Rondônia’s Agriculture faces challenges in adopting precision technologies due to edaphoclimatic heterogeneity, land fragmentation, and limitations in digital infrastructure, as well as a scarcity of studies that quantify the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) in the Amazonian context. This study presents a literature review, conducted according to the PRISMA protocol, focusing on the applications and impacts of AI mediated by drones, smart sensors, and predictive analysis systems in agriculture in Rondônia. A total of 31 national and international publications (2010–2025) from the Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases were analyzed using the PICO strategy, covering variables such as productivity, environmental sustainability, and economic feasibility. It was observed that, although few empirical studies have been carried out directly in Rondônia, evidence from other regions and tropical contexts indicates potential gains of up to 10 bags per hectare in grain production and reductions of up to 90% in pesticide use with AI-based solutions. These results, although inferential, suggest high potential for local application, especially in crops such as coffee, cocoa, and soybeans. In addition to promoting production efficiency, AI contributes to lowcarbon agricultural practices and the mitigation of environmental impacts. In economic terms, analyses indicate a return on investment within up to three harvests, depending on production scale, while small and medium-sized producers remain dependent on cooperatives and credit policies to enable access. It is concluded that AI is promising for agriculture in Rondônia, but its full adoption requires public policies, digital inclusion and the strengthening of regional research.
Cassava Witches’ Broom Disease (CWBD), associated with species of Rhizoctonia theobromae, is an emerging plant disease of high phytosanitary concern, recently reported in several Southeast Asian countries and, more recently, in Brazil. The emergence and rapid spread of this disease pose a significant threat to cassava productivity and food security in tropical regions. This study aims to compile and analyze the main scientific evidence published between 2018 and 2025 regarding the etiology, dissemination, socioeconomic impact, and management strategies of CWBD. The methodology followed a systematic review based on the PRISMA protocol, including recent national and international publications. Results indicate that CWBD severely affects cassava growth and yield, directly impacting the livelihood and socioeconomic stability of smallholder farming communities. Current management strategies focus on preventive measures such as the use of pathogen-free planting material, crop rotation, and continuous phytosanitary monitoring. However, scientific gaps remain concerning the definitive identification of the causal agent, understanding of its life cycle, and the development of resistant genotypes. It is concluded that the spread of CWBD represents an increasing threat to tropical cassava production, requiring integrated efforts in research, surveillance, and public policy to reduce its impacts.
Artificial propagation of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) is fundamental for aquaculture, but the optimization of fertilization timing, especially oocyte viability time post-extrusion, still presents challenges. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different waiting times (15, 30, 45, 60, and 80 minutes) on the fertilization of tambaqui oocytes, using chilled semen (4 °C) without cryoprotectants. The study was conducted on a commercial scale, where male and female broodstock were hormonally induced. After extrusion, the oocytes were held and fertilized at the different sampling times with chilled semen. Fertilization rates were evaluated 6 hours post-insemination, under monitored water quality conditions, which remained adequate (average temperature of 28 °C). The highest fertilization rates were observed at 15 min (87.02%) and 30 min (86.80%). After 30 minutes, a progressive and significant decrease in fertilization efficiency was observed for the remaining times. It is concluded that, although tambaqui oocytes can withstand a waiting period of up to 80 minutes, the fertilization rate decreases after 60 minutes. The study defines an optimal time window, up to 30 mins for fertilization with chilled semen; after 45-60 min, the fertilization rate begins to drop. This information is crucial for optimizing or maximizing reproductive success in tambaqui larviculture.
