Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Planting is considered one of the most essential steps in coffee growing. Lack of uniformity in planting may compromise future operations. Therefore, verifying planting operations quality is fundamental to optimizing production processes and reducing costs. This study aimed to investigate planting techniques through Statistical Process Control (SPC) and aerial images. Carried out in two areas, managed manually and semi-mechanized in the Bom Jardim Farm (MG - Brazil). Data were collected through Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). Quality control charts and density maps were used to identify variations in distribution and spacing between plants and planting rows. It was found that the planting carried out manually was 4.7% wider than projected due to spacing reduction from 0.5 m to 0.48 m. The semi-mechanized system displayed a deficit of 7% compared to the projected planting system, using 0.55 m between plants. The density map showed the most significant planting alignment variations. Despite displaying lower results than the manual system, the semi-mechanized system improvements are valid for their minimal average variations. Thus, correcting points found outside the limits can increase the efficiency of semi-mechanized planting.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Currently with a more demanding market, is necessary to produce better and high physiological quality cultivars of soybeans. In front of this new challenge, our objective was to evaluate the physiological quality of 11 soybean cultivars: CD201, SYN1263, SYN1279, BMX, UFLA1, CA115, CD215, CD202, Conquista, Savana, and BRS820 storage for 12 months. Evaluations were conducted through physiological like germination and vigor (accelerated aging and controlled deterioration) and isoenzymes analysis. The seeds were stored under controlled conditions at 10 °C and 10% relative humidity. It was assessed every four months (0, 4, 8, and 12). 200 seeds per treatment were used for each test, divided into 4 replications of 50 seeds. The number of normal plants was evaluated on the fifth and seventh days, expressed as a percentage value. Isoenzyme analysis of MDH, ADH, Esterase, and Catalase was made. The results were interpreted from the presence or absence of bands in the gel. An experimental design in randomized complete blocks, interpreting data using analysis of variance in a factorial scheme 11 x 4 (11 cultivars and 4 times of storage and averages compared by the test Scott-Knott 5% of probability and regression analysis. The statistical program used was Sisvar®. We found that cultivars Savana and Conquista showed low physiological quality, and the cultivars CD 215 and BMX showed high physiological quality during storage.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The cowpea is a legume that is widely grown in the north-east of Brazil, and which has been gaining ground in other regions of the country. The main producer is the state of Ceará, with a large planted-area, albeit low productivity due to a lack of producer technology and adapted cultivars. The aim of this study was to identify and recommend superior genotypes in terms of adaptability and stability under rainfed and irrigated conditions, in addition to genotypes with reduced grain darkening. To this end, six experiments were conducted in different districts of Ceará (Crato, Pentecoste, Crateús, Madalena, Bela Cruz and Limoeiro do Norte) and one laboratory experiment, to evaluate grain darkening. The experimental design of the field trials was of randomised blocks, with 14 genotypes and 4 replications. The analysis of variance showed a significant effect from the genotypes and environments and their interaction, so GGE Biplot analysis was carried out to evaluate adaptability and stability. To evaluate grain darkening, a completely randomised design was used in a simple factorial scheme with six previously selected genotypes and five different storage times (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 months). There was a significant effect from the genotypes and storage time. Genotype 1 showed the least darkening, and can be recommended for environments to which it is best adapted (Crato and Crateús). Genotype 9 was considered the most stable for grain yield, and can be more broadly recommended for the semi-arid region of the state of Ceará.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Biochar can promote crop production and soil quality. However, its characteristics depend on the waste used in its production and its effects may vary according to the species being cultivated and the management adopted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of biochar from animal waste on soil quality and the agronomic characteristics of the cowpea. An experiment was set up to test three types of biochar (bovine-BB, swine-SB and poultry-BP), with added fertiliser (BBF, SBF and BPF) and two control treatments, including the addition of calcium magnesium oxide (CT) and calcium magnesium oxide with fertiliser (CTF), giving a total of eight treatments with four replications. There was a respective increase of up to 102.94%, 1048%, 1560% and 360.22% in stem diameter, number of pods, number of grains per pod and stem dry matter from adding the biochar. The poultry biochar increased each of the above parameters even with no added fertiliser. There was no difference in basal soil respiration or β-glucosidase enzyme activity, whereas organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), microbial carbon and soil labile carbon were greater with biochar. BBF gave the highest TOC content (24.40 g kg-1), while BP and BPF increased TN by around 61%. The application of biochar + fertiliser contributed to an average reduction of 56% in the soil metabolic quotient. Poultry biochar favoured both the agronomic characteristics of the cowpea and soil quality, while bovine biochar showed more marked results with the addition of fertiliser.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Moringa oleifera Lam. is an arboreal forest species of great economic potential, adapted to the climatic conditions of the Brazilian semi-arid region, whose multiplication is mainly by seeds. Rapid viability and vigor tests help in the choice of lots. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of the pH of exudate and primary root protrusion tests in the evaluation of viability and vigor, respectively. Two seed lots were initially evaluated for moisture content, germination, first count, germination speed index, seedling length, seedling dry mass and electrical conductivity. For the pH of exudate test, phenolphthalein (1%) and sodium carbonate (2 and 4 g L-1) solutions were prepared, with three soaking periods (1, 3 and 5 h) and three temperatures (25, 30 and 35 °C). Exudate solution in strong to light pink color indicated viable seeds, whereas very light pink color to colorless indicated non-viable seeds. The primary root protrusion test was performed under 25, 30 and 35 °C, evaluating the primary root protrusion of at least 2 mm, every 12 h until 196 h. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replicates. pH of exudate test with 1 h of soaking at 25 or 30 °C with 2 g L-1 sodium carbonate solution was promising, but further studies are needed before it is indicated as routine use for the species. Primary root protrusion test is efficient and can be conducted at 35 °C with evaluation after 48 h.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The development of aquaculture through the cultivation of what are considered unconventional species is an option with the potential to solve the problem of food scarcity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the zootechnical performance of juvenile Pomacea haustrum fed different commercial diets, and subjected to different levels of salinity. After seven P. haustrum spawn had hatched in the laboratory, the juveniles were randomly selected and transferred to the rearing containers. Two different commercial diets were offered: rabbit feed with a high proportion of ingredients rich in crude vegetable protein (VP), and dog food containing balanced levels of ingredients rich in crude vegetable and animal protein (MP). The selected juveniles were randomly stocked at different salinities (0, 2 and 4 parts per thousand - ppt). The experiment lasted 65 days. Twenty-one hours after the start of the experiment, 100% of the individuals reared at a salinity of 4 ppt had died. There was a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) between the results for zootechnical performance (average final weight, weight gain, average final growth, specific growth rate, protein efficiency and apparent feed conversion) for animals reared in fresh water or at a salinity of 2 ppt, regardless of the type of diet. The origin of the protein in the diet had no significant effect on the zootechnical performance of the individuals; however, the salinity of the water impaired development of the animals in direct proportion to its concentration.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Desertification is the degradation process caused by climatic conditions and human activities that results in loss of soil productivity and decline in vegetation growth in the long term. Several indices related to vegetation, soil and climate are used to monitor desertification, but few studies explore qualitative and quantitative aspects of indices on desertification on spatial and hierarchical scale. This study aims to identify and measure indices related to increased risk of desertification on global, local and hierarchical scales using multinomial logistic regression models. Images from TM, ETM+ and OLI sensor from 1997 to 2018 in the end of dry and rainy seasons were used to quantify NDVI, TGSI, albedo, temperature, aridity index, evapotranspiration and precipitation on global spatial scale (Irauçuba Centro Norte) and local spatial scale (Miraíma, Canindé, Irauçuba and Santa Quitéria). GISD was calculated by geometric mean of weighted indices and segmented into 8 classes of susceptibility to desertification (hierarchical scale). The results showed that the best models were obtained on local scale and for the end of the rainy season. Temperature proved to be the most important variable for increased risk of desertification on global, local and hierarchical scales. Therefore, the increase in the risk of desertification in the studied areas is due to human activities of deforestation, overgrazing and fire. These factors contributed to reduction of vegetation cover and increase in temperature, changing the microclimatic, which led to decline in precipitation and worsening of desertification.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The correct use of tyres on agricultural tractors, in respect of the terrain and the type and internal pressure of the tyre, are factors that influence the performance of the tractor. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the operating performance of an agricultural tractor fitted with two types of traction device (radial and diagonal tyres) at different pressures, and operating on soil with two levels of moisture. The experiment was conducted on a dystrophic Red Yellow Argisol, with tests to evaluate the performance of the tyres under specific working conditions. Tractive power and tractive force, wheel slip and fuel consumption were evaluated. For each of the conditions under evaluation, the radial configuration showed better performance than the diagonal configuration, the effect being more significant at the lower pressure and under low soil moisture. The use of radial tyres led to an increase in traction capacity and drawbar power, with a reduction in fuel consumption, especially at higher slip rates.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Deformation intensity analysis for mechanical parts are very important data for machine design. For farm machines, these parameters present difficulties for determination due to its particularities. The Machinery industry searches for advanced technologies to determine the mechanical behavior of parts. This article shows the analysis of the reliability in the application of the laser triangulation technique (LTT) to determine the deformation of the mechanical elements of farm machines. A flat cutting disc with standardized dimension was selected as the object of study, as it is commonly used in farm machines, exhibiting a simple geometry made of steel, making the analysis procedure easier both for experimental execution and for data validation. Displacements of 1.0 mm to 10 mm were applied on the specimen. The theoretical behavior of specimen displacement was defined by finite element modelling with same condition of loading and dimension to compare the generated data by the experimental tests. Results indicated a displacement with maximum variation of 2.56% between experimental data and theoretical results and were considered satisfactory. LTT was able to determine deformation curve behavior of machine elements. It was concluded that Laser Triangulation Technique (LTT) was satisfactory to determine the deformation of a specimen.