Potassium (K) influences the variables that determine quality of fruit and the concentration of phytonutrients to human health and therefore consumer preferences. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of K in the nutrient solution (5, 7, 9 and 11 mM of K) on yield and quality of Cantaloupe fruits under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted in pots using a completely randomized design with 15 replications. Analysis of variance, correlation, regression and multiple comparisons among means (Tukey p<0.05) were performed. Results showed higher values of yield, average fruit weight, equatorial diameter, pulp thickness, fruit firmness, soluble solids content, phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of fruits at the concentrations of 9 and 11 mM of K. All variables, except equatorial diameter, increased their values as K concentrations increased, showing a lineal, positive and significant trend, which evidences that the optimal dose of K in muskmelon is higher than 11 mM, being suggested for future research, to evaluate concentrations above this value.

El objetivo del estudio fue realizar un análisis de rentabilidad de la producción de maíz en el Distrito de Desarrollo de Tulancingo, Hidalgo. Se realizó una encuesta dirigida a 55 productores, considerando variables de carácter cuantitativo y cualitativo, de mayo a septiembre de 2010. Se identificaron tres categorías de productores según su rendimiento: categoría I: rendimiento £ 1 t ha-1, (24 % de los productores); categoría II: de 1.1 a 2 t ha-1, (72%) y categoría III: ≥ 2.1 (4%). Algunos de los problemas que enfrentaban eran: sequía (96% mencionó que la falta de agua limita la producción); reducido uso de semilla mejorada (28 % la utiliza); control fitosanitario deficiente (sólo 4 % lo realiza); 24 % aplica herbicidas; y 60 % fertiliza, evidenciando un bajo nivel tecnológico. Lo anterior, por la falta de asesoría técnica y capacitación. Los costos de producción promedio fueron de $7290.19 por ha, con un rendimiento de 1.87 t ha-1, lo que permite obtener ganancias de $83.15 por ha. Los productores de categoría III tienen una ganancia de $1067.80 por tonelada, mientras que los de categoría I registran pérdidas de $2416.50, lo que se explica por los bajos rendimientos.

The vermicompost is used as a source of nutrients and substrate in protected horticulture because it promotes crop production more sustainable. The objective was to evaluate different proportions of vermicompost: sand (VC:S, v:v) on quality and yield of jalapeño pepper produced in greenhouse environments. Five proportions were compared VC:S, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5 and a control: (Steiner nutrient solution). The experiment was established in a randomized blocks design with ten replications. On average ratio, VC:S (1:1) produce highest fruit weight, fruit length, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity against to control treatment (0:1 VC:S). Those results indicate that VC is a fertilization alternative to increase nutraceutical fruit quality, without decrease the jalapeño pepper yield.

Farm succession involves the interaction of social, economic, and emotional factors. The process also includes the decisions of farmers and their families who consider the farm as patrimony rather than a productive asset. This article analyses the processes of succession in farms of central Mexico to understand the different stages they comprise and the problems that these processes encounter. We conducted 12 in-depth interviews with producers who went through a recent transfer process. Succession processes and their associated factors were analyzed and discussed using the multiple case study methodology; subsequently, the stages that comprise each of these processes were defined. Results show that succession is commonly managed without making decisions or taking actions that prevent future problems, and individual interests of the potential heirs prevail. Although each transfer process is different, two basic types were identified: the spouse or the descendants assume the administration of the patrimony. However, in the analyzed cases, we found that, in general, there is no planning for succession, so the successors lack training in agricultural activities. In general, succession processes are complex and generate conflicts, and their trajectory depends on family relationships and the socioeconomic conditions of the farm.

The objective of this study is to identify production and commercialization problems and potential of dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) in the socioeconomic context of San Luis Atolotitlan, Caltepec, Puebla, Mexico. A questionnaire was applied between March and May 2020 to n=20 producers-marketers of the Asociación de Producción Rural de San Luis Atolotitlan, Caltepec. The cultivation of dragon fruit is part of a crop diversification system within a social context characterized by migration, low education, and extensive dependence on local buyers. In addition, its maintenance practices, use of organic fertilizers, and average yieldsare minimal. However, if management is improved and transformation and marketing channels are identified and diversified, the system will be able to boost the economy of the region. Young producers, with a higher educational level and with an innovative attitude, could improve those measures.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue realizar un estudio comparativo de rentabilidad entre la producción de maíz libre de glifosato en el faro agroecológico “Grupo Vicente Guerrero”, Españita, Tlaxcala y la producción convencional de maíz criollo en Huamantla, Tlaxcala. Para el cálculo de la rentabilidad, se aplicó una encuesta a 20 productores pertenecientes al faro y 20 a los del ejido de Huamantla. Los productores de Vicente Guerre­ro se caracterizan por su trayectoria en la agricultura agroecológica y la promoción de tecnologías alternativas, manejan el maíz como policultivo; asociado con frijol, calabaza y arvenses, agro ecosistema conocido como milpa. Este manejo exige mayor cantidad de mano de obra para ejecutar las labores de cultivo, sustituidas en el manejo convencional por el uso de herbicidas y otros agroquímicos. En el cálculo de la rentabilidad, la relación beneficio/costo B/C en Vicente Guerrero fue 1.24 resultando rentable para el productor, contrario, a los productores de Huamantla, su relación B/C fue de 0.88, es decir, negativa por lo que esta producción no es rentable. El establecimiento de faros garantiza un manejo agroecológico del maíz que, además de ser rentable, contribuye en la disminución de riesgos y daños a la salud de la población.