Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Background and Aims: The genus Agave is well represented in the flora of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico, where it has provided various benefits to the human communities inhabiting the region. The objective of this study is to present the results of the taxonomic and nomenclatural study of four species from the sections Agave and Heteracanthae. Methods: Between 2014 and 2024, visits were made to wild agave populations and those managed by human groups in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, in the states of Oaxaca and Puebla. Herbarium specimens were collected, and biological, ecological, and ethnobotanical data were obtained. Plant identification was carried out using the available dichotomous keys for the genus. However, since no correspondence was found with the species recorded for the area, a historical investigation of those described in the 19th and 20th centuries was conducted, as well as a critical review of herbarium specimens and nomenclatural types. Conservation status was assessed according to the criteria of NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 and the IUCN Red List. Key results: Agave franzosinii is recorded as part of traditional management systems, A. dissimulans is geographically and taxonomically circumscribed, the name A. gilbeyi is prioritized over A. oteroi, and A. titanota is lectotypified. For each species, historical, geographical, habitat, phenological, morphological relationships and uses in the areas where they grow are provided. For wild species, risk categories are proposed in accordance with NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 and the IUCN Red List. Conclusions: Fieldwork, herbarium, as well as the thorough historical review of four species of Agave that grow in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, made it possible to clarify the taxonomic and nomenclatural situation and to propose their conservation status and risk of extinction.

Background and Aims: Pachyphytum (Crassulaceae) is a genus with 26 species endemic to Mexico. During explorations in the Sierra de Puruagua, Guanajuato, a population of Pachyphytum with distinctive characteristics was discovered. The aims of this study were to describe P. theodactylum as a new species to science, present a distribution map, assess its conservation status and provide a key to the Pachyphytum taxa in Guanajuato. Methods: Flowering specimens were collected for morphological analysis and data were compared with the most similar species. The collections were prepared as herbarium specimens and will be deposited in the IBUG and ZON herbaria. Its conservation status was assessed using GeoCAT and IUCN criteria. The distribution map was generated in QGIS with georeferenced herbarium coordinates projected on a layer of the biogeographic provinces of Mexico. The identification key was elaborated based on specialized literature. Key results: Pachyphytum theodactylum is described as a new species morphologically similar to P. garciae, distinguished primarily by its longer and wider stems, elliptic-lanceolate peduncle bracts with acute apex, longer pedicels, sepals with pink and olive coloration and acute apex, shorter antesepalous stamens, and pink styles. It is assessed as a Critically Endangered (CR) species. Conclusions: The description of Pachyphytum theodactylum raises the number of endemic species of the genus in Mexico to 27. Given its vulnerability, conservation measures are recommended.

Background and Aims: Recent botanical explorations in southern Mexico have led to the discovery of new species of Crassulaceae and gypsophilous flora. During an exploration near Tlapa de Comonfort in the state of Guerrero, an unknown Echeveria of the series Gibbiflorae was documented on gypsum outcrops. The objective of this work was to record its characteristics, describe it as a new species to science, and develop an identification key for the members of the series Gibbiflorae from Guerrero.Methods: Living plants of the new species of Echeveria were collected and documented. Specialized literature, protologues, and herbarium specimens of members in the series Gibbiflorae were studied and a morphological comparison was conducted. A distribution map was elaborated, and its conservation status was assessed according to IUCN Red List criteria.Key results: Echeveria jeivana is proposed as a new species of the series Gibbiflorae and is endemic to the state of Guerrero. It is similar to E. gibbiflora and E. grisea, from which it mainly differs by the presence of red nectaries with white base, entire and non-undulate leaf margins, and its occurrence on gypsum outcrops. Given its limited distribution and specific habitat, it is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) based on IUCN criteria.Conclusions: Echeveria jeivana contributes to the knowledge of Echeveria series Gibbiflorae and the gypsophilous flora of southern Mexico. It also highlights the need for further exploration and conservation of the gypsum soil ecosystems, which are centers of high diversity and endemism.

Background and Aims: Orchid bees and their relationships have been studied since the 1960’s. Data show that orchids are not the only source of fragrance for euglossine bees. Although mushrooms have been reported as a source of fragrance for orchid bees, there is no information about this between Ganoderma cf. applanatum and Euglossini bees. The aim of this work was to identify the bee tribe of Euglossini species that collect fragrances on the fruit body of Ganoderma cf. applanatum. Methods: Five samplings were carried out using an entomological aerial net directly on the fruit body of Ganoderma cf. applanatum during the dry season in April and May 2022 between 11:00 and 13:00 hours. Samplings were carried out in an agroforestry coffee system in the municipality of Jilotepec, Veracruz, Mexico. Ganoderma cf. applanatum was at the end of its spore releasing phase during this period. Key results: In the fruit body of Ganoderma cf. applanatum, particularly in the hymenium, male orchid bees were recorded collecting fragrances, of three genera and six euglossine species. Euglossa was the genus with the highest visit frequency of the hymenium of Ganoderma cf. applanatum. Conclusions: This report contributes to the documentation of the collection of fragrance by male euglossines on a mushroom (a non-floral scent source) and this activity is recorded for the first time in Mexico.

