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The objective of this work was to investigate the effects of chemical treatments on larvae and adults of the chickpea leaf miner (Liriomyza cicerina) and its parasitoids. The study was conducted according to the split-plot design with three replicates, during the cropping seasons 2016 and 2017 in the northwestern Tunisia. Deltamethrin treatments were applied on winter and spring chickpea varieties (Nour and Amdoun, respectively) when the pest density reached a level of 2-3 larvae/leaf in 50% of plants in the field. The number of emerged parasitoids and pest adults were recorded, and parasitism rates were investigated after treatments. Results revealed that the number of captured pest adults has been reduced in treated plots compared to control ones. Respective reduction rates attained 64.15% and 60.17% for Nour and Amdoun varieties during 2017. Additionally, the highest and the lowest parasitism rates were recorded respectively for Opius monilicornis 26.09% on control samples and for Diaulinopsis arenaria 2.88% on treated samples of Nour variety. In all experiments, L. cicerina larvae adults and parasitoids mortalities were higher for the spring variety. Hence, the use of more selective insecticides should be recommended to reduce the negative side-effects on the chickpea leafminer natural enemies.

The egg-larval stage of Orgyia trigotephras were observed in shrubs maquis of Jebel Abderrahmane in north-east Tunisia, mainly on Quercus coccifera and Pistacia lentiscus, while only eggs were noticed on Phillyrea media. This kind of observation suggest us to study tree defense against O. trigotephras which will be explored by chemical analysis of P. lentiscus, Q. coccifera and P. media. Two types of analyses were the focus of this study to understand plant defense (i) primary metabolites and (ii) components of essential oils of these tested plants. Kjeldhal method was used for nitrogen and Mrssorr method for potassium, sodium and phosphorus extraction. Essential oils were extracted with the hexane solvent; chemical composition was determined using (GC/MS) methods. Oil compounds were identified by comparison to their retention time. Results of mineral extraction showed that percentage of potassium, sodium, phosphorus and nitrogen were more important in P. lentiscus and P. media than in Q. coccifera. Five major compounds were identified from essential oils of Q. coccifera, four from P. media and four from P. lentiscus. Nitrogen, which is a source of protein for insects, is produced in low concentrations in the foliage, decreasing nitrogen levels strategy for defending the plant against insect larvae. The absence of monoterpens in the foliage at P. media could explain the choice of larvae not to feed upon this host which probably confers resistance against this defoliator.

Dhungana, A., Puri, C., Shah, K., Yogi, S., Dhakal, D.P., Acharya, B., and Shrestha, J. 2020. Screening rice genotypes for brown spot disease resistance. Tunisian Journal of Plant Protection 15 (2): 29-39.

The incidence of weeds in potato cultivation in the Agricultural Enterprise “Valle del Yabú” affects the development of this crop. To evaluate the management of the weeds associated with this crop and its influence on the agricultural yield in this Enterprise was the objective of this work. The potato cultivar used was Ultra, planted on December and harvested at 94 days late. The bank of weed seeds were determined. In the field were carried out five samplings to determinate the weeds population, using a mark of 0.50 m x 0.50 m. The species were identified and the number of individuals were quantified for ecological parameters indicators. Ten weeds species belong to five botanical families were identified in the experimental area crops; Poaceae was dominant in the community. Cyperus rotundus L. presented the biggest values of relative Abundance. During the critical period of grow was low the weeds presence without affecting the average yields.

The insecticidal potential of the Saharan plant Cotula cinerea, was evaluated on two insect species namely Aphis fabae and Tribolium castaneum by topical application (contact toxicity) and repellency test. A crude ethanolic extract of aerial part of the plant was prepared and tested in the laboratory on adults of both species. For contact toxicity, five doses were tested on each of the two species 1.56, 3.12, 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/ml for A. fabae and 25, 50, 250, 350 and 500 µg/insect for T. castaneum. The repellency of the extract was studied at the dose 500 μg/insect for T. castaneum and 25 µg/ml for A. fabae. Results showed that the repellency of the extract increased with exposure time and the highest rates were observed after 4 h of exposure (72.33 ± 22% for T. castaneum and 87 ± 3.6% for A. fabae). For insecticidal activity, at the highest doses (25 mg/ml and 500 µg/ml), 100% mortality is obtained 72 h after treatment for A. fabae and after 48 h for T. castaneum. The extract of this plant was found to be more toxic against T. castaneum adults. LD50 calculated 24 h after treatment for the two species is estimated at 1.7 mg/ml for A. fabae and at 30.3 µg/insect for T. castaneum. The extract of this plant inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in both insect species. This result suggests that this plant has a neurotoxic effect on A. fabae and T. castaneum. The results of phytochemical study showed that the plant is mainly rich in flavonoids, gallic tannins, alkaloids, saponosides and glucosides. The insecticidal effect obtained in this study could be due to the synergetic action of all constituents of the extract. Results suggest the possibility of using the extracts of this plant in integrated pest management to replace the chemical insecticides.

