Maize agroecosystems sustainability in the coastal plain of Istmo, Oaxaca, Mexico

Los agroecosistemas tradicionales poseen diferentes características productivas, económicas, culturales y sociales; que provocan variabilidad del estado de sustentabilidad de cada uno de ellos. El objetivo fue evaluar niveles de sustentabilidad de los principales agroecosistemas de maíz en la planicie costera del Istmo de Tehuantepec; para diseñar futuras acciones de mejora. El estudio se realizó en el Istmo de Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, México en 2017. Se utilizó la metodología del MESMIS. Las técnicas de investigación fueron el cuestionario, recorridos de campo y diálogo con productores. Se diferenciaron tres agroecosistemas acorde al manejo y características propias. Se evaluaron 18 indicadores distribuidos en los atributos: productividad, confiabilidad, estabilidad, resiliencia, adaptabilidad, equidad y autogestión; que a su vez son trasversales a las dimensiones ambiental, social y económica. Al integrar los resultados por atributos, sobresale el AE1 con un avance alto a la sustentabilidad (70%), por mayor producción anual, eficiencia económica y más agricultores organizados. El AE2 alcanza un nivel bajo (47%) debido al reducido ingreso mensual, actividades económicas limitadas, reducida superficie cultivable y nula capacitación y organización. El AE3 logra un nivel bajo (56%), alcanzado por una baja diversidad de actividades económicas y mayor número de agricultores que reciben asesoría técnica. Al evaluar las dimensiones de la sustentabilidad, el AE1 y AE3 sobresalen con valores medios de avance hacia la sustentabilidad (74 y 63%) y el AE2 muestra debilidad (53%). Para mejorar estos niveles, se requieren diseñar y promover programas de desarrolloTraditional agroecosystems have different productive, economic, cultural and social characteristics; that cause variability of the sustainability status of each one of them. The objective was to evaluate sustainability levels of the main maize agroecosystems in the coastal plain of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec; to design future improvement actions. The study was carried out in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico in 2017. The MESMIS methodology was used. The research techniques were the questionnaire, field trips and dialogue with producers. Three agroecosystems were differentiated according to their own management and characteristics. 18 indicators distributed in the attributes were evaluated: productivity, reliability, stability, resilience, adaptability, equity and self-management; which in turn are transverse to the environmental, social and economic dimensions. By integrating the results by attributes, AE1 stands out with a high advance to sustainability (70%), due to higher annual production, economic efficiency and more organized farmers. AE2 reaches a low level (47%) due to reduced monthly income, limited economic activities, reduced arable land and no training and organization. AE3 achieves a low level (56%), achieved by a low diversity of economic activities and a greater number of farmers who receive technical assistance. When evaluating the dimensions of sustainability, AE1 and AE3 stand out with medium values of progress towards sustainability (74 and 63%) and AE2 shows debility (53%). To improve these levels, it is necessary to design and promote agricultural development programs through participatory processes that contemplate technological innovation with an agroecological approach.Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestale

Maize agroecosystems sustainability in the coastal plain of Istmo, Oaxaca, Mexico

