Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias
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Analysis of the implementation of the "Man and the Biosphere" programme in the biosphere reserves of Andalusia
Get PDFThe Spanish Committee for the Man and the Biosphere (MaB) Programme runs a programme that monitors the Spanish Network of Biosphere Reserves. The monitoring programme features a system of indicators enabling the degree of implementation and the territorial integration of the Biosphere Reserves (BRs) located on Spanish territory to be studied. This paper sets out a statistical analysis based on the results of the degree of implementation for the BRs of Andalusia (Spain) obtained for the period 2008-2014. The analysis allows identification of the indicators that have had the most influence on the degree of implementation in the Andalusian BRs, as well as the factors that may be strengthened in order to enhance the degree of implementation. The effectiveness of the indicator system will be improvement if additional work is done to redefine those conceptual aspects that tend to generate discrepancies in the interpretation of compliance with the requirements of the variables. To improve the management of the Andalusian BRs, complementary studies to allow the evaluation of the impact of the initiatives related to the implementation of the MaB Program should be carried out.The Spanish Committee for the Man and the Biosphere (MaB) Programme runs a programme that monitors the Spanish Network of Biosphere Reserves. The monitoring programme features a system of indicators enabling the degree of implementation and the territorial integration of the Biosphere Reserves (BRs) located on Spanish territory to be studied. This paper sets out a statistical analysis based on the results of the degree of implementation for the BRs of Andalusia (Spain) obtained for the period 2008-2014. The analysis allows identification of the indicators that have had the most influence on the degree of implementation in the Andalusian BRs, as well as the factors that may be strengthened in order to enhance the degree of implementation. The effectiveness of the indicator system will be improvement if additional work is done to redefine those conceptual aspects that tend to generate discrepancies in the interpretation of compliance with the requirements of the variables. To improve the management of the Andalusian BRs, complementary studies to allow the evaluation of the impact of the initiatives related to the implementation of the MaB Program should be carried out
Portable chlorophyll meter in monitoring and management of nitrogen in common bean cultivars
Get PDFMore sustainable practices involving biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and the use of portable chlorophyll meter in fertilization management are promising to increase nitrogen (N) use efficiency in the common bean crop. This study aimed to monitor N managements using a portable chlorophyll meter and its effects on agronomic attributes of Carioca-type common bean cultivars with indeterminate and determinate growth habits (‘IPR Campos Gerais’ and ‘IAC Imperador’). The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design (RBD), in a 2 × 9 factorial scheme, with four replicates. The first factor consisted of the cultivars and the second factor of the N management. The data were subjected to analysis of variance by F test and, when necessary, the means were grouped by the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability level. The use of portable chlorophyll meter is a viable alternative for N monitoring and management in common bean, allowing the reduction of top-dressing N application, regardless of the cultivar used.
Highlights
The use of portable chlorophyll meter is a viable alternative for nitrogen monitoring and management in common bean.
Management with chlorophyll meter reduced the need for chemical fertilizer application, saving 105 kg ha-1 of urea.
Further studies are needed to better understand this technology under conditions with different genotypes, soils and production systems.More sustainable practices involving biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and the use of portable chlorophyll meter in fertilization management are promising to increase nitrogen (N) use efficiency in the common bean crop. This study aimed to monitor N managements using a portable chlorophyll meter and its effects on agronomic attributes of Carioca-type common bean cultivars with indeterminate and determinate growth habits (‘IPR Campos Gerais’ and ‘IAC Imperador’). The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design (RBD), in a 2 × 9 factorial scheme, with four replicates. The first factor consisted of the cultivars and the second factor of the N management. The data were subjected to analysis of variance by F test and, when necessary, the means were grouped by the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability level. The use of portable chlorophyll meter is a viable alternative for N monitoring and management in common bean, allowing the reduction of top-dressing N application, regardless of the cultivar used.
Highlights
The use of portable chlorophyll meter is a viable alternative for nitrogen monitoring and management in common bean.
