Scientia Agropecuaria

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

Joel Tigrero-Vaca, Juan Cevallos-Cevallos, Jenny Ruales-Nájera — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The objective of this study was to conduct agricultural zoning of climate risk for quinoa cultivation. Data from 38 meteorological stations of the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service in Puno region were used. The zoning was based on the development of the water balance model, applying the water requirement satisfaction index (ISNA), for two levels of soil available water capacity (115 mm/m and 145 mm/m). Spatial analysis of the ETr/ETm ratio, obtained from the SARRAZON model, was carried out for each phenological stage through frequency analysis of ISNA values. These data were processed in ArcGIS10.0, using the ordinary kriging interpolation method. Once the maps were generated, they were clipped to the quinoa production zones of the region and classified as follows: for Phase I: low risk (ISNA ≥ 0.65); medium risk (0.55 < ISNA < 0.65) and high risk (ISNA ≤ 0.55), considered for the emergency stage; and for phase III the following ranges were considered: low risk (ISNA ≥ 0.55); medium risk (0.45 < ISNA < 0.55) and high risk (ISNA ≤ 0.45) during flowering and grain filling. September was identified as the month with the highest exposure to climate risk; October presented intermediate conditions; and November was the safest month, showing a predominance of low-risk zones: However, late sowing may expose the crop to critical water deficits during the final phases of quinoa cultivation.

Autotrophic in vitro culture method, inoculated with native arbuscular mycorrhizae, for the adaptation of trap plants of the Asteraceae family

Jaime Naranjo-Moran, Zully Pincay-Orrala , Tatiana Navarrete-Mite — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The implementation of autotrophic in vitro culture systems is revealed as a crucial strategy for the multiplication of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, as it plays a fundamental role in restoring the sustainability of agricultural systems that have suffered degradation. The objective of the research was to establish an autotrophic in vitro culture method using two trap plants of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under laboratory conditions. Inoculum native to Bidens pilosa and Tagetes patula were collected, spores were disinfected and cultured in vitro using a modified Murashige and Skoog medium. The results showed mycorrhization percentages greater than 50% in the trap plants and a significant reduction in microbial contamination with the use of antibiotics. The autotrophic in vitro culture system was feasible with Tagetes patula and Bidens pilosa, proving to be a promising strategy to produce mycorrhizal inoculum under laboratory conditions. In conclusion, spore disinfection and selection of suitable trap plants guarantee the success of in vitro culture inoculated with native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

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

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Relationship between isotopic response (δ13C) and physicochemical properties: Taxonomy of soils in the Monzón Valley in the high jungle of Peru

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Identifying the carbon isotopic ratio is valuable for analyzing and understanding soil classification and dynamics. This study evaluated and related the soil isotopic ratio and its main properties (physicochemical) in the Monzón Valley. Fifteen pits were sampled within the strata of a toposequence. δ13C was determined using an isotope ratio mass spectrometry system coupled with an EA-IRMS elemental analyzer. To obtain accurate results, samples were categorized based on their depth. Between 500 and 600 µg of soil were weighed for samples <40 cm deep, and between 1500 and 2000 µg for samples deeper than 40 cm. The results provided information on the stable carbon content of the soil, separating each sample by its soil profile, depth, pH, color, Al, cultivar, carbon stock, taxonomic classification, among others. Differences in properties were found among the profiles studied, with quantitative variation in horizons, including the water table in some, and three soil orders. The δ13C ordering shows that Inceptisols exhibit mixtures of crops from C3 and C4 plants; this is likely due to historical human interference at certain depths. For Entisols, there is a lack of diagnostic horizon formation, with a predominance of C3 plants; however, in Alfisol the greatest uptake was in the surface horizon.

Soil variability in a toposequence of the Monzón Valley, high jungle of Peru: Morphology, properties and classification

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Knowing the taxonomy, mineralogy, and properties of soils is essential to understand their genesis, functionality, and potential use, and it is fundamental for implementing land-use planning and to characterize soil use management systems. The objective of this study was to describe and correlate the taxonomic characteristics (Soil Taxonomy and World Soil Classification), morphological, physicochemical, and mineralogical characteristics of soils in relation to their physiographic position, based on 15 profiles of a toposequence obtaining 81 horizons. It was verified that soil variability was linked to relief; likewise, soil orders ranging from Entisols to Inceptisols were identified according to the Soil Taxonomy classification. While through the World Soil classification, the groups: Fluvisols, Regosols, Umbrisols, Cambisols, and Luvisols were identified. Morphologically, the fluvial soils were characterized by presenting Ap surface horizons, verifying the absence of subsurface horizons, denoting that they are young soils. In the physical attributes, there were sandy textures in fluvial soils and clayey textures in residual soils. Greater fertility was evidenced in lower terraces, and as the relief rises, fertility decreases. There was a correlation between physical and chemical attributes; in this sense, fertility depends to some extent on physical characteristics. The mineralogical analysis, using X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence, revealed a predominance of 2:1 minerals in fluvial soils, associated with SiO₂/R₂O₃ molar ratios > 2; whereas in residual soils, 1:1 minerals predominated, with ratios < 2. Finally, fertility decreased according to soil origin: highest in fluvial soils, intermediate in alluvial soils, and lowest in residual soils.

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

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.