Agro Productividad

Low protein diets for pigs: where are we going?

Nicolás S. Espinosa-García — 2025-02-14

Objective: To update the trends of advantages and disadvantages of using low-protein diets (LPD) for fattening pigs, as well as providing information on the direction of LPDs in future research.

Approach: The advantages and disadvantages of reducing dietary crude protein (CP) in the diet with supplementation of synthetic amino acids (AA) have been reported in recent years, in order to generate a sustainable swine industry.

Results: The reduction of CP in diets for fattening pigs saves protein ingredients, decreases not only nitrogen excretion but also feeding costs, without affecting growth performance compared to traditional diets.

Implications: The good response of reducing the amount of CP in pig diets is not unique; there are also unwanted effects in the pigs’ response to be considered. Therefore, the use of LPD for pigs needs further research to analyze the use of feed additives that maintain of improve the productive response and/or to avoid their negative effects on pork.

Conclusions: There are advantages and disadvantages of feeding pigs with LPD; however, there is the need to study the issue focusing on the reduction of the cost of feed and the protection of the environment from nitrogen excretion.

Socio-environmental Study and Ecological Footprint in the Mixtec Community of El Calvario

José A. Villanueva-Solano — 2025-02-14

Subject: Currently, it is very difficult for communities to receive funding for their development, as they often lack efficient evaluations or significant impact to support such funding. Therefore, it is vitally important for research to help make these communities visible by applying instruments that describe their situation. In this sense, two of the most important tools are the socio-environmental diagnosis and the ecological footprint, which are rarely determined in various communities.

Methodology: To determine this, Likert-type surveys and interviews with key stakeholders were conducted to identify areas for improvement within the community.

Results: The most relevant findings were the need to pave the road leading to the community, which hinders marketing and increases the cost of its products and/or the residents' labor. Another issue is the management, disposal, and elimination of waste. The greatest waste identified is the bagasse from agave, which must be valorized. Additionally, efficient water collection systems are needed, and finally, there is a lack of medicines and an available family doctor.

Implications: As a result of this study, various strategies are proposed to provide continuity to the areas of opportunity identified in the El Calvario community.

Conclusions: It is important to listen to the community's context so that they become the promoters of change, without harming the environment and nature.

Sodium Chloride in the Germination and Initial Growth of Three Huauzontle (Chenopodium berlandieri subsp. nuttalliae) Cultivars

Eréndira E. Hernández-Andrade — 2025-02-13

Objective: To determine the effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) and cultivar on germination and initial growth of huauzontle (Chenopodium berlandieri subsp. nuttalliae).

Design/methodology/approach: A 3 × 5 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design was conducted. Three huauzontle cultivars (Mexico City, Puebla, and Tlaxcala) and five doses of NaCl (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 mM) were evaluated. Each treatment had five replicates. The germination percentage was evaluated 24 h after sowing, plant height of the seedlings for 11 d, and the weights of fresh and dry biomass were determined at 11 d after germination. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05), and a regression model was generated for the variable seedling height as a function of the time of exposure to NaCl.

Results: Seed germination began 24 h after sowing in the three cultivars at all NaCl concentrations evaluated. The germination percentage was reduced by 17.6% at 300 mM compared to the control without salinity. Seedling height was higher in the Mexico City and Tlaxcala cultivars at 75 and 150 mM compared to the control; in these treatments, growth was only inhibited with 300 mM NaCl. On the contrary, the Puebla cultivar showed a reduction in growth starting at 225 mM NaCl. The weights of fresh and dry biomass were only affected by the cultivar study factor, where Mexico City followed by Puebla had the highest means; both higher than Tlaxcala.

Limitations of the study/implications: This study only considers the germination and initial growth phases in the three huauzontle cultivars. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of salinity in later phenological stages.

Findings/conclusions: The responses observed in huauzontle in germination and initial growth depend on the NaCl concentration and the cultivar. The germination percentage decreased only with the 300 mM NaCl dose with respect to the control. NaCl at doses of 75 and 150 mM NaCl promoted growth in the Mexico City and Tlaxcala cultivars. The Mexico City cultivar had the highest fresh and dry biomass weights, followed by Puebla and Tlaxcala.