This investigation had as end to determine the effectiveness of the nucleopolyhedroviru of S. frugiperda in mixture with helping substances under field conditions, an experimental design of blocks was used embracing a dear experimental area of 17 x 47 m at random (799 m2). The samplings were carried out according to the methodology described by the National Center of Vegetable Sanity and the effectiveness was determined by the formula of Henderson-Tifton. The treatment with the blended virus with boric acid and OleoNim diminishes the infestation of larvas for plants with inferior dose to 1012 IC have-1 it increases the mortality of the larvas respectively in 2,5 and 2,16 times. The mixture of the boric acid and OleoNim with the virus improve their effectiveness significantly in the population control of the plague.

The study was carried out in the Agricultural Farm "Liberación de Remedios" in the period between December 2018 and April 2019, with the objective of determining the response of commercial cultivars of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to the natural infection of Uromyces appendiculatus (Pers.) Unger. Seeds with basic category of cultivars ‘Guama-23̕’, ‘Cuba C 25-9-R’, ‘Delicas-364̕’ and ‘CIAP-24̕’. The incidence percentages, rust severity and the diameter of the pustules were determined. The results indicated that cultivars ‘Delicias 364̔’ and ‘Cuba C 25-9-R’ presented susceptibility to the natural infection of the pathogen, while cultivar ‘CIAP-24̕’ presented moderate resistance and ‘Guama-23̕’ had a resistance response by presenting necrotic spots without reaching the sporulation, so it is recommended to plant it in the late season in the area where the study was carried out.

Sclerotinia have 250 especies in tropical and subtropical crops. S. sclerotiorum, S. minor y S. trifoliorum are the main species althoug other have been reported. Rots in stem, crown, rhizome, flower, fruit greening, pods, fruits; blights in buds and flower, foliar spots and wilt) are the major symptoms and presence of white mould with presence of black sclerotia are the main signs caused in tropical crops like: pea, alfalfa, cotton, almonds, onion, chinesse cabbage, black berry, strawberry, bean, sunflower, ginger, lentil, peanut, peach, water melon, pear, soybean, tomato, grape and carrot. The knowledge and the possibilities of precise diagnosis of the different species of Sclerotinia constitutes a main element to establish efficient management measures in tropical crops of economic interest.

Zergoun, Y., Guezoul, O., Sekour, M., Bouras, N., and Holtz, M.D. 2020. Diet selection of Heteracris littoralis, in a cultivated environment, Mzab valley, Septentrional Sahara, Algeria. Tunisian Journal of Plant Protection 15 (2): 69-80.

The lemon (Citrus aurantifolia) crop is susceptible to attack by phytopathogens, which are controlled with chemical molecules. An alternative to reverse the ecological damage caused by these chemicals is biological control. The aim of this study was to select strains of actinomycetes with antagonistic activity to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. It was determined the antagonistic activity in vitro of 181 strains of actinomycetes, belonging to the Chemical Bioactive Center's strain, against C. gloeosporioides; as well as, the extracellular enzymatic activity of the strains that showed better antagonistic effect. From the total of evaluated strains, 62 showed antagonistic capacity manifested against C. gloeosporioides, indicating that they have the potential to be evaluated in vitro and in vivo against different lemon phytopathogens.

The aim of this work was to characterize morphologically, physiologically and molecularly endophytic endospore-forming bacteria associated to Theobroma cacao (cv. Criollo type National) in Quininde canton, Esmeraldas province, Ecuador. The bacteria were characterized from the cultural, morphological and physiological point of view according to methodologies collected in the scientific literature. The confirmation of the identity of the bacteria was made from the sequencing of the gene encoding 16S rRNA. As results, all the strains showed cultural, morphological and physiological characteristics similar to the Bacillus genus. The sequencing confirmed the previous criteria and the main species identified were Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus mycoides and Bacillus cereus with 99 % similarity; while other strains did not produce an optimal consensus sequence, remaining as Bacillus sp.

One of the phytosanitary problems at the national level has been the management of the fruit fly, which reduces production in the area. The objective of this work was to characterize the types of fruit flies (Anastrepha spp. and Ceratitis w). 38 GPS georeferenced traps were installed at a distance of 1 km between each trap. For monitoring, “Multilure” type traps baited with 2 pellets (tolura yeast tablets) and 250 ml of water for each trap were used. The following Anastrepha species were identified (A. sp., A. striata, A. faterculus, A. oblique, A. serpentina, A. atrox, A. distincta). In the study area, the presence of A. faterculus was mostly detected. The efficiency of the food bait (tolura yeast) was measured based on the MTD capture index. Therefore, research should continue to study the behavior of the fruit fly in seasonality.

Among the most important diseases in Saccharum spp., sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) and sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) stand out. In Carica papaya L., papaya ringspot virus (PRSV-P) causes one of the most destructive diseases. The objective of this research was to determine the distribution in Cuba of these viruses and their molecular characterization. Prospecting and molecular diagnosis were carried out by RT-PCR. In the case of SCMV, direct sequencing was performed. Phylodynamic analyzes were performed with 34 sequences from Cuban PRSV-P isolates and 107 sequences from isolates from the American continent and Caribbean islands. SCYLV and PRSV-P are widely distributed in Cuba. From SCYLV the existence of the races BRA-PER, CUB and REU was reported, and from SCMV a single race. The Cuban isolates of PRSV-P and from the American continent and Caribbean islands showed a common ancestor. SCYLV and PRSV-P constitute a potential hazard to farmers.

