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

Edible canna (Canna edulis Ker-Gawler) agro-industrial system is of economic and cultural importance for more than 3,000 Colombian farming families due to the deep-rooted tradition of production, processing, and consumption of processed starch. The detailed knowledge of production dynamics allows the establishment of technological strategies aimed at improving the conditions of this productive line. With the objective of characterizing this agro-industrial system and identifying typologies of productive units to maximize the impact of technological generation and innovation processes in Colombia, 203 surveys were carried out in the main producing municipalities of the country. Information on 120 socioeconomic and technical variables was registered, of which 19 were selected for typification with multifactorial analysis by principal components where groupings of productive units were constructed. It was determined that the agro-industrial system is of the family-type, with conventional production technology and heterogeneity in the regions studied. Three typologies were identified per region, differentiated by lower, intermediate, and higher technological levels. The predominance of family farming within the regional typologies identified allows establishing the need to develop cultivation technologies that are easy to implement and use resources external to the farms, the rescue of sustainable family cultural practices, and the adaptation of processing technologies which allow a more efficient water use, improve starch quality, obtain economies of scale, and achieve greater bargaining power for producers under associative schemes.

In the Andean hillsides of Ecuador, indigenous populations use land mainly for grazing sheep and cattle. Animal response depends exclusively on the quality of forage and the soil’s physical and chemical conditions. The objective of this research was to evaluate two scenarios for intensifying pastures based on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and white clover (Trifolium repens), used at rest periods of 45- and 60 days in sites between 3,000-3,400 m a.s.l. used for grazing sheep and cows. These scenarios were compared with a natural grassland based on a plant community composed of Stipa ichu, Holcus lanatus, Rumex acetocella, and Paspalum sp., used in a traditional system with rest periods of 60-75 days in sites between 3,500-3,700 m a.s.l. in the Chimborazo River micro-watershed. Soil sampling was conducted at both sites to determine the soil fertility profile. Regarding the forage component, chemical composition, animal carrying capacity, milk production, and estimated enteric CH4 emissions were determined. In sheep serum, Ca, P, and Mg profiles, and the activity of AST, ALT, and FA enzymes were analyzed. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey 5% as a means comparison test. The results showed a better physicochemical property of the soil at the lower altitude. The intensification of pasture management and grazing through the utilization of rest periods of 45 days or less may represent a productive and low-emission option.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the world’s fourth most important cereal crop, cultivated in 111 countries thanks to its high nutritional value. In Nicaragua, it is the third most economically important crop, generating $190.7 million annually. Producers are constantly seeking management alternatives to reduce losses caused by arthropod pests and increase their yields in response to constant national demand. This study aimed to evaluate arthropod control alternatives in rice cultivation in the municipality of San Isidro, Nicaragua. Between December 2023 and April 2024, six treatments were assessed across four plots. Each experimental plot covered 80 m2, encompassing a total trial area of 1,920 m2. Five applications were made between days 10 and 96, and the number of arthropods found in each treatment was then counted. We estimated the yield for each treatment and conducted an economic analysis. The data were log-transformed to adjust for normality, and analysis of variance and Tukey's test (p < 0.05) were then applied. The most effective arthropod pest control was achieved in T5 (chemical treatment), followed by T4 (Beauveria bassiana + Cinnamomum verum), in which the greatest arthropod population occurred during the crop’s developmental and reproductive phases. The highest yield was recorded in the aforementioned treatments, with chemical treatment providing the greatest benefit.

In Ecuador, the Montbéliarde Association has been using absorption crossbreeding methods to obtain purebred cattle offspring, due to the difficulties of importing embryos, and the high costs of other options. This study aimed to analyze the genetic diversity and structure of the registered population. We used data from the Montbéliarde Association, consisting of 1,794 animals (210 bulls and 1,584 cows). The database was divided into historical, current, and reference groups. Genetic structure and diversity parameters were analyzed, complemented by a gene origin probability analysis. The calculations were carried out using the ENDOG program. The genetic structure and diversity of the Montbéliarde population showed adequate values to develop a genetic improvement plan, which would have a promising future if more comprehensive breeding policies were implemented.