Management with chlorophyll meter reduced the need for chemical fertilizer application, saving 105 kg ha-1 of urea.
Further studies are needed to better understand this technology under conditions with different genotypes, soils and production systems
Evaluation of a lentil collection (Lens culinaris Medik) using morphological traits and digital phenotyping
Get PDFThe objective of this work was to evaluate 81 lentil cultivars using morphological traits and seed characteristics using digital phenotyping. Caliber (C) and the color traits luminosity (L), color coordinates a and b, and color index (CI) were measured and analyzed with appropriate software; also yield (Y), plant height (PH) and days to flowering (DF) were measured. Highly significant differences between cultivars were present for all traits and high heritability in broad sense heritability (H2B) for C (97%), CI (94%), a (93%) and L and b (83%) were found, indicating high genetic variability for these traits. Digital phenotyping showed to be a powerful tool for germplasm characterization along with field evaluation of agronomical traits. Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis allows de identification of differentiated groups of cultivars with similar characteristics, leading to a more efficient use of the germplasm available as commercial cultivars or as parents in a breeding program. Among these groups, group 1 had 32 cultivars with highest C and group 2 had 21 cultivars with higher Y.
Highlights
Digital phenotyping showed to be a powerful tool for germplasm characterization along with field evaluation of agronomical traits.
Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis allows the identification of differentiated groups of cultivars with similar characteristics.
Cultivar groups with similar characteristics allow more efficient use of germplasm.The objective of this work was to evaluate 81 lentil cultivars using morphological traits and seed characteristics using digital phenotyping. Caliber (C) and the color traits luminosity (L), color coordinates a and b, and color index (CI) were measured and analyzed with appropriate software; also yield (Y), plant height (PH) and days to flowering (DF) were measured. Highly significant differences between cultivars were present for all traits and high heritability in broad sense heritability (H2B) for C (97%), CI (94%), a (93%) and L and b (83%) were found, indicating high genetic variability for these traits. Digital phenotyping showed to be a powerful tool for germplasm characterization along with field evaluation of agronomical traits. Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis allows de identification of differentiated groups of cultivars with similar characteristics, leading to a more efficient use of the germplasm available as commercial cultivars or as parents in a breeding program. Among these groups, group 1 had 32 cultivars with highest C and group 2 had 21 cultivars with higher Y.
Highlights
Digital phenotyping showed to be a powerful tool for germplasm characterization along with field evaluation of agronomical traits.
Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis allows the identification of differentiated groups of cultivars with similar characteristics.
Cultivar groups with similar characteristics allow more efficient use of germplasm
Use of indicators as a tool to measure sustainability in agroecosystems of arid land, San Juan, Argentina
Get PDFThe main objective of this study was to determine the sustainability status of three agroecosystems in arid areas, and to identify the critical aspects that limit it, through the use of economic, ecological and socio-cultural indicators. Three agroecosystems (AE) were selected from the Department of 25 de Mayo, San Juan. Its main economic activity is goat farming and, to a lesser extent, cultivation of orchards, as well as subsistence economic activities. To determine the state of sustainability, the indicators were selected and subse-quently standardized and weighted according to their relative importance with respect to sustainability. The results indicated that none of the dryland AE achieves sustainability simultaneously in its three dimensions. The systemic analysis through indicators showed that the critical variables are food self-sufficiency, water access, livestock survival, and technical assistance, among others. The methodology used is simple, allowing to detect the sustainability status of the three EAs, and to identify the critical variables that jeopardize the permanence of the AE over time.
Highlights
Agroecosystems in arid zones do not achieve sustainability in all three dimensions simultaneously.
The farm area of "‹"‹the agroecosystems was determined through participatory mapping.
According to the sustainability analysis, the critical variables that stood out were food self-sufficiency, access to quality water, the survival of livestock and the satisfaction of basic needs.
