Biostimulant effects of lanthanum (La) on crop growth, yield, and quality

Objective: To analyze the various effects that the use of La as an inorganic biostimulant has on growth, yield and quality of different crop plants. Design/methodology/approach: A search in recent literature related to the effects of lanthanum on various economically important crops was conducted. Subsequently, the most relevant information was selected, analyzed and grouped by type of effect. Results: The addition of lanthanum at low doses has been tested in different crop plants. It has been proven that La increases growth, development and quality in various species. Likewise, positive effects have been reported in germination, in the absorption of nutrients, in mitigating the deficiencies of some essential elements, as well as in the promotion of physiological and biochemical responses. Limitations/implications of the study: The analyzed results have been generated in a great diversity of plant species, under different production systems, with dissimilar doses, as well as with different sources and application methods. This situation represents a challenge, since it hinders the possibility to issue general recommendations. Findings/conclusions: Lanthanum improves yield and quality, as well as some physiological, biochemical and nutritional responses in different crops of economic importance

Silicon and titanium affect the percentage of juice and color attributes in tomato fruits of plants exposed to salt stress

Objective: To evaluate the leaf application of silicon (Si) and titanium (Ti) in three doses (0, 75, and 150 mg L-1), independently, on tomato plants cv. Río Supremo, subjected to saline stress (0, 50, and 100 mM NaCl), on the percentage of juice and color attributes of the fruit. Design/methodology/approach: Two independent essays were carried out under a completely randomized experimental design in a 32 factorial arrangement, where the first study factor was the NaCl concentration in the nutrient solution and the second factor was the leaf application of Si or Ti. The percentage of juice and color attributes in fruits were determined. An analysis of variance and the comparison of means by Tukey (p ≤ 0.05) with the SAS software were performed. Results: Salinity was found to reduce the percentage of juice, the color index, and the ratio of “a/b” indexes. Regarding the interactive effects, NaCl with both Ti and Si increases the “b” index. Leaf applications of Si increased the “b” index and reduced the percentage of juice, the color index, and the ratio of “a/b” indexes. Also, Ti improved the color index and the “b” index. Limitations of the study/implications: The results were obtained in the Río Supremo tomato variety under greenhouse conditions. Other varieties should be tested too. Findings/conclusions: Si and Ti applied to the leaves have positive effects on the color of the fruits of tomato plants under saline stress

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Chenopodium ambrosioides

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was achieved using extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides as a reducer and coating agent at room temperature (25°C). Two molar solutions of AgNO3 (1 mM and 10 mM) and five extract volumes (0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5 mL) were used to assess quantity, shape, and size of the particles. The UV-Vis spectra gave surface plasmon resonance at 434–436 nm of the NPs synthesized with AgNO3 10 mM and all extract volumes tested, showing a direct relationship between extract volumes and quantity of particles formed. In contrast, the concentration of silver ions was related negatively to particle size. The smallest (4.9 ± 3.4 nm) particles were obtained with 1 mL of extract in AgNO3 10 mM and the larger amount of particles were obtained with 2 mL and 5 mL of extract. TEM study indicated that the particles were polycrystalline and randomly oriented with a silver structure face centered cubic (fcc) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that disappearance of the –OH group band after bioreduction evidences its role in reducing silver ions

Exploitation of plantain (Musa spp.) plantations as an agrotourist element

Objective: To publicize the processes and alternative uses that plantain cultivation may have, in addition to places with tourist potential in the town of Monte Salas, Fortín de las Flores, Veracruz, Mexico Design / Methodology / Approach: A methodology based on stages was carried out where a compression of the space of the study area was made, anthropological analysis, description of the process of the banana leaf, commercial analysis, development of a sustainable product and a bonding stay in the country of Colombia Results: In the town of Monte Salas, Fortín, de las Flores Veracruz, Mexico, plantain cultivation was analyzed as an outstanding element of the landscape, together with the process of leaf roast production as a value-adding strategy to generate biodegradable co-products. Through the dissemination of audiovisual capsules on social networks, places with tourist potential were made known and together with the implementation of the offer of biodegradable co-products, it was demonstrated that banana leaf can be used alternately. Study limitations / implications: Due to the health contingency experienced, it was not possible to carry out a workshop programmed for the locality. Conclusions: Making it known that new products can be created that are biodegradable and that have no impact on the environment brought with it the acceptance of creating the dishes made with the leaf, and also its successful implementation in the tourist field I believe the possibility for tourists to come to the town of Monte Salas, Fortín de las Flores, Veracruz, Mexico to discover its agro-systemic landscape.Objective: To analyze the processes and alternative uses that plantain cultivation may have, in addition toplaces with tourist potential in the town Monte Salas, municipality of Fortín de las Flores, Veracruz, Mexico.Design/Methodology/Approach: A review of the space of the study area was performed, as well as ananthropological analysis, description of the process of the plantain leaf used to prepare local food, commercialanalysis, development of a sustainable product, and a research stay in Colombia.Results: In Monte Salas, Fortín de las Flores, Veracruz, Mexico, plantain cultivation is regarded as anoutstanding element of the landscape, together with the process of leaf roast production as a value-addingstrategy to generate biodegradable co-products. Through the dissemination of audiovisual capsules on socialnetworks, places with tourist potential were made known and together with the implementation of the offer ofbiodegradable co-products, it was demonstrated that plantain leaf can be used alternately.Study Limitations/Implications: Due to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) coronavirus pandemic, the dissemination of our findings and products were restricted.Conclusions: Novel biodegradable products can be manufactured from plantain leaves, which created aspecial interest of local tourists to visit Monte Salas and enjoy the agrosystemic landscape

