Revista Agro Productividad
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Analysis of macro and micro nutrients in six substrates and leaves for vanilla cultivation (Vanilla planifolia G. Jackson): vanilla nutrition
No full textABSTRACT
Objective: Analyze the physicochemical properties and nutritional content in six substrates and the foliar content of macro and micronutrients in leaves of five phenological stages in vanilla.
Design/methodology/approach: Six substrates were evaluated, in which the physicochemical properties and the content of total and available macro and micronutrients were determined. The foliar content in leaves of five phenological stages in vanilla was also determined. The statistical analysis had a completely randomized design, the substrates and phenological stages were evaluated separately, with two repetitions per treatment.
Results: The substrates analyzed resulted in total amounts of macro and micronutrients acceptable for the good development of vanilla plants and considering the foliar contents of the leaves, adequate management of the nutrition of the vanilla crop can be achieved.
Limitations on study/implications: The physicochemical analyzes of the substrates present total amounts of nutrients for the proper development of vanilla plants. However, its availability must be improved
Findings/conclusions: The foliar contents of macro and micronutrients in vanilla leaves were different in the stages of plant development, with K being the one with the highest foliar content followed by N, P, Ca and Mg. Considering these foliar contents and the total and available nutritional contents in the substrates can contribute to adequate nutrition planning in vanilla cultivation.
Keywords: macronutrients, micronutrients, physicochemical properties, Vainilla planifolia G. Jackson.Objective: To analyze the physicochemical properties and nutritional content in six substrates and the foliar content of macro and micronutrients in leaves of five phenological stages in vanilla.
Design/methodology/approach: Six substrates were evaluated, in which physicochemical properties and the content of total and available macro and micro nutrients were determined. The foliar content in leaves of five phenological stages in vanilla was also determined. The statistical analysis had a completely randomized design, the substrates and phenological stages were evaluated separately, with two repetitions per treatment.
Results: The substrates analyzed resulted in total amounts of macro and micro nutrients acceptable for good development of vanilla plants and, considering the foliar contents of the leaves, adequate management of the nutrition of the vanilla crop can be achieved.
Limitations on study/implications: The physicochemical analyses of the substrates present total amounts of nutrients for the proper development of vanilla plants. However, their availability must be improved
Findings/conclusions: The foliar contents of macro and micro nutrients in vanilla leaves were different in the stages of plant development, with K being the one with the highest foliar content followed by N, P, Ca and Mg. Considering these foliar contents and the total and available nutritional contents in the substrates can contribute to adequate nutrition planning in vanilla cultivation
Antifungal effect of the edible coating added with cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum verum) on the shelf life of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa)
Get PDFABSTRACT
Objective: Develop an edible coating with cinnamon essential oil (CEO) to prolong the useful life of strawberries.
Design/methodology/approach: Obtaining CEO by the distillation method with water and steam, determining the minimum inhibitory concentration through an in vitro test using the agar diffusion technique, and determining antifungal activity in vivo.
Results: The CEO was obtained by the distillation method with water and steam, showing yields of 1.2±0.3% per extraction cycle. In turn, the in vitro test on the minimum inhibitory concentration that the CEO presented against the fungus Rizhopus stolonifer using the agar dilution technique showed that its growth was completely inhibited at a concentration of 500 ppm. However, the antifungal activity in vivo is less effective due to the complex host/antifungal/pathogen system added to the temperature factor. The study at room temperature (27°C) showed growth of the fungus Rizhopus stolonifer on the strawberries with the coating at 100 and 300 ppm concentrations on day 3 of treatment. On the contrary, at refrigeration temperature (8°C), the strawberries coated with the different concentrations of CEO remained in good condition for a longer time, reflecting in their visual appearance without loss of color, the appearance of freshness, in addition to having a visually attractive shine.
Findings/conclusions: Synergy of temperature and CEO concentrations to slow the growth of Rizhopus stolonifer and prolong the life time of the fruit, maintaining its visual appearance without loss of color, the appearance of freshness and visually attractive shine.Objective: to develop an edible coating with cinnamon essential oil (CEO) to prolong the useful life of strawberries.
Design/ Methodology/ Approach: We obtained CEO by the distillation method with water and steam, determining the minimum inhibitory concentration through an in vitro test with the agar diffusion technique. Also, we determined antifungal activity in vivo.