Bananas are the most widely consumed tropical fruit worldwide. Its production is an important source of economic income in Latin American and Caribbean countries. Recently, banana crops have been affected by the attack of overly aggressive pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum and Mycosphaerella fijiensis. Chemical control is a widely used strategy, which has led to the excessive use of agrochemicals in banana production. There is great concern worldwide about the state of banana crops, which makes environmentally friendly alternatives necessary to cope with the actual threats. Ecuador is one of the main banana producers in the world, so it is essential to innovate production systems by implementing biologically sustainable alternatives to minimize environmental impacts and warranty productivity. This review aims to consolidate key information on banana-associated fungi, including isolation and introduction techniques of endophytic fungi. Finally, relevant research on biotechnological strategies based on endophytic and mycorrhizal fungi to improve banana production is included. We expect this review will provide insights into experimental investigations in the design of fungal inoculants.

Soil degradation and low agricultural productivity have often been linked to the indiscriminate use of pesticides. In recent years, to restore soil fertility, farmers have increasingly turned to organic fertilizers, which supply both macronutrients and micronutrients to enhance crop production. However, the microbial load of these fertilizers can significantly impact soil biological populations, their diversity, and their activity. In this context, the objectives of this study were to assess the microbiological quality of compost samples and to conduct pesticide degradation tests. Microbiological analyses revealed that the compost’s microbial load was primarily composed of phytopathogenic fungi, such as Fusarium spp. and Cladosporium spp., as well as phytopathogenic bacteria, including Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacteriaceae, which are pathogenic to humans and animals. The population and diversity of actinomycetes were notably low. Previous analyses identified the persistence of pesticides such as glyphosate, chlorfenapyr, and difenoconazole in the samples. The most abundant bacteria and actinomycetes, identified as Pseudomonas spp. and Streptomyces spp. (ACP1 and ACP2), were effective in degrading these pesticides under in vitro conditions. Specifically, difenoconazole was degraded by up to 70%, chlorfenapyr by 44%, and glyphosate by 30%, both individually and in mixtures. These results demonstrate the potential of these microorganisms for use in decontamination and bioremediation processes by reducing pesticide concentrations in soil.

Introducción El cobre al añadirse en el alimento del pollo de engorde sobre 100 mg kg-1, ejerce un efecto promotor de crecimiento. El Cloruro de Cobre Tribásico [TBCC], posee enlaces covalentes, es menos reactivo y más biodisponible en el tracto gastrointestinal comparado con el Sulfato de Cobre (CuSO4). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de diferentes fuentes de cobre (TBCC) sobre rendimiento productivo y morfometría intestinal como alternativas en Programas Libres de Antibióticos [PLA] en pollo de engorde. Materiales y métodos 1980 pollitos de 1 día Ross 308 divididos en machos y hembras, se colocaron en 5 tratamientos con 9 repeticiones (22 aves jaula-1) mediante un diseño completamente al azar. Los tratamientos fueron: 1) Dieta basal + 667 g ton-1 de BMD + 250 g ton-1 de Halquinol (CP); 2) Dieta basal (CN); 3) Dieta basal + 1000 g ton-1 de CuSOO4 (CS); 4) Dieta basal + 431 g ton-1 de TBCC (TBCC-1) y 5) Dieta basal + 463 g ton-1 de TBCC (TBCC-2). Los días 7, 14, 28 y 42 se evaluó consumo de alimento (CA), ganancia de peso (GP) e índice de conversión (ICA). Los días 23 y 44, se analizaron morfometría intestinal (altura de vellosidades y profundidad de criptas), peso de órganos (bazo, bolsa de Fabricio, proventrículo, molleja e hígado) y coloración de patas. Al día 42 se pesaron carcasa, pechuga, alas, piernas y pospiernas. Las diferencias fueron testeadas con ANOVA de una sola vía y prueba de Tukey (p < 0.05). Resultados Las dietas que contenían TBCC-2 resultaron en mayor GP (p < 0,01) de 1-42d en machos y hembras comparado con el CP. TBCC-1 y TBCC-2 mejoraron el ICA en 8 puntos en machos (p < 0,01) (Tabla 1) y 11 puntos en hembras (p < 0,05) (Tabla 2) respectivamente, versus CP. En el duodeno de machos a los 23d, TBCC-1 Y TBCC-2 incrementaron la altura de vellosidades (p < 0,01) y a su vez la profundidad de criptas (p < 0,01) en contraste con CP. En comparación con el CP, TBCC-2 en hembras obtuvo vellosidades más altas en duodeno a los 23d (p < 0,01) y en yeyuno a los 44d (p < 0,01). Tabla 1. Rendimiento productivo e integridad intestinal en machos. Tabla 2. Rendimiento productivo e integridad intestinal en hembras. Conclusiones Podemos concluir que la suplementación de TBCC en PLA, mejora el desarrollo intestinal sin afectar negativamente el rendimiento productivo.   Fe de Erratas

