Agro Productividad

Estimation of fig (Ficus carica L.) yield in fertigation using linear regression

2023-01-27T17:32:34+00:00

Objective: To estimate the fig (Ficus carica L.) yield in fertigation, through the use of linear regression, under the conditions of the Mixteca region of Puebla.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The plants were established in 10-L black polyethylene bags, using pine sawdust as a substrate. The treatments consisted of 6 variations of the following nutrient solution: 1.52 mg L^-1 of potassium nitrate, 0.08 mL L^-1 of phosphoric acid, and 0.38 mg L^-1 of magnesium sulfate. Plant height, number of fruits per plant, and growth speed (cm day^-1) were determined. A completely randomized experimental design was used and the levels of nutrient solution and orthogonal contrasts were subjected to a linear regression analysis, through the SAS® On Demand for Academics statistical package.

Results: The linear model describes the behavior of the data with an alpha of 0.01. A 60% nutrient solution level has a greater effect on growth and generates highly significant differences in both the plant height increase rate and plant height variables.

Study Limitations/Implications: This study includes only preliminary results; therefore, a longer period is necessary for data collection. Additionally, the following variables must also be included: yield and the content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium in plant tissue.

Findings/Conclusions: Plant growth (height) can be estimated through the application of a linear model. An increasing linear behavior was observed in height with respect to the levels determined 50 days after the experiment was established. There are highly significant differences between the 60% dose and the rest of the treatments.

The importance of blackberry (Rubus spp.) production in Mexico

2023-02-23T19:06:51+00:00

Objective: To carry out a bibliographic review about the current situation of the commercial production and the generation of blackberry varieties in Mexico.
Approach: Based on the existent databases, a bibliographic review about the current blackberry production, production indicators, and generation of new varieties in Mexico was carried out. Berries have been produced in Mexico since the 19th century. The exportation of this product was a response to the North American market windows and generated new varieties adapted to the Mexican weather conditions. The USA market demands berries mainly in autumn, winter, and spring. During this period, prices are very attractive due to the lack of domestic American production. This situation causes a production increase in the berries sector,
where innovative practices have been developed. In Mexico, the first commercial blackberry plantation was established in 1983, in Tetela del Volcán, Morelos. The Boysenberry (a raspberry-blackberry hybrid) was the chosen variety. The Brazos variety was the first blackberry variety that was planted and, in 1998, it was replaced by the Tupi variety, which has an excellent quality and shelf lifespan.
Conclusions: The blackberry productive chain is a source of direct and indirect employment during its
production and commercialization. Mexico is one of the main blackberry exporters worldwide. Additionally,
blackberry consumption has health benefits, because it prevents the development of several diseases.

Characterization of self-guided trails on the Xihuingo Volcano, state of Hidalgo (Mexico)

2022-10-13T14:14:08+00:00

Objective: hiking allows us to appreciate nature; it is also an environmental education tool, causing social changes which can be directed towards behaviors and decisions in favor of environmental protection. The objective of this study was to generate the necessary information in order to hike the trails of the Xihuingo Volcano (state of Hidalgo, Mexico), self-guided and with safety.
Design/Methodology/Approach: the methodology consisted of monitoring the guidelines established for the preparation of the Topographic guide, as well as those considered in the Excursion information method (MIDE) and the processing of tracks with global positioning system (GPS) receivers, using a geographic information system as interface.
Results: data on local history, culture and biodiversity were obtained. As well as descriptions, time estimates, and profiles of the routes; with the identification of places of interest in maps; and digital files to be used in GPS receivers.
Limitations of the study/Implications: the limitations in the data are related to the precision margin of the GPS receivers during the recording of the information (±3 m). As well as the number of records on biodiversity at the time of consultation.
Findings/Conclusions: data obtained highlight the wide biological diversity located at the site, with important representation of endemic and native species, some of them in status of ecological risk. These species can be the basis for the creation of a tourism project for the benefit of the local people. Such a program would face the ecological problems derived from mining, illegal logging, and grazing observed in the area, as a strategy for the conservation of the natural environment.

Effect of plant extracts on the inhibition of the mycelial growth of Penicilium citrinum Link

2022-10-18T20:48:50+00:00

Objective: To evaluate in vitro plant extracts of three plant species —mistletoe (Psittacanthus spp.), guinea hen weed (Petiveria alliacea), and ginger (Zingiber officinale)— with the aim of determining their inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of Penicilliun citrinum isolated from coffee beans.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Filtrations were carried out under aseptic conditions using a vacuum system and were added to the Potato Dextrose Agar medium. Once it had solidified, a 5-mm disc of P. citrinum was placed in the center of the Petri dish.
Results: The ethyl plant extracts, like the chemical product, showed a 100% inhibition on the pathogen development.
Findings/Conclusions: Ethyl plant extracts can be an agroecological alternative for the control of P. citrinum.