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The characterisation and evaluation of accessions are important steps in both the management of a germplasm collection and in a plant genetic improvement program. Carrying out characterisation and evaluation, whether morphological or molecular, requires observing the overall features of plants in the field, or collecting leaves for DNA extraction, which is time consuming and costly; whereas DNA extracted directly from the seeds allows access to the genome without the need for planting the seeds, which speeds up the selection of genotypes of interest and information on genetic variability. The aim was to develop a non-destructive method for extracting DNA from cashew seeds. The seeds were mechanically perforated using a mini-grinder, and a sample of the endosperm was removed. Various protocols and commercial kits for DNA extraction were tested, as well as materials to seal the opening made in the seed. It is possible to extract cashew tree DNA from the endosperm, preferably using commercial kits with cementitious adhesive as the sealing material, offering a germination percentage of 60% of the perforated seeds.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) are essential elements with a fundamental role in biological nitrogen fixation in legumes. Vitamins such as thiamine, despite being required in small quantities, influence plant growth. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of different doses of thiamine applied as seed treatment, combined or not with Co and Mo, in enhancing the development of soybean crops. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse according to a randomized block design with a 6 × 2 factorial arrangement, comprising six thiamine doses (0, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg kg-1) in the presence or absence of Co and Mo at the recommended rate of 100 mL ha-1. At 40 days after sowing, plants were analyzed for root length, root dry weight, shoot length, shoot dry weight, nodule number, and nodule dry weight. Principal component analysis showed that combined application of Co and Mo with thiamine was negatively associated with all variables and that the thiamine doses most positively associated with the analyzed variables were 50 and 200 mg kg-1. In treatments containing thiamine alone, there was a linear direct relationship between thiamine dose and nodule dry weight. Root and shoot lengths and dry weights were highest in plants treated with thiamine only at a dose of 122 mg kg-1. Application of Co and Mo combined with thiamine via seed treatment does not promote the development of soybean crops. Thiamine application is a promising treatment to increase shoot length, root dry weight, and nodule dry weight in soybean.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT There is great interest in varieties with greater competitive ability against weeds. This can be facilitated by path analysis, which involves the statistical evaluation and interpretation of the relationship between yield and its components. In this analysis, the occurrence of multicollinearity results in inconsistent estimates of the coefficients, and overestimates of the direct effects of the explanatory variables on the response variable. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics with the greatest direct effect on pod yield and green and dry bean yields in traditional cowpea varieties, evaluated in competition with weeds in two experiments. In addition, the presence of multicollinearity was investigated in the analyses. In Experiment-1, twelve varieties with the highest bean yields in a preliminary evaluation were assessed in a randomized block design with five replications. In Experiment-2, six varieties, selected in the preliminary evaluation, were assessed using two methods of weed management: three of the most productive and three of the least productive. Randomized blocks and split plots were used, with five replications. Multicollinearity, indicated by the number of conditions and the variance inflation values, was greater in Experiment-2. In the six cases under study (three yields x two experiments), the number of pods per plant had the greatest direct effect on yield.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Given the large differences in the results of inoculation and co-inoculation in the bean crop, an experiment in cultivating winter beans was carried out in 2019 under greenhouse conditions with the aim of evaluating the performance of the beans and a possible increase in plant growth and grain production, using seeds inoculated or co-inoculated with Rhizobium tropici and Azospirillum brasilense, with and without fungicide and/or insecticide, in sandy and clayey soils. A total of 112 pots were used, and 14 treatments were applied in a completely randomised experimental design, with four replications. The Scott-Knott test was used to analyse the results, and showed that whether using untreated seeds or carrying out complete chemical treatment with fungicide and insecticide plus co-inoculation with R. tropici and A. brasilense, winter bean production was reduced in clayey soil, while the joint use of fungicide and insecticide, fungicide and R. tropici, or fungicide, insecticide and R. tropici, favoured shoot development. Inoculating with A. brasilense, without R. tropici and with insecticide, or insecticide and fungicide, favoured greater root growth in clayey soil. In sandy soil, grain production was higher using seeds treated solely with insecticide, solely with R. tropici, or with a combination of both. Production was lower in the joint treatment with fungicide, insecticide and the co-inoculation of bacteria, or when using insecticide together with A. brasilense.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Due to the importance of grain production, and the need to work the soil under limited moisture, the aim of this study was to develop computer software to predict the tractive capacity of wheeled tractors for two types of tyre, the effect of different inflation pressures and levels of soil moisture. A mathematical model was developed to predict the tractive capacity of a 4 x 2 AFT tractor. Software was developed and tested by comparing the computational data with those from tests of a working tractor in the field. The parameters under evaluation were drawbar force and front and rear drive wheel slip. At both moisture levels, the bias tyres had the lowest front to rear slip ratio at the lower pressure; the ratios were similar when equipped with radial tyres. The bias tyres show maximum force at a slip ratio of 1.09 at the higher pressure and 1.03 at the lower, while for the radial tyres the ratio was 1.05 at the higher pressure and 1.07 at the lower. Software was developed to process data from the model, with the results used for estimating the tractive force of the tractor. The tractive force was overestimated by the model, which needs further adjustment for direct application in the field.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) and crop water requirements are crucial for the proper management and allocation of water resources in terms of quantity, quality, and timeliness. Therefore, remote sensing estimation of ET using the SEBAL algorithm (Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land) can provide spatio-temporal, non-punctual data, unlike traditional calculations relying on the nearest meteorological station. This research analyzed ET using SEBAL, based on ten Landsat 8 satellite images processed with a program developed in the Model Builder of ArcGis® version 10.2. The analysis was conducted during the vegetative period of starchy corn from May to October 2016. Validation of the results happened with a drainage lysimeter installed in a monitoring plot. Additionally, the statistical indices - such as percentage relative error (PRE) (0,09), root mean square error (RMSE) (0,30), R2 (0,92), and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NASH) (0,91) - indicated a good correlation of ET for starchy corn in the central highlands of Peru. The ET identified at ten monitoring points ranged from 1,05 to 7,79 mm d-1.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Exposing seeds to agents that elicit tolerance to abiotic stress, such as phytohormones and organic acids, during hydration and dehydration cycles can determine their response to later stimuli, e.g. exposure to salt stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of priming cycles with different eliciting agents of salt stress tolerance on seeds of the cowpea varieties Sempre Verde and Pingo de Ouro. The seeds were subjected to the following treatments: 0.0 mM NaCl (control); 100 mM NaCl (salt stress); salt stress + three seed-priming cycles (PC) in water; salt stress + PC in gibberellic acid; salt stress + PC in hydrogen peroxide; salt stress + PC in salicylic acid; salt stress + PC in ascorbic acid. The following variables were analysed: germination, growth, dry weight, salt tolerance index, total soluble sugars, total free amino acids and proline. Salt stress (100 mM NaCl) reduced germination, length and biomass accumulation in the Sempre Verde and Pingo de Ouro varieties. These showed the best response to the priming cycles with gibberellic and salicylic acids, which promoted greater germination potential, length and biomass under a salt stress of 100 mM NaCl, affording greater tolerance via osmotic regulation, especially in the Sempre Verde variety.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds have attracted great economic interest for their high levels of linoleic and α-linolenic acids. In Brazil, there is a lack of studies on the agronomic characteristics and physiological quality of chia, necessitating research on germination processes and strategies to enhance yield under field conditions. There are no studies assessing the development of seeds with different coat colors in the presence of fungicides. This study aimed to assess the physiological quality of chia seeds as a function of coat color and fungicide treatment. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and six replications. For this, seeds were divided into two groups according to coat color (black and white) and subjected or not to treatment with carboxin + thiram. Germination speed index, germination rate, and shoot length were evaluated in plants sown at 0, 90, and 180 days after seed treatment. Germination rate and speed index differed significantly between coat colors, with white seeds having higher vigor than black seeds. Shoot length, however, differed only for seeds sown on the day of treatment, indicating that treated seeds were more vigorous.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Proper waste management is a major worldwide concern; waste is disposed of directly into the environment, affecting water, soil and air quality. The development and production of green energy sources is strongly encouraged in modern society. The aim of this study, in accordance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2 and 7 of the 2030 Agenda of the UN, is to combine the correct disposal of animal waste with the generation of energy to mitigate the energy insecurity of families in an extremely vulnerable semi-arid region in the north-east of the country using biodigesters. To this end, a conceptual proposal was drawn up for a low-cost, easy-to-maintain and easy-to-use biodigester. A small-scale prototype was used to assess its operation by evaluating the main factors that affect biogas production (pH, temperature and the biomass properties: total solids, fixed solids, volatile solids, concentration of volatile fatty acids and C/N ratio). Evaluation of the test prototype gave satisfactory results that corroborate other studies and make it possible to propose an economically viable and efficient full-scale biodigester for biogas production.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to verify the response of the melon accessions MR1 and C14 to gamma radiation in terms of germination and morphology.The melon accessions came from the germplasm collection of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-arid Region, and were submitted to five doses of gamma radiation (0, 100, 200, 300, 400 Gy) in four replications, each comprising 25 seeds, at the Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture of the University of São Paulo. The seeds were grown in a greenhouse at UFERSA employing a completely randomised design. The germination potential, rate and index were evaluated during the first stage of the trial. During the second stage, the germinated plants were transplanted into eight-litre buckets containing substrate and sand, in four replications of 15 plants each. The inflorescence, leaf blade and fruit were evaluated. The IMAGE J image analysis software was used to obtain the leaf and fruit data. The germination potential varied for the gamma-ray doses being tested, while the germination rate and index were not affected; phenotypic variations were seen in the leaves. The gamma-ray doses had no effect on the germination process.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterise the lignocellulosic fractions of pruning waste from tree species showing potential for furniture production in Acaraú, Ceará. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomised, split-plot design, with the plots corresponding to two water regimes (irrigated for one year and irrigated for three years) and the sub-plots to eight tree species, with three replications. The chemical attributes were determined after seven years. Except for the insoluble lignin content, there was a significant effect from the different species in terms of the chemical properties of the wood. The results for the lignocellulosic fractions show the possibility of developing technological ways of adding value to these waste products, especially considering their lignin content. The different species also showed potential for use in producing cellulose pulp, with the exception of Handroanthus impetiginosus due to its high ash content. The results of this study offer new perspectives for future research into the use of forestry waste.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The search for more sustainable systems of rice cultivation, especially in relation to water use, has included the evaluation of more-efficient irrigation systems in addition to alternative water sources. The aim of this study was to conduct a phytosociological survey of weeds in rice crops irrigated by subsurface drip with different concentrations of treated dairy effluent, maintaining the soil moisture at saturation or field capacity. A pilot scale experiment was carried out in a protected environment using a randomised block design in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, with four replications. The IAC 301 cultivar (Arborio rice) was chosen. The phytosociological surveys were carried out on four different dates, and considered the composition as well as the distribution of plant species in each of the applied treatments, using the importance value index (IVI) to evaluate the influence of each treatment. The results showed that cultivating irrigated rice, giving priority to water management, altered the ecology of invasive plants. Fourteen weed species were identified, distributed over 10 families. The effluent dose did not alter the incidence of invasive plants, and only at the final evaluation was there a reduction in the IVI value at effluent concentrations of 50% and 75%. For soil moisture, the highest IVI values occurred on the first two days of the survey under saturated conditions; this result was reversed closer to plant maturity, when the IVI values were higher at field capacity.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The physiological quality of soya bean seeds is a determining factor in establishing the crop in the field. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the physiological quality of soya bean seeds produced by plants grown from seeds of different sizes in two crop seasons. The BS 2606 SOYTECH, NS 6700 IPRO, NA 5909 RR, BS IRGA 1642 IPRO and LANÇA 58i60 IPRO cultivars were used, sown in 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. The experimental design was of randomised blocks, with treatments comprising seeds from plants grown from seeds of three sieve sizes (5.5, 6.0 and 6.5 mm for cultivars BS2606, NS 6700 IPRO, NA 5909 RR, LANÇA; and 6.0, 6.5 and 7.0 mm for the BS IRGA 1642 IPRO cultivar). The following tests were conducted: germination, first germination count, shoot and root length, total seedling dry weight, seedling emergence, accelerated ageing and electrical conductivity. The results were subjected to analysis of variance, and the mean values were compared using Tukey’s test at 5% probability. The size classification of the soya bean seeds has no effect on the germination of the seeds that are produced. Higher seed vigour in the NA 5909 RR cultivar, determined by the seedling emergence test, and accelerated ageing in NS 6700 IPRO, were obtained from seeds produced by plants grown from seeds classified as a sieve size of 6.5 mm. For the other cultivars, the size classification of the seeds had no effect on the vigour of the produced seeds.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The spatial variability of soil attributes in terraced areas is poorly studied in the semi-arid region. Considering that multivariate analysis enhances the diagnosis of spatial variability from geostatistics, soil attributes were studied in different zones between terrace channels in semi-arid region, more precisely in a retention terrace area in Canindé (Ceará, Brazil). Soil samples (n = 100) were collected at depths of 0.0 - 0.1 and 0.1 - 0.2 m for descriptive and geostatistical analysis. For multivariate analysis, samples from three zones relative to the terrace channel (Upper, Middle, and Lower) in the 0.0 - 0.2 m layer were considered, with 30 replicates. There was spatial dependence of soil attributes in the two layers studied. Near the channel, in the respective layers, there was higher clay content (13.7% and 14.7%) and higher degree of flocculation (61.3% and 71.7%) compared to the other zones. Water-dispersible clay was higher in the Upper zone (6.5% and 7.7% in the respective layers), while the Middle zone showed higher potential acidity in the evaluated layers (4.8 and 4.5 cmolc dm-3, respectively) compared to the other zones. In the multivariate analysis, there were highlights for the higher sum of bases in the Upper zone (18.9 ± 0.8 cmolc dm-3), higher sand content in the Middle zone (72.6 ± 0.6%), lower potential acidity (2.1 ± 0.2 cmolc dm-3) and higher phosphorus content (12.8 ± 3.0 mg kg-1) in the Low zone. The zone above the terrace channel loses mainly clay and requires practices to increase water and nutrient retention.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increase water and nutrient absorption from the soil by plants. However, its benefits to plants vary depending on the inoculated species. This study aimed to determine the influence of different species of mycorrhizal fungi on the development and productivity of grain sorghum cultivars. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, consisting of two sorghum cultivars (BRS 310 and BRS 330) and five treatments (control without inoculation and four species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: Gigaspora margarita, Glomus formosanum, Acaulospora scrobiculata, and Scutellospora pellucida), with four replications. Plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, length, volume, specific surface area, root diameter, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, thousand-grain weight, grain productivity, colonization, dependence, and mycorrhizal efficiency were evaluated. The results showed that inoculation with the species S. pellucida induced higher root and shoot development of plants of the cultivar BRS 310, as well as higher productivity of sorghum grains. The cultivar BRS 330 showed higher root development when inoculated with the species G. formosanum and a higher shoot development when inoculated with the species A. scrobiculata. Mycorrhizal dependence for grain productivity was low and varied with the inoculated species of mycorrhizal fungi. The mycorrhizal efficiency for shoot dry mass was higher with the inoculation of A. scrobiculata and S. pellucida in the cultivar BRS 310 and A. scrobiculata and G. margarita in the cultivar BRS 330.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate development in the following tree species: Acacia mangium Willd, Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Griseb.) Altschu, Casuarina equisetifolia L. ex J. R. Forst. & G. Forst, Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. Ex DC.) Mattos, and Colubrina glandulosa subsp. reitzii (M.C.Johnst.) Borhidi under two water regimes in the Irrigated Perimeter of Baixo Acaraú, in the state of Ceará. The experiment was conducted over seven years, with the factors represented by water regimes, species and periods in an arrangement of split-split plots in a completely randomised design repeated over time with four replications of two plants each. The response variables were total height, diameter at breast height, volume, absolute growth rate in height and diameter, and current and average annual increase in volume. After seven years, the species Acacia mangium, Casuarina equisetifolia, Handroanthus impetiginosus, Anadenanthera colubrina and Colubrina glandulosa presented the following respective mean volumes: 0.62, 0.47, 0.45, 0.31 and 0.29 m3 irrespective of the water regime. Despite a reduction in the growth rates of the species during each period, they remained positive, and growth did not stop. The mean values for volume confirm that the species showed similar growth for the water regimes under study. An irrigated regime of up to one year is therefore suggested for cultivating these species in the Irrigated Perimeter of Baixo Acaraú, Ceará.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Maize sowing is crucial for farm production and food security. Technological advancements, such as electric-pneumatic seed metering and integrated software, have been developed to promote economic and environmental sustainability. However, a limited understanding of the physical processes involved in sowing may compromise the effectiveness and reliability of these mechanisms. Besides uneven terrains, slope conditions require scientific investigation to assess their impact on corn-sowing operations. This study aimed to examine corn seed deposition on longitudinal and transverse slopes using a pneumatic seed metering system. The experiment was conducted on a static sowing bench, simulating various inclination angles. Results indicated that longitudinal inclination did not affect seed spacing consistency, while transverse slopes led to a higher incidence of unsatisfactory spacing. The study concluded that longitudinal slopes decrease corn seed deposition precision, which can be mitigated by level cultivation. Conversely, transverse slopes negatively impacted acceptable, double, and missed seed spacing during sowing.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Maize is a demanding crop that is responsive to nitrogen fertilisation, and meeting its needs is essential to avoid a loss of productivity or environmental contamination. Monitoring nutrient status during crop development is fundamental for optimising nitrogen fertilisation, and using spectral sensors can help detect spatial variability in the field. Based on this premise, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of three low-cost sensors in detecting variability in the spectral and agronomic characteristics of the maize cultivar, BM 3066 PRO2®, induced by different N doses (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1) under two cropping systems, no-tillage and conventional. The study employed a camera with a sensor in the visible region of the spectrum (RGB), a camera in the visible-infrared region (OCN), both mounted on a drone, and a portable chlorophyll meter. Spatial variability was assessed during the crop cycle using the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and chlorophyll index. The results showed that the NDVI(ON) vegetation index from the OCN sensor was more effective at differentiating the treatments than was the NGR vegetation index from the RGB sensor. Furthermore, the chlorophyll b index was better at detecting variations induced by different nitrogen doses, outperforming the vegetation indices obtained by means of aerial images. The airborne sensors under test are more suitable for detecting early spatial macro-variability, while the chlorophyll meter is more effective at assessing the degree of nitrogen deficiency.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Several species of harmful grass weeds were voluntarily brought in by man, mainly with the specific purpose of produce forage. These species compete with crops for physical area and environmental resources, can host pests and diseases, and interfere on harvesting. This work aimed to evaluate in field conditions, the effects of different specific seed weight and sowing depths on the emergence of the species Urochloa brizantha cv. marandú. It was adopted a randomized blocks design with four replications and the treatments arranged in a 6 x 3 factorial scheme, with six sowing depths (1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, 12.0 and 16.0 cm) and three specific seed weight (low, medium, and high). The treatment effects were evaluated by seedling emergence in field. The marandu-grass seedlings emerged until 12 cm depth, regardless of specific seed weight and year. Sowing depths between 1.0 and 4.0 cm depth have promoted the greater percentage of emergence, and the lowest average time and speed index for emergence of seedlings on field, regardless of the specific seed weight. High-specific weight seeds resulted in greater percentage of emergence on field, speed and synchronicity index of emergence of marandú-grass seedlings. Sowing depths higher than 1.0 cm induces a delay on marandú-grass propagation.

