Resumen Introducción. El cultivo de palto es susceptible al estrés hídrico durante la etapa de floración y el crecimiento inicial de los frutos. Este estrés puede ocasionar la caída prematura de los frutos y acentuar la alternancia en la producción. Objetivo. Determinar el índice de estrés hídrico del cultivo (IEHC) en tres cultivares de palto (Hass, Fuerte y Zutano) bajo diferentes condiciones de riego, mediante el empleo de termografía infrarroja. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se realizó en la temporada de otoño del 2023, en la Estación Experimental Agraria Canaán, Ayacucho, Perú. Se seleccionaron 170 árboles de palto de cuatro años en fase reproductiva. Se llevaron a cabo cinco evaluaciones bajo diferentes condiciones de riego, donde se recopiló información después de 14 y 7 días sin riego (SR-14d y SR-7d) y 12, 2 y 1 hora posterior al riego (DR-12h, DR-2h y DR-1h, respectivamente). Se registró la temperatura de las hojas (Th), la conductancia estomática (gs), la humedad del suelo (θ) y el IEHC. Resultados. Los tres cultivares evaluados en este estudio presentaron diferencias significativas de la Th según manejo del riego. Estas variaciones, influenciadas por la temperatura y humedad ambiental, establecieron umbrales de estrés que definieron el IEHC en un rango de 0,34 a 0,96. Al relacionar el IEHC con la gs y θ se obtuvieron valores de R2 = 0,51 y R2 = 0,61, respectivamente. El cultivar Zutano mostró el valor más alto de IEHC en períodos prolongados de restricción de riego y tuvo una baja capacidad para reducir estos valores tras la rehidratación, a diferencia de los otros cultivares. Conclusiones. Se demostró que la termografía infrarroja puede medir eficazmente el IEHC en cultivares de palto, con variaciones significativas observadas en la Th, según la condición de riego. Además, el cultivar Zutano fue el que presentó la menor capacidad de recuperación ante el estrés hídrico.

Abstract Introduction. Avocado cultivation is susceptible to water stress during the flowering stage and initial fruit growth. This stress can cause premature fruit drop and accentuate the alternation in production. Objective. To determine the crop water stress index (CWSI) in three avocado cultivars (Hass, Fuerte, and Zutano) under different irrigation conditions using infrared thermography. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the autumn of 2023, at the Estación Experimental Agraria Canaán, Ayacucho, Peru. A total of 170 four-year-old avocado trees in the reproductive phase were selected. Five evaluations were carried out under different irrigation conditions, where data was collected after 14 and 7 days without irrigation (WI-14d and WI-7d) and at 12, 2, and 1 hour post-irrigation (AI-12h, AI-2h, and AI-1h, respectively). Leaf temperature (Th), stomatal conductance (gs), soil moisture (θ), and CWSI were recorded. Results. The three evaluated cultivars showed significant differences in Th depending on the irrigation management. These variations, influenced by ambient temperature and humidity, established stress thresholds that defined the CWSI within a range of 0.34 to 0.96. By correlating the CWSI with gs and θ, values of R2 = 0,51 y R2 = 0,61 were obtained, respectively. The Zutano cultivar exhibited the highest CWSI values during prolonged water restriction periods and showed a limited ability to reduce these values after rehydration, differing from the other cultivars. Conclusions. Infrared thermography proved to be an effective too for measuring the CWSI in avocado cultivars, reveling significant variations in Th based on irrigation conditions. Adicionally, the Zutano cultivar was the lest resilient to water stress.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características produtivas e a eficiência do uso da terra e da água em monocultivo e consórcio de rúcula com jambu sob regimes hídricos em dois ciclos de cultivo em região semiárida do Ceará. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, com 20 tratamentos e quatro repetições. As parcelas foram as irrigações, com 50, 75, 100, 125 e 150% de ETc. As subparcelas foram os sistemas consorciado e solteiro. Em cada ciclo foram avaliadas as características de crescimento das plantas e a eficiência do uso da água e da terra. Os maiores valores foram obtidos para número de folhas, altura, e massa fresca e seca das partes aéreas e raízes das plantas de rúcula quando consorciadas. Os melhores resultados para as variáveis de crescimento do jambu foram obtidos para as plantas cultivadas em monocultivo. Os valores de produtividade foram maiores no sistema solteiro; entretanto, os valores médios de eficiência do uso da terra no sistema consorciado foram de 1,23 e 1,28 em 2018 e 2019, respectivamente. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos com 75% ETc (DI75) para rúcula e irrigação total com 100% ETc (TI100) e irrigação em excesso com 125% ETc (EI125) para jambu. A eficiência do uso da água foi maior no sistema solteiro. Os índices de produtividade obtidos com o sistema consorciado rúcula-jambu e DI75 confirmam a maior eficiência biológica. Com base no exposto, conclui-se que rúcula e jambu são promissores para o consórcio em condições semiáridas.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the production characteristics and the efficiency of land and water use in monoculture and intercropping of arugula with jambu under water regimes in two crop cycles in the semi-arid region of Ceará, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a split-plot scheme, with 20 treatments and four replicates. The plots were irrigation, corresponding to 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150% of ETc. The subplots were the intercropping and single systems. In each cycle, the growth characteristics of the plants and the efficiency of water and land use were evaluated. The highest values were obtained for number of leaves, height, and fresh and dry mass of aerial parts and roots of arugula plants when intercropped. The best results for the growth variables of jambu were obtained for plants grown in monoculture. The productivity values were higher in the single-cropping system; however, the average land use efficiency values in the intercropped system were 1.23 and 1.28 in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The best results were obtained with 75% ETc (DI75) for arugula and full irrigation with 100% ETc (TI100) and excess irrigation with 125% ETc (EI125) for jambu. Water use efficiency was higher in the single system. The productivity indices obtained with the arugula-jambu intercropped system and DI75 confirm the higher biological efficiency. Based on the above, it is concluded that arugula and jambu are promising for intercropping under semi-arid conditions.

