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

Introduction. Pesticides are essential tools in agricultural production. In crops like cabbage, their intensive use requires identifying the active ingredients (AIs) applied and evaluating their implications for consumer’s health. One critical agronomic criterion is the pre-harvest interval (PHI), which ensures that pesticide residues dissipate to safe levels before harvest. Objective. To identify the main AIs used in pest management of cabbage crops in Nicaragua and assess compliance with the PHI stablished by manufacturers. Materials and methods. Seventy-nine surveys were conducted, in physical format and using the KoboCollect mobile application to gather data on pesticide use. The AIs were verified using international databases such as the Pesticide Properties Database. Additionally, twenty pesticide application record books were collected from producers to analyze PHI compliance. A snowball and convenience sampling strategy were employed. Results. A total of 74 AIs were identified through surveys, including insecticides (42%), fungicides (38%), fungicide-bactericides (12%), and herbicides (8%). The most frequently used AIs were profenofos, carbendazim, copper sulfate pentahydrate, and glyphosate. From the record books, 52 AIs were documented across 330 pesticide applications. Among these, 36% of AIs and 16% of applications did not comply with the PHI. Furthermore, 39% of producers failed to meet this criterion in at least one application. The use of non-authorized AIs for cabbage and the lack of awareness regarding PHI were notable findings. Conclusion. The use of unauthorized or hazardous AIs and the lack of PHI fulfillment represent a significant risk to public health. These findings highlight the urgent need for regulatory oversight and educational interventions to promote safe pesticide use in cabbage production systems.

Introduction. The electrical conductivity of saturated paste extract (EC(e)) is the reference method for assessing the impact of soil salinity on crops. However, this method has drawbacks that limit its reproducibility in the laboratory. Previous studies have related EC(e) to EC measurements conducted on various soil/water extractions. However, due to the variability of soils and methods employed, specific local validations are needed for soils in Costa Rica. Objective. To establish the relationship between EC(e) and EC measurements in soil/water extractions (1:2,5) and (1:5), and to validate the relationship between EC and the sum of soluble cations (SC) in soil extracts and water samples in Costa Rica. Materials and methods. EC was measured in Costa Rican soils using three methodologies: saturated paste extract, (1:2,5) volumetric ratio extractions, and (1:5) mass/volume ratio extractions. Soluble cations (Ca, Mg, K, Na) were quantified by ICP-OES in both soil extracts and water samples. Conversion factors (fc) between EC(1:2,5)/EC(1:5) and EC(e), as well as the EC-SC relationship, were determined through regression analysis. Results. The fc values obtained for EC(1:2,5)-EC(e) and EC(1:5)-EC(e) were 3,00 and 4,30, respectively. Based on these fc, critical EC(1:2,5) and EC(1:5) values were established for sensitive and moderately sensitive crops to salinity. The strong linear EC-SC relationship validated the use of the proportionality factor K = 10 to estimate SC (mmol(+) L⁻¹) from EC (dS m⁻¹) data. Conclusions. The (1:2,5) and (1:5) extractions are practical methods for estimating EC(e), and these results will allow to standardize the EC interpretation and soil salinity diagnosis in soils from Costa Rica. The EC-SC relationship supports the use of EC as a proxy for the total concentration of soluble salts in soils extracts and water samples in Costa Rica.

Introduction. Horticultural crops within the Brassica genus (such as broccoli and cabbage) are affected by Plasmodiophora brassicae, a pathogen that causes the disease known as clubroot. Agrohomeopathy has shown positive effects on plant growth and disease control in some cases. Objective. The study evaluated the use of agrohomeopathic treatments, specifically fitonosodes, to combat clubroot disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae in cauliflower and cabbage. Materials and methods. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse using both sterile and non-sterile soils, applying fitonosodes and succussed water. The variables assessed included leaf and root length, fresh and dry biomass, and disease severity. Results. In cauliflower, the Water_2 treatment in non-sterile soil achieved the greatest root length (139 cm), while treatment Fitonosode_5 in sterile soil produced plants with the highest leaf length (353 cm). In non-sterile soil, no significant differences were found between treatments for either variable. In cabbage, Water_2 in non-sterile soil also showed the best root length (139 cm), and in sterile soil, Water_2 and Fitonosode_5 achieved the greatest leaf heights, with 335 cm and 305 cm, respectively. In non-sterile soil, Water_2 reached 227 cm in leaf height, significantly outperforming other treatments. Regarding disease severity, Fitonosode_5 significantly reduced the incidence, maintaining over 80% of cauliflower and 90% of cabbage in low severity categories, indicating improved plant health. Conclusions. These findings suggest that agrohomeopathy (particularly the fitonosodes), could be an effective and promising alternative for controlling P. brassicae, contributing to improved physiological and structural development of crops.

