Genome-wide selection (GWS) uses simultaneously the effect of the thousands markers covering the entire genome to predict genomic breeding values for individuals under selection. The possible benefits of GWS are the reduction of the breeding cycle, increase in gains per unit of time, and decrease of costs. However, the success of the GWS is dependent on the choice of the method to predict the effects of markers. Thus, the objective of this work was to predict genomic breeding values (GEBV) through artificial neural networks (ANN), based on the estimation of the effect of the markers, compared to the Ridge Regression-Best Linear Unbiased Predictor/Genome Wide Selection (RR-BLUP/GWS). Simulations were performed by software R to provide correlations concerning ANN and RR-BLUP/GWS. The prediction methods were evaluated using correlations between phenotypic and genotypic values and predicted GEBV. The results showed the superiority of the ANN in predicting GEBV in simulations with higher and lower marker densities, with higher levels of linkage disequilibrium and heritability.

Genome-wide selection (GWS) uses simultaneously the effect of the thousands markers covering the entire genome to predict genomic breeding values for individuals under selection. The possible benefits of GWS are the reduction of the breeding cycle, increase in gains per unit of time, and decrease of costs. However, the success of the GWS is dependent on the choice of the method to predict the effects of markers. Thus, the objective of this work was to predict genomic breeding values (GEBV) through artificial neural networks (ANN), based on the estimation of the effect of the markers, compared to the Ridge Regression-Best Linear Unbiased Predictor/Genome Wide Selection (RR-BLUP/GWS). Simulations were performed by software R to provide correlations concerning ANN and RR-BLUP/GWS. The prediction methods were evaluated using correlations between phenotypic and genotypic values and predicted GEBV. The results showed the superiority of the ANN in predicting GEBV in simulations with higher and lower marker densities, with higher levels of linkage disequilibrium and heritability. | A seleção genômica ampla (Genome Wide Selection - GWS) utiliza simultaneamente o efeito de milhares de marcadores cobrindo todo o genoma para predizer o valor genético genômico dos indivíduos no processo de seleção. Os possíveis benefícios de seu uso são a redução do ciclo de melhoramento, propiciando maior ganho por unidade de tempo e diminuição de custos. O sucesso da GWS está atrelado a escolha do método de predição dos efeitos dos marcadores. Assim, neste trabalho, visou-se aplicar as redes neurais artificiais (Artificial Neural Networks - ANNs), com a finalidade de predizer os valores genéticos genômicos (Genomic Breeding Values - GEBVs) baseado na estimação dos efeitos dos marcadores comparados a regressão de cumeeira – melhor preditor não viesado/seleção genômica ampla (Ridge Regression – Best Linear Unbiased Predictor/Genome Wide Selection – RR-BLUP/GWS). Foram efetuadas simulações por meio do software R, fornecendo as correlações referentes às ANNs e a RR-BLUP/GWS. Os métodos de predição foram avaliados utilizando correlações entre o valor fenotípico e valor genotípico com o valor genético genômico predito. Os resultados demonstraram superioridade das ANNs na predição dos GEBVs nos cenários com maior e menor densidade de marcadores, paralelo a níveis mais altos de desequilíbrio de ligação e maior herdabilidade.

Reliable information on vegetation cover and its dynamics over time is essential for managing life, resources, and supporting policies. Although many related initiatives have been undertaken in Brazil since the 1980s, knowledge about its dry forests is still limited. In this study, we address the drivers of deforestation and their threat to the Brazilian dry forest called Caatinga. We evaluated the land cover dynamics and landscape metrics in the watershed of the Pontal River, as it has become one of the most socially and environmentally important areas in Brazil. The overall process consists of a systematic sampling grid of hydrological samples, where Landsat images (1975 to 2013) combined with the FRAGSTATS package were used to evaluate landscape metrics indices for the Caatinga. Data showed that the relative area (RA) decreased from 90.25% to 60.98% over the 38-year period, while fragmentation (PD) presented an increasing bias. In addition, the spatial distribution of both indices became more heterogeneous and clustered in the north. We suggest that appropriateness of land for farming was the leading cause of deforestation; rainfall is 112% more intense in the north of the watershed than in the south. Therefore, the northern fauna and flora have been significantly altered and reduced. The relationship between deforestation and time shows an increasing threat. Further studies evaluating these causes are needed to improve our understanding of the vegetation dynamics in this region.

