Revista Agro Productividad
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Essential Oil of Eucalyptus: A Natural Solution for Treating Pediculosis
Get PDFObjective: Pediculosis is a condition caused by the infestation of Pediculus Humanus Capitis. The pesticides used in current formulations exhibit toxicity and carcinogenic effects on consumers. This study aimed to investigate the pediculicidal activity of the essential oil from Eucalyptus Globulus leaves, with the intention of adding it as an active ingredient in pediculicidal formulations to replace harmful chemicals.
Design/methodology/approach: In vivo tests were conducted to assess the repellency and mortality of the essential oil obtained through hydrodistillation. The major components were determined through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Additionally, proximate, and chemical composition analyses were performed on the eucalyptus leaves using ASTM E871, ASTM E872, ASTM D1104, TAPPI T264, TAPPI T207, ASTM D1106, and ASTM D1104 methods.
Results: A repellency of 66.66% and 100% mortality within 2.26 minutes were obtained in the in vivo tests. The yield of hydrodistilled essential oil was 4 mL/kg, primarily composed of 71.04% 1,8-cineole, 18.94% 4-Ethyl-m-xylene, 2.72% γ-Terpinene, and 1.23% L-α-Pinene. Furthermore, the composition of eucalyptus leaves was determined as 61.25% moisture, 30.32% volatile matter, 6% ash, 2.40% fixed carbon, 11.22% acetone extractives, 33.03% water extractives, 31.49% lignin, 69.33% holocellulose, 62.09% cellulose, and 7.24% hemicellulose.
Limitations on study/implications: The pediculicidal activity study was conducted solely on the essential oil, and further testing on the formulation of the finished product is necessary.
Findings/conclusions: The pediculicidal activity study was conducted solely on the essential oil, and further testing on the formulation of the finished product is necessary
Bean rust resistance and yield of black bean genotypes under field conditions
Get PDFObjective: To identify black bean lines resistant to rust under field conditions, and with yield equal to or greater than that of three varieties for commercial use in Veracruz. Design/methodology/approach: The genotypes were evaluated in a randomized block experimental design with three replications. Its reaction to rust was rated on an incidence scale of 1 to 9 and grain yield was estimated in kilograms per hectare. Analyses of variance were performed and to separate averages, the Least Significant Difference was applied at 0.05. Correlation analyses were also carried out between the rust incidence values and the yield of the genotypes at each evaluation site. Results: Nine lines were resistant to rust with an average incidence of between 1.78 and 3.33, of which Jamapa Plus/XRAV-187-3-4-4 was the most productive with an average yield of 2183.4 kg ha-1, statistically similar. to that obtained by the Jamapa Plus/XRAV-187-3-4-1 and Jamapa Plus/XRAV-187-3-1-2 lines and the Verdín variety, and significantly higher than that of the rest of the genotypes. Limitations on study/implications: Although the rust occurred in the three study locations, its degree of incidence and the stage in which it appeared were different. However, in all cases, the degree of infection was sufficient to evaluate the reaction of the genotypes to this disease. Findings/conclusions: Three lines resistant to rust were identified under field conditions, with an average yield significantly higher than that of the Negro Jamapa and Negro Medellín varieties.
Objective: To identify black beans lines resistant to bean rust under field conditions, which have similar or higher yield than three commercial varieties sown in Veracruz, Mexico.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The genotypes were evaluated using a completely randomized block design. The reaction of the genotypes to bean rust was qualified using a 1-9 incidence rate, while grain yield was estimated in kg ha-1. An analysis of variance was carried out and the resulting means were divided using a 0.05 Least Significant Difference (LSD). Additionally, a correlation analysis between the incidence values of bean rust and the yield of the genotypes was carried out in each evaluation site.
Results: Nine lines were resistant to bean rust (incidence average: 1.78-3.33). Out of these lines, Jamapa Plus/XRAV-187-3-4-4 was the most productive line, with a 2,183.4 kg ha-1 average yield. This result is statistically similar to the results of the Jamapa Plus/XRAV-187-3-4-1 and Jamapa Plus/XRAV-187-3-1-2 lines and the Verdín variety. In addition, the results of Jamapa Plus/XRAV-187-3-4-4 are slightly higher than the results obtained by the rest of the genotypes.
