Acta Agronómica

Lead (II) removal using lignin obtained from pseudostem banana treatment

Se evaluó la adsorción de iones plomo (Pb2+) sobre lignina recuperada del licor residual generado en el proceso de producción de papel a partir de seudotallos (vástago) de plátano. La eficiencia de recuperación encontrada fue de aproximadamente 82%. La lignina fue caracterizada mediante espectroscopia de infrarrojo con el objeto de identificar sitios activos adecuados para el proceso de adsorción de metales pesados. Sus características de superficie se determinaron mediante isotermas de adsorción - desorción de nitrógeno (N2). La lignina recuperada después de su uso en adsorción mostró un área superficial de 840 m²/g y un volumen total de poros de 0.30 cm³/g. Para evaluar la capacidad de adsorción de la lignina respecto de la concentración inicial de los iones, se prepararon soluciones de Pb2+ 0.6, 0.8 y 1.0 mM. Finalmente, se determinó la concentración final de Pb2+ por medio de espectroscopia de absorción atómica, encontrando remociones de 55%

The adsorption of lead ions (Pb2+) on lignin was investigated. Lignin of black liquor generated in the paper production process from banana stem recovered, obtaining an efficiency of 82% regarding to recovery process. Lignin was characterized by infrared spectroscopy to identify suitable active sites for the adsorption of heavy metals. Surface characteristics were determined by adsorption-desorption isotherms of nitrogen (N2). Recovered lignin showed a surface area of 840 m²/g and a total pore volume of 0.30cm³/g. After that, solutions of Pb2+ at 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mM were prepared to evaluate the adsorption capacity of lignin with respect to initial concentration of the ions. The final concentration of Pb2+ was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AA) achieving removal efficiencies of 55%

Soil macrofauna associated to agroforestal systems in Colombian Amazon

La densidad, riqueza y diversidad de la macrofauna edáfica son afectadas, entre otros factores, por la configuración de los agroecosistemas y la estacionalidad de la precipitación. Con el fin de evaluar estos efectos en mayo y noviembre de 2011, correspondientes a épocas de máxima y mínima precipitación, respectivamente, se realizaron estudios sobre la composición de la macrofauna edáfica asociada con los arreglos agroforestales ubicados en el Centro de Investigaciones Macagual Cesar Augusto Estrada González, Amazonia, Caquetá, Colombia. El experimento se dispuso en un diseño completo al azar bifactorial con cuatro tratamientos (arreglos agroforestales: AB = abarco - Cariniana pyriformis Miers; CH = caucho Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A. Juss.) Müll. Arg. ; CP = caucho-parica Schizolobium amazonicum Huber; UV = uvito Genipa Americana L.) y dos épocas (máxima y mínima precipitación), y cuatro repeticiones en parcelas divididas. Para explorar las relaciones entre los órdenes de macrofauna, se realizó un análisis de componentes principales y se evalúo el efecto de los arreglos agroforestales con una prueba de Monte Carlo. Los resultados mostraron que la densidad de la macrofauna fue mayor en el periodo de máxima precipitación (1129 individuos) en comparación con el de mínima (598 individuos). Los arreglos agroforestales influyen sobre la presencia o ausencia de algunos grupos taxonómicos (P < 0.05) como Homoptera (Insecta) y Raphidioptera (Insecta); además los UV y AB pueden favorecer a la macrofauna del estrés por sequía

The density, richness and diversity of soil macrofauna are influenced by diverse factors such as the configuration of agroecosystems, seasonality, among others. In order to assess this influence, sampling was conducted in May and November 2011, corresponding to the periods of maximum and minimum rainfall respectively on the composition of soil macrofauna associated with agroforestal arragements located in the Research Centre Macagual Cesar Augusto Estrada González property of the University of Amazonia, Colombia. The experiment was conducted under a complete randomized bifactorial design with 4 treatments (agroforestry system) and 2 periods (maximum and minimum precipitation), with 4 replicates in split plots. Principal component analysis was performed to explore the relationships between the orders and the effect of the agroforestal arrangements, which was tested with a test of Monte Carlo. The results showed that the density of the macrofauna was higher in the period of maximum pluvial precipitation compared to the minimum (1129 vs 598 subjects, respectively). The agroforestal arrangements influences the presence or absence of some taxonomic groups of soil macrofauna (P<0.05) as Homoptera and Raphidioptera, besides than UV and AB can favor the macrofauna of the stress due to the drought