Reliable information on vegetation cover and its dynamics over time is essential for managing life, resources, and supporting policies. Although many related initiatives have been undertaken in Brazil since the 1980s, knowledge about its dry forests is still limited. In this study, we address the drivers of deforestation and their threat to the Brazilian dry forest called Caatinga. We evaluated the land cover dynamics and landscape metrics in the watershed of the Pontal River, as it has become one of the most socially and environmentally important areas in Brazil. The overall process consists of a systematic sampling grid of hydrological samples, where Landsat images (1975 to 2013) combined with the FRAGSTATS package were used to evaluate landscape metrics indices for the Caatinga. Data showed that the relative area (RA) decreased from 90.25% to 60.98% over the 38-year period, while fragmentation (PD) presented an increasing bias. In addition, the spatial distribution of both indices became more heterogeneous and clustered in the north. We suggest that appropriateness of land for farming was the leading cause of deforestation; rainfall is 112% more intense in the north of the watershed than in the south. Therefore, the northern fauna and flora have been significantly altered and reduced. The relationship between deforestation and time shows an increasing threat. Further studies evaluating these causes are needed to improve our understanding of the vegetation dynamics in this region. | Informações confiáveis sobre a cobertura vegetal e sua dinâmica ao longo do tempo são essenciais para a gestão de vidas, recursos, e apoio a políticas. Embora muitas iniciativas tenham sido realizadas no Brasil desde a década de 1980, o conhecimento sobre suas florestas secas ainda é limitado. Neste estudo, abordamos os moduladores do desmatamento e sua ameaça à floresta seca brasileira chamada Caatinga. Avaliamos a dinâmica da cobertura da terra e métricas de paisagem na bacia do rio Pontal, a qual se tornou uma das áreas mais socialmente e ambientalmente importantes do Brasil. O processo em geral consiste em uma amostragem sistemática baseada em características hidrológicas, onde imagens Landsat (1975 a 2013) combinadas com o software FRAGSTATS foram utilizadas para avaliar índices de métricas de paisagem para a Caatinga. Os dados mostraram que a área relativa (RA) diminuiu de 90,25% para 60,98% ao longo do período de 38 anos, enquanto que a fragmentação (PD) apresentou uma tendência crescente. Além disso, a distribuição espacial de ambos os índices se tornou mais heterogênea e agrupada ao norte. Sugerimos que a aptidão da terra para a agricultura foi a principal causa do desmatamento. A chuva é 112% mais intensa no norte da bacia do que no sul. Portanto a fauna e flora ao norte foram significativamente alteradas e reduzidas. A relação entre desmatamento e tempo mostrou uma ameaça crescente. Outros estudos que avaliem essas causas são necessários para melhorar a compreensão da dinâmica da vegetação nesta região.

Reliable information on vegetation cover and its dynamics over time is essential for managing life, resources, and supporting policies. Although many related initiatives have been undertaken in Brazil since the 1980s, knowledge about its dry forests is still limited. In this study, we address the drivers of deforestation and their threat to the Brazilian dry forest called Caatinga. We evaluated the land cover dynamics and landscape metrics in the watershed of the Pontal River, as it has become one of the most socially and environmentally important areas in Brazil. The overall process consists of a systematic sampling grid of hydrological samples, where Landsat images (1975 to 2013) combined with the FRAGSTATS package were used to evaluate landscape metrics indices for the Caatinga. Data showed that the relative area (RA) decreased from 90.25% to 60.98% over the 38-year period, while fragmentation (PD) presented an increasing bias. In addition, the spatial distribution of both indices became more heterogeneous and clustered in the north. We suggest that appropriateness of land for farming was the leading cause of deforestation; rainfall is 112% more intense in the north of the watershed than in the south. Therefore, the northern fauna and flora have been significantly altered and reduced. The relationship between deforestation and time shows an increasing threat. Further studies evaluating these causes are needed to improve our understanding of the vegetation dynamics in this region.

Plant growth promoter microorganisms have been studied as important tools for increasing crop production. Lettuce is the most consumed hardwood crop in the world. Numerous microorganisms are capable of acting in a beneficial way in the growth of this culture. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of Trichoderma and Pseudomonas on the microbial biomass, enzymatic activities in sandy soil and lettuce production. The experimental design was completely randomized with ten replicates and treatments: CONT (absolute control); CM (control with cattle manure fertilization); CMB (with fertilization and Pseudomonas sp.); CMF (with fertilization and T. aureoviride) and CMBF (with fertilization and the two microorganisms combined). The fertilizer used was organic with cattle manure in a dose recommended for the culture. This study evaluated the production of lettuce, microbial biomass and the enzymatic activity of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and urease. The combined application of CMBF was efficient in increasing lettuce production, because it increased 85% of the cv. Veronica cultivated on sandy soil. The combined use of plant growth promoting microorganisms resulted to an increase in microbial biomass. In lettuce crops, it is recommended to use T. aureoviride URM 5158 and Pseudomonas sp. UAGF 14 in lettuce crops, because improved lettuce production, improves the biochemical quality of soils measured by absolute and specific enzymatic activities per unit of microbial biomass.

