Scientia Agropecuaria

Detección del tizón tardío en folíolos de papa usando imágenes tomadas con dron y técnicas de Deep Learning

2025-06-05T01:53:24+00:00

Phytophthora infestans causa una de las enfermedades más devastadoras del cultivo de papa, también conocida como tizón tardío. Dado que la identificación temprana de este patógeno es crucial para el control efectivo de la enfermedad, este estudio tuvo como objetivo proponer una metodología automatizada para la identificación de sus lesiones en foliolos de papa, utilizando redes neuronales convolucionales llamadas "Mask R-CNN". Las evaluaciones se llevaron a cabo durante la temporada de lluvias, en cultivos realizados por agricultores en la localidad de Huasahuasi, en los Andes centrales del Perú. Se tomaron cien fotografías (5472 × 3078 píxeles) con un vehículo aéreo no tripulado (UAV) Phantom 4 Pro a una altitud de 3 m en cultivos con una incidencia de tizón tardío entre 2 y 3. Las imágenes se dividieron en cuatro partes y luego pasaron un riguroso control de calidad, dando como resultado 200 fotos (1825 × 1369 píxeles). Del total, el 75% se utilizó para el entrenamiento del modelo y el 25% para su validación. Los modelos se evaluaron en condiciones reales, utilizando métricas como la precisión y la recuperación. Se determinó que la red neuronal Mask R-CNN, basada en la arquitectura de red neuronal profunda ResNet 101, ofrece una precisión y efectividad aceptables (73,5%) en la identificación de lesiones de tizón tardío a nivel de foliolo. Esta metodología constituye una contribución significativa a la agricultura de precisión en los Andes, al validar una herramienta no invasiva capaz de superar las limitaciones topográficas de la zona. Su aplicación práctica optimizaría el uso de fungicidas mediante la detección dirigida, promoviendo así sistemas de producción de papa más sostenibles y rentables para los agricultores locales.

Screening commercial disinfectants to strengthen on-farm biosecurity for the prevention of Fusarium wilt of banana Tropical Race 4 in Ecuador

2026-02-16T13:03:10+00:00

Bananas (Musa spp.), often reported together with plantains, are among the most traded fruit commodities worldwide, particularly in terms of export volume and value, with Ecuador recognized as the leading global exporter, supplying approximately one quarter of the total international trade. However, its production is increasingly threatened by climate change and fungal diseases such as Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4). To support preventive management strategies against Foc TR4, this study evaluated the in vitro efficacy of nine commercial disinfectants available in Ecuador—including quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), oxidizing agents, aldehydes, and alkaline substances—against conidia and chlamydospores of several Foc race 1 strains (VCG0120) as a model organism. Different concentrations and contact times were tested in the presence and absence of organic matter. Chlamydospores exhibited higher resistance than conidia, requiring greater concentrations for inhibition. Aldehyde formulations and QACs achieved the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations (<1,000 ppm) and remained effective under organic load and variable contact times. These findings emphasize the need to select disinfectants with consistent efficacy under field-relevant conditions to ensure the application of proper biosecurity measures.

Reemplazo parcial de Artemia sp. por Moina sp. como alimento vivo y destete temprano con una dieta comercial: efectos sobre el crecimiento, la supervivencia y la histología digestiva de alevines de paiche (Arapaima sp.)

2026-02-16T13:17:03+00:00

El paiche (Arapaima sp.) es una especie emblemática de la Amazonía peruana, cuya producción sostenible sigue limitada por la escasa disponibilidad de alevines en cautiverio. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el reemplazo parcial de Artemia sp. por Moina sp. durante la fase de alimento vivo y el efecto del destete temprano con una dieta comercial para trucha sobre el crecimiento, la supervivencia y la histología del sistema digestivo. Se realizó un ensayo de 37 días con seis tratamientos por triplicado, definidos por tres tallas de destete (3, 3,5 y 4 cm de longitud total) y dos regímenes de alimento vivo (100% Artemia sp. o 50% Artemia sp. + 50% Moina sp.). Todos los grupos fueron destetados con la misma dieta comercial. El reemplazo del 50% de Artemia sp. por Moina sp. no comprometió el desempeño inicial. Sin embargo, los alevines destinados al destete a 4 cm presentaron una reducción del crecimiento mientras permanecieron exclusivamente con alimento vivo, lo que sugiere limitaciones del protocolo de alimentación viva a esa talla. El destete a 4 cm se asoció con mejores indicadores de crecimiento y supervivencia que los destetes a 3 y 3,5 cm. No obstante, la dieta comercial resultó inapropiada para el destete temprano, evidenciándose a nivel histológico mediante alteraciones como obstrucción del lumen, deterioro de las vellosidades e hiperplasia del epitelio intestinal. En conjunto, estos resultados subrayan la necesidad de desarrollar dietas específicas para el paiche, adaptadas a sus requerimientos durante las etapas tempranas.

