Detection of Bruggmanniella perseae in Hass avocado (Persea americana cv. Hass) in Morelos, Mexico

Objective: to determine the presence of Bruggmanniella perseae in commercial Hass avocado orchards in Teteladel Volcán, Morelos (Mexico).Design/Methodology/Approach: sampling was carried out in three Hass avocado orchards during October-December 2020. Adults of B. perseae were collected by direct collections of small fruits in the form of a spinningtop, with symptoms of B. perseae infestation inside. The adults thus collected were observed under a stereomicroscope and a scanning electron microscope to confirm their identity.Results: adult specimens of B. perseae were captured and analyzed in the laboratory and their presence at thesampling site was confirmed. Avocado fruits with typical symptoms of avocado ovary fly larva infestation werecollected. If not controlled at the beginning of fruit tying, it can be a threat to avocado production (yield) in theregion. These results are the basis for generating knowledge about this pest, regarding its biology, distributionand control methods.Results: adult specimens of B. perseae were captured and analyzed in the laboratory and their presence at thesampling site was confirmed. Avocado fruits with typical symptoms of avocado ovary fly larva infestation werecollected. If not controlled at the start of the fruiting larvae can be a threat to avocado production (yield) in theregion. These results are the basis for generating knowledge about biology, distribution and control methodsfor this pest.Limitations/Implications of the study: capturing adults of B. perseae in the field is difficult, requiring the useof sticky colored traps, or other effective alternatives.Findings/Conclusions: the presence of B. perseae was confirmed in avocado cv. Hass in Tetela del Volcán,Morelos. The information generated can help avocado growers implement management measures and reducelosses from this pes

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

Subject: Currently it is very difficult for communities to receive financing for their development, since they do not have efficient evaluations or a significant impact that supports such support, therefore, it is vitally important that research helps make visible communities with the application of instruments that describe the situation in which they find themselves, in this sense, two of the most important are the socio-environmental diagnosis and the ecological footprint, which are very rarely determined in different communities. Methodology: To find out this, Likert-type surveys and interviews with key actors were applied to identify areas of improvement within the community. Results: The most relevant findings were the need to pave the road to reach the community, which makes marketing difficult and makes its products and/or the residents' work more expensive. Another point is the management, disposal and elimination of waste, the greatest waste identified is the bagasse from the agave that must be revalued, efficient water collection systems and, finally, the lack of medicines and an available family doctor. Implications: As a result of this study, various strategies are proposed to be developed to provide continuity to the areas of opportunity identified in the El Calvario community.    Conclusions: It is important to listen to the context of the community so that they are the promoters of change, without affecting the environment and nature.  Subject: Currently, it is very difficult for communities to receive funding for their development, as they often lack efficient evaluations or significant impact to support such funding. Therefore, it is vitally important for research to help make these communities visible by applying instruments that describe their situation. In this sense, two of the most important tools are the socio-environmental diagnosis and the ecological footprint, which are rarely determined in various communities. Methodology: To determine this, Likert-type surveys and interviews with key stakeholders were conducted to identify areas for improvement within the community. Results: The most relevant findings were the need to pave the road leading to the community, which hinders marketing and increases the cost of its products and/or the residents' labor. Another issue is the management, disposal, and elimination of waste. The greatest waste identified is the bagasse from agave, which must be valorized. Additionally, efficient water collection systems are needed, and finally, there is a lack of medicines and an available family doctor.  Implications: As a result of this study, various strategies are proposed to provide continuity to the areas of opportunity identified in the El Calvario community. Conclusions: It is important to listen to the community's context so that they become the promoters of change, without harming the environment and nature

