SELECCIÓN MASAL EN CHILE DULCE CRIOLLO (Capsicum annuum L.)

Sweet Creole peppers are conserved and exploited mainly by traditional farmers in southeastern México. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response to mass selection in agronomic and yield characters of experimental varieties of sweet pepper (C. annuum L.). The original populations C0 (D-209 and D-210) were evaluated, and selection cycles C1, C2 and C3 of each one, from June to November 2015, in the localities of Conkal, Yucatán, and Ejido Juan Sarabia, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo, México. The trial was under a complete random block design with three repetitions, experimental unit of 40 plants, distributed into two simple furrows, with distance between furrows of 1.5 m and 0.3 m between plants.Fruit yield (g plant-1), individual weight of the fruit (g), number of fruits per plant, days until the beginning of flowering (d), length and diameter of the fruit (cm), were evaluated. A response to the selection in characteristics of agronomic importance was found in sweet pepper; the variety D-210 showed higher gain for yield per plant (9.6 %) and individual fruit weight (3.3 %) per selection cycle, while D-209 presented gains per selection cycle for the same characters of 7.3% and 0.3%, respectively.For most of the variables, no statistically significant differences were found between selection cycles, however, numerically a slight increase in the variables evaluated was observed, generating a better performance.Los chiles dulces criollos son conservados y aprovechados principalmente por agricultores tradicionales en el sureste de México. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la respuesta a la selección masal en caracteres agronómicos y de rendimiento en variedades experimentales de chile dulce (C. annuum L.). Se evaluaron las poblaciones originales C0 (D-209 y D-210) y los ciclos C1, C2 y C3 de selección de cada una, de junio-noviembre del 2015, en las localidades de Conkal, Yucatán y en el Ejido Juan Sarabia, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo, México. El ensayo fue en diseño de bloques completos al azar con tres repeticiones, unidad experimental de 40 plantas distribuidas en dos surcos simples, con distancia entre surcos de 1.5 m y 0.3 m entre plantas. Se evaluó rendimiento de fruto (g planta-1), peso individual del fruto (g), número de frutos por planta, días a inicio de floración (d), longitud y diámetro de fruto (cm). Se encontró respuesta a la selección en características de importancia agronómica en chile dulce; la variedad D-210 mostró mayor ganancia para rendimiento por planta (9.6%) y peso individual de fruto (3.3%) por ciclo de selección, mientras que D-209 para los mismos caracteres presentó ganancias por ciclo de selección de 7.3% y 0.3%, respectivamente. Para la mayoría de las variables no se registraron diferencias estadísticas significativas entre ciclos de selección, sin embargo, numéricamente se observó ligero incremento en la variables evaluadas generando un mejor comportamiento

Farmer Perceptions of Adopting Novel Legumes in Traditional Maize-Based Farming Systems in the Yucatan Peninsula

Intercropping constitutes the traditional farming system practice used in various forms for maize production in the Yucatan peninsula. Although practiced for centuries, problems persist with competition for water, nutrients and light between crop species in traditional farming systems. Furthermore, little is known about farmers’ perceptions regarding changes to traditional maize-legume intercropping systems and their interest in novel crop adoption to increase yields in the system while maintaining the practice. The objective of this study was to investigate the maize-based traditional cropping system by assessing the underlying motives and concepts of farmers to practice intercropping in the Yucatan Peninsula and to examine the association between farmers’ level of knowledge about legumes and decisions to adopt intercropping and related practices therein. Farmer surveys were conducted in nine different regions of the Yucatan Peninsula. We selected Xoy, Euan, Muna, Mama, Tahdziú (Yucatan), Becal, Hecelchacam, Dzitbalché and San Antonio Sahcabchén (Campeche) which are representative of agroecological small-scale farming systems. We used a mixed methods case study analysis involving key informant interviews in eight associations of farmers. A sample frame with 73 farmers was selected in total during February 2021 and April 2021. Basic information such as land use, labor inputs, agricultural production and farmer’s perceptions regarding their intercropping systems were collected. Our research shows that the primary motives for intercropping were due to the ability of intercropping to offer a more diversified range of food for human and animal consumption, as well as to take advantage of different harvest periods that this practice offers. The majority of respondents were likely to favor the idea of introducing new legume species in their maize-based cropping systems. Factors such as the type of cropping system (i.e., intercropping or monocropping), access to water and level of knowledge about legumes influenced their decision to adopt intercropping in their farming systems considerably. This paper contributes to the knowledge on the current state and farmers’ perceptions of intercropping systems in the Yucatan Peninsula

Importancia económica y social de la agrobiodiversidad del traspatio en una comunidad rural de Yucatán, México.