The use of indicators to measure sustainability is easy to use and low-cost tools.The main objective of this study was to determine the sustainability status of three agroecosystems in arid areas, and to identify the critical aspects that limit it, through the use of economic, ecological and socio-cultural indicators. Three agroecosystems (AE) were selected from the Department of 25 de Mayo, San Juan. Its main economic activity is goat farming and, to a lesser extent, cultivation of orchards, as well as subsistence economic activities. To determine the state of sustainability, the indicators were selected and subse-quently standardized and weighted according to their relative importance with respect to sustainability. The results indicated that none of the dryland AE achieves sustainability simultaneously in its three dimensions. The systemic analysis through indicators showed that the critical variables are food self-sufficiency, water access, livestock survival, and technical assistance, among others. The methodology used is simple, allowing to detect the sustainability status of the three EAs, and to identify the critical variables that jeopardize the permanence of the AE over time.
Highlights
Agroecosystems in arid zones do not achieve sustainability in all three dimensions simultaneously.
The farm area of "‹"‹the agroecosystems was determined through participatory mapping.
According to the sustainability analysis, the critical variables that stood out were food self-sufficiency, access to quality water, the survival of livestock and the satisfaction of basic needs.
The use of indicators to measure sustainability is easy to use and low-cost tools
Efecto del raleo de flores y estado de madurez de cosecha sobre el rendimiento y calidad de fruto de pimiento
Get PDFPepper crop in the province of Corrientes covers about 590 ha under greenhouse. The decision of harvest in a different state of maturity by the producers will depend on the conditions that are presented at the time of commercialization. This study was made to determine first branch flower thinning and stage of maturity effect on yield and quality of pepper for fresh consumption. The experiment was performed in the EEA INTA Bella Vista, Corrientes. Margarita hybrid was studied and four treatments were used: green mature fruit without thinning (VT1); green mature fruit with thinning (VT2); red fruit without thinning (RT1); red fruit with thinning (RT2). A randomized block design with four replicates was performed. Three experiments were carried out in three consecutive years: 2011-2012-2013. The fruits were separated in small, medium, large and extralarge ones and then grouped together to get the total yield and average fruit weight. Analysis of variance was performed and means were separated with Duncan's test. Yields per hectare (tn.ha-1) for the three experiments were: 2011 (VT1) 82.8 and (VT2) 78.0; 2012 (VT1) 126.0 and (VT2) 119.9; 2013 (VT1) 89.0 and (VT2) 85.3. Mature green fruit harvesting gave higher yields. Red ripening fruits harvesting increased fruit weight and quality.El cultivo del pimiento en la provincia de Corrientes abarca cerca de 590 ha bajo invernadero. Dependiendo de las condiciones de comercialización, la decisión de cosechar en distinto estado de madurez es crítica al momento de definir el resultado de la empresa agropecuaria. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar el efecto del raleo de la flor de la cruz y el estado de madurez de cosecha sobre el rendimiento y calidad en pimiento para consumo en fresco. El experimento se realizó en la EEA INTA Bella Vista, Corrientes. Se estudió el hibrido Margarita y se utilizaron cuatro tratamientos: verde sin raleo (VT1); verde con raleo (VT2); rojo sin raleo (RT1); rojo con raleo (RT2). Se realizó un diseño en bloques al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Se llevó a cabo tres experimentos en tres años consecutivos: 2011-2012-2013. Los frutos se tipificaron en chico, mediano, grande y extra grande y luego se agruparon para obtener el rendimiento total y peso de los frutos. Se realizó análisis de la varianza y las medias se separaron con el test de Duncan. Los rendimientos por hectárea (tn.ha-1) para los tres experimentos fueron: 2011(VT1) 82,8 y (VT2) 78,0; 2012 (VT1) 126,0 y (VT2) 119,9; 2013 (VT1) 89,0 y (VT2) 85,3. Cosechar pimiento verde generó mayores rendimientos. La cosecha de pimiento rojo permitió obtener frutos de mayor peso y calidad
Influence of urban trees on noise levels in a central Chilean city
Get PDFThe effect of urban trees as a noise mitigating element was determined on Alameda Avenue in the city of Talca, Chile, a Mediterranean continental area. Maximum and minimum noise, especially generated from vehicles, was recorded at 13 points in four sections of the avenue for twelve days, three times a day at different distances from the edge of the street way, which generated a total of 2,080 noise records. At each point a circular plot of 201 m2 was established to determine tree and shrub coverage. The results showed significant differences of noise between the classes of coverage; however there was no relationship significant between the noise level and the increase in coverage, which can be explained by the large amplitude in the noise registers. The vegetation located at 6.5 meters from the sound source shows lower levels of noise when the coverage is increased, proving the environmental function of the vegetation in the mitigation of this pollutant agent. Regarding theses of the findings, it is necessary to implement public policies that consider urban