Revista Agro Productividad
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Fruits and seed characteristics of chihua squash (Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber.) accessions from Yucatan, Mexico
Introduction. The genus Cucurbita presents a wide diversity in Mexico, within the species that compose the genus have been selected for different purposes. This crop is an important part of the milpa complex in the Yucatan Peninsula. Objective. Evaluate some fruit and seed characteristics of six squash genotypes obtained in the Yucatan Peninsula from chihua squash. Materials and methods. Six collections of Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber, obtained in the Yucatan Peninsula, were evaluated in a randomized complete block design for two years. The number of fruits per plot, fruit weight and size, seed weight and number of total, empty and full-filled seeds per fruit and brix degrees of pulp were quantified. Results. Differences in fruit production were found between collections but not for years. The dominant fruit size was medium, fruits between 500 and 999 g, with the Chetumal collection standing out, while the variables of seed weight and number of seeds were affected between collections and between years, as a result of low rainfall during the production cycle of the second year, all collections recorded a reduction in weight and an increase in the number of empty seeds, with Yucatan rebounding. Slight variations were identified in the concentration of brix degrees in the pulp, with the Chetumal collection standing out above the rest. Conclusions. The evaluated collections present variability within them, which can be useful to select materials for different purposes and to obtain more benefits from this crop.Objective: To evaluate some fruit and seed characteristics of six chihua squash genotypes obtained in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Materials and methods: Six collections of Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber, obtained in the Yucatan Peninsula, were evaluated in a randomized complete block design for two years. The number of fruits per plot, fruit weight and size, seed weight and number of total, empty and full-filled seeds per fruit were quantified, and degrees Brix of the pulp.
Results: Differences in fruit production were found between collections. The dominant fruit size was medium, fruits between 500 and 999 g, with the Chetumal collection standing out, while the variables of seed weight and number of seeds were affected between collections and between years, because of low rainfall during the production cycle of the second year. All collections recorded a reduction in weight and an increase in the number of empty seeds. Slight variations were identified in the concentration of degrees Brix of the pulp, with the Chetumal collection standing out above the rest.
Conclusions: The evaluated collections present variability within them, which can be useful to select materials for different purposes and to obtain more benefits from this cro
In vitro nutritional assessment and estimation of methane emissions from Kikuyu grass pastures overseeded with rye
Objective: To determine the in vitro digestibility and gas production, and to estimate the methane emissions from Kikuyu grass pastures, and Kikuyu grass overseeded with rye.
Design/methodology/approach: Two pastures were assessed. One was the subtropical grass Kikuyu Cenchrus clandestinus) (KY), and the other was Kikuyu grass plus overseeding with rye (Secale cereale) (KYCEN), both associated with white clover (Trifolium repens cv. Ladino). Sample collection was in June and July 2021. In vitro digestibility of dry matter (MS), organic matter (MO), and Neutral Detergent Fibre (FDN), as well as the methane emissions were estimated. The in vitro digestibility and gas production variables were analysed with a split-plot experimental design, and the methane emission variables were analysed with a doble cross-over design.
Results: There were no significant differences between treatments for dry matter (MS), organic matter (MO) or Neutral Detergent Fibre (FDN) in vitro digestibility, nor in methane emissions (P>0.05).
Implications: The in vitro assessment of digestibility, gas production and the estimation of methane emissions of Kikuyu grass pastures and Kikuyu plus rye enable the implementation of feeding strategies for small-scale livestock production systems that do not only benefit the farmers but also the environment.
Findings/conclusions: It is concluded that Kikuyu grass pastures and Kikuyu with rye are a viable feeding option for small-scale livestock systemsObjective: To determine the in vitro digestibility and gas production, and to estimate the methane emissions from Kikuyu grass pastures, and Kikuyu grass overseeded with rye.
