ABSTRACT The use of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) is a promising strategy to enhance crop productivity while improving soil functionality. This study evaluated the efficacy of fungal-bacterial consortium of Trichoderma asperellum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis, for promoting the growth of soybean and maize cultivated under distinct edaphoclimatic conditions across Brazil. Field trials were conducted in five locations within Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais. Treatments consisted of a fungal-bacterial consortium (200 g ha-¹, in-furrow at planting) combined with 50% or 100% of the recommended nitrogen rate. Shoot dry biomass, foliar nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations, grain yield, and soil microbial activity determined by fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis were assessed. The fungal-bacterial consortium significantly improved all variables in both crops. In soybean, shoot biomass increased by 10.7-13.4% and grain yield by 9.2-9.9%, while foliar N and P rose by 10.2-12.4%, and soil enzymatic activity increased up to 11.0%. In maize, biomass increased by 10.4-11.8% and grain yield by 13.1-13.9%, with foliar N and P increasing by 9.5-14.1% and soil enzymatic activity by up to 12.5%. Notably, positive responses were maintained under 50% nitrogen fertilization. These findings demonstrate that fungal-bacterial consortium enhances nutrient acquisition and soil microbial activity, improving crop performance under variable environmental conditions and reduced N input, supporting its potential as a biological tool for sustainable nutrient management in soybean and maize systems.
ABSTRACT Chlorophyll content is a key indicator of plant physiological status and photosynthetic activity; therefore, its rapid, non-destructive, and cost-effective assessment is of considerable importance for crop monitoring and management. This study aims to estimate the chlorophyll content of Satsuma mandarin and Valencia orange leaves using five wavelengths (blue, green, red, red-edge and near infrared) and ten different vegetation indices. The study was conducted during the fruit ripening period of citrus trees. Spectroradiometric and SPAD (The Soil Plant Analysis Development) measurements were performed within the scope of proximal remote sensing. Ten vegetation indices, including LCI, CI-G, GNDVI, NDVI, SR, TGI, VARI, NGRDI, NGBDI, and GLI, were derived from hyperspectral (HS) data obtained through spectroradiometric measurements. The statistical analyses estimated SPAD values by Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) analysis. According to the findings, the model developed for Satsuma mandarin achieved R², RMSE, and MAPE values of 0.89, 1.79, and 2.16%, respectively, while the corresponding values for the Valencia orange were 0.90, 1.60, and 2.01%. These results demonstrate that the relative chlorophyll content during fruit ripening period can be successfully estimated using HS data and the PLSR algorithm. The proposed approach may support rapid chlorophyll monitoring during fruit ripening, a critical period for nutrient management and orchard decision-making, thereby contributing to precision agriculture applications in citrus production.
ABSTRACT Soil parent material information is essential for defining potential soil uses. However, intense tropical weathering makes direct identification of parent material challenging considering their great depths. Proximal sensing can support the detailed prediction and mapping of parent material through soil analysis. The objective of this study was to map parent material on an experimental farm in Southeastern Brazil using a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF) and the Random Forest algorithm. A total of 114 soil samples (0-20 and 60-80 cm) were collected, representing multiple soil classes, landforms, and land uses. In addition, 17 rock fragments (gabbro and granite-gneiss) were collected for model calibration. All samples (soil and rock) were analyzed using pXRF. Parent material prediction models were then developed using the Random Forest algorithm and applied to spatialized pXRF-derived chemical data to generate parent material maps. The accuracy of spatial predictions was evaluated using the Kappa index (KI), overall accuracy (OA), and user’s and producer’s accuracies. The 60-80 cm dataset yielded the highest prediction accuracy (KI = 0.52; OA = 0.76). The most important variables were Mn, Fe, P, K, and Ca contents. These results demonstrate that pXRF data can be used to predict and map the spatial distribution of soil parent material with reasonable accuracy, even across different soil classes and land uses.
ABSTRACT Zinnia elegans shows potential as a cut flower, however, its production in tropical regions can be limited by abiotic stresses. Controlling light quality with shading nets can minimize these effects. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different shading nets on the vegetative growth, floral production, leaf anatomy, and antioxidant system of Z. elegans cv. ‘Luz da Lua’. The experiment was conducted during two seasons: spring-summer and autumn-winter, with plants grown under full sun, black nets (30% and 50%), and blue (50%) and red (50%) photoconversion nets. In the spring-summer period, plants exhibited greater vegetative growth and flower number. The 30% black and 50% red nets promoted the development of longer floral stems with higher biomass, while the highest number of flowers was obtained under the 30% black net. Cultivation under full sun resulted in lower flower production and shorter stems. Regarding the antioxidant system, higher enzymatic activity was observed in plants grown in spring-summer, notably higher catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities under black nets, contributing to reduced oxidative damage. In contrast, the 50% blue net promoted higher H2O2 accumulation and lipid peroxidation, indicating the occurrence of oxidative stress. Plants grown under black nets also showed higher stomatal density. The use of shading nets favors the production of high-quality flowers, and the 30% black net is recommended for maximizing flower number, stem length, and the efficiency of the antioxidant system.
