Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias
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Small farmers' perception of factors influencing regional chemical control of Diaphorina citri
Get PDFRegional Control Areas (RCAs) have been implemented in Mexico as a strategy to delay the spread of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the causal bacterium of the disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB). The implementation of an effective management of the vector insect, Diaphorina citri in the RCAs requires the knowledge, acceptance and coordinated engagement of small agricultural producers. This research assessed the perception and knowledge of 62 citrus growers regarding the operational, sociocultural and environmental factors influencing chemical control of D. citri in four RCAs within Veracruz State. According to their responses, the following factors have been identified as the operational factors with the highest influence on the effectiveness of insecticides against D. citri within RCAs: the lack of knowledge about the use of surfactants, application speed, poor calibration of sprayers and incorrect water quality. The most significant sociocultural factors are the general unawareness of the pest and the safe and proper application of pesticides. The most relevant environmental factors during application: temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. Sociocultural index correlated with the perception of effectiveness. Therefore, it becomes necessary to consider differences among citrus growers in each region and setting out the most appropriatestrategies for vector and disease management.
Highlights
Some operational practices that citrus growers are not aware of may influence their perception of chemical control.
The sociocultural context of growers determines their decision-taking on insecticide applications.
During the application of insecticides in regional control areas (RCAs), growers do not take into account weather conditions.
The effective management of D. citri requires a coordinated engagement of small growers' in RCAs.Regional Control Areas (RCAs) have been implemented in Mexico as a strategy to delay the spread of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the causal bacterium of the disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB). The implementation of an effective management of the vector insect, Diaphorina citri in the RCAs requires the knowledge, acceptance and coordinated engagement of small agricultural producers. This research assessed the perception and knowledge of 62 citrus growers regarding the operational, sociocultural and environmental factors influencing chemical control of D. citri in four RCAs within Veracruz State. According to their responses, the following factors have been identified as the operational factors with the highest influence on the effectiveness of insecticides against D. citri within RCAs: the lack of knowledge about the use of surfactants, application speed, poor calibration of sprayers and incorrect water quality. The most significant sociocultural factors are the general unawareness of the pest and the safe and proper application of pesticides. The most relevant environmental factors during application: temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. Sociocultural index correlated with the perception of effectiveness. Therefore, it becomes necessary to consider differences among citrus growers in each region and setting out the most appropriatestrategies for vector and disease management.
Highlights
Some operational practices that citrus growers are not aware of may influence their perception of chemical control.
The sociocultural context of growers determines their decision-taking on insecticide applications.
During the application of insecticides in regional control areas (RCAs), growers do not take into account weather conditions.
The effective management of D. citri requires a coordinated engagement of small growers' in RCAs
Contenido de ácido fenólico (Triticum spp) de diferentes granos de trigo
Get PDFOne of the most significant factors affecting resistance to fungal diseases in winter wheat genotypes is the content of phenolic compounds. A total of 100 winter wheat cultivars were investigated. The contents of five phenolic acids: ferulic, vanillic, syringic, vanillin, p-coumaricand free phenolic acids (FPA) were determined. Considerable variation was found both within tested cultivars. Among the investigated acids the greatest amounts were recorded for ferulic acid and its mean concentration was 975 µg g-1, p-coumaric acid was characterised by a lower mean concentration (52 µg g-1), while the lowest concentration was recorded for vanillin, amounting to 5 µg g-1. Ferulic acid state 92.4% of total phenolic acids. Significant differences in content of ferulic acids between genotypes were observed. The group of winter wheats coming from different European countries was characterized by high variation in the contents of ferulic acid, ranging from 320 to 3103 µg g-1. No significant correlations were observed between ferulic acid and other phenolic acids. Results provide the basis for further studies in this field.Uno de los factores más importantes en la resistencia a las enfermedades fúngicas en genotipos de trigo de invierno es el contenido de compuestos fenólicos. Se investigó un total de 100 cultivos de trigo de invierno, se determinó sus contenidos de los cinco ácidos fenólicos: ferúlico, vanílico, siríngico, vainillina, p-cumárico y ácidos fenólicos libres (AFL) y se encontró una variación entre ambos cultivos probados. Entre los ácidos investigados, se detectó mayores cantidades de ácido ferúlico (concentración media de 975 µg g-1), ácido p-cumárico (caracterizado por una baja concentración media (52 µg g-1), mientras que la concentración más baja que se detectó fue de vainillina (a razón de 5 µg g-1). El ácido ferúlico conforma el 92,4% de los ácidos fenólicos totales. Por otro lado, se observó diferencias significativas en el contenido de ácidos ferúlicos entre genotipos: el grupo de trigos de invierno procedente de varios países europeos tenía como característica una alta variación de contenidos de ácido ferúlico, del orden de 320 hasta 3103 µg g-1. No se detectó correlaciones significativas entre el ácido ferúlico y otros ácidos fenólicos. En conclusión, los resultados de este estudio ofrecen la base para otras investigaciones con más profundidad en este ámbito
