Expansion and intensification of agroecosystems is one of the major causes of habitat loss in the savanna biome in South Africa. As such, this study sought to determine the influence of commercial subtropical fruit plantations (banana and macadamia) on species richness, abundance, and composition of surface-active arthropods compared to the savanna biome. Given that pesticides and herbicides are applied from spring to early autumn in banana and macadamia plantations, we sampled in winter to reduce the potential impact of pesticides and herbicides. Surface-active arthropods were sampled using pitfall traps. Habitat type did not affect species richness and abundance of ants and spiders, as well as species richness of beetles. However, significantly greater abundance of beetles was recorded in the macadamia plantation compared to the banana and savanna. This could have been due to greater abundance of herbivorous beetles and other insects, which would have increased the diversity of predatory beetles. Furthermore, unlike the banana plantation, the macadamia plantation was characterised by a deep leaf litter layer and the presence of weeds and grasses, which probably increased abundance of beetles. Species composition indicated that the studied arthropod taxa associate with specific habitats, as demonstrated by the three habitats supporting different species composition. Despite savanna habitat not supporting high species richness or abundance of surface-active arthropods, we recorded the highest number of unique species of ants and spiders in the savanna rather than in the plantations. These results highlight the importance of natural landscapes in conservation of surface-active arthropods.

Abstract The macondo tree [Cavanillesia platanifolia (Bonpl.) Kunth] is a native species, characteristic of dry forest, beautiful landscape, and cultural value; however, phenotypic variability and canopy opacity are unknow. The Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria - AGROSAVIA has a young plantation of this species in the Zona Bananera, department of Magdalena, in which growth and adaptation to agroecological conditions are evaluated. The characterization included 30 plant morphological descriptors to evaluate 83 trees of 5.3 years of age as well as the evaluation of canopy structure in three plots. The qualitative and quantitative descriptors were analyzed by multiple correspondence analysis and principal components analysis respectively to reduce data dimensionality, followed by cluster analysis using WARD algorithm for grouping individuals. 19 quantitative and qualitative tree and leaf variables showed variation between the individuals of C. platanifolia, which were classified into five groups accumulating 99.87% of the original variability. Individuals with potential of use in agroforestry systems, arboriculture and biomass production were identified in this clusters. The juvenile individuals of C. platanifolia have a low leaf area index (0.29 to 2.03) and canopy openness among 17% and 71%.

Resumen El árbol de macondo [Cavanillesia platanifolia (Humb. & Bonpl.) Kunth] es una especie nativa, característica del bosque seco, de belleza paisajística e importancia cultural en el Caribe colombiano; sin embargo, se desconoce la variabilidad fenotípica y la estructura del dosel. La Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria - AGROSAVIA, cuenta con una plantación juvenil de esta especie en la Zona Bananera, departamento del Magdalena, en la cual se evalúa su crecimiento y adaptación a las condiciones agroecológicas. La caracterización aquí presentada incluyó 30 descriptores morfológicos de planta para evaluar 83 árboles de 5.3 años, así como la evaluación de la estructura del dosel en tres parcelas. Con el fin de reducir la dimensionalidad de los datos, los descriptores cualitativos y cuantitativos se analizaron mediante análisis de correspondencias múltiples y análisis de componentes principales respectivamente. Después se hizo un análisis de conglomerados, utilizando el algoritmo de WARD para el agrupamiento de los individuos. Diecinueve variables cuantitativas y cualitativas de árbol y hoja presentaron variación entre los individuos de C. platanifolia, que se clasificaron en cinco grupos acumulando 99.87% de la variabilidad original. En estos conglomerados se identificaron individuos con potencial de uso en sistemas agroforestales, arboricultura y producción de biomasa. Los individuos juveniles de C. platanifolia presentan un índice de área foliar bajo (0.29 y 2.03) y apertura del dosel entre 17% y 71%.

