No abstract

Squash pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds are currently underused food ingredient, despite being a high tryptophan‐rich protein source. In this study, we obtained and characterized a protein hydrolysate from defatted C. maxima seed meal, focusing on the effect of the used protease on tryptophan release. Protein hydrolysates were prepared using five different proteases and compared regarding the degree of hydrolysis (DH), free tryptophan content, hydrolysis kinetics, and potential antioxidant activity over reaction time. Protein hydrolysis using Flavourzyme resulted in the highest DH (35.6%), and free tryptophan concentration (337.9 mg/100 g), whereas hydrolysates obtained using Chymotrypsin showed the highest in vitro antioxidant activity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity [ORAC]) (371.1 mmol TE/100 g DM of protein extract). Our results show that protein hydrolysates from C. maxima seeds are a promising source of free tryptophan, with high antioxidant activity, supporting its potential as a food ingredient or for nutraceutical applications. Practical application C. maxima seeds are a promising source of free tryptophan, and its functionalization through hydrolysis showed a significant effect increasing tryptophan release and antioxidant activity, increasing its potential for ingredient or nutraceutical applications.

Background: "Garra de Leon" (Leontochir ovallei) is an ephemeral endangered Alstroemeriaceae species endemic to Chile. Despite many efforts to improve the conservation of this species, the stimulation of dormant seeds and the production of rhizomes under controlled conditions remain unexplored. The aims of this study were to examine the germination responses of L. ovallei seeds under different in vitro conditions and to evaluate the formation of viable rhizomes after transplantation from in vitro to ex vitro conditions. Methods: We evaluated five in vitro seed germination treatments: (1) acid scarification, (2) acid scarification followed by imbibition of seeds in aerated water, (3) imbibition of seeds in gibberellic acid, (4) clipping of seeds with a scalpel, and (5) seeds without any treatment (control). Seedlings obtained under in vitro conditions were transplanted to ex vitro conditions following a gradual acclimation process. After eight months, the number of rhizomes per plant was counted. To test asexual multiplication, each rhizome with its respective storage organ was divided using a scalpel and then left to rest for two years before subsequent evaluation of viability. After that period, the rhizomes were re-hydrated, and the emergence of plants after three months was evaluated.

Efecto de dos tasas de riego y apoyo de sombra sobre la tasa de supervivencia y crecimiento de un arbusto nativo En Peligro de la Región de Coquimbo Effects of two irrigation rates and shade on survival and plant growth in an endangered native shrub of Coquimbo Region