Publications

20+ peer-reviewed publications on nutrient optimization, soil health, and sustainable agriculture

Optimizing nutrient requirement in space and time for increased crop yield and income

KS Ezui, L Nagarajan, N Bombana, JF Pierre, W Pavan, F Bulo, K Sipope, ... Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 131 (3), 635-650, 2025

The rapidly increasing population growth in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), disruptions in the fertilizer supply chain due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent geopolitical tensions have highlighted the need for immediate actions toward optimizing fertilizer nutrients use. Fertilizer recommendations in SSA are either pan-territorial, obsolete, having been developed in the 1970s or 1980s, or completely nonexistent...

2025

Uso de insecticidas químicos y percepción del uso de insecticidas biorracionales en productores de hortalizas de Yucatán

E Ruiz-Sánchez, AL Ruiz-Jiménez, L Latournerie-Moreno, JF Pierre Avances en Investigación Agropecuaria 29 (Especial), ágs 71-72, 2025

Introducción La dependencia global de los plaguicidas químicos es profunda, aunque pueden incrementar la producción agrícola, su uso excesivo o inadecuado tiene consecuencias negativas, como la contaminación del suelo y agua, y riesgos a la salud humana. Para contrarrestar estos efectos, los insecticidas biorracionales (derivados vegetales y microbianos) constituyen una alternativa promisoria. Objetivo Realizar un...

2025

Insecticidas químicos y biorracionales utilizados por pequeños productores de hortalizas de Yucatán

E Ruiz-Sánchez, AL Ruiz-Jiménez, L Latournerie-Moreno, JF Pierre Avances en Investigación Agropecuaria 29, ágs 130-143, 2025

Objetivo Realizar un diagnóstico del uso de insecticidas químicos y la percepción de uso de insecticidas biorracionales en productores de hortalizas de Yucatán. Materiales y métodos Se empleó una metodología de encuesta descriptiva para recopilar datos de pequeños productores de hortalizas en Yucatán. El estudio se centró en áreas clave de producción agrícola, abarcando las...

2025

Interactive Effect of Copper and Herbivory on the Whole-Plant Growth of Leucaena leucocephala

SM Amaya-Martín, HS Ballina-Gómez, E Ruíz-Sánchez, ... International Journal of Plant Biology 16 (3), 76, 2025

This study investigated how Leucaena leucocephala, a dry forest plant, copes with soil copper and herbivory caused by Schistocerca piceifrons, crucial for understanding species adaptation in stressed environments. A 33-day factorial experiment with three copper and two herbivory treatments assessed seedling growth rates (relative growth rate of biomass—RGRB, and leaf area—RGRLA), morphology, net assimilation rate...

2025

Nitrogen losses mitigated with maize–legume intercropping in the Yucatan Peninsula

JF Pierre, CAM Laboski, L Latournerie‐Moreno, R Garruña, KL Jacobsen, ... Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment 8 (1), e70066, 2025

In recent years, nitrate leaching and environmental impacts from agriculture have become global issues, due in part to the increased use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers in agriculture. In the Yucatan Peninsula, intercropping is a traditional farming practice known as the “Milpa” system (i.e., a traditional farming practice characterized by the simultaneous cultivation of maize [Zea...

2025

Global‑scale meta‑analysis reveals enhanced cereal yields throughsulfur andzinc fertilization

ZPSJT Jacques Fils Pierre, Guillaume Kodjovi Ezui, Latha Nagarajan, Upendra ... Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 2025

Crop yield response to secondary nutrient sulfur (S) and micronutrient zinc (Zn) has been extensively studied, yet inconsistent results and a lack of context-specific guidelines limit widespread adoption. We conducted a meta-analysis of 152 data points from 27 studies to quantify the impact of S and Zn separately and in combination on maize, rice, and...

