The presence of microorganisms, especially during storage, can lead to the rapid deterioration of macauba fruits (Acrocomia aculeata) and reduce the quality of extracted oil for biodiesel production. An alternative to ensure the quality of the oil is the use of ozone gas, a oxidizing agent that has high antimicrobial and sanitizing power. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of high concentrations of ozone gas on macaúba fruit and its effect on the quality of the oil throughout storage for the production of biodiesel. Ozonation was performed 20 days after harvest using fruits with and without the epicarp. Ozone was applied at a concentration of 18.0 mg L-1 and a flow of 1.5 L min-1 for 10 h. After ozonation, the fruits were stored for different periods, and the physical-chemical parameters of the oil were evaluated. The ozonation of fruits without the epicarp visually reduced microorganism attack. In general, the ozonation process of macauba fruits maintained the visual characteristics of the fruits and the physical-chemical characteristics of the oil for biodiesel production compared to untreated fruits. The average acidity values of the oil were lower in the treatments with the ozone gas. Removal of the epicarp tends to facilitate the ozonation process, potentially by improving gas penetration into the fruit.

RESUMO A presença de micro-organismo, especialmente durante o armazenamento, pode levar à deterioração rápida dos frutos de macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) e reduzir a qualidade do óleo extraído para a produção de biodiesel. Uma alternativa para garantir a qualidade do óleo é o uso de gás ozônio, um poderoso agente oxidante que possui alto poder antimicrobiano e sanitizante. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência do ozônio gasoso em alta concentração (18,0 mg L-1) em frutos de macaúba (com e sem epicarpo) e seu efeito sobre a qualidade do óleo durante todo o armazenamento para a produção de biodiesel. A ozonização foi realizada 20 dias após a colheita, utilizando frutas com e sem epicarpo. O ozônio foi aplicado na concentração de 18,0 mg L-1 e fluxo de 1,5 L min-1 durante 10 h. Após a ozonização, os frutos foram armazenados por diferentes períodos e foram avaliados os parâmetros físico-químicos do óleo. A ozonização de frutos sem epicarpo reduziu visualmente o ataque de micro-organismos. Em geral, o processo de ozonização de frutos de macauba manteve as características visuais dos frutos e físico-químicas do óleo para produção de biodiesel em relação ao controle não tratado. Os valores médios de acidez do óleo foram menores nos tratamentos com o gás ozônio. A remoção do epicarpo tende a facilitar o processo de ozonização, já que a retirada pode facilitar a penetração do gás no fruto. | ABSTRACT The presence of microorganisms, especially during storage, can lead to the rapid deterioration of macauba fruits (Acrocomia aculeata) and reduce the quality of extracted oil for biodiesel production. An alternative to ensure the quality of the oil is the use of ozone gas, a oxidizing agent that has high antimicrobial and sanitizing power. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of high concentrations of ozone gas on macaúba fruit and its effect on the quality of the oil throughout storage for the production of biodiesel. Ozonation was performed 20 days after harvest using fruits with and without the epicarp. Ozone was applied at a concentration of 18.0 mg L-1 and a flow of 1.5 L min-1 for 10 h. After ozonation, the fruits were stored for different periods, and the physical-chemical parameters of the oil were evaluated. The ozonation of fruits without the epicarp visually reduced microorganism attack. In general, the ozonation process of macauba fruits maintained the visual characteristics of the fruits and the physical-chemical characteristics of the oil for biodiesel production compared to untreated fruits. The average acidity values of the oil were lower in the treatments with the ozone gas. Removal of the epicarp tends to facilitate the ozonation process, potentially by improving gas penetration into the fruit.

Brave bean (Capparis flexuosa L.) is a Caatinga species that is used as forage, mainly during the dry season when some plant species lose their leaves. The aim of this study was to assess genetic diversity within and among brave bean populations using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Brave bean leaves were collected from 30 accessions in the following municipalities of Paraíba state, Brazil: Barra de Santa Rosa (BSR), Cuité (C), São João do Cariri (SJC), Damião (D), Baraúna (B), and Picuí (P). DNA extraction followed the standard methodology of CTAB with modifications. RAPD analyses were carried out using 18 primers, and polymorphism of the amplified DNA fragments was visualized using agarose gel electrophoresis. Data were used to calculate Jaccard Similarity Coefficient values, which were then used to group samples with the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean. Cophenetic Correlation Coefficient, Stress, and Distortion Coefficient values were also calculated from these analyses. Band polymorphism was generated with 14 primers, but the sampled populations showed low numbers of polymorphic loci (27 in BSR, 18 in C, 7 in SJC, 9 in D, and 0 in B and P). The highest polymorphic information content was found in samples from the BSR (9 groups), C (22 groups), SJC (7 groups), and D (6 groups) municipalities. In the interpopulation analysis, 34 groups were formed, the matrices of which showed high cophenetic correlations (0.95 to 0.98), but low stress (12.9 to 17.45%) and distortion (3.05%). Therefore, results showed that there was genetic variability both among and within brave bean populations.

