Ingeniería Agronómica-Pregrado

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://dspace-test.ucuenca.edu.ec/handle/123456789/322

Browse

Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 20 of 626
  • Item
    Evaluación del potencial fitorremediador de Medicago sativa var. (nacional y abunda verde) en aguas contaminadas con Cromo (Cr)
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-18) Cabrera Cabrera, Lupe Domenica; García Zumalacarregui, Jorge Alejandro
    The study evaluated the phytoremediative potential of Medicago sativa (Abunda Verde and Nacional varieties) in waters contaminated with trivalent chromium, considering its agronomic behavior and efficiency in improving chemical parameters. The research was developed under a quantitative experimental approach in greenhouse conditions, applying controlled treatments and appropriate statistical analysis to the distribution of the data, such as the Mann–Whitney U test and the ANOVA with Tukey (p < 0.05). Plant growth variables (height, root length, fresh weight and dry weight) and physicochemical water parameters (percentage of chromium removal, chemical oxygen demand, electrical conductivity and pH) were measured. The results revealed that the variety Abunda Verde showed significantly higher growth, with average heights of 16.08 cm and root lengths of 13.08 cm, in addition to higher biomass and chromium removal capacity (66.03% compared to 38.89% in the national variety). The coefficients of variation were kept low, evidencing experimental uniformity and adequate environmental control. Likewise, the reduction of COD, the decrease in electrical conductivity and the tendency of the pH towards neutrality confirmed the efficiency of the purification process. In conclusion, the Abunda Verde variety showed greater adaptability, physiological stability and phytoremediative efficacy, becoming a sustainable and low-cost alternative for the treatment of waters contaminated with heavy metals, with potential application in agricultural production systems and environmental restoration programs.
  • Item
    Diagnóstico de enfermedades fúngicas en Annona cherimola Mill. (Chirimoya) en huertos productivos del cantón Guachapala, provincia del Azuay
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-18) Plaza Bravo, Bryam David; Villalta Figueroa, Cinthya Lizbeth; Larriva Coronel, Walter Iván
    The cherimoya crop (Annona cherimola Mill.) has high ecological and economic value in Ecuador; however, it faces various phytosanitary problems that affect its productivity. Based on this context, the present study aimed to diagnose the fungal diseases present in productive orchards of Annona cherimola Mill. located in the Guachapala canton, Azuay province. The research was conducted across different communities, covering seven productive cherimoya orchards. Data collection involved determining the sample size for each orchard and collecting leaves, fruits, and stems showing visible signs and symptoms of disease. Subsequently, the samples were cultured on PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) medium, and fungal identification was performed using methylene blue staining under a microscope. This study followed a descriptive and quantitative approach, including field sampling, isolation on culture media, and morphological and microscopic identification of pathogens. The genera Colletotrichum, Alternaria, Verticillium, Phomopsis, and Cercospora, among others, were identified and associated with symptoms corresponding to diseases such as anthracnose, black spot, verticillium wilt, and leaf spot. The results showed that Colletotrichum exhibited the highest incidence 44.15% with a severity level of 4 within the range, while Alternaria presented an incidence of 24.93% and a severity level of 3. The findings highlight the need to strengthen Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and to promote further local research on cherimoya.
  • Item
    Levantamiento planimétrico e informe de linderación de la Comuna Ancestral Virgen del Rosario y Comuna Moya Pinzhuma, Sígsig
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-18) Chimbo Llivipuma, José Luis; Guillén Guaman, Santiago Ismael; Pérez Mora, Sonia Marisol; Villamagua Vergara, Gabriela Carolina
    The Ancestral Communes Virgen del Rosario and Moya Pinzhuma lacked precise planimetric information to clearly define their historical boundaries within the Moya Molón Protected Forest. To address this need, the project developed planimetric maps and technical boundary demarcation reports, following the guidelines established by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition (MAATE). A field survey was conducted using Emlid RS2 and T300 dual-frequency GNSS receivers in post-processed kinematic (PPK) mode, supported by boundary markers and control points to ensure the spatial continuity of the boundaries. The information was processed in Emlid Studio with RINEX data and REGME reference stations, achieving sub-meter accuracy in accordance with current technical standards. The survey was complemented with official secondary information, such as Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), orthophotos, and institutional maps, which reinforced the geometric consistency of the demarcation. The results were integrated into a GIS environment to generate digital and printed maps of the communal boundaries and the corresponding technical report. Finally, the products were shared with the communities and institutional stakeholders, contributing to the processes of land regularization and formal allocation of communal lands.
