The present work reports the in situ fabrication of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) in polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) over pre-patterned hydrophobic stripes on a hydrophilic glass surface. Microcontact printing (μCP) using octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) as “ink” was used to obtain these chemically modified substrates. A comparison of the results of the PS-b-P2VP self-assembly over a bare glass substrate and a pre-patterned glass substrate demonstrated the influence of the pattern on the film morphology. Polymeric films of Ag+ and PS-b-P2VP were prepared on a pre-patterned substrate and heated at 150 °C to enable the self-reconstruction of the polymeric matrix and the in situ formation of AgNPs (average particle size of approximately 100 nm). The AgNP/PS-b-P2VP thin films were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The results demonstrate that the concentration of the solutions of Ag+/PS-b-P2VP used to prepare the films strongly influences the morphologies and dispersion of AgNPs. Moreover, the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) activity of the fabricated polymer nanocomposites using Nile Blue as a molecular probe shows the importance of the chemical modification of the substrate in the enhancement of the SERS signal. (AgNPs polystyrenebpoly2vinylpyridine polystyrenebpolyvinylpyridine polystyrene b poly 2 vinylpyridine polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine PSbP2VP PSbPVP PS P2VP P VP (PS-b-P2VP prepatterned pre patterned surface μCP (μCP OTS (OTS ink “ink substrates selfassembly self assembly morphology 15 C selfreconstruction reconstruction average 10 nm. nm . nm) AgNP/PSbP2VP AgNPPSbP2VP AgNPPSbPVP AgNP/PS AgNP UVVis UV Vis microscopy Ag+/PSbP2VP AgPSbP2VP AgPSbPVP Ag+/PS Moreover surfaceenhanced enhanced (SERS signal polystyrenebpoly PSbP PVP 1 AgNPPSbP AgNPPS AgPSbP AgPS

Two poly(acrylic acid-b-acrylamide) copolymers, and a poly(acrylic acid) homopolymer were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and tested for nickel removal from aqueous media. RAFT was used for better interchain composition homogeneity and to facilitate the synthesis of the block copolymers. Liquid-phase polymer-based retention (LPR) was used to compare the nickel binding capacity. Uptake tests were carried out at pH 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0. Nickel adsorption isotherms in the range of 1 to 7 mmol L−1 were achieved and the Langmuir adsorption model was applied. Maximum binding capacity (Qm) of Ni2+ at 298 K depended on the composition of the copolymers and pH. The polyacid block (PAA) was the major structural feature responsible for high values of nickel binding. All materials presented better uptake at higher pH, probably due to polyacid deprotonation and the increase in the electrostatic interactions. Up to approximately 100 mg of nickel per gram of homopolymer could be retained at pH = 5.0. Even though the presence of a poly(acrylamide) block decreases the binding capacity compared to PAA, that block has a specific contribution to nickel binding and can also provide better features to the material as better solubilization, and others. polyacrylic poly acrylic acidbacrylamide acid b acrylamide acid-b-acrylamide additionfragmentation addition fragmentation (RAFT media Liquidphase Liquid phase polymerbased polymer based LPR (LPR 30 3 0 3.0 40 4 4.0 50 5 5.0 L1 L L− applied Qm (Qm Ni2 Ni 29 PAA (PAA interactions 10 polyacrylamide poly(acrylamide solubilization others 3. 4. 5. 2

RESUMO O pimentão, cultura de importância nutricional, destaca-se por seu valor de vitamina C. Diante da necessidade de práticas agrícolas sustentáveis, o estudo explorou o uso de biocarvões derivados de resíduos regionais como alternativa na cultura de pimentão. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de biocarvões provenientes de cama de frango, fibra de coco e palha de arroz, nas características biométricas e físico-químicas de frutos de pimentão verde, na produção de frutos por planta e na produtividade. A pesquisa foi conduzida em campo no delineamento em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 5 × 3 + 1, referentes a cinco doses de biocarvão (0, 3, 6, 9 e 12 t ha-1) e três tipos de biocarvão (fibra de coco, cama de aviário e palha de arroz) com quatro repetições, mais um tratamento adicional (adubação mineral). Foram avaliadas variáveis biométricas (comprimento e diâmetro dos frutos, espessura da casca, número de frutos, massa do fruto) e físico-químicas dos frutos (sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, pH, vitamina C e teor de cinzas), produção e produtividade dos frutos. A produção de frutos de pimentão verde não foi influenciada pelos biocarvões, porém as doses de biocarvões influenciaram todas as variáveis analisadas com exceção da espessura da casca. Os teores de vitamina C e de sólidos solúveis foram maiores nos tratamentos com biocarvões e menores com adubação mineral. A maior influência na acidificação dos frutos foi com o biocarvão produzido com palha de arroz. nutricional destacase destaca se sustentáveis contexto objetivouse objetivou frango arroz físicoquímicas físico químicas casualizados 1 0, 0 (0 6 ha1 ha ha-1 repetições mineral . mineral) comprimento casca fruto titulável pH cinzas, cinzas , cinzas) ( ha-

