AUCTORES
Globalize your Research
Mini Review
*Corresponding Author: Luis L. Vázquez, Invited Researcher, Center for Latin American Agroecological Research (CELIA).
Citation: Luis L. Vázquez, (2023), Decentralized Biotechnologies in The Transition Towards Sustainable Agriculture, Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Research. 6(3); DOI:10.31579/2768-0487/114
Copyright: © 2023, Luis L. Vázquez. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Received: 15 August 2023 | Accepted: 05 September 2023 | Published: 15 September 2023
Keywords: biotechnology; nutritious crops; microorganisms
Biotechnology has the potential to play a significant role in developing more productive and nutritious crops. However, at the same time, it is essential to ensure that these technologies are developed in a responsible manner and that their benefits are distributed equitably across communities and regions.
Biotechnology has the potential to play a significant role in developing more productive and nutritious crops. However, at the same time, it is essential to ensure that these technologies are developed in a responsible manner and that their benefits are distributed equitably across communities and regions.
Biotechnology is a traditional research and development area in agriculture, which has evolved according to scientific advances in different disciplines related to the massive multiplication of plants, animals and microorganisms, becoming an emerging sector.
Biotechnology has the potential to play a significant role in developing more productive and nutritious crops. However, at the same time, it is essential to ensure that these technologies are developed in a responsible manner and that their benefits are distributed equitably across communities and regions (Das et al 2023).
The biological technologies used in agriculture are known as “agricultural biotechnology” or “agrobiotechnology”, terms that refer to a set of different techniques (procedures and resources) that can be used to contribute to the solution of some of the agricultural problems (Alarcon and Artunduaga 2005).
The generation of biotechnological products considers the upward scaling during the development process of a new product or technology, based on the results of a smaller scale (Stamenković et al., 2018); while, in decentralized biotechnologies (DB) the production process and the use system have a scale in the territories (Vázquez 2021).
The sustainable production of fresh food is moving towards contextual self-management, a process that demands the decentralization of appropriate biotechnologies; in turn, to facilitate interactions between actors who obtain
and use these products, aspects that are briefly addressed in this article, with examples of decentralized agrobiotechnologies in Cuba.
Decentralization of agrobiotechnologies: Agricultural biotechnologies are anchored in a scientific paradigm rooted in experimental biology, while sustainable agriculture is based on a biological paradigm that is best described as ecological. Both biotechnology and sustainable agriculture are associated with particular social science paradigms: biotechnology has its foundation in neoclassical economics, but sustainability is framed by an emerging community-focused and problem-solving perspective (Lyson 2002).
The decentralized biotechnologies (DB) strategy for the transition towards sustainable agriculture and food means that the processes for obtaining and systems for using these products, are appropriate for the different socioeconomic and ecological-environmental contexts where they are going to be used, so that it is feasible to create capacities for these agrobiotechnologies to be integrated into local value chains.
These can be obtained through industrial, semi-industrial and artisan processes, in decentralized facilities at different levels in the territory. Adopting agrobiotechnologies has various logistical, legal, financial, knowledge management, innovation, and biosafety implications, among others; in turn, the territorial scaling for its obtaining and use must be designed as an incremental transition process, in which three levels can be considered (Figure 1):
Figure 1: Territorial scaling of decentralized biotechnologies. Escalation level: III-territory; II-locality; I-production system.
III-territory: The obtaining process is carried out in facilities with territorial or municipal scope. The interaction between biotechnologists and farmers is limited to exchanges in the facilities when the latter go to buy them directly; Although, there is generally a specific system for its commercialization.
II-locality: The obtaining process is carried out in facilities with scope to localities, zones or productive organizations, for their local use; although, some productions can also be marketed in nearby towns. The interactions are facilitated because the units that obtain these products are closer to the properties or farms and are not only limited to acquiring them, but also contract quantities according to the moment of use, they achieve exchanges on types, strains or ecotypes, doses and delivery system. use, according to crops and seasons of the year, efficacy assessments, among others.
I-Agricultural production systems: Obtaining biotechnological products is achieved in production systems (property, farm, orchard, etc.), managed by the farmers themselves. At this level, farmers acquire skills to plan, obtain and use agrobiotechnologies. Some productions could be marketed locally, according to production levels.
Various agrobiotechnological products are valued as appropriate for the agroecological transition towards sustainable food systems, because synergies are facilitated in their use and functional interactions in agroecosystems, which as a whole contribute to the conservation of natural resources and the safety of fresh foods (Vazquez 2021).
Territories appear as “places” where strategies are elaborated, decisions are made, conflicts or at least tensions are managed; in that sense they are very close to organizations. The territories would thus be new forms of organizations-spaces in the piloting of territorial development (Vazquez and Chía 2020).
Innovation for the adoption of agrobiotechnologies requires a holistic approach in their integration into agricultural production systems, so that synergies and functional interactions are facilitated that also contribute to the economic rationality of the transition towards sustainable systems. Knowledge management that integrates education or training with innovation makes it easier to adapt or adjust the process of obtaining it and the system of use to local characteristics, as well as the interactions between actors who work in both processes.
Some agrobiotechnological products are imported or obtained by national entities, so that access by local agricultural production depends on various external actors; however, the DB means an approach to the places where primary agricultural production is carried out, whose main advantages are: (a) facilitation of access by farmers; (b) greater possibilities of exchange between biotechnologists and users; (c) production planning according to crops and seasons of the year; (d) possibilities of using elements of the local biota in some bioproducts (example: microbiological biopesticides); (e) feedback on effectiveness to improve product quality; (f) greater contribution to the transition process towards sustainable systems.
The development and scaling of bioprocesses has made significant progress (Xia et al 2014). It can be considered as a solid scientific-technical base to innovate in the generation of decentralized semi-industrial and artisanal production processes. Although the latter could be of lower quality and stability, the proximity of biotechnological facilities to agricultural production systems would facilitate access and planning according to growing seasons. Of course, the combination of need or demand, existing scientific and innovation capacities, access to funding sources, and the behavioral perception of decision-makers are decisive in this.
Agrobiotechnologies appropriate for the sustainability of agriculture: The DBs facilitate the agroecological transition towards sustainable agriculture, because they contribute to the circular economy of the value chains of the farm and the territory. In Cuba, for example, various agrobiotechnologies have been decentralized to the territories, some with technological adjustments to scale up their production in localities and production systems (Table 1).
| Purposes | Main types | Descentralization | ||
| III | II | I | ||
| Multiply crops | Botanical seed,2 | x | x | |
| Agamic seed (roots, tubers, cuttings, cuttings, buds)2. | x | x | ||
| Seedlings (vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, fodder)3 | x | x | x | |
| In vitro seedlings (tissue culture)4 | x | |||
| Improve soil properties | Traditional compost5 | x | ||
| Technified compost (Indore method)5 | x | x | ||
| Worm humus5 | x | x | ||
| Crop nutrition | Biofertilizers (Bradyrhizobium, Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Pseudomonas; Glomus y Acaulospora)6 | x | ||
| Native efficient microorganisms | x | |||
| Crop health | Entomopathogenic microbiological biopesticides (Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Verticillium lecanii, Heterorhabditis spp.)6 | x | x | |
| Antagonist microbiological biopesticides (Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride)6 | x | x | ||
| Pathogenic nematodes microbiological biopesticides (Paecilomyces lilacinus, Trichoderma viride, Tsucamurella paurometabola, Pochonia chlamydosporia)6 | x | x | ||
| Botanical biopesticides (nim and others) | x | |||
| Entomophagous arthropods (Lixophaga diatraeae, Trichogramma spp)6 | x | x | ||
| Post harvest value addition | Processing of fresh produce (conservation, others)7 | x | x | x |
| Transformation of fresh agricultural products (pulps and others)7 | x | x | x | |
Table 1: Purposes and types of decentralized agrobiotechnology bioproducts in Cuban agricultural territories. Decentralization scale: III-territory; II-locality; I-production system.
1) Production in specialized units (seed farms) and on farms; (2) various research institutes offer the basic seed for decentralized productions; (3) screen houses or greenhouses; (4) facilities known as biofactories, which produce quality seedlings, free of phytopathogens; (5) Organic Matter Centers (OMC) that reside in towns and farms; (6) facilities (industrial and semi-industrial); (7) mini-industries (semi-industrial processes).
The products (worm humus and compost) have been widely used for different purposes in solid and liquid form, with very good results and in most crops, contributing decisively to the sustainability of agricultural production in the country, especially in the areas committed to the Urban, Suburban and Family Agriculture system (Martínez and García 2016).
