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.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the culture of Litopenaeus vannamei marine shrimp fed with different protein levels diets in heterotrophic systems with and without probiotic addition. It was adopted a completely 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 (P20Pro, P25Pro P30Pro e P35Pro). 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. | RESUMO: O presente trabalho avaliou o desempenho do camarão marinho Litopenaeus vannamei alimentado com dietas de diferentes níveis protéicos em sistema de bioflocos com e sem a adição de probiótico. Foi adotado um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com arranjo fatorial 4×2, com quatro níveis de proteína na dieta (20, 25, 30 e 35% PB), como primeiro fator (P20, P25, P30 e P35), e a adição de probiótico na água de cultivo, como segundo fator (P20Pro, P25Pro, P30Pro e P35Pro). Foram utilizados 24 tanques em fibra de vidro (800 L volume útil) estocados com 300 camarões m-3 (peso inicial 1,55±0,01 g). As variáveis de qualidade da água foram mensuradas periodicamente e não apresentaram diferença estatística, exceto o teor de nitrito, influenciado significativamente (P<0,05) pelos níveis de proteína. Após 50 dias de cultivo o peso médio final dos camarões foi de 7,2±0,4 g (P≥0,05) entre os tratamentos. A interação entre os níveis protéicos e a adição de probiótico influenciaram significativamente (P<0,05) na sobrevivência (70,5-90,0%) e na biomassa final (1,3-2,0 Kg m-3). Dessa forma, em cultivo intensivo de L. vannamei, com utilização de bioflocos como fonte de alimento suplementar, é possível reduzir os níveis de proteína da ração de 35 para 25% sem comprometer o desempenho zootécnico dos camarões e a qualidade da água.

The selection of common bean lines for seed coat standard, sanitary and physiological quality seed is recent in breeding programs. The objectives of this research were to evaluate if common bean lines differ for seed coat standard, sanitary and physiological quality seed, to investigate the correlation between these characters and to select common bean lines with high seed quality. For this, 16 inbred common bean lines were evaluated in normal rainy growing season. The common bean lines showed significant difference for the weight of thousand seeds, seed coat color, lignin content, length, width and thickness seeds, Fusarium sp. incidence, germination, first germination count, accelerated ageing, length of shoot, root and total of seedling, dry matter of shoot and total of seedling and emergency of seedling in field. A positive correlation coefficient was found between emergency of seedling in field and germination (r = 0.650), first germination count (r = 0.600), accelerated ageing (r = 0.793) and electric conductivity (r = 0.635). The indirect selection by germination, first germination count and accelerated ageing is effective to identify common bean lines with the highest emergency of seedling in field and germination. The selection of TB 02-07, SM 1810, Carioca, LP 08-90, SM 1107, LP 07 -80, Pérola, CNFP 10104 and TB 02-24 lines is recommended for use in controlled hybridization programs for improvement of news common bean cultivars of high seeds quality.

RESUMO: A seleção de linhagens de feijão pelo padrão de tegumento, qualidade sanitária e fisiológica de sementes é recente nos programas de melhoramento. Por isso, foram objetivos deste trabalho avaliar se as linhagens de feijão diferem quanto ao padrão de tegumento, a qualidade sanitária e fisiológica de sementes, investigar a associação entre esses caracteres e selecionar linhagens de feijão superiores para a qualidade de sementes. Para tanto, foram avaliadas 16 linhagens de feijão de diferentes obtentores em cultivo de safra agrícola. As linhagens de feijão apresentaram diferença significativa em relação ao peso de mil sementes, coloração do tegumento, conteúdo de lignina, comprimento, largura e espessura das sementes, incidência de Fusarium sp., germinação, primeira contagem de germinação, envelhecimento acelerado, comprimento da parte aérea, da raiz e total das plântulas, massa seca da parte aérea e total das plântulas e emergência de plântulas a campo. A estimativa de correlação positiva foi observada entre a emergência de plântulas a campo e a germinação (r = 0,650), a primeira contagem de germinação (r = 0,600), o envelhecimento acelerado (r = 0,793) e a condutividade elétrica (r = 0,635). A seleção indireta pela germinação, primeira contagem de germinação e envelhecimento acelerado foi eficiente para a identificação de linhagens de feijão com maior emergência de plântulas a campo. A seleção das linhagens TB 02-07, SM 1810, Carioca, LP 08-90, SM 1107, LP 07-80, Pérola, CNFP 10104 e TB 02-24 é recomendada para uso em programas de hibridação controlada para o desenvolvimento de novas cultivares de feijão de alta qualidade de sementes. | ABSTRACT: The selection of common bean lines for seed coat standard, sanitary and physiological quality seed is recent in breeding programs. The objectives of this research were to evaluate if common bean lines differ for seed coat standard, sanitary and physiological quality seed, to investigate the correlation between these characters and to select common bean lines with high seed quality. For this, 16 inbred common bean lines were evaluated in normal rainy growing season. The common bean lines showed significant difference for the weight of thousand seeds, seed coat color, lignin content, length, width and thickness seeds, Fusarium sp. incidence, germination, first germination count, accelerated ageing, length of shoot, root and total of seedling, dry matter of shoot and total of seedling and emergency of seedling in field. A positive correlation coefficient was found between emergency of seedling in field and germination (r = 0.650), first germination count (r = 0.600), accelerated ageing (r = 0.793) and electric conductivity (r = 0.635). The indirect selection by germination, first germination count and accelerated ageing is effective to identify common bean lines with the highest emergency of seedling in field and germination. The selection of TB 02-07, SM 1810, Carioca, LP 08-90, SM 1107, LP 07-80, Pérola, CNFP 10104 and TB 02-24 lines is recommended for use in controlled hybridization programs for improvement of news common bean cultivars of high seeds quality.