Elite Stevia rebaudiana clones for sustainable tropical highland cultivation: Agronomic traits and glycoside profiles

2025-08-18T13:16:09+00:00

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Bertoni) is a high-value source of non-caloric sweeteners, yet its genotype-specific performance under tropical highland conditions remains insufficiently documented. Eleven elite stevia clones grown in the tropical highlands of Indonesia were evaluated, integrating agronomic performance with the steviol glycoside profile. A random block design with four replicates was implemented across three harvests. Majalengka exhibited the greatest plant height (45.06 cm) and total biomass (21.32 g plant⁻¹), while Karang Anyar and Garut also exceeded 20 g plant⁻¹, indicating robust vegetative growth. Dry leaf yield ranged from 4.98 to 14.00 g plant⁻¹, with Majalengka, Karang Anyar, and TIA-001A among the highest-yielding genotypes. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identified Garut as the leading clone in total glycoside content (346.78 mg g⁻¹), with the highest concentrations of stevioside (75.91 mg g⁻¹, 7.59%) and rebaudioside A (26.40 mg g⁻¹, 2.64%). However, its Reb A/stevioside ratio (0.35) was lower than that of TIA-006 (0.74), TIA-003 (0.54), and Karang Anyar (0.52), which exhibited more favorable sweetness profiles. TIA-003 combined high glycoside content (286.58 mg g⁻¹, 28.66%) with environmental stability, despite moderate leaf yield. Pujon and TIA-002A showed consistent glycoside profiles suitable for herbal and blended extract applications, while Karang Anyar demonstrated dual potential for leaf yield and sweetener quality. These findings identify Garut, TIA-003, and Karang Anyar as priority genotypes for glycoside extraction and agro-industrial scaling, while Majalengka and TIA-001A offer biomass advantages for whole-plant utilization. These findings offer genotype-specific insights to guide breeding programs and facilitate agro-industrial deployment in tropical highland stevia systems.

Sustainable livestock farming: Estimating forage biomass with RPAS and 3D modeling

2025-09-17T21:52:39+00:00

An alternative to support sustainable and technological livestock farming is using aerial images through Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). This method has demonstrated effective outcomes in assessing agricultural variables including height, volume, and biomass across vegetation and crops like pastures. The study was carried out at Nero farm in southern Ecuador. The objectives of this research were: i) demonstrate the validity of the aerial imagery method with traditional field methods for characterizing grassland agronomic parameters (height, volume, and biomass) and ii) evaluate which of the variables studied (height and volume) is the best predictor of grass fresh mass and dry mass. The first methodology consists of collecting in filed (paddock) height and volume of grass using a frame of 1 m², then biomass was measured in laboratory. For the second method, aerial images were obtained through RPAS and processed to generate digital surface model (DSM) and digital terrain model (DTM). Finally, linear models were performed with respective R² and error. The height and volume of grass of both methods represent up to 98% of data variability (p < 0.0001), also, the measures of central tendency and dispersion were so similar. Regarding the models of fresh and dry mass with height and volume digital of grass representing over 40% (p < 0.05), the digital height being the best predictor for dry (R²: 48%) and fresh mass (R²: 42%). This research revalidates the effectiveness use of aerial images in important crops from Ecuador.

Fusarium in banana from Ecuador: A morphological, molecular and pathogenic study as a control strategy

2026-03-04T14:37:53+00:00

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense is associated with wilting in banana cultivation. The soil-dwelling phytopathogenic fungus has caused devastating consequences worldwide. The races that affect bananas are 1, 2 and 4, the latter very feared because of the epidemics caused since its identification, and because to date an effective control against the pathogen has not been determined. Therefore, the objective of the research was to isolate and characterize morphologically using four culture media, and molecularly the fungus in order to evaluate its pathogenicity with in vitro and greenhouse tests. 20 symptomatic samples were collected from an apple variety banana plantation. Subsequently, isolations were made from vascular tissue. The morphological identification of the isolates obtained was decisive to use a single strain for subsequent analysis and trials due to the similarity of the isolate’s strains. These strains were characterized by a cottony white mycelium that gradually changed to purple. Microscopy identified macroconidia, microconidia and chlamydospores. Molecular analysis was performed through the genes: translation elongation factor TEF1α, and Rpb2. The strain (Fus banana) was identified as F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense, accessions TEF1α (PV682586), Rpb2 (PV682587). The results were expressed in terms of incidence and severity. The medium malt extract registered a higher incidence reaching 99%. Regarding the distribution of severity, a progressive pattern in the intensity of symptoms was observed. The results obtained constitute consistent scientific support for future studies that are oriented towards the development of reliable diagnostic tools, the evaluation of pathogenicity in banana materials and the design of integrated management strategies against this pathogen with high economic and phytosanitary impact.

