Agro Productividad

Socioeconomic and environmental factors that impact vegetable production

2023-07-27T20:35:23+00:00

Objective: To analyze the factors that contribute to the reduction of vegetable production in the San Vicente Chicoloapan ejido.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Sixty out of a total of 150 ejidatarios who produced vegetables in 2022 participated in a convenience sampling. Producers who agreed to be surveyed were interviewed in their plots.

Results: The ejidatarios have an average of 1.47 agricultural ha (minimum: 1 ha; maximum: 5 ha), considering both irrigated and rainfed lands. The use of the sample studied was divided as follows: 43.3% of the owners sold their land to developers who built housing units and new houses; 38.3% cultivated their own land or those they rented; and 18.3% rented out their lands. The ejidatarios suffer from vegetable theft, particularly pumpkin (45.0%), artichoke (31.7%), onion (13.3%), chard (8.3%), and cabbage (1.7%).

Study Limitations/Implications: Designing a random sample was impossible given the lack of access to a register of ejidatarios. Estimating the harvested area or estimating yield based on the production volume was impossible, since producers grow several crops in their plots, besides vegetables.

Findings/Conclusions: Vegetable production in the San Vicente Chicoloapan ejido, State of Mexico, is at risk of disappearing, as a consequence of economic and social issues and a lack of support. The ejidatarios who still grow vegetables have tried to mitigate these problems; however, their future as producers is severely limited and older people have chosen to sell their land, which are used by developers to build houses.

Alternative substrates for the production of container-grown Mexican cempaxóchitl (Tagetes erecta L.)

2024-04-03T02:21:07+00:00

Objective: To evaluate substrate mixtures for the production of Mexican marigolds grown in containers in the community of Santa Cruz Itundujia, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Methods: Four mixtures were tested: 1) 70% ocote pine needles + 30% soil, 2) 70% leaf mold + 30% soil, 3) 70% river sand + 30% soil, and 4) 70% sawdust + 30% soil. Mexican marigold (Tagetes erecta) var. Inca II Deep Orange plants were established in pots under open field conditions. Height, number of leaves, plant width, branching, leaf area, and number of buds were evaluated in the different phenological stages of the plant (15, 45 and 90 days after transplant). Soil fertility parameters were analyzed, and physical analysis of the substrates was performed.

Results: The treatments produced differential results; ocote pine needles + soil and leaf mold + soil were the best for producing container-grown marigolds. The lowest results in yield variables were found with the river sand + soil mixture.

Implications: Using local and inexpensive substrates will impact production costs for marigold farmers. Currently, a variety of commercial mixes and substrates of foreign origin are available and used for the production of container-grown plants.

Conclusions: The best substrate for the cultivation of pot-grown Tagetes erecta var. Inca II Deep Orange under open field conditions were soil + ocote pine needles and soil + leaf mold. These materials are common, cheap and easily acquired in the region, which will facilitate the production of various ornamental species in containers based on the results of this research

Biological importance and environmental quality of the Laguna Santa Ana in Zacatecas, Mexico

2023-06-15T21:41:37+00:00

Objective: To determine the environmental quality and diversity of the waterfowl species of the Laguna Santa Ana, located in the municipality of Fresnillo, Zacatecas.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A physicochemical analysis of the water was carried out to determine its organic matter pollution. In addition, the Bradford method was applied to establish protein levels, and an optical emission spectrometry was conducted to detect heavy metals. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H’) was carried out to identify and count the populations of the lagoon.

Results: The physicochemical analysis of water recorded 55 and 230.6 mg/L BOD₅ and COD, respectively. High protein levels (0.27-2.95 mL/mL) indicated organic pollution and high arsenic levels. The Shannon-Weiner index (2.7) recorded a high waterfowl diversity.

Study Limitations/Implications: Biological abundance was not determined, as a result of the sample size. The changes regarding waterfowl diversity may be the consequence of the seasonal conditions.