Los agroecosistemas tradicionales poseen diferentes características productivas, económicas, culturales y sociales; que provocan variabilidad del estado de sustentabilidad de cada uno de ellos. El objetivo fue evaluar niveles de sustentabilidad de los principales agroecosistemas de maíz en la planicie costera del Istmo de Tehuantepec; para diseñar futuras acciones de mejora. El estudio se realizó en el Istmo de Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, México en 2017. Se utilizó la metodología del MESMIS. Las técnicas de investigación fueron el cuestionario, recorridos de campo y diálogo con productores. Se diferenciaron tres agroecosistemas acorde al manejo y características propias. Se evaluaron 18 indicadores distribuidos en los atributos: productividad, confiabilidad, estabilidad, resiliencia, adaptabilidad, equidad y autogestión; que a su vez son trasversales a las dimensiones ambiental, social y económica. Al integrar los resultados por atributos, sobresale el AE1 con un avance alto a la sustentabilidad (70%), por mayor producción anual, eficiencia económica y más agricultores organizados. El AE2 alcanza un nivel bajo (47%) debido al reducido ingreso mensual, actividades económicas limitadas, reducida superficie cultivable y nula capacitación y organización. El AE3 logra un nivel bajo (56%), alcanzado por una baja diversidad de actividades económicas y mayor número de agricultores que reciben asesoría técnica. Al evaluar las dimensiones de la sustentabilidad, el AE1 y AE3 sobresalen con valores medios de avance hacia la sustentabilidad (74 y 63%) y el AE2 muestra debilidad (53%). Para mejorar estos niveles, se requieren diseñar y promover programas de desarrolloTraditional agroecosystems have different productive, economic, cultural and social characteristics; that cause variability of the sustainability status of each one of them. The objective was to evaluate sustainability levels of the main maize agroecosystems in the coastal plain of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec; to design future improvement actions. The study was carried out in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico in 2017. The MESMIS methodology was used. The research techniques were the questionnaire, field trips and dialogue with producers. Three agroecosystems were differentiated according to their own management and characteristics. 18 indicators distributed in the attributes were evaluated: productivity, reliability, stability, resilience, adaptability, equity and self-management; which in turn are transverse to the environmental, social and economic dimensions. By integrating the results by attributes, AE1 stands out with a high advance to sustainability (70%), due to higher annual production, economic efficiency and more organized farmers. AE2 reaches a low level (47%) due to reduced monthly income, limited economic activities, reduced arable land and no training and organization. AE3 achieves a low level (56%), achieved by a low diversity of economic activities and a greater number of farmers who receive technical assistance. When evaluating the dimensions of sustainability, AE1 and AE3 stand out with medium values of progress towards sustainability (74 and 63%) and AE2 shows debility (53%). To improve these levels, it is necessary to design and promote agricultural development programs through participatory processes that contemplate technological innovation with an agroecological approach.Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestale

Sustentabilidad de agroecosistemas de maíz de la planicie costera del Istmo, Oaxaca, México

Traditional agroecosystems have different productive, economic, cultural and social characteristics; that cause variability of the sustainability status of each one of them. The objective was to evaluate sustainability levels of the main maize agroecosystems in the coastal plain of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec; to design future improvement actions. The study was carried out in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico in 2017. The MESMIS methodology was used. The research techniques were the questionnaire, field trips and dialogue with producers. Three agroecosystems were differentiated according to their own management and characteristics. 18 indicators distributed in the attributes were evaluated: productivity, reliability, stability, resilience, adaptability, equity and self-management; which in turn are transverse to the environmental, social and economic dimensions. By integrating the results by attributes, AE1 stands out with a high advance to sustainability (70%), due to higher annual production, economic efficiency and more organized farmers. AE2 reaches a low level (47%) due to reduced monthly income, limited economic activities, reduced arable land and no training and organization. AE3 achieves a low level (56%), achieved by a low diversity of economic activities and a greater number of farmers who receive technical assistance. When evaluating the dimensions of sustainability, AE1 and AE3 stand out with medium values of progress towards sustainability (74 and 63%) and AE2 shows debility (53%). To improve these levels, it is necessary to design and promote agricultural development programs through participatory processes that contemplate technological innovation with an agroecological approach.Los agroecosistemas tradicionales poseen diferentes características productivas, económicas, culturales y sociales; que provocan variabilidad del estado de sustentabilidad de cada uno de ellos. El objetivo fue evaluar niveles de sustentabilidad de los principales agroecosistemas de maíz en la planicie costera del Istmo de Tehuantepec; para diseñar futuras acciones de mejora. El estudio se realizó en el Istmo de Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, México en 2017. Se utilizó la metodología del MESMIS. Las técnicas de investigación fueron el cuestionario, recorridos de campo y diálogo con productores. Se diferenciaron tres agroecosistemas acorde al manejo y características propias. Se evaluaron 18 indicadores distribuidos en los atributos: productividad, confiabilidad, estabilidad, resiliencia, adaptabilidad, equidad y autogestión; que a su vez son trasversales a las dimensiones ambiental, social y económica. Al integrar los resultados por atributos, sobresale el AE1 con un avance alto a la sustentabilidad (70%), por mayor producción anual, eficiencia económica y más agricultores organizados. El AE2 alcanza un nivel bajo (47%) debido al reducido ingreso mensual, actividades económicas limitadas, reducida superficie cultivable y nula capacitación y organización. El AE3 logra un nivel bajo (56%), alcanzado por una baja diversidad de actividades económicas y mayor número de agricultores que reciben asesoría técnica. Al evaluar las dimensiones de la sustentabilidad, el AE1 y AE3 sobresalen con valores medios de avance hacia la sustentabilidad (74 y 63%) y el AE2 muestra debilidad (53%). Para mejorar estos niveles, se requieren diseñar y promover programas de desarrollo agrícola mediante procesos participativos que contemplen la innovación tecnológica con enfoque agroecológico

