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ABSTRACT “Purple top” is an emerging disease that affects solanaceous crops, reported mainly on Solanum tuberosum (potato). Additionally, Bactericera cockerelli has been reported as the insect vector of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CaLso), a pathogen that has been associated with this disease. However, the information about this disease in Andean fruit species such as Solanum betaceum (tree tomato), S. quitoense (naranjilla) and Physalis peruviana (cape gooseberry) is almost nil. This study was carried out in the Tumbaco Experimental Farm of INIAP to describe the phenotypic symptoms caused by this disease. Molecular diagnosis by PCR method was carried out to diagnose the causal agent associated with the symptomatology. The main symptoms observed were purple color leaves, smaller apical leaves, inward curvature edge leaves, over-sprouting, yellowish and stopped plant growth; however there also were asymptomatic plants. P. peruviana was the most susceptible species because showed 100% of incidence. CaLso was identified as the causal agent associated with this disease. These results contribute to understanding the expression of this disease in Andean fruit crops. However, more studies related to epidemiology, diagnostic methods, mixed infections, vector-pathogen interaction and disease control are required in order to generate information that allows a complete knowledge of this pest.

Tree tomato (Solanum betaceum) is susceptible to nematode attack; for this reason, grafting is used as an alternative to reduce this impact. In this study, the bioactive compounds of the fruit (shell, pulp, and seed jelly) of two tree tomato ecotypes (‘giant orange’ and ‘giant purple’) were evaluated in both control and grafted plants grown at different altitudes (2010–2250, 2260–2500, 2510–2750 and 2760–3000 masl). Commercial quality, vitamin C, organic acids, phenolics, carotenoids and antioxidant activity were determined by microextraction and quantified by liquid chromatography (RRLC) or spectrophotometry (microplate reader). The results showed high concentrations of vitamin C, organic acids and antioxidant activity in the seed jelly, organic acids in the pulp and phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity in the shell. The main phenolics were ferulic acid, caffeic acid and luteolin, while the main carotenoids were lutein, B-cryptoxanthin and B-carotene. Multivariate analysis showed that tree tomato quality was mainly influenced by altitude and fruit part and that grafting positively affected soluble solids for both ecotypes and all altitudes.

Avocado demand has increased in recent years due to the nutraceutical properties that this fruit has and its positive impacts on human health; however, avocado production also requires sustainable alternatives to improve its cultivation. The objective of this study was to carry out characterization of the mineral content and phytochemical compounds in avocado fruit of the Hass variety grown using sustainable agricultural practices in Ecuador. Our results show an increase in fruit quality traits, such as firmness, and in the content of soluble solids, protein, fiber, fat, carotenoids, Ca, Mg, Zn and stearic acid in the pulp of the avocado Hass variety, as well as an initial trend of yield increase with the application of sustainable practices. Moreover, antioxidant activity was associated with polyphenol content. There were positive correlations of Mg with K and Ca, and of flavonoids with linolelaidic, linoleic and linolenic acids. Overall, our results indicate that avocado can be used as a functional and nutritional food due to its phytochemical composition and the mineral content of its pulp, which contributes to the promotion of its consumption and encourages healthy eating. In addition, the use of sustainable practices, such as fertigation and the application of microorganisms, is also promoted for growing avocado.

