Artículos científicos

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttps://repositorio.inia.gob.pe/handle/20.500.12955/8

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Aislamiento e identificación molecular de hongos en bananos con y sin manchas foliares
(Universidad de Costa Rica, 2026-04-08) Mogollón Farias, César Augusto; Cordova Campos, Jose Stalyn; Garcia Garcia, Segundo Melecio; Ruiz Polo, Archi Alejandro; Mialhe, Eric
Introducción. La estructura foliar del banano es un factor determinante en el rendimiento y desarrollo del cultivo. La composición microbiana en manchas foliares es relevante para entender la aparición y propagación de enfermedades. Objetivo. Realizar el aislamiento e identificación molecular de hongos en bananos con y sin manchas foliares. Materiales y métodos. En el año 2019 se realizó una investigación con diseño no experimental, enfoque cuantitativo y nivel descriptivo, utilizando hojas de banano de Musa acuminata (cv. IC2) con manchas (HCM) y sin manchas (HSM), recolectadas en una parcela agrícola con manejo convencional situada en el norte del Perú. En medios de cultivo microbiológicos se cultivaron fragmentos de hojas de 5 x 5 mm, se aislaron cepas fúngicas caracterizándose por sus macroestructuras, se extrajo ADN de las cepas y se realizó una PCR convencional dirigida a la región ITS de hongos de 700 pb. Luego, los productos PCR se secuenciaron por el método de Sanger en doble cadena. Posteriormente, se realizaron las asignaciones taxonómicas a nivel de especie utilizando la herramienta BLAST, basada en la comparación por homología con secuencias del GenBank. Resultados. Se identificaron un total de once especies fúngicas en HCM y ocho en HSM, abarcando tanto especies fitopatógenas como no fitopatógenas. Las especies predominantes en el HCM fueron Fusarium spp., Cladosporium cladosporioides y Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Además, se observó que HCM compartía tres géneros con HSM: Nigrospora, Cladosporium y Fusarium. Conclusión. Se realizó el aislamiento e identificación molecular de hongos en bananos con y sin manchas foliares, hallándose especies fitopatógenas y benéficas.
Identification of Metamasius hemipterus (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) and its biological control through the use of species of the genus Beauveria and Metarhizium. Amazonas, Peru
(Frontiers Media S.A, 2026-01-12) Leiva Espinoza, Santos Triunfo; Román Peña, Alcides; Aguilar, Vilma; Requejo, Elizabeth; Meza Maicelo, Wagner; Banda Martinez, Duber; Huaman Pilco, Ángel Fernando; Loyola , Fredy; Loja, Melissa; Oliva Cruz, Manuel; Maicelo Quintana, Jorge
Biological control of insect pests represents a key strategy toward sustainable agriculture. This study, focused on the morphological and molecular identification of the sugarcane weevil, Metamasius hemipterus, (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), and on the evaluation of the biocontrol potential of four entomopathogenic fungi: Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria peruviensis, and Metarhizium sp. Molecular identification was conducted through phylogenetic analysis, while morphological identification was based on the description of characteristics following established protocols. Both approaches confirmed the identity of the pest as Metamasius hemipterus L. Bioassays were carried out under a completely randomized design, testing four conidial concentrations, plus a control. Metarhizium anisopliae at 1 × 10¹⁰ conidia/mL was the most virulent, producing the highest mortality and exhibiting the lowest lethal concentration (LC₅₀ = 2.68 × 10⁹ conidia/mL) against Metamasius hemipterus adults. Conversely, Beauveria peruviensis at 1 × 10¹⁴ conidia/mL achieved the highest colonization efficiency in insect cadavers, with a mycosis rate of 99.4%. These findings indicate that Beauveria peruviensis and Metarhizium anisopliae are promising biological control agents against the sugarcane weevil, the major pest of sugarcane in the Amazonas region of Peru.
