1. Introduction

Agricultural Sciences

2156-8553

Scientific Research Publishing

10.4236/as.2019.102019

AS-90843

Articles

Biomedical&Life Sciences Earth&Environmental Sciences

Impact of Organic and Mineral Fertilization in Pecan Nut on Production, Quality and Antioxidant Capacity

Linda

Citlalli Noperi-Mosqueda

¹Juan

Manuel Soto-Parra

¹Esteban

Sánchez

²^*Francisco

Javier Piña-Ramírez

¹Ramona

Pérez-Leal

¹María

Antonia Flores-Córdova

¹Nora

Aideé Salas-Salazar

Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A. C. Delicias, Chihuahua, México

Facultad de Ciencias Agrotecnológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México

18022019

100222724030, January 201925, February 2019 28, February 2019

2014

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The pecan nut is considered one of the most important dried fruits in the world by its classification as healthy food. The nutritional balance in the harvest is crucial for its impact on the production, quality and content of bioactive compounds. This research was carried out in the city of Aldama, Chihuahua (Mexico), where doses of mineral and organic fertilization were tested in L25 Taguchi structure with 6 factors and 5 levels by factor: nitrogen (N) 0 - 240 kg ·ha ^-1, phosphate (P ₂O ₅) 0 - 120 kg · ha ^-1, potassium (K ₂O) 0 - 100 kg ·ha ^-1, calcium (C _aO) 0 - 400 kg ·ha ^-1, liquid humus 0 - 3600 L ·ha ^-1 and solid humus 0 - 8000 kg ·ha ^-1. An average yield of 2.2 t ·ha ^-1 was obtained; 145 nuts per kilogram, 60% of the edible part of the nut. The total phenolic content was 225.9 mg gallic acid g ^-1 and the antioxidant capacity was 180.9 mg Trolox g ^-1. It is concluded that the factor with the greatest impact on yield, quality and antioxidant capacity in pecan nut was nitrogen. It was also found that the combination of mineral and organic fertilization helps to maintain the production and quality ranges of the nut. In turn, these factors contribute to the increase in the phenolic strength and antioxidant capacity. The optimal fertilization dosis to obtain the maximum levels in production of 3.2 t ·ha ^-1; decrease the number of nuts per kilogram to 135, increase the percentage of the edible part of the nut to 61.8%, the increase in the total phenolic content to 318.6 mg of gallic acid g ^-1 and in the antioxidant capacity with 187.2 mg of Trolox g ^-1, was 184 kg ·ha ^-1 of N, 107.4 kg ·ha ^-1 of P ₂O ₅, 50 kg ·ha ^-1 of K ₂O y 2777 L ·ha ^-1 of liquid humus. Finally, the mineral fertilization complemented with organic fertilization is considered a good fertilization strategy for pecan trees and its possible benefits to health and the environment.

<i>Carya illinoinensis</i> (Wangen K. Koch) Pecan Nut Nutrition Organic Fertilization Antioxidants

1. Introduction

The pecan nut [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] is considered one of the most important dried fruits in the world. It is native to the southern United States of America and northern Mexico and belongs to the Juglandaceae family. It is a fruit tree that withstands diverse environmental conditions [1] . Commercial plantations are located mainly in New Mexico, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas and northern Mexico. In addition, this fruit has been introduced in other countries [2] [3] . Therefore, the pecan nut is produced in 57 countries in the world. Mexico ranks No. 2 in the world in pecan nut exports, causing an economic income of more than 666 million dollars. Chihuahua is the largest producing state of this fruit [4] [5] .

Recent studies have classified the pecan nut as a health-promoting food for human health, since the nuts contain high levels of unsaturated lipids and their regular intake can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, improving the lipid profile and reducing the glucose contents in human beings [6] . In turn, the pecan nut has been classified by its high content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity among foodstuffs [7] . The phenolic compounds contained in this fruit are ellagic and gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, hydrolysable and condensed tannins [8] . It has been shown that phenolic compounds have antioxidant activity, which can help lower incidence of chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and some types of cancer [9] .

Although several studies have reported a simple relation between the antioxidant capacity and strength of phenolic compounds, this bond can be more complex, since other components of the same plant are involved; such as proteins, carbohydrates and fiber. In addition, other factors such as variety, nut maturity, environmental conditions, cultivation methods and fertilization process and even soil composition have influence on the content of these bioactive compounds [10] .

