Abstract: In order to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological composition of functional beverages obtained from chayote pulp (Sechium edule) with L-carnitine. A randomized design with four replicates per treatment was used to evaluate chemical (dry matter, crude protein, ethereal extract, fiber, and ash), physical (pH, °Brix, acidity), and microbiological (mesophilic aerobes and molds and yeasts) parameters. The treatments studied were: V1, Chayote 100% plus 500 mg of L-carnitine; V2, Chayote 75% + 500 mg of L-carnitine and 25% of distilled water; V3, Chayote 75% + 250 mg of L-carnitine and 25% of distilled water; V4, Chayote 50% + 500 mg of L-carnitine and 50% of distilled water; V5, Chayote 50% + 250 mg of L-carnitine and 50% of distilled water. The pH values at V3 gradually decreased until day 21. Crude protein and ash differed (p<0.05) in V1 and V2 compared to the other treatments. While dry matter, ethereal, and nitrogen-free extract did not differ between the variants, mesophilic aerobes, molds, and yeasts were within the ranges (<3) of acceptance according to NTE INEN 1529-6 standards. Treatment V3 showed the highest pH reduction (5.09) compared to other variants after 21 days of storage. It is concluded that including different amounts of chayote pulp with L-carnitine is a suitable alternative to obtain functional beverages for human consumption.

Resumen: Con el objetivo de evaluar la composición fisicoquímica y microbiológica de las bebidas funcionales obtenidas a partir pulpa de chayote (Sechium edule) con L-Carnitina, se empleó un diseño completamente aleatorizado con cuatro repeticiones por tratamiento se evaluaron parámetros químicos (materia seca, proteína cruda, extracto eterio, fibra y ceniza), físicos (pH, °Brix, acidez) y microbiológicos (aerobios mesófilos y mohos y levaduras). Los tratamientos estudiados fueron: V1, Chayote 100 % más 500 mg de L-carnitina; V2, Chayote 75% + 500 mg L-Carnitina y 25% agua destilada; V3, chayote 75% +250 mg L-Carnitina y 25% agua destilada; V4, Chayote 50% + 500 mg L-Carnitina y 50% agua destilada; V5, Chayote 50% + 250 mg L-Carnitina y 50% agua destilada. Los valores de pH en el V3 se redujeron gradualmente hasta el día 21. La proteína cruda y ceniza difirieron (p<0.05) en los V1 y V2 frente a los demás. Mientras que la materia seca, extracto etéreo y extracto libre de nitrógeno, no presentaron diferencia entre variantes. Los aerobios mesófilos, mohos y levaduras estuvieron dentro los rangos (<3) de aceptación según las normas NTE INEN 1529-6. El tratamiento V3 fue el que presentó mayor reducción de pH (5,09) con frente a otras variantes a los 21dias de conservado. Se concluye, que la inclusión de diferentes cantidades de pulpa de chayote con L-Carnitina es una alternativa apropiada para obtener bebidas funcionales aptos para consumo humano.

ABSTRACT • Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) is a tree native to India that, due to its multiple properties, is currently widely distributed throughout the world, mainly in tropical and semi-arid areas, being able to withstand adverse conditions such as high temperatures and soils. arid, infertile, stony or acid. Insect repellents and insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers of extraordinary value for integrated or organic agriculture are made from this plant. The objective of this research is the determination of quality parameters of the physical-chemical variables of the oil from the seeds of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem). The oil was extracted, by artisanal cold pressing, from the seeds of fruits collected from specimens cultivated in the San Antonio del Sur municipality of the Guantánamo province. The quality parameters were determined: density, acidity index, pH, refractive, iodine and saponification indices. The values of the oil quality parameters of the neem seeds were shown to be similar to the results of other researchers and to be within the ranges required by the Codex. Of all the parameters, the only one that is above the required values is the acidity index. The Neem oil from trees located in Guantánamo could be an alternative to replace imported vegetable oils for industrial use, although with previous refining processes

