Revista Agro Productividad
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Glyphosate contamination: implications for honeybee Apis mellifera and consumers in Southeastern Mexico
Get PDFIn a study conducted from June 2021 to May 2022 in two apiaries in southeastern Mexico, levels of glyphosate residues in pollen collected by bee Apis mellifera were analyzed to assess potential risks to both bees and humans. The analysis used an immunoassay method after residue extraction using the QUECHERS method. The results revealed the presence of glyphosate in all samples, with concentrations ranging between 3.71 and 7.29 μg/kg. However, risk analysis, as indicated by the pollen hazard quotient, suggested that these quantities did not pose a serious threat to bees or humans. The levels were within acceptable limits of the acceptable daily intake (ADI), acute reference dose (ARfD) and acceptable operator exposure level (AOEL). In conclusion, although this study did not find any significant association between glyphosate and potential risks for both humans and bees, its persistence in the environment is demonstrated. Glyphosate levels at the study site were low, suggesting minimal risk to both species. However, the wide distribution of glyphosato in the region makes it necessary to emphasize long-term studies to understand the possible chronic effects of the pesticide on all species in the area.Objective: in a study conducted from June 2021 to May 2022 in two apiaries in southeastern Mexico, levels of glyphosate residues in pollen collected by bee Apis mellifera were analyzed to assess potential risks to both bees and humans.
Design/methodology/approach: the analysis used an immunoassay method after residue extraction using the QUECHERS method.
Results: the results revealed the presence of glyphosate in all samples, with concentrations ranging between 3.71 and 7.29 μg kg-1. However, risk analysis, as indicated by the pollen hazard quotient, suggested that these quantities did not pose a serious threat to bees or humans. The levels were within the limits of the acceptable daily intake (ADI), the acute reference dose (ARfD) and the acceptable operator exposure level (AOEL).
Limitations/implications: although this study did not find any significant association between glyphosate and potential risks for both humans and bees, its persistence in the environment was demonstrated.
Findings/conclusions: Glyphosate levels at the study site were low, suggesting minimal risk to both humans and bees. However, the wide distribution of glyphosate in the region makes it necessary to emphasize long-term studies to understand the possible chronic effects of the pesticide on all species in the area
Physicochemical characterization of flour based on waste shrimp exoskeleton obtained by dehydration processes
No full textThe present work shows a quantitative study with an exploratory descriptive approach that investigates the potential use of flour based on the exoskeleton of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), through documentary review, using information collection techniques such as surveys and field interviews. Shrimp shells were collected from fishmonger waste containers, processed and analyzed for their proximal chemical composition and micronutrients. The results show that discarded shrimp shells represent a waste of 2.5 Tons in the area of Alvarado, Veracruz, and that the flour obtained from these shells has a high protein content of 44.40%, minerals such as Ca with 11.17%, N with 6.86%, Fe with 237 mg/Kg-1, Zn with 77 mg/Kg-1 among other nutrients. The study indicates that the use of this flour could add value to shrimp waste, having potential applications in the food industry and in the formulation of balanced animal feed, thus contributing to the reduction of pollution of the lagoon system in Alvarado.O
Objective: To characterize the physicochemical and nutritional compounds of meal made from shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus L.) exoskeleton, obtained through hot air dehydration processes, in order to value new products and applications, according to their nutritional components.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Shrimp producers from Alvarado, Veracruz, were interviewed using a quantitative approach with a descriptive scope. Likewise, shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus L.) shells were dehydrated and powdered to transform them into meal. The proximate chemical composition was analyzed to determine its nutritional composition and its macro and micronutrients, as well as to identify the deficiencies or excesses of certain nutrients. The general public and local ranchers were surveyed and interviewed to establish the opinions, preferences, and behaviors of consumers regarding meal by-products, in order to evaluate their market acceptance.
Results: In Alvarado, Veracruz, 2.5 tons of shrimp shell are wasted. The meal obtained from these shells has a high protein (45.40%) and mineral content, which includes Ca (11.17%), Na (6.86%), Fe (237 mg/Kg-1), and Zn (77 mg/Kg-1). Therefore, this nutrient content guarantees the quality of the protein input that is acquired and the food that is provided.
