Repositório RCAAP

Phytophagous mites belonging to the family Tetranychidae are considered pests of a wide range of plant species of agricultural importance in the Annonaceae family. This study aimed to reports the occurrence and attack symptoms of the mite Tetranychus mexicanus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) on soursop seedlings (Anonna muricata L.). High mite infestation on the leaves of soursop seedlings was reported in a seedling production nursery made of black Sombrite® screen with 35% restriction of full daylight, located at the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), in Cassilândia, MS, Brazil, during the month of October 2015. Attack symptoms were on the adaxial side of the leaves, whereas mite colonies were located on the abaxial face of the leaves. The injuries started by yellowing of the leaves and curled edges, and later by the fall of the attacked leaves. This is the first record of the occurrence of T. mexicanus in soursop seedlings produced on agricultural screenhousein the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Mung beans (Vigna radiata L.) are of Asian origin and have gained national importance with the production of moyashi. The study aimed to evaluate the seed physiological quality of mung beans according to the row spacing and number of plants per meter. The experiment was conducted at Goiás State University, Ipameri Campus. Tests were performed to determine the water content, germination, and vigor to evaluate the physiological quality of the seeds. The experimental design was completely randomized, with the treatments arranged in a 2 x 6 factorial scheme, having as factors the row spacing (25 and 50 cm) and the number of plants per meter (4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 plants) with four replications. Based on the results of the analysis of variance, germination, first germination count, and emergence speed index were not influenced by row spacing and number of plants per meter. The shoot length of seedlings was significative affected by row spacing and the number of plants per meter. For root length, seedling dry mass and thousand-seed weight there was significant interaction between the studied factors. There was significant effect of row spacing on accelerated aging and seedling emergence. The mung bean plant density affected seed quality. Seeds produced with a row spacing of 50 cm with 24 plants per meter had the best physiological potential.

Compatibility studies are essential for the integration and simultaneous use of chemical and biological pest control methods since they are necessary for an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. In this work, the aim was to evaluate the compatibility of insecticides used in soybean and cotton crops for pest control with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). The in vitro inoculation technique was used with B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki and B. thuringiensis var. aizawai, in culture medium containing the following insecticides: beta-cyfluthrin (Bulldock®), methomyl (Bazuka®), thiamethoxam + lambda-cialotrina (Engeo Pleno®), zeta-cypermethrin (Fury 200®), acetamiprid (Saurus®), bifenthrin + carbosulfano (Talisman®) and bifenthrin (Talstar®), in Petri dishes. The Petri dishes were taken to the B.O.D. (Biological Oxygen Demand), at a temperature of 30 ± 1 ºC, 70 ± 10% RH (relative humidity) and a photophase of 12 h, for 24 hours. Colony growth was measured, and Colony Forming Units (CFU) counted in the total area of the Petri dish. The product that allowed growth to be significantly equal to or higher than the control was established as compatible, and the one that did not allow growth or was significantly less than the control was incompatible. It was found that all insecticides were classified as incompatible with the bioinsecticide.

Maize and soybean are the main crops used for crop yield on Brazilian Cerrado biome. The off-season maize intercropped with ruzigrass [Urochloa ruziziensis (R. Germ. & C.M. Evrard) Crins (Syn. Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard)] increases soil cover and yield for crops in succession. However, the benefits on maize yield depend on the distribution and radiation-use efficiency (RUE) and its conversion to biomass. This study aimed to evaluate maize and ruzigrass yield in different cultivation systems. The experiment was carried out at Embrapa Agropecuária Oeste, in Dourados, MS, Brazil. The experiment design was randomized blocks, with seven treatments constituted by the combination of spacing between maize rows, single and intercropped, with ruzigrass in distribution methods. Photosynthetically active radiation, chlorophyll, leaf temperature, morphological characteristics and maize mass yield were evaluated in maize at the flowering stage (R1). Maize and ruzigrass yield were evaluated during maize maturation. The reduced spacing in single maize has a higher yield and lower radiation incidence in the ear. Maize intercropped with ruzigrass sown by broadcasting showed higher leaf temperature, lower plant height and lower maize leaf area. Morphological and physiological characteristics and maize grain yield were more influenced by planting methods than the presence of ruzigrass. The highest yield of dry matter and maize grain occurred in reduced spacing in maize, either alone or intercropped with ruzigrass.

