Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agrícolas y Pecuarias

Ticks, hematophagous ectoparasites, pose significant health risks to wildlife and humans as vectors for various pathogens. This study aims to assess the efficacy of Ailanthus altissima plant extract against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum ticks using both in vitro and in silico approaches. According to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, 29 bioactive components with varying retention times have been identified in the methanol leaf extract of A. altissima. The plants methanolic extracts were prepared, subsequently diluted to concentrations of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/mL. Ticks underwent an adult immersion test (AIT) to evaluate extract effectiveness. AIT results were statistically analyzed via probit regression for lethal concentration (LC50 and LC90) and lethal time (LT50 and LT90) values. Three-dimensional structures of R. (B.) microplus acetylcholinesterase (RmAChE) and H. anatolicum glutathione S-transferase (HaGST) were modeled using homology modeling, validated through Ramachandran plots and ERRAT server. Molecular docking studies explored extract inhibitory mechanisms at the molecular level against RmAChE (4-Quinolinecarboxylic acid: − 6.6 kcal/mol) and HaGST (Gamma Tocopherol: − 6.6 kcal/mol). In vitro findings indicated superior efficacy of the plant extract compared to the positive control permethrin (a commercially available acaricide), a result supported by in silico studies showing several phytochemicals with inhibitory potential against these tick species.

Nanoparticles in agroecosystems and natural environments has raised concerns, but nanoparticle uptake and toxicity in soil, plants, and animals is not yet understood. Unlike other studies that evaluated nanomaterials under laboratory conditions, this research aimed to evaluate increasing concentrations of Fe NPs (magnetite [Fe3O4] and hematite [α-Fe2O3]) on fern plants (Pleopeltis guttata [Maxon]) and endogenous earthworms (Balanteodrilus sp.) in a controlled space of a pine-oak forest. The results revealed that in possible contamination by Fe NPs, nanometric iron remains up to 90 days after application, which enables plants and earthworms to absorb nanometric Fe from the soil. The bioconcentration results revealed that P. guttata ferns are not plants capable of accumulating nanometric iron. On the contrary, the ferns limit the bioaccumulation of iron in the leaves and stems. When determining the translocation factor, it turned out that the plants immobilized the iron in the roots. In addition, the iron accumulated in the roots decreased with increasing concentrations of NPs. On the other hand, the study revealed that earthworms consume nanometric iron from the soil and that the amount of accumulated iron is a function of increasing concentrations. Although this study is the first to evaluate the effects of Fe NPs on ferns and earthworms simultaneously, future research should include an assessment of biochemical parameters and mineral concentrations in these organisms.

Nanotechnology is a widely used tool in various fields of everyday life, such as industry, medicine, and agriculture. In addition, nanomaterials (NMs) have been shown to be useful for fertilizer, pesticide, and biostimulant applications. Plant biostimulation is an area of agricultural science in which there has been widespread interest in the multiple advantages of cultivable species, such as increased productivity, resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, and more efficient use of water and minerals. Several studies have shown that different NMs can potentially be applied as plant biostimulants, resulting in positive responses in crops. Among these responses are modifications in gene expression in plant cells, which positively or negatively alter certain proteins involved in the different metabolic processes of plants. On the other hand, the application of NMs also alters the enzymatic activity of a wide variety of plant enzymes. Changes in both the structure and production of proteins, as well as in enzymatic activity, will result in greater or lesser efficiency in physiological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and assimilation of nutrients, among others. Therefore, the aim of this chapter was to review in detail how different NMs induce biostimulation in plant species, in addition to their effects on proteins and enzymatic activity, emphasizing the physiological processes mentioned above.

Nutritional problems in the world are increasing, either because of a lack of food, or because food is not of sufficient quality, i.e., it does not provide the essential elements for the human diet and does not have the appropriate content of bioactive compounds. In either case, it is necessary to develop strategies to improve the quality of food for human consumption. In agriculture, nanotechnology can be an effective tool for solving food quality problems. Through the application of nanomaterials, it is possible to increase the content of essential elements in the consumption organs of plants, which are conventionally difficult to handle. But also, it is possible to increase the content of macromolecules and bioactive compounds, improving the quality of food, and therefore with beneficial effects for human health. It is for this reason that more knowledge of nanotechnology applied to agriculture is required in order to improve the nutritional quality of food. In this sense, the subject of this chapter is addressed, with emphasis on the biofortification of agricultural crops with the application of nanomaterials, and their impact on the content of essential elements and bioactive compounds.

