Polystyrene Trays Research Articles

Quality changes of durian pulp (Durio ziberhinus Murr.) in cold storage

Abstract In this study, the effects of four types of polystyrene (PS) plastic box with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) lid (PSPET), PS tray with polyethylene (PE) bag (PSPE), PS tray with a vacuumed PE bag (PSVPE), and PET box with a sealed lid (PET) on the quality of durian fruit during storage at 10°C were investigated. The analysis results showed that in all four types of packaging, the total aerobic bacteria count in the durian pulp ranged from 101 to 105 CFU/mL after storage. However, total yeast and mold count was not detected. During the same survey period, PET packaging for the product had the lowest weight loss of 0.58–3.07%. Next, the impact of temperature, at 0 and 10°C, on the quality stability of durian fruit during storage was also studied and evaluated. Durian pulp preserved in PET at two different cold temperatures did not show any significant difference in microbial content and phytochemical composition. Total aerobic bacteria count in the samples was recorded at about 104 CFU/g after storage; total yeast and mold count was not detected, and the weight loss reached 1.82 and 1.72% at temperatures of 0 and 10°C, respectively.

First Report of Globisporangium (Pythium) mastophorum causing Damping-off / Root Rot on Parsley in Slovenia.

Pythium-like species cause damping-off symptoms of various hosts, including umbelliferous crops. In April 2023, parsley plantlets (Petroselinum crispum), showing stunted growth, yellowing, decayed roots and damping-off, were obtained from a nursery in central Slovenia, where parsley was grown in polystyrene trays in a greenhouse. Nearly 30% of plants were symptomatic. Sampled roots of ten plants contained ornamented oogonia (avg. 33.3 ± 1.4 µm in diam) with conical projections (5.2 ± 0.5 µm long) (Figure S1 A, B) in microscopically analyzed squash mounts. The pathogen was isolated from root pieces treated for surface disinfection with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite for 30 s, and washed with sterile water. Four 1-2 mm root pieces were taken from each of 10 plants, plated on the selective medium P5ARP, and incubated at 21 °C. Mycelia emerging from root pieces were transferred to carrot piece agar (CPA). Twenty-two equally looking oomycetous colonies were obtained; all sampled plants were infested. Oogonia formed by all colonies were similar to those observed on decayed roots and suggested that Globisporangium (Pythium) mastophorum is the causal disease agent. Analyses of partial β-tubulin (Kroon et al. 2004) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene sequences (Robideau et al. 2011) confirmed the identification. Obtained COI (Genbank accession number OR725417) sequence was 100% identical to that from G. mastophorum strain CBS 375.72 (EU350523), whereas the β-tubulin sequence (OR725416) corresponded to 99.6 % pairwise identity (KJ595502). Further, pathogenicity of an obtained isolate was tested on 4 wk-old curly leaf (cv. Petra F1) parsley. Half of a 7 d-old CPA culture, consisting of mycelium and oogonia, was finely cut and mixed with ca 50 ml of nonsterile commercial substrate (Potgrond H, AGRO-FertiCrop) in each of six 400 ml pots. Pots were filled with ca 300 ml additional substrate, into which 5 parsley seedlings were planted. Control plants were treated equally but with sterile CPA. Plantlets were watered with sterile tap water and held at ambient light conditions and temperature (night 18 °C - day 23 °C). After 14 d, inoculated plants started wilting and yellowing and showed stunted growth. After 21 d, roots were severely decayed and the seedlings damped-off (Figure S1 C). Four pieces each from 10 decayed roots were plated. Thirty-one pieces revealed pythium-like colonies. Obtained isolates were morphologically identical to the strain used for inoculation and identified as G. mastophorum. Control plants developed no foliar or root symptoms and no pythium-like species was obtained. Agricultural advisors observed occurrence of parsley damping-off also in other nurseries in Slovenia what may lead to spreading the pathogen to parsley in production fields and private gardens. The case emphasizes the need for implementing phytosanitary measures in order to eliminate primary inoculum. Reports from field-infected plants showed that G. mastophorum is a pathogen of parsley in Australia (Petkowski et al. 2013) and the USA (Tsuchida et al. 2018), and celery in the Czech Republic (Šafránková and Holková 2017). Others isolated G. mastophorum from parsley in The Netherlands (online database of the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, strain CBS 243.86). However, the here described case is, to the best of our knowledge, one of the rare documentations of damping-off due to G. mastophorum in Europe (Šafránková and Holková 2017) and the first in Slovenia. Funding: The work was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food of Slovenia, and Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS Programs P4-0431 and P4-0072).

