Agronomía Mesoamericana journal is a continuous publication with an annual open issue that begins in January and closes in December. Edited in the Universidad de Costa Rica, its objective is to disseminate original scientific information in Spanish or English language, through the publication of articles, short communications, technical notes and literature reviews, related with food and agriculture sciences from anywhere in the world, emphasized in tropical and subtropical zones. Agronomía Mesoamericana implements interoperability protocols that allow the journal to be harvested by other content distribution systems. It supports this process through the OAI-PMH protocol (Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting) that allows the transfer of scientific and open access digital resources. URL OAI-PMH https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/agromeso/oai
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Influence of nitrogen on yield, forage quality, and corn silage
Introduction. Maize forage production for silage is essential in livestock feeding, and its yield and quality largely depend on nitrogen fertilization. Objective. To evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilization on the agronomic performance and nutritional quality of maize forage and silage. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the La María Campus of the Technical State University of Quevedo, Ecuador, during the rainy season from December to April 2024, under a completely randomized design with four nitrogen rates (0, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-¹) and four replications, totaling sixteen experimental units. Agronomic variables (plant height, stem diameter, fresh and dry weight), silage physicochemical characteristics (moisture, pH and temperature), and nutritional parameters (crude protein, energy, neutral detergent fiber [NDF], acid detergent fiber [ADF] and ash) were evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey’s test at a 5% probability level. Results. Treatment T3 showed the highest stem diameter (1.32, 2.33 and 2.37 cm at 20, 40 and 60 days, respectively) and plant height (184.90 and 241.59 cm at 40 and 60 days, respectively). It also reached the highest values for fresh weight (95.5 t ha-¹), dry weight (29.5 t ha-¹), leaf protein (14.5 %) and stem protein (5.68 %). No significant differences were observed among treatments for moisture, energy, NDF, ADF and pH. Conclusions. The application of 200 kg ha-¹ of nitrogen improved both nutritional quality and forage production.
Copyright (c) 2025 Diana Verónica Véliz Zamora, John Jairo Pinargote Alava, Madelyn María Choez Zambrano, Jair Stalin Rendón Flores (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Assessment of yield and water productivity in soybean (Glycine max) with AquaCrop
Introduction. Simulation models are a tool to study crop behavior under different climatic and water conditions and agronomic management practices. Objective. To evaluate the AquaCrop model for estimating yield and water productivity in soybean var. CIGRAS-06. Materials and methods. The study was carried out at the Estación Experimental Agrícola Fabio Baudrit Moreno of the University of Costa Rica, in Alajuela, Costa Rica, from June 6 to October 23, 2018. The AquaCrop v. 7.1 model was used to simulate soybean crop development and yield. Simulated data on canopy cover, biomass production, and yield were compared with experimental data from a plot planted with soybean variety CIGRAS-06. Soil parameters measured in the field and generated with pedotransfer equations were used. Results. Predictions of yield, total biomass, and canopy cover were good (similarity values: d ≥ 0.97), but predictions of leaf coverage during the early crop cycle were susceptible to improvement. Differences between the two types of soil parameters used did not significantly affect the final simulation. Conclusions. AquaCrop successfully simulated soybean yield, biomass, and leaf coverage. Water productivity simulation was higher than values reported in the literature.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dania Zúñiga-Herrera, Néstor Felipe Chaves-Barrantes, Marco Vinicio Gutiérrez-Soto, Mayela Monge-Muñoz, Cristina Chinchilla-Soto (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Sorghum plant height and yield prediction using multispectral data and sUAS
Introduction. The projected growth of the global population poses a significant challenge in ensuring sufficient food production. Crop genetic breeding, essential to meet this demand, relies on advanced technologies to accelerate field phenotyping processes. Objective. To predict plant height and biomass yield in sorghum using photogrammetry and multispectral data acquired through small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) flights. Materials and methods. Six sorghum genotypes were evaluated in Cañas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, using a completely randomized design with eight replications per genotype. Multispectral sensor flights were conducted at selected phenological stages to generate vegetation indices, DTMs (digital terrain models), and DSMs (digital surface models). Manual plant height measurements were used for correlation and simple linear regression analysis, while biomass was predicted using random forest regression. Results. DTMs and DSMs enabled reliable estimation of plant height during early growth stage (R² = 0.53) and achieved higher accuracy at later stages (R²= 0.76; RMSE= 0.13 m). Biomass prediction was most accurate at the booting stage (r= 0.72; RMSE= 1.40 t·ha-¹), with NDRE (Normalized Difference Red-Edge Index) and IKAW (Kawashima Index) identified as the most relevant spectral indices. Conclusions. DTMs and DSMs derived from multispectral imagery predicted plant height accurately in later growth stages but were less accurate in early stages. Incorporating plant height alongside spectral indices into models enhanced biomass prediction. The findings showed that sUAS-mounted sensors and multispectral indices are promising tools for phenotyping in sorghum breeding programs in Costa Rica.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kevin Carrillo Montoya, Jorge Claudio Vargas Rojas, Melvin Lizano Araya, Nevio Bonilla Morales, Josselyne Aguilar López, José Roberto Camacho Montero (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Effectiveness of mycorrhizal inoculation on sweet potato nutrition and NPK fertilization in Cuban Cambisols
Introduction. Sweet potato has high nutritional requirements. It is a mycotrophic crop, and in Cuba, its production is limited by the low availability of fertilizers. Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of mycorrhizal inoculation on the nutrition and specific supply of primary macronutrients in two sweet potato cultivars over two planting seasons. Materials and methods. Six fertilization response curve experiments were conducted on Eutric Cambisol soils in Santo Domingo, Villa Clara, Cuba, from 2014 to 2016, with two experiments for each macronutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), one during the rainy period and one during the low-rainfall period. Each experiment evaluated five doses of the target macronutrient, with and without inoculation of Rhizoglomus irregulare / INCAM-11, under a fixed background supply of the other two macronutrients. Trials were conducted on the cultivars INIVIT B-2-2005 and CEMSA 78-354 using a split-plot design with four replicates, repeated twice. Yields, macronutrient concentrations, colonization frequency, spores, and fertilizer agronomic efficiency were evaluated. Results. Positive and direct effects of inoculation on the yields and nutrition of each macronutrient were found. Inoculation required lower doses of fertilizers to guarantee yields and macronutrient concentrations equal to or higher than those obtained with mineral fertilizers alone, with higher fertilizer agronomic efficiency. Mycorrhizal performance depended on the doses of macronutrients applied. A high and direct relationship was established between the colonization frequency and the yield of the inoculated cultivars, with higher values of both variables in the rainy period. The cultivars always behaved similarly to each other. Conclusions. INCAM-11 inoculation of sweet potato cultivars acted directly and positively on the nutrition and fertilization efficiency of each NPK macroelement. The fertilizer doses for these inoculated cultivars growing on Eutric Cambisols were 60, 50, and 75 kg ha-1 of N, P2O5, and K2O for both planting seasons.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ramón Rivera Espinosa, Alberto Espinosa-Cuéllar (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Photosynthetic rates of Leonia glycycarpa and Compsoneura trianae in Arosemena Tola, Amazon region, Ecuador
