The interaction of the tomato Mi-1.2 gene with the members of the genus Meloidogyne is a special case where a single host factor confers resistance to an array of up to 13 species, but not against M. enterolobii populations. There are numerous reports of “defeated” resistance genes in distinct pathosystems, which are not effective against distinct pathogen variants (at biotype, race, or species level as in the case of the Mi-1.2 gene). However, a subgroup of these apparently non-effective genes can still display residual or “ghost” effects, resulting in lower damage levels caused by a virulent pathogen. Thus far, residual effects of the Mi-1.2 gene to M. enterolobii have not been properly investigated. Herein, two comparative assays using contrasting near-isogenic lines (NILs) for presence/absence of the Mi-1.2 locus were carried out using a guava race population of M. enterolobii. Seedlings of two pairs of contrasting NILs ‘Nemadoro’ (homozygous dominant; Mi-1.2/Mi-1.2) / ‘Rio Grande’ (homozygous recessive, mi-1.2/mi-1.2) and ‘Del Rey’ (Mi-1.2/Mi-1.2) / ‘Calipso’ (mi-1.2/mi-1.2) were inoculated with 2,000 M. enterolobii eggs. The homozygous dominant (Mi-1.2/Mi-1.2) NILs displayed values for the quantitative parameter number of eggs + J2s per gram of root tissue similar or even superior to their corresponding recessive (mi-1.2/mi-1.2) NILs. A slight positive impact of the resistance gene in the reproduction factor (RF) value was observed only for one pair of contrasting NILs (‘Del Rey’ / ‘Calipso’), which was restricted to one bioassay. Hence, the employment of NILs in our bioassays allowed us to hypothesize that the Mi-1.2 gene, although extremely effective against populations of at least 13 Meloidogyne species, does not confer significant residual effects against M. enterolobii (guava race).

The objective of this work was to evaluate the phenology, productive performance, plant vigor, and fruit physicochemical characteristics of three white seedless grape cultivars, recently introduced into Brazil, when grafted on the main rootstocks used in the Southern region of country, during two crop seasons. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design, in a 2x3x4 factorial arrangement (crop seasonsxcultivarsxrootstocks). The used cultivars were Neptune, Hope, and Gratitude, and the rootstocks were Paulsen 1103, VR 043-43, IAC 572, and IAC 766. Neptune was the first cultivar to be harvested, on January 27, followed by Hope, on January 31, and by Gratitude, on February 15. Sprouting and harvest occurred earlier (2 to 7 days and 2 to 3 days, respectively) on 'IAC 766' and later (2 to 5 days and 2 to 3 days, respectively) on 'VR 043-43'. In addition, plants grafted on 'IAC 572' were more vigorous. The three evaluated cultivars showed a high total soluble solids/total titratable acidity ratio, varying from 24.96 to 49.22. However, the three cultivars present different responses regarding phenological stages, yield, plant vigor, and fruit physicochemical characteristics in both crop seasons when grafted on the Paulsen 1103, VR 043-43, IAC 572, and IAC 766 rootstocks.