Bees are fundamental to biodiversity conservation, as they are indispensable pollinators and contribute significantly to the economy, especially in the agricultural sector. However, there are still many knowledge gaps regarding species diversity and the benefits provided by bees, including their products, particularly in the Northern region of Brazil. In this context, this research sought to provide an overview of beerelated research based on studies conducted in the state of Roraima that used bees and/or their products as the central theme. Searches were carried out in SciELO, Google Scholar, PubMed, the CAPES Journal Portal, the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations and the institutional repositories of the Federal University of Roraima and the State University of Roraima. A total of 43 studies were analyzed, including scientific articles, theses, and dissertations that studied bees and/or their products. Most of the studies were scientific journal articles (60%), followed by dissertations (28%), while books, book chapters, and theses appeared in smaller numbers, 5%, 5%, and 2%, respectively. The most studied fields were apiculture (35%) and physicochemical and microbiological analysis of apicultural products (26%). These findings provide valuable insights into the understanding of bees in Roraima and highlight the discrepancy between the importance of the topic and the number of studies conducted in the state.
Land-use changes significantly affect soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by altering the biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nitrogen in tropical ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions from soils under different land uses in the Eastern Amazon (forest, agriculture, intensive pasture, and nominal pasture) through a laboratory incubation experiment using static chambers. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replicates. Gas fluxes and production were quantified using gas chromatography. The results indicated that the nominal pasture showed the highest cumulative CO2 emissions (246.0 ng CO2 g-1 dry soil), while the intensive pastures registered the highest cumulative N2O emissions (64.3 ng N2O g-1 dry soil). In contrast, the lowest fluxes were observed in forest soils (64.2 ng CO2 g-1 and 26.8 ng N2O g-1 dry soil). Regarding CH4, all systems acted as sinks, with the highest oxidation rates observed in intensive pasture (–199.7 ng CH4 g-1 dry soil) and nominal pasture soils (–249.3 ng CH4 g-1 dry soil), while forest soils showed lower efficiency in removing this gas (–49.0 ng CH4 g-1 dry soil). It is concluded that land use significantly influences soil GHG emissions in the Eastern Amazon. Nominal pasture increases CO2 emissions, whereas intensive pasture enhances N2O emissions. Soil physical and hydrological properties directly affect CH4 oxidation. The adoption of sustainable management practices, such as optimized fertilization and proper control of soil compaction, may help mitigate GHG emissions and promote the balance of carbon and nitrogen cycles in Amazonian soils.
The cultivation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is limited by pests such as the black aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch, 1854) and the pod weevil, commonly known as manhoso (Chalcodermus bimaculatus Fiedler, 1936), which significantly reduce productivity and compromise the quality of harvested grains. Within the context of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the use of plant extracts has been increasingly recognized as a promising alternative to conventional chemical control, with a lower environmental impact. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of an aqueous extract of Cunhã (Clitoria ternatea L.) in controlling these two pests in cowpea cultivation. The experiment was conducted using the UFRR-Grão Verde cultivar, in a completely randomized design with three treatments: Control - water application), Evidence® 700WG insecticide - IMIDACLOPRID 700 g kg-1, 150 g p.c. ha-1; 500 L ha-1 of spray solution, and aqueous extract of Cunhã - 100 g L-1 of water, fresh weight basis, with varying replications. Cowpea rows (9 m) were alternated with strips of Brachiaria ruziziensis (9 m), spaced at 0.8 m apart, used as living barriers between treatments. Applications were carried out at 18, 30, and 46 days after planting (DAP). At 62 DAP, when the pods were physiologically matured, 20 pods per plot were collected to assess the incidence of C. bimaculatus. The extract of Cunhã treatment was effective in controlling A. craccivora, reducing infestation, but was ineffective against C. bimaculatus. The Evidence® 700WG insecticide treatment satisfactorily controlled both pests, demonstrating its effectiveness as the reference chemical treatment.
