In the Amazon, Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí), is part of the identity of traditional communities, and the fruit is integrated into their everyday sociocultural dynamics. Hydrolysis and pyrolysis of residual biomass can be alternatives to yield sugars, ethanol, biochar and bio-oil. The açaí seeds subjected to oxidative pretreatment followed by acid hydrolysis increased cellulose to fermentable sugars (reaching 23.5%) and second-generation ethanol production (17.441 L t−1). Açaí oil (ca. 30%) was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus (using hexane as solvent) and detected through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS), where acids accounted for 82.43% of the total composition, while alcohols comprised only 13.15%. For pyrolysis, temperatures (500 and 550 °C), time (20 and 30 min), and activation temperature (750 and 800 °C) were evaluated, resulting in yields of ca. 22% for biochar and 30% for bio-oil. For the bio-oil, the main compounds detected by GC-MS were acids (16.3%), aldehydes (13.08%), amides (12.19%), alcohols (6.72%), and phenols (4.64%). The obtained biochar displayed surface area values of 553.7 m2 g−1 and 10% crystallinity, indicating its more amorphous nature. Amazon Mart açaí, , (açaí) communities dynamics biooil. biooil bio oil. bio-oil reaching 23.5% 235 23 5 secondgeneration second generation 17.441 17441 17 441 (17.44 t−1. t1 t t−1 . 1 t−1) ca (ca solvent GCMS, GCMS GC MS (GC-MS) 8243 82 43 82.43 composition 1315 13 15 13.15% 500 (50 55 °C, C °C 20 (2 3 min, min min) 750 (75 80 evaluated 22 biooil, oil, 16.3%, 163 16.3% 16 (16.3%) 13.08%, 1308 13.08% 08 (13.08%) 12.19%, 1219 12.19% 12 19 (12.19%) 6.72%, 672 6.72% 6 72 (6.72%) 4.64%. 464 4.64% 4 64 (4.64%) 5537 553 7 553. m g1 g g− 10 crystallinity nature (açaí 23.5 2 17.44 1744 44 (17.4 t− (GC-MS 824 8 82.4 131 13.15 50 (5 ( 75 (7 16.3 (16.3% 130 13.08 0 (13.08% 121 12.19 (12.19% 67 6.72 (6.72% 46 4.64 (4.64% 23. 17.4 174 (17. 82. 13.1 16. (16.3 13.0 (13.08 12.1 (12.19 6.7 (6.72 4.6 (4.64 17. (17 13. (16. (13.0 12. (12.1 6. (6.7 4. (4.6 (1 (16 (13. (12. (6. (4. (13 (12 (6 (4

Chitosan (CS) blends with collagen (CL) and Aloe vera (AV) have gained significant attention in the biomedical field due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and potential for wound healing applications. In this study, we investigated the preparation and characterization of CS/CL and CS/AV blends using selective precipitation and co-precipitation techniques. The synthesis processes were analyzed for yield and 4-hydroxyproline content (in CS/CL blends). The materials were characterized using bromatological analyses, viscosity measurements, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These eco-friendly methods effectively promoted interactions between the biopolymers, resulting in homogeneous blends with tunable properties. Besides, they are simple, fast, safe, and require minimal infrastructure. This study demonstrated that selective precipitation and co-precipitation are effective methods for producing chitosan/collagen and chitosan/Aloe vera blends. These methods foster interactions and miscibility between the biopolymers, as confirmed by FTIR, XRD, viscosity, and 4-Hy content analyses. They also align with green chemistry principles by avoiding organic solvents, reducing environmental risks, and minimizing waste. The high yields achieved, especially for CS/AV blends (exceeding 96%), make these materials compatible with lyophilization procedures. The absence of segregated phases after appropriate washing underscores their suitability for pharmaceutical formulations and other applications. CS (CS CL (CL AV (AV biocompatibility biodegradability applications CSCL CSAV coprecipitation co techniques 4hydroxyproline hydroxyproline 4 . blends) analyses measurements Fouriertransform Fourier transform FTIR , (FTIR) Xray X ray XRD (XRD) SEM. SEM (SEM) ecofriendly eco friendly biopolymers properties Besides simple fast safe infrastructure chitosancollagen chitosan chitosanAloe 4Hy Hy solvents risks waste achieved exceeding 96%, 96 96% 96%) procedures (FTIR (XRD (SEM 9