The aim of the work was to evaluate the effect of integrated management measures on the key pests of tobacco, soybeans and sesame. Three experiments were developed, the first had three treatments: T1. 12 rows of tobacco + 1 row of sorghum + 1 row of sunflower, with applications of B. thuringiensis; T2: Monoculture tobacco with applications of insecticides; T3: Absolute control. The soybean and sesame experiments had two treatments each, respectively, Direct Sowing (T1) and Conventional Tillage (T2) and distance between rows of 0.60 m (T1) and 0.80 m (T2). In the three experiments the key pests were evaluated by direct observation according to the methodology described for each case. Polyculture, direct sowing and the shorter distance between rows maintained lower population levels of the key pests in each crop.

The experiments were conducted at the Center for Agricultural Research (CIAP) to demonstrate the allelopathic effect exerted by extracts of eight species belonging to the Myrtaceae family on Sitophilus oryzae L. The increase of insects in the mixtures of the grain with powders of the botanical species was calculated. Seven Myrtaceae species exerted an insectistatic effect on S. oryzae. The extracts of the botanical species Pimenta racemosa (Mill.) J.W. Moore also had an insecticidal effect. In the treatments with extracts of Syzygium malaccense L., P. racemosa and Piper auritum Kunth, the insect did not multiply.

Leaf mold, caused by the fungus Cladosporium fulvum (syn. Passalora fulva), is a very common and destructive disease in greenhouse tomato cultivation in the world. The objective of the work was to characterize culturally, pathogenetically and molecularly a population of 36 isolates of C. fulvum from different localities of the country. The results of cultural characterization showed that C. fulvum isolates maintain homogeneous cultural characteristics that are not related to pathogenic variability. From a pathogenetic point of view, the presence of C. fulvum strains that can overcome the Cf-9 resistance gene was demonstrated, a result that was confirmed through the non-amplification of the Avr9 gene. These are the first results in the country on C. fulvum where three of the most important aspects that characterize the variability of this phytopathogenic fungus are combined.

Context: Sunflower is the fourth source of vegetable oil in the world. The sunflower moth is its main pest in America. The control of this species is extremely difficult and, generally, the solutions proposed for its control involve the use of insecticides. Objective: To formulate an ecologically sustainable strategy for the control of the sunflower moth. Methods: The insect-host interaction and the damage caused were characterized. The best biological control agents were selected in terms of efficacy. Results: None of the tested cultivars was resistant to Homoeosoma electellum. The perfect timing to protect the sunflower against H. electellum might be estimated between 65 % of the life cycle of the cultivars until reaching the physiological maturity and 84 % until reaching the same phenological state. The application of entomopathogenic bio-preparations significantly reduces the affectation. Conclusions: Treatment with entomopathogenic bio-preparations during the delimited critical interval allows controlling the damage caused to sunflower.

The objective of the research was to evaluate the incidence of root rot in three cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. The experiments were carried out from December 2019 to April 2020, on Fluffed carbonated Brown Soil, at the Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas. Fusarium spp. it was detected in 100 % of the plants with symptoms of the disease. No significant statistical differences were found between the cultivars regarding the incidence of Fusarium spp., with values ​​higher than 30 %. The phenological stage of the crop most affected by the disease was the filling of legumes.

Context: Phytosanitary defense programs help protect the health of plants and help increase food security, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and improve the economic development. Objective: evaluate the feasibility of adopting practices for the management of diseases caused by soil fungi, incorporating the farmers´ criteria in the generation of technologies. Methods: the proposals for the management of root rots in cassava and cocoyam dry rot disease were validated in Pinar del Río and Artemisa provinces, respectively. Results: it was shown the feasibility of using alternatives for the management of cassava root rots, it was evidenced a decrease in the distribution percentage by 36,45 %. It was possible to reduce the incidence of cocoyam dry rot disease by 18 %, the agricultural yields increased by 25 %. Conclusions: the evaluated management proposals were adopted and defense strategies were designed for the areas of both crops.

Bananas and plantains are an important source of human food and income for many countries. Among the most important diseases of the crop is the black leaf streak disease (Pseudocercospora fijiensis (Morelet) Deighton). To study the molecular bases of the Musa spp.-P. fijiensis interaction the susceptible cultivar ‘Grande naine’ and the resistant cultivar ‘Calcutta 4’ were used, which were inoculated with a suspension of P. fijiensis under greenhouse conditions. Subtractive libraries of both cultivars were obtained and the gene expression profiles were analyzed by quantitative PCR. Genes related to defense, antioxidants, and jasmonic acid/ethylene and phenylpropanoid pathways were isolated.

