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Small ruminants grazing native vegetation select their diet from a wide variety of plant species, which differ in content and nutrient availability during the year, and are important sources of nutrients. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the biochemical composition of rangeland forage species in Baja California Sur. The species evaluated were huizache, mezquite, palo fierro, palo verde and vinorama, as well as alfalfa hay. The dry matter, crude protein, total lipids, crude fiber, ash, nitrogen free extract and gross energy content were quantified as well as the concentration of linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid and polyunsaturated fatty arachidonic (ARA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA). The results showed that palo verde and mesquite had a higher content of protein crude. Huizache showed the highest concentration of total lipids followed by palo verde and mezquite. Huizache and alfalfa hay showed higher concentrations of linoleic acid, while palo verde reached higher levels of α-linolenic acid, followed by palo fierro and alfalfa hay. Forages species with higher concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids included palo verde, palo fierro and alfalfa hay. The use of rangeland forage in the diet of ruminants is an alternative that may change the proportions of milk fatty acid content due to the oleic acid and linoleic and linolenic acid content, vaccenic and rumenic acids precursors and polyunsaturated fatty acids series such as omega 3 EPA and DHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salination, a geochemical process related to the build-up of salts in soil and groundwater, affects the agro-ecosystems, reduces the quality of soil, limits the potential uses of groundwater, and is one of the main problems related with degradation of irrigated cropland. In the northwest region of Mexico, the Yaqui Valley is the main agricultural area with 250,000 ha of irrigated cropland. In the historical context of the ‘Green Revolution’, this semiarid valley, where the ‘improved variety-based agriculture’ episode originated, used to be a productive agricultural district once flourishing with grain fields, but now vast rows of wheat farmland remain unplanted since 1997, due to a drastic reduction of the Water storage in the reservoir system built on the Yaqui River basin. An option that temporarily solves the water shortage in this reservoir system consists in the development of a deep-well network, by which 600 million cubic meters of groundwater can be extracted each year. Nevertheless, recent studies reported that the extracted water is classified as one with high salinity or very high salinity. A strategic approach for sustainable soil and water management became necessary to cope with this problem. The objective of this study was to investigate the spatial distribution of soil clay content and water quality extracted from wells in the Yaqui Valley's aquifer through GIS methods. We estimated an average soil clay content of 54.52%. Salinity is considered to be one of the principal degradation risk problems in this kind of soils. The extracted water from the wells showed an average electrical conductivity (EC) of 2.1 dS m-1. Only 7.1% of the extracted water from wells had an electrical conductivity lower than 0.7 dS m-1. In 73.4% of the cases, the EC of water extracted from wells varied from 0.7 to 3.0 dS m-1, while in 19.5% of the wells it evidenced an EC higher than 3.0 dS m-1. In most cases, chloride was the dominant anion, while sodium was the cation with the highest concentration. We identified the aquifer zones where water of low quality and clayey soils exist. Extracted water was found to be appropriate to irrigate moderately salt-tolerant and tolerant crops, hence, feasibility studies and following actions need to be performed to avoid irreversible degradation of the clayish soils irrigated with the available low-quality water from the aquifer. For this vast agricultural valley, salination, as one of the main factors associated with vulnerability, was defined as the degree to which human and environmental systems are likely to experience damage due to a perturbation, or to a stress caused by salinity associated to water depletion, becoming in recent years a central focus of global climatic change and arid-zone agricultural sustainability studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the production of biomass for five crops of cowpea was studied in the Carrizal Valley in La Paz, Baja California Sur (23° 20′ 47″ North and 110° 16′ 14″ East). The soil has a pH of 6.85, poor in organic matter, non-saline, low levels of calcium, nitrogen, and magnesium but a high level of phosphorus. The climate is dry with average temperature of 22°C. Five cowpea cultivars were used and established in the field under completed randomized block design with four replications. The data were analyzed by means of canonical discrimination, multivariate analysis, correlation, and simple and multiple linear regressions for the generation of green matter production (PMV) and dry matter production (PMS) functions. Analysis of variance were carried out and multiple comparison means (Tukey P=0.05) when the variables showed significant statistical differences among cultivars. In general, all variables showed significant differences (P<0.05) except the variables fresh weight (PFH) and dry weight of leaves (PSH). The cultivars 18 (IT90K-277-2) and 25 (Sesenteño) showed the higher values of PMV and PMS (105.33 and 90.66 and 44.90 and 35.80 g, respectively). The best function of PMV was to the cultivar 4 (Cuarenteño) with R² of 0.69 and for PMS was the cultivar 23 (IT91K-118-20) with R² of 0.71; being diameter of shoot (DT) and number of secondary branches (NRS) the variables with higher influence in the function of PMV, while number of leaves per plant (NHP) and NRS are the variables with higher influence in the function of PMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Con el objetivo de evaluar variables determinantes de producción de biomasa y obtener funciones de producción utilizando métodos no destructivos en estadío de floración en cultivares de frijol yorimón, se realizó este trabajo en el Carrizal, BCS México. Cinco cultivares de frijol yorimón se establecieron en campo en un tipo de suelo franco (pH=6.85) y no salino, mediante un diseño bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones. La caracterización de los cultivares, se realizó con análisis multivariado canónico, la generación de funciones de producción de materia verde (PMV) y producción de materia seca (PMS); se utilizó un análisis de correlación y regresión lineal simple y múltiple, y la comparación de medias de las variables se hizo con Tukey. Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas (P<0.05) entre cultivares para prácticamente todas la variables evaluadas, excepto para peso fresco de hojas y peso seco de hojas, sobresaliendo los cultivares 18 (IT90K-277-2) y 25 (Sesenteño) con valores para PMV y PMS de 105.33, 90.66 y 16.06, 13.39 g. La mejor función de PMV fue para el cultivar 4 (Cuarenteño) con R²=0.69 y en PMS el cultivar 23 (IT91K-118-20) con un R²=0.71. Se concluyó que los cultivares 18 y 25, aún cuando sus funciones no son respaldadas con altos valores de r y R², pueden ser considerados como una alternativa forrajera por su mayor producción de materia verde y materia seca, resultando el cultivar 18 superior en PMV (30 a 61 %) y PMS (20 a 49 %) con respecto a los cultivares 1, 4, 23 y 25. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suaeda edulis (Flores Olvera & Noguez) is a halophile species that grows in saline environments, with concomitant difficulties to germinate and reproduce. Once a null germination under a salinity gradient or fresh water was observed, a plant-growth bioregulator (BioR) was applied to interrupt dormancy and improve germination in vitro. This BioR is composed of gibberellins and adjuvant regulators; and 12.5, 25.0, and 37.5 mg L−1 of gibberellins with immersion at 24, 48, and 72 h were assayed. Most of the normality and homoscedasticity tests were favorable, except in three of 24 cases. On the germination percentage (transformed values), the dose 25.0 mg L−1 reflected the highest values of 5.5 and 6.0 units at 48 and 72 h. For the mean germination time, the highest level of 37.5 mg L−1 at 24 h reflected the best response. For the germination rate, the best one was 25 mg L−1 at 48 h, reaching 12% per day, but for the germination speed coefficient, the best value was observed with 25.0 mg L−1 at 24 h. It was concluded that to improve germination of S. edulis seeds, it is necessary to assess a dose-gradient of gibberellins, starting at 25.0 mg L−1, with higher values to break dormancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jacaratia mexicana is not only an endemic and typical tropical dry forest tree of Mexico, it is considered as a direct ancestor of the papayo (Carica papaya). Locally it is mainly used in traditional medicine, for human food or for feeding backyard animals (forage plant), but its use value is very restricted or even unknown. Nevertheless, various abiotic and anthropogenic pressures in its Mexican habitat are causing populations of this tree to decline alarmingly. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are microorganisms that have an important role for the regeneration of tree species by increasing their ability to absorb water and nutrients. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of AMF on growth and survival of seedlings of J. mexicana transplanted within a fragmented area of the remaining dry forest located in the central portion of the state of Veracruz. We measured height, stem diameter, number of leaves, percent seedling survival and mycorrhizal colonization. Results showed increases in all growth-related variables when seedlings were inoculated with AMF. The results suggest that micosymbionts can play a critical role for the regeneration of J. mexicana and possibly other species of tree within the dry forest, especially helping this endemic species that is currently surviving in a fragmented environment under unfavorable conditions of low availability of water and nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work was developed in the UBPC “The Coast", belonging to the Miscellaneous Crops Enterprise of Campechuela municipality, Granma province, during the period from November to March of the year 2010 – 2011. It was carried out in a reddish brown fersialitic soil, according with the new genetic classification of the soils of Cuba MINAGRI, (2000), with the objective of studying and evaluating the influence of different organic fertilizers in the growth, development and yield in the cultivation of onion, variety Texas Early Grain. For this reason it was necessary to work on blocks with 4 treatments and 4 replies. The treatments applied were: treatment 1 (vermicompost), treatment 2 (cow dung), treatment 3 (cachaça) and treatment 4 (control), those were applied in a solid way. The growth variables that were evaluated were number of leaves, height of the plant, equatorial diameter, polar diameter and fresh weight of the bulb. The yield was also evaluated in t.ha-1 per treatment. High yields are achieved with the application of organic fertilizer, among 27 and 30 t.ha-1, this is an alternative for the sustainable production of this product which is highly demanded by the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2006 and 2007 year were carried out field trial in four locations in Granma province with objective to study drought tolerance of this variety in the region condition. The variety were evaluated with two condition of humidity: irrigation in all vegetative growth and three establishment irrigation and withholdig of this in all vegetative growth (drought). A split plot designs with four replication was used where greather plot belonged to irrigation treatment and a little plot to varieties. With yield obtained between two conditions of irrigation were calculated the intensity and susceptibility drought index, geometrics means and loss yield percentage. The use of this index allowed identifying the tolerance level of variety to drought and its adaptation specific to each humidity conditions. The variety obtained different yield in each location and Amalia and Vyta variety to standed out for its yield in average fruit, and were most stable and suitable to production in location with drought condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From November 2006 to February 2007 year, were carried out field experiment in "Las Celias" vegetable garden of Guisa in Granma province with objective to study the effect of drought condition of the region over the yield and its component in four cubaine variety of tomatoe. The variety were evaluated in two condition of humidity: irrigation in all vegetative growth and three establishment irrigation and withholdig of this in all vegetative growth (drought). A split plot designs with four replication was used and the greather plot belonged to irrigation treatment and a little plot to variety. The variety obtained different yield and Amalia and Vyta variety to standed out for its yield in average fruit, and were most suitable to production in location with drought condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study calculated the compositional nutrient diagnosis norms of Aloe vera L., and also identified significant nutrient interactions of this crop growing in an irrigated calcareous desert soil. The soil showed high heterogeneity within its chemical properties. For statistical analysis, 64 foliar composite samples from healthy plants were used. Preliminary compositional nutrient