ABSTRACT Plant factory is a production system characterized by high control and efficiency of the production factors, in which the cultivation of microgreens has increased. Photoperiod and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) are two of the main factors to be investigated in order to obtain maximum yield. In this context, an experiment was conducted in indoor environment to evaluate the influence of photoperiod (12, 16 and 20 h d-1) and PPFD (150, 250, 350 and 450 μmol m-2 s-1) with two harvest times (4 and 6 d of light) on the growth and yield of red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.) microgreens. Early harvest, photoperiod and PPFD affected hypocotyl length (HL), cotyledon area (CA) and yield individually and in interaction. Two-day earlier harvest resulted in reductions of 10.0%, 32.0% and 16.5% in HL, CA and yield, respectively. In general, higher PPFD and photoperiod caused decrease in HL and increase in CA and yield. With the combination of these factors, 315 μmol m-2 s-1 with 20 h light promoted the highest yield of red cabbage microgreens. In one year of production, early harvest promotes a greater number of production cycles and higher yield of red cabbage microgreens (616 kg m-2), which was 27% higher than that obtained with harvest carried out 2 d later, when the first leaf appeared.

Water scarcity is a global problem exacerbated by the ever-increasing population and climate change, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Different water resource management strategies, such as rainwater harvesting, have been proposed and implemented worldwide to combat water shortage. Mapping of the optimum sites where these rainwater harvesting structures can be constructed is very important. The main objective of this study was to map and identify, using GIS, optimum sites for the construction of rainwater harvesting structures (farm ponds, check dams and percolation ponds) for agricultural and peri-urban purposes in Eswatini. The optimum sites were identified by overlaying various thematic layers including land use and cover, slope, runoff potential, soil texture and depth and drainage density using ArcGIS 10.8. A general rainwater harvesting suitability map was produced for Eswatini, then potential sites for different rainwater harvesting structures were identified. The results of the study indicated that all three rainwater harvesting structures have suitable sites where they can be constructed. Check dams have potential sites which cover 22.7% of the suitable area in Eswatini, while farm pond and percolation pond sites covers 19.7% and 65%, respectively. Information on existing structures such as dams and earth dams for water storage may need to be gathered to verify the proposed sites of the rainwater harvesting structures. This study was able to identify new sites where structures can be constructed for rainwater harvesting which can improve water availability during dry seasons. Further evaluation may need to be done before implementation of these structures. Moreover, implementing this is subject to a number of other factors, such as the economy, feasibility studies as well as social implications. However, the results of this study will assist policy and decision makers in planning for potential sites for water storage as an adaptation to drought and climate change.

RESUMO Para determinação das medidas corporais em ovinos, geralmente é utilizado o método clássico de medição. No entanto, as medições realizadas utilizando métodos clássicos são geralmente difíceis, demoradas e muitas vezes produzem resultados questionáveis. Neste estudo foram investigadas as possibilidades de utilização de Métodos de Processamento de Imagens para mensuração das dimensões corporais de ovinos Turkgeldi. Para tanto, as medidas corporais de ovelhas Turkgeldi foram determinadas utilizando Tecnologia de Processamento de Imagens. No estudo, as medições de 11 ovelhas Turkgeldi de quatro anos de idade criadas na Fazenda de Pesquisa e Aplicação da Universidade Namik Kemal foram obtidas usando o método de medição tradicional e métodos de processamento de imagem, e então os dois métodos foram comparados. Para a obtenção das medidas pelo Método de Processamento de Imagens, foi colocada nos animais como ponto de referência uma escala com diâmetro de 12 centímetros, dividida em cores diferentes para cada centímetro. Os coeficientes de correlação entre os métodos para medidas corporais foram calculados em 0,92 (P<0,01) para altura na cernelha (WH), 0,84 (P<0,01) para altura do dorso (BH), 0,82 (P<0,01) para altura da garupa (RH) , 0,83 (P<0,01) para altura da garupa (BRH), 0,61 (P<0,05) para profundidade do peito (CD), 0,93 (P<0,01) para comprimento do tronco (CT) e 0,94 (P<0,01) para comprimento total comprimento do corpo (BL).

