Sugarcane management practices (unburned cane - UC and burned cane – BC) interfere with dynamics of soil magnetic properties. This study focused on determining the potential of magnetic susceptibility as soil quality indicator in areas under sugarcane cultivation. The experiment area is on the limit between basalt from São Bento Group, Serra Geral Formation, and sandstone from Bauru Group – Adamantina Formation. Twenty soil samples were collected from two management areas (burned and unburned sugarcane prior to harvest) at a depth range of 0.0 - 0.2 m. Local soil was classified as eutroferric Red Latosol (Oxisol), with highly clayey texture. Chemical and physical properties, CO 2 emissions and magnetic susceptibility (MS) in air - dried fine earth (MS ADFE ), total sand fraction (MS TS ) and clay fraction (MS CF ). The magnetic signature from MS was effective in identifying changes of physical, chemical and mineralogical traits in Latosols under burned and unburned sugarcane crop. The information provided here can guide further studies on the genesis of minerals with magnetic expression in environments and exposed to fire burning

The objective of this work was to evaluate the response of sugarcane genotypes to Meloidogyne javanica and Pratylenchus zeae . Sugarcane seedlings of the genotypes RB985944, RB987932, RB877935, RB855156, RB935744, RB996961, RB925345, RB935581 and RB966928 obtained from tissue cultures and maintained in pots with sterilized soil in a greenhouse were inoculated with 5,000 eggs + second - stage juveniles of M. javanica or 1,600 of P. zeae per plant, using six replicates per treatment. Tomato (Rutgers) and sorghum (BRS506) plants were used as control and proof of viability of the inoculum for the M. javanica and P. zeae , respectively. The number of root - knot in the plants inoculated with M. javanica , final nematode population and reproduction factor (RF) of both nematodes were evaluated at 120 days after inoculation. The averages of the different variables were compared by the Scott - Knott's clustering test at 5%. The nematodes M. javanica and P. zeae showed RF>1.00 in all sugarcane genotypes assessed, however, different levels of susceptibility were found. The lowest reproduction of the nematodes was found in the genotypes RB008347, RB877935, RB975944 and RB987932 ( M. javanica ) and RB987932 and RB966928 ( P. zeae ).

The objective of the present research is to characterize the phytotoxic activity of geopropolis from the Jandaira bee (Melipona subnitida Ducke) in the state of Ceará in Northeast Brazil and to analyze its effects. Extracts were prepared in 80% v/v grain alcohol at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0%. Their effects were determined on seed germination, radicle elongation, and hypocotyl growth of the pasture weeds malícia (Mimosa pudica) and mata-pasto (Senna obtusifolia). Extract phytotoxicity varied as functions of plant species, application dosage, and plant organ. M. pudica was more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of geopropolis than S. obtusifolia. There was a phytotoxic effect of 50% (PE50) for S. obtusifolia in terms of seed germination and in rootlet development near the maximum applied concentrations. M. pudica had PE50 and PE90 at the minimum concentration (0.25%) and near the maximum (1.00%), respectively. Thus, geopropolis extracts from the Jandaira bee (M. subnitida) are potentially phytotoxic to certain plant species.

Salinity problems are increasing in the semi-arid regions of northeastern Brazil. Thus, detailed studies of the region’s cultured crops, primarily salt-tolerant species, are important. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the salt stress tolerance of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) seeds at different temperatures. This study was conducted in the Seed Analysis Laboratory, Agricultural Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba (Areia, PB, Brazil) by using seeds of four lima bean cultivars (Branca, Orelha de Vó, Rosinha, and Roxinha) in a randomized experimental design. Sodium chloride (NaCl) was used as a solute for salt-stress simulation at the following concentrations: 0.0 (control), 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, and 9.0 dS m-1; temperatures were maintained constant at 25°C, 30°C, and 35°C. Germination and vigor tests were performed to evaluate the treatment effects (first count, germination rate index, seedling length, and dry matter). Germination rate of lima bean seeds increased in salt concentrations up to 9 dS m-1, and seeds of Roxinha cultivar exhibited the highest salinity tolerance. The development of lima bean cultivar seedlings was negatively affected at 35°C under high-salinity conditions.

