ABSTRACT Industrial seed treatment protects soybean seeds against pests and diseases, but prolonged storage causes progressive physiological quality loss driven by phytotoxicity from neonicotinoid insecticides. To our knowledge, no prior research has evaluated whether stratified application, by applying components in ordered layers, reduces phytotoxicity while maintaining seed quality during storage. We evaluated 10 treatment processes combining fungicide, insecticides, polymer, and finishing powder in stratified or simultaneous sequences on soybean seed physiological quality, stored for 135 days at 20°C. A completely randomized 10 × 4 factorial design (10 processes × four storage periods: 0, 45, 90, and 135 days) with four replications was used. Physiological quality was assessed through germination in paper roll plus vermiculite, seedling emergence, accelerated aging, and modified accelerated aging in substrate. A phytotoxicity index was calculated for each test and analyzed via multivariate analysis and k-means clustering. Simultaneous application of all components (Mix) showed the highest phytotoxicity, reducing germination by 4 percentage points (pp) and vigor by up to 6 pp compared to stratified treatments. Treatments with fungicide in the first stage formed a low-phytotoxicity cluster, while Mix occupied an isolated high-phytotoxicity cluster. Seeds maintained viability for up to 90 days and vigor for up to 45 days under controlled storage. Stratified application, particularly with fungicide and polymer applied first, significantly reduces neonicotinoid phytotoxicity and represents a practical strategy to extend seed safety margins in the soybean seed production chain.
ABSTRACT The presence of fungi in common bean seeds is a recurring problem that compromises the physiological and sanitary quality of the plant material. In this context, antagonistic yeasts are presented as a sustainable alternative, but their application is limited due to their low stability during storage. Then, encapsulated bioformulations that preserve their viability and facilitate their use need to be developed. In this regard, the solution blow spraying technique is an aerohydrodynamic process that promotes the formation of microcapsules and preserves the viability of the encapsulated yeasts. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of antagonistic yeasts encapsulated by solution blow spraying for controlling fungi in bean seeds. Five yeasts were preliminarily evaluated by in-vitro tests against fungi associated with bean seeds. After selecting the three yeasts to be tested on seeds, they were applied both in fresh and encapsulated form to evaluate their antifungal efficacy and verify that they did not affect seed germination or vigor. The results showed that Meyerozyma guilliermondii,Meyerozyma caribbica, and Yamadazyma mexicana had the greatest antagonistic potential against the evaluated fungi. The application of these yeasts, both fresh and encapsulated, reduced pathogen incidence during storage without affecting seed germination or vigor. These findings support the use of encapsulated antagonistic yeasts as a sustainable strategy for managing fungi in bean seeds.
ABSTRACT This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters and assess the genetic variability among Brazilian grapevine cultivars through morphoagronomic traits, applying restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased prediction (REML/BLUP) and self-organizing maps (SOM). Thirty-six cultivars were evaluated over two consecutive crop seasons based on 11 morphoagronomic characteristics. Variance components were estimated using the REML/BLUP approach, and cluster analyses were performed using Euclidean distance. Estimates of individual repeatability (r) ranged from 0.67 to 0.95, indicating high consistency across all traits. Selection accuracy was also high, varying from 0.89 to 0.98. Cluster analysis revealed the formation of five distinct groups. The unweighted pair group method using arithmetic mean (UPGMA) grouped 19 cultivars (52.8%) together, while SOM analysis clustered 14 cultivars (38.9%). Cultivars in groups 1 and 5 showed marked genetic dissimilarity for most traits, except for bud fertility index. Both REML/BLUP and SOM proved effective in estimating genetic parameters and detecting genetic diversity among grapevine cultivars. The SOM approach provided a clearer separation of cultivars according to biologically relevant traits related to fruit morphology and productive performance, reinforcing its usefulness as a complementary tool to conventional multivariate methods. The observed high genetic variability indicates potential for heterotic gains, particularly in crosses between divergent cultivars such as ‘BRS Ísis’ and ‘BRS Clara’ (table grapes) and ‘BRS Magna’ and ‘BRS Violeta’ (processing grapes).