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ABSTRACT During the germination process, seeds are susceptible to abiotic and biotic stresses, such as attacks by pests and pathogens. In this context, chemical treatment of seeds can promote physiological and morphological changes in seeds and seedlings, in addition to protecting seeds. Two experiments were conducted with the following objectives: (I) assess the effect of soybean seed water content on seedling emergence under different water availability conditions; (II) assess the effect of chemical treatment of soybean seeds on seedling emergence under water stress conditions. In the first experiment, seeds of four cultivars had their water content adjusted to 8, 11, and 14% and were sown in soil under four water potential levels (-0.01; -0.02; -0.10 and -0.40 MPa). In the second experiment, seeds of the same cultivars were treated using metalaxyl, fludioxonil and thiamethoxam, and untreated seeds were used as controls. Sowing was carried out in soil under four water potentials, and seed quality parameters were evaluated in both experiments. The data subjected to analysis of variance, and the means were compared using the Tukey test at 5% probability level. There is no restriction on sowing soybean seeds with water content between 8 and 14% when the soil is under full water availability. Under conditions of soil water restriction, it is recommended to use seeds with water content between 11 and 14%. Under water deficit conditions, treated soybean seeds show better membrane maintenance and superior performance in seedling emergence.

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ABSTRACT The use of cold plasma is effective in overcoming seed dormancy. However, its effects, both in the long-term and during storage, is still not fully understood. The aim of this study, therefore, was to evaluate the immediate and post-storage effect of atmospheric plasma on the seeds of Pityrocarpa moniliformis in overcoming seed coat dormancy. The seeds were treated with plasma for 0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 minutes. Following application, 50% of the seeds were stored for two years while the remainder were submitted to immediate analysis. The seeds were evaluated for germination and the germination speed index, in addition to seedling length and dry weight. The experimental design was completely randomised, and included regression analysis. The plasma treatment resulted in an increase in the germination rate and vigour of the seeds, both immediately after exposure and after two years of storage. In particular, the seeds treated for five minutes showed around 39% germination, which was outstanding compared to seeds from other exposure times. Plasma is effective in overcoming seed coat dormancy in seeds of P. moniliformis treated for five minutes and tested immediately. The effect of plasma on the seeds of P. moniliformis after storage was less for all the conditions under test.