RESUMO A produção de bananas requer estratégias que melhor identifiquem a variabilidade das áreas fertirrigadas, considerando que a produção pode ser reduzida mediante cultivo consecutivo em solos com restrições químicas e de diferentes altitudes. Objetivouse estudar a variabilidade espacial dos atributos químicos e estoque de carbono do solo e relacioná-los à altitude de um bananal fertirrigado por microaspersão. O estudo foi realizado em perímetro irrigado de Nupeba (Riachão das Neves/BA), em área cultivada há 18 anos com banana prata. Em abril de 2017, amostras simples de solo foram coletadas em área com altitude mínima de 440,6 m e máxima de 445,8 m, nas profundidades de 0-0,20 m e 0,20-0,40 m, com uma malha experimental composta por 40 pontos georreferenciados e espaçados a cada 10 metros. Foram determinados: pH, carbono orgânico total (COT), matéria orgânica do solo (OM), nitrogênio (N), fósforo (P), potássio (K+), cálcio (Ca2+), magnésio (Mg2+), alumínio (Al3+), acidez potencial (H+Al), soma de bases (SB), capacidade de troca catiônica (CEC), saturação por base (V%) e estoque de carbono (Est C). Os dados foram avaliados pelos métodos da estatística descritiva e geoestatística e apresentou distribuição normal. Houve variabilidade espacial, permitindo a elaboração de mapas de fertilidade. Os mapas apontaram que a altitude influencia principalmente a OM, COT, N e Est C, mostrando também a distribuição e a concentração dos nutrientes no solo, o que possibilita minimizar a variabilidade por meio da aplicação de fertilizantes em quantidades variadas, visando sua oferta homogênea às bananeiras.

ABSTRACT Banana production requires strategies to assess the variability of fertigation areas since production can be reduced by consecutive cultivation in chemically-restricted soils and at different elevations. From this perspective, this study aimed to investigate the spatial variability of soil chemical attributes and the soil carbon stock and relate these parameters to the elevation of a banana plantation fertigated by a micro-sprinkler system. The study was conducted at the Irrigation Perimeter Nupeba (Riachão das Neves/BA), in an area cultivated with the banana cultivar Prata for 18 years. In April 2017, single soil samples were collected in an area with a minimum elevation of 440.6 m and a maximum of 445.8 m, at the depths of 0-0.20 m and 0.20-0.40 m, with a sampling grid composed of 40 georeferenced points and spaced 10 meters. The following parameters were determined: pH, total organic carbon (COT), soil organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), aluminum (Al3+), potential acidity (H+Al), sum of bases (SB), cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation (V%), and carbon stock (Est C). The data were evaluated by descriptive statistics and geostatistics and showed normal distribution. There was spatial variability, allowing the construction of fertility maps. The maps showed that the elevation especially influences the OM, COT, N, and Est C, also showing the distribution and concentration of nutrients in the soil, allowing to minimize the variability through the application of varied nutrient contents aiming at their homogeneous supply to banana plants.

Abstract This literature review describes from the agronomic point of view, the problems associated with Fe accumulation in banana agroecosystems. The objective of this research was to analyze the factors involved in the accumulation of large amounts of Fe in banana plantations, through the analysis of literature published on this subject in different databases, and the information was compared with foliar and soil analysis of a banana plantation located around Milagro, Ecuador. Results show several factors influencing the accumulation of Fe, which can be transported to the foliage, for which the type of soil is a determining factor together with the cultural practices that preserve the soil microbiome, being the drivers of siderophore metabolites that retain or metabolize heavy metals such as Fe. The results of foliar and soil analysis show nutritional imbalances caused by anthropogenic factors and a high bioaccumulation of Fe in the banana crop in the studied area. In conclusion, we can presently understand better the role of Fe in the banana plantation; however, more research on this element related to anthropogenic pressure and the type of plantation soil needs to be developed. In addition, it is important to explore the biotechnological opportunities that can be offered by siderophore microorganisms present in banana agroecosystems.

