Carnauba (Copernicia prunifera) is a forest species with multiple uses, and is of great economic and social importance for several communities involved in extractive agriculture in northeastern Brazil. However, there are few studies on genetic variability in this species. Thus, this work aimed to produce information about the genetic characterization of C. prunifera seeds and seedlings, using provenance and progeny evaluations. A progeny test was performed in a plant nursery, using seeds of 36 matrices sampled in the municipalities of Mossoró and Apodi (Rio Grande do Norte State), and Russas and Icapuí (Ceará State). Three groups were derived according to the spatial distance between the collected matrices. Biometric analyses of the seeds were performed, adopting a completely randomized experimental design, with four replicates of 25 seeds in each analysis. A randomized block design (five replicates and five plants per plot) was used at the seedling production phase. The data evaluated included the emergence speed index, emergence percentage, leaf size, leaf base diameter, and survival (at 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing). The restricted maximum likelihood method was used in the statistical analysis, with the aid of SELEGEN software. In order to evaluate genetic variability in the C. prunifera population samples, it was verified that the juvenile characters presented a moderate genetic control. The three groups of spatially delimited matrices presented no significant genetic differences. This information may assist in the development of forestry practice for this species.

Carnauba (Copernicia prunifera) is a forest species with multiple uses, and is of great economic and social importance for several communities involved in extractive agriculture in northeastern Brazil. However, there are few studies on genetic variability in this species. Thus, this work aimed to produce information about the genetic characterization of C. prunifera seeds and seedlings, using provenance and progeny evaluations. A progeny test was performed in a plant nursery, using seeds of 36 matrices sampled in the municipalities of Mossoró and Apodi (Rio Grande do Norte State), and Russas and Icapuí (Ceará State). Three groups were derived according to the spatial distance between the collected matrices. Biometric analyses of the seeds were performed, adopting a completely randomized experimental design, with four replicates of 25 seeds in each analysis. A randomized block design (five replicates and five plants per plot) was used at the seedling production phase. The data evaluated included the emergence speed index, emergence percentage, leaf size, leaf base diameter, and survival (at 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing). The restricted maximum likelihood method was used in the statistical analysis, with the aid of SELEGEN software. In order to evaluate genetic variability in the C. prunifera population samples, it was verified that the juvenile characters presented a moderate genetic control. The three groups of spatially delimited matrices presented no significant genetic differences. This information may assist in the development of forestry practice for this species. | A carnaubeira (Copernicia prunifera) é uma espécie florestal que apresenta múltiplos usos e de grande importância econômica e social para várias famílias extrativistas no Nordeste brasileiro. Entretanto, são escassos os estudos a respeito da variabilidade genética da espécie. Assim, este trabalho buscou gerar informações em relação à caracterização genética de sementes e mudas de Copernicia prunifera, avaliando procedências e progênies. Instalou-se um teste de progênies, em viveiro, a partir de sementes de 36 matrizes amostradas nos Municípios de Mossoró e Apodi, no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte; e em Russas e Icapuí, no Estado do Ceará. A partir da distância espacial entre as matrizes coletadas foram formados três grupos. Foram realizadas análises biométricas das sementes, adotando o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições de 25 sementes para cada análise. O delineamento em blocos casualizados com cinco repetições e cinco plantas por parcela foi empregado na fase de produção de mudas. Os dados avaliados incluíram: índice de velocidade de emergência, porcentagem de emergência, tamanho da folha, diâmetro da base da folha e sobrevivência (aos 30, 60 e 90 dias após a semeadura). A metodologia de máxima verossimilhança restrita foi utilizada para a análise estatística, com o auxílio do software SELEGEN. Verificou-se que os caracteres juvenis apresentam controle genético médio, podendo ser utilizados para avaliação da variabilidade genética de amostras de populações da espécie. Os três grupos de matrizes delimitados espacialmente não apresentam diferenças genéticas significativas. Essas informações podem auxiliar no desenvolvimento da silvicultura da espécie.