Study Limitations/Implications: Access to outdated statistical information, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, hindered the collection of relevant data. Likewise, the lack of interest of the producers in monitoring the project and the limited participation and knowledge of the workers represented a significant challenge to the progress of the study.
Findings/Conclusions: The meal under study contained nutritional elements, making it a product with high nutritional quality that could add value to shrimp waste and that has potential applications in the food industry, in the production of fertilizers, and in the formulation of balanced feed for animals. Consequently, it would contribute to the reduction of pollution in the Alvarado lagoon system
Economic cointegration of the North American agricultural sector
Get PDFObjective: To determine if the Mexican, Canadian, and American agricultural industries are cointegrated.
Methodology: Six cointegration tests were carried out between the Mexican, Canadian, and American agricultural, forestry, fishing, and hunting industries, as well as the Mexican animal husbandry and exploitation sector. The USA was the independent variable in all cases.
Results: The Mexican sector, with an α of 5% (with and without trend) is not cointegrated with the USA and Canada, while Canada and the USA, with an α of 5% (with and without trend) are cointegrated.
Study Limitations/Implications: The agricultural sector of the three countries were not analyzed separately and the Engle-Granger causality test was not used. Although some products from Mexico's agricultural sector have managed to make inroads in the USA and Canada, further advances are still possible. Therefore, there are areas of improvement for Mexican products. Likewise, NAFTA and the USMCA/CUSMA have failed to achieve their objective of cointegrating the agricultural sectors of the three nations.
Conclusions: The Mexican sector was not cointegrated with the American and Canadian sectors during the analysis period —i.e., the Mexican sector is not influenced by and does not have the same long-term behavior (with delays) than the USA and Canadian sectors. However, the Canadian sector is cointegrated with the USA sector —i.e., the Canadian sector is influenced and has the same long-term behavior than the USA sector
Update on the terrestrial orchid flora of the Tacana volcano and close area, Chiapas, Mexico
Get PDFObjective: To assess the number of terrestrial orchid species on the Tacaná volcano, Chiapas, and to empirically observe distribution/elevation patterns and ecological conditions.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Random line transect sampling, over two years, for a total of 8 sites, each starting from the vicinity of rural villages. Samples were deposited in the CICY herbarium and analysed using dichotomous keys and field photographs. New records were compared with the GBIF data distribution.
Results: 52 different taxa have been identified. 24 species are new records for the Soconusco region, where the Tacaná volcano is located. In this way, the Soconusco region becomes the richest Mexican region for the number of orchid species, joining a total of 351 species.
Study Limitations/Implications: Building an accurate prediction model based on environmental and topographic variables could suggest microsites within the Tacaná Park that we have not visited for practical and technical reasons.
Findings/Conclusions: The total number of taxa in the Soconusco region increases to 351. Terrestrial orchids are not usually studied in depth in tropical places, but they are also important in the ecological balance of the natural site. A specific inventory could show more richness of tropical ecosystem
In vitro, in situ, and in vivo evaluation of a sesame paste supplement for grazing calves
Get PDFObjective: To carry out an in vitro, in situ, and in vivo evaluation of soybean paste (T1) and sesame paste (T2) supplements for calves under grazing conditions.
Methodology: Partial (24, 48, and 72 h) and accumulated biogas and methane production, as well as dry matter degradation (DMD), were measured in the in vitro analysis. The digestibility kinetics parameters (a, b, a+b, c, k, ED) were estimated in the in situ test. Feed supplement consumption (SC), daily weight gain (DWG), bacterial and protozoan populations, acetate, propionate, and butyrate were evaluated in the in vivo test. A completely randomized experimental design was used.
Results: T1 produced a higher amount of partial and accumulated biogas and methane at 24 h, as well as the highest values in the b, a+b, k, and ED (p ≤ 0.05) parameters. Meanwhile the rest of the in vitro, in situ, and in vivo variables did not record any differences between treatments (p > 0.05).
