Maria Dolores López Belchí

Verified

Maria verified their affiliation via an institutional email.

Learn more

Verified

Maria verified their affiliation via an institutional email.

Learn more

• PhD in Chemistry
• Professor (Full) at University of Concepción

The profitable insecticidal action of monoterpenoids prompted us to test their efficiency against stored-grain beetle species, via inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). For this, we first studied the ability of the monoterpenoids geraniol, linalool, camphor, fenchone, carvone and γ-terpinene, besides the phenylpropanoids trans-anethole and est...

In previous papers the toxicity of the monoterpenoids linalool and carvone and the phenylpropanoids trans-anethole and estragole, as well as the capacity to induce resistance to Sitophilus oryzae and Cryptolestes pusillus trough acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition from either susceptible or tolerant (up to the tenth generation) insect population...

Plant fertilization is a major issue in the context of increasing population and food risk, higher cost of fertilizers, and low target efficiency of traditional mineral fertilization practices. Alternatively, application of microbial inoculants to the soil can enhance the uptake of nutrients by plants and increase the efficiency of mineral fertiliz...

In recent studies, insecticide activity of a monoterpene, linalool, has been demonstrated, finding, however, limitations in application because of its rapid volatilization. Potential effectiveness of microcapsules and effects of various types of matrices on its stability as controlled-release systems for the slow volatilization of linalool to be ap...

The immobilization of beneficial bacteria using innovative techniques such as JetCutter has garnered attention in agriculture due to its high efficiency and production rate. This study focused on immobilizing Bacillus pumilus using alginate hydrogels with JetCutter to enhance water retention in soil and plant biostimulant properties. Key operationa...

The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils raises concerns regarding their impact on crop health and productivity, particularly in legumes, which are known to have soil-enhancing properties. This study investigated the effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyamide (PA) MPs on white lupine (L...

Plantago lanceolata L. (plantain) increases herbage dry matter (DM) production and quality during warm and dry conditions due to its deep roots and drought tolerance and reduces nitrogen losses in grazing systems compared to traditional pastures. However, plantain density usually declines after the third growing season, mainly due to defoliation ma...

Traditional pastures in temperate regions face limitations such as reduced growth and nutritional quality during the summer season. Plantain (P. lanceolata L.) offers advantages like increased yield and decreased nitrogen losses from grazing ruminants. Effective grazing management is essential for pasture health, and defoliation frequency and inten...

Limited information exists regarding the impact of planting density on soil fertility, plant productivity, and the phenolic content of calafate (Berberis microphylla G. Forst.) fruits. This study aimed to assess the effects of planting density on the soil, plants, and fruits in a calafate orchard. Four treatments were employed: High-density (HD; 66...

Background Brassicas (Brassicaceae) are recognized as excellent sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Among these, wild turnip (Brassica rapa L.), holds significant promising nutritional properties owed to its abundant glucosinolates and phenolic compounds. To enhance its potential values, the application of elicitors is crucial and good st...

Lagenaria siceraria, commonly known as bottle gourd, stands as a versatile member within the Cucurbitaceae family, offering global economic significance and rich cultural history. This comprehensive review explores diverse dimensions of L. siceraria, spanning its botanical characteristics, historical cultivation, and manifold uses across ornamental...

Crop production is being impacted by higher temperatures, which can decrease food yield and pose a threat to human nutrition. In the current study, edible and wild radish sprouts were exposed to elevated growth temperatures along with the exogenous application of various elicitors to activate defense mechanisms. Developmental traits, oxidative dama...

In this work, chitosan films loaded with gallic acid and different content of chitin nanofibers were prepared and subjected to different characterization techniques. The results showed that the inclusion of gallic acid to chitosan films caused moderate decrease in water vapor permeability (by 29 %) and increased tensile strength of films (by 169...

Calafate (Berberis microphylla G. Forst.) produces fruits with a high antioxidant activity. There is limited information on the effect of compost application on the soil properties and physicochemical parameters of fruits. A 2-year compost fertilization experiment was conducted in a calafate orchard established in 2017. The effects of compost ferti...

Postharvest chilling injury is a physiological disorder detrimental to produce quality and shelf-life. Basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.) is susceptible to postharvest chilling injury at temperatures below 12 °C, manifesting as leaf lesions and discoloration. Melatonin, a growth regulator, has reduced postharvest chilling injury severity in produce, but...

Rice is an essential diet component for a significant portion of the population worldwide. Due to the high water demand associated with rice production, improving water use efficiency and grain quality is critical to increasing the sustainability of the crop. This species includes rice varieties with diverse pigmentation patterns. Grain quality, in...

