Conventional to organic transition of Citrus x sinensis (L.) Osbeck (pro. sp.) orchards in municipalities of northern Veracruz state

This research determined the degree of transition towards organic production and management of Valencia orange in the municipalities of northern Veracruz State. One hundred and six surveys were administered to producers grouped into four consolidated civil associations. A constructed transition index considering six variables revealed an average of 0.768. Citrus grower/institution positively correlated with intercropping (p = 0.0281) and with internal factors (p = 0.0257). Determinant factors for transition index were intercropping (p = 0.00009), and citrus grower/institution interaction (p = 0.0000). These internal and external factors together with years of conversion, averaging six years, resulted in an intermediate transition degree towards organic Valencia orange production. Municipalities of northern Veracruz State stand on varying degrees of transition towards organic agriculture. Yet, many growers still conserve some management practices not consistent with organic production. Highlights: Transition index to organic agriculture of citrus growers was 0.768. Some citrus growers with few years of organic production apply all practices as advanced or organic. Growers of northern Veracruz, Mexico are in intermediate transition degree towards organic Valencia orange production.This research determined the degree of transition towards organic production and management of Valencia orange in the municipalities of northern Veracruz State. One hundred and six surveys were administered to producers grouped into four consolidated civil associations. A constructed transition index considering six variables revealed an average of 0.768. Citrus grower/institution positively correlated with intercropping (p = 0.0281) and with internal factors (p = 0.0257). Determinant factors for transition index were intercropping (p = 0.00009), and citrus grower/institution interaction (p = 0.0000). These internal and external factors together with years of conversion, averaging six years, resulted in an intermediate transition degree towards organic Valencia orange production. Municipalities of northern Veracruz State stand on varying degrees of transition towards organic agriculture. Yet, many growers still conserve some management practices not consistent with organic production. Highlights: Transition index to organic agriculture of citrus growers was 0.768. Some citrus growers with few years of organic production apply all practices as advanced or organic. Growers of northern Veracruz, Mexico are in intermediate transition degree towards organic Valencia orange production

Physiological development of red anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Linden) var. Tropical in three in vitro culture systems

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the physiological development of Anthurium andreanum L. var. Tropical red color in three in vitro culture systems: semi-solid, partial immersion and RITA® bioreactor Design / methodology / approach: A completely randomized design was used with three treatments: semi-solid medium, partial immersion and RITA® bioreactor, with four repetitions each. Vitroplants of anthurium were selected with a size of 0.5 cm from the stem to the highest leaf, with three leaves each specimen. After 60 days of sowing, morphometric analyzes, chlorophyll content and hormone content were carried out. An analysis of variance and comparison tests of means were performed on the data obtained by Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey, respectively, using the statistical software R-STUDIO. Results: The highest shoot rate and root length was obtained in partial immersion; however, the number of leaves, shoots and root multiplication did not show differences with the RITA® bioreactors. The highest concentration of chlorophyll and indole acetic acid was observed when using RITA® bioreactors. Study limitations / implications: The results are favorable for the in vitro production of anthurium, however for commercial production the use of RITA® bioreactors is a high cost in the initial investment. Findings / conclusions: with the results obtained, it is considered that the RITA bioreactors obtained the best results for the production of anthurium, followed by the partial immersion system. Due to the liquid medium and better gas exchange, which favors the development of plants Keywords: Anthurium andreanum L.; chlorophyll; phytohormones; immersion systemsObjective: To evaluate the physiological development of red Anthurium andreanum L. var. Tropical in three in vitro culture systems: semi-solid, partial immersion and RITA® bioreactor. Design / methodology / approach: A completely randomized design with three treatments, semi-solid medium, partial immersion and RITA® bioreactor, and four repetitions each was used. Vitroplants of anthurium were selected with a size of 0.5 cm from the stem to the highest leaf, with three leaves in each specimen. Morphometric, chlorophyll content and hormone content analyses were carried out after 60 days of sowing. Analysis of variance and means comparison tests were performed on the data obtained through Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey, respectively, using the statistical software R-STUDIO. Results: The highest shoot rate and root length were obtained in partial immersion; however, the number of leaves, shoots and root multiplication did not show differences with the RITA® bioreactors. The highest concentration of chlorophylls and indole acetic acid was observed when using RITA® bioreactors. Study limitations / implications: The results are favorable for the in vitro production of anthurium, although the use of RITA® bioreactors for commercial production is a high cost in the initial investment. Findings / conclusions: With the results obtained, it is considered that the RITA® bioreactors obtained the best results for the production of anthurium, followed by the partial immersion system. This is due to the liquid medium and better gas exchange, which favors the development of plant

Genetic Uniformity of the MSXJ papaya hybrid (Carica papaya L.) during Micropropagation