Study Limitations/Implications: The production of sesame paste is seasonal; consequently, its harvest limits its year-round availability.
Conclusions: Based on the in vitro, in situ, and in vivo evaluations, sesame paste is a feasible option to replace soybean paste as a source of protein, in the supplementation of calves in the tropics
The Seeds of the Mexican Countryside
Get PDFObjective: The objective of this work is to make an analysis of the types of seeds use by Mexican farmers and their relationship with Local Seed Systems (SLS) and Formal Seed Systems (SFS).
Design/methodology/approach: The work consisted of a bibliographic review about the types of seeds available for the Mexican countryside and their seed systems. In addition, to identify some priorities and strategies for its strengthening.
Results: In Mexico, derived from its climatic, edaphic, geophysical heterogeneity, cultural social and economic diversity. It has caused both landraces and improved seed to coexist in the SLS and SFS. However, there is a predominance in the use of landraces in SLS of 70 to 80 %. Therefore, it is considered a priority to conserve traditional selection, management, conservation and use practices that have caused the wide inter- and intraspecific diversity of landraces. However, more research needs to be carried out and its legal framework strengthened. In the case of improved seeds located mainly in SFS, it is considered to promote their use in vegetables and the ornamental sector.
Limitations on study/implications: The work developed could be complemented with the participation and interviews of decision makers in seed policies in Mexico and the review of processed in other countries.
Findings/conclusions: In Mexico the use of native and improved seeds coexists. To satisfy the demand for food, all types of seeds are important and both the SLS and the SFS but differentiated public policies are required for their attention and the definition of a specific legal framework for landraces
Applied interpolation methodology with GIS used for artisanal fishing zoning in Bahía Magdalena, Mexico
Get PDFObjective: To limit the artisanal fishing zones in the water mirror of Magdalena Bay, by means of interpolation.
Design/methodology/approach: Through surveys, social, economic and biological production data, wich are collected from a sample of 56 artisanal fishing cooperatives. The data is integrated into a relational database with geospatial reference and geostatistically processed with interpolation methods using a geographic information system.
Results: Four zoning maps based on the interpolation of the variables target species, fishing effort, extraction volume and sale value.
Limitations on study/implications: The remoteness and difficult access to the study area.
Findings/conclusions: The methodology can be used at the national level and generate a limitation of the priority zones for artisanal fishing in Mexico, contributing to decision making and management plans that can consider the variables of the fishermen's social life
Socioeconomic and environmental factors that impact vegetable production
Get PDFObjective: Analyze the factors that are contributing to the reduction of vegetable production in the Ejido San Vicente Chicoloapan.
Design/methodology: To obtain data, a survey was applied to 60 ejidatarios out of a total of 150 who produced vegetables in the year 2022. The producers surveyed were those who were found in their plots and agreed to be surveyed; so the sampling was by coexistence.
Results: The ejidatarios have an average of 1.47 agricultural ha, with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 5 ha, considering irrigation and rainfed. Of the studied sample, 43.3% sold their land and currently, there are housing units and new houses; 38.3% cultivated their own land or those they rented; and 18.3% rented your land. The ejidatarios suffer from theft of vegetables and the most coveted are pumpkin (45.0%), artichoke (31.7%), onion (13.3%), chard (8.3%) and cabbage (1.7%).
Limitations/implications: It was not possible to obtain the register of ejidatarios to design a random sample. It was not possible to estimate the harvested surface nor the volume of production to estimate the yields, since the producers introduce several crops in their plots in addition to vegetables.
Findings/Conclusions: The production of vegetables in the Ejido San Vicente Chicoloapan, State of Mexico, is at risk of disappearing due to economic and social reasons and lack of support. The ejidatarios who still plant vegetables have tried to alleviate these problems, however, they do not have much of a future in production, and the elderly are opting for the sale of their lands and the destination of these are for the construction of houses.