Therefore, the nutritional balance in pecan trees is a significant challenge by the producer due to the direct impact on the quality and harvest yield [11] [12] . Mineral nutrients have essential and specific functions in plant metabolism as activators of enzymatic reactions, osmoregulators and elements of organic structures [13] . Although mineral fertilization in the soil is the most commonly used strategy to improve quality and productivity of crops, this type of long-term fertilization will not be the most effective method in preserving fertility and soil balance [14] . On the other hand, the use of organic fertilizers can improve physical properties, biological activity, soil fertility and crop nutrition, although the availability of nutrients is slower [15] [16] [17] . Alternatively, the application of mycorrhizal fungi improves the nutrient uptake [18] .

Both the mineral fertilization and organic methods are characterized by advantages and disadvantages, causing a lively debate for a long time. Indeed, a low chemical input is currently preferred [14] . However, there is not enough information on how this fertilization system affects the production and quality of the walnut growing.

2. Materials and Methods2.1. Experimental Area and Treatments

The study was conducted during the production cycle of 2016 (March-November 2016), in the municipality of Aldama, Chihuahua, Mexico, with Schley walnut trees from the west of 34 years, 12 × 12 m planting distance (69 trees per hectare). The climate of the region is dry. The maximum average temperature in 2016 was 27.8˚C (82˚F) and the average minimum temperature was 11.9˚C (53.4˚F). Rainfall shows an annual average of 1.2 mm―being July, August and September the highest rainfall time of the year [19] . The predominant type of soil is Xerosol and its physical-chemical properties were the following: pH 9.15, electrical conductivity (EC) 0.14 dS・m⁻¹, content of organic matter (OM) 2.52%, cation exchange capacity (CEC) 35.87 cmol・kg⁻¹, the macronutrients values were: Nitrogen (N) 18.90 kg・ha⁻¹, Phosphate (P) 104.37 mg・kg⁻¹, Potassium (K) 966.17 mg・kg⁻¹, Calcium (Ca) 5582.64 mg・kg⁻¹, Magnesium (Mg) 565.49 mg・kg⁻¹, Sulfur (S) 38.44 mg・kg⁻¹. The micronutrients values were: Iron (Fe) 1.76 mg・kg⁻¹, Manganese (Mn) 68.35 mg・kg⁻¹, Copper (Cu) 1.36 mg・kg⁻¹, and Boron (B) 0.66 mg・kg⁻¹.

The fertilizer forms used were: N (UAN 32, 33.67% N, D 1.32), P (phosphoric acid, 49.02% P₂O₅, D 1.61), K (potassium thiosulfate 12.63% K₂O, S 17.0%, D 1.46), Ca (calcium sulphate Solugyp^MR, 31.31% CaO, 17.0% S), liquid humus (8.20 pH, 4.06 ds・m⁻¹ CEC, Ratio C/N 3.13, composition in percentages: 0.11 OM, 0.06 C, 0.02 N, 0.13 P, 0.13 K, 0.01 Ca, 0.004 Mg, 0.02 Sodium (Na); in mg・kg⁻¹: 3.70 Iron (Fe), 1.10 Manganese (Mn), 0.11 Zinc (Zn), 0.60 Copper (Cu), 7.33 Boron (B)), Solid humus, OptiHumus^MR, (pH 8.12, 10.18 ds・m⁻¹ EC, Ratio C/N 6.57, composition in percentages: 21.70 OM, 12.59 C, 1.91 N, 0.96 P, 1.68 K, 3.52 Ca, 1.35 Mg, 0.27 Na; in mg・kg⁻¹: 11850.29 Fe, 458.80 Mn, 173.65 Zn, 34.04 Cu, 164.74 B.). N, P, K, Ca were applied to a band of 10 cm depth.

A Taguchi L25 structure was used for 6 factors and 5 levels for each factor (Table 1) from which 25 treatments were formed by three repetitions. Each repetition consisted of one tree, and mycorrhizal fungi were applied as dynamic factor.

