The present work proposes an image processing algorithm oriented to identify the coloration of the quinoa grains that make up the different samples obtained from the production of a crop field. The objective is to perform quality control of production based on the statistics of grain coloration, which is currently done manually based on subjective visual perception. This generates results that totally depend on the abilities and the particular criteria of each observer, generating considerable errors in the identification of the colors and tonalities. The problem is further complicated by the nonexistence, at present, of a pattern or standard of coloration of quinoa grains that specifically defines a referential color map. In this sense, through this work, an algorithm is proposed oriented to classify the grains of the acquired samples by their color via digital images and provide corresponding statistics for the quality control of the production. The algorithm uses the color models RGB, HSV and YCbCr, thresholding, segmentation by binary masks, erosion, connectivity, labeling and sequential classification based on 8 colors established by agronomists. The obtained results showed a performance of the proposed algorithm of 91.25% in relation to the average success rate.

Cattle spread throughout the American continent during the colonization years, originating creole breeds that adapted to a wide range of climate conditions. The population of creole cattle in Peru is decreasing mainly due to the introduction of more productive breeds in recent years. During the last 15 years, there has been significant progress in cattle genomics. However, little is known about the genetics of the Peruvian creole cattle (PCC) despite its importance to (i) improving productivity in the Andean region, (ii) agricultural labor, and (iii) cultural traditions. In addition, the origin and phylogenetic relationship of the PCC are still unclear. In order to promote the conservation of the PCC, we sequenced the mitochondrial genome of a creole bull, which also possessed exceptional fighting skills and was employed for agricultural tasks, from the highlands of Arequipa for the first time. The total mitochondrial genome sequence is 16,339 bp in length with the base composition of 31.43% A, 28.64% T, 26.81% C, and 13.12% G. It contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region. Among the 37 genes, 28 were positioned on the H-strand and 9 were positioned on the L-strand. The most frequently used codons were CUA (leucine), AUA (isoleucine), AUU (isoleucine), AUC (isoleucine), and ACA (threonine). Maximum likelihood reconstruction using complete mitochondrial genome sequences showed that the PCC is related to native African breeds. The annotated mitochondrial genome of PCC will serve as an important genetic data set for further breeding work and conservation strategies.

The population of Peruvian creole cattle (PCC) is decreasing mainly due to the introduction of more productive breeds in recent years. We report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of a PCC bull for the first time. This genome was 16,339 bp in length with the base composition 31.43% A, 28.64% T, 26.81% C, and 13.12% G. It contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and a control region. Among the 37 genes, 28 were positioned on the H-strand and 9 were positioned on the L-strand. The most frequently used codons were CUA (Leucine), AUA (Isoleucine), AUU (Isoleucine), AUC (Isoleucine) and ACA (Threonine). Maximum likelihood analysis clearly demonstrated that PCC are strongly related to a native African breed, giving insights into the maternal ancestry of PCC. The annotated mitochondrial genome of PCC would serve as an important genetic data set for further breeding work and conservation strategies.

This study provides a comprehensive mitochondrial genome sequence and a phylogenetic analysis of Jakumaru (Bos taurus), a prominent bull from a Peruvian breeding program. The mitochondrial genome, spanning 16,340bp, comprises 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes, with a GC content of 40%. The gene arrangement and structural organization are highly conserved, closely resembling those of related Bovine species, indicating a stable genomic architecture essential for mitochondrial function. Phylogenetic analysis, incorporating 35 complete bovine mitochondrial genomes, positions Jakumaru within Subclade I, revealing a close relationship with European Simmental cattle. The study emphasizes the biological diversity and the evolution of the Simmental breed, influenced by natural selection, breeding practices, and genetic drift. These findings enhance our understanding of the breed's genetic variation and its evolution, particularly in the context of its importance in Peru

La quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) es consumida a nivel mundial debido a su composición nutricional. Es importante conocer las características agronómicas que se ven influenciadas por las condiciones edafoclimáticas y evaluar el comportamiento agronómico de 81 genotipos de quinua del Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA) sembradas en las localidades de Cusco, Puno, Ayacucho y Junín, bajo un diseño experimental de bloques completos al azar, con tres repeticiones. Se evaluaron las variables: altura de planta, diámetro de panoja, longitud de panoja, rendimiento, severidad de infección de mildiu (Peronospora farinosa) e índice de selección (IS), en siembras del 2017 y 2018. La comparación de medias se realizó mediante la prueba de Tukey, análisis de conglomerados, componentes principales, correlación de Pearson y la evaluación del índice de selección para identificar la adaptación de los genotipos. Los resultados mostraron que la siembra del 2018 tuvo los mayores rendimientos. El análisis de conglomerados encontró la formación de tres grupos, donde el grupo tres mostró las mejores características en rendimiento, altura de planta, diámetro y longitud de panoja. El análisis de componentes principales mostró correlaciones positivas entre variables altura de planta, diámetro y longitud de panoja. Más del 45% de los tratamientos mostraron un índice de selección mayor a uno y se identificaron 16 genotipos con nivel bajo de severidad de infección a mildiu. Las localidades de Cusco y Puno reportaron el mejor comportamiento agronómico para los 81 genotipos.

Background: Evaluation of forage resources is vital for the sustainability of livestock farming in the South American Andes, especially under conditions of low water availability for irrigation and acid soils. Methods: We evaluated the productivity and nutritive value of two cultivars of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and one of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) in three high‐altitude sites (AL) of the northern highlands of Peru: AL‐I: 2300–2800 m.a.s.l, AL‐II: 2801–3300 m.a.s.l. and AL‐III: 3301–3800 m.a.s.l., for 1 year. The parameters evaluated were dry matter yield (DMY), plant height (PH), growth rate (GR) and nutritional value. Results: Plantain achieved the greatest annual DMY (ADMY), PH and GR compared to the two chicory cultivars (9.34, 9.56 and 13.39 Mg ha−1 for Puna II and Sese 100 chicory and Tonic plantain, respectively; p = 0.0019). The greatest ADMY and GR occurred at AL‐I. Regarding nutritional value, differences were observed only for in vitro digestibility of dry matter and metabolisable energy with chicory cultivars higher than plantain. Conclusions: The results indicate that the three cultivars evaluated may be used as a nutritional supplement in cattle feed, associated with grasses because they have high nutritive value suitable for milk production in the mountain regions of Peru.

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la ganancia de peso de toretes cruzados (Bos taurus con Bos indicus) en sistemas intensivos en el trópico del Perú. Un total de 20 toretes de 11 meses de edad con peso promedio de 155,7 ± 25,9 kg fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en dos tratamientos. Un grupo recibió alimento balanceado y el otro se basó en pastoreo convencional. Se determinó el peso y ganancia de peso mensual. Se aplicó la prueba T-student para dos muestras independientes. Se encontraron diferencias significativas para pesos y ganancias de peso (p < 0,05), constatándose superioridad de peso en los animales que fueron alimentados con concentrado respecto a los bovinos que fueron pastoreados. En conclusión, a nivel de trópico los bovinos cruzados resultaron superiores en ganancia de peso, por lo que es necesario seguir mejorando los pastizales naturales, suplementar con concentrado a base de insumos locales y hacer evaluaciones con pastizales cultivados.

The application of computer technologies associated with sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) in the quantification and qualification of quality parameters of meat products of various domestic species is an area of research, development, and innovation of great relevance in the agri-food industry. This review covers the most recent advances in this area, highlighting the importance of computer vision, artificial intelligence, and ultrasonography in evaluating quality and efficiency in meat products’ production and monitoring processes. Various techniques and methodologies used to evaluate quality parameters such as colour, water holding capacity (WHC), pH, moisture, texture, and intramuscular fat, among others related to animal origin, breed and handling, are discussed. In addition, the benefits and practical applications of the technology in the meat industry are examined, such as the automation of inspection processes, accurate product classification, traceability, and food safety. While the potential of artificial intelligence associated with sensor development in the meat industry is promising, it is crucial to recognize that this is an evolving field. This technology offers innovative solutions that enable efficient, cost effective, and consumer-oriented production. However, it also underlines the urgent need for further research and development of new techniques and tools such as artificial intelligence algorithms, the development of more sensitive and accurate multispectral sensors, advances in computer vision for 3D image analysis and automated detection, and the integration of advanced ultrasonography with other technologies. Also crucial is the development of autonomous robotic systems for the automation of inspection processes, the implementation of real-time monitoring systems for traceability and food safety, and the creation of intuitive interfaces for human-machine interaction. In addition, the automation of sensory analysis and the optimisation of sustainability and energy efficiency are key areas that require immediate attention to address the current challenges in this agri-food and agri-industrial sector, highlighting and emphasising the importance of ongoing innovation in the field.