Resumen La presente revisión bibliográfica describe desde el punto de vista agronómico las problemáticas asociadas a la acumulación de hierro (Fe) en agroecosistemas bananeros. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar los factores que intervienen en la acumulación de grandes cantidades de Fe en plantaciones bananeras, a través de análisis de literatura publicados sobre este tema en distintas bases de datos, la información fue comparada con análisis foliares y suelos de una plantación bananera ubicada en la zona de Milagro, Ecuador. Los resultados muestran diversos factores que influyen en la acumulación de Fe y que el mismo puede ser transportado al follaje, para lo que el tipo de suelo es un factor determinante junto a las labores culturales que preservan el microbioma del suelo, siendo los impulsores de metabolitos sideróforos que retienen o metabolizan los metales pesados como el Fe. Los resultados de análisis foliares y de suelos muestran desequilibrios nutricionales ocasionados por factores antropogénicos y una alta bioacumulación de Fe en el cultivo de banano de la zona estudiada. En conclusión, al momento podemos comprender mejor el papel que desempeña el Fe en la plantación bananera; no obstante, se tienen que desarrollar más investigaciones de este elemento relacionado a la presión antropogénica y el tipo de suelo de la plantación. Además, es importante explorar las oportunidades biotecnológicas que pueden ofrecer los microorganismos sideróforos presentes en los agroecosistemas bananeros.

RESUMEN La producción de banano (Musa AAA Simmonds cv. Williams) para exportación en Urabá, Colombia es una fuente importante de ingresos para la región, lo que se ve reflejado en la oferta aproximada de 40 000 puestos de trabajo. El proceso productivo requiere investigación en diversos temas, siendo la fertilización una prioridad. En el presente estudio se evaluó el efecto de dosis de N sobre las relaciones nutricionales existentes en el racimo de banano en dos ciclos. Se empleó un cultivo de sexta generación, el cual fue evaluado durante las etapas de llenado de fruto y cosecha. Se utilizó un enfoque multivariado para el análisis de varianza del diseño en medidas repetidas, con dos factores entre-sujetos (fertilización y repeticiones) y uno intrasujetos asociado al ciclo. Se ajustaron los modelos con las etapas fenológicas. Se encontró sinergia entre Mg:Ca+N, Zn:B, K:Cu, K:P, y Ca:Cu siendo las relaciones K:P y K:Cu las únicas que presentaron un comportamiento directamente proporcional con las variables de producción. Valores óptimos de la interacción K:Cu+K:P (35.11-39.05) conllevaron a una mayor acumulación de masa seca en el racimo (4.24 kg) en los tratamientos de 321.8 y 483 kg ha-1 de N para las etapas evaluadas.

ABSTRACT The production of bananas (Musa AAA Simmonds cv. Williams) for export in Uraba, Colombia is an important source of income for the region, reflected in the offer of approximately 40,000 jobs. Production requires research into various subjects, with fertilization being a priority. In this study, the effect of N doses on the nutrient relationships existing in a banana bunch during two cycles was evaluated. A sixth-generation plantation was used and evaluated during the fruit filling and harvest stages. A multivariate approach was used for the analysis of variance of the design in repeated measures, with two factors between subjects (fertilization and repetitions), and one intra-subject associated with the cycle. The models were adjusted with the phenological stages. Synergy was found between Mg:Ca+N, Zn:B, K:Cu, K:P, and Ca:Cu, with K:P and K:Cu ratios being the only ones that showed a directly proportional behavior with the production variables. Optimal values of the interaction K:Cu+K:P (35.11-39.05) led to a greater accumulation of dry mass in the bunch (4.24 kg) in the treatments of 321.8 and 483 kg N ha-1 for the evaluated stages.

ABSTRACT The research was developed at the Tropical Crops Research Institute, with the aim of defining the best planting distance of the banana clone 'Manzano INIVIT'. It was planted on a carbonated soft brown soil. Fourth plantation frames of 3.50 m x 2.00 m were used; 3.50 m x 2.50 m; 3.50 m x 3.00 m and 3.50 m x 3.50 m. The evaluations made were, plant height, pseudostem perimeter, number of leaves in flowering and harvest, bunch weight and agricultural yield. The height of the plant showed its lowest values in the intermediate distances. The thickness of the pseudostem presented the highest value with the distances between plants 3.50 m and 3.0 m of planting density. Regarding the number of leaves at flowering, there were no significant differences between the treatments. The number of hands ranged from 9 to 10 hands per bunch, the distance 3.50 m x 3.00 m being the lowest value compared to the other distances used. The number of fingers per cluster was 115 to 123, where the distance 3.50 m x 3.00 m reached the lowest values. Regarding the weight of the bunch, the highest weights were reached with the distance 3.50 m x 3.50 m. In turn, the best yields were obtained with the distances 3.50 m x 2.00 m and 3.50 m x 2.50 m, the values were 19.29 and 17.71 t ha-1.

