Comunicata Scientiae

Ornamental potential of species from the ferruginous Campo rupestre of the Carajás National Forest, Brazilian Amazon

2021-02-08T15:05:33-03:00

The flora of the ferruginous Campo rupestre that occur over the immense iron deposits of the Carajás National Forest is very unique, with several endemic and rare species. This vegetation is directly affected by mining activity, as a result of vegetation suppression and the profound disfigurement of habitats. The objective of this work was to identify the ornamental potential of the flora of the ferruginous Campo rupestre, as a strategy for ex situ conservation of ecosystem species. The species present in ten plots of 5 x 5 m were surveyed in different areas of the ferruginous Campo rupestre on the N1 plateau and the ornamental potential of each species was evaluated following a characterization key, considering morphology and habitat of occurrence. Subsequently, the species were compared with those already present on the market, as ornamental, based on the literature and on sites specialized in the sale of ornamental plants in Brazil. A total of 33 species with ornamental potential were found, distributed in 32 genera and 19 families. Most species showed high functionality for ornamentation and similarity with nationally consolidated ornamentals. Catasetum planiceps, Cyrtopodium andersonii, Epidendrum nocturnum, Mandevilla scabra, Norantea guianensis and Sobralia liliastrum have a consolidated ornamental market. The data collected support ex situ conservation strategies of the flora of the ferruginous Campo rupestre, such as its valorization, local commercialization and income generation for small extractivists in the region.

Methods of applying hydrogen peroxide to soursop seedlings irrigated with saline water

2021-02-08T15:05:30-03:00

The acclimatization of plants to salt stress, through the application of hydrogen peroxide, occurs due to the activation of the antioxidant defense system. In this sense, the aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of photosynthetic pigments and the photochemical efficiency of soursop seedlings under irrigation with saline water and different methods of applying hydrogen peroxide. The study was carried out in greenhouse conditions, in a 5 x 4 scheme, with five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - CEa (0.6; 1.2; 1.8; 2.4 and 3.0 dS m^-1) and four methods of application of hydrogen peroxide-MA (without application of H2O2, application via seed soaking, application via leaf spray and application via seed soaking and leaf spray). The salinity of irrigation water up to 1.4 and 1.1 dS m^-1 caused an increase in the synthesis of chlorophyll b and carotenoids, respectively. Irrigation with water from 0.6 dS m^-1 reduced the synthesis of chlorophyll a and total of soursop plants. The application of 20 μm of H2O2 via seed imbibition results in an increase in the contents of chlorophyll a and b, total, maximum and variable fluorescence of soursop seedlings. Soaking the seeds with hydrogen peroxide increased the initial fluorescence of chlorophyll in plants irrigated with water 1.2 dS m^-1.

Growth and nutritional diagnosis of Rosemary plants submitted to nitrogen and sulfate fertilization

2021-02-08T15:05:36-03:00

Studies on the cultivation of medicinal plants are of relevance to the population since they are primary sources of medication. Among these plants stands out the rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) for having diverse therapeutic properties. The objective of this work was to evaluate the initial growth and nutritional status of rosemary plants grown with different co’ncentrations of nitrogen and sulfur. The treatments were distributed in a 4x2 factorial scheme with four nitrogen doses: 105, 210, 315, and 420 mg L-1 of nitrogen combined with two sulfur doses: 32 and 64 mg L-1 with seven replications totaling 56 experimental units. The seedlings were obtained through asexual propagation (cuttings), originating from parent plants. The experimental units were arranged in a completely randomized design. Growth evaluations were carried out at 120 days of cultivation, using: plant height (HT) stem diameter (DS), root dry matter mass (RDM), stem dry matter mass (SDM), mass leaf dry matter (LDM), total dry matter (TDM), shoot dry matter mass (SDMS). The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and depending on the level of significance in the F test, the study was carried out using the means test (Tukey 5%). The agronomic characteristics (HT), (DS), (RDM) and (MDMAP) were significant for N. Only (RDM) showed significant interaction for the doses of N and S. The dose 420 mg L-1 promoted the highest concentrations in the components leaf and stem. The lowest dose 105 mg L-1, N promoted the highest concentrations of S in the leaf and stem. The assimilation of S by the rosemary plants was dependent on the doses of N.

Stability and adaptability of sweet orange using mixed models

2020-12-29T15:06:18-03:00

Evaluations with sweet oranges are usually performed in several harvests and places to verify the differential behavior according to the environmental variations. This makes the selection by traditional statistical methodologies more and more difficult since they have limitations in the case of data unbalanced, common in citrus during the experimental phase due to the possibility of plot loss over the years. The objective of this work was to estimate the temporal stability and adaptability of sweet orange genotypes cultivated in eight crops under the edaphoclimatic conditions of Rio Branco, Acre. The experimental design used was in randomized blocks containing 55 genotypes and three replications. Four agronomic characteristics were evaluated during eight harvests. The genetic parameters were estimated using the REML/BLUP methodology. After detecting the presence of significant interaction between genotypes and environments, stability and adaptability analyzes were conducted by the methods of the harmonic mean of the genotypic values (HMGV), the relative performance of the genetic values (RPGV) and the harmonic mean of the relative performance of the genotypic values (HMRPGV). The HMRPGV can be used to select stable, adapted and productive sweet orange genotypes. The number 48, 19, 5, 14, 2, 47 and 37 sweet orange genotypes can be selected for cultivation in an environment similar to the one studied, as they simultaneously present high stability, adaptability and productivity.

Morphophysiology of the passion fruit ‘BRS Rubi do Cerrado’ irrigated with saline waters and nitrogen fertilization

2021-02-08T15:05:28-03:00

This study aimed to evaluate the gas exchanges and growth of the purple passion fruit cultivar ‘BRS Rubi do Cerrado’ as a function of the salinity levels of the irrigation water and nitrogen fertilization. The research was conducted in pots adapted as drainage lysimeters, placed within a plant nursery, using a Regolithic Neosol of sandy texture, in the municipality of Pombal-PB, Brazil. A randomized block design was used, testing five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7, and 3.5 dS m-1) associated with four doses of nitrogen (50, 75, 100, and 125% of the recommendation). The irrigation water salinity above 0.3 dS m-1 compromised the leaf area and the relative water content of the purple passion fruit ‘BRS Rubi do Cerrado’. High doses of nitrogen enhance the deleterious effects of irrigation water salinity on stomatal conductance, transpiration, internal CO2 concentration, CO2 assimilation rate, number of leaves, stem diameter, and height of purple passion fruit plants. When waters with salinity levels of up to 1.3 dS m-1 are used, the dose of 125 mg of N kg-1 of soil is recommendation for providing increases in the CO2 assimilation rate of the purple passion fruit ‘BRS Rubi do Cerrado’ at 70 days after sowing (DAS). Water salinity increases electrolyte leakage, regardless of nitrogen doses.

Concentrations of indolebutyric acid on air-layering of guava cv. Paluma

2021-02-08T15:05:26-03:00

Nowadays, the predominant technique for the commercial propagation of guava seedlings is through cuttings, using herbaceous cuttings that need a specialized infrastructure with intermittent misting, clean water, exhausters, water filters, and fans. As an alternative to plant propagation by cuttings, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of concentrations of indolebutyric acid (IBA) on the rooting of branches of the guava cv. Paluma by air-layering. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four replications and 10 air layers per plot. The treatments consisted of six concentrations of IBA powder mixed with industrial talcum: 0, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 mg.kg-1. Four adult guava parents that were in the off-season period were used. For the preparation of the air layers, the stems were girdled with a 4.0 cm width, using a steel blade, by removing the bark until exposing the cambium region, followed by IBA application and wrapping of the branches with a plastic bag containing moist organic substrate. The following variables were evaluated 120 days after air-layering: percentage of rooted and callused air layers, longest root length, and root dry matter. The analysis of variance indicated no significant differences between the IBA concentrations for all variables, but the rooting percentages were high (68.6 to 92.2%) regardless of the application of the exogenous auxin.

Fruit quality of Tahiti acid lime and Sicilian lemon trees grown on different rootstocks and spacings in the semi-arid region

2021-03-14T21:01:54-03:00

The objective of this work was to evaluate the fruit quality of Tahiti acid lime and Sicilian lemon trees grown
on different rootstocks and planting spacings in the semi-arid region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Two
experiments were conducted, using Tahiti acid lime tree scions (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) (1) and Sicilian lemon
trees scions [Citrus limon (L.) Burm] (2). A randomized block design was used, with a 6×2 factorial arrangement consisted of six rootstocks: Cravo Santa Cruz lemon (Citrus limonia Osbeck), Swingle citrumelo [Citrus paradisi Macfaden × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Rafinesque], Indio citrandarin and Riverside citrandarin [Citrus sunki (Hayata) hort. ex Tanaka × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Rafinesque], Hybrid TSKC × (LCR × TR) - 059 [Citrus sunki (Hayata) hort. ex Tanaka × (Citrus limonia Osbeck × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Rafinesque)], and Sunki Tropical tangerine [Citrus sunki (Hayata) hort. ex Tanaka]; and two planting spacings: 6.0 × 4.0 m and 6.0 × 2.0 m, with three replications and four plants per plot. The physical and chemical characteristics of fruits were evaluated. Most quality characteristics of Tahiti acid lime and Sicilian lemon are not affected by the different rootstocks and spacings used, but the fruits present excellent quality for the national and international markets. Tahiti acid lime plants grown on less vigorous rootstocks under denser spacings have fruits with higher pH, whereas those grown on more vigorous rootstocks have fruits with thicker mesocarps and lower soluble solid contents. The use of Sunki Tropical tangerine rootstock results in bigger Sicilian lemons, however, with lower soluble solid contents, whereas an opposite result is found with the use of Swingle citrumelo rootstocks.

Water content of pomegranate seeds subjected to storage and packaging periods

2021-03-14T21:03:32-03:00

The worldwide demand for unconventional fruits, such as pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), has been growing due to their nutraceutical characteristics. Given the social and industrial importance of the crop, information about the seed storage conditions should be elucidated to technify its cultivation. The objective of this work was to evaluate, by determining the water content, the behavior of pomegranate seeds when stored in different periods and packages. The seeds were separated into 2 lots: seeds with sarcotesta and for another lot, seeds without sarcotesta. The storage periods used were: 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days, in 3 types of packaging (polyethylene, paper bags and glass bottles), which were stored in BOD at 5±0.2ºC and relative humidity 35±2%. After storage periods, the seed water content was evaluated. Throughout storage periods, polyethylene containers reduced the water content of seeds with and without sarcotesta. Paper bags did not preserve the water content of both types of pomegranate seeds. The water content of pomegranate seeds with and without sarcotesta was better conserved when glass containers were used for storage.

Are biomass partitioning and nutrient accumulation in industrial tomato influenced by NPK fertilization?

2021-03-14T21:13:16-03:00

This study aimed to evaluate the uptake, accumulation, and partitioning of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the tomato crop fertilized with doses of NPK. The main plots consisted of three doses of N: 90, 135, and 180 kg ha-1, P: 270, 405, and 540 kg ha-1, and K: 225, 337, and 450 kg ha-1 (equivalent to 50, 75, and 100 % of the fertilization recommendation for industrial tomato), while the subplots consisted of the evaluation periods: 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 days after transplanting (DAT). The dry matter and the accumulation of N, P, and K were characterized in the different plant components (leaves, stems, fruits, and total). The order of nutrient uptake for the hybrid BRS Sena was defined as K> N> P. The dose corresponding to 50 % NPK resulted in the maximum accumulation of total dry matter of 400 g per plant at 64 DAT and the total accumulation of 10, 1.14, and 14.51 g per plant of N, P, and K, respectively. The intermediate dose of NPK resulted in the maximum accumulation of total dry matter of 468 g and accumulations of 14, 1.6, and 19 g per plant of N, P, and K. At 100 % of the NPK recommendation, there was 514 g per plant of total dry matter, with maximum accumulations of 15, 1.6, and 18 g per plant of N, P, and K. The maximum accumulation rate of N, P, and K occurs at 60, 64, and 70 DAT for the fertilization recommendations corresponding to 50, 75, and 100 % NPK, respectively.