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.

ABSTRACT: 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. | RESUMO: Em condições de elevado estresse as interações entre espécies podem ser positivas. Ilhas de vegetação perene podem melhorar as condições do sub-bosque e facilitar o estabelecimento de plantas herbáceas. A hipótese deste estudo é que as ilhas de vegetação perene de uma área de caatinga abrigam uma maior riqueza, diversidade, densidade e indivíduos com maior altura e diâmetro do que os espaços abertos. O estudo foi realizado em uma área de caatinga em Petrolândia, Pernambuco, Brasil. Para o levantamento florístico e estrutural (densidade e altura e diâmetro dos indivíduos) das herbáceas, foram instaladas 27 parcelas no centro das ilhas de vegetação lenhosa, 38 na borda das ilhas (em um total de 38 ilhas) e 35 nos espaços abertos. Foram registradas 51 espécies no centro e 55 na borda das ilhas e 48 nas áreas abertas. A riqueza média das áreas abertas foi menor do que a riqueza média das ilhas. A diversidade foi maior no centro das ilhas e diminuiu na borda da ilha e nas áreas abertas. A densidade média foi menor nas áreas abertas do que nas ilhas. A densidade média na borda das ilhas foi maior do que no centro das ilhas. Não houve diferença no diâmetro médio das plantas herbáceas. A altura média dos indivíduos foi maior no centro das ilhas. Neste estudo, a riqueza de espécies, diversidade, densidade e altura da comunidade herbácea instalada nas ilhas foram maiores do que nas áreas abertas. Então, as ilhas de vegetação perene facilitam o estabelecimento das espécies herbáceas.

The mechanical harvesting causes injuries on seeds and may affect their quality. Different threshing mechanisms and their adjustments may also affect the intensity of impacts that machines cause on seeds. So, this study aimed at diagnosing and evaluating the effect of two combines: the first one with a threshing system of axial flow and the other one with a threshing system of tangential flow, under adjustments of concave opening (10 mm, 30 mm and 10 mm for a combine with axial flow and 3.0 mm, 15 mm and 3.0 mm for a combine with tangential flow) and three cylinder rotations on the quality of soybean seeds harvested at two moisture contents. Soybean seeds of cultivar 'ND 4910' were harvested at 16.6% moisture (mid - morning) and 13.7% moisture in the afternoon. The seeds quality was evaluated by germination tests, germination speed index (GSI), germination rate, moisture content, percentage of purity and vigor by tetrazolium test. Despite the combine, the results showed that the mechanical injury has most reduced seeds quality, at 16.6% moisture content, concave opening of 30 mm (axial) and 10 mm (tangential) and cylinder rotation of 1100 rpm (axial) and 1000 (tangential), both with the highest rotations used. The combine with tangential flow had the highest degree of seeds purity. When seeds moisture content at harvest was close to 13.7%, there was the highest seed injury, while, at 16.6%, there was the highest number of crushed soybeans, regardless the combine adjustment.