ABSTRACT The lemon tree (Citrus aurantifolia) is a highly commercial crop in northern Peru and is severely affected by the citrus leafminer pest (Phyllocnistis citrella). Early detection is vital to reduce yield losses caused by this pest. This research evaluated Machine Learning (SVM, KNN, DT, RF) and Deep Learning (CNN) algorithms to identify the presence of the leafminer across three stages of damage severity (Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3) and healthy leaves (No leafminer). A dataset of 1,134 field-acquired images was used. The base CNN achieved 85.71% accuracy. Through architectural optimization (adding three convolutional layers with 64, 128, and 256 filters and increasing the dense layer to 256 neurons), the optimized CNN reached 90.95% accuracy after 50 training epochs, outperforming traditional ML algorithms (79.05-84.29%). A benchmark using Google’s Teachable Machine (AutoML) platform achieved 96.86% overall accuracy, with class-specific accuracies of 94% (Stage 1), 96% (Stage 2), 97% (Stage 3), and 100% (No leafminer). Functional web and Android mobile prototypes integrating the optimized CNN model were developed for real-time field detection. These results demonstrate that the proposed architectural modifications yield superior pest detection performance, and that AutoML platforms can provide even higher accuracy, reducing technical barriers for farmers and researchers.
ABSTRACT Palisada perforata is one of tropical seaweed that is promising as an additive to reduce rumen methane production, but in total mixed rations (TMR) as a basal feed not reported yet. A randomized factorial block design with two factors (3 x 2) and five replications was applied, time to collect rumen fluid from fistulated Bali cattle as a block. The first factor was the TMR type: TMR 1 (80% roughage, 20% concentrate), TMR 2 (70% roughage, 30% concentrate), and TMR 3 (60% roughage, 40% concentrate). The second factor was the P. perforata enrichment level (0.00 and 5.00% organic matter, OM). Interactions between the TMR type and P. perforata enrichment level were not significant for most variables, except microbial protein synthesis. TMR 3 enriched with 5.00% OM P. perforata resulted in the highest microbial protein synthesis. Methane production was lowest (31.99-36.32%; P < 0.01) in TMR 3, which also exhibited a reduced protozoa population, lower acetate and butyrate proportions, and a reduced acetate-to-propionate ratio, while yielding a higher (P < 0.01) total volatile fatty acid, propionate proportion, and NH3 concentration. Enrichment with P. perforata at 5.00% OM further decreased methane production, reducing the acetate proportion and acetate-to-propionate ratio while increasing the propionate proportion. In conclusion, a TMR consisting of 60% roughage and 40% concentrate combined with P. perforata at 5.00% OM was the most effective treatment, reducing methane emissions while enhancing rumen fermentation. Dietary P. perforata represents a promising strategy to optimize rumen fermentation efficiency and simultaneously mitigate ruminants’ methane emissions.
ABSTRACT The main pest affecting stored cowpea grains and seeds is the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus), which causes major economic losses. This study aimed to isolate chitin-binding proteins from the seeds of different cowpea genotypes (IT85F-2687, IT86D-716-1, Monteiro, MNC05-828B-3-15, and MNC11-1020E-16) and evaluate their toxicity against C. maculatus. The toxicity of natural and artificial (prepared from cotyledon flour) seeds against C. maculatus was evaluated. The proteins were isolated from the cotyledons using chitin-affinity chromatography. To evaluate the toxicity of these proteins, the seeds of cowpea genotypes were supplemented with 1% or 5% chitin-binding proteins. Oviposition of C. maculatus on natural seeds was not influenced by the cowpea genotypes. However, the larval survival rates decreased in the IT85F-2687, Monteiro, and MNC05-828B-3-15 genotypes. The mass and length of larvae on natural seeds of all genotypes were lower than those on the seeds of the Fradinho cultivar. Meanwhile, larval development was not affected, but the emergence of adult insects markedly decreased on artificial seeds. The adult emergence rate was the lowest in the IT85F-2687 genotype. Meanwhile, the daily insect emergence was delayed in the IT86D-716-1 and IT85F-2687 genotypes. The larval survival, mass, and length decreased on artificial seeds supplemented with 1% chitin-binding proteins. Additionally, the larval mortality rate on seeds supplemented with 5% of chitin-binding proteins was 100%. The seeds of IT86D-716-1, MNC05-828B-3-15, IT85F-2687, and MNC11-1020E-16 genotypes exhibited toxicity to C. maculatus and have potential applications in cowpea breeding programs for developing weevil-resistant cultivars.
