Abstract
ABSTRACT The development of technologies to increase the yield of Pereskia aculeata Mill. may contribute to its market insertion as an excellent source of protein. This study aimed to assess the influence of plant density on protein yield and mineral contents of P. aculeata leaves and branches. The experiment consisted of five treatments (1 plant m-², 5 plants m-², 10 plants m-², 25 plants m-² and 50 plants m-²), in three blocks. Eight consecutive harvests were obtained over 12 months, and 10 plants m-² was considered the best density, with yields of 144.0 t ha-1 year-1, 25.6 t ha-1 year-1, 310.8 t ha-1 year-1 and 58.3 t ha-1 year-1, respectively for leaf fresh and dry matter, and branch fresh and dry matter. The average leaf protein content (22.4 %) was not influenced by plant density. The estimated total protein yields were 5,759 kg ha-1 year-1 and 9,035.3 kg ha-1 year-1, respectively in the leaves and branches with leaves. The high-density system with 10 plants m-2 in successive harvests is a fast way to produce large amounts of vegetable protein and mineral-rich leaves per area and time for human and animal feeding.
Highlights
Farming leafy vegetables and adopting cultivation techniques that provide high yields of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fibers per unit area and time, while using less water and energy, are vital to ensure food security for a sustainable human development.Pereskia aculeata Mill. is a perennial tropical species easy to grow and common in many domestic gardens, in rural areas of Brazil
The increased plant density promoted a significant rise in the cumulative yield, as well as top, branch and leaf fresh and dry weight per unit area and time (Figures 1A to 1F)
The decision to use a larger number of seedlings to establish an agricultural crop depends on economic analysis based on the cost of seedlings and labor
Summary
Farming leafy vegetables and adopting cultivation techniques that provide high yields of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fibers per unit area and time, while using less water and energy, are vital to ensure food security for a sustainable human development.Pereskia aculeata Mill. ( known as Barbados gooseberry, blade-apple cactus, leaf cactus or rose cactus) is a perennial tropical species easy to grow and common in many domestic gardens, in rural areas of Brazil. Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais (Epamig Sudeste), Viçosa, MG, Brasil
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