RESUMO O feijão-bravo (Capparis flexuosa) é uma espécie nativa da Caatinga e é utilizada como forrageira, principalmente na estação seca onde parte das espécies vegetais perdem suas folhas. Objetivou-se estudar a diversidade genética dentro e entre populações de feijão-bravo usando marcadores RAPD. O estudo foi realizado no Laboratório de Biotecnologia Vegetal do CCA/UFPB. Foram coletadas folhas de 30 acessos de feijão-bravo/população nos seguintes municípios do estado da Paraíba: Barra de Santa Rosa (BSR), Cuité (C), São João do Cariri (SJC), Damião (D), Baraúna (B) e Picuí (P). A extração de DNA seguiu a metodologia de utilização do CTAB com modificações. Análises de RAPD foram realizadas usando 18 primers e o polimorfismo de fragmentos de DNA amplificados foi visualizado em gel de agarose após eletroforese. Os dados foram submetidos ao Coeficiente de Similaridade Jaccard, agrupados seguindo a UPGMA e calculou-se o Coeficiente de Correlação Cofenética, Estresse e Distorção. 14 primers geraram polimorfismo de banda, no entanto, as populações apresentaram baixo número de locos polimórficos (27 em BSR, 18 em C, 7 em SJC, 9 em D, 0 em B e P) sendo o maior conteúdo de informação polimórfica foi encontrado nos municípios de BSR (9 grupos), C (22 grupos), São João do Cariri (7 grupos) e D (6 grupos). Formou-se 34 grupos na análise interpopulacional. As matrizes formadas apresentaram altos índices de correlação cofenética (0,95 a 0,98), baixo estresse (12,9 a 17,45%) e distorção (3,05%). Portanto, há variabilidade genética entre e dentro de populações de feijão-bravo. | ABSTRACT Brave bean (Capparis flexuosa L.) is a Caatinga species that is used as forage, mainly during the dry season when some plant species lose their leaves. The aim of this study was to assess genetic diversity within and among brave bean populations using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Brave bean leaves were collected from 30 accessions in the following municipalities of Paraíba state, Brazil: Barra de Santa Rosa (BSR), Cuité (C), São João do Cariri (SJC), Damião (D), Baraúna (B), and Picuí (P). DNA extraction followed the standard methodology of CTAB with modifications. RAPD analyses were carried out using 18 primers, and polymorphism of the amplified DNA fragments was visualized using agarose gel electrophoresis. Data were used to calculate Jaccard Similarity Coefficient values, which were then used to group samples with the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean. Cophenetic Correlation Coefficient, Stress, and Distortion Coefficient values were also calculated from these analyses. Band polymorphism was generated with 14 primers, but the sampled populations showed low numbers of polymorphic loci (27 in BSR, 18 in C, 7 in SJC, 9 in D, and 0 in B and P). The highest polymorphic information content was found in samples from the BSR (9 groups), C (22 groups), SJC (7 groups), and D (6 groups) municipalities. In the interpopulation analysis, 34 groups were formed, the matrices of which showed high cophenetic correlations (0.95 to 0.98), but low stress (12.9 to 17.45%) and distortion (3.05%). Therefore, results showed that there was genetic variability both among and within brave bean populations.

Intercropping is a management strategy for the sustainability of agricultural systems, and is suitable for the production of vegetables. Kale is predominantly grown singly, but field observations have indicated that this crop has satisfactory productive potential when grown in intercrops with other vegetables. The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic performance and biological efficiency of kale plants intercropped with spice species. The experiment was carried out at the Didactic Horta of the Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, state of Ceará, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with five replications. The treatments consisted of kale grown singly and intercropped with spice species (chives, coriander, basil, and parsley) and these spice species grown singly. The fresh and dry weights of the kale leaves, and the shoot of the spice species were evaluated. The biological efficiency was evaluated by the land use efficiency index (LUE), relative contribution of the kale crop to the LUE, area time equivalent ratio, and system productivity index. The intercropping of kale with parsley resulted in the highest fresh, and dry weights of kale leaves, showing the highest agronomic efficiency.