Context: Pseudacysta perseae (Heid.) is the most important pest in avocado plantations in Cuba. Objective: To establish the management of P. perseae on solid scientific bases. Methods: The biological studies were performed at the Laboratory of Taxonomy of the Agricultural Research Center. Threshold temperatures and heat units were determined. The description of damages and the bioregulators detection were carried out during four years by means of inspection in several Cuban locations. Susceptibility tests with entomopathogenic fungi were carried out under laboratory conditions and in commercial avocado plantations at the agricultural enterprise “La Cuba”. Results: Information about the biology, ecology, damages and natural enemies of this pest is provided. Technical specifications for the use of biological control in the fight against P. perseae are reflected. Conclusions: The pest management through the use of entomopathogenic fungi was established as an alternative aimed to avoid chemical pesticides.

Species names are fundamental to managing biological information. The surge of interest in microbial diversity has resulted in an increase in the number of microbes that need to be identified and assigned a species name. This article provides an introduction to the principles of DNA-based identification of Archaea and Bacteria traditionally known as prokaryotes, and Fungi, the Oomycetes and other protists, collectively referred to as fungi. The prokaryotes and fungi are the most commonly studied microbes from plants, and we introduce the most relevant concepts of prokaryote and fungal taxonomy and nomenclature. We first explain how prokaryote and fungal species are defined, delimited, and named, and then summarize the criteria and methods used to identify prokaryote and fungal organisms to species.

Heavy metal stress adversely affects plant growth and productivity worldwide. Alleviating the stress effect through the exogenous use of various chemical substances has become an interesting area of study in the field of plant stress tolerance. As a thiol compound, the cysteine derivative N-acetylcysteine (N-acetyl- L-cysteine, NAC) is the precursor of glutathione synthesis and a potent ROS scavenger with powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenging capabilities. This study investigated the effects of heavy metals (Cd, Hg and Pb, 100 μM) on accumulation of soluble sugars and polyamine content in roots and shoots of wheat seedlings, the water potential and proline content in shoots and the role of NAC in protection against heavy metal toxicity. The addition of 1 mM NAC significantly increased root content of glucose, fructose and sucrose in varying degrees (avg. 1.34-, 1.20- and 1.51-fold, respectively) in comparison with heavy metals alone. The treatments led to a significant reduction of sugar content in shoots. Water potential values were highly correlated with proline and sugar content in wheat seedling shoots. Heavy metal stress significantly reduced polyamine content in both plant parts. The addition of NAC increased polyamine content in seedlings in comparison with heavy metals alone in both roots and shoots. These results suggest that NAC may protect plants from oxidative stress damage in heavy metal stress, and this enhancement of stress tolerance seems to involve soluble sugar and polyamine biosynthesis.

e objective of this study was to determine the changes and effects of climate variables on transient crop yields in the province of Los Ríos, Ecuador. Temperature and precipitation were analyzed based on historical series from 1981-2015, current series (2016-2019) and projections (2019-2050). ArcGis 10,3 soware was used to measure the climatic variability of these parameters. Vulnerability analysis considered production under the effect of weather conditions. Results indicate that the average multi-year temperature variation is 25,86 °C and the precipitation is 2 202.83 mm, what favored the production of 5 225 kg ha -1 of maize, 3 076.8 kg ha -1 rice and 1 147 kg ha -1 of soybeans. According to climate projections for 2016-2050, an increase of 1.07 ° C in the temperature variable and decrease in precipitation (303 mm) which will generate a decrease in crop yields in 29; 27 and 24 % for corn, rice and soy respectively.

e soil microbiota plays an important role in agricultural ecosystems, so it is essential to protect it. To safely apply fungicides of natural origin such as hydroalcoholic extracts of Citrus spp., that present antifungal activity against tomato phytopathogenic fungi, it is necessary to determine the effect of these on the soil microorganisms. e extracts wereobtained by ultrasound extraction and the microbiological analysis of the substrate under study was carried out aer their application. Bacteria, total fungi, actinomycetes, azotobacter and cellulolytic fungi were evaluated. e extracts did not show any negative effects on the soil microbiota, so they could be used in the agroecological control of tomato diseases.

The paper reports data on pyrophilous ascomycetes collected in 2017-2019 during a mycological survey in the Holosiivskyi National Nature Park (Kyiv, Ukraine). Sixteen species belonging to the Pezizomycetes were found. Among them, Tricharina praecox and Octospora similis were collected in Ukraine for the first time. Substrates, localities, data on general distribution and some notes about these species are presented. Ecological peculiarities of all species are briefly discussed.

e sugar cane massif of the Argeo Martínez Sugar Company in Guantánamo province is affected by the woody species Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn (marabou) and Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit. (leucaena), those that invade sugarcane plantations in the territory, sharing living space, water, light and nutrients while making harvest difficult. In order to determine the degree of affectation and frequency of appearance of the woody, exotic and invasive species D. cinerea and L. leucocephala and to represent the spatial distribution, the study was carried out in the sugarcane areas based on the weed survey of the PCMalezas between the years 2006-2018. e results of the frequency of appearance showed that these species are scattered in 96 blocks of 8 producing units, distributed in 2,723.09 ha of sugarcane with a predominance of the degree of slight affectation and number of incidence as weeds. 4. e statistical analysis of the frequency of appearance, showed a signi cant difference between the species of woody plants. It was observed in the spatial distribution, that the northwest and southeast region of the sugarcane agricultural area presents a higher incidence of invasion of the species studied