Introduction. Photosynthesis in wild species has been scarcely evaluated; therefore, determining its rates is important for production management and potential exploitation. Objective. To determine the photosynthetic rates of Leonia glycycarpa and Compsoneura trianae Warb. in Arosemena Tola, Napo, Ecuador. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the Amazon Experimental Research and Production Center in Arosemena Tola, Napo, Ecuador, in April 2023. Random sampling was performed and, using a portable environmental photosynthesis system, the following variables were recorded: photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, substomatal CO2, leaf temperature, and molar air flow. Data were processed using Table Curve 2D software. Results. Between 13:00 and 15:00 h, L. glycycarpa reached photosynthesis values of 3.5 μmol m-2 s-1, whereas C. trianae reached 1.4 μmol m-2 s-1. Between 07:00 and 08:00 h, the highest values were recorded for transpiration rate (1.4 and 1.5 mmol m-2 s-1 for L. glycycarpa and C. trianae, respectively), stomatal water conductance (0.7 and 0.5 mol m-2 s-1 for L. glycycarpa and C. trianae, respectively) and substomatal CO2 (460 ppm for L. glycycarpa and 500 ppm for C. trianae). The highest leaf temperature in C. trianae occurred at 08:00 h, while in L. glycycarpa it occurred at 11:00 h. The mass flow between 10:00 and 13:00 h reached its minimum in C. trianae and its maximum in L. glycycarpa. Conclusions. The photosynthetic rates of L. glycycarpa and C. trianae were lower than those reported for other species in the literature, due to cloudy conditions and tree cover. Transpiration, stomatal water conductance, and substomatal CO2 were higher during the early hours of the day under higher humidity conditions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ricardo Abril Saltos, Keyla Dayana Zambrano Chongo, Lisbeth Stefania Urquizo Moreta, Edith Liliana Shiguango Alvarado, Vivian Nicole Urrutia Ilicachi (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Effect of honey spraying on the growth of habanero pepper seedlings
Introduction. Foliar spraying with honey represents a sustainable alternative for seedling production. Objective. To evaluate the effect of foliar spraying with multifloral honey (Apis mellifera) at concentrations of 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % v/v on plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations in habanero pepper seedlings (Capsicum chinense L. Jacq.) under protected conditions. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in a sawtooth-type greenhouse at the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Calkiní, Campeche, Mexico, from August to December 2023. Seeds of the ‘Jaguar’ variety were sown in eight trays containing commercial substrate. A randomized complete block design with four treatments and two replications was used, and weekly foliar spraying with honey was applied. Seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations were evaluated. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple range tests using Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) method (p < 0.05) were performed for each growth variable. Results. The 15 % honey treatment promoted greater seedling height; the control without honey showed the lowest growth and the highest variability during the evaluation weeks. Regarding stem diameter, T4 and T3 showed greater growth and consistency across the three weeks compared to the control. T2 initially favored the number of leaves; however, in later weeks, T4 reached the highest mean values. Conclusions. Foliar application of multifloral honey significantly improved the height, stem diameter, and number of leaves in habanero pepper seedlings, which showed greater growth and uniformity compared to the control, with the 15 % v/v treatment being the most effective.
Copyright (c) 2025 Felipe de Jesús González-Rodríguez, Mario Ben-Hur Chuc Armendáriz, Gonzalo Miguel Quetz-Aguirre, Marlene Méndez-Moreno, Ángel Francisco Can-Cabrera (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Resistance genes to Diaporthe phaseolorum var. caulivora in Glycine max: qualitative and quantitative approaches
Introduction. Understanding the inheritance pattern of the response to soybean stem canker (SSC), caused by Diaporthe phaseolorum var. caulivora (Dpc), is essential for the incorporation of genetic resistance into soybean breeding programs. Objective. To apply classical qualitative and quantitative genetic approaches to identify the presence of the Rdc1 gene conferring resistance to soybean stem canker caused by Dpc. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the Universidad Nacional del Rosario, Argentina, between 2012 and 2020. Segregating populations PS-258, PS-157, and PS-172 were evaluated after inoculation with the Dpc16 strain in early (F2:3 families) and advanced generations (F3:5 and F4 families). A completely randomized experimental design was used. Results. The qualitative approach unequivocally identified a single Mendelian locus only in population PS-258. Using the quantitative approach, heritability estimates for PS-258 were 0.68 (F2:3 incidence), 0.17 (F3:5 incidence), 0.55 (F2:3 severity), and 0.18 (F3:5 severity). The estimated number of genes was 0.78 (rounded to one, for severity only). In PS-157, heritability values were 0.76 (F2:3 incidence), 0.48 (F4 incidence), 0.60 (F2:3 severity), and 0.21 (F4 severity), with an estimated gene number of 4.1 for incidence and 0.18 for severity, indicating that both parents contribute resistance alleles at different loci. For PS-172, heritability estimates were 0.89 (F2:3 incidence), 0.92 (F4 incidence), 0.04 (F2:3 severity), and 0.13 (F4 severity), and the estimated number of genes was 0.2 for incidence and 0.24 for severity, consistent with the absence of known Rdc genes in the parental lines. In all populations, phenotypic correlations between incidence and severity were high. Conclusion. The combined use of qualitative and quantitative genetic approaches confirmed the presence of the Mendelian resistance gene Rdc1 in the PS-258 cross, whereas in PS-157 and PS-172, the quantitative approach revealed the involvement of more than one major gene and polygenic effects.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mario Manuel Cuba Amarilla, Alejandra María Peruzzo, Rosanna Nora Pioli, Facundo Ezequiel Hernández, David Mario Balaban, Guillermo Raúl Pratta (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) a crop with productive potential: technological development and prospects in Colombia
Introduction. The world demand for cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nuts has increased at more than 7 % per year, while production keeps on a rate of 6 % per year. This global market status makes the cashew nuts and its derivatives, as a promising agricultural alternative in Colombia, where about 270 t of kernels are imported per year. Objective. To present the basic aspects of cashew crop, and to show the current technological development and future prospects in Colombia. Development. Approximately 60 % of the area cultivated with cashew in Colombia presents average yields lower than 100 kg ha-1 of walnut, considered low compared to 1000 kg ha-1 or even higher that can be obtained with a technician management of the crop, a situation due to the lack of knowledge and scarce application of technologies for intensive production by producers. However, there is currently a technological offer of cashew clones with outstanding productive and quality characteristics, as well as technical recommendations for agronomic management of the cultivation and post-harvest of the walnut, which can be disseminated and implemented to address the main limitations of the crop, to improve cashew production in a profitable and environmentally sustainable way. Conclusions. The sustainability of current commercial cashew plantations and the increase of planting areas in Colombia require the validation and adoption of innovative technologies in integrated crop and postharvest management that could have an impact on the cashew crop in the country, by presenting alternatives to improve its productive behavior, as well as profitability for producers.