  • Item
    Evaluación del efecto de reguladores del crecimiento y el estado de madurez del material vegetal en dos métodos de propagación usados en Macleania rupestris
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-18) Neira LLiguichuzhca, Gabriela Sofia; Neira LLiguichuzhca, José Luis; Villena Ochoa, Paulina Germania
    Macleania rupestris is an Andean species of ecological importance and productive potential, but its vegetative propagation is still limited. This study evaluated two propagation methods (air layering and cuttings), two types of branches (herbaceous and semi-hardwood), and three hormonal treatments (control, NAA, and NAA+GA3) in Gañadel, Cubilán, and Saraguro. Four variables were analyzed: number of shoots, root length, root biomass, and callus biomass. The data were analyzed using a non-parametric approach using the aligned range method (ART), subsequently analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparisons were applied only when significant differences were detected. In all three locations, air layering showed the highest survival rate and the highest values for all evaluated variables. The greatest root development, especially in length and biomass, was observed in semi-hardwood layers treated with NAA+GA3. In Saraguro and Cubilán, the highest values for root length and biomass were obtained in herbaceous branches treated with NAA+GA3, while the semi-hardwood branches stood out in callus formation. Cuttings showed the lowest response rates, forming very incipient roots, and only in Saraguro under the NAA+GA3 treatment. In summary, the results demonstrate that air layering, especially when combined with NAA+GA3, is the most efficient strategy for propagating M. rupestris. However, the type of branch (herbaceous and semi-woody) can be a variable factor depending on environmental conditions and the propagation site, providing essential information for its propagation.
  • Item
    Evaluación de microclimas en una gradiente de disturbio en ecosistemas andinos en el cantón Cuenca, Azuay
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-23) Patiño Naula, Marco Benito; Córdova Mora, Mario Andrés
    In the Andean ecosystems of Cuenca canton, land-use changes have created patches of grasslands, edges, and forest remnants that alter the microclimate. Studying microclimatic variables helps better understand biological responses to climate variability. In this study, the variations in temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation along the disturbance gradient were evaluated. Additionally, the use of global climate databases, such as ERA5-Land and WorldClim2, was proposed as support tools for validation. The research was conducted using 25 months of monitoring records from four Andean ecosystem sites: Machángara (3,350 meters), Llaviucu (3,228 meters), Nero (3,160 meters), and Irquis (2,720 meters). At each site, microclimate series were processed and analyzed, and the correspondence between local records and ERA5- and WorldClim-estimated values was compared. It was found that the Andean forest provides significant thermal buffering compared to grasslands, reducing the daily temperature amplitude (DTA) by an average of 2.3°C and increasing the minimum nocturnal temperature (Tmin), thereby decreasing the risk of frost. In the forest, relative humidity remained high and stable throughout the day. Precipitation was influenced by altitude. On the other hand, global climate databases reproduced the monthly trends but did not capture the daily heterogeneity or the microclimatic extremes observed locally. It is concluded that vegetation cover influences the microclimatic patterns of the studied Andean ecosystems and that these effects were not adequately captured by global products. The knowledge generated can be useful to researchers, restoration professionals, and decision-makers involved in the management of high-mountain ecosystems.