Increases in sugarcane yield are achieved by the use of new Brazilian cultivars obtained by selection, cloning and/or crossing of superior materials. In this sense, the objectives of this study were to identify families with high potential for superior clone formation and to verify the reciprocal effect of seminal sugarcane parents. To this end, an experiment was conducted in an arrangement of Federer Blocks (2018/19 and 2019/20 harvests) with 40 families of full-sib, whose seedlings were obtained through seeds. The evaluated characteristics were Brix, plant height, stem diameter, and tons of sugarcane per hectare. The F07M43, F27M09, F29M28, and F40M39 families stood out together for the four traits studied. The existence of maternal and paternal effects in determining the performance of the progenies was evidenced. RB036088, RB036152, and RB966928 were identified as superior parents and represent promising options for improving yield. Sugarcane breeding programs should continue evaluating reciprocal effects to identify optimal parental combinations.
itrus productivity is strongly influenced by water availability and rootstock selection. This study evaluated the physiological and productive responses of two commercial scion & times; rootstock combinations: Tahiti acid lime BRS EECB IAC Ponta Firme grafted onto the dwarfing trifoliate rootstock IAC 718 Flying Dragon (PF_FD), and IAC 10 grafted onto the semi-dwarfing citrandarin IAC 3152 Itajobi (10_152). Field experiments were conducted over three years (2022-2024) under three irrigation regimes-variable (VIS), fixed (FIS), and non-irrigated (NIS)-using a 3 & times;2 factorial design with randomized blocks and drip irrigation. Physiological parameters (root length, leaf water potential, gas exchange, proline, and lipoperoxide content) and productive traits (fruit quality and cumulative yield) were assessed. The 10_152 combination showed superior root development, gas exchange performance, antioxidant regulation, and fruit yield, particularly under FIS and NIS, indicating enhanced drought tolerance. In contrast, PF_FD performed well only under VIS and was more sensitive to water deficit. Principal component analysis revealed that higher productivity and resilience were associated with greater root length, increased proline accumulation, higher CO2 assimilation, and reduced oxidative stress. Furthermore, FIS irrigation was as effective as VIS in sustaining plant performance, while optimizing water use, suggesting a sustainable management strategy. Although Tahiti acid lime IAC 10 demonstrates vigorous early orchard growth, its susceptibility to wood pocket restricts its commercial use. Overall, citrandarin IAC 3152 Itajobi proved to be the most promising rootstock, suitable for both irrigated and non-irrigated orchards, whereas PF_FD is recommended only under optimal water conditions.
This study establishes LC-NL(46)-MS/MS as a selective and efficient method for profiling bioactive dipeptides in protein hydrolysates, addressing limitations of conventional full-scan analyses. Four formulations were evaluated: two commercial biostimulants (Biost1 and Biost2) and two prototypes (MVP1 and MVP2). Computational predictions revealed non-toxic dipeptides with diverse bioactivities, including ACE and DPP-IV inhibition, antioxidant effects, and similarities toCLE peptide fragments involved in plantsignaling. MVP1 exhibited superior peptide diversity and CLE-related sequences, suggesting enhanced biostimulant potential. Field trials in soybean demonstrated the safety of these hydrolysates, with no negative impacts on growth or yield, though statistical significance was not achieved. Qualitative productivity gains (up to 8.7%) in MVP1 highlight their role as sustainable signaling mediators. These findings provide a foundation for quality control in biostimulant production and future research on combined formulations under stress conditions, emphasizing the dual function of protein hydrolysates as nutrient carriers and sources of bioactive peptides for agricultural applications.
Maize-brachiaria intercropping has become adopted as a sustainable agricultural practice, capable of improving soil quality, optimizing nitrogen (N) use, and increasing the productive resilience of cropping systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different N sources on the agronomic performance of maize. The experiment was conducted at Embrapa Agropecu & aacute;ria Oeste (Dourados, MS, Brazil). The experimental design was a randomized block design with a 2 & times; 4 factorial scheme, with three replications. The treatments included two maize cropping systems (monoculture and intercropped with brachiaria) and four N sources applied as topdressing: urea (45% N), urea with urease inhibitor (45% N), ammonium nitrate (27% N), and a control (no N). Plant height, biomass, grain yield, 100-grain weight, and nutrient content in the straw, and grains were evaluated. Maize monoculture showed greater accumulation of N and S in the grains, while maize-brachiaria intercropping increased C input in the straw and intensified nutrient cycling. N sources did not alter total biomass, but urea and urea with inhibitors increased N and Cu in the straw, and all increased N in the grains. It was concluded that intercropping combined with proper N management favors more sustainable systems for potential soil conservation.
Climate data is essential for agriculture, supporting resilience, decision-making and food security under both current conditions and climate change scenarios. It is also essential for research, education, and applied sciences. However, its use is often limited by sparse monitoring networks, time series that are not continuous, platforms that handle immense volumes of data, and technical barriers that require programming and statistical expertise. These challenges are particularly pronounced in developing countries. To address these issues, we have developed ClimaPlots: an open-source QGIS plugin that simplifies the access to, and analysis of, temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, and relative humidity data from NASA's POWER database. The tool enables users to extract data from any location, generate interactive visualisations, analyse trends and calculate climate extremes. While not a complete solution to all limitations in accessing data, ClimaPlots reduces technical and economic barriers, thus improving the usability of global climate data for agriculture, research, education, and planning in regions where data is scarce. ClimaPlots is freely available in the QGIS repository, promoting open and reproducible science by transforming large datasets into actionable knowledge.
The cultivation of pitahaya (Selenicereus undatus) has attracted increasing interest due to its hardiness, early fruiting, economic value, and medicinal potential. However, low propagation rates remain a limitation for commercial-scale production. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different spectral light qualities (white, blue, purple and red LEDs) and zinc (Zn) concentrations (8.60 and 17.20 mg & centerdot;L-1) on the growth, pigment content, anatomy, and Zn deposition in S. undatus cladodes in vitro. Biometric parameters, photosynthetic pigments, anatomical features, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis were assessed. White and purple lights, combined with 8.60 mg & centerdot;L-1 Zn, led to greater shoot length and higher fresh and dry mass of roots and shoots. White light also increased total chlorophyll content at both Zn concentrations. The number of vascular bundles increased with 17.20 mg & centerdot;L-1 Zn, especially under purple light. The largest cladode cross-sectional area was observed under red light with high Zn concentration. Zn accumulation was low, with slightly higher atomic percentages in central ribs (0.30%) and at the margins (0.77%) under white light and high Zn concentration treatment, suggesting limited translocation and possible compartmentalization in vacuoles or apoplastic spaces. Stomatal density appeared to be modulated by both factors, increasing under red light and decreasing under blue light, depending on Zn concentration. Overall, white and purple LED lights with 8.60 mg & centerdot;L-1 Zn optimized S. undatus growth and pigmentation in vitro. These findings enable improved micropropagation protocols for commercial production and potential biofortification strategies.
Low air temperature during the dormancy period promotes uniform flowering in peach trees, while the heat afterthe full bloom is necessary for fruit development. Rootstock cultivars affect the timing of scion phenological stages, either advancing or delaying their occurrence from bud break to harvest. Given the expansion of stone fruit cultivation in areas with suboptimal chill accumulation and the ongoing climate changes, this research aimed to evaluate effects of 17 clonal rootstocks on chill requirement for full blooming and heat accumulation for fruit development of 'BRS-Kampai' and 'BRS-Rubimel' cultivars, as well as two own-rooted scion trees. Field trials were conducted in two locations in the state of S & atilde;o Paulo, Brazil. Under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the study, rootstocks affected chill portions accumulated until bud break, number of days from the autumn equinox to break dormant bud stage, number of days from autumn equinox to full bloom stage, length of the fruit development period, and harvest date. Growing degree hours accumulated 30 days after full bloom stage was the single feature that showed no statistical differences among the tested rootstocks. Pearson correlations between degree days accumulated 30 days after full bloom and fruit development period were significant and more stable for 'BRS-Rubimel' than for 'BRS-Kampai', suggesting that this parameter can be used to estimate the harvest time with precision. Therefore, we concluded that rootstocks significantly influence chill accumulation required for breaking bud dormancy and reach the full bloom stage, as well as the heat accumulation for reach the harvest season.
This study aimed to evaluate the genetic relationships between morphological traits and the yield of Conilon coffee to identify key attributes for early selection using path analysis. The experiment followed Federer's augmented block design, with six blocks and five plants per plot, established in two environments: Alegre, at 700 m of altitude, and Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, at 140 m altitude, both in Espirito Santo State, Brazil. A total of 112 genotypes were assessed, using eight common cultivars as controls, at six, 12, and 18 months after planting. The genetic values for crop yield were obtained using mixed model methodology and evaluated through Deviance analysis. Correlation, collinearity diagnosis, and path analysis were performed between morphological traits and productivity. The five best genotypes for cultivation in both locations were T3, 28, 69, 100, and 107. The genotypes 28, T3, 69, 107, and 106 stood out in Alegre, while T3, 28, 69, 100, and 107 were the top-performing in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim. It was inferred that the genotype-environment interaction for productivity may be simple. The multicollinearity analysis played a crucial role in eliminating traits that inflated the model. For the early selection, breeding programs should prioritize the number of leaves, NDVI readings, and measurements of canopy diameter and height.
Identifying resistance sources using fast, sensitive, and standardized methods is key to initiating a breeding program or even a germplasm characterization. To establish the infestation density, the coexistence period, and discriminatory parameters for determining maize tolerance-type resistance to the green-belly stink bug, Diceraeus melacanthus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), greenhouse, and field trials were conducted using four maize genotypes (SCS154 Fortuna, SCS155 Catarina, 2B512 PW, and 2B610 PW). In both greenhouse and field trials, plants infested with a density of two adult stink bugs per plant for a coexistence period of seven days was determined to be the optimal conditions for evaluating maize genotypes tolerance. In addition, plant height and fresh weight were significantly reduced in infested plants on greenhouse trial. Conversely, D. melacanthus reduced plant height at the V5 stage and weight of thousand seeds in field trials, but plant height up to tassel, height of cob insertion, and grain yield were not affected, indicating a recovery potential of the tested genotypes. No difference in damage score was verified in the genotypes in both greenhouse and field trials. Biochemical responses of plants infested and non-infested with D. melacanthus from field trial indicated that chlorophyll and carotenoid content were reduced due to stink bug infestation. Moreover, infested plants expressed higher amounts of peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase enzymes. In field, the reduction in phenotypic and productive parameters was similar among the evaluated genotypes, and in general, the tested genotypes exhibited similar response to D. melacanthus attack.
Carrot is among the main vegetables produced in Brazil, and evaluating the impact of its production systems is essential for decision making aimed at the sustainable development of agriculture and combating global warming. Thus, the objective of this study was to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint of carrot production in conventional system, in two seasons, and in an organic system. The life cycle analysis methodology was employed, and two functional units were defined:1 ha of cultivation and 1 kg of carrot produced. The limits of the systems contemplated the agricultural phase of production and the manufacture of inputs, materials and fuels used. In the conventional system, the emissions were 3,850.1 and 5,412.5 kg CO2eq ha-1 in summer and winter, respectively. The lowest emissions occured in the organic production system, 2287.6 kg CO2eq ha-1. The use of fertilizers and diesel were the largest contributors in both systems. Although the emissions associated with the use of fertilizer in the organic system represented more than 40% of the total emitted, the origin of these fertilizers was organic. Carbon footprint for carrot production in an organic system was 1 to 8% lower than that of the conventional system, mainly due to the difference in yield between the two systems, indicating the need to combine the more sustainable practices of the organic system with higher yields.
Corn bacterial leaf streak is an emerging disease, and there are few studies related to its management. Therefore, it is necessary to know alternative hosts of this pathogen that may interfere with its survival during the off-season. The aim of this work was to evaluate different genotypes of oats, barley, and wheat as secondary hosts to the pathogen Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum. The experiments were carried out in Guarapuava, PR, Brazil, in the 2019 and 2022 seasons, in a greenhouse, with completely randomized design and five replications. Eight different cultivars of winter cereals widespread in the region were inoculated, and susceptible corn hybrid was used as a control. Disease incidence evaluations were performed to calculate the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). In the 2019 season, relative humidity averages at ten days after inoculation were between 54 and 68%, and only TBIO Audaz wheat cultivar, in addition to the control, showed symptoms related to the disease. In the 2022 season, when relative humidity remained around 70% throughout the experiment, all genotypes tested showed symptoms. However, cultivars Danielle (barley), TBIO Audaz, and ORS Vintecinco (wheat) did not differ from the susceptible corn control, with the highest AUDPC values. These results indicated that winter cereals are hosts of X. vasicola pv. vasculorum, and that relative humidity affects the expression of disease symptoms.
Sustainable intensification in tropical agriculture requires practices that simultaneously enhance soil health and crop yields. This study evaluated the effects of isolated and mixed cover crop species on soil physical quality and the performance of succession crops of soybean and corn in the Brazilian Cerrado. Fourteen cropping systems divided into a fallow treatment, isolated crops (corn, pearl millet, Brachiaria ruziziensis, Tamani grass, Coracana grass, Crotalariaspectabilis, Crotalaria ochroleuca, and Crotalaria breviflora), and five crop mixes were tested on clay-textured Rhodic Ferralsol under no-till. Assessments of soil physical properties were conducted in the field and laboratory to determine soil physical quality and soil quantification cover production. Subsequently, soybean (first season) and maize (second season) were sown in the experimental area to evaluate the residual effects of each treatment on the succeeding crops. Cover crops, especially mixes, increased dry matter production and soil cover (> 85%) and reduced surface temperature, thereby mitigating rapid residue decomposition. The mixes reduced penetration resistance in the 0-10-cm layer, increased hydraulic conductivity by up to 60% compared with fallow, and improved total porosity and bulk density. Soybean yields increased by up to 36% under mixed cropping, whereas C. spectabilis and pearl millet achieved the highest maize yields. Yield gains were strongly associated with lower soil compaction and cooler temperatures and improved infiltration. These results demonstrated that diversified cover crop systems deliver immediate and residual benefits to soil structure, water dynamics, and crop yield, offering a profitable and ecologically strategy for resilient agriculture in tropical systems.
Soil composition plays a critical role in viticulture, influencing grapevine physiology and modulating wine characteristics through edaphic-climatic interactions. In the semiarid S & atilde;o Francisco Valley of Brazil, where viticulture is expanding under tropical conditions, the effects of soil variability on wine quality remain underexplored. This study assessed the impact of five distinct Ultisol types, differing in texture, drainage capacity, and mineralogy, on the phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of Syrah and Tempranillo red wines. Grapes were cultivated under uniform vineyard management practices, and microvinification followed standardized protocols. Wine samples were analyzed for physicochemical attributes, total phenolics, flavonoid subclasses, and antioxidant activity. Ultisols with higher clay content and better water retention promoted the accumulation of anthocyanins and stilbenes, enhancing antioxidant potential. Syrah was more responsive to edaphic variability than Tempranillo, particularly under soils with higher water-holding capacity. Despite these soil-driven effects, interannual variation in wine composition was predominantly governed by climatic factors, notably temperature and precipitation. Principal component analysis revealed that both soil type and vintage shaped distinct enological profiles, highlighting the synergistic influence of pedological and climatic elements on grape and wine chemistry. These findings emphasize the need for soil-informed vineyard management strategies to optimize phenolic expression and antioxidant capacity in tropical terroirs. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of soil-plant-wine interactions in semiarid viticulture and reinforces the role of soil variability as a determinant of enological potential in emerging wine regions.
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is highly sensitive to aluminum (Al), an abiotic factor that limits productivity in acidic soils. In this way, the use of Al-tolerant cultivars associated with liming could increase the productive potential in these unfavorable growing environments. The objectives of this study were to determine the effective concentration of Al in a minimum solution and to identify sources of Al tolerance. Initially, an experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replicates, evaluating five concentrations of Al in minimum solution (calcium + Al) on eight wheat genotypes. The experiment had a split-plot design, analyzing the effect of Al concentrations in plots and the effect of genotypes in subplots. To select sources of tolerance, a second experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replicates, evaluating 88 inbred lines, six commercial cultivars, and the Anahuac and BH 1146 controls (sensitive and tolerant, respectively). Al tolerance was assessed through the root growth difference of the main root. Results showed that a concentration of mg L-1 of Al was effective for discriminating between sensitive and tolerant genotypes. The wheat germplasm demonstrated wide genetic variability for tolerance to Al, with the L34 and L72 inbred lines standing out as excellent sources of tolerance. These lines could be used in future crosses in breeding programs to obtain progeny with greatertolerance to Al, improving wheat productivity under acid soil conditions.
