Chapingo Autonomous University

Vanilla is native to Mexico and has social-cultural and economic importance. It is sensory characteristics are developed during the curing process, which is associated with the region where it is carried out since the know-how of each locality is involved. In this sense, this work aimed to evaluate the influence of the curing process. Four different processes from four regions (SJA, SLP, CQ and EPM) were considered, taking into account two curing conditions. Additionally, sample control was considered. The moisture content, protein, ether extract, ash and pH were analyzed. The aromatic profile was evaluated by the RATA methodology and liking level. Except for ash content, the process influenced the other physicochemical parameters. The moisture contents of SLP and CQ samples from Period 1, as well as SLP samples from Period 2, comply with the current Mexican Standard. SJA vanilla was “slightly” accepted in both periods, surpassing the control sample. In contrast, the CQ sample was the least preferred. Thirty-five aromatic descriptors were generated. At the sensory level, a clear separation of vanillas was observed according to the type of curing. The attributes described included caramel, dry fruit, fruity, honey, maltol, rancid, sweet, tree bark, vanilla and ashes, which boosted the liking level. On the other hand, the descriptors chemical, moisture, dairy, spicy, wood and lipids had a negative effect, proving that these factors can alter the aromatic balance, giving an unpleasant smell and reducing preference. It was confirmed that the curing process influences physicochemical parameters, the aromatic profile and the liking level. However, it would be necessary to consider other variables.

Background and Aim: Weaning is a critical period in calf development, particularly under tropical conditions where nutritional stress and parasitic infestations can precipitate anemia. Anemia compromises growth and survival; yet, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of hematinic therapy in anemic calves before weaning in tropical systems. This study aimed to assess hematological responses in anemic dairy calves treated with a hematinic complex and to establish anemia thresholds based on hematological indices in healthy calves raised under tropical conditions. Materials and Methods: A total of 22 Holstein × Zebu calves were studied from January to April 2024 in Tabasco, Mexico. Calves were grouped as healthy (n = 10; hematocrit [HCT] >24%) or anemic (n = 12; HCT <24%). The anemic group received an intramuscular hematinic complex for 5 consecutive days and three additional doses at day 42. Hematological parameters were measured every 21 days using an automated analyzer. Anemia thresholds were defined from the healthy group using mean ± 2 standard deviations. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures design over time. Results: Anemia thresholds were determined as HCT <21.3%, hemoglobin (HGB) <7.5 g/dL, and red blood cell (RBC) <5.4 × 106/μL. At baseline, anemic calves exhibited significantly lower HCT (21.4%), HGB (6.9 g/dL), and RBC (5.9 × 106/μL) compared to healthy controls (p < 0.01). Three calves presented with microcytic hypochromic anemia and one with macrocytic anemia. By day 42, hematinic-treated calves surpassed the anemia threshold, reaching an HCT of 25%, and further increased to 30% following the second treatment. HGB and RBC levels also improved, showing no significant differences from healthy calves at study end. Males responded more robustly to treatment than females. Conclusion: The administration of a hematinic complex effectively restored hematological parameters in anemic calves within 42 days, with sustained improvement following a second application. This intervention is recommended as part of pre-weaning health protocols to mitigate anemia-related growth setbacks in tropical cattle systems. Keywords: anemia, calves, haematocrit, haemoglobin, hematinic complex, red blood cells, tropical cattle systems.

Irrigation water salinity poses escalating threats to agricultural sustainability in degraded agroecosystems. This study has investigated the effects of magnetized versus non-magnetized saline water on the soil physicochemical properties and forage productivity of three Lotus corniculatus L. genotypes (salt-sensitive ecotype 232098, moderately salt-tolerant San Gabriel, and salt-tolerant Estanzuela Ganador) in arid northern Mexico. A split-plot randomized block design with three replicates assigned saline water treatments (magnetized [MWT] vs. non-magnetized [NMWT]) to main plots and genotypes to subplots. After one year of irrigation, MWT significantly attenuated soil salinization, evidenced by 23% lower electrical conductivity (5.8 vs. 7.2 dS·m⁻¹), a 26% reduced sodium adsorption ratio (6.2 vs. 8.4), and a 41% decreased sodium concentration (20.7 vs. 35.4 meq·L⁻¹) compared to NMWT (p < 0.05). Although agronomic traits (stem dimensions, leaf area index, and rhizome proliferation) exhibited salt sensitivity from the third season onward, fresh biomass yield remained unaffected by water treatment. Genotypic differences dominated productivity. Estanzuela Ganador achieved superior biomass in both seasons (288.9 g/rhizome in fall; 184.2 g in winter), outperforming San Gabriel by 15.8% and ecotype 232098 by 56.8% (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that magnetized saline water irrigation effectively mitigates soil salinity progression, while genotype selection critically determines forage productivity under arid conditions. Estanzuela Ganador emerges as the optimal cultivar for saline irrigation systems in water-scarce regions.

