Rice is one of the world’s most consumed cereals, however, its production is affected by fungal diseases. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the severity of diseases and grain yield potential of upland rice with silicon fertilization combined with seed microbiolization with Bacillus methylotrophicus isolates. Two experiments were conducted, one in Igarapé do Meio, Maranhão (MA), Brazil, with rice seeds of the variety Palha-Murcha and one in São Bento MA with rice seeds of the variety BRS-Primavera. A randomized block experimental design in a split-plot arrangement with five replications were used in both experiments, with agro-silicon rates (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 Mg ha-1) in the plots and microbiolized and non-microbiolized rice seeds with B. Methylotrophicus at concentration of 108 CFU ml-1 in the subplots. The seedling emergence, grain yield, number of panicles, plant height, plant dry weight and severity of brown leafspot, leaf scald and grain spot were evaluated. Soil fertilization with agro-silicon affected positively the plant height of the variety Palha-Murcha and the number of panicles, plant dry weight and grain yield of the variety BRS-Primavera, and negatively the germination of the variety BRS-Primavera. Leaf scald severity in the variety BRS-Primavera reduced with microbiolized seeds with B. methylotropicus. Microbiolization with B. methylotropicus had no effect on severity of brown leafspot and grain spot in the varieties evaluated.

ABSTRACT Rice is one of the world’s most consumed cereals, however, its production is affected by fungal diseases. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the severity of diseases and grain yield potential of upland rice with silicon fertilization combined with seed microbiolization with Bacillus methylotrophicus isolates. Two experiments were conducted, one in Igarapé do Meio, Maranhão (MA), Brazil, with rice seeds of the variety Palha-Murcha and one in São Bento MA with rice seeds of the variety BRS-Primavera. A randomized block experimental design in a split-plot arrangement with five replications were used in both experiments, with agro-silicon rates (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 Mg ha-1) in the plots and microbiolized and non-microbiolized rice seeds with B. Methylotrophicus at concentration of 108 CFU ml-1 in the subplots. The seedling emergence, grain yield, number of panicles, plant height, plant dry weight and severity of brown leafspot, leaf scald and grain spot were evaluated. Soil fertilization with agro-silicon affected positively the plant height of the variety Palha-Murcha and the number of panicles, plant dry weight and grain yield of the variety BRS-Primavera, and negatively the germination of the variety BRS-Primavera. Leaf scald severity in the variety BRS-Primavera reduced with microbiolized seeds with B. methylotropicus. Microbiolization with B. methylotropicus had no effect on severity of brown leafspot and grain spot in the varieties evaluated. | RESUMO O arroz é um dos cereais mais consumidos em todo o mundo e sua produção é afetada por doenças fúngicas. Neste sentido objetivou-se avaliar a severidade de doenças e o potencial produtivo do arroz de terras altas em função da aplicação de silício e sementes microbiolizadas com isolados de Bacillus methylotrophicus. Foram realizados dois experimentos, em dois munícipios do estado do Maranhão, Brasil: um em Igarapé do Meio, com sementes de arroz da variedade Palha Murcha e outro em São Bento, com a variedade Primavera. Os experimentos foram instalados no delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições, em parcelas subdivididas. As parcelas foram constituídas por cinco doses de agrosilício (0,0; 1,0; 2,0; 4,0 e 6,0 t ha-1) e as subparcelas foram constituídas por sementes de arroz microbiolizadas e não microbiolizadas com B. methylotrophicus, na concentração de 108 UFC ml-1. Os parâmetros avaliados foram emergência de plântulas, produtividade de grãos, número de panícula, altura de planta, massa de planta seca e severidade de mancha parda, escaldadura e mancha de grãos. As doses de agrosilício aplicadas no solo afetaram positivamente a altura de plantas, para a variedade Palha Murcha. Na variedade Primavera, as doses de agrosilício influenciaram de forma positiva o número de panículas, massa de planta seca e a produtividade de grãos e de forma negativa a germinação. Para esta variedade, a severidade da escaldadura foi reduzida quando as sementes foram microbiolizadas com B. methylotropicus. A microbiolização com B. methylotropicus não influenciou a severidade da mancha parda e a severidade da mancha de grãos, para as duas variedades de arroz.