Copyright (c) 2022 Javier Orlando Orduz-Rodríguez, Eleonora Rodríguez-Polanco (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Importance of genetic resources of pineapple (Ananas comosus [L.] Merr. var. comosus) in Colombia
Introduction. Pineapple (Ananas comosus [L.] Merr. Var. comosus) represents one of the productive systems with the highest participation in the fruit and horticultural sector in Colombia. Plant genetic resources are the biological basis of world food security and are also the essential raw material for the genetic improvement of crops. In Colombia, the planting of an improved pineapple variety is a great problem, because it displaces the use of native cultivars, which are culturally rooted in terms of production and consumption in each location. This problem could be solved through the knowledge, characterization, conservation, and sustainable use of genetic resources, which are a source of genes of interest and that could be used to start a breeding program for this species. Objective. To recognize the importance of genetic resources as a strategy to implement a breeding program for pineapple in Colombia. Development. Plant genetic resources constitute the basis of food security; hence their knowledge, conservation, and sustainable use are necessary to guarantee agricultural production and meet the growing environmental challenges and climate change. Pineapple genetic resources in Colombia could be exploited, since there are different local varieties of pineapple, which constitute a gene pool with genes and characteristics of interest that could be used in breeding programs to obtain new cultivars to meet current demands and supply national and export markets. Conclusions. Knowing the genetic variability in pineapple genetic resources would allow planning conservation strategies, their sustainable use in agricultural systems and in crop breeding programs. It is necessary to incorporate molecular biology techniques to accelerate genetic improvement of pineapple.
Copyright (c) 2022 Germán Andrés Aguilera-Arango, Carol Liliana Puentes-Díaz, Yacenia Morillo-Coronado (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Biomass and bromatology of African Stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst) with five regrowth stages
Introduction. Establishing the optimal harvest stage of African Stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst) is essential to obtain high nutritional quality biomass and maximum productivity. Objective. To evaluate the nutrient production of African Stargrass with five regrowth periods by integrating biomass and nutritional data to establish harvest periods in cut-and-carry systems. Materials and methods. The study was carried out from August through December 2018 at the Dairy Cattle Experimental Station Alfredo Volio Mata (EEAVM), Ochomogo, Cartago. The effect of five regrowth periods (treatments = 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days) on the green and dry biomass production, nutritional quality, and effective nutrients production per hectare of African Stargrass was evaluated. The total biomass was measured for each plot, and the nutritional quality was obtained through the contents of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The analysis of total effective nutrients production per hectare was performed by integrating nutritional components and biomass production. Results. Fresh and dry biomass increased with increasing regrowth stage. The fresh biomass showed differences greater than 4000.00 kg fresh matter.ha-1 per cycle between the highest and lowest treatments. Dry matter yield at 35 days’ regrowth turned out 10 times higher than 7 days’. The crude protein content was greater in treatments with less days of regrowth. No significant differences were found in dry matter, fiber, and digestibility among treatments. Conclusion. The greatest supply of effective nutrients from African Stargrass harvested at 35 days evidenced the importance of integrating biomass and nutritional quality for pasture management under cut-and-carry systems.
Copyright (c) 2022 Adriel Jacoc Ferrufino-Suárez, David Mora-Valverde, Luis A. Villalobos-Villalobos (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Control of Sclerotium cepivorum and growth promotion in garlic (Allium sativum) whit antagonist microorganisms
Introduction. White rot produced by Sclerotium cepivorum causes losses greater than 50 % in garlic crops, the main control alternative is the application of chemical fungicides with limited efficacy, it is necessary to integrate alternatives that contribute to the development of disease management strategies. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of antagonistic microorganisms applied individually and as a mixture against S. cepivorum in garlic. Materials and methods. This research was carried out under controlled conditions at the Corporacion Colombiana de Investigacion Agropecuaria (AGROSAVIA), during 2019. The soil was artificially infested with sclerotia (10 sclerotia/g soil). The efficacy of the individual use and in mixtures under different drench applications frequencies of three antagonists Trichoderma koningiopsis, Trichoderma asperellum, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, strains Th003, Th034, and Bs006, respectively, in the control of S. cepivorum in garlic and in the promotion of plant growth expressed as root, bulb, and foliar dry weight was evaluated. Results. The highest efficacy, with 65 % in disease control was obtained when applying Th003 at sowing and 15 das and with 56 % when applying the mixtures of Th003 + Th034 at sowing, Th003 + Th034 at sowing, 15, 30, and 45 das, and Th003 + Bs006 at sowing, 15 and 30 das, while Tebuconazole presented an efficacy of 35 %. Conclusion. The application of antagonists individually or in mixtures at different frequencies reduced mortality due to white rot in garlic. A positive effect on garlic plants growth was observed with the application of Th003 + Bs006 strains at sowing, 15 and 30 das, Th003 at sowing, Th003 at sowing and 15 dad, and Th034 + Bs006 at sowing, with higher values of dry weight with respect to the control.