The work aimed to evaluate the effect of irrigation with magnetically treated water on development, growth, and yield of the scarlet eggplant (Solanum gilo Raddi) cv. Morro Grande, in two growing seasons (autumn and spring). A completely randomized design in a 3x2 factorial scheme with three replications for the first growing season and 2x2 with five replications for the second growing season was used. Each experimental unit consisted of four plants spaced 0.75 m between plants and 1.00 m between rows. Factors consisted of irrigation using magnetically treated water, untreated water, three replacement of the crop evapotranspiration (50%, 75%, and 100% ETc) for the first growing season and two replacement of the crop evapotranspiration (75% and 100% ETc) for the second growing season. Stem diameter (millimeters), plant height (centimeters), shoot dry matter (grams), first flower and fruit (accumulated degree-days), number of fruits, fruit yield per plant (grams), and average fruit mass (grams) were evaluated. The water with magnetic treatment provided better results for the development variables, first flower, and first fruit in the second growing season. However, for the variables, stem diameter, plant height, shoot dry matter, fruit yield, and number of fruits, only the replacement irrigation depth factor obtained higher values for the 100% ETc than water-deficit treatments.

The cultivation of hybrid tomatoes, intended for fresh consumption, with a determined growth habit, and without support, is an alternative that has a lower production cost. The research aimed to evaluate the productivity and economic viability of different tomato genotypes, with a determinate and indeterminate growth habit. The experimental design was in completely randomized blocks. Ten hybrids and a variety were grown in 2016, and nine hybrids, and a variety in 2018, with a spacing of 0.5 meters between plants. Harvests were carried out in four periods in 2016, at 72, 82, 97, and 105 days after transplanting (DAT); and in 2018 at 81, 87, 97, and 111 DAT. After harvesting, the gross value of production and profit were quantified. The hybrids that obtained the highest production per plant in 2016 were Gabrielle (6,010 kg), with support; Thaise (5.529 kg); and N901 (5.003 kg). In 2018, Dominador and Thaise hybrids had the highest production, with 4.109 and 3.961 kg per plant, respectively. The gross value of tomato production in 2016 was higher than in 2018 for all hybrids and variety, except for Dominador hybrid. Hybrids with a determined growth habit and conducted without support are a profitable alternative to produce tomatoes intended for fresh consumption, especially the hybrid Gabrielle, which had the highest production. The economic viability of hybrids grown without support is superior to all hybrids with support.

Among the species cultivated in Mato Grosso do Sul, the area with soybeans is larger than that only for pasture cultivation. This work was developed in fourteen municipalities of the state. Based on information from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the evolution of the area occupied by soybean, pasture and sugarcane in these municipalities was analysed. In particular, the area cultivated with soybeans has shown constant and significant growth. On the other hand, the pasture area has been continuously decreasing, especially in Ponta Porã, Maracaju and Rio Brilhante. The areas previously occupied with pastures are giving way to soy and sugarcane cultivation.

This study aimed to evaluate different substrates to produce yellow passion fruit seedlings. For this purpose, an experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, from April to June 2016. A completely randomized design with five replications, in a 6 x 5 factorial scheme was used. The first factor was the alternative substrates (poultry, cattle and equine manure, sugarcane and coconut bagasse, and Organomais compost). The second factor was the replacement levels to the commercial substrate of Plantmax® (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100). The seedling evaluation was carried out 42 days after sowing. The following variables were analyzed: length, width, and the number of leaves; plant height and shoot dry matter. A significant effect (P<0.05) for the interaction between the factors was verified. The addition of 60% cattle manure and Organomais to the commercial substrate Plantmax® promoted greater length, width, and the number of leaves, plant height, and shoot dry matter accumulation in the yellow passion fruit seedlings.