ABSTRACT There is great interest in varieties with greater competitive ability against weeds. This can be facilitated by path analysis, which involves the statistical evaluation and interpretation of the relationship between yield and its components. In this analysis, the occurrence of multicollinearity results in inconsistent estimates of the coefficients, and overestimates of the direct effects of the explanatory variables on the response variable. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics with the greatest direct effect on pod yield and green and dry bean yields in traditional cowpea varieties, evaluated in competition with weeds in two experiments. In addition, the presence of multicollinearity was investigated in the analyses. In Experiment-1, twelve varieties with the highest bean yields in a preliminary evaluation were assessed in a randomized block design with five replications. In Experiment-2, six varieties, selected in the preliminary evaluation, were assessed using two methods of weed management: three of the most productive and three of the least productive. Randomized blocks and split plots were used, with five replications. Multicollinearity, indicated by the number of conditions and the variance inflation values, was greater in Experiment-2. In the six cases under study (three yields x two experiments), the number of pods per plant had the greatest direct effect on yield. analysis components coefficients variable experiments addition analyses Experiment1, Experiment1 Experiment 1, 1 Experiment-1 replications Experiment2, Experiment2 2, 2 Experiment-2 management used Multicollinearity values Experiment2. 2. experiments, , experiments) Experiment-

RESUMO A densidade de plantas e o espaçamento correto são fatores fundamentais para alcançar produtividade rentável e qualidade dos frutos em culturas agrícolas. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a produtividade do tomateiro de crescimento determinado e as características físico-químicas dos frutos, em diferentes arranjos de plantio e densidades de plantas. Foram realizados dois experimentos, sendo que no primeiro experimento e no segundo experimento foram utilizados os híbridos CVR-2909 (CVR Plant Breeding) e HMX 7885 (Agristar), respectivamente. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em delineamento de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados dez tratamentos em esquema fatorial duplo (2 × 5). No primeiro fator, foram avaliados dois arranjos de plantio: linhas simples e linhas duplas. No segundo fator, foram avaliadas cinco densidades de plantas: 15, 20, 25, 30 e 35 mil plantas ha-1. Para o híbrido CVR-2909, o cultivo em linhas simples proporcionou maior produtividade, já as maiores densidades de plantas resultaram em menor produção e número de frutos por planta. Para o híbrido HMX-7885, maiores densidades de plantas proporcionaram maior produtividade, porém com menor produção por planta, massa média e número de frutos por planta. Para esse híbrido o arranjo de plantio proporcionou maior taxa de frutos verdes. agrícolas físicoquímicas físico químicas CVR2909 CVR 2909 CVR-290 Breeding 788 Agristar, Agristar , (Agristar) respectivamente casualizados repetições 2 ( 5. 5 . 5) fator duplas 15 20 25 3 ha1. ha1 ha 1. 1 ha-1 CVR2909, 2909, planta HMX7885, HMX7885 7885, HMX-7885 verdes CVR290 290 CVR-29 78 (Agristar ha- HMX788 HMX-788 CVR29 29 CVR-2 7 HMX78 HMX-78 CVR2 CVR- HMX7 HMX-7 HMX-

ABSTRACT Plant density and correct row spacing are fundamental factors for achieving profitable yield and fruit quality in crops. This study aimed to evaluate the yield of tomato plants of determinate growth and the physicochemical characteristics of the fruits in different planting arrangements and plant densities. Two experiments were conducted using the hybrids CVR-2909 (CVR Plant Breeding) and HMX 7885 (Agristar) in the first and second experiments, respectively. The experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with four replicates. Ten treatments were evaluated in a double factorial scheme (2 × 5). Two planting arrangements were evaluated in the first factor: single and double rows. The second factor comprised five plant densities: 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 thousand plants ha-1. For the CVR-2909 hybrid, single-row cultivation resulted in the highest yield, while higher planting densities gave the lowest yield and number of fruits per plant. For the HMX-7885 hybrid, it was found that higher densities gave higher yields but caused a decreasing effect on fruit production per plant, average fruit mass, and number of fruits per plant. For this hybrid, the planting arrangement provided a higher rate of green fruits. crops CVR2909 CVR 2909 CVR-290 Breeding 788 Agristar (Agristar respectively replicates 2 ( 5. 5 . 5) rows 15 20 25 30 3 ha1. ha1 ha 1. 1 ha-1 hybrid singlerow HMX7885 HMX-788 mass CVR290 290 CVR-29 78 ha- HMX788 HMX-78 CVR29 29 CVR-2 7 HMX78 HMX-7 CVR2 CVR- HMX7 HMX-