Climate change is drastically affecting agriculture, markets, and infrastructure, putting global food security at risk. Mexico faces major challenges, with a significant portion of its population experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity. This study presents a novel methodology for assessing food security in Mexico that incorporates the impacts of climate change. The methodology combines a thorough analysis of four dimensions: availability, access, use, and stability. It includes 48 variables at the municipality level and establishes a baseline scenario with data from 2020. It projects variables to two future scenarios: one that follows the observed trend of the last 20 years and another that includes climate change. Principal component analysis and Dalenius and Hodges stratification are used to classify municipalities into very high, high, medium, and low food security categories. Low food security indicates municipalities with poor conditions on most dimensions, while very high food security indicates those with optimal conditions on all variables. Food security problems are defined as municipalities with medium or low food security. Results indicate that, in the baseline scenario, 45% of municipalities face food security problems, including issues such as insufficient agricultural productivity and limited access to food due to economic and/or infrastructural constraints, as well as health-related problems and lack of basic services. Among municipalities, 15% were classified as having low food security. Future projections suggest an increase in food insecurity by 6% and 7% in the trend and climate change scenarios, respectively, reaching 51% and 52% of municipalities. The greatest impact of food insecurity is in the southern and mountainous central-northern regions, with 12 areas identified as most vulnerable. These areas should be prioritized for mitigating climate change impacts on food security. The recommended indicators can help in monitoring climate-related risks and guide effective policy responses.

Apples are among the most important agricultural products worldwide. Ensuring apple quality with minimal effort is crucial for both large-scale and local producers. In Mexico, the manual detection of damaged apples has led to inconsistencies in product quality, a problem that can be addressed by integrating vision systems with machine learning algorithms. The YOLO (You Only Look Once) neural network has significantly improved fruit detection through image processing and has automated several related tasks. However, training and deploying YOLO models typically requires substantial computational resources, making it essential to develop lightweight and cost-effective detection systems, especially for edge computing systems. This paper presents a mechatronic system designed to detect apple varieties and potential damage in apples (Malus domestica) within the visible spectrum. The cultivated apple varieties considered were Gala, Golden, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious. Our contribution lies in developing a lightweight neural network architecture optimized specifically for embedded systems. The proposed architecture was compared against YOLOv3-Tiny, YOLOv4-Tiny, and YOLOv5-s. Our optimized model achieved a high accuracy and sensitivity (94–99%) and was successfully implemented on a Jetson Xavier NX board, where it reached a processing speed of 37 FPS.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary curcumin supplementation on growth performance, serum antioxidant status, intestinal morphology, and meat quality of broiler chickens. The database was constructed with 28 peer-reviewed scientific papers published between January 2013 and January 2025, identified and selected from the Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases following the PRISMA methodology. All response variables in the database were analyzed with random effects models using the R statistical software, and the results were reported as weighted mean differences (WMD). Dietary curcumin supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) average daily feed intake. However, dietary curcumin supplementation increased (p < 0.001) daily weight gain and decreased (p < 0.001) feed conversion ratio. Dietary curcumin supplementation increased (p < 0.01) serum superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity but decreased (p < 0.001) serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Dietary curcumin supplementation decreased (p < 0.001) crypt depth (CD) and increased (p < 0.001) villus height (VH) and VH/CD ratio in the duodenum. Dietary curcumin supplementation increased (p < 0.05) carcass yield and color (L*, a*, and b*) in meat and, at the same time, decreased (p < 0.01) cooking loss and fat and MDA content in meat. Curcumin can be used as a dietary additive to improve productive performance, antioxidant status in blood serum, intestinal morphology, and meat quality in broiler chickens.

Blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs), such as salt marshes, are critical in climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation and their ecosystem services. However, due to a lack of research, their carbon sequestration potential in Mexico remains poorly understood. La Ribera, Baja California Sur, exemplifies an under-researched salt marsh that provides essential benefits, including surface water for drinking, habitat, and cultural services. Besides, a recent training offered by Chinese institutions such as East China Normal University in 2024 has contributed to BCEs carbon estimation by supporting training to some researchers and practitioners from the Global South. These kinds of initiatives could enhance research capabilities and promote cost-effective conservation strategies. Although salt marshes cover less area than mangroves and seagrass meadows, their preservation is vital for climate action. Global efforts to protect these ecosystems will support carbon sequestration and safeguard other critical ecosystem services for future generations.

We evaluated the possible effect of maternal social rank (SR) concerning different morpho-physiological maternal indicators such as live weight (LWM, kg), body condition score (BCS, units), thoracic diameter (TD, cm), thoracic perimeter (TP, cm), and serum glucose content (GLU, mg dL⁻¹), upon the kid’s live weights (LWGK, kg) during the birth-to-weaning period. To define the SR [either high (HSR) or low (LSR)], a behavioral study was conducted on pregnant goats managed under semi-extensive conditions in northern arid Mexico (25° N; Alpine–Saanen–Nubian × Criollo; n = 15, 2–3 y/old) 30 days before the expected kidding date. The behavioral study was conducted during feeding time (i.e., 08:00, 13:00, and 17:00; 60 min test⁻¹, 180 min d⁻¹). The HSR goats showed higher values (p < 0.05) regarding prepartum, parturition, postpartum weights, and zoometric values. However, no differences (p > 0.05) between HSR and LSR goats occurred concerning the maternal serum glucose values, litter size, individual kid weights, or litter weights at weaning.

The blueberry fruit (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) exhibits a high content of bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins, that can be used as pigmenting agents, but they are mixed with sugars, which can hinder their utilization. The objective was to evaluate the use of aqueous two-phase extraction aided by centrifugation to separate bioactive compounds, particularly anthocyanins, from blueberry fruits, considering the reduction of sugars, for their use as pigmenting agents in a food product. A mixture of trisodium citrate (Na3C3H5O(COO)3; Na3Cit) and polyethylene glycol ([HO-(CH2CH2O)n-CH2OH]; poly (ethane-1,2-diol); PEG) with a molecular weight of 4 kDa was used. Based on the cloud point method, a binodal diagram was developed. After the evaluation of several systems with composition located on a tie line, conditions were identified to form biphasic systems with phases of equal volume. Passive sedimentation for 0, 15, and 30 min, followed by centrifugation and also passive sedimentation for 24 h without centrifugation, were evaluated. A system with 17.73% Na3Cit, 21.33% PEG, 30 min of passive sedimentation, and 15 min of centrifugation at 2940× g produced an extract with a high concentration of soluble phenols (0.353 mg/mL) and anthocyanins (0.202 mg/mL) and, likewise, high antioxidant activity (910.0 mmol gallic acid equivalents per mL), with reduced sugar content, which demonstrated to have the potential to pigment food beverages with a reddish tone.

Mezcal is a distilled beverage with a complex chemical profile defined by volatile organic compounds and physicochemical properties that determine its sensory attrib-utes. This study analyzed nine artisanal mezcals produced from four wild agave species in Oaxaca using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify key volatile compounds for traceability and quality control. A total of 82 volatile compounds were identified, with esters, terpenes, and higher alcohols being the most abundant. Eight key compounds, including ethyl acetate, acetic acid, 1-butanol, furfural, methanol, and 2-methyl-1-propanol, were quantified due to their significant impact on mezcal’s quality and authenticity. Additionally, 1,2,3-trimethyl-benzene, nerolidol, and terpinolene were identified as exclusive compounds for differentiating mezcal by agave species and storage duration. The findings highlight the influence of fermentation, distillation, and storage conditions on mezcal’s chemical profile and demonstrate the importance of standardized analytical methods for product authentication. Proper management of variables during fermentation and optimization of the final distillation cuts is necessary to fully comply with regulatory parameters and ensure product quality. By establishing a catalog of compounds that characterize the mezcals, this study provides a scientific basis for improving quality control, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing the traceability of mezcal in high-value markets. The next step is to validate the key volatile compounds with a larger sample and evaluate their reproducibility under different production and storage conditions.