Morphostructural variability in the Pastoreña goat in different regions of the Mixteca of Mexico: A phenotypic study to establish the racial profile
Get PDFIn the present study, we evaluated the morphostructural variability of the Pastoreña goat (PG) in Mixteca region of Oaxaca, Mexico. This study was carried out to evaluate five qualitative ranges and thirteen morphometric characteristics of 249 animals (185 females and 64 males) from 2 to 5 years old. Descriptive statistics analysis was performed on the qualitative (QV) morphometric (MV) variables, and variance analysis and Tukey test by sex. The Pearson correlations were calculated for MV, determining the morphostructural harmonic model. The canonical discriminant analysis and analysis of principal coordinates were made for QV and principal component analysis for MV. The results of QV indicated some features in the racial profile of the PG. MV showed sexual dimorphism (p<0.05). The coefficient of variation indicated morphostructural homogeneity. The correlations in MV suggest harmonic-morphostructural and harmonic-median models for females and males, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed similarities in the sampled localities. In conclusion, the qualitative and quantitative variables demonstrated in the PG characterize as a unique goat breed in the Mixteca of Mexico and justify further conservation efforts.
Highlights
The Pastoreña goats have uniformity within the population of the Mixteca, Mexico.
The qualitative and quantitative variables estimated in the Pastoreña Goats offer the bases for its conservation.
The shepherds select the offspring of the Pastoreña goats of the white and creamy-white color.In the present study, we evaluated the morphostructural variability of the Pastoreña goat (PG) in Mixteca region of Oaxaca, Mexico. This study was carried out to evaluate five qualitative ranges and thirteen morphometric characteristics of 249 animals (185 females and 64 males) from 2 to 5 years old. Descriptive statistics analysis was performed on the qualitative (QV) morphometric (MV) variables, and variance analysis and Tukey test by sex. The Pearson correlations were calculated for MV, determining the morphostructural harmonic model. The canonical discriminant analysis and analysis of principal coordinates were made for QV and principal component analysis for MV. The results of QV indicated some features in the racial profile of the PG. MV showed sexual dimorphism (p<0.05). The coefficient of variation indicated morphostructural homogeneity. The correlations in MV suggest harmonic-morphostructural and harmonic-median models for females and males, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed similarities in the sampled localities. In conclusion, the qualitative and quantitative variables demonstrated in the PG characterize as a unique goat breed in the Mixteca of Mexico and justify further conservation efforts.
Highlights
The Pastoreña goats have uniformity within the population of the Mixteca, Mexico.
The qualitative and quantitative variables estimated in the Pastoreña Goats offer the bases for its conservation.
The shepherds select the offspring of the Pastoreña goats of the white and creamy-white color
Trust networks and innovation dynamics of small farmers in Colombia: An approach from territorial system of agricultural innovation
Get PDFThis study addresses the concepts of territorial systems of agricultural innovation and social network analysis. The general purpose of this research was analyzing a relationship between trust networks (technical, strategic and normative) and the dynamics of technological diffusion and adoption by Hass avocado farmers in each territory. To this end, two rural municipalities were compared as case studies; where 94 farmers were interviewed. A database was obtained and analyzed using a social network approach by calculating network indicators, as well as the technology adoption index (TAI) for farmers. Correlation tests were also used to determine the effect of the farmers' trust networks on their own technology diffusion-adoption dynamics. Case studies showed that there are no significant differences in terms of technology adoption when comparing municipalities. However, the farmers' diffusion networks show different public-private actors, as well as different degrees of input centrality and intermediation in each municipality, where correlation was found only with normative trust networks in a municipality. The capture of specific information from a geographical space is steered by the approach of territorial systems of agricultural innovation, allowing for the development of increasingly accurate strategies and interventions.
Highlights
This study empirically demonstrated how both technology adoption by farmers and diffusion networks have different trends across geographical spaces.
The capture of specific information from a geographical space is steered by the approach of territorial systems of agricultural innovation, allowing for the development of increasingly accurate strategies and interventions.