Results: CEO, obtained by the distillation method with water and steam, showed yields of 1.2±0.3% per extraction cycle. In turn, the in vitro test on the minimum inhibitory concentration that CEO presented against the fungus Rizhopus stolonifer using the agar dilution technique showed that its growth was completely inhibited at a concentration of 500 ppm. However, the antifungal activity in vivo was less effective due to the complex host-antifungal-pathogen system added to the temperature factor. The study at room temperature (27°C) showed growth of the fungus Rizhopus stolonifer on the strawberries with the coating at 100 and 300 ppm on day 3 of treatment. On the contrary, at refrigeration temperature (8°C), the strawberries coated with the different concentrations of CEO remained in good condition for a longer time, as proved by visual appearance without loss of color which is the appearance of freshness, added to a visually attractive shine.
Limitations/ Implications of the study: using cinnamon essential oil (CEO) as an antifungal agent in edible coatings could provide an effective and natural alternative for strawberry preservation. This would potentially impact post-harvest practices. To implement CEO applications, combined with refrigeration, can help to reduce fungal growth and to extend the shelf life of strawberries.
Findings/ Conclusions: a synergy of temperature and CEO concentrations should be used to slow the growth of Rizhopus stolonifera, to prolong the life time of strawberries, maintaining their appearance without loss of color, which is the appearance of freshness, adding a visually attractive shine
Strategic planning with a production chain approach to identify training needs in the agrifood sector
Get PDFObjective: generate a strategic approach, with a productive chain approach, that allows identifying training needs in the agro-food sector in Quintana Roo. Design/methodology/approach: Three methodological stages were: 1) Workshop to capture training needs, through participatory action, to obtain a relational framework of the institutions of the sector in which the trained interact and to identify and prioritize, with a double matrix input, training needs, 2) Preparation of the training program, using as input the needs identified in the recruitment workshop, 3) Execution of the training, with an Ex ante and Ex post evaluation of each topic to verify that the training was effective. Results: The main problems detected were marketing (28.8 %), production (25.9 %), supplier of inputs and services (25.3 %), transformation (12.2 %) and consumption (7.1%). Likewise, a relational framework of 25 institutions that provide support to the different links identified. The median achievement before training was 8.92 correct answers and 10.81 after. Limitations on study/implications: The capacity of the course was limited by the available resources, both installation and financial. However, it is important to implement the mixed modality to reach a greater number of people. Findings/conclusions: Strategic planning with a productive chain approach is a useful tool to focus ad hoc training needs, since 70.9 % of professionals improved their skills on crops of interest.Objective: to generate a strategic plan, with a production chain approach, that allows identifying the training needs in the agrifood sector in Quintana Roo.
Design/ Methodology/ Approach: the study was developed in three methodological stages 1) A workshop to explore the training needs through participatory action, in order to obtain a relational framework of those institutions in the sector in which the trainees interact, aiming to identify and prioritize the training needs in a double-entry matrix; 2) Design of the training program, using as input the needs identified in the exploratory workshop; 3) Implementation of the training, with an ex ante and ex post evaluation of each topic to verify that the training was effective.
Results: the main problems detected were marketing (28.8%), production (25.9%), supply of inputs and services (25.3%), transformation (12.2%), and consumption (7.1%). Likewise, a relational framework of 25 institutions that provide support to the different links identified in the production chain. The median of achievement (correct scores) before training was 8.92, and 10.81afterwards.
Limitations/ Implications of the study: the capacity of the course was limited by the available resources, both facilities and financial. However, it is important to implement a mixed modality to reach a greater number of people.
Findings/ Conclusions: strategic planning with a production chain approach is a useful tool to focus ad hoc training needs, since 70.9% of professionals improved their skills on crops of interest
EFFECT OF SANITIZERS ON THE SENSORY SHELF-LIFE OF CHIA (Salvia hispanica) MICROGREENS
Get PDFObjective: To compare the efficacy of different sanitizing agents in extending the sensory shelf life and maintaining the quality of chia (Salvia hispanica) microgreens in terms of overall quality, color, rot development and off-flavor.
Design/methodology/approach: Different parametric models (gamma, exponential, Weibull and log-logistic) were evaluated to determine the most appropriate one to analyze the sensory shelf life of treatments with sanitizing agents. The functions proposed by Guillermo Hough were used to calculate the sensory shelf life for each treatment. Finally, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the effects of the different sanitizing agents.
Results: Survival rates of microgreens varied according to the sanitizing agent used. On day two, sodium hypochlorite showed a survival rate of 80 %, which decreased with time. On the other hand, colloidal silver reached a survival rate of 90 % on day two, while calcium oxide saturated solution showed a survival rate of 85 % in the same period. The control revealed a rate of 65 % by day two, a lower percentage than the previous ones.
Limitations on study/implications: In this study, three sanitizers (colloidal silver, sodium hypochlorite and saturated solution of calcium oxide nanoparticles) were evaluated and other possible treatments or combinations of treatments that could be effective in preserving the quality and sensory shelf life of chia microgreens were not considered.
