Cactus prickly pear (Tuna) harvest is a complicated operation that continues in a rudimentary way, in the majority of cases manual and with the help of tools such as knives and rods which sometimes affect the fruit. In this research is analyzing the possibility of building a tool that meets the characteristics sufficient for a good harvest, one of the factors to consider is access due to the restrictive features of the cactus prickly pear (height and distribution of the joints), forcing the use of tools to achieve it (with sometimes unfavorable results). This is how arises the need to create a device that adapts to the needs and solve the problem of harvest of tuna. Field studies which were fundamental to the design, such studies were obtained measurements and tests of strength, which were carried out with instruments properly designed for the type of fruit. Generated a picker mechanism of cactus prickly pear (tunas), which according to your design could achieve a high level of harvest compared to which today has, thanks to the configuration of the mechanism and the way they get their movements lead to a suitable environment for personnel performing this activity. All Rights Reserved

Objective: attest and compare the fundamental attributes for fresh raw cactus cladodes and its chemical constituent’s quality when dried and grounded for three varieties of prickly pear cactus “Copena”, “Pelon blanco” and “Pelon rojo”. Design/methodology/approach: measurements of the physical attributes and chemical constituents were made by using proved and reliable techniques. Data will aid to explore the potential for these cactus materials when being handled from basic to complex processes, considering its need for size and quality of storage and their effect when they interact with processing devices and handling apparatus for the new product being elaborated. Results: the physical attributes among the three assessed cactus varieties showed slight differences in their parameters, but length, wide and electric conductivity. While for their chemical analysis, cactus cladodes were chopped, dried and grounded. Chemical compounds showed slight differences between the three varieties, but Pelon blanco had a higher fat percentage and the lowest zinc and potassium concentration. None of the varieties had iron. Limitations on study/implications: there was no management on the prickly pear cactus production. The assessment of the cultivars’ attributes was as they were from the field. Stabilization of the chemical constituents of Pelon blanco could be necessary, according to the expected features of new products, or lead to a new line of by-products. Findings/conclusions: mechanical handling of raw cladodes around the premises is facilitated, and its uses and maintenance are fewer management costs. Flour from each variety was kept at around 10 % water content to safeguarding storage. Regard the protein and carbohydrates content, flour of the three varieties ensure integration with other compounds and guarantees new products with high protein content.

Objective. To test and verify the main physical attributes of fresh cladodes of the prickly-pear cactus (nopal) Cristalina and Pelon Blanco varieties; and the flours obtained after they are dried and ground. Design/ Methodology/ Approach. Physical characteristics were determined using proven and reliable tests. Data shall serve to explore the potential of this material to be used in basic and complex processes; considering the varieties requierements for growth space and quality parameters for storage. Along with the interaction with processing devices and equipment for proper handling while manufacturing new products. Results. Physical characteristics of the two nopal varieties showed slight differences in the measured parameters, except length, width and electrical conductivity. Limitations/ Implications of the study. Researchers did not participate in the production of the evaluated Opuntia spp. varieties. Physical characteristics of the varieties were recorded at the time when the cladodes were separated from the plants. Findings/ Conclusions. With the procedure proposed, the mechanical transport of the cladodes into the facilities is improved. In addition, it generates less wear of the equipment, and reduces the costs of maintenance and handling. The quality of the flour from each variety was adequate to allow a safe storage

México es el mayor productor y consumidor de tunas en el mundo, donde alrededor 20,000 pequeños productores cultivan nopal tunero en una extensión de aproximadamente 74,500 ha.

Castilla squash (Cucurbita moschata), pea pods (Pisum sativum) and pinto Saltillo green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seed shells are considered organic wastes due to the lack of knowledge about their physical, nutritional and medicinal characteristics and their relevance in agroindustrial production. The consumption of functional, synthetic and semi-synthetic products increases worldwide, as does the need for research on non-traditional species with agroindustrial potential. The objective of this research was to analyse the physical characteristics of Castilla squash seeds with shells, whole pods of Saltillo pinto green bean, and pea pods, and to transform them into flours to identify their potential use in Agroindustry 4.0. Pea pods showed the greatest width (11.17 mm) and thickness (9.19 mm), the greatest length was found in green bean pods (125.18 mm), while squash seeds showed the lowest values in these three variables. The squash seed flour presented higher internal friction (0.98) and higher external friction on wood (1.32) as did the pea pod flour (1.33) also on wood. In contrast, the mean values of strain percentage by hardness, recovery after work and specimen length showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05) between the masses. These flours meet the specifications of the Mexican standard for wheat flour; therefore, they can be used in blends to fortify products or in the manufacture of industrial machines for processing the raw material.