Revista Agro Productividad
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Forage yield of Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus Jacq.) using mineral fertilization during two seasons of the year
Get PDFObjective: To determine the dry matter yield of Guinea grass (M. maximus Jacq.) in response to mineral fertilization with N-P-K in a tropical humid climate.
Design/Methodology/Approach: We conducted an experiment with Guinea grass in Loma Bonita, Oaxaca, Mexico, during the cold front season (November 2018 to February 2019) and the dry season (March to May 2019). The following N-P-K fertilization formulations were used: 00-00-00, 100-00-00, 140-20-00, 180-40-20, 200-00-00, 240-40-20, 260-60-40, and 300-00-00. The response variables were: plant height (cm), chlorophyll content, and dry matter yield (kg ha-1).
Results: The fertilization with the highest nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels (p£0.05) increased the dry matter yield, the chlorophyll content, and the height of the Guinea grass above the control.
Study Limitations/Implications: Mineral fertilization improved the productive performance of Guinea grass. However, studying more seasons is necessary to validate the results obtained.
Findings/Conclusions: The fertilizer formulas with 260-60-40 and 240-40-20 N-P-K units improved the productive performance of Guinea grass. Consequently, the season of the year had a considerable influence on grass yield in a humid tropical climat
Effect of genotype in the production and quality of sweet sorghum juice [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]
Get PDFObjectives: To evaluate the production of juice and sugar, the physicochemical parameters of the juice during extraction and quantify the differences between genotypes.
Design/Methodology/Approach: An experiment under irrigation was established with 10 genotypes of sweet sorghum in southern Sonora, México, during the autumn-winter cycle, under a randomized block complete design with four replicates. The sowing dates were 03/15/2015 and 02/20/2016. The variables were: days to flowering (DF), weight of fresh biomass (T ha-1): whole plant (WTo), stem (WSt), leaf (WLf), and panicle (WP). After extraction, juice weight (WJ), bagasse weight (WBz), juice volume (JV), and extraction efficiency (EFx:WJ/WSt) were determined. The juice was sieved to remove impurities. There were determinate at the time of extraction: pH, temperature (°C) and degrees Brix.
Results: The sources of variation had a significant effect on the production of biomass, juice, and sugar. The year contributed to explain 53 % of the variation, the genotype explained 36 %, while the interaction (GxA) only 5 %. On average, the production of fresh stem biomass was 38 t ha-1, with 28 % efficiency in juice extraction. The SWS686 and SWS694 genotypes exceeded the average in juice production and the control (M81E). Juice production in 2016 was higher (31 %) than in 2015. In average, the juice values were of 32 °C, 12.9 oBrix and pH 3.8.
Study/Limitations/Implications: The decrease in the content of soluble solids and spontaneous fermentation during the conservation of the juice under room temperature can limit the use of sweet sorghum in areas where temperatures are >30 °C in post-harvest stage.
Findings/Conclusions:There was an effect of the environment and genotype on the production and quality of sweet sorghum juice. It is necessary to make a complete analysis of the life cycle that indicates the challenges and opportunities to improve the efficiency of the processes to obtain sweet sorghum juic
Analysis of the origin and training of the labor dedicated to the post-harvest process of banana in Tecomán, Cerro de Ortega, Colima, Mexico
Get PDFObjective: Analyze and identify the place of origin, skills and working conditions of the workforce dedicated to working in the banana cutting and packaging process in the town of Cerro de Ortega, Tecomán Colima.
Design / Methodology / Approach: A field checklist was designed and applied to 32% of the local crews and a survey directed to the members of the crews, surveying 21.3% of the total population.
Results: Information was obtained to carry out the analysis of origin and the current situation of workforce dedicated to the post-harvest process of plantain in the study area.
Limitations of the study: An important limitation for the investigation was the insecurity during the field work, which was present derived from the organized crime settled in the area.
Findings / Conclusions: The most specialized workers in the area who are dedicated to the activities of cutting and packing bananas are not native to the municipality of Tecomán, much less the state of Colima, they belong to the states of Chiapas and Michoacán.Objective: To analyze and identify the place of origin, skills and working conditions of the laborers dedicated to the banana cutting and packaging process in the town of Cerro de Ortega, Tecomán, Colima.