Agronomic Evaluation of Castor Bean Cultivation (Ricinus communis L.) Under Soil Moisture-Limiting Conditions

J. Pimentel-López — 2025-02-12

Objective: To assess yield and growth responses of castor bean collections under soil moisture-restricted conditions.

Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted in the municipality of Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí. Twenty castor bean collections were evaluated under rainfed conditions and irrigation at 50% of crop evapotranspiration, with treatments arranged in randomized blocks.

Results: Significant differences (α = 0.05) between collections were observed for variables such as stem diameter, plant height, number of clusters per plant, number of fruits per cluster, 100-seed weight, and aerial biomass. Regarding soil moisture levels, variables including stem diameter, plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, number of clusters, number of fruits per cluster, 100-seed weight, seed yield, and aerial biomass showed significant differences (α = 0.05).

Limitations on study/implications: The results are based on a single production cycle.

Findings/conclusions: The Calvillo and Encarnación de Díaz collections showed the highest seed yields under rainfed conditions, with 385 and 326.7 g/plant, respectively, while the Luis Moya collection exhibited the highest yield under irrigation, with 680.7 g/plant. Seed yield was influenced solely by soil moisture, independent of collection origin. Collections under the most restrictive soil moisture condition (rainfed) flowered and fruited slightly earlier.

Imbibition of Seeds of Mexican Seepweed (Suaeda mexicana) and Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) in Saline Solutions and its Effect on Germination and Initial Growth

Libia Iris Trejo-Téllez — 2025-02-13

Objective: To evaluate the effect of salinity sources and concentrations, as well as the interaction of these study factors on the increase in seed mass during imbibition, germination and initial growth of romerito (Suaeda mexicana) and purslane (Portulaca oleracea) seedlings.

Design/methodology/approach: Seeds of romerito (Suaeda mexicana) and purslane (Portulaca oleracea) from the agricultural area of Tláhuac and San Gregorio Atlapulco, Xochimilco, Mexico City were used. They were incubated for 3 h in 15 saline solutions, which resulted from the combination of three sources: NaCl, Na₂SO₄, and CaCl²; and five concentrations: 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 M. The seeds were incubated in Petri dishes at 28 °C in 80% relative humidity. The increase in seed mass gained after the imbibition period, germination percentage, and radicle and shoot length of the seedling were determined.

Results: The 0.25 M NaCl treatment increased germination in romerito; in contrast, doses higher than 0.25 M of CaCl₂ and Na₂SO₄ significantly reduced germination, as well as shoot growth. NaCl causes less inhibition of romerito radicle growth than the other sources. In purslane, the 0.25 M CaCl₂treatment significantly reduced germination; but, it stimulated radicle growth. The Na₂SO₄and NaCl sources at doses starting at 0.5 M inhibited germination in purslane.

Limitations of the study/implications: No certified germplasm was used for this study, since the seed was obtained directly from producers who maintain semi-domesticated native accessions.

Findings/conclusions: Romerito is tolerant to NaCl and Na₂SO₄, but sensitive to CaCl₂; this was also observed in purslane, although the ranges of tolerance to the concentration vary between salinity sources.

Design and implementation of an electronic system to monitor and record agroclimatic variables in greenhouses

Guadalupe Sarai Méndez-Melo — 2025-02-14

Objective: To describe the development of a low-cost electronic device that can monitor, track, record, store, export, and interpret climatic variables of greenhouse-produced crops.

Methodology: An Arduino UNO board was used, along with specific sensors, to measure the agroclimatic variables under study. A Raspberry Pi® 3B+ board was also used to store and export the recorded information. The previously assembled device was installed in a greenhouse located in San Agustín Calvario, municipality of Cholula, Puebla, from March to July. Finally, graphs were developed to interpret the variables according to the agroclimatic requirements of native cucumber.

Study Limitations/Implications: Greenhouses must have access to an electrical supply, regardless of their geographic location or the crop they produce.

Findings: A low-cost electronic system and device were successfully developed, allowing each sensor to monitor, record, store, and export the following agroclimatic variables: minimum and maximum temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration, and light intensity in a greenhouse with electrical supply. Regarding data interpretation, graphs were developed for the agroclimatic variables in the greenhouse, based on the needs of the native cucumber plant.