The aim of this study was to assess the productive performance of cowpea cultivars with different growth habits as a function of population density in the MATOPIBA region, Brazil. The experiments were carried out in Magalhães de Almeida, MA in the agricultural season 2014/2015. The cultivars BRS Itaim, BRS Tumucumaque, and BRS Pajeú, which present an erect, semi-erect, and semi-prostrate growth habits, respectively, were assessed. For the erect and semi-erect cultivars, a total of 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28 plants m−2 were used whereas for the semi-prostrate cultivar, a total of 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, and 22 plants m−2 were used. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four replications and treatments composed of plant densities. Grain yield and number of pods per area presented a quadratic response to the increased plant density whereas a decreasing linear response was observed for the number of pods per plant. The maximum grain yield of erect, semi-erect, and semi-prostrate cultivars were 1,076 kg ha−1 (19.5 plants m−2), 1,252 kg ha−1 (18.7 plants m−2), and 755 kg ha−1 (14.5 plants m−2), respectively. The number of pods per area was the character that most correlated (P<0.01) with grain yield, regardless of the plant growth habit.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the productive performance of cowpea cultivars with different growth habits as a function of population density in the MATOPIBA region, Brazil. The experiments were carried out in Magalhães de Almeida, MA in the agricultural season 2014/2015. The cultivars BRS Itaim, BRS Tumucumaque, and BRS Pajeú, which present an erect, semi-erect, and semi-prostrate growth habits, respectively, were assessed. For the erect and semi-erect cultivars, a total of 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28 plants m−2 were used whereas for the semi-prostrate cultivar, a total of 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, and 22 plants m−2 were used. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four replications and treatments composed of plant densities. Grain yield and number of pods per area presented a quadratic response to the increased plant density whereas a decreasing linear response was observed for the number of pods per plant. The maximum grain yield of erect, semi-erect, and semi-prostrate cultivars were 1,076 kg ha−1 (19.5 plants m−2), 1,252 kg ha−1 (18.7 plants m−2), and 755 kg ha−1 (14.5 plants m−2), respectively. The number of pods per area was the character that most correlated (P<0.01) with grain yield, regardless of the plant growth habit. | RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo de cultivares de feijão-caupi de diferentes tipos de porte da planta, em função da densidade populacional, na região do MATOPIBA. Os experimentos foram conduzidos no município de Magalhães de Almeida, MA, ano agrícola 2014/2015. Foram avaliadas as cultivares BRS Itaim, de porte ereto, BRS Tumucumaque, de porte semiereto e BRS Pajeú, de porte semiprostrado. Para as cultivares de portes ereto e semiereto utilizaram-se 8; 12; 16; 20; 24 e 28 plantas m-2 e para a cultivar de porte semiprostado de 2; 6; 10; 14; 18 e 22 plantas m-2. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições e os tratamentos constituídos pelas densidades de plantas. Os rendimentos de grãos e o número de vagens por área responderam quadraticamente ao aumento da densidade de plantas, enquanto resposta linear decrescente foi observada para o número de vagens por planta. Os rendimentos de grãos máximos das cultivares de portes ereto e semiereto foram, respectivamente, de 1.076 kg ha-1 (19,5 plantas m-2) e 1.252 kg ha-1 (18,7 plantas m-2) e para a cultivar de porte semiprostrado foi de 755 kg ha-1 (14,5 plantas m-2). O número de vagens por área foi o caráter mais correlacionado (P<0,01) com o rendimento de grãos, independentemente do tipo de porte da planta.

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.

