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

Objective: To acknowledge the perspective of extension workers about the difficulties they encounter within their extension activities as a contribution to rural development. Design/methodology/approach: This research project was realized with the contributions of extension workers participating in the Rural Development Program (Programa de Desarrollo Rural, PDR) 2019, in the state of Morelos, Mexico. The methodology utilized was of the Exploratory Descriptive type with a non-probabilistic sample of convenience type. The instrument consisted of 25 items. 31 surveys were applied to PDR extension workers, and 6 interviews were held with technicians of diverse programs.    Results: Most extension workers are male. The predominant professional profile among them is agricultural sciences or similar fields experts, with an 86% rate. Only 10% of them has a master’s degree, and 45% has any skill certification. Workers that participated in the surveys pointed out their dissatisfaction with salary rates. Technician to producer ratio was perceived as wide. The time allowed for contract obligations was perceived as insufficient to achieve proper Development Processes. The principal activities carried out were related to the execution of this Program.   Limitations on study/implications: Due to the SARS COVID pandemic, surveys were applied remotely, and the total number of extension workers contacted could not be increased. Findings/conclusions: Extension workers demand long term contracts, proper salary rates, an appropriate ratio of extension worker to producers in order to sufficiently contribute to the development of rural families and communities. They also expressed their concern about not being able to exclusively dedicate their time to extension activities due to having to attend administrative duties regarding resources management of government programs.

Objective: To determine the effect of annual precipitation and winter temperature on habitat and winter home range size of two grassland birds in a native grassland of northern Durango, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: Using telemetry techniques over four consecutive winters (2016-2019), we estimated the home range size (HR; by Kernel method), of Centronyx bairdii and Ammodramus savannarum. Likewise, we estimated the cover of grass, bush, grass, bare ground, dead vegetation, animal excrement and counted the seeds available in the soil (biomass, gr/m2) of the habitat. We compared these dependent variables with non-parametric statistics, with the minimum and maximum annual precipitation (mm) and temperature (°C) of the site. Results: The grassland sparrows used sites with equal coverage of grass, herbaceous plants, shrubs, bare ground, and others (Kruskal-Wallis, p≤0.05). In general, annual rainfall has no effect on the structure and vegetation cover. HR was negatively correlated (Sperman, p≤0.05) with annual rainfall for C. bairdii (rs=-0.90, n=45) and for A. savannarum (rs=-0.80, n=33). When the maximum temperature was higher, both species had a smaller HR. In contrast, when the minimum temperature was low, the HR increased for C. bairdii and decreased for A. savannarum. Study limitations/implications: We demonstrate the importance of considering quantifying the largest number of variables when research is required on the selection and use of grassland bird habitat. Findings/conclusions: This study allows us to increase our knowledge about the winter ecology of grassland birds and demonstrates that environmental variables such as annual rainfall and temperature influence habitat selection of C. bairdii and A. savannarum.

Objective: to evaluate the substitution of pork meat with goat kid meat in the formulation of Vienna-type sausage. Design/methodology/approach: Randomized complete block design of three treatments were used for substitute of pork meat with goat kid meat: control sausage with 100% pork meat (SC1), sausage with 50% of pork meat and 50% of goat kid meat (SC2) and sausage with 100% of goat kid meat (SC3). The physicochemical variables (cooking loss (CL), pH, color, water holding capacity (WHC), proximate composition), textural profile and sensory characteristics were measurement to evaluate of treatments.   Results: The CL of sausages did not have difference (P > 0.05). The pH and WHC increased (P < 0.05) for SC3, but their lightness decreased (P < 0.05) and increased (P < 0.05) the yellowness. Redness was similar (P > 0.05) between sausages. The moisture, fat, protein, carbohydrate and ash contents improved (P < 0.05) for SC2. Hardness, cohesiveness, chewiness, gumminess and resilience increased (P < 0.05) for SC2 and SC3. The sensory evaluation of the three treatments were accepted by the consumers.   Limitations on study/implications: 100% of goat kid meat in the formulation did not improve physicochemical variables due to increased CL, WHC, b*, carbohydrates and hardness, and decreased L*. Findings/conclusions: The goat kid meat can be used at 50% for the formulation of Vienna-type sausages. Keywords: composition, color, sensory, texture.

A sampling was carried out from August 2019 to July 2020 in localities of the municipality of Texcoco, State of Mexico, to determine the presence of ectoparasites and gastroenteric parasites. A total of 500 stool samples were collected from domiciliated and nondomiciliated dogs (stray). The frequency of samples positive to some type of parasite was 39% (95% CI 34.8-43.34%). Of 325 obtained from domiciliated dogs, 134 positive results (41.2%) were found (95% CI: 36.0-46.6%), in non-domiciliated dogs, out of 175 samples, in 61 of them (34.8%) an egg was found (95% CI: 28.1-42.1 %). More than one type of parasite was found in 110 samples. In females, the presence of parasites was found in 48.8% (95% CI: 43.3-54.4%), and in 66.4% males (95% CI: 59.5-72.80%). The association between Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara sp. presented the highest Relative Risk and Odds Ratio in domestic male dogs from 5 to 60 months of age. Regarding age groups, animals between 0 and 4 months presented the highest frequency of parasites.

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.

