Repositório RCAAP

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of combination of chemical treatments and solarization on cleaning and chemical and physical composition of sewage sludge a waste from sewage treatment system from an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor and UASB (Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor) of Treatment Plant - ETE Uberabinha located in Uberlândia-MG. It is known that the presence of pathogenic organisms and heavy metals are major limiting the use of this sludge in agriculture. For this, we used the split plots in time, in an experimental design of randomized blocks 5x3 + 1, with four replicates, in four (4) evaluation periods (0, 7, 14 and 21), and the zero time (0) corresponded to additional treatment, totaling 64 plots. The treatments consisted of pure sludge, sludge more peracetic acid (260 mg L-1), homogenized with hydrated lime sludge (CaOH2) in the proportion of 30% of the dry mass of sludge, sludge with sodium hypochlorite (2500 mg L-1) and more quaternary ammonium sludge (2400 mg L-1). Treatment with hydrated lime reduced levels of total and thermotolerant at 7 days after mixing with the sludge, meeting the requirements specified in environmental legislation for agricultural use coliforms. A solar radiation alone did not reduce the concentration of fecal coliforms to acceptable limits by environmental standard. Evaluated treatments did not cause temperature differences in the mass of sewage sludge limed sludge showed the highest levels of calcium (302 g kg-1), magnesium (4.2 g kg-1) and total solids, lower levels of Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, volatile solids and moisture after mixing with sewage sludge. Concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb) were below the limits specified in Resolution CONAMA n. 375/2006. The limed sludge showed the highest pH (12.65) lower levels of aluminum (20.10 g kg-1), phosphorus (1.6 g kg-1), organic matter (368, 6 g kg-1), carbon (213.80 g kg-1), nitrogen (20.88 g kg-1) and sodium (0.61 g kg-1). In treatment with sodium hypochlorite, sodium highest values (4.10 g kg-1) were recorded. The evaluation periods did not influence the concentration of nutrients and heavy metals. Considering Resolution CONAMA n. 375/2006, limed sludge in the ratio of 30% by weight of silt meets the parameters of fecal coliform, being more efficient. You can use the limed sludge in agriculture provided it meets the other requirements explicit in CONAMA Resolution n. 375/2006.

Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais

Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais

Brazilian sawn wood exports of tropical species between 2006 and 2011 was over 1.4 billion kilograms and generated a profit of more than US$1.08 billion. Researchers are concerned over regulation of forest tree seed trade. Therefore, were conducted a research to verify seed quality through secure and robust analysis methods aimed at evaluating normal and abnormal seedling sand dead seeds from the validation process for the germination analysis of six forest tree species. Pre - germination tests with species Anadenanthera macrocarpa, Cedrela fissilis, Cedrela odorata, Handroanthus impetiginosus, Peltophorum dubium and Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum were conducted in order to establish protocols based on samples of different quality (high, medium and low quality). Seeds were sent to at least six laboratories approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) to execute the analysis of germination repeating the protocol method. The standard ISTA procedure was used for statistical analysis of seed germination (normal seedlings): outliers on variances; effects of labs and lots (ANOVA); average test for batch and laboratory (Tukey), repeatability, reproducibility, accuracy and robustness (Mandel h and k statistics). From these tests, effects of labs and lots and repeatability and reproducibility were done to check for abnormalities in seedlings. The dead seeds were observed in graphic scheme. Abnormal seedlings and dead seeds had discrepant results between and within laboratories. The abnormality result is probably due to the difficulty of the analyst to distinguish this characteristic and the dead seed result is probably due to heterogeneity within the plot itself and genetic and environmental variability. However, the methods proposed for testing the seeds of the six species were validated because they presented themselves precise, accurate and robust.

