O plantio associado entre banana (Musa acuminata Cultivar Cavendish "Grande Naine") e feijão-de-porco (Canavalia ensiformis (L.) D. C.): uma avaliação agronômica dos efeitos da competição por água, nitrogênio e energia luminosa

Nas regiões de clima tropical, o monocultivo da banana vem causando conseqüências ambientais desastrosas e, muitas vezes, impedindo uma exploração continuada de uma mesma área. A redução do rendimento é devido principalmente as limitações físico-químicas do solo e a rápida degradação do sistema radicular, agravada pela ação de parasitas do solo (nematóides, fungos, etc.). Em virtude destas limitações, várias iniciativas vem sendo buscadas para a minimização das perdas agronômicas e ambientais, destacando-se o melhoramento e a modificação genética, e a associação deste cultivo com espécies leguminosas. Porém uma das grandes dificuldades de avaliarmos os novos sistemas de cultivo alternativos concentra-se na falta de referenciais agronômicos relacionados principalmente com o funcionamento de sistemas de cultivos associados, especialmente relacionados aos fatores e condições que interferem diretamente na definição do rendimento da espécie principal. O presente estudo testou , em campo experimental, o uso de plantas de serviço associada a bananeira e seus efeitos na produção de biomassa durante seu o ciclo vegetativo. Isto porque é durante esta fase que a bananeira constrói sua capacidade de reservas de fotoassimilados e, consequentemente, define o potencial de produção e enchimento dos frutos. Além do monocultivo, definiu-se mais duas parcelas associadas com o feijão-de- porco: 1) o plantio simultâneo das duas espécies e; 2) o plantio de feijão-de-porco e, após 2 meses, a introdução da banana. Além de acompanhamento semanal das parcelas, realizou-se, bimensalmente, coletas destrutivas de dados sobre produção de matéria seca, superfície foliar e análise nutricional das plantas. Após a análise agronômica da fase vegetativa, aplicou-se a modelização dos sistemas de cultivo estudados e comparou-se os possíveis cenários sobre o rendimento final da bananeira, além de outros indicadores sobre os fatores de crescimento das plantas. Após o acompanhamento dos 7 primeiros meses do ciclo vegetativo, concluiu-se que a data de estabelecimento da associação foi determinante para o sucesso do cultivo associado. Podemos destacar que a associação entre a bananeira e o feijão-de-porco não causou limitações na produção de biomassa (4,2 ton/ha), quando comparada com o monocultivo (4,5 ton/ha). A redução do número de capinas também foi um indicador animador deste sistema de cultivo alternativo. Por outro lado, quando a bananeira foi plantada 60 dias após a leguminosa, a mesma representou uma séria limitação na produção de biomassa (2,7 ton/ha). Esta limitação deveu-se ao estado de forte competição devido a agressividade com que o feijão-de-porco recobria toda a parcela e alcançando uma altura (74 cm) superior que a muda de banana (29 cm). Em relação a primeira parte da metodologia aplicada - o diagnóstico agronômico -, a mesma foi eficiente para a avaliação do ciclo vegetativo da associação estudada, ficando a necessidade da continuidade do acompanhamento do ciclo reprodutivo, para a confirmação dos resultados em termos de formação e produção de frutos. Na fase de modelização, chegou-se a uma leitura dos resultados próxima dos resultados obtidos no campo. Em termos de rendimento em frutos, o monocultivo com adubação (400 kg/ha de nitrogênio) e irrigação (133 mm) teve um aumento na ordem de 50% no rendimento final (28 ton/ha) Quando comparada com a parcela nas condições reais do experimento (19,6 ton/ha). Já o rendimento em frutos da associação, apresentou o mesmo resultado com e sem adubação e irrigação (16 ton/ha). No tocante a contrução dos cenários, confirmou-se novamente algumas das vantagens da associação, principalmente na redução da adubação nitrogenada aplicada nos sistemas convencionais de cultivo. Finalmente, podemos imaginar a construção de várias formas de testar e otimizar o uso destes sistemas associados (cenários). Porém, confirma-se que a construção de novos referenciais agronômicos sobre sistemas de cultivo mais complexos (os cultivos associados) torna-se ainda muito necessário para a realização de avaliações mais precisas sobre estas alternativas. E, com estes novos referenciais técnicos, podemos imaginar, a médio e longo prazo, alguns dos benefícios das leguminosas sobre as propriedades físico-químicas do solo cultivado (cobertura viva, adubo verde, redução de adventícias, etc) e sobre a manutenção do rendimento dos cultivos (adubação verde).

