Resumen Introducción. Las regiones cultivables a menudo carecen de nutrientes suficientes en el suelo, por lo que es necesario utilizar fertilizantes. Sin embargo, el uso excesivo de fertilizantes puede dañar el medioambiente, la salud humana y la seguridad alimentaria. Los reguladores de crecimiento naturales derivados de plantas son respetuosos con el medioambiente y tienen un precio razonable. Las fitohormonas jasmonato de metilo (MeJA) y ácido salicílico (SA) son cruciales para mejorar la biomasa vegetal, la calidad, la productividad y la resistencia a tensiones ambientales. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto foliar de MeJA y SA sobre la calidad y la producción de frutos de cultivares de tomate en condiciones de invernadero. Materiales y métodos. La prueba se llevó a cabo en la Universidad de Diyala, Irak, del 1 de diciembre de 2022 al 5 de junio de 2023. Se evaluaron aplicaciones foliares de 0 mg/L, 200 mg/L de SA y 200 mg/L de MeJA para determinar los efectos sobre calidad de fruto y la producción cultivares de tomate cherry de crecimiento vegetativo indeterminado: LA4013, LA353, LA2921, LA3899 e IQ2, con un diseño de bloques completos al azar y tres repeticiones por tratamiento. Resultados. El cultivar IQ2 produjo la fruta más pesada (82,13 g), el mayor rendimiento por planta (4,56 kg/planta), el mayor rendimiento total (4,56 t/invernadero) y la mayor acidez titulable (0,62 %). El cultivar LA4013 presentó el mayor número de frutos (612,88 frutos/planta) y el mayor contenido de sólidos solubles totales (2,933 %). La aplicación foliar de SA a 200 mg/L resultó en el índice de clorofila más alto (36,68 SPAD), el mayor número de frutos (373,73 frutos/planta), el mayor rendimiento por planta (3,15 kg/planta) y el mayor rendimiento total (3,93 t/invernadero). Conclusión. Al considerar todas las variables en conjunto, los mejores genotipos fueron IQ2 y LA4013, los cuales resultaron superiores a los demás genotipos en los ensayos de calidad y rendimiento. La aplicación foliar de SA a 200 mg/L mejoró el rendimiento y la calidad de los tomates cherry en condiciones de invernadero.

Abstract Introduction. Arable regions often lack sufficient soil nutrients, which means that fertilizers must be used. However, using fertilizers excessively can harm the environment, human health and food safety. Natural growth regulators derived from plants are environmentally friendly and reasonably priced. The phytohormones methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and salicylic acid (SA) are crucial for enhancing plant biomass, quality, productivity and resistance to environmental stresses. Objective. To evaluate the foliar effect of MeJA and SA on fruit quality and production of colorful tomato cultivars under greenhouse conditions. Materials and methods. The trial was conducted at the University of Diyala, Iraq, from December 1, 2022, to June 5, 2023. Foliar applications of 0 mg/L, 200 mg/L SA and 200 mg/L MeJA were evaluated to determine their effects on fruit quality and production of colorful indeterminate cherry tomato cultivars: LA4013, LA353, LA2921, LA3899 and IQ2. A randomized complete block design was used, with each treatment having three replicates. Results. The cultivar IQ2 produced the heaviest fruit (82.13 g), the highest plant yield (4.56 kg/plant), the highest total yield (4.56 t/house) and the highest titratable acidity (0.62 %). The cultivar LA4013 had the highest fruit number (612.88 fruits/plant) and the highest total soluble solids (2.933 %). The foliar application of 200 mg/L SA resulted in the highest chlorophyll index (36.68 SPAD), the highest fruit number (373.73 fruits/plant), the highest plant yield (3.15 kg/plant) and the highest total yield (3.93 t/house). Conclusion. Considering all variables together, the best-performing genotypes were IQ2 and LA4013, which were superior to other genotypes in quality and yield trials. The foliar application of 200 mg/L SA improved both yield and quality of cherry tomatoes under greenhouse conditions.

