Luis Morales-Aranibar

Low-cost RGB imaging can accelerate crop phenotyping, but its ability to capture plant responses to fertilizer regimes through edge-based texture descriptors remains insufficiently tested. Mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] was grown in a randomized complete block design with six fertilizer regimes and four replicates. Side-view RGB images acquired under controlled conditions were segmented, converted to grayscale, transformed into Canny edge maps, and summarized using six gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) features. Agronomic variables were evaluated: plant height, stem diameter, nodule weight, fresh weight, pod weight, shoot dry matter, grain yield per plot, the chlorophyll index, root length, and root volume. Contrast, energy, homogeneity, entropy, and variance differed across regimes, whereas the GLCM correlation did not. Mineral fertilization resulted in the highest values of stem diameter, nodule mass, fresh biomass, shoot dry matter, and the chlorophyll index. Baker’s Gamma coefficient (0.9369) and the cophenetic correlation (0.9498) showed high similarity between the hierarchical structures, indicating that the texture descriptors preserved a treatment organization highly similar to that observed for the agronomic variables. The Haralick features calculated from controlled RGB-derived edge maps revealed fertilizer-associated differences in the mung bean canopy structure. This method is promising for nondestructive screening, but replicate-level predictive validation, full reporting of image-processing parameters, and external testing are needed before agronomic traits can be estimated from images.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in mining-impacted wetlands can transfer from soil and water to forage and grazing livestock, resulting in dietary exposure for nearby communities. In this study, arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) were quantified in key environmental matrices (soil, surface water, and forage) and in sheep tissues (liver, kidney, and muscle) from six georeferenced grazing sites in the Ite coastal wetland (Tacna, Peru) during the dry season. Samples were acid-digested following U.S. EPA protocols and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) under QA/QC procedures (certified reference materials, blanks, duplicates, and matrix spikes); matrix-specific detection and quantification limits are reported. Arsenic dominated the contamination profile (forage: 428.6 mg kg⁻¹, dry weight; soil: 48.61 mg kg⁻¹; water: 0.97 mg L⁻¹) and was detected in sheep tissues (kidney: 0.1577 mg kg⁻¹; muscle: 0.1538 mg kg⁻¹; liver: 0.0644 mg kg⁻¹). Lead and cadmium were −1; Cd: 0.0011 mg kg⁻¹). To support the interpretation of trophic transfer, screening transfer/bioaccumulation metrics (soil-to-forage, forage-to-tissue, and water-to-tissue) were calculated. Human dietary exposure was screened using estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and margin of exposure (MOE). Because arsenic speciation was not measured, inorganic arsenic (iAs) risk was evaluated as a conservative upper bound (100% iAs) and through sensitivity scenarios (10–50% iAs). Under a high-meat-consumption scenario (300 g day⁻¹), the upper-bound assumption yielded HQ = 2.2 and MOE = 0.46; however, scenario analyses indicate that risk conclusions are highly dependent on the assumed iAs fraction. Overall, the results identify arsenic as a priority contaminant and support targeted grazing management, the provision of low-arsenic water sources, and remediation and monitoring actions to reduce exposure in vulnerable rural communities.

Sesame cultivation has expanded in Brazil, but ensuring plant establishment and productivity through fertilization remains a fundamental challenge. In this context, the present work aims to evaluate the effects of different doses of the biofertilizer AFERT on the growth and development of sesame plants under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with six treatments and four replications. Five doses were used (2, 1.6, 1.2, 0.8, and 0.4 t ha⁻¹ of AFERT), corresponding to different percentages of fertilization with the biofertilizer AFERT (04-14-12+hydroretainer), and, as a control, the mineral fertilizer NPK (04-14-08) was used at doses of 2 t ha⁻¹ and 50 kg ha⁻¹ of KCl. The variables evaluated were the internal CO₂ concentration, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, net CO₂ assimilation rate, intrinsic water use efficiency, water use efficiency, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, number of pods, plant height, stem diameter, root length, root dry mass, number of grains per plant, and total grain weight. The biofertilizer AFERT demonstrated agronomic potential for sesame cultivation, with a productive performance equivalent [number of grains per plant (84%) and total grain weight (70%)] to that of mineral fertilization regardless of the dose used. Notably, the dose corresponding to 1.2 t ha⁻¹ promoted greater physiological efficiency, with a 36% increase in CO₂ assimilation and photosynthetic activity, without improving production components.

