Corn (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal for food sovereignty, extensively planted due to its adaptation to various agroecological conditions. Climatic conditions and pests can affect its production. Concerning the latter, natural enemies could be considered in biological control programs. The objective of this study was to estimate the influence of the presence of insects, damage to plants and cobs, and their incidence on corn yield in two planting seasons. During the rainy (February to May) and dry seasons (Jun to October) of the year 2023, in Calceta, Lodana, and Quevedo, three important corn-growing areas on the Ecuadorian coast, corn plots of 1126 m² were planted. The diversity of phytophagous and natural enemies was estimated. Damage to young plants and cobs was observed, and corn yield was determined. Of the 9073 insects observed, 44.2% and 55.8% constituted phytophagous and natural enemies, respectively. A moderate diversity (Shannon-H Index = 2.474–2.629 and Margalef Index = 2.734–3.110) of insects associated with corn was determined. Yield (range: 6.9 to 15.3 t) was negatively correlated with rainfall and cob damage (p < 0.05). Although precipitation is necessary for planting in rainy season, frequent and intense rains could be affect corn yield.

Biochar's impact on plant growth is complex, varying with type and application rate. This study explored how four biochars (rice husk, cocoa shell, peanut shell, carob) affect rice (Oryza sativa L) at five rates (0-5%). Biochar significantly enhanced rice growth, but the optimal type and rate...

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of planting density and complementary irrigation on the morpho-phenology, yield, profitability, and efficiency of banana fertilization in the Carrizal River Valley, Ecuador. The treatments consisted of two production systems (irrigation and rainfed) and four planting densities (1500, 2000, 2500 and 3000 plants ha-1). The variables recorded were bunch weight (kg), fruit yield (boxes ha-1), net economic benefit (USD ha-1) and NPK agronomic efficiency. Supplementary irrigation increased production by 30%, compared to the rainfed system. The bunch weight was inversely proportional to the crop densities, while the fruit yield was proportional to the densities. The linear regression model showed an increase of 6.50 kg of fruit plant-1 with supplementary irrigation, while in rainfed the production was 4.99 kg of fruit plant-1, signaling a loss of 1.51 kg of fruit plant-1 due to lack of supplementary irrigation. The highest commercial yield and net economic benefit was 1398 boxes of fruit and 3665 USD ha-1, respectively, with 3000 plants ha-1 under supplementary irrigation.

This study examined using peanut shells, rice husks, and cocoa husks as soil conditioners to boost yields in Allium cepa var. Alvara onions. Three types of biochar and four application rates (1%, 1.5%, 3%, and 5%) were compared to a control with no biochar. The biochars had different nutrient makeups, with cocoa husk biochar (CHB) containing the most essential elements. While overall plant growth (height, leaves, and roots) was not significantly affected (p > 0.05) by any biochar type compared to the control, some plant parts responded differently. CHB (5%) and peanut husk biochar (PHB) (1%) yielded the tallest onion plants (71 and 65 cm), while 1% rice and cocoa biochar resulted in the shortest (below 42 cm). PHB (3% and 5%) produced the longest roots (9 cm), while 1.5% rice husk biochar (RHB) had the shortest. Biochar application had no significant effect on leaf count. However, specific application rates of RHB and PHB increased the harvest index (HI), indicating more efficient yield allocation. HI values > 0.85 were obtained with specific biochar rates (e.g., 1.0–1.5% PHB, 1.5–5% RHB, or 5.0% CHB).

La fertilización nitrogenada y la frecuencia de corte son imprescindibles para mejorar la producción y calidad nutritiva del forraje. El objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar la eficiencia agronómica de N y rendimiento del pasto estrella Cynodon plectostachyus en función de dos frecuencias de corte bajo condiciones de trópico bajo. Los tratamientos consistieron en cinco niveles de N (0, 50, 100, 150 y 200 kg ha^-1) y dos frecuencias de corte (30 y 45 días). Las variables evaluadas fueron rendimiento de materia seca (MS) y eficiencia agronómica del N (EAN) aplicado. El rendimiento de MS y la EAN fueron influenciadas significativamente (p < 0,01) por los niveles de N, frecuencias de corte y la respectiva interacción, excepto para EAN donde la interacción no fue significativa (p > 0,05). El rendimiento de MS y EAN mostraron un comportamiento lineal con el incremento de N, independientemente de las frecuencias de corte. Independientemente de los niveles de N, el rendimiento de MS y EAN se incrementaron con la frecuencia de corte más amplia. La MS se incrementó en 8,39; 14,40; 20,14 y 26,24 % con 50, 100, 150 y 200 kg N ha^-1, respectivamente, con respecto a la parcela con omisión de N. La EAN en promedio fue de 2,72; 3,35; 3,59 y 4,18 kg de MS kg^-1 de N aplicado con 50, 100, 150 y 200 kg N ha^-1, respectivamente, aunque los niveles de 150 y 200 fueron estadísticamente iguales. La dosis de 150 kg de N ha^-1 sería suficiente para la fertilización del pasto.

Se examina estrategias para optimizar la alimentación de rumiantes mediante el cultivo y manejo de diferentes forrajes en Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador. En el primer capítulo, se destaca cómo el encalado y la fertilización mejoran el rendimiento del maíz, enfatizando en dosis óptimas de nutrientes. El segundo capítulo aborda la fertilización orgánica del pasto Mombasa bajo sombra de naranja, resaltando la superioridad de la pollinaza en el incremento de rendimiento y calidad del forraje. Los capítulos siguientes se centran en la edad óptima de corte para maximizar la biomasa del pasto Cuba OM-22, el manejo del King Grass como alternativa forrajera para el sector ganadero, y el desarrollo del forraje verde hidropónico de sorgo y maíz a dos densidades de siembra, demostrando que técnicas específicas de manejo y cultivo pueden significativamente influir en la productividad y sostenibilidad de la alimentación rumiante. A través de estos estudios, el libro propone soluciones prácticas y sustentables para mejorar la nutrición de rumiantes en entornos tropicales.