ABSTRACT Plasma technology is a fast, cost-effective, and pollution-free method that can be used in place of conventional methods to overcome seed dormancy. The goal of the present study was to determine the effect of different application times of atmospheric plasma on soaking and germination of Hybanthus calceolaria seeds in order to accelerate these processes. Helium plasma jet produced by dielectric barrier discharge was used to treat H. calceolaria seeds with applications of 1, 5, and 10 minutes. The treated seeds were characterized considering their weight variation during soaking, changes in electrical conductivity, and pH. It was found that germination depended on the plasma application time. The treatment of H. calceolaria seeds with atmospheric plasma for 1 minute provided 3.5 times greater germination in comparison to untreated seeds. Atmospheric plasma technology obtained by dielectric barrier discharge had potential of being used as a germination accelerant in H. calceolaria seeds. The treatment of H. calceolaria seeds using atmospheric plasma for 1 minute favored germination. | RESUMO A tecnologia de plasma constitui-se em um método rápido, econômico e livre de poluição que pode ser utilizada na superação de dormência de sementes em substituição aos métodos convencionais. O objetivo com esse estudo foi verificar o efeito do tempo de aplicação de plasma atmosférico sobre a embebição e germinação de sementes de Hybanthus calceolaria visando à aceleração destes processos. Jato de plasma de gás hélio, produzido por descarga em barreira dielétrica (DBD), foi utilizado para tratar as sementes de H. calceolaria por 1, 5 e 10 minutos de aplicação. As sementes tratadas foram caracterizadas quanto à variação de peso durante a embebição, variações da condutividade elétrica e pH. Verificou-se que a germinação depende do tempo de aplicação do plasma. O tratamento de sementes de H. calceolaria com plasma atmosférico por 1 min. proporcionou incremento na germinação de 3,5 vezes em comparação com as não tratadas. A tecnologia de plasma atmosférico, obtido por barreira dielétrica, apresenta potencial de utilização como acelerador da germinação de sementes de H. calceolaria. O tratamento de sementes de H. calceolaria à plasma atmosférico durante 1 minuto favorece a germinação.

Plasma technology is a fast, cost-effective, and pollution-free method that can be used in place of conventional methods to overcome seed dormancy. The goal of the present study was to determine the effect of different application times of atmospheric plasma on soaking and germination of Hybanthus calceolaria seeds in order to accelerate these processes. Helium plasma jet produced by dielectric barrier discharge was used to treat H. calceolaria seeds with applications of 1, 5, and 10 minutes. The treated seeds were characterized considering their weight variation during soaking, changes in electrical conductivity, and pH. It was found that germination depended on the plasma application time. The treatment of H. calceolaria seeds with atmospheric plasma for 1 minute provided 3.5 times greater germination in comparison to untreated seeds. Atmospheric plasma technology obtained by dielectric barrier discharge had potential of being used as a germination accelerant in H. calceolaria seeds. The treatment of H. calceolaria seeds using atmospheric plasma for 1 minute favored germination.

RESUMO O trabalho teve como objetivo estudar variações nos parâmetros envolvidos no teste do pH do exsudato e alagamento para caracterização da qualidade fisiológica de sementes de soja. Inicialmente, foi determinado o teor de água e realizados os testes de germinação, primeira contagem, emergência e índice de velocidade de emergência. No teste do pH do exsudato foram estudadas variações no período de embebição e temperatura; e no teste de alagamento foram estudadas variações na quantidade de água e temperatura. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições, e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Scott-Knott a 5% de probabilidade. Foi estimado o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson entre os testes do pH do exsudato e alagamento com a emergência de plântulas. O teste do pH do exsudato pode ser utilizado na avaliação do potencial fisiológico de sementes de soja, sendo que este deve ser realizado na temperatura de 20 ºC por 30 minutos de embebição. O teste de alagamento é eficiente na avaliação do vigor de sementes de soja, podendo ser realizado nas combinações 25 ºC/50 mL ou 30 ºC/75 mL, durante 4 h. | ABSTRACT The present study aimed to assess the variations in the parameters of the exudate pH and flooding tests to evaluate the physiological quality of soybean seeds. We subjected the lots of soybean seeds to germination, emergence, exudate pH, and flooding tests. Further, water content of the seeds, first count of germination, and emergence speed index were also determined. The exudate pH test studied the variations in the soaking period and temperature, while the flooding test assessed the variations in the amount of water and temperature at different periods of immersion. The experiment design was completely randomized. The results were presented as means and were compared using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the exudate pH and emergence of seedlings, and also between the flooding test result and emergence of seedlings were calculated. The results of the study indicated that the exudate pH test can be used to evaluate the physiological quality of soybean seeds after 30 min of imbibition at 20 °C. Further, the flooding test was efficient in evaluating the vigor of soybean seeds after 4 h of immersion either in 50 mL of distilled water at 25 °C or in 75 mL of distilled water at 30 °C.

