Revista Agrociencia is the official scientific journal of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, It is managed with the support of the Secretariat for Scientific Research of the University of El Salvador (SIC-UES).
Universidad de El Salvador. Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas
Evaluation of four doses of a moisture retaining polymer in the soild and its influence of the development of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) MEX69-290 variety, for seed
The investigation was carried out in the period from May to November 2019, in the La Sandillera lot of the El Porfiado farm, San Francisco El Porfiado canton, San Luis La Herradura municipality, La Paz, El Salvador, in an area of 2,205 m2, the main objective was to evaluate four doses (60, 80, 100 and 120 Kg / ha) of moisture-retaining polymer in the soil and its influence on the development of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), variety MEX69-290 for seed. An experimental design of Complete Random Blocks was used, with five treatments, four repetitions and 20 experimental units represented by plots divided into 5 rows with dimensions of 15 meters long by 1.40 meters between rows. The variables evaluated were: height of the stem, number of leaves, length of internodes, diameter of the stem, number of internodes, number of canes per linear meter, number of cuttings per cane and weight of the cane, likewise, the InfoStat program was used for the statistical analysis. Statistical differences were found in the variable height of the plant, being the best means per treatment when applying the doses of 60 Kg / ha (T1) and 120 Kg / ha (T4) with 2.16 and 2.15 m of height respectively in the first 6 months of cultivation. Statistical differences were obtained for the variable quantity of internodes, the dose of 120 kg / ha presented the best results for the variable number of internodes with a total of 20 internodes per plant, the doses of 60 (T1) and 80 kg / ha (T2) presented similar behaviors for this variable with 19 internodes per plant. For the variable number of cuttings per plant, the best results were found when applying the doses of 120 (T4) and 60 Kg / ha (T1) with 3.1 and 3 cuttings per plant. With the application of moisture-retaining polymer in the production of seed cane of the MEX69-290 variety, it was possible to considerably reduce the number of irrigations in a period of six months.
Copyright (c) 2026 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Effect of salicylic acid on the yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Var. CENT Drought
With the purpose of evaluating the effect of salicylic acid on the yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Var. CENTA Drought, an experiment was established in the greenhouse of the Plant Protection Department of the University of El Salvador. The investigation lasted 6 months from May 2022 to October 2022. To evaluate the effect of salicylic acid (SA) on beans, five treatments with twenty repetitions each were established. The treatments applied were the following: T0 consisted of treating the crop with water, T1 consisted of applying salicylic acid (SA) at 25 ppm, T2 at 50 ppm, T3 at 75 ppm and T4 at 100 ppm. The applications of salicylic acid (AS) were carried out in the following stages: Stage V3 (Appearance of the first trifoliate leaf), stage R5 (Pre-flowering), stage V7 (Formation of pods), the variables evaluated in this investigation were: yield per treatment, number of pods per treatment, number of flowers per treatment, number of grains per treatment, weight of 25 grains per treatment, root collar diameter, partial plant moisture per treatment, days to crop flowering, days to maturity physiological. The application of salicylic acid showed a positive effect on the variables evaluated. T2 (50 ppm) showed an increase in yield per treatment with 24.69% more than the control with a total of 10.1 g, the weight of the 25 grains per treatment increased 21.05% more than the control, with a total of 4.60 g, likewise the diameter of the root neck increased by 0.76% with respect to the control, registering an average of 2.63 mm. The T1 (25 ppm) showed the best effects on the variablenumber of flowers per treatment, with an average of 7.26 flowers per plant, with which an increase of 7.26% was obtained withrespect to the control, as well as in the partial humidity variable.By treatment, salicylic acid showed positive results when T1 (25ppm) was applied, since it increased the aerial dry weight of thebean plants. The number of pods per treatment and number ofgrains per treatment increased in the control. However, grainweight was higher compared to when T2 (50 ppm) was applied.In addition, through the partial budget analysis, it was determined that T2 (50 ppm) produced a greater net benefit, which indicatesthat by applying salicylic acid at a concentration of 50 ppm, thenet benefit increased slightly when projected for one hectare ofland.
Copyright (c) 2026 W.V. Serrano-Peraza, A.W. Rivas-Flores http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Validation of the productive performance of tilapia (Oreochromis sp), tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in an aquaponic system
The research was carried out between May and October 2022 at the Center for the Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture (CENDEPESCA) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), in Santa Tecla, La Libertad, El Salvador. The objective was to validate four densities of tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) and two vegetables, tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), to evaluate the production, performance and cost-benefit ratio of the aquaponic system. Four aquaponic modules were built, each one with a fish pond with a 5.04 m³ capacity, three filters with mechanical and biological functions, a planting bed with PVC tubes for vegetables, a water recirculation pump, and an aeration pump. Eight treatments with three replicates, tomato and sweet pepper, and four stocking densities of tilapia (40, 60, 80 and 100 fish/m³) were evaluated; the following parameters were measured: weight and size of fish, height of plants, number and weight of fruits per plant. To analyze the data, a 2x4 factorial arrangement was used under a completely randomized design, a significance level of 5%, and the INFOSTAT® 2020 program. The highest net benefit was obtained with a density of 100 fish/m3, in tomato with USD112.75 dollars and a marginal rate of return of USD2.49 dollars; in sweet pepper of $119.85 dollars and a marginal rate of return of USD2.52 dollars.