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.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a nutritionally demanding crop, and phosphorus (P) is a nutrient that exerts a large effect on tuber yield. However, as the availability of P is influenced by soil texture, there are doubts about how P supplementation affects the growth and yield of potato plants in different soil textures. Thus, here we aimed to evaluate the effect of P fertilization and soil texture on the nutrition, growth, tuber yield, and P use efficiency (PUE) of potato plants. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in a randomized block design with a 4×2 factorial scheme and five replications. The treatments were represented by four P rates (10, 50, 100, and 200 mg dm-3 P) and two soil textures (clayey and sandy). The concentrations of P, Ca, and Mg in the leaves were higher in sandy soil, and P rates increased the concentrations of N, P, and Ca in the leaves of potato plants. Phosphorus fertilization increased plant growth, the amount of P accumulated in the shoot, and tuber yield in both soils; this trend was stronger in the potato cultivated in the clayey soil than in the sandy soil. The applied-PUE was not affected by soil texture. In the potato cultivated in the sandy soil, the taken up-PUE was reduced due to the decrease in dry matter production and an increase in P concentration in the organs of the plant with higher P fertilizer rates.

ABSTRACT Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a nutritionally demanding crop, and phosphorus (P) is a nutrient that exerts a large effect on tuber yield. However, as the availability of P is influenced by soil texture, there are doubts about how P supplementation affects the growth and yield of potato plants in different soil textures. Thus, here we aimed to evaluate the effect of P fertilization and soil texture on the nutrition, growth, tuber yield, and P use efficiency (PUE) of potato plants. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in a randomized block design with a 4×2 factorial scheme and five replications. The treatments were represented by four P rates (10, 50, 100, and 200 mg dm-3 P) and two soil textures (clayey and sandy). The concentrations of P, Ca, and Mg in the leaves were higher in sandy soil, and P rates increased the concentrations of N, P, and Ca in the leaves of potato plants. Phosphorus fertilization increased plant growth, the amount of P accumulated in the shoot, and tuber yield in both soils; this trend was stronger in the potato cultivated in the clayey soil than in the sandy soil. The applied-PUE was not affected by soil texture. In the potato cultivated in the sandy soil, the taken up-PUE was reduced due to the decrease in dry matter production and an increase in P concentration in the organs of the plant with higher P fertilizer rates. | RESUMO A batata (Solanum tuberosum L.) é uma cultura nutricionalmente exigente e o fósforo (P) é um dos nutrientes que exerce grande efeito sobre a produtividade de tubérculos. Porém, como a disponibilidade de P é influenciada pela textura do solo, existem dúvidas de como o fornecimento de P afeta o crescimento e a produtividade das plantas de batata em solos de texturas diferentes. Assim, objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar o efeito da adubação fosfatada e da textura do solo na nutrição, crescimento, produtividade e eficiência de uso (EU) do P das plantas de batata. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação no delineamento de blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 4×2, com cinco repetições. Os tratamentos foram representados por quatro doses de P (10, 50, 100 e 200 mg dm-3 P) e duas texturas de solo (argiloso e arenoso). Os teores foliares de P, Ca e Mg foram maiores no solo arenoso e as doses de P aumentaram os teores de N, P e Ca nas folhas. A adubação fosfatada aumentou o crescimento das plantas, a quantidade de P acumulada na parte aérea e a produtividade de tubérculos em ambos os solos, porém, de forma mais expressiva e até maiores doses na batata cultivada no solo argiloso. A EU do P aplicado não foi afetada pela textura do solo. Na batata cultivada no solo arenoso, a EU do P absorvido foi reduzida em função da diminuição na produção de MS e aumento nos teores de P nos órgãos da planta com fornecimento de altas doses de P.

