The objective was to evaluate the vegetative development of maize genotypes under different sowing dates by measuring the number of leaves (NL), leafing period (LFP), accumulated thermal sum (ATS), and phyllochron. Twenty-three genotypes were evaluated considering ten sowing dates. In 1120 plants, NL was counted once a week until male flowering, and LFP, ATS, and phyllochron were determined. NL ranges from 15.0 to 25.6 leaves, LFP from 48.0 to 81.6 days, ATS from 674 to 1113 degrees C day, and phyllochron from 29.5 to 66.1 degrees C day leaf-1. NL of the genotypes is similar among sowings of September, October, November, December, January, and February, while LFP gradually decreases with delayed sowing. ATS and phyllochron are higher in November sowing and gradually decrease towards the first (September) and last (January and February) sowing dates.
Immunocastration has been proposed as an alternative to surgical castration because of its effects on growth performance and carcass composition in pigs. This study evaluated growth curves and tissue deposition patterns in surgically castrated (SC) and immunocastrated (IM) male pigs using Gompertz and allometric models. Growth curve parameters andtissue deposition were estimated using nonlinear regression procedures, and allometric coefficients for protein and lipid deposition relative to body weight were evaluated. IM pigs exhibited greater mature body weight than SC pigs (272.3 vs. 218.0 kg), with a later age at maximum growth rate (p < 0.001). Protein deposition was higher in IM pigs, which showed greater mature protein weight (39.2 vs. 30.9 kg) and delayed peak deposition compared with SC pigs (p ? 0.016). Lipid deposition also differed between treatments, with IM pigs presenting greater mature lipid weight (93.9 vs. 72.0 kg) and a later age atmaximum deposition (p ? 0.009). Allometric analyses indicated faster protein deposition relative to body weight in IM pigs, whereas lipid accumulation increased more rapidly in SC pigs. In conclusion, immunocastration promoted greater growthpotential, enhanced protein deposition, and delayed tissue maturity compared with surgical castration, indicating improved lean tissue accretion in male pigs.
Herbicide use for weed control in passion fruit orchards is considered a more accessible and cost-effective alternative. However, the lack of agrochemicals registered for this crop, combined with the scarcity of studies on their phytotoxic effects, makes this issue one of the main limitations to production. Thus, this study evaluated the tolerance of advanced sour passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) seedlings to the application of different herbicides. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with seven treatments, four replications, and three plants per plot. The treatments consisted of a control without herbicide application, sulfentrazone, diuron, S-metolachlor, ammonium glufosinate, imazethapyr, and terbuthylazine. S-metolachlor caused the lowest levels of visual phytotoxicity, followed by imazethapyr and terbuthylazine, throughout the evaluation period. In contrast, ammonium glufosinate, sulfentrazone, and diuron caused greater phytotoxic effects and negatively affected plant development. Overall, herbicide tolerance in sour passion fruit seedlings varied significantly depending on the active ingredient.
The expansion of soybean cultivation into native pasture areas in southern Brazil has driven the occurrence of Elephantopus mollis in grain production systems. However, the scarcity of studies regarding its biology and development limits the understanding necessary for its management. This study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing the ecology of germination and emergence, as well as the growth and development of E. mollis, to support integrated management strategies. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design with four replicates. Assessments covered the effects of temperature, photoperiod, water stress, and salinity on germination; the impact of sowing depth on emergence; and dry matter (DM) accumulation throughout the growth cycle. E. mollis exhibits germination across a wide temperature range, with the highest percentage at 25 degrees C and a 12/12 h (light/dark) photoperiod. Maximum emergence occurs at the soil surface. Both saline and osmotic stress inhibit germination. Initial growth is gradual until 88 days after emergence (DAE), and the reproductive stage begins at 122 DAE. These results identify that control measures should be implemented before 88 DAE.