Characterization of water from wells for human consumption in three villages of the San Francisco Amatepe canton, municipality of San Luis Talpa, department of La Paz, El Salvador
The research was carried out in the period from September 2019 to January 2020 in the Los Encuentros, El Anono and El Hervedor hamlets of the San Francisco Amatepe canton, municipality of San Luis Talpa, department of La Paz, El Salvador; with the objective of characterizing the well water of the study area, knowing the practices of use and management of water and soil in the site through a socio-economic study. For the characterization of the water, six wells were randomly selected, experimental units for each of the villages, 3 water samples were taken for the microbiological parameters, and two for the physical-chemical parameters. The physical-chemical analyzes were carried out in the Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences and in the Physical-chemical Laboratory of Waters of the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, both of the University of El Salvador. The microbiological analyzes were carried out at the Research and Development Center of the Comprehensive Training Center of the National Administration of Aqueducts and Sewers. The results of the analyzes were compared with the Salvadoran Technical Regulation “RTS 13.02.01:14 Water. Water for Human Consumption. Quality and Safety Requirements”. The results showed that the water wells have maximum contamination by arsenic (0.09 mg/L), manganese (0.57 mg/L), iron (0.45 mg/L), nickel (0.390 mg/L) and lead (0.01 mg/L). In all water wells there is contamination by Total Coliform Bacterias (1.00 to 2,419.6 MPN/100 mL (most probable number), Escherichia coli (<1.00 to >2,419.6 MPN/100 mL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.00 to1,119.90 MPN/100 mL), which do not comply with the Salvadoran Technical Regulations; therefore, the water from all the wellssampled from the hamlets under study is not suitable for humanconsumption
physical-chemical and microbiological parameters
Evaluation of the effect of two chelated foliar fertilizers on the biomass yield and quality of red sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) silage CENTA-CF in San Luis Talpa, La Paz, El Salvador
The research was carried out from July 2021 to August 2021 on the experiment and practice station of the faculty of Agronomies sciences from Universidad de El Salvador, located in Canton Tecualuya, municipality of San Luis Talpa, department of La Paz, at a height of 50 meters over level of sea. The aim research was to evaluated the effect of two chelated foliar fertilizers on biomass yield and silage quality of red sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) CENTA-CF. A completely random block design was used with 5 blocks, 20 experimental units and 4 treatments: treatment 0 (control), where no foliar fertilizer was applied; treatment 1, what was used Mn (2.5%) + Zn (1.25%) + Mg (0.5%) + Cu (0.25%) + Fe (0.25%) + B (0.025%) in dose of 250 cc/200 It of water plus NPK (4-17-17) in 250 cc/200 It of water; treatment 2, had used Mn (2.5%) + Zn (1.25%) + Mg (0.5%) + Cu (0.25%) + Fe (0.25%) + B (0.025%) in dose of 500 cc/200 plus NPK (4-17-17) in 500 cc/200 it of water; treatment 3, had used Mn (2.5%) + Zn (1.25%) + Mg (0.5%) + Cu (0.25%) + Fe (0.25%) + B (0.025%) in dose of 1,000 cc/200It of water plus NPK (4-17-17) in 1,000 cc/200 It of water. Four variable were evaluated: stem diameter (basal intermediate and apical); plant height; biomass yield; nutritional value through proximal bromatological analysis of freshly harvested and fermented material (25 days after harvest). The highest average green forage yield of sorghum and the highest average protein content in the sorghum silo was obtained with treatment two, with 48.30 cc/200 Tm. ha-1 and with 9.56% respectively; The highest average green forage yield of sorghum and the highest average protein content was got with the treatment one, with 9.40%.
Copyright (c) 2025 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Evaluation of two levels of moringa flour (Moringa sp.) in balanced concentrate, for feeding broiler chickens of the Cobb line
The research consisted of two phases: the collection of raw material from Moringa leaves at the Estación Experimental y de Prácticas de la Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas de la Universidad de El Salvador, followed by the field phase in a poultry module in Panchimalco. This was carried out from November 2020 to January 2021. The objective was to evaluate the weight gain of broiler chickens with different levels of moringa flour (T0: control, T1: 5%, T2: 10%). Using 135 Cobb breed chickens, keys variables such as weight gain, feed conversion, carcass weight, and production costs were analyzed. The results revealed significant differences between treatments. T0 showed an average daily weight gain of 363.13g and an efficient feed conversion of 1.84, standing out as the most effective treatment. In contrast, T2 had a lower efficiency with 306.76g and a feed conversion of 2.17. In carcass weight, T0 and T1 outperformed T2, and showed better results than the addition of 10% Moringa flour. Statistical analysis confirmed the existence of significant differences between treatments, supported by a variability (C.V. of 1.08%) and a significance level (P<0.05). From an economic perspective, the evaluation revealed that T0 was the most profitable treatment with USD 37.70 (USD 0.84 per bird), followed by T1 with USD 34.57 (USD 0.77 per bird), while T2 resulted in a net loss of USD 8.13 (-USD 0.18 per bird). These results highlight the importance of considering both production efficiency and economic aspects when making decisions in poultry production and guide informed decisions in the implementation of feeding strategies in broiler chicken production.