RESUMEN • Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) es un árbol originario de la India que, por sus múltiples propiedades, se encuentra en la actualidad distribuido ampliamente en el mundo, principalmente en zonas tropicales y semiáridas, pudiendo soportar condiciones adversas tales como: altas temperaturas y suelos áridos, no fértiles, pedregosos o ácidos. A partir de esta planta se elaboran repelentes de insectos e insecticidas, fungicidas y fertilizantes de extraordinario valor para la agricultura integral o biológica. El objetivo de esta investigación es la determinación de parámetros de calidad de las variables físico-químicas del aceite de las semillas de Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem). El aceite se extrajo, mediante prensado al frío artesanal, de las semillas de frutos recolectados de especímenes cultivados en el municipio San Antonio del Sur de la provincia de Guantánamo. Se determinaron los parámetros de calidad: densidad, índice de acidez, pH, índices de refracción, de yodo y de saponificación. Los valores de los parámetros de calidad del aceite de las semillas de Neem mostraron ser similares a los resultados de otros investigadores y que se encuentran dentro los rangos exigidos por el Códex. De todos los parámetros el único que está por encima de los valores exigidos es el índice de acidez. El aceite de neem de árboles localizados en Guantánamo podría constituir una alternativa en la sustitución de aceites vegetales importados de uso industrial, aunque con previos procesos de refinación.

ABSTRACT The growing development in the automation of technological processes requires process engineers to know basic aspects of automatic regulation systems. In Plan E of Chemical Engineering, the subject Instrumentation and Controls is taught so that the graduate can conceive a regulation and control scheme for a technological process. The objective of the work is: Design a support software for Topic 3 of the Instrumentation and Controls subject, for the tuning of controllers using different criteria and the analysis of continuous time automatic regulation systems of technological processes. The AnaReg_V1 software was designed, which in the main window presents the regulation system block diagram that serves as an interface for the exchange of information, allowing to obtain the parameters of the first-order approximate model, tuning of either controllers or regulators of different types via different adjustment criteria and graph the temporal behavior of the regulation system variables. It is presented how employing AnaReg_V1 is obtained the approximated model, the tuning of an integral proportional controller according to the Ziegler-Nichols criterion and the temporary behavior of the variables of the regulation system taking as a study case the heat exchanger temperature control.

RESUMEN El creciente desarrollo en la automatización de procesos tecnológicos impone que los ingenieros de procesos conozcan aspectos básicos de los sistemas de regulación automática. En el plan E de Ingeniería Química se imparte la asignatura Instrumentación y Controles para que el egresado conciba un esquema de regulación y control para un proceso tecnológico. El objetivo del trabajo es: Diseñar un software de apoyo al Tema 3 de la asignatura Instrumentación y Controles, para el ajuste de controladores bajo diferentes criterios y el análisis de los sistemas de regulación automática de tiempo continuo de procesos tecnológicos. Se diseñó el software AnaReg_V1, el cual en la ventana principal presenta el diagrama de bloques de un sistema de regulación que sirve de interfaz para el intercambio de información, permitiendo obtener los parámetros del modelo aproximado de primer orden, ajustar controladores o reguladores de diferentes tipos bajo diferentes criterios de ajuste y graficar el comportamiento temporal de las variables del sistema de regulación. Se presenta como con AnaReg_V1 se obtiene el modelo aproximado, el ajuste de un controlador proporcional integral según el criterio Ziegler-Nichols y el comportamiento temporal de las variables del sistema de regulación tomando como caso de estudio el control de la temperatura de un intercambiador de calor.

ABSTRACT: This study addresses the need to understand the presence of functional microorganisms in tropical soils, providing valuable information for conservation and sustainable management. The main objective is to analyze the variability of functional microorganisms at different soil depths and their correlations with physicochemical parameters. To this end, soil samples were collected from 15 random points in a reserved forest and analyzed for physicochemical and microbiological properties at two depths (10 and 20 cm). The following functional microorganisms were quantified: viable aerobes, lactobacilli, actinomycetes, fungi, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria using specific protocols. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used to determine differences between depths, and the Pearson correlation coefficient (|ρ| ≥ 0.8) was used to analyze correlations between physicochemical parameters and microorganisms. The results suggest that the abundance of viable aerobic microorganisms, Lactobacillus, Actinomycetes, and Fungi decreases with soil depth, while nitrogen-fixing bacteria show no significant differences. The decrease in abundance is related to factors such as nutrient and oxygen availability and microenvironmental conditions. There is a strong positive correlation between the amount of viable aerobic microorganisms and Lactobacillus with phosphorus content, and a negative correlation between Actinomycetes and clay content. Actinomycetes prefer sandy soils, while Fungi thrive in soils rich in organic matter. The negative correlation between Fungi and Actinomycetes suggests competition for limited resources and possible chemical interactions, such as the production of antibiotic compounds by Actinomycetes. This study demonstrates that a detailed understanding of soil microbiota can offer new opportunities to improve agricultural practices, especially in terms of soil fertility management and environmental sustainability.

