Resumen Los carotenoides son compuestos no polares que se encuentran en frutas y hortalizas. El consumo de estos compuestos se ha asociado con muchos efectos benéficos para la salud humana, especialmente en la prevención de enfermedades crónicas que actualmente se consideran problemas de salud pública. Estos efectos se han atribuido principalmente a las propiedades antioxidantes de los carotenoides, aunque muchos otros mecanismos están involucrados en estos efectos, incluida la influencia de los carotenoides en la expresión de genes implicados en la patogénesis de estas enfermedades. Desafortunadamente, la biodisponibilidad de estos compuestos es muy limitada, razón por la cual se han estudiado los efectos de varios factores en la biodisponibilidad de los carotenoides con el fin de identificar las mejores estrategias para aumentar la absorción de estos compuestos y, en consecuencia, su bioactividad. En esta revisión se analizan de manera sistemática los descubrimientos recientes sobre la composición de carotenoides en alimentos de origen vegetal y su biodisponibilidad y efectos protectores de la salud humana.

Abstract Carotenoids are non-polar compounds found in fruits and vegetables. The consumption of these compounds has been associated with many beneficial effects on human health, especially on the prevention of chronic diseases that are currently considered as problems of public health. These effects have mainly been attributed to the antioxidant properties of carotenoids, although many other mechanisms are involved, including the influence of carotenoids in the expression of genes involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Unfortunately, the bioavailability of these compounds is very limited. The effects of several factors on carotenoid bioavailability have been studied in order to identify the best strategies to increase their absorption and, consequently, their bioactivity. This review analyzes in a systematic fashion the recent findings on the composition of carotenoids composition in plant foods, and their bioavailability and beneficial effects on human health.

Abstract This study consisted of determining the effect of Bacillus strains inoculated alone or in combination with phytopathogenic fungi on the production of human health-related compounds and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in tomato fruits. Seedlings were cultivated under greenhouse conditions and inoculated with B. amyloliquefaciens, B. methylotrophicus and B. subtilis alone or in combination with Alternaria solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Phytophthora infestans. Fully ripe fruits were harvested and evaluated for carotenoid, phenol and VOCs contents. Lycopene was the most abundant carotenoid (46.4-167.62 µg/g), followed by β-carotene and lutein. Fruits from plants inoculated with Bacillus had the highest carotenoid content. In contrast, phytopathogens decreased the carotenoid contents, especially the lycopene content. The content of total phenols ranged from 0.42 to 0.90 mg GAE/g. The content of these compounds increased 1.5-fold in fruits from plants inoculated with Bacillus strains, especially those treated with B. methylotrophicus, but the greatest increase (1.9-fold) was observed in plants inoculated with phytopathogens. Both Bacillus strains and pathogens increased the antioxidant capacity, with a 2.8-fold increase compared to the control. Thirty-two VOCs were identified in the tested tomatoes. The Bacillus strains caused an increase in the concentration of VOCs, which could be associated with an increase in fruit quality.

Abstract Microencapsulation was performed by complex coacervation of fig’s extracts in three stages of maturity, using two complexes: isolated soy protein with arabic gum (ISP / AG) and gelatin with arabic gum (G / AG) as wall material. The stability of the capsules was evaluated in terms of the presence of phenolic compounds, the antioxidant activity using the techniques by ABTS and hemolysis bioassay. In addition, we obtained the yield percentage and morphology of the microcapsules. The yield was higher in the G/AG complex, with values greater than 60 %. This complex also has a better pearl formation according to its morphology. Both complexes (G/ AG. ISP/AG and G/AG) have stability in terms of antioxidant capacity; therefore, the complex coacervation process is a technique capable to retain phenolic compounds present in fig.

Resumen Se realizó la microencapsulación por coacervación compleja de extractos de higo en tres etapas de madurez, utilizando dos complejos: Proteína de Soya Aislada con Goma Arábiga (SPI/GA) y Gelatina con Goma Arábiga (G/GA) como material de pared. La estabilidad de las cápsulas se evalúo en términos de la presencia de compuestos fenólicos, la actividad antioxidante mediante las técnicas de ABTS y bioensayo de hemólisis. El rendimiento fue mayor en el complejo de G/GA, con valores superiores al 60 %. Este complejo también logró una mejor formación de perlas de acuerdo a su morfología. Ambos complejos (SPI/GA y G/GA) mostraron estabilidad en términos de capacidad antioxidante, por lo tanto, el proceso de coacervación compleja es una técnica capaz de retener los compuestos fenólicos presentes en el higo.