RESUMO O uso de águas com alta concentração de sais no cultivo do cajueiro se faz necessário na região semiárida do Nordeste brasileiro, devido à escassez hídrica e à má distribuição das chuvas. O excesso de sais na água é um fator limitante para a produção agrícola. Nesse cenário, estratégias têm sido empregadas para mitigar os efeitos nocivos do estresse salino sobre as plantas, destacando-se o uso do ácido salicílico. Com isso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da aplicação foliar de ácido salicílico sobre os aspectos fisiológicos e crescimento do cajueiro anão precoce cultivado sob estresse salino na fase de pré-floração. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação utilizando o delineamento em blocos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial 5 × 4, com cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (CEa - 0,4; 1,2; 2,0; 2,8 e 3,6 dS m-1) e quatro concentrações de ácido salicílico - AS (0, 1, 2 e 3 mM), com três repetições. O ácido salicílico, aplicado na concentração de 1 mM, atenuou os efeitos do estresse salino na morfofisiologia do cajueiro durante a fase de pré-floração, especialmente em plantas irrigadas com CEa de até 1,2 dS m-1. Por outro lado, a concentração de 3 mM AS elevou os efeitos negativos do estresse salino no teor relativo de água, extravasamento de eletrólitos, pigmentos fotossintéticos, trocas gasosas e crescimento de cajueiro anão precoce, particularmente em CEa de 3,6 dS m-1.

ABSTRACT The use of water with high concentration of salts in cashew cultivation is a necessity in the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil, due to water scarcity and poor rainfall distribution. Excess salts in water are a limiting factor for agricultural production. In this scenario, strategies have been employed to mitigate the harmful effects of salt stress on plants, and the use of salicylic acid stands out. With this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of salicylic acid on the physiology and growth of early dwarf cashew grown under salt stress in the pre-flowering stage. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a randomized block design, in a 5 × 4 factorial arrangement, with five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (ECw - 0.4, 1.2, 2.0, 2.8, and 3.6 dS m-1) and four concentrations of salicylic acid (SA - 0, 1, 2, and 3 mM), with three replicates. Salicylic acid, applied at a concentration of 1 mM, mitigated the negative impacts of salt stress on the morphophysiology of cashew during the pre-flowering phase, especially in plants irrigated with ECw of up to 1.2 dS m-1. On the other hand, the concentration of 3 mM SA exacerbated the effects of salt stress on the relative water content, electrolyte leakage, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange, and growth of early dwarf cashew, particularly at ECw of 3.6 dS m-1.

Abstract:The impact of confined masonry walls made of brick and block on the seismic response of reinforced concrete structures commonly used in regional housing is investigated. The membrane stiffness factors of the masonry walls were determined using a combination of equivalent diagonal modeling techniques and Shell elements. The results obtained from both modeling approaches were compared and iteratively adjusted, showing peaks at wall opening percentages of 5% and 25%. These factors depend on the type and percentage of opening, type of masonry, and frame span, with reductions ranging from 80% to 90%. The analysis revealed significant changes of approximately 25% in the center of rigidity during the initial seismic cycles due to confined masonry walls. This behavior can induce torsional effects and severe structural damage, including collapse. The masonry walls modeled as compression diagonals allowed a better understanding of their contribution to the lateral load resistance. The membrane stiffness factors obtained for Shell elements provide a valuable tool for accurately modeling confined masonry in reinforced concrete structures, improving seismic design and evaluation of housing structures, thus enhancing their safety and resilience against seismic events.

Resumen:Se investiga el impacto de los muros de mampostería confinada de ladrillo y bloque en la respuesta sísmica de estructuras de hormigón armado comúnmente utilizadas en viviendas de la región. Utilizando una combinación de técnicas de modelado de diagonales equivalentes y elementos tipo "Shell", se encontraron los factores de rigidez de membrana de los muros de mampostería. Los resultados obtenidos con ambos enfoques de modelado fueron comparados y ajustados iterativamente y muestran picos en porcentajes de abertura del 5% y del 25%. Dichos factores dependen del tipo y porcentaje de abertura, tipo de mampostería, y luz del pórtico, con reducciones que van del 80% al 90%. El análisis reveló cambios significativos de aproximadamente 25% en el centro de rigidez durante los ciclos sísmicos iniciales debido a la presencia de muros de mampostería confinada. Este comportamiento puede generar efectos torsionales y daños estructurales graves, incluyendo el colapso. El modelado de los muros de mampostería como diagonales de compresión permitió comprender mejor su contribución a la resistencia a cargas laterales. Los factores de rigidez de membrana obtenidos para los elementos tipo “Shell” proporcionan una herramienta valiosa para modelar con precisión la mampostería confinada en estructuras de hormigón armado, lo que ayuda en la mejora del diseño y la evaluación sísmica de estructuras de viviendas, aumentando su seguridad y resiliencia ante eventos sísmicos.