Agroforestry systems allow conservation of natural resources and promotion of sustainable agriculture in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Nevertheless, the benefit of the associated species that are part of these production systems needs to be demonstrated. The aim of this study was to find out the influence on the crop yield, carbon sequestration, presence of earthworms, and the nutritional contribution of legume species associated with the naranjilla (Solanum quitoense) crop in an agroforestry system. The research was carried out in the Palora Experimental Farm of INIAP, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were made up of cultivation systems (agroforestry systems with or without 50% fertilization) and monoculture as a control, with two levels of conventional fertilization (50 and 100%). In the agroforestry arrangements, Gliricidia sepium and Flemingia macrophylla were used to supply biomass. The results showed that during the three evaluation cycles, the yield of naranjilla was influenced by the quality of the biomass added to the soil and not by the amount of synthetic chemical fertilizer that was supplied. The biomass of G. sepium and F. macrophylla provided a greater amount of Mg, Mn, Zn, B, and Fe; elements that contributed to crop yield and the presence of earthworms. The results suggest that the use of legume species in agroforestry systems positively influenced naranjillla productivity, favoring sustainable agriculture in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Seed is a fundamental tool to carry out breeding processes and for the propagation of the crops; however, seed propagation generally has low and irregular germination. Passion fruit (Passiflora) species are economically important for Ecuador, which is the main exporter of passion fruit concentrate in Latin America. Ecuadorian farmers propagate new plants by seeds to establish new passion fruit orchards or to extend their cultivated area. The objective of this research was to determine the differences in germination and seedling development with the application of priming methods in five genotypes of passion fruit belonging to three different taxa that are of commercial use in Ecuador. The genotypes used were: INIAP 2009 and P10 (P. edulis f. flavicarpa), Gulupa (P. edulis f. edulis), and local germplasms POR1 (P. edulis f. flavicarpa) and PICH1 (P. maliformis). The priming methods were: water (control), hydrogen peroxide at 15%, potassium nitrate at 1%, PEG 6000 at −1.2 MPa, and gibberellic acid at 500 ppm. The results showed that there was a genotype-response depending on the priming method. Nevertheless, Polietilenoglicol (PEG 6000) could be considered as a promising method to encourage seed germination and promote seedling growth in the Passiflora species. More research regarding the use of this compound has to be carried out in order to determine in depth the physiological processes related to its functions to improve seed germination as well as production of vigorous seedlings.

Babaco is a fast-growing herbaceous shrub with great commercial potential because of the organoleptic properties of its fruit. Babaco mosaic virus (BabMV) is a potexvirus in the family Alphaflexiviridae affecting babaco in all the provinces that produce this crop in Ecuador. BabMV was recently described but it has been affecting babaco for decades and, since many potexviruses are serologically indistinguishable, it may have been previously misidentified as papaya mosaic virus. Based on the coat protein (CP) gene, we aimed to study the distribution and epidemiological patterns of BabMV in babaco and chamburo over the years and to model its three-dimensional structure. Sequences of the CP were obtained from thirty-six isolates from plants collected in the main babaco-producing provinces of Ecuador between 2016 and 2021. The evolution rate of BabMV was estimated at 1.21 × 10−3 nucleotide substitutions site−1 year−1 and a time of origin of the most recent common ancestor around 1958.80. From molecular dynamics simulations, compared to other proteins of BabMV—RDRP, TGB1, and Alkb domain—the CP exhibited a higher flexibility with the C and N terminals as the most flexible regions. The reconstructed viral distribution provides dispersion patterns which have implications for control approaches of BabMV.

El cultivo de la uva (Vitis vinífera L.) está incrementándose en el trópico seco y los valles interandinos del Ecuador. Sin embargo, la calidad del racimo y las bayas del cv. ‘Marroo Seedless’ cultivado en los Valles requieren mejorarse para competir con la fruta importada. Para ello, en plantas de 8 años se realizaron tres experimentos, en los que se evaluaron dosis y épocas de aplicación de GA3 (pre y posfloración), raleo manual de frutos del racimo y anillado de la rama con el fin de incrementar el tamaño de los racimos y las bayas. Se utilizó un diseño experimental de bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Se evaluó el tamaño y peso del racimo y bayas, número de bayas por racimo y sólidos solubles totales. Los resultados muestran que la aplicación de GA3 en prefloración (10 ppm) incrementa el largo y diámetro polar de los racimos, mientras que el mayor diámetro ecuatorial, polar y el peso de las bayas se alcanzó con dos aplicaciones de GA3 en posfloración (40 + 20 ppm) o una aplicación de GA3 con 100 ppm. Estos resultados demuestran que la aplicación de GA3 es una tecnología que mejora la calidad física de las bayas y los racimos de uva.