The growth of processing tomato market makes national and multinational seed companies interested to develop new hybrids for this segment. Thus, it becomes necessary to analyze, in Brazilian field conditions, the main agronomic characters and performance of new hybrids. This study evaluated the performance and genetic divergence of tomato genotypes for fruit firmness, fruit set concentration, index of peduncle retention, plant vigor, fruit coverage by leaves, plant health, average yield per plant and soluble solids content (°Brix). Fifty three hybrids were evaluated, with three controls, including H9553, the most planted in Brazil. Only 12 genotypes and the commercial hybrid H9553 met the required criteria for processing tomatoes, based on the characteristics: fruit firmness, fruit set concentration and absence of peduncle retention index (jointless). Genotypes 1, 18 and 48 stood out for soluble solids contents, fruit set concentration and firmness, respectively. The genetic divergence analysis and grouping revealed that genotypes 1 and 18 present dissimilarity from the other genotypes. While the first one had greater averages of plant vigor, fruit leaf cover, plant health and ° Brix, the second one had the lowest averages for fruit firmness, fruit set concentration and ° Brix. Hybrids 3, 6, 8, 14, 24, 37 and 48 showed genetic similarity with the commercial hybrid H9553, which characterizes them as potential for generating new hybrids with high yield and quality, which reflects on the acceptability by industrial tomato production chain.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Maize is one of the cereals with greatest economical and nutritional importance. Its production is directly related to adequate supply of nutrients, especially nitrogen, which can be added by fertilization, or by its biological fixation. One of the most important nitrogen fixing microorganisms in grasses is Azospirillum sp., which, besides supplying nitrogen, improves root environment, increasing water and nutrient absorption by the plant. This study evaluated the efficacy of Azospirillum brasilense on transgenic maize development and yield under increasing levels of N. Two field experiments were done on adjacent areas in cropping season 2011/2012, on a savannah soil at the Experimental Farm Capim Branco, Uberlândia - MG. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with 6 replications. Treatments consisted of 5 N levels, and the lack or addition of Azospirillum brasilense, via seed treatment (100 mL ha-1, with minimum concentration of 2x108 CFU mL-1). Plant and ear insertion height, stalk diameter, fresh and dry matter of shoots, chlorophyll and leaf nutrient contents, kernel yield and percentage of rotten kernels were evaluated in both experiments. Maize plants responded significantly to nitrogen levels, both in the presence or obsence of Azospirillum brasilense. Addition of nitrogen fertilizers promoted greater plant height and stalk diameter. The presence of A. brasilense resulted in a linear response to N levels. Maize seed inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense improved nitrogen absorption efficacy by the plant. Increase in shoot fresh and dry matter, as a function of N levels, was greater in inoculated plants. Chlorophyll contents responded linearly to N levels, both in the presence or absence of Azospirillum. Rotten kernels incidence was not significantly affected by the application of different N levels. The weight of one thousand kernels responded linearly to nitrogen levels. Increment of Azospirillum inoculated plants was the double that of non-inoculated plants. Maize kernel yield responded positively to nitrogen fertilization up to 200 kg ha-1, presenting 12 t ha-1 in the presence of Azospirillum brasilense and 11 t ha-1 when it was not present. Inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense did not substitute the use of nitrogen fertilizers; however, it improved the efficacy of fertilization.

Brazilian soybeans have high productivity which is similar to those obtained in developed countries. Such prominent position is also due to investment in management systems. One potential option for increasing yield is the adoption of denser planting spatial designs and improvement of fertilizer supplying efficacy, with effective application modes that optimize time. Therefore, the purpose was to evaluate the effect of phosphorus doses in different fertilization management systems (furrow or broadcast), in different spatial arrangements (conventional or crossed) in soybeans. Nutrient absorption was quantified, technological parameters in the stages V6 and R1 were analyzed in different plant fractions (stem, leaves, pods) in the spatial arrangements, and soil chemical properties and soybean yield were determined as a function of fertilizer management and spatial arrangement. Two experiments were done at the Experimental Farm Capim Branco, Uberlândia-MG, one with conventional sowing and the other one with crossed sowing. The experimental design in both of them was randomized blocks (3 blocks and 27 plots), with five phosphorus doses (0, 60, 120, 180 or 240 kg ha-1), two fertilizer application modes (broadcast or furrow), and the crossed sowing had the double of the conventional sowing plant population. Soybean yield and soil chemical properties were not affected by the fertilizer management type in neither sowing arrangement.

