Evaluation of guajillo and chile de árbol peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) in a hydroponic greenhouse system

Objective: To evaluate the yield of guajillo pepper (CHG) and chile de árbol pepper (CHA) grown in containers with coconut fiber substrate in a hydroponic greenhouse system.Methodology: Four types of chili peppers were tested: two CHG and two CHA peppers. The CHG peppers with seeds were from two growing areas in the state of San Luis Potosí (SLP), located in the Altiplano Central (high plateau region) of Mexico: one from Las Colonias, Salinas, and the other from El Barril, Villa de Ramos. The CHA pepperswere obtained in Yahualica, Jalisco: one in El Salto Verde (CHA-SaltoVerde) and the other in El Faro (CHA-Faro). The chili peppers were established in a hydroponic system with two types of containers (pots (SHM) and slabs (SHB)), in both of which coconut fiber (coir) was used as a substrate. The experimental design was completelyrandomized with three repetitions and the comparison of means was made with the Tukey test (p<0.05).Results: Significant differences were observed between chile de árbol and guajillo peppers grown in SHM regarding the following variables: plant height and number of leaves, flowers, and peppers. Chile de árbol peppers recorded the highest values for the four variables. There were also significant differences between the chile de árbol and the guajillo peppers regarding the fresh weight and dry weight variables, but, in this case, the guajillo peppers had the highest values. The highest dry weight value (g plant -1 ) was obtained by CHG-Barril (1,094 g plant -1 ), followed by CHG-Colonias (866 g plant -1); meanwhile, the lowest values were recorded for CHA-Faro and CHA-SaltoVerde chile de árbol peppers (819 and 258 g plant -1 , respectively). The same pattern was observed in the SHB, with significant differences between the chile de árbol —which had the highest values— and guajillo peppers for the following variables: plant height, number ofleaves, flowers, and peppers. There were also significant differences in terms of fresh weight between chile de árbol and guajillo peppers, with the latter recording higher values. Finally, CHG-Colonias and CHA-SaltoVerde showed the highest dry weight values with 633 and 595 g plant -1 , respectively. Although there were no significant differences between them, there were significant differences with respect to CHG-Barril and CHA-Faro (524 and 483 g plant -1 , respectively).Study Limitations/Implications: The present study has no major limitations.Conclusions: In general, a better dry yield of chili pepper was obtained with guajillo peppers produced in a pot system. Hydroponic systems in pots and slabs, using a coir substrate, are an alternative in protected agriculture for the production of guajillo and chile de árbol peppers.

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) production in a vertical hydroponic greenhouse system

Objective: A vertical hydroponic greenhouse system (VHGS) was designed and built to evaluat two strawberry varieties (Festival and San Andreas), in two planting densities per pot (40 and 54 plants/m 2 ) and three elevation levels (high, medium, and low). Design/Methodology/Approach: At 126 days after transplanting (dat), the Festival variety showed significant differences in the number of leaves and in the crown diameter. Results: The vertical hydroponic greenhouse system had a high fruit yield (21 kg m2 ): i.e., this productionsystem is up to 35 % more efficient than the open field cultivation system or the multi-tunnel greenhouse system. There was a positive correlation between the number (r 2 =0.89), diameter (r 2 =0.54), and weight (r 2 =0.40) of the fruits and the total yield. Planting density did not show a significant effect on plant growth, yield, and fruit quality. The vertical pot system did not show differences between elevation levels. This production system is a viable option for populations in places with a scarcity of water and to obtain fruits with guaranteed food safety

Physical and chemical attributes of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) varieties Copena, Pelon Blanco and Pelon Rojo