RESUMO A cultura do tomate cereja é sensível ao déficit hídrico, sendo necessário um adequado manejo da irrigação, principalmente em regiões, cujo regime pluviométrico é irregular. Diante do exposto, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a viabilidade do índice térmico para determinação do déficit hídrico em tomate cereja sob diferentes estratégias de irrigação com déficit controlado e uso de condicionador de solo tipo hidrogel. Adotou-se o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados com arranjo fatorial 5 × 2, em parcelas subdivididas, referentes às cinco estratégias de irrigação (FI - Irrigação plena, RD - Irrigação com déficit hídrico regular, S3 - Irrigação com déficit controlado na fase vegetativa, S4 - Irrigação com déficit controlado na fase de florescimento e frutificação, S5 - Irrigação com déficit controlado na fase de maturação e colheita) com déficit hídrico estabelecido em 50% da evapotranspiração da cultura, e uso do hidrogel (WiH - Com hidrogel, WoH - Sem hidrogel), com quatro repetições, totalizando 40 parcelas experimentais. As variáveis avaliadas foram: número total de flores e frutos, peso total dos frutos e índice térmico do dossel. Aos 60 dias após o transplantio, as estratégias de déficit hídrico regular e déficit hídrico controlado na fase de florescimento e frutificação, sem hidrogel, evidenciaram as maiores médias de índice térmico (0,98; 1,03 e 0,70 °C, respectivamente) e menor potencial hídrico foliar (-0,70; -0,48 e -0,50 MPa, respectivamente). O índice térmico obtido por imagens termográficas é viável para determinação dos efeitos do déficit hídrico no tomate cereja.