Study Limitations/Implications: Although bean rust was recorded in three of the localities of the study area, the incidence degree and the stage when it was found were different. However, in all the cases, the infection degree was enough to evaluate the reactions of the genotypes to this disease.
Findings/Conclusions: Three bean rust-resistant lines were identified under field conditions. They had a significantly higher average yield than the Negro Jamapa and Negro Medellín varieties
Alimentary and anti-methanogenic potential of four tropical species in domestic ruminants
Get PDFObjective: To describe some considerations about the nutritional and antimetanogenic potential of four tropical leguminous plants present in Campeche, Mexico: Bauhinia divaricata, Dalbergia glabra, Piscidia piscipula and Caesalpinia vesicaria, in domestic ruminants.
Design/methodology/approach: The information was obtained from databases and repositories available on the internet, as well as from official websites of national and international organizations.
Results: Although there is vast information of several leguminous species, data still is limited for B. divaricata, D. glabra, P. piscipula and C. vesicaria, despite they are consumed by domestic ruminants. The few available studies report that these species have between 11 and 18% of crude protein (PC) and the presence of some secondary metabolites; however, there is no information regarding their antimetanogenic potential and animal productivity.
Limitations of the study/implications: This study provides an overview of the nutritional and antimethanogenic potential of four species of tropical leguminous plants in domestic ruminants in Campeche.
Findings/conclusions: B. divaricata, D. glabra, P. piscipula and C. vesicaria are leguminous plans that grow in the Yucatan Peninsula, are found in grazing areas and consumed by domestic ruminants; however, there are few reports that determine the nutritional value of their edible components and none that evaluate their effect on animal productivity and their ability to decrease rumen production of methane (CH4).OObjective: To describe some considerations about the alimentary and anti- methanogenic potential of Bauhinia divaricata, Dalbergia glabra, Piscidia piscipula and Caesalpinia vesicaria (Fabaceae) present in Campeche, Mexico, in domestic ruminants.Design/methodology/approach: The information was obtained from databases and archives in the internet, as well as official pages of national and international organizations.Results: Although there is vast information about some Fabaceae species, it is still limited for B. divaricata, D. glabra, P. piscipula and C. vesicaria, although they are consumed by domestic ruminants. The few studies available report between 11 and 18% of raw protein (RP) and some secondary metabolites; however, there are nostudies that allow understanding their anti-methanogenic potential and their effects on productivity.Limitations on study/implications: This study offers a panorama of the alimentary and anti-methanogenic potential of four tropical species in domestic ruminants.Findings/conclusions: B. divaricata, D. glabra, P. piscipula and C. vesicaria grow in the Yucatan Peninsula, they are found in grazing zones and are consumed by animals; however, there are few reports that determine the nutritional value of their edible components and no reports that evaluate their effect on productivity of domestic ruminants or their capacity to decrease the ruminal production of methane (CH 4 )
Festulolium and annual ryegrass pastures associated with white clover for small-scale dairy systems in high valleys of Mexico
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Background: The implementation of polyphytic pastures composed of grasses and legumes is an important component of agricultural systems in temperate zones, since grazing pastures which can reduce feed costs— are a viable option for small-scale dairy systems (SSDS). Objective: To evaluate the continuous grazing of dairy cows in Festulolium pastures associated with annual and perennial ryegrass and with clover in two farmrs. Methodology: Two experiments were carried out. The first experiment was established in the municipality of Almoloya of Juárez using eight cows that were divided into two groups of four; the cows grazed on two pastures with Festulolium associated with annual ryegrass and they were fed with 3.6 kg DM/cow/day of commercial concentrate, for 16 weeks. The second experiment was carried out in the Northwest of State of Mexico; six multiparous cows grazed on two pastures, under a cross over design arrangement; one pasture features Festulolium cv Spring Green and the other, annual ryegrass. Milk and body condition ere measured every 3 and 12 d, respectively. Variables from both experiments were analyzed using a split-plot experimental design. Results: Neither experiment recorded significant differences for the net accumulation of forage, the height of the pastures, and their chemical composition (P>0.05). No significant differences between treatments (P>0.05) were recorded regarding the yields and chemical composition of the milk. Study Limitations/Implications: The study of mixed pastures can be an alternative for feeding grazing cows, helping to reduce costs in SSDS. Findings/Conclusions: Festulolium/annual ryegrass pastures with white clover are a viable forage alternative for small-scale dairy systems
Analysis of national and international tomato trade routes through the simplex method
Get PDFObjective: To find the optimal national and international tomato trade routes through the simplex method to maximize profit.
