ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the production, chemical composition and hygienic -sanitary parameters of the milk of Murrah buffaloes raised in the northeastern semi-arid region. Data from 13,752 observations of lactations collected from the years of 2013 to 2016 from a herd in Rio Grande do Norte were used. The milk quality through chemical composition (contents of fat, protein, lactose, and total solids), somatic cell counts (CCS), and milk production was evaluated. Data were submitted to Pearson correlation, factorial analysis, multivariate analysis of variance per year, and per period (dry, rainy and transition) and canonical discriminant analysis by year and period. A high and positive correlation was observed for total solids and fat (0.91) and positive correlation for protein and total solids, yield, and lactose. Through factor analysis, four factors were selected that explained 88% of the total variation. The first factor was considered "milk quality factor, " the second factor as "milk production factor," and the third factor as " sanity factor." There was significant effect based on year but not significant effect based on period for the studied variables. In the canonical discriminant analysis per year, the discriminant power variables were (CCS), milk production and total solids. For periods were protein, production, lactose, fat, and total solids. Multivariate analysis was efficient in evaluating the production and chemical composition of buffalo milk and can be safely used in future studies. | RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a produção, composição química e parâmetro de qualidade higiênico sanitária do leite de búfalas da raça Murrah criadas no semiárido nordestino. Foram utilizados dados de 13.752 observações de lactações coletados dos anos de 2013 a 2016 em plantel no Rio Grande do Norte. Foram avaliadas a qualidade do leite através da composição química (teores de gordura, proteína, lactose, e sólidos totais), contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e produção do leite. Os dados foram submetidos a correlação de Pearson, análise fatorial, análise de variância multivariada por ano e por período (seco, chuvoso e transição) e análise discriminante canônica por ano e por período. Correlação alta e positiva foi observada para sólidos totais e gordura (0,91), e correlação positiva para proteína e sólidos totais, produção e lactose. Por meio da análise fatorial, foram selecionados 3 fatores que explicaram 88% da variação total. O primeiro fator foi considerado "fator qualidade do leite", o segundo fator como "fator produção de leite" e o terceiro como "fator sanidade". Houve efeito significativo de ano e não significativo de períodos para as variáveis estudadas. Na análise discriminante canônica por ano as variáveis de poder maior discriminante foram (CCS), produção de leite e sólidos totais. Dentro de período, as variáveis mais discriminantes foram proteína, produção, lactose, gordura e sólidos totais. As análises multivariadas mostram-se eficiente na avaliação da produção e composição química do leite búfala, podendo ser usada com segurança em futuros estudos dessa natureza.

