Artículos científicos
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Ítem Occurrence, sources, and ecological risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in rice field soils of northwestern Peru(Elsevier B.V., 2026-02-04) Culqui Gaslac, Cristian; Tineo Flores, Daniel; Fernandez Jibaja, Jorge Antonio; Alvarez Robledo, Yeltsin Abel; Garcia Frias, Larry Dustin; Mendoza Merino, Jani Elisabet; Taboada Mitma, Víctor Hugo; Cruz Luis, Juancarlos Alejandro; Rojas Briceño, Nilton B.; García, Ligia; Zirena Vilca, Franz; Goñas Goñas, MalluriPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic contaminants that pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems. This study investigated the occurrence, sources, and ecological risks of PAHs in rice paddy soils from northwestern Peru. Ninety-seven soil samples were collected at a depth of 30 cm across three altitudinal zones, four phenological stages, and two agronomic management practices. Quantification was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection (UHPLC-FLD). Source apportionment was conducted through rotated principal component analysis combined with multiple linear regression. Ecological risk was assessed using organic carbon normalization and the mean effects range-median quotient (M-ERM-Q) method, while carcinogenic potential was estimated using the toxic equivalent factor (TEQCARC). Total PAHs ranged from 22.02 to 130.55 ng g⁻¹ (mean: 55.26 ng g⁻¹); LMW PAHs averaged 37.38 ng g⁻¹, exceeding HMW PAHs (17.88 ng g⁻¹). No significant differences were observed among altitudinal zones, phenological stages or agronomic practices (p > 0.05). The predominant sources of PAHs were attributed to vehicular emissions (52.3%), petroleum and biomass combustion (42.1%), and coal combustion (5.4%). Ecological risk assessment revealed low contamination levels below established safety thresholds (CEC <290 μg g⁻¹), consistent with the carcinogenic risk estimated through TEQCARC (0.0083 to 18.7483 ng BaPeq g⁻¹). This study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of PAHs contamination in rice paddy soils in Peru and underscores the influence of altitude and agricultural practices, emphasizing the need for further research on pollution sources, impacts on crop productivity, and potential risks to human health.Ítem Soil quality in olive orchards of southern Peru using a weighted soil quality index (SQIw): constraints by salinity, organic matter and sustainable management approach(Frontiers Media S.A., 2026-02-09) Poma Chamana, Russell Hilario; Vilca Gamarra, César; Linares Escapa, Solmayra; Puma Huacani, Katherine; Carrillo, Alex; Villalta Soto, Martín J.C.; Quispe Matos, Kenyi RolandoIntroduction: Soil salinization and alkalinization in the arid zones of southern Peru pose major challenges to agricultural sustainability, particularly in the olive orchards of Bella Unión, where irrigation relies on surface and groundwater of variable quality. This study aimed to assess soil quality and its spatial variability to support site-specific management in olive (Olea europaea L.) orchards. Methods: A total of 160 composite soil samples (0–30 cm) were collected from representative olive orchards and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (ECe), organic matter (OM), available phosphorus (Pav), available potassium (Kav), texture, and calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE). The Soil Quality Index (SQIw) was calculated and combined with multivariate and geostatistical analyses to identify key soil quality indicators and characterize their spatial variability. Results: Soils showed high variability in salinity (ECe = 1.30–24.61 dS m⁻¹) and organic matter content (0.50–3.10%), while pH was relatively homogeneous (6.90–8.40). According to the SQIw, 1.26% of soils were classified as Very Poor, 44.96% as Poor, 51.49% as Acceptable, 2.28% as Good, and 0.01% as Optimal. Electrical conductivity was the main factor controlling the SQIw. Discussion: These results indicate that salinity represents a major constraint for olive growth and productivity in the study area. Despite its lower weight in the SQIw, the generally low organic matter levels suggest limitations for soil fertility, water retention, and nutrient cycling, highlighting the need for organic amendments with low electrical conductivity. Nutrient management should also account for reduced nutrient availability under alkaline–saline conditions and the widespread organic matter deficiency. This study represents the first application of SQIw in Peruvian olive orchards and demonstrates its usefulness for delineating low-quality zones, guiding fertilization and soil recovery strategies, and promoting sustainable soil management in arid agroecosystems.