Revista Agro Productividad
Not a member yet
2268 research outputs found
Sort by
Comparative analysis of four corn (Zea mays L.) varieties, transformed from grain corn into tortilla
Get PDFObjective To identify the corn variety with the best yield, nutrients, flavor, and profitability to use as main input for a future tortillería (tortilla store) operated by the Sociedad de Producción Rural Campo Lima (SCL). A mixed research methodology was used to compare key values of the transformation chain of corn grains into nixtamalized tortilla. In addition, interviews with key players and participant observation were used as information tools and included weights, properties, and yields of the tortillerías. The findings allowed a comparative evaluation of the four corn varieties (Niebla, HS-2, native corn, and Sinaloa) and included the following yield indicators: nixtamalization-to-dough-to-tortilla, nutrient content, sensory perception, and benefit/cost analysis. The hybrid HS-2 (developed by the Colegio de Postgraduados) stood out with the highest average value. A limitation was the scarce literature about this type of research carried out in semi-mechanized tortillerías. In conclusion, the identification and selection of the most efficient and balanced corn input will help the small producers of the Sociedad de Producción Rural Campo-Lima to carry out a better decision-making process and responsibly invest in the creation of a tortillería. This step will get them closer to a fair market inclusion, consequently, generating a fair income. This process will add value to the corn they grow and will motivate new generations to continue sowing corn
Inclusion of amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) as a protein source in the di-ets of lactating dairy goats
Get PDFObjective: To determine the productive performance and milk quality of goats, including two levels of popped amaranth in their diet.
Methodology: Forty-five lactating goats, randomly distributed into three groups of 15, were studied. Each group was allocated a treatment that matched the isoenergetic and isoproteic diets with increasing percentages of popped amaranth grain, in replacement of soybean meal: T1, 0%; T2, 20%; and T3, 30%. Data were collected across three intervals during the 45-day experimental period. Milk production was recorded, along with its crude protein (CP), fat, and total solids (TS) content.
Results: Milk production differed significantly (p<0.05) between treatments, increasing as the amount of amaranth in the diet increased, with values of 1.35, 1.38, and 1.65 kg d⁻¹ for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Milk composition did not record any difference between treatments, with averages of 28.07, 32.89, and 113.7 g kg⁻¹ of milk for crude protein (CP), fat, and total solids (TS), respectively.
Study Limitations/Implications: Given the exploratory nature of this study, determining the functional components of milk is required to complement the study.
Conclusions: Amaranth grain can be used as a protein source in animal feed. Including 30% of amaranth in the diet of dairy goats has been proven to increase production compared to conventional protein sources. However, no changes were observed in the main milk components
Agriculture and non-agricultural activities in the income strategies of family farming
Get PDFObjective: To identify agricultural and non-agricultural income strategies of family farming in the Puebla Valley.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A case study was conducted in the community of Tlaltenango, with family farming as the unit of study. A qualitative and quantitative approach was used, involving semi-structured interviews with farmers and an opinion-based survey of 72 family farming units. The resulting data were processed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS v.23). A typology of family farming was determined based on the data, considering the percentage of agricultural and livestock income as a classification criterion to identify income strategies.
Results: Two categories of family farming were identified as income strategies. The first category includes 41.7% of family units, with an average agricultural income of 34%. The second category encompasses 58.3% of family units, where agricultural income accounts for 70.3%.
Study Limitations/Implications: Since this research is a case study, the results and conclusions are framed within a regional context, distinguishing themselves from the agricultural dynamics of other areas and regions.
Findings/Conclusions: The persistence and importance of agriculture and livestock as the main source of income in family farming is a significant proof, challenging the notion of the technical and economic unviability of small-scale production
Effect of meta-Topolin on the in vitro Propagation of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch)
Get PDFObjective: Strawberry cultivation (Fragaria sp.) is globally relevant due to the appeal of its fruit and its organoleptic characteristics, which increase its demand. However, it is necessary to implement new propagation methods that allow the establishment of commercial plantations, such as plant micropropagation, in order to obtain thousands of plants in a reduced period of time. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of meta-Topolin (mT) during the in vitro multiplication of strawberries.
Design/Methodology/Approach: In vitro strawberry plants were used in MS medium with 30 g L-1 of sucrose, evaluating concentrations of meta-Topolin (mT: 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mg L-1) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP: 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mg L-1), under conditions of 24 ± 2 °C and a photoperiod of 16:8 h light/darkness.
