The Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Agrícolas. It is a scientific journal edited by the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP). It is bilingual and is a continuously published magazine. Original and unpublished publications, related to agricultural sciences and related areas, which are presented in the form of scientific articles, research notes, essays and description of crops, with the purpose of disseminating the results of research on the agricultural topic to society. . Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Agrícolas is aimed at researchers, academics and, in general, at all people in society interested in agricultural sciences. Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Agrícolas has managed to position itself as a knowledge transfer resource.
Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agrícolas y Pecuarias
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Zermeño S2025: a weak-gluten bread wheat variety for El Bajío, Guanajuato
The Zermeño S2025 variety was developed by the El Bajío Irrigated Wheat Genetic Improvement Program of the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research, and is registered in the National Catalog of Plant Varieties (CNVV) with the number TRI-218-030725. The Zermeño S2025 variety yielded 18.41% more than the Cortazar S94 variety under different planting dates and under deficit irrigation, it exceeded the Cortazar S94 variety by 11%. It is resistant to stripes or yellow rust and leaf rust. It is considered to be of excellent quality for the cookie industry. It is recommended for the region called El Bajío, which includes parts of the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Jalisco and Querétaro.
Copyright (c) 2026 Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Agrícolas http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Fragata F2025: a new bread wheat variety for El Bajío, Guanajuato
Fragata F2025 is a new bread wheat variety developed for El Bajío, which was registered and protected in the National Catalog of Plant Varieties (CNVV, by its Spanish acronym) with the number TRI-216-030725. The cross that gave rise to it was carried out in the autumn-winter 2009-2010 cycle in Roque, Celaya, Guanajuato. The segregating generations were selected using the modified mass method. Its evaluation in yield trials began in the autumn-winter 2013-2014 cycle. Fragata F2025 is semi-dwarf and 90 cm tall; its vegetative cycle is intermediate, with 78 days to flowering and 125 days to physiological maturity. It is resistant to stripe or yellow rust, with only 5% severity, compared with 40, 60 and 100% exhibited by the Cortazar S94, Salamanca S75 and Luminaria F2012 varieties, respectively. In trials conducted across different planting dates, Fragata F2025 surpassed the control varieties Elia M2016 and Luminaria F2012 by 2.3 and 43.5%, respectively, and compared to Cortazar S94, the most planted variety in the El Bajío region, Fragata F2025 surpassed it by 15.3%. Under restricted irrigation, it was observed that, with two irrigations (0-55 days), the new variety obtained a yield of 4 519 kg ha-1, surpassing Cortazar S94 by 9.3%; with three irrigations (0-45 and 75 days), Fragata F2025 obtained a yield of 6 042 kg ha-1, surpassing the Cortazar S94 variety by 7.1%. Fragata F2025 has hard grains; its gluten is strong, with a W value of 313 x 10-4 J, and has a PL value of 6, which classifies the gluten of the new variety as strong tenacious.
Albatros M2025: a new bread wheat variety for El Bajío, Guanajuato
The new bread wheat variety Albatros M2025 was formed at the Bajío Experimental Field of the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research. The segregating generations were subjected to the modified mass selection method. The yield assessment was conducted in 10 agricultural cycles from 2015-16 to 2024-25. Albatros M2025 was registered and protected in the National Catalog of Plant Varieties (CNVV, by its Spanish acronym) with the number TRI-214-030725. The Albatros M2025 variety is resistant to yellow rust, with a maximum severity of 2%, compared with older varieties such as Cortazar S94 and Luminaria F2012, which showed severity levels of 40% and 80%, respectively. Under normal irrigation, the new variety surpassed Cortazar S94, Alondra F2014, Faisán S2016 and Cisne F2016 by 19.4, 11.1, 9.7 and 1.6%, respectively. Under restricted irrigation (two irrigations), Albatros M2025 obtained a yield of 4 324 kg ha-1, which was 15, 12.4, 1.5 and 1.8% higher than that of Cortazar S94, Alondra F2014, Faisán S2016 and Cisne F2016, respectively. With three irrigations, it achieved a yield of 5 726 kg ha-1, higher than that of Alondra F2014, Cortazar S94, Faisán S2016 and Cisne F2016 by 8.3, 6.9, 1.4 and 0.1%, respectively. It has the allelic combinations of high-molecular-weight glutenins 0, 7+9 and 5+10 and is of medium-strong gluten.
