The presence of toxic metals such as aluminum is described as a factor that could lead to a significant decrease in crop productivity, particularly for the cultivation of acidophilic plants. In the present study, in vitro cultivation of pineapple was used as a model to evaluate the role of silver nanoparticles (0.005, 0.01, 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 g L⁻¹ Ag NPs) against the negative effects of aluminum (0, 100, 300, and 500 μM AlCl₃). The results showed that the presence of 0.025 g L⁻¹ Ag NPs stimulated a higher concentration of photosynthetic pigments “a”, “b”, “a + b” and carotenoids in treatments with high levels of AlCl₃. The application of Ag NPs allowed better shoot formation, improved chlorophyll a/b, and total/carotenoid ratios, as well as better levels of proline biosynthesis in response to stress. The synergistic interaction of Ag NPs and AlCl₃ increased the availability and assimilation of mineral elements (K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn) while decreasing Al translocation. In conclusion, the implementation and validation of Ag NPs in agricultural fields would be revolutionary because they represent a novel alternative for overcoming the limitations imposed by the presence of Al.

BIOAGRO is a scientific journal of the Agronomy Faculty of the Universidad Centroccidental Peru has a high genetic diversity of Andean legumes, especially of the genus Phaseolus. Its identification through agromorphological descriptors is essential to promote its conservation, which allows the development of genetic improvement studies. Under this scenario, the objective of the present work was to characterize morphologically and agronomically 58 accessions of common bean (Phaseolus spp) deposited in the germplasm bank of the Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria del Perú. For this purpose, 24 quantitative and 18 qualitative descriptors were used to evaluate the phenology of each accession. Cluster analysis and multiple correspondence analysis identified the formation of four groups according to their similar characteristics. The largest number of accessions were located in the third and fourth groups. However, the seven accessions that made up the second group exhibited promising characteristics for their high productivity (2777.86 kg/Ha), with white seeds, of acceptable dimensions, with early epigeal germination (10 days), ovate-lanceolate leaves of indeterminate growth (174.79 cm plant height) that develop numerous guides. Besides having a prolonged flowering (33.86 days) with pink and white petals, which give rise to a greater number of green pods (66.71 per plant) until they reach physiological maturity. These qualities make them a valuable source for the appropriate implementation of future breeding programs. El Perú cuenta con una alta diversidad genética de leguminosas andinas, especialmente del género Phaseolus. Su identificación a través de descriptores agromorfológicos es trascendental para impulsar su conservación y desarrollar estudios de mejoramiento genético. Bajo este escenario, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue caracterizar morfológica y agronómicamente 58 accesiones de frijol común (Phaseolus spp) depositadas en el banco de germoplasma del Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria del Perú. Para ello, se utilizaron 24 descriptores cuantitativos y 18 cualitativos que se evaluaron en la fenología de cada accesión. El análisis de conglomerados y de correspondencias múltiples, permitió identificar la formación de cuatro grupos en función de sus características semejantes. Donde el mayor número de accesiones se localizaron en el tercer y cuarto grupo. Sin embargo, las siete accesiones que conformaron el segundo grupo, exhibieron características promisorias por presentar alta productividad (2777,86 kg/Ha), con semillas blancas, de aceptables dimensiones, con una germinación epigea temprana (10 días), hojas ovada-lanceoladas de crecimiento indeterminado (174,79 cm de altura de planta) que desarrollan numerosas guías. Además de ostentar una floración prolongada (33,86 días) con pétalos rosados y blancos, que dan origen a un mayor número de vainas (66,71 por planta) de color verde hasta alcanzar su madures fisiológica. Cualidades que las convierten en fuente valiosa para la implementación apropiada de futuros programas de mejoramiento genético.