diagnosis norms were developed using a cumulative variance ratio function and the chi-square distribution function. Means and standard deviations are given of row-centered log ratios V X of five nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) and a filling value R, which included all nutrients not chemically analysed. Preliminary compositional nutrient diagnosis norms are: , , , , , and . These compositional nutrient diagnosis norms for fresh matter, providing more than 136.67tha−1, are associated with the following foliar concentrations: 8.13gNkg−1, 1.68gPkg−1, 22.39gKkg−1, 45.42gCakg−1, and 11.33gMgkg−1. Through the principal component analysis of the CND indexes, the positive interactions P–K and Ca–Mg, and the negative interactions P–Ca, P–Mg, K–Ca, K–Mg, and N–R were identified. By using Pearson correlations, the same interactions were identified plus the following: negative P–R and K–R, and positive Ca–R and Mg–R. Estimated t- and F-values and their corresponding probability levels indicated that N/R antagonism, Ca/R and Mg/R synergisms, and nutrients N, Ca and R were the factors discriminating high- from low-yielding subpopulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Drought is one of the major factors limiting global crop yield. In Mexico, agriculture is expected to be severely affected by drought. The Capsicum genus has several crop species of agricultural importance. In this work, we analysed the Capsicum chinense plant physiological responses and differentially expressed genes under water stress mainly focused on the responses elicited following recovery through repetitive stress. Plants were cultivated in an experimental block. Each block consisted of plants under water deficit and a control group without deficit. Morphometric and functional parameters, and the expression of genes related to resistance to abiotic stresses were measured. Morphological differences were observed. Plants subjected to water deficit showed impaired growth. Nonetheless, in the physiological parameters, no differences were observed between treatments. We selected abiotic stress-related genes that include heat-shock proteins (HSPs), heat-shock factors (HSFs), transcription factors related to abiotic stress (MYB, ETR1, and WRKY), and those associated with biotic and abiotic stress responses (Jar1 and Lox2). HSF, HSP, MYB72, ETR1, Jar1, WRKYa, and Lox2 genes were involved in the response to water-deficit stress in C. chinense plants. In conclusion, our work may improve our understanding of the morphological, physiological, and molecular mechanisms underlying hydric stress response in C. chinense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of oregano is of economic relevance in northwestern Mexico. However, to obtain high yields, producers resort to chemical fertilization, but its misuse increases salinity. Lippia palmeri Watts is a species of oregano that naturally grows in arid soils with poor organic matter, high salinity and temperature in the northwestern Mexico. In the context of sustainable agriculture, microorganisms activate soil fertility and increase plant productivity. Currently there is interest in proposing biofertilizers in the agriculture with high saline intrusion and temperatures for the cultivation of oregano. The Plant Growth Promoting Halobacteria (HPCP) have stood out by the beneficiary of the nutritious crops and mitigate the effect of the salinity. The goal of this work was to identify HPCP associated to the rhizosphere of L. palmeri, thermo and halotolerant; phosphate solubilizing activity, organic acid production, siderophores and nitrogen fixation were evaluated; the highest activity colonies were identified by the rRNA-16S gene and the effect on germination and root length was evaluated. Fifteen different colonies stood out when growing in NaCl (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 M) at 35 and 45 °C, from which three bacteria were identified: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis. The effect on root length was significant for B. amyloliquefaciens. Studies related to plant promotion should be involved in subsequent studies. This is the first report of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens as a nitrogen fixing bacteria associated with Lipia palmeri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Water availability determines the establishment of P. pringlei seedlings in natural conditions. • More P. pringlei seedlings emerge in shade than in higher light under controlled conditions. • Shade promotes faster morphological and physiological development of P. pringlei. • Under shade , P. pringlei stems are more turgid and taller; roots and spines are smaller. • Seedlings under higher light have lower water potentials and more developed root systems. Cactus early life stages, especially in arid ecosystems, are typically the most vulnerable; seedlings face various abiotic and biotic filters to achieve survival and successful integration into their habitat. Thus, Pachycereus pringlei – endemic to Mexican Sonoran Desert – plays a crucial role in the arid areas of Baja California Sur, Mexico acting as a refuge and food source for wildlife. The present study evaluates P. pringlei emergence, survival, and seedling growth under different solar exposure (open and shaded areas) levels, both in greenhouse and natural conditions. The results indicated that natural conditions and moisture significantly influenced seedling emergence and survival. Lack of soil moisture led to compaction, which may have reduced porous spaces and restricted air and water circulation, thereby affecting root growth during the establishment phase. Conversely, the emerged seedling proportion under greenhouse shade was higher than in natural conditions. Additionally, these seedlings exhibited superior stem development, while those exposed to sunlight notably developed root systems. Low water potential was recorded, reaching down to -5.1 MPa for seedlings exposed to higher light levels. However, relative water content (RWC) values in tissues exceeded 70 %. No significant relationship was found between photosynthetic pigment concentration and different light conditions. Despite adapting cacti to xeric environments, the results suggest they may not be fully prepared to withstand prolonged drought episodes during the seedling stage. Nevertheless, some morphological traits, such as stem length, spines, and root area showed significant variations under different light conditions, facilitating photosynthesis light capture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs) play an important role in soil improvement, leading to the enhanced growth and yield of the host plants. The diversity, abundance, and richness of AMFs were evaluated in eight coffee plantations (Coffea arabica L.) with different erosion degrees. The results indicated that 26 AMFs morphotypes scattered across four genera were