The work was carried out in the "Cerca Blanca" seed farm with the objective of comparing the effect of three biostimulants on bean cultivation, sown in two periods, when applied to the seeds, before sowing. The treated seeds were sown under a completely randomized design at a distance of 0.70 m between rows and 0.07 m between plants. The following variables were evaluated: number of legumes per plants, number of seeds per legume, mass of one thousand seeds (g) and agricultural yield (t ha-1). The best results corresponded to the treatment where Azofert F® was applied for the two planting periods, with an agricultural yield of 2.57 and 0.869 t ha-1, followed by treatment with QuitoMax® (2.11 and 0.774 t ha-1). The control treatment was the one with the lowest yield for both periods (1.27 and 0.46 t ha-1). Azofert F® is the bioproduct that most affects performance during both periods.

Regionalization studies were carried out in order to determine the response of the agricultural yields of thirty commercial cultivars of common bean in four edaphoclimatic regions and three sowing seasons in three municipalities of the Villa Clara province. From the sowing of cultivar gardens for each region, 30 commercial cultivars were studied. these were selected taking into account agricultural yield and incidence of pests. In the study, a total of nine cultivars were recommended for each sowing season and edaphoclimatic zone. Of the thirty cultivars studied, fifteen showed their highest agricultural yield in the different edaphoclimatic zones and planting seasons. Four cultivars with outstanding agricultural yield potentials were identi ed under different conditions (CUL 156, Milagro Villareño, Delicias-364, La Cuba 154), and four others that also showed positive responses in three of the zones studied (BAT-304, CIAP-7247, CIAP-24, Quivicán).

Determining which fungal genera grew on orange rust uredospores of the B80250 variety was the objective of this work, carried out in the Phytopathology laboratory of the South East Sugar Cane Research Station. The confirmation and certification of the isolates was carried out by the Plant Health Mycology Laboratory of Santiago de Cuba. ImageJ Software was used to measure microorganisms and their structures. Orange rust uredospores showed internal dark colorations and complete colonization by fungal growths. For the first time, fungal genera were isolated in uredospores from Puccinia kuehnii (Krüger) Butler in Cuba.

Cerotoma tingomariana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is one of the major pests that affect soybean crops, which can signi cantly reduce crop yield. e use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), an alternative method of control, has come into the prominence. To contribute in the management of the pest, the objective of this study was to select and characterize an entomopathogenic fungus by high efficacy and tolerance to temperature, pH and UV-B radiation. Ten fungal isolates of the fungus Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium spp. were tested against C. tingomariana under laboratory conditions. Bv003 and Bv060 isolates were selected with mean values of LC 50 were 5.6 x 10 4 and 5.8 x 10 5 conidia/mL, respectively. Bv003 was 10,4 times more virulent than Bv060. At greenhouse condition, efficacies 54.5 % and 79.5 % were obtained with the application of LC 90 to adults of C. tingomariana, respectively. Both isolates had an optimal growth at pH range of 5-7, in contrast, the fungal growth was inhibited at temperatures above 30 °C and by exposure to UV-B radiation above 18,8 minutes. Finally, the isolate Bv003 was selected as a microorganism with the potential to be used as biopesticide for the control of C. tingomariana in soybean crops.

The lichens Arthonia cretacea, Bacidia viridescens, Candelariella blastidiata, C. xanthostigmoides, Enchylium bachmanianum, Haematomma nemetzii, Lecania triseptata, Lecidea sarcogynoides, Ramalina europaea, Sarcogyne praetermissa and Xanthocarpia diffusa are reported for the first time from Ukraine. Xanthocarpia interfulgens is confirmed from an arid Ukrainian landscape. Locations, herbarium deposits and substrates are given, together with notes on worldwide distribution of the reported taxa and morphological differences from similar species.

The local agrarian development demands an integral look of all the resources that the inhabitants dispose to achieve goals toward the improvement of its quality of life, therefore, the assignment of weight of relative importance for the taking of decisions acquires a relevance in the agrarian projects of local development. The model for the taking of decisions in rural energy projects (SURE_DSS) implements an analysis of robustness of the community resources to assign weight of relative importance to maximize the energy capacities in the agricultural production chains in the community or region. The results are illustrated in the study of case of the rural community "4to Congreso" in the province of Sancti Spíritus, Cuba. It is concluded that the analysis of robustness shows its effectiveness when enabling the energy indicator transferred in function of the economic development (IETDE) with an appropriate capacity to processes of the chain of production of the coffee, allowing to specify to specify in which resources to assign bigger weight of relative importance with more effectiveness, in function of the objectives of the decisor for the improvement of the critical dimensions of the sustainable development.