RESUMEN: Este estudio aborda la necesidad de entender la presencia microorganismos funcionales en suelos tropicales, proporcionando información valiosa para la conservación y manejo sostenible. Tiene como principal objetivo analizar la variabilidad de microorganismos funcionales en diferentes profundidades del suelo y las correlaciones con los parámetros fisicoquímicos. Para ello se recolectaron muestras de suelo de 15 puntos aleatorios en un bosque reservado y se analizaron propiedades fisicoquímicas y microbiológicas a dos profundidades (10 y 20 cm). Se cuantificaron los siguientes microorganismos funcionales: aerobios viables, lactobacilos, actinomicetos, hongos y bacterias fijadoras de nitrógeno utilizando protocolos específicos. Se empleó la prueba no paramétrica de Wilcoxon para determinar diferencias entre profundidades y el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (|ρ| ≥ 0,8) para analizar correlaciones entre parámetros fisicoquímicos y microorganismos. Los resultados sugieren que la abundancia de microorganismos aerobios viables, Lactobacillus, Actinomicetos y Fungi disminuye con la profundidad del suelo, mientras que las bacterias fijadoras de nitrógeno no muestran diferencias significativas. La disminución de la abundancia se relaciona con factores como la disponibilidad de nutrientes y oxígeno y las condiciones microambientales. Existe una correlación positiva fuerte entre la cantidad de microorganismos aerobios viables y Lactobacillus con el contenido de fósforo, y una correlación negativa entre Actinomicetos y el contenido de Arcilla. Los Actinomicetos prefieren suelos arenosos, mientras que los Fungi prosperan en suelos ricos en materia orgánica. La correlación negativa entre Fungi y Actinomicetos sugiere competencia por recursos limitados y posibles interacciones químicas, como la producción de compuestos antibióticos por parte de los Actinomicetos. Este estudio demuestra que la comprensión detallada de la microbiota del suelo puede ofrecer nuevas oportunidades para mejorar las prácticas agrícolas, especialmente en términos de gestión de la fertilidad del suelo y sostenibilidad ambiental.

Resumo As plantas têm profundos benefícios terapêuticos, tratamentos mais econômicos, menos efeitos colaterais e um custo relativamente barato, tornando-as uma fonte de medicamentos para fins protetores, preventivos, curativos ou propícios e criando novos fitomedicamentos. Medicamentos derivados de plantas são relativamente seguros em comparação com medicamentos sintéticos. Muitas plantas provaram ajudar com sucesso no tratamento de diabetes, incluindo Filago hurdwarica (Wall. ex DC.) Wagenitz. As investigações atuais foram, portanto, projetadas para avaliar as atividades fitoquímicas, antioxidantes, antidiabéticas e anti-hiperlipidêmicas de F. hurdwarica. As investigações fitoquímicas e atividades antioxidantes de diferentes extratos foram realizadas usando testes químicos padrão, DPPH e ensaios de eliminação de H2O2. O extrato da planta F. hurdwarica em solução hidrometanólica foi preparado pelo método Soxhletation e armazenado em geladeira a 4 °C por dois dias antes do uso. Camundongos Swiss Albino foram tornados diabéticos por uma única dose de aloxana (150 mg/kg). Extrato de planta hidrometanólica e frações de F. hurdwarica foram rastreados quanto à atividade antidiabética e administrados aos camundongos diabéticos induzidos por aloxana em uma concentração de 150-250 mg/kg de peso corporal em diferentes grupos de 6 camundongos diabéticos cada, por via oral, uma vez ao dia por 15 dias. A glibenclamida também é administrada a outro grupo como medicamento padrão para apoiar o resultado na dose de 10 mg/kg de peso corporal por via oral uma vez ao dia por 15 dias. Os níveis de glicose no sangue e os pesos corporais dos camundongos foram medidos em 0, 4, 7, 11 e 15 dias. O estudo descobriu que o extrato era seguro até o nível de dose de 2.000 mg/kg e o efeito dose-resposta do extrato de clorofórmio (150-250 mg/kg) de F. hurdwarica mostrou efeitos anti-hiperglicêmicos expressivos e também melhorou outros parâmetros bioquímicos alterados associados com diabete. Os espectros de FTIR e DRX demonstraram a ocorrência de fenóis, álcoois, alcenos, haletos de alquila, cetonas e compostos aromáticos e confirmaram a natureza amorfa do extrato. A análise espectral por GC-MS mostrou a presença tentativa de 31 constituintes fitoquímicos no extrato clorofórmio de F. hurdwarica com diferentes tempos de retenção. Para concluir, o extrato de clorofórmio (250 mg/kg) de F. hurdwarica revelou considerável potencial antioxidante, anti-hiperglicêmico e anti-hiperlipidêmico e é seguro para o tratamento de diabetes e complicações relacionadas.