For several years, 22 biofertilizer products for agricultural use have been developed from isolating, characterizing, producing and inoculating native soil microorganisms, mainly of the bacterial genera and orbicular mycorrhizal fungi, alone or combined with very advantageous effects on growth and production. of plants (Gómez and Martínez-Viera 2016) and native microorganisms (Blanco et al 2016).
The biofactories of vitroplantulas constitute a technological innovation with respect to the traditional seed production systems in Cuba, which has made it possible to achieve important benefits and impacts in the country, in which the following stand out: the production up to the year 2004 of 179,191,500 plants in vitro of high genetic and phytosanitary quality in species of agricultural, forestry and ornamental interest (Agramonte et al 2006).
Post harvest value addition (mini-industries) have emerged in agricultural territories as new biotechnologies, mainly as innovative initiatives of farmers. Its adoption is considered successful, because it adds value to fresh agricultural products, while they can be marketed throughout the year.
An example of sustainability in decentralized biotechnologies is the massive multiplication of biological control agents in the Cuban territories, which dates back to the middle of the last century in the cultivation of sugarcane and continued during the 70s-80s with the rest of the agriculture, with a reinforcement since the 1990s (Pérez and Vázquez 2001), benefiting annually 2.4 million hectares with bioproducts obtained in a network of 175 laboratories known as CREE (Centro Reproductor de Entomófagos y Entomopatógenos) and four Biopesticide Plants (Marquez et al 2000).
The decentralization strategy towards the territories of the production of biological control agents (ACB), led to the appropriation of these technologies by local actors, consolidating a system with high self-sufficiency for planning according to demands of agricultural production (Vázquez and Chía 2020).
During the transition of agriculture towards sustainable systems, agrobiotechnological productions are intended for production systems with different types of technological approaches (traditional, conventional, organic, in agroecological transition), regardless of the size of their surface. This is particularly important because it is necessary to adapt these new technologies, while building the capacities of local actors to understand their characteristics and contribution to sustainability.
The emergence of agricultural biotechnology was dependent on advances in our understanding of the basic biochemistry, genetic and physiological processes of biological systems and has led to the development of products that have provided farmers with new tools to increase productivity and lessen the impact environmental impact of agricultural practices (Ridley 2003).
Clearly Auctoresonline and particularly Psychology and Mental Health Care Journal is dedicated to improving health care services for individuals and populations. The editorial boards' ability to efficiently recognize and share the global importance of health literacy with a variety of stakeholders. Auctoresonline publishing platform can be used to facilitate of optimal client-based services and should be added to health care professionals' repertoire of evidence-based health care resources.
Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Intervention The submission and review process was adequate. However I think that the publication total value should have been enlightened in early fases. Thank you for all.
Journal of Women Health Care and Issues By the present mail, I want to say thank to you and tour colleagues for facilitating my published article. Specially thank you for the peer review process, support from the editorial office. I appreciate positively the quality of your journal.
Journal of Clinical Research and Reports I would be very delighted to submit my testimonial regarding the reviewer board and the editorial office. The reviewer board were accurate and helpful regarding any modifications for my manuscript. And the editorial office were very helpful and supportive in contacting and monitoring with any update and offering help. It was my pleasure to contribute with your promising Journal and I am looking forward for more collaboration.
We would like to thank the Journal of Thoracic Disease and Cardiothoracic Surgery because of the services they provided us for our articles. The peer-review process was done in a very excellent time manner, and the opinions of the reviewers helped us to improve our manuscript further. The editorial office had an outstanding correspondence with us and guided us in many ways. During a hard time of the pandemic that is affecting every one of us tremendously, the editorial office helped us make everything easier for publishing scientific work. Hope for a more scientific relationship with your Journal.
The peer-review process which consisted high quality queries on the paper. I did answer six reviewers’ questions and comments before the paper was accepted. The support from the editorial office is excellent.
Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. I had the experience of publishing a research article recently. The whole process was simple from submission to publication. The reviewers made specific and valuable recommendations and corrections that improved the quality of my publication. I strongly recommend this Journal.
Dr. Katarzyna Byczkowska My testimonial covering: "The peer review process is quick and effective. The support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly. Quality of the Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on cardiology that is useful for other professionals in the field.
Thank you most sincerely, with regard to the support you have given in relation to the reviewing process and the processing of my article entitled "Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of The Prostate Gland: A Review and Update" for publication in your esteemed Journal, Journal of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics". The editorial team has been very supportive.
Testimony of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: work with your Reviews has been a educational and constructive experience. The editorial office were very helpful and supportive. It was a pleasure to contribute to your Journal.