Design/methodology/approach: Two pastures were assessed. One was the subtropical grass Kikuyu Cenchrus clandestinus) (KY), and the other was Kikuyu grass plus overseeding with rye (Secale cereale) (KYCEN), both associated with white clover (Trifolium repens cv. Ladino). Sample collection was in June and July 2021. In vitro digestibility of dry matter (MS), organic matter (MO), and Neutral Detergent Fibre (FDN), as well as the methane emissions were estimated. The in vitro digestibility and gas production variables were analysed with a split-plot experimental design, and the methane emission variables were analysed with a doble cross-over design.
Results: There were no significant differences between treatments for dry matter (MS), organic matter (MO) or Neutral Detergent Fibre (FDN) in vitro digestibility, nor in methane emissions (P>0.05).
Limitations on study/implications: The in vitro assessment of digestibility, gas production and the estimation of methane emissions of Kikuyu grass pastures and Kikuyu plus rye enable the implementation of feeding strategies for small-scale livestock production systems that do not only benefit the farmers but also the environment.
Findings/conclusions: It is concluded that Kikuyu grass pastures and Kikuyu with rye are a viable feeding option for small-scale dairy systems.
Water supply in artificial troughs: a strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the Maya forest
ABSTRACT
Objective: The objective of this work was to verify the functionality of the troughs based on the fauna record.
Design/methodology/approach: About 70 artificial drinking troughs were installed, most of them inside the core zones of the CBR, and the remaining ones have been established in communities under the protection and supervision of beekeepers. A photo-trapping station was associated with each of the installed drinking troughs.
Results: 91 species of wildlife have been identified that use the water from the artificial drinking troughs, of which 30 are mammals, 53 are birds, 5 are reptiles and 3 are amphibians. Endangered species such as the jaguar and the tapir are among the most frequent visitors to these sites, especially during the dry season.
Study limitations/implications: The use of artificial water troughs is a good alternative to guarantee water availability in the Calakmul region. The high diversity of species that visit the drinking troughs constantly during the dry season makes evident the functionality of the water supply strategy in artificial drinking troughs.
Findings/conclusions: The drinking troughs can be a tool used for various objectives in the region, it arose from the need to respond to an emergency climatological event such as drought, but has been adapting to the needs of the area and adapting to other activities, being considered a successful management strategy in the face of climate change.Objective: To verify the functionality of drinking troughs based on fauna record.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Most of the approximately 70 artificial drinking troughs were installed inside the core zones of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (CBR). The remaining troughs were installed in communities and left under the protection and supervision of beekeepers. A camera-trap station was associated with each of the drinking troughs installed.
Results: Ninety-one wildlife species that drink water from the artificial troughs have been identified, including 30 mammals, 53 birds, 5 reptiles, and three amphibians. Jaguars, tapirs, and other endangered species are some of the most frequent visitors to these sites, especially during the dry season.
Study Limitations/Implications: The use of artificial water troughs is an adequate alternative to guarantee water availability in the Calakmul region. The high diversity of species that constantly visit the drinking troughs during the dry season makes evident the functionality of the water supply strategy with artificial drinking troughs.
Findings/Conclusions: The drinking troughs can be a tool for various objectives in the region. It arose from the need to respond to emergency climatological events (i.e., droughts), but it has been adapted to the regional needs and other activities. It has been considered a successful management strategy in the face of climate change
Phenotypic plasticity and biomass allocation in fertilized Quercus var-iabilis Blume seedlings
Objective: To determine the phenotypic plasticity between fertilized (F) and unfertilized (UF) Q. variabilis seedlings developed in a nursery using small, medium, and large seeds.
Design/methodology/approach: By analyzing the phenotypic traits of growth (height and diameter at root collar) and root and stem dry biomass, plasticity indices and allocation patterns were assessed, and phenotypic traits in which the interaction effect of the seedling fertilization and seed size was observed.
Results: The results showed significant differences (p-value≤0.05) in the growth and biomass traits except for the root dry biomass, and significant differences were found both in the fertilization and seed size factors and in the fertilization and seed size interaction in phenotypic traits. For plasticity, all traits showed marked changes in response to the nutrient application, and small seeds had the highest plasticity indices. With respect to phenotypic change indices, medium seeds reached the highest values (0.94 for height and 0.92 for diameter). Large seeds recorded the highest index for root dry biomass (1.01), and medium seeds had the highest values of plasticity for stem dry biomass (0.81). Allometric differences were observed (intercepts were 1.8374 and 3.4956, and slopes were 4.0943 and 1.7038 for UF and F seedlings, respectively), and variations in the study factors (fertilization and seed size).