Plant growth promoter microorganisms have been studied as important tools for increasing crop production. Lettuce is the most consumed hardwood crop in the world. Numerous microorganisms are capable of acting in a beneficial way in the growth of this culture. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of Trichoderma and Pseudomonas on the microbial biomass, enzymatic activities in sandy soil and lettuce production. The experimental design was completely randomized with ten replicates and treatments: CONT (absolute control); CM (control with cattle manure fertilization); CMB (with fertilization and Pseudomonas sp.); CMF (with fertilization and T. aureoviride) and CMBF (with fertilization and the two microorganisms combined). The fertilizer used was organic with cattle manure in a dose recommended for the culture. This study evaluated the production of lettuce, microbial biomass and the enzymatic activity of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and urease. The combined application of CMBF was efficient in increasing lettuce production, because it increased 85% of the cv. Veronica cultivated on sandy soil. The combined use of plant growth promoting microorganisms resulted to an increase in microbial biomass. In lettuce crops, it is recommended to use T. aureoviride URM 5158 and Pseudomonas sp. UAGF 14 in lettuce crops, because improved lettuce production, improves the biochemical quality of soils measured by absolute and specific enzymatic activities per unit of microbial biomass. | Os micro-organismos promotores do crescimento de plantas vêm sendo estudados como uma importante ferramenta para o aumento da produção agrícola. Lactuca sativa (alface) é a hortaliça folhosa mais consumida em todo mundo. Inúmeros micro-organismos podem atuar de forma benéfica no crescimento desta cultura. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia de isolados de Trichoderma e Pseudomonas sp. na biomassa microbiana, atividades enzimáticas em solo arenoso e produção da alface cultivada com alface. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com dez repetições, sendo os tratamentos: CONT (controle absoluto); CM (controle apenas com a fertilização); CMB (com fertilização e Pseudomonas sp.); CMF (com fertilização e T. aureoviride) e CMBF (com fertilização e os dois micro-organismos combinados). A fertilização utilizada foi a orgânica pela adição de esterco bovino em dose recomendada para a cultura. Avaliou-se a produção de alface, a biomassa microbiana e a atividade enzimática da fostafase ácida, fosfatase alcalina e urease. A aplicação CMBF foi eficiente para o aumento na produção de alface, pois incrementou 85% da produção da cv. Verônica em solo arenoso. O uso combinado de micro-organismos promotores de crescimento de plantas incrementam a biomassa microbiana. Recomenda-se o uso de T. aureoviride URM 5158 e Pseudomonas sp. UAGF 14 no cultivo de alface, pois além de melhorar a produção, melhora a qualidade bioquímica dos solos mensurados por atividades enzimáticas absolutas e específicas por unidade de biomassa microbiana.

Plant growth promoter microorganisms have been studied as important tools for increasing crop production. Lettuce is the most consumed hardwood crop in the world. Numerous microorganisms are capable of acting in a beneficial way in the growth of this culture. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of Trichoderma and Pseudomonas on the microbial biomass, enzymatic activities in sandy soil and lettuce production. The experimental design was completely randomized with ten replicates and treatments: CONT (absolute control); CM (control with cattle manure fertilization); CMB (with fertilization and Pseudomonas sp.); CMF (with fertilization and T. aureoviride) and CMBF (with fertilization and the two microorganisms combined). The fertilizer used was organic with cattle manure in a dose recommended for the culture. This study evaluated the production of lettuce, microbial biomass and the enzymatic activity of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and urease. The combined application of CMBF was efficient in increasing lettuce production, because it increased 85% of the cv. Veronica cultivated on sandy soil. The combined use of plant growth promoting microorganisms resulted to an increase in microbial biomass. In lettuce crops, it is recommended to use T. aureoviride URM 5158 and Pseudomonas sp. UAGF 14 in lettuce crops, because improved lettuce production, improves the biochemical quality of soils measured by absolute and specific enzymatic activities per unit of microbial biomass. | Os micro-organismos promotores do crescimento de plantas vêm sendo estudados como uma importante ferramenta para o aumento da produção agrícola. Lactuca sativa (alface) é a hortaliça folhosa mais consumida em todo mundo. Inúmeros micro-organismos podem atuar de forma benéfica no crescimento desta cultura. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia de isolados de Trichoderma e Pseudomonas sp. na biomassa microbiana, atividades enzimáticas em solo arenoso e produção da alface cultivada com alface. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com dez repetições, sendo os tratamentos: CONT (controle absoluto); CM (controle apenas com a fertilização); CMB (com fertilização e Pseudomonas sp.); CMF (com fertilização e T. aureoviride) e CMBF (com fertilização e os dois micro-organismos combinados). A fertilização utilizada foi a orgânica pela adição de esterco bovino em dose recomendada para a cultura. Avaliou-se a produção de alface, a biomassa microbiana e a atividade enzimática da fostafase ácida, fosfatase alcalina e urease. A aplicação CMBF foi eficiente para o aumento na produção de alface, pois incrementou 85% da produção da cv. Verônica em solo arenoso. O uso combinado de micro-organismos promotores de crescimento de plantas incrementam a biomassa microbiana. Recomenda-se o uso de   T. aureoviride URM 5158 e Pseudomonas sp. UAGF 14 no cultivo de alface, pois além de melhorar a produção, melhora a qualidade bioquímica dos solos mensurados por atividades enzimáticas absolutas e específicas por unidade de biomassa microbiana.