Pinacolone and benzopinacolone derivatives are an important class of organic compounds due to their uses in polymer synthesis and more recently as biologically active compounds. The conventional synthesis of such molecules is generally done in two steps, the pinacol coupling followed by the pinacol/pinacolone rearrangement. Aiming to prepare benzopinacolone derivatives in a greener fashion, we present here a one-step synthesis from acetophenones in the presence of zinc and tert-butyl chloride. To develop the methodology, conditions to prepare 3,3-diphenyl-2-butanone from acetophenone were optimized. To assess the scope, different substituted acetophenones were tested, resulting in the corresponding benzopinacolones at moderate yields (20-50%) with high purity. Structural elucidations were performed by 1H and 13C NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) and GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). steps pinacolpinacolone pinacolone rearrangement fashion onestep one step tertbutyl tert butyl chloride methodology 3,3diphenyl2butanone 33diphenyl2butanone diphenylbutanone 3,3 diphenyl 2 butanone 3 optimized scope tested 2050% 2050 20 50% 50 (20-50% purity H C nuclear spectroscopy GCMS GC MS gas chromatographymass chromatography mass spectrometry. spectrometry . spectrometry) 3diphenyl2butanone 33 3, 205 5 (20-50 (20-5 (20- (20 (2 (

Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum Schum.) is an Amazonian fruit rich in antioxidants potential due to its phenolic compounds. Its seeds produce cupulate, a chocolate-like product, and the residue remains rich in biocompounds. This study aimed to optimize and compare microwave-assisted (MAE) and high pressure/temperature extraction (HPTE) of polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds from cupuaçu seed by-products. A Box-Behnken 33 factorial design assessed the influence of extraction time, solid/liquid ratio, and ethanol concentration. Responses included total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, and anti-radical power via the ABTS (2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) method. In optimum conditions, MAE had the highest total polyphenol content and HPTE for flavonoids. Optimal conditions for both methods were 65% (m/v) ethanol concentration, 45 min extraction time, and 0.03 g mL−1 solid/liquid ratio. MAE and HPTE achieved greater recovery of (−)-epicatechin and (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate compared to percolation. Both techniques proved viable for recovering polyphenols from cupuaçu seed by-products, in less time and with less solvent. Thus, cupuaçu by-products can be a sustainable and functional food source, with MAE and HPTE providing high yields and quality extracts rich in polyphenols. Theobroma Schum. Schum cupulate chocolatelike chocolate like product biocompounds microwaveassisted microwave assisted (MAE pressuretemperature pressure temperature (HPTE byproducts. byproducts by products. products BoxBehnken Box Behnken 3 solidliquid solid liquid ratio concentration antiradical anti radical 2,2azinobis3ethylbenzothiazoline6sulphonic 22azinobis3ethylbenzothiazoline6sulphonic azinobisethylbenzothiazolinesulphonic 2,2 azino bis ethylbenzothiazoline 6 sulphonic 2 acid method flavonoids 65 m/v mv m v (m/v 4 003 0 03 0.0 mL1 mL 1 mL− −epicatechin epicatechin − −epigallocatechin3gallate epigallocatechin3gallate epigallocatechingallate epigallocatechin gallate percolation byproducts, products, solvent Thus source 2azinobis3ethylbenzothiazoline6sulphonic azinobis 22 2, 00 0.