Abstract Plants have profound therapeutic benefits, more economical treatments, fewer side effects, and a relatively cheap cost, making them a source of drugs for protective, preventative, curative, or conducive purposes and creating novel phytomedicines. Plant derived medicines are relatively safe compared to synthetic medicines. Many plants have proved to successfully aid in the treatment of diabetes including Filago hurdwarica (Wall. ex DC.) Wagenitz. The current investigations were therefore designed to assess the phytochemical, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic activities of F. hurdwarica. The phytochemical investigations and antioxidant activities of different extracts were carried out using standard chemical tests, DPPH, and H2O2 scavenging assays. F. hurdwarica plant extract in Hydromethanolic solution were prepared by Soxhletation method and stored in refrigerator at 4°C for two days before use. Swiss Albino mice were made diabetic by a single dose of alloxan (150 mg/kg). Hydromethanolic plant extract and fractions of F. hurdwarica were screened for antidiabetic activity and given to the alloxan-induced diabetic mice at a concentration of 150-250 mg/kg of body weight in different groups of 6 diabetic mice each orally once a day for 15 days. Glibenclamide is also given to another group to as a standard drug to support the result at a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight orally once a day for 15 days. Blood glucose levels and body weights of mice were measured on 0, 4, 7, 11 and 15th days. The study found that the extract was safe up to the dose level of 2000 mg/kg and the dose response effect of chloroform extract (150-250 mg/kg) of F. hurdwarica showed expressive antihyperglycemic effects and also improved other altered biochemical parameters associated with diabetes. The FTIR and XRD spectra demonstrated the occurrence of phenols, alcohols, alkenes, alkyl halides, ketones, and aromatic compounds and confirmed the amorphous nature of the extract. GC-MS spectral analysis showed the tentative presence of 31 phytochemical constituents in the chloroform extract of F. hurdwarica with different retention time. To conclude, the chloroform extract (250 mg/kg) of F. hurdwarica revealed considerable antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and antihyperlipidemic potential and is safe for treating diabetes and related complications.

The variety of vegetables available for plant-based beverage production is associated with a lack of specific regulatory aspects and difficult standardization. The aim of this study was to characterize the physicochemical properties of plant-based beverages (five different sources, three different market brands for each vegetable). The parameters studied were pH, moisture content, acidity, soluble ionic calcium at initial pH and pH 4.3, soluble solids, heat coagulation time (HCT), density, conductivity, surface zeta potential, morphology, polydispersity index, particle size. When comparing the mean values of the results found in the present work with model emulsions and/or plant based beverages produced on a laboratory scale, it can be found that the mean values for pH, moisture, soluble solids, calcium, surface zeta potential, particle size, and polydispersity index were similar to the reported values in the literature, however, acidity, HCT, density, and conductivity were lower than those reported in the literature. The coconut plant-based beverage exhibited the most significant statistical difference as compared to other plant-based beverages, especially in terms of pH, conductivity, particle size, and polydispersity index. This study is a promising aid to regulatory agencies and industries for standardization of nutritional value, production, stability, storage and chemical attributes of these beverages.

In the criminal sphere, it is extremely important to identify perpetrators of crimes based on latent fingerprints (invisible to the naked eye) revealed at crime scenes and their corresponding objects. The present work aimed to evaluate four synthetic analogues of curcumin as possible IDL developers, and to compare their results with those of carbon black developer, as well as to reach the most adequate parameters in the use of the LTQ and FT-ICR mass spectrometers with the paper spray ionization (PS) source to study the chemical composition of the endogenous substances contained in the IDL. For this, a 24-1 factorial design was developed, where it was verified that the distance and voltage factors were the most influential for the increase in the response of signals, in the analysis of latent fingerprints by PS. Among the detected substances we can mention around 20 fatty acids, and squalene. Finally, four potential developers, synthetic analogues of curcumin, were compared with carbon black developer. The revelation of latent fingerprints occurred efficiently, allowing the visualization of minutiae, such as bifurcation and end of line, making it possible to classify them, according to the Vucetich Fingerprint Classification System.