ABSTRACT Tidal swamp lands in Indonesia, despite their low productivity, hold significant potential for improving maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation and food security. Biostimulants derived from plants, animals, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can enhance productivity and maize yields. Notably, rice husk ash (RHA), rich in silica, and golden apple snail (GAS; Pomacea canaliculata, Lamarck, 1822), containing amino acids, offer growth-promoting benefits. This study examines the impact of liquid RHA, GAS, and microbial inoculant (PGPR) on maize yield in acid sulphate soils from Barambai District, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. A randomized complete block design was used to test nine treatments, including a control (no NPK or biostimulants), full NPK, 75% NPK, and six biostimulant formulations (B1 to B6) combining RHA, GAS, and PGPR with 75% NPK. Biostimulants with more than 50% GAS extract significantly improved maize growth and yield while reducing NPK fertilizer use by 25%. Specifically, biostimulant formulations B1 (10% RHA, 80% GAS, 10% PGPR), B2 (20% RHA, 70% GAS, 10% PGPR), and B3 (30% RHA, 60% GAS, 10% PGPR), combined with 75% NPK, produced 126.0, 125.0, and 111.0 g plant-1, respectively, compared to 97.67 g plant-1 with full NPK. This suggests that biostimulants can reduce fertilizer use without sacrificing yield. The results highlight the role of amino acids in GAS extract for enhancing maize productivity. Biostimulants, particularly those rich in GAS extract, show promise in increasing maize grain yield and reducing reliance on inorganic fertilizers. Further field testing in real-world tidal swamps is needed to validate these findings.

ABSTRACT Armyworm (Spodoptera litura) is the main leaf-damaging pest of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) plants. The research aims to assess the resistance response of soybean advanced lines against S. litura, evaluate their agronomic performance, and select the best genotypes based on multiple traits. The research was conducted in Malang, Indonesia. The evaluation for armyworm resistance was based on the free-choice test (FCT) and no-choice test (NCT). Each study utilized a randomized complete block design with 38 soybean genotypes and four replicates. The results showed that the NCT exerted a higher intensity of leaf damage and greater insect pest pressure compared to the FCT. Two soybean genotypes (G17 and G19) consistently demonstrated resistance to S. litura in both the FCT and NCT. Soybean seed yield has a significant positive correlation with plant height, number of filled pods, number of nodes, and number of branches, thus those characters could be used as indirect selection criteria for soybean yield. The selection based on GT Biplot revealed that G38 (resistant-control variety) and G17 had the best performance for resistance to S. litura, but did not exhibit significantly high seed yield. In contrast, G16 exhibited high yield performance but susceptibility to S. litura. The G36 was the best performer for the number of filled pods, number of nodes, number of branches, plant height, and 100-seed weight, despite being relatively less resistant to S. litura. G17 and G19 are promising candidates for breeding programs aimed at developing high-yielding and armyworm-resistant soybean varieties.

RESUMEN Aunque los perfiles lateríticos del yacimiento Punta Gorda (Moa) han sido clasificados como oxidados, estudios relativos a la calidad de la mena niquelífera han revelado dentro del yacimiento sectores con perfiles del tipo arcilloso y esmectítico. Ello incitó a caracterizar mineralógicamente los horizontes saprolíticos de los perfiles lateríticos en el bloque O-48 del yacimiento, con técnicas de Difracción de rayos-X y Espectroscopía de ICP-AES. Se distinguieron de este modo, perfiles lateríticos constituidos por horizontes propiamente arcillosos (con predominio de caolinita) asociados con perfiles de horizontes esmectíticos-cloríticos. Las esmectitas son del tipo saponita-Fe y montmorillonita y las cloritas del tipo clinocloro, enriquecidas en Fe. La paragénesis del componente esmectítico (Sm)- clorítico (Chl) se interpreta como un proceso de meteorización progresiva de Sm a Chl. En el sector O-48 del depósito Punta Gorda, las saprolitas esmectíticas-cloríticas son las portadoras de la mayor cantidad de níquel, con contenidos desde 1,07 % hasta 1,59 % de NiO, mientras que las caoliníticas son pobres en este metal (menos de 0,69 % de NiO).