ABSTRACT Bell pepper, a crop of nutritional importance, stands out for its vitamin C content. Given the need for sustainable agricultural practices, the present study explored the use of biochars derived from regional waste as an alternative in bell pepper cultivation. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of biochars from poultry litter, coconut fiber, and rice straw on the biometric and physicochemical characteristics of bell pepper fruits, on fruit production per plant and on fruit yield. The experiment was performed in the field in a randomized block design, in a 5 × 3 + 1 factorial scheme, referring to five doses of biochar (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 t ha-1) and three types of biochar (coconut fiber, poultry litter, and rice straw) with four repetitions, plus an additional treatment (mineral fertilization). Biometric variables (fruit length and diameter, skin thickness, number of fruits, fruit mass) and physicochemical variables of the fruits (soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, vitamin C, and ash content), production and yield of the fruits were evaluated. The production of bell pepper fruits was not influenced by biochars, but the doses of biochars influenced all variables analyzed with the exception of skin thickness. Vitamin C and soluble solids contents were higher in treatments with biochar and lower with mineral fertilizer. Biochar produced from rice straw had the greatest influence on fruit acidification. importance content practices cultivation context litter fiber design scheme 0, 0 (0 6 9 ha1 ha ha-1 repetitions fertilization. fertilization . fertilization) diameter thickness mass acidity pH content, , content) evaluated fertilizer acidification ( ha-

RESUMO A densidade de plantas e o espaçamento correto são fatores fundamentais para alcançar produtividade rentável e qualidade dos frutos em culturas agrícolas. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a produtividade do tomateiro de crescimento determinado e as características físico-químicas dos frutos, em diferentes arranjos de plantio e densidades de plantas. Foram realizados dois experimentos, sendo que no primeiro experimento e no segundo experimento foram utilizados os híbridos CVR-2909 (CVR Plant Breeding) e HMX 7885 (Agristar), respectivamente. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em delineamento de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados dez tratamentos em esquema fatorial duplo (2 × 5). No primeiro fator, foram avaliados dois arranjos de plantio: linhas simples e linhas duplas. No segundo fator, foram avaliadas cinco densidades de plantas: 15, 20, 25, 30 e 35 mil plantas ha-1. Para o híbrido CVR-2909, o cultivo em linhas simples proporcionou maior produtividade, já as maiores densidades de plantas resultaram em menor produção e número de frutos por planta. Para o híbrido HMX-7885, maiores densidades de plantas proporcionaram maior produtividade, porém com menor produção por planta, massa média e número de frutos por planta. Para esse híbrido o arranjo de plantio proporcionou maior taxa de frutos verdes. agrícolas físicoquímicas físico químicas CVR2909 CVR 2909 CVR-290 Breeding 788 Agristar, Agristar , (Agristar) respectivamente casualizados repetições 2 ( 5. 5 . 5) fator duplas 15 20 25 3 ha1. ha1 ha 1. 1 ha-1 CVR2909, 2909, planta HMX7885, HMX7885 7885, HMX-7885 verdes CVR290 290 CVR-29 78 (Agristar ha- HMX788 HMX-788 CVR29 29 CVR-2 7 HMX78 HMX-78 CVR2 CVR- HMX7 HMX-7 HMX-

ABSTRACT Plant density and correct row spacing are fundamental factors for achieving profitable yield and fruit quality in crops. This study aimed to evaluate the yield of tomato plants of determinate growth and the physicochemical characteristics of the fruits in different planting arrangements and plant densities. Two experiments were conducted using the hybrids CVR-2909 (CVR Plant Breeding) and HMX 7885 (Agristar) in the first and second experiments, respectively. The experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with four replicates. Ten treatments were evaluated in a double factorial scheme (2 × 5). Two planting arrangements were evaluated in the first factor: single and double rows. The second factor comprised five plant densities: 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 thousand plants ha-1. For the CVR-2909 hybrid, single-row cultivation resulted in the highest yield, while higher planting densities gave the lowest yield and number of fruits per plant. For the HMX-7885 hybrid, it was found that higher densities gave higher yields but caused a decreasing effect on fruit production per plant, average fruit mass, and number of fruits per plant. For this hybrid, the planting arrangement provided a higher rate of green fruits. crops CVR2909 CVR 2909 CVR-290 Breeding 788 Agristar (Agristar respectively replicates 2 ( 5. 5 . 5) rows 15 20 25 30 3 ha1. ha1 ha 1. 1 ha-1 hybrid singlerow HMX7885 HMX-788 mass CVR290 290 CVR-29 78 ha- HMX788 HMX-78 CVR29 29 CVR-2 7 HMX78 HMX-7 CVR2 CVR- HMX7 HMX-

RESUMO A introdução da soja tolerante a 2,4-D (ENLIST®) oferece um novo potencial para a aplicação de herbicidas. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo: (a) avaliar o efeito das combinações de herbicidas pós-emergentes no controle de Conyza spp., e (b) a seletividade da associação de herbicidas pós-emergentes em soja, garantindo uma aplicação eficaz sem comprometer a saúde da cultura. Um experimento de campo com soja tolerante ao 2,4-D utilizou um delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com 14 tratamentos em quatro repetições. Os tratamentos incluíram várias combinações de 2,4-D com glifosato, chlorimuron, cloransulam, imazethapyr, bentazona e imazamox. Estes foram aplicados como um único tratamento ou sequencialmente 15 dias após o tratamento (DAT) usando glufosinato de amônio, juntamente com dois controles sem aplicação de herbicida. Os resultados mostraram menos de 15% de fitotoxicidade em todos os tratamentos. Aos 21 DAT, apenas os tratamentos aplicados sequencialmente mostraram controle significativo, com eficácia superior a 80% contra Conyza spp. Em contraste, as aplicações únicas das combinações de herbicidas com 2,4-D foram ineficazes para o controle pós-emergência de Conyza spp. 2,4D 24D D 2,4 2 4 ENLIST® ENLIST (ENLIST® forma objetivo (a pósemergentes pós emergentes spp b (b cultura casualizados 1 repetições glifosato chlorimuron cloransulam imazethapyr imazamox DAT (DAT amônio herbicida significativo 80 contraste pósemergência emergência 4D 24 2, (ENLIST 8