Postharvest conservation of ‘Sunrise Solo’ papaya under cassava starch coatings added with ginger essential oil

2021-03-14T21:17:48-03:00

The use of biodegradable coatings associated with essential oils with fungicidal action can be an efficient alternative in the conservation and reduction of postharvest losses of papaya, a very perishable fruit susceptible to decay. In this sense, the objective of this work was to evaluate the postharvest conservation of papaya under cassava-based starch biodegradable coatings, added with essential oil (EO) of ginger. The experimental design was the completely randomized in a split-plot scheme, with the plot consisting of 5 coatings applied to ‘Sunrise solo’ papaya’ harvested in the light green maturity stage: (control (without coating); 2% cassava starch (S2%); S2% + 0.15% ginger essential oil (EO); S2% + 0.30% EO and S2% + 0.45% EO) and in the subplot the days of storage: (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days), with 4 replications. Papaya coated with S2% + 0.30% EO showed a delay in color evolution, lower weight loss, maintained the levels of soluble solids and ascorbic acid, in addition to reducing the incidence of decay and increasing the purchase intention, thus increasing postharvest life in 4 days as related to control fruits. The use of 2% starch coating added with 0.30% ginger essential oil is a viable, sustainable and low-cost alternative for maintaining the quality and adding value to ‘Sunrise solo’ papaya as a clean technology.

Analysis of baculovirus spodoptera virulence in fall armyworm fed with cassava leaves

2021-03-14T16:39:27-03:00

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is considered the main pest of corn (Zea mays L.) in Brazil and feeds on several other plant species, including cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). The food substrate influences the control efficiency of baculovirus and there aren’t studies on the effects of the application of baculovirus Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV) on cassava leaves in the mortality of S. frugiperda larvae. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficiency of SfMNPV isolate 6 on S. frugiperda larvae fed on corn and cassava leaves. The food substrates were treated with three baculovirus concentrations (2 x 10⁵, 2 x 10⁶ and 2 x 10⁷ OB mL^-1) of a semipurified suspension, and of a commercial formulation (CartuchoVit^®), both containing SfMNPV isolate 6, and then were offer to S. frugiperda second instar larvae. The semipurified virus was more virulent than the commercial formulation, regardless of the food substrate provided to insects, when concentrations of 2 x 10⁵ and 2 x 10⁶ OB mL^-1 were used. However, there was no difference between treatments when baculovirus suspension of 2 x 10⁷ OB mL^-1 was use and the mortality rates were higher than 91%. The mortality was higher when the larvae fed on cassava leaves treated with SfMNPV. Therefore, the food substrate increased the efficiency of SfMNPV, which promises the use of this virus in the management of S. frugiperda in cassava crops.

Physiological and biochemical indicators of Physalis angulata L. plants submitted under salinity

2021-03-14T20:56:11-03:00

Saline environments may limit the growth and yield of agricultural crops, mainly in arid and semiarid regions, causing negative impacts to the plant physiology. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the growth and physiological and biochemical indicators of Physalis angulata L. plants grown in hydroponic nutrient solutions with different salinities. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a floating hydroponic system, using a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of five levels of electrical conductivity (EC) of the nutrient solution (EC0 = 0.00 – Control; EC1 = 1.80; EC2 = 3.60; EC3 = 5.40; and EC4 = 7.2 dS m-1). Plant gas exchanges, water relations, total chlorophyll contents, organic solute accumulation, and growth parameter were evaluated at 35 days after the application of the treatments. The salinity of the nutrient solution had significant effect on the variables analyzed, denoting adaptation of the plants up to the EC of 2.10 dS m-1.
Decreases in photosynthetic rates at the highest salinity levels affected the plant growth, causing pronounced decreases. The P. angulata plants showed osmotic adjustment after the induction of a severe salt stress at 35 days after sowing; they accumulated organic solutes that increased leaf turgidity, even at lower salinity levels, maintaining the plant water status.

Summer squash morphophysiology under salt stress and exogenous application of H2O2 in hydroponic cultivation

2021-03-14T21:31:14-03:00

Summer squash is a vegetable of significant acceptance in the market due to its economic and nutritional
importance, with the potential for expansion in the food industry. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the gas exchange and growth of summer squash plants subjected to a saline nutrient solution and exogenous application of hydrogen peroxide. The study was conducted in a greenhouse in Pombal – PB. The cultivation system used was the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic system. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 4 x 4 factorial arrangement, whose treatments consisted of four levels of electrical conductivityof the nutrient solution - ECns (2.1, 3.1, 4.1, and 5.1 dS m-1) and four concentrations of hydrogen peroxide – H2O2 (0, 20, 40, and 60 μM), with three replications. The increase in the nutrient solution salinity from 2.1 dS m-1 reduced the leaf area and transpiration of the summer squash plants. Hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 40 μM increased the root length, the instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, and the CO2 assimilation rate when the plants were subjected to the saline solution of 2.1 dS m-1. Also, the application of 60 μM H2O2 mitigated the effect of salt stress on the internal CO2 concentration and stomatal conductance of the summer squash plants.

Cytokinins induce the development of Campomanesia pubescens root cuttings

2021-03-15T16:40:13-03:00

The gabirobeira (Campomanesia pubescens) is a species native to Brazilian Cerrado with great potential but is threatened to extinction and remains wild. The nursery plant production is an alternative to solve those problems and the use of plant growth regulators can support vegetative propagation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of cytokinin concentrations on the vegetative propagation of C. pubescens root cuttings. The concentrations of the cytokinin 6-Benzylaminopurine were: 0.0 (Control), 1.0; 2.0 and 4.0 mg L^-1 diluted in NaOH solution (6 mol L^-1). The cuttings with standard size of 5 cm were dipped in the concentrations for 15 seconds and transplanted in bags containing the substrate Bioplant. After 140 days the number of shoots, length of the shoots, number of leaves, length of the leaves, the diameter of the main stem, the diameter of the main root, the total number of roots, length of the main root, total fresh matter and total dry matter, were evaluated. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with fifteen replicates per treatment. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and the effects of the concentrations tested and adjusted by regression equations. The lower concentrations of cytokinin were beneficial to the development of the cuttings, while higher concentrations inhibited their development.

Selection of genotypes with ornamental potential in an F4 population of ornamental peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) based on multivariate analysis

2021-03-15T16:39:52-03:00

Abstract: The commercialization of ornamental pepper plants has been growing in the national and international floriculture markets. In spite of this growth, there are still few available cultivars for ornamental purposes, suggesting a need for improvement programs in this segment. Given the exposed, this work aimed to select genotypes with ornamental pepper potential using multivariate analysis. The work was performed in a plant nursery at the Campus of Agricultural Sciences of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB). One segregating F₄(17.15) population was used, analyzing 16 qualitative and quantitative morphological descriptors. The experimental design was completely randomized. 45 plants belonging to an F₄ segregating population were evaluated. Singh’s criterion was adopted to quantify the relative contribution of the characteristics. Afterward, Tocher’s clustering method based on the generalized distance of Mahalanobis was used for the quantitative variables. Gower’s distance was employed for the qualitative variables, and afterward, a joint analysis with qualitative and quantitative data was performed, using the sum of distances of both types of variables. Furthermore, a non-metric multidimensional scaling was applied. Based on qualitative traits 14 clusters were formed. Multidimensional scaling based on quantitative traits the most divergent genotypes were 17, 12, 36, 23, and 19. According to the analysis performed the genotypes 12, 16, 19, 15, 29, 41 and 44 are indicated to open line in F5 generation.

Keywords: diversity, gower, Mahalanobis, ornamental plants

Tank mixture of pesticides for Tuta absoluta and Neoleucinodes elegantalis control in tomato crop

2021-03-15T16:39:30-03:00

The use of pesticides in tank mixtures is important to reduce application costs and increase pest control, mainly. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of manganese foliar fertilizers on the effectiveness of the chlorantraniliprole (Chlt) to control tomato leaf miner and tomato fruit borer in tomato crop and to evaluate the possible effects of these mixtures on plant physiology. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, on randomized block design with eight treatments and four replications each. The treatments were: 1 – Chlt; 2 – Chlt + MnSO₄; 3 – Chlt + Mn(NO₃)₂; 4- Chlt + Break-Thru (BTH); 5 - Chlt + MnSO₄ + BTH; 6 – Chlt + Mn(NO₃)₂ + BTH; 7 – Chlt + MnSO₄ + Mn(NO₃)₂ + BTH; 8 - Control. The physical chemical properties, physiological effects, pesticide efficacy and yield were evaluated. The results showed that the use of chlorantraniliprole in mixture with adjuvant and foliar fertilizers did not influence its efficacy against Tuta absoluta and Neoleucinodes elegantalis. Also, the mixture did not influence the chlorophyll content and all the nutrients content were in appropriate levels. We conclude that tank mixture with manganese foliar fertilizers do not have influence over the efficacy nor the physiological characteristics. The physical chemical evaluations changed according to each manganese salt add in the mixture.

Growth and initial development of passion fruit plants in different concentrations of biostimulants

2021-03-15T16:39:09-03:00

The objective of this research was to evaluate the vegetative growth of yellow passion fruit seedlings, propagated by seeds, regarding the rates of use and application of two biostimulants in two types of soil. The experiment was carried out at the State University of Piauí (UESPI) / Campus de Corrente, with Passiflora edulis as a research culture, on a 50% brightness screen. The completely randomized design consisted of four treatments arranged according to the following application doses (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 mL), using the biostimulant Solofull® and Stimulate® via soil, with six replicates per treatment, totaling 24 units experimental. The soil used came from two situations, soil 1 (area in the process of degradation, Gilbués - PI) and soil 2 (pasture area, Corrente, PI). At 65 days after sowing, height, stem diameter, number of true leaves, leaf area, plant height ratio and stem diameter and root length were evaluated. The data were submitted to analysis of variance. The application of the Stimulate® biostimulant in seedlings produced in soil cultivated by pasture, promoted the best development of the aerial and root system of the plants.

Incubation period and fungi identification in seeds of Salvia hispânica L.

2021-03-15T16:38:48-03:00

Seed sanitary quality is an essential factor in crop success, and through the evaluation of fungi contamination of seeds, measures can be adopted to control and avoid the transferability of this contamination to the plants. Equally important is the method used to verify the occurrence and identify the species, especially when it comes to crops that have not yet been studied, such as chia, which has a mucilaginous layer that may present some interference in the development of fungi. This study's objective was to identify the genera of fungi present in lots of saved chia seeds, define the best period for their evaluation and its transmissibility to the plantlet. Eight lots from saved seeds of chia were analyzed into two evaluations at seven and 14 days of incubation via the Blotter test method, in which fungi were identified by their reproductive structure using a stereomicroscope. Besides, the transmissibility rate from seed to plantlet of the most incident fungus was evaluated, through the direct isolation method. All estimated seed lots of chia showed fungi contamination, with emphasis on Fusarium sp., Phomopsis sp., Penicillium sp., and Aspergillus sp. The best evaluation period to Phomopsis sp. its at 14 days of incubation by the Blotter test method. The genus Fusarium sp. presents a high transmissibility rate from seed to plantlet.

