This study evaluated the growth, yield, and postharvest quality of eggplant grown under different foliar fertilizer treatments with Spirufert® (Spirulina platensis). The treatments consisted of four fertilizer concentrations applied at four phenological stages: M1 (10, 15, 25, and 35 g L-1), M2 (15, 20, 30, and 40 g L-1), M3 (20, 25, 35, and 45 g L-1), and M4 (control plants, water spraying only). For Postharvest experiments were conducted in a 4 x 5 factorial design corresponding to the four treatments in the field experiment and five storage times. Spirufert® applied at lower concentrations (M1) resulted in greater fruit yield without affecting the foliar concentrations of N, P, K, and Na. Higher fertilizer concentrations (M3) increased vegetative growth but reduced eggplant yield. Fruit color parameters and soluble solids contents were not affected by fertilizer application, but pulp firmness was more stable in M1 fruits stored for up to six days.

Aims: This study evaluates the influence of Spirulina platensis concentrations on the growth and quality of papaya (Formosa Group) ‘Tainung-1’. Study Design: The experimental design was completely randomised, with plots subdivided over time. Place and Duration of Study: From April to June 2017, two greenhouse experiments were carried out at the Agro-Food Science and Technology Center of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Pombal-PB, Brazil. Methodology: We carried out two greenhouse experiments in completely randomised designs, one with the application of S. platensis on the leaf and other with an application on the root. In both experiments, the treatments consisted of six biomass concentrations of S. platensis (0.0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0%). Results: At 52 days after sowing, we measured the following variables: growth, production of dry and fresh mass of roots and shoot, and the seedlings quality index. The modelling functions predict that the suspensions with 1.08% of S. platensis applied on root may provide the best growth and biomass production of the seedlings. However, suspensions of S. platensis applied on leaf were inefficient in the improvement of seedling quality. Conclusion: When applied to the roots, a suspension of 1.08% S. platensis increases the growth and biomass production of the seedlings; and when used in the concentration of 0.88% improves the quality of the 'Formosa' papaya seedlings. Suspensions of S. platensis applied on leaves do not affect the growth and quality of seedlings of papaya.

Bioactive microalgae compounds have been shown to be excellent stimulants for seed germination. This study aimed at the production of biomass of Chlorella sp. through the modulation of the culture medium and its further use as bioestimulant in melon seed germination (Cucumis melo L.). Chlorella sp. cells were grown in medium containing distinctive levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and carbon (C), and analyzes of yield, hygroscopic behavior and the amino acid profile of the biomass were carried out for all treatments. In addition, mechanical hydrolysis of the biomass through high-energy wet grinding was performed, obtaining suitable particle size. After biomass characterization, an aqueous solution of the hydrolyzate was used for biostimulation of melon seeds. The different growth medium composition affected biomass yield and amino acid profile. The most significant effects for seed biostimulation were obtained during growth in medium containing intermediary or low levels of NPK and C, with germination index (GI) of 92 and 95%, and germination speed index (GSI) of 8.00000 and 8,26087 seedlings.day-1, respectively. It is concluded that the modulation of the cultivation of Chlorella sp. is a viable strategy for the production of active compounds. The hydrolysates of Chlorella sp. demonstrated a biostimulant potential and can be a source of molecules for many applications in agriculture.

The use of edible coatings has been extensively explored for coating fruits and vegetables to minimize moisture loss and reduce respiration rates, and giving bright and attractive appearance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mango postharvest quality of 'Tommy Atkins' organic, coated with cassava starch and corn starch enriched with Spirulina platensis. The experiment was conducted in a completely random­ized design in split plot in time, having in the plots biofilms (B), and the subplots, the sampling throughout the storage time. Biofilms (B) were: B1 (without coating); B2 (3% of cassava starch); B3 (3% corn starch); B4 (3% Spirulina powder); B5 (3% starch plus 3% Spirulina powder cassava) and B6 (3% cornstarch plus 3% Spirulina powder). The fruits were stored at 10 °C and 63% RH, where they remained for 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days, each range, plus a day to 21.2 °C and 51% RH. The B5 coating showed an increase in soluble solids (SS) until the eighth day and subsequent reduction with storage breakthrough. The fresh weight loss varia­bles (PMF) and flesh firmness decreased their values with storage advancement in all treatments. However, it was concluded through research that the treatment was more efficient was the B6, which provided an increase in soluble solids at around 30%, 15 N flesh firmness and loss of weight less than 4% at the end storage and a higher content of vitamin C (25 mg 100 g-1) to 11 days of storage.

The use of edible coating has been an alternative to maintain the quality of vegetables and prolong their post-harvest life. This study aims to evaluate bioactive compounds in Spondias tuberosa submitted to different coating formulations based on Chlorella sp. associated with the pomegranate seed oil, to establish the one that best maintains post-harvest quality. The experiment was set in a completely randomized design, in a 5 × 6 factorial scheme, represented by five coating techniques (T1 = control; T2 = 0.5% Chlorella sp.; T3 = 1% Chlorella sp.; T4 = 1.5% Chlorella sp.; T5 = 2% Chlorella sp.), using 0.3% of pomegranate seed oil in coatings, during five evaluation periods (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days), stored in BOD incubator at 24 ± 2 °C and 85 ± 5% RH, with three replicates of ten fruits per plot. Chlorella sp. associated with pomegranate seed oil produced a modified atmosphere around the fruit, retarding the ripening process. Coatings preserved the content of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds. The treatment containing 2.0% of Chlorella sp. associated with pomegranate seed oil provided the best maintenance for fruit quality.