ABSTRACT Although the lateritic profiles of Punta Gorda deposit, Moa municipality have been classified as oxidized, studies related to the quality of nickel ore have revealed within the deposit, sectors with clayey and smectite type profiles. This prompted the mineralogical characterization of the saprolitic horizons of the lateritic profiles in the O-48 block of the deposit, with X-ray diffraction and ICP-AES spectroscopy techniques. Lateritic profiles constituted by clay horizons (with predominance of kaolinite) associated with smectitic-chloritic horizons were distinguished. Smectite are Fe- saponite and montmorillonite type and the chlorites of the clinochlorite type, enriched in Fe. The paragenesis of the smectite (Sm)-chloritic (Chl) component is interpreted as a process of progressive weathering from Sm to Chl. In the O-48 sector of the Punta Gorda deposit, the smectitic-chloritic saprolite are the carriers of highest amount of nickel, with contents from 1.07 % to 1.59 % NiO, while the kaolinite ones are poor in this metal (less than 0.69 % NiO).

Abstract Water stress has caused major losses in the agricultural productivity of crops, inducing the search for alternatives for sustainable cultivation. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of watermelon under water stress, inoculated with bacterial strains of the genus Bacillus spp., regarding the biochemical and enzymatic variables in the flowering stage. A randomized block design was adopted in a split-plot 4x4 factorial scheme, with plots consisting of four levels of soil water availability (40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of field capacity - FC) and subplots consisting of four inoculations (Negative Control (NC); XX6.9 bacteria; P6.2 bacteria; MIX - co-inoculation of XX6.9 and P6.2 bacteria), with five replicates. XX6.9 bacteria and NC were the treatments most affected by severe water stress, since at the soil water availability (SWA) level of 40% FC they showed high contents of the oxidative marker (MDA) and proline. Although the inoculation with XX6.9 bacteria promoted a higher content of osmoregulators such as proteins, total soluble sugars and reducing sugars, it was not enough to attenuate the effects of water deficit. On the other hand, treatments with P6.2 bacteria and MIX of bacteria showed reduced levels of MDA at the SWA level of 40% FC, accompanied by high enzymatic activity of POD and CAT, which may contribute to the tolerance of the watermelon crop to water stress.

RESUMO Os efeitos da restrição hídrica no feijão-caupi podem ser revertidos pelo uso de substâncias elicitoras, tais como o ácido salicílico (AS). Desta forma, objetivou-se avaliar o status hídrico, a integridade celular e o crescimento de cultivares de feijão-caupi sob restrição hídrica e pulverização com ácido salicílico em campo. Quatro cultivares de feijão-caupi (BRS Novaera, BRS Tapaihum, BRS Pujante e BRS Pajeu) foram submetidas a duas lâminas de irrigação (restrição hídrica com 50% de reposição da água perdida por evapotranspiração da cultura - ETc e controle com 100% de reposição da ETc) e três concentrações de AS (0, 276 e 552 mg L-1 de AS), combinados em esquema fatorial 4 × 2 × 3, com três repetições, dispostos em delineamento de blocos casualizados. O conteúdo relativo de água na folha (CRA), vazamento de eletrólitos intracelulares (VE), massa da matéria fresca total (MFT) e taxa de crescimento relativo da parte aérea (TCRA) foram avaliados nos estádios fenológicos V7 e R2. A restrição hídrica reduziu CRA, MFT e TCRA e aumentou VE, enquanto a pulverização com 276 mg L-1 de AS reduziu VE e aumentou CRA, MFT e TCRA das cultivares de feijão-caupi sob restrição hídrica, respostas que variam de acordo com a cultivar e estádio fenológico. A cultivar BRS Novaera mostrou-se mais responsiva a aplicação de AS no estádio V7.

