Molecular characterization of Fasciola hepatica in endemic regions of Colombia.

Fasciola hepatica is a zoonotic trematode that affects a wide range of hosts, including cattle, sheep, and goats. The economic impact of the parasite on the cattle industry is significant, with high losses reported worldwide. While its impact on human health was previously underestimated, recent years have seen a rise in fascioliasis cases, leading to increased interest among researchers globally. To characterize the genetic diversity and intraspecific variation of this parasite in South America, specifically in Colombia, we collected 105 adult parasites from cattle bile ducts in seven Colombian departments (Antioquia, Boyacá, Santander, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Nariño, Norte de Santander, and Santander) to assess the parasite's phenotypic analyses, genetic diversity, and population structure. A computer image analysis system (CIAS) was applied based on standardized morphological measurements. Liver-fluke size was studied by principal component analysis (PCA). DNA sequences were obtained for nuclear markers such as the 28S, ß-tubulin 3, ITS1, ITS2, and the mitochondrial marker Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI). Multiple statistical tests were performed, and the parasite's population structure was analyzed. Maximum Likelihood (ML) phylogenetic reconstructions were carried out using the sequences obtained herein and sequences available in GenBank. Morphological results revealed that all the obtained individuals matched F. hepatica's morphology. There was no evidence of high genetic diversity, and the absence of genetic structure at the country-level was notable, possibly caused by a demographic expansion of this trematode in Colombia or the low resolution of the molecular markers employed. Future studies are still needed to unveil the genetic population structure of F. hepatica across the country.

Phenotypic intrapopulation variation in quinoa from the department of Boyacá, Colombia / Variación fenotípica intrapoblacional en quinua en el departamento de Boyacá, Colombia

ABSTRACT Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Wild.) is an Andean crop that originated from the Andes of South America, with great agronomic, industrial, pharmaceutical potential and also a great capacity to tolerate adverse environmental factors. In Colombia, more accurately in the Department of Nariño, Cauca, Cundinamarca and Boyacá. Shows great genetic variation, both molecular and morphological, which organization remains poorly documented. In Boyacá, there are few studies on the morphological characterization of cultivated materials, and there is no certified planting material, with farmers planting a mixture of materials. Qualitative and quantitative descriptors and principal component and cluster analyses were used to characterize the structure of the intra-population phenotypic variation in Blanca de Jericó quinoa materials grown in the Department of Boyacá. The principal component analysis explained more than 70 % of the observed variation, with the AP, LP, DP, LHS, and AHS characteristics being more variable. The cluster analysis showed grouping by characteristics, such as AP, panicle color, and the presence of pigmented axillae. Results show that the variance in morpho-phenological traits was concentrated at the intra-population, due to high variation at the inter-individual level. A more efficient selection process should be carried out to find materials or "pure" varieties with higher yields, resistance to biotic and abiotic factors, and adaptation to local conditions, which make quinoa an economically profitable crop in the Boyacá department.

RESUMEN La quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Wild.) es un cultivo andino, originario de los Andes Suramericanos, con gran potencial agronómico, industrial y farmacéutico y también con una gran capacidad para tolerar factores ambientales adversos. En Colombia, actualmente, se cultiva en los departamentos de Nariño, Cauca, Cundinamarca y Boyacá. Presenta una gran variación genética, tanto a nivel molecular como morfológica, la cual, ha sido poco documentada. En Boyacá son pocos los estudios de caracterización morfológica de materiales cultivados y no hay material de siembra certificado, por lo que los agricultores siembran una mezcla de materiales. Descriptores cualitativos y cuantitativos y un análisis de componentes principales y de agrupamiento fueron usados para caracterizar la estructura de la variación fenotípica intrapoblacional de los materiales de quinua Blanca Jericó, que son cultivados en el departamento de Boyacá. El análisis de componentes principales explicó más del 70 % de la variación observada, siendo las características más variables AP, LP, DP, LHS y AHS. El análisis clúster mostró un agrupamiento por características, tales como AP, color de la panícula y presencia de axilas pigmentadas. Los resultados mostraron que la variación en las características morfológicas estaba concentrada dentro de la población, debido a la alta variación, a nivel inter-individual. Se deben llevar a cabo procesos de selección más eficientes para encontrar materiales "puros" o variedades con más altos rendimientos, con resistencia a factores bióticos y abióticos y adaptados a las condiciones locales, para así hacer de la quinua un cultivo económicamente rentable para el departamento de Boyacá.