Characterization of native Ya´ax ik chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in the Yucatan Peninsula

Objective: To morphologically characterize the Ya´ax ik chili pepper: wild chili (Capsicum annuum), native variety from the Yucatan Peninsula. Design/methodology: Ya´ax ik chili pepper seeds were sown in 200-cavity polystyrene trays, and then the plants were placed in bags for hydroponics and were morphologically characterized using the Capsicum descriptor of the International Institute of Genetic Resources. Results: The plant showed 118 cm and 34.8 cm of height and ramification width and width of the intermediate plant, hanging white flowers and green fruits in the early stage and red at maturity with 7.42 and 2.32 cm length and width. Additionally, tolerance to the virus caused by whiteflies could be observed. Findings and conclusions: Plant with morphological characteristics susceptible to be genetically improved for its extensive farming, given the market acceptance of the fresh and dried fruit, supported by market prices.

127 Color and oxidative stability of Longissimus lumborum muscles from artificially raised ram lambs finished on a high-concentrate diet

Abstract Pre-weaning strategies, such as artificially raising on milk replacer, can impact lamb quality. Limited studies have examined the influence of artificial raising on color attributes of lamb. The aim of this study was to evaluate how artificially raising on milk replacer affects the color and oxidative stability of longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle from ram lambs finished on a high-concentrate diet. For a 60-day pre-weaning period, Polypay ram lambs were reared either conventionally with ewes (CR; n = 5) or artificially on milk replacer (MR; n = 5). After 60 days, the lambs were finished on a high concentrate diet (85:15 concentrate: forage) containing 78% cracked corn and 22% pre-mixed protein pellet as the concentrate source as well as 15% orchard grass pellet as the forage source. The lambs were fed ad libitum high-concentrate diet until the target body weight of 59 kg. The lambs were harvested, and the LL muscles from both sides of the carcasses (24 h post-mortem) were fabricated into 2.5-cm thick chops. Carcass characteristics were recorded during harvesting and fabricating. The chops were placed on polystyrene trays, overwrapped with oxygen-permeable polyvinyl chloride film, and stored at 2°C in the darkness for 0, 3, and 6 d. Instrumental color, color stability (R630/580), pH, lipid oxidation, and myoglobin reducing activity of the chops were evaluated on the storage days. A split-plot design was employed to analyze the data. Pre-weaning management was the main plot, while the storage time was considered as the sub-plot. The LL muscles from each lamb carcass were considered as the experimental unit, whereas the sub-plot experimental units were the chops allocated for 0, 3, or 6 d storage. The data were analyzed using the PROC GLIMMIX. The least square means were separated utilizing the PDIFF option and adjusted with the Tukey-Kramer method. The differences among means were detected at a 5% level. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of pre-weaning management on carcass characteristics, surface redness (a* value), lightness (L* value), yellowness (b* value), color stability (R630/580), pH, or metmyoglobin reducing activity of LL chops. Color stability (R630/580) and metmyoglobin reducing activity declined (P < 0.05) during storage in both CR and MR chops. In contrast, lipid oxidation, lightness (L* value), yellowness (b* value), and hue value of the chops increased (P < 0.05) in both treatments during storage. Artificial raising on milk replacer for 60 d pre-weaning period did not influence color and oxidative stability of lambs finished on a high-concentrate diet. Carcass characteristics, color stability, and lipid oxidation were comparable in lambs raised through conventional method and those raised artificially on milk-replacer. These findings indicate that milk-replacer could be employed as a practical approach for artificial rearing in lamb production.