ABSTRACT The effects of water restriction on cowpea can be reversed by the use of eliciting substances such as salicylic acid (SA). Thus, the objective was to evaluate the water status, cellular integrity and growth of cowpea cultivars under water restriction and spraying with salicylic acid in the field. Four cowpea cultivars (BRS Novaera, BRS Tapaihum, BRS Pujante and BRS Pajeu) were subjected to two irrigation levels (water restriction with 50% replacement of water lost through crop evapotranspiration - ETc and control with 100% replacement of ETc) and three concentrations of SA (0, 276 and 552 mg L-1 of SA), combined in a 4 × 2 × 3 factorial scheme, with three replicates, arranged in a randomized block design. Relative leaf water content (RWC), intracellular electrolyte leakage (IEL), total fresh mass (TFM) and shoot relative growth rate (SRGR) were evaluated at phenological stages V7 and R2. Water restriction reduced RWC, TFM and SRGR and increased IEL, while spraying with 276 mg L-1 of SA reduced IEL and increased RWC, TFM and SRGR of cowpea cultivars under water restriction, responses that vary according to the cultivar and phenological stage. The cultivar BRS Novaera was more responsive to the application of SA at the V7 stage.

RESUMO A utilização de mudas de alta qualidade pode ser uma estratégia eficaz na restauração de áreas degradadas. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a produção de mudas de Cariniana estrellensis e Gallesia integrifolia utilizando níveis de sombreamento, e o crescimento dessas mudas em área de reflorestamento. De novembro/21 a março/22, a altura e o diâmetro do coleto das mudas foram avaliados, e após 103 dias, a área foliar, a biomassa, o índice de qualidade de Dickson e a produtividade da água foram determinados. Cada espécie constituiu um experimento distinto, disposto em delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro tratamentos (níveis de sombreamento de 0; 37,6; 49,4 e 75,8%) e quatro repetições, com dez mudas por repetição. As mudas foram produzidas em tubetes de 280 mL preenchidos com biossólido e irrigadas por gotejamento com sistema automático de acionamento. Considerando a água proveniente da chuva e a irrigação suplementar, as mudas de C. estrellensis receberam, em média, 3,94; 3,60; 3,37 e 2,97 L por planta, enquanto as de G. integrifolia receberam 3,83; 3,63; 3,99 e 3,31 L por planta, respectivamente, durante o ciclo. As maiores produtividades da água foram encontradas nas mudas que receberam maior volume de água. As mudas de C. estrellensis produzidas com sombreamento de 49,4 e 75,8% apresentaram maior crescimento, e um ano após o transplantio alcançaram, em média, alturas de 76,0 e 72,3 cm, respectivamente. As mudas de G. integrifolia produzidas sob sombreamento de 49,4% apresentaram maior desempenho durante a fase de viveiro e melhor adaptação após transplantio.

ABSTRACT The utilization of high-quality seedlings can be an effective strategy for restoring degraded areas. This study aimed to evaluate the production of Cariniana estrellensis and Gallesia integrifolia seedlings using shading levels and the growth of these seedlings in reforestation areas. From November/21 to March/22, the seedlings’ height and stem diameter were evaluated, and after 103 days, the leaf area, biomass, Dickson quality index and water yield were determined. Each species constituted a distinct experiment, arranged in a randomized block design with four treatments (shading levels of 0, 37.6, 49.4, and 75.8%) and four repetitions, with ten seedlings per repetition. The seedlings were produced in 280 mL tubes filled with biosolids and irrigated by drip with an automatic activation system. Considering water from rain and supplementary irrigation, C. estrellensis seedlings received, on average, 3.94, 3.60, 3.37, and 2.97 L per plant, while G. integrifolia seedlings received 3.83, 3.63, 3.99, and 3.31 L per plant, respectively, during the cycle. The highest water yields were found in seedlings that received the largest volume of water. C. estrellensis seedlings produced under 49.4 and 75.8% shading showed greater growth, and one year after transplanting reached, on average, heights of 76.0 and 72.3 cm, respectively. G. integrifolia seedlings produced under 49.4% shading showed greater performance during the nursery phase and better adaptation after transplanting.

This work describes the synthesis of two poly(lactic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymers (PLA-b-PEG), one containing folic acid, a targeting ligand, and the other containing fluorescein, a marker, both important in drug delivery systems. The copolymerization was carried out using the Ugi multicomponent reaction, which is a one pot reaction that involves the condensation of four components, an aldehyde or ketone, an amine, a carboxylic acid and an isocyanide. For this, poly(lactic acid) was functionalized with an aldehyde group (PLA-CHO) and poly(ethylene glycol) with an amine (PEG-NH2) and a carboxylic acid group (PEG-COOH), to be used in the Ugi reactions. From Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) analyses, it was possible to confirm the synthesis of the block copolymers, in addition to the presence of both folic acid and fluorescein in the chemical structure of the materials. The work demonstrates that the Ugi reaction is an effective method to obtaining copolymers with different functionalities, and these materials have the potential to prepare micro and nanoparticles to be used in the controlled release of drugs.

