most abundant dissolved metal and Fe was the most abundant particulate (8.02-16.90 and 51.8-1,140.3 μg/L, respectively). Only particulate Mn had significantly (p = 0.028) higher values in summer-fall (rainy season), whereas the significantly (p = 0.036) higher values of dissolved Zn were observed in winter and spring. The highest annual total discharges to Sinaloa coastal waters were those of the rivers San Lorenzo and Piaxtla (2 × 10(3) m.t.) and the lowest those of rivers Baluarte and El Fuerte (349 and 119 m.t., respectively). Pb concentrations may become of concern, because they are higher than the value recommended for the welfare of aquatic communities of natural waters.

Las tendencias actuales de los consumidores por alimentos sanos y de conveniencia promueven un mayor consumo de frutas y hortalizas, donde destacan productos frescos cortados. Sin embargo, por su naturaleza estos productos pueden ser muy susceptibles a diferentes alteraciones que afectan su calidad. El uso de aditivos como sales de calcio representa una alternativa tecnológica para mantener, o incluso mejorar, la calidad durante su vida de anaquel. Por lo anterior el objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto de sales de calcio en papaya fresca cortada sobre la calidad física, química, microbiológica, nutracéutica y sensorial. Cubos de papaya, variedad Maradol (2 cm de arista) fueron tratados con lactato y cloruro de calcio al 1,0 y 3,0 %, bajo condiciones de inmersión por 2 min a 40 °C. Las muestras tratadas fueron colocadas en vasos de polietileno tereftalato (PET) de 500 mL tapa, y almacenadas por 8 días a 5 °C. En comparación con los frutos testigo, los tratamientos a base de calcio demostraron mejorar la firmeza (~ 8 N), principalmente los frutos tratados con cloruro de calcio al 3,0 %. Por otra parte, la calidad nutracéutica (fenólicos totales) no se vio afectada por el uso de sales de calcio, mientras que las evaluaciones microbiológicas demuestran condiciones de inocuidad conforme a normatividad. Se sugiere el uso de cloruro de calcio para fines de comercializar papaya fresca cortada.

The objectives of this investigation were to characterize the quality components of the chickpea fruit, to describe the anatomy of the pod, and to study postharvest technology for increasing the shelf life of the fruits. Green chickpeas cv. ‘Blanco Sinaloa’ were harvested; proxi¬mate analysis, minerals, pH, acidity and total soluble solids were separately analyzed in both pods and seeds. Histological evaluations were done on pods at 0, 6 and 12 days. Four lots of fruits were treated, each with 1) 0.5 μl∙L-1 and 2) 1.0 μl∙L-1 of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), 3) sprayed water at 65 °C, and 4) control. Samples were stored for 12 days at 10 °C using PET containers. Evaluations of weight loss, color, and respiration rate were done every 3 days. Chickpea seed and pod showed a good nutritional profile based on the protein, fiber, calcium, potassium, and iron content. Also, in both tissues pH = 6.0 was observed. The cell anatomy of the pod showed a well struc¬tured cuticle at day 0, which remained compacted through the storage; also, a change in cells from the parenchyma towards sclerenchyma was observed, indicating cell aging. The 1-MCP treatments significantly decreased weight loss and metabolic activity of chickpeas as compared to control samples; however, none of the treatments showed a significant effect on green color retention.

The opaque2 (o2) mutation in maize (Zea mays L.) increases the content of free amino acids (FAA) in the endosperm. We investigated the basis of this trait by using recombinant inbred lines from a cross of Oh545o2 (high FAA) and Oh51Ao2 (low FAA) to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for FAA content and to determine their effect on FAA composition and protein accumulation. Mapping identified six QTLs that accounted for 71% of the phenotypic variation. Two QTLs in bins 4.01 and 7.02 are close to α-zein genes; high FAA individuals with these QTLs had reduced accumulation of α-zein 19 kDa isoforms and increased FAA abundant in α-zeins. A QTL in bin 3.03 is close to a gene encoding triose phosphate isomerase (tpi4) and a higher expression of this enzyme was found in high FAA individuals. Other differentially expressed proteins included vicilin-like globulins and the enzymes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, enolase-2, sorbitol dehydrogenase and granule-bound starch synthase. The results suggest that the increased levels of FAA in o2 endosperm are mainly due to the reduction of storage proteins and the failure to incorporate their amino acids into other proteins, as well as the alteration of carbohydrate metabolism that may favor amino acid biosynthesis.