Seed regulation: challenges and perspectives of Mexican law
In Mexico, the Federal Law on Seed Production, Certification and Trade was enacted in 2007; its main objective is to regulate the production, qualification and trade of seeds, seeking to organize and improve the national agricultural sector. This paper analyzes, through a documentary review, the impact of this legislation on the protection and conservation of native seeds in Mexico. Currently, the legal framework, by pointing to a model for the production and certification of ‘improved’ and commercial seeds, systematically marginalizes native varieties and peasant seed systems, which are essential for agricultural resilience and long-term food security. The study concludes that, despite its objectives, the law inadvertently contributes to the loss of agrobiodiversity and genetic erosion in the country. The lack of description guides and the limited inclusion of native varieties in the National Catalog of Plant Varieties leave an invaluable genetic and cultural heritage in a situation of vulnerability.
Adaptation of Prunus serotina to rehabilitate degraded semi-arid soils
The rehabilitation of degraded soils in semi-arid areas requires woody species with high water-stress tolerance and the potential to provide ecosystem services. Prunus serotina has been characterized as tolerant to water stress and having low soil requirements, in addition to presenting rapid growth; however, there is little recent evidence on its initial performance in semi-arid conditions in Mexico. The objective was to evaluate the early adaptation of P. serotina in the field and to estimate its regional environmental suitability. The study was conducted from 2021 to 2022 in Nopaltepec (Tula River Basin, State of Mexico, Mexico). A plantation trial was established with survival and growth monitoring; survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and factors associated with mortality risk were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model. Environmental suitability was modeled with MaxEnt using bioclimatic and topographic variables; performance was verified using AUC and TSS and a suitability map was generated. Survival at 12 months was <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath>≈68.3% </m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 4.0pt; mso-text-raise: -4.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> and final diameter was associated with a lower risk of mortality <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath>(HR< 1)</m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 4.0pt; mso-text-raise: -4.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> , suggesting that a greater allocation to structural reserves improves stress tolerance. In the SDMs, annual precipitation, thermal seasonality and altitude contributed significantly, delimiting areas with high suitability in and around the basin. It was concluded that P. serotina is a viable option for restoration initiatives in semi-arid environments, recommending selection based on initial size, protection against mechanical damage and drought, and establishment in favorable climatic windows.
Fertigation and Azospirillum in the nutrition of Agave angustifolia vitroplants in a nursery
Humanity seeks to increase the productivity and quality of crops that provide basic or economic benefits. The work aimed to evaluate the development of Agave angustifolia vitroplants fertigated with different nutrient aliquots and inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense from 2023 to 2024. In an experiment with a 3 × 2 × 3 factorial experimental design, the factors were: 1) initial plant size (small, medium, and large); 2) inoculation with the bacterium A. brasilense and without inoculation; and 3) concentrations of the Steiner nutrient solution (SN) (0, 75 and 100%). After 20 months, morphological characteristics and the amount of nutrients in the leaves were evaluated. Plants with a larger initial size maintained differences in growth compared to medium and small plants. The plants fertigated with 100% SN had a height of 51 cm (18.6%), a rosette diameter of 85.8 cm (25.8%) and a stem diameter of 9.6 cm (65.5%). Their largest leaf was 66 cm (13.7%), and their leaves contained 6 987 ppm N (9.6%), 1 775 ppm P (11%), and 3 093 ppm K (-25.8%) compared to plants irrigated only with water. The plants inoculated with the bacterium had more leaves, a larger rosette diameter, greater leaf length, greater root volume and greater stem and root dry weight than non-inoculated plants. The micropropagated A. angustifolia plants that were fertigated in a nursery and in parallel, inoculated with A. brasilense reached adequate sizes for transplantation in the field.
Cytokinins and pH on the in vitro culture of strawberry shoots
Conventional strawberry propagation is performed using runners, which may limit the number and health of plants. The present work assessed the effects of different culture media variants on shoot proliferation in vitro, shoot size and root formation. Seventy-seven variants of culture media were prepared with inorganic salts of the Murashige and Skoog (MS) formulation, different concentrations of two cytokinins, benzylaminopurine, BAP (0, 0.5 and 1 mg L-1) and thidiazuron TDZ (0, 0.5 and 1 mg L-1) and different pH levels (5, 5.5 and 5.8). Data was taken on the number of shoots, the number of leaves and root formation. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (0.05). The highest number of shoots (11), with up to 57 leaves, was obtained in the culture medium with 0.5 mg L-1 TDZ, 0 mg L-1 BAP and a pH of 5.5. The lowest numbers of shoots (2.3), with 18 leaves, were obtained in CM without TDZ, 0.5 mg L-1 BAP and a pH of 5.5. In environments with only BAP, the new shoots were taller and formed adventitious roots. TDZ inhibited root formation. It is concluded that the presence of TDZ in CMs stimulated more axillary buds to sprout, while BAP promoted the development of axillary buds but with a lesser effect than that of TDZ.
