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
Agronomic response of Phaseolus vulgaris L. to VIUSID® Agro application and chemical fertilization
Introduction. The use of biostimulants has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance common bean productivity. Objective. To evaluate the effect of different chemical fertilization levels combined with foliar application of VIUSID¨®Agro on the morpho-productive variables of bean, as well as analyze their relationships through a multivariate approach. Materials and methods. Between December 2021 and March 2022, in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, an experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement and five replications and five replications. Three levels of chemical fertilization were combined with two doses of VIUSID®Agro to evaluate the morpho-productive variables. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA). Results. The application of V₂, compared with V₁, increased plant height by 14, 11, and 7%, leaf area by 22, 15, and 11%, fresh biomass by 17, 15, and 18%, and dry biomass by 12, 13, and 18% under Fq₃, Fq₂, and Fq₁, respectively. V₁ outperformed V₂ in reproductive performance, increasing the number of pods by 32, 25, and 15%, seed mass by 13, 8, and 10%, and grain yield by 17, 15, and 18% under Fq₃, Fq₂, and Fq₁, respectively. Yield was positively correlated with seed mass and number of pods, while the first two principal components explained more than 70 % of the total variability, indicating an integrated response of the production system. Conclusions. The application of VIUSID¨®Agro decreased fertilization by 25 % and increased bean productivity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jorge Félix Meléndrez Rodríguez, Alexander Calero Hurtado, Kolima Peña Calzada (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Sugar cane and by-products of the sugar agro-industry in ruminant feeding: A review
Introduction. Sugarcane tends to increase its production demands, considering the world macroeconomic perspectives, due to the high demand of sugar and molasses for agro-industrial production. Objective. The objective of this review was to determine the state of the art about the use of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) crop and by-products derived from its agro-industrial processing in ruminant feeding. Development. The sugarcane industry, as a species supplier of different raw materials and by-products resulting from the transformation to raw cane sugar or sugar, presents in the majority of countries dedicated to cultivation, some technological issues related mainly to the waste and wastage of bagasse, the cachaza and dehydrated cachaza. However, there are several studies showing the use of by-products in animal feed especially ruminants through various technologies, that improve the quality and availability of nutrients in them to be used by the animal. Conclusions. The sugarcane by-products have been used to make flours, silage, and supplementary blocks. This opens new paths for a sustainable and environmentally friendly production system. Furthermore, they allow to put aside the conception that was had in Colombia that the agro-industrial by-products were of low value and their obtaining generate a negative environmental impact.
Copyright (c) 2019 Elizabeth Lagos-Burbano, Edwin Castro-Rincón (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Fodder shrubs: relevance in cattle systems of Colombian low altitude lands
Introduction. Low tropics lands cattle, face the challenge to adapt the production systems to the climate change consequences, wich has generated longer dry seasons and more food shortage for the animals during these periods. Objective. The objective of this literature review was to collect and analyze research results on shrubs forage species Tithonia diverfisolia, Gliricidia sepium, Cratylia argentea, and Crescentia cujete as a strategy to improve the nutritional offer in livestock in the low tropics. Development. In Colombia, beef cattle production is mainly located in the low tropics, and usually have feeding problems due to poor grasses quality and low availability in drought period. Silvopastoral systems (SSP) contribute to improve the productive and reproductive performance of cattle, since they integrate trees and/or shrubs, and grasses, combining diverse forage strata, with a greater nutritional and forage offer than conventional systems. The shrubs T. diverfisolia, G. sepium, C. argentea, y C. cujete due to their multipurpose characteristics, biomass production, and adaptation to diverse climatic and edaphic conditions, have been used in grazing, fodder banks, live fences and forage conservation, e.g. silage. Conclusion. Due to their characteristics, uses, biomass production, and nutritional profile, it would be pertinent to evaluate the behavior of these species in feeding strategies in cattle farms under tropics conditions.
Copyright (c) 2019 eraldyn Argüello-Rangel, Liliana Mahecha-Ledesma, Joaquín Angulo-Arizala (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
In situ characterization of the ackee (Blighia sapida) and its commercial potential in Costa Rica
Introduction. The ackee, Blighia sapida, is a tree native to the African continent and in Costa Rica the fruits are consumed mainly by Afro-descendants living in the Atlantic. Objective. The objective of this work was to describe the geographical distribution, phenotypic diversity and management of the ackee crop in the Huetar Atlantic Region of Costa Rica. Materials and methods. A vegetative and reproductive prospection and characterization was carried out, in addition to the measurement of the yield index (IR) of ackee materials in the Region, between 2015 and 2016. Results. Sixty-six trees growing along the Route 32 and the road to the South Atlantic, were evaluated. The cantons with the highest number of genotypes were Siquirres and Limon. The great majority of these materials were found growing near the houses, which denotes a rooting of this species in the local culinary culture. Of the forty genotypes characterized, little phenotypic variability was found in the vegetative characters. As for the fruits, they showed greater diversity, with variation in the weight, size, color and number, and weight and firmness of the arils. A 86.9 % of the genotypes presented arils with firm consistency before and after the cooking test. IR values were between 8 and 20, with the best genotypes having an index close to 8. The agronomic management of the trees in terms of fertilization, pruning, pests and pathogens, control is almost non-existent. Conclusion. It is suggested to validate the use of the trees selected for their good productive performance, and to create the bases to establish the simple agronomic management, which includes the use of fertilization, pruning, higher planting densities, among other tasks, and measure the impact on the productivity and quality of the fruits of this species.