The present study aimed to assess the variations in the parameters of the exudate pH and flooding tests to evaluate the physiological quality of soybean seeds. We subjected the lots of soybean seeds to germination, emergence, exudate pH, and flooding tests. Further, water content of the seeds, first count of germination, and emergence speed index were also determined. The exudate pH test studied the variations in the soaking period and temperature, while the flooding test assessed the variations in the amount of water and temperature at different periods of immersion. The experiment design was completely randomized. The results were presented as means and were compared using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the exudate pH and emergence of seedlings, and also between the flooding test result and emergence of seedlings were calculated. The results of the study indicated that the exudate pH test can be used to evaluate the physiological quality of soybean seeds after 30 min of imbibition at 20 °C. Further, the flooding test was efficient in evaluating the vigor of soybean seeds after 4 h of immersion either in 50 mL of distilled water at 25 °C or in 75 mL of distilled water at 30 °C.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to quantify the necromass stock in a Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (MOF) fragment in the National Forest of Irati, State of Paraná, Brazil. Two sampling methods were tested: FA1, consisting of a fixed area (FA) approach with sample units measuring 2,500 m2 (50 m × 50 m); and FA2, consisting of fixed area sampling units measuring 500 m2 (10 m × 50 m) and line intercept sampling (LI) using 50 m lines. Data were collected on permanent sample plots installed in the area, consisting of 25 square blocks of 1 ha. Fallen dead wood pieces with a diameter = 10 cm were used in the analysis. The dead wood was classified into three degrees of decomposition, and masses were calculated as the corresponding density at each class. The tested sampling methods were evaluated using coefficient of variation and relative sampling error, and the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the results between the methods. Volume size of fallen dead wood did not statistically differ between the methods, but variation in necromass volume was lower in the FA1 method, whereas the FA2 method had a smaller sampling error. Overall sampling error ranged from 23.4-27.92%; lowering the sampling error to 15% would require a high sampling intensity (FA1: 42 area units [a.u.], FA2: 99 a.u., and LI: 236 a.u.). Total necromass weights amounted to 4.67 Mg.ha-1 (FA1); 5.16 Mg.ha-1 (FA2) and 4.58 Mg.ha-1 (IL), and carbon stock estimates were 2.00 Mg.C.ha-1 (FA1); 2.20 Mg.C.ha-1 (FA2) and 1.96 Mg.C.ha-1 (IL). | RESUMO O estudo teve por objetivo quantificar o estoque de necromassa, em um fragmento de Floresta Ombrófila Mista, na Floresta Nacional de Irati, estado do Paraná. Dois métodos de amostragem foram testados, sendo área fixa (AF) com unidades amostrais de 2500 m2 (50 m x 50 m) -AF1; área fixa com unidades amostrais de 500 m2 (10 m x 50 m) - AF2 e método de amostragem por Linha Interceptadora (LI), com linhas de 50 m. Os dados foram coletados em parcelas permanentes instaladas na área, constituídas por 25 blocos quadrados de 1 ha. Foram medidas peças de madeira morta caída com diâmetro = 10 cm. A madeira morta foi classificada em três graus de decomposição e a massa foi calculada conforme a densidade correspondente a cada classe. Os métodos de amostragem testados foram avaliados por meio do Coeficiente de Variação e do Erro de Amostragem Relativo. Para comparações dos resultados entre os métodos utilizou-se o teste não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis. Os volumes para madeira morta caída não diferiram estatisticamente entre os métodos, porém o método AF1 teve menor variação do volume de necromassa e o método AF2 apresentou menor erro de amostragem. O erro amostral variou de 23,4 % a 27,92 % entre os métodos. Para atingir um erro de amostragem de 15% seria necessária uma elevada intensidade amostral (AF1: 42 unidades de área [u.a.], AF2: 99 u.a., e LI: 236 u.a.). O peso total de necromassa foi de 4,67 Mg.ha-1 (AF1); 5,16 Mg.ha-1 (AF2), e 4,58 Mg.ha-1 (LI) e o estoque de carbono foi de 2,00 Mg.C.ha-1(AF1); 2,20 Mg.C.ha-1 (AF2), e 1,96 Mg.C.ha-1 (LI).

