For climacteric fruits, such as mango, losses have been reported from harvest to fruit consumption. Thus, controlled refrigeration and passive modified atmosphere have been used in combination with edible and biodegradable coatings or plastic packaging to minimise these losses. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of carnauba wax and Xtend plastic packaging film, with and without refrigerated storage, on the post-harvest preservation of 'Tommy Atkins' mangoes. The fruits were coated with carnauba wax and/or wrapped in Xtend bags and then stored at 12 ± 1 and 25 ± 3 °C for 21 days. The weight loss, fruit firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C content, and the CO2 concentration inside the package were determined at 7-day intervals. Cold storage was observed to slow down the rate of degradation and to reduce adverse degradation reactions. By coating the fruits with carnauba wax, packaging them with Xtend plastic and keeping them under refrigeration, it was possible to store the mangoes at 12 ± 1 °C for 21 days. In this way, the CO2 concentration was reduced, mass loss and acidity were decreased, and the fruit firmness was preserved.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the relative effects of controlled atmosphere (CA) associated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP; 1.0 μL L−1), induction of mass loss (IML; 2%), and low ethylene (LE; <0.04 μL L−1 of C2H4) on the quality preservation of ‘Laetitia’ plums. In experiment 1 (2010), the treatments evaluated were cold storage (CS; 21.0 kPa O2 + <0.03 kPa CO2), CA1 (1 kPa O2 + 1 kPa CO2), CA1 + 1-MCP, CA1 + IML, and CA1 + LE. In experiment 2 (2011), the treatments evaluated were CS, CA2 (2 kPa O2 + 2 kPa CO2), CA2 + IML, and CA2 + 1-MCP. In both experiments, the fruit were stored at 0.5 ± 0.1°C and 96 ± 2% RH. CA storage delayed fruit ripening in both atmosphere conditions evaluated and reduced the internal browning of the ‘Laetitia’ plums, particularly in CA2. 1-MCP, LE, and IML had additional effects to CA1 on preserving flesh consistency. 1-MCP, irrespective of the CA condition, and IML, in CA1, reduced internal browning. CA1, regardless of the complementary technologies, reduced the incidence of decay and fruit cracking.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytomorphological parameters of soybean in a crop-livestock system inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense. The experiment was conducted in Santa Maria, Brazil, for two agricultural years (2 Paper extracted from the doctoral thesis of the first author. 012/2013 and 2013/2014) in a randomized complete block design with three replications. In the winter, the black oat and ryegrass pasture was managed with sheep under different grazing systems: (I) - a conventional grazing (CG) system, where the animals remained in the pasture throughout the experimental period without any pasture height control; (II, III, and IV) - systems with post-grazing pasture heights of 10, 20, and 30 cm, respectively; and (NG) - one control without grazing. All treatments received two nitrogen doses (50 and 100 kg ha-1) and inoculation or no inoculation (A. brasilense). The soybean cultivar BMX Potência RR was sown using no-tillage on 16 November 2012 and 1 December 2013. In each plot, seven rows of plants with spacing of 0.45 m were used, and in four rows, the seeds were inoculated with the bacterium A. brasilense. The phytomorphological variables and grain productivity were evaluated. In a croplivestock system, soybean has better productivity when established on black oat and ryegrass pasture managed with post-grazing pasture heights of between 20 and 30 cm. Areas under conventional grazing in the winter led to smaller soybean plants with lower first and last pod heights. Inoculation with A. brasilense should not be used alone in soybean cultivation.

The production of vegetables in communities of family farmers in semiarid regions is limited due to rudimentary cultivation practices and systems, water scarcity, and excess salts in the water and soil. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the production of rocket (Eruca sativa L. cv. Folha Larga) in a low cost hydroponic system, considering strategies for the use of brackish water in the nutrient solution. The experiments were conducted in complete randomized designs, in 6×2 factorial arrangements, with five replications, using rocket plants grown in different nutrient solutions, consisting of six salinity levels (1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, and 9.0 dS m -1) and two circulation frequencies of the nutrient solution (twice a day, at 8:00h, and 16:00h; and three times a day, at 8:00h, 12:00h, and 16:00h). In Experiment I, the nutrient solution lost by evapotranspiration was replenished with the respective brackish water used in its preparation; and in Experiment II it was replenished with public water (0.12 dS m -1). The shoot and root fresh and dry biomass of the plants and their respective dry weight proportions, and biometric variables were evaluated. Replenishing of the nutrient solution with public water resulted in lower losses in biomass and plant growth. The increases in circulation frequency of the nutrient solution did not affect the biometric variables, however, the plants prioritized shoot biomass development to the detriment of the root when using high circulation frequencies.