Copyright (c) 2019 Patricia Quesada-Rojas, Walter Barrantes-Santamaría (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Technical and economic characterization of lamb meat production in Córdoba, Colombia
Introduction. The knowledge of the biophysical, technological, and economic variables of lamb production systems represents valuable elements to delve into the productive characterization and analysis of the species. Objective. The aim of this study was to characterize technically and economically, the lamb meat production system in the department of Córdoba, Colombia, to generate a baseline that allows comparing technological options with local technology. Materials and methods. The information was obtained from a fieldwork carried out in four productive units with 108 male lambs under semi-extensive management. The data were obteined between January to September 2018. Structured surveys, as well as statistical techniques were applied, including central tendency and dispersion measures. For the economic analysis a cost pattern was used for each productive unit and the calculation of return indicators such as the internal rate of return and the net present value. The technical coefficients were analyzed economically. Results. The daily weight gains were 80-132 g day-1, with an average weight per animal of 31.7±3.2 kg. Meat production was 18.450 kg. The best gains of daily weight (p<0.0001) and final weight were observed in the Campanario farm with 33.47±4.1 kg as a response to the technical management that generated greater productive units and higher incomes. The average unit cost was USD$1.05 kg-1, the profitability of 28%, and the internal rate of return was 4.5 %. Conclusions. The production systems evaluated were profitable with the capacity to recover the investment. The analysis of marketing margins showed the inequality in the producers’ participation in the value paid by the consumer for the product since they receives only 18 cents for each monetary unit paid the rest is captured by the intermediation.
Copyright (c) 2019 Lorena Inés Mestra-Vargas, Antonio María Martínez-Reina, Martha Oliva Santana-Rodríguez (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Native lactic acid bacteria as a starter culture for the production of Mexican cream cheese
Introduction. The bacterial starter cultures are successfully used in the production of artisan cheeses, since they help to maintain sui generis sensory characteristics, as well as controlling the presence of pathogens. It has been reported that natives strains are the best options to perform this function. Objective. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of the addition of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from the traditional process of cheese making, as a starters in the manufacture of cream cheese from pasteurized milk. Materials and methods. The research was done in the Ocosingo city, Chiapas, Mexico, during the months of February to November from 2016. 37 strains with different morphology were isolated, from milk, cheese and whey, of which 21 were Gram positive, catalase and peroxidase negative. For their acidifying capacity, eight strains were selected, with which six treatments were formulated (combinations of three strains). Results. The treatment that was most accepted by consumers was restructured into three new treatments (three combinations of two strains). Of these new treatments, that one (T8) where two LABs (2S and 30Q) were combined was similar in color, firmness and fat content to the control (cream cheese made with unpasteurized milk). Although they were slightly different in protein, moisture and ash content, however, expert panelists found no significant differences (proof of discrimination A not A) between the T8 cream cheese and the control. This same treatment promoted microbiological counts (aerobic mesophilic, total coliforms, and molds and yeasts) lower than those established by the sanitary standards. Conclusion. The use of BAL 2S and 30Q as starter culture allowed a cream cheese to be obtained from pasteurized milk with similar characteristics to traditional cream cheese, besides microbiologically safe.
Copyright (c) 2019 Rodrigo Cobo-Monterroza, Raymundo Rosas-Quijano, Didiana Gálvez-López, Lourdes Adriano-Anaya, Alfredo Vázquez-Ovando (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Effect of nitrogen and phosphate fertilization on perennial ryegrasses and red clovers
Introduction. Specialized dairy systems are forage based, which makes necessary to generate recommendations that promote the efficient and sustainable use of this resource. Objective. The objective of this work was to evaluate increasing levels of nitrogen and phosphate fertilization on forage yield and compositional quality of ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and red clovers (Trifolium repens). Materials and methods. In September 2016, two perennial ryegrasses plots and two red clovers were established in two Colombian departments (Boyacá and Cundinamarca), in 4 m2. The first one received 0, 50, 100 or 150 kg N ha-1; and 0, 25 or 50 kg P2O5 ha-1; and the second one received 0, 12.5, 25 or 37.5 P2O5 ha-1. After the establishment period (120 days) and a uniform cut, forages were harvested at 21, 35 and 49 regrowth days, during two evaluation periods (April-May and June-July 2017). The variables were evaluated through a split-plot design with repeated measures. Results. Nitrogen fertilization increased (p<0.05) dry matter yield, chlorophyll and crude protein concentration; and decreased neutral detergent fiber. Phosphatic fertilization did not modify (p>0.05) ryegrass and clover yield and composition. Furthermore, the extension in the age of regrowth increased (p<0.05) the concentration of components less soluble in clovers and ryegrass, which are related to the lower nutritional value. Conclusion. The application of increasing levels of nitrogen, but not phosphorus, elevated the production and quality of ryegrasses. Phosphorus application did not modify clovers yield nor composition.
Copyright (c) 2019 Andrea Sierra-Alarcón, Yesenia Moreno-Oviedo, Edgar A. Mancipe-Muñoz, Yesid Avellaneda-Avellaneda, Juan de J. Vargas-Martínez (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Mechanical removal of senescent material for pasture recovery
Introduction. The accumulation of senescent material in tropical pastures is the result of high biomass production and low level of utilization. By removing senescence pastures, cattle can graze at lower levels, allowing regrowth with higher nutrient content. Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of African stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst.) and Mombasa (Megathyrsus maximus Jacq.) to removal of senescent material based on its structural components, biomass and nutrient content. Materials and methods. This experiment was carried out between April to August 2017 in two farms, one located in Turrialba, Cartago, and the other in San Carlos, Alajuela. A chi-squared design was used to evaluate the removal of senescent material versus the respective controls. Results. Senescence grass removal increased the proportion of leaves in both kinds of grasses. Yielded biomass in senescence material removal plots had higher protein and lower cell wall content, producing more digestible forage. The structural changes had a longer duration in the Mombasa grass, which was attributed to the diffrerences in plant architecture with respect to the Star grass. Conclusion. Removing senescent material from tropical pastures is a strategy to modify the structure and enhance the nutritional value of dry matter yield. Both the type of system and grazing intensity may contribute to reducing senescence accumulation, increasing the nutritive value of forages in the long term.