Native forests have been suffering changes, such as fragmentation and edge effect, and these have implications for the dynamics of carbon within the same fragment, differentiating vegetation and soil. In this way, the work aimed to evaluate the hydro-microbiological attributes of the soil in rainy and dry periods, as well as to indicate if there is an edge effect in a seasonal semideciduous forest fragment. The study was carried out in a forest fragment in the area of the State University of Goiás, Ipameri Campus, consisting of three transects divided into three blocks from the edge. Sampling was performed in two periods of the year, rainy and dry, to determine the gravimetric soil water content (UG), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), basal respiration (BR), and the metabolic quotient (qCO2). The data were subjected to analysis of variance (F test), and when significant, the means were evaluated by the Tukey test at 5% probability. Response variations of microorganisms are closely related to the periods studied; the rainy season benefits the carbon incorporation activity, and the dry season stimulates the carbon release. Consequently, metabolic efficiency is more pronounced in the rainy season. The edge of the fragment only influenced the MBC, evidencing that disturbances caused at the extremity of fragment interfere with the C input in the microbial biomass.

Weeds are a serious threat to agriculture because they compete with crops, thereby interfering in production. As such, this study aimed to assess weed control using soil solarization and mulching on the growth and yield of cowpea. A completely randomized design was used, with eight treatments and four repetitions. The treatments consisted of a combination of two management practices, namely soil solarization (with and without) and three mulches (castor bean, rattlepod and spontaneous vegetation), as well as no mulching. Non-solarized soil and without mulch increased the number and dry weight of weeds, while the main stem length of the cowpea plants decreased. Mulching increased the pod length and number of seeds per pod regardless of solarization, as well as shoot dry weight and moisture content. By contrast, root dry weight increased in the absence of mulching, particularly in non-solarized soil. Soil solarization reduces weed infestation in cowpea crops, especially when associated with mulching.

Fruticulture constitutes an important sector of the Brazilian agricultural industry. Despite technological and scientific advances, climate is still the most important variable defining crop productivity. Because of this, agroclimatic zoning should be one of the first factors to consider when starting to plant a particular crop. The objective of this work was to conduct climate risk zoning for guava (Psidium guajava L.) in Paraná river basin 3, Paraná, Brazil, using meteorological data from 43 stations collected between 1976 and 2018. The climate risk analysis was based on the climatic factors that impact the species, such as rainfall, annual water deficit, average annual temperature, coldest month temperature, and risk of frost. The findings of this study suggest that the basin has areas with a low climate risk for guava cultivation. Precipitation and water balance were sufficient under all tested scenarios. The most limiting factor for production was frost, but with risk only present during the first years of cultivation. Despite this, planting restrictions were only predicted to occur in the far west portion of the basin. Agricultural techniques that reduce the risk of frost and avoiding areas with greater frost incidences are the two most important aspects to consider to ensure greater success for guava in the region.

The aim of this study aimed to investigate the effect of salinity levels on physiological and biochemical properties and tuberization yield of potato, cultivar Agria, in MS culture medium. After preparation and cultivation of tuber, the lateral aerial buds were removed after a few months and cultured in MS medium. After that, healthy samples were prepared and induced at the above-mentioned salinity stress level and transferred to the culture medium. Two weeks later, an air sample was taken, and the physiological and biochemical properties studied in this study (photosynthetic pigments, proline, soluble sugars, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, and the activity of some antioxidant enzymes) were measured. Finally, salinity stress assessment was evaluated and studied in a fluid environment. The effects of stress on different stages of seedling growth in vitro conditions and the activity of photosynthetic and enzymatic pigments were investigated using spectrophotometric measurements and in accordance with their protocols. Data analysis of variance showed that salinity reduces photosynthetic pigments and salinity to a concentration of 50 mM, it is resistant to the addition of compounds such as soluble sugars, proline and antioxidant activity but at higher concentrations (75 and 100 mM), the plant is likely to be severely damaged due to excessive growth in active oxygen species. Therefore, due to the increase in antioxidant activity, it indicates an increase in the removal of active oxygen species, this feature is often used as an indicator to increase salinity tolerance. Research on the different ecological conditions in Iran, research is needed on other potato cultivars and molecular studies.