ABSTRACT The introduction of 2,4-D-tolerant soybeans (ENLIST®) offers a new potential for herbicide application. Therefore, the present study aimed to (a) evaluate the effect of combinations of post-emergent herbicides on the control of Conyza spp. and (b) assess the selectivity of the post-emergent herbicide association in soybeans, ensuring effective application without compromising the health of the crop. A field experiment with 2,4-D-tolerant soybeans utilized a randomized complete block design with 14 treatments across four replications. Treatments included various combinations of 2,4-D with glyphosate, chlorimuron-ethyl, cloransulam-methyl, imazethapyr, bentazon, and imazamox. These were applied either as a single treatment or sequentially 15 days after treatment (DAT) using glufosinate-ammonium alongside two controls without herbicide application. The results showed less than 15% control across all treatments. At 21 DAT, only the treatments applied sequentially showed significant control, with effectiveness exceeding 80% against Conyza spp. In contrast, the single applications of the herbicide combinations with 2,4-D were ineffective for post-emergence control of Conyza spp. 2,4Dtolerant 24Dtolerant Dtolerant 2,4 D tolerant 2 4 ENLIST® ENLIST (ENLIST® Therefore (a postemergent post emergent spp b (b crop 1 replications 2,4D 24D glyphosate chlorimuronethyl, chlorimuronethyl chlorimuron ethyl, ethyl chlorimuron-ethyl cloransulammethyl, cloransulammethyl cloransulam methyl, methyl cloransulam-methyl imazethapyr bentazon imazamox DAT (DAT glufosinateammonium glufosinate ammonium 80 contrast postemergence emergence 4Dtolerant 24 2, (ENLIST 4D 8

ABSTRACT Cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) are essential elements with a fundamental role in biological nitrogen fixation in legumes. Vitamins such as thiamine, despite being required in small quantities, influence plant growth. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of different doses of thiamine applied as seed treatment, combined or not with Co and Mo, in enhancing the development of soybean crops. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse according to a randomized block design with a 6 × 2 factorial arrangement, comprising six thiamine doses (0, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg kg-1) in the presence or absence of Co and Mo at the recommended rate of 100 mL ha-1. At 40 days after sowing, plants were analyzed for root length, root dry weight, shoot length, shoot dry weight, nodule number, and nodule dry weight. Principal component analysis showed that combined application of Co and Mo with thiamine was negatively associated with all variables and that the thiamine doses most positively associated with the analyzed variables were 50 and 200 mg kg-1. In treatments containing thiamine alone, there was a linear direct relationship between thiamine dose and nodule dry weight. Root and shoot lengths and dry weights were highest in plants treated with thiamine only at a dose of 122 mg kg-1. Application of Co and Mo combined with thiamine via seed treatment does not promote the development of soybean crops. Thiamine application is a promising treatment to increase shoot length, root dry weight, and nodule dry weight in soybean. (Co (Mo legumes quantities growth crops arrangement 0, 0 (0 10 25 20 kg1 kg 1 kg-1 ha1. ha1 ha 1. ha-1 4 sowing length number 5 kg1. alone 12 ( kg- ha-

Resumen Introducción. En agricultura orgánica, se utilizan abonos verdes y biocontroladores como métodos de fertilización y control de plagas. Sin embargo, la aplicación independiente de estos incrementa los costos de producción. Se propone una presentación peletizada que permita la aplicación conjunta de ambos insumos. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. peletizada e inoculada con Trichoderma harzianum Rifai en el aporte nutricional, el rendimiento agrícola y la regulación de Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici en tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Materiales y métodos. El experimento se ejecutó el año 2022 en Tablón del Guarco, Cartago, Costa Rica, bajo un diseño de bloques completos al azar con siete tratamientos y siete repeticiones. Se aplicaron dos formulaciones (A y B) de biopélet (M. pruriens + zeolita + T. harzianum) en tres dosificaciones (15, 30, 50 g/planta). La adición de T. harzianum se efectuó a razón de 5 g por cada kilo del biopélet. Se realizaron aplicaciones cada 15 días por tratamiento para un total de ocho aplicaciones. Se inoculó F. oxysporum (100 mL/planta con una concentración de 1 x 103 UFC) a la siembra. Resultados. La aplicación del biopélet mostró un rendimiento y peso de frutos de primera calidad similar al testigo comercial. En frutos de segunda y tercera calidad, no hubo diferencias significativas entre tratamientos. La eficiencia en el control de F. oxysporum alcanzó el 97,6 % con biopélet. Esta enmienda aumentó los niveles de Carbono, Nitrógeno y materia orgánica en el suelo e influenció el contenido nutricional en el follaje a los 60 días después de la siembra. Conclusiones. El biopélet tiene la capacidad de realizar aportes químicos y orgánicos al suelo, por lo cual mejora la nutrición del cultivo del tomate. Los resultados sugieren además que es una alternativa de biocontrol contra F. oxysporum y compatible con T. harzianum.

