Scientia Agropecuaria

What is the impact of COVID-19 disease on agriculture?

Abstract The different pandemics that humanity has experienced, such as the Spanish Flu, Asian Flu, Hong Kong Flu, HIV/AIDS, SARS, Ebola, and Swine Flu, have had a great impact on the economy, the environment and any human activity, such as livestock, agriculture, tourism, transport, education, health, fishing, mining, industry, commerce, etc. Currently, humanity is facing another pandemic, the infection of the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that generates the disease known as COVID-19. The objective of this document is to analyze and discuss the effects in agriculture of events related to the disease of COVID-19. For this analysis, data from the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and scientific and technical documents have been used. There is sufficient evidence to affirm that the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 disease has an important effect on agriculture and the food supply chain, mainly affecting food demand and consequently food security, with a great impact on the most vulnerable population.

Ethnobotanical aspects of Cuspon, Peru: A peasant community that uses 57 species of plants in its various needs

Resumen Se sabe que las comunidades Andino-Amazónicas a través de la historia han hecho un correcto y eficaz uso de sus recursos florísticos, que al domesticarlas inteligentemente se han constituido en verdaderos aportes del Perú para la humanidad. Por ello esta investigación se avocó a determinar los aspectos etnobotánicos de las especies empleadas por la Comunidad Campesina de Cuspón. Se aplicaron 150 entrevistas semiestructuradas, para recabar información referente a: taxonomía, nombres vulgares, hábito o porte, hábitat, forma de propagación, parte utilizada y uso etnobotánico, para luego determinar el Índice Cultural (IC). La comunidad de Cuspón utiliza en sus más diversas necesidades 57 especies de plantas distribuidas en 48 géneros y 30 familias; siendo las más representativas las Asteraceaes (11), solanaceae (4), Euphorbiaceae (3), Malvaceae (3), Onagraceae (3) y Urticaceae (3); y las especies más importantes: Solanum tuberosum L. "papa" (IC = 1,33), Zea mays L. "maíz" (IC = 1,31), Chenopodium quinoa Willd. "quinua" (IC = 1,06), Caesalpinia spinosa (Molina) Kuntze "talla" (IC = 0,97), Capsicum pubescens Ruiz & Pav. "rocoto" (IC = 0,95), Juglans neotropica Diels "nogal" (IC = 0,92), Alnus acuminata Kunth "aliso" (IC = 0,86), Cestrum auriculatum L'Hér. "hierba santa", Minthostachys mollis (Benth.) Griseb. "muña" (IC = 0,85).

Abstract It is known that the Andean-Amazon communities throughout history have made a correct and effective use of its floristic resources, which by intelligently domesticating them have become true contributions of Peru for humanity. For this reason, this research focused on determining the aspects ethnobotanicals of the species used by the Cuspon Peasant Community. 150 semi-structured interviews were applied, to collect information regarding: taxonomy, common names, habit or bearing, habitat, way of propagation, part used and ethnobotanical use, to later determine the Cultural Index (CI). The Cuspon community uses 57 species of plants distributed in 48 genera and 30 families; the most representative being the Asteraceaes (11), solanaceae (4), Euphorbiaceae (3), Malvaceae (3), Onagraceae (3) and Urticaceae (3); and the most species Important: Solanum tuberosum L. "potato" (IC = 1.33), Zea mays L. "corn" (IC = 1.31), Chenopodium quinoa Willd. "quinoa" (IC = 1.06), Caesalpinia spinosa (Molina) Kuntze "tara" (IC = 0.97), Capsicum pubescens Ruiz & Pav. "rocoto" (IC = 0.95), Juglans neotropica Diels "walnut" (IC = 0.92), Alnus acuminata Kunth "alder" (IC = 0.86), Cestrum auriculatum L'Hér. "holy grass", Minthostachys mollis (Benth.) Griseb. "muña" (IC = 0.85).