Olive cultivation (Olea europaea L.) covers approximately 11 million hectares worldwide and has been expanding in Brazil as an alternative for agricultural diversification. The intensification of production systems has increased productivity but has also intensified the extraction of nutrients from the soil. In this context, soil organic matter (SOM) stands out as an essential component for maintaining soil quality. Its most labile fractions are particularly sensitive to changes in management practices and serve as important indicators of soil quality. Despite this, information on the dynamics of organic carbon in olive cultivation systems remains limited, especially in Brazil. Thus, this study aims to evaluate changes in soil organic matter and chemical properties under olive cultivation (CA) and forest cover (FA) in the Serra da Mantiqueira region. Four deformed composite soil samples were collected from 0-5, 5-10, 10-20, and 20-40 cm layers. Soil fertility, including macronutrients and micronutrients, and soil organic carbon (SOC) were evaluated. For macronutrients (K, Ca, Mg), the application of mineral fertilizers resulted in the highest values in the CA profile compared to the FA. However, for the micronutrients (Cu and Fe), the highest values were concentrated in the superficial soil layer in FA. SOM values ranged from 1.38 to 3.49 g kg-1, with the lowest value observed in area CA 5-10 and the highest in area FA 0-5. SOC ranged from 8.97 (CA 20-40) to 26.16 g kg-1 (FA 0-5). The conversion of forest land to olive orchards induces changes in soil chemical properties, often enhancing nutrient availability. Nevertheless, declines in soil organic carbon (SOC) can negatively affect soil quality, highlighting the need for conservation practices (e.g., mulching) to support the restoration of soil carbon stocks.
Management efficiency is linked to the association of cultural strategies that consider various environmental disturbances and integrate different pest and weed control methods. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of initial defoliation of common bean on the critical time for weed removal. Two field experiments were conducted in 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, testing initial bean defoliation levels (0%, 47%, and 82%) and coexistence periods with weeds. A randomized block design with four replicates was used. Number of pods, dry weight of pods, and yield were evaluated, along with the period before interference and control costs using post-emergence herbicides. Results indicated that high defoliation levels in early bean stages reduced the critical time for weed removal, occurring 13 days after emergence with the highest control cost, and decreased yield components, causing up to 44% yield loss even under weed-free conditions. These findings highlight the need for earlier weed management under defoliating pest attacks in the early stages of common bean growth.
Mezilaurus itauba is a native Brazilian tree recognized for the quality and durability of its wood, which is used for various purposes. Seeking new alternatives for seedling production, this study was conducted to determine the ideal dose of Trichoderma harzianum and the efficiency of an organomineral fertilizer derived from cupuacu residues on the initial growth and quality of M. itauba seedlings. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement, with and without the application of the organomineral fertilizer from cupuacu residues and four doses of T. harzianum (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mL L-1), with five replicates, each consisting of five seedlings. Plant height, stem diameter, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, total dry weight, and the Dickson quality index were evaluated. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance at a significance level of 5%. In cases of significant differences, means were compared using Tukey's post-hoc test (p <= 0.05). Analysis of variance indicated that a dose of 1.0 mL L-1 of T. harzianum was more effective for all variables. There was no significant interaction between the organomineral fertilizer from cupuacu residues and T. harzianum doses. The organomineral fertilizer promotes better quality and robustness of M. itauba seedlings.
Rice is an important cereal in the basic diet of approximately one-third of the world's population. The inoculation of seeds with solubilizing bacteria provides a source of P, thereby reducing the need for added inputs to the crop. Soil bacteria with the potential to solubilize phosphates were evaluated in greenhouse and field trials in a 4 & times; 3 factorial scheme for treatments, with 4 replications. The treatments consisted of a combination of four doses of P (0, 23.3, 46.6, and 70 kg ha(-1)), based on the use of 0, one-third, two-thirds, and full dose for upland rice, with the inoculation of three isolates of phosphatesolubilizing bacteria (AAC01-Pantoea sp.; AAC02-Enterobacter sp.; and AAC04-Klebsiella sp.). In the greenhouse experiment, AAC02, together with a dose of 46.6 kg ha(-1) of P, increased soil basal respiration (SBR) and shoot fresh mass. AAC01 increased soil basal respiration linearly up to 70 kg ha(-1) of P and increased root fresh mass by 46.6 kg ha(-1). In the field experiment, the P doses increased the P content of rice grains, roots, shoot dry mass, and plant height. AAC04 associated with 46.6 kg ha(-1) provided equivalent levels of P in the soil and leaves, and P levels in the grains were higher than those in non-inoculated plants fertilized with 70 kg ha(-1) of P. The AAC04 treatment yielded significant gains in both greenhouse and field experiments, with an approximately 33% reduction in phosphate fertilization, resulting in a greater number of panicles per square meter and full grains per panicle. Based on these findings, we recommend AAC04 as a biofertilizer to ensure environmentally healthier rice production in the future.
