The study aimed to model the drying curves of cowpea beans (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) in different temperatures determine the coefficient of effective diffusion and the activation energy. For this, we used seeds of beans-cowpea cultivar BRS Guariba, harvested manually, with a water content of 21% (wet basis), dried until the water content 11% (wet basis). Drying was performed in the experimental dryer under controlled temperatures of 30, 40 and 50 °C ± 1 °C, and relative humidity of the air drying between 14 and 59%. 12 models of non-linear regression were tested and for selection the best model was considered to: the significance of the regression coefficient t test, the magnitude of the adjusted coefficient of determination (R²), the average relative error (P) and the estimated average error (SE). It was observed that the drying time for of the beans-cowpea seeds was 10,4 ; 5,6 ; and 2,1 h to the temperatures of 30, 40 and 50 °C, respectively; among the number tested, the mathematical model the Midilli was the best fit to experimental data. The coefficient of diffusion increases with temperature, with values between 5,047 x 10-11 to 12,011 x 10-11 m² s -1 for the temperature range from 30 to 50 °C. The relationship between the coefficient of diffusion effective and the drying temperature can be described by Arrhenius equation, which presents activation energy of 35,04 kJ mol-1 for spreading the liquid in the drying process of the of beans-cowpea seeds.

The modeling for agriculture is a mathematical tool that allows us to weigh the effects of factors, environmental or management on crop productivity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of mathematical models, in the estimation of the productivity of maize over the need for nitrogen fertilization. Estimates of nitrogen fertilization were performed to obtain the potential productivity and depleted grain yield and silage corn genotypes. The Model 1 was based on estimates obtained in the literature and Model 2 on estimates generated by the proposed alternative model, calibrated with data observed in the experiment. To evaluate the performance of the models we used statistical indicators, such as Pearson correlation coefficient, Willmott agreement index, the performance index of Camargo, percentage deviation and medium square error. Recommendations of nitrogen generated by the models for the potential productivity and depleted much grain as silage were higher compared with the recommendations of the culture ways. The AG30A91 genotype had a higher leaf area index, reflecting higher estimates of potential productivity and depleted grain and silage. The model 2 can be used to estimate the yield of grain and silage and the need for simulation of nitrogen for grain production, however, requires adjustments to estimate nitrogen needs for the production of silage. Both models are efficient in simulating the crop cycle.

The millet is a forage with high yield potential, mainly due to its high tolerance to water deficit and adaptation to soils of low fertility. Even being adapted to soils of low fertility, it is responsive to nitrogen fertilization. The objective was to evaluate the growth and nutritional efficiency of millet forage cultivars, due to nitrogen (N). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, in a typical Yellow Oxisol Dystrophic. The experimental design was a completely randomized design, arranged in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme with six repetitions. The factors were the control treatment (without fertilization with N) and three doses of N (75, 150 and 225 kg ha-1 ) in the form of urea and ammonium sulfate and two cultivars of pearl millet (BN2 and ADR500). The harvest was performed 80 days after the emergency. The higher production of dry matter of aerial part was obtained with the estimated dose of 179 kg ha-1 of N. The cultivar ADR500 showed the highest height and greater efficiency of translocation, while the BN2 showed higher N content of the aerial part and roots. The greater efficiency of use and translocation of N were achieved with doses estimated for 109 and 133 ha-1 of N for the cultivars ADR500 and BN2, respectively.

F. graminearum is the main causal agent of Head blight in cereals in Argentina. This is a disease that develops during the host floral state. When the reproductive structures in the host are invaded, grains may be shriveled and reduced in weight, causing a decrease in yield. Physiological diagnostic techniques on seeds detect the damages produced by this fungus could be used to take decisions related to the quality of seed lots. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible physiological damage caused by F. graminearum isolates in soybean seeds and wheat caryopsis. Seeds and caryopsis were obtained from plants exposed to fungal infection and were evaluated under two situations: artificial inoculations under greenhouse conditions and natural infection from fields of Santa Fe Province (33°43’22’’S; 62°14’46’’W). Seed weight, topographical tetrazolium test, standard germination test, electrical conductivity test and X-ray test were performed in soybean seeds and wheat caryopsis from each treatment. Differential behaviors of F. graminearum strains in susceptible soybean and wheat cultivars under greenhouse conditions revealed specific interactions among soybean and wheat genotypes with this fungus. F. graminearum infection in susceptible cultivars under greenhouse conditions produced a significant decrease in the physiological quality of soybean seed and wheat caryopsis. These behaviors were not detected under field conditions in the evaluated locations. All seed quality tests used in this experiment were useful to show differences in infection in soybean and wheat independently of F. graminearum infectio