The use of wastewater has emerged as alternative to control environmental pollution and a viable option to improved water availability in the arid and semiarid zones. In this study, the effects of irrigation solution with domestic sewage effluent and, of growing substrate on growth of Aroeira seedlings was examined in a greenhouse experiment. The effects of five irrigation solution (Public-supply water, PSW, domestic sewage effluent, DSE and the mixtures of 75% DSE + 25% PSW, 50% DSE + 50% PSW and 25% DSE + 75% PSW) and two growing substrate (75% soil + 25% bovine manure and, 75% soil + 25% coconut fiber) were used in a completely randomized block design, arranged as split plots with three replications for each treatment. The evaluations were made at 30, 60, 90 and 150 days after planting, and the parameters following were measured: stem diameter, shoot height, relationship between height and diameter, shoot/root dry matter ratio, dry matter of the root, shoot and total and, Dickson index. The analysis results indicated that the irrigation solution composed by raw sewage effluent or mixed with Public-supply water increased the growth and improved morphological index of Aroeira seedlings, being the better development found when plant of Aroeira were grown in bovine manure + soil substrate under irrigation with solution containing 100% domestic sewage effluent.

The aim of this study is to document the heretofore unrecorded natural occurrence of the larval parasitoid Digonogastra sp. on Diatraea flavipennella Box, 1931 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in sugarcane fields. The collections were made in the Usina Santa Clotilde area, in Rio Largo municipality, Alagoas State, Brazil. This is the first record of Digonogastra sp. parasitizing caterpillar of D. flavipennella in Brazil. The parasitism rate was found to be 14.06%. The occurrence of this parasitoid indicates potential for natural regulation of that pest in sugarcane crop.

RESUMO O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar três populações naturais de mangabeira (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) localizadas em áreas de Cerrado na região de Porto Nacional-TO e estudar a variabilidade fenotípica através de atributos físico-químicos de frutos. Foram selecionados dez genótipos em cada população e coletados vinte frutos de cada genótipo para análise. Nos frutos foram mensurados: o diâmetro transversal e longitudinal, a massa total, a massa e o rendimento de polpa, o número de sementes e a massa fresca das sementes. De cada fruto foram retiradas duas sementes e mensurados o diâmetro longitudinal, transversal e espessura. Da polpa total de cada genótipo foram mensurados o pH e sólidos solúveis. Para caracterização morfológica foi realizada estatística descritiva, a comparação entre as populações foi realizada através do teste de Kruskal-Wallis seguido do teste de Dunn a 5% de probabilidade. A relação entre as variáveis foi estimada pelo coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Para o estudo da variabilidade fenotípica foi realizada a análise de componentes principais. As populações naturais de mangabeira estudadas apresentam características semelhantes quanto à morfologia do fruto e pH, sendo encontrado diferenças significativas apenas para o diâmetro transversal da semente, com maior valor para Canaã e sólidos solúveis totais, com maior valor para Providência. As correlações significativas em cada população ocorrem para as mesmas variáveis morfológicas e pH, com exceção das correlações negativas que ocorreram na população Canaã que se destacou por apresentar frutos mais homogêneos. Providência apresentou frutos maiores e com maior massa. Nas populações São Judas Tadeu e Providência foram observadas maiores variabilidades fenotípicas. | ABSTRACT This study aimed to characterize three natural populations of mangabeira (Hancornia speciosa) located in parts of the Cerrado in the region of Porto Nacional, State of Tocantins, as well as to evaluate phenotypic variability in individual plants based on the physicochemical properties of their fruits. Ten genotypes were selected from each population, and 20 fruits of each genotype were collected for analysis. Fruits were analyzed for transverse and longitudinal diameters, total mass, pulp mass and yield, and number and fresh mass of seeds. Two seeds were taken from each fruit for the measurement of longitudinal and transverse diameter and thickness. Furthermore, pH and soluble solids were measured in the total pulp of each genotype. Descriptive statistics were performed on the data from morphological characterization, and populations were compared by the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Dunn's test at 5% probability level. The relationship between variables was estimated by the Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Phenotypic variability was verified using the principal component analysis. All three natural populations of mangabeira investigated here exhibited similar characteristics regarding fruit morphology and pH. Significant differences were detected only in the transverse diameter of the seed (Canaã had the highest value) and for total soluble solids content (Providência had the highest value). Significant correlations were found for corresponding morphological variables and pH in each population, except for several negative correlations that were observed in the Canaã population, which produced more homogeneous fruit. The Providência population presented the largest and most massive fruit. The greatest phenotypic variabilities were observed in the São Judas Tadeu and Providência populations.