ABSTRACT Intercropping is a management strategy for the sustainability of agricultural systems, and is suitable for the production of vegetables. Kale is predominantly grown singly, but field observations have indicated that this crop has satisfactory productive potential when grown in intercrops with other vegetables. The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic performance and biological efficiency of kale plants intercropped with spice species. The experiment was carried out at the Didactic Horta of the Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, state of Ceará, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with five replications. The treatments consisted of kale grown singly and intercropped with spice species (chives, coriander, basil, and parsley) and these spice species grown singly. The fresh and dry weights of the kale leaves, and the shoot of the spice species were evaluated. The biological efficiency was evaluated by the land use efficiency index (LUE), relative contribution of the kale crop to the LUE, area time equivalent ratio, and system productivity index. The intercropping of kale with parsley resulted in the highest fresh, and dry weights of kale leaves, showing the highest agronomic efficiency. | RESUMO A consorciação de culturas é uma estratégia de manejo que visa a sustentabilidade dos agrossistemas, sendo adequada à produção de hortaliças. A couve é preponderantemente manejada sob cultivo solteiro, mas observações de campo tem indicado que a cultura tem potencial produtivo satisfatório quando cultivada em consórcio com outras hortaliças. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se o desempenho produtivo e a eficiência biológica do consórcio de couve com espécies condimentares. O experimento foi realizado na Horta didática da Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza - CE. Os tratamentos consistiram do cultivo de couve solteira e consorciada com espécies condimentares (cebolinha, coentro, manjericão e salsa), bem como seus respectivos cultivos solteiros. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi blocos ao acaso, com cinco repetições. Avaliou-se as massas fresca e seca das folhas de couve e da parte aérea para as espécies condimentares. A eficiência biológica foi avaliada pelo índice de uso eficiente da terra, contribuição relativa da cultura de couve ao UET, razão de área equivalente no tempo e índice de produtividade do sistema. O consórcio com salsa resultou nas maiores produções de massas fresca e seca de folhas de couve, mostrando-se com a maior eficiência agronômica.

Spain contains a third the entire irrigated area of Europe, accounting for 15% of the cultivated area of the country and almost 60% of the national agricultural production. Knowledge of the spatial and temporal variability of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and the probabilistic theory of extreme events is crucial for the elaboration of sustainable irrigation projects. The objective of this work was to define the frequency distribution that best describes ETo for the design of irrigation systems in the region of Andalusia. We used ETo data for the period 2001 to 2015 from 56 meteorological stations. The values were accumulated over three consecutive days. For all accumulated periods, nine probability distributions were adjusted. The probability distribution that best described ETo for the design of irrigation systems in the region was the Gumbel II distribution. The maximum daily ETo to be considered in irrigation projects in this region is, on average, 10 mm. The accumulated ETo for periods of 5, 10, and 30 days that should be considered are, on average, 42 mm, 78, mm and 224 mm, respectively.

RESUMO A Espanha possui um terço de toda área irrigada da Europa. A área irrigada no país responde por 15% da área cultivada e quase 60% da produção agrícola nacional. O conhecimento da variabilidade espacial e temporal da evapotranspiração de referência (ETo) e da teoria probabilística dos eventos extremos é um ponto essencial para elaboração de projetos sustentáveis de irrigação. O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar a distribuição de frequência que melhor descreve a ETo visando o dimensionamento de sistemas de irrigação da região de Andaluzia, Espanha. Foram utilizados dados de ETo de 56 estações meteorológicas com extensão das séries entre os anos de 2001 a 2015. Estes valores de ETo foram acumulados em três períodos consecutivos de dias. Para todos os períodos acumulados ajustaram-se nove distribuições de probabilidade. A distribuição de probabilidade que melhor descreveu a ETo visando o dimensionamento de sistemas de irrigação da região foi a Gumbel II. A ETo diária máxima a ser considerada em projetos de irrigação na mesma região é de 10 mm, em média. Já as ETo acumuladas em períodos de 5, 10 e 30 dias que devem ser consideradas são, em média, de 42 mm, 78 mm e 224 mm, respectivamente. | ABSTRACT Spain contains a third the entire irrigated area of Europe, accounting for 15% of the cultivated area of the country and almost 60% of the national agricultural production. Knowledge of the spatial and temporal variability of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and the probabilistic theory of extreme events is crucial for the elaboration of sustainable irrigation projects. The objective of this work was to define the frequency distribution that best describes ETo for the design of irrigation systems in the region of Andalusia. We used ETo data for the period 2001 to 2015 from 56 meteorological stations. The values were accumulated over three consecutive days. For all accumulated periods, nine probability distributions were adjusted. The probability distribution that best described ETo for the design of irrigation systems in the region was the Gumbel II distribution. The maximum daily ETo to be considered in irrigation projects in this region is, on average, 10 mm. The accumulated ETo for periods of 5, 10, and 30 days that should be considered are, on average, 42 mm, 78, mm and 224 mm, respectively.

