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

Objective: Map the innovation networks of blackberry producers in the Los Reyes Michoacán region, as well as to identify the degree of centrality, density and intermediation of the network and some options for improvement. Design/methodology/approach: Visits and interviews were made to the main collection centers Sunbell, El Cerrito, SPR and Driscoll, to the personnel of Trusts Established in Relation to Agriculture of the Western Region, the Zamora Agency. For the baseline survey, a universe of 50 producers was considered, including partners and main clients; then, all the red was relieved with the "snowball" technique. Results: 39% of the producers are also dedicated to the production and marketing of avocado. Most of the production (92%) is destined for export. The main collection centers for export are Sunbelle, Splendor and Driscoll. El Molinito and Moradely account for 70% of the total national market. Agrofertilizadores de Michoacán Agromich, Fertimich, Bucosa and Agrupe concentrate 70% of the inputs sold to producers. The company Procal stands out in the supply and service management network. Limitations on study/implications: It is a study focused on the Los Reyes region, which could be extended to other regions, crops, and expand the number of actors involved in the study. Findings/conclusions: The relationships between different actors centralization, inputs-outputs, and intermediation indicators take higher values, which shows the role of producers and key companies (Ere03 and OP01) as source, collector, and articulator actors. It is important to promote high productivity and profitable technologies for innovation.

The manzano chili is native to South America. It is characterized by having a fleshy pulp and is very popular in Latin American cuisine. In the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, Chili peppers of the jalapeño, serrano, chilaca and cayenne varieties are grown, while the manzano chili can be an option for greenhouse cultivation. The objective of the present work was to evaluate if the applications of calcium carbonate to the soil and to the plant (foliar route) influence the weight and number of fruits in manzano peppers under greenhouse conditions. The study was carried out in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Agrotechnological Sciences, of the Autonomous University of Chihuahua. For the generation of the treatments, the Taguchi method was used, creating 13 treatments, for 2 factors and 5 levels each factor, with 5 repetitions per treatment, using 65 plants in the study. Data analysis was performed using the quadratic response surface technique, adjusting the surface to determine the factor levels for optimal response. In order to obtain the highest weight in the three harvests 234.8 g, it is necessary to reduce the CaCO3 to the soil by 9%, while increasing the CaCO3 to the foliar by 100%. To increase the number of peppers from 59 to 70 in the three harvest periods, it is necessary to increase CaCO3 in the soil and foliar by 8.5% and 100%.

Objective: To identify the economic, technical, and social characteristics of a group of meliponiculturists established in the locality of San Antonio Cayal, Campeche, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: An interview card was applied to ten members of a group of meliponiculturists, and each card consisted of 20 open and closed questions distributed in the following sections: general data, technical aspects, characteristics of the meliponary, production, market, and perspectives of meliponiculture. An observation guide was also applied. Results: It was found that in the locality of San Antonio Cayal, meliponiculture is a recent activity (four years); the activity started with a total of ten people, with ages between 47 and 64, using modernized boxes and the honey extraction technique using syringes. However, currently the activity is only practiced by two people. Limitations on the study/implications: Meliponiculture is a scarcely practiced activity in the locality, and therefore, there are few records of this activity. Findings/conclusions: The study allowed us to understand the limitations of the group of meliponiculturists that caused the dispersion of the group, and allowed finding different areas of opportunity (management, production) to strengthen the activity.

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the influence of priming with zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs-ZnO) on germination, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds and zinc content of radish sprouts. Design/methodology/approach: A total of five NPs-ZnO treatments and one control treatment each with four replications under a completely randomized design were evaluated. Results: The NPs-ZnO evaluated increased the variables of germination, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds and zinc content compared to untreated radish sprouts. Limitations on study/implications: It is difficult to establish a response model of the effects of NPs because the shape, size, surface charge, chemical composition and concentration of NPs can cause different impacts on seed germination. Findings/conclusions: The use of NPs-ZnO could be an effective way to enrich crops, since moving Zn through plant tissues will cause an accumulation of this micronutrient. Keywords: Raphanus sativus, nanofertilizer, zinc oxide

