Plant pathogenic fungi pose a persistent global threat to food security, causing severe yield losses in staple crops and increasing dependence on chemical fungicides. However, the ecological and toxicological drawbacks of synthetic fungicides have intensified the search for safer, plant-derived alternatives. This review synthesizes current advances on the antifungal mechanisms of plant essential oils (EOs) and their prospects for biofungicide development. The literature reveals that the antifungal activity of EOs arises from their diverse phytochemical composition, principally terpenes, phenolics, and aldehydes that target multiple fungal cellular sites. These compounds disrupt membrane integrity through ergosterol depletion, inhibit chitin and β-glucan synthesis, interfere with mitochondrial energy metabolism, and induce oxidative stress, leading to lipid peroxidation and cell death. Morphological and transcriptomic evidence confirms that EOs alter hyphal growth, spore germination, and key gene expression pathways associated with fungal virulence. Furthermore, emerging nanotechnological and encapsulation strategies enhance EO stability, bioavailability, and field persistence, addressing major barriers to their large-scale agricultural application. The integration of EO-based biofungicides within sustainable and precision agriculture frameworks offers a promising route to reduce chemical inputs, mitigate resistance development, and promote ecological balance. This review underscores the need for interdisciplinary research linking phytochemistry, nanotechnology, and agronomy to translate EO-based antifungal mechanisms into next-generation, environmentally compatible crop protection systems.

The objective of this revision is to collect information about the chemical and nutritional composition and the bioactive components of mashua; an economically important tuber in the Andean region. This tuber has a high content of bioactive compounds (total phenols, Flavin 3-ols, anthocyanins, proanthocyanins, carotenoids, triterpenes, steroids, flavones and leucoanthocyanidins) which confers it with therapeutic and medicinal properties that have allowed it to be used since pre-Hispanic times, which has elicited a peak in scientific interest in recent years. Recent studies have reported the efficient use of mashua in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, cancer, as well as chelating properties in metallic ions to remove peroxyl radicals. However, other studies find evidence of negative effects caused by the tuber due to the presence of thiocyanates that when releasing hydrocyanic block oxygen transportation in red blood cells, whilst tannins diminish voluntary feeding of poly-gastric animals, reducing digestibility and productivity. On the other hand, the bioactive components and nutritional composition of the tuber are high in relation to various Andean tubers and certain fruit that have demonstrated an important scientific contribution in medicine and industry

The compositional, physicochemical and hygienic quality of the raw milk collected in two dairy plants in Cotopaxi, Ecuador was analyzed and compared with the Ecuadorian regulations. Ten suppliers were selected per company for a total of 210 samples per dairy plant in 21 consecutive days. The compositional quality (fat) was measured with the INEN 0012 standard, for the physicochemical quality the analysis methods of the standards INEN 0009, INEN 0011, INEN 0013, CONVENIN 1315-79 were used. For hygienic quality was used the AOAC 990.12 standard and to determine antibiotic residues the AuroFlow BTS Combo Strip Test kit was used. The variables of acidity, fat, relative density, color, odor, aspect, pH and antibiotic residues showed compliance with the Ecuadorian regulations and did not show significant differences between the dairy plants. Conversely, the fat and pH content were different between the dairy plants (p<0.05). The hygienic quality of the milk reported a high count of mesophilic aerobic microorganisms (7.58E + 07 CFU/ml and 8.02E + 07 CFU/ml) without differences between dairy plants. In conclusion, most of the parameters of physicochemical and compositional quality of milk from smallholder producers are adjusted to national regulations, except for temperature and microbiological quality, results attributed to the inadequate milking and milk storage procedures. Se analizó la calidad composicional, fisicoquímica e higiénica de la leche cruda acopiada en dos empresas procesadoras de lácteos en Cotopaxi, Ecuador, y se comparó con las normativas ecuatorianas. Se seleccionaron 10 proveedores por empresa para un total de 210 muestras por empresa colectadas en 21 días consecutivos. La calidad composicional (grasa) se midió con base a la norma INEN 0012, para la calidad fisicoquímico se utilizaron los métodos de análisis de las normas INEN 0009, INEN 0011, INEN 0013, CONVENIN 1315-79. Para la calidad higiénica se utilizó la norma AOAC 990.12 y para determinar residuos de antibiótico se usó el kit AuroFlow BTS Combo Strip Test. Las variables de acidez, materia grasa, densidad relativa, color, olor, aspecto, pH y antibiótico mostraron cumplimiento de la normativa ecuatoriana y no presentaron diferencias significativas entre las empresas receptoras. Contrariamente, el contenido de grasa y pH fueron diferentes entre las empresas (p<0.05). La calidad higiénica de la leche reportó un alto recuento de microorganismos aerobios mesófilos (7.58E+07 UFC/ml y 8.02E+07 UFC/ml) sin diferencias entre empresas. En conclusión, la mayoría de los parámetros de calidad fisicoquímica y composicional de la leche proveniente de unidades de producción familiar se ajustan a la normativa nacional, a excepción de la temperatura y la calidad microbiológica, resultados que se le atribuye a la inadecuada práctica de ordeño y almacenamiento de la leche.

