Artículos científicos
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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.Ítem Improvement and Maturation of Liquid Biofertilizers in Series-Connected Biodigesters: Comparative Analysis of Guinea Pig Manure and Vermicompost Leachate(MDPI, 2025-11-05) Gómez Montoya, Juan Pablo; Castillo Alvarez, Yoisdel; Ortiz Dongo, Luis Felipe; Solórzano Acosta, Richard Andi; Patiño Agudelo, Alisson Dahian; Luna delRisco, Mario; Arrieta Gonzales, Carlos E.The recovery of livestock waste through multistage anaerobic digestion represents a key strategy for producing high-efficiency liquid biofertilizers within circular economy frameworks. This study compared two underexplored substrates—guinea pig manure and vermicompost leachate (VL)—processed in series biodigesters to evaluate their nutrient composition and agronomic performance. The guinea pig manure biol exhibited higher macronutrient concentrations (N = 1.09–3.74 g L−1 ; P = 0.06–0.64 g L−1 ; K = 1.85–3.20 g L−1 ) and electrical conductivity (14.1–26.5 mS cm−1 ), while VL presented a more balanced nutrient profile (N = 0.65–0.71 g L−1 ; P = 0.04–0.09 g L−1 ; K = 2.46–3.76 g L−1 ) and slightly lower salinity (15.0–17.2 mS cm−1 ). Micronutrient levels (Fe, Mn, Zn, B) exceeded the reference thresholds established by EU Regulation 2019/1009 for liquid fertilizers, suggesting the need for dilution prior to field application. In maize field trials, VL diluted 1:7 increased above-ground biomass by 28%, and guinea pig biol diluted 1:10 achieved a 22% increase compared to the control, confirming their biostimulant potential. However, the high sodium content (848–1024 mg L−1 ) may limit application on saline or poorly drained soils, requiring adaptive agronomic management. These findings demonstrate that multistage anaerobic digestion effectively transforms unconventional organic waste into nutrient-rich biofertilizers, expanding the scientific foundation for alternative substrates and reinforcing their potential to enhance Andean smallholder agriculture, nutrient recycling, and food security within a sustainability-oriented bioeconomy.Ítem Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in high Andean crops of the Peruvian Andes: comparative evaluation between irrigated and dry systems(Elsevier B.V., 2025-12-13) Ccopi Trucios, Dennis; Requena Rojas, Edilson Jimmy; Ortega Quispe, Kevin Abner; Solórzano Acosta, Richard Andi; Révolo Acevedo, Ronald; Pizarro Carcausto, Samuel EdwinHeavy metal contamination in Andean agricultural systems is a growing concern for food safety and environmental health. This study assessed the concentrations and bioaccumulation patterns of eleven metals (Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Hg, Mo) in seven representative crops cultivated under irrigated and rainfed conditions in the Mantaro Valley, central Peruvian Andes. Soil and foliar samples were collected from paired plots, and bioaccumulation factors (BAF) were calculated to evaluate metal transfer to plant tissues. Irrigated soils showed higher and more homogeneous concentrations of Cd, Pb, and As, reflecting long-term accumulation from historical mining activities and irrigation with contaminated water from the Mantaro River. Foliar concentrations exceeded Codex Alimentarius limits for Cd, Pb, and As in several crops, especially potato and broad bean. BAF analyses revealed distinct crop-specific behaviors: potato, quinoa, and broad bean frequently exhibited BAF >1 for metals such as Cd, Cu, Zn, and Mn, indicating active uptake and translocation. In contrast, cereals such as maize and barley maintained low BAF values (<1), suggesting conservative absorption patterns. Irrigation increased the bioavailability of several metals, resulting in higher foliar concentrations and elevated BAF values compared to rainfed systems. Multivariate analyses further differentiated metal accumulation profiles by crop type and water management system. These findings highlight the need for strengthened monitoring of high-accumulation crops and improved soil and water quality management in historically contaminated Andean agricultural regions.Ítem Clustering-Based Characterization of Mixed Herds and the Influence of Pasture Fertilization in High-Andean Livestock Systems(MDPI, 2026-01-08) Nuñez, Jesus; Paxi Meneses, Felimon; Cruz, Wilder; Estrada Cañari, RichardLivestock production in the high Andes is vital for rural livelihoods and food security but is limited by poor pasture quality, environmental variability, and restricted resources. Pasture improvement, achieved through management practices and particularly through fertilization, may enhance productivity and sustainability in high-Andean livestock systems. This study aimed to characterize mixed herds composed of domestic sheep (Ovis aries), alpacas (Vicugna pacos), llamas (Lama glama), and domestic cattle (Bos taurus) and to evaluate the role of pasture fertilization on herd composition and livestock size. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 88 randomly selected livestock producers, complemented by direct field observations of grazing areas, corrals, shelters, and water sources. The survey documented herd structure, grazing management, pasture conservation, fertilization practices, and farm infrastructure. Data from multiple farms were analyzed using a clustering approach to group production units with similar characteristics, and statistical models were applied to assess the effects of fertilization, pasture area, and water sources. Three distinct clusters were identified: one dominated by alpacas, another by sheep, and a third by llamas with the most uniform stocking density. Pasture fertilization was most common in the sheep-dominated cluster and was significantly associated with higher sheep numbers, while no significant effects were detected for alpacas, llamas, or cattle. Farms without fertilization showed slightly higher overall livestock size; however, a strong negative interaction between pasture area and lack of fertilization indicated that expanding grazing land alone could not offset low forage quality. These findings suggest that targeted fertilization, when combined with sustainable grazing practices, may contribute to improved herd performance and long-term resilience in heterogeneous Andean livestock systems.Ítem Effects of Diet and Altitude on the Microbiota of the First Compartment of the Stomach in Peruvian Alpacas in Highland Puna Regions and Their Correlations with Blood Parameters(MDPI, 2026-01-08) Flores Huarco, Nils H.; Estrada Cañari, Richard; Romero Avila, Yolanda Madelein; Coila, Pedro; Sanchez, Diana; Maicelo, Jorge L.; Alvarado, Wigoberto C.; Quilcate Pairazaman, Carlos Enrique; Aliaga, Mery; Galindo, Walter; Saavedra Ramírez, Jorge; Apaza, Henry; Arbizu, Carlos I.This study explores the intestinal microbiota of eight 18-month-old male alpacas from two distinct high-altitude regions in Peru: the Wet Puna (4200 m above sea level) and the Dry Puna (4900 m above sea level). Using 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA metabarcoding, microbial communities of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and protists were analyzed from the first compartment of the stomach (C1) to investigate the diversity, taxonomic composition, and correlations with hematological parameters. Significant differences in microbial diversity and composition were observed between regions, driven by dietary and environmental factors. The Wet Puna exhibited greater alpha diversity in bacterial and fungal communities, while beta diversity highlighted distinct microbial compositions. Key taxa, such as Prevotella ruminicola and Acetitomaculum, were associated with energy metabolism and host adaptation, whereas methanogenic archaea (Methanobrevibacter, Methanosphaera) dominated in the Dry Puna, reflecting adaptations to arid conditions. Correlations between microbial taxa and hematological variables, such as Acetitomaculum with red blood cell count and Eremoplastron with neutrophil percentage, emphasize the complex interplay between microbiota and host physiology. These findings contribute to understanding microbial adaptations in high-altitude livestock and provide practical insights for enhancing alpaca management and conservation strategies through tailored nutritional approaches and sustainable grazing practices.Ítem Micropropagation of Vaccinium meridionale Sw.: Interaction between basal media and cytokinins, physiological quality of shoots, and ex vitro rooting(Elsevier Inc. on behalf of Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, 2025-12-22) Huaman, Eyner; Muñoz, Carlos; Prat, Loreto; Meléndez Mori, Jegnes Benjamín; Vargas, Raúl; Vigo, Carmen; Tejada Alvarado, José Jesús; Huaman Pilco, Angel Fernando; Oliva Cruz, ManuelVaccinium meridionale is an Andean species of high nutraceutical value whose conventional propagation is limited by its low multiplication rate. In this study, an integrated micropropagation protocol was developed, encompassing in vitro establishment through ex vitro rooting. During the establishment phase, fungal contaminants were identified, detecting genera such as Diaporthe, Fusarium, Colletotrichum and Phoma. In the multiplication phase, the basal media Driver and Kuniyuki (DKW), Woody Plant Medium (WPM) and Murashige and Skoog (MS) were evaluated, supplemented with zeatin (Zea), 