RESUMO Considerável número de doenças que acometem a melancia (Citrullus lanatus) são causadas por patógenos habitantes do solo no Brasil e no mundo. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi identificar e quantificar a frequência de fungos fitopatógenos associados a "podridão de raízes e declínio de ramas" em melancia, presentes nas raízes de plantas daninhas nas principais áreas produtoras no estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Foram coletadas 10 amostras de raízes de espécies de plantas daninhas de maior prevalência em 16 áreas produtoras de melancia. As plantas foram identificadas e, calculada a respectiva frequência em campo. Foi realizado o isolamento fúngico das raízes, sendo posteriormente identificados os principais fungos associados ao declínio de ramas. Foram identificadas 13 espécies de plantas daninhas, pertencentes a nove famílias botânicas. As espécies de plantas daninhas que apresentaram as maiores frequências em campo foram Amaranthus spinosus (25,0%), Trianthema portulacastrum (18,8%), Commelina sp. (18,8%) e Boerhavia diffusa (12,5%). Das raízes das plantas daninhas que apresentaram maior frequência foram isolados os gêneros Macrophomina, Rhizoctonia e Monosporascus. O primeiro foi isolado de 12 espécies de plantas, o segundo de quatro espécies e o terceiro de duas espécies. | ABSTRACT Many watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) diseases are caused by soilborne pathogens in Brazil and worldwide. The goal of this study was to identify and quantify the frequency of phytopathogenic fungi associated with watermelon root rot and vine decline that were also present in the roots of weeds in the major watermelon production regions in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. We collected root samples from 10 of the most prevalent weed species in 16 watermelon producing areas. The plants were identified and their frequencies in the fields were calculated. The fungi found in the weed roots were isolated and the main genera associated with watermelon vine decline were identified. We identified 13 weed species belonging to nine botanical families. The weed species with the highest frequencies found in the field were Amaranthus spinosus (25.0%), Trianthema portulacastrum (18.8%), Commelina sp. (18.8%), and Boerhavia diffusa (12.5%). The fungi Macrophomina, Rhizoctonia, and Monosporascus were isolated from the roots of the weed plants. While Macrophomina was isolated from 12 different types of plants, Rhizoctonia and Monosporascus were isolated from four and two different plant species, respectively.