RESUMEN La investigación se desarrolló en el Instituto de Investigaciones de Viandas Tropicales, con el objetivo de definir la mejor distancia de plantación del clon de banano 'Manzano INIVIT'. Se plantó sobre un suelo Pardo mullido carbonatado. Se utilizaron cuarto marcos de plantación de 3,50 m x 2,00 m; 3,50 m x 2,50 m; 3,50 m x 3,00 m y 3,50 m x 3,50 m. Las evaluaciones realizadas fueron, altura de la planta, perímetro de seudotallo, número de hojas en la floración y la cosecha, peso del racimo y rendimiento agrícola. La altura de la planta mostró sus valores más bajos en las distancias intermedias. EL grosor del seudotallo presentó el mayor valor con las distancias entre plantas 3,50 m y 3,0 m de densidad de siembra. En cuanto al número de hojas a la floración, no hubo diferencias significativas entre los tratamientos. El número de manos estuvo en rangos de 9 a 10 manos por racimo siendo la distancia 3,50 m x 3,00 m la de menor valor en comparación con las demás distancias utilizadas. La cantidad de dedos por racimo fue de 115 a 123, donde la distancia 3,50 m x 3,00 m alcanzó los menores valores. Los mayores pesos de racimos se alcanzaron a la distancia 3,50 m x 3,50 m; a su vez, los mejores rendimientos fueron obtenidos en las distancias 3,50 m x 2,00 m y 3,50 m x 2,50 m con 19,29 y 17,71 t ha-1, respectivamente.

ABSTRACT Soil deterioration, yield decline and soil microbial activity reduction caused by banana (Musa × paradisiaca L.) monoculture is threatening the sustainability of banana production in China. Therefore, it is necessary to study the benefits of rotation on soil quality. This study aimed to assess the effects of rotation and tillage on soil properties in a banana plantation for 25 yr. Treatments consisted of three rotation methods (banana-pineapple, BA; banana-cowpea, BP; banana-rice, BR) and banana monoculture (CK) combined with two tillage intensities (no-tillage, NT; conventional tillage, CT). Soil samples were taken at depth of 0-40 cm in 2019-2020. In comparison with CK, BA and BR increased soil moisture, pH, total organic C and available P, but decreased soil bulk density. Microbial biomass C and N at booting stage were 46.1% and 39.2% higher in BA and BR than those in CK. Urease, dehydrogenase and β-glucosidase obtained a mean of 34.1% increase in BP and 23.8% increase in BR compared with BA. Higher total N, NO3-N, available K and macro aggregate were showed in NT compared with CT, whereas porosity was 24.8% lower in NT than in CT. CO2, N2O and CH4 emissions were in average around between one third and two fifth lower in no-tillage compared with conventional tillage. In general, rotations combined with no-tillage led to a positive effect on soil quality, as evidenced by increase of soil moisture, total N, microbial biomass C and urease and accompanying increase in banana yield. In order to sustain higher productivity, application of rotation and no-tillage is of considerable importance.

Resumen Existen diversas modalidades de escasez alimentaria. Una de ellas procede de las condiciones de explotación laboral de los trabajadores en las plantaciones bananeras. Esta situación se representa en Mamita Yunai, Bananos y Prisión verde. El control de los cuerpos de los trabajadores -perteneciente al ámbito de la biopolítica, desde Foucault- se expresa, entre otras prácticas de la empresa transnacional capitalista, a través del monopolio de la distribución y consumo de los alimentos los trabajadores. El sometimiento o la rebelión hacia estas prácticas de control de la alimentación son dos posibilidades que se le ofrecen a los peones bananeros.