**Rooting stem cuttings of Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. using indolbutyric acid**

O uso de ácido indolbutírico (IBA) como estimulador do enraizamento em estacas de Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. pode propiciar aumento de raízes para a formação de mudas comercializáveis. Objetivou-se avaliar o enraizamento, a formação de brotos e a sobrevivência de estacas herbáceas, lenhosas e semi-lenhosas de Bougainvillea com o uso de ácido indolbutírico (IBA). As estacas foram coletadas e tratadas com o IBA (1000 e 2000 mg/l). Aos 56 dias avaliaram-se a porcentagem de estacas vivas, enraizadas e com brotos; o número de brotos e de raízes por estaca e o comprimento da maior raiz e maior broto. As menores porcentagens de enraizamento foram verificadas nas estacas sem o uso de IBA. Maiores diferenças foram verificadas para as estacas lenhosas. O uso do IBA favorece o enraizamento de estacas de Bougainvillea, com melhor desempenho para as estacas lenhosas e na concentração de 2000 mg/l de IBA

The use of indolbutyric acid (IBA) as a stimulator of rooting in cuttings of Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. can provide increased training for marketable seedlings. This study aimed to evaluate the rooting, shoot formation and survival of herbaceous, woody and semi-woody cuttings of Bougainvillea using IBA. The cuttings were collected and treated with IBA (1000 and 2000 mg/l). At 56 days the percentage of live cuttings, rooted and with shoots, number of shoots and roots per cutting and the length of the longest root and shoot most were evaluated. The lowest percentages were found in rooting cuttings without the use of IBA. Major differences were checked for woody cuttings. The use of IBA promotes rooting of Bougainvillea, with better performance for woody cuttings and the concentration of 2000 mg/l IBA

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in rice plants in flooded and no flooded conditions

En la Unidad Científico Tecnológica de Base Los Palacios, Cuba, a 22° 34’ 32.73” N y 83° 14’ 11.95” O, se evaluó el efecto de la inundación sobre la colonización de hongos micorrízicos arbusculares durante la fase vegetativa de plantas de arroz cultivar INCA LP-5. Se realizaron dos experimentos en condiciones de invernadero en macetas con una capacidad de 800 g de suelo, ambos experimentos en un diseño experimental completamente aleatorizado. Uno de ellos se realizó con Rhizophagus (=Glomus) intraradices (Ri), donde se evaluó la dinámica de colonización de la simbiosis micorrízica en condiciones de inundación y secano (no inundadas). En el segundo experimento se trabajó con Glomus cubense (Gc) y se evaluó la colonización micorrízica en plantas de arroz cultivadas con diferentes alturas de lámina de agua. En ambos experimentos se evaluaron altura de la planta, producción de masa seca y tasa absoluta de crecimiento. Como resultado se encontró que las plantas de arroz fueron colonizadas a partir del día 35 después de la germinación, tanto en condiciones inundadas como no inundadas, con una tendencia al incremento en el tiempo. Se comprobó que la colonización micorrízica disminuyó en condiciones de inundación y a medida que la altura de la lámina de agua fue superior se encontraron valores inferiores de este indicador. La colonización micorrízica incrementó el desarrollo de las plantas de arroz

The research was conducted in the Scientific Technological Base Unit Los Palacios, Cuba, located at 22° 34’ 32.73” N and 83° 34’ 32.73”14’ 11.95” W, with the objective of evaluating the effect of flooding on colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi during the vegetative phase of rice plants, cultivar INCA LP-5. Two experiments under greenhouse conditions in pots with a capacity of 800 g of soil, both experiments in a completely randomized design were performed. An experiment was performed with Rhizophagus (=Glomus) intraradices (Ri), where the dynamics of colonization of mycorrhizal symbiosis in flooded conditions was evaluated and not flooded. In the second experiment, we worked with Glomus cubense (Gc) and mycorrhizal colonization was evaluated in rice plants grown with different levels of water depth. In both experiments, plant height, the absolute dry weight and growth rate are evaluated. The results showed that the rice plants were colonized from 35 days after germination, both flooded and non-flooded conditions, with an increasing trend over time. It was found that mycorrhizal colonization decreased in flood conditions and as the height of the water level was higher, lower values of this indicator was found. Mycorrhizal colonization increased the development of rice plants

Variabilidade de plantas de soja originadas de sementes de diferentes níveis de qualidade fisiológica