There are several species of passion fruit grown in South America. However, there is a lack of information about the mineral content in their pulp. Thus, the objective of the present research was to determine the mineral content in the pulp of different germplasms of passion fruit [Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa (INIAP 2009 and P10), P. alata (Sweet passion fruit), P. edulis f. edulis (Gulupa) and Passiflora sp. (Criollo POR1 and Criollo PICH1)] grown in Ecuador and to determine their relationship with relevant fruit quality traits. The results showed that high Mg content was associated with less peel thickness, soluble solids was negatively related to K and B content, and vitamin C was negatively related to S content. INIAP 2009 had high titratable acidity and fruit weight but low N and Na; P10 showed the highest contents of N, K, Na, Mn and fruit weight but less P, Mg, and Fe; sweet passion fruit showed high S, Zn, Cu, soluble solids, and peel thickness but low K, Ca, B, and titratable acidity; Gulupa had high Mg, B, and Zn but low S, Fe, and Mn; Criollo POR1 showed high N and Fe but low Zn; and Criollo PICH1 showed high P, Ca, Mg, and Cu but low soluble solids and peel thickness. These results provide additional information on passion fruit germplasm grown in Ecuador and constitutes a reference for further breeding programs.

Tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) is an Andean fruit crop that is grown in Ecuador. It is an exceptional source of minerals and vitamins, thus has nutraceutical properties. The objective of this research was to carry out a phytochemical characterization of a breeding population composed of 90 segregants. Pulp (including mesocarp, mucilage, seeds and placenta) was ground and sieved in order to obtain the liquid pulp to be lyophilized for the chemical analyzes. Antioxidants compounds were determined by spectrophotometry and vitamin C by reflectometry. Data were analyzed by principal components, grouping, and variance analyses; in addition, Z Score estimation was carried out to select elite individuals. There was a broad variability in the data obtained for the breeding population, polyphenol content varied from 5.11 to 16.59 mg GAE g−1, flavonoids from 1.24 to 6.70 mg cat g−1, carotenoids from 50.39 to 460.72 µg β-carotene g−1, anthocyanins from 1.06 to 240.49 mg cy-3-glu 100 g−1, antioxidant capacity from 49.51 to 312.30 µm Trolox g−1, and vitamin C from 78.29 to 420.16 mg 100 g−1. It can be concluded that tree tomato is a good source of beneficial biocompounds and has a high antioxidant capacity.

Tropical fruits are in high demand for their flavor and for their functional composition because these compounds are considered nutraceuticals. Passion fruit production is of economic importance to Ecuador; however, several Passiflora species are grown and each has to be analyzed to identify their phytochemical composition. In this study, the polyphenol, flavonoid, carotenoid, vitamin C, sugar and organic acid contents were determined. Six different Passiflora spp. germplasms were analyzed, coming from Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa, Passiflora alata, Passiflora edulis f. edulis and unidentified Passiflora species (local germplasm). Measurement techniques included reflectometry for vitamin C, spectrophotometry for antioxidant compounds and HPLC for sugars and organic acids. Data were analyzed by principal component analysis, correlation and analysis of variance. Results showed that INIAP 2009 and P10 showed a high amount of polyphenols, antioxidant activity and citric content. Sweet passion fruit had the lowest vitamin C content while Gulupa showed the highest content. In terms of the local germplasm, POR1 showed the lowest content of flavonoids while PICH1 had high flavonoid and carotenoid content. Polyphenols were the main compounds that influenced antioxidant activity. This phytochemical information adds value to passion fruit as a nutraceutical source.

Tungurahua province has conditions suitable for growing deciduous fruit trees such as peach (Prunus persica L). This research aimed to identify the main factors influencing the production of this fruit crop and their effect on farmers income. Surveys were carried out directly to peach farmers in seven counties of Tungurahua such as Ambato, Cevallos, Mocha, Patate, Pelileo, Píllaro and Tisaleo. The results indicated that the most relevant factors were: farmer age, sown area, fruit selection, reason for fruit growing, type of production and production issues.