Evaluation of different portions of the ImmuPlus® polyherbal additive fed to fattening lambs

JOSÉ ALFREDO MARTÍNEZ AISPURO — 2025-02-14

Objective: To verify if the ImmuPlus® polyherbal feed additive (Tinospora cordifolia, Ocimum sanctum, Whitania somnifera, Andrographis paniculate, and Azadirachta indica) improves the productive performance of finishing lambs.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Twenty Hampshire × Suffolk male lambs (initial live weight 33.6±1.9 kg) were distributed according to a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of the inclusion of 0-1.4 g kg -1 of dry matter ImmuPlus® in the diets of lambs, for 35 days.

Results: The inclusion of the polyherbal mixture (P<0.01) improved average daily gain (ADG), final live weight (FBW), feed conversion (FC), dry matter (DM) intake; however, the said mixture did not modify the back-fat thickness or chop area (P>0.05).
Study Limitations/Implications: The large number of plants and bioactive compounds included in ImmuPlus® limits the identification of the components that modify the metabolism of lambs.
Findings/Conclusions: The inclusion of 1.4 g kg -1 dry matter of ImmuPlus® in the diet of lambs improved their productive performance.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles vs Zn- EDTA in the growth and production of strawberry crops (Fragaria x ananassa Duch)

María Elena Loera Alvarado — 2025-02-13

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate and to compare the effects on growth between zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Zn-EDTA, nutrient concentration of zinc in leaf and fruit, and strawberry production.

Design/methodology/approach: Strawberry plants were used, established in plastic bags with a mixture of substrate, peat and agrolite. Two factors were evaluated: first, the concentration of ZnO NPs (100, 200, 500, 1000 mg L^-1), plus treatment with Zn-EDTA and a control; and the second, manner of application (foliar and to the substrate). A completely randomized increased factorial design was used. Growth was measured, leaf and fruit zinc concentration was determined, the number of flowers and weight of fruits per plant, and the variables of firmness and total soluble solids of fruits were quantified.

Results: The results obtained indicate that the foliar application of the 200 mg L^-1dosage of ZnO NPs caused the greatest plant height, as well as the highest number of flowers, crowns and fruits per plant, and the greatest production. The highest leaf zinc concentrations within the sufficiency interval were observed with the leaf application of 100 and 200 mg L^-1 of ZnO NPs.

Findings/conclusions: The study allows inferring that the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles is an alternative source of fertilizer with respect to conventional Zn sources to improve growth, zinc concentration and fruit production in strawberry .

Characterization of the scientific production on Moringa oleifera Lam. for the period 2013–2023

Rafael Ruiz Hernández — 2025-02-17

Objective: This study aims to map the scientific production on Moringa oleifera in the Scopus database over the period 2013–2023.

Design/methodology/approach: The bibliographic data of moringa publications was downloaded and data was characterized through a bibliometric analysis. The analysis identified key metrics, including the most productive countries, journals and authors with the highest number of publications and citations, topic niche, basic topics, emerging or declining topics, and motor topics.

Results: For the period 2013-2023,a total of 5680 documents were published, categorized as scientific articles (80.21%), bibliographic reviews (8.68%), conference papers (6.78%), book chapters (1.81%) and books (0.11%). Most of the research is embedded in areas such as: agricultural and biological sciences (21.92%), biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology (10.71%) and pharmacology, toxicology and pharmaceuticals (10.51%).

Limitations on study/implications: This study is limited to the Scopus database, which means that additional publications on Moringa oleifera from the 2013–2023 period may exist in other databases not included in this analysis.

Findings/conclusions: The bibliometric analysis provided insights into the scientific contributions related to Moringa oleifera and supports the development of research on more relevant and hot spots topics.

Analysis of macro and micro nutrients in six substrates and leaves for vanilla cultivation (Vanilla planifolia G. Jackson)

Delfino Reyes López — 2025-02-14

Objective: To analyze the physicochemical properties and nutritional content in six substrates and the foliar content of macro and micronutrients in leaves of five phenological stages in vanilla.

Design/methodology/approach: Six substrates were evaluated, in which physicochemical properties and the content of total and available macro and micro nutrients were determined. The foliar content in leaves of five phenological stages in vanilla was also determined. The statistical analysis had a completely randomized design, the substrates and phenological stages were evaluated separately, with two repetitions per treatment.

Results: The substrates analyzed resulted in total amounts of macro and micro nutrients acceptable for good development of vanilla plants and, considering the foliar contents of the leaves, adequate management of the nutrition of the vanilla crop can be achieved.

