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
1. Proposed policy for open access journals Authors who publish in this journal accept the following conditions: a. Authors retain the copyright and assign to the journal the right to the first publication, with the work registered under the attribution, non-commercial and no-derivative license from Creative Commons, which allows third parties to use what has been published as long as they mention the authorship of the work and upon first publication in this journal, the work may not be used for commercial purposes and the publications may not be used to remix, transform or create another work. b. Authors may enter into additional independent contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the version of the article published in this journal (e.g., including it in an institutional repository or publishing it in a book) provided that they clearly indicate that the work was first published in this journal. c. Authors are permitted and encouraged to publish their work on the Internet (e.g. on institutional or personal pages) before and during the review and publication process, as it may lead to productive exchanges and faster and wider dissemination of published work (see The Effect of Open Access).
Exploratory single crosses of purple maize for pericarp and cob pigment production
<span class="CharOverride-4" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" data-mce-fragment="1">Introduction. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" data-mce-fragment="1">Plant pigments represent an alternative to artificial colorants and contribute to the consumption of healthier foods.<span class="CharOverride-4" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" data-mce-fragment="1"> Objective. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" data-mce-fragment="1">To evaluate, both in field and laboratory, exploratory single crosses (ESCs) of maize purple grain and cob developed using random lines, to assess the integration of the heterotic pattern B-49N x B-41N. <span class="CharOverride-4" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" data-mce-fragment="1">Material and methods. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" data-mce-fragment="1">The research was conducted in Tepatitlán, Jalisco, Mexico, during 2021 and 2022. ESCs were formed using six S<span class="CharOverride-5" style="font-size: 6.96px; vertical-align: sub; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" data-mce-fragment="1">5<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" data-mce-fragment="1"> lines from the B-49N population and four S<span class="CharOverride-5" style="font-size: 6.96px; vertical-align: sub; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" data-mce-fragment="1">3<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" data-mce-fragment="1"> lines from B-41N, all with purple grain and cob. In 2022, the crosses and five controls were evaluated under rainfed conditions in the same location, using a randomized complete block experimental design with three replications. Each plot consisted of a single row, 4 m long, 0.8 m wide, and 0.16 m between plants, with 25 plants per row. Data were collected on plant and ear characteristics. Total anthocyanin content in grain (CATg) and cob (CATo) was measured in seven of the crosses. Analysis of variance and mean comparison tests were conducted for all variables using SAS statistical software. <span class="CharOverride-4" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" data-mce-fragment="1">Results. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" data-mce-fragment="1">Twelve ESCs were identified with grain yield equal (<span class="CharOverride-6" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" data-mce-fragment="1">p<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" data-mce-fragment="1"> < 0.05) to the white control, but with purple grain and cob. Significant variation (<span class="CharOverride-6" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" data-mce-fragment="1">p<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" data-mce-fragment="1"> < 0.05) was observed in days to anthesis (ranging from 80 to 90 days), stalk lodging (from 0 to 12.6 %), and ear scoring (from 1.5 to 2.7). Grain texture ranged from soft to very soft among the ESCs. No association was found between grain yield and levels of CATg and CATo. <span class="CharOverride-4" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" data-mce-fragment="1">Conclusion.<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" data-mce-fragment="1"> The results from the ESCs indicate positive progress in the integration of the purple maize heterotic pattern B-49N x B-41N. However, future efforts should focus on increasing anthocyanin content in grain and cob, as well as improving grain hardness.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Efficiency of botanical extracts from Jatropha curcas L. for the control of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Introduction. Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) is considered one of the main pests affecting horticultural and ornamental crops, especially in greenhouses. Effective management of this pest requires the integration of various methods and techniques, including the use of botanical extracts. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of botanical extracts derived from Jatropha curcas for the control of Trialeurodes vaporariorum under laboratory conditions. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the Entomology Laboratory of the Crops Protection Research Center, Universidad de Costa Rica. An adaptation of the methodologies described by Liu and Stansly (1995) and Ibrahim and Mostafa (2018) was implemented to evaluate the efficacy, median lethal concentration (LC50), and median lethal time (LT50) of aqueous botanical extracts made from leaves, stems, and seeds of two J. curcas accessions at concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 g/L on T. vaporariorum. Results. The lowest LC50 (1.52 g/L) and LT50 (61.01 hours) values, as well as the highest efficacy values (above 65 %), were achieved with leaf extracts with significant differences observed exclusively in the LT50 values. Concentration was the most important factor in efficacy estimation according to the Akaike information criterion, and efficacy increased by 0.15 % for each concentration unit. None of the evaluated extracts caused phytotoxicity in Solanum melongena L. plants. Conclusions. The leaf extracts are a promising alternative for the control of T. vaporariorum; however, it is necessary to determine the compounds in Jatropha leaves that induce mortality.