Determination of optimal areas for the establishment of buffalo herds and German grass in Tabasco, Mexico

2023-01-26T04:45:16+00:00

Objective: To determine optimal (suitable) areas for the establishment of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) herds fattened with German grass (Echinochloa polystachya Kunth Hitchc), based on the biophysical environmental conditions that favor the comfort of the animal species and the best development of the plant species.
Design/Methodology/Approach: An analysis of the bioclimatic parameters for water buffalo and the agroclimatic parameters for German grass was carried out in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. A comparative table of the optimal biophysical variables of water buffalo and German grass was developed from the digital soil geographic databases and the climatological normals recorded in the state of Tabasco. Edaphoclimatic maps were developed to establish buffalo herds associated with German grass, based on a cartographic cross-checking.
Results: The soil-climatic aptitude map of both species was developed at a scale of 1:135,000.
Study Limitations/Implications: Given its recent introduction, there is a lack of basic information on the edaphoclimatic conditions suitable for water buffalo in the state of Tabasco.
Findings/Conclusions: The areas for the establishment of buffalo herds and German grass were identified. Regarding their potentiality, 4.29% of the state of Tabasco is suitable, 56.67% was classified as moderately suitable, and 38.48% is not suitable.

Potential zones for the cultivation of Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa in temperate regions of Veracruz, Mexico

2023-06-01T20:28:20+00:00

Objective: to identify potential zones with soil and climate characteristics in municipalities of the state of Veracruz, Mexico for kiwi cultivation through modeling.
Design/Methodology/Approach: with the zoning methodology of soil and climate variables and the Kriging projection algorithm of the ArcMap GIS®, the municipalities of the state of Veracruz with soil and climate potential for the cultivation of kiwi adapted to tropical conditions were determined. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to validate the zoning and determine the similarity of municipalities with soil and climate potential. A cluster analysis was applied to assess the similarity between the variables studied.
Results: the municipalities of Hueyapan de Ocampo, Ixhuatlán del Café, Jalacingo, Magdalena, Mariano Escobedo, Tehuipango and Texhuacán present average soil and climate characteristics for the establishment of kiwi cultivation. Chumatlán and Huatusco presented the greatest soil and climate similarity for the cultivation of this fruit shrub.
Limitations of the study/Implications: this information contributes to the decision-making to establish kiwi by increasing the knowledge of the species. As, up to date, the almost non-existent information has limited the establishment of kiwi cultivation.
Findings/Conclusions: of the total territory of Veracruz 29% shows soil and climate characteristics to introduce kiwi cultivation. Its establishment would represent support for food and socio-economic sovereignty for producers. According to this study, the establishment of kiwi as a crop is viable in various geographical points of Veracruz.

Mass propagation of tobala mezcal maguey (Agave potatorum Zucc.) in a temporary immersion system compared with a solid medium

2023-09-25T19:06:11+00:00

Objective: To assess a temporary immersion system for the in vitro propagation of Agave potatorum Zucc., compared with the traditional micropropagation technique that uses a solid medium. Design/Methodology/Approach: The effect of treatments in a solid medium with low and high doses of the BA (Benzylaminopurine) growth regulator (0.5 mg L^-1 and 2 mg L^-1) on the number of sprouts per explant was assessed in a first phase. Since the best treatment was 2 mg L^-1 of BA, three forms of propagation were considered: solid medium, liquid medium in a paper bridge, and liquid medium in a temporary immersion system. Results: From the initial test, an average of 6.6 shoots per explant were obtained with 2 mg L^-1 of BA. Regarding the different systems, the solid medium, the paper bridge, and the temporary immersion system recorded 6.4, 7.2, and 14.4 shoots per explant, respectively. Findings/Conclusions: Mass sprout production is higher in the temporary immersion system, as a consequence of the use of a liquid medium that increases the absorption of nutrients and regulators, combined with the injection of air with oxygen that can accelerate cellular processes.