White‐button mushroom storage in trays with layerings of chitosan and turmeric

AbstractWhite‐button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are short‐lived commodities and preserving freshness and quality poses significant challenges. Considering active packaging as a possibility to extend mushroom shelf life, in the present work two alternative systems were evaluated for their after harvest effects on quality and control of microbiological contamination. Chitosan films, with or without turmeric, were used to layer polystyrene trays for mushroom storage at a temperature of 7°C ± 1.5°C for up to 17 days. At retrieval from storage, quality parameters, respiration rates, total polyphenols and psychrotrophic bacteria counts were determined. Chitosan layers resulted in significantly lower microbiological contamination and the inclusion of turmeric reduced in approximately 2 log CFU g−1 microbial counts compared to the usual storage procedure. Chitosan and chitosan plus turmeric layers enhanced fresh mass losses, though quality traits, polyphenols and respiratory patterns were not influenced by any of the film layering's in the polystyrene trays. These findings suggest that storage trays layered with chitosan and turmeric effectively mitigate microbial contamination on white‐button mushrooms without compromising overall quality characteristics.

Inoculação com fungo micorrízico arbuscular Rhizophagus clarus em tomateiro proporciona aumento de produtividade em cultivo orgânico

ABSTRACT: Organic agriculture comprises farming practices that discard synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Tomato production demands huge amounts of fertilizers and pesticides. Improving efficiency of the inputs allowed for organic tomato production is a challenge to upgrade yields. Thereby, we studied the effects of the inoculation of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Rhizophagus clarus, supplying rock thermophosphate and bioactivator, alone or associated, on tomato development and yield. The experiment was achieved in a greenhouse using undetermined tomato cv. BRS-Nagai sown in polystyrene trays and afterwards transplanted to pots. Treatments included R. clarus; thermophosphate (TH) (130 g/pot); bioactivator (PenergeticK® + Penergetic®) (BI); R. clarus + TH; R. clarus + BI; R. clarus + TH+ BI and TH + BI and control (CO). From the flowering onset, plant height, height of insertion of first truss, trusses space, length, and also the diameter and fresh weight of ripe fruits of the three first trusses were assessed. AMF colonization in the roots and macronutrients in leaves and petioles were also measured. Trusses spacing variable was affected by mycorrhiza and thermophosphate. R. clarus inoculation incremented 10 and 31.85% of fresh mass of ripe fruits and mass of ripe fruits per plant, respectively. Soluble solids contents in fruits and N, P and K in the leaves and petioles were similar among treatments. AMF colonization decreased on thermophosphate fertilized plants and increased in bioactivator treatment. Results showed that root inoculation with R. clarus promoted better plant development and yield and may be used as biological inoculant mostly on organic tomato production.

Optimization of a method designed to extract and characterize microplastics in different packaged fish products

The study of the presence of microplastics (MPs) in seafood products is usually carried out by analyzing the gastrointestinal tract. However, this part is mostly removed during food processing. Moreover, few studies have produced results from processed fishery products. The primary objective of this study was to optimize methods for evaluating the presence of MPs in the edible portions of several products available in supermarkets. Seven seafood products, including smoked, canned, marinated, and those stored in polystyrene trays, were selected for analysis, with saithe fillets (Pollachius virens) and canned tuna (Thunnus alalunga) among them. To achieve optimal digestion of the samples, a 10% KOH solution at 40 °C was used. For the fattiest samples, such as marinated anchovies, hydrophobic filters were employed. Additionally, bleach was utilized to lighten dark filters obtained, ensuring readability under the microscope. These parameters were defined to obtain suitable methods for each product. The average concentrations in different seafood matrices ranged from 0.05 ± 0.04 to 0.33 ± 0.08 MP/g for saithe fillets and canned tuna, respectively. After extrapolation of these values to all the particles observed on each filter, the concentrations increased from 0.06 ± 0.05 MP/g to 2.17 ± 0.33 MP/g. Particles identification across all samples, using a microscope coupled with Fournier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR), confirmed the presence of MPs, including PET, PP, and EVA.

Evaluation of the Effects of Different Packaging Materials on the Quality Attributes of the Tomato Fruit