O inhame-cará ou cará (Dioscorea spp.), como é conhecido em grande parte do Brasil (regiões Sul, Sudeste e Centro-Oeste), é chamado somente de inhame nas regiões Nordeste e Norte do Brasil. Independente do nome regional, é nas regiões Nordeste e Norte onde apresenta maior importância alimentar, econômica e cultural devido à sua rusticidade, resiliência e tolerância ao calor e à seca. Mas devido sua adaptabilidade a diferentes condições edafoclimáticas, possui potencial também para o cultivo em outras regiões. São poucos os trabalhos caracterizando o potencial produtivo de genótipos de cará em diferentes regiões do país, principalmente na região Sul, onde não há relatos de estudos semelhantes, e a cultura é ainda pouco conhecida. Deste modo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o potencial produtivo de acessos de inhame-cará na região do Planalto Norte de Santa Catarina. Foram avaliados cinco genótipos de inhame-cará: Flórida, Mimoso, Pezão, Branco Talo Roxo e Roxo 1. Estes foram plantados a campo, em Canoinhas-SC, nas safras de 2021/2022, 2022/2023 e 2023/2024. Foi realizada avaliação do rendimento de túberas dos genótipos e os dados foram submetidos a análises de variância e de agrupamento de médias. Observou-se que, em geral, considerando as três safras de cultivo, o inhame-cará Mimoso foi o genótipo com maior rendimento de túberas, com produtividade variando de 34,66 a 68,42 t ha-1. Branco Talo Roxo e Roxo 1 foram menos produtivos, enquanto que Flórida e Pezão apresentaram produtividade intermediária. Houve grande variação no número de túberas por hectare; mas, em geral, Flórida e Roxo 1 apresentaram maiores números de túberas que os demais genótipos na maioria das safras. Quanto à massa média de túberas, Mimoso e Pezão produziram túberas com valores médios das três safras acima de 1 kg, Flórida e Branco Talo Roxo apresentaram túberas em geral com peso intermediário, e Roxo 1 em geral túberas com menor massa média. Os rendimentos obtidos nestes experimentos, com média geral de 41,27 t ha-1, indicam grande potencial desta cultura e para o cultivo desses genótipos na região do Planalto Norte de Santa Catarina.

Garlic is a significant winter cash crop in Brazil, succeeded by soybeans during the summer, providing economic benefits and other advantages. Soybeans are primarily cultivated for their seeds, but they can also be harvested as a vegetable known as edamame. Since there are currently no studies regarding the soybean cyst nematode (SCN)–Heterodera glycines (Ichinohe) in garlic-soybean-garlic crop succession, this study aimed to explore its role in addition to control strategies that affect SCN dynamics. The trials occurred in a central-pivot irrigation area naturally infested with SCN race 5 in Campo Alegre de Goiás, GO, Brazil, in 2023 and 2024. Six treatments were employed: (1) Bacillus subtilis; (2) Abamectin; (3) Nitrogen + amino acids; (4) Fluopyram; (5) Purpureocillium lilacinum + Trichoderma harzianum + organo-mineral fertilizer; and (6) Control. Although garlic is not a host for SCN, this PPN could survive in the soil and multiply in volunteer glyphosate-resistant soybean plants or weeds, which help maintain its population. Still, turning over the soil for garlic planting and allowing a fallow period reduced the population. Fluopyram and P. lilacinum + T. harzianum + organo-mineral fertilizer, particularly Fluopyram, provided a decrease in the number of J2 and females as well as higher productivity for both crops. In this context, sustainable practices can help reduce nematode populations, and biological products may play a crucial role in integrated management systems within this tropical region.

Carrot is one of the main vegetables grown in Brazil, and the seed market for this crop requires the continuous development of news cultivars with high agronomic potential. In this context, hybrid carrot cultivars stand out, as they have high-quality roots and excellent yield potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability between different summer carrot lines for production components, tolerance to leaf blight, and to identify the most promising lines. Crosses were performed in a partial diallel scheme 7x3, using seven male-sterile lines of Asian origin and three male-fertile parents of tropical origin, from the breeding program at Embrapa Vegetables. The experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Embrapa Vegetables, Brasília-DF, Brazil, during the 2020/21, 2021/22, and 2022/23 harvest. The experimental plot consisted of a seedbed with 1.2 m2, in RCBD ant three replications. The 21 hybrids were evaluated for tolerance to leaf blight (LB) at 90 days after sowing, and for total (TY), commercial (MY), and uncommercial (UY) root mass, and the number of marketable roots (NMR) and unmarketable roots (NUR) at 100 days after sowing. Analysis of variance and estimates of the effects of GCA and SCA were performed. GCA effects predominated over SCA for most production component traits, although SCA effects were also important, especially for controlling the expression of the LB trait. There were significant differences for the interaction between crosses x harvest of evaluation and GCA and SCA components x harvests. It was possible to select the lines A5, A7 (male-sterile), and C1 (male-fertile) as the most promising parents for the composition of summer carrot hybrids.