Abstract There are different modalities of food shortage. One of them derives from the conditions of labor explotations of workers in banana plantations. This situation is represented in Mamita Yunai, Bananos, and Prisión verde. The control over the bodies of the workers-following Foucault’s concept of biopolitics-is expressed, among other practices of the capitalist transnational corporation, through the monopoly of the distribution and consumption of food. The submission to or rebellion against these practices of food control are the two possibilities that banana plantation workers have at their disposal.

Fusarium wilt, caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), poses a major threat to banana production globally. A variant of Foc that originated in Southeast Asia, called tropical race 4 (TR4), was detected on a Cavendish banana export plantation (Metocheria) in northern Mozambique in 2013. Foc TR4 was rapidly disseminated on the farm, and affected approximately half a million plants within 3 years. The fungus was also detected on a second commercial property approximately 200 km away (Lurio farm) a year later, and on a small-grower's property near Metocheria farm in 2015. Surveys in Mozambique showed that non-Cavendish banana varieties were only affected by Foc race 1 and race 2 strains. The testing of Cavendish banana somaclones in northern Mozambique revealed that GCTCV-119 was most resistant to Foc TR4, but that GCTCV-218 produced better bunches. The occurrence of Foc TR4 in northern Mozambique poses a potential threat to food security on the African continent, where banana is considered a staple food and source of income to millions of people. Cavendish somaclones can be used, in combination with integrated disease management practices, to replace susceptible Cavendish cultivars in southern Africa. The comprehensive testing of African cooking bananas for resistance to Foc TR4 is required, along with the improvement of biosecurity and preparedness of growers on the African continent.SIGNIFICANCE: • This paper presents the first official report of the invasive pest Foc TR4 in Africa. • The spread of Foc TR4 on Cavendish banana farms in Mozambique was documented. • Banana varieties that could replace susceptible Cavendish bananas were identified.

ABSTRACT Soil quality degradation caused by intensification is threatening the sustainability of banana (Musa acuminata Colla) production in South China. Hence comprehensive information about the benefits of conservation management on soil quality is urgently needed. This study aimed to assess the effects of tillage and residue on soil biological properties in a banana plantation for 25 yr. Treatments consisted of three tillage methods (conventional tillage, CT; reduced tillage, RT; no tillage, NT) combined with three residue levels (0, NR; 50%, HR; 100%, TR). Soil samples were taken in 2018-2019 from 0-40 cm depth. Soil moisture, pH, total organic C and total N in NT were 28.8%, 22.4%, 39.9% and 34.3% higher than in CT. However, NT decreased available P by 16.7% compared with CT. HR had higher NH4-N and available K and lower bulk density compared with NR. Microbial biomass C and N were on average 39.2% higher in TR than those in NR. Urease, dehydrogenase and β-glucosidase obtained a mean increase of 34.3% in RT compared to CT. Invertase and catalase were on average 32.9% greater when residue was applied than no residue input plots. CO2 and N2O emissions decreased around 37.6% in different tillage treatments, but increased from 39.9% to 62.6% in all residue input plots. In general, soil biological properties are sensitive characters to changes caused by tillage and residue, and consequently they are well-established as soil physicochemical indicators for soil quality evaluation in conservation tillage systems.

Abstract Banana plantation are the fourth most important crop worldwide and the most important tropical fruit. Their cultivation is carried out in more than 120 countries, producing approximately 100 million tons per year. México is one of the principal banana producers and exporters. However, its quality is affected by diseases such as black sigatoka, which, since its first appearance in the country in 1981, has been the disease that generates the greatest economic losses, because it has not been able to eradicate due to the climatic conditions in which it spreads. The principal variables that affect black sigatoka’s presence are temperature and relative humidity; and if it is not controlled, the pathogen can reduce up to 50 % the bunch weight and causes losses up to 100 % of the production. This research paper proposes a fuzzy inference system Takagi-Sugeno type, with a constant output, to determine the risk of black sigatoka proliferation in banana crops, through the analysis of temperature (13-38 °C) and relative humidity (0-100 %). The fuzzy system was developed in two applications, 1) MATLAB fuzzy logic tool and, 2) the library JFuzzyLogic of JAVA language. For testing, historical data of monthly average of temperature and relative humidity were used, from january 2015 to june 2019, in Manzanillo, one of the cities with the greatest banana production in Colima state, México, obtaining similar results with both applications. For the system validation the determination coefficient ( r 2 ) was applied, with results greater than 0.9, demonstrating that the predictive model is acceptable. This research presents an innovative approach using a Takagi-Sugeno diffuse system with constant output that will help to prevent the risk of black sigatoka proliferation, allowing banana crop growers to have a tool to effectively fight the pathogen.

