Revista Agro Productividad
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Forage and vegetal characterization of three native mexican grasses in Tulancingo de Bravo, Hidalgo
Get PDFObjective: To carry out an agronomical assessment and a quantitative description of the yield components of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), and alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides) under rainfed conditions in Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Mexico.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A completely randomized block design was used in 31-month-old pastures to determine forage production, morphological composition, seed yield, and weight of 1,000 caryopses. The plants were characterized in 7-month-old pastures, recording (per plant) the number of total and floral stems, as well as the basal twigs in alkali sacaton and switchgrass. Meanwhile, in the case of eastern gamagrass, the dome number and androecium sections were recorded.
Results: The highest forage dry matter production was observed in switchgrass: 9,322 kg ha-1 (P < 0.05). Eastern gamagrass had a higher leaf ratio (1:3). The highest number of seeds was recorded in alkali sacaton: 211 kg ha-1, with 43% physical purity. After 7 months of sowing, a total of 250, 355, and 280 stems and 193, 150, and 87 floral stems were recorded in switchgrass, alkali sacaton, and eastern gamagrass, respectively.
Study Limitations/Implications: Eastern gamagrass produces a low number of seeds; therefore, it must be propagated by plant material. In rainfed soils, grasses help to recover pasture areas, since rainfed agriculture poses a risk in many places as a result of poor rainfall distribution or early frosts.
Findings/Conclusions: The three grasses studied are productive due to the amount of forage accumulated. Alkali sacaton produces more seeds
Analysis of backyard agriculture and livestock production activities in the South Huasteca Region in San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Get PDFObjective: To carry out a diagnosis and assess the importance of backyard agriculture and livestock production in rural communities of the XV District in the South Huasteca Region of the State of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, on the social, economic and nutritional context of the population.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was carried out with two blocks of surveys, the first with the local government and the second with peasants, evaluating the socioeconomic status, importance of livestock and agriculture, nutritional status and culture. The method was deductive and descriptive; the information was with multivariate analysis of principal components.
Results: Government support does not reduce poverty. Families feel secure with their material goods. The nutritional status of the population is lacking. Raising chickens, turkeys and Creole pigs prioritizes livestock activity. Self-consumption and the commercialization of plant species is a traditional activity. There is a culinary culture.
Limitations on study/Implications: The restriction of information by the municipal government; the pandemic problems to generate more information from the surveys.
Conclusions: It is necessary to create efficient programs that improve agricultural and livestock production in the region, with the purpose of improving the nutritional status of the population and generating economic resources to reduce poverty
The contribution of herbal medicine in health problems of the indigenous community of Oaxaca, Mexico
Get PDFObjective: To characterize the ways and magnitude in which herbal medicine mitigates health problems and represents a source of savings; as well as to identify the most common ailments treated with herbal medicine and the most used medicinal plants in Santiago Ixtaltepec, Nochixtlán, Oaxaca.
Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted in 2022, with a quantitative approach and a descriptive-correlational scope. Data were obtained through a survey, applied through direct interviews. Once the data were obtained in the field, they were systematized and processed in Excel databases and descriptive statistical analysis was performed to determine frequencies, percentages, means and other measures of dispersion.
Results: The use of herbal medicine is relevant as an alternative in health care for the community’s population. The most common ailments treated with herbal medicine are stomach aches, postpartum treatment, cough, fever, and bad breath, and the most commonly used medicinal plants are coyote grass, horehound (Marrubium vulgare), cancer grass, puli (Pinaropappus roseus), and juniper (Juniperus deepeana).
Limitations on study/implications: As this is a case study, the findings are not generalizable but specific to the community of study.
Findings/conclusions: Herbal medicine contributes to the mitigation of health problems and its use has an impact on the economy of families. There is a direct relationship between the most common symptoms and the most used plants in the community
Socio-agronomic characterization of agricultural farmers that survive in the community of San Diego, Texcoco
Get PDFObjective: To characterize the producers who still grow food in the San Diego community through knowledge of their agricultural production systems.
Design/methodology/approach: Visits and field trips to the farmers' plots were made to obtain information that would allow the design of a questionnaire that would enable the agronomic and social classification of producers in San Diego. The questionnaire was applied to 26 of them, who narrate historical facts about their survival in food production.
