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El maíz es una de las principales fuentes en la nutrición humana, y por su aporte nutrimental y contenido de azúcares fermentables es utilizado en la preparación de bebidas artesanales o tradicionales que pueden ser alcohólicas o no alcohólicas. La disponibilidad del maíz está determinada por la región, variación genética y condición geográfica donde se cultiva. Algunos tipos de maíz disponibles en las diferentes regiones poseen características propias como pueden ser tamaño, color, forma del grano y contenido de compuestos antioxidantes. Debido que existe poca información sobre formulación de bebidas y su comportamiento frente a tratamientos de conservación tradicional o tecnologías alternativas, el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de un tratamiento alternativo de conservación con termosonicación y un tratamiento tradicional térmico de pasteurización a 85 °C sobre color, calidad microbiológica, parámetros fisicoquímicos y propiedades nutracéuticas de bebidas de maíz blanco y morado. Los resultados en las bebidas mostraron ligeras modificaciones de color y reducción de la cantidad de microorganismos, y no se observaron diferencias en las parámetros fisicoquímicos y compuestos fenólicos. En la bebida de maíz blanco se encontró mayor contenido de ácido ferúlico, mientras que en la bebida de maíz morado mostró un mayor contenido de ácido clorogénico, cafeico y mayores niveles de capacidad antioxidante. En conclusión, el tratamiento térmico tradicional de pasteurización resultó más eficiente que la termosonicación para la reducción de cantidad de microorganismos y no afectó las propiedades fisicoquímicas. Por otro lado, la capacidad antioxidante fue mayor en la bebida de maíz morado y esta se incrementó después del tratamiento térmico.

Sweet sorghum Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a promising crop for bioethanol production characterized by its high biomass yield, sugar-rich stalks, facile juice extraction, and ability to adapt to different production systems. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of cultivation practices (soil treatments) on the juice, sugar, and ethanol yields of sweet sorghum variety Roger. Three methods of tillage (minimum, traditional, and traditional tillage with rupture of the plow layer) and three types of fertilizers (inorganic, organic, and without fertilizer) were assayed. The best results of stem yield (44.3 tons/ha), juice production (25.6 m3/ha), concentration of soluble solids in the juice (16.9 °Brix), and juice ethanol yield (2.1 m3/ha) were obtained under a mixture of traditional plowing with plow layer breaking, applying an organic fertilizer. In addition, the extracted juice allowed yeast (industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae PE-2) growth and conversion to ethanol without the need for nutrients supplementation. Therefore, sweet sorghum continues to be an interesting bioenergetic crop for production of first-generation biofuels.

El clima extremo como el aumento de la sequía y altas temperaturas han tenido un impacto significativo en el rendimiento de los cultivos. Por lo tanto, es importante identificar caracteres en los genotipos de sorgo que les ayuden a disminuir el impacto de estos factores y les permita ser productivos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la tolerancia a calor de un grupo de líneas B y R de sorgo granífero bajo dos condiciones de humedad para seleccionar las mejores líneas tolerantes a calor. Se sembraron 28 líneas experimentales B y R el 30 de agosto de 2017 en Marín, NL, México. El experimento se sembró en un diseño completamente al azar con un arreglo en parcelas divididas y con dos repeticiones El tratamiento de humedad bajo estrés hídrico se aplicó 43 días después de la siembra (DDS) por un periodo de cuatro semanas sin riego. Se tomaron datos de días a floración, daño a la membrana celular a 40 ºC y contenido relativo de agua en hoja (CRA). Los resultados mostraron que el CRA no permitió establecer diferencias entre genotipos, mientras que el tratamiento de calor aplicado a 40 ºC, permitió establecer diferencias y clasificarlos de acuerdo con el porciento de daño causado a la membrana celular, ya que este es uno de los rasgos ampliamente utilizado para seleccionar genotipos tolerantes. Se identificaron como tolerantes al calor los genotipos 20 y 22 y como susceptibles los genotipos 5 y 8.

El estado de Nuevo León muestra gran riqueza de especies vegetales debido a los relieves, climas y suelos contrastantes a lo largo de su territorio. Para conocer y estudiar dichas especies, en muchas ocasiones se requiere el resguardo en sitios especializados como bancos de germoplasma. El banco de germoplasma FA-UANL contribuye en ese sentido desde hace más de 40 años a conocer, resguardar y difundir el uso de especies agrícolas, principalmente anuales de importancia regional y nacional. En la colección base destacan variedades tanto criollas como comerciales de maíz, frijol, avena, trigo, sorgo. Además, se cuenta con variedades mejoradas de avena, trigo y sorgo, desarrolladas por investigadores de la misma Facultad y Universidad. Es una gran contribución al patrimonio biológico nacional que permite compartir germoplasma con otros bancos.