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ABSTRACT Crop pollination is indispensable for global food security. Studies that summarize the knowledge about pollination of specific crops are relevant because they identify the distribution of pollinators, guide pollinator management and conservation policies, and highlight knowledge gaps. Zucchini is cultivated in several countries, and its production is essentially dependent on pollinators. We aimed to integrate global data on zucchini pollination and answer the following questions: (1) What are the topics addressed and what are the trends of the results? (2) Which organisms pollinate zucchini, and how are they globally distributed? (3) What are the knowledge gaps? We performed a systematic literature review, built a network of countries and pollinators, and compared data on the efficiency of specific pollinators. Studies were conducted in 16 countries. Most studies investigated the frequency and diversity of floral visitors. Other approaches were discussed. Zucchini flowers fed 116 species of pollinators, especially bees. Six countries had almost exclusive groups of native pollinators. Apis, Bombus, and Peponapis were the most frequently recorded bees. Areas with high habitat diversity improve pollination. There was a significant difference in productivity when pollination was carried out by bees compared with pollination by Syrphidae. The main knowledge gaps are (1) the determination of which native, manageable pollinators are efficient for maximum zucchini production, (2) the investigation of how pollination influence fruit nutritional composition and seed quality, and (3) the identification of pollinators to the species level.

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ABSTRACT Despite having a vast area for agricultural production, Brazil is highly dependent on mineral sources for phosphate fertilisers, making their use unsustainable and highly dependent on the international market. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different sources of phosphate fertiliser and the depth of application on the development and productivity of maize over two crop seasons. A randomised block design was used in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme comprising 12 treatments, with four replications. Three sources of phosphorus were tested: single superphosphate (SSP), Top-Phos® (TOP-PHOS) and reactive natural phosphate (RNP), in addition to four methods of application (broadcast application [0.00 m] and in-furrow application at three depths [0.05 m, 0.08 m and 0.11 m]). The following parameters were evaluated: final plant stand, plant height, stalk diameter, ear insertion height, number of rows per ear, number of grains per row, 1000-grain weight, and grain productivity. The data were submitted to analysis of variance using the F-test at a level of 5%, and to principal component analysis (PCA) with biplot graphical analysis. The use of SSP and Top-Phos® increased productivity and the ear insertion height compared to the use of RNP. Applications made at a depth of 0.11 m were the most efficient. Seasonal variables affected productivity, with Top-Phos® showing a greater correlation with the yield metrics at greater depths.