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).

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). | 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 evaluate the productive and economic performance of a forage cactus and sorghum intercropping system in relation to a forage cactus single cropping system under different irrigation blades with saline water. The study was conducted in Serra Talhada, State of Pernambuco, in a randomized block design, consisting of a factorial arrangement with split-plot parcels (5×2) and four replications. The five plots were the irrigation depths based on the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) (0, 8.75, 17.5, 26.25, and 35% ETo) and the two cropping systems were single forage cactus cropping and cactus intercropped with sorghum. The experiment was conducted for one year, with one forage cactus cycle and two cycles of sorghum. Yields were obtained at the end of the cycles. Economic profitability was analyzed by means of net revenue (NR) and the benefit/cost ratio (B/C), with cactus forage sold as forage or as "seed" and sorghum as forage. Net revenue and B/C simulations were carried out over an eight-year useful life span of the irrigation system. Increasing irrigation depth increased the dry matter yield of the intercropping system because of higher sorghum yield. Based on the NR and B/C ratio values, forage cactus and sorghum produced as forage produced higher economic outcomes in the intercropping system and showed a higher profitability from the 2nd year of implementation of the irrigation system. Forage cactus and sorghum intercropping irrigated with saline water is therefore recommended for forage production in the Brazilian semi-arid region.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive and economic performance of a forage cactus and sorghum intercropping system in relation to a forage cactus single cropping system under different irrigation blades with saline water. The study was conducted in Serra Talhada, State of Pernambuco, in a randomized block design, consisting of a factorial arrangement with split-plot parcels (5×2) and four replications. The five plots were the irrigation depths based on the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) (0, 8.75, 17.5, 26.25, and 35% ETo) and the two cropping systems were single forage cactus cropping and cactus intercropped with sorghum. The experiment was conducted for one year, with one forage cactus cycle and two cycles of sorghum. Yields were obtained at the end of the cycles. Economic profitability was analyzed by means of net revenue (NR) and the benefit/cost ratio (B/C), with cactus forage sold as forage or as "seed" and sorghum as forage. Net revenue and B/C simulations were carried out over an eight-year useful life span of the irrigation system. Increasing irrigation depth increased the dry matter yield of the intercropping system because of higher sorghum yield. Based on the NR and B/C ratio values, forage cactus and sorghum produced as forage produced higher economic outcomes in the intercropping system and showed a higher profitability from the 2nd year of implementation of the irrigation system. Forage cactus and sorghum intercropping irrigated with saline water is therefore recommended for forage production in the Brazilian semi-arid region. | Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho produtivo-econômico da consorciação palma forrageira e sorgo em relação ao sistema de plantio exclusivo da palma forrageira sob diferentes lâminas de irrigação com água salina. A pesquisa foi conduzida em Serra Talhada, PE, com delineamento em blocos ao acaso, arranjo fatorial com parcelas subdivididas (5×2), quatro repetições, sendo considerada como parcelas as lâminas de irrigação complementar com base na evapotranspiração de referência (0; 8,75; 17,5; 26,25 e 35% ETo), e as subparcelas, os sistemas de plantio: palma exclusiva e consórcio palma-sorgo. O experimento foi conduzido por um ano, sendo um ciclo de palma e dois ciclos do sorgo. Ao final foram obtidas as produtividades de matéria fresca e seca. A rentabilidade econômica foi analisada por meio da receita líquida (RL) e da relação benefício/custo (B/C) da palma destinada à venda tanto para forragem como “semente” para o plantio, e do sorgo para produção de forragem. Simulações de RL e B/C foram feitas ao longo da vida útil de oito anos do sistema de irrigação. As lâminas de água aumentaram a produtividade de matéria seca do consórcio, devido ao benefício gerado ao sorgo. Com base na RL e B/C, verificou-se que a palma e o sorgo destinados à venda como forragem mostraram mais vantagem quando consorciadas e maior rentabilidade a partir do 2º ano de implantação do sistema de irrigação. Conclui-se que, o consórcio palma forrageira e sorgo irrigado com água salina deve ser recomendado para a produção de forragem no Semiárido brasileiro.