Design / Methodology / Approach: A field checklist was designed and applied to 32% of the local crews and a survey directed to the members of the crews, surveying 21.3% of the total population.
Results: Information was obtained to carry out the analysis of origin and the current situation of laborers dedicated to the post-harvest process of banana in the study area.
Limitations of the study: An important limitation for the research was insecurity during the field surveys, which was present derived from the organized crime settled in the area.
Findings / Conclusions: The most specialized workers in the area who are dedicated to the activities of cutting and packing bananas are not native people from the municipality of Tecomán, nor from the state of Colima. They belong to the states of Chiapas and Michoacan
Horseradish tree (Moringa oleifera) as a food product: value chain in the island of Ometepe, Nicaragua
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Objective: to set up a local market and to generate a value chain for moringa (moringa oleífera), as a raw matter in order to elaborate diet food supplements.
Design/methodology/approach: a strategy for introducing moringa in Ometepe island was based on food value chain concept and sustainability issues. Four were the aspects for the analysis: a) production, b) sustainability, c) socio-economical and d) political. Equally, were identified the requirements and obstacles for adequately introduce moringa as a sustainable food product.
Results: in order to approach a commercial production of leaf powder of moringa, it is desirable do no to use chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Profit from 1 ha of moringa will move to the local economy from USD 8000 in the first year of production and between USD 15200 in the following years.
Limitations on study/implications: although moringa improves nutrition, consumption of fresh edible parts of moringa urges a change on cultural feeding habits.
Findings/conclusions: leaf powder of moringa is a viable alternative as organic food and has the potential to reduce malnutrition in Ometepe. Once this product push commercially, net profit is between USD 5060 in the first year of production and between USD 7,500-14,200 and 5,050 and 11,200 and $12,200 USD in subsequent years
Effect of two enzyme systems on the removal of mucilage from coffee cherry beans (Coffea arabica L.)
Get PDFObjective: To evaluate and compare the percentage of mucilage removal from coffee (Coffea arabica L.) in pulping using two enzyme systems, Celuzyme and Macerex PM.
Design/methodology/approach: Seven treatments combinations were evaluated (type of enzyme and concentration level, plus a control) at 30-minute intervals for 3 h. The experimental unit was 0.2 kg of pulped coffee.
Results: Results showed when using these enzyme systems (Macerex PM and Celuzyme) the percentage of mucilage removal increased and time was significantly reduced by 3 to 4 h compared to the natural fermentation time of 15 to 20 h.
Limitations on study/implications: Effect of two enzyme systems, Macerex PM and Celuzyme, at different concentrations (ppm).
Findings/conclusions: The Macerex PM and Celuzyme enzyme systems showed 95% and 84.5% removed mucilage compared to 35% of the control.Objective: To evaluate and compare the percentage of mucilage removal from coffee (Coffea arabica L.) in pulping using two enzyme systems, Celuzyme and Macerex PM.
Design/methodology/approach: Seven treatments combinations were evaluated (type of enzyme and concentration level, plus a control) at 30 min intervals for 3 h. The experimental unit was 0.2 kg of pulped coffee.
Results: Results showed when using these enzyme systems (Macerex PM and Celuzyme) the percentage of mucilage removal increased and time was significantly reduced by 3 to 4 h compared to the natural fermentation time of 15 to 20 h.
Limitations on study/implications: Effect of two enzyme systems, Macerex PM and Celuzyme, at different concentrations (mg L-1).
Findings/conclusions: The Macerex PM and Celuzyme enzyme systems showed 95% and 84.5% removed mucilage compared to 35% of the contro
Physiological response of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under salinity conditions
Get PDFObjective: The effect of salinity by NaCl based on physiological variables of chickpea plants was evaluated with the use of native strains of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Glomus cubensis and Rizoglomus irregulare during the pre-flowering phenophase.
Design/methodology/approach: The research was carried out under controlled environmental conditions, using as an experimental model the chickpea variety N-29, obtained at INIFAT, Cuba. The treatments consist of the combination of three salinity levels: 25, 50 and 75 mM of NaCl and the respective control (Source of variation A) and two strains of AMFs (source of variation B) for a total of 12 treatments with six repetitions. Treatments were distributed under a completely randomized experimental design. The variables evaluated were: number of green and dry leaves, biomass by organs (leaves, stem, root), net assimilation rate (TAN), relative growth rate (TCR) and leaf area ratio (RAF).
