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In the current research, our work measured the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) synthesized from Larrea tridentata (Sessé and Moc. ex DC.) on the mycelial growth and morphological changes in mycelia from different phytopathogenic and beneficial fungi. The assessment was conducted in Petri dishes, with Potato-Dextrose-Agar (PDA) as the culture medium; the AgNP concentrations used were 0, 60, 90, and 120 ppm. Alternaria solani and Botrytis cinerea showed the maximum growth inhibition at 60 ppm (70.76% and 51.75%). Likewise, Macrophomina spp. required 120 ppm of AgNP to achieve 65.43%, while Fusarium oxisporum was less susceptible, reaching an inhibition of 39.04% at the same concentration. The effect of silver nanoparticles was inconspicuous in Pestalotia spp., Colletotrichum gloesporoides, Phytophthora cinnamomi, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Trichoderma viridae fungi. The changes observed in the morphology of the fungi treated with nanoparticles were loss of definition, turgidity, and constriction sites that cause aggregations of mycelium, dispersion of spores, and reduced mycelium growth. AgNP could be a sustainable alternative to managing diseases caused by Alternaria solani and Macrophomina spp.

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.

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

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