ABSTRACT Unconventional food plants (UFPs) are sustainable alternatives for diversifying diets and enhancing the value of Brazilian socio-biodiversity. The nutritional and functional potential of taioba (Xanthosoma taioba E.G. GONÇ.), a UFP, has not been determined. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional, phytochemical, antioxidant, and aromatic compound profiles of taioba leaves cultivated in a syntropic system in Santo Antônio do Tauá, Pará, Brazil. The taioba leaves were subjected to freeze drying or oven drying with and without prior cooking. This study examined the macronutrients, minerals (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy), phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays), pigments, color profile, phenolic profile (high-performance liquid chromatography), and volatile compounds (gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry) in processed taioba leaves. The contents of proteins, insoluble fiber, calcium, and iron were up to 26 g/100 g, 18.44-20.79 g/100 g, 920 mg/100 g, and 30 mg/100 g, respectively. The raw samples exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents, indicating the thermal sensitivity of these compounds. The volatile profile markedly varied between the processing methods. Freeze drying preserved alcohols and ketones associated with fruity and herbaceous notes, while oven drying preserved aldehydes and acids associated with oxidation and thermal degradation. Compounds, such as acetoin, promoted the technological and sensory potential of taioba. Thus, the favorable nutritional and functional properties of X. taioba can be harnessed for its application as a food ingredient, improving sustainable agri-food systems and conserving Amazonian biodiversity.
ABSTRACT In tropical regions, family farming often relies on firewood sourced from secondary vegetation. However, sustainable use of these forest resources requires an understanding of their physicochemical and energetic properties to assess energy potential and responsible management. This study evaluated the fuelwood quality of five species found in tropical secondary landscapes. We performed proximate analysis (moisture content, volatile matter, ash, and fixed carbon) and determined basic density, higher heating value (HHV), lower heating value (LHV), net heating value (NHV), and energy density. Our results showed favorable moisture contents (12.23% to 17.43%), supporting direct combustion. Basic density was moderate, with Banara guianensis (679 kg m-³) and Vismia guianensis (653 kg m-³) exhibiting the highest values. Connarus perrottetii , Lacistema pubescens, and Inga heterophylla presented balanced fuel profiles: high fixed carbon (22.01-22.91%), low ash (<2.1%), and lower volatile matter (74.97-76.44%), which favors slow combustion with reduced emissions. L. pubescens recorded the highest HHV (19.78 MJ kg-¹) and LHV (18.42 MJ kg-¹), while V. guianensis and I. heterophylla had the highest NHV (~15.6 MJ kg-¹). Although B. guianensis showed the highest energy density (12.01 GJ m-³), its elevated ash content suggests the need for proper residue management. Overall, the wood from secondary vegetation demonstrates potential as a sustainable energy source for cassava flour agroprocessing in tropical regions. Careful species selection and effective drying practices are crucial to optimizing combustion efficiency and ensuring the long-term viability of these valuable forest resources.
ABSTRACT Controlled post-harvest fermentation is increasingly used to enhance specialty coffee quality by modulating microbial metabolism and sensory differentiation. This work compared controlled fermentation with the commercial yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Lalcafé CIMA™ (Lallemand®) for 40 h (LV1-T40) or 60 h (LV1-T60) with the traditional 7P-Fermaestro® process from Cenicafé (F) in Coffea arabica L. var. Castillo. Three treatments were evaluated over three successive harvests under a completely randomized design. Physical quality of dry parchment coffee, sensory attributes according to the Specialty Coffee Association protocol, caffeine, chlorogenic acids, and trigonelline contents by HPLC-DAD, and FT-NIR spectral profiles were analyzed. Initial fermentation conditions were comparable among treatments. Yeast inoculation promoted stronger acidification and soluble-solids depletion, indicating more active fermentation dynamics. Physical quality was influenced mainly by harvest rather than treatment. Sensory analysis showed that fermentation significantly affected fragrance/aroma, flavor, balance, and final SCA score, with LV1-T60 showing the best overall cup performance. Caffeine and chlorogenic acid contents were not significantly affected by treatment, whereas trigonelline was significantly higher in LV1-T60. FT-NIR spectra showed high global similarity among treatments, although chemometric analysis detected subtle treatment-related variations. Overall, 60 h yeast-assisted fermentation improved cup quality while preserving physical quality and producing moderate chemical changes.