planning, incorporating in its design greater and better availability of tree species and that certain public space are located away from sources of noise pollution.The effect of urban trees as a noise mitigating element was determined on Alameda Avenue in the city of Talca, Chile, a Mediterranean continental area. Maximum and minimum noise, especially generated from vehicles, was recorded at 13 points in four sections of the avenue for twelve days, three times a day at different distances from the edge of the street way, which generated a total of 2,080 noise records. At each point a circular plot of 201 m2 was established to determine tree and shrub coverage. The results showed significant differences of noise between the classes of coverage; however there was no relationship significant between the noise level and the increase in coverage, which can be explained by the large amplitude in the noise registers. The vegetation located at 6.5 meters from the sound source shows lower levels of noise when the coverage is increased, proving the environmental function of the vegetation in the mitigation of this pollutant agent. Regarding theses of the findings, it is necessary to implement public policies that consider urban planning, incorporating in its design greater and better availability of tree species and that certain public space are located away from sources of noise pollution
Importancia de las flores en bordes de vegetación espontánea para la comunidad de insectos en huertas agroecológicas de Córdoba, Argentina
Get PDFField margins are key factors for biodiversity conservation in agroecological farms. Insect communities are involved in crucial services such as pollination and biological control of pests and they can use floral resources in the margins. In this study we examine spatial and temporal variation of floral communities in margins of agroecological farms from Cordoba and insect abundance in function of taxonomic identity, temporal availability, local abundance and origin (native vs. exotic) of floral resources. We carried out two samplings per month during summer season in the field margins in which we identified floral species and insects on flowers. We registered 57 floral species (41 native and 16 exotic). Temporal variations in abundance and richness of flowers were not significant, while the composition varied according to the sites. Insects included 9 orders and their abundance increased with floral period of species and this increment was stronger for exotic plants. These results indicate that the borders of spontaneous vegetation represent habitats with a high conservation value, being key to study aspects such as phenology and functional diversity of flowers and insects to increase the provision of ecosystem services in agroecological farms.Los bordes de vegetación espontánea son considerados claves para sostener la biodiversidad en sistemas agroecológicos. Los insectos, involucrados en servicios ecosistémicos esenciales para la agricultura (polinización, control de plagas), frecuentemente utilizan recursos florales presentes en estos bordes. En este trabajo se evaluó la variación espacial y temporal de las comunidades de plantas con flores en bordes de huertas agroecológicas de Córdoba y la abundancia de insectos en función de la identidad taxonómica, la variación temporal, abundancia y origen (nativo vs exótico) de los recursos florales. Se realizaron muestreos quincenales en bordes de huertas agroecológicas, identificando las especies florales y sus insectos asociados. Se encontraron 57 especies de plantas en flor (41 nativas, 16 exóticas). Las variaciones temporales en abundancia y diversidad de flores no fueron significativas, mientras que la composición varió según los sitios. Se encontraron 9 órdenes de insectos y su abundancia fue mayor en especies florales que estuvieron en más muestreos siendo este incremento más pronunciado en especies exóticas. Estos resultados indican que los bordes de vegetación espontánea representan hábitats con alto valor de conservación siendo clave estudiar aspectos como fenología y diversidad funcional de flores e insectos para incrementar la provisión de servicios ecosistémicos en huertas agroecológicas
Seasonal isothiocyanates variation and market availability of Brassicaceae species consumed in Mendoza
Get PDFAlong with the recommendation of a healthy diet, it is suggested to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Among the latter, Brassicaceae species are preferred, because they show many phytochemicals mainly belonging to the isothiocyanates (ITCs) family compounds, with proven activities related to the prevention of chronic diseases and cancer. A survey about seasonal availability and phytochemical levels of Brassicaceae species in the total of vegetables marketed in the province of Mendoza (located in the centre west of Argentina) was done. Results throw that Brassicaceae vegetables are an important part of Mendoza vegetable market reaching up to 23% of the vegetables commercialized. Regarding ITCs content, watercress and rocket were the vegetables with the highest ITCs levels, being, therefore, the most promising vegetables studied herein by their potential functional activities. Finally, high levels of variation (up to 10 times) on ITCs content along the year in a single species were found. These facts should be considered when designing Brassicaceae species phytochemical characterization assays to achieve more reliable results. This work represents the first report of Brassicaceae availability and seasonal phytochemical variability in local conditions.
