Revista Agro Productividad
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Effect of branch girdling on the alternate bearing, yield, and fruit quality of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.)
Get PDFObjective: The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of girdling branches, application of gibberellic acid (GA3), and foliar urea on the alternating yield and quality of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf) fruits.
Design/methodology/approach: The experiment was carried out on trees during abundant harvest (“on” year) and trees with low harvest (“off” year). Foliar applications of GA3 and foliar urea were performed with a manual sprayer at a rate of 7 L tree-1 of solution. Branch girdling (5.0 mm wide) was performed on two-thirds of the secondary branches using a circular-edged knife to avoid damaging the xylem. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 24 factorial arrangements with 16 treatments and 3 repetitions. Each experimental unit was a tree to evaluate fruit yield and quality at the experiment's conclusion.
Results: Branch girdling increased the diameter, the number of fruits, the yield, and the ºBrix-Acidity ratio of the juice. Foliar urea applications increased the percentage of juice but delayed ripening. The combination of branch girdling plus foliar urea applications increased fruit weight. The yield increase was attributed to the number of fruits rather than their weight. The treatments did not reduce alternate bearing.
Limitations on study/implications: The commercial cultivation areas for the experiment were limited due to the availability of facilities for testing fruit quality.
Findings/conclusions: To increase the size and number of fruits, with an increase in yield, branch girdling is an effective option. Furthermore, the application of foliar urea increases the percentage of juice and fruit weight, with a slight delay in maduration. However, the treatments did not reduce alternate bearing. Future research is required with other grapefruit varieties at different application times
Economic Viability of Organic Fertilization in Forage Oats (Avena sativa L.) in the Mexicali Valley
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Objective: To economically evaluate the use of chemical, organic and organic-mineral fertilizers in of forage oat production in the Mexicali Valley; and to determine the profitability of each fertilization type.
Design/methodology/approach: Three treatments were established, one chemically fertilized (T1), one with organic fertilization (T2), and one with organic-mineral fertilization (T3) with two replications under a completely randomized design. Cash flow, financial costs and economic costs were calculated.
Results: Fertilization costs accounted for between 37% and 52% of the cost structure. Treatments T2 and T3 did not cover production costs. Only treatment T1 treatment demonstrated the ability to cover both production and financial costs. None of the treatments covered economic costs.
Limitations on study/implications: It is suggested to replicate the economic viability analyses in consecutive productive cycles, as other studies have shown positive impacts on soil fertility.
Findings/conclusions: The organic and organic-mineral fertilization systems (T2 and T3) were not profitable in the short term. The chemical fertilization system (T1) demonstrated the ability to cover, in addition to production costs, the depreciation costs of fixed assets. However, none of the treatments showed the ability to compensate the risk of investing in the activity
Farmers' Response to Disasters: A Study in Three Municipalities of the Sierra Nevada of Puebla
Get PDFObjective: This study aimed to analyze the types of disasters affecting family agriculture and to understand the strategies implemented by producers to mitigate damage to crops and the economic well-being of farming families in three municipalities of the Sierra Nevada region in Puebla.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The information used in this research was derived from secondary sources and key informants from the municipalities of Calpan, Domingo Arenas, and San Nicolás de los Ranchos in Puebla.
Results: The Sierra Nevada region is characterized by family-based subsistence agriculture, practiced on smallholdings. In response to the frequent climatic disasters that occur throughout the year—such as frost, hail, drought, strong winds, and excessive rainfall—local farmers have developed various strategies. One such strategy is the introduction of new crops, such as berries and grapes, which are better adapted to the changing environmental conditions. These crops are easier to manage and have shown strong market demand, providing farmers with a viable alternative to traditional crops.
Study Limitations/Implications: Some key informants declined to provide information.
Findings/Conclusions:Family-based agriculture is highly vulnerable to a range of disasters with varying intensities, which negatively impact the living conditions of rural populations, especially those living in poverty. In response, rural communities have developed strategies to mitigate the effects of these disasters and adapt to the changing environmental conditions
Pests and diseases in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) production in two municipalities of the State of Puebla
Get PDFObjective: To analyze the presence and impact of pests and diseases on coffee production in two indigenous communities in the state of Puebla.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Information was collected through interviews with 57 growers in Huehuetla and 52 in Cuetzalan.
