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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Natural Ecosystem Surrounding a Conventional Banana Crop Improves Plant Health and Fruit Quality

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Author(s):
Castelan, Florence P. [1, 2] ; Castro-Alves, Victor C. [1, 2] ; Saraiva, Lorenzo A. [1] ; Nascimento, Talita P. [1] ; Calhau, Maria F. N. S. [1] ; Dias, Carlos T. S. [3] ; Cordenunsi-Lysenko, Beatriz R. [4, 1, 2]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Food Sci & Expt Nutr, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Sao Paulo Res Fdn, Res Innovat & Disseminat Ctr, Food Res Ctr, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz Coll Agr, Dept Exact Sci, Piracicaba - Brazil
[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Food & Nutr Res Ctr NAPAN, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE; v. 9, JUN 7 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

Natural ecosystems near agricultural landscapes may provide rich environments for growing crops. However, the effect of a natural ecosystem on crop health and fruit quality is poorly understood. In the present study, it was investigated whether the presence of a natural ecosystem surrounding a crop area influences banana plant health and fruit postharvest behavior. Plants from two conventional banana crop areas with identical planting time and cultural practices were used; the only difference between banana crop areas is that one area was surrounded by a natural forest (Atlantic forest) fragment (Near-NF), while the other area was inserted at the center of a conventional banana crop (Distant-NF). Results showed that bananas harvested from Near-NF showed higher greenlife and a more homogeneous profile during ripening compared to fruits harvested from Distant-NF. Differences in quality parameters including greenlife, carbohydrate profile, and pulp firmness between fruits harvested from Near-NF and Distant-NF are explained, at least partly, by differences in the balance of plant growth regulators (indole-3-acetic acid and abscisic acid) in bananas during ripening. Furthermore, plants from Near-NF showed a lower severity index of black leaf streak disease (BLSD) and higher levels of phenolic compounds in leaves compared to plants from Distant-NF. Together, the results provide additional evidence on how the maintenance of natural ecosystems near conventional crop areas could be a promising tool to improve plant health and fruit quality. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/07220-3 - Definition of harvest time and exogenous ethylene concentration in order to optimize the commercial potential and nutritional characteristics of bananas cv. Thap Maeo
Grantee:Beatriz Rosana Cordenunsi
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 13/07914-8 - FoRC - Food Research Center
Grantee:Bernadette Dora Gombossy de Melo Franco
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC