In developing countries, intercropping is commonly used to boost land productivity and agricultural benefits. However, in the Yucatan region of Mexico, maize (Zea mays L.) yields remain low, despite ...consistent fertilizer and pesticide inputs in traditional intercropping systems. Furthermore, little is known about the photosynthetic mechanisms that occur when maize plants interact with legumes, and there is a lack of understanding of how intercropping systems affect other organisms in the system, such as beneficial and insect pest population dynamics. A field experiment was carried out on the Yucatan Peninsula in 2021 to assess the impact of maize–legume intercropping systems on maize yield, physiological characteristics as evaluated by gas exchange measurements, and the abundance of beneficial insects in traditional and novel maize intercropping systems. The experiment was carried out with a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Treatments included maize intercropped with a novel legume, crotalaria (Crotalaria juncea L.), maize intercropped with a traditional legume, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), and sole maize as a control. Significant differences in plant height were shown at growth stages V12 (45 days after sowing) and VT (60 days after sowing). No differences were observed in stem diameter, leaf area index, or chlorophyll content. The maize/cowpea intercrop increased the photosynthesis rate by 12.9% and 9.84% in the maize/crotalaria and sole maize, respectively (p < 0.001), and transpiration rate by 6.5% and 8.5% in the maize intercropped with crotalaria and sole maize treatments, respectively (p < 0.001), of maize plants. No significant effects on stomatal conductance or water use efficiency were observed, but the carbon intercellular rate was reduced by 9.74% and 9.15 when compared to the maize/crotalaria and the sole maize treatments, respectively. Overall, intercropping treatments attracted more beneficial insects than sole maize. For predators, the families that stood out were Coccinelidae, Formicidae, Araneidae, Thomisidae, Syrphidae, Chrysomelidae, Oxypidae, Vespidae, Reduviidae, Carabidae, Asilidae, Salthicidae, Dolichopodidae, while among parasitoids, the most frequent families were Eurytomydae, Braconidae, Tachinidae, Pteromalidae, Scelionidae, and Figitidae. In comparison to the maize/cowpea and maize/crotalaria treatments, the sole maize treatment resulted in a grain yield increase of 24.5% and 32%, respectively. However, sole maize was not statistically different to that of maize/cowpea intercropping. In conclusion, our findings suggest that maize/cowpea intercropping could be a viable alternative to sole maize cropping systems for enhancing maize yield and the abundance of beneficial insects, without increasing interspecific competition with the maize crop. Therefore, the maize/cowpea intercropping system represents a sustainable planting alternative for promoting maize grain yield and also promoting edible legume production within the system. Furthermore, the outcomes of this study can serve as a theoretical framework for increasing maize–legume intercropping profitability under growing conditions on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Intercropping is extensively used to increase land productivity and agricultural benefits. In developing countries, intercropping has historically been one of the most widely used cropping systems. ...Crop models have been used to assess risk productivity over time and space, particularly in monocropping systems. Crop models, such as the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT), have been widely used to improve crop growth, development, and yield predictions; however, this model has some limitations when assessing interspecific competition in intercropping systems (e.g., it does not have a subroutine capable of running two crops simultaneously). Therefore, in this study, we developed a new approach to allow DSSAT to run two crop species in intercropping systems. A light interception algorithm and modified source code were integrated into the DSSAT to simulate the relay-strip intercropping system. The intercrop model developed in this study is the first intercrop model for DSSAT. This model is generic and can be employed to build other cereal–legume intercrop models for DSSAT Version 4.8. Regarding risk assessment of crop production, the model can evaluate long-term cereal–legume intercrop yields in low-input cropping systems. Therefore, before officially launching the new model in DSSAT, more field trials are recommended to rigorously evaluate and improve the model with data from different environments. The intercrop model developed in this study is simple, so this modeling approach can be employed to develop other cereal–noncereal intercrop models.
In many parts of the world, chemical pesticides are the primary method of pest control in maize (
.) crops. Concerns about the negative consequences of chemical pesticide use on people's health and ...the environment, as well as the emergence of insecticide resistance, have accelerated attempts to discover alternatives that are effective, low-risk, and cost-effective. Maize-legume intercropping systems are known to have multiple benefits to agroecosystem functioning, including pest regulation. This review focuses on the influence of maize-legume intercropping systems on insect diversity and abundance as a mechanism for insect pest regulation in maize crops. First, this review combines knowledge of maize-legume intercrops, with a particular emphasis on the mechanism by which this practice attracts beneficial insects (
, predators, parasitoids) to reduce pest damage in intercropping systems. In addition, the pairings of specific legume species with the greatest potential to attract more beneficial insects and therefore reduce maize pests are also discussed. Finally, future research needs are also recommended. Findings are reviewed in the context of looking for long-term management strategies that can increase the adoption of integrated pest management programs in maize-based production systems.