Meloidogyne enterolobii is a highly aggressive root-knot nematode (RKN) that causes substantial economic losses to Capsicum species and other crops. Resistant genotypes have been used as an alternative to chemical nematicides; however, available Capsicum cultivars are susceptible to this nematode. Hence, the objective of this study was to screen a Brazilian Capsicum germplasm collection, comprising germplasm from Embrapa and commercial cultivars to M. enterolobii, under greenhouse conditions. The treatments comprised 39 C. chinense, 22 C. annuum, and 2 tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivars (checks). Individual plants were inoculated with 5,000 M. enterolobii eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2), and evaluations were carried out for the gall index, egg mass index, number of eggs per gram of roots, reproduction factor (RF), and reproduction index (RI) at 65 days post-inoculation. The results demonstrated that all plant genotypes exhibited susceptibility to this nematode. However, some genotypes exhibited a lower RF (0.01-4.9) than the tomato 'Nemadoro' (RF = 8.4-15.3), thus being classified as low susceptibility according to the RI concept. These findings are important for ongoing efforts to identify novel sources of resistance to RKN and contribute to safer, more sustainable agricultural practices.

Muito embora o inhame (Colocasia esculenta L.) seja amplamente cultivado no Brasil devido à sua adaptação, rusticidade e importância nutricional, são raros os estudos comparando o potencial produtivo de genótipos desta espécie, havendo poucas cultivares registradas, e também faltam informações técnicas e pesquisas no país para proporcionar maior desenvolvimento da cadeia produtiva. Deste modo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o potencial produtivo, bem como determinar o efeito do retardamento da colheita até a safra seguinte, do tamanho dos rizomas sementes e do adensamento de plantio de acessos de inhame no Planalto Norte de Santa Catarina. Foram avaliados sete genótipos de inhame pertencentes ao Banco Ativo de Germoplasma de Inhame Colocasia da Embrapa Hortaliças: Taiá PR, Taiá Can, Colônia 1, Colônia 2, Colônia 3, São Bento e Rochom. Os dois últimos são tradicionalmente cultivados no país. Os genótipos foram plantados a campo, em Canoinhas-SC, nas safras de 2021/2022, 2022/2023 e 2023/2024. Foi realizada comparação do rendimento de rizomas de todos os genótipos; avaliado o efeito do retardamento da colheita destes de uma safra para outra; do plantio de rizomas sementes de três tamanhos (pequeno, médio e grande) para o genótipo Colônia 3; e do espaçamento normal de 0,50 m, e mais adensado com 0,33 m entre plantas para os genótipos São Bento e Rochom. Os dados foram submetidos a análises de variância e de agrupamento de médias por Scott & Knott. Observou-se que em geral os genótipos foram instáveis quanto à produtividade nas diferentes safras, porém, o acesso Colônia 3 apresentou produtividade, próxima ou acima de 30 t ha-1 em todas as safras, e bem acima da média nacional que é de 21,53 t ha-1, indicando que o mesmo possui grande potencial produtivo e, portanto, potencial para ser recomendado para o cultivo na região do Planalto Norte de Santa Catarina. É possível, nas condições de cultivo dessa região, manter as plantas de inhame a campo, de uma safra para a outra, rebrotando depois do inverno, com aumento proporcional em rendimento, principalmente em relação ao número de rizomas. A utilização de rizomas sementes maiores, com aproximadamente 100 g, proporciona produtividades elevadas e mais estáveis para o genótipo Colônia 3, comparativamente a propágulos menores, com 50 ou 25 g. Não há efeito significativo no adensamento de plantio de 0,50 m para 0,33 m entre plantas dos genótipos São Bento e Rochom.

