Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense) adaptation to water-deficit stress in a protected agricultural system.

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 .

Debaryomyces hansenii, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila, and Ulvan as Biocontrol Agents of Fruit Rot Disease in Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.).

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 × 106 cells mL-1 of D. hansenii, (2) 1 × 108 CFU mL-1 of S. rhizophila, (3) 5 g L-1 of ulvan, (4) 1 × 106 cells mL-1 of D. hansenii + 1 × 108 CFU mL-1 of S. rhizophila, (5) 1 × 108 CFU mL-1 of S. rhizophila + 5 g L-1 of ulvan, (6) 1 × 106 cells mL-1 of D. hansenii + 1 × 108 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.

HALOBACTERIAS PROMOTORAS DE CRECIMIENTO VEGETAL ASOCIADAS A Lippia palmer! (VERBENACEAE) EN LA ZONA ÁRIDA DEL NOROESTE DE MÉXICO / Plant growth promoting halobacteria associated to plant growth promoting halobacteria associated to Lippia palmeri (Verbenaceae) in the arid zone of northwestern Mexico

RESUMEN La producción de orégano es de relevancia económica en el noroeste de México. Sin embargo, los productores para obtener altos rendimientos recurren a la fertilización química, pero su mal uso, agudiza la salinidad. Lippia palmeri crece de manera natural en suelos áridos, pobres en materia orgánica, alta salinidad y temperatura en el noroeste de México. En el contexto de una agricultura sustentable, los microorganismos mantienen la fertilidad del suelo e incrementan la productividad de la planta. Actualmente existe interés en proponer biofertilizantes en la agricultura de alta intrusión salina y elevadas temperaturas para el cultivo de orégano. Las Halobacterias Promotoras del Crecimiento de Plantas (HPCP), se han destacado por beneficiar a los cultivos nutrimentalmente y mitigar el efecto de la salinidad. El objetivo del presente trabajo consistió en identificar termo- y halo-tolerantes HPCP asociadas a la rizosfera de L. palmeri; se evaluó la actividad solubilizadora de fosfatos, producción de ácidos orgánicos, sideróforos y fijación de nitrógeno; se identificaron mediante el gen ARNr-16S aquellas con alta actividad evaluándose su efecto en la germinación y longitud radicular. Quince diferentes colonias sobresalieron al crecer en NaCl (0.25, 0.50 y 0.75 M) a 35 y 45 °C, destacando tres bacterias identificadas: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus subtilis y Bacillus licheniformis. El efecto en la longitud radicular es significativo por la aplicación de B. amyloliquefaciens. Estudios relacionados con la promoción vegetal deben ser considerados en posteriores estudios. Este es el primer informe de B. amyloliquefaciens como una bacteria fijadora de nitrógeno asociada a L. palmeri.

ABSTRACT 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 (G.25, G.5G and G.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.

Hydro-Environmental Criteria for Introducing an Edible Halophyte from a Rainy Region to an Arid Zone: A Study Case of Suaeda spp. as a New Crop in NW México.

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.

Involvement of L-Cysteine Desulfhydrase and Hydrogen Sulfide in Glutathione-Induced Tolerance to Salinity by Accelerating Ascorbate-Glutathione Cycle and Glyoxalase System in Capsicum.

The aim of this study is to assess the role of L-cysteine desulfhydrase (L-DES) and endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) 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 H2S 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, H2S 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 H2S 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.

Effect of Marine Bacteria and Ulvan on the Activity of Antioxidant Defense Enzymes and the Bio-Protection of Papaya Fruit against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

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: ß[1,4]-D-GlcA-α[1,4]-L-Rha 3 sulfate, ß[1,4]-L-IdoA-α[1,4]-L-Rha 3 sulfate, ß[1,4]-D-Xyl-α[1,4]-L-Rha 3 sulfate, and ß[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.

Evaluation of Glycosyl-Hydrolases, Phosphatases, Esterases and Proteases as Potential Biomarker for NaCl-Stress Tolerance in Solanum lycopersicum L. Varieties.