Population estimate of the Asian citrus psyllid and geographical distribution of Tamarixia radiata as a biological control agent in backyard areas in El Salvador
This research was carried out at a national level specifically in backyard areas, selecting attractive hosts associated with the feeding of Diaphorina citri. For this, a list of hosts was defined based on their sprouting frequency and distribution nationwide, mainly in backyard areas. Field visits were carried out between April and October 2019. The objective of the research was to estimate the population of the Asian citrus psyllid and the geographical distribution of the parasitoid Tamarixia radiata as a biological control agent in backyard areas in El Salvador. The field visits were carried out in the three main regions of the country; this required the establishment of exploration and sampling routes on the three main roads of the country. In inspections of backyard trees it was necessary to consider the frequency of sprouting. The recognition and counting of PAC specimens per tree was carried out using 20X entomological magnifying glasses. For this purpose, 15 cm long shoots were inspected, field data were recorded using forms and parasitoid specimens were identified. by the MAG laboratory. Finally, this research aims to generate valuable information to the relevant institutions, regarding the integrated management of Diaphorina citri and the moment in which preventive actions or control measures can be taken in order to reduce the potential risks of Huanglongbing (HLB) of citrus fruits.
Identificación de parásitos zoonóticos del género Ancylostoma en perros (Canis lupus familiaris) y gatos domésticos (Felis catus) de El Salvador.
Ancylostoma spp. es uno de los parásitos más comunes en perros y gatos domésticos y algunas de sus especies son de origen zoonótico. En El Salvador se realizaron dos investigaciones que confirman la presencia de Ancylostoma spp. en el país, y según el Ministerio de Salud de El Salvador (MINSAL) las geohelmintiasis son las enfermedades más comunes que se presentan en las unidades de salud. En esta investigación se realizó un total de 100 exploraciones y revisiónes de intestino delgado de diferentes animales, de las cuales 74 fueron en caninos y 26 en felinos, provenientes de diferentes zonas de El Salvador, con el objetivo de identificar especies zoonóticas del género Ancylostoma. Se identificó la presencia de Ancylostoma en 50 animales, de los cuales se extrajeron parásitos adultos junto con su respectiva muestra de heces, las cuales fueron analizadas por medio de microscopía. Para identificar la especie de Ancylostoma se realizaron comparaciones morfológicas de los parásitos adultos observando las estructuras de la cápsula bucal de las 50 muestras positivas, para posteriormente realizar la medición de los huevos encontrados en las muestras de heces. Se obtuvieron 38 muestras positivas a Ancylostoma caninum y 12 a Ancylostoma tubaeforme, la medida de sus huevos mostraba un promedio de 62.59 µm x 43.04 µm y 53.11 µm x 42.14 µm, respectivamente. La especie A. caninum es reportada en la literatura como causante de zoonosis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Julissa Ivonne Márquez Arévalo, Adriana Alejandra Santos Anaya, Ana Carolina Santamaría Sánchez, Luis Ernesto Romero Pérez http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Memoria del II Webinar: Conservación de biodiversidad de animales domésticos
Las tres grandes funciones que desarrolla el Alma Máter son la investigación científica, la docencia y la proyección social. En este contexto como SIC-UES en la búsqueda de la formación de capacidades en los estudiantes y docentes investigadores propuso la segunda edición del Webinar especializado en la temática de conservación los recursos zoo genéticos locales, apoyados por la Red CONBIAND, la Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas y los Estudiantes de Ciencias Agronómicas. Fue desarrollado de manera totalmente virtual en tiempo real, se transmitió en vivo por el canal de YouTube de la Secretaría de Investigaciones Científicas de la Universidad de El Salvador y la pagina de Facebook oficial de la Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas.
Effect of the use of propylene glycol as a gluconeogenic additive in lactating sows in El Progreso farm, Suchitoto municipality, Cuscatlán department, El Salvador
The research was carried out in sows of the PIC® line from first to fourth birth, in the farm the progress located in the municipality of Suchitoto, Cuscatlán, El Salvador, in the period from November 2018 to January 2019. The purpose was to show an increase of weights of piglets at weaning due to better milk production, by using addition to the propylene glycol gluconeogenic feed. 80 experimental units were used, 40 being for the control treatment and 40 for the propylene glycol treatment, the 40 sows of each treatment were divided (10 by birth number). The sows chosen for the study should be homogeneous and not have very high weight ranges between them, in addition to being in optimal health and not having negative histories during childbirth or maternity, the sows under treatment were identified in their technical file and in the feeder with his earring number. Propylene glycol was given orally as an additive in the food, being given twice a day during the entire period of breastfeeding, the dose used was at a rate of 1 kg per tonne of concentrate. According to the results obtained through the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney statistical test with a level of significance of 0.05 (p <0.05), if there are significant differences between treatments for weight loss and feed conversion in sows of all births, being more efficient in sows of first birth for weight loss; First and second birth for feed conversion, in weight at the time of piglet weaning there is a significant difference for the sows of first and third birth, no significant difference being found for the number of piglets weaned for the sows of any birth
Effect of supplementation with mountain microorganisms as a probiotic in the feeding of Hubbard broiler chickens on productive parameters
The research was developed in the period January - March 2020; This consisted in the addition of Mountain Microorganisms (MM) as a natural probiotic to the feeding of broilers of the Hubbard line in different percentages; it was divided into 4 stages. Two diets were used in the study, the starter concentrate was offered from 1 to 20 days after hatching and the final fattening concentrate was offered from 21 to 42 days. Due to the nature of the experimental units, a completely randomized design (DCA) was used with a confidence level of 5%. The results of the processing of the data obtained were not statistically significant for all the variables. Regarding live weight, in the sixth week of the study treatment T3 presented the best weights in the treatments under study (2134.60 g.) Followed by treatment T1 (2101.96 g.), T0 (2099.56 g.) and T2 (2055.53 g.). Regarding the evaluation of the food consumption variable, the treatment that had the highest consumption was T2 with (1284.00 g) followed by T3 (1283.96 g), T1 (1283.89 g) and T0 (1284.39 g); Regarding the economic variable per bird, the treatment with the highest economic benefits was T3 with an amount of USD 4.15, surpassing T2 with USD 4.08, T1 with USD 4.05 and T3 with USD 3.94 respectively