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ABSTRACT Successive applications of phosphate fertilisers can exceed the phosphorus (P) requirements of plants and soil, resulting in surface accumulation and loss to aquatic systems, and therefore require monitoring. The aim of this study was to determine a mathematical model for the critical limit for phosphorus in the environment (CLPE) in a Red Latosol of the Cerrado, and to monitor the amount of P in the soil of 46 rural properties in the micro watershed of the Ribeirão Abóbora River. Sand was added to a dystroferric Red Latosol to simulate soils with textures of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% clay, in order to quantify the maximum P adsorption capacity (MPAC) and determine the CLPE. Soil from 46 rural properties that make up the micro watershed of the Ribeirão Abóbora River was collected, and the P and clay content was determined. The MPAC decreased proportionally to the reduction in clay content. Th e estimating equation to determine the CLPE for the Red Latosol of the Cerrado is CLPE = 16.64 + 0.432* (% clay), which can be simplified to CLPE = 20 + 0.5* (% clay). The P content on four of the properties in the micro watershed of the Ribeirão Abóbora River is greater than the CLPE. It is therefore recommended that the use of phosphate sources be suspended until appropriate P levels return, and that close attention be paid to these properties so that P values again reach acceptable levels, and no P is transferred to the water sources.

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ABSTRACT Delays in soybean harvesting can limit seed viability and vigor. In this study, soybean cultivar seeds’ physiological and sanitary quality was evaluated in response to harvest delay. The experimental design used was completely randomized blocks, arranged in a split-plot scheme, with three replicates. The plots were represented by the cultivation of two soybean cultivars (BMX Bônus IPRO and BMX Olimpo IPRO), while the subplots were represented by three harvest times [0, 7, 14 days after the seed’s full maturity (stage R8)]. The following characteristics of the physiological and sanitary quality of the seeds were measured: water content, plant emergence, total dry matter, germination, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity, and seed health. The delay in the soybean harvest affects the seeds’ physiological and sanitary quality. Seeds harvested seven days after full maturity have a higher incidence of Aspergillus flavus and Macrophomina sp. In comparison, seeds harvested 14 days after full maturity have a higher incidence of Phomopsis sp. and Fusarium sp.

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ABSTRACT The cultivation and consumption of lentils has been gaining importance in recent years due to the high nutritional value of the grain. Research related to seed technology is therefore important in providing high-quality seeds for the market. The aim o f this study was to adapt the accelerated ageing test and evaluate the potential of FT-NIR spectroscopy for classifying lentil seeds based on physiological potential. Seven batches of lentil seeds were subjected to tests to characterise their physiological potential. The accelerated ageing test included the traditional method (100% RH) with an alternative method using saturated saline solution (76% RH) at 41 °C for 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours. NIR spectra were also obtained, taking 200 spectral readings from each batch that were individually processed for 30 seconds. Following the spectral analysis, the seeds were submitted to tests of germination and accelerated ageing to validate the technique. The PLS-DA technique was employed, using 70% of the data for training and 30% for validation. Different pre-processing methods were used, including the standard normal variate (SNV), multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), and the 1st and 2nd Savitzky-Golay (SG) derivatives. It was concluded that the accelerated ageing test at 41 °C for 48 hours using the traditional method (100% RH) was the most efficient way of evaluating the physiological potential of the lentil seeds. The models derived from the FT-NIR spectral data were 99% accurate in predicting the class of physiological potential of the batches.

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ABSTRACT One of the main phytosanitary problems in major crops are phytonematodes, which are characterised as difficult to control. In view of this, biocontrol, through the use of biological agents, has become a driving force in controlling these pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of microorganisms, and detect the possibility of antagonistic effects, influence on growth, or synergistic action when microorganisms are jointly applied to crops. Microbiological analyses were carried out to observe the interaction of the fungus Trichoderma asperellum with the bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus methylotrophicus. It was found that the interaction between the genera Bacillus and Trichoderma did not promote any increase in the fresh or dry weight of the roots or shoots of the soya plants; however, based on the results of the microbiological analysis of the fungi and bacteria, the interaction was found to be promising, particularly in the evaluation carried out on the seventh day. Considering the number of viable spores, the interaction between B. subtilis + T. asperellum showed better results than B. methylotrophicus + T. asperellum. The Interaction between the genera Bacillus and Trichoderma showed the potential for joint use in the biological control of the soya bean.

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ABSTRACT The search for cropping systems that aim to have the best area use, optimize production, and guarantee financial profitability to the producer and their establishment in the field are challenges of modern research. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the productive and monetary viability of intercropping radish and coriander fertilized with equitable amounts of hairy woodrose and roostertree biomass from the Caatinga ecosystem at different coriander population densities in two cropping seasons. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with treatments arranged in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme with four replications. The first factor was constituted by four equitable amounts of hairy woodrose and roostertree biomass (20, 35, 50 and 65 t ha-1 on a dry basis), and the second factor was constituted by coriander population densities (40, 60, 80 and 100% of the recommended density for monocropping, RDM). The greatest agronomic and monetary advantages of intercropping radish with coriander were obtained with a land equivalent coefficient and a monetary equivalence ratio of 0.42 and 0.76, respectively, in the amounts of hairy woodrose and roostertree biomass of 20 and 39 t ha-1 added to the soil, in the coriander population density of 100% of the RDM. The coriander green mass yield and commercial productivity of radish roots optimized in the intercropping were 1.25 and 14.90 t ha-1 when fertilized with 65 t ha-1 of green manures biomass in the coriander population density of 100% RDM.

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ABSTRACT The chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the third most cultivated legume in the world and the second most consumed. One of the main problems in producing seed of this species is the mechanical damage generated when harvesting or during post-harvest. With the aim of developing a protocol for rapid iodine testing, the aim of this study was to determine the most suitable exposure time for chickpea seeds in iodine solution, and the most appropriate concentration for staining naturally or artificially damaged seeds. Concentrations of 5%, 10% and 15% (commercial product containing 2% iodine) were tested on both intact and artificially damaged seeds for an immersion time of 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0 minutes. The correlation between the colour and the physical and physiological properties of ten seed batches exposed to 10% iodine for 10 and 15 minutes was also evaluated. The data were submitted to univariate and multivariate analysis. The iodine test, at a concentration of 10% of the commercial product (iodine concentration of 2%) for 15 minutes, is effective in evaluating the level of mechanical damage in chickpea seeds, due to the negative correlation between the colour of the seeds in the test and the physical and physiological qualities of the seeds.