Design/methodology/approach: The apparent national consumption was determined from the production, the volume of exports, the imports, and the population of each state in the Mexican republic; based on this, the points of origin and destinations were established, to later optimize the routes through the simplex method taking into account two scenarios, a closed market economy and an open market economy.
Results: Of the total offer, 21% is destined to the national market, where only 64% of the offerors supply tomato to national consumers. On the other hand, in the open economy it is evident that only 45% of the destinations through which tomato can be exported to North American territory are optimal, and it is also clear that 79% of national surpluses are destined to trade in a foreign market.
Limitations on study/implications: The model was designed with data from 2020, considering all the tomato variants produced and exported in Mexico contained in the tariff classification 070200; the independent variable was the distance between offerors and destinations.
Findings/conclusions: In conditions of closed market there is surplus production of tomato in 19 states that allows supplying the states with negative balance. Estado de México, Mexico City, and Veracruz concentrate the greatest demand due to their large population density. The two states with greatest surplus, Sinaloa and San Luis Potosí, destined the total of their offer to the foreign market, primarily because of their proximity to border customs.
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Perception of inhabitants from the Laguna Santiaguillo Basin: natural resources and liveli-hoods
Get PDFObjective: To learn about the state of the natural resources and the productive systems in the Santiaguillo basin from the viewpoint of the inhabitants.
Methodology: It was approached from a qualitative approach, by means of a focus group.
Results: The problems perceived are related to: access to water both due to its low availability and due to the inequity in its distribution that generates low productivity and conflicts over the use of this resource; low prices for agricultural products, conflicts arising from the use of wildlife, and the degradation of rangelands as a result of overgrazing.
Limitations of the study: The Mennonite group, which is an important actor within the basin, was not represented in the focus group.
Conclusions: The participants in the group perceive the basin´s problem problem of the basin in an integrated manner , linking natural, economic, social and political resources components, which leads them to actions adapted to their context to solve these problem.
Keywords: Socio-environmental conflicts, perception, focus group, ecosystem degradation, endorheic basin.Objective: To learn about the state of the natural resources and productive systems in the Laguna Santiaguillo Basin from the viewpoint of the inhabitants.
Methodology: The approach was qualitative, by means of a focus group.
Results: The problems perceived are related to: access to water both because of its low availability and due to the inequity in its distribution which generates low productivity and conflicts over the use of this resource; low prices for agricultural products; conflicts arising from the use of wildlife; and the degradation of grasslands as a result of overgrazing.
Limitations on study/implications: The Mennonite group, which is an important actor within the basin, was not represented in the focus group.
Conclusions: The participants in the group perceive the basin’s problem in an integrated manner, linking components of natural, economic, social and political resources, which lead them to actions adapted to their context to solve this problem
Taro (Colacasia esculenta (L.) SCHOTT) value chain in Veracruz, Mexico
Get PDFObjective: During this work, the links of the taro (Colocasia esculenta) value chain were identified and analyzed in the Municipality of Actopan, Veracruz, its deficiencies, its areas of opportunity were identified and simulations of the income generated by this crop were carried out
Design/methodology/approach: The research was carried out in the municipality of Actopan, Veracruz, Mexico, in the town of Santa Rosa, with producers and industrializers from this area. The research carried out is exploratory and random descriptive with a qualitative and quantitative approach. The research instruments used were: direct observation, interviews with key informants, and reflection and analysis workshops to learn what the links of the value chain are and how they operate within the taro agroecosystem in the study region.
Results: Six links in the value chain of the taro agroecosystem in the study region were identified and characterized, which are: Suppliers of inputs, production, harvest and post-harvest, collection and distribution, transformation-packaging-packaging and marketing. The main problems are: Half of the producers we worked with are small-scale, they only plant between 0.5 and 3.0 hectares with average annual yields of 50 tons per hectare. There are high prices of agricultural inputs; low market prices of the product; pests and diseases, the commercialization of the product is carried out through retail and wholesale collectors in the region and the agreements between the producers and them are mostly informal. It was detected that the main market for taro that is produced in the Municipality of Actopan and its destination is international, 90% of the market for fresh taro is for the United States. The best-organized packinghouse in the region has monthly yields that range from 126% the lowest to 169% the highest.