RESUMO A umbu-cajazeira (Spondias sp.), frutífera nativa do Nordeste brasileiro, produz frutos muito valorizados pelas agroindústrias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a aplicação de agroquímicos e lesões no enraizamento e na formação de mudas/estacas, foi conduzido na Embrapa em Pacajus, CE, em blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos: T1 = testemunha, T2 = estacas feridas + Sela Gel®, T3 = estacas feridas + Radimax®, T4 = estacas incisadas + Sela Gel® e T5 = estacas incisadas + Radimax®. Os ambientes (blocos): pleno sol; teto com plena sombra; sombrite 50% nas laterais e no teto; e sombrite 50% no teto. As parcelas tinham oito estacas, totalizando 160 estacas. Dos propágulos retirados de plantas, preparam-se estacas lenhosas, com 25 cm de comprimento e médias de 29,7 mm de diâmetro e 8,7 gemas/estaca. Em seguida foram tratadas com solução de hipoclorito de sódio a 0,05%/4 minutos; depois fez-se os ferimentos e as incisões e aplicou-se o Sela Gel® por pincelamento e o Radimax® por imersão em solução de 10 mL/L d'água/10 minutos. O plantio foi em vasos plásticos pretos, com capacidade 6L, cheios com vermiculita + pó de cascas de coco + bagana de carnaúba triturada + cascas de arroz carbonizada (2:1:1:1, v/v), previamente pasteurizados. Entre os tratamentos e os blocos houve diferenças significativas. A incisão e a aplicação do Sela Gel® induziram a formação de calo, o enraizamento e a formação de mudas vigorosas, enquanto o Radimax® não induziu o enraizamento. | ABSTRACT Umbu-caja (Spondias sp.) is a fruit tree native to the Northeast region of Brazil, which is grown because of its highly valuable fruits for fruit processing industries. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of agrochemical applications and cutting types on the rooting and development of Spondias sp. plantlets. The experiment was conducted at the experimental field of the Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry, in Pacajus, CE, Brazil. A randomize block experimental design was used, with five treatments - control (T1); cuttings with two lesions at the base (CL) + rooting gel (RG) (Sela Gel®) (T2); CL + rooting fertilizer (RF) (Radimax®) (T3); cuttings with two transversal cross sections at the base (CS) + RG (T4); and CS + RF (T5). The environments (blocks) used were: full sun; 100% shade ceiling; 50% shade walls and ceiling; and 50% shade ceiling. The plots consisted of eight cuttings, totaling 160 cuttings. Propagules were taken from Spondias sp. plants to make woody cuttings with length of 25 cm, diameter of 29.7 mm, and mean bud per cutting of 8.7. All cuttings were immediately treated with a 0.05% sodium hypochlorite solution for four minutes before making the lesions and transversal cross sections and applying the treatments. The RG was applied by brushstroke, and the RF was applied by immersion in an aqueous solution of 10 mL L-1 for 10 minutes. The cuttings were planted into 6-liter black plastic pots filled with a pasteurized mixture of vermiculite, coconut husk powder, ground leaf fibers of Copernicia prunifera, and carbonized rice husk (2:1:1:1; v v-1). The treatments and blocks significantly affected the rooting and development of cuttings. The treatment with CS and application of the RG (T4) promoted root callus formation, rooting, and vigorous development of plantlets, whereas the RF (T3 and T5) failed to promote root formation.

RESUMO O cultivo do maracujazeiro-azedo Passiflora edulis (Sims, 1818) vem obtendo destaque na fruticultura nacional devido ao aumento do consumo tanto da fruta fresca, como processada. Contudo, perdas pelo ataque de percevejos (Hemiptera: Coreidae) vêm preocupando fruticultores da região sul do Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência e o controle de percevejos em pomar de maracujazeiro-azedo P. edulis, através da utilização de inseticidas naturais e sintéticos nas safras de 2013/14 e 2014/15 em Araquari/SC. A ocorrência de percevejos foi estudada através de amostragens utilizando a técnica do quadro de madeira com dimensão de 0,25 m2. As avaliações foram realizadas semanalmente durante as duas safras. As espécies e a distribuição dos percevejos nas diferentes partes da planta foram quantificadas. Os inseticidas utilizados foram: Neenmax (Azadiractina 1,0%) na dose de 10 mL/L; Orobor N1 (Ácido cítrico N 1,0% + B 0,20%) 2 mL/L; Decis 25 EC (Deltametrina 2,5%) 1 mL/L, diluídos em solução aquosa. Foram observados exemplares de três espécies de percevejos, sendo 86% Diactor bilineatus (Hemiptera: Coreidae); 13,5% Holhymenia histrio (Hemiptera: Coreidae) e 0,5% de Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). D. bilineatus apresentou alta frequência, constância e dominância durante as safras avaliadas. Os percevejos encontravam-se 64% sobre os frutos, 18,5% sobre as folhas, 7,3% sobre os botões florais, 5,8% sobre as flores e 4,4 % sobre os ramos. A pulverização com Azadiractina e Deltametrina foram eficientes para reduzir a infestação de percevejos e ocorrência de frutos murchos no pomar de maracujazeiro-azedo. | ABSTRACT Sour passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims, 1818) crops in Brazil are drawing attention due to the national production, and the increasing consumption of this fruit as fresh and processed products. However, fruit losses due to damages caused by stink bugs (Hemiptera: Coreidae) are concerning to fruit growers in southern Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the population fluctuation and control of stink bugs in P. edulis crops grown in the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 crop seasons in Araquari, SC, Brazil, using natural and synthetic insecticides. The stink bug population was evaluated using the 0.25 m2 frame technique. The evaluations were carried out weekly during the two crop seasons. The species and distribution of stink bugs in the different parts of the plant were evaluated. The insecticides and rates used were: Neenmax (azadirachtin 1.0%) at 10 mL L-1; Orobor N1 (N-citric acid 1.0% + 0.20% B) at 2 mL L-1; and Decis 25 EC (deltamethrin 2.5%) at 1 mL L-1, diluted in aqueous solution. Specimens of three stink bug species where found: 86% Diactor bilineatus (Hemiptera: Coreidae); 13.5% Holhymenia histrio (Hemiptera: Coreidae), and 0.5% Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). The D. bilineatus species presented higher frequency, constancy, and dominance during the evaluated crop seasons; 64% of the stink bugs were found on fruits, 18.5% on leaves, 7.3% on floral buds, 5.8% on flowers, and 4.4% on branches. The use of azadirachtin or deltamethrin was efficient to reduce the stink bug infestation and the number of P. edulis withered fruits.