Nutritional potential of green banana flour obtained by drying in spouted be

Este estudo avaliou a composição química da farinha de banana verde sem casca e com casca, obtido por secagem em leito de jorro, com o objetivo de agregar valor nutricional a produtos alimentícios. As bananas foram cortadas e trituradas para a obtenção de uma pasta, sendo esta alimentada no secador leito de jorro (12 cm de altura e T = 80 º C), a fim de obter uma farinha. As farinhas obtidas foram submetidas a análise da umidade, proteína, cinzas, Carboidratos totais, amido total, amido resistente, e fibras. As farinhas de banana verde, principalmente com casca, são boas fontes de fibras e amido resistente, com uma média de 21,91g/100g e 68,02g/100g respectivamente. O teor médio de proteína encontrado foi para 4,76g/100g, sendo classificada como uma proteína de baixo valor biológico, tendo a lisina como o primeiro aminoácido limitante. Os resultados mostraram que a farinha de banana verde com casca obtida por secagem em leito de jorro pode ser uma ferramenta valiosa para agregação de valor nutricional aos produtos, a fim de aumentar a sua fracção não digerível.

Patogenicidade de Meloidogyne incognita e Meloidogyne javanica a bananeira cv. Prata Anã em diferentes substratos

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Características físico-químicas de amidos de genótipos de bananeiras

Pós-graduação em Zootecnia - FMVZ

Avaliação da eficiência nutricional e economica de dietas para papagaios verdadeiros (Amazona aestiva) em cativeiro

Pós-graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia Animal - FEIS

Análise da eficiência da biomassa de banana verde como complemento alimentar na melhora da constipação em pacientes funcionais e associada ao pós-operatório da Doença de Hirschdprung

Pós-graduação em Bases Gerais da Cirurgia - FMB

Análise da eficiência da biomassa de banana verde como complemento alimentar na melhora da constipação em pacientes funcionais e associada ao pós-operatório da Doença de Hirschdprung

Pós-graduação em Bases Gerais da Cirurgia - FMB

Proteomic analysis of banana fruit reveals proteins that are differentially accumulated during ripening

Bananas (Musa spp.) are highly perishable fruit of notable economic and nutritional relevance. Because the identification of proteins involved in metabolic pathways could help to extend green-life and improve the quality of the fruit, this study aimed to compare the proteins of banana pulp at the pre-climacteric and climacteric stages. The use of two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) revealed 50 differentially expressed proteins, and comparing those proteins to the Mass Spectrometry Protein Sequence Database (MSDB) identified 26 known proteins. Chitinases were the most abundant types of proteins in unripe bananas, and two isoforms in the ripe fruit have been implicated in the stress/defense response. In this regard, three heat shock proteins and isoflavone reductase were also abundant at the climacteric stage. Concerning fruit quality, pectate lyase, malate dehydrogenase, and starch phosphorylase accumulated during ripening. In addition to the ethylene formation enzyme amino cyclo carboxylic acid oxidase, the accumulation of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase was needed because of the increased ethylene synthesis and DNA methylation that occurred in ripening bananas. Differential analysis provided information on the ripening-associated changes that occurred in proteins involved in banana flavor, texture, defense, synthesis of ethylene, regulation of expression, and protein folding, and this analysis validated previous data on the transcripts during ripening. In this regard, the differential proteomics of fruit pulp enlarged our understanding of the process of banana ripening. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Variability of the phenolic profile of banana from Gran Canaria during maturation

[EN] The identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in bananas from Gran Canaria were carried out to examine changes in their profile during maturation. The phenolic composition of extracts derived from bananas was determined by using HPLC. The total phenolic contents were measured with Folin–Cicolteau`s phenol reagent. To quantify the total antioxidant capacity of banana extracts, we chose two methods commonly used: the percentage of inhibition of radical 1,1–diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP assay). The antioxidant potential on banana extracts was found to increase during maturation in correlation whit the total phenol content.

