J. Guadalupe Luna Ortega

El objetivo fue formular insecticidas a base de Larrea tridentata, Allium sativum y Melia azedarach L. para el control de Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Las muestras fueron secadas (40 °C). Se utilizó la extracción asistida por ultrasonido (30 min a 42 kHz). Se formularon 4 insecticidas a partir de los extractos en una disolución acuosa al 1 % (v/v); Larrea tridentata (1), Allium sativum (2), Melia azedarach (3) y la mezcla de los anteriores (4) a la misma proporción (33.33 %). Las formulaciones se caracterizaron fisicoquímicamente, así como la actividad insecticida. Se realizó la caracterización fitoquímica tentativa por máximos de absorción y la fisiológica del estrés vegetal en plantas de Helianthus annuus con Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Se evaluó la mortalidad en Apis mellifera. Los valores de pH se mantuvieron en 4.68 y 6.10, la conductividad fue < 65.62 μS/cm, los SST fueron < 0.2°Bx y los insecticidas se mantuvieron estables (> 91 d). Los insecticidas resultaron efectivos manteniendo una repelencia hasta el 40 % desde las 240 h. De acuerdo con la toxicidad aguda, los insecticidas mostraron un efecto significativo debido al 100 % de supervivencia de Apis mellifera. Los insecticidas presentaron estabilidad fisicoquímica, y capacidad para el control de Trialeurodes vaporariorum.

Dairy whey is an agro-industrial by-product with potential for agricultural nutrient recycling. This study evaluated fermented whey-based biofertilizers containing cattle manure, alfalfa, and baker’s yeast for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production under semiarid conditions in Mexico. Three formulations containing 2.5, 5.0, or 7.5 L of whey were characterized and assessed through a germination bioassay and two 35-day field cultivation cycles. Increasing whey incorporation was associated with higher organic matter and nutrient concentrations, as well as greater electrical conductivity. Seed germination remained high (93.33–96.00%), without significant treatment differences; however, root and shoot lengths were lower than in the water control. Under field conditions, the intermediate formulation (T2; 5.0 L whey) supported strong vegetative development and produced fresh biomass statistically comparable to T3 in both cycles. T2 also showed the highest phosphorus concentration in plant tissue. Soil responses varied by property, with significant treatment effects on changes in pH, electrical conductivity, available phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium, but not on organic matter, total nitrogen, or moisture. These findings identify T2 as a promising formulation for further evaluation, while highlighting the need to monitor seedling growth and soil salinity during repeated applications.

Phycobiostimulants derived from macroalgae, microalgae, and cyanobacteria are increasingly used to improve crop performance. However, their effects vary across products, crops, and environments. In this review, we propose a biomass–process–composition–mechanism–efficacy (BPCME) framework to systematically trace this variability. Biomass provenance, including taxonomic identity, cultivation conditions, physiological state, and harvest timing, defines the initial biochemical potential, whereas processing and formulation determine the molecular profile delivered to the plant. The current findings indicate that phycobiostimulants act mainly by modulating endogenous signaling networks, hormone crosstalk, redox regulation, metabolic reprogramming, and rhizosphere and plant–microbiome responses rather than by direct nutrient or hormone replacement. Agronomic performance is further moderated by the genotype, dose, application route, developmental stage, soil conditions, and environmental stress. To improve reproducibility, we propose a phycobiostimulant quality-by-design (QbD) framework that integrates candidate critical biomass attributes and process parameters, chemical fingerprints, biological potency, and batch equivalency. Cascading algal biorefineries and precision application strategies can improve resource efficiency while helping to define the conditions for reliable field performance. Progress towards precision phycobiostimulants will require the experimental linking of product identity and mechanism to reproducible potency across batches and agronomic environments.