Researches evaluating the use of mulch has contributing to optimize soil management towards sustainability, and improving soil quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of mulching on the reduction of erosion in a soil with sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) crops subjected to simulated rainfall and increased soil organic carbon. The experiment was carried out from August to December 2013 under field conditions, using a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of sorghum with mulch, using the local vegetation available in the area; and sorghum without mulch. Simulated rainfalls were performed in three different periods of the crop cycle (initial, intermediate, and final), using a rainfall simulator. The use of mulch in soils with sorghum crops was efficient in improving soil water retention in all phases of the crop, and maintaining soil moisture during the rainfall intervals used, resulting in the absence of plant water loss, and greater contribution to soil organic carbon.

Researches evaluating the use of mulch has contributing to optimize soil management towards sustainability, and improving soil quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of mulching on the reduction of erosion in a soil with sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) crops subjected to simulated rainfall and increased soil organic carbon. The experiment was carried out from August to December 2013 under field conditions, using a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of sorghum with mulch, using the local vegetation available in the area; and sorghum without mulch. Simulated rainfalls were performed in three different periods of the crop cycle (initial, intermediate, and final), using a rainfall simulator. The use of mulch in soils with sorghum crops was efficient in improving soil water retention in all phases of the crop, and maintaining soil moisture during the rainfall intervals used, resulting in the absence of plant water loss, and greater contribution to soil organic carbon. | Pesquisas que avaliem o uso de cobertura morta no solo tem grande aceitação, uma vez que otimiza o manejo sustentável e melhora a qualidade do solo. Objetivou-se, com o presente trabalho, avaliar a eficiência da cobertura morta na redução das taxas erosivas do solo em cultivo de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) submetido à chuva simulada, bem como o incremento de carbono orgânico no solo. O experimento foi desenvolvido no período de agosto a dezembro de 2013 sob condição de campo, onde foram estabelecidos os seguintes tratamentos: sorgo com cobertura morta (CM) utilizando-se a vegetação espontânea da área e sorgo sem cobertura morta (SM), com três repetições em blocos casualizados. Foi realizada chuva simulada em três períodos distintos (nicial, intermediário e final do ciclo da cultura), utilizando-se um simulador de chuvas. Em todas as fases da cultura, o uso da cobertura morta no solo em cultivo de sorgo se mostrou eficiente por proporcionar maior retenção da umidade no solo, a qual se manteve por mais tempo entre os intervalos de chuva, resultando na ausência de perda de água, além de proporcionar maior aporte de carbono orgânico no solo.

The use of stimulants in the establishment of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi has great potential in contributing to P uptake by plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of isoflavonoid formononetin as mycorrhization stimulant on soybean associated with phosphate fertilizer in Oxisols with intermediate (OPi) and low (OPl) phosphorus availability, in the Cerrado region of Piauí. The experiment in each soil consisted of randomized blocks design in a 4×4 factorial scheme, with four replications. The treatments comprised of four phosphorus doses (0, 26.66, 40 and 80 kg ha-1 P2O5), and four isoflavonoid formononetin doses (0, 0.5, 0.9 and 1.8 g kg-1 soybean seeds). The variables evaluated were soybean growth, yield, nodulation and mycorrhizal colonization rate. With the exception of mycorrhizal colonization rate in OPi, plant height and number of pods per plant in OPl, the other variables were not affected by the application of isoflavonoid formononetin, in both soils. Yield linearly increased with increase in the phosphorus doses in OPl, and presented agronomic efficiency of ~15 kg ha-1 grain for each kg ha-1 P2O5 applied to the soil.

