Américo Wagner Júnior

The knowledge of the post-harvest physiology of the fruit is of great importance in order to have technical subsidies aimed at extending the storage time without, however, altering its physical, organoleptic and nutritional characteristics, and, especially, in the case of the peach, due to its fragility. The objective was to evaluate the genetic divergence among 40 peach trees and nectarine trees genotypes based on the susceptibility fruit to cold damage. The study was carried out at EEAD-CSIC, Zaragoza - Spain. The susceptibility to cold damage was assessed after 14 and 28 days of cold storage using temperatures of 0º and 5ºC for symptoms of the presence of physiological disorders as wooliness mealy, grainy, leathery, changes in the color of the mesocarp, browning, bleeding and absence of flavor. As a selection criterion, 20% of the genotypes with the highest frequency of superiority were adopted in terms of quality characteristics, that is, the least damage presented. Divergent groups were formed, demonstrating that the accessions showed different behaviors among the tests. The ‘Queen Giant’ access showed less susceptibility to damage and differed genetically, according to the applied methods. In this way, it can be introduced as a genitor in breeding programs.

Exploring Brazil's native fruits is crucial to address post-harvest conservation challenges, facilitate efficient processing, enhance economic value, and promote sustainability. These innovations enable flavor diversification in cold beverages based on yerba mate (YM) (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.) infusion. This study aimed to develop a carbonated YM infusion beverage enriched with jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) juice. Nine formulations were created, varying ratios of YM infusion and jaboticaba juice (60:20, 60:40, 80:20, 80:40, 70:30) and carbon dioxide carbonation levels (0.6 and 1.2 atm). The YM infusion was prepared at 100 °C, to which pure jaboticaba juice was subsequently added, and then carbonated under controlled conditions. Sensory acceptability tests were conducted with untrained panelists to evaluate attributes such as appearance, aroma, acidity, sweetness, bitterness, astringency, body, refreshment, and overall acceptance, using a 9-point hedonic scale. The assessment of purchase intention and preference utilized a 5-point scale. Formulations incorporating 35 % jaboticaba juice were the most accepted, particularly for appearance and sweetness. The addition of jaboticaba juice significantly enhanced both color and total phenolic compound (TPC) content, whereas carbonation had no substantial effect on physicochemical parameters. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated a positive correlation between overall acceptance and sensory attributes, such as aroma and appearance, in preferred formulations. These findings underscore the potential of carbonated YM infusion with jaboticaba juice as a functional beverage, effectively balancing flavor, color, and health benefits while aligning with consumer preferences.

Molecular markers are important tools for genetic studies, including evolution, species differentiation, and population genetics. The genus Plinia (Myrtaceae) consists of various fruit tree species, some of which are referred to as jaboticaba. The subtle interspecific morphological differences among some jaboticaba species make their taxonomy challenging. This study aimed to develop nuclear SSR markers to distinguish and analyze the genetics of two jaboticaba species, Plinia cauliflora and Plinia trunciflora. The developed markers – eight for P. cauliflora and seven for P. trunciflora – were cross-amplified in both species. Jointly, these markers presented high discriminatory power, private alleles at the species level, and distinguished populations of both species.

The Surinam cherry tree is a native Brazilian fruit tree with potential for use in several segments. Normally, it is propagated by seeds, but its biggest obstacle is the fact that it is recalcitrant, making its germination capacity unviable if stored in an unsuitable environment. The objective of this work was to evaluate the viability of Surinam cherry seeds stored under natural environmental conditions and freezing and cooling temperatures, in three different packages (ziplock, kraft paper and vacuum) during nine periods (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 60 and 90 days). The study was carried out at UTFPR - Campus Dois Vizinhos. The experimental design used was completely randomized, adopting analysis for each type of packaging in a 3 x 9 factorial scheme (storage temperature x period), with four replications of 50 seeds per experimental unit. The germination, germination speed index and average germination time were analyzed. According to the results, the Surinam cherry seeds lost their viability in Kraft paper, vacuum and ziplock packaging from the thirtieth day onwards when kept in natural and cooling conditions. The seeds did not tolerate the use of freezing temperatures, regardless of the maintenance period. Under natural conditions, using Kraft paper packaging, germination remained above 40% up to five days, different from other environments, in which vacuum and ziplock remained up to 15 days in natural conditions and, from 25 to 30 days under cooling, respectively.

A novel beverage combining mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) and pitanga pulp (Eugenia uniflora), a native Brazilian fruit, was developed to highlight local ingredients and create a healthy food product. Four formulations with varying proportions of mate tea and pitanga pulp were evaluated (F1: 100% mate tea, F2: 90% mate + 10% pitanga, F3: 80% mate + 20% pitanga, F4: 70% mate + 30% pitanga). Physicochemical, sensory, and color analyses were conducted, including parameters such as L*, a*, b*, Hue, chroma (C*), total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (TEAC). The addition of pitanga significantly altered the beverage’s color, making it darker and redder, and enhanced sensory attributes by reducing bitterness and astringency. Formulation F2 achieved the highest sensory acceptance, offering a balanced flavor profile. While F1 had the highest TPC and TEAC values, pitanga addition slightly decreased these metrics without compromising the beverage's antioxidant properties. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that sensory acceptance strongly correlated with flavor and sweetness, while physicochemical attributes such as antioxidant capacity had limited influence. The combination of mate tea and pitanga pulp provides an innovative, functional beverage with a sustainable profile, balancing health benefits and consumer preferences, particularly in the F2 formulation.

Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) is a native Brazilian fruit tree for which technical information on nursery and orchard management remains limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of training system and shading during seedling production on the survival and growth of Surinam cherry plants during the first three years after field planting. The experiment was carried out at Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos, Paraná, Brazil, from 2019 to 2021. Stem diameter, plant height, number of primary shoots, primary shoot length, number of new leaves produced, and total chlorophyll content were measured. Seasonal climatic conditions strongly influenced growth flushes of Surinam cherry plants within each annual cycle. Regarding training systems, untrained plants exhibited greater vegetative growth than those trained to central leader and open-vase systems, supporting the use of training systems with this native fruit species. Shading during seedling production affected the growth of Surinam cherry plants throughout the three years of evaluation, with seedlings produced under 50% or 35% black shade screens showing superior performance during the initial years in the field.

Mate tea (MT) (Ilex paraguariensis) can be consumed hot or cold, with the latter often enhanced with fruits, making it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. This study aimed to develop a MT beverage combined with dehydrated pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) and jabuticaba (Plinia trunciflora O. Ber), both rich in nutrients. Different quantities of these fruits (up to 30%) were tested in combination with MT, analyzing parameters like total soluble solids (Brix), acidity, pH, color, total phenolic compounds, and tannins. The addition of jabuticaba and pitanga increased soluble solids, decreased pH, and raised acidity. Color changes were influenced by both fruits, with jabuticaba increasing luminosity. Although the standard MT had higher tannin and phenolic content, the addition of fruits still maintained significant levels of phenolic compounds, albeit reduced. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted MT’s impact on phenolic composition, and overall, the addition of jabuticaba and pitanga improved the beverage’s color and soluble solids content, despite a phenolic reduction.

Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) is a fruit tree species native to Brazil that produces fruits with potential forfood, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. However, there is no technical information for growing Surinamcherry in orchards. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phenology and fruit quality of Surinam cherrytrees grown from minicuttings, based on effects of shading during seedling formation and orchard trainingsystems. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Technology of Paraná (UTFPR), from 2018 to2021. A randomized block experimental design with four replications was used, in a 5×3 factorial arrangement,consisted of light intensities during seedling formation and orchard training systems, with varying experimentalunits according to the analyses. Surinam cherry trees showed differences in the beginning and range of floweringand fruit maturation according to the shading environment used for seedling formation and the orchard trainingsystem. The fruit quality of Surinam cherry trees grown from minicuttings was not affected by the analyzedfactors.

Plastic pollution and the reduction in synthetic food additives are demands that emerge from consumers, leading to the development of biodegradable plastic materials. The use of essential oils—EOs—has been researched because it is a natural product with antioxidant properties. Due to its nature, EO is composed of volatile compounds that can be lost during extrusion. The aim of this work was to produce active biodegradable starch/PBAT films with the incorporation of neat Eucalyptus citriodora EO (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%) or EO microencapsulated by spray drying (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5%), aiming at the protection of the EO. The produced films showed adequate mechanical properties (tensile strength ranged from 5.72 to 7.54 MPa and the elongation at break ranged from 319 to 563%). Testing in food simulants showed that the films retained antioxidant activity, being more suitable for use in fatty or non-acid foods, with the microencapsulation process offering protection to the EO during the process.

Jabuticaba (Plinia sp.) is one of the most important fruit species in the Brazilian flora; it is appreciated for fresh consumption or products produced from its fruits. The establishing of orchards requires the determination of management methods that favor the development and productivity of this species. The objective of this work was to evaluate the response of jabuticaba seedlings to application of herbicides and determine possible phytotoxicity. The experiment was conducted at the Federal Technological University of Paraná, in Dois Vizinhos, PR, Brazil. A randomized block experimental design with four replications was used, with 5 plants per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of applications of pre-emergence herbicides (Dual Gold® and Spider®) and post-emergence herbicides (2,4-D, Ally®, Enlist®, Primatop®, Fusilade®, Imazetapyr, Flex®, Plenum®, and Volcane®). The applied herbicide rates were equivalent to 50% of their commercial recommendation. A spray volume equivalent to 250 L ha-1 was applied, using water as diluent. The following parameters were evaluated 45 days after applications: stem diameter at 1 cm above ground (cm); plant height (cm); numbers of necrotic, chlorotic, shriveled, and healthy leaves; number and length of shoots (cm); survival rate (%); and chlorophyll contents (a, b, and total). The application of the herbicides Ally®, Enlist®, and Flex® resulted in less harmful effects on jabuticaba seedlings. The lowest survival rates were found in plants in the treatments with the herbicides Dual Gold®, Volcane®, and Primatop®. Jabuticaba (Plinia sp.) is one of the most important fruit species in the Brazilian flora; it is appreciated for fresh consumption or products produced from its fruits. The establishing of orchards requires the determination of management methods that favor the development and productivity of this species. The objective of this work was to evaluate the response of jabuticaba seedlings to application of herbicides and determine possible phytotoxicity. The experiment was conducted at the Federal Technological University of Paraná, in Dois Vizinhos, PR, Brazil. A randomized block experimental design with four replications was used, with 5 plants per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of applications of pre-emergence herbicides (Dual Gold® and Spider®) and post-emergence herbicides (2,4-D, Ally®, Enlist®, Primatop®, Fusilade®, Imazetapyr, Flex®, Plenum®, and Volcane®). The applied herbicide rates were equivalent to 50% of their commercial recommendation. A spray volume equivalent to 250 L ha-1 was applied, using water as diluent. The following parameters were evaluated 45 days after applications: stem diameter at 1 cm above ground (cm); plant height (cm); numbers of necrotic, chlorotic, shriveled, and healthy leaves; number and length of shoots (cm); survival rate (%); and chlorophyll contents (a, b, and total). The application of the herbicides Ally®, Enlist®, and Flex® resulted in less harmful effects on jabuticaba seedlings. The lowest survival rates were found in plants in the treatments with the herbicides Dual Gold®, Volcane®, and Primatop®.