Abstract Introduction. In organic agriculture, green manures and biocontrols are used as methods for fertilization and pest control. However, their independent application of these inputs increases production costs. A pelletized formulation is proposed to allow simultaneous application of both inputs. Objective. To evaluate the effect of pelletized Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum Rifai on nutritional intake, agricultural yield, and regulation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Materials and methods. The experiment was carried out in 2022 in Tablón del Guarco, Cartago, Costa Rica, using a randomized complete block design with seven treatments and seven repetitions. Two formulations (A and B) of biopellet (M. pruriens + zeolite + T. harzianum) were applied at three dosages (15, 30, 50 g/plant). T. harzianum was added at a rate of 5 g/kg of biopellet. Applications of each treatment were conducted every 15 days for a total of eight applications. At the time of planting, F. oxysporum was inoculated (100 mL/plant with a concentration of 1 x 103 CFU). Results. The application of biopellet achieved a yield and weight of high-quality fruits similar to the commercial control. There were no significant differences among treatments for second and third-quality fruits. The technical efficiency in controlling F. oxysporum reached 97.6 % with biopellet. This amendment increased the levels of Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), and organic matter in the soil and affected the nutritional content of the plant foliage in the first 60 days after sowing. Conclusions. The biopellet has the capacity to make chemical and organic contributions to the soil, which improves the nutrition of the tomato crop. It could be also a biocontrol alternative against F. oxysporum and compatible with T. harzianum.

Resumen Introducción. En Ecuador, existen pocos estudios sobre la utilización de inoculantes microbianos para la producción sostenible del fríjol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la inoculación con rizobacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal (PGPR) en variables productivas y económicas de P. vulgaris . Materiales y métodos. La investigación se desarrolló en la Estación Experimental La Argelia, Loja, Ecuador, durante el periodo de febrero a julio de 2022. En un suelo de textura Franca, se empleó el cultivar de fríjol común Mantequilla bajo un diseño en bloques completos al azar con siete tratamientos y cuatro repeticiones de cada uno. Los tratamientos fueron: T1) control absoluto, T2) Bacillus subtilis, T3) Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae, T4) Pseudomonas fluorescens + B. subtilis, T5) R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + B. subtilis, T6) R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis, y T7) fertilización química. Se evaluó el efecto de los tratamientos sobre variables de crecimiento, desarrollo y componentes de rendimiento en el cultivar evaluado. Además, se realizó un análisis económico de la aplicación de los microorganismos benéficos frente a la fertilización química. Resultados. El tratamiento: R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis (T6) acortó las fases fenológicas (días), promovió un mayor número de nódulos, porcentaje de emergencia, altura de la planta, área foliar, número de vainas por planta, peso de 100 semillas, contenido de nitrógeno y rendimiento agrícola sin diferencias estadísticas (p<0,05) con respecto a la fertilización química (T7). Mediante el análisis económico se estableció que el T6 generó mayores ingresos, y una mayor rentabilidad frente a la fertilización química. Conclusión. La inoculación con microorganismos benéficos afectó positivamente las variables productivas y económicas de frijol común y puede ser una alternativa válida al uso convencional de fertilizantes químicos.

Abstract Introduction. In Ecuador, there are few studies on the use of microbial inoculants for the sustainable production common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Objective. To evaluate the effect of inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on productive and economic variables of P. vulgaris. Materials and methods. The research was carried out at the La Argelia Experimental Station in Loja, Ecuador, from February to July 2022. Using loamy soil, the common bean cultivar “Mantequilla” was employed in a randomized complete block design with seven treatments and four replications each. The treatments were: T1) absolute control, T2) Bacillus subtilis, T3) Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae, T4) Pseudomonas fluorescens + B. subtilis, T5) R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + B. subtilis, T6) R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis, and T7) chemical fertilization. The effect of the treatments on growth, development, and yield components in the evaluated cultivar was assessed. Additionally, an economic analysis of the application of beneficial microorganisms versus chemical fertilization was conducted. Results. Treatment T6 (R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis) shortened the phenological phases (days), promoted a higher number of nodules, emergence percentage, plant height, leaf area, number of pods per plant, weight of 100 seeds, nitrogen content, and agricultural yield without statistical differences (p<0.05) compared to chemical fertilization (T7). The economic analysis showed that T6 generated higher income and greater profitability compared to chemical fertilization. Conclusion. Inoculation with beneficial microorganisms positively affected the productive and economic variables of common beans and can be a valid alternative to the conventional use of chemical fertilizers.

Resumen Introducción. Las condiciones edafoclimáticas del Ecuador son ideales para el cultivo del arroz, los rendimientos son mayores al promedio mundial, pero su manejo agronómico conlleva a un aumento de cadmio en el suelo, que puede llegar al grano por translocación, lo cual afectan su inocuidad. Objetivo. Evaluar la absorción de cadmio mediante la técnica de omisión de macronutrientes en seis suelos del Ecuador y su efecto sobre el desarrollo vegetativo del cultivo de arroz. Materiales y métodos. El ensayo se realizó en la Estación Experimental Tropical Pichilingue del Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Ecuador, durante el año 2018. Se estudiaron nueve tratamientos 1) Sin fertilización y sin Cd (testigo 1), 2) sin fertilización y con Cd (Testigo 2), 3) Fertilización completa y seis tratamientos de omisión de un nutriente a la vez, se usó un diseño de experimentos de bloques completamente al azar, parcelas divididas y tres repeticiones. Las variables evaluadas fueron las relacionadas a la producción de materia seca en raíz y parte aérea. Para la comparación entre medias, se utilizó la prueba de Tukey (p<0,05). Resultados. Las omisiones de los nutrientes (N y P) llevaron a la reducción de la absorción del Cd, que disminuyó la producción de materia seca, en particular en los suelos muy ácidos o alcalinos como en Sucumbíos (pH 4) y Guayas (pH 7,9), respectivamente. Conclusiones. La absorción de cadmio en plantas de arroz se redujo en mayor medida con la omisión de los macronutrientes N y P, principalmente en los suelos de Sucumbíos, Los Ríos, El Oro y Manabí, afectando también la omisión de nutrientes a la producción de materia seca y los rendimientos, observándose además que un pH por debajo de 5 o superior a 7,9 afecta la absorción de cadmio en los suelos estudiados