The increasing interest in tropical fruits has been observed worldwide, driven by their desirable sensory and nutritional characteristics. Lulo (Solanum quitoense L.), an exotic and native South American fruit, is predominantly used in beverage production and commercially marketed in Colombia and Ecuador. However, the perishable nature presents cha...

Mulching suppresses weeds, improves soil biology, and increases physical or bioactive fruit yield in fruit orchards. However, there is no information on its impact on calafate (Berberis microphylla G. Forst.) orchards, which produce berries with high antioxidant content. To address this gap, in 2021, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effe...

Despite advances in winter wheat breeding, root traits and root biological activity remain poorly understood and scarcely considered in breeding programs because the extraction of root systems is often considered complex, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Knowing and improving root traits and soil chemical conditions could increase the efficienc...

Blueberry exports that imply transport times of more than 25 d deteriorate their quality. The use of elicitors in preharvest has shown positive effects on the quality of berries such as grapes. The objective of this study was to evaluate preharvest applications (21, 14, and 7 d before harvest) of oxalic acid (OA) and salicylic acid (SA) on fruit fi...

Background and Aims. The study aims to explore the impact of advancements in wheat genetics on root structure and rhizosphere biology, which are still not fully understood. Specifically, we investigated various factors including the exudation of carboxylates, colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, microbial activity, and root architecture in...

Ingredients rich in phenolic compounds and antioxidants of winemaking wastes, which play an important role in the prevention of various diseases and the control of viruses, are being explored. Currently, there is a concern about honeybee population loss, with deformed wing virus (DWV) being the most common virus infecting apiaries and one of the ma...

The authors would like to make a correction to the article [1]. The authors clarify that the reference [2] in the Fig. 5 caption is not cited in this review article in error. We apologise to readers for any inconvenience caused and state that the scientific conclusions are unaffected. This correction was approved by the Academic Editor. The referen...

Calafate fruits have a high content of phenolic compounds and an antioxidant activity up to four times higher than that of blueberries. The establishment of a calafate orchard and irrigation responses on fruit and soil characteristics have been scarcely studied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of water replenishmen...

Tuta absoluta is one of the most serious pests of tomatoes worldwide. The current strategies of pest control for T. absoluta include essential oils (EOs) and its formulations. Biological activity of Laureliopsis philippiana essential oil, a tree species native from Chile, has been demonstrated against pests. Hence, the aims of this study were to de...

Calafate (Berberis microphylla G. Forst) is an evergreen shrub with blue berries that grows naturally in Patagonia, in South America. It has beneficial nutraceutical characteristics for human health. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of different harvest dates of calafate clones in the south-central zone of Chile on the polyp...

There is a growing interest in food and bioactive compounds with health benefits. Several studies on wild fruits have reported high anthocyanin contents and antioxidant potential mainly influenced by abiotic stress, particularly in native berries. Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz), a Chilean native berry, has been referred as a “superfrui...

Mulch is widely used in blueberry cultivation for weed control; however, there is still uncertainty as to how the use of different types of mulch alters leaf photosynthetic behavior and the quality and productivity of blueberry fruit. The objective of our research was to evaluate the effect of different types of mulch on the physiological, quality...

Bull’s-eye rot, produced by Phlyctema vagabunda, is an important postharvest disease in apples. Current measures to control infection include synthetic fungicides, in addition to the application of copper hydroxide and potassium phosphite. However, growing public concern regarding fungicide residues in food has generated interest in developing non-...

Melissa officinalis L. is a plant of the Lamiaceae family known in numerous countries for its medicinal activities. This plant has been used since ancient times to treat different disorders, including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, psychological conditions. M. officinalis contains several phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, flav...

Management of waste and use of winemaking by-products plays an important role in the development of new ingredients, especially with antiviral properties. Although the richness of bioactive compounds from wine waste is known, less is known about potential antiviral action. Bioactive compounds and health-enhancing effects of winery by-products make...

The synergistic effect between heavy metals and microplastics can affect soil properties as well as plant performance and yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of microplastics and cadmium on a soil–plant system. Specifically, we proposed to explore changes in soil microbiological activity, the growth and yield para...

Microplastics (MPs) can affect plant biomass, tissue composition, and root traits. However, the effects of MPs on the synthesis of secondary metabolites and on the accumulation of bioactive compounds remain poorly studied. The objective of this work was to analyze accumulation of bioactive compounds in broccoli and radish sprouts grown hydroponical...

Different concentrations of compost applied as organic fertilizer can modify productive, quality, and chemical parameters in several fruit tree species. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing applications of compost on physiological, productive, and quality parameters in calafate fruit during the seasons of 2018–2019...

Vegetable sprouts are a food source that presents high content of bioactive compounds which can also be enhanced through elicitation mechanisms. To better understand the scientific production and research trends on this topic, a bibliometric analysis by means of the Web of Science database was carried out. The results showed significant growth in r...

