Scientia Agropecuaria

Polyphenols and theobromine in cacao (Theobroma cacao): Compositional changes across variety, growing region, fermentation, drying and roasting

Joel Tigrero-Vaca — 2025-10-05

In recent years, cacao and its derivatives have gained significant attention due to their potential health benefits. The primary bioactive compounds in cacao are polyphenols and methylxanthines, predominantly represented by theobromine. Their concentrations vary widely, influenced by cacao variety, growth region, and postharvest processing. Fermentation typically leads to a marked decrease in polyphenols and theobromine, with further reductions during drying and roasting. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge on how these factors affect compound levels, providing insights crucial for optimizing practices to enhance the health benefits and quality of cacao products. Literature consistently shows that cacao properties are shaped by genetics, environmental conditions, and processing stages. Moreover, the unique polyphenol and theobromine profiles can serve as distinctive fingerprints to differentiate cacao origins. Understanding these dynamics is essential for improving both nutritional value and industrial applications.

Nutrients and foods associated with people's emotional state: Scientific advances and future perspectives

Teófilo Espinoza-Tellez — 2025-10-05

This review is scientific research that seeks to explore the relationship between the consumption of certain foods and the emotional state, determining the effects that these foods produce when consumed by individuals. The intake of specific foods containing certain functional properties may help enhance our emotional health. There are particular nutrients present in certain foods that play an important role in overall health, especially in brain function. The objective of this review study was to highlight double-blind studies in humans that demonstrate the effectiveness of nutrients present in foods that interact with neurotransmitters (melatonin, endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin), which affect people's mood and well-being. For this study, specialized journals and scientific articles published in the last five years were selected. The results show that there is a wide variety of foods that contribute to people's well-being when consumed, and that this is not exclusive to a particular group of foods. Thus, meat products, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and seafood, among others, contain nutrients with functional properties associated with people's emotional state. Finally, future studies should incorporate other variables such as ethnic groups, race, age, and body type, which may affect the results obtained.

The role of polyphenols in food safety: mitigating the formation of acrylamide and hydroxymethylfurfural and their health risks

María Fernanda Quispe Angulo — 2025-11-10

The formation of toxic compounds such as acrylamide (AA) and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) during thermal food processing (>120 °C) represents a significant risk to human health, as they have been associated with neurotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects. However, several studies have shown that polyphenols can reduce the levels of these toxic compounds. In this context, this review examines the potential of polyphenols to mitigate the formation of AA and HMF via distinct mechanisms during the Maillard reaction (MR). In general, these compounds interact with precursors and intermediates of the MR. Thus, polyphenols represent a natural and effective strategy for improving food safety, thereby promoting the development of healthier products. However, Future challenges remain, including the elucidation of the chemical mechanisms involved in the action of polyphenols, an in-depth study of factors such as pH, temperature, and food matrix, toxicological and metabolic evaluations, regulatory aspects, the use of clean and sustainable technologies for obtaining polyphenols, optimization of extraction methods, and application in food matrices while considering sensory effects. A multidisciplinary approach will be vital to achieving the effective and safe application of polyphenols in the food industry.

Zonificación agrícola de riesgos climáticos para el cultivo de quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) en el Altiplano Peruano

Wilfredo Julián Yzarra-Tito — 2025-10-05

El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar la zonificación agrícola del riesgo climático para el cultivo de quinua. Se utilizaron datos de 38 estaciones meteorológicas del Servicio Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología en Puno. La zonificación se basó en el desarrollo del balance hídrico, usando el índice de satisfacción de las necesidades hídricas (ISNA), para dos niveles de capacidad hídrica disponible de los suelos (115 mm/m y 145 mm/m). Posteriormente, se realizó el análisis espacial de la relación entre ETr/ETm obtenido mediante el modelo SARRAZON para cada fase fenológica del cultivo, a través de un análisis de frecuencia de ocurrencia de los valores de ISNA. Estos datos fueron procesados en ArcGIS10,0, con el uso del método de interpolación kriging ordinario. Una vez generados los mapas, se recortaron a las zonas de producción de quinua en la región y se clasificaron de acuerdo con los siguientes rangos: para la Fase I (emergencia): riesgo bajo (ISNA ≥ 0,65); riesgo medio (0,55 < ISNA < 0,65) y riesgo alto (ISNA ≤ 0,55); y para la fase III (floración y llenado de grano): riesgo bajo (ISNA ≥ 0,55); riesgo medio (0,45 < ISNA < 0,55) y riesgo alto (ISNA ≤ 0,45). Setiembre se identificó con mayor exposición al riesgo climático; octubre presenta una opción intermedia; y noviembre es el mes más seguro, con predominancia de riesgo bajo; sin embargo, la siembra tardía puede exponer al cultivo a déficits hídricos críticos durante las fases finales del cultivo de quinua.