Abstract Introduction. The soil and climatic conditions of Ecuador are ideal for rice cultivation, yields are higher than the world average, but agronomic management leads to an increase of cadmium in the soil, which can reach the grain by translocation, which affects its safety. Objetive. To evaluate the absorption of cadmium through the omission of macronutrients technique in six soils of Ecuador and its effect on the vegetative development of rice crops. Materials and methods. The trial was carried out at the Pichilingue Tropical Experimental Station of the National Institute of Agricultural Research, Ecuador, during 2018. Nine treatments were studied: 1) Without fertilization and without Cd (control 1), 2) without fertilization and with Cd (Control 2), 3) Complete fertilization and six omission treatments of one nutrient at a time, a completely randomized block design of experiments, divided plots and three repetitions was used. The variables evaluated were those related to the production of dry matter in the root and aerial part. For the comparison between means, the Tukey test was used (p<0.05). Results. Nutrients omissions (N and P) led to reduced Cd absorption, which decreased dry matter production, particularly in very acidic or alkaline soils such as in Sucumbíos (pH 4) and Guayas (pH 7, 9), respectively. Conclusions. The absorption of cadmium in rice plants was reduced to a greater extent with the omission of the macronutrients N and P, mainly in the soils of Sucumbíos, Los Ríos, El Oro and Manabí, the nutrient omission technique also affecting the production of dry matter and yields, also observing that a pH below 5 or higher than 7.9 affects the absorption of cadmium in the soils studied.

Resumen Introducción. Estudios de defoliación en caña de azúcar en México son escasos, se desconoce a qué edad de la planta y en qué época del año se deben realizar. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la defoliación artificial en caña de azúcar en diferentes etapas de cultivo y su respuesta sobre parámetros de calidad y rendimiento. Materiales y métodos. El experimento se llevó a cabo en la zafra 2020-2021 entre los meses de abril y mayo, en una parcela ubicada en una soca del cultivar COLPOSCTMEX 06-039, dentro de la zona de abastecimiento del Ingenio Presidente Benito Juárez de la Chontalpa, Tabasco. Se utilizó un diseño experimental de bloques completamente al azar, donde los tratamientos de defoliación consistieron en eliminar las hojas completas del tallo hasta dejar la hoja +5 (H5). Los tratamientos de defoliación se aplicaron a los 8, 9 y 10 meses de edad del cultivo, más un testigo sin defoliación, con cinco repeticiones por tratamiento. Los parámetros de crecimiento evaluados fueron altura y diámetro de planta, número de tallos e índices de área foliar (IAF) y de vegetación de las diferencias normalizada (NDVI). Al momento de la cosecha se midieron los °Brix y los rendimientos agrícolas de la caña de azúcar. Resultados. Se encontró que los parámetros de crecimiento y calidad fueron disminuidos por los tratamientos de defoliación total. El tratamiento 2 mostró los mayores valores de altura y diámetro de planta, menor NDVI y rendimiento de tallos al momento de la cosecha y la defoliación afectó el IAF. Los °Brix no se vieron afectados por los diferentes tratamientos de defoliación. Conclusión. La defoliación a los nueve meses de edad aumentó el rendimiento agrícola y no afectó la calidad de los jugos.

Abstract Introduction. Defoliation studies on sugarcane in Mexico are scarce, and it is unknown at what age of the plant and in which season of the year it should be carried out. Objective. To evaluate the effect of artificial defoliation in sugarcane at different stages of growth and its response on quality and yield parameters. Materials and methods. The experiment was conducted during the 2020-2021 harvest between the months of April and May, in a plot located in a ratoon of the cultivar COLPOSCTMEX 06-039, within the supply area of the Ingenio Presidente Benito Juárez in the Chontalpa region, Tabasco. A completely randomized block design was used, where the defoliation treatments consisted of removing the entire leaves of the stem until leaving the +5 leaf (H5). Defoliation treatments were applied at 8, 9, and 10 months of crop age, plus a control without defoliation, with five replicates per treatment. Growth parameters evaluated were plant height and diameter, number of stalks, and leaf area index (IAF) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). At harvest, °Brix and sugarcane yields of sugarcane were measured. Results. It was found that growth and quality parameters were reduced by total defoliation treatments. Treatment 2 showed the highest values of plant height and diameter, lower NDVI, and stalk yield at harvest, and defoliation affected the IAF. °Brix were not affected by different defoliation treatments. Conclusion. Defoliation at nine months of age increased agricultural yield and did not affect juice quality.