Irrigation with saline water is a worldwide necessity an excess of salts in water or in soil causes growth inhibition, and negatively affects the productivity of many crops. Application of nitrogen fertilizers may be a way of mitigating the effects of salts on plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accumulation of biomass and the chlorophyll pigment content in jackfruit seedlings irrigated with water of increasing salinity level in soil with nitrogen sources. The treatments were distributed in randomized blocks with four replicates and three plants per plot, arranged in a 5 × 3 factorial scheme, related to electrical conductivity levels of the irrigation water of 0.3, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 dS m-1, in soil without nitrogen, with ammonium sulfate and with urea, in a split application 60 and 75 days after sowing. An increase in the salinity of the water increased the salinity levels of soil, which was intensified by a dose of 150 mg of N, mainly when applied in the form of ammonium sulfate, inhibiting dry matter production and chlorophyll content in jackfruit seedlings. The greatest reductions in chlorophyll a and b content occurred in jackfruit seedlings irrigated with water of 4.0 dS m-1 conductivity in the soil without nitrogen fertilization. Urea is the most suitable nitrogen source for the production of seedlings under conditions of high salinity.

Irrigation with saline water is a worldwide necessity an excess of salts in water or in soil causes growth inhibition, and negatively affects the productivity of many crops. Application of nitrogen fertilizers may be a way of mitigating the effects of salts on plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accumulation of biomass and the chlorophyll pigment content in jackfruit seedlings irrigated with water of increasing salinity level in soil with nitrogen sources. The treatments were distributed in randomized blocks with four replicates and three plants per plot, arranged in a 5 × 3 factorial scheme, related to electrical conductivity levels of the irrigation water of 0.3, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 dS m−1, in soil without nitrogen, with ammonium sulfate and with urea, in a split application 60 and 75 days after sowing. An increase in the salinity of the water increased the salinity levels of soil, which was intensified by a dose of 150 mg of N, mainly when applied in the form of ammonium sulfate, inhibiting dry matter production and chlorophyll content in jackfruit seedlings. The greatest reductions in chlorophyll a and b content occurred in jackfruit seedlings irrigated with water of 4.0 dS m−1 conductivity in the soil without nitrogen fertilization. Urea is the most suitable nitrogen source for the production of seedlings under conditions of high salinity. | A irrigação com água salina é uma necessidade mundial e o excesso de sais da água ou do solo, causa inibição no crescimento e no rendimento da grande maioria das plantas cultivadas. Nesse contexto, os fertilizantes nitrogenados podem constituir alternativa para a mitigação dos efeitos dos sais sobre as plantas. Com isso, objetivou-se avaliar o acúmulo de biomassa e o índice de pigmentos clorofiláticos em mudas de jaqueira irrigadas com água de salinidades crescentes no solo com fontes de nitrogênio. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições e com três plantas por parcela, arranjados em fatorial 5 × 3, relativo aos níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação de 0,3; 1,0; 2,0; 3,0 e 4,0 dS m–1, no solo sem nitrogênio, com sulfato de amônio e com ureia aplicados parceladamente aos 60 e 75 dias após a semeadura. O aumento da salinidade da água elevou a salinidade do solo, a qual foi intensificada pela dose de 150 mg de N, principalmente quando aplicada na forma de sulfato de amônio, ao ponto de inibir a formação de massa da matéria seca e os teores de clorofila em mudas de jaqueira. As maiores reduções no índice de clorofila a e b foram nas mudas de jaqueira irrigadas com água de 4,0 dS m–1 no solo sem adubação nitrogenada. A ureia é a fonte nitrogenada mais indicada para produção de mudas em condições de elevada salinidade.

