Juan Luis Ríos-Plaza

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.

One of the main challenges in aquaculture is the accumulation of nitrogenous compounds derived from fish excreta, which can negatively affect water quality and increase production costs associated with effluent management. In this context, aquaponics has emerged as an alternative production system that integrates fish and vegetable cultivation, allowing the nutrients generated within the system to be reutilized through plant assimilation. The present study was conducted at the experimental greenhouse facilities of the Polytechnic University of the Laguna Region, with the objective of evaluating the dynamics of nitrate concentration and its relationship with the morphological development of lettuce (height) and tilapia mojarra (length) produced in an aquaponic system during the period from August to December 2021. Weekly measurements of nitrate concentration in the system water were performed, along with assessments of fish and plant growth based on representative samples. The results showed a progressive increase in both tilapia length and lettuce height throughout the study period, accompanied by fluctuations in nitrate concentration over time. The observed trends suggest that nitrate assimilation by plants contributed to maintaining water quality within ranges suitable for the development of both biological components of the system. Overall, the findings indicate that aquaponics can promote more efficient management of nutrients and water resources, positioning it as a production alternative with potential for integrated food production in water-limited environments. However, further studies are needed to deepen the understanding of nitrogen compound dynamics under conditions of higher biological load and extended production cycles.

Hydroponic green fodder (HGF) represents an alternative for plant feed production under intensive management systems with efficient resource use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fertilization type and evaluation time on the growth and yield of maize HGF. The experiment was conducted under a 3 × 5 factorial design, including three fertilization treatments (absolute control, organic fertilization, and commercial fertilization) and five evaluation times. Variables related to root development, stem growth, fresh weight, and dry matter content were analyzed. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and mean comparison using Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). The results showed significant differences among fertilization treatments and evaluation times, highlighting organic fertilization for higher total fresh weight and commercial fertilization for higher dry matter content. Overall, the findings confirm the influence of nutrient management and harvest timing on the productivity of maize hydroponic green fodder.

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.

Second-grade watermelons are a lycopene-rich byproduct currently discarded despite their functional potential. This study aimed to develop a consumer-accepted liqueur by alcohol maceration of watermelon pulp, optimizing 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 5,000 L yr⁻¹ craft-scale projection showed a 1.9-year payback and 1.7 t CO₂-eq savings compared to landfill. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of producing a shelf-stable, functional liqueur from watermelon waste, aligning with consumer preferences and circular economy principles in the craft beverage sector.

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.

Este estudio se realizó para determinar la prevalencia de bacterias patógenas al humano en la producción y empacado de mango cv Tommy Atkins. Se estudiaron tres huertos con diferente nivel de implementación de los Sistemas de Reducción de Riesgos de Contaminación (SRRC), uno inicial, otro intermedio y otro certificado ante el Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA), y una empacadora; 144 muestras fueron analizadas tanto en 2015 como 2016, para un total de 288 muestras. Se encontraron diferencias significativas (p <0.05) en las muestras provenientes de huertos para microorganismo, año, huerto y tipo de muestra, así como en la interacción de los cuatro factores. En las muestras de empaque se encontraron diferencias significativas (p <0.05) en el factor microorganismo, muestra, año y en la interacción microorganismo por año; se determinó la presencia de Salmonella spp en 2 UFC log 10/mL en agua de pozo. Los resultados mostraron mayor incidencia de Klebsiella spp en 2015 con una diminución en 2016, caso contrario a lo que sucedió con E. coli.