Resumen Introducción. El garbanzo se consideró durante muchos años una especie de hospedero restringido para la nodulación, aunque estudios recientes describen una mayor diversidad bacteriana asociada al cultivo que permita incrementar los conocimientos acerca de esta simbiosis para obtener aislados eficientes en su contribución. Objetivo. Caracterizar e identificar un aislado obtenido a partir de nódulos de plantas de garbanzo y evaluar su efectividad en condiciones de campo. Materiales y métodos. La investigación se desarrolló en los laboratorios de dos centros: Instituto de Investigaciones Fundamentales en Agricultura Tropical “Alejandro de Humboldt”, Cuba y en el Centro Nacional de Recursos Genéticos, México, así como en condiciones campo en dos campañas durante los años 2018 y 2020, para demostrar su efectividad en la interacción del cultivo en el primer centro. El aislado R3 se identificó a nivel taxonómico mediante la secuenciación de cuatro genes. Para los experimentos en condiciones de laboratorio se utilizó un diseño completamente aleatorizado, mientras que los ensayos con plantas se realizaron bajo un diseño de bloques al azar. Los resultados fueron sometidos a un análisis de varianza y las medias se compararon según el test de Tukey (p < 0,05). Resultados. El aislado R3 mostró variabilidad en cuanto a sus características morfo-fisiológico y bioquímicas. Además, tuvo respuesta con diferencias significativas con respecto al resto de los tratamientos en los indicadores de crecimiento y rendimiento evaluados en el garbanzo. Conclusión. Se identificó por primera vez en Cuba Rhizobium pusense asociado a nódulos de garbanzo. La cepa mostró un crecimiento positivo a pH entre 5,5 y 9,0 y rangos de temperatura desde 29 ºC hasta 38 ºC, lo que evidencia su tolerancia a estos factores. Su inoculación en garbanzo estimuló la formación de nódulos e incrementó variables del rendimiento.

Abstract Introduction. Chickpea has been considered a restricted host species for nodulation, although recent studies describe a greater bacterial diversity associated with the crop to increase the knowledge about this symbiosis in orden to obtain efficient isolates in its contribution. Objective. To characterize and identify an isolate obtained from chickpea plant nodules and evaluate its effectiveness under field conditions. Materials and methods. The research was conducted in the laboratories of two centers: the Institute of Fundamental Research in Tropical Agriculture “Alejandro de Humboldt,” Cuba, and the National Center for Genetic Resources, Mexico, as well as under field conditions in two campaigns during the years 2018 and 2020 to demonstrate its effectiveness in crop interaction in the first center. The isolate R3 was taxonomically identified through the sequencing of four genes. For laboratory experiments, a completely randomized design was used, while plant trials were conducted under a randomized block design. The results were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were compared using the Tukey test (p<0.05). Results. The isolate R3 showed variability in terms of its morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics. Furthermore, it exhibited significant differences compared to the other treatments in the growth and yield indicators evaluated in chickpea. Conclusions. Rhizobium pusense associated with chickpea nodules was identified for the first time in Cuba. The strain demonstrates growth at pH levels between 5.5 and 9.0 and temperature ranges from 29 °C to 38 °C, indicating its tolerance to these factors. Its inoculation in chickpea stimulates nodule formation and increased yield-related variables.

Resumen Introducción. El camote (Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam) es sensible a la competencia por arvenses, cuyo control químico en Costa Rica se dificulta por la limitada información local generada sobre selectividad de herbicidas. Objetivo. Determinar la selectividad de seis herbicidas aplicados en diferentes etapas de desarrollo al camote Criollo y su efecto en la cobertura, biomasa y rendimiento del cultivo. Materiales y métodos. Entre agosto y diciembre 2021, se realizaron tres experimentos en la Estación Experimental Agrícola Fabio Baudrit Moreno, Universidad de Costa Rica, Alajuela, Costa Rica. Estos incluyeron la aplicación de herbicidas (en kg i.a. ha-1) de la siguiente manera: a) experimento 1: 0,36 de metribuzin, 1,50 de pendimetalina, 0,48 de clomazone, 0,075 de halosulfuron, 1,00 de linuron y 1,25 de metolaclor, aplicados seis días después de la siembra (dds) en diseño de bloques al azar con cuatro repeticiones; b) experimento 2: 1,00 de linuron y 0,36 de metribuzin, aplicados a los -1, 15 y 30 dds, en diseño de bloques al azar con arreglo factorial 2x3 y tres repeticiones; y c) experimento 3: 0,075 de halosulfuron y 0,36 de metribuzin, mezclado con 0,125 de fluazifop-p-butil en diseño de bloques al azar con tres repeticiones. En todos los casos se realizó deshierba 15 y 30 dds. Resultados. En ninguno de los tres experimentos se vio afectada la producción de raíces reservantes. Experimento 1: solo el halosulfuron causó daños leves en las plantas; ningún herbicida afectó la producción de biomasa aérea. Experimento 2: solo el linuron y metribuzin aplicados 15 y 30 dds causaron daños leves. Experimento 3: las mezclas causaron daños temporales en las plantas. Conclusiones. Los herbicidas evaluados fueron selectivos al camote variedad Criollo y no afectaron el rendimiento de raíces reservantes comercializables; solo halosulfuron causó daños leves en todas las formas de aplicación, y metribuzin y linuron solo en aplicaciones tardías.