Abstract Native starch was isolated from two corn landraces (blue and white) and a hybrid variety and then characterized for its physicochemical, thermal and rheological properties. The hybrid variety showed the highest starch yield, with its starch showing the highest fat, moisture and protein content but the lowest onset temperature of gelatinization. The hybrid corn starch also showed the highest G’ and G” values. The tested starches showed similar Tp, Tc, and ΔH values. The amylose contents ranged from 21.5 to 22.4%, with starch from blue corn showing the highest amylose content. All starches were white, with L values ranging from 93.6 to 99.5. The light absorbance of the starch gels increased with storage time. The obtained results demonstrated that the physicochemical, thermal and rheological properties of corn starch are highly dependent on the corn type.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chitosan-tomato plant extract (C-TPE) edible coating (EC) applications on the physicochemical, microbiological, sensory and antioxidant capacity of chicken during storage. Edible coatings prepared with chitosan 1%, acetic acid 1%, glycerol and TPE (0.1 and 0.3%) were tested. The slices were submerged for 1 minute in different treatments (T1: C 1%; T2: C 1% + TPE 0.1%; T3: C 1% + TPE 0.3%; T4: control) and stored at 4 °C. At the end of the storage period, the treatments exhibited the greatest physicochemical and microbiological effects in the slices, reducing the microbial population relative to the control. The T2 treatment exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content and overall acceptance. The results demonstrate that the application of C with the addition of a natural extract, such as those from the tomato plant, can be an alternative method for preserving chicken meat.

Abtract: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of three Trichoderma species when applied alone and when are confronted with three phytopathogens on plant growth and tomato fruit quality. The substrate of the plants was inoculated with Trichoderma spp. alone and together in confrontation with Alternaria solani, Fusarium oxysporum y Phytophthora infestans. In plant, the height and weight, length and weight of roots, total chlorophyll content in leaves, and yield were determined. Fruits were characterized by color, weight, size, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, firmness and bromatological composition. Plants inoculated with Trichoderma showed significant increases in most of the variables evaluated, where T. longibrachiatum significantly promoted the growth plants (height ≥ 13%) and yield (14%), obtaining fruits with higher titratable acidity and lower TSS content. Pathogens decreased yield (23%). Diameter, firmness and protein content in fruits increased with the inoculation of Trichoderma. Color and fiber in fruits were not affected by treatments. Trichoderma strains showed potential to improve fruit quality.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de tres especies de Trichoderma cuando se aplican solas y cuando se confrontan con tres fitopatógenos, sobre el crecimiento y calidad del fruto de jitomate. El sustrato de las plantas se inoculó con Trichoderma spp. solas y en confrontación con Alternaria solani, Fusarium oxysporum y Phytophthora infestans. En planta, se determinó la altura y peso, longitud y peso de raíces, contenido total de clorofila en hojas y rendimiento. Los frutos se caracterizaron por color, peso, tamaño, sólidos solubles totales (SST), acidez titulable, firmeza y composición bromatológica. Las plantas inoculadas con Trichoderma, mostraron incrementos significativos en la mayoría de las variables de respuesta evaluadas, donde T. longibrachiatum promovió significativamente el crecimiento de la planta (altura ≥13%) y el rendimiento (14%), obteniendo frutos con mayor acidez titulable y menor contenido de SST. Los patógenos redujeron el rendimiento (23%). El diámetro, firmeza y contenido de proteína en frutos, se incrementó con la inoculación de Trichoderma. El color y fibra en frutos no resultaron afectados por los tratamientos. Las cepas de Trichoderma, mostraron potencial para mejorar la calidad del fruto.