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo caracterizar 29 genotipos de sorgo por su respuesta al estrés hídrico, utilizando como criterios principales de selección, la producción de biomasa y el rendimiento de grano; así como el estudio de la asociación entre estos caracteres y otros parámetros fisiológicos. El estudio se estableció en Cd. Victoria, Tam., bajo condiciones de riego y sequía en bolsas de polietileno durante 1996. La sequía se aplicó en la diferenciación floral hasta que se alcanzó el punto de marchitez permanente (PMP) del suelo en cada uno de los genotipos. Se tomaron datos del crecimiento y fisiológicos al inicio y al final de la sequía así como a la cosecha. Los resultados indican que durante el periodo de sequía el crecimiento de la parte aérea disminuyó y se estimuló el de la parte radical, no encontrando diferencias en la biomasa total entre condiciones de humedad, debido a un efecto de compensación. Los genotipos bajo sequía, en promedio, respondieron con una mayor acumulación de biomasas radical que presento 44 % de la biomasa total. Además una mayor capacidad de acumular biomasa durante el periodo de recuperación a la sequía se reflejó en un alto rendimiento de grano. Los genotipos clasificados como resistentes a sequía produjeron mas grano bajo sequía debido a una mayor longitud de panoja, un mayor numero de días a floración y una mayor área foliar activa durante el periodo de recuperación. La resistencia a la sequía podría estar dada por la capacidad de producir biomasa durante el estrés hídrico y durante el período de recuperación, más que por cambios en el estado hídrico de la planta, así como por la habilidad de mantener un nivel apropiado del rendimiento de grano y un alto índice de cosecha. La clasificación de genotipos en función de su capacidad de producción de biomasa junto con el rendimiento de grano como respuesta al estrés hídrico, es un criterio de utilidad en el mejoramiento para la resistencia a la sequía en sorgo. De acuerdo con los criterios de selección establecidos 10 genotipos fueron clasificados como resistentes, nueve como intermedios y 10 como susceptibles, de éstos, dos genotipos resistentes UAT 124 y UAT 152 y uno susceptible UAT 30 fueron seleccionados para estudios posteriores.

Given the aphids high reproductive capacity, assessing their biocontrol by using entomopathogenic fungi is crucial; to determine their potential, fungi were tested in planta and in field conditions. Significant decrease of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) population was observed in planta after applying Beauveria bassiana (strain 7R), Trichoderma gamsii (strain Z) or Metarhizium brunneum (strain Meta Br1) at 1 × 107 or 1 × 108 conidia/mL on pepper plants. Significant differences of aphids’ populations were detected between fungus concentration and control (F = 68.743, df = 6.980, P M. brunneum at 1 × 108 conidia/mL reduced aphids population close to zero. At 20 °C, dead aphids’ mycosis by B. bassiana and T. gamsii was 78% and 84%; at 25 °C was 83% and 88%; and at 30 °C was 75% and 79%, respectively. Mexican PTG4 and commercial GHA B. bassiana strains were tested in field (treating seeds with 1 × 106 conidia/mL) against the Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) aphid populations, on naturally infested sorghum plants. Results showed that plant germination and emergence were not affected, whereas yield (grams of sugar/plant) was significantly higher among treated compared with untreated plants. The aphid population decreased in plants from PTG4 treated seeds; indeed, this treatment had a significant positive effect on the flowering index, whereas the stem fresh weight and juice volume was significantly increased among plants from GHA treated seeds. Taken together, tested strains can be used as a tool to control aphids’ population on several crops such as pepper and even increase the yield in sorghum.

Objective: To analyze the race diversity and geographic distribution of the native maize landraces currently cropped at southern Nuevo León, México. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data was obtained from 41 accessions which represent the commercial production in the dry land area, where fertilization and pest control are scarcely used. Landraces were classified according to the CONABIO guidelines for ear traits. Results: The measured accessions correspond to seven maize races and to seven interracial crosses. The two most frequent maize races were Ratón and Cónico Norteño, mostly located in the dry areas with less rain. Study Limitations/Implications: Three races, Celaya, Tablilla de Ocho and Elotes Cónicos, had not been previously reported; while two formerly reported races Tabloncillo and Olotillo, were no longer found. This study did not include the grain-colored accessions. Findings/Conclusions: Three collections stood out for producing large ears with large kernels, thus showing a high yield potential. The maize landraces harvested in dryland areas might offer advantages to be grown under harsh environments or be used as gene donors for drought tolerance.