El presente experimento fue verificar las respuestas a la aplicación de micronutrientes por la aplicación de tratamiento de semillas y regulador del crecimiento vegetal. El diseño experimental fue de bloques al azar con nueve tratamientos y cuatro repeticiones. Los tratamientos fueron: 1) Testigo: semillas sólido (TS) con 3 % de P2O5, 2 % K2O, 0,17 % Cu, 2,8 % Mn y 6,2 % Zn a una dosis de 100 g ha-1 ; 2) TS a una dosis de 150 g ha-1 ; 3) TS a una dosis de 200 g ha-1 ; 4) semillas líquido (TL) con 2 % de P2O5, 1,5 % de K2O, 0,07 % de Cu, 1,2 % de Mn y 2,7 % de Zn a una dosis de 400 mL ha-1 ; 5) TL, dosis de 500 ml ha-1 , TL a una dosis de 600 mL ha-1 ; 6) regulador del crecimiento vegetal que tiene citoquinina + indol-butilo + ácido giberélico, posee clase toxicológica II, 0,09 g L-1 citoquinina 0,05 g de alcohol L-1 indol-butilo y 0,05 g L-1 de ácido giberélico, en una dosis de 500 mL ha-1 ; 7) un formulado NPK (08-28-16) 300 kg ha-1 . El tratamiento de semillas, ya sea en forma sólida o líquida, promueve un aumento en la acumulación de materia seca en la parte aérea y raíces, así como en el número de granos y en el rendimiento de granos de maíz, siendo la dosis de 600 mL ha-1 de la que promueve las mejores productividades.

This study was conducted to evaluate seed cotton yield, fiber yield, and fiber quality traits of cotton cultivars grown under different irrigation levels in Brazil. The experiment was conducted over two years in the region of Apodi – RN, with sprinkler irrigation. Treatments comprised of 4 irrigation levels i.e., 130, 100, 70 and 40 % of the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and 4 cotton cultivars i.e., FiberMax 993, BRS 286, BRS 336 and BRS 335. The experimental design was factorial with randomized complete block design and four replicates. Yield, lint percent and fiber quality traits determined were evaluated. Different responses were observed for cultivars at various irrigation levels. Cultivars grown under limited irrigation exhibited a decline in the seed cotton yield, lint percent, and fiber quality. Cultivars with the highest yield and lint percent were FiberMax 993 and BRS 286. Within irrigation level of 40 % ETc, the medium fiber cultivars produced short fibers whereas the long fiber cultivar, BRS 336, produced medium fiber length. Overall, the different levels of water deficits did not significantly affect fiber quality of the four cultivars tested as all fiber quality traits re- mained acceptable for the domestic textile industry.

Proper planning of experiments in the culture of castor bean is one of the ways to maximize the research information. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum plot size and number of replications and the influence of spacing between plants in experiments involving castor bean crops. The experiment with the hybrid Sara was conducted at the Federal University of Santa Maria in 2010 with a spacing of 1.2 m be- tween rows and between plants of 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 m. Each plant was evaluated taking into account: the number of racemes, fruit weight, the average length of the racemes, and fruit number, with the plant identification by the order number of the row and the number of plants within the row. The optimum plot size is eight plants for all spacings and all variables. However, the area of optimum plot size inside the spacing depends on the area occupied by the basic unit. Thus, the plot area is 3.84, 5.76 and 7.68 m 2 for each spacing of 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 m, respectively. Twelve replications in randomized block design, are sufficient to identify, as significant at 5% probability, differences between treatment means of 27%.