Objective: Evaluate the behavior of the Naomi poinsettia variety and its varietal description applying UPOV guidelines. Design/methodology/approach: The variety was generated through the genotechnical methods of hybridization, individual selection, and use of the grafting technique. The varietal description was made based on the document of the Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV).The experimental design used was completely randomized with 10 replications. Vegetative and reproductive characters of the plant were recorded. The information was studied by analysis of variance and Tukey mean comparison test (P≤ 0.05). Results: Naomi is tall with breadth and intermediate branching. The intensity of the green color in the middle third of the stem is strong. Oval-shaped leaf, of intermediate size with a rounded base without curvature in the main vein. Elliptical bract, without torsion and intermediate roughness between nerves. Limitations on study/implications: The variety propagates asexually via cuttings and is preserved as the original plant for cuttings production. It needs adequate nutrition, light and temperature conditions that do not allow its floral differentiation. Findings/conclusions: The new poinsettia material presents phenotypic attributes demanded by the market. The varietal description indicates that it is comparable with other INIFAP varieties and with those found on the market. It can be competitive and is considered a candidate to diversify the offer of poinsettia plants in the Christmas season.

Abstract The mamey is a fruit tree that is distributed in the Totonacapan Poblano, which has the potential to generate development in that region. It is part of an environmental ecological system that presents morphological variations in size, leaves and fruit. The objective of this study was to morphologically characterize the mamey in 10 municipalities of the Sierra Nororiental of Puebla (Totonacapan Poblano), Mexico. 206 samples were evaluated using qualitative and quantitative morphological descriptors, using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Eight groups were formed; the tree and leaf variables turned out to be the most important for grouping the samples. The descriptors that contributed the most to the group were those related to the shape, height and size of the tree, the weight, size and shape of the leaf and in relation to the fruit the descriptor that contributed the most was the shape. Keywords: morphological diversity, conglomerates, Sierra Norte of Puebla, Sapotaceae.

Evaluate the operation and effectiveness of the Cattle Insurance Fund for Attack of Predators to the livestock through the perception of ranchers in the zone of influence of the Calakmul´s Biosphere Reserve. Visits to the communities were made taking as a reference the center of the police station, where the streets of each community were walked to find the ranchers in schedules from 15:00 to 20:00 hours from October 2019 to January 2020. A total of 70 surveys were conducted among ranchers from 18 communities in the influence area of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. From the information obtained through the surveys, the perception of the operation of Insurance for Predator Attacks was identified. The Direction of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (RBC) plays a fundamental role in the management, protection and conservation of the jaguar through several strategic lines such as biological monitoring, including monitoring carried out by local groups through which sporadically offers techniques and financial support from the RBC Directorate to the communities to implement mitigation measures, such as electric fences, to minimize the risk of predation by wild carnivores and also implementing the strategy of artificial drinkers near livestock areas.

Objective: The present study focused on the effect of different stocking densities:12 (D12), 18 (D18) and 24 (D24) individuals/m2 on growth (weight and length) and survival in juvenile river crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus). Design/methodology/approach: The crocodiles were cultured in each treatment by triplicate for 43-days in nine plastic tanks and fed a diet based on a mix of beef liver, fish and commercial dog food. Results: At the end of the experiment, there were not significant differences among treatments in the growth variables, recording a low increment in weight and total length (38.99 ± 8.96 g and 4.19 ± 1.36 cm; mean ± SD) in all densities as well as overall survival of 62.02 ± 7.67% (mean ± SD). The stocking density of 24 individuals/m2 was significantly higher in biomass production by m2 for the stocking densities of 18 and 12 individuals (p<0.05). Limitations on study/implications: The development of culture techniques is a tool to assess the potential of this ecologically important species for its conservation and eventual commercialization. Findings/conclusions: Based on the results, it can be recommended a stocking density of 24 individuals/m2 (D24) to optimize the use of space and infrastructure profitability.

Objective: Evaluate the behavior of the poinsettia variety (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch) called Paula and describe its characteristics based on the guidelines of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants. Design/methodology/approach: The genetic improvement process was by hybridization and selection. To promote compaction and greater branching, it was grafted on a commercial variety. The cuttings of this gave rise to the variety Paula, which was described in 2020 with the Guidelines for the Execution of Examination of Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability of Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants. A completely randomized experimental design with 10 replications was used. Vegetative and bract characters were recorded and analysis of variance was applied, as well as a mean comparison test using Tukey (P≤ 0.05). Results: Paula presented medium size, wide breadth and medium branching. Stem with weak intensity of green color in the middle third. Oval-shaped leaves, long in length and broad in width, a single color of medium intensity, wedge-shaped at the base, long-length petiole with weak intensity of the green color of the beam. With many elliptical red bracts of medium length and narrow width. Compared to other INIFAP varieties, Paula presented statistical differences in vegetative and bract characters. Limitations on study/implications: Commercial production of poinsettia is done by taking advantage of asexual propagation. The original plant must be kept in a vegetative state, through comprehensive and intensive management in order to avoid flowering and thus obtain a continuum of propagation material. Findings/conclusions: Paula is of intermediate cycle, with qualitative and competitive characteristics in size, branching and red color of the bract. It can satisfy the taste and preference of consumers in the national and even international markets.