Seed increase of 26 mutant lines of common red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L), in the month of November, San Luis Talpa, La Paz, El Salvador
With the aim of increasing the seed of 26 mutant lines of red common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L), two 90 m2 plots were established in the “La Bomba” lot of the Experimental and Practice Station (EEP) of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of El Salvador in San Luis Talpa, La Paz, from November 2020 to February 2021. The sowing design of each line was in furrows 5 meters long and a distance between furrows of 0.40 m and between plants of 0.05 m, which represents a density of 500,000 plants. ha-1. All seeds of the lines were treated with Nano gro®, before sowing, except for the control. For the proper development of the different lines, good management practices were carried out, including weed control, irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease control. Descriptive statistical methods, Pearson correlation analysis, cluster analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were applied under a Randomized Complete Block Design (DBCA). The variables that were significant in the ANOVA were subjected to the Tukey multiple comparison statistical test of means. The entire analysis was carried out with a statistical significance level (alpha) α of 5% (0.05) and through the use of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and the statistical program SPSS® 25 and Infostat® 2020. In conclusion, there is increased genetic material from the 26 mutant lines of red common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L), planted in a non-traditional season under climatic conditions with average minimum temperatures of 22.3 ° C and average maximum temperatures of 33 ° C at 50 meters above sea level. Of the 26 common red bean mutant lines studied, lines M09ST16 and M09ST14 had the best yield and 14 lines reported yields greater than 25 qq ha-1, exceeding the national average grain production of 12 to 17 qq. ha-1 and the average seed yield of 37 qq.ha-1.
Copyright (c) 2025 O.A. Rodríguez-Gracias, J.X. Ángel-Molina, E.A. Vásquez-Osegueda, M.O. Molina-Escalante, H.M. Parada-Flores, K.Z. Orellana-Martínez, F.A. Parada-Berríos http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Effect of increasing doses of compost on chlorophyll content and branch growth in Myrteola nummularia (Poir.)
Myrteola nummularia (Poir.), traditionally known as Huarapo, is a native Chilean species recognized for its berries with high polyphenol content and antioxidant properties. Organic fertilization in cultivated native species promotes plant growth and physiological development. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the effect of organic fertilization on the physiological development and growth of Myrteola. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of four compost doses (0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha⁻¹) on physiological parameters, growth, and pigments in young Myrteola plants. For this purpose, a Myrteola orchard was established in 2022 in the Ñuble Region, central-southern Chile. Physiological parameters such as the maximum quantum yield of PSII and stomatal conductance were measured, as well as growth parameters such as plant and branch height, and leaf indices including chlorophyll, anthocyanin, and flavonoid content. The results indicated that plants responded to organic fertilization by improving physiological growth, and leaf index parameters. The highest compost dose (15 t ha⁻¹) significantly increased chlorophyll content (66%) and branch length (32%) compared to the control, likely due to improved soil fertility and available nitrogen and more acidic pH. Therefore, organic fertilization with high compost doses (15 t ha⁻¹) enhances the growth conditions of Myrteola, promoting greater greenness and longer branches. This could further enhance future fruit production, making it a viable productive alternative.
Copyright (c) 2025 Andrés Pinto-Poblete, Gianfranco Schio, Matias Betancur, Sergio Moraga-Bustos, Fernando Pinto-Morales, Yessica Rivas, José Leyton http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Obituary: Ing. M. Sc. Mario Antonio Orellana Núñez 25 de abril de1956 - 28 de junio de 2025
Mario Antonio Orellana Núñez nació un 25 de abril de 1956 en Coatepeque, Departamento de Santa Ana. Hijo de Rafael Cesar Orellana Polanco y Cristina del Carmen Núñez, fue el único varón entre 4 hijos del matrimonio. Se graduó de Bachiller Académico del Colegio Bautista en Santa Ana (1974-1976). Se graduó como Ingeniero Agrónomo Fitotecnista de la Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas de la Universidad de El Salvador en 1986. Estudio el Curso de Postgrado en Nutrición Mineral y Biología Vegetal en la Universidad de Granada en España (1987). Estudió la Maestría en Ciencias Agricultura Tropical Sostenible con énfasis en Biotecnología, del Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (CATIE) en Costa Rica (1996-1997). Fue docente del departamento de Fitotecnia desde 1986, como docente impartió las asignaturas de Fisiología Vegetal, Fitomejoramiento, Genética y Mejoramiento de Plantas; también colaboro en las asignaturas Botánica Agrícola, Fisiología de Cultivos, Cultivos Anuales y Seminario de Investigación tanto en grado y posgrado. Además, fue asesor y parte de tribunales evaluadores de numerosas tesis de grado y posgrado realizadas en la Facultad. A lo largo de su vida como Docente de la UES también fungió como Coordinador de la Escuela de Posgrado y Educación Continua (2015-2022), Vicedecano de la Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas en el periodo (2007-2011), Coordinador de la Unidad de posgrado (2002-2005). Miembro Propietario de la Asamblea General Universitaria (1995). Miembro Propietario de Junta Directiva de la Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas (1993-1995). Coordinador del Laboratorio de Cultivos de Tejidos Vegetales (1986-2000). Gremialista asociado activo de la Asociación de Ingenieros Agrónomos de El Salvador desde 2006 hasta 2017, fue galardonado por esta como Ingeniero Agrónomo del año 2013 por su destacada labor docente y científica. El Maestro Mario Orellana fue un académico admirable en la UES, las generaciones de estudiantes que pasaron por sus asignaturas lo confirman. Precursor de estudios en cultivos no convencionales como la soja y el chipilín que marcaron un hito en las investigaciones de la Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas.