En México el cultivo de sorgo ocupa el tercer lugar en superficie sembrada después del maíz y frijol. Tamaulipas es el principal estado productor de sorgo, donde se siembra en promedio 895 mil hectáreas y se producen dos millones 383 mil toneladas anuales; sin embargo, esta zona presenta el problema de dependencia de semilla para siembra importada y cara. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el potencial productivo y estabilidad, de un grupo de variedades experimentales derivadas de la cruza de RB-Paloma x Fortuna. Método: Se evaluaron 14 variedades experimentales, durante los años 2013 a 2017, en tres ambientes de riego y uno de secano. Los testigos fueron las variedades comerciales que les dieron origen a las variedades experimentales: RB-Paloma y Fortuna. El sitio de evaluación fue la estación Cuauhtémoc, Altamira, Tamaulipas, perteneciente al INIFAP. Se aplicó el diseño experimental bloques completos al azar con tres repeticiones. El modelo GGE biplot se usó para el análisis de estabilidad fenotípica para rendimiento de grano. Resultados: En los cuatro ambientes de evaluación la variedad experimental 196-2 presentó un rendimiento de grano promedio (p≤0,05) de 3,533 kg ha-1, similar al de RB-Paloma (2,955 kg ha-1) y superior al de Fortuna (2,494 kg ha-1) en 41.7 %. Además, esta variedad fue más precoz a la floración (74.1 días) que Fortuna (84.3 días) Los parámetros de estabilidad indicaron que 196-2 presentó alto rendimiento medio de grano, estabilidad y mejor respuesta en los ambientes. Las variedades experimentales 197-2 y 206-1 presentaron un buen rendimiento medio de grano y estabilidad, además de un rendimiento de biomasa fresca (p≤0,05) de 27,822 y 27,914 kg ha-1 respectivamente, similar al de Fortuna (28,541 kg ha-1) y superior al de RB-Paloma (18,419 kg ha-1) en 55 %; además, fueron más precoces a la floración (77 y 75.3 días, respectivamente) que Fortuna. La variedad 197-2 fue más tolerante a enfermedades foliares que RB-Paloma. Discusión o Conclusión: Las variedades experimentales 196-2, 197-2 y 206-1 presentaron características agronómicas sobresalientes para la región sur de Tamaulipas.

The aim of this study was the characterization of chromatic, nutritional and nutraceutical properties of fifteen native maize genotypes of the races: conico norteno, elotes conicos, raton, conico norteno × elotes conicos, raton × elotes conicos, Celaya × elotes conicos, elotes conicos × conico norteno from the northeast of Mexico. The results showed that the values of the color parameters L*, C* and h in genotypes range from 25.13 to 63.64, 2.41 to 33.58 and 14.36 to 359.19, respectively. The percentage of nutritional component varied from carbohydrates (71.30–74.88), protein (9.72–12.57) and moisture (7.98–9.67). The samples were rich in P, K, Mg, Zn and Fe. The total phenols content (free + bound) ranged from 349.39 to 485.71 mgGAE/100 g, showing bound fractions higher content than free fractions. The total flavonoids (free + bound) were from 24.00 to 105.75 mgCE/100 g, and for eight of the genotypes the bound fractions were higher than free fractions. Condensed tannins were only found in free fractions with values ranging from 33.70 to 158.55 mgCE/100 g. Total anthocyanins ranged from 1.38 to 74.52 mgC3GE/100 g. In HPLC analysis, ferulic acid (103.34–164.90 mg/100 g) was the main phenolic compound followed by coumaric acid (5.57–15.52 mg/100 g) and they were only identified in bound extracts. Finally, the antioxidant capacity (free + bound) expressed in µmolTE/100 g was from 1127.70 to 1875.70, 2826.90 to 4263.90, 730.94 to 1340.65 and 3484.80 to 5592.60 in DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and ORAC, respectively, and IC50 to DPPH and ABTS were expressed in mg/mL. In conclusion, significant correlation was found between chromatic versus antioxidant capacity, and anthocyanin content. In addition, higher phenolic content were found in bound extracts, and a genetic diversity was observed between maize genotypes.

Rare and endemic plants, such as the wild species of Phaseolus (Fabaceae) in northeastern Mexico, deserve high priority in conservation efforts because of their uniqueness and usefulness as plant genetic resource. This is particularly important because during the last decades, some of these species have become endangered because of anthropogenic and natural factors. The study aimed to determine the current conservation status of 11 reported wild bean species in northeastern Mexico, using wild bean data from 77 expeditions to the states of Nuevo León and Tamaulipas during the period 1869-2013.The conservation status of the different species was determined according to the Official Mexican Standard NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. The categories of risk were based on four indicators: amplitude of distribution, habitat status, biological vulnerability and impact of human activity. The following eight wild Phaseolus species are not at risk of extinction: P. albiflorus, P. glabellus, P. leptostachyus, P. maculatifolius, P. neglectus, P. pedicellatus, P. vulgaris and P. zimapanensis. On the other hand, P. altimontanus Freytag & Debouck is categorized as threatened; P. novoleonensis Debouck, in danger of extinction; and P. plagiocylix Harms, possibly extinct. Current in situ and ex situ conservation programs need to be strengthened and expanded for the medium- and long-term protection of wild bean species in northeastern Mexico.