Asymmetries of the yellow and white corn markets in Mexico
The study focuses on analyzing the yellow and white corn markets in Mexico during the period 2010-2023 to understand the current situation of both grains and to generate a background that allows the development of studies differentiated by corn variety rather than treated as a homogeneous crop. Distinguishing between corn varieties allows us to understand the productive, price and trade dynamics, where white corn is intended for food diets and yellow corn for livestock consumption. This study aimed to estimate and identify asymmetries in competitiveness, trade balance and prices, using indices of self-sufficiency and import dependence, as well as the relative prices proposed by FAO and the World Bank. The results showed significant differences; on the one hand, yellow corn is dependent on imports, has limited domestic production and has relative prices that, although competitive as of 2020, show a loss of profitability; on the other hand, white corn has productive self-sufficiency and a strengthened national production; however, it is not present in the international market (exports and imports) and relative prices, while showing a growing trend in competitiveness, are also losing profitability. In conclusion, it is recommended that the State intervene through differentiated agricultural policies that include contract farming for yellow corn and technological improvements and fertilizer subsidies for white corn, in order to improve profitability and thereby promote national production.
Moisture levels and densities on bean yield
The research evaluated the effect of three soil moisture levels (30%, 70% and 100% of usable moisture) combined with two densities (30 and 40 plants m-2) on the yield of the bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crop, variety Pinto Saltillo, under drip irrigation in Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí. The design used was a 3 × 2 factorial design with three replications, totaling 18 experimental units. The variables analyzed included plant height, stem thickness, leaf dimensions, number of pods, plant dry weight, pod weight and grain yield. The treatment with 30% moisture (90 000 L ha-1 per irrigation) and 30 plants m-2 presented the best performance, reaching 47 cm in height, 15 pods per plant and a yield of 118 g m-2 (1 180 kg ha-1). Treatments with 70% (210 000 L ha-1 per irrigation) and 100% moisture (300 000 L ha-1 per irrigation), together with higher density, showed negative effects due to intraspecific competition. There were no significant differences in yield across moisture levels, even when irrigation volume was doubled or tripled. Significant correlations were identified between height and number of pods (r= 0.716), pod weight and grain yield (r= 0.987) and leaf dimensions (r= 0.887). The results indicated that moderate water stress and adequate density favor bean development and allow efficient water use. The study provided technical evidence to optimize water management and agronomic practices in semi-arid regions.
The export of the guava from Mexico to the world market
Guava is a fruit widely accepted worldwide and in 2023, Mexico consolidated its position as the second-largest global exporter, with a value of 577 934.18 USD, confirming its high international competitiveness. The research aimed to analyze the competitiveness of Mexican guava in international trade, identifying its position and formulating alternatives that strengthen its insertion into international trade. The research was conducted by calculating growth rates and trade competitiveness indices for the period 2000-2023, using production and foreign trade data. The results showed that the indicators were positive: the trade balance remained at 1, which confirms that Mexico is an exporter with competitive advantages; the tradability indicator was 0.34, evidencing an excess of exportable supply; the trade dependence coefficient was 0, which reflects food self-sufficiency; and the degree of export openness reached 0.035, pointing out the existence of exportable surpluses. Overall, these results indicate that guava production in Mexico is expanding, with a marked export specialization and a solid competitive position in the international market. t.
Evaluation of drought indices in crystalline wheat genotypes
Wheat is an important cereal for the human diet due to its protein and caloric contribution; however, production by 2050 will be compromised by the effects of climate change, where periods of drought will be increasingly frequent, which will affect both rainfed and irrigated crops. Based on this problem, the need to develop water-stress-tolerant crops arises; therefore, several studies consider the estimation of drought indices as tools to select genotypes tolerant to water deficit. This study aimed to evaluate six drought indices in 15 crystalline wheat genotypes under two irrigation depths in two localities in Coahuila and Nuevo León during the autumn-winter 2023-2024 agricultural cycle. The evaluated treatments were two irrigation depths for each locality: IR1 of 37.27 cm and IR2 of 20.92 cm for Zaragoza, Coahuila, and IR1 of 42.24 cm and IR2 of 19.35 cm for Navidad, Nuevo León. The experimental design consisted of randomized complete blocks arranged in split plots with two replications. The water stress tolerance index was the one that best related to grain yield under water-deficit conditions for Zaragoza, Coahuila. The tolerance index was the one that was best associated with grain yield under water-stress conditions for Navidad, Nuevo León. 715 and 738 were the most tolerant to water stress in both localities.