Plant growth promoter collection of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus from the northern coast of Peru

Abstract The application of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) represents a friendly alternative to the environment, in contrast to the use of chemical fertilizers. Endophytic bacteria can develop inside the plant tissues and directly benefit the plant. Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus is a versatile bacterium that has been isolated from different plants and possesses different physiological properties that would serve to improve plant development. In this research, five cultures of G. diazotrophicus were isolated from sugarcane samples from the northern coast of Peru. The isolates showed the ability to solubilize phosphates and zinc, produce IAA, and resist salt stress (NaCl 1%). Antagonism evaluations showed that they can inhibit up to 75%, 57%, 40%, 49% and 17% of the development of Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., Roselinia sp., Lasiodiplodia sp., and Sclerotinia sp., respectively. Inoculation plant experiments were developed by inoculating individual and bacteria mixture. All treatments showed plant growth promotion in sugarcane, but the mixture of G. diazotrophicus LASFB 1573, Klebsiella sp. LASFBP 086 and Enterobacter sp. LASFB 009 increased up to 84% and 89% in fresh and dry plant weight, respectively. The results show that the isolates have a high potential as PGPB and could be used later to improve the development of different crops.

Postharvest respiration of fruits and environmental factors interaction: An approach by dynamic regression models

Abstract The respiratory metabolism of fruits is affected by multiple internal (product) and external (environmental) factors that often interact with each other. Among the external factors that have the greatest influence on respiration are temperature, air composition, moisture content, and illumination. This paper aims to elucidate the influence of environmental factors on the respiration rate of peach fruits based on transfer models obtained by dynamic regression modelling (ARIMAX). The fitted ARIMA models met the criteria of parsimony and white noise in residuals. The estimated coefficients of each model were statistically significant under the Durbin-Watson (DW), Akaike (AIC) and Schwarz (SBC) criteria. Transfer functions revealed 0.15% and 1.9% increase, and 0.001% decrease in the respiration rate of the peach fruit for each unit of change in temperature, relative humidity, and the illumination of the storage environment, respectively. The respiration rate response took place 1-8 minutes after the change in environmental variables had occurred. It was concluded that the dynamic regression modelling is reliable for predicting the physiological response of fruits the effect of external factors imposed continuously during postharvest handling.

Identification of genes related to drought tolerance in 41 varieties of quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa Willd)

Resumen El objetivo de la investigación fue identificar los genes relacionados con la tolerancia a la sequía en la quinua. Para ello, se evaluaron 41 variedades de Chenopodium quinoa Willd con seis repeticiones; en la etapa de floración, se seleccionaron al azar tres macetas/material, de cada variedad, para ser inducidas a sequía total por dos semanas, reanudándose el riego después de ese periodo, las otras tres fueron el control. A partir del día 27 después de la siembra, se midió el nivel de clorofila y se clasificó como tolerante o susceptible a la sequía, en función de su índice de contenido clorofila (ICC). Para la identificación de genes se tomaron muestras de hoja de tres variedades (Red head, Salcedo INIA y Kankolla 1). La Extracción del ARN se realizó usando el reactivo reagent(r) TRI y para el secuenciamiento de transcriptomas se utilizó la plataforma de Ilumina. Se identificaron 26 genes en las tres variedades de quinua, pero en las variedades tolerantes a la sequía; tres de ellos son regulados al alza ante la exposición a la sequía y cinco genes (AUR62037809, AUR62000271, AUR62037807, AUR62042825 AUR62009791) tienen un cambio en su patrón de expresión como consecuencia de la exposición a la sequía.

