Binucleate Rhizoctonia (BNR) AG-Fb was recently reported causing damping-off and root rot in soybean in Southern Brazil. However, there is no information regarding its sensitivity to fungicides. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of fungicide-based products available in Brazil on the control of BNR and compare its sensitivity to an isolate of Rhizoctonia solani AG-4. Sensitivity of each isolate was characterized for 20 fungicide commercial products on the inhibitory concentration that reduces 50% of mycelial growth (IC50). Efficacy of fungicides applied as seed treatment was evaluated by in vitro mycelial growth inhibition (MGI), root rot severity index (RRSI), and total dry mass (TDM) of soybean seedlings in growth chamber assays. There was variability in the sensitivity between the Rhizoctonia isolates to the fungicides tested. BNR was highly sensitive (IC50 < 1 mg/L) to fenpropimorph, prothioconazole, and the mixture of carboxin + thiram. R. solani was highly sensitive (IC50 < 1 mg/L) to chlorothalonil, difenoconazole, fenpropimorph, fluazinam, iprodione, procymidone, prothioconazole, pyraclostrobin, triadimenol, and the mixture of propiconazole + difenoconazole. Out of the 20 products tested as seed treatment, only six and eight products significantly reduced mycelial growth of BNR (MGI: 7% to 57%) and R. solani (MGI: 8% to 75%), respectively. In the growth chamber assays, products composed of prothioconazole, difenoconazole, and thiophanate-methyl stood out, as they led to lower RRSI and greater TDM of soybean seedlings for both Rhizoctonia isolates.
This study aimed to develop an automated irrigation system for substrate-grown strawberry plants and to evaluate whether irrigation and biostimulation levels influence yield and fruit quality. The system comprised two Arduino Pro Mini devices equipped with LoRa transceivers, substrate moisture sensors, and servomotors for valve control. Six biostimulants were assessed [control (without biostimulation), microalga Spirulina platensis (SP), mycorrhiza Scutellospora heterogama (SH), a mycorrhizal community (SJ CS), SP + SH, and SP + SJ CS] under four irrigation levels [reference tension of 5 kPa (moderate water deficit), 10% above the reference tension (severe water deficit), 10% below the reference tension (mild water deficit), and standard irrigation without restriction] defined by substrate water tension. Data were collected in real time and analyzed using the InfluxDB (version 3 Core) and Grafana (version 12.3.2) platforms. The automated system-controlled valve activation was based on moisture sensor readings, enabling the establishment of irrigation levels supported by energy-efficient technologies. Under standard irrigation, fruits exhibited lower acidity and improved flavor compared to those from plants under water deficit. Plants subjected to mild water deficit or standard irrigation achieved higher yields than those exposed to moderate or severe deficit. Fruits produced by plants treated with S. heterogama showed higher phytochemical concentrations. Overall, the findings support the use of automated irrigation and biostimulation as sustainable management strategies to enhance water use efficiency, productivity, and fruit quality in soilless strawberry cultivation.
Endoscopic techniques have enabled minimally invasive approaches in neurosurgery, providing shorter recovery times and favorable outcomes. Among these, the endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) has emerged as a versatile surgical modality. Despite the growing body of evidence, complication rates associated with ETOA have not yet been systematically evaluated. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science up to March 2026. We included studies enrolling ≥ 5 patients who underwent ETOA as the sole surgical modality to treat both skull base and orbital lesions, providing data on early or long-term complications. A single-group meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model with 95
Iron ore tailings (IOTs) pose significant environmental and geotechnical challenges due to their high susceptibility to liquefaction and low in situ strength, mainly when loose and saturated in upstream tailings dam disposal. As an alternative to conventional tailings dam disposal, dry stacking has gained prominence in Brazil. However, further research is needed to improve understanding of long-term stability and address concerns regarding its mechanical behavior. This study investigates the multiaxial response of cemented iron ore tailings stabilized with pozzolanic Portland cement (PC IV) over extended curing periods (28, 90, 180, 365, and 730 days). A comprehensive experimental program was carried out, including unconfined compression tests, isotropically consolidated drained triaxial tests, and true triaxial tests, to assess the evolution of strength and anisotropy with curing time. Results indicate a substantial strength gain within the first 28 days, followed by stabilization after 180 days, and a progressive reduction in anisotropy over time. Additionally, microstructural analysis revealed the development of cementitious bonding, enhancing overall mechanical performance. These findings provide valuable insights into the behavior of cemented IOTs, supporting the development of safer and more sustainable mine waste management strategies.
The equine parvovirus hepatitis (EqPV-H) was initially linked to fatal cases of equine serum hepatitis but, more recently, it has also been detected in sick or asymptomatic horses around the world, including in a limited number of horses in southeastern Brazil. In this study we aimed to assess the prevalence of EqPV-H DNA in the serum of healthy horses in the northern region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. For this purpose, we used 1000 serum samples collected from horses from 40 municipalities and organized them into 200 pools of five samples each, based on origin and age. Using a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR), we detected the EqPV-H DNA in 69 of the pools representing 34.5