The objective of this study was to quantify the necromass stock in a Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (MOF) fragment in the National Forest of Irati, State of Paraná, Brazil. Two sampling methods were tested: FA1, consisting of a fixed area (FA) approach with sample units measuring 2,500 m2 (50 m × 50 m); and FA2, consisting of fixed area sampling units measuring 500 m2 (10 m × 50 m) and line intercept sampling (LI) using 50 m lines. Data were collected on permanent sample plots installed in the area, consisting of 25 square blocks of 1 ha. Fallen dead wood pieces with a diameter = 10 cm were used in the analysis. The dead wood was classified into three degrees of decomposition, and masses were calculated as the corresponding density at each class. The tested sampling methods were evaluated using coefficient of variation and relative sampling error, and the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the results between the methods. Volume size of fallen dead wood did not statistically differ between the methods, but variation in necromass volume was lower in the FA1 method, whereas the FA2 method had a smaller sampling error. Overall sampling error ranged from 23.4-27.92%; lowering the sampling error to 15% would require a high sampling intensity (FA1: 42 area units a.u., FA2: 99 a.u., and LI: 236 a.u.). Total necromass weights amounted to 4.67 Mg.ha-1 (FA1); 5.16 Mg.ha-1 (FA2) and 4.58 Mg.ha-1 (IL), and carbon stock estimates were 2.00 Mg.C.ha-1 (FA1); 2.20 Mg.C.ha-1 (FA2) and 1.96 Mg.C.ha-1 (IL).

ABSTRACT The Brazilian bocachico, Prochilodus brevis, is a rheophilic fish. Although there is evidence that this species shows reproductive seasonality in the wild, in captivity hormonal induction techniques allow semen sampling in different seasons. This study aimed to compare the kinetics, morphology and biochemical composition of the semen of Brazilian bocachico in captivity when hormonally induced to breed in the reproductive and non-reproductive seasons. During sampling spermiation was hormonally induced in breeders. The concentrations of total protein, glucose, fructose, triglyceride, calcium and chloride were evaluated with biochemical kits. The pH data (6.5 to 8.5) suggest semen requires alkaline conditions, as expected for freshwater fish. Seminal plasma contained more protein (1.51 ± 0.06 dL g-1), glucose (79.44 ± 1.88 mg dL-1) and triglycerides (61.59 ± 8.10 mg dL-1) in the non-reproductive than the reproductive season, but calcium ions (15.98 ± 1.02 mg dL-1) showed the opposite pattern. There was a significant seasonal difference in sperm morphology, with a higher percentage of normal sperm in the reproductive season. From these data it can be concluded that the physical, kinetic, morphological and biochemical characteristics of semen of captive Prochilodus brevis are influenced by reproductive season. | RESUMO O curimatã comum Prochilodus brevis caracteriza-se como um peixe reofílico. Na natureza, esses animais apresentam sazonalidade reprodutiva, porém em cativeiro, técnicas de indução hormonal, permitem a coleta de sêmen em diferentes períodos do ano. Objetivou-se comparar a cinética, a morfologia e a composição física e bioquímica do sêmen de curimatã comum induzidos à reprodução em cativeiro com uso de hormônio, na estação reprodutiva e não reprodutiva. As concentrações de proteínas totais, glicose, frutose, triglicerídeo, cálcio e cloreto foram avaliadas através de kits bioquímicos e analisadas em espectrofotômetro. Os dados de pH do sêmen, sugerem condição alcalina do sêmen dentro do esperado para peixes de água doce (6,5 a 8,5). A quantidade de proteínas totais (1,51 ± 0,06 g dL-1), glicose (79,44 ± 1,88 mg dL-1) e triglicerídeos (61,59 ± 8,10 mg dL-1) no plasma seminal apresentaram uma maior concentração na estação não reprodutiva. Enquanto que o oposto foi verificado para os íons cálcio (15,98 ± 1,02 mg dL-1). Houve diferença significativa, na morfologia do espermatozoide na estação reprodutiva, com uma porcentagem de espermatozoides normais superior em relação à estação não reprodutiva. Assim, pode-se concluir que características físicas, bioquímicas, cinéticas e morfológicas do sêmen de curimatã comum, mantidos em cativeiro, sofrem influência da estação reprodutiva.

The Brazilian bocachico, Prochilodus brevis, is a rheophilic fish. Although there is evidence that this species shows reproductive seasonality in the wild, in captivity hormonal induction techniques allow semen sampling in different seasons. This study aimed to compare the kinetics, morphology and biochemical composition of the semen of Brazilian bocachico in captivity when hormonally induced to breed in the reproductive and non-reproductive seasons. During sampling spermiation was hormonally induced in breeders. The concentrations of total protein, glucose, fructose, triglyceride, calcium and chloride were evaluated with biochemical kits. The pH data (6.5 to 8.5) suggest semen requires alkaline conditions, as expected for freshwater fish. Seminal plasma contained more protein (1.51 ± 0.06 dL g-1), glucose (79.44 ± 1.88 mg dL-1) and triglycerides (61.59 ± 8.10 mg dL-1) in the non-reproductive than the reproductive season, but calcium ions (15.98 ± 1.02 mg dL-1) showed the opposite pattern. There was a significant seasonal difference in sperm morphology, with a higher percentage of normal sperm in the reproductive season. From these data it can be concluded that the physical, kinetic, morphological and biochemical characteristics of semen of captive Prochilodus brevis are influenced by reproductive season.