Agroecosystems with greater canopy cover increase soil organic carbon density and reduce soil erodibility in the Peruvian Amazon
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2026-03-11) Chuchon Remon, Rodolfo Juan; Solórzano Acosta, Richard Andi; Cruz Luis, Juancarlos Alejandro; Vallejos Torres, Geomar
Introduction: Soil degradation in tropical agricultural landscapes represents one of the major challenges for sustainability and food security, particularly in the Peruvian Amazon. In this region, the loss of vegetative cover alters carbon storage and increases vulnerability to erosion. This study evaluated how gradients of canopy structure in representative agroecosystems—cassava with no canopy (CV-S), oil palm with intermediate canopy density (OP-S), cacao with medium-density canopy (CC-S), and coffee with high-density canopy (CF-S)—influence soil organic carbon density (SOCD) and erodibility (K factor). Methods: A total of 1,049 soil samples (0–20 cm) were collected across three Amazonian regions and analyzed for their physical, chemical, and textural properties, complemented by multivariate and geostatistical analyses using ordinary kriging. Results: Results showed that SOCD increased consistently with canopy density, from 32.68 t C ha⁻¹ in CV-S to 82.64 t C ha⁻¹ in CF-S. The Factor K exhibited the opposite pattern, decreasing from 0.31 to 0.16 as tree cover increased, indicating greater resistance to erosion. Erodibility was primarily determined by soil texture, with a strong positive correlation associated to silt content (r = 0.89) and a negative with sand content (r = –0.74). Likewise, SOCD showed a very high correlation with total nitrogen (r = 0.96), reflecting a tight coupling between carbon accumulation and nutrient availability under denser canopies. Principal component analysis further revealed that dense-canopy systems are related to higher SOCD and total nitrogen, whereas canopy-free systems are linked to higher bulk density and greater susceptibility to erosion. Discussion: Spatial modeling showed that agroecosystems with more developed canopies exhibit better spatial structure and predictive performance, indicating a more stable edaphic organization under dense tree cover. Taken together, the results demonstrate that canopy structure functions as a key ecological regulator in Amazonian agroecosystems, with higher canopy cover promoting greater soil carbon accumulation while reducing soil erodibility. This highlights that dense-canopy systems, such as coffee and cacao, represent effective strategies to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of agricultural landscapes in the Peruvian Amazon.
Boosting biomass and leaf area with biol: morphological and yield responses of Pennisetum in the Peruvian highlands
(MDPI, 2026-03-31) Huaman Lizana, Darwin; Tarifa, Waldyr; Rodriguez, Misael; Tecsi Taipe, Sayda; López Mendoza, Yolvi; Ruiz Llontop, Deysi; Saucedo Uriarte, José Américo; Vásquez, Héctor V.; Mejía, Flor L.; Paucar, Ysai
The intensive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture contributes to environmental pollution, which has driven the search for sustainable alternatives such as organic fertilizers. Among these, biofertilizer has garnered interest due to its potential to improve crop growth and yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two types of biofertilizer: Bio Chumbinia (standardized) and traditional biofertilizer, as well as a control treatment (water), on the morphology, growth, yield, and leaf area of Maralfalfa (Pennisetum sp.). Morphological and growth variables were measured every 14 days, while yield and leaf area were evaluated in two successive periods corresponding to 42 days of growth. The results indicated that most morphological and growth parameters were significantly influenced by treatment, time, and evaluation (p < 0.05), except for tiller number, blade number, and the blade emergence rate (p > 0.05). Bio Chumbinia showed superior values compared with the control at 6.0 cm for plant height, 0.1 cm/day in the growth rate, 4.1 cm for blade length, and 1.2 mm for blade width; when compared with the traditional biol, the values were similar. The growth rate and leaf emergence peaked on day 14 and subsequently declined. The fresh and dry matter yields were consistently higher on Bio Chumbinia treatment than others (p < 0.05). Although no differences were found for blade weight and leaf area between Bio Chumbinia and the control, the leaf area in Bio Chumbinia was 1400 cm2 more than the control. The second evaluation showed improved productivity, which is consistent with the higher values on the morphological characteristics. No differences were observed in the leaf-to-stem + sheath dry matter ratio. These results demonstrate the potential of Bio Chumbinia to improve the productive performance of Maralfalfa as a foliar fertilizer in sustainable agricultural systems in Peru.
Improving clonal propagation of Eucalyptus grandis x urophylla with indole-3-butyric acid
(Universidad Austral de Chile / Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, 2026-03-26) Casas Niño, Sebastián; Mondragón Aguirre, Gino; Lozano Isla, Flavio; Cuellar Bautista, José Eloy
The Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla hybrid is characterized by its rapid growth and high productivity, which has led to an increasing demand for its propagation in nurseries. To preserve these desirable traits, it is essential to establish clonal gardens and apply effective clonal propagation methods. With the aim of advancing knowledge on asexual propagation techniques, this study evaluates the influence of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and a commercial formulation combining IBA and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) on the rooting and root development of cuttings of this hybrid. To achieve this, cuttings were collected from a clonal garden and subjected to five rooting treatments: T0 (control) with 0 ppm IBA; T1 with 1,000 ppm IBA; T2 with 1,500 ppm IBA; T3 with 2,000 ppm IBA; and T4, a commercial formulation containing 4,000 ppm NAA and 1,000 ppm IBA. The experiment was conducted under a completely randomized design (CRD) with 90 experimental units. After treatment application, the cuttings were placed in a greenhouse for 30 days. At the end of this period, rooting percentage, mortality rate, number of roots, root length, and root dry weight were assessed. The results indicated that T2 and T4 exhibited the best performance in terms of rooting and root development. Furthermore, comparison with other studies revealed that excessively high concentrations of IBA can exert toxic effects on cuttings. Overall, the study concludes that IBA, either alone or in combination with NAA, positively influences the rhizogenesis process of Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla cuttings, increasing rooting percentage by up to 62% compared to the control.
