The aim of this study is to contribute to the valorization of the cocoa bean varieties “Mercedes” and “Forastero” grown in Côte d’Ivoire. A comparative characterisation of phenolic compounds and minerals in the beans of the “Mercedes” and “Forastero” varieties from two major cocoa production areas of Côte d’Ivoire were determined. The phenolic compounds of cocoa beans were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the minerals by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The study showed that a significant difference at the 5% level was observed in the averages of minerals, cinnamic acid, protocatechic acid, quercetin, coumaric acid, rutin, ellagic acid, veratric acid, epicatechin, ferulic acid and naringenin. On the other hand, no significant difference at the 5% level was observed in the averages of arbutin, catechin, vanillic acid and caffeic acid in the bean kernels analysed in the Divo and Abengourou regions. The proportion of cinnamic acid is (6.18±0.63 mg/100g “Mercedes” Divo), that of ellagic acid is (18.48±0.44 mg/100g “Mercedes” Divo) and that of naringenin is (5.95±0.35 mg/100g “Mercedes” Divo). The amount of potassium is (7569.97±1.51 mg/kg “Forastero” of Abengourou) and that of iron is (179.9 ± 0.70 mg/Kg “Forastero” of Divo). The phenolic compounds and minerals in the cocoa bean samples analysed are highly correlated and rich in antioxidants. They would be beneficial for many biological functions. They can be recommended in pharmacology and cosmetics to fight against oxidative stress and cardiovascular diseases.

The aim of the study was to analyse innovations implemented in the milk and meat industries, and their impact on increasing competitiveness. The study showed that the 2010-12 period saw the most product and process innovations being introduced. On the other hand, innovations in marketing were found to be more popular in 2013. Three groups of similar innovations were distinguished. The milk industry stood out when it comes to the extent of innovations implemented. Fewer innovations were found in the poultry meat industry. Beef and pork meat processing was the least innovative. The innovativeness of enterprises is greater with larger numbers of employees and the increase in scope of their field of operation. The implementation of innovations resulted in: improvement of the quality of goods (services), increase in stock, productive capabilities and revenues from sales, emergence of new markets, increase in competitiveness and prestige of the firm. Those are confirmed by the very good performance of foreign trade and better competitiveness rates of Polish meat producers.

In the study; fruit skin color parameters, fruit flesh firmness and total soluable solid (TSS) ratios, as well as total acidity, total phenolic substance, total monomeric anth°Cyanin amounts and total antioxidant capacity were determined. After the fruits were harvested, they were immersed in three different doses (0-2-4%) of calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution for 5 minutes. The fruits removed from the solution were kept to dry. The fruits were stored for 14 days in a cold store with a temperature of 1-2°C and a relative humidity of 90±5%. Before the storage and on the 7th and 14th days of storage, the fruits samples were taken and kept on the shelves in the rooms with a temperature of 21±1°C and a relative humidity of 60±5%for 3 days. Measurements and analyses of fruit quality parameters were made in the samples taken from the fruits that were kept on the shelf for three days. As a result of the study, it was determined that 4%CaCl2 application was effective in maintaining fruit flesh firmness. In fruits kept on the shelf for 3 days after 14 days of storage, SSC of 4%CaCl2 treatment was found to be higher than the control treatment. Compared to the control, 4%CaCl2 caused a significant increase in the total phenol content. The highest total monomeric anth°Cyanin content and total antioxidant capacity was determined in the control treatment. While there were no significant changes in L* values between treatments, a* and b* values were found to be higher in 2%CaCl2 treatment. In the light of the data obtained, it was concluded that 4%CaCl2 application had a positive effect on the shelf life of strawberry fruits.