The need to eliminate chemical products and the search for ecological alternatives for the control of pests in stored grains based on vegetable powders, motivated the determination of the effect of milled powders of Piper auritum Kunth on Sitophilus oryzae L. for this P. auritum was prepared in different variants and drying temperatures, in two phenological phases: vegetative and reproduction-flowering, dried in the sun and shade, in three temperatures (35, 45 and 60 ° C). Six insects were placed in four replicates for each treatment, the deaths caused in the treatments were recorded and compared. In the vegetative phenological state, dried in the sun, the best efficiencies of P. auritum powder were obtained when the material was dried at 45 and 60 ° C, with 38 and 45 % mortality respectively, while in the shade, the dried material at 35 ° C he achieved 100 % mortality, this being the best treatment of all. The leaves of this plant (dried in the shade and milled) can be used for the control of S. oryzae in stored grains.

e porcine maintenance activity is a very important issue to keep the machines, equipment’s, places and technical webs and other tangible xed assets to obtain the reduction about any break; reparations and to try to keep longer the actives stablished, by using the sources and energy. And with all that reduce the maintenance installation cost. All this give better result regarding quality and efficiency on the services. ere is a corresponding between procedure, execution and the corresponding plan on actions to get the porcine enterprise on Villa Clara, much better. It starts in all process about necessity and importance on maintenance, the controls made and the followings base on the changes platform. e materials and methods used on the diagnostic of maintenance activity are supported by an instrument denominated maintenance audit, the cause- effect diagram, the analysis of the indexes of conformity of the maintenance and the itinerate administration for the different areas of the enterprise. Inside the main results of the investigation the implemented procedure is shown, the indexes of conformity for each one of the areas of maintenance audits, the diagram of the main primary and secondary causes that affect the maintenance and the group of given lines for getting a better position on those activities.

Guava is a climacteric fruit, highly perishable because of its intense metabolism during ripening. e de nition of maturity indicators is an important criterion to maintain the quality of fruits. e objective of this work was to evaluate the indicators of fruit maturity of guava ‘Enana Roja Cubana E.E.A 18-40’ under post-harvest storage conditions. Color of exocarp (percentage of fruits), losses of fresh mass (%), rmness of the mesocarp (kgf), total soluble solids (oBrix), titratable acidity (%), pH and maturity index of the fruits were determined of at zero, four and eight days of storage at 16 oC ± 1 oC and relative humid of 75 % - 80 %. e color change of the exocarp to yellow green began at four days and evolved to yellow-green at eight days. Fresh mass losses maintained a signi cantly increasing trend as the ripening process advanced. Aer eight days, rmness decreased to 2.45 kgf, SST increased to 10 °Brix, titratable acidity decreased to 0.36 %, pH increased to 4.36 and maturity index was 27.98 with signi cant differences in evaluated periods. Storage conditions allow fruits to have a shelf life with acceptance for fresh and transformen compsumption

Climate change is affecting agriculture in a number of ways, such as changing water distribution, daily temperatures and salinity patterns. In this regard, plant breeding innovations and genetic engineering approaches to improve abiotic stress tolerance are necessary to avoid a decline in crop yields caused by climate change during the 21st century. In the last few years, genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas system has attracted attention as a powerful tool that can generate hereditary mutations. So far, only a few studies using the CRISPR/Cas system have been reported to improve abiotic stress tolerance, but they have clearly suggested its effective role for future applications in molecular breeding to improve abiotic stress tolerance. Accordingly, the CRISPR/Cas system application is introduced in this mini-review as a way to improve abiotic stress tolerance. Although editing efficiency and target discovery for plant CRISPR/Cas systems require further improvement, CRISPR/Cas systems will be the key approach to maintaining global food security during climate change.

e oristic inventory and the study of the vegetation of the Caletón de Don Bruno was carried out with the aim of show the values of the ora and vegetation in this locality. e oristic list of species and vegetation characterization is offered, as well as the current habitat situation. e studies show an area of high oristic richness composed of 164 species of phanerogam plants with 14.63 % of endemism. Among endemic species, two are exclusive to the area. e main plants formations identi ed were the coastal and sub-coastal xeromorphic scrub and the evergreen microphyllous forest. e most frequent threats of anthropic origin are forest res and illegal logging, with an impact on the loss of habitat quality and the vulnerability of several species.

The experimental work was carried out during the wet period of the Integral Weed Control Campaign, in plantations of the cold season (June - December) of 2018, in the Sugarcane Growers Farm “Vitalio Acuña”, belonging to the Sugar Mill Dos Ríos, Santiago de Cuba. The objective was to assess the effectiveness of two planting methods for weed management in sugarcane. The experiment was laid out in split plot design using three replications, each plot contained 14 furrows of 100 m long, on a cambisol soil. In each planting methods the weeds coverage at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after the application of herbicide were determined and field closure was evaluated. The Environmental Impact Coefficient and the pollutant load to the atmosphere were determined. Field closure in dual furrow system occurred 60 days before the traditional one, thus limiting the presence of weeds. There were significant differences between the two planting systems. Traditional plantation required four more tasks for weed control. The performance of more control tasks increased the environmental impact coefficient and the expulsion of polluting gases into the atmosphere. The most effective planting method for weed control in sugarcane was dual furrow system, which at the same time reduces pollution to the environment.