Evaluation of nutrient extraction and uptake by forage grasses under high Andean mountain conditions in Peru
(Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology (AJAB), 2026-03-20) Arias Arredondo, Alberto; Lopez Rodríguez, Melina; Cruz Luis, Juancarlos Alejandro; Requena Rojas, Edilson Jimmy; Ccopi Trucios, Dennis; Pizarro Carcausto, Samuel Edwin; Solórzano Acosta, Richard Andi
This study evaluated nutrient extraction and uptake in native forage grasses (Festuca dolichophylla and Calamagrostis chrysantha) and improved species (Lolium perenne and Dactylis glomerata) at 4,100 m a.s.l. in the Peruvian Andes using a completely randomized design. Results revealed significant interspecific variability in nutrient accumulation. Dactylis glomerata showed superior macronutrient accumulation, particularly Mg, while Lolium perenne achieved highest K extraction (0.07 t ha⁻¹) and biomass production. Native species demonstrated lower nutritional demands: Festuca dolichophylla reached maximum dry matter production (6 t ha⁻¹), while Calamagrostis chrysantha showed elevated Ca and P concentrations. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations among Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn (r = 0.7-1.0), indicating coordinated uptake mechanisms. Nickel exhibited negative correlations with P (r = -0.6) and K (r = -0.5). Improved species require intensive fertilization, while native species offer sustainable alternatives for low-input high-altitude systems.
Prevalence of Brucella melitensis in creole goats raised in extensive systems in the tropical dry forest of Amazonas, Peru
(Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – Escola de Veterinária, 2025-11-03) Tafur Gutierrez, Lucinda; Alva Tafur, Gudelio; Godoy Padilla, David José; Frías, H.; Arista, M.A.; Bardales, W.; Encina, R.; Cruz Luis, Juancarlos Alejandro; Murga, N.L.
Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência da Brucella melitensis em populações de cabras nativas de Utcubamba, situada na região amazônica do Peru. Foram coletadas 354 amostras de sangue de cabras de vários sexos e idades de 18 produtores dos distritos de Bagua Grande, El Milagro e Cumba. Cada produtor preencheu um questionário sobre a presença da doença. As amostras de sangue foram centrifugadas para extrair o soro, armazenadas a -20°C e posteriormente analisadas por meio de um teste ELISA indireto. Os resultados não indicaram nenhum caso positivo de Brucella melitensis em Utcubamba. Esse resultado pode ser atribuído, em grande parte, à ausência de movimentação de animais Prevalence of… Arq. Bras. Med. Vet. Zootec., v.77, n.6, 2025 5 reprodutores de outras regiões e à implementação de um programa de controle e erradicação pelo Serviço Nacional de Saúde Agrária (SENASA) desde 2000. Utcubamba é considerada livre de Brucella melitensis devido a dois fatores principais: o consumo limitado de leite de cabra na região e a ausência de animais reprodutores introduzidos de áreas potencialmente infectadas. Essas condições atenuam substancialmente o risco de transmissão e refletem um ambiente favorável à saúde das populações caprinas locais.