Highlights
High levels of variation (up to 10 times) on ITCs content along the year in a single Brassicaceae species were found.
Brassicaceae vegetables are an important part of Mendoza vegetable market reaching up to 23% of the vegetables commercialized.
Considering ITCs content, watercress and rocket were the vegetables with the highest ITCs levels.Along with the recommendation of a healthy diet, it is suggested to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Among the latter, Brassicaceae species are preferred, because they show many phytochemicals mainly belonging to the isothiocyanates (ITCs) family compounds, with proven activities related to the prevention of chronic diseases and cancer. A survey about seasonal availability and phytochemical levels of Brassicaceae species in the total of vegetables marketed in the province of Mendoza (located in the centre west of Argentina) was done. Results throw that Brassicaceae vegetables are an important part of Mendoza vegetable market reaching up to 23% of the vegetables commercialized. Regarding ITCs content, watercress and rocket were the vegetables with the highest ITCs levels, being, therefore, the most promising vegetables studied herein by their potential functional activities. Finally, high levels of variation (up to 10 times) on ITCs content along the year in a single species were found. These facts should be considered when designing Brassicaceae species phytochemical characterization assays to achieve more reliable results. This work represents the first report of Brassicaceae availability and seasonal phytochemical variability in local conditions.
Highlights
High levels of variation (up to 10 times) on ITCs content along the year in a single Brassicaceae species were found.
Brassicaceae vegetables are an important part of Mendoza vegetable market reaching up to 23% of the vegetables commercialized.
Considering ITCs content, watercress and rocket were the vegetables with the highest ITCs levels
Effect of irrigation and soil texture on grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) population and grapevine damage
Get PDFIt is believed that phylloxera grows better in clay soils and/or under drip irrigation than in sandy soils and/or flooding. To test these hypotheses, phylloxera damage and population growth were evaluated in potted V. vinifera cv. Malbec under two irrigation methods and soil textures in growth chambers at 16 h of photoperiod and 28ºC + 3ºC. In a first experiment, phylloxera damage and population were analyzed in infested (P) and uninfested (C) plants, drip (D) or flood (F) irrigated. A second experiment consisted in infested (P) and uninfested (C) plants in clay (CL) or sandy (S) soil. D x P reduced leaf number, while P x C increased photosynthesis rate. In the irrigation experiment, P reduced leaf area, shoot length and root dry weight and increased stomatal conductance. Irrigation methods did not influence variables related to root damage or phylloxera population. In the texture experiment CL x C showed a greater leaf area. P also reduced shoot length and root dry weight while CL had a higher number of leaves and less root dry weight. Despite CL developed more phylloxera root symptoms, texture did not affect the number of insects found on roots. Possibly, neither irrigation methods nor soil texture per se are limiting factors for phylloxera performance, but their influence on the vigor of the plants could affect the plant-insect interactions. This is one of the first reports about the influence of soil conditions on phylloxera in a controlled environment and provides a foundation for further studies.