Dosimetry and radio-stimulation in mesquite (Neltuma laevigata W.) seeds

2023-06-21T02:02:00+00:00

Objective: To carry out research focused on the germination response of mesquite (Neltuma laevigata) to different doses of gamma radiation (Cobalt 60), in order to obtain a higher germination response than with a non-irradiated seed.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Seeds had different collection times and identities. One set was collected in Durango (10 years) and another in Hidalgo (2 months). Both sets were exposed to sixteen different doses of gamma radiation and a control (non-irradiated); they were subsequently subjected to in vitro conditions using a Murashige and Skoog basal medium. They were monitored daily for two weeks in order to develop an accurate record of their germination.

Results: The best treatment for the radio-stimulation of germination in the Durango set was observed at 30 gray (12% higher than the control). Meanwhile, the Hidalgo set received 6 gray radiation (56% higher than the control).

Study Limitations/Implications: Only two different populations were evaluated for this study. Given the differences found between them, working with material from other origins would be ideal.

Findings/Conclusions: Low doses of gamma radiation cause an increase in the germination rate of seeds.

In vitro multiplication of lulo (Solanum quitoense Lamarck) for preservation purposes

2023-06-26T19:54:45+00:00

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of treatment, temperature and time using the minimum growth technique under in vitro conditions on stems with a length of 2 mm of Solanum quitoense. There were 8 treatments with different concentrations of mannitol, sucrose and Murashige and Skoog(1962) (0 ^,5g L^-1, 10 g L^-1, 15 g L^-1, 20 g L^-1, 25 g L^-1, 30 g L^-1,30 g L^-1), the experiments were placed in a room at 25 ºC and another at 21 ºC, the growth of the stem was recorded every fifteen days. The Generalized Linear Model showed that the treatments with the best results were those using 20 g L ^-1 and 30 g L^-1 of mannitol in S. quitoense, which reduced in vitro growth in a remarkable way, preserving the characteristics of subsistence and vigor at a temperature of 21 ºC, while the applied concentrations of sucrose promoted rapid growth of the stem and shoots

Molecular docking and dynamics of Annona muricata L. megastigmanes and metabolites on enzyme markers of breast cancer and their effect on heterodimer formation

2023-06-29T18:50:35+00:00

Objective: To analyze the molecular docking of secondary metabolites of soursop on the enzyme markers of breast cancer.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Crystals of PARP2 and PRMT5 enzymes were obtained from RCSB-PDB. Both crystals were processed using bioinformatic tools (e.g., SWISS-MODEL, UCSF-Chimera, and ScanProsite), prior to molecular docking and dynamics. The Annona muricata L. metabolites were obtained from Pubchem for their use in several in silico analysis. The Autodock algorithm was used to obtain the molecular docking. Once the most stable conformations were obtained for the ligands of each enzyme, their complexes were subjected to 10 ns of molecular dynamics using GROMACS. Meanwhile, the HPF1-PARP2 and the MEP50-PRMT5 heterodimeric interactions were carried out using the HDOCK server. Finally, the possible biotransformation reactions were studied using QSAR models.

Results: The kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside metabolite showed potential biopharmaceutical use as an inhibitor of the PARP2 enzyme. The coreximin ligand showed potential biopharmaceutical use as an inhibitor of the PRMT5 enzyme. The inhibitor impacted the PRMT5-MEP50 interaction. The QSAR models indicated that methylation, O-glucuronidation, and O-dealkylation were the most likely biotransformation reactions among the metabolites with the highest degree of inhibition.

Study Limitation/Implications: in silico analysis on inhibition of key proteins.

Findings/Conclusions: The kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside chemical compound showed potential as a PARP2 inhibitor. The coreximin chemical compound showed potential as a PRMT5 inhibitor. The protein-protein interaction between PRMT5 and MEP50 was impacted by the inhibitor; however, this was not the case with the PARP2 enzyme.

Response of different sowing densities on agronomic parameters in the cultivation of mejen corn in Tabasco, Mexico

2023-07-04T06:33:41+00:00

Objective: To evaluate the response of sowing densities on agronomic parameters in the native mejen corn.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A randomized complete block design with four repetitions was used for the treatments: T1 (0.25 m between plants and two seeds per hole (80,000 plants ha^-1)), T2 (0.50 m between plants and three seeds per hole (60,000 plants ha^-1)), T3 (0.75 m between plants and four seeds per hole (53,333 plants ha^-1)), and T4 (1 m between plants and five seeds per hole (50,000 plants ha^-1)). The following variables were determined: plant height without male flower (PHWMF, cm), ear size (ES, cm), plant, bracts, and rachis dry biomass (t ha^-1); number of bracts, rows per ear, grain per row, grains per ear, and grain yield (GY, t ha^-1).