Abstract: Mortierella species were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar and V8-agar as well as mature pear fruits and azalea leaves as substrate baits. Four hundred and nineteen Mortierella isolates were obtained from soil samples in Chihuahua, Mexico which were classified into 21 groups, according to their morphological characters. Mortierella was isolated more frequently when pear fruits were used, obtaining 143 isolates (34.1%), followed by the V8-agar-antibiotics medium with 133 isolates (31.7%), and azalea leaves with 95 isolates (22.7%). An isolate from each of the 21 groups was identified molecularly, 12 corresponded to Mortierella alpina, one to M. gamsii, one to M. capitata, and six to Mortierella sp., and one belonged to the Mortierelliales order. In addition, the putative pathogenicity of the 21 Mortierella isolates identified was tested in G30 apple rootstocks under greenhouse conditions and none was pathogenic. These species have not been reported previously in Mexico. The study showed that there are Mortierella species in the rhizosphere of apple trees in Chihuahua Mexico. These fungal isolates might produce polyunsaturated fatty acids and exert effects of elicitation in horticultural plants and fruit trees improving their resistance to multiple pathogens.

Resumen: Se aislaron especies de Mortierella en Agar Dextrosa Papa y agar V8, así como peras maduras y hojas de azalea, como sustratos trampa. Se obtuvieron 419 aislados de Mortierella, de muestras de suelo en Chihuahua, México, los cuales se clasificaron en 21 grupos de acuerdo con sus caracteres morfológicos. Mortierella se aisló con mayor frecuencia cuando se emplearon peras, obteniendo 143 aislados (34.1%), seguido del agar V8-antibióticos con 133 aislados (31.7%) y las hojas de azalea, con 95 aislados (22.7%). Se identificó molecularmente un aislado de cada uno de los 21 grupos, 12 correspondieron a Mortierella alpina, uno a M. gamsii, uno a M. capitata y seis a Mortierella sp. y uno perteneció al orden Mortierelliales. Adicionalmente se probó la patogenicidad putativa de los 21 aislados de Mortierella identificados, en porta injertos de manzana G30 bajo condiciones de invernadero y ninguno fue patogénico. Estas especies no habían sido reportadas previamente en México. El estudio demostró que existen especies de Mortierella en la rizosfera de manzanos en Chihuahua, México. Estas podrían producir ácidos grasos poliinsaturados y ejercer efectos elicitores en cultivos hortofrutícolas confiriéndoles resistencia a múltiples patógenos.

Abstract The incidence of root diseases was estimated in apple orchards from Chihuahua, Mexico. Three hundred isolates (fungi and Oomycetes) were identified in samples of root tissue and soil of trees with infectious damage symptoms and disease symptom-free trees. At the same time, putatively antagonistic agents were isolated and subsequently identified. The pathogenicity of fifteen selected isolates (eight fungi and seven Oomycetes), was tested in twelve apple rootstocks under greenhouse conditions. In addition, the in vitro antagonistic activity of Trichoderma and Bacillus species was evaluated against seven of the selected Oomycetes. The incidence of infection damage of roots in 20 tested orchards was 17% (1-40%). Fusarium was the most widely distributed fungi (67.8%). The distribution of the other organisms was variable. Four species of Trichoderma were identified, with T. gamsii being the most widely distributed (72.5%). Bacillus spp. substantially reduced the radial growth (>90%, p=0.05) of Phytophthora cactorum. Eleven rootstocks were susceptible to Pythium ultimum y Phytophthora cactorum C3. The G.935, Standard and M.25 rootstocks were the most resistant with 0% incidence. The antagonistic species of both genera inhibited the in vitro growth of P. cactorum (86.4-93.8%, p= 0.05), respect to Pythium species, and therefore, they might be used as biological control agents.