The increasing order of the mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Zn in the tissues of Mugil cephalus of seven coastal lagoons of Sinaloa State (NW Mexico) was liver > gills > muscle, while for Pb it was gills > muscle ≥ liver. There were no differences between the mean concentrations of Cd and Pb of the three tissues determined in the samples of the seven lagoons and, although there were some significant differences, there was no indication of a latitude-related trend in the distribution of Cu and Zn: the Cu content of the muscle tended to be higher in the northern than in the southern lagoons, although in the case of the gills the highest and lowest mean values indicated an opposite trend, with the highest and lowest values in one southern and one northern lagoon. In the case of the liver, there were no differences and no indication of a regional trend. There were no differences in the mean Zn contents of muscle and gills; in the case of the liver, one of the lagoons of the central part of the state had a significantly higher value than one of the southern lagoons and all the rest had similar values. In addition, there was no clear indication of season-related differences in any of the three tissues. According to our results, the metal contents of the muscle of this species are not of concern for human health, since the allowable ingestion would be in the order of 0.9 kg/day.

Different mixtures of feedlot manure, rumen content, and corn stover were used to produce biogas with a large percentage of methane by co-digestion. Biogas components from each mixture were identified and quantified using gas chromatography. Cumulative biogas and methane production was measured for 10 mixtures over the course of 15 days. Response surface methodology was implemented to find the optimum mixture. The largest biogas and methane yields occurred in a mixture composed of 75% feedlot manure, 12.5% ruminal content, and 12.5% corn stover, corresponding to a methane yield of 126 ml CH4·g−1 VS with a 7.5% VS content. These findings show that co-digestion of livestock farming wastes is a promising alternative for the production of renewable energy.

This study shows the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the muscle and hepatopancreas of Pacific white shrimps, Litopenaeus vannamei, cultured during 2010 in 26 commercial farms of the three main producer states of the Mexican NW, Sonora, Sinaloa, and Nayarit and compares the results to those obtained in 2000 using samples collected in16 farms of the same states. No significant changes were detected in Cd concentrations, but the 2010 Zn levels were significantly higher in all states in the hepatopancreas and in Sinaloa in the case of the muscle. Cu showed a tendency to higher hepatopancreas values in 2010, but differences were significant only in Sonora and for the global mean value. In contrast, Pb was one order of magnitude lower in both organs in 2010, possibly because of the almost 15 years since leaded gasoline was discontinued in Mexico.

Quality of bell peppers after harvest is largely influenced by water loss from the fruit. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of fruit fresh weight, size, and stage of ripeness on the rate of water loss and permeance to water vapor. Fruit diameter was correlated with fresh weight, and surface area was associated with fresh weight and diameter. Fruit surface area decreased logarithmically with increases in fruit size, with smaller fruit showing larger changes in surface area than larger fruit. Mean water loss rate for individual fruit and permeance to water vapor declined with increases in fruit size and as fruit ripeness progressed. Fruit surface area/fresh weight ratio and rate of water loss were both highest in immature fruit and showed no differences between mature green and red fruit. In mature fruit, permeance to water vapor for the skin and calyx were 29 µmol m−2 s−1 kPa−1 and 398 µmol m−2 s−1 kPa−1, respectively. About 26% of the water loss in mature fruit occurred through the calyx. There was a decline in firmness, water loss rate, and permeance to water vapor of the fruit with increasing fruit water loss during storage. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry

To assess if they were within the safety limits for human consumption, the Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn contents of fish muscles, bought from separate stalls of the fish markets of nine cities of NW Mexico, were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Considering all fish and markets, the mean contents were Zn:23.23±5.83, Cu:1.72±0.63, Cd:0.27±0.07, and Pb:0.09±0.04 µg/g (dry weight). Cu, Zn, and Pb did not reach levels of concern for human consumption, but the high Cd values determined in Mazatlán (Mugil cephalus:0.48±0.15;Diapterusspp.:0.57±0.33;Lutjanusspp.:0.72±0.12; small shark:0.87±0.19 µg/g dry weight) indicate that this was the only metal of concern for human health because the daily individual consumption of fish muscle to reach the PTDI would be within 0.27 and 0.41 kg.

The lagoonal system Altata-Ensenada del Pabellón supports important traditional fisheries and mollusc cultures and receives urban and agricultural effluents. The annual mean Cd contents of the oyster and mussel Crassostrea gigas and Mytella strigata of the inner mangrove swamps were higher than that of the clam Megapitaria squalida, which lives in areas under marine influence. Crassostrea corteziensis had the highest Cu and Zn contents, showing that it is a strong accumulator of both metals and especially of Zn, and there were no significant differences in the Pb content of the three species.