Compost and earthworm humus were treated by aerial fertilization, while mycorrhizal fungi (Sehumic Vam^MR, Acaulospora scrobiculata, Gigaspora margarita, Glomus fasciculatum, G. constrictum, G. tortuosum, G. geosporum with

Table 1 Factors and levels of structure application Taguchi L25

Factors/Levels
	kg・ha⁻¹				L・ha⁻¹	kg・ha⁻¹
Strength	N	P₂O₅	K₂O	CaO	Liquid Humus	Solid Humus
0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
1	12	6.0	5.0	20.0	180.0	400.0
5	60	30	25.0	100.0	900.0	2000.0
10	120	60	50.0	200.0	1800.0	4000.0
20	240	120	100.0	400.0	3600.0	8000.0
Simple average	120	60	50.0	200.0	1800.0	4000.0

20,000 viable spores kg⁻¹). They were distributed in four holes of 10 - 15 cm depth around the drip area of the tree, consistent with the cardinal points. The doses applied were 0 kg・ha⁻¹ for repetition 1, 15 kg・ha⁻¹ for repetition 2 and 30 kg・ha⁻¹ for repetition 3.

2.2. Yield Components

Production. During the harvest (beginning of November 2016), trees were vibrated mechanically. The nut was collected and the weight in kg was estimated for each tree. Production was extrapolated in tons per hectare when multiplying the production per tree by the number of trees per hectare, corrected by a 0.95 factor due to the heterogeneity in the individual production of the trees.

Number of nuts per kilogram. The number of nuts of a 300 g sample was counted and the value was extrapolated to the weight unit (kg).

Percentage of edible nut. 300 g were selected to determine the content of edible almonds. The shell was separated from the edible part, weighed separately and the edible percentage was determined. The value allowed to determine the fraction of edible product regarding the total.

The three previous variables were obtained in accordance with the Mexican Standard NMX-FF-084-SCFI-2009 [20] .

2.3. Nut Samples

Nut samples were selected from the same tree plots in production during the production cycle 2016, with three repetitions. The samples were transported to the Laboratory of the School of Agrotechnological Sciences to be shelled and stored in plastic bags at −4˚C until its use.

2.4. Degreasing of Nuts

The nut was ground in a food processor and degreased according to the Villareal-Lozoya et al. [10] methodology with slight changes. The samples were homogenized with hexane (1:20 w/v). After the homogenizing process, samples were vacuum filtered at 35˚C through the Buchner funnel and a slow filtration speed filter. The homogenate was washed twice more with hexane and the remaining powder was dried at 35˚C. Powder of the degreased nut (1 g) was placed in 50 ml Falcon tubes and homogenized with 20 ml methanol: water solution (80:20, v/v). The Falcon tubes were capped and stored in refrigeration until analysis.

2.5. Total Phenols

The total number of total phenols was determined by a method described by Singlenton and Rossi [21] using gallic acid as standard. An amount of 1.5 ml of 2% Na₂CO₃ and 0.5 ml of 50% Folin-Ciocalteau reagent, 2.75 ml of deionized H₂O and 0.5 ml of the extract were added to an assay tube. The mixture was then incubated at room temperature and under dark for 60 minutes. The absorbance was measured at 725 nm in a Thermo Scientific spectrophotometer, G 10S UV Vis. The results were expressed as mg of gallic acid per g dry weight (mg GA g⁻¹). A calibration curve was plotted. The linearity was determined between 0.50 and 4.0 mg・ml⁻¹, using a gallic acid standard of high-purity reagent grade, the calibration was measured in triplicate, the value of the equation was 0.1645x + 0.009, with an r² of 0.9994.

2.6. Antioxidant Capacity DPPH

The DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-1,2-picrihidrazil) radical is a stable compound with an intense violet color and whose radiation is absorbed at 517 nm. Therefore, its strength can be determined by spectrophotometric methods Kim et al. [22] . The reaction was made by mixing 2.9 ml of DPPH radical solution with 0.1 ml of plant extract. The mixture was stored at room temperature and protected from light for 30 minutes. Subsequently, the absorbance was measured at 517 nm using a UV/Vis spectrophotometer. The target used was 80% methanol, and a calibration curve was plotted. The linearity was determined between 0 and 800 μM using a Trolox standard of high purity reagent grade, and the calibration was measured in triplicate, the equation had a value of 0.0007x + 0.6597 with an r² of 0.9897. The analyses were measured in triplicate and the results were expressed in mg of Trolox g⁻¹ in dry weight. Analyzes were measured in triplicate as well and the results were expressed as mg Trolox g⁻¹ dry weight.