Resumen La plantación de plátano representa el cuarto cultivo más importante a nivel mundial y la fruta tropical de mayor importancia, su cultivo se realiza en más de 120 países, produciendo aproximadamente 100 millones de toneladas al año. México es uno de los principales países productores y exportadores de plátano. Sin embargo, su calidad se ve afectada por enfermedades tales como la sigatoka negra, que ha sido la enfermedad que genera mayores pérdidas económicas, puesto que no se ha logrado controlar debido a las condiciones climáticas en las que se propaga. Las principales variables que influyen en la aparición de la sigatoka negra son la temperatura y la humedad relativa; y si no se controla, el agente patógeno puede reducir hasta en 50 % del peso del racimo y causar pérdidas de hasta 100 % de la producción. Este trabajo de investigación propone un sistema de inferencia difuso tipo Takagi-Sugeno, con salida constante, para determinar el riesgo de proliferación de la sigatoka negra en cultivos de plátano, por medio del análisis de la temperatura (13-38 °C) y la humedad relativa (0-100 %). El sistema difuso se desarrolló en dos aplicaciones; siendo éstas, la herramienta de lógica difusa de MATLAB y la librería JFuzzyLogic del lenguaje JAVA; para las pruebas se utilizaron datos históricos del promedio mensual de temperatura y humedad relativa, desde enero de 2015 hasta junio de 2019, en Manzanillo, uno de los municipios de mayor producción de plátano del estado de Colima, obteniendo resultados similares con ambas aplicaciones. Para la validación del sistema se aplicó el coeficiente de determinación (r 2 ), debido a que esta métrica ha sido utilizada en trabajos previos de investigación, con resultados mayores a 0.9, demostrando que el modelo predictivo es aceptable. Esta investigación presenta un enfoque innovador utilizando un sistema de inferencia difuso tipo Takagi-Sugeno con salida constante que contribuye a prevenir el riesgo de proliferación de la sigatoka negra, permitiendo a los productores de cultivos de plátano tener una herramienta para combatir eficazmente el agente patógeno.

ABSTRACT Considerable attention has been given to the development of new nutritional management strategies that can contribute to banana production be overestimated. The present study was motivated by the possibility that fertilizer application in front of the daughter plant might be more effective than application to the total banana production area. This study aimed to determine the most suitable site for soil collection to evaluate the chemical properties when fertilizer is applied in front of the daughter plant; to evaluate the efficacy of organic-mineral fertilizer in terms of soil nutrient availability, and to evaluate the effect on banana production. The experiment was conducted in three consolidated areas of banana plantation in Santa Catarina State. The effects of the combination of two main factors were evaluated: three fertilizer sources (mineral, mineral + organic compost or organic-mineral) and two application management (total area or in front of the plants), together with time (three years) and location (three municipalities). Each treatment was evaluated using a grid containing 20 banana plants (spaced at 2.5 × 2.5 m), with three replications of two plants in the central part. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The use of a mineral source reduced the pH over the years, regardless of the application technique. Application of fertilizers in front of the daughter plant increased available P and K in the soil, compared to the application of fertilizers to the total area “uniformly distributed between banana planting lines and between plants”. In addition, the increase in soil P content was higher using organic-mineral sources. The nutrient contents in the banana leaves did not differ according to the fertilization source. The application of fertilizers in front of the daughter plant optimized banana fertilization and increased fruit production. Under these fertilization conditions, soil for chemical analyses should be collected at around 0.70 m from the site of fertilizer application.

