In Colombia, there are geographic areas where the potato crop is the principal economic product. The diversity of potato varieties, has resulted in differences in sizes and in chemical and physical compositions. These variables are defined by genetic factors, agricultural practices, and climatic and soil conditions. The physical characteristics of the different potato varieties are directly related to aspects of production and performance, unlike the chemical composition and morphology of starch granules, which define the nutritional quality and industrial use. In this research, an analysis of the physicochemical and morphological properties of native starches from six potato varieties was carried out, forming a pilot study for the selection of promising varieties for ethanol production. For this purpose, the samples were dried to constant weight. The ash, amylose and amylopectin contents showed significant differences between the varieties. Similarly, differences were observed in the shape and size of the granules, variables that influenced the gelatinization temperature and viscosity of the final products. These variations in the physicochemical properties and morphology of the starches may affect the use of starch and in the production of ethanol.

Factibilidad de una comercializadora hortícola de economía solidaria en el Distrito de Riego del Alto Chicamocha Feasibility of a cooperative commercial association for horticultural products in the Distrito de Riego del Alto Chicamocha Comercializadora de frutas y hortalizas en la Central Minorista del municipio de Duitama, Boyacá. Foto: R. Pedraza RESUMEN Como un aporte a la solución de uno de los problemas de los productores hortícolas del Distrito de Riego del Alto Chicamocha (Duitama, Colombia), consistente en la carencia de una organización empresarial que comercialice los productos en mejores condiciones de mercado, se realizó una encuesta entre productores, comercializadores, consumidores y se analizaron todos los factores que tienen marcada influencia en el proceso de producción y comercialización. De acuerdo con el resultado, se hace necesario la organización de una empresa de tipo solidario cuya ubicación sea la ciudad de Duitama, donde los productores se asocien desde la producción hasta la comercialización para lograr la regulación de precios, la disminución de intermediarios y la obtención de mejores ingresos, al tiempo que desarrollen procesos productivos de acuerdo con las necesidades del consumidor, adelantando labores de poscosecha como adecuación y empaque. La empresa propuesta será de servicios y en consecuencia realizará una función de agente comercializador entre el asociado y el consumidor final.

Nariño is a significant producer of lulo in Colombia, with the producers of the region found in the northern part of the department. The principal problems for the producers are the low levels of productivity and profit, which have led to increasing abandonment of this crop, losses of manual labor, and a reduction in the standard of living. The general objective of the present study focused on the application of multivariate analysis in order to reveal the characteristics of the production system, such as the elements of decisions. The results of surveys, interviews, and direct observations of the production units were analyzed through principal component and grouping analyses, using the Ward distance criterion. The studied lots were between 1,788 m a.s.l. in the La Florida District of the municipality of Colón and 2,480 m a.s.l. in the Botanilla District of the municipality of Cartago. Yields were low, although the majority of the producers in Colón obtained yields over 7.0 kg/ plant with a shared production system. The plantlets used for the establishment of the crops are produced by the farmers, few in number, and rarely bought. Chemical fertilization and phytosanitation predominate, although, in San Lorenzo, only organic fertilizers are applied during sowing; microelements are not applied in any of the municipalities. The harvest is commercialized by agrobusinesses with prices fixed by the venders. The analysis of the economic variables showed that those producers with a high number of plants were more efficient and obtained a profit of 488.4%, higher than the general average which was 202.5%.

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In the municipality of Tibu, a process of strategic alliances was started for small- and medium-sized oil palm producers with the support of a private company, the International Agency for Development (USAID), and the national government, incentivizing the creation of small-producer associations. This project has performed well in the region, generating positive effects for the region's economy. However, it has been observed that, among the small producers, some have good productivity and others have low productivity. The plantations share the same vegetative material, Dami-Las Flores, which was planted in 2005 and now has 8 years of production. The survey was conducted in October of 2013 on each of the plantations. After conducting the survey and processing the information with an evaluation matrix at the technology level, it was determined that the general technology adoption level of these plantations was 72.6%. It is recommended that the plantations increase characterization studies of the soil, conduct topographical studies, suitably prepare the soil, and design drainage systems where they are needed based on the studies.