Abstract:Disease detection and classification in crops is crucial for the development and growth of the agricultural sector. Traditional techniques and the low technical level applied to crop control generate significant losses for farmers. Computer vision offers solutions in this field; however, current research focuses on using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which cannot accurately locate the most relevant features in an image. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a deep learning model based on the Vision Transformers (ViT) architecture to detect and classify early and late blight diseases in potato leaves. This research demonstrates how data augmentation, fine-tuning, and transfer learning techniques can improve the model's performance. The dataset for training and testing was taken from the PlantVillage platform. The report of the proposed model's evaluation metrics reaches an accuracy of 99.18% and an F1 score of 98.7%. The results demonstrate a high level of prediction in potato foliar diseases and evidence of the efficiency of attention mechanisms. It is concluded that the model is an innovative and functional tool for farmers.

Resumen:La detección y clasificación de enfermedades en cultivos es crucial para el desarrollo y crecimiento del sector agrícola. El uso de técnicas tradicionales y el bajo nivel técnico aplicado al control de los sembríos generan grandes pérdidas para los agricultores. La visión por computadora aporta soluciones en este campo, no obstante, las investigaciones actuales se centran en el uso de redes neuronales convolucionales (Convolutional Neural Networks, CNNs), las cuales tienen una limitada capacidad para ubicar de forma precisa las características de mayor relevancia en una imagen. Para superar estas limitaciones, nuestro estudio propone un modelo de aprendizaje profundo basado en la arquitectura de Transformadores de Visión (Vision Transformers, ViT) para detectar y clasificar las enfermedades tizón temprano y tizón tardío en las hojas de papa. En esta investigación se evidencia cómo las técnicas de aumento de datos, ajuste fino y aprendizaje por transferencia permiten mejorar el rendimiento del modelo. El conjunto de datos para entrenamiento y prueba fue tomado de la plataforma PlantVillage. El reporte de métricas de evaluación del modelo propuesto alcanza una exactitud de 99.18% y un puntaje F1 de 98.7%. Los resultados demuestran un alto nivel de predicción en las enfermedades foliares de papa y evidencian la eficiencia de los mecanismos de atención. Se concluye que el modelo se consolida como una herramienta innovadora y funcional para los agricultores.

ABSTRACT Crop rotation and straw return are important sustainable agricultural practices. However, their combined impact on the soil microbiota is poorly understood. Here, the effects of crop rotation and straw return on rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity, soil properties and soil microbial community was investigated in a Chinese southern paddy soil. There were six treatments, including rice-fallow (RF), rice-rape (Brassica campestris L.) rotation (RR), rice-edamame (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) rotation (RE), RF with rice straw return (RFS), RR with rice and rape straw return (RRS), and RE with rice and edamame straw return (RES). The results showed that rice yields in RR and RE were increased by 6.28% and 6.93% relative to RF and straw return group increased by 3.03%-8.16% relative to the group without straw return. Rotation increased soil available P (AP) and RRS significantly increased soil organic matter (OM), total N (TN) and available K (AK) in comparison with RR. Rotation impacts soil microbial community in a stronger way than straw return. Rotation increased the bacterial species numbers and fungal Shannon index. Disease-suppressing bacteria were enriched and some fungal pathogen was decreased in rotation treatments. Straw return had no potential risk in increasing the microbial pathogens. Soil fertilities like AK and AP were closely correlated with bacterial alpha-diversity and rice yield. In conclusion, our research demonstrated that combined crop rotation and straw return is an optimum agricultural practice in increasing rice productivity and soil fertility. The impacts of crop rotation and straw return on the microbiota were distinct. These findings help us manage the crops and residues in southern China.

ABSTRACT Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is highly recalcitrant to in vitro interventions. There is a need to overcome various bottlenecks to standardize a repeatable protocol for in vitro regeneration in coconut to meet the requirements of quality planting materials. Epigenetic processes, especially DNA methylation, are known to assay crucial roles in regulating genes controlling plant growth and development, especially somatic embryogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate that the supplementation of 5-azacytidine (5-azaC), a demethylating agent, in the coconut tissue culture media can enhance the formation of embryogenic calli, somatic embryos, and plantlet regeneration from transverse thin sections of mature zygotic embryos. Transverse thin cell layer (tTCL) sections of zygotic embryos were cultured onto Y3 medium supplemented with different concentrations of 5-azaC (0, 10, 15, and 20 µM), auxins (2,4-D, picloram and atrazine; 75 and 100 µM) and thidiazuron (TDZ;4.5 µM). Explants were exposed to constant 5-azaC and reduced auxin concentration in subsequent sub-culturing. Our results indicated supplementing 15 µM 5-azaC, in combination with picloram (75 µM) and TDZ (4.54 µM), improved the percentage of callusing (95.8%) and formation of embryogenic calli (87.5%), and formation of somatic embryos (4.7) and plantlets (4.0) per explant in comparison with control having 80.8%, 75.0%, 1.6 and 0.67, respectively from tTCL sections of mature zygotic embryos. The results will form the basis for designing more efficient coconut tissue culture protocols.