Highlights
The effects of two irrigation methods and soil textures were studied on phylloxerated V. vinifera cv. Malbec, in pots, under controlled conditions.
Soil texture had no influence on the infestation success of the plants.
Irrigation methods did not affect variables related to root damage or phylloxera population.
More phylloxera root symptoms were found in plants in clay soil; however, texture did not affect the number of insects. It is believed that phylloxera grows better in clay soils and/or under drip irrigation than in sandy soils and/or flooding. To test these hypotheses, phylloxera damage and population growth were evaluated in potted V. vinifera cv. Malbec under two irrigation methods and soil textures in growth chambers at 16 h of photoperiod and 28ºC + 3ºC. In a first experiment, phylloxera damage and population were analyzed in infested (P) and uninfested (C) plants, drip (D) or flood (F) irrigated. A second experiment consisted in infested (P) and uninfested (C) plants in clay (CL) or sandy (S) soil. D x P reduced leaf number, while P x C increased photosynthesis rate. In the irrigation experiment, P reduced leaf area, shoot length and root dry weight and increased stomatal conductance. Irrigation methods did not influence variables related to root damage or phylloxera population. In the texture experiment CL x C showed a greater leaf area. P also reduced shoot length and root dry weight while CL had a higher number of leaves and less root dry weight. Despite CL developed more phylloxera root symptoms, texture did not affect the number of insects found on roots. Possibly, neither irrigation methods nor soil texture per se are limiting factors for phylloxera performance, but their influence on the vigor of the plants could affect the plant-insect interactions. This is one of the first reports about the influence of soil conditions on phylloxera in a controlled environment and provides a foundation for further studies.
Highlights
The effects of two irrigation methods and soil textures were studied on phylloxerated V. vinifera cv. Malbec, in pots, under controlled conditions.
Soil texture had no influence on the infestation success of the plants.
Irrigation methods did not affect variables related to root damage or phylloxera population.
More phylloxera root symptoms were found in plants in clay soil; however, texture did not affect the number of insects. 
A model of agricultural sustainable added value chain: The case of the Dominican Republic value chain
Get PDFThe aim of this paper is to develop a model of sustainable added value chain (SAVC). The model i) considers consumers expectations, ii) analyses the determinant producers´ factors to perform the SAVC and iii) ranks the agricultural subsectors according the SAVC. The value chain methodology was used to assess the sustainability of the agricultural value chain and develop the model. The model was tested in the Dominican Republic’s agricultural value chain. The results showed i) producers´ access to SAVC depends on the subsector, location and resources, ii) organic banana and avocado are the subsectors with the best potential SAVC while sweet potatoes and rice have the lowest potential and iii) producers are in an early stage to adopt the consumers´ expectations endangering SAVC. Using mixed methods to investigate the SAVC this paper provides an approach that reflects the complex and iterative nature of a real supply chains and can be used by researchers, policymakers and practitioners to better understand and describe decision making and to develop informed policies and interventions beyond SAVC. This research challenges the innate complexity of local supply chains and the presence of barriers for SAVC.The aim of this paper is to develop a model of sustainable added value chain (SAVC). The model i) considers consumers expectations, ii) analyses the determinant producers´ factors to perform the SAVC and iii) ranks the agricultural subsectors according the SAVC. The value chain methodology was used to assess the sustainability of the agricultural value chain and develop the model. The model was tested in the Dominican Republic’s agricultural value chain. The results showed i) producers´ access to SAVC depends on the subsector, location and resources, ii) organic banana and avocado are the subsectors with the best potential SAVC while sweet potatoes and rice have the lowest potential and iii) producers are in an early stage to adopt the consumers´ expectations endangering SAVC. Using mixed methods to investigate the SAVC this paper provides an approach that reflects the complex and iterative nature of a real supply chains and can be used by researchers, policymakers and practitioners to better understand and describe decision making and to develop informed policies and interventions beyond SAVC. This research challenges the innate complexity of local supply chains and the presence of barriers for SAVC