Silicon increases seed weight and initial seedling growth of maize under non-stress conditions, and improves the index of velocity of germination under salt stress conditions

Salinity is one of the most critical factors affecting agriculture worldwide. The application of beneficial elements like silicon (Si) is one of the alternatives to mitigate its effects. In this research, we evaluated the effect of Si applied during seed imbibition on mitigating the negative effects caused by salinity during the germination and initial growth phases of maize (Zea mays L.) SB-308 seedlings. Seed pre-treatment during the imbibition was made with 0.0-, 1.5- and 3.0-mM Si. Afterwards, seeds that were imbibed were placed in plastic containers and treated with 0, 80, 160, and 240 mM NaCl. The evaluated concentrations of Si and NaCl gave rise to 12 treatments. Pre-treated seeds with 3 mM Si had an increase of weight after imbibition, 5.1% higher than the control. The treatments obtained from combining NaCl and Si levels did not affect the total and relative germination. The radicle length increased by 13.6% with 3 mM Si compared to the control. Conversely, it was lower with increasing salinity. These trends were observed in plant height. The interaction of the study factors produced an increase in the radicle length in the interval from 0 to 160 mM NaCl, when the Si dose was increased. However, there were no significant differences among equal levels of salinity without Si. It is concluded that Si increased the absorption of water during the imbibition and raised the index of velocity of germination under salinity, except in the dose 240 mM NaCl. Likewise, the pre-treatment of seeds with Si tends to increase radicle length under saline conditions

Análisis distribucional de la abeja sin aguijón Scaptotrigona mexicana (Apidae: Meliponini) en México: Información de referencia para Veracruz

Objective: To obtain the specific geographic distribution based on the stingless bee Scaptotrigonna mexicana in Mexico and the state of Veracruz. Design/methodology/approach: 2202 coordinates of the Gbif database were filtered using a spocc database manager in the programming language R. Subsequently, 55 coordinates were obtained with which multiple models of maximum entropy were calibrated with nine predictive environmental variables of 19 initials in MaxEnt 3.3 .3 in ENMeval. The best performing model (AUC> 0.897 and AICc = 0) was reclassified into 5 categories of climatic suitability with the k-means clustering technique. Results: The specific geographic distribution pattern was obtained based on the climatic suitability of S. mexicana in Mexico and Veracruz, which was classified into five categories: very low or zero, low, medium, high and very high. Here we show two large zones of climatic suitability in Mexico for S. mexicana, which could be divided by the geographical barrier of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the first zone is located in the Sierra Norte de Puebla and Veracruz influenced by the Transversal Mountain System and the Sierra Madre Oriental and the second in the south of the country in the South Pacific Coast, Chiapas and Guatemala. The variables that determine this pattern is the seasonality of temperature and precipitation in the wettest and driest quarter. In Veracruz, 52 municipalities were divided into two large groups with potential for the exploitation and conservation of S. mexicana, the first in the North zone and the second in the Central Zone of the state. Findings/conclusions: The incorporation of environmental variables of greater spatial and temporal resolution is necessary to extend the accuracy of the pollination pattern of S. mexicana at local scales.Objetivo: Obtener la distribución geográfica específica con base en la abeja sin aguijón Scaptotrigona mexicana en México y el estado de Veracruz. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se filtraron 2202 coordenadas de la base de datos Gbif utilizando un gestor de base datos spocc en el lenguaje de programación R. Posteriormente se obtuvieron 55 coordenadas con las que se calibraron múltiples  modelos de máxima entropía con nueve variables ambientales predictivas de 19 iniciales en MaxEnt 3.3.3 en ENMeval. El modelo con mejor rendimiento (AUC> 0.897 y AICc = 0) se reclasificó en cinco categorías de idoneidad climática con la técnica de clustering k-means. Resultados: Se obtuvo el patrón de distribución geográfico específico basado en la idoneidad climática de S. mexicana en México y Veracruz, el cual se clasificó en 5 categorías: muy baja o nula, baja, media, alta y muy alta. Aquí mostramos dos grandes zonas de idoneidad climática en México para S. mexicana, las cuales podrían estar divididas por la barrera geográfica del Istmo de Tehuantepec, la primera zona se localiza en la Sierra Norte de Puebla y Veracruz influenciada por el Sistema Montañoso Transversal y la Sierra Madre Oriental y la segunda al sur de país en la Costa del Pacifico Sur, Chiapas y Guatemala. En Veracruz se encontraron 50 municipios divididos en dos grandes grupos con potencial para el aprovechamiento y conservación de S. mexicana, el primero en la zona Norte y el segundo en la Zona Centro del estado. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Es necesario la incorporación de variables ambientales de mayor resolución espacial y temporal, para ampliar la precisión del patrón de polinización de S. mexicana a escalas locales. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Existen dos grandes zonas de distribución de S. mexicana en en el país, localizadas en zona norte y la zona sur delimitados claramente por el Istmo de Tehuantepec. En Veracruz hay un total de 50 municipios distribuidos en la zona norte y centro que se benefician de forma potencial por el patrón de distribución S. mexicana, con medio, alto y muy alto para el aprovechamiento de la misma