ABSTRACT: F. graminearum is the main causal agent of Head blight in cereals in Argentina. This is a disease that develops during the host floral state. When the reproductive structures in the host are invaded, grains may be shriveled and reduced in weight, causing a decrease in yield. Physiological diagnostic techniques on seeds detect the damages produced by this fungus could be used to take decisions related to the quality of seed lots. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible physiological damage caused by F. graminearum isolates in soybean seeds and wheat caryopsis. Seeds and caryopsis were obtained from plants exposed to fungal infection and were evaluated under two situations: artificial inoculations under greenhouse conditions and natural infection from fields of Santa Fe Province (33°43'22''S; 62°14'46''W). Seed weight, topographical tetrazolium test, standard germination test, electrical conductivity test and X-ray test were performed in soybean seeds and wheat caryopsis from each treatment. Differential behaviors of F. graminearum strains in susceptible soybean and wheat cultivars under greenhouse conditions revealed specific interactions among soybean and wheat genotypes with this fungus. F. graminearum infection in susceptible cultivars under greenhouse conditions produced a significant decrease in the physiological quality of soybean seed and wheat caryopsis. These behaviors were not detected under field conditions in the evaluated locations. All seed quality tests used in this experiment were useful to show differences in infection in soybean and wheat independently of F. graminearum infection. | RESUMO: F. graminearum é o principal agente causal da giberela em cereais na Argentina. É uma doença que se desenvolve durante o estado floral de hospedeiro. Quando as estruturas reprodutivas no hospedeiro são colonizadas, os grãos podem ser enrugados e mostrar reduções de peso, causando diminuição no rendimento. Técnicas de diagnóstico fisiológico em sementes podem detectar os danos produzidos por este fungo e pode ser usada para tomar decisões sobre a qualidade dos lotes. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar possíveis danos fisiológicos causados por F. graminearum em sementes de soja e cariopses de trigo. As sementes e cariopses foram obtidas a partir de plantas expostas a infecção fúngica e foram avaliadas em duas situações: inoculação artificial em casa de vegetação e infecção natural em campos da Província de Santa Fé (33°43'22''S; 62°14'46''O). Determinou-se o peso da semente e realizou-se os testes de tetrazólio, germinação, condutividade elétrica e raios-X em sementes de soja e cariopses de trigo para cada tratamento. Comportamentos diferenciais de cepas de F. graminearum em cultivares suscetíveis de soja e trigo sob condições de casa de vegetação revelou interações específicas entre cultivares de soja e trigo com este fungo. As interações produziram uma redução significativa na qualidade fisiológica de sementes de soja e cariopses trigo. Esses comportamentos não foram detectados em condições de campo nos locais avaliados. Todos os testes de qualidade das sementes utilizados neste experimento foram úteis para mostrar as diferenças de infecção em sementes de soja e cariopses de trigo, independentemente da infecção por F. graminearum.

RESUMO: Os sistemas de cultivo modificam os atributos do solo, podendo alterar sua qualidade. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as alterações nos atributos físicos, químicos e biológicos de solos sob sistemas de cultivo orgânico (solos cultivados organicamente há mais de sete anos), em conversão para orgânico e convencional, tendo como referência o solo sob mata, assim como identificar os atributos a serem utilizados como indicadores de qualidade do solo. Foram selecionadas três áreas de propriedades agrícolas, localizadas nos municípios de Areia, Remígio e Lagoa Seca, Paraíba, para a coleta de amostras de solo deformadas, nas camadas de 0-10 e 10-20 cm. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA, Teste de Tukey e Análise de Componentes Principais. Houve redução da densidade do solo (Ds) e aumento da porosidade total (PT) no sistema de cultivo orgânico comparado aos sistemas de cultivo em conversão para orgânico e convencional. Os teores de fósforo e de carbono orgânico (CO), a soma de bases (SB), a capacidade de troca catiônica (CTC), a matéria orgânica particulada leve (MOPL), o carbono da matéria orgânica particulada leve (CMOPL), a respiração edáfica (RE) e o pH dos solos sob cultivo orgânico foram superiores aos obtidos nos solos sob cultivo convencional. O cultivo em bases orgânicas proporcionou a manutenção da qualidade do solo em condições semelhantes e/ou melhores que a condição de mata e para as condições deste trabalho os indicadores mais adequados para analisar o cultivo em bases orgânicas foram Ds, PT, CO, MOPL, CMOPL, pH, SB, CTC e RE. | SUMMARY: Cropping systems modify soil attributes and may change its quality.The work had the objective to evaluate the changes in physical, chemical and biological soil under organic farming systems (soils cultivated organically for more than seven years), in conversion to organic and conventional, with reference to the soil under native forest, and identify the attributes used as indicators of soil quality. Three areas of farm crops, located in the municipalities of Areia, Remígio, and Lagoa Seca, the state of Paraíba, Brazil were selected, and soil samples deformed collected in the layers 0-10 and 10-20 cm. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, the Tukey Test, and the Principal Component Analysis. There was a reduction of soil density (Ds) and increased porosity (PT) in the system of organic farming compared to cropping systems in conversion organic and conventional. The contents of phosphorus and organic carbon (CO), the base sum (SB), cation exchange capacity (CTC), light particulate organic matter (MOPL), carbon particulate organic matter light (CMOPL), edaphic respiration (RE) and pH of soils under organic cultivation are higher than soils under conventional tillage.The growing organic basis contributes to the maintenance of soil quality under similar conditions and/or even better than the condition forest and, under the conditions of this study, the most appropriate indicators to analyze the cultivation organic basesare Ds, PT, CO, MOPL, CMOPL, pH, SB, CTC e RE.