  • Item
    Producción de Lactuca sativa var. Great Lakes con cuatro soluciones hidropónicas en sistema DWC en invernadero en Baños-Cuenca, Ecuador
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-18) Zhingri Guamanrigra, Boris Fernando; Quichimbo Miguitama, Pablo Geovanny
    Hydroponics is a production technique considered part of precision agriculture due to its high productivity and quality. It is also an efficient alternative for vegetable production. However, the performance of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) can vary depending on the nutrient solution used. The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of Lactuca sativa var. Great Lakes under the effect of four nutrient solutions in a Deep Water Culture (DWC) system under greenhouse conditions. A completely randomized design with four treatments and four replicates was implemented. The variables evaluated at eight weeks were: plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, root length, head diameter, fresh weight, and dry weight. The results of the statistical analysis show significant differences between the treatments for most variables, with the exception of the number of leaves, head diameter, and stem diameter. Treatment 1 (La Molina solution) showed the lowest values, with a plant height of 17.6 cm, stem diameter of 16.8 mm, root length of 44.5 cm, fresh weight of 342 g, stem dry weight 0.90 ± 0.63 g, root dry weight 1.01 ± 0.50 g, and leaf dry weight of 6.47 ± 3.14 g. Treatment 3 (Aqua Payana solution) showed the highest values for root length 71.1 cm, stem diameter 21.4 mm, fresh weight 695,10 g, stem dry weight 1.20 ± 0.43 g, and root dry weight 1.38 ± 0.51 g. Treatment T4 (FAO solution) showed the highest leaf dry weight 10.14 ± 2.60 g. This highlights the importance of using a balanced solution that meets the needs of the crop.
  • Item
    Evaluación del efecto de Biorremediación de Coriandrum sativum y Brassica juncea en un sistema hidropónico utilizando aguas contaminadas con Cromo
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-18) Zúñiga Loja, Diana del Pilar; García Zumalacarregui, Jorge Alejandro
    Heavy metal contamination, such as chromium (Cr), poses a significant risk to aquatic ecosystems and agriculture. Phytoremediation has emerged as a sustainable strategy for the removal of these contaminants, utilizing plants capable of absorbing, accumulating, and transforming toxic metals. This study evaluated the effect of bioremediation using Coriandrum sativum and Brassica juncea in a hydroponic system with chromium-contaminated water, aiming to determine the efficiency of these species in reducing metal concentration and their impact on plant growth and development. The experiment was designed with three treatments and two replications, monitoring physicochemical parameters of the water, including pH, electrical conductivity, and chromium concentration, as well as aerial and root biomass characteristics of the plants. Results showed that Brassica juncea exhibited higher growth and greater chromium accumulation, while Coriandrum sativum demonstrated an intermediate yet efficient performance in metal removal. pH and electrical conductivity were found to be key factors affecting chromium availability and toxicity in the system. It is concluded that both crops present significant potential for phytoremediation in hydroponic systems, with B. juncea being the most effective species under the evaluated conditions. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable strategies for mitigating heavy metals in contaminated waters, promoting safe and environmentally responsible agricultural practices.
  • Item
    Diagnóstico de la incidencia y severidad causado por Colletotrichum spp. en Solanum betaceum Cav. en huertos productivos del cantón El Pan, provincia del Azuay
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-18) Bermeo Cárdenas, Esteban José; Torres Elizalde, Nayely Teresa; Larriva Coronel, Walter Iván
    The tree tomato (Solanum betaceum) is a fruit that is highly valued in Ecuador for its various uses and benefits. The province of Azuay stands out for the significant development of this crop, with multiple producing cantons, one of which is Cantón Pan, the focus of this study. In recent years, it has been shown that one of the most frequent diseases in this species is Colletotrichum spp., also known as chicken eye, which has a considerable impact on production. For this reason, a study of the incidence and severity within this canton was carried out in order to understand the behavior regarding incidence, severity, and distribution throughout the canton. The results reflect variable incidence values, with the units with the highest values being possible sources of contamination risk. However, there were also units with low to zero values, reflecting low incidence. In terms of severity, there were also units with high values exceeding 50% of the affected area, generating economic losses due to the poor quality of the fruit for sale. In this context, the distribution of both incidence and severity in the canton shows widespread contamination in the production areas concentrated in the center and far north of the canton, which are favorable areas for the development of the fungus. This makes it essential to take preventive and control measures.