When exposing ourselves to the sun, it is essential to take precautions to protect our skin and take advantage of the benefits of UV radiation safely. Some of the preventive measures to protect the skin from the sun's rays is the use of sunscreen. In order to contribute to the generation of technologies, a pilot proposal was made using a sunscreen based on (Euphorbia Antisyphilitica Zucc.) and Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Mil) is made in an organic way free of chemicals, which provides protection against sun rays and at the same time has components that help moisturize, stimulate collagen in the skin, soften and provide vitamins and minerals that stimulate the production of new cells and expel bacteria as an agent to prevent sunburn and skin rashes or other damage to the skin. fur. As well as the preliminary carrying out of a market study with conclusive results. A report given by the government of Mexico states that permanent exposure to rays causes damage to the skin that ranges from the appearance of deep wrinkles and spots to cancer, the latter being among the 10 most common malignant neoplasms among the population. Mexican, warned the head of the Dermatology Service of the General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga”, Ivonne Arellano Mendoza.

Mexico has the agro-climatic conditions for the commercial production of chili. The jalapeño chili being native to this country and belonging to the genus Capsicum and the species annuum, considered the most famous and widespread species in the world. Every year, Mexico reports countless hectares of chili cultivation, where the jalapeño type occupies first place. To achieve adequate and sustainable nutrition for this crop, as a possible solution, the advantages offered by different organic fertilizers have been studied, which influence the fertility of the soil by improving its properties. In the present study, the effects of different organic fertilizers and a chemical fertilizer on the jalapeño pepper crop were evaluated, as well as their physicochemical and microbiological characteristics. The fertilizers used, as well as their concentrations, were as follows: Solarized manure 20 ton/ha-1, control treatment, solarized manure 40 ton/ha-1, chemical treatment (MAP) 100 kg/ha-1, vermicompost 20 ton/ha-1, vermicompost 40 ton/ha-1. The results showed that the vermicompost-based treatments with 20 and 40 tons/ha-1 showed significant differences compared to the manure and chemical-based treatments considering yield, fruit quality, organic matter content, moisture, electrical conductivity, nitrate content, as well as soluble phosphorus content.

Post-harvest losses of ‘Cruiser’ cantaloupe reach ~15% in arid regions of Mexico, representing substantial wasted water and embedded greenhouse-gas emissions. This study presents an open-access, low-temperature maceration protocol for converting cosmetically rejected fruit into a carotenoid-rich spirit at rural scale. A 5-day maceration at 20 °C (15% pulp, 20% v/v ethanol) preserved color, β-carotene, and antioxidant capacity over 90 days of storage. Shelf-life predictions beyond this period are model-based and require long-term validation. Trained assessors characterized the beverage with a favorable aromatic profile driven by fruity esters and floral terpenes. Life-cycle results indicated lower cradle-to-gate impacts than reference mango spirits, and composting of pomace generated a mature soil amendment. A simplified techno-economic scenario suggests potential for rural processing but excludes taxation, licensing, and regulatory compliance; thus, economic feasibility cannot yet be confirmed. Overall, this study provides a proof-of-concept pathway for valorizing cantaloupe waste through low-temperature maceration and identifies critical analytical, regulatory, and economic aspects needed for future scale-up.

Second-grade watermelons are a lycopene-rich by-product currently discarded despite their potential for valorization. This study aimed to develop a consumer-accepted alcoholic liqueur by alcoholic maceration of watermelon pulp, optimizing the formulation for lycopene retention, antioxidant activity, and sensory quality. Three pulp ratios (15, 20, and 25% v/v) were macerated in 39% v/v cane alcohol for 5 days at 20 °C. The 20% pulp formulation (T2) achieved the best balance of lycopene (8.6 mg L⁻¹), DPPH antioxidant activity (580 µmol TE L⁻¹), redness (CIE a* = 14.1), and overall acceptability (7.6/9). Under nitrogen-flushed amber glass, T2 retained ≥82% lycopene and ≤10% antioxidant loss after 90 days at 20 °C, following first-order degradation kinetics (Ea = 43 kJ mol⁻¹). A minimum shelf-life of three months is projected under these experimental conditions. Life-cycle screening indicates 0.84 kg CO₂-eq L⁻¹, with a 1.9-year payback and 1.7 t CO₂-eq savings per ton of rescued fruit compared to landfill. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of producing a shelf-stable, naturally colored craft spirit with watermelon flavor, aligning with consumer preferences and circular economy principles in the alcoholic beverage sector.