Abstract The objective of the research was to identify the genes related to drought tolerance in quinoa. For this, 41 varieties of Chenopodium quinoa Willd were evaluated with six repetitions; in the flowering stage, three pots/material, of each variety, were randomly selected to be induced to total drought for two weeks, resuming irrigation after that period, the other three were the control. From day 27 after sowing, the chlorophyll level was measured and classified as tolerant or susceptible to drought, based on its chlorophyll content index (CCI). For the identification of genes, leaf samples of three varieties were taken (Red head, Salcedo INIA and Kankolla 1). RNA Extraction was performed using reagent(r) TRI reagent and for the transcriptome sequencing the Ilumina platform was used. 26 genes were identified in the three varieties of quinoa, but in the drought tolerant varieties; three of them are regulated upwards when exposed to drought and five genes (AUR62037809, AUR62000271, AUR62037807, AUR62042825 AUR62009791) have a change in their pattern of expression as a result of drought exposure.

New variety of sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas L. Lam.) with better agronomic and commercial characteristics

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el valor agronómico y económico de un nuevo clon de camote (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam.) lanzado como variedad comercial. Se realizaron las siguientes evaluaciones: (1) Cruzamiento de parentales, siembra de semilla botánica en invernadero y trasplante de plántulas en casa de malla, (2) Ensayos de rendimiento en campo y (3) Parcelas de comprobación o validación (para definir su valor agronómico y rentabilidad). Se evaluó rendimiento de raíces (t ha-1), reacción a virus, color de pulpa, vigor de planta, pérdida de peso en almacén, cocción, dulzura, porcentaje de humedad, materia seca, grasa, fibra cruda, carbohidratos y proteína, cantidad de sólidos solubles (grados Brix), carotenoides (µg β-CE g-1) y actividad antioxidante con radical ABTS (µmol TE g-1). Se demostró que agronómica y económicamente el Clon 54, denominado INIA 329-Bicentenario, es superior a la variedad comercial Amarillo Benjamín usada como testigo, porque es resistente a virus, tiene mejores características comerciales: alto rendimiento (3,0 t ha-1 adicionales), mejor forma, más tamaño, mejor color de pulpa, rápida cocción, mayor dulzura, más materia seca, menos contenido de grasa y mayor vida útil en almacén, y porque su rentabilidad es mayor, presentando menor riesgo para el productor.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the agronomic and economic value of a new sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam.) clone proposed as a commercial variety. For this purpose, the following evaluations were carried out: (1) parental crossing, seed sowing in greenhouse and seedling transplantation in a mesh house, (2) field performance assessment and (3) plot validation (profitability analysis). root yield (t ha-1), viral detection, pulp color, plant vigor, weight loss during storage, cooking, sweetness, moisture percentage, dry matter, fat, raw fiber, carbohydrates and proteins, amount of soluble solids (Brix degrees), carotenoids (µg β-CE g-1) and antioxidant activity with ABTS radical (µmol TE g-1) were evaluated. It was demonstrated that the clone 54, named as INIA 329-Bicentenario, was agronomically and economically better than the commercial variety Amarillo Benjamín, used as a control group. The clone 54 showed viral resistance and better commercial features such as higher yield (3.0 t ha-1 of additional yield), better shape, size and pulp color, faster cooking. Moreover, the clone 54 was sweeter, and had lower fat content and a longer shelf life. Thus, the clone 54 showed higher profitability and lower risk for the farmers.

Health risks due to the presence of heavy metals in agricultural products cultivated in areas abandoned by gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue de analizar las concentraciones de As, Cd, Pb y Hg en suelos y productos agrícolas (plátano y yuca) en áreas abandonadas por minería aurífera, sureste de la Amazonía peruana. Se analizó la concentración y bioacumulación de metales pesados, según órgano de la planta (raíz, tallo, hoja y fruto). Se encontró que las concentraciones de Hg en suelo (< 0,01 mg/kg) fueron similares en plantaciones contaminadas y no contaminadas; mientras que las concentraciones de As, Cd y Pb fueron superiores en las contaminadas. Las concentraciones de As, Pb y Cd en yuca y plátano fueron superiores en las plantaciones contaminadas. En yuca se encontró una elevada acumulación de Pb y As en las raíces y tallos (> 2,9 mg/kg). En frutos de plátano se encontraron las concentraciones más bajas de todos los metales analizados (< 0,01 mg/kg). El grado de bioacumulación de As y Pb fue intenso para la yuca en sitios contaminados. Las concentraciones de As y Pb en raíces de yuca superan los niveles recomendados por la FAO/OMS. Por estas razones es esencial la evaluación, monitoreo y mayor control en la comercialización de productos agrícolas cultivados en zonas abandonadas por la minería aurífera para evitar la toxicidad en humanos.