Problems generated by the inadequate management of household solid waste in El Salvador
Improper management of household solid waste in El Salvador has generated serious environmental and public health problems. Urban concentration and increased consumption patterns have contributed to the growth of waste generation, increasing waste production to 3,676 tons per day in 2020 and reaching an average of 4,226.48 tons of waste per day in 2022. Poor management and irresponsible disposal have led to water, soil, and air pollution, as well as harming the well-being of the population. The consequences of poor waste management also extend to the economic sphere, generating significant additional costs for cities and governments. Furthermore, the cleanup of affected areas and improving the infrastructure necessary for proper waste treatment represent a considerable financial burden. The main factors driving this problem are population growth, irresponsible consumerism, a lack of environmental education, and inadequate waste collection management. To address these challenges, various laws and strategies have been implemented, such as the Comprehensive Waste Management and Recycling Promotion Law (2020) and the Special Law on Waste Collection, Utilization, and Final Disposal (2024), which seek to promote the circular economy and safe f inal disposal. Furthermore, national assessments, plans, and policies have been developed to improve comprehensive waste management and raise public awareness to mitigate the problem and build a sustainable future.
Continuing food production while regenerating the planet
The planet is facing a climate crisis characterized by extreme temperatures and severe environmental events, which is evidence of an imbalance in natural systems. Food production has been a key factor in this deterioration, with agricultural practices polluting soils, water and air, affecting both ecosystems and human health. Deforestation has significantly reduced forest cover, impacting biodiversity and habitats of multiple species. In addition, reliance on intensive and genetically limited livestock production systems threatens the resilience of these systems to climate change. To address this crisis, regenerative approaches are proposed that seek not only sustainability, but also restoration of environmental balance. Regenerative agriculture and holistic grazing are examples of practices that restore ecosystems, promote biodiversity and improve soil health, while increasing crop and livestock productivity. These practices integrate traditional and circular strategies that efficiently use resources. Adopting these regenerative models is essential to mitigate environmental damage, adapt to changing conditions and ensure food security in harmony with the natural environment.
Evaluation of 3 levels of milk whey added to pigs line topigs c-40 diet in development and fattening fase
The present study was carried out in Los Cerritos, Canton Veracruz, Ciudad Arce, El Salvador, from September to December 2015, with the objective of evaluating the use of whey in the diet of pigs of the Topigs C-40 line. Twenty-four pigs (12 males and 12 females), aged 10 weeks and 35 kg average weight were used, two phases were considered: development (weeks 11 to 18) and 2) fattening (week 19 to 24). The diets were formulated with the same nutritional composition to meet the requirements of the topigs c-40 line. The control diet (T1) was formulated with corn, soybean bran, fat and a nucleus. This was compared with three treatments consisting of increasing levels of whey in development (T2= 4L, T3= 7L, T4= 12L) and fattening (T2= 6L, T3= 10L, T4= 14L) respectively, reducing in all cases the equivalent of whey added (dry basis) to the concentrate. Pigs were weighed weekly to calculate weight gain and feed conversion, which were considered variables under study. The data were analyzed by means of a general linear model considering the differences significant at a probability of 95 % (P<0.05). An economic comparison was made by means of partial budgets. Significant differences were found in the variables weight gain and feed conversion in the development phase, but not in the fattening phase. The treatments generated differences in live weight and weight gain, but did not affect feed conversion. The T2 treatment showed better results in productive performance, while T3 generated the greatest economic benefit; however, the results of T4 were lower productively but economically superior to the control diet. It is concluded that the use of liquid whey can be incorporated into the Topigs C-40 pig diet as an alternative ingredient, provided that similar conditions are maintained as in this study.
Evaluation of two extraction methods of mint oil (Mentha piperita L.) for flavoring bee honey (Apis mellifera L.) and their effect on organoleptic characteristics and acceptability
The research was carried out from August to February 2022, at the facilities of the Complex for Technological and Productive Innovation in Agroindustry (CITPA) of the National Center for Agricultural and Forestry Technology (CENTA), which is located at km 33 1 /2 highway to Santa Ana, Ciudad Arce, La Libertad, and in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the University of El Salvador, in San Salvador, El Salvador. The objective of the research was to apply two methods of mint oil extraction for the production of flavored honey and their effect on the organoleptic characteristics and acceptability by consumers. The honey used for the experiment is of unprocessed multifloral origin, from an apiary located in Nahulingo, Sonsonate. A honey quality analysis was carried out on the honey in the CIPTA Chemistry Laboratory, in which brix degrees, humidity, glucose, fructose, sucrose, HMF, glycerol and conductivity were characterized before and after flavoring. Mint (Mentha piperita) was produced and collected in the CENTA germplasm bank. The mint oil extraction was carried out to flavor the honey, and 5 treatments were carried out: T0= Control treatment (without mint oil), T1= method by alcoholic maceration with 15 ml of mint oil for 375 ml of honey, T2= alcoholic maceration method with 10 ml of mint oil for 375 ml of honey, T3= steam stripping method with 0.8 ml of mint oil for 375 ml of honey, T4= steam stripping method with 0.3 ml of mint oil for 375 ml of honey. The sensory analysis of the treatments was carried out with a group of 25 untrained tasters. For the organization, processing and statistical analysis of the data, descriptive statistical methods such as summary measures and graphic representations were used. Inferential methods such as the Analysis of Variance (ANVA) technique were also used, specifically a completely randomized experimental design (DCA). According to the data obtained in each attribute for general acceptance, the panelists did not have the same degree of acceptance for all the treatments, demonstrating that there are significant differences between the treatments.