Salinity stress limited the production in over 30% of irrigated crops and 7% of dryland agriculture worldwide. The objective was to evaluate the effects of NaCl-stress on the enzymatic activity in tomato. Two experiments were carried out in germination and early vegetative growth stages. The activity of proline and peroxidase of eight varieties (Missouri, Yaqui, Vita, Feroz, Rio Grande, Tropic, Ace, and Floradade) submitted to NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM de NaCl) and the semi-quantitative activity of 19 enzymes APY ZYM® were measured under a completely randomized design with four replications. Data were analyzed using univariate-multivariate analysis of variance, Tukey's HSD (p = 0.05), canonical discriminant and cluster analysis. The results showed significant differences between varieties and NaCl in proline content. Proline increased as the NaCl concentration increased. Peroxidase did no show significant differences. Eight enzymes were included within the model to properly classify the varieties and NaCl. In shoots, varieties and NaCl showed that enzymatic activity was higher in the order of alkaline-phosphatase > leucine arylamidase > acid phosphatase > naphthol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase > n-acetyl-ß-glucosaminidase > ß-galactosidase, while in roots was higher in the order of alkaline-phosphatase > naphthol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase > acid phosphatase > n-acetyl-ß-glucosaminidase. Acid and alkali phosphatase, lipase, esterase, ß-galactosidase, and trypsin can be a potential biomarker for NaCl-stress tolerance in tomato.

Foliar Aspersion of Salicylic Acid Improves Phenolic and Flavonoid Compounds, and Also the Fruit Yield in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) on the yield and phytochemical content in hydroponically grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). (1) Background: The importance of Mexico's cucumber production is based on its cultivation in recent decades as one of the major winter crops; in addition, the production of vegetables under hydroponic systems has increased significantly during the last few years, with cucumber being one of the vegetables with a high economic potential. (2) Methods: A completely randomized experimental design with 15 repetitions was used. SA at five doses (0.075, 0.1, 0.15, 0.25, and 0.5 mM) and one control (distilled water) was sprinkled weekly on cucumber plants. The evaluated variables were yield (total fruit weight per plant), fruit parameters (length, size and firmness), and nutraceutical quality of cucumber. (3) Results: Low concentrations of SA improve the yield and high concentrations decrease it, but the nutraceutical quality of fruits is improved, as compared to the control treatment. (4) Conclusions: In order to obtain a higher content of bioactive compounds without affecting the yield and commercial quality of cucumber fruits, it is advisable to use the average concentration (0.15 mM) of SA.

Environmental traditional knowledge in a natural protected area as the basis for management and conservation policies.

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.

Propagation Techniques and Agronomic Requirements for the Cultivation of Barbados Aloe (Aloe vera (L.) Burm. F.)-A Review.

Barbados aloe (Aloe vera (L.) Burm. F.) has traditionally been used for healing in natural medicine. However, aloe is now attracting great interest in the global market due to its bioactive chemicals which are extracted from the leaves and used in industrial preparations for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food products. Aloe originated from tropical and sub-tropical Africa, but it is also now cultivated in warm climatic areas of Asia, Europe, and America. In this review, the most important factors affecting aloe production are described. We focus on propagation techniques, sustainable agronomic practices and efficient post harvesting and processing systems.

Changing environmental conditions and applying organic fertilizers in Origanum vulgare L.

Any improvement in agricultural systems that results in higher production should also reduce negative environmental impacts and enhance sustainability. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of two different production systems, one open-field and the other shade-enclosure with four bocashi doses, in order to find the best environmental option in terms of yield, physiological and morphometric characteristics in one oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) cultivar. In this study a completely randomized block design was used with four replications and evaluated for photosynthetic and transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll, leaf area and temperature, aerial and roots fresh and dry biomass, fresh and dry yield. The results showed that oregano adapted best to the shade-enclosure with increase yield of fresh and dry leaf weight of 165% and 118%, respectively, when compared to open-field. Also, higher doses of bocashi improved yield in both environments but more so in shade-enclosure. Soil moisture retention was higher in shade-enclosure which was reflected in physiological variables for soil matric potential, transpiration, stomatal conductivity, photosynthesis being significantly higher in shade-enclosure compared to open-field, thus improving yield. It seems that oregano plants can be grown and perform better under shade-enclosure than open-field and bocashi is a suitable organic fertilizer.

Baseline study of morphometric traits of wild Capsicum annuum growing near two biosphere reserves in the Peninsula of Baja California for future conservation management.