Alejandro Javier Lozano de Río Lozano de Río
Antagonistic microorganisms as management of Fusarium oxysporum wilt of blackberry
In the states of Michoacán, Mexico and California, USA, blackberry (Rubus sp.) production is affected by wilt, which causes the loss of thousands of hectares. In the present work, the causative agent of the disease was identified and control alternatives with antagonistic microorganisms were proposed. In 2022, the causative agent of the disease was isolated and morphologically identified from an orchard in Tocumbo, Michoacán. A preliminary laboratory bioassay was performed with strains of B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, P. fluorescens, and Trichoderma spp., native to Tacámbaro and Taretan, Mich. The outstanding strains were tested in a greenhouse on plants of blackberry cv Tupy as a preventive measure and as a control, under an experimental design of randomized blocks with six repetitions. In the preliminary tests, all the strains used showed an inhibition of the mycelial growth of the pathogen greater than 50%, with Trichoderma sp. from Tacámbaro, B. subtilis and P. fluorescens standing out. In the tests carried out in situ, preventively applied treatments decreased the incidence of wilt by 57% to 66%. In terms of severity and plant height, Trichoderma sp. stood out, while the percentage of root necrosis decreased by 56% to 70% with all treatments. Control treatments also showed antagonistic efficacy, although to a lesser extent, they decreased the incidence of wilt by 2 to 58% and the percentages of root necrosis by 19 to 62%. Antagonistic microorganisms can be incorporated as a comprehensive management strategy with high efficiency.
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Phytoparasitic nematodes in broad bean crops in eastern Puebla
The broad bean is one of the most important crops in the Central Mexican Plateau due to its adaptation to edaphoclimatic conditions and its high nutritional value in the diet of the inhabitants of this region. Nonetheless, the yields obtained are low compared to the world average. Phytoparasitic nematodes are one of the main constraints to broad bean production in other parts of the world; however, its presence in this crop is unknown in Mexico. In this work, phytoparasitic nematodes associated with broad bean crops were identified and quantified in 10 farms in the municipalities of Tepeyahualco and Cuyoaco, Puebla, and in plants germinated in sterile soil from seeds from different areas in 2022. The following six genera of phytoparasitic nematodes were found: Criconemoides, Ditylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Hoplolaimus, Pratylenchus and Zygotylenchus. The most abundant genera were Ditylenchus and Pratylenchus, with a population density of 11 and 7 specimens per 100 cm3 of soil and 159 and 60 specimens per 100 g of plant tissue, respectively, and they were found in all sampling sites. The population density of Ditylenchus exceeds the economic threshold of the crop; in addition, specimens of this genus were found in plants germinated in sterile soil. The results show that Ditylenchus is distributed throughout the sampled area and can affect yield. Further studies are needed to determine the identity of nematode species and their distribution in other production areas.
Yield, biomass and phenology of the cross between wild and domesticated beans
Hybridization makes it possible to improve beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Lines with a broad genetic base are an advantage for obtaining new varieties. P. vulgaris in Mexico, like corn, is one of the staple crops that fulfills various food functions and is subject to constant improvement. The present study aimed to evaluate the progeny or lines obtained from the cross between a wild and a domesticated parent, grown in greenhouses and hydroponics to determine seed yield, biomass production, and their phenology. The study was carried out in 2019 at the Montecillo Campus, College of Postgraduates. The assessment included wild beans (S13), domesticated beans, registered as Negro Tacaná, and five lines (53b, 51b, 118b, 111, and 3.3) product of the cross of S13 with Negro Tacaná. Each parent and each line was considered as a treatment and were distributed in a completely randomized design. Lines 118b and 3.3 produced the highest seed yields, 225.3 g plant-1on average; the wild parent, the domesticated one, and lines 11.1 and 51b intermediate yields (150.5 g plant-1), and line 53b the lowest yield 98.6 g plant-1. The S13 parent had the highest number of seeds per pod and weight of one hundred seeds, whereas this was the opposite in Negro Tacaná. The yield and time to occurrence of the phenological stages was a response to the environment and the management of the crop, which allowed the maximum expression of its genetic potential.
