Revista Agro Productividad
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Analysis of the agrifood situation in an elementary school community
Get PDFObjective: The aim of this research was to analyze the agri-food situation of the community of San Miguel El Piñón, municipality of Españita, Tlaxcala; based on the nutritional status of primary school children with the purpose of identifying components for the design and execution of strategies that allow an improvement in food and nutritional security in this rural territory, especially in the school-age population.Design/methodology/approach: through participatory action research, information from mothers and 44 children from a primary school in San Miguel El Piñón, Tlaxcala, was analyzed.Results: The results regarding nutritional status, based on the weight and height of the participating children, show that 69.6% of the children in the school have a healthy weight. However, 26.1 % are presenting a malnutrition condition, and no data were obtained for 4.3 %. At the community level, a situation of food insecurity was identified; therefore, families are not able to have a balanced diet.Limitations on study/implications: The results apply to the selected sample, although it was studied directly, the sample is small, but it confirms the national trends regarding this problem.Findings/conclusions: The situation found is worrying because the physical, psychosocial and cognitive growth and development of infants may be affected. The child nutritional evaluation and the community analysis of food production and purchase revealed problems of child malnutrition in the sample studied.Objective: To analyze the agrifood situation (nutritional state) of elementary school children from the San Miguel El Piñón community, located in Españita, Tlaxcala, Mexico. The objective was to identify elements that could be used to design and implement strategies aimed to improve food and nutrition security in this rural area.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A participatory action research was conducted to analyze the information collected from mothers and children (n=44) from an elementary school located in San Miguel El Piñón, Tlaxcala.
Results: Based on their weight, size, and nutritional state, 69.6% of the participating children have a healthy weight. However, 26.1% of the participating children have symptoms of malnutrition, while no data was recorded for 4.3% of the children. Food insecurity was identified in the community as a consequence of which families cannot have a well-balanced diet.
Study Limitations/Implications: The results are only valid for the selected sample. Although the situation was studied in the field, the actual sample was small. Nevertheless, the national trend on this subject was confirmed.
Findings/Conclusions: This is a worrisome situation that can impact the physical, psychosocial, and cognitive growth and development of children. The sample evaluation revealed symptoms of malnutrition
Rodents in Xerophilous Shrubland and Semi-Desert Grassland Communities of Southeastern Coahuila, Mexico
Get PDFObjective: To assess the diversity of rodent communities in semi-desert grasslands and xerophilous shrubland at the "Los Ángeles" Ranch in southeastern Coahuila.
Design/methodology/approach: Monthly samplings were carried out from May to November 2020 using Sherman traps. The capture-recapture method was used to estimate species richness and abundance. Non-parametric estimators, species rarefaction curves, and rank abundance plots were utilized to measure species diversity. The Whittaker index was employed to assess species turnover between sampled communities.
Results: A total of 205 individuals from three families and eight species of rodents were recorded, with the Cricetidae family being the best represented. The species rarefaction curve showed that the shrubland exhibited greater diversity compared to the grassland. The dominant species were Onychomys arenicola in the semi-desert grassland and Peromyscus zamorae in the xerophilous shrubland.
Limitations/implications: There remains a need to extend long-term monitoring efforts to detect how anthropogenic activities influence species composition.
Findings/conclusions: The study highlights the importance of grasslands for the conservation of rodents in the state. Semi-desert grasslands and shrublands provide natural resources that should be preserved to maintain biodiversity in semi-arid ecosystem
Light Quality Produced by LED Combinations on the Growth of Cucumber Seedlings (Cucumis sativus L.)
Get PDFObjective: To determine the influence of light quality on the growth of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.), through the intensity of expression of different characteristics.
Design/methodology/approach: A completely randomized block design was used with four treatments and 10 repetitions. The treatments consisted of combinations of white (B), red (R) and blue (A) LEDs placed in growth chambers, with percentages of: 100B-0R-0A, 70B-30R-0A, 80B-0R- 20A and 60B-27R-13A, growth chambers with LED-based lighting systems lamps were used. Seeds of the 'Top 1056’ cultivar, Persian type, were sown. The response variables evaluated in the cucumber plants were plant height, stem diameter, leaf greenness, leaf area, fresh and dry biomass of leaves, stem and root of the plants.