Resumo: Biotecnologia é uma área multidisciplinar que utiliza sistemas biológicos, organismos vivos e derivados para modificar produtos e processos específicos. No agronegócio, a Biotecnologia desempenha papel fundamental na produção de alimentos em larga escala, sendo considerada essencial para enfrentar crises alimentares. Este estudo bibliométrico tem como objetivo analisar e apresentar os avanços e aplicações da Biotecnologia no setor do agronegócio, utilizando a produção científica disponível na principal base de dados Web of Science de 2018 a 2023. A Biotecnologia aplicada à agricultura engloba técnicas de engenharia genética para melhorar plantas, animais e microrganismos. Além de contribuir para a segurança alimentar, esta área está alinhada a diversos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Agenda 2030 das Nações Unidas. Constatou-se que a Biotecnologia é um tema transversal que abrange áreas mais técnicas com uma mescla de tópicos como nanotecnologia, engenharia genética, questões regulatórias, riscos, impactos positivos e negativos, inovação, formas de reprodução de sementes, sustentabilidade e aplicações verdes. Os autores, instituições e países que se destacaram são de: Estados Unidos, China, Índia, Reino Unido, Brasil, Coreia, Polônia, França e Alemanha. Esta pesquisa demonstrou os avanços e aplicações para reduzir riscos negativos, inovações advindas de novas técnicas e os desafios técnicos e legais enfrentados por pesquisadores neste campo de estudo e forneceu insights valiosos, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento da Biotecnologia aplicada no agronegócio, promovendo não apenas avanços científicos e tecnológicos, mas também abordando questões sociais e ambientais. Além de demonstrar que as aplicações biotecnológicas no agronegócio abrangem desde melhoramentos genéticos em culturas agrícolas até a criação de materiais biodegradáveis e soluções sustentáveis.

Abstract: Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary area that uses biological systems, living organisms and derivatives to modify specific products and processes. In agribusiness, Biotechnology plays a fundamental role in large-scale food production, being considered essential to face food crises. This bibliometric study aims to analyze and present the advances and applications of Biotechnology in the agribusiness sector, using the scientific production available in the main Web of Science database from 2018 to 2023. Biotechnology applied to agriculture encompasses genetic engineering techniques to improve plants, animals and microorganisms. In addition to contributing to food security, this area is aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. It was found that Biotechnology is a transversal theme that covers more technical areas, with a mix of topics such as nanotechnology, genetic engineering, regulatory issues, risks and positive and negative impacts, innovation, forms of seed reproduction, sustainability and green applications. Authors, institutions and countries that stood out are from: United States, China, India, United Kingdom, Brazil, Korea, Poland, France and Germany. This research demonstrated advances and applications in order to reduce negative risks, innovations arising from new techniques and the technical and legal challenges faced by researchers in this field of study and provided valuable insights, contributing to the development of Biotechnology applied in agribusiness, promoting not only scientific and technological advances, but also addressing social and environmental issues. In addition to demonstrating that biotechnological applications in agribusiness range from genetic improvements in agricultural crops to the creation of biodegradable materials and sustainable solutions.

Due to the expansion of farming, many agricultural systems now depend more on chemical pesticides and inorganic fertilisers to boost farm output. Leguminous cover crops are used to improve soil fertility and to increase nitrogen availability for crop production. This review focuses mainly on evaluating the role of leguminous cover crops on soil's physical, chemical and biological properties. Furthermore, it focuses on the role of cover crops in crop biomass, grass nutritive value and crop-livestock grazing systems. This review used the Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases (accessed between January 2003 and December 2022). To find publications in the scope of the study, the authors combined different groups of keywords. The reviewed literature revealed that leguminous cover crops significantly increase yield due to an increase of nitrogen through nitrogen fixation. In addition, leguminous cover crops boost the forage's nutritional value, lowering feed costs and increasing livestock productivity. As a result of these findings, farmers can reap the benefits of leguminous cover crops in various ways, including enhancement of soil health, biomass, yield and reducing overall production costs.

Climate variability, programming gaps and poor agricultural extension services hinder small-scale farmers' agricultural productivity in Southern Africa, Zambia inclusive. These agricultural challenges have not spared Zambia's food security pack programme beneficiaries. Using a mixed method design, this study investigated other economic activities that the 147 vulnerable farming households pursued, besides relying on the food security pack programme in the Mpulungu district. The study established that unpredictable rainfall, late delivery of farming inputs, and poor agriculture extension services were the major challenges that affected the productivity of the beneficiary households. To mitigate these challenges, the findings revealed that the beneficiaries grew crops other than those provided under the programme. Also, most respondents pursued other livelihood strategies such as receiving remittances from migrant relatives, petty trading, safety nets, and wage labour. The study concludes that the beneficiaries pursued other economic activities to enhance household food security apart from relying on what the programme provided. The study recommends investment intensification in agricultural research to produce pro-poor drought-resistant crop varieties, timeous distribution of farming inputs to beneficiaries, increasing extension staffing levels to bridge the staff-farmer ratio gap, and introducing in-service refresher training for agriculture extension staff.