Limitations on study/implications: In order to improve the survival of plants in the field it is necessary to use seeds with high quality.
Findings/conclusions: Fertilization of Q. variabilis seedlings increases their biomass production, which allows for greater growth and survival compared to unfertilized ones.Objective: To determine the phenotypic plasticity between fertilized (F) and unfertilized (UF) Q. variabilis seedlings developed in a nursery using small, medium, and large seeds.
Design/methodology/approach: By analyzing the phenotypic traits of growth (height and diameter at root collar) and root and stem dry biomass, plasticity indices and allocation patterns were assessed, and phenotypic traits in which the interaction effect of the seedling fertilization and seed size was observed.
Results: The results showed significant differences (p-value≤0.05) in the growth and biomass traits except for the root dry biomass, and significant differences were found both in the fertilization and seed size factors and in the fertilization and seed size interaction in phenotypic traits. For plasticity, all traits showed marked changes in response to the nutrient application, and small seeds had the highest plasticity indices. With respect to phenotypic change indices, medium seeds reached the highest values (0.94 for height and 0.92 for diameter). Large seeds recorded the highest index for root dry biomass (1.01), and medium seeds had the highest values of plasticity for stem dry biomass (0.81). Allometric differences were observed (intercepts were 1.8374 and 3.4956, and slopes were 4.0943 and 1.7038 for UF and F seedlings, respectively), and variations in the study factors (fertilization and seed size).
Limitations on study/implications: In order to improve the survival of plants in the field it is necessary to use seeds with high quality.
Findings/conclusions: Fertilization of Q. variabilis seedlings increases their biomass production, which allows for greater growth and survival compared to unfertilized ones
Heliconias (Heliconiaceae) in rural landscapes: Heliconias
Objective: To describe the heliconia species for their use in the rural landscape.
Design/methodology/approach: Native and endemic heliconia species were searched in the literature; a list of the introduced heliconia was made with field data. Phenology of H. psittacorum and H. wagneriana was evaluated from June 2021 to September 2023. Used rhizomes of H. psittacorum and H. wagneriana were 40 and 60 cm respectively. These were washed with tap water and then immersed in Captan® 500 (1 g L-1) for 10 min, they were established in a propagation bed for three weeks and then in the field, to record the vegetative and flowering stages.
Results: According to the literature, Mexico has 21 heliconia species of and one hybrid, of which five are endemic, the rest native, eight of them are used in the landscape. H. psittacorum had a vegetative period of 10 weeks and H. wagneriana 33 weeks; the flowering periods of H. psittacorum and in H. wagneriana is seven and eight weeks respectively. Heliconias are part of the rural landscape.
Limitations on study/implications: Only two phenology stages were measured in the field.
Findings/conclusions: Of 21 species of mexican heliconias, only eight are used in the landscape and 20 are introduced cultivars. The production of flowers began after 10 and 33 weeks in H. psittacorum and H. wagneriana respectively, which are used in floral designs once they bloom. Heliconias are used in gardens of rural tourism enterprises and educational institutionsObjective: To research native, endemic, and introduced heliconia species and their size for use in rural landscaping and to describe the phenology of two species.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A bibliographical review was carried out in search for native and endemic heliconia species; a list of the introduced heliconias was developed with field data. The phenology of H. psittacorum and H. wagneriana was evaluated from June 2021 to September 2023. The H. psittacorum and H. wagneriana rhizomes used for this research measured 40 and 60 cm, respectively. They were washed with tap water and then immersed in 1 g L-1 of Captan® 500 for 10 min. Subsequently, they were established in a propagation bed for three weeks and then they were planted in the field, to record the vegetative and flowering stages.