RESUMO: A colheita mecânica acarreta danificações nas sementes e pode comprometer sua qualidade. Neste contexto, objetivou-se neste trabalho, diagnosticar e avaliar o efeito de duas colhedoras: uma com sistema de trilha de fluxo axial e outra com sistema de trilha de fluxo tangencial, sob três regulagens de abertura do côncavo (1; 30 e 1 mm, para colhedora de fluxo axial e 3,0; 15 e 3,0 mm, para colhedora de fluxo tangencial) e três rotações do cilindro (1100; 450 e 650 ou 930, dependendo do grau de umidade das sementes de 13,7% e 16,6%, respectivamente, para colhedora de fluxo axial e 1000; 500 e 550 ou 800 rpm, dependente do grau de umidade de 13,7% e 16,6%, respectivamente, para colhedora de fluxo tangencial) sobre a qualidade das sementes da cultivar de soja "ND 4910". Teores de água diferenciados foram obtidos em diferentes horários de colheita. A qualidade da semente foi avaliada pelos testes de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, velocidade de germinação, grau de umidade, porcentagem de pureza e vigor pelo teste de tetrazólio. Independente da colhedora, os resultados obtidos permitiram concluir que o dano mecânico foi o que mais reduziu a qualidade das sementes, com 16,6% de grau de umidade, abertura de côncavo de 3 mm (axial) e 1 mm (tangencial) e rotação do cilindro de 1100 rpm (axial) e 1000 (tangencial), ambas com as maiores rotações de cilindro utilizadas. | ABSTRACT: The mechanical harvesting causes injuries on seeds and may affect their quality. Different threshing mechanisms and their adjustments may also affect the intensity of impacts that machines cause on seeds. So, this study aimed at diagnosing and evaluating the effect of two combines: the first one with a threshing system of axial flow and the other one with a threshing system of tangential flow, under adjustments of concave opening (10 mm, 30 mm and 10 mm for a combine with axial flow and 3.0 mm, 15 mm and 3.0 mm for a combine with tangential flow) and three cylinder rotations on the quality of soybean seeds harvested at two moisture contents. Soybean seeds of cultivar 'ND 4910' were harvested at 16.6% moisture (mid-morning) and 13.7% moisture in the afternoon. The seeds quality was evaluated by germination tests, germination speed index (GSI), germination rate, moisture content, percentage of purity and vigor by tetrazolium test. Despite the combine, the results showed that the mechanical injury has most reduced seeds quality, at 16.6% moisture content, concave opening of 30 mm (axial) and 10 mm (tangential) and cylinder rotation of 1100 rpm (axial) and 1000 (tangential), both with the highest rotations used. The combine with tangential flow had the highest degree of seeds purity. When seeds moisture content at harvest was close to 13.7%, there was the highest seed injury, while, at 16.6%, there was the highest number of crushed soybeans, regardless the combine adjustment.

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® (1:3); EBSC = manure + Plantmax® (1:3); ECA = goat manure + sand (1:3); EBA = manure + sand (1:3); ECBSC = manure + goat manure + Plantmax® (1:1:3); ECBA = manure + goat manure + sand (1:1:3); HSC = humus + Plantmax® (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.

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.

This study aimed to associate two concepts of seed vigor testing, the aging and seedling growth using image analysis, providing a feasible and time-saving way to evaluate maize seed vigor in large scale. For this purpose, five seed lots with different vigor levels from two single hybrids were used. The seeds were characterized by moisture content, germination, seedling emergence, seedling emergence speed index, accelerated aging and cold tests. The treatments were composed by varying the accelerated aging periods (0, 24, 48, 72 and 96h) and seedling growth periods (48 and 72h), before submitting the seedlings to image analysis for seedling root length measurement. Considering the results obtained, the adaptation of accelerated aging test by reducing the aging duration from 96h to 48h, and the replacement of the germination test by seedling root length measurement using image analysis could be considered a potential tool for maize seed vigor assessment. The treatments composed of 48h of seed aging followed by seedlings root length measurements using image analysis provided reliable data, compared to traditional vigor tests and it could be considered an efficient and timesaving approach, associating two different concepts of seed vigor analysis.