Findings/Conclusions: The Laguna de Santa Ana has a high waterfowl diversity, including species of international interest; however, organic pollution has caused a a significant environmental deterioration.

Seasonal anestrus of sheep flocks

2023-06-26T15:05:24+00:00

Objective: To determine seasonal anestrus in relation to the season of the year, feeding type, breed, and social environment variables of sheep production systems in Singuilucan, Hidalgo, Mexico.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Based on n=41 semi-structured surveys applied to the producers of the study area, a logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the influence of the study variables on the seasonal anestrus of sheep production systems.

Results: Thirty-nine production units with seasonal anestrus periods were identified. Seasonal anestrus was influenced by the season of the year, feeding type, breed, and social environment variables (P<0.05). The anestrus periods were influenced (P<0.05) by spring (season of the year), range and shed system with concentrate feeding (feeding type), wool sheep (breeds), and the presence or absence of rams in the flock (social environment).

Study Limitations/Implications: Determining which variables influence seasonal anestrus will help to develop sheep reproductive programs.

Findings/Conclusions: Wool sheep have a seasonal anestrus in spring. The season of the year, feeding type, breed, and social environment variables influenced the seasonal anestrus of sheep production systems in Singuilucan, Hidalgo, Mexico.

Effect of annatto and alfalfa on egg yolk pigmentation in Creole hens

2023-11-12T02:31:21+00:00

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an alfalfa- and annatto-enriched diet on the external and internal characteristics of eggs laid by Creole hens.

Design/Methodology: A set of 22 Creole hens was divided into two treatment groups. The first group (n=11 females and one male) was fed alfalfa, while the second (n=11 females and one male) consumed alfalfa and annatto. For the study, 116 eggs (alfalfa=58 and annatto=58) were collected and stored in refrigeration until further analysis. The data encompassed external physical characteristics (egg weight, length, width, and shell thickness) and internal physical characteristics (yolk weight, white weight, and yolk pigmentation). Yolk color was evaluated as per the DSM color spectrum.

Study Limitations/implications: Backyard poultry farming does not use artificial pigments to color egg yolks due to their high cost and low availability. Annatto and alfalfa are low-cost, handy alternatives.

Results: Adding fresh alfalfa or annatto to the Creole hens' diet did not significantly affect (P>0.05) egg weight, length, or width, nor (P>0.05) eggshell thickness. Yolk and white weight were not affected (P>0.05) either. However, supplementing the hens’ diet with annatto intensified yolk pigmentation.

Conclusion: Adding annatto to the Creole hens' diet intensifies yolk color without affecting the external or internal physical characteristics of eggs. Annatto (known in Mexico as achiote) is a natural pigment with no harmful effects on human health compared to synthetic alternatives. It is also inexpensive and easily accessible.

Biological Activity of Essential Oil from Two Aromatic Species on the in vitro Control of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc.

2024-01-23T00:09:45+00:00

Objective: Essential oils (EO) from aromatic and medicinal plants (AMP) are considered a viable alternative for controlling phytopathogenic fungi of agronomic importance. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and rue (Ruta graveolens L.) essential oils against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The antifungal activity was assessed using the agar disk diffusion method, with concentrations ranging from 10% to 100% of each EO. The phytochemical composition was analyzed using GC-MS. Morphological observations were conducted with a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Results: Significant antifungal activity was observed at concentrations of 50-100% of thyme EO. Rue EO exhibited a fungistatic effect for up to six days. Phytochemical analysis identified carvacrol (35.95%) and p-cymene (41.18%) as the major components in thyme EO, and 2-nonanone (24.24%) and 2-undecanone (68.69%) in rue EO.

Findings/conclusions: The evaluated EOs significantly impacted fungal morphology at 60% concentration. The strong antifungal activity of thyme EO against C. gloeosporioides suggests its potential as an eco-friendly control alternative.