ABSTRACT The genetic variability within the crop species Ipomoea batatas is broad, hence, in order to support future breeding programs it is of the utmost importance that germplasm banks be created, conserved, and characterized. Therefore, the objective of this work was to rescue and evaluate the genetic divergence in sweet potato accessions collected in traditional communities of Vale do Ribeira Paulista. Sweet potato samples were collected from quilombos, indigenous villages, caiçaras communities, and small farms. The study was conducted between February 2013 and August 2014 in a randomized block design with three replications. Genetic material included 95 collected accessions and two commercial cultivars. Morphological characteristics of the accessions were evaluated and distances in the genetic distance matrix were estimated by means of multi-category variables, the data being subsequently clustered by the Tocher method. Analysis of the relative contribution of each characteristic and phenotypic correlation of descriptors was also performed. Results evidenced wide genetic diversity among the sweet potato accessions collected in Vale do Ribeira, which were not grouped according to the collection point. The descriptors that contributed more than 60% of genetic diversity included: leaf size, general leaf profile, immature leaf color, petiole pigmentation, predominant branch color, branch secondary color, stem length, cortical thickness, predominant periderm color, and periderm color intensity. Correlations between morphological descriptors was observed in 22.26% of the paired traits. | RESUMO A variabilidade genética existente dentro da espécie Ipomoea batatas é amplo, assim, visando dar suporte a futuros programa de melhoramento genético da espécies é de suma importância que bancos de germoplasma sejam formados, conservados e caracterizados. Desta forma, objetivou com este trabalho resgatar e avaliar a divergência genética em acessos coletados em comunidades tradicionais do Vale do Ribeira Paulista. A condução do estudo foi realizada em campo da Fazenda da UNESP-Registro entre fevereiro/2013 a agosto/2014. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos casualizados, com 95 acessos coletados e duas cultivares comerciais, com três repetições. Foram avaliadas características morfológicas da parte aérea e da raiz dos acessos segundo a metodologia de Huamán. A estimativa da matriz da distância genética foi realizada por meio das variáveis multicategoricas, sendo posteriormente os dados agrupados pelo método de Tocher. Também realizou-se análise da contribuição relativa de cada característica e correlação fenotípica dos descritores. De acordo com os resultados, pode-se concluir que há ampla diversidade genética entre os acessos de batata-doce coletados no Vale do Ribeira; os acessos não agruparam em função do ponto de coleta; os descritores que contribuíram com mais de 60% da divergência genética foram o tamanho da folha, perfil geral da folha, cor da folha imatura, pigmentação do pecíolo, coloração predominante das ramas, cor secundária das ramas, comprimento da haste, espessura do córtex, cor predominante da periderme e intensidade da cor da periderme; A correlação entre os descritores morfológicos foi verificada em 22,26% dos pares.

The genetic variability within the crop species Ipomoea batatas is broad, hence, in order to support future breeding programs it is of the utmost importance that germplasm banks be created, conserved, and characterized. Therefore, the objective of this work was to rescue and evaluate the genetic divergence in sweet potato accessions collected in traditional communities of Vale do Ribeira Paulista. Sweet potato samples were collected from quilombos, indigenous villages, caiçaras communities, and small farms. The study was conducted between February 2013 and August 2014 in a randomized block design with three replications. Genetic material included 95 collected accessions and two commercial cultivars. Morphological characteristics of the accessions were evaluated and distances in the genetic distance matrix were estimated by means of multi-category variables, the data being subsequently clustered by the Tocher method. Analysis of the relative contribution of each characteristic and phenotypic correlation of descriptors was also performed. Results evidenced wide genetic diversity among the sweet potato accessions collected in Vale do Ribeira, which were not grouped according to the collection point. The descriptors that contributed more than 60% of genetic diversity included: leaf size, general leaf profile, immature leaf color, petiole pigmentation, predominant branch color, branch secondary color, stem length, cortical thickness, predominant periderm color, and periderm color intensity. Correlations between morphological descriptors was observed in 22.26% of the paired traits.