Keywords: Vegetables, polycultures, sale of agricultural land, change of land use, peri-urban agriculture.Objective: To analyze the factors that contribute to the reduction of vegetable production in the San Vicente Chicoloapan ejido.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Sixty out of a total of 150 ejidatarios who produced vegetables in 2022 participated in a convenience sampling. Producers who agreed to be surveyed were interviewed in their plots.
Results: The ejidatarios have an average of 1.47 agricultural ha (minimum: 1 ha; maximum: 5 ha), considering both irrigated and rainfed lands. The use of the sample studied was divided as follows: 43.3% of the owners sold their land to developers who built housing units and new houses; 38.3% cultivated their own land or those they rented; and 18.3% rented out their lands. The ejidatarios suffer from vegetable theft, particularly pumpkin (45.0%), artichoke (31.7%), onion (13.3%), chard (8.3%), and cabbage (1.7%).
Study Limitations/Implications: Designing a random sample was impossible given the lack of access to a register of ejidatarios. Estimating the harvested area or estimating yield based on the production volume was impossible, since producers grow several crops in their plots, besides vegetables.
Findings/Conclusions: Vegetable production in the San Vicente Chicoloapan ejido, State of Mexico, is at risk of disappearing, as a consequence of economic and social issues and a lack of support. The ejidatarios who still grow vegetables have tried to mitigate these problems; however, their future as producers is severely limited and older people have chosen to sell their land, which are used by developers to build houses
Effectiveness study of learning algorithms in supply chains of a dairy business
Get PDFObjective: To develop a control system to prevent over-response of the supply chain of a dairy business.
Methodology: The following methods were used: DQN, Double DQN, Dueling DQN, and Dueling Double DQN to determine the distribution of demand: normal and uniform.
Results: Results were calculated based on stability in learning (the last 10,000 episodes). It was observed that the means of DQN and DDQN were very similar. To validate whether the performance of the Dueling DQN algorithm is better than that of the DQN algorithm, a non-parametric test was performed to compare the mean rank of two related samples and to determine if there are differences between them. The p values were 5.83e−38 and 0.000 for the Normal and Uniform distributions, respectively.
Conclusions: The algorithm with the best results is Dueling DQN, with an average total cost of 151.27 units for the demand with a normal distribution and an average of 155.3 units for the demand with a uniform distribution. This method has less variability once convergence is achieve
Non-toxic Jatropha curcas L. residual paste as a protein supplement in poultry diets
Get PDFObjective: To evaluate the effect of non-toxic piñón mexicano (Jatropha curcas L.)residual meal as part of the protein supplement in broiler chicken feed.
Design/methodology/approach: An experimental diet was designed incorporating flour obtained from the residual paste of piñón mexicano, which was administered to a group of 20 one-day-old Cobb 550 chicks. The weight of the chickens was recorded every thirdday, and the type of feed was adjusted weekly according to their development over a period of 28 days. Another group of chicks, with the same number of individuals, characteristics, and monitoring, was fed a commercial diet for comparison purposes.
Results: The inclusion of non-toxic piñón mexicano residual meal in the broiler chicken diet resulted in performance similar to that obtained with the commercial diet.
Study limitations/implications: The scale of the experiment might affect the generalization of the results to a larger poultry population.
Findings/conclusions: Non-toxic piñón mexicano residual meal could be a viable and sustainable alternative to enrich poultry diets.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of the non-toxic residual meal from Mexican jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) aspart of a protein supplement in broiler chicken feed.Design/methodology/approach: An experimental diet was designed by incorporating meal obtained fromthe non-toxic residual jatropha paste, which was administered to a group of 20 one-day-old Cobb 550 chicks.The chicks were weighed every three days, and their feed was adjusted weekly according to their developmentover a 28-day period. Another group of chicks, with the same number of individuals, characteristics, andfollow-up, was fed a commercial diet for comparison purposes.Results: The inclusion of non-toxic residual jatropha paste in the broiler chickens’ diet produced similarperformance to that obtained with the commercial diet.Study limitations/implications: The scale of the experiment could affect the generalization of the results toa larger poultry population.Findings/conclusions: The non-toxic residual meal from Mexican jatropha could be a viable and sustainablealternative for enriching poultry diets