Abstract In this research, acorn flour (AF) was used in starch based noodle production. It was replaced with gluten free mix at four different ratios (10, 20, 30 40%) for supplementation. The results indicated that AF utilization caused lower L* values and higher a* values and the total color difference reached 22.86. Especially, 30% and 40% addition of AF led to volume and weight increases and high cooking losses compared to control. Besides these samples exhibited lower firmness values. There were not a significant effect on optimum cooking time, swelling index, water solubility index and brix values. The utilization of AF at the level of 40% increased ash, protein and fat content from 0.89%, 5.64% and 2.64% to 1.14%, 7.70% and 6.83% respectively. The highest total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity were detected in 40% AF added samples (17.55 and 5.77 fold). Also one of the remarkable results of the study were the lower phytic acid and phytate phosphorus contents with AF usage. The results changed between 184.39-27.54 mg/100g and 52.00-7.76 mg/100g respectively. An increment in water absorption and decrement in C3 and stability values revealed with usage of 30% and upper levels of AF in mixolab measurements. The parameters of sensory analysis evaluated, it was observed that AF addition occured negative effects and it was concluded that although improvement of nutritional composition of gluten free noodles with AF, it may be used maximum 20% as ratio.

Abstract Polymeric composite materials, presenting a practical solution for sealing non-metallic expansion joints under extreme conditions such as high temperatures and harsh chemical and physical abrasion, were investigated in this scientific study to discern the impact of welding parameters on their degradation and properties. The study entailed the bonding of polymeric composite blankets through hot plate pressing with a PTFE film, encompassing variations in temperature, duration, and load application. The findings elucidated that lower temperatures and shorter processing times failed to achieve optimal blanket adhesion, while higher temperatures led to material degradation, subsequently diminishing the mechanical strength of the welded joint. In contrast, extended processing times and the application of load during welding demonstrated a positive correlation, enhancing the mechanical strength of the joint by ameliorating interfacial adhesion. This research underscores the critical significance of carefully selecting welding parameters to ensure the peak performance and durability of polymeric composite structures.

Abstract The development potential of byproducts from wastes of grape processing can be a promising alternative due to environmental questions. Moreover, there is the possibility of using this material in the development of products with added value. In this study, the wastes of grape skin (GSk), grape seed (GSe), and defatted grape seed with skin fragments (DGS) from ‘Ives noir’ grape (Vitis labrusca L.), grown under organic farming conditions, had their chemical composition and physical-chemical properties evaluated. Parameters of chemical composition, contents of phenolic compounds, total anthocyanins, flavonoids, and minerals, the antioxidant capacity, and water sorption capacity were evaluated. The wastes of grape were also analyzed by FTIR and TG/DTG. All residues had a high fiber content (54.1 - 74.3 wt.%), the DGS waste had the highest contents of phenolic compounds as flavonoids, and the GSk waste had the highest content of total anthocyanins. Antioxidant capacity values were higher in the ABTS+ method, with no statistical difference. On the other hand, in the DPPH antioxidant assay, the DGS and GSe wastes had higher antioxidant activity; these wastes also had greater thermal stability. The GSk waste had the highest water sorption capacity. The results show that the wastes from grape processing have the potential to be reused in applications with more value added.

Abstract Nanosensors work on the “Nano” scale. “Nano” is a unit of measurement around 10− 9 m. A nanosensor is a device capable of carrying data and information about the behavior and characteristics of particles at the nanoscale level to the macroscopic level. Nanosensors can be used to detect chemical or mechanical information such as the presence of chemical species and nanoparticles or monitor physical parameters such as temperature on the nanoscale. Nanosensors are emerging as promising tools for applications in agriculture. They offer an enormous upgrade in selectivity, speed, and sensitivity compared to traditional chemical and biological methods. Nanosensors can be used for the determination of microbe and contaminants. With the advancement of science in the world and the advent of electronic equipment and the great changes that have taken place in recent decades, the need to build more accurate, smaller and more capable sensors was felt. Today, high-sensitivity sensors are used that are sensitive to small amounts of gas, heat, or radiation. Increasing the sensitivity, efficiency and accuracy of these sensors requires the discovery of new materials and tools. Nano sensors are nanometer-sized sensors that, due to their small size and nanometer size, have such high accuracy and responsiveness that they react even to the presence of several atoms of a gas. Nano sensors are inherently smaller and more sensitive than other sensors.