Land use change has played a crucial role in altering the hydrological behavior, making detailed assessments essential to ensure sustainable water resource management and the conservation of natural ecosystems. This study focuses on simulating the impact of different Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) scenarios for the years 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015 on the water balance in the Puyango-Tumbes River basin, which spans across Ecuador and Peru, during the period 1981-2015. The results indicated an 18.3% increase in the grassland areas and a significant 38.2% reduction in the savanna zones, contributing to an annual 2.1% increase in the Evapotranspiration (PET) rates. These land use changes led to a 29.2% decrease in the Percolation (PERC), a 20.7% decrease in the Surface Runoff (SURQ), a 33% reduction in the Groundwater Flow (GW_Q), and a 26.6% decrease in the Annual Water Yield (WYLD), as well as a slight reduction of 0.9% in the Lateral flow (LAT_Q). These findings highlight the importance of considering land use changes to ascertain the sustainable management of natural resources, particularly in a transboundary basin.

The study addressed the potential of Andean foods in the dietary management of celiac disease (CD), considering their nutritional benefits and practical applications. A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA method, selecting relevant studies published between 2019 and 2024. The research included foods such as quinoa, amaranth, kiwicha, tarwi, purple corn, native potato, sweet potato, and oca, which were analyzed regarding their nutritional composition and viability for a gluten-free diet. The results showed that these foods exhibited high levels of proteins, fiber, essential minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Quinoa and amaranth were highlighted for offering a superior protein profile compared to conventional cereals. At the same time, purple corn and tarwi provided additional benefits due to their anthocyanin and essential fatty acid content. The study concluded that Andean foods represented a viable and nutritious alternative for individuals with CD, promoting a more balanced and healthier diet. Furthermore, their incorporation into the food industry was recommended through the development of innovative gluten-free products. It was also suggested to continue studies evaluating the bioavailability of these foods and their long-term impact on the intestinal health of celiac patients.singular.

Celiac disease is characterized by nutritional imbalances due to intestinal inflammation caused by gluten, which hinders the absorption of essential nutrients. Iron deficiency anemia is common, as well as the lack of vitamins and minerals, some of which are reversed with a gluten-free diet. Andean foods constitute an option in the diet of celiac patients due to their high nutritional quality in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are generally deficient nutrients. Studies suggest that products such as quinoa, corn, and rice can be viable substitutes in baking, extruded products, and beverages, offering nutritious and acceptable options. However, despite the positive trend towards including these foods in the diet of people with CD, challenges are identified, such as nutritional education to promote their consumption. In conclusion, it is suggested that Andean nutrition and food offer valuable options for people with CD, but effective strategies are needed to integrate them into patients' diets