Maize agroecosystems sustainability in the coastal plain of Istmo, Oaxaca, Mexico

Los agroecosistemas tradicionales poseen diferentes características productivas, económicas, culturales y sociales; que provocan variabilidad del estado de sustentabilidad de cada uno de ellos. El objetivo fue evaluar niveles de sustentabilidad de los principales agroecosistemas de maíz en la planicie costera del Istmo de Tehuantepec; para diseñar futuras acciones de mejora. El estudio se realizó en el Istmo de Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, México en 2017. Se utilizó la metodología del MESMIS. Las técnicas de investigación fueron el cuestionario, recorridos de campo y diálogo con productores. Se diferenciaron tres agroecosistemas acorde al manejo y características propias. Se evaluaron 18 indicadores distribuidos en los atributos: productividad, confiabilidad, estabilidad, resiliencia, adaptabilidad, equidad y autogestión; que a su vez son trasversales a las dimensiones ambiental, social y económica. Al integrar los resultados por atributos, sobresale el AE1 con un avance alto a la sustentabilidad (70%), por mayor producción anual, eficiencia económica y más agricultores organizados. El AE2 alcanza un nivel bajo (47%) debido al reducido ingreso mensual, actividades económicas limitadas, reducida superficie cultivable y nula capacitación y organización. El AE3 logra un nivel bajo (56%), alcanzado por una baja diversidad de actividades económicas y mayor número de agricultores que reciben asesoría técnica. Al evaluar las dimensiones de la sustentabilidad, el AE1 y AE3 sobresalen con valores medios de avance hacia la sustentabilidad (74 y 63%) y el AE2 muestra debilidad (53%). Para mejorar estos niveles, se requieren diseñar y promover programas de desarrolloTraditional agroecosystems have different productive, economic, cultural and social characteristics; that cause variability of the sustainability status of each one of them. The objective was to evaluate sustainability levels of the main maize agroecosystems in the coastal plain of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec; to design future improvement actions. The study was carried out in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico in 2017. The MESMIS methodology was used. The research techniques were the questionnaire, field trips and dialogue with producers. Three agroecosystems were differentiated according to their own management and characteristics. 18 indicators distributed in the attributes were evaluated: productivity, reliability, stability, resilience, adaptability, equity and self-management; which in turn are transverse to the environmental, social and economic dimensions. By integrating the results by attributes, AE1 stands out with a high advance to sustainability (70%), due to higher annual production, economic efficiency and more organized farmers. AE2 reaches a low level (47%) due to reduced monthly income, limited economic activities, reduced arable land and no training and organization. AE3 achieves a low level (56%), achieved by a low diversity of economic activities and a greater number of farmers who receive technical assistance. When evaluating the dimensions of sustainability, AE1 and AE3 stand out with medium values of progress towards sustainability (74 and 63%) and AE2 shows debility (53%). To improve these levels, it is necessary to design and promote agricultural development programs through participatory processes that contemplate technological innovation with an agroecological approach.Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestale

Indicadores de innovación y productividad en unidades de producción agrícola familiar: sur de México

Innovation is an opportunity to improve productivity and to achieve the development of marginalized communities. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of innovation and productivity factors on the development of family farms (FFs) from marginalized localities in southern Mexico, under the systems approach. The study was non-experimental trans-sectional with a mixed approach and random stratified sampling. The indicator that interacted most with others was the farmer’s profile, defined by the type of crop in the FF that was independent of the locality, through the Kruskal-Wallis test (c2, 0.05) and Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results show that FFs with greenhouse tomato innovate the most and generate greater economic satisfaction to the human factor, because of the productive system they implement. The interaction of factors implies the inexistence of knowledge that is strictly from the communities, since innovating and improving production requires a combination of influences, a type of crop and its aim, with the active participation of the farmer.La innovación es una oportunidad para mejorar la productividad y lograr el desarrollo de comunidades margi­nadas. El objetivo fue analizar el efecto de factores de innovación y productividad en el desarrollo de unidades de producción agrícola familiar (UPAF) de localidades marginadas del sur de México, bajo el enfoque de sistemas. La investigación fue de tipo no experimental trans-seccional con enfoque mixto, y muestreo estratificado aleatorio. El indicador que más interactuó con otros, fue el perfil del productor, definido por el tipo de cultivo de la UPAF que resultó independiente de la localidad, por medio de la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis (c2, 0.05) y el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. Resultando las UPAF con jitomate en invernadero, las que más inno­van y generan mayor satisfacción económica al factor humano, por el sistema productivo que implementan. La interacción de factores implica la inexistencia de conocimiento que sea estrictamente de las comunidades. Ya que innovar y mejorar productivamente requiere una combinación de influencias, un tipo de cultivo y el fin del mismo, con la participación activa del productor

Characterization of production units of cured foods in the Isthmus Region, Oaxaca, Mexico

Objective: Characterize the family production units (UPF) that produce and market cured foods in the Isthmus region. Design/methodology/approach: The approach was descriptive and correlational. The methodology was proposed by Chayanov (1925), which proposes the evaluation of six factors. A survey was applied and 75 variables were evaluated, Spearman's correlation test, chi-square, and contingency tables were generated, with the most significant variables. Results: The higher the level of studies of the head of the family, the greater the number of members, and the more participation of women in decision-making. The production of cured foods is a tradition inherited from one generation to another, 73% learned the activity from a family member. The workforce is family-based, in 95% of the UPF only family members are involved. Limitations on study/implications: The vastness of the region makes it difficult to cover other municipalities and insecurity makes it difficult to obtain information. Findings/conclusions: The family structure at UPF is nuclear. The woman directs the elaboration of cured foods, which is why it is considered that she plays an important role in conserving artisanal production.Objective: To characterize the family production units (FPUs) that produce and market cured foods in the Isthmus Region. Design/methodology/approach: The approach was descriptive and correlational. The methodology used was proposed by Chayanov (1925), which proposes the assessment of six factors. A survey was applied and 75 variables were evaluated, Spearman’s correlation and chi-square test were carried out, and contingency tables were generated with the most significant variables. Results: With a higher the level of studies of the head of the family, the number of members was greater and women participated more in decision-making. The production of cured foods is a tradition inherited from one generation to another, and 73% learned the activity from a family member. The workforce is family-based and only family members are involved in 95% of the FPUs. Limitations on study/implications: The vastness of the region makes it difficult to cover other municipalities and insecurity makes it difficult to obtain information. Findings/conclusions: The family structure at the FPUs is nuclear. The woman directs the elaboration of cured foods, so it is considered that she plays an important role in conserving artisanal production

Efecto de la africanización de Apis mellifera en parámetros productivos en el sur de Oaxaca, México