Evaluation of Ixbut (Euphorbia lancifolia) flour as a galactagogue in lactating sows
The research was conducted in a commercial farm located in the department of Sonsonate, El Salvador, with a duration of 24 weeks (July-December 2021). The objective was to evaluate the effect of Euphorbia lancifolia (Ixbut) meal on weight gain of ixbut piglets at weaning. Two doses (0 and 35 g/day) were assigned to groups of sows from second to sixth farrowing, distributed in 10 treatments: T1: second farrowing (0 g), T2: second farrowing (35 g), T3: third farrowing (0 g), T4: third farrowing (35 g), T5: fourth farrowing (0 g), T6: fourth farrowing (35 g), T7: fifth farrowing (0 g), T8: fifth farrowing (35 g), T9: sixth farrowing (0 g) and T10: sixth farrowing (35 g). Individual piglet weights were compared between the two treatments at the end of the lactation period. Data were analyzed with Infostat® 2018 software using a univariate unbalanced nonparametric statistical design with the Kruskal-Wallis test at a significance level of 5 % (P < 0.05). An economic analysis was also performed using the partial cost methodology, in which it was determined that the treatment that produced the best net benefit was T6, which was 23.27 USD. The results under the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the treatments are significantly different, since the mean overall weight of the piglets whose mothers were given Ixbut meal was 5.63 kilograms and the mean weight of the piglets that were not given Ixbut meal was 5.10 kilograms, with a significance level of 5%. For the economic analysis, partial costs were made for the consumption and cost of concentrate for the piglets and the budget for the use of Ixbut. It was concluded that the use of Ixbut meal increases milk production since it was reflected in the weight gain of the piglets at weaning.
Producción de Berenjena (Solanum melongena L.) con la implementación de un acondicionador físico de suelos aplicado en época seca
Este estudio evaluó la influencia de un acondicionador físico de suelos a base de un polímero de almidón superabsorbente en la producción del cultivo de berenjena (Solanum melongena L.) variedad Criolla en época seca, durante el periodo de febrero a mayo de 2025 en el Centro de Investigación y Transferencia Agroalimentaria y Medioambiente (CITAM), El Salvador. Se empleó un diseño completamente al azar (DCA) para comparar dos tratamientos: uno con aplicación del polímero (2 onzas/ planta) y un grupo control sin aplicación. Para evaluar la optimización hídrica, el riego se diferenció: el grupo con el acondicionador se regó dos veces por semana, mientras el control requirió riego diario. Se evaluaron la altura de la planta, el peso del fruto, y la longitud y el diámetro del fruto. Los resultados revelaron que la aplicación del polímero incrementó significativamente la altura promedio de la planta (124.80 cm vs. 91.20 cm, p<0.001), el peso promedio del fruto (316.88 g vs. 250.56 g, p<0.001), la longitud (17.72 cm vs. 11.84 cm, p<0.001) y el diámetro (8.40 cm vs. 6.92 cm, p<0.001) de los frutos. Estos hallazgos confirman que el acondicionador, al optimizar las condiciones del suelo incluyendo la disponibilidad hídrica y de nutrientes, ejerce una influencia positiva en el crecimiento y rendimiento de la berenjena en condiciones de sequía. La aplicación de este producto representa una opción viable para la agricultura sostenible en zonas con escasez de agua.
Copyright (c) 2025 Álvaro Nehemías López Ponce http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Reporte de Meloetyphlus fuscatus Waterhouse 1872 (Coleoptera: Meloidae: Tetraonycinae) para Honduras, Centro América
Resumen Se reporta a Meloetyphlus fuscatus Waterhouse para Honduras, luego de identificar una especie rara de Meloidae, recolectada en un nido de abejas construido en los tubos de drenaje de un muro de cemento y piedra, hallado en Tegucigalpa M.D.C. La identificación se logró con base al trabajo de Pinto and Bologna, 1999, el cual contiene 49 especies de Meloidae para el nuevo mundo. Con este estudio, se adiciona a la riqueza entomológica de Honduras, una especie que estaba reportada hasta Costa Rica, sin haber registros más al norte de dicho país. Esto indica la importancia de seguir realizando estudios para conocer la biodiversidad, pues aún se encuentran insectos que no están reportados para Honduras o para la ciencia. Abstract It is reported to Meloetyphlus fuscatus Waterhouse for Honduras, after identifying a rare species of Meloidae, collected in a nest of bees built in the drainage pipes of a concrete and stone wall, found in Tegucigalpa M.D.C. The identification was achieved based on the work of Pinto and Bologna 1999, which contains 49 species of Meloidae for the new world. With this study, it is added to the entomological richness of Honduras, a species that was reported to Costa Rica, with no records to the north of that country. This indicates the importance of continuing studies to know the biodiversity, because insects are still found that are not reported for Honduras or for science.