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Behavior of hybrids, improved varieties and native varieties of yellow corn in Chiapas
In 2016, Mexico imported almost 13 million tons of yellow corn, valued at more than 2.3 billion dollars. However, imports could be reduced or eliminated if the yellow-grained varieties and hybrids generated by the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research were grown. The study aimed to identify the best hybrid and the best variety of yellow corn that the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research has released for the Mexican tropics, where more than 420 000 ha are planted, and 2.1 million tons of yellow corn are produced. During the spring-summer agricultural cycle of 2018, 21 genotypes were evaluated in three localities in Chiapas; the hybrids H-443A, REMACO15A and H-386A stood out statistically with grain yields of 5.748, 5.608, and 5.514 t ha-1 and equaled two of the control commercial hybrids; of the improved varieties, Población Amarilla C1 stood out with 4.9 t ha-1 and of the native varieties, the Olotillo Amarillo-1 variety, from Ocozocoautla, stood out with 3.1 t ha-1.
Sustainable production systems strategies in the Mixteca Alta region of Oaxaca
In Mexico, the problems faced by rural communities lie in their high institutional economic dependence. The integration and participation of producers and society represent an opportunity to use natural resources sustainably. The objective was to describe proposals for sustainable production practices as possibilities for producers in the rural communities of Chalcatongo de Hidalgo to apply in the management of productive projects and in the improvement of the local economy. Forests have the capacity to capture carbon dioxide (CO2), which is traded in exchange for economic resources. Nevertheless, it is required to have a solid organization, strong commitment, constant effort and effective collaboration of social capital. After a review of relevant documents, database analysis, and participant observation, it was determined that it is feasible to apply sustainable productive practices to the management of sustainable projects and local economies; however, commitment, awareness, responsibility and the implementation and strengthening of social capital are essential.
Microbial contamination during stages of in vitro propagation of Agave angustifolia Haw.
When Agave angustifolia stem tissues are established in vitro, microbial contamination frequently occurs; therefore, the use of antibiotics to solve this problem was evaluated. The purpose of this work was to determine the percentage of stem tissues that had an aseptic establishment and exhibited morphogenetic response in three situations: 1) during in vitro establishment (stage I); 2) in explants in which organogenesis with shoot formation occurred in stage I but were contaminated with bacteria, and these were treated with antibiotics to eliminate contamination; and 3) in aseptic adventitious shoots obtained in stage I and transferred to propagule multiplication medium (stage II). The percentages of aseptic cultures, viable tissues, and organogenic response were evaluated. The results showed that only between 3.68 and 8.73% of stem tissues were aseptic during stage I. However, by applying antibiotics to shoots already formed but contaminated with bacteria at this stage, asepsis was recovered in 52.5% of the cultures. On the other hand, adventitious shoots that were aseptic from stage I and transferred to the multiplication medium (stage II) maintained asepsis at 89.88%; all were viable and showed formation of new shoots. These results indicate that antibiotic treatment in already induced stem tissues is an effective strategy to rescue contaminated cultures, and that transferring aseptic shoots to the multiplication stage allows maintaining aseptic cultures with morphogenetic response.
Alternative agroforestry for improving the semi-arid climate of Salamanca
The research was conducted during 2022 and 2023 in the northern region of the municipality of Salamanca, Guanajuato, in the localities (Los Hernández, Los Razos de Ancón, Los Cenizos and La Compañía) corresponding to the semi-arid zone, where production systems are highly vulnerable to accidents, mainly due to water scarcity. In order to know their complexity and propose alternatives for improvement, a diagnosis of the production systems was carried out. The methodology used was the agrarian diagnosis, and the tools employed to obtain the information were semi-structured interviews, geographic information systems, and the 2020 Population and Housing Census. The results showed three principal agroecosystems: irrigated agriculture (agricultural), rainfed agriculture (agrosilvopastoral), and rangeland (silvopastoral), as well as 10 cultivation or rearing systems. In order to understand their complexity and propose alternatives for improvement, a typology of production units was developed, identifying three categories that were very similar to one another yet distinct. To determine economic indicators, the methodology generated by Dufumier (1996) and Apollin and Eberhart (1999) was used, which aims to understand the functioning of production systems and their prospects of evolution. It was concluded that the stability and permanence of production units depend on the ways of using available resources, whereas their differentiation is a function of the availability of water, the degree of intensification of labor, the available surface area, and the use of technology.