Genotypic variation in Actinidia deliciosa fruit size and carbohydrate content

In a global and increasingly competitive fresh produce market, more attention is being given to fruit quality traits and consumer satisfaction. Kiwifruit occupies a niche position in the worldwide market, when compared to apples, oranges or bananas. It is a fruit with extraordinarily good nutritional traits, and its benefits to human health have been widely described. Until recently, international trade in kiwifruit was restricted to a single cultivar, but different types of kiwifruit are now becoming available in the market. Effective programmes of kiwifruit improvement start by considering the requirements of consumers, and recent surveys indicate that sweeter fruit with better flavour are generally preferred. There is a strong correlation between at-harvest dry matter and starch content, and soluble solid concentration and flavour when fruit are eating ripe. This suggests that carbon accumulation strongly influences the development of kiwifruit taste. The overall aim of the present study was to determine what factors affect carbon accumulation during Actinidia deliciosa berry development. One way of doing this is by comparing kiwifruit genotypes that differ greatly in their ability to accumulate dry matter in their fruit. Starch is the major component of dry matter content. It was hypothesized that genotypes were different in sink strength. Sink strength, by definition, is the effect of sink size and sink activity. Chapter 1 reviews fruit growth, kiwifruit growth and development and carbon metabolism. Chapter 2 describes the materials and methods used. Chapter 3, 4, 5 and 6 describes different types of experimental work. Chapter 7 contains the final discussions and the conclusions Three Actinidia deliciosa breeding populations were analysed in detail to confirm that observed differences in dry matter content were genetically determined. Fruit of the different genotypes differed in dry matter content mainly because of differences in starch concentrations and dry weight accumulation rates, irrespective of fruit size. More detailed experiments were therefore carried out on genotypes which varied most in fruit starch concentrations to determine why sink strengths were so different. The kiwifruit berry comprises three tissues which differ in dry matter content. It was initially hypothesised that observed differences in starch content could be due to a larger proportion of one or other of these tissues, for example, of the central core which is highest in dry matter content. The study results showed that this was not the case. Sink size, intended as cell number or cell size, was then investigated. The outer pericarp makes up about 60% of berry weight in ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit. The outer pericarp contains two types of parenchyma cells: large cells with low starch concentration, and small cells with high starch concentration. Large cell, small cell and total cell densities in the outer pericarp were shown to be not correlated with either dry matter content or fruit size but further investigation of volume proportion among cell types seemed justified. It was then shown that genotypes with fruit having higher dry matter contents also had a higher proportion of small cells. However, the higher proportion of small cell volume could only explain half of the observed differences in starch content. So, sink activity, intended as sucrose to starch metabolism, was investigated. In transiently starch storing sinks, such as tomato fruit and potato tubers, a pivotal role in carbon metabolism has been attributed to sucrose cleaving enzymes (mainly sucrose synthase and cell wall invertase) and to ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (the committed step in starch synthesis). Studies on tomato and potato genotypes differing in starch content or in final fruit soluble solid concentrations have demonstrated a strong link with either sucrose synthase or ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, at both enzyme activity and gene expression levels, depending on the case. Little is known about sucrose cleaving enzyme and ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase isoforms. The HortResearch Actinidia EST database was then screened to identify sequences putatively encoding for sucrose synthase, invertase and ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase isoforms and specific primers were designed. Sucrose synthase, invertase and ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase isoform transcript levels were anlayzed throughout fruit development of a selection of four genotypes (two high dry matter and two low dry matter). High dry matter genotypes showed higher amounts of sucrose synthase transcripts (SUS1, SUS2 or both) and higher ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPL4, large subunit 4) gene expression, mainly early in fruit development. SUS1- like gene expression has been linked with starch biosynthesis in several crop (tomato, potato and maize). An enhancement of its transcript level early in fruit development of high dry matter genotypes means that more activated glucose (UDP-glucose) is available for starch synthesis. This can be then correlated to the higher starch observed since soon after the onset of net starch accumulation. The higher expression level of AGPL4 observed in high dry matter genotypes suggests an involvement of this subunit in drive carbon flux into starch. Changes in both enzymes (SUSY and AGPse) are then responsible of higher starch concentrations. Low dry matter genotypes showed generally higher vacuolar invertase gene expression (and also enzyme activity), early in fruit development. This alternative cleavage strategy can possibly contribute to energy loss, in that invertases’ products are not adenylated, and further reactions and transport are needed to convert carbon into starch. Although these elements match well with observed differences in starch contents, other factors could be involved in carbon metabolism control. From the microarray experiment, in fact, several kinases and transcription factors have been found to be differentially expressed. Sink strength is known to be modified by application of regulators. In ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit, the synthetic cytokinin CPPU (N-(2-Chloro-4-Pyridyl)-N-Phenylurea) promotes a dramatic increase in fruit size, whereas dry matter content decreases. The behaviour of CPPU-treated ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit was similar to that of fruit from low dry matter genotypes: dry matter and starch concentrations were lower. However, the CPPU effect was strongly source limited, whereas in genotype variation it was not. Moreover, CPPU-treated fruit gene expression (at sucrose cleavage and AGPase levels) was similar to that in high dry matter genotypes. It was therefore concluded that CPPU promotes both sink size and sink activity, but at different “speeds” and this ends in the observed decrease in dry matter content and starch concentration. The lower “speed” in sink activity is probably due to a differential partitioning of activated glucose between starch storage and cell wall synthesis to sustain cell expansion. Starch is the main carbohydrate accumulated in growing Actinidia deliciosa fruit. Results obtained in the present study suggest that sucrose synthase and AGPase enzymes contribute to sucrose to starch conversion, and differences in their gene expression levels, mainly early in fruit development, strongly affect the rate at which starch is therefore accumulated. This results are interesting in that starch and Actinidia deliciosa fruit quality are tightly connected.