Caracterización de la producción y comercialización de flor de corte en Texcoco, México

Floriculture is one of most profitable agricultural activities in Mexico, and the country has the ability to be an exporter. Several competitive advantages such as its geographical position with commercial ports on two oceans, its proximity to the United States as one ofthe major markets, and treaty offree trade that allows access to more than 40 international markets, allowing Mexico to occupy the first position as flower export worldwide. Currently, the State of Mexico grows almost 90% ofall flowers sold in the country, and there are still areas with floricultural potential that could show a higher degree of development. In this study a production and marketing characterization of cut flowers, in Texcoco, State of Mexico, and surrounding areas was performed to generate information to support decision making to improve the activity. Questionnaires were applied to both Nativitas and Tequexquinahuac growers as to commercial houses in Texcoco, respectively. From the data it is concluded that floriculture in the study region has a large potential for growth through improving production, mechanization, post-harvest management and value chain systems to meet not only the local and national market but to promote exports.La floricultura es uno de actividades agrícolas con mayor rentabilidad en México, y el país tiene la capacidad de ser potencia exportadora en este rubro. Diversas ventajas competitivas como su posición geográfica con puertos comerciales ubicados en dos océanos, su cercanía con los Estados Unidos como uno de los principales mercados, y la firma tratados de libre comercio que le permiten acceso a más de 40 mercados internacionales, pueden permitir que México ocupe la primera posición en la exportación de flores a nivel mundial. Actualmente, el Estado de México cultiva casi 90% de todas las flores que se venden en el país, y aún existen zonas con potencial florícola que podrían mostrar un grado de desarrollo mayor. En este estudio se realizó una caracterización de la producción y comercialización de flores de corte, en la región de Texcoco, Estado de México, y zonas aledañas, para generar información que apoye la toma de decisiones para mejorar la actividad. Se aplicaron cuestionarios tanto a floricultores de Nativitas y Tequexquinahuac como a comercializadores de Texcoco, respectivamente. De los datos obtenidos se concluye que la floricultura en la región estudiada tiene un amplio potencial de crecimiento, a través de la mejora del sistema de producción, tecnificación, manejo poscosecha y cadena de valor, para satisfacer no sólo el mercado local y nacional, sino para promover la exportación

Biostimulant Effects of Cerium on Seed Germination and Initial Growth of Tomato Seedlings

The rare earth element (REE) cerium (Ce) can act as a biostimulant in diverse crop plants. The effects of 0, 5, 10, and 15 µM Ce (supplied as CeCl3 7H2O) on seed germination and the initial growth of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. Vengador were evaluated. After a 12 h imbibition, the weight of the seeds treated with 15 µM Ce was 37.5% greater than that observed in the control. The germination index of the seeds treated with 5 µM Ce was greater than 100% (101.93%), though when applying 10 µM Ce this index was 17.53% lower than the control seeds. Nevertheless, Ce treatments did not significantly affect the coefficient of velocity of germination, relative seed germination, germination index, radicle length, dry biomass, or relative growth. Interestingly, shoot length increased significantly in the treatments with 5, 10, and 15 µM Ce. This tendency was also observed in the dry biomass weight and relative growth of the shoots. Hence, Ce has a stimulating effect on germination and initial growth in tomato cv. Vengador shoots. In particular, there was a priming effect of Ce on seeds, reflected in a higher weight gain in Ce-treated seeds, which indicated greater water absorption. Therefore, Ce can be an alternative to accelerate the production time of tomato seedlings in seedbeds