Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Agrícolas

Evaluation of HNBR as a substitute polymeric material for encapsulations in silicon photovoltaic panels

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Currently, the use of renewable energies, specifically photovoltaic energy, has experienced almost exponential growth due to the increasingly intense energy demand in the world. This has led the photovoltaic industry to focus its efforts on the efficiency of photovoltaic generators. An area of study of great interest is the substitution of materials currently used either as encapsulants or insulators for the manufacture of silicon photovoltaic modules. In this work, polymeric coating tests for photovoltaic cells were carried out using hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber to study the feasibility of its use as a photovoltaic encapsulant. Polymer membranes were prepared by pressing under different conditions to obtain the desired optimal adhesion and transparency properties. Finally, tests of electrical variables were performed under standard laboratory conditions (25 °C, 1 000 W m^-2, 1.5 air masses). The results of the measurements validate the use of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene as an encapsulating polymer for photovoltaic modules, since this material shows a greater thermal stability of more than 100 °C compared to conventional encapsulants, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, without affecting the passage of electrical current through the material, which makes it a more stable and durable option with potential application in larger-scale solar cells.

Lignin extracted from pecan shells and its use as a biostimulant in plants

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The constant increase in the world’s population represents a significant challenge for the agricultural sector since there is a need to find efficient and non-polluting solutions that allow increasing the production of plant foods in quantity and quality, with fewer inputs, as well as dealing with the large amount of waste produced. One of the alternatives employed has been the use of biostimulants of plant metabolism, which improve plant growth and yield and increase tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. Lignin and its derivatives (oligomers, monolignols, lignosulfonates, ammonium lignosulfonates, calcium lignosulfonates, etc.) are aromatic heteropolymers that constitute 40% of the plant cell wall and in recent years have been shown to function as biostimulants and fertilizer carriers, evidencing an increase in biomass, root, and production, due to a potentiation in the photosynthetic rate and metabolic pathways related to carbohydrates. One source for obtaining them can be agricultural waste, such as pecan shells, which are agro-residues produced on a large scale in northern Mexico and until today, have been poorly used; the objective of the manuscript focused on collecting and analyzing the state of the art of the use of lignin from the agro-residues of pecan cultivation and its potential use as a biostimulant of metabolism in plants.

Immobilized nanomaterials for arsenic removal in agricultural systems: a brief review

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Arsenic contamination in agricultural soils and irrigation water poses a significant threat to crop productivity and food security. In response to this problem, the present review aimed to analyze the use of immobilized nanomaterials as a technological alternative for the efficient removal of arsenic contamination in agricultural systems. Recent studies on the application of nanomaterials, such as zero-valent iron nanoparticles, nanoclays, and metal oxides, immobilized in polymeric, ceramic, or natural matrices, were collected and evaluated. The methodology consisted of a documentary and comparative analysis of scientific research published in peer-reviewed journals, considering the parameters of adsorption capacity, removal mechanisms, optimal conditions, and efficiency in the field. The results indicated that the immobilized nanomaterials have greater stability, regenerative capacity, and lower leaching risk compared to traditional methods. In addition, successful cases were documented in Mexico, where their implementation reduced the concentration of arsenic contamination in soils and irrigation water by up to 70%. It is concluded that the use of immobilized nanomaterials is a viable and sustainable strategy for agricultural decontamination; nevertheless, more studies on their environmental impact and cost-benefit are still required for their large-scale application.

Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on radish development in organic substrates

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In recent decades, nanotechnology applied to agriculture has attracted considerable interest due to its potential to boost crop growth and productivity. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles applied to radish plants grown on different organic substrates under low tunnel conditions. The research was conducted at the Chiapas Regional Academic Center of the Antonio Narro Autonomous Agrarian University in 2023. A randomized design with nine treatments and five replications (two plants per replication) was used. The substrates used were common soil, worm humus, and bokashi. During the development of the crop, three applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles of 5 ml per plant were made through the soil at concentrations of 0, 10 and 20 mg L¹. Morphological variables of fresh and dry biomass were estimated, which are directly associated with yield. The results showed statistical differences in 10 of the 12 variables evaluated. The best values were obtained in treatments T5 and T8, which represent worm humus in combination with 10 and 20 mg L¹ of zinc oxide nanoparticles, respectively. On the contrary, the treatments (T7 and T9) that were grown on the bokashi substrate in combination with zinc oxide nanoparticles had the lowest values, even compared to the control. It is important to explore further the interactions that occur between nanoparticles with different organic substrates and the responses of agricultural crops.