Gossypium é uma cultura importante para diferentes civilizações, e há pouca pesquisa mostrando a distribuição e diversidade de espécies presentes na floresta tropical peruana, onde a cultura é de grande importância para sua conservação e uso pelas comunidades nativas da Amazônia (ANC). O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar este primeiro relatório sobre a diversidade de espécies de Gossypium spp., conservadas in situ em CNA de dois distritos (Echarati e Megantoni) pertencentes à província de La Convención, Cusco-Peru. A metodologia utilizada foi baseada na exploração, coleta e identificação das espécies presentes no CNA para posterior caracterização. Como resultado, três espécies (G. barbadense L., G. barbadense var. brasiliensis e G. hirsutum L.) foram caracterizadas e identificadas em 12 comunidades em um total de 158 amostras coletadas. Três das coletadas requerem estudos moleculares para diferenciá-las das espécies encontradas, entre elas as características agronômicas que foram avaliadas não permitiram sua diferenciação. Ao caracterizar as espécies, verificamos que G. barbadense var. brasiliensis cresce entre 338 e 1086 m.a.s.l., sendo a espécie mais predominante quando encontrada em onze CNA, sempre em pequenas parcelas e em grandes extensões de um a dois hectares, e sempre associada a culturas econômicas de interesse para as CNA. A espécie G. hirsutum L. é relatada pela primeira vez nestas CNA, distribuída entre 334 e 497 m.a.s.l., em três comunidades, cultivada em pequenas parcelas e áreas marginais durante todo o ano, e devido à sua distribuição pertence à flora ribeirinha. A espécie G. barbadense L., foi localizada em oito comunidades que estavam localizadas entre 397 e 1137 m.a.s.l., com distribuição em extensões de um a três hectares e em terras marginais em associação com outras culturas econômicas de interesse para as CNAs. O trabalho permitiu separar as espécies e, dentro delas, caracterizar as 158 amostras utilizando descritores de caules, folhas, flores, manchas e sementes. Esses dados são importantes e constituem o primeiro relato da ocorrência dessas espécies em CNA. As informações coletadas contribuirão para estratégias de manejo que permitam evitar a perda de diversidade genética na cultura do algodão já observada em outros trabalhos, razão pela qual sua conservação e o planejamento de uso e manejo são necessários.

Brown cotton (Gossypium spp.), which is grown in the native communities of the Cusco Amazon, is a promising resource for the sustainable textile industry as its natural properties eliminate the need for synthetic dyes, thus reducing its environmental impact. The objective of this study was to analyze the variability of the textile properties of colored cotton grown in the Native Communities of the Amazon of La Convención (NCAC), Cusco, to identify its advantages and potential in the textile industry. The methodology included the evaluation of nine accessions collected in the NCAC with the Uster HVI M-1000 system to evaluate variables such as length, resistance, uniformity, maturity, short fiber content and elongation. The results revealed significant variability in fiber properties, with lengths ranging from 21.44 mm to 27.88 mm and strengths ranging from 16.3 to 36.9 gf/tex, which are favorable values for high-quality textile applications. In addition, a short fiber content (SFI) between 9.1% and 27.3% and a uniformity index of 77.6% to 83.5% were found, demonstrating significant fiber consistency. Pearson’s correlation revealed positive relationships between length, strength and uniformity, suggesting that genotypes with longer fibers tend to have greater strength and uniformity. Principal component analysis explained 81.5% of the variability, with the first component being influenced by length and strength and the second being influenced by short fiber content and uniformity. Cluster analysis identified three main groups of accessions, the first being ideal for the production of high-quality fiber. The study of brown cotton grown in the NCAC highlights the potential of this fiber as a strategic resource for the sustainable textile industry.

Wheat production in the Brazilian Cerrado region faces challenges related to drought and salinity, which limit plant development and crop yield. This study evaluated the multivariate adaptability of 11 tropical wheat cultivars to drought and salinity stresses during early plant development. Wheat plants were grown for 12 days at 25 °C under non-stressful (control) and simulated drought and salinity stress conditions with –0.30 MPa iso-osmotic solutions prepared with polyethylene glycol or sodium chloride, respectively. The germination, growth rate and dry matter accumulation of the plants were measured. The results showed that wheat cultivars have distinct morphological responses to stressful environmental conditions, with drought stress having a greater impact on shoot growth and saline stress having a greater impact on root system development. The multivariate adaptability and stability analyses performed using the Lin and Binns method and GGE biplot revealed that the wheat cultivars BIO 190057, BRS 404 and TBIO Duque combine adaptability and stability for all morphological traits simultaneously, being considered cultivars tolerant to drought and salinity stresses. It was concluded that the identification of cultivars tolerant and adapted to adverse environmental conditions is essential for the advancement of sustainable cultivation of tropical wheat in the Brazilian Cerrado region, contributing to global food security.