Spodoptera frugiperda is a polyphagous pest that can cause significant damage to soybean seedlings, particularly to crops established under grass straw mulch in no-tillage systems. Seed treatment with insecticides is widely used to protect crops during early establishment. This study evaluated the agronomic and physiological responses of soybean to seed-applied insecticides under field conditions and the effectiveness of these treatments in protecting seedlings against artificial infestation by Spodoptera frugiperda under greenhouse conditions. Field experiments were conducted over two growing seasons in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Due to the absence of natural caterpillar infestation, field evaluations were limited to plant development and grain yield. A complementary greenhouse experiment was conducted using artificial infestation with third-and fourth-instar caterpillars. Seed treatments containing anthranilic diamides (chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole) significantly reduced seedling injury compared with non-diamide treatments, particularly at early stages after emergence. Furthermore, seed treatments did not affect grain yield under field conditions. These results indicate that diamide-based seed treatments effectively reduce early seedling injury caused by S. frugiperda under greenhouse conditions without affecting soybean yield under field conditions.
The use of plant growth-promoting microorganisms is a promising alternative to improve Brachiaria performance. The potential of a Bacillus aryabhattai (strain CMAA 1363) inoculant, applied via seed treatment, to promote Brachiaria brizantha growth was evaluated, comparing it to commercial Azospirillum brasilense (strains Ab-V5 and Ab-V6) in four regions. The design was randomized blocks with six treatments and four replications: control, four doses of B. aryabhattai (1, 2, 4, and 8 mL kg-1), and A. brasilense (20 mL kg-1). Emergence, plant height, number of tillers, shoot dry mass, leaf nitrogen content, and productivity were evaluated. Data underwent normality and homoscedasticity tests, were submitted to ANOVA, and means were compared by Duncan's test (10%). Inoculation with strain CMAA 1363 caused no phytotoxicity, promoted growth (increases up to 4.5 cm in height, 1.1 tillers, and 39 g dry mass), increased leaf N content by up to 5.9 g kg-1, and, at doses of 4 to 8 mL kg-1, increased productivity by up to 27.2%, demonstrating potential as a new crop inoculant.
Trichoderma species are widely recognized for promoting plant growth and improving plant nutritional status. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Trichoderma longibrachiatum (LPPC299) and Trichoderma asperellum, applied at different times (at sowing, after grafting, and combined application), on the growth and nutrition of grafted dwarf cashew seedlings 'BRS 226'. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with seven treatments and ten replicates. At 120 days after germination, growth-related mechanisms, biometric parameters, dry matter production, and plant nutritional status were evaluated. The LPPC299 isolate applied after grafting promoted a significant increase in stem diameter and leaf nitrogen content, while combined applications increased stem diameter. T. asperellum mainly enhanced leaf area and leaf dry matter. Total biomass production and most nutrient contents did not differ significantly among treatments. The isolates did not produce indole-3-acetic acid; however, they were able to solubilize calcium phosphate and produce siderophores in vitro, independently of application type and timing. It is concluded that the effects of Trichoderma are isolate-dependent, with LPPC299 being the most promising isolate for improving the performance of grafted dwarf cashew seedlings.