Vicia sativa is one of the most important crops for livestock feed. Pods from Vicia sativa seed production are usually discarded. The objective of this study was to report the nutritional value of Vicia sativa pods. Report of the bromatological analysis was 17.58% for crude protein, 44.96% for neutral detergent fiber, and 55.81% for in vitro dry matter digestibility. Estimates of the energy value on dry matter basis (Mcal kg–1) were made for digestible and metabolizable energy, with values of 2.46 and 2.01, respectively. Vicia sativa pods promise enormous potential as a protein supplement on livestock diets when other sources are not available.

Underutilized crops tend to harbor high levels of genetic diversity, be maintained on-farm in small-scale farming systems and be relatively neglected by formal research and development strategies, including breeding programs. While high genetic variability allows these crops to adapt to marginal environments, inappropriate management practices and reductions in population sizes in individual farmers’ plots may lead to productivity loss and poor harvests. This situation further limits their cultivation and use, notwithstanding the potential these crops may hold for diversification of agricultural systems, food security and market development. Peru hosts a wealth of native agrobiodiversity, which includes many underutilized crops. To improve their performance and promote their continued conservation and use, a participatory breeding program was developed on five underutilized crops of the Peruvian highlands; the breeding approach, based on a combination of evolutionary and participatory methods, is designed to achieve a balance between yield improvement and maintenance of genetic diversity. Preliminary results in quinoa and amaranth are encouraging, fostering further engagement of farmers by increasing availability of quality seed for downstream uses. However, methodological, financial and institutional issues need to be addressed for the effort to be expanded and upscaled. This paper provides an overall description of the initiative as well as a discussion on early results obtained in quinoa and amaranth, highlighting those aspects that make this approach particularly relevant for minor crops and identifying the opportunities and challenges for the initiative to move forward.

Pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) is an economically significant cactus fruit in Peru, renowned for its rich nutritional profile and antioxidant properties while exhibiting wide biological diversity. This study aimed to morphologically characterize seven pitahaya accessions using qualitative and quantitative descriptors related to the cladodes, flowers, and fruits. Univariate and multivariate (FAMD, PCA, MCA, and clustering) analyses were employed to identify and classify the accessions based on their morphological traits. The analyses revealed three distinct groups: one consisting solely of AC.07; another with AC.02, AC.04, and AC.06; and a third including AC.01, AC.03, and AC.05. The first group exhibited superior characteristics, particularly in fruit traits such as the stigma lobe count (23.3), number of bracts (26.5 mm), and length of apical bracts (15.75 mm). The second group recorded the highest spine count (3.21), bract length (16.95 mm), and awn thickness (5.12 mm). The third group had the highest bract count (37) and an average locule number (23.65). These findings highlight the significant morphological diversity among the accessions, indicating the potential for classification and selection in pitahaya cultivation. The potential of AC.07 stands out in terms of its agronomic qualities, such as its fruit weight (451.93 g) and pulp weight (292.5 g), surpassing the other accessions.

Precision agriculture aims to improve crop management using advanced analytical tools.In this context, the objective of this study is to develop an innovative predictive model to estimate the yield and morphological quality, such as the circularity and length–width ratio of potato tubers, based on phenotypic characteristics of plants and data captured through spectral cameras equipped on UAVs. For this purpose, the experiment was carried out at the Santa Ana Experimental Station in the central Peruvian Andes, where advanced potato clones were planted in December 2023 under three levels of fertilization. Random Forest, XGBoost, and Support Vector Machine models were used to predict yield and quality parameters, such as circularity and the length–width ratio. The results showed that Random Forest and XGBoost achieved high accuracy in yield prediction (R2 > 0.74). In contrast, the prediction of morphological quality was less accurate, with Random Forest standing out as the most reliable model (R2 = 0.55 for circularity). Spectral data significantly improved the predictive capacity compared to agronomic data alone. We conclude that integrating spectral índices and multitemporal data into predictive models improved the accuracy in estimating yield and certain morphological traits, offering key opportunities to optimize agricultural management.