The problems of population growth, food scarcity, overexploitation and contamination of natural resources, as well as unemployment and low income level in rural areas force us to consider the importance of the backyard as a production unit for subsistence and savings. In this study, the socioeconomic conditions associated with management and exploitation of backyards, whose diversity of plant and animal species are the basis for life strategies in the peasant domestic unit related to their subsistence and wellbeing, are described and analyzed. The information required was obtained in 2013 with a survey by statistical sampling in the location of Nolo, municipality of Tixkokob, located in a former henequen zone in Yucatán, while the backyard was considered as an agro-ecosystem for its analysis, which was based on the theories of rural development. The results obtained allowed concluding that the wealth and abundance conditions of plant and animal species in the backyard give it the role of complementary food supplier throughout the year, as well as access to medicinal plants, occasional occupations and income, and a conservation bank of plant and animal species’ germplasm. It is concluded that agro-biodiversity in the backyard permits the availability of resources destined to consumption and the market, thus guaranteeing rural food auto-sufficiency.Los problemas de crecimiento poblacional, escasez de alimentos, sobreexplotación y contaminación de los recursos naturales, así como el desempleo y bajo nivel de ingresos en el medio rural obligan a considerar la importancia del traspatio como unidad de producción de subsistencia y ahorro. En el presente trabajo se describen y analizan las condiciones socioeconómicas asociadas al manejo y aprovechamiento del traspatio, cuya diversidad de especies vegetales y animales son base de estrategias de vida de la unidad doméstica campesina en relación con su subsistencia y bienestar. La información se obtuvo en 2013 a través de una en-cuesta por muestreo estadístico en la localidad de Nolo, munici-pio de Tixkokob, ubicada en la ex zona henequenera de Yucatán, mientras que en el análisis del traspatio se le consideró como un agro-ecosistema y su análisis se basó en las teorías del desarro-llo rural. Los resultados obtenidos permitieron concluir que las condiciones de riqueza y abundancia de las especies vegetales y animales en el traspatio le confieren a éste el papel de proveedor complementario de alimentos durante todo el año, al igual que el acceso a las plantas medicinales, ocupación e ingresos eventua-les, así como banco de conservación del germoplasma de espe-cies vegetales y animales. Se concluye que la agro-biodiversidad en el traspatio permite la disponibilidad de los recursos destina-dos al consumo y al mercado, garantizando así la autosuficiencia alimentaria rural

Effect of Maize–Legume Intercropping on Maize Physio-Agronomic Parameters and Beneficial Insect Abundance

In developing countries, intercropping is commonly used to boost land productivity and agricultural benefits. However, in the Yucatan region of Mexico, maize (Zea mays L.) yields remain low, despite consistent fertilizer and pesticide inputs in traditional intercropping systems. Furthermore, little is known about the photosynthetic mechanisms that occur when maize plants interact with legumes, and there is a lack of understanding of how intercropping systems affect other organisms in the system, such as beneficial and insect pest population dynamics. A field experiment was carried out on the Yucatan Peninsula in 2021 to assess the impact of maize–legume intercropping systems on maize yield, physiological characteristics as evaluated by gas exchange measurements, and the abundance of beneficial insects in traditional and novel maize intercropping systems. The experiment was carried out with a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Treatments included maize intercropped with a novel legume, crotalaria (Crotalaria juncea L.), maize intercropped with a traditional legume, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), and sole maize as a control. Significant differences in plant height were shown at growth stages V12 (45 days after sowing) and VT (60 days after sowing). No differences were observed in stem diameter, leaf area index, or chlorophyll content. The maize/cowpea intercrop increased the photosynthesis rate by 12.9% and 9.84% in the maize/crotalaria and sole maize, respectively (p p < 0.001), of maize plants. No significant effects on stomatal conductance or water use efficiency were observed, but the carbon intercellular rate was reduced by 9.74% and 9.15 when compared to the maize/crotalaria and the sole maize treatments, respectively. Overall, intercropping treatments attracted more beneficial insects than sole maize. For predators, the families that stood out were Coccinelidae, Formicidae, Araneidae, Thomisidae, Syrphidae, Chrysomelidae, Oxypidae, Vespidae, Reduviidae, Carabidae, Asilidae, Salthicidae, Dolichopodidae, while among parasitoids, the most frequent families were Eurytomydae, Braconidae, Tachinidae, Pteromalidae, Scelionidae, and Figitidae. In comparison to the maize/cowpea and maize/crotalaria treatments, the sole maize treatment resulted in a grain yield increase of 24.5% and 32%, respectively. However, sole maize was not statistically different to that of maize/cowpea intercropping. In conclusion, our findings suggest that maize/cowpea intercropping could be a viable alternative to sole maize cropping systems for enhancing maize yield and the abundance of beneficial insects, without increasing interspecific competition with the maize crop. Therefore, the maize/cowpea intercropping system represents a sustainable planting alternative for promoting maize grain yield and also promoting edible legume production within the system. Furthermore, the outcomes of this study can serve as a theoretical framework for increasing maize–legume intercropping profitability under growing conditions on the Yucatan Peninsula