Nanotechnology (NT), using nanometric materials, has impressed many scientists, technologists, and students due to the results observed when applied in crop fields and the environment. The effectiveness of nanometric-scale materials depends on the unique properties of Nanomaterials (NMs) or Nanoparticles (NPs). Size, shape, surface charge, surface/volume ratio, and catalytic activity, among other aspects, favor positive changes in plant growth or the decontamination of soils contaminated with organic, inorganic, or heavy metal contaminants. Despite the efficiency of nanometric products, at the laboratory and field level, it has been suggested that the indiscriminate use of NMs and NPs may represent risks for plants, soil organisms, and humans. The extensive literature mentions that plants and some soil animals can accumulate high concentrations of different nanometric products. Also, it is suggested that within cells, nanomaterials or nanoparticles can transformed when they come into contact with organic components or with the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. Therefore, in this section, the implications of nanomaterial transformations in edible plants and soil organisms are discussed.

Nanotechnology has been proven to be a useful tool in many fields [...]

The content of bioactive compounds in fruits has become increasingly important to consumers in terms of high consumption levels, quality and shelf life. In addition, as the potential beneficial effects of bioactive compounds on human health become more widely known, products with longer shelf life are required. Against this background, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of calcium nanocomposites plus amino acids on tomato plant growth, fruit quality and antioxidant content. Specifically, the impact of the treatments on the physicochemical parameters of the fruits (colour of the fruits, thickness of the pericarp, hydrogen potential (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), total soluble solids (TSS) and fruit firmness), as well as the content of lycopene and β ‐carotene, vitamin C, phenols, flavonoids and total proteins, was verified. Calcium nanoparticles (Ca NPs) plus four different amino acids ( γ ‐aminobutyric acid [AA], arginine [ARG], glutamic acid [AG] and alanine [ALA]) were applied as foliar treatments. The results showed that there were no negative effects due to the application of Ca NPs plus amino acids. On the contrary, they significantly affected the antioxidant content of tomato fruits and their physicochemical properties. The lycopene and vitamin C contents in the fruits were increased by Ca NPs + ALA and Ca NPs + AG treatments, respectively. Furthermore, the application of Ca NPs plus amino acids improved the lightness (L) of the fruits and reduced their yellow colour (b ∗ ). In addition, all treatments induced a lower loss of firmness of the fruits during postharvest, while Ca NPs + AA reduced the percentage of weight loss. The application of Ca NPs plus amino acids can be a viable option in the production of agricultural systems to improve the fruit quality and shelf life of tomato fruits.

Parasitic diseases are a major challenge for livestock in warm climates, causing signifi cant economic losses, particularly in young animals. Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are highly prevalent, prompting us to investigate factors affecting the prevalence of endoparasites in pre-weaning calves in a warm, humid climate in Mexico. Fecal samples were analyzed to assess fecal egg count (FEC) dynamics and endoparasite prevalence. The prevalence of trematodes (Fasciola hepatica and pa-ramphistomids) was determined on 12 beef cattle farms in the rainy season from May to September 2022 and July to November 2023. Nematode prevalence was monitored on four farms during 2022 and 2023. In addition, on one farm, the FEC was compared between dewormed and untreated groups. Coprocultures were conducted to obtain third-stage larvae for species identifi cation based on morphology. The prevalence of F. hepatica was 12 % (77/640), while paramphistomids had a prevalence of 20.5 % (131/640). Trichostrongylids showed a prevalence exceeding 30 %, with maximum values reaching 93 %. The predominant species identifi ed from coprocultures were Cooperia spp., Oesophagostomum spp., and Haemonchus spp. Dewormed calves exhibited similar nematode eggs per gram of feces (EPG) to the untreated group, and nematode EPG in calves tended to decrease with age. In conclusion, age, sex, and farm management practices infl uence the prevalence of nematodes and trematodes. Nematode prevalence exceeded 30 % for most of the year, while trematode prevalence ranged from 12 % to 20 %.