ABSTRACT Tomato cultivation is highly demanding on the supply of water throughout its phenological cycle, especially in regions where rainfall is irregular or scarce. Given the above, the objective of this study was to analyze the viability of thermal index for determining water deficit in cherry tomato under different strategies of controlled deficit irrigation and use of a hydrogel-type soil conditioner. The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks in a 5 × 2 split-plot arrangement, referring to the irrigation strategies (FI - Full irrigation, RD - Regular deficit irrigation, with a continuously applied water deficit, S3 - Irrigation with controlled deficit in the vegetative stage, S4 - Irrigation with controlled deficit in the flowering and fruiting stages and S5 - Irrigation with controlled deficit in the maturation and harvest stages), with water deficit established at 50% of crop evapotranspiration, and use of hydrogel (WiH - With hydrogel, WoH - Without hydrogel), with four replicates, and with three plants per plot. The variables tested were: total number of flowers and fruits, total fruit weight and canopy thermal index. At 60 days after transplanting, the regular deficit irrigation and irrigation with controlled water deficit in the flowering, without hydrogel, showed the highest means of thermal index (0.98, 1.03 and 0.70 °C, respectively) and lowest leaf water potential (-0.70, -0.48 and -0.50 MPa, respectively). The thermal index obtained by thermographic images is viable for determining the effects of water deficit on cherry tomato.

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 success of endodontic treatments is related to the neutralization of bacteria and their toxins, inside and outside the root canal system of a tooth. Usually this is achieved, under ideal conditions, by means of a chemical-mechanical action (endodontic files and irrigation with appropriate solutions). Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are well-known for their antibacterial properties, and, for this reason, the aim of this work was to modify the surface of Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) endodontic files with AgNPs, to confer them antimicrobial ability and avoid infections. For this purpose, the preparation and characterization of stable colloids of AgNPs were carried out. Ten NiTi files for endodontics (brand K3 XF, Sybron-Endo Keer) were divided into 2 groups; 5 for group 1 (control, files as received) and 5 for group 2 (files previously coated with AgNPs). Both groups were subjected to biofilm formation using a culture composed of Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis, in an anaerobic environment. Endodontic files were successfully modified with silver nanoparticles, and, after exposure under anaerobic conditions to the selected microorganisms. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the proliferation of microorganisms on the surface of the control files. In contrast, the modified and coated files showed no biofilm formation, and the bacteria exhibited changes in cell wall morphology, likely associated with wall rupture and subsequent cell death. The coating of silver nanoparticles on the surface of the files shows to change the morphology of the bacterial wall, causing death and thus inhibition in formation of microbiological biofilms. Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) are unlikely to be present under the anaerobic conditions used, the microbicidal effect of the nanoparticles indicates that ROS-promoted oxidative stress is not an important mechanism of action, and inactivation of thiol-containing proteins could be a more important mechanism.

RESUMEN: El éxito de los tratamientos de endodoncia está relacionado con la neutralización de las bacterias y sus toxinas, dentro y fuera del sistema de conductos radiculares de un diente. Habitualmente esto se consigue, en condiciones ideales, mediante una acción químico-mecánica (limas endodónticas e irrigación con soluciones adecuadas). Las nanopartículas de plata (AgNPs) son conocidas por sus propiedades antibacterianas, por lo que el objetivo de este trabajo fue modificar la superficie de limas endodónticas de Níquel-Titanio (NiTi) con AgNPs, para conferirles capacidad antimicrobiana y evitar infecciones. Se realizó la preparación y caracterización de coloides estables de AgNPs. Diez limas NiTi para endodoncia (marca K3 XF, Sybron-Endo Keer) se dividieron en dos grupos; 5 para el grupo 1 (control, limas tal como se recibieron) y 5 para el grupo 2 (limas previamente recubiertas con AgNP). Ambos grupos fueron sometidos a la formación de biopelículas utilizando un cultivo compuesto por Candida albicans y Enterococcus faecalis, en un ambiente anaeróbico. Las limas endodónticas se modificaron exitosamente con nanopartículas de plata y, después de la exposición en condiciones anaeróbicas a los microorganismos seleccionados. El análisis mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido reveló proliferación de microorganismos en la superficie de las limas de control. En contraste, las limas modificadas y recubiertas no presentaron formación de biopelículas, y las bacterias evidenciaron cambios en la morfología de su pared celular, posiblemente asociados a la ruptura de esta y a la consecuente muerte celular. El recubrimiento de nanopartículas de plata en la superficie de las limas cambia la morfología de la pared bacteriana, provocando la muerte y por lo tanto la inhibición en la formación de biopelículas microbiológicas. Dado que es poco probable que estén presentes especies reactivas de oxígeno (ROS) en las condiciones anaeróbicas utilizadas, el efecto microbicida de las nanopartículas indica que el estrés oxidativo promovido por ROS no es un mecanismo de acción importante, y la inactivación de proteínas que contienen tioles podría ser un mecanismo más importante.