Se evaluó una técnica de micropropagación de plantas de mora (Rubus glaucus) de la variedad sin espinas, a partir de ápices meristemáticos. En la fase de establecimiento se evaluó un protocolo de desinfección utilizando por 5 min solución de jabón detergente comercial y agua + alcohol 70% por 2 min + hipoclorito 3% con dos tiempos de exposición diferentes: T1 por 5 min y T2 por 10 min. Después de desinfectar las microestacas se extrajeron los ápices meristemáticos y se establecieron in vitro bajo un diseño completamente al azar para evaluar dos medios de cultivo: M1 y M2. A partir de las plántulas desarrolladas se efectuó la multiplicación en los medios de cultivo M1, M3 y M4. Ambos tratamientos de desinfección resultaron efectivos alcanzando 100% de desinfección de los explantes con cada uno de ellos. La siembra de ápices meristemáticos permitió el establecimiento de cultivos asépticos y un adecuado desarrollo de los explantes después de seis semanas de cultivo, con prendimiento de 83.4% para M1 y 66.6% para M2. El análisis de varianza (Anova) y la prueba de rangos múltiples mostraron que la multiplicación fue mejor en el medio M1 con una mayor tasa de crecimiento y desarrollo del explante, al obtener coeficientes de multiplicación de 7.5 brotes/plántula y una altura promedio de 1.95 cm. | We evaluated a technique of micropropagation in a thornless variety of blackberry (Rubus glaucus) from shoot apical meristems. In the establishment phase, we evaluated a disinfection protocol: soapy solution (commercial detergent and water) for 5 minutes + 70% alcohol for 2 minutes + 3% hypochlorite with two different exposure times: T1 for 5 minutes and T2 for 10 minutes. When the microcuttings were disinfected, the meristematic shoots were removed and established in vitro in a completely random design to evaluate two cultivation mediums: M1 and M2. From the seedlings developed, the multiplication was performed, which tested three cultivation mediums: M1, M3 and M4. Both disinfection treatments were effective achieving 100% disinfection of explants in each of them. Meristematic shoot planting allowed the establishment of aseptic cultivation and adequate development of the explants after six weeks of cultivation with rates of germination of 83.4% for M1 and 66.6% for M2. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple range test with Fisher’s method (LSD), showed that multiplication the M1 medium favored better growth and development of the explant to obtain a multiplication coefficient of 7.5 shoots per seedling and an average height of 1.95 cm.

Yeast cells are carriers with great potential for encapsulation of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds, due to protection from external environmental influences, controlled release, biocompatibility and biodegradability. The promising research results on the encapsulation of bioactive substances in the recent past promise a bright future in many fields such as agriculture, medicine and cosmetics, including functional food. The significant decrease in the stability of many bioactive compounds due to environmental conditions (heat, humidity, oxygen, etc.) has revealed the necessity of preserving the stability of these types of compounds by encapsulation process. After the recognition of yeast cells as suitable carriers for water-soluble flavor encapsulation, the possibilities of using various yeasts, especially Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in the encapsulation of various oils, vitamins, flavors and some phenolic compounds have been the subject of various scientific studies. The fact that the encapsulation process using yeast cells offers some advantages compared to other encapsulation methods has made the use of yeast cells in the encapsulation process very popular and there has been an increase in studies conducted in recent years. In this study, various scientific studies on the possibilities and effectiveness of the use of yeast cells in the encapsulation of various structures, especially various bioactive compounds, have been reviewed.

Agriculture has been progressing continuously, from the use of free natural resources to the fossil fuels as energy sources. Even though agriculture depends mainly on ecosystem resources and services, its development has been apparently centered only on yield, not considering neither the ecological value of the negative externalities nor the decapitalization of the resources that influence sustainability. Thus, the information on the evaluation of the sustainability on different agriculture styles is scarce or almost null. This investigation evaluates the sustainability in different agriculture styles (intensive horticulture, traditional farm and self-sustaining horticulture) established in Hualqui (Region of Biobío, Chile), through the energy flows present on each style to measure the impact generated on the land. The results revealed that the self-sustaining horticulture style showed a higher sustainability compared to the traditional farm and intensive horticulture style. These results can contribute to the public, policies to reorient the action strategy to encourage the sustainability in the different agriculture styles.