Ítem Comparative Analysis of Morphology, Resource Allocation, and Nutritional Characteristics in Populations of Festuca dolichophylla Cultivated in the Andean Region of Peru(MDPI, 2026-02-03) Paucar, Ysai; Paucar, Samuel Porfirio; Mejía, Flor Lidomira; Vásquez, Héctor Vladimir; Zagaceta, Luis Homero; Saucedo Uriarte, José Américo; Yoplac, Ives; Flores, Enrique Ricardo; Contreras, José Luis; Argote Quispe, Gregorio Fructuoso; Yalli Huamaní, Teodoro Bill; Aguirre, LucreciaGrasslands are ecosystems of global importance; in Peru, they represent more than half of the country's territory. However, few studies have been conducted on high Andean grasslands. The objective was to study morphological, productive, resource allocation, and nutritional characteristics in five populations of Festuca dolichophylla grown under similar conditions. Populations that originated from Huancavelica Community and University, Junín, Pasco, and Puno were grown in Huancavelica Community in a randomized block design. After twelve months, a uniformization cut was performed, and five months later they were evaluated. Morphological characteristics, productivity, and resource allocation were analyzed with ANCOVA, the nutritional characteristics were analyzed with one-way ANOVA (considering population as a factor). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for morphological characteristics such as height, number and length of stems, and number of inflorescences. The resource allocation was 13.8% root, 18.4% crown, 29.2% culms + sheaths, 34.8% blades, and 3.8% inflorescence, with no differences between populations (p > 0.05). The Puno population stood out for its greater biomass, linked to more stems and inflorescences. Nutritional characteristics varied among populations in terms of crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and in vitro dry matter digestibility. These findings are useful for selecting populations in revegetation or genetic breeding programs.Ítem Agro-Environmental Vulnerability and Ecosystem Sustainability in Peruvian Family Farming: Integrating Survey Data, Spatial Modeling and Remote Sensing(MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute), 2026-01-30) Pizarro, Samuel; Ccopi Trucios, Dennis; Otoya Barrenechea, José; Romero Vasquez, Juan; Tolentino Soriano, María; Cotrina Sanchez, Alexander; Barboza, ElgarSubsistence family farming in Peru is increasingly constrained by ecosystem degradation, climate variability, and limited access to productive services, particularly where environmental exposure is high. This study develops an Agro-productive and Territorial Vulnerability Index (IVAPT) to evaluate environmental, ecosystem, and socioeconomic vulnerability of subsistence agriculture at the district level nationwide. The index integrates district-level agricultural survey data (ENA-2024) with multi-temporal MODIS NDVI series (2000–2024) and comprehensive climatic, topographic, land-cover, and accessibility indicators, processed through multivariate statistics. Three objective weighting schemes (ENTROPY, CRITIC, PCA) construct thematic sub-indices of Environmental Exposure (EnvExp), Ecosystem Condition (EcoCond), and Socioeconomic Capacity (SocioCap). Results show more than half of Peru's 1552 districts fall within moderate to very high vulnerability, with highest concentration in the Amazon region (Loreto, Ucayali, Madre de Dios), Andean-Amazonian transitions, and highland districts (Huancavelica, Apurímac, Ayacucho, Puno) where biophysical constraints, ecosystem pressure, and socioeconomic isolation converge. Dimensional spatial complementarity EnvExp peaking on coast, EcoCond in Amazon, SocioCap in Andes demonstrates effective vulnerability reduction requires dimension-specific interventions. Despite divergent weighting schemes, spatial patterns remained consistent, validating identified hotspots. IVAPT provides a reproducible framework supporting evidence-based territorial planning and targeted investments in water infrastructure, ecosystem restoration, and climate adaptation.Ítem Determinación de plomo y cadmio en frutos de Mangifera indica L. (mango) cercanos a pozos de oxidación(Universidad Nacional de Trujillo - Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, 2026-01-29) Alarcon Cruz, Neidi; Peláez Gonzales, Romario Anibal; Chico Ruíz, Julio Roger; Campos Ruiz, Joseph; Campos Ruiz, Sanderson Narcizo; Calle Iparraguirre, Nander Oriol; García Carrasco, ElferLos metales pesados constituyen una de las principales fuentes de contaminación ambiental debido a su persistencia, bioacumulación y efectos adversos sobre los ecosistemas y la salud humana. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar las concentraciones de plomo (Pb) y cadmio (Cd) en frutos de Mangifera indica L. cultivados en áreas adyacentes a pozos de oxidación en el distrito y provincia de Jaén, Perú. La cuantificación de los metales se realizó mediante espectrofotometría de absorción atómica, siguiendo la normativa USEPA (1996) y el método 3052. Los resultados indicaron que el 33,3 % de las muestras superaron los límites máximos permisibles de Pb y el 3,33 % excedieron los valores establecidos para Cd, conforme al Codex Alimentarius, la Unión Europea y la legislación rusa. Asimismo, se observó mayor concentración de Pb en frutos de la parte inferior de la copa y de Cd en la zona media. En conclusión, los frutos evaluados no son aptos para consumo humano, representando un riesgo potencial para la salud pública.