Copyright (c) 2017 Rafael Menjívar Rosa, Karla Cantarero, Christian Wildt
Evaluación de bloques multinutricionales en la alimentación de ganado de doble propósito en ordeño
Resumen El ensayo se realizó en la Estación Experimental y de Prácticas de la Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas de la Universidad de El Salvador. El objetivo fue evaluar diferentes procedimientos de elaboración de bloques multinutricionales (BMN), y su efecto en la producción láctea y rentabilidad en vacas. Tuvo una duración de cuatro meses entre mayo y agosto de 2008, durante la época lluviosa; se utilizaron 30 vacas en producción alimentadas con 3 Kg/día de concentrado y pastoreo en potreros con zacate estrella (Cynodon plectostachyus) y agua a libre consumo. Se evaluó el consumo voluntario dividiendo a las vacas y ofreciéndoles BMN hechos con prensa hidráulica, un grupo recibió BMN duro (n=15) y el otro BMN blando (n=15) durante 7 días, se pesaron los bloques al principio y al final y se estimó el consumo. Se evaluó el efecto del consumo controlado en la producción, formando 2 grupos de vacas repartiendo igualitariamente el efecto del periodo postparto, se les ofreció 500 gr. de mezcla de BMN mezclado con el concentrado a un grupo (n=15) y el otro fue (n=15) testigo, se midió la producción láctea Kg/día durante un periodo de 12 días. Se evaluó también el efecto del consumo voluntario en la producción durante 14 días formando dos grupos uno con BMN (n= 15) y el otro testigo (n=15). El efecto del consumo controlado y voluntario, en la producción fue evaluado por medio de pruebas de t-student. Se analizó el presupuesto parcial determinando costos parciales, ingresos y utilidad parcial. Los BMN con mayor dureza tuvieron un consumo promedio 144.97, y los blandos de 94.73 gr/vaca/día, equivalente a 1.44 y 0.94 gr/100 kg de peso vivo respectivamente. Las vacas que consumieron 500 gr/día de mezcla tuvieron una producción láctea mayor (5.81 kg/día) que las vacas en el grupo testigo (5.40 kg/día) (p>0.005); el incremento de la producción fue 0.41 Kg por día. Las vacas que consumieron voluntariamente BMN tendieron a una mayor producción láctea (5.35 kg/día) que las vacas en el grupo testigo (4.99 kg/día) (p= 0.018), siendo el consumo voluntario 158 gr/día. El costo de la mezcla fue de USD 17.55 por quintal y USD 0.39 por kilogramo, el costo de un bloque fue de USD 3.05 y la utilidad vaca/día fue de USD 0.096. Abstract The trial was conducted at the Experimental and Practices Station, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of El Salvador. The objective was to evaluate different procedures multinutritional block (MNB), and the effect of MNB on milk production and profitability in dual purpose cows. It had duration of four months between May and August 2008, during the rainy season. A total of 30 milking cows were used, they were fed 3 kg/day of concentrate and grazing paddocks with star grass (Cynodon plectostachyus) and free water access. Cows were divided and offered MNB made on hydraulic press, a group had hard MNB (n=15) and the other soft BMN (n=15) for 7 days, the blocks were weighed at the beginning and end to estimate the voluntary consumption. The controlled consumption effect on production was evaluated forming 2 groups of cows with similar distribution of the effect of postpartum period, giving 500 gr/day BMN mixture mixed with the concentrate to a group (n=15) and the other was (n=15) control, daily milk kg/day over a period of 12 days was measured. The effect of voluntary consumption in production for 14 days with two groups with a BMN (n=15) and the control (n=15) was also evaluated. The effect of controlled and voluntary consumption, production was evaluated by student t-tests. Economic comparison was performed by determining partial budget, partial costs and partial utilities. The consumption of hard and soft MNB was 144.97 and 94.73 g/cow/day, equivalent to 1.44 and 0.94 gr/100 kg body weights. Cows that consumed 500 g/day of mixture had a higher milk production (5.81 kg/day) than cows in the control group (5.40 kg/day) (p> 0.005); increased production was 0.41 kg per day. Cows that consumed voluntarily BMN had a higher milk production (5.35 kg/day) than cows in the control group (4.99 kg/day) (p=0.018), being the voluntary consumption 158 gr/day. The cost of the mixture was USD 17.55 per 100 pounds or $ 0.39 per kilogram, the cost of a block was USD $ 3.05 and utility cow/day was USD $ 0096.