There is a high incidence of the nematode Meloidogyne incognita in several economically important species of Solanaceae. This nematode causes damage to the roots, leading even to the death of the plant, causing economic losses for the producer. This research was carried out in greenhouse to assess the response of five species of wild Solanaceae (Solanum auriculatum, S.hirtum, S.hispidum, S.arboreum and Nicotiana glauca) to the infestation of M. incognita was evaluated. A randomized block design with three replicates was used. The initial inoculum was obtained from infested roots of tree tomato (S. betaceum Cav.), which was propagated in kidney tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) hibrid ‘Sheila’ which was used to inoculate the wild Solanaceae plus two susceptible controls (S. betaceum and S. quitoense) were inoculated with a dose of 2500 larvae. According to the reproduction factor of the nematode, S. arboreum, S. hirtum and N. glauca showed resistance because obtained values less than 1. In addition, S. hirtum (14.88) and N. glauca (22.67) showed the lowest number of root knots. In terms of foliage yield (dry weight), a response of tolerance was observed in all species except for the controls. It can be concluded that S. hirtum (compatible with S. quitoense - naranjilla) and N. glauca (compatible with S. betaceum - tree tomato) might be used as rootstocks of Solanaceae fruit crops of commercial importance in Ecuador, contributing to the integrated fruit production system.

Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) is native to the inter-Andean valleys of southern Ecuador and northern Peru. In Ecuador, the yield of this fruit crop is low, mainly due to agricultural management problems and poor fertilization. This research aims to assess the effect of native mycorrhizal fungi on seedling growth of cherimoya (cultivar 'Cangahua'). Sampling of soil and roots was carried out in 14 production sites of cherimoya. Soils that obtained the largest number of spores and greatest percentage of mycorrhizal colonization were those collected in Tumbabiro (plot 10), Gonzanamá, Paute and San Francisco de Atahualpa. These soils were used to propagate the inoculums in trap plants (Sorghum vulgare) and subsequently, they were used to inoculate the seeds and seedlings of cherimoya. There was no statistical difference to jointly analyze the results obtained in the inoculated seeds and seedlings. However, independently, the inoculum coming from the soil of Tumbabiro obtained the best results by doubling the content of total phosphorus and 47% increase in dry matter in cherimoya seedlings compared to control.

Tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) is an economically important fruit crop in Ecuador. The symptoms of higher virus-related incidence in plantations located in Pichincha and Tungurahua correspond to yellowing, mosaic, leaf deformation and blistering. This research carried out a diagnosis of the viruses present in these production areas using molecular techniques (RT-PCR) and electron microscopy. The identified viruses belonged to the genera Potyvirus (Potato virus Y; PVY), Polerovirus (Potato leaf roll virus; PLRV) and Tobamovirus (Tomato mosaic virus; ToMV), constituting a viral complex of at least two of the three viruses found. The symptomatology related to PVY was spots with tan or oily appearance and leaf deformation; in addition to these symptoms, yellowing and chlorosis were related to PLRV. Foliar blistering was related to the occurrence of the three viruses. The results indicated the presence of the three viruses in Tumbaco (Pichincha) and two (PLRV and PVY) in Pelileo (Tungurahua). PLRV was found in the 100% of the total samples, PVY in 50% of the Pelileo’s samples and ToMV only in Tumbaco. ToMV virus has been detected for the first time infecting tree tomato in Ecuador.

Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) is a commercially import fruit crop in several countries of Latin America (Ecuador, Peru and Chile) and Europe (Spain). The fruit is highly valued for its good organoleptic characteristics and nutritional value. Currently, there is a worldwide trend to implement high planting densities in several fruit crops. However, there is little information available on cherimoya to implement new commercial orchards. This research evaluated three planting densities (625, 1250 and 2500 plants/ha) to determine their effect on the cherimoya fruit quality of the variety 'Cumbe'. The two lowest densities evaluated doubled the yield compared to the highest density, and also obtained the highest percentages of fruit in the best size categories (super extra and extra), and harvesting fruit weights >400 g. Based on the results of this study, planting densities of 2500 plants/ha or higher are not recommended due to the affect on yield and quality of cherimoya fruit.