Abstract The present study aimed to determine the concentrations of As, Cd, Pb and Hg in soil and crops (banana and cassava) in areas abandoned by gold mining, southeast of the Peruvian Amazon. The concentration and bioaccumulation of heavy metals was analyzed, according to the plant organ (root, stem, leaf and fruit). Soil Hg concentrations (< 0.01 mg/kg) were found to be similar in contaminated and uncontaminated plantations; while the concentrations of As, Cd and Pb were higher in the contaminated ones. The concentrations of As, Pb and Cd in cassava and banana were higher in the contaminated plantations. In cassava, a high accumulation of Pb and As was found in the roots and stems (> 2.9 mg/kg). In banana fruits, the lowest concentrations of all the metals analyzed were found (< 0.01 mg/kg). The degree of bioaccumulation of As and Pb was intense for cassava in contaminated areas. The concentrations of As and Pb in cassava roots exceed the levels recommended by the FAO/ WHO. For these reasons, evaluation, monitoring and greater control in the commercialization of agricultural products cultivated in areas abandoned by gold mining are essential to avoid toxicity in humans.

Efficiency of color sticky traps in the insect capture of leafy vegetable

Resumen En hortalizas, así como en otros cultivos, plagas de insectos ocasionan pérdidas de producción. Como parte de un manejo integrado de plagas, la presente investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar la eficiencia de trampas pegantes en la captura de insectos fitófagos presentes en hortalizas de hoja. Para ello se instalaron trampas de diferentes colores en parcelas de acelga (Beta vulgaris), repollo (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), lechuga (Lactuca sativa) y cilantro (Coriandrium sativum). Los insectos plaga más frecuentes fueron trips (Frankliniella sp.), cigarritas (Borongonalia sp.), pulgones (Myzus persicae y Myzus sp.), silidos (Russelliana sp.) y mosca de la raíz (Díptera-Anthomiidae). Trampas pegantes celeste y blanco, muestran eficiencia para captura de trips en 30% y 28% respectivamente; adultos de mosca de la raíz, fueron atrapados con eficiencia de 23% del total de insectos en trampas blancas y 17% en trampas celestes; pulgones son eficientemente atraídos por trampas amarillas en 26% y con trampas verdes en 20%; la mayor atracción de cigarritas ocurrió en trampas de color naranja (21%) y amarillo (20%); para silidos trampas de colores naranja, verde y amarillo muestran capturas de 21%, 20% y 18% respectivamente. Las trampas de menor eficiencia fueron rosadas, rojas y negras, con capturas de 10%, 8% y 6% respectivamente.

Abstract In vegetables, as well as in other crops, insect pests cause yield losses, therefore, in the search to solve this problem and as part of an integrated pest management, this research aimed to evaluate trapping efficiency of sticky traps for phytophagous insects present in leafy vegetables. For this, traps of different colors were installed in chard crops (Beta vulgaris), cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and coriander (Coriandrium sativum). The most common insects were thrips (Frankliniella sp.), Cicadelline leafhoppers (Borongonalia sp.), aphids (Myzus persicae and Myzus sp.), psyllid (Russelliana sp.) and root fly (Diptera-Anthomiidae). Light blue and white sticky traps, show capture efficiency for thrips in 30% and 28% respectively; adults of root fly were captured with efficiency of 23% of all insects on white traps and 17% on light blue traps. Yellow traps efficiently attract aphids by 26% and by green traps by 20%; the greatest attraction of cicadelline leafhoppers occurred on orange (21%) and yellow (20%) traps; for psyllids, traps of orange, green and yellow colors show captures of 21%, 20% and 18%, respectively. The lower efficient traps were pink, red and black, with caught of 10%, 8% and 6%, respectively.