Copyright (c) 2017 C G Cardoza Hernández, L B Hernández Carias
Caracterización morfoagronómica de seis cultivares de ayote (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) e incidencia de artrópodos y enfermedades
Resumen Con el objetivo de llevar a cabo la caracterización morfoagronómica en seis cultivares de ayote Cucurbita moschata Duch) se realizó la presente investigación durante los meses de Julio del 2016 hasta Abril del 2017, en la Estación Experimental y Prácticas de la Facultad de Ciencias agronómicas, Universidad de El Salvador, ubicado en el municipio de San Luis Talpa, departamento de La Paz. El Salvador, C.A. Para los seis tratamientos representados como cultivares e identificados por la forma del fruto, se registraron características cuantitativas y cualitativas de 10 plantas por cultivar bajo la técnica del microtunel durante las primeras dos semanas. Los datos de las variables se obtuvieron por medio de la guía de descriptores según las normas Internacionales del IBPGR, interpretando los datos con el programa InfoStat 20.0 aplicando estadística descriptiva: promedios, desviación estándar, coeficiente de variación y análisis multivariado que comprende: Correlación, Componentes Principales y Conglomerados. El análisis de conglomerados generado dividió en tres grupos o clúster los cultivares, cuyas características reflejan homogeneidad dentro de cada uno. Se concluye que al realizar la caracterización mostró relevantes diferencias en cuanto al rendimiento y el desarrollo de la planta, observando el potencial de cada cultivar para diferentes propósitos de acuerdo a sus características. En el registro de artrópodos asociados al ayote los organismos que ocasionaron mayores daños son: Coleóptera: Crhysomelidae, incluyendo los géneros Diabrótica sp. y Acalymma sp; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Diaphania sp., y Sesiidae: Melittia sp. Asimismo, se identificaron los organismos de rol benéfico: Apidae (Apis sp., y Melipona sp.); Vespidae: Polybia sp.; Hemíptero: Anthocoridae: Orius sp., y Neuróptera: Chrysopidae. La manifestación de síntomas por virus y hongos se identificó en laboratorio por parte del CENTA, determinando la presencia de Cercospora sp., Curvularia sp., Alternaria sp., Sclerotium sp., y en mayor cantidad de daño el patógeno Pseudoperonospora sp. Abstract In order to carry out the morphoagronomic characterization in six cultivars of cucumber (Cucurbita moschata Duch), this research was carried out during the months of July 2016 to April 2017, at the Experimental Station and Practices of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University Of El Salvador, located in the municipality of San Luis Talpa, Department of La Paz. El Salvador, C.A. For the six treatments represented as cultivars and identified by the fruit shape, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of 10 plants per cultivar were recorded, and under the microtunel technique during the first two weeks. The data of the variables were obtained through the descriptive guide according to IBPGR International standards, interpreting the data with the program InfoStat 20.0 applying descriptive statistics: averages, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and multivariate analysis that includes: Correlation, Components Main and Conglomerates. The conglomerates generated by the multivariate analysis were divided into three groups whose characteristics reflect homogeneity within each one. It is concluded that the characterization showed significant differences in the yield and development of the plant, observing the potential of each cultivar for different purposes according to their characteristics. In the register of arthropods associated with the crop, the organisms that caused the most damage are: Coleoptera: Crhysomelidae, including the genus Diabrótica sp. and Acalymma sp, Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Diaphania sp., And Sesiidae: Melittia sp. Likewise, organisms with a beneficial role were identified: Apidae (Apis sp., and Melipona sp.), Vespidae: Polybia sp., Hemiptera: Anthocoridae: Orius sp., and Neuróptera: Chrysopidae. The manifestation of symptoms by viruses and fungi was identified in the laboratory by CENTA, determining the presence of Cercospora sp., Curvularia sp., Alternaria sp., Sclerotium sp., and in greater amount of damage the pathogen Pseudoperonospora sp.
Copyright (c) 2017 M B Aguilar-Jimenez, L Serrano-Cervantes, F Lara-Ascencio, M Pérez-Ascencio
Evaluación de la incidencia de la fermentación en la calidad del grano de cacao trinitario en Caluco, Sonsonate, El Salvador
La investigación se ejecutó de mayo a noviembre de 2016, realizando tres procesos de fermentación entre junio y julio, en el centro de acopio de la Asociación Cooperativa de Producción Agropecuaria “Cacao Los Izalcos” de Responsabilidad Limitada, ACPACI de R. L., en Caluco, Sonsonate, El Salvador. Evaluando si la clasificación del grano por cantidad de mucilago (categoría A y B), los métodos de fermentación (sin y con presecado) y los fermentadores (caja de madera y saco de yute), influyeron en la calidad del grano de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), aplicando un diseño factorial 23 en bloques con ocho tratamientos y tres repeticiones. Midiendo diariamente: temperatura ambiente, humedad relativa, temperatura del grano, pH, grados Brix, porcentaje de acidez, grados de alcohol y estado del grano. De agosto a noviembre de 2016 se analizaron los contenidos de: grasa, proteína, ceniza, grado de fermentación por el método de agua y la calidad física del grano por el método de corte. El principal hallazgo obtenido fue que, los granos categoría A y B con mayor porcentaje de buena fermentación y menor de levemente fermentado fueron los que no recibieron presecado y fermentados en saco de yute, con 76.3 y 78.7% respectivamente, así como los granos categoría B, sin presecado y fermentados en caja de madera, con 77%. Sin embargo, los análisis de varianza no detectaron diferencias significativas (p>0.05) con un nivel de significancia del 5%. Comparando los resultados con la clasificación de la norma INTE/ISO 23-02-04-09, los granos categoría A y B, sin presecado y fermentados en sacos de yute, clasificaron como granos fermentados grado I. The research was carried out from May to November 2016, carrying out three fermentation processes between June and July, at the collection center of the Asociación Cooperativa de Producción Agropecuaria “Cacao Los Izalcos” de Responsabilidad Limitada ACPACI de R. L. in Caluco, Sonsonate, El Salvador. Evaluating whether the grain classification by quantity of mucilage (category A and B), fermentation methods (without and with pre dried) and fermenters (wooden box and jute sack), influenced the quality of the cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao L.). applying a 23 block factorial design with eight treatments and three replicates. Measuring every day: ambient temperature, relative humidity, grain temperature, pH, degrees Brix, percentage of acidity, alcohol degrees and grain status. From August to November 2016 analyzed the contents of: fat, protein, ash, degree of fermentation by the water method and the physical quality of the grain were analyzed by the cutting method. The main finding was that the category A and B grains with a higher percentage of good fermentation, and lower percentage of slightly fermented were those that did not receive pre-dried and fermented in the jute sack, with 76.3 and 78.7% respectively, as well as, the category B grains, Without pre-dried and fermented in a wooden box, with 77%. However, the analyzes of variance did not detect significant differences (p>0.05) with a significance level of 5%. Comparing the results with the classification of INTE / ISO 23-02-04-09, the grains of category A and B, without pre-dried and fermented in jute sacks, classify as grade I fermented grains
Copyright (c) 2017 Ian Antonio Steinau-Dueñas