Abstract The generation of agroindustrial waste has become a serious environmental problem, which conflicts with the need for sustainability sought by modern agriculture. An alternative that helps minimizing these effects is the use of residues, such as fruit peel, in food production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of the mesocarp of the white-fleshed red pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) in the preparation of jellies, verifying the influence of different percentages of pulp replacement per mesocarp (0, 20, 40 and 60%) on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensorial characteristics of the final products. The jellies presented good acceptability among consumers, with the 60% substitution level being the most accepted. Besides the mesocarp not altering the flavor of the jellies, its use increases the attractiveness to the consumer in addition to contributing to cost reduction and environment preservation.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a indução de organogênese indireta por concentrações de ácido diclorofenoxiacético (2,4-D) e tidiazurom (TDZ) em explantes de pitaia (Hylocereus undatus), por meio de microscopia eletrônica de varredura e da técnica de citometria de fluxo. Os tratamentos consistiram das concentrações de 0, 2,0 e 4,0 mg L-1 de 2,4-D e TDZ e das combinações desses reguladores. Avaliaram-se as percentagens de cobertura de calos aos 45 e 60 dias. Os explantes submetidos aos tratamentos foram analizados por citometria de fluxo e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Todos os tratamentos induziram endorreduplicação, e não houve variação somaclonal. Na combinação de 2,0 mg L-1 TDZ e 4,0 mg L-1 2,4-D, calos foram formados em 95% dos explantes, mas foram menores do que os produzidos com 2,4-D separadamente. A concentração de 2,0 mg L-1 de TDZ induz organogênese indireta em explantes de pitaia, comprovada pela presença de vasos condutores por meio da microscopia eletrônica de varredura.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the induction of indirect organogenesis by concentrations of dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and thidiazuron (TDZ) in pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) explants, using scanning electron microscopy and the flow cytometry technique. The treatments consisted of the concentrations of 0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg L-1 2,4-D and TDZ and of the combinations of these regulators. Percentages of callus coverage at 45 and 60 days were evaluated. The explants subjected to the treatments were analized by flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy. All treatments induced endoreduplication, and there was no somaclonal variation. Under the combination of 2.0 mg L-1 TDZ and 4.0 mg L-1 2,4-D, calluses were formed in 95% of the explants, but were smaller than those produced with 2,4-D separately. The concentration of 2.0 mg L-1 TDZ induces the indirect organogenesis in pitaya explants, confirmed by the presence of conducting vessels through scanning electron microscopy.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a viabilidade da microenxertia de pitaia amarela (Selenicereus megalanthus) sobre diferentes microporta-enxertos, com base em análises de conteúdo de DNA e anatômicas. Os porta-enxertos utilizados foram: pitaia amarela, pitaia branca (Hylocereus undatus), pitaia Saborosa (Selenicereus setaceus), e as variedades Cebra e Orejona de pitaia vermelha (Hylocereus polyrhizus). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições de cinco plantas. Após 30 dias de cultivo, avaliaram-se as seguintes características: comprimento e diâmetro dos microenxertos e dos microporta-enxertos; e comprimento de raízes, percentagem de pegamento e massa fresca dos microenxertos. Realizaram-se análises de citometria de fluxo antes e depois da microenxertia, para verificação da estabilidade genética e da ocorrência de endoreduplicação. Além disso, foram feitos cortes histológicos na região da microenxertia, para verificação das conexões dos vasos e dos tecidos entre o enxerto e o porta-enxerto. Observou-se endoreduplicação em todos os tratamentos. A quantidade de DNA do microenxerto de pitaia amarela aumentou sobre a variedade vermelha Orejona. Verificou-se a presença de conexões de vasos entre os microenxertos e os microporta-enxertos. A pitaia amarela também foi mais vigorosa quando enxertada sobre Orejona. Com base nas análises de conteúdo de DNA e anatômicas, a microenxertia de pitaia amarela in vitro é viável em todos os porta-enxertos utilizados.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the viability of the micrografting of yellow dragon fruit (Selenicereus megalanthus) on different rootstocks, based on DNA content and anatomical analyses. The used rootstocks were: yellow dragon fruit, white dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus), Saborosa (Selenicereus setaceus) dragon fruit, and the Cebra and Orejona red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) varieties. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and four replicates of five plants. After 30 days of cultivation, the following traits were evaluated: length and diameter of the micrografts and microrootstocks; and root length, percentage of setting, and fresh mass of the micrografts. Flow cytometry analyzes were performed before and after micrografting to verify genetic stability and the occurrence of endoreduplication. In addition, histological sections were made in the micrografting region to verify the connections of vessels and tissues between the graft and the rootstock. Endoreduplication was observed in all treatments. The amount of DNA in the yellow dragon fruit micrograft increased on the red Orejona variety. The presence of vessel connections was verified between the micrografts and microrootstocks. The yellow dragon fruit was also more vigorous when grafted on Orejona. Based on DNA content and anatomical analyses, in vitro yellow dragon fruit micrografting is feasible in all used rootstocks.