Copyright (c) 2019 Luis A. Villalobos-Villalobos, Rodolfo WingChing-Jones (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Evaluation of arboreal and shrub strata in a silvopastoral system in Colombian high Andean tropics
Introduction. Silvopastoral systems are presented as an alternative for the sustainable use of natural resources, so there is a need to identify potential species for their establishment in the high tropics. Objective. The objective was to evaluate the initial growth of eight woody species in a silvopastoral design for water source protection. Materials and methods. The study was carried out in the Obonuco research center of Corporacion Colombiana de Investigacion Agropecuaria (Pasto, Colombia) between September 2017 and June 2018. A randomized block design was developed in a factorial arrangement, where tree/bush species differentiated by their growth habit interacted (high stratum: Cedrela montana, Quercus humboldtii, Ficus andicola; middle stratum: Salix babylonica, Alnus acuminata, Smallanthus pyramidalis; lower stratum: Morella pubescens and Sambucus nigra) and altitude (2750, 2770 and 2800 masl) with four repetitions to evaluate morphometric variables and seedling quality. Results. In the variable height the best behavior was presented in Ficus andicola at 2750 masl with 191.37 cm and Alnus acuminata at 2800 masl with 181.83 cm. In stem diameter Ficus andicola stood out at 2750 masl with 42.98 mm, Smallanthus pyramidalis at 2800 masl with 37.24 mm, and Sambucus nigra at 2800 masl with 8.16 mm. The number of regrowths did not show a significant effect of the interaction, and as seedlings, Quercus humboldtii at 2750 and 2700 masl and Ficus andicola at 2750 masl showed the best quality of individuals; while Cedrela montana showed mortality at the three altitudes evaluated. Conclusions. Native species stood out for their adaptibility, reflected in fast and optimal growth and development, which evidences its great potential to be evaluated in silvopastoral systems in an associated way to decide its multiple benefits and potential contribution to the sustainable development of the livestock in the region.
Copyright (c) 2019 Laura Dayana Escobar-Pachajoa, Carolina Guatusmal-Gelpud, Diego Hernán Meneses-Buitrago, Juan Leonardo Cardona-Iglesias, Edwin Castro-Rincón (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Grazing intensity on the lipid profile in bovine milk in the Colombian dry tropic
Introduction. It has been suggested that the lipid profile in bovine milk affects human health, and it has been identified that conjugated linoleic acid (C9 t11 ALC) could have anticarcinogenic effects.In the high tropics the effect of feeding on lipid profile of milk has been investigated, but few studies have been done in the low tropics. Objective. The objective was to evaluate the effect of three grazing intensities (1, 2 and 3 animals ha-1) in Guinea cv Tanzania (Megathyrsus maximus) on the production, composition and lipid profile in the milk of cross breed cows in different thirds of lactation. Materials and methods. From september to october 2013, two groups of nine animals (three cows in each third of lactation) were selected, and one cow per third of lactation was assigned to each grazing intensity (treatment), during 42 days of evaluation in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin Square design. Results. Milk production did not differ (p>0.05) among treatments and was higher (p<0.05) in cows in early lactation. The treatments did not affect (p>0.05) the composition of the milk, but solids and fat concentration tended (p<0.10) to increase with third of lactation. Bovine milk fat in pasture managed with grazing intensity of 2.0 and 3.0 animals ha-1 had a higher (p<0.05) concentration of CLA (c9 t11) and of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than when the grass was managed with 1.0 animal ha-1. The third of lactation did not influence (p>0.05) the concentration of CLA (c9 t11) and PUFA. Conclusion. Management of the cv Tanzania with grazing intensities of 2.0 and 3.0 animals ha-1 resulted in the highest levels of CLA (c9 t11) and PUFA in milk fat, which could have positive effects on human health.
Copyright (c) 2019 José Edwin Mojica-Rodríguez, Edwin Castro-Rincón, Juan Evangelista Carulla-Fornaguera, Carlos Eduardo Lascano-Aguilar (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Emission of greenhouse gases in the soil under the green manure effect
Introduction. Soil management practices in agroecosystems, such as the use of green manures (GM), positively affect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Objective. The objective of the research was to evaluate CO2,CH4, and N2O emission of a soil cultivated with corn and soybean under the use of green fertilizers, fallow (B), and nitrogen fertilization. Materials and methods. Between July 2011 and June 2012, in a Typic Haplustert located in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, corn and soybeans were planted in a intervleaved manner, and the monocultures of corn and soybeans were managed in a conventional manner. The association between Mucuna pruriens var. utilis and maize was established as GM, ninety days after sowing, the total residues were incorporated as GM or disposed on the soil surface as organic mulch (AO). Eleven treatments were used under the design of randomized complete blocks, with 32 + 2 factorial arrangement, with three repetitions. The main plots were GM, AO and B. Each was divided into sub-plots corresponding to compost fertilization, industrial chemical synthesis fertilizer and no additions. In the flowering and grain filling stage of the crops, variables such as N2O, CH4, CO2 and total water-filled porosity were analyzed. Results. CO2 flow was higher in the intercrops added with GM/AO compared to monocultures. In the main plots, the use of industrial chemical synthesis fertilizers significantly stimulated N2O and CH4 fluxes. Conclusion. The use of high quality organic materials such as GM/AO did not ensure GHG sink soils in the short-term, since soil conditions and nitrogen fertilization significantly influenced emissions.
Copyright (c) 2019 Breno Augusto Sosa-Rodrigues, Yuly Samanta García-Vivas (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Heat stress and blood-sucking diptera count in multi-level silvopastoral systems
Introduction. Silvopastoral systems are livestock scheme production schemes with the potential to mitigate the negative effect of the environment on animal productivity. Objective. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of multi-stratum silvopastoral systems on heat stress and the population of hematophagous dipterans in beef cattle. Materials and methods. Between May and October 2014, in the Turipaná research center in Córdoba, Colombia, the behavior of Cebu Brahman and Romosinuano animals was analyzed in two silvopastoral arrangements (aSSP) with diversity in their composition and plant stratification (p-Arbust with two strata and p-Arbust-Arbor with three strata) and in a treeless prairie, with a random complete block design. In each treatment, the environmental temperature (TA) and relative humidity (RH) were evaluated, and a temperature-humidity index (ITH) was constructed. In animals the skin temperature (TP) and respiratory rate (FR) were evaluated at two hours of the day (6:00 and 13:00), and hematophagous diptera (CDH) were counted between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. The data were submitted to a variance analysis for mixed models in the variables TA, HR, TP and ITH and generalized mixed models for CDH and FR. Results. The environmental variables were influenced by multiple factors including: the change in sampling schedules, and the silvopastoral arrangement. The highest environmental load (ITH) was observed during the afternoon, an evaluation that significantly influenced the response in FR with increases that reached 2.1 times more in the Pasto treatment, against 0.8 in p-Arbust-Arbor. Conclusions. The aSSP evaluated presented comparative advantages against the reduction of heat stress and the count of hematophage flies under conditions of the middle valley of the Sinu River. The aSSP p-Arbust managed to keep fly counts lower over time.