2.7. Statistical Analysis

Given the Taguchi L25 factor structure for the generation of treatments, the statistical analysis was conducted using a linear and quadratic response surface by adjusting the surface to determine the factor levels for optimal response. This technique is used when each factor has three or more levels. A response surface is estimated by regression using the method of least squares. For this, the statistical package SAS (SAS Institute Inc., SAS/STAT Software: Usage and Reference, Version 6, First Edition, Cary, NC: SAS Institute Inc., 1989) was used.

The analysis for each response variable included three stages: 1) analysis of regression and contribution of each factor to the adjustment of regression; 2) canonical analysis of the response surface to determine the shape of the curve of those factors that had a significant linear response, quadratic and factor interaction; and 3) predicted values as the minimum or maximum response were selected according to the original range of the data. The percentage of increase or decrease of the response variable and each of the factors to reach the required maximum or minimum value is also determined.

The behavior of all the response variables (pooled or not by categories) is summarized in a table where factors and the simple average are specified for each of them. The resulting eigenvalues expressed as percentages of the mean are taken―positive or negative as appropriate. The contribution of the eigenvectors is expressed with rounded signs from 0.25 (a part of the first quartile or greater) such that 0.2501 ≤ + ≤ 0.3749, 0.3750 ≤ + + ≤ 0.6249, 0.6250 ≤ +++ ≤ 0.8749, ++ ++ ˃ 0.8750. The same would apply to negative eigenvectors. In this way, factors will be weighted to determine which ones have more influence on that variable.

3. Results3.1. Yield Components

Table 2 shows that the production media was 2.24 t・ha⁻¹. However, the range of data varied from 1.2 to 3.2 t・ha⁻¹. To reach the maximum level of production, it would be necessary to increase the application of N by 53.7%, P₂O₅ by 13.4%, CaO by 14.3% and liquid humus by 54.3% concerning the media of each of the factors and a decrease in K₂O by 5.7% and 10% solid humus.

Table 3 shows that the factors that had the greatest impact on the production variable were N, P₂O₅ and liquid humus. The media for the number of nuts per kilogram was 145 nuts. Table 2 shows the ranges for this variable of 135 - 174. The factors that have the greatest impact were N and liquid humus (Table 3). The percentage of edible nuts had an average of 60%, the ranges in this variable did not show considerable variation. The minimum value was 58%, while the maximum value was 61.8%, to reach the maximum value it would be necessary to increase N, K₂O, CaO, liquid humus and solid humus (Table 2). The factors that have the greatest impact on this variable are shown in Table 3, which were N, K₂O and CaO.

3.2. Total Phenols and Antioxidant Capacity

Table 2 shows the values for the range of total phenols. The minimum value was 207 mg gallic acid (GA) g⁻¹ and the maximum value of 318 mg GA g⁻¹ with a mean of 225 mg GA g⁻¹. The factors that showed the greatest impact were N, P₂O₅ and humus liquid, shown in Table 3.

The antioxidant capacity showed a range that varied from 148.89 to 187.24 mg Trolox g⁻¹ with an average of 180.92 mg Trolox g⁻¹. In addition, interactions between the different factors were found for this variable; N showed an interaction with K₂O. On the other hand, P₂O₅ with K₂O, liquid humus and solid

Table 2 Overview of maximum response surface analysis

Factors
		kg・ha⁻¹					L・ha⁻¹	kg・ha⁻¹
Response variable	Range/ media/ optimal/ Rate-degree %	Mycorrhizal fungi	N	P₂O₅	K₂O	CaO	Liquid humus	Solid humus
		15.0^W	120.0^W	60.0^W	50.0^W	200.0^W	1800.0^W	4000.0^W
Production t・ ha⁻¹	1.2 - 3.2 2.24^Z (2.5 - 3.0)	13.9	184.4**^X L^Y	68	47.2	228.7	2777.4	3598.9
	+233.3^V	−39.2	+53.7	+13.4	−5.7	+14.3	+54.3	−10.0

Nuts kg⁻¹	135 - 174 145 <122	14.7	152.6**	52.1	60.9	230.1 C	2828.9	3837.0
	−29.5^a	+1.9	−27.2	+13.2	−21.8	−15.1	−57.2	+4.1
Percentage of edible nuts	58.0 - 61.8 60 (≥54)	14.6	120.0	60.0	50.0	200.0	1800.0	4000
	+6.1	−0.7	+43.3	−2.8	+29.8	+16.5	+82.2	+14.4
Total phenols edible nut mg GA g⁻¹	207.1 - 318.6 225.9	15.4	64.8** C	107.4	58.0	220.3**	1648.4**	5391
	+53.8	+2.7	−46.0	+79.0	+16.0	+10.1	−8.4	+34.8
Antioxidant capacity edible nut mg Trolox g⁻¹	148.9 - 187.2 180.9	14.8	21.6** L, C K₂O	50.8** K₂O Liq hum Sol hum	64.6** C Liq hum	187.6**	2592.3** L, C	3424.7** L
	+25.8	−1.3	−82.0	−15.3	+29.2	−6.2	+44.0	−14.4