Results: The coffee area sown in the region is made up of very small minifundios (very small plots, not big enough to produce profits), which reflects the challenging living conditions of coffee farming families. A statistically significant difference in yield was recorded between municipalities (t=2.348; p=0.021). The coffee varieties grown in the region include: Typica, Caturra, Mundo Novo, Garnica, and Bourbon. Pests and diseases were found in the plots of the farmers. The most prevalent pests and diseases were the coffee berry borer and the coffee leaf rust, found in 57 and 42.9% of the farms. In the case of coffee leaf rust, statistically significant differences were recorded (χ²=3.906; p=0.048) between the two municipalities, with a higher prevalence in Cuetzalan (53.1%) than in Huehuetla (33.9%). Additional pests and diseases were identified, including American leaf spot (24.8%), pellicularia koleroga (7.9%), cercospora leaf spot (6.9%), coffee white stem borer (6.1%), root rot (6%), and coffee leaf miner (3%). Chemical treatments are used to control most of these pests and diseases.
Study Limitations/Implications: The detection of pests and diseases depended on the perception of the grower.
Findings/Conclusions: Coffee growers in these municipalities are among the poorest of the region. Furthermore, their crops are impacted by pests and diseases, which increase their already challenging living conditions
Year-long evaluation of total soluble proteins in the trunk of two pine species from northeastern Mexico
Get PDFObjective: To quantify the one-year total soluble protein (TSP) concentration in the trunk of two pine species.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The Bradford method (1976) was used to determine the TSP concentration in the two pine species. Statistical tests were subsequently performed with the IBM SPSS 18 Software, using a general linear model (GLM) univariate analysis.
Results: The TSP concentration was different for each month. The highest concentration was recorded in August (6.84 mg gMS-1 for Pinus pinceana Gordon and 6.82 mg gMS-1 for Pinus cembroides Zucc), and the lowest was registered in April (5.53 mg gMS-1 for Pinus cembroides Zucc) and February (6.64 mg gMS-1 for Pinus pincenana Gordon).
Study Limitations/implications: There is a lack of information regarding these two pine species and scarce studies explain the behavior of the TSP.
Conclusions: The concentration of total soluble proteins varies in each month of the year. Further studies that include more plant organs are required to obtain a broader protein profile for both species
Cardinal temperatures of populations developed from native maize (Zea mays L.) from central and southern, Tamaulipas, Mexico
No full textObjective: Estimate the cardinal temperatures of native maize populations of Tamaulipas.
Design/methodology/approach: Under a randomized block design with a split plot arrangement, in Güémez, Tamaulipas, during 2019 and 2020, ten genotypes derived from native germplasm of Tamaulipas were established on 12 planting dates. With the days from sowing to male flowering and the average temperature of that period of each sowing date, the cardinal temperatures (Tb, To and Tu) of each of the genotypes were estimated by decomposing a quadratic model.
Results: During the sowing to male flowering stage, the evaluated cultivars presented base temperatures (Tb) of 15.7 to 18.1 °C; optimum (To) from 28.3 to 30.1 °C and threshold (Tu) from 32.3 to 34.4 °C. The values of Tb and To demonstrate the high thermal requirement of the germplasm; while the Tu demonstrates the resistance to high temperature. The cultivars L3, L4, L5 and VHA stood out for their greater ranges of adaptation to temperatures between 16.2 and 34.4 °C; while L3, L4 and L6 presented greater resistance at high temperatures (Tu of 34.5 °C on average).
Limitations on study/implications: The cardinal temperatures determined in the present study depended on the genotypes evaluated and the environment in which they were developed.
Findings/conclusions: The evaluated maize germplasm presents resistance to high temperatures because they are adapted to the conditions of the Center and South of Tamaulipas, they are considered as a source of variation for characteristics that provide resistance to stress due to high temperatures.Objective: To estimate the cardinal temperatures of native maize populations from Tamaulipas.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Ten genotypes developed from native germplasms were established in Güémez, Tamaulipas, on 12 planting dates (2019 and 2020). The cardinal temperatures (Tb, To, and Tu) of each of the cultivars were estimated through the decomposition of a quadratic model, using the days from sowing to tasseling and the average temperature of each sowing date from that period.