Estimation of Podosphaera xanthii in cucumber: machine learning techniques with digital images

Berenice Alonso-Barrera, Francisco Marcelo Lara Viveros, Audberto Reyes-Rosas — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Phytopathogenic fungi pose a considerable threat to cucurbit crops, so early detection and accurate quantification of diseases are essential to reduce production losses. In this study, a methodology was developed to quantitatively estimate the damage caused by Podosphaera xanthii in cucumber leaves, using digital images and machine learning techniques. Convolutional neural networks were used to visually classify the degree of severity into six predefined categories, using sections of leaves with apparent symptoms of the fungus. Additionally, four supervised classification algorithms were trained and compared: K-NN, decision trees, random forests, and neural networks. The model that obtained the best performance was the random forest model, with an accuracy of 90%, whereas K-NN reached the lowest value (79%). These results position the model as a helpful tool for automated disease monitoring in the field, facilitating phytosanitary decision-making. In addition, the methodology provides a solid foundation for researchers interested in designing and implementing automatic plant disease classification systems, providing clear information on the performance of different classification architectures. The algorithm developed in R allows this solution to be adapted and scaled to different cultivation conditions and types of foliar diseases.

Productivity of six varieties of Saladette tomato under greenhouse conditions in Ojocaliente

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Tomatoes are one of the most economically important horticultural crops worldwide, and Mexico stands out as one of the leading producers. Due to their relevance, it is essential to carry out studies that allow us to know the yield of the various varieties and improve decision-making by producers. The study aimed to characterize six varieties of Saladette tomatoes and evaluate their productivity under greenhouse conditions in the municipality of Ojocaliente, Zacatecas, from May to August 2023. Fruit quality and quantity variables, including size (equatorial length and width), fruit weight, and number of harvestable fruits, were measured during the first five fruit cuts. The results showed that variety 7815 presented the highest averages in length (79.43 mm), width (59.04 mm), and weight (158.14 g) of the fruit, followed by the Lubino variety, with 76.67 mm, 54.67 mm, and 129.1 g, respectively. On the other hand, the Cedros variety presented the lowest values in these variables, with 67.08 mm, 49.17 mm, and 93.56 g, respectively. Regarding the number of harvestable fruits, no significant differences were observed between the varieties studied. These results provide valuable information that can help producers in the selection of the most suitable variety according to the desired characteristics of the fruit and the needs of the market.

Musa fiber-reinforced PLA biocomposites and their mechanical properties

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study analyzed polylactic acid biocomposites reinforced with banana (Musa) fiber, evaluating its effect on mechanical properties before and after accelerated aging. Analyses (FTIR, XRD, TGA) confirmed that the fiber contains hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, with a higher cellulose fraction due to its high crystallinity. Before aging, tensile strength and tensile modulus did not show a significant improvement with increasing fiber content, although impact strength and hardness did improve slightly. Nevertheless, elongation at break decreased. After 240 h of exposure in the UV chamber, the mechanical properties of the biocomposites degraded, with a reduction in tensile strength and modulus and an increase in elongation at break. Despite this, the reinforced biocomposites showed better mechanical properties than pure PLA after aging.

Determination of lead and cadmium in water of the Mezquital Valley

Carmen Medina Mendoza, Yucundo Mendoza-Toletino, María Dolores Pérez-Laínez — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Mezquital Valley, in the state of Hidalgo, has historically used wastewater from Mexico City for agricultural irrigation, which has favored local production, but has also generated environmental and health risks due to the presence of heavy metals with bioaccumulation capacity. The purpose of this research was to determine the levels of lead and cadmium in samples of wastewater, natural water, and drinking water from seven municipalities in the region. The determinations were made by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, following the NMX-AA-051-SCFI-2001 standard. The results showed that wastewater exceeded the permissible limits by 26% for Pb and 30% for cadmium. In natural water and drinking water, the excess was 70% and 100%, respectively, according to NOM-127-SSA1-2021 and NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021. These findings highlight the need to establish continuous and specialized monitoring of heavy metals in water, in order to protect public health and promote safer use of water resources.