Findings/conclusions: The study revealed that colloidal silver treatment was the most effective in extending the sensory shelf-life of microgreens, with an estimated shelf life of 1.78 days at 10 % rejection, followed by chlorine and saturated calcium oxide solution
Biodiversity in family backyard systems of the municipality of Calpan, Puebla
Get PDFObjective: To determine the social usefulness of the backyard system biodiversity for rural families in the municipality of Calpan, Puebla.
Design/Methodology/Approach: One-hundred questionnaires were applied to informants of the selected families. The selection was based on a non-probability snowball sampling, using saturation to generate the maximum amount of data. The SPSS software was used to analyze data.
Results: Backyard systems have a great biodiversity, including vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants, medicinal plants, and animal species. Women carry out most of the work (65%), using biodiversity as a strategy to produce food, generate income and jobs, and preserve medicinal and other plants used for spiritual development.
Study Limitations/Implications: The lack of family backyard records hindered the accurate calculation of the sample size.
Findings/Conclusions: The collection and preservation of local biodiversity is the basis of backyard systems where vegetables, medicinal and ornamental plants, and animal species are produced as part of a family strategy
Design and implementation of an electronic system to monitor and record agroclimatic variables in greenhouses
Get PDFObjective: To describe the development of a low-cost electronic device that can monitor, track, record, store, export, and interpret climatic variables of greenhouse-produced crops.
Methodology: An Arduino UNO board was used, along with specific sensors, to measure the agroclimatic variables under study. A Raspberry Pi® 3B+ board was also used to store and export the recorded information. The previously assembled device was installed in a greenhouse located in San Agustín Calvario, municipality of Cholula, Puebla, from March to July. Finally, graphs were developed to interpret the variables according to the agroclimatic requirements of native cucumber.
Study Limitations/Implications: Greenhouses must have access to an electrical supply, regardless of their geographic location or the crop they produce.
Findings: A low-cost electronic system and device were successfully developed, allowing each sensor to monitor, record, store, and export the following agroclimatic variables: minimum and maximum temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, and light intensity in a greenhouse with electrical supply. Regarding data interpretation, graphs were developed for the agroclimatic variables in the greenhouse, based on the needs of the native cucumber plant
Effect of thermal popping treatment on Toluqueño creole popcorn maize (Zea mays L.): Changes in physical and structural properties
No full textObjective: To assess the effect of popping thermal treatment on the physical and structural properties of Toluqueño creole popcorn maize (Zea mays L.)
Design/methodology/approach: Toluqueño creole maize and commercial (Zea mays L.), as a control, were subjected to three popping treatments: hot oil, hot air and microwave. Moisture, popping yield, textural properties (hardness, gumminess, chewing), and structural features (size: area, perimeter) by image analysis were determined.
Results: The results showed that the treatment by hot air in commercial maize presented the best pop yield, reaching a value of 71.88%, while the microwave treatment was the best for Toluqueño maize, with 12.93% of expansion yield, because its low moisture content (8.42 ± 0.29%). The best textural characteristics for both types of maize were obtained after applying the hot air treatment, resulting in soft, low rubbing and good chewing for all samples. The microstructural analysis in Toluqueño maize treated by microwave evidenced the presence of spherical starch granules, which was attributed to a low gelatinization degree. Also was possible to observe highest intergranular space, which was related to a less compactation grade and consequently less hardness in the raw grain (without expansion).
Limitations on study/implications: High resolution and improved methodologies to observe the starch grain and components distribution could be result in a better description of the effect of thermal treatment in the maize grains.
Findings/conclusions: The treatment by hot air was the best process to obtain popcorn for all samples, being the commercial maize who presented the best physical and structural features.Objective: To assess the effect of popping thermal treatment on the physical and structural properties of Toluqueño creole popcorn maize (Zea mays L.)
Design/methodology/approach: Toluqueño creole maize and commercial (Zea mays L.) used as a control, were subjected to three popping treatments: hot oil, hot air, and microwave. Popping yield, textural properties, and structural features were determined.
Results: The results showed that the treatment by hot air in commercial maize showed the highest pop yield (71.88%), while the microwave treatment was the best for Toluqueño maize (12.93%). The best textural characteristics for both types of maize were obtained after applying the hot air treatment, resulting in soft, low rubbing, and good chewing popcorns. The microstructural analysis on raw Toluqueño maize showed an intergranular space, which was related to a less compaction grade and consequently less hardness, meanwhile, the microwave popcorns showed the lowest gelatinization degree.
Limitations on study/implications: High resolution and improved methodologies to observe the starch grain and components distribution could have resulted in a better description of the effect of thermal treatment on the corn grains.