Bees are major pollinators and play a key role in the reproduction of numerous plant species, thus ensuring the survival of many ecosystems. However, bee populations are currently in decline due to factors that negatively affect natural nesting habitats, which could ultimately lead to their disappearance. The expansion of agricultural land has significantly altered the landscape of the Santo Ângelo microregion in Rio Grande do Sul state (RS), Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify bee nesting sites and species on agricultural properties in the municipalities Santo Antônio das Missões, Rolador and São Luiz Gonzaga within the Santo Ângelo microregion. Nest surveys were conducted in trunks, soil, and manmade structures located near residential areas of the properties and in forest fragments adjacent to crops and pastures. Some specimens were collected, sacrificed, and taken to the laboratory for identification. Arboreal substrates were identified, and diameter at breast height (DBH) and nest entrance height (NEH) were measured. A total of 25 bee nests were identified: one in a dry trunk, five in masonry structures, and 19 in trees. The bees captured belonged to the genera Plebeia, Scaptotrigona, Tetragonisca, and Trigona, and were found in 12 tree species with a mean DBH of 0.65cm. The strongest bee-substrate associations were between T. angustula and T. fiebrigi in Handroanthus albus (4 nests), and T. angustula and T. fiebrigi in masonry structures (3 nests). The most frequently used trees were Handroanthus albus and Cordia americana, associated with Tetragonisca and Plebeia. The results highlight the importance of preserving forested areas near crops and pastures and maintaining tree species that favor bee nesting.
Northeastern Pará is characterized by pluviometric regimes above 2,000 mm, and high nocturnal temperatures. These factors may influence the phenological stages of the corn plant and consequently the quality of the silage. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition, fermentative characteristics, and counts of molds and yeasts of four corn hybrids silages grown in northeastern Pará. Four corn hybrids of an early cycle were used: K9105, 2B688, RB9006, K9960. The cultivation was carried out in a no-tillage system, in the municipality of Igarapé-Açu (PA), in an area of two hectares divided into four plots (one for each hybrid), with four useful areas per plot, to collect forage to be ensiled. The ensiling was done in PVC silos with capacity for 2.5 kg of forage in a density of 600 kg of MN m-3. The data were analyzed in a completely randomized design with four replicates (useful areas) per treatment (hybrids). The silos were stored for 90 days. The pH varied between 3.44 and 3.71 for the silages of the studied hybrids, being within the limits desirable for quality silage. The hybrid silage K9960 presented lower dry matter content than K9105 and 2B688 but like RB9006. It is concluded that all the hybrids studied can be used in the production of silages. It is recommended that the dry matter content of the hybrids be monitored before harvest due to differences in senescence.
In Roraima, sweet potato cultivation is a relevant socioeconomic activity, with productivity above the national average, serving the regional market. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) production is concentrated in the northeast of the state, covering the municipalities of Boa Vista, Bonfim and Uiramutã. This study aimed to analyze the sweet potato marketing chain, including aspects such as processing and marketing. The cultivars sweet potato with white flesh and skin and sweet potato with purple skin were selected, and nine traders were visited at the Farmers’ Market. At each sampling point, a 20 kg batch of sweet potatoes was collected as displayed on the stand, and the checklist data were analyzed using the Likert scale. The results showed that the potatoes are predominantly transported in 20 kg plastic bags with good palletization and adequate labeling, according to Embrapa recommendations, ensuring traceability and minimizing losses in the logistics chain. However, it was found that 89% of traders were unaware of the existence of products derived from sweet potato processing, such as chips and flours, indicating a low level of local processing. This study suggests that the adoption of more efficient post-harvest practices, such as the use of perforated plastic bags as an alternative for producers and traders who use other types of packaging, ensuring proper traceability and handling, and expanding knowledge about the processing potential of sweet potatoes, could improve product quality and expand market opportunities in Boa Vista.