Se comparó el efecto de seis productos biocompatibles sobre el desarrollo de Sphaerotheca fuliginea en plantas de pepino cv. Borja en dos épocas de cultivo. Se trataron semanalmente las plantas con aspersiones o soluciones de aceites de girasol, oliva y neem, bicarbonato de potasio, silicato de potasio y fosfato monobásico de potasio, comparándose contra azoxystrobin. Los tratamientos más efectivos en reducir la severidad de daño de cenicilla en el follaje de pepino fueron los que contenían las dosis altas de silicato de potasio, bicarbonato de potasio, aceite de oliva, fosfato de potasio y aceite de neem, con un grado de control similar al azoxystrobin. El bicarbonato de potasio, silicato de potasio y los aceites vegetales presentaron fitotoxicidad. El grado de control de la cenicilla por productos fue menor en la etapa de cultivo donde se presentaron temperaturas más altas.

Litopenaeus vannamei is the most important shrimp species in the traditional fishery of the coastal lagoons of the State of Sinaloa (NW Mexico), and most of the landings are consumed locally. Since these lagoons receive important volumes of agricultural, industrial and urban effluents, consumption of this shrimp could pose risks to human health. The mean content of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn determined in the hepatopancreas of shrimp from commercial landings from six lagoons of Sinaloa were higher than those of the muscle. There was a weak correlation between the Zn content of the two tissues (P≤0.05) and the correlations were not significant for Cd, Cu and Pb (P>0.1). The concentrations found in the shrimp muscle were comparable or lower than those determined in commercial landings of different crustaceans from other geographic areas. According to our results the consumption of local shrimp poses no risks to human health.

The ranges of concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn of the soft tissues of C. corteziensis collected in seven coastal lagoons of NW Mexico were 1.55-7.45, 17.50-166.36, 4.13-9.49 and 245.34-2,304.12 microg/g (dry weight), respectively. Their distributions were not consistent and there were no seasonal trends, indicating different point sources of the metals in each lagoon. The mean Cd and Pb concentrations were 5.34 and 6.30 microg/g (dry weight), which are higher than the values indicative of polluted areas. Our data indicate that only the levels of Cd are a possible health risk in six of these lagoons, and only in the case of regular local consumers. In one, Cu and Zn reach levels of concern.

The blue shrimp Litopenaeus stylirostris is the main target species of the Gulf of California shrimping fleet, and its heavy metal content might be of concern for human health because of the increasing contamination of the Gulf. The Cd content of shrimp caught by commercial trawlers ranged from 0.38 to 1.05 microg/g and the mean value was significantly lower in the northern fishing grounds. Pb ranged from 3.19 to 9.59 microg/g and was significantly higher in the northern area. There were no significant geographic difference in the case of Cu and Zn (respective means = 25.4 and 57.8 microg/g). The mean values of all metals show that none is of particular concern for human health.

El estado hídrico presente en las células vegetales es uno de los factores principales que determinan la calidad y la vida de anaquel de los productos perecederos. El estrés de agua provocado por transpiración excesiva al almacenar los frutos en condiciones deficientes de humedad, provoca frutos marchitos y flácidos, acelera los procesos de maduración y acorta Ia vida de anaquel. A pesar de que el contenido de agua en las frutas es considerado primordial para mantener frutos turgentes y una calidad aceptable, aun se desconoce la condición que existe entre el estado hídrico del producto hortofrutícola el contenido poscosecha y las condiciones de almacenamiento. El estado hídrico está definido por el contenido de agua y el potencial hídrico de los tejidos. La pérdida de agua de los frutos ocurre principalmente vía permeabilidad, así como también a través de las estomas y las lenticelas localizadas en la cutícula de los frutos. Este fenómeno, se puede reducir de forma significativa en función de las condiciones óptimas de almacenamiento del producto temperatura y humedad relativa, así como con la aplicación de ceras, las cuales reducen la velocidad de transpiración. Dado que las frutas y hortalizas continúan perdiendo agua aun después de ser cosechados, desarrollar modelos que permitan predecir la calidad y vida de anaquel , utilizando los cambios que ocurren en los parámetros de agua en los frutos en función a las diferentes condiciones de almacenamiento (defícit de presión de vapor: DPV) y manejo poscosecha (encerado) permitirá establecer estrategias de comercialización, enfocadas en mantener la calidad (apariencia y turgencia del fruto). Por tal motivo el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto que tienen las condiciones de almacenamiento (DPV) y el encerado en el estatus hídrico y la calidad poscosecha, de tal manera que esta información nos permitiera generar modelos matemáticos para predecir la vida de anaquel de frutos de pepino y mango.

"Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron evaluar la efectividad de Bacillus subtilis, Rhodotorula minuta y su combinación en aplicaciones en precosecha, para el control en poscosecha de antracnosis en mango (cultivar Kent) y su efecto en la calidad poscosecha de los frutos. Se comparó el efecto de los biofungicidas con el desarrollo de la enfermedad en frutos tratados con un producto químico y un testigo absoluto. Se evaluaron cinco tratamientos: R. minuta 108 ufc/mL; B. subtilis 106 ufc/mL; R. minuta 106 ufc/mL + B. subtilis 104 ufc/mL; benomyl 0.5 g/L; y testigo absoluto. Se hicieron cinco aplicaciones previas a la cosecha del mango. Los frutos cosechados se almacenaron hasta por 15 días a 20°C y 85% de HR. Después de 15 días de almacenamiento, los agentes de control biológico mostraron mayor efectividad en el control de antracnosis en comparación con el control químico. Se encontró diferencia significativa entre la aplicación individual y la combinada de los microorganismos antagonistas. De acuerdo con la prueba de Friedman, los frutos del testigo absoluto mostraron una severidad (en rangos) de 60.5 a los 15 días de almacenamiento, mientras que el fungicida químico presentó una severidad de 41.7. Con la mezcla de R. minuta y B. subtilis se logró la mayor reducción de la enfermedad (severidad de 8.0), lo que resulta prometedor para su posible uso comercial. La aplicación de los tratamientos biológicos no afectó negativamente la calidad poscosecha de los frutos, observándose un desarrollo normal en los sólidos solubles totales, acidez titulable y evolución de la firmeza."

RESUMEN El calamar gigante (Dosidicus gigas) es una de las especies de mayor interés comercial como fuente de proteína, y posee potencial para el desarrollo de botanas expandidas por extrusión (BEE). Las BEE se preparan principalmente a partir de almidón. Sin embargo, la adición de proteína animal permite aumentar su valor nutricional. Estudios recientes señalan que es factible combinar proteína de origen marino con diferentes fuentes de almidón para la elaboración de BEE. La incorporación de calamar deshidratado para elaborar un producto tipo botanas, requiere el estudio de las condiciones del proceso de extrusión y la interacción proteína-almidón (IPA) para producir un alimento con características fisicoquímicas adecuadas. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue explicar el efecto de las interacciones proteína-carbohidrato sobre la calidad nutricia y tecnológica de un producto extruido a base de harina de calamar, papa y maíz. Se determinó el efecto de las condiciones del proceso de extrusión [Temperatura (T) y velocidad de tornillo (VT)] y la relación papa/maíz (RPM) mezclada con calamar sobre las propiedades fisicoquímicas [índice de expansión (IE), densidad aparente (DA), firmeza (F), índice de solubilidad en agua (ISA) e índice de absorción de agua (ISA)] y porcentaje de digestibilidad de proteína in vitro (PDPV). El estudio se realizó bajo un diseño de experimentos de tres factores: T= 130, 140, 150, 160°C, VT = 100, 150, 200, 240 rpm y RPM= 1/5, 1/1 y 5/1. Los mejores valores de IE (2.9), DA (0.14 g/cm3), F (7.2 N), ISA (27.8 %), IAA (5.6 g H20/g muestra) y PDPV

El fruto de litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) es una fruta tropical muy perecedera que en un período de l-2 días a temperatura ambiente (20°C), pierde su color rojo brillante y adquiere un color marrón. Este comportamiento y la presencia de enfermedades causadas por microorganismos fitopatógenos en el fruto, son los principales problemas poscosecha a los que se enfrentan los productores de este frutal. Por tal motivo, el objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar un tratamiento químico o biológico que permita su menor incidencia de microorganismos sin afectar la calidad visual del fruto. En este estudio se identificaron microorganismos aislados de frutos enfermos de litchi, recolectados de la comunidad de El Dorado, Sinaloa. Posteriormente, se evaluó in vitro el efecto de cinco tratamientos químicos (bióxido de azufre, Captan 480 R, cuaternario de amonio (Quatz IV) y ácido cítrico; así como, la mezcla de bióxido de azufre ácido cítrico+ Captan 480 R) y un biocontrolador (Bacillus stearothermophilus), sobre el crecimiento o inhibición micelial de los hongos previamente iden1Hlcudos. Por otra parte, se colectaron frutos sanos, los que fueron sometidos a los tratamientos previamente mencionados en combinación con diversos materiales de empaque ( caja de polipropileno, bolsa de polietileno y bolsas de papel) y se evaluaron variables físicas como la pérdida de peso y el color en la cáscara de litchi. Los microorganismos identificados fueron: Pestalotia sp, Phomopsis vexans, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicilliun sp, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Rhodotorula rubra y candida guillermondii.