Endophytic bacteria isolated from the medicinal plant kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): Morphological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics, and their potential use as plant growth promoters

2026-03-04T14:46:26+00:00

Endophytic bacteria live within and colonize plant tissues, forming symbiotic interactions that often enhance host growth, health, and stress tolerance without causing harm. This study aimed to isolate endophytic bacterial strains from the medicinal plant ‘kratom’ (Mitragyna speciosa), characterize their biological functions by analyzing morphological, biochemical, and molecular properties, and evaluate their plant growth-promoting potential. The research followed standard procedures for isolating and analyzing the production of plant growth-promoting compounds, including indole-3-acetic acid, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase, siderophores, cellulase, nitrogen fixation, and phosphate solubilization, and for assessing their effects on soybean in planta, including bacterial root colonization and plant growth. Of the isolates tested by 16S rDNA sequencing, five were successfully identified, belonging to Chromobacterium alkanivorans (2), Bacillus methylotrophicus (1), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (1), and Chromobacterium violaceum (1). Quantitative assays showed that the bacterial isolates produced 13.35 – 24.11 g mL^-1 of indole acetic acid, 20.77 – 24.95 μg mL^-1 of inorganic phosphate solubilization activity, 63.34 – 84.29 U mL^-1 of acid phosphatase, and 2.92 – 4.86 U mL^-1 of cellulase. Qualitative tests confirmed that each isolate produced siderophores, nitrogenase, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase, indole acetic acid, cellulase, and both organic and inorganic phosphate solubilization. Greenhouse experiments demonstrated that all bacterial isolates promoted plant growth, increasing soybean shoot length by 17.71% to 54.17%, root length by 14.36% to 39.34%, and total dry weight by 2.24% to 56.71% compared to controls. These findings support the potential application of endophytes as biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture, highlighting their capacity as plant growth-promoting bacteria.

Biogeography and climate change threats of supersect. Tacsonia (subgenus Passiflora), in Peru

2025-07-03T15:22:10+00:00

Supersection Tacsonia (Passiflora L.) is a high-Andean lineage whose geographic restriction and environmental specialization make it particularly vulnerable to ongoing climate change. However, broad-scale evidence integrating distribution patterns, endemism, protection coverage, and future habitat stability remains limited for the Peruvian Andes. Here, we assessed the spatial distribution, richness patterns, habitat associations, and climate-driven vulnerability of Tacsonia species in Peru. We compiled 1,758 georeferenced occurrence records for 25 Tacsonia species (including one unidentified taxon) spanning elevations of 1,500–4,500 m and summarized richness across administrative regions, elevation bands, and latitudinal/longitudinal gradients. We also evaluated protection coverage by intersecting records with the national protected-area system and developed ecological niche models to estimate current suitability and potential losses under climate-change scenarios. Most records occurred between 3,000 and 3,500 m, and 23 species were found between 2,500 and 3,000 m. Cusco concentrated the highest number of observations (543) and species richness (14), followed by Cajamarca (226 records; 11 species). Richness peaks were detected around 6°, 7°, and 13°S and 72°, 75°, and 77°W. Thirteen species are endemic to the Peruvian Andes, including five restricted to Cusco, La Libertad, and Amazonas. Tacsonia species occupy multiple Andean ecosystems (Tropical Dry Forest, Páramo, Puna, Yungas, and Andean Dry Forest), with P. tripartita occurring across all habitat types. Occurrences were recorded within several protected areas (Alto Mayo, Pui Pui, Manu, Río Abiseo, Huascarán, Yanachaga-Chemillén, Calipuy, Cotahuasi, Pampa de Ayacucho, Machu Picchu, and Ampay), including endemic taxa such as P. amazonica, P. huamachucoensis, P. parvifolia, P. peduncularis, P. trifoliata, P. trisecta, and P. weigendii. Niche models indicated high current suitability along northern slopes and across the central and southern eastern Andes (AUC = 0.94), but projected climate change could reduce suitable habitat by ~20%–60% by 2100.