RESUMO: O arroz-daninho (Oryza sativa L.) é a planta daninha de maior importância na cultura do arroz irrigado, sendo um dos principais fatores que limitam a produtividade do cereal no Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Desse modo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o efeito do uso de herbicidas pré-emergentes no manejo outonal, no controle e redução do banco de sementes de arroz-daninho. Foi realizado experimento no campo em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições, em área comercial de produção de arroz nas safras agrícolas 2021/22 e 2022/23, no município de Dom Pedrito (RS). O esquema utilizado foi fatorial, cujo fator A consistiu em diferentes épocas de aplicação dos herbicidas, sendo denominadas de junho, julho e agosto, que se referem a 100, 78, 47 dias e 42, 26 e 10 dias antes da semeadura do arroz, para os anos agrícolas 2021/22 e 2022/23, respectivamente. O fator B constou da aplicação dos herbicidas s-metolachlor (1440 g i.a. ha-1), sulfentrazone + diuron (210 e 420 g i.a. ha-1), piroxasulfone (170 g i.a. ha-1) e flumioxazin (50 g i.a. ha-1), além da testemunha (sem aplicação). As variáveis avaliadas foram o controle (%), o número de plantas (m-2) na pré-colheita da cultura, número de sementes cheias, viáveis e inviáveis de arroz-daninho m-2 no solo, além da fitotoxicidade (%) à cultura e a produtividade de grãos (kg ha-1). Os herbicidas apresentaram valores de controle abaixo de 25%, e baixa redução do banco de sementes no solo, sendo considerados não eficazes nessa modalidade de aplicação. Os herbicidas s-metolaclhor, sulfentrazone + diuron e flumioxazin apresentaram os maiores valores de fitotoxicidade, entretanto não afetaram de modo significativo a produtividade da cultura. Desse modo, os herbicidas s-metolachlor, sulfentrazone + diuron, pyroxasulfone e flumioxazin, quando aplicados antes da semeadura do arroz, não apresentam controle satisfatório e não reduzem significativamente o banco de sementes do arroz-daninho.

ABSTRACT: Weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important weed in irrigated rice cultivation, being one of the main factors limiting cereal productivity in Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Thus, this study determined the effect of pre-emergent herbicide use in autumnal management on the control and reduction of the weedy rice seed bank. Field experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications in a commercial rice production area in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 growing seasons in Dom Pedrito (RS). The scheme used was factorial, with factor A consisting of different herbicide application times, namely June, July, and August, and corresponding to 100, 78, and 26 days and 42, 26, and 10 days before rice sowing for the agricultural years 2021/22 and 2022/23, respectively. Factor B consisted of the application of the herbicides s-metolachlor (1440 g a.i. ha-1), sulfentrazone + diuron (210 and 420 g a.i. ha-1), piroxasulfone (170 g a.i. ha-1), and flumioxazin (50 g a.i. ha-1), in addition to the control (no application). The evaluated variables were control (%), number of plants (m-2) at crop pre-harvest, number of full, viable, and non-viable wild rice seeds m-2 in the soil, crop injury (%), and grain yield (kg ha-1). The herbicides showed control values below 25% and low reduction of the seed bank in the soil, being considered ineffective in this application modality. The herbicides s-metolachlor, sulfentrazone + diuron, and flumioxazin exhibited the highest injury values; however, they did not significantly affect crop productivity. Thus, when applied before rice sowing, the herbicides s-metolachlor, sulfentrazone + diuron, pyroxasulfone, and flumioxazin did not provided satisfactory control and do not significantly reduce the wild rice seed bank.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the use of waste plastic (polyethylene and polypropylene) and foundry sand to manufacture eco-friendly paver blocks, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. The project aims to address the challenges of plastic waste disposal and environmental damage caused by sand mining. Twelve paver block samples were prepared with varying proportions of plastic (30%–60%) and foundry sand, with or without coarse aggregate. The mechanical properties, including compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption, and fire resistance, were tested following ASTM standards. The optimal mix, FPA-2 (40% plastic, 40% foundry sand, 20% coarse aggregate), exhibited a compressive strength of 27 N/mm2 and a flexural strength of 6.7 N/mm2, comparable to traditional paver blocks. Water absorption rates were below 7%, and the blocks met fire resistance criteria. Cost analysis revealed that plastic-based paver blocks are up to 25% cheaper than conventional ones, enhancing their economic feasibility. By repurposing waste materials, this study offers a sustainable solution for reducing natural resource dependency and mitigating environmental harm. The findings highlight the potential for plastic-based paver blocks to promote circular economy practices, maintain performance standards, and provide cost-effective alternatives for the construction industry.