Results: From sowing to tasseling, the evaluated cultivars recorded 15.7-18.1 °C base temperatures (Tb), 28.3-30.1 °C optimum temperatures (To), and 32.3-34.4 °C threshold temperatures (Tu). The Tb and To values represent the high thermal requirement of the germplasm, while Tu stands for its resistance to high temperatures. The L3, L4, L5, and VHA cultivars stood out for their broader adaptation range (16.2 to 34.4 °C), while the L3, L4, and L6 cultivars have a higher resistance to high temperatures (average Tu: 34.5 °C).
Study Limitations/Implications: The cardinal temperatures determined in this study depended on the evaluated genotypes and the environment in which they developed.
Findings/Conclusions: The maize germplasm evaluated in this study was resistant to high temperatures. As a result of its adaptation to the conditions of central and southern Tamaulipas, this germplasm is a source of variation for the characteristics that provide resistance to the stress caused by high temperatures
Analysis of the natural regeneration of the white mangrove (Laguncu-laria racemosa (L.) C.F. Gaertn. with dasometric variables during the drought season
Get PDFObjective: To estimate the natural regeneration and growth in the sapling stage of white mangrove during the dry season.
Design/methodology/approach: Measurements of the structural variables of white mangrove, diameter at breast height (DBH), height and crown diameter were made in three sampling plots. A statistical analysis was performed with the data obtained and mean data were obtained from the three sampling plots.
Results: DBH data were 0.34, 0.37 and 0.42 m; height 1.34, 1.28 and 1.58 m; and crown 44.18, 38.56 and 39.83 cm, in each sampling plot respectively.
Limitations on study/implications: In dry seasons, erosion can expose rocky or sandy substrates that are not suitable for mangrove growth.
Findings/conclusions: The white mangrove in its sapling stage during the dry season, presented statistically significant differences in growth between sampling plots using the dasometric variables (DBH, height and crown diameter).Objective: To analyze the natural regeneration of the white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa L.) with dasometric variables, during the drought season, in the ejido La Solución Somos Todos in Paraíso, Tabasco, Mexico.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The structural variables of white mangrove —diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and canopy diameter— were measured in three sampling plots. A statistical analysis was performed with the resulting data and the mean data were determined for the three sampling plots.
Results: The following data were recorded for each sampling plot: DBH (0.34, 0.37, and 0.42 cm), height (134, 128, and 158 cm), and canopy (44.18, 38.56, and 39.83 cm).
Study Limitations/Implications: In the dry season, erosion can expose rocky and sandy substrates that are not suitable for mangrove growth.
Findings/Conclusions: The white mangrove —which undergoes its brinzal (seedling) stage during the dry season— recorded statistically significant differences in growth between sampling plots using the dasometric variables (DBH, height, and canopy diameter)
Impact of the USMCA on corn (Zea mays L.) trade dynamics and food security in Mexico
Get PDFObjective: To determine the impact of corn imports on food security in Mexico by describing the trade dynamics generated by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to highlight the positive effects of foreign trade and free trade policies.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The research is based on a quantitative analysis of statistical data on corn involving 27 periods, coinciding with the entry into force of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). We used a gravity model with two simultaneously estimated equations—very effective in describing the economies’ trade dynamics.
Results: The estimate of the simultaneous equation model identified the United States as the country of greatest significance regarding corn trade with Mexico—an important consideration being that corn trade has a major influence on food security.
Study limitations/implications: The most relevant limitation was the lack of a unique source for data documentation.