2-isopentenyladenine (2iP), meta-topolin (mT) and thidiazuron (TDZ), all applied at equimolar concentrations of 2.5 μM. Morphogenic parameters, photosynthetic pigment content, SPAD index and elemental composition of regenerated tissues were quantified. DKW medium supplemented with Zea or 2iP promoted the formation of 9–10 shoots, with lengths of 2.5–2.9 cm, SPAD values of 35–36, and chlorophyll content >31 μg/mL. The accumulation of P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in the tissues varied widely among treatments. During rooting, the application of 500 ppm naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) induced the formation of longer roots, as well as vigorous and elongated shoots with a high number of leaves. This optimized protocol provides a valuable tool for the propagation of V. meridionale, with potential applications in conservation, genetic improvement and commercial plant production.Ítem Productividad forrajera de cultivares de maíz en el trópico seco(Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCLA), 2026-01-01) Díaz Chuquizuta, Percy; Durand Chávez, Luz Marlene; Jara Calvo, Teófilo Wladimir; Valdés Rodríguez, Ofelia A.La escasez de pastos y forrajes en el trópico seco durante el verano afecta la productividad ganadera. El maíz (Zea mays L.) se presenta como una alternativa estratégica en trópico seco por su eficiencia fotosintética C4 que le permite tener altos rendimientos de biomasa. Se determinó el potencial forrajero de tres variedades y cuatro híbridos de maíz en condiciones de trópico seco. El estudio se realizó bajo un diseño de bloques completos al azar. Se evaluaron las características morfológicas, rendimiento de forraje verde, materia seca y contenido de proteína cruda de siete cultivares a una densidad de siembra de 83 333 plantas‧ha-1. Los resultados indicaron que la variedad Marginal 28-T presentó el mayor rendimiento de forraje verde (51,99 t·ha⁻¹), el híbrido INIA 624 - KILLU SUK destacó en producción de materia seca (15,22 t·ha⁻¹), material clave que se utilizará para la conservación y almacenamiento del forraje, y el INIA 610 - Nutrimaiz sobresalió con el mayor contenido de proteína cruda (10,5 %). Se concluye que los cultivares Marginal 28-T, INIA 624 - KILLU SUK e INIA 610 - Nutrimaiz se vislumbran como alternativas estratégicas por tener potencial para suplir la escasez de forraje en condiciones de trópico seco.Ítem Microbial Synergy Between Azospirillum brasilense and Glomus iranicum Promotes Root Biomass and Grain Yield in Andean Quinoa Cultivars(MDPI, 2026-01-13) Gutierrez, Miriam; Quispe Medina, Eugenia Rocio; García Blásquez Morote, Cayo; Quispe Tenorio, José Antonio; Cántaro Segura, Héctor Baroni; Díaz Morales, Luis Alberto; Marsusaka Quiliano, Daniel ClaudioQuinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a strategic crop for climate-smart agriculture in the Andes, yet yield gains are constrained by soil degradation and low-input systems. We tested whether synergistic bioinoculation with a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (Azospirillum brasilense) and an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum) enhances root function and grain productivity under field conditions. A split-plot RCBD was conducted in Ayacucho, Peru (2735 m a.s.l.) using four cultivars, Blanca de Junín (BJ), INIA 441 Señor del Huerto (SH), INIA 415 Pasankalla (RP) and INIA 420 Negra Collana (NC) and four treatments: uninoculated control, Azospirillum, Glomus and co-inoculation. Vegetative, root and yield traits were quantified; ANOVA, Tukey/Dunnett contrasts, correlations and PCA were applied. Co-inoculation consistently outperformed single inoculants, increasing root diameter, length, branching, dry weight and volume dry weight, while also enlarging panicle dimensions and raising grain weight per panicle and thousand-seed weight. Grain yield reached 4.94 ± 0.59 t ha⁻¹ under co-inoculation, almost triple that of the control (1.71 ± 0.28 t ha⁻¹) and about 1.5 times higher than single inoculations. Genotypic effects were pronounced; BJ and SH combined superior root biomass with higher yield, RP maximized grain size and hectoliter weight, whereas NC responded weakly. Significant genotype × treatment interactions indicated cultivar-dependent microbiome benefits. Correlation and PCA linked root biomass and stem/panicle architecture to yield formation, positioning co-inoculation along trait vectors associated with belowground vigor and productivity. These results demonstrate a robust microbial synergy that translates root gains into yield, supporting co-inoculation as a scalable, low-input strategy for sustainable intensification of quinoa in highland agroecosystems.
