Conference Agenda

This study addresses the design and implementation of an automated mini-greenhouse with fuzzy logic, based control to improve the growth and development of Mochero chili, an endemic plant in danger of extinction. The main objective is to evaluate the impact of this system on environmental conditions (temperature, humidity and light), comparing it with traditional cultivation methods. The project follows a quantitative quasi-experimental approach, using Likert-type surveys and semi-structured interviews with 18 Moche farmers. The instruments collected data on participants' perceptions of environmental stability, fruit quality and resource use efficiency with automation. Data analysis revealed that 72% of respondents “strongly agree” that the automated system improves growing conditions, while 28% only “agree” or “neutral” on the issue. Respondents highlighted that the system optimizes water use, reduces costs and improves fruit quality. Automation based on fuzzy logic is effective in stabilizing the mini-greenhouse environment, promoting optimal and sustainable growth of Mochero chili, with a positive impact on fruit quality and resource efficiency

The cultivation of bananas and plantains ranks fourth in global food importance after rice, wheat, and corn. The fungus Mycosphaerella sp., known as Sigatoka, is a pathogen that mainly affects these crops. In Colombia, black and yellow Sigatoka are among the nine most significant diseases impacting Musa sp. production. This study aimed to characterize the fungal microbiota associated with Musa sp. using microbiological and molecular methodologies to identify the phytopathogenic fungus. The molecular technique LAMP-PCR (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification Polymerase Chain Reaction) was proposed for nucleic acid amplification at a constant temperature. DNA extraction was performed using the "Wizard® Genomic DNA Purification Kit" (PROMEGA), following the manufacturer's instructions. The LAMP-PCR assay was conducted with the "WarmStart® LAMP Kit (DNA & RNA)" (New England Biolabs). Microbiological processing allowed for the isolation of pure and viable cultures, essential for studying target microorganisms. The LAMP-PCR technique proved to be effective for detecting and amplifying specific genetic material, providing rapid and accurate results. The study continues the standardization process to optimize this test and implement it routinely for Sigatoka pathogen identification.

The application of organic fertilizers to the soil promotes better plant development, encouraging a more favorable growth response. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two organic fertilizers (cow manure and chicken litter) and two irrigation volumes on the growth of tara [Caesalpinia spinosa (Molina) Kuntze]. Stem length, root length, water content, and the physical and chemical properties of the soil, such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and texture, were evaluated. The plant response to the organic fertilizers and water volume showed no significant differences in stem size. However, roots showed significant differences, being larger with manure (17.74 cm) and chicken litter (13.89 cm) at irrigation volumes of 100 and 50 mL, respectively. Furthermore, these organic fertilizers significantly improved leaf area compared to the control. The incorporation of these fertilizers also enhanced soil structure

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of different types of fertilizers (fish, humic acid and urea) on the yield of radish (Raphanus sativus) crop. Five experimental groups were used, each composed of five samples, totaling 25 plants. The groups were assigned according to the type of fertilizer applied: control (no fertilizer), 100% fish fertilizer, 100% humic acid, mixed fertilizer (50% fish and 50% humic acid) and 100% urea. The results indicated that fish fertilizer was the most effective, showing the highest values ​​in all growth and production variables. The final averages obtained were as follows: 7.52 mm in stem width, 101 mm in plant height, 7 leaves, 55.8 mm in leaf width, 3.6 days in germination time, 60.42 mm in radish polar diameter, 45.44 mm in equatorial diameter, and 62 g in average radish mass, with a total mass of 310 g for the five samples treated with fish fertilizer. The estimated yield was approximately 24,720 kg per hectare. Additionally, humic acid and its combination with fish fertilizer outperformed industrial fertilizer in terms of yield. In conclusion, fish fertilizer proved to be the most effective alternative for radish cultivation, with a high potential to optimize production in a sustainable manner.

COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on the people of Tamil Nadu - a state on the southeast coast of India. Forty percent of the population farms land that is 5 acres in size on average. The pool of available truck drivers to deliver produce from farms to markets has shrunk substantially due to restrictions and fears of COVID transmission. Many regional markets have also closed due to COVID fears. As a result, farmers are forced to sell their produce locally at substantially lower prices, that are unsustainable in providing basic income. Even prior to COVID, the small size of Indian farms are not conducive for economies of scale, equipment/technology investments or supply chain efficiencies. Farmers also have limited ability to engage technology due to a lack of education and resources. Improvements to the agriculture supply chain in India are critical, both during COVID and in order to build a more sustainable future for farmers. This paper proposes a Micro Agriculture Logistics System which leverages existing technologies to facilitate transportation and distribution through a community-based infrastructure. The solution will increase efficiencies in connecting drivers with farmers, identify alternative transportation modes, decrease spoilage, and digitally deliver payments throughout the value chain.