Objective: attest and compare the fundamental attributes for fresh raw cactus cladodes and its chemical constituent’s quality when dried and grounded for three varieties of cactus prickly; copena, pelon blanco y pelon rojo. Design/methodology/approach: measurements of physical attributes and chemical constituents were made by using proved and reliable techniques. Data will aid to explore the potential for these cactus material when being handled from basic to complex processes, taking into account; its need for size and quality of storage and their effect when they interact with processing devices and handling apparatus for the new product being elaborated. Results: physical attributes among the three cactus´ varieties showed slightly differences on parameters, but length, wide and electric conductivity. While for chemical analysis, cactus cladodes were chopped, dried and grounded. Chemical compounds showed slightly differences between the three varieties, but pelon blanco had higher percentage of fat and lowest concentration of zinc and potassium. All three varieties had no iron. Limitations on study/implications: there was not management for cactus prickly production. Varieties´ attributes are as they come from the field. Stabilization of chemical constituents for pelon blanco could be necessary, according to the expected features of new products, or lead to a new line of by-products. Findings/conclusions: mechanical handling of raw cladodes around the premises is facilitated, and its wear and maintenance are reduced, less management costs. Flour from each variety was kept at around 10% water content to safeguarding storage. Regarding the protein and carbohydrates content, flour of all three varieties ensure integration with other compounds and guarantee new products with high protein content.Objective: attest and compare the fundamental attributes for fresh raw cactus cladodes and its chemical constituent’s quality when dried and grounded for three varieties of prickly pear cactus “Copena”, “Pelon blanco” and “Pelon rojo”. Design/methodology/approach: measurements of the physical attributes and chemical constituents were made by using proved and reliable techniques. Data will aid to explore the potential for these cactus materials when being handled from basic to complex processes, considering its need for size and quality of storage and their effect when they interact with processing devices and handling apparatus for the new product being elaborated. Results: the physical attributes among the three assessed cactus varieties showed slight differences in their parameters, but length, wide and electric conductivity. While for their chemical analysis, cactus cladodes were chopped, dried and grounded. Chemical compounds showed slight differences between the three varieties, but Pelon blanco had a higher fat percentage and the lowest zinc and potassium concentration. None of the varieties had iron. Limitations on study/implications: there was no management on the prickly pear cactus production. The assessment of the cultivars’ attributes was as they were from the field. Stabilization of the chemical constituents of Pelon blanco could be necessary, according to the expected features of new products, or lead to a new line of by-products. Findings/conclusions: mechanical handling of raw cladodes around the premises is facilitated, and its uses and maintenance are fewer management costs. Flour from each variety was kept at around 10 % water content to safeguarding storage. Regard the protein and carbohydrates content, flour of the three varieties ensure integration with other compounds and guarantees new products with high protein content

Recolecta, establecimiento y caracterización de semilla de higuerilla (Ricinus communis L.) en el altiplano centro-norte de México

Objective: To evaluate growth, development, yield and characterization of the seed produced by 20 seed collections of castor bean gathered from Aguascalientes, Jalisco, San Luis Potosí and Zacatecas, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: Seed collected in each site was extracted and cleaned; then, the average size and weight were measured, and color was determined. Seeds were sown in bags, registering the days to emergence; when seedlings reached a 15-cm average height, they were transplanted to a plot in the community of Diego Martín, municipality of Salinas, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Results: The average number of clusters per plant was 26.8, and the average height of the plant was 2.95 m. Regarding the weight of 100 seeds, the average was 18.6 g, with a maximum value of 46.1 g for the seed collected at Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, which also presented the longest seed (15.7 mm). The most frequent background color of seed was gray, with dark brown spots on top. Concerning seedling emergence, the collected seeds called Francia Chica (100%) and Villa Hidalgo (94%) stood out. Limitations on study/implications: Wild plants commonly present a wide genetic variability, which makes necessary long-term studies to get more stable seed lines. Findings/conclusions: Seed collected in Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, excelled in some parameters such as size, weight and emergence.Objetivo: Evaluar el crecimiento, desarrollo y rendimiento de higuerilla, y caracterizar la semilla obtenida por 20 recolectas de higuerilla realizadas en los estados de Aguascalientes, Jalisco, San Luis Potosí y Zacatecas, México. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se hizo una extracción y limpieza de la semilla de cada recolecta, de la que se midió tamaño y peso promedios y se determinó su color. Se prepararon macetas para producir plántulas, registrando los días a emergencia y al alcanzar en promedio 15 cm de altura se trasplantaron en una parcela en la comunidad de Diego Martín, municipio de Salinas, San Luis Potosí, México. Resultados: El número promedio de racimos por planta fue 26.8 y la altura media de planta fue de 2.95 m. Con relación al peso de 100 semillas, el promedio fue de 18.6 g, con un valor máximo de 46.1 g para la recolecta de Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, la que también presentó la semilla de mayor longitud (15.7 mm). El color más frecuente (moda) de fondo de la semilla fue el gris, con manchas café oscuro encima. En emergencia de las plántulas sobresalieron las colectas denominadas Francia Chica (100%) y Villa Hidalgo (94%). Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Las plantas silvestres comúnmente presentan una amplia variabilidad genética, lo que hace necesarios los estudios a largo plazo para obtener líneas de semillas más estables. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Semillas recolectadas en Salinas de Hidalgo, S. L. P, sobresalieron en algunos parámetros, como tamaño, peso y emergencia