Limitations on study/implications: The physicochemical analyses of the substrates present total amounts of nutrients for the proper development of vanilla plants. However, their availability must be improved

Findings/conclusions: The foliar contents of macro and micro nutrients in vanilla leaves were different in the stages of plant development, with K being the one with the highest foliar content followed by N, P, Ca and Mg. Considering these foliar contents and the total and available nutritional contents in the substrates can contribute to adequate nutrition planning in vanilla cultivation.

Effect of thermal popping treatment on Toluqueño creole popcorn maize (Zea mays L.): Changes in physical and structural properties

Mayra Díaz-Ramírez — 2025-02-13

Objective: To assess the effect of popping thermal treatment on the physical and structural properties of Toluqueño creole popcorn maize (Zea mays L.)

Design/methodology/approach: Toluqueño creole maize and commercial (Zea mays L.) used as a control, were subjected to three popping treatments: hot oil, hot air, and microwave. Popping yield, textural properties, and structural features were determined.

Results: The results showed that the treatment by hot air in commercial maize showed the highest pop yield (71.88%), while the microwave treatment was the best for Toluqueño maize (12.93%). The best textural characteristics for both types of maize were obtained after applying the hot air treatment, resulting in soft, low rubbing, and good chewing popcorns. The microstructural analysis on raw Toluqueño maize showed an intergranular space, which was related to a less compaction grade and consequently less hardness, meanwhile, the microwave popcorns showed the lowest gelatinization degree.

Limitations on study/implications: High resolution and improved methodologies to observe the starch grain and components distribution could have resulted in a better description of the effect of thermal treatment on the corn grains.

Findings/conclusions: Hot air treatment was the best process to obtain a good quality popcorn. The popping yield was related to humidity, hardness, grain shape, intergranular space, and the popping process.

Valorization of prickly pear pericarp (Opuntia albicarpa Scheinvar) through aerobic fermentation

Laura A. López Martínez — 2025-02-12

Objective: To determine the change in the composition of 'Blanca cristalina' cactus prickly pear's pericarp (Opuntia albicarpa Scheinvar) subjected to aerobic fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Design/methodology/approach: The pH, total soluble solids, moisture, ashes, total carbohydrates and crude protein were determined on cactus prickly pear's pericarp before and after being fermented by S. cerevisiae. Data were compared through a paired t test.

Results: Significant difference (p<0.05) was found in the total soluble solids, carbohydrate content and crude protein content after the fermentation process. Total soluble solids and carbohydrates content both decreased from 12.67±0.58 °Brix to 6.33±1.53 °Brix and from 7.43±1.4 % to 0.83±0.06 %, respectively. Meanwhile, crude protein content increased from 0.47±0.42 % to 8.87±1.02 %.

Limitations on study/implications: Non-certified commercial yeast was used in this study, so the product obtained of process must be used for animal feeding, and for human food the process must be modified.

Findings/conclusions: The fermentation process described in this work is an alternative, to increase the protein content of cactus prickly pear byproducts, such as the fruit pericarp, making it possible to be used as an animal feeding with high nutritional quality.

Quality and postharvest life of tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Produced under saline stress conditions

María A Ortega-Amaro — 2025-02-17

Objective: To determine the post-harvest physiological behavior and quality changes of tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown under saline stress conditions.

Design/methodology/approach: Tomato fruit quality variables (firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH), along with respiration rate and weight loss were assessed at harvest and after seven days of storage at room temperature. These parameters were compared between fruits grown under saline stress (250 mM sodium chloride) and non-stressed control fruits.

Results: Tomato fruits grown under saline stress exhibited higher (p<0.05) total soluble solids (6.92±0.22 °Brix) and titratable acidity (0.39±0.03 %), compared to the control fruits. No significant differences were observed in fruit firmness (13.01 N) or pH (5.86), at harvest time and after storage. The respiration rate decreased in both groups, from 30.77 at harvest time to 17.70 after storage; however, weight loss was not affected (11.50 %).

Limitations on study/implications: Soil sampling in the production area, to measure the fruit quality and its post-harvest physiological behavior are needed on a larger scale.

Findings/conclusions: Saline stress increases the total soluble solids and titratable acidity, but does not affect the firmness, pH, weight loss and respiration rate of tomato fruit at harvest time and after storage at room temperature.