Spatial modelling of soil quality index using regression–kriging and delineation of nutrient management zones in high-Andean quinoa fields, southern Peru
(MDPI, 2025-12-29) Cuellar Condori, Nestor Edwin; Mejia Maita, Sharon Yahaira; Quiñones Trejo, Robert Adrián; Mercado Chinchay, Ruth Lizbeth; Silva Ali, Cristhian; Chávez Zea, Karla Licelly; Ccosi, Elvis; Cahuide, Madeleiny; Quispe Matos, Kenyi Rolando
The pronounced heterogeneity of high-Andean soils constitutes a critical constraint to the sustainable productivity of quinoa in southern Peru, where current yields (1.6 t ha⁻¹) remain well below potential (>5 t ha⁻¹). This study aimed to develop a spatially predictive model of a weighted soil quality index (SQIw), the edaphic supply of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), and the agricultural gypsum requirement by integrating edaphoclimatic covariates through regression–kriging. A total of 198 quinoa-cultivated soil samples were analysed; a minimum data set (MDS) was defined using correlation and principal component analyses, and regression–kriging was applied to map SQIw and the variables of interest. The MDS comprised electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), available P, exchangeable Na, sand, clay, and effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC); exchangeable Na (Wi = 0.160) and available P (Wi = 0.158) received the largest weights in the SQIw. SQIw values ranged from 0.22 to 0.84 and supported a five-class soil quality taxonomy; spatial modelling revealed a dominance of moderate-quality soils across the territory (85.21% of the agricultural area, 13,461.19 ha). The model achieved R² = 0.56, RMSE = 0.05, and MAE = 0.04 for SQIw. Most of the area (12,175.65 ha; 77%) exhibited an intermediate gypsum requirement (9.73–14.33 t ha⁻¹). Nitrogen and phosphorus showed the greatest territorial limitations, whereas potassium was largely non-limiting (84.82–570.17 kg ha⁻¹). These results indicate that sodicity and N–P deficiencies are the primary functional constraints; the generated maps enable prioritisation of gypsum amendments and targeted variable-rate fertilisation strategies to optimise the sustainability of quinoa production in the Altiplano.
Assessment of flood-prone areas in the Lacramarca River Basin in the Santa Clemencia and Pampadura region, Peru, under climate change effects
(MDPI, 2026-03-26) Pérez Camponanes, Giovene; Romero Valdez, Karla Karina; Martínez García, Víctor Manuel; Cacciuttolo, Carlos; Bernal Camacho, Jesús Manuel; Carbajal Llosa, Carlos Miguel
Floods are among the extreme events associated with climate variability in the Lacramarca River basin, located in the department of Ancash, Peru. Meteorological phenomena such as El Niño during the periods 1982–1983 and 1997–1998, as well as the Coastal El Niño in 2017, constitute key reference events that motivated the development of the present study, based on a case study conducted in the area between the rural settlements of Santa Clemencia and Pampadura. This research is based on maximum precipitation data derived from historical climate records and from the climate scenarios ACCESS 1-3, HadGEM2-ES, and MPI-ESM-MR, as well as the median projected scenario for 2050, obtained from the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service of Peru (SENAMHI) data platform. This information was analyzed considering the spatial location of the basin and its position relative to the area of interest, using Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF) curves. To demonstrate the changes in the river hydrological behavior before and after the 2017 Coastal El Niño event, a Random Forest modeling approach was applied using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery. Design peak discharges for return periods of 50, 100, and 140 years were estimated using the HEC-HMS software. Hydraulic simulation of the Lacramarca River basin, carried out using HEC-RAS version 6.7 beta 3 and IBER version 3.3.1 software, made it possible to identify flood-prone areas affecting agricultural land and areas adjacent to population centers, covering 149,000 m² and 172,000 m² for return periods of 100 and 140 years, respectively, based on information from the historical scenario. In contrast, using data from the 2050 projection scenario, affected areas of 242,000 m² and 323,000 m² were estimated for the same return periods.
Soil organic carbon content mapping along the coast of northern Peru: an ensemble machine learning approach
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026-03-26) Salazar Coronel, Wilian; Carbajal Llosa, Carlos Miguel; Chuchon Remon, Rodolfo Juan
Introduction: Soil organic carbon (SOC) content plays a fundamental role in regulating the global carbon cycle and mitigating climate change. It is also a key marker of soil health and a vital plant component. Its distribution in space varies in dry ecosystems, where climate and land use affect it. This study aimed to estimate and map SOC in the Motupe River Basin, northern Peru, by applying machine learning algorithms and ensemble methods. Methods: Four predictive models were evaluated: Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest (RF), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), together with two ensemble approaches—simple averaging and weighted — integrating topographic, climatic, edaphic, and vegetation indices variables. Spatial autocorrelation was minimized by spatial block cross-validation. Uncertainty was measured with bootstrapping and the Prediction Interval Ratio (PIR) derived from 90% prediction intervals. Results and discussion: Best performance was achieved by XGBoost (R² = 0.83), weighted ensemble (R² = 0.70), and RF (R² = 0.63). The most influential predictors were EVI, GNDVI, temperature, TRI, and pH. SOC contents showed relatively higher concentrations (>0.7%) in areas with greater vegetation density, within a semi-arid context where SOC levels are generally low. In contrast, lower areas exhibited reduced SOC contents (< 0.6%). The uncertainty analysis indicated that SOC predictions had high to moderate confidence (PIR < 0.2) in the middle-and upper zones of the basin, and moderate confidence (0.1–0.2) in the lower areas. The results suggest that machine learning and ensemble methods improve SOC prediction, benefiting the sustainable management of soil fertility and quality in arid and semi-arid ecosystems of northern Peru.