The cultivation of irrigated guava in semi-arid areas highlights the need for information regarding its responses to irrigation water quality and the fertilization management that enables its exploitation. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of water salinity and nitrogen (N) doses on the growth and physiology of the guava cv. ‘Paluma’. The experiments was conducted in drainage lysimeters under field conditions in an experimental area at the Center of Sciences and Agri-Food Technology of the Federal University of Campina Grande (CCTA/UFCG), Campus II, in Pombal, PB, Brazil. The experiment had a randomized block design, and treatments consisted of a 5 x 4 factorial arrangement corresponding to five levels of irrigation water electrical conductivity, ECw (0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7, and 3.5 dS m-1), and four N doses (70, 100, 130, and 160% of the recommended N dose). The 100% dose corresponded to 541.1 mg of N dm-3 of soil. Increments in irrigation water salinity from 0.3 dS m-1 led to a reduction in stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration, instantaneous water use efficiency, the number of leaves and branches, stem diameter, and absolute and relative growth rates. Nitrogen doses ranging from 378.7 to 865.7 mg of N dm-3 of soil did not affect gas exchange and plant growth. Although ‘Paluma’ guava growth was affected by increases in water salinity, these plants can be irrigated using water of up to 1.42 dS m-1 with an acceptable reduction of 10% in growth variables. The interaction between irrigation water salinity and N fertilization had no significant effect on any of the variables studied.

ABSTRACT The cultivation of irrigated guava in semi-arid areas highlights the need for information regarding its responses to irrigation water quality and the fertilization management that enables its exploitation. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of water salinity and nitrogen (N) doses on the growth and physiology of the guava cv. ‘Paluma’. The experiments was conducted in drainage lysimeters under field conditions in an experimental area at the Center of Sciences and Agri-Food Technology of the Federal University of Campina Grande (CCTA/UFCG), Campus II, in Pombal, PB, Brazil. The experiment had a randomized block design, and treatments consisted of a 5 x 4 factorial arrangement corresponding to five levels of irrigation water electrical conductivity, ECw (0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7, and 3.5 dS m-1), and four N doses (70, 100, 130, and 160% of the recommended N dose). The 100% dose corresponded to 541.1 mg of N dm-3 of soil. Increments in irrigation water salinity from 0.3 dS m-1 led to a reduction in stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration, instantaneous water use efficiency, the number of leaves and branches, stem diameter, and absolute and relative growth rates. Nitrogen doses ranging from 378.7 to 865.7 mg of N dm-3 of soil did not affect gas exchange and plant growth. Although ‘Paluma’ guava growth was affected by increases in water salinity, these plants can be irrigated using water of up to 1.42 dS m-1 with an acceptable reduction of 10% in growth variables. The interaction between irrigation water salinity and N fertilization had no significant effect on any of the variables studied. | RESUMO O cultivo da goiabeira irrigada nas áreas semiáridas evidencia a necessidade de informações a respeito de suas respostas à qualidade da água de irrigação e ao manejo da adubação que possibilite sua exploração. Assim, objetivou-se estudar o efeito da salinidade da água combinada com doses de nitrogênio no crescimento e fisiologia da goiabeira cv. ‘Paluma’, em experimento conduzido em lisímetros de drenagem sob condições de campo em uma área experimental no Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Agroalimentar da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (CCTA/UFCG), Campus II de Pombal, PB. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos casualizados, com tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial 5 x 4, relativos a cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (0,3; 1,1; 1,9; 2,7 e 3,5 dS m-1) e quatro doses de nitrogênio (70, 100, 130 e 160% de N recomendada), sendo a dose referente a 100% correspondeu a 541,1 mg de N dm-3 de solo. O aumento da salinidade da água de irrigação a partir de 0,3 dS m-1 promoveu redução na condutância estomática, concentração interna de CO2, taxa de assimilação de CO2, transpiração, eficiência instantânea no uso da água, número de folhas e ramos, diâmetro de caule, taxa de crescimento absoluto e relativo. Doses de nitrogênio variando de 378,7 a 865,7 mg de N dm-3 de solo não afetaram as trocas gasosas e o crescimento das plantas. Apesar do crescimento da goiabeira cv. Paluma ser afetado com o aumento da salinidade, é possível irrigar com água de até 1,42 dS m-1 ocorrendo redução aceitável de 10% nas variáveis de crescimento. Não houve efeito significativo da interação entre salinidade da água de irrigação e doses de adubação nitrogenada em nenhuma variável estudada.