Extraction and Quantification of Saponins in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Genotypes from Colombia.

Quinoa has a high nutraceutical potential because of the presence of secondary metabolites called saponins, which have industrial and medicinal uses and protect against attacks by pathogens. These compounds are found especially in the seed coat and give the grain a bitter taste; therefore, they must be eliminated before consumption. Despite the potential use in Colombia, there are few studies aimed at quantifying this metabolite. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate two extraction methodologies (physical and chemical) and two methods for quantifying saponins in five quinoa genotypes grown in Colombia. The most efficient extraction method was the physical method. The saponin contents of the five genotypes were variable. The cluster analysis differentiated the genotypes into two groups: low saponin content (<4.49 mg/g seed) and high saponin content (>14.76 mg/g seeds). Blanca de Jericó had the lowest saponin content (<0.40%), and Amarilla de Maranganí had the highest content (>0.18%). Identifying more efficient methodologies for extracting and quantifying saponins will allow a better characterization of the germplasm and selection of genotypes with desirable characteristics for both consumption and industrial use.

Phenotypic Diversity of Morphological Characteristics of Pitahaya (Selenicereus Megalanthus Haw.) Germplasm in Colombia.

Yellow pitahaya is an exotic fruit that is rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants. In Colombia, it grows naturally in warm areas, but it is not clear which species exist because this genus presents a lot of intra and interspecific hybridization. More studies are needed in this field along with characterizations of the genotypes. This study aimed to undertake an in situ morphoagronomic evaluation of yellow pitahaya genotypes from five municipalities in Boyacá, Colombia. Measurements were taken in a completely random design. Qualitative and quantitative descriptors for cladodes, fruits and covered production systems were evaluated with a descriptive analysis, Spearman correlation variance, and multivariate and cluster analysis. The results showed that cladode characteristics such as cladode width, distance between areoles, number of spines, length of areoles, margin ribs of cladode and waxiness could be used to identify Megalanthus spp. Characteristics such as weight (270-274 g), size (100 mm), color of the fruit and pulp as well as acidity (0.18) and soluble solids (15.7) were highly variable between the genotypes. Genotypes with good morphological and fruit characteristics were identified (Gen2 and Gen9), which can provide the bases for the selection of pitahaya that satisfy the needs of farmers and consumers.

Phenotypic Characterization of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) for the Selection of Promising Materials for Breeding Programs.

Quinoa is an ancestral crop in the Andean region, characterized by its adaptability to different agroclimatic conditions, great nutritional value, and broad genetic variability. A preliminary approach for understanding the genetics of quinoa materials entails a morphologic characterization, which can provide the basis for the selection of materials that satisfy the needs of farmers and consumers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the phenotypic characteristics of thirty genetic C. quinoa accessions for the selection of outstanding accessions in terms of yield and grain quality. A randomized complete block design was used, with nine replications for each accession under greenhouse conditions. Nine quantitative and twelve qualitative descriptors were evaluated with descriptive analysis, Spearman correlation variance, and multivariate and cluster analysis. The results showed that the accessions with heights greater than the average (>176.72 cm) and long panicles (>57.94 cm) presented lower yields and smaller seed sizes, thus decreasing the grain quality. The multivariate and cluster analyses established groups of accessions with good yields (>62.02 g of seeds per plant) and stable morphological characteristics. The proposed selection index, based on yield components and morphological descriptors, indicated four accessions as potential parents for quinoa breeding programs in Colombia.