Abstract Ecuador is the world's first banana exporter with more than 317 million boxes per year, and contributes 26 % of agricultural GDP, generating around 2.5 million direct and indirect jobs. Ecuador produces 19 000 ha and exports 36 000 t organic bananas. Postharvest losses fluctuate between 10 and 80 %, caused by inadequate postharvest and crop management. The present study aims to determine the physical and chemical quality of organic fruit and quantify post-harvest losses. The research was carried out in the organic banana plantation located in the province of Los Ríos (Ecuador). A completely randomized block design (DBCA) was used in a 7 x 2 factorial arrangement. The factors were: 1) harvest time (February-August), and 2) quality of export fruit (1st and 2nd) with 3 repetitions. The variables studied were based on 20 clusters. From the results obtained, it follows that the physical and chemical quality of the fruit is influenced by the harvest season, since they grew and developed in different environmental conditions. In general, 82 % of the production is destined for export, since it meets the quality standards.

Resumen Ecuador es el primer exportador de banano del mundo con más de 317 millones de cajas por año, lo que aporta el 26 % del PIB agrícola y genera alrededor de 2.5 millones de empleos directos e indirectos. Ecuador produce 19 000 ha y exporta 36 000 t de banano orgánico. Respecto a las pérdidas poscosecha, estas fluctúan entre el 10 y 80 % y son causadas por un inadecuado manejo tanto de la poscosecha como en lo agronómico. Este estudio tiene el objetivo de determinar la calidad física y química de la fruta orgánica y cuantificar las pérdidas poscosecha. La investigación se llevó a cabo en una plantación de banano orgánico ubicada en la provincia de Los Ríos (Ecuador). Se utilizó un diseño de bloques completamente al azar (DBCA) en arreglo factorial 7 x 2. Los factores fueron las épocas de cosecha (febrero-agosto), y la calidad de la fruta de exportación (primera y segunda) con 3 repeticiones. Las variables estudiadas se determinaron con base en 20 racimos. De los resultados obtenidos, se deduce que la calidad física y química del fruto está influenciada por la época de cosecha, ya que los racimos crecieron y desarrollaron en diferentes condiciones ambientales. En general, el 82 % de la producción se destina para la exportación, debido a que cumple los estándares de calidad.

RESUMEN El efecto de la rotación de nematicida en peso de raíces, control de nematodos y la producción se comparó en una plantación comercial de banano (Musa AAA cv. Williams) en Ecuador, evaluando seis tratamientos en un diseño de bloques al azar con 6 repeticiones. Los tratamientos consistieron en dos, tres y cuatro aplicaciones de diferentes nematicidas por año más el testigo sin aplicación. El promedio de los 24 muestreos realizados después de la aplicación de los tratamientos mostró que la aplicación de nematicidas redujo la población de R. similis (P<0.0001) entre un 20 y un 49%, Helicotylenchus spp. (P<0.0001) entre un 31 y un 51% y del total de nematodos (P<0.0001) entre un 29 y un 49%. En congruencia, en las plantas tratadas con nematicida se encontró un aumento entre 16 y 21% en el peso de raíces vivas (P=0.0003) y en su porcentaje (P<0.0001) en los hijos de sucesión, que alcanzó entre 74.5 y 81.7%. También se observó una reducción (P=0.0009) en la muerte de raíces por nematodos de entre un 20 y un 46%. A la cosecha, las aplicaciones de nematicida aumentaron el peso de racimo (P=0.0002; P=0.0467), ratio (P=0.0003 a los 12 meses), retorno (P<0.0001; P<0.0001) y el número de cajas de 18.14 kg (P<0.0001; P=0.0005) por hectárea por año a los 12 y 24 meses después de la aplicación de los tratamientos, respectivamente. En las plantas tratadas con nematicida el aumento varió de 671 a 1,158 (12.2 a 21.0 t) y de 545 a 1,046 (9.9 a 19.0 t) cajas de 18.14 kg por hectárea por año, lo que resultó en una ganancia neta entre US $3,266 y US $5,750 y entre US $2,587 y US $5,144 por hectárea por año, a los 12 y 24 meses después de la aplicación de los tratamientos, respectivamente.