This study highlights the synthesis of innovative polyurethane materials derived from Moringa oleifera oils extracted from two distinct sources. The oils were converted into their respective polyols through the in situ generated performic acid method. Diverse material characteristics were observed due to different agroclimatic and cultivation conditions for the sources. Extraction yields were 45.21% (source 1) and 40.32% (source 2), with acid values of 28.70 and 26.00 mg KOH per g of oil, respectively. Oleic acid constituted 79.87 and 67.11% of the oils composition, respectively. Nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the hydroxylation of the oils. FTIR also identified the isocyanate structures in the synthesized polyurethane materials. Gel permeation chromatography analysis revealed a higher oligomer content in the polyol synthesized from the oil extracted from source 2. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated enhanced thermal stability post-oil conversion, highlighting decomposition stages for rigid and flexible segments. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated higher unsaturation in the oil extracted from source 1, resulting in an elevated crystallization temperature. Tensile testing showed increased elasticity as the [NCO]/[OH] ratio decreased in the material, emphasizing the influence of polyol and crosslinking agent concentrations on mechanical resistance of polyurethane materials. sources method 4521 45 21 45.21 1 4032 40 32 40.32 2, 2 , 2) 2870 28 70 28.7 2600 26 00 26.0 respectively 7987 79 87 79.8 6711 67 11 67.11 composition (FTIR postoil post conversion segments temperature NCO/OH NCOOH NCO / OH [NCO]/[OH 452 4 45.2 403 3 40.3 287 7 28. 260 0 26. 798 8 79. 671 6 67.1 45. 40. 67.

RESUMO Este artigo propõe um modelo conceitual para avaliar como a motivação materialista dos consumidores impacta as características sociais (prestígio e conspicuidade) que geram Status para produtos tecnológicos inovadores, que podem levar à intenção de consumo. O estudo utilizou uma abordagem quantitativa para testar um modelo conceitual utilizando a modelagem de equações estruturais com o uso do PLS - SEM. Os resultados indicam que o prestígio do produto e a percepção de conspicuidade do produto medeiam a motivação materialista dos consumidores, o que afeta o status social proporcionado pelo produto ao indivíduo. Da mesma forma, a percepção de inovação e o status do produto medeiam a relação entre conspicuidade e prestígio percebido em relação à intenção de consumo. Esta pesquisa fornece insights importantes sobre as fortes relações entre as características sociais do produto tecnológico que levam em conta os valores dos indivíduos. Como consequência, este estudo contribui diretamente na compreensão de status e valores sociais influenciando a intenção de consumo de produtos tecnológicos, demonstrando o quanto a inovação traz elementos de valoração do indivíduo que a possui. inovadores SEM forma indivíduos consequência possui

ABSTRACT This article proposes a conceptual model to assess how consumers' materialistic motivations impact social characteristics (prestige and conspicuity) that generate status for innovative technological products, which can lead to consumption intention. The study used a quantitative approach to test a conceptual model using structural equation modeling through PLS - SEM. The results indicate that product prestige and perception of product conspicuity mediate consumers’ materialistic motivations, which affects the social status provided to the individual by the product. Likewise, perception of innovation and product status mediate the relationship between conspicuity and perceived prestige in relation to consumption intention. This research yields important insights regarding the strong relations between the social characteristics of technological products that take into account individuals’ values. Consequently, this study enhances understanding of how status and social value influence the intention to consume technological products, demonstrating the extent to which innovation brings elements of value to individuals who own the product in question. consumers SEM Likewise values Consequently question

RESUMO: A batata-doce é uma cultura importante para a segurança alimentar com mercado mundial em ascensão. Com base nas alterações fisiológicas das plantas em resposta às condições climáticas e à fertilização, este estudo avaliou os efeitos da época de cultivo (período chuvoso e seco) e de doses de P2O5 (0, 50, 100, 200 e 400 kg ha-1) na produtividade total e por classes comerciais, bem como, a composição química das raízes de armazenamento de duas cultivares de batata-doce. A produtividade de raízes tuberosas foi maior na estação chuvosa. As doses ótimas agronômica e econômica foram de 128 e 95 kg ha-1 de P2O5 para a cultivar Canadense. A cultivar Uruguaiana não respondeu a adubação fosfatada, mas suas raízes tiveram maiores teores de matéria seca, lipídios, fibras, açúcares totais e redutores e amido. O cultivo de batata-doce no período chuvoso com doses de até 100 kg ha-1 de P2O5 aumenta a produtividade de raízes em classes de maior valor econômico e com maiores teores de carboidratos. Estes resultados ajudam os produtores a planejarem o plantio e a colheita da batata-doce ao longo do ano e contribui para a gestão da aplicação de fertilizantes fosfatados. RESUMO batatadoce batata doce ascensão fertilização seco PO P P2O 0, 0 (0 50 20 40 ha1 ha 1 comerciais como batatadoce. doce. chuvosa 12 9 ha- Canadense fosfatada seca lipídios fibras amido 10 carboidratos fosfatados ( 5 2 4