Relationship of season with milk characteristics, yield, and shelf life of cheese in a hot climate

2024-03-09T08:54:24+00:00

Objective: the objective of the study was to identify whether there is a relationship between the environmental conditions of high temperature and humidity with the parameters of cheese yield and shelf life of Oaxaca-type cheese, made throughout two different times of the year, delimited by environmental temperature, in the Mexicali Valley, Baja California, Mexico.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: from January to November, ambient temperature and relative humidity, characteristics of the milk used at the time of reception (temperature, acidity, density, somatic cell count and microorganism count), yield, and shelf life of the cheese were recorded. These variables were related to season (summer and winter) and to different Temperature and Humidity Index– THI intervals. An analysis of variance was performed, also, the relationship among sets of variables by Pearson correlation, and the multiple mean difference with the Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05).

Results: significant differences were observed in the density, acidity, temperature, somatic cell count and cheese yield of milk due to the effect of the time of year. In addition, an 11% decrease in cheese yield was found as the maximum THI exceeded 77 units. The shelf life showed positive significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) when milk was pasteurized, but it was not affected by the THI.

Limitations/ Implications of the study: this study was limited to a single period of analysis; so, it is necessary to monitor, and include additional milk quality variables.

Conclusions: heat environmental conditions negatively impact the characteristics of the milk, therefore reducing the yield of Oaxaca-type cheese. The microbiological characteristics are unfavorable during the hot season; the pasteurization of milk is the main factor that increases the shelf life of the cheese.

Analysing Determinants of Household Broiler Chicken Meat Purchases amidst Social-Media Misinformation: A Tobit Study

2024-04-08T08:57:03+00:00

Indian poultry sector is a significant contributor to GDP. It is growing at 8-10% annually, reaching $22.97 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $41.94 billion (10.18% CAGR) between 2023 and 2028. Misinformation on social media negatively impacted the broiler sector, driving down prices and consumption. Objective: Using Tobit model, broiler purchases by Indian households during misinformation were analyzed. Methodology: Data on demographics, socioeconomics and monthly chicken meat consumption were collected and analyzed from n=503 respondents. Results: On average, males preferred broiler chicken, while females preferred native chicken. The potential impact of social media misinformation on women’s choices and the influence on households with older people, who consumed significantly less compared to their counterparts, remains intriguing. Unexpectedly, households with better income and higher education purchased less broiler meat. Marital status, place of residence, cohabitation, and presence of children did not significantly affect the outcome. Muslim families purchased more broiler meat, and larger households consumed more. Frequency of consumption was important, with daily and alternate customers making larger purchases. Broiler meat purchases were negatively impacted by country chicken consumption. Amid social media misinformation, while a slight adverse impact on household broiler consumption may have occurred, it is notable that a significant portion of households (97.20%) continued to purchase chicken meat. broiler chicken, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of media-driven interventions in mitigating the impact of misinformation and reiterated the persistent preference for broiler chicken as a dietary protein option within the broader consumer demographic. Conclusions: The Indian poultry industry is vital for food security and economic growth, so it is imperative to address social media-induced panic. Transparency, trust and accurate transmission of information are essential. To successfully address market challenges, stakeholders need to consider factors such as demographics and dietary preferences that influence consumer behavior.

Bibliometric analysis of scientific research carried out on cocoa in Mexico

2024-04-18T03:11:21+00:00

RESUMEN

Objetivo: Analizar los aportes científicos realizados en México sobre el cultivo de cacao durante el periodo 1999-2022 y cuantificar la aportación por género.

Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Los artículos científicos fueron recopilados de las principales editoriales (Elsevier, MDPI, Wiley y Springer), base de datos de artículos de revistas de acceso abierto (Conricyt, Scielo, Redalyc, Latindex, Claryvate Analytics, Periodica y DOAJ), y el motor de búsqueda web de libre acceso Google Scholar. El software Gephi se utilizó para construir redes de las instituciones de adscripción de los investigadores y redes de coautoría.