South Africa, a rich tapestry of diverse communities, is home to at least nine major ethnic groups (Zulu, Xhosa, Bapedi [North Sotho], Batswana, South Ndebele, Basotho [South Sotho], Venda, Tsonga, and Swati). Each group, deeply rooted in their culture and traditions, consumes a unique array of foods. Often considered indigenous, these foods are sourced from the wild and grown using traditional production techniques. The literature indicates indigenous foods have been a staple in many parts of the country for centuries. Although this study's findings are based on three districts in northern KwaZulu-Natal, similarities have been noted in previous studies conducted within and across regions, particularly in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The research methodology involved using the Chi-square test method, a correlation analysis, and the computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software package Atlas. Ti. These methods were used to determine the existing relationship between extension services and the production of underutilised indigenous food crops (UIFCs). Theoretical findings then corroborated the statistical data. This research's findings imply that while several agricultural extension service providers (AESPs) advise on the production and utilisation of UIFCs, the inverse was true of others. Participants indicated that much of the knowledge passed to them mainly involved exotic vegetables such as Spinacia oleracea and Brassica oleracea and excluded local foods such as Bidens pilosa and Momordica foetida. One of the emerging themes was AESPs' invisibility in communities, which was found to be a contributing factor to non-inclusive food systems. Thus, the study contributes to the knowledge domain by outlining a need for AESPs' visibility in communities and accentuates opportunities that AESPs miss in not participating in building inclusive food systems. The paper concludes by recommending the inclusion of UIFCs in the continued professional development (CPD) of AESPs, wherein the significance of UIFCs would be enshrined.

Abstract In Brazil, soybeans account for 29.4% of the gross value of agricultural production. However, this crop faces various climate-related challenges. Agricultural insurance has been introduced to address these challenges, but its growth is hindered by adverse selection and systemic risks affecting insurers' financial results. This study aims to analyze the factors that influence the profitability of agricultural insurers in the state of Paraná, Brazil, from 2007 to 2021 using panel data regression, which allows for the analysis of data from various units such as municipalities and companies over time. The study findings indicate that the primary determinants of insurers' profitability, in terms of costs and productivity, were the insured area, effective productivity, and the variable for indemnity. Only Brasilseg and Mapfre showed negative results among the companies analyzed, while the new entrant, Newe, had positive results. The findings provide a detailed understanding of the factors that impact the profitability of agricultural insurers and offer valuable information for improving risk management and formulating policies, thereby contributing to the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector. Brazil 294 29 4 29.4 production However climaterelated climate related challenges Paraná 200 202 regression time productivity area indemnity analyzed entrant Newe policies sector 2 29. 20

Resumo No Brasil, a soja representa 29,4% do valor bruto da produção agropecuária. Todavia, essa cultura enfrenta diversas intempéries climáticas. Nesse sentido, o seguro agrícola emerge com o propósito de mitigar esses desafios, porém sua expansão é dificultada por problemas como a seleção adversa e os riscos sistêmicos que afetam os resultados das seguradoras. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar os fatores que afetam a lucratividade das seguradoras agrícolas no estado do Paraná, no período de 2007 a 2021, por meio da regressão de dados em painel, a qual possibilita a análise de dados de várias unidades, como municípios e empresas, ao longo do tempo. Observou-se que a área segurada, a produtividade efetiva e a variável dummy indenização constituem os principais fatores determinantes da lucratividade das seguradoras tanto na modalidade de custeio como na de produtividade. Entre as empresas analisadas, apenas a Brasilseg e a Mapfre apresentaram resultados negativos, enquanto a Newe, uma empresa iniciante, teve resultados positivos. As contribuições do estudo incluem a compreensão detalhada dos fatores que afetam a lucratividade das seguradoras agrícolas e o fornecimento de informações úteis para o aprimoramento da gestão de riscos e para a formulação de políticas, contribuindo para a sustentabilidade e a competitividade do setor. Brasil 294 29 4 29,4 agropecuária Todavia climáticas sentido desafios Paraná 200 2021 painel unidades tempo Observouse Observou se segurada analisadas negativos Newe iniciante positivos políticas setor 2 29, 20 202

