Maize is part of the traditional diet of Mexico and other Latin American countries. The diverse varieties of maize produced by adaptation to different regions and climates are known as creole or native maize. The characteristics and nutritional contributions of each of these native maize are relatively diverse areas of study. This work specifically analyzes the nutritional aspects of creole maize grown in the Sierra Gorda in Querétaro. For this, a proximal chemical analysis was carried out, with a quantification of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities using the ABTS (2,20-azinobis (3-ethyl-benzothiazolin,6-sulfonic acid) and DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo) methods to examine four landraces and one commercial hybrid control. The results indicate that, in general, the landraces present similar—and, in some cases, higher—nutritional indices than the commercial hybrid. With regard to polyphenolic compounds, the Elotes Occidentales and Tuxpeño varieties present greater amounts of total phenols and antiradical activity (ARA), as well as a higher concentration of flavonoids and percentage inhibition, respectively. Condensed tannins are identified both in the creole varieties and in the commercial hybrid. Creole maize presents important nutritional characteristics and can be a good source of antioxidant compounds, which can help the population as a source of food and in the prevention of chronic diseases.

Las redes alimentarias alternativas (RAA) surgieron a nivel mundial como movimientos e interconexiones entre iniciativas alimentarias alternativas y de pequeña escala que se contraponen al sistema agroalimentario industrializado, globalizado y de consumo de masa. En México ante la gravedad de las consecuencias que conlleva el sistema alimentario industrial para las personas, surgen varias iniciativas alimentarias alternativas que trabajan en redes para fomentar los sistemas locales de producción e impulsar una transformación de este sistema desde abajo. En la zona sur del estado de Querétaro y en específico en el municipio de Amealco y sus tres principales delegaciones, analizamos a partir de una metodología cuantitativa y cualitativa la riqueza genética de estas comunidades indígenas en cuánto a plantas comestibles y cultivos locales y qué papel tienen los sistemas locales de producción, así como las iniciativas que integran las RAA en la construcción de la soberanía alimentaria. Para tal fin, analizamos qué entienden los actores locales por soberanía alimentaria desde las perspectivas territoriales y culturales, quienes son los actores que integran las RAA a nivel territorial, cómo se interrelacionan y cuáles son los requerimientos y retos para considerar un camino hacia la soberanía alimentaria.

Melothria pendula L., a wild relative of cucurbit crops, is also used for food and as a medicinal plant in Mexico. The objective of this study was to ecogeographically characterize the known populations of M. pendula in Mexico, determining its adaptive range and possible sites for in situ and ex situ conservation. To achieve this goal, we compiled a dataset of 1270 occurrences of M. pendula from herbarium and botanical databases and individual observations. Adaptive scenarios were generated through the development of an ecogeographic land characterization (ELC) map, preceded by the identification of abiotic variables influencing the species’ distribution. Eleven bioclimatic, edaphic, and geophysical variables were found to be important for the species’ distribution. The ELC map obtained contained 21 ecogeographic categories, with 14 exhibiting the presence of M. pendula. By analyzing ecogeographic representativeness, 111 sites of high interest were selected for the efficient collection of M. pendula in Mexico. Eight high-priority hotspots for future in situ conservation of M. pendula were also identified based on their high ecogeographic diversity, with only three of these hotspots located within protected natural areas. In this study, ecogeographic approaches show their potential utility in conservation prioritization when genetic data are scarce, a very common condition in crop wild relatives.

Objective: The objective of this work is to make an analysis of the types of seeds use by Mexican farmers and their relationship with Local Seed Systems (SLS) and Formal Seed Systems (SFS). Design/methodology/approach: The work consisted of a bibliographic review about the types of seeds available for the Mexican countryside and their seed systems. In addition, to identify some priorities and strategies for its strengthening. Results: In Mexico, derived from its climatic, edaphic, geophysical heterogeneity, cultural social and economic diversity. It has caused both landraces and improved seed to coexist in the SLS and SFS. However, there is a predominance in the use of landraces in SLS of 70 to 80 %. Therefore, it is considered a priority to conserve traditional selection, management, conservation and use practices that have caused the wide inter- and intraspecific diversity of landraces. However, more research needs to be carried out and its legal framework strengthened. In the case of improved seeds located mainly in SFS, it is considered to promote their use in vegetables and the ornamental sector. Limitations on study/implications: The work developed could be complemented with the participation and interviews of decision makers in seed policies in Mexico and the review of processed in other countries. Findings/conclusions: In Mexico the use of native and improved seeds coexists. To satisfy the demand for food, all types of seeds are important and both the SLS and the SFS but differentiated public policies are required for their attention and the definition of a specific legal framework for landraces.

México posee una gran diversidad de plantas medicinales y aromáticas nativas, de la familia Asteraceae, entre ellas Tagetes lucida Cav., reconocida por su uso ceremonial y la producción de aceites esenciales con efectos fungicidas, bactericidas y antinflamatorios. Las poblaciones silvestres han disminuido por la sobreexplotación agrícola y la erosión del suelo. El pH es un indicador de fertilidad del suelo que influye indirectamente en la germinación y desarrollo vegetal. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el efecto de diferentes rangos de pH sobre los índices de germinación de dos accesiones de semillas de T. lucida, obtenidas del banco de germoplasma de la Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, colocándolas en cámaras húmedas, bajo un diseño factorial 2K, manteniendo condiciones constantes de temperatura e intensidad lumínica. Los resultados se analizaron mediante análisis de varianza y prueba de Tukey con el programa SAS, encontrando diferencias significativas (p<0.05) en los indicadores de germinación y morfología de plántulas, siendo más favorables las condiciones de pH=4, 7 y 8.