Conversion of coffee and plastics residues into activated carbon by chemical activation with ammonia

2026-04-07T12:50:54+00:00

Aiming for the valorization of agricultural biomass residues such as coffee husks and plastics wastes such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a method for transforming them into activated carbon by using ammonia chloride as activation agent is presented in this study. Firstly, mixtures of PET waste were processed through a pyrolytic process at different operational conditions through a factorial experimental design. The obtained material with the best characteristics of specific surface area (SSA) and mass yield was obtained at 600 °C and 2.5 hours of treatment. These parameters were then used for performing the activation of coffee husks residues and mixtures of them with PET (in mass rates of 1:1 and 1:2 of PET and biomass, respectively) All the obtained materials were then characterized through a Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and a Differential Scanning Calorimetry - Thermogravimetric Analysis (DSC–TGA) technique, and other physicochemical properties (particle size, bulk density, humidity content and ash content) were also measured, all properties were then compared with characteristics of commercial activated carbon. The activated carbon obtained from coffee husks residues showed a low specific surface area (SSA) and a higher pyrolysis yield. The mixtures of biomass and PET showed lower SSA and higher pyrolysis yield than the ones obtained from PET. The mixture of 1:1 is the best on SSA and yield. The textural analysis was performed (BET, BJH, XRF, XRD and SEM–EDS) on the samples of pure pet and mixture 1:1. This shows that the method allows the utilization of coffee and PET residues to produce activated carbon in a more sustainable way respect to other methods of activation (the proposed method uses low mass relations 10% and no postprocessing).

Morphological and multilocus molecular characterization of Neocosmospora solani and Fusarium oxysporum associated with gummosis in Citrus sinensis in Veracruz, Mexico

2025-08-24T15:47:38+00:00

Citrus gummosis is a complex disease primarily associated with Phytophthora spp. in Mexico, particularly P. nicotianae (syn. P. parasitica) and P. citrophthora, which have historically been recognized as the main causal agents in the country’s citrus-growing regions. However, several studies have reported additional fungal pathogens, such as Lasiodiplodia spp., involved in gummosis-like symptoms. The objective of this research was to identify phytopathogenic fungi associated with gummosis symptoms in orange orchards in Tuxpan, Veracruz. A total of 100 bark samples were collected from symptomatic trees across five representative zones of the municipality. Fungal isolation was performed on potato dextrose agar (PDA), yielding 25 isolates, from which five were selected based on morphological characteristics. Molecular identification was conducted through PCR amplification and concatenated sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1) gene. The sequences were compared with reference data in the NCBI and Fusarium MLST databases. Phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian inference revealed that the isolates corresponded to Neocosmospora solani (2 isolates), Fusarium oxysporum (2 isolates), and an undescribed Fusarium species (1 isolate). The presence of N. solani and F. oxysporum as dominant species (99% sequence identity) suggests their potential role in the etiology of citrus gummosis. These findings expand the current understanding of citrus gummosis etiology in Mexico and underscore the importance of considering alternative fungal pathogens in diagnostic and management strategies.

Residualidad del imidacloprid en flores de guanábana (Annona muricata L.), papaya (Carica papaya Linnaeus) y limón Persa (Citrus X latifolia Tanaka)

2025-08-27T04:42:08+00:00

La intensificación de los cultivos genera contaminación ambiental y afectaciones a la biodiversidad de los ecosistemas. El uso del imidacloprid está afectando a los principales polinizadores naturales de los cultivos de guanábana, papaya y limón. No se tienen registros de la cuantificación y residualidad del imidacloprid en flor, importante para los insectos polinizadores. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la residualidad del imidacloprid en flores de guanábana, papaya y limón Persa, en huertas comerciales, productivas y de traspatio, de la zona centro de Veracruz, México. Se realizaron muestreos en el agroecosistema tropical del centro de Veracruz, en los municipios de Cotaxtla, Tlalixcoyan y Medellín de Bravo; se muestrearon flores de guanábana a nivel traspatio, flores abiertas en huertas de papaya y limón Persa. Para la determinación y cuantificación del imidacloprid, se utilizó el método de ELISA con el kit de detección de imidacloprid. Los resultados de las concentraciones en flores de guanábana fueron de 1,2 ng/ml, papaya con 0,75 ng/ml y 0,65 ng/ml para limón Persa; se encontraron valores altos de 0,85 ng/ml en flores colectadas en huertas con manejo convencional. Las concentraciones de imidacloprid en flores de limón Persa, papaya y guanábana son un riesgo potencial para los polinizadores naturales, en respuesta a la exposición del imidacloprid, misma que puede derivar en la mortalidad de las larvas y adultos de especies como las abejas silvestres, importantes para la producción de los cultivos.