Crop of organic arugula in greenhouse using high seedlings from different volumes of substrates

2021-05-22T16:51:16-03:00

The objective of this study was to evaluate the substrate volume in the production of high seedling and its cultivation on organic arugula components production in protected cultivation. The high seedling planting evaluation occurred over different substrate volumes (50, 100, 200, 300, and 400 cm³) in two plastic-cover protected environments (with and without anti-insect screen mech 50) using randomized blocks as experiment design with four replications, and 16 plants per plot. The seedlings produced with 280.3 cm³ of substrate provided the highest fresh mass and plant productivity. The highest dry aerial part mass of the plant was obtained from seedlings produced with 316.5 cm³ of substrate. The productivity, fresh mass, and dry matter mass of leaves higher in a covered greenhouse, however, with a higher total cost of production (R $ 6.81 m²), lower net revenue (R $ 6.52 m²), and profitability index 110%. The use of high seedling produced with 300 or 400 cm³ of substrate reduces the crop time regardless of the culture environment within eight days; however, the highest profitability is obtained with volumes of 200 cm³ (R$ 0.37 m² day^-¹), and 100 cm³ (R$ 0.36 m² day^-¹) of substrate for environments with and without insect screen, respectively.

Evaluation of pea seed vigor by the accelerated aging and controlled deterioration tests

2021-05-22T16:50:55-03:00

Vigor tests were developed to detect differences in seed lots due to limitations of germination tests. The objective of this work was to investigate the efficiency of the accelerated aging and controlled deterioration tests to assess the vigor of pea seed lots. The water content and physiological quality of five pea lots cv. Aragon were determined using the germination and vigor tests (first count, electrical conductivity, seedling emergence and speed of emergence index, accelerated aging with the traditional system and with saturated NaCl solution at 41ºC for 48, 72 and 96 hours; and controlled deterioration test with 15, 20, 25% water content for 48, 72 and 96 hours at 42ºC). The accelerated aging test with saturated NaCl solution for 96 hours was efficient to categorize pea seeds lots. Combinations of 20% water for 72 hours and 25% water for 48 and 72 hours were efficient to categorize pea seed lots using the controlled deterioration test.

Physiological quality of chickpea seeds submitted to hydric and saline stress

2021-05-22T16:50:35-03:00

The use of seeds of high physiological quality can be a strategy to reduce problems in the development of seedlings and allow the proper establishment of the stand under different environmental conditions, especially under stress conditions, such as water and saline. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the effect of water and salt stress on the physiological quality of seeds and on the growth of chickpea seedlings at different osmotic potentials, induced by polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) and sodium chloride (NaCl). The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, in a 2 x 5 factorial arrangement (two osmotic solutions, PEG and NaCl and five osmotic potentials, -0.2, -0.4, -0.6 and -0.8 MPa), with four replications of 200 seeds each. Initially, the water content of the seeds was determined. In the treatment effects, the physiological quality and initial seedling growth were evaluated (germination, first germination count, abnormal seedlings, germination speed index, average germination time, epicotyl and primary root length and dry mass of seedling). Osmotic potentials below -0.2 MPa reduces the germination and growth of chickpea seedlings, regardless of the stressor. Osmotic stress induced by NaCl produces more severe effects than PEG 6000 on the physiological quality of seeds

Production and quality of pineapple juice with mint powder by foam-mat drying

2021-05-22T16:50:13-03:00

The objective of this work was to produce pineapple juice with powdered mint, using the foam layer drying process, and to evaluate the quality of the final product. For the formation of the foam, 2% (w/w) of Super Liga Neutra and Emustab were added to the pineapple and mint juice and subjected to agitation in a domestic mixer for 15 minutes; then, it was spread on trays forming a thin layer of 1.0 cm thick whose drying conditions were 60, 70 and 80 ºC. With the experimental data of the drying kinetics of pineapple and mint juice, drying curves were drawn whose models adjusted to the data were: Exponential of two terms, Henderson & Pabis and Page. The final product was evaluated for pH parameters, titratable acidity, water content, total solids, soluble solids, ascorbic acid, solubility, and color (L *, a * and b *). The Page model was the one that best fit the experimental data on the drying of pineapple juice with mint, at all temperatures, as it has a higher coefficient of determination (R²), indicating that this model satisfactorily represents the drying phenomenon of pineapple with mint. It was evidenced that, the increase of the drying temperature, resulted in the reduction of acidity and water content, and at the same time an increase in the content of soluble solids. And, the samples dehydrated at a temperature of 70 ºC showed greater stability in the ascorbic acid content, and less darkening.

Drying kinetics of pumpkin seeds

2021-05-22T16:51:37-03:00

The study of drying kinetics is of fundamental importance for mathematical modeling, which has been widely used in the design and analysis of heat and mass transfer processes during drying. The objective of the experiment was to adjust mathematical models to the process drying pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita moschata) genotype Access 53 and cultivating Goianinha under different temperature conditions, determining the mathematical model that can better predict this event, the liquid diffusion and their respective activation energies. The experiment was developed at the Fitotechnics Laboratory of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Goiás - Campus Iporá. Eleven mathematical models were used, adjusted by means of non-linear regression analysis by the Gauss-Newton method and for the degree of adjustment, the magnitude of the determination coefficient (R²), the chi-square test (χ²), relative mean error (MRE) and estimated standard deviation (SDE). He found that during the drying of pumpkin seeds the effective diffusion coefficient increases with the increase in temperature in both varieties. The Page model was the one that best described the drying phenomenon of pumpkin seeds genotype Acesso 53 and cv. Goianinha finding activation energy of 39,340 kJ mol^-1 for genotype 53 and 43,239 kJ mol^-1 for cv. Goianinha.

Mineral and organic fertilizer combined with doses of Azospirillum brasilense in an orchid hybrid

2021-05-22T16:49:52-03:00

Orchid production requires careful management of the crop. The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth of transplanted seedlings of hybrid orchid Cattleya virginia x BrassoCattleya pastoral, added with Azospirillum brasilense and different sources of fertilization. The experiment was conducted in a private orchard in the municipality of Marechal Cândido Rondon (PR). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design, in a 2 x 4 factorial scheme (2 fertilization sources x 4 concentrations of A. brasilense), containing four replications with 5 plants per replicate, totaling 160 homogeneous seedlings, where the fertilization sources were Bokaschi^® as a source of organic fertilizer and NPK in formulation 10-10-10 as a soluble mineral at the rates: C1 = 0 mL^-1 water, C2 = 1.0 mL^-1 water, C3 = 1.5 mL ^-1 of water and C4 = 2.0 mL^-1 of water. After 10 months, phytotechnical evaluations were performed, such as total number of roots; length of the largest root; number of leaves; length and width of the largest sheet; number of pseudobulbs; number of shoots; diameter of the pseudobulb. The use of Masterfix Gramines^® in the growth of the hybrid Cattleya virginia x BrassoCattleya pastoral, provided the increase in the diameter of the pseudobulb, the largest number of roots and the largest root length. The interaction of the addition of A. brasilense with mineral fertilization with NPK in the formulation 10-10-10 obtained the highest number of shoots.

Post-harvesting longevity of bird of paradise (Strelitzia spp.) treated with carnauba wax

2021-05-22T16:49:32-03:00

Strelitzias are tropical plants that have shown great interest in the market and can be used in landscaping in tropical floral arrangements. Aiming to extend its postharvest life, the objective of the work was to evaluate different concentrations of the commercial product based on carnauba wax in the postharvest longevity of Strelitzia juncea and Strelitzia reginae leaves. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with five treatments and six repetitions, with one leaf per repetition for each species. The concentrations used were: 0% (control), 2%, 20%, 40% and 100%. The loss of leaf mass (%) and the visual quality of the leaves were evaluated through the criterion of notes, in addition to making use of anatomical analyzes of the stomatal structures of the leaves through scanning microscopy. The loss of mass was reduced with the increase of the wax concentration, however, high doses provided increased loss. The use of carnauba wax proved efficient at concentrations of 20 and 40%, maintaining the commercial quality of the leaves of S. reginae and S. juncea until the 24th day, while in the control treatment, the leaves maintained a commercial pattern until the 16th for S. reginae and 18th day for S. juncea. The deposition of wax in the stomatal structures may have influenced the loss of mass of both species as observed by scanning microscopy.

Economic profitability of yellow passion fruit in organic cultivationunder different input levels and irrigation

2021-06-29T16:54:07-03:00

The productivity of passion fruit is low compared to its productive potential which in organic system is due to rainfed cultivation and low input levels. The aim of this work was to evaluate the profitability of yellow passion fruit production in organic system under different input levels and irrigation. The experiment was carried out in Rio Branco - AC, at the Seridó Ecological Site, conducted from November 2016 to August 2018. Randomized block design was used, arranged in a factorial scheme (3x2) with four replicates. The factors evaluated were: three input levels of inputs (fertilizers and alternative pesticides) and presence or absence of irrigation. Fertilization was carried out based on the nutrient content of the soil analysis and according to the yield estimate 5 t ha^-1, 10 t ha^-1 and 15 t ha^-1. The irrigation used was with a micro sprinkler per plant. The production cost, profitability, simplified economic analysis, production for total and operating coverage were calculated based on capital depreciation, input level and labor during two cultivation years. The highest input level and irrigation increase productivity, total revenue and production requirements to cover total and operating costs. Fixed cost is higher when using combination of irrigation and input level 1; however, it provided positive economic yields.

Cabbage production in function of castor bean cake doses in top dressing

2021-06-29T16:53:47-03:00

The researches with organic fertilization in top dressing in production of vegetables are rare, thereby, the objective of this study was to evaluate castor bean cake doses in top dressing in cabbage production. Seven treatments, six castor bean cake doses in top dressing (0; 50; 100; 150; 200 and 250 g m^-2) and an inorganic control with ammonium sulphate (11.5 g m^-2 of N) and potassium chloride (5.4 g m^-2 of K₂O) in top dressing were evaluated, in randomized blocks experimental design, with five replicates. Before planting it was made fertilization with organic compost (20 t ha^-1) and inorganic NPK fertilizer (4-14-8) (1 t ha^-1), only in inorganic control. The characteristics evaluated were: cabbage head diameter, height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of cabbage. The application of castor bean cake in top dressing increased the diameter, height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of cabbage, with maximum values of 164 mm, 109 mm, 30 leaves, 1470 g and 103 g, respectively. The average fresh and dry weight obtained in the two highest doses of castor bean cake did not differ from the inorganic control, proving the technical viability of its using. Therefore, it can be recommended application of at least 200 g m^-2 of castor bean cake in top dressing for cabbage production.

Physical and chemical characteristics of fruits from different orange canopy/rootstock combinations grown in the brazilian semiarid

2021-06-29T16:54:28-03:00

The orange trees 'Pera'/lemon 'Cravo' combination has predominated in national territory, and new oranges trees canopies/rootstock combinations citrus have been availability in breeding programs to provide for productive sector. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of fruits orange trees from canopy/rootstock different combinations grown in Brazilian semiarid. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in a factorial scheme with three canopy and four rootstock cultivars, with three replications. The orange trees used were 'Pera', 'Natal' and 'Sincorá', while for the rootstocks the lemon 'Cravo Santa Cruz', the mandarin 'Sunki' Tropical selection, and the citrandarins 'Indio' and 'Riverside'. The results obtained showed that factors acted independently in mass and diameter fruit, seeds number, juice yield, skin luminosity and pulp, chromaticity and hue angle pulp, ºBrix and acids contents. However, it was different in shell thickness, chromaticity and hue angle of the shell and SS/AT ratio. Was possible conclude that 'BRS 002 – Sincorá' presented best results for physical and chemical analysis, and lemon 'Cravo Santa Cruz' and Tangerine 'Sunki' Tropical selection influenced the canopies to the best results of the physical and chemical analysis, respectively. All combinations showed low juice yield.