Objective: To evaluate the effect of different doses of N, P, K fertilizers and two biostimulants, on growth parameters and vegetative development in plants of the species Z. lindleyana Herb. Design/methodology/approach: An experiment was established under greenhouse conditions under a CRD; ten treatments with five repetitions were tested, with different doses of N, P and K and two biostimulants. The experimental unit was one plant per pot. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests (α=0.05). Budding, flowering, leaf height, number of leaves and seed production were measured. Results: Vegetative development was distinguished in all plants. Only six treatments showed flowering. The percentage of floral and vegetative sprouting did not show delay or advance in the physiology of the plant. In leaf height and number of leaves, different behaviors were detected in the treatments, not detected in the Kruskal-Wallis tests. The plants treated with high doses of NPK fertilization and combined with biostimulants showed inflorescences and seed production. Limitations on study/implications: Being a native plant with ornamental potential, the collection of this species is a challenge due to the lack of studies on the potential distribution of the species. Findings/conclusions: This species can be cultivated under a greenhouse and pot planting system. Floral budding, height and number of leaves is stimulated by high doses of nitrogen. The combination of NPK and biostimulants favors development/growth and seed production.

ABSTRACT Objective: Obtaining and characterizing cellulose nanocrystals from cassava bagasse. Design/methodology/approach: Cellulose nanocrystals were obtained from cassava bagasse by acid hydrolysis (HCI), ultrasonication, centrifugation, dialysis, deep freezing and lyophilization. The cassava bagasse and the cellulose nanocrystals obtained were physiochemically characterized by Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Coupled Elemental Analysis (SEM-EDS). As an additional technique, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used. Results: The analyzes performed show that the cellulose obtained was type Iβ. This study reports a percentage of crystallinity of cassava bagasse cellulose of 37.1%, increasing the percentage to 48% of crystallinity in cellulose nanocrystals. The diameters of the cassava bagasse fibers were reported to be 2 μm and their elemental composition (SEM-EDS) mainly constituted by carbon (C), oxygen (O) and traces of (N). The morphology observed through AFM of the nanocrystals of cassava bagasse (Manihot esculenta) was rod-shaped, with a helical appearance without residual charge, with diameters between 8.7 and 9.3 nm. Limitations on study/implications: The acid hydrolysis process showed a low percentage of crystallinity, although higher than other works reported for cassava bagasse. Findings/conclusions: The results obtained show the possibility of obtaining cellulose nanocrystals from cassava bagasse ().    

Objective: To induce in vitro flowering of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) with different plant growth regulators (PGRs) using the double-layer technique. Design/methodology/approach: A layer of semi-solid Knudson C (KC) medium, added with 40 g L-1 sucrose, 15% coconut water (CW; v/v) and 7 g L-1 agar, was placed in 100 mL flasks. A liquid layer of the same composition without agar was placed on top. It was supplemented with different doses (mg L-1) of PGRs: 6-benzyladenine (BA) (7), thidiazuron (TDZ) (6), paclobutrazol (PBZ) (0.5) and gibberellic acid (AG3) (2). Plus two controls, C1: no PGRs + no CW; C2: no PGRs + CW. Vanilla shoots of 2 cm in length and with at least one axillary shoot were placed. They were incubated at a temperature of 26±2 °C day and 18 °C darkness, with light intensity of 55 µmol m-2 s-1 during 13 weeks. The number of shoots, leaves and roots was evaluated, as well as the length of shoots and fresh weight. Floral differentiation was evaluated at the tenth week by conventional microtechnique. Results: The number shoots and leaves and shoot length were significantly higher in C2. The number of roots increased with PBZ 0.5 mgL-1. C1 and C2 promoted higher fresh weight. Floral differentiation was observed with AG3 2 and PBZ 0.5 mg L-1 treatments. Limitations on study/implications: Further evaluation of other PGR doses and environmental conditions is required to achieve full floral differentiation of vanilla. Findings/conclusions: CW increased vegetative growth. AG3 and PBZ showed early floral differentiation in Vanilla planifolia, which is the first report of this phenomenon for the species. 