Resumen Se estimó la incidencia de enfermedades de raíz en manzanos de Chihuahua, México, y se identificaron trescientos aislados (hongos y Oomicetos) tomados del tejido de raíz y suelo de la rizosfera de árboles con síntomas de infección y libres de síntomas de enfermedad. Paralelamente, se aislaron e identificaron hongos putativamente antagonistas. Se determinó la patogenicidad de quince aislados seleccionados (ocho hongos y siete Oomicetos) sobre doce portainjertos de manzano bajo condiciones de invernadero. Adicionalmente, se evaluó la actividad antagónica in vitro de especies de Trichoderma y Bacillus contra siete de los Oomicetos seleccionados. La incidencia de daños infecciosos en raíz en 20 huertos analizados fue del 17% (1-40%). Fusarium fue el hongo más ampliamente distribuido (67.8%). La distribución del resto de los organismos fue variable. Se identificaron cuatro especies de Trichoderma, siendo T. gamsii la más ampliamente distribuida (72.5%). Bacillus spp., redujo sustancialmente el crecimiento radial (>90%, p=0.05) de Phytophthora cactorum. Once portainjertos fueron susceptibles al menos a Pythium ultimum y Phytophthora cactorum C3. Los portainjertos G.935, Standard y M.25 fueron los más resistentes con 0% de incidencia. Las especies antagonistas de ambos géneros inhibieron in vitro significativamente el crecimiento de P. cactorum (86.4-93.8%, p= 0.05), respecto a especies de Pythium, por lo que podrían ser utilizados como agentes de control biológico.

Abstract Fish consumption has increased in recent years. However, fish meat is highly perishable, which demonstrates the need for technologies to preserve its quality. Edible coatings (EC) might provide an alternative to extend the shelf life of fish. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of EC of chitosan (C) in combination with carvacrol (CAR) on the physical and microbiological changes of tilapia fillets. Fillets were submerged for two minutes in different treatments (T1: control; T2: C 2%; T3: C 2% + 0.125% CAR; T 4: C 2% + 0.25% CAR). At the end of storage, T1 and T2 showed the lowest values of total volatile bases (TVB). The color parameters L*, a* and b* varied from each treatment. The texture decreased and the different treatments reduced the microbial population in relation to the control; T3 and T4 were the most effective. These results show that the use of C with CAR might be an alternative method to preserve the quality and safety of tilapia fillets.

The extraction of a banana beverage using enzymatic methods and three cultivars was optimised in this study. Two commercial enzymes were used: an amylase (Glucozyme-400) and a combination of pectinase, hemicellulase and cellulase (Macerex PM). The stage of ripeness of the fruit, the variety, the type of enzyme and the dilution were optimised using the juice yield and the concentration of soluble solids (°Brix) as response variables. The enzyme amylase presented no positive effect on extraction at any stage of ripeness. The Macerex PM complex presented a positive effect with respect to yield; however, as the dilution factor increased, the yield and the concentration of soluble solids (°Brix) decreased.

En este trabajo se optimizó la extracción de una bebida de banano por métodos enzimáticos en tres cultivares. Se emplearon dos enzimas comerciales: una amilasa (Glucozyme-400) y una combinación de celulasa, hemicelulasa y pectinasa (Macerex PM). Se optimizó el estado de madurez de la fruta, la variedad, el tipo de enzima y la dilución, usando como variables de respuesta la concentración de sólidos solubles (°Brix) y el rendimiento de la extracción. La enzima amilasa no mostró un efecto positivo en la extracción en ninguna etapa de madurez. El complejo Macerex PM presentó un efecto positivo en el rendimiento; sin embargo, al aumentar el factor de dilución disminuye el rendimiento y la concentración de sólidos solubles (°Brix).

We present a mathematical model based on differential equations describing the dynamics of nitrogen (NH4+, NO2-, NO3- and organic nitrogen in phytoplankton) in ponds of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), with low salinity and zero turnovers, from planting to harvest. The model predicts the results of commercial production in three ponds. We show that this culture system, without replacement, retains the nitrogen and shrimp produced a lower feed conversion in comparison with systems with replacement. The model can be used to define strategies for improved performance.

Se presenta un modelo matemático de la dinámica del nitrógeno (NH4+, NO2-, NO3- y nitrógeno orgánico en fitoplancton) en estanques de camarón blanco (Litopenaeus vannamei) en condiciones de baja salinidad y sin recambio de agua. El modelo predice los resultados de producción comercial en tres estanques comerciales. Se demuestra que este sistema de cultivo, sin reemplazo, retiene el nitrógeno y los camarones producidos tienen una baja conversión de alimento en comparación con sistemas con recambio. El modelo se utiliza para evaluar mejores estrategias de manejo de estos ambientes.