The Intersection of Economics and Politics in a Small OPEC Country: the Case of Ecuador, 1990 - March 2014

Today, crude oil remains a vital resource all around the world. This non-renewable resource powers countries worldwide. Besides serving as an energy source, crude oil is also the most important component for different world economies, especially in developing countries. Ecuador, a small member of the OPEC oil cartel, presents a case where its economy is oil dependent. A great percentage of the country¿s GDP and government¿s budget comes from oil revenues. Ecuador has always been a primary exporter of raw materials. In the last centuries, the country experienced three important economic booms: cacao, bananas, and, ultimately, crude oil. In this sense, the country has not been able to fully industrialize and begin to export manufactured goods, i.e., Ecuador suffers from the Dutch disease. The latter has deterred Ecuador from achieving broad-based economic development. Given crude oil¿s importance for the Ecuadorian economy, the government has always tried to influence the oil industry in search of profits and benefits. Therefore, this thesis, explores the question: how and to what extent have political interventions affected the oil industry in Ecuador from 1990 until March 2014? In general, this thesis establishes an economic history context during the last twenty-four years, attempting to research how political interventions have shaped Ecuador¿s oil industry and economy. In the analysis, it covers a period where political instability prevailed, until Rafael Correa became president. The thesis examines Ecuador¿s participation in OPEC, trying to find explanations as to why the country voluntarily left the organization in 1992, only to rejoin in 2007 when Correa rose to power. During the ¿Revolución Ciudadana¿ period, the thesis researches reforms to the Law of Hydrocarbons, variations in the relations with other nations, the controversy surrounding the Yasuní-ITT oil block, and the ¿Refinería del Pacífico¿ construction. The thesis is an Industrial Organization detailed case study that analyzes, updates, and evaluates the intersection of economics and politics in Ecuador¿s crude oil industry during the last 24 years. In this sense I have consulted past theses, newspaper articles, books, and other published data about the petroleum industry, both from a global and Ecuadorian perspective. In addition to published sources, I was able to interview sociologists, public figures, history and economics academics, and other experts, accessing unique unpublished data about Ecuador¿s oil industry. I made an effort to collect information that shows the private and public side of the industry, i.e., from government-related and independent sources. I attempted to remain as objective as possible to make conclusions about the appropriate Industrial Organization policy for Ecuador¿s oil industry, addressing the issue from an economic, social, political, and environmental point of view. I found how Ecuador¿s political instability caused public policy to fail, molding the conduct and market structure of the crude oil industry. Throughout history, developed nations have benefited from low oil prices, but things shifted since oil prices began to rise, which is more beneficial for the developing nations that actually possess and produce the raw material. Nevertheless, Ecuador, a victim of the Dutch disease due to its heavy reliance on crude oil as a primary product, has not achieved broad-based development.