Antifungal effect of the edible coating added with cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum verum) on the shelf life of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa)

Ma. de L. Colín-Álvarez — 2025-02-13

Objective: to develop an edible coating with cinnamon essential oil (CEO) to prolong the useful life of strawberries.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: We obtained CEO by the distillation method with water and steam, determining the minimum inhibitory concentration through an in vitro test with the agar diffusion technique. Also, we determined antifungal activity in vivo.

Results: CEO, obtained by the distillation method with water and steam, showed yields of 1.2±0.3% per extraction cycle. In turn, the in vitro test on the minimum inhibitory concentration that CEO presented against the fungus Rizhopus stolonifer using the agar dilution technique showed that its growth was completely inhibited at a concentration of 500 ppm. However, the antifungal activity in vivo was less effective due to the complex host-antifungal-pathogen system added to the temperature factor. The study at room temperature (27°C) showed growth of the fungus Rizhopus stolonifer on the strawberries with the coating at 100 and 300 ppm on day 3 of treatment. On the contrary, at refrigeration temperature (8°C), the strawberries coated with the different concentrations of CEO remained in good condition for a longer time, as proved by visual appearance without loss of color which is the appearance of freshness, added to a visually attractive shine.

Limitations/ Implications of the study: using cinnamon essential oil (CEO) as an antifungal agent in edible coatings could provide an effective and natural alternative for strawberry preservation. This would potentially impact post-harvest practices. To implement CEO applications, combined with refrigeration, can help to reduce fungal growth and to extend the shelf life of strawberries.

Findings/ Conclusions: a synergy of temperature and CEO concentrations should be used to slow the growth of Rizhopus stolonifera, to prolong the life time of strawberries, maintaining their appearance without loss of color, which is the appearance of freshness, adding a visually attractive shine.

Biomass Incorporation into degraded soils and its Effect on the Productivity of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Rigoberto Rosales-Serna — 2025-02-13

Objective: to evaluate the effect of incorporating biomass in degraded soils, and fertilization, on yield of common bean plants grown in the semiarid highlands of northern México.
Design/Methodology/Approach: from 2019 to 2022, experiments were established in different soil conditions in Durango (México). Pinto Saltillo (PS) and Negro San Luis (NSL) common bean cultivars were planted in three fertilization treatments, 1: chemical, 2: organic and 3: foliar sprayings. Data were recorded for days to flowering and physiological maturity (days after sowing, DAS), reaction to diseases, yield, and weight of 100 seeds. The analysis of variance was performed in a completely randomized design, with a factorial
arrangement, and a partial yield-stability analysis was also included.
Results: the PS cultivar showed precocious flowering (38 DAS) and intermediate maturity (91 DAS); while NSL showed late flowering (43 DAS) and maturity (101 DAS). In most of the conditions, the absence of anthracnose and rust was observed, as well as intermediate and generalized levels (5 and 6 on the CIAT scale) of common bacterial blight (CBB) with low influence on the results obtained. The biological cycle of NSL was longer than PS, influencing its response to the fertilization treatments evaluated. However, yield results were statistically similar among common bean cultivars and fertilization treatments.
Limitations/Implications of the study: leaf biomass incorporated into the soil is a natural and sustainable
method for common bean production; although only two common bean cultivars were included in the study.
Findings/Conclusions: soil-incorporated biomass and foliar fertilizer sprayings could be considered as natural low-cost inputs, both related to increased common bean yield in Durango (México).

Microhabitat of Totolcozcatl mushroom [Entoloma abortivum (Berk. & Curtis) Donk, Basidiomycotina] for restoration in the cloud forest

Natalia Mateo-Guzmán — 2025-02-13

Objective: to characterize the microhabitat and requirements of Entoloma abortivum, which is considered as a wild fungus (known as Totolcozcatl, in Nahuatl), and as a non-timber forest resource in the cloud forest.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: E. abortivum is used for food (as a mushroom); it has ecological, cultural and economic importance for rural communities. Their non-regulated collection has led to depletion and over-exploitation in the mountanous cloud forest of Xaltepuxtla (Puebla) Mexico. Habitat characterization of the fungus, which it requires for development and reintroduction is presented. Sensors for temperature and relative humidity were placed in each site determined in the field visits, at the depth of emergence of the carpophores, in order to record these microclimate variables. These sensors were used before and during the whole period of development of the fungus in two seasons, 2016–2017 and 2017–2018; pH and substrate temperature sensors were also used.