ABSTRACT For the determination of body measurements in sheep the classical measurement method is generally used. However, measurements taken using classical methods are generally difficult, time-consuming, and often yield questionable results. In this study, the possibilities of using Image Processing Methods for measuring the body dimensions of Turkgeldi sheep were investigated. For this purpose, the body measurements of Turkgeldi sheep were determined using Image Processing Technology. In the study, measurements of 11 four-year-old Turkgeldi sheep raised at Namik Kemal University Research and Application Farm were obtained using both the traditional measurement method and image processing methods, and then the two methods were compared. To obtain measurements using the Image Processing Method, a scale with a diameter of 12 centimeters, divided into different colors for each centimeter, was placed on the animals as a reference point. The correlation coefficients between the methods for body measurements were calculated as 0.92 (P<0.01) for withers height (WH), 0.84 (P<0.01) for back height (BH), 0.82 (P<0.01) for rump height (RH), 0.83 (P<0.01) for back rump height (BRH), 0.61 (P<0.05) for chest deep (CD), 0.93 (P<0.01) for trunk length (TL), and 0.94 (P<0.01) for overall body length (BL).

Due to the expansion of farming, many agricultural systems now depend more on chemical pesticides and inorganic fertilisers to boost farm output. Leguminous cover crops are used to improve soil fertility and to increase nitrogen availability for crop production. This review focuses mainly on evaluating the role of leguminous cover crops on soil's physical, chemical and biological properties. Furthermore, it focuses on the role of cover crops in crop biomass, grass nutritive value and crop-livestock grazing systems. This review used the Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases (accessed between January 2003 and December 2022). To find publications in the scope of the study, the authors combined different groups of keywords. The reviewed literature revealed that leguminous cover crops significantly increase yield due to an increase of nitrogen through nitrogen fixation. In addition, leguminous cover crops boost the forage's nutritional value, lowering feed costs and increasing livestock productivity. As a result of these findings, farmers can reap the benefits of leguminous cover crops in various ways, including enhancement of soil health, biomass, yield and reducing overall production costs.

Estate planning is one of the important processes in managing a business, and farm owners often avoid it since it deals with emotional and difficult issues. Additionally, studies have highlighted that decision-making on future ownership of many businesses is still poorly understood. This study investigated the extent of the availability of estate plans amongst farmers in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Interviews were conducted, and data was collected from 42 farmers using structured questionnaires following a mixed-method research design. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequencies and percentages were employed. The study revealed that the majority (66,67%) of the farmers do not have any estate plan available. In comparison, 47,62% of the farmers were unfamiliar with the estate planning process. In addition, the study also revealed that the businesses own assets with a minimum value of R500 000 to a maximum value of over R2,5 million, showing differences in the commodities across the Western Cape Province. It is recommended that farmers be aware of their responsibilities regarding estate planning, and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture should conduct workshops around the legal side of the business. For funding purposes, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture needs to include conditions related to estate plans in the application forms to prevent the closure of businesses after the recipient's death.

The study aimed to determine farmers' and extension officers' experiences with public extension and the prospects of improving the public extension service through digital-based technology. Quantitative data were collected from 101 commercially oriented active beneficiaries of the Nguni cattle project in the North West Province, South Africa, using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) and analysed using thematic analysis. Ninety percent of the farmers regarded public extension as the key source of extension services received through farm visits (66%), telephone calls (65%), and visits to the extension offices (38%). Approximately 64% of respondents reported low visibility of extension officers in their farming areas. A very low extension officer-to-farmer ratio (typically 1:> 300) and a high demand for transport facilities were cited as constraints to service delivery by extension officers. The study showed that over three-quarters of the farmers had smartphones, with 89% having adequate smartphone operating skills. Approximately 80% had a strong positive perception of the usefulness of the proposed Livestock Management Database System (LMDS) in livestock production, while 84% were willing to pay to access the system. The results of the FGDs and KIIs also indicated high positive perceptions toward innovation. In conclusion, a digital-based platform was proposed to assist the public extension system in delivering well-coordinated extension and advisory services that would meet the needs of farmers cost-effectively.

Heat stress has been identified as one of the major challenges for livestock production. Global temperatures are steadily increasing, with South African temperatures increasing at nearly twice the global rate. Of the livestock used for food production, dairy cows are the most sensitive to thermal changes, which have detrimental effects on their health, welfare, and overall productivity. Several abiotic factors that influence the heat load experienced by the cow are not commonly included in thermal indices used to measure heat stress; these include solar radiation, wind speed, and soil quality. Furthermore, the thermal comfort zone of cows has been altered by years of intense selection for increased milk yield, causing cows to become heat stressed at lower temperatures. Considering the abiotic and biotic factors affecting the cow's heat load, it can be argued that dairy cows in tropical and subtropical climates are experiencing constant heat stress. In this review, the abiotic and biotic factors influencing the heat load experienced by dairy cows are reviewed, along with the available thermal indices that can be utilised at farm level.