Resumo Este artigo propõe uma estrutura para integrar dados de zoneamento agrícola na análise de riscos de seguros. Baseia-se na combinação de informações públicas do programa brasileiro de zoneamento, o ZARC, com dados abertos de seguros fornecidos pelo Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária. A metodologia apresentada transforma as informações do ZARC em dados de distribuição e as integra em um modelo Bayesiano juntamente com dados de indenizações de seguros, permitindo uma análise de risco abrangente. Utiliza informações sobre tipos de solo do ZARC para desenvolver cenários e calcular distribuições posteriores. A estrutura resultante possibilita a comparação entre municípios, tipos de culturas e classificação geral de risco. O estudo aplica a estrutura para analisar o risco de soja, milho, trigo e milho safrinha no Paraná, resultando em classificações de risco consistentes em todas as culturas e municípios. A estrutura proposta aprimora a análise de gestão de risco agrícola para resseguradoras, seguradoras, agências governamentais e empresas privadas. Pesquisas futuras poderiam explorar a metodologia para comparar seguradoras, analisar riscos em operações estruturadas de crédito e seguro, e avaliar riscos no nível das fazendas. O artigo apresenta uma ferramenta para melhorar a análise de risco e a tomada de decisões no setor agrícola. Baseiase Baseia se Pecuária abrangente posteriores municípios soja Paraná resseguradoras seguradoras privadas seguro fazendas

Abstract This article proposes a framework for integrating agricultural zoning data into insurance risk analysis. It is based on combining official public information from the Brazilian zoning program, ZARC, with open insurance data provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The methodology presented in this article transforms ZARC information into distributional data and integrates it into a Bayesian model alongside insurance indemnities data, allowing for comprehensive risk analysis. It uses information on soil types from ZARC to develop basic best- and worst-case scenarios and calculate posterior distributions using insurance data. The resulting framework enables the comparison of municipalities, crop types, and overall risk classification. The study applies the framework to analyze the risk of soybeans, corn, wheat, and corn double-crop in Paraná State, resulting in consistent risk classifications across all crops and municipalities. The proposed framework has the potential to enhance agricultural risk management analysis for reinsurers, insurers, government agencies, and private companies. Future research could explore the use of this methodology to compare insurers, analyze risk in structured operations of credit and insurance, and evaluate risks at the farm level. This article presents a potential tool for improving risk analysis and decision-making in the agricultural sector. program Livestock best worstcase worst case municipalities classification soybeans wheat doublecrop double State reinsurers insurers agencies companies level decisionmaking decision making sector

Resumen La innovación en la agricultura juega un rol fundamental en la transición de dicha producción hacia esquemas más sostenibles, de allí la importancia de su estudio, especialmente en relación con los procesos productivos. La literatura muestra que, si bien se han hecho varios estudios que examinan las variables que intervienen en los procesos de innovación en el sector agrícola, hacen falta estudios que examinen los procesos de innovación en Colombia. Es por esto que esta investigación tiene como objetivo fundamental, desarrollar un modelo que explique los principales factores que se relacionan con la innovación de procesos en el sector agrícola, utilizando conceptos derivados de modelos de procesos de innovación organizacional desarrollados en la literatura. La metodología de identificación de factores utilizó una muestra de 1.190 Unidades de Producción Agropecuaria (UPA) recolectados en la Encuesta Nacional Agropecuaria, incorporando únicamente productores del departamento de Cundinamarca, Colombia. Con esta muestra, y utilizando para el análisis las variables que son desarrolladas en la literatura, se realizó un análisis de tipo factorial de componentes principales, así como también un análisis factorial confirmatorio de segundo orden. El análisis factorial muestra tres factores latentes, entre ellos “Innovación en Materias Primas”, “Innovación en cultivos” e “Innovación en manejo de Factores Externos”, que al ser los más significativos para el proceso de innovación en procesos, deberían ser considerados como parte fundamental de las políticas públicas del gobierno para facilitar su adopción en el agro colombiano en el futuro. JEL: O30; O13; O31; Q16; Q55

Abstract Innovation in agriculture plays a fundamental role in the transition of said production towards more sustainable schemes, hence the importance of its study, especially in relation to production processes. The literature shows that although several studies have been carried out that examine the variables that intervene in the innovation processes in the agricultural sector, there is a lack of studies that examine the innovation processes in Colombia. This is why the fundamental objective of this research is to develop a model that explains the main factors that are related to process innovation in the agricultural sector, using concepts derived from organizational innovation process models developed in the literature. The factors identification methodology used a sample of 1,190 Agricultural Production Units (UPA) collected in the National Agricultural Survey, incorporating only producers from the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia. With this sample, and using for the analysis the variables that are developed in the literature, a principal components factorial analysis was carried out, as well as a second-order confirmatory factorial analysis. The factor analysis shows three latent factors, among them “Innovation in Raw Materials”, “Innovation in crops” and “Innovation in management of External Factors”, which, being the most significant for the process innovation process, should be considered as fundamental part of the government's public policies to facilitate its adoption in Colombian agriculture in the future. JEL: O30; O13; O31; Q16; Q55