Copyright (c) 2022 Yimmy Alexander Zapata-Narváez, Magda Rocío Gómez-Marroquín (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Mineral profile of imported pet food in Costa Rica
Introduction. The mineral content in pet food is not always displayed on the label. It is important to know this information in order to assess the nutritional contribution of the food. Objective. To determine the content of Ca, P, K, Na, Mg, S, Cu, I, Fe, Mn, and Zn in 34 imported foods for dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, ornamental fish, and turtles, and to compare the results with the recommendations found in the literature. Materials and methods. During the months of August and December of 2018, ten samples were collected of dog and cat food, five for ornamental fishes, four for turtles, three for hamsters, and two for rabbits. These were acquired directly at different points of sale in the Greater Metropolitan Area, San Jose, Costa Rica. The samples were analyzed at the Animal Nutrition Research Center of the Universidad de Costa Rica. The minerals Ca, P, K, Mg, S, Cu, I, Fe, Mn, and Zn were quantified based on the methodology recommended by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The average content per feed group according to the animal species, standard deviation, maximum and minimum values were calculated compared with the nutritional recommendations for minerals found in the literature. Results. The foods studied met, on average, the mineral requirements for pets. Imbalances in Ca, P, and Mg content in the turtle foods, high iodine contents in dog foods, and unbalanced mineral relations were observed. Conclusions. A database was generated with average values and their dispersion in eleven minerals in 34 samples of commercial foods for seven companion animals in Costa Rica. Little information was available regarding the recommended upper limits and requirements in species such as hamsters, ornamental fish or turtles.
Copyright (c) 2022 André Cedeño-López, Rodolfo WingChing-Jones (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Morphometric subpopulations study of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus peruvianus) epididymal spermatozoa
Introduction. The study of the sperm morphometry of the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus peruvianus) allows to characterize the sperm cells of this species for conservation purposes. Objective. To determine the sperm subpopulations according to the morphometry of the epididymal spermatozoa of the white-tailed deer, using a CASA-Morph system. Materials and methods. The study was carried out in the second semester 2016, at the Universidad Nacional San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Peru. In semen samples obtained from the caudal end of the epididymis of two deer (two and four teeth), it was determined based on the CASA-Morph system, Integrated Semen Analysis System (ISAS¨v1): the length, width, area, perimeter, ellipticity, elongation, regularity, and roughness of the sperm head were determined, also, the width, area, distance, and midpiece insertion angle of the sperm. Principal components analysis (PCA) was performed and the non-hierarchical k-means model was applied to determine the optimal number of clusters. Results. The morphometric variables were distributed in five PCAs: ellipticity, size, circularity, midpiece insertion angle, which explained 81.24 % of the total variance. The Cluster analysis determined four subpopulations (SP), SP1 grouped large, elongated cells with high elongation and ellipticity (21.76 %), SP2 composed of small and thin spermatozoa both in the head and in the midpiece (37.7 %). The SP3 was related to the presence of elongated cells with high values of midpiece width, ellipticity, and elongation (17.7 %), and SP4 grouped spermatozoa with intermediate size of the head and the midpiece (22.84 %). Conclusion. The determination of four sperm subpopulations in white-tailed deer semen can be the basis of assisted reproduction programs for this species.
Copyright (c) 2022 Hernán Cucho, Gregorio Nina, Aydee Meza, Ruth Ccalta, César Ordóñez, Anthony Valverde (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Compositional quality of the silage of three cultivars of corn (Zea mays) from the Colombian high tropics
Introduction. The elaboration of high-quality corn-silage is a strategy to improve the efficiency of ruminant feeding systems. Objective. To evaluate the effect of cob proportion and sealing time on the compositional quality of silage of three maize cultivars in the Colombian high tropic, harvested in the reproductive phase of milky-pasty grain. Materials and methods. The experiment was conducted in 2017 in Mosquera, Colombia, with the cultivars Simijaca, Medellín, and Pionner. Experiment 1, four different proportions of cob were generated in the silage. Experiment 2, the biomass was ensiled at 0, 8 or 16 hours of wilted. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), starch, and neutral detergent (NDF) and acid detergent (ADF) fibers were determined. The dynamic of pH decrease was evaluated. The effect of cob proportion and wilting time on the DM, OM, and NDF digestibility was determined only in the Simijaca cultivar. Compositional quality and pH dynamics were analyzed using a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement, while digestibility was analyzed using a completely randomized design. Results. The Medellín cultivar showed lower cob proportion and starch concentration (11.9 %) (p<0.05) and a higher NDF content (51.7 %) (p<0.05). Greater cob content increased starch concentration, energy, and digestibility (p<0.05), and reduced (p<0.05) the final pH value (3.69). Wilted time increased DM, NDF (p<0.05) and final pH value and rate of pH decline, but did not change DM, OM, and NDF digestibility. Conclusion. Using corn silage with more than 66% of cob and rapidly sealing the biomass of the Simijaca and Pioneer cultivars improved the fermentation conditions and compositional quality.
