Objective: To identify current scientific information on maize (Zea mays L.) in relation to the challenges and opportunities associated with the specialization of this crop. Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic search was conducted in high-impact journals focusing on the difficulties and opportunities in maize cultivation. Results: Several key challenges in maize cultivation were identified, including the impact of climate change, limited access to technologies for small and medium producers, variability in grain price, and the availability of improved seed to increase yields in their reproductive zones. One potential solution involves access to improved short-cycle varieties with tolerance to adverse factors (both biotic and abiotic), combined with sustainable agricultural techniques such as conservation agriculture. Limitations on study/implications: Despite existing research on maize cultivation, its composition, nutritional contribution and economic importance, the profitability of this crop is affected by factors such as price variation, climate change, and the incidence of pests and diseases. Therefore, further research is needed to identify varieties with more competitive markets to enhance sustainability. Findings/conclusions: Maize is a globally important crop with industrial applications and uses for both human and livestock consumption. The increasing demand underscores the need to improve its performance and profitability. A strategy to increase production involves promoting diversification through the specialization of varieties with more competitive markets and the adoption of sustainable agricultural techniques.

Freshwater scarcity can weaken water governance when hydrological pressure interacts with intensive agricultural demand, regulatory weakness, and political conflict. This research evaluates whether Irrigation District 005 (IR 005) in Chihuahua, northern Mexico, demonstrates local water-governance fragility across three domains: public security, the rule of law, and the ability to sustain water access and food production. A mixed-methods approach integrates legal and human rights documentation, institutional records, published studies, and a structured media review with hydrological, agricultural, climatic, and reservoir data. Water balances were analysed for 1998–2023, precipitation trends for 1980–2020, and crop water requirements were estimated using the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. 56 (FAO-56) Penman–Monteith framework, the crop coefficient (Kc), the water-stress coefficient (Ks), the United States Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Curve Number method, and application-efficiency assumptions. The 2020 water conflict resulted in fatalities, injuries, arrests, and documented human rights violations. Rule-of-law capacity was further diminished by unauthorised withdrawals, cultivation beyond authorised irrigation plans, and limited enforcement. The annual water balance shifted to persistent deficits after 2016, reaching an estimated deficit of 2268 cubic hectometres (hm³) in 2020. Annual precipitation did not exhibit a statistically significant monotonic decline during 1980–2020 (Mann–Kendall Z = −0.79, τ = −0.0878, p = 0.4251; Sen’s slope = −1.1628 mm yr⁻¹; Mann–Whitney p = 0.5313), indicating that recent stress is more closely linked to production scale, crop mix, governance conditions, and irrigation efficiency than to a long-term reduction in rainfall. Sensitivity analysis revealed that ±15% changes in Kc and Ks altered gross water requirements by approximately ±16–17%, while equivalent changes in effective precipitation produced changes of only 1–3%. These results demonstrate heightened water-governance fragility resulting from mutually reinforcing hydrological, institutional, and conflict-related pressures. Future research should refine locally calibrated water-demand parameters and develop reproducible monitoring systems that combine hydrological, institutional, satellite, and participatory data to support anticipatory, transparent, and rights-based water governance.

Objective: To determine the population dynamics of the fall armyworm (FAW), identify the critical period of highest infestation and to determine the number of agrochemicals applications for its control. Design/methodology/approach: A monitoring and capture of male FAW moths was conducted using plastic traps with sexual attraction pheromones. A daily count of captured moths was performed during the crop season, the data were plotted to determine the period of highest infestation and the optimal timing for chemical control. Additionally, the number of insecticide applications for FAW control was evaluated, with treatments including none (T0), one (T1), two (T2), three (T3), and four (T4) applications. A randomized complete block design with nine repetitions was used. Before each application, the number of plants with visible damage and its intensity were counted using the Davis visual scale. Statistical analysis of the measured variables was conducted. Results: The results showed that moths were evenly distributed across the planted surface, and two periods of higher infestation were identified: between 32 to 35 and 70 to 76 days after planting, respectively. The biological cycle of the FAW was between 38 to 41 days. The analysis of variance showed statistical differences (p ≤ 0.001) among the treatments. Findings/conclusions: Using plastic traps with sexual attraction pheromones is an efficient method for capturing, monitoring, reducing the population, estimate the length of the biological cycle, and identifying the highest infestation period of the FAW. Moreover, two insecticide applications during the periods of highest infestation resulted in optimal control of FAW.