The conventional method monitoring and adequateness of underground dams requires invasive investigatory actions with in their interior structure and only provides specific information for small volumes. On the contrary, application of non-invasive sensing techniques, such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), makes it possible to investigate and explore underground without affecting their structure. A GRP 3D profile was acquired with the aim to allot and monitor an underground dam in the Brazilian semiarid region in the alluvial sub-watershed of the Riacho Pau Lavrado in the Sertão Central de Lajes region of the state of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil. The GPR profile records were acquired along an alluvial section, processed using the Reflex 5 software and exported into the Opendetec 4.4.0 software in order to obtain a virtual 3D model. The GPR 3D profile of the alluvial deposits shows irregularities of the crystalline basement and external topographical surface (soil). The interpretation of the alluvial GPR profile allows precise adequateness of the underground dam, which supports an increase in the area of hydric accumulation and promotes low-cost building due to the allocation selected with minor sedimentation.

The objective with this work was to evaluate the effect of the agricultural gypsum, associated with phosphate fertilization, on the nutrition, development and yield of soybean and corn in succession, under no-tillage system. The experiment was conducted at Universidade Federal de Goiás, Regional Jataí, in a randomized blocks design 5x3 factorial arrangement, with 4 replicates. The first factor consisted of the gypsum doses (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 Mg ha-1) and the second the phosphorus doses (0, 50 and 100% of the recommended dose). Leaf nutrient contents, leaf area index, SPAD index, dry plant mass, final plant population, one thousand grain mass and grain yield were evaluated in the crops. In the soybean, the number of pods was also obtained and in the corn the average ear length, number of rows per ear, number of grain per ear and number of ears. Phosphorus doses increase leaf Mg contents in soybean and corn. The application of gypsum reduces the Mg and K leaf contents and increases the Ca, S, and Mn contents in the two cultures. Gypsum provides increases in the SPAD index in soybean plants. The unbalance of the N / K ratio in corn leaves, provided by the increase of the gypsum doses, reduces the leaf area of this crop. Doses of P and gypsum do not influence the yield of soybeans and maize.

