Chitosan (CS) is a natural polymer used in agriculture as a biostimulant that has been evaluated in different plant models. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the foliar application of chitosan–poly(acrylic acid) complexes (CS–PAA) and two nutrient solutions (A and B) on the parameters of growth and yield of two habanero pepper cultivars (Chichen Itza and Jaguar) in a greenhouse. Over the course of the experiment, eight foliar applications were carried out at 15-day intervals. Our results showed that foliar applications of CS–PAA complexes have a biostimulant effect on the habanero pepper crop by increasing the total dry biomass of the plant and the number of fruits of the two cultivars. Regarding nutrient solutions, the nutrient solution A increased the yield of the Chichen Itza cultivar; this effect was because it had a better balance of potassium and calcium compared to the nutrient solution B. These results provide advances on the use of CS–PAA complexes as a biostimulant and the management of nutrient solutions in the crop of habanero peppers.

The study was conducted at the Experimental Station located at the Regional University Center of the Atlantic Coast of Honduras (CURLA, UNAH), which is located at the outskirts of the city La Ceiba, Atlántida. We measured the yield of maize (Zea mays L.) alley cropped with existing, guama trees (Inga spp.). We evaluated potassium sulfate and magnesium (K2SO4 + Mg) fertilizers at rates: 0, 20, 40 kg. ha-1 with six replicates, and phosphoric rock (RF) at rates: 0, 20, 40, and 80 kg·ha-1, with four replicates per treatment. Prior to sowing the crop, dolomitic lime (Ca3(PO4)2CaF2) was applied at a rate of 2 ton·ha-1. Nitrogen was provided by the Inga spp. trees. In the year 2014, the highest average yield of maize was 1558 kg·ha-1 and it was statistically significant. The treatments that performed best were those of K2SO4 + Mg, and RF, at 20, 40, and 80 kg·ha-1. The high average yield of maize during the first year, its stabilization over the next two years, and the absence of nitrogen fertilizer applications, has suggested to the availability of nitrogen for the crop under an alley cropping system with guama trees (Inga. spp.).

The use of organic sources presents itself as a viable alternative to mitigate the excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers in agricultural practices. However, in the realm of pineapple cultivation, research exploring the synergy between chemical and organic fertilizers remains scarce. In this context, the objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of the combination of chemical and organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of the MD-2 pineapple cultivar under two shade net conditions (installed 45 and 250 days after planting). The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design, with the main plot being the shade net conditions and the sub-plots the five fertilization treatments, which were applied 18 times via drip irrigation (control, 100% chemical fertilization, 50% reduced chemical fertilization, organic fertilization, and a combination of 50% chemical fertilization with organic fertilization). The results showed that the early installation of shade netting 45 days after planting decreases the growth and yield of pineapple; thus, the use of shade netting at this age is not recommended. Regarding fertilization, the combination of 50% chemical fertilization with organic fertilization showed similar growth and yield values compared to 100% conventional chemical fertilization under both shade net conditions. Furthermore, this combination presented similar nitrate and potassium values in the plant and did not negatively affect malic acid content. Therefore, the use of organic fertilizers in pineapple cultivation is a promising strategy to reduce the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and it could also improve soil fertility.

Background: the agronomic yield of crops of importance for rural households in the humid tropics, such as banana, cultivated in association with leguminous trees, such as Inga spp., must be studied because of the little available information on that association, especially with regards to yield response to the application of P and K under agroforestry systems, and the interaction between organic (leguminous residues) and inorganic sources of nutrients. Objective: the objective of this study was to evaluate the yield of lady finger banana alley cropped with Inga spp., under several levels of natural fertilizers such as K2SO4 + Mg, and phosphoric rock (RF). Methodology: Yield response of lady finger banana (Musa acuminata Colla) under an alley cropping system with guama (Inga spp.). Prior to the establishment of the crop, dolomitic lime (Ca3(PO4)2CaF2) at a rate of 2 ton ha-1 was applied. In addition, phosphoric rock (RF) was added to the crop at diverse levels (0, 20, 40, 80 kg ha-1), and potassium sulphate and magnesium (K2SO4 + Mg) at three levels (0, 45, 90 kg ha-1) with five replicates in a total of 35 alleys for treatments. Inga spp. trees provided with nitrogen (N). Two crop cycles were evaluated, cycle 1 (2015) and cycle 2 (2017). Results: the highest average weight per bunch were obtained with 80 FP and 0 RF in the first cycle, and with 90 K and 45 K in the second cycle, which were significantly higher than other levels. The highest yield on yearly basis was 45 K among the treatments during the first cycle, and the highest yields during the second cycle were obtained with 45 y 90 K2SO4 + Mg. Implications: There are no prior studies for lady finger banana crop associated with Inga spp. trees under alley cropping, this reflects that the study is an original contribution to nutrient-response studies under agroforestry system with Inga. Conclusion: the highest yields were obtained with 90 and 45 kg ha-1 of potassium sulphate and magnesium. The application of dolomitic lime promoted P and K availability for the crop, and better use of applied K2SO4 + Mg and of RF in the treatments.

Se reporta a Chrysodeixis includens (Walker), el falso medidor de la soya, alimentándose en hojas y fruto de chile habanero Capsicum chinense en Oaxaca, México.