Farming for the sustainable production of halophyte crops should begin with the popular knowledge of saline and beneficial plants. On this way, the use of drip irrigation with seawater supply for the production of the halophytic specie Salicornia magellanica was evaluated in a small-scale culture in three growth periods; a randomized design of fifteen plantings were developed in each treatment (n=15), with two irrigation flows in two plant stages (two and seven months of initial pre-planting growth in pots). At the same time, another hydroponic growing experiment was carried out with four different concentrations of seawater (0 – 11 – 20 – 33 g.L of salts) to determine the optimal concentration. The irrigation flow showed different effects on the production parameters and plant age, where the highest yields were recorded in more developed plants in the third season. In the hydroponics with sea water those with low concentration, had a greater and significant values in survival of plants, largest length and number of shoots. These results made it possible to model the consumption of seawater for crops in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina optimizing its use in order to reduce the cost of the provision of seawater for micro crops far from the sea coast.   | La producción de cultivos halófitas en una agricultura sustentable, debe iniciar con el conocimiento popular de las plantas salinas y beneficiosas. Con base a lo anterior, se evaluó el uso de riego por goteo con suministro de agua de mar para la producción de la especie halófila Salicornia magellanica en un cultivo de pequeña escala en tres períodos de crecimiento; en cada tratamiento se desarrolló un diseño aleatorizado de quince plantaciones (n = 15), con dos caudales de riego en dos etapas de planta (dos y siete meses de crecimiento inicial pre-plantación en macetas). Al mismo tiempo, se llevó a cabo otro experimento de cultivo hidropónico con cuatro concentraciones diferentes de agua de mar (0 - 11 - 20 - 33 g.L de sales) para determinar la concentración óptima. El caudal de riego mostró diferentes efectos sobre los parámetros de producción y edad de la planta, donde los mayores rendimientos se registraron en plantas más desarrolladas en la tercera temporada. En la hidroponía con agua de mar las de baja concentración, tuvieron valores mayores y significativos en supervivencia de plantas, mayor longitud y número de brotes. Estos resultados permiten modelar el consumo de agua de mar para cultivos en Tierra del Fuego, Argentina optimizando su uso con el fin de reducir el costo del suministro de agua de mar para micro cultivos alejados de la costa del mar.  

El estado de Oaxaca, México, tiene zonas productoras de 'chile de agua' (Capsicum annuum L.) que se diferencian por sus características fisiográficas y agroecológicas. Con el objetivo de generar conocimiento que contribuya a la conservación y mejoramiento genético del potencial productivo de esta especie, en ocho zonas se colectó germoplasma y caracterizó in situ durante 2006 y 2007 bajo un esquema de muestreo completamente aleatorio, con dos localidades por zona y diez plantas por localidad, para lo cual se empleó la guía del Instituto Internacional de Recursos Fitogenéticos. Durante 2008, para disminuir el efecto ambiental, se llevó a cabo una caracterización morfológica ex situ en condiciones de invernadero; para ello las ocho colectas (360 plantas) fueron cultivadas bajo un sistema intensivo en hidroponía, en un diseño experimental completamente al azar; la información se obtuvo de ocho muestreos efectuados cada quince días, en los cuales se identificaron descriptores de raíz, tallo, flor, fruto y semilla, que permitieron diferenciar (selección de variables) las colectas e identificarlas en tres grupos (análisis de agrupamiento de mínima varianza de Ward) y describir las características responsables de la agrupación (análisis de componentes principales). El germoplasma de la zona de Ocotlán, Oaxaca, resultó promisorio para un proceso de mejoramiento genético por presentar los frutos con los caracteres más deseables para el mercado. | Oaxaca state of Mexico has a number of zones with 'water chilli' pepper, (Capsicum annuum L.) which differ in their physiographic and agro-ecological characteristics. With the objective of to generate knowledge that contributes to the conservation and genetic improvement of the productive potential of this species of chilli, in eight zones, germplasm was collected and characterized in situ during 2006 and 2007 under a completely random sampling using two locations and ten plants per location, which used the guide to the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute. To decrease the environmental effect of the collection sites, was carried out ex situ morphological characterization, during 2008, under greenhouse conditions, therefore the eight collections (360 plants) were grown under an intensive system in hydroponics, in a design completely randomized. The information was extracted from eight samples taken every fifteen days. From analysis of variance and covariance were identified descriptors root, stem, flower, fruit and seed, to distinguish collections. In the cluster analysis of cluster (Ward minimum variance) and describe the characteristics of the grouping responsible (principal components analysis) were identified three groups and Ocotlán germplasm as promising for a process of genetic improvement by to present the fruits with the characteristics most desirable for the market.