Objective: To search for an in vitro strategy to favor both germination and a greater number of seedlings in Tillandsia ionantha; also, to promote the development of future research on this species. Design/methodology/approach: Factor one: lighting conditions (light-dark), factor two: 13 preconditioning treatments, which included storage at room temperature and in refrigeration at 10° C, soaking (12 and 24 hours), with hydrogen peroxide (10 and 20 %), potassium nitrate (0.2 and 0.4 %), gibberellins (50 and 150 ml.l-1), three alternate incubation temperatures (28, 32 and 36 °C). They were sown in MS medium (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) at 25 %, adding 20 g.l-1 of sugar, 2 g.l-1 of activated carbon, and 5 .5 g.l-1 of agar. A flask with three seeds which coma removed was established as an experimental unit; 15 repetitions were established and placed in the incubation room at 24 °C with a photoperiod of 16:8. The germination process was recorded, and the seedlings were extracted two months after their establishment. Results: The treatment that resulted in the highest number of seeds that initiated the germination process and the highest number of plants was when the seeds were kept at room temperature. The highest contamination was observed in the treatment exposed to 32 °C. It was observed that 80% of the experimental units showed signs of imbibition within a few days, although the vast majority did not complete the process and the maximum yield was on average 1.4 seedlings. Conclusions: The best treatment is to use seeds stored at room temperature and if storage is necessary, to soak them for 12 h.

Objective: Determine the optimal dose of nitrogen in combination with the incorporation of alfalfa in the growth, yield and concentration of ions in the sap of the lettuce leaf. Design/methodology/approach: The experimental design used was completely randomized with a 2x5 factorial arrangement with nine repetitions in each treatment. The treatments consisted of five doses of nitrogen (200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 Kg ha-1) and two soil conditions (with and without alfalfa). Results: Shoot fresh weight (PFA), shoot dry weight (PSA), polar diameter (PDC) and equatorial diameter of bud (DEC), weight of bud (PC) and yield were higher when a dose of 200 to 300 Kg of N ha-1 with alfalfa. This effect was similar to the dose of 300 kg of N ha-1 without the addition of alfalfa. The concentration of nitrates (NO3-) in the sap decreased with the addition of alfalfa and with 200 Kg of N ha-1, the concentration of potassium (K+) was higher with or without the addition of alfalfa and 250 Kg of N ha-1. While the concentration of calcium (Ca2+) was higher in the plants that were developed with or without alfalfa but, at a dose of 400 Kg of N ha-1. Limitations on study/implications: One of the limitations of this research was not determining the nitrogen available in the soil, due to the lack of equipment. Findings/conclusions: The incorporation of alfalfa into the soil is a good alternative to improve lettuce production and reduce the use of nitrogenous fertilizers. Keywords: Growth, quality, yield, nitrate reduction.

The habanero chili pepper has great productive potential in Mexico, with an annual growth of 12.5% ​​in the planted area in the last five years. Objective: was to evaluate the agronomic response of two experimental varieties of habanero chili called HNC-6 orange color and HCC-8 chocolate color, belonging to the Center for Training and Development in Seed Technology. Methodology: the study was established under five doses of vermicompost, 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 kg plant-1 using a completely random design with a 2x5 factorial arrangement. Results: the HNC-6 variety had a better agronomic response than HCC-8, its yield was 95 % higher, the number of fruits per plant 84 %, fruit length (FL) 25 %, pericarp thickness 28 %, fruit firmness 11 %, and average fruit weight 4.7 %. The HCC-8 variety exceeded the height of HNC-6 by 38 % and the fruit diameter (FD) by 14 %. The vermicompost doses exerted a similar effect on both varieties. In conclusion, the experimental variety HNC-6 showed a better agronomic response under the conditions tested. The vermicompost doses exerted a response effect and similar trend in the two experimental varieties of habanero pepper tested, the significant interactions found in FL, FD, and total soluble solids indicate that the application of vermicompost influenced the quality of the fruits in some aspects. Conclusions: the main factors that determined the response of the crop are its genetic component in response to the environment and the degree of maturity of the vermicompost.