Adopting conservationist land use systems can contribute to soil carbon storage and minimize climate change. Given the above, the research aimed to quantify and compare the contents of total organic carbon (TOC) and oxidizable fractions of soil organic matter (SOM) in different land use systems. The research was conducted in soils classified as Latossolo Vermelho Distroférrico; soil samples were collected in the 0-0.10, 0.10-0.20, and -0.20-0.30 m soil layers. The treatments consisted of five land use systems (soybean/corn succession in a no-till system, cassava in conventional tillage, eucalyptus, permanent pasture, and reformed pasture) plus a reference area (native cerrado vegetation). The adoption of the no-till system was efficient in promoting greater increases in TOC contents, on the other hand, conventional tillage presented the lowest TOC contents throughout the soil profile (0-30 cm) studied. No-till system promoted the best benefits in increasing carbon in the F1 (labile), F2 (moderately labile), and F3 (recalcitrant) fractions of SOM. Determining carbon in the oxidizable fractions of SOM proved sensitive for evaluating changes caused by land use systems. Adopting the no-till system contributes consistently to increasing TOC contents, helping to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and promoting improved soil quality.
The study of sulfur (S) forms in the soil is relevant, and its availability depends on pH. The aim was to investigate how pH affects the balance between labile and non-labile sulfur reserves. The randomized block design with four replications was used. The treatments were: 1) soil incubated without pH correction; 2) pH corrected to 6.0 before incubation; 3) pH corrected to 6.0 after incubation. An anionic resin membrane was used to determine labile S. The S extracted in 48 hours was readily labile sulfur (RLS), and that extracted after 48 hours was slowly labile and non-labile sulfur (SLS+NLS), obtained from the difference between soil S (after calcination) and RLS. The data was submitted for analysis of variance, and the contrasts were tested (significance at 5%). Hierarchical cluster analysis with complete linkage and Mojena criterion (k=1.25) was also used. The pH correction affected the RLS reserve, increasing its concentration compared to the non-corrected treatment and, consequently, affecting the soil balance between RLS and SLS+NLS. The pH affects the dynamics of the RLS and SLS+NLS reserves, favoring the RLS reserve. There was little influence from the time of correction on these dynamics. Variations influenced the grouping of these soils in texture, mineralogical composition, and organic carbon content. The pH correction before incubation increases sulfate release, especially in soils rich in goethite and gibbsite, affecting the S adsorption according to the soil characteristics.
In Brazil, soil physics has acquired great notoriety in recent decades due to losses in agricultural production resulting from soil degradation. Degraded areas are commonly abandoned and generate greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the conservationist soil management have been a priority in government programs. The application of this type of management requires indepth knowledge about the physical properties of the soil and how each of them interacts with other components of the environment. In this context, the objective of this review article was to bring scientific work that correlated the physical quality of the soil with agricultural productivity. Articles indexed in the Web bases of Science, Scopus, Scielo and Redalyc were used. This methodology provided 129 articles, 4 books, 1 book chapter and a doctoral thesis. It can be established that the physical quality of the soil is dynamic and influenced by a set of properties simultaneously, also responding to soil management and climatic conditions. Compaction is the most studied property and has direct effects on the loss of agricultural production, leading many areas to erosion and compromising the soil’s environmental functions. It is considered that maintaining the physical quality of the soil is an essential component within the planning of agricultural activities and can prevent the degradation of areas. Understanding the dynamics of these properties can also help in reversing advanced cases of loss of soil physical quality.
In greenhouse cultivation of stock (Matthiola incana), the main causative agent of its death is the fungus Fusarium sp., especially in the early phenological stages, resulting in significant losses during the first four weeks of cultivation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate phytosanitary control techniques (chemical, biological, and antibiotics) to reduce Fusarium sp. infection in stock (Matthiola incana) cultivation. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with five treatments (control; chemical products; biological products, antibiotics, and product combinations) and three replications. The chemical active ingredients used were aluminum phosphite, iprodione, captan, and Hymexazol. Biological solutions included Trichoderma sp. and Bacillus subtilis, while antibiotics used were Weed Pirocontrole, Kasugamicin, Polioxin B, Azoxystrobin, and Kresoxym methyl. Additionally, product combinations were evaluated, such as Fosetyl aluminum, Bacillus subtilis, Polioxin B, Hymexazol, and Azoxystrobin. Control efficacy was measured based on the severity of fungal growth in culture, while mortality represented the loss rate at the end of the experiment. The combined treatment of techniques was superior, with a mortality rate of 13.77%, compared to the 63.00% recorded in the absolute control group. These results underscore the importance of an integrated approach to Fusarium sp. control in stock cultivation, emphasizing the effectiveness of combining different phytosanitary techniques to minimize losses and promote successful production.