Influence of arbuscular mycorrhiza consortia and phosphorus fertilization in the yield components of piquin chili
Introduction. The piquin chili (Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum) is a wild species of typical red fruit found in the mountains north of Mexico, and it is still undergoing domestication. To understand the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus fertilization is essential in Mexico to make sustainable production of piquin chilli. Objective. To compare the influence of three consortia of arbuscular mycorrhiza and two control groups of phosphorus fertilization on yield components. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the summer of 2021 in Mexico. Three mycorrhizal consortia were utilized in the control group with phosphorus fertilization, with 12 observations. The analyzed variables were plant height (cm), leaf number, stem diameter, fruit number, fruit harvest weight, unitary fruit weight, and fruit phosphorus content. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design. The statistical analysis of the collected data was performed using SPSS version 25, employing analysis of variance (ANOVA). A significance of 5% was used, and the means were compared with a Tukey test. Results. The mycorrhizal consortia improved significantly over the control plants (22 mg L-1 de P) in six out of seven agronomic variables studied (the number of leaves, plant height, and stem diameter, and the yield (number of fruits, harvest weight, and unitary weight of fruit). The three fungal consortia contributed to the yield variables, as the control plants had double the dosage of phosphorus. Conclusions. The native and commercial mycorrhizal fungi favored the variables of yield components evaluated. They contributed to their fruit P content, like fertilized plants with phosphorus.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pedro Osuna Ávila, Sergio Alan Aldana-Galvez, Joaquin Rodrigo-Garcia, Juan Pedro Flores-Margez, Baltazar Corral-Diaz (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Analysis of irrigated and rainfed rice production in Mexico, 1980-2022
Introduction. From 2016 to 2022, both the planted area and rice production in Mexico registered decreasing growth rates, leading to an increase in rice imports to satisfy the excess demand. Objective. To econometrically analyze the factors affecting rice production in Mexico by technology type, distinguishing between irrigated and rainfed systems. Materials and methods. A dynamic simultaneous equation model was formulated, comprising two supply equations, three price transmission models and one identity; with annual data from 1980 to 2022 on rice production in Mexico (differentiated by technology type), as well as the prices of competitive products, tradable inputs and climatic variables that determine them. To estimate the model, the Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) method was used and its statistical congruence was determined by means of the global significance of each equation through the F-test, its level of autocorrelation via the Durbin-Watson statistic, the individual significance of each coefficient through the Student’s t-test, and the normality of the variables with the Shapiro-Wilk test. Results. The own-price elasticities of supply for irrigated and rainfed rice were 0.6995 and 0.3871, respectively. The prices of competitive goods, particularly corn (-0.9896 and -1.2284) and wheat (-0.5279 and -0.9529), had the greatest impact on both types of supply. Conclusion. The rice supply, both irrigated and rainfed, responds positively to changes in producer prices, water availability for irrigation, and the annual average rainfall recorded in the country. Conversely, it responds negatively to changes in producer prices of competitive goods such as beans, corn, wheat, lentils and chickpeas, as well as to change in inputs such as the price of pesticides and fertilizers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Eugenio Guzmán-Soria, Samuel Rebollar-Rebollar, Juvencio Hernández-Martínez, Aníbal Terrones Cordero, José Alberto García-Salazar (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Typological characterization and temporality of the stubble agroecosystem in Chiapas, Mexico
Introduction. Maize stubble plays a fundamental role in the productive dynamics of the Frailesca region, Chiapas, by linking agricultural and livestock agroecosystems and ensuring the subsistence of farmers during drought periods. Objective. To characterize and typify the stubble-based agroecosystem of the Frailesca region, Chiapas, Mexico, based on drought seasonality, the maize production cycle, and the different uses of stubble. Materials and methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and production records were collected from sixty farmers between January and December 2023 in the municipalities of Villa Corzo, Villaflores, and La Concordia in the Frailesca region, Chiapas, Mexico, using snowball sampling. For the characterization, variables related to context, area, land tenure, and stubble, maize, and livestock agroecosystems were included. Typological variants of seasonality and management systems were determined. Groups were defined through factorial and cluster analyses; the association between typologies was assessed through correspondence factorial analysis. Results. The seasonality typology grouped farmers into three categories: (1) those who perceive the maize cycle as late and short; (2) those who perceive it as early and long; and (3) those who perceive the dry period as late and short. In all groups, stubble perception was similar. Regarding management practices, three groups were identified: (1) livestock farmers with access to technology; (2) livestock farmers with limited resources; and (3) maize farmers who commercialize stubble. Conclusions. The stubble-based agroecosystem in Frailesca is organized into three temporal dimensions, which influence management strategies. The systems are divided into livestock farmers with access to technology, livestock farmers with limited resources, and maize farmers who commercialize stubble, each with different adaptations, highlighting the relevance of seasonality for sustainability.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ernesto Javier Gómez-Padilla, Francisco Guevara-Hernández, Manuel Alejandro La O-Arias, Ingrid Abril Valdivieso-Pérez, René Pinto-Ruiz, Juan Manuel Villareal-Fuentes (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Conservation of Deglet Nour variety dates in syrup form and study of their quality
Introduction. Deglet Nour date syrup is gaining popularity due to its unique flavor and potential health benefits. Assessing its quality is crucial for both consumers and producers, as it directly influences its market value and health reputation. Objective. To evaluate the nutritional value, sensory quality, and antioxidant potential of Deglet Nour dates in syrup form. Materials and methods. The biological material was collected in Biskra, Algeria, in December 2019, during the maturation period of the plant material. To determine the various components of biological substances, quantitative analysis through color reactions was employed to measure total sugars, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, proteins, polyphenols, and flavonoids. The amounts of lipids and ash were recorded, and an atomic absorption spectrophotometer was applied to assess the variety of minerals. Testing for antioxidant activity was conducted through antiradical experiments. Furthermore, sensory evaluation included 45 individuals who assessed this syrup against others, concentrating on clarity, sweetness, and general flavor preference. Results. The chemical composition analysis revealed an average total sugar content (52 %), a moderate amount of protein (1.6 %), and low-fat content (0.09 %). The energy content was 215.6 kcal/100 g. The mineral analysis showed that the syrup is rich in essential minerals, particularly calcium, sodium, and magnesium. Flavonoids were identified as the predominant antioxidants, with anti-free radical activity estimated at 27.62 %. The sensory evaluation compared Deglet Nour syrup to Ghers and Degla-Beida varieties. The classification test showed that Deglet Nour syrup was perceived as the clearest. While it did not differ significantly in sweetness from Degla-Beida, it was preferred by tasters for its more pleasant taste. Conclusions. Dates of the Deglet Nour variety, which are highly sensitive to deterioration, yield after processing a natural syrup with the desired nutritional, therapeutic, and sensory properties.