El propósito de esta investigación fue analizar el proceso de africanización de colonias manejadas de abejas (Apis mellifera) mediante análisis PCR-RFLP del DNA mitocondrial y su relación con aspectos sanitarios, defensivos y de producción en 33 apiarios mediante un muestreo aleatorio estratificado en un gradiente de 450 a 1,500 msnm en cinco comunidades rurales de la Sierra sur de Oaxaca. Los resultados mostraron un promedio de 60% de apiarios africanizados con un comportamiento sanitario similar al europeo. El comportamiento higiénico se registró como alto para ambos mitotipos 90.9% y 92.1% respectivamente, con valores similares en grado de defensividad de las abejas africanizadas (3.73) versus no africanizadas (3.57), consideradas como regularmente mansas. Se identificó una asociación negativa media (r=-0.47, p≤0.001), entre la altitud de ubicación de los apiarios y la defensividad de las abejas. La producción promedio de miel fue de 14 kg alza-1, similar en ambos haplotipos. La hibridación es un fenómeno que conlleva comportamientos impredecibles, debido a la compleja interacción genotipo ambiente que influye en apiarios del sur de Oaxaca

Effect of a Fungi Complex in Nine Ecotypes of Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach) Morrone

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of different concentrations of a fungal consortium on the growth and yield of ecotypes of Cenchrus purpureus under storm conditions. Design/methodology/approach: An experiment was established under a completely randomized design with a 9x2x4 factorial arrangement. The factors were 9 ecotypes of Cenchrus purpureus; two times of the year (summer-autumn and winter-spring) and four levels of mycorrhizal consortium. The variables evaluated were: number of shoots, number of leaves, and height of the shoot, leaf length, total biomass and leaf-stem ratio. Results: The response of the ecotypes had a differential effect on the variables NB, LHG, BT and RH / T. While the time affected the variables NH, AB, LHG, LHM, LHCh, BT and RH / T. Low inoculation levels increased the variables NB, AB, LHG, LHM and BT. Limitations on study/implications: The evaluated factors indicate that the level of inoculant and the season determine the growth and yield of Cenchrus purpureus. Findings/conclusions: The mycorrhizal consortium dose and time of year mainly determined the growth and yield of C. purpureus. Ecotypes respond differently to changes in mycorrhizal consortium dose and season. The evaluated factors indicate that the mycorrhiza dose and the time of year determine the growth and yield of C. purpureus. Two growth strategies of the ecotypes are visualized: 1) many shoots, with few small leaves and 2) few shoots with many large leaves.Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of different concentrations of a fungal consortium on the growth and yield of Cenchrus purpureus ecotypes under storm conditions.Design/Methodology/Approach: An experiment was established under a completely randomized design with a 9X2X4 factorial arrangement. The factors were 9 ecotypes of Cenchrus purpureus, two seasons of the year (Summer-Fall and Winter-Spring), and four levels of mycorrhizal consortium. The variables evaluated were: number of buds, number of leaves, height of the bud, leaf length, total biomass, and leaf-stalk ratio.Results: The response of the ecotypes had a differential effect on the variables NB, LLL, TB and L/SR, while the season affected the variables LN, PH, LLL, MLL, SLL, TB and L/SR. Low inoculation levels increased the variables NB, PH, LLL, MLL and TB.Study Limitations/Implications: The evaluated factors indicate that the level of inoculant and the season determine the growth and yield of Cenchrus purpureus.Findings/Conclusions: The mycorrhizal consortium dose and season of the year mainly determined the growth and yield of C. purpureus. Ecotypes respond differently to changes in the season and in mycorrhizal consortium dose. The evaluated factors indicate that the mycorrhiza dose and the season of the year determine the growth and yield of C.purpureus. Two growth strategies of the ecotypes are visualized: 1) many buds, with few small leaves and 2) few buds with many large leave

Productive Performance of Sheep in an Agropastoral System on the Coast of Oaxaca, Mexico