Digestión anaerobia de estiércol de ovino para producir biogás y bioabono

Objective: To test three different sheep manure management to produce biogas and biofertilizer. Design/methodology/approach: A 2.51 m3 membrane reactor was used and three ways of preparing the manure were evaluated: fresh crushed, fresh without treatment and dry ground. Each treatment was evaluated for one month and the daily production of biogas, the ambient temperature and the pH of the effluent and the flowing were recorded. The nutritional content of the digest was analyzed. Results: The highest production of biogas (1.20 m3 día-1) was obtained with fresh crushed manure, and was statistically higher than that generated with fresh untreated manure (0.86 m3 día-1) and dry ground manure (0.75 m3 día-1). These yields were from 0.05 to 0.08 m3 of biogas per kg of manure fed. The liquid effluent showed a low content of nutrients, however, about 56 liters were obtained daily. The mud, on the other hand, presented important contents of nutrients that makes it a material with high potential as a biofertilizer. Limitations on study/implications: During the evaluation of untreated fresh manure and dry ground manure the ambient temperature was higher, but the biogas production was lower. Findings/conclusions: It was demonstrated that good production of biogas and biofertilizers can be obtained from sheep manure by means of their anaerobic digestion in a tubular biodigester.Objetivo: Evaluar tres diferentes manejos de estiércol de ovino para producir biogás y bioabono. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se usó un reactor de geomembrana de 2.51 m3 y se evaluaron tres formas de preparar el estiércol de ovino: fresco triturado, fresco sin tratamiento y seco molido. Cada manejo se evaluó por un mes y se registró la producción diaria de biogás, la temperatura ambiente y pH del afluente y del efluente. Se analizó el contenido nutrimental del digerido. Resultados: La mayor producción de biogás (1.20 m3 d-1) se obtuvo con el estiércol fresco triturado, y fue estadísticamente mayor al generado con estiércol fresco sin tratar (0.86 m3 d-1) y con estiércol seco molido (0.75 m3 d-1). Estos rendimientos fueron de 0.05 a 0.08 m3 de biogás por kg de estiércol alimentado. El efluente líquido mostró bajo contenido de nutrientes, no obstante diariamente se obtuvieron alrededor de 56 L. El lodo, en cambio, registró contenidos importantes de nutrientes que lo hace un material con alto potencial como bioabono. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Durante la evaluación del estiércol fresco sin tratamiento y seco molido la temperatura ambiente fue mayor, pero la producción de biogás fue menor. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Se demostró que a partir del estiércol de ovino se puede obtener buena producción de biogás y bioabonos, mediante su digestión anaerobia en un biodigestor tubular

Food insecurity was negatively associated with adherence to the “fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in animal protein” dietary pattern among university students’ households: the 2018 Mexican National Household Survey

Background: University students are often affected by food insecurity (FI) and this situation has been associated with low consumption of fruit/vegetables and high intake of added sugars and sweet drinks. However, there needs to be more evidence on the association between FI and dietary patterns (DPs), assessing the overall diet and allowing analysis of commonly consumed food combinations. We aimed to analyze the association between FI and DPs in university students’ households. Methods: We used data from 7659 university student households from the 2018 Mexican National Household Income and Expenditure Survey (ENIGH, for its acronym in Spanish). We obtained FI levels (mild, moderate, and severe) using the validated Mexican Food Security Scale (EMSA, Spanish acronym). Two DPs were identified by principal component analysis based on the weekly frequency of consumption of 12 food groups. Multivariate logistic regression adjusted by university student and household’s characteristics was applied. Results: Compared to food security, households with mild-FI (OR:0.34; 95%CI:0.30, 0.40), moderate-FI (OR:0.20; 95%CI:0.16, 0.24) or severe-FI (OR:0.14; 95%CI:0.11, 0.19) were less likely to adhere to the dietary pattern “Fruits, vegetables and foods rich in animal protein” (fruits, vegetables, meat, fish or seafood, dairy products, and starchy vegetables). In addition, people with severe-FI (OR:0.51; 95% CI:0.34, 0.76) were also less likely to adhere to the dietary pattern “Traditional-Westernized” (pulses, oils or fats, sugar, sweets, industrialized drinks, foods made from corn/maize, wheat, rice, oats or bran, coffee, tea and eggs). Conclusions: In these households FI impairs the ability to consume a healthy dietary pattern (fruits/vegetables and foods rich in animal protein). In addition, the intake of foods typical of the Mexican food culture reflecting the local Western dietary pattern is compromised in households with severe-FI

