Scientia Agropecuaria

Impact of cadmium on photosynthetic pigments, root structure, and nutrient concentrations in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants

Resumen El cadmio es un contaminante que causa daños a los organismos, en plantas provoca un retraso en el crecimiento, altera la función fotosintética y la concentración de nutrientes. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la influencia del Cd (0, 0,25, 0,50 y 1 µM) en el contenido de clorofila, daño estructural a la raíz, y la absorción y translocación de nutrientes (Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Fe y Zn) en plantas de Phaseolus vulgaris var. Opus. Se observó un incremento en la clorofila a en concentraciones de 0,25 y 1 µM de Cd, la clorofila b aumentó en los tres tratamientos con Cd y el contenido de carotenoides disminuyó en todos los tratamientos. Las raíces mostraron daño estructural por el incremento del Cd. Con relación a los nutrientes, el Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn en hoja y el K en tallo aumentaron sus concentraciones al incrementar la dosis de Cd; contrariamente el K en raíz disminuyó al aumentar las concentraciones de Cd; para el caso del Fe disminuyó respecto al tratamiento control en todos los órganos evaluados. Nuestros resultados sugieren que el estrés por el Cd a bajas concentraciones estimula la síntesis de clorofila, además las diferentes concentraciones de este contaminante, provoca sinergismos y antagonismos en los diferentes órganos de P. vulgaris, lo que conlleva a desórdenes nutricionales. Al ser un cultivo de importancia mundial, investigar los mecanismos moleculares y transportadores de membrana en raíces de P. vulgaris expuestas al Cd, es importante para mejorar su resistencia al Cd.

Abstract Cadmium (Cd) is a contaminant that causes significant damage to organisms. In plants, it results in growth delay, alters photosynthetic function, and affects nutrient concentrations. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Cd (0, 0,25, 0,50, and 1 µM) on chlorophyll content, structural damage to the root, and the absorption and translocation of nutrients (Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Fe, and Zn) in Phaseolus vulgaris var. Opus plants. An increase in chlorophyll a was observed at Cd concentrations of 0.25 and 1 µM. Chlorophyll b increased across all Cd treatments, while carotenoid content decreased in all treatments. The roots exhibited structural damage as Cd concentrations increased. For nutrients, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn in leaves, and K in stems, increased with higher Cd doses. Conversely, K in roots decreased with higher Cd concentrations, and Fe decreased compared to the control in all evaluated organs. Our results suggest that Cd stress at low concentrations stimulates chlorophyll synthesis and that varying Cd concentrations induce synergistic and antagonistic effects in different organs of P. vulgaris, leading to nutritional disorders. Given the global importance of this crop, studying the molecular mechanisms and membrane transporters in P. vulgaris roots exposed to Cd is crucial for enhancing its resistance to Cd.

Veterinary medicine based on montmorillonite clay from Western Kazakhstan for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in farm animals

Abstract The relevance of this research is associated with the great potential of using montmorillonite clay for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases of important farm animals and the lack of knowledge of these issues in modern literature. The paper was aimed at studying the toxicity, therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy of a veterinary drug developed based on montmorillonite clay of Western Kazakhstan for bovine gastroenteritis. The paper involved clinical, laboratory and pathoanatomical research methods. The obtained data were analysed using statistical methods. Oral administration of the developed veterinary drug did not have a significant effect on the parameters of the biochemical blood test of rats (p > 0.05) and the morphology of their internal organs after 2 weeks. The developed drug does not have toxicity; it can be attributed to the class of low-hazard substances. With a high degree of probability (p < 0.05), it can be argued that the veterinary drug improves the results of the standard treatment regimen for acute gastroenteritis in Kazakh whitehead cattle by 15%-30%. With a probability of 95%, it can be argued that the addition of the developed veterinary drug to the diet for 30 days led to a decrease in the incidence of gastroenteritis by 2.3 - 3.5 times among cattle. In addition, metabolic processes in the body of animals significantly (p < 0.05) improved in the three experimental groups, compared with the control group, in which cattle received a standard diet. Pathological and anatomical study and histological examination of organs and tissues of cows did not reveal significant differences between animals from the experimental and control groups. The results obtained may be useful in the development of effective methods for the treatment and prevention of gastroenteritis in cattle.

