Juan Antonio Pérez-Sato

Reliable assessment of bee sperm quality is important for breeding programs, artificial insemination, and germplasm conservation. However, incubation conditions for combined fluorescence assessment remain poorly standardized across bee species. This study evaluated a sequential triple-staining protocol using Hoechst 33342, propidium iodide, and FITC-PNA in Apis mellifera and Scaptotrigona mexicana. Five incubation times (5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 min per fluorochrome) were tested. The shortest tested intervals allowing consistent fluorescence interpretation across all five microscopic fields in every biological replicate were 20 min per fluorochrome in A. mellifera and 30 min per fluorochrome in S. mexicana. Using these conditions, sperm vitality and acrosomal integrity were assessed by fluorescence microscopy after one week of storage at 22 °C in FEM7, saline solution (SS), or modified Kiev. Sperm vitality was determined by Hoechst 33342/PI live–dead classification, and localized green FITC-PNA fluorescence was the criterion for acrosomal damage. Binomial generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the observed counts in relation to species, diluent, and their interaction. A significant species × diluent interaction was detected. Modified Kiev yielded the highest estimated sperm vitality in A. mellifera, without a significant difference from FEM7, whereas FEM7 yielded the highest estimated sperm vitality in S. mexicana. SS yielded the lowest estimated sperm vitality in both species. Acrosomal damage was detected exclusively in spermatozoa classified as dead. These results establish operational staining conditions for the combined assay and show that the relative performance of complete diluent formulations differed between species under the collection and storage conditions tested.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of incorporating microbial activators into the decomposition process of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) crop residues. Design/methodology/approach: Residue decomposition was evaluated using five treatments: T1, water; T2, water + molasses; T3, water + manure; T4, water + compost; and T5, water + a commercial product. The study was conducted under a completely randomized block design with subsampling. The following variables were measured over a seven-month period under field conditions: CO2 emissions, temperature, humidity, weight, and functional metabolic activity. Subsequently, these variables were evaluated for three additional months under laboratory conditions to verify consistency with the field results. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and the least significant difference (LSD) test for mean comparisons (α = 0.05). Results: Treatments T2, T1, and T4 were found to accelerate the decomposition process of sugarcane residues, thereby enhancing soil microbial activity and promoting a significant balance in the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio. This effect was associated with other variables, including microbial respiration, weight loss, and functional metabolic activity. Limitations on study/implications: This research was evaluated over two cycles. For subsequent studies, it is recommended to assess at least three cycles without pre-harvest burning in order to identify significant effects on soil organic matter and structure in relation to crop yield. Findings/conclusions: Microbial activators constitute a viable, sustainable, and effective alternative for crop residue management in the sugar agroindustry of the state of Veracruz, optimizing field management and fostering more ecologically sound agricultural practices.

La conservación de los polinizadores es importante, ya que la mayoría (75 %) de los 111 cultivos agrícolas en el mundo dependen de la polinización.

Las abejas obreras sin aguijón producen el cerumen, el cual es una mezcla de resinas vegetales que recolectan y combinan con cera secretada por glándulas ceríparas que tienen en la parte superior del abdomen.

Antecedentes y Objetivos: El estado de Veracruz ha sido estudiado desde el punto de vista botánico desde finales del siglo XVI. No obstante, aún quedan zonas poco exploradas de su territorio. De esta forma, el objetivo de la presente investigación fue recopilar y generar conocimiento más completo y actual sobre la flora y vegetación del Parque Nacional Cañón del Río Blanco (PNCRB), en el centro de Veracruz, México.Métodos: A través de recorridos de campo durante dos periodos (2012-2014 y 2016) se realizaron colectas botánicas y observaciones, lo cual se complementó con una revisión bibliográfica, de herbario y de bases de datos de herbarios. Se elaboró un mapa de vegetación y una recopilación de información sobre la riqueza florística del PNCRB.Resultados clave: Se registraron seis tipos de vegetación; se presenta el mapa de uso de suelo y vegetación del área de estudio y se obtuvo una lista florística de 2062 especies en el territorio del PNCRB. De ellas, 93 son especies bajo alguna categoría de riesgo, dos representaron nuevos registros para el estado de Veracruz, 373 son especies endémicas y 145 cuasiendémicas de México.Conclusiones: El PNCRB aun resguarda tipos de vegetación con una importante riqueza florística. Al comparar esta característica con la de áreas naturales protegidas cercanas, se enfatiza la importancia de este Parque Nacional.

This research aimed to assess the effect of chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) during in vitro shoot proliferation of vanilla using temporary immersion bioreactors (TIB). TIB culture is a biotechnological process that uses semiautomated containers for the production of explants exposed in liquid culture medium. Concentrations of control, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/L ChNPs were evaluated in Murashige and Skoog culture medium. Morphological characterization of ChNPs was performed using scanning electron microscopy. At 60 days of culture, survival (%), development variables, photosynthetic pigment content, lipid peroxidation expressed in malondialdehyde, total phenolic content (TPC), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) expressed in trolox equivalents were evaluated. The data were analyzed with analysis of variance, with a Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05) using SPSS statistics software, version 29. The results revealed that the greatest survival (%) was obtained at concentrations of control, 25, and 50 mg/L ChNPs, while the lowest survival (%) was observed at concentrations of 400 mg/L ChNPs. Growth stimulation was found, as well as an increase in chlorophyll and β-carotene at concentrations of 25 and 50 mg/L ChNPs. The level of H₂O₂ increased at 25 and 50 mg/L ChNPs. Lipid peroxidation showed no differences among treatments. TPC increased at 100 and 200 mg/L ChNPs, while TAC increased at 200 and 400 mg/L ChNPs. In conclusion, the administration of ChNPs at low concentrations can stimulate growth, while at high concentrations they can inhibit it, a response known as hormesis or hormetic effect.