A survey of the coconut bug, Pseudotheraptus wayi damage on litchi fruits was conducted on eight farms in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces to assess infestation levels. Ten Mauritius litchi trees per study site/ farm were randomly selected and monitored in November and December 2023. Fallen/aborted immature fruits were collected from the mature litchi trees. A total of 11 083 fruits were collected and inspected for coconut bug damage. A total of 5 262 fruits were found to be damaged by coconut bugs. The results of the predicted percentage means from the GLMM modelling of the damage caused by the coconut bugs ranged from 19.71% to 62.41% on aborted fruit from farms, with 33.77% and 57.53% in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, respectively. An indication that the coconut bug caused an average annual loss of 45.65% on immature fruit that were subsequently aborted in production from the two provinces. These findings point towards the fact that there is a considerable presence of coconut bug on the farms and also that litchi is a very good host of the coconut bug. The coconut bug damage increased when other host plants are cultivated in close proximity. Further research to evaluate economic impact of this pest is therefore needed.

Resumo: A genética é um fator que influencia o temperamento dos animais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar vacas holandesas de linhagens neozelandesas (NZ) e norte-americanas (NA) quanto à reatividade avaliada por meio de três testes de temperamento. Foram avaliadas 120 vacas da Unidade Experimental do Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA, Uruguai) de 4 grupos genéticos: NZ ou NA, mantidas sob duas estratégias alimentares: pastejo máximo ou pastejo fixo. A reatividade na ordenha (RO), a velocidade de fuga e a distância de fuga (DF) foram avaliadas em dois períodos (107,5 ± 30,3 e 173,8 ± 32,1 dias de lactação). A média das repetições por animal foi utilizada como variável dependente em modelos lineares gerais que incluíram a genética (NZ ou NA), ordem do parto (primíparas ou multíparas), estratégia alimentar (pastejo máximo ou pastejo fixo), e suas interações como efeitos fixos. Houve interação entre grupo genético e ordem do parto para RO. As diferenças entre vacas NZ e NA foram observadas apenas em multíparas, sendo que vacas NZ apresentaram valores maiores (2,93 ± 1,18) que as vacas NA (2,00 ± 0,90) (P=0,0004). As vacas NZ tiveram maior DF (4,2 ± 1,3 m) que as vacas NA (3,7 ± 1,1 m, P=0,03). A estratégia alimentar não teve efeito nas respostas dos testes. Conclui-se que a origem genética influenciou a reatividade nos testes de temperamento de RO e DF. As vacas NZ foram mais reativas ao homem e à ordenha do que as vacas NA, porém as diferenças na reatividade à ordenha foram observadas apenas em vacas multíparas.

Abstract: Genetics is a factor that influences the dairy cows’ temperament. The objective of the present study was to compare the responses to different temperament tests of New Zealand (NZ) and North American (NA) Holstein cows maintained in two different feeding strategies. A total of 120 cows from the Experimental dairy farm of the National Agricultural and Livestock Research Institute (in Spanish, INIA, Uruguay) were grouped into two Holstein strains: NZ or NA, and two feeding strategies: Grass Maximum or Grass Fixed. Milking reactivity (MR), Flight speed and Distance (FD) were assessed in two periods (107.5 ± 30.3 and 173.8 ± 32.1 days in milk). The averages of these repetitions were used in general linear models with Holstein strains (NZ vs. NA), parity (primiparous vs. multiparous), feeding system (Grass Maximum vs. Grass Fixed), and all two-factor interactions as fixed effects. For MR, there was an interaction between strains and parity. The difference between NZ and NA was observed only for multiparous cows, with higher MR in NZ (2.93 ± 1.18) than in NA (2.00 ± 0.90) (P=0.0004). The NZ cows had longer FD (4.2 ± 1.3 m) than NA cows (3.7 ± 1.1 m) (P=0.03). Feeding system did not affect the cow’s reactivity. In conclusion, dairy Holstein cows’ genetic strain was a factor related to MR and FD tests. In the milking parlor, multiparous NZ cows were more reactive than NA, which did not happen for the primiparous ones. The NZ cows were more reactive to humans than NA in the paddock, exhibiting longer flight distances.