In the last decade, attention has been drawn to a defense priming mechanism between plants of the same species through volatile organic compounds so that neighboring plants can prepare for the ...potential arrival of herbivorous insects. The induction of plant response priming by
Tetranychus urticae
Koch (Tetranychidae) in
Phaseolus vulgaris
(Fabaceae) seedlings was evaluated through different communication pathways, focusing on resistance mechanisms (physical and chemical defenses: thickness, hardness, and foliar phenols) and plant tolerance (stem length, diameter, leaf area, and number of leaves). Five treatments were established: (1) Emitting seedling (with
T. urticae
); (2) direct communication (sender and recipient seedlings separated at 40 cm with free transfer of mites); (3) aerial communication (sender and recipient seedlings communicated aerially at 40 cm, but physically excluded from
T. urticae
); (4) positive control (seedling isolated but with
T. urticae
); and (5) negative control (seedling isolated and without
T. urticae
). Plant defense priming responses were recorded, interestingly, by different means of communication: aerial for tolerance and direct for resistance. When responses were induced by air rather than directly, trade-offs between plant resistance versus tolerance to herbivory were found. Notably, the principal component analysis showed a clear grouping of the variables of tolerance toward air communication and resistance toward direct communication. This strongly suggests the existence of different activation pathways for plant communication depending on tolerance and resistance mechanisms, a potential result of energy production costs.
Intercropping constitutes the traditional farming system practice used in various forms for maize production in the Yucatan peninsula. Although practiced for centuries, problems persist with ...competition for water, nutrients and light between crop species in traditional farming systems. Furthermore, little is known about farmers’ perceptions regarding changes to traditional maize-legume intercropping systems and their interest in novel crop adoption to increase yields in the system while maintaining the practice. The objective of this study was to investigate the maize-based traditional cropping system by assessing the underlying motives and concepts of farmers to practice intercropping in the Yucatan Peninsula and to examine the association between farmers’ level of knowledge about legumes and decisions to adopt intercropping and related practices therein. Farmer surveys were conducted in nine different regions of the Yucatan Peninsula. We selected Xoy, Euan, Muna, Mama, Tahdziú (Yucatan), Becal, Hecelchacam, Dzitbalché and San Antonio Sahcabchén (Campeche) which are representative of agroecological small-scale farming systems. We used a mixed methods case study analysis involving key informant interviews in eight associations of farmers. A sample frame with 73 farmers was selected in total during February 2021 and April 2021. Basic information such as land use, labor inputs, agricultural production and farmer’s perceptions regarding their intercropping systems were collected. Our research shows that the primary motives for intercropping were due to the ability of intercropping to offer a more diversified range of food for human and animal consumption, as well as to take advantage of different harvest periods that this practice offers. The majority of respondents were likely to favor the idea of introducing new legume species in their maize-based cropping systems. Factors such as the type of cropping system (i.e., intercropping or monocropping), access to water and level of knowledge about legumes influenced their decision to adopt intercropping in their farming systems considerably. This paper contributes to the knowledge on the current state and farmers’ perceptions of intercropping systems in the Yucatan Peninsula.
The objective of this experiment was to assess the impact of different planting patterns on light availability for cowpea within the intercrop canopy, as well as to evaluate the corresponding effects ...on cowpea's physiological characteristics and grain yield in maize/cowpea intercropping systems. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design with four replicates and included six treatments: sole cowpea with 40 kg N ha
−1
(T1) and 80 kg N ha
−1
(T2), simultaneous sowing of maize and cowpea with 40 kg N ha
−1
(T3) and 80 kg N ha
−1
(T4) and cowpea sown 3 weeks after maize with 40 kg N ha
−1
(T5) and 80 kg N ha
−1
(T6). Results showed that sole cowpea had higher light interception and leaf area index than intercropped maize/cowpea, regardless of sowing date and nitrogen supply. The highest photosynthetic rates of cowpea were observed in the intercropping maize/cowpea sown simultaneously with 40 kg N ha
−1
and sole cowpea with 80 kg N ha
−1
. The water use efficiency of cowpea was found to be higher when intercropped with simultaneously sown maize, regardless of nitrogen supply, with values of 3.23 μmol CO
2
/mmol H
2
O and 3.3 μmol CO
2
/mmol H
2
O for treatments T3 and T4, respectively. Moreover, the highest cowpea grain yield was observed when maize and cowpea were sown simultaneously with the application of 80 kg N ha
−1
(0.99 t ha
−1
), while the lowest yield was obtained when cowpea was sown 3 weeks after maize (0.37 t ha
−1
), irrespective of nitrogen supply. Overall, our findings suggest that maize/cowpea intercropping with simultaneous sowing of maize can enhance the grain yield of cowpea in the Yucatan Peninsula.