Studies on the use of agricultural residues as an alternative to commercial substrates have become fundamental tominimising the risk of environmental contamination resulting from inadequate disposal, as well as reducing seedling production costs. This research involved an evaluation of growth variables and quality of cucumber seedlings produced in substrates with different compositions of agricultural waste with a view to providing substitutes for commercial substrate. The experiment was based on a completely randomised design, with six treatments and ten replicates. There were five treatments with increasing proportions of moinha/decreasing proportions of carbonized rice husk (0/40, 10/30, 20/20, 30/10 and 40/0%) and fixed proportions of coconut fibre (15%), eggshell (5%), pine bark (40%), and one commercial substrate treatment as the control (Bioplant®). The variables evaluated were: electrical conductivity of the substrate, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, Dickson quality index (DQI) and dry matter of roots and above ground parts. Results show that alternative substrates can replace commercial substrate without impairing the quality of cucumber seedlings. However, the substrate containing 40% of moinha, 0% of rice husk, 15% of coconut fibre, 5% of eggshell and 40% of pine bark resulted in the highest values for all evaluated variables and appears to be the most promising alternative substrate for the production of cucumber seedlings.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of an enzyme complex-α-amylase, ß-glucanase, phytase, cellulase, xylanase and protease-in the feed of swine in growing and finishing phases, by assessing their performance (daily weight gain, daily feed intake, and feed conversion), dry matter, crude protein, and crude energy apparent digestibility, and the feed costs. Eighty pigs-castrated males, and females-of approximately 63 days of age and initial weight of 20.18±1.98 kg were distributed in a 5×2 factorial arrangement (diet × sex), in a randomized block design, with eight replications. The treatments used were: positive control diet consisted of 3,300 kcal/kg in the growth-I phase, and 3,250 kcal/kg in the growth-II and finishing phases; negative control diet with energy reduction of 85 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy (ME) (NC85); NC85 diet with addition of enzyme complex (EC85); negative control diet with energy reduction of 100 kcal/kg ME (NC100); NC100 diet with addition of enzyme complex (EC100). The addition of the enzyme complex to the diet with energy reduction of 100 kcal/kg ME increased the digestible protein content of the diet for the swine in the growth-II phase. The addition of the enzyme complex to the diet with energy reduction of 85 and 100 kcal/kg ME increased the digestible energy content of the diets for the swine in the finishing phase. The use of enzyme complex in diets with reduction of 85 kcal/kg ME for male swine in growing and finishing phases is recommended for improving feed conversion and economic efficiency during the growth-I phase. The use of enzyme complex is not justified for female swine.

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

Maize is an important cereal and it is widely consumed in the world, both as food for humans and animals. Nitrogen (N) is a nutrient required in large quantities by maize, but unfortunately, soils are limited in meeting this need. Nodulating legumes can serve as a source of Nitrogen, because they are symbiotically associated with bacteria capable of fixing atmospheric N. Another important source of this nutrient is cattle manure, which is widely used in agriculture. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of using legumes and cattle manure on the production as well as the microbial and biochemical quality of the soil used for maize cultivation. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design, in a sub-subdivided plot scheme (2x4) +2, two leguminous plants (pigeon pea and macassar bean), four doses of cattle manure (0, 20, 40 and 60 t ha-1) and two controls; one with mineral fertilization and the other cultivated without the use of fertilizers. Treatment using a manure dose of 60t ha-1 and pigeon pea legume, recorded higher dry mass production per plant. The increase in manure doses was directly proportional to the length and weight of the cobs for the two legumes. The enzymatic activities were affected by the different doses and legumes, with greater results being recorded at the 60 t ha-1 dose with the macassar legume. The use of legumes with manure improved maize production as well as the microbiological and biochemical quality of soils.

Grape orchards are highly affected by oviposition of fruit flies on grape berries, which compromises the productivity and quality of the grapes. The goal of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of American, European, and hybrid grape genotypes to Anastrepha fraterculus and Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) under laboratory conditions (25 ± 2ºC, 60 ± 10% RH, and 14-hour photophase). The assays were conducted by evaluating oviposition preference through choice and no-choice (antibiosis) tests. The choice test was set up using circular arenas (diameter: 300 mm) with 10 grapes per genotype. The no-choice test was set up using 150 grapes per genotype which were placed inside plastic boxes (417 x 297 x 289 mm). After exposure of the grapes to one or two couples of fruit flies per genotype in choice and no-choice tests, respectively, the grapes were transferred to transparent plastic containers (750 mL). The number of eggs per grape and its viability were evaluated. The no-choice test also evaluated the biological cycle of the fruit flies. The assays were conducted in a completely randomized design with 15 replicates. The most preferred grapes for oviposition by A. fraterculus were Cabernet Sauvignon, Niagara Rosada, and BRS Cora, while C. capitata mainly preferred Isabel Precoce grapes. We observed the complete development of fruit flies in the Moscato Embrapa grapes, but this only occurred with C. capitata. All genotypes evaluated were considered susceptible to A. fraterculus and C. capitata. However, the fruit flies expressed differences in preference for oviposition and host quality.