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The first record of the squash and pumpkin bee, Eucera (Peponapis) fervens (Smith 1879) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), is presented for Peru. This species was found in the departments of Apurímac, Ayacucho, Cusco, and Piura, pollinating Cucurbita maxima Duchesne in Lam., C. ficifolia Bouche, and C. pepo L. Additionally, the presence of Eucera (Peponapis) citrullina is reported in the departments of Huancavelica, Ica, Lambayeque, and Lima. This species had previously been recorded in the regions of Lima and Piura. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meiotic behavior is of great importance for the development of genetic improvement programs, especially in species such as vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Jacks.), which are severely affected by various biotic and abiotic factors derived from their narrow genetic base. Therefore, the present work was proposed with the objective of evaluating the meiotic behavior of the commercial morphotype "Mansa" from the municipality of "Papantla de Olarte" in Veracruz, Mexico. For this purpose, flower buds of different sizes were collected and fixed in Carnoy using the squash technique, followed by staining with 2% (w/v) acetocarmine to clearly observe all the stages of the meiotic process. Normal meiotic behavior and a haploid chromosome number (n = 8) were observed. These results may be useful for the development of breeding programs for this crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is the result of research conducted at the Technical Educational Institution Plinio Mendoza Neira in the municipality of Toca, Boyacá (Colombia). The paper shows how the research process was with seventh grade students about ancestral foods: potatoes, ulluco, turnip, oca, squash and beans. In this process, participatory action research methodology was used with local knowledgeable people to describe the foods consumed and cultivated since pre-Hispanic times. The text discusses the importance of relating academia, traditional knowledge and food as part of the motivational process of students in the development of commercial agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Economía del Caribe is the property of Fundacion Universidad del Norte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Chapingo Serie Horticultura is the property of Universidad Autonoma Chapingo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study was carried out at Univiersidad Autonoma of Chapingo, Mexico, in 2004, to develop appropriate protocols for the induction of direct organogenesis and to characterize in vitro regeneration capacity of two squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) genotypes: the 'Brujita' variety and the 'Round Zucchini' variety (coat-less seed), and to develop acclimation procedures for plantlets obtained in vitro. Murashige and Skoog (1962) culture media, supplemented with 1,0 mg/l of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), was used. After three weeks of induction in the culture media, explants of the two varieties regenerated sprouted. Adventitious shoots were sub-cultured to allow their rooting and elongation in Murashige and Skoog media without the BAP hormone. The acclimation of the plantlets was carried out in plastic trays containing Peat Moss® as substrate and covered with transparent plastic simulating a "micro-greenhouse". In vitro multiplication rate differed among genotypes; the coat-less seed 'Round Zucchini' variety had 3,2 plantlets per bud (explant) and the 'Brujita' variety had 2,7, counted every twenty two days. The acclimation process used yielded 90% survival the 'Brujita' variety plantlets, and 76% survival in the coat-less seed 'Round Zucchini' variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) type "Negro Chileno" is the most cultivated in Chile; its fruit is conic shaped, elongated and dark green in color with light green longitudinal stripes. Plant and fruit characteristics are variable and it has a low yield potential. The scarce commercial cultivars available for this type of squash, the production and quality problems that affect the small farmer, and the high cost of seed of some hybrid cultivars, have been the motivation for this breeding project in the La Platina Research Center of the Agricultural Research Institute. Starting from plants selected from commercial plantings of the "Negro Chileno" zucchini and using self-pollination and inter-pollination methods were obtained pure lines, which were evaluated in different seasons and locations. This allowed the identification of several lines with very good growth, fruit quality and high yield potential, from which the variety Curital INIA was obtained. This new variety, of open pollination, is characterized by an erect growth habit, high fruit production at the first harvest, and an 18.9% yield increase with respect to the "Negro Chileno" type. Its fruit is of a cylindrical shape, brilliant, dark green color with light green stripes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]