Determination of sample size in polyembryonic citrus seeds using robust methods
The percentage of polyembryonic seeds and the number of embryos per seed (NE) are variables commonly used to estimate the degree of polyembryony in citrus, a characteristic used as an indicator of clonal or vegetative propagation of selected genotypes. However, many studies omit the description of the methods used to determine the appropriate sample size in the quantification of these variables. The purpose of this work was to propose a robust statistical methodology for calculating the optimal sample size in polyembryonic studies in citrus using the maximum distance method and the F-test. Five citrus genotypes (C-35 citrange, Volkamer lemon, Amblicarpa mandarin, Valencia orange and Mineola tangelo) were evaluated over two harvest cycles (2020 and 2021) by counting the number of embryos in 100 seeds per genotype. Since the variable of the number of embryos per seed was not normally distributed, the maximum distance method was applied using coefficients of variation calculated with the winsorized mean and a nonparametric bootstrap procedure. The results indicated optimal sample sizes of 26 to 28 seeds, with coefficients of variation of 6% to 11%, depending on the genotype. It was concluded that, for the genotypes evaluated, analyzing samples of up to 50 seeds is sufficient to estimate the degree of polyembryony accurately.
Characterization and phenological prediction of tropical black bean genotypes
The phenological characterization of black bean varieties generated by the Bean Program of the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research for southeastern Mexico is conducted by quantifying the number of days after sowing required to reach the different stages of development. This characterization is imprecise for contrasting environments. This study aimed to characterize nine advanced lines and two varieties of opaque black beans by using the number of days after sowing and the index of growing degree-days necessary to achieve the stages of flowering and physiological maturity and to compare the accuracy of the number of days after sowing and the growing degree-days to predict phenology. The number of days after sowing and the growing degree-days required by the genotypes to reach the flowering and physiological maturity stages were quantified across nine environments in southeastern Mexico. The ability of five mixed models was evaluated, considering the number of days after sowing, growing degree-days and environment as fixed effects and genotype as a random effect, to predict the phenological stages of the lines and varieties. Four lines were earlier than Negro Grijalva (1 892 growing degree-days), with an average of 1 859 growing degree-days; in contrast, four others obtained an average of 1 902 growing degree-days, higher than Negro Grijalva but lower than Negro Comapa (1 920 growing degree-days) and only one line was later than both varieties (1 976 growing degree-days). The best model for predicting phenology was the one that considered only the growing degree-days, regardless of the environment. It was concluded that growing degree-days are more accurate than the number of days after sowing for predicting the flowering and physiological maturity of the genotypes in the different evaluation environments.
Influence of Sargassum spp. extract on germination and antioxidant activity of tomato seedlings
In recent years, the macroalga Sargassum spp. has become an economic and environmental problem in several coastal regions. Nonetheless, due to the wide variety of bioactive compounds it possesses, it has been proposed as a sustainable alternative in agriculture, as it can improve seed germination, nutrient absorption, and photosynthesis, and mitigate biotic and abiotic stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of priming tomato seeds with aqueous extracts of Sargassum spp. on germination, vigor, biomass, photosynthetic pigments and some indicators of the antioxidant system of seedlings. The concentrations of the extracts were: 0.5, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5%, and a control with distilled water. The results indicate that the extracts improved germination, vigor, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity and photosynthetic pigments. There were no significant improvements in biomass. These results suggest that applying Sargassum spp. extracts may be an ecological alternative to improve germination parameters and stimulate the synthesis of secondary metabolites in tomato seedlings.
Bibliometric analysis of artisanal textile clothing
Studies on artisanal textile clothing (ATC) contribute to preserving this productive activity; this study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis on the topic of ATC using the Scopus digital library through the construction of an algorithm that allowed selecting documents that have addressed the subject during the last two decades and thus measure the scientific activity and identify the different study approaches from which it has been analyzed; the methodology used was divided into seven stages through which the consulted information was systematized; the metadata imported in CSV format were interpreted using the bibliometrix library of the RStudio program, version 4.4.2; among the main results, it was obtained that the scientific production on ATC in Scopus has increased by 4.7 times in the period analyzed, mostly under historical, anthropological and archaeological orientations, among others and with greater productivity within the Asian continent; likewise, greater connectivity was observed through the set of metadata via the term ‘traditional’ located in the abstract section; however, it is believed that within this segment of scientific production, it is necessary to develop research that addresses the current contexts on the ATC production, such as the value chain approach.