Results: According to the bibliography, Mexico has 21 heliconia species and one hybrid; five of which are endemic species, while the rest are native. Eight of them are used in landscaping. H. psittacorum and H. wagneriana had a vegetative period of 10 and 33 weeks, respectively; meanwhile, H. psittacorum flowered at five weeks, while H. wagneriana flowered at eight weeks.
Study Limitations/Implications: The phenology of just two species was evaluated in the field.
Findings/Conclusions: Only eight out of the 21 species of Mexican heliconias are used in landscaping; however, 20 are introduced cultivars are used in Mexico landscaping. The production of flowers began after 10 (H. psittacorum) and 33 (H. wagneriana) weeks; both species are used in floral designs once they bloom. Heliconias are used in the gardens of rural tourism enterprises and educational institutions
Profitability analysis of the use of a variable dosing system for the differentiated application of fertilizer in corn crops
Objective: Carry out a profitability comparison between corn production with the use of the variable dispenser for application and a conventional fertilizer dispenser.
Design/methodology/approach: The profitability of a variable dispenser for the differentiated application of fertilizer was evaluated, which has a sensor that measures the requirements of the soil, designed and built at the National Center for Standardization of Agricultural Machinery, with respect to a conventional dispenser. For this, a corn crop was established in an experimental plot, applying the recommendations established in the technological package for the production of grain corn, by INIFAP, in the State of Mexico.
Results: With the variable dispenser, it was verified that the soil needs require 11.5% less fertilizer than that supplied by a constant application dispenser. The yield obtained was 5.6% higher than in the conventional one. The B/C benefit/cost ratio with the variable dispenser was 1.60, with the conventional dispenser it was 1.44, for both cases the profitability is positive, with a difference of 0.16 cents.
The profitability with the use of the variable doser was higher than with the conventional doser
Microbiological quality of marketed fish and shrimp in San Luis Mextepec in the State of Mexico, Mexico.
Objective: To analyze the common and widely marketed fishing products in the popular area of San Luis Mextepec, in the state of Mexico belonging to the Mexican Republic to determine the hazards and potential risks to health from consumption of those products.
Design/methodology/approach: Samples of fish fillet and whole shrimp were collected from available fish shops in the popular aquatic food marketing area every week, for a month. The evaluation of their microbiological quality was performed through test aerobic mesophiles, total coliforms, Salmonella, fungi and yeasts.
Results: The analysis of aerobic mesophiles in fish and shrimp indicated that they did not exceed the permissible limits of the health standard, while coliforms in fish and shrimp 50% exceeded the permissible limit in 100% and 50% of the samples respectively. For fungi in fish and shrimp they presented counts that ranged between 8 and 2150 CFU/g, while the yeast values ranged between 95 and 1010 CFU/g. Finally, in the analysis of Salmonella, 50% of fish and shrimp samples tested positive for the presence of the pathogen, exceeding the limit established by health standards and indicating a health risk for consumers.
Limitations on study/implications: This study should be replicated at another time of the year since the type and degree of contamination in fish and shrimp can vary, influencing microbiological hazards and risk to the health of consumers.
Findings/conclusions: The microbiological analysis of marketed fish and shrimp indicated the presence of microbiological contamination that influences their quality and safety, becoming a hazard and public health risk.
Objectivo: Análisis de productos comunes de la pesca y de amplia comercialización en zona popular de la población de San Luis Mextepec en el estado de México; afín de determinar el peligro y potencial de riesgo a la salud por consumo de estos productos.
Diseño/metodologia/enfoque: Se realizó la colecta de muestras de filete de pescado y camarón entero en pescaderías disponibles de la zona popular de comercialización de alimentos acuáticos en San Luis Mextepec en el estado de México cada semana durante un mes, evaluando su calidad microbiológica consistente en mesófilos aerobios, coliformes totales, Salmonella, hongos y levaduras.