Essential oils and derivatives have shown effective insecticidal activity against different agricultural pests. However, the use of these bioactive compounds can result in negative effects due to their high volatility and difficult handling. Both solid and liquid formulations of essential oils have been developed in recent years. Currently, there a...

Calafate is a berry rich in anthocyanins that presents higher content of polyphenols than other fruits. Its compounds have been described previously, however, the potential thereof in preventing and treating degenerative disorders has not yet been studied. Due to its astringency, the consumption of this berry in its natural state is limited. To pro...

Pyrethroids are the insecticides most commonly used inside traps, and the lack of alternatives poses the risk of pests developing resistance. In this paper we present two (E)-anethole formulations (spray drying (SD) and oil emulsion entrapment (OEE) processes) that provide a controlled release of their bioactive ingredient in the vapour phase with...

The genus Peganum includes four species widely distributed in warm temperate to subtropical regions from the Mediterranean to Mongolia as well as certain regions in America. Among these species, Peganum harmala L., distributed from the Mediterranean region to Central Asia, has been studied and its phytochemical profile, traditional folk use, and ap...

Wogonin is a flavonoid found in different plants such as roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi distributed mainly in Asia and Europe. Dried root extracts of S. baicalensis with high content of wogonin, popularly known as “Huang-Qin” or Chinese or baical skullcap, have been used for long time in traditional Chinese medicine. Several health benefit...

The content of nutritional compounds, bioactive and antioxidant capacity of quitoquito (Solanum quitoense Lam) were determined in the present investigation. Highlights the fiber content (1,87 ± 0,06%) and minerals such as potassium (40,6 ± 0,21 mg / 100 g) and iron (34,6 ± 0,21 mg / kg) which are founded in greater proportion, such as macro and mic...

This research was focused on developing means of Tintorera grape (Vitis vinifera L.) waste recovery, devising new value-added uses for that material and optimizing of anthocyanin-rich formulations by spray-drying in order to obtain novel ingredients, all for food industry use. First, the identification of phenolic compounds in Tintorera grape extra...

This research was focused on developing means of Tintorera grape (Vitis vinifera L.) waste recovery, devising new value-added uses for that material and optimizing of anthocyanin-rich formulations by spray-drying in order to obtain novel ingredients, all for food industry use. First, the identification of phenolic compounds in Tintorera grape extra...

The native flora of Chile has unique characteristics due to the geographical situation of the country, with the vast desert in the North, Patagonia in the South, the Andean Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. This exclusivity is reflected in high concentrations of phytochemicals in the fruits and leaves of its native plants. So...

Calafate (Berberis microphylla G. Forst) is a wild bush plant widely distributed in the south of Argentina and Chile. Their blue colored fruits present particular flavor and health benefits attributed to high polyphenol contents biosynthesized by the plant under stress. Studies about correlation of abiotic conditions with anthocyanin profiles and p...

This chapter is focused on the role of polyphenols and other antioxidants from by-products to be used in new fortified foods or supplements adding value and potential functionality to the recovered compounds. The residues can be a potential for the food industry with new options of available products for consumers. The goal of this part of the book...

This chapter is focused on the role of polyphenols and other antioxidants from by-products to be used in new fortified foods or supplements adding value and potential functionality to the recovered compounds. The residues can be a potential for the food industry with new options of available products for consumers. The goal of this part of the book...

BACKGROUND:The native Chilean white strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis ssp. chiloensis f. chiloensis) is a semi-domesticated crop that has a characteristic aroma and flavor and a low production in southern Chile. However, edaphoclimatic conditions can influence on fruit quality attributes and its health benefits. Establishing a link between seasonal c...

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is often affected by abiotic stress such as high temperatures and water deficit. Due to this, grain yield can be reduced by a water deficit and an inadequate grain filling as well as affect synthesis of polyphenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of water deficit on yield in spring wheat...

Thyroid cancer is the most frequent endocrine malignancy, with more than 500,000 cases per year worldwide. Differentiated thyroid cancers are the most common forms with best prognosis, while poorly/undifferentiated ones are rare (2% of all thyroid cancer), aggressive, frequently metastasize and have a worse prognosis. For aggressive, metastatic and...

Netting has been widely used in recent years to protect apple fruit from solar injury. There is little information on the biochemical aspects underlying the effectiveness of netting against sunburn in apples. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of netting on polyphenols, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity in apples with diff...

The impact of herbicide application on the accumulation of secondary metabolites and photosynthesis as stress indicators in the quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) crop is unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two post-emergence herbicides on production, total polyphenol content, and chlorophyll fluorescence in qu...

