Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), which also is known as agave weevil, is distributed across 5 continents. In Mexico, their presence has been reported in 12 states. Many species of Agave (Asparagaceae) are suitable hosts, though not all are equally suitable. Plant infestation can start with either female or male weevils, and their presence can be detected by gummy secretions emanating from feeding sites. The punctures are observed principally in the lower part of the trunk and external roots of the infested plants. Eggs are deposited singly or in clusters of up to 4 eggs at the feeding punctures after tissue decay has begun. The eggs hatch after about 5 d, and young larvae begin to create tunnels in the plant tissue. The larvae display 11 instars, and require about 50 to 90 d for development. The pupae normally require 11 to 14 d. The life cycle lasts between 105 to 137 d depending on the agave species with which the weevil is associated. The active insect can attack during any mo of the yr, although it is more frequent in the rainy season. Scyphophorus acupunctatus dispersion is determined by the attraction of volatile agave compounds. This insect apparently introduces different microorganisms that have been associated with the agave maladies. Plant extracts and seed powders have been assessed as potential botanical insecticides on larvae and pupae, with plant extracts causing mortality of 43 to 53% in larvae and 3 to 15% in pupae, and with seed powders causing 90 to 100% larval mortality. Synthetic insecticides have not been successful because the larvae and adults live inside the plant tissues. Alternative effective control tactics are needed to avoid increased damage and destruction of this important crop.

Globally, corn is the most economically important crop, surpassing other cereals of economic importance. However, the tillage methods, monoculture and the abuse of synthetic agrochemicals used in Mexico have led to the loss of fertility and soil yield. In this sense, the application of alternative fertilization methods based on chemical fertilizer, organic matter and biofertilizer, applied alone or in combination, can stimulate the defense systems of corn plants and increase their yield. Therefore, in this research, some fertilization schemes were tested on purple corn plants of the Kculli race through the evaluation of some growth and yield variables, as well as the subsequent evaluation of the chemical characteristics of the corn grain produced in each fertilization scheme. The results indicate highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between treatments, for the different growth and yield variables studied. Of all the fertilization schemes evaluated, treatment T7 obtained the best grain yield of 6.19 ± 0.07 t ha⁻¹, with respect to treatment T1 of 1.02 ± 0.01 t ha⁻¹, as well as the highest protein content and starch quality. Being clear the positive effect of the adequate contribution of the macro and micronutrients used exerts on the corn crop in each of the fertilization schemes studied. On the other hand, the analysis carried out on the grains was found within the values reported by other authors.

Large quantities of seeds are generated and discarded during agro-industrial mango processing. However, mango seeds still contain valuable components such as starch, which has applications in various industries. This study aimed to obtain and characterize starches from the seeds of five mango cultivars (Ataulfo, Manililla, Piña, Tapana, and Tommy Atkins). The isolated starches were evaluated for their physicochemical, morphological, structural, thermal, and rheological characteristics. The starches showed creamy white colorations, and their granules had spherical and oval shapes. This starch source contains a high percentage of apparent amylose, greatly influencing its thermal, rheological, and functional properties. Structural and molecular studies showed that all starches presented an A-type X-ray diffraction pattern, impacting their water absorption and viscosity. The transition temperatures were relatively high, which could be influenced by the length of the amylopectin chains and their intermediate components, the apparent amylose content, and other components such as lipids and anomalous amylopectin. The starches evaluated behaved as pseudoplastic materials, while oscillatory tests revealed that the pastes formed with mango starches are more elastic than viscous. In conclusion, research on the seed starch properties of different mango cultivars provides interesting results for their potential application in foods. It could contribute to the value-added processing of mango seeds as a potential starch source.

The agro-food industry plays a crucial role in enhancing living standards; however, inadequate losses and waste management persists as significant challenges within its processes. Particularly, mango and cheese processing generate substantial waste, leading to ecological disruptions, economic losses, and concerns related to food security and public health. To address these issues, this study was aimed at utilizing this waste to produce a high-quality ice cream base, thereby valorizing the discarded materials. This approach not only adds nutritional value but also contributes to food security and sovereignty. The raw materials (cheese whey, oil, and starch) were subjected to physicochemical characterization, leading to the development of three different ice cream base formulations. Subsequently, the ice cream bases were evaluated for their physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties. The findings of this study revealed that mango seed kernel and cheese whey waste contain valuable components that enable the creation of an ice cream base with excellent physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties. Moreover, this research showcases a promising solution for effectively valorizing food waste and generating value-added products such as ice cream, thus promoting sustainability and resource optimization within the agro-food industry.