Optimization of sp. NMA1017 Application as a Biocontrol Agent for and in Cacao-Growing Fields in Chiapas, Mexico.

In Mexico, cacao production is endangered by pathogenic fungi, such as spp. and that cause black pod rot and moniliasis, respectively. In this study the biocontrol agent sp.

and cocoa beans, differences on the profile of volatile and non-volatile compounds in the process from fermentation to liquor.

Cocoa bean fermentation is an important process because during this process, aroma compounds are produced, the astringency decreases, and the embryo dies. The fermentation processes of the and types have been studied separately without comparing them at the same time and in the same place. The aim of this work was to determine differences in the profile of volatile and nonvolatile compounds of and cocoa from the fermentation process to the final stage of obtaining the liquor.

Varietal Descriptors for the Distinction of Underutilized Varieties of (Jacq) Swartz.

(Jacq.) Sw. (Cucurbitaceae) is a species native to Mexico and Central America.

Gamma radiation on seeds of natal grass [Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka] induced plant's morphological and nutritional variability.

Induced mutagenesis through gamma radiation generates structural and chemical changes in plants. This study evaluated the morphological and nutritional variability of natal grass [Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka] plants produced from seed irradiated with gamma radiation.

Paenibacillus polymyxa NMA1017 as a potential biocontrol agent of Phytophthora tropicalis, causal agent of cacao black pod rot in Chiapas, Mexico.

Cacao represents an important source of income for farmers in the south of Mexico. However, phytosanitary problems have disrupted the production over the years. The use of antagonistic microorganisms as biocontrol agents might improve the production of cacao.

Unique haplotypes of cacao trees as revealed by trnH-psbA chloroplast DNA.

Cacao trees have been cultivated in Mesoamerica for at least 4,000 years. In this study, we analyzed sequence variation in the chloroplast DNA trnH-psbA intergenic spacer from 28 cacao trees from different farms in the Soconusco region in southern Mexico. Genetic relationships were established by two analysis approaches based on geographic origin (five populations) and genetic origin (based on a previous study).