The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the extract from a native plant from caatinga (Allamanda blanchetti) in the control of the fungus Alternaria brassicicola, concerning to induction of resistance mechanisms in seedlings of kale and direct fungitoxic action. Under greenhouse conditions, the seedlings of kale were sprayed with extracts from A. blanchetti extracted at hot and at cold at concentrations of 0; 100; 500 to 1000 ppm. Analysis of disease severity were performed at 5; 6; 7; 8; 9:10 days after inoculation. Peroxidases were analyzed five times 0; 24; 72; 120, and 168 hours after spraying the seedlings with the extracts. Furthermore, the capacity of the hot and cold extracts was also evaluated at 0; 100; 500, and 1000 ppm to inhibit the germination of spores of A. brassicicola. The concentrations of 1000 ppm of the hot and cold extracts were more effective in controlling the disease. The extract of A. blanchetti induced an increase in the peroxidase activity at 24 hours after treatment application and promote inhibition of germination of spores of A. brassicicola. These results indicate the potential from A. blanchetti to control A. brassicicola, both by direct action and the activation of defense mechanisms.

Passion fruit is one of the major fruit crops grown in Brazil, however, the state of Mato Grosso culture has much to be explored. Thus, the aim of the study was to estimate the gain of plant selection of pas-sion fruit on the quality of fruit via REML/BLUP. The experiment was conducted in the State University of Mato Grosso, in its experimental area, in Tangará da Serra, Mato Grosso. It was evaluated eight crossing of commercial cultivars. It was used a randomized block experimental design with ten replications of ten plants per plot. From the genetic value found by the REML/BLUP methodology, it was applied the Mulamba Mock selection index in order to rank all individuals, selecting the 30 plants that showed the best performance for the evaluated characteristics. The high heritability values in the strict sense of the characteristics fruit weight (87%) and fruit length (65%) indicate possibilities for individual plant selection. The selection gain aiming fresh con-sumption was high for the characteristics fruit weight (13.38%), peel thickness (4.37%) and SST/ATT relation (3.61%). For industrial production selection requires special attention to the characteristics PP, SST and ATT, but the gains for PP (1.53%) and TSS (0.95%) did not stand out, however, the selection has raised other im-portant features as EC (-7.46%), CF (3.75%) and MF (1.77%).

This study aimed to extract, identify the chemical composition and evaluate the acaricidal acti-vity of essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Amaranthaceae) on Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). Adult female spotted spider mite were treated with concentrations 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 μL of essential oil per liter of air. Among the eight chemical substances that make up the essential oil of C. ambrosi-oides, the (Z)-ascaridol (81.40%) was the major component. The LC50 and CL90 found after 72 h of exposure to the essential oil were, respectively, 5.82 and 10.79 μL L-1 air and fecundity of females of T. urticae was redu-ced inversely proportional to the increased concentrations utilized in this study.

This study aimed to evaluate the culture of Litopenaeus vannamei marine shrimp fed with dif- ferent protein levels diets in heterotrophic systems with and without probiotic addition. It was adopted a com- pletely randomized design with 4x2 factorial arrangement, using four dietary protein levels (20, 25, 30 e 35% CP), as the first factor (P20, P25, P30, and P35), and probiotic addition in the water, as the second factor (P20 Pro , P25 Pro P30 Pro e P35 Pro ). For this were used 24 fiberglass tanks (800 L working volume) stocked with 300 shrimp m - 3 (initial weight 1.55±0.01 g). Water quality parameters were analyzed periodically and showed no significant differences, except nitrite that was influenced by the protein levels ( P<0.05 ). After 50 culture days, shrimp final weight averaged 7.2±0.4 g ( P≥0.05 ). The interaction of protein levels vs. probiotic addition influenced significantly ( P<0.05 ) the survival (70.6 to 90.0%) and final biomass (1.3 - 2.0 Kg m - 3 ). In Litopenaeus vannamei intensive culture with the utilization of biofloc as the supplemental food, it is possible to reduce the protein levels of feed from 35 to 25%, without compromising the shrimp growth performance and water quality of the culture.

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%.

Under conditions of high stress, interactions between species can be positive. Islands of perennial vegetation can improve the conditions of the understory and facilitate the establishment of herbaceous plants. The hypothesis of this study is that islands of perennial vegetation in an area of caatinga harbor, a greater richness, diversity and density of herbaceous plants, and that individuals reach a greater height and diameter than in open spaces. The study was conducted in Petrolândia, Pernambuco, Brazil. Twenty-seven plots were installed in the center of the islands, 38 at the edge of the islands (in a total of 38 islands) and 35 in the open spaces. A total of 51 species were recorded in the center and 55 on the edge of the islands and 48 in the open spaces. The mean richness of the open spaces was lower than on the islands. The diversity was greater in the center of the island and became less on the edge of the island and in the open spaces. The mean density was lower in the open spaces than on the islands. The mean density at the edge of the islands was greater than in the center of the islands. There was no difference in mean diameter of herbaceous plants. The mean height of the individuals was higher in the center of the islands. The herbaceous community growing on the islands exhibited higher richness, diversity, density and height than in open spaces. Thus, islands of perennial vegetation facilitate the establishment of herbaceous species.

