Equisetum myriochaetum is a semi-aquatic plant found on riverbanks that is commonly used in traditional medicine as a diuretic agent. Additionally, the genus Equisetum stands out for its content of the flavonoid kaempferol, a well-known antiproliferative agent. Therefore, in this study, E. myriochaetum ethanolic extract was tested in vitro against a cervical cancer cell line (SiHa). Additionally, the antioxidative activity was evaluated through a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) assay. Finally, a molecular docking analysis of apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin on the active site of β-tubulin was performed to investigate their potential mechanism of action. All fractions of E. myriochaetum ethanolic extract showed antioxidative activity. Fraction 14 displayed an antiproliferative capacity with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 6.78 μg/mL against SiHa cells.

Large citrus areas in Tamaulipas are affected by Anastrepha ludens (Loew) populations. Here we report the findings of a spatio-temporal analysis of A. ludens on an extended citrus area from 2008–2011 aimed at analyzing the probabilities of A. ludens infestation and developing an infestation risk classification for citrus production. A Geographic Information System combined with the indicator kriging geostatistics technique was used to assess A. ludens adult densities in the spring and fall. During the spring, our models predicted higher probabilities of infestation in the western region, close to the Sierra Madre Oriental, than in the east. Although a patchy distribution of probabilities was observed in the fall, there was a trend toward higher probabilities of infestation in the west than east. The final raster models summarized the probability maps using a three-tiered infestation risk classification (low-, medium-, and high risk). These models confirmed the greater infestation risk in the west in both seasons. These risk classification data support arguments for the use of the sterile insect technique and biological control in this extended citrus area and will have practical implications for the area-wide integrated pest management carried out by the National Program Against Fruit Flies in Tamaulipas, Mexico.

The citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora Ashmead (Acari: Eriophyidae), is a major pest of citrus, affecting both quality and yield. Although entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Cordycipitaceae), Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokīn (Clavicipitaceae), and Isaria fumosorosea Wize (Cordycipitaceae) have been used for insect and mite control, the last 2 have never been applied to control citrus rust mite. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 3 concentrations of B. bassiana, M. anisopliae, and I. fumosorosea on mortality and growth rate (r) of P. oleivora populations under greenhouse conditions. The fungi were isolated from agricultural soil samples. Mobile stages of P. oleivora were collected from leaves of commercial Valencia orange groves. At a concentration of 1 × 108 conidia mL-1, B. bassiana and M. anisopliae caused > 60% mortality in P. oleivora populations, whereas mortality due to I. fumosorosea never exceeded 50%. There was a significant inverse relationship between the percent mortality and the LT50. Application of B. bassiana resulted in the slowest growth rate of P. oleivora populations, which was 10.5 × slower than the control population receiving no fungus application. Our results demonstrate that B. bassiana and M. anisopliae are efficient in control of P. oleivora populations under greenhouse conditions, whereas I. fumosorosea produces moderate control.

La mosca mexicana de la fruta Anastrepha ludens (Loew), es una de las plagas de mayor impacto en la citricultura en Tamaulipas. Ataca hospederos de importancia comercial como la naranja, toronja y mandarinas restringiendo su movilidad comercial a mercados nacionales o internacionales. En este estudio a partir de la f luctuación poblacional durante los años 2008 a 2011 de A. ludens en el área de Santa Engracia se determinaron tres periodos con base a la presencia del insecto y su relación con la temperatura promedio: enero- abril, mayo-agosto y septiembre-diciembre. La estadística descriptiva destacó la variabilidad entre las observaciones, sugiriendo una heterogeneidad en las densidades del insecto. El MTD (mosca/trampa x día) promedio semanal se relacionó con diferentes variables climáticas mediante un análisis de regresión lineal y múltiple, observándose correlaciones débiles en general debido a la variación del MTD promedio. La temperatura mínima fue la variable más consistente y con mayor ajuste. La temperatura mínima y máxima en la regresión múltiple representaron las variables explicatorias para cada año, mientras que la precipitación no presentó una asociación clara con el MTD promedio quizás por actividades de riego dentro de las áreas comerciales o por una influencia desfasada. Se observó una asociación cercana entre la fenología de los frutos comerciales y la fluctuación poblacional. Los resultados de este estudio tienen implicaciones prácticas para la toma de decisiones en el manejo integrado de esta plaga con enfoque de áreas grandes.