Results: the surrounding plant composition, site-specific shade density and soil-substrate chemical characteristics were described. The emergence of carpophores occurred during the winter when the microenvironmental temperature was recorded between 15.8° and 17.5°C, relative humidity between 64%–67%, shade density 93.6%. In the substrate, temperatures fluctuated between 8.5°C and 14°C in the same period; the pH of the substrate, between 5.0–5.5; Chemical characteristics and base-type of the bamboo stem, leaf litter; tillers from decaying grasses, and rotten pieces of jonote are other conditions for the development of this fungus.

Limitations/ Implications of the study: female collectors identified and delimited the emergency sites of the fungus in the field visits. The capabilities of these female collectors are based on morphological traits, and they reach identification up to the level of species.

Findings/ Conclusions: this is the first site-specific characterization of the native habitat of the Totolcozcatl mushroom (Entoloma abortivum).

Strategic planning with a production chain approach to identify training needs in the agrifood sector

Nelda Guadalupe Uzcanga Pérez — 2025-02-12

Objective: to generate a strategic plan, with a production chain approach, that allows identifying the training needs in the agrifood sector in Quintana Roo.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: the study was developed in three methodological stages 1) A workshop to explore the training needs through participatory action, in order to obtain a relational framework of those institutions in the sector in which the trainees interact, aiming to identify and prioritize the training needs in a double-entry matrix; 2) Design of the training program, using as input the needs identified in the exploratory workshop; 3) Implementation of the training, with an ex ante and ex post evaluation of each topic to verify that the training was effective.

Results: the main problems detected were marketing (28.8%), production (25.9%), supply of inputs and services (25.3%), transformation (12.2%), and consumption (7.1%). Likewise, a relational framework of 25 institutions that provide support to the different links identified in the production chain. The median of achievement (correct scores) before training was 8.92, and 10.81afterwards.

Limitations/ Implications of the study: the capacity of the course was limited by the available resources, both facilities and financial. However, it is important to implement a mixed modality to reach a greater number of people.

Findings/ Conclusions: strategic planning with a production chain approach is a useful tool to focus ad hoc training needs, since 70.9% of professionals improved their skills on crops of interest.

Wildfire analysis in the Cobos-Parga Hydrographic Basin, Aguascalientes, through satellite images: impacts and solutions

Matías Hernández-Machain — 2025-02-13

Objective: Detect and analyse forest fires happening in the Cobos-Parga Hydrographic Basin.

Design/methodology/approach: For this analysis, the methodology that was followed ranges from the extraction of satellite images to the calculation of the Normalised Burn Ratio, thus enabling the detection of combusted zones. All this work was done thanks to the use of Geographic Information Systems.

Results: Frequent occurrence of fires was found in the area, mainly of anthropogenic origin and registered mainly from January to May. The increasing trends in annual precipitation and extreme maximum temperature are also evident in the study area. Therefore, climatic conditions do not exhibit a clear correlation between them and fires, supporting the idea that forest fires are mostly caused by anthropogenic reasons.

Limitations on study/implications: Finally, it is suggested that the CPHB is not suitable for the construction of real estate complexes, since it is estimated to be a zone of high fire risk.

Findings/conclusions: This highlights the necessity of establishing protection measurements that could control illegal activities, as well as monitoring fires and along with it, guarantee the biological and cultural preservation of the area.

Yield of Cushaw squash (Cucurbita argyrosperma H.) with organic fertilizers

Mario Rodriguez Cuevas — 2025-02-13

Objective: to evaluate different doses of composted poultry manure and leachate applied to soil and foliage as organic fertilizers on the yield and yield characteristics of Cushaw squash (also known as Silver-seed gourd, and less frequently as creole squash).

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: ten treatments (T) were tested in four doses, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 tons per hectare (Megagrams, Mg ha^-1) of composted poultry manure (C) applied to the soil at the beginning of crop cultivation, and leachates (L) at 50% applied to the foliage. A completely randomized design was used, with 15 replicates (fruits) per treatment.

Results: significant effects of compost and leachate treatments on the yield of Cushaw squash fruit were found.

