Background: Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) is one of the most economically important ornamental species in Mexico, particularly in the State of Mexico. Optimizing in vitro propagation protocols is crucial to overcome the limitations of conventional methods and meet the demand for high-quality plants. Objective: To evaluate the effect of different concentrations of benzyladenine (BAP) and sucrose on the in vitro organogenesis of C. morifolium var. Indianapolis. Methodology: A completely randomized experimental design with a 3x3 factorial arrangement, plus a control, was established. Three concentrations of BAP (0.0, 0.5, and 1.0 mg L⁻¹) and three of sucrose (30, 45, and 60 g L⁻¹) were evaluated in an MS basal medium. The control consisted of a standardized medium with kinetin (1.0 mg L⁻¹) and sucrose (40 g L⁻¹). Variables of survival, callogenesis frequency, leaf number, main shoot length, and root length were recorded after 70 days of culture. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Results: The combination of 0.5 mg L⁻¹ BAP and 30 g L⁻¹ sucrose (T4) significantly promoted survival (100%), shoot length (15.7 mm), and leaf number (6.2). The highest frequency of callogenesis (95.8%) was observed in the absence of BAP and with the maximum sucrose concentration (T3). Root development was limited across all treatments, observed in only 10% of explants, with no statistically significant differences among the treatments that induced roots. Implications: Optimizing the balance between hormonal and carbon source is fundamental to directing in vitro morphogenesis. The identified protocol (0.5 mg L⁻¹ BAP and 30 g L⁻¹ sucrose) allows for efficient direct organogenesis, which can lead to faster and more uniform clonal propagation, benefiting the productivity and competitiveness of ornamental growers. Conclusion: The concentration of 0.5 mg L⁻¹ BAP combined with 30 g L⁻¹ sucrose constitutes an optimal stimulus for direct organogenesis in C. morifolium, maximizing survival and shoot development, while high sucrose concentrations induce a stress response leading to callogenesis.
Background: The southern part of the State of Mexico is known for its livestock farming and milk production. However, a key issue in these areas is livestock feed, which represents the highest production cost, and seasonal forage production. In this regard, the relevance of using feeding strategies is determined by agroclimatic conditions. Objective: To typify dual-purpose (DP) livestock production units based on management practices and the use of available feed inputs. The study was conducted in four municipalities in the southern part of the state of Mexico, based on the monitoring of 213 production units (PU). Methodology: The information was analyzed using multivariate statistics: a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to standardize the information and a Cluster Analysis (CA) to classify the PUs. Results: The PCA yielded a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) sample adequacy measure of 0.608, with a Bartlett chi-square test of 1367.419 (P<0.05) and four components that explained 74.23% of the total variance of the model. The CA yielded four groups defined as: supplements for cows (G1SC), semi-intensive (G2SI), supplements for fattening (G3SF) and traditional (G4T). G1SC was the smallest group with the largest herds and extensive areas. G2SI grouped the largest number of PUs and was characterized by cattle being fed in stables for most of the year. G3SF consisted of PUs with medium-sized areas and herds, which fatten animals. G4T was characterized by PUs with small herds and reduced areas where cattle graze all year round. Implications: Agroclimatic conditions and topography play a significant role in seasonality and forage production, as well as in producers' decisions regarding the inputs used to feed livestock, which is reflected in the orientation of livestock production. Conclusion: The typology obtained is fundamental for planning feeding strategies, depending on the time of year and the inputs available in the UPs, which may vary according to the management system.