Results: Most of the interviewed farmers are 55 years old on average, have a level of education equal to or higher than high school, have three economic dependents, use the yunta to till their soils, use hybrid seed, apply to their plots organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers for the growth of their crops, for the control of pests and diseases they use agrochemicals and the control of weeds is done manually and the water for the crops is supplied by gravity irrigation.
Limitations on study/implications: This research was carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic, so only 26 farmers could be located, since most of them were at home.
Findings/conclusions: In the community of San Diego there are two types of farmers: those who carry out practices related to conventional agriculture and others who maintain traditional practices and combine them with conventional agriculture.Objective: to characterize farmers who still grow food in the San Diego community through knowledge of their agricultural production systems.
Design/ Methodology/ Approach: field visits and tours were carried out to the farmers' plots to obtain information that would allow the design of a questionnaire for the agronomic and social classification of farmers in San Diego. The questionnaire was applied to 26 of them; who narrated some historical facts about their survival in food production.
Results: most of the farmers interviewed are on average 55 years old, have a level of education equal to or higher than middle school, have three economic dependents, use the yoke for tilling their soils and hybrid seed. Likewise, they apply organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers to their plots for the growth of crops, for the control of pests and diseases they use agrochemicals; and the control of weeds is done manually, supplying water for the crops through gravity irrigation.
Study limitations/ Implications: this research was conducted during the CovID-19 pandemic. For this reason, only 26 farmers could be located. Most of them were at home.
Findings/ Conclusions: in the community of San Diego, two types of farmers can be identified, those who carry out practices related to conventional agriculture, and others who maintain traditional practices, but combine them with conventional agriculture
Evaluation of the effect of organic fertilizers on the morphophysiological parameters and antioxidant compounds of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.).
Get PDFObjective: evaluate the effect of organic fertilizers on morphophysiological parameters and compounds with antioxidant activity in Swiss chard (B. vulgaris L.) cv. 'Arcoíris' under greenhouse conditions. Design/methodology/approach: A completely randomized design was used with three treatments: T1: Organic fertilizer based on poultry manure (T1 AAC), T2: vermicompost based on coffee pulp (T2 LC) and T3: Chemical fertilization (T3 FQ), with 33 repetitions. Were evaluated: plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, total fresh and dry biomass, chlorophyll A, B, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, total polyphenols, DPPH and yield. An analysis of variance and a Tukey test were used, with a significance level of 0.05%. Results: The best results were obtained for the treatment with organic fertilizer based on poultry manure (T1 AAC), for most of the variables evaluated. The compounds with antioxidant activity and chard quality were influenced by organic fertilizers, with 0.21 mg Eq. Gallic Acid g-1 tissue fresh (tf) and a total chlorophyll of 19.5 µg▪ g-1 tf and a yield of 6,150 kg·m2. Limitations on study/implications: have evaluated mineral content of this vegetable. Findings/conclusions: The use of organic fertilizers based on poultry manure could be an alternative for nutritional management in this crop.Objective: To evaluate the effect of organic fertilizers on the morphophysiological parameters and antioxidant compounds of Swiss chard (B. vulgaris L.) var. ‘Rainbow’ grown under greenhouse conditions.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A completely randomized design was used with three treatments and 33 repetitions: T1 (poultry manure-based organic fertilizer (T1 AAC)), T2 (coffe pulp-based vermicompost (T2 LC)), and T3 (chemical fertilization (T3 FQ)). Plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh biomass, dry biomass, chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, total polyphenols, DPPH, and yield were evaluated. An analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (α=0.05) were used.
Results: For most of the variables evaluated, the best results were obtained with the poultry manure-based organic fertilizer (T1 AAC) treatment. The antioxidant compounds and the quality of Swiss chard were influenced by organic fertilizers, with 0.21 mg Eq. gallic acid g-1 fresh tissue (ft), total chlorophyll of 19.5 µg g-1 (ft), and a yield of 6,150 kg·m2.
Study Limitations/Implications: The mineral content of this vegetable was not evaluated.