ABSTRACT ‘BRS Gaia’ is a red-skinned potato cultivar with high dry matter and attractive tuber appearance. Its tubers are oval, with shallow eyes, slightly rough skin, yellow flesh and low susceptibility to post-harvest greening. The vine maturity and tuber dormancy are medium. It is moderately susceptible to late and early blight. ‘BRS Gaia’ has an intermediate level of resistance (tolerance) to bacterial wilt, which gives it a significant comparative advantage over traditional cultivars for disease management in areas infested by the bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum. It has low susceptibility to tuber deformation due to high temperature. Although the main destination is for the fresh market, ‘BRS Gaia’ can also be used by restaurants for fresh cut fries and for processing into shoestrings. 'BRS Gaia' was released in 2023 through Embrapa’s potato breeding program, developed by Embrapa Clima Temperado, in Pelotas-RS and Canoinhas-SC, and Embrapa Hortaliças, in Brasilia-DF, Brazil

Meloidogyne incognita is one of the most important root-knot nematode species, causing significant yield losses in hot and sweet peppers (Capsicum spp.) worldwide. The employment of resistant cultivars is one of the most efficient and sustainable management strategies for this pathogen. However, there is a limited amount of data available on sources of resistance to M. incognita in Capsicum chinense germplasm. Herein, we evaluated the reaction to M. incognita of a genetically diverse C. chinense germplasm (collected in the Brazilian Amazon Basin), searching for useful sources of genetic resistance. Forty C. chinense accessions and two tomato controls were evaluated in two experiments conducted under greenhouse conditions. Individual plants were inoculated with a suspension containing 5000 eggs + second-stage juveniles (J2). Evaluations were carried out 60 days after inoculation according to the following criteria: egg mass index (EMI), gall index (GI), number of eggs and J2 per gram of roots (NR), the reproduction factor (RF), and the reproduction index (RI). Accessions exhibited varying types of reactions to M. incognita. New sources of resistance to M. incognita were identified in the accessions ‘CNPH 15348’, ‘CNPH 60087’, ‘CNPH 55001’, ‘CNPH 60090’, ‘CNPH 15749’, and the Brazilian cultivar ‘BRS Nandaia’. Thus far, sources of genetic resistance to Meloidogyne species in Capsicum species were identified mainly in C. annuum accessions. Hence, this subgroup of C. chinense accessions might represent potential sources of novel resistance genes/alleles, expanding the genetic basis of this relevant breeding trait.

Summary The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne enterolobii, is an important pathogen of numerous crops, including the so-called pulses. Hence, it is necessary to identify genetic resistance, as it is the most efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sound way to manage nematodes in the field. The objective of this study was to screen a Brazilian germplasm collection of pulse crops (peas, chickpeas, and lentils) comprising accessions from the Embrapa Germplasm Bank and commercial cultivars against M. enterolobii under glasshouse conditions. The experiment was conducted with 23 treatments (genotypes), i.e., 14 pea, six chickpea and one lentil genotype, and two tomato cultivars, ‘Rutgers’ (susceptible) and ‘Nemadoro’ (resistant). Each plant (replication) was inoculated with 5000 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. enterolobii and evaluated 65 days after inoculation, considering the following variables: gall index, egg mass index, number of eggs per g of roots, and reproduction factor. The experiments were conducted at two independent time points (summer and autumn/winter). Results showed that all 23 plant genotypes were susceptible to the nematode, with pea genotype ‘Itapuã’ being intolerant to infection. Cultivation of pulse crops has been steadily increasing both in Brazil and worldwide. Our research findings make a valuable contribution to the ongoing efforts to identify genetic resistance to nematode pathogens that can significantly affect the productivity of these crops. By identifying and developing resistant genotypes, pulse crop yields can be safeguarded, and sustainable agricultural practices can be supported.