Production of biochar derived from guinea pig manure as a soil amendment in high Andean and coastal acidic soils in Peru: agronomic potential and cost analysis for sustainable circularity
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026-03-17) Solórzano Acosta, Richard Andi; Damián, Lucía; Herrera, Sherly; Pichis García, Roger; Cabello Torres, Rita; Padilla Castro, Cesar Franco; Arias Arredondo, Alberto; Chávez Collantes, Azucena; Vallejos Torres, Geomar
Introduction: The valorization of local resources, such as guinea pig manure, allows traditional inputs to be transformed into more stable products with higher added value, such as biochar, rather than being used as raw manure. Methods: This study evaluated the physicochemical properties, toxicity, and neutralizing capacity of biochar obtained from guinea pig manure, produced by open pyrolysis in a pyrolytic oven in Huancayo, Junin, Peru. Fresh manure was also characterized prior to pyrolysis, and its median lethal dose was determined. Results: The results indicated that guinea pig manure had an approximate volume of 2,883.99 cm3 in an uncompacted state and 2,205.41 cm3 in a compacted state, with densities of 0.293 and 0.380 kg/cm3, respectively. Guinea pig manure biochar has high N, P, and K contents, as well as a significant percentage of ash (34.6%) and fixed carbon (37.9%). Its alkaline pH (9.17), high cation exchange capacity (48.8 meq/100 g), and high organic matter content (62%) suggest its potential for improving acidic soils. It also has a considerable moisture content (34.8%) and microelements such as Mg, Cu, Ca, and Zn. In economic terms, the production of 1 ton of guinea pig manure has an estimated cost of 231.23 soles, while the sale price of biochar reaches 3,515.31 soles per ton, demonstrating its high added value. Discussion: Biochar derived from guinea pig manure has a superior nutritional profile compared to biochars obtained from plant biomass, making it a viable alternative for agriculture. Its application, however, must take into account specific safety tests for each crop to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
Effects of conservation time and ingredient proportion on the nutritional composition and in vitro digestibility of Musa spp. silages for small ruminant feeding
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2026-03-24) Temoche Socola, Victor Alexander; Villanueva, David; Jibaja, Omar; Godoy Padilla, David; Sánchez , Héctor; Vásquez García, Cesar Alejandro; Soca Jorge, Jhony; Sessarego Dávila, Emmanuel Alexander; Cruz Luis, Juancarlos Alejandro
This study evaluated the effects of conservation time and ingredient proportion on the nutritional composition and in vitro digestibility of Musa spp. silages intended for small ruminant feeding. A 3×3 factorial design was applied, considering three conservation periods (60, 90, and 120 days) and three ingredient proportions (100% fruit, 70% fruit–30% crop residues, and 50% fruit–50% crop residues). Silage samples were analyzed for dry matter, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract, ash, nitrogen-free extract (NFE), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Ingredient proportion significantly affected CP content, which ranged approximately from 3.4 to 6.9% of dry matter, whereas IVDMD varied between 50.8 and 74.2%, with the highest values observed in silages produced with 100% fruit at 90 days of conservation (p < 0.05). NDF and ADF contents ranged from 30–40% and 15–35% of dry matter, respectively, showing a significant interaction between conservation time and ingredient proportion. Principal component analysis clearly discriminated treatments according to their nutritional composition and digestibility attributes. Overall, the results demonstrate that both conservation time and ingredient proportion play a decisive role in determining the nutritional and digestive quality of Musa spp. silages, supporting their potential use as a strategic feeding alternative for small ruminants in tropical production systems.
Use of yeasts for the biological control of toxigenic Aspergillus sp. associated with Zea mays L.
(Wiley, 2026-03-09) Sánchez Purihuamán, Marilín; Córdova Rojas, L.M.; Caro Castro, Junior; Barturen Quispe, Ada; Vásquez Llanos, Segundo; Robles Castillo, Heber; Carreño Farfán, Carmen
Zea mays "maize" is one of the most important staple foods for both humans and animals, but it is highly susceptible to pathogens such as toxigenic Aspergillus flavus. Yeasts, however, have the potential to control the growth and activity of toxigenic fungi, representing a viable and economical alternative for biocontrol. This study is aimed at evaluating the efficiency of yeasts in controlling toxigenic A. flavus associated with maize grains. To achieve this, toxigenic A. flavus and yeast isolates were obtained and identified, then coinoculated in vitro to assess their effect on mycelial growth inhibition and total aflatoxin production through yeast-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We found that 147 of the isolated yeasts, when coinoculated with A. flavus, reduced mycelial growth up to 89%. VOCs from five yeast strains of the genera Saccharomyces and Meyerozyma inhibited colony growth up to 86% and induced changes at both the macro- and micromorphological levels in toxigenic A. flavus. Additionally, VOCs from four yeast strains reduced total aflatoxin levels up to 98%. In conclusion, one yeast strain, identified as Meyerozyma caribbica, effectively inhibited both mycelial growth and toxin production in toxigenic Aspergillus sp., demonstrating its potential as a biocontrol agent to reduce fungal contamination in maize grains.