Strain TRQ32 was isolated from wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum) rhizosphere in a commercial field located in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico. Its draft genome was sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq technologies, resulting in a genome size of 4,363,473 bp with 45.8% G + C content; 878,209 bp N50; 2 L50 and 28 contigs. Based on phylogenomic analysis [the 16S rRNA gene (similarity: 100%), Overall genome relatedness indexes (OGRIs) (OrthoANI: 99.58%, and GGDC: 96.40%), and whole-genome phylogenetic tree construction], strain TRQ32 was affiliated to Bacillus licheniformis. Genomic annotation revealed 4833 coding DNA sequences (CDS) across 334 subsystems, indicating genes involved in stress response (42 CDS); virulence, disease, and defense (39 CDS); iron acquisition (43 CDS); as well as secondary metabolism (11 CDS). Additionally, AntiSMASH 7.1 identified three biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) associated with biocontrol activity: lichenysin, bacillibactin, and lichenicidin. In vitro biocontrol assays showed that B. licheniformis TRQ32 inhibited the mycelial growth of eight wheat phytopathogenic fungi belonging to the genera Bipolaris, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Alternaria, and Curvularia, by over 50%. This study highlights the taxonomic affiliation and biocontrol potential of B. licheniformis TRQ32 through genome sequencing, annotation, and mining. The findings demonstrate that the native bacterial strain TRQ32 is a promising strategy to control wheat phytopathogenic fungi by manly bacillibactin biosynthesis, which contributes to sustainable agricultural practices.

This study evaluated the effects of various concentrations of PVP-40 on the in vitro cryopreservation and recovery of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina. We also assessed a reduced dose of attenuated Babesia strains to determine its efficacy in preventing clinical disease. A microaerophilic stationary phase blood culture system was used to recover Babesia parasites that were cryopreserved in solutions with various PVP-40 concentrations and Babesia parasites in 20% PVP-40 were used to vaccinate naïve cattle. The animals were vaccinated intramuscularly with frozen parasites cryopreserved in 20% PVP-40, with a dose of either 1 × 10⁸ or 1 × 10⁷ erythrocytes infected with both attenuated B. bigemina and B. bovis produced from blood cultures. The control group received uninfected erythrocytes. During the vaccination, clinical parameters such as rectal temperature and hematocrit levels were unaffected. The animals were relocated to a farm in a Babesia hyperendemic area to test the efficacy of these live vaccines in controlling disease onset. Some vaccinated animals showed mild disease. In the vaccinated groups, parasites were detected in blood smears for only one day during the challenge. In contrast, the control group experienced fever for three consecutive days, a decline in hematocrit levels, and significant health deterioration. In this group, parasites were detected in smears for four consecutive days. All the animals in the control group required treatment to manage their high parasitemia and prevent mortality. In this study, we demonstrated that increasing the concentration of PVP-40 to cryopreserve parasites improved the recovery and proliferation of Babesia spp. in blood culture, and we also showed that when animals were vaccinated with cryopreserved, in vitro cultured, attenuated Babesia parasites in 20% PVP-40, they were effectively protected from severe clinical babesiosis.

Protoplasts are plant cells whose cell walls have been removed by enzymatic or mechanical means, and are used mainly for in vitro genetic engineering experiments. This chapter presents a detailed protocol for isolating protoplasts from the mesophyll cells of A. thaliana. We also describe applications of these protoplasts, including subcellular localization of protein, bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays for protein-protein interactions, and the application of exogenous hormones in protoplasts isolated from reporter lines such as TCSn::GFP and DR5::GFP. The general procedure includes protoplast isolation, transfection with the plasmids of interest, and visualization under confocal microscopy. This protocol is routinely used in our laboratory, primarily for protein-protein interaction studies.

Anthelmintic resistance is currently negatively impacting animal production parameters, leading to an increase in the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and resulting in low profitability in small ruminants. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative control strategies to reduce the prevalence and damage caused by these parasites in extensive systems. One of these strategies involves plant extracts and their secondary metabolites, which have shown antiparasitic properties. The main aim of the present study was the evaluation of Artemisia cina (A. cina) foliage to perform an n-hexane extract and cinaguaiacin as secondary metabolite (mixture of 63% of 3′-demethoxy-6-O-demethylisoguaiacin and 37% norisoguaiacin), previously identified by chromatography technique and relative expression of three antioxidant enzyme genes of infective Haemonchus contortus larvae (L3). The results showed upregulation of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT), and decreased expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes after exposure to H. contortus L3 to n-hexane extract of A. cina. Furthermore, cinaguacin displayed up- and downregulation of GPx and superoxide dismutase genes, respectively. These data suggest the active function of reactive oxidative species (ROS) genes of H. contortus L3 exposed by the extract of A. cina and cinaguaiacin to induce the larve death. In this sense, both alternatives could be promising to mitigate resistance to anthelmintic drugs.