En el noreste de México que comprende los estados de Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Coahuila y San Luis Potosí, se siembran anualmente 934 mil hectáreas de sorgo para grano, con una producción promedio de dos millones de toneladas. En esta región un problema importante es la sequía, causada por la distribución errática de lluvias y el escaso uso de prácticas de conservación y aprovechamiento de la humedad. La mayor parte (75 %) del sorgo se cultiva bajo condiciones de temporal o secano, y se estima que durante el ciclo otoño-invierno (O-I) 2001/2002 la sequía provocó, pérdidas en la producción por cerca de 700 mil toneladas de grano; este año el rendimiento medio fue de 1.5 t ha-1, en lugar del rendimiento medio de 2.4 t ha-1. Una estrategia que puede ayudar a reducir las pérdidas en rendimiento, es la obtención de plantas más eficientes para el aprovechamiento de la humedad disponible del suelo y de los elementos nutritivos esenciales para su desarrollo.

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) is a crop that is well known for its high production of biomass and sugars in the stem juice. The objective of this work was to evaluate the productivity of sweet sorghum ‘Roger’ based on the dynamics of sugar production and dry biomass by considering different production methods and plant phenological stages. The experimental design consisted of different tillage and fertilization methods established in a randomized complete block design with a split plot arrangement. Tillage treatments were assigned to the plot using the three levels of minimum tillage, traditional tillage, and traditional tillage that included a subsoil operation. Fertilization treatments were assigned to the subplot using the three levels of organic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, and without fertilizer. Data collection was performed at different plant phenological stages from anthesis to physiological maturity. Results showed that evaluated agronomic parameters depended on the phenological stage (P < 0.05) rather than the production methods (P > 0.05). Thus, the distribution and accumulation of sugar by stem internodes was associated with plant phenological components. The highest values of the concentration of total soluble solids (14.89%), juice sugar content (22.91 g), juice sugar concentration (527.46 mg g-1 DW), dry biomass (60.04%), and dry biomass yield (19.01 t ha-1) were observed at the physiological maturity stage of the plant.

Maize is the most important crop around the world and it is highly sensitive to abiotic stress caused by drought, excessive salinity, and extreme temperature. In plants, trehalose has been widely studied for its role in plant adaptation to different abiotic stresses such as drought, high and low temperature, and osmotic stress. Thus, the aim of this work was to clone and characterize at molecular level the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) and trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP) genes from maize and to evaluate its differential expression in maize seedlings under drought stress. To carry out this, resistant and susceptible maize lines were subjected to drought stress during 72 h. Two full-length cDNAs of TPS and one of TPP were cloned and sequenced. Then, TPS and TPP amino acid sequences were aligned with their homologs from different species, showing highly conserved domains and the same catalytic sites. Relative expression of both genes was evaluated by RT-qPCR at different time points. The expression pattern showed significant induction after 0.5 h in resistant lines and after two to four hours in susceptible plants, showing their participation in drought stress response.

The effect of drought stress on total phenols, hydroxycinnamic acids, and antioxidant capacity in Cebu, DK2027, and DK2034 maize hybrids was evaluated. Compared to irrigation treatment, total phenols decreased in drought stress treatment by 35.34%, 5.59%, and 31.57% in Cebu, DK2027, and DK2034, respectively. In addition, the levels of t-ferulic, c-ferulic and p-coumaric acids decreased by 17.74%, 23.93%, and 29.83% in Cebu, by 8.92%, 8.62%, and 24.03% in DK2027, and by 13.66%, 11.03%, and 10.38% in DK2034, respectively. The predominant hydroxycinnamic acid from bran extracts was t-ferulic (67% to 72%), followed by c-ferulic (20% to 21%), and p-coumaric (7% to 11%) for both irrigation and drought stress treatments, while caffeic and sinapic acids were found in traces or were not detected. The antioxidant capacity decreased by 8%, 3%, and 9% in trolox equivalents and 7%, 17%, and 14% in percentage of radical scavenging activity for Cebu, DK2027, and DK2034 genotypes, respectively. The reduction of total phenols, hydroxycinnamic acids, and antioxidant capacity is due to the radical scavenging and photoprotective actions of hydroxycinnamic acids against highly reactive oxygen species generated under drought stress treatment.

The effects of suspensions of zinc oxide nanoparticles at concentrations between 100 and 500 mg L−1 on germination of Capsicum chinense seeds and vigor of plants were evaluated using a rand...