Dr. Bernard Terkimbi Utoo, I am happy to publish my scientific work in Journal of Women Health Care and Issues (JWHCI). The manuscript submission was seamless and peer review process was top notch. I was amazed that 4 reviewers worked on the manuscript which made it a highly technical, standard and excellent quality paper. I appreciate the format and consideration for the APC as well as the speed of publication. It is my pleasure to continue with this scientific relationship with the esteem JWHCI.
This is an acknowledgment for peer reviewers, editorial board of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports. They show a lot of consideration for us as publishers for our research article “Evaluation of the different factors associated with side effects of COVID-19 vaccination on medical students, Mutah university, Al-Karak, Jordan”, in a very professional and easy way. This journal is one of outstanding medical journal.
Dear Hao Jiang, to Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing We greatly appreciate the efficient, professional and rapid processing of our paper by your team. If there is anything else we should do, please do not hesitate to let us know. On behalf of my co-authors, we would like to express our great appreciation to editor and reviewers.
As an author who has recently published in the journal "Brain and Neurological Disorders". I am delighted to provide a testimonial on the peer review process, editorial office support, and the overall quality of the journal. The peer review process at Brain and Neurological Disorders is rigorous and meticulous, ensuring that only high-quality, evidence-based research is published. The reviewers are experts in their fields, and their comments and suggestions were constructive and helped improve the quality of my manuscript. The review process was timely and efficient, with clear communication from the editorial office at each stage. The support from the editorial office was exceptional throughout the entire process. The editorial staff was responsive, professional, and always willing to help. They provided valuable guidance on formatting, structure, and ethical considerations, making the submission process seamless. Moreover, they kept me informed about the status of my manuscript and provided timely updates, which made the process less stressful. The journal Brain and Neurological Disorders is of the highest quality, with a strong focus on publishing cutting-edge research in the field of neurology. The articles published in this journal are well-researched, rigorously peer-reviewed, and written by experts in the field. The journal maintains high standards, ensuring that readers are provided with the most up-to-date and reliable information on brain and neurological disorders. In conclusion, I had a wonderful experience publishing in Brain and Neurological Disorders. The peer review process was thorough, the editorial office provided exceptional support, and the journal's quality is second to none. I would highly recommend this journal to any researcher working in the field of neurology and brain disorders.
Dear Agrippa Hilda, Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery, Editorial Coordinator, I trust this message finds you well. I want to extend my appreciation for considering my article for publication in your esteemed journal. I am pleased to provide a testimonial regarding the peer review process and the support received from your editorial office. The peer review process for my paper was carried out in a highly professional and thorough manner. The feedback and comments provided by the authors were constructive and very useful in improving the quality of the manuscript. This rigorous assessment process undoubtedly contributes to the high standards maintained by your journal.
International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews. I strongly recommend to consider submitting your work to this high-quality journal. The support and availability of the Editorial staff is outstanding and the review process was both efficient and rigorous.
Thank you very much for publishing my Research Article titled “Comparing Treatment Outcome Of Allergic Rhinitis Patients After Using Fluticasone Nasal Spray And Nasal Douching" in the Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology. As Medical Professionals we are immensely benefited from study of various informative Articles and Papers published in this high quality Journal. I look forward to enriching my knowledge by regular study of the Journal and contribute my future work in the field of ENT through the Journal for use by the medical fraternity. The support from the Editorial office was excellent and very prompt. I also welcome the comments received from the readers of my Research Article.
Dear Erica Kelsey, Editorial Coordinator of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics Our team is very satisfied with the processing of our paper by your journal. That was fast, efficient, rigorous, but without unnecessary complications. We appreciated the very short time between the submission of the paper and its publication on line on your site.
I am very glad to say that the peer review process is very successful and fast and support from the Editorial Office. Therefore, I would like to continue our scientific relationship for a long time. And I especially thank you for your kindly attention towards my article. Have a good day!
"We recently published an article entitled “Influence of beta-Cyclodextrins upon the Degradation of Carbofuran Derivatives under Alkaline Conditions" in the Journal of “Pesticides and Biofertilizers” to show that the cyclodextrins protect the carbamates increasing their half-life time in the presence of basic conditions This will be very helpful to understand carbofuran behaviour in the analytical, agro-environmental and food areas. We greatly appreciated the interaction with the editor and the editorial team; we were particularly well accompanied during the course of the revision process, since all various steps towards publication were short and without delay".