Resultados: La producción científica mostró un crecimiento exponencial de textos científicos a nivel nacional donde el cacao fue tema de investigación. En los últimos 22 años, la productividad se concentró en tres tópicos principales: biotecnología (18.51%), economía (15.26%) y enfermedades, (13.31%). La investigación estuvo focalizada en el sureste mexicano, y estuvo liderada por el Colegio de Postgraduados, el Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agrícolas y Pecuarias y la Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco. El género masculino presento un porcentaje mayor de artículos publicado como primer autor y de correspondencia.

Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Los documentos analizados son exclusivamente artículos científicos.

Hallazgos/conclusiones: Existe un vacío de investigación en técnicas de propagación de la especie, etnobotánica, riego, fisiología vegetal y la influencia de las culturas y grupos indígenas en la transferencia de conocimiento.

Palabras clave: Theobroma cacao, análisis bibliométrico, redes de coautoría, genero.

Value networks, consolidation, and risks of an agricultural territory

2024-10-15T18:12:33+00:00

Objective: Producer and marketer value networks in an agricultural land in Veracruz, Mexico were identified and characterized, to determine its consolidation level (primary, emergent, potential, or combined), as well as to detect risks and to establish an improvement proposal.

Design/Methodology/Approach: An area of the Altas Montañas Veracruz, Mexico was used for the experiment. Surveys were conducted with producers (n=131) and marketers (n=42) of agricultural produce. Socioeconomic, environmental, technical, commercial, and chain link variables were analyzed to detect risks, opportunities, and revaluations. The study was carried out with the RStudio v. 4.3.3 software.

Results: Six producer value networks and three marketer value networks were identified. Socioeconomic, environmental, commercial, and technological risks were detected. However, public health risks were different depending on the application of raw manure. Chayote and avocado have displaced other crops. The revaluation proposals for emergent and potential producer and marketer networks were focused on technical support (i.e., commercialization and generational change).

Agrobiodiversity and food security: challenges and sustainable solutions

2024-10-25T19:24:11+00:00

Objective: Agricultural biodiversity, also known as agrobiodiversity, encompasses the variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms that are directly or indirectly involved in agriculture. This diversity is the result of millennia of selection, management, and domestication of species, which has allowed societies to adapt to different environmental and cultural conditions. However, in recent decades, the loss of agrobiodiversity, accelerated by industrial agriculture, the expansion of monocultures, and the reduction of varieties, has put global food security at risk. This diversity is crucial to ensuring the resilience of agricultural systems in the face of challenges such as climate change, emerging pests, and the depletion of natural resources. This paper examines the importance of conserving agricultural biodiversity from the perspective of food security. It emphasizes how agrobiodiversity not only contributes to the stability of food production but also improves human diets by diversifying crops and providing essential micronutrients. Design/Methodology/Approach: A search was conducted on the following scientific information platforms: Web of Science database and Google Scholar. A systematic search for publications related to agrobiodiversity systems was carried out in the WoS database and Google Scholar over the last 49 years (1975–2024). Results: Genetic erosion is particularly concerning because genetic diversity is essential for crops to face environmental challenges such as climate change, pests, and diseases. The loss of traditional varieties, which are selected by local farmers to adapt to specific conditions, increases agriculture's vulnerability to external disruptions. These landraces, having been cultivated in genetically diverse mosaics, offer protection against catastrophic losses in the event of crop failures due to extreme conditions or diseases. Findings/Conclusions: Genetic diversity allows for the development of sustainable solutions to pests and diseases, reducing dependence on pesticides and promoting more environmentally friendly farming practices. However, challenges related to biodiversity conservation persist, making it essential to implement public policies that promote agrobiodiversity and address the socioeconomic issues that limit its adoption.

Adaptation of calves in the transition from intensive to dual-purpose system during extreme drought

2024-05-12T01:08:17+00:00

Objective: Evaluate the adaptation of calves in the transition from intensive to dual-purpose system during extreme drought.