Rhizoctonia is among the most important soilborne pathogens responsible for causing lettuce diseases worldwide. In this study, a total of 59 Rhizoctonia isolates obtained from lettuce plants with bottom rot symptoms in seven states producers in Brazil were studied using phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA as well as pathogenicity tests. Fifty-five isolates were identified as R. solani and four isolates as binucleate Rhizoctonia (BNR). Thirty-nine isolates (66.1%) belonged to anastomosis group AG-1 IB, nine (15.3%) to AG-4 HGI, four (6.8%) to AG-2–2 IIIB, three (5.1%) to AG-4 HGIII, two (3.4%) to AG-A, one (1.7%) to AG-L and one (1.7%) to AG–P. AG-1 IB isolates were widely distributed and recovered from six out of seven Brazilian states, including 10 lettuce-growing fields. Only two isolates were not pathogenic to lettuce. Significant differences in aggressiveness were observed among different isolates and AGs, with AG-1 IB showing higher aggressiveness to lettuce leaves compared to other AGs. This study represents the first detailed report on the AG composition of Rhizoctonia populations causing bottom rot of lettuce in different Brazilian regions. Additionally, this is the first time that AG-2–2 IIIB, AG-A, AG-L, and AG–P have been associated with this disease worldwide.

In dairy sheep, optimum nutrition is required to maintain a positive energy and nitrogen balance, and therefore, achieve adequate performance levels. In this sense, supplemental rumen-protected methionine (RPMet) has been a nutritional strategy used to improve the availability of amino acids in sheep for milk production. The aim of the current study is to assess the effect of RPMet supplementation on the milk yield and milk composition of crossbred dairy sheep. Twenty F1 sheep (50% Pelibuey × 50% East Friesian) were randomly assigned to one of the following three treatments: C (control: 0 g/d), 3 g (3.0 g/d), or 6 g (6 g/d) of RPMet added to the basal diet from day 2 to 120 after lambing. Milk yield was significantly higher in sheep supplemented with 6 g of RPMet (p = 0.04) with a linear effect (p < 0.001). In relation to protein yield, the 6 g treatment showed the highest values (55.5 g/day) in comparison with the control (35.2 g/day) and 3 g (42.3 g/day) treatments. Also, lactose (p = 0.02) and non-fat solid yield (p = 0.03) were positively affected by the methionine supplementation. Our results suggest that methionine supplementation is an option to increase milk production, likely associated with the better availability of nutrients of dairy sheep farms using crossbred sheep in regions with an incipient dairy sheep industry.

Arid and semiarid ecosystems face significant water scarcity due to high evaporation rates exceeding precipitation. This study examines temporal variations in water relations of two woody species, Vachellia schaffneri (S. Watson) Seigler & Ebinger, and Prosopis laevigata (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) M.C. Johnst, and one epiphyte, Tillandsia recurvata (L.) L. (Bromeliaceae), to assess their drought tolerance and water storage capacity. We hypothesized that species with greater water storage capacity would exhibit lower drought tolerance due to reduced osmotic adjustments, whereas species with lower storage capacity would maintain turgor through osmotic regulation and cell wall rigidity. Predawn and midday water potentials (Ψpd, Ψmd) were measured, and pressure–volume (P–V) curves were used to derive parameters such as saturated water content (SWC), osmotic potential (πo), turgor loss point (ΨTLP), relative water content at ΨTLP (RWCTLP), bulk modulus of elasticity (ε), and full turgor capacitance (CFT). Significant correlations were found between CFT and ΨTLP (positive), πo (positive), and ε (negative). P. laevigata and T. recurvata exhibited higher water storage capacities (41.46 and 26.45 MPa⁻¹, respectively) but had a lower ability to maintain cell turgor under drought conditions. In contrast, V. schaffneri exhibited the lowest water storage capacity (11.88 MPa⁻¹) but demonstrated the highest ability to maintain cell turgor (ΨTLP = −1.31 MPa) and superior osmotic adjustments (πo = −0.59 MPa). Both V. schaffneri and P. laevigata exhibited rigid cell walls, whereas T. recurvata displayed greater elasticity in its cell structures. The lowest moisture content in V. schaffneri suggests increased flammability and fire spread potential. Future studies should focus on live fuel moisture content across more species, explore seasonal variations in hydraulic traits, and integrate these physiological parameters into fire risk models to enhance wildfire prediction and management.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary calcium propionate (CaPr) and monensin (MON) on lamb growth performance, ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFAs), methane (CH4) production, and ruminal bacteria and archaea populations. Forty crossbred ram lambs (initial weight 23.4 ± 2.8 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four diets (n = 10 per treatment): (a) control diet (CONT); (b) MON diet, which contained 30 mg/kg dry matter (DM) of monensin + CONT; (c) CaPr diet, which contained 10 g/kg DM of CaPr + CONT; and (d) MCA diet, which contained both additives (30 mg/kg DM of monensin plus 10 g/kg DM of CaPr) + CONT. Dietary MON or CaPr in lamb diets did not affect (p ≥ 0.05) dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), or DMI/ADG. The main effect (p ≥ 0.05) of CaPr supplementation was observed in acetate concentration and CH4 production. The addition of calcium propionate increased (p < 0.05) Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, and Selenomonas ruminantium, whereas CaPr reduced (p < 0.05) methanogenic archaea. The addition of MON and CaPr did not affect lamb performance; however, CaPr improved fermentation kinetics towards more efficient routes, reflected by a reduction in the proportion of methane and methanogenic archaea.