Resumo A inovação na agricultura desempenha um papel fundamental na transição dessa produção para regimes mais sustentáveis, daí a importância do seu estudo, especialmente em relação aos processos de produção. A literatura mostra que embora tenham sido realizados vários estudos que examinam as variáveis que intervêm nos processos de inovação no setor agrícola, faltam estudos que examinem os processos de inovação na Colômbia. É por isso que o objetivo fundamental desta pesquisa é desenvolver um modelo que explique os principais fatores que estão relacionados à inovação de processos no setor agrícola, utilizando conceitos derivados de modelos de processos de inovação organizacional desenvolvidos na literatura. A metodologia de identificação de fatores utilizou uma amostra de 1.190 Unidades de Produção Agropecuária (UPA) coletadas na Pesquisa Agropecuária Nacional, incorporando apenas produtores do departamento de Cundinamarca, Colômbia. Com esta amostra, e utilizando para análise as variáveis desenvolvidas na literatura, foi realizada uma análise fatorial de componentes principais, bem como uma análise fatorial confirmatória de segunda ordem. A análise fatorial mostra três fatores latentes, entre eles “Inovação em Matérias-Primas”, “Inovação em culturas” e “Inovação na gestão de Fatores Externos”, que, sendo os mais significativos para o processo de inovação de processos, devem ser considerados como parte fundamental das políticas públicas do governo para facilitar sua adoção na agricultura colombiana no futuro. JEL: O30; O13; O31; Q16; Q55

Resumen El uso indebido de plaguicidas en la agricultura supone un peligro para la salud humana, animal y ambiental. (Objetivo y Metodología) En fincas agrícolas de las provincias de Cartago y Guanacaste, en Costa Rica, se documentaron, a través de entrevistas y fotografías, prácticas inadecuadas de almacenamiento, selección incorrecta de plaguicidas y uso excesivo de formulaciones plaguicidas. (Resultados) Las características de los cuartos de almacenamiento en muchas fincas no siguen las normas de seguridad para estas instalaciones indicadas por el Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería de Costa Rica. Diferentes ingredientes activos con acción herbicida, fungicida, insecticida y bactericida son utilizados en especies de cultivo para las cuales no son recomendados. Entre ellos se encuentran sustancias pertenecientes a los grupos químicos carbamato, piridina, ciclohexanodiona, piretroide, conazol, benzotiazolinona, oxadiazina y ftalimida en la provincia de Cartago; y a los grupos químicos neonicotinoide y piretroide en la provincia de Guanacaste. Muchas formulaciones de plaguicidas se utilizan en cantidades superiores a las recomendadas por sus fabricantes, entre ellas bifentrina, captan, oxamilo, cipermetrina, mancozeb, dimetoato y deltametrina en la provincia de Cartago e imidacloprid en la provincia de Guanacaste. (Conclusiones) Estas sustancias y sus metabolitos secundarios tienen el potencial de desplazarse a través de diferentes matrices ambientales, como el agua, el suelo y el aire, y afectar negativamente la salud de miembros de la comunidad y no solo de quienes las aplican. Los programas de educación basados en visitas in situ pueden mejorar la concienciación en la aplicación de buenas prácticas y garantizar un uso racional de estas sustancias, on resultados positivos en organismos no diana como los seres humanos y los entes proveedores de servicios ecosistémicos, así como en los ecosistemas naturales y antropogénicos.

Resumo O uso indevido de pesticidas na agricultura representa um perigo para a saúde humana, animal e ambiental. (Objetivo e Metodologia) Em fazendas agrícolas das províncias de Cartago e Guanacaste, na Costa Rica, foram documentadas, por meio de entrevistas e fotografias, práticas inadequadas de armazenamento, seleção incorreta de agrotóxicos e uso excessivo de formulações de agrotóxicos. (Resultados) As características dos armazéns de muitas fazendas não seguem os padrões de segurança para estas instalações indicados pelo Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária da Costa Rica. Diferentes princípios ativos com ação herbicida, fungicida, inseticida e bactericida são utilizados em espécies culturais para as quais não são recomendados. Entre eles estão substâncias pertencentes aos grupos químicos carbamato, piridina, ciclohexanodiona, piretroide, conazol, benzotiazolinona, oxadiazina e ftalimida na província de Cartago; e aos grupos químicos neonicotinoides e piretroides na província de Guanacaste. Muitas formulações de pesticidas são utilizadas em quantidades superiores às recomendadas pelos seus fabricantes, incluindo bifentrina, captan, oxamil, cipermetrina, mancozebe, dimetoato e deltametrina na província de Cartago e imidacloprida na província de Guanacaste. (Conclusões) Essas substâncias e seus metabólitos secundários têm o potencial de se mover através de diferentes matrizes ambientais, como água, solo e ar, e afetar negativamente a saúde dos membros da comunidade e não apenas daqueles que as aplicam. Programas de educação baseados em visitas in situ podem melhorar a conscientização na aplicação de boas práticas e garantir o uso racional dessas substâncias, com resultados positivos em organismos não-alvo, como seres humanos e entidades prestadoras de serviços ecossistêmicos, bem como em ecossistemas naturais e antropogênicos.