It was determined the in uence of the effect of the border on the population structure of Coccothrinax litoralis León in the coastal xeromorphic thicket and subcoastal on humi ed sand of Cayo Santa María, Cuba. On June 2019, it was registered the individuals in 12 plots of 10x10 meters at three distances from the edge: 0, 30 and 60 meters. It was found 686 individuals,602 juveniles and 84 adults. Only the number of individuals in Youth category III was signi cant, in the intermediate distance. e population structure of C. litoralis shows an expanding pattern. A possible edge effect can only be observed in the Juvenile III category. e population patterns, found in this work, should be taken in account for the sustainable use and conservation of this endemic species

The experiment was carried out in the Territorial Research Station of Sugarcane Center Oriental Camagüey with 16 cultivars selection from 2009 to 2010, evaluated by two scales, one quantitative and one qualitative. Nine known reaction patterns were used and analyzed, for the quantitative scale, the amount of pustules, length of the most frequent pustule and length of the largest pustule allowed to calculate the percentage of pustules per square centimeter. For qualitative case the percentage of involvement was visually observed. The influence of the environment on the manifestation of the disease was taken into account. The results showed that the qualitative scale masks the true behavior of the disease, mainly in those of the intermediate behavior, while the quantitative one provides a more reliable reaction and the individuals are grouped correctly in their respective degrees. The climatic variables provided a favorable environment for the development of brown sugarcane rust.

This study investigates how strontium (Sr) ions act on meristematic root tip cells of lentil (Lens culinaris) with changing parameters (time and concentration). Plant seeds were exposed to both a standard solution of Sr for different lengths of time (1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 hours) at a fixed concentration of 1.0 molL-1 (M) and Sr ions at various concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 M) for a certain length of time (12 hours). The seeds treated with Sr were made to sprout and microscopic examination focused on the root tips. The aim of microscopic examination was to clarify chromosomal abnormalities of cell division. Microscopic examination showed that various abnormalities occurred in cells of the seedlings, abnormalities such as chromosome adherence, chromosome breakings, bridge chromosomes, chromosome dispersion, chromosome shrinking, fish bones and ring chromosomes. Those abnormalities were detected several times for each treatment depending on the different periods and concentrations. Adsorption and absorption of Sr inside lentil seeds were detected by the spectroscopic method. Removed and excess amounts of Sr ions were found by spectroscopic determination. Statistical evaluation of the results was used in order to reveal the differences and similarities. The results showed that while there is a positive correlation with the concentration parameter, there is a negative correlation with the time parameter. Over 90% of Sr was removed from the solution during 12-hour exposure. Lentil seeds can be accepted as good bioaccumulators of Sr ions only for an exposure period shorter than 12 hours at an Sr concentration of 1 M.

The behaviour of carbohydrate metabolism in a plant, particularly its total starch content, total soluble sugar (TSS) content and their utilisation, is of great importance in coping with abiotic stress conditions. With this in mind, we studied total starch and TSS contents, survival, growth, biomass accumulation and stomatal conductance in Rhizophora mucronata under conditions of prolonged submergence and water stress for a period of 11 months. The experiment was designed in such a way as to include three replicates per each treatment level, about 1600 young mangrove plants being subjected to study in the process. Under conditions of prolonged submergence and high levels of water stress, a small number of mangrove plants survived and they were promptly exhausted due to higher starch utilisation rates (0.75–1.05% dry mass/month). Although TSS content was increased under these intense stress conditions, it was not matched by increased seedling growth or biomass production; instead, a significant reduction in growth (i.e. ∼78%) and dry matter content was observed in stressed seedlings as compared to young plants in the respective controls. It follows that the intense increase of TSS content might be due to the direct conversion of starch to soluble sugars in order to produce metabolic energy for tolerance mechanisms like osmoregulation and root anatomical adaptations under stress conditions. This indicates that more energy is allocated for plant maintenance than for growth and biomass production under stress conditions, which might be a good acclimatory strategy to rescue young mangrove plants at the early phase. However, stomatal closure under stress conditions may have caused restricted photosynthesis. Therefore, stress–induced starch degradation may upsurge, which in turn might lead in the long-run to carbon starvation, a condition lethal to mangrove seedlings., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Efficient microorganisms are a combination of several natural microorganisms, belonging to three main groups: phototropic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. FitoMas-E® is a product derived from sugarcane, obtained from the Cuban Research Institute of Sugarcane Derivatives. Both preparations have shown wide impact on species of agricultural interest, so the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of efficient microorganisms and FitoMas-E® on some indicators of growth and productive behavior of radish. Four treatments were studied that consisted of the simple and combined application of efficient microorganisms and FitoMas-E® compared to a control treatment without application. The treatments were organized in an experimental randomized block design. The height of the plant, number of leaves, length and diameter of the fleshy root, fresh and dry mass of the fleshy root, yield in kg m-2, content of reducing sugars and total soluble proteins were evaluated. The combined application of efficient microorganisms and FitoMas-E® presented the best results in the growth and yield variables, as well as the higher content of reducing sugars and total soluble proteins.