The use of stimulants in the establishment of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi has great potential in contributing to P uptake by plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of isoflavonoid formononetin as mycorrhization stimulant on soybean associated with phosphate fertilizer in Oxisols with intermediate (OPi) and low (OPl) phosphorus availability, in the Cerrado region of Piauí. The experiment in each soil consisted of randomized blocks design in a 4×4 factorial scheme, with four replications. The treatments comprised of four phosphorus doses (0, 26.66, 40 and 80 kg ha-1 P2O5), and four isoflavonoid formononetin doses (0, 0.5, 0.9 and 1.8 g kg-1 soybean seeds). The variables evaluated were soybean growth, yield, nodulation and mycorrhizal colonization rate. With the exception of mycorrhizal colonization rate in OPi, plant height and number of pods per plant in OPl, the other variables were not affected by the application of isoflavonoid formononetin, in both soils. Yield linearly increased with increase in the phosphorus doses in OPl, and presented agronomic efficiency of ~15 kg ha-1 grain for each kg ha-1 P2O5 applied to the soil. | O uso de estimulantes para o estabelecimento de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares tem grande potencial em contribuir para a absorção de P pelas plantas. Objetivou-se avaliar a eficácia do isoflavonóide formononetina como estimulante da micorrização na cultura da soja, associada a adubação fosfatada, em dois Latossolos com teores de fósforo disponível médio (LPm) e baixo (LPb) no Cerrado piauiense. O delineamento experimental em cada solo foi em blocos casualizados no esquema fatorial 4×4, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por quatro doses de fósforo (0; 26,66; 40 e 80 kg ha-1 de P2O5) e quatro doses do isoflavonóide formononetina (0; 0,5; 0,9 e 1,8 g kg-1 de semente de soja). As variáveis avaliadas foram, o crescimento, a produção, a nodulação e taxa de colonização micorrízica da soja. Com exceção da taxa de colonização micorrízica no LPm, altura e número de vagens por planta de soja no LPb, as demais variáveis, não foram influenciados pela aplicação do isoflavonóide formononetina, em ambos os solos. A produtividade cresceu linearmente ao incremento das doses de fósforo no LPb, apresentando uma eficiência agronômica de ~15 kg ha-1 de grãos para cada kg ha-1 de P2O5 aplicado no solo.

The interaction Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) x nematode and the genetic variability of Foc are the main problems with potential to affect the use of resistant varieties in the management of the Panama disease. The objective of this work was to evaluate the interaction between Foc and Meloidogyne javanica on the banana of the Prata Anã, Grande Naine and BRS Princesa cultivars. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with six treatments and ten replications, which differed in the inoculation time of each pathogen. Simultaneous inoculation with Foc and M. javanica, inoculation with Foc one week before inoculation with M. javanica, and inoculation with M. javanica one week before inoculation with Foc. In addition to the controls, Foc isolated, M. javanica isolated, and cultivars without the pathogens. The seedlings were transplanted in 3-liter pots with sterile soil infested with 40 grams of Foc inoculum at the concentration of 1x106CFU/gram and 1000 eggs and J2 of M. javanica. At the end of 56 days, the treatments with 'Grande Naine' presented the highest reproduction factors of M. javanica. In the 'Prata Anã' no interaction was observed between Foc x M. javanica. The treatments with simultaneous inoculation of the two pathogens, and with Foc a week before, in the 'BRS Princesa', presented the highest external disease indices (DI), which promoted the highest AUDPC. The highest internal DI were observed in the treatments Foc+Mj+Grande Naine, Foc+Mj+BRS Princesa, Mj+Grande Naine+Foc and Foc+BRS Princesa+Mj. The simultaneous presence of M. javanica and Foc increases the severity of the Panama disease in Grande Naine and BRS Princesa cultivars.