Exploring rhizobial diversity in tara (Caesalpinia spinosa) by trapping with pea (Pisum sativum)

Abstract Tara (Caesalpinia spinosa) is an emblematic legume tree of Peruvian dry forests and is a multi-purpose tree for tannins and gum, in particular. Despite its importance, the microbiological aspects associated with tara are not currently considered in forest management, and its nodulation status remains contentious. This study sought to confirm or deny C. spinosa’s nodulation status and, using P. sativum as a trap plant, to investigate the effects of C. spinosa on rhizospheric rhizobial communities. The study revealed a lack of tara nitrogenase activity and that C. spinosa is a non-nodulating species. Soil samples were collected from a tara plantation to investigate their effect on tara and pea growth, in a tara planting row (R), between 2 rows (IR), and outside the plantation (OP). For the total biomass growth parameter, soil R significantly promoted tara and pea growth. For root length and leaf chlorophyll content, there was a significant difference in favor of C. spinosa grown on R and IR soils compared with OP soil. Fifty-seven pea strains were characterized by analyzing the partial 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer. The phylogenetic tree showed high diversity with five clusters of Rhizobium spp. in the R. leguminosarum-etli clade and phylogenetic specificity according to soil origin. This study provides information of interest on the non-nodulating nature of C. spinosa and demonstrates the substantial influence of tara on rhizospheric bacterial communities. The results of this study highlight the need to integrate microbiological factors into forest management strategies to improve the ecological sustainability and agricultural yield of tara plantations.

Compositional and structural characterization of eleven types of lignocellulosic biomass and its potential application in obtaining nanopolysaccharides and producing polyhydroxyalkanoates

Resumen La valorización y utilización de la biomasa lignocelulósica proveniente del procesamiento de alimentos para la obtención de productos con valor añadido es crucial para mejorar la sostenibilidad y reducir costos de gestión de residuos, permitiendo transformar los desechos agroindustriales en recursos valiosos, contribuyendo a la economía circular. Este estudio se enfocó en la caracterización composicional y estructural de once tipos de biomasa lignocelulósica (BLC) con el fin de evaluar su potencial en la producción de nanopolisacáridos y polihidroxialcanoatos. Se analizaron parámetros como humedad, ceniza, proteínas, extractivos, carbohidratos estructurales y lignina en cáscaras de maracuyá, brácteas de alcachofa, cáscaras de espárrago, limón, naranja, semilla de palta, papa, yuca, bagazo de caña de azúcar, cáscara de arroz y paja de arroz. Los resultados mostraron que las cáscaras de frutas y otros residuos presentaron un alto contenido de extractivos (28,05%), mientras que el contenido de lignina y carbohidratos estructurales varió entre 69,66% y 30,53% y 22,2% y 8,84%, respectivamente. Además de la caracterización, se exploró el potencial de esta BLC para la producción de biopolímeros, destacando su relevancia en diversas industrias como la alimentaria y la ingeniería de materiales. En este sentido, estos hallazgos subrayan la importancia de utilizar recursos naturales locales de forma sostenible, abriendo nuevas oportunidades para desarrollar aplicaciones innovadoras como emulsiones pickering, envases biodegradables, aerogeles, hidrogeles y alimentos funcionales. Estas aplicaciones representan áreas prometedoras para futuras investigaciones y desarrollo tecnológico.

Abstract The valorization and use of lignocellulosic biomass from food processing to obtain value-added products is crucial to improve sustainability and reduce waste management costs. This potential for cost reduction is a reason for optimism, as it allows agro-industrial waste to be transformed into valuable resources, contributing to the circular economy. This study focused on the compositional and structural characterization of eleven types of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) to evaluate their potential in producing nanopolysaccharides and polyhydroxyalkanoates. Parameters such as humidity, ash, proteins, extractives, structural carbohydrates, and lignin were analyzed in passion fruit peels, artichoke bracts, asparagus peels, lemon peels, orange peels, avocado seed, potato peels, cassava peels, sugar cane bagasse, rice husk, and rice straw. The results showed that fruit peels and other waste had a high extractive content (28.05%), while the content of lignin and structural carbohydrates varied between 69.66% and 30.53% and 22.2% and 8.84%, respectively. In addition to the characterization, this BLC's potential for producing biopolymers was explored, highlighting its relevance in various industries such as food and materials engineering. These findings underline the importance of using local natural resources sustainably, opening new opportunities to develop innovative applications such as pickering emulsions, biodegradable packaging, aerogels, hydrogels, and functional foods. These applications represent promising areas for future research and technological development.

