Schoenoplectus californicus (Totora) is a wetland plant of cultural and ecological importance, traditionally used for handicrafts and habitat conservation in Andean lakes. This study investigates its vegetative growth in two Andean lakes in Imbabura, Ecuador (Yahuarcocha and Imbacocha), which present contrasting chemical and biological conditions (total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a). Vegetative growth analysis, using indices, provides tools for understanding Totora growth dynamics within a cultivation cycle. By quantifying biomass accumulation and other parameters, it is possible to infer how the plant responds to its environment and to guide its production and management. Our objective was to evaluate how physiological and morphological traits influence growth under differential nutrient conditions. A 210-day field trial was conducted with periodic sampling and analysis of physiological indices, combining classical and functional growth approaches. Key growth indices—relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), and leaf area ratio (LAR)—were calculated from photosynthetic surface area and dry biomass. Results show that plants in Yahuarcocha, a hypertrophic lake, exhibited greater biomass production (up to 2380 g m⁻²) and photosynthetic area (8.68 m²), reaching peak growth at 150 days. In contrast, plants in Imbacocha, a eutrophic lake, reached maximum growth at 180 days, with a greater dependence on NAR. Strong correlations among RGR, NAR, and LAR were observed in Yahuarcocha, highlighting the influence of higher nutrient concentrations and harvesting pressure on growth dynamics. These findings underscore the importance of considering lake trophic status when planning sustainable harvesting and cultivation strategies for Totora in Andean wetlands.

La presente investigación analiza dos períodos de tiempo para conocer el impacto de los microcréditos agrícolas y su contribución a la sustentabilidad de las unidades familiares productivas. La primera evaluación fue realizada en el período 2016-2017, y la segunda en el período 2021, con la finalidad de conocer el antes y después de las realidades socioeconómicas de las familias. Esta investigación evaluó el impacto de los microcréditos agrícolas en la sustentabilidad de las unidades familiares productivas en la parroquia Apuela, mediante la caracterización de las familias que accedieron a microcréditos, el análisis del destino del dinero, la relación entre los microcréditos y el diseño de orientaciones para su otorgamiento. Se realizó una investigación de campo, documental y descriptiva, con la aplicación de métodos inductivos y deductivos, y la encuesta como instrumento para el levantamiento de información primaria. Las herramientas estadísticas de Microsoft Excel se utilizaron para la tabulación. Los resultados mostraron que los microcréditos agrícolas tuvieron un impacto positivo en los aspectos económico, social y ambiental de las unidades familiares productivas, generando una mejoría en la sustentabilidad y un incremento en los ingresos. Se concluyó que las entidades financieras deben motivar a sus clientes con incentivos y que el Estado debe crear políticas públicas crediticias para apoyar a las microempresas y emprendimientos.

This study investigates the vegetative growth of Schoenoplectus californicus (Totora) cultivated in two Andean lakes of Imbabura, Ecuador (Yahuarcocha and Imbacocha) which differ in trophic status. The aim was to evaluate how physiological and morphological factors influence growth under natural conditions. A 210-day field trial was conducted using periodic sampling and a combination of classical and functional growth analysis methods. Key growth indices—such as relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), and leaf area ratio (LAR)—were calculated from parameters like photosynthetic surface area and dry biomass. Results showed that plants from Yahuarcocha, a hypereutrophic lake, exhibited significantly higher biomass production (up to 2,380 g m⁻²) and photosynthetic area (8.68 m²) compared to those from Imbacocha. Yahuarcocha plants also reached their growth peak earlier (at 150 days) than Imbacocha plants (at 180 days). Strong correlations were found between RGR and both NAR and LAR in Yahuarcocha, while in Imbacocha, growth was primarily driven by NAR. The study concludes that both nutrient availability and anthropogenic pressures like harvesting history influence Totora’s growth dynamics. These findings support the use of physiological indicators to optimize harvesting schedules and promote sustainable cultivation strategies in highland wetland systems.

This research evaluates the effect of different concentrations of lead and chromium on root architecture and germination percentage of Typha latifolia. Seeds of Typha latifolia were collected from Yahuarcocha Lagoon (Ibarra-Ecuador). Pre-germinative treatments and exposure to lead concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 ppm, as well as 10, 20, and 40 ppm of chromium concentrations were applied to the seeds to measure the germination percentage. Regarding root architecture analysis, T. latifolia seedlings were grown for four weeks in 50% Hoagland solution and then transferred to rhizotrons, where the heavy metals were added to concentrations like the germination test. The seedlings were kept in these conditions for 15 days and variables such as number of roots, total area, and total length were recorded. Photographic records of the parameters under study were taken and analyzed in Image J and its SmartRoot extension. It was found that both heavy metals affected (significantly) the germination process, especially chromium. Germination percentages lower than 15% and 25% for lead were also obtained. Concerning root architecture, the number of roots and total length from heavy metal treatments were not significantly different from control. However, the total area treatment with chromium showed significant differences with respect to the control.

This research evaluates the effect of different concentrations of lead and chromium on root architecture and germination percentage of Typha latifolia. Seeds of Typha latifolia were collected from Yahuarcocha Lagoon (Ibarra-Ecuador). Pre-germinative treatments and exposure to lead concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 ppm, as well as 10, 20, and 40 ppm of chromium concentrations were applied to the seeds to measure the germination percentage. Regarding root architecture analysis, T. latifolia seedlings were grown for four weeks in 50% Hoagland solution and then transferred to rhizotrons, where the heavy metals were added to concentrations like the germination test. The seedlings were kept in these conditions for 15 days and variables such as number of roots, total area, and total length were recorded. Photographic records of the parameters under study were taken and analyzed in Image J and its SmartRoot extension. It was found that both heavy metals affected (significantly) the germination process, especially chromium. Germination percentages lower than 15% and 25% for lead were also obtained. Concerning root architecture, the number of roots and total length from heavy metal treatments were not significantly different from control. However, the total area treatment with chromium showed significant differences with respect to the control.

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. is a crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) xerophyte whose intraspecific morphological diversity remains poorly documented in Andean agroecosystems. This study characterized the phenotypic diversity of 55 accessions collected along an altitudinal gradient in the dry inter-Andean valleys of northern Ecuador. Twenty morphological descriptors were used to analyse the data. Quantitative descriptors showed moderate to high variability, with reproductive and defensive characters exhibiting greater variation than vegetative descriptors. MCA revealed substantial chromatic diversity, with fruit peel and pulp color emerging as the strongest qualitative discriminators among morphotypes. Cluster analysis identified three statistically distinct groups: a small-fruited, highly spinescent morphotype restricted to the most arid sites; an intermediate and phenotypically diverse morphotype distributed across all provinces; and a large-fruited, low-spinescence morphotype with the highest seed numbers, consistent with a more advanced domestication trajectory. The primary differentiation axis reflected a trade-off between spine investment and reproductive output. Five discriminant descriptors—fruit weight, spine length, seed number, peel color, and pulp color—provide a robust baseline for germplasm characterization and support conservation, breeding, and nutraceutical valorization in Andean drylands. The findings of this research contribute to filling a critical knowledge gap regarding Andean cactus pear germplasm, providing a scientific basis for conservation, sustainable management, and future breeding and agro-industrial initiatives.