Results: mT increased the number of shoots compared to BAP, with 1.0 mg/L yielding 4.72 shoots per explant and 1.5 mg/L yielding 3.50. At 1.5 mg/L, the shoots reached 3.41 cm. The roots formed during multiplication facilitated acclimatization.
Limitations/Implications: Although the use of meta-Topolin showed promising results in the in vitro multiplication of strawberries, its performance needs to be evaluated in later developmental stages, field growth, and response to different environmental conditions.
Findings/Conclusions: mT increased the number of shoots compared to BAP, with 1.0 mg L-1 yielding 4.72 shoots per explant and 1.5 mg L-1 yielding 3.50. At 1.5 mg L-1, the shoots reached 3.41 cm. The roots formed during multiplication facilitated acclimatization
Biological control of Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith and Schistocerca piceifrons piceifrons Walker using entomopathogenic fungi
Get PDFctive: Evaluate the biological effectiveness of native entomopathogenic fungi to control Spodoptera frugiperda and Schistocerca piceifrons piceifrons, as well as the natural incidence of parasitoids in S. frugiperda.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Six strains of Metarhizium anisopliae (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6) and three strains of Isaria fumosorosea (B4, B5, and B6) were collected. S. frugiperda larvae were inoculated with all the isolated strains of Metarhizium and Isaria; while, the nymphs of S. p. piceifrons were inoculated with strains A1, A5, A6, B4, and B5. Mortality (%) and natural incidence of parasitoids in S. frugiperda larvae were evaluated. Mortality was analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and a comparison of means (Duncan; ɑ = 0.05) in the INFOSTAT 2021 software. Parasitism was reported with descriptive statistics (%).
Results: Strains A1, A6, and B6 caused the highest mortality (86.6-90.0 %) in S. frugiperda larvae. Strains A1, A5, A6, and B6 caused the highest mortality in nymphs of S. p. piceifrons (90-100 %). Two families of parasitoids were recorded: Tachinidae (Diptera; 7.8 %) and Braconidae (Hymenoptera). Wasps of the genus Meteorus sp. account for 92.2 % of the latter family.
Study Limitations/Implications: The biological effectiveness evaluations of the entomopathogenic fungi were carried out under laboratory conditions. The results must still be validated on the field.
Findings/Conclusions: Strains A1, A5, and A6 showed a good control of the S. p. piceifrons nymphs. Strain B6 is a biological control alternative for S. p. piceifrons and S. frugiperda, since it recorded the highest mortality for both species
Chemical treatments in maize seeds to improve germination in acidic soils
Get PDFObjective: To evaluate the effect of different germination promoters on three maize genotypes grown in Dystric Cambisol soils, since germination problems are linked to latency and restrict agronomic management.
Design/Methodology/Approach: We conducted an experiment at the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Juan Rodríguez Clara using a split-plot design with a factorial treatment arrangement. The large plot contained genotypes (GEN) G1 = MS-405, G2 = Arlequin, and G3 = MS-404; while the small one comprised promoter (PROMO) HS = humic substance, CI = citrulline, and SA = salicylic acid. We evaluated the following variables: germination speed (GS), emergence percentage (EMERG), stem and leaf volume (S&LV), root volume (RV), chlorophyll (CHL), secondary roots (SECR), stem diameter (DMT), number of leaves (NL), foliar area (FA), root length (RL), and plant height (PH). Then, we conducted a variance analysis and Tukey’s tests (α£0.05).
Results: For each promoter, we observed main effects in EMERG, CHL, and PH for CI; S&LV, NL, FA, and PH for HS; and RL for SA. In genotypes G2 and G3, variables GS, EMERG, NL, and PH were statistically equivalent, DMT varied only in G2, and there were no statistical differences for S&LV, RV, CHL, SECR, FA, and RL. We observed some simple effects in combinations with CI: GS and PH varied in G3, EMERG in G2 and G3, CHL in G1 and G3, DMT in G1 and G2, and S&LV in G2.
Study limitations/Implications: Soaking corn for one hour in the solution and weighing the correct amount properly are required, since weighing too much may inhibit germination.
Findings/Conclusions: Promoter CI at a dose of 1,000 ppm accelerates the emergence speed of genotypes G2 and G3 in acidic soils
Salinity and microbiological risk assessment in surface runoff and main tributaries to La Vega Dam in Teuchitlán, Jalisco, Mexico.
Get PDFObjective: This research aimed to evaluate the water quality of the main tributaries to the La Vega Dam for irrigation purposes through the physicochemical and microbiological parameters.