Changes in soil quality indicators in response to land use based on a minimum data set

Abstract The Ecuadorian Amazon region is permanently subject to deforestation processes and in parallel to the implementation of agricultural, and livestock management systems that can affect soil quality. This study assessed the effect of different land use types on soil quality using the Integrated Soil Quality Index (SQI) and minimum indicators. To do this, it considers representative soil samples, 4 types of land use, and a productive landscape in the province of Pastaza. The land use types evaluated were sugarcane (SC), agrosilvopastoral System (ASPS) silvopastoral timber system (SSTT), and secondary forest (SF). Land use type had significant effects on some soil properties and, therefore, on soil quality. The soil quality index was developed using BD, Ca+Mg/K, and SOM which had the highest weighting values, suggesting a higher contribution to the final SQI. The Soil Quality Index (SQI) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the different land uses, establishing the following order: SSPM (0.41) > SC (0.40) > B (0.34) > SASP (0.33). Therefore, the values obtained are considered low to moderate quality with SSPM and SC as the highest quality land uses. It is concluded that soil quality can be assessed and compared more accurately in the studies of land use using the current indexing framework due to its simplicity and quantitative flexibility. However, to evaluate soil quality more comprehensively and precisely, biological properties of soils should also be considered for SQI in future studies.

Fusarium spp. in corn crops: Identification, geographic distribution, symptoms, mycotoxins, disease cycle, control, and current and future challenges

Resumen La pudrición de mazorca de maíz ocasionada por especies del género Fusarium es uno de los varios problemas que enfrentan los productores a nivel mundial debido a su amplia distribución geográfica, ocasionando varias enfermedades como pudrición de tallo, raíz y mazorca. La identificación del patógeno se realiza a través de técnicas morfológicas y moleculares, siendo la última necesaria para identificación a nivel de especies. Además, el patógeno tiene la capacidad de producir micotoxinas como Deoxinivalenol (DON), Zearalenona (ZEA) y Fumonisinas (FB) las cuales contaminan el grano llegando a representar un riesgo tanto para la salud humana como animal. Esta reportado que el patógeno puede llegar a sobrevivir en los restos del cultivo ingresando a la planta a través de las raíces, a menudo por heridas causadas por insectos o prácticas de cultivo, una vez dentro de las raíces, el fitopatógeno coloniza los vasos del xilema y se transporta a través del sistema vascular de la planta, transportándose sistémicamente dentro de la misma, colonizando el tallo y otros tejidos vasculares llegando así a la mazorca. El uso de cultivares resistentes, el manejo de residuos de cultivos, riego y control biológico de enfermedades son alternativas enmarcadas en las prácticas agrícolas para disminuir la incidencia y propagación de enfermedades causadas por Fusarium. Sin embargo, los desafíos actuales y futuros incluyen la creciente resistencia de los hongos y el impacto del cambio climático en la distribución y severidad de las enfermedades.

Abstract Corn ear rot caused by species of the Fusarium genus is one of the many problems faced by producers worldwide due to its wide geographical distribution, leading to various diseases such as stalk, root, and ear rot. The identification of the pathogen can be carried out through morphological and molecular techniques, with the latter being necessary for species-level identification. Additionally, the pathogen can produce mycotoxins such as Deoxynivalenol (DON), Zearalenone (ZEA), and Fumonisins (FB), which contaminate the grain, posing a risk to both human and animal health. It has been reported that the pathogen can survive in crop residues, entering the plant through the roots, often via wounds caused by insects or agricultural practices. Once inside the roots, the phytopathogen colonizes the xylem vessels and is transported through the plant's vascular system, spreading systemically within the plant, colonizing the stalk and other vascular tissues, and eventually reaching the ear. The introduction of resistant cultivars, crop residue management, irrigation, and biological control of diseases are key strategies in agricultural practices to reduce the incidence and spread of diseases caused by Fusarium. However, current and future challenges include the increasing resistance of strains, distribution, and methods for pathogen identification.