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.

ABSTRACT: 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. | RESUMO: A modelagem para a agricultura é uma ferramenta matemática que permite ponderar os efeitos de fatores ambientais ou de manejo sobre a produtividade das culturas. Nessa ótica, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar a eficiência de modelos matemáticos na estimação da produtividade da cultura do milho em relação a necessidade de adubação nitrogenada. As estimativas da adubação nitrogenada foram realizadas para se obter as produtividades potencial e deplecionada de grãos e silagem de genótipos de milho. O Modelo 1 foi baseado em estimativas obtidas em dados da literatura e o Modelo 2 em estimativas geradas pelo modelo alternativo proposto, calibrado com dados observados no experimento. Para avaliar o desempenho dos modelos foram utilizados indicadores estatísticos tais como: coeficiente de correlação de Pearson; índice de concordância de Willmott; índice de desempenho de Camargo; porcentagem de desvio; e quadrado médio do erro. Recomendações de nitrogênio geradas pelos modelos para as produtividades potenciais e deplecionadas tanto de grãos quanto de silagem foram elevadas em comparação com os aplicados atualmente pelas recomendações da cultura. O genótipo AG30A91 obteve maior índice de área foliar, refletindo em maiores estimativas de produtividades potencial e deplecionada de grãos e silagem. O modelo 2 pode ser utilizado na estimativa da produtividade de grãos e silagem e na simulação da necessidade de nitrogênio para produção de grãos, porém necessita de ajustes para estimar as necessidades de nitrogênio para a produção de silagem. Ambos os modelos são eficientes na simulação do ciclo da cultura.

ABSTRACT: The umbu is an important fruit for the northeast of Brazil because it is being used in reforestation areas and has great economic potential. However, there is a gap on propagation techniques of this culture that is a crucial step for the successful of plant development. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of alternative substrate on the growth of umbu rootstock, fertility attributes, and microbial populations of these mixtures.The experimental design was completely randomized with 10 treatments: TA = soil + sand (1:1); A = sand; ECSC = goat manure + Plantmax(r) (1:3); EBSC = manure + Plantmax(r) (1:3); ECA = goat manure + sand (1:3); EBA = manure + sand (1:3); ECBSC = manure + goat manure + Plantmax(r)(1:1:3); ECBA = manure + goat manure + sand (1:1:3); HSC = humus + Plantmax(r)(1:3) and HA = humus + sand (1:3),with four replications. The addition of residues promoted the quality of the umbu rootstock, especially when mixed with a commercial substrate composed of vegetable organic matter and expanded vermiculite. With multivariate clustering, three groups acknowledged a similarity between the substrate mixtures. The use of humus or goat manure mixed with the commercial substrate is recommended for the production of umbu rootstock. | RESUMO: O umbuzeiro é uma frutífera importante para o nordeste do Brasil porque está sendo utilizada em áreas de reflorestamento e tem potencial econômico. Entretanto, existe uma lacuna a respeito das técnicas de propagação desta cultura, etapa crucial para o bom desenvolvimento da planta. Nesse contexto, este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de substratos alternativos sobre o crescimento de porta-enxerto de umbuzeiro e sobre atributos de fertilidade e populações microbianas dessas misturas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com dez tratamentos: TA= solo + areia (1:1); A= areia; ECSC= esterco caprino + Plantmax(r) (1:3); EBSC= esterco bovino + Plantmax(r) (1:3); ECA= esterco caprino + areia (1:3); EBA= esterco bovino + areia(1:3); ECBSC= esterco caprino + esterco bovino + Plantmax(r) (1:1:3); ECBA = esterco caprino + esterco bovino + areia (1:1:3); HSC = húmus + Plantmax(r) (1:3) e HA = húmus + areia (1:3), com quatro repetições. A adição de resíduos promoveu uma melhoria na qualidade da produção de porta-enxerto de umbuzeiro, principalmente quando adicionados ao substrato comercial que é a base de matéria orgânica de origem vegetal e vermiculita expandida. Com a análise multivariada de agrupamento perceberam-se três grupos de similaridade. Recomenda-se a utilização de húmus de minhoca ou esterco caprino adicionado ao substrato comercial na produção de porta-enxerto de umbuzeiro.

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.