Enzyme activity in solid-state fermentation complex added to diets before and after extrusion process and its influence on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) performance were evaluated. The following enzymes were analyzed: b-glucosidase, pectinase, xylanase, endoglucanase, amylase, protease, and phytase. The fish were fed five experimental diets: a control diet (without enzyme), two test diets supplemented before extrusion (400 and 800 ppm SSF), and two test diets after extrusion or “on top” (400 and 800 ppm SSF). The experiment had a completely randomized design with four replicates and seven fish per tank. Average initial weight was 10.37 ± 0.95 g, and fish were fed four times a day to satiation for 56 days. The following performance parameters were evaluated: final weight, weight gain, feed conversion, survival, specific growth rate, and body composition. The results were compared using ANOVA and Tukey’s test at p<0.05. All the enzymes showed partial or total losses of activity when subjected to the extrusion process, except phytase. No differences were observed for survival, water quality parameters, and body composition. On-top inclusion provided a better performance, which is observed through increases in final weight, weight gain, and feed conversion. As a result, 800 ppm of enzyme complex SSF should be added "on top", that is after extrusion, to improve tilapia performance and, consequently, contribute to the fish farming financial efficiency.

RESUMO As atividades das enzimas do complexo enzimático SSF (solid-state fermentation) adicionado à ração antes e após o processo de extrusão e a influência no desempenho de tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) foram avaliadas. Foram selecionadas as seguintes enzimas para análise: b-glicosidase, pectinase, xilanase, endoglucanase, amilase, protease e fitase. Os peixes foram submetidos a cinco tratamentos: ração sem adição de enzima, com adição de 400 ppm de SSF antes da extrusão, com 800 ppm de SSF antes da extrusão, 400 ppm de SSF adicionados “on top” após a extrusão e 800 ppm de SSF adicionados “on top” após a extrusão. O experimento teve um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições, contendo sete peixes por aquário. O peso médio inicial foi de 10,37 g ± 0,95, sendo alimentados quatro vezes ao dia, até a saciedade, durante 56 dias. Avaliou-se: peso inicial, peso final, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, sobrevivência, taxa de crescimento específico e composição corporal. Os resultados foram comparados utilizando-se ANOVA e teste de Tukey a p<0.05. Todas as enzimas perderam atividade enzimática parcial ou total quando submetidas ao processo de extrusão, exceto a fitase. Não foram observadas diferenças entre a sobrevivência, parâmetros de qualidade da água e a composição corporal. A inclusão “on top” proporcionou um melhor rendimento, observado através de melhorias no peso final, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Concluiu-se que, 800 ppm de SSF deve ser adicionado "on top", após a extrusão, para proporcionar um melhor desempenho em tilápias, e consequentemente a eficiência financeira da produção. | ABSTRACT Enzyme activity in solid-state fermentation complex added to diets before and after extrusion process and its influence on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) performance were evaluated. The following enzymes were analyzed: b-glucosidase, pectinase, xylanase, endoglucanase, amylase, protease, and phytase. The fish were fed five experimental diets: a control diet (without enzyme), two test diets supplemented before extrusion (400 and 800 ppm SSF), and two test diets after extrusion or “on top” (400 and 800 ppm SSF). The experiment had a completely randomized design with four replicates and seven fish per tank. Average initial weight was 10.37 ± 0.95 g, and fish were fed four times a day to satiation for 56 days. The following performance parameters were evaluated: final weight, weight gain, feed conversion, survival, specific growth rate, and body composition. The results were compared using ANOVA and Tukey’s test at p<0.05. All the enzymes showed partial or total losses of activity when subjected to the extrusion process, except phytase. No differences were observed for survival, water quality parameters, and body composition. On-top inclusion provided a better performance, which is observed through increases in final weight, weight gain, and feed conversion. As a result, 800 ppm of enzyme complex SSF should be added "on top", that is after extrusion, to improve tilapia performance and, consequently, contribute to the fish farming financial efficiency.

The semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil is vulnerable to problems of water scarcity and salinity, resulting in low-quality irrigation water and the need to adopt cultivation strategies that make the production system viable. Given the above, this study aimed to evaluate emergence, growth, and production of colored cotton subjected to increasing levels of irrigation water salinity and organic matter doses. The experiment was carried out in a eutrophic Regolithic Neosol with a sandy loam texture in a greenhouse in the municipality of Campina Grande - PB, Brazil. A randomized block design was used in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme with three replicates, and the treatments corresponded to four levels of electrical conductivity of water - ECw (1.7, 3.4, 5.1, and 6.8 dS m-1) and four doses of organic matter - OM (0, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5% based on soil volume). Increasing irrigation water salinity with ECw values above 1.7 dS m-1 reduced emergence, growth, and production of colored cotton, and the cotton seed weight was the variable most affected by salinity. Organic matter addition led to increased cotton growth and production, especially in terms of seed weight. Increasing doses of organic matter attenuated the effect of irrigation water salinity on the number of bolls in ‘BRS Jady’ cotton.

ABSTRACT The semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil is vulnerable to problems of water scarcity and salinity, resulting in low-quality irrigation water and the need to adopt cultivation strategies that make the production system viable. Given the above, this study aimed to evaluate emergence, growth, and production of colored cotton subjected to increasing levels of irrigation water salinity and organic matter doses. The experiment was carried out in a eutrophic Regolithic Neosol with a sandy loam texture in a greenhouse in the municipality of Campina Grande - PB, Brazil. A randomized block design was used in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme with three replicates, and the treatments corresponded to four levels of electrical conductivity of water - ECw (1.7, 3.4, 5.1, and 6.8 dS m-1) and four doses of organic matter - OM (0, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5% based on soil volume). Increasing irrigation water salinity with ECw values above 1.7 dS m-1 reduced emergence, growth, and production of colored cotton, and the cotton seed weight was the variable most affected by salinity. Organic matter addition led to increased cotton growth and production, especially in terms of seed weight. Increasing doses of organic matter attenuated the effect of irrigation water salinity on the number of bolls in ‘BRS Jady’ cotton. | RESUMO A região semiárida do Nordeste Brasileiro é vulnerável aos problemas de escassez hídrica e salinidade, o que faz com que a maioria das águas utilizadas para irrigação nem sempre apresente boa qualidade, sendo necessária a adoção de estratégias de cultivo que viabilizem o sistema de produção. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se avaliar a emergência, o crescimento e a produção do algodoeiro de fibra colorida submetido a níveis crescentes de salinidade da água de irrigação e doses de matéria orgânica. O experimento foi conduzido em um Neossolo Regolítico Eutrófico de textura franco-arenosa em casa de vegetação no município de Campina Grande - PB. Utilizaram-se o delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, com três repetições, sendo os tratamentos compostos de quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da água - CEa (1,7; 3,4; 5,1 e 6,8 dS m-1) e quatro doses de matéria orgânica - MO (0; 2,5; 3,5 e 4,5% em base do volume de solo).O aumento da salinidade da água de irrigação com CEa superior a 1,7 dS m-1 reduziu a emergência, o crescimento e a produção do algodoeiro colorido, sendo a massa de algodão em caroço a variável mais afetada. A adição de matéria orgânica promoveu acréscimos no crescimento e produção do algodoeiro, especialmente na massa de algodão em caroço. Doses crescentes de matéria orgânica atenuaram o efeito da salinidade da água de irrigação sobre o número de capulhos do algodoeiro ‘BRS Jady’.

The use of landfill leachate (LL) to produce biomass for energy and biofuel purposes is an alternative that minimizes environmental degradation. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of using different rates of LL in the fertigation of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) crops. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with five treatments and four replications-20 experimental plots. The treatments consisted of control with 100% water from the water supply (WWS) (T1); 80% WWS + 20% LL (T2); 60% WWS + 40% LL (T3); 40% WWS + 60% LL (T4); and 20% WWS + 80% LL (T5). The sunflower crops were grown in a eutrophic Red-Yellow Argisol for 81 days, in Mossoró RN, Brazil. The plant characteristics evaluated-plant height, number of leaves, steam diameter and capitulum diameter-was determined. All variables evaluated presented statistical differences between treatments. In general, plants in the treatment 60% WWS + 40% LL presented better performance regarding the characteristics evaluated.