Although Brazil is the fourth watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) producing country in ranking position, its greatest challenge is the low yield average obtained (22.5 t ha-1). Such yield, places Brazil in the 38th position in the world rank, reflecting the amount of effort still needed to increase Brazilian yield efficiency. Thus, greater knowledge about the agronomic traits of new cultivars is relevant to obtain more yield efficiency. The constant search for yield increase demands for the optimization of crop practices associated to plant density, as a function of new cultivars, planting regions and market characteristics. Spacing variation can change plant development and its response to production factors. Presently, both for watermelon fruit thinning management and plant density, the recommendations are based on old varieties in greenhouses or in agreement with empirical observations of growers and technicians. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of plant density and fruit thinning, in different plant positions, on watermelon yield and fruit quality, under dripping irrigation, in two experimental watermelon hybrids. The experiments were done at Bayer Vegetable Seeds Experimental Farm, in Uberlândia-MG, in two seasons, from April to July (Autumn-Winter) and from August to November (Winter-Spring), consisting of two watermelon experimental hybrids (X and Y); two fruit thinning management systems (A basal, or B distal), and four plant densities (3000, 4000, 5000 e 6000 plants ha-1). Fruit average weight, fruit density, brix, flesh firmness, flesh color, hollow heart and yield were evaluated. Average fruit weight was inversely proportional to the plant density up 5000 plants ha-1. Fruit size increases again, between 5000 and 6000 plants ha-1, probably due to better use of fertilizers. Therefore, greater yield was obtained with plant density of 6000 plants ha-1, with a commercial fruit size better accepted in the market (above 10 kg). Better performance was observed in all characteristics within management A (basal), season 2 (August-November), while some characteristics showed better performance in the season 1 (April-July) under the management B (distal). Thus, basal fruit thinning becomes relevant only if there is no adequate water supply and temperature for watermelon crop. Greater yield potential was observed in hybrid X, as well as greater qualitative traits potential, especially when weather conditions were more adequate for its development. Under less favorable weather conditions (season 1) hybrid X was more responsive to basal fruit thinning (management A) considering the trait average of fruit weight, with an increase of 2.5 kg per fruit and, consequently, more responsive to yield with an increase of 11.4 t ha-1.

Sorghum is an extremely important crop for the second season, particularly in Brazilian savannah. Information about the development of the crop in different sowing dates, prompt and accurate fertilizer management and use of adapted cultivars are important for making decision by farmers. Thus, studies were conducted to evaluate the productive performance and concentration of nutrients in grain sorghum hybrids in different sowing times and stages of development, to determine chlorophyll contents in the leaves of sorghum hybrids at growth stages in different sowing dates, and to generate data on agronomic characteristics and the exportation of macronutrients by grain in different sowing dates. Experiments were done in contiguous areas in four sowing dates. The first one was sown on February 26 2013 and the others 17, 30 and 41 days after the first sowing - (DAFS). The experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design with 9 grain sorghum hybrids and four replications. Each sowing date was considered an individual experiment, and grouped analysis was done to compare characteristics. Macronutrient contents and SPAD index data were evaluated in three different stages within the plant cycle, characterizing the experiment in a grouped analysis of split plot (development stage - subplots), with factorial in plot (hybrid x sowing time). Pearson s correlation coefficients for the variables macronutrient and SPAD index were calculated. Macronutrient content (g kg-1) exported grain by four of the nine hybrids planted in the four periods, in Votuporanga, was evaluated. Sorghum hybrids productivity varied according to the sowing dates. Macronutrient contents varied in different development stages and sowing dates. SPAD chlorophyll index values had positive linear correlations with nitrogen levels in the phenological stages evaluated. The mass of one thousand grains of sorghum hybrids varied depending on the sowing dates. Exportation of macronutrients by sorghum grains followed the decreasing order: N> K> P> Ca> Mg> S. The mean values of macronutrients accumulation to produce one ton of grain sorghum grains are 20.5 kg N, 3:33 kg P, 3.70 kg K, 3:49 kg Ca, 1.77 kg Mg, and 0.72 kg S.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