Abstract Pesticide misuse by farmers poses hazards to human, animal, and environmental health. (Objective) This study aimed to document potential pesticide formulation misuse in agricultural farms. (Methodology) Inadequate storage practices, incorrect pesticide selection, and pesticide formulation overuse were documented through interviews and photographs on 13 agricultural farms from the Cartago and Guanacaste provinces of Costa Rica between August 2022 and April 2023. (Results) Storage room characteristics in many farms do not comply with safety standards prescribed by the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Different active ingredients with herbicidal, fungicidal, insecticidal, and bactericidal properties are used in crop species for which they are not recommended. These substances include those from the carbamate, pyridine, cyclohexanedione, pyrethroid, conazole, benzothiazinone, oxadiazine, and phthalimide chemical groups in Cartago province, and from the neonicotinoid and pyrethroid chemical groups in Guanacaste province. Many pesticide formulations are utilized in quantities exceeding the manufacturers’ recommendations. Among these formulations were bifenthrin, captan, oxamyl, cypermethrin, mancozeb, dimethoate, and deltamethrin in Cartago province, and imidacloprid in Guanacaste province. (Conclusions) These substances and their secondary metabolites have the potential to move across different environmental compartments such as water, soil, and air, thereby negatively affecting the health of community members rather than just the farmers applying these formulations. Well-established pesticide education programs based on on-site visits to farmers can enhance awareness about implementing good practices and ensure rational use of these substances, with positive results in non-target organisms such as humans and ecosystem service providers as well as natural and anthropogenic ecosystems.

Resumen Introducción. Los plaguicidas son utilizados para controlar las plagas y enfermedades en las actividades agrícolas. El manejo inadecuado de estos productos constituye un riesgo potencial para la salud humana y el medio ambiente. Objetivo. Evaluar la presión toxicológica (eco) ejercida por los plaguicidas sintéticos en los cultivos de tabaco (Nicotiana tabacum) en la provincia de Sancti Spíritus, Cuba. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizó una base de datos de la Dirección Provincial de Sanidad Vegetal para el período 2016-2019, donde se tomaron los plaguicidas asignados a la provincia para este cultivo y se compararon con los declarados por los agricultores entrevistados. Para la obtención de los resultados se utilizó el indicador dual POCER, que determinó la presión ejercida por los diferentes plaguicidas y su referencia nociva sobre el ser humano y el medio ambiente. Resultados. La tendencia del consumo de plaguicidas (resumida en tablas y gráficos) mostró una disminución del 50 %, que corresponde a la política de protección de los cultivos del país. Los agricultores mencionaron el uso de ingredientes activos autorizados y no autorizados en las encuestas realizadas, y en las muestras analizadas se detectaron dieciséis ingredientes activos de alto riesgo. Al evaluar los resultados de POCER y muestras analizadas se observó que existe una gran presión (eco)toxicológica tanto para el medio ambiente como para la salud humana ejercida por un grupo de ingredientes activos de alta toxicidad utilizados en el cultivo de tabaco de la provincia. Conclusión. Con la utilización del indicador dual POCER, se obtiene una evaluación de la presión (eco)toxicológica ejercida por los plaguicidas sintéticos utilizados en el cultivo del tabaco (Nicotiana tabacum) en la provincia de Sancti Spíritus, Cuba para el período de estudio.

Abstract Introduction. Pesticides are used to control pests and diseases in agricultural activities. Improper management of these products poses a potential risk to human health and the environment. Objective. To evaluate the (eco)toxicological pressure exerted by synthetic pesticides on tobacco crops (Nicotiana tabacum) in the province of Sancti Spíritus, Cuba. Materials and methods. A database from the Provincial Directorate of Plant Health for the period 2016-2019 was used, where the pesticides assigned to the province for this crop were compared with those reported by interviewed farmers. The dual indicator POCER was used to obtain the results, determining the pressure exerted by different pesticides and their harmful reference on humans and the environment. Results. The trend in pesticide consumption (summarized in tables and graphs) showed 50 % decrease, corresponding to the country’s crop protection policy. Farmers mentioned the use of authorized and unauthorized active ingredients in the conducted surveys, and sixteen high-risk active ingredients were detected in the analyzed samples. Evaluating the POCER results and analyzed samples, a significant (eco)toxicological pressure was observed on both the environment and human health, exerted by a group of high-toxicity active ingredients used in tobacco cultivation in the province. Conclusion. Using the dual indicator POCER provides an evaluation of the (eco)toxicological pressure exerted by synthetic pesticides used in the tobacco cultivation (Nicotiana tabacum) in the province of Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, for the study period.