RESUMO O uso do percolado de aterro sanitário (PATS) na produção de biomassa para fins energético e biocombustível é uma alternativa que minimiza a degradação ambiental. Neste contexto, objetivou-se neste trabalho, analisar o efeito da aplicação de distintas proporções de percolado de aterros sanitários no cultivo de girassol (Helianthus annuus L.). O experimento foi conduzido com delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos T1 - 100 % de água da rede de abastecimento - AA (Testemunha); T2 - 80 % de AA e 20 % de PATS; T3 - 60 % de AA e 40 % de PATS; T4 - 40 % de AA e 60 % de PATS; e, T5 - 20 % de AA e 80 % de PATS, e quatro repetições, totalizando 20 parcelas experimentais. O girassol foi cultivado em ARGISSOLO Vermelho - Amarelo eutrófico, durante 81 dias em Mossoró/RN. Durante o ciclo do girassol foram determinadas as características vegetativas altura de planta (AP), número de folhas (NF), diâmetro do caule (DCaule) e do capítulo (DCapítulo). Comprovou-se que para todas as variáveis estudadas houve diferença estatística entre os tratamentos. Em geral, o tratamento 60 % de AA e 40 % de PATS apresentou melhor desempenho com relação às características vegetativas do girassol. | ABSTRACT The use of landfill leachate (LL) to produce biomass for energy and biofuel purposes is an alternative that minimizes environmental degradation. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of using different rates of LL in the fertigation of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) crops. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with five treatments and four replications-20 experimental plots. The treatments consisted of control with 100% water from the water supply (WWS) (T1); 80% WWS + 20% LL (T2); 60% WWS + 40% LL (T3); 40% WWS + 60% LL (T4); and 20% WWS + 80% LL (T5). The sunflower crops were grown in a eutrophic Red-Yellow Argisol for 81 days, in Mossoró RN, Brazil. The plant characteristics evaluated-plant height, number of leaves, steam diameter and capitulum diameter-was determined. All variables evaluated presented statistical differences between treatments. In general, plants in the treatment 60% WWS + 40% LL presented better performance regarding the characteristics evaluated.

The high luminosity rates and high annual average temperatures of the Brazilian semiarid region, combined with the use of irrigation and adaptability of the sunflower crop to local climate, favor increased achene yield due to acceleration of morphophysiological processes. The objective of this work was to evaluate the morphophysiological and productive characteristics of sunflower varieties grown under drip irrigation in the Sub-Mid São Francisco River Valley. The experiment was conducted in the Experimental Field of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Semiarid), in Petrolina, State of Pernambuco, Brazil, in a randomized block design, with 21 sunflower varieties and four replications. The variables evaluated were flowering time, plant height, number of live leaves, stem and capitulum diameter, number of lodged and broken plants, stem curvature, relative chlorophyll index, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, average leaf temperature, 1000-achene weight and achene yield of the sunflower varieties. The treatments presented flowering time of 43 to 59 days after sowing, plant height of 1.0 to 1.4 m, capitulum diameter of 0.154 to 0.221 m, chlorophyll content of 30.8 to 33.98 Spad units and 1000-achene weight of 35.61 to 80.30 g. The sunflower varieties V7 and V8 stood out, with achene yields above 2,960 kg ha-1 and low number of lodged and broken plants, indicating a greater adaptability irrigation crops in the Sub-Mid São Francisco River Valley.

