Outbreaks of crown rot in Fragaria x ananassa caused by Neopestalotiopsis mesopotamica in Ecuador

Strawberry crown rot is one of the most important diseases in Ecuador, with an incidence of up to 70% in the field. In the world, the strawberry crown rot is caused by different etiological agents, which makes efficient control of the disease difficult. In this study, 12 samples of strawberry plants were collected, at different stages of disease development, to determine the causative agent in Ecuador. The fungal isolates, consistent with the isolation, were identified and characterized using molecular and morphological approaches, and finally, Koch's postulate was carried out. Based on the form of growth, mycelial color, conidial morphology, and molecular characteristics (sequencing of the ITS and EF-1α region), the pathogen associated with the symptoms showed 99% similarity with the species Neopestalotiopsis mesopotamica. The result of Koch's postulates showed symptoms similar to those observed in field plants, in addition, the same inoculated isolate was recovered from artificially inoculated tissues. This is the first report of this fungus causing strawberry crown rot in Ecuador and in the world.

New retting method of cassava roots improve sensory attributes of Bobolo and Chikwangue in Central Africa: an approach through just about right (JAR) test

Aim: the aim of this study was to determine sensory profile, through the use of just-about-right (JAR) scales and penalty analysis, of Bobolo and Chikwangue from the cassava roots fermented with previously cassava-fermented chips powder (PCFCP). Furthermore, retting time, cyanide content and pasting properties of retted roots were evaluated. Methods: for that, two samples of Bobolo and Chikwangue obtained from two cassava retting methods were studied: a control made from the retting without PCFCP and a product made from retting with PCFCP. Results: retting time was carried out in 48 hours less with PCFCP and 60% of cyanide reduction more than control. No major modifications occurs in pasting properties of paste fermented with PCFCP. The sensory analysis indicated high levels of acceptability for products made from retting with PCFCP. The penalty analysis showed that attributes “too sour” and “too much fermented odor” affected the acceptability of the Bobolo from retting without PCFCP significantly. Conclusion: fermentation of cassava through the use of PCFCP is suitable to improvement of sensory characteristics of fermented cassava by-products.

Effect of boiling on nutritional, antioxidant and physicochemical properties of edible plants (Malva parviflora and Myrtillocactus geometrizans)

The aim of the present research was to determine the effect of boiling on nutritional composition, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, physicochemical and morphological characteristics of two edible plants Malva parviflora (mallow leaf) and Myrtillocactus geometrizans (garambullo flower). The plants had an important nutritional composition as carbohydrates (48-70 %), dietary fiber (36-42 %) and protein (13 %), as well as total phenolic compounds (468-750 mg GAE/100 g db) with a high antioxidant capacity. However, boiling originated the decrease of soluble compounds, carbohydrates, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and physicochemical properties. Plants changed to dark colors and physicochemical properties were affected, except to water retention capacity, oil retention capacity and viscosity, which had the same values in mallow leaves (raw and boiled), but increased water retention capacity in garambullo flowers, it may be by changes in the morphology observed. Therefore, is to suggest the raw consumption or with minimal cooking of these plants to avoid changes caused by thermal treatment.

Multivariate analyses of indigenous bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) landraces of Oman

Oman is endowed with enormous diversity of important food crops that have global significance for food security and has ancient history of cultivation of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with its divergent landraces, which are useful in crop improvement. 55 indigenous Omani accessions conserved at the USDA were evaluated in the winter season (November to April) of the years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 on loamy soil under sprinklers in augmented design with 5 check varieties in 5 replications following crop husbandry practices as per national recommendations using 9 quantitative (descriptors) and 6 qualitative traits (anthocyanin pigmentation on plant parts). The data on traits were subjected not only for PC values and D values after varimax rotation through Kaiser normalization in Principal Component Analysis (PCA) but also for Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC). The results indicated that indigenous bread wheat accessions were significantly different (p>0.05) for all the quantitative traits except number of tillers. The multivariate analyses led to formation of four diverse clusters from PCA analyses corresponding to four quadrants of bi-plot graphs and three clusters from AHC analysis corresponding to main clades of dendrogram. The parents were selected from common accessions of distinct clusters in all the multivariate analyses for hybridization for improving characters of growth for higher yield or productivity with pigmentation on one or two plant parts useful for DUS test of varieties. The indigenous bread wheat landraces / accessions were genetically diverse and have potential for use in national crop improvement programs for earliness and higher grain productivity with distinct identification markers.

Mapping and validation of markers linked to Rf gene in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum var grossum)

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), is the most valuable system in commercial hybrid seed production in hot pepper. Whereas in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum var grossum), the unavailability of a stable restorer’s line is one of the major constraints in commercial hybrid breeding. Identifying the markers linked to CMS and nuclear restorer-of-fertility (Rf) genes will help in the production of CMS hybrids in sweet pepper. In the present study, we identified seven markers co-segregating with Rf genes using bulk segregating analysis (BSA) on the F2 Rf-segregating mapping population. Among these, the CRF-SCAR marker proved to be linked to the fertility restorer gene and it could be used for screening of genotypes to identify restorers and non-restorer lines in future Capsicum breeding programs and help in the establishment of CMS system for commercial hybrid seed production.

