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

ABSTRACT Objective: Generate information on the morpho-agronomic variability of 15 populations of wild tomato from different areas of Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: A completely randomized experimental design with 17 treatments (populations) and 10 replicates (individuals) was used. The experimental unit consisted of a single plant (individual), where sixty-four morphological and agronomic descriptors proposed by Bioversity International were evaluated. Analysis of variance was performed with repeated measures and the differences of means were compared by the Tukey (P ≤ 0.05) multiple range test. A principal component and multiple correspondence analysis were performed with the quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively. Results: Wide variability in morphological and fruit quality attributes, such as consistency and total soluble solids, were found. Principal component analysis and multiple correspondence analysis explained phenotypic variation with 67.41 and 42.06 % in the first three components and dimensions, respectively. The most discriminatory traits were those of fruits and inflorescences, which separated the populations into four groups. The first group was integrated by plants with uniparous inflorescence, with heirloom-type red fruits and small to intermediate size; the second by uniparous and multiparous inflorescences, with cherry and grape-type fruits of yellow, orange and red colors, and very small size; the third by uniparous and forked inflorescences, with ball and cocktail-type fruits of red, orange and yellow colors, and small to intermediate size; and the fourth by uniparous inflorescence, with ball-type fruit of purple color and intermediate size. Limitations on study/implications: To better understand the variability and phylogenetic relationships of these populations, a molecular characterization must be done. Findings/conclusions: All wild populations showed high phenotypic variability in the vegetative and reproductive phases, the fruit and inflorescence characteristics contributed the most to their discrimination. The most frequent fruit shapes were slightly flattened and rounded, and the fruit sizes were very small and small. Generally, the indeterminate plants showed higher degrees Brix than the semi-determinate ones. The red fruits had higher Brix​​ than oranges, yellow and purple, but the latter had better flavor. A type of leaf not reported in the descriptors for tomato was discovered, which was called ‘with sprouts’. Keywords: Solanum lycopersicum L., native populations, mor-pho-agronomic characterization.

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this research was to evaluate the green matter production of corn at different planting densities, in the Mezquital Valley, Hidalgo, Mexico. Design / methodology / approach: In the spring-summer cycle of 2021, the corn hybrid DK-4018 was sown. The treatments (T) were different planting densities, (T1) 112,500, (T2) 120,000 and (T3) 136,000 plants per hectare. The experimental design was completely random, the variables were plant height at 30, 60 and 76 days after sowing (cm), final stem diameter at ground level (cm), green plant weight (cm) and material yield. fresh (t ha-1). The results were analyzed with the SAS program (2001) and the comparison of means with the Tukey test (P<0.05). Results: The best maize sowing density for the production of green matter with the DK-4018 hybrid was obtained with 136,000 plants per hectare and an estimated yield of 114.6 ton. Limitations of the study / implications: In the literature review it was found that there are no published works on this variety of corn for the production of green matter. Findings / conclusions: It is concluded that, with a population density of 136,000 corn plants per hectare, a yield of 114.6 ton of DK-4018 corn green matter is estimated. Keywords: production, fresh weight, plant height, Valle del Mezquital.

Objective: To understand how small producers perceive their agroforestry production unit (UPAF) from a social, economic, environmental, and technical context. Design/methodology/approach: A non-experimental qualitative analysis of the UPAF was performed. The information was collected through semi-structured interviews, participatory direct observation, and a field diary. The information was analyzed through codification, categorization, and the development of comparative and descriptive tables between the two municipalities and among the peasant families. Results: The UPAF provide socioeconomic, environmental, and technical-productive benefits to the producers who adopted and adapted the agroforestry system. Two factors influenced the adoption of the technology: age and technical monitoring. Limitations on study/implications: The main limitation of the present study was the small number of agroforestry production units and the specificity of the project, which restricts the generalization of results. Findings/conclusions: Agroforestry production units are consistent with the peasant economy, because they meet several of its characteristics: family productive unit, partial mercantile nature, undivided family work, way of playing with risk and belonging to a group. Therefore, these types of agroecological alternatives are viable for farmers.