Copyright (c) 2025 Samira Lagha-Benamrouche, Djamila Hezil (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Influence of nitrogen on yield, forage quality, and corn silage
Introduction. The production of maize forage for silage is essential for 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 (UTEQ), Ecuador, during the rainy season (December–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. Evaluated variables included agronomic traits (plant height, stem diameter, fresh and dry weight), silage physicochemical characteristics (moisture, pH, and temperature), and nutritional quality (crude protein, energy, neutral detergent fiber (NFD), acid detergent fiber (AFD), and ash). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and significant differences among means were determined with Tukey’s test at a 5% probability level, employing Infostat® v.2020 software. Results. 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 achieved 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 %). In contrast, 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 the nutritional quality and forage yield.
Copyright (c) 2025 Camilo Alexander Mestanza Uquillas, John Jairo Pinargote Alava, Madelyn María Choez Zambrano, Jair Stalin Rendón Flores (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Photosyntetic rates of Leonia glycycarpa and Compsoneura trianae in Arosemena Tola, amazon region, Ecuador
Introduction. Photosynthesis in wild species has been little evaluated, so knowing its rates is important for the management of its production and possible 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 carried out at the Amazon Experimental Research and Production Center in Arosemena Tola, Napo, Ecuador, in April 2023. Random sampling was carried out and with a portable environmental photosynthesis system, photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, substomatal CO2, leaf temperature and molar air flow were recorded. The data were processed through the Table Curve 2D program. Results. Between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., L. glycycarpa reached photosynthesis values of 3.5 mmol m-2 s-1, while C. trianae reached 1.4 mmol m-2 s-1. Between 07:00 and 08:00 h, the highest values were obtained in transpiration rate (1.4 and 1.5 mmol m-2 s-1 for L. glycycarpa and for C. trianae, respectively), stomatal water conductance (0.7 and 0.5 mol m-2 s-1 for L. glycicarpa and for C. trianae, respectively) and substomatic CO2. (460 vpm for L. glycicarpa and 500 vpm for C. trianae); the highest leaf temperature in C. trianae was at 08:00 h, while in L. glycyccarpa at 11:00 h. The mass flow between 10:00 and 13:00 h presented its minimum in C. trianae and in L. glycycarpa it represented its maximum. Conclusions. The photosynthesis rate of L. glycycarpa and C.trianae were lower than other species in the literature, due to cloudy conditions and tree cover. The concentration of the parameters: transpiration, stomatal water conductance and substomatal CO2, was higher in the first hours of the day, with 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 is a potential 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 concentration in the growth of 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 filled with commercial substrate. A randomized complete block design was applied, consisting of four treatments with two replications and weekly foliar spraying of honey. Seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, and N, P, and K concentrations were evaluated. For each growth variable, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed, and multiple range tests were conducted using Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) method (p < 0.05). Results. The treatment with 15 % honey promoted greater seedling height; the control without honey showed the least growth and the highest variability over the weeks. For stem diameter, T4 and T3 showed greater growth and consistency across the three weeks compared to the control. T2 initially promoted more leaves; in subsequent weeks, T4 reached the highest means. All honey treatments significantly outperformed the control. Conclusions. The application of multifloral honey significantly improved the height, stem diameter, and number of leaves in habanero pepper seedlings, showing greater growth and homogeneity compared to the control, with the 15 % v/v treatment being the most effective.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Felipe de Jesús González Rodríguez, Mario Ben-Hur Chuc Armendariz, Gonzalo Miguel Quetz-Aguirre, Marlene Méndez-Moreno, Ángel Francisco Can-Cabrera (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 mycotroph crop, and in Cuba, its production is limited by the low availability of fertilizers. Objectives. 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 Cambisols 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 and with a 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 Ramon Rivera Espinosa, Alberto Espinosa-Cuéllar (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Unveiling the genetic structure of Costa Rican bovines through genetic admixture models
Introduction. Cattle population in Costa Rica is highly diverse due to the variety of production systems, continuous crossbreeding, and the increase in genetic imports. Under these circumstances, admixture models could be more appropriate to describe the genetic composition of this population, as opposed to phylogenetic trees based on predefined populations. Objective. To model the genetic structure of the Costa Rican cattle population by means of supervised and unsupervised genetic admixture models. Materials and methods. Hair samples from 1412 randomly selected bovines from 744 herds across 8 regions of Costa Rica were collected in year 2015 and genotyped for 18 microsatellite markers. Two approaches that make use of admixture genetic models were compared: an unsupervised scenario, based exclusively on genotype data; and a supervised scenario, which relied on genetic data assisted by prior information on phenotype and production purpose. Results. Analysis of genetic data under both scenarios provided similar results when number of clusters (K) was lower than five, although estimates from the supervised model were more homogeneous with lower standard deviations. A priori defined subpopulations were distributed consistently among clusters in both scenarios. The most probable subpopulation clustering was observed at K = 3, which mainly separated B. indicus breeds, Jersey and other B. taurus breeds. Breed types clustered concordantly with breed clustering, shedding light on the genetic structure of the population. Conclusions. The combination of admixture genetic models under a supervised approach yielded the most consistent results, which reveals the importance of considering genetic-environmental interrelationships to achieve a more precise description of the genetic structure of the Costa Rican cattle population.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bernardo Vargas-Leitón, Johnny Núñez-Cárdenas, Anthony Valverde-Abarca, Bernal León-Rodríguez, Alejandro Saborío-Montero (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Thermodynamic evaluation of a greenhouse using computational fluid dynamics