La región de la Sierra Madre Oriental, aunque reconocida por su diversidad de especies silvestres del género Phaseolus (Fabaceae), ha sido explorada en forma parcial y no siempre en forma sistemática; además, en el banco de germoplasma del INIFAP no existen muestras de semilla para su caracterización y conservación ex situ. Con base en lo anterior, y la creciente reducción de la variabilidad genética por causas antropocéntricas, se decidió realizar exploración y recolección de especies de Phaseolus silvestres. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue documentar la recolecta de poblaciones silvestres de frijol en la región de la Sierra Madre Oriental en Nuevo León. Entre 2010 y 2012 se realizó una intensa exploración en 12 municipios de Nuevo León. Se localizaron e identificaron siete especies (Phaseolus neglectus, P. leptostachyus, P. pedicellatus, P. albiflorus, P. novoleonensis, P. maculatifolius y P. zimapanensis) y se recolectaron 54 muestras de semillas, en donde la mayoría provino de los municipios de Santiago (20%), Aramberri (19%) y Rayones (15%); mientras que 46% se obtuvo en otros municipios. El germoplasma recolectado se conservó ex situ en el banco de germoplasma de la Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro. Sin embargo, existen probabilidades de que se hayan perdido, a través de los años, especies que habían sido reportadas anterioriormente, por lo que es necesario continuar las recolectas en Nuevo León, así como en otros estados de la región.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is cultivated in regions with frequent drought periods and high temperatures, conditions that have intensified in the last decades. One of the most important photosynthetic components, sensible to hydric stress, is maximum quantum yield for photosystem II (PSII, or Fv/Fm). The objective of the present study was to identify sorghum genotypes with tolerance to hydric and heat stress. The treatments were hydric status (hydric stress or non-hydric stress (irrigation)), the plant’s developmental stages (pre or post-anthesis), and six genotypes. The response variables were Fv/Fm, photosynthetic rate (PN), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), relative water content (RWC), damage to cell membrane (DCM) at temperatures of 40 and 45 °C, and agronomic variables. The experiment was conducted in pots in open sky in Marín, N.L., in the dry and hot northeast Mexico. The treatment design was a split–split plot design, with three factors. Hydric stress diminished the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus by 63%, due to damage caused to PSII. Pre-anthesis was the most vulnerable stage to hydric stress as it decreased the weight of grains per panicle (85%), number of grains per panicle (69%), and weight of 100 grains (46%). Genotypes LER 1 and LER 2 were identified as tolerant to hydric stress, as they had lower damage to PSII, LER 1 and LEB 2 for their superior RWC, and LER 1 as a thermo tolerant genotype, due to its lower DCM at 45 °C. It was concluded that LER 1 could have the potential for both hydric and heat stress tolerance in the arid northeast Mexico.

The growing global demand for energy and the reduction of energy based on oil are driving the search for new sources of energy that are environmentally friendly. To achieve this goal, it is also necessary to optimize the related processes. In this study, the behavior of the agronomic parameters of, and the energy invested in, production systems based on a new variety of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) called ROGER were determined to define the optimal production conditions. To this end, three methods of tillage (minimum, traditional, and traditional tillage with rupture of the plow layer) and three types of fertilizers (inorganic, organic, and without fertilizer) were established, and to estimate the energy efficiency, the inputs and the energy outputs of each system were considered. The traditional tillage with breaking of the plow layer and the organic fertilizer showed the highest values of plant height (2.45 and 2.39 m, respectively); total fresh weight of the plant (51.66 and 50.77 t·ha−1, respectively), of the stem (42.7 and 41.05 t·ha−1, respectively), and of the juice (21.89 and 22.57 t·ha−1, respectively); the volume of the juice (20,783.12 and 22,529.59 L·ha−1, respectively); and Brix degrees (16.04% and 15.01%, respectively). However, the highest energy efficiency was registered in the production system that used the minimum tillage, with a value of 15.11, as well as when no fertilizer was applied with 18.68.

In México, around 82% of the total production of maize is grown under rainfed conditions leading to a water stress environment which affects physiologic and biochemical process of the plant. Maize bran is a composited plant material consisting mainly in aleurone layer, testa and pericarp; the cell walls of these tissues are composed of proteins, non-starch polysaccharides, phenolic acids and lignin which are potential bioactive substances for human nutrition. In this research it was investigated the effect of water stress on cell wall components in the bran of three genotypes of maize by applying irrigation and water stress treatments. The content of protein, lignin, arabinoxylans, total phenols and phenolic acids was performed in the bran of ʽCebúʼ, ʽDK2027ʼ and ʽDK2034ʼ genotypes. Water stress applied through grain development stage increased protein levels of ʽCebúʼ, ʽDK2027ʼ and ʽDK2034ʼ in 4.05, 16.13 and 0.40% respectively. Respecting to lignin content, water stress increased levels at 1.28, 2.26 and 4.24% for ʽCebúʼ, ʽDK2027ʼ and ʽDK2034ʼ, respectively. Arabinoxylans content also increased in water stress treatment at levels of 1.28, 2.26 and 3.66% in ʽCebúʼ, ʽDK2027ʼ and ʽDK2034ʼ. On the other hand, water stress treatment decreased the levels of total phenols and hydroxycinnamic acids in the three maize hybrids analysed. Reduction of total phenols was 35.34, 5.59 and 31.57% for ʽCebúʼ, ʽDK2027ʼ and ʽDK2034ʼ, respectively. In addition, the levels of t-ferulic, c-ferulic and p-coumaric acids decreased 17.74, 23.93, 29.83% in ʽCebúʼ, 8.92, 8.62, 24.03% in ʽDK2027ʼ and 13.66, 11.03, 10.38% in ʽDK2034ʼ respectively.