Fertilizing with native efficient microorganisms has a positive effect on the phenology, biomass and production of tomato ( Lycopersicum esculentum Mill)

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la influencia de microorganismos eficientes autóctonos (EMA) en el cultivo de Lycopersicum esculentum Milll (tomate) variedad "Río Grande". El experimento se realizó en San Gabriel, Apurímac, Perú. Los factores estudiados fueron dosis (12,5; 25 y 50 cc) y frecuencias de aplicación (7, 14 y 21 días); se utilizó un diseño de bloques completos al azar, con arreglo factorial de 3 x 3 + 1, con tres repeticiones. Se evaluaron: altura de planta, número de flores, área foliar, número de tallos, peso de la raíz y rendimiento en g/planta. Los resultados mostraron que la dosis de 25 cc de EMA aplicado cada 14 días, contribuyó a una mayor altura (39 cm), mayor número de flores (37 flores), mayor área foliar (24 cm2), el mayor número de tallos por planta (5 tallos), el mayor peso de la raíz a la cosecha (59,67 g) y el mayor rendimiento (1713,69 g/planta). Ello sugiere que la aplicación de biofertilizante puede ser una importante alternativa para fertilizar cultivos como el tomate, reduciendo el uso de fertilizantes de síntesis química e incrementar la producción.

Abstract The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of autochthonous efficient microorganisms (AEM) on the cultivation of Lycopersicum esculentum Milll (tomato) variety "Río Grande". The experiment was conducted in San Gabriel, Apurímac, Peru. The factors studied were doses (12.5, 25 and 50 cc) and application frequencies (7, 14 and 21 days); a randomized complete block design was used, with a factorial arrangement of 3 x 3 + 1, with three repetitions. Plant height, number of flowers, leaf area, number of stems, root weight and yield in g/plant were evaluated. The results showed that the dose of 25 cc of AEM applied every 14 days, contributed to a higher height (39 cm), higher number of flowers (37 flowers), higher leaf area (24 cm2), higher number of stems per plant (5 stems), higher weight of the root at harvest (59.67 g) and higher yield (1713.69 g/plant). This suggests that the application of biofertilizer can be an important alternative to fertilize crops such as tomatoes, reducing the use of chemical synthesis fertilizers and increasing production.

Induction of lily ( Lilium sp.) bulblets from scales, using auxins and cytokinins

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación fue inducir bulbillos de azucena (Lilium sp.) a partir de escamas empleando reguladores de crecimiento. En la etapa de inducción de bulbillos se emplearon bulbos de azucena de dos calibres, asimismo 100 mg/L de ácido naftalenacético (ANA), 50 y 100 mg/L de bencilaminopurina (BAP), solos o combinados. Los bulbos fueron desinfectados y sometidos a los reguladores de crecimiento, y las escamas colocadas en sustrato PREMIX a capacidad de campo. En la etapa de establecimiento se emplearon bulbillos inducidos y colocados en sustrato para el crecimiento y desarrollo de plántulas. Los resultados mostraron que el empleo de 100 mg/L ANA, 100 mg/L de BAP, solos o combinados permitieron inducir un mayor número de bulbillos a partir de escamas de bulbos con mayor calibre en comparación con el testigo. En la etapa de establecimiento se determinó que los bulbillos inducidos a partir de escamas de bulbos de mayor calibre y sometidos a concentraciones de 100 mg/L de ANA + 50 mg/L de BAP, las plántulas mostraron mayor longitud de hoja en comparación con escamas sin el uso de reguladores de crecimiento. Fue posible desarrollar un protocolo de inducción de bulbillos en escamas de azucena para la obtención de semilla prebásica.

