This study proposes to characterize hydrated and refrigerated mucilage obtained from cladodes of clones of prickly pear cactus harvested during the drizzle and dry seasons in the semiarid of Brazil. Cladodes of Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw (Orelha de Elefante Mexicana [OEM] clone) and Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck (IPA Sertânia [IPA] and Miúda [MIU] clones) were harvested at 6 am and extracted mucilage. The main bands in the infrared region were characterized. Physicochemical analyses were performed on day zero and at 12 days. Cladodes harvested in the dry season showed higher mucilage yield and soluble solid, total soluble carbohydrate, and K+, for the three clones. The OEM clone also exhibited significant increases in pH, Na+, and electrical conductivity when harvested in the dry season than in the wet season. In addition, the mucilage extracted from the Opuntia cladodes did not have changes in the carbohydrate, titratable acidity, or total soluble protein levels. The IPA and MIU clones, in turn, were characterized by parameters that remained stable during conservation (phenolic compounds, titratable acidity, K+ and Na+). The spectroscopic profile was similar for all studied clones. The principal component analysis allowed the formation of clusters between seasons and conservation times. It is suggested that the cladodes of the genus Nopalea showed better potential in the manufacture of edible films and coatings. The cladodes of the genus Opuntia, for the use of mucilage as ingredients in foods such as bread, pasta, and others, making them with better functional properties. Therefore, these factors should be considered for the use of mucilage in the industry.

This study proposes to relate the increase in phosphorus (P) supply in the soil, via phosphate fertilization, to oxidative damage and protection, phenylpropanoid metabolism, and enzymatic browning in minimally processed cassava. The roots were grown with 0, 60, and 120 kg ha–1 P2O5. The roots were harvested, and the yield and P content in the root, stem, and leaves were quantified. The roots were minimally processed and stored for 12 days at 5 °C. The higher supply of P in the soil increased the P content of roots and stems but not the agro-industrial yields. Roots grown at 120 kg ha–1 P2O5 showed higher detection of hydrogen peroxide, which was accompanied by increased phenolic compounds, soluble quinones, and antioxidant capacity and increased activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase. The present study thus demonstrates the role of phosphorus application, induction of the synthesis of phenolic compounds, and quality of fresh-cut cassava.

The aim of this study was to examine oxidative protection and enzymatic browning in the storage of minimally processed cassava and their relationship with population density and harvest age. Population densities were 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75 plants m−2. After being harvested at 300, 360, or 420 days after planting, cassava were minimally processed and stored at 5 ± 2°C. It was observed that superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) play key roles in the tolerance of young roots to browning. Planting density, however, does not appear to be a key factor modulating the activity of the enzymes studied. Practical applications Younger harvested cassava roots, harvested at 300 days, are more tolerant to enzymatic browning. This appears to be in part due to enzymatic activity modulation of the SOD, CAT, and POD enzymes. In addition, it has been demonstrated that agronomic techniques aimed at increasing productivity, such as increasing the planting density of cassava, do not alter the biomarkers of postharvest quality. In summary, evidence that field management may be an efficient approach to improving the conservation of minimally processed cassava is provided. We believe that the findings of this paper will be of great interest regarding the influence of field management on the postharvest quality of freshly cut cassava and will also provide applicable results relating to its production chain.

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