Método de cultivo in vitro autotrófico, inoculado con micorrizas arbusculares nativas, para la adaptación de plantas trampa de la familia Asteraceae

Jaime Naranjo-Moran — 2025-10-27

La implementación del cultivo in vitro autotrófico es una estrategia fundamental para multiplicar hongos micorrízicos arbusculares nativos, crucial para restaurar la sostenibilidad de los sistemas agrícolas degradados. El objetivo principal de la investigación fue establecer un método de cultivo in vitro autotrófico para hongos micorrízicos arbusculares nativos utilizando dos plantas trampa: Bidens pilosa y Tagetes patula. Los investigadores desinfectaron las esporas y las cultivaron en un medio modificado de Murashige y Skoog. Los resultados mostraron que el sistema es viable, con porcentajes de micorrización superiores al 50% en ambas plantas. Además, se logró una reducción significativa de la contaminación microbiana al utilizar una mezcla de antibióticos (estreptomicina y gentamicina). En conclusión, la desinfección de las esporas y la selección de las plantas trampa adecuadas son clave para garantizar el éxito del cultivo in vitro de hongos micorrízicos arbusculares nativos. El éxito de este método representa una estrategia prometedora para la producción de inóculo micorrízico en condiciones de laboratorio. Este avance podría abrir nuevas vías para el desarrollo de biofertilizantes basados en micorrizas nativas, lo que podría reducir la dependencia de los fertilizantes químicos y mejorar la salud del suelo a nivel local y regional.

Agroforestry and montane forest management as strategies to mitigate carbon loss and sustain ecosystem functions in the Central Andes of Peru

Karen I. Eckhardt — 2025-10-27

Land-use change in the Central Andes of Peru has led to the widespread conversion of tropical montane forests, significantly reducing their carbon storage capacity. This study estimated aboveground and soil carbon stocks across a disturbance gradient: croplands (C), agroforestry systems (AF), regenerating montane forests (BMR), and conserved montane forests (BMC). Using destructive and non-destructive sampling, 61 plots (0.1 ha each) were assessed, measuring live and dead aboveground biomass, fine roots, and soil organic carbon down to 1 meter. Results show that BMC had the highest total carbon stock (575.33 ± 215.4 Mg C ha⁻¹), followed by BMR (386.53 ± 186.6), AF (276.69 ± 172.5), and C (205.14 ± 114.03). Soil organic carbon was the dominant carbon pool across all land uses, contributing between 93% (in croplands) and 62% (in conserved forests) of total carbon, highlighting its central role in carbon dynamics. Carbon stocks were significantly associated with vegetation structural attributes (basal area, diameter at breast height, canopy cover) and soil properties (texture, cation exchange capacity, organic matter content). Trees with diameter at breast height ≥ 30 cm contributed over 50% of aboveground carbon, underlining their importance in biomass carbon storage. These findings reveal a clear gradient of loss in the ecosystem service of carbon storage, driven by land-use intensification and the simplification of forest structure. However, they also demonstrate that the recovery of degraded forests and the implementation of agroforestry systems are viable strategies to reduce the loss of ecosystem functions and contribute meaningfully to climate change mitigation.

Contribution of trees to carbon stocks in urban–rural ecosystems: Taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity in response to bioclimatic and geographic factors

Martha Serrano — 2025-10-27

Tree diversity plays a key role in mitigating climate change and enhancing ecosystem resilience. This study evaluated the contribution of trees across three habitats within the urban–rural gradient of Sucre, Bolivia: urban (UF), native (NF), and exotic (EF). Carbon sequestration, as well as taxonomic (TD), phylogenetic (PD), and functional (FD) diversity, were analyzed in relation to bioclimatic (temperature and precipitation) and geographic (altitude) factors. The methodology included the recording of botanical and ecological traits, along with the measurement of dendrometric classes (DBH ≥ 10 cm) in 12 temporary circular plots per habitat. Results showed higher carbon stocks in the urban forest (268.36 ± 2.76 MgC/ha), followed by the exotic (159.53 ± 0.86 MgC/ha) and the native forest (39.64 ± 0.41 MgC/ha). A total of 31 species from 19 families were identified, with marked evolutionary divergence between Pinaceae and Cupressaceae compared to Fabaceae. The urban habitat presented the highest taxonomic diversity (~51.6%), the highest phylogenetic diversity (~72%), and the greatest carbon fixation (~42%). These findings highlight the fundamental role of tree diversity in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and landscape connectivity, emphasizing the need to integrate it into sustainable urban–rural planning through adaptation and mitigation strategies that strengthen ecological resilience and ecosystem services in the urban–rural ecosystem of Sucre.