Copyright (c) 2022 Edgar A. Mancipe-Muñoz, Javier Castillo-Sierra, Juan de J. Vargas-Martínez, Yesid Avellaneda-Avellaneda (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Antioxidant capacity and proximal analysis of Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal and Chenopodium quinoa Willdenow nectar-based
Introduction. Several studies have shown that the fruit of cocona and quinoa seeds have good levels of nutritional and functional compounds, as well as great versatility for food preparation. Objective. To determine the taste attribute preference, the physicochemical profile and the antioxidant capacity of the nutraceutical drink nectar based on S. sessiliflorum Dunal (cocona) enriched with Chenopodium quinoa Willdenow (quinoa). Materials and methods. A nectar was prepared with cocona pulp and quinoa seeds variety INIA 415 Pansakalla, under the Peruvian Technical Standard (NTP 203.110 2009) with fruits collected between February and March 2019, in the town center of Santa Rosa, Inambari district, Tambopata province, department of Madre de Dios, Peru. A sensory panel of forty people evaluated the flavor attribute, the proximal composition was determined by standardized methods and antioxidant capacity by ABTS methodology. Results. The most preferred nectar contained 73 % cocona pulp and 7 % cooked quinoa, the addition of quinoa increased the macronutrient content by 42 %, as well as the antioxidant capacity by 20 %. The cooked quinoa grains presented double the antioxidant capacity compared to cocona fruit. A low-calorie beverage was obtained (49.3 kcal/100 g) and enriched with bioactive compounds of high antioxidant capacity. Conclusions. The formulation with the highest acceptance according to the flavor attribute, physicochemical profile, and antioxidant capacity of the beverage was the one containing a proportion of 73 % cocona pulp and 7 % cooked quinoa grains, a beverage that met the regulatory requirements and could contribute to maintain and improve health.
Copyright (c) 2022 Rosel Quispe-Herrera, Yolanda Paredes Valverde, Jhon Rony Roque Huamani (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of whole, skimmed and lactose-free goat and bovine milks
Introduction. The characterization and diversification of goat dairy products is very important to strengthen this incipient productive sector. Objective. To compare the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of whole, skimmed and lactose-free cow and goat milks, as well as their combinations. Materials and methods. In San Jose, Costa Rica, between January and December of 2015, the contents of fat (F), non-fatty solids (NFS), acidity, protein, density, pH, viscosity, and color of the types of milk mentioned were evaluated. Also, a generic descriptive sensory analysis and a general liking test were carried out. Results. Whole goat milk presented higher values of NFS, density and acidity, and lower pH, being whiter than bovine milk, with a similar viscosity. The removal of lactose did not affect viscosity; this factor interacted with the type of milk, but did not affect the fat and protein contents. There was an interaction between the type of milk and the modifications made for the color parameters. The panelists detected significant differences for all the attributes in the products except for the acid aroma. The presence of three clusters was established for the liking test, composed by 37.4 %, 28.8 %, and 34.5 % of the judges. The first and second showed a preference for whole and whole lactose-free cow’s milk and the third for whole and whole-lactose-free cow’s and goat’s milk. The lowest overall liking was for both skimmed and lactose-free bovine and goat samples. Conclusions. The skimming and lactose removal process modified the milk at the physicochemical level, the goat milks with the highest liking were whole and whole lactose-free; the lowest overall liking was for those skimmed-lactose-free in both species.
Copyright (c) 2022 María Laura Álvarez-Figueroa, María Lourdes Pineda-Castro, Alejandro Chacón-Villalobos, Elba Cubero-Castillo (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
High-resolution melting curve analysis to identify sex in papaya (Carica papaya L.)
Introduction. The sexing of papaya plants (Carica papaya L.) in commercial plantations is usually done visually once the plant emits the flower. There are also biotechnological procedures such as the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), used to detect the sex of papaya at early ages, however, both methods mentioned above present a series of drawbacks, among them false positives. Objective. To identify sex in papaya seedlings using SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) markers with a high precision. Materials and Methods. The research was carried out at the Fabio Baudrit Moreno Agricultural Experiment Station of the Universidad de Costa Rica, during the months of February to October, 2020. Eight SNP markers were evaluated in papaya plants of known sex using the HRMA (acronym in English: High Resolution Melting Analysis) technique, the best one was chosen and reevaluated in two populations of the genetic improvement program of this crop, then the sexed plants were sown in the field to compare the molecular sexing with the current field sexing. Results. Several of the SNP markers evaluated were polymorphic and could be used to identify sex in papaya, however, the marker CpSERK_HRM_34704 was the one that most closely matched the selection criteria. Conclusion. In the case of the papaya hybrid Pococi and related breeding populations, the marker CpSERK_HRM_34704 showed 100 % precision between the molecular sexing of the seedlings in the nursery using the HRM technique and the current sex of the same plants planted in the field.
Copyright (c) 2022 Walter Barrantes-Santamaría, Elodia M. Sánchez-Barrante (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Pesticide residues in blackberries (Rubus glaucus Benth.) in the Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Introduction. The blackberry (Rubus glaucus) is a fruit very susceptible to contamination by pesticide residues during its production stage. For this reason, the analysis of pesticide residues in this fruit is important to promote processes that contribute to ensure its quality and safety. Objective. To analyze the pesticide residues in blackberry (Rubus glaucus) fruits obtained from production areas and wholesale markets in Valle del Cauca. Materials and methods. During the second semester of 2020 and the first semester of 2021, fifteen samples from two wholesale markets and fifteen samples of three production areas of Valle del Cauca were analyzed through a multi-residue analysis of pesticides by gas chromatography coupled with a mass selective detector (GC - MSD) and liquid chromatography with mass-to-mass spectrometry (LC-MS / MS). For this, the QuEChERS method was used and, in addition, an analysis of total dithiocarbamates by carbon disulfide (CS2) generation was performed. Results. Eight active ingredients were found in the production areas, of which four of them exceeded the maximum residue limits: chlorpyrifos, carbendazim, mandipropamid, and difenoconazole. In the market places, fourteen active ingredients were determined, which five exceeded the maximum residue limits: carbendazim, iprodione, tebuconazole, dimethomorph, and difenoconazole. Conclusion. These findings reflect the high residual pesticide residues in ready-to-eat blackberries and suggest the need for follow-up processes to help ensure the safety of the fruit throughout the production chain.