Objective: Train and validate models with variables available at the time of calving to predict the weaning weight (WW) of grazing beef cattle. Design/methodology/approach: Machine learning (ML) and ordinary least squares (OLS) algorithms were used to model WW of grazing beef calves. There were three scenarios of variable’s availability for modeling, the model of best fit was identified using the determination coefficient (r2), the mean square error and bias. Results: ML models were better than OLS in all scenarios. The r2 was 0.70, 0.67 and 0.78 for the ML with the following modeling variables available: B) dam age and parturition, sex and birth weight, age at weaning and month of birth; I) additionally, dam’s weight at calving, type of calving, calf and dam racial purity; A) additionally, type of service, cow and sire tags. Limitations on study/implications: The ML and OLS models were representative of this specific database. Further modeling with regional or national databases are needed. Under scenario B, the ML was better in modeling the WW with basic data. Findings/conclusions: The ML was superior to the OLS without over fitting, since WW predictions were adequate for data not included in model training.

Coffee husk and coffee pulp are rendered as by-products after coffee beans are obtained. They might pollute water and other resources; however, they might also be used for animal feeding, reducing the cost of animal diets. Coffee by-products have been widely used for animal feeding in different animal species worldwide, mainly in countries with the highest coffee production. Therefore, it is crucial to know the results obtained when these by-products are fed to animals under different conditions. The results obtained when husk and coffee pulp are included in animal diets vary depending on the species fed with these coffee by-products and the amount offered.

ABSTRACT Objective: To gather some knowledge on maize landraces evolution within Juchitepec municipality, as well as describe and analyze those strategies carried out by peasant families in its use and conservation. Design/methodology/approach: A survey on 20 farmers from Juchitepec municipality was carried out, they were randomly sampled from “Producción para el bienestar” state program beneficiaries list. Additionally, a series of key informants semi-structured interviews were taken prior to the survey in order to address the main topics of importance in relation to maize within the region. Results: The studied population presented an advanced age (=61), nonetheless some young farmers has an important role within their production units. 75% own less than 6 Ha, mostly on ejido land. 89% maintains maize landraces cultivation. This task is achieved through adapting their practices and knowledge to specific conditions on cropfields. Some adjustments are made i.e.: changing sowing date, using different varieties or species, alternating crop fields. 17% grows hybrid maize varieties. Two native introduced landraces were identified, Ancho y Cacahuacintle, as a way of improving farmers’ income. Some practices like the “de dos” cultivation are suffering changes as a result of machinery and economic resources availability. 100% of farmers use chemical fertilizers and herbicides. Commercialization of corn husk is an important economic activity. Seed exchange is frecuent, commonly between same community members. Ozumba market represents an important commercialization channel for native maize. Government settled prices for maize in 2019 weren´t high enough for native maize. Juchitepec farmers don´t get organized for maize production purposes. 65% consider themselves campesinos. Limitations on study/implications: Local agrarian system studies focused on peasant strategies should consider changes in behavior of peasants under different circumstances in order to better understand its adaptability. Findings/conclusions: Native maize survives within Juchitepec region sustained by peasants through knowledge and strategies applied on the reproduction and recreation of this varieties. Peasant strategies strengthen native maize conservation. Keywords: in situ conservation, plant genetic resources, traditional knowledge

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify an optimal combination of sweet, coffee and chocolate flavors to maximize consumer liking for the sensory attributes of a milkshake-type drink formulated with residual grain from the amaranth popping process. Design / methodology / research: 9 mixtures with refined sugar, soluble coffee and cocoa were formulated, varying their percentages in the simplex coordinate system. A milkshake-type beverage was formulated with residual grain from amaranth popping process and mixtures of sugar, coffee and cocoa as flavoring ingredients. A consumer study was carried out to identify the optimal flavor mix maximizing consumer liking, acceptability and purchase intention. Results: Regarding overall liking, favorable reactions were observed with the formulations with higher sugar and cocoa content. Formulations F1, F2, and F7 were more liked by consumers. The formulations with high percentage of coffee and low sugar were the least pleasant, positioning F8 as the formulation with the least liking in terms of the general taste of the milkshake-type drink. Study limitations / implications: The results represent a segment of mostly young consumers (81%) between 18 and 24 years old. Recommendations / conclusions: Consumers showed interest in the developed drink, since they tend to consume a drink in the morning. Regarding the formulations, there is a significant difference, largely derived from the sugar level in them. The use of flavorings is a viable strategy for the development of milkshake-type beverages formulated with residual grain from the popping of amaranth and to harness the benefits of this grain to human nutrition.

