Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias
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Seed oil content and composition of Jatropha curcas (L.) and grafted Jatropha curcas (L.) on Jatropha cinerea (Ortega) Muell. Arg. rootstock
Get PDFJatropha curcas has been investigated for its high content of oil, its moderate salinity and drought tolerance, and Jatropha cinerea is a species that can withstand long drought periods and tolerate salinity up to 100 mM of NaCl. The aim of this study was to graft J. curcas plants on J. cinerea and grow them in experimental semiarid conditions, different soil and climate conditions from those of J. curcas native area to analyze their effects on oil seed composition and content. The survival of grafted J. curcas on J. cinerea rootstock was 95%. Seeds from grafted and non-grafted plants were analyzed to determine their oil content. The grafted plants showed greater height (150.7 cm) and oil content (51.3%) than the non-grafted plants (123.5 cm and 49.2%, respectively) without affecting their fatty acid composition. The meteorological information of the experimental plot (Baja California Sur, Mexico) showed values below those necessary for good phenological development; nonetheless, the graft improved its characteristics. Therefore, the use of grafted plants is an option for the establishment of J. curcas plantations in other parts of the world with different soil and climate conditions than those where they grow in the wild.Jatropha curcas has been investigated for its high content of oil, its moderate salinity and drought tolerance, and Jatropha cinerea is a species that can withstand long drought periods and tolerate salinity up to 100 mM of NaCl. The aim of this study was to graft J. curcas plants on J. cinerea and grow them in experimental semiarid conditions, different soil and climate conditions from those of J. curcas native area to analyze their effects on oil seed composition and content. The survival of grafted J. curcas on J. cinerea rootstock was 95%. Seeds from grafted and non-grafted plants were analyzed to determine their oil content. The grafted plants showed greater height (150.7 cm) and oil content (51.3%) than the non-grafted plants (123.5 cm and 49.2%, respectively) without affecting their fatty acid composition. The meteorological information of the experimental plot (Baja California Sur, Mexico) showed values below those necessary for good phenological development; nonetheless, the graft improved its characteristics. Therefore, the use of grafted plants is an option for the establishment of J. curcas plantations in other parts of the world with different soil and climate conditions than those where they grow in the wild
Scientific contributions of agroecology in Latin America and the Caribbean: a review
Get PDFA systematization and a quantitative and qualitative analysis of scientific documents are presented, which respond: What are the main contributions of research in relation to the demands of agroecology in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)? What factors approaches and methods have been used in time and space? The quantitative approach predominates, followed by the qualitative one, and the mixed one to a lesser extent. The development of agroecology in LAC is distributed in: a country with greater consolidation (Brazil), a larger group in development, another with initial contributions and, finally, one with minimal contributions. The most considered factors in the investigations are the physical-biological ones, followed by the social, economic, cultural, and political ones. Two thirds of the contributions to agroecological demands were: agroecological management, maintenance of biodiversity, self-management and local self-sufficiency, and soil and water conservation. Some contributions have been intensified at present, while agroecological management has prevailed over time. The predominance of conventional research approaches, methods and techniques is evident; the challenge is to generate new ways of seeing and doing research, which allow addressing the disciplinary interfaces of the complex problem in the society-nature relationship.A systematization and a quantitative and qualitative analysis of scientific documents are presented, which respond: What are the main contributions of research in relation to the demands of agroecology in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)? What factors approaches and methods have been used in time and space? The quantitative approach predominates, followed by the qualitative one, and the mixed one to a lesser extent. The development of agroecology in LAC is distributed in: a country with greater consolidation (Brazil), a larger group in development, another with initial contributions and, finally, one with minimal contributions. The most considered factors in the investigations are the physical-biological ones, followed by the social, economic, cultural, and political ones. Two thirds of the contributions to agroecological demands were: agroecological management, maintenance of biodiversity, self-management and local self-sufficiency, and soil and water conservation. Some contributions have been intensified at present, while agroecological management has prevailed over time. The predominance of conventional research approaches, methods and techniques is evident; the challenge is to generate new ways of seeing and doing research, which allow addressing the disciplinary interfaces of the complex problem in the society-nature relationship
Socioecological diagnosis and peri-urban family agriculture typification, with emphasis in the production of peach (Prunus persica), in El Jarillo, Venezuela