Background and Aims: Echeveria (Crassulaceae) is an American genus consisting of about 204 species, 164 of which have been recorded from Mexico, as a consequence of which this country is considered to be its center of diversity and endemism. Although several studies on this group exist, plants that do not correspond with earlier described species are continuously found during botanical explorations. The aims of this article were to describe an Echeveria species which is new to science, compare it with similar species, and assess its conservation status. Methods: Explorations were carried out in the Sierra de Pénjamo, Guanajuato, where an unidentified Echeveria was discovered. In addition, we visited sites with records of Echeveria dactylifera and E. novogaliciana, species morphologically similar to the undescribed one. Morphological descriptions of the plants were made and the specimens were herborized to be sent to the herbaria IEB and MEXU. Finally, the conservation status of the new species was determined according to IUCN criteria and categories. Key results: Echeveria barbosae is proposed as a species new to science, is compared to E. dactylifera and E. novogaliciana, to which it is similar, and assigned the status of Critically Endangered (CR). Conclusions: Echeveria barbosae resembles E. dactylifera and E. novogaliciana, but differs from both in leaf shape and size, as well as in aspects of the flower. These three species, along with E. marianae, E. kristenii and E. rulfiana, have a pair of appendages on the inner side of the petals. The new taxon is endemic to southwestern Guanajuato. With the publication of this species, the number of Echeveria known from Guanajuato increases to 12.

Introduction. Biol and deficit irrigation reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and optimize water use, respectively. Objective. To analyze the impact of a leaf litter-based biol and deficit irrigation on lettuce cultivation (Lactuca sativa L.). Materials and methods. A randomized complete block design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement was used. The evaluated treatments were T1 (without biol + 100 % of ETc), T2 (without biol + 75 % of ETc), T3 (without biol + 50 % of ETc), T4 (with biol + 100 % of ETc), T5 (with biol + 75 % of ETc), and T6 (with biol + 50 % of ETc). The evaluated variables included physicochemical characterization of the biol, agronomic performance of the crop (root diameter, root length, leaf length, number of leaves, total weight, commercial weight, yield, and dry matter), and water use efficiency. Results. The biol showed a pH of 5.6, electrical conductivity of 6.92 dS/m, and a temperature of 22.5 °C, as well as high levels of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and iron. Regarding heavy metals such as cadmium and lead, concentrations remained within internationally acceptable standards. Agronomically, significant differences were observed in plant height, root diameter, leaf length, number of leaves, and total weight between treatment T4 (with biol + 100 % of ETc) and T3 (without biol + 50 % of ETc). However, no statistical differences were found in the remaining variables. Conclusions. Biol improved the cultivation of Lactuca sativa L. T4 showed the highest yield, while T6 reached 21.04 kg/m³, suggesting more efficient water use under deficit irrigation.

Introduction. Of the five cultivated pepper species, Capsicum annuum L. is the most important worldwide, due to its high demand in the food, medical, and cosmetic industries, among others. Mexico has the greatest diversity of cultivated types, including jalapeño, guajillo, ancho, serrano, and habanero. However, some farmers grow native materials that should be studied and preserved, such as mulato and chilaca. In certain cases, like chilaca, there are no improved commercial cultivars, so producers depend on the seed they produce. Objective. To morphologically characterize advanced lines of different C. annuum types from central Mexico. Materials and methods. The study was conducted during the spring-summer cycles of 2022 and 2023, at the Bajío Experimental Station, located in Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico. In 32 advanced lines of eight C. annuum types, 42 traits were evaluated based on the guidelines of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants and the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute guide. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and subjected to cluster and correspondence analysis. Results. Morphological variation showed that fifteen plant, leaf, and fruit traits were crucial to differentiating pepper types and lines. Based on similar traits, the cluster analysis grouped them into five clusters. Groups I and III included three pepper types, and six traits presented the highest positive eigenvectors. Conclusions. The observed diversity revealed determinant morphological characteristics to distinguish peppers types and lines, which must complete their genetic improvement process.

Introduction. Bamboo as an agroforestry resource in Costa Rica includes introduced and native species, used in furniture manufacturing, which generates waste with potential to obtain carbonaceous materials. Objective. To analyze technologies and conditions for producing carbonaceous materials from bamboo and their application in a circular economy and bioeconomy model within the context of bamboo cultivation in Costa Rica. Development. The main processes are pyrolysis (slow, medium, and fast) and torrefaction, differentiated by the temperature applied: torrefaction occurs between 200 °C and 300 °C, while pyrolysis takes place between 350 °C and 700 °C. These conditions may vary according to the atmosphere used (CO2, N2, steam, air or minimum oxygen). Among the materials that can be obtained, activated carbon and biochar stand out, with recent research focused on applications in electronics and water treatment, as well as improving their use as fuel. However, many studies do not specify the bamboo species used or standardize the production processes and methodologies, as these depend on the physicochemical composition and region of cultivation. In the country, there is a lack of recent studies on productivity and cultivation areas to estimate the amount of carbonaceous materials that could be generated. Conclusions. There is an opportunity for research on bamboo cultivation in Costa Rica, covering agronomic aspects and the production of carbonaceous materials with high value-added applications, promoting a circular economy and bioeconomy model.