Copyright (c) 2019 Wilson Andrés Barragán-Hernández, Juan Carlos Benavidez-Cruz, Aldemar Zúñiga-López, Amado Espitia-Pacheco, Jaime Cardozo-Cerquera (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Heat stress effect on dairy cattle production in Costa Rica
Introduction. Dairy production in tropical zones is characterized by a high dependence on the forage resource, which makes it sensitive to climatic variables of which there is limited information on their effect on the performance of specialized dairy breeds. Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between temperature and humidity index (THI) and daily milk production (kgl) of cows breeds Holstein, Jersey, and their crosses. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the northern and central regions of Costa Rica, with data collected between 1990 and 2015. THI values were obtained using linear predictive models and spatial autocorrelation models, applied to 3,547 monthly records of maximum temperature and relative humidity from seventeen weather stations. 6,478,582 kgl records from 418 dairy herds were analyzed, using a generalized mixed linear model (GLMM), which considered the fixed effects of breed, year and month, birth number, lactation stage, breed × lactation stage, ENSO (Effect “El Niño”), ITH and breed×ITH, in addition to a random effect of the cow. Results. All factors had a highly significant effect (p<0.0001) on kgl. For the ITH range between 72-88, linear reductions of 0.41 (r2=0.94), 0.36 (r2=0.95) and 0.29 (r2=0.82) kg day-1 were estimated for Holstein, Holstein×Jersey and Jersey, respectively. No significant trends were observed for kgl when ITH <72. The economic losses attributable to the greater stress exposure in the north compared to the central region were estimated at $680, $587 and $477 per lactation and cow for Holstein, Holstein×Jersey and Jersey, respectively. Conclusion. There was an inverse relationship between temperature and humidity index and milk production in Holstein, Jersey and crossbreed cows for this tropical region.
Copyright (c) 2019 Juan Ismael Ruiz-Jaramillo, Bernardo Vargas-Leitón, Sergio Abarca-Monge, Hugo G. Hidalgo (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Productivity and quality of male green asparagus in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Introduction. In asparagus cultivation, as it is a perennial productive alternative, evaluation is required to know the response of different genotypes to the area in which are being introduced. Objective. The aim of the present work was to determine the productivity of seven Italian male hybrids and an American control of green asparagus from an adult plantation in its stage of stable productivity. Materials and methods. The study was carried out in Azul, Argentina (19/8/2016-17/11/2016), where the following genotypes were evaluated: Italo, Zeno, Eros, Ercole, H-668, Marte, Giove, and the control UC-157. Large and small seedling and two cutting lengths (22 and 17 cm) were compared. The variables were: total fresh commercial productivity of long and short spears, number of long and short total commercial spears, mean weight of long and short spears, calibre distribution: very small (asparagina) (A<6 mm), small (S; 6-9 mm), medium (M; 9-12 mm), large (L; 12-16 mm), extra-large (XL; 16-18 mm) and giant (J; >18 mm), and the defects: very short spears, sprouted spears, plague damaged spears and other such as twisted, double or diseased spears. Data were analysed by ANOVA (p³0.05) and Fisher’s restricted LSD test. Results. The average first quality commercial production achieved with both harvested lengths was 4.41 t ha-1 (37 % short and 63 % long spears). Seventeen spears were obtained per plant (44 % short and 56 % long spears). In number of total commercial spear (267,189 spears ha-1), Ercole, Giove, Eros, and H-668 exceeded the mean. The genotypes with the highest commercial productivity were Giove and Ercole, while by number of spears Eros and H-668. The main defect was sprouting (93 %). Conclusions. In order to optimize the commercial yield and minimize the sprouting defect, it is suggested to harvest daily and to use two cutting lengths to increase commercial spear percentage.
Copyright (c) 2019 Ana María Castagnino, Karina Elizabeth Díaz, Andrea Paola Guisolis, William John Rogers, Agostino Falavigna, María Belén Rosini (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Variability of the total oil content and fatty acid profile of creole avocados from Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Introduction. The State of Nuevo Leon is considered the depositary of a wide genetic diversity of creole avocados (Persea americana var drimyfolia). Objective. The aim of this work was to determine the variability of the total oil content and the fatty acids profile in creole avocados from Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Materials and methods. During the spring and summer of 2016, 36 varieties of creole avocados were collected in the northern and southern region of the State of Nuevo Leon, Mexico for chemical characterization. The commercial variety “Hass” was included as a control. To determine the variability that exists in the content of total oils and fatty acids in the collected materials, analyzes of the main components and conglomerates were carried out. Results. Six fatty acids were detected in the total oil of the creole avocados: palmitic, stearic, oleic, palmitoleic, linoleic and linolenic. The outstanding varieties were “Platano temprano”, “Platano delgado”, “Huevo de toro”, “Cuerno”, “Pato”, and “Especial”, which presented an average of 17.28, 24.93 and 66.29 % more in the content of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids respectively, and an average of 28.12 % less stearic acid compared to the commercial variety “Hass”. According to the analysis of main components, materials with high oleic acid content usually have low palmitic and palmitoleic acid contents. The dendrogram presented six groups within the evaluated materials, most of the outstanding materials are located in groups one and four. Conclusion. High variability in the content of total oils and fatty acids was determined in creole avocados from Nuevo Leon. Therefore, they are considered promising for their incorporation into genetic improvement programs.