Ítem Phenotypic variability of tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis S.) in Peruvian germplasm collections(Genetic Resources Journal, 2026-01-28) Ortega Quispe, Kevin Abner; Peña Elme, Eunice Dorcas; Girón Aguilar, Rita Carolina; Amaro Camarena, Nery Amelia; Rios Chavarría, Claudia; Lopez Pariona, Bertha; Cerrón Mercado, Francis Gladys; Camargo Hinostroza, Steve; Pizarro, SamuelThe growing global loss of genetic diversity, phenotypic characterization becomes essential for identifying resilient varieties capable of diversifying and strengthening the agricultural production of underutilized crops such as tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis S.). This study aimed to characterize the phenotypic variability of 41 tarwi accessions conserved in the germplasm bank of the National Institute of Agricultural Innovation (INIA) of Peru. The accessions were evaluated over two consecutive agricultural seasons at the Santa Ana Agrarian Experimental Station under local conditions. Thirty morphological descriptors (17 qualitative and 13 quantitative) were used following IBPGR guidelines. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering and correlation analysis for quantitative descriptors, as well as frequency tables and the Shannon-Weaver diversity index for qualitative descriptors. The results revealed high phenotypic variability, particularly in traits related to yield, plant architecture and floral attributes. The accessions were grouped into three morpho-agronomic types: (1) highly productive accessions, (2) accessions with vigorous vegetative development, and (3) short-cycle plants with moderate yields. Yield per plant was significantly associated with the total pod number, total seed mass in hundred seeds and seed thickness. The study revealed considerable phenotypic diversity, characterized by significant correlations among key agronomic traits, the delineation of three distinct phenotypic clusters, and the identification of valuable qualitative attributes, which reinforces their potential for conservation and breeding programmes. However, expanded germplasm evaluation and multi-environment trials are required to validate genotype stability and refine selection criteria. However, additional accessions and further analyses are needed to validate the observed patterns.Ítem First characterization of somatic proteins of trematodes of the family Paramphistomidae by SDS PAGE isolated from cattle from the Cajamarca region, Peru(Eldaghayes Publisher, 2026-01-31) Fernandez Mendoza, Charito Jennyfer; Tayca Saldaña, Antony; Cueva Rodríguez, Medali; Aliaga Tambo, Hector Fernando; Rodríguez Ulloa, Claudia Carolina; Alvarez García, Wuesley Yuesmein; Quilcate Pairazamán , Carlos Enrique; Cabrera González, Marco AntonioABSTRACT Background: Paramphistomosis is a gastrointestinal parasitic disease of worldwide distribution, with higher prevalence in tropical and subtropical regions. Its biological cycle has a chronic phase caused by adult trematodes that adhere to the rumen mucosa and a highly pathogenic phase caused by immature trematodes, which induce acute parasitic gastroenteritis. Studies related to the parasite are very scarce in the region of Cajamarca, Peru, regarding the characterisation of antigenic proteins, considering that this parasitosis is endemic and has emerging characteristics. Aim: The study aimed to characterise somatic proteins of adult forms of Paramphistomidae in cattle by electrophoresis, Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Methods: For this purpose, 630 adult parasites were collected from the rumen and reticulum of cattle from the processing centre of Cajamarca, Peru. Results: The number of protein bands in the paramphistomid somatic crude extract was variable depending on the concentration of the protein analyzed. Thus, concentration 2 showed the highest number of protein bands (21 bands) with molecular weights (MW) within a variable range of 15 kDa–119 kDa. The results of ITS-2 gene sequencing, after alignment in NCBI’s Basic Local Alignment Search Tool of the obtained consensus sequences, show 100% similarity to sequences belonging to the species Calicophoron microbothrioides. Conclusion: Twenty-one protein bands from the somatic extract were characterized. The MWs of these bands ranged from 15 kDa to 119 kDa. This study may help carry out alternative control programmes, such as developing vaccines, choice of appropriate drugs due to the therapeutic failures expressed by this parasite. In addition, molecular identification based on ITS-2 gene sequencing revealed a 100% sequence similarity with Calicophoron microbothrioides.Ítem Integrating agroecological suitability of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) with biodiversity and land-use constraints in Peru(Elsevier Ltd., 2026-01-29) Cotrina Sanchez, Alexander; Guzman Valque, Betty Karina; Barboza, Elgar; Oliva, Manuel; Huaman Pilco, Angel Fernando; Rojas Briceño, Nilton B.CONTEXT: Cacao cultivation is vital for rural economies in Peru, but its expansion often overlaps with sensitive ecosystems, raising concerns for biodiversity conservation. Despite international commitments to deforestation-free supply chains, integrated analyses combining agroecological suitability with land-use constraints remain scarce in Peru. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify suitable areas for cacao cultivation under multiple exclusion scenarios, evaluate conflicts with biodiversity and conservation areas, and quantify degraded lands that could provide opportunities for agroforestry-based restoration. METHODS: Cacao suitability was modelled with an ensemble of nine machine-learning algorithms using bioclimatic, edaphic, and topographic predictors. Outputs were filtered to exclude biophysical barriers and overlaid with national-scale layers of species richness, protected areas, forest cover, and degraded lands through GIS-based spatial analysis to evaluate exclusion scenarios and trade-offs. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The ensemble achieved high predictive power, with Random Forest (AUC = 0.997) and XGBoost (AUC = 0.972) performing best. Highly suitable areas were concentrated in the Andean-Amazon transition, especially in San Martín, Cusco, Huánuco, and Junín departments, where they overlapped with biodiversity hotspots and legally protected areas. Degraded yet suitable lands highlighted opportunities to expand cacao through agroforestry systems, reducing forest pressure and enhancing ecological restoration. SIGNIFICANCE: By integrating suitability modelling with national-scale geospatial layers, this study delivers a framework linking crop suitability with land-use constraints. The findings support national-scale planning while remaining adaptable to local contexts. They also align with international policy frameworks such as the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), promoting sustainable cacao production, biodiversity conservation, and long-term rural development in Peru.Ítem Dominance of large trees in carbon storage of Peruvian Amazon forest(Frontiers Media S.A., 2026-01-26) Lozano, Andi; Gaona Jimenez, Nery; Alvarado, Jaime W.; García Gonzáles, Patricia; Alva Arévalo, Alberto; Ordoñez, Luis; Saavedra Ramírez, Jorge; Tuesta Hidalgo, Juan C.; Vilela, Luis; Tuesta Hidalgo, Oscar A.; Baselly Villanueva, Juan Rodrigo; Chuchon Remon, Rodolfo Juan; Rengifo Del Águila, Sofía; Marin , César; Vallejos Torres, GeomarIntroduction: Forest carbon accumulation is crucial to mitigate ongoing climate change, as large individual trees store a substantial portion of the total carbon in biomass. In this study, large trees and carbon storage were estimated in five forests in the Peruvian Amazon. Methods: For the study, 100 plots were selected (twenty 500 m2 plots per forest site), distributed between 382 to 2086 meters above sea level. Various relationships were explored between the diameter at breast height (DBH) of the most abundant tree species and above- and below-ground carbon. The average carbon content in the tree was calculated based on 50% of the total tree volume at five sites of the Peruvian Amazon. Results: The site with most tree species (Alto Mayo Forest), had 59 tree species. The species Brosimum alicastrum, Ficus insipida, Manilkara bidentata, Inga sp., and Pourouma cecropiifolia showed an average aboveground carbon of 2.31, 3.09, 2.52, 2.78, 2.93 t ha-1, respectively, and values of 0.35, 0.48, 0.38, 0.42 and 0.43 t ha-1 of belowground carbon in trees with ≥ 46 cm DBH. Nectandra sp. showed an above and belowground carbon of 2.50 and 0.38 t ha-1 in trees with ≥ 46 cm DBH, while Cedrelinga catenaeformis showed averages of 5.21 and 0.74 t ha-1 of above and belowground carbon in trees with ≥ 61 cm DBH. Discussion: It was concluded that given the urgency of keeping carbon reserves out of the atmosphere, it is necessary to conserve trees larger than 41 cm, this also allows conserving forest biodiversity and microfauna by buffering the microclimate in the face of future climate changes.Ítem Phenotypic and Agromorphological Diversity Reveals Detailed Information About Accessions with Productive Potential for Cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) in Northeastern Peru(Plants, 2026-01-21) Cordova Sinarahua, Deyvis; Linares Huapaya, Susan Maribel; Manco Céspedes, Emma ImeldaCotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) is a crop of great economic importance, as the superior quality of its fiber is highly valued worldwide. The objective of this research was to evaluate the agromorphological diversity of cotton germplasm using both qualitative and quantitative descriptors. A combination of univariate and multivariate statistical analyses was applied to identify promising accessions. The coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV) and high heritability estimates observed for descriptors such as the number of sympodial branches, fiber weight, and number of seeds per capsule confirm genetic control, ensuring the effectiveness of selection in future breeding programs. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between lint yield and number of bolls per plant (0.893). Furthermore, principal component analysis indicated that accessions PER1010536, PER1010538, PER1010543, and PER1010547 were associated with high yield and early-maturity traits. Furthermore, multiple correspondence analysis and mixed data factor analysis demonstrated that the observed variability also depends on qualitative traits such as petal spot and bract color, supporting the concept of a complex genetic architecture. These findings provide a solid basis for the development of new cotton cultivars with improved productivity.