Yield and oil content of castor oil plant (Ricinus communis L.) accessions grown with fertigation in a semiarid zone

Objective: To evaluate seed, dry matter, and oil content yield in five accessions of castor oil plant (Ricinus communis L.) in the Altiplano Potosino Zacatecano high plateau region of Mexico, grown with a fertigation system on a mixture of sand, tezontle, and compost, with three fertilization levels.Design/Methodology/Approach: The following accessions showed an outstandingly favorable response to fertilization: ZACS2C1 (Orito Zac) which had the greater seed yield (735 g) and oil content (50.30 ± 5.23); and SLPS11C1 which had the greater weight per100 seeds (56.77 ±2.35) and dry matter (1600 g).Results: The best fertilization level for the abovementioned accessions was obtained with the low nutrient solution,Limitations/Implications of the study: while other accessions showed a variable and inverse response to the fertilization level. Results/Conclusions: To make the most of the castor oil plant, oil or fodder accessions can be selected or both accessions can be sown under an intercropping system

Análisis comparativo en la calidad de fibra de agave lecheguilla torr., procesada manual y mecánicamente

La industria de fibras duras ha recobrado terreno despues de ser desplazada por los productos plasticos. La fibra de lechuguilla (ixtle) se exporta a paises de Europa, Asia, Norte y Sudamerica. Este material se utiliza para elaborar varios productos de uso industrial como cepillos para pulir metales, relleno de muebles y asientos, tapetes, alfombras, filtros automotrices; al mezclarse con resinas se usa en la fabricacion de puertas, techos, paredes, laminas, estanteria y mobiliario. En este trabajo se evaluo la resistencia a la tension, fineza, elongacion maxima, dano mecanico y coloracion, en la fibra obtenida de la planta de lechuguilla, la cual se proceso mediante los metodos mecanico y manual. Los resultados de los tratamientos (manual y mecanico) se compararon mediante una prueba de t para muestras apareadas, con la finalidad de comparar la calidad de fibra obtenida en cada uno. No se encontraron diferencias (p>0.05) entre tratamientos para la fineza (densidad lineal), resistencia a la tension, elongacion maxima y dano mecanico. Sin embargo, en la coloracion de la fibra existieron diferencias significativas (p.0.05) debido a la cantidad de residuo que presentaba la fibra tallada con la maquina

Cálculo del balance de energía para higuerilla (Ricinus communis L.) desde las etapas de producción en campo hasta el valor energético de cada componente de la planta

Introducción : Pruebas de balance de energía permiten redirigir los insumos desde las etapas de producción de un cultivo, e igualmente, precesar la cantidad de energía utilizada para cada proceso y así, verificar la eficiencia al transformar la energía contenida en el cultivo cuando debe cumplir con una función deseada. Método : la planta de higuerilla (Ricinus communis L.) con propósitos de cultivo energético fue sembrada en campo y sometida a procesos de mantenimiento de l cultivo y en la cosecha, la planta completa fue colectada para análisis energético, donde cada una de sus partes inclu i das las semillas fueron evaluadas en función de su contenido de energía. Así, para determinar el balance de energía; los valores de la energía biológica de la planta fueron comparados con la energía aplicada en cada uno de los procesos técnicos y físicos para la producción del cult i vo y en su procesamiento . Resultados : La energía aplicada para producir el cultivo r esulta un 28% superior a la energía a obtener de la planta. Asimismo, la biomasa de la planta completa de higuerilla, sin contar las semillas genera el doble de energía comparado con el aceite de las semillas, por lo que, conviene utilizar toda la planta e n términos de energía . Conclusión : Es recomendable utilizar el aceite de las seillas como biomaterial, ya que el b a lance es positivo en un 15%