The high capacity of the chloroplast genome to integrate and express transgenes at high levels makes transplastomic technology a good option for overexpressing proteins of interest. This report presents the stable expression of β-glucosidase (bgl1 gene) from Aspergillus niger and two cellulases (celA and celB genes) from Thermotoga neapolitana into the chloroplast genome of tobacco. The pES6, pHM4, pHM5 and pHM6 vectors were derived from the pES4 plasmid containing bgl1, celA-celB, celA and celB synthetic genes, respectively. All of the genes were flanked by a synthetic rrn16 promoter and the 3′UTR from rbcL gene. The integration of the genes into intergenic regions rrn16 and 3′rps12 of the inverted repeats was confirmed by Southern blot analysis. Stable expression and processing of monocistronic mRNA were confirmed by Northern blot analysis, and protein functionality was analysed via enzymatic activity assay. The recombinant enzymes exhibited high enzymatic activity at pH 5 (β-glucosidase: 30.45 U mg−1 of TSP, celA-celB 58 U mg−1 of TSP, celA 49.10 U mg−1 of TSP and celB 48.72 U mg−1 of TSP). In addition, β-glucosidase exhibited high activity at 40 °C, whereas cellulases type A (celA) and type B (celB) showed high activity at 65 °C. NtpES6, NtpHM5 and NtpHM6 plants showed a similar phenotype compared with the wild type plants; however, NtpHM4 plants presented an abnormal phenotype with variegated leaves. This study, demonstrated that hydrolytic genes such as bgl1, celA and celB could be integrated and expressed correctly in the chloroplast genome. This work provides new information on methods and strategies for the expression of hydrolytic enzymes that are potentially useful for biotechnological applications using transplastomic plants.

Chromatic, phenolic and antioxidant properties were evaluated in ten sorghum genotypes grown in Nuevo León, México. Lightness, Chroma and hue angle ranged from 64 to 83, 12 to 20 and 61 to 82 respectively, indicating that colour of the samples were located in the gray orange-yellow zone of the hue circle. Based on these results, samples were classified in three colour groups being Very Soft Orange, Slightly Desaturated Orange and Grayish Orange. Results in phenolics ranged from 796 to 15,949, 175 to 12,674 and 193 to 25,780 μgCE g-1 in total phenolics by Folin-Ciocalteu, total flavonoids by Aluminum Chloride and condensed tannins by Vanillin-HCl respectively. On the other hand, antioxidant capacity ranged from 1.20 to 93.83, 30.25 to 156.08 and 2.62 to 98.50 CmolTE g-1 in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power respectively. Significant differences (pE0.05) were observed in statistical analysis for both individual and group colour samples in chromatic, phenolics and antioxidant activity evaluations, showing ‘Rox Orange’genotype and Grayish Orange colour group the highest levels.

Chromatic, phenolic and antioxidant properties were evaluated in ten sorghum genotypes grown in Nuevo León, México. Lightness, Chroma and hue angle ranged from 64 to 83, 12 to 20 and 61 to 82 respectively, indicating that colour of the samples were located in the gray orange-yellow zone of the hue circle. Based on these results, samples were classified in three colour groups being Very Soft Orange, Slightly Desaturated Orange and Grayish Orange. Results in phenolics ranged from 796 to 15,949, 175 to 12,674 and 193 to 25,780 µgCE g-1 in total phenolics by Folin-Ciocalteu, total flavonoids by Aluminum Chloride and condensed tannins by Vanillin-HCl respectively. On the other hand, antioxidant capacity ranged from 1.20 to 93.83, 30.25 to 156.08 and 2.62 to 98.50 μmolTE g-1 in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power respectively. Significant differences (p≤0.05) were observed in statistical analysis for both individual and group colour samples in chromatic, phenolics and antioxidant activity evaluations, showing ‘Rox Orange’ genotype and Grayish Orange colour group the highest levels.

El sorgo dulce [Sorghum bicolor L. (Moench)] es un cultivo con alto potencial para producir bioetanol. En México, la Secretaría de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural (SADER) y el Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT) impulsan el desarrollo de nuevas variedades de sorgo dulce con mayor potencial de producción.

Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is an important destructive pest in forage sorghum in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. This study was conducted to identify predatory and parasitoid insect species associated with this pest in Nuevo Leon, and their impact on its biocontrol. During the monitoring period, identified insects indicated the coexistence of 8 coccinellid species, 2 syrphid species, and 1 chrysopid species. In addition, 2 hymenopteran species were identified. After the insecticide applications, sugarcane aphid population was reduced by about 20.6% (about 14 nymphs per cm2); when the sampling ended, population was reduced by about 70.6% (about 5 nymphs per cm2), thus indicating predator and parasitoid biocontrol. Collected data allowed us to conclude that the biological controllers were responsible for the principal pest population reduction. Overall, results showed that yellow sugarcane aphid predatory and parasitoid species may play an important role in the pest management in sorghum crops in Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

The effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on seed germination and seedling growth of Capsicum annuum L. were determined in this research. Total phenols content, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins, as well as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant capacity was determined. Results indicated that treatment with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) improved seed germination rate during the first seven days. The seed vigor germination increased 123.50%, 129.40% and 94.17% by treatment with ZnO-NPs suspensions at 100, 200 and 500 ppm, respectively. The morphological parameters tested revealed that ZnO-NPs treatments did not significantly affect plumule development, but they had a significant impact (p ≤ 0.01) on radicle length. Suspensions at 100, 200 and 500 ppm of ZnO-NPs inhibited seedling radicle growth and promoted accumulation of phenolic compounds, with a phytotoxic effect in this organ. Results suggested that zinc oxide nanoparticles influence seed vigor and seedling development and promoted the accumulation of desirable phenolic compounds in the radicle.

espanolSe evaluo el contenido de compuestos fenolicos solubles de tipo flavonoide en terminos de flavonoides totales (AlCl3-NaNO2-NaOH), taninos condensados (vainillina-H2SO4) y antocianinas totales (absorbancia del extracto a 535 nm, pH=1). Ademas se evaluo tambien la capacidad antioxidante basada en la reduccion de la absorbancia de los radicales DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo) y ABTS (acido-2,2-azinobis-( 3-etilbenzotiazolina)-6-sulfonico)) en cinco genotipos criollos pigmentados de maiz: Ejido La Soledad Arramberri (ELSA), Ejido Refugio Zaragoza (ERZ), La Siberia Zaragoza (LSZ), Morado Oaxaca (MO) y Tepozanes II (TZII). El contenido de flavonoides totales, taninos condensados y antocianinas totales fueron de 5709 a 7418 miligramos equivalentes catequina por kilogramo (mgECat/kg), de 798 a 1322 mgECat/ kg y de 338 a 513 miligramos equivalentes cianidina-3-glucosido por kilogramo (mgEC3G/kg), respectivamente. En cuanto a la capacidad antioxidante, en terminos de equivalentes Trolox los niveles fueron de 23,00 a 27,88 milimoles equivalentes Trolox por kilogramo (mmolET/kg) y de 14,97 a 18,12 mmolET/kg en DPPH y ABTS respectivamente, mientras que en terminos de porcentaje de inhibicion los niveles fueron de 17,44 a 21,31 por ciento de inhibicion (%Inh) y de 22,97 a 27,22 %Inh en los ensayos DPPH y ABTS respectivamente. El genotipo TZII presento los niveles mas altos en las evaluaciones de flavonoides totales y capacidad antioxidante DPPH y ABTS, mientras que los genotipos ELSA y MO presentaron el mayor contenido de taninos condensados y antocianinas totales, respectivamente EnglishThe content of flavonoid type soluble phenolic compounds in terms of total flavonoids (AlCl3-NaNO2- NaOH), condensed tannins (vanillin-H2SO4) and total anthocyanins (extract absorbance at 535 nm, pH=1) was evaluated. In addition the antioxidant capacity was also evaluated based on the absorbance reduction of the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2 -Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulfonic acid)) reagents in five creole pigmented maize genotypes: Ejido La Soledad Arramberri (ELSA), Ejido Refugio Zaragoza (ERZ), La Siberia Zaragoza (LSZ), Morado Oaxaca (MO) y Tepozanes II (TZII). The content of total flavonoids, condensed tannins and total anthocyanins ranged from 5709 to 7418 milligrams catechins equivalents per kilogram (mgCatE/kg), from 798 to 1322 mgCatE/kg and from 338 to 513 milligrams cyaniding-3-glucoside per kilogram (mgC3GE/kg), respectively. Regarding to the antioxidant capacity, in terms of Trolox equivalents levels were from 23.00 to 27.88 millimoles Trolox equivalents per kilogram (mmolTE/kg) and 14.97 to 18.12 mmolTE/kg in DPPH and ABTS respectively, while in terms of inhibition percentage levels were from 17.44 to 21.31 percentage inhibition (%Inh) and from 22.97 to 27.22 %Inh in DPPH y ABTS respectively. Genotype TZII showed the highest levels in the total flavonoids and DPPH and ABTS antioxidant capacity, while ELSA and MO genotypes showed the highest levels of condensed tannins and total anthocyanins, respectively

