Wild chilis are considered a plant-genetic resource native to Mexico; however, the lack of studies on their phytochemical composition limits their sustainable commercial use. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of capsaicinoids and polyphenols in three varieties of wild chilis from Tezonapa in the high mountains of Veracruz, Mexico, and their correlation with their antioxidant capacity. Determining antioxidant activity and quantifying total polyphenols were performed using spectrophotometric methods, while capsaicinoids were quantified by liquid chromatography. The chili variety factor significantly affected (p≤0.05) antioxidant activity determined by 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) ABTS and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) methods and capsaicinoid concentration. The community factor significantly affected (p≤0.05) the variables mentioned above, in addition to the concentration of total polyphenols. Chiltepin and Mirasol varieties from the community of Manzanares had the highest concentration of total capsaicinoids (246.58 ± 14.93 and 256.75 ± 7.15 mg/100 g). In the case of Tabaquero, those from the community of Cerro Azul presented the highest concentration of capsaicinoids (345.93 ± 14.25 mg/100 g). The three Cerro Azul chili varieties had the highest total polyphenols concentration. The total polyphenols concentration was positively correlated with the antioxidant activity of wild chilis, indicating that these are the main compounds responsible for the antioxidant characteristics in these chili varieties. The knowledge generated in this research will contribute to the conservation of these chili species and benefit the communities of Tezonapa by exploiting these fruits for the agro-food sectors focused on functional foods.

Background. In Campeche, Mexico, livestock takes place in generally unfertilized grasslands and acahuales, where cattle rarely receive veterinary treatment. These characteristics suggest that some livestock producers could adopt organic production, but their availability for adoption is uncertain and there is little information to assess their feasibility. Objective. Evaluate the change capacity of the conventional livestock systems of Campeche with respect to the organic production model and specify the critical points in management that must be improved in the transition to organic farming. Methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 74 livestock producers belonging to the BioPaSOS-CATIE Campeche project, in locations in the municipalities of Escárcega, Champotón and Calakmul, as well as direct observations in cattle ranches. The information obtained was used in the Multi-criteria Organic Livestock Conversion Index (OLCI); built with 10 indicators and 35 variables. Results. OLCI showed a low level, but close to the intermediate level of organic standards. Indicators close to standards were: breeds and reproductive management, soil fertilization and feed management. Indicators that move away were: herd safety, ecological weed control in pastures and crops, pest and disease control in pastures and crops, veterinary prevention and treatment, animal welfare, sustainable pasture management and ecological management. Implications. The results obtained are useful for livestock producers in the state of Campeche, since strategies can be generated that allow the conversion of their production systems to an organic livestock model. They are also a benchmark for future research related to the subject of sustainability assessment or organic livestock using indicators. Conclusions. The evaluated livestock systems presented a low level of conversion to the organic production model. Critical points in management that hinder the transition to organic livestock are: sanitary hygiene control, application of synthetic herbicides and insecticides, breastfeeding up to eight months, appropriate stocking rate, use of a silvopastoral system and mainly advisory and training for organic certification, organic development plan and certification, internal control of the organic process and incentives for organic livestock production.

Background. The selection of indicators and their use for the evaluation of agricultural sustainability at the watershed level is addressed. Objective. To discuss the importance of their use and the options of existing methodological frameworks for this purpose. Main findings. the concept of indicator and its characteristics are defined; subsequently, the main methodological frameworks used in the selection of indicators are described, with emphasis on the assessment of agricultural sustainability in watersheds. Conclusions. In the evaluation of agricultural sustainability at the watershed level, it is highlighted the selection of indicators based on a methodological framework that integrates the three dimensions of sustainability (social, ecological and economic). It was considered the management and interactions of the agroecosystems with other external systems and internal subsystems within the watershed. It is emphasized the importance of selecting indicators in a participatory manner, with producers and the application of multivariate analysis that may contribute to the generation of sustainability indices

Wild chili peppers from Mexico are a representative product of high cultural and gastronomic importance. The objective of this research was to apply chemometric and sensometric techniques to generate volatile fingerprints, real-time sensory dominance profiles, and cognitive profiles of consumers of Mexican wild chili peppers (Capsicum annuum L. variety glabriusculum). Samples of wild chili peppers, including Chilpaya, Chiltepin, Mirasol, and Tabaquero, were collected for analyses of volatile compounds, sensory dominance, and the association with emotions and memories, all of which were conducted remotely. Volatile fingerprinting via GC-MS revealed that wild chili peppers have a high content of fatty acids associated with oily and waxy notes, as well as terpenes such as longifolene, which contribute herbal notes to these peppers. In the dominance analysis, it was found that the Chiltepín and Chilpaya wild chili peppers were dominant in a burning sensation and chili flavor. In contrast, the Mirasol and Tabaquero wild chili peppers produced greater numbness and heat in the mouth during consumption in real time. The correlation between GC-MS and TDS was greater than 0.70, confirming that the identified volatile compounds are related to the effects generated during the consumption of wild chili peppers in real time. The online cognitive profile showed that images of wild chili peppers evoked more positive emotions and memories (active, adventurous, aggressive, calm, free, good, satisfied, traditional food, party, family, cold weather, and birthplace).