Nutritional and Biochemical Characterization of White and Brown Rice (Oryza sativa) Subjected to Different Pest Control Methods

Rice is a vital component of the Ecuadorian diet and plays a significant role in global food security. Agricultural practices aimed at boosting production can, however, compromise grain quality. This study explores the effects of various pest control methods on the nutritional and biochemical quality of both white and brown rice. Compounds such as total phenolics (TPC), dietary fiber (TDF), gamma oryzanol, phytic acid (PA), antioxidant activity (AA), and the presence of heavy metals were analyzed. The research was carried out in Taura, Guayas Province, Ecuador, using a bifactorial experimental design with three replications. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Tukey HDS tests (α = 0.05), complemented by PCA biplot analysis for comprehensive data exploration. The results highlight significant differences in all variables depending on the rice type (R), with brown rice exhibiting higher values. In terms of pest control type (C), only phytic acid showed significant variance, an effect also evident in the interaction (R × C). Cadmium (<0.30 mg/kg) and arsenic (<0.55 mg/kg) levels remained below national standards, with no significant differences across treatments. The biplot analysis revealed PA independence, with higher values in grains managed with biological control, whereas those under chemical control displayed slightly higher and varied values for other studied variables.