Soil organomineral fertilization in garlic crop

2021-06-29T16:53:28-03:00

Garlic (Allium sativum) stands out in the culinary and alternative medicine of many people. The crop is very responsive to adding fertilizers. Commonly the sources used are minerals, but in the last decade the demand for combining these with organic ones has grown, making up the organomineral fertilizers. Due to benefits in the soil and the consequent effect on crops yield, organominerals have been associated as a promising alternative in nutritional management. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the production of garlic under the application of organomineral fertilizer on soil. Quiteria was the variety used in the study. The design was a randomized complete block with five treatments: control (mineral fertilizer in the dose of 100% of the recommendation for the standard crop of the property) and four concentrations of the organomineral fertilizer (100; 80; 60 and 40% of the recommendation for the crop). The percentage of marketable garlic and SPAD index showed no significant difference between the fertilizations evaluated. It was concluded that the use of organomineral fertilizer in the rate of 80% offers the same performance in productivity compared to the 100% mineral, in addition to providing a higher quality in national garlic, as it offers a lower percentage of cull garlic bulbs, adding value in the national garlic chain.

Harvest timing and potassium doses on post-harvest quality of dwarf-green coconut water

2021-10-14T18:19:07-03:00

Coconut is an expressive culture in tropical climate regions and its yield and fruit quality is directly linked to several factors, such as climatic conditions, fertilizer management, harvesting fruits period and other factors. Aiming to evaluate post-harvest of irrigated green dwarf coconut water quality due to potassium doses and different harvesting time, an experiment was carried out at the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid - UFERSA from January to November 2015. The experimental design was split-plot randomized blocks. Plots were 5 potassium doses (0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 g plant^-1) and the subplots 4 harvesting time of fruits (5, 6, 7 and 8 months after the opening of the inflorescence), 4 blocks and 2 plants for a total of 40 treatment plants. The experimental area consisted of coconut trees of green dwarf variety with four years old. Were evaluated the titratable acidity, soluble solids, ratio, electrical conductivity, pH, total sugar and levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and chlorine from coconut water. Under the conditions studied, higher doses of potassium decreased qualitative characteristics of coconut water, the absence of potassium fertilization coconut trees had better results. The optimal harvest time is between 6 and 7 months old.

Desiccation of potato haulm with contact herbicides and the final quality of tubers

2021-10-14T18:17:40-03:00

Desiccation of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) haulms makes it possible to establish a physiological homogeneity of the haulms and anticipate the harvest of the tubers. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of different herbicides in the desiccation of potato haulms applied at the maturation phenological stages, and the effect of these treatments on the quality of tubers. An experiment was conducted in the field, in an area planted with Orchestra potatoes. This was a completely randomized experimental design with four repetitions. At the maturation phenological stages, the crop was applied with herbicides: diquat dibromide (400 g ha^-1), paraquat dichloride (400 g ha^-1), saflufenacil (70 g ha^-1) and carfentrazone ethyl (60 g ha^-1). Visual phytotoxicity assessments were performed at 3, 5, 10 and 15 days after application of treatments (DAT). At 15 DAT, tubers were harvested and evaluated for Brix (%), individual weight (g); diameter (cm); texture (kg/cm²) and starch. At 15 DAT, all herbicides resulted in desiccation close to 100%, however, saflufenacil showed the lowest speed of desiccation, since at 5 DAT the phytotoxicity was less than 86.25%. Texture, brix and diameter showed no statistical difference. The control and saflufenacil resulted in the lowest concentration of starch in the tubers and the highest concentration was obtained for carfentrazone-ethyl, paraquat and diquat. The treatments carfentrazone-ethyl, diquat dibromide and paraquat dichloride, were the most suitable for desiccation of potato haulms, providing fast desiccation speed and greater accumulation of starch in the tubers.

Production of blueberries in subtropical climate of altitude

2021-08-03T17:03:06-03:00

Phenology and production potential studies are important to choose the cultivars more adapted to the climatic conditions of a region. The objective of this work was to evaluate the phenology, productivity and fruit quality of blueberry cultivars in subtropical climate of altitude, in three production cycles (2012/2013, 2013/2014 and 2014/2015). Eight cultivars from rabbiteye (Aliceblue, Bluebelle, Bluegem, Briteblue, Climax, Delite, Powderblue and Woodard) and two from highbush (Georgiagem and O'Neal) groups was evaluated. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with four replications and six plants per plot, with four useful plants. The beginning and the end of flowering, beginning and end of harvest, production, berry weight, berry size, pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, ratio and skin color of blueberries were evaluated. The cultivars had flowering period from July to September, and concentrated harvest in November and December. ‘Bluegem’ presented the highest yields in the three evaluated cycles, reaching the production of 1215 g plant^-1 in the third cycle. This cultivar also showed low acidity and high ratio. Berry size, pH and soluble solids contents were very close with some variations among the cultivars, in the three cycles evaluated. Coloring of the fruit presented few variations over the years of assessment. The most productive blueberry cultivar is the Bluegem, followed by cultivars Climax, Delite and Powderblue, of rabbiteye group, demonstrating better fit for cultivation in subtropical climate of altitude.

Seasons influence on content, yield and chemical composition of Origanum majorana L. essential oil

2021-08-03T17:02:46-03:00

The aim of this study was to determine the season that provides the highest production and best quality of marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) essential oil in summer and winter transplants. Two experiments were performed in a protected cultivation, the first with transplantation in summer and the second with transplantation in winter, with a completely randomized design with four treatments, being the seasons of the year. Content, yield and chemical composition of the essential oil were determined. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography. In the summer transplant the essential oil content and yield were higher in the summer and spring seasons. In the winter transplant the oil content was higher in the summer season and the yield in the summer and in spring. Carvacrol was the major component of marjoram essential oil regardless of harvest and transplant season. Of the other main compounds, only terpinolene was detected in all samples analyzed, with the other essential oil components varying between transplant and harvest seasons. The highest production of marjoram essential oil is obtained in summer and spring harvests from plants transplanted in summer and winter. The major components of marjoram essential oil are carvacrol and terpinolene.

Minimum number of samples to determine inadequate storage of potato cv. Markies to processing

2021-08-03T17:02:26-03:00

Potato tubers for frying are stored at low temperature to reduce sprout losses and diseases. The objective was to determine the minimum number of potato cv. Markies for sampling and identification of improper storage conditions. Potatoes cv. Markies tubers were stored at 6 and 8 °C for 180 days and fried. The potato chips coloring was visually determined based on USDA's international grade scale. The repeatability coefficients were estimated by the analysis of variance methods (ANAVA), main components (MC), based on the correlation matrix (PCCo) and covariance (PCCv) and structural analysis (SA) based on the correlation matrix. The color of the potato chips cv. Markies differed with the storage temperature. The minimum number of sticks needed to predict inadequate storage of potato chips for frying at 99% reliability is 37, 50, 50 and 50% and with 95% repetibility is 7, 10, 10, 10 and 10 for the methods of ANOVA, PCCo, PCCv and SA, respectively. The difference in color of the sticks with the storage temperature allows the application of the repeatability coefficient and the indication of the minimum number of samples for the tubers inadequately stored identification for frying. The minimum number of fried sticks for sampling and identification of inadequate storage of potato cv. Markies with 95% accuracy is 10.

Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of six biofertilizers used for fertigation in organic production system

2022-01-13T17:37:05-03:00

The goal of this research was to study the contents of N, P and K of six biofertilizers during the fermentation process. The experiment consisted of six biofertilizers and five dates of evaluation during the fermentation period (3, 7, 15, 22 and 30 days after preparation (DAP) of biofertilizers). The biofertilizers were prepared on the same basis for fermentation, differing from each other by adding an ingredient in 15 L of water: T1 = castor bean cake (2 kg), T2 = blood meal (2 kg), T3 = hull and horn powder (2 kg), T4 = bone meal (2 kg), T5 = blood meal (1 kg); T6 = bone meal (1 kg). The experimental design was a randomized block design with three replicates. The following variables were analyzed: contents of N, P and K and the electrical conductivity. The biofertilizer hoof and horn powder showed, at all times, higher N content than the others, reaching a maximum content of 6.77 g L^-1, whereas the bone meal (1 and 2 kg) had the lowest level, reaching a maximum of 1.43 and 1.93 g L^-1, respectively, all at 30 DAP. At all dates of evaluation, the castor bean cake and hoof and horn powder biofertilizers showed higher P content, with an average of 3.23 and 2.61 g L^-1, respectively, than bone meal (1 and 2 kg) biofertilizers. Castor bean cake biofertilizer presented at all dates of evaluation higher content of K, average of 2.49 g L^-1, than hoof and horn powder, blood meal (1 and 2 kg), bone meal (1 or 2 kg) biofertilizers, averaging 1.86; 1.69; 1.60; 1.57 to 1.68 g L^-1, respectively, which did not differ each other. Regardless of the type of biofertilizer, the K content did not change, the N content and the electrical conductivity increased, and the P content reduced during the time of fermentation until 30 DAP

Fruit traceability via mobile application

2022-01-13T17:36:53-03:00

The traceability of agricultural products is essential to guarantee food security, monitor the production chain and is a requirement of Brazilian legislation. The optimization of this activity can be performed with the use of digital technologies. The present study verified the efficiency of a mobile app to track agricultural products and use it as a digital field book. The study was developed with 13 participants who used the mobile app to record agricultural activities: input pesticide sprays and fertilization; cultural management and registration of georeferenced harvest lots. The use of the app simplified the registration of tasks as digital field book and tracked agricultural products throughout the productive chain. An alert system for withholding period and maximum limit for pesticide sprays had been developed and enabled greater control, both are considered critical points in traceability system. QR-code of fruit lots were produced in each harvest and reports of costs, production, yield and fruit quality were generated by the app. Thus, mobile app was efficient to track agricultural production and use it as digital field book. In addition, managing of agricultural activities and production costs were produced and it has been shown that an innovative and low-cost technology that can be used by fruit producers.

Phenological growth stages of Gaúcho tomato based on the BBCH scale

2022-01-13T17:36:48-03:00

The phenological growth stages of Gaúcho tomato were firstly described here using the BBCH scale. Based on this general scale, tomato gaúcho phenology showed 8 of 10 principal stages: germination, leaf development, formation of side shoots, inflorescence emergency, flowering, fruit development, maturity of fruit and senescence. A practical use of the scale is proposed, with particular reference to harvest time and management treatments. This scale aims to support farmers and researchers to efficiently plan management practices and experimental treatments.