O objetivo foi avaliar a variabilidade entre plantas dentro de populações de soja estabelecidas em sementes com diferentes níveis de qualidade fisiológica (germinação de 96, 82 e 70%, respectivamente). Foram utilizados lotes de sementes de soja, cultivar CD 202, em três níveis de qualidade (alta, média e baixa). As parcelas foram constituídas por 1 linha de 7 m de comprimento espaçadas das demais parcelas 0.45 m. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Dentro das linhas de semeadura foram dispostas cerca de 50 sementes visando obter uma emergência com excesso de plantas para posterior desbaste. A população inicial após o desbaste foi de 32 plantas/m². Para avaliação das variáveis respostas coletou-se todas as plantas distribuídas nos 6 m dentro de cada parcela, sendo feita as seguintes determinações: estatura de planta, diâmetro do caule, número de hastes por planta e número de vagens por planta. As plantas colhidas foram avaliadas individualmente nos parâmetros mencionados, e calculado o coeficiente de variação, que foi utilizado como um indicador da variabilidade entre plantas dentro das populações de plantas. Conclui-se que sementes de baixa qualidade fisiológica ocasionam diminuição na sobrevivência de plantas no campo e aumento da variabilidade entre plantas na comunidade vegetal

The objective of this work was to evaluate the variability among plants within populations of soybean, established with different levels of vigor. Seed lots of soybean cultivar CD 202 with three levels of vigor (high, medium and low) were used. The plots consisted of 1 line of 7 m long spaced 0.45 m from other plots. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four replications. A total number of 50 seeds were arranged within the planting rows to obtain and adequate number of plants and the excess of plants were later thinned. The initial population after thinning was 32 plants/m². All plants in the 6m linear from each plot were collected and the following determinations were performed: plant height, stem diameter, number of stems per plant and number of pods per plant. The plants were harvested individually and all above mentioned parameters were also evaluated. In addition, the coefficient of variation was calculated and used as an indicator of variation between plants in plant populations. It is concluded that low quality seeds cause a decrease in the survival of plants in the field and increase in the variability among plants in plant communities

Analysis of seed systems in Latin American countries

América Latina es una región que posee una gran riqueza ambiental, cultural y social, con sistemas variables de agricultura según sus condiciones de producción, cultivos, y factores culturales, económicos y políticos. Esta amplia diversidad de factores influye en los niveles de productividad agrícola y en la capacidad competitividad de la región. El sector de semillas es diferente en cada país y posee características, dinámicas y normas propias según sus contextos locales, incluso, dentro de un país coexisten diferencias entre los sectores semilleros entre cultivos y/o regiones. Considerando que cada sistema tiene sus propias características, actores e interacciones, se hace necesario proponer estudios para abordar su conocimiento a través de los cuales se determine el estado de desarrollo del sector en cada país. En este estudio se realiza una revisión bibliográfica y búsqueda de datos disponibles referentes a los sistemas de semillas de Brasil, Guatemala, Perú y Colombia con el fin de presentar el estado y desarrollo del sistema en cada uno de ellos. En general, el sistema en Brasil muestra un sistema evolucionado según los criterios de clasificación de Douglas (1982). Colombia y Perú presentan sistemas desarrollados para algunos cultivos, especialmente los de tipos comercial de mayor interés. En Guatemala el abastecimiento de semillas depende principalmente de la producción propia de agricultores y/u organizaciones públicas mediante programas dirigidos al apoyo de pequeños agricultores

Latin America is a diverse region that exhibits a high environmental, cultural and social wealth, likewise, this region presents a variety of ways according to their agricultural production conditions, cultures, practices and cultural, economic and political factors; this wide variety of factors influence the levels of agricultural productivity and hence competitiveness capacity of the region. The seed sector is different in each country and includes features, activities, dynamics and norms according to their local contexts, even within the same country coexist differences among seed crops sectors and / or regions. Considering that each system has its own characteristics, actors and interactions, it is necessary to propose studies to address knowledge through which the state of development of the sector in each country is determined. In this study a literature review and search for available data on seed systems in Brazil, Guatemala, Peru and Colombia is done to present factors and conditions on the state and development of the seed system in each of these countries. Overall, Brazil system shows an evolved system according to the Douglas (1982) classification criteria system. Colombia and Peru, have more developed systems for some crops than others, the most developed systems correspond to crops with higher economic interest while other cultures rely on informal systems such as self-sufficiency. In Guatemala, the supply of seeds is largely dependent on the farmers’ own production and public organizations through programs aimed at supporting small farmers

