AGROProductividad

Objective. To analyze the valuation, use, and preservation of native palms as a non-timber forest product (NTFP) of high economic importance for rural communities in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: The available literature on palms and their use in the Yucatán Peninsula (YP) was examined using the snowball method. Subsequently, different online flora databases were consulted in order to examine the taxonomic identities of palm species present in the YP. The reported uses were classified. Results: The YP has 20 native species that belong to 13 genera and three subfamilies. All of them are economically exploited as NTFPs, especially in construction (85%) and honey production (70%), followed by food and medicinal use (35% each), craftwork (30%), ornamental use (25%), and fodder (10%). These data confirm that native palms are an important livelihood means for the inhabitants of Mayan communities in the region. Study limitations/implications: The research faced a limited database of encyclopedias, anthologies, directories, books, or articles that interpret works or research about this topic. Findings/Conclusions: The local and regional use of palms represents an additional income for the people who use this natural resource on different productive scales, both in rural communities and city centers. An alternative to ensure the sustainability of palms would be to establish governmental programs for their reproduction

Objective: To compare different bed planting systems: narrow beds (80 cm), wide beds (100 cm), and flat soil, on the growth and yield of wheat under conservation system. Design/methodology/approach: Treatments were established on a complete block design with three replicates; also, wheat crop was grown during five seasons. Treatments were as follow: A) wide beds (furrows at 100 cm), B) narrow beds (furrows at 80 cm) and C) flat soil. Response variables were dry weight of 50 stems, weight of 1000 grains, number of spikes (m2), harvest index and yield. Also, the relationship between relative yield and cold units and degree-days were measured. Results: Flat soil reach the highest dry weight of 50 stems, whereas narrow beds had the maximum number of spikes per m2. Yield was equal between flat soil and narrow beds. No differences were found in the harvest index (HI) among the evaluated treatments. When comparing results between years, dry weight of 50 stems increased and the HI index decreased, affecting negatively the yield. A negative association was found between chill hours and yield. Findings/conclusions: Despite yield was equal between flat soil and narrow beds, reduction on yields was mainly associated with of reduction in chill hours occurring in each season.  

Objective: To analyze the genetic diversity (agronomic attributes, forage yield, and fiber content) of 100 maize inbred lines and to identify genotypes with potential for the breeding of plants with the said traits. Design/methodology/approach: One-hundred maize inbred lines were evaluated in two environments, in a 10 x 10 complete block experimental design, with two repetitions. Days to male flowering, days to female flowering, ear height, plant height, stem diameter, green forage yield, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber data were recorded. Results: Significant differences were observed in the environmental sources of variation and genotypes for all the traits evaluated. The first four components account for 81% of the total variation observed and the first two account for 66% of the variation. The variables which have the highest absolute value and which strongly influence the dispersion of the genotypes, as well as the formation of groups, were: plant height, forage yield, and acid detergent fiber (component one) and days to female flowering and days to male flowering (component two). Consequently, the genotypes were dispersed in four groups. Study limitations/implications: It was not possible to conduct genetic diversity studies using molecular markers. Findings/conclusions: The grouping pattern of inbred lines shows the genetic diversity present; this can be an important tool in genetic improvement programs aimed at obtaining hybrids with specific characteristics.

Objective: To describe the symptomatology and to identify the mildew causal agent in basil (Oscimum basilicum), as well as the Trichoderma harzianum-Peronospora belbahrii in vitro mycoparasitic activity. Design/methodology/approach: Samples were taken from Nufar basil cultivars that had been naturally infected by mildew and, afterwards, the causal agent was isolated in order to carry out a pathogenicity test. The T. harzianum-P. belbahrii parasitism stages were observed in samples from the area in which both microorganisms interact. Results: The disease symptoms that reveal the presence of a mildew causal agent on basil plants grown in pots and soil match Peronospora belbahrii. Subsequently, the Trichoderma hyphae rolled up and penetrated and vacuolated the conidiophores and the pathogen mycelium. Study limitations/implications: This study was carried out using only one variety of basil. Findings/conclusions: T. harzianum’s capacity to parasitize P. belbahrii in vitro was observed after 72 h. Once the conidium of the antagonist germinated, the hyphae directed their chemotropism growth towards P. belbahrii’s conidiophores and mycelium.

Objective: To produce Serrano peppers using a new cultivation technique that mixes the best of hydroponic cultivation and traditional cultivation. Design/methodology/approach: We set up a growing system where the Serrano pepper grew from seedling to its full-fledged state, in a growbag containing sand (as support material), potassium polyacrylate (as water retention material), and a nutrient solution for vegetable gardens, under greenhouse conditions. The humidity level of the growbag is controlled by adding as much water with nutrient solution as needed. This technique has generated 100% harvestable plants (total: 20 plants); more than 90% of the water can be saved in comparison to regular and hydroponic cultivation. Results: Once the harvest began, at least 22.857 kg of Serrano pepper were obtained in 3 m2 of soil in a system with a pyramidal structure in which the 20 plants were placed. If we extrapolated this data, approximately 93,000 kg of Serrano pepper could be harvested from a 1 ha system. Study Limitations/implications: This technique tries to tackle the water access limitations that may exist in some areas of Mexico. However, it does not mitigate the initial costs of a greenhouse system. Nevertheless, this technique can be reused up to 10 times without requiring maintenance. Findings/conclusions: Experience has shown that hydroponic crops are truly profitable, despite their vast water requirements, which is precisely what prevents their global expansion. However, our modification of this method saves more than 90% of the water, using potassium polyacrylate as a retention agent and sand as a support material. Therefore, this technique could be implemented even in places where water is scarce