Background. Oil palm (Elaeis guinensis) has generated an adverse environmental impact in the regions where it is cultivated. A bibliometric analysis of the importance and effects of this crop has not been conducted in recent decades, despite exponential growth in planted area. Objective. To analyze the global problems associated with oil palm from an interdisciplinary perspective over the last 40 years, supported by a conceptual review of recent bibliographic trends, from the perspective of environmental sustainability. Methodology. Scopus was selected as the academic database for the information search due to its broad coverage in most fields of knowledge, ease of access, data visualization and download, and its conceptual bibliometric approach. Results and discussion. A total of 1,013 studies indexed in Scopus were identified as a result of the systematic search on the environmental impact of oil palm; 7 were published between 1985 and 2005, and 1,004 documents were found between 2006 and 2025. From 2003 onwards, the publication of documents increased due to a paradigm shift in environmental research, deforestation in Southeast Asia, and the ecological impact of oil palm cultivation. From 2016 to 2025, there was a significant surge in studies related to the impact of this crop, influenced by international environmental regulations, biodiversity loss, and deforestation worldwide. International scientific journals from countries such as the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Germany, Switzerland, the United States, and Italy are the most productive in publishing on the environmental impact of oil palm. Therefore, Mexico has an opportunity to increase its research efforts given the current importance of the area planted with oil palm and its ecological impact. Implications: Bibliometric analysis of oil palm could be a methodological tool in the development of environmental and agricultural policies for the oil palm agroecosystem and associated crops, considering the adverse effects it has had in other countries. Conclusion: This study documented the evolution of scientific research on oil palm over the last four decades and identified research trends to inform decision-making.
Background. The ciricote (Cordia dodecandra DC.), known in Maya as k’oopte’, is a Mesoamerican deciduous tree of biocultural relevance in southeastern Mexico, particularly within agroforestry systems. The objective of this study was to systematize and analyze the available information on its systematics, ecology, and management, in order to identify the main advances in its study. Methodology. A systematic review was conducted using search engines and scientific databases, compiling 87 publications (scientific articles, theses, and historical documents) related to the species. These works were grouped into seven main thematic areas: taxonomy, climatic and edaphic factors associated with its distribution, reproductive biology, population ecology in managed systems, antagonistic and positive interactions, and domestication. Main findings. Cordia dodecandra belongs to the family Cordiaceae and has five taxonomic synonyms. Its distribution is concentrated in regions with a warm subhumid climate, primarily on karstic soils in the state of Yucatán, where it occurs in dry forest fragments, forest systems, and agroforestry plots. Its adaptation to challenging edaphic conditions gives it potential for reforestation programs. Interactions have been recorded with one herbivore, one frugivore, and several foliar pathogens identified through metagenomic studies. Additionally, the species maintains beneficial associations with hymenopterans and hummingbirds that use its flowers as a resource. The species exhibits distyly, which conditions fruit production, and shows low germination and recruitment rates in natural forests. In this context, agroforestry systems—particularly home gardens—act as germplasm reservoirs and play a key role in the species’ domestication process. Directed selection toward larger fruits and leaves has been observed, although biological interactions remain similar to those found in wild forests. Implications. This review highlights the diversity of research conducted on the ciricote, mainly in Yucatán, which contributes to a better understanding of its functioning and ecological dynamics in both natural vegetation fragments and managed systems of varying intensity. Conclusions. Research on the ecology and management of C. dodecandra in southeastern Mexico underscores the importance of its management, particularly within agroforestry systems in Yucatán, which now serve as key sites for the in-situ conservation of this valuable species.
Background: Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an oilseed with demand for direct and industrial consumption due to its nutritional value and phytochemical components. The color of the coat appears to be related to the seed biochemical properties, antioxidant activity and biological properties. Objective: To identify and generate knowledge on seed coat color variability in sesame accessions from central and northwestern Mexico. Methodology: 73 sesame populations were collected in the Mexican states of Oaxaca, Michoacán, Guerrero, Sinaloa and Sonora. Color parameters L*, a*, and b* were recorded through readings in a Hunter-Lab miniScan XEPLUS colorimeter. The tone (hue) was calculated by means of arctan expression (b*/a*) and chroma as: [(a*)2 + (b*)2]1/2. Readings were taken in triplicate on a 10-g seed sample. The data were processed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal components (PCA) and hierarchical clusters. Results: Low coefficients of variation were found in the parameters of the HunterLab scale, 0.64, 1.85, 0.91, 0.97 and 1.06% for L*, a*, b*, chroma and hue, respectively, indicating that the color information of the seed coat is consistent, allowing to identify groups of populations by color as follows: 5 light color populations, 37 cream color, 23 brown and 8 dark color. The PCA, based on L*, hue and chroma, indicated that the first PC explains 95% of the total variation among populations, and the cluster analysis allowed differentiation among non-dark coat populations. Implications: Complete chemical and proximal determinations are required with special interest in black sesame due to its nutraceutical quality. Conclusions: Producers preserve genetic diversity by cultivating different local genotypes based mainly on yield and grain color diversity.