Substrates, emergence and initial development of passion fruit seedlings

2022-01-13T17:36:43-03:00

The propagation of any crop is understood as a crucial step for the success of the crop, being the main form of propagation of passion fruit to sexual, where almost all cases of commercial plantations, orchards are formed from seedlings generated from seeds produced in substrates. The objective was then to evaluate the effect of different substrates on the emergence and initial development of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) seedlings. The experimental design was a randomized block with 6 treatments and 4 repetitions with 25 seeds per experimental unit. The seeds were submitted to the treatments, sown in different substrates, being: T1 = Pure soil (100%); T2 = Soil (75%) + humus (25%); T3 = Soil (75%) + bovine manure (25%); T4 = Soil (75%) + chicken manure (25%); T5 = Soil (75%) + Natufert® organomineral fertilizer (25%); T6 = Soil (75%) + coffee straw (25%). Thirty days after sowing the variables were evaluated, percentage of germination. Sixty days after sowing were evaluated: number of leaves; plant height; collection diameter; root length; leaf green mass; leaf dry mass; green root mass; dry root mass. The treatment Terra (75%) + coffee straw (25%) proved to be the most recommended with regard to variables of the aerial part, while Terra (75%) + humus (25%) and Terra (75%) + bovine manure (25%) were the most suitable for the root development of seedlings.

Gas exchanges in the zucchini culture fertilized with biofertilizers in two types of soil

2022-01-13T17:36:37-03:00

The application of biofertilizers may provide plants similar performance and even superior to the use of mineral fertilizers, therefore, the determination of the most suitable sources to be applied in different crops is relevant. Given the importance of gas exchange in the performance of crops and that biofertilizers can provide increases in these physiological parameters, this study aimed to evaluate gas exchange in zucchini plants cultivated in two types of soil and managed with different aerobic fermentation biofertilizers. The experiment was carried out in full sunlight, in pots, using a randomized blocks design in an arrangement of split plots. The plots consisted of two types of soil (S₁: Red-Yellow Argisol and S₂: Fluvic Neossol), subdivided plots into five aerobic fermentation biofertilizers (F₁ = quail, F₂ = sheep, F₃ = mixed - bovine + quail + sheep, F₄ = bovine, and F₅ = enriched crab), with five replicates. At 45 days after transplanting, the following variables were analyzed: photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, internal CO₂ concentration, leaf temperature, and chlorophyll. Bovine, sheep, and mixed biofertilizers showed the highest rates with the best performance of Italian zucchini cultivation. The types of soil studied concerning the rates did not have a significant effect between treatments on zucchini cultivation. Moreover, Chlorophyll was not significantly influenced by any of the treatments applied.

Physicochemical characterization of ‘Pera’ orange fruits selections grafted on two rootstocks in the São Francisco Valley, Brazil

2022-01-13T17:36:32-03:00

A laranjeira ‘Pera’ é uma variedade de origem desconhecida mas bem conhecida na citricultura brasileira, cultivada originalmente na Baixada Fluminense (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil), e difundida no início do século 20, quando foi introduzida em Limeira (São Paulo, Brasil), tornando-se a copa mais cultivada no país, desde então, contribuindo significativamente para a expansão e consolidação da citricultura brasileira. O trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a qualidade pós-colheita de quatro clones de laranja Pera enxertadas em dois porta-enxertos em condições semiáridas, através da determinação das características físicas e físico-químicas dos frutos. Foram avaliados as caracteríticas fisicas: massa (g), diâmetro e comprimento do fruto (mm); firmeza (Lb) e espessura da casca (mm); número de sementes. Determinado o teor de vitamina C e sólidos solúveis (ºBrix); além da acidez titulável (g de ácido cítrico 100 mL^-1), do indice de maturação (relação SS/AT) e do rendimento do suco (%). A interação cultivares porta-enxertos e copa de laranjeira induziu a diferenças nos atributos físicos e qualidade dos frutos, sendo o ‘Limão Cravo’ o porta-enxerto que induziu a melhores frutos na laranjeira ‘Pera D-9’, que registraram maiores massas e diâmetros, associados a cascas mais espessas, menor teor de sólidos solúveis, menor acidez e maior teor de vitamina C, enquanto os frutos da laranja ‘Pera C-21’ apresentaram maiores comprimentos e teores de sólidos solúveis e os da laranja ‘Pera D-12’, menor número de sementes e maior rendimento de suco. Os parâmetros de qualidade observados nos frutos das cultivares de laranjeiras ‘Pera’ se mostraram condizentes com o padrão exigido para o mercado in natura.

Selection of pepper genotypes for ornamentation

2022-01-13T17:36:27-03:00

Obtaining a variety that has high performance characteristics is the main focus of a breeding program. It is of interest to the breeder an ideotype plant that contains all the characteristics of interest for commercialization. With the objective of to evaluate the potential of genotypes of Capsicum annuum, with desirable ornamentation characteristics, 29 genotypes of C. annuum was evaluated. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design, with 29 treatments (genotypes) and five replications. Eleven characteristics of plant, flower and fruit were evaluated. The cultivar Calypso was chosen as an ideotype because it has characters that are highly desirable in the ornamentation market. Genetic variability was observed for all traits. The factor analysis was efficient in reducing the 11 characteristics in three factors. Based on the factor analysis and the distance between genotype-ideotype, nine genotypes were selected for presenting means close to those of the ideotype, for all the characteristics evaluated.

Agricultural wastes incorporated to the substrate in the production of scarlet eggplant seedlings

2022-01-13T17:36:16-03:00

The use of agricultural residues for seedlings production stands out as an effective sustainable alternative in the production of vegetables. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing concentrations of wastes from the coffee beans drying process (moinha) on substrates composed of coconut fiber, eggshell and commercial substrate in the emergence and quality of scarlet eggplant seedlings. We carried out the experiment with five treatments, as the following: T0 – commercial substrate Bioplant^Ò; T1- 15% of moinha (MO) + 15% of coconut fiber (FC) + 5% of eggshells (CO) + 65% of commercial substrate (SC); T2 - 30% MO + 15% FC + 5% CO+ 50% SC; T3 - 45% MO + 15% FC + 5% CO + 35% SC; and T4 - 60% MO + 15% FC + 5% CO + 20% SC. We evaluated the emergency speed index, seed emergency, seedling height, stem diameter, shoot, root and total dry mass, Dickson’s Quality Index and the electrical conductivity of the substrates. The addition of moinha concentrations above 15% promotes an increase in electrical conductivity compared to the control and negatively affects the seedlings emergency. Among all treatments, 38% of moinha promotes an increase in the number of leaves, 15% of moinha results in higher plant height, stem diameter, and the highest dry mass accumulation. The alternative substrate containing 15% MO + 15% FC + 5% CO + 65% SC promotes a better development for scarlet eggplants seedlings, being an alternative to the exclusive use of the commercial substrate.

Dynamic of blueberry buds dormancy in a region of low chill occurrence

2022-01-13T17:36:11-03:00

Several cultivars of blueberry were introduced in the colder regions in Brazil, but presented varied vegetative and reproductive growth, due to the heterogeneity of adaptation to the regional climate. The objective of this research was to determine the dormancy dynamics of blueberry buds grown in a region of low chill occurrence. Four methods of bud dormancy evaluation were used: biological test of single node cuttings, dormancy index, tetrazolium test and Tabuenca test. The dormancy of floral and vegetative buds of the cultivars Bluebelle, Climax, Delite and Powderblue of the Rabbiteye group was studied in collections every two weeks from April 26 to July 21. In the evaluated period there were only 76 h of temperatures below 7.2° C. The biological test and the dormancy index were viable methods for the dynamic evaluation of buds dormancy. The tetrazolium test was efficient to predict the exit of the endodormancy of floral and vegetative buds, but the Tabuenca test was efficient to predict the exit of floral buds dormancy only for the cultivars of less intense dormancy. The cultivars Bluebelle and Powderblue presented better adaptation to the conditions of low cold occurrence, with well defined installation and overcoming of the dormancy. The cv. Delite is more susceptible to budding heterogeneity and the cv. Climax is the least indicated to the region.

Phenology and yield of cape gooseberry cultivated in open field in subtropical environment

2022-01-13T17:36:06-03:00

Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) is a plant that presents fruit with high aggregate value and expressive levels of beneficial components to the human health. However, the lack of knowledge of the phenological phases limits the expansion of the crop under subtropical conditions, especially in open field production, despite it is a typical tropical plant. This research aimed to evaluate the phenological stages related the growth and the production of cape gooseberry cultivated under subtropical environment in an open field production system. The phenological stages were determined by the evaluations from the plant’s emerging date until it is senescence. The cape gooseberry cycle comprised 254 days with a total of 3,843.6 °C day. Cape gooseberry reached a maximum of 173 leaves, 193 cm height, and 1.16 cm stem diameter. The plastochron at the vegetative phase was 15.7 °C day node^-1 and at the reproductive phase 20.6 °C day node^-1. The fruit reached the harvest point with 3,045.3 °C day, corresponding to 179 days from the sowing or 100 days after transplantation, and the production period was extended for 60 days. Under the edaphoclimatic conditions (subtropical region), the production was 151.2 g per plant with estimated yield of 1,007.8 kg ha^-1.

Biostimulants in the development of tomato and collard greens seedlings

2022-01-13T17:36:00-03:00

The success of crop yields begins with the use of quality seedlings. Crops from vigorous plants respond better to phytosanitary treatments and management techniques, resulting in economic returns and better use of inputs. The objective of this study was to evaluate NPK fertilizer rates and rates of an NPK + auxin biostimulant on the effects over agronomic features of Collard Greens and salad tomato seedlings. The research consisted of two experiments in randomized block, with four replications each. Both experiments were in factorial scheme 2 x 4, consisting of the combination of two nutrient sources (NPK fertilizer 9-45-11 and biostimulant composed of NPK 9-45-11 + 400 mg kg ^-1 of auxin IAA), and four rates, being then 50; 100; 150 and 200% of the recommended rate of biostimulant for tomato and 50; 75; 100 and 125% of the recommended rate for Collard Greens. The biostimulant favored the development of tomato seedlings, since it provides greater root dry mass accumulation and didn’t promote seedling shedding, as it occurred in the application of NPK fertilizers. On the other hand, the Collard Greens seedlings didn’t distinguish by the presence of auxin in the biostimulant, developing greater seedlings heights with NPK application. Concentrations of 50-200% of the recommended biostimulant fertilizer didn’t interfere on root length, diameter and root dry mass of Collard Greens.

Gas exchange and photosynthetic pigments of West Indian cherry under salinity stress and salicylic acid

2022-01-13T17:35:54-03:00

A aceroleira é uma fruteira que se destaca pela sua importância socioeconômica no semiárido do Nordeste brasileiro, devido sua utilização na indústria alimentícia e farmacêutica. Neste contexto, objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar as trocas gasosas e os pigmentos fotossintéticos da aceroleira cv. BRS Jaburu em função da irrigação com águas salinas e procedimentos de ácido salicílico. O trabalho foi conduzido em casa de vegetação em Campina Grande-PB. O delineamento estatístico de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 5 x 4, combinados os tratamentos consistiram de cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (0,8; 1,6; 2,4; 3,2 e 4 , 0 dS m ^-1 ) e quatro especialidades de ácido salicílico - AS (0; 1,0; 2,0 e 4,0 mM), com 3 repetições. A salinidade de água a partir de 0,8 dS m^-1 reduziu a transpiração, a taxa de assimilação de CO ₂ e a eficiência instantânea do uso da água das plantas de aceroleira. O ácido salicílico não amenizou os efeitos deletérios do estresse salino sobre as trocas gasosas e clorofila a sob salinidade da água superior a 0,8 dS m ^-1 . A concentração de ácido salicílico de 4,0 mM promoveu incremento no teor de clorofila total das plantas de aceroleira.