Get PDFThe objective of this work was to typify and describe, from a socioecological perspective, the agricultural activity of the family farming systems in El Jarillo, Venezuela. A transversal descriptive research was carried out from 2009 to 2016 and mixed methods and tools were used, including ethnographic ones. Twenty-seven family farming systems and 44 indicators were measured and analyzed to describe the main characteristics of the systems. Emphasis was placed on peach production. The indicators were grouped in four categories of analysis: Quality of Life (QL), Social Reproduction of the Family (SRF), Energy Efficiency and Conservation of Natural Resources (EECNR) and Autonomy vis-à-vis the Markets (AM). All indicator were weighted on a scale of 0 to 4. Despite being all systems focused on peach production, the differences were sufficient to identify the four types of production systems (A-D). Most of the farms grouped in type A (68%), and only one farm in type D (4%). Types A and D produce only peach, types B produce peach combined with other crops for sale and types C produce items for self-consumption. The average yield of peach was higher than 140 kg plant-1 crop-1 in the period analyzed for all types, except for type D. All types of farms are using agrochemicals to fertilize, fight pests and diseases, and induce flowering, based on techniques of the green revolution. The categories of QL, SRF and AM turned out to be favorable to sustainability, however, the difficulties encountered in the EECNR limit sustainability. The quality of life standards of the farming families are the product of the high rentability and the moderate economic risk, at the expense of the natural resources.The objective of this work was to typify and describe, from a socioecological perspective, the agricultural activity of the family farming systems in El Jarillo, Venezuela. A transversal descriptive research was carried out from 2009 to 2016 and mixed methods and tools were used, including ethnographic ones. Twenty-seven family farming systems and 44 indicators were measured and analyzed to describe the main characteristics of the systems. Emphasis was placed on peach production. The indicators were grouped in four categories of analysis: Quality of Life (QL), Social Reproduction of the Family (SRF), Energy Efficiency and Conservation of Natural Resources (EECNR) and Autonomy vis-à-vis the Markets (AM). All indicator were weighted on a scale of 0 to 4. Despite being all systems focused on peach production, the differences were sufficient to identify the four types of production systems (A-D). Most of the farms grouped in type A (68%), and only one farm in type D (4%). Types A and D produce only peach, types B produce peach combined with other crops for sale and types C produce items for self-consumption. The average yield of peach was higher than 140 kg plant-1 crop-1 in the period analyzed for all types, except for type D. All types of farms are using agrochemicals to fertilize, fight pests and diseases, and induce flowering, based on techniques of the green revolution. The categories of QL, SRF and AM turned out to be favorable to sustainability, however, the difficulties encountered in the EECNR limit sustainability. The quality of life standards of the farming families are the product of the high rentability and the moderate economic risk, at the expense of the natural resources
Performance of grape marc and organic residues compost as substrate in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seedlings
Get PDFComposting is an aerobic process used to treat organic residues, which results in a high quality product, able to be adopted as plant substrate or soil amendment. In the present study, the performance of compost on the germination and biomass of Lactuca sativa var Grand rapids seedlings, with and without fertilization, was evaluated. The two types of composts used were prepared from two different raw materials: grape marc and a mixture of grape marc, goat manure, leaves and alfalfa. The experiment was carried out in seedling trays, in a split plot design with two factors (fertilization and substrate) and four repetitions. Sand were used as control and a commercial substrate as traditional treatment. Results indicated that fertilization had not significant effect on germination, but increased seedling biomass. Both compost also increased lettuce biomass, with the highest values obtained in mixture compost treatments. Only sand produced the lowest germination values, while no differences were detected among the other substrates. Compost mixture showed the highest seedling biomass, suggesting a higher quality as a plant substrate. It is necessary to perform further analyses and studies with different organic residues in order to determine physico-chemical and biological properties to evaluate the quality of the product obtained.Composting is an aerobic process used to treat organic residues, which results in a high quality product, able to be adopted as plant substrate or soil amendment. In the present study, the performance of compost on the germination and biomass of Lactuca sativa var Grand rapids seedlings, with and without fertilization, was evaluated. The two types of composts used were prepared from two different raw materials: grape marc and a mixture of grape marc, goat manure, leaves and alfalfa. The experiment was carried out in seedling trays, in a split plot design with two factors (fertilization and substrate) and four repetitions. Sand were used as control and a commercial substrate as traditional treatment. Results indicated that fertilization had not significant effect on germination, but increased seedling biomass. Both compost also increased lettuce biomass, with the highest values obtained in mixture compost treatments. Only sand produced the lowest germination values, while no differences were detected among the other substrates. Compost mixture showed the highest seedling biomass, suggesting a higher quality as a plant substrate. It is necessary to perform further analyses and studies with different organic residues in order to determine physico-chemical and biological properties to evaluate the quality of the product obtained
