A carregar...
Projeto de investigação
Valorisation challenges to almond by-products: their potential and probable uses.
Financiador
Autores
Publicações
Almond By-Products Substrates as Sustainable Amendments for Green Bean Cultivation
Publication . Silva, Vânia; Oliveira, Ivo; Pereira, J.A.; Gonçalves, Berta
Almond processing generates a high quantity of by-products, presenting the untapped potential for alternative applications and improved sustainability in production. This study aimed to evaluate whether the incorporation of almond by-products (hulls/shells) can improve the biochemical characteristics of green bean pods when used as an alternative to traditional growing media in green bean plants. Four substrates were prepared: the Control substrate (C): 70% peat + 30% perlite; substrate (AS): 70% peat + 30% shells; substrate (AH): 70% peat + 30% perlite + 1 cm hulls as mulch; substrate (MIX): 70% peat + 15% shells + 15% hulls. Plants were grown in each of these substrates and subjected to two irrigation levels, 100% and 50% of their water-holding capacity. Biochemical parameters (photosynthetic pigments, total phenolics, flavonoids, ortho-diphenols, soluble proteins, antioxidant capacity) and color were evaluated in the harvested pods. Results showed that pods from plants growing in AH substrate presented statistically significant higher values in their total phenolic content, while AS and MIX substrates did not reveal significant benefits. Summarily, this study highlights the potential of almond hulls as a promising medium for green bean cultivation, particularly when employed as mulch. Further research is recommended to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the application of almond by-products as natural fertilizers/mulch.
Almond By-Products: A Comprehensive Review of Composition, Bioactivities, and Influencing Factors
Publication . Silva, Vânia; Oliveira, Ivo; Pereira, José Alberto; Gonçalves, Berta
One of today’s major environmental and economic challenges is the fight against both agro- and industrial-waste. Almond production and industrial processing exemplifies this issue, as it generates tons of waste and by-products, with hulls and shells accounting for about 70% of the total fruit’s weight while skins represent about 6% of the shelled kernel. Since the edible kernel, about 23% of the total fruit weight, holds the highest commercial value, there has been growing interest within the scientific community in exploring the potential of these by-products. However, almond by-products contain a wide range of phytochemicals, mainly phenolic compounds (flavonoids and non-flavonoids), and triterpenoids, with great potential as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic properties. Although these by-products are being explored as alternative sources in the textile, pharmaceutical/cosmetic, and food industries, their primary use remains in livestock feed or bedding, or as biofuel. This review compiles recent scientific data on almond by-products’ phytochemical composition and bioactivities aiming to support sustainable and holistic agricultural practices.
Unidades organizacionais
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Contribuidores
Financiadores
Entidade financiadora
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Programa de financiamento
Número da atribuição
2021.07453.BD