The interaction Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) x nematode and the genetic variability of Foc are the main problems with potential to affect the use of resistant varieties in the management of the Panama disease. The objective of this work was to evaluate the interaction between Foc and Meloidogyne javanica on the banana of the Prata Anã, Grande Naine and BRS Princesa cultivars. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with six treatments and ten replications, which differed in the inoculation time of each pathogen. Simultaneous inoculation with Foc and M. javanica, inoculation with Foc one week before inoculation with M. javanica, and inoculation with M. javanica one week before inoculation with Foc. In addition to the controls, Foc isolated, M. javanica isolated, and cultivars without the pathogens. The seedlings were transplanted in 3-liter pots with sterile soil infested with 40 grams of Foc inoculum at the concentration of 1x106CFU/gram and 1000 eggs and J2 of M. javanica. At the end of 56 days, the treatments with 'Grande Naine' presented the highest reproduction factors of M. javanica. In the 'Prata Anã' no interaction was observed between Foc x M. javanica. The treatments with simultaneous inoculation of the two pathogens, and with Foc a week before, in the 'BRS Princesa', presented the highest external disease indices (DI), which promoted the highest AUDPC. The highest internal DI were observed in the treatments Foc+Mj+Grande Naine, Foc+Mj+BRS Princesa, Mj+Grande Naine+Foc and Foc+BRS Princesa+Mj. The simultaneous presence of M. javanica and Foc increases the severity of the Panama disease in Grande Naine and BRS Princesa cultivars. | A interação Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) x nematoide e a variabilidade genética de Foc são os principais problemas com potencial de afetar o uso de variedades resistentes no manejo do mal-do-Panamá. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a interação entre Foc e Meloidogyne javanica sobre as cultivares de bananeiras, Prata Anã, Grande Naine e BRS Princesa. O experimento foi conduzido em DBC, com seis tratamentos e dez repetições, os quais se diferenciaram no tempo de inoculação de cada patógeno. Inoculação simultânea de Foc e M. javanica, inoculação de Foc uma semana antes de M. javanica e inoculação de M. javanica uma semana antes de Foc. Além dos controles, Foc isolado, M. javanica isolado e cultivares sem patógenos. As mudas foram transplantadas em vasos de três litros com solo estéril infestado com 40 gramas de inóculo de Foc na concentração de 1x106UFC/grama e 1000 ovos e J2 de M. javanica. Ao final de 56 dias, os tratamentos em ‘Grande Naine’ apresentaram os maiores fatores de reprodução de M. javanica. Em ‘Prata Anã’ não foi observado interação entre Foc x M. javanica. Os tratamentos com inoculação simultânea dos dois patógenos e com Foc uma semana antes, em ‘BRS Princesa’, apresentaram os maiores índices de doença (ID) externos, o que proporcionou as maiores AACPD. Os maiores ID internos foram observados nos tratamentos, Foc+Mj+Grande Naine, Foc+Mj+BRS Princesa, Mj+Grande Naine+Foc e Foc+BRS Princesa+Mj. A presença conjunta de M. javanica e Foc aumenta a severidade do mal-do-Panamá nas cultivares Grande Naine e BRS Princesa.

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the use of extracts of leaves and fruits of neem (Azadirachta indica Juss) as coating for papaya Formosa fruits aiming to maintain their quality during post-harvest storage. A completely randomized experimental design in a 5x5 factorial arrangement was used, with 3 replications of 2 papaya fruits per plot. The treatments consisted of five coatings with extracts of neem leaves and fruits (leaf extracts at 5 and 10%, fruit extracts at 5 and 10% and a control treatment without coating) and five storage periods (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days) under mean temperature of 30.4 °C and relative humidity of 42%. The fruit weight loss, external appearance, pulp firmness, titratable acidity and soluble solids were evaluated, and the fungi species on the fruit surface of each storage were identified and quantified. The treatments with extract of neem leaves and fruits at 5% had papaya fruits with best external quality and provided best control of growth of phytopathogenic fungi. Regarding external appearance, papaya fruits coated with extracts of neem leaves and fruits at 5% had a shelf life of 12 days, while those coated with extracts at 10% had a shelf life of 9 days.

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the use of extracts of leaves and fruits of neem (Azadirachta indica Juss) as coating for papaya Formosa fruits aiming to maintain their quality during post-harvest storage. A completely randomized experimental design in a 5x5 factorial arrangement was used, with 3 replications of 2 papaya fruits per plot. The treatments consisted of five coatings with extracts of neem leaves and fruits (leaf extracts at 5 and 10%, fruit extracts at 5 and 10% and a control treatment without coating) and five storage periods (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days) under mean temperature of 30.4 °C and relative humidity of 42%. The fruit weight loss, external appearance, pulp firmness, titratable acidity and soluble solids were evaluated, and the fungi species on the fruit surface of each storage were identified and quantified. The treatments with extract of neem leaves and fruits at 5% had papaya fruits with best external quality and provided best control of growth of phytopathogenic fungi. Regarding external appearance, papaya fruits coated with extracts of neem leaves and fruits at 5% had a shelf life of 12 days, while those coated with extracts at 10% had a shelf life of 9 days. | O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar uso de extrato à base de folhas e de frutos do nim (Azadirachta indica Juss) como recobrimento na manutenção da qualidade pós-colheita do mamão Formosa. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 5 x 5, no qual o primeiro fator constou dos tipos de recobrimentos a base de folhas e frutos do nim (controle TC, extrato das folhas a 5% - T1, extrato das folhas a 10% - T2, extrato dos frutos a 5% - T3 e extrato dos frutos a 10% - T4) e o segundo fator dos tempos de armazenamento (0, 3, 6, 9 e 12 dias) a temperatura média de 30,4 ºC e UR de 42%, com 3 repetições de 2 frutos por parcela. A cada tempo de armazenamento foram avaliadas perda de massa, aparência externa, firmeza da polpa, teor de acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis, percentual de fungos na superfície dos frutos e identificação de espécies de fungos. O extrato das folhas e dos frutos de nim a 5% apresentaram os melhores resultados por manter a qualidade externa dos frutos, além de controlar o crescimento dos fungos fitopatogênicos. Com base na aparência externa, os frutos de mamão tratados com extratos das folhas e dos frutos do nim a 5% tiveram vida útil de 12 dias. Os frutos recobertos com extratos das folhas e dos frutos a 10% apresentaram vida útil de 9 dias.