A review of the impact of maize-legume intercrops on the diversity and abundance of entomophagous and phytophagous insects

In many parts of the world, chemical pesticides are the primary method of pest control in maize (Zea mays L.) crops. Concerns about the negative consequences of chemical pesticide use on people’s health and the environment, as well as the emergence of insecticide resistance, have accelerated attempts to discover alternatives that are effective, low-risk, and cost-effective. Maize-legume intercropping systems are known to have multiple benefits to agroecosystem functioning, including pest regulation. This review focuses on the influence of maize-legume intercropping systems on insect diversity and abundance as a mechanism for insect pest regulation in maize crops. First, this review combines knowledge of maize-legume intercrops, with a particular emphasis on the mechanism by which this practice attracts beneficial insects (e.g., predators, parasitoids) to reduce pest damage in intercropping systems. In addition, the pairings of specific legume species with the greatest potential to attract more beneficial insects and therefore reduce maize pests are also discussed. Finally, future research needs are also recommended. Findings are reviewed in the context of looking for long-term management strategies that can increase the adoption of integrated pest management programs in maize-based production systems

Effect of Maize&ndash;Legume Intercropping on Maize Physio-Agronomic Parameters and Beneficial Insect Abundance

In developing countries, intercropping is commonly used to boost land productivity and agricultural benefits. However, in the Yucatan region of Mexico, maize (Zea mays L.) yields remain low, despite consistent fertilizer and pesticide inputs in traditional intercropping systems. Furthermore, little is known about the photosynthetic mechanisms that occur when maize plants interact with legumes, and there is a lack of understanding of how intercropping systems affect other organisms in the system, such as beneficial and insect pest population dynamics. A field experiment was carried out on the Yucatan Peninsula in 2021 to assess the impact of maize&ndash;legume intercropping systems on maize yield, physiological characteristics as evaluated by gas exchange measurements, and the abundance of beneficial insects in traditional and novel maize intercropping systems. The experiment was carried out with a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Treatments included maize intercropped with a novel legume, crotalaria (Crotalaria juncea L.), maize intercropped with a traditional legume, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), and sole maize as a control. Significant differences in plant height were shown at growth stages V12 (45 days after sowing) and VT (60 days after sowing). No differences were observed in stem diameter, leaf area index, or chlorophyll content. The maize/cowpea intercrop increased the photosynthesis rate by 12.9% and 9.84% in the maize/crotalaria and sole maize, respectively (p &lt; 0.001), and transpiration rate by 6.5% and 8.5% in the maize intercropped with crotalaria and sole maize treatments, respectively (p &lt; 0.001), of maize plants. No significant effects on stomatal conductance or water use efficiency were observed, but the carbon intercellular rate was reduced by 9.74% and 9.15 when compared to the maize/crotalaria and the sole maize treatments, respectively. Overall, intercropping treatments attracted more beneficial insects than sole maize. For predators, the families that stood out were Coccinelidae, Formicidae, Araneidae, Thomisidae, Syrphidae, Chrysomelidae, Oxypidae, Vespidae, Reduviidae, Carabidae, Asilidae, Salthicidae, Dolichopodidae, while among parasitoids, the most frequent families were Eurytomydae, Braconidae, Tachinidae, Pteromalidae, Scelionidae, and Figitidae. In comparison to the maize/cowpea and maize/crotalaria treatments, the sole maize treatment resulted in a grain yield increase of 24.5% and 32%, respectively. However, sole maize was not statistically different to that of maize/cowpea intercropping. In conclusion, our findings suggest that maize/cowpea intercropping could be a viable alternative to sole maize cropping systems for enhancing maize yield and the abundance of beneficial insects, without increasing interspecific competition with the maize crop. Therefore, the maize/cowpea intercropping system represents a sustainable planting alternative for promoting maize grain yield and also promoting edible legume production within the system. Furthermore, the outcomes of this study can serve as a theoretical framework for increasing maize&ndash;legume intercropping profitability under growing conditions on the Yucatan Peninsula