Background. Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) is a key crop for food security along the Peruvian coast due to its high nutritional value and tolerance to drought and heat. However, the agromorphological variability of its national germplasm had not been characterized comprehensively or across multiple years. Objective. To characterize the agromorphological diversity over multiple years and identify phenotypic groups among 35 accessions of the National Lima Bean Germplasm Collection (INIA–Peru). Methodology. Thirty-six descriptors (17 qualitative and 19 quantitative) were used to characterize agromorphology across three consecutive growing seasons (2021, 2022, and 2023). A factorial analysis of mixed data (FAMD) was applied, followed by hierarchical clustering, estimation of Shannon and Pielou diversity indices, mean comparisons, and Pearson correlations. Results. Four phenotypic groups were identified, mainly defined by traits related to earliness and productivity. The Shannon (H′ = 1.05) and Pielou (J′ = 0.95) indices revealed high diversity in pod and seed traits. Quantitative variables, except leaflet length, differed significantly among groups (p < 0.01), and strong correlations were found among earliness traits (r > 0.87) and among yield components (r = 0.74–0.84). Implications. This research provides key information to support conservation strategies and the use of lima bean germplasm in genetic improvement programs in Peru and other similar agroecological regions. Conclusions. The National Lima Bean Germplasm Collection of INIA exhibits a broad and structured phenotypic diversity organized into four groups, supported by nine qualitative and eighteen quantitative discriminant descriptors.
Background: The conventional food system has responsibility to the global socio-ecological crisis. A simplistic approach to food issues fails to understand the complex dimensions of the problem. Objective: To analyze the food systems sustainability from a complex perspective. Methodology: A process of characterization, creation of a sustainability analysis framework, prioritization of critical aspects, construction of variables, evaluation, and generation of transition pathways to improve sustainability in two intercultural territories in southern Colombia was performed. Results: Limitations were found in variables such as climate change mitigation, integrated water management, and capacity building for project development. The need to promote the participation of women and youth and to connect with local stakeholders is highlighted. Implications: The study has limitations in terms of scale, given that it was designed as a case study in a community; however, it allows the analysis of territorialized food systems, based on the dimensions and attributes of sustainability to address current socio-environmental challenges. Conclusion: The interaction between attributes and dimensions of sustainability, with the functions of the food system, allows for a three-dimensional analysis that generates representative variables to estimate sustainability at a territorial scale.