(E)-anethole is a phenylpropanoid that is the main compound found in the essential oils (EOs) of anise and fennel seeds, and either fumigant or direct contact activity of this compound has been demonstrated against aphids and stored product pests. In this work, solid microspheres were prepared by three methods—oil emulsion entrapment, spray-drying,...

Current trends in agriculture involve the use of farming practices conditions aimed at improving the fruit nutritional value by directly affecting the content of antioxidants. Chile is the second-largest blueberry-producing country in the world, and the biggest exporting country in the South hemisphere. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to e...

Diferentes berries de la zona centro y sur de Chile fueron analizados con el fin de buscar fuentes promisorias de polifenoles con clara actividad sobre la salud humana. Se estudiaron cinco bayas nativas: arrayan, frutilla blanca, murtilla y calafate, y un berry tradicional (uva tintorera). Se determinó in vitro sus propiedades antioxidantes según e...

Vaccinium corymbosum L. (Ericaceae) is a highly valued fruit crop and the most common type of blueberry grown in Chile. Plant growth and yield crop production are affected by agricultural practices and different soil parameters including chemical and biological properties. We performed a field assay to assess the effect of the inoculation with a mi...

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, a plant from South America and indigenous of Paraguay, has shown several biological effects and healthy properties, although it is especially used in South America and some Asiatic regions. In addition, it is a natural sweetener, almost 300 times sweeter than sucrose, being attributed to its phytoconstituents prominent an...

There is limited information about the critical period of weed interference (CPWI) in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and the effect produced by the weed-crop interaction in secondary metabolite accumulation. The objective of the present study was to determine the CPWI and its effect on total polyphenol content in quinoa. The experiments were co...

Aim: The molecular typing and the susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus strains of swine origin to antibiotics, oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) essential oil (EO), and Chilean blackberry maqui [Aristotelia chilensis (Molina) Stuntz] extract were determined. Methods and results: Twenty S. aureus strains of swine origin were subjected to molecular...

Berries from central and southern Chile were analyzed in order to find promising sources of polyphenols with clear activity on human health. Five native fruits like arrayan, white strawberry, murtilla and calafate, and a traditional berry (grape called “tintorera”) were studied. Antioxidant properties were determined in vitro according to the total...

The bioactive compounds in foods are diverse and they are present in plants, animals, and other organisms in small quantities as secondary metabolites, alkaloids, growth factors, phenolic compounds, lignans, salicylates, stanols, sterols, and glycosinolates, among others. These bioactives have been tested either for health benefits or as potential...

The Biobío Region in Chile presents special edaphoclimatic characteristics and biodiversity that make it suitable for the introduction and development of some berries that are understudied in terms of their health-promoting composition and characteristics. Chilean strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis ssp. chiloensis, form chiloensis) and calafate (Berbe...

The Biobío Region in Chile presents special edaphoclimatic characteristics and biodiversity that make it suitable for the introduction and development of some berries that are understudied in terms of their health-promoting composition and characteristics. Chilean strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis ssp. chiloensis, form chiloensis) and calafate (Berbe...

A “box‐in‐box” co‐cultivation system was used to investigate plant responses to microbial volatile compounds (VCs), and to evaluate the contributions of organic and inorganic VCs (VOCs and VICs, respectively) to these responses. Arabidopsis plants were exposed to VCs emitted by adjacent Alternaria alternata and Penicillium aurantiogriseum cultures,...

Consumers are seeking better quality products, which differ from the products found in the traditional market, presenting clear advantages in our health. Sprouts are germinated seeds, usually in dark or low light conditions, high humidity and temperature until their cotyledons appear whereas microgreens are also seeds germinated having two fully de...

Evaluation of antioxidant activity and phenolic content of calafate berries and to correlated with abiotic stimulus

Elagitaninos en frutilla blanca

The gut parasite Nosema ceranae is one of the most prevalent honey bee microsporidia worldwide and its chemical management in American countries is mainly based on the antibiotic fumagillin. However, it has recently been reported that this drug has negative side effects in honey bees; therefore, non-harmful alternative treatments must be found. The...

Linalool is a monoterpene, which exhibits floral and spicy aromas as well as a variety of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular. Wine flavor is highly dependent on the chemical compounds of berries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration of volatile compounds, especially linaloo...

This research was carried out in a blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosumL.) orchard cv. Brigitta (fourth harvest) under organic management located in the Province of Ñuble (Chillán, Chile). The objective of this work was to determine the effect of different pruning intensities on yield and fruit quality. The experiment was conducted using a randomized co...

A field experiment was carried out to assess the effectiveness of microbial consortium (bacteria and fungi) and humic substances separately, as well as the effect of the combined application of them on the growth of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) seedlings and the physicochemical and biological properties of a volcanic ash-derived soil. One ye...