ABSTRACT Eggplant production has increased globally in recent years; however, productivity remains constrained by biotic and abiotic stresses, including insect and disease pressure, drought, temperature extremes, soil salinity, waterlogging, nutrient limitations, and variable light intensity. Appropriate pruning strategies combined with balanced biocomplex fertilization are expected to provide complete nutrition, addressing limitations mentioned. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pruning and biocomplex fertilizer dosage on the growth, yield, and quality of purple eggplant. Pruning treatments included no pruning (M0), mainstem pruning (M1) and primary-branch pruning (M2). Biocomplex fertilizer was applied at 0, 10, and 15 tons ha-1, corresponding to B0, B1, and B2, respectively. The experiment was arranged in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Growth, yield, and quality of eggplant were observed. The results showed that combinations of pruning and biocomplex fertilization (M1B1 and M1B2) significantly improved yield components compared to the control (M0B0). Treatments M1B1 and M1B2 increased the number of productive branches by 82.7%, fruit set by 51.2%, number of fruits by 100% and 211%, and fresh weight of fruit by an average of 53.1%. The M2B2 treatment showed the maximum improvement, increasing fruit set by 70.7% and fresh fruit yield by 137.9% relative to the control. No significant interaction was observed for leaf number, leaf area, fruit length, fruit diameter, chlorophyll content, total soluble solids. Overall, primary branch pruning combined with 15 tons ha-1 biocomplex fertilizer (M2B2) was the most effective treatment, increasing purple eggplant yield by 137.9%.
ABSTRACT Sustainable corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) production in tropical soils is challenged by high phosphate fertilizer dependence and low phosphorus (P) use efficiency. This study assessed the agronomic efficiency of BTP 010-19 (B. subtilis + B. amyloliquefaciens + B. pumilus) in compensating for a 25% reduction in recommended phosphate fertilization under diverse field conditions. Multi-location field trials were conducted across four Brazilian edaphoclimatic regions using a randomized complete block design. Treatments included inoculation factors (non-inoculated control, BTP 010-19 via seed treatment and in-furrow, and a positive control with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azospirillum brasilense) and P doses (75% and 100% of recommended). The results demonstrated that BTP 010-19 application, particularly in-furrow, significantly enhanced grain yield in both crops. In corn, BTP 010-19-FURROW achieved the highest mean yield (8,264.25 kg ha-¹), representing a 7.1% increase over the non-inoculated control. Crucially, at 75% of the recommended P rate, this inoculation strategy boosted corn yield by 9.2% and soybean yield by 13.9%. These impressive gains were associated with improved root architecture, evidenced by a 6.6% increase in corn root length and a 5.0% increase in soybean root length, alongside significant shoot (8.4%) and root (19.4%) biomass gains in corn. The stability of 1000-grain weight and foliar nutrient concentrations indicated that growth promotion was primarily driven by enhanced nutrient use efficiency rather than increased uptake. These findings validate the Bacillus consortium’s practical potential to effectively offset substantial phosphate reductions, fostering the sustainable intensification of corn and soybean production in tropical soils.
ABSTRACT Passion fruit peel can be used as an alternative for nutrients available in the fruit peel, which is normally discarded during pulping. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the drying kinetics of passion fruit peel and evaluated the effect of drying temperature on the physicochemical and technological characteristics of the flour derived from the product obtained at different temperatures (50, 60, and 70 °C). The experimental drying data were adjusted to mathematical models based on nonlinear regression analysis using the Gauss-Newton method and supplemented by the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). The physicochemical, technological, and color characteristics were evaluated using a completely randomized design, with three temperatures and five repetitions. The Valcam model presented the best fit at 50 and 70 °C, and the Page model presented the best fit at 60 °C. The effective diffusion coefficient ranged from 6.87 × 10-10 to 15.04 × 10-10 m2 s-1 for temperatures of 50-70 °C, and the activation energy was 36.144 kJ mol-1. For the flour, the increase in drying air temperature negatively affected quality parameters, except for water absorption capacity, water solubility, and ash content, with a temperature of 50 °C being the best suited to maintaining the quality of passion fruit peel flour.
