PRODUÇÃO E QUALIDADE PÓS-COLHEITA DE ORA-PRO-NOBIS ADUBADO COM FERTILIZANTE ORGÂNICO E MINERAL

The growing demand for the unconventional vegetable ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) has stimulated its cultivation. Nevertheless, the nutritional requirement and the response of the species regarding fertilization are not yet established, especially concerning yield and post-harvest quality. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of organic and mineral fertilization on production, nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, the antioxidant and sensory activity of ora-pro-nobis in a dense system, and successive harvests. The plants were grown i) without fertilization (control), ii) with mineral fertilization and iii) organic fertilizer: organic compost, in a randomized block design with seven replications. The production analyses occurred at 210, 270 and 330 days after seedling transplanting (DAT). The mineral composition and protein contents in the leaves were evaluated at 210 DAT and 330 DAT, and the biochemical and sensory analyses, at 330 DAT. Mineral fertilization was the most efficient in providing nutrients and increasing the productivity of ora-pro-nobis leaves. When fertilized with mineral fertilizer, ora-pro-nobis presented higher P, K, S, and fiber contents at 210 DAT, and higher values for phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Fertilizers did not alter the protein content and sensory characteristics of the ora-pro-nobis leaves. Mineral fertilization in ora-pro-nobis production provided production and nutritional advantages, without interfering in consumer’s preference