Limitations on study/implications: Regarding the yield simulations, it is necessary to apply them to medium and small packers to present a general comparison of the area.
Findings/conclusions: The production and commercialization of taro in the study area has a great economic and social impact, generating economic income and temporary jobs throughout the year due to the characteristics of this crop; it has low production costs compared to other crops and a high return on investment. In general, it benefits the economic agents of the value chain. However, the lack of organization of the actors that make up the value chain does not allow them to use economies of scale, access preferential markets and as a consequence the economic benefits are not distributed equally among all the links.Objective: To identify and analyze the links of the taro (Colocasia esculenta) value chain in Actopan, Veracruz, Mexico, focusing on its deficiencies and opportunity areas, and to simulate the yields generated by this crop.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was carried out in the town of Santa Rosa, in Actopan, Veracruz, Mexico, with local producers and manufacturers, using both an exploratory and a random descriptive method and a qualitative and quantitative approach. Direct observation, interviews with key informants, and reflection and analysis workshops were carried out to find out which are the links of the value chain and how they operate within the taro agroecosystem in the study region.
Results: The links between inputs supply, production, harvest and post-harvest, collection and distribution, transformation-packing-crating, and commercialization were determined. The main limitation was the area cultivated by half of the producers (0.5 to 3.0 hectares) who obtain an average annual yield of 50 t ha-1. The cost of agricultural inputs is high, the market prices for the product are low, and pest organisms impact the production. Regional middlemen (both retailers and wholesalers) are in charge of commercialization and most of the agreements are informal. The main market for taro and its destination is international (90% for the American market). The best organized packing plant has a 126 to 169% monthly yield.
Study Limitations/Implications: Performance simulations must be carried out in medium and small packing plants to obtain an overall comparison.
Findings/Conclusions: The production and commercialization of taro in the study area generate economic income and local employment throughout the year. Taro also has lower production costs than other crops, as well as a high return on investment. Overall, it benefits the economic agents of the value chain. However, the lack of organization of the participants does not allow them to use economies of scale or to access preferential markets. Consequently, the economic benefits are not distributed equally among all the links
Photodegradation Diuron herbicide with TiO2-Al2O3 catalysts supported on graphene nanoplatelets
Get PDFObjective: To photodegrade Diuron with TiO2-Al2O3 nanomaterials supported on graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs)
Design/methodology/approach: The synthesis of the materials was carried out by the sol-gel method under mild conditions. Subsequently, the obtained materials were subjected to thermal processing for structural stabilization and pulverized. Synthesized nanomaterials were then characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Uv-Vis spectroscopy.
Results: The adsorption/desorption results indicated that the ternary TiO2-Al2O3/GnPs nanomaterials were found to have complex porosity, which suggested that TiO2-Al2O3 was formed on agglomerated GnPs. X-ray diffraction data revealed that the anatase phase of TiO2 and the g-Al2O3 phase coexist with the crystalline phase of graphene. The morphology of the materials indicates that the nanoplatelets were randomly dispersed in a continuous mixed oxide phase. About the UV analysis, the presence of GnPs at 1 wt % concentration reduces the band gap by 6%.
Limitations on study/implications: The physical and chemical properties of GnPs make the material an excellent candidate for the degradation of pollutants by photocatalysis.
Findings/conclusions: The addition of GnPs improved the Diuron degradation, probably by forming a nanostructured interface or heterojunction.
Objective: To photodegrade Diuron with TiO2-Al2O3 nanomaterials supported on graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs)
Design/methodology/approach: The synthesis of the materials was carried out by the sol-gel method under mild conditions. Subsequently, the obtained materials were subjected to thermal processing for structural stabilization and pulverized. Synthesized nanomaterials were then characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Uv-Vis spectroscopy.
Results: The adsorption/desorption results indicated that the ternary TiO2-Al2O3/GnPs nanomaterials were found to have complex porosity, which suggested that TiO2-Al2O3 was formed on agglomerated GnPs. X-ray diffraction data revealed that the anatase phase of TiO2 and the g-Al2O3 phase coexist with the crystalline phase of graphene. The morphology of the materials indicates that the nanoplatelets were randomly dispersed in a continuous mixed oxide phase. About the UV analysis, the presence of GnPs at 1 wt % concentration reduces the band gap by 6%.