In Roraima, banana cultivation is a significant socio-economic activity aimed at catering to both the domestic and regional markets. The banana-producing region (Musa spp) is concentrated in the southern part of the state, encompassing the municipalities of Caroebe, São João da Baliza, and Rorainópolis. Thus, the objective was to assess fruit damage and investigate severity and causes. The cultivars selected for the study were ‘Pacovan’, ‘Prata’, and ‘Missouri’. Five markets were visited for the study, with eleven points of sale sampled at each market. At each sampling point, newly arrived batche (bunches) was collected at three distinct times. The variable studied was the incidence of fruit damage at different ripening stages (type 2 and type 7). Data collected visually were subjected to Likert analysis and descriptive statistics. The results showed that mature bananas exposed directly on tarpaulin exhibited severe mechanical damage, such as abrasions and cuts due to direct contact with the rough surface of the tarpaulin and stacking during transport. Mature fruits transported in cardboard boxes had a lower incidence of damage and also served as a display for marketing. Mature green fruits were also affected during transport, with greater impact when in plastic bags or plastic boxes due to irregular and pointed surfaces. In the case of green-mature fruit, the damage incurred was less severe compared to mature fruit.
The E. stipitata is a native fruit tree from the Amazon, currently in the domestication phase due to its high nutritional and economic potential. In this process, studies aiming at the technical feasibility of propagating materials with desirable agronomic qualities are necessary but still incipient. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate different grafting methods forE. stipitata propagation and the compatibility between scion and rootstock using anatomical analysis as a tool. For the experiment, a randomized block design was used in a split-plot scheme over time, with three replications. The plots consisted of three grafting types: cleft grafting, side-veneer grafting, and budding. The subplots were four evaluation times: 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after grafting (DAG). The evaluated variables were the grafting success rate, the number of shoots per graft, shoot length, and shoot diameter. There was a significant interaction between the factors under study. During the experimental period, an increasing grafting success rate and the number of shoots emitted were observed for budding, although with a low success rate. Through cleft grafting, there was a complete loss of shoots at 120 DAG, leading to the subsequent death of all tissues. Budding grafting appears as a promising method for E. stipitata propagation, demonstrating vascular tissue connection feasibility, although this effect did not reflect in the grafting success rate.
The majority of farmers in Brazil have a low level of education, which makes it difficult for them to read and understand pesticide labels and can result in poisoning during field applications. The aim of this study was to verify the perception of farmers and rural workers in the district of Santana do Livramento, Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil, concerning the use of and exposure to pesticides, as well as the damage caused to their health and the environment. Thirty-one farmers who make use of pesticides on their property were interviewed, together with the people that apply the pesticides. The profile of those interviewed showed that the majority were male (87.5%), with a professional occupation characterised as rural worker (29.2%) and a high school education (29.15%). When reading the labels and pictograms, none of the respondents correctly defined the figures on the labels or knew their meaning, the conclusion being that comprehension is still a problem. The perception of the farmers concerning the use of and exposure to pesticides was considered low despite claiming to know the risks that exposure entails. However, their partial use of PPE and their difficulty in understanding the product labels would contradict this claim. In addition, a proportion of those interviewed had already experienced some symptoms of poisoning.
