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

There is a need for new alternative sources of exogenous antifungals to replace those currently used in agriculture. Actinobacteria are gram-positive bacteria with a wide variety of secondary metabolites, which produce around two-thirds of all naturally occurring antibiotics in current clinical use, as well as many anticancer, anthelmintic and antifungal compounds. Consequently, these bacteria are of great importance for agricultural biotechnology, since they can be produced and applied in fields that do not promote resistance among fungi that attack plants. This review presents the research carried out regarding the identification of metabolites with fungal properties, highlighting the main species involved in the production of metabolites that are being used or could be explored in agriculture as bioproducts to promote plant health and sustainability. This review expands knowledge for future research focused on the fields of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, synthetic biology, and ecology for the investigation of novel antimicrobial compounds to combat antifungal resistance and develop more environmentally friendly bioproducts.

Using seeds with higher physiological potential can help overcome saline stress, affecting many arable areas in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to evaluate whether seed vigor contributes to overcoming saline stress, seeking to identify the association between the antioxidant system and seed lot vigor. Seeds of the BAF55 genotype with two levels of vigor were used. The seeds were germinated under no-stress conditions, with 75 and 150 mmol L-1 of sodium chloride in the solution during germination. After five days, morphological changes and changes in the enzyme’s catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, proline, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide were evaluated. An increase in antioxidant activity was observed with the imposed stresses and no significant difference was observed between the vigor level, except in the condition of 75 mmol L-1 in the hypocotyl of the seedlings and, for proline in the condition of 150 mmol L-1 in which the low-vigor presented greater activity. The stress of 150 mmol L-1 showed greater severity in seeds of low-vigor, resulting in greater lipid peroxidation in the seedlings formed and resulting in seedlings with lower performance.

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are classified under the genus Meloidogyne and are among the most devastating pests affecting strategical agricultural crops. They attack a wide variety of plant species, including vegetables, fruit trees and ornamental plants, causing root deformities and even lead to plant death in severe cases of infestation. These nematodes contribute to substantial crop yield loss and affect the quality of harvested products. Although synthetic nematicides are available for the control of these pest organisms, there is a growing emphasis on exploring sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives, such as nematophagous fungi like the genera Purpureocillium, Arthrobotrys, Dactylellina, Orbilia, and Trichoderma, among others. Here a review of literature on the matter is given, with a focus on the taxonomic classification of the most relevant fungal orders and genera, their diagnostic features, mechanisms of action, and potential as biological control agents (BCAs) against Meloidogyne species. Other relevant aspects addressed in this review include a brief description of the nematode genus Meloidogyne, along with the symptoms it causes in host plants, such as root gall formation, stunted growth, and yellowing of foliage, among others. It also describes integrated pest management (IPM) strategies such as crop rotation, resistant crops, soil solarization, trap crops, as well as currently used chemical control techniques. Biological control alternatives are also presented with particular emphasis on nematophagous fungi. Future research should focus on improving the formulae of biological agents based on nematophagous fungi under field conditions and understanding their ecological roles and interactions in soil microbiomes.

Purple corn (Zea mays L.) is a superfood native to Peru, highly regarded for its functional properties and commonly used in the preparation of traditional beverages and desserts, such as chicha morada and mazamorra morada. Following processing, the corn cobs remaining as a byproduct retain significant amounts of bioactive compounds with potential for utilization. This study proposes their use as a primary component in the production of teas. To ensure product safety, the moisture content, total ash, and counts of enterobacteria and aflatoxins in the raw materials were first evaluated. Fourteen formulations were developed, varying in the proportions of corn cobs, quince, stevia, cinnamon, and cloves, as well as extraction times (5 and 10 minutes at 100 °C) with hot water. Two rapid sensory evaluation methods using consumer panels were applied sequentially: Flash Profile (FP) and Check-All-That-Apply (CATA), External preference mapping was then conducted, and the most acceptable teas were subjected to instrumental characterization. The FP methodology generated 400 sensory descriptors, classified semantically, from which 12 key descriptors were selected for the CATA test: sweet, stevia flavor, quince flavor, fruity flavor, fruity smell, astringent, bitter, cinnamon smell, reddish color, acid, purple and “Chicha morada” flavor. The confidence ellipses in the FP Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) space allowed to identify six groups of formulations for the CATA test. This test revealed that the characteristics that improve consumer acceptability are: “Chicha morada” flavor, fruity flavor, sweet and fruity smell. The External Preference Mapping allowed to determine the formulations, with 90% preference among consumers, despite not being the ones with the highest concentrations of total polyphenols, antioxidant activity and monomeric anthocyanins. In conclusion, the sensory methodologies applied in this study help to elucidate the sensory characteristics that influence consumer acceptability, representing valuable tools for the development of new functional products from purple corn.

Typically, the transition zone of quaternary and tertiary volcanoes is a potential area for agricultural development but is prone to landslides. Landslide occurrences and the use of former landslide zones exhibit a distinct soil organic carbon (SOC) distribution, necessitating analysis to sustain agricultural output. Laboratory SOC measurements on landscape size are not expedient, necessitating the development of an estimating method for representation. This study aims to analyze the relationship between relief and SOC using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data. LiDAR acquisition was carried out to identify relief units as units of analysis. Soil sample measurements were carried out in the laboratory with the parameters analyzed including pH, Bulk Density, Moisture Content, Organic Carbon, Organic Matter, N-total, CN Ratio and Cation Exchange Capacity. The results showed that SOC and relief had R2 = 0.89 in the upper layer (0 – 20 cm) and 0.86 in the lower layer (20 - 40 cm). Relief has a high correlation with soil characteristics at the top and bottom of soil depths. It is because of relatively stable elevation and relatively dynamic land cover that SOC is spread out in a clustered way. This research can be used as a basis for agricultural land management, especially in areas prone to landslides.