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ABSTRACT The recognition of oocytes, in their maturational stages, allow estimate the ovarian development and the type of spawning of a species. Although, distinguishing oocytes on histological images requires a visual and subjective interpretation by the specialist. With the development of deep learning techniques, automatic object detection has become an important mechanism for this task. However, studies that use deep learning techniques have not been widely explored for the analysis of fish oocyte samples so far. In this paper, we propose the use of YOLO, a family of convolutional neural networks, for oocyte morphology detection of Centropomus undecimalis fish. The research uses an image database with 5,680 oocytes with different maturation stadiums (PV - pre-vitellogenesis, VI - early vitellogenesis and VF - late vitellogenesis), in histological images, divided into training, testing and validation, and detection performed by YOLOv3, YOLOv4, and YOLOv5 architectures. The results obtained were promising, highlighting that the YOLOv5l model, in the detection of oocytes of the VF class, reached the best values in the metrics precision, recall, mAP@.5 and mAP@.95 with 85.4%, 95.3%, 95.7%, and 75.9%, respectively. When considering all classes, YOLOv5l was the model that obtained the best results in the analyzed metrics.

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ABSTRACT High soybean grain yield is based on adequate crop management, mainly on disease prevention and control, especially Asian soybean rust (ASR), which causes great crop damage. This study aimed to evaluate the ASR chemical control with different fungicide mixtures in three soybean-producing areas in Brazil during two consecutive crop seasons. Four fungicide treatments [T1: benzovindyflupyr + picoxystrobin, T2: benzovindyflupyr + azoxystrobin, T3: fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin, and T4: inpyrfluxam + tebuconazole] were evaluated with five replications. Phytotoxicity damage, ASR disease severity, plant defoliation, 1,000-grain weight, and grain yield were evaluated. The results were relatively consistent among all regions and between the crop seasons, indicating that the treatments have similar responses when applied in diverse conditions. The T3 and T4 treatments presented higher phytotoxicity, lower disease severity, lower plant defoliation, and higher 1,000-grain weight and grain yield. The presence and damage caused by ASR tend to increase after the second soybean crop season in the same area, suggesting a loss of efficiency of the evaluated fungicides.

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ABSTRACT The early seedling stage is one of the most vulnerable and critical growth stages in the plant life cycle and determines the final plant stand and yield. Corn hybrids have distinct degrees of drought tolerance, and exploiting this characteristic is important to enhance agricultural production in many tropical regions of the world. Fourteen corn hybrids commonly grown in the central-western region of Brazil, in Cassilândia, Mato Grosso do Sul, were assessed for drought tolerance during the early plant growth stage. Plants were grown in the Plant Ecophysiology Laboratory under non-stressful (control) and stressful (moderate drought) conditions for 28 days. Drought stress was induced with an -0.30 MPa iso-osmotic solution prepared with polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). The emergence rate, seedling length, and seedling dry matter were measured, and then drought tolerance indexes were calculated. Our results showed that root length is an important morphological trait for plant adaptation to drought stress conditions. Therefore, plant breeding programs should select corn genotypes with longer roots to develop commercial hybrids with superior performance under limited soil water availability. The corn hybrids FS 575 PWU, GNZ 7757 VIP3, LG 36745 PRO4, and MG 545 PWU have greater tolerance to drought stress and are the most suitable genotypes to be grown in conditions of low soil water availability. The AG 8088 PRO2 corn hybrid has greater susceptibility to drought stress and should not be recommended for cultivation in conditions of reduced soil water availability.

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ABSTRACT Pineapple is a non-climacteric infructescence that needs to be harvested at the highest quality, and it is crucial to determine the ideal harvest point. This work evaluates changes in quality, bioactive compounds, expression and enzymatic activity and antioxidant metabolism during maturation of cv Vitória pineapple, recently introduced in commercial orchards, in order to define the harvest point. ‘Vitória’ pineapple infructescence were harvested from commercial planting in five maturity stages and five replications: 100% green (TG), break (B), 75% green and 25% orange (GO), 25% green and 75% orange (OG), 10% green and 90% orange (PO), and 100% orange (TO). In ‘Vitória’ pineapple during maturation, color evolution was clearly shown by the color index (CI) and firmness was higher in TG, G, BP stages. Soluble solids and titratable acidity increased as a function of the maturity stages. The ascorbic acid content was higher in the TG and G, while the yellow flavonoids, PET, and carotenoids higher from OG to PO maturity stages. Antioxidant activity by ABTS•+ and DDPH radicals were higher in the PO stage. The moleculr weight of the antioxidant enzymes regardless the maturity stages was estimated at 47 kDa POD, 28 kDa SOD, and 37 kDa APX. By gel electrophoresis, the SOD, APX, and POD accumulations were higher at earlier maturity stages, whereas the activities were higher at the TO maturity stage. Altogether, the highest quality and functional properties in ‘Vitória’ pineapple, as defined by the highest contents of bioactive compounds and higher antioxidant, activity, were found mainly in the maturity stage PO, which surely value fresh consumption.

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ABSTRACT Seeking strategies to promote acidity correction and increase the availability of Ca at depth in the soil are crucial to ensure the sustainability of areas managed under no-tillage practices. The objective of this study was to evaluate the soil chemical attributes and soybean performance after cover crops and acidity management through liming using the method of Ca and Mg saturation in the effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), and gypsum application at variable rates to increase Ca saturation in the subsurface The experiment was carried out in Guarapuava, PR, Brazil in an Oxisol, assessing two factors, (1) cover crops: fallow, oat + turnip and polyculture; and (2) acidity management: without correction and areas with lime (calcitic + dolomitic) or lime + gypsum. The soil chemical attributes were evaluated: pHCaCl2; exchangeable Al3+; H+ + Al3+; Ca2+; Mg2+; S-SO42-; V%; Ca2+/ECEC and Mg2+/ECEC. The chlorophyll index and soybean performance were evaluated through yield components. The cover crops of oat + forage turnip and fallow contributed to the reduction of soil acidity in the 0.35 m layer, reaching the range considered ideal (pH = 5.0) for soybean cultivation. Oats + forage turnip accumulate more Mg2+ and increase base saturation in the 0.05 m layer compared to fallow and polyculture, while also reducing potential acidity in the 0.15 m layer compared to polyculture. When associated with gypsum, lime increased Ca2+ levels in the 0.15 m layer and Mg2+ levels in the 0.15 m and 0.35 m layers.