BACKGROUND: Despite the ecological and socioeconomic importance of wild Capsicum annuum L., few investigations have been carried out to study basic characteristics. The peninsula of Baja California has a unique characteristic that it provides a high degree of isolation for the development of unique highly diverse endemic populations. The objective of this study was to evaluate for the first time the growth type, associated vegetation, morphometric traits in plants, in fruits and mineral content of roots, stems and leaves of three wild populations of Capsicum in Baja California, Mexico, near biosphere reserves. RESULTS: The results showed that the majority of plants of wild Capsicum annuum have a shrub growth type and were associated with communities consisting of 43 species of 20 families the most representative being Fabaceae, Cactaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Significant differences between populations were found in plant height, main stem diameter, beginning of canopy, leaf area, leaf average and maximum width, stems and roots dry weights. Coverage, leaf length and dry weight did not show differences. Potassium, sodium and zinc showed significant differences between populations in their roots, stems and leaves, while magnesium and manganese showed significant differences only in roots and stems, iron in stems and leaves, calcium in roots and leaves and phosphorus did not show differences. Average fruit weight, length, 100 fruits dry weight, 100 fruits pulp dry weight and pulp/seeds ratio showed significant differences between populations, while fruit number, average fruit fresh weight, peduncle length, fruit width, seeds per fruit and seed dry weight, did not show differences. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that this study of traits of wild Capsicum, provides useful information of morphometric variation between wild populations that will be of value for future decision processes involved in the management and preservation of germplasm and genetic resources.

Effect of Pseudomonas putida on growth and anthocyanin pigment in two poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) cultivars.

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.

Mineral content and biochemical variables of Aloe vera L. under salt stress.

Despite the proven economic importance of Aloe vera, studies of saline stress and its effects on the biochemistry and mineral content in tissues of this plant are scarce. The objective of this study was to grow Aloe under NaCl stress of 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 mM and compare: (1) proline, total protein, and enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEP-case) in chlorenchyma and parenchyma tissues, and (2) ion content (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, Fe, P. N, Zn, B, Mn, and Cu) in roots, stems, leaves and sprouts. Proline and PEP-case increased as salinity increased in both parenchyma and chlorenchyma, while total protein increased in parenchyma and decreased in chlorenchyma, although at similar salt concentrations total protein was always higher in chlorenchyma. As salinity increased Na and Cl ions increased in roots, stems, leaves, while K decreased only significantly in sprouts. Salinity increases typically caused mineral content in tissue to decrease, or not change significantly. In roots, as salinity increased Mg decreased, while all other minerals failed to show a specific trend. In stems, the mineral concentrations that changed were Fe and P which increased with salinity while Cu decreased. In leaves, Mg, Mn, N, and B decreased with salinity, while Cu increased. In sprouts, the minerals that decreased with increasing salinity were Mg, Mn, and Cu. Zinc did not exhibit a trend in any of the tissues. The increase in protein, proline and PEP-case activity, as well as the absorption and accumulation of cations under moderate NaCl stress caused osmotic adjustment which kept the plant healthy. These results suggest that Aloe may be a viable crop for soil irrigated with hard water or affected by salinity at least at concentrations used in the present study.

Composición de la grasa láctea de cabras en la Península de Baja California, México / Goat milk fatty acid composition in the Peninsula of Baja California, Mexico

Objective. The objective of the study was to determine the composition of fatty acids in milk of Creole goats in an extensive production system in an arid region of the peninsula of Baja California and compare it to two seasons of the year (rainy and dry). Materials and methods. Sampling was conducted during the dry season (June) and after the rainy season (December) in the municipality of Comondú in Baja California Sur. The extensive production system used involved releasing goats to roam freely in the rangeland to graze for food, and no additional food or supplements were provided. Results. The most abundant fatty acids were saturated fatty acids (66.3 and 70.9% in the rainy and dry reasons, respectively). The most abundant of these were palmitic, myristic, and stearic acid in both seasons. Monounsaturated fatty acids (15-20%) were the most numerous in terms of isomers, but mostly in low concentrations. The largest average constituent of polyunsaturated fatty acids (5-6%) was linoleic acid (3%) and alpha-linolenic acid (1.2%) in both seasons. Branched, fatty acid concentrations were highly variable; the only stable constituents were C15:0 iso (1.5%) and C16:0 anti-iso, with 0.7% of total fatty acids. Conclusions. The seasons in this extensive production system significantly effected the composition of most monounsaturated and branched fatty acids in goat milk; however, saturated and polyunsaturated showed only a few compositional changes in abundance of fatty acids. Moreover, season effects were not significant on the total fatty acid content, except for branched fatty acids and omega-3.