Based on biological and ethnobiological data from 2020 to 2022, this study provides a base line for the biocultural conservation of stingless bees. These bees in Mexico, like many other pollinators, are facing population declines and this biological loss impacts traditional human knowledge and its uses. This paper aims to record the traditional ecological knowledge about these bees to establish sustainable meliponiculture. Cultural values were obtained through participant observation, interviews, free listing, and structured questionnaires, and a bee inventory was conducted. Data were analyzed using Smith’s Prominence Index and descriptive statistics using SPSS v. 25 software. Inhabitants recognized 21 floral visitors, including invertebrates, mammals and birds. ‘Tenchales’ (local term for Scaptotrigona mexicana), hummingbirds and butterflies are the most culturally prominent floral visitors. The meliponini belonging to Scaptotrigona mexicana were recognized as ‘tenchal’, although different common names were obtained for other meliponini, denoting morphological and behavioral differences among the following species: Partamona bilineata, Plebeia pulchra, Scaptotrigona pectoralis, Scaura argyrea, Trigona corvina, Trigona fulviventris, Trigona fuscipennis and Trigona nigerrima. Although the research area is located near a large city, there is substantial diversity of melliferous flora, floral visitors, and traditional ecological knowledge used by the inhabitants in their daily activities. Stingless bees are perceived as the primary pollinators that help maintain their forests and thus help sustain their lives. This paper promotes better awareness of bioculturally effective community conservation strategies.

La acuaponía es un sistema de producción agrícola resultado de la combinación de otros dos sistemas: la hidroponía (cultivo de vegetales que utilizan soluciones acuosas con nutrientes disueltos) y la acuicultura (cultivo de peces). El objetivo de la presente investigación fue evaluar el crecimiento de cultivos de Lactuca sativa var. longifolia Lam. y L. sativa var. angustana Irish ex Bremer, coexistiendo con “mojarra tilapia” (Oreochromis niloticus L.), en un sistema acuapónico familiar de raíz flotante. Para lo anterior, se consideraron dos parámetros para monitorear el desarrollo y crecimiento de las plantas: número de hojas y longitud de raíz. Con el fin de dar un seguimiento a la calidad del agua de los estanques a lo largo del tiempo que duró el estudio, se registraron dos veces por semana las variables fisicoquímicas: pH, oxígeno disuelto (OD) en ml/l y temperatura en grados Celsius. Los resultados indican que hubo diferencias significativas en el crecimiento y adaptación entre ambas variedades de lechugas al sistema acuapónico. Lactuca sativa var. longifolia, presentó un desarrollo vegetativo significativamente mayor en comparación con L. sativa var. angustana, así como un mayor número de hojas y una mayor longitud radicular. Se concluye que es factible el cultivo acuapónico de Lactuca sativa var. longifolia en un sistema familiar, toda vez que cumple con los estándares requeridos para su consumo. Las condiciones fisicoquímicas del agua en el sistema acuapónico utilizado se mantuvieron favorables para el crecimiento de los organismos vegetales.

La mentalidad imperante actual, dominada y gobernada por un sistema voraz que nos invita al frenesí, al consumo y a la desconexión de nuestras verdaderas necesidades y sentimientos más profundos, han provocado que nos hallemos actualmente en una situación cercana al colapso civilizatorio. En esta propuesta, se busca promover, en un contexto lúdico-recreativo, el marco ético de valores y principios de la Carta de la Tierra para hacer real un Desarrollo Sostenible que considere los puntos clave de sus componentes: ecológico-ambiental, social y económico; así como, descubren y conocen la Carta de la Tierra en sus cuatro ‘Ejes Centrales’, a la vez que conocen los Objetivos del Desarrollo Sostenible y, finalmente, relacionan e integran los objetivos de laCarta de la Tierra con los Objetivos del Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS). Para lograr esto, se diseñó una carrera para niños entre siete y 14 años, formada por cuatro bases, cada una de un color acorde con los manejados comúnmente en la literatura, que hace alusión a los Ejes Fundamentales de la Carta de la Tierra (EFCT). Con esta actividad los niños y niñas desarrollan su capacidad de identificar y visualizar las conexiones entre estos dos documentos, aspectos importantes para generar mentes más empáticas con la tierra.

Objective: hiking allows us to appreciate nature; it is also an environmental education tool, causing social changes which can be directed towards behaviors and decisions in favor of environmental protection. The objective of this study was to generate the necessary information in order to hike the trails of the Xihuingo Volcano (state of Hidalgo, Mexico), self-guided and with safety. Design/Methodology/Approach: the methodology consisted of monitoring the guidelines established for the preparation of the Topographic guide, as well as those considered in the Excursion information method (MIDE) and the processing of tracks with global positioning system (GPS) receivers, using a geographic information system as interface. Results: data on local history, culture and biodiversity were obtained. As well as descriptions, time estimates, and profiles of the routes; with the identification of places of interest in maps; and digital files to be used in GPS receivers. Limitations of the study/Implications: the limitations in the data are related to the precision margin of the GPS receivers during the recording of the information (±3 m). As well as the number of records on biodiversity at the time of consultation. Findings/Conclusions: data obtained highlight the wide biological diversity located at the site, with important representation of endemic and native species, some of them in status of ecological risk. These species can be the basis for the creation of a tourism project for the benefit of the local people. Such a program would face the ecological problems derived from mining, illegal logging, and grazing observed in the area, as a strategy for the conservation of the natural environment.