Lettuce is an important cool-temperature crop, and its principal abiotic stress is low heat tolerance. Lettuce production has become more challenging in the context of global warming changes. Hence, the main objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between stability and lettuce heat tolerance. Field and greenhouse trials were run in 2015 (summer) and 2016 (fall and spring). The environments were composed of a combination of season and place (field, glass, and plastic greenhouse), and the assessed genotypes were BRS Leila and Mediterrânea, Elisa, Everglades, Simpson, and Vanda. Statistical analysis showed a significant effect (p < 0.05) of environments (E), genotypes (G), and the GEI. BRS Leila, Elisa, and BRS Mediterrânea showed the greatest means to the first anthesis in suitable environments (milder temperatures). Among these cultivars, BRS Mediterrânea was the most stable and adapted to hot environments. The environmental conditions studied in this research, mainly high temperatures, could become a reality in many lettuce-producing areas. Therefore, the results can help indicate and develop lettuce varieties with greater heat tolerance.

The analysis of plant growth of cultivars is useful for understanding the dynamics of accumulation and partition of photoassimilates during the crop cycle, and this information is important for the crop management of each cultivar. The objective of this study was to evaluate potato cultivars BRS Ana, BRSIPR Bel, BRS Clara, BRS F63 (Camila) and Macaca for growth and yield, under subtropical climatic conditions of Southern Brazil. Plant samples were collected every 20 days, beginning 40 days after planting (DAP), totaling five collections, and physiological growth indexes and the dry mass partitioning to plant organs were estimated. ‘BRSIPR Bel’ showed the fastest development of assimilatory system. ‘BRS Ana’ had the most vigorous plants and the largest leaf area, reaching the leaf area index 4.0 at 70 DAP. ‘BRSIPR Bel’ e ‘BRS Ana’ had the highest dry mass yield, 214 g and 206 g of dry mass plant-1, respectively. ‘BRS F63’ (Camila) and ‘BRSIPR Bel’ presented earlier tuberization and were the most efficient cultivars in the partitioning of dry mass to tubers, with the highest coefficient of dry mass partitioning to tubers estimated between 40 and 64 DAP. These two cultivars also showed the highest yield of marketable tubers.

ABSTRACT Purple-fleshed sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) have gained attention from producers and consumers for their nutritional values and high levels of anthocyanins. This study aimed to evaluate the adaptability and stability of these genotypes in producing regions of Brazil with AMMI and WAASB methodologies. The recently released purple-fleshed cultivars BRS Anembé and BRS Cotinga, along with four purple-fleshed advanced clones (BGBD0080, BGBD1399, BGBD1402, and BGBD1405), and the cultivars Brazlândia Roxa and Beauregard as controls, were evaluated in eight environments using a complete randomized block design with four replications. The roots were evaluated on yield, appearance, insect damage, and shape traits. The new purple-fleshed cultivars BRS Cotinga and BRS Anembé stood out in their higher root yield, good root shape and weight, expressive resistance to insect damage, and adaptability to environments with higher yield potential. Additionally, ‘BRS Anembé’ also showed a favorable root appearance. The cultivar Beauregard was the most susceptible to insect damage while ‘Brazlândia Roxa’ demonstrated the highest resistance.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the plant performance of two advanced potato clones compared to two standard cultivars. Field experiments were carried out in Canoinhas-SC, Pelotas-RS and Brasília-DF. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with four replications of plots composed of 44 useful plants plus borders. Four plant samples per plot were collect 30, 44, 56, 72, 86 and 100 days after planting. Morpho-agronomic characters were evaluated throughout the crop cycle, and at the end of the crop cycle tuber yield and frying quality were determined. There was a direct relationship between tuber yield and shoot development. For these characters, both clones F63-10-07 and F21-07-09 presented superior values compared to the standard cultivars in Pelotas, and these together with ‘Atlantic’ were superior to ‘Asterix’ in Canoinhas. In Brasilia, the standard cultivars showed greater shoot development, but the final marketable yield was not statistically different. F63-10-07 and ‘Atlantic’ have a lower stem number per plant, indicating the need to manage this character to adjust the stem density in the field.