Sodium N-methyldithiocarbamate impact on soil bacterial diversity in greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crop
Get PDFThe constant use of sodium N-methyldithiocarbamate (metam sodium: MS) in protected agriculture in México has attracted the attention of researchers and producers on their effects on the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of MS on the bacterial community structure in an agricultural soil with tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum L.) considering the different phenological stages of the crop. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, with a completely randomized block design with two treatments: 1) without MS and 2) with application of 400 L·ha-1 of MS. For the determination of the bacterial structure, the biodiversity indexes of richness (S), diversity (H') and equity (J'), identification of operational taxonomic units (OTU) were used through the T-RFLP technique. Application of MS in soil showed no significant effect on bacterial richness. However, the application of MS does alter the structure of the bacterial community (H' and J') in each of the tomato phenological stages. Finally, future studies which include the evaluation of the effects of MS on the physiology of intensive crops and functions in the different soil types are need.The constant use of sodium N-methyldithiocarbamate (metam sodium: MS) in protected agriculture in México has attracted the attention of researchers and producers on their effects on the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of MS on the bacterial community structure in an agricultural soil with tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum L.) considering the different phenological stages of the crop. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, with a completely randomized block design with two treatments: 1) without MS and 2) with application of 400 L·ha-1 of MS. For the determination of the bacterial structure, the biodiversity indexes of richness (S), diversity (H') and equity (J'), identification of operational taxonomic units (OTU) were used through the T-RFLP technique. Application of MS in soil showed no significant effect on bacterial richness. However, the application of MS does alter the structure of the bacterial community (H' and J') in each of the tomato phenological stages. Finally, future studies which include the evaluation of the effects of MS on the physiology of intensive crops and functions in the different soil types are need
Historical overview and perspectives of the Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza (IBAM): since its birth in 2009 to 2019
Get PDFThe Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza (IBAM) belongs to the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo and CONICET. It has the mission of generating knowledge in basic aspects and applied to irrigated agriculture. The purpose of this review is to analyze the articles published during 10 years, since its creation. All publications were collected from 2009 to the present and the outcoming data was evaluated according to funding, collaborations, disciplines, equipment, journal quality indicators and IBAM's h-index. Taking the Scimago ranking into account, it was concluded that 58% of the publications are in quartile 1 (Q1). When the disciplines were analyzed, those related to the crops of the Mendoza region, such as vine, potato, garlic and olive, were the most studied. Most of the projects that finance publications come from national institutions. Interinstitutional collaborations are mainly with national entities. IBAM has been growing over the past 10 years in terms of human resources and in the quality of its research.
Highlights
IBAM was created on 2009, and includes 10 groups that investigate on agricultural issues.
186 articles were evaluated and most of them belong to Q1 Journals.
The publication topics were mainly on grape, olive, garlic and potato in accordance with the productive interests of the Cuyo region in Argentina.
The IBAM h-index was 28, indicating the good quality of the scientific production during the 10 years of its existence.The Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza (IBAM) belongs to the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo and CONICET. It has the mission of generating knowledge in basic aspects and applied to irrigated agriculture. The purpose of this review is to analyze the articles published during 10 years, since its creation. All publications were collected from 2009 to the present and the outcoming data was evaluated according to funding, collaborations, disciplines, equipment, journal quality indicators and IBAM's h-index. Taking the Scimago ranking into account, it was concluded that 58% of the publications are in quartile 1 (Q1). When the disciplines were analyzed, those related to the crops of the Mendoza region, such as vine, potato, garlic and olive, were the most studied. Most of the projects that finance publications come from national institutions. Interinstitutional collaborations are mainly with national entities. IBAM has been growing over the past 10 years in terms of human resources and in the quality of its research.
Highlights
IBAM was created on 2009, and includes 10 groups that investigate on agricultural issues.