Results: The light spectrum emitted by the LEDs influenced the morphology of the cucumber seedlings. With the 80B-0R-20A treatment, where there was greater blue light emission, greater leaf greenness and stem diameter were achieved. In contrast, the 70B-30R-0A treatment, with more red light, increased plant height and leaf area. Fresh and dry biomass of leaves and stem were also modified by light quality. Plants grown in the 70B-30R-0A treatment produced the greatest amounts of fresh and dry biomass, both stem and leaves.
Limitations on study/implications: The use of artificial lighting systems, with different spectral compositions for production in controlled environments presents a viable opportunity to enhance crop growth. Therefore, it is important to investigate how the light spectrum of different LED combinations affects the growth of cucumber seedlings.
Findings/conclusions: The light spectrum emitted by LED combinations influenced the morphology of cucumber seedlings, since with 80B-0R-20A treatment, resulted in greater leaf greenness and stem diameter, while the 70B-30R-0A treatment increased the height and leaf area of the plants
Infectivity and effectiveness of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi native inoculum on the growth and absorption of macroelements in maize (Zea mays L.) plants
Get PDFObjective: To evaluate the impact of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) native inoculum on the growth and absorption of macroelements in maize (Zea mays) under seedbed conditions.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The experiment consisted of a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments (three inocula of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and an uninoculated control) and 30 repetitions, resulting in 120 experimental units. Two consortia of commercial AMF were used: AMF1, AMF2 and, one native AMF3 treatment. The experiment included a control (T) without inoculation. The variables evaluated were: total dry weight and mycorrhizal colonization in plants and nutritional content of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in plant tissue.
Results: The application of the native inoculum (AMF3) had a significantly greater impact on total dry weight, as well as on P and K content in plant tissue, than the rest of the treatments (particularly the control). AMF3 showed 18% more mycorrhizal colonization than the rest of the treatments.
Study Limitations/Implications: The experiment was carried out under seedbed conditions and did not include the production stage; therefore, the impact of the treatments on maize production is unknown.
Findings/Conclusions: Maize (Zea mays) plants had a positive response to inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhiza-forming fungi. The bio-technological potential of AMF3 (Claroideoglomus claroideum), a mycorrhizal consortium native to the rhizosphere, can be used to reinforce the development of maize plants, increasing the absorption of macroelements and inducing greater growth and root development
Effect of Laser Pre-Treatment on Peanut Seeds on Resveratrol Con-tent and Fatty Acid Profile in Field-Harvested Seeds
Get PDFObjective: To evaluate the effects of laser radiation on peanut seeds as a pretreatment on the resveratrol content and fatty acid profile in the harvested seeds.
Design/methodology/approach: The experiment was established under field conditions located in the municipality of Nicolás Bravo, Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas. The seeds were irradiated with a red laser with a wavelength of 636 nm and an intensity of 120 mW. The exposure time of the seeds to the laser was 15 min and non-irradiated seeds were used as a control.
Results: Laser radiation on seeds increased the resveratrol content in the harvested peanut seeds compared to control seeds, and changes were also observed in some fatty acids in peanut oil such as butyric acid, stearic acid and cis 11,14,17 eicosatrienoic acid. Findings/conclusions: laser irradiation applied to seeds is a low-cost biotechnological alternative that allows generating positive changes in the quality of grains from seeds harvested under field conditions
Genetic Improvement of Miahuateco Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) (Solanaceae) through Gamma Radiation of 60Co
Get PDFObjective: Improve genetic attributes in Miahuateco chili through gamma irradiation with 60Co.
Design/methodology/approach: Seeds were irradiated at 0; 100; 200 and 300 Gy at the National Institute for Nuclear Research. The variables evaluated were LD50, agronomic performance, plant height, polar and equatorial diameters, percentage of aborted flowers, number of branches and plant color, which were evaluated under a completely randomized design (4 x 4) = 16 experimental units.
Results: The results indicate that the application of 200 Gy induces greater agronomic performance. The LD50 is achieved at 145 Gy. High doses of gamma irradiation caused a high percentage of aborted flowers, as well as chlorosis in the plant.