Copyright (c) 2019 Efraín Acosta-Díaz, María Genoveva Álvarez-Ojeda, Salvador Horacio Guzmán-Maldonado, Isidro Humberto Almeyda-León (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Retention of Vanilla planifolia Jacks ex Andrews fruits with growth regulators
Introduction. The vanilla production in Mexico has decreased by 70 % in the last fifteen years, due to the fall of its fruits. This occurs in extreme climatic conditions when the temperature is higher than 32 °C and the relative humidity is less than 80 %. Objective. The objective was to determine the effect of some commercial growth regulators (GR) on the retention of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Jacks ex Andrews) fruits Mansa cultivar. Materials and methods. The study was carried out in 2016 in the Tecolutla Municipality, Veracruz, Mexico. The treatments evaluated were: aminoethoxyvinylglycine hydrochloride (AVG; 250 ppm), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (ANA; 27 ppm), benzyl-adenine (BA; 150 ppm), forchlorfenuron (CPPU; 5 ml l-1 of water), 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D; 32 ppm), 2,4-D (32 ppm) + CPPU (5 ml l-1 of water) and control, which consisted of applying only one acidifier (8 ml in 10 l of water). Treatments were applied three times to the same fruits, at 6, 20 and 31 days after the last flowers pollinated by bunch. Results. All GR retained more labelled fruits than the control. Treatments 2,4-D and 2,4-D + CPPU retained more fruits per raceme and produced significantly longer fruits than the control. In addition, the 2,4-D + CPPU mixture produced fruits with larger diameter than the control. The growth regulators AVG, ANA BA and CPPU did not differ in the number of labelled fruits, fruits per raceme, fruit length, and fruit diameter. Conclusion. GR had a positive effect on vanilla fruit retention, mainly the 2,4-D + CPPU mixture with which more labelled fruits and per bunch were obtained compared to the control. The use of GR was effective in reducing vanilla abortion.
Copyright (c) 2019 Juan Hernández-Hernández, Sergio Alberto Curti-Díaz, Ángel Ríos-Utrera (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Evaluation of irrigation and pruning on the phenology and yield of Theobroma cacao L.
Introduction. It is believed that only 0.5 % of the area planted worldwide with cocoa is irrigated. Water availability influences the rate of expansion of the tree canopy and thus light interception. Another extremely important factor is pruning, which influences the production of floral sprouts that will give rise to new fruits, influencing productivity. Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of drip irrigation and pruning on the performance, phenology and phytosanitary behavior of cacao trees. Materials and methods. The study was developed between 2015 and 2016 in the Cauca department, Colombia. The six-year-old trees were subjected to two watering layers: L-100 % and L-0 % and two pruning levels: soft and strong. Total number of fruits, number of healthy and sick fruits, kg of wet and dry cocoa, fruit index and seed index, longitudinal and equatorial diameters and incidence of Moniliopthora roreri, Phytophthora palmivora and Monalonion dissimulatum were evaluated. The growth and development curves of the fruit throughout time were built. An experimental design of complete random blocks was used in an arrangement of divide plots. Results. Fruit index varied from 22 (T2) up to 33 fruits (T3), the seed index varied from 0.91 g (T4) to 1.14 g (T2). There were no other significant results for other variables. Conclusion. From a technical and economic point of view an optimal response to the interaction of irrigation with the two levels of pruning was observed because, with a timely application of watering and an adequate pruning management, crop performance can be increased, harvests can be programmed and better quality fruits can be obtained.
Copyright (c) 2019 Diego Hernán Meneses-Buitrago, Martha Marina Bolaños-Benavides, Luis Fernando Gómez-Gil, Housseman Steven Ramos-Zambrano (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Potential distribution and fundamental niche of Moniliophthora spp in cocoa of America and Africa
Introduction. Moniliophthora spp. species are endemic from South America and infect America’s cocoa crops. Objetive. The objective of the study was to analyze the potential distribution and the fundamental niche of Moniliophthora roreri (Mr) and M. perniciosa (Mp) in America and Africa. Materials and methods. The occurrence records were obtained from a bibliographic review. Bioclimatic variables were used as predictors in the maximum entropy niche model (MaxEnt) and for its visualization in Niche Analyst 3.0. Results. The areas where Mr was most likely to occur were Esmeraldas and Los Ríos, Ecuador, coastal zones of Costa Rica, Santander and Antioquia of Colombia, and for Mp the States of Bahia and Acré of Brazil. The variables that most influenced the distribution of Mr are those associated with precipitation. Temperature-related conditions were more important in the Mp model. The risk of Mr invasion was identified in the Acre and Pará regions, Brazil. The transfer of the models evidenced the potential of Mr and Mp invasion in cocoa crops in Africa. The fundamental niche of pathogens and cocoa showed average similarity values, while the niche of fungal species showed a low similarity. Low pathogen niche similarity and differences in bioclimatic variables affecting pathogens distribution were related to a process of niche partitioning. Conclusion. Geographical regions with a greater potential distribution of pathogens and bioclimatic characteristics that would favor their probability of presence in America’s cocoa crops were identified. It is necessary to regulate the transport of contaminated plant material and equipment between regions to avoid the introduction of pathogens in healthy cocoa crops.
Copyright (c) 2019 Julián Esteban Másmela-Mendoza (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Beauveria bassiana with flupyradifurone for the control of Trialeurodes vaporariorum Vuill in French beans crop
Introduction. Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) is one of the main pests of the French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), legume for consumption in inmature pods, and is a vector of the golden mosaic virus, which affects the quality and yield of the crop reaching losses of up to 100%, being difficult to control because many chemicals no longer control the pest. The French bean within the non-traditional products in Guatemala, occupies the second place in the export. Ensuring a good phytosanitary management with low chemical load by pesticides are important factors to be able to export it. Objective. The objective of the investigation was to determine the effectiveness of the combination between Flupyradifurone and Beauveria bassiana for the control of whitefly in French bean cultivation. Materials and methods. The study was conducted from February to December 2018 in Parramos, Chimaltenango, Guatemala. Seven plots of 100 m² were established corresponding to each treatment. Weekly, whiteflies were sampled during two cultivation cycles, and natural enemies of these were also collected on each plot. Three applications of each treatment were made in each crop cycle, and the plants were sampled divided into three strata (high, medium, low). Results. The treatments that showed the best control of the whitefly population (nymphs and adults) when performing the Tukey test (0,05), were flupyradifurone (1 l ha-1) + B. bassiana, and flupyradifurone (0.75 l ha-1) + B. bassiana. The largest distribution of whitefly populations was found in the upper and middle strata. Conclusion. The combination of flupyradifurone (0,05) with B. bassiana can be used within an integrated pest management, and is presented as an alternative control of whiteflies, which has acquired resistance to some agrochemicals.