Ruprechtia apetala Wedd. (Polygonaceae), “field apple”, is a tree native to South America, cited as ornamental, medicinal and for reforestation. The objectives of this work were to characterize the fruit and seed morphology, to determine the water entry area, and to evaluate seed germination. Fruits were collected in Luyaba (Córdoba, Argentina). Histological sections and stains followed standard protocols, and observations were made with light and stereoscopic microscopy. Germination was evaluated in achenes with sepals, achenes without sepals, and seeds sensu stricto, at 25°C or 20 <=> 30°C, with photoperiod of 8/16 h or permanent darkness. The results showed that fruits have an epicarp with non-lignified macroesclerides and tannins in their lumen, the mesocarp has 4-8 layers of parenchyma, and the endocarp has a single layer. Seeds have an episperm with papillose pattern, an amyloid and ruminated endosperm, and a foliated and folded embryo in axial position. Epistasis and hypostasis were observed. Water entrance occurs through the remains of the style in the achene or through the episperm in the seed. The maximum germination percentage (84%) was obtained both in achenes with sepals and in those without sepals at 20 <=> 30°C, with a photoperiod 8/16 h. It was shown that sepals and pericarp do not affect germination | Ruprechtia apetala Wedd. (Polygonaceae), “manzano del campo”, es un árbol nativo de Sudamérica, citado como ornamental, medicinal y para reforestación. Los objetivos de esta investigación fueron caracterizar la morfología del fruto y la semilla, determinar la zona de entrada de agua y evaluar la germinación. Se recolectaron frutos en Luyaba (Córdoba, Argentina). Se realizaron cortes histológicos, tinciones y observaciones con microscopio óptico y estereoscópico. Se evaluó la germinación de aquenios con sépalos, aquenios sin sépalos y semillas sensu stricto, a 25°C o 20<=>30°C, con fotoperíodo de 8/16 h u oscuridad permanente. Los resultados mostraron que el fruto posee epicarpo con macroesclereidas no lignificadas y taninos en el lumen, mesocarpo con 4-8 capas de parénquima y endocarpo unistrato. Las semillas muestran episperma con patrón papiloso, endosperma amiláceo y ruminado, y embrión foliado y plegado en posición axial. Se observó epístasis e hipóstasis. La entrada de agua comienza por los restos de los estilos del aquenio y en la semilla por el episperma. El máximo porcentaje de germinación (84%) se obtuvo tanto en los aquenios con sépalos como en aquellos sin sépalos a 20<=>30°C, con un fotoperíodo 8/16 h. Se demostró que los sépalos y el pericarpo no afectan la germinación.

Resumen Se analizaron la abundancia relativa y la variabilidad morfológica de 4 especies y 1 variedad del género Aulacoseira (Bacillariophyceae) en sedimentos lacustres provenientes de lagos con diferentes características climáticas, morfométricas, fisicoquímicas y nivel trófico. Las afinidades ecológicas se investigaron a través del método de promedios ponderados y análisis de correspondencia canónica. Los resultados señalaron al gradiente de temperatura, salinidad y de nivel trófico como las principales variables que determinan la distribución de los taxones. Las especies del género tuvieron una distribución en aguas con pH circumneutrales levemente alcalinos y salinidades bajas. Aulacoseira granulata tuvo la mayor frecuencia de presencia y tolerancia por salinidades un poco más elevadas, A. ambigua alcanzó las abundancias relativas más altas, A. nivaloides se distingue por su afinidad a agua fría, de baja salinidad y bajo nivel trófico. Aulacoseira ambigua, A. granulata y A. granulata var. angustissima se distribuyen en ambientes de agua dulce, meso-eutróficos y A. pusilla tiene una afinidad por agua más turbia y con nivel más alto de fósforo. Este estudio aporta información sobre la variabilidad biológica y distribución ecológica de las especies dentro del género en lagos del centro de México. | Abstract Relative abundance and morphological variability of 4 species and 1 variety of the genus Aulacoseira (Bacillariophyceae) were analyzed in sediments from lakes with different climatic, morphometric, physicochemical and tropic level regimes. Canonical correspondence analysis and weighted average optima were used to identify the ecological preferences of each taxon. The results show that temperature, salinity and trophic level were the main environmental variables defining species distribution. The species of the genus Aulacoseira were present only in circumneutral-slightly alkaline localities with low salinity. Aulacoseira granulata was the most frequent taxon and had the higher salinity tolerance, A. ambigua reached the highest relative abundances, A. nivaloides stand out because of its affinity for cold waters, of very low salinity and trophic level. Aulacoseira ambigua, A. granulata, and A. granulata var. angustissima prefered freshwater, meso-eutrophic conditions and A. pusilla turbid waters with high phosphorus concentrations. This study provides information on the biological variability and distribution of the species within the genus in lakes from central Mexico.