Resumen Introducción. La percepción de que las plantas nativas de campos agrícolas no aportan nada bueno a los sistemas productivos y deben ser eliminadas en su totalidad ha provocado múltiples problemas agronómicos, ambientales y sociales en los agroecosistemas alrededor del mundo, tales como selección de plantas resistentes a herbicidas, contaminación de cuerpos de agua, pérdida de biodiversidad, aumento en las poblaciones de insectos plaga y afectación de la salud de trabajadores agrícolas debido al uso intensivo de herbicidas. Objetivo. Analizar el origen de las malezas en la agricultura, las características biológicas que las hacen perjudiciales para las actividades del ser humano y sus funciones ecológicas en el agroecosistema, así como proponer la aplicación del concepto de biodiversidad funcional para el manejo agroecológico de la vegetación en campos agrícolas. Desarrollo. En este momento de cambio hacia una producción agrícola con un menor uso de plaguicidas, el manejo de las malezas sigue siendo un gran reto. Para lograr que el manejo integrado de malezas avance hacia estrategias agroecológicas que permitan una reducción del uso de herbicidas es necesario promover las interacciones bióticas benéficas que regulan de forma natural a las malezas. El estudio y aplicación de la biodiversidad funcional en los agroecosistemas surge entonces como una necesidad para manejar la vegetación de forma tal que se minimicen los efectos negativos de las malezas en los cultivos y se maximicen los servicios agroecosistémicos de las arvenses. Conclusión. La diferenciación entre malezas y arvenses como parte de un manejo agroecológico de los sistemas de cultivo permitiría mantener un balance positivo entre productividad y biodiversidad en los agroecosistemas.

Abstract Introduction. The perception that native plants in agricultural fields do not contribute positively to productive systems and should be eliminated in their entirety has caused multiple agronomic, environmental and social problems in agroecosystems around the world, such as selection of herbicide-resistant plants, contamination of water bodies, loss of biodiversity, increase in pest insect populations, and impact on the health of agricultural workers due to the intensive use of herbicides. Objective. To provide basic information on the origin of weeds in agriculture, the biological characteristics that make them harmful to human activities, and their ecological functions in the agroecosystem, as well as to propose the application of the concept of functional biodiversity for the agroecological management of weeds in crop fields. Development. In this moment of change towards agricultural production with less use of pesticides, weed management is still a great challenge. To ensure that integrated weed management advances towards agroecological strategies that allow a reduction in the use of herbicides, it is necessary to promote the beneficial biotic interactions that naturally regulate weeds. The study and application of functional biodiversity in agroecosystems then emerges as a need to manage vegetation in such a way that the negative effects of weeds on crops are minimized and the agroecosystem services of weeds are maximized. Conclusion. The differentiation between weeds and segetal vegetation as part of an agroecological management of cropping systems would allow maintaining a positive balance between productivity and biodiversity in agroecosystems.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de dos sistemas de sucesión de cultivos bajo siembra directa (SD) sobre las propiedades físicas y químicas del suelo, así como en el rendimiento de la soja en un Cambisol. El experimento se llevó a cabo en una finca ubicada en la aldea Paratodo, Pdte. Hayes, Paraguay, utilizando un diseño experimental en franjas con dos Cultivos de Cobertura (CC) como tratamientos: Megathyrsus maximus cv. Gatton Panic (Gatton) y una sucesión soja/trigo/soja (Trigo). Las variables evaluadas fueron biomasa aérea (BIOM), humedad gravimétrica (HG), concentración de nitrógeno (NO3-N y NH4-N), densidad aparente (DAP), resistencia a la penetración (RP), tasa de infiltración (TI), altura de la planta de soja y rendimiento del cultivo de soja. Los datos se analizaron mediante análisis de varianza con la prueba de Scott y Knott al 5% de significancia, prueba t para dos muestras con varianzas iguales, y se describieron tendencias mediante regresiones lineales y polinómicas. El tratamiento Gatton mostró una mayor capacidad de retención de HG durante el barbecho y desarrollo del cultivo, con valores medios durante todo el ensayo de 19,2% y 15,4% para Gatton y Trigo respectivamente. Además, Gatton presentó 2,09 veces más BIOM al inicio (11.311 versus 5.390 kg ha⁻¹) y descompuso 1,88 veces más residuo vegetal, registrando una mayor tasa de descomposición diaria en comparación con Trigo, con valores de 12,7 kg ha⁻¹ día⁻¹ y 9,5 kg ha⁻¹ día⁻¹, respectivamente. La DAP fue un 3% menor en Gatton (1,32 g cm-3) en comparación con Trigo (1,36 g cm-3), que aumentó con la profundidad (25-50 cm). El Trigo registró valores críticos de RP superiores a 3 MPa al momento de la siembra en la profundidad de 5-15 cm y al fin del ensayo en la profundidad de 5-20 cm. La altura de plantas de soja fue un 11,2% mayor con Gatton (99,6 cm versus 89,6 cm), donde también se obtuvo mayor rendimiento de granos (3.336 kg ha⁻¹) comparado con el Trigo (2.929 kg ha⁻¹), con una diferencia de 13,9%. El sistema de producción basado en un CC con Megathyrsus maximus cv. Gatton Panic mejora las propiedades físicoquímicas del suelo y aumenta el rendimiento de la soja.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two crop succession systems under no-till (NT) on the physical and chemical properties of the soil, as well as soybean yield, in a Cambisol. The experiment was conducted on a farm located in the Paratodo village, Pdte. Hayes, Paraguay, using a strip plot design with two Cover Crops (CC) as treatments: Megathyrsus maximus cv. Gatton Panic (Gatton) and a soybean/wheat/soybean succession (Wheat). The variables evaluated were aboveground biomass (BIOM), gravimetric moisture (GM), nitrogen concentration (NO3-N and NH4-N), bulk density (BD), penetration resistance (PR), infiltration rate (IR), soybean plant height, and soybean yield (Glycine max L.). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance with the Scott y Knott test at 5% significance, a t-test for two samples with equal variances, and trends were described through linear and polynomial regressions. The Gatton treatment demonstrated a greater capacity for retaining GM during the fallow and crop development stages, with average values throughout the trial of 19,2% for Gatton and 15,4% for Wheat. Additionally, Gatton recorded 2,09 times more BIOM at the start (11.311 vs. 5.390 kg ha⁻¹) and decomposed 1,88 times more crop residue, showing a higher daily decomposition rate compared to Wheat, with values of 12,7 kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹ and 9,5 kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹, respectively. BD was 3% lower in Gatton (1,32 g cm⁻³) compared to Wheat (1,36 g cm⁻³), and it increased with soil depth (25-50 cm). Wheat recorded critical PR values exceeding 3 MPa at sowing at depths of 5-15 cm and at the end of the trial at depths of 5-20 cm. Soybean plant height was 11.2% higher with Gatton (99,6 cm vs. 89,6 cm), which also achieved greater grain yield (3.336 kg ha⁻¹) compared to Wheat (2.929 kg ha⁻¹), with a difference of 13,9%. The production system based on a CC with Megathyrsus maximus cv. Gatton Panic improves the soil’s physicochemical properties and increases soybean yield.