  • Item
    Evaluación de la eficiencia del tamaño de gota en aplicación aérea de fungicidas para controlar Sigatoka Negra (Mycosphaerella fijiensis) con dron en plantaciones de banano
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-18) Cañetaco Barriga, Raúl Eduardo; Chalco Siguachi, Karen Nathalia; Larriva Coronel, Walter Iván
    Black Sigatoka (MycosRaerela tiensis) is one of the most destructive diseases affecting banana production in Ecuador, causing significant economic losses and reducing crop productivity. Traditionally, this disease has been controlled by aerial spraying with light aircraft, a method that covers large areas but has limitations due to its high consumption of inputs and high risk of drift. In view of this, the present research evaluated the efficiency of droplet size in the aerial application of fungicides with drones, comparing their performance with the conventional method using light aircraft. The study was conducted under a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments: three drone applications with different droplet sizes (200 µm, 250 µm, and 300 µm) and a control with a light aircraft (235 µm). Leaf coverage variables were evaluated using water-sensitive paper, disease incidence and severity (using the Stover scale modified by Gauhl), and operational costs of spraying per hectare. The results showed that the droplet sizes (200-235 µm) corresponding to treatment 1 and the control were the most effective in controlling the disease, reducing severity by up to 2.6% and 1.4%, respectively. The drone application demonstrated very significant advantages in terms of precision and drift reduction. The cost analysis revealed that drone applications were economically favorable, with the lowest cost per hectare at $138.76, compared to $150.67 for application by light aircraft. It is concluded that the use of drones is both an economical and technical alternative for the control of Mycosphaerella filiensis (Black sigatoka).
  • Item
    Evaluación del efecto de hongos endófitos con capacidad de solubilización de nutrientes y producción de AIA en el desarrollo de estacas de Macleania rupestris
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-18) Guaillas Becerra, Joseline Margoth; Peña Tapia, Denisse Fabiola
    Macleania rupestris is a wild andean fruit species with nutritional, ecological, and productive potential; however, its use is limited by the lack of efficient ex situ propagation techniques. In this context, the present study evaluated the effect of endophytic fungi of the genus Trichoderma (T. koningiopsis, T. atroviride, and a mixture of both strains), applied through two inoculation methods (drench and bead encapsulation), on the development of M. rupestris cuttings, with and without tricalcium phosphate supplementation. The experiment was established under a completely randomized design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement plus controls, resulting in ten treatments. Vegetative growth variables and root-related variables were evaluated. Prior to statistical analysis, assumptions of normality (Shapiro–Wilk) and homogeneity of variances (Levene) were tested. Vegetative growth variables and the root variables of root length, fresh weight, and dry weight did not meet the normality assumption and were therefore analyzed using the non-parametric Kruskal - Wallis test. In contrast, the number of root sprouting sites met the statistical assumptions and was evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicated that none of the evaluated variables showed statistically significant differences among treatments (p > 0.05). Under the experimental conditions assessed, Trichoderma inoculation and the inoculation methods did not generate detectable effects on the development of M. rupestris cuttings. These findings suggest a high specificity in the symbiotic interactions of M. rupestris and indicate that more specific fungal associations or longer evaluation periods may be required to detect physiological responses.
  • Item
    Pérdidas en madera y carbono almacenado por un incendio forestal en plantación de Pinus patula, granja de Irquis, Azuay, Ecuador
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-18) Delgado Cabrera, Juan Carlos; Pérez Calle, Angel Roberto; Jadán Maza, Angel Oswaldo
    Wildfires represent an increasing threat to Pinus patula plantations in Ecuador. They release large amounts of carbon and substantially reduce the volume of harvestable wood, affecting both the forestry economy and climate-mitigation efforts. Therefore, quantifying their impacts is essential for informed decision-making in post-fire management and restoration. This study estimated the wood volume and stored carbon in burned and unburned trees, assessed their physical condition through morphological and anatomical traits, and compared both groups under different levels of fire severity. A completely randomized design was applied using 20 circular plots (10 burned and 10 unburned), where DBH, height, commercial and total volume, allometric carbon, and wood density were measured; additionally, three weighting or analysis level (optimistic, intermediate, and pessimistic) were applied according to the degree of damage. Results showed high heterogeneity in burned plots: high-severity fire caused 100% losses in basal area, volume, and carbon under the strictest scenarios, while medium-severity fire produced partial but significant reductions. In contrast, unburned plots maintained stable values across all variables, and wood density did not show marked differences among treatments. ANOVA confirmed significant differences (p < 0.05) in volume, basal area, and carbon between burned and unburned trees. In conclusion, the wildfire consistently and substantially reduced merchantable wood volume and stored carbon, demonstrating that fire severity is a key determinant of loss magnitude and emphasizing the need for more effective prevention and restoration strategies.