2025

Leaf damage by Diabrotica spp. and morphological traits of leaves in landrace accessions of two Fabaceae species

RBNLRB Esaú Ruiz-Sánchez, Roberto Rafael Ruiz−Santiago, Horacio S. Ballina ... International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 2025

Vigna unguiculata L. and Phaseolus lunatus L. are legume species of great importance in Mexico’s low-input systems such as Milpa. In these production systems both species are attacked by pests, such as Diabrotica spp. that reduce their yield and farmers do not have the supplies for timely pest management. The objective of this study was...

2025

Physicochemical and nutritional traits of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) landraces grown in traditional farming systems

H Hernández, N Pacheco, R Garruña, JC Cuevas-Bernardino, JF Pierre, ... Chilean journal of agricultural research 84 (6), 757-768, 2024

In response to global concerns over food scarcity, the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) has emerged as a promising alternative due to its rich composition of carbohydrates (starch), protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This study aims to assess the physicochemical characteristics and nutritional content of different sweet potato landraces cultivated in Yucatan, Mexico. The...

2024

Legumes: cornerstones of global food security and sustainable agriculture

JF Pierre Legume Crops for Food Security-Cultivation and Benefits, 2024

Amidst global challenges to food security and sustainability, this chapter explores the pivotal role of legumes. It addresses how the increasing population and climate change impact agriculture, advocating for sustainable practices aligned with international goals, such as those of the FAO. Legumes are highlighted as vital to achieving food security and sustainability through their positive...

2024

Sustaining soil health in high tunnels: A paradigm shift toward soil-centered management

JF Pierre, KL Jacobsen, A Wszelaki, D Butler, M Velandia, T Woods, ... HortTechnology 34 (5), 594-603, 2024

This review was conducted to synthesize current knowledge, learn producer and Extension specialist perspectives, and identify gaps in understanding of the role of soil health in sustaining production in high tunnel (HT) systems. This synthesis includes findings from scholarly resources related to soil health in HTs, including research and Extension-based literature, perspectives from experienced HT...

2024

The ongoing journey of intercropping modelling: Key insights from the model developers and expert users on fundamental assumptions

AM Adam, NF Gatien, C Nendel, M Lana, K Giller, F Ewert, C Marohn, ... Tropentag 2024, 432-433, 2024

The ongoing journey of intercropping modelling: Key insights from the model developers and expert users on fundamental assumptions - Wageningen University & Research Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content Wageningen University & Research Home Wageningen University & Research Logo Contact & Help Home Profiles Research units Research output Datasets Projects...

2024

Epidemics of Begomoviruses Transmitted by Bemisia tabaci in Habanero Peppers and the Efficacy of Botanical Insecticides

AL Ruiz-Jiménez, YJ Chan-May, E Ruiz-Sánchez, ... Agricultural Research 13 (3), 477-483, 2024

Bemisia tabaci transmits begomoviruses that cause the most devastating disease of Capsicum chinense in tropical regions. Here we first evaluated the incidence and severity of Begomovirus symptoms on habanero pepper landraces H-224 and H-241 and commercial cultivar Jaguar that were naturally infested with B. tabaci in the field. Then we treated H-241 in the greenhouse...

2024

Effect of Different Maize (Zea mays)/Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Intercropping Patterns and N Supply on Light Interception, Physiology and Productivity of Cowpea

JF Pierre, U Singh, L Latournerie–Moreno, R Garruña, KL Jacobsen, ... Agricultural Research 13 (2), 204-215, 2024

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...

2024

An overview of agro-industrial wastewater treatment using microbial fuel cells: Recent advancements

W Apollon, I Rusyn, T Kuleshova, AI Luna-Maldonado, JF Pierre, ... Journal of Water Process Engineering 58, 104783, 2024

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...

2024

Growth, Phenotypic Plasticity and Fruit Quality in Tomato: A Study under High Temperature and Elevated CO2

M Oliva-Ruiz, N Pacheco, JC Cuevas-Bernardino, W Tezara, ... Horticulturae 9 (12), 1266, 2023

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...

2023

A review of the impact of maize-legume intercrops on the diversity and abundance of entomophagous and phytophagous insects

JF Pierre, KL Jacobsen, L Latournerie-Moreno, WJ Torres-Cab, ... PeerJ 11, e15640, 2023

In many parts of the world, chemical pesticides are the primary method of pest control in maize (Zea mays L.) 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...