Introduction. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a technique for simulating the behavior of thermodynamic parameters. Objective. Evaluate the thermodynamics of a greenhouse using CFD, in order to propose improvements in lettuce production. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted between October 2022 and February 2023 at the Los Diamantes Agricultural Innovation Center, Limón, Costa Rica. The yield of three lettuce cycles was collected. A 3D mechanical model of the greenhouse was developed. A mesh of 482,664 elements was generated with refinement in the interior. The analysis was performed under steady-state flow, using the Navier-Stokes equation with the k-ε turbulence model and species transport with thermal interactions using the energy equation. Fluid materials (air and air-vapor mixture), solids (soil and polyethylene), and the crop as a porous medium were modeled. Evapotranspiration was estimated using meteorological data and crop coefficients. Boundary conditions included variable velocity input, constant temperature walls, and porous surfaces calibrated with bibliographic data. The model was validated using MAE and RMSE with errors less than 10%, and passive and structural improvements were proposed to optimize the internal microclimate of the greenhouse. Results. During the day, the average temperature and relative humidity in the greenhouse exceeded 30 °C and 65%, respectively, while during the night they decreased to 18 °C and close to 90 %. The temperature showed significant variations in the vertical axis, but remained more homogeneous longitudinally, while the relative humidity showed greater variability in both directions. Conclusion. The modeling allowed visualization of the greenhouse behavior, and it was proposed to increase the dimensions of the zenith window from 11 m² to 20 m²; the installation of two air recirculators and a mobile shade with 50% light transmissibility.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bernal Steven Valverde Delgado, Stephanie Quirós Campos (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Water quality on coffee farms in the Coatepec region, Veracruz, Mexico
Introduction. Water used in the food industry must be potable, and its analysis has become a vital process to ensure strict compliance with safety standards. Objective. To evaluate the quality of water used in coffee processing on coffee farms in Coatepec, Veracruz, Mexico. Materials and methods. Materials and methods. The research was conducted on coffee farms in Coatepec, Veracruz, Mexico, during September and October 2024. Water sampling was conducted on 14 farms selected based on participation availability criteria. At each site, three samples of the water used to process coffee were taken, for 42 samples. A multi-test kit and reactive strips were used to quantify total dissolved solids (TDS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH, total alkalinity, hydrocyanic acid (HCN), nitrates, nitrites, and Copper. Coliform determinations were also performed. SPSS version 25 was used for descriptive statistics and farm comparisons (p < 0.05). Results. The waters showed an average pH of 6.8, low levels of TDS (44.2 mg/L), nitrates (4.3 mg/L), EC of 87.3 µS/cm, total alkalinity (15.4 mg/L), copper (0.14), HCN (0.004 mg/L), and concentrations of TOC and COD of 2.67 and 3.59 mg/L respectively. In 50 % of the study sites, nitrite values higher than those established by current legislation were found, and coliforms were detected in 29 % of the samples. Conclusions. A significant proportion of the water used at the coffee processing plant was unfit for human consumption, highlighting the need to establish quality controls to avoid compromising the final product.
Copyright (c) 2025 Antonio Arrechea-Villacampa, Ofelia Andrea Valdés-Rodríguez, Lorena Patricia Sánchez-Morales, Lisseth Valdés-Monteagudo (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Drying effect on phytochemical and functional properties of Bougainvillea glabra flower
Introduction. Bougainvillea glabra is an ornamental plant that has gained scientific attention due to its medicinal potential, therapeutic properties, and toxic effects. Objective. To evaluate the effect of three drying temperatures (50, 55, and 60 °C) on the phytochemical and functional characteristics of Bougainvillea glabra flowers. Materials and methods. The analyses were conducted from July to September 2024 in Chone canton (Ecuador). Flowers were collected in self-sealing bags and transported to the Chemistry and Bromatology Laboratory of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (Chone), Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Ecuador. This experimental research followed a completely randomized design consisting of three treatments (T1: 50 °C, T2: 55 °C, and T3: 60 °C). Drying kinetics were studied using a FD-12 dehydrator, and moisture loss was monitored using an analytical balance. Ground samples underwent aqueous extraction through maceration and filtration. Phytochemical screening was performed, and antioxidant capacity of the plant was assessed using ABTS (2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)-diammonium salt) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) methods. Results. Higher drying temperatures resulted in greater plant material weight reduction. Phytochemical screening showed that drying temperature affected the presence of saponins and flavonoids; however, levels of tannins, free amino acids, and alkaloids remained stable. Catechins, triterpenes, reducing sugars, anthocyanins, and resins were not detected. Antioxidant activity analyses revealed that drying temperatures did not affect the DPPH results, while lower temperatures yielded higher antioxidant capacity in the ABTS method. Conclusions. Drying at 55 °C and 60 °C promoted greater weight loss, but negatively impacted the presence of saponins and catechins.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bryan Ostaiza-Zambrano, Gema Flecher-Loor, José Muñoz-Murillo, Diego Segovia-Cedeño (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Antioxidant enzyme activity of ripe and unripe pulp of Vasconcellea candicans (A. Gray) A. DC 1864 (Caricaceae)
