Abiotic factors can alter the chemical profile of crops and the number of compounds they contain. In this study, the anthocyanin and anthocyanidin contents, determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-MS/MS), and the colour attributes of the calyces of three cultivars of Hibiscus sabdariffa subjected to three water stress regimes during the stage of physiological maturity were investigated. The total anthocyanin content in calyx increased relative to the control content under a 65% moisture irrigation regime. Among the cultivars, UAN16-2 showed the greatest increases in the contents of cyanidin, delphinidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, and cyanidin 3-O-sambubioside. The content of cyanidin 3-O-sambubioside showed the greatest increase, increasing by 55% relative to the control level. The contents of these compounds are correlated with colour attributes such as luminosity. Water stress under the 33% moisture condition during plant development led to decreased anthocyanin contents in all of the roselle cultivars.

Cyclic lipopeptides (LPs) are potentially promising in the agricultural, industrial and pharmaceutical sectors. LPs have a variable hydrophilic cyclic peptide part attached to a variable fatty acid chain. One limitation of these compounds is their low availability due to their limited production by bacteria. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify homologues of LPs biosynthesized by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC–MS/MS) after inducing the synthesis of these secondary metabolites using different inducers, including chemical compounds and inactive cells of Colletotrichum sp. Four homologues were identified in the iturin family (bacillomycin D), and the iturin homologue with the highest synthesis was the molecular ion m/z 1031.54, with 173.1 µg mg⁻¹ crude extract. In addition, seven homologues were detected in the fengycin family (four of fengycin A and three of fengycin B), and the homologue with the highest content was the molecular ion m/z 1463.69 (fengycin A), with 3288 ± 528.5 ng mg⁻¹ crude extract. Finally, five homologues were identified in the surfactin family, where the highest concentration was observed for the molecular ion m/z 1036.68, with 61.5 ± 3.01 µg mg⁻¹ crude extract. The highest concentration of LP homologues (iturin, fengycin and surfactin) synthesized by B. amyloliquefaciens was detected in the presence of inactive cells of Coletotrichum sp., suggesting that the inducing substance is associated with the inducer’s cell envelope and could be a single protein or a structure that includes protein components.

In Mexico, the mango crop is affected by anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species. In the search for environmentally friendly fungicides, chitosan has shown antifungal activity. Therefore, fungal isolates were obtained from plant tissue with anthracnose symptoms from the state of Guerrero in Mexico and identified with the ITS and β-Tub₂ genetic markers. Isolates of the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides complex were again identified with the markers ITS, Act, β-Tub₂, GADPH, CHS-1, CaM, and ApMat. Commercial chitosan (Aldrich, lot # STBF3282V) was characterized, and its antifungal activity was evaluated on the radial growth of the fungal isolates. The isolated anthracnose-causing species were C. chrysophilum, C. fructicola, C. siamense, and C. musae. Other fungi found were Alternaria sp., Alternaria tenuissima, Fusarium sp., Pestalotiopsis sp., Curvularia lunata, Diaporthe pseudomangiferae, and Epicoccum nigrum. Chitosan showed 78% deacetylation degree and a molecular weight of 32 kDa. Most of the Colletotrichum species and the other identified fungi were susceptible to 1 g L⁻¹ chitosan. However, two C. fructicola isolates were less susceptible to chitosan. Although chitosan has antifungal activity, the interactions between species of the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides complex and their effect on chitosan susceptibility should be studied based on genomic changes with molecular evidence.

Zinc (Zn) deficiency in crops is a global issue, particularly in plants grown in calcareous soils, where Zn is often adsorbed or precipitated by calcium carbonates. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify, through bibliometric analysis, the scientific production related to Zn deficiency in calcareous soils over the last 36 years (1989–2024). A total of 374 documents were retrieved through a search on the Web of Science (WOS) platform, specifically in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) and Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) databases. Of these, only 198 articles were directly relevant to the topic and were used for the analysis. Unidimensional and multidimensional bibliometric indicators were evaluated using Excel and VOSviewer software. The results confirm that the number of articles has increased in recent years. The most influential authors, journals, articles, institutions, and countries in this research area were identified. In addition, collaboration networks between authors and countries, as well as the predominant research topics, were determined. This study provides a comprehensive overview of this field on a global scale and serves as a useful reference for scientists interested in conducting future research on related topics.

The main mango cultivars produced in the southern Pacific region of Mexico are Ataulfo, Manila, Haden, and Criollo. However, mineral, nutritional, and nutraceutical composition studies are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cultivars on the nutritional, mineral, and nutraceutical qualities of mango produced in Mexico. The cultivar significantly affected (p ≤ 0.05) the fruit composition across these indices. Criollo had the highest potassium, magnesium, sodium, and zinc concentrations, while Haden showed the highest calcium content. Manila had the highest iron content, contributing 0.76% of the recommended daily intake. Ataulfo and Haden were statistically similar in manganese content, both higher than Criollo, with Ataulfo reaching the maximum copper concentration. Ataulfo also had the highest sugar content, while Criollo had the most dietary fiber (3.1%), double that of Ataulfo and Haden. Haden had the lowest dry matter (14.8%) and lowest protein content (0.46%), with Manila showing the lowest ash content. The cultivars also differed in nutraceutical composition: Ataulfo was highest in total phenols, DPPH, and vitamin A; Haden in carotenoids and flavonoids; and Criollo in vitamin C. Cultivar selection induces changes in mango nutritional composition.