The stink bug (O. insularis) represents a significant threat to rice production in various regions of the world. This hemipteran causes considerable damage by feeding on developing grains, which facilitates the entry of pathogens that promote spotting, resulting in yield and quality losses of rice. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the infestation levels of the stink bug on mechanical damage in rice genotypes under controlled conditions. For this purpose, a rearing system was established to infest rice genotypes with young adults at levels of 0, 2, 4, and 6 insects per plant, incorporated during flowering. Four genotypes (Go-04209, Go-05070, INIAP FLÉLITE, and INIAP-20) were evaluated in a Completely Randomized Design [CRD]. The variables analyzed were healthy grains per spike, spotted grains per spike, missing grains per spike, and weight of spike per plant. The data were processed using the SPSS statistical program to perform the analysis of variance, the multiple comparisons tests (Tukey 0.05), and correlation analysis. We determined that the higher the infestation, the yield decreases 46%. Hereby, we propose an action threshold of 1 insect per plant to limit the economic loss to 17%. Genotype Go-04209 showed the least affectation compared to the others, standing out in quality and maturity parameters, constituting promising botanical material for genetic improvement and strengthening of productive development against this pest.

This study is framed in the field of geotourism as an alternative for the dissemination and conservation of the geopatrimony of the Petrified Forest of Puyango, an aspiring Global Geopark of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO] Global Geopark. The area shows significant evidence of geosites and geopaleontological remains from the Cretaceous period, which have been insufficiently studied. Geosites are defined as enclaves with distinctive geological features that serve as evidence of the Earth's past and evolution. The proposal of geotourism routes aims not only at the recognition of geological resources, but also at their conservation, through informative, interpretative and educational activities. Two types of routes were identified, for recreational and scientific purposes, following a methodology that establishes a scale of priorities based on expert judgment and prioritizes several alternatives according to a series of criteria. The results indicate that the proposal will effectively contribute to the recognition of the geoheritage, as well as to the conservation and tourism development of the Puyango Petrified Forest Geopark Project. 

Due to challenges related to sustainability and environmental protection, artisanal biopreparations, based on natural ingredients and ancestral methods, have emerged as a viable alternative to the use of traditional agrochemicals. This study identified research trends, collaborations and areas of greatest interest using tools such as the Lens® database and Bibliometrix® software. Our results revealed that Brazil is the leader in scientific production of biopesticides, followed by Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico. Also, the most studied bio-preparation is "bokashi", mainly used in vegetable crops. Although most publications are scientific articles, there is a lack of informative material, which hinders the adoption of these products by farmers. The results showed that there is a need to improve dissemination of information and collaboration between researchers and farmers, delaying  investments in applied research to accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies, and maximize benefits of biopreparations in agriculture. The analysis identified gaps in the assessment of the environmental sustainability of biopreparations, providing opportunities for future research.