Distribution dynamics of nutrient and biomass in yacon organs

Tiago Pacheco Mendes — 2025-10-27

Studies on nutrient absorption patterns allow for the identification of periods of peak nutritional demand, the amount of nutrients accumulated in each organ, the quantity exported by harvest, and the necessary replenishment to the soil. These insights are crucial for developing effective fertilization programs for crops. This study aimed to determine the nutrient absorption pattern of macro and micronutrients and the accumulation of biomass in various organs of yacon plants. The experiment was conducted under field conditions, following a randomized block design. The treatments consisted of different plant ages. Seven evaluations were conducted monthly, starting 30 days after transplanting. Twelve plants from the useful area were sampled for each evaluation. The plants were divided into five parts (leaves, stems, rhizophores, roots, and tuberous roots) to determine dry biomass. The samples were analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn content. Yacon prioritized the allocation of photoassimilates for biomass production in the following order: tuberous roots, rhizophores, leaves, stems, and fine roots. Nutrient absorption by yacon plants followed this order: Ca > N > K > Mg > P > Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu. Tuberous roots were the main organ for nutrient accumulated, exporting from the system 71, 15, 57, 125, 11, 1.8, 0.87, 0.40, and 0.27 kg há^-1 of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively. These results provide critical physiological parameters for formulating evidence-based fertilization programs and modeling yacon growth, thereby advancing precision nutrient management. Moreover, integrating these data into agronomic models and sustainability assessments will facilitate the crop’s development as a high-value functional food, supporting both productive and environmental goals.

Relación entre la respuesta isotópica (δ13C) y las propiedades fisicoquímicas: Taxonomía de suelos del Valle de Monzón en la selva alta del Perú

Nicolás S. Torres-Upiachihua — 2025-10-27

Identificar la razón isotópica del carbono resulta valioso para analizar y entender la clasificación y la dinámica de los suelos. Este estudio evaluó y relacionó la razón isotópica del suelo y sus propiedades principales (físico - químicas) en el Valle del Monzón. Se muestrearon 15 calicatas, entre los estratos de una toposecuencia. El δ13C fue determinado con un sistema de espectrometría de masas de relación isotópica acoplado a un analizador elemental EA-IRMS. Para obtener resultados correctos, se consideró muestras en base a su profundidad. Se pesó entre 500 a 600 µg de suelo para muestras < 40 cm de profundidad, y para muestras que superaron los 40 cm, se pesó entre 1500 a 2000 µg. Los resultados proporcionaron información sobre el contenido de carbono estable en el suelo separadas cada muestra por su perfil de suelo, profundidad, pH, color, Al, cultivo, stock de carbono, clasificación taxonómica, entre otros. Se encontraron diferencias de las propiedades entre los perfiles estudiados, existiendo una variación cuantitativa de horizontes, en algunos encontrándose la napa freática y determinándose tres órdenes del suelo. El δ13C en base a los órdenes, se evidencia que en los Inceptisols existen mezclas de cultivos provenientes de plantas C3 y C4, probablemente esto se deba a que en ciertas profundidades hubo interferencias antrópicas a nivel histórico. Para los Entisols, existe una carencia de formación de horizonte de diagnóstico, existiendo predominancia de plantas C3, sin embargo, en el Alfisol la mayor captación fue en el horizonte superficial.

Variabilidad de suelos en una toposecuencia del Valle de Monzón, selva alta del Perú: Morfología, propiedades y clasificación

Rodrigo F. Lagos-Damas — 2025-11-10

Conocer la taxonomía, mineralogía y propiedades de los suelos es fundamental para entender su génesis, funcionalidad y potencial de uso, siendo necesario para implementar planes de ordenamiento territorial y caracterizar sistemas de manejo de uso de suelo. El objetivo de estudio fue describir y correlacionar las características taxonómicas (Soil Taxonomy y la Base Referencial Mundial del Recurso suelo “WRB”), morfológicas, fisicoquímicas y mineralógicas de los suelos en relación con su posición fisiográfica, en base a 15 perfiles de una toposecuencia obteniéndose 81 horizontes. Se verificó que la variabilidad edáfica estaba vinculada al relieve; asimismo, se identificaron ordenes desde Entisols a Inceptisols con la clasificación Soil Taxonomy, ya mediante la WRB se identificaron los grupos: Fluvisols, Regosols, Umbrisols, Cambisols a Luvisols. Morfológicamente, los suelos fluviales se caracterizaron por presentar horizontes superficiales Ap, verificándose ausencia de horizontes subsuperficiales denotando ser suelos jóvenes. En los atributos físicos hubo texturas arenosas en suelos fluviales a arcillosas en residuales. Se evidencio mayor fertilidad en terrazas bajas y conforme se asciende en el relieve la fertilidad disminuye. Hubo correlación entre los atributos físicos y químicos, en tal sentido la fertilidad depende en cierta medida de las características físicas. El análisis mineralógico, mediante Difracción y Fluorescencia de Rayos X, reveló mayor predominio de minerales 2:1 en suelos fluviales, asociados a relaciones molares SiO₂/R₂O₃ > a 2; mientras en suelos residuales dominaron minerales 1:1 con relaciones < a 2. Finalmente, la fertilidad disminuyó conforme su origen: mayor en fluviales, intermedia en aluviales y menor en residuales.