Resumen La frutilla Fragaria × ananassa destaca por su valor nutritivo, alto contenido de antioxidantes y su creciente explotación comercial a nivel nacional. La producción en los últimos años ha alcanzado alrededor de 3.581 toneladas, beneficiando principalmente a 350 productores en la zona de Areguá y sus alrededores. Un suelo rico en silicio proporciona cierto grado de resistencia y protección contra factores bióticos y abióticos en las plantas. Por otro lado, su deficiencia reduce la tasa de crecimiento y, en última instancia, afecta a la producción. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto del contenido de silicio en suelo sobre el rendimiento agrícola en cultivos de frutilla. Se seleccionaron 10 puntos de muestreo en las ciudades de Areguá, Pirayú, Capiatá y Julián Augusto Saldívar, y se consideraron como variables agronómicas el peso de los frutos, la longitud de tallo y el ancho y largo de las hojas. La cuantificación del silicio en el suelo se realizó mediante la técnica de análisis por activación neutrónica empleando una fuente isotópica de neutrones de Americio-Berilio con flujo de neutrones de 5,0.107 ns-1cm-2, un detector de centelleo de ioduro de sodio de 2” x 2” acoplado a una tarjeta multicanal Accuspec y un estándar de silicio de procedencia alemana, con 97,5% de pureza. Se analizaron las concentraciones de silicio en suelo y los parámetros de rendimiento agrícola. Los resultados mostraron variaciones significativas en las concentraciones de silicio que oscilaron entre 41,2 g/100 g el punto de muestreo M10 de Areguá y 52,6 g/100 g en el punto de muestreo M8 de J. Augusto Saldívar. Además, sugirieron que el silicio contribuye significativamente al incremento del peso de los frutos en el ciclo agrícola de la frutilla.

Abstract Strawberry Fragaria × ananassa stands out for its nutritional value, high antioxidant content, and growing commercial exploitation at the national level. In recent years, production has reached approximately 3,581 tons, benefiting mainly 350 producers in the area of Areguá and its surroundings. Soil rich in silicon provides a certain degree of resistance and protection against biotic and abiotic factors in plants. On the other hand, silicon deficiency reduces the growth rate and ultimately affects production. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of silicon content in soil on the agricultural yield in strawberry cultivation. 10 sampling points were selected in the cities of Areguá, Pirayú, Capiatá, and Julián Augusto Saldívar, which are high strawberry production areas in the Central Department. Agronomic variables considered included fruit weight, stem length, and leaf width and length. The quantification of silicon in the soil was carried out using the neutron activation analysis technique, employing an Americium-Beryllium neutron source with a neutron flux of 5,0.107 ns-1cm-2 and a 2" x 2" sodium iodide scintillation detector coupled to an Accuspec multichannel card and a silicon standard of German origin, with 97.5% purity. Silicon concentrations in the soil and agricultural yield parameters were analyzed. The results showed significant variations in silicon concentrations, varying from 41.2 g/100 g at sampling point M10 in Areguá to 52.6 g/100 g at sampling point M8 in J. Augusto Saldívar. Additionally, the results suggested that silicon contributes significantly to the increase in fruit weight during the strawberry growing cycle.