ABSTRACT Green manure may lead to physical, chemical, and biological improvements to the soil. However, the information on its use in the Brazilian Northeast is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the phenological cycle and phytomass productivity of seven legume species. This study was conducted in the second semester of 2015 in a completely randomized design with seven treatments and four replications. Plant height, fresh mass of shoot (FMS), dry mass of shoot (DMS), fresh mass of root (FMR), and dry mass of root (DMR) were determined at 100 days after sowing. Germination, flowering, and pod maturation were also assessed. The highest averages of FMS were observed in Crotalaria breviflora and Crotalaria mucronata, followed by Canavalia ensiformis, whereas the highest averages of DMS were observed in C. breviflora, C. ensiformis, C. mucronata, and Cajanus cajan cv. IAPAR 43. The highest averages of FMR were obtained by C. breviflora and C. mucronata, followed by C. cajan cv. Fava Larga. The species C. mucronata, C. cajan cv. IAPAR 43, and C. breviflora presented the highest averages of DMR. In addition, C. juncea, C. ensiformis, and C. cajan cv. IAPAR 43 were the earlier species regarding flowering, while C. cajan cv. Fava Larga was the later species. C. juncea was the earliest among all studied species regarding pod maturation. The tested legume species obtained promising initial results during the assessment period, being able to meet the expectations of biomass production and contributing to soil sustainability in this region. | RESUMO A adubação verde pode atribuir melhorias físicas, químicas e biológicas aos solos, porém, são escassas as informações de uso no nordeste brasileiro. Objetivou-se avaliar o ciclo fenológico e as produtividades de fitomassa de sete espécies de leguminosas. O trabalho foi conduzido durante o segundo semestre de 2015, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com sete tratamentos e quatro repetições. Aos 100 dias após semeadura (DAS) foram determinadas a altura das plantas, massa fresca (MFPA) e seca da parte aérea (MSPA), massa fresca (MFR) e seca da raiz (MSR). Avaliou-se também a germinação, florescimento e maturação das vagens. As maiores médias para MFPA foram obtidas pelas Crotalaria breviflora e Crotalaria mucronata, seguidas da Canavalia ensiformis. As mais produtivas para MSPA foram C. breviflora, C. ensiformis, C. mucronata, e Cajanus cajan Cv IAPAR 43. As maiores médias para MFR foram obtidas pelas C. breviflora e C. mucronata, seguidas do C. cajan Cv Fava Larga. A C. mucronata, C. cajan Cv IAPAR 43 e C. breviflora foram as espécies que obtiveram as maiores médias de MSR. A Crotalaria juncea, C. ensiformis e C. cajan Cv IAPAR 43 foram as espécies mais precoces em relação à floração, enquanto que C. cajan Cv Fava Larga foi a espécie mais tardia. C. juncea foi a mais precoce, entre todas as espécies estudadas, para a variável maturação das vagens. As espécies de leguminosas testadas obtiveram, durante o período de avaliação, resultados iniciais promissores, podendo atender as expectativas de produção de biomassa, além de contribuir para a sustentabilidade dos solos desta região.

