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

Antecedentes. La agrobiodiversidad es uno de los principales pilares de la agricultura en México, por lo que su conservación es una prioridad para la sostenibilidad y resiliencia del sistema agroalimentario. Objetivo. Analizar el estado de la agrobiodiversidad en el sistema agrícola, alimentario y de conservación de recursos genéticos de México. Metodología. Metodológicamente se adaptó e implementó el Índice de Agrobiodiversidad, se midieron diez indicadores y 16 variables, enfocados en la medición de la diversidad de especies, diversidad varietal, especies subutilizadas y complejidad del paisaje. Resultados. El Índice Estado de Agrobiodiversidad para México fue moderado (56/100), el puntaje para el sistema alimentario fue alto (66.6/100), el sistema agrícola presentó puntajes altos (63.1/100) y el sistema de conservación presentó puntajes bajos (38.4/100). Implicaciones. El sistema de conservación se ha enfocado en especies de plantas comerciales, dejando un vacío en la conservación y uso sostenible de especies silvestres y no comerciales. En el sistema agrícola y de conservación se destaca la necesidad de plataformas con información biológica más específica (niveles intraespecíficos, variedades, razas, cultivares) que permita la estimación más precisa de la agrobiodiversidad en el país. Conclusión. Aunque el país cuenta con una alta diversidad de especies animales y vegetales que sirven como fuente de alimentación, estas opciones se encuentran subutilizadas en el sistema alimentario.

Antecedentes. El frijol ayocote (Phaseolus coccineus L.) es una leguminosa nativa de las zonas templadas del territorio mexicano, con gran potencial de uso y aprovechamiento para la población. Sin embargo, la información sobre su crecimiento y nutrición mineral para incrementar su rendimiento y producción es limitada. Objetivo. Determinar la dinámica de crecimiento, producción de biomasa, rendimiento de grano y sus componentes en el cultivo de ayocote en un sistema de cultivo con fertilización nitrogenada. Metodología. El ensayo se realizó en condiciones de campo, bajo régimen de temporal durante 2014 en Montecillo, Estado de México, México; con clima templado. Se sembró el cultivar de ayocote color violeta con aplicaciones de 0, 75 y 150 kg ha-1 de fertilización nitrogenada. Se registraron las variables número de hojas verdes, índice del área foliar, biomasa total y rendimiento de grano con sus componentes. El estudio se desarrolló mediante un diseño experimental de bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Resultados. Con el tratamiento de 150 kg ha-1 de nitrógeno se obtuvieron los valores más altos como el número de hojas verdes, 240 m-2; índice de área foliar, 7.75; duración del área foliar, 277 días, biomasa total, 566 g m-2 y rendimiento de grano, 363 g m2 con respecto al testigo. Con el mismo tratamiento, los órganos con mayor acumulación de materia seca fueron: el grano y tallo, ambos con 39%. Implicaciones. Con el suministro de nitrógeno se puede incrementar la biomasa y el rendimiento del ayocote. Ésta contribución podrá ayudar a los productores de este cultivo. Conclusiones. La aplicación de nitrógeno al suelo se incrementa el índice de área foliar, su duración, la tasa de crecimiento, la biomasa y el rendimiento del cultivo. La mayor rentabilidad en ayocote se obtiene con la aplicación de 150 kg ha-1 de nitrógeno.

Antecedentes: Perú se ha convertido en el primer exportador de uva de mesa centrando su producción en las regiones de Piura e Ica. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los viñedos jóvenes (<5 años) en la región de Piura, vienen presentando síntomas de la enfermedad de Petri. Objetivo: Aislamiento, identificación y evaluación de patogenicidad de hongos asociados con la enfermedad de Petri. Metodología: Los aislados fueron obtenidos a partir de estrías necróticas en haces vasculares en plantas con síntomas de la enfermedad de Petri. La identificación se realizó con las claves propuestas por Mostert, mediante observaciones macro y microscópicas. Asimismo, se realizó las pruebas de patogenicidad midiendo el avance de la longitud de la estría necrótica LEN. Resultados: Por sus características culturales, microscópicas se identificaron a: Phaeoacremonium spp, P. krajdenii, P. inflatipes, P. parasiticum y Phaeomoniella chlamydospora. Todos los aislados seleccionados fueron patogénicos en las pruebas de patogenicidad 75 días después de la inoculación (DDI), siendo las especies de Phaeoacremonium las que presentaron mayor LEN comparadas con Pa. chlamydospora, lo cual demuestra su capacidad de colonización de haces vasculares y la degradación de la madera. Implicaciones: Los patógenos Phaeoacremonium spp, P. krajdenii, P. inflatipes, P. parasiticum y Phaeomoniella chlamydospora están relacionados con la enfermedad de Petri en la región Piura-Perú. Conclusión: Las especies de Phaeoacremonium mostraron mayor patogenicidad que Pa. chlamydospora 75 DDI. Así también, se identificó morfológicamente P. inflatipes, en la región Piura requiriendo la identificación molecular para su corroboración.