O sêmen de oito reprodutores foi coletado e de cada ejaculado separou-se um total de 1,75x10(9)sptz, com concentração de 35x10(6)sptz/mL. Usou-se o Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) como controle para testar o diluente água de coco em pó (ACP). O dia de coleta foi o dia zero (D0), sendo o sêmen conservado durante cinco dias, com análises diárias no D0 e nos quatro dias seguintes (D1, D2, D3 e D4). A avaliação da qualidade espermática baseou-se nos resultados do vigor espermático, da porcentagem de células móveis, da morfologia espermática, da integridade da membrana plasmática e dos resultados de fertilidade. As avaliações do vigor espermático (4,1) e da porcentagem de espermatozoides móveis (91%) ficaram acima dos parâmetros mínimos exigidos (3,0 e 70%) para sua utilização em programas de inseminação artificial, pois não houve influência sobre as variáveis analisadas pelo protocolo experimental. O resultado médio da resistência osmótica foi de 71,3% de espermatozoides com cauda enrolada. Não houve diferenças entre os dois diluentes testados para a característica células com acrossoma intacto (BTS = 67,1%; ACP = 71,2%). O sêmen diluído em ACP apresentou maior número de células vivas (77,7 %) com membrana plasmática íntegra (74,2%) após a conservação. A escolha do diluente ACP é aconselhável para uso de rotina em laboratórios que trabalhem com conservação de sêmen suíno. Apesar dos bons resultados in vitro obtidos com o diluente ACP, o BTS apresentou os melhores resultados de fertilidade, 86,7% e 96,7%, respectivamente.<br>The semen of eight boars was collected and a total of 1.75x10(9) spermatozoa were separated from each ejaculate, obtaining a concentration of 35x10(6)sptz/mL. The Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) was used as control, being tested the powder coconut water as extender (PCW). The day of collection was considered day zero (D0), and the semen was conserved for five days, with analyses on D0 and on four subsequent days (D1, D2, D3, and D4). The evaluation of spermatic quality was based on the results of spermatozoa vigour, cells motility, spermatic morphology, plasmatic membrane integrity, and fertility. The evaluations of the in natura semen presented mean values of spermatozoa vigour (4.1) and mobile spermatozoids percentage (91%) above the demanded minimum parameters (3.0 and 70%) for its use in artificial insemination programs without influencing on the analyzed variables. The mean results of the osmotic resistance were excellent, with 71.3% of spermatozoids with coiled tail. There were no differences between the two extenders tested for the characteristic cells with intact acrossome (BTS = 67.1%; PCW = 71.2%). The semen diluted in PCW extender presented a higher number of alive cells (77.7%) with a complete plasmatic membrane (74.2%) after conservation period. The choice of PCW extender is advisable for the routine use in laboratories that work with conservation of swine semen. In spite of the good results in vitro with the PCW extender, the BTS presented the best fertility results, 86.7% and 96.7%, respectively.