Objective. To analyze the genetic uniformity of the MSXJ papaya hybrid vitroplants, obtained via direct organogenesis. Design/methodology/approach. The MSXJ papaya hybrid presents quality characteristics for national and export markets. The in vitro plant tissue culture represents a tool for its multiplication and conservation, but somaclonal variation can decrease its genetic and agronomic uniformity. In order to analyze the genetic uniformity of this hybrid vitroplants, 10 ISSR primers were used in micropropagated vitroplants during nine subcultures. DNA extraction was carried out with the CTAB method. The data analysis was performed with the PopGene v 1.3.1 program. Results. Eighty five loci of 200 to 2000 bp were generated, with 37 polymorphic loci. In the cluster analysis, three groups were observed that separated subculture one, subcultures two through eight, and subculture nine; the Gst value of 0.87 indicated genetic uniformity up to subculture eight. Limitations/implications. Papaya is one of the most important tropical fruits worldwide; however it is necessary to have healthy and genetically uniform plants that guarantee their quality. In vitro propagation allows to produce healthy and uniform plants, but it is necessary to study their genetic uniformity during their micropropagation. Findings/conclusions. The in vitro multiplication of the MSXJ papaya hybrid allowed to regenerate vigorous plants in 30 days. Molecular profiles indicated that up to subculture eight plantlets were genetically uniform, so it is recommended not to carry out more than eight subcultures during micropropagation.Objective: To analyze the genetic uniformity of MSXJ hybrid papaya in vitro plants, obtained by direct organogenesis.Design/Methodology/Approach: The MSXJ papaya hybrid demonstrates quality characteristics for the national and exports market. In vitro culture of plant tissues represents a useful tool for their multiplication and conservation, but somaclonal variation can diminish their genetic and agronomic uniformity. In order to analyze the genetic uniformity of in vitro plants of this hybrid, ten ISSR primers were used for in vitro plants micropropagated during nine subcultures. DNA was extracted using the CTAB method. Data were analyzed using the program PopGene v 1.3.1.Results: Eighty-five loci of 200 to up to 2000 pb were generated, with 37 polymorphic loci. In the cluster analysis, three groups were observed which separate subculture one, subcultures two to eight, and subculture nine; the Gst value of 0.87 indicated genetic uniformity as far as subculture eight.Study Limitations/Implications: Papaya is one of the most important tropical fruits worldwide; however, these plants need to be healthy and genetically uniform to guarantee commercial success. In vitro propagation allows obtaining healthy and uniform plants, but it is necessary to study genetic uniformity during their micropropagation.Findings/Conclusions: The in vitro multiplication of the MSXJ papaya hybrid permitted the regeneration of vigorous plants in 30 d. Molecular profiles indicate that as far as subculture eight, there is genetic uniformity. As such, no more thaneight subcultures are recommended during micropropagation

Sex Identification of in vitro Plants of Carica papaya L. MSXJ Hybrid through Molecular Markers

Objective: To identify the sex in vitro plants of the MSXJ hybrid papaya (Carica papaya L.) obtained via somatic organogenesis, using molecular markers SCAR type. Design/methodology/approach: Plants of the MSXJ hybrid papaya with eight months of age and during the fruiting stage were collected at the municipality of Cotaxtla, Veracruz. They were superficially disinfected, with plenty of running water, detergent for 30 minutes, 70% alcohol was added for one minute, 30% commercial chlorine for another 30 minutes and rinsed with sterile distilled water. Subsequently the meristems were grown under a MS medium, and after 30 days a subculture was performed. The extraction of DNA was performed using the Doyle and Doyle method. The PCR was done by the Deputy et al. method, and initiators T1, T12 and W11 were used. Results: Initiator T1 was positive control. Initiators T12 and W11 allowed the amplification of fragments identifying hermaphrodite, female and male plants, while the T12 and W11 initiators were specific to hermaphrodite plants. Study limitations/implications: Papaya producers know the genus of plants three months after planting. Sexuality in papaya plants cannot be differentiated until the flowering step. Findings/conclusions: the implementation of molecular markers could facilitate large-scale plant selection, reducing costs, maintenance time and the elimination of plants with unwanted sex.Objective: To identify the sex of in vitro plants of papaya (Carica papaya L.) MSXJhybrid obtained via somatic organogenesis, through SCAR type molecular markers. Design/Methodology/Approach: Eight-month old MSXJ papaya hybrid plants in thefructification stage were collected in Cotaxtla, Veracruz, Mexico. They weresuperficially disinfected with abundant running water, detergent during 30 min, andthen alcohol at 70% was added for one minute, commercial chlorine at 30% for 30min, and they were rinsed with sterile distilled water; then the meristems werecultivated in MS medium and after 30 d a subculture was made. The DNA extractionwas made with the CTAB method, and the DNA PCR was done with the Deputy et al.(2002) method, and the primers T1, T12 and W11 were used.Results: The T1 primer was the positive control and the T12 and W11 primersallowed the amplification of fragments that identify hermaphrodite, feminine and maleplants, while the T12 and W11 primers were specific for hermaphrodite plants.Study Limitations/Implications: It is required to standardize the method for it to beinexpensive.Findings/Conclusions: The sexuality of papaya plants can be differentiated until thestage of flowering, which is why the implementation of molecular markers wouldfacilitate plant selection if it is implemented at a large scale. Costs, maintenance timeand elimination of plants of unwanted sex are reduced this way

Characterization in Clonal Selections of Citrus X latifolia Tanaka ex Q. Jiménez: Español