Many crops of global importance, such as soybeans (Glycine max), come from the sowing process. This stage in the production cycle is the most important since the deposition of the seed in the soil will directly impact final productivity. Therefore, it must be carried out correctly to guarantee a better uniformity of seed distribution. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the interference of operating speed and different furrow closing pressures on the longitudinal distribution of seeds, productivity, soil mobilization, and sowing depth in direct and conventional planting systems. The experimental treatment units had an area of 10 m² distributed in a randomized block design and arranged in a system of sub-subdivided plots, with four replications, being: two types of soil preparation (direct planting and conventional system), and, in each one, two operating speeds (3.42 and 6.82 km h-1) and three pressures in the furrow closing system (12.57; 14.94 and 16.52 kfg). The type of soil preparation system influenced the depth and spacing between seeds. The operating speed of 3.42 km h-1 determined the better longitudinal distribution of the seeds. Soil mobilization and blistering were significantly changed with increasing pressure from the compacting wheels, having the most significant effect at a pressure of 16.52 kgf.
Beef production has been growing in Roraima state, Brazil, in recent years. As a result, poor sanitary management and final product quality have caused economic losses due to inappropriate vaccine use. Thus, the present study aimed at evaluating the economic losses caused by vaccine reactions due to abscesses and/or granulomas in cattle carcasses from slaughterhouses under veterinary inspection in Roraima. The study was carried out from August 2017 to July 2018, in a slaughterhouse, evaluating cattle carcass injuries. A total of 277 carcasses with vaccine reactions were identified, 57.03% with granulomatous lesions and 42.97% abscessive lesions, representing an economic loss of R$ 2,105.20. In regard to lesion location, there was a predominance on the side of the neck (91.34%). There was a statistical difference between the type of injury and carcass weight (P<0.05). The municipalities of Cantá, Caracaraí, Iracema and Rorainópolis showed a statistical difference in granuloma frequency for abscesses, demonstrating probable adequate vaccination management. The information obtained can be used to alert sanitary defense and public health services, through disease control programs for the state’s cattle herd. It is expected that these programs could improve final product quality, thereby reducing the economic losses of producers.
In Brazil, the productivity and quality of the peduncle and nut of the cashew have increased significantly due to the use of binomial hybridisation-cloning. In the present research, genetic parameters (variance components – individual REML) and genetic values (mean components – individual BLUP) were estimated in a test of full-sib segregating progenies, aiming at the selection of superior cashew progenies and individuals. A controlled-pollination, segregating population from the cashew genetic breeding program of Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical, comprising four different progenies, each represented by 48 full-sib (FS) individuals, were evaluated over six consecutive crops. The following traits were evaluated: nut yield, mean nut weight, reaction to Anacampsis phytomiella, and reaction to oidium (powdery mildew). The experimental design was of randomised blocks, with four replications and 12 plants per plot. The REML/BLUP geneticstatistical procedure was used to optimise the selection process. It seems reasonable to opt for a selection limit of 14 individuals with superior behaviour to comprise the recombination unit of the next cycle of recurrent selection using the remaining seeds from this breeding population. Plants 25 and 27 from the progeny identified as having the best performance (FS 13/3) for direct cloning were selected to comprise the local trial of the cashew genetic breeding program.
In Brazil, the lima bean bean is cultivated throughout almost the entire country, and has relative economic importance in the Northeast, which is the main producer. Increasing the availability of K via fertilisation, would increase the productivity of the lima bean. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate different doses of potassium on productivity in the lima bean. The study was carried out in the field between January and July 2019, in the town of Raposa, Baturité, Ceará. The experimental design was of randomised blocks, with five treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of the following doses of potassium: 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg ha-1 K2O, using potassium chloride as a source, corresponding to 50%, 75%, 100%, 125% and 150% of the recommended dose. As the pods dried and the grain was collected, the following variables were evaluated: number of pods per plant, pod length, pod diameter, pod weight and productivity. The potassium doses of 130, 109 and 180 kg ha-1 K2O afforded the greatest number of pods (124), pod weight (108.64g) and pod diameter (18 mm), respectively. The dose of 106.20 kg ha-1 K2O, lower than the recommended dose for the lima bean, determined the maximum grain yield, 1,567 kg ha-1.