An application of a balanced nutrition will improve the soil as well as enhance the yield of naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.) grown in the Ecuadorian Amazon. A field experiment was carried out in Palora, 16 de Agosto (Morona Santiago province) and Fátima (Pastaza province) to find which variables are related with the yield of the naranjilla crop and the yield response when the crop receives complete nutrition with N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S plus lime and with the omission of each of these nutrients. A Random Complete Block Design with three replications was used in the three environments. The naranjilla crop had higher yields (18.14 Mg ha−1) in the complete treatments (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and without S and Mg, consequently, these two last nutrients did not limit the production. When N, P, K, and Ca were not applied, the yields fell to 14.62 Mg ha−1. The main environmental effect showed that Palora had the highest fruit yields (19.73 Mg ha−1), followed by 16 de Agosto (13.57 Mg ha−1) and finally Fátima with 11.04 (Mg ha−1). These preliminary results showed that with the treatments without S (18.55 Mg ha−1), without Mg (18.42 Mg ha−1) and complete (17.46 Mg ha−1) the highest yields were obtained, consequently, the production was not affected by the absence of these elements; the opposite happened when N, P, K, and Ca were not present.

Andean blackberries (Rubus glaucus Benth) are fruits rich in phytocomponents with high antioxidant activity. In this work, the changes in the total polyphenol content (TPC), the total flavonoid content (TFC), and the total anthocyanin content (TAC) of four blackberry varieties at three maturity stages (E1-25%, E2-50%, and E3-100%) were measured. The antioxidant activity (AA) was evaluated using the 2,2’azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazolin 6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. TPC and TFC content decreased with the increase in the maturity stage. The blackberry Brazos cultivar presented TPC values of 51.26, 38.16, and 31.59 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight (DW) at E1, E2, and E3, respectively. The TAC and soluble solids increased with the increase in the maturity stage of the fruits. The Andimora variety at E3 presented a high TPC content, and the Colombiana variety presented a high TFC content. The blackberry Colombiana cultivar presented TAC values of 1.40, 2.95, and 12.26 mg cy-3-glu/100g DW at E1, E2, and E3, respectively. The blackberry Colombiana cultivar presented a high AA value at 1278.63 µmol TE/g DW according to the ABTS method and 1284.55 µmol TE/g DW according to the FRAP method. The TPC and TFC showed a high correlation with the AA according to the ABTS and the FRAP methods. The Pearson correlation between the TFC and AA/ABTS has a value of r = 0.92. The TFC and AA/FRAP present a value of r = 0.94.

Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée) is an oligophagous species of plants in the Solanaceae family that has a broad geographical distribution in the tropical zones of South America. It is the most important insect pest of naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lamarck), a crop grown in threatened areas of the tropical old-growth forest in Ecuador. In this study, two host-specific populations of N. elegantalis were collected from infested fruit of naranjilla and tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cavanilles) in different locations. Sexually virgin adult insects (93 females and 103 males) were dissected to extract their genitalia to measure 12 morphological variables in females and six in males, resulting in six and four informative variables respectively. Using univariate and multivariate analysis of variance, it was found that the Solanaceous host was the main factor differentiating the area measurements of the seventh abdominal segment and ostium bursae in female genitalia, and cornuti length in male genitalia. Principal components generated with these measurements were employed in a logistic regression model for the classification of the Solanaceous host. Female genitalia of individuals from S. betaceum showed significantly larger ostium bursae relative to female genitalia from S. quitoense. For males, individuals collected from S. betaceum showed longer cornuti length than samples collected from S. quitoense. The results suggest genotypic differentiation according to the Solanaceous host or phenotypic plasticity in N. elegantalis. Further molecular and bio-geographical studies are needed to properly differentiate N. elegantalis populations that would help in the control of this pest.