Effects of partial quantity rationing of credit on technical efficiency of Boro rice growers in Bangladesh: Application of the stochastic frontier model

In this study, we analyzed the effects of the partial quantity rationing of credit on the technical efficiency of Boro rice growers in the Pabna district of Bangladesh. Before conducting the field survey, we designed a theoretical framework and identified farm households affected by the partial quantity rationing of credit. Data were collected from 174 Boro rice growers and analyzed in two stages, where the technical efficiency of Boro rice growers was assessed using stochastic frontier analysis, and the inefficiency effects model was then applied to evaluate determinants of the technical efficiency. The mean technical efficiency of Boro rice growers was 78%, which indicates that their technical efficiency was 22% beyond the production frontier curve. The variables comprising the household head’s age, education level, seed quality, formal training, access to the market, farm labor, tillage cost, fertilizer cost, irrigation cost, and price of seedlings significantly affected the technical efficiency of rice growers. The variables of interest comprising the rate and partial quantity rationing of credit had significant negative effects on the technical efficiency of rice growers. The findings obtained in this study will help to enhance the actual production level using the available resources and improve the food security situation in Bangladesh.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Moringa oleifera Leaf as a Natural Food Preservative in Chicken Burgers.

Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae) is a highly valued plant its content phytochemicals, rich in vitamin and minerals and high nutritional value. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of bioactive compounds in Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves and their potential as antimicrobial agents for use as natural food additives to increase the shelf-life of chicken burgers. Seven types of chicken burger were prepared including a control (without antioxidant), with 0.5 % MO polyphenol extract (MOPE) added, 1 % MOPE, 2 % MOPE, 0.5 % whole MO powder (WMOP), 1 % WMOP, and 2 % WMOP. The results showed that chicken burgers treated with MOPE and WMOP at concentrations of 0.5 %, 1 %, and 2 % had significantly (p < 0.05) lower total plate counts (TPCs) at the end of the storage period (6 days) compared to the control. Burgers with added MOPE and WMOP had significantly (p < 0.05) higher total phenolic content, flavonoids content, and antioxidant activity compared to the control. Acceptability of chicken burger was not affected by the addition of MOPE or WMOP. Our findings suggest that adding MOPE and WMOP at concentrations of 1 % and 2 % could be an effective natural food preservative in chicken burgers.

Assessment of the characteristics of the fresh quince (Cydonia oblonga Miller) from different geographical origin and year of harvesting

Quince fruits from different geographical origin and year of harvesting (2019 and 2020) were characterized from physicochemical and nutritional viewpoint. Quince fruits were collected at maturity (September) in Murcia (Spain). The pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, colour, moisture, water activity, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, vitamin C and flavonoids were measured for all samples. There were significant differences among quince fruits characteristics. The comparison of quinces from the different origins and the comparison of quinces from the same origin and harvested two different years indicate differences in both physicochemical and nutritional characteristics, being greater the variation in the nutritional characteristics. This is to be considered by the quince industry, since the reality is that quinces from different geographical origin are the raw material of the quince industry every season.

The study of the practice of growing food at home in the UAE: role in household food security & wellbeing and implication for the development of urban agriculture

Home-grown food products are getting more and more prominence around the world owing to many factors including the increasing demand for fresh food materials, consumers’ awareness of food-health nexus, and the increasing public awareness of environmental impacts of food production at home and resource-saving, and others. The main objective of this study is to assess the nature of the homestead food production system in the UAE and determine its significance for household food security and identify the factors that affect households’ engagement in food production at home. Primary data was collected through reconnaissance in communities, online survey, and face-to-face interviews. The findings show that 88% of a sample of households (N = 196) interviewed produce various food products in homestead gardens. Home-grown food products are fruits, vegetables, spices, eggs, and small ruminants. The use of modern production methods like hydroponics and aquaponics is still uncommon. The sample households produce on average 21 kg of fruits and vegetables, 26 kg of mutton per month, and 30 pieces of eggs per week. The home-grown food products are mainly used for home consumption; some part is given to relatives and friends. Reasons for producing food at home include the need for self-sufficiency, reduce food purchase expenses, environmental awareness, the food being healthy, and as a hobby. The majority of the sample households would see continue producing in the future. Many factors influence the household's decision to grow food products in their homestead. Among these, availability of space, environmental awareness, availability of farmworkers, the need to reduce food purchase bills, and knowledge of home-grown food safety requirements. Analysis of the logistic model reveals that households who have not enough garden space are less likely to practice while those who consider reduction of food purchase expense, have environmental awareness, are able to hire workers for garden activities, and have knowledge of home garden food production tend to have a high likelihood of practicing homestead production. This study concludes that homestead food production is important for the urban households in the UAE and has a potential to be a basis for the development of urban agriculture. It needs more public awareness raising about its importance, technical support in demonstration of best practices and use of modern technologies (like a mini hydroponics and aquaponics), the food safety requirements of homestead based for products.

Physicochemical characterization and antioxidant activity of wild Physalis spp. genotypes

The center of origin and domestication of Physalis spp. is Mexico, where 70 wild species and only two cultivated species are found. Fruits of wild husk tomato are collected by farmers for home consumption or for sale in local markets, where prices are higher than for the cultivated husk tomato. Despite their economic and nutritional importance, they have been little studied. The objective of this study was to determine phytochemical properties, nutritional value, total contents of phenol, anthocyanins and flavonoids, and the antioxidant capacity of the fruits of five wild genotypes of Physalis spp (Quialana, Jalieza, Vigallo, Ejutla and Miahuatlán), collected in the corn harvest season in five localities of Oaxaca, Mexico. The genotypes Quialana and Miahuatlán had the best physical characteristics, but their antioxidant capacity was lower than that of the genotypes Jalieza, Vigallo and Ejutla, which did not exhibit physical characteristics that are attractive for consumers. Moreover, the high contents of phenols and flavonoids, as well as the antioxidant capacity of all the wild genotypes studied, showed that Physalis spp. is an option for more frequent inclusion in the population’s diet. However, because of food globalization issues, production, commercialization and consumption of these wild species is disappearing.