Bud burst induction in BRS-Carmem vine minicuttings under controlled environment

2022-01-13T17:36:22-03:00

A search for new products and alternative techniques to artificially overcome the dormancy of temperate climate plants has increased. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the application of vegetable oil, mineral oil, garlic extract and hydrogenated cyanamide on budburst of ‘BRS Carmem’ vine under controlled environment (B.O.D). The randomized design arranged in a 2 × 6 factorial scheme was used as a statistical model, with four repetitions with nine minicuttings per plot. The first factor consisted of the exposure or not of the minicuttings to 400 hrs of cold (<7.2 ºC), and the second factor was composed by the alternative tests: control; mineral oil (MO), vegetable oil (VO); MO + VO, hydrogenated cyanamide; and garlic extract. The bud swell and sprouting formation at 20 days after the application were evaluated, and the average time and speed index of bud swell, and the average time and speed index of sprouting were calculated. For minicuttings not exposed to the cold, the best results in terms of bud swell and sprouting was observed with the application of MO, followed by the application of hydrogenated cyanamide. For minicuttings exposed to 400 hrs, the best results regarding bud swell and sprouting was observed with the application of the oils association. It can be concluded that the best results for sprouting were obtained when minicuttings were not exposed to cold with an application of the association of MO and VO.

Yield performance of okra under potassium fertilization and number of plants per hole

2022-01-13T17:35:49-03:00

The okra is a vegetable that responds to mineral nutrition and the plant population, with increased production. The work was carried out at the Federal University of Paraíba, in Areia-PB, with the objective of evaluating the influence of K2O doses and number of plants per pit on the yield and quality of okra, cultivating Santa Cruz, in an experimental block design randomized, with treatments distributed in a 6 x 2 factorial scheme, with six K2O doses (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg ha^-1), and one and two plants per pit, in four replications. The values for the average mass of fruits, 16 and 18 g were reached as a function of K2O doses, with one and two plants per pit, respectively. The highest numbers of fruits per plant in okra were 45 and 56, at doses of 123.7 and 184 kg ha^-1 of K2O, respectively for one and two plants per pit, and the highest fruit production per plant was 584.2 g, with two plants per pit and 250 kg ha^-1 of K2O. The total fruit yield was 42.13 t ha^-1, in the treatment with two plants per pit and 100 kg ha^-1 of K2O, and the doses of 122.5 and 115 kg ha^-1 of K2O were responsible for the higher productivity of commercial fruits in okra, 25.6 and 29.2 t ha^-1, respectively, with one and two plants per pit, and the leaf K content was influenced only by K2O doses.

Keywords: Abelmoschus esculentus; mineral fertilizers; plant density

Plant growth regulators for reducing pre-harvest fruit abscission in rainfed avocados

2022-01-13T17:35:41-03:00

Severe fruit drop events occurring after flowering and during early summer strongly limit rainfed avocado (Persea americana Mill.) production. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of late-spring and early-summer sprayings of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and monopotassium phosphite (PF), KH₂PO₃, on fruit abscission, yield and quality of non-irrigated ‘Quintal’ and ‘Margarida’ avocado trees. The following treatments were applied over two growing seasons: water; 25 mg L^-1 of (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid (2,4-D); and 45 mg L^-1 of (E)-L-2-[2-(2-aminoethoxy)vinyl] glycine hydrochloride (AVG), separately applied as a single spraying in November; and three PF-sprayings, bi-weekly applied from mid-December to mid-January. The treatments did not affect fruit yield or quality of ‘Quintal’ avocados. Nevertheless, the PF sprayings significantly increased cumulative fruit yield of ‘Margarida’ trees (944 Kg tree¹, P = 0.0028). In both cultivars, the mean pre-harvest fruit drop in the studied biennium was not affected by the treatments, although AVG significantly reduced abscission of ‘Quintal’ avocados only in 2015 (3.88 fruits m^-2, P = 0.0121), under non-stressful environmental conditions during fruit growth. In this cultivar, a single spraying, either with AVG or 2,4-D, significantly reduced fruit size and modified fruit shape. In the ‘Margarida’ cultivar, those treatments did not affect fruit shape, but a single 2,4-D spraying significantly increased diameter and length, by 2.7% and 1.9%, respectively. Large variability of the responses to the treatments among cultivars confirms that fruit abscission is a complex process regulated by several factors and demanding a multidisciplinary approach to develop efficient methods for its chemical manipulation.

Yield and viability of quinoa seeds as affected by planting arrangement

2022-01-13T17:35:34-03:00

Quinoa has great capacity to diversify agricultural production, due to its characteristics as functional food, rich in protein and fibers, besides presenting drought tolerance and high phenotypic plasticity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of population and crop year arrangements on seed production and physiological potential of BRS Piabiru quinoa cultivar. The experiments were conducted in the experimental area of the Plant breeding Department of the Federal University of Ceará, at the Pici Campus, in Fortaleza, CE for two agricultural years (2014/2015 and 2015/2016) under irrigated regime. The treatments resulted from a 3x3 factorial scheme (3 spacings between rows: 20, 40 and 60 cm and 3 planting densities within the row: 10, 15 and 20 cm), and these treatments were distributed in four randomized blocks. The physiological tests of the seeds were carried out in the same seed laboratory institution. The mass of 1000 seeds, %U, IVG, TMG, %G, accelerated aging, panicle length and productivity were evaluated. The seeds produced in the different planting arrangements showed high physiological quality, and the agricultural year was determinant. Increasing planting density reduced panicle size and increased quinoa productivity during the two cycles.

Sucker pruning management to change the harvest date in banana

2022-01-13T17:35:27-03:00

In banana crop, sometimes it is necessary to manage seasonal production variations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the selection of late successor sucker on the productive unit, compared to the selection of early successor sucker on the growth, harvest date and bunch mass of 'Prata' and 'Nanica' banana. The experimental design was completely randomized, with two treatments and ten replicates, considering two experiments, one for each cultivar. Treatments were conventional pruning (selection of early successor sucker) and modified pruning (selection of late successor sucker), which were established in September, with the destruction of the apical meristem of the successor sucker in modified pruning. The growth of the first and second suckers was quantified at intervals of about 60 days until the reproductive stage and bunch mass was determined. For both cultivars, pruning reduced the height and perimeter of the first successor sucker pseudostem and delayed the harvest date for at least 30 days, without reducing bunch mass. Regardless of sucker pruning management, production averages were 26.68 and 50.64 ton ha^-1, respectively, for 'Prata' and 'Nanica' cultivars. For the second sucker, there was residual effect of pruning on the height of 'Nanica' cultivar, but not on production. Establishing the modified pruning is feasible for change harvest date of two cultivars, without increasing costs.

Physiological and productive performance of papaya plants irrigated in a semiarid environment

2022-01-13T17:35:20-03:00

Papaya tree has great economic importance and potential of cultivation in semiarid environment. However, water scarcity in this region may inhibits photosynthetic activity and limit the production of this crop, being necessary to use strategies of irrigation management that rationalize water and allow the production of the plants without affecting photosynthetic activity. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the physiological and productive performance of papaya “Calimosa” under different water replacement rates in semiarid environment. Papaya plants were irrigated with four water replacement rates (50, 75, 100 and 125% ETo) from 30 days after transplant of seedlings to the experimental area. At 10 months after transplant were realized evaluations of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, and at 12 months after transplant, it was started harvesting fruits to determine the yield. Water replacement rates significantly influenced the parameters of gas exchange of papaya with better results on rates of 125% ETo. However, application of water replacement rates of 100% ETo provide conditions adequate for the activity of gas exchange and better quantum efficiency of photosystem II, that contribute to fruit production in papaya. With rates less than 75% ETo occur drastic reductions in gas exchange, quantum efficiency of photosystem II, and fruit production of papaya, which impairs its cultivation in semiarid environments.

Black pepper plantlets under controlled-release fertilizer: growth and chlorophyll contents

2022-01-16T17:35:13-03:00

The study aimed to investigate the effect of controlled-release fertilizer N14-P14-K14 (CRF) on the morphological traits and chlorophyll indices of black pepper plantlets (cv. Bragantina). One experimentation was carried out in a greenhouse between March and July 2018 in the Rio de Janeiro state/Brazil. Were tested four doses’ equivalents to 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 kilogram of CRF per cubic meter of the substrate, which was obtained by mixing clayey soil and crushed coconut fiber, on 1:3 volume proportion. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 17 replicates to assess the morphological characteristics and nine replicates to assess the chlorophyll contents. At 120 days after transplanting were assessed main stem height (H), the number of leaves (NL), leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM), shoot dry matter (SDM), and root dry matter (RDM). Chlorophyll a, b, a+b contents and a/b ratio were assessed too. The application of CRF fertilizer increased the NL and SDM values until 9.6 kg m^-3 dose. The values of H, TDM, LAI, and RDM increase until 9.3, 8.4, 8.2, and 6.4 kg m^-3 doses, respectively. The chlorophyll a and b contents increased until 7.7 kg m^-3 dose. It's recommended to apply 8.4 kg of CRF 14N-14P-14K per cubic meter of the substrate to produce black pepper plantlets with adequate commercial pattern and chlorophyll levels.

Prediction of genetic potential of ornamental pepper parents

2022-01-16T17:35:07-03:00

Parental choice is very important in breeding programs. Better results are obtained when in the base population, a large genetic variability is combined with high average for traits. The objective was to estimate averages, heritabilities and genetic diversity among eight Capsicum annuum ornamental lines based on fruit and plant characteristics and to determine the correlation between these traits and their contribution to genetic variability in order to predict the potential of these accessions as genitors. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were grouped by Scott- Knott method at 5% probability. Estimates of heritabilities and genetic (CVg) and environmental (CVe) variances were obtained. Tocher's and canonical variables analysis were used to evaluate genetic divergence. The importance of variables for estimating genetic divergence was determined by the Singh’s method, by canonical analysis and based on genotypic correlations. CVg/CVe ratio indicated greater importance of genetic variation in relation to environmental variation. Heritabilities ranged from 70% to 99.87%. Due to genotypic correlations, selection to increase the number of fruits leads to desirable increases in canopy diameter, leaf length and width and to undesirable increases in plant height and days for flowering and fruiting. Based on averages and on Tocher’s and canonical variables methods, crossings between UFSJ 7 and UFSJ 4, UFSJ 5 and UFSJ 6 were recommended. Dry matter fruit content and days for flowering contributed least to genetic divergence, and should be suppressed in future works, and leaf length and width contributed most to this estimate.

Three-dimensional numerical simulation of the thermal and aerodynamic behavior of a roof structure built on a slope and used for horticultural production

2022-01-16T17:35:01-03:00

In tropical countries, part of the horticultural production is carried out in hillside soils. In recent years, due to the adverse effects of climate change and other biotic factors that limit and affect agricultural production, the use of roof structures has been promoted as a technological means to improve production in this type of production system. The microclimate study of structures built on slopes is scarce, therefore farmers continue to build the same type of structure without technical design criteria and without knowing if the microclimate conditions generated are suitable for the crops. In the present research work, an experimentally validated 3D CFD numerical model was implemented to analyze air flows and spatial temperature behavior in a roof structure built on a site with broken topography. The results obtained allowed us to find that the air flows are strongly affected by the longitudinal and transversal slopes of the land, which produces low ventilation rates that generate thermal gradients above 8 °C and highly heterogeneous thermal behavior, factors that are not suitable for horticultural production.