Results: Green leaves, TAN and leaf and root biomass were the variables with the highest response in the 50 mM NaCl + R. irregulare treatment, with an average increase of 15% compared to the rest of the treatments.
Limitations on study/implications: There is a decrease in the variables evaluated due to the salinity effect, however, chickpea plants subjected to 50 mM NaCl inoculated with R. irregulare were less affected by saline stress.
Findings/conclusions: It was also found that the R. irregulare strain contributed more than G. cubense to mitigating the adverse effects of the salinity factor.Objective. Evaluate the effect of salinity due to NaCl on physiological variables of chickpea plants using native strains of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Glomus cubensis and Rhizoglomus irregulare during the pre-flowering stage.
Design/methodology/approach. The research was carried out under controlled weather conditions using the chickpea variety N-29 as an experimental model. The treatments consisted on the combination of four salinity levels: 0, 25, 50 and 75 mM NaCl (variation source A) and AMF (variation source B) in three levels. In total there were 12 treatments with six repetitions, which were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design. The evaluated variables were number of green and dry leaves, dry biomass per organ (leaves, root and stem), net assimilation rate (NAR), relative growth rate (RGR) and leaf area ratio (LAR).
Results. The green leaves, the NAR and the dry biomass from roots and leaves, were the variables with the greatest response in the 50 mM NaCl + R. irregulare treatment, with an average increase of 15% with respect to the rest of the treatments.
Limitations/implications. A decrease on the evaluated variables was observed due to the salinity effect; however, chickpea plants subjected to NaCl 50 mM inoculated with R. irregulare were less affected by salt stress.
Findings/conclusions. The R. irregulare strain was found to contribute more than the G. cubensis to the mitigation of the adverse effects from the salinity factor
Endoparasitic infections in captive wild mammals under human care in San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Get PDFObjective: Determine parasite prevalence, richness and load in wild mammals of Tangamanga I and II Parks in San Luis Potosí, SLP. Evaluate if infections are related to diet and/or climatic seasons.
Design/methodology/approach: Analysis of fresh feces collected during three consecutive days in two sampling periods. Passive flotation techniques with sodium nitrate (qualitative) and McMaster (quantitative) were performed.
Results: General prevalence observed was 36% (n=242). The parasite richness is formed by protozoa: Eimeria sp, Isospora sp and Cystoisospora sp; by the cestode Moniezia expansa and nematodes: Toxocara sp, Toxascaris sp, Ancylostoma sp/Uncinaria sp, Strongyloides sp, Trichuris suis and eggs from the Strongyles group. The parasite load observed in the case of protozoa ranged from 0 – 8,505 Oocysts per Gram of Feces, and from 0 – 1,400 Eggs per Gram of Feces in the case of helminths. Statistical analyzes showed that the prevalence of parasites does not depend on the climatic season, and only in Tangamanga II Park is the prevalence dependent on the diet (herbivores).
Study limitations/implications: The preservation method used limits the coproparasitoscopic techniques that can be used (coproculture or coccidia sporulation).
Findings/conclusions: The observed endoparasitic infections can be a potential risk to the health of animals, especially those of great genetic value (i.e., endangered species). In addition, the potentially zoonotic parasites observed represent a threat to the health of their keepers.Objective: To determine the prevalence, richness and parasitic load in wild mammals of Tangamanga I and II Parks in San Luis Potosí, SLP. To assess whether infections are related to the type of feeding and weather seasons.
Design/methodology/approach: Analysis of fresh feces collected for three consecutive days at two sampling stations. Passive flotation techniques with sodium nitrate (qualitative) and McMaster (quantitative) were used.
Results: The overall prevalence observed was 36% (n=242). The parasitic wealth is formed by protozoa: Eimeria sp., Isospora sp. and Cystoisospora sp.; by the cestode Moniezia expansa, nematodes: Toxocara sp., Toxascaris sp., Ancylostoma sp./Uncinaria sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichuris suis and Strongylid eggs. The parasite load in the case of protozoa was in the range of 0 – 8505 oocysts per gram of faeces, and 0 – 1400 eggs per gram of faeces in the case of helminths. Statistical analyses showed that the prevalence of parasites does not depend on the climatic season, and only in Tangamanga II Park is the prevalence dependent on the type of feeding (herbivores).