ABSTRACT Despite having a vast area for agricultural production, Brazil is highly dependent on mineral sources for phosphate fertilisers, making their use unsustainable and highly dependent on the international market. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different sources of phosphate fertiliser and the depth of application on the development and productivity of maize over two crop seasons. A randomised block design was used in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme comprising 12 treatments, with four replications. Three sources of phosphorus were tested: single superphosphate (SSP), Top-Phos® (TOP-PHOS) and reactive natural phosphate (RNP), in addition to four methods of application (broadcast application [0.00 m] and in-furrow application at three depths [0.05 m, 0.08 m and 0.11 m]). The following parameters were evaluated: final plant stand, plant height, stalk diameter, ear insertion height, number of rows per ear, number of grains per row, 1000-grain weight, and grain productivity. The data were submitted to analysis of variance using the F-test at a level of 5%, and to principal component analysis (PCA) with biplot graphical analysis. The use of SSP and Top-Phos® increased productivity and the ear insertion height compared to the use of RNP. Applications made at a depth of 0.11 m were the most efficient. Seasonal variables affected productivity, with Top-Phos® showing a greater correlation with the yield metrics at greater depths.

Abstract Brazilian standards regarding structural masonry does not consider the effect of bedding mortar properties on the strength and failure mode of masonry. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bedding mortars with low strength and high entrained air content on the stress-strain curve and failure mode of masonry prisms under compression. The prisms were constructed from concrete or ceramic blocks (hollow core or solid) and mortars with low strength and high entrained air content. Three types of mortars were tested, one dry pre-mixed mortar and two ready-to-use, with open times of 36 and 72 h. All physical and mechanical properties of the materials were determined following Brazilian standards. Strain under compression was evaluated on two-block high prisms equipped with linear variable differential transformers (LVDT) placed on opposing faces. Results pointed out that both strength and strain of ceramic block prisms were affected by mortar strength. On the other hand, the concrete block prism strength was affected by mortar strength and porosity while strain was largely affected by mortar porosity. Failure modes differed between ceramic and concrete block prisms: ceramic prisms cracked from mortar joint crushing and resulted in structural failure, while concrete prisms lost block-mortar adhesiveness from joint crushing. Therefore the prism was no longer a single entity but was still able to withstand the axial compression stress test.

ABSTRACT Producing grapes for juice has been gaining prominence in the Northeast region of Brazil with diversification of grape cultivars for juice production over the past decade. The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of different vine training systems and rootstocks on the vigor, yield, and morpho-agronomic traits of ‘BRS Cora’ grapes over six production cycles. The experiment was conducted in Petrolina, PE, Brazil, from 2017 to 2020. A randomized block experimental design was used with four replications in split-split plots in time, with evaluation of the espalier, pergola, and lyre training systems combined with the rootstocks IAC 572 and IAC 766. The variables studied were the following: bud fertility index; yield per plant; number of clusters per plant; weight, width and length of cluster and berry; soluble solids (SS); titratable acidity (TA); and ratio SS/TA. The response of the ‘BRS Cora’ vines were different depending on the training system, rootstock, production cycle, or interaction among them. The bud fertility index varied only as a result of the production cycle. The pergola training system increased yield in relation to espalier and lyre systems, also favoring a larger number and size of clusters. The IAC 766 rootstock increased berry size and TA, whereas IAC 572 favored higher sugar/SS content and SS/TA ratio. The fourth production cycle (harvest on 9 May 2019) led to the best agronomic performance of ‘BRS Cora’ grapevines under the conditions of the Submédio do Vale do São Francisco region.