  • Item
    Evaluación de la capacidad de cepas fúngicas y bacterianas aisladas de Macleania rupestris (Joyapa), para fijar nitrógeno, producir ácido indolacético, solubilizar fósforo y potasio
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-18) Quizhpi Nieves, Jonnathan Andrés; Peña Tapia, Denisse Fabiola
    Macleania rupestris (Kunth) A.C. Smith, an emblematic species of the Andean páramos of Ecuador, grows in soils with limited nutrient availability, promoting mutualistic relationships with microorganisms. This study evaluated 10 bacteria and 17 fungi isolated from M. rupestris to determine their potential as plant growth promoters. Four culture media were used: NBRIP for phosphorus solubilization, Aleksandrov for potassium, Jensen for nitrogen fixation, and 1% tryptophan for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production. The experimental design was a full factorial with two fixed factors: Microorganism (27 levels) and Medium (4 levels). Halo formation was measured in semi-solid media, and color changes were observed in liquid media. The results showed that bacteria B10, B11, Pseudomonas sp., Endophytic bacterium CL6b, and the fungus Penicillium thomii (DS4) simultaneously exhibited phosphorus and potassium solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and IAA production. These findings highlight the role of endophytic microorganisms in the nutrition and development of M. rupestris under extreme environmental conditions, offering insights for bio-stimulation strategies aimed at the conservation and restoration of Andean páramo ecosystems.
  • Item
    Plan de negocio para el emprendimiento mEBAC, basado en la elaboración de cosméticos naturales
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-18) Vele Caymayo, Erika Lorena; Zhingri Hurtado, Andrea Carolina; Guzmán Espinoza, Clelia Kathrine
    The growth of the natural cosmetics market responds to increasing awareness of personal care and environmental sustainability, generating opportunities for ventures based on the use of local natural resources. In this context, this study develops a business plan for the mEBAC venture, dedicated to the production and commercialization of natural cosmetics based on Rosmarinus officinalis in the city of Cuenca. The study integrates market, technical, and financial analyses. The market research, supported by the application of 397 surveys, revealed a high acceptance of natural products, highlighting rosemary shampoo, soap, conditioner, and hair tonic as the products with the highest purchase intention, as well as a willingness to pay consistent with competitive prices in the local market. The technical study defined production processes under Good Manufacturing Practices guidelines, determining infrastructure, machinery, raw material, and human resource requirements. The financial analysis projected favorable annual revenues and a positive cash flow, supported by profitability indicators that demonstrate the economic feasibility of the venture. The results confirm that mEBAC has positioning potential in the local market, contributing to economic development and promoting sustainable production practices based on the valorization of natural raw materials.