ABSTRACT The development of technologies to increase stand establishment efficiency and seed vigor, as well as to maximize profits, is of fundamental importance for the sustainability of agriculture. Products based on humic substances, such as humic acids, have been recently used in Brazilian agriculture to produce seedlings with high vigor, which positively influences the establishment of the initial stand. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of treatment of corn seeds with a commercial humic acid-based product, Humykos® (18% of humic acid content), on germination and seedling vigor. The treatments consisted of six doses (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mL 100 kg-1 seed) of Humykos®, and the treated seeds were analyzed for germination and vigor (first count, emergence, emergence speed index, length, and dry mass of shoots and roots). Our results show that humic acid promotes greater seedling growth and increased shoot dry mass in corn; in addition, it has a positive influence on the emergence speed index up to a dose 158 mL 100 kg -1 seeds. | RESUMO O desenvolvimento de tecnologias que visam aumentar a eficiência do estabelecimento de estande e incremento no vigor das sementes, bem como maximizar os lucros é de fundamental importância para a sustentabilidade da agricultura. Produtos à base de substâncias húmicas, tais como ácidos húmicos, vêm sendo utilizados recentemente na agricultura brasileira, atuando em processos fisiológicos, de tal forma a garantir plântulas com elevado vigor, o que influencia positivamente no estabelecimento do estande inicial da cultura. Dessa forma, esse trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do tratamento de sementes de milho com produto comercial fonte de ácido húmico, na germinação e vigor de plântulas. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de seis doses (0, 100, 200, 300, 400 e 500 mL 100 kg-1 de sementes) do produto comercial Humykos® (18% de ácido húmico). As sementes tratadas foram analisadas quanto à germinação e vigor (primeira contagem de germinação, emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência, comprimento e massa seca de parte aérea e raiz). O ácido húmico promove maior crescimento das plântulas e aumento da massa seca da parte aérea do milho, além de ter influência positiva no índice de velocidade de emergência, até a dose 158 mL 100 kg-1 de sementes.

RESUMO As práticas de manejo utilizadas na cultura da cana-de-açúcar (cana crua - CC e cana queimada - CQ) interferem na dinâmica dos atributos e expressão magnética do solo. Foi estudado o potencial da suscetibilidade magnética como indicador de qualidade do solo em áreas sob cultivo de cana-de-açúcar. O experimento localiza-se em uma área limítrofe de material de origem, entre o Basalto do Grupo São Bento, Formação Serra Geral, e o Arenito do Grupo Bauru, Formação Adamantina. Foram coletadas 20 amostras de solo em dois sistemas de manejo (com e sem queima da cana-de-açúcar para colheita) na profundidade de 0,0-0,2 m. O solo foi classificado como Latossolo Vermelho Eutroférrico, textura muito argilosa. Foram avaliados os atributos químicos, físicos, emissão de CO2 e a suscetibilidade magnética (SM) do solo na terra fina seca ao ar (SMTFSA), fração total sand (SMAT) e fração argila (SMARG). A assinatura magnética expressa pela suscetibilidade magnética foi eficaz na identificação de mudanças nas características físicas, químicas e mineralógicas de Latossolos sob sistemas de colheita da cana-de-açúcar com e sem queima. As informações geradas neste trabalho podem balizar futuros estudos sobre a gênese de minerais com expressão magnética em ambientes e expostos a presença de fogo. | ABSTRACT Sugarcane management practices (unburned cane - UC and burned cane - BC) interfere with dynamics of soil magnetic properties. This study focused on determining the potential of magnetic susceptibility as soil quality indicator in areas under sugarcane cultivation. The experiment area is on the limit between basalt from São Bento Group, Serra Geral Formation, and sandstone from Bauru Group - Adamantina Formation. Twenty soil samples were collected from two management areas (burned and unburned sugarcane prior to harvest) at a depth range of 0.0-0.2 m. Local soil was classified as eutroferric Red Latosol (Oxisol), with highly clayey texture. Chemical and physical properties, CO2 emissions and magnetic susceptibility (MS) in air-dried fine earth (MSADFE), total sand fraction (MSTS) and clay fraction (MSCF). The magnetic signature from MS was effective in identifying changes of physical, chemical and mineralogical traits in Latosols under burned and unburned sugarcane crop. The information provided here can guide further studies on the genesis of minerals with magnetic expression in environments and exposed to fire burning.

