The plants of the genus Agave have a characteristic cuticular membrane that serves as an adaptation to arid conditions. The cuticular membrane of Agave salmiana is commonly used for the elaboration of certain regional culinary dishes in Mexico, due in part to its particular flavor. Unfortunately, when the cuticle is removed from the plant, it dehydrates very quickly and becomes brittle, which makes it necessary to extract more cuticles. In this work, our aim was to expand the knowledge on the composition of the A. salmiana cuticular membrane. Within the results it was found that the moisture content of the cuticular membrane of A. salmiana ranges between 50 and 60%. Concerning Water activity (a w), there were no significant differences between diverse storage temperatures (2, 8 and 22 °C). On the other hand, considering the hue angle and luminosity, the obtained values were 80.25±1.29 and 70.85±0.65, respectively. Although, no significant changes were observed. The thickness of the cuticle of A. salmiana was 129±1.9 μm and the fibers had a thickness of 30.7±3 μm. The heat flow thermograms correspond to those reported for the fatty acid transition (50 to 100 °C). This work contributes to the overall characterization of the A. salmiana cuticular membrane including the morphology, distribution and size of stomatal complexes and epidermal cells.
Fresh fruit is one of the fastest‐growing segments of the agro‐industry. The growing trend has sparked interest in sustainable and eco‐friendly alternatives to preserve fruits’ sensory properties, quality, and shelf life. Potential solutions are edible coatings from renewable sources. This paper reports on the evaluation of an edible coating (EC) based on male banana starch (Musa paradisiaca L.) and chitosan on the shelf life and postharvest preservation of guava (Psidium guajava L.) under specific storage conditions (25°C/50% RH). Also, it characterized male banana starch (MBstarch) and evaluates the MBstarch–chitosan film (functional, mechanical, and barrier properties) before applying it to the guava, which was stored at 25°C for 10 days (50% RH). The effect of EC on the postharvest quality of the fruit was evaluated via physicochemical parameters (weight loss, acidity, pH, firmness, and total soluble solids). In conclusion, the MBstarch–chitosan EC to be a suitable preservation alternative for fruit due to its barrier properties. Specifically, it was determined that MBstarch–chitosan EC delays the increase of pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids. Moreover, it was efficient in maintaining weight and firmness, improving appearance, and extending the shelf life of fruit by up to 10 days. Novelty impact statement Starch isolated from male bananas, a nonconventional source, can be an alternative for manufacturing EC with favorable mechanical and barrier properties. MBstarch/Chitosan EC promotes the postharvest quality (physicochemical parameters) and extends the shelf life of guava by up to 10 days. This EC (MBstarch/Chitosan) can be considered a sustainable ecologic postharvest preservation alternative for the guava fruit.
Globally, corn is the most economically important crop, surpassing other cereals of economic importance. However, the tillage methods, monoculture and the abuse of synthetic agrochemicals used in Mexico have led to the loss of fertility and soil yield. In this sense, the application of alternative fertilization methods based on chemical fertilizer, organic matter and biofertilizer, applied alone or in combination, can stimulate the defense systems of corn plants and increase their yield. Therefore, in this research, some fertilization schemes were tested on purple corn plants of the Kculli race through the evaluation of some growth and yield variables, as well as the subsequent evaluation of the chemical characteristics of the corn grain produced in each fertilization scheme. The results indicate highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between treatments, for the different growth and yield variables studied. Of all the fertilization schemes evaluated, treatment T7 obtained the best grain yield of 6.19 ± 0.07 t ha−1, with respect to treatment T1 of 1.02 ± 0.01 t ha−1, as well as the highest protein content and starch quality. Being clear the positive effect of the adequate contribution of the macro and micronutrients used exerts on the corn crop in each of the fertilization schemes studied. On the other hand, the analysis carried out on the grains was found within the values reported by other authors.
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