recovered and included five species. Funneliformis species were the most dominant representatives of the total isolates followed by Claroideoglomus, Rhizoglomus, Gigaspora, Acaulospora, Glomus, Diversispora, Septoglomus, and Scutellospora. The highest diversity and richness were found in non-eroded agroecosystems, followed by sites with a minimum erosion, and the lowest values were reported within the highly eroded agroecosystems. These results suggest that eroded soil affects AMF fungi, creating the need to carry out studies that allow for the implementation of cultural practices where biodiversity and soil are preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermented prickly pear (Opuntia megacantha) has been used as forage in goats and sheep. Thus, the objectives of this study were to assess bimonthly production of cladodes var. Narro, compare the quality of those fermented versus non-fermented, and assess the effect of fermented cladodes in milk production of Holstein cows in stables (La Partida, Matamoros, Coahuila, México). Central pivot irrigation was used to water prickly pear plantation with a density of 17,500 plants ha-1. To assess cladode quality (proximal analysis) before and after fermentation, a completely randomized bifactorial design was used -non-fermented (N-0) and fermented (N-F) cladodes- with three replicates each. To assess the fermented cladode effect in milk production, a completely randomized design was established with first-calving Holstein cows where each one represented one replicate. The treatments were two diets, Dnor (normal) and Dnop (fermented cladodes). The results showed sufficient bimonthly production (14,380.8±1,676 kg t ha-1) of fresh prickly pear leaves for daily bio-digestor functioning (200 kg). Crude protein content and metabolizable energy showed significantly greater and contrasting values compared with non-fiber carbohydrate content (sugars and starch), showing a significant decrease in fermented cladodes with respect to non-fermented. Other proximal components did not show significant differences between both N-F vs N-0 cladodes. Average milk production increased when cows changed from Dnor (26.08 ± 4.8 L Day-1) to Dnop (30.07 ± 5.3 L Day-1) diets, recording three groups with less, medium, and greater significant increase in milk production. No correlation was found between production and increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has modified the behavior of climate variables, for this reason, pastures manifest a seasonal productive behavior, where the deposition of structural carbohydrates is modified and in some cases the absorption of minerals. The objective of this study was to characterize, in varieties of Cenchrus purpureus tolerant to drought, the chemical composition of leaves and stems at different ages of regrowth in conditions of intense seasonal drought. The experimental period covered the years 2013 to 2015, in the Experimental Station of Pastures and Forages of the Institute of Agricultural Research "Jorge Dimitrov". In a completely randomized design with the factorial arrangement was used, and the dynamics of the chemical composition of leaves and stems of new varieties of C. purpureus were characterized, in different ages of regrowth and different climatic periods (rainy and not very rainy), and their combination (4 x 3 x 2). The interaction age of regrowth with climatic station affected the chemical composition of the leaves (p≤0.001), altering the content of cellulose (Cel), hemicellulose (Hcel), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellular content (CC), calcium (Ca) and silica (Si), while in the stems this interaction only affected the concentration of ADF. The isolated effect of the climatic season modified in leaves (p≤0.01) the content of phosphorus (P) and lignin (Lig), it stems the P content (p≤0.001). When the regrowth age varied, there was a modification of the chemical composition of the leaves (crude protein and Lig) and stems (crude protein). The new varieties of C. purpureus under conditions of degradation and intense seasonal drought showed a pattern of chemical behavior similar to that of tropical grasses, but with low contents of protein and phosphorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to determine the chemical composition of the diets and their effect on live weight gain, consumption and feed rejection. The study was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications and as main factor three diets with following components: diet 1) 40% alfalfa hay + 60% sorghum hay, diet 2) 40% natural dry nopal + 60% sorghum hay and diet 3) 40% dry nopal enriched with protein + 60% sorghum hay. The results showed that the diet of nopal enriched with proteins natural dry nopal have highest nutritive quality but the drying and/or storage conditions affect the quality of the components of the evaluated diets. The live weight gain was higher in goats fed with the diet of nopal enriched with protein but the percentage of forage rejected was higher in this diet. The live weight gain was lower in alfalfa and natural dry nopal, respectively. The libe weight gain and the time of forage consumption showed positive and significative correlation; however, it is neccesary to determine the optimal time of forage consumption and evaluate the cost-benefit of diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out at the Comarca Lagunera Region, Coahuila, Mexico, with the objective of assessing both nutritional value and yield of three varieties of alfalfa at three different doses of fertilization with cattle manure, with subsurface drip irrigation. N, P, K, Ca and Mg content in plant tissue was used as indicator of nutrient withdrawal. The following varieties were evaluated: CUF 101, Sandor and Altaverde. Five different cattle manure treatments were applied: 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 t ha-1. Control was fertilized with a chemical fertilizer at 30 to 100 kg ha-1 for N and P, respectively. Significant differences were found in dry matter between treatments but not between varieties. The greater yields were found in the March, April and June cuts in the 80, 120 and 160 t manure treatments, yielding more than 4 t ha-1. No significant differences were found in forage nutritional value variables (crude protein, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber and energy) between either varieties or treatments. With reference to mineral nutrient withdrawal, the greater values were found from the 5th to the 8th cut, approximately 160 kg ha-1 N, 12 -- 14 kg ha-1 P and 125 kg ha-1 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El presente trabajo se realizó en la Comarca Lagunera, estado de Coahuila, México. El objetivo fue evaluar la producción y el valor nutritivo del forraje de tres variedades de alfalfa tratamientos de fertilizado con estiércol de bovino y con riego por goteo