Estimating maize biomass is a manual, destructive method subject to variability. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) allows for the acquisition of high-resolution images of crop canopies and, through software, facilitates the estimation of above-ground biomass. The objective was to evaluate the performance of the photogrammetric software Agisoft Metashape and Pix4Dmapper in estimating above-ground maize biomass under field conditions. The experimental design adopted was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, and the treatments consisted of eight maize hybrids (2A510 PW, B2360 PWU, B2433 PWU, B2612 PWU, B2688 PWU, CD3410 PW, DKB255 PRO3, DKB363 PRO3). The Agisoft Metashape (R-2 = 0.89) and Pix4Dmapper (R-2 = 0.82) software demonstrated high experimental precision in estimating above-ground biomass. The maize hybrids DKB255 PRO3 and B2433 PWU showed the highest and lowest biomass productivity, respectively. Integrating UAVs with photogrammetric techniques proves effective in estimating maize biomass under field conditions.
This study was conducted during the sowing seasons of winter-spring, 2024-25, with 10 regional maize genotypes from Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico, with the aim of evaluating water absorption, chlorophyll content, the normalized vegetation index (NDVI) and gas exchange response to deficit irrigation at osmotic pressures of-0.9 MPa,-1.5 MPa, and-2 MPa via polyethylene glycol and under field conditions, from emergence to the male flowering phase (VT). Water uptake and germination percentage were measured under both controlled and field conditions. The final plant height, chlorophyll content, maximum photosynthetic activity (NDVI) and transpiration were evaluated at VT. The humidity conditions caused a significant reduction on seeds water absorption under both experimental conditions, starting at-1.5 MPa. Under field conditions, final plant height, chlorophyll and NDVI were also reduced, with greater effects at-1.5 MPa and-2 MPa in most varieties. Photosynthesis showed stress intensities among 20% and 50%, whereas transpiration was the most affected, exceeding a stress intensity of 70% for most varieties. This study revealed genetic variability in the evaluated germplasms, demonstrating that all the genotypes are susceptible to continuous stress of-2 MPa from emergence to VT phase. Only Criollo Celaya, Roque 2020, and Pe & ntilde;a Colorada x TNM87-C genotypes were classified as tolerant.
Aquaculture has been consolidating itself as an essential alternative to meet the global demand for animal protein, highlighting the importance of nutrition in maintaining fish physiology and health. Among the feed additives studied, attapulgite has generated interest for its effects on hematological, immunological, and biochemical modulation, although its physiological impacts on tambaqui fish are not yet fully understood. This study evaluated the hematological and immunological effects of dietary supplementation with different concentrations of attapulgite on juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). At 20 and 40 days, blood samples from five fish per replicate were analyzed. Changes in hematocrit, hemoglobin, erythrocytes, and hematometric indices were observed. The concentrations of glucose, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, and albumin varied significantly with the inclusion of the adsorbent, indicating adverse impacts on metabolism. The leukocyte profile showed immune stimulation, with increased thrombocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, and LG-PAS. It is concluded that supplementation with 1% attapulgite is safer for juvenile tambaqui, as it positively modulated the
Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) is a native Brazilian fruit tree for which technical information on nursery and orchard management remains limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of training system and shading during seedling production on the survival and growth of Surinam cherry plants during the first three years after field planting. The experiment was carried out at Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos, Paraná, Brazil, from 2019 to 2021. Stem diameter, plant height, number of primary shoots, primary shoot length, number of new leaves produced, and total chlorophyll content were measured. Seasonal climatic conditions strongly influenced growth flushes of Surinam cherry plants within each annual cycle. Regarding training systems, untrained plants exhibited greater vegetative growth than those trained to central leader and open-vase systems, supporting the use of training systems with this native fruit species. Shading during seedling production affected the growth of Surinam cherry plants throughout the three years of evaluation, with seedlings produced under 50% or 35% black shade screens showing superior performance during the initial years in the field.
