Micropropagation of Agave angustifolia "Espadín" Used in the Production of Mezcal.

This chapter presents the methodological approach for the in vitro propagation of Agave angustifolia "espadin," the base material to produce mezcal. The protocol used in each stage of the crop is addressed in detail, considering the changes in the culture medium and the characteristics of the plant material at each stage. The importance of integrated management between the multiplication and growth phase, as part of the in vitro selection strategy, is mentioned.

BioMINT: A Temporary Immersion System for Agave Micropropagation.

Agaves are cultivated in Mexico as a source of industrial products such as fibers, nutritional supplements, and alcoholic beverages. Due to the demand for plant material, its long-life cycle, and the need to avoid predation on its natural populations, in vitro micropropagation represents a good option for agaves. Plant tissue culture has been successfully used to micropropagate selected elite individuals from plants of various Agave species of economic interest.

KNOX1 is expressed and epigenetically regulated during in vitro conditions in Agave spp.

Background: The micropropagation is a powerful tool to scale up plants of economical and agronomical importance, enhancing crop productivity. However, a small but growing body of evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, can be affected under the in vitro conditions characteristic of micropropagation. Here, we tested whether the adaptation to different in vitro systems (Magenta boxes and Bioreactors) modified epigenetically different clones of Agave fourcroydes and A.

Nutrition in Colombian pregnant women.

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of pregnant women in Colombia and the associations between gestational BMI and sociodemographic and gestational characteristics.

Design: Cross-sectional study. A secondary analysis was made of data from the 2005 Demographic and Health Survey of Colombia.

An efficient method for the micropropagation of Agave species.

Despite their economic importance, the Agave spp. have not been genetically improved. This is probably owing to the fact that they have very long life cycles and many of them have an inefficient sexual reproduction mechanism.