Copyright (c) 2019 Claudia Elizabeth Toledo-Perdomo (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Pathogenicity and autodissemination of promising entomopathogenic fungi strains on Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae)
Introduction. In Latin America, the weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum L.) is an important pest of oil palm and coconut palm because it is associated with the transmission of red ring (RRD) and bud rot (BR); diseases that cause high management costs and mortality of plantations; the entomopathogens Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) represent an microbiological control alternative. Objective. The objective of this work was to determine the pathogenicity of promising strains of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana on adults of R. palmarum and to evaluate the spread of the best strains, from inoculated weevil male adults to not-inoculated females. Materials and methods. The study was carried out in two phases in the La Libertad Research Center of the Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (AGROSAVIA), Department of Meta, Colombia through factorial arrangements in completely random designs; in the first one, four strains of M. anisopliae, one of B. bassiana, and one commercial product based on M. anisopliae were evaluated; in the second one, to determine the self-dissemination of the entomopathogen, the two highest effectiveness strains from the first experiment (CPMa1104 and Mt008) were evaluated by two methods of application to males (immersion and powder). Results. The CPMa1104 strain showed the highest efficacy (1x104 and 1x108 conidia ml-1), followed by Mt008 (1x108 conidia ml-1) with mortalities of 78.6 % and 67.9 %, respectively. Contact dissemination capacity of M. anisopliae strains CPMa1104 and Mt008 was observed from inoculated male adults to non-inoculate females. Female mortality reached 100 % when the males were inoculated with powdered CPMa1104. Conclusion. The dissemination of CPMa1104 and Mt008 strains of M. anisopliae by inoculated males to non-inoculated females was tested, which makes the use of this entomopathogen a promising control alternative.
Copyright (c) 2019 Guillermo Adolfo León-Martínez, Juan Carlos Campos-Pinzón, Jorge Humberto Arguelles-Cárdenas (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Ex-ante impact evaluation of the L23 rice genotype on the colombian Altillanura plains
Introduction. The Colombian Altillanura is going through a process of transformation, marked by the expansion of its agricultural border. In the region, it is being implemented a research agenda that seeks to develop and validate promising technologies for the improvement of productivity and sustainability of agricultural production systems. Economic evaluation plays an important role in prioritizing activities, allocating resources, and guiding agricultural research towards rural development objectives. Objective. The objective of this work was to implement an ex-ante economic evaluation to estimate the results and potential impacts of the new promising L23 rice line improved for the Colombian Altillanura. Materials and methods. The impact was measured on the L23 rice genotype, which was developed as a collaboration between the Colombian Corporation of Agricultural Research (AGROSAVIA) and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), for the Colombian Altillanura. The ex-ante evaluation combined a partial budgets analysis with information from experimental tests and economic surpluses model. Results. The two methodological approaches were consistent and showed that with the adoption of the L23 genotype at least 29.7%, a probability of 17.1 % could be achieved for rice producers in the Altillanura due to the expected increase in crop yield. However, a sensitivity analysis of the assumptions warns that a low potential level of adoption along with non-significant changes in yield would make the research and development of the new genotype economically unfeasible. Conclusion. For the research, development and, introduction of the L23 rice genotype to be profitable, it is required a diffusion process that allows the reproduction of the seed and facilitates the access to producers, so that they can reach higher levels of adoption.
Copyright (c) 2019 Diego Armando Marín-Salazar, Robert Santiago Andrade-López, Ricardo Antonio Labarta-Chávarri, Ángela Rocío Vásquez-Urriago, Samuel Caicedo Guerrero (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Consumption and consumers’ quality perceptions of poultry products in Algeria
Introduction. The remarkable growth of poultry production and consumption in recent years has increased consumers’ attention to product quality and safety. Thus, understanding their perceptions is crucial for promoting the sector’s sustainable growth. Objective. To evaluate chicken meat and offal consumption among Algerian consumers and determine their quality perceptions, with particular attention to concerns about chemical contaminants. Materials and methods. This study was conducted in Algeria between July and September 2023. Data were collected through a non-probability online survey of 1,064 consumers. Information was gathered on chicken meat and offal consumption, factors affecting consumption, and knowledge of chemical contaminants. Differences in consumption frequencies were analyzed using a chi-square test. For numerical variables, the Shapiro-Wilk test was used to examine data normality. Results. Almost all the study population consumed chicken meat (>92 %), while only about half consumed chicken offal. Children showed the lowest consumption (30 %). Price and quality were the most important factors affecting the consumption of poultry products. In addition, 55.92 % of participants reported being aware of contaminants, with antibiotics being the most frequently mentioned substances. However, 41.34 % of respondents who were aware of contaminants had not reduced their consumption due to product prices and limited availability of alternatives. Approximately 80 % of respondents were willing to purchase antibiotic-free poultry products. Conclusions. The findings highlight the widespread consumption of chicken. Although consumers were aware of chemical contaminants, chicken remained an important source of animal protein due to limited alternatives, highlighting the need for strategies to strengthen food safety practices and maintain consumer trust.