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

Objective: To determine the change in the composition of 'Blanca cristalina' cactus prickly pear's pericarp (Opuntia albicarpa) subjected to aerobic fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Design/methodology/approach: The pH, total soluble solids, moisture, ashes, total carbohydrates and crude protein were determined on cactus prickly pear's pericarp before and after being fermented by S. cerevisiae. Data were compared through a paired t test. Results: Significant difference (p<0.05) was found in the total soluble solids, carbohydrate content and crude protein content after the fermentation process. Total soluble solids and carbohydrates content both decreased from 12.67±0.58 °Brix to 6.33±1.53 °Brix and from 7.43±1.4 % to 0.83±0.06 %, respectively. Meanwhile, crude protein content increased from 0.47±0.42 % to 8.87±1.02 %. Limitations on study/implications: Non-certified commercial yeast was used in this study, so the product obtained of process must be used for animal feeding, and for human food the process must be modified. Findings/conclusions: The fermentation process described in this work is an alternative, to increase the protein content of cactus prickly pear byproducts, such as the fruit pericarp, making it possible to be used as an animal feeding with high nutritional quality. Objective: To determine the change in the composition of 'Blanca cristalina' cactus prickly pear's pericarp (Opuntia albicarpa Scheinvar) subjected to aerobic fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Design/methodology/approach: The pH, total soluble solids, moisture, ashes, total carbohydrates and crude protein were determined on cactus prickly pear's pericarp before and after being fermented by S. cerevisiae. Data were compared through a paired t test. Results: Significant difference (p<0.05) was found in the total soluble solids, carbohydrate content and crude protein content after the fermentation process. Total soluble solids and carbohydrates content both decreased from 12.67±0.58 °Brix to 6.33±1.53 °Brix and from 7.43±1.4 % to 0.83±0.06 %, respectively. Meanwhile, crude protein content increased from 0.47±0.42 % to 8.87±1.02 %. Limitations on study/implications: Non-certified commercial yeast was used in this study, so the product obtained of process must be used for animal feeding, and for human food the process must be modified. Findings/conclusions: The fermentation process described in this work is an alternative, to increase the protein content of cactus prickly pear byproducts, such as the fruit pericarp, making it possible to be used as an animal feeding with high nutritional quality.

WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF NORTHERN PUEBLA

Objective: To identify the organizational forms that communities use to manage water, establishing the dialogical factors that communities build to strengthen their water-based ties. Methodology: The study was conducted in eight communities of the Sierra Norte of Puebla. An action research approach was used to study community water management in eight auxiliary boards of the municipality of Ixtacamaxtitlán, state of Puebla. Results: Seven water sources were identified, including one intercommunity source. The 8 auxiliary boards are built around these sources and they are organized to manage the home and irrigation water supply as a community. Differences in organization were identified depending on the land ownership type of the water source location, water fees, number of users, and years of management of the source. Study Limitations/Implications: The mining conflicts in the study region limited field work. Conclusions: Users have more access to water sources in ejidos than in small private properties. In the first case, water is considered a collective resource, while in the second case, water is a private resource

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

Objective: To verify that “Immuplus” a polyherbal feed plant additive (Tinospora cordifolia, Ocimum sanctum, Whitania somnifera, Andrographis paniculata y Azadirachta indica) improve the productive performance in finishing lambs. Design/methodology: Twenty male Hampshire x Suffolk lambs (initial body weight 33.6+1.9 kg) were assigned according to a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of dietary inclusion of the Immuplus at 0 and 14 g kg-1 dry matter by 35 days.  Results: Daily gain, final body weight, feed conversion, dry matter intake were improved by polyherbal dietary inclusion (P<0.01), however back fat thickness or chop area were not modified (P>0.05). Study limitations/implications: The large number of plants and bioactive compounds in Inmuplus limit the identification of the components that influence the modification of the metabolism of lambs. Findings/conclusions: The dietary inclusion of 14 g kg-1 dry matter of immuplus improve lambs’ productive performance.Objective: To verify if the ImmuPlus® polyherbal feed additive (Tinospora cordifolia, Ocimum sanctum, Whitania somnifera, Andrographis paniculate, and Azadirachta indica) improves the productive performance of finishing lambs.Design/Methodology/Approach: Twenty Hampshire × Suffolk male lambs (initial live weight 33.6±1.9 kg) were distributed according to a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of the inclusion of 0-1.4 g kg -1 of dry matter ImmuPlus® in the diets of lambs, for 35 days. Results: The inclusion of the polyherbal mixture (P<0.01) improved average daily gain (ADG), final live weight (FBW), feed conversion (FC), dry matter (DM) intake; however, the said mixture did not modify the back-fat thickness or chop area (P>0.05).Study Limitations/Implications: The large number of plants and bioactive compounds included in ImmuPlus® limits the identification of the components that modify the metabolism of lambs.Findings/Conclusions: The inclusion of 1.4 g kg -1 dry matter of ImmuPlus® in the diet of lambs improved their productive performance