ABSTRACT Changes in the agricultural environment can be determined by providing microbiological indicators of the soil since the soil microorganisms are sensitive to variations in the environment. In this way, the impact of herbicides of long residual effect on the rhizospheric soil microorganisms of sugarcane cultivars was evaluated. The cultivars of sugarcane (SP 81-3250 and RB 867515) were treated with four herbicides (tebuthiuron, diuron, ametryn and mixture of diuron + and hexazinone) applied in pre-emergence. The herbicides were applied seven days after the planting of the gems. At 30, 60 and 90 days after the application, the soil rhizosphere was collected in each treatment to determine the CO2 evolution of the soil (C-CO2), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), metabolic quotient (qCO2), solubility potential of inorganic phosphorus P (PSFI) and percentage of roots colonized by mycorrhizal fungi Arbuscular. No changes were observed in the microbial activity of the sugarcane rhizosphere at 30 days after application of the herbicides (DAA). However, at 90 DAA, all herbicides negatively affected the activity of the rhizospheric microorganisms of sugarcane. The metabolic activity of rhizosphere in soil cultivated with RB 867515 was less affected by herbicides. | RESUMO Alterações no ambiente agrícola podem ser determinadas por meio indicadores microbiológicos do solo, uma vez que a microbiota do solo é sensível às modificações do ambiente. Desta forma, avaliou-se o impacto de herbicidas de longo efeito residual sobre a microbiota rizosférica de cultivares de cana-de-açúcar. As cultivares de cana-de-açúcar SP 81-3250 e RB 867515 foram tratadas com quatro herbicidas (tebuthiuron, diuron, ametryn e a mistura diuron + hexazinone) aplicados em pré-emergência. Os herbicidas foram aplicados sete dias após o plantio das gemas. Aos 30, 60 e 90 dias após a aplicação, o solo rizosferico de cada tratamento foi coletado para determinar a evolução de CO2 no solo (C-CO2), o carbono da biomassa microbiana (MBC), o quociente metabólico (qCO2), o potencial de solubilização de P inorgânico (PSFI) e a percentagem de raízes colonizadas por fungos micorrízicos arbusculares. Não foram observadas alterações na atividade microbiana da rizosfera da cana-de-açúcar aos 30 dias após a aplicação dos herbicidas (DAA). No entanto, aos 90 DAA todos os herbicidas afetaram negativamente a atividade dos micro-organismos rizosféricos da cana-de-açúcar. A atividade metabólica da rizosfera em solo cultivado com a RB 867515 foi menos afetada pelos herbicidas.

ABSTRACT Vetiver grass is a member of the grass family Poaceae. Its fast development is probably due to the interaction with native microbiota, whose influence has not been studied yet. The objective of this work was to evaluate the colonization and development of the vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty) inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophytic fungi. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with six treatments (control, without mycorrhizal fungi, native inoculants, UFLA05 - Gigaspora albida, UFLA351 - Rhizoglomus clarum, UFLA372 - Claroideoglomus etunicatum, and UFLA401 - Acaulospora morrowiae), with three replicates each. Vetiver grass tillers as well as the native microbial inoculum were obtained from the Lower São Francisco river experimental area, located in Sergipe state, Northeastern Brazil. There was a negative interaction between all tested UFLAs mycorrhizal isolates and the native microbiota (mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi) in the treatments, especially when taking into consideration plant height and volume of roots. The effects of inoculation with UFLA isolates may have been influenced by the presence of the native mycorrhizal fungi and the dark septate endophytic fungi. Vetiver grass was responsive to the native inoculant. The mycorrhizal colonization of the vetiver grass was vesicular, but the formation of the arbuscules can be influenced by the interaction between the fungus, plant, and the environment. | RESUMO O capim vetiver é uma espécie da família poácea que apresenta rápido desenvolvimento, provavelmente decorrente da interação com a microbiota nativa, cuja influência ainda não foi estudada. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a colonização e o desenvolvimento do capim vetiver inoculado com fungos micorrízicos arbusculares e fungos endofíticos "dark septate". O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado composto por seis tratamentos (controle sem fungo micorrízico; inoculante microbiano nativo; UFLA05 - Gigaspora albida, UFLA351 - Rhizoglomus clarum, UFLA372 - Claroideoglomus etunicatum e UFLA401 - Acaulospora morrowiae), com três repetições. Os perfilhos de capim vetiver, assim como o inóculo microbiano nativo foram obtidos na área experimental do Baixo São Francisco, localizado no Estado de Sergipe, Nordeste do Brasil. O efeito da inoculação dos isolados UFLAs pode ter sido influenciado pela presença da micorriza nativa e pelos fungos endofíticos "dark septate". Houve uma interação negativa entre todos isolados UFLAs testados e a microbiota nativa (micorriza e endofítico), nos tratamentos, principalmente quando se considera a altura da planta e o volume de raízes. O capim vetiver foi responsivo ao inoculante microbiano nativo. A colonização micorrízica do capim vetiver foi vesicular, mas a formação dos arbúsculos pode ser influenciada pela interação fungo, planta e ambiente.