Diffusion networks of farmers from each rural municipality were built upon different actors, several of which were different and had different input centrality indicators.
These actors are quite important as they are cited as intermediation indicators and sources of learning, which means they are fundamental actors in promoting greater diffusion in each territory.
Trust networks (technical, strategic and normative) were found to have a different influence in each rural municipality in relation to farmers' diffusion networks and the technology adoption index.This study addresses the concepts of territorial systems of agricultural innovation and social network analysis. The general purpose of this research was analyzing a relationship between trust networks (technical, strategic and normative) and the dynamics of technological diffusion and adoption by Hass avocado farmers in each territory. To this end, two rural municipalities were compared as case studies; where 94 farmers were interviewed. A database was obtained and analyzed using a social network approach by calculating network indicators, as well as the technology adoption index (TAI) for farmers. Correlation tests were also used to determine the effect of the farmers' trust networks on their own technology diffusion-adoption dynamics. Case studies showed that there are no significant differences in terms of technology adoption when comparing municipalities. However, the farmers' diffusion networks show different public-private actors, as well as different degrees of input centrality and intermediation in each municipality, where correlation was found only with normative trust networks in a municipality. The capture of specific information from a geographical space is steered by the approach of territorial systems of agricultural innovation, allowing for the development of increasingly accurate strategies and interventions.
Highlights
This study empirically demonstrated how both technology adoption by farmers and diffusion networks have different trends across geographical spaces.
The capture of specific information from a geographical space is steered by the approach of territorial systems of agricultural innovation, allowing for the development of increasingly accurate strategies and interventions.
Diffusion networks of farmers from each rural municipality were built upon different actors, several of which were different and had different input centrality indicators.
These actors are quite important as they are cited as intermediation indicators and sources of learning, which means they are fundamental actors in promoting greater diffusion in each territory.
Trust networks (technical, strategic and normative) were found to have a different influence in each rural municipality in relation to farmers' diffusion networks and the technology adoption index
Mechanical canopy and trunk shaking for the harvesting mechanization of table olive orchards
Get PDFTable olive harvesting is highly dependent on manual labour and may jeopardize the crop benefit. The introduction of a mechanical harvest system requires a global evaluation of the whole process. A trunk shaker along with shaker combs and a continuous canopy shaker harvester have been tested in two orchards with different tree training and layout to determine their feasibility to mechanical harvesting in table olives. For that purpose, several parameters have been evaluated. Canopy shaker required adapted orchard layout and hedge of canopies for reaching an acceptable harvesting efficiency about 80% and trunk shaker performed a higher efficiency of more than 95% but depended highly on labour. Both systems had a high field capacity about 0.15 ha h-1 but low for the trunk shaker considering the people (0.01 ha h-1 person-1). The vibration pattern that applied on branches was totally different although the quantitative tree damages were no significative different. There were no significant differences in fruit bruising between both systems, but there were between the different sampling points, mainly in the detachment. The fruit bruising index of the remaining fruit on canopy suggests that it is possible to perform a second harvest. Both mechanical systems are suitable for table olive harvesting whilst improving the efficiency of manual systems with bearable damages, but each one has pros and cons that must be considered bearing in mind that require an adaptation of the orchard where there are applied.
Highlights
Table olives mechanization is possible by integrating with the fruit liquid store.
Trunk shaker performed high efficiency in adapted orchards but depended on labour.
Canopy shakers require the adaption of orchard and machine for commercial purposes.
There were no differences in detached fruit bruising between both mechanical systems.
The bruising index of the remaining fruit on trees suggest second harvesting pass.Table olive harvesting is highly dependent on manual labour and may jeopardize the crop benefit. The introduction of a mechanical harvest system requires a global evaluation of the whole process. A trunk shaker along with shaker combs and a continuous canopy shaker harvester have been tested in two orchards with different tree training and layout to determine their feasibility to mechanical harvesting in table olives. For that purpose, several parameters have been evaluated. Canopy shaker required adapted orchard layout and hedge of canopies for reaching an acceptable harvesting efficiency about 80% and trunk shaker performed a higher efficiency of more than 95% but depended highly on labour. Both systems had a high field capacity about 0.15 ha h-1 but low for the trunk shaker considering the people (0.01 ha h-1 person-1). The vibration pattern that applied on branches was totally different although the quantitative tree damages were no significative different. There were no significant differences in fruit bruising between both systems, but there were between the different sampling points, mainly in the detachment. The fruit bruising index of the remaining fruit on canopy suggests that it is possible to perform a second harvest. Both mechanical systems are suitable for table olive harvesting whilst improving the efficiency of manual systems with bearable damages, but each one has pros and cons that must be considered bearing in mind that require an adaptation of the orchard where there are applied.