ABSTRACT Studies on the use of agricultural residues as an alternative to commercial substrates have become fundamental tominimising the risk of environmental contamination resulting from inadequate disposal, as well as reducing seedling production costs. This research involved an evaluation of growth variables and quality of cucumber seedlings produced in substrates with different compositions of agricultural waste with a view to providing substitutes for commercial substrate. The experiment was based on a completely randomised design, with six treatments and ten replicates. There were five treatments with increasing proportions of moinha/decreasing proportions of carbonized rice husk (0/40, 10/30, 20/20, 30/10 and 40/0%) and fixed proportions of coconut fibre (15%), eggshell (5%), pine bark (40%), and one commercial substrate treatment as the control (Bioplant®). The variables evaluated were: electrical conductivity of the substrate, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, Dickson quality index (DQI) and dry matter of roots and above ground parts. Results show that alternative substrates can replace commercial substrate without impairing the quality of cucumber seedlings. However, the substrate containing 40% of moinha, 0% of rice husk, 15% of coconut fibre, 5% of eggshell and 40% of pine bark resulted in the highest values for all evaluated variables and appears to be the most promising alternative substrate for the production of cucumber seedlings. | RESUMO Estudos relacionados ao aproveitamento de resíduos agrícolas como substratos alternativos aos comerciais tornaram-se fundamentais por minimizar o risco de contaminação ambiental decorrente do descarte inadequado, além de diminuir os custos de produção de mudas. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar as variáveis de crescimento e a qualidade de mudas de pepino produzidas em substratos com diferentes composições de resíduos agrícolas, em substituição total ao substrato comercial. O experimento foi realizado no delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com seis tratamentos e dez repetições, sendo cinco tratamentos com proporções crescentes de moinha/decrescentes de casca de arroz (0/40; 10/30; 20/20; 30/10 e 40/0%) e proporções fixas de fibra de coco (15%), casca de ovo (5%) e casca de pinus (40%), e um tratamento controle com substrato comercial (Bioplant®). As variáveis avaliadas foram: condutividade elétrica do substrato, altura da planta, diâmetro do colo, número de folhas, Índice de Qualidade de Dickson (IQD) e massas secas da raiz e da parte aérea. Os substratos alternativos podem substituir o substrato comercial, sem que haja prejuízos à qualidade de mudas de pepino. Entretanto, o substrato contendo 40% de moinha, 0% de casca de arroz, 15% de fibra de coco, 5% de casca de ovo e 40% de casca de pinus proporciona os maiores valores para todas as variáveis avaliadas, sendo o mais indicado na produção de mudas de pepino.

Studies on the use of agricultural residues as an alternative to commercial substrates have become fundamental tominimising the risk of environmental contamination resulting from inadequate disposal, as well as reducing seedling production costs. This research involved an evaluation of growth variables and quality of cucumber seedlings produced in substrates with different compositions of agricultural waste with a view to providing substitutes for commercial substrate. The experiment was based on a completely randomised design, with six treatments and ten replicates. There were five treatments with increasing proportions of moinha/decreasing proportions of carbonized rice husk (0/40, 10/30, 20/20, 30/10 and 40/0%) and fixed proportions of coconut fibre (15%), eggshell (5%), pine bark (40%), and one commercial substrate treatment as the control (Bioplant®). The variables evaluated were: electrical conductivity of the substrate, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, Dickson quality index (DQI) and dry matter of roots and above ground parts. Results show that alternative substrates can replace commercial substrate without impairing the quality of cucumber seedlings. However, the substrate containing 40% of moinha, 0% of rice husk, 15% of coconut fibre, 5% of eggshell and 40% of pine bark resulted in the highest values for all evaluated variables and appears to be the most promising alternative substrate for the production of cucumber seedlings.

