The mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota [Jacq.] H. E. Moore & Steam) is a tropical fruit native to Mexico with organoleptic and nutritional characteristics that are of commercial interest. The aim of this study was to generate maps of the natural geographic and eco-climatic distribution of mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota [Jacq.] H. E. Moore & Steam) in Mexico and model potential zones according to climate change estimated for 2050. The natural distributionmodel showed that this species is found in most tropical and some subtropical areas of Mexico. This species grows in three different eco-climatic regions (two tropical and one subtropical): Aw (Yucatán peninsula), Am (Gulf of Mexico) and A(C)(m) (northern Gulf of Mexico and Pacific coast). The modeling of suitable climatic adaptation zones showed that 15 of Mexico’s 32 states have the potential to grow mamey sapote; in addition, in the global climate change scenario, beneficial effects are predicted in the adaptation of this species considering the identification of at least eight more states with favorable possibilities. 

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) seeds may present germination problems due to their thick testa. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of 13 pregerminative methods on germination of seeds and uniformity in the emergence of physic nut seedlings. The methods involved combining water, Manilkara bidentata ash and cuy (Cavia porcellus) manure with one of two substrates (either sawdust or sand). A completely randomized split-plot design was used. Three replicates of 50 seeds were made for each treatment. Germination onset, germination percentage and emergence percentage were evaluated. The results indicated that soaking in water at 62 °C was lethal to the embryo, while direct sowing in sand led to the latest germination onset. Soaking in manure and rubbing with ash plus soaking in manure, regardless of the substrate, allowed starting germination in two days and reaching more than 90 % emergence; therefore, it is concluded that these pregerminative treatments were the best.

The calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is an ornamental plant that grows in several regions of Mexico, and its use as a cut flower is very popular. ‘Deja Vu’ is the first calla lily variety registered in Mexico with the National Seed Certification and Inspection System, with plant breeder’s title number 1478. The ‘Deja Vu’ spathe is white, pink and green; its size is equal to or greater than that of the white ‘Criollo’ calla lily and agronomic management is similar in both varieties. Its growth and production are adapted to tropical highland areas in Veracruz, Mexico at 2,000 m.

Chitosan has been proven to control numerous postharvest diseases in various horticultural commodities; in addition, its action mechanisms are well documented. To date, in a multifaceted approach, the integration of chitosan with other alternatives, including, among others, physical and chemical options to reduce the incidence of diseases during storage, has been proven in various fruit and vegetables. As of today, control of postharvest pathogenic microorganisms by applying chitosan nanomaterials remains an emerging technology. Despite that, overall results indicate that the integration of chitosan with other control methods extend the storage life of numerous important horticultural commodities largely by reducing microorganism incidence. The objective of this article was to gather, analyze and summarize relevant published information about the inclusion of chitosan with other preservation methods including heat, UV irradiation, modifiedatmosphere packaging (MAP), plant derivatives, inorganic acids, salts, antagonistic microorganisms, fungicides and other coatings. Recent advances in the evaluation of chitosan-based nanomaterials were also reviewed. In spite of its demonstrated positive effects, assays about its application to large-scale tests and its integration into postharvest commercial practices are still lacking

Brazil imports a large amount of onion and the producing states are restricted to the Central-South regions; therefore, it is essential to identify new areas with production potential. In the state of Tocantins, located in northern Brazil, there is no record of commercial onion cultivation for bulb production; consequently, it is important to determine the best date for the establishment of this crop. The aim of this research was to determine the adaptation and yield potential of onion planted on three dates in the town of Gurupi, Tocantins. Three experiments were established using the hybrids NUN 1205, Dulciana, and Cimarron, all of early-maturity, and three transplant dates: May 26, June 26 and July 26, 2015. A randomized complete block experimental design with four replicates was used. The bulb was evaluated in terms of commercial yield, average weight, shape and diameter, as well as plant height, pseudostem diameter and number of leaves. In postharvest, concentration levels of pyruvic acid, pH, size and bulb classification were determined. In July and June, commercial bulb yield was 27.90 and 58.05 t∙ha^-1, respectively. The average bulb weight varied from 93 to 193 g∙bulb^-1, where the round shape predominated. The most suitable month for transplanting onion in the region is June, which was when the highest yield was recorded. The classification of the bulbs obtained on the three dates and from the evaluated hybrids covers the demands of the market. In addition, the commercial yield was similar to that obtained in other producing regions. In July, the hybrid Cimarron obtained a lower yield than the national average; for this reason, its production is not recommended in that month.