Copyright (c) 2022 Yorley Beatriz Lagos-Alvarez, Lizette Maritza Díaz-Ramírez, Jenny Marcela Melo-Velasco, Jhon Jairo Hurtado-Bermudez (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Nutritional composition, content of bioactive compounds, and hydrophilic antioxidant capacity of selected Costa Rican fruit
Introduction. The consumption of fruits and vegetables inversely correlates with the incidence of degenerative diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, and cataracts associated with aging, due to the action of bioactive compounds including vitamin C, polyphenols, and carotenoids. Objective. To evaluate the nutritional profile of eleven fruits grown in Costa Rica. Materials and methods. This study was carried out at the National Center for Food Science and Technology of the Universidad de Costa Rica, in 2010. The content of total dietary fiber, total polyphenols, reported as gallic acid equivalents (GAE), total carotenoids expressed as µg β-carotene, and the hydrophilic capacity for oxygen radical absorbance (H-ORACFL) of eleven traditional or underutilized fruits were determined: banana (Musa AAA subgroup Cavendish cv. ‘Grand Naine’), high altitude tropical blackberry (Rubus adenotrichos cv. ‘wine with red thorns’), melon (Cucumis melo cv. ‘Veracruz’), fig (Ficus carica cv. ‘Brown-Turkey’), mango (Mangifera indica cv. ‘Tommy Atkins’), papaya (Carica papaya hybrid ‘Pococí’), pejibaye (Bactris gasipaes HBK), pineapple (Ananas comosus cv hybrid MD-2 ‘Gold’), quince (Cydonia oblonga), jocote (Spondias purpurea cv. Tronador), and red tree tomato (Solanum betaceum). The fruits were collected in different locations in San Jose, Cartago, Alajuela, Guanacaste and Limon. Results. Six of the fruits studied presented dietary fiber contents between 4.2 and 6.6 g 100 g-1. The highland tropical blackberry presented the highest content of total phenolic compounds (538 ± 97 mg GAE 100 g-1) and the highest antioxidant activity (62.1 ± 4.0 μmol Trolox equivalents g-1) and the cooked pejibaye presented the highest content of carotenoids (72 ± 4 µg β-caroteno g-¹). Conclusion. The values of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds in the eleven fruits grown in Costa Rica represent valuable nutritional characteristics given the associated health benefits supported by clinical and epidemiological studies.
Copyright (c) 2022 María Laura Montero, Carolina Rojas-Garbanzo, Jessie Usaga, Ana M. Pérez (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Leaf Blight and Purple Seed Stain caused by Cercospora kikuchii in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.)
Introduction. Cercospora Leaf blight and Purple Seed Stain are diseases caused by Cercospora kikuchii that affect soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) worldwide and whose etiological agents are fungi classified in different species certain proximity. Objective. To provide an overview of the pathosystem of Cercospora Leaf blight and Purple Seed Stain caused by Cercospora kikuchii affecting soybean. Development. The degree of severity and/or incidence of both diseases varies in Argentina as well as in the rest of the world. Recent studies showed that there is great variability both morphologically and molecularly among C. kikuchii isolates obtained from petiole and seed in the northern, northern pampas, and southern pampas regions collected in the years 2015 and 2016. The chromosome-level genome of C. kikuchii is available. The genome assembly of 9 contigs is 34.44 Mb and the N50 is 4.19 Mb. Based on ab initio gene prediction, several pathogenicity-related candidate genes were identified, including 242 genes for putative effectors, 55 secondary metabolite gene clusters, and 399 carbohydrate-active enzyme genes. Conclusion. Cercospora Leaf Blight and Purple Seed Stain are endemic diseases in Argentina. The causal pathogen of both diseases shows great genetic and molecular variability in Argentina.
Copyright (c) 2022 M. Lavilla, A. Ivancovich, A. Díaz-Paleo (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Use of remote sensing in agriculture: Applications in banana crop
Introduction. Remote sensors offer the ability to observe an object without being in contact with it. They are widely used in agricultural applications and have large development potential in banana (Musa AAA) plantations. During the past decades, the research in remote sensing and agriculture has increased through the availability of high-resolution satellite images (spatial, spectral, and temporal) and the use of remotely piloted vehicles that generate base information for research. Objective. To carry out a general review on the applications of the use of remote sensors for banana plantations in three specific aspects: determination of the cultivation area, productivity estimation, and disease diagnosis. Development. The extension of land covered by commercial banana plantations can be detected visually or easily by means of remote image classifications, such as the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor, which hve resulted in classification accuracies of around 95%. This is due to the high backscattering of the large leaves of the plant. However, the studies on productivity are scarce for banana cultivation and have been limited to the use of vegetation index, showing poor results in their correlations. As for the identification of diseases, work has been done on the main diseases affecting production with correlation levels above 90 % for some diseases. Conclusion. This review shows that banana plantations can be detected through the use of remote sensors and, likewise, these allow the identification of the main diseases in the crop. However, the results obtained to determine productivity are scarce and with little precision.
Copyright (c) 2022 José A. Guzmán-Álvarez, Miguel González-Zuñiga, Jorge A. Sandoval Fernandez, Julio Cesar Calvo-Alvarado (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Recent advances to increase the shelf life and safety of packaged foods
Introduction. Food packaging has played an important and varied role, accordance with the requirements and demands of the market. Currently, these needs are focused on the goal of having safe and innocuous food for as long as possible. To this end, the study and development of new technologies for food packaging has been expanded, which provides the conditions and characteristics necessary to achieve the proposed objective. Objective. To present the most recent advances in the field of food packaging (active and intelligent). Development. This work presents different techniques and criteria that are considered used to propose the concept of active packaging. Gathering the necessary conditions for the supply or suppression of beneficial or harmful substances, contributing to the conservation and deterioration of the contained foods. In some cases, various compounds, mostly of natural origin, are incorporated to counteract the deterioration of food, such as antioxidants, antimicrobials, oxygen absorbers, carbon dioxide, and ethylene. At the same time, the technology known as intelligent packaging is presented, equipped with the necessary resources to monitor and interpret the internal state of the container, and with the ability to communicate this condition visually to be identified by consumers, merchants, and manufacturers. In both cases, the aim is to eliminate or delay the undesirable modification of food and its implications for human health. Conclusions. The generation of active and intelligent packaging represents an important innovation, which manages to increase the shelf life of food, in conditions suitable for consumption. Reaching a considerable economic impact of the sectors involved. These new developments require an individual evaluation of each specific food against the components used. To know the concentrations, according to the characteristic that is required to be controlled, and in this way, understand the possible interactions that can occur between the content and the container that contains
Copyright (c) 2022 Pablo Montero-Prado, Giancarlo Antonio Ruiz Morales (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Efficacy of post-emergent herbicides on Oryza latifolia Desv. (broadleaf rice) and selectivity to Palmar 18 rice
Introduction. Oryza latifolia Desv. is a problematic weed in rice plantations given the competition it exerts and the limited availability of herbicides for its control, which are selective to conventional rice varieties. Objective. To identify post-emergent herbicides effective against O. latifolia and selective to the Palmar 18 rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety. Materials and methods. From April to November 2019 at the Fabio Baudrit Moreno Agricultural Experimental Station, Alajuela, Costa Rica, two experiments were carried out in pots and under greenhouse conditions; in the first one, the herbicides fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 50, 70, 90 g a.i. ha-1, sethoxydim 125, 225, 325 g a.i. ha-1, and profoxydim 150, 200, 250 g a.i. ha-1, applied on O. latifolia plants with two to three leaves, were evaluated. An unrestricted randomized experimental design with ten treatments (a control without herbicide was included), and five replications was used. In the second experiment, the selectivity of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 50 g a.i. ha-1, sethoxydim 125 g a.i. ha-1, and profoxydim 150 g a.i. ha-1, was evaluated on the conventional variety Palmar 18 in 2-3 and 4-5 leaves. An unrestricted randomized design was used with a 3x2 factorial arrangement (three herbicides and two stages of development), two controls without herbicides and six replications. Results. All herbicides at the doses evaluated controlled between 96 and 100 % of O. latifolia. The herbicides profoxydim and sethoxydim showed to be selective to Palmar 18 rice, under the conditions in which the research was carried out, but not fenoxaprop, which caused severe damage to Palmar 18 rice plants. Conclusion. Profoxydim 150 g a.i. ha-1 and sethoxydim 125 g a.i. ha-1 were effective against O. latifolia and only caused slight temporary damage to the Palmar 18 rice variety.