Teledetección del rendimiento del arroz mediante el índice SAVI obtenido con drones y modelos de aprendizaje automático supervisado en zonas bajas tropicales

2026-04-27T13:06:20+00:00

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la capacidad del índice de vegetación ajustado al suelo (SAVI, soil-adjusted vegetation index) derivado de imágenes multiespectrales obtenidas mediante vehículos aéreos no tripulados (UAV, unmanned aerial vehicles) para diferenciar las zonas productivas de las que no lo son en parcelas arroceras de selva baja tropical, en la región San Martín, Perú. Se usó un diseño de bloques completos al azar en dos localidades, con tres variedades de arroz, y se tomaron imágenes multiespectrales usando plataformas UAV. El rendimiento real de campo se midió con muestreo destructivo georreferenciado, ajustando el peso del grano a una humedad estándar y expresándolo en toneladas por hectárea. Con esos datos, las parcelas se clasificaron en zonas productivas y no productivas según criterios de umbral obtenidos de las mediciones directas. Después se extrajo los valores de SAVI y se usaron como variable de entrada en varios modelos de clasificación supervisada: regresión logística, máquinas de soporte vectorial (SVM), k vecinos más cercanos (KNN), bosque aleatorio y árbol de decisión. Los resultados mostraron que los valores de SAVI entre 0,50 y 0,70 se relacionaban con las zonas productivas, mientras que los que estaban entre 0,30 y 0,50 correspondían a las no productivas. La regresión logística y el SVM fueron los que mejor rindieron, con una exactitud global del 88,9%, valores de F1 por encima del 92% y un balance adecuado entre sensibilidad y especificidad. Esto demuestra que el SAVI con aprendizaje automático supervisado es una estrategia para discriminar espacialmente la productividad del arroz, con potencial para apoyar en el monitoreo dentro de la parcela y en las decisiones agronómicas en sistemas arroceros tropicales.

Modelado espacial de propiedades fisicoquímicas y fertilidad del suelo en sistemas agrícolas tropicales bajo distinta heterogeneidad estructural mediante UAV multiespectral y geoestadística

2026-04-27T13:50:20+00:00

La variabilidad espacial del suelo condiciona la eficiencia productiva, la gestión de nutrientes y la sostenibilidad de los sistemas agrícolas tropicales, especialmente en contextos donde la heterogeneidad limita la implementación de estrategias de manejo sitio-específico. En este estudio se comparó el desempeño de un flujo analítico basado en imágenes UAV multiespectrales, regresión lineal múltiple (MLR) e interpolación geoestadística en dos sistemas agrícolas con distinta heterogeneidad, un sistema multicultivo a escala de estación y un sistema arrocero con diferentes densidades de siembra, ambos ubicados en la Estación Experimental Agraria El Porvenir (San Martín, Perú). Se analizaron 60 muestras en el componente multicultivo y 27 en el sistema arrocero, georreferenciadas a 30 cm de profundidad, evaluando pH, conductividad eléctrica, nitrógeno, fósforo, potasio, carbono orgánico del suelo y textura. Se aplicó un flujo analítico homogéneo en ambos sistemas (correlación de Spearman, MLR stepwise y kriging ordinario). Los resultados evidenciaron diferencias marcadas en el desempeño predictivo, en el sistema arrocero se alcanzaron valores de R² de prueba de 0,93 para nitrógeno y 0,88 para fósforo, mientras que en el sistema multicultivo los mayores R² fueron 0,42 para conductividad eléctrica y 0,37 para limo. Asimismo, los índices espectrales basados en NIR y red edge mostraron mayor asociación con los atributos edáficos evaluados. Los resultados demuestran que el desempeño depende de la heterogeneidad estructural del sistema, donde entornos más homogéneos favorecen la predicción puntual, mientras que sistemas más heterogéneos potencian la zonificación y delimitación de unidades de manejo.