We assessed the emergence, growth, phenotypic plasticity and quality of both landrace and commercial tomato fruits under conditions of elevated temperature and increased CO2 concentrations CO2. Four ...growth chambers were used in which temperature and CO2 differed: LTLC (30 °C, 400 µmol CO2 mol−1), LTHC (30 °C, 1200 µmol CO2 mol−1), HTLC (40 °C, 400 µmol CO2 mol−1) and HTHC (40 °C, 1200 µmol CO2 mol−1). The acronyms indicate the following: LT, low temperature; HT, high temperature; LC, low CO2; and HC, high CO2. Elevated temperatures significantly affected emergence in both genotypes, with the rate decreasing below 35% at HT compared to over 95% at LT. At HT, seedlings died before producing true leaves. This increase in temperature negatively affected plant growth, though HC produced some compensatory growth promotion. Regarding HT and CO2 interactions, HC failed to counteract the negative impacts of HT. The commercial variety showed a higher relative distance plasticity index (RDPI) under HT, whereas the landrace showed greater plasticity in plant height under HC. The largest fruit sizes were observed at LT, whereas no fruits were found at HTLC. Elevated temperature at HC resulted in enhanced total phenol content and increased antioxidant activity in the fruits.
Intercropping is the process of planting two or more crops simultaneously in the same field in order to provide greater ecosystem services (i.e. services related to sustainable land and water use, ...climate change mitigation, and ecosystem restoration). In southern Mexico, the cereal-legume intercropping is a traditional cropping practice that is declining overtime. This paper provides a literature review of the potential benefits and constraints of a maize-legume intercropping for small-scale farms in southern Mexico. This review explored and elucidated the different ecosystem services delivered by maize-legume intercropping systems. This information will help farmers know how to make a better use of cereal-legume intercropping systems to increase maize yields, improve their socioeconomic conditions, and enhance conservation agricultural practices in southern Mexico.
RESUMO: Consórcio é o processo de plantar duas ou mais safras simultaneamente no mesmo campo, a fim de fornecer maiores serviços de ecossistema (ou seja, serviços relacionados ao uso sustentável da terra e da água, mitigação das mudanças climáticas e restauração do ecossistema) para as lavouras. No sul do México, o consórcio cereal-leguminosa é uma prática tradicional de cultivo que está diminuindo com o tempo. Este artigo fornece uma revisão da literatura sobre os benefícios e limitações potenciais do consórcio milho-leguminosa para fazendas de pequena escala no sul do México. Esta revisão foi escrita para explorar e elucidar os diferentes serviços ecossistêmicos fornecidos por sistemas consorciados de milho e leguminosa. Essas informações ajudarão os agricultores a saber como fazer um melhor uso dos sistemas consorciados de cereais e leguminosas para aumentar a produtividade do milho, melhorar sua subsistência socioeconômica e melhorar as práticas agrícolas de conservação no sul do México.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
This study aimed to characterize the socioeconomic situation of producers and the production practices adopted by farmers in the region of Petite Rivière de Bayonnais, located in the municipality of ...Gonaives, in the department of Artibonite. This study was conducted in the Petite Rivière de Bayonnais region in the municipality of Gonaives, Haiti. Participants were 44 farmers from five Bayonnais communities. Visits were made to the different farms, applied forms, from which it was determined that corn, sorghum, rice, beans, peanuts, carrots, beets, shallots, green onions, and peppers are the main plant species cultivated in this region, accompanied by rearing, such as goats, predominantly especially in mountainous areas. The agriculture practiced in this region is subsistence by farmers with low education level and low family income. Considering the data produced, the agricultural practices adopted in this region pose a threat to sustainable local development, where there is intense environmental degradation in the mountains, specifically in the regions where the main springs are located. Thus, it was identified in the Petite Rivière de Bayonnais region, under the eyes of farmers, the diminished water resource in the rivers, due to deforestation in all mountains, causing conflicts among farmers over access to water for their plantations in wintertime. Improvement in Bayonnais´ agricultural sector depends on government action on energy, water, and basic sanitation, as empowering farmers alone will not be enough to achieve the minimum quality of life conditions for this population.
Discharge of agro-industrial wastewater causes severe damage to the environment due to the various hazardous components it contains. Progressive circular agriculture and industry involve closed ...cycles and zero-waste principles; therefore, waste treatment for subsequent reuse is of great interest. The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a promising sustainable technology capable of treating wastewater at low cost without greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while simultaneously producing electricity. The principle behind MFCs is based on the conversion of chemical energy into electricity using electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) as a biocatalyst. This article presents an overview of the progress and recent advancements in MFCs as a pivotal technology for agro-industrial wastewater treatment with production of sustainable electricity, compared to conventional treatment processes. Furthermore, the fundamental aspects of the design, configuration, operation, and application of MFCs in wastewater treatment (i.e., removal of inorganic nutrients, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, sulfide, ammonium, organics, dyes, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and petroleum) are comprehensively discussed. Despite the viability and potential of MFCs in treating agro-industrial wastewater and producing electricity, they face various limitations and significant challenges, which are highlighted in this review. Future opportunities and perspectives on MFC applications are also discussed. Further research is required to address MFC limitations, which could make them feasible and practicable for real-world applications. However, MFC technology is clearly an excellent option for simultaneous wastewater treatment and electricity production without the need for external energy sources.
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•Recent advancements in microbial fuel cells for agro-industrial wastewater treatment are discussed.•Pollutants removal in wastewater using bioelectrochemical processes is summarized.•Configuration of microbial fuel cells is highlighted.•Factors limiting microbial fuel cells' performance are reported.•Challenges in microbial fuel cell applications are presented.
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