Ítem Agronomic and Nutritional Potential of Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) Accessions as Raw Material for Silage in the Tropical Andes of Peru(MDPI, 2026-01-22) Bobadilla , Leidy G.; Altamirano Tantalean, Miguel A.; Carrasco Chilón, William Leoncio; Silva Baca, Vanesa Lizbeth; Mejía, Flor L.; Paucar, Ysai; Valqui, Leandro; Bardales, William; Maicelo, Jorge L.; Vásquez, Héctor V.In the tropical Andes, rangeland degradation has become one of the main threats to the sustainability of livestock production in the face of climate change. In this context, optimizing the yield and nutritional quality of raw material for silage is essential to sustain livestock productivity. The aim of this study was to identify local accessions (LM) of Lolium multiflorum Lam. with greater forage potential through evaluations in consecutive cuts made at the anthesis phenological stage, using a randomized complete block design with four replicates and ten local accessions (LM1, LM2, LM3, LM4, LM6, LM7, LM8, LM11, LM12 and LM13). The statistical analysis, based on linear mixed models, showed that cuts at anthesis had a significant effect among accessions, revealing high variability in agronomic and nutritional performance across cuts. In LM4, plant height at the fourth cut was 2.48-fold higher than at the first cut. Likewise, LM4 and LM13 were identified as the latest accessions to reach anthesis in the first cut, with a decreasing trend across cuts and stabilization from the third cut onward. These accessions also showed the greatest basal coverage area, increasing 9.94- and 8.18-fold in the fourth cut relative to the first. Fresh forage yields in LM4 and LM13 increased 13.2- and 10.1-fold, and dry matter yields 13.98- and 9.86-fold, compared with the first cut. They also exhibited the highest average daily dry matter accumulation rate. By contrast, the fresh forage and dry matter yields of the remaining accessions were significantly lower than those of LM4 and LM13. The main difference between these two accessions was observed in dry matter percentage, with higher values and a stable trend in LM4 across all cuts. In terms of nutritional quality, LM4 presented crude protein of 24.2% in the second cut and 24.0% in the fourth cut, while digestibility was 86.2% in the second cut and 85.0% in the fourth cut. In conclusion, although the ensiling process was not evaluated in this study, LM4 showed the most stable and outstanding values in both agronomic and nutritional performance, thus emerging as a promising accession for selection and use as raw material for silage production in the tropical Andes.Ítem Estimation of water stress in maize cultivation utilizing thermal and multispectral imaging from UAVs with machine learning algorithms in Lambayeque, Peru(Asociación Española de Teledetección, 2026-01-31) Cruz Grimaldo, Camila Leandra; Vilca Gamarra, Cesar Francisco; Millan Ramírez, José Edwin; Chumbimune Vivanco, Sheyla Yanet; Llanos Carrillo, Cristina; Vera Díaz, Elvis; Agurto Piñarreta, Alex Iván; Quille Mamani, Javier; León Dextre, Hairo AlexanderMaize (Zea mays L.) is a fundamental cereal in global food security, but its vulnerability to water stress compromises its productivity and threatens food availability. This study analyzed the relationship between the crop water stress index (CWSI), obtained from thermal images captured by the Zenmuse H20T camera, and various vegetation indices derived from the MicaSense RedEdge-MX Dual. The analysis included machine learning (ML) models such as random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), and gradient boosting regression (GBR). The results showed that RF was the most accurate model for predicting CWSI in maize, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.80, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.13, and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.09. KNN achieved an R² of 0.78, an RMSE of 0.13, and an MAE of 0.09, while GBR reached an R² of 0.79, an RMSE of 0.14, and an MAE of 0.10. The red band (668 nm) played a crucial role in RF (70.69%) and GBR (50.92%), whereas in KNN, the simple ratio (SR) index showed the highest importance (36.40%). These findings confirm the superiority of ML models over traditional regression approaches for estimating CWSI in maize. Despite the satisfactory results, the algorithms underestimated CWSI values derived from thermal images, which highlights the need to refine these models to improve their accuracy in future agricultural applications.