Irrigation with saline water is a worldwide necessity an excess of salts in water or in soil causes growth inhibition, and negatively affects the productivity of many crops. Application of nitrogen fertilizers may be a way of mitigating the effects of salts on plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accumulation of biomass and the chlorophyll pigment content in jackfruit seedlings irrigated with water of increasing salinity level in soil with nitrogen sources. The treatments were distributed in randomized blocks with four replicates and three plants per plot, arranged in a 5 × 3 factorial scheme, related to electrical conductivity levels of the irrigation water of 0.3, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 dS m −1 , in soil without nitrogen, with ammonium sulfate and with urea, in a split application 60 and 75 days after sowing. An increase in the salinity of the water increased the salinity levels of soil, which was intensified by a dose of 150 mg of N, mainly when applied in the form of ammonium sulfate, inhibiting dry matter production and chlorophyll content in jackfruit seedlings. The greatest reductions in chlorophyll a and b content occurred in jackfruit seedlings irrigated with water of 4.0 dS m −1 conductivity in the soil without nitrogen fertilization. Urea is the most suitable nitrogen source for the production of seedlings under conditions of high salinity. | A irrigação com água salina é uma necessidade mundial e o excesso de sais da água ou do solo, causa inibição no crescimento e no rendimento da grande maioria das plantas cultivadas. Nesse contexto, os fertilizantes nitrogenados podem constituir alternativa para a mitigação dos efeitos dos sais sobre as plantas. Com isso, objetivou-se avaliar o acúmulo de biomassa e o índice de pigmentos clorofiláticos em mudas de jaqueira irrigadas com água de salinidades crescentes no solo com fontes de nitrogênio. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições e com três plantas por parcela, arranjados em fatorial 5 × 3, relativo aos níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação de 0,3; 1,0; 2,0; 3,0 e 4,0 dS m –1 , no solo sem nitrogênio, com sulfato de amônio e com ureia aplicados parceladamente aos 60 e 75 dias após a semeadura. O aumento da salinidade da água elevou a salinidade do solo, a qual foi intensificada pela dose de 150 mg de N, principalmente quando aplicada na forma de sulfato de amônio, ao ponto de inibir a formação de massa da matéria seca e os teores de clorofila em mudas de jaqueira. As maiores reduções no índice de clorofila a e b foram nas mudas de jaqueira irrigadas com água de 4,0 dS m –1 no solo sem adubação nitrogenada. A ureia é a fonte nitrogenada mais indicada para produção de mudas em condições de elevada salinidade.

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.

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. | 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.

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.

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. | 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.

Information about the response of onion to different potassium doses may contribute to optimizing the use of fertilizers and, consequently, make the activity more profitable and environmentally sustainable. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of doses of potassium on onion yields. Two field experiments were carried out in the periods of September to December 2012 and April to July 2013. The experimental design used was completely randomized blocks with four replications. The treatments corresponded to the potassium doses (0, 36, 72, 108, 144 and 180 kg ha-1 of K2O). Potassium fertilization promoted an increase in the content of K in the leaf, commercial and total yield, with the maximum obtained in the dose of 180 kg ha-1 of K2O. The maximum overall and commercial yields were respectively 54.69 and 54.12 t ha-1 in the experiment of September to December 2012 and 47.39 and 46.39 t ha-1 in that of April to July 2013.

Information about the response of onion to different potassium doses may contribute to optimizing the use of fertilizers and, consequently, make the activity more profitable and environmentally sustainable. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of doses of potassium on onion yields. Two field experiments were carried out in the periods of September to December 2012 and April to July 2013. The experimental design used was completely randomized blocks with four replications. The treatments corresponded to the potassium doses (0, 36, 72, 108, 144 and 180 kg ha-1 of K2O). Potassium fertilization promoted an increase in the content of K in the leaf, commercial and total yield, with the maximum obtained in the dose of 180 kg ha-1 of K2O. The maximum overall and commercial yields were respectively 54.69 and 54.12 t ha-1 in the experiment of September to December 2012 and 47.39 and 46.39 t ha-1 in that of April to July 2013. | Informações sobre a reposta da cebola a diferentes doses de potássio podem contribuir para a otimização do uso de fertilizantes e, consequentemente, tornar a atividade mais rentável e ambientalmente sustentável. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de doses de potássio na produtividade da cebola. Para isso dois experimentos de campo foram realizados nos períodos de setembro a dezembro de 2012 e abril a julho de 2013 O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados completos com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos corresponderam às doses de potássio (0, 36, 72, 108, 144 e 180 kg ha-1 de K2O). A adubação potássica promoveu aumento do teor de K na folha, produtividade comercial total, com o máximo obtido na dose de 180 kg ha-1 de K2O. As produtividades máximas totais e comerciais foram respectivamente de 54,69 e 54,12 t ha-1 no experimento de setembro a dezembro de 2012 e 47,39 e 46,39 t ha-1 de abril a julho de 2013.