Introduction. The determination of antioxidant components of native fruits is important for their incorporation into the diet and for their better use and conservation. Objective. To evaluate the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione sulfhydril transferase (GST), of aqueous extracts of ripe and unripe pulp of the fruit of Vasconcellea candicans (A. Gray) A. DC (“mito”, “andean papaya”) and relate them to their concentration of total polyphenols (PT). Materials and methods. The pulp of four fruits, ripe and unripe, of “mito” from Santo Domingo de Los Olleros, Huarochirí, Lima, Peru, was extracted and processed during March to December 2023. The samples were obtained by aqueous extraction of 20 g of pulp in a 20:80 ratio in water at 8 °C for 15 days (cold maceration technique), using the supernatant after centrifugation. The determination of PT was performed by spectrophotometry using gallic acid as standard. The determination of the specific activity of the enzymes was performed by spectrophotometry using the respective standards. Non-parametric statistics were applied using the statistical software R. Results. The fruits of V. candicans show marked differences between stages of ripeness, particularly in protein content and in the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as CAT, SOD and GST. Biochemical correlations are more pronounced in ripe fruits, indicating a functional reorganization of antioxidant components during ripening. Conclusions. The results suggest that CAT activity, together with polyphenol levels, could be used as a biochemical indicator of the degree of fruit ripeness, which could be used to determine and optimize the post-harvest shelf life of the fruit.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ana Gutiérrez-Román, Carlos Santa Cruz-Carpio, Mónica Velarde-Vilchez, Oscar Nolasco-Cárdenas (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Pathogenicity and frequency of Fusarium species associated with the pineapple plant and fruit in Costa Rica
Introduction. Costa Rica ranks among the world’s leading producers and exporters of pineapple; however, production and post-harvest handling are hampered due to phytosanitary problems caused by fungi of the genus Fusarium. Objective. To determine the pathogenicity of different Fusarium species associated with the pineapple plant and fruit, and their frequency in the main production areas of Costa Rica. Materials and methods. The experiments were conducted at the University of Costa Rica, San Jose, from 2015 to 2019. Pathogenicity tests were carried out using inoculation with six Fusarium species in bracts, peduncles, and fruits of pineapple, and were verified using Koch’s postulates. Through the collection of 120 isolates, the frequency of Fusarium species in the production areas was established. Results. All Fusarium species caused damage to bracts. The largest lesions were caused by F. oxysporum. In fruit, internal lesions were observed in the pulp with F. ananatum, and a correlation between lesion size and the concentration of inoculated conidia was found. In the peduncle and pulp, lesion diameter varied among Fusarium species. In terms of species frequency, all Fusarium species were present in the Huetar Norte region, and F. ananatum was more abundant in all production regions, except the Brunca region. Conclusions. All the species analyzed were pathogenic in the pineapple crop, in bracts, peduncles, and fruit. F. oxysporum and F. ananatum caused the greatest lesions. The presence in all pineapple-growing regions, the pathogenic potential, and the production of mycotoxins determine the importance of taking precise measures to control and prevent the spread of species from this genus.
Use of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) as an agroindustrial byproduct in animal feeding: A systematic review
Introduction. Currently, food industry innovation results in the generation of thousands of tons of organic waste that negatively impacts environmental sustainability. Therefore, it is important to implement actions that contribute to waste reduction and utilize bioactive compounds effectively. Objective. To conduct a systematic literature review on the nutrients and bioactive compounds present in the main components of jackfruit (peel, pulp, and seed), to evaluate its potential incorporation into livestock feed. Development. A systematic review was conducted based on experimental articles retrieved from ScienceDirect, Wiley, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Springer Link databases. A specific search equation was employed for this purpose. Results demonstrated that different jackfruit components contain nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, minerals) and bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides, phenols, etc.) that have demonstrated positive effects when incorporated into livestock feed (broilers, sheep, and goats). Conclusions. The incorporation of jackfruit into animal feed promotes weight gain, improves digestibility, stimulates the immune system, and reduces feed production costs.
Environmental impact of the broiler production chain under conventional systems
Introduction. Broiler production is an activity of increasing economic importance worldwide, but it entails a significant environmental impact. Objective. To assess the environmental impact of conventional broiler production chain systems. Materials and methods. The life cycle analysis (LCA) methodology was used following a “cradle to gate” approach. Base parameters were collected from a poultry farm located in San Ramón, Alajuela, Costa Rica, during the period January through December 2021. The LCA functional unit was defined as one metric ton of chicken meat (MT CM). Environmental impact categories were analyzed using the ReCiPe 2016 v.1.1 system, with characterization factors at the midpoint level under a hierarchical perspective. Results. The estimated environmental impacts, expressed in equivalent units per MT CM were as follows: global warming, 5208 kg CO2-eq; terrestrial acidification, 52.6 kg SO2-eq; marine eutrophication, 4.19 kg Neq; freshwater eutrophication, 2.47 kg P; land use, 5238 m2 crop year; water consumption, 3962 m3; terrestrial ecotoxicity, 1831 kg 1,4-DCB; marine ecotoxicity, 2.79 kg 1,4-DCB; freshwater ecotoxicity, 8.49 kg 1,4-DCB; human toxicity (carcinogenic), 1.13 kg 1,4-DCB; human toxicity (non-carcinogenic), 84.4 kg 1,4-DCB; fine particulate matter formation, 8.15 kg PM2.5; fossil resource depletion, 246.1 kg oil; ozone formation (ecosystem health), 10.8 kg NOx; ozone formation (human health), 10.7 kg NOx, and stratospheric ozone depletion, 0.043 kg CFC11. Conclusions. The processes contributing most significantly to the environmental impacts evaluated in this study were the production of feed, fertilizers, and fuels, along with farm waste management. The majority of the environmental impact attributable to the broiler production chain occurs outside of Costa Rica’s borders.
