Wellington Marcos Soares da Silva

Enzymatic browning represents one of the main challenges in the postharvest conservation of minimally processed sweet potatoes, as it affects appearance and reduces consumer acceptance. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different packaging types and alternative enzymatic inactivation techniques using natural antioxidants (citric acid and apple cider vinegar) and thermal treatment applied to off-grade sweet potato roots. Samples were stored in two types of packaging (expanded polystyrene trays wrapped with PVC film and sealed textured plastic bags) under controlled conditions of 18 °C for up to 12 days. Parameters such as pH, soluble solids, and enzymatic browning were analyzed. The results indicated that treatment with citric acid combined with textured packaging was the most effective in preserving physicochemical quality and reducing enzymatic browning during storage. Although thermal treatment promoted an increase in soluble sugar content, it resulted in greater enzymatic browning, especially when combined with trays covered with PVC film. It is concluded that the use of natural antioxidants along with appropriate packaging constitutes a viable strategy for adding value to off-grade sweet potatoes, extending shelf life, and reducing postharvest losses. Keywords: Ipomoea batatas; minimal processing; enzymatic oxidation; postharvest preservation.

In the flower and ornamental plant sector, species of genus Anthurium stand out, particularly Anthurium plowmanii, known for its lush, wavy, bright green leaves, which create an eye-catching and harmonious display, making it ideal for the foliage market. The species is mainly propagated from seeds, a lengthy process, requiring time for the seedling to reach the commercial stage, and resulting in non-uniform plants that differ from the parents. In this respect, tissue culture is seen as an efficient alternative in the large-scale production of uniform plantlets of high genetic and phytosanitary quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-vitro propagation of A. plowmanii from nodal segments in Pierik culture medium with different concentrations of cytokinin. The experimental design was completely randomised, and included six BAP concentrations (0, 1.11, 2.22, 3.33, 4.44 and 5.55 µM) in five replications, each replication comprising 10 test tubes containing one nodal segment. After 60 days of in-vitro culture, the nodal segment explants were evaluated for the number of shoots and roots, height, fresh and dry matter, number of leaves and length of the longest root. The results show that for shoot formation in A. plowmanii, BAP must be added to the culture medium at a concentration of 3.33 µM. Furthermore, increasing the BAP concentration resulted in a greater number of leaves and an increase in the fresh and dry matter of the explant.

Dracaena reflexa Lam. possui potencial ornamental e medicinal e sua propagação ocorre, preferencialmente, por via assexuada. Os indutores naturais podem incrementar o processo de enraizamento de estacas. Objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência de indutores naturais no enraizamento e desenvolvimento de estacas de D. reflexa, com presença ou ausência de folhas. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com esquema fatorial 3x2, (água de coco + polpa de banana; extrato de sementes germinadas de feijão ou água de arroz + polpa de batata-doce) e (presença ou ausência de folhas nas estacas), com quatro repetições. A água de coco + polpa de banana proporcionou aumento do número de folhas, número, comprimento e massa seca de raízes; e da massa seca de parte aérea, quando aplicada em estacas com presença de folhas. A aplicação do indutor natural água de coco + polpa de banana proporciona maior enraizamento e desenvolvimento de estacas de Dracaena reflexa.