Background: In Mexico, the sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) production system relies on a few varieties, increasing its vulnerability to environmental stresses. Genetic variability, the diversity of genes within a population, is essential for adaptation and evolutionary sustainability in the face of environmental changes. Greater diversity translates to greater survival potential. Heritability measures the proportion of this variation that is transmitted, enabling genetic progress through selection. Objective: To evaluate genetic variability, estimate heritability and genetic progress, and analyze the performance of productive attributes of 20 new semi-commercial varieties, compared to four commercial varieties widely cultivated in Mexico. Methodology: The study was conducted at the Experimental Field of the Postgraduate College, Córdoba Campus, Veracruz, Mexico. Measurements were taken in a randomized complete block design with five replicates. The following were measured: stalk height, leaf length and width, internode length, milling stalk diameter, late water sprouts, aerial lateral shoots, number of internodes, number of leaves, pith and cavity within milling stalks, and total soluble solids (°Brix). Multivariate analyses, genetic estimations, Pearson correlations, principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis, stability analysis, and distance index between groups were applied to the data obtained. Results: High heritability (> 0.4) was observed for stem height, total soluble solids, late water sprouting, and aerial lateral shoots, indicating strong genetic control and suggesting their inclusion in breeding programs. Total soluble solids were confirmed as a key variable due to their relationship with industrial yield. In contrast, the presence of pith, hollowness, and an excess of lateral shoots were associated with decreased quality and productivity. PCA and cluster analysis allowed the identification of six groups of varieties, some with agronomic potential and others with production limitations. Implications: Some of the semi-commercial varieties have the potential to contribute to strengthening the genetic stock in sugarcane to meet the challenges of climate change and crop variability. The results obtained are from a single environment; therefore, they need to be validated under different conditions. Conclusions: The varieties Mex 09-66, Mex 09-93, Mex 09-132, Mex 09-208, Mex 09-212, Mex 09-289, Mex 09-290, Mex 09-312, Mex 09-321, Mex 09-333, and Mex 09-341 showed more promising characteristics than the rest; for their use, it will be necessary to evaluate them in different agroclimatic regions.
Background. Sustainability in coffee production is relevant because of its social and environmental impact. The fragility of profitability, together with the need for responsible practices that consider social and environmental well-being, demands a comprehensive analysis of the issue. Objective. To evaluate the sustainability of certified coffee production and propose strategies to accredit compliance with the required indicators, considering the characteristics of small-scale coffee production in Mexico. Methodology. Work was carried out with coffee growers in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, through MESMIS; the certifications provided evidence of compliance with environmental and social sustainability; while for economic sustainability the cash flow generated was considered and compared with the requirements to overcome the family poverty line. Results. The production system studied, with four certifications, shows evidence of compliance with all the environmental and social sustainability indicators of the MESMIS. However, this framework does not consider important factors such as migration and the absence of generational renewal. Economic sustainability is met, although it is fragile due to price volatility and yield variability. Compliance with economic sustainability also depends on the size of the family and the existence of other family income. Implication. Shade-grown coffee, which has organic production and fair market certificates, is environmentally and socially sustainable with the MESMIS criteria; it is also economically sustainable with the current price and yield conditions, but due to the instability of the market it needs to be complemented with other sources of income, to be more robust. Conclusion. Although certified shade-grown coffee farming reflects environmental and social sustainability, economic sustainability remains fragile; therefore, it is a priority to strengthen it and promote the permanence of younger generations in the activity.
Background: The conservation of alternative forages as silage for times of scarcity and its use in feeding strategies for cows in small-scale dairy systems are an adaptation option to adverse climatic conditions as reduced rainfall. Small-grain cereals, given their short agronomic cycle, have a lower water demand, and the association of different cereal species may have complementary responses. Objective: Analyze the productive response of dairy cows in small-scale dairy systems to the inclusion of rye-triticale silage as complement to maize silage. Methodology: Evaluating the inclusion of rye-triticale silage (ECT) with maize silage (EMz) in three treatments T0= 100% EMz, T15= 85% EMz/15% ECT, and T30%= 70% EMz/30% ECT. Cows were offered 3.5 kg DM/cow/day of commercial concentrate, whole maize stover, ground stover, and alfalfa hay, with silage treatments to complete estimated dry matter intake. Response variables were milk yield and milk fat and protein content, live weight and body condition score; in a 3x3 Latin Square design replicated three times, with nine cows in 14-day experimental periods. Results: There were no significant (P>0.05) differences for the response variables. Implications: This work proposes the implementation of rye-triticale through the practice of ensilage, an alternative to corn as a forage base. Conclusions: Rye-triticale silage may complement maize silage in the studied proportions in the feeding strategies of cows in small-scale dairy systems with similar results in milk yields and animal performance.