Copyright (c) 2022 Grettel Picado-Arroyo, Franklin Herrera-Murillo (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Physical and chemical characterization of residual palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) biomass in the Peruvian Amazon
Introduction. The oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in the Peruvian Amazon has an installed production area of 72,861 ha, whose fruit processing generates solid residues such as the stalk and dry mesocarp. Objective. To determine the physicochemical characteristics of the residual biomass, stalk, and fruit fiber from palm oil extraction in the Peruvian Amazon, for its potential use in the elaboration of biodegradable materials. Materials and methods. During August to October 2020, 19.39 t/day of stalk and 13.05 t/day of oil palm fruit fiber were collected in Pucallpa, Neshuya District, Peru. Solubility analyzes in hot water and moisture were determined using the American standard test (American Society for Testing and Materials). The solubility in soda was obtained using the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry standard method. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and refractive index (RI) detector were used to determine cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Results. The physical properties of moisture (%) and solubility in soda (%) showed no differences between stalk and fiber. Both stalk and the fiber showed solubility in hot water, with values lower than 17 %. The chemical properties of the fiber were higher than those in the stalk, based on the percentage of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Conclusions. The physical and chemical results of oil palm stalk and fruit fiber would allow the development of appropriate technological processes for their conversion to biological products.
Copyright (c) 2022 Yanina Neyra-Vasquez, Grober Panduro-Pisco, Edgar Juan Díaz-Zúñiga, José Iannacone (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Determination of a diagrammatical severity scale for net blotch in malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Introduction. At present, the net blotch caused by Dreschlera teres in barley, does not have a visual scale to assess the severity of the disease in the field, therefore, the lack of a standard method for visual quantification of the disease can lead to imprecise estimates that induce to wrong conclusions. Objective. To develop a scale to assess the severity of net blotch in barley leaves. Materials and methods. One hundred leaves of different malting barley cultivars used in a trial at the experimental field of the Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, in the locality of Junin, Buenos Aires, Argentina, were collected in 2017, which presented different severity levels. The scale was determined with the following severity values: 1 %, 2.1 %, 4.5 %, 9.1 %, 17.8 %, 31.7 %, and 50 %. The validation of the proposed scale was carried out based on fifty barley leaves with different levels of net blotch severity, distributed to twenty evaluators without experience in estimating the damage from this disease. Validation was carried out by evaluating the severity of the leaves first without scale and then with the proposed scale. Statistical analyzes were performed using a t-test and simple linear regression. Results. The use of the scale improved the assessment of the severity in leaves with net blotch, because on average the slope of the regression of most of the evaluators increased by 15 % when they used the visual scale to evaluate the disease. Conclusion. The development of a scale to assess the severity of the net blotch in barley leaves was achieved.
Copyright (c) 2022 A. Petta, M. Lavilla (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Indicators of ecological sustainability for different agricultural sequences in the Pampean region of Argentina
Introduction. The intensification of agriculture with soybeans (Glycine max L.) as the main component of the productive system causes significant damage to the soil of Argentina and many other parts of the world. Objective. To evaluate the ecological sustainability of four agricultural sequences, under different management of their fallows. Materials and methods. The trial was carried out at the J. Hirschhorn Experimental Station of the Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (34º 52´ LS, 57º 58´ LO), Buenos Aires, Argentina, where since 2011 four crop sequences have been worked with and, as of 2015, with four different managements of its fallows (control, compost, cover crop without fertilizer and cover crop plus fertilizer). For the sustainability evaluation, five indicators were used: N, P, S, and carbon balance, as well as water use efficiency. The sustainability index was also calculated. Results. The barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) / soybean (Glicine max L.) 2nd - corn (Zea mays L.) - soybean - wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) sequence was the one with the highest sustainability under three of the four management systems. The sequence wheat / soybean 2nd - soybean - soybean - wheat was the one with the lest sustainability for all of the management approaches. Conclusion. The analyzed sequences presented differences in ecological sustainability, which indicates the importance of choosing its components in the search to improve the sustainability of agroecosystems. The use of cover crops in fallows improved sustainability, when associated with greater use of fertilizers and when it was not. The use of compost had a smaller immediate effect since only in the sequence with the highest frequency of soybeans did it produce improvements in sustainability.