Copyright (c) 2026 Karima Benamirouche, Souhila Mahmoudi, Farid Ait Merzeg, Nadia Hezil, Ouahiba Nait Abderrahmane, Lilya Boudriche (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Classification of water deficit in blueberry plants using low-cost thermography and artificial intelligence
Introduction. Water deficit stress is a limiting factor in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. ‘Biloxi’) production. Infrared thermography detects this stress, but its high cost limits its adoption. Objective. To develop and validate a low-cost system, based on low-resolution thermography and a multilayer perceptron architecture, for the automatic classification of water status in blueberry plants under controlled conditions. Materials and methods. A longitudinal single-case design, structured as a computational proof of concept, was used with a ‘Biloxi’ plant in a micro-greenhouse in Cundinamarca, Colombia, for 53 days, between June and August 2025. A microcontroller managed a matrix thermal sensor (32 × 24 pixels), environmental sensors, and an RGB camera, and logged data every 20 min. A labeled dataset (“healthy” or “stressed”) was generated using an empirical Crop Water Stress Index. A multilayer perceptron with a 768-30-1 architecture was trained. Results. The model reached the target mean squared error in eleven epochs. The final validation accuracy was 99.34 %. The confusion matrix showed four false negatives and one false positive, which evidenced the discrimination capability. Conclusions. Low-resolution thermal patterns contain sufficient information for a multilayer perceptron to classify water status in blueberry plants under controlled conditions. This methodology constitutes a low-cost and accessible alternative for precision agriculture.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jaime Andrade Ramirez, Gina Maribel Valenzuela, Gabriel Martinez Roldan, Juan Fuentes Rojas (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Evaluation of fermentation methods for Brassicaceae leaves with bionematicidal potential
Introduction. In broccoli cultivation (Brassica oleracea var. italica, family Brassicaceae), leaves constitute a by-product with a high content of glucosinolates, the precursors of isothiocyanates (ITC) with potential nematicidal activity. Fermentation can promote ITC formation; however, information comparing the effects of different fermentative methods is limited. Objective. To evaluate different fermentation methods for broccoli leaves in order to determine which is the most efficient for ITC production, as an indicator of the nematicidal potential of the fermented materials.. Materials and methods. The experiments were carried out at the Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ángel Gallardo, Santa Fe, Argentina, between October 2018 and February 2019.Broccoli leaves were collected, ground, and subjected to spontaneous fermentation at 15 and 25 °C, and to lactic, enzymatic, and mixed fermentations at 25 °C. Each fermentation lasted 55 hours, with sampling every 6 hours for ITC and pH analysis. ITCs were analyzed following extraction with 75% ethanol (1:1, w/v), followed by centrifugation.. Quantification was performed by spectrophotometry at 460 nm using ferric nitrate and a calibration curve (6-30 mg/L) prepared with sodium thiocyanate standards. Results. Spontaneous fermentation exhibited similar behavior at 15 and 25 °C, with greater ITC stability during the first 19-25 hours, coinciding with pH values between 5.0 and 6.0. Assisted fermentations did not increase ITC concentrations compared with spontaneous fermentation (p > 0.05), despite greater medium acidification. Conclusions. Spontaneous fermentation at ambient temperature for 19-20 hours was identified as the simplest and most cost-effective approach for producing fermented materials with potential bionematicidal activity for nematode management, achieving ITC concentrations comparable to those obtained with assisted fermentation methods while maximizing the period of ITC stability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Natalia Celia Giacomino, Betiana Bergia, Daniela Cecilia Franzi, Eleodoro Eduardo Del Valle, Nora Rosa Aimaretti (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Digital tools to evaluate the efficacy of herbicides on Avena fatua L. in wheat
Introduction. When using a visual scale to evaluate herbicide efficacy against wild oat (Avena fatua L.) in wheat crops, inaccuracies may occur because the values obtained depend on the observer’s subjective criteria. Objective. To evaluate digital instruments as an alternative to visual observation for measuring the effects of herbicides on Avena fatua L. Materials and methods. The instruments evaluated were the soil plant analysis development meter (SPAD) and the GreenSeeker sensor, which measures the intensity of light reflected by plants. Three wheat-producing areas with wild oat problems were selected during the fallÐwinter 2020Ð2021 growing season in the Mexicali Valley, Baja California, Mexico. In each area, an experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with six treatments: one treatment was the untreated control, and the other five consisted of acetolactate synthase- and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase-inhibiting herbicides applied against A. fatua L. The measured variables were the percentage of visually observed damage and the height and density of wild oat plants. Pearson correlation and regression analyses were performed using the values obtained both visually and with digital instruments. Results. In all three experiments, correlations were observed among all the measurement methods used. Each hundredth of a GreenSeeker reading corresponded to 2.66 % control, while each SPAD unit corresponded to 4.21 % control. Conclusions. The SPAD meter and GreenSeeker sensor can be used to evaluate the efficacy of acetolactate synthase- and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase-inhibiting herbicides against A. fatua L. in wheat.
Copyright (c) 2026 Andrés González Ruiz, Carlos Enrique Ail-Catzim, Carlos Alfonso López Orona, Raymundo Medina-López, Mitzi Dayanira Estrada Acosto, Guadalupe Alfonso López-Urquídez (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Growth response of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) cultivated hydroponically under contrasting cover and nutrient regimes
Introduction. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cultivation in tropical regions faces challenges related to climate variability and hydroponic systems, requiring optimized strategies for irrigation, nutrition, and crop protection to improve productivity. Objective. To evaluate the effect of two types of protective cover (a plastic roof and 30 % red shade mesh) and two levels of nutrient concentration (high and low) on the growth and yield of hydroponically grown coriander during two rainy seasons. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the Fabio Baudrit Moreno Agricultural Experiment Station in Alajuela, Costa Rica, during the rainy season of 2015 and 2016, using a hydroponic system with a stone-powder substrate. Two environmental conditions, protected and unprotected, and two nutrient levels, low and high, were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with split plots. Climatic variables, drainage electrical conductivity, cumulative drainage, nutrient leaching, crop growth, and yield were recorded. In 2015, a transparent plastic roof was used, whereas in 2016, red shade mesh providing 30 % shade was used. Data were analyzed using InfoStat statistical software, applying analysis of variance and Tukey’s test to compare main effects and interactions. Results. In 2015, protection and the high nutrient concentration increased plant height, marketable fresh biomass, dry biomass, and growth rate; additionally, protection reduced cumulative drainage. In 2016, yield response depended on nutrient concentration, with higher values under the high-nutrient treatment and no effect of protection. Conclusions. The high nutrient concentration promoted the growth and yield of coriander. Impermeable protection provided greater benefits than shade mesh because of its ability to reduce water entry, drainage, and nutrient losses.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alejandro Betancourt-Flores, Freddy Soto-Bravo (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Effect of doses of nitrogen in the agronomy and physiology of yellow passion fruit
Introduction. The passion fruit plant is important as fresh fruit and in the agroindustry, since its rich in minerals and vitamins and also has potential for domestic consumption and exportation. It has been shown that nitrogen (N) has an influence on fruit yield but there is no information on the optimal N range for maximum production. Objective. Determine the agronomic, physiological, and phenological response, yield and quality of fruit in the cultivation of parchita passion fruit against different doses of nitrogen. Materials and methods. At the Universidad Central de Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela from April 2014 to march 2015, passion fruit plants were planted in a completely randomized design, six replicates, and six plants per experimental unit, a control (8 g N plant-1 (T1)) was evaluated and three doses of N (100 (T2), 200 (T3) and 300 (T4) g plant-1), an a dose of 50 and 300 g plant-1 of P2O5 and K2O, respectively were evaluated. The evaluated variables were: plant height, number of leaves, photosynthesis rate (A), transpiration (E), stomach conductance (Gs), chlorophyll index (CI), total leaf N content in doses at flowering and fruiting, yield, and fruit quality. Results. Higher doses of N obtained higher values in height, number of leaves, plant precocity, chlorophyll index, net photosynthesis, and foliar N content and lower values in T1. The variables Gs, A and E, did not show significant differences between the treatments. A 55 % yield reduction was obtained in the control treatment compared to the 200 g N plant-1 treatment which obtained the highest yield. The average fruit weight was significantly higher in T3. Conclusion. The best nitrogen dose in passion fruit plants was 200 g N plant-1.