ABSTRACT Coffee drying methods significantly impact the final quality of soluble coffee. This study evaluated how two vacuum-based drying techniques, freeze-drying (FD) and spray-freeze-drying (SFD), affect the physicochemical properties and volatile profiles of pour-over coffee prepared from Arabica green coffee beans roasted to light, medium, and dark degrees. We also examined how roast degree and drying method interact to affect microstructure, chemical composition, and flavor retention. FD and SFD produced distinct microstructures. FD formed porous, sheet-like structures, while SFD produced uniform spherical particles. Chemical analysis revealed that increasing roast degree led to decreased total polyphenol content likely due to thermal degradation. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that SFD retained specific volatile aromatic compounds more effectively. In contrast, FD better preserved non-volatile compounds, such as total dissolved solids (TDS) and polyphenols, likely due to reduced oxidative stress than the atomization step used in SFD. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy further confirmed greater degradation of the organic matrix in SFD samples. Overall, the results showed a clear trade-off between the two drying methods. FD was more effective at preserving non-volatile bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and TDS. In contrast, SFD retained key volatile aromatic markers (e.g., 2-furanmethanol) more efficiently through rapid microencapsulation. SFD also reduced total processing time by 45%, indicating greater operational efficiency for producing high-quality instant coffee.
ABSTRACT The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important vegetables from an economic, social, and nutritional point of view, being widely consumed throughout the world, both fresh and processed. Due to its importance, this crop is a constant focus of genetic improvement programs that seek to develop superior genotypes, such as higher quality, yield, and disease resistance. Thus, the aim of this study was to select experimental indeterminate Italian tomato hybrids with high yield, superior fruit quality, and resistance to TSWV (tomato spotted wilt virus) via molecular markers. The trial was conducted in the municipality of Ijaci, southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. A randomized block design was used, with 16 hybrids (12 experimental and 4 commercial controls), four replications, and five plants per plot. Evaluations were carried out for yield, fruit quality, and resistance to TSWV under natural infection and through molecular markers to identify the Sw5 gene. Six experimental hybrids stood out in terms of high yield, with hybrid TO-014 being superior to the others, presenting better size and higher commercial classification. Most genotypes showed few defects, revealing good qualitative characteristics, with the exception of three hybrids (TO-004, TO-042, and TO-134), which demonstrated greater susceptibility to TSWV. Seven experimental hybrids were considered resistant to TSWV because they carry the Sw-5 gene and did not show symptoms of infection in the field. Six of these hybrids also stood out in terms of yield and fruit quality, demonstrating that resistance to the virus has a direct impact on productive characteristics.
ABSTRACT Aromatic herbs produce essential oils comprising volatile and lipophilic compounds derived from secondary metabolism. These plants must be dried immediately after harvesting under controlled conditions to preserve their chemical profile. Herein, we investigated the drying behavior of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and white basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves and evaluated the effect of drying air temperature (40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C) on the yield and composition of essential oil. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus was employed to extract essential oils. The drying data were fitted to nonlinear mathematical models. Increasing temperature decreased drying time and increased drying rate. The Page model was the most suitable for describing the drying kinetics of lemongrass, whereas the Modified Page model was the most suitable for basil. The drying temperature significantly affected essential oil yield, with 40 °C providing the highest yields (2.259% for lemongrass and 2.64% for basil). In basil, 1,8-cineole (14.14%-32.52%) and linalool (27.32%-46.08%) were the major compounds identified, whereas in lemongrass, geranial (51.59%-55.38%) was identified. Temperature also changed oil composition, affecting the relative abundance of key compounds. Overall, the study results indicate a practical trade-off: lower temperatures preserve essential oil yield and chemical integrity; in contrast, higher temperatures enhance drying efficiency at the expense of compositional stability. Our findings will help guide temperature selection based on whether the industrial objective prioritizes drying performance or essential oil quality.