ABSTRACT The replacement of natural vegetation by crop systems directly impacts the soil organic matter fractions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the total organic carbon (TOC) and nitrogen (TN) contents in different fractions of the soil organic matter (SOM) of an Oxisol of the Brazilian semiarid region under different irrigated crops and different soil management systems. Seven treatments were evaluated, which consisted of two soil management systems (no-till and conventional tillage) and three crops (maize, sunflower and sorghum), using as reference the soil under a native forest (NF). The summer crops preceded common bean crops in the autumn-winter. The total organic carbon content, total nitrogen, carbon content in humic substances and their constituents (fulvic acids, humic acids and humin) and labile, non-labile and water-soluble carbon contents were evaluated two years and three months after the experiment implementation to determine the carbon lability (L) lability index (LI), partitioning index (CPI) and management index (CMI). The greatest carbon, nitrogen and organic matter contents in the soil surface layer (0.00-0.05 m) were found in crops under no-till system (NTS), especially maize. The crops under NTS presented greater carbon content in humic substances than the conventional tillage system (CTS) ones in the layer 0.05-0.10 m. The crops under NTS presented greater sustainability in the Brazilian semiarid region compared with those under CTS, as shown by their higher CMI in the soil surface layer. | RESUMO A substituição da vegetação natural pela agricultura impacta diretamente as frações da matéria orgânica no solo. Este estudo avaliou os teores de carbono orgânico total (COT) e nitrogênio total (NT) nas frações da matéria orgânica do solo (MOS) em um Latossolo do semiárido brasileiro sob diferentes sistemas de manejo com diferentes culturas irrigadas. Os sete tratamentos foram compostos por dois sistemas de manejo do solo (plantio direto e convencional) e três culturas: sorgo, girassol e milho tendo como referência o solo sob mata nativa (MN). A semeadura das culturas no verão precedeu a semeadura de feijão no outono/inverno. Após dois anos e três meses de implantação, avaliaram-se os teores de carbono orgânico total, nitrogênio total, teor de carbono nas substâncias húmicas e seus constituintes (fração ácidos fúlvicos, húmicos e humina), teores de carbono lábil, carbono não-lábil e carbono solúvel em água, sendo determinados a labilidade (L), índice de labilidade (IL), índice de compartimento de carbono (ICC) e índice de manejo de carbono (IMC). Os cultivos sob sistema de plantio direto (SPD) nas condições semiáridas, em especial com o milho, promoveram maiores teores de carbono, nitrogênio e frações da matéria orgânica, na camada superficial do solo (0,00 a 0,05 m). Na camada de 0,05-0,10 m os cultivos sob SPD promoveram aumento nos teores de carbono nas substâncias húmicas, em comparação aos SPC. Maior sustentabilidade foi observada nos cultivos em SPD no semiárido, em relação àqueles sob SPC, indicado pelos maiores IMC na camada superficial do solo sob SPD.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to identify fungal pathogens associated with prickly pear rot and the main components of squamous rot on plantations in the semiarid region of the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Pathogens were identified morphologically. The determination of the main components of squamous rot intensity was based on the incidence and severity of the disease. Fifteen genera of fungi were associated with rot, including Scytalidium sp., which was found on all plantations. The analyses indicated that relative humidity and rainfall favored the intensity of rot more than temperature. At least three pathogens were found to be associated with a high incidence of rot in prickly pear species in the semiarid region of the state of Paraíba, Brazil, but Scytalidium sp. was the most widely distributed. Moreover, the disease caused by this fungus intensifies and progresses under conditions of high humidity at moderate temperatures. | RESUMO Objetivou-se identificar os patógenos fúngicos associados às podridões de palma ‘Gigante’ e os componentes principais de intensidade da Podridão Escamosa em plantios no semiárido paraibano. Os patógenos foram identificados morfologicamente e os componentes principais de intensidade foram obtidos a partir da incidência e severidade da doença. Foram identificados quinze gêneros de patógenos fúngicos associados às podridões, dentre eles, Scytalidium sp., que estava em todos os plantios. A podridão escamosa progrediu significativamente e a associação entre clima e doença indicou que a umidade relativa do ar e a precipitação pluviométrica favoreceram mais a intensidade da doença nos plantios, do que a temperatura. Pelo menos três patógenos estão associados às podridões em palma ‘Gigante’ no semiárido paraibano com elevada incidência, mas a podridão escamosa (Scytalidium sp.) é a mais distribuída, pois se intensifica e progride devido a umidade elevada do ar em temperatura moderada.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a ocorrência em Alagoas da espécie Xanthopastis timais (Cramer, 1780) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em amarílis (Hippeastrum hybridum Hort., Amaryllidaceae) e avaliar o uso do extrato de sementes de graviola, Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae), estimando as concentrações letais (CL50 e CL99) para as lagartas, bem como os efeitos na fase larval. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Entomologia do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal de Alagoas em Rio Largo -AL. Foram coletadas lagartas em plantas de amarílis que foram criadas em folhas dessa planta, até a obtenção de pupas e de adultos (geração parental). Parte dos adultos foi usada para identificação específica, e outros, deram continuidade à geração seguinte (F1), que foi utilizada no bioensaio. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, constituído por seis tratamentos e cinco repetições com três lagartas de segundo ínstar por repetição. As lagartas foram alimentadas com porções de folhas de amarílis (4 x 4 cm), anteriormente imersas em seus devidos tratamentos durante 30 segundos e secas ao ar sobre papel absorvente durante uma hora. Os tratamentos foram: extrato etanólico de sementes de graviola a 0,0; 1,0; 0,5; 0,25; 0,125 e 0,0625% (p/v), adicionado com água destilada e com o solvente DMSO a 1% (v/v), para obtenção das soluções. As concentrações letais (CL50 e CL99) foram 0,29% (p/v) e 2,27% (p/v), respectivamente. A fase larval foi afetada pelo uso do extrato em relação à sobrevivência, mortalidade, peso e duração do período. Registra-se pela primeira vez a ocorrência de X. timais em Alagoas. | ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to report the occurrence of Xanthopastis timais (Cramer, 1780) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in amaryllis (Hippeastrum hybridum Hort., Amaryllidaceae), as well as estimating lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC99) of soursop seed extract, Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae), against its larvae. The experiment was carried out at the Laboratory of Entomology of the Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, in Rio Largo-AL, Brazil. First, we collected caterpillars from amaryllis plants that were reared until pupal and adult stages (parental generation). Next, part of the adults was used for species identification, and the rest were bred to produce next generation (F1), being after that applied in a laboratory bioassay. The lab trial was performed in a completely randomized design, with six treatments and five replications containing three second-instar caterpillars. These larvae were fed pieces of amaryllis leaf (4 x 4 cm), which were previously soaked in treatments for 30 seconds and, air -dried on absorbent papers for one hour. Each treatment consisted of one concentration of ethanol extract of soursop seeds (0.0, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 and 0.0625% w/ v) with distilled water and DMSO at 1% (v/ v), for solutions. We noted that the lethal concentrations LC50 and LC99 were 0.29% (w/ v) and 2.27% (w/ v), respectively. In view of our results, we can state that larval stage of X. timais were influenced by extract application in terms of survival, mortality, larvae weight and larval stage length. Besides of that, it was the first time this species was recorded in Alagoas state.