Objetivo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar en un sistema de producción extensivo la composición de la grasa en leche de cabras Criollas en una zona árida de la península de Baja California en dos épocas del año (lluvias y sequía). Materiales y métodos. Los muestreos se realizaron durante la temporada de sequía (junio) y después de las lluvias (diciembre) en el municipio de Comondú, Baja California Sur. El sistema de producción extensivo se desarrolla en condiciones de pastoreo en donde las cabras andan libremente buscando alimento, suplementos no fueron proporcionados. Resultados. En las dos épocas año mostraron proporciones muy abundantes de los ácidos grasos saturados de 66.3 y 70.9% durante lluvias y sequía, respectivamente. Los más representativos de estos fueron el ácido palmítico, mirístico y esteárico. Los ácidos grasos monoinsaturados (15-20%) fueron los más numerosos en cuanto a isómeros, pero en su mayoría en muy bajas concentraciones. Los ácidos grasos ramificados estuvieron en concentraciones muy variables, presentándose de manera estable el C15:0 iso (1.5%) y C16:0 ante-iso con 0.7% del total de ácidos grasos. Conclusión. Se concluye que las épocas del año en el sistema de producción extensivo mostraron efecto significativo en la composición de la mayoría de los ácidos grasos monoinsaturados y ramificados en la leche de cabra; sin embargo, los ácidos grasos saturados y poliinsaturados mostraron pocos cambios en abundancia y composición de ácidos grasos. Además, los efectos de épocas año no fueron significativos en el contenido de ácidos grasos totales, con excepción de ácidos grasos ramificados y omega-3.

Genome-wide analysis of the beta-glucosidase gene family in maize (Zea mays L. var B73).

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.

Effects of plant growth promoting bacteria and mycorrhizal on Capsicum annuum L. var. aviculare ([Dierbach] D'Arcy and Eshbaugh) germination under stressing abiotic conditions.

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.

El forraje verde hidropónico (FVH): Una alternativa de producción de alimento para el ganado en zonas áridas / Hydroponic green fodder (HGF): An alternative for cattle food production in arid zones / A forragem verde hidropônica (FVH): Uma alternativa de produção de alimento para o gado em zonas áridas

El forraje verde hidropónico (FVH) es una metodología de producción de alimento para el ganado que permite evadir las limitantes naturales encontradas en zonas áridas para el cultivo convencional de forrajes. Se evaluaron tres densidades de siembra (DS): 1,5; 2,0 y 2,5kg de semilla·m-2 de bandeja en el rendimiento de FVH de maíz (Zea mays L.), uso del agua y el efecto del FVH en la ganancia de peso en cabras. Utilizando 2,5kg·m-2 se obtuvieron los mayores rendimientos en FVH y en materia seca (MS), pero la mayor conversión de semilla utilizada a FVH fue registrada en la DS de 2,0kg·m-2. Los rendimientos de FVH y MS en las tres DS fueron similares al de las principales especies forrajeras, pero en una superficie 100 veces menor, sin uso de agroquímicos y utilizando 30-50 veces menos agua. La calidad del FVH en las tres DS fue similar al de alimentos considerados como nutritivos para el ganado. Con excepción de proteína cruda y fibra detergente ácida, no fueron registradas diferencias significativas entre DS en las variables relacionadas con la calidad del forraje. Las dietas que incluyeron FVH incrementaron significativamente la ganancia de peso en cabras, registrándose 134,7 y 144,3g·día-1 para 70 y 25% de FVH en la dieta, respectivamente. El FVH podría contribuir a la conversión de sistemas convencionales de producción de ganado al sistema orgánico o a elevar la condición nutricional del ganado en zonas áridas y semiáridas donde es común la subnutrición.

Hydroponic green fodder (HGF) is a cattle-food production methodology that allows avoiding the natural limitations that are found in arid zones in the conventional cultivation of fodder. Three seed densities (SD) were evaluated: 1.5; 2.0 and 2.5 kg of seeds·m-² of tray, in corn HGF yield, water use, and HGF effect on goat weight-gain. Using 2.5 kg·m-², the highest yields were obtained in HGF and in dry matter (DM), but the highest conversion of used seed was recorded for a SD of 2.0 kg·m-². HGF and DM in the three SD were similar to those of the main fodder species, but on a surface 100 times smaller, with no use of agrochemicals and using 30-50 times less water. HGF quality in the three SD was similar to that of foods considered as nutritional for cattle. With the exception of crude protein and acid detergent fiber, no significant differences were recorded among SD in the variables related to fodder quality. Diets that included HGF significantly increased goat weight-gain, with 134.7 and 144.3 g·day-1 for 70 and 25% HGF in the diet, respectively. HGF could contribute to the conversion of conventional cattle production systems to an organic system or to elevate the nutritional condition of cattle in arid and semi-arid zones where subnutrition is common.

