Most of the farmers who grow cactus pear (Opuntia albicarpa) use manure as a fertilizer. This practice increases the problems of pests. The use of endomycorrhiza (Glomus intraradices) is almost unknown to farmers. Therefore, the objective of this research was to study the effect of the application with organic matter (OM) and inoculation with endomycorrhiza in cactus pear. The study was conducted under greenhouse conditions at the Montecillo Campus of the Postgraduate College, Mexico. Two types of soil from San Luis Potosí, Mexico were used, one of reddish coloration (xerosol) and another gray (lithosol). The results show that there were significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in all the variables by the inoculation with endomycorrhiza, and in the majority of those by the application of OM. Both the mycorrhiza and the application of OM, as vermicompost, promoted a greater growth of the stem and the root. The types of soils used did not affect the growth of the plants. The mycorrhiza can be useful to improve mineral nutrition, and thus increase yields in the cactus pear plantations. In addition, these fungi can increase yields, and help reduce production costs. The application of 50 t ha-1 of vermicompost is a better alternative to add nutrients and OM to this crop.

Mexico produces the three most important types of lime: Mexican, Persian, and Italian. Persian lime (Citrus latifolia) is the second most important in planted area. Forty-six percent of the production is intended for export. The objective of this research was to analyze the Persian lime value network of the packing and exporting companies. It was conducted at the main Persian lime producing area, located in the central coastal region of the Gulf of Mexico. As an average, the sampled companies were using 55% of their packing capacity. Most of them (83%) work all year long. They have been from 6 to 15 years in operation. They employed a mean of 41 people, thus they are medium-size enterprises. Fourteen actors were complementing their business in production and marketing. The relationship between packers and the small lime producing farmers was very inequitable. Low prices were common for Persian lime producers.The fruits they were packing came mainly from local producers (90%).Their main export destinations were: United States, Europe, Canada, and Japan. Other regions are increasing Persian lime production, threatening the marketing of the farmers of the central coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

Technical and entrepreneurial training was provided for two groups of young adults to prepare them for commercial production of horticultural goods under greenhouse conditions. Most participants (90%) had only basic formal education and no experience in agriculture. Both teachings were done simultaneously. Thus, they learn how to produce based on market demands, and how to operate as a business. This educational experience resulted in a high satisfaction for the participants, and gave them the skills needed for commercial production because they were able to produce and market one harvest. Their main challenge is to develop an enterprise.

No abstract

No abstract