Many watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) diseases are caused by soilborne pathogens in Brazil and worldwide. The goal of this study was to identify and quantify the frequency of phytopathogenic fungi associated with watermelon root rot and vine decline that were also present in the roots of weeds in the major watermelon production regions in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. We collected root samples from 10 of the most prevalent weed species in 16 watermelon producing areas. The plants were identified and their frequencies in the fields were calculated. The fungi found in the weed roots were isolated and the main genera associated with watermelon vine decline were identified. We identified 13 weed species belonging to nine botanical families. The weed species with the highest frequencies found in the field were Amaranthus spinosus (25.0%), Trianthema portulacastrum (18.8%), Commelina sp. (18.8%), and Boerhavia diffusa (12.5%). The fungi Macrophomina, Rhizoctonia, and Monosporascus were isolated from the roots of the weed plants. While Macrophomina was isolated from 12 different types of plants, Rhizoctonia and Monosporascus were isolated from four and two different plant species, respectively.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of bovine biofertilizer on yield and post harvest of the strawberry crop in different growing environments. The experiment was carried out in two cycles of production, in Fortaleza, Ceará. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, arranged in subdivided plots, where the plots were of three cultivated environments (A1 = protected environment with screens, cold-water spraying, and white floor; A2 = environment with full sun, cold-water spraying, and white floor; A3 = environment with full sun, no cold-water spraying, and grey floor). The subplots consisted of five doses of biofertilizer (D1 = 0,0, D2 = 500, D3 = 750, D4 = 1000 and D5 = 1250 mL plant-1 week -1), with five replications. In the two-year period, the dose was higher in the protected environment of the weed type, with nebulization and on the white floor, at the dose of 500 mL week-1 plant-1 in the first cycle and 325 mL week-1 plant-1 in the second cycle. The dose of bovine biofertilizer of 1250 mL week-1 plant-1 promotes a longer duration and duration of the first cycle. During the second cycle, as the bovine biofertilizer doses of 585 and 620 provide higher and lower output than the protected environment. The environment without nebulization and on the floor without painting, the best soluble practices (Brix) in relation to the protected environment of the type screened and a full sun with nebulization. | RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses de biofertilizante bovino na produtividade e na pós-colheita da cultura do morango em diferentes ambientes de cultivo. O experimento foi desenvolvido, em dois ciclos de produção, em Fortaleza, Ceará. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, arranjados em parcelas subdivididas, onde as parcelas foram três ambientes de cultivo (A1= ambiente protegido do tipo telado, com nebulização com água gelada (temperatura variando entre 18 e 20 °C) e sobre piso branco, A2 = a pleno sol, com nebulização com água gelada e sobre piso branco, A3 = a pleno sol sem nebulização e sobre piso concretado sem pintura) e as subparcelas, cinco doses de biofertilizante (D1=0,0; D2=500; D3= 750; D4=1000; e D5= 1250 mL planta-1. semana-1), com cinco repetições. Nos dois anos, a produtividade foi maior no ambiente protegido do tipo telado, com nebulização e sobre piso branco, na dose de 500 mL semana-1 planta-1 no primeiro ciclo e 325 mL semana-1 planta-1 no segundo ciclo. A dose de biofertilizante bovino de 1250 mL semana-1 planta-1 promovem melhor diâmetro e comprimento do fruto dutante o primeiro ciclo. Durante o segundo ciclo, as doses de biofertilizante bovino de 585 e 620 proporcionam maior comprimento e diâmetro do fruto, respectivamente, no ambiente protegido do tipo telado, com nebulização e sobre piso branco. O ambiente a pleno sol sem nebulização e sobre piso sem pintura, apresentou melhores sólidos solúveis (°Brix) em relação ao ambiente protegido do tipo telado e a pleno sol com nebulização.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of bovine biofertilizer on yield and post harvest of the strawberry crop in different growing environments. The experiment was carried out in two cycles of production, in Fortaleza, Ceará. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, arranged in subdivided plots, where the plots were of three cultivated environments (A1 = protected environment with screens, cold-water spraying, and white floor; A2 = environment with full sun, cold-water spraying, and white floor; A3 = environment with full sun, no cold-water spraying, and grey floor). The subplots consisted of five doses of biofertilizer (D1 = 0,0, D2 = 500, D3 = 750, D4 = 1000 and D5 = 1250 mL plant-1 week -1), with five replications. In the two-year period, the dose was higher in the protected environment of the weed type, with nebulization and on the white floor, at the dose of 500 mL week-1 plant-1 in the first cycle and 325 mL week-1 plant-1 in the second cycle. The dose of bovine biofertilizer of 1250 mL week-1 plant-1 promotes a longer duration and duration of the first cycle. During the second cycle, as the bovine biofertilizer doses of 585 and 620 provide higher and lower output than the protected environment. The environment without nebulization and on the floor without painting, the best soluble practices (Brix) in relation to the protected environment of the type screened and a full sun with nebulization.

RESUMO A produção de hortaliças é uma atividade impactante, que se caracteriza pelo uso intensivo do solo, alta demanda de insumos e requer adoção estratégica de manejo, sobretudo em sistemas de produção sustentável, em que os pilares da sustentabilidade (ambiental, social e econômico) devem ser respeitados. Neste sentido, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar indicadores econômicos da produção de alface adubada com espécie espontânea da Caatinga (Calotropis procera: Flor-de-seda) e cultivada em duas épocas (primavera e outono-inverno), no município de Serra Talhada-PE. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com os tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, com três repetições, sendo o primeiro fator: as quantidades de biomassa do adubo verde (5,4; 8,8; 12,2 e 15,6 t ha-1 em base seca); e o segundo: seus tempos de incorporação ao solo (0, 10, 20 e 30 dias antes do transplantio da alface). Além do rendimento de massa verde e dos custos de produção, foram determinadas as rendas bruta e líquida, taxa de retorno e índice de lucratividade. A quantidade de 15,6 t ha-1 de C. procera possibilitou maior rentabilidade à produção orgânica de alface, sendo considerado ideal incorporar o adubo verde 11 (primavera) e 15 (outono-inverno) dias antes do transplantio da hortaliça. O cultivo de primavera promoveu retorno econômico superior ao plantio de outono-inverno, demonstrando viabilidade econômica mesmo na menor quantidade de C. procera. | ABSTRACT Vegetable production is an impactful activity, characterized by intensive land use, high input demand, and it requires strategic management adoption, especially in sustainable production systems, where the pillars of sustainability (environmental, social and economic) must be respected. In this sense, the objective of this work was to evaluate economic indicators of lettuce production using Caatinga spontaneous species (Calotropis procera: rooster tree) as fertilizer and cultivated in two seasons (spring and fall-winter) in the municipality of Serra Talhada, PE. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, arranged in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme, with three replications. The first factor was the biomass amounts of green manure (5.4, 8.8, 12.2 and 15.6 t ha-1 on a dry basis); and the second was their incorporation times in the soil (0, 10, 20 and 30 days before lettuce transplanting). The green mass yield, production costs, rate of return, and net profit margin were determined. The amount 15.6 t ha-1 of C. procera allowed higher profitability to the organic production of lettuce, and it is considered ideal to incorporate the green manure 11 (spring) and 15 (fall-winter) days before transplanting the vegetable. The spring crop promoted a superior economic return to the fall-winter planting, demonstrating economic viability even in the smallest amount of C. procera.