Microbiological and parasitological monitoring in the lettuce production chain of family farming

2022-01-16T17:34:57-03:00

Lettuce is a vegetable consumed raw and can be a vehicle for diseases caused by microrganisms and parasites. The objective of this work was to carry out microbiological and parasitological monitoring in the production chain of lettuce, determining the main points of contamination during cultivation, harvest and handling. Microbiological analyses were performed on samples of organic compost, irrigation water, waste water from the wash tank, water that supplies the wash tank, lettuce, lanyard hands, surfaces of the wash tank and harvest box, during six production cycles. Parasite analyzes were performed on organic compost, water samples and lettuce. The irrigation water proved to be of excellent quality. The organic compost used for fertilization did not meet the microbiological limits established by current legislation and all samples presented Entamoeba spp cysts. E.coli was detected in the hand of the harvester (3rd cycle), in the harvest box (5th cycle) and in the samples of residual water from the pre-wash and water that supplies the pre-wash tank. The contamination points detected were not directly related to the contamination of the harvested lettuce. Of the lettuce samples analyzed, only 3% showed unacceptable quality according to current legislation.

Production of banana tree ‘Pacovan Ken’ fertigated under different doses of potassium and nitrogen

2022-01-16T17:34:51-03:00

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fruit productivity of ‘Pacovan Ken' banana under different nitrogen and potassium doses. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with four replicates in the factorial scheme, with four nitrogen doses (200, 400 and 600 kg ha^-1 of N) and four potassium (300, 600, 900 and 1200 kg ha^-1 of K₂O), via fertigation. The production characteristics evaluated were: mean mass of the leaves, yield, number of leaves, total length and mass of the rachis, leaf spacing, mean diameter of two fruits of each hand, total and commercial fruit length, height and circumference of the pseudo stem. Both yield and mean mass of the leaves was greatest when applied 780 kg ha^-1 of K₂O. The production variables decreased linearly with increased nitrogen doses via fertigation. Dose of 487.5 kg ha^-1 of N and provides less spacing between shoots, and dose of 530 kg ha^-1 of N provides greater length and mass of the rachis. Dose of 700 kg ha^-1 of K₂O provided less spacing between leaves and length of the rachis.

Plastic mulching failed to improve yield of tomato in the semi-arid

2022-01-16T17:34:46-03:00

Plastic mulches have been extensively used in tomato fields around the world; its use is recent but growing in Brazil, especially in semi-arid regions. However, whether plastic mulches are beneficial to tomato grown in the Brazilian semi-arid and should replace other traditionally used practices is little known. Two on-farm experiments were carried out aiming at assessing the yield response of ‘Trucker’ hybrid tomato to plastic mulching in interaction with other practices, viz, irrigation, earthing up, and plant population. The first experiment consisted of a randomized block design with six treatments arranged in a 3 x 2 factorial and replicated four times: three crop practices (earthing up, plastic mulching and bare soil) combined with two plant populations (12,500 and 10,416 plants ha^-1). The second experiment was a randomized complete block design with four replications, in a split-plot arrangement. Irrigation levels (305, 440, 495, 610 and 725 mm cycle^-1) were assigned to plots, and mulching and earthing up to subplots. Fruit diameter, fruit weight and crop yield were evaluated. Plastic mulching had no effect on crop yields and water-use efficiency at both experiments. Overall, the results suggest planting ‘Trucker’ tomato at 12,500 plants ha^-1, 580-630 mm cycle^-1 of irrigation, and without plastic mulching.

Yield of chamomile capitula and essential oil in competition with weeds in different spacings and sowing dates

2022-01-16T17:34:43-03:00

Chamomile is an important socioeconomic option for family farming. The crop involves manual management practices and restriction to the use of herbicides, and the knowledge regarding the interference of weeds on the yield of chamomile capitula and quality of the essential oil is still limited. In this perspective, this study aimed to assess the effect of sowing dates, plant spacings and hoeing management on the yield of capitula, content, and yield of essential oil in the environmental conditions of a region with Humid Subtropical climate without defined seasons. The experiments were conducted on four dates (18/03, 28/04, 31/06, and 30/08/2017), with plants spaced by 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.30, and 0.40 m within rows. On March 28 and May 14, 2018, the plant spacings between plants in the row were 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 m, including two hoeing managements (with and without weeds). The variables analyzed in the two years were the yield of dry capitula, the dry mass of chamomile plants and weeds (g m^-²), and the content and yield of essential oil in 2018. The sowing dates influenced the yield of floral capitula, the content, and yield of essential oil as a function of the duration of the cycle and occurrence of weeds. The autumn sowings resulted in a higher yield of floral capitula in both years. A linear reduction trend was also verified in the yield of floral capitula with the increase in plant spacing within the row from 0.05 to 0.20 m in the two crop years.

Genetic diversity of Passiflora setacea in different regions of Bahia, Brazil, through SSR markers

2022-01-16T17:34:38-03:00

Passiflora setacea DC. is a wild species of passion fruit popularly known as ‘maracujá-do-sono’ or ‘sururuca’. It has been recognized for its potential in passion fruit genetic improvement, due to its resistance to several phytopathogens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity among and within wild populations of P. setacea DC. from different regions of Bahia state, Brazil, revealed by SSR markers. In this regard, 147 samples of plants were collected from 18 localities and six different identity territories in the state. Six pairs of primers were able to amplify polymorphic loci for all individuals. We performed principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) using Nei genetic distances between individuals of each locations. In addition, we performed two Bayesian analyzes, using Structure and Structurama softwares. High levels of genetic differentiation between populations were observed, as well as the absence of correlation between genetic and geographic distances using the Mantel test. The populations have moderate polymorphism and diverge into two groups: one including populations from the southwestern distribution range, while the other contains all other populations. The existence of two genetic groups was supported by both Bayesian analyses of genetic structure. These results indicate that these populations should be considered for conserving the diversity of P. setacea in germplasm banks, as well as the use in genetic improvement programs of passion fruit.

Hygroscopic behavior and morphological characteristics of okra powder obtained by convective drying

2022-01-16T17:34:34-03:00

Okra is a vegetable that stands out agronomically due to its fast growing cycle of high yield, in addition to considerable nutritional and commercial value. Due to its composition and because it is still consumed green, its shelf life in natural form is short. The objective of this work was to evaluate the hygroscopic, morphological and physical behavior of okra powders obtained in convective drying at different temperatures. The okra was cut into approximately 2 mm slices and dried in an oven with forced air circulation at temperatures of 50, 60, 70 and 80 ° C, with regular weighing until hygroscopic balance was reached. Then, the hygroscopic behavior of the powders was evaluated using water adsorption isotherms at a temperature of 25 ° C and mathematical models of GAB, Peleg, Oswin, Halsey and Henderson were adjusted to the experimental data. The powders were also submitted to morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results showed that all models were well adjusted to the isotherms of okra powders, with emphasis on the GAB model, with determination coefficients (R2)> 0.99 and average percentage deviations (P) <5%; isotherms were classified as type II, typical of products with a large amount of sugar and solutes and with low adsorption. From the physical analysis, it was concluded that the powders presented morphologically irregular, asymmetrical structures with amorphous characteristics.

Kale density grown in an organic production system

2022-01-16T17:34:22-03:00

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produtividade de folhas e indicadores econômicos do cultivo orgânico de couve manteiga em função da densidade de plantio. O experimento foi conduzido no Sítio Ecológico Seridó, em Rio Branco, AC. As mudas foram produzidas utilizando sementes, substrato e copos plásticos. O cultivo ocorreu sob casa de vegetação com 2 m de pé direito e 3,5 m de altura central coberta com filme aditivado transparente de 100 µ. O plantio foi realizado na densidade de 3,6; 4,2; 5,0; 6,3 e 8,3 plantas m^-2, em linhas triplas espaçadas 0,40 m entre se e 0,50 m entre linhas tripas, nos espaçamentos de 0,30 m; 0,40 m; 0,50 m; 0,60 m e 0,70 m entre plantas na linha. Foram avaliados a massa fresca da folha, massa fresca de folhas por planta, número de maço, custos fixo, variável e total, custo total médio, receitas líquida e total, remuneração da mão de obra familiar, taxa de lucro, índice de rentabilidade, produção para cobertura total e relação benefício/custo. O adensamento de plantio reduziu a massa fresca da folha, a massa fresca de folhas por planta e aumentou a produtividade de folhas por unidade de área. A maior produtividade alcançada com o adensamento de plantio reduz linearmente o custo médio do maço de folhas, porém aumenta linearmente as receitas líquida e total, a remuneração da mão de obra familiar, a taxa de lucro, o índice de rentabilidade, a produtividade mínima para cobertura dos custos totais e os custos variáveis e total.

"Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Staphylococcus lentus isolated from Ocimum basilicum and their antibacterial activity"

2022-01-16T17:34:18-03:00

The present study was isolated and identification of endophytic bacteriumisolated from Ocimum basilicum by surface sterilization method. Bacterial strain was identifiedas Sphylococcus lentus.Bacterium isolate was used to detect their ability toprepare silver nanoparticles. The results showed change in color silver nitrate solution 1mM brown, studied the spectrum of absorption of UV, visible spectroscopy of the solution silver particles nano second stepin making sure the formation of particles and found to be located on the wavelength of 400 nm to bacteriaOcimum basilicumalso show that the X-ray diffraction peak was at (103) and at the angle (34.1). Additinary the results showed clear images in the scanning electron microscope size and shape, Size ranged between20.4 -93.04nm.The results revealed thatbAgNPs synthesized from Sphylococcus lentus. have antibacterial activity against Gram-negativeEscherichia coli, Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus

Establishment of hydroponic nutrient solution to the cultivation of green onion

2022-01-16T17:34:13-03:00

The present research evaluated the growth of green onion plants (Allium fistulosum, L.), cultivar Tokio Kuro, under contrasting nutrient solution concentrations (I - 50%, II - 75%, III - 100%, IV - 125%) and different positions on hydroponic channels (I - initial, II - intermediary, III - final). At the end of the growing cycle, the height, number of leaves, fresh leaf weight, and the tillering number of green onion plants were analyzed using univariate, multivariate analysis, and Pearson correlation. We noticed that green onion plants presented better height performance, the number of leaves, fresh leaf weight, and tillering number using nutrient solution concentration between 50 and 100%, making possible an earlier harvest. At 125 % nutrient solution concentration, there occurred a decrease in the number of leaves and fresh leaf weight. There are no significant differences between plants' positions on hydroponic channels for height, number of leaves, fresh leaf weight, and tillering number of green onion plants. Our finding suggests hydroponic cultivation of green onion is a great cultivation system, and concentration between 50 and 100% promote higher plant development and makes possible an earlier harvest.

Postharvest quality of gherkin under different storage conditions

2022-01-16T17:34:09-03:00

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of different harvest times, temperatures and storage periods in maintaining the postharvest quality of gherkin fruits of the cultivar Do Norte. A completely randomized design was used, in a bifactorial scheme: storage temperatures (0, 10, 20 and 30 °C) and storage times (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days), with five replications. The evaluations took place in two harvest seasons, at 87 and 107 days after sowing. The fruits were stored at a relative humidity of 90 ± 5% during the whole experimental period. In addition to the days considered, an evaluation was carried out at 16 days, where the fruits were kept for four days at 20 °C simulating the processing and commercialization period. The evaluated variables were pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, ratio, luminosity, hue angle, reduction of horizontal and vertical diameters and weight loss. Storage at temperatures of 20 and 30 °C contributed to the increase in the reactions of degradation of organoleptic characteristics. Fruits stored at temperatures of 0 and 10 °C, showed less changes in pH and acidity, in addition to less loss of mass in relation to the time of harvest, however, fruits stored at 0 °C showed darkening of the epidermis and the occurrence of disturbances caused by cold. Therefore, the gherkin fruits of the cultivar Do Norte have good storage capacity when kept at a temperature of 10 °C for a period of 12 days regardless of the harvest season.