Resumen: La genética es un factor que influye en el temperamento animal. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar la respuesta a tres pruebas de temperamento de vacas Holando neozelandesas (NZ) y norteamericanas (NA) bajo dos estrategias de alimentación. Ciento veinte vacas de la Unidad Experimental del Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA, Uruguay) fueron agrupadas en una combinación de dos orígenes genéticos: NZ o NA, con dos estrategias de alimentación: Máximo pasto o Pasto fijo. La reactividad al ordeñe (RO), la velocidad de fuga y la distancia de fuga (DF) fueron evaluadas en dos períodos (107,5 ± 30,3 y 173,8 ± 32,1 días en leche), y el promedio de esas dos mediciones por animal fue utilizado en modelos lineales generales con la genética (NZ vs NA), la paridad (primíparas vs multíparas), la estrategia de alimentación (Máximo pasto vs. Pasto fijo) y sus interacciones como efectos fijos. Hubo una interacción entre origen genético y paridad para la RO. Las diferencias entre vacas NZ y NA fueron solo observadas en multíparas, presentando mayores valores las vacas NZ (2,93 ± 1,18) que las NA (2,00 ± 0,90) (P=0.0004). Las vacas NZ presentaron mayor DF (4,2 ± 1,3 m) que vacas NA (3,7 ± 1,1 m) (P=0,03). La estrategia de alimentación no afectó la respuesta a ninguna prueba. En conclusión, el origen genético de vacas lecheras Holstein influenció la reactividad a las pruebas de temperamento RO y DF. Las vacas NZ fueron más reactivas al humano y al ordeñe que las vacas NA, pero las diferencias en RO fueron solo observadas en vacas multíparas.

Resumo: A produção de laticínios no Uruguai é essencial e está sob escrutínio devido aos impactos ambientais que pode causar. Os impactos resultam principalmente de práticas de gestão ineficientes, que levam ao uso excessivo de nutrientes, cujo excedente escoa para o meio ambiente, afetando o solo, as águas subterrâneas e os rios. Neste contexto, este artigo explica pesquisas que geraram novos conhecimentos para o setor lácteo do Uruguai alcançar uma produção mais sustentável, ao compreender quais práticas agrícolas maximizam a eficiência dos nutrientes e, ao mesmo tempo, reduzem os impactos ambientais. A pesquisa utilizou uma abordagem multimetodológica no caso de uma típica fazenda leiteira no Uruguai, aplicando o Método de Orçamento de Nutrientes e desenvolvendo um Modelo Baseado em Agentes (ABM) denominado Gestão de Nitrogênio e Fósforo (NPM). O balanço de nutrientes é um método valioso e simples para analisar dados e avaliar entradas e saídas de nutrientes, embora tenha limitações visuais e analíticas, que podem ser complementadas com modelagem adequada baseada em agentes, que permite analisar os agentes do modelo no tempo e no espaço, capturando a heterogeneidade do agroecossistema. Os resultados da pesquisa mostram que a utilização de práticas corretas melhora a eficiência nutricional, reduzindo a dependência de insumos externos. As principais conclusões indicam que a fixação biológica de azoto, as dietas pastoris, a taxa de lotação e a acumulação de fósforo no solo são variáveis-chave que afetam a eficiência e os impactos ambientais.

Abstract: In Uruguay, dairy production is essential for the country and is under scrutiny due to the environmental impacts it can cause. Impacts are primarily the result of inefficient management practices which lead to an excessive use of nutrients -mainly nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)- and their surplus flow into the environment, affecting soil, groundwater, and rivers. In this context, this paper explains research that has generated new knowledge for Uruguay's dairy sector to achieve more sustainable production by understanding which farm management practices maximize nutrient efficiency while reducing environmental damage. The research used a multi-methodology approach for the case study of a typical Uruguayan dairy farm by applying the Nutrient Budget Method and developing an Agent-Based Model (ABM) called Nitrogen Phosphorus Management (NPM). Nutrient budgeting is a valuable and straightforward method for analyzing farm data and evaluating all the nutrient inputs and outputs. However, it has some visual and research limitations that can be complemented with suitable agent-based modeling. The ABM modeling approach enables the analysis of the model’s agents in space and time, capturing the agroecosystem’s heterogeneity. Through their combined application, the research results demonstrate that, along with the use of correct management practices, it is possible to improve nutrient efficiency, and, in this way, dairy production systems can be less dependent on external nutrient inputs. The main findings indicate that nitrogen biological fixation, pastoral diets, cow stocking rates, and phosphorus accumulation in soils are key management variables that affect nutrient efficiency and environmental impacts.