RESUMO Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da adição de resíduos de partes de leguminosas arbóreas no crescimento e nutrição de plantas de milho (Zea mays L.), bem como nos atributos químicos de um solo degradado, 65 dias após a aplicação dos resíduos. O experimento foi realizado em vasos, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com dez tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: T1 - Sem resíduo de leguminosas, T2 - Folhas de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T3 - Galhos de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T4 - Folhas + galhos de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T5 - Folhas de Mimosa hostilis, T6 - Galhos de Mimosa hostilis, T7 - Folhas + galhos de Mimosa hostilis, T8 - Folhas de Gliricidia sepium, T9 - Galhos de Gliricidia sepium e T10 - Folhas + galhos de Gliricidia sepium. Os vasos foram preenchidos com solo de área degradada e os resíduos adicionados na forma de massa verde após a semeadura do milho. Resíduos de leguminosas arbóreas influenciaram positivamente o crescimento de plantas de milho já aos 65 dias após a aplicação e favoreceram o acúmulo de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio na parte aérea de plantas. Os adubos verdes utilizados melhoraram atributos químicos do solo logo aos 65 dias após a aplicação, com destaque para o N-nitrato (N-NO3 -), N-amônio (N-NH4 +), nitrogênio inorgânico total (N-NO3 - + N-NH4 +) e K, demonstrando que essas espécies são boas opções para recuperação de áreas degradadas no semiárido cearense. | ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the addition of parts of leguminous trees on the growth and nutrition of maize (Zea mays L.), as well as on the chemical attributes of a degraded soil, 65 days after applying the residues. The experiment was conducted in pots, in a randomized block design with ten treatments and four replicates. The evaluated treatments were: T1 - No residues of leguminous trees, T2 - Leaves of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T3 - Branches of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T4 - Leaves + branches of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T5 - Leaves of Mimosa hostilis, T6 - Branches of Mimosa hostilis, T7 - Leaves + branches of Mimosa hostilis, T8 - Leaves of Gliricidia sepium, T9 - Branches of Gliricidia sepium and T10 - Leaves + branches of Gliricidia sepium. Pots were filled with soil from a degraded area and residues were added in the form of green mass after sowing the maize. Residues of leguminous trees positively influenced maize growth at 65 days after application and favored the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the shoots. Green fertilizers improved soil chemical attributes at 65 days after application, especially nitrate-N (NO3 --N), ammonium-N (NH4 +-N), total inorganic N (NO3 --N + NH4 +-N) and K, demonstrating that these species are good options for recovering degraded areas in the semi-arid region of Ceará.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the addition of parts of leguminous trees on the growth and nutrition of maize (Zea mays L.), as well as on the chemical attributes of a degraded soil, 65 days after applying the residues. The experiment was conducted in pots, in a randomized block design with ten treatments and four replicates. The evaluated treatments were: T1 - No residues of leguminous trees, T2 - Leaves of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T3 - Branches of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T4 - Leaves + branches of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T5 - Leaves of Mimosa hostilis, T6 - Branches of Mimosa hostilis, T7 - Leaves + branches of Mimosa hostilis, T8 - Leaves of Gliricidia sepium, T9 - Branches of Gliricidia sepium and T10 - Leaves + branches of Gliricidia sepium. Pots were filled with soil from a degraded area and residues were added in the form of green mass after sowing the maize. Residues of leguminous trees positively influenced maize growth at 65 days after application and favored the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the shoots. Green fertilizers improved soil chemical attributes at 65 days after application, especially nitrate-N (NO3 --N), ammonium-N (NH4 +-N), total inorganic N (NO3 --N + NH4 +-N) and K, demonstrating that these species are good options for recovering degraded areas in the semi-arid region of Ceará.

ABSTRACT Maize is an important cereal and it is widely consumed in the world, both as food for humans and animals. Nitrogen (N) is a nutrient required in large quantities by maize, but unfortunately, soils are limited in meeting this need. Nodulating legumes can serve as a source of Nitrogen, because they are symbiotically associated with bacteria capable of fixing atmospheric N. Another important source of this nutrient is cattle manure, which is widely used in agriculture. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of using legumes and cattle manure on the production as well as the microbial and biochemical quality of the soil used for maize cultivation. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design, in a sub-subdivided plot scheme [(2x4) +2], two leguminous plants (pigeon pea and macassar bean), four doses of cattle manure (0, 20, 40 and 60 t ha-1) and two controls; one with mineral fertilization and the other cultivated without the use of fertilizers. Treatment using a manure dose of 60t ha-1 and pigeon pea legume, recorded higher dry mass production per plant. The increase in manure doses was directly proportional to the length and weight of the cobs for the two legumes. The enzymatic activities were affected by the different doses and legumes, with greater results being recorded at the 60 t ha-1 dose with the macassar legume. The use of legumes with manure improved maize production as well as the microbiological and biochemical quality of soils. | RESUMO O milho é um importante cereal muito utilizado no mundo, tanto como alimentação para humanos como para animais. O nitrogênio (N) é um nutriente requerido em grande quantidade pelo milho, e os solos são limitantes em atender essa necessidade. As leguminosas nodulantes podem ser utilizadas como fonte de Nitrogênio, por formarem associações simbióticas com bactérias capazes de fixar N atmosférico, outra importante fonte desse nutriente é o esterco bovino, utilizado largamente na agricultura. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito do uso de leguminosas e esterco bovino na produção e qualidade microbiana e bioquímica do solo cultivado com milho. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, em esquema de parcela sub-subdividida [(2x4) +2], sendo duas leguminosas (feijão guandu anão e feijão macassar), quatro doses de esterco bovino (0, 20, 40 e 60 t ha-1), mais dois tratamentos controle um com adubação mineral e outro sem o emprego de adubos. O tratamento utilizando a dose 60 t ha-1 de esterco com a leguminosa Guandu anão apresentou maior produção de massa seca por planta. O aumento das doses de esterco foi diretamente proporcional ao comprimento e peso das espigas para as duas leguminosas. As atividades enzimáticas responderam às diferentes doses e leguminosas, com maiores resultados na dose de 60 t ha-1 com a leguminosa macassar. O uso de leguminosa com esterco melhorou a produção de milho e a qualidade microbiológica e bioquímica dos solos.