subsuperficial. Se determinó la composición del N, P, K, Ca y Mg en el tejido vegetal como un indicador de los volúmenes de extracción para cada nutrimento. Las variedades fueron: CUF 101, Sandor y Altaverde. Se aplicaron cinco tratamientos de estiércol (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 t ha-1) y uno de fertilizante químico (30-100 kg ha-1 de N y P) como testigo. Respecto al forraje seco se presentaron diferencias significativas entre los tratamientos de estiércol pero no para variedades. Los valores de producción más altos se observaron en los cortes marzo, abril y junio en los tratamientos de estiércol de 80, 120 y 160 t ha-1 con valores superiores de 4 t ha-1 de forraje seco. En las variables de valor nutritivo del forraje (proteína cruda, fibra acido detergente, fibra neutro detergente y energía), tampoco se detectaron diferencias significativas entre variedades ni entre tratamientos de fertilización. Con respecto a la extracción de N, P, K, Ca y Mg por las plantas, en los cortes 5° al 8° es donde se presentó la mayor extracción de dichos elementos con aproximadamente 160 kg ha-1 de nitrógeno, 12-14 kg ha-1 de fósforo y 125 kg ha-1 de potasio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some of the most significant advances in agricultural productivity in relation to water use and transfer of technology, as well as the benefits of the irrigation technology, are analyzed. Among the factors that affect productivity in arid zones, drought stress and water scarcity are some of the most relevant. Two reasons can be distinguished to develop hydro-agricultural improvements to face the prevailing conditions of aridity and water scarcity: the first one is to maximize the productivity and consequently the crop yield; the second is to improve the agro-ecosystems, including the infrastructure and their drought tolerance. In Mexico, in the last decade different activities have been promoted for conducting research, improving agriculture and transferring technology. The promotion of irrigation technology has been positive in some districts, such as the district 066 of the Santo Domingo Valley, in Baja California Sur, where the water productivity was increased from 2.1 to 5.3 pesos per m³ of applied water; in others, there is no evidence of positive changes, as in the district 038 of the Mayo River Aquifer, in Sonora, where productivity remained unchanged at 1.5 pesos per m³ of water. We reiterate that high-tech agriculture can threaten environmental quality and that water issues can be even worse in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Durum wheat (Triticum durum cv. Gediz-75) and bread wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Izmir-85) were grown in a complete nutrient solution in a growth room to investigate effect of silicone supplied to the nutrient solution on plants grown at salt stress. The experiment was a 2×2 factorial arrangement with two levels of NaCl in nutrient solution, 0 and 100mM, and two levels of silicone (Si) in nutrient solution, 0.25 and 0.50mM, as Na2SiO3. The plants grown at 100mM NaCl produced less dry matter and chlorophyll content than those without NaCl. Supplementary Si at both 0.25 and 0.5mM ameliorated the negative effects of salinity on plant dry matter and chlorophyll content. Membrane permeability and proline content in leaves increased with addition of 100mM NaCl and these increases were decreased with Si treatments. Sodium (Na) concentration in plant tissues increased in both leaves and roots of plants in the high NaCl treatment and Si treatments lowered significantly the concentrations of Na in both leaves and roots. Bread wheat was more tolerant to salinity than durum wheat. The accumulation of Na in roots indicates a possible mechanism whereby bread wheat copes with salinity in the rooting medium and/or may indicate the existence of an inhibition mechanism of Na transport to leaves. Concentrations of both Ca and K were lower in the plants grown at high NaCl than in those in the control treatment and these two element concentrations were increased by Si treatments in both shoots and roots but remained lower than control values in most cases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the Autonomous University of South Baja California located to the south of the State of South Baja California, Mexico, an experiment was carried out during 3 years (2002-2004). The climatic data was evaluated using the information provided by the National Commission of the Water. The climatic variables evaluated were temperature (T), relative humidity (HR), evaporation (E) the averaged for the period corresponding to the development of the investigation, while the biological variables were yield, foliage area (FA) the index area of foliage (IAF), growth rate indices (TRC), rate of net assimilation (SO) and dry mass. An analysis statistical descriptive and multiple variants was applied, the stockings were compared by Turkey (5 %) probability, with factorial analysis, using the STATISTICA 6.0 program. The results showed the temperature and relative humidity in regards to the yield, which resulted a maximum basil yield in respect to the temperature 32°C and the relative humidity of 58 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the bacterium Acidovorax avenae pv. citrulli (Aac), causal agent of bacterial fruit blotch of watermelon, has been detected in some regions of the United States (USA). This microorganism causes rotting of fruits, stems, and leaves, and it is disseminated by seed. Since Mexico imports seed from the USA, the eventual introduction of the disease is significant, especially for areas where watermelon production is important. Comarca Lagunera is one of the most important producing areas of watermelon and other cucurbits in Mexico. For that reason, this investigation had two objectives: a) the production of antibodies for Aac, and b) the detection of Aac in imported seed and during the phenologic development of watermelon in Comarca Lagunera region. Seed, seedlings, leaves, and fruits, were analyzed by three detection methods: specific media, ELISA, and by antibodies. The results indicated that the microorganism is present in imported seed which is grown in Gomarca Lagunera. However, the disease was not detected during the different phenologic stages of watermelon in the area of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the presence of golden nematode (PCN) Globodera rostochiensis in potato fields in Coahuila, Mexico. PCN Globodera rostochiensis is a disease affecting most potato growers in the world. PCN features encystment capacity as defense mechanism which make it harder to control. A study to identify the presence of PCN in Coahuila, Mexico was conducted. It is revealed that two out of twelve commercial plots sampled show PCN presence. The result of the study suggested the quarantine of only affected areas to avoid the spread of PCN.