Findings/conclusions: Hot air treatment was the best process to obtain a good quality popcorn. The popping yield was related to humidity, hardness, grain shape, intergranular space, and the popping process
Identification of the Morphology of Tamarix spp in the Mexicali Valley, Baja California, Mexico
Get PDFObjective: The predominant species of Tamarix spp in the Mexicali Valley is unknown, and due to the scarce information available, this study aims to expand the knowledge of the morphology of Tamarix spp in the Mexicali Valley, Baja California, Mexico.
Design/methodology/approach: For this research, five branches with inflorescences and roots of Tamarix spp trees were collected from four selected locations in the Mexicali Valley. The collection was carried out during the flowering season from March to August, considering branches between 2.50 and 3.50 cm in height. The morphological descriptions were based on fresh plants using an Olympia optical microscope.
Results: After the morphological analysis was carried out at the different sampling sites, the predominant salt cedar genotype found in the Mexicali Valley corresponded to Tamarix chinensis. In addition, it was found high electrical conductivity measured in the upper soil layer (20 cm depth) was found to be caused by the excretion of salts through the glands of the leaves of this species. Consequently, salt cedar species can inhibit other vegetation types, although it can benefit honey bee production.
Findings/conclusions: Tamarix chinensis was the predominant salt cedar species throughout the sampling sites under the conditions of this study.The high electrical conductivity measured in the upper soil layer (20 cm depth) shows that salt cedar species can inhibit the growth of other vegetation types, although it can be beneficial for honey bee production
Agronomic Evaluation of Castor Bean Cultivation (Ricinus communis L.) Under Soil Moisture-Limiting Conditions
Get PDFObjective: To assess yield and growth responses of castor bean collections under soil moisture-restricted conditions.
Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted in the municipality of Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí. Twenty castor bean collections were evaluated under rainfed conditions and irrigation at 50% of crop evapotranspiration, with treatments arranged in randomized blocks.
Results: Significant differences (α = 0.05) between collections were observed for variables such as stem diameter, plant height, number of clusters per plant, number of fruits per cluster, 100-seed weight, and aerial biomass. Regarding soil moisture levels, variables including stem diameter, plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, number of clusters, number of fruits per cluster, 100-seed weight, seed yield, and aerial biomass showed significant differences (α = 0.05).
Limitations on study/implications: The results are based on a single production cycle.
Findings/conclusions: The Calvillo and Encarnación de Díaz collections showed the highest seed yields under rainfed conditions, with 385 and 326.7 g/plant, respectively, while the Luis Moya collection exhibited the highest yield under irrigation, with 680.7 g/plant. Seed yield was influenced solely by soil moisture, independent of collection origin. Collections under the most restrictive soil moisture condition (rainfed) flowered and fruited slightly earlier.
Evaluation of different portions of the ImmuPlus® polyherbal additive fed to fattening lambs
Get PDFObjective: To verify that “Immuplus” a polyherbal feed plant additive (Tinospora cordifolia, Ocimum sanctum, Whitania somnifera, Andrographis paniculata y Azadirachta indica) improve the productive performance in finishing lambs. Design/methodology: Twenty male Hampshire x Suffolk lambs (initial body weight 33.6+1.9 kg) were assigned according to a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of dietary inclusion of the Immuplus at 0 and 14 g kg-1 dry matter by 35 days. Results: Daily gain, final body weight, feed conversion, dry matter intake were improved by polyherbal dietary inclusion (P<0.01), however back fat thickness or chop area were not modified (P>0.05). Study limitations/implications: The large number of plants and bioactive compounds in Inmuplus limit the identification of the components that influence the modification of the metabolism of lambs. Findings/conclusions: The dietary inclusion of 14 g kg-1 dry matter of immuplus improve lambs’ productive performance.Objective: To verify if the ImmuPlus® polyherbal feed additive (Tinospora cordifolia, Ocimum sanctum, Whitania somnifera, Andrographis paniculate, and Azadirachta indica) improves the productive performance of finishing lambs.Design/Methodology/Approach: Twenty Hampshire × Suffolk male lambs (initial live weight 33.6±1.9 kg) were distributed according to a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of the inclusion of 0-1.4 g kg -1 of dry matter ImmuPlus® in the diets of lambs, for 35 days.
Results: The inclusion of the polyherbal mixture (P&lt;0.01) improved average daily gain (ADG), final live weight (FBW), feed conversion (FC), dry matter (DM) intake; however, the said mixture did not modify the back-fat thickness or chop area (P&gt;0.05).Study Limitations/Implications: The large number of plants and bioactive compounds included in ImmuPlus® limits the identification of the components that modify the metabolism of lambs.Findings/Conclusions: The inclusion of 1.4 g kg -1 dry matter of ImmuPlus® in the diet of lambs improved their productive performance