Cassava is mostly planted in sandy soils which are usually of low fertility, thereby making it necessary to perform beneficial associations with microorganisms that can promote their growth. In this perspective, the possibility of selecting bacterial isolates efficient in promoting the growth of the culture is evident, which can provide subsidies for future inoculants. The objective of this study was to isolate, identify, select and evaluate the genetic diversity of endophytic bacteria in roots and stems of cassava grown in Garanhuns - PE, with features involved in promoting plant growth. The isolation was performed on culture medium semisolid LGI-P. The selected isolates were evaluated for the potential to fix N2, as the ability to produce indole acetic acid, for their ability to solubilize inorganic phosphate and produce exopolysaccharides. Some bacterial isolates had their 16S rRNA gene sequenced by the Sanger method. A total of 52 endophytic bacteria isolates were obtained from cassava. Regarding the potential to fix N2, 15% of the isolates were positive. As for the production of IAA, 78% of the isolates produced this phytohormone in a medium with increased L-tryptophan. Approximately 31% of the isolates were able to solubilize inorganic phosphate and 60% had exopolysaccharide. The identification of 19 isolates allowed the grouping into six bacterial genera, namely: Achromobacter, Bacillus, Burkholderia, Enterobacter, Pantoea and Pseudomonas. Cassava plants grown in Garanhuns - PE present interaction with different groups of endophytic bacteria and there are bacterial groups with several characteristics involved in promoting plant growth.

Cassava is mostly planted in sandy soils which are usually of low fertility, thereby making it necessary to perform beneficial associations with microorganisms that can promote their growth. In this perspective, the possibility of selecting bacterial isolates efficient in promoting the growth of the culture is evident, which can provide subsidies for future inoculants. The objective of this study was to isolate, identify, select and evaluate the genetic diversity of endophytic bacteria in roots and stems of cassava grown in Garanhuns - PE, with features involved in promoting plant growth. The isolation was performed on culture medium semisolid LGI-P. The selected isolates were evaluated for the potential to fix N2, as the ability to produce indole acetic acid, for their ability to solubilize inorganic phosphate and produce exopolysaccharides. Some bacterial isolates had their 16S rRNA gene sequenced by the Sanger method. A total of 52 endophytic bacteria isolates were obtained from cassava. Regarding the potential to fix N2, 15% of the isolates were positive. As for the production of IAA, 78% of the isolates produced this phytohormone in a medium with increased L-tryptophan. Approximately 31% of the isolates were able to solubilize inorganic phosphate and 60% had exopolysaccharide. The identification of 19 isolates allowed the grouping into six bacterial genera, namely: Achromobacter, Bacillus, Burkholderia, Enterobacter, Pantoea and Pseudomonas. Cassava plants grown in Garanhuns - PE present interaction with different groups of endophytic bacteria and there are bacterial groups with several characteristics involved in promoting plant growth. | A mandioca é, geralmente, plantada em solos arenosos e de baixa fertilidade, tornando eminente a necessidade da mesma em realizar associações benéficas com micro-organismos que possam auxiliar seu crescimento. Nessa ótica, é evidente a possibilidade de seleção de isolados bacterianos eficientes em promover o crescimento da cultura, os quais podem fornecer subsídios para futuros inoculantes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi isolar, identificar, selecionar e avaliar a diversidade genética de bactérias endofíticas de raízes e caules de mandioca, cultivada em Garanhuns - PE, com características envolvidas na promoção de crescimento vegetal. O isolamento foi realizado em meio de cultura semissólido LGI-P. Os isolados selecionados foram avaliados quanto ao potencial de fixar N2, quanto à capacidade de produzir ácido indol acético, quanto à capacidade de solubilizar fosfato inorgânico e produzir exopolissacarídeos. Alguns isolados bacterianos tiveram o gene 16S rRNA sequenciados pelo método de Sanger. No total, foram obtidos 52 isolados de bactérias endofíticas de mandioca. Em relação ao potencial para fixar N2, 15% dos isolados foram positivos. Quanto à produção de AIA, 78% dos isolados produziram este fitohormônio em meio com o acréscimo de L-triptofano. Cerca de 31% dos isolados foram capazes de solubilizar fosfato inorgânico e 60% apresentaram produção de exopolissacarídeos. A identificação de 19 isolados possibilitou o agrupamento em seis gêneros bacterianos, sendo eles: Achromobacter, Bacillus, Burkholderia, Enterobacter, Pantoea e Pseudomonas. Plantas de mandioca cultivadas em Garanhuns - PE apresentam interação com diferentes grupos de bactérias endofíticas e há grupos bacterianos com diversas características envolvidas na promoção de crescimento vegetal.