Highlights
Table olives mechanization is possible by integrating with the fruit liquid store.
Trunk shaker performed high efficiency in adapted orchards but depended on labour.
Canopy shakers require the adaption of orchard and machine for commercial purposes.
There were no differences in detached fruit bruising between both mechanical systems.
The bruising index of the remaining fruit on trees suggest second harvesting pass
Determination of the price in the fresh fruit market: case of pears
Get PDFThis document aims to evaluate the determinants of the price of pears in the international fresh fruit market, from an innovative vision in a complex world. The panel data methodology was applied. The variables considered were the different prices (CIF/kg) of pear, apple and stone fruits, their per capita consumptions, real per capita income, consumer price indexes and real exchange rates. Pear consumption responds especially to apple consumption, but also to prices of apples and peaches, real per capita income, consumer price indexes and countries’ exchange rates. This might imply improving commercial efficiency in international trade, effective budgets in price formation, and giving new impetus to studies on the price of fruits and foods with a new vision.
Highlights
Pears’ price (CIF) is determined by the number of imported pears and apples; also for import prices of other fruits such as apples, peaches and nectarines.
Panel data models is a novelty in this kind of articles.
The panel integrates the yearly CIF imported prices (period 1990-2015) from 18 countries, the main world importers in the international demand for fresh pears.
This research changes the paradigm in the fresh pear business, with the disclosure of this article.
The paper fills a gap in the literature on international worldwide fruit commerce.This document aims to evaluate the determinants of the price of pears in the international fresh fruit market, from an innovative vision in a complex world. The panel data methodology was applied. The variables considered were the different prices (CIF/kg) of pear, apple and stone fruits, their per capita consumptions, real per capita income, consumer price indexes and real exchange rates. Pear consumption responds especially to apple consumption, but also to prices of apples and peaches, real per capita income, consumer price indexes and countries’ exchange rates. This might imply improving commercial efficiency in international trade, effective budgets in price formation, and giving new impetus to studies on the price of fruits and foods with a new vision.
Highlights
Pears’ price (CIF) is determined by the number of imported pears and apples; also for import prices of other fruits such as apples, peaches and nectarines.
Panel data models is a novelty in this kind of articles.
The panel integrates the yearly CIF imported prices (period 1990-2015) from 18 countries, the main world importers in the international demand for fresh pears.
This research changes the paradigm in the fresh pear business, with the disclosure of this article.
The paper fills a gap in the literature on international worldwide fruit commerce
Indirect selection for content of carotenoid in pumpkin accessions
Get PDFCarotenoid quantification in foods can be performed by various techniques, such as spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and colorimetry. The objective of this study was to verify the feasibility of indirect selection of total carotenoids in pumpkin accessions. The experimental design was in complete randomized blocks with two replications and three plants per plot. The treatments consisted of 51 Cucubita moschata Duch accessions from the DCAF/UFERSA Cucurbitaceae germplasm collection and a commercial C. maxima Duch cultivar. After maturation, the fruits were harvested and colorimetric and total carotenoid contents were evaluated. Pulp color intensity parameters and hº angle indicated the possibility of indirect selection of accessions with higher total carotenoid contents. The ABO22 access presented higher total carotenoid content under the evaluation conditions of the experiment.
Highlights
There is variability in the total carotenoid content in pumpkin accessions.
The pumpkin accessions studied have potential for food biofortification.
Feasibility of indirect selection in pumpkin accessions for high total carotenoid content.Carotenoid quantification in foods can be performed by various techniques, such as spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and colorimetry. The objective of this study was to verify the feasibility of indirect selection of total carotenoids in pumpkin accessions. The experimental design was in complete randomized blocks with two replications and three plants per plot. The treatments consisted of 51 Cucubita moschata Duch accessions from the DCAF/UFERSA Cucurbitaceae germplasm collection and a commercial C. maxima Duch cultivar. After maturation, the fruits were harvested and colorimetric and total carotenoid contents were evaluated. Pulp color intensity parameters and hº angle indicated the possibility of indirect selection of accessions with higher total carotenoid contents. The ABO22 access presented higher total carotenoid content under the evaluation conditions of the experiment.
Highlights
There is variability in the total carotenoid content in pumpkin accessions.
The pumpkin accessions studied have potential for food biofortification.