Quality, morphometry and mineral composition of Agave spp. seeds in Oaxaca
The seed is a reproductive organ of vascular plants from which a new individual is generated. Quality tests were conducted on seeds of five agave species, and morphometry and nutritional content were determined; the latter was compared with the soil’s mineral content. The collection of seeds and soil was carried out in some localities in the Central Valleys and Mixteca regions of Oaxaca during 2024. A. potatorum and A. salmiana presented the highest germination values, with 65.5% and 58.3%, respectively; A. americana significantly showed the highest weight of 1 000 seeds, with 11.2 g ±0.96; in moisture content, A. salmiana and A. karwinskii showed higher values. A. nussaviorum presented the highest weight gain with 389.4%; in the determination of viability, A. potatorum reflected the highest value with 72.8%. In the morphometric analysis, a cumulative variation of 61.1% was detected, with an overlap of ellipses between the species. A higher concentration of Zn, Fe, and Na was found as predominant elements in the seed; their values were not related to the concentration in the soil. The soil’s physical and chemical characteristics were diverse. In a principal component analysis with all variables, the first three components accounted for 89% of the total variance. With this methodology, the variables that reduce dimensionality were identified, giving greater significance to certain minerals.
Perception of the population of Texcoco regarding their archaeological heritage: the case of the Tetzcotzinco hill
Los estudios de percepción resultan de gran utilidad cuando se busca generar información a través de la óptica poblacional sobre un tema en específico, este proceso de recopilación de datos también contribuye a gestionar los diversos elementos que constituyen el espacio territorial, como el patrimonio arqueológico, el cual se cree que influye a reforzar la identidad histórica y cultural de la población; el objetivo del estudio fue generar información acerca de la percepción que la población texcocana tiene sobre la Zona Arqueológica Tetzcotzinco, con el propósito de aportar datos que coadyuven al diseño de estrategias para su preservación y aprovechamiento, la metodología empleada se basó en actividades como revisión documental, visitas a campo, elaboración de encuestas semiestructuradas y entrevistas a informantes clave, los resultados obtenidos mostraron diversidad de opiniones sobre el estado actual de la Zona Arqueológica Tetzcotzinco, así como variabilidad de referencias respecto a la misma; se concluyó que la información generada puede favorecer iniciativas de desarrollo y gestión territorial a partir de las cuales se incentive el turismo local, la educación turística y la difusión de información sobre la historia y patrimonio arqueológico de Texcoco.
Optimizing nitrogen ratios for blueberry cultivated under saline medium
Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) production in Mexico is expanding rapidly, yet nitrogen management and salinity stress remain major challenges. This study evaluated the effects of ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) fertilization, with or without sodium chloride (NaCl, 30 mM), on growth, yield, and fruit quality of ‘Biloxi’ blueberry grown in coconut fiber substrate. A completely randomized 3x3 factorial design plus control was applied, varying nitrogen source, concentration (75% and 100%), and salinity. NH4+ significantly increased biomass (121.2%), flower production (316%), fruit number (231%) and yield (162.7%) compared with NO3-. A 100% N rate enhanced shoots (19.5%) and fruit count (43.4%) but reduced fruit size. Salinity reduced fruit number (-70.3%) and yield (-53.1%) without affecting vegetative growth. Significant interactions among nitrogen source, concentration and salinity influenced flowering, quality and agronomic traits. Results indicate NH4+ based fertilization improves blueberry productivity under saline conditions, supporting more efficient nitrogen management strategies.
Example for the analysis of a series of experiments arranged in balanced complete blocks
There is little published information in some series of experiments, such as in the randomized complete block design in a balanced complete block arrangement (RCBD-BCBA). This study presents a hypothetical example to apply the methodology published in González et al. (2024b), which is an extension of a case formulated by Gomez and Gomez (1984). The analysis of variance and the comparison of means between treatments using Fisher’s least significant difference test correspond to the analysis of the data combining the information of two trials, based on the statistical model that was chosen for the present research, the validation of the results generated can be done with other statistical packages, such as Info-Gen, SAS, OPSTAT, STAR, PBTools, or Agrobase, among others.