Introduction. The soil water balance approach can be used to evaluate soil water dynamics and determine soil moisture regime (SMR) and water availability. Despite some models are available in the literature, they have been validated within temperate regions, and require several input variables, restringing their use when data is limited. Objective. To develop a simple method to estimate soil water balance (after infiltration) and further determine the corresponding SMR for highly weathered soils from Costa Rica, Central America. Materials and methods. Twelve pedons (distributed in seven regions of Costa Rica) were sampled and described, where monthly total soil available water (TSAW) and available water in the soil control section (AWCS) were calculated. Potential evapotranspiration (ETo) and monthly dependable precipitation (DP) were estimated using historical data obtained from neighboring meteorological stations. DP, ETo, TSAW, and AWCS were used as variables in the calculations performed to identify months with soil water deficit. Results. Three SMRs were identified: 1) Ustic (six pedons), 2) Udic (four pedons), and 3) Perudic (two pedons). In five assessed pedons, SMR assigned through our soil water balance approach disagreed with that reported in the literature for nearby areas (SMR estimated through Newhall model). However, historical rainfall behavior and the developing crops and vegetation in these regions reinforced the SMR assigned to this research. Conclusions. The method developed in the present study was considered satisfactory in determining both soil available water and SMR for highly weathered soils of Costa Rica. We encourage its use in further studies of hydrology, soil physics, and pedology due to 1) its versatility of use with limited data and 2) the inclusion of meteorological and edaphic variables calibrated under tropical conditions

Introduction. Glyphosate (GLI) is a widely used herbicide that, when applied in excess, can affect bothbroadleaf weeds and crops. Plant growth-promoting bacteria may enhance crop resistance and protection against GLI effects. Objective. To evaluate GLI toxicity on the root, stem, and combined root + stem of Pisum sativum in sandy loam soil, in the presence of Ochrobactrum anthropi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, both individually and as a bacterial consortium composed of both microorganisms. Materials and methods. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in Lima, Peru, using a completely randomized design with 32 treatments. Soil was mixed with GLI and subjected to edaphological analysis. Four treatments served as controls, twelve contained soil with O. anthropi and P. aeruginosa individually and on their bacterial consortium, and sixteen treatments included P. sativum. Results. P. sativum exposed to 8.71 mL L-1 and 17.42 mL L-1 of GLI showed a significant growth reduction, particularly in freshstem and root biomass. However, bacterial consortium reversed this effect and improved growth. GLI altered soil pH and electrical conductivity, while organic matter remain unchanged. Soil available potassium increased with GLI, but bacterial presence reduced this effect. Available phosphorus increased in treatments combining P. sativum and GLI at 17.42 mL L-1. Conclusions. Higher GLI concentrations negatively impacted P. sativum stem and root growth, but bacterial inoculation attenuated these effects and modified soil properties. These findings highlight the relevance of the interaction between herbicide, microorganisms, and soil parameters in agriculture.

Introduction. Universities, private companies, non-governmental organizations, and producers’ organizations have conducted research on biochar in Costa Rica in the last 15 years. Objective. To compile observed results in technical documents (bulletins, reports) and scientific documents (scientific papers and theses) related to the use of biochar in Costa Rica. Content. Different furnace designs are presented, with a predominant of the small-scale tin furnace and temperatures between 400 and 600 °C. The raw materials used to produce biochar are wood residues (Gmelina arborea, Cordia alliodora), firewood from coffee and banana agroforestry systems, bamboo, sugarcane stubble, and oil palm stalk. Methodologies have been developed to characterize biochar such as elemental analysis, proximate analysis, and nutrient content. Conclusions. Positive results have been observed in crop development, in acidic soils (doses between 10 and 20 t ha-1) cropped with oil palm and vegetables. No significant increases in crop development were seen with the application of biochar in soils with high cation content (Inceptisols) and volcanic ash derived soils (Andisols) in cocoa, oil palm, and vegetables. Significant improvements in water retention were seen at doses of 30 t ha-1 in sandy soils and a significant decrease in the incidence of Radophulus similis and Fusarium oxysporum in banana was observed, with the addition of biochar + endophytic microorganisms. Biochar production from agricultural byproducts and its use in crops and areas near the production site is recommended to promote the bioeconomy. Future lines of research should include: the improvement of ovens design to work with resistant materials such as oil palm fiber, evaluation of the biochar impact on water, nutrients, and pesticides retention, as well as crop productivity in acid and sandy soils.

Introduction. Hemileia vastatrix, the causal agent of coffee rust, is an obligatory parasite. Preservation in the laboratory under cold conditions (ranges of 2-8 °C) can reduce the germination and viability of uredospores for extended periods, which is a limiting factor when conducting in vitro research. Objective. To determine the viable storage time of uredospores under cold conditions by evaluating the germination percentage, using two dispersants for artificial germination in a culture medium. Materials and methods. Four periods, 22 days apart, were evaluated for each treatment. Rust inoculum was preserved at temperatures of 4 °C and -30 °C, as these are commonly used temperatures for storing phytopathogens in different laboratories. Uredospores were dispersed in vitro on Petri dishes with agar-water culture medium, using deionized water and Tween 20 as dispersants. The plates were incubated for 12 hours at 21 °C, and the number of viable uredospores was counted. Results. A germination percentage of 58.0% with Tween 20 and 36.2% with deionized water was obtained on the 0 days after storage (DAS). After the four evaluations, it was determined that the storage temperature at 4 °C maintained constant germination up to 88 DAS, while the inoculum preserved at -30 °C significantly reduced uredospore germination from 44 DAS onward. The use of Tween 20 dispersant maintained a higher germination percentage at the 22, 44 and 88 DAS periods compared to the deionized water treatment. Conclusion. Tween 20 generates greater dispersion of the uredospores, which inhibits germination. The thermal shock to the uredospores when transitioning from warm ambient temperatures to preservation at -30 °C reduces in vitro germination.