A vegetal species on great scale appears as an alternative for the essential fatty acid production in human nutrition, for that reason the fatty acid composition receives special importance. Salicornia bigelovii is an halophyte that developed in arid and coastal zones like Sonora state and the peninsula of South Baja California, Mexico. It could be an alternative species in the eatable oil production. The similar fixation of N2 by bacteria associated with roots of Salicornia bigelovii and halophyte are an important nitrogen source available in coastal ecosystems. The inoculation of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Azospirillum halopraeferens was evaluated during the vegetative development of Salicornia bigelovii under field conditions in two genotypes (wild genotype and cultivar SOS-10), having affected positively variable as weight, length of plants, yields of production and biochemical characteristics and contained total of ashes, protein and total lipids in seed produced. Our results suggest that both genotypes of S. bigelovii, under the conditions field used, can be improved with the application of K. pneumoniae and A. halopraeferens, showing a potential utility for agricultural producers of coastal semi-arid zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attenuators of salt-stress favor the use of effluents, being a low-cost organic product. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of vermicompost leachate (VL) added to shrimp-culture effluent on seeds and seedlings of Salicornia bigelovii (Torr.) under salt-stress, evaluating germination, water relations variables, and biomass. Seeds were irrigated with distilled water (DW) (CE: 0.0027 dS m−1), freshwater (FW) (CE: 1.36 dS m−1), seawater (SW) (CE: 55.83 dS m−1), shrimp residual water (SRW) (CE: 59.85 dS m−1), and with the same water sources but adding VL in 1:20 v/v. The means for the index of germination rate (IGR), germination energy (GE), and germination time (MGT) were higher with DW, DWVL, FW, and FWVL, decreasing with the others (p ≤ 0.05). In seedlings, the lowest water potential (Ψw) and osmotic potential (Ψs) were observed with SW, SWVL, SRW, and SRWVL (p ≤ 0.05), evidencing higher stress but the highest relative water content (RWC). The fresh and dry biomass increased and showed significant differences with SRW, and adding VL (DWVL, FWVL, SWVL, and SRWVL) acted as an effective attenuator of salt-stress. The response of water relations variables suggested an osmotic adjustment for mitigating the salt-stress in seedlings, lowering the Ψw and Ψs but increasing the RWC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effective use of saline groundwater is needed to produce more food in drylands. • Use of high-Na fish wastewater was evaluated for hydroponic growth of Swiss chard. • Relative to the control, fish wastewater was low in microelements and high in NO 3. • Adding 50% of control microelements to fish wastewater produced sufficient yield. • NO 3 in fish wastewater did not cause unacceptably high NO 3 levels in Swiss chard. Saline soil and saline groundwater reduce agricultural productivity on drylands. We are developing a new aquaponics system to improve food productivity on such lands while effectively utilizing saline groundwater. In this study, cultivation of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. spp. cicla cv. Seiyou Shirokuki) was carried out using fish wastewater with a high salt concentration (1150 mg L−1 NaCl). The levels of microelements (e.g., Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) in the fish wastewater were very low, so we added microelements at 100% (W100), 50% (W50), 25% (W25), and 0% (W0) of the levels in the standard hydroponics solution to the fish wastewater and investigated the effects on growth of Swiss chard. At the first harvest, yields in all wastewater treatments were as high or higher than in the control. At the second harvest, yields in W100, W50, and W25 were not significantly different from the control, while in W0 the yield was significantly lower and chlorosis was evident. At the third harvest, the yield in all wastewater treatments was less than in the control, and chlorosis symptoms were observed in W25 and W0. Since leaf Mn and Zn concentrations in W25 and W0 had decreased to below the critical values for those microelements, Mn and Zn deficiency might have contributed to the observed chlorosis and yield loss. For the cultivation of Swiss chard with fish wastewater, sufficient yield (i.e., comparable to or better than the control) without chlorosis was obtained when microelements were added at 50% of the level of the control solution. In addition, since sufficient yield was obtained even in W0 at the first harvest, it is suggested that longer-term cultivation and higher yield could be achieved by applying 50% microelements after the first harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indiscriminate use of synthetic fungicides has led to negative impact to human health and to the environment. Thus, we investigated the effects of postharvest biocontrol treatment with Debaryomyces hansenii , Stenotrophomonas rhizophila , and a polysaccharide ulvan on fruit rot disease, storability, and antioxidant enzyme activity in muskmelon ( Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus ). Each fruit was treated with (1) 1 × 10 6 cells mL -1 of D. hansenii , (2) 1 × 10 8 CFU mL -1 of S. rhizophila , (3) 5 g L -1 of ulvan, (4) 1 × 10 6 cells mL -1 of D. hansenii + 1 × 10 8 CFU mL -1 of S. rhizophila , (5) 1 × 10 8 CFU mL -1 of S. rhizophila + 5 g L -1 of ulvan, (6) 1 × 10 6 