Proceedings of the 10th Annual Biochemical Engineering Symposium

This the tenth in a series of symposia devoted to talks by students on their biochemical engineering research. The first, third, fifth, and ninth were at Kansas State University in Manhattan, the second and fourth were at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the sixth was in Kansas City in conjunction with the 81st American Institute of Chemical Engineers National Meeting, the seventh was at Iowa State University in Ames, and the eighth was held at the University of Missouri–Columbia. Contents"Combined Autohydrolysis-Organosolv Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Materials," Robert A. Lewis, Colorado State University "An Investigation of Cellulase Activity Assays," Minhhuong Nguyen, University of Missouri–Columbia "Action Pattern of a Xylobiohydrolase from Aspergillus niger," Mary M. Frederick, Iowa State University "Estimation of Heats of Combustion of Biomass from Elemental Analysis Using Available Electron Concepts," Snehal A. Patel, Kansas State University "Design of a Wheat Straw to Ethanol Conversion Facility," Michael M. Meagher, Colorado State University "Effects of Salt, Heat, and Physical Form on the Fermentation of Bananas," Carl Drewel, University of Missouri–Columbia "Gas Hold-up in the Downflow Section of a Split Cylinder Airlift Column," Vasanti Deshpande, Kansas State University "Measurement of Michaelis Constants for Soluble and Immobilized Glucoamylase," Robert A. Lesch, Iowa State University "Kinetics of Alkaline Oxidation and Degradation of Sugars," Alfred R. Fratzke, Iowa State University "Stability of Cereal Protein During Microbial Growth on Grain Dust," Bamidele O. Solomon, Kansas State University

Trips (Frankliniella brevicaulis Hood) de las erupciones del fruto de banano (Musa acuminata Colla) en la provincia de Formosa, Argentina

El banano en la provincia de Formosa (Argentina) es uno de los principales cultivos de renta y generador de mano de obra para el productor por lo que representa un importante lugar en lo social y económico. La sanidad de los cultivos es fundamental para lograr una mayor rentabilidad. Se han observado en los frutos daños atribuibles a trips. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron identificar la/s especie/s de trips causal de las erupciones del fruto de banano en la provincia de Formosa, realizar una descripción detallada de su morfología y caracterizar y evaluar los daños producidos. La zona de trabajo correspondió al Área-Laguna Naineck en el Departamento Pilcomayo de la provincia de Formosa considerando un total de 1.103,74 ha pertenecientes a 233 productores. Para la determinación del estado sanitario de las plantaciones con respecto a la presencia del insecto se realizó un diseño de muestreo estadístico. Se recolectaron muestras del insecto y se identificaron con ayuda de claves. La única especie de trips encontrada fue Frankliniella brevicaulis. Los daños producidos por esta especie serían debidos a las heridas causadas por la oviposición, siendo éstas posibles fuentes de entrada para el hongo Colletotrichum musae. Se observaron daños en el 100% de los cachos de banana en todas las plantaciones evaluadas.