I would like to express my gratitude towards you process of article review and submission. I found this to be very fair and expedient. Your follow up has been excellent. I have many publications in national and international journal and your process has been one of the best so far. Keep up the great work.
We are grateful for this opportunity to provide a glowing recommendation to the Journal of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. We found that the editorial team were very supportive, helpful, kept us abreast of timelines and over all very professional in nature. The peer review process was rigorous, efficient and constructive that really enhanced our article submission. The experience with this journal remains one of our best ever and we look forward to providing future submissions in the near future.
I am very pleased to serve as EBM of the journal, I hope many years of my experience in stem cells can help the journal from one way or another. As we know, stem cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine, which are mostly used to promote the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. I think Stem Cell Research and Therapeutics International is a great platform to publish and share the understanding towards the biology and translational or clinical application of stem cells.
I would like to give my testimony in the support I have got by the peer review process and to support the editorial office where they were of asset to support young author like me to be encouraged to publish their work in your respected journal and globalize and share knowledge across the globe. I really give my great gratitude to your journal and the peer review including the editorial office.
I am delighted to publish our manuscript entitled "A Perspective on Cocaine Induced Stroke - Its Mechanisms and Management" in the Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. The peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal are excellent. The manuscripts published are of high quality and of excellent scientific value. I recommend this journal very much to colleagues.
Dr.Tania Muñoz, My experience as researcher and author of a review article in The Journal Clinical Cardiology and Interventions has been very enriching and stimulating. The editorial team is excellent, performs its work with absolute responsibility and delivery. They are proactive, dynamic and receptive to all proposals. Supporting at all times the vast universe of authors who choose them as an option for publication. The team of review specialists, members of the editorial board, are brilliant professionals, with remarkable performance in medical research and scientific methodology. Together they form a frontline team that consolidates the JCCI as a magnificent option for the publication and review of high-level medical articles and broad collective interest. I am honored to be able to share my review article and open to receive all your comments.
“The peer review process of JPMHC is quick and effective. Authors are benefited by good and professional reviewers with huge experience in the field of psychology and mental health. The support from the editorial office is very professional. People to contact to are friendly and happy to help and assist any query authors might have. Quality of the Journal is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on mental health that is useful for other professionals in the field”.
Dear editorial department: On behalf of our team, I hereby certify the reliability and superiority of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews in the peer review process, editorial support, and journal quality. Firstly, the peer review process of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is rigorous, fair, transparent, fast, and of high quality. The editorial department invites experts from relevant fields as anonymous reviewers to review all submitted manuscripts. These experts have rich academic backgrounds and experience, and can accurately evaluate the academic quality, originality, and suitability of manuscripts. The editorial department is committed to ensuring the rigor of the peer review process, while also making every effort to ensure a fast review cycle to meet the needs of authors and the academic community. Secondly, the editorial team of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is composed of a group of senior scholars and professionals with rich experience and professional knowledge in related fields. The editorial department is committed to assisting authors in improving their manuscripts, ensuring their academic accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Editors actively collaborate with authors, providing useful suggestions and feedback to promote the improvement and development of the manuscript. We believe that the support of the editorial department is one of the key factors in ensuring the quality of the journal. Finally, the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is renowned for its high- quality articles and strict academic standards. The editorial department is committed to publishing innovative and academically valuable research results to promote the development and progress of related fields. The International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is reasonably priced and ensures excellent service and quality ratio, allowing authors to obtain high-level academic publishing opportunities in an affordable manner. I hereby solemnly declare that the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews has a high level of credibility and superiority in terms of peer review process, editorial support, reasonable fees, and journal quality. Sincerely, Rui Tao.
Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions I testity the covering of the peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal.
Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, we deeply appreciate the interest shown in our work and its publication. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you. The peer review process, as well as the support provided by the editorial office, have been exceptional, and the quality of the journal is very high, which was a determining factor in our decision to publish with you.
The peer reviewers process is quick and effective, the supports from editorial office is excellent, the quality of journal is high. I would like to collabroate with Internatioanl journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews journal clinically in the future time.
Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the trust placed in our team for the publication in your journal. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you on this project. I am pleased to inform you that both the peer review process and the attention from the editorial coordination have been excellent. Your team has worked with dedication and professionalism to ensure that your publication meets the highest standards of quality. We are confident that this collaboration will result in mutual success, and we are eager to see the fruits of this shared effort.