ABSTRACT: Sweet potato is an important food security crop, and the world market for this root is on the rise. Based on the physiological changes in plants in response to climatic conditions and fertilization, this study evaluated the effects of the growing season (rainy and dry season) and P2O5 doses (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 kg ha-1) on total yield, marketable classes yields, as well as chemical composition of storage roots of two sweet potato cultivars. The storage roots yield was greater in the rainy season. The optimum agronomic and economic doses were 128 and 95 kg ha-1 P2O5 for the cultivar Canadense. Cultivar Uruguaiana did not respond to phosphate fertilization, but its storage roots had higher contents of dry matter, lipids, fibers, total and reducing sugars, and starch. Sweet potato cultivation in the rainy season with doses up to 100 kg ha-1 P2O5 increase root yield in marketable size classes in higher economic value and with higher carbohydrate contents. The results can help producers schedule the planting and harvesting of sweet potatoes throughout the year and contribute to the seasonal management of phosphate fertilizer application. ABSTRACT crop rise fertilization PO P O P2O 0, 0 (0 50 20 40 ha1 ha 1 yields cultivars 12 9 ha- Canadense matter lipids fibers sugars starch 10 application ( 5 2 4

ABSTRACT The mechanized cutting of sugarcane requires improvements, as cutting tools can affect the longevity of sugarcane fields and increase production costs. Furthermore, these tools can increase the energy demand of machines in the field. This study evaluated the sugarcane harvester performance equipped with different basal cutting devices: impact cutting (blades) and continuous cutting (saws) in three commercial sugarcane production areas. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme with six repetitions. Effective fuel consumption and harvesting capacity were evaluated. The saws increased fuel consumption per area by 3.9 and 8.9% per Mg harvested. The crop’s yield characteristics determine harvesting systems’ energy demand. For yields above 90 Mg ha-1, energy demand has stabilized up to 120 Mg ha-1. The fuel demand for harvesting ranged between 1.0 and 1.2 L Mg-1 of harvested material. Regardless of the cutting system, each Mg requires 37.3 kJ of energy to be removed from the field. improvements costs Furthermore field devices blades (blades (saws areas repetitions 39 9 3. 89 8 8.9 crops crop s systems ha1, ha1 ha 1, 1 ha-1 12 ha1. 1. 10 0 Mg1 Mg- material system 373 37 37. 8. ha-

RESUMO O corte mecanizado da cana-de-açúcar necessita de aprimoramentos, visto que as ferramentas de corte podem afetar a longevidade dos canaviais e aumentar os custos de produção. Além disso, essas ferramentas podem aumentar a demanda energética das máquinas no campo. Este estudo avaliou o desempenho de colhedoras de cana-de-açúcar equipadas com distintos mecanismos de corte basal: corte por impacto (lâminas) e corte contínuo (serras) em três áreas comerciais de produção de cana-de-açúcar. O consumo efetivo de combustível e a capacidade efetiva de colheita das máquinas foram avaliados em cada tratamento. O delineamento experimental adotado foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3 × 2 com seis repetições. As serras aumentaram o consumo de combustível por área em 3,9 e 8,9% por Mg colhido. As características produtivas da cultura determinam a demanda energética dos sistemas de colheita. Para produtividades acima de 90 Mg ha-1, a demanda energética estabilizou-se até 120 Mg ha-1. A demanda de combustível para a colheita variou entre 1,0 e 1,2 L Mg-1 de material colhido. Os resultados mostram que independente do sistema de corte, cada Mg de cana colhida necessita em média de 37,3 kJ de energia para ser retirado do campo. canadeaçúcar açúcar aprimoramentos disso campo basal lâminas (lâminas (serras canadeaçúcar. açúcar. tratamento repetições 39 9 3, 89 8 8,9 colhido ha1, ha1 ha 1, 1 ha-1 estabilizouse estabilizou se 12 ha1. 1. 10 0 Mg1 Mg- 373 37 37, 8, ha-