Limitations/ Implications of the study: it is suggested to evaluate more production cycles in order to identify the best treatments in further studies.

Findings/ Conclusions: the combination of composts and leachates applied to the soil can be an alternative source of fertilization in the cultivation of Cushaw squash in Tabasco.

EFFECT OF SANITIZERS ON THE SENSORY SHELF-LIFE OF CHIA (Salvia hispanica) MICROGREENS

Erika Piña-Moreno — 2025-02-13

Objective: To compare the efficacy of different sanitizing agents in extending the sensory shelf life and maintaining the quality of chia (Salvia hispanica) microgreens in terms of overall quality, color, rot development and off-flavor.

Design/methodology/approach: Different parametric models (gamma, exponential, Weibull and log-logistic) were evaluated to determine the most appropriate one to analyze the sensory shelf life of treatments with sanitizing agents. The functions proposed by Guillermo Hough were used to calculate the sensory shelf life for each treatment. Finally, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the effects of the different sanitizing agents.

Results: Survival rates of microgreens varied according to the sanitizing agent used. On day two, sodium hypochlorite showed a survival rate of 80 %, which decreased with time. On the other hand, colloidal silver reached a survival rate of 90 % on day two, while calcium oxide saturated solution showed a survival rate of 85 % in the same period. The control revealed a rate of 65 % by day two, a lower percentage than the previous ones.

Limitations on study/implications: In this study, three sanitizers (colloidal silver, sodium hypochlorite and saturated solution of calcium oxide nanoparticles) were evaluated and other possible treatments or combinations of treatments that could be effective in preserving the quality and sensory shelf life of chia microgreens were not considered.

Findings/conclusions: The study revealed that colloidal silver treatment was the most effective in extending the sensory shelf-life of microgreens, with an estimated shelf life of 1.78 days at 10 % rejection, followed by chlorine and saturated calcium oxide solution.

Agricultural Backyard Production in the Food Security Framework: A Case Study of a Microregion of Chicontepec Veracruz, Mexico

Horacio Bautista-Santos — 2025-02-13

Objective: This study evaluated the impact of agricultural backyard production on the well-being of producing families in the context of food security in a Microregion of Chicontepec Veracruz, Mexico, highlighting the substantial economic advantages of this practice.

Design/methodology/approach: Through probabilistic sampling, a structured survey on availability, accessibility, and nutrition was designed and applied to backyard-producing families. A multinomial logistic regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between a dependent variable and a set of independent variables.

Results: In the microregion of study, backyard production is distributed in 55.4% of fruit trees, 25.4% of regional crops, and 19.2% of vegetables. The two crops that add the most to the basic basket are corn and Chichimeken beans. 98% of producers estimate that backyard production (livestock and agriculture) saves the family economy 10% to 50% of its costs.

Limitations on study/implications: Knowledge of the backyard production of the microregion under study will allow the development of municipal policies that will link producers with the local market.

Findings/conclusions: Backyard production has been shown to contribute significantly to food security since different fruit trees, vegetables, and local crops substantially contribute to the household economy through sales and self-consumption

Application and Effects of Rare Earth Elements in Agricultural Produc-tion Systems

Víctor H. Carbajal-Vázquez — 2025-02-13

Objective: To review the history of rare earths and their practical applications, as well as to identify the effects of some rare earths on crops.

Design/methodology/approach: We performed an exhaustive review of the scientific literature related to the history of rare earth elements (REE), their chemical characteristics, composition in the Earth’s crust, and uses in industry, as well as of the effects of the light rare earth elements (LREE) on higher plants. The most relevant articles on the aforementioned topics of interest were then selected, analyzed, and discussed.

Results: In recent years, the industrial and technological use of REE has increased significantly. Their use in the automotive, aeronautical, and space industries, in medicine, in renewable energies, and in electronic and military technology is resulting in the accumulation of these elements in the environment and their bioavailability for crops. Importantly, REE have been reported to have both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on biological systems, including plants.

Limitations on study/implications: While some REE like lanthanum (La) and cerium (Ce) have been extensively studied, others have been scarcely explored and, therefore, little information has been published on them in the international literature.

Findings/conclusions: The use of REE in technology, combined with poor waste management and recycling, cause contamination in soil and water, allowing REE bioavailability in plants. Further studies are needed to identify beneficial effects of REE in the face of biotic or abiotic stress factors.