Ítem Comprehensive Morpho-Functional Profiling of Peruvian Andean Capsicum pubescens Germplasm Reveals Promising Accessions with High Agronomic and Nutraceutical Value(MDPI, 2026-01-17) Salas Zeta, Erick Leao; Bernal Canales, Katherine Lisbeth; Delgado Lazo, Andrea Graciela; Pacheco Lizárraga, Gonzalo Antonio; Hermoza Gutiérrez, Marián; Cántaro Segura, Hector Baroni; Fernandez Huaytalla, Elizabeth; Gutiérrez Reynoso, Dina Lida; Quispe Jacobo, Fredy Enrique; Ccapa Ramírez, Karina BeatrizCapsicum pubescens (rocoto) is an Andean domesticate with notable agronomic and nutraceutical potential, yet it remains underrepresented in chili pepper breeding programs. In this study, 78 accessions from the Peruvian Andes were evaluated in a single field environment during the 2024 growing season for 28 variables spanning plant architecture, phenology and yield, color (CIELAB), weight, fruit morphology, physicochemical variables, and functional phytochemicals, including total phenolics, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, capsaicinoids, and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, ABTS). Descriptive analyses revealed broad phenotypic diversity in key variables such as yield and bioactive compounds. Spearman correlations uncovered a clear modular structure, with strong within-domain associations across morphological, chromatic, and biochemical variables, and statistically significant but low-magnitude cross-domain associations (e.g., fruit length with pungency, redness with total phenolics). Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering resolved three differentiated phenotypic profiles: (i) low-pungency accessions with high soluble solids and varied fruit colors; (ii) highly pungent materials with elevated antioxidant capacity; and (iii) large, red-fruited accessions with considerable carotenoid content and high moisture. This multivariate architecture revealed weak cross-block correlations among agronomic, color, and functional traits, enabling selection of promising accessions combining desirable agronomic attributes and favorable bioactive profiles in specific accessions. These results provide a quantitative foundation for future breeding strategies in C. pubescens, opening concrete opportunities to develop improved cultivars that simultaneously meet productivity and functional quality criteria.Ítem Impact of forest degradation on soil properties in the Peruvian Amazon(Springer Nature, 2026-01-16) Vallejos Torres, Geomar; Gaona Jimenez, Nery; Lozano, Andi; Saavedra , Harry; Alva Arévalo, Alberto; Ríos Vargas, Caleb; Saavedra Ramírez, Jorge; Tuesta Hidalgo, Juan; Tuesta Hidalgo, Oscar A.; Vilela, Luis; Valdez Andia, Manuel Jesús; Reategui, Keneth; Baselly Villanueva, Juan Rodrigo; Marín, César; Vento, BárbaraBackground: The Amazonian forests are increasingly threatened due to continuous changes in land use, particularly deforestation. This study aimed to quantify and analyze the vertical distribution of soil glomalin and its relationship with carbon, climate, and soil properties across three forest types of the Peruvian Amazon. A total of 18 plots were selected and sampled in forests with different vegetation cover types: deforested, disturbed, and primary forest. The vertical variation of total glomalin (TG), easily extractable glomalin (EEG), and the number of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) spores was estimated, as it was the relationships of these variables with soil depth, physical-chemical properties, and climate conditions. Results: The mean values for TG, EEG, and AMF showed vertical variations in the three forest cover types, with high values in disturbed forests and degraded soils. Overall, higher mean values were found in the surface soil layers compared to the deep layers. TG, EEG, and AMF were positively corelated with soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil organic matter (SOM). Moreover, the total nitrogen (N), SOC, OM, total phosphorus (P), and soil water content (SWC) presented higher values in the topsoil than the deep layers. Conclusions: The highest production of glomalin in disturbed forests is probably a response to degradation processes. This work is a contribution to expand knowledge about glomalin dynamics in forest soils of the Amazon rainforest and provides essential information for future soil ecosystem restoration practices in tropical forests.Ítem Efecto comparativo de dos sistemas de riego en la comunidad de hongos rizosféricos y productividad del olivo en Tacna, Perú(Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCLA), 2026-01-01) Lindo Seminario, David Enrique; Mendez Farroñan, Sandra Johana; Jahuira Arias, Martha Helena; Casanova Núñez Melgar, David Pavel; Morales Pizarro, ArturoPerú es considerado el principal productor de olivo (Olea europaea) en América del Sur, y Tacna es la región líder con más de 23.000 hectáreas de cultivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de dos sistemas de riego por goteo (doble hilera - DH y sectorizado - ST) sobre los hongos rizosféricos y productividad del olivo. Se aislaron hongos a partir de muestras de suelo y se evaluó el rendimiento en aceitunas, peso del fruto y proporción de materia seca (%) en función del tipo de riego mediante una prueba de t con 20 repeticiones. Se aislaron 22 morfotipos de hongos del género Alternaria (2), Cladosporium (1), Fusarium (4), Paecilomyces (5), Trichoderma (8) y Verticillium (1). Hubo tendencia mayor número de cepas en ST en comparación con DH. El riego ST produjo un rendimiento superior a DH (p≤0,05), con 5.020 frente a 4417 kg ha⁻¹. Por su parte, el DH produjo un peso promedio del fruto superior al de ST, con 7,899 g frente a 7,183 g. Finalmente, los órganos de la planta en ST tuvieron una fracción de materia seca superior, con 31,30 y 22,63 %, en ramas y hojas, respectivamente, frente a 28,33 y 19,37 % en el riego DH. Además, se obtuvieron correlaciones positivas desde r = 0,95 hasta r = 0,54 (p≤0,05) entre las variables de productividad. Este estudio sugiere que, en cuanto a rendimiento, el sistema de riego ST es una mejor opción para el riego del olivo en los suelos salinos de la región de Tacna.