From the factors that affect the coffee production, the damages caused by the mite Brevipalpus phoenicis (GEIJSKES) have a significant economical expressiveness and, its importance on this plant culture happens due to the vector of the ringspot virus, responsible for the leaf fall and for the reduction of the coffee quality. The recommended season for the chemical control of this mite is after the harvest, when the production damage had already occurred, because the peak of this mite blight occurs before the coffee harvest. The mite insecticide espiromesifeno acts inhibiting the lipid synthesis and it has ovicidal effect over B.phoenicis, showing effectiveness on this mite control for a short-term period after the application and being promising on the mite control for a long-term period, due to its residual effect on the mite fecundity. This way, aiming to keep the mite B.phoenicis in low population, through the early start of the chemical products application, two scientific experiments were conducted at the experimental station of Bayer CropScience, Fazenda São Jorge in Araguari- MG from October 2011 to October 2012. The first one had as an objective the evaluation of three doses of espiromesifeno for the mite control after the harvest, having as a parameter the products espirodiclofeno and abamectina. On the second experiment, it was tested the effectiveness of three doses of espiromesifeno, applying them three seasons before the harvest, aiming to hinder the mite population on the crops and to test the anticipation of the chemical control application. The experiments were carmed out in different gashes where for the tests evaluation it was done the headcount of the number of mites in branches and in coffee fruits taken from the medium and lower level of the plant were counted. In both experiments it was analyzed the long and short term effectiveness of the product. Up to thirty days after the application, espiromesifeno was effective in all tested doses. Espiromesifeno, as on doses of 120 gia ha-1 as on 144 gia ha-1, performed the best control of B.phoenicis in relation to abamectina and espirodiclofeno when evaluated 232 days after the application. The early application of espiromesifeno for the chemical control of the mite B. phoenicis was efficient in all tested seasons and used doses (96, 120 e 144 gia ha-1) and prevent mite outbreak, showing that it isn t necessary to wait the harvest period to do the pulverization.

The Neon-S method has been used for the detection of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in soybean and common beans since the agricultural year 2010. However, this method yields false positive readings due to other fungi that change medium pH. Thus, this study evaluated the contribution of increasing incubation period on the optimization of Neon-S reliability in different cultivars of soybeans and common beans. Nine treatments were evaluated in randomized blocks design, as a 3x3 factorial, with three replications. The factors were three detection methods (paper roll, Neon- S, and Neon S2) and three cultivars: naturally infected Pérola beans; naturally infected soybean cultivar BRS Valiosa RR, and artificially inoculated soybean cultivar Nidera 7255 RR). Inoculation of soybean Nidera 7255 RR was done by incubating the seeds for 72 h on PDA where the fungus was previously grown for seven days at 25 ºC. The three methods were compared, evaluating 400 seeds per replication, after incubation for seven days in Neon-S, for 15 days in Neon-S2, and for 30 days in paper roll, determining the presence of the fungus, and that of sclerotia adhered to the seeds. Twenty seeds were used per plate for media Neon-S and Neon-S2 (20 plates per replication), and 50 seeds per roll for the paper roll. Seeds were incubated at 20 ºC in BDO chamber in darkness. The data were submitted to the analysis of variance and the averages compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. The interaction between detection method and cultivar was significant at 1% probability, indicating that the best method depends on the cultivar under study. Among the cultivars evaluated, artificially infected soybean presented the greatest indices of pathogen infection. A comparison of seed lots analyzed at the Plant Disease Clinic LAMIP proved greater sensibility of Neon-S in a total of 637 lots evaluated from 2008 to 2012. In that period, the paper roll test resulted in 21.88% positive samples, while in Neon-S 31.25% of them were positive. Another distinguishing factor among the lots analyzed was the percentage of infected and, or, contaminated seeds, which varied from one (0.25%) to five (1.25%). Therefore, detection of S. sclerotiorum by the Neon-S2 method can be optimized by incubation for 15 days, considering that, in this case, the formation of sclerotia near the infected seeds confirm the presence of the pathogen, avoiding false positive readings. Neon-S2 method increased detection sensibility of S. sclerotiorum in seed lots analyzed in comparison with the paper roll method; however, in comparison with Neon S method, despite its greater average, no significant differences were observed.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