Post-harvest loss continues to be a significant problem in the food industry. Different packaging materials, designed to reduce fruit damage, are anticipated for various applications in the supply chain. Recently, stamped paper (SP) and expandable polystyrene (EPS) trays have been introduced as tomato retail packaging. Although the combination of paper trays and clear plastic are still not 100% biodegradable packaging, they are promising alternatives to the heavy utilisation of petrochemical-based polymers. This study investigated the effects of different packaging materials and storage conditions on the ‘Nema-Netta’ tomatoes’ quality attributes. The treatments consisted of a stamped paper (SP) + polyvinyl chloride (PVC), expandable polystyrene (EPS) + polyvinyl chloride (PVC), stamped paper (SP)+ flow wrap, expandable polystyrene (EPS) + flow wrap, polypropylene (PP), and unpackaged tomatoes stored at cold and ambient conditions. Firmness, physiological weight loss (PWL), pH value, titratable acidity (TA) and total sugars were evaluated at seven-day intervals, over 28 days. Temperature and relative humidity at cold storage ranged between 8–12 °C, 78–80% RH and 22–26 °C, 68–72% RH at ambient storage conditions. The packaging and storage conditions significantly affected the PWL, firmness, pH, TA and total sugars. Samples in the EPS Tray combined with the PVC wrap at cold storage maintained the quality of the tomatoes better than the other packaging. The combination of packaging and cold storage created an ideal environment for maintaining the quality of tomatoes. The relative differences between EPS Tray + PVC (non-biodegradable) and SP Tray + PVC (biodegradable) were less than 5% in multiple tests.

EMERGÊNCIA DE SEMENTES E DESENVOLVIMENTO DE MUDAS DE ALFACE EM DIFERENTES SUBSTRATOS

INTRODUCTION: The production of lettuce seedlings is one of the most important steps in the production system. The substrate used in the production of lettuce seedlings plays a key role, and the quality depends on its physical structure and chemical composition. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of different substrates on germination and development of Verônica variety lettuce seedlings. METHODS: The experiment was carried out in Seedling Nursery Vale Verde, located in the municipality of Patrocínio, state Minas Gerais, Brazil, average altitude of 945 meters, geographic coordinates 18°54'14.4" south latitude and 46°59'40.9" west longitude. For this experiment, polystyrene trays were used. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a factorial scheme 3 x 1 x 7, and 28 seeds per plot, being considered for evaluation 12 seedlings of each plot. The substrates used were: phenolic foam, coconut fiber and compost. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and, subsequently, the means of treatments were subjected to multiple comparison analysis, by Tukey's test. RESULTS: There was a highly significant difference for emergence speed index, root size, leaf size, and significant difference for number of leaves. Germination, dry mass and green mass, on the other hand, did not show any significant difference. CONCLUSION: The phenolic foam substrate provided greater speed of emergence. The new world composite and coconut fiber substrate features a greater number of leaves and root size. The largest leaves and consequently the accumulation of green mass and dry mass were obtained in seedlings cultivated in the coconut fiber substrate. KEYWORDS: : emergency; hardwood; source; transplant; nursery.

Avaliação da quitosana no controle in vitro de Colletotrichum tamarilloi e antracnose em frutos de jiló

ABSTRACT Scarlet eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum var. gilo) is a Solanaceae with an appreciated peculiar bitter taste, which plays a significant role in family farming in Brazil. Fruit anthracnose is the main pre- and postharvest disease that affects scarlet eggplant in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chitosan-based coating on in vitro inhibition of Colletotrichum tamarilloi and anthracnose control of scarlet eggplant fruits. Chitosan was dissolved in a 2% citric acid solution at 40°C and then homogenized with potato dextrose agar (PDA), and poured into Petri dishes, as follows: 1) PDA + 0.1% chitosan, 2) PDA + 0.2% chitosan, 3) PDA + 0.3% chitosan, 4) PDA + 0.4% chitosan, and 5) pure PDA as control. Discs of 5 mm diameter of pure fungus culture were placed on the center of the culture medium in the plates. The plates were then maintained in BOD at 25°C and 12-h photoperiod for 10 days. Colony characteristics, mycelial growth rate, and mycelial growth inhibition were evaluated. Afterward, the effect of chitosan coating was evaluated in fruit inoculated or not with C. tamarilloi. The treatments were: T1) uncoated and injured uninoculated fruits, T2) uncoated and inoculated fruit, T3) fruits coated with 0.1% chitosan and inoculated, T4) fruits coated with 0.2% chitosan and inoculated, and T5) fruits coated with chitosan at 0.3% and inoculated. For inoculation, 15 μL of a conidial suspension (2 x 105 conidia/mL) were deposited on an injury caused by a needle, and the fruits were coated by immersion into the different concentrations of chitosan gel. Fruits were placed on expanded polystyrene trays. Fresh weight loss, the mean incidence of disease, and lesion diameter were measured. All concentrations of chitosan reduced the in vitro growth of C. tamarilloi. The treatment T4 reduced the severity of anthracnose but did not prevent its incidence in scarlet eggplant fruits.