Background. Rustic birds such as Rhode Island Red are adapted to the tropical environmental conditions. Raising them using free range in the tropics improve meat quality. However, the production cost is high when males are used for meat production, due to their low feed efficiency. Objective. To assess growth performance of Rhode Island Red male chickens as affected by indoor vs. outdoor housing systems between 7 to 14 weeks of age. Methodology. One hundred and twenty male chickens were allotted in two different housing systems: indoors vs. outdoor with acces to a free-range pasture of native plants. The experimental diet in growing stage (7-14 weeks of age) included processed Mucuna pruriens (soaked and cooked) in 15 % of the diet. For data analysis, a generilized linear model was used with repeated measures at different ages, considering effects of treatment, week and the interaction between both. The study of the whole experimental period considered the fixed effect of trial and liveweight at the start of the test as covariable. Results. Week was the most consistent effect, and treatment only affected feed intake, with values of 91.99 vs. 87.54 g/bird/day in indoor vs outdoor, respectively. There was only interaction between treatment and week in weight gain. For the whole period, there were no differences due to the housing systems for the variables under study. Nevertheless, initial live weight affected weight gain and conversion. Implication. Alternative raising systems for rustic birds in the tropics can be an option for small and middle producers, where animal welfare and feed costs improve. Conclusion. The productive behavior in Rhode Island Red male chickens is not modified by the raising system.             

Background. The current challenges of agrifood chains make it necessary for them to be efficient from the point of view of production. This demands greater attention to the farmer's technological adoption process and to some aspects that may affect it. Objective. In this study a multivariate cluster analysis method was used, with the aim of identifying the influence of a farmer’s profile and their teaching–learning environment on the adoption of technology in avocado farming. Methodology. The investigation was conducted with 94 farmers in two rural municipalities, located in the same rural region. The questionnaire that was used included profile variables, learning styles, farmer learning preferences, and extension agent teaching methods. Results. Three clusters of adopters were formed and the technology adoption index was analyzed in seven categories, including 37 technologies and technological practices. The case study showed that the high adoption cluster included profiles of older farmers with experience and membership to producer organizations; this cluster was also the only group comprising a combination of farmers’ learning styles and preferences. However, the disconnection between an extension agent's teaching methods and the farmers’ learning is evident in all clusters. Implications. Our results provide important evidence regarding the importance of linking the profile, style, and learning preference in contextualized teaching methods, allowing for better development of farmers’ capacities for the adoption of technologies and practices. Conclusions. The analysis of clusters of adopters allowed farmers to be classified into high, medium and low rates of adoption of technology and technological practices. Each cluster presented certain differences in terms of learning styles and preferences, as well as a disconnection in the teaching-learning relationship.