Abstract Introduction. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam.) is sensitive to weed competition, and chemical control in Costa Rica is challenging due to limited local information on herbicide selectivity. Objective. To determine the selectivity of six herbicides applied at different stages of development to Criollo sweet potatoes and their effect on coverage, biomass, and crop yield. Materials and methods. Between August and December 2021, three experiments were conducted at the Fabio Baudrit Moreno Agricultural Experimental Station, Universidad de Costa Rica, Alajuela, Costa Rica. Herbicides were applied (in kg a.i. ha-1) as follows: a) Experiment 1: 0.36 of metribuzin, 1.50 of pendimethalin, 0.48 of clomazone, 0.075 of halosulfuron, 1.00 of linuron, and 1.25 of metolachlor, applied six days after planting (dap) in a randomized block design with four repetitions; b) Experiment 2: 1.00 of linuron and 0.36 of metribuzin 0.36, applied at -1, 15 and 30 dap, in a randomized block design with a 2x3 factorial arrangement and three repetitions; and c) Experiment 3: 0.075 of halosulfuron and 0.36 of metribuzin, mixed with 0.125 of fluazifop-p-butyl in a randomized block design with three repetitions. Weeding was performed at 15 and 30 dap in all cases. Results. Root yield was not affected in any of the three experiments. Experiment 1: Only halosulfuron caused mild damage to the plants; no herbicide affected above-ground biomass production. Experiment 2: Only linuron and metribuzin applied at 15 and 30 dap caused mild damage. Experiment 3: The mixtures caused temporary damage to the plants. Conclusions. The evaluated herbicides were selective to the Criollo sweet potatoes, and did not affect the yield of marketable storage roots. Only halosulfuron caused mild damage in all application forms, and metribuzin and linuron only in late applications.

Summary: Plant growth, higher yield and fruit quality are positive ef fects due to the absorption of silicon (Si) and chlorine (Cl), which contributes to mitigating stress due to biotic or abiotic factors and recovering plant growth. The objective of this research was to know what the ef fect of Si or Cl does on morphometric variables, production quality and yield of the cucumber crop. A complete randomized block design was applied, four repetitions and ten treatments in seedlings: six doses of 20, 30 and 50 mg L-1 of Si or Cl, three doses with the volume:volume (v:v) ratio of 20 :20, 30:30 and 50:50 mg L-1 Si:Cl, plus the control. In plants transplanted in soil, already with five true leaves, there were nine treatments: six doses of 20, 30 and 50 mg L-1 of Si or Cl, two with the v:v ratio of 20:20 and 30:30 mg L-1 Si:Cl, and the witness. In pickle cucumber seedlings, the high dose of Cl was more ef fective in increasing leaf greenness and stem length; leaf size was greater in seedlings with the high dose of Si; while low doses of Cl or Si caused greater dry weight of roots. In the ˈModanˈ cultivar, the greenness did not change, the stem length was greater with the intermediate dose of Si, while the size of leaves was better expressed in plants with the lowest dose of Si. So perhaps the greater number of roots, the chlorophyll content and the leaf area influenced the higher yield to be expressed where Si or Cl was fertilized, as well as the firmness, TSS and °Brix of the fruits to improve.

Resumen: El crecimiento de plantas, mayor rendimiento y calidad de frutos, son efectos positivos debido a la absorción de silicio (Si) y cloro (Cl), que contribuye a mitigar el estrés por factores bióticos o abióticos y recuperar el crecimiento de las plantas. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue conocer el efecto que producen las dosis de Si o Cl en variables morfométricas, calidad de producción y rendimiento del cultivo de pepino. Se aplicó un diseño de bloques completos al azar, cuatro repeticiones y diez tratamientos en plántulas: seis dosis de 20, 30 y 50 mg L-1 de Si o Cl, tres dosis con la relación volumen:volumen (v:v) de 20:20, 30:30 y 50:50 mg L-1 Si:Cl, más el testigo. En plantas trasplantadas en suelo, ya con cinco hojas verdaderas, los tratamientos fueron nueve: seis dosis de 20, 30 y 50 mg L-1 de Si o Cl, dos con la relación v:v de 20:20 y 30:30 mg L-1 Si:Cl, y el testigo. En plántulas de pepino ˈpickleˈ, la dosis alta de Cl fue más eficaz para incrementar el verdor de hojas y longitud del tallo; el tamaño de hojas fue superior en plántulas con la dosis alta de Si; mientras que las bajas dosis de Cl o Si ocasionaron mayor peso seco de raíces. En el cultivar ˈModanˈ el verdor no varió, la longitud del tallo fue superior con la dosis intermedia de Si, mientras que el tamaño de hojas se expresó mejor en plantas con la menor dosis de Si. Así que quizás la mayor cantidad de raíces, el contenido de clorofila y el área foliar influyeron para que el rendimiento más alto se expresara donde se fertilizó con Si o Cl, así como para que mejoraran la firmeza, SST y °Brix de los frutos.

Summary: The castor plant (Ricinus communis L.) is a plant that has dif ferent benefits, such as the production of biodiesel and soil bioremediation. Due to the above, the castor plant’s ability to extract arsenic (As) was evaluated. For this, a randomized block experimental design with four repetitions was carried out. The evaluated treatments consisted of two types of biosolids (oxidation lagoon biosolids (BLO) and activated sludge biosolids (BLA) and four doses of As (0, 25, 50, 100 mg kg-1), under greenhouse conditions. As concentration was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). From the quantification of As, the translocation factor (TF) and the bioaccumulation factor (FB) were estimated. The total nitrogen (N) content was quantified by the combustion method. Phosphorus (P) was analyzed by colorimetry using the metavanadate method, and the content of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) was quantified by atomic absorption. For percentage of oil The Soxhlet method was used in the seed. The plant height and the dry weight of biomass did not vary due to the treatment ef fect (P ≤ 0.05). The Translocation Factor (TF) and the Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) registered ranges of 0.20 - 0.63 and 0.28 - 0.75, respectively. The applied doses of As did not af fect the biomass and nutrient absorption in the castor plant, which indicates that this plant species is tolerant to toxicity with productive potential in soils contaminated with this element, in concentrations up to 100 mg kg-1.