Design/methodology/approach: The study was carried out in Tamaulipas, Mexico with calves in transition from an Intensive Production System (IPS) in Ciudad Victoria to a Dual-Purpose System (DPS) located in Altamira. Two groups of Swiss×Gyr×Holstein cross calves were analyzed, control group (CG; n = 8) born in DPS, and the adapted group coming from IPS (GA; n =6), zoometric measurements were recorded: height at the withers, length of the animal, chest circumference, pelvis length, pelvis width, height at the rump, body condition and weight, the blood concentration of betahydroxybutyrates (BHB) and glucose were measured. An ANDEVA was carried out with a factorial design and a correlation analysis.

Results: There were differences between GA and GC (P < 0.01), as well as in the date factor (P < 0.01). Blood concentrations of BHB and glucose had no difference between groups (P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation (R = - 0.47; P < 0.05) between BHB and body condition.

Limitations on study/implications: Although the dual-purpose system is very versatile, in the study area only 33% of ranchers manage it, due to the accentuation of drought and climate change.

Findings/conclusions: The calves showed adequate development with good adaptation in the transition from SPI to SDP, although there was an effect of the factors, the calves responded favorably to management

Manures base on Oreochromis niloticus L. for agricultural use

2024-06-21T17:34:43+00:00

of nutrients in agriculture, through a composting process mixed with a zero tillage soil.

Design/methodology/approach: Two manures were formulated, mixing flour and soil at a 30:70 ratio (mass/mass w:w) respectively. Compost A was maintained at 60 days of composting (ddc), compost B at 30 days. The phytotoxicity of the manures was evaluated as percentage of germination in Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) seeds.

Results: The N-P-K ratio (% dry mass) was 1.90-2.06-0.30 for manure A (60 ddc), and 2.60-2.24-0.34 for B (30 ddc). On germination, 100% concentration; manure A had 44.9% and B 19.6%, compared to the control. For concentration of 10% it was 93.7 and 111.4%, manure A and B, respectively.

Limitations on study/implications: It is necessary to carry out more phytotoxicity tests. In this experiment, dilutions were made in the manures to increase germination.

Findings/conclusions: The use of manure based on tilapia meal in agriculture is proposed in the future and in this way take advantage of the waste from fish processing.

Strategy to improve the micropropagation of sugarcane plants using carbon dioxide injection

2024-07-12T16:23:03+00:00

Objective: To develop a strategy for the improvement of micropropagation of sugarcane plants in the central region of Veracruz, using carbon dioxide injection.

Design/methodology/approach: Intelligent control and micropropagation techniques are used in this development.

Results: Improved micropropagation of sugarcane plants using carbon dioxide injection is demonstrated using intelligent control techniques.

Findings/conclusions: With this controlled carbon dioxide injection system, research can be carried out to obtain the most approximate values to contribute to better growth and adaptability in sugarcane crops. This can guarantee shorter adaptation times and thus generate greater economic gains for the producers.

Effectiveness study of learning algorithms in supply chains of a dairy business

2024-07-12T16:32:54+00:00

Objective: To develop a control system to prevent over-response of the supply chain of a dairy business.

Methodology: The following methods were used: DQN, Double DQN, Dueling DQN, and Dueling Double DQN to determine the distribution of demand: normal and uniform.

Results: Results were calculated based on stability in learning (the last 10,000 episodes). It was observed that the means of DQN and DDQN were very similar. To validate whether the performance of the Dueling DQN algorithm is better than that of the DQN algorithm, a non-parametric test was performed to compare the mean rank of two related samples and to determine if there are differences between them. The p values were 5.83e−38 and 0.000 for the Normal and Uniform distributions, respectively.