Background: In recent decades, many peasant regions of southeastern Mexico, have undergone an expansion of cattle raising. This has led to farmers transitioning from crop agriculture toward mixed production or specializing in cattle raising. Characterizing livestock systems using a multidimensional perspective allows for identifying strategies for increasing their sustainability. Objective: To classify and characterize family cattle farming systems (FCFS) of the Frailesca region of Chiapas, Mexico taking into account the contribution of cattle raising to family income, and using a multidimensional perspective. Methodology: Eighty family units in two areas of the Frailesca region - valley (40) and highlands (40) - were evaluated. Information was obtained through application of questionnaires to farmers. According to the percentage of contribution of cattle raising to family income, a K-means clustering analysis was carried out in each area to differentiate FCFS. Average values of technical, economic, environmental, and social indicators were compared among systems using ANOVA or Kruskall Wallis tests. Results: Two FCFS were identified in each of two areas of the Frailesca region: (I) mixed family systems (MFS) and (II) family systems specialized in cattle raising (FSSC). Average percentages of contribution of cattle raising to family income were: (1) valley MFS = 32.5%; (2) valley FSSC = 80.5%; (3) highland MFS = 38.5%; and (4) highland FSSC = 71.7%.  The valley FSSC followed an intensive-technified cattle raising with high use of external inputs and had the highest values of the economic indicators: calves produced per ha, milk production per cow, and net margin per hectare. The valley MFS practiced semi-intensive-technified cattle raising with low use of external inputs which led it had lower economic profitability than that of the valley FSCC. In both highland systems, farmers followed extensive cattle raising with low use of external inputs. For the economic dimension, these were similar to that of the valley MFS. Nevertheless, for the environmental dimension both highland systems were better (diversity of grasses, backyard animals, cattle breeds, and woody fodder crops) than the valley systems. Particularly, the highlands MFS had the greatest proportion of forested land and grasslands with scattered trees, as well as the abundance of wild fauna. For the social dimension, both the FSSC had a higher level of technical assistance and training, less dependence on subsidies, and a greater capacity to cover their basic purchased-food costs than the two MFS. The highlands MFS had the highest number of family beneficiaries, while the highlands FSSC had a higher level of membership in farmers´ organizations than did both types of valley systems. Implications: The valley farmers should reduce their environmental impacts and maintain and even increase productivity, in the case of the mixed family system. The highlands farmers should increase productivity, and reduce their dependence on subsidies. Conclusions: In order to overcome the multidimensional limitations and increase the sustainability of family cattle raising systems, it is necessary that external social actors promote agroecology and silvopastoral systems, as well as the famers´ co-responsibility and active participation along the process. 

Background. Mexico has a great diversity of chili peppers, especially in C. annuum L., which includes local morphotypes that have been little studied. Apaxtleco chili pepper is only found in Guerrero State, Mexico, and it is important in Apaxtla region due to economic resources it generates, and because it is used in preparation of typical mole in this region; however, its morphological diversity has not been described and this visualizes the state of this plant genetic resource to define use and conservation strategies. Objective. To analyze and describe morphological diversity of a group of Apaxtleco chili pepper populations, identify characteristics that most support its diversity and establish similarity relationship between the populations studied. Methodology. Twenty-four populations of apaxtleco chili pepper collected from Apaxtla de Castrejón, Guerrero were evaluated under randomized complete block experimental design, with four replications. The evaluation was carried out under greenhouse conditions at Tuxpan Unit of Autonomous University of Guerrero. Sowing was carried out in July 2020 in polyethylene pots with 16 L capacity. Fifty-nine morphological variables from IPGRI descriptors for Capsicum were recorded, and variance, discriminant, principal components (CP) and conglomerated analysis were performed by SAS V9.3 software. Results. Statistical significant differences were found in 72.9 % of variables registered and seventeen were selected by its contribution to variation according discriminant analysis, which were mostly fruits characteristics. In CP, with the first six, 76 % of total morphological variation was explained; length fruit and pedicel, width seed, weight fruit per plant, color of fruit at intermediate stage, number fruits per plant, width fruit, fruit and seed texture, filament color, number seeds per fruit and shape fruit appendage had greater contribution to total morphological diversity and were useful to differentiate populations under study. As well, four groups of apaxtleco chili pepper with different fruit, vegetative and flower characteristics were identified, however, it was possible to group them by shape and texture of fruits. Implications. Contribute to description of diversity of local populations of apaxtleco chili, native to Guerrero, Mexico, and that allows the establishment of use and conservation mechanisms for food security. Conclusion. Morphological diversity of native apaxtleco chili of Guerrero is presented mainly in fruit characteristics and lesser degree in vegetative and seed traits, which were useful to explain greater total variation in this local chili. The shape and texture fruits were important characteristics in grouping.