Resumen: La higuerilla (Ricinus communis L.) es una planta que tiene diferentes beneficios, como la producción de biodiesel y la biorremediación de suelo. Debido a lo anterior, se evaluó la capacidad de la higuerilla para extraer arsénico (As). Para ello, se realizó un diseño experimental de bloques al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Los tratamientos evaluados consistieron en dos tipos de biosólidos (biosólidos de lagunas de oxidación (BLO) y biosólidos de lodos activados (BLA) y cuatro dosis de As (0, 25, 50, 100 mg kg-1), bajo condiciones de invernadero. La concentración de As se determinó por espectrometría de masas por plasma acoplado inductivamente (ICP-MS). A partir de la cuantificación de As se estimó el factor de translocación (FT) y el factor de bioacumulación (FB). El contenido de nitrógeno (N) total se cuantifico por el método de combustión. El fósforo (P) se analizó por colorimetría por el método de metavanadato, y el contenido de potasio (K), calcio (Ca), magnesio (Mg), cobre (Cu), manganeso (Mn), hierro (Fe) y zinc (Zn) que se cuantificaron por absorción atómica. Para porcentaje de aceite en la semilla se utilizó el método Soxhlet. La altura de planta y el peso seco de biomasa no variaron por efecto de tratamiento (P ≤ 0.05). El Factor de translocación (FT) y el Factor de bioconcentración (FBC) registraron rangos de 0.20 - 0.63 y 0.28 - 0.75, respectivamente. Las dosis aplicadas de As no afectaron la biomasa y absorción de nutrientes en la planta de higuerilla, lo cual indica que esta especie vegetal es tolerante a la toxicidad con potencial productivo en suelos contaminados con este elemento, en concentraciones hasta de 100 mg kg-1.

Summary: Chitosan as a natural biostimulant promotes the growth and development of crops, development and yield of crops. Several studies have proven the efficacy of chitosan to improve cucumber production, the study of the response to different doses of chitosan is necessary, therefore the objective of the present study was determine the effect of six concentrations of chitosan on the growth and production of the cucumber crop. Six treatments: T1= Control; T2= QuitoMax® 100 mg L-1; T3= QuitoMax® 200 mg L-1; T4= QuitoMax® 300 mg L-1; T5= 400 mg L-1 and T6= 500 mg L-1, were applied by manual spraying at 15, 30 and 45 days after transplanting the hybrid cucumber Diamante F1, using a randomized block experimental design with three repetitions and five plants per experimental unit. The variables length of the guide, number of fruits per plant, length, diameter and weight of the fruit, and yield in kg ha-1 were recorded. The length of the guide was measured at 15, 30 and 45 days, so for this variable a model of repeated measurements in time and comparison of means by least squares, for the rest of the variables an orthogonal polynomial analysis was used to determine the response of the variables to the different concentrations of chitosan. All variables presented a positive linear response to the application of chitosan. It is concluded that chitosan influences the growth and development of the cucumber plant. Increasing its yield as the dose of chitosan increases. The dose of 500 mg L-1 in this study was the one that had the best results. The need to study higher doses of chitosan is suggested.

Resumen: El quitosano como bioestimulante natural, promueve el crecimiento, desarrollo y rendimiento de los cultivos. Diversos estudios han probado la eficacia del quitosano para mejorar la producción de pepino, el estudio de la respuesta a diferentes dosis de quitosano se hace necesario, por ello el objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el efecto de seis concentraciones de quitosano sobre el crecimiento y producción del cultivo de pepino. Seis tratamientos: T1 = Testigo; T2 = QuitoMax® 100 mg L-1 ; T3 = QuitoMax® 200 mg L-1 ; T4 = QuitoMax® 300 mg L-1 ; T5 = QuitoMax® 400 mg L-1 y T6 = QuitoMax® 500 mg L-1, fueron aplicados mediante aspersión manual a los 15, 30 y 45 días después del trasplante del hibrido de pepino Diamante F1, utilizando un diseño experimental de bloques al azar con tres repeticiones y cinco plantas por unidad experimental. Se registraron las variables longitud de la guía (cm), número de frutos por planta, longitud (cm), diámetro (cm) y peso del fruto (g), y el rendimiento en kg ha-1. La longitud de la guía se midió a los 15, 30 y 45 días, por lo que para esta variable se utilizó un modelo de mediciones repetidas en el tiempo y comparación de medias por mínimos cuadrados, para el resto de las variables se utilizó un análisis de polinomios ortogonales para determinar la respuesta de las variables a las diferentes concentraciones de quitosano. Todas las variables presentaron una respuesta lineal positiva a la aplicación de quitosano. Se concluye que el quitosano influye en el crecimiento y desarrollo de la planta del pepino, incrementando su rendimiento conforme se incrementa la dosis de quitosano. La respuesta lineal positiva sugiere que dosis de 500 mg L-1 o mayores de quitosano son recomendables para mejorar el rendimiento del cultivo de pepino.