Productive projection of forage corn in Mexico and the state of Veracruz
Corn is a crop of great importance in Mexico because it is used for both human and animal consumption, positioning itself as one of the three most important forage crops due to the energy value it contributes to the diets of dairy cattle. The study aimed to examine trends in forage corn production at the national level and in the state of Veracruz from 1980 to 2023 in order to forecast the availability and supply of feed for the livestock sector using predictive models (ARIMA). The information was obtained from the database of the Agrifood Information Consultation System, covering the historical series at the national level and for the state of Veracruz. The exploratory data analysis technique was used to identify trends and seasonalities; subsequently, predictive time series models were built using the ARIMA model, using the RStudio forecast library. The results showed an upward trend in forage corn production. At the national level, forage production under irrigated conditions will present a sustained growth trend; in contrast, under rainfed conditions, unstable variations will be observed over the next decade, with a projected decrease of 1.57%. In the state of Veracruz, projections indicate that corn forage production under irrigated and rainfed conditions will maintain a stable trend over the next decade. Yields per hectare are estimated at 19.57 and 23.87 tonnes, respectively, suggesting productive stability associated with relatively constant edaphoclimatic and management conditions in the region. It is concluded that the use of predictive models is a reliable tool for modeling corn forage production, providing the agricultural and livestock sectors with a planning instrument that contributes to reducing agricultural risks in the short and medium term.
Associativity index in coffee-growing organizations in the Cauca Department, Colombia
In Colombia’s rural sector, collective action presents itself as a fundamental axis for generating shared benefits and mobilizing territorial resources. In this framework, associativity represents a key strategy for strengthening it, especially in small-scale coffee-growing scenarios. In the Cauca Department, where 99% of coffee growers are small producers organized mostly in associative models, it is a priority to understand how associativity is configured and expressed in their organizational structures. This research aimed to estimate and apply the associativity index to three coffee growers’ organizations (ASOMEDACS, FCC, and ASPROSI) in order to understand the particularities of their collective dynamics. The study was conducted from 2023 to 2024, using a multiple case design with a mixed approach. A structured survey was administered to 38 coffee-grower leaders, based on ten indicators validated by institutional actors in the sector. The analysis integrated a weighted composite index and statistical tools (Anova and Tukey’s HSD test). The results revealed significant differences among the organizations, with ASPROSI standing out with the highest index (76.41), indicating greater internal cohesion, a solid organizational structure and participatory links. These findings suggest that a higher index of associativity may reflect a greater organizational capacity to generate collective action. The proposed methodology offers a replicable and relevant tool for evaluating organizational processes in rural territories and proposes a future line of research on the relationship between associativity and resource activation within the framework of localized agrifood systems.
Traditional food knowledge in a Matlatzinca community, Temascaltepec, State of Mexico
Food sovereignty relates to traditional food knowledge that makes food available through land cultivation, fishing, gathering and hunting. In the face of the loss of this knowledge, its preservation is necessary to conserve the traditional knowledge of the food systems through which biocultural diversity is preserved. The objective of this paper is to identify the food knowledge and culinary techniques of older adults in the community of San Francisco Oxtotilpan. Through an ethnographic retrospective approach using interviews, field diaries and photographs, from March to September 2022, the food memories of the elderly, from childhood to the present day, were recovered. The food knowledge (the consumption of quelites and edible insects and the hunting of wild animals) and the culinary techniques used to cook the foods that were part of the Matlatzinca community were identified and it was also observed how this gastronomic knowledge and these techniques have been modified. It is evident that there is a need to revalue the traditions and customs of the Matlatzinca people, as well as their gastronomy from a sociocultural perspective, as part of a process to preserve the community’s food and cultural identity, generating a sense of permanence.
Diagrammatic scale to assess the severity of Alternaria on sweet granadilla leaves
Alternaria on sweet granadilla is a foliar disease caused by a saprophytic fungus that poses a significant threat as it reduces the photosynthetic area and consequently affects the quality of the fruit. Nevertheless, there is no instrument available to facilitate the estimation of leaf severity in the field. In view of this, the objective of this research was to design and validate a diagrammatic scale that allows assessing the severity of Alternaria sp. on sweet granadilla (Passiflora ligularis Juss.) leaves. A diagrammatic scale was developed based on an inspection of 124 leaves. The proposal included seven levels of foliar severity (0%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 8%, 16% and 28%), established according to the Weber-Fechner Law. For validation, ten evaluators recorded the severity on 60 leaves first without using the scale, and then seven days later, using it. The results projected an average coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.639 in the first evaluation and 0.88 when applying the proposed scale. In addition, absolute errors decreased. In conclusion, this tool proved to be accurate and reproducible for quantifying the severity of Alternaria sp. on sweet granadilla leaves.