This study analyzed the morphological traits of the 2utica olive variety, assessing its variability through statistical methods. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified the first three components as having the greatest influence on the grouping of 2utica clones. Fruit and endocarp length, width, and weight, as well as pulp weight, were associated with PC1, while the shape index of both fruit and endocarp was linked to PC2. PC3 included the leaf shape index, internode length, pulp percentage, and the pulp/endocarp ratio. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) showed that the twentythree olive clones formed two distinct clusters, with five clones remaining independent. These findings highlight the morphological diversity of Montenegro's oldest olive variety and contribute valuable insights for the preservation and characterization of this important genetic resource.
Maize is a high-demand staple crop valued for both its nutritional and phytochemical qualities, yet it is deficient in Zn. Nanobiofortification is a promising strategy to increase Zn content. A completely randomized block experiment was conducted in Venecia, Durango, M & eacute;xico (25 degrees 46 ' 56 '' N, 103 degrees 21 ' 02 '' W) to evaluate five zinc oxide nanoparticle treatments (control; T1: 100 mg.L-1; T2: 200 mg.L-1; T3: 300 mg.L-1; T4: 400 mg.L-1) and their effects on the nutritional, agronomic, and phytochemical quality of maize grain. No significant differences were observed in ear diameter, row number, grains per row, or ear mass, whereas ear length and 1,000 grain mass differed significantly. Overall, T1 showed the highest morphometric values, while enzymatic activity increased significantly in biofortified grains. Proximate analysis showed that T3 and T4 had higher ash, neutral detergent fiber, and fat contents than the control. Nanoparticle treatments also increased flavonoid and phenol contents, antioxidant capacity, and enzymatic activity. Zn concentration in T4 grains was 26 % higher than in the control. These findings indicate that ZnO nanoparticles enhance the phytochemical and nutritional quality of maize grains and represent an effective biofortification strategy, although agronomic quality was not consistently improved.
Livestock farming in Mexico faces challenges related to seasonal climate variations, specifically drought periods that cause forage shortages; consequently, haymaking has emerged as a potential solution. However, not all producers adopt this practice. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the factors explaining the adoption of hay as forage in cattle production units in northern Veracruz. The statistical analysis employed a Logit model in which the dependent variable took a value of 1 (for the use of hay) or 0 (for non-use). Data were gathered through a survey of 240 producers in the Veracruz Huasteca region. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS 9.4 software. The results showed that only 32.9 % of producers in the region adopted the haymaking strategy, while the remainder relied on grazing. The study determined that the adoption of this technology was influenced by technological and socioeconomic barriers. Factors increasing the likelihood of adoption included technical capacity (machinery availability), support (technical advice), and the management of internal resources (cut-and-carry pasture). Therefore, technology transfer policies should focus on simultaneously strengthening these three components to guarantee the sustainability of regional livestock farming.
Bovine semen analysis is a fundamental tool for strengthening genetic conservation and reproductive improvement programs in populations adapted to tropical conditions. The objective was to analyze sperm kinetics and morphometry as indicators of elite sperm quality in Criollos bulls were selected based on phenotypic characteristics and health status, and semen samples were obtained via electroejaculation. Kinetic and morphometric parameters were analyzed using the Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis system (CASA). The values for CLV (74.69 & micro;m.s-1), AVP (41.19 & micro;m.s-1), RLV (26.44 & micro;m.s-1), BCF (9.14 Hz), and ALH (3.04 & micro;m) fall within ranges indicative of sperm motility and progression capabilities that favor the physiological processes involved in fertilization; the values for the LIN (35.22 %), STR (61.77 %), and WOB (52.63 %) indices indicate that the spermatozoa possess the capacity to migrate within the female reproductive tract. Meanwhile, the morphometric values (area 20.78 & micro;m2, length 6.49 & micro;m, width 3.93 & micro;m, and perimeter 16.63 & micro;m) provide evidence of structural integrity and the stability of spermatogenesis processes. The differences observed compared to specialized breeds reflect adaptive characteristics specific to this population, resulting from its evolution under tropical conditions. These results serve as a scientific reference for reproductive evaluation, sire selection, and the establishment of germplasm banks. These findings strengthen strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of animal genetic resources, contributing to the preservation of genotypes that are adapted and resilient in the face of current production and climate challenges.
The so-called "two-step" methodology is used to determine crop evapotranspiration and consists of multiplying the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) by the crop coefficient (Kc). The operational methodology know as "Kc NDVI" (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) is based on the linear relationship between basal Kc and NDVI to obtain Kc maps using the spectral response of vegetation cover represented by NDVI derived from aerial images. In this study, the ETc of a potato crop (Solanum tuberosum L.) located in Riobamba, Ecuador, was determined. Kc was obtained using the "Kc-NDVI" methodology with aerial images in the visible and near infrared spectrum ranges. ETo was determined using three methods: lysimeters, Class A evaporation pan, and FAO Penman-Monteith; the latter was selected for the respective calculations. For validation, the results obtained from aerial images were compared with the ETc determined at ground level using the FAO method based on Kc tabulated data. Similar behavior was observed between the results of both procedures, together with agreement with the phenological information of the crop. The methodology used adequately described the ETc phenomenon from aerial images, responding appropriately to variations in the crop development cycles. Therefore, its use is recommended for this plant species and as a reference for future research on other species.