Abstract The objective of this investigation was to induce lily bulblets (Lilium sp.) from scales using growth regulators. In the induction stage of bulblets, two caliber bulbs were used, also 100 mg/L of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 50 and 100 mg/L of benzylaminopurine (BAP), alone or in combination. The bulbs were disinfected and subjected to the growth regulators, and the scales placed in PREMIX substrate at field capacity. In the establishment stage, induced bulbs were used and placed in a substrate for the growth and development of seedlings. The results showed that the use of 100 mg/L NAA, 100 mg/L of BAP, alone or in combination, allowed to induce a greater number of bulblets from bulbs of larger caliber compared to the control. In the establishment stage it was determined that the bulblets induced from larger caliber bulb scales and subjected to concentrations of 100 mg/L of NAA + 50 mg/L of BAP, the seedlings showed greater leaf length compared to scales without the use of growth regulators. It was possible to develop a bulb induction protocol in lily scales to obtain pre-basic seed.

Effect of changes in food price on the quinoa consumption and rural food security in Peru

Resumen El objetivo fue determinar el efecto de los cambios en los precios sobre la ingesta de los alimentos de los productores rurales del departamento de Junín (Perú), con la finalidad de verificar si existen diferencias en la situación de seguridad alimentaria entre agricultores que producen quinua con aquellos que no lo producen. Para ello, se aplicaron encuestas a 277 productores y se utilizaron datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Hogares (2016) para evaluar las dimensiones de la seguridad alimentaria. Se encontró que los alimentos locales tienen elasticidades más bajas que los alimentos foráneos, pero la variabilidad de precios de alimentos locales es mayor, además 27,3% de la población no cubren requerimientos calóricos, y que el consumo de quinua se asocia a su valor nutricional y a factores culturales. Para la población rural de Junín se evidencia un consumo de bajo valor nutricional, y no existen diferencias significativas en el consumo diario de alimentos entre productores de quinua de aquellos que no lo cultivan, por lo que aumentos de precios de alimentos impactarían similarmente a ambos grupos de productores.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effect of changes in prices on food consumption of rural producers in Junin (Peru) in order to verify if there are some differences in food security between farmers who produce quinoa and those who do not. For this purpose, surveys were applied to 277 producers and the data from the National Household Survey (2016) were used to assess the dimensions of food security. It was found that local food has lower elasticity values than foreign one, but the variability of local food prices is higher. In addition, 27.3% of the population does not satisfy the caloric requirements, and that the quinoa consumption is associated with its nutritional value and cultural factors. In Junin's rural population a low nutritional value consumption is evident, and there are not significant differences in the daily food consumption between producers who farm the quinoa and those who do not. Therefore, food price increases would equally impact both producer groups.

Effectiveness of nine control methods of Oregmopyga peruviana (Granara de Willink & Diaz) (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Eriococcidae) in Vitis vinifera L. 'Negra Criolla' and 'Quebranta'

Resumen Oregmopyga peruviana, plaga de la vid, ocasiona daños que reducen el rendimiento y, en infestaciones fuertes, provocan la muerte de la planta. Está presente en todo el litoral peruano, siendo una plaga muy importante. El objetivo de estudio fue determinar la eficacia individual de nueve métodos (buprofezin 25 g·hL-1, clorpirifos 96 g·hL-1, vinaza pura, spirotetramat 474,3 g·hL-1, imidacloprid SC 1435 g·hL-1, imidacloprid WG 17,5 g·hL-1, M. anisopliae y B. bassiana 333,3 x 1012 UFC·hL-1, tiametoxam 900 g·hL-1 y dinotefuran 680 g·hL-1) en el control de Oregmopyga peruviana. Cada tratamiento se comparó con su testigo utilizándose la prueba T de Student para variables independientes (p ≤ 0,05). Además, se determinó el porcentaje de control mediante la fórmula de Henderson y Tilton, obteniendo: buprofezin 87,4%, clorpirifos 84,2%, vinaza 70,1%, spirotetramat 97,2%, imidacloprid WG 95,5%, imidacloprid SC 87,6%, dinotefuran 99,6% y tiametoxam 91,6%; M. anisopliae y B. bassiana no fueron eficaces en el control. Los resultados muestran que ocho de los nueve tratamientos tuvieron un porcentaje de control superior al 70% teniendo poblaciones significativamente inferiores. Se concluye que la vinaza es una alternativa orgánica y de bajo costo para el control eficaz de O. peruviana.