RESUMO: A longevidade das hastes florais é um dos principais aspectos observados na produção de flores para corte, constituindo-se um pré-requisito para a qualidade do produto e sucesso da comercialização. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se avaliar a conservação de inflorescências de helicônias com ou sem renovação da água de manutenção, previamente adubadas com doses crescentes de nitrogênio e potássio. Foram utilizadas inflorescências de helicônias da espécie Heliconia psittacorum x H. spathocircinata cv. Golden Torch cultivadas a céu aberto no Setor de Floricultura da UFPI, Bom Jesus (PI), sob doses crescentes de adubação com N e K. O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 4 x 4 x 2, correspondendo a: i) doses de N (0, 120, 180 e 240 g de N cova1); ii) doses de K (0, 120, 180 e 240 g de K2O cova-1); e iii) renovação da água de manutenção (sem e com renovação) com três repetições e três hastes cada uma. Fora realizado a avaliação de absorção de água pelas hastes florais, perda de massa fresca das hastes florais, massa seca das hastes florais e longevidade pós-colheita. A dose de 180 g cova-1 tanto de N quanto K proporcionou a maior longevidade das hastes florais com manutenção da qualidade. A absorção de água pelas hastes florais e sua massa seca após a colheita foram influenciadas pela adubação prévia de N e K. A renovação da água de manutenção também influenciou positivamente na longevidade das hastes florais, sendo um manejo indicado para manter a qualidade pós-colheita. | ABSTRACT: The post-harvest of floral stems is one of the main features observed in the production of flowers for cutting, becoming a prerequisite for product quality and successful marketing. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the conservation of heliconias inflorescences with or without renewal of the water maintenance, previously fertilized with increasing doses of nitrogen and potassium. Inflorescences of Heliconia psittacorum x H. spathocircinata cultivar Golden Torch were used and grown in open conditions in the Floriculture area at UFPI, city of Bom Jesus, Piauí State under increasing doses of fertilization with N and K. The stems were harvested in the morning, standardized and placed in containers with 500 mL of water. The design was a randomized block in factorial 4 x 4 x 2, corresponding to: i) N doses (0, 120, 180, and 240 g N hole-1), ii) K doses (0, 120, 180, and 240 g K2O hole-1), and iii) renewing the water maintenance in vase (with and without renewal) with three replicates of three stems each. Some evaluations were observed during the Study, such as: the water uptake by the flower stems; loss of fresh weight of the flower stems, dry weight of the flower stems and post-harvest longevity. The dose of 180 g hole-1 both as N and K provided the longevity of the flower stems with quality maintenance. The absorption of water by the flower stems and its dry mass after harvesting are influenced by previous fertilizer N and K. The renewal of the water maintenance also positively influence the longevity of flower stems and its a management indicated to maintain quality post-harvest.