Impact of organic fertilizers on the quality of mango var. ‘Kent’ during physiological and commercial maturity
(MDPI, 2026-03-06) Morocho Romero, Henry Hoseph; Peña Castillo, Ricardo; Morales Pizarro, Arturo; Vilchez Navarro, Sandy Graciela; Casas Niño, Sebastian; Cárdenass Huaman, Gabriela; Nuñez Ticliahuanca, Esdwin Oberti; Montañez Artica, Ana Gabriela; Velarde Apaza, Leslie Diana; Ramirez Rojas, Max; Lozano Isla, Flavio
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a key fruit crop in Peru; however, its reliance on chemical fertilizers raises concerns regarding fruit quality and environmental sustainability. This study evaluated the effects of soil-applied compost and foliar-applied biol on the quality of 'Kent' mango fruits at physiological and commercial maturity stages. Conducted during the 2022–2023 season, the experiment used a 3 × 3 factorial design with compost applied at 0, 5, and 15 t/ha and biol at 0, 5, and 10%, plus a chemically fertilized control. Results revealed significant compost–biol interactions. At physiological maturity, treatments 5-10, 15-5 and 15-10 improved pulp color, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and dry matter content, achieving a desirable yellow pulp (2.0 on the scale), 9.29 °Brix, 1.23% acidity, and 20.96% dry matter—surpassing the control. At commercial maturity, these treatments also enhanced fruit firmness (0.42 MPa), reduced acidity (0.47%), increased pulp pH (4.69), and intensified orange pulp color. Overall, organic fertilization, particularly higher compost and biol doses, significantly improved fruit quality parameters compared to conventional chemical management. These findings highlight the potential of integrating organic amendments to promote sustainable mango cultivation while maintaining or enhancing fruit quality, thus providing a viable alternative for eco-friendly nutrient management in mango orchards.
Native entomopathogenic nematodes from Peru control Spodoptera frugiperda, a major pest of Zea mays in the Peruvian Amazon
(MDPI, 2026-03-09) Fachin Ruiz, Grecia; Córdova Sinarahua, Deyvis; Romero Chávez, Lorena Estefani; Alvarado Ramírez, Jaime; Quesquen Lopez, Cesar; Flores García, Eybis; Koch Duarte, Christian; Cerna Mendoza , Agustín; Vásquez Bardales, Joel; Corazon Guivin, Mike
This study evaluated entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) isolated from a cacao agroforestry system in the Peruvian Amazon, focusing on their molecular characterization and efficacy against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae. Thirteen EPN isolates were obtained from 50 soil samples using the Galleria mellonella baiting technique. Mortality assays revealed significant differences among isolates at 24, 48, and 72 h, with isolates 11N-A4 and 8N-B1 being the most virulent, achieving maximum mortalities of 100% and 96.3% at 72 h, respectively. Median lethal time (LT50) values indicated rapid action of these isolates on G. mellonella larvae, with 33.3 h for 11N-A4 and 32.4 h for 8N-B1. Molecular identification using ITS, D2-D3 (LSU), and COI markers confirmed the isolates as Heterorhabditis sp. (11N-A4) and Heterorhabditis amazonensis (8N-B1). In bioassays with S. frugiperda larvae, both EPNs exhibited dose- and time-dependent mortality. H. amazonensis showed rapid action, reaching 100% mortality at the highest dose (60 IJs/larvae) within 48 h, whereas Heterorhabditis sp. displayed a gradual, sustained increase, attaining 91% mortality at 72 h. Median lethal dose (LD50) and LT50 values reflected the efficiency of both isolates, with Heterorhabditis sp. achieving lower LD50 at later stages and shorter LT50 at low-to-intermediate doses. These findings highlight the potential of Heterorhabditis sp. and H. amazonensis as effective biocontrol agents adapted to local conditions and represent the first report of H. amazonensis in Peru. Further studies under field conditions are required to confirm their suitability for incorporation into integrated pest management strategies in the Peruvian Amazon.