Study limitations/implications: The conservation method used limits the stool test techniques that can be employed (stool culture or sporulation).
Findings/conclusions: Endoparasitic infections can be a potential risk to the health of animals. In particular to those of great genetic value such as species threatened with extinction. In addition, the potentially zoonotic parasites observed pose a threat to the health of caregiver
Agro-industrial evaluation of new sugarcane (Saccaharum spp.) hybrids in the dry tropic under no watering conditions
Get PDFObjetive: The objective of this research was to select new sugarcane hybrids with better adaptation and performance in the field and industrial within the supply area of ??the Quesería sugar mill of the Beta San Miguel group (BSM).
Design/methodology/approach: A group of 11 new hybrids were established in the agroindustrial phase, in order to compare their adaptation and field and the industrial performance using the commercial hybrid Mex 69-290 as control.
Results: The results obtained indicated that during the soca cycle and under local soil conditions, the hybrids ColMex 05-484, ColMex 05-38 (c9) and ColMex 05-627, demonstrated the highest estimated field yields, with values ??of 154, 149 and 143 t / ha-1 respectively. Regarding the highest values ??of percentage of sucrose in cane (Pol), at 12 months of age of the plant, it was obtained by the hybrids ColMex 05-147 (16.8%), ColMex 08-38 (C8) (16.5%) and ColMex 05-897 (16.1%), considered by its intermediate cycle maturation curve.
Limitations on study/implications: The limitations that could affect the results of the investigation were; the abundance of stones on the topsoil and the poor distribution of rainfall during the development of the crop (1203 mm).
Findings/conclusions: It can be concluded that after analyzing the agricultural and industrial performance that, the best hybrid was: ColMex 05-484, surpassing the commercial control Mex 69-290.Objective: To select new sugarcane (Saccaharum spp.) hybrids with better adaptability and higher field and industrial performance, within the supply area of the Quesería Sugar Mill of the Beta San Miguel group (BSM).
Design/methodology/approach: We set up a group of 11 new hybrids in the agro-industrial phase in order to compare their adaptability and their field and industrial performance, using the Mex 69-290 commercial hybrid as control.
Results: The obtained results indicated that during the soca cycle and under local soil conditions, the ColMex 05-484, ColMex 05-38 (C9), and ColMex 05-627 hybrids produced the highest estimated field yields, with values of 154, 149, and 143 t/ha-1, respectively. The highest percentages of sucrose in cane (Pol) in 12-month-old plants were observed in the ColMex 05-147 (16.8%), ColMex 08-38 (C8) (16.5%), and ColMex 05-897 (16.1%) hybrids, according to their intermediate stage maturity curve.
Study limitations/implications: The limitations that could affect the results of the research were the abundance of stones on the topsoil and the poor distribution of rainfall during crop development (1,203 mm).
Findings/conclusions: After analyzing the agricultural and industrial performance of several hybrids, we can conclude that ColMex 05-484 was the best, surpassing the Mex 69-290 commercial control
Peasant strategies for the use and conservation of native corn in Juchitepec, Estado de México
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Objective: To gather some knowledge on maize landraces evolution within Juchitepec municipality, as well as describe and analyze those strategies carried out by peasant families in its use and conservation.
Design/methodology/approach: A survey on 20 farmers from Juchitepec municipality was carried out, they were randomly sampled from “Producción para el bienestar” state program beneficiaries list. Additionally, a series of key informants semi-structured interviews were taken prior to the survey in order to address the main topics of importance in relation to maize within the region.