Limitations on study/implications: The seeds used in this project were Creole, so they presented great heterogeneity which could affect their flowering and fruiting, however, it was not so significant for this project.
Findings/conclusions: It is concluded that 200 Gy of 60Co gamma induces genetic variability in the species, improving some attributes of agronomic interest.Objective: To improve genetic attributes in Miahuateco chili (Capsicum annuum L.) through gamma irradiationwith 60Co.Design/Methodology/Approach: Seeds were irradiated at doses of 0, 100, 200, and 300 Gy at the NationalInstitute of Nuclear Research. The evaluated variables were LD50, agronomic yield, plant height, polar andequatorial diameters, percentage of aborted flowers, number of branches, and plant color, which were assessedunder a completely randomized design (4X4)=16 experimental units.Results: The results indicate that the application of 200 Gy induces higher agronomic yield. The LD50 isreached at 145 Gy. High doses of gamma irradiation caused a high percentage of aborted flowers, as well aschlorosis in the plant.Study Limitations/Implications: The seeds used in this project were landraces, which exhibited significantheterogeneity that could have affected flowering and fruiting. However, this was not a substantial factor forthis project.Findings/Conclusions: It is concluded that 200 Gy of gamma radiation from 60Co induces genetic variabilityin the species, improving certain agronomic attributes of interest
Morphological and agronomic evaluation of short-cycle native maize varieties (Zea mays L.)
Get PDFObjective: The objective of this study was to analyze the morphological composition and agronomic behavior of five varieties of Zea mays L. Two Zapalote Chico, two Zapalote Grande and an improved variety (V-424) which are characterized by having a short vegetative cycle
Desing/methodology/approach: The maize varieties evaluated were sourced from various locations within the municipality, with explicit consent from the producers, who provided the seeds for the study. Four native cultivars (treatments) were selected from the Zapalote Chico and Zapalote Grande races and one improved and open-pollinated maize variety (V-424 or Tuxpeño Precoz) as a control, released by INIFAP. The local farmers assigned the common names to the evaluated maize varieties, except for V-424. The varieties were distributed in a randomized block design with four replications, resulting in a total of 20 experimental units. Each unit consisted of four furrows, each measuring 4 meters in length.
Results: The findings of this study on native short-cycle maize varieties in Chiapas have significant implications at the genetic, social, cultural, economic, and environmental levels. Each of these aspects provides crucial guidance for decision-making related to the utilization, management, and conservation of local maize varieties. A key outcome of this study is the recognition of native maize as a repository of essential genes for food security in rural areas. Short-cycle landraces exhibit unique genetic adaptations that enable them to thrive under the specific agroclimatic conditions of the Frailesca region in Chiapas.
Limitations on study/implications: none
Findings/conclusions: The native maize varieties exhibited significant genetic variability across the variables under consideration. The Zapalote Chico race is characterized by its favourable characteristics, as recognized by farmers, including early maturity, drought resistance, lodging resistance, and resistance to the fall armyworm. These qualities make it a promising candidate for future research and for inclusion in genetic improvement programs, whether conventional or participatory. It is crucial to continue promoting agroecological inputs with the goal of fostering the development of resilient agroecosystems and, consequently, enhancing the well-being of farmers and the conservation of native maize reservoirs
Molecular identification of fungal isolates from different tissues samples of Blueberry (Vaccinum sp) in Baja California
Get PDFObjective: Molecular identification of fungal isolates presents in fruits and leaf samples of Vaccinium with pathogenic or agro-industrial potential
Design/methodology/approach: Plant material (fruits and leaves) was collected in blueberry commercial plantations of San Quintin, Baja California, México. The samples were placed in humid chambers for fungal growth and then in culture plates with Potato-Dextrose-Agar alone or with lactic acid for purification. The resulting fungal isolates were cultured in liquid media, the total DNA was extracted and quantified, afterwards the ITS region was amplified by PCR, the fragments were purified and sequenced. Finally, the resulting sequences were compared in the NCBI database with the BLAST algorithm, the phylogenetic reconstruction was performed with the MEGA (v.10.0) software.
