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 .

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.

Interactive Effects of the Potassium and Nitrogen Relationship on Yield and Quality of Strawberry Grown Under Soilless Conditions.

K and N are the nutrients with the highest influence on yield and fruit quality. From this perspective, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of N as NO3-, K+ and their interactions on the yield and quality of strawberries grown under soilless conditions. A solution comprised of micronutrients based on an amended Steiner's Universal Nutrient Solution was mixed with 4 levels of K+ (5, 7, 9 and 11 mol m-3) and 3 levels of NO3- (9, 12, and 15 mol m-3) to obtain 12 treatments. The results suggest that 15 mol m-3 of NO3- in the nutrient solution produced the highest yield, but fruit with low nutraceutical quality. On the other hand, 11 mol m-3 of K+ in the nutrient solution produced the highest yield and fruit with the best nutraceutical quality. The ionic concentration of the Universal Steiner's Nutrient Solution proved to be the best nutritional option to maximize the yield and nutraceutical quality of strawberry fruit. The increase in NO3- concentration in the nutrient solution produced a higher yield of strawberries, while a higher concentration of K+ improved fruit quality, thus reaffirming the significance of nutrients within the plant functioning of this crop.

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.

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.

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.

Potencial de aprovechamiento de la energía eólica para la generación de energía eléctrica en zonas rurales de México / Wind energy potential for electricity generation in rural zones of Mexico

México cuenta con un enorme potencial eólico. Entre los sitios identificados con viento de alta calidad se encuentran sus zonas costeras, especialmente en los estados de Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Oaxaca y Yucatán. Desafortunadamente, dicho potencial se ha explotado poco. El presente trabajo analizó zonas rurales con potencial para la generación de energía a partir de los vientos en México, considerando los aspectos sociales y económicos involucrados en el desarrollo de proyectos de energía eólica. Los resultados indican que además del desarrollo tecnológico requerido, se deben fortalecer los aspectos legales que fomenten e incentiven la producción de energía eólica, y establecer regulaciones y normas ambientales que protejan al ambiente y a las poblaciones silvestres

Efecto de sistemas de labranza e incorporación de abono verde (lablab purpureus L) sobre la respiración edáfica en un yermososol háplico / Effect of tillage systems and green manure (lalab purpureus L) incorporación on edafic respiration in a haplic yermosol

La adopción de sistemas de labranza reducida y utilización de abonos verdes en áreas de riego en México ha sido muy limitada, a pesar de múltiples reportes sobre los beneficios de tales prácticas. La preparación convencional de suelos, con un paso de arado, uno o dos rastreos y escasa incorporación de residuos orgánicos, ha propiciado una severa degradación del suelo, sobre todo en zonas áridas de baja fertilidad natural y principalmente en el contenido de materia orgánica (MO). Se evaluó el efecto de labranza convencional, reducida y mínima, y del uso de abono verde, en la recuperación de fertilidad en un suelo árido con pobres características nutrimentales y contenido de MO del 0,54 por ciento. Como abono verde se utilizó el frijol dolichos Lablab purpureus en dos condiciones (con o sin incorporación) y se consideraron dos fechas de muestreo. Las muestras de suelo a 0-30cm mostraron incrementos (promedio) de MO (0,12 por ciento), K (12,64mgúkg-¹) y actividad microbiana (36,6 por ciento) en el segundo muestreo con respecto al primero, previo a la incorporación del abono verde. Las parcelas con incorporación de abono tuvieron incrementos de MO (0,17 por ciento), K (12,46mgúkg-¹) y tasa de respiración (48,3 por ciento) en los primeros 10cm de suelo, respecto a las parcelas sin incorporación. Las variables estudiadas fueron analizadas en conjunto por correlación canónica (ACC) utilizando el programa CANOCO, cuyos resultados muestran un incremento significativo tras la incorporación del abono verde con respecto al contenido de carbón mineralizado, macronutrientes (N, P y K) y MO

El uso de compostas como alternativa ecológica para la producción sostenible del Chile (capsicum annuum L): en zonas áridas / The use of compost as an ecological alternative for sustainable production of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L) in arid zones

El Chile (Capsicum annuum L.) es una de las especies cultivadas más importantes en México y muchos otros países. Uno de los problemas más importantes que actualmente enfrenta no sólo este cultivo, sino la agricultura en general, es la pérdida de la fertilidad del suelo. Conociendo la importancia de la materia orgánica en el suelo, se realizó un experimento con la variedad de chile Anaheim TMR 23 en un suelo yermosol háplico. Como tratamiento, se aplicaron tres dosis de composta (25, 50 y 100t-ha-1). Estos tratamientos se compararon con una parcela testigo sin la aplicación de composta, con el fin de determinar la dosis para obtener una mejor producción. Se evaluó en el suelo la humedad del suelo, capacidad de campo, humedad aprovechable, porosidad total, densidad aparente, densidad real y punto de marchitamiento permanente. Los resultados mostraron que las dosis mayores mejoraron todas estas variables físicas del suelo. No se encontraron diferencias significativas (P=0,05) en lo que respecta al rendimiento, sin embargo, se muestra una tendencia de mayor rendimiento en la dosis de 25t-ha-1. La mayor producción de frutos sí presentó diferencias significativas (P=0,05) y correspondió a la dosis de 25t-ha-1. Con base en estos resultados se recomienda la aplicación de dicha dosis para este tipo de suelos yermosol háplico para el cultivo del chile, mientras que las dosis mayores (50 y 100t-ha-1) se recomiendan para mejorar las características físicas del suelo en condiciones áridas en plazos cortos de tiempo