Resumen: La producción lechera en Uruguay es fundamental y está bajo escrutinio debido a los impactos ambientales que puede causar. Dichos impactos son principalmente el resultado de prácticas de manejo ineficientes que conducen al uso excesivo de nutrientes cuyo excedente fluye hacia el medio ambiente, afectando el suelo, las aguas subterráneas y los ríos. En este contexto, este artículo explica una investigación que ha generado nuevos conocimientos para que el sector lechero de Uruguay logre una producción más sostenible mediante la comprensión de qué prácticas agropecuarias maximizan la eficiencia de los nutrientes a la vez que reducen los impactos ambientales. La investigación utilizó un enfoque multimetodológico en el caso de un predio lechero típico de Uruguay, aplicando el Método de Presupuesto de Nutrientes y desarrollando un Modelo Basado en Agentes (ABM) llamado Manejo de Nitrógeno y Fósforo (NPM). El balance de nutrientes es un método valioso y sencillo para analizar datos y evaluar las entradas y las salidas de nutrientes. Aunque tiene limitaciones visuales y de análisis, esto puede complementarse con un modelado adecuado basado en agentes, que permite analizar los agentes del modelo en tiempo y espacio, capturando la heterogeneidad del agroecosistema. Los resultados de la investigación muestran que el uso de prácticas correctas mejora la eficiencia de los nutrientes, reduciendo la dependencia de insumos externos. Los principales hallazgos indican que la fijación biológica de nitrógeno, las dietas pastoriles, la carga animal y la acumulación de fósforo en el suelo son variables clave que afectan la eficiencia y los impactos ambientales.

ABSTRACT Planting is considered one of the most essential steps in coffee growing. Lack of uniformity in planting may compromise future operations. Therefore, verifying planting operations quality is fundamental to optimizing production processes and reducing costs. This study aimed to investigate planting techniques through Statistical Process Control (SPC) and aerial images. Carried out in two areas, managed manually and semi-mechanized in the Bom Jardim Farm (MG - Brazil). Data were collected through Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). Quality control charts and density maps were used to identify variations in distribution and spacing between plants and planting rows. It was found that the planting carried out manually was 4.7% wider than projected due to spacing reduction from 0.5 m to 0.48 m. The semi-mechanized system displayed a deficit of 7% compared to the projected planting system, using 0.55 m between plants. The density map showed the most significant planting alignment variations. Despite displaying lower results than the manual system, the semi-mechanized system improvements are valid for their minimal average variations. Thus, correcting points found outside the limits can increase the efficiency of semi-mechanized planting. growing Therefore costs SPC (SPC images areas semimechanized semi mechanized MG Brazil. Brazil . Brazil) RPA. RPA (RPA) rows 47 4 7 4.7 05 0 5 0. 048 48 0.4 055 55 Thus (RPA 4. 04

Resumo Este artigo propõe uma estrutura para integrar dados de zoneamento agrícola na análise de riscos de seguros. Baseia-se na combinação de informações públicas do programa brasileiro de zoneamento, o ZARC, com dados abertos de seguros fornecidos pelo Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária. A metodologia apresentada transforma as informações do ZARC em dados de distribuição e as integra em um modelo Bayesiano juntamente com dados de indenizações de seguros, permitindo uma análise de risco abrangente. Utiliza informações sobre tipos de solo do ZARC para desenvolver cenários e calcular distribuições posteriores. A estrutura resultante possibilita a comparação entre municípios, tipos de culturas e classificação geral de risco. O estudo aplica a estrutura para analisar o risco de soja, milho, trigo e milho safrinha no Paraná, resultando em classificações de risco consistentes em todas as culturas e municípios. A estrutura proposta aprimora a análise de gestão de risco agrícola para resseguradoras, seguradoras, agências governamentais e empresas privadas. Pesquisas futuras poderiam explorar a metodologia para comparar seguradoras, analisar riscos em operações estruturadas de crédito e seguro, e avaliar riscos no nível das fazendas. O artigo apresenta uma ferramenta para melhorar a análise de risco e a tomada de decisões no setor agrícola. Baseiase Baseia se Pecuária abrangente posteriores municípios soja Paraná resseguradoras seguradoras privadas seguro fazendas