Effect of exogenous proline on the production and partitioning of dry matter and on the organic carbon content at different stages of the tomato plant

Jailson de Oliveira — 2025-11-10

Water limitation is one of the most serious problems in tomato production, responsible for a significant reduction in productivity and fruit quality. In this context, the application of exogenous proline may be an alternative for plants to deal with possible water stress. The objective of this work was to evaluate the production, dry matter mass partition and organic carbon content of the tomato cultivar “Vivacy”, cultivated with doses of proline and irrigated every seven days. A randomized block design was used, with four replications and a 2 x 3 + 1 factorial arrangement. The factors consisted of 2 doses of proline (100 and 150 mg L^-1), 3 application times (1, 3 and 6 days after irrigation) and a control without proline application. Data analysis showed a significant difference in the variables analyzed, revealing that the application of proline influenced the production and partition of dry matter mass of tomato plants. However, no significant difference was found in some variables, although the application of treatments showed superior results compared to the control. Proline sprayed at a dose of 100 mg L^-1 increases the dry matter mass and organic carbon content in tomato plants during the fruiting and end-of-cycle phases, in addition to contributing to greater dry matter partitioning for the fruits.

Socioeconomic factors determining the production of smallholder farmers of organic quinoa in the Peruvian Andes

Nelida Yauris — 2025-11-10

Organic quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Wild) cultivation embodies a holistic agricultural approach, integrating biological fertilizers to curtail reliance on insecticides and synthetic fertilizers and low levels of greenhouse gases. The objective of this paper was to identify the socioeconomic factors that determine smallholder farmer organic quinoa production. The socioeconomic factors of organic quinoa farmer in the district of San Jerónimo, Apurímac in Southern Peru associated with five groups of organic quinoa farmers. Primary data were collected from 109 smallholder farmers belonging to quinoa producers' associations, using a non-experimental and cross-sectional study design, that was analyzed with descriptive, correlational statistics and a logistic regression method involving the evaluation of 13 independent variables. Motivational factors are identified through the application of a qualitative and quantitative sequence of mixed methods design. The results show that high price is the most important explanatory variable, and it is also the one that smallholders primarily consider when cultivating organic quinoa. The second most important variables motivating such farmers are social factors, mainly those related to health benefits, food quality and lastly environmental benefits. The variables: quinoa income, distance to the land, membership in an association, technical assistance and mixed (own and hired) labor had an inverse relationship with organic quinoa production while land ownership had a positive but less significant effect on the production of organic quinoa (p < 0.1). In conclusion, organic quinoa producers are primarily influenced by financial reasons, followed by considerations of sustainability and the desire to obtain healthy, pesticide-free food for self-consumption. These findings of important factors in the adoption of organic agriculture by producer associations and the motivational aspects found for its continued production could be considered in agricultural policy proposals in the face of a world with greater demands for food and environmental protection.

Integrating SEM-PLS and NCA to reveal the mediating role of leaf nutrient status in linking soil nutrient availability and oil palm yield in peatlands

Ireng Darwati — 2025-11-10

The expansion of oil palm plantations into peatlands presents a critical area of study, particularly in understanding how nutrient dynamics and groundwater management influence oil palm yield. This research was conducted on smallholder oil palm plantations comprising 8–10-year-old palms cultivated on peat soils in Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province. A completely randomized block design was used, incorporating three groundwater table treatments: A. 40 cm, B. 60 cm, and C. 80 cm. Fertilizer application rates were as follows: urea at 2.50 kg/tree/year, SP-36 at 2.75 kg/tree/year, MOP (KCl) at 2.25 kg/tree/year, and dolomite at 2.00 kg/tree/year. Data analysis utilized a combination of Structural Equation Modeling based on Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA). The results showed that nutrient dynamics, indicated by leaf nutrient content, are the key driver connecting soil nutrient availability with oil palm yield. This finding emphasizes the importance of monitoring and managing nutrient flows through the plant to optimize fertilization strategies and improve yield performance. The combined use of SEM-PLS and NCA provides a robust analytical framework for understanding yield formation and developing nutrient management strategies for oil palm cultivation on peatlands.