Native halotolerant consortia modulate soil–plant interactions under moderate salinity
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2026-03-02) Palomino Arias, Mickel; Salazar Coronel, Wilian; Paredes Jacinto, Juan Carlos; Rivas, Johan; Muñoz Leiva, Yulissa Marisol; Aldava Pardave, Uriel; Jaramillo Carrión, María; Valladolid Suyón, Esteban; Solórzano Acosta, Richard Andi
Soil salinity is a major limitation for rice production in arid regions, reducing plant growth, yield, and grain quality. This study assessed the effect of halotolerant strains of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas putida on the growth, productivity, and soil chemical properties of Oryza sativa L. INIA 515 'Capoteña' under initial soil salinity of 4.75 dS m⁻¹. Eight treatments were evaluated, including bacterial consortia, and non-inoculated control. The selected strains exhibited high salt tolerance, with B. subtilis BacF and P. putida P4 growing at up to 10% NaCl. Although most physiological and agronomic variables did not differ significantly among treatments, treatment T5 (BacF + P4) showed a moderate tendency towards better values, particularly in panicle number, aerial biomass, total biomass, grain yield, and SPAD across the growth cycle. At the edaphic level, T5 significantly increased soil pH and promoted a slightly synergistic mobilisation of K, Mg, and Na. Structural equation modelling indicated that magnesium strongly enhanced total plant biomass, while organic matter positively influenced grain yield. These findings indicate that native halotolerant consortia may influence soil–plant interactions under controlled conditions, but agronomic benefits remain limited and require field validation.
Spatial Modelling of Soil Quality and Lime Requirement for Precision Management in Humid Tropical Coffee Systems
(MDPI, 2026-02-25) Díaz Chuquizuta, Henry; Mejia Maita, Sharon Yahaira; Mercado Chinchay, Ruth Lizbeth; Arroyo Julca, Michell Karolay; Ore Valeriano, Ruddy Adely; Díaz Chuquizuta, Percy; Manrique Gonzales, Luis Fernando; Sánchez Ojanasta, Martín; Quispe Matos, Kenyi Rolando
Soil heterogeneity and acidity are major constraints to Coffea arabica production in the Amazonian soils of Peru. This study developed a spatial predictive framework that integrates a weighted Soil Quality Index (SQIw) and geostatistical modelling (Regression–Kriging and Ordinary Kriging) to estimate lime requirements (LRs) and delineate management zones. A total of 69 coffee-cultivated soil samples were analysed, and spectral information (NDVI) was incorporated to estimate relative yield (RR). Multivariate analysis defined a Minimum Data Set (MDS) composed of exchangeable Na, available P, pH and silt percentage; the highest weights were assigned to P (Wi = 0.292) and pH (Wi = 0.276). SQIw exhibited wide variability (0.01–0.87; CV = 51.8%) and was grouped into five classes, with low (43.5%)- and very low (21.7%)-quality classes predominating. SQIw showed a strong relationship with RR (r = 0.64). Geostatistical models performed differently between localities: in Nuevo Huancabamba, Regression–Kriging improved prediction accuracy (SQIw: R² = 0.58; LR: R² = 0.396), whereas in San José de Sisa, Ordinary Kriging provided better fits only for LRs (R² = 0.32). Nuevo Huancabamba is dominated by moderate-to-high-quality soils (87.29%; SQIw > 0.6) and low lime requirements (74.94%; <0.84 t ha⁻¹), in contrast with San José de Sisa, where low-quality soils prevail (89.45%; SQIw < 0.4) alongside high LRs (75.26%; 2.54–7.13 t ha⁻¹). The resulting maps enable targeted interventions—precision liming and focused P fertilisation—to correct acidity and phosphorus deficiency, thereby improving input-use efficiency and enhancing the sustainability of Amazonian coffee systems.