Linear relationships between biometric variables in lettuce seedlings

Seedling production is an important step in growing vegetables. The study of relationships between variables has applications in practically all areas of study and is useful in identifying relationships among quality variables in vegetable seedlings. Thus, this work aims to estimate linear relationships between biometric variables in lettuce seedlings. The seedlings were grown in expanded polystyrene trays (n = 4) with 128 and 200 cells each. Leaf area, stem diameter, shoot height, length, area, volume of the root, dry and fresh shoot mass variables were measured and evaluated with Pearson's correlation analysis, multicollinearity diagnosis, condition number and the variance inflation factor, path analysis and canonical correlations. The results show linear relationships between the variables. For the 128 cell trays, there was a relationship between the total fresh mass and fresh shoot mass variables and between the total fresh mass and dry shoot mass variables. For the 200-cell trays, significant correlation was observed between the characters total fresh mass and fresh shoot mass variables and between root area and root volume variables, indicating that the greater the total fresh mass, the greater the fresh shoot mass and the greater the root area, the greater the root volume.

Mechanical damage of ‘Huangguan’ pear using different packaging under random vibration

The mechanical damage of fresh fruit under random vibration during postharvest transportation is a major problem in agricultural industry. This paper investigated the mechanical damage of ‘Huangguan’ pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd. ‘Huangguan’) under random vibration excitation considering package type, vibration level, and vibration duration. Limited white noise with the frequency 3 Hz – 80 Hz was used as the excitation spectrum. Results showed: vibration results in the obvious decline of pear firmness. Firmness of pears with five package types after vibration decreased 9 % to 26 %. Package type had a great effect on the mechanical damage of pears. The package type of expanded polystyrene (EPS) tray + expandable polyethylene (EPE) net cover can provide the best cushioning effect for pears. The response vibrations of pears are related to positions. The resonant frequencies of stacked pears were concentrated in the range of 23 Hz–56 Hz. Response vibrations of pears in the corner were more severe compared with the pears in the center. In addition, the damage rules of pears with the package type of corrugated paperboard division + paper wrapping under different vibration levels and durations were revealed. The relationships of damage area and vibration level, firmness and vibration level, damage area and vibration duration conformed to linear correlation. Exponential function can be used to describe the relationships of damage volume and acceleration level, damage volume and vibration duration, firmness and vibration duration. This study provides references for vibration resistant packaging design of fruit, and thus to minimize the mechanical damage of fruit in supply chain.

Deodorization of post-consumer plastic waste fractions: A comparison of different washing media

An important impediment to the acceptance of recyclates into a broader market is their unwanted odor after reprocessing. Different types of washing procedures are already in place, but fundamental insights into the deodorization efficiencies of different washing media are still relatively scarce. Therefore, in this study, the deodorization efficiencies of different types of plastics after washing with different media were determined via gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 169 compounds subdivided into various chemical classes, such as alkanes, terpenes, and oxygenated compounds, were detected across all packaging types. Around 60 compounds were detected on plastic bottles, and around 40 were detected on trays and films. Owing to the differences in physicochemical properties of odor compounds, different deodorization efficiencies were obtained with different washing media. Water and caustic soda were significantly more efficient for poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles with deodorization efficiencies up to 80%, whereas for polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene bottles, the washing media were relatively inefficient (around 30–40%). Adding a detergent or an organic solvent could increase deodorization efficiencies by up to 70–90% for these packaging types. A similar trend was observed for PE films having deodorization efficiencies in the range of 40–50% when washing with water or caustic soda and around 70–80% when a detergent was added. Polystyrene trays were most effectively deodorized with a detergent, achieving efficiencies up to 67%. Hence, this study shows that optimal washing processes should be tailored to specific packaging types to further improve deodorization and to eventually be able to meet ambitious European recycling targets.

Microalgal Preference and Feeding Density of Selected Microalgae Diets by Blue Swimming Crab Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758).