Objective: To evaluate the physical and chemical properties of a soil with vinasse application (two years) (V), compared to a soil without vinasse (W/V). Design/methodology/approach: In both agroecosystems, the evaluated parameters were texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), nitrates (NO3) and total nitrogen (TN) according to standardized methods in NOM-021-SEMARNAT-2000. Results: There were no significant changes (p>0.05) in the pH and electrical conductivity, however, the application of vinasse significantly increased (p˂0.05) the content of TN (1.52%), K (112.00 mg L-1) and OM (4.52%) in relation to soils W/V (0.78%, 25.60 mg L-1, 7.40 mg L-1, 2.75%, respectively). Limitations on study/implications: In Veracruz state, there are few studies that allow knowing the contributions, and physical and chemical effects on soils irrigated with vinasses. Findings/conclusions: Even though, the vinasse used showed a positive effect on the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil (V), the mineral fertilization program must be reformulated to increase the concentration of potassium and phosphorus in soils with silt loam texture. In addition, it is recommended to adjust and normalize the dose of N that vinasse can provide instead of conventional fertilizers. Keywords: Soil fertility, sugarcane, vinasses.

Objective: Starting pulque, isolate bacteria with probiotic potential for animal nutrition. Design/methodology/approach: 500 mL of pulque were sampled and collected from the municipalities: Tlatlauquitepec, Puebla; Otumba and Tequexquinahuac, State of Mexico. To samples the pH, humidity, ash, protein were determined and morphologically, the bacterial colonies were isolated and identified. Also, the colony strains that underwent Gram staining and the catalase test were preselected. Finally, the bacterial strains with probiotic potential, resistance to pH, bile salts and antimicrobial activity were selected. Results: From the pulque samples by municipality, a pH, humidity, ash and protein were obtained from Tlatlauquitepec (3.3, 96.17 %, 5.98 % and 0.352 g/100 mL-1), Otumba (3.25, 97.67 % and 0.1763 g/100 mL-1) and Tequexquinahuac (2.25, 97.55 %, 4.65 % and 0.1765 g/100 mL-1). Likewise, 6 different strains were isolated: C2, C3 and C4; Tequexquinahuac, C5 and C6; Otumba and C1; Tlatlauquitepec. On the other hand, it was found that the C1 strain was able to grow at a pH of 3.0 with survival of 84 % and 73 % in bile salts. Finally, the C1 strain did not show antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) ATCC 25922 and Salmonella typhimutium ATCC 14028. Study limitations/implications: Pulque bacterias have probiotic characteristics that can be used for animal feed. Findings/conclusions: It was found that the C1 strain grew at a pH of 3.0 and showed a high survival percentage, which can be used as a probiotic in animal feed.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the percentage of mucilage removal from coffee (Coffea arabica L.) in pulping using two enzyme systems, Celuzyme and Macerex PM. Design/methodology/approach: Seven treatments combinations were evaluated (type of enzyme and concentration level, plus a control) at 30-minute intervals for 3 h. The experimental unit was 0.2 kg of pulped coffee. Results: Results showed when using these enzyme systems (Macerex PM and Celuzyme) the percentage of mucilage removal increased and time was significantly reduced by 3 to 4 h compared to the natural fermentation time of 15 to 20 h. Limitations on study/implications: Effect of two enzyme systems, Macerex PM and Celuzyme, at different concentrations (ppm). Findings/conclusions: The Macerex PM and Celuzyme enzyme systems showed 95% and 84.5% removed mucilage compared to 35% of the control.