Background: The expansion of oil palm farming in Mexico has generated a debate about the socio-environmental impacts it is causing. Regarding the effects on biodiversity and faunal communities, there is a lack of information, since only five studies are registered, two are prospective inventories of vertebrates and three that compare mammals and amphibians diversity between plantations and fragments of natural vegetation. Objective: To compare the composition of terrestrial mammals in an agroforestry system with productive conversion to oil palm plantations. Methodology: In the ejido Chekubul, Campeche, México, from photo-trapping stations, alpha diversity, species richness and relative abundance were obtained for a palm plantation and a remnant of medium sub-evergreen forest. Results: For the palm grove and the forest, 1026 and 1443 photographic captures were obtained that belong to individual records of 11 and 10 species of wild mammals. In both types of vegetation, the abundance was dominated by three species tolerant to disturbance: Dasyprocta punctata, Nasua narica and Pecari tajacu. Mesopredators (Leopardus wieddi and Leopardus pardalis) were also recorded, as well as specialist species (Tamandua mexicana and Dasypus novemcinctus) and generalists (Procyon lotor and Didelphis marsupialis). Implications: Didiversity indicators showed that there were no significant differences between the palm plantation and the forest, having that the species composition recorded for both vegetation covers correspond to the same faunal community, which uses the mosaic of agroforestry units (remnants of primary and secondary vegetation, low-scale palm plantations <60 ha, pastures, self-consumption crops, bodies of water), to move in search of food resources, shelter and rest areas. Conclusions: The strategy of productive conversion to agroforestry systems can be a better alternative, to agro-industrial plantations, to promote wild mammal diversity in agricultural landscapes where palm activity expands, being essential to maintain the heterogeneity of the landscape by primarily ensuring the conservation of the remnants of natural vegetation and that the oil palm plantations to be small-scale.
Background: Mexico has a long coffee-growing tradition, where many producers combine traditional systems with commercial ones aimed at maximizing the harvest. This duality raises questions about the balance between economic profitability and environmental conservation, particularly in regions such as Veracruz, where coffee is a flagship crop. Objective: To assess the effect of two coffee agroecosystems on some ecological, productive, and economic aspects in the town of Huatusco, Veracruz, Mexico. Methodology: The study was conducted at Los Fresnos farm in Huatusco, Veracruz. Vegetation was evaluated by identifying species and calculating cover and diversity (Shannon index). Soil macrofauna was quantified and classified by abundance and richness. Coffee yield was compared, and the economic efficiency of each agroecosystem was determined, considering associated crops in the commercial system. Results: The traditional system presented greater plant diversity, with 15 tree species and 6 herbaceous species, higher shade cover (75% vs. 56.4%), and a higher Shannon index (H'=1.80 vs. 0.80). The soil macrofauna was also more abundant in this system (34 individuals, 5 orders), mainly earthworms (16) and ants (12), while no soil organisms were recorded in the commercial system. Coffee yield was higher in the traditional system (376 kg of cherries and 324 kg of parchment) than in the commercial system (80 kg of cherries and 280 kg of parchment). However, the commercial system showed greater profitability (B/C=13.38 vs. 1.08), with annual earnings of $24,410.20, thanks to the sale of complementary crops such as lemon and sunflower. Implication: The sustainability of coffee agroecosystems can be enhanced by integrating the positive elements of traditional and commercial systems, combining biodiversity and economic efficiency. Conclusion: Traditional coffee systems endorse species diversity, soil fauna, and higher yields of the main crop. The commercial system, although less ecologically favorable, increases profitability through alternative crops. The results highlight the need for hybrid management strategies that combine ecological stability and economic advantages, promoting resilient agroecosystems that contribute to biodiversity conservation and producer well-being.