The late blight (Phytophthora infestans Mont. de Bary) is the most devastating disease of potato cultivation (Solanum tuberosum L.) worldwide. Due to climate change, the disease is associated with more recurrent and aggressive cycles. Based on the Regression Objective Regression Methodology, 41-year meteorological information processing was carried out at the “Yabú Valley” Company, located in Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba. The optimal meteorological parameters for the incidence of late potato blight were determined, in order to optimize the prediction of the disease and achieve an efficient rational use of phytosanitary means in its control.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the population fluctuation of aphids on common bean in Santa Clara, Cuba. Aphis craccivora Koch reached the population peak at fourth trifoliate leave with 47,30 % of aphids whereas Aphis gossypii Glover reached the maximum population level at pre-flowering and flowering with 42,80 % of aphids in each growth stage. Minimum temperature was negative correlated with A. gossypii while maximum temperature, relative humidity and precipitations did not influence the number of aphids.

Valle del Cauca is perceived as one of the most important departments in Colombia, which bases its economy on agriculture. Among the effects that occur in the production units, the presence of giant African snail (Lissachatina fulica) has been detected, which has become a problem in the region, due to its voracity towards a wide variety of crops, including fruits and vegetables. The objective of the present study was to determine the current geographical distribution of L. fulica in productive farms of Valle del Cauca. For this, plant species of economic importance for the department were monitored as hosts and food source. Between February 2016 and July 2019, 1899 properties were visited, located in 41 of the 42 municipalities of Valle del Cauca. In each crop, transects in “zigzag” forms were traversed, in which 30 plants were sampled randomly in order to observe the presence of L. fulica. African snail was found in 14 productive systems such as avocado, chili, citrus, pomegranate, soursop, guava, lettuce, mango, passion fruit, papaya, plantain, pineapple, tomato and grape, located in 61 farms distributed in 11 municipalities of the department, among that stand out La Unión and Toro. Also, there was a dispersion grouped into three concentration cores, located geographically in the north, center and south of the department. In this way, the study generates base information on the current geographical distribution of L. fulica in Valle del Cauca.

The study was carried out to evaluate the structure and quality of two soil subtypes Eutric Cambisols and Vertic Eutric Cambisols, in the Villa Clara province, in areas of anthropic influence. Through the morphological characterization of the profiles and the land cover, that included the evaluation of physical and chemical indicators. The results obtained revealed, notable differences in the morphology of the profiles, which are not significantly associated with the different management systems, but they are attributed to the characteristics of each subtype.

The 60 Hz electromagnetic field effects during the germination process in seeds of Vigna unguiculata L. with more than one year of storage was determined. Three electromagnetic treatments (2.00; 4.00 and 6.00 mT) were performed. A local electromagnetic stimulator device (BioNaK-03) (Patent No.22602/1999) was used. Each induction was applied to 100 seeds without imbibition (SSI) per treatment and the same to imbibition seeds (ICS) during 9 minutes. Two control groups (SSI and SCI) were established. Percentage of germination, germination speed and length of shoot and radicle were evaluated. At the end, 13.3 % of germination in imbibed and treated seeds with 2.00 mT was increased. A reduction in 54 % of this parameter to 4.00 mT in seeds without imbibition was obtained. Likewise, the highest value in shoot length in the seedlings of green bean for the plants that received the electromagnetic treatment was observed. At the same time, a reduction in the length of the radicle for the treatment of 6.00 mT was obtained. The results, although not entirely conclusive, show that the application of a magnetic treatment of 2.00 mT for 9 minutes improved the germination and growth of V. unguiculata seeds.

The research was conducted at the "El Jaguey" belonging to the Cooperative Credit and Service "Ramón López Peña" of the Council Popular Cortés, Sandino, Pinar de Río, with the aim of determining vegetative and yield development in five cultivars of onion (Allium cepa L.). The established cultivars were ‘Caribe 71’, ‘Diandra F1’, ‘Regent F1’, ‘Red Creole’ and ‘Texas Early Grain E 502’, which were distributed in a completely randomized block design with three replications. The planting was carried out in rows, at a distance of 0.30 x 0.10 m, with homogeneous seedlings of each cultivar. Evaluations were carried out at 32 and 60 days after transplantation, where the variables plant height, number of active leaves, diameter of the false stem and total fresh mass were characterized. At harvest time, the fresh mass, the equatorial and polar diameters and the humidity were determined in the bulbs. The crop yield was also estimated. The results showed greater vegetative development in the cultivars 'Texas Early Grano E 502' and 'Red Creole', although the former reached yields above 35 t ha-1 and significantly exceeded the other cultivars. The equatorial diameter of the bulb determined its fresh mass in more than 85%, with the exception of the cultivar 'Texas Early Grano E 502', while the percentage of humidity of the bulb exceeded 75% in all cases and was influenced by the color of the same.