Introduction: Aguamiel develops a microbial community that ferments its sugars and lowers its bioactive compound levels. The use of ozone in food has proven to be an effective strategy to extend shelf life by reducing microbial load.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of ozone application on microbiological, physicochemical, and nutraceutical quality of aguamiel from Agave salmiana.
Methodology: Aguamiel was extracted from agave pulquero grown in Coatepec, Estado de México. Three ozone application times (0, 6, and 12 minutes) were established at a concentration of 0.2 g O₃∙L^-1∙min^-1. The evaluated variables were total microbial population (TMP), pH, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, ethanol concentration (%), total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity after 0, 12, 24, and 48 hours of storage (25.44 ± 1.18 °C). Additionally, the effect of re-ozonation was monitored between 48 and 72 hours of storageResults: Ozone application for 6 and 12 minutes kept the TMP low (between 6.10 and 6.40 log₁₀ ∙mL^-1) during the first 24 hours compared to the control (up to 6.63 log10∙mL-1). However, these treatments did not preserve the physicochemical (pH and TSS) or nutraceutical properties of aguamiel during storage.
Study limitations: The potential synergistic effect of ozone with other preservation methods on microbiological, physicochemical, and nutraceutical stability of aguamiel should be evaluated.
Originality: Ozonation could be an alternative and cost-effective method to reduce the microbiological activity of aguamiel.
Conclusions: The use of ozone assisted in preserving a low TMP during 24 hours of storage.

Introduction: Plants can produce essential oils with antioxidant properties capable of protecting cells from free radicals, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, and preventing cellular alterations.
Objective: To evaluate the physicochemical properties and cytotoxic effects of lemongrass essential oil (LEO) extracted from Cymbopogon citratus leaves.
Methodology: LEO was obtained by steam distillation of C. citratus leaves. Its color, refractive index, density, extraction yield, volatile composition, and functional groups (via FTIR) were analyzed. LEO and pure citral cytotoxic activities were assessed in vitro against HT29, Caco-2, and CCD841-CoN cell lines. 
Results: Twenty-one volatile compounds were identified, representing 90 % of the total compounds in the sample, with citral as the main compound (73.17 %), followed by β-myrcene (6.84 %), and geraniol (3.77 %). LEO exhibited notable cytotoxic activity against HT29 (IC₅₀ = 35 μg∙mL^-1) and Caco-2 (IC₅₀ = 24 μg∙mL^-1) cell
lines after 48 h of exposure using violet crystal assay. In contrast, no cytotoxic effects were observed against the CCD841-CoN cell line in vitro at concentrations below 77 μg∙mL^-1.
Study limitations: The findings apply to LEOs with similar chemical composition.
Originality: These results confirmed that LEO can be considered as a chemopreventive agent.
Conclusions: The high specificity of LEO against cancer cells, combined with its low toxicity to normal cells, suggests its potential use as an adjuvant in colon cancer therapy

Introduction: Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) and Bemisia tabaci are phytophagous insects that cause significant losses in horticultural crops. The use of plant extracts represents a sustainable alternative for their control.

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro bioinsecticidal effect of polar extracts of Heliopsis longipes, Azadirachta indica and Ricinus communis at different concentrations on the mortality of nymphs of B. cockerelli and B. tabaci.

Methodology: Phytochemical analyses were performed on polar root extracts of H. longipes and seeds of A. indica and R. communis. Seven concentrations of each plant extract (0, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 mg∙mL^-1) were evaluated under a complete factorial design. In vitro mortality of B. tabaci and B. cockerelli was determined
from the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) by immersion.

Results: Extracts of R. communis and H. longipes showed the highest in vitro toxicity against nymphs of B. tabaci and B. cockerelli, respectively.

Study limitations: The bioassay was performed only with plant extracts; the insecticidal activity of its major compounds needs to be evaluated and possible mechanisms of action elucidated.

Originality: Few studies report the bioinsecticidal effect of two of the extracts evaluated in this research.

Conclusions: Polar extracts of R. communis and H. longipes could be an alternative to formulate bioinsecticide products for the control and management of B. tabaci and B. cockerelli.

Introducción: El mezquite (Prosopis laevigata [Humb. et Bonpl. ex Willd.] M.C. Johnst) es una especie característica de las zonas áridas y semiáridas de México. Presenta relevancia ecológica y económica, y se ha identificado como una planta capaz de acumular plomo (Pb) en suelos irrigados con aguas residuales.

 Objetivo: Determinar la bioconcentración de Pb en árboles de mezquite establecidos en suelos irrigados con aguas residuales, con el fin de identificar su capacidad fitoextractora.

Metodología: Se recolectaron 72 muestras vegetales (de 24 árboles) y 24 muestras de suelo bajo dosel, en una superficie de 37.3 ha irrigada con aguas residuales. En todas las muestras se determine la concentración de Pb y se estimaron factores de bioconcentración y translocación. Los resultados se analizaron mediante las pruebas de Kruskal-Wallis y de Mann-Whitney.

Resultados: La concentración de Pb extractable en el suelo fue de 1.99 mg∙kg^-1, mientras que en raíces, hojas y frutos alcanzó 79.61, 21.4 y 64.13 mg∙kg^-1, respectivamente, lo cual evidencia la transferencia de Pb del suelo a la planta. La concentración de Pb en raíces y frutos fue significativamente mayor que en hojas. El factor de bioconcentración fue de 102.86 y el de translocación de 9.52.

Limitaciones del estudio: Se requiere evaluar la influencia de la edad del árbol sobre los procesos de acumulación y translocación de Pb. Originalidad: Se evaluaron árboles que crecieron de forma natural en suelos irrigados con aguas residuales durante 47 años.

Conclusión: El mezquite es una especie con capacidad fitoextractora de Pb en suelos irrigados con aguas residuales.

Introduction: Soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks are widely used as indicators of soil degradation and recovery; however, SOC changes occur slowly, limiting their usefulness for short-term assessments. Consequently, more sensitive biological indicators, such as soil enzymatic activity, are required.

Objective: To evaluate carbon storage dynamics and soil quality under different conservation agriculture (CA) practices using soil enzyme activities—β-galactosidase (β-gal) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO)—as indicators.

Methodology: Soil samples were collected from seven tillage and residue management systems in forage crops cultivated in a semiarid region: (1) plow + harrow (P+H), (2) harrow (H), (3) no tillage + 33% residue cover (short term) (NT+33S), (4) no tillage (NT), (5) no tillage + 33% residue cover (long term) (NT+33L), (6) no tillage + 66% residue cover (NT+66), and (7) no tillage + 100% residue cover (NT+100).

Results: CA practices increased β-gal activity by 36–72% and reduced PPO activity by 10–28% compared with conventional management (P+H). The duration of CA implementation and the proportion of residue cover were key factors influencing enzymatic responses. In addition, CA increased SOC storage by approximately 1 Mg C·ha⁻¹, even under short-term implementation (NT+33S).

Limitation of the study: These enzymatic indicators require further validation under minimum tillage and rainfed conditions across different regions.

Originality: This study demonstrates the potential of β-gal and PPO activities as biochemical indicators of soil quality and carbon sequestration in irrigated semiarid agroecosystems.

Conclusions: β-gal and PPO activities are rapid and sensitive indicators of soil quality and carbon capture in semiarid systems under CA. The PPO/β-gal ratio shows promise as a tool for monitoring agroecosystem restoration processes.