Findings/Conclusions: The use of poultry manure-based organic fertilizers can be an alternative nutritional management for Swiss chard cultivation
Spondias dulcis propagation by seeds and stem cuttings
Get PDFThe fruit Ciruela-mango (Spondias dulcis Parkinson) is an exotic fruit in Mexico that promises to be an excellent alternative for agriculture in the tropics and subtropics. Due to its scarcity for Mexico, cheap and simple ways must be found to increase the number of plants, that was the objective of this study. In a soil enriched with bocashi, 22 seeds of almost ripe fruits were germinated. In addition, cuttings of 30 cm in length and four diameters were rooted in a similar substrate, assuming that those with a larger diameter were also older. The treatment was repeated, but this time with five diameters and the cuttings were treated with a stimulant to develop roots (Raizal® 400). The data analyzed through Excel showed that germination is slow and irregular, at 2.5 months 77% germination was reached. Only the thickest and apparently oldest cuttings that did not receive root developed abundant roots and vegetative shoots.Objective: To found simple and low-cost ways to increase the number of plants. In Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico, a trial was established to evaluate two propagation forms from January to June 2023.
Design/Methodology/Approach: In soil enriched with bocashi, 22 seeds of seasoned fruits were sown. Also, four lots of stem cuttings were planted (five cuttings per lot) 30 cm in length, testing four average diameters (2.94, 2.34, 2.1 and 1.58, cm) that were also rooted in soil and bokashi, on the assumption that those with the largest diameter were also the oldest. The stem cuttings were obtained from 1.5- and 2.5-year-old trees. This latter experimental procedure was repeated, but stem cuttings were obtained from an 8-year-old tree, five lots of cuttings with the following average diameters (3.6, 1.92, 1.74, 1.7, and 1.16, cm) were evaluated; in addition, cuttings were treated with a stimulant to develop roots (Raizal® 400).
Results: The data analyzed in Excel™ showed that germination is slow and irregular, 77% germination was reached after 2.5 months. Only the thickest cuttings from the 1.5-year-old tree developed abundant roots and vegetative shoots.
Findings/Conclusions: The propagation of S. dulcis is better done by seeds. Propagation by cuttings is possible, but with low success, only 8.8%
Levels of fat for potential consumption of juvenile Ambystoma mexi-canum (Shaw & Nodder, 1798) axolotls: Lipid levels
Get PDFObjective: The present study focused on the effect of different lipid levels on growth (weight and length) and survival in juvenile Ambystoma mexicanum.
Design/methodology/approach: Four diets with the same 45% protein level and different lipid levels: 6, 8, 10 and 12% were tested for a period of 81 days. For the preparation of the diets, two key ingredients were used, such as fishmeal and fish oil, these as protein base and lipid source. The experiment consisted of placing six organisms per experimental unit in tubs with 40 L of water for a period of 81 days; period during which four biometrics were performed, the organisms were fed every 48 hours to the weight of their biomass. The digestibility of the diets, initial and final height, initial and final weight, weight gained, weight gained per day, specific growth rate, survival, Fulton index and protein efficiency rate were recorded.
Results: At the end of the experiment, significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the growth and survival of the axolotls in the diets of 8, 10 and 12% lipids.
Limitations on study/implications: A wider range of lipid levels could not be tested, due to the number of individuals available for the experiment.
Findings/conclusions: According to the data obtained in this study, it is recommended to include a level of 45% protein and 8% lipids in the diets of juvenile Ambystoma mexicanum, for their better development and nutrition.Objective: The present study focused on the effect of different lipid levels on growth (weight and length) and survival in juvenile Ambystoma mexicanum.
Design/methodology/approach: Four diets with the same 45% protein level and different lipid levels: 6, 8, 10 and 12% were tested for a period of 81 days. For the preparation of the diets, two key ingredients were used, such as fishmeal and fish oil, these as protein base and lipid source. The experiment consisted of placing six organisms per experimental unit in tubs with 40 L of water for a period of 81 days; period during which four biometrics were performed, the organisms were fed every 48 hours to the weight of their biomass. The digestibility of the diets, initial and final height, initial and final weight, weight gained, weight gained per day, specific growth rate, survival, Fulton index and protein efficiency rate were recorded.
Results: At the end of the experiment, significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the growth and survival of the axolotls in the diets of 8, 10 and 12% lipids.