Post-harvest rejection of ‘Cruiser’ cantaloupe reaches 15% in arid Mexico, wasting approximately 1.1 m³ virtual water and 0.48 t CO₂-eq per discarded ton. We provide the first open-access protocol for converting this stream into a premium, carotenoid-rich spirit using low-cost, rural-scale equipment. A 5-day, 20 °C maceration at 15% pulp and 20% v/v ethanol retained 68 % β-carotene for more than 12 months without preservatives, achieved consumer liking of 7.8/9, and delivered 1.5-fold higher antioxidant capacity than published mango or passion-fruit liqueurs. Life-cycle impacts were 25% lower than mango spirit; pomace composting improved soil water-holding capacity by 18%. A 100 L d⁻¹ micro-enterprise pays back in 24 months at USD 2.90 L⁻¹ production cost and adds eight-fold value to rejected fruit. The process offers craft distilleries a scalable, circular-economy route to up-cycle melon losses into a clean-label alcoholic beverage.

Background: Water scarcity and food insecurity in arid regions such as the Comarca Lagunera demand sustainable production models. Aquaponics, integrating fish and plants in a closed-loop system, emerges as a viable alternative to optimize resources and strengthen food self-sufficiency in rural areas. Objective: To evaluate the productive performance, water efficiency, and technical and economic feasibility of a low-cost aquaponic system combining tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under semi-arid conditions. Methods: Three production systems were compared under semi-controlled conditions for 18 weeks: aquaponics (fish and plants), aquaculture (fish only), and hydroponics (plants only). Growth performance, water consumption, nutrient recycling, and operating costs were analyzed. Results: The aquaponic system increased final tilapia weight by 22.3%, lettuce root development by 28%, and reduced water use by 30% compared to hydroponics, while achieving 89.3% nitrate absorption and 38.5% lower operating costs. Implications: The results demonstrate that aquaponics can improve water-use efficiency, reduce the use of fertilizers and plastics, and promote circular economy models applicable in rural communities with limited resources. Conclusions: Aquaponics is a technically and economically feasible alternative for semi-arid regions, integrating water efficiency, nutrient recycling, and sustainable food production, contributing to food security and local resilience.

Background: Among dry fruits, Pistachio cultivar is the fourth most important in the world if considering its surface area. Pistachio is the fourth most important nut in the world considering its surface area. It has become an alternative to traditional crops with a growing interest in semi-arid areas of northern Mexico. The limitation for its production and exploitation is its effective chilling hour needs (hours below 7 ºC) before budbreak, which vary between 700 and 1500 chilling hours depending on the cultivar planted. Objective: To evaluate hydrogenated cyanamide as a compensator of effective chilling hours in pistachio cultivar Kerman. Methodology: During the 2023 agricultural season, the following treatments were applied: 2.5, 5 and 7.5% of cyanamide compared to an untreated control (0% of cyanamide) evaluating budbreaking in different dates and fruit yield. Results: The application of hydrogen cyanamide, as a compensator for the lack of chilling, caused a significant advance and increase in pistachio bud break, which depended on the dose used. There were increases of 11 to 75% in the budbreak of cyanamide-treated trees compared to the control trees, from March 9 to 23 (22 to 36 days after application). An advance of 13 to 45 days of 50% budbreak and 12 to 40 days of 75% budbreak of cyanamide-treated trees was observed compared to the control trees. Only the 7.5% dose of cyanamide had a high pistachio yield (662 kg per hectare), which was significantly higher than the control yield. Implications: The study shows that hydrogen cyanamide can be used as a compensator for the lack of chilling in pistachio in regions with warm winter conditions with insufficient accumulation of effective chilling hours, such as the Comarca Lagunera, as well as in the next agricultural seasons in which an increase in temperature is forecast due to global warming. Conclusions: According to the results obtained, the application of hydrogen cyanamide as a chilling compensator increases the bud break and yield of pistachio, depending on the dose used.