Ítem Strengthening national genebanks through genomics and regional collaboration: Lessons from Latin America and the Caribbean(Elsevier B.V., 2025-12-23) Carbajal Yepes, M.; Petroli, C.; Correa, M.; Breseghello, F.; Tapia, G.; Salazar, E.; Chassaigne, A.; Ferreyra, M.; Reyes Herrera, P.H.; Guzmán, M.; Mendoza, A.; Vidal, R.; Condón, F.; de Almeida, N.; Fernandez Huaytalla, Elizabeth; Rodriguez, L.; Solano, W.; Morales, A.J.; Velasquez Flores, B.L.; Soto, J.; Robles, R.; Ledesma, A.; Aragón, M.; Castillo, D.; Roa, C.; López Noriega, I.; Wenzl, P.; Sansaloni, C.Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is a center of origin and domestication for globally important crops such as cassava, common bean, maize, and potato, all of which are key to food and nutrition security worldwide. Despite this strategic role, many national genebanks in the region face technical, financial, and policy barriers that limit the use of genomic tools for characterization and conservation. These genebanks safeguard the genetic diversity needed to enhance crop yields, climate-change resilience, nutritional quality, and pest and disease resistance. In 2022, CGIAR Centers and partners established the "Community of Practice (CoP) of national genebanks in LAC" to strengthen regional capacity for generating and interpreting digital sequence information (DSI), facilitate collaboration, and promote sustainable management of plant genetic resources. Through coordinated capacity-building activities, joint crop-based analyses, and shared learning, the CoP has connected 17 institutions across 13 countries. Members have begun generating and interpreting DSI for common bean, maize, and potato, while addressing gaps in data sharing, interoperability, and policy frameworks. Looking ahead, the CoP seeks to conduct diversity analysis, establish regional core collections, integrate existing global data portals, and advocate for policy alignment to sustain genomic characterization and access to diversity. This CoP initiative provides a model applicable in other regions to strengthen genebank operations through collaborative innovation and coordinated action, contributing to resilient and equitable global food systems.Ítem The Germination and Subsequent Development of Cocoa Seedlings (Theobroma cacao L.) Are Subject to Influence From the Pregerminative Methods Employed(John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2025-12-20) Chuquibala Checan, Beimer; Torres de la Cruz, Magdiel; Mendoza Merino, Jani Elisabet; Tineo Flores, Daniel; Arce Inga, Marielita; Álvarez Robledo, Yeltsin Abel; Atalaya Marin, Nilton; Gómez Fernández, Darwin; Goñas Goñas, MalluriIn Peru, cocoa production has increased significantly, thereby establishing a prominent position for this crop in the country's agricultural landscape. The effect of different pregerminative methods on seed germination of cocoa ecotypes and their influence on seedling development in nursery were evaluated. Three cocoa ecotypes were used INDES 24, INDES 31, and INDES 67, and five pregerminative methods were applied to the seeds with mucilage, mucilage removal, tegument removal, water immersion, and immersion in Trichoderma harzianum solution. Parameters such as germination percentage GP, mean germination time GT50, mean germination rate GR50, and plant growth characteristics in terms of cotyledon height, plant height, number of leaves per plant, and stem diameter were evaluated. The results revealed that the treatments INDES 24 removal tegument, INDES 67 removal tegument, INDES 67 water immersion, and INDES 67 immersion in T. harzianum showed the best GPs of 100% at 72 h. Additionally, the INDES 67 tegument removal showed the best mean germination time and rate GT50 and GR50 with 24 h and 8 seeds/24 h, respectively. For growth parameters, INDES 67 mucilage removal showed the highest values for cotyledon height and the number of leaves per plant with 4 cm and 13.33 leaves/plant; for plant height and stem diameter, the treatments INDES 31 tegument removal and INDES 24 mucilage removal obtained the highest average values with 30.21 cm and 6.65 mm, respectively. These findings demonstrate that pregerminative methods significantly impact the germination and growth of cocoa plants. This insight can enhance cocoa propagation practices and improve the success rate of their establishment in the field.