^XF-probability for factors: significant* (0.05 ≤ Pr ≤ 0.01), highly significant** (Pr < 0.01), otherwise not significant; ^Yresponse type of linear L regression, quadratic C and factors interaction; Increase of the response variable regarding the initial value, ^Vincrease or decrease in each factor regarding the simple average; ^Wmedia simple of that factor (average between the minimum value and the maximum value explored); ^ZGeneral media variable response. ^aThe lowest value for the number of nuts per kilogram is sought; Therefore, the percentages of increase are shown in reverse.

humus, and K₂O with liquid humus (Table 2). N, P₂O₅ and solid humus were the factors with the greatest impact on antioxidant capacity.

Figure 1(a) shows the interaction of N with K₂O. It is observed that when combining these two nutrients, the antioxidant capacity increases. In turn, K₂O when combined with P₂O₅, shows a positive synergy to increase the antioxidant capacity (Figure 1(b)). It is observed that if this interaction is non-existent, P₂O₅ would maintain low levels of antioxidant capacity. The liquid humus showed a quadratic response as observed in Figure 1(c), where the maximum point was 181.57 mg trolox g⁻¹ with a liquid humus application of 3621 L・ha⁻¹, and an interaction with K₂O. The capacity increases up to the maximum levels of 184 mg trolox・g⁻¹ (Figure 1(d)).

Table 3 Overview of yield components and antioxidant capacity in pecan tree treated with macronutrients and organic amendments

	Factors
		kg・ha⁻¹				L・ha⁻¹	kg・ha⁻¹
	Mycorrhizal fungi 15.0^T	N 120.0	P₂O₅ 60.0	K₂O 50.0	CaO 200.0	Liquid humus 1800.0	Solid humus 4000.0		Eigenvectors Total ratio +/−
Production (1.26 - 3.23 t・ha⁻¹)
65.0		++++	+					4	4/0
46.9		−			++	+++		6	5/1
−44.5			+++	++		−	+	7	6/1
Freq.		5	4	2	2	4	1	17
kg・ha⁻¹	13.9	184.4	68.0	47.2	228.7	2777.4	3598.9
Nuts per kilogram (135 - 174)
21.6^U		++^W		+	+	+++		7	7/0
13.7		−−−			++	+		6	3/3
−20.1			+++	+			++	6	6/0
Freq.	0	5	3	2	3	4	2	19^Y
kg・ha⁻¹	15.0^X	120.0	60.0	50.0	200.0	1800.0	4000.0
Percentage of edible nuts (58.0% - 61.8%)
5.6		++		+		+++		6	6/0
3.5		++		++	−−−			7	4/3
−2.8		++	+	−−	+	−		7	4/3
−4.1			+++	++	++			7	7/0
Freq.	0	6	4	7	6	4	0	27
kg・ha⁻¹	15.0	120.0	60.0	50.0	200.0	1800.0	4000.0
Phenols of edible nuts (207.1 - 318.6 mg・g⁻¹ gallic acid)
22.9		++++				−		5	4/1
20.7		+	+++				+	5	5/0
−5.5			++	−−	+	++	−−	9	5/4
−26.0			−	++	++	++		7	6/1
Freq.	0	5	6	4	3	5	3	26
kg・ha⁻¹	15.4	64.8	107.4	58.0	220.3	1648.4	5391.0
Antioxidant capacity of edible nuts (148.9 - 187.2 mg・g⁻¹ trolox)
14.6		++++		−		−		6	6/0
8.1			−−−	++			++	7	4/3
−6.7		+++	++				++	7	7/0
Freq.	0	7	5	3	0	1	4	20
kg・ha⁻¹	14.8	21.6	50.8	64.6	187.6	2592.3	3424.7
	Overview
Subtotal	0	28	22	18	14	18	10	109	109
Selection	0/7	5/5	3/5	1/5	2/7	3/5	0/7	Total ratio +/−
Ratio +/−	0/0	24/4	18/4	13/5		14/4		89^Z/20
Maximum		184.4	107.4	50.0		2777.4