Results: Sowing densities influence the morphological response of plants, ears, and GY. The treatment with 80,000 plants ha^-1 recorded a GY of 4.75 t ha^-1 in traditional systems in Tabasco —greater than the regional average of 1.94 t ha^-1.

Study Limitations/Implications: The architecture of native corn allows an increase in productivity, as a result of the use of high densities.

Findings/Conclusions: Although treatments with greater sowing distances obtained a lower number of grains per ear, this phenomenon is compensated by the greater number of plants per row that leads to higher grain yields.

Presence of endophytic fungi in cacao plantations (Theobroma cacao L.), in the state of Tabasco, Mexico

2023-07-24T03:49:53+00:00

Objective: the present work was done with the objective of identifying endophytic fungi associated with Theobroma cacao L. in Centro, Cunduacán and Comalcalco, locations in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. The molecular identity used was the region of the Internal Transcribed Spaces (ITS), ITS 1 and ITS 4. Design/methodology/approach: the study identified 15 fungal strains, grouped into 13 different species, belonging to the Ascomycota phylum, distributed in three different classes: Dothideomycetes, Eurotiomicetos and Sordariomycetes. It is important to mention that it is the first record of Endomelanconiopsis endophytica and freycinetiae found in cacao in Tabasco. In addition, we also identified Aspergillus foetidus, fischeri, delicatus arcoverdensis; Thielaviopsis ethacetica, Cophinforma atrovirens, Neurospora udagawae, Diaporthe miriciae, Nodulisporium indicum, Cophinforma atrovirens; Colletotrichum tainanense y hebeiense. Findings/conclusions: Many of these endophytic fungi produce secondary metabolites and antioxidants that can be used in the medical industry or for biological control of phytopathogenic diseases, such as Moniliophthora roreri.

Strategies to reduce the infestation of Pseudohypocera kerteszi (Diptera: Phoridae) in colonies of Scaptotrigona mexicana (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

2023-07-25T03:10:48+00:00

Objective: We intend to describe the strategies used for the control Pseudohypocera kerteszi in colonies of Scaptotrigona mexicana which help to reduce infestation during transfer, division, and harvest.

Design/methodology/approach: In this research, bibliographic sources of information on the control of P. kerteszi during the management of S. mexicana were used. The selected strategies were implemented by the authors of this manuscript, so they provided the experiences that were had in the control of P. kerteszi in the colonies of S. mexicana.

Results: We report six strategies applied to reduce the attack of P. kerteszi: 1) perform the transfer in a closed place, 2) minimize the damage to the offspring, 3) do not introduce food, 4) close the entrance to the nest for at least two days, 5) place vinegar traps, when necessary and in the initial stages of the infestation and 6) feed and clean bees the following days after the transfer or division.

Limitations on study/implications: Any limitation was involved in this study.

Findings/conclusions: The attack of P. kerteszi on S. mexicana colonies takes place during the transfer of nests, artificial division and the harvest of honey. Strategies to avoid infestation consist of using the appropriate box design, harvesting in an enclosed place, and avoiding breaking honey pots. During the critical stages of infestation, the revision must keep daily to clean the box, place vinegar traps, and make a manual control.

Physical and physiological indicators of the quality of soursop seeds (Annona muricata L.)

2023-07-25T18:09:18+00:00

Objective: The present study aimed to carry out the analysis of the physical and physiological quality of soursop seeds, since there is very little information on the subject. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: The material was collected at physiological maturity. The seeds were extracted from fruits in commercial maturity. They were subjected to a physical and physiological quality analysis: physical purity, humidity content of the seed, weight of 1000 seeds, integrity test of the seed with the X-ray equipment, evaluation of germination and the evaluation of viability by the tetrazolium method. A completely randomized experimental design was used in all the physical quality variables and tetrazolium tests. Other hand, a completely randomized factorial design (3x7) was used in the germination evaluation. Results: The viability results obtained by the tetrazolium method showed over 59% viable seeds, while in the germination test with the germinative pretreatments only 11.33% germination was obtained in the seeds from which the cover was removed. Findings/ Conclusions: Therefore, it was concluded that the moment of obtaining the plant material is important for its germination.

Evaluation of microbiological safety in bioinputs produced in Mexico

2023-09-14T03:51:47+00:00

Objective: This work aimed to evaluate the microbiological safety of bioinputs produced in Mexico. The main reason for this evaluation is that bioinputs are products made from the region's manures, plant residues and raw materials. The transformation of these raw materials is carried out by microorganisms present. The process goes through three stages: initial, thermophilic and final. The thermophilic stage is critical because weeds and microorganisms with pathogenic potential disappear in processes under optimal conditions.