The negative impact of livestock breeding on the environment has been mitigated through the combination of pastures and trees, characterizing the silvopastoral systems (SPS), an alternative to conventional pasture systems (CPS). The SPS provides environmental services, particularly the recovery of degraded areas and carbon sequestration. Furthermore, the complexity of the SPS can improve other environmental services, for example, enhance biodiversity and reduce pests through biological control. However, it is not clear the relationship between microclimate, pasture, trees, cattle, and invertebrate present in this environment. The purpose of this research was to characterize the macrofauna and determine the richness and abundance of invertebrates associated with dung patches of cattle raised in SPS and CPS pasture systems during two years in Brazil. As a result, we verified that the presence of trees in pastures alters the environment, notably through the reduction of solar radiation; decreases the wind speeds; attenuates the air and soil temperature, and diversifies the food supply, with the promotion of beneficial insect richness in dung patches of cattle. The diversity index of invertebrate fauna associated with dung patches in the SPS and CPS were respectively, 1.9 and 1.3. Besides that, the SPS contributed to higher densities of pupal parasitoids insects represented by Aphaereta sp. and Spalangia sp., the most important cattle ectoparasite controllers. In this way, we concluded that the integrated pasture systems are an essential tool for biodiversity improvement, especially the beneficial insects living in dung patches, which can contribute to reducing cattle ectoparasite infestations.

Rice cultivation in Iran has a special place and its cultivation area is about 640,000 ha. Soil salinization is one of the most factor in reducing of grain yields and cultivation of paddy rice. Currently, half of Iran's cultivated lands (9.5 million ha) are affected by salinity, which has a major impact on crop yields. For this purpose, an field experiment conducted with the use of microorganisms (Pseudomonas putida strain S34, Pseudomonas fluorescens strain R167, Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Rhizophagus irregularis), co-inoculation of P.putida + P.fluorescens + AMF, and a non-inoculated treatment as control) on two rice cultivars (Hashemi and Gilane) in saline and normal soil in north of Iran during the 2018 and 2019. The results showed interactions of microorganisms and soil condition could alleviate the adverse effects of salinity by decreasing H2O2 (14-71% in normal soil and 44-281% in saline soil) and increasing catalase (CAT) activity (39.5-65% in Gilane and 45-61% in Hashemi), proline (17-46% in Gilane and 13.5-52% in Hashemi) and nitrogen (N) concentrations (12-27% in normal soil and 7-23% in saline soil) of leaves. Also microorganisms significantly increased tiller, panicle and grain number plant-1, and biological and grain yield (23-44.5% and 32.5-56% in normal and saline soil, respectively). Furthermore, the greatest mitigating effects were observed in treated by P.putida + P.fluorescens + AMF plants. This study indicated that P.putida + P.fluorescens + AMF synergistically mitigate harmful impacts of soil salinity in rice cultivars.

The objective of this study was to develop an electronic controller for microclimate control in greenhouses, as well as to verify if the automated control system affects the productivity of two varieties of lettuce “Lactuca sativa”. The control system was developed based on the Atmega 2560 and compatible transducers. An experimental field analysis was carried out over a production cycle for two lettuce varieties. The experimental results showed that the designed equipment worked according to the implemented programming algorithm. However, the ventilation, nebulization and shading actuators did not control environmental variables, due to under sizing. The irrigation process was correctly controlled throughout the experimental period. The electronic controller promoted increase in the productivity of lettuce varieties. There was increase of 28% in total fresh weight; 10% in stem diameter; 7 and 8% in height gain and average diameter, respectively.

The commercial exploitation of pumpkin seeds, at the flour form toasted or to the production of oil, requires knowledge about the activity of water and equilibrium moistures. This study aimed to determine the equilibrium isotherms to the pumpkin seeds and describe the dynamics of the process upon its physicochemical quality. With the static method, the equilibrium isotherms were determined for different temperatures and activities of water (0.110 to 0.885 dry basis), provided conditions by the conditioner chamber of atmosphere, with the weighing of the samples until the constant mass. The hygroscopic balance of the seeds was directly proportional to the activity of water and decreased with increasing temperature, for the same value of water activity. The pumpkin seeds maintained the water volume (<0.10) at the storage conditions (relative humidity < 25 %). The modified Halsey model better represented the hygroscopicity of pumpkin seeds.

Environmental conservation and regeneration actions must consider plant species that add value by restoring structural and functional aspects of the ecosystem. The forest species, Peltophorum dubium, has several characteristics that make its use viable in projects of restoration of degraded areas, making it necessary to study the species' responses to different cultivation environments. Thus, 500 seeds were selected and sown in vermicompost substrates prepared with different proportions of cattle rumen content (CR) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) (V1 - 60% CR x 40% SB / V2 - 50% CR x 50 % SB / V3 - 40% CR x 60% SB / V4 - 70% CR x 30% SB) and in an commercial substrate (Plantmax®). At 79 days after sowing, 20 seedlings per treatment were removed; they were weighed and measured, resulting in growth, dry matter, and vigor data. The vermicompost substrates were sent to the chemical analysis laboratory to determine their chemical composition. The data were submitted to normality analysis. Analysis of variance was performed for normal data and the Kruskal Wallis test for data that did not show normality. The means or medians were compared using the Tukey test at a 5% probability level. Based on the results related to the growth and vigor of P. dubium seedlings, it is possible to state that the productive potential of the species was higher in the vermicompost substrates.