^TSimple average of factor levels; ^UEigenvalues expressed as a percentage of the media of response variable; ^VRange in parentheses corresponds to the predicted values from the simple average in bold, below the optimal range, underlined above; otherwise optimal values are considered (Soto et al., 2008); ^WEach sign corresponds to multiples of 0.25 rounded to the nearest quarter; ^YTotal frequency observed for that variable, multiplied by 20% to select the factors of greater weight; ^ZTotal frecuency for the set of variables, those factors with a subtotal equal to or greater than 20% are selected.

4. Discussion

Previous studies have documented that the mineral and organic fertilization is a good strategy for crop production [14] . For the cultivation of pecan tree, for example, it was reported that it is possible to reduce N doses when organic amendments are applied to improve soil fertility and nut production [23] . On the other hand, Flores et al. [24] confirmed that the production and quality of the nut crop of the following year can be assured due to the application of N and organic fertilizers. Additionally, the authors reported that P₂O₅ and mycorrhizae have a positive contribution in production, while for the percentage of edible nut, K₂O, earthworm humus and compost were factors with the greatest impact. However, these studies have only been tested on the yield components of pecan nuts and not on the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of edible nuts. Therefore, in this study, different doses of mineral and organic fertilization were tested in pecan trees crops. It was found that the production and quality improved, confirming that the mineral fertilization supplemented by organic fertilization, is a good fertilization strategy for this crop. It was also found that the total phenolic strength and antioxidant capacity increased. Therefore, this study indicates that mineral and organic fertilization contributes positively to the production, quality and antioxidant capacity of the pecan nut.

This is the first study where parameters such as antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content are measured. Results provide compelling evidence to continue investigating the contribution of different fertilization strategies in pecan walnut for these variables and others related to the benefits of nut uptake in human beings. However, the main limitation is that producers are not yet convinced of the use of organic amendments and the impact on the quality of the nut.

Although our hypothesis was supported statistically, the sample does not clearly indicate if this fertilization strategy impacts on other important bioactive compounds for human health. Therefore, the phenolic profile measurement and the fatty acids profile should be included in following works.

This research found that the average production was 2.24 t・ha⁻¹. This value is similar to that reported by Soto et al. [23] where the average production was 2.68 t・ha⁻¹ during three years of evaluation. On the other hand, Vázquez et al. [25] reported that the average production in the Comarca Lagunera region in Mexico between 2001-2013 was 1.73 t・ha⁻¹. For its part, SAGARPA [5] reports that the national average production in 2017 was 1.7 t・ha⁻¹, indicating that the average production in our research was higher than the latter reported. On the other hand, Wells and Wood [26] report that N and K₂O are related to the production. However, the nitrogen (N) is a nutrient closely related to this variable. This is consistent with our results obtained because N is an essential factor in production, while K₂O showed no influence on this variable.

The N showed an impact on all the evaluated variables. This might be attributed to the fact that N is one of the most important nutrients for the plants, which is related to the production and quality of fruits [27] . Because the N is an essential component in the nucleic acids, in amino acids and proteins of plants, it is directly related to the photosynthetic capacity of the plant [28] . As a result of a greater source of N, the plant can increase the production and quality of harvests. At the same time, our results showed that if the maximum values in production are sought to be achieved, the application of N and liquid humus must be increased. These data are consistent with that reported by Sánchez et al. [27] where the applied doses of N in pecan nut had an effect directly proportional to the increase in the application of N.

Regarding the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, N, P₂O₅ and liquid humus showed an influence on these variables. Nevertheless, there is little information on these variables for mineral and organic fertilization. However, it has been shown that the N and organic fertilization help to increase the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity as reported by Cucci et al. [14] , a study where different doses of mineral and organic fertilization were tested in a legume and proved that the organically fertilized treatments maintained and increased the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. These results can be attributed to the fact that the use of organic fertilizers improves the release of N, P₂O₅ and K₂O and other elements, in addition to improving the physical conditions of the soil, which has influence on the crop development and the quality of fruits [17] [18] [24] .