**Characterization of peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.) cultivars by frost resistance**

Las heladas primaverales son una de las principales limitantes de la producción de frutales de clima templado. Dentro de una misma especie existe variabilidad en resistencia frente al daño en órganos florales ocasionado por temperaturas bajo cero durante la salida del reposo invernal. En cinco cultivares de duraznero (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.) y uno de nectarino se evaluó el daño ocasionado por heladas y se determinaron la fecha de plena floración y la densidad de floración. Adicionalmente se determinó la temperatura letal media (TL50) de las yemas florales en el estado de flor abierta, mediante descensos térmicos controlados en laboratorio. Los cultivares (cv) de duraznero Maria Bianca y Summer Pearl presentaron las mayores densidades de flores sanas por cm de ramo, luego de la ocurrencia de temperaturas bajo cero en campo. La resistencia a heladas en campo se relacionó principalmente con la elevada densidad de floración, en combinación, en algunos casos, con floración tardía. La floración tardía por sí sola no resultó una característica de resistencia; por tanto, para la elección de cultivares de duraznero con menor riesgo de daño por temperaturas bajo cero es importante tener en cuenta más de una variable relacionada con los órganos reproductivos

Spring frosts are one of main crop constraints of temperate fruit trees. Within a species exists variability in damage caused by subzero temperatures on flower organs during breaking winter rest. In five peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.) and one nectarine cultivars, field frost damage was assessed, also recording full bloom date and bloom density. Additionally, mean lethal temperature (LT50) of flower buds in the open flower state was determined through laboratory controlled thermal declines. Peach cultivars Maria Bianca and Summer Pearl had higher density of healthy flowers per cm of shoot, after field subzero temperatures. Field frost resistance was related mainly with high bloom density, combined, in some cases, with late bloom. Late bloom did not result a resistance feature itself. Therefore, to select peach cultivars with less damage risk by subzero temperatures, it is important to consider more than one variable related with reproductive organs

**Induced mutagenesis in microbulbs of Allium sativum L.**

Se estableció un protocolo de mutagénesis en microbulbos de ajo (Allium sativum L.) clon Boconó cultivado in vitro. Para el efecto se realizaron dos ensayos, uno de radiosensibilidad para establecer la dosimetría apropiada de radiación gamma y otro de mutagénesis para determinar el comportamiento de los materiales hasta la etapa de almacenamiento. En el primero los microbulbos fueron tratados con cuatros dosis de radiación gamma (6, 8, 10 y 12 Krad), más un control. Para establecer la dosis óptima se consideró la sobrevivencia del 50% de los microbulbos (DL50). Se empleó un diseño de bloques al azar con cinco tratamientos y 20 repeticiones por tratamiento. En el ensayo mutagénico los microbulbos fueron irradiados con 8 y 10 Krad y almacenados durante 45 días a 10 °C en condiciones de oscuridad En este caso se utilizó un diseño de bloques al azar con tres tratamientos (0, 8 y 10 Krad) y 20 repeticiones por tratamiento. En ambos ensayos, los microbulbos irradiados con 8 y 10 Krad registraron los mayores promedios para peso y diámetro, lo cual permite concluir que estas dosis son adecuadas para favorecer la producción de mutantes con características agronómicas deseables en el clon Boconó

A protocol for induced mutagenesis in clone Boconó (Allium sativum) microbulb cultured in vitro was established. For this, two assays were realized: test or radio sensitivity assays were performed to determine the appropriate gamma radiation dose and test or mutagenesis assays to determine the behavior of the plant material up to storage stage. In order to determine radio sensitivity, microbulbs grown were irradiated with four gamma ray doses (6, 8, 10 and 12 Krad) more control. Optimal dose was established considering 50% microbulb survival (LD50). In this assays a randomized blocks design with 5 treatments and 20 replications per treatment was used. After mutagenic treatment, microbulbs were irradiated with 8 and 10 Krad and then stored at 10 °C in darkness for 45 days. In this assays a randomized blocks design with 3 treatments considered two doses (8 and 10 Krad) more control and 20 replications per treatment was used. In both trials, higher mean weight and diameter were shown in microbulbs irradiated with 8 and 10 Krad, suggesting gamma irradiation to be applied with 8 and 10 Krad in order to facilitate mutant production with desirable agronomic traits in clone Boconó

Análise qualitativa da comunidade fitoplanctônica de uma piscicultura em Alvorada d´Oeste, Rondônia, Brasil