Vegetable production is an impactful activity, characterized by intensive land use, high input demand, and it requires strategic management adoption, especially in sustainable production systems, where the pillars of sustainability (environmental, social and economic) must be respected. In this sense, the objective of this work was to evaluate economic indicators of lettuce production using Caatinga spontaneous species (Calotropis procera: rooster tree) as fertilizer and cultivated in two seasons (spring and fall-winter) in the municipality of Serra Talhada, PE. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, arranged in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme, with three replications. The first factor was the biomass amounts of green manure (5.4, 8.8, 12.2 and 15.6 t ha-1 on a dry basis); and the second was their incorporation times in the soil (0, 10, 20 and 30 days before lettuce transplanting). The green mass yield, production costs, rate of return, and net profit margin were determined. The amount 15.6 t ha-1 of C. procera allowed higher profitability to the organic production of lettuce, and it is considered ideal to incorporate the green manure 11 (spring) and 15 (fall-winter) days before transplanting the vegetable. The spring crop promoted a superior economic return to the fall-winter planting, demonstrating economic viability even in the smallest amount of C. procera.

RESUMO O coqueiro anão é a principal variedade para uso comercial no Brasil, que ocupa atualmente a quarta posição na produção mundial. No entanto, os genótipos utilizados no país ainda apresentam limitações e há necessidade de variabilidade genética. Este trabalho teve por objetivo estimar a variabilidade genética em acessos de coqueiro-anão conservados no Banco de Germoplasma existente no Brasil, em diferentes épocas de colheita, utilizando descritores agronômicos de planta e frutos. Os acessos anão-verde-do-Brasil-de-Jiqui; anão-vermelho-de-Camarões; anão-vermelho-da-Malásia; anão-vermelho-de-Gramame; anão-amarelo-de-Gramame e anão-amarelo-da-Malásia foram avaliados por meio de 30 descritores. Análise de variância foi realizada e a diversidade genética foi quantificada utilizando a distância generalizada de Mahalanobis e expressa por meio de agrupamentos UPGMA, otimização de Tocher e variáveis canônicas. A análise de máxima verossimilhança foi utilizada para estimar os componentes de variância com os dados de cada planta em uma amostra de 11 descritores de maior importância para o melhoramento genético do coqueiro. Foi encontrada divergência fenotípica entre os acessos usando os agrupamentos UPGMA, Tocher e a dispersão gráfica obtida com variáveis canônicas. O emprego da análise de máxima verossimilhança confirma a existência de variabilidade genética nos acessos para os descritores diâmetro polar e equatorial do fruto, diâmetro polar da noz, peso total do fruto e espessura de epicarpo que apresentaram herdabilidade variando de 0,17 a 0,39. Há possibilidade de ganhos genéticos com a seleção desses caracteres para uso dos acessos em programas de melhoramento genético. | ABSTRACT Dwarf coconut tree is the main variety for commercial use in Brazil, which ranks fourth in world coconut production. However, the genotypes used still have limitations and genetic variability is required. The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic variability in dwarf coconut accessions preserved at the Germplasm Bank of Brazil at different harvesting times and using agronomic descriptors of plant and fruits. The accessions Brazilian Green Dwarf-Jiqui, Cameroon Red Dwarf, Malayan Red Dwarf, Brazilian Red Dwarf-Gramame, Brazilian Yellow Dwarf-Gramame, and Malayan Yellow Dwarf were assessed by means of 30 descriptors Variance analysis was performed and the genetic diversity was quantified by using the Mahalanobis’ generalized distance and expressed by means of UPGMA clusters, Tocher optimization, and canonical variables. The maximum likelihood analysis was used to estimate the components of variance with the data of each plant in a sample of 11 descriptors of great importance for the genetic improvement of the coconut tree. A phenotypic divergence was found among the accessions using the UPGMA clusters, Tocher optimization and graphic dispersion obtained with canonical variables. The use of the maximum likelihood analysis confirms the existence of genetic variability in the accessions for the descriptors fruit polar and equatorial diameter, nut polar diameter, total fruit weight, and epicarp thickness, which presented a heritability varying from 0.17 to 0.39. There is a possibility of genetic gains with the selection of these traits for use of accessions in breeding programs.