Limitations on study/implications: A wider range of lipid levels could not be tested, due to the number of individuals available for the experiment.
Findings/conclusions: According to the data obtained in this study, it is recommended to include a level of 45% protein and 8% lipids in the diets of juvenile Ambystoma mexicanum, for their better development and nutritio
Kinetics of ammonium volatilization in the form of ammonia in soils through a textural gradient
Get PDFObjective: Estimate the ammonium volatilization rate through a textural gradient
Design/methodology/approach: The experiment was carried out at the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo in the Soil Chemical Analysis laboratory of the Soil Department. Incubations of 25 g of soil from the former lake of Texcoco with 12.5% clay were carried out, which was air-dried and sieved to 10 mesh. It was mixed with 3 concentrations of bentonite (17.5%, 22.5% and 32.5%). The mixture was deposited in a hermetically sealed plastic container, to which 12.5 ml of an ammonium sulfate solution was added at the following nitrogen concentrations: 150, 300, 450, 600, 750 mgKg S-1. The ammonia was captured in a container with a boric acid solution. Ammonia quantification was performed with titration. Nitrogen losses show a linear trend between the applied nitrogen concentration and the amount of recovered ammonia.
Results: The volatilization rate ranged from 0.02 to 0.03 mg of ammonia per milligram of nitrogen applied per kgS-1. It was found that there are highly significant statistical differences regarding the clay content on the ammonium volatilization rate.
Limitations on study/implications: The ammonium volatilization rate can be used as an indicator for the estimation of ammonium losses trough ammonia.
Findings/conclusions: Ammonia volatilization losses occur immediately after application. Nitrogen losses show a linear trend between the applied nitrogen concentration and the amount of recovered ammonia. The volatilization rate presents an asymptotic trend with the increase in clay content.Objective: To estimate the ammonia volatilization rate, using a texture gradient with increasing doses of ammonium in alkaline soils.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The experiment took place in the Análisis Químico de Suelos lab of the Soil Department of the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo. The incubations consisted of 25 g of soil from the former Texcoco lake, with 12.5% clay. The soil was air-dried and sieved with a no. 10 mesh. The soil was mixed with three different concentrations (17.5%, 22.5%, and 32.5%) of bentonite, in order to increase clay content. The mixtures were placed in plastic containers with airtight seals. Twelve-point five mL of an ammonium sulfate solution (with 150, 300, 450, 600, and 750 mg of nitrogen kg soil-1) was added. The ammonia was recovered in a container with a boric acid solution. Volumetry was used to quantify ammonium. A completely randomized design with two factors (clay content and ammonium dose) was used. Data were analyzed with a regression analysis, analysis of variance, and Tukey Multiple Comparison Test, using the SAS OnDemand for Academics software.
Results: The ammonia volatilization has a linear trend, with the concentration of the applied nitrogen. The volatilization rate ranged from 0.02 to 0.03 mg of ammonium per milligram of the nitrogen applied per kg soil-1. Significant statistical differences were recorded between the effect of the N dose and the clay content on the ammonia volatilization rate.
Study Limitations/Implications: Clay content in the soil and ammonia volatilization rate can be used as an indicator to estimate ammonia losses and the ammonia adsorption capacity of the soil.
Findings/Conclusions: Ammonia volatilization is independent from clay content and takes place immediately after its application. It has a linear trend regarding the ammonia dose applied. Ammonia volatilization rate decreases (asymptotic trend) as the clay content increases in the soil
Association of Hsp70 locus polymorphism with thermotolerance and ailment occurrence in Gulf Creole cattle within intensive systems
Get PDFObjective: To estimate thermotolerance through the analysis of physiological constants, as well as the conditions suffered by Gulf Creole (BCG) cattle and relate it to the hsp70 locus polymorphism under an intensive production system.
Design/methodology/approach: Leukocyte DNA from 60 BCG was genotyped using a 440 bp fragment by PCR-RFLP (Fok I). Physiological variables were estimated at 7-day intervals for 4 months during the hot season: respiratory rate (RF) and layer temperature (TC); likewise, the environmental variables temperature and humidity were recorded to determine thermal comfort. From the database of the production system, the conditions of the animals within the study period were quantified and categorized.