Leguminous species can improve nutrient cycling and chemical quality of Oxisols, resulting in higher productivity of intercropped crops. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the decomposition rate and nutrient accumulation in legume stubble, as well as its contribution to soil chemical attributes, the growth of baru trees (Dipteryx alata Vogel), and yield of intercropped maize in an agroforestry system. The experiment was developed during the crop years of 2010-2011 and 2011-2012, in Goiás State, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block with five replicates. Leguminous species consisted of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea), jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), Stylosanthes (Stylosanthes macrocephala - 20% and Stylosanthes capitata - 80%), and spontaneous vegetation (control treatment). The decomposition rates of legume and spontaneous vegetation residues remained unchanged in the agroforestry system. Sunn hemp, jack bean, and Stylosanthes plants are advantageous options for total accumulation of nutrients. However, sunn hemp grown as straw cover for next crop seasons increases the available phosphorus levels in the soil and productivity of maize cobs. With this coverage, maize productivity values were up to 24% higher than were those with maize growing on spontaneous vegetation, besides having no effect on the growth of baru trees.

Leguminous species can improve nutrient cycling and chemical quality of Oxisols, resulting in higher productivity of intercropped crops. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the decomposition rate and nutrient accumulation in legume stubble, as well as its contribution to soil chemical attributes, the growth of baru trees (Dipteryx alata Vogel), and yield of intercropped maize in an agroforestry system. The experiment was developed during the crop years of 2010-2011 and 2011-2012, in Goiás State, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block with five replicates. Leguminous species consisted of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea), jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), Stylosanthes (Stylosanthes macrocephala - 20% and Stylosanthes capitata - 80%), and spontaneous vegetation (control treatment). The decomposition rates of legume and spontaneous vegetation residues remained unchanged in the agroforestry system. Sunn hemp, jack bean, and Stylosanthes plants are advantageous options for total accumulation of nutrients. However, sunn hemp grown as straw cover for next crop seasons increases the available phosphorus levels in the soil and productivity of maize cobs. With this coverage, maize productivity values were up to 24% higher than were those with maize growing on spontaneous vegetation, besides having no effect on the growth of baru trees. | O uso de espécies leguminosas poderá favorecer a ciclagem de nutrientes e a qualidade química dos latossolos, o que de certa forma promoverá maior desempenho dos cultivos consorciados. Desta forma, objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar a taxa de decomposição e o acúmulo de nutrientes em leguminosas, além dos atributos químicos do solo, crescimento de barueiros e produtividade de milho cultivados em rotação no sistema agroflorestal. A pesquisa foi realizada em consórcio com árvores de barueiros (Dipteryx alata Vogel), durante o período das safras 2010-2011 e 2011-2012, no estado de Goiás, Brasil, O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições. As leguminosas utilizadas foram: crotalária (Crotalaria juncea); feijão de porco (Canavalia ensiformis); feijão guandu (Cajanus cajan); estilosantes campo grande (Stylosanthes macrocephala - 20% e Stylosanthes capitata - 80%) e vegetação espontânea (tratamento controle). A taxa de decomposição dos resíduos de leguminosas e vegetação espontânea não é afetada no sistema agroflorestal. A crotalária, o feijão de porco e o estilosantes apresentam-se como opções vantajosas para o acúmulo total de nutrientes. Porém, o cultivo de crotalária com manejo de palhada visando rotação para próxima safra aumenta os teores de fósforo disponível no solo e a produtividade de espigas de milho verde com valores até 24% superiores em relação à área mantida sob vegetação espontânea, além de não afetar o crescimento das árvores.