Effect of supplementary pulsed LED light on lettuce growth under a greenhouse

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The intermittent LED light with short on/off pulses as a source of supplementary light to sunlight could promote greater vegetable growth with a consequent lower energy consumption; nevertheless, its effect on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under greenhouse conditions has been little studied. The work evaluated how different regimes of pulsed LED light affect the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, leaf area, and fresh and dry weight, considered plant growth parameters. These parameters were analyzed under a completely randomized experimental design, establishing five treatments, with a total of 8 plants grown per treatment, applying LED light on them as a source of supplementary light to sunlight at night. The results indicated that the pulsed LED light with short on/off periods (30/15 min) does not produce significant differences (Anova, p> 0.05) in photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, and fresh or dry weight between the supplementary pulsed and continuous LED light. The pulsed light (30/15 min) produces a statistically significant increase (Anova, p= 7.15x10^-5) in terms of leaf area compared to the continuous LED light, allowing a 25% reduction in the operating time of the lighting system without negatively affecting this parameter.

Influence of meteorological variables on PM2.5 concentration in Saltillo

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The present work studied the relationship of meteorological conditions with the concentration of particulate matter with a diameter equal to or less than 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) in the city of Saltillo, Coahuila, intending to identify the areas and times with the highest levels of pollution. Data on temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, solar radiation, and atmospheric pressure, as well as the daily concentration of PM_2.5 particles, were collected through a network of ten air quality monitoring sensors and two atmospheric observatories, distributed throughout the city, during 2024. First, the data from the sensor network were analyzed, revealing that the Pearson coefficient showed a high or moderate correlation between the concentration recorded by the sensors, regardless of location, and that the West Zone presented the most days with low air quality. Subsequently, the data from the observatories were analyzed to relate meteorological conditions with daily average PM_2.5 concentrations, and according to the behavior of PM_2.5 per hour, it was found that meteorological factors do not present a significant relationship with PM_2.5 concentration, when compared with the daily average; nevertheless, when the concentration throughout the day was observed, a relationship with atmospheric parameters was found.

Statistical forecast of GDDs and CHs for northern Mexico improved for bias correction

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The existing information on monthly climate forecasts of agrometeorological variables, such as growing degree-days and chilling hours, is limited. This work presented the evaluation of a statistical forecast of growing degree-days and chilling hours for northern Mexico, with a focus on grape- and pecan-producing regions. The forecasting model is based on the analogous years method, using sea surface temperature anomalies through the monthly Niño-3.4 index, which is based on the ERSSTv5 database. In addition, it uses monthly historical databases of growing degrees-days and chilling hours, corresponding to the periods 1925-2012 and 1950-2020, respectively. To evaluate the model, monthly retrospective forecasts of growing degree-days and chilling hours were made for a period of 12 years (2012-2023) and contrasted with observations. It was found that the model underestimated up to -100 growing degree-days for regions in the south and center of the country; in contrast, for Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, and Coahuila, the growing degree-days were underestimated with values ranging from -20 to -60 growing degree-days. In the case of chilling hours, it was found that the model underestimated up to 60 chilling hours, mainly in Chihuahua, Durango, Zacatecas, Baja California, and the center of the country. Based on these results, a bias correction method was applied, which was based on subtracting the mean bias, to reduce the error in the forecast. The corrected model showed a reduction in bias, mainly in cold months. Nevertheless, persistent bias was found in the model after applying bias correction.

Sustainable extraction of cellulosic microfibers from agro-industrial residues of banana

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Natural cellulose fibers have properties and structures that make them suitable for a variety of uses, such as the manufacture of textiles, composites, pulp and paper. In addition to this, there is a growing interest in the use of alternative materials with low environmental impact due to the problems related to the environment; therefore, it is necessary to implement new sources and processes to obtain cellulose. The research began in 2024. The purpose was to obtain crystalline cellulose microfibers from agro-industrial residues from banana cultivation through processes with a lower environmental impact. The cellulose fibers were obtained from the fibers of the pseudo-stem of bananas, variety Musa cavendish, using steam explosion treatments carried out in a thermal reactor and bleaching processes with 2% NaClO, obtaining soft and fragile cellulose microfibers. The TGA analysis showed that the cellulose fibers obtained from banana fibers presented greater thermal stability due to the removal of hemicellulose, which could be corroborated by FT-IR. Steam explosion treatment is a viable and environmentally friendly alternative for obtaining cellulose microfibers from banana fibers and other agro-industrial waste.