Copyright (c) 2020 Gustavo Adolfo Rodríguez-Yzquierdo, Carmen Amalia Basso-de-Figuera, Marta Barrios-García, Rommel Igor León-Pacheco, Mercedes Pérez-Macias (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Pea production and commercialization in the department of Nariño-Colombia
Introduction. Traditional agricultural production systems prevail in the southern region of Nariño, however, the area harvested from transitory potato, corn and beans crops has been decreased. To address this problem, pea planting has been strengthened, which is marketed in local and regional markets. The department of Nariño is the first pea producer in Colombia, and in 2018, 9425 ha were reported, with an average yield of 1.19 t ha-1. The farmers in the study area are traditional and show technical limitations of production and commercialization. Objective. The objective of the investigation was to analyze the production and commercialization of peas in the department of Nariño. Materials and methods. The research was descriptive and allowed to establish costs, production volumes, planting times, product characteristics, prices, and marketing during 2012. The target population included producers, municipal intermediaries, wholesalers and retailers, and association leaders located in the pea-producing municipalities. Results. The Andean variety was the most sown, the post-harvest losses were 52 %, the prices vary due to the seasonality of production, and the greater volume of production was channeled through intermediaries. Conclusions. The production and commercialization of peas in Nariño presents difficulties that requiere sowing planning to balance production volumes, access development credit, train and organize farmers, and foster strategic alliances to guarantee conditions in the value chain.
Copyright (c) 2020 Francisco Javier Torres-Martínez, Carlos Nelson Rivadeneira-Miranda, Álvaro José Castillo-Marín (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) infestation in maize and its management using mulberry organic residues
Introduction. Soil incorporation of Morus alba biomass mitigates Spodoptera frugiperda damage in maize, through the release of bioactive secondary metabolites with antifeedant properties. Objective. To characterize farmer perceptions of Spodoptera frugiperda severity and evaluate the efficacy of Morus alba residue incorporation as a sustainable management strategy in the Mocache canton, Ecuador. Materials and methods. The research was conducted between December 2023 and May 2024. The study consisted of two phases: a survey of farmers and a field experiment. The farmers were surveyed regarding the agronomic practices they implemented to manage S. frugiperda. The experiment was conducted in the locality of Jesús del Gran Poder and consisted of three treatments: i) a control without pest management or residue incorporation (Control); ii) soil incorporation of 1 t ha⁻¹ of a mixture of maize residues (80 %) and fragmented mulberry cv. Tigreada (20 %) (M+M); and iii) the application of methomyl insecticide. The variables of severity of infestation and agricultural yield were evaluated. A randomized complete block design with three treatments and three replicates was employed. Treatment means were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test (α = 0.05). Statistical processing was performed using the InfoStat package. Results. Residue incorporation reduced severe foliar damage (grades 4-5) to 29.6%, significantly lower than the control (36.1%; p < 0.05). Grain yield reached 4.1 t ha⁻¹ with residues, statistically comparable to methomyl (4.6 t ha⁻¹) and 17 % higher than the control (3.5 t ha⁻¹). Conclusions. The high perception of severity of S. frugiperda by farmers corresponds with high levels of infestation, associated with inadequate agronomic practices and poor technical training. The maize and mulberry residues incorporated into the soil reduce severity and allow obtaining yields like the insecticide, validating its effectiveness as a management alternative in Ecuador and similar regions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ramiro Remigio Gaibor-Fernández, Sergio Florentino Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Paula Marisol Plaza-Zambrano, Lázara Meilín Infante-Diéguez, Ramon Jaime Holguín-Peña, Wilson Geobel Ceiro Catasú (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Climatic conditions and jersey cattle dairy production on two altitudinal levels
Introduction. Precipitation, temperature, radiation, and relative humidity vary according to height, this causes the presence of microclimates that affect the productivity of the animals. Objective. Associate the climatic conditions present in the productive systems with dairy production of a pure Jersey herd in two altitudinal floors of the province of Cartago, Costa Rica. Materials and methods. In retrospect, during the year 2016, the productive information of two dairy farms, located at 660 and 1800 m.a.s.l. was evaluated. From the first farm, the records of 61 animals in a twelve-year period (12,083 data) were analyzed; while in the second, the lactations of 387 animals in a five-year period (13,820 records) were analyzed. Observations included: identification of the cow, day of generation of the record, month, year, daily milk production, lactation days, calving number, animal age, temperature, precipitation, solar radiation and average relative humidity. Results. The lactation days, the lactation number (3-5), the age of the animal (3.7 to 5.8 years), and the calving number affected the daily milk production on both farms (p<0.001). At 1800 m, when the precipitation was greater than 5 but less than or equal to 10 mm day-1 and the relative humidity greater than 80 but less than 90 % day-1 (p<0.001), milk production decreased. On the other hand, at 660 m the effect came from relative humidity less than or equal to 70 %. The environmental temperature had a significant effect in both altitudes. Conclusion. The conditions of temperature, humidity, precipitation, and radiation in each ecosystem, generated differences in the productivity of the animals, related to the type of forages and the thermal sensation to which the cattle was exposed, which caused heat or cold stress.
Copyright (c) 2020 Juan Federico Conejo-Morales, Rodolfo WingChing-Jones (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0