ABSTRACT Knowledge of the complicated correlation between meteorological variables and crop yield is crucial for food security and agricultural sustainability. This study aimed to investigate how incident solar radiation has affected crop production in the Gadarif region of Sudan over the last 41 years. Using a predictive framework, trends in annual incident solar radiation and temporal variations during sorghum and sesame growing seasons were examined and machine learning (ML) with Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Boosted Regression Forest (BRF), and K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN) was used to predict crop yield. Significant relationships between incident solar radiation indicators and crop yields were identified via detrending approaches and correlation analyses. Results indicate a significant inverse correlation between solar radiation and sorghum yield, and a positive correlation between sesame yield and solar radiation. For both sorghum and sesame yield, K-NN was the most accurate model, demonstrating the significance of incident solar radiation and temperature in predicting crop yield. These findings highlight the potential of ML to improve agricultural forecasting models and inform adaptive agricultural practices in the region. In general, this study provides valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between incident solar radiation and crop yield, emphasizing the importance of considering meteorological factors in agricultural planning and management. sustainability 4 years framework (ML XGBoost, XGBoost , (XGBoost) BRF, BRF (BRF) KNearest K Nearest KNN NN (K-NN analyses model general management (XGBoost (BRF

RESUMO O conhecimento da complicada correlação entre as variáveis meteorológicas e o rendimento das culturas é crucial para a segurança alimentar e a sustentabilidade agrícola. Este estudo está centrado na investigação de como a radiação solar incidente afetou a produção agrícola na região de Gadarif, no Sudão, nos últimos quarenta anos. Usando uma estrutura preditiva, a pesquisa avalia tendências recentes na radiação solar incidente anual, examina variações temporais durante as estações de cultivo de sorgo e gergelim e utiliza técnicas de aprendizado de máquina para prever o rendimento das culturas. Além disso, ML, incluindo Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Boosted Regression Forest (BRF) e K-Nearest Neighbours (K-NN), foram empregados para previsão de rendimento. Através de abordagens de redução de tendências e análises de correlação, foram identificadas relações significativas entre os indicadores de radiação solar incidente e o rendimento das culturas. Os resultados indicam uma correlação inversa substancial entre a radiação solar e a produção de sorgo, enquanto a produção de gergelim demonstra uma correlação positiva com a radiação solar. Tanto para o rendimento do sorgo como do gergelim, o K-NN surge como o modelo mais preciso, mostrando a importância da radiação solar incidente e da temperatura na previsão do rendimento das culturas. Estas descobertas destacam o potencial da aprendizagem de máquina para melhorar os modelos de previsão agrícola e informar as práticas agrícolas adaptativas na região. Em geral, este estudo fornece informações valiosas sobre a relação dinâmica entre a radiação solar incidente e o rendimento das culturas, enfatizando a importância de considerar fatores meteorológicos no planeamento e gestão agrícola. Gadarif Sudão anos preditiva anual disso ML XGBoost, XGBoost , (XGBoost) BRF (BRF KNearest K Nearest KNN, KNN NN (K-NN) preciso geral (XGBoost (K-NN

ABSTRACT In response to global concerns over food scarcity, the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) has emerged as a promising alternative due to its rich composition of carbohydrates (starch), protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This study aims to assess the physicochemical characteristics and nutritional content of different sweet potato landraces cultivated in Yucatan, Mexico. The study involved the evaluation of eight landraces of sweet potato cultivated in traditional farming systems, assessing both physicochemical and proximate composition variables, and determining the starch yield, starch color, protein content, swelling degree, and starch solubility index. The sweet potato landraces showed values ranging from acidic to slightly neutral pH (6-6.4). The yellow sweet potato II, purple sweet potato, and pink sweet potato landraces displayed high levels of total soluble solids with a range of 12.5 to 14.33 °Brix. Significant differences were observed in both peel and root pulp coloration. The pink, yellow, purple I, mamey, yellow II, and purple sweet potato landraces, presented elevated percentages of carbohydrates (85.0% to 89.0%), fats (1.1% to 1.5%), protein (3.5% to 5.1%), fiber (4.0% to 5.0%), and ash (3.5% to 4.0%). The mamey sweet potato and pink sweet potato landraces showed higher starch yields. Swelling power and starch solubility index peaked at a temperature of 90 °C. These results highlight the significance of sweet potato landraces cultivated in Yucatan as a valuable genetic resource with nutritional potential, which can be included in the diet of people, genetic improvement and species conservation programs.