Conclusions: The algorithm with the best results is Dueling DQN, with an average total cost of 151.27 units for the demand with a normal distribution and an average of 155.3 units for the demand with a uniform distribution. This method has less variability once convergence is achieved

Characterization and evaluation of a tray dryer with change of position: kinetics and thermodynamic properties of the process, preserving the nutraceutical properties in Golden Delicious apple slices.

2024-08-05T18:19:57+00:00

The drying kinetics in apple slices between 45–55 °C was studied until reach a moisture ratio of 10±2%. 8 thin layer drying models were statistically fitted where the Midilli-Kucuk model presented the best performance, moreover its drying constant increased with the temperature, effective diffusivity was ranged from 68.16 E^-10– 2.28 E^-08 m² s^-1, the Arrhenius factor and activation energy were 3.74 E^-02 m² s^-1 and 28.11 kJ mol^-1, the enthalpy decreased from 25.46–25.38 kJ mol^-1, the entropy was ranged between (-0.2728 – -0.2730) kJ mol^-1 K^-1, and the Gibbs free energy increased from 112.25–114.98 kJ mol^-1. The 45 °C treatment preserved the highest phenolic compounds (51.1±1.54 mg EAG 100 g^-1), while the initial activity of elimination of radicals was 766.9±91.4 and 973.3±103.4 µg mg^-1 according to the DPPH and ABTS methods, the antioxidant activity shows an inverse behavior to the drying temperature. This work will allow to establish the temperature, time, moisture ratio and energy to drying apple slices according to local weather or under controlled conditions.

Shrimp aquaculture, absorption capacity and competitiveness: an analysis based on the case of Ahome, Mexico

2024-05-09T16:35:17+00:00

Objective: to present empirical evidence of the effect that the Knowledge Absorption Capacity (AC) and its dimensions have on the competitiveness of shrimp farming companies.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: a multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the degree of influence of the independent variables (AC dimensions) on the dependent variable (competitiveness).

Results: There was a positive effect between AC dimensions and competitive performance. The capacity for transformation of knowledge was the strongest effect.

Study limitations/ Implications: due to time and resource constraints, this study was based on a survey limited to a small number of businesses in the municipality of Ahome (Sinaloa), Mexico. Therefore, these results could be specific to the activity evaluated and to that region.

Findings/ Conclusions: studies such as this represent a turning point in exposing the importance of conceiving AC as a complex and multidimensional construct that contemplates the processes of acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation of knowledge.

Morphological characterization of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) criollo type in Mexico

2024-10-25T18:47:19+00:00

Objective: Achieve the morphological characterization of Criollo-type cocoa from Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach: For morphological characterization, 17 Criollo-type cocoa accessions and 30 varietal descriptors were proposed by Avendaño et al., (2014), and this was carried out on five-year-old trees in the Rosario Izapa Experimental Field of INIFAP during two production cycles.

Results: With the first three principal components, 47.3% of the variation was explained and the variables that most explained this variation were the color of the young leaf, anthocyanin pigmentation of the pedicel, basal constriction of the fruit, shape of the fruit apex and length/diameter ratio of the fruit; sepal length, sepal width length, fruit length, fruit exocarp thickness, seed width, seed length/diameter ratio and cotyledon color. The cluster analysis allowed us to differentiate two groups where the color of the unripe fruit was one of the descriptors that contributed the most to forming the groups.

Limitations on study/implications: Knowledge of the diversity of Mexican Criollo-type cocoas allows for establishing strategies for conserving and using this type of cocoa.

Findings/conclusions: In Mexico, the Criollo cacao genetic group presents a wide morphological variation in the descriptors of leaf, flower, fruit and seed. The shape of the apex of the leaf, the anthocyanin pigmentation in the flower, the color in the mature and immature state, and the shape and basal constriction of the fruit, as well as the color of the cotyledon, are the descriptors that allowed us to differentiate the Criollo cocoas studied.