Filmes e coberturas a base do resíduo da extração de corante de cúrcuma

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial de uso do resíduo da extração de pigmento de cúrcuma na produção de filmes e coberturas. Para o estudo dos filmes, foram utilizados glicerol e sorbitol como plastificantes e avaliados os efeitos da concentração de farinha de cúrcuma e do plastificante sobre as propriedades mecânicas, solubilidade, permeabilidade ao vapor de água (PVA), molhabilidade, atividade antioxidante, teor de curcuminóides e teor de compostos fenólicos totais utilizando um Delineamento Central Composto Rotacional 22, e os resultados foram avaliados utilizando a metodologia de superfície de resposta (MSR). A concentração de farinha afetou de forma positiva a espessura, PVA e o teor de curcuminóides totais dos filmes plastificados com glicerol e sorbitol. Entretanto, esta variável afetou as propriedades de solubilidade, molhabilidade e teor de compostos fenólicos totais somente dos filmes com glicerol. A concentração de plastificante (glicerol ou sorbitol) afetou significativamente a solubilidade, PVA e molhabilidade de ambos os filmes. Filmes de farinha de cúrcuma com boas propriedades mecânicas, baixa permeabilidade ao vapor de água, alta atividade antioxidante, alto teor de curcuminóides e alto teor de compostos fenólicos totais podem ser produzidos utilizando 27,9 a 30 g glicerol/100 g farinha ou 30 a 42 g sorbitol/100 g farinha e concentração de farinha na faixa de 5% a 6,41%. A cobertura de farinha de cúrcuma contendo 6% de farinha e 30 g glicerol/100 g de farinha foi aplicada em bananas Maçã (Musa acuminata) armazenadas a 27ºC e 65% UR. Assim, foi avaliado o efeito da cobertura na qualidade pós-colheita das bananas em função à suas características físico-químicas como perda de massa, firmeza da polpa, pH, acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis, açúcares redutores e cor da casca. Os resultados mostraram que a cobertura foi eficiente em diminuir a perda de massa, o teor de açúcares redutores, a acidez, a perda da firmeza e a cor da casca principalmente durante a etapa de maturação do fruto. Entretanto, não foi observado grande efeito da cobertura sobre o pH e o teor de sólidos solúveis durante o período estudado. As bananas sem a cobertura tiveram vida útil de 6 dias, enquanto as bananas com cobertura tiveram vida útil de 9 dias.

Acción colectiva rural, reforma agraria y política en El Ecuador, ca. 1920-1965

This thesis studies the rural collective action processes between 1920 and 1965 in Ecuador with a social history and political sociology approach. An approximation is carried out towards the conflicts, mobilizations and protests where indigenous and not indigenous peasants participated. Because of this, they are considered two periods, the first one that last from 1931 to 1947, sealed by the political instability and a constant change of governments; and the second one between 1948 and 1965, in a phase of successive constitutionally governments that ruled between 1948 and 1960. The conflicts and rural mobilizations reached a major visibility since 1958, deeply affecting the public opinion. The importance and magnitude of the rural mobilizations between 1959 and 1963 generated a controversy on their political effects in the agrarian change. Certainly, the rural mobilizations influenced in the outcome that took the political crisis, which concluded in the implantation of a military government in 1963. This government issued an Agrarian Reform Law in 1964, which modified partially the working relations and the land ownership. And, in addition, it defined a new type of military intervention in the policies that combined repression with reforms. The existence of a landowner social segment that backed a reform in the rural highland (sierra) society has been generally identified by Galo Plaza's figure. In his government (1948-1952), transformations were accentuated in the State intervention, mainly orientated towards the economic and political modernization. This was a new moment of coastal agro-exportation development with the leadership of the banana production. There were stimulated measures of promotion of the production and exportation of bananas. So, the road infrastructure was intensively spread and connected the producing zones with the export ports...