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

ABSTRACT Objective: Analyze the physicochemical properties and nutritional content in six substrates and the foliar content of macro and micronutrients in leaves of five phenological stages in vanilla. Design/methodology/approach: Six substrates were evaluated, in which the physicochemical properties and the content of total and available macro and micronutrients were determined. The foliar content in leaves of five phenological stages in vanilla was also determined. The statistical analysis had a completely randomized design, the substrates and phenological stages were evaluated separately, with two repetitions per treatment. Results: The substrates analyzed resulted in total amounts of macro and micronutrients acceptable for the good development of vanilla plants and considering the foliar contents of the leaves, adequate management of the nutrition of the vanilla crop can be achieved. Limitations on study/implications: The physicochemical analyzes of the substrates present total amounts of nutrients for the proper development of vanilla plants. However, its availability must be improved Findings/conclusions: The foliar contents of macro and micronutrients in vanilla leaves were different in the stages of plant development, with K being the one with the highest foliar content followed by N, P, Ca and Mg. Considering these foliar contents and the total and available nutritional contents in the substrates can contribute to adequate nutrition planning in vanilla cultivation. Keywords: macronutrients, micronutrients, physicochemical properties, Vainilla planifolia G. Jackson.Objective: To analyze the physicochemical properties and nutritional content in six substrates and the foliar content of macro and micronutrients in leaves of five phenological stages in vanilla. Design/methodology/approach: Six substrates were evaluated, in which physicochemical properties and the content of total and available macro and micro nutrients were determined. The foliar content in leaves of five phenological stages in vanilla was also determined. The statistical analysis had a completely randomized design, the substrates and phenological stages were evaluated separately, with two repetitions per treatment. Results: The substrates analyzed resulted in total amounts of macro and micro nutrients acceptable for good development of vanilla plants and, considering the foliar contents of the leaves, adequate management of the nutrition of the vanilla crop can be achieved. Limitations on study/implications: The physicochemical analyses of the substrates present total amounts of nutrients for the proper development of vanilla plants. However, their availability must be improved Findings/conclusions: The foliar contents of macro and micro nutrients in vanilla leaves were different in the stages of plant development, with K being the one with the highest foliar content followed by N, P, Ca and Mg. Considering these foliar contents and the total and available nutritional contents in the substrates can contribute to adequate nutrition planning in vanilla cultivation

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

Objective: To compare the efficacy of different sanitizing agents in extending the sensory shelf life and maintaining the quality of chia (Salvia hispanica) microgreens in terms of overall quality, color, rot development and off-flavor. Design/methodology/approach: Different parametric models (gamma, exponential, Weibull and log-logistic) were evaluated to determine the most appropriate one to analyze the sensory shelf life of treatments with sanitizing agents. The functions proposed by Guillermo Hough were used to calculate the sensory shelf life for each treatment. Finally, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the effects of the different sanitizing agents. Results: Survival rates of microgreens varied according to the sanitizing agent used. On day two, sodium hypochlorite showed a survival rate of 80 %, which decreased with time. On the other hand, colloidal silver reached a survival rate of 90 % on day two, while calcium oxide saturated solution showed a survival rate of 85 % in the same period. The control revealed a rate of 65 % by day two, a lower percentage than the previous ones. Limitations on study/implications: In this study, three sanitizers (colloidal silver, sodium hypochlorite and saturated solution of calcium oxide nanoparticles) were evaluated and other possible treatments or combinations of treatments that could be effective in preserving the quality and sensory shelf life of chia microgreens were not considered. Findings/conclusions: The study revealed that colloidal silver treatment was the most effective in extending the sensory shelf-life of microgreens, with an estimated shelf life of 1.78 days at 10 % rejection, followed by chlorine and saturated calcium oxide solution