Nitisols are livelihood sources of agricultural and socio-economic development in several underdeveloped countries worldwide, including Brazil. Brazilian Nitisols are usually associated with basaltic rocks found in the Southern and Southeastern regions of the country. However, Nitisols derived from basalt also occur on the southern coast of Pernambuco state, a region under full urban, agricultural, and industrial development. Aiming to understand the relationship between climate and attributes of Nitisols from the southern coast of Pernambuco, we performed morphological descriptions, physical and chemical analyzes, iron selective extraction, and soil mineralogy (sand, silt, and clay) for three basaltic soil profiles along a land slope. The results suggest a strong weathering of the profiles due to climate conditions, besides a great loss of basic cations and xanthization process, resulting in the natural genesis of acric Nitisols with yellowish coloration, which has not been yet cataloged for this soil order in the Brazilian taxonomic system. In addition, there is a variation for physical attributes of Nitisols along the slope.

Nitisols are livelihood sources of agricultural and socio-economic development in several underdeveloped countries worldwide, including Brazil. Brazilian Nitisols are usually associated with basaltic rocks found in the Southern and Southeastern regions of the country. However, Nitisols derived from basalt also occur on the southern coast of Pernambuco state, a region under full urban, agricultural, and industrial development. Aiming to understand the relationship between climate and attributes of Nitisols from the southern coast of Pernambuco, we performed morphological descriptions, physical and chemical analyzes, iron selective extraction, and soil mineralogy (sand, silt, and clay) for three basaltic soil profiles along a land slope. The results suggest a strong weathering of the profiles due to climate conditions, besides a great loss of basic cations and xanthization process, resulting in the natural genesis of acric Nitisols with yellowish coloration, which has not been yet cataloged for this soil order in the Brazilian taxonomic system. In addition, there is a variation for physical attributes of Nitisols along the slope. Os Nitossolos dão suporte ao desenvolvimento agrícola e socioeconômico de muitos países subdesenvolvidos do mundo, incluindo o Brasil. Os Nitossolos brasileiros estão geralmente associados às rochas basálticas das regiões Sul e Sudeste. Entretanto, Nitossolos derivado de basalto também ocorrem na costa sul de Pernambuco, uma região em pleno desenvolvimento urbano, agrícola e industrial. Objetivando compreender as relações entre o clima e os atributos dos Nitossolos da costa sul de Pernambuco, foram realizadas descrições morfológicas, análises físicas e químicas, extrações seletivas de ferro e a determinação da mineralogia das frações areia, silte e argila de três perfis derivados de basalto ao longo de uma vertente. Os resultados demonstram que o clima da região implica em forte intemperização dos perfis, em grande perda de bases e favorece o processo de xantização, resultando na singular gênese de Nitossolos com matizes amarelados e caráter ácrico, fato que até o momento ainda não foi catalogado para esta ordem no sistema taxonômico brasileiro. Os resultados também demonstram a variação dos atributos físicos dos Nitossolos ao longo da vertente.

This study aimed to establish an adequate tetrazolium test procedure to estimate okra seed viability. Initially, seeds from four okra lots were immersed in alcohol (98%) for 60 minutes, followed by an 18-h soak in distilled water at 25 °C. Then, the seeds were longitudinally sectioned, immersed in 0.025, 0.050 and 0.075% tetrazolium solutions for 60, 90 and 120 minutes and maintained in an oven at 35 and 40 °C. Subsequently, the seeds were evaluated for viability, based on tissue color (bright red, pink or dark Carmine red). Simultaneously, a germination test was conducted, and its results were used as a reference for the tetrazolium test. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 3 x 3 + 1 factorial scheme (three concentrations of tetrazolium salt x three immersion periods, plus the control) in four replicates of 50 seeds for each treatment. The tetrazolium test to estimate okra seed viability should be conducted in 0.075% tetrazolium solution, for 90 minutes, at 35 °C.