Design/methodology/approach: The 10 main tributaries to the La Vega Dam were selected. The variables evaluated were pH, Temperature, Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids and Dissolved Oxygen, boron calcium, magnesium, sodium, SAR, and RCS.
Results: 50% of samples presented low sodicity risk, 10% medium risk, 20% and 20% very high risk. In the CSR results, only one site (10%) presented a low risk, and the remaining four tributaries (40%) of this area presented a medium risk. Five sites (50%) located east of the dam presented a high risk. Also, high boron concentration was observed, corresponding to El Salado River. Fecal pollution was detected in 100% of sites, limiting their use as irrigation water.
Limitations on study/implications: Continuous water quality monitoring of the main tributaries to and into La Vega Dam should be followed up.
Findings/conclusions: The most significant contribution of contamination to the dam was observed in the eastern part, with the entrance of El Salado River. High concentrations of boron were also observed. A high concentration of total and fecal coliforms was also found, in addition to the presence of Pseudomonas spp., which indicates fecal contamination. The effluent at the east of La Vega Dam is unsuitable for irrigation
Bromatological analysis of annatto (Bixa Orellana L.) seeds
Get PDFObjective: The objective of this study was to carry out a bromatological and physicochemical analysis of local annatto seeds and a commercial paste.
Design/methodology/approach: The vegetal material used were local annatto seeds to which physicochemical analysis was carried out to determine ashes (Kirk et al., 1996), moisture (weight difference), dry matter (Nielsen, 2019), proteins (Kjeldah, AOAC, 1980), FDA and FDN (Van Soest and Wine, 1967), fat (Soxhlet, 1990). In addition, bromatological analysis was carried out on the samples and the commercial paste (Vázquez, 2001).
Results: The results obtained from the physicochemical analysis varied in ranges, where the M3 sample (dark heart-shaped annatto without filaments) presented the highest values. Regarding the bixin content, the highest percentage with 4.09 % was obtained in the M2 sample (heart-shaped red annatto without filaments) and the commercial paste was the lowest with 0.56 %.
Limitations on study/implications: The importance of carrying out the bromatological and physical-chemical analysis of the local annatto seeds was to determine which of the local samples and the commercial paste contain the highest amount of bixin. The antioxidant properties of bixin, together with a long shelf life in addition to its well-established safety characteristics, result in a very promising natural coloring agent in the food industry, given that it is an FDA-approved food additive: E160 b.
Findings/conclusions: The physicochemical analyzes varied in ranges, where the M3 sample (dark heart-shaped annatto without filaments) presented the highest values. The highest bixin content was found in the smooth heartwood red variety and the lowest value in the commercial paste.Objective: The objective of this study was to carry out a bromatological and physicochemical analysis of local annatto seeds and a commercial paste.
Design/methodology/approach: The vegetal material used were local annatto seeds to which physicochemical analysis was carried out to determine ashes (Kirk et al., 1996), moisture (weight difference), dry matter (Nielsen, 2019), proteins (Kjeldah, AOAC, 1980), FDA and FDN (Van Soest and Wine, 1967), fat (Soxhlet, 1990). In addition, bromatological analysis was carried out on the samples and the commercial paste (Vázquez, 2001).
Results: The results obtained from the physicochemical analysis varied in ranges, where the M3 sample (dark heart-shaped annatto without filaments) presented the highest values. Regarding the bixin content, the highest percentage with 4.09 % was obtained in the M2 sample (heart-shaped red annatto without filaments) and the commercial paste was the lowest with 0.56 %.
Limitations on study/implications: The importance of carrying out the bromatological and physical-chemical analysis of the local annatto seeds was to determine which of the local samples and the commercial paste contain the highest amount of bixin. The antioxidant properties of bixin, together with a long shelf life in addition to its well-established safety characteristics, result in a very promising natural coloring agent in the food industry, given that it is an FDA-approved food additive: E160 b.
Findings/conclusions: The physicochemical analyzes varied in ranges, where the M3 sample (dark heart-shaped annatto without filaments) presented the highest values. The highest bixin content was found in the smooth heartwood red variety and the lowest value in the commercial past
Hydroponic corn (Zea mays L.) fodder production through the implementation of mineral fertilization: a comparative study
No full textABSTRACT
Objective: To produce hydroponic green corn forage using a mineral fertilization scheme with three different seed types and determine the optimal concentration for production and livestock feeding.