Abstract Oregmopyga peruviana, pest of the vine, causes damage that reduce the yield and strong infestations provoke the death of the plant. It is present along the Peruvian coast, being a very important pest. The objective of the study is to determine the individual efficacy of nine treatments (buprofezin 25 g·hL-1, chlorpyrifos 96 g·hL-1, pure vinasse, spirotetramat 474.3 g·hL-1, imidacloprid SC 1435 g·hL-1, imidacloprid WG 17.5 g·hL-1, M. anisopliae and B. bassiana 333.3 x 1012 CFU·hL-1, thiamethoxam 900 g·hL-1 and dinotefuran 680 g·hL-1) in different phenological periods. Each treatment was compared with its control using the Student's t-test for independent variables (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, the control percentage was determined using the Henderson and Tilton formula, obtaining for buprofezin 87.4%, chlorpyrifos 84.2%, vinasse 70.1%, spirotetramat 97.2%, imidacloprid WG 95.5%, imidacloprid SC 87.6%, dinotefuran 99.6% and thiamethoxam 91.6%. M. anisopliae and B. bassiana got no control. The results show that eight of the nine treatments had a controlling percentage higher than 70% having significantly lower populations. Furthermore, vinasse is an organic and low cost alternative for the control of O. peruviana.

The incorporation of organic amendments in the form of compost and vermicompost reduces the negative effects of monoculture in soils

Resumen La producción de flores es un rubro importante en la economía del Ecuador, pero los sistemas intensivos en forma de monocultivo de especies como la Gypsophila paniculata provocan alteraciones en el suelo. El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de la incorporación de enmiendas orgánicas en forma de compost y vemicompost en el suelo de monocultivo de Gypsophila. Se planteó un ensayo en condiciones de invernadero, con un diseño completo al azar (DCA) con nueve tratamientos. En macetas con sustratos suelo de producción de Gypsophila procedente de Ecuador al que se incorporó dosis de compost y vermicompost se sembró Gypsophila para evaluarse tres ciclos de cosecha. Se determinó absorción foliar y peso fresco de materia verde. Terminada cosecha 1 y cosecha 3, se caracterizó el sustrato suelo. La incorporación de compost o vermicompost frente al tratamiento Testigo, mejora la absorción foliar de fósforo, potasio, magnesio y azufre en las tres cosechas, en el sustrato suelo se incrementó la conductividad eléctrica (C.E.), el fósforo disponible y contenido de materia orgánica (MO), hay efecto tampón del pH y la densidad aparente disminuye. Los valores de peso fresco de tallos de tratamientos con enmiendas orgánicas son superiores al Testigo en las tres cosechas.

Abstract Flower production is an important item in the Ecuadorian economy, but intensive monoculture systems of species such as Gypsophila paniculata cause alterations in the soil. The objective was to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of organic amendments in the form of compost and vermicompost in the Gypsophila monoculture soil. A trial was considered under greenhouse conditions, with a completely randomized design (CRD) with nine treatments. Gypsophila was planted in pots with Gypsophila production soil from Ecuador to which compost and vermicompost doses were added to evaluate three harvest cycles. Foliar absorption and fresh weight of green matter were determined. After harvest 1 and harvest 3, the soil substrate was characterized. The incorporation of compost or vermicompost compared to the Control treatment, improves the foliar absorption of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sulfur in the three harvests, in the soil substrate the Electrical Conductivity (EC), the available phosphorus and the content of Organic Matter (OM), there is a buffer effect on the pH and the bulk density decreases. The fresh weight values of stems from treatments with organic amendments are higher than the Control in the three harvests.