  • Item
    Incendios forestales y su análisis de severidad utilizando imágenes satelitales PlanetScope y Sentinel en la zona de recarga hídrica del cantón Cuenca
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-18) Naula Yunga, Joffre Vinicio; Vicuña Córdova, Michelle Abigail; Lupercio Novillo, Rosa Lucía
    Forest fires represent one of the primary disturbances affecting high-Andean ecosystems, resulting in the loss of vegetation cover, soil degradation, and reduced water regulation capacity. This study aims to evaluate the severity of forest fires occurring in the water recharge zone of the Cuenca canton. Six fire-affected areas were selected, and satellite images from PlanetScope and Sentinel-2 were integrated using fusion techniques to improve spatial and spectral resolution. Percentile or relative methods were used to analyze fire severity before and after the fire, focusing on the Normalized Burn Rate (NBR), its differential version (dNBR), and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). The fusion of data at different resolutions enabled a more accurate capture of the fire damage gradient in complex areas within the typical Andean mountain ecosystem. Furthermore, the percentile method allows for the classification of fire severity without field validation by establishing relative thresholds applicable to the specific conditions of each area. In the six study areas, marked decreases were observed in both indices; in Yanasacha, the NDVI decreased from healthy values of 0.94 – 0.99 to a minimum of −0.26, reflecting the loss of the leaf area index (LAI) and the decrease in photosynthetic activity; the quantitative analysis of the affected areas revealed variations in the extent and severity of the fires, with Yanasacha standing out with 42.05% and Llaviuco with 66.02% in the moderately high severity category.
  • Item
    Evaluación del valor nutricional y rendimiento de Avena sativa como forraje verde hidropónico sometido a diferentes tipos de solución nutritiva
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-18) Lojano Pañi, Kevin Mateo; Lucero Sigüenza, Lesly Alexandra; Quichimbo Miguitama, Pablo Geovanny
    Forage production in Ecuador faces various difficulties, especially during the dry season, affecting the quality of animal production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value and yield of Avena sativa as hydroponic green fodder (HGF) using different nutrient solutions (Hoagland, La Molina, FAO) and a control (water), under controlled conditions, in the parish of El Valle, Cuenca, Ecuador. A single-factor experimental design was applied, under a completely randomized design (CRD), with four treatments and three replicates per treatment. Yield was determined by the percentage of germination, final weight, and plant height. The results showed significant differences between treatments. A proximate analysis was performed 15 days after sowing to determine the nutritional value of each experimental unit. The control treatment (water only) had the highest dry matter content (16.69%) with a yield of 2.65 (kgDM/m²), while the highest protein content was obtained with the FAO treatment (15.60%). The highest fiber value was recorded in the La Molina treatment (17.65%). Additionally, variables such as fat, ash, and organic matter did not show significant differences between treatments. It was concluded that oat FVH, produced with and without the use of nutrient solutions, has adequate nutritional characteristics for use as a supplement in animal feed.
  • Item
    Producción hidropónica de Lactuca sativa var. Crespa bajo sistemas hidropónicos NFT y DWC en invernadero
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2026-02-18) Chocho Amaya, Lisseth Carolina; Quichimbo Miguitama, Pablo Geovanny
    In a context where hydroponics is advancing toward increasingly precise and efficient models, comparing the actual performance of its systems becomes a key step in improving the productivity of high-value crops such as curly lettuce. The present study aimed to evaluate the production of Lactuca sativa var. Crespa under two hydroponic systems: the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and Deep Water Culture (DWC), in greenhouse conditions in the Llacao parish, Cuenca, Ecuador. A completely randomized design was applied, with two treatments and five replications, using a planting density of 20 cm × 20 cm. Growth and development variables (plant height and number of leaves) and yield variables (fresh and dry weight) were analyzed through normality tests, homogeneity of variance, Student’s t-test, and the Mann–Whitney U test, with a significance level of 5%. The results showed significant differences in plant height and fresh weight, with higher values in the NFT system, while the number of leaves and dry weight did not show statistical differences. Plants grown in NFT reached an average height of 273 mm and a fresh weight of 251 g, compared to 227 mm and 103 g in DWC, with the better performance attributed to greater root oxygenation and constant recirculation of the nutrient solution. It is concluded that the NFT system enhances the physiological and morphological efficiency of curly lettuce, positioning itself as the most suitable alternative for intensive production under controlled conditions.