2023

Development of a cereal–legume intercrop model for DSSAT version 4.8

JF Pierre, U Singh, E Ruiz-Sánchez, W Pavan Agriculture 13 (4), 845, 2023

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),...

2023

Growth, Phenotypic Plasticity and Fruit Quality in Tomato: A Study under High Temperature and Elevated CO2. Horticulturae 2023, 9, 1266

M Oliva-Ruiz, N Pacheco, JC Cuevas-Bernardino, W Tezara, ...

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...

2023

Development of a Cereal–Legume Intercrop Model for DSSAT Version 4.8. Agriculture 2023, 13, 845

JF Pierre, U Singh, E Ruiz-Sánchez, W Pavan

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),...

2023

Plants, get ready, the eating insects are coming! prime defense of Phaseolus vulgaris on plant resistance and tolerance mechanisms

ARI Miz, HSB Gómez, ER Sánchez, KBM Dzul, RRR Santiago, JF Pierre, ... Brazilian Journal of Botany, 2023

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...

2023

Insecticidal Activity and Physicochemical Characterization of Nanoparticles from Foliar Extract of Capsicum chinense

AE Alfaro-Corres, D González-Mendoza, E Ruiz-Sánchez, C Ail-Catzin, ... Journal of Renewable Materials, 2023

This work was carried out to evaluate the insecticidal effect of mono, bi and trimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) from leaf extract of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) on the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum herbst.) and cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley). The results showed that Cu NPs, Cu/Mn NPs and Zn/Cu NPs had high insecticidal effect...

2023

Directrices para incrementar el rendimiento de grano en sistemas de cultivos asociados

JF Pierre Centro 14, 241-245, 2022

Aunque el sistema de cultivo intercalado de la Península de Yucatán se considera amigable con el medio ambiente y juega un papel crucial en la producción de alimentos esenciales para la dieta mexicana, todavía se caracteriza por un bajo rendimiento debido a la competencia inter e intraespecífica (es decir, la disposición espacial de dos o...

2022

Effect of maize–legume intercropping on maize physio-agronomic parameters and beneficial insect abundance

JF Pierre, L Latournerie-Moreno, R Garruña, KL Jacobsen, CAM Laboski, ... Sustainability 14 (19), 12385, 2022

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...

2022

Field evaluation of microbial insecticides against fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (smith) and corn earworm, helicoverpa zea (boddie) (lepidoptera …

WJ Torres-Cab, E Ruiz-Sanchez, A Reyes-Ramírez, GA Lugo-García, ... Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection 55 (14), 1713-1723, 2022

Commercial formulations of two entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae Metschnikoff and Beauveria bassiana Balsamo) and two strains of Bacillus thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki and B. thuringiensis var. aizawai) were evaluated against S. frugiperda and H. zea in two fields in the Yucatan Peninsula. In both locations, M. anisopliae and B. bassiana had similar efficacy (Davis...

2022

Effect of Maize–Legume Intercropping on Maize Physio-Agronomic Parameters and Beneficial Insect Abundance. Sustainability 2022, 14, 12385

JF Pierre, L Latournerie-Moreno, R Garruña, KL Jacobsen, CAM Laboski, ... s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published …, 2022

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...

2022

Sistemas consorciados de milho no sul do México: uma revisão dos benefícios e desafios

JF Pierre, L Latournerie-Moreno, R Garruña-Hernández, KL Jacobsen, ... Ciência Rural 52, e20210409, 2022

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...

2022

Maize legume intercropping systems in southern Mexico: A review of benefits and challenges

JF Pierre, L Latournerie-Moreno, R Garruña-Hernández, KL Jacobsen, ... Ciência Rural 52 (11), 2022

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...

2022

The State and Farmer Perception Reagrding Maize-Legume Intercropping System in Yucatan Peninsula

J Pierre, L Latournerie-Moreno, R Garruña-Hernández, KL Jacobsen, ... ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, 2021

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...