The use of brackish water in agriculture reduces plant production. Thus, using mineral or organic fertilization associated with seed inoculation with microorganisms is a promising alternative. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of peanuts irrigated with brackish water under mineral and organic fertilization and inoculation. The experimental design was entirely randomized, in a 4 x 2 x 2 factorial scheme, with five replications. The first factor corresponded to the forms of fertilization-P0: 0% dose of phosphorus; P50%: 50% of the recommended dose of phosphorus; P100%: 100% of the recommended dose of phosphorus; and Bio:100% of fertilization with bovine biofertilizer. The second factor corresponded to the two levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water (0.3 and 4 dS m(-1)), and the third one represented the presence and absence of the inoculant-WI: with inoculant; and WTI: without inoculant. The use of organic fertilization with bovine biofertilizer combined with inoculation with Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus subtilis mitigates salt stress and enhances both productivity and water use efficiency in peanut cultivation. Fertilization with bovine biofertilizer mitigates the harmful effects of salts in irrigation water and promotes an increase in pod length and mass in peanut crops. Irrigation with saline water at 4 dS m-1 reduces the agronomic performance of peanut when neither phosphorus or organic fertilization nor microbial inoculation is applied.
Soybean-maize cropping system is widely used in the Brazilian Cerrado region. A field experiment was performed in a Cerrado oxisol to evaluate potassium (K) fertilization strategies on the performance of a soybean-maize cropping system. Five fertilization treatments were investigated, including control (unfertilized), KCl, polyhalite, KCl + polyhalite (72/28, % based on K), and KCl + lime + gypsum. In all K fertilization strategies, a rate of 66.5 kg Kha-1 was applied only at the time of soybean sowing. Soybean and maize grain yields were not significantly influenced by K fertilization management, but the cumulative grain yield of the cropping system (soybean + maize) was 21% higher by using polyhalite than KCl. Exclusive fertilization with polyhalite resulted in higher export of K by soybean grains. In addition, it was the only treatment capable of providing a positive magnesium (Mg) balance in the soybean-maize cropping system (+2.51 kgha-1). The calcium (Ca) and sulfur (S) balance was positive under the use of polyhalite, KCl + polyhalite, and KCl + lime + gypsum. Fertilization with polyhalite proved to be an excellent strategy to improve the performance of a soybean-maize cropping system by increasing the cumulative grain yield and providing a positive balance of Ca, Mg, and S.
The no-till system provides an environment for improved soil life and higher crop production. However, disregarding its fundamental principles can compromise its effectiveness. This study evaluated the effects of soil management practices (disc plow, moldboard plow, chisel plow, and no-till) and cropping systems (maize monocropping, maize intercropped with Urochloa ruziziensis, U. ruziziensis intercropped with Crotalaria ochroleuca, and a mixed cover crops) on soil quality bioindicators and soybean production. The hypothesis was that the quantity and quality of plant residues, combined with reduced soil disturbance, would enhance biological activity and crop yield. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot factorial design. Soil samples were collected from the 0-10-cm layer before sowing and at soybean flowering to evaluate soil microbiological components such as microbial biomass carbon, metabolic quotient, and microbial respiration. Soybean production components following the soil management and cropping systems were analyzed. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (p <= 0.05), means were compared using Tukey's test, and Pearson's correlation was performed among the analyzed variables. Soil management practices with less soil disturbance, such as moldboard plowing, scarification, and no-till, exhibited lower biological soil disturbance and higher soybean yield. Cropping systems with quantity and quality of residues, such as the intercropping of U. ruziziensis with C. ochroleuca, stood out for their positive effects on soybean yield.