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

Objective: To review the history of rare earths and their practical applications, as well as to identify the effects of some rare earths on crops.   Design/methodology/approach: We performed an exhaustive review of the scientific literature related to the history of rare earth elements (REE), their chemical characteristics, composition in the Earth’s crust, and uses in industry, as well as of the effects of the light rare earth elements (LREE) on higher plants. The most relevant articles on the aforementioned topics of interest were then selected, analyzed, and discussed.   Results: In recent years, the industrial and technological use of REE has increased significantly. Their use in the automotive, aeronautical, and space industries, in medicine, in renewable energies, and in electronic and military technology is resulting in the accumulation of these elements in the environment and their bioavailability for crops. Importantly, REE have been reported to have both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on biological systems, including plants. Limitations on study/implications: While some REE like lanthanum (La) and cerium (Ce) have been extensively studied, others have been scarcely explored and, therefore, little information has been published on them in the international literature.   Findings/conclusions: The use of REE in technology, combined with poor waste management and recycling, cause contamination in soil and water, allowing REE bioavailability in plants. Further studies are needed to identify beneficial effects of REE in the face of biotic or abiotic stress factors

Effect of antifreeze action products used to prevent frost damage during the vegetative and reproductive stages of common bean

Objective: To establish the frost damage to the stem and root nodules and protection degree of products with antifreeze potential, during the V2, V3, R6, and R7 phenological stages of bean. Design/Methodology/Approach: Black beans with a type II indeterminate bushy habit were collected. Antifreeze (An), amino acids (Am), gibberellins (Gib) and their combinations were applied at 48-hour intervals. Subsequently, the plants were subjected to frost (0 °C) in a freezer for 1.5 h. Damage was evaluated in a 0 to 100% scale. The nodules were stained with 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride salt. Stained nodules were considered undamaged and non-stained nodules were considered damaged. Results: Significant differences were found during the phenological stages and between the antifreeze action product treatments. Stage V3 was the most tolerant to frost, while stages R6 and R7 were the most susceptible. The number of undamaged and damaged nodules showed highly significant differences (p≤0.01) between phenological stages and between treatments, as well as in the total number of nodules. An and Ve+An recorded good effects, followed by Ve+Am. Gib was the least efficient product during the four stages. Study Limitations/Implications: The increase of substances with antifreeze effect in different doses should be tested. Findings/Conclusions: Frost caused different levels of damage in each phenological stage. V3 stood out as the most tolerant stage. All the products recorded different protection degrees during the phenological stages. Ve+An, An, and Ve+Am recorded the highest antifreeze action

Biodiversity in family backyard systems of the municipality of Calpan, Puebla

Objective: To determine the social usefulness of the backyard system biodiversity for rural families in the municipality of Calpan, Puebla. Design/Methodology/Approach: One-hundred questionnaires were applied to informants of the selected families. The selection was based on a non-probability snowball sampling, using saturation to generate the maximum amount of data. The SPSS software was used to analyze data. Results: Backyard systems have a great biodiversity, including vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants, medicinal plants, and animal species. Women carry out most of the work (65%), using biodiversity as a strategy to produce food, generate income and jobs, and preserve medicinal and other plants used for spiritual development. Study Limitations/Implications: The lack of family backyard records hindered the accurate calculation of the sample size. Findings/Conclusions: The collection and preservation of local biodiversity is the basis of backyard systems where vegetables, medicinal and ornamental plants, and animal species are produced as part of a family strategy