Use of a microbial consortium from the southeast of Coahuila with potential for its application as a biofertilizer

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly important, and in the case of agriculture, the aim is for resources to be economically sustainable, maximizing production and minimizing costs. Among the current options, biofertilizers have gained relevance as they are a promising alternative by improving plant nutrition and strengthening defenses with the use of beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere. Although biofertilizer production traditionally focuses on the selection, characterization, and formulation of individual isolates (strains) with desired traits to promote plant growth, evidence suggests that bioinoculants increase efficacy when using microbial communities (consortia). This work aimed to evaluate the biotechnological potential of a microbial consortium obtained from southeastern Coahuila, which was identified via massive sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and the 18S rRNA gene and was made up mainly of the yeast genera Meyerozyma spp., Debaryomyces spp., and Kurtzmaniella spp., as well as bacteria of the genus Bacillus. The evaluation as a biofertilizer was carried out with three formulations, culture medium with consortium [Med+C] and two alternatives, molasses with consortium and culture medium plus molasses with consortium [Mel+C and Med+Mel+C]; they were evaluated under greenhouse conditions in Spinacia oleracea (spinach), and there were also a control (water) and a commercial product as treatments. The application of the different formulations, in particular Med+C, tends to increase the agronomic variables of the crop (height, stem diameter, leaf length and width, fresh weight and dry weight) and the amount of minerals (Fe, K and Cu) compared to the control treatment. The results obtained indicate that the application of microbial consortia significantly reduces the use of chemical fertilizers.

Biostimulant effect of nanoparticles of hydrogen titanate with chitosan in Frailescano beans

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The excessive use of fertilizers and agrochemicals in agriculture has caused environmental deterioration. In this context, nanotechnology emerges as a sustainable alternative to modern agriculture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biostimulant effect of compounds formed by nanoparticles of hydrogen titanates and chitosan biopolymer, in formulations with 10 and 90% chitosan in the crop of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), Frailescano variety, under greenhouse conditions. The research was carried out in a greenhouse of the Polytechnic University of Chiapas in 2024. The experimental design used was randomized complete blocks with five treatments: T1 (control), hydrogen titanate, chitosan, HT10CS (hydrogen titanate-10% chitosan), and HT90CS (hydrogen titanate-90% chitosan). The study revealed that treatments with hydrogen titanate and HT10CS significantly improved crop yield, increasing the number of pods, leaves, and flower buds. Regarding the content of chlorophyll (cα and cβ) and β-carotenoids, there was an increase due to the application of nanoparticles. This study demonstrates that using titanate and chitosan nanomaterials has the potential to positively impact the development of bean crops, showing a significant effect on key variables of growth and chlorophyll content. This approach allowed for the development of innovative strategies that improve agricultural productivity and reduce environmental impact.

Development of antibacterial talc from residual starch enriched with Larrea tridentata

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Larrea tridentata, commonly known as ‘gobernadora’ or ‘creosota’ (creosote bush), is an endemic plant of the Zygophyllaceae family that is very abundant in northern Mexico. Due to its toxicity, its derivatives have limited applications in materials with human contact; therefore, in search of new applications, the research was conducted in 2024. The work focused on carrying out a process to extract and process creosote bush and residual starch of potato from the southeast region of Coahuila, in northern Mexico, to obtain an antibacterial talc. The product obtained through a grinding and mixing process was characterized by infrared spectrometry and thermogravimetric analysis; a hemolysis test was performed to know its compatibility with human blood and its antibacterial properties were tested by antibiogram tests with Gram-positive strains of S. aureus (ATCC 6538 and ATCC 33591), obtaining a product with applications as antibacterial talc for its moisture-absorbing, antibacterial, and human erythrocyte-biocompatibility properties.