This study aimed to establish an adequate tetrazolium test procedure to estimate okra seed viability. Initially, seeds from four okra lots were immersed in alcohol (98%) for 60 minutes, followed by an  18-h soak in distilled water at 25 °C. Then, the seeds were longitudinally sectioned, immersed in 0.025, 0.050 and 0.075% tetrazolium solutions for 60, 90 and 120 minutes and maintained in an oven at 35 and 40 °C. Subsequently, the seeds were evaluated for viability, based on tissue color (bright red, pink or dark Carmine red). Simultaneously, a germination test was conducted, and its results were used as a reference for the tetrazolium test. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 3 x 3 + 1 factorial scheme (three concentrations of tetrazolium salt x three immersion periods, plus the control) in four replicates of 50 seeds for each treatment. The tetrazolium test to estimate okra seed viability should be conducted in 0.075% tetrazolium solution, for 90 minutes, at 35 °C. | Objetivou-se estabelecer o procedimento adequado do teste de tetrazólio para estimar a viabilidade em sementes de quiabo. Inicialmente, as sementes de quatro lotes de quiabo foram imersas em álcool (98%) por 60 minutos e seguida de 18 horas de embebição em água destilada a 25 ºC. Após este período, as sementes foram seccionadas longitudinalmente, imersas em soluções de tetrazólio de 0,025; 0,050 e 0,075% por 60, 90 e 120 minutos e mantidas em estufa a 35 e 40 °C. Posteriormente, as sementes foram avaliadas quanto à viabilidade, tendo como indicação a coloração dos tecidos (vermelho brilhante rosa ou vermelho carmim forte). Paralelamente, foi instalado o teste de germinação, cujos resultados serviram como referência para o teste de tetrazólio. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualisado, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3 + 1, (três concentrações do sal de tetrazólio x três períodos de imersão e a testemunha) em quatro repetições de 50 sementes para cada tratamento. O teste de tetrazólio para estimar a viabilidade em sementes de quiabo deve ser realizado em solução de tetrazólio de 0,075%, por 90 minutos, a 35 °C.

Intercropping is a cropping system that involves cultivating two or more crops in the same area with different cycles and vegetative architectures. One of the ways to increase productivity and efficiency in this cropping system is through green manuring and by properly considering crop combinations, cultivation timing, and planting configuration of the component crops. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the productive performance of carrot and lettuce intercropping systems under different amounts of rooster tree biomass incorporated into the soil and under different spatial arrangements. The study was conducted at the experimental farm Rafael Fernandes, RN, Brazil, in the period from September 2012 to January 2013, in an experimental design of randomized complete blocks in a 4 x 3 factorial scheme, with twelve treatments and 3 replicates. The treatments consisted of the combination of four rooster tree biomass amounts incorporated into the soil (10, 25, 40 and 55 t ha-1 on a dry basis) with three predetermined spatial arrangements between the component crops (2:2, 3:3 and 4:4), which correspond to the rows of carrot alternating with the rows of lettuce. The agronomic performance of the carrot and lettuce intercropping system was optimized in the amount of approximately 46.36 t ha-1 of rooster tree incorporated into the soil. There was no influence of the spatial arrangements on the agronomic efficiency of the carrot and lettuce intercropping. The use of rooster tree as green manure is agronomically viable in intercropped systems of carrot and lettuce.