186 articles were evaluated and most of them belong to Q1 Journals.
The publication topics were mainly on grape, olive, garlic and potato in accordance with the productive interests of the Cuyo region in Argentina.
The IBAM h-index was 28, indicating the good quality of the scientific production during the 10 years of its existence
Changes in vegetation seasonality and livestock stocking rate in La Pampa Province (Argentina)
Get PDFCrop production is traversing expansion and intensification processes all over the planet and in consequence the large scale cattle production is being displaced to marginal lands with lower stocking capacity. The objective of this work was to assess the seasonality of vegetation in La Pampa province located in a semiarid region in Argentina and to explore if the variations in seasonality are related to the stocking rate. The hypothesis is the changes in stocking rate of rangelands and its grazing pressure alter the proportion of different vegetation functional groups and so the vegetation seasonality. It is predicted that overgrazing of seasonal grasses will alter the proportion of woody species having consequences over spectral indices. It was analyzed satellite data, particularly the MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and related it to stocking rate records from SENASA. This work evidences the relationship between the stocking rate and the spectral index EVI, indicator of the primary productivity of vegetation, at departmental scale in the natural areas of Monte and Espinal of La Pampa. Results indicate that in western region (Monte) there was an increment in the stocking rate at department level and a decrease in vegetation seasonality. It is posed that the higher grazing pressure led to the overgrazing of the most palatable herbaceous species, increasing the shrub proportion in landscape.Crop production is traversing expansion and intensification processes all over the planet and in consequence the large scale cattle production is being displaced to marginal lands with lower stocking capacity. The objective of this work was to assess the seasonality of vegetation in La Pampa province located in a semiarid region in Argentina and to explore if the variations in seasonality are related to the stocking rate. The hypothesis is the changes in stocking rate of rangelands and its grazing pressure alter the proportion of different vegetation functional groups and so the vegetation seasonality. It is predicted that overgrazing of seasonal grasses will alter the proportion of woody species having consequences over spectral indices. It was analyzed satellite data, particularly the MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and related it to stocking rate records from SENASA. This work evidences the relationship between the stocking rate and the spectral index EVI, indicator of the primary productivity of vegetation, at departmental scale in the natural areas of Monte and Espinal of La Pampa. Results indicate that in western region (Monte) there was an increment in the stocking rate at department level and a decrease in vegetation seasonality. It is posed that the higher grazing pressure led to the overgrazing of the most palatable herbaceous species, increasing the shrub proportion in landscape
Effect of chitosan coating enriched with oregano essential oil on the quality of refrigerated meat hamburgers
Get PDFAntimicrobial and antioxidant properties of oregano essential oil (OEO) have been extensively reviewed. Its application may adversely impact the sensory perception of food. In this sense, an interesting approach to reduce its dose, while maintaining effectiveness, could be to incorporate these compounds into coatings. To determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of chitosan coatings with OEO in hamburgers stored at 4ºC, 3 batches were elaborated with 1% v/v acetic acid in water (control), pure chitosan (1%), chitosan with addition of 2% OEO. Stability was assessed by radical-scavenging activity (DPPH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), pH, color, microbiological analysis and sensory evaluation (hedonic scale of 5 points). The addition of OEO to the coating improved the antioxidant property and the red color (a*) of these burgers was always higher. The pH was not significantly affected by treatments. All samples showed similar yeast and fungal counts, while the psychrophilic bacteria increased with the addition of OEO to the coating. Sensorially, the treatment with chitosan + OEO coating obtained the highest score in color and smell, along with the control. Taste and acceptability deteriorated over time. The addition of OEO to the coating of chitosan allowed improving the antioxidant property of chitosan and therefore the color of the hamburgers, while sensorially accepted. There was no evidence of a preservative effect.Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of oregano essential oil (OEO) have been extensively reviewed. Its application may adversely impact the sensory perception of food. In this sense, an interesting approach to reduce its dose, while maintaining effectiveness, could be to incorporate these compounds into coatings. To determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of chitosan coatings with OEO in hamburgers stored at 4ºC, 3 batches were elaborated with 1% v/v acetic acid in water (control), pure chitosan (1%), chitosan with addition of 2% OEO. Stability was assessed by radical-scavenging activity (DPPH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), pH, color, microbiological analysis and sensory evaluation (hedonic scale of 5 points). The addition of OEO to the coating improved the antioxidant property and the red color (a*) of these burgers was always higher. The pH was not significantly affected by treatments. All samples showed similar yeast and fungal counts, while the psychrophilic bacteria increased with the addition of OEO to the coating. Sensorially, the treatment with chitosan + OEO coating obtained the highest score in color and smell, along with the control. Taste and acceptability deteriorated over time. The addition of OEO to the coating of chitosan allowed improving the antioxidant property of chitosan and therefore the color of the hamburgers, while sensorially accepted. There was no evidence of a preservative effect
Optimal design of drip irrigation submains: presure-compensating emitters
Get PDFFor a drip irrigation system to be successful, it must be well designed, properly installed, managed and maintained. In plots with steep slopes and irregular topography that have little land leveling capacity and/or that require very efficient agricultural machinery, drip irrigation designs generally use pressure-compensating emitters. This work develops a methodology and implements it in a computer tool that makes it possible to optimally determine in drip-irrigated plots with pressure-compensating emitters: a) telescopic sizing of the submain manifold pipe, b) supply valve pressure and c) subunit’s intake valve location, when considering all hydraulic-economic aspects in the design phase. Techniques of optimal sizing of pipe networks and simulation of hydraulic networks under pressure are linked to economic analyzes of total annualized costs. Finally, the practical usefulness of the proposed methodology is shown with three examples of complex real cases where pipe design costs are reduced by 16-34% and energy costs by 37-51%.For a drip irrigation system to be successful, it must be well designed, properly installed, managed and maintained. In plots with steep slopes and irregular topography that have little land leveling capacity and/or that require very efficient agricultural machinery, drip irrigation designs generally use pressure-compensating emitters. This work develops a methodology and implements it in a computer tool that makes it possible to optimally determine in drip-irrigated plots with pressure-compensating emitters: a) telescopic sizing of the submain manifold pipe, b) supply valve pressure and c) subunit’s intake valve location, when considering all hydraulic-economic aspects in the design phase. Techniques of optimal sizing of pipe networks and simulation of hydraulic networks under pressure are linked to economic analyzes of total annualized costs. Finally, the practical usefulness of the proposed methodology is shown with three examples of complex real cases where pipe design costs are reduced by 16-34% and energy costs by 37-51%
Growth of Stuckenia pectinata under greenhouse and irrigation canal conditions in the lower valley of the Colorado River (Argentina)
Get PDFStuckenia pectinata is an invasive submerged weed in the irrigation district in the lower valley of the Colorado River, Argentina. The objective of this study was to analyze the initial growth of S. pectinata from tubers, and its annual growth cycle in irrigation canals, in order to be efficient in adapting future control techniques. Tubers were planted in aquaria in order to evaluate the effect of their size, depth of burial and below zero temperatures on the initial growth. Under field conditions, samples of plants were collected from two irrigation canals, from October to March, in two complete growth cycles. Plant height and biomass of the leaves, stems and spikes were measured. The largest tubers were able to emerge from deep burial and generated larger plants than the smallest tubers. Frozen tubers did not germinate at any burial depths. Maximum biomass in the irrigation canal reached 1660 g DM m-2 with a peak at the beginning of summer. The elimination of biomass at the end of the irrigation season would result in small tubers that would die in the winter time. The information generated could lead to more appropriate and sustainable control.Stuckenia pectinata is an invasive submerged weed in the irrigation district in the lower valley of the Colorado River, Argentina. The objective of this study was to analyze the initial growth of S. pectinata from tubers, and its annual growth cycle in irrigation canals, in order to be efficient in adapting future control techniques. Tubers were planted in aquaria in order to evaluate the effect of their size, depth of burial and below zero temperatures on the initial growth. Under field conditions, samples of plants were collected from two irrigation canals, from October to March, in two complete growth cycles. Plant height and biomass of the leaves, stems and spikes were measured. The largest tubers were able to emerge from deep burial and generated larger plants than the smallest tubers. Frozen tubers did not germinate at any burial depths. Maximum biomass in the irrigation canal reached 1660 g DM m-2 with a peak at the beginning of summer. The elimination of biomass at the end of the irrigation season would result in small tubers that would die in the winter time. The information generated could lead to more appropriate and sustainable control