Objective: To determine the prolificacy and weight of lambs at birth (BW) in twogenotypes of hair sheep within an agropastoral system on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico,and to evaluate the effect of two sources of selenium on the performance of lambs fromsaid system during the fattening phase.Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was carried out in an agropastoral system(coconut palm and Cynodon dactylon grass) in Río Grande, Oaxaca. Two experimentswere conducted; the first studied 58 ewes distributed in a completely randomized design(CRD) with factorial arrangement of 2x2x3, and focused on the following fixed effects:genotype, number of births, and body condition (BC). The measured variables wereprolificacy and BW. The second experiment studied 23 lambs of 4 months in age thatwere offspring of the females in experiment 1. They were distributed in a CRD withthree treatments: T1, without selenium provided; T2, with barium selenate provided; T3,with selenomethionine provided. The dependent variables were daily weight gain(DWG), dry material consumption (DMC), and feed conversion (FC). Results: The Pelibuey ewes with one and two births and the Black Belly ewes with onebirth demonstrated the highest averages in prolificacy (P?0.05). The lowest averages(P?0.05) were detected in ewes with BC 4 irrespective of number of births. The BW wasaffected (P?0.05) by genotype; Black Belly lambs weighed 680 g (P?0.05) more thatPelibuey lambs. The DWG, DMC and FC behaved similarly (P?0.05) betweentreatments and their general averages were 0.114 kg day -1 , 0.679 kg day -1 , and 6.18,respectively.Study Limitations/Implications: In the agropastoral system, the BC of ewes limitstheir reproductive performance. The weight of the lambs at the start of fatteningdetermines their performance during fattening.Findings/Conclusions: In the agropastoral system, Pelibuey and Black Belly femalespresent adequate prolificacy averages and BW; however, it is very important that theyremain within BC 3. Neither of the two sources of selenium improves DWG, DMC, andFC of lambs fattened in pens in the agropastoral system

Prácticas de manejo y aprovechamiento de recursos naturales en la microrregión de abejones, Oaxaca.

Indigenous communities conserve their local practices around natural resources, which contribute to theconservation of nature and the satisfaction of their dietary and sociocultural needs. The objective of the studywas to analyze the practices of exploitation and management of natural resources in indigenous spaces ofOaxaca. The ethnoecological method was used: the structured interview and field visits. It was found thatinterview respondents implemented different types of agricultural practices, with the following standing out:sowing of associated or interspersed crops, construction of retention walls (bordos), and terraces and leveling.Soil management was carried out in a differentiated way; in two sites they use manure from backyard animalsand in another community they use domestic waste. The water management practices were different percommunity and were subject to their culture; the management of irrigation water by gravity stood out, andto a lesser extent the harvest of rainwater. The harvest of plants, fungi and the exploitation of wild animalswere also frequent. Rituals are still practiced that are devoted to the soil, to a lesser extent to water, to themountain and to animals. It is concluded that the communities of study conserve their practices that weredeveloped locally.Las comunidades indígenas conservan sus prácticas locales en torno a los recursos naturales, las cuales contribuyena la conservación de la naturaleza y satisfacción de sus necesidades alimenticias y socioculturales. Elobjetivo de la investigación fue analizar las prácticas de aprovechamiento y manejo de los recursos naturales enespacios indígenas de Oaxaca. Se empleó el método etnoecológico, la entrevista estructurada y recorridos decampo. Se encontró que los entrevistados implementaron diferentes tipos de prácticas agrícolas, destacandola siembra de cultivos asociados o intercalados, la construcción de muros de retención (bordos) y terrazas yla nivelación. El manejo del suelo se realiza de forma diferenciada, en dos sitios utilizan estiércol de animalesde traspatio y en otra comunidad emplean desechos domésticos. Las prácticas de manejo del agua fuerondiferentes por comunidad y estuvieron sujetas a su cultura, destacó el manejo del agua de riego por gravedady en menor medida la cosecha de agua de lluvia. También fue frecuente la recolección de plantas, hongos y elaprovechamiento de animales silvestres. Aún se practican rituales dedicados al suelo, en menor medida al agua,a la montaña y a los animales. Se concluye que las comunidades de estudio conservan sus prácticas gestadaslocalmente