Neopestalotiopsis spp. are emerging fungal pathogens associated with leaf spot, fruit rot, crown rot, and root rot in strawberries. Despite their endophytic lifestyle, global outbreaks of these pathogens have been reported over the past few years, causing severe economic losses in commercial strawberry production. Resistance has been reported against the chemical fungicides used to manage Neopestalotiopsis spp. This review comprehensively examines the epidemiology, biology, and infection mechanisms of Neopestalotiopsis spp. on strawberries. Recent advances in management strategies, including biological control agents and resistant strawberry cultivars, have also been highlighted. By integrating these approaches, this work aims to provide a foundation for sustainable management practices to mitigate the impact of Neopestalotiopsis spp. on strawberry production.

The objective was to evaluate the response of New Zealand Holstein cows to concentrate supplementation at contrasting times of the day on herbage intake and ingestive behavior. Two experiments were conducted in winter and spring–summer in a grazing dairy production system of Medicago sativa L. with Dactylis glomerata L. pastures. Three moments of supplying 5.0 kg DM concentrate cow⁻¹ d⁻¹ were used: AM after morning milking, PM after afternoon milking, and the AM-PM control equally dividing that amount after both milkings. The experimental units were groups of six cows in winter (a total of 18 cows) and five cows in spring–summer (a total of 15 cows), additionally their respective grazed areas were also considered as experimental units. The design used was a three × three (treatments × periods) cross-over; the allotment of groups to the treatments was consecutive and randomized. The management criterion of rotational grazing was 8 cm of residual forage height for all treatments. Each time the target height of residual herbage was reached, the portable electric fence was manually moved forward allowing on average 36 m² fresh pasture. In winter, intake was not different (P < 0.5) between treatments; however, during spring–summer it was 8% lower (P < 0.005) with AM supplementation. There was no effect (P > 0.5) of treatments on total grazing time, rumination and other activities. In conclusion, AM supplementation in spring–summer resulted in dominant evening grazing, and herbage was utilized at its time of highest nutrient concentration.

Biocontrol has emerged as an effective strategy for managing plant pathogens and pests. The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as biocontrol agents offers a sustainable alternative, enhancing plant morphology, biochemistry, physiology, and secondary metabolism. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis and systematic review of PGPR-based biocontrol research from 2019 to 2023, using the Web of Science (WoS) database. A total of 2823 publications were identified, with a significant increase in scientific output since 2019. Original research articles dominated the field, with India, China, the USA, and Pakistan leading in publication volume. Key contributors included Babalola (North-West University, South Africa), Kloepper (Auburn University, USA), and Shen (Nanjing Agricultural University, China), each with at least 25 publications. Co-authorship analysis revealed four major research networks centered in India, China, Brazil, and Canada. Bacillus and Pseudomonas were the most studied PGPR genera, recognized for their roles as bioinoculants, bioremediators, and biostimulants, mitigating the negative impacts of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This analysis underscores the growing global focus on PGPR-based biocontrol and its potential for sustainable agriculture. Strengthening international collaboration and accelerating applied research on PGPR formulations will be critical for optimizing their efficacy and scalability in real-world agricultural systems.