<b>Background and Objectives:</b> Blue swimming crab, <i>Portunus pelagicus</i> (Linnaeus, 1758) are economically important sources of soft-shell products for export demand. However, increasing over-exploitation and pollution towards the sea resources affected the production of the <i>P. pelagicus</i>. The study aimed to determine the microalgal preference and feeding density of the monospecific (<i>Nannochloropsis oculata</i>, <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i>, <i>Isochrysis galbana</i> and <i>Chaetoceros wighamii </i>) by individual <i>P. pelagicus </i>larvae. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> In the microalgal preference study, one polystyrene tray with 100 holes was set up in the experimental tank (200 L) to place the 50 mL centrifuges tube. For feeding density study, the survival rate, Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Body Weight (BW) and Larvae Stage Index (LSI) of each larvae stage were collected from Zoea 1 (Z<sub>1</sub>) till megalopa. <b>Results:</b> Results for mean microalgal preference of individual larvae preferred most <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i> during Zoea 1 and 2, the larvae consumed the highest of <i>Nannochloropsis</i> <i>oculata</i>. For Zoea 3 and 4, the highest preference is <i>Isochrysis galbana</i>. For feeding regime, Zoea 1, larvae fed rotifer, <i>Artemia</i> and <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i> (T<sub>3</sub>), was the highest survival rate, Zoea 2 was larvae fed rotifer, <i>Artemia</i> and <i>Nannochloropsis oculata</i> (T<sub>5</sub>) and both Zoea 3 and Zoea 4, larvae fed rotifer, <i>Artemia</i> and <i>Isochrysis galbana</i> (T<sub>4</sub>) was the highest survival rate. The highest SGR and LSI were obtained in T<sub>4</sub> cultured in 14 days. <b>Conclusion:</b> In conclusion, the microalgal preference and feeding density of the selected microalgae are different depending on each larvae stage.

Determination of styrene monomer migrating in foodstuffs from polystyrene food contact articles using HS-SPME-GC-MS/MS: Results from the Greek market

ABSTRACT In this study, a sensitive, accurate and fast headspace – solid phase microextraction – gas chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry method (HS-SPME-GC-MS/MS) was developed and validated for the determination of styrene in various food matrices (mean recovery ranged from 90 to 116% with a relative standard deviation of ≤11%). The method was used for the determination of the concentration of styrene in 23 foodstuffs packed in polystyrene (PS) containers, as well as the levels of styrene migrating into various foods (water, milk, cheese or cream) from 14 tableware or kitchenware articles made of styrene plastics. All samples were collected from the Greek market in 2020. Styrene concentrations in the packaged foods ranged from 0.4 to 160 ng g−1 with the highest concentration found in a meat product packed in a foamed PS tray. It is worth noting that 56% of PS packaged dairy products and desserts had a styrene concentration higher than 10 ng g−1. Particularly high levels of styrene that have not previously been reported, up to 46 ng g−1, were found in dairy products for children. The highest level of styrene migration from tableware or kitchenware articles, 89 ng g−1, was observed when disposable cups from foamed PS were filled with milk at 70℃ for 2 hours. The implications of these findings for the assessment of the potential exposure of the Greek consumers to styrene migrating from PS food contact materials are discussed.

Meat Substitution with Oat Protein Can Improve Ground Beef Patty Characteristics.

The consumer acceptance of alternative plant-focused ingredients within the meat industry is growing globally. Oat protein is insoluble and used to increase product yield and fat retention. Furthermore, inclusion of oat protein can provide manufacturers another option for extending beef supplies. As the consumer diet shifts for improvements in nutritional density, oat protein is an alternative ingredient that lacks information on inclusion in a ground beef formulation. Coarse ground beef was allocated to one of four treatments, mixed with oat protein (0%, 1.5%, 3.5% and 4.5%), water, salt, pepper, textured vegetable protein, soy protein concentrate, and sodium tripolyphosphate. Meat blocks (n = 3 batches) were finely ground and formed into patties (N = 65/treatment). Patties were placed onto an expanded polystyrene tray, overwrapped with polyvinyl chloride film and displayed for 7 days. Instrumental color (L*, a*, and b*) decreased throughout simulated display (p = 0.0001). Increased usage rates of oat protein in patties resulted in greater cook yields (p = 0.0001). Objective measures of Allo-Kramer shear force values increased as oat protein inclusion rates increased (p = 0.0001). Oat protein can be incorporated in ground beef patties with positive effects on cook yield, but inclusion rate may have a deleterious impact on color and instrumental tenderness.