Modeling strategies to determine the effective dose of herbicides
Introduction. Dose-response trials are used with the objective of selecting the efficient herbicide dose in weed management. Data analysis of these experiments has been criticized for the use of statistical models that do not fit the distribution of the response variable, failure to specify the original structure of the experimental design, and the preference for partial models instead of fitting a unique model. Nonlinear mixed models are presented as a more accurate alternative for analyzing these experiments. Objective. To determine the effective herbicide dose using three modeling strategies in dose-response trials. Materials and methods. Two independent experiments were conducted in greenhouses located in Tambor, Alajuela, Costa Rica, during 2012, where the fresh weight in grams (g) of a biotype of Paspalum paniculatum L. was quantified as a function of grams of acid equivalent (GAE) of an applied herbicide, under a randomized complete block design. A four-parameter logistic regression model was used as a basis, and three model variants were fitted. Using penalized information criteria (Akaike information criterion [AIC] and Bayesian information criterion [BIC]), the best-fitting model was chosen. Results. The strategy that considered the experiment and the block within each experiment as random effects proved to be the most accurate. This model estimated the confidence interval (95 %) for the mean effective dose of GAE between 335.12 and 384.32 g. Conclusions. Integrating information from independent experiments as random effects within a unique model generated more accurate estimates of glyphosate’s effective dose.
Effect of Bacillus spp. as a biostimulant for Brassica oleracea var. capitata and Brassica oleracea var. sabellica microgreens
Introduction. The Bacillus genus has been used as a biostimulant with positive effects on crop yield and quality. However, there are few studies on its application in microgreens. Objective. To evaluate the effect of Bacillus subtilis (BsC4 and BsPC) and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt24) as biostimulants on the germination and growth of red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) microgreens under controlled environmental conditions. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Mexico, in 2023. Four treatments were assessed: Bt24, BsC4, BsPC, and seedlings without microorganisms (control) on red cabbage and kale seeds, under a completely randomized design (n = 5). Germination was monitored in the first trial, and microgreens development was assessed in the second. After 15 days, morphological variables, photosynthetic pigments, nitrate content, quality, and yield were measured. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey’s tests (p < 0.05). Results. For kale, Bt24 improved germination speed (31.17 %) and reduced germination time (4.61 %), with no significant effect on red cabbage. In kale, yield increased (62.60 %) with Bt24, particularly in fresh biomass (63.3 %) and cotyledon area (61.57 %). In cabbage, BsC4 increased yield (44.31 %) and improved fresh biomass (42.21 %) and cotyledon area (50.57 %). Nitrate content was highest in kale with BsPC (138.30 %) and in red cabbage with Bt24 (65.14 %), while remaining within safe consumption limits. For visual quality, both crops achieved the “Good” and “Excellent” categories, with no differences between treatments. Conclusions. B. thuringiensis and B. subtilis could be used as growth biostimulants for cabbage and kale microgreens, offering a promising approach to optimize microgreen production under controlled environmental conditions.
Evaluation of ammonium nitrate and flaming for weed management in coffee
Introduction. Weeds compete with coffee for water, light, and space; therefore, sustainable management practices must be implemented. Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of weed management with ammonium nitrate and flaming in a coffee system. Materials and methods. This study was carried out from September 26, 2022, to January 10, 2023, at La Hilda coffee farm in San Pedro de Poás, Alajuela, Costa Rica. Two alternative weed control treatments were applied jointly: the first consisted of ammonium nitrate diluted in water at three doses (0, 150, and 300 kg/ha), followed 15 days later by flaming at three doses (0, 60, and 120 kg/ha). Applications targeted weeds present in the coffee rows, using a split-plot design where the main plot consisted of the ammonium nitrate doses and the small plots corresponded to flaming doses. A chemical control treatment with glyphosate, also combined with flaming, was included. Each treatment was randomly assigned and replicated six times. Results. Broad leaves were moderately damaged 25 days after nitrate application and 10 days after flaming. Both doses of ammonium nitrate without flaming caused slight damage to Commelina diffusa, and the highest ammonium nitrate dose without flaming produced moderate damage to broadleaf weeds; flaming without ammonium nitrate resulted in moderate initial damage to narrowleaf weeds. Conclusions. The herbicidal effect of ammonium nitrate was depended on flaming, but this effect was only observed in broadleaf weeds. C. diffusa was successfully controlled with glyphosate and flaming.
Effects of Sun-Drying on Seed Physiology of Phaseolus vulgaris L.
Introduction. Quality seed production is a limiting factor for bean cultivation in developing countries. Objective. To evaluate the effects of sun-drying at different exposure periods on the viability and vigor of bean seeds cv. ‘Cuba Cueto 25-9N’. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the University of Artemisa, Cuba, from January to May 2024. Freshly harvested bean seeds cv. ‘Cuba Cueto 25-9N’ were sun-dried on jute sacks under three drying durations (24, 48, and 72 h) post-treatment seed moisture content and germination were evaluated as viability criteria. Vigor assessment included germination dynamics, emergence rate, electrical conductivity, and accelerated aging test. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and means were compared using the Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05). Results. The 24 and 48 h drying treatments reduced seed moisture to levels that maintained both viability (92.66 and 84.33 % germination, respectively) or vigor. The 72 h drying treatment decreased moisture to 2.96 %, negatively affecting viability and vigor. Conclusions. Sun-drying of bean seeds for 24 and 48 h effectively reduced moisture while maintaining viability and vigor, contributing to the preservation of their physiological quality under resourcelimited conditions. The 24 h treatment proved most efficient.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yarlenis Simón-Figueredo, Roberto Rafael Ruiz-Santiago, Cosme Ernesto Santiesteban-Toca, Aldo Daniel Chan-Arjona, Adrián Ponce de León-Door, Alexis Lamz-Piedra (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Morphological characterization of advanced pepper lines (Capsicum annuum L.) from central Mexico
Introduction. Of the five cultivated pepper species, Capsicum annuum L. is the most important worldwide, due to its high demand in the food, medical, and cosmetic industries, among others. Mexico has the greatest diversity of cultivated types, including jalapeño, guajillo, ancho, serrano, and habanero. However, some farmers grow native materials that should be studied and preserved, such as mulato and chilaca. In certain cases, like chilaca, there are no improved commercial cultivars, so producers depend on the seed they produce. Objective. To morphologically characterize advanced lines of different C. annuum types from central Mexico. Materials and methods. The study was conducted during the spring-summer cycles of 2022 and 2023, at the Bajío Experimental Station, located in Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico. In 32 advanced lines of eight C. annuum types, 42 traits were evaluated based on the guidelines of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants and the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute guide. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and subjected to cluster and correspondence analysis. Results. Morphological variation showed that fifteen plant, leaf, and fruit traits were crucial to differentiating pepper types and lines. Based on similar traits, the cluster analysis grouped them into five clusters. Groups I and III included three pepper types, and six traits presented the highest positive eigenvectors. Conclusions. The observed diversity revealed determinant morphological characteristics to distinguish peppers types and lines, which must complete their genetic improvement process.