Study on the production of Aspergillus niger proteases using whey

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Whey is a byproduct or waste product of the dairy industry, generally of little use, with a high protein content that can induce fungal synthesis of proteolytic enzymes. This study aimed to evaluate the sustainable production of proteolytic enzymes of Aspergillus niger using whey as a substrate in liquid fermentation. Fermentation was carried out in flasks with 50 ml of whey culture medium and glucose concentrations in the Laboratory of Fermentations and Biomolecules in 2024. Fermentation was performed at 30 °C with orbital shaking at 150 rpm for 48 h. The fermentation extracts were analyzed for peptide content and protease activity. The results showed that the enzyme extract without added glucose produced the highest protease activity after 24 h. The use of this extract at a pH of 3.5 resulted in a higher release of peptides from the whey. Whey, being a complex substrate that contains sugars, proteins, fats, and minerals, can influence the growth of microorganisms and the production of enzymes. The valorization of this agro-industrial waste provides an effective and sustainable method to produce biomolecules for agri-food and agro-industrial use.

Zinc oxide-silver nanoparticles synthesized with plant extracts against Alternaria solani

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Pathogen control has traditionally been addressed through the use of synthetic fungicides, generating adverse effects on the environment and agricultural production systems. In contrast, plant extracts contain bioactive compounds that modulate the development of phytopathogens. In addition, their synergistic effect with nanoparticles offers a promising and sustainable strategy for their application in agriculture. The objective was to use plant extracts from Flourensia cernua, Larrea tridentata and Lippia graveolens to synthesize zinc and zinc-silver nanoparticles and evaluate their antifungal effect against Alternaria solani. The nanoparticles synthesized at 400 °C from each extract had particle sizes less than 30 nm and an irregular hemispherical morphology, which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The best inhibition effect and the greatest reduction in spore production of the strains were observed with the nanoparticles generated using 1 000 mg L^-1 of the L. graveolens extract, which inhibited 65% of growth and reduced spore production by 66% compared to the control. Adding silver to the nanoparticles significantly improved the ability to inhibit spore production, reaching 78% inhibition. These results suggested that zinc and zinc-silver nanoparticles, obtained from plant extracts, represent a promising alternative for the control of phytopathogenic fungi, and contribute to the reduction of the environmental impact associated with the excessive use of synthetic fungicides.

Bio-based membranes and nanocomposites: a sustainable innovation for potential use in wastewater

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Currently, the pollution generated by the textile industry in the area of dyes is a major concern at the national and international levels. One of the proposals to mitigate this problem is membrane technology. In particular, those based on composite materials and polymers of a biodegradable nature have been the subject of study in recent decades as a replacement for conventional polymer-based membranes for water treatment, due to the growing demand for sustainable technologies for this application. This work addresses the preparation and use of polymeric nanocomposites using polylactic acid and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles for their application as biodegradable membranes. The addition of these nanoparticles in the polymer matrix improves thermal stability and provides photocatalytic properties, allowing the removal of dyes, with potential application for wastewater treatment.

Agricultural cycles analogous to ENSO: prediction of yields of rainfed corn and beans in Mexico

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The socioeconomic sector is increasingly relying on efficient and accessible tools to predict agri-environmental conditions. This study uses a decision tree classification model to identify agricultural cycles similar to the El Niño Southern Oscillation climate phenomenon. The objective is to historically relate the national agricultural yields of rainfed corn and beans in Mexico with ENSO, through the spring-summer (SS) agricultural censuses of 1980-2014, and to identify the spring-summer cycles analogous to the El Niño Southern Oscillation and subsequently simulate the yields of 2015-2023 (average of analogous years) for both crops. Additionally, the values of the simulations were adjusted using methods such as yield deviation and trend with the Mann-Kendall test of the previous cycle. The results of the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) show a good fit for corn (MAPE= 4%) and beans (MAPE= 14%) with the use of deviations; the incorporation of the trend slightly improves the fit in beans (MAPE= 11%), but not in corn (MAPE= 22%). The effectiveness of these methods in forecasting yields months in advance depends mainly on the accuracy of El Niño Southern Oscillation temperature forecasts. This empirical method demonstrates potential to be applied in other rainfed crops and regions influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation; therefore, it offers a valuable tool for anticipating socioeconomic impacts related to this phenomenon.