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ABSTRACT Genetic divergence for agronomic traits in common bean lines can be analyzed with and without multicollinearity and by different hierarchical methods, which can lead to errors in the interpretation of results obtained from dendrograms. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the variability and genetic divergence of common bean lines for agronomic traits and to analyze the clustering pattern of hierarchical methods obtained with and without multicollinearity. The study involved data from three experiments in which 12 Mesoamerican bean genotypes were evaluated for 17 agronomic traits. Genetic divergence was analyzed through four hierarchical methods, considering two degrees of multicollinearity: severe (with multicollinearity) and weak (without multicollinearity). Ten of the 17 agronomic traits showed a significant genotype × environment interaction effect, indicating response variability of the genotypes in different growing environments. When performed with and without multicollinearity, the hierarchical methods resulted in varied clustering patterns for the genotypes regarding agronomic traits. When analyzed with and without multicollinearity, the furthest neighbor and Ward methods revealed low cophenetic correlation coefficients (≤ 0.69), explaining why the generated dendrograms do not adequately represent the variation observed between common bean genotypes. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and nearest neighbor methods implemented without multicollinearity provide a high cophenetic correlation coefficient (0.76). However, the nearest neighbor method is more discriminative in allocating the common bean genotypes into different groups, allowing for a better recognition of differences regarding agronomic traits.

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ABSTRACT Abrus precatorius L. has been the subject of research to develop drugs with improved therapeutic profiles for the treatment of infectious diseases such as visceral leishmaniasis, which has very high mortality. Commercial cultivation is necessary to meet the demands of the pharmaceutical industry; however, cultivation can be hampered by the presence of integumentary dormancy in the seeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different pre-germination treatments and different temperatures on germination in seeds of A. precatorius. The experiment was completely randomised in a 4 x 3 factorial scheme corresponding to four methods for breaking dormancy (intact seeds - T1; immersion in sulphuric acid for 30 minutes - T2; immersion in sulphuric acid for 45 minutes - T3; immersion in 20% caustic soda for 60 minutes - T4) and three temperatures during the germination process (25 °C; 30 °C; 35 °C). At 25 °C and 30 °C, chemical scarification with caustic soda results in a lower rate of germination compared to scarification with sulphuric acid, while at 35 °C, germination was higher. The seeds of A. precatorius show higher germination at 30 °C when previously immersed in sulphuric acid for 30 or 45 minutes. This information is important for viable commercial cultivation.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the responses of sorghum hybrids to drought and select the most significant morphophysiological indicators to differentiate the hybrids grown under water deficit and well-watered conditions. Two field experiments were conducted simultaneously one under well-watered and the other under water deficit conditions after the pre-flowering stage, evaluating four contrasting grain sorghum hybrids (DKB 540, BRS 310, BRS 332, and 50A10), in a randomized block experimental design with four replications. Means were subjected to individual and joint analysis of variance, and the effects of water conditions and sorghum hybrids were compared using the F-test (p < 0.05) and the Tukey's test (p ≤ 0.05), respectively. Multivariate canonical variable analysis and Pearson correlation were also applied. Water deficit significantly reduced grain yield in 23.9%. The higher grain yields of the evaluated sorghum hybrids are associated with the higher relative chlorophyll content, photosynthetically active leaf area, panicle diameter and mass, grain mass per panicle, threshing index, and 100-grain mass, and the lower number of lodged plants. Grain mass per panicle, 100-grain mass, panicle mass, number of lodged plants, relative chlorophyll content, and leaf area are the most important indicators for explaining drought tolerance variations in grain sorghum hybrids grown under water deficit and well-watered conditions.

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ABSTRACT The possibility of producing animal bone ash from sources other than cattle, and the determining effect of prolonged calcination, has encouraged investigation into bio-based fertilisers. The aim of this study was to develop and characterise calcined bone ash using different animal sources and heat treatments. Femurs from cattle, pigs and sheep were subjected to heat treatments of 2 or 4 hours, and the ash (CBA1, CBA2 and CBA3) was compared to a commercial bone ash of unknown processing (CCBA-Unk). The data analysis included descriptive or inferential statistics with ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test or linear regression. Production analysis showed that CBA1 and CBA3 had higher yields than CBA2 after 2 h, while only CBA1 still differed from CBA2 after 4h (p < 0.05). In the physical and chemical analyses, the ash calcined for 4 h presented both a clearer and more uniform granular morphology than did the ash calcined for 2 h and CCBA-Unk, with a high concentration of minerals, reaching twice the levels of phosphorus and calcium compared to CCBA-Unk. In the ecotoxicological analysis with Artemia salina, all the ashes under test were non-toxic, with 4 h CBA1 and 4 h CBA3 proving safer than the other experimental ashes, reaching four times and twice the LC50 of CCBA-Unk, respectively. Bone ash from cattle or sheep bones calcined for 4 h proved to be more promising than from pig bones or when calcined for 2 h for generating nutritional products for acidic soils.

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ABSTRACT The application of pesticides is essential in modern agricultural production. The concept of drift refers to the undue displacement of a product, which moves to areas outside the intended target, usually due to air currents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the drift potential of conventional spray tips and those incorporating drift reduction technology, at wind speeds both suitable and unsuitable for application. The following spray tips were used: ConeJet TXVS12, Teejet TT 110-02, Teejet TTI 110-02, and Hypro GA110-03. A wind tunnel was used to generate and control the flow of air. The pressure used was 300 kPa. The wind speeds were 6 and 10 km h–1. The spray bar was mounted with the spray tip 50 cm from the ground. The spray solution included water and tracer dye. Polyethylene thread was used for the collectors, which were placed at four different distances (1, 2, 3, and 4 m) and five different heights (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 m). The liquids were analysed in a spectrophotometer. At a wind speed of 10 km h–1, a distance of 1 m and a height of 0.1 m, the drift values were 13.41%, 7.15%, 3.13%, and 5.11% for the ConeJet TXVS12, TT 110-02, TTI 110-02, and GA110-03, respectively. It was found that drift potential increased with the increase in wind speed but was reduced with the increase in distance and height. Drift reduction technology using air induction proved to be the best strategy when choosing the correct spray tip for reducing drigt.

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ABSTRACT The species Porphyra, Pyropia, and Neopyropia are widely cultivated and consumed worldwide due their valuable nutraceutical properties. These red algae are rich in essential macronutrients, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and minerals. They also contain bioproducts beneficial to human health, such as pigments (phycobiliproteins), phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and polysaccharides, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-obesity activities. These algae are particularly important as edible seaweeds, being most notably used in the production of Nori. This review examines recent research on the nutritional value of Nori species, based on 17 selected articles. The data were organized according to protein, carbohydrate, lipid, and ash content. Additionally, we explore the bioactive compounds found in these species, such as pigments, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds. Our discussion also emphasizes the economic potential of Nori in Brazil. Despite the country's rich biodiversity, Brazil remains a major importer of algae for human consumption. However, there is significant potential for expanding its presence in the aquaculture sector, creating opportunities for the cultivation of Nori species. These growing prospects could pave the way for the sustainable exploitation of this resource in both national and global markets.