Results: The studied population presented an advanced age (=61), nonetheless some young farmers has an important role within their production units. 75% own less than 6 Ha, mostly on ejido land. 89% maintains maize landraces cultivation. This task is achieved through adapting their practices and knowledge to specific conditions on cropfields. Some adjustments are made i.e.: changing sowing date, using different varieties or species, alternating crop fields. 17% grows hybrid maize varieties. Two native introduced landraces were identified, Ancho y Cacahuacintle, as a way of improving farmers’ income. Some practices like the “de dos” cultivation are suffering changes as a result of machinery and economic resources availability. 100% of farmers use chemical fertilizers and herbicides. Commercialization of corn husk is an important economic activity. Seed exchange is frecuent, commonly between same community members. Ozumba market represents an important commercialization channel for native maize. Government settled prices for maize in 2019 weren´t high enough for native maize. Juchitepec farmers don´t get organized for maize production purposes. 65% consider themselves campesinos.
Limitations on study/implications: Local agrarian system studies focused on peasant strategies should consider changes in behavior of peasants under different circumstances in order to better understand its adaptability.
Findings/conclusions: Native maize survives within Juchitepec region sustained by peasants through knowledge and strategies applied on the reproduction and recreation of this varieties. Peasant strategies strengthen native maize conservation.
Keywords: in situ conservation, plant genetic resources, traditional knowledgeObjective: To determine the evolution that native corn has had in the municipality of Juchitepec, as well as to describe and analyze the strategies that peasants families are currently implementing for its use and conservation.
Design/methodology/approach: A survey was carried out with 20 peasants in the municipality of Juchitepec, chosen from a random sample obtained from the register of the Producción para el Bienestar program. Additionally, a series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants, in order to identify the most important issues around corn in the region.
Results: An elderly population was found (=61), but with some young people working decisively in its production units. Seventy-five percent own less than 6 ha, mostly communal land property. Eighty-nine percent of the farmers interviewed continue to grow native corn. They achieve this by adapting their practices and knowledge to the soil and climate conditions of their plots, modifying, for example, the sowing date, the variety or species cultivated, and the place of cultivation. Seventeen percent grow hybrid corn. Two native varieties have recently been introduced as a strategy to obtain greater profitability: ancho and cacahuacintle. Some practices are being modified based on the equipment and the economic resources available, such as the “de dos” labor that only 50% of the farmers carry out. Eighty percent do not have agricultural equipment. The use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides is widespread. The sale of corn husks is an economically important activity. Peasants frequently exchange seeds, usually with other members of their own community. The Ozumba market represents a vitally important marketing channel for native corn. The guaranteed prices established in 2019 were low for this type of corn. Peasants are not formally organized for corn cultivation. Sixty-five percent consider themselves peasants.
Study limitations/implications: The study of local agrarian systems with a focus on peasant strategies should contemplate acting under different circumstances, preferably in several work cycles, to better understand their adaptability.
Findings/conclusions: Native corn survives in the region, preserved in a socio-productive system based on peasant knowledges, strategies and socio-technical practices that enable its reproduction and recreation. Peasant strategies for the cultivation and use of these corns strengthen their conservation
Estimating biomass in grasslands through traditional methods and the use of drones in the State of Chihuahua, Mexico
Get PDFObjective: To evaluate three biomass estimation methods (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV or drone), ceptometer, and canopy height), comparing them to the quadrant method in an arborescent tufted grassland in the state of Chihuahua.Methodology: The study was conducted in Teseachi, Namiquipa, in october 2020. We located thirty random points. The first biomass estimation method used was UAV. Once the drone flights were completed, the quadrant was placed and the coordinates were determined. We carried out nine readings using a ceptometer and obtained an average. Subsequently, we measured the average canopy height. Finally, all forage within the quadrant was cut at ground level and packed for laboratory analysis. The Agisoft Metashape software was used to process the SfM of the aerial images, using nine sampling points, applying the NGBDI vegetation index, and calculating the averagepixels of a 3 x 3 m moving window. A simple linear regression model was used to analyze the data with the R Project software, version 4.0.3.Results: The simple linear regression model showed an R 2 of 0.62 (p<0.01), 0.55 (p<;0.001), and 0.48 (p<0.001), for UAV, ceptometer, and canopy height, respectively.Study Limitations: There were no limitations for this report.
Conclusions: Data obtained with UAVs can generate predictive biomass maps with acceptable accuracy levels. The ceptometer leaf area index is a reliable method to estimate forage yield. However, using the canopy height method is not advisable to estimate forage yield, since its correlation is weak