Resultados: El análisis de mesofilos aerobios en pescado y camarón indicó que no sobrepasaron los limites permisibles de la norma oficial sanitaria, mientras que coliformes en pescado el 100% de las muestras y en camarón el 50% sobrepasaron el límite permisible. Para hongos en pescado y camarón presentaron recuentos que oscilaban entre 8 y 2150 CFU/g, mientras que para levaduras los valores oscilaron entre 95 y 1010 CFU/g. Finalmente en el análisis de Salmonella spp., el 50% de muestras de pescado y camarón dieron positiva a la presencia del patógeno infringiendo el límite sanitario e indicando un riesgo a la salud para consumidores.
Limitaciones/implicaciones: Este estudio debe replicarse en otras épocas del año ya que el tipo y grado de contaminación en pescados y camarones puede variar influyendo en los peligros microbiológicos y riesgo a la salud de consumidores.
Conclusiones: El análisis microbiológico de pescado y camarón comercializado indicó la presencia de contaminación microbiológica que influye en su calidad e inocuidad convirtiéndose en un peligro y riesgo a la salud de consumidores
Design of an orchid conservation trail in Ixtaczoquitlán, Veracruz, Mexico
Objective: To raise awareness about the ecological importance of orchids and to promote the species commercialized by a company focused on their production through the design of a trail.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A diagnosis of the plot was carried out to identify its characteristics and points of interest. A trail was designed to connect the most outstanding points. Native trees, which are the habitat of orchids, were subsequently planted to establish the outdoor collections.
Results: The appeal of the place and the established phorophytes were taken into consideration to design the trail. Likewise, recommendations were made on what species of orchids should be planted in each station along the trail.
Study Limitations/Implications: Evaluating visitor experience is pending. The trail lacks infrastructure for people with disabilities. The trail is located in an area subjected to anthropization and it will take several years before orchids can be established on the trees planted in July 2023.
Findings/Conclusions: Trails are a useful tool to promote the conservation of native orchids; however, under anthropization conditions, it should be subjected to a systematized implementation to provide the climate and phorophyte conditions necessary for the survival of orchids
Trends and evolution in the scientific research of Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz
Objective: Analyze the scientific production on Sechium edule by using bibliometric and computer tools to identify trends about its research, as well as the key factors and areas of opportunity that require scientific focus
Design/methodology/approach: The "bibliometrix" package was used to extract, debug and select publications from the Scopus platform. The bibliometric analysis was divided into several sections: the first included an analysis of authors (publication count, H-index); analysis of keywords, as well as trends and areas of opportunity.
Results: It has found 385 documents from 1976 to 2024, with an annual growth rate of 5.12%, 1448 researchers involved, 13,411 references, 12.2 average articles per year published and an average citation of 15.46. 1248 keywords were found, Mexico is the country with the highest number of corresponding authors and with the highest scientific productivity.
Limitations on study/implications: Publications that were not in Scopus or that are in other indexing times were discarded.
Findings/conclusions: Current trends are related to biomedical, pharmaceutical applications through the study of cucurbitacins. Genetic and molecular issues are gaining momentum and more research related to bioprospecting is expected. This information is essential for planning future research and ensuring the continuous and cohesive advancement of the scientific knowledge of chayote
Current perspectives on long-COVID: a brief review of understanding and management
Objective: Conduct a retrospective analysis of studies compiled in the literature on the current classification of Long-COVID.
Design/methodology/approach: A search was conducted in medical information platforms using the keywords: COVID-19, Long COVID, COVID.19 sequelae, SARS-CoV 2, prolonged COVID. Articles published in the chronological period between 2020 and 2023 in both English and Spanish were used. Inclusion criteria were a maximum of five years since publication, review articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses or clinical practice guidelines. The exclusion criteria were that the articles exceeded the time limit, that they were opinion articles, case reports or trials.
Results: There is no homogenized definition or standardized guidelines or norms for the diagnosis of Long-COVID, the epidemiological studies are not completely corroborated and there is a great disparity between the incidence rates estimated in the different research works, same case for treatment.
Limitations on study/implications: The lack of homogeneity in the patterns of symptoms, classification and diagnosis by the literature and health officials.
Findings/conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach is required, where clinical findings, laboratory and imaging studies are integrated, to homogenize information in search of adequate and timely Long-COVID diagnoses and effective treatments for the benefit of patients