Scientia Agropecuaria

Zonificación agrícola de riesgos climáticos para el cultivo de quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) en el Altiplano Peruano

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The objective of this study was to conduct agricultural zoning of climate risk for quinoa cultivation. Data from 38 meteorological stations of the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service in Puno region were used. The zoning was based on the development of the water balance model, applying the water requirement satisfaction index (ISNA), for two levels of soil available water capacity (115 mm/m and 145 mm/m). Spatial analysis of the ETr/ETm ratio, obtained from the SARRAZON model, was carried out for each phenological stage through frequency analysis of ISNA values. These data were processed in ArcGIS10.0, using the ordinary kriging interpolation method. Once the maps were generated, they were clipped to the quinoa production zones of the region and classified as follows: for Phase I: low risk (ISNA ≥ 0.65); medium risk (0.55 < ISNA < 0.65) and high risk (ISNA ≤ 0.55), considered for the emergency stage; and for phase III the following ranges were considered: low risk (ISNA ≥ 0.55); medium risk (0.45 < ISNA < 0.55) and high risk (ISNA ≤ 0.45) during flowering and grain filling. September was identified as the month with the highest exposure to climate risk; October presented intermediate conditions; and November was the safest month, showing a predominance of low-risk zones: However, late sowing may expose the crop to critical water deficits during the final phases of quinoa cultivation.

Autotrophic in vitro culture method, inoculated with native arbuscular mycorrhizae, for the adaptation of trap plants of the Asteraceae family

Jaime Naranjo-Moran, Zully Pincay-Orrala , Tatiana Navarrete-Mite — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The implementation of autotrophic in vitro culture systems is revealed as a crucial strategy for the multiplication of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, as it plays a fundamental role in restoring the sustainability of agricultural systems that have suffered degradation. The objective of the research was to establish an autotrophic in vitro culture method using two trap plants of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under laboratory conditions. Inoculum native to Bidens pilosa and Tagetes patula were collected, spores were disinfected and cultured in vitro using a modified Murashige and Skoog medium. The results showed mycorrhization percentages greater than 50% in the trap plants and a significant reduction in microbial contamination with the use of antibiotics. The autotrophic in vitro culture system was feasible with Tagetes patula and Bidens pilosa, proving to be a promising strategy to produce mycorrhizal inoculum under laboratory conditions. In conclusion, spore disinfection and selection of suitable trap plants guarantee the success of in vitro culture inoculated with native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Agroforestry and montane forest management as strategies to mitigate carbon loss and sustain ecosystem functions in the Central Andes of Peru

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Land-use change in the Central Andes of Peru has led to the widespread conversion of tropical montane forests, significantly reducing their carbon storage capacity. This study estimated aboveground and soil carbon stocks across a disturbance gradient: croplands (C), agroforestry systems (AF), regenerating montane forests (BMR), and conserved montane forests (BMC). Using destructive and non-destructive sampling, 61 plots (0.1 ha each) were assessed, measuring live and dead aboveground biomass, fine roots, and soil organic carbon down to 1 meter. Results show that BMC had the highest total carbon stock (575.33 ± 215.4 Mg C ha⁻¹), followed by BMR (386.53 ± 186.6), AF (276.69 ± 172.5), and C (205.14 ± 114.03). Soil organic carbon was the dominant carbon pool across all land uses, contributing between 93% (in croplands) and 62% (in conserved forests) of total carbon, highlighting its central role in carbon dynamics. Carbon stocks were significantly associated with vegetation structural attributes (basal area, diameter at breast height, canopy cover) and soil properties (texture, cation exchange capacity, organic matter content). Trees with diameter at breast height ≥ 30 cm contributed over 50% of aboveground carbon, underlining their importance in biomass carbon storage. These findings reveal a clear gradient of loss in the ecosystem service of carbon storage, driven by land-use intensification and the simplification of forest structure. However, they also demonstrate that the recovery of degraded forests and the implementation of agroforestry systems are viable strategies to reduce the loss of ecosystem functions and contribute meaningfully to climate change mitigation.

Contribution of trees to carbon stocks in urban–rural ecosystems: Taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity in response to bioclimatic and geographic factors

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Tree diversity plays a key role in mitigating climate change and enhancing ecosystem resilience. This study evaluated the contribution of trees across three habitats within the urban–rural gradient of Sucre, Bolivia: urban (UF), native (NF), and exotic (EF). Carbon sequestration, as well as taxonomic (TD), phylogenetic (PD), and functional (FD) diversity, were analyzed in relation to bioclimatic (temperature and precipitation) and geographic (altitude) factors. The methodology included the recording of botanical and ecological traits, along with the measurement of dendrometric classes (DBH ≥ 10 cm) in 12 temporary circular plots per habitat. Results showed higher carbon stocks in the urban forest (268.36 ± 2.76 MgC/ha), followed by the exotic (159.53 ± 0.86 MgC/ha) and the native forest (39.64 ± 0.41 MgC/ha). A total of 31 species from 19 families were identified, with marked evolutionary divergence between Pinaceae and Cupressaceae compared to Fabaceae. The urban habitat presented the highest taxonomic diversity (~51.6%), the highest phylogenetic diversity (~72%), and the greatest carbon fixation (~42%). These findings highlight the fundamental role of tree diversity in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and landscape connectivity, emphasizing the need to integrate it into sustainable urban–rural planning through adaptation and mitigation strategies that strengthen ecological resilience and ecosystem services in the urban–rural ecosystem of Sucre.