Results: The hsp70 gene was polymorphic in BCG. The frequency of the AB heterozygous genotype was 0.77 and for the AA homozygous genotype it was 0.23, with a predominance of the A allele (0.61). Data analysis allowed us to find differences in RF in BCG with AA and AB genotypes (p<0.05). CT showed no differences (p>0.05). The genotype and environmental discomfort did not show an effect on the presentation of conditions in BCG (p>0.05).
Limitations on study/implications: Due to the fact that the intensive system is changing and the BCG stay period is short, there are few animals that can be used for the study.
Findings/conclusions: BCG is polymorphic and thermotolerant and its performance in the presentation of conditions is favorable.Objective: To estimate thermotolerance by analyzing physiological constants and ailment occurrence in Gulf Creole bovine cattle (GCB) and to relate them to Hsp70 locus polymorphism under an intensive production system.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Using a 440 bp fragment, we genotyped leukocyte DNA from 60 BCG through PCR-RFLP (Fok I). Physiological variables were estimated at 7-day intervals for four months during the hottest season. The variables considered were respiratory rate (RR) and layer temperature (LT). Environmental variables—temperature and humidity— were also recorded to determine thermal comfort. Using the production system database, we categorized the animals’ ailments during the studied period.
Results: The Hsp70 gene in GCB is polymorphic. The frequency of the AB heterozygous genotype was 0.77; for the AA homozygous genotype, it was 0.23. We observed a predominance of the A allele (0.61). Data analysis allowed us to find differences in RR in GCB with AA and AB genotypes (p<0.05). LT showed no differences (p>0.05). The genotype did not affect ailment occurrence in GCB (p>0.05).
Study limitations/implications: Since the intensive system is dynamic, and the GCB stay period is short, few animals were available for the study.
Findings/Conclusions: The Hsp70 gene present in GCB is polymorphic, and the animals are thermotolerant. Their performance regarding the occurrence of clinical conditions is favorable
Factors affecting the profitability of wheat production in the states of Guanajuato and Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Get PDFThe objective of this research was the analysis of the main factors involved in the profitability of bread wheat in the states of Guanajuato and Nuevo León, Mexico. To obtain the information, semi-structured interviews were applied to key informants, who indicated the context of the crop in their region. In order to quantify profitability, production performance and costs production were determined. The production cost information for the two entities was obtained through the producer panels, where they were asked about the expenses in land preparation, inputs, harvest and others such as water, electricity and financial rights; in addition, the yields and the price that was received per ton marketed. It was appreciated that Nuevo León and Guanajuato have an agro-industrial infrastructure that demands mexican wheat. In each state, the profitability of the crop depends on a number of factors such as the planting system and the production technology used, but in all the places studied, bread wheat had positive profitability, however, there are high production costs and a continuous deterioration of the real prices of the product. It is necessary to develop soft wheat varieties that adapt to rainfall conditions for agricultural regions where wheat cultivation is under these conditions. Although Mexico is self-sufficient in the production of flour, each year it is necessary to import an additional volume of bread-making wheat since Mexico is deficient in the production of these.The objective of this research was the analysis of the main factors involved in the profitability of bread wheat in the states of Guanajuato and Nuevo León, Mexico. To obtain the information, semi-structured interviews were applied to key informants who indicated the context of the crop in their region. In order to estimate profitability, production performance and costs production were determined. The production cost information, for the two Mexican states, was obtained through the producer panels methodology in 2019. Producers were asked about the costs expended in land preparation, cultivation inputs, harvest and others such as water, electricity and financial rights. In addition, wheat yields and the price received per ton sold at the market. It was noticed that Nuevo León and Guanajuato have an agro-industrial infrastructure that demands Mexican wheat. In each state, the profitability of the crop depends on a number of factors such as the planting system and the production technology used; but in all the places studied, bread wheat had positive profitability. However, there are high production costs and a continuous deterioration of the real prices of the product. It is necessary to develop soft wheat varieties that adapt to rainfall conditions for agricultural regions where wheat cultivation is under those conditions. Although Mexico is self-sufficient in the production of flour, each year it is necessary to import an additional volume of bread-making wheat since Mexican industry is deficient facing the high demand for bread production