A piscicultura é um dos segmentos da produção animal que mais cresce no cenário mundial. O levantamento da comunidade fitoplanctônica nestes ambientes permite estabelecer formas de manejo mais eficientes. Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa realizar a análise qualitativa da comunidade fitoplanctônica visando a compreensão da dinâmica ecológica aquática para subsidiar medidas de manejo para a produção piscícola. O estudo foi desenvolvido na Piscicultura Santa Helena, km 14, TN 13, GB 4, no município de Alvorada dâ´Oeste, Rondônia, Brasil, onde três hectares de lâmina d´água são destinados ao cultivo de Colossoma macropomum. A represa de abastecimento e três viveiros foram escolhidos para as análises. As coletas ocorreram bimestralmente entre agosto-2013 à maio-2014. Foram identificados 74 táxons. A classe com maior representatividade (23 táxons) e de ocorrência nos viveiros (43%) foi a Chlorophyceae, na represa de abastecimento onde não é cultivado Colossoma macropomum não houve dominância monoespecífica da comunidade fitoplanctônica. As Cianofíceas apesar de não terem sido a classe de maior diversidade de táxons se mostraram influentes na comunidade fitoplanctônica, com altas densidades do gênero Microcystis e Planktotrix que juntamente com o gênero Euglena (Euglenophyceae) ocasionaram florações pontuais em outubro-2013 e fevereiro-2014

Aquaculture is one of the segments of the fastest growing animal production on the world stage. The survey of the phytoplankton community in these environments allows to establish more efficient forms of management. The objective of this research aimed to perform a qualitative analysis of phytoplankton aimed at understanding the aquatic ecological dynamics to support management measures for fish production. The study was conducted in Piscicultura Helena, km 14, TN 13, 4 GB, in the town of Alvorada d’Oeste, Rondônia, Brazil, where three acres of water depth are used to grow Colossoma macropomum. The dam supply and three ponds were chosen for analysis. The samples were collected bimonthly between August / 2013 to May / 2014. 74 taxa were identified. The class with the largest representation (23 taxa) and occurrence in nurseries (43%) was the Chlorophyceae, the dam where the supply is uncultivated Colossoma macropomum no monospecific dominance of the phytoplankton community. The cyanobacteria despite not having been the class of the greatest diversity of taxa proved influential in the phytoplankton community, with high densities of the genus Microcystis and Planktotrix which together with the genus Euglena (Euglenophyceae) caused occasional blooms in October / 2013 and February / 2014

Traits of the sugar cane associated with tons of cane per hectare and sucrose (% cane)

En las etapas iníciales del proceso de selección clonal en caña de azúcar (Saccharum spp.) se realiza la selección indirecta para las variables toneladas de caña por hectárea (TCH) y porcentaje de sacarosa. Esta selección indirecta puede aumentar su eficiencia en la medida que se precise mejor el conocimiento acerca de la naturaleza y la magnitud de las asociaciones existentes entre las características de interés y entre éstas y los indicadores de productividad. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estimar las correlaciones genéticas entre las variables de tipo agronómico (factores causales) y las de rendimiento (variables de respuesta), además descomponer su magnitud mediante análisis de sendero. Se evaluaron cinco caracteres de interés en caña de azúcar (altura, diámetro de tallos, población de tallos por metro, TCH y sacarosa (% caña)) en cinco localidades de la zona semiseca del valle del río Cauca para 17 variedades y dos testigos (CC 85-92 y MZC 74-275) en plantilla utilizando un diseño experimental Latice. Para estimar los coeficientes de correlación genética y de sendero (‘path coefficient’) se utilizó el software GENES. El análisis mostró que para obtener variedades con alto TCH y alta sacarosa (% caña), primero se deben seleccionar clones con altura superior que la variedad testigo CC 85-92 (334 cm) para asegurar un contenido alto de sacarosa y posteriormente hacer un segundo tamizado por tallos gruesos de diámetro mayor que el testigo (32 mm) y alta población de tallos igual o superiores que el testigo (14 tallos/m)

In the initial stages of clonal selection, indirect selection for variables tons of sugar cane per hectare (TCH) and sucrose (% cane) is used, based on some agronomic traits associated with TCH and sucrose (% cane). This indirect selection can increase efficiency to the extent that better knowledge about the nature and magnitude of the associations among the characteristics of interest required and, between the latter and productivity indicators. The aim was to estimate genetic correlations between agronomic traits (causal factors) and performance variables (response variables), also decompose its magnitude by path analysis. Five characters of interest, cane length, diameter, stalk population per meter, TCH and sucrose (% cane) were evaluated in five locations in the geographic area of the semi-dry valley of the Cauca River to 17 varieties and two witnesses (CC 85-92 and MZC 74-275) on plant-cane using Latice experimental design. To estimate the genetic correlation coefficients and path coefficients (path coefficient) the GENES software was used. The analysis showed that for high TCH varieties and sucrose (% cane) must first be selected clones carried high above the control range 85-92 CC (334 cm) to ensure a high sucrose content, and then you can make a second screening by thick stems of larger diameter than the control (32 mm) and high stalk population equal to or higher than the control (14 stems/m)