ABSTRACT During seed production, mechanical impacts can cause injuries that compromise physiological quality. This study evaluated mechanical damage in maize seeds subjected to an impact test and its relationship with physiological performance. Three seed lots were exposed to a device with a 105-g weight released in free fall from three heights (7, 13, and 17 cm). After impact, seeds were analyzed using X-ray imaging, Fast Green, and Amaranth to detect the severity of internal damage. Physiological quality was assessed through first germination count, final germination, coleoptile length, primary root length, total seedling length, fresh mass, and dry mass. Data were analyzed in a 3 × 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Vigor tests showed better performance in hybrids 2 and 3, whereas hybrid 1 presented lower values. X-ray imaging was the most sensitive method for detecting internal damage. Increasing impact height intensified mechanical injury, resulting in higher medians and greater variability. Damage-severity classification showed that severe injuries reduced germination, vigor, and early seedling development in all hybrids. Hybrid 3 was the most sensitive, with reductions close to 25% in germination. The pendulum-type impact method was effective for simulating mechanical damage and evaluating physiological consequences. Mechanical injury negatively affected seed quality, and X-ray imaging proved to be the most efficient technique for identifying internal injuries. The results highlight the importance of proper handling to minimize damage during seed processing. These findings contribute valuable insights for improving seed testing protocols and support the development of strategies to reduce mechanical damage during maize seed production.
ABSTRACT Canola (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera) is a major oilseed crop for human consumption and biodiesel production, yet its agronomic performance and seed quality under high-altitude tropical conditions are not well documented. This study evaluated four canola cultivars (Alth B4, Diamond, Hyola 575 CL®, and Nuola 300) grown at an altitude of 1,387 m above sea level in the Brazilian Cerrado, a savanna area in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with four replications, assessing plant growth, productivity, seed physiological quality, and oil content. The phenological cycle of the cultivars ranged from 140 to 146 days. Productivity was highest for Nuola 300 and Alth B4 (~2,034 kg ha-¹), exceeding the national average, while Diamond and Alth B4 exhibited superior seed vigor and germination performance. Oil content varied from 42.57% to 46.36%, with Alth B4 and Diamond showing the highest values. Principal component analysis highlighted strong associations between agronomic performance and seed quality, distinguishing Diamond, Nuola 300, and Alth B4 as the most adaptable to high-altitude savanna conditions, while Hyola 575 showed lower overall performance. These findings demonstrate that canola can achieve high productivity and seed quality in high-altitude Cerrado regions, identifying cultivars with strong potential for commercial cultivation in these conditions.
ABSTRACT Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a nutritionally rich pseudo-fruit valued for its distinctive flavor, aroma, and high antioxidant and mineral content. It is consumed both fresh and as an ingredient in various food products. However, strawberry crops are highly susceptible to arthropod pests, particularly the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and the strawberry aphid (Chaetosiphon fragaefolii), often leading growers to rely heavily on chemical control, with associated environmental and health risks. Genetic resistance offers a sustainable alternative. Identifying potential parental lines with elevated resistance can support the development of new resistant cultivars. In this study, 41 strawberry genotypes from the State University of Londrina collection were evaluated for resistance in choice and no-choice bioassays against T. urticae and C. fragaefolii, and leaf trichomes (glandular and non-glandular) were quantified. Correlations between trichome densities and past performance were analyzed. Significant variability in pest resistance was observed among genotypes, primarily associated with glandular trichomes. The cultivars Camino Real, Ceres, and the experimental genotype RVDA44 exhibited the highest resistance, limiting pest oviposition, survival, and movement, and represent promising candidates for commercial cultivation and as parental lines in breeding programs aimed at developing new resistant cultivars.
ABSTRACT The introduction of dwarfism genes into hybrids, through dwarf male parents, is still a challenge, and can impact photosynthetic characteristics related to productivity. The objective was to select hybrids from dwarf male parents that have desirable agronomic parameters and greater photosynthetic efficiency. Were used 15 hybrids [1: (FP 5 × MP 1); 2: (FP 5 × MP 2); 3: (FP 5 × MP 3); 4: (FP 3 × MP 3); 5: (FP 3 × MP 2); 6: (FP 3 × MP 1); 7: (FP 1 × MP 1); 8: (FP 1 × MP 2); 9: (FP 1 × MP 3); 10: (FP 2 × MP 1); 11: (FP 2 × MP 3); 12: (FP 2 × MP 2); 13: (FP 4 × MP 3); 14: (FP 4 × MP 2); 15: (FP 4 × MP 1)], from the female and male parents, and from the UFU MC TOM1 donor parent. Agronomic and photosynthetic traits were evaluated. Hybrids outperformed the donor parent in all agronomic traits, particularly hybrid 12, which had intermediate results for pulp thickness, fruit production per plant, longitudinal diameter, and transverse diameter, but showed one of the smallest internodes distances observed. Regarding the photosynthetic traits, hybrid 12 also showed the highest efficiency in electron transfer and, especially, the best result for water use efficiency. Hybrid 12 is promising for the breeding program.