Feasibility of indirect selection in pumpkin accessions for high total carotenoid content
Quantification of isoflavones in stems of faba bean (Vicia faba L.)
Get PDFThe isoflavone aglycones daidzein and genistein are phytoestrogens that ameliorate the symptoms of menopause and assist in the prevention of chronic diseases. These compounds have been studied mainly in soya but have also been detected in faba beans (Vicia faba L.). Since little information is available concerning the content of isoflavone aglycones in faba beans from Mexico, the present study aimed to establish the presence and concentrations of daidzein and genistein in stems of faba bean cultivars from the Mexican central plateau. Cultivars C-281, C-146, C-160, C-89, C-288, C-181, C-93 and C-Zac22 were grown under greenhouse conditions and 6 to 7 week-old stems were harvested. The presence of daidzein and genistein in these tissues was confirmed by thin layer chromatography using a solvent system containing toluene-ethyl acetate-acetone-formic acid (74:14.8:7.4:3.8). High-pressure liquid chromatographic analysis revealed significant differences (p≤0.01) in the concentrations of aglycones with levels of genistein in the range 0.30 to 0.85 mg kg-1 dry weight (DW) and of daidzein, which was more abundant in all cultivars, present in the concentration range 34.92 to 59.98 mg kg-1 DW. Stems of cultivars C-89, C-181, C-281 and C-146 were exceptional for their concentrations of isoflavones and may represent good alternative sources of phytoestrogens.The isoflavone aglycones daidzein and genistein are phytoestrogens that ameliorate the symptoms of menopause and assist in the prevention of chronic diseases. These compounds have been studied mainly in soya but have also been detected in faba beans (Vicia faba L.). Since little information is available concerning the content of isoflavone aglycones in faba beans from Mexico, the present study aimed to establish the presence and concentrations of daidzein and genistein in stems of faba bean cultivars from the Mexican central plateau. Cultivars C-281, C-146, C-160, C-89, C-288, C-181, C-93 and C-Zac22 were grown under greenhouse conditions and 6 to 7 week-old stems were harvested. The presence of daidzein and genistein in these tissues was confirmed by thin layer chromatography using a solvent system containing toluene-ethyl acetate-acetone-formic acid (74:14.8:7.4:3.8). High-pressure liquid chromatographic analysis revealed significant differences (p≤0.01) in the concentrations of aglycones with levels of genistein in the range 0.30 to 0.85 mg kg-1 dry weight (DW) and of daidzein, which was more abundant in all cultivars, present in the concentration range 34.92 to 59.98 mg kg-1 DW. Stems of cultivars C-89, C-181, C-281 and C-146 were exceptional for their concentrations of isoflavones and may represent good alternative sources of phytoestrogens
Effect of two sources of zinc on the physiological quality of seed and nutrition of rice (Oriza sativa) seedlings
Get PDFRice seeds coating with microparticulate zinc oxide can maximize the absorption of this micronutrient by the seedling and favor seeds vigor when compared with zinc sulfate. This work aimed to evaluate the sources and doses of zinc in seed quality and in the nutrition of rice seedlings. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design with four replications, five doses of zinc in the form of oxide (0; 20; 40, 80 and 160 g kg-1), and a control treatment of zinc in the form of sulfate (40 g kg-1). The following parameters were evaluated: germination, accelerated aging, seedlings emergence, emergence speed index, cold test, dry matter, and zinc concentration in the root and shoot of the seedlings. Seed coating with zinc, regardless of the source, improved seed physiological quality and seedling nutrition of the rice cultivar. Zinc sources did not change the germination; however, the oxide form provided better seed vigor, except for the highest dose (160 g kg-1). The increase in the dose of zinc oxide increased the concentration of this nutrient in rice seedlings dry matter. Zinc coating of rice seeds in the form of microparticulate, depending on the dose, can maximize the seeds vigor and increase the concentration of this micronutrient in the seedlings when compared with zinc sulfate, which is the traditional source used by producers.
Highlights
Zinc (Zn) coating does not affect germination, but influences the vigor of rice seeds.
The Zn sources affect the Zn concentration in the shoot dry matter.
Both ZnO and ZnSO 4 showed higher shoot dry matter, when compared with the absence of Zn in rice seeds.