ABSTRACT Pastas are generally accepted all over the world, mainly because they are versatile, cheap and easy-to-prepare. They are not nutritionally balanced, since they provide mainly carbohydrates. As a result of this, it is important to use ingredients which could improve the nutritional deficiencies, without affecting the technological and sensorial characteristics. This study evaluated the effect of using wheat semolina and micronized corn pericarp (MCP), on the proximate composition, cooking quality and color of spaghetti type pasta. Spaghetti pasta was produced using wheat semolina with the incorporation of micronized corn pericarp, at levels of 0, 10, 20 and 30%. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the formulated samples with regards to the contents of moisture and lipid, cooking time, weight gain and volume increase. As observed, supplementation with micronized corn pericarp presented significant difference on the contents of proteins, minerals, dietary fiber and solid soluble loss of the spaghetti pasta (p < 0.05). With increase in micronized corn pericarp concentration, the color difference became accentuated. The use of MCP appears to be viable, providing a nutritionally enriched product without further impairment on pasta quality. | RESUMO Massas alimentícias apresentam boa aceitação em todo o mundo, principalmente devido à sua versatilidade, baixo preço e facilidade de preparo, porém, não são nutricionalmente equilibradas fornecendo basicamente carboidratos. Assim sendo, o uso de ingredientes alternativos que reduzam as essas deficiências nutricionais, sem afetar, no entanto, suas características tecnológicas e sensoriais. Este trabalho avaliou o efeito da utilização de semolina de trigo e pericarpo micronizado de milho (PMM) na composição físico -química, qualidade de cozimento e cor de massas tipo espaguete. Espaguete foi produzido utilizando farinha de trigo, com a incorporação de pericarpo de milho, nas concentrações de 0, 10, 20 e 30%. Não foram observadas diferenças no conteúdo de umidade e lipídios, tempo de cozimento, ganho de peso e aumento de volume (p > 0,05). Foi possível observar que a suplementação com pericarpo micronizado de milho apresentou diferença significativa no conteúdo de proteínas, minerais, fibras alimentares e perda de sólidos solúveis dos espaguetes (p < 0,05). Com o aumento da concentração de pericarpo micronizado de milho, a diferença de cor foi acentuada. A utilização de PMM mostrou-se viável, apresentando um produto enriquecido nutricionalmente sem maiores comprometimentos à qualidade final das massas.