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
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...
Evaluation of Enhanced Efficiency Phosphorus Fertilizers in Acidic and Alkaline Soils for Improved Wheat Yield and Nutrient Uptake
Farm-Scale Validation of DSSAT for Integrated Soil Fertility Management in Upland Rice across Madagascar’s Rainfed Highlands
Modeling Nitrogen Profitability and Climate Risk in Tanzanian Maize-Based Systems
Uso de insecticidas químicos y percepción del uso de insecticidas biorracionales en productores de hortalizas de Yucatán
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...
Insecticidas químicos y biorracionales utilizados por pequeños productores de hortalizas de Yucatán
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...
Interactive Effect of Copper and Herbivory on the Whole-Plant Growth of Leucaena leucocephala
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...
Nitrogen losses mitigated with maize–legume intercropping in the Yucatan Peninsula
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...
Interactive Effect of Copper and Herbivory on the Whole-Plant Growth of Leucaena leucocephala
Global‑scale meta‑analysis reveals enhanced cereal yields throughsulfur andzinc fertilization
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...
Leaf damage by Diabrotica spp. and morphological traits of leaves in landrace accessions of two Fabaceae species
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...
Physicochemical and nutritional traits of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) landraces grown in traditional farming systems
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...
Optimizing Maize Productivity in Uganda through Geospatial Crop Modeling: Bringing Yield Gaps and Improving Nutrient Use Efficiency
Global-Scale Meta-Analysis Reveals Enhanced Cereal Yield through Secondary Nutrient (S) and Micronutrient (Zinc) Fertilization
Legumes: cornerstones of global food security and sustainable agriculture
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...
Sustaining soil health in high tunnels: A paradigm shift toward soil-centered management
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...
The ongoing journey of intercropping modelling: Key insights from the model developers and expert users on fundamental assumptions
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...
Epidemics of Begomoviruses Transmitted by Bemisia tabaci in Habanero Peppers and the Efficacy of Botanical Insecticides
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...
Effect of Different Maize (Zea mays)/Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Intercropping Patterns and N Supply on Light Interception, Physiology and Productivity of Cowpea
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...
An overview of agro-industrial wastewater treatment using microbial fuel cells: Recent advancements
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...
Tithonia diversifolia (Asteraceae) as a reservoir of natural enemies to promote pest control and improve development of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in open conditions
Growth, Phenotypic Plasticity and Fruit Quality in Tomato: A Study under High Temperature and Elevated CO2
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...
A Stakeholder-Driven Approach to Refining Challenges and Opportunities for Building and Maintaining Long-Term High Tunnel Soil Productivity
A review of the impact of maize-legume intercrops on the diversity and abundance of entomophagous and phytophagous insects
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...
Development of a cereal–legume intercrop model for DSSAT version 4.8
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),...
Growth, Phenotypic Plasticity and Fruit Quality in Tomato: A Study under High Temperature and Elevated CO2. Horticulturae 2023, 9, 1266
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...
Development of a Cereal–Legume Intercrop Model for DSSAT Version 4.8. Agriculture 2023, 13, 845
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),...
Plants, get ready, the eating insects are coming! prime defense of Phaseolus vulgaris on plant resistance and tolerance mechanisms
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...
Insecticidal Activity and Physicochemical Characterization of Nanoparticles from Foliar Extract of Capsicum chinense
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...
Directrices para incrementar el rendimiento de grano en sistemas de cultivos asociados
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...
Legume-Based Strip Intercropping Systems May Increase Yield and Promote the Abundance of Beneficial Insects in Maize-Based Intercropping Systems
Effect of maize–legume intercropping on maize physio-agronomic parameters and beneficial insect abundance
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...
Field evaluation of microbial insecticides against fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (smith) and corn earworm, helicoverpa zea (boddie) (lepidoptera …
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...
Effect of Maize–Legume Intercropping on Maize Physio-Agronomic Parameters and Beneficial Insect Abundance. Sustainability 2022, 14, 12385
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...
Sistemas consorciados de milho no sul do México: uma revisão dos benefícios e desafios
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...
Maize legume intercropping systems in southern Mexico: A review of benefits and challenges
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...
The State and Farmer Perception Reagrding Maize-Legume Intercropping System in Yucatan Peninsula
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...
Farmer Perceptions of Adopting Novel Legumes in Traditional Maize‐Based Farming Systems in the Yucatan Peninsula
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...
Agricultura Familiar em Petite Rivière de Bayonnais, Haiti
Agricultura Apoiada pela Comunidade (AAC): uma alternativa para enfrentar o problema de comercialização dos produtos orgânicos no Brasil
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...
Mejoramiento genético participativo: herramientas para una producción sustentable de maíz criollo (Zea mays L.) en Yucatán
En Yucatán, México, hasta el momento, la selección de variedades de maíz no se ha tenido muy en cuenta el interés de los milperos en participar en el proceso de mejoramiento genético del maíz. Sin embargo, los agricultores milperos de la península de Yucatán tienen la capacidad de seleccionar variedades de cultivos que se adapten...
AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR
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...
Caracterização socioeconômica e práticas produtivas da agricultura familiar em Petite Rivière de Bayonnais, Haiti
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,...
Socioeconomic characterization and productive practices of family farming in Petite Rivière de Bayonnais, Haiti
This study aimed to characterize the socioeconomic situation of producers and the production practices adopted by farmers in the region of Petite Rivière de Bayonnais, located in the municipality of Gonaives, in the department of Artibonite. This study was conducted in the Petite Rivière de Bayonnais region in the municipality of Gonaives, Haiti. Participants were...
Agricultura Familiar Em Petite Rivière de Bayonnais, Haiti
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...
Geospatial Modelling to Guide Nitrogen and Planting Date Management for Enhanced Maize (Zea Mays L.) Productivity in Uganda
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
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...