  • Item
    Determinación de la severidad de cuatro incendios forestales ocurridos entre 2020 y 2023 en la provincia del Azuay mediante imágenes satelitales Sentinel-2
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2025-12-02) Cedillo Sarmiento, Pedro Fernando; Lupercio Novillo, Rosa Lucía
  • Item
    Análisis de los datos obtenidos durante la campaña de seguimiento y monitoreo de las moscas de la fruta en cuatro (4) cantones de la provincia del Azuay en los años 2020, 2021 y 2022
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2025-11-05) Piedra Guaman, Sandra Maricela; Larriva Coronel, Walter Iván
    This research was conducted with the objective of analyzing the data obtained during the campaigns of monitoring and follow-up of fruit flies in the cantons of Santa Isabel, Girón, Paute and Guachapala, in the province of Azuay, during the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. The research, applied and with a quantitative approach and descriptive, was based on the use of McPhail and Jackson traps, installed by the National Fruit Fly Management Program of AGROCALIDAD. Weekly data on captures, species present and host crops were collected and analyzed at. Among the main results, it was found that the population fluctuation of the pest varies significantly according to the canton and the year, with Santa Isabel and the year 2022 presenting the highest levels of infestation. Seventeen species of flies were identified, with Ceratitis capitata and Anastrepha fraterculus being the most abundant. The McPhail trap was most effective, capturing 86% of the individuals. In addition, by means of cluster analysis, preferential hosts were determined such as mango in Santa Isabel, avocado in Guachapala and orange in Girón. It is concluded that the dynamics of fruit fly populations is influenced by climatic factors, species diversity and the presence of specific hosts.
  • Item
    Efecto de un hongo micorrízico en el desarrollo inicial de vitro plantas de Trichoceros antennifer in vitro y ex vitro
    (Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2025-10-28) Castro Añazco, César Augusto; Peña Tapia, Denisse Fabiola
    Fungus-orchid associations are known to stimulate germination in orchid species. However, limited information is available regarding the effects of these associations once orchids have reached the seedling stage under in vitro conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of inoculating Ceratobasidium, a fungus known to promote the germination of Trichoceros antennifer, on the early development of seedlings of the same species. To achieve this, several growth parameters were assessed, including root size and number, leaf count, plant height, fresh weight, and dry weight. Additionally, the presence of pelotons in the roots of inoculated seedlings was recorded. The results demonstrated that under in vitro conditions, Ceratobasidium inoculation significantly enhanced seedling development. In contrast, under ex vitro conditions, the fungal inoculation did not produce statistically significant effects. These findings suggest that in vitro inoculation with Ceratobasidium may be a promising strategy for improving early orchid development. Further studies are recommended to evaluate plant adaptation to substrate conditions and subsequent growth stages following in vitro inoculation.
  • Item
    Implementación de sistemas silvopastoriles con balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) y cáñaro (Erythrina edulis) en la comunidad Plan de Milagro – Limón Indanza
    (Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-25) Molina Cuji, Ronny Alexander; Iñamagua Uyaguari, Juan Pablo
    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the economic, technical, and social aspects of implementing silvopastoral systems with Balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) and Cáñaro (Erythrina edulis) in the Plan de Milagro community, Limón Indanza. The methodology was based on the establishment of a silvopastoral system on a 5,000 m² plot, applying a contour line design with a multi-row alley planting arrangement. Plant survival and growth were monitored over a six-month period, recording both direct and indirect costs. Additionally, surveys were conducted with local cattle farmers to assess their perceptions of these systems. Results showed that cáñaro had a survival rate of 92%, whereas balsa had a 56%. Regarding plant growth at six months of age, balsa reached an average height of 8 cm, while cáñaro achieved 40 cm in the same period. The total cost for implementation and maintenance over one year was $1,209.49 for 5,000 m², equivalent to $2,418.98 per hectare in this specific study. Direct costs represented the majority of total expenses, followed by losses related to forage protein production and phytosanitary control applied to the crop. Surveys indicated that although farmers were unfamiliar with the term “agroforestry,” they were aware of similar practices and expressed willingness to adopt these techniques if adequate technical support were available. It is concluded that silvopastoral systems represent a viable option for sustainable livestock management; however, their adoption requires technical training and financial incentives to overcome perceived barriers.