Methodology: 1345 bioinputs samples were received from different states of Mexico. The samples were evaluated for the presence of total and fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli under the provisions of the Official Mexican STANDARDS, NOM-210-SSA1-2014 and NOM-114-SSA1-1994.

Results: It was possible to identify 79% of the samples with Most Probable Number values <3 of total coliforms, fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli, the minimum permissible by the Official Mexican STANDARD NOM-210-SSA1-2014, also identified 99% of samples free of Salmonella.

Conclusions: The results obtained allow us to conclude that the bioinputs produced in Mexico are free of pathogens for humans, which can also be represented as innocuous bioinputs.

Perception of and adaptability to the effects of climate change in a rural community of the State of Mexico

2023-09-14T18:28:18+00:00

Objective: To analyze the population’s perception of recent changes in climate patterns and the actions they have taken to adapt to these changes in the El Saltillo community, Municipality of Jilotepec.
Design/methodology/approach: A survey was carried out between September and October 2022, answered online. Social networking and WhatsApp groups were used to disseminate the invitation to participate in the Survey; 96 responses were received, of which 30 were answered on site together with the respondent. Aspects such as socioeconomic data, conceptualization and perception of climate change and adaptability actions were measured.
Results: All the survey respondents mentioned that they perceive strong changes in droughts and frosts in
the last 10-15 years. Of them, 96% stated that they had heard the term climate change in different media; however, it is not a concept that is used to explain the changes that take place in the community. As a result of these changes, the population has chosen to build or enlarge rainwater container mounds for agricultural and livestock use, improve the physical condition of the stables, and begin to use precocious corn seed or more adapted varieties of improved corn.
Limitations on study/implications: The application of surveys online is a feasible and economical option that implies the need to implement data validation, control and verification mechanisms, as well as sampling of the results.
Findings/conclusions: Adaptation strategies to climate change were identified, showing that they are not spontaneous actions and that they have emerged empirically through daily contact with the phenomenon.

Is there a “made in Mexico” model for innovation transfer or diffusion among farmers?

2023-10-06T17:32:20+00:00

Objective: To determine the existence or absence of a model or several models for the transfer of innovations that have been developed and evaluated in Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach: Using the SCOPUS® metadatabase, a search was conducted with the words innovation AND farmer AND Mexico. It resulted in 70 articles, of which only 35 met the selection criteria.

Results: The articles used concepts, frames of reference, and, to a lesser degree, theories to support their research. The highest number of published cases dealt with the MasAgro technological hub model in maize and the GGAVATT model for group-oriented work in livestock.

Limitations on study/implications: Using a metadata base that is not open access limits the results, since technical reports, books, and other documents that might otherwise enrich the discussion are left aside.

Findings/conclusions: There is still much to be theorized in order to create new models adapted to other product systems that could promote technology transfer from the institutions of the sector and researchers to farmers.

Heliconia SCARLET: a mexican variety for cut flower and gardening

2023-10-18T16:58:08+00:00

Objective: To carry out the morphological characterization of Heliconia uxpanapensis X Heliconia latispatha var. Scarlet for varietal registration purposes.
Design, Methodology and Approximation: By means of rhizomes division of 71-1 plant from a plot of H. uxpanapensis X H. latispatha segregant plants (F2), twelve plants (tillers) were generated, planted, and cultivated in open field under 30% of natural shade. Morphological characterization was methodic conducted using the Technical Guide descriptors for Heliconias designed by the National Seed Inspection and Certification Service (SNICS, 2023).
Results: Morphological characters of the clones from the 71-1 segregant plant, tested with the SNICS Technical Guide descriptors, were constant so that a differentiation could be make between the Scarlet and Karely, a reference variety found in the Guide. Scarlet variety’s primary distinctive characteristics are the red color, high brilliance, and the revolute-involute margins of their bracts. Their inflorescence morphological characteristic suggest they can be cultivated for cut flower and gardening.
Study limitations and implications: In order for Scarlet variety express, their characteristics of intense color and bracts brightness, they have to be cultivated under 30% of shade.
Findings and conclusions: Based on the Technical Guide descriptors for heliconias varietal description (SNICS, 2023), the Scarlet variety differentiates from the Karely (reference variety) as it presents a stabilitydistinction-homogeneity. For this reason, the varietal registration seems appropriate.