APPLICATION OF A MATHEMATICAL MODEL TO PREDICT THE VEGETABLE YIELD OF A COMPOUND OF INDUSTRIAL INTEREST

Abstract

With the aim of predicting yields of betacyanins from the Beta vulgaris L. root, for dietary use under field conditions, a simple potential equation, Richard equation and Werker model were applied in three agri-environments, and the following were determined: growth curves, leaf development, biomass and metabolite. Seven yield variables were evaluated, and eight field variables, five abiotic, 22 physical-chemical of the soil, and two of biochemical extraction. The data were also analyzed by principal components. The production of betacyanins in root was inversely related to its biomass, which agrees with results from other authors, indicating that the size and weight of the beet is negatively correlated to the
concentration of betacyanins, although they do not report a model for such concentration. The yields of aerial biomass were directly related to those of betacyanins (r²?0.90), highlighting that 11 out of 17 essential nutrients were decisive. When the biotic and abiotic factors that affect the root development are defined, in the study sites, versus the betacyanin yields, it is possible to manage under the model applied the most significant variables to optimize the yield, quality and industrial profitability in each agri-environment.