Background: Improvement of the Nigerian indigenous chickens is desirable because of its socioeconomic important. Objective: To estimate the heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations among body weight, body length, wing length and shank length of the mating of heavy ecotype cocks with light ecotype hens of Nigerian indigenous chickens. Methodology: The mating design was such that one heavy ecotype cock mated with 10 light ecotype hens in twenty replicate pens. The mating produced 752 chicks from ten batches of hatch. The estimates of variance components were obtained from paternal half sib analysis using the average information restricted maximum likelihood of BLUPF90 family of programs. Results: The heritability of body weight ranged from 0.20 to 0.44 from 6 to 12 weeks of age. Similarly, the heritability of body length, wing length and shank length ranged from 0.39 to 0.63, 0.51 to 0.71 and 0.31 to 0.54 respectively from 6 to 12 weeks of age. The genetic correlations among the early growth traits measured were negative to positive in magnitude and ranged from -0.99 to 0.66 while the phenotypic correlations ranged from -0.15 to 0.91. Implication: The results imply that early growth traits of light and heavy ecotype Nigerian indigenous chicken could be improved through mass selection. Conclusion: It is concluded from this study that the heritability of early growth traits were moderate to high in magnitude and the genetic and phenotypic correlations mostly positive.

Background. White mango scale (WMS) is present at any physiological stage of the mango tree, can remain on leaves and fruits, and affects photosynthesis and fruit aesthetics. Knowing the population fluctuation of WMS and its natural enemies over time will help to design efficient control strategies. Objective. To determine the annual population fluctuation of WMS and its natural enemies in three mango-producing areas, in Veracruz, Mexico. Methodology. In three mango orchards cv. 'Manila' in productive stage, located in the municipalities of Actopan, Medellín, and Tierra Blanca (one orchard at each municipality), the number of female individuals and male colonies of WMS, and its natural enemies Chilocorus cacti, Scymnus spp., Azya orbigera, Ceraeochrysa spp. and Pentilia spp., were monitored for 12 consecutive months. Results. Higher densities of WMS and Ceraeochrysa spp. were found in the Actopan orchard. The density of natural enemies changed according to species and time of year. The density of Pentilia spp., Scymnus spp., and Ceraeochrysa spp. correlated with the WMS density, with a higher and lower density of individuals per leaf in December-May and June-October, respectively. Implications. The time when the highest and lowest populations of WMS and its natural enemies occur in different 'Manila' mango-producing areas in Veracruz were identified. This knowledge will help to define the most appropriate timing and strategy for WMS control. Conclusion. The greater WMS population coincides with the fruiting stage, so its control should start in winter, during the flowering stage. Considering that the population of C. cacti, Pentilia sp., Scymnus spp., and Ceraeochrysa spp. present positive correlation with the WMS, it is recommended to reduce the use of broad-spectrum pesticides and to increase the use of cultural practices to benefit the population of these natural enemies.

Background: The hard yellow corn (Zea mays L.) is essential in the livestock sector. In Peru, the variety Marginal 28-T is cultivated with the moon´s calendar, although relationships of moon phases with yellow corn have not been demonstrated. Objective: To determine the influence of the moon phase (new moon, first quarter, last quarter, and full moon) on development yield and plague incidence in hard yellow corn Marginal 28-T. Methodology: A completely randomized factorial design 2 x 4 (two seasons of four moon phases) and four repetitions with 104 experimental units. Plant and ear height, grain weight, yield, Spodoptera frugiperda, Ustilago maydis, and Helmintosporium maydis attacks were evaluated. Results: The corn sown during the new moon produced the highest and longer plants and ears, with 218 cm and 116 cm, respectively. The highest grain weight, with 45.50 and 44.30 g in 100 grains, and the highest yields, with  3.78 y 3.55 t∙ha-1, were obtained with the corn sown during the last quarter and full moon, respectively. The number of defoliated plants by  S. frugiperda was lowest in corn sown during the last quarter and the new moon. There were no infected plants with U. maydis during the first quarter, last quarter, and full moon. Plants sown during a full moon had the lowest damage by H. maydis. Implications: The corn´s response can be affected by the moon phases. Conclusion: Hard yellow corn Marginal 28-T planted during the full moon and last quarter produced the highest yield and lowest height and was more tolerant to plague attacks than corn sown during other moon phases. However, it is still necessary to consider the influence of precipitation as a factor for better yields.