English

This study evaluated the production of seedlings broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) with organic inputs. The inputs were as follows; a) growth medium, consisting of Sphagnum peat (Pro Moss TBK®) mixed with poultry manure compost (Vertia® brand) in a) 90:10 and 80:20 ratios; b) biofungicide Trichoderma harzianum Rifai (Natucontrol® brand) at doses of 1.5 and 3 g/L water per 338-cavity polystyrene tray; and c) complementary nutrition applied in irrigation with poultry manure tea at doses of 0.5 and 1 dS/m per tray every two days. Control set was a ‘typical management’ control based on peat (100%) as a growing medium with the application of conventional fertiliser (1 g/L of Tricel® 20 every two days) and conventional fungicide Mancozeb as a damping-off preventative (1 g/L per tray). The seedling growth, relative chlorophyll content, photosystem II quantum yield, and morphological indicators showed that the eight treatments with recognised organic inputs performed significantly better than the control (p<0.05). The use of peat substrate mixed with poultry manure (80:20 ratio) with inoculation of T. harzianum at a dose of 1.5–3 g/L and with application of poultry manure tea at a dose of 1 dS/m yielded the best results. We determined that it is possible to obtain quality broccoli seedlings with the inputs recognised for certified organic agriculture. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Susceptibility of Impact Damage to Whole Apples Packaged Inside Molded Fiber and Expanded Polystyrene Trays.

Postharvest damage, leading to loss and waste, continues to be a significant problem in the fresh produce industry. Trays, designed to reduce fruit-to-fruit contact, are utilized by the apple industry to minimize bruising of whole apples. During distribution, packaged apples are subjected to various supply chain hazards, which may lead to bruising damage. Currently, molded fiber (MF) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) trays transport whole apples from the packhouse to the retail outlet. Mechanical shock, by free-fall drop method, was used to evaluate the performance differences between the two trays and quantify the bruising characteristics of the apples. Results showed that the EPS trays provided better shock protection to the apple as compared to the MF tray, reducing the impact acceleration by more than 70%. Additionally, the bruise susceptibility was 40% less for the apples packaged inside the EPS trays, regardless of drop height. However, apples packaged in the middle layer trays were most susceptible to bruising damage, regardless of tray type.

Emergence and development of Dianthus chinensis and Limonium sinuatum seedlings on commercial substrate

Limonium sinuatum and Dianthus chinensis are plant species of great importance in Brazilian floriculture, being propagated by seed, therefore, the characteristics of the substrates used are respectable in seedlings emergence and development process. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of two commercial substrates on emergence and development of Limonium sinuatum and Dianthus chinensis seedlings. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse (Pad & Fan type) at São Paulo State University. The treatments were: T1 – Basaplant® and T2 – Tropstrato®, for both species, whose seeds were germinated in expanded polystyrene trays of 128 cells, being eight replicates, containing 8 seeds/replicate. The evaluated traits were: percentage of emergence, emergence speed index, mean emergence time, shoot height, root length and seedlings fresh and dry mass. The substrate characteristics evaluated were: pH, electrical conductivity, macroporosity, microporosity, total porosity, density and water retention capacity. The experimental design was completely randomized, and data were submitted to analysis of variance to Tukey test at 5% to compare the means. The emergence of Limonium sinuatum and Dianthus chinensis were impaired, possibly due to low electrical conductivity provided by substrates. However, Basaplant® substrate favoured the development of evaluated species in relation to aerial part length, root length and total fresh and dry mass, which is recommended for using as substrate for both species.

Effects of gamma radiation in okra’s conservation

Okra is a very important vegetable in simple world cuisine. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of gamma radiation of Cobalt-60 in the conservation of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). After 1 day of okras’s harvest, they were selected based in the size, presence of mechanical and phytophatologycal damages, and put in polystyrene trays and covered with thin polyethylene film. Then they were irradiated with doses of: 0 (control); 75; 100; 125; 150 and 200 Gy, at a dose rate of 0.259 kGy/h. The experiment was carried out in chamber regulated at 10o C of temperature and 80% of relative humidity. All analyses physical and chemical of the samples were carried out after 7 and 15 days of the storage. The results did not show any significative difference between the control and irradiated samples, except the viscosity that decreased with the increase of the dose of radiation. The dose of 75 Gy can be indicated to the conservation of okras because it was the one that showed best result in the coloration of okras.