ABSTRACT Agricultural production system is more effective with the appropriate use of existing resources. Climate change will have adverse effects on crop production depending on water sources scarcity in the future besides, Si may reduce this effect. The aim of this study is to analyze vegetative growth and yield of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L.) with different levels of irrigation and Si doses applications. For this purpose, field experiments were conducted during 2022 and 2023 growing seasons in the Mediterranean environmental conditions. Treatments consisted of four Si doses (150, 100, 50 kg ha-1 and 0 kg ha-1 as control) and four irrigation treatments designed as pan coefficients (I1.00: Ep × 1.00; I0.75: Ep × 0.75; I0.50: Ep × 0.50; I0.25: Ep × 0.25). Experimental design was completely randomized with split-plot system with four replicates. For both growing seasons Si150-I1.00 interactions produced the highest marketable yields as 4.61 and 4.48 t ha-1, respectively, while the lowest values were found from Si0-I0.25 as 1.12 and 1.41 t ha-1 respectively. The highest crown diameter and body length values of 16.19-17.13 and 15.70-15.88 cm were recorded with I1.00 treatment across the two growing seasons. As a result of Si application, the efficiency of the cauliflower crop increased as the effects of water deficit decreased. According to research results in both years, water deficit up to 25% stress and 50 and 100 kg ha-1 Si doses in cauliflower cultivation improves crop yield-related characteristics.

Groundwater is an essential part of food and water security. This critical resource must be managed appropriately and used sustainably. This study aimed to assess groundwater quality, suitability for domestic and irrigation purposes, and factors contributing to the groundwater chemistry, in the Breede Water Management Area (WMA), Western Cape, South Africa. Groundwater samples were collected and analysed for major ions such as K+, Mg²+, Na+, Ca²+, Cl-, HCO3-, NO3-, F-, SO4(2-) and physical variables like pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and temperature. Water quality index (WQI), total hardness (TH), South African Water Quality Guidelines (SAWQG) and World Health Organisation (WHO) drinking water quality guidelines were used to assess suitability for drinking purposes. Permeability index (PI), magnesium hardness (MH), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na%) and graphical representations such as Wilcox and United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram were used to assess suitability for irrigation purposes. Multivariate statistical analysis and the Piper diagram were used to determine the geochemical processes influencing the groundwater quality. TH and WQI revealed that, overall, groundwater in Breede WMA is soft and suitable for drinking. The irrigation suitability indices showed that groundwater is suitable for irrigation, with the exception of a few sites that are doubtful. The dominating water type in the area is Na-Cl, followed by mixed Ca-Mg-Cl. Multivariate statistical methods revealed that the groundwater is affected by the dissolution of rock salts, calcite dissolution, cation exchange and agricultural activities. The overall groundwater in the Breede Water Management Area is suitable for domestic purposes. Water in the boreholes along the coastal area and Borehole W1 must be treated before domestic and irrigation use. There must be consistent groundwater quality monitoring in Breede to identify changes in groundwater quality.

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 A fruticultura é uma atividade de grande relevância para o agronegócio no Brasil, com destaque para a goiabeira. Entretanto, a deficiência hídrica é um dos fatores limitantes para a produtividade das plantas, onde a utilização de fitohormônios, como o ácido salicílico, tem sido empregado como uma estratégia para mitigar os efeitos do déficit hídrico. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a aplicação foliar de ácido salicílico como atenuador do déficit hídrico em materiais genéticos de goiabeira. O delineamento experimental adotado foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 × 2 × 5, considerando dois regimes hídricos (lâminas de irrigação equivalentes a 50 e 100% da evapotranspiração de referência - ETr), dois materiais genéticos de goiabeira (‘Crioula’ e ‘Paluma’) e cinco concentrações de ácido salicílico (0, 1,2, 2,4, 3,6 e 4,8 mM). A aplicação foliar de ácido salicílico na concentração de 2,4 mM promoveu efeito benéfico no crescimento, nas trocas gasosas e na fluorescência da clorofila a da goiabeira ‘Crioula’ sob irrigação com 50% da ETr. O déficit hídrico reduziu o crescimento, as trocas gasosas, o conteúdo de clorofila e a fluorescência da clorofila a da goiabeira. Dentre os materiais genéticos, a ‘Paluma’ obteve maior crescimento, trocas gasosas, teores de clorofila e fluorescência da clorofila a em comparação com a ‘Crioula’ sob irrigação com 50% da ETr sem aplicação foliar de ácido salicílico. A aplicação foliar de ácido salicílico na concentração de 1,2 mM aumentou a área foliar, o número de folhas e a fitomassa seca total no material genético ‘Crioula’ sob 50% de ETr.