Abstract Introduction. Segregated populations can exhibit fluctuating yields from one generation to the next. This can sometimes perplex plant breeders when interpreting observed phenomena and determining which selection methods to choose. Objective. To analyze the performance and yield components of several tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) populations selected through the pedigree method in lowland environments in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. Materials and methods. This study was conducted from December 2018 to April 2019 at the Experimental Garden of Bogor Agricultural University, Tajur II (207 meters above sea level), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. Four generations were utilized, derived from 99D×Tora, i.e., 200 plants from the F2 generation and 100 plants each from the F3, F5, and F6 generations, respectively. Results. Population variance in terms of yield and yield components, as well as heritability, were lower in later generations compared to earlier generations. An increase in mean value was observed in the F3 generation, but decreased in the F5 and F6 generations across all observed traits. This could be attributed to fixation resulting from the elimination of epistatic genes that played a role in environmental stress. Conclusion. Pedigree selection in early generation was not suitable in lowland. It is suggested to evaluate mass selection methods or single seed descent, as these methods were able to maintain population variance into later generations.

Resumen Introducción. Las poblaciones segregadas pueden mostrar un rendimiento fluctuante de una generación a otra. Esto a veces puede confundir a los mejoradores de plantas al interpretar los fenómenos observados y determinar los métodos de selección que deben elegirse. Objetivo. Analizar el rendimiento y los componentes de rendimiento de varias poblaciones de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum), mediante el método de pedigrí en entornos de tierras bajas, Bogor, Java Occidental, Indonesia. Materiales y métodos. Este estudio se llevó a cabo de diciembre de 2018 a abril de 2019 en el Jardín Experimental de la Universidad Agrícola de Bogor, Tajur II (207 metros sobre el nivel del mar), Bogor, Java Occidental, Indonesia. Se utilizaron cuatro generaciones, obtenidas a partir de 99D×Tora, es decir, 200 plantas de la generación F2 y 100 plantas de cada una de las generaciones F3, F5 y F6, respectivamente. Resultados. La varianza de la población en cuanto al rendimiento y los componentes de rendimiento y la heredabilidad fueron menores en las generaciones posteriores en comparación con las generaciones anteriores. Se observó un aumento en el valor medio en la generación F3, pero disminuyó en las generaciones F5 y F6 en todos los caracteres observados. Esto podría ser causado por la fijación como resultado de la eliminación de genes de epistasia que desempeñaron un papel en el estrés ambiental. Conclusión. La selección de pedigrí en las primeras generaciones no fue adecuada en las tierras bajas. Se sugiere evaluar métodos masales o descendencia de una sola semilla, ya que esos métodos fueron capaces de mantener la varianza de la población hasta las generaciones posteriores.

Abstract Introduction. Defoliation studies on sugarcane in Mexico are scarce, and it is unknown at what age of the plant and in which season of the year it should be carried out. Objective. To evaluate the effect of artificial defoliation in sugarcane at different stages of growth and its response on quality and yield parameters. Materials and methods. The experiment was conducted during the 2020-2021 harvest between the months of April and May, in a plot located in a ratoon of the cultivar COLPOSCTMEX 06-039, within the supply area of the Ingenio Presidente Benito Juárez in the Chontalpa region, Tabasco. A completely randomized block design was used, where the defoliation treatments consisted of removing the entire leaves of the stem until leaving the +5 leaf (H5). Defoliation treatments were applied at 8, 9, and 10 months of crop age, plus a control without defoliation, with five replicates per treatment. Growth parameters evaluated were plant height and diameter, number of stalks, and leaf area index (IAF) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). At harvest, °Brix and sugarcane yields of sugarcane were measured. Results. It was found that growth and quality parameters were reduced by total defoliation treatments. Treatment 2 showed the highest values of plant height and diameter, lower NDVI, and stalk yield at harvest, and defoliation affected the IAF. °Brix were not affected by different defoliation treatments. Conclusion. Defoliation at nine months of age increased agricultural yield and did not affect juice quality.