ABSTRACT ‘BRS F50’ (Cecilia) is a yellow skin potato cultivar for the fresh market, with good tuber appearance and versatile culinary use. The tuber has oval shape, shallow eyes, and light yellow flesh. It has a relatively high dry matter and medium-low glucose content, giving possibility even to use for processing into shoestring fries. The vegetative cycle and dormancy are medium. The maturity and tuber dormancy are medium. ‘BRS F50’ (Cecilia) shows a very low external and internal tuber disorder incidence, except growing cracks under varying soil humidity. It is moderately resistant to late and early blight, which make it also suitable for organic production. ‘BRS F50’ (Cecilia) was released by Embrapa in 2022, and is a product of its potato breeding program, developed by Embrapa Clima Temperado, in Pelotas-RS and Canoinhas-SC, and Embrapa Hortaliças, in Brasília-DF, Brazil.

ABSTRACT The north region of Brazil has been experiencing agricultural and urban expansion leading to the need for economic alternatives to reduce deforestation and to increase food supply. One possibility is the cultivation of vegetables that are easily grown such as the sweetpotato. The objective of this work is to assess the performance of sweetpotato genotypes in three different planting seasons in Marabá, Brazil. Sweetpotato genotypes were evaluated using randomized block experimental design and at harvest time the final plant stand and the commercial root production were evaluated. Clone 11 was the most productive one in all planting dates, with commercial yield ranging from 80.4 to 127 t/ha. Canadense also was very productive and among the top yielding genotypes. CIP BRS Nuti’s commercial yield was similar to Beauregard’s in the two initial growing seasons but higher in the third planting cycle. The first season, that had high moisture during harvest time, presented the lowest root quality. However, in general, all cultivars performed well, being good options for growers to produce a food source with high quality and yield in small areas.

ABSTRACT The root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne enterolobii is gaining importance all around the world, including Brazil, damaging sweetpotato genotypes with known resistance to other RKN species, making it challenging to generate new resistant genes. This study aimed to assess the levels of resistance of 10 advanced sweetpotato cultivars to this nematode species. Two experiments were carried out in 2018/2019 and 2021/2022 seasons, under greenhouse conditions in Brasília-DF, Brazil. A completely randomized block design with six replicates of one plant/plot/treatment was used. The gall index (GI) and egg mass index (EMI) in the root system of each plant, the number of eggs and juveniles per gram of root with galls (NERG), and the nematode reproduction factor (RF) were determined. M. enterolobii resistance is present within three of the evaluated clones: BGBD 1399, MD 1609024, and MD 1610036, therefore demonstrating their potential as sources of resistance genes to assist breeding efforts to release cultivars, and help to reduce the impact and spread of this RKN.

ABSTRACT The average yield and quality of sweetpotato in Brazil are below the crop potential due to several traits that can be improved by plant breeding. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of sweet potato advanced clones with potential to be released as new cultivars, recommend cultivars with better attributes for grower's needs at the subtropical region of Brazil or to be used as parents in breeding programs. The genotypes MD1604002, MD1611010, MD1609023, MD1609024, MD1609026, and MD1610036 and cultivars Brazlândia Roxa, Beauregard, BRS Cuia, BRS Amélia, and BRS Rubissol, were evaluated during two seasons 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, in Canoinhas-SC. The experiments were conducted in complete randomized blocks design with four replications where plots were composed of three rows with 15 plants each, spaced 0.75 m apart with 0.35 m between plants. Storage roots were harvested 180 days after planting and evaluated for yield, appearance, insect damage, and shape characteristics. ‘BRS Rubissol’, the genotype MD1610036, with higher root yield, storage roots shape, appearance, and less susceptible to insect damage, and MD1609024, with a good root yield, similar or superior to cultivars Brazlândia Roxa, Beauregard, and BRS Amélia, stood out, and have potential to be cultivated in this region. ‘Brazlândia Roxa’ and genotype MD1611010 are potential sources of resistance genes to insect damage, which is one of the biggest challenges in sweetpotato production in Brazil.