Resumen La producción de energía a partir de bioetanol de sorgo, es una manera de ayudar a aminorar el cambio climático y el deterioro del ambiente. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar las características agronómicas asociadas a la producción de bioetanol en genotipos experimentales de sorgo dulce. Durante los años 2013 y 2014 se evaluaron diecisiete genotipos dulces en dos localidades del noreste de México, bajo un diseño de bloques completos al azar con tres repeticiones: tres experimentos en la Estación Cuauhtémoc, Tamaulipas, en temporal; y dos en Marín, Nuevo León, en riego. El híbrido experimental Potranca x Keller obtuvo los valores más altos (p≤0,05) (kg/ha) en: peso de biomasa (52 125), de tallo (39 650), de espiga (4550), de hoja (7700), de jugo (14 125) y de bioetanol (2157 l/ha); y superó al testigo más productivo (Keller) en: 35,7, 32,5, 63,2, 41,6, 36,8 y 32,5%, respectivamente. Además, fue 6,8 días más precoz en cuanto a la floración que el testigo. La variedad experimental 17-1-1-1 se identificó con menor incidencia a enfermedades foliares que Keller. Además, presentaron características agronómicas similares al testigo en: peso de biomasa (44 375 kg/ha), de tallo (35 438 kg/ha), de espiga (2488 kg/ha), de hoja (6400 kg/ha), de jugo (11 750 kg/ha), peso seco de planta (19 113 kg/ha), peso seco de tallo (14 888 kg/ha), producción de bioetanol (1929 l/ha), °Brix (15,2), días a floración (80,8) y altura de planta (224 cm). Abstract Energy production from sorghum bioethanol is a way to help decrease climate change and environmental degradation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic characteristics associated to bioethanol production in experimental genotypes of sweet sorghum. During 2013 and 2014, seventeen sweet genotypes were evaluated in two locations, this locations are situated in northeastern Mexico, under a complete block randomly design with three replications. The three experiments were executed in Estacion Cuauhtemoc, Tamaulipas, in dryland; and two in Marin, Nuevo León, under irrigation. Experimental hybrid Potranca x Keller (p≤0.05) presented the highest values (kg/ha) in: biomass weight (52 125), stem (39 650), panicle (4550), leaf (7700), juice (14 125), and bioethanol (2157 l/ha); it surpassed to the most productive control (Keller) in: 35,7, 32,5, 63,2, 41,6, 32,5, and 36,8%, respectively. It bloomed 6.8 days earlier than variety control. Experimental variety 17-1-1-1 had a minor foliar incidence of diseases in comparison to Keller. In addition, it presented agronomic characteristics similar to control in: biomass weight (44 375 kg/ha), stem (35 438 kg/ha), panicle (2488 kg/ha), leaf (6400 kg/ha), juice (11 750 kg/ha), plant dry weight (19 113 kg/ha), stem dry weight (14 888 kg/ha), bioethanol production (1929 l/ha), °Brix (15,2), days to flowering (80,8) and plant height (224 cm).

Bound phenolics from oat grain endosperm–germ and bran fractions contributed to 73.30%–82.22% of total phenol content and 59.33%–66.83%, 67.86%–75.74%, and 59.02%–67.86% of total antioxidant capacity in ABTS-AC, DDPH-AC, and FRAP-AC, respectively. Bound phenolics form the bulk of the total phenol content and antioxidant capacity, especially in bran fraction.

a b s t r a c t High pressure processing (HPP) has been proposed as a potential quarantine method against the Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens), which parasitizes mango (Mangifera indica) fruit. It is efficient against this pest in conditions of high pressure and moderate temperatures. However, further studies are required to evaluate the effect of this quarantine treatment on fruit quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HPP on the postharvest physiology of 'Keitt' mango during storage at 25 ◦C. Mangoes at physiological maturity were pressurized at 50, 70, and 90 MPa for 9 min (a control was obtained with no pressurization). The fruit were stored for 14 d and changes in physiological and physicochemical variables associated with ripening were assessed. The pressure level affected the respiration rate resulting in changes in other variables, such as total soluble solids. High pressure did not inhibit fruit ripening and the quality of the treated fruit was similar to that of the control.

Environmental risk assessment (ERA) of genetically modified (GM) crops is a process to evaluate whether the biotechnology trait(s) in a GM crop may result in increased pest potential or harm to the environment. In this analysis, two GM insect-resistant (IR) herbicide-tolerant maize hybrids (MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-88Ø17-3 and MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6) and one herbicide-tolerant GM hybrid (MON-ØØ6Ø3-6) were compared with conventional maize hybrids of similar genetic backgrounds. Two sets of studies, Experimental Phase and Pilot Phase, were conducted across five ecological regions (ecoregions) in Mexico during 2009–2013, and data were subject to meta-analysis. Results from the Experimental Phase studies, which were used for ERA, indicated that the three GM hybrids were not different from conventional maize for early stand count, days-to-silking, days-to-anthesis, root lodging, stalk lodging, or final stand count. Statistically significant differences were observed for seedling vigor, ear height, plant height, grain moisture, and grain yield, particularly in the IR hybrids; however, none of these phenotypic differences are expected to contribute to a biological or ecological change that would result in an increased pest potential or ecological risk when cultivating these GM hybrids. Overall, results from the Experimental Phase studies are consistent with those from other world regions, confirming that there are no additional risks compared to conventional maize. Results from Pilot Phase studies indicated that, compared to conventional maize hybrids, no differences were detected for the agronomic and phenotypic characteristics measured on the three GM maize hybrids, with the exception of grain moisture and grain yield in the IR hybrids. Since MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-88Ø17-3 and MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 confer resistance to target insect pests, they are an alternative for farmers in Mexico to protect the crop from insect damage. Additionally, the herbicide tolerance conferred by all three GM hybrids enables more cost-effective weed management. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11248-016-9991-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.