Limitations on study/implications: The physical and chemical properties of GnPs make the material an excellent candidate for the degradation of pollutants by photocatalysis.
Findings/conclusions: The addition of GnPs improved the Diuron degradation, probably by forming a nanostructured interface or heterojunctio
Fruit characterization and plant quality of Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata L.) during the early nursery stage
Get PDFObjective: The aim of this study was to characterize Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata L.) fruits and seeds, and to evaluate the effects of provenance, substrata, and fertilizer on germination and plant quality in nursery.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The fruits and seeds from Spanish cedars were collected in three different towns: C-32 (Francisco Trujillo Gurria), C-40 (Ernesto Aguirre Colorado), and C-41 (Carlos A. Madrazo). Those towns are in Plan Chontalpa, Tabasco, Mexico. After they were harvested, the samples were morphometrically characterized. Seed production efficiency (SPE), germination (%), and Dickson Quality Index (DQI) were estimated. Two completely randomized experimental designs with factorial arrangement of treatments were used. The factors were the provenance, four or three substrata, and two levels of Greenfool® 600 fertilizer.
Results: Fruits of 3.46 cm in length and 1.81 cm in width were collected; the mean number of seeds per fruit was 49.36. Seed production efficiency ranged from 48.1% to 52.72%, with 32.86% germination. The seeds from Town C-41 obtained the highest germination percentage, with the use of black soil:sand as substrate. The plants fertilized and developed in black soil:sand substrate obtained a higher DQI.
Study Limitations/Implications: The activity restriction caused by the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic was the main limitation. The lower number of producers and plantations from Town C-32 was the implication.
Findings/Conclusions: Fruit and seed characteristics were different among provenances. The provenance impacted on seed germination, but not on the plant quality index (DQI). Instead, the substrate and fertilizer impacted on the DQI
Bibliometric analysis of scientific research about agroecological strategies
Get PDFObjective: To analyze the spatio-temporal evolution of scientific research on the subject of agroecological strategies worldwide, through text mining (bibliometrics) and co-authorship networks to determine gaps in research.
Design/methodology/approach: For the compilation of the texts, the database of articles from open access journals of the Web of Science was reviewed. The texts were collected in September 2021, and the texts available until August 2021 were considered. The keyword used in the search was strategies agroecological, identifying it in the titles and keywords of the publications.
Results: 463 scientific texts were collected in the bibliographic reference databases of the Web of Science with a temporality from 1987 to 2021. 90.93% (421) were concentrated in six countries: USA (34.77%, 161), Netherlands (19.22%, 89), England (15.55%, 72), Switzerland (12.53%, 58), France (4.54%, 21) and Germany (4.32%, 20).
Limitations on study/implications: Most of the research has focused on techniques for agricultural sustainability, so issues associated with the creation of early climate information systems, disaster prevention and mitigation projects, present themselves as opportunities for the development of further research.
Findings/conclusions: It was observed that in developing countries such as Latin America, where Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Brazil are located, there is little research conducted on the subject of agroecological strategies, which represents a great opportunity to generate knowledge in the region.Objective: To analyze the spatio-temporal evolution of scientific production on the topic of agroecological strategies in the world, through text mining (bibliometrics) and coauthorship networks to determine gaps in research.
Design/methodology/approach: To compile the texts, the database of open-access articles from Web of Science was reviewed. The texts were collected in September 2021, and texts available until August 2021 were considered. The keyword used in the search was strategies agroecological identifying it in the titles and keywords of the publications.
Results: In the databases, 463 scientific texts were collected from bibliographic references of Web of Science within the period of 1987 to 2021. Of these, 90.93% (421) were concentrated in six countries: USA (34.77%, 161), Netherlands (19.22%, 89), England (15.55%, 72), Switzerland (12.53%, 58), France (4.54%, 21) and Germany (4.32%, 20).
Limitations on study/implications: Most of the studies have been centered on techniques for agricultural sustainability, so topics associated with the creation of early climate information systems and disaster prevention and mitigation projects are presented as an opportunity for the development of more research.
Findings/conclusions: The study shows that in developing countries such as those in Latin America, where Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Brazil are located, there is scarce research development in topics of agroecological strategies, leaving a wide margin to generate knowledge in the region