Oxide zinc (ZnO) promotes greater root dry matter of rice when compared with zinc sulfate (ZnSO 4 ).Rice seeds coating with microparticulate zinc oxide can maximize the absorption of this micronutrient by the seedling and favor seeds vigor when compared with zinc sulfate. This work aimed to evaluate the sources and doses of zinc in seed quality and in the nutrition of rice seedlings. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design with four replications, five doses of zinc in the form of oxide (0; 20; 40, 80 and 160 g kg-1), and a control treatment of zinc in the form of sulfate (40 g kg-1). The following parameters were evaluated: germination, accelerated aging, seedlings emergence, emergence speed index, cold test, dry matter, and zinc concentration in the root and shoot of the seedlings. Seed coating with zinc, regardless of the source, improved seed physiological quality and seedling nutrition of the rice cultivar. Zinc sources did not change the germination; however, the oxide form provided better seed vigor, except for the highest dose (160 g kg-1). The increase in the dose of zinc oxide increased the concentration of this nutrient in rice seedlings dry matter. Zinc coating of rice seeds in the form of microparticulate, depending on the dose, can maximize the seeds vigor and increase the concentration of this micronutrient in the seedlings when compared with zinc sulfate, which is the traditional source used by producers.
Highlights
Zinc (Zn) coating does not affect germination, but influences the vigor of rice seeds.
The Zn sources affect the Zn concentration in the shoot dry matter.
Both ZnO and ZnSO 4 showed higher shoot dry matter, when compared with the absence of Zn in rice seeds.
Oxide zinc (ZnO) promotes greater root dry matter of rice when compared with zinc sulfate (ZnSO 4 )
Sorghum silage production in the northern oasis of Mendoza, Argentina
Get PDFThe study and use of preserved forages in the northern oasis of the province of Mendoza arise from the expansion of intensive farming in the area combined with the limited supply of forage due to the seasonal nature of perennial pasture production. Forage-type sorghums are a silage option because they adapt well to limiting edapho climatic conditions and have high forage yields. This paper evaluates four sorghum hybrids for whole-plant silage (ACA 558, ACA 715, ACA 740, Silero Inta-Pemán) cultivated in Mendoza's northern oasis (33º00'38" S and 68º52'28" O) during the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 crop cycles. Genotypes were characterized according to green matter (GM) and dry matter (DM) yields, plant height, and to the panicle dry weight/whole-plant dry weight ratio. No significant differences (p≥0.05) were observed in GM or DM yields among the hybrids in the crop cycles under study. In the 2015-2016 crop cycle, the average GM and DM yields were 110,024 kg/ha-1 and 30,914 kg/ha-1, respectively, whereas during the 2016-2017 crop cycle the average GM and DM yields were 115,122 kg/ha-1 and 30.752 kg/ha-1, respectively. The results obtained confirm that whole-plant sorghum silage is an interesting forage resource for intensive cattle farming in Mendoza.
Highlights
Sorghum silage is an interesting and feasible forage resource for intensive cattle farming in the province of Mendoza.
The hybrids tested exhibited significant differences in plant height and the panicle dry weight/whole-plant dry weight ratio.
The hybrid's performance about green matter yield (kg/ha-1) and dry matter yield (kg/ ha-1) showed no differences.The study and use of preserved forages in the northern oasis of the province of Mendoza arise from the expansion of intensive farming in the area combined with the limited supply of forage due to the seasonal nature of perennial pasture production. Forage-type sorghums are a silage option because they adapt well to limiting edapho climatic conditions and have high forage yields. This paper evaluates four sorghum hybrids for whole-plant silage (ACA 558, ACA 715, ACA 740, Silero Inta-Pemán) cultivated in Mendoza's northern oasis (33º00'38" S and 68º52'28" O) during the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 crop cycles. Genotypes were characterized according to green matter (GM) and dry matter (DM) yields, plant height, and to the panicle dry weight/whole-plant dry weight ratio. No significant differences (p≥0.05) were observed in GM or DM yields among the hybrids in the crop cycles under study. In the 2015-2016 crop cycle, the average GM and DM yields were 110,024 kg/ha-1 and 30,914 kg/ha-1, respectively, whereas during the 2016-2017 crop cycle the average GM and DM yields were 115,122 kg/ha-1 and 30.752 kg/ha-1, respectively. The results obtained confirm that whole-plant sorghum silage is an interesting forage resource for intensive cattle farming in Mendoza.
Highlights
Sorghum silage is an interesting and feasible forage resource for intensive cattle farming in the province of Mendoza.
The hybrids tested exhibited significant differences in plant height and the panicle dry weight/whole-plant dry weight ratio.
The hybrid's performance about green matter yield (kg/ha-1) and dry matter yield (kg/ ha-1) showed no differences