Cluster Analysis as a Strategy to Contribute to the Competitive Advantage of Mangos from Guerrero, Mexico

2024-09-04T17:33:23+00:00

Objective: To analyze mango production and industrialization in Guerrero, Mexico, in order to identify its components, dynamics, and areas of opportunity, stimulating the development of a mango cluster.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This research is based on Porter's Five Forces methodology, adapted to the agri-food industry. Data were collected through semi-structured surveys in Técpan de Galeana and Cuajinicuilapa, Guerrero. In addition, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted along with database analysis.

Results: The Guerrero mango supply chain (SC) was mapped, identifying three main challenges: high input costs, lack of price regularization, and the lack of interest shown by young people in agricultural work. Sinaloa and Chiapas were also identified as the main competitors, both in terms of production volume and competitive advantages.

Findings/Conclusions: Enhancing the coordination within the supply chain and implementing strategies are important to mitigate high costs and power asymmetries in negotiations with suppliers and buyers. Furthermore, the significance of developing a cluster to enhance the competitiveness of the Guerrero mango against its competitors is emphasized.

Morphological and agronomic evaluation of short-cycle native maize varieties (Zea mays L.)

2024-11-06T16:48:16+00:00

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the morphological composition and agronomic behavior of five varieties of Zea mays L. Two Zapalote Chico, two Zapalote Grande and an improved variety (V-424) which are characterized by having a short vegetative cycle

Desing/methodology/approach: The maize varieties evaluated were sourced from various locations within the municipality, with explicit consent from the producers, who provided the seeds for the study. Four native cultivars (treatments) were selected from the Zapalote Chico and Zapalote Grande races and one improved and open-pollinated maize variety (V-424 or Tuxpeño Precoz) as a control, released by INIFAP. The local farmers assigned the common names to the evaluated maize varieties, except for V-424. The varieties were distributed in a randomized block design with four replications, resulting in a total of 20 experimental units. Each unit consisted of four furrows, each measuring 4 meters in length.

Results: The findings of this study on native short-cycle maize varieties in Chiapas have significant implications at the genetic, social, cultural, economic, and environmental levels. Each of these aspects provides crucial guidance for decision-making related to the utilization, management, and conservation of local maize varieties. A key outcome of this study is the recognition of native maize as a repository of essential genes for food security in rural areas. Short-cycle landraces exhibit unique genetic adaptations that enable them to thrive under the specific agroclimatic conditions of the Frailesca region in Chiapas.

Limitations on study/implications: none

Findings/conclusions: The native maize varieties exhibited significant genetic variability across the variables under consideration. The Zapalote Chico race is characterized by its favourable characteristics, as recognized by farmers, including early maturity, drought resistance, lodging resistance, and resistance to the fall armyworm. These qualities make it a promising candidate for future research and for inclusion in genetic improvement programs, whether conventional or participatory. It is crucial to continue promoting agroecological inputs with the goal of fostering the development of resilient agroecosystems and, consequently, enhancing the well-being of farmers and the conservation of native maize reservoirs.

Catiknifap, new native variety of Xcat ik pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

2023-10-30T14:48:41+00:00

Objective: To describe the morphological and agronomic characteristics of Catiknifap, a native variety of the Xcat ik pepper.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Catiknifap was formed by mass selection method from a P108 accession collected in 2013 in Muna, Yucatan. Characterization and yield trails were carried out in greenhouse during three cycles from 2021 to 2022. Forty-five characteristics were evaluated based on UPOV guidelines.

Results: Catiknifap is an early-ripening variety. Its fruits ripen between 77 and 81 days after transplanting. Its main morphological characteristic is the rounded shape at the junction with the peduncle. The yield depends on the growing season and ranges from 32.3 to 42.3 t ha^-1.

Study Limitations/Implications: Assays were carried out in greenhouses. Pests and diseases may cause differences in open field yield.

Findings/Conclusions: Catiknifap is the first morphologically characterized variety of Xcat ik pepper. The fruits of this homogenous and stable variety have a high yield potential in Yucatan.