In regions with limited water resources, such as the Brazilian semiarid region, the use of soil cover can make irrigated agriculture more efficient. The present work aims to analyze the potential use of carnauba bagana as mulch to reduce water use in irrigated coriander production. The experiment was conducted between June and October 2018, in the municipality of Pentecoste, State of Ceará, Brazil, in a randomized block design with four replications in a 5 x 5 factorial scheme, with five irrigation depths (50%; 75%; 100%; 125% and 150% of crop evapotranspiration) and five levels of soil cover (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% equivalent to 16 t ha-1 of carnauba bagana), totaling 100 experimental plots. Growth and yield data were evaluated: number of leaves; plant height, root length, root number, root fresh mass, shoot fresh mass, shoot and root dry mass, yield and water productivity. For shoot fresh mass in the second production cycle, the regression fit as a function of soil cover was linear with an increase of 1.292 g m-2 for each unit increase of carnauba bagana in the soil. Using carnauba bagana as mulch can contribute to the production of irrigated coriander, increasing water productivity and consequently reducing water use..
This study assessed how phosphorus rates affect the growth and nutritional health of seedlings from three native forest species in the Brazilian semi-arid region: Libidibia ferrea, Erythrina velutina, and Piptadenia stipulacea. The experiment was conducted at the Center for Teaching and Research in Urban Agriculture, employing a randomized block design with a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement, involving three tree species (Piptadenia stipulacea, Erythrina velutina, and Libidibia ferrea) and five phosphorus application rates (100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mg dm-³). Measurements included height, stem diameter, number of leaves, dry biomass, shoot-to-root ratio (SRR), height-to-diameter ratio (HDR), phosphorus use efficiency (PUE), phosphorus accumulation (PA), and the Dickson quality index (DQI). The results showed species-specific responses. Piptadenia stipulacea responded more strongly to phosphorus, with notable increases in growth and nutrient absorption. In contrast, Erythrina velutina and Libidibia ferrea showed minimal changes across treatments. These findings indicate that phosphorus needs differ among native forest species, suggesting that fertilization should be customized to meet each species' specific requirements for optimal seedling production.
The cultivation of sugarcane and the production of derivatives such as sugar and brown sugar still demand accurate information from both the industry and producers regarding harvest timing and management, in order to obtain the highest yield and ensure sustainability in the production system. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the production performance and yield of sugarcane genotypes in the production of brown sugar in the State of São Paulo. The experiment was carried out in three harvest seasons (main plot factor) with ten sugarcane genotypes (subplot factor), with four replications, in a 3×10 factorial split-plot design. The variables measured were: broth volume, broth volume per ton, stem mass, brown sugar mass, yield in kg per 100 L of broth and yield in kg ton-1 of cane. An analysis of variance was performed, and the means were compared using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability of error. The June-July seasons proved to be more suitable for sugarcane production, while harvesting in September was most suitable for brown sugar production. Among the genotypes, RB86-7515 showed the best performance for sugarcane production, while IACSP04-704 stood out for brown sugar production.
This study aimed to evaluate how processing, packaging type, and storage time influence the functional and volatile attributes of jelly. A factorial experimental design was used, with two types of packaging (with and without light exposure) and five storage periods (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). Processing increased the levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidants, organic acids and aldehydes, while it reduced vitamin C, alcohols and volatile esters. Gallic acid was the majority phenolic compound in both pulp and jelly. Regarding the volatile compounds, esters group was predominant in murici pulp, while the short-chain organic acids were predominant in jelly. The jelly storage was marked by the reduction of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and volatile esters. However, no significant changes were found regarding the packaging factor.
This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance, cooking time, and the correlation between these traits of common bean cultivars. The experiment was conducted during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 harvest seasons at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Curitibanos Campus. Five common bean cultivars (BRS FP403, BRS ESTEIO, BRS FS311, BRSMG REALCE, and BRS FC402) were studied. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The following traits were evaluated: plant height (AP), first pod insertion height (AIV), number of pods per plant (NV), number of grains per pod (NGV), hundred-grain weight (MCG), grain yield (PG), crop cycle (Ci), and cooking time (TC). All five common bean cultivars can be used for PG. The cultivar BRS FC402 had the highest TC (54.44 min). In both growing seasons, plants with higher GCM have lower NGV. In the 2022/2023 growing season, for plants with higher AIV, cultivars with lower AP are recommended, while for plants with shorter Ci, cultivars with lower NV are recommended. In the 2023/2024 growing season, by recommending cultivars with higher AP, an increase in NV and PG can be expected.