Distribution dynamics of nutrient and biomass in yacon organs

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Studies on nutrient absorption patterns allow for the identification of periods of peak nutritional demand, the amount of nutrients accumulated in each organ, the quantity exported by harvest, and the necessary replenishment to the soil. These insights are crucial for developing effective fertilization programs for crops. This study aimed to determine the nutrient absorption pattern of macro and micronutrients and the accumulation of biomass in various organs of yacon plants. The experiment was conducted under field conditions, following a randomized block design. The treatments consisted of different plant ages. Seven evaluations were conducted monthly, starting 30 days after transplanting. Twelve plants from the useful area were sampled for each evaluation. The plants were divided into five parts (leaves, stems, rhizophores, roots, and tuberous roots) to determine dry biomass. The samples were analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn content. Yacon prioritized the allocation of photoassimilates for biomass production in the following order: tuberous roots, rhizophores, leaves, stems, and fine roots. Nutrient absorption by yacon plants followed this order: Ca > N > K > Mg > P > Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu. Tuberous roots were the main organ for nutrient accumulated, exporting from the system 71, 15, 57, 125, 11, 1.8, 0.87, 0.40, and 0.27 kg há^-1 of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively. These results provide critical physiological parameters for formulating evidence-based fertilization programs and modeling yacon growth, thereby advancing precision nutrient management. Moreover, integrating these data into agronomic models and sustainability assessments will facilitate the crop’s development as a high-value functional food, supporting both productive and environmental goals.

Relationship between isotopic response (δ13C) and physicochemical properties: Taxonomy of soils in the Monzón Valley in the high jungle of Peru

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Identifying the carbon isotopic ratio is valuable for analyzing and understanding soil classification and dynamics. This study evaluated and related the soil isotopic ratio and its main properties (physicochemical) in the Monzón Valley. Fifteen pits were sampled within the strata of a toposequence. δ13C was determined using an isotope ratio mass spectrometry system coupled with an EA-IRMS elemental analyzer. To obtain accurate results, samples were categorized based on their depth. Between 500 and 600 µg of soil were weighed for samples <40 cm deep, and between 1500 and 2000 µg for samples deeper than 40 cm. The results provided information on the stable carbon content of the soil, separating each sample by its soil profile, depth, pH, color, Al, cultivar, carbon stock, taxonomic classification, among others. Differences in properties were found among the profiles studied, with quantitative variation in horizons, including the water table in some, and three soil orders. The δ13C ordering shows that Inceptisols exhibit mixtures of crops from C3 and C4 plants; this is likely due to historical human interference at certain depths. For Entisols, there is a lack of diagnostic horizon formation, with a predominance of C3 plants; however, in Alfisol the greatest uptake was in the surface horizon.

Polyphenols and theobromine in cacao (Theobroma cacao): Compositional changes across variety, growing region, fermentation, drying and roasting

Joel Tigrero-Vaca, Juan Cevallos-Cevallos, Jenny Ruales-Nájera — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In recent years, cacao and its derivatives have gained significant attention due to their potential health benefits. The primary bioactive compounds in cacao are polyphenols and methylxanthines, predominantly represented by theobromine. Their concentrations vary widely, influenced by cacao variety, growth region, and postharvest processing. Fermentation typically leads to a marked decrease in polyphenols and theobromine, with further reductions during drying and roasting. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge on how these factors affect compound levels, providing insights crucial for optimizing practices to enhance the health benefits and quality of cacao products. Literature consistently shows that cacao properties are shaped by genetics, environmental conditions, and processing stages. Moreover, the unique polyphenol and theobromine profiles can serve as distinctive fingerprints to differentiate cacao origins. Understanding these dynamics is essential for improving both nutritional value and industrial applications.

Nutrients and foods associated with people's emotional state: Scientific advances and future perspectives

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This review is scientific research that seeks to explore the relationship between the consumption of certain foods and the emotional state, determining the effects that these foods produce when consumed by individuals. The intake of specific foods containing certain functional properties may help enhance our emotional health. There are particular nutrients present in certain foods that play an important role in overall health, especially in brain function. The objective of this review study was to highlight double-blind studies in humans that demonstrate the effectiveness of nutrients present in foods that interact with neurotransmitters (melatonin, endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin), which affect people's mood and well-being. For this study, specialized journals and scientific articles published in the last five years were selected. The results show that there is a wide variety of foods that contribute to people's well-being when consumed, and that this is not exclusive to a particular group of foods. Thus, meat products, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and seafood, among others, contain nutrients with functional properties associated with people's emotional state. Finally, future studies should incorporate other variables such as ethnic groups, race, age, and body type, which may affect the results obtained.