Design/methodology/approach: A completely randomized experimental design was utilized, with study variables including plant height, root length, stalk thickness, and fresh biomass. Five hundred grams of three different variety seeds were selected, washed, disinfected, soaked, covered, aerated, and placed in plastic trays. Starting from the fifth day, the seeds were irrigated with formulated solutions until the end of production.
Results: Plant height reached 17.25 cm at a 50% concentration; root length measured 12.55 cm at 25% with Sinaloa seeds; stalk thickness was 2.40 mm at 25% with Bajío seeds; and biomass reached 1,184 kg at 50% with Sinaloa seeds.
Limitations/implications of the study: A greenhouse is not essential for forage production as long as the minimum necessary conditions of light, humidity, and temperature are met.
Findings/conclusions: The 50% nutrient solution positively influenced the study variables with Sinaloa variety seeds. Therefore, hydroponics proves to be a reliable and practical technique for producers, being useful during periods of prolonged drought and significantly counteracting agroclimatological adversities in the agricultural, livestock, and environmental sectors.R
Objective: To produce hydroponic corn forage using a mineral fertilization planning with three different seed types and to determine the optimal concentration for production and livestock feeding.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A completely randomized experimental design was used. The following study variables were included in the design: plant height, root length, stalk thickness, and fresh biomass. Five hundred grams of three different variety seeds were selected, washed, disinfected, soaked, covered, aerated, and placed in plastic trays. Starting from the fifth day, the seeds were watered with formulated solutions until the end of production.
Results: Plant height reached 17.25 cm, at a 50% concentration; root were 12.55 cm long, at a 25% concentration with Sinaloa seeds; stalks were 2.40 mm thick, at a 25% concentration with Bajío seeds; and biomass recorded 1.184 kg at a 50% concentration with Sinaloa seeds.
Study Limitations/Implications: A greenhouse is not essential for fodder production, as long as the minimum necessary conditions (light, humidity, and temperature) are met.
Findings/Conclusions: The 50% nutrient solution had a positive influence on the study variables that used Sinaloa variety seeds. Therefore, hydroponics would be a reliable and practical technique for producers, useful during periods of prolonged drought; it would significantly counteract agroclimatological setbacks in the agricultural, livestock, and environmental sectors
Acclimation of Agave potatorum Zucc. micropropagated plants
Get PDFAgave potatorum Zucc, is a wild species used intensively. The aim was to evaluate the effect of the concentration of mineral salts (MS), IBA and incubation conditions in the rooting stage on the growth of A. potatorum during climatization. The plants came from eighteen treatments resulting from combining three factors: 1) DM concentrations (50, 75, 100%); 2) IBA concentrations (without auxin, 0.5 and 1 mg L-1) and 3) incubation environment (laboratory with fluorescent lighting or greenhouse exposed to solar radiation). The acclimatization process lasted 150 days in the greenhouse, at the end the micropropagated plants in culture medium with 0.5 to 1 mg L-1 of IBA, (MS) at 100% and incubated in the greenhouse showed greater growth.Objective: Agave potatorum Zucc. is an intensively exploited wild plant species. We intend to evaluate how the concentration of mineral salts (MS), indole-butyric acid (IBA), and the incubation conditions affect in vitro-rooted A. potatorum during acclimation.
Design/Methodology/Approach: We conducted 18 treatments that resulted from combining three factors: 1) MS concentrations (50%, 75%, and 100%); 2) IBA concentrations (without auxin, 0.5 mg L-1, and 1 mg L-1); and 3) incubation environments (fluorescent lighting in a laboratory or exposure to solar radiation in a greenhouse). Thirteen plants from each treatment were transplanted into individual pots containing a 1:1 mixture of peat moss and perlite. These were placed in the acclimation greenhouse for 150 days, exposed to changes in solar radiation, starting from 600 µmol m-2 s-1 and conditions of high relative humidity (80-90%), and reaching outdoor conditions with full solar radiation,1400 ±200 µmol m-2 s-1. All in vitro culture plants, both in greenhouse and laboratory, underwent the same environmental and management conditions.
Results: After 150 days of acclimation, plants micropropagated in a culture medium with 0.5 to 1 mg L-1 of IBA, 100% MS, and incubated in a greenhouse showed better growth.
Study limitations/Implications: The in vitro culture protocol was (successfully) modified by providing solar radiation in a greenhouse during the rooting of A. potatorum sprouts.
Findings/Conclusions: Solar radiation during in vitro incubation of A. potatorum favors its acclimation