Objective: Compare the external and internal physical characteristics and the yolk color of the blue, white and brown eggs from creoles hens and the white and brown eggs from specialized hens. Design/methodology/approach: Eggs from native hens were collected in traditional markets in the Valle del Mezquital, Hidalgo, Mexico. The shell colors were blue (n=100), white (n=100), brown (n=100). In commercial stores, white (n=100) and brown (n=100) shell eggs were purchased. No blue shell eggs were found in these stores. The variables evaluated were egg weight, area, volume, shape index, length and width, weight of white and yolk. The color intensity of the yolk was evaluated with the DSM fan of color. Results: The blue egg in this study had (P0.05), however, the white Creole egg had the smallest egg width compared to the other types of eggs. The blue egg had the highest egg white weight and the white Creole egg the lowest compared to the other types of eggs (36 vs 30 ±0.51 g). The blue, white and commercial brown eggs had similar yolk weight (19, 18 and 18 ±0.52 g). The commercial white and brown eggs had the highest color intensity in the yolk (10.3 and 11.3 ±0.15 DSM range), the Creole white egg had the least colorful yolk (7.4 ±0.15 DSM range). Limitations on study/implications: Backyard poultry farming in the State of Hidalgo is being limited by the loss of rural areas and native hens are being displaced by commercial strains. Findings/conclusions: The blue egg from backyard hens is larger than the commercial egg, while the white Creole egg was the smallest, however, this characteristic does not affect its nutritional quality. The white and brown commercial eggs had the greatest color intensity in the yolk, the color of the yolk is due to the carotenoids present in the yolk and are beneficial for human health. Keywords: Creole hens, commercial eggs, blue shell, physical characteristics, yolk color.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) generation is a global problem affecting the environment and public health. The current landfill’s useful life is reaching its end, making new site selection a priority to guarantee proper MSW management. This research evaluated the suitability of the metropolitan area of the municipalities of Chihuahua, Aldama, and Aquiles Serdan, using Spatial Decision Support Systems (SDSS) integrated with Multi-criteria Decision-making (MCDM) and hierarchical analysis, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to determine potential sites for new Metropolitan landfill development in a semi-arid region. Results showed that 44.7% of the areas studied present a high suitability level, while 29.52% corresponds to a very high suitability level. These areas are located mainly in the north and center zones of the Chihuahua and Aldama municipalities, with some isolated areas in Aquiles Serdan. The key selection criteria were airport distance, land slope, and proximity to the intermunicipal boundary, which enabled the identification of sites with lower environmental impact and greater technical and economic feasibility. This study demonstrates that SDSS and GIS are efficient tools for identifying potential landfill sites. The results highlight the importance of integrating technical, environmental, and social criteria into MSW management planning to achieve sustainable, efficient management in the region.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) generation is a global problem affecting the environment and public health. The current landfill’s useful life is reaching its end, making new site selection a priority to guarantee proper MSW management. This research evaluated the suitability of the Metropolitan area in the Chihuahua, Aldama and Aquiles Serdan municipalities, through spatial decision support systems (SDSS) integrated with multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) and ascending hierarchical analysis integrated to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to determine potential sites for new Metropolitan landfill development. Results showed that 44.7% of the studied area presents a high suitability level, while 29.52% reaches a very high suitability level. These areas are located mainly in the north and center zones of the Chihuahua and Aldama municipalities, with some isolated Aquiles Serdan areas. The key criteria affecting the selection were: the airport distance, the land slope and proximity to the intermunicipal boundary, which allowed identifying sites with lower environmental impact and higher technical and economic feasibility. This study demonstrates SDSS and GIS are efficient tools to identify potential sites for new landfill location. The results highlight the importance of integrating technical, environmental, and social criteria in planning MSW management, contributing to the region’s sustainable and efficient management.