RESUMO: O experimento teve como objetivo associar conceitos para avaliação do vigor de sementes, o envelhecimento acelerado e crescimento de plântulas medido por meio da análise de imagens. Para tanto, cinco lotes de sementes com diferentes níveis de vigor de dois híbridos simples foram utilizados. As sementes foram caracterizadas pelo teor de água, germinação, porcentagem e índice de velocidade de emergência de plântulas, envelhecimento acelerado e teste de frio. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por diferentes períodos de envelhecimento acelerado (0, 24, 48, 72 e 96h) e de crescimento de plântulas (48 e 72h) e, em seguida, as plântulas, submetidas à análise de imagens para mensuração do comprimento de raízes. A adaptação do teste de envelhecimento acelerado, reduzindo a duração do envelhecimento de 96h para 48h e a substituição do teste de germinação pela mensuração do comprimento de raízes das plântulas por meio da análise de imagens, comprovou-se um método potencial para avaliação da qualidade de sementes de milho. Assim, os tratamentos compostos por 48h de envelhecimento, seguido pela mensuração do comprimento de raízes utilizando a análise de imagens, forneceram dados confiáveis em comparação aos testes de vigor tradicionais e podem ser considerados uma nova abordagem para a análise de vigor de sementes. | ABSTRACT: This study aimed to associate two concepts of seed vigor testing, the aging and seedling growth using image analysis, providing a feasible and time-saving way to evaluate maize seed vigor in large scale. For this purpose, five seed lots with different vigor levels from two single hybrids were used. The seeds were characterized by moisture content, germination, seedling emergence, seedling emergence speed index, accelerated aging and cold tests. The treatments were composed by varying the accelerated aging periods (0, 24, 48, 72 and 96h) and seedling growth periods (48 and 72h), before submitting the seedlings to image analysis for seedling root length measurement. Considering the results obtained, the adaptation of accelerated aging test by reducing the aging duration from 96h to 48h, and the replacement of the germination test by seedling root length measurement using image analysis could be considered a potential tool for maize seed vigor assessment. The treatments composed of 48h of seed aging followed by seedlings root length measurements using image analysis provided reliable data, compared to traditional vigor tests and it could be considered an efficient and time-saving approach, associating two different concepts of seed vigor analysis.

The physical conditions of the soil are directly related to management practices and relief for- mat. Lack of proper management can lead to soil erosion and consequent degradation of these areas. Currently, studies of spatial variability analysis to enable better decisions and resolutions of such problems. The present study aimed to evaluate the spatial variability of soil water infiltration, soil density and texture in the hilly area of the degradation process. The survey was conducted in the hilly area cultivated with grassland, located be- tween Areia and Remigio, two towns from Paraíba state. The soil was sampled at the regular grid with mesh (20x20m) between sample points, making a total of 49 points, into two depths, 0 - 10 cm, 10 - 20 cm, totaling 98 samples. The analyze of spatial variability was doing by semivariogram geostatistical analysis, with data inter- polation by kriging and make maps. All of them physical attributes analyzed presents spatial dependence since no one showed pure nugget effect. It was verified through the maps that there was a very clear relationship be- tween infiltration and other soil physical characteristics, observing this correlation mainly in the upper south- west slope.

RESUMO: As condições físicas do solo são diretamente relacionadas com as práticas de manejo e o formato do relevo. A falta de manejo adequado pode levar os solos a processos erosivos e consequentemente degradação dessas áreas. Atualmente, estudos de variabilidade espacial permitem obter uma melhor análise para tomada de decisões e resoluções das referidas problemáticas. Pensando nisso, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a variabilidade espacial da infiltração de água no solo, densidade do solo e textura em área de encosta sobre processo de degradação. A pesquisa foi realizada em área de encosta com cultivo de pastagem, localizada entre os municípios de Areia (PB) e Remígio (PB). O solo foi amostrado em grade com malha regular (20 x 20m) entre pontos amostrais, perfazendo um total de 49 pontos em duas profundidades (0-10 cm; 10-20 cm), totalizando 98 amostras. Para a análise da variabilidade espacial foi utilizado a geoestatística, por meio da análise semivariográfica, interpolação dos dados por krigagem e construção de mapas de isolinhas. Todos os atributos físicos analisados apresentaram dependência espacial, uma vez que nenhum deles mostrou efeito pepita puro. Pôde-se verificar através dos mapas que houve uma relação muito clara entre a infiltração e os demais atributos físicos do solo, observando essa correlação principalmente na parte superior sudoeste da encosta. | ABSTRACT: The physical conditions of the soil are directly related to management practices and relief format. Lack of proper management can lead to soil erosion and consequent degradation of these areas. Currently, studies of spatial variability analysis to enable better decisions and resolutions of such problems. The present study aimed to evaluate the spatial variability of soil water infiltration, soil density and texture in the hilly area of the degradation process. The survey was conducted in the hilly area cultivated with grassland, located between Areia and Remigio, two towns from Paraíba state. The soil was sampled at the regular grid with mesh (20x20m) between sample points, making a total of 49 points, into two depths, 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, totaling 98 samples. The analyze of spatial variability was doing by semivariogram geostatistical analysis, with data interpolation by kriging and make maps. All of them physical attributes analyzed presents spatial dependence since no one showed pure nugget effect. It was verified through the maps that there was a very clear relationship between infiltration and other soil physical characteristics, observing this correlation mainly in the upper southwest slope.