Resumo Os nanossensores funcionam na escala “Nano”. “Nano” é uma unidade de medida em torno de 10-9 m. Um nanosensor é um dispositivo capaz de transportar dados e informações sobre o comportamento e as características das partículas no nível da nanoescala para o nível macroscópico. Os nanossensores podem ser usados para detectar informações químicas ou mecânicas, como a presença de espécies químicas e nanopartículas, ou monitorar parâmetros físicos, como temperatura em nanoescala. Os nanossensores estão surgindo como ferramentas promissoras para aplicações na agricultura. Eles oferecem uma abrangente atualização em seletividade, velocidade e sensibilidade em comparação com os métodos químicos e biológicos tradicionais. Os nanossensores podem ser usados para a determinação de micróbios e contaminantes. Com o avanço da ciência no mundo e o advento dos equipamentos eletrônicos e as grandes mudanças ocorridas nas últimas décadas, sentiu-se a necessidade de construir sensores mais precisos, menores e mais capazes. Hoje, são usados sensores de alta sensibilidade que são sensíveis a pequenas quantidades de gás, calor ou radiação. Aumentar a sensibilidade, eficiência e precisão desses sensores requer a descoberta de novos materiais e ferramentas. Os nanossensores são sensores de tamanho nanométrico que, devido ao seu tamanho pequeno e tamanho nanométrico, possuem uma precisão e capacidade de resposta tão altas que reagem até mesmo na presença de vários átomos de um gás. Os nanossensores são inerentemente menores e mais sensíveis do que outros sensores.

As resistance to chemical acaricides increases amongst tick populations, investigations of natural remedies that have acaricidal or tick-repellent effects have become essential in the search for alternatives for sustainable tick control. Garlium GEM HC (Garlium), a natural concentrated garlic product, was supplemented in-feed to beef cattle to determine if it could assist in reducing the number of attached ticks on cattle. Two grams of Garlium was supplemented daily to eight Bonsmara steers over 43 days. A second group of eight steers served as controls. All animals were infested with a similar number of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus adults and Rhipicephalus microplus larvae. Subsequently, the number of attached engorged ticks and the hatchability of the tick eggs were determined. Blood samples were collected from the steers for whole blood analyses. The results were analysed using a two-sample t-test procedure. Due to large standard deviations observed, most of the tick parameters were only numerically improved. Although not significant, the number of larvae produced by female R. appendiculatus ticks per host was reduced by 23%. Estimated number of R. microplus larvae produced from ticks harvested from Garlium supplemented cattle were reduced by 42.3% (p = 0.10). No adverse effect was observed on haematocrits or haemoglobin concentrations. Garlium reduced segmented neutrophil count in the treatment group, suggesting that the immune system was less challenged. Although not statistically significant, the effect of reducing the number of larvae produced per host for the two tick species by approximately 20% and 40% respectively, may be of economic benefit to commercial cattle farmers.

ABSTRACT: Vale do Ribeira is one of the largest banana producing regions in Brazil. However, information on soil fertility and nutrient status that could limit fruit production remains scarce. Thus, the present study diagnosed the most limiting nutrient parameters for the Nanica and Prata banana cultivars, in Vale do Ribeira, São Paulo State, based on soil and leaf chemical analyses. The data assessed included samples from commercial plantations in the municipalities of Eldorado, Cajati, Jacupiranga, Pariquera-açú, Registro and Sete Barras, between 2012 and 2020. The results of soil (pH, V, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) and leaf chemical analyses (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) were interpreted according to literature values and their maximums, minimums, means, coefficients of variation (CV), and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated at P < 0.05. Parameter classes were assessed according to their frequency distribution. A large part of the samples exhibited pH and V values similar to those recommended for banana plants. Although, average soil nutrient concentrations were considered high, soil K, Mg and S levels did not provide adequate banana plant nutrition, since these nutrients were deficient in the plants.