Extraction of flavonoids from Mucuna pruriens seeds by ultrasound: Evaluation of their antioxidant properties and toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans

2025-11-19T19:02:13+00:00

Traditional methods for extracting bioactive compounds from Mucuna pruriens involve high solvent use, long extraction times, and low yields. As a result, finding more efficient extraction techniques remains an important research focus. In this context, ultrasound-assisted extraction has become a promising alternative for extracting flavonoids from M. pruriens. These compounds play a crucial role in various applications, including nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, medicine, and cosmetics. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize the extraction yield of flavonoid content from Mucuna pruriens seeds by employing a Box-Behnken Design, focusing on the effects of ultrasound power, pulse cycle, and extraction time as factors, and using an acidified ethanol-water solution (80:20 v/v plus 2% HCl 2N) as the extraction solvent. Under optimal conditions, the ultrasound-assisted extraction method yielded a higher flavonoid content (77.30 µg/mL) than the magnetic stirring technique (60.92 µg/mL). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified and quantified significant amounts of gallocatechin, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy suggested the presence of additional compounds, including amino acids, proteins, glycerides, aliphatic compounds, and alkaloids. Antioxidant assessments indicated that the optimal ultrasound conditions enhanced antioxidant activity in the DPPH and FRAP assays (323.51 and 259.07 mmol TE/g, respectively) compared to the conventional extraction method (294.13 and 164.19 mmol TE/g, respectively). Toxicity evaluations were conducted by exposing C. elegans to varying concentrations of extracts from both methods for 24 h, with LC₅₀ values calculated at 143.65 µg/mL for the ultrasound extract under optimal conditions and 132.18 µg/mL for the magnetic stirring method. These findings provide support for the functional applications of Mucuna pruriens flavonoids as natural antioxidants.

Porcine reproductive physiology

2026-04-07T12:58:23+00:00

The objective of this review is to synthesize current scientific knowledge on the physiological processes that govern porcine reproduction and their interactions with key metabolic and hormonal factors. It addresses gametogenesis (oogenesis and spermatogenesis), the estrous cycle, folliculogenesis, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, as well as critical fertilization events such as sperm capacitation, the acrosomal reaction, and fertilization itself. Embryogenesis and gestation are also examined, with emphasis on underlying biochemical and hormonal mechanisms. Special attention is given to metabolic analytes—glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol—and their influence on the synthesis and regulation of reproductive hormones including estradiol (E₂), progesterone (P₄), and testosterone. The review focuses on physiological and biochemical aspects specific to domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus), offering a targeted analysis relevant to both livestock production and biomedical research. The integration of metabolic and endocrine perspectives enhances our understanding of how nutrient availability, energy balance, and environmental stress affect reproductive efficiency. Key findings highlight the central role of the HPG axis in coordinating gonadotropin release and steroidogenesis, the impact of metabolic homeostasis on gamete quality and embryo viability, and the importance of hormonal feedback in regulating the reproductive cycle. Practical applications such as estrus synchronization and artificial insemination are discussed in light of these physiological insights. In conclusion, porcine reproductive physiology is shaped by a complex interplay of hormonal and metabolic factors that determine fertility and gestational success. Despite recent advances, further research is needed to better understand metabolic–hormonal crosstalk, particularly during gestation, and to enhance outcomes in both agricultural and biomedical contexts.

Minthostachys mollis: Chemical composition, biological activities and potential applications in a systematic and bibliometric review

2026-04-07T13:39:00+00:00

Minthostachys mollis, commonly known as muña, is an aromatic medicinal plant widely distributed in the Andean region and traditionally used to treat various conditions. In recent years, scientific interest in this species has increased due to its chemical composition, biological activities, and potential applications in different sectors. The objective of this study was to systematically and bibliometrically analyze the scientific literature on Minthostachys mollis in order to synthesize the available evidence on its phytochemical composition, biological activities, and potential applications. To this end, a systematic search was conducted in the Scopus database from 2005 to 2026. The selection of studies was carried out following the guidelines of the PRISMA protocol. Likewise, a bibliometric analysis was performed to identify research trends. The results showed a progressive increase in the number of publications in recent years, with greater scientific output in countries in the Andean region, particularly Peru and Argentina. Phytochemical studies indicated that the essential oil of Minthostachys mollis is mainly composed of monoterpenes such as pulegone, menthone, and limonene. In addition, several studies reported relevant biological activities such as antimicrobial, antifungal, insecticidal, repellent, antioxidant, and pharmacological properties. These findings highlight the potential of this species as a source of bioactive compounds with applications in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food sectors. However, challenges remain related to variability in chemical composition, standardization of extracts, and evaluation of safety and efficacy under real-world conditions of use. In this context, future research should focus on phytochemical standardization, the development of innovative formulations, and the validation of their applications through more advanced experimental studies.