2021

Farmer Perceptions of Adopting Novel Legumes in Traditional Maize‐Based Farming Systems in the Yucatan Peninsula

JF Pierre, L Latournerie-Moreno, R Garruña-Hernández, KL Jacobsen, ... Sustainability 13 (20), 11503, 2021

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...

2021

Agricultura Apoiada pela Comunidade (AAC): uma alternativa para enfrentar o problema de comercialização dos produtos orgânicos no Brasil

JF Pierre, GF Vita, NGR Mizuguchi Agroecologia: Métodos e Técnicas Para Uma Agricultura Sustentável - Volume 1 …, 2021

Este artículo é resultado de pesquisa de campo realizada durante o estágio profissional na Unidade orgânica da fazenda de Horticultura da Universidade do Kentucky (UK) rural que utiliza o conceito da CSA (Agricultura Apoiada pela Comunidade) como uma alternativa de mercado utilizada em diversos países desenvolvidos, tais como Estados Unidos e Europa. Participaram do trabalho...

2021

AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR

JF Pierre, NGR Mizuguchi

This dissertation is the result of field research carried out in the region of Petite Rivière Bayonnais, Municipality of Gonaives, Haiti. Fourty four farmers from five communities from Bayonnais participated as subjects. The aim was to perform a preliminary diagnosis of family farming in Petite Rivière de Bayonnais by surveying agricultural cultures and practices, socioeconomic...

2021

Caracterização socioeconômica e práticas produtivas da agricultura familiar em Petite Rivière de Bayonnais, Haiti

JF Pierre Revista Eletrônica Competências Digitais para Agricultura Familiar 5 (2 …, 2019

O presente estudo objetivou-se caracterizar a situação socioeconômica dos produtores e as práticas produtivas adotadas pelos agricultores na região de Petite Rivière de Bayonnais, localizado no município de Gonaives, no departamento de Artibonite. Participaram do trabalho como sujeitos 44 produtores agrícolas de cinco comunidades de Bayonnais. Foram realizadas visitas às diferentes propriedades agrícolas, aplicados formulários,...

2019

Agricultura Familiar Em Petite Rivière de Bayonnais, Haiti

JF Pierre Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, 2018

Esta dissertação é resultado de pesquisa de campo realizada na região de Petite Rivière de Bayonnais, no município de Gonaives, Haiti. Participaram do trabalho como sujeitos 44 produtores agrícolas de cinco comunidades de Bayonnais. O objetivo foi realizar um diagnóstico preliminar da agricultura familiar em Petite Rivière de Bayonnais, através do levantamento das culturas e...

2018

Geospatial Modelling to Guide Nitrogen and Planting Date Management for Enhanced Maize (Zea Mays L.) Productivity in Uganda

JF Pierre, KS Ezui, N Bombana, W Pavan, YK Gaihre, L Nagarajan, ... Available at SSRN 5318079, 0

ContextMaize (Zea mays L.) is the most important cereal crop grown in Uganda, with more than 50% of agricultural households participating in its cultivation, contributing to food security and livelihoods. However, maize production faces multiple challenges, including climate variability, water scarcity, and poor soil fertility, particularly depletion of nitrogen (N), which limits yield potential across...

LA INCLUSIÓN DE LEGUMINOSAS EN LOS SISTEMAS DE CULTIVO INTERCALADO MAÍZ-LEGUMINOSA PUEDE REDUCIR LAS PÉRDIDAS DE NITRÓGENO EN EL SUELO

JF Pierre, E Ruiz-Sánchez, L Latournerie-Moreno, R Garruña Editor Responsable: Dr. Francisco Antonio Cigarroa Vázquez ISSN 2683-2909 8 …, 0

In recent decades, intercropping has emerged as a useful alternative to combat nitrogen (N) losses in the environment. Therefore, the objective of this work was to study the effect of the maize-legume intercrop on the potential losses of N from the soil. Three treatments were studied: maize+ crotalaria, maize+ cowpea and maize monoculture. The results...