Introduction. Coffee is the most important tree crop in the world. In Honduras, this crop represents 5% of the country's total income. Objective. Calculate vegetation indices (VI) and the level of association with different land uses and cover in western Honduras. Materials and methods. For the IV´s, Sentinel 2A-2B images from the Copernicus program were used. The VI´s used were Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), and Moisture Stress Index (MSI). The land uses taken as reference were Broadleaf Forest (B-L), Coniferous Forest (B-C), Mixed Forest (B-M), Coffee plantations (SAF-C), and Pastures and Crops (P-C). Results. Land uses classified as B-M (75%) and B-L (63%) have the highest percentages of pixels in the highest NDVI categories, while P-C (13%) has the lowest. For SAVI, SAF-C (94%) and B-C (91%) achieved the highest percentages of pixels in the highest categories, while P-C (75%) had the lowest. For the NDMI index, the highest weighted values of humidity were found in B-M (48%) and B-L (41%) and the lowest was for P-C (1.78%). For MSI, the highest weighted values are B-M with 36% and the lowest value is B-L with 1.62%. Conclusions. The analysis shows a significant association between the IV levels used and land uses (X2 = 369.4; p-value = 0,0001). B-L and B-M are the two land uses that have the greatest similarity and that reflect the highest levels of IV. SAF-C had its greatest association with B-C and the land uses that presented the lowest levels of association were P-C and SAF-C.

Introduction. The Bacillus genus has been used as a biostimulant with positive effects on crop yield and quality. However, there are few studies on its application in microgreens. Objective. To evaluate the effect of Bacillus subtilis (BsC4 and BsPC) and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt24) as biostimulants on the germination and growth of red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) microgreens under controlled environmental conditions. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Mexico, in 2023. Four treatments were assessed: Bt24, BsC4, BsPC, and seedlings without microorganisms (control) on red cabbage and kale seeds, under a completely randomized design (n = 5). Germination was monitored in the first trial, and microgreens development was assessed in the second. After 15 days, morphological variables, photosynthetic pigments, nitrate content, quality, and yield were measured. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey’s tests (p < 0.05). Results. For kale, Bt24 improved germination speed (31.17 %) and reduced germination time (4.61 %), with no significant effect on red cabbage. In kale, yield increased (62.60 %) with Bt24, particularly in fresh biomass (63.3 %) and cotyledon area (61.57 %). In cabbage, BsC4 increased yield (44.31 %) and improved fresh biomass (42.21 %) and cotyledon area (50.57 %). Nitrate content was highest in kale with BsPC (138.30 %) and in red cabbage with Bt24 (65.14 %), while remaining within safe consumption limits. For visual quality, both crops achieved the “Good” and “Excellent” categories, with no differences between treatments. Conclusions. B. thuringiensis and B. subtilis could be used as growth biostimulants for cabbage and kale microgreens, offering a promising approach to optimize microgreen production under controlled environmental conditions.

Introduction. Non-timber forest products from tropical dry forests offer multiple benefits and are considered an alternative for the sustainable use of forests and the socioeconomic development of local communities. Nevertheless, little is known about their economic value, limiting the visibility and exploitation of their potential and functionality. Objective. To assess the economic benefits of non-timber forest products from tropical dry forest for the Pijao indigenous population of Natagaima, Tolima, Colombia. Materials and methods. This study was carried out in the municipality of Natagaima, Tolima, Colombia, during the first half of 2023. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 95 indigenous people from the rural sector, integrating social, ethnobotanical, and economic variables. For the economic evaluation, the costs required for product acquisition (CRAP), gross profit (BBr), and net profit (Bn) were calculated using direct, indirect, and contingent market valuation methods. Results. A total of 570 reports were registered, identifying 66 tropical dry forest species that offer 122 non-timber forest products, distributed in eight categories of use: food, medicinal, forage, oil, construction, domestic, artisanal, and magical-religious. These products generate a total BBr of 15,000 USD/year, with a CRAP of 6,409 USD and a Bn per person of 8,591 USD/year. The categories of medicinal use, food, and forage bring the greatest economic benefits, contributing 79.5 % (6,830.9 USD/year) of the total net income. Conclusions. Non-timber forest products from tropical dry forests provide important socioeconomic benefits to the livelihoods of the ethnic population studied. The most relevant non-timber forest products are considered to be medicines, food, and forage.