Calcium salts as an alternative to preserve minimally processed table grape quality

2022-01-16T17:34:05-03:00

The effects of calcium lactate, propionate, chloride, ascorbate and propionate (5 g L⁻¹), combined with heat treatment (60 °C, 2 min), on the quality parameter of minimally processed table grapes, stored for 21 days at 5 °C, were investigated. Berries sanitised with NaOCl (100 mg L⁻¹) were used as control. The respiration rate of Ca-treated berries remained below that of the control up to 17 days. No differences were found on the atmosphere composition. Firmness was maintained on berries treated with Ca until 14 days of storage, especially on the propionate and ascorbate treatments. The bound, free and total Ca measured values, were higher on Ca-treated berries. The functional quality did not show differences among the treatments. The Ca treatment combined with heat treatment, especially with the addition of ascorbate and propionate, maintained the firmness of the berries but did not show major effects on the other quality parameters evaluated.

Dynamic controlled atmosphere: A review of methods for monitoring fruit responses to low oxygen

2022-01-16T17:33:59-03:00

The storage of fruit at minimum oxygen condition is crucial for optimal fruit quality maintenance. However, the optimal oxygen partial pressure of fruit varies according to several factors such as species, cultivar, harvest maturity, temperature, growing season and storage period. Based on these factors, storage technologies were developed that allow for the detection of the lower oxygen limit (LOL) and the storage of fruit under the lowest optimal oxygen partial pressure. One emerging technology is known as dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA). Commercially, there are four DCA systems used: [1] DCA based on ethanol production and accumulation (DCA-Eth); [2] DCA based on chlorophyll fluorescence (DCA-CF); DCA based on the respiratory quotient (DCA-RQ) and [4] DCA based solely on CO₂ production (DCA-CD). This reviews the recent developments of these DCA systems and their effect on fruit quality. Generally, the storage of fruit under DCA has a positive effect on the overall fruit quality, with regards to reduced physiological disorders and higher flesh firmness maintenance, when compared to controlled atmosphere (CA). Evidence also shows that storing fruit under DCA-RQ and DCA-CD allowed higher volatile compound emission and concentration, which can contribute positively to fruit flavor. The DCA systems are “green storage technologies” because the system enables the increase of storage temperature and thereby saving electrical energy. Storage of apples under DCA maintains an overall fruit quality similar to CA combined with the ripening inhibitor 1-Methylcyclopropen (1-MCP), which is an interesting option for organic fruit storage. Dynamic controlled atmosphere is a recently developed storage technique and is in constant improvement. The latest developed DCA techniques (DCA-RQ and DCA-CD), in contrast to DCA-CF, allow the use of extremely low oxygen levels. In the future, new and multi-sensor DCA systems are under development, which might not just control O₂ partial pressure but also temperature and other parameters to allow for more energy efficient but high quality fruit storage systems.

Root system of ‘BRS Platina’ banana under irrigation levels and planting densities

2022-01-16T17:33:55-03:00

Banana production stands out in Brazilian semiarid agriculture; however, due to little availability of water resources, associating water-saving technologies with knowledge on parameters involved in the interplay between plants and soil is critical to improving banana production systems. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of planting densities and irrigation levels on root length density of ‘BRS Platina’ banana and to correlate root parameters to crop yield and leaf area. A randomized block design was used, with factors arranged in split plots and treatments replicated three times: four irrigation levels (55%, 70%, 85% and 100% ETc) were assigned to plots and four planting densities (1,600; 2,000; 2,666; and 3,333 plants ha^-1) to subplots. Root length density (RLD) was measured at five distances from the pseudostem, longitudinally to a row of plants: 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.10 m; and at three depths for each distance: 0 to 0.20 m, 0.20 to 0.40 m and 0.40 to 0.60 m from surface level. Root length densities were highest at 100% ETc irrigation level and at 2,666 plants ha^-1 and 3,333 plants ha^-1, within 0.31 m deep and within 0.78 m of the pseudostem. Irrigation interacts with root system, and coupled with higher planting densities, contributes to increasing crop yields of ‘BRS Platina’ banana plants.

Growth of tamarind seedlings using pre-germinative treatments and different substrates

2022-01-16T17:33:51-03:00

A cultura do tamarindo vem ganhando destaque em consequência da adaptabilidade à região nordeste e das diversas finalidades que o seu fruto pode proporcionar. Porém, seu cultivo possui ainda restrita especificidade para os tratos culturais, fundamental para maximizar a exploração comercial desta espécie, como o processo de produção de mudas, que é primordial para se alcançar alta produtividade, principalmente em espécies frutíferas. Portanto, objetivou-se avaliar o crescimento em mudas de tamarindeiro sob a influência de tratamentos pré-germinativos e diferentes substratos. A pesquisa foi conduzida em ambiente protegido, nas dependências da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, campus Pombal. O delineamento experimental adotado foi em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 5 x 4, cujo primeiro fator equivale aos tratamentos pré-germinativos (escarificação mecânica com a lixa e embebição em água por 24 horas; corte do tegumento e embebição em água por 24 horas; embebição em água por 24 horas; semente embebida em água com Trichoderma harzianum por 24 horas; e semente embebida em água contendo Trichoderma longibrachiatum por 24 horas) e o segundo fator aos substratos (100% solo; solo + substrato comercial basaplant Solaris® (3:2); solo + esterco bovino (3:2);e, solo + esterco caprino (3:2)), com 6 repetições. O crescimento das mudas de Tamarindus indica L. obteve os melhores índices de crescimento com os substratos formulados da mistura de esterco caprino e solo, sendo assim o mais a fonte mais viável. O uso dos tratamentos pré-germinativos com embebição da semente em Trichoderma ssp. estimulou crescimento das mudas.

Palavras-chaves: desenvolvimento vegetativo, embebição de sementes, insumo orgânico, Tamarindus indica L.

Genetic diversity of pepper genotypes for use as ornamental plants

2022-01-16T17:33:46-03:00

The commercialization of ornamental pepper trees constitutes an important source of income for the agricultural populations. Despite the great variability that exists, in Brazil few commercial varieties are used for this purpose. The presence of genetic diversity is the main criterion for a successful selection and progress in a breeding program. The objective of this study was to quantify the genetic diversity among pepper genotypes, aiming at their use in ornamentation, through the description of morpho-agronomic characteristics. 14 quantitative characteristics and seven qualitative characteristics related to plant, flower and fruit were evaluated in 29 pepper (Capsicum annuum) genotypes. Using the mixed model methodology and analysis of genetic diversity, genetic variability was verified between the genotypes. The genotypes were divided into seven groups of genetic similarity in terms of quantitative characteristics, three in terms of qualitative characteristics and five groups considering the characteristics together. Thus, the genetic variability of the genotypes can be exploited to produce superior combinations while.

No-tillage in organic production system: production parameters and biomass decomposition

2022-01-16T17:33:42-03:00

Soils of sandy texture in the first layers are of great occurrence throughout Brazil. Because of its fragility, it is essential to use crop practices, such as the adoption of a no-tillage system, to promote benefits to these soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate biomass production, nutrient accumulation, decomposition rates, half-life time and dynamics of the N, P and K release of cover crops residues in organic vegetables cropping on no-tillage system in Seropédica-RJ. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with multiple replicates and six fractions: crotalaria (Crotalaria juncea), forage peanuts (Arachis pintoi), brachiaria (Brachiaria brizantha), millet (Pennisetum americanum), a cocktail of seeds, and an area of spontaneous vegetation. Dry matter decomposition and nutrient release were evaluated at 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days by the litter-bags method. Crotalaria presented higher dry mass production (15.48 Mg ha-1). The legumes had the highest N contents, being the largest values in the crotalaria. For K, the crotalaria also presented the highest values. In relation to decomposition and nutrient release the millet presented the highest half-life time (98 days), while the peanut presented the lowest (23 days).

Pear production in Brazil: a review

2022-01-16T17:34:28-03:00

The cultivation of pear trees in Brazil started with a larger harvested area than apple trees, however, it did not have the same development. The production of pears has not been as promising as expected, being considered one of the temperate-climate fruits of less commercial interest in Brazil, due to several factors that are discussed in this paper. However, the pear has great economic importance in Brazil as it is the main item in the Brazilian fresh fruit import agenda. Aspects related to the main scientific advances and applied technologies are also described in this paper, mainly regarding rootstocks, cultivars, management techniques and, finally, some considerations about what is missing to produce more pears in Brazil.

Occurrence of the Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus in Jataí, Brazil

2021-05-22T16:49:11-03:00

The objective was to characterize the introduction of the passion fruit woodiness disease in plants and fruits of passion fruit in Jataí - GO. Plants of passion fruit showed the symptoms of the virus at the end of the first year in the field. Infection was confirmed by serological analysis using the PTA ELISA indirect test. This report will contribute to the information already known about this disease, and will serve as a basis for passion fruit producers to identify symptoms in plants affected with the virus.

In vitro propagation of Vanda orchid: a review

2021-09-22T17:10:49-03:00

Vanda for the past decade has been the primadonna of ornamental orchids in the south and southeast Asia, along with Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium. Along with the increase in demand for Vanda, this genus has faced several threats from illegal collection to habitat loss. Mass propagation through in vitro culture is a promising strategy to make ensure sustainable business in horticulture, as well as for conservation purposes. This review provides an overview and synthesizes of various Vanda in vitro culture literature. We showed the researchers' preferences on several aspects for growing Vanda, including species, basal medium, plant growth regulators, explant, and culture conditions. The most commonly used as explants are seeds or protocorms, growing on Murashige & Skoog or Vacin & Went medium. This medium can be added banana homogenate to increase its nutritional value. Vanda seedlings can be incubated at 25 ± 1-3^oC, with a lighting intensity of 50 μmol m^-2 s^-1 at 12/16 h PP. Choosing a medium that is cheaper but still rich in nutrients and its additives especially during the subculture phase; selection of explants that are responsive and minimizing the possibility of contamination; as well as seeing the target market in particular, can make Vanda's propagation efforts more effective, efficient, and profitable.

Cnidoscolus blistering yellow mosaic virus: a new begomovirus isolated from Cnidoscolus urens in Brazil

2022-01-13T17:36:59-03:00

Members of the genus Begomovirus have circular single-strand DNA genome encapsidated into quasi-icosahedral particles, which are transmitted by the Bemisia tabaci complex, with non-cultivated hosts acting as reservoirs for these viruses. In this study a new begomovirus infecting Cnidoscolus urens (Euphorbiaceae) from Brazil has been characterized. The complete DNA-A sequence was used for species demarcation, phylogenetic and recombination analyzes with other previously reported begomoviruses. The DNA-A (2585 nt) has a genome organization that is typical of the New World bipartite begomovirus, most closely related to tomato yellow spot virus, with 80.6% nucleotide identity. Based on the identity criterion for DNA-A established by the Geminiviridae Study Group of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses of ≥ 91%, this isolate should be considered a member of a new species, for which the name “Cnidoscolus blistering yellow mosaic virus” (CnBYMV) is proposed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that CnBYMV grouped with begomoviruses described in cultivated and non-cultivated plants from Brazil. Results of recombination analysis indicated that the novel begomovirus was a recombinant, with cnidoscolus mosaic leaf deformation virus and sida mottle virus as probable parents.