The decrease in nutrient content in the soil occurs because of an imbalance between nutrient intake and loss. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of applying six types of compost products, with different compost materials and bioactivators, on the soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) levels in Alfisol, on rice yields, and diazotrophic endophytic populations. The pot experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with a single factor consisting of 10 levels and 3 replications. The treatments compared control (R0), 6 types of compost (R1-R6), 50% chemical fertilizer (CF) (R7), 100% CF (R8), and a set combination (R9). Rice with a variety of Mentik Wangi was grown and harvested on 118 DAP. The results showed that the treatment R5 (compost C4 of a mixture of leaf litter, cow dung, peanut plant residue, and rock phosphate with bioactivator RMC) gave the highest increases of SOC and TN by 200% and 228.57%, and the highest plant dry weight and total seed weight by 247.55% and 171.16% compared to the control, respectively. Three treatments of R4 (compost C3), R6 (compost C5), and R9 (50% dosage of compost C3 in combination with mycorrhiza, zeolite, Azolla, and rock phosphate) yielded a similar effect at the second-highest levels in increasing SOC, TN, and rice yields. There was no significant effect of treatments on the population of diazotrophic bacterial endophytes in rice leaves. The present study revealed that compost enrichment with an effective bioactivator contributed significantly higher effects on soil fertility, plant growth, and yield compared to 100% chemical fertilizer (R8).

Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) is a fruit crop with increasing economic and functional relevance, yet limited research exists on weed management practices for this species. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic, physiological, and phytochemical responses of P. peruviana to various pre- and post-emergence herbicides under greenhouse and field conditions. Two biotypes were used to assess selectivity and crop tolerance to thirteen post-emergence and two pre-emergence herbicides. Post-emergence trials revealed that chlorimuron, fomesafen, and the mixture atrazine + simazine significantly reduced plant height and caused high phytotoxicity, especially under field conditions. Conversely, quizalofop, clethodim, fluazifop, and clodinafop (ACCase inhibitors) showed excellent selectivity and maintained yield levels comparable to the control. Pre-emergence applications of S-metolachlor exhibited minimal effects on plant growth and effectively reduced weed density, while imazaquin caused a dose-dependent reduction in plant height and yield, particularly in one biotype. Phenolic compound analysis indicated that both herbicide application and weed presence influenced fruit quality. Plants grown under weed-free conditions presented the highest total phenolic content, while high weed pressure or herbicide injury reduced phenolic accumulation, especially in biotype 2. The results demonstrate that while some herbicides pose risks to P. peruviana development, others offer promising weed control options with minimal impact on crop performance and fruit quality. These findings contribute to the development of safe and effective weed management strategies for this emerging crop.

This research analyzes the relationship between the use of precision technologies and the management of agricultural inputs within the framework of sustainability. Structured surveys were conducted with 120 producers, addressing variables such as access to technology, training, technological integration, productivity, and barriers. Multiple linear regression, Spearman correlation, and cluster analysis were applied to identify the factors influencing efficient, environmentally responsible, and socioeconomically viable input management. The findings show that the Productivity and Sustainability dimension has a significant positive effect, while barriers and challenges have a negative influence. The model related to soil health (adjusted R² = 0.304) highlights the potential of precision technologies to enhance yield and reduce environmental impacts. However, structural limitations, such as high costs, insufficient infrastructure, and lack of training, were identified as major obstacles to adoption. The results emphasize the need for public policies, technical training programs, and support strategies to foster more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agricultural systems aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.  

Ralstonia solanacearum, the causative agent of bacterial wilt, is a major plant pathogen affecting many economically significant crops, including pepper (Capsicum annuum). This pathogen causes severe yield losses due to the limited effectiveness of current control measures. This study aimed to evaluate potential biocontrol agents for managing Ralstonia solanacearum by isolating and testing microorganisms from the rhizosphere and phylloplane of pepper plants. A total of 32 bacterial isolates were screened, and four strains showed the most pronounced antagonistic activity in vitro, producing inhibition zones ranging from 4.0 to 6.12 cm. The most effective isolates included three rhizospheric strains identified as Bacillus sp., Serratia sp., and Pseudomonas sp., and one phylloplane strain identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These microorganisms effectively suppressed Ralstonia solanacearum growth under laboratory conditions and show strong potential as biocontrol agents for bacterial wilt in pepper crops.  

The impacts of the El Niño and La Niña phenomena are analyzed in the context of Climate Change in the upper basin of the Piura River, on the infrastructure and equipment for education, health, basic services, roads and residential, in the district of Canchaque, which was one of the most affected in that region. The type of research is applied, the level is explanatory and the approach is mixed, triangulating qualitative and quantitative methods. The results show that the intense rains associated with El Niño and the prolonged droughts of La Niña considerably affect all services and equipment, in turn aggravating the problems of water scarcity, affecting both agricultural production and the water resources available for human and livestock consumption. Finally, it is concluded that the upper basin of the Piura River, as a whole and Canchaque in particular, present risks and dangers; the measures have been reparativerather than preventive, all social actors face great challenges to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to them.