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- Microbial and pest contamination in nuts: Radio frequency disinfestation and controlled atmosphere preservation – A reviewPublication . Liberal, Ângela; Fernandes, Ângela; Moreira, Jorge; Fernandes, Natércia; Gonçalves, Alexandre; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, LillianNuts are increasingly recognized for their rich nutritional profile and bioactive potential, making them a sig- nificant economic contributor globally. However, the commercialization of nuts necessitates stringent quality control measures to mitigate infestations by insect pests and microorganisms, which can lead to rapid deterio- ration both pre- and post-harvest. Contamination often arises from inadequate practices in harvesting, packaging, storage, and transportation, heightening the risk of pathogen infection and mycotoxin contamination. To address these challenges, innovative preservation techniques are essential for enhancing food safety and extending shelf- life without compromising quality. Radiofrequency (RF) technology has emerged as a promising solution in food processing, utilizing volumetric heating for effective disinfestation, pathogen pasteurization, drying, and blanching while maintaining product integrity. In contrast, Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage employs gas composition control to create low-oxygen environments that inhibit microbial growth during storage. This re- view aims to provide a comprehensive overview of nut safety and preservation by identifying key contamination sources and the microorganisms that target nuts. It will analyze the effectiveness of RF and CA technologies in preserving and decontaminating nuts. By exploring these advanced methods, this study highlights their potential to surpass conventional processes, ultimately improving nut safety and quality throughout the supply chain.
- Incorporation of pumpkin peel extract into a pumpkin pulp formulation as a natural preservativePublication . Leichtweis, Maria Gabriela; Molina, Adriana K.; Petropoulos, Spyridon Α.; Gonçalves, Alexandre; Azevedo, Miguel; Silva, Beatriz Nunes; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Oliveira, Beatriz; Barros, Lillian; Pereira, CarlaExtract rich in preservative compounds was obtained from pumpkin peels by heat-assisted extraction, with water as solvent. This extract was incorporated into a ready-to-use pumpkin pulp product, in a concentration of 5g/kg, in order to replace the use of potassium sorbate (control). The product shelf-life was evaluated regarding microbial load and colour stability considering the best before date of the commercial product (30 days). For that purpose, the samples were stored at room temperature and evaluated on the day of production and after 7, 14, 21, 30, and 45 days of storage. Microbial load, it was evaluated in terms of aerobic plate count (total viable count; ISO 4833-2:2013), coliforms (and E. coli; ISO 4832:2006), and yeasts and moulds (ISO 21527-1/2:2008). For the physicochemical parameters, the colour was assessed by chromatic analysis in the CIELAB colour space, measuring L(lightness), a (redness), and b(yellowness) to obtain the palette of tones and the chroma values of the pulp formulations. In both pulp products, with the addition of extract and control, no microbial growth was evidenced up to the 45th days of storage. This result demonstrates the great efficiency of using the natural extract to replace potassium sorbate, a traditional but artificial preservative widely used in the food industry. Meanwhile, despite the satisfactory result obtained in terms of antimicrobial protection, the colour was clearly affected. Through both the RGB and L, a, and b parameters it was possible to verify the loss of colour of the pulp formulation containing the natural extract during the storage days, while in the control formulation it was less noticeable. Considering the preservative potential of the extract, new formulations will be tested with different concentrations, aiming a healthier pulp product and promoting a circular economy.
- Effects of radiofrequency on chestnut qualityPublication . Ribeiro, Caroline; Melgar Castañeda, Bruno; Fernandes, Ângela; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Moreira, Jorge; Alexandre, Elizabete; Freire, Carlos; Franca, Tiago Vila; Fernandes, Natércia C.P.; Gonçalves, Alexandre; Barros, LillianThe chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is a fruit with high nutritional value, but it is highly susceptible to infestation and post-harvest deterioration [1]. Infestations by Curculio elephas (Gyll) and Cydia splendana (Hübner) pose a significant challenge to the food industry, reducing product quality and causing considerable economic losses [2]. This study assessed the impact of radiofrequency (RF) application on the post-harvest quality of "Judia" chestnuts.
- Mediterranean Intercropping Production Systems: Challenges and OpportunitiesPublication . Silva, Ermelinda; Najjari, Sara; Shelef, Oren; Ayalkibet, Roza Belayneh; Strikic, Frane; Bjeliš, Mario; Marrão, Rosalina; Borsellino, Valeria; D’Acquisto, Marcello; Schimmenti, Emanuele; Caleja, Cristina; Barros, Lillian; Gonçalves, AlexandreIntercropping is a pivotal strategy for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 2-End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture (SDG 2)-by enhancing food security agroecosystem resilience and sustainability. By integrating diverse species within the same plot, this sustainable approach takes advantage of the beneficial interactions between them. The simultaneous cultivation of multiple crop species within the same field increases agricultural diversification and contributes to a more resilient production system, breaking the uniformity of modern intensive agriculture. The objective of this review is to evaluate intercropping practices throughout the Mediterranean, specifically in Southern Europe (Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece), North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia), and the Middle East (Turkey, Israel, and Jordan). This review intends to show advantages and disadvantages of intercropping and crops used and also highlight how intercropping systems affect crop production and quality, soil quality and microbiome, and proliferation of weeds, pests and diseases. The literature suggests that diversification in agriculture supports biodiversity and ecosystem services by the cultivation of diverse crop species together and, hence, may reduce independence in external outputs such as nutrient supply, pesticides and soil amendment. Despite the potential benefits of intercropping, the major caveats of this practice are the competition between different crops on resources, potential risks of plant protection, technical challenges of integrating the different requirements of each crop used in the system, and culture-related restrictions or regulations.