Abstract Conservation management systems that have intended to prevent wear or soil degradation have been widespread in agriculture. The study was conducted in Site São Luiz at Simonsen district, Votuporanga, São Paulo State, in order to evaluate the chemical and physical changes in an area with agrosilvopastoral system and deployed with three soil management (treatments): Full (conventional tillage, liming and application of gypsum, phosphate and potassium); intermediate (no tillage, liming and application of gypsum at surface) and basic (no tillage and surface liming). The soil was managed in July 2009 and the planting of eucalyptus was realized in January 2010, on the terraces. Between the terraces it was cropped maize intercropped with Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu. In April 2014 it was held the disturbed and undisturbed soil sampling soil at depths of 0-0.05 and 0.05-0.20 m, collecting three sub samples per plot. A randomized complete block experimental design was used with three replications, with plots of approximately 1.0 ha. It was concluded that in the layer of 0-0.05m, the intermediate management provided increase in the levels of organic matter, Ca, P and K and the basic management provided lower levels of Ca and lower pH and basis saturation values and higher potential acidity; the complete and intermediate managements provided raising the pH in the two layers evaluated; the use of liming associated with gypsum application improves the chemical characteristics of Argisols under agrosilvopastoral systems; in the layer of 0.05-0.20 m the basic management provided lower bulk density and the complete management the largest; the different managements did not differ with respect to porosity and aggregate stability. | Resumo Sistemas de manejo conservacionistas que têm o intuito de evitar o desgaste ou a degradação do solo vêm sendo difundidos na agricultura. O trabalho foi desenvolvido no sítio São Luiz, no distrito de Simonsen, município de Votuporanga, SP, com o objetivo de avaliar as alterações químicas e físicas em uma área com sistema agrossilvipastoril e implantada com três manejos de solo (tratamentos): completo (preparo convencional do solo, calagem, gessagem, fosfatagem, potassagem); intermediário (sem preparo, calagem e gessagem superficial) e básico (sem preparo e calagem superficial). O solo foi manejado em julho de 2009 e em janeiro de 2010, foi realizado o plantio de eucalipto sobre os terraços e milho em consórcio com Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu, entre os terraços. Em abril de 2014 foram realizadas as amostragens deformada e indeformada do solo nas profundidades de 0-0.05 e 0.05-0.20 m, coletando-se três sub amostras por parcela. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados com três repetições, com parcelas de aproximadamente 1.0 ha. Constatou-se que na camada de 0-0,05 m, o manejo intermediário proporcionou aumento nos teores de matéria orgânica, Ca, P e K e o manejo básico propiciou menores teores de Ca e menores valores de pH e saturação por bases e maiores valores de acidez potencial; os manejos completo e intermediário proporcionaram elevação do pH nas duas camadas avaliadas; a utilização da calagem associada à gessagem melhora as características químicas de Argissolos sob sistemas agrossilvipastoris; na camada de 0,05-0,20 m o manejo básico proporcionou menores valores de densidade do solo e o completo maiores; os diferentes manejos não diferiram em relação à porosidade e à estabilidade de agregados.

In this study, the effect of foliar L-Histidine and Methinonin amino acid applications on grain cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) uptake on durum wheat grown in soil contaminated with Cd was investigated. The research was carried out according to the randomized blocks design as a pot experiment in greenhouse conditions. In the experiment, Cd doses were applied as control (0 mg Cd kg-1) and (3 mg Cd kg-1). L-Histidine and Methionine amino acids were applied 7 times from the leaf after the start of flag leaf formation in wheat at 0.5 mM doses and harvested after the grain maturity was completed. According to the results obtained, the wheat grain dry matter yield in 3 mg Cd kg-1 polluted soil was 44.5 mg grain-1 in the control, while the dry matter weight was increased with the application of L-Histidine and Methionine from the leaves being 48 and 50 mg grain-1, respectively. It was determined that there were differences in grain Cd and Zn concentrations with the application of amino acids from the leaves at the dose of 3 mg kg-1 cadmium. When the grain Cd and Zn intakes were compared with the control, it was found that the grain Cd concentration decreased, and the Zn concentration increased as a result of the application of amino acids. The high amount of Cd in wheat can make it to the human body through the food chain and is known to cause serious health problems after a certain amount of accumulation. As a result of this study, it is seen that L-Histidine and Methionine are effective in reducing Cd in the grain, and these amino acids probably form a complex with Cd, resulting in less transport.