Abstract This article proposes a framework for integrating agricultural zoning data into insurance risk analysis. It is based on combining official public information from the Brazilian zoning program, ZARC, with open insurance data provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The methodology presented in this article transforms ZARC information into distributional data and integrates it into a Bayesian model alongside insurance indemnities data, allowing for comprehensive risk analysis. It uses information on soil types from ZARC to develop basic best- and worst-case scenarios and calculate posterior distributions using insurance data. The resulting framework enables the comparison of municipalities, crop types, and overall risk classification. The study applies the framework to analyze the risk of soybeans, corn, wheat, and corn double-crop in Paraná State, resulting in consistent risk classifications across all crops and municipalities. The proposed framework has the potential to enhance agricultural risk management analysis for reinsurers, insurers, government agencies, and private companies. Future research could explore the use of this methodology to compare insurers, analyze risk in structured operations of credit and insurance, and evaluate risks at the farm level. This article presents a potential tool for improving risk analysis and decision-making in the agricultural sector. program Livestock best worstcase worst case municipalities classification soybeans wheat doublecrop double State reinsurers insurers agencies companies level decisionmaking decision making sector

RESUMO Vários estudos etnobotânicos destacaram a importância da ameixa amarela como espécie vegetal útil no Nordeste brasileiro. Para domesticar e incorporar uma espécie nativa em sistemas produtivos é necessário obter informações sobre seu desenvolvimento e variação genética. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a variabilidade genética de indivíduos de X. americana, acessada por marcadores moleculares amplificados ao acaso (RAPD). Foram utilizados 26 genótipos de X. americana, coletados na reserva particular Fazenda Canto das Emas, na cidade de Caturité, estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Por meio da técnica RAPD, foi possível avaliar as diferenças genéticas entre genótipos nativos em uma população de ameixa silvestre. Baseado no coeficiente de dissimilaridade de Sokas e Rohlf, foi possível formar quatro grupos distintos pelo método UPGMA. O coeficiente de correlação cofenética foi de 0,83, revelando variabilidade na consistência do padrão de agrupamento. Os genótipos de X. americana apresentam diversidade genética detectada por marcadores RAPD, que têm se mostrado eficientes na caracterização de indivíduos. Os genótipos 4, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 24, e 25 são os mais divergentes e devem ser utilizados em estratégias de conservação e programas de melhoramento. brasileiro X RAPD. RAPD . (RAPD) 2 Emas Caturité Paraíba Brasil silvestre Rohlf UPGMA 083 0 83 0,83 agrupamento 4 8 9 11 13 14 15 16 18 21 24 melhoramento (RAPD 08 0,8 1 0,

ABSTRACT Several ethnobotanical studies highlighted the importance of yellow plum as a useful plant species in the Brazilian Northeast region. In order to domesticate and incorporate a native species in production systems it is necessary to obtain information on its development and genetic variation. This work aimed to analyze the genetic variability of individuals of X. americana, accessed by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular markers. 26 genotypes of X. americana, randomly collected at the private reserve Campo das Emas Farm located in the Caturité City, Paraíba State, Brazil, were used in the study. Through the RAPD technique it was possible to assess the genetic variations among native genotypes within a wild plum population. Based on Sokal and Rohlf dissimilarity coefficient it was possible to form four distinct groups using the UPGMA method. The Cophenetic Correlation Coefficient was 0.83, revealing variability in the consistency of the cluster pattern. The genotypes of X. americana have genetic diversity detected by RAPD markers, which have shown to be efficient in characterizing individuals. Genotypes 4, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 24, and 25 are the most divergent and should be used in conservation strategies and breeding programs. region variation X (RAPD markers 2 City State Brazil study population method 083 0 83 0.83 pattern 4 8 9 11 13 14 15 16 18 21 24 programs 08 0.8 1 0.