Intercropping is a cropping system that involves cultivating two or more crops in the same area with different cycles and vegetative architectures. One of the ways to increase productivity and efficiency in this cropping system is through green manuring and by properly considering crop combinations, cultivation timing, and planting configuration of the component crops. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the productive performance of carrot and lettuce intercropping systems under different amounts of rooster tree biomass incorporated into the soil and under different spatial arrangements. The study was conducted at the experimental farm Rafael Fernandes, RN, Brazil, in the period from September 2012 to January 2013, in an experimental design of randomized complete blocks in a 4 x 3 factorial scheme, with twelve treatments and 3 replicates. The treatments consisted of the combination of four rooster tree biomass amounts incorporated into the soil (10, 25, 40 and 55 t ha-1 on a dry basis) with three predetermined spatial arrangements between the component crops (2:2, 3:3 and 4:4), which correspond to the rows of carrot alternating with the rows of lettuce. The agronomic performance of the carrot and lettuce intercropping system was optimized in the amount of approximately 46.36 t ha-1 of rooster tree incorporated into the soil. There was no influence of the spatial arrangements on the agronomic efficiency of the carrot and lettuce intercropping. The use of rooster tree as green manure is agronomically viable in intercropped systems of carrot and lettuce. | A consorciação de culturas é um sistema de cultivo que envolve o cultivo de duas ou mais culturas na mesma área com diferentes ciclos e arquiteturas vegetativas. Uma das maneiras de aumentar a produtividade e a eficiência neste sistema de cultivo é através de adubação verde e considerando adequadamente as combinações de culturas, o tempo e a configuração de plantio das culturas componentes. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo de sistemas consorciados de cenoura e alface em diferentes quantidades de biomassa de flor-de-seda incorporadas no solo e em diferentes arranjos espaciais. O estudo foi realizado na fazenda experimental Rafael Fernandes, RN, Brasil, no período de setembro de 2012 a janeiro de 2013, em um delineamento experimental de blocos completos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4 x 3, com doze tratamentos e 3 repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram da combinação de quatro quantidades de biomassa de flor-de-seda incorporadas no solo (10, 25, 40 e 55 t ha-1 em base seca) com quatro arranjos espaciais predeterminados entre as culturas componentes (2:2, 3:3 e 4:4), que correspondem às fileiras de cenoura alternadas com as fileiras de alface. O desempenho agronômico do sistema de consórcio de cenoura e alface foi otimizado na quantidade de aproximadamente 46.36 t ha-1 de flor-de-seda incorporada no solo. Não houve influência dos arranjos espaciais sobre a eficiência agronômica do consórcio de cenoura e alface. O uso da flor-de-seda como adubo verde é agronomicamente viável em sistemas consorciados de cenoura e alface.

The accelerated aging test consists of evaluating the vigor of the seeds under conditions of high temperature and humidity, with the purpose of identifying the physiological quality of lots with similar germination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the accelerated aging test for classifying seed lots of P. moniliformis at different levels of vigor. Initially, the seed lots were assessed by means of seedling emergence, life velocity index, shoot length and root length, total dry mass of seedlings and determination of water content, before and after each period of aging. The experimental design for the whole world was based on a 3 × 4 factorial scheme (three seed lots and four periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 h duration), with separate evaluations at temperatures of 38 °C and 41 °C. The accelerated aging test conducted at a temperature of 41 °C for 24 h was a more suitable combination for separating batches of P. moniliformis according to different levels of vigour, and made it possible to obtain results similar to the classification of lots in relation to the initial quality.

The accelerated aging test consists of evaluating the vigor of the seeds under conditions of high temperature and humidity, with the purpose of identifying the physiological quality of lots with similar germination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the accelerated aging test for classifying seed lots of P. moniliformis at different levels of vigor. Initially, the seed lots were assessed by means of seedling emergence, life velocity index, shoot length and root length, total dry mass of seedlings and determination of water content, before and after each period of aging. The experimental design for the whole world was based on a 3 × 4 factorial scheme (three seed lots and four periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 h duration), with separate evaluations at temperatures of 38 °C and 41 °C. The accelerated aging test conducted at a temperature of 41 °C for 24 h was a more suitable combination for separating batches of P. moniliformis according to different levels of vigour, and made it possible to obtain results similar to the classification of lots in relation to the initial quality. | O teste de envelhecimento acelerado consiste em avaliar o vigor das sementes em condições de elevada temperatura e umidade, com a finalidade de identificar diferenças na qualidade fisiológica de lotes com germinação semelhante. Dessa forma, objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência do teste de envelhecimento acelerado para classificar os lotes de sementes de P. moniliformis em diferentes níveis de vigor. Inicialmente os lotes de sementes foram avaliados por meio da emergência de plântulas, índice de velocidade de emergência, comprimento da parte aérea e da raiz, além da massa seca total de plântulas, além da determinação do grau de umidade, antes e após cada período de envelhecimento das sementes. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3 x 4 (três lotes de sementes e quatro períodos de 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas), e avaliado separadamente nas temperaturas de 38 e 41 °C. O teste de envelhecimento acelerado conduzido sob a temperatura de 41 °C durante 24 horas é a combinação mais adequada para separar os lotes de P. moniliformis em diferentes níveis de vigor, pois possibilitou a obtenção de resultados semelhantes à classificação dos lotes em relação à qualidade inicial.