cells mL -1 of D. hansenii + 1 × 10 8 CFU mL -1 of S. rhizophila + 5 g L -1 of ulvan, (7) 1000 ppm of benomyl or sterile water (control). The fruits were air-dried for 2 h, and stored at 27 °C ± 1 °C and 85-90% relative humidity. The fruit rot disease was determined by estimating the disease incidence (%) and lesion diameter (mm), and the adhesion capacity of the biocontrol agents was observed via electron microscopy. Phytopathogen inoculation time before and after adding biocontrol agents were also recorded. Furthermore, the storability quality, weight loss (%), firmness (N), total soluble solids (%), and pH were quantified. The antioxidant enzymes including catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and phenylalanine ammonium lyase were determined. In conclusion, the mixed treatment containing D. hansenii , S. rhizophila , and ulvan delayed fruit rot disease, preserved fruit quality, and increased antioxidant activity. The combined treatment is a promising and effective biological control method to promote the shelf life of harvested muskmelon.

Halophytes are capable of growing in saline environments. However, this attribute results from a wide genetic variability, making it difficult to approximate halophytes' agroecological management. We examined the hydro-climatological attributes associated with the distribution of species of the genus Suaeda in NW Mexico and SW USA, and for S. edulis in central México. The analysis focused on the introduction of the semi-domesticated species Suaeda edulis as a new crop, from central regions of México, reaching an average yield of 8 Mg ha -1 of biomass, to arid NW México. The list of Suaeda species was elaborated from the eHALOPH and Calflora databases, and the NW México Herbarium Network. According to the Hydro-Environmental Availability Index (HEAI), the central regions of Mexico reflect a greater water availability, suitable for S. edulis . In such a humid region, HEAI varied from 6 to 18, indicating sufficient moisture for crops. In contrast, other Suaeda species, including S. nigra , S. esteroa , and S. californica , spread in NW Mexico and SW United States, where the water availability is null during the year, with HEAI scoring from 0 to 4. Under such dryness, S. edulis in NW Mexico will require water through optimized irrigation and plant breeding strategies to ensure its viability as a new crop.

The aim of this study is to assess the role of L -cysteine desulfhydrase ( L -DES) and endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) in glutathione (GSH)-induced tolerance to salinity stress (SS) in sweet pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.). Two weeks after germination, before initiating SS, half of the pepper seedlings were retained for 12 h in a liquid solution containing H 2 S scavenger, hypotaurine (HT), or the L -DES inhibitor DL -propargylglycine (PAG). The seedlings were then exposed for three weeks to control or SS (100 mmol L -1 NaCl) and supplemented with or without GSH or GSH+NaHS (sodium hydrosulfide, H 2 S donor). Salinity suppressed dry biomass, leaf water potential, chlorophyll contents, maximum quantum efficiency, ascorbate, and the activities of dehydroascorbate reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, and glyoxalase II in plants. Contrarily, it enhanced the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, methylglyoxal, electrolyte leakage, proline, GSH, the activities of glutathione reductase, peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, glyoxalase I, and L -DES, as well as endogenous H 2 S content. Salinity enhanced leaf Na + but reduced K + ; however, the reverse was true with GSH application. Overall, the treatments, GSH and GSH+NaHS, effectively reversed the oxidative stress and upregulated salt tolerance in pepper plants by controlling the activities of the AsA-GSH and glyoxalase-system-related enzymes as well as the levels of osmolytes.

Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides , is one of the most important diseases in papaya fruit. Its control has been achieved with synthetic fungicides, but the application of marine bacteria and the sulphated polysaccharide ulvan (structural description: β[1,4]-D-GlcA-α[1,4]-L-Rha 3 sulfate, β[1,4]-L-IdoA-α[1,4]-L-Rha 3 sulfate, β[1,4]-D-Xyl-α[1,4]-L-Rha 3 sulfate, and β[1,4]-D-Xyl 2-sulfate-α[1,4]-L-Rha 3 sulfate) from Ulva sp. can be an alternative in the use of agrochemicals. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the effect in vitro and in vivo of two marine bacteria, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and ulvan in papaya fruit's bio-protection against C. gloeosporioides . The capacity of marine bacteria to inhibit mycelial growth and phytopathogen spore germination in vitro through volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbohydrate competition was evaluated. Fruit was inoculated with bacteria, ulvan, and C. gloeosporioides and incubated at 25 °C and 90% of relative humidity (RH) for seven days. Disease incidence (%), lesion diameter (mm), and antioxidant defense enzyme activity (such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) were quantified. In vitro, C. gloeosporioides was inhibited by S. rhizophila and B. amyloliquefaciens . In vivo, disease incidence and the lesion diameter of anthracnose on papaya fruit were significantly reduced by marine bacteria and ulvan. Antioxidant defense enzyme activity played an important role in fruit bio-protection against C. gloeosporioides . The application of marine bacteria and ulvan can be an alternative in the sustainable postharvest management of papaya.