Background: Chiapas is the main coffee (Coffea arabica) producer in Mexico. However, this sector faces environmental, productive, and socio-economic limitations. Among them, the lack of spatial information at the local level to support decision-making constitutes a critical factor. Objectives: i) To generate a land suitability map for C. arabica production in Chiapas, Mexico and ii) to assess under which suitability conditions coffee is currently grown in the state. Methodology: We used geospatial information on mean annual temperature, annual accumulated precipitation, soil texture, and altitude, along with the locations of 325,268 plots cultivated with C. arabica, covering an area of 246,911.4 ha. The suitability map was developed using a weighted sum multicriteria analysis, assigning equal weight to all variables. Results: Precipitation was identified as the most restrictive variable, providing the smallest area with optimal conditions, which highlights the sector’s vulnerability under climate change scenarios. In Chiapas, Mexico, 214,300 ha were classified as highly suitable for coffee cultivation; however, only 25,045.6 ha (50,209 plots) are currently cultivated under these conditions. In contrast, about 90% of the coffee-growing area is located on lands with limitations for optimal development: 126,659.4 ha classified as medium suitability; 40,118.9 ha as low suitability and 36,899.8 ha as unsuitable. This same trend was observed in six of the most important coffee-producing municipalities located in the Sierra Madre of Chiapas, Mexico. Implications: The generated suitability map represents a strategic tool for land-use planning and shade coffee management, aimed at optimizing productivity and reducing climate risks. It also supports the design of promotion policies, the implementation of sustainable production practices, and fair pricing schemes for producers in highly suitable areas. Conclusions: Although Chiapas, Mexico, has a considerable area of highly suitable land for coffee cultivation, most coffee plantations are located on land with productive limitations. This underscores the need to integrate spatial information into decision-making to strengthen the resilience of coffee farming, anticipate future scenarios, and ensure the sustainability of the sector in this region.
Background: In the Sierra Nevada de Puebla, Mexico, indigenous farmers have developed resilient family farming systems with local, healthy, and specialty crops that operate under adverse conditions yet maintain biocultural, socioeconomic, and ecological relevance as expressions of Localized Agri-Food Systems (LAFS). Objective: To characterize blue corn and berry production systems in three locations using the LAFS theoretical framework, identifying farmer profiles, production practices, and collaborations to generate knowledge that strengthens public policies aimed at food sovereignty and territorial development. Methodology: A survey and simple random sampling technique were used to administer questionnaires to 221 farmers in San Mateo Ozolco, San Miguel Tianguizolco, and San Diego Buenavista in 2023-2024. Sociodemographic, technical-productive, environmental, cultural, and commercial variables were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey's test, and Spearman's correlations to identify differences and relationships among them. Results: The blue corn and berry production systems were characterized. They present limitations in financing, technical assistance, and organization; however, they exhibit territorial multifunctionality (bioculturality, social inclusion, local economy, environmental conservation, and food security), determined by sociodemographic factors (gender, age, education, native language), organizational factors (community cohesion, financing), and labor factors (type and labor force), that also influence the productivity and resilience of the systems. Implications: The invisibility of these systems limits progress toward a fair, resilient, and socially inclusive agri-food model. Conclusions: These systems constitute differentiated SIALs that require strengthening through territorialized public policies and the articulation of local knowledge with theoretical frameworks that guarantee their sustainability and resilience.