Space-time analysis, severity of the wilt disease in escabeche pepper (Capsicum baccatum var. Pendulum) and identification of the causal agent (Phytophthora capsici L.) under subtropical climate conditions in Peru

Abstract Phytophthora capsici is an aggressive pathogen in escabeche pepper on the Peruvian coast. Root rot has a strong correlation with humidity and environment. Disease behavior was evaluated epidemiologically using spatiotemporal variables. Severity was evaluated according to the advance of the secondary symptom according to grades 1 to 5. Then, coordinates of each plant were established by photogrammetric survey of a field with 1705 escabeche pepper plants. For temporal analysis, severity was adjusted to an exponential model (R2 = 0.909) and incidence to a Gompertz model (R2 = 0.921) that detected an initial delay of the disease due to temperature. For the spatial analysis, the Global Moran Index (Ii) showed a high spatial dependence of the disease reaching a peak of 0.4 and 0.7 for severity and incidence, respectively. Also, heat maps related to the Local Ii were generated from which an initial source of infestation was determined where the furrow irrigation started in random infestations. Then, the infestation spots were settled in areas of surface water accumulation. Also, rhizosphere samples were collected per plant by degree of severity on V8 or CMA whit PARB and PDA-A selective medium. As a result, significant differences were obtained between grade 1, grade 2, 3, 4 and grade 5. In addition, the effect on yield was significant for plants with grade 4 and 5 with respect to fruit weight (22.3 and 18.5g/fruit) and weight per plant (509.5 and 371.8g/plant), respectively.

Lean Manufacturing in food production: Systematic review, bibliometric analysis and proposed application

Resumen En un entorno cambiante, la eficiencia y la capacidad de adaptación son esenciales para mejorar la competitividad de las empresas. El presente estudio analizó la aplicación de Lean Manufacturing en la producción de alimentos mediante una revisión de la literatura científica basada en Scopus, utilizando la metodología PRISMA y los softwares Vosviewer y Bibliometrix. A partir del análisis bibliométrico, se evidencia un incremento en las investigaciones sobre Lean Manufacturing en las empresas de alimentos desde 2019, con una tasa de crecimiento anual del 5,96%. Brasil y Perú se destacan por su alta producción científica, mientras que Brasil y Bélgica sobresalen en términos de citaciones. Además, se observa una destacada colaboración científica entre autores de América del Sur y Asia. Se identificaron tres clústeres relevantes: principios, herramientas de implementación y aplicaciones prácticas de Lean Manufacturing. El mapeo temático resaltó los conceptos Reducción de costes, Monitorización de procesos, Six Sigma y Mapeo de flujo de valor, como temas más prominentes subrayando el interés y aplicaciones en la literatura científica. Se propone la implementación de Lean Manufacturing en siete pasos, facilitando el uso de herramientas ágiles para la optimización de procesos y reducción de desperdicios en las empresas alimentarias. Lean Manufacturing contribuye a mejorar el flujo de productos en la cadena de suministro y en la sostenibilidad de las pequeñas y medianas empresas. Futuras investigaciones deben centrarse en la adaptación de Lean Manufacturing a diversos contextos y modelos de negocios en el sector agroalimentario.

Abstract In a changing environment, efficiency and adaptability are essential to improve business competitiveness. The present study analyzed the application of Lean Manufacturing in food production through a review of the scientific literature based in Scopus, using the PRISMA methodology and the Vosviewer and Bibliometrix software. From the bibliometric analysis, there is evidence of an increase in research on Lean Manufacturing in food companies since 2019, with an annual growth rate of 5.96%. Brazil and Peru stand out for their high scientific production, while Brazil and Belgium stand out in terms of citations. In addition, outstanding scientific collaboration between authors from South America and Asia is observed. Three relevant clusters were identified: principles, implementation tools and practical applications of Lean Manufacturing. The thematic mapping highlighted the concepts Cost Reduction, Process Monitoring, Six Sigma and Value Stream Mapping as the most prominent topics underlining the interest and applications in the scientific literature. The implementation of Lean Manufacturing in seven steps is proposed, facilitating the use of agile tools for process optimization and waste reduction in food companies. Lean Manufacturing contributes to improve the flow of products in the supply chain and to the sustainability of small and medium enterprises. Future research should focus on adapting Lean Manufacturing to various contexts and business models in the agri-food sector.