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.

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.

This study aimed to identify the relationship between morphological variables and production variables in bell pepper plants derived from seeds of different physiological levels. The experiments were car-ried out in a randomized block design with eight replications in a protected setting at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Treatments included three lots of hybrid Tiberius seeds and one lot of Rubi Giant seeds during Spring-Winter and Autumn-Winter season with different levels of physiological quality as shown by vigor and germination tests. The following characters (variables) were measured: plant height, first fork height, stem di-ameter, and stem diameter below the first fork after 50 days, 70 days and 90 days of transplanting, average weight of fruits, average production per harvest, total production, average fruit length, and average width of fruits. Next, for each level of vigor was estimated the correlation matrixes, multicollinearity diagnosis, and then path analysis, considering the total production as the main variable.Plants derived from high-, low- and medium vigor seeds whose first fork diameters were greater after 50 days and 70 days of transplanting are more produc-tive during Spring-Winter seeding. Coefficients of correlation and effect of low magnitude were identified in vigor levels (being high, low, medium, and extremely low) during Autumn-Winter season, indicating a weak relationship between cause and effect of explanatory variables measured on total fruit production of bell pepper.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as relações entre as variáveis morfológicas e produtivas das plantas de pimentão provenientes de sementes com diferentes níveis de qualidade fisiológica. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em ambiente protegido na Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), no delineamento blocos ao acaso, com oito repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de três lotes de sementes do híbrido Tiberius e um lote da cultivar Rubi Giant nas estações de cultivo primavera-verão e outono-inverno, com diferentes níveis de qualidade fisiológica com base nos testes de germinação e vigor. Foram mensurados os seguintes caracteres (variáveis): altura de planta; altura da primeira bifurcação; diâmetro do caule; diâmetro do caule abaixo da primeira bifurcação aos 50, 70 e 90 dias após o transplantio; peso médio de frutos; produção média de frutos por colheita; produção total; comprimento médio de frutos; e largura média de frutos. A seguir, para cada nível de vigor, foi estimada a matriz de correlação de Pearson, o diagnóstico da multicolinearidade e, posteriormente, a análise de trilha, considerando a produção total de frutos como variável principal. As plantas obtidas a partir de sementes de vigor alto, médio e baixo, com maior diâmetro da primeira bifurcação aos 50 e 90 dias após o transplantio, são mais produtivas na estação de cultivo primavera-verão. No outono-inverno foram verificados coeficientes de correlação e efeitos diretos de baixa magnitude para todos os níveis de vigor, indicando fraca relação de causa e efeito das variáveis explicativas mensuradas sobre a produção total de frutos de pimentão. | ABSTRACT: This study aimed to identify the relationship between morphological variables and production variables in bell pepper plants derived from seeds of different physiological levels. The experiments were carried out in a randomized block design with eight replications in a protected setting at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Treatments included three lots of hybrid Tiberius seeds and one lot of Rubi Giant seeds during Spring-Winter and Autumn-Winter season with different levels of physiological quality as shown by vigor and germination tests. The following characters (variables) were measured: plant height, first fork height, stem diameter, and stem diameter below the first fork after 50 days, 70 days and 90 days of transplanting, average weight of fruits, average production per harvest, total production, average fruit length, and average width of fruits. Next, for each level of vigor was estimated the correlation matrixes, multicollinearity diagnosis, and then path analysis, considering the total production as the main variable.Plants derived from high-, low- and medium vigor seeds whose first fork diameters were greater after 50 days and 70 days of transplanting are more productive during Spring-Winter seeding. Coefficients of correlation and effect of low magnitude were identified in vigor levels (being high, low, medium, and extremely low) during Autumn-Winter season, indicating a weak relationship between cause and effect of explanatory variables measured on total fruit production of bell pepper.