Ethnobotany is an adequate tool to identify the most import wild edible plants used by local people and to develop strategies for its sustainable use and policy making. This research records the wild edible plants used by the inhabitants of the Sierra la Laguna Biosphere Reserve, in Mexico, and identified priority species for sustainable development. The employed quantitative approach included the application of a food-oriented index named Food Significance Index (FSI), which integrated cultural, agricultural and food parameters; moreover, it used multivariate analysis to identify priority edible species for use and/or conservation. Fifty taxa were identified as the most important wild edible plants in the reserve, integrated into five priority groups. Foods in priority group 1 had the highest culinary diversity by grouping three fruits (Ficus petiolaris, Stenocereus thurberi, and Cyrtocarpa edulis), one almond-like seed (Cnidoscolus maculatus), one vegetable (Matelea cordifolia), and one condiment (Capsicum annuum). Priority groups 2-5 were selective for one or two types of food, such as fruits, teas, or seeds. Since group 1 was the most diverse, the FSI and the employed strategy permitted to identify the priority wild edible plant species with the highest potential for food security. The selected six species should be included in the future management program of the reserve as the priority wild edible plants to develop strategies for conservation, sustainable use, and improvement of the local population income. General policies to manage the selected six species are outlined., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Pseudomonas putida is plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that have the capacity to improve growth in plants. The purpose of this study was to determine growth and anthocyanin pigmentation of the bracts in two poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima cultivars (Prestige and Sonora Marble) using three strains of P. putida, as well as a mixture of the three (MIX). Comparison with the control group indicated for the most part that Prestige grew better than the Sonora Marble cultivars with the PGPR strains. Prestige with the MIX strain grew better compared to control for the number of cyathia (83 versus 70.4), volume of roots (45 versus 3  cm(3)), number of leaves (78 versus 58), and area of leaf (1,788 versus 1,331 cm(2)), except for the number of flowers (8.8 versus 11.6). To the naked eye, coloration of plants appeared identical in color compared to the control group. For all plants with P. putida strains, there was less anthocyanin pigment, but biomass was always greater with PGPR strains. Nevertheless, to the naked eye, the coloration of the plants appeared identical in color compared to the control group. This is the first study reporting the positive effects of P. putida rhizobacteria treatments on growth of poinsettia cultivars.

The hydrolysis of beta-D: -glucosidic bonds which is required for the liberation of many physiologically important compounds is catalyzed by the enzyme beta-glucosidase (BGLU, EC 3.2.1.21). BGLUs are implicated in several processes in plants, such as the timely response to biotic and abiotic stresses through activation of phytohormones and defense compounds. We identified 26 BGLU isozymes in the genome of the maize inbred B73 and propose a standardized nomenclature for all Zea mays BGLU paralogs (Zmbglu1-Zmbglu26). We characterized their intron-exon structure, protein features, phylogenetic relationships, and measured their expression and activity in various tissues under different environmental conditions. Sequence alignments revealed some characteristic motifs (conserved amino acids) and specific differences among different isozymes. Analysis of putative signal peptides suggested that some BGLUs are plastidic, whereas others are mitochondrial, cytosolic, vacuolar or secreted. Microarray and RT-PCR analysis showed that each member of the Zmbglu family had a characteristic expression pattern with regard to tissue specificity and response to different abiotic conditions. The source of variance for gene expression was highest for the type of organ analyzed (tissue variance) than for the growth conditions (environmental variance) or genotype (genetic variance). Analysis of promoter sequences revealed that each Zmbglu paralog possesses a distinct set of cis elements and transcription factor binding sites. Since there are no two Zmbglu paralogs that have identical molecular properties, we conclude that gene subfunctionalization in maize occurs much more rapidly than gene duplication.

Capsicum annuum var. aviculare to Tarahumara and Papago Indians and farmers of Sonora desert is a promising biological and commercial value as a natural resource from arid and semiarid coastal zones. Traditionally, apply synthetic fertilizers to compensate for soil nitrogen deficiency. However, indiscriminate use of these fertilizers might increase salinity. The inoculation by plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) represents an alternative as potential bio fertilizer resources for salty areas. Seeds ecotypes from four areas of Sonora desert (Mazocahui, Baviacora, Arizpe, La Tortuga), in order to inoculate them with one species of PGPB and AMF. Two germination tests were carried out to study the effect of salinity, temperature regime (night/day) and inoculation with PGPB and AMF growth factors measured on germination (percentage and rate), plant height, root length, and produced biomass (fresh and dry matter). The results indicated that from four studied ecotypes, Mazocahui was the most outstanding of all, showing the highest germination under saline and non-saline conditions. However, the PGPB and AMF influenced the others variables evaluated. This study is the first step to obtain an ideal ecotype of C. a. var. aviculare, which grows in the northwest of México and promoting this type of microorganisms as an efficient and reliable biological product. Studies of the association of PGPB and AMF with the C. a. var. aviculare-Mazocahui ecotype are recommended to determine the extent to which these observations can be reproduced under field conditions., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)