The seed yield of 28 bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) lines from different crosses and two check cultivars was evaluated under rainfed conditions in two sites in North-Central Mexico. The aim was to identify high-yielding lines with low genotype–environment interactions (GEIs). Trials were conducted under a 6 × 5 square lattice design with four replicates; due to the lack of rainfall in Zacatecas, the trial was helped with supplemental irrigation. Data were analyzed by location and combined to determine the effects of GEIs using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model (AMMI) model. The combined analysis showed that 75.45% of the yield variation among lines was due to the effect of the environment, 11.75% was due to genotypes, and 12.79% was due to GEIs. Lines 5 and 10 displayed the highest yield, which slightly surpassed the checks (2.1 and 0.11%, respectively) and showed greater stability than those in the test environments. The AMMI analysis allowed for the selection of stable and high-yielding lines under drought conditions. Data on the weight and yield per hectare of a hundred seeds between and within locations identified lines 5, 10, and 16 as outstanding and capable of being used as a parent in a future hybridization program or as a new cultivar with drought tolerance.

Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) production is significantly influenced by genotype-environment interactions, which affect key agronomic traits such as yield, fruit quality, and disease resistance. Despite advances in cacao breeding, one of the main challenges remains the identification of stable, high-performing clones that can adapt to different environmental conditions while maintaining desirable agronomic characteristics. In particular, the introduction of improved clones with high productivity and tolerance to diseases such as frosty pod rot is essential to ensure sustainable production. However, limited information exists on the environmental influence on these traits, making it crucial to assess the performance of new cacao clones in diverse agroecological conditions before their large-scale adoption. With the objective of evaluating the genotype-environment interaction of cacao clones generated by INIFAP and introduced for their tolerance to diseases (frosty pod rot), high yield, and quality, 23 cacao clones were established in three environments: (1) Campo Experimental Rosario Izapa-Tuxtla chico, Chiapas; (2) Ejido Umoa, Tapachula, Chiapas y (3) Vicente Guerreo, Teapa, Tabasco. The cacao clones were established in a Randomized Block Experimental Design with three replications and five trees per block. Statistical analysis was conducted in R 4.4.1 using the statgenGxE package and hierarchical clustering. The variance analysis showed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the evaluated variables, indicating considerable genetic variability in terms of fruit length (FL), fruit weight (FW), total number of seeds (TNS), individual seed dry weight (ISDW), and pod index (PI). Environment 1, located in Rosario Izapa, Chiapas, stood out as the best for the variables FL, TNS, and ISDW. On the other hand, environment 3, situated in Vicente Guerrero, Teapa, Tabasco, proved to be the most suitable for FW and PI. In contrast, environment 2, located in Ejido Umoa, Tapachula, Chiapas, ranked as the worst for most of the variables, particularly for FL, FW, and TNS. The sensitivity analysis of the cacao genotypes depended on the type of variable; for the fruit variables, genotype 5 stood out for FL, genotype 18 for FW, genotype 4 for TNS, genotype 9 for ISDW, and genotype 15 for PI. In general, the best genotype for fruit variables was genotype 25 (F19P3). Finally, it was observed that among the 23 promising cacao genotypes, most exhibited interaction with the environment, suggesting that it is very important to consider the environmental conditions where the varieties will be established. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the influence of environmental conditions on cacao productivity and quality, highlighting the need for site-specific clone selection. The identification of high-yielding and stable genotypes can facilitate more efficient breeding strategies and better decision-making for cacao producers and researchers. By understanding how different environments impact agronomic traits, this research contributes to the sustainable intensification of cacao cultivation, helping to optimize yields while mitigating the risks associated with environmental variability. These results are particularly relevant for breeding programs aimed at developing resilient cacao varieties suited to diverse agroecological regions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-00162-8.

The Colletotrichum genus is one of the ten most relevant pathogenic fungi in the post-harvest sector owing to its high infection rate in tropical fruits; however, the search for alternatives to synthetic fungicides is crucial because of their adverse effects on health and the environment. This study evaluated the efficacy of chitosan (CH), citral (CT), and hexanal (HX) against Colletotrichum asianum, as well as the toxicological potential of these treatments. In in vitro tests, 1.0% CH, 0.03% CT, and 0.06% HX significantly inhibited fungal development in parameters of radial growth, sporulation, fungal biomass, and germination by 78–100% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the toxicity index was low to moderate for most concentrations using cucumber and tomato seed germination as a study model. Toxicokinetic predictions suggest that CH, CT, and HX molecules do not pose a danger to human consumption, suggesting that they are promising alternatives to chemical fungicides for the control of phytopathogenic fungi.