Performance of the snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with traditional fertilizations vs. technical fertilization. The experiment was made in the farm called "El Ancon" - Pradera, (Cauca, Valle), with 1100 mm of precipitation, 940 m.a.s.l. 73.5% R.H. and a temperature of 24°C. In order to get basic information, a completely randomized block design was installed with three replications and eight treatments (control, T-traditional, T-10B-Urea, T-10B-S ammonium, T-05B-Urea, T-05B-S.Anunonium, T-10B-U.SA, T-05B-U.SA). Variables measured were dry matter weight (DNV) (at 15-30-45) leaf area (L.A) (at 15-30-45) and production (50-70d). Treatments with best productions mean values were: T-I0B-Urea, T-IOB-U.SA, T10B-S. Anunonium, T-05B-S.Anunonium with 8067.0, 6928.4 and 6194.4/ha respe., all of them above the average of the trial. High investment T-traditional do not have a similar answer in relation to their productions, but the T-I0B-Urea treatment has a lower cost and rentability of 84.46%. | En el ensayo se utilizó un diseño de bloques completamente al azar con tres repeticiones y ocho tratamientos (dos dosis de Boro, dos fuentes y tres dosis de Nitrógenos y las combinaciones de estas), los cuales se basaron en una encuesta que se preparó para los agricultores de la zona y en los análisis del suelo, que en términos generales mostraron deficiencias de Boro y Nitrógeno. Las variables de respuesta fueron peso de materia seca, área foliar medidas a los 15-30-45 días y producción de la planta. Para peso de materia seca y área foliar en las diferentes épocas, el ANDEVA mostró diferencias significativas. Los tratamientos de mejor producción fueron T-10B-Urea, T-10B U. Samonio, T-10B-S. Amonio con promedios de 8067.0, 7139.8, 6928. 4 y 6194.4 g/ha respectivamente, siendo ellos superiores al promedio general del experimento (5604.5). A pesar de la alta inversión del T- convencional el cultivo no respondió a ella. El caso contrario sucedió con el T-10B-Urea, donde los costos de esta práctica fueron menores, pero el cultivo aporta una rentabilidad del 84.4%.

This study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Vitis vinifera L. seed extract (5 ppm and 10 ppm) on gill and liver tissues histopathology of carp (Cyprinus carpio L. 1758) exposed to cadmium chloride (CdCl2=Cd) (20 ppb) acute and subchronic period. A total of 140 fish in 14 groups were used in the experiment. The experiment was designed as in two different periods (acute and chronic) and 7 different dose groups (control, vehicle, V. vinifera seed extract 5 ppm, V. vinifera seed extract 10 ppm, Cd 20 ppb, V. vinifera seed extract 5ppm + Cd 20 ppb and V. vinifera seed extract 10 ppm + Cd 20 ppb). At the end of the experiment, the gill and liver tissues dissected from the fish were fixed, dehydrated, cleared, and paraffin impregnated. Appropriately sized blocks were prepared from the tissues, sections of 5-7 µm thickness were taken and covered by staining with hematoxylin-eosin. Stained preparations were examined under a light microscope and photographed. It was determined that all dose groups in the acute period and control groups were not different histopathological. It was determined that the histopathological damage caused by the cadmium group in the subchronic period and tissue damage were reduced in the dose groups with cadmium added with V. vinifera seed extract. As a result of the study, it was concluded that V. vinifera seed extract could have a therapeutic effect on the gill and liver tissues of carp exposed to cadmium.

The study of weed germination can improve knowledge on their seasonal dynamics in fields and facilitate the design of ecologically sustainable management. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of a range of constant and alternate temperatures on the germination of Chloris barbata, Cynodon dactylon, and Cyperus rotundus collected in Angola. Interesting differences were observed between the germination responses of the three species. No germination was observed for any species at 10 or 15–5 °C. Chloris barbata quickly germinated at most constant and alternate incubation temperatures, showing low primary dormancy and high germinability. Fast and high germination was observed for Cynodon dactylon at most alternate temperatures, while lower germination percentages were achieved at constant temperatures, especially the highest ones. Cyperus rotundus achieved good germination percentage at alternate temperatures, even if with slower and more extended germination dynamics than the other species, while almost no seeds germinated at constant temperatures. This study improves our knowledge of germination ecology for these species and allows some control tools to be identified, such as soil tillage, cover crops, and living or dead mulches, which can contribute to their ecologically sustainable management.