ABSTRACT Fruit growing is an activity of great relevance for agribusiness in Brazil, with emphasis on guava. However, water deficiency is one of the limiting factors for plant productivity, so the use of phytohormones such as salicylic acid has been employed as a strategy to mitigate the effects of water deficit. The objective of this study was to evaluate the foliar application of salicylic acid as an attenuator of water deficit in guava genetic materials. The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks, in a 2 × 2 × 5 factorial scheme, considering two water regimes (irrigation depths equivalent to 50 and 100% of the reference evapotranspiration - ETr), two guava genetic materials (‘Crioula’ and ‘Paluma’) and five concentrations of salicylic acid (0, 1.2, 2.4, 3.6, and 4.8 mM). Foliar application of salicylic acid at a concentration of 2.4 mM promoted growth, gas exchange, and chlorophyll a fluorescence of ‘Crioula’ guava under irrigation with 50% ETr. Water deficit reduced growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll contents, and chlorophyll a fluorescence of guava. Among the genetic materials, greater growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll contents, and chlorophyll a fluorescence was observed in ‘Paluma’ compared to ‘Crioula’ under irrigation with 50% ETr without foliar application of salicylic acid. Foliar application of salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.2 mM increases leaf area, number of leaves, and total dry mass in the ‘Crioula’ genetic material under 50% ETr.

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.

RESUMO Devido à alta importância do milho como cultura de subsistência e do melhor uso dos recursos hídricos em região semiárida, este estudo teve como objetivo determinar o potencial agronômico, a heterose e a heterobeltiose em diferentes categorias genéticas de híbridos de milho na região semiárida, sob condições de cultivo em sequeiro e irrigação com águas residuais. Foram avaliados 10 genótipos de milho, e suas 45 combinações híbridas, além de cinco genótipos como testemunhas, em regime de sequeiro e sob irrigação com água residuária. Estimou-se a altura da planta, altura da espiga e a produtividade de grãos. Observou-se heterose e heterobeltiose positivas em ambos os ambientes para os híbridos H1, H13, H16, H32, H35, H5, H8 e H9. Os genótipos P2, P3 e P9 mostraram-se como potenciais genitores para criação de novas variedades híbridas de milho no semiárido sergipano. Observou-se maiores desempenhos em regime irrigado com água de reuso, apresentando-se como uma excelente estratégia para a produção de milho em região semiárida. Os híbridos formados pela combinação de variedade × híbrido intervarietal [F1(P1 × P2), F1(P1 × P5)], variedade × híbrido simples [F1(P2 × P6), F1(P2 × P9), F1(P5 × P7) e F1(P5 × P10)], híbrido intervarietal × híbrido simples [F1(P1 × P6) e F1(P1 × P9)] e híbrido duplo [F1(P1 × P10)] sinalizam novas opções de cultivo em região semiárida.