Agriculture and cattle raising expansion into new areas to supply the demand for food has become unviable. Moreover, the increasing presence of degraded pastures shows the need to revert such situation. Thus, integration of crop production with cattle rising and forestry (iLPF) becomes a new standard, allowing the renovation of areas in degradation process while, at the same time, allows the production of food with agriculture and cattle ranching, besides obtaining products and by-products of forests. Therefore, this study evaluated the location of sorghum plots (middle, right side or left side of eucalypts) under different spatial arrangements of eucalypts; determined the wood yield and different plant spatial arrangements and generated information about the major agricultural characteristics of sorghum and sylvicultural ones of eucalypt, in consortium, for the iLPF system, in Minas Gerais savannah. Eucalypt clone I 144 was used for the forest component and hybrid grain sorghum 1G220 for the crop component. The effect of spatial arrangement was evaluated in single rows 10 x 2 m, double rows 2 x 3) + 15 m or (2 x 3) + 20 m and triple rows (3 x 2 x 3) + 20 m. Sorghum was evaluated in a randomized block design, in split plots with five replications. The experimental unit consisted of four eucalypt spatial arrangements, and the split plots consisted of each of the three evaluation locations for sorghum agricultural characteristics. The experimental design for eucalypt was randomized blocks, with six replications, and the minimum experimental unit consisted of two trees. The results showed that the spatial arrangement with greatest sorghum height was 10 x 2 m with the evaluation done in the center of the eucalypt rows. All other characteristics, grain matter, average yield and effective yield were greater in the center of eucalypt alleys and the spatial arrangement of (2 x 3) + 20 m. The diameter at breast height increased as plant space increased in the systems 10 x 2 m and (2 x 3) + 15 m; plant height increased in more dense arrangements, 10 x 2 m, (2 x 3) + 15 m e (3 x 2 x 3) + 20 m; wood volume per plant and per hectare were greatest in the systems 10 x 2 m and (2 x 3) + 15 m.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Invasive plants have been a limiting factor for the initial establishment of planted forests, especially when that occurs over degraded grazing areas with Brachiaria spp. Two studies were done to determine the impact of weeds, and its control, on teak establishment. The first one evaluated teak growth under the influence of Brachiaria decumbens. Treatments were no weed control, complete control of weeds, weed control after 6 months of competition, and weed control in a 30 cm radius around the seedlings. The experiment was done in a grazing area, containing Brachiaria decumbens, on May 2012. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with four treatments and four replications. Twenty two months after transplanting, all treatments in which teak co-existed with the invasive weed, had their growth affected. Complete weed control is required to assure best teak development. The second study evaluated different herbicides for their toxicity to teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) seedlings. The experiment was done in degraded grazing area containing Brachiaria decumbens and tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.). Treatments consisted of ten herbicides, five pre-emergent, and five post-emergent, and a control that was sprayed with water. The experimental design was completely randomized, with ten replications. Herbicides were sprayed thirty days after transplanting. The herbicide clorimurom-ethyl (Panzer 250 WDG®), hexazinone (Magnus BR®), hexazinone (Hexazinona®), haloxifop-R, methyl ester (Verdict R®), fomesafem + fluazifope + fluasifope-p-buthyl (Fusiflex®) were phytotoxic, but did not kill the seedlings; all others killed most seedlings.