Maize is an important cereal and it is widely consumed in the world, both as food for humans and animals. Nitrogen (N) is a nutrient required in large quantities by maize, but unfortunately, soils are limited in meeting this need. Nodulating legumes can serve as a source of Nitrogen, because they are symbiotically associated with bacteria capable of fixing atmospheric N. Another important source of this nutrient is cattle manure, which is widely used in agriculture. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of using legumes and cattle manure on the production as well as the microbial and biochemical quality of the soil used for maize cultivation. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design, in a sub-subdivided plot scheme (2x4) +2, two leguminous plants (pigeon pea and macassar bean), four doses of cattle manure (0, 20, 40 and 60 t ha-1) and two controls; one with mineral fertilization and the other cultivated without the use of fertilizers. Treatment using a manure dose of 60t ha-1 and pigeon pea legume, recorded higher dry mass production per plant. The increase in manure doses was directly proportional to the length and weight of the cobs for the two legumes. The enzymatic activities were affected by the different doses and legumes, with greater results being recorded at the 60 t ha-1 dose with the macassar legume. The use of legumes with manure improved maize production as well as the microbiological and biochemical quality of soils.

RESUMO Trabalhos realizados com a cultura do grão-de-bico (Cicer arietinum L.) no Brasil evidenciam elevado potencial produtivo desta espécie, especialmente nas áreas de cerrado de Cristalina, GO e Brasília, DF. O Norte de Minas Gerais possui potencial produtivo por apresentar condições de inverno seco. Entretanto, mais informações sobre épocas de semeadura do grão-de-bico precisam ser levantadas. Dessa forma, objetivou-se avaliar a melhor época de semeadura do grão-de-bico nos municípios de Montes Claros e Januária, MG. O experimento foi realizado em blocos completos ao acaso, compreendendo três épocas de semeadura (12/Maio, 23/Junho, 22/Julho) e sete repetições. A cultivar utilizada foi BRS Aleppo e a colheita realizada aos 121 dias após a semeadura. Foram variáveis analisadas foram: altura de plantas, produtividade, número de vagens com um grão e número de vagens com dois grãos. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância sendo realizada a análise conjunta dos experimentos. Maiores produtividades foram obtidas em Montes Claros na semeadura realizada no mês de maio com produtividade de 5,3 t ha-1, e em Januária nas semeaduras de Maio e Junho, com produtividades superiores a 3,0 t ha-1. Por ser tardia, verificou-se que para a semeadura no mês de Julho ocorreu chuvas no período de colheita, comprometendo a qualidade e rendimento dos grãos. Além disso, foram registradas temperaturas máximas superiores a 30 ºC a partir do mês de Setembro nas duas localidades, o que resultou também na redução do número de grãos por planta. Assim, essa época de semeadura não é recomendada nos municípios estudados. | ABSTRACT In Brazil, studies on chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) have demonstrated the high productive potential of this crop, especially in the Cerrado areas of Cristalina, GO, and Brasília, DF. Due to dry winter climatic conditions, the North of Minas Gerais may be very suitable for the production of this crop. However, more information on chickpea sowing dates is needed. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate different chickpea sowing times in two municipalities of Minas Gerais State in Brazil: Montes Claros and Januária. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, comprising three sowing dates (12 May, 23 June, and 22 July, 2015), and seven replications. The cultivar used was BRS Aleppo, and the chickpeas were harvested 121 days after sowing. The variables evaluated included plant height, productivity, number of pods with one grain, and number of pods with two grains. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, and joint analysis of the experiments was performed. The highest yields were obtained when chickpeas were sown in May in Montes Claros, with a yield of 5.3 t ha-1. In Januária, chickpeas sown in May and June produced yields greater than 3.0 t ha-1. The plants sown in July, considered late for planting, were harvested during the rainy season, which compromised the quality and yield of the grains. In addition, maximum temperatures above 30ºC were recorded from September onwards in both locations, which also resulted in a reduction in the number of grains per plant. Thus, this sowing season is not recommended in the studied region.

In Brazil, studies on chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) have demonstrated the high productive potential of this crop, especially in the Cerrado areas of Cristalina, GO, and Brasília, DF. Due to dry winter climatic conditions, the North of Minas Gerais may be very suitable for the production of this crop. However, more information on chickpea sowing dates is needed. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate different chickpea sowing times in two municipalities of Minas Gerais State in Brazil: Montes Claros and Januária. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, comprising three sowing dates (12 May, 23 June, and 22 July, 2015), and seven replications. The cultivar used was BRS Aleppo, and the chickpeas were harvested 121 days after sowing. The variables evaluated included plant height, productivity, number of pods with one grain, and number of pods with two grains. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, and joint analysis of the experiments was performed. The highest yields were obtained when chickpeas were sown in May in Montes Claros, with a yield of 5.3 t ha-1. In Januária, chickpeas sown in May and June produced yields greater than 3.0 t ha-1. The plants sown in July, considered late for planting, were harvested during the rainy season, which compromised the quality and yield of the grains. In addition, maximum temperatures above 30ºC were recorded from September onwards in both locations, which also resulted in a reduction in the number of grains per plant. Thus, this sowing season is not recommended in the studied region.