Abstract Objective: To physically and chemically characterize clonal selections with Persian lemon potential. Design/methodology/approximation: A core component analysis was used, using a mixed data factor analysis model. The distribution of genotypes was plotted by major components through the K-medoid method, while cluster analysis it was determined by a Gower dissimilarity matrix. A dendogram was performed by Ward's method with a minimum variance grouping criteria. In the morphological characterization of the fruits which were considered trees of Citrus volkameriana, Citrus macrophylla, Citrus paradisi X Poncirus trifoliata, X Citroncirus spp., Citrus X aurantium. The diameter, length, weight, color and shape of the fruit was analyzed. Other variables to evaluate were the shape of the base, apex shape, surface texture, albedo adhesion, number of seeds, maturation rate, juice weight, juice yield, pH, Brix and tidable acidity. Data analysis was performed with R software and the factoextra and FactoMineR packages. Results: The physical and chemical characteristics of Persian lemon fruits varies due to the correlation between the different types of rootstock grown in the citrus area studied. Study limitations/implications: Producers are unaware of the clone or type of plant material they propagate, making selections of clones that show outstanding morphoagronomic characteristics. Findings/conclusions: The morphological diversity and quality fruit is closely related to the type of rootstock used for its spread. The internal and external characteristics in Citrus macrophylla stand out as the fruit.Objective: To physically and chemically characterize clonal selections of Persian lime(Citrus x latifolia Tanaka ex Q. Jiménez).Design/Methodology/Approach: The principal components analysis was employed,using a mixed data factorial analysis model. Genotype distribution was graphed usingprincipal components with the k-medoids method, while a Gower’s dissimilarity matrixwas determined for the conglomerate analysis and a dendrogram was developed usingWard’s minimum variance cluster method. For the morphological characterization of thefruits, the study considered the following trees: Citrus volkameriana, Citrus macrophylla,Citrus paradisi X Poncirus trifoliata, X Citroncirus spp., and Citrus X aurantium. Thefruit’s diameter, length, weight, color, and shape were analyzed, in addition to its baseshape, tip shape, surface texture, albedo adherence, number of seeds, ripening rate,juice weight, juice yield, pH, °Brix, and titratable acidity. Data were analyzed using Rsoftware and the factoextra and FactoMineR packages.Results: The physical and chemical traits of Persian lime fruit vary due to thecorrelations between the types of rootstock that are cultivated in the citrus zone studied. Study Limitations/Implications: Farmers do not know which clone or type of plantmaterial they propagate; they simply select clones that show outstanding morpho-agronomical traits.Findings/Conclusions: The morphological diversity and quality of the fruit is related tothe type of rootstock used in its propagation, in addition to internal and external traits inCitrus macrophylla standing out in fruit quality

Evaluation of antimicrobial and antifungal activity of hydroethanolic extracts of in vitro and ex vitro seedlings of Dionaea muscipula J. Ellis

Objective: To assess the antibacterial and antifungal activity of hydroethanolic extracts of Dionaea muscipula J. Ellis against model bacteria and fungi of agricultural importance. Design/Methodology/Approach: In vitro plants of D. muscipula were propagated and acclimatized for three months. The antibacterial activity of the hydroethanolic extracts against Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus and the antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum and Pseudocercospora fijiensis were evaluated. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare the means obtained with a Tukey test (p?0.05). Results: The hydroethanolic extracts of D. muscipula in vitro and acclimatized showed a bacteriostatic activity against the bacteria E. coli (65.20 and 69.78% inhibition) and B. cereus (91.75 and 92.61% inhibition) and an antifungal activity against the fungus P. fijiensis of 7.56 and 14.21% of inhibition, respectively. Study Limitations/Implications: The hydroethanolic extracts of D. muscipula in vitro and acclimatized did not show antifungal activity against A. niger and F. oxysporum. Findings/Conclusions: The hydroethanolic extracts of D. muscipula in vitro and acclimatized showed a bacteriostatic activity against the bacteria E. coli and B. cereus and antifungal activity against the fungus P. fijiensis.Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activity of hydroethanolic extracts of Dionaea muscipula J. Ellis against bacteria models and fungi of agricultural importance. Design/Methodology/Approach: In vitro plants of D. muscipula were propagated and acclimatized for three months. The antibacterial activity of the hydroethanolic extracts against Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus was evaluated, and the antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum and Pseudocercospora fijiensis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to compare the means obtained with Tukey’s test (p≤0.05). Results: The hydroethanolic extracts of in vitro and acclimatized D. muscipula presented bacteriostatic activity against the bacteria E. coli (65.20 and 69.78 % of inhibition) and B. cereus (91.75 and 92.61 % of inhibition), and antifungal activity against the fungus P. fijiensis of 7.56 and 14.21 % of inhibition, respectively. Study Limitations/Implications: The hydroethanolic extracts of in vitro and acclimatized D. muscipula did not show antifungal activity against A. niger and F. oxysporum. Findings/Conclusions: The hydroethanolic extracts of in vitro and acclimatized D. muscipula presented bacteriostatic activity against bacteria E. coli and B. cereus and antifungal activity against the fungus P. fijiensis