Estrategias de manejo de Senecio vulgaris L. asociado al cultivo de Daucus carota L. a partir de los principios de la modelación biológica / Management strategies of Senecio vulgaris L. associated to Daucus carota L. from the principles of biological modeling

RESUMEN Senecio vulgaris L. es una maleza, considerada de difícil control cuando se asocia a la zanahoria, debido a que compite por recursos con el cultivo, siendo importante su control, ya que tiene un impacto negativo en la productividad. La modelación biológica es una herramienta que permite prever los posibles efectos del control de la especie, ya que identifica las diferentes variables de un sistema y los factores que las afecta, para de este modo, predecir los resultados en diversos ambientes. Con base en la dinámica de sistemas y los aspectos morfo-fisiológicos de la especie, se planteó la modelación del banco de semillas de S. vulgaris, basado en las ecuaciones planteadas por Fernández-Quintanilla, donde se construyó el diagrama Forrester, al que se le incorporaron las diferentes ecuaciones y valores del modelo, para proyectar la dinámica de la especie en el banco de semillas, dependiendo del manejo. Se propusieron tres escenarios: (1) control con herbicidas en post-emergencia, (2) rotación de cultivos y (3) incorporar los métodos culturales de control, con un testigo en pre siembra y rotación de cultivos. Los resultados del modelo muestran que cuando se realiza rotación de cultivos y se incorporan manejos en pre-siembra al proceso convencional de la especie, se presenta una menor cantidad de semillas en el banco.

ABSTRACT Senecio vulgaris L. is a weed, considered difficult to control, when it is associated with carrot, because it competes for resources with the crop, its control being important, since it has a negative impact on crop productivity. Biological modeling is a tool that allows predicting the possible effects of the species control, since it identifies the different variables of a system and the factors that affect them, in order to predict the results in different environments. Based on the dynamics of systems and the morphophysiological aspects of the species, the modeling of the S. vulgaris seed bank was suggested, based on the equations proposed by Fernández-Quintanilla, the Forrester diagram was constructed, which was incorporated the different equations and values of the model, to project the dynamics of the species in the seed bank, depending on the management. Three scenarios were proposed, (1) post-emergence herbicide control, (2) crop rotation (3) incorporate traditional control methods with a control in presowing and crop rotation. The model results show that when crop rotation is performed and pre-sowing management is incorporated into the conventional process of the species, a smaller quantity of seeds is presented in the bank.

CARACTERIZACIÓN MORFOLÓGICA DE LULO (Solanum quitoense Lam.) EN EL MUNICIPIO DE PACHAVITA, BOYACÁ / Morphological Characterization of Lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.) in the Municipality for Pachavita, Boyacá

RESUMEN El lulo (Solanum quitoense L.) es considerado una frutal agroindustrial promisorio por su valor nutricional, sabor y apariencia. Contiene vitaminas A y C las cuales le confieren propiedades antioxidantes, diuréticas y regeneradoras de tejidos. Sin embargo, este fruto sufre problemas fitosanitarios que disminuyen la calidad y rendimiento debido a que no se ha explotado su máximo potencial genético por lo que es necesario la implementación de estrategias para analizar su diversidad genética, por tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar la diversidad genética de los materiales de lulo procedentes del municipio de Pachavita, Boyacá, Colombia, mediante la utilización de los descriptores morfológicos. Se colectaron 21 materiales de lulo los cuales se caracterizaron morfológicamente utilizando cuatro descriptores cualitativos y 18 cuantitativos. El análisis de componentes principales (ACP) presento una variación del 84 % dada por los primeros cinco valores propios que son mayores a uno, identificando la alta variabilidad de los materiales estudiados. El dendograma generado por el ACP de los materiales colectados de lulo, muestra tres grupos, de acuerdo principalmente con las características del fruto. Las variables más representativas en la caracterización morfológica fueron eje ecuatorial del fruto (EJE), eje polar del fruto (EJP), grosor de la cascara (DEPI), peso de cinco frutos (PF), peso de 100 semillas (PCS), volumen de jugo de cinco frutos (VJF) y color de la pulpa (FcMeso), por su alta variabilidad, servirán de referencia para estudios a mayor profundidad en mejoramiento genético de lulo (Solanum quitoense).