Results: A total of 22 isolates from Vaccinium were obtained from leaves and fruits. These isolates showed high identity percentages (96-100 %) with Botrytis, Didymella, Phoma, Alternaria and Cladosporium genera. The fruit isolates were closely related with B. cinerea Group I, whereas the leaf samples grouped with other complexes such as the C. cladosporoides, A. muriae, Dydimella bervipilosa and Phoma.
Limitations on study/implications: The use of the ITS region provides only a partial characterization in some types of fungi, the use of other molecular markers are required to fully characterize some isolates.
Findings/conclusions: The molecular characterization of the fungal isolates showed that most of the genera were saprophytes with phytopathogenic members reported. The reported genera could have an impact in post-harvest due fruit spoilage or by the presence of cytotoxic compounds. The presence of fungal genera (Cladosporium) with reported potential antagonistic and growth promoting capabilities was identified
Use of Andromed® and OviXcell® diluents in the processing of sheep semen with the addition of HTF
Get PDFObjective: To assess the effect of two ovine semen diluents, Andromed® and OviXcell®, on the mass motility, vitality, and acrosomal integrity of spermatozoa processed at different temperatures and with the addition of post-thawed HTF (human tubal fluid).
Design/Methodology/Approach: Semen from 2 Dorper ram was used. Four ejaculations per male were collected and diluted with Andromed® and Ovixcell®. There were four treatments with Ovixcell®: 1) fresh Ovixcell®, 2) refrigerated Ovixcell®, 3) post-thawed Ovixcell®, and 4) post-thawed Ovixcell® + HTF. Four treaments with Andromed® were also carried out: 1) fresh Andromed®, 2) refrigerated Andromed®, 3) post-thawed Andromed®, and 4) post-thawed Andromed® + HTF. Mass motility, vitality, and acrosomal integrity were performed with a CASA computer system and statistically analyzed with the GLM procedure of the SAS software.
Results: When the effect of Ovixcell® mass motility was assessed, the following results were obtained, with differences (p˂0.05) between treatments: 87% in fresh semen, 72% refrigerated semen, 55% in post-thawed semen, and 68% in post-thawed semen + HTF. A clear difference (p˂0.05) was observed when HTF was added to post-thawed semen (13%). Andromed® behaved in the same way as Ovixcell® (p˂0.05) and a 18% recovery was observed with the addition of HTF. A high percentage of live spermatozoa with intact acrosome was observed for fresh semen (97.8%), while it diminished (p<0.05) as the temperature of refrigerated and frozen semen gradually decreased.
Study Limitations/Implications: More experimental units should be used, despite the increase in maintenance costs per animal.
Findings/Conclusions: The use of Andromed® and OviXcell® diluents was satisfactory in relation to the mass motility, vitality, and acrosomal integrity in spermatozoa processed at different temperatures (fresh, refrigerated, and post-thawed). Furthermore, the addition of HTF increased post-thawed mass motility
Reproductive and productive behavior of hair sheep under an intensive production system
Get PDFObjective: To evaluate the reproductive and productive behavior of four hair sheep breeds in an intensive production system.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Data recorded over 4 years (2016-2019) from a production unit that works with Blackbelly, Pelibuey, Dorper, and Katahdin breeds were analyzed. The following variables were evaluated: fertility, prolificacy, birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), weaned lamb yield (WLY), daily weight gain during lactation (DWGL), offspring born alive (OBA), male offspring (MO), and female offspring (FO). All information was analyzed using Chi-square tests and analysis of variance.
Results: The fertility, BW, WW, and WYL variables recorded different values between breeds (P<0.05). The greatest fertility and prolificacy were recorded by Blackbelly, while Dorper recorded the lowest values (P<0.05). BW and WW were highest in Dorper and lowest in Blackbelly (P<0.05). Finally, the sheep that recorded the highest WYL were the Blackbelly, while the Dorper registered the lowest values (P<0.05). BW and DWGL values reached maximum values (P<0.05) in Dorper rams, followed by Katahdin. The greatest number of OBA was observed in Blackbelly and Pelibuey (P<0.05).
Study Limitations/Implications: Further studies should be carried out to validate this research.
Findings/Conclusions: Blackbelly ewes produced more kilograms of weaned lambs per lambing ewe. The Dorper and Katahdin rams in the pre-weaning period recorded higher weight at weaning