ABSTRACT Quantifying the impact of driving factors on crop water productivity (WP) is essential for efficient agricultural water use. To date, few studies have investigated the influence of management and environmental factors on sugarcane WP at the mill scale. This study aimed to assess the contributions of management practice factors, weather variables, and soil management zones (SMZs) on on-farm sugarcane WP in a single mill in the southern region of Brazil. An extensive on-farm database of commercial sugarcane field plots was used with a weather database to estimate evapotranspiration and water-limited potential yield (Yw). This was achieved by employing a crop sugarcane model to calculate actual water productivity (WPa) and attainable water productivity (WPw). The results demonstrated an inverse relationship between management practices and WPa, while harvest date and vinasse positively impacted on WPa. The Yw, actual yield (Ya), actual evapotranspiration (ETa) or crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and WPa varied according to the SMZ. The lowest WPa values were observed in the worst soils. The analysis revealed that weather variables collectively accounted for 46.2 % of WPa variability, management practice factors accounted for 40.5 %, and SMZs contributed 13.3 % of WPa variability. Despite weather variables being the primary source of WPa variability, management practice factors still played a key role in WPa variability. (WP use scale (SMZs onfarm farm Brazil waterlimited limited Yw. Yw . (Yw) (WPa WPw. WPw (WPw) Ya, Ya , (Ya) ETa (ETa ETc, ETc (ETc) SMZ soils 462 46 2 46. variability 405 40 5 40. 133 13 3 13. (Yw (WPw (Ya (ETc 4 1

RESUMO A deposição adequada de sementes tem grande importância na uniformidade da emergência e no desenvolvimento inicial das culturas. Uma maior precisão na distribuição longitudinal de sementes é possível com mecanismos dosadores de sementes pneumáticos em relação aos convencionais, mas existem alguns aspectos que afetam essa precisão. Por exemplo, a qualidade física das sementes pode ser impactada pelo seu tratamento fitossanitário, que pode ser feito na propriedade ou na indústria. Nesse contexto, este estudo investigou o impacto do tipo de tratamento fitossanitário e do uso de grafite na deposição de sementes de soja por meio de dosador pneumático com acionamento elétrico em bancada estática, simulando a semeadura e monitorando a distribuição das sementes com sensor óptico. As sementes foram submetidas a quatro tratamentos distintos: sem grafite, sem tratamento com adição de grafite, tratamento on-farm com adição de grafite e tratamento industrial com adição de grafite. Foram estudados o espaçamento médio entre deposições, coeficiente de variação de semeadura, índice de precisão, espaçamentos múltiplos e falhas e percentual de espaçamento aceitável. Os resultados indicam que o espaçamento adequado no plantio não é significativamente impactado pelo método de tratamento prévio das sementes. O espaçamento entre sementes diferiu entre os tratamentos sem grafite e pelo tratamento on-farm, sendo este último mais próximo do ótimo e o tratamento sem grafite mais distante do espaçamento ideal. Um coeficiente de variação de semeadura mais baixo indica que a deposição uniforme foi alcançada com os procedimentos on-farm e industriais. Independentemente do tratamento de sementes, o dosador pneumático demonstrou eficácia. culturas convencionais exemplo indústria contexto estática óptico distintos onfarm on farm deposições aceitável onfarm, farm, ideal industriais eficácia

ABSTRACT Adequate seed placement is essential for consistent crop emergence and initial growth. Pneumatic seed metering systems offer superior longitudinal seed distribution accuracy compared to traditional methods, yet certain factors can influence this precision. For instance, seed physical properties may be altered by phytosanitary treatments applied either on-farm or industrially. This study examined the effects of phytosanitary treatment type and graphite addition on soybean seed deposition using an electric-driven pneumatic feeder under simulated sowing conditions. Seed distribution was monitored with an optical sensor. Four treatment groups were established: untreated without graphite, untreated with graphite added, on-farm treated with graphite, and industrially treated with graphite. Parameters assessed included average spacing between seeds, coefficient of variation, precision index, multiple and failed spacings, and percentage of acceptable spacing. Results indicate that prior seed treatment does not significantly affect overall planting accuracy. However, seed spacing varied between the untreated and on-farm treated groups, with the latter demonstrating closer proximity to optimal values. Both on-farm and industrial treatments yielded more uniform seed deposition, as indicated by a lower coefficient of variation. Regardless of seed treatment, the pneumatic feeder consistently performed effectively. growth methods instance onfarm farm electricdriven electric driven conditions sensor established added seeds variation index spacings However values effectively