Todas las culturas y sociedades han consumido y utilizado las drogas con fines muy distintos. El alcoholismo constituye la más relevante toxicomanía de nuestros días, y la cocaína es la sustancia psicoactiva más frecuente consumida tras el alcohol, el tabaco y el Cannabis. Esto motivó a realizar una investigación en la que se pueda determinar el comportamiento de la evolución preingreso e iniciación del consumo a la droga en alcohólicos y cocainómanos, y la manera en que se relacionan comparativamente, porque los autores experimentaron la relevancia de estas variables en la aparición de las adicciones.En el estudio se incluyeron 172 pacientes masculinos, 37 cocainómanos y 135 alcohólicos ingresados en el Hospital Psiquiátrico de La Habana Cdte. Dr. Eduardo Bernabé Ordaz Ducungé. Se aplicaron instrumentos específicos y entrevistas estructuradas validadas, y se utilizó en el análisis estadístico la prueba t, Chi-cuadrado y Odds Ratio, con un nivel de significación del 5 %. Las variables seleccionadas fueron: evolución preingreso de la toxicomanía actual, factores inductores en la iniciación del consumo, factores inductores en el lugar de la iniciación y factores proveedores en la iniciación al consumo. La evolución preingreso de los pacientes de ambas toxicomanías presentó características diferentes extremadamente significativas; los pacientes cocainómanos presentaron un deterioro bio-psico-social muy rápido, y los alcohólicos presentaron el deterioro más lentamente. Los factores inductores al consumo de la sustancia, el lugar de iniciación de la toxicomanía y los factores proveedores, presentaron características muy distintas en las dos toxicomanías estudiadas.All the cultures and societies have consumed and used the drugs with very different objectives. Nowadays, the alcoholism is the most relevant drug addiction, and the cocaine is the most frequently consumed psycho-active substance after the alcohol, the tobacco and the cannabis. These motivated the authors to carry out a research in which they could determine the behavior of the evolution before entering the hospital and the beginning of the drug consumption in alcoholics and cocaine consumers, and the way they comparatively relate, because the authors experimented the relevance of these variables in the beginning of these addictions.There were included 172 male patients in the research, 37 cocaine addicted and 135 alcoholics who entered La Habana Psychiatric Hospital Comandante Dr. Eduardo Bernabé Ordaz Ducungé. They applied specific instruments and validated structured interviews, and used the t test, Chi-squared and Odd ratios, with a signification level of 5 %. The selected variables were: evolution of the current addiction before entering the hospital, factors leading to the consumption beginning, inducing factors in the place where consumption began, and providing factors in the consumption beginning. The evolution of the patients of both addictions before entering the hospital showed different and extremely significant characteristics; the cocaine addicted patients had a very fast bio-psycho- social decline, and the alcoholics had a slower decline. The factors inducing the drug addiction, the place where the addiction began and the providing factors had very different characteristics in both studied addictions.

Todas las culturas y sociedades han consumido y utilizado las drogas con fines muy distintos. El alcoholismo constituye la más relevante toxicomanía de nuestros días, y la cocaína es la sustancia psicoactiva más frecuente consumida tras el alcohol, el tabaco y el Cannabis. Esto motivó a realizar una investigación en la que se pueda determinar el comportamiento de la evolución preingreso e iniciación del consumo a la droga en alcohólicos y cocainómanos, y la manera en que se relacionan comparativamente, porque los autores experimentaron la relevancia de estas variables en la aparición de las adicciones.En el estudio se incluyeron 172 pacientes masculinos, 37 cocainómanos y 135 alcohólicos ingresados en el Hospital Psiquiátrico de La Habana Cdte. Dr. Eduardo Bernabé Ordaz Ducungé. Se aplicaron instrumentos específicos y entrevistas estructuradas validadas, y se utilizó en el análisis estadístico la prueba t, Chi-cuadrado y Odds Ratio, con un nivel de significación del 5 %. Las variables seleccionadas fueron: evolución preingreso de la toxicomanía actual, factores inductores en la iniciación del consumo, factores inductores en el lugar de la iniciación y factores proveedores en la iniciación al consumo. La evolución preingreso de los pacientes de ambas toxicomanías presentó características diferentes extremadamente significativas; los pacientes cocainómanos presentaron un deterioro bio-psico-social muy rápido, y los alcohólicos presentaron el deterioro más lentamente. Los factores inductores al consumo de la sustancia, el lugar de iniciación de la toxicomanía y los factores proveedores, presentaron características muy distintas en las dos toxicomanías estudiadas.