Price volatility and quinoa consumption among smallholder producers in the Andes

Abstract The recent attention to quinoa as nutritious food is changing the way the crop is produced and consumed by smallholders in the Andes. Price spikes and increased volatility in international quinoa prices have created a concern about quinoa consumption among Andean farm-households. The farm-household theory was used to investigate how food price changes affect household consumption and production decisions. Theoretical predictions were applied to original survey data from a quinoa-producing region of Peru. Findings suggest that the global quinoa hype and consequent price spikes did not adversely affect the consumption of this nutritious food among quinoa producers.

Oxidative stability and shelf life of avocado oil extracted cold and hot using discard avocado ( Persea americana )

Abstract During the last years, the world avocado trade is on the rise, however, approximately 20% of the production is rejected for low caliber. This avocado discarded by low caliber can be used in the elaboration of other products, to give it added value. The objective of this study was to determine the shelf life of Hass avocado oil, type of discard, obtained by: (a) Drying by stove/Soxhlet (b) Lyophilized/Expeller. For the physicochemical characterization of the oil, density, melting point, acidity index, refractive index, iodine index and peroxide index were determined. The induction time was carried out by the RANCIMAT method, for which three temperatures of 140 °C, 160 °C and 180 °C were used and the shelf life of the oil was obtained by extrapolation at 25 °C. The results indicate that there is a significant statistical difference in the physicochemical characteristics of both oils. The shelf life was for the oil obtained by drying stove/Soxhlet 5.94 years and for the oil obtained by freeze-dried/Expeller 4.41 years, since both oils had a high content of unsaturated fatty acids 16.98% and 17.12%, respectively. In conclusion, it is possible to reduce post-harvest losses by obtaining avocado oil with high nutritional and functional qualities.

Lucuma ( Pouteria lucuma ): Composition, bioactive components, antioxidant activity, uses and beneficial properties for health

Resumen La lúcuma es una fruta de origen andino, de forma ovoide, color amarillo verdoso, aroma agradable y sabor dulce intenso. En los últimos años ésta súper fruta ha ganado gran popularidad en el mercado internacional, y su demanda tiende a incrementarse exponencialmente en el futuro, debido a sus propiedades como alimento funcional por sus componentes bioactivos como β-carotenos, niacina, compuestos fenólicos, fitoesteroles, entre otros que dotan a esta fruta de propiedades beneficiosas para la salud, como su acción antiinflamatoria, efecto antioxidante, acción antihipertensiva, antibacteriana, energizante, cicatrizante, y su uso como edulcorante natural. Actualmente se está investigando sobre su influencia en el metabolismo, su capacidad antidiabética, anticancerígena y su consumo para prevenir enfermedades cardíacas y contrarrestar el Alzheimer. Las propiedades de la lúcuma continúan en estudio actualmente y se esperan mayores beneficios y aplicaciones. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en dar a conocer los componentes y propiedades beneficiosas de la lúcuma desde el punto de vista de la salud.

Abstract Lucuma is a superfruit of Andean origin, with ovoid shape, greenish yellow color, nice smell and intense sweet taste. In recent years this superfruit has won great popularity in the international market, and its demand tends to increase exponentially in the future, due to its properties as a functional food for its bioactive components like β-carotens, niacin, phenolic components, phytosterols, among others that give this fruit beneficial properties for health, such as its anti-inflammatory action, antioxidant effect, antihypertensive action, antibacterial, energizing, healing, and its use as a natural sweetener. Currently, research is being carried out about its influence on metabolism, its antidiabetic, anti-cancer capacity and its use to prevent heart disease and counteract Alzheimer's. The properties of lucuma are still under study and greater benefits and applications are expected. The objective of this work was to announce the components and beneficial properties of lucuma known from the point of view of health.