A forragem verde hidropônica (FVH) é uma metodologia de produção de alimento para o gado que permite evadir as limitantes naturais encontradas em zonas áridas para o cultivo convencional de forragens. Avaliaram-se três densidades de plantação (DP): 1,5; 2,0 e 2,5kg de semente/m² de bandeja no rendimento de FVH de milho (Zea mays L.), uso da água e o efeito da FVH no aumento de peso em cabras. Utilizando 2,5kg·m-2 se obtiveram os maiores rendimentos em FVH e em matéria seca (MS), mas a maior conversão de semente utilizada a FVH foi registrada na DP de 2,0kg·m-2. Os rendimientos de FVH e MS nas tres DP foram similares ao das principais espécies forrageiras, mas em uma superficie 100 veces menor, sem uso de agroquímicos e utilizando 30-50 vezes menos água. A qualidade da FVH nas três DP fue similar ao de alimentos considerados como nutritivos para o gado. Com exceção de proteína crua e fibra detergente ácida, não foram registradas diferenças significativas entre DP nas variáveis relacionadas com a qualidade da forragem. As dietas que incluiram FVH incrementaram significativamente o aumento de peso em cabras, registrando-se 134,7 e 144,3g/dia para 70 e 25% de FVH na dieta, respectivamente. A FVH poderia contribuir à conversão de sistemas convencionais de produção de gado ao sistema orgânico ou a elevar a condição nutricional do gado em zonas áridas e semi-áridas onde é comum a subnutrição.

Respuesta antioxidante enzimática en frutos de Chile ancho (Capsicum annuum L) bajo condiciones de estrés salino / Antioxidant enzymatic response of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L) under saline stress conditions

Se estudió la respuesta de la superóxido dismutasa (SOD) y la catalasa (CAT) en frutos de chile (Capsicum spp. cv. Caballero) al cometer las plantas a estrés salino moderado. Las plantas fueron expuestas en macetas durante 90 días a cinco tratamientos: control (agua potable; 1,3dS·m¯¹) y agua de mar (2,8 y 4,0dS·m¯¹). Los frutos fueron cosechados en etapa de maduración y se midió pigmentación a la madurez, número, largo, ancho, peso fresco, contenido mineral (Ca, Mg, K, Mn, Na y Cl), proteínas, actividad de SOD y CAT, lipoperoxidación y ácido ascórbico. No hubo diferencias significativas en número de frutos, largo, ancho y peso fresco. Los tratamientos produjeron diferencias en pigmentación de los frutos en la madurez, cambiando al rojo en ambas fuentes salinas a 4,0dS·m¯¹. Las proteínas solubles aumentaron en 2,8dS·m¯¹, pero disminuyeron al aumentar la CE en ambas fuentes salinas. Los contenidos de Ca²+, Mg²+, K+, Mn²+ disminuyeron al incrementar la CE, mientras Na+ y Cl¯ aumentaron en 4,0dS·m¯¹ (NaCl). El ácido ascórbico aumentó ligeramente en 2,8dS·m¯¹. El estrés salino incrementó la lipoperoxidación y la actividad de SOD y CAT siendo mayores en 4,0dS·m¯¹, y la respuesta en 2,8dS·m¯¹ en ambas fuentes de salinidad pareció mantener la homeostasis celular sin alterar la maduración. Se sugiere la posibilidad de utilizar las enzimas SOD y CAT como biomarcadores de maduración en frutos de chile bajo estrés salino, al mostrar una alta actividad en la maduración cuando se utilizó NaCl o agua de mar.

La ganadería orgánica: una alternativa de desarrollo pecuario para algunas regiones de México: una revisión / Organic livestock: an alternative of cattle development for some regions of Mexico: a review

En los últimos años se ha incrementado el interés por la aplicación de sistemas de producción animal sostenibles, de los que se espera proporcionen una relación equilibrada entre factores medioambientales, socioculturales y económicos. En relación con la protección del medio ambiente, los estándares básicos para la ganadería orgánica se enfocan a una reducción de la contaminación y disminución de la pérdida de nutrientes. Con referencia a la salud de los animales, los estudios comparativos no han reportado diferencias fundamentales entre los sistemas de producción orgánicos y convencionales. En lo concerniente al bienestar animal, las granjas de tipo orgánico, con base en los estándares y regulaciones oficiales, proporcionan a los animales condiciones de vida especiales. Existe poca evidencia que indique un efecto importante del sistema o método de producción sobre la calidad de los productos orgánicos. En México, la agricultura orgánica se está integrando por parte de pequeños productores, principalmente a través de la participación y promoción de organizaciones no gubernamentales. Sin embargo, la superficie utilizada para la ganadería bajo dicho sistema de producción es muy limitada, sobre todo si se considera el potencial existente, como son las superficies con pastos naturales en las distintas regiones agroecológicas del territorio nacional.