It is noteworthy that in this study, the application of mycorrhizal fungi did not show any effect in any of the variables evaluated, which is inconsistent with that reported by Flores et al. [24] who found that the application of mycorrhizal fungi in pecan trees had an impact on the edible percentage and number of nuts per kilogram. On the other hand, Soto et al. [23] reported that the application of mycorrhizal fungi influenced the production and increase of organic matter content in the soil.

On the other hand, the percentage of edible nut, size, color and damage of the fruit are considered for the quality of the nut [27] . According with the Mexican Standard FF-084-SCFI-2009 [20] , the quality of the nut can be classified by its size. Our results showed an average of 145 nuts per kilogram. The quality of this nut is classified as large. It is noteworthy that the greater number of nuts per kilogram indicates that nuts are smaller. Therefore, their quality is lower [27] . Thus, we can say that our results are better than those reported by Flores et al. [24] and Soto et al. [23] who found 171 and 163 nuts per kilogram, respectively.

Orona et al. [29] indicates that the percentage of edible nut is an important parameter due to the price of nuts at the time of its commercialization. Our results indicated a mean percentage of edible nut of 60%, which can be qualified as Quality I. In addition, these data are above that reported by Soto et al. [23] that indicate a percentage of edible nut of 58.2%. On the other hand, Flores et al. [24] , showed an edible nut percentage of 58.4%. Both results were obtained when mineral and organic fertilization was performed.

The consumer now not only focuses on the good color and taste of products, but also looks for products that provide health benefits. Therefore, parameters such as the total phenolic content in the walnut and the antioxidant capacity were measured. Domínguez-Ávila et al. [6] indicated that nuts such as pecans contain beneficial oils for human consumption and they are also a good polyphenolic source. At the same time, the nut consumption has been linked to a reduction in lipid levels and oxidative stress for human beings. However, these effects have been attributed to those oils contained in the nut, without considering the possible phenolic contribution.

In our results, the mean for total phenolic content was 225 mg GA g⁻¹. Atanosov et al. [9] reported that the total phenolic content of pecan nuts between two walnut varieties was 20.16 mg GA g⁻¹ and 15.56 mg GA g⁻¹ for walnut (Juglans regia). On the other hand, Flores et al. [7] compared a two-year production which reports 82.41 mg GA g⁻¹ in the low production year and 49.93 mg GA g⁻¹. It was found that the results were affected by the amount of production that the walnut has; since that overload volume of nuts will alternatively produce lower quality nuts. In another study, where the phenolic content was compared in two varieties, the results indicated that the total phenolic content was 23.13 mg・g⁻¹ of the Wichita variety and 19.25 mg・g⁻¹ for the Western variety [30] . The results in our research are superior over those reported by previous authors. This may be because the phenolic strength varies depending on the extraction methods, crop conditions and geographical area of the crop [2] [8] .

Alternatively, the antioxidant capacity is correlated with the polyphenolic strength of compounds and some individual polyphenols [8] . The results of antioxidant activity show an average of 180.92 mg Trolox g⁻¹. These results are consistent with those results indicated by Flores et al. [7] , who reported values of 137.20 mg Trolox g⁻¹ in the low production year and 115.39 mg Trolox g⁻¹ in the high production year. From this parameter, all the factors show a significant contribution and it is confirmed that the application of organic amendments contributes to improve the quality of nuts [7] [24] .

5. Conclusion

It is concluded that the N was a factor with the greatest impact on yield, quality and antioxidant capacity in pecan nuts. It was also found that the combination of mineral and organic fertilization helps to maintain the production and quality ranges of the nut. In turn, these factors contribute to the increase of the phenolic strength and antioxidant capacity. The optimal dose of fertilization to obtain the maximum production, quality, total phenols and antioxidant capacity in pecan tree was: 184 kg・ha⁻¹ of N, 107.4 kg・ha⁻¹ of P₂O₅, 50 kg・ha⁻¹ of K₂O and 2777 L・ha⁻¹ of liquid humus. Finally, mineral fertilization supplemented with organic fertilization is considered a good fertilization strategy for pecan trees and its possible benefits to health and the environment.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Cite this paper

Noperi-Mosqueda, L.C., Soto-Parra, J.M., Sánchez, E., Piña-Ramírez, F.J., Pérez-Leal, R., Flores-Córdova, M.A. and Salas-Salazar, N.A. (2019) Impact of Organic and Mineral Fertilization in Pecan Nut on Production, Quality and Antioxidant Capacity. Agricultural Sciences, 10, 227-240. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2019.102019

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