Dwarf coconut tree is the main variety for commercial use in Brazil, which ranks fourth in world coconut production. However, the genotypes used still have limitations and genetic variability is required. The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic variability in dwarf coconut accessions preserved at the Germplasm Bank of Brazil at different harvesting times and using agronomic descriptors of plant and fruits. The accessions Brazilian Green Dwarf-Jiqui, Cameroon Red Dwarf, Malayan Red Dwarf, Brazilian Red Dwarf-Gramame, Brazilian Yellow Dwarf-Gramame, and Malayan Yellow Dwarf were assessed by means of 30 descriptors Variance analysis was performed and the genetic diversity was quantified by using the Mahalanobis’ generalized distance and expressed by means of UPGMA clusters, Tocher optimization, and canonical variables. The maximum likelihood analysis was used to estimate the components of variance with the data of each plant in a sample of 11 descriptors of great importance for the genetic improvement of the coconut tree. A phenotypic divergence was found among the accessions using the UPGMA clusters, Tocher optimization and graphic dispersion obtained with canonical variables. The use of the maximum likelihood analysis confirms the existence of genetic variability in the accessions for the descriptors fruit polar and equatorial diameter, nut polar diameter, total fruit weight, and epicarp thickness, which presented a heritability varying from 0.17 to 0.39. There is a possibility of genetic gains with the selection of these traits for use of accessions in breeding programs.

ABSTRACT The number of studies on plant compounds with insecticidal activity has increased in recent years, and one of the primary targets of these compounds is leaf-cutter ants, which are considered the most important pests in Brazilian plantations, especially ants of the genus Atta. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxic activity of the crude extract and fractions of the leaves of Esenbeckia pumila Pohl (Rutaceae) on Artemia salina and Atta sexdens rubropilosa and to perform a phytochemical study of this plant species. The toxicity of the extract and fractions was evaluated by determining the mean lethal concentration (LC50) on A. salina. The insecticidal activity was evaluated by feeding the ants an artificial diet containing the crude extract or fractions, and the results were analyzed using the log-rank test. The substances were isolated by chromatography, and the molecular structure was determined by spectroscopy. In the bioassay with A. salina, the ethanol extract and dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were highly toxic. The analysis of survival curves indicated that the mortality rate of A. sexdens rubropilosa workers fed different fractions was higher than that of ants fed the control diet, especially the ethyl acetate fraction, with a mean survival time of 3 days and cumulative mortality of 100% on day 21 (p<0.05). The phytochemical study of this plant species allowed isolating the flavonoid rutin and a mixture of the triterpenes α-amyrin, β-amyrin, and lupeol. These results suggest the insecticidal potential of E. pumila on Atta sexdens rubropilosa. | RESUMO A avaliação de moléculas com atividade inseticida provenientes de plantas que apresentam atividade tóxica ou repelente cresceu nos últimos anos, tendo como um dos principais alvos de estudo as formigas cortadeiras, consideradas as principais pragas das plantações brasileiras, especialmente do gênero Atta. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial tóxico e inseticida do extrato bruto e frações das folhas de Esenbeckia pumila Pohl (Rutaceae) sobre Artemia salina e Atta sexdens rubropilosa e realizar o estudo fitoquímico daquela espécie. A avaliação da toxicidade do extrato e das frações foi realizada em bioensaio com A. salina determinando-se CL50 (Concentração Letal Média). A atividade inseticida foi avaliada pela ingestão do extrato e das frações incorporados a dieta artificial e os resultados foram tratados estatisticamente através do teste log rank. O isolamento de substâncias foi realizado por métodos cromatográficos e as estruturas determinadas pela análise de dados espectroscópicos. No bioensaio contra A. salina, o extrato etanólico e as frações diclorometânica e acetato-etílica se mostraram altamente tóxicas. A análise estatística das curvas de sobrevivência revelou taxas de mortalidade significativas de operárias de A. sexdens rubropilosa quando comparadas à dieta controle, com destaque para a fração acetato-etílica que apresentou sobrevivência mediana (Md) no 3o dia e mortalidade de 100% no 21o dia (p < 0,05). O estudo fitoquímico da espécie levou ao isolamento do flavanoide rutina e de uma mistura dos triterpenos α-amirina, β-amirina e lupeol. Esses resultados sugerem o potencial inseticida de E. pumila sobre Atta sexdens rubropilosa.