Perception and Management of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Dieback Disease in Actopan, Veracruz, Mexico
<p class="Texto ParaOverride-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; orphans: 1; break-after: auto; break-before: auto; text-align: justify; text-align-last: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 18px; text-transform: none; widows: 1; letter-spacing: normal; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Introduction. Dieback is a severe disease reported in mango-producing regions of Mexico; however, there is limited information regarding growers’ perception and management of this disease. Objective. To assess mango growers’ perception and management practices regarding dieback disease in the municipality of Actopan, Veracruz, Mexico, while describing their socioeconomic and production characteristics. Materials and methods. The research was conducted in the municipality of Actopan, Veracruz, Mexico, during 2021-2022. Semi-structured interviews consisting of 45 questions were conducted with mango growers. The study addressed growers’ socioeconomic characteristics, orchard management practices, recurring diseases, and their perception and management of mango dieback. Data analysis was performed using various multivariate and descriptive statistical tools. Results. Most mango growers were men (94 %) with a wide age range, predominantly consisting of elderly and young adults. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct groups of producers: small (56 %), medium (16 %), and large (28 %), each with specific characteristics regarding cultivated area, agronomic management, and yield (M = 8.54 ± 3.75 t/ha). Dieback was recognized by all interviewed growers, who identified gummosis, branch rot, and trunk rot as the main symptoms associated with the disease. Only 18.75 % of growers implement specific management or control measures through chemical and mineral fungicides. Conclusions. For mango growers in Actopan, Veracruz, dieback represents a disease of major importance in their cultivation. While growers implement basic management strategies, these have proven inefficient, driving interest in developing new and improved control tools.
Economic valuation of non-timber forest products from the tropical dry forest: Pijao ethnic, Natagaima, Tolima, Colombia
Introduction. Non-timber forest products from tropical dry forests offer multiple benefits and are considered an alternative for the sustainable use of forests and the socioeconomic development of local communities. Nevertheless, little is known about their economic value, limiting the visibility and exploitation of their potential and functionality. Objective. To assess the economic benefits of non-timber forest products from tropical dry forest for the Pijao indigenous population of Natagaima, Tolima, Colombia. Materials and methods. This study was carried out in the municipality of Natagaima, Tolima, Colombia, during the first half of 2023. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 95 indigenous people from the rural sector, integrating social, ethnobotanical, and economic variables. For the economic evaluation, the costs required for product acquisition (CRAP), gross profit (BBr), and net profit (Bn) were calculated using direct, indirect, and contingent market valuation methods. Results. A total of 570 reports were registered, identifying 66 tropical dry forest species that offer 122 non-timber forest products, distributed in eight categories of use: food, medicinal, forage, oil, construction, domestic, artisanal, and magical-religious. These products generate a total BBr of 15,000 USD/year, with a CRAP of 6,409 USD and a Bn per person of 8,591 USD/year. The categories of medicinal use, food, and forage bring the greatest economic benefits, contributing 79.5 % (6,830.9 USD/year) of the total net income. Conclusions. Non-timber forest products from tropical dry forests provide important socioeconomic benefits to the livelihoods of the ethnic population studied. The most relevant non-timber forest products are considered to be medicines, food, and forage.
Coffee agroforestry systems: approaches for the characterization of shade and microclimate in Loja, Ecuador
Introduction. Coffee cultivation in Ecuador plays a crucial role in social, economic, environmental, and cultural aspects. In Loja province, Coffea arabica production is distinguished by its high quality, attributed to both the geographical conditions and the cultivation practices under agroforestry systems (AFS) with different management approaches. Objective. To assess the composition, diversity, and importance value of shade tree species, and to identify the microclimatic conditions within coffee agroforestry systems. Materials and methods. The research was conducted in three coffee-producing areas of Loja, Ecuador, using 20 × 30 m plots monitored from November 2017 to April 2019. The importance value index (IVI), Shannon-Wiener, and Simpson indices were calculated. Microclimatic variables, including ambient temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), wind speed (m s⁻¹), and canopy cover percentage (%), were recorded both inside and outside the AFS. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine relationships between microclimatic variables, number of shade-providing individuals, and their importance value. Results. The coffee-growing areas exhibited significant arboreal diversity in terms of families, genera, and shade tree species, with Citrus and Inga as predominant genera. Microclimate modifications were evident, with temperature differences (ranging from −4.23 °C to 2.23 °C) and relative humidity variations (ranging from 0 % to 10.54 %) compared to full-sun exposed areas. Conclusions. Coffee AFS modify environmental conditions between the interior and exterior of the evaluated areas, with variations directly influenced by canopy species within the systems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Max Encalada-Córdova, César Benavidez-Silva, Narcisa Urgiles-Gómez, Klever Chamba-Caillagua (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Repellent effect of essential oils on the mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Introduction. Various plant extracts are used in agriculture to reduce the impact on arthropod pests. However, there are few works that indicate the toxic or repellent action of essential oils of cinnamon, citronella and ginger on populations of phytophagous mites such as Tetranychus urticae. Objective. To evaluate the repellent effect of commercial grade essential oils of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) and ginger (Zingiber officinale), on a population of the mite Tetranychus urticae on sweet chili plants (Capsicum annuum) under in vitro conditions. Materials and methods. The research was conducted in the Acarology Laboratory at the Crop Protection Research Center, School of Agronomy, University of Costa Rica, located in San Pedro de Montes de Oca, Costa Rica, between October and November 2023. Four different concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) of each essential oil (cinnamon, citronella, and ginger) were tested at a volume of 333 µL per leaf. The repellent activity was quantified through a restricted choice test using paper bridges. Evaluations were conducted 24 and 48 hours after application. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design, and data analysis was performed using a Generalized Linear Model. Results. The three oils and their respective concentrations showed repellent action greater than 60% except for citronella oil at 2%. A high concentration did not always show the greatest repellency against mites, although this changed according to the essential oil used. Conclusion. This research showed that cinnamon, citronella and ginger oils have repellent properties against Tetranychus urticae, and demonstrates its potential as an alternative for the management of this pest.