RESUMO: O Vale do Ribeira é uma das maiores regiões produtoras de banana do Brasil. Contudo, ainda são escassas informações sobre a fertilidade do solo e o estado nutricional das plantas que possam limitar a produção da fruta na região. Deste modo, o presente trabalho objetivou diagnosticar os parâmetros nutricionais mais limitantes para as cultivares de bananeira, Nanica e Prata, no Vale do Ribeira - SP, a partir de laudos de análises químicas de solo e folha. Os dados avaliados compreenderam amostragens realizadas em pomares comerciais, nos municípios de Eldorado, Cajati, Jacupiranga, Pariquera-açú, Registro e Sete Barras entre os anos 2012 e 2020. Os resultados das análises químicas de solo (pH, V, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn) e folha (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn) foram interpretados de acordo com valores disponíveis na literatura e calculados seus valores máximos, mínimos, médias, coeficientes de variação (CV) e intervalos de confiança (IC) a P < 0.05. As classes de interpretação dos parâmetros foram avaliadas de acordo com sua distribuição de frequência. Grande parte das amostras apresentaram valores de pH e V próximos aos indicados para a bananeira. As concentrações de nutrientes no solo, em média, foram consideradas altas, no entanto, para K, Mg e S, a concentração no solo não refletiu em adequada nutrição da bananeira, estando esses nutrientes deficientes na planta.

ABSTRACT Sweet potato is among the most important food crops in the world. Due to its high genetic diversity, this species has cultivars that can respond in different ways depending on mineral fertilization. Among the nutrients, phosphorus is related to physiological and biochemical processes that can influence the final quality of the product. This study aimed to assess the influence of P doses on the quality and bioactive compounds of sweet potato cultivars - Paraná, BRS Amélia, and BRS Cuia. The pH, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA ratio, soluble sugars, and the bioactive compounds - flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids - were evaluated. The P doses influenced sweet potato cultivars. The dose of 120 kg ha-1 promoted increments in the parameters pH, SS, TA, and SS/TA ratio for the cultivar BRS Cuia. The same dose promoted an increase in total soluble sugars for the cultivar BRS Amélia. P dose of 240 kg ha-1 promoted higher levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins in the cultivar Paraná, and there was an increase in carotenoid content at the dose of 60 kg ha-1.

RESUMO A batata-doce está entre as culturas alimentícias mais importantes do mundo. Por apresentar alta diversidade genética, essa espécie possui cultivares que podem responder de maneiras diferentes em função da adubação mineral. Dentre os nutrientes, o fósforo está relacionado com processos fisiológicos e bioquímicos que podem influenciar na qualidade final do produto. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência de doses de P na qualidade e compostos bioativos de cultivares de batata-doce - Paraná, BRS Amélia e BRS Cuia. Foram avaliados o pH, sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT), relação SS/AT, açúcares solúveis e os compostos bioativos - flavonoides, antocianinas e carotenoides. As doses de P influenciaram as cultivares de batata-doce. A dose de 120 kg ha-1 promoveu incrementos nos parâmetros pH, SS, AT e relação SS/AT para a cultivar BRS Cuia. A mesma dose promoveu incrementos nos açúcares solúveis totais para a cultivar BRS Amélia. A dose de 240 kg ha-1 promoveu maiores teores de flavonoides e antocianinas na cultivar Paraná, e houve aumento no teor de carotenoides na dose de 60 kg ha-1.

ABSTRACT The work was intended to evaluate the effect of different organic compounds originating from the mixture of agroindustrial and urban wastes, as well as their doses in the physiology and production of cowpea. The experiment was conducted under a randomized block design, in a 4 x 5 + 2 factorial arrangement, with four organic fertilizers (3 composed obtained from of sewage sludge, green coconut shell, carnauba butt; and sewage sludge biochar), five doses (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 t ha-1) and two additional treatments (without fertilization and mineral fertilization). We evaluated the leaf gas exchange in three phenological stages and the productive aspects. Regarding the physiological variables, the compounds with carnauba butt and green coconut shell promoted the best results and throughout the crop cycle, the gas exchange decreased. The productive aspects were increased by about 60%, especially due to the treatments with organic compounds. The PCA can confirm the univariate results, with emphasis on compounds with green coconut shell and carnauba butt. The high percentage of explanation found in axis 1 (60.49%) may be associated with the fact that the gas exchange and production variables are highly responsive to fertilization. The treatment with biochar caused a reduction in both in the physiological and in the productive aspects. The compounds with carnauba tip and green coconut shell promote satisfactory results, being viable alternatives to complement chemical fertilization with an indicated dose of 300g pot-1 or 60 t ha-1.