ABSTRACT The Northeast region of Brazil has the second highest number of species of the Myrtaceae family. It is mostly covered by the Caatinga biome, which is very degraded, making it difficult to preserve species of this family. Thus, the objective of this work was to describe the seed, seedling, and fruit morphology, and seed germination of Psidium sobralianum Landrum & Proença plants of the São Francisco Valley, Brazil. The fruits were collected in an area of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Semiarid), in Petrolina PE, Brazil. The evaluations consisted of determinations of fruit shape, consistency, and number of seeds; seed form, cotyledons, hilum, hypocotyl-radicle axis, and embryo type; epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp, and seed staining; longitudinal, transversal, and ventral diameters of fruits and seeds; fruit, pulp, and seed fresh and dry masses; germination test; first count of germinated seeds; germination speed index; shoot and root lengths; shoot and root fresh and dry masses; and imbibition test. Psidium sobralianum has polyspermic, berry fruits, subclassified as solanidium, with persistent sepals and globular shape, consisting of epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp and seeds. The fruits have green with orange epicarp, pale-green mesocarp, and white endocarp. The seeds have a pilose and bony aspect, a pimentoid type of embryo, foliaceous cotyledons, presence of operculum and hilum, and pale-yellow tegument. The germination is epigeal phanerocotiledonar, with root protrusion from 26 days after sowing (DAS); it presents a short, glabrous, thick radicle, and a rounded, pale-green apex. The germination is slow, probably due to the mechanical barrier of the tegument, and stabilizes at 90 DAS. | RESUMO O Nordeste do Brasil é a segunda região em número de espécies registradas da família Myrtaceae, porém a Caatinga está bastante degradada, o que dificulta a preservação das espécies deste grupo. Objetivou-se caracterizar a morfologia de frutos, sementes, plântulas e a germinação de araçá (Psidium sobralianum) do vale do São Francisco. Os frutos foram coletados na Embrapa Semiárido, Petrolina, PE e submetidos as análises: formato, consistência e número de sementes por fruto; forma, cotilédones, hilo, eixo hipocótilo-radícula e tipo de embrião das sementes; coloração do epicarpo, mesocarpo, endocarpo e semente; diâmetros longitudinal, transversal e ventral de frutos e sementes; massas frescas e secas de frutos, polpa e sementes; teste de germinação; primeira contagem; índice de velocidade de germinação; comprimento das partes aérea e radicular; massas frescas e secas aérea e radicular; teste de embebição. P. sobralianum possui fruto solanídio, pétalas persistentes, formato globular, polispérmico, composto de epicarpo, mesocarpo, endocarpo e sementes. O epicarpo tem coloração verde com laranja, mesocarpo verde-claro e endocarpo branco. Sementes com aspecto piloso e ósseo, embrião pimentoide, cotilédones foliáceos, presença de opérculo, hilo e tegumento amarelo-claro. Germinação epígea fanerocotiledonar, com protrusão radicular a partir dos 26 dias após a semeadura (DAS), radícula curta, glabra, espessa, ápice arredondado e verde-claro. A germinação é lenta, provavelmente devido a barreira mecânica do tegumento, estabilizando-se apenas aos 90 DAS.

The Northeast region of Brazil has the second highest number of species of the Myrtaceae family. It is mostly covered by the Caatinga biome, which is very degraded, making it difficult to preserve species of this family. Thus, the objective of this work was to describe the seed, seedling, and fruit morphology, and seed germination of Psidium sobralianum Landrum & Proença plants of the São Francisco Valley, Brazil. The fruits were collected in an area of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Semiarid), in Petrolina PE, Brazil. The evaluations consisted of determinations of fruit shape, consistency, and number of seeds; seed form, cotyledons, hilum, hypocotyl-radicle axis, and embryo type; epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp, and seed staining; longitudinal, transversal, and ventral diameters of fruits and seeds; fruit, pulp, and seed fresh and dry masses; germination test; first count of germinated seeds; germination speed index; shoot and root lengths; shoot and root fresh and dry masses; and imbibition test. Psidium sobralianum has polyspermic, berry fruits, subclassified as solanidium, with persistent sepals and globular shape, consisting of epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp and seeds. The fruits have green with orange epicarp, pale-green mesocarp, and white endocarp. The seeds have a pilose and bony aspect, a pimentoid type of embryo, foliaceous cotyledons, presence of operculum and hilum, and pale-yellow tegument. The germination is epigeal phanerocotiledonar, with root protrusion from 26 days after sowing (DAS); it presents a short, glabrous, thick radicle, and a rounded, pale-green apex. The germination is slow, probably due to the mechanical barrier of the tegument, and stabilizes at 90 DAS.