Copyright (c) 2025 Manuel Quirós-Monge, Iván León-González, Pamela Murillo-Rojas (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Evaluation of productive parameters in guinea pigs raised at high density during growth and fattening
Introduction. The rearing of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) is key to the food supply and economy of Andean countries such as Peru. However, their productivity may be affected by inadequate management, including stocking density, whose impact has not yet been fully evaluated. Objective. To evaluate the productive efficiency of guinea pigs subjected to high stocking densities. Materials and methods. The experiment was conducted at the Small Animal Laboratory of the National Agrarian University La Molina (UNALM) in Lima, Peru, over eight weeks (January to March 2022). A total of 90 improved male guinea pigs of the Cieneguilla-UNALM genotype were used, with an average initial weight of 338.57 g (15 ± 3 days of age). The experimental design was completely randomized, with three treatments: 0.10 m²/animal (T1), 0.066 m²/animal (T2), and 0.050 m²/animal (T3), with three replicates of ten guinea pigs each. The animals were fed ad libitum with balanced feed and forage, with continuous access to water. The evaluated productive variables included initial and final weight, weight gain, feed intake (daily, weekly, and total), feed conversion ratio, mortality, carcass lesions, visible fat scoring, and carcass yield. Results. Treatment T1 showed the highest weight gain and total feed intake, while T3 exhibited the best feed conversion ratio and the lowest mortality among the productive variables. Carcass yield and visible fat content were higher in T1; however, T3 showed fewer signs of carcass lesions (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Stocking density in guinea pigs did not significantly affect the evaluated parameters, including weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, mortality, fat scoring, and carcass yield. However, the highest density (T3) reduced the incidence of lesions, indicating lower competitive behavior among the animals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mayra Alejandra Livia Tacza, Chessyra Ninoska Ticona Huaroco, Luis Alberto Arapa Salas, José Antonio Sarria Bardales, Jose Luis Cantaro Segura (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Use of plant densities and a microbial consortium for sustainable sunflower production
Introduction. The use of microbial consortia (CM) combined with adequate plant densities (DP) can be a viable and friendly alternative to increase sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) sustainable production. Objective. To determine the individual and combined effects of microbial consortia and plant densities on sunflower growth and yield under water-deficit conditions. Materials and methods. An experiment was carried out under field conditions distributed in split-plots, in a randomized block design with three replications. The main plots were two DP (20,000 and 40,000 plants ha-1) and the secondary plots were three concentrations of the CM (0, 100, and 200 mL m-2). Results. Results showed that individually DP and CM directly influenced sunflower growth and yield The DP of 40,000 plants ha-1 favored plant height, leaf area index, percent of full seeds, seed mass per head, and yield. The DP of 20,000 plants/ha influenced leaf area, chlorophyll content, head diameter, and total and full seed per head. Additionally, the concentrations of 100 mL m-2 of CM stimulated plant growth and yield in both densities compared to the treatments without CM and with 200 mL m-2 of CM. Conclusions. The findings of this study indicate that the combination of a density of 40,000 plants/ha and inoculation with 100 mL m-2 of CM could be considered a local, viable, important and friendly strategy to increase sustainable sunflower production under low rainfall conditions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yanery Pérez-Díaz, Alexander Calero-Hurtado, Kolima Peña Calzada, Alay Jiménez Medina (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Assessment yield and water productivity in soybean (Glycine max) with Aquacrop
Introduction. Simulation models are a tool to study the behavior of crops under different climatic and water conditions and agronomic management practices. Objective. To evaluate the AquaCrop model for 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 6th to October 23rd 2018. The AquaCrop v 7.1 model was used to simulate the development of soybean cultivation. Simulated data of plant canopy cover, biomass production and yield were compared against experimental data from a plot of soybean variety CIGRAS-06. Soil parameters measured in the field and generated using pedotransfer equations were used. Results. The predictions of yield, total biomass, and coverage were good (similarity values (d) ≥ 0.97), but the predictions of leaf coverage during the beginning of the crop cycle are should be improvement. Differences observed in the two types of soil parameters used, did not significantly affect the final simulation. Conclusions. Overall, modeling with AquaCrop successfully simulated soybean yield, biomass, and leaf coverage. The simulation of water productivity was higher than other values reported in the literature.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dania Zúñiga-Herrera, Néstor Felipe Chaves-Barrantes, Marco Vinicio Gutiérrez-Soto, Mayela Monge-Muñoz, Cristina Chinchilla-Soto4 (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0