Sustainable watersheds management in Peru: Challenges and perspectives

Abstract Sustainable watershed management stands at the forefront of global efforts to tackle pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. This study offers a pioneering assessment of the state of research on Peru's watersheds, integrating geographical, environmental, and socio-economic dimensions. By harnessing cutting-edge bibliometric tools, including Bibliometrix and VOSviewer, and adhering to PRISMA guidelines for a systematic review, this work maps the scientific landscape of watershed management in Peru. Utilizing comprehensive databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, the study identifies and analyses key thematic clusters, revealing an escalating focus on the urgent issues of climate change and urbanization, particularly within the critical Rimac River Basin. This basin, vital to the water supply of Lima, the world's second-largest desert city, faces severe threats from pollution and climate instability. Our findings not only chart the evolution of research in this domain but also spotlight emerging opportunities to modernize water management practices through the integration of climate change models, advanced data monitoring, and artificial intelligence. The study makes a compelling case for a collaborative approach, urging stronger alliances among local communities, research institutions, and international stakeholders to foster more resilient and sustainable watershed management strategies in Peru. This paper provides actionable insights, making it an indispensable resource for policymakers and practitioners aiming to secure Peru's water future.

Methods for determination of antioxidant capacity of traditional and emergent crops of interest in Mexico: An overview

Abstract Reactive oxygen species are produced by aerobic organisms, including humans, because of metabolism. They can oxidise biomolecules and cause degenerative and cardiovascular diseases (diabetes, atherosclerosis, and neurological damage, among others). However, the consumption of different plant products is related to the prevention of reactive oxygen species-mediated damage because they contain various antioxidants that inhibit the oxidation of biomolecules. Some important natural antioxidants are carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and vitamins. These molecules are found in various crops produced in Mexico, some of which have been cultivated for a long time, while others have emerged in recent years. The study of the antioxidant capacity of these crops has increased over time. Different methods are used to determine this capacity, depending on the type of antioxidants. In this review, we analyse the antioxidant quantification methods of various crops of interest in Mexico (traditional and emergent), as well as their relationship to prevent the oxidation of biomolecules.

Anatomical and carcass traits, partition of fat deposits, and meat quality in culled adult goats finished with high-fat diet

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the impact of a high-fat finishing diet on the in vivo performance, anatomical and carcass characteristics, and meat quality of adult culled goats. Over a period of 28 days leading up to slaughter, eighteen adult culled goats were subjected to a finishing diet provided in quantities sufficient to meet 3.0 times the nutritional requirements of adult non-dairy maintenance goats. The female goats were divided into two groups: one fed with the baseline diet without fat supplementation (n = 9) and the other fed a diet concentrated supplemented with whole full-fat linseed (n = 9). The diets varied in fat content (2.8% vs. 8.4% DM). The high-fat group exhibited a higher dry matter intake compared to the control group (+37%), along with elevated plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The control group experienced a significant decrease in daily weight gain between the second and final week of the finishing period (-70%), in contrast to the increase observed in the high-fat group (+59%). At slaughter, no differences were noted between the groups in anatomical and carcass characteristics. Additionally, no differences were found between the diets regarding proximate composition, pH, yellow color component, and lightness of loin. The high-fat group exhibited a higher redness of loin. The inclusion of high-fat levels in finishing diets for culled adult goats allows for increased feed intake and performance but does not appear to affect carcass or meat quality.

Low-carbon agricultural technologies improve forage and feed production in the Caatinga biome, Brazil: Characteristics, comparison, effects of climate change, resilience, local development, and food security

Abstract Adjustments in Brazilian livestock are necessary to minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, since the largest source of methane comes from ruminants’ enteric fermentation, and of carbon from deforestation. Low-carbon agriculture technologies (LCAT) contribute to mitigating these emissions and this study evaluates the role of these technologies on ruminant forage production in Caatinga. A Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threats analysis was used to elucidate the main features, followed by an Analytic Hierarchical Process, ranking the LCAT, and a risk analysis. Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest System (ICLFS) is the most recommended technology, followed by Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) and Recovery of Degraded Areas with Pastures (RDA-P). The results can aid in the choice of the LCAT to be implemented by the smallholder in Caatinga, demonstrating the need to strengthen rural technical assistance, so that there is a real benefit to the producer and the environment.