RESUMEN The effects of nematicide rotation on banana (Musa AAA cv. Williams) root weight, root nematode control, and crop yield were compared in a commercial banana plantation in Ecuador, testing six treatments in a randomized complete block design with six replicates. Treatments consisted of two, three and four different nematicide cycles per year plus the untreated control. Regarding the untreated plants and averaging the 24 root nematode samplings after treatment application, the nematicide applications reduced significantly R. similis (P<0.0001) between 20 and 49%, Helicotylenchus spp. (P<0.0001) between 31 and 51%, and total nematode populations (P<0.0001) between 29 and 49%. Accordingly, in the treated plants, there was an increase between 16 and 21% in living root weight (P=0.0003), and its percentage (P<0.0001) reached between 74.5 and 81.7% in the follower suckers. In addition, the death of roots by nematodes decreased (P=0.0009) between 20 and 46%. At harvest, nematicide applications increased bunch weight (P=0.0002; P=0.0467), ratio (P=0.0003 at 12 months), ratooning (P<0.0001; P<0.0001) and the number of boxes of 18.14 kg (P<0.0001; P=0.0005) per hectare per year at 12 and 24 months after treatment application, respectively. Plants treated with nematicides increased yield between 671 and 1,158 (12.2 - 21 t) and the number of boxes of 18.14 kg per hectare per year also increased between 545 and 1,046 (9.9 - 19.0 t), which resulted in a net profit between US $3,266 - $5,750 and between US $2,587 and $5,144 per hectare per year at 12 and 24 months after treatment application, respectively.

Resumo O objetivo foi avaliar a influência de variáveis ambientais sobre a fauna de formigas em um fragmento de floresta nativa e em áreas cultivadas. Os dados foram coletados no município de Seropédica - RJ, nas estações chuvosa e seca, em um cultivo de bananas (Musa pariadisiaca L.), uma agrofloresta, um cafezal (Coffea conephora Pierre) sombreado com Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) e um fragmento de floresta (8 ha) em estágio intermediário de sucessão secundária. Para a amostragem, foram utilizadas armadilhas de queda tipo pitfall e extratores de Winkler. Foram coletadas 53 espécies de formigas, ocorrendo maior riqueza de espécies na agrofloresta (38 espécies), seguida do cafezal (31 espécies), floresta secundária (29 espécies) e plantação de bananeiras (28 espécies). Na estação seca houve o efeito do tipo de uso do solo e da profundidade de serapilheira sobre a riqueza e diversidade de espécies de formigas. Nas duas estações, a composição de espécies de formigas variou significativamente entre todas as áreas estudadas. Os sistemas agroflorestais funcionam como alternativa às monoculturas pela diversidade de espécies cultivadas e estratos vegetais que apresentam. Neste sentido, o aumento da heterogeneidade estrutural do ambiente e da profundidade de serapilheira, em áreas cultivadas na estação seca, proporciona maior riqueza e diversidade de espécies de formigas, além de mudanças na composição de espécies.

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the influence of environmental variables on the ant fauna, in cultivated areas and in a native forest fragment. The data were collected in the municipality of Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro state, in the rainy and dry seasons, in a banana plantation (Musa pariadisiaca L.), an agroforest, a coffee plantation (Coffea conephora Pierre) shaded with Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) and a forest fragment (8 ha) in the intermediate stage of secondary succession. For the sampling, soil pitfall traps and the Winkler extractor were used. A total of 53 species were collected in the present study. The highest species richness was observed in the agroforestry (38 species), followed by shaded coffee (31 species), secondary forest (29 species) and banana plantation (28 species). In the dry season there was effect of land use type and leaf litter depth on the richness and diversity of ant species. In both seasons, ant species composition varied significantly among all the studied areas. The agroforestry systems are important alternatives to monocultures due to their diversity of cultivated species and plant strata. Thus, the increase of the structural heterogeneity of the environment and the leaf litter depth, in cultivated areas in the dry season, may lead to greater species richness and diversity as well as changes in the species composition.