• An efficient regeneration protocol was established for P. peruviana. • The combination of ZT, mT, and IBA allowed maximum regeneration (62.50%). • In vitro recalcitrance was overcome by the combination of cytokines and auxins.

Vaccinium meridionale is an Andean species of high nutraceutical value whose conventional propagation is limited by its low multiplication rate. In this study, an integrated micropropagation protocol was developed, encompassing in vitro establishment through ex vitro rooting. During the establishment phase, fungal contaminants were identified, detecting genera such as Diaporthe, Fusarium, Colletotrichum and Phoma. In the multiplication phase, the basal media Driver and Kuniyuki (DKW), Woody Plant Medium (WPM) and Murashige and Skoog (MS) were evaluated, supplemented with zeatin (Zea), 2-isopentenyladenine (2iP), meta-topolin (mT) and thidiazuron (TDZ), all applied at equimolar concentrations of 2.5 μM. Morphogenic parameters, photosynthetic pigment content, SPAD index and elemental composition of regenerated tissues were quantified. DKW medium supplemented with Zea or 2iP promoted the formation of 9-10 shoots, with lengths of 2.5-2.9 cm, SPAD values of 35-36, and chlorophyll content >31 μg/mL. The accumulation of P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in the tissues varied widely among treatments. During rooting, the application of 500 ppm naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) induced the formation of longer roots, as well as vigorous and elongated shoots with a high number of leaves. This optimized protocol provides a valuable tool for the propagation of V. meridionale, with potential applications in conservation, genetic improvement and commercial plant production.

Physalis peruviana L. (known as aguaymanto or goldenberry) is a high-value Andean fruit crop with growing international demand due to its nutritional and nutraceutical properties. However, the development of advanced biotechnological tools for this species has been limited by the lack of efficient and reproducible in vitro regeneration protocols. Existing systems rely primarily on the use of zeatin, a highly effective but expensive cytokinin, which restricts their applicability in resource-limited laboratories. In this study, the synergistic effect of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and meta-topolin (mT) on adventitious shoot regeneration from cotyledonary explants of P. peruviana was evaluated. An initial cytokinin screening identified BAP + mT as the most promising combination, and subsequent optimization revealed that the combination of 9.12 µM BAP with 2.28 µM mT promoted the highest shoot regeneration rate (62.96 %), outperforming previously reported zeatin-based protocols. This treatment also significantly enhanced shoot elongation and rhizogenesis without inducing morphological abnormalities. These results position the BAP + mT combination as an economically viable alternative to replace the use of zeatin in regeneration protocols, with potential applications in genetic transformation programs, in vitro propagation, and the improvement of species in the genus Physalis.

P. peruviana is a species of agronomic and biotechnological interest; however, the relationship between in vitro regeneration and phenolic compound production remains poorly explored. This study evaluated the combined effects of thidiazuron (TDZ), explant type (cotyledon and hypocotyl), auxin type (naphthaleneacetic acid, NAA, or indole-3-butyric acid, IBA), and auxin concentration on shoot organogenesis, photosynthetic pigment content, and phenolic accumulation. An initial screening identified 4.54 µM TDZ as the optimal concentration for shoot induction. Subsequent experiments showed that morphogenic and physiological responses were strongly dependent on the interaction among explant type, auxin type, and auxin dose. Cotyledon explants consistently exhibited higher shoot regeneration, vigor, biomass accumulation, and photosynthetic pigment content than hypocotyl explants, which showed reduced physiological performance and a higher tendency for callus formation. NAA-based treatments primarily enhanced morphogenic traits, whereas IBA-based treatments were associated with increased photosynthetic pigment content and phenolic accumulation. Multivariate analysis integrating morphogenic, physiological, and biochemical variables identified cotyledon explants cultured with 0.5 µM IBA in the presence of 4.54 µM TDZ as the treatment achieving the most favorable balance between shoot regeneration, physiological stability, and controlled phenolic accumulation. These findings provide a robust basis for optimizing in vitro culture systems of P. peruviana that balance growth, physiological integrity, and secondary metabolism.

Coffee pulp, a by-product of coffee processing and a rich source of bioactive compounds, is a promising raw material for functional beverages. However, the influence of genetic variability among coffee varieties on the functional and sensory properties of pulp infusions remains poorly understood. This study evaluated physicochemical, antioxidant, and sensory properties of infusions from nine Coffea arabica L. varieties. Significant differences among varieties were observed (p < 0.05). The pH ranged from 5.36 to 6.42, and titratable acidity from 0.06 to 0.08 g/100 mL, indicating a mild acidic profile. Antioxidant activity (DPPH) ranged from 460.52 to 1006.03 µmol TE/L, and total phenolic content from 29.47 to 59.27 mg GAE/L. Geisha showed the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic content, while Casiopea exhibited the highest reducing capacity. In contrast, Oro Azteca, Excelencia, and H1 achieved the highest sensory acceptance. Multivariate analysis confirmed clear differentiation among varieties and a separation between bioactive and sensory-related attributes. These findings highlight the role of varietal selection in balancing functional potential and consumer acceptance, supporting the development of functional beverages within a circular economy framework.