ABSTRACT Considering the high importance of maize as a subsistence crop and the need for optimal use of water resources in semi-arid regions, this study aimed to evaluate the agronomic potential, heterosis, and heterobeltiosis within different genetic categories of maize hybrids grown in a semi-arid region in Sergipe, Brazil, under rainfed and wastewater irrigation systems. Ten maize genotypes, their 45 hybrid combinations, and five commercial genotypes as controls were evaluated based on plant height, ear height, and grain yield. Positive heterosis and heterobeltiosis were found under both growing environments for hybrids H1, H13, H16, H32, H35, H5, H8, and H9. Genotypes P2, P3, and P9 were identified as potential parents for the development of new hybrid maize varieties for growing in the semi-arid region of Sergipe. Better agronomic performance was found for the wastewater irrigation system, indicating an excellent strategy for maize production under semi-arid conditions. The hybrids formed by the combination of variety × intervarietal hybrid [F1 (P1 × P2), F1 (P1 × P5)], variety × single hybrid [F1 (P2 × P6), F1 (P2 × P9), F1 (P5 × P7), and F1 (P5 × P10)], intervarietal hybrid × single hybrid [F1 (P1 × P6) and F1 (P1 × P9)], and double hybrid [F1 (P1 × P10)] indicate promising hybrid candidates for maize crops in semi-arid regions.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the treatment of Sago Wastewater (SW) using natural materials and α-Al2O3 ceramic membranes for filtration. SW samples were collected from influent and effluent of sago industries in Salem and Namakkal districts, Tamil Nadu, as well as from nearby open wells and bore wells. The physico-chemical parameters, including pH, color, turbidity, TSS, TDS, TS, DO, COD, and BOD, were analyzed. High levels of BOD (1800–1550 mg/L) and COD (3400–4150 mg/L) were observed, reflecting the high organic content of the effluents. Post-filtration, pH values ranged from 6.9 to 7.3, with BOD and COD levels within permissible limits set by TNPCB. Toxic substances were reduced by 52% to 96%. Statistical analysis using multiple linear regression showed an R2 of 0.98 in the predicted phase and 0.9 in the treatment phase, while CNN analysis yielded an R2 of 0.99 with an MSE of 5.9 after 2000 epochs. The filtration process significantly reduces toxins, making the treated water suitable for irrigation purposes.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Congenital epiphora can be related to anomalies of the nasolacrimal duct. This study aimed to assess the distal end of the nasolacrimal duct and the outcomes of endoscopic treatment in children older than 12 months with congenital epiphora. Methods: This retrospective analysis describes the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of symptomatic congenital lacrimal obstruction in 32 lacrimal systems of 23 children. Data was collected on the preoperative symptoms, age at the time of surgery, intraoperative findings, treatment modalities, and outcomes of the children in our cohort. All patients underwent a standard endoscopic lacrimal examination, including irrigation and diagnostic probing, viewed via the inferior meatus. Cases with complex anomalies characterized by obstructions in the canaliculi, nasolacrimal junction, or nasolacrimal duct were excluded. Results: The mean age at the time of surgery was 48.03 (±27.99) months. Four different types of distal nasolacrimal duct obstruction were diagnosed. These were obstructions by a membrane (n=12), ostium stenosis (n=15), impacted turbinate (n=3), and membranous residual flaps (n=2). They were all managed with inferior meatus microsurgery and nasal endoscopic probing without silicone intubation. After a mean follow-up period of 14.75 (±11.93) months, successful outcomes were achieved in all cases. Conclusion: Microsurgery to the inferior meatus, performed under nasal endoscopy, is a safe and effective treatment for isolated anomalies of the distal end of the nasolacrimal duct in children older than 12 months. We do not recommend silicone intubation in the absence of complex lacrimal system anomalies.

The South African land redistribution programme has been criticised for solely focusing on redistributing land for commercial farming while ignoring land demand for small-scale farming and settlement. This study reports on implementing the One Household-One Hectare (1HH-1H ) programme in two Kokstad beneficiary villages. The study's first objective was to understand how the programme implementation works on the ground. The other objective was to assess the capacity of the programme to create livelihoods. Our analysis was based on household survey data from 20 beneficiary household heads and two agricultural advisors. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings show that the programme implementation was need-based and was a joint effort by various government departments. The implementation led to a village setup, where each beneficiary household has a residential area for buildings, kraals and a garden in their one-hectare plot. The remainder of the land was shared as grazing common and forest, while the other arable land was used for cooperative farming and individual arable field lands. In general, beneficiaries were content with the programme's implementation and reported a significant increase in their livestock herd and crop outputs. Additionally, beneficiaries now enjoy access to clean drinking water, irrigation water, and primary healthcare, among other benefits.