Background: In the Mixteca region of Puebla, México, pitaya (Stenocereus pruinosus), a fruit from a cactus species, is cultivated and represents an income alternative for farming families. The municipality of Huitziltepec, Puebla, is the leading pitaya producer in the state, where local farmers have developed and accumulated knowledge, practices, and sociotechnical logics for managing the crop. Objective: To identify types of pitaya producers based on sociodemographic, productive, and economic variables, and to recognize the productive and socioeconomic strategies they implement within the pitaya agroecosystem. Methodology: A survey was conducted with 24 pitaya producers from the municipality of Huitziltepec, Puebla. The questionnaire addressed sociodemographic, productive, economic, and crop management variables. The data were processed using SPSS and Excel. A cluster analysis was performed to obtain a typology. In addition, some soil samples were collected to describe edaphic conditions.Results: Three groups of producers were identified. Group 1 has more experience (18.1 years on average), larger cultivated area (4.1 ha), and higher yield (8.6 t ha-1). Group 2 combines pitaya production with other economic activities such as trades and commerce, cultivating an average of 1.7 ha with a yield of 7.6 t ha-1. Group 3 is characterized by older age (61.3 years on average) and lower educational attainment (6.7 years), managing an average area of 1 ha and yielding 5.5 t ha-1. Various strategies were identified for managing water, soil, pests, diseases, and frosts, as well as socioeconomic (pluriactivity) and commercial strategies (fruit processing). Implications: The research reveals that, despite ecological and socioeconomic limitations, producers have implemented strategies and sociotechnical practices to manage the pitaya agroecosystem. Conclusions: The typology enabled the identification of three distinct groups of producers. The socioeconomic, commercial, and productive strategies applied by the producers reflect knowledge and adaptation to local conditions, contributing to better management of the pitaya agroecosystem.
Background: Ruminant diets in tropical areas are primarily based on native grasses. However, in some regions, low rainfall, high temperatures, and certain soil physicochemical characteristics interfere with pasture production, affecting yield, nutrient quality, and digestibility. In recent years, hybrid grasses have led to improved forage yields of high-quality nutrients year-round, improving pasture utilization for livestock production. Objective: To evaluate the productive potential of seven hybrids of the genus Urochloa established under sun and tree shade conditions at three cutting ages and three climatic conditions. Methodology: The study was conducted at the Centro de Enseñanza, Investigación y Extensión en Ganadería Tropical (CEIEGT-Tlapacoyan, Veracruz), where the following grasses were evaluated: Cobra, Cayman, Mulato II, Camello, GP 1435, GP 1467, and Mestizo Blend during the rainy, northern, and dry seasons. Cutoff frequency was measured 28, 35, and 42 days post-sowing. Dry matter (DM) production and its nutritional quality were estimated. Results: The highest dry weight production per clump was obtained under sunny conditions, with a 36% lower dry weight in shade. Production under both conditions increased at 42 days, with a greater increase in leaf production under shade. Independently of the condition, the highest production in the dry season was obtained from Cobra, in the rainy season from Mestizo Blend, and in the north, production was similar in all species except for GP 1467, where it was lower. For the season by age interaction, an increase in production was observed as the days passed, with a 50% higher production at 42 days compared to 28 days; however, at 35 and 42 days, no significant difference was observed (P>0.05). Implications: This study contributes to a better understanding of the development of hybrid grasses and is considered useful for improving the use of tree shade systems. Conclusions: It is concluded that dry matter production in Urochloa hybrids is influenced by light conditions (sun/shade), cutting age, and season. It is noteworthy that in this study, shade reduces production, and that, in general, production increases with age. These results highlight the importance of considering the environment and cutting management to optimize forage yield.
Background: In recent years, intensive animal production has negatively contributed to environmental pollution, primarily through substantial emissions of greenhouse gases. Objective: To determine the effect of including 0, 3, and 6 % clinoptilolite zeolite in the diet on productive performance, blood parameters, and nitrogen reduction in the feces of pigs. Methodology: The trial was conducted using a completely randomized block design with three treatments (0, 3, and 6 % zeolite in the diet, respectively) and three replicates per treatment. The experimental unit was the pen containing six animals (three castrated males and three females), resulting in nine pens (3 blocks × 3 replicates) with a total of 54 pigs. Blocks were formed to group animals with homogeneous initial conditions (initial body weight (BW), age, and physical location). The experiment was carried out in three production phases: starter (11 ± 2 kg BW), grower (30 ± 2 kg BW), and finisher (60 ± 2 kg BW), concluding with final weights of 95.0 ± 5.0 kg. The study lasted 116 days, plus 15 days for adaptation to handling and diet. Diets differed in crude protein content according to each production stage. Results: No effects were observed on productive performance variables; however, clinoptilolite zeolite (ZC) affected blood concentrations of total proteins (p ≤ 0.01) and urea (p ≤ 0.01) during the grower and finisher phases. Additionally, fecal N concentration decreased in all production stages. Implications: ZC can improve protein metabolism and reduce nitrogen excretion without compromising productivity, providing environmental benefits. Conclusions: The inclusion of 3 and 6 % ZC did not influence the productive performance of the animals in any of the three evaluated phases. Nevertheless, its supplementation increased blood total protein concentration during the grower stage and reduced urea levels during the finisher phase. Moreover, ZC supplementation significantly decreased fecal nitrogen content across all production stages.