Farmer Perceptions of Adopting Novel Legumes in Traditional Maize-Based Farming Systems in the Yucatan Peninsula

Intercropping constitutes the traditional farming system practice used in various forms for maize production in the Yucatan peninsula. Although practiced for centuries, problems persist with competition for water, nutrients and light between crop species in traditional farming systems. Furthermore, little is known about farmers’ perceptions regarding changes to traditional maize-legume intercropping systems and their interest in novel crop adoption to increase yields in the system while maintaining the practice. The objective of this study was to investigate the maize-based traditional cropping system by assessing the underlying motives and concepts of farmers to practice intercropping in the Yucatan Peninsula and to examine the association between farmers’ level of knowledge about legumes and decisions to adopt intercropping and related practices therein. Farmer surveys were conducted in nine different regions of the Yucatan Peninsula. We selected Xoy, Euan, Muna, Mama, Tahdziú (Yucatan), Becal, Hecelchacam, Dzitbalché and San Antonio Sahcabchén (Campeche) which are representative of agroecological small-scale farming systems. We used a mixed methods case study analysis involving key informant interviews in eight associations of farmers. A sample frame with 73 farmers was selected in total during February 2021 and April 2021. Basic information such as land use, labor inputs, agricultural production and farmer’s perceptions regarding their intercropping systems were collected. Our research shows that the primary motives for intercropping were due to the ability of intercropping to offer a more diversified range of food for human and animal consumption, as well as to take advantage of different harvest periods that this practice offers. The majority of respondents were likely to favor the idea of introducing new legume species in their maize-based cropping systems. Factors such as the type of cropping system (i.e., intercropping or monocropping), access to water and level of knowledge about legumes influenced their decision to adopt intercropping in their farming systems considerably. This paper contributes to the knowledge on the current state and farmers’ perceptions of intercropping systems in the Yucatan Peninsula

EFFECT OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF Lippia origanoides Kunth AND TWO OF ITS VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS ON Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) AND Bemisia tabaci Genn (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) IN GREENHOUSE

Background. The use of plant-derived products is an environmentally friendly option to reduce the use of chemical pesticides for pest management. Objective. To evaluate the lethal toxic and repellent effect of the essential oil (EO) of the Mexican oregano (Lippia origanoides) and two of its main components, carvacrol and thymol, on the mortality and repellency of immature B. tabaci and T. urticae in the greenhouse. Methodology. The EO of L. origanoides, carvacrol and thymol at 0.2% and 0.01% were sprayed on eggplant leaves infested with the pests. The mortality of individuals was evaluated at 24 and 48 h and the repellency at 2 and 5 days after application in T. urticae and B. tabaci. Results. The EO and carvacrol at 0.2 % v/v caused 80-99 % mortality in T. urticae and B. tabaci, and EO was the one that caused more than 50 % repellency. The analysis of the L. origanoides EO by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry showed that the major compounds were thymol (41.14 %), p-cymene (14.06 %) and carvacrol (9.25 %). Implication. The essential oil of L. origanoides and of its main components, thymol and carvacrol, represent a viable alternative to manage B. tabaci and T. urticae. Conclusion. The EO of L. origanoides and carvacrol at 0.2 % v/v produce more that 80 % mortality and more that 50 % repellency in T. urticae and B. tabac