Findings/Conclusions: Mexico’s government policy aims to guarantee food supply. Yet, in 2020, imports supplied 36% of the national corn consumption. Corn imported from the United States is of the yellow variety; the tariff liberalization of this product as per USMCA and the geographical proximity to Mexico contribute to the imported volumes of yellow corn. As per the measurements provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the physical availability of food—in this case, corn—and the economic and physical access to food are met in Mexico. Nevertheless, food security has not been achieved, since 70% of the supply for consumption should come from national productio
Biofortification of forages through the application of selenium nano-particles
Get PDFLos forrajes son la columna vertebral de la agricultura sostenible y contribuyen significativamente a la economía mundial, ya que se estima que la superficie de los pastizales es el doble que la de las tierras de cultivo, y los pastos forrajeros ocupan más superficie que cualquier otro cultivo y tienen un valor incalculable para la alimentación del ganado, especialmente rumiantes. En la nutrición animal los minerales constituyen un factor fundamental de los nutrientes requeridos; tal es el caso de los rumiantes, que desde hace muchos años han sido objeto de diferentes investigaciones, especialmente los macrominerales (Ca, P, Mg, K y Na) y algunos oligoelementos como Cu, Co, I, Zn y Se. El selenio (Se) es un oligoelemento esencial para la nutrición animal, que requiere de 40 a 700 µg, lo cual es importante para las funciones biológicas de los animales. El selenio es un componente estructural de más de 30 selenoproteínas, un mineral implicado en diferentes procesos bioquímicos para la vida. La deficiencia de este elemento en los animales se asocia con diferentes alteraciones en el organismo, como disminución de la fertilidad, abortos durante el período de gestación, retención de placenta y debilidad neonatal. Por lo tanto, la nutrición de Se en animales como los rumiantes es de suma importancia ya que el ciclo del Se en la cadena alimentaria de los animales terrestres comienza desde el suelo e influye en las fuentes de alimento de animales como las plantas, que en última instancia dependen de su asimilación del suelo, por lo que son la fuente primaria de Se para las plantas y por ende para los animales, siendo un problema porque la concentración de Se en los suelos varía significativamente. La intervención agrícola que mejora los niveles de Se en plantas cultivadas se ha definido como biofortificación, y ésta puede utilizarse como fertilización y estrategia complementaria para mejorar la nutrición humana y animal.Objective: This review paper examines the application of nanoparticles in agriculture, through biofortification with Se NPs in plants. Methodology: A comprehensive review of the literature on the use of Se NPs in plant biofortification was made. Results: According to documented studies, the foliar application of NPs significantly improves the morphological and physicochemical characteristics of plants. They promote root development, plant growth and increase the content of raw protein and ether extract in forages. An increase in the production of amino acids and essential fatty acids is also observed. Limitations: The findings are promising, but there is still slight research on how NPs affect the environment and the safety of their use in the food chain. Further studies are needed to fully understand the long-term effects. Conclusions: The application of Se NPs for biofortification can improve the nutritional quality of forages, contributing to more efficient and sustainable livestock production. However, to ensure the safety of its implementation it is necessary to continue investigating
The use of native yeasts to improve the organoleptic characteristics and yield of artisanal mezcal
Get PDFObjective: To evaluate the use of native yeasts on the yields and organoleptic characteristics of artisanal mezcal in the state of Guerrero.
Design/methodology/approach: Native yeasts from fermentation vats with A. angustifolia and A. cupreata were isolated and identified at a molecular level in three regions of the state of Guerrero, and a consortium of yeasts was designed and used to obtain artisanal mezcal using A. cupreata as a substrate, vs without yeast (traditional knowledge of the producer), finally the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the final product were evaluated in the international competition in Brussels, 2020.
Results: S. cerevisiae A5GM, T. delbrueckii A6GM, S. cerevisiae A3GM and K. marxianus A2GM were identified and used in consortium and a yield of 26% was obtained using 8.3 kg/L, compared to 10.5 kg/L. L, obtaining the Great Gold medal based on its sensory characteristics.
Study limitations/implications: Work with the producer in both systems with and without yeast.
Findings/conclusions: The consortium improved production yields by 26% and sensory characteristics, so the use of indigenous yeasts is feasible and recommended to improve processes in artisanal mezcal.Objective: To assess the use of native yeasts on the yield and on the organoleptic characteristics of artisanal mezcal in Guerrero, Mexico.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Native yeasts from fermentation vats containing Agave angustifolia and A. cupreata were subjected to molecular isolation and identification in three regions of the state of Guerrero. A consortium of yeasts was designed and used to produce artisanal mezcal, using A. cupreata as a substrate. The experimental mezcal (with yeasts) and the control (without yeasts, only producer lore) were compared. Finally, the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the final product were assessed at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2020.
Results: S. cerevisiae A5GM, T. delbrueckii A6GM, S. cerevisiae A3GM, and K. marxianus A2GM were identified and used in a consortium that produced 46% more yield (8.3 kg L-1 compared to 10.5 kg L-1). The mezcal produced with this consortium obtained the Grand Gold medal based on its sensory characteristics.
Study Limitations/Implications: To work with the producer in both systems with and without yeast.
Findings/Conclusions: The consortium improved the production yield by 26%, along with the sensory characteristics; therefore, the use of native yeasts is feasible and recommended for the improvement of processes in the production of artisanal mezcal from Guerrero