Resumen Introducción. Estudios de defoliación en caña de azúcar en México son escasos, se desconoce a qué edad de la planta y en qué época del año se deben realizar. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la defoliación artificial en caña de azúcar en diferentes etapas de cultivo y su respuesta sobre parámetros de calidad y rendimiento. Materiales y métodos. El experimento se llevó a cabo en la zafra 2020-2021 entre los meses de abril y mayo, en una parcela ubicada en una soca del cultivar COLPOSCTMEX 06-039, dentro de la zona de abastecimiento del Ingenio Presidente Benito Juárez de la Chontalpa, Tabasco. Se utilizó un diseño experimental de bloques completamente al azar, donde los tratamientos de defoliación consistieron en eliminar las hojas completas del tallo hasta dejar la hoja +5 (H5). Los tratamientos de defoliación se aplicaron a los 8, 9 y 10 meses de edad del cultivo, más un testigo sin defoliación, con cinco repeticiones por tratamiento. Los parámetros de crecimiento evaluados fueron altura y diámetro de planta, número de tallos e índices de área foliar (IAF) y de vegetación de las diferencias normalizada (NDVI). Al momento de la cosecha se midieron los °Brix y los rendimientos agrícolas de la caña de azúcar. Resultados. Se encontró que los parámetros de crecimiento y calidad fueron disminuidos por los tratamientos de defoliación total. El tratamiento 2 mostró los mayores valores de altura y diámetro de planta, menor NDVI y rendimiento de tallos al momento de la cosecha y la defoliación afectó el IAF. Los °Brix no se vieron afectados por los diferentes tratamientos de defoliación. Conclusión. La defoliación a los nueve meses de edad aumentó el rendimiento agrícola y no afectó la calidad de los jugos.

Abstract Introduction. The soil and climatic conditions of Ecuador are ideal for rice cultivation, yields are higher than the world average, but agronomic management leads to an increase of cadmium in the soil, which can reach the grain by translocation, which affects its safety. Objetive. To evaluate the absorption of cadmium through the omission of macronutrients technique in six soils of Ecuador and its effect on the vegetative development of rice crops. Materials and methods. The trial was carried out at the Pichilingue Tropical Experimental Station of the National Institute of Agricultural Research, Ecuador, during 2018. Nine treatments were studied: 1) Without fertilization and without Cd (control 1), 2) without fertilization and with Cd (Control 2), 3) Complete fertilization and six omission treatments of one nutrient at a time, a completely randomized block design of experiments, divided plots and three repetitions was used. The variables evaluated were those related to the production of dry matter in the root and aerial part. For the comparison between means, the Tukey test was used (p<0.05). Results. Nutrients omissions (N and P) led to reduced Cd absorption, which decreased dry matter production, particularly in very acidic or alkaline soils such as in Sucumbíos (pH 4) and Guayas (pH 7, 9), respectively. Conclusions. The absorption of cadmium in rice plants was reduced to a greater extent with the omission of the macronutrients N and P, mainly in the soils of Sucumbíos, Los Ríos, El Oro and Manabí, the nutrient omission technique also affecting the production of dry matter and yields, also observing that a pH below 5 or higher than 7.9 affects the absorption of cadmium in the soils studied.

Resumen Introducción. Las condiciones edafoclimáticas del Ecuador son ideales para el cultivo del arroz, los rendimientos son mayores al promedio mundial, pero su manejo agronómico conlleva a un aumento de cadmio en el suelo, que puede llegar al grano por translocación, lo cual afectan su inocuidad. Objetivo. Evaluar la absorción de cadmio mediante la técnica de omisión de macronutrientes en seis suelos del Ecuador y su efecto sobre el desarrollo vegetativo del cultivo de arroz. Materiales y métodos. El ensayo se realizó en la Estación Experimental Tropical Pichilingue del Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Ecuador, durante el año 2018. Se estudiaron nueve tratamientos 1) Sin fertilización y sin Cd (testigo 1), 2) sin fertilización y con Cd (Testigo 2), 3) Fertilización completa y seis tratamientos de omisión de un nutriente a la vez, se usó un diseño de experimentos de bloques completamente al azar, parcelas divididas y tres repeticiones. Las variables evaluadas fueron las relacionadas a la producción de materia seca en raíz y parte aérea. Para la comparación entre medias, se utilizó la prueba de Tukey (p<0,05). Resultados. Las omisiones de los nutrientes (N y P) llevaron a la reducción de la absorción del Cd, que disminuyó la producción de materia seca, en particular en los suelos muy ácidos o alcalinos como en Sucumbíos (pH 4) y Guayas (pH 7,9), respectivamente. Conclusiones. La absorción de cadmio en plantas de arroz se redujo en mayor medida con la omisión de los macronutrientes N y P, principalmente en los suelos de Sucumbíos, Los Ríos, El Oro y Manabí, afectando también la omisión de nutrientes a la producción de materia seca y los rendimientos, observándose además que un pH por debajo de 5 o superior a 7,9 afecta la absorción de cadmio en los suelos estudiados