Optimizing maize yield and nutritional quality through synergistic use of guinea pig manure and mineral fertilization: a sustainable approach for coastal Peru
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2026-02-25) Calero Rios, Emilee Nahomi; Cruz Luis, Juancarlos Alejandro; Solórzano Acosta, Richard Andi; Gaona Jimenez, Nery; Vallejos Torres, Geomar
Introduction: Excessive reliance on mineral fertilizers in maize cultivation has raised environmental concerns, highlighting the need for more sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the effects of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus L.) manure and the application of N, P and K fertilizers on the yield and nutritional quality of hybrid maize grown in the central Peruvian coast. Methods: A split-plot design with three replications, was implemented, testing four manure doses (0, 2, 5, 10 t ha⁻¹) in combination with four mineral fertilizer levels (0, 50, 75, and 100% of recommended N, P and K). Results: The 5 t ha⁻¹ manure + 75% mineral fertilizer treatment achieved the highest yield (8.82 t ha⁻¹), representing a 28.38% increase relative to the full mineral fertilization treatment, accompanied by a grain weight of 152.80 g and an ear weight of 171.31 g. Nutritional quality peaked at 5 t ha⁻¹ manure + 100% mineral fertilizer, with 7.85% protein and 363 kcal 100 g⁻¹ energy content. Multivariate analysis revealed strong positive correlations between combined organic-mineral inputs and key productivity parameters. These findings demonstrate that the strategic integration of 5 t ha⁻¹ of guinea pig manure with a 25% reduction in mineral fertilization (i.e., 75% of the recommended dose) enhanced both grain yield and nutritional value. Discussion: This combination offers a practical, cost-effective pathway for smallholder farmers to improve yellow maize production under coastal Peruvian conditions while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. These results demonstrate a clear synergistic interaction between organic and mineral fertilization, leading to improved crop productivity under conditions of limited soil organic matter in the coastal soils of Peru. This finding supports the use of guinea pig manure as a sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural input.
Geospatial distribution of cadmium in soil profiles of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) plantations in the Peruvian Amazon basin
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2026-02-25) Vallejos Torres, Geomar; Chuchon Remon, Rodolfo Juan; Gaona Jimenez, Nery; Marín, César; Cruz Luis, Juancarlos Alejandro; Solórzano Acosta, Richard Andi
Introduction: Cacao plants can translocate heavy metals from the soil to vegetative tissues, potentially leading to concentrations that exceed maximum permissible limits. This study aimed to analyze the geospatial distribution of cadmium (Cd) in soil profiles of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) plantations in the Amazon basin of Peru. Methods: The research was conducted in the localities of Jeberillos, Arahuante, and Luz del Oriente, within the department of Loreto. In each locality, 10 plots of 100 m² were selected, totaling 30 plots. Cd concentrations and physicochemical soil parameters were evaluated. Results: In cacao soils from Luz del Oriente at 0–30 cm depth, Cd concentrations averaged 1.11 ± 0.26 mg.kg⁻¹, representing the highest values; whereas the lowest average was recorded in Arahuante at the same depth, with 0.61 ± 0.15 mg.kg⁻¹. Cd levels in Luz del Oriente cacao soils (0–30 cm) were above the average among all localities, while Jeberillos and Arahuante soils showed comparatively lower Cd levels. Discussion: Overall, Cd in cacao soils was found to be strongly associated with edaphic factors such as pH, texture, effective cation exchange capacity (CEC), and cation composition. The maps represented the spatial distribution of the metal and guided the identification of potential accumulation zones. These findings provide essential insights for guiding agricultural management decision-making, environmental monitoring, and metal contamination risk assessment in cacao-growing areas and other agrarian systems in the Peruvian Amazon basin.
Caracterización de la calidad nutricional de 10 variedades de maíz con destino forrajero en Tarapoto
(Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSM), Tarapoto, Perú, 2025-07-20) Torres García, Sheila Rosy; Rojas Vásquez, Zulema; Baselly Villanueva, Juan Rodrigo; Salazar Ramos, Iris; Terán Piña, Julio Cesar; Gutiérrez Arce, Felipe Baltazar; Cervantes Peralta, Marieta Eliana; Roque Alcarraz, Roberto Edgardo
La investigación tuvo como propósito caracterizar y evaluar la calidad nutricional de diez variedades de maíz forrajero en Tarapoto mediante una parcela experimental y un diseño aleatorizado con cuatro repeticiones. Se midieron FDN, FDA, PB, H, MS, EE y FB. El efecto varietal se analizó con ANOVA (p<0,05) y comparación de medias de Tukey; entre partes de planta (tallo y hoja–mazorca) se aplicó t de Student. Los supuestos se verificaron con Shapiro-Wilk y Bartlett. Los resultados evidenciaron un buen porcentaje de materia seca para la mayoría de las variedades estudiadas; así mismo, respecto al porcentaje de Proteína, la variedad "INIA–617 Chuska" presentó mayor nivel de este nutriente (7.83 %). En la Humedad, la variedad INIA–616 presentó la mayor concentración de este indicador (60.39 %). Para FDN, las variedades "INIA–617 Chuska" (65.36 %), DK-399 (65.11 %), M-28 (66.26 %) y Pionner (65.61 %) fueron las que presentaron mayor concentración. Además, no se observaron diferencias en cuanto a la Fibra Bruta (p=0.0748) y la Fibra Detergente Ácido. Por otro lado, la mazorca del maíz presentó mejores niveles de proteína y materia seca, en comparación a la hoja más tallo.

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