Ítem Soil Organic Carbon Variability in Tropical Cropping Systems: Interactions With Texture, pH, Macronutrients, and Organic Matter(John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2026-01-09) Solórzano Acosta, Richard Andi; Cruz Luis, Juancarlos Alejandro; Chuchon Remon, Rodolfo Juan; Gaona Jimenez, Nery; Vallerjos Torres, GeomarSoil organic carbon (SOC) plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change and enhancing soil fertility. Its storage and dynamics are particularly significant in agricultural ecosystems of the Peruvian Amazon, where the expansion of agriculture and livestock farming may disrupt the regional carbon balance. This study aimed to analyze SOC variability and its relationship with edaphic and nutritional properties in agricultural systems in Eastern Peru (San Martín and Loreto regions). Four representative cropping systems were evaluated: coffee grown in agroforestry and polyculture systems; maize as a monoculture; and camu-camu and cocoa cultivated in monoculture and agroforestry systems, respectively. The highest SOC content (80.70 t·ha−1), phosphorus (12.03 mg·kg−1), and moisture (52.36%) were observed in coffee-growing soils, likely due to the presence of shade trees that enhance organic matter inputs in soils at 0–20 cm depth. In contrast, soils under maize cultivation exhibited the highest levels of nitrogen (0.19%), potassium (364.02 mg·kg−1), and pH (7.61), likely due to the frequent fertilization applied to this crop. The lowest carbon saturation deficits were found in soils under camu-camu (31.67%), cocoa (26.88%), maize (24.80%), and coffee (20.59%), with the most pronounced deficits occurring in camu-camu and cocoa soils in Yurimaguas (Loreto), indicating a heightened vulnerability to carbon loss. These findings underscore the significant influence of crop type and management practices on carbon and nutrient dynamics in tropical soils. Long-term studies are recommended to assess carbon sequestration over extended periods, informing sustainable soil management policies in the Peruvian Amazon.Ítem Sustainable Management of Potato Tuber Moths Using Eco-Friendly Dust Formulations During Storage in the Andean Highlands(MDPI, 2026-01-13) Villanueva Spelucín, Alex; Escobal Valencia, Fernando; Cántaro Segura, Héctor Baroni; Diaz Morales, Luis Alberto; Matsusaka Quiliano, Daniel ClaudioPostharvest losses caused by potato tuber moths severely impact storage in the Andean highlands, where reliance on synthetic insecticides poses sustainability and safety concerns. This study evaluated eco-friendly alternatives for protecting stored seed tubers of the widely adopted cultivar INIA 302 Amarilis in Cajamarca, Peru. In two storage facilities, a completely randomized block design compared four treatments: Bacillus thuringiensis plus talc (Bt-talc), talc, agricultural lime, and wood ash against an untreated control. Powders were applied at 50 g per 10 kg of tubers, and incidence, severity of damage, and live larvae were assessed over 150 days. Bt–talc consistently achieved the lowest damage. Incidence in Cochapampa was 16.8% ± 6.2 with Bt-talc, compared with 58.1% ± 3.9 in the control; in Sulluscocha, incidence was 25.5% ± 4.8 and 64.2% ± 3.0 for Bt-talc and the control, respectively. A similar pattern was observed for moth-damage severity in both localities. Live larvae per unit were also markedly lower with 1.3 ± 0.3 (Cochapampa) and 1.6 ± 0.6 (Sulluscocha) under Bt–talc. A single dusting with Bt–talc, or alternatively agricultural lime, offers effective, accessible, and sustainable control of potato tuber moths in high-Andean storage.Ítem Azospirillum brasilense as a Bioinoculant to Alleviate the Effects of Salinity on Quinoa Seed Germination(MDPI, 2025-12-16) Apaza Calcina, Jose David; Muñoz Salas, Milagros Ninoska; Lozano Isla, Flavio; Rezende, Rachel Passos; Santana Silva, Raner JoséQuinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is valued for its resilience to abiotic stress; however, germination and seedling establishment remain highly sensitive to salinity. While its salt tolerance at later growth stages has been well studied, strategies to improve early development under high salinity are limited, and the role of halotolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in quinoa has not been systematically investigated. This study assessed the ability of three Azospirillum brasilense strains (BR-11001, BR-11002, and BR-11005) to increase the germination and seedling performance of the cultivar 'BRS Piabiru' under saline stress. A 3 × 4 factorial design with three bacterial treatments and four NaCl concentrations (0, 150, 300, and 450 mM) was conducted in a completely randomized arrangement, with four replicates per treatment. Seeds were surface sterilized, inoculated, and incubated at 18 °C under constant light for 10 days. Elevated salinity (≥300 mM NaCl) drastically reduced germination and seedling vigor in the controls. Inoculation with BR-11002 significantly alleviated salinity-induced damage, sustaining over 84% germination at 450 mM and increasing seedling biomass at 300 mM. These findings highlight the potential of halotolerant A. brasilense, particularly BR-11002, as bioinoculants to promote quinoa establishment in salt-affected soils, supporting sustainable agriculture and food system resilience.