The number of studies on plant compounds with insecticidal activity has increased in recent years, and one of the primary targets of these compounds is leaf-cutter ants, which are considered the most important pests in Brazilian plantations, especially ants of the genus Atta. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxic activity of the crude extract and fractions of the leaves of Esenbeckia pumila Pohl (Rutaceae) on Artemia salina and Atta sexdens rubropilosa and to perform a phytochemical study of this plant species. The toxicity of the extract and fractions was evaluated by determining the mean lethal concentration (LC50) on A. salina. The insecticidal activity was evaluated by feeding the ants an artificial diet containing the crude extract or fractions, and the results were analyzed using the log-rank test. The substances were isolated by chromatography, and the molecular structure was determined by spectroscopy. In the bioassay with A. salina, the ethanol extract and dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were highly toxic. The analysis of survival curves indicated that the mortality rate of A. sexdens rubropilosa workers fed different fractions was higher than that of ants fed the control diet, especially the ethyl acetate fraction, with a mean survival time of 3 days and cumulative mortality of 100% on day 21 (p<0.05). The phytochemical study of this plant species allowed isolating the flavonoid rutin and a mixture of the triterpenes α-amyrin, β-amyrin, and lupeol. These results suggest the insecticidal potential of E. pumila on Atta sexdens rubropilosa.

RESUMO A adubação nitrogenada na videira apresenta-se como um fator limitante na produção, visto que seu excesso ou deficiência são capazes de propiciar alterações na quantidade e qualidade final dos frutos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os parâmetros produtivos da videira 'Isabel Precoce' submetida a adubação nitrogenada e orgânica na região semiárida do Oeste Potiguar. O experimento foi implantado na Fazenda Experimental da UFERSA, em Mossoró, RN, cujo clima é semiárido. O solo da área é um Argissolo Vermelho Distrófico de textura arenosa. A pesquisa foi realizada em dois ciclos de produção. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi blocos casualizados com seis repetições, em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, que corresponderam a 5 doses de fertilizante nitrogenado (0, 30, 60, 90 e 120 kg ha-1), na ausência e presença de adubação orgânica (0 e 20 m3 ha-1 esterco bovino). Foram avaliados número de cachos por planta, produção por planta e produtividade, bem como peso, comprimento e largura dos cachos, número de bagas por cacho e peso de dez bagas. A aplicação das doses de nitrogênio (N), bem como o uso ou não de adubo orgânico (AO) no solo, conferiram efeito significativo (p=0,05) para todos os componentes avaliados. A dose de 60 kg ha-1 de N na presença do AO foi a que proporcionou os melhores resultados nas variáveis analisadas. A elevação dos níveis de N, a partir da dose de 60 até 120 kg ha-1 combinadas ou não a fonte orgânica, inibiram os componentes produtivos da videira ´Isabel Precoce´. | ABSTRACT Nitrogen fertilization is a limiting factor for grapevine production; its excess or deficiency can cause changes in fruit quantity and quality. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate productive parameters of grapevines of the Isabel-Precoce cultivar subjected to nitrogen and organic fertilization in the western semiarid region of the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region, in Mossoró, RN, Brazil, during two production cycles. The soil of the area used was classified as dystrophic Red Argissolo (Udult) of sandy texture. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with six replications, using a 5×2 factorial arrangement, with 5 nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1) and two organic fertilizer rates (0, and 20 m3 ha-1 of bovine manure). The production components number of bunches per plant, grape production per plant, grape yield, weight, length and width of bunches, number of berries per bunch, and ten-berry weight were evaluated. The nitrogen rates and organic fertilizer rates used were significant (p=0.05) for all evaluated components. The N rate of 60 kg ha-1 combined with the organic fertilization generated the best results for the analyzed variables. N rates from 60 to 120 kg ha-1, applied singly or combined with organic fertilizer, hindered the production components of the Isabel-Precoce grapevines.

Nitrogen fertilization is a limiting factor for grapevine production; its excess or deficiency can cause changes in fruit quantity and quality. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate productive parameters of grapevines of the Isabel-Precoce cultivar subjected to nitrogen and organic fertilization in the western semiarid region of the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region, in Mossoró, RN, Brazil, during two production cycles. The soil of the area used was classified as dystrophic Red Argissolo (Udult) of sandy texture. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with six replications, using a 5×2 factorial arrangement, with 5 nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1) and two organic fertilizer rates (0, and 20 m3 ha-1 of bovine manure). The production components number of bunches per plant, grape production per plant, grape yield, weight, length and width of bunches, number of berries per bunch, and ten-berry weight were evaluated. The nitrogen rates and organic fertilizer rates used were significant (p=0.05) for all evaluated components. The N rate of 60 kg ha-1 combined with the organic fertilization generated the best results for the analyzed variables. N rates from 60 to 120 kg ha-1, applied singly or combined with organic fertilizer, hindered the production components of the Isabel-Precoce grapevines.