RESUMO As altas taxas de luminosidade e elevadas temperaturas médias anuais da região semiárida do Brasil, associadas ao uso de irrigação e à adaptabilidade da cultura do girassol ao clima local podem favorecer o aumento da produtividade, devido à aceleração dos seus processos morfofisiológicos. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho morfofisiológico e produtivo de variedades de girassol, sob cultivo irrigado por gotejamento, no Submédio São Francisco. O experimento foi desenvolvido no Campo Experimental da Embrapa Semiárido, em Petrolina, PE, em delineamento de blocos casualizados, sendo os tratamentos representados por 21 variedades de girassol, com quatro repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram: período de floração, altura, número de folhas, diâmetro do caule e do capítulo, número de plantas acamadas e quebradas, curvatura do caule, índice relativo de clorofila, fotossíntese, condutância estomática, transpiração, temperatura média foliar, peso de 1000 aquênios e produtividade das variedades de girassol. Verificou-se que o tempo de floração varia de 43 a 59 dias após o plantio, a altura das plantas de 1,0 a 1,4 m, o diâmetro dos capítulos de 0,154 a 0,221 m, o teor de clorofila de 30,8 a 33,98 e o peso de 1000 aquênios de 35,61 a 80,30 g nas variedades de girassol avaliadas. As variedades V7 e V8 se destacam por apresentarem produtividade acima de 2.960 kg de aquênios por hectare e baixo número de plantas acamadas e quebradas, indicando maior adaptabilidade ao cultivo irrigado na região do Submédio São Francisco. | ABSTRACT The high luminosity rates and high annual average temperatures of the Brazilian semiarid region, combined with the use of irrigation and adaptability of the sunflower crop to local climate, favor increased achene yield due to acceleration of morphophysiological processes. The objective of this work was to evaluate the morphophysiological and productive characteristics of sunflower varieties grown under drip irrigation in the Sub-Mid São Francisco River Valley. The experiment was conducted in the Experimental Field of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Semiarid), in Petrolina, State of Pernambuco, Brazil, in a randomized block design, with 21 sunflower varieties and four replications. The variables evaluated were flowering time, plant height, number of live leaves, stem and capitulum diameter, number of lodged and broken plants, stem curvature, relative chlorophyll index, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, average leaf temperature, 1000-achene weight and achene yield of the sunflower varieties. The treatments presented flowering time of 43 to 59 days after sowing, plant height of 1.0 to 1.4 m, capitulum diameter of 0.154 to 0.221 m, chlorophyll content of 30.8 to 33.98 Spad units and 1000-achene weight of 35.61 to 80.30 g. The sunflower varieties V7 and V8 stood out, with achene yields above 2,960 kg ha-1 and low number of lodged and broken plants, indicating a greater adaptability irrigation crops in the Sub-Mid São Francisco River Valley.

Green manure may lead to physical, chemical, and biological improvements to the soil. However, the information on its use in the Brazilian Northeast is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the phenological cycle and phytomass productivity of seven legume species. This study was conducted in the second semester of 2015 in a completely randomized design with seven treatments and four replications. Plant height, fresh mass of shoot (FMS), dry mass of shoot (DMS), fresh mass of root (FMR), and dry mass of root (DMR) were determined at 100 days after sowing. Germination, flowering, and pod maturation were also assessed. The highest averages of FMS were observed in Crotalaria breviflora and Crotalaria mucronata, followed by Canavalia ensiformis, whereas the highest averages of DMS were observed in C. breviflora, C. ensiformis, C. mucronata, and Cajanus cajan cv. IAPAR 43. The highest averages of FMR were obtained by C. breviflora and C. mucronata, followed by C. cajan cv. Fava Larga. The species C. mucronata, C. cajan cv. IAPAR 43, and C. breviflora presented the highest averages of DMR. In addition, C. juncea, C. ensiformis, and C. cajan cv. IAPAR 43 were the earlier species regarding flowering, while C. cajan cv. Fava Larga was the later species. C. juncea was the earliest among all studied species regarding pod maturation. The tested legume species obtained promising initial results during the assessment period, being able to meet the expectations of biomass production and contributing to soil sustainability in this region.

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