Cabbage is an important vegetable for food. The use of micronutrients, more specifically boron, is important for plant development and head formation. The study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance and yield of the cabbage crop submitted to the application of different sources and doses of boron. The study was carried out in the Água Verde farm, located in Nova Glória-GO, under irrigation by a center pivot system. The soil tillage consisted of operation with a subsoiler and a disk harrow. The fertilization was carried out by applying 48 kg ha-1 of N, 360 kg ha-1 of P2O5, and 120 kg ha-1 of K2O, in the planting furrow. The seedling transplant took place on 06/22/2019. At 20 days after transplanting, topdressing fertilization was carried out, with 200 kg ha-1 of N and 200 ha-1 of K2O. A randomized block design with four replications in a 4x5 factorial scheme was used. Four boron sources (boric acid, borax, ulexite, and Sulforgan) and five boron doses (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 kg ha-1) were evaluated. Each experimental plot consisted of four rows of five meters in length. The evaluations were carried out on the two central rows, with 0.50 m at each end. The variables analyzed were plant height, longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, number of outer leaves, and yield (kg ha-1). There was no significant difference between the different boron sources evaluated. For the different boron doses applied, only the number of outer leaves did not obtain a significant regression. The application of boron at a dose of 1.8 kg ha-1 resulted in the highest cabbage-head yield, totaling 82.58 t ha-1.

This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of irrigation with magnetically-treated water and replacement depths based on ETc, in plant growth and development of bell pepper grown in a protected environment in two cultivation seasons. The experiment was carried out in a protected environment, in the Centro Técnico de Irrigação (CTI), at Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), in Maringá - PR. Two experiments were performed: summer (2017-2018) and winter-spring (2018). The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks in factorial scheme 3 x 2 (six treatments) with four replications in the summer season and 2 x 2 (four treatments) with six replications in the winter-spring season. The first factor consisted of water replacement depths (50, 75 and 100% of the evapotranspiration of culture (ETc) in the summer season, and 75 and 100% ETc in the winter-spring season. The second factor was the application of water with and without magnetic treatment. Characteristics of growth (plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, and dry matter of stem, leaf, total, and root) and development (first flower and first fruit) were evaluated. Results showed that there was no significant interaction between the factors for the summer season. There were only isolated effects of replacement depths, and the 100% ETc had the highest values for the growth variables, independent of water treatment. The application of magnetically-treated water provided higher accumulation of dry matter (stem, total, and root) when irrigated with 75% ETc for the winter-spring season.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of different strains of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium rileyi in the control of Helicoverpa armigera caterpillars in laboratory conditions. Caterpillars between the 2nd and 3rd instar were used, ranging in size from 0.7 to 1.2 cm length. The experimental design used was completely randomized, composed of five treatments and five replications, each one consisting of 50 insects. The treatments T1 - Control (sterile distilled water), T2 - M. rileyi UFMS 02 strain, T3 - M. rileyi UFMS 03 strain, T4 - M. rileyi UFMS 06 strain, and T5 - M. rileyi UFMS 07 strain were evaluated. All treatments were applied (2 mL/insect) in suspensions of the order of 1.0 × 109 conidia mL-1, and Tween 80® was added in all treatments. Evaluations were performed daily to verify mortality and sublethal effects. For emerging adults, Filial Generation (FG), the biological cycle was evaluated. The data referring to larval mortality for the Parental Generation (PG) and GF and pupal for GF were submitted to analysis of variance, and the Scott-Knott test grouped the averages at 5% probability. The strains tested did not provide pathogenicity in the larval phase of H. armigera for PG and FG. However, there was a reduction in oviposition in all treatments regarding the control. There was an effect on the reproductive phase of GF caterpillars exposed to M. rileyi.