**Methodology for pest damage recognition in Begonia semperflorens link & Otto (sugar flower) crop through image processing**

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados obtenidos en el reconocimiento de plagas utilizando la visión de máquina por computador como elemento de diagnóstico. La captura de las imágenes se realizó por medio de un agente robótico aéreo (drone) equipado con una cámara, lo que permitió capturar las imágenes del estado de las hojas de un cultivo de la planta conocida como ‘flor de azúcar’ (Begonia semperflorens). Estas imágenes fueron procesadas utilizando técnicas de visión de máquina con el fin de identificar el posible ataque de plagas en el cultivo. Las técnicas utilizadas corresponden a filtros morfológicos, difuminado gaussiano y filtrado HSL. Como resultado principal de este trabajo se detectaron perforaciones de hojas ocasionadas por el ataque de plagas, específicamente babosas, caracoles, arañas rojas y minadoras

Nowadays, an important element in farming, is the use of technology, based on the analysis of the different factors that affect the succesfull development of the crops. The results are presented in the recognition of pests, in this work a computer machine vision, as a diagnostic was used. The images capturing were doing with a robotic air agent, equipped with a camera, capturing images of the state of a crop of a plant called ‘Flor de azúcar’ (Begonia semperflorens). These images are processed using machine vision techniques to identify the possible attack of pests on the crop. The techniques used are morphological filters, Gaussian blur filter and HSL. The main result of this work was accomplished, perform the detection of the perforation of the leaves as a result of pest attack, specifically slugs, snails, spider mites and leafminers

**Detection of Eurhizococcus colombianus (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) in blackberry plants by near-infrared spectroscopy**

La selección de métodos apropiados para muestreo y análisis es un aspecto importante en el estudio de plagas subterráneas. El conocimiento de su biología, depende del uso de herramientas sensibles para su detección en el ambiente complejo del suelo y las raíces. Recientemente se ha propuesto el uso de espectroscopia infrarroja cercana (conocida como NIR, por su sigla en inglés) para el diagnóstico fitosanitario no destructivo en cultivos, aprovechando la manifestación de propiedades ópticas únicas para cada grupo de plantas y organismos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el uso de espectroscopía NIR en muestras de hojas y suelo rizosférico, para detectar la presencia del insecto subterráneo Eurhizococcus colombianus en cultivos de mora (Rubus glaucus Benth.), en la región del Oriente antioqueño. La información obtenida en siete fincas distribuidas en cinco municipios indica que a través de los patrones espectrales de las hojas y el suelo rizosférico es posible clasificar las plantas con presencia o ausencia del insecto dentro de cada finca. Sin embargo, no fue posible establecer un modelo general para todas las fincas. Los resultados obtenidos permiten vislumbrar una herramienta no destructiva muy promisoria para detectar el insecto y entender las condiciones asociadas con su presencia en el cultivo, lo que favorecería el diseño de estrategias de manejo de este tipo de plaga, con base en el conocimiento de su ecología, ayudando así a la toma de decisiones ambientalmente amigables, razonables y oportunas por parte de los agricultores

A key aspect in the study of underground pests is the selection of appropriate methods for sampling and analysis. Knowledge of the population parameters of such insects depends on the use of sensitive enough tools for its detection in a complex environment as the one of the soil and the roots. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy have been suggested as a suitable, non-destructive sampling tool, which takes advantage of specific optical signatures in different groups of plants and organisms. The aim of this study was to assess the use of NIR spectroscopy in leaves and rhizosphere soil samples as an analytical technique to define the presence of the underground insect Eurhizococcus colombianus in blackberry crops, in the Eastern of Antioquia. The information obtained in seven farms distributed in five municipalities indicates that it is possible to classify plants with presence or absence of the insect through the spectral patterns of leaves and rhizosphere soil within each farm. However, it was not possible to establish a general model involving the data gathered from all farms. These results allow us to glimpse a promising non-destructive tool to understand the conditions accounting for the presence of the insect in the crop. It also would help to build management strategies of such insects based on ecological knowledge, which in turn will help farmers to make sound and timely pest control decisions