Chemical control is the main method used to combat fall armyworm in maize crops. However, its indiscriminate use usually leads to a more complex scenario characterized by loss of its effectiveness due to the development of resistance of the insect pest, emergence of secondary pests, and reduction of the populations of natural enemies. For this reason, efforts to develop strategies for agroecological pest management such as Push–Pull are increasingly growing. In this context, the present study was carried out to evaluate field effectiveness of Push–Pull systems for S. frugiperda management in maize crops in Morelos, Mexico. In a randomized block experiment, the incidence and severity of S. frugiperda, the development and yield of maize were evaluated in nine Push–Pull systems and a maize monoculture. The Push–Pull systems presented incidence/severity values lower than those of the monoculture. Morphological development and maize yield in the latter were lower than those of most Push–Pull systems. Mombasa—D. ambrosioides, Mulato II—T. erecta, Mulato II—C. juncea, Tanzania—T. erecta and Tanzania—D. ambrosioides systems presented higher yields than those of monocultures.

Regulations imposed on the use of chemical insecticides call for the development of environmental-friendly pest management strategies. One of the most effective strategies is the push–pull system, which takes advantage of the behavioral response of the insect to the integration of repellent stimuli; it expels the pest out of the main crop (push), while attracting stimuli (attractants) pull the pest to an alternative crop or trap (pull). The objective of this study was to design a push–pull system to control Spodoptera frugiperda in maize crops (Zea mays) in Morelos, Mexico. Data on reproductive potential, larvae development, food consumption and olfactometry were used to obtain a Trap Plant Selection Index (TRAPS) based on Principal Component Analysis. This TRAPS was used to select the most suitable plants. The degree of repellency of potential plants to be used as the trap crop was studied with four-way olfactometers. S. frugiperda females oviposited more eggs on Brachiaria hybrid cv. Mulato II, Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa and Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania than on Z. mays, regardless of the fact that these plants delayed the development of their offspring. Dysphania ambrosioides, Tagetes erecta and Crotalaria juncea were less attractive to S. frugiperda females. Therefore, the former plants could be used as crop traps, and the latter as intercropped repellent plants in a push–pull system.

Some agroecological pest management systems manipulate insect behavior. The push-pull systems are the most functional implemented, reducing the insect-pest density and modifying its distribution. The present work analyzed the spatial distribution of incidence and severity of fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and soil moisture and temperature in maize (Zea mays L.) crops of a mosaic of agroecosystems predominated by push-pull systems established in Yautepec, Morelos, Mexico. Univariate and multivariate spatial estimates were performed by geostatistical analysis applying ordinary kriging and cokriging, respectively. The results indicated that FAW incidence and severity presented an aggregated spatial distribution and soil moisture and temperature, a more continuous distribution. The estimated spatial distributions in the third week indicated that FAW incidence in push-pull systems varied between 10% and 40%, and in maize monocultures, between 35% and 90%. Fall armyworm damage severity ranged between 20% and 70% in monocultures and between 1% and 25% in the push-pull systems.

The objective of this study was to obtain regression equations and artificial neural networks (ANNs) for prediction and prognosis of the yield of Pinus caribaea var. caribaea Barrett & Golfari. The data used for modeling comes from measuring the variables diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height (Ht) in 550 temporary plots and 14 circular permanent plots with 500 m² in Pinus caribaea var. caribaea plantations, aged between 3 and 41 years old. In growth prediction, the results indicated Schumacher model as the best fit to the data. On prognosis, the modified Buckman system was better than Clutter’s. ANNs presented a similar performance to the Buckman model in volume prognosis, however these were superior for basal area prognosis.

Background. Oaxaca is a Mexican state with diverse agroecological regions, necessitating local studies to evaluate sustainable agricultural practices. The region of Papaloapan, Oaxaca, is characterized by soil degradation, aggravated by steep slopes, high rainfall and the predominance of luvisolic soils, which are prone to erosion on the surface and compaction in the subsoil (plow sole). An alternative to reduce soil degradation could be conservation agriculture, but its successful implementation and mass adoption will require studies to adapt its components (minimum soil movement, permanent soil cover, and crop diversification) to local conditions. Objective. To evaluate the combined effects of conservation agriculture components on maize (Zea mays L.) yield and profitability. Methodology. From 2014 to 2019, a randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to evaluate eight treatments resulting from the combination of tillage practices (conventional tillage, no-tillage, and permanent beds), crop residue management (keep or remove), crop rotation (Mucuna pruriens and Phaseolus vulgaris L.), different fertilization formulas, and soil amendments. Results. Maize rotated with beans in permanent beds with crop residue showed an average yield of 5.2 Mg ha-1, a net profit of $16,517.00 MXN ha-1, and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.69, demonstrating better performance than the control treatment (conventional tillage without crop rotation, 5.1 Mg ha-1, $7,721.00 MXN ha-1, and 1.53). Even without crop rotation, systems with permanent beds and crop residue showed maize yields superior to zero tillage and like conventional tillage. Implications. Maize in spring-summer rotated with beans in autumn-winter in permanent beds with residue retention yields similar to the conventional system and produces higher net profit. Conclusion. Conservation agriculture in its variant of permanent beds with crop residue and maize-bean rotation is a viable option for sustainable agricultural production in the humid tropics such as the Papaloapan.