The increasing global demand for metals, driven by technological progress and the energy transition, has led to an acceleration in the expansion of the mining and metallurgical industry, resulting in an increase in the generation of mine tailings. This waste, which is of heterogeneous composition and has high contaminant potential, represents significant environmental and social challenges, affecting soils, water, and the geotechnical stability of tailings. The accumulation of these mine tailings poses a problem not only in terms of quantity, but also in terms of physicochemical composition, which exacerbates their environmental impact due to the release of heavy metals, affecting ecosystems and nearby communities. This article reviews the potential of geopolymerization and 3D printing as a technological solution for the management of tailings, offering an effective alternative for their reuse as sustainable building materials. Alkaline activation of aluminosilicates facilitates the formation of N–A–S–H and C–A–S–H cementitious structures, thereby providing enhanced mechanical strength and chemical stability. Conversely, 3D printing optimizes structural design and minimizes material consumption, thereby aligning with the principles of a circular eco-economy and facilitating carbon footprint mitigation. The present study sets out to compare different types of tailings and their influence on geopolymer reactivity, workability, and mechanical performance. In order to achieve this, the study analyses factors such as the Si/Al ratio, rheology, and setting. In addition, the impact of alkaline activators, additives, and nanoparticles on the extrusion and interlaminar cohesion of 3D printed geopolymers is evaluated. These are key aspects of their industrial application. A bibliometric analysis was conducted, which revealed the growth of research in this field, highlighting advances in optimized formulations, encapsulation of hazardous waste, CO₂ capture, and self-healing geopolymers. The analysis also identified technical and regulatory challenges to scalability, emphasizing the necessity to standardize methodologies and assess the life cycle of materials. The findings indicated that 3D printing with tailings-derived geopolymers is a viable alternative for sustainable construction, with applications in pavements, prefabricated elements, and materials resistant to extreme environments. This technology not only reduces mining waste but also promotes the circular economy and decarbonization in the construction industry.

Brazil is considered the world's largest producer of red guavas. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of the productive aspects of the guava cv. Paluma under the influence of different pruning and thinning intensities in two growing seasons in the region of Currais, Piauí, Brazil. The research was carried out in a commercial orchard at the Rancho Vale das Serras Farm, municipality of Currais, Piauí. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design, in a factorial arrangement (3x3) composed of three pruning intensities (short, medium, and long) and three thinning intensities (0%, 10%, and 20%), during two growing seasons. The variables analyzed were plant height, canopy diameter, stem diameter, number of emerged shoots, number of vegetative branches, number of productive branches, number of open leaves, number of total fruits, longitudinal fruit diameter, transverse fruit diameter, chlorophyll a, b, and total, mean fruit weight, production, and yield. As for canopy diameter in the first season, the plants that underwent long and medium pruning showed greater vegetative growth due to the non-abrupt decrease in the CN ratio and because there was a greater amount of leaf area, resulting in greater growth. For the number of fruits, the results obtained showed that there was a smaller physiological drop in the subsequent medium and short pruning due to the smaller amount of plant tissues, turning the plant's energy towards fructification instead of growth. There was a significant effect of the pruning and thinning interaction on the mean fruit weight, production, and yield.

Straw production from cover crops and the sustainability of no-tillage farming systems can be compromised by low rainfall during the dry off-season in Central Brazil. This study investigated the drought resilience of five cover crop species under drought stress conditions. Three irrigation levels [100% pot capacity – CV (well-watered conditions), 60% CV (moderate drought stress) and 25% CV (severe drought stress)] and five grass cover crop species [Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Piatã, U. brizantha cv. Marandu, U. brizantha cv. Xaraés, U. ruziziensis cv. Comum and Pennisetum glaucum cv. ADR 300] were tested using a randomized block design with a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement and three replications. Canonical variable analysis (CVA) and a correlation network were established with the variables evaluated. The CVA showed that 88.6% of the total variation of the data was retained in the first two canonical variables. The plants were exposed to water stress for 25 days during the tillering and stem elongation phases. Plants of the genus Urochloa (U. ruziziensis, U. brizantha cv. Marandu, and U. brizantha cv. Xaraés) showed higher total dry matter production under normal irrigation conditions. However, under moderate water stress conditions, U. ruziziensis was the cover crop with greater resilience, since these conditions culminated in higher dry matter production.

In the native Amazonian communities, there is a significant biodiversity of cotton varieties, where traditional agricultural practices are preserved, crucial for cultural identity and local economic livelihood. This study examines the socioeconomic and cultural impacts of native cotton cultivation in the Amazonian communities of Alto Urubamba, La Convención-Cusco, Peru. Through a structured survey encompassing eight dimensions—general data, family and household, housing and services, education, economy and work, perspectives and challenges, and community participation—data was collected from residents of the Koribeni, Poyentimari, and Chacopishiato communities, particularly artisans involved in cotton-related activities. The analysis revealed agriculture as the primary income source, with 94.1% of Chacopishiato, 100% of Koribeni, and 61.1% of Poyentimari respondents depending on it. Participation in native cotton activities varied, with 52.9% in Chacopishiato, 88.2% in Koribeni, and 33.3% in Poyentimari. Common challenges include limited access to quality seeds (68.8% in Chacopishiato) and a need for technical knowledge (100% in Koribeni and Poyentimari). Correlation analysis showed significant associations between the study’s dimensions. Variations in community perceptions and knowledge about cotton cultivation suggest the need for targeted interventions. This research underscores the importance of sustainable development strategies that integrate traditional agricultural practices, preserve biodiversity, and enhance community resilience in the region.