Background. DNA extraction from plant species with high levels of secondary metabolites poses a major technical challenge, particularly in the genus Bursera, where substances such as tannins, terpenes, and resins compromise DNA purity and integrity. This limits genomic and conservation research in endemic Mexican species. Objective. To develop and standardize a CTAB-based DNA extraction protocol tailored to the chemical properties of Bursera linanoe and to compare its performance with widely used commercial kits. Methodology. Three commercial kits and two CTAB-based protocols (Doyle & Doyle and Saghai-Maroof) were tested using leaf tissue from Bursera linanoe. DNA yield, purity (A260/280 and A260/230), and integrity were assessed via spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis. Results. The optimized CTAB protocol yielded high-quality DNA (average 310.56 ng µL-1), with purity ratios in the optimal range for molecular applications. In contrast, commercial kits yielded low DNA concentrations or failed to recover detectable material, highlighting their inefficiency in tissues rich in secondary metabolites. Implications. The observed variability and DNA absence in some samples emphasize the need to tailor extraction protocols to the specific chemistry of plant tissues. The optimized method offers a valuable approach for similar species and supports future genomic and conservation studies. Conclusion. The modified CTAB protocol outperforms commercial methods for DNA extraction in Bursera linanoe.
Background: The rising feed shortages in livestock production have increased interest in exploring alternative resources. Avocado by-products, often discarded, may serve as a nutrient-rich and sustainable feed option for ruminants. Objective: To evaluate the chemical composition, mineral content, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and in vitro gas production of morphological fractions of ripe fruits from seven avocado varieties (Bacon, Ettinger, Fuerte, Hass, Local, Nabal, and Pinkerton) grown in the Wondo Genet district, Sidama region, Ethiopia. Methodology: Chemical analyses were conducted using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy, and mineral analyses were conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, while in vitro gas production was measured following the Menke and Steingass protocol using sheep rumen fluid. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Proc Mixed procedure in SAS software (version 9.4). Results: The results revealed significant effects (P < 0.0001) of variety and morphological fraction on all measured parameters. The Nabal variety had the highest fruit, pulp, seed, and peel weights. Seeds showed the highest dry matter and in vitro dry matter digestibility, while pulp fraction had the highest ether extract and crude protein contents. Pinkerton and local varieties had the highest protein content, whereas coat was richest in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Peel fractions exhibited high ADL. The highest calcium content was found in the Fuerte variety and coat fraction, while the Pinkerton variety and pulp fraction had the highest phosphorus content. Significant differences were also observed in gas production kinetics, metabolizable energy (ME), organic matter digestibility (OMD), and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Local variety and seed fraction exhibited the highest IVDMD and SCFA, while pulp fraction had the highest ME contents. Implications: Avocado fruit by-products, especially pulp and seed, can serve as alternative ruminant feed resources, supporting sustainable livestock production and reducing agro-industrial waste; however, appropriate processing and preservation strategies are required to overcome limitations associated with long-term storage. Conclusion: Avocado fruit waste has high crude protein, ether extract, digestibility, and energy values, with significant variation across varieties and fractions, indicating their nutritional potential in ruminant feeding when suitable storage and handling practices are applied.