El tomate (Lycopersicon esculentum Mili.) se ha convertido en la actualidad en un cultivo de suma importancia alimenticia ya que es una fuente rica en minerales, vitaminas y compuestos antioxidantes. A pesar de que el tomate no presenta altos niveles de vitamina C, ocupa el primer lugar en el consumo entre todas las hortalizas, por lo que es considerado la principal fuente de aportación de esta vitamina en las frutas y hortalizas en la dieta. Diversos factores afectan el contenido de esta vitamina entre los que se pueden citar al manejo poscosecha, las prácticas culturales, las condiciones de almacenamiento y el estado de madurez. El tomate cherry es una de las variedades más importante de consumo en fresco y aporta el doble del contenido de vitamina C en comparación con el tomate bola. Este es un fruto que se cosecha normalmente en estado breaker para minimizar daños durante poscosecha y es considerado medianamente perecedero, por lo que requiera técnicas de manejo apropiadas para extender su calidad física, nutricional y de anaquel. Esto debido a que después del corte, Inicia una serie de transformaciones propias del proceso de maduración del fruto, por lo que encontrar nuevas tecnologías que permitan mantener la calidad del fruto por periodos más largos es una de las metas de los productores de tomate. Entre estas tecnologías, la aplicación de 1-metilciclopropeno (1-MCP) como un retardador de la madurez, ha tenido mucha atención en los últimos años, por ello el objetivo de este estudio fue conocer al efecto qua liana al estado de madurez y al tratamiento con 1-MCP sobre al contenido de la vitamina C y la vida de anaquel en tomate cherry, Se estudiaron frutos en cuatro estados de madurez: breaker (quebrante), tuming (cambiante), pink (rosa) y light red (rojo ligero), considerados como los estados de madurez que comúnmente se manejan en los empaques comerciales. Los frutos da cada estado de madurez fueron tratados con 1-MCP a 500 ppb por 12 horas a 20°C. Posterior a la aplicación, los frutos fueron almacenados por 20 días a 20°C y 85 % HR simulando mercadeo. Bajo estas condiciones se realizaron las mediciones de pérdida de peso, firmeza, color, pH, acidez titulable, sólidos solubles totales, respiración y contenido de vitamina C total en los frutos de tomate cherry, Los frutos de tomate cherry tratados con 1-MCP mostraron un retraso de 6 días en la pérdida de firmeza y en los cambios de color durante el almacenamiento, esto con respecto a los frutos testi

La exportación nacional de productos hortofruticólas durante la temporada 1997-1998, superó los 2000 millones de dólares, de los cuales 138 millones correspondieron a chile bell pepper. Si bien es cierto que al chile se le conoce por su pungencia o picor, existen variedades del género Cupsicum que no los son y por el contrario son un tanto dulces. Los frutos de pimiento dulce o tipo bell pepper pertenecen a este grupo, y en los últimos años han conquistado los mercados internacionales por su bajo grado o casi nada de pungencia, su atractiva forma, su gran tamaño, la diversidad de colores y su alto contenido nutricional. Estas variedades son utilizadas principalmente en ensaladas para darle color y sabor a los platillos, en donde la turgencia y la apariencia han jugado un papel fundamental para Ia selección por el consumidor. Cuando los frutos pierden del 6 al 8% de su peso se observan síntomas evidentes de marchitez y ablandamiento, lo cual reduce significativamente su calidad visual (apariencia). Con el fin de minimizar Ia deshidratación y el marchitamiento de los frutos en poscosecha ocasionado por la pérdida de agua, distintos métodos son utilizados en la actualidad, tales como el uso de ceras, películas plásticas, películas comestibles, aplicación de productos químicos, y atmósferas controladas y modificadas, entre otros. El objetivo general de este estudio fue determinar el efecto que tienen las aplicaciones precosecha de ácido carboxílicos (AC) individuales y combinados con calcio en el contenido hídrico y la vida de anaquel de chile bell. Frutos de color amarillo del cultivar Ori fueron asperjados con soluciones de AC y calcio durante su crecimiento y desarrollo. Bajo condiciones de simulación mercadeo (20°C y 80% HR), cada tercer día se midió el contenido hídrico (potencial hídrico y contenido relativo de agua), la permeabilidad de la cúticula al vapor de agua, así como los parámetros de calidad (firmeza. sólidos solubles totales, color, acidez titulable y pH). Diariamente se determinó la tasa de transpiración y el comportamiento fisiológico (CO2 y C2H4). La meta de esta investigación fue generar información sobre el efecto que tienen estos productos en la calidad y vida útil de los frutos de chile bell.