O sêmen de oito reprodutores foi coletado e de cada ejaculado separou-se um total de 1,75x10(9)sptz, com concentração de 35x10(6)sptz/mL. Usou-se o Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) como controle para testar o diluente água de coco em pó (ACP). O dia de coleta foi o dia zero (D0), sendo o sêmen conservado durante cinco dias, com análises diárias no D0 e nos quatro dias seguintes (D1, D2, D3 e D4). A avaliação da qualidade espermática baseou-se nos resultados do vigor espermático, da porcentagem de células móveis, da morfologia espermática, da integridade da membrana plasmática e dos resultados de fertilidade. As avaliações do vigor espermático (4,1) e da porcentagem de espermatozoides móveis (91%) ficaram acima dos parâmetros mínimos exigidos (3,0 e 70%) para sua utilização em programas de inseminação artificial, pois não houve influência sobre as variáveis analisadas pelo protocolo experimental. O resultado médio da resistência osmótica foi de 71,3% de espermatozoides com cauda enrolada. Não houve diferenças entre os dois diluentes testados para a característica células com acrossoma intacto (BTS = 67,1%; ACP = 71,2%). O sêmen diluído em ACP apresentou maior número de células vivas (77,7 %) com membrana plasmática íntegra (74,2%) após a conservação. A escolha do diluente ACP é aconselhável para uso de rotina em laboratórios que trabalhem com conservação de sêmen suíno. Apesar dos bons resultados in vitro obtidos com o diluente ACP, o BTS apresentou os melhores resultados de fertilidade, 86,7% e 96,7%, respectivamente. | The semen of eight boars was collected and a total of 1.75x10(9) spermatozoa were separated from each ejaculate, obtaining a concentration of 35x10(6)sptz/mL. The Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) was used as control, being tested the powder coconut water as extender (PCW). The day of collection was considered day zero (D0), and the semen was conserved for five days, with analyses on D0 and on four subsequent days (D1, D2, D3, and D4). The evaluation of spermatic quality was based on the results of spermatozoa vigour, cells motility, spermatic morphology, plasmatic membrane integrity, and fertility. The evaluations of the in natura semen presented mean values of spermatozoa vigour (4.1) and mobile spermatozoids percentage (91%) above the demanded minimum parameters (3.0 and 70%) for its use in artificial insemination programs without influencing on the analyzed variables. The mean results of the osmotic resistance were excellent, with 71.3% of spermatozoids with coiled tail. There were no differences between the two extenders tested for the characteristic cells with intact acrossome (BTS = 67.1%; PCW = 71.2%). The semen diluted in PCW extender presented a higher number of alive cells (77.7%) with a complete plasmatic membrane (74.2%) after conservation period. The choice of PCW extender is advisable for the routine use in laboratories that work with conservation of swine semen. In spite of the good results in vitro with the PCW extender, the BTS presented the best fertility results, 86.7% and 96.7%, respectively.

Introduction: The family Profundulidae is a lineage of freshwater fish, with a limited geographical distribution extending from Southern Mexico to Central America, composed of two genera Profundulus and Tlaloc; the latter comprised only four species; however, studies based on the analysis of osteological characters are scarce for this family of fish. Objective: To describe the anatomy of the caudal bones and backbone of all species of the genera Tlaloc. Methods: A comparative analysis was performed on 44 cleared and stained specimens to identify the differences and similarities of backbone elements and the organization of the caudal skeleton among the species. Results: The comparison of the caudal skeleton in the species of the genus Tlaloc, revealed a very similar pattern in the morphology of the species; however, some characteristics were detected that may be useful for discrimination of species of the genus; the triangular shaped hipural plate is a characteristic that has only appeared in T. labialis, while in the rest of the species (T. candalarius, T. portillorum and T. hildebrandi), the hypural plate is fan-shaped. The total number of vertebrae, including the vertebral centrum, in the four species of the genus Tlaloc ranged from 33 to 38, of which 15-17 were abdominal vertebrae and 17-21 caudal vertebrae; T. portillorum had the lowest number of total vertebrae (33); while T. labialis had the highest number of total vertebrae (37-38) Conclusions: The consistent relationship to these skeletal elements suggests that the vertebrae and caudal fin ray count is a character of fundamental nature for the profundulid fishes, giving it particular taxonomic significance in that group. | Introducción: La familia Profundulidae es un linaje de peces de agua dulce, con una distribución geográfica muy limitada que se extiende desde el sur de México hasta Centroamérica, integrada por dos géneros Profundulus y Tlaloc; este último, tiene solamente cuatro especies; sin embargo, los estudios basados en el análisis de caracteres osteológicos son escasos para esta familia de peces. Objetivo: Se describe la anatomía del complejo caudal y elementos de la columna vertebral en todas las especies que integran el género Tlaloc. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis comparativo en 44 especímenes diafanizados y teñidos, para identificar diferencias y similitudes en los elementos de la columna vertebral y del complejo caudal entre las especies del género. Resultados: La estructura general del complejo caudal en las especies Tlaloc reveló un patrón similar en las especies del género; sin embargo, se identificaron algunos caracteres útiles para la discriminación de las especies; la placa hipural de forma típicamente triangular es un carácter que solamente se presentó en T. labialis, mientras que en el resto de las especies (T. candalarius, T. portillorum y T. hildebrandi) la placa hipural es en forma de abanico; el número total de vértebras, incluyendo el centro vertebral, en las cuatro especies de Tlaloc varió de 33 a 38, de las cuales 15-17 fueron vértebras abdominales y 17-21 vértebras caudales. T. portillorum presentó el menor número de vértebras totales (33); mientras que T. labialis presentó el mayor (37-38). Conclusiones: La relación de estos elementos esqueléticos sugiere que el conteo de vértebras y radios de la aleta caudal es un carácter de naturaleza fundamental para los peces profundúlidos, lo que le otorga una importancia taxonómica particular en ese grupo.