Copyright (c) 2022 Silvina Golik, Adriana M. Chamorro, Rodolfo Bezus, Axel Voisin (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Effect of different ways of application of Quitomax® in the growth of corn
Introduction. Corn (Zea mays L.) is a highly-consumed cereal in the world, which requires adequate fertilization to cover its nutritional requirements. Quitomax¨ is a biostimulant that has been successfully used to stimulate the yield of different crops. Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the application of Quitomax¨ on the growth of the improved Francisco variety corn crop. Materials and methods. The study was carried out in experimental areas of the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (INCA) during 2018 and 2019, on a typical Ferralitic Red Leached eutric soil, with a randomized block experimental design with seven treatments and four replications. The Quitomax¨ treatments applied were: imbibition of the seeds for one hour at the concentrations of 0, 5 and 1 g L-1, foliar spray at the concentrations of 0, 5 and 1 g L-1, combination of both forms of application and concentrations, and a control. Yield and some of its components were evaluated. Results. The best results were obtained in the treatment that combined seed imbibition and foliar spraying (1 g L-1) (T6) of Quitomax¨, with a yield of 12 t ha-1, plant height (A.P) of 2.12 m, mean diameter of the ear (DMM), and diameter of the stem (D. T) of 50.74 mm and 30.62 mm, respectively, height of the upper ear (AMS) of 1.13 cm, number of grains per row (NGH) and per ear (NGM) of 32.27 and 455.33, respectively, 17.53 cm ear length (LM), one hundred grain mass (M100S) of 38.90 g and 175.46 g total grain mass (MTSM). This treatment improved the benefit/cost ratio, and showed higher profits, although it was the most expensive. Conclusions. Seed and foliar application of Quitomax¨ was effective in increasing the yield and its components in corn.
Copyright (c) 2022 Yaisys Blanco-Valdes, Omar Enrique Cartaya-Rubio, Meylen Espina-Nápoles (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Fique (Furcraea macrophylla) overturning and its agronomic repercussions
Introduction. Overturning is known as plant downfall, a phenomenon that affects the yield and quality of harvests in various crops. In Colombia, overturning has been evidenced in fique (Furcraea spp.) plantations, but its effects have been little studied. Objective. To determine overturning repercussions on fique plant growth and fiber production. Materials and methods. Twenty upright plants and twenty plants with overturning were evaluated under a completely randomized design in a forty-year-old crop in Totoro, Cauca, Colombia in March 2021. Growth, yield, and fiber length (LF) were evaluated. Additionally, the percentage of overturning and mortality was quantified through a random sampling of 166 plants. Results. The incidence of overturning was 58 %, of the overturned plants 23 % died due to stem rot. The overturning affected growth, reducing stem diameter (DT), leaf length (LH), leaf width (AH), total number of leaves (NTH) and the leaf length and width ratio (RLA) by 10, 23, 14, 39, and 10,5 %, respectively, compared to upright plants. Likewise, fiber length and yield decreased by 24 and 56 %, respectively. Conclusions. The overturning caused a greater affectation in fiber production than the reported by the macana virus, the most limiting disease of the crop. These findings highlighted the importance of seeking and implementing management strategies as a contribution to the sustainability of the chain in the country.
Copyright (c) 2022 Daniel Ortiz-González (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Effect of fertilization on rhizome and starch yield of achira (Canna edulis, Ker) in Nariño, Colombia
Introduction. In Colombia, achira (Canna edulis, Ker) starch production is important in the Andean zone, in the departments of Nariño, Huila, and Cundinamarca. Objective. To evaluate the effect of planting density and fertilization on achira starch and rhizome yield, and the relationship between them, in the department of Nariño, Colombia. Materials and methods. Between September 2016 and October 2017 trials were installed in two locations in the municipality of La Cruz Nariño, Colombia. With BCA design distributed in sub-sub-divided plots with the following treatments: the blocks were composed of two main plots corresponding to two regional cultivars of achira, the sub-plots corresponded to two planting densities 10,000 and 12,500 plants/ha and the sub-sub-plots corresponded to three levels of N, P2O5, and K2O with chemical source and organic fertilizer. Results. The rhizome yield was higher than the national average with all treatments; the best yield was obtained at the highest level of chemical fertilization. There was a better response of the purple cultivar with 6.15 t ha-1 of starch, 15 % more than the green cultivar and a 21 % higher starch/rhizome yield. With the highest planting density, 15 % more starch was obtained, and with organic fertilizer the starch yield was higher than the regional average, but 50 % lower than with chemical fertilization, with which an average of 6.23 t ha-1 was obtained. Conclusion. There was a response of the achira to the N-P-K application and the planting density on achira starch and rhizome yield, and the relationship between both, in addition a different agronomic response of the cultivars under the study conditions was found.
Copyright (c) 2022 Belisario Volveras-Mambuscay, Juan Fernando López-Rendón, Gonzalo Rodríguez-Borray (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Floral biology of Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr. accessions from Colombia’s germplasm bank
Introduction. The arracacha is a native Andean tuberous root, with higher productions in Brazil and Colombia. Among the limitations of the crop is the lack of information about reproductive biology (flowering and sexual seed production) stands out, which hinders the breeding of new varieties. The National Germplasm Bank System for Food and Agriculture (SBNAA) of Colombia, under the custody of the Corporacion Colombiana de Investigacion Agropecuaria (AGROSAVIA), conserves 71 accessions of Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr., where flowering is frequent in up to 10 % of them. Objective. To characterize the floral structure and describe the reproductive cycle of nine arracacha accessions that flowered between 2019 and 2020. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at La Selva Research Center, Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia, where the germplasm back is kept. The morphological characterization of the accessions was carried out by recording sixteen variables at the level of floral structure, in addition to monitoring the reproductive cycle. Results. Four groupings were obtained where the variables pollen color, anther color, petal color, plant height, number of staminate flowers, and number of seeds had the greatest contribution to the variability found. The floral reproductive cycle lasted 73 days on average, in which four phenophases were found: 1. umbel emergence, 2. style separation, 3. pollen shedding, and 4. fruit filling, with an average duration of 11, 3, 4, and 55 days, respectively. Among the factors that induced flowering in arracacha were: age, plant genetics, and climate. Conclusion. The floral structures and reproductive cycle of the nine accessions of arracacha that flowered between 2019 and 2020 were characterized.
Copyright (c) 2022 Luz Fanny Orozco-Orozco, Jaime Horacio López-Hoyos, Laura Beatriz Espitia-Negrete, Carlos Enrique Velásquez-Arroyo, Oscar Jair Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Johanna Paola Garnica-Montaña (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0