ABSTRACT Lulo (Solanum quitoense L.) is considered a promising underutilized fruit due to its nutritional value, taste, and appearance. It contains vitamins, such as A and C which give it antioxidant, diuretic and regenerative properties. However, this fruit suffers phytosanitary problems that diminish its quality and yield. The genetic potential of lulo has not been exploited. Thus, it is necessary to implement strategies to analyze its genetic diversity. Therefore, this research aimed to characterize the genetic diversity of lulo materials from the municipality of Pachavita-Boyacá, through morphological descriptors. Twenty-one lulo materials were collected, which were morphologically characterized using four qualitative and eighteen quantitative descriptors. The principal components analysis (PCA) showed a variation of 84 % supported by the first five eigenvalues that were > 1, thus, identifying the high variability of the studied materials. The PCA dendrogram of the materials collected from lulo, showed three groups, according to the characteristics of the fruit. The most relevant variables included the equatorial axis ofthe fruit (AXF), polar axis of the fruit (AXP), thickness of the peel (TP), weight of five fruits (WF), weight of100 seeds (WS), volume ofjuice of five fruits (VJF) and color of the pulp (CP). The high variability found in this study is the basis for future breeding programs in lulo.

Caracterización molecular con microsatélites amplificados al azar (RAMs) de Inchi (Caryodendron orinocense K.) / Molecular characterization with random amplified microsatellites (RAMs) of Inchi (Caryodendron orinocense K.)

El Inchi o Cacay (Caryodendron orinocense Karsten) es una de las especies más promisorias de la Amazonía y la Orinoquia colombiana. El principal producto del Cacay son sus almendras, de las que se extrae un aceite con aplicaciones cosméticas, fitoterapéuticas y alimenticias, además presenta un alto contenido de antioxidantes como los Omega 3, 6 y 9 y Vitaminas como la A y E. No existen estudios sobre la caracterización molecular de este recurso fitogenético, por lo cual el objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar la diversidad genética usando marcadores Microsatélites Amplificados al Azar (RAMs). El análisis de similitud al 0.50 formó cuatro grupos de acuerdo al sitio geográfico, siendo los materiales procedentes de Putumayo, Cacayal 19, Pauna y Castilla los de menor similitud. Los valores de heterocigosidad estimada fueron de 0.16 y 0.28 para los cebadores CGA y GT, respectivamente. El porcentaje de loci polimórfico varió entre 55% para el cebador CGA y el 90% para el GT. El valor de Fst promedio para los 27 materiales estudiados fue de 0.35, mostrando que la dinámica espacio-temporal de los materiales de Caryodendron tienden hacia una diferenciación genética, propio de sus procesos evolutivos e incidencia de la domesticación.

The Inchi or Cacay (Caryodendron orinocense Karsten) is one of the most promising species of the Amazon and Orinoco Colombian. The main product of Cacay are its almonds, from extracted oil cosmetic, phytotherapeutic and food applications, also has a high content of antioxidants such as Omega 3, 6 and 9 and vitamins like A and E. There are no studies on the molecular characterization of this plant genetic resource; therefore the objective of this research was to characterize the genetic diversity using Random Amplified Microsatellite markers (RAMs). The similarity analysis to 0.50 formed four groups according to geographical location, being materials from Putumayo, Cacayal 19, Pauna and Castilla lowest similarity. Estimated heterozygosity values ​were 0.16 and 0.28 for the primers CGA and GT, respectively. The percentage of polymorphic loci ranged from 55% for the primer CGA and 90% for the GT. The average Fst value for the 27 materials studied was 0.35, showing the space-temporal dynamics of materials Caryodendron tend toward genetic differentiation, due to their own evolutionary processes and domestication incidence.