Abstract Introduction. Weeds are one of the main problems in agricultural productivity due to their interactions with crops, such as alelopatic effects on germination. Objective. To evaluate the allelopathy of kikuyo grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) on the germination of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) variety ICA Cerinza. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the Quality Control Laboratory of the Universidad de Pamplona, Central Campus, Pamplona, Norte de Santander, Colombia, from May to August 2022. To each experimental unit (Petri dishe) with 12 been seeds, 6 mL of kikuyo aqueous extract (leaf, stem, and root) at three concentrations (1, 2.5, and 5 %), plus a control (0 %), were added, totaling 12 treatments. From day 0 to 12, the number of germinated seeds (NGS) was recorded, and the germination rate index (GRI) and germination index (IG) were calculated. The biomolecular profile of the aqueous extract was determined using the Fourier-transform spectroscopy. A completely randomized experimental design with a factorial arrangement (3x4), with repeated measures in each experimental unit, was employed. The intersuject factors were the organ type and concentration, while the intrasubject factor was the evaluation time (12 days). Results. Significant differences (p<0.001) were observed for NSG among treatments due to the concentration of the aqueous extract, as well as for IG, while GRI depended on the organ (p<0.05) and concentration (p<0.001), both negatively affected as the concentration increased. The infrared spectrum of the extract determined the presence of polyphenols, nitriles, and siloxanes. Conclusión. C. clandestinus affected NGS, GRI, and GI of P. vulgaris, with an allelopathic effect of the leaf aqueous extract at higher concentrations. Polyphenols, nitriles, and siloxanes associated with allelopathic effects were identified in the aqueous extracts.

Resumen Introducción. Las arvenses son uno de los principales problemas en la productividad agrícola, debido a interacciones con el cultivo, como efectos alelopáticos sobre la germinación. Objetivo. Evaluar la alelopatía del pasto kikuyo (Cenchrus clandestinus) en la germinación de frijol (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) variedad ICA Cerinza. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se realizó en el laboratorio de Control de Calidad de la Universidad de Pamplona, Campus Central, Pamplona, Norte de Santander, Colombia, en mayo-agosto 2022. A cada unidad experimental (caja de Petri) con doce semillas de frijol se le agregó 6 mL de extracto acuoso de kikuyo (hoja, tallo y raíz) en tres concentraciones (1, 2,5 y 5 %), más un testigo (0 %), para un total de doce tratamientos. En el lapso de 0 a 12 días, se registró el número de semillas germinadas (NSG), se calculó el índice de tasa de germinación (ITG) y el índice de germinación (IG), y se determinó el perfil biomolecular del extracto acuoso mediante la técnica de espectroscopia transformada de Fourier. Se utilizó un diseño experimental completamente al azar con arreglo factorial (3x4), con medidas repetidas en cada unidad experimental. Los factores intersujetos fueron el tipo de órgano y concentración, y el factor intrasujeto fue el tiempo (12 días) de evaluación. Resultados. Se observaron diferencias significativas (p<0,001) para NSG entre tratamientos por efecto de la concentración del extracto acuoso al igual que para IG, mientras que ITG dependió del órgano (p<0,05) y la concentración (p<0,001); ambos fueron afectados de forma negativa conforme aumentó la concentración. En el espectro infrarrojo del extracto se determinaron polifenoles, nitrilos y siloxanos. Conclusión. C. clandestinus afectó NSG, el ITG e IG de P. vulgaris, con efecto alelopático del extracto acuoso de hoja en mayor concentración. En los extractos acuosos se determinaron polifenoles, nitrilos y siloxanos, asociados a efecto alelopático.

ABSTRACT: Cowpea is a food crop representing an important source of proteins and income, mainly for people living in the north and northeast of Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of two cowpea cultivars under four different ionic concentrations of the growth solution. Thus, a pot experiment was performed using the sand culture technique and set up in a completely randomized design with a 2 x 4 factorial scheme, using four replications and one plant per plot. After the period of growth, the parameters such as length of the shoot, stem diameter, number of leaves, number of secondary branches, number of pods, fresh weight of the stem, stem dry mass, leaf dry mass, shoot dry mass, and root/shoot ratio were obtained. The results pointed out that there was a significant interaction effect on parameters like stem diameter, leaf dry mass, shoot dry mass, and number of leaves. Both cultivars were strongly responsive to changes in ionic concentration, indicating a greater biomass production at ionic concentrations of 90% and 120%. A greater growth performance for BRS Rouxinol than BRS Itaim was observed, while the second cultivar indicated a high tolerance as exposed to the highest ionic concentrations.

RESUMO: O feijão-caupi é um alimento que representa uma importante fonte de proteínas, e também de renda, sobretudo para os produtores rurais do Norte e Nordeste do Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho de crescimento de duas cultivares de feijão caupi sob diferentes concentrações iônicas da solução nutritiva. Para tanto, um experimento em vasos foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramento casualizado com arranjo fatorial 2 x 4, utilizando quatro repetições e um planta por parcela. Após o período de crescimento, os parâmetros tais como: comprimento do ramo principal, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, número de ramos secundários, número de vagens, peso fresco do caule, peso seco do caule, peso seco das folhas, peso seco da parte aérea e a relação raiz parte aérea foram obtidas. Os resultados apontaram que houve interação significativa dos fatores sobre o diâmetro do caule, peso seco das folhas, peso seco da parte aérea e o número de folhas. Ambas as cultivares foram responsivas a mudança na concentração iônica da soução, revelando maior rendimento de biomassa nas concentrações de 90% e 120%. Uma maior performance de crescimento foi constatada para BRS Rouxinol comparado a BRS Itaim, enquanto a segunda cultivar mostrou elevada tolerância às altas concentrações iônicas na solução.

Abstract Introduction. Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for the photosynthesis process, and therefore, a determining factor in yield. The use of optical sensors to determine transmittance indices (SPAD, CCI), reflectance (NDVI) and fluorescence (Fv.Fm -1) related to the state of foliar N, allows adequate management based on non-destructive "in situ" monitoring. Objective. To evaluate the effect of different fertigation management strategies on nitrogen and chlorophyll concentration in the leaf; and the relationship between i- N and Cl concentration in leaf, ii- N and Cl concentration in leaf with yield and iii- N and Cl concentration in leaf with SPAD, CCI, NDVI and Fv.Fm -1 indices. Materials and methods. Six treatments were evaluated in an unrestricted randomized design with a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement, which combined 2 irrigation strategies (E1: low volume and more frequent and E2: high volume and less frequent) and 3 levels of nutrition: low (NB), medium (NM) and high (NA). The direct measurements of N and Cl in the leaf were determined with the Kjeldahl method and by ethanol extraction, respectively. Results. Nutrition level affected N content, where the NM and NA treatments were similar, although higher than NB. The regression model showed little ability to estimate N and yield from the Cl content in the leaf. Estimation of Cl in the leaf from the CCI (R2: 0.71) and SPAD (R2: 0.75) indices were only promising in NB. To estimate foliar N, the regression with Fv.Fm -1 showed R2 values of 0.89 in NB and 0.69 in NM; while for NDVI the R2 values were 0.61 in NB and 0.47 in NM. Conclusion. SPAD, CCI, NDVI and Fv.Fm -1 indices showed potential to estimate chlorophyll and N concentration in the leaf with low and medium nutrient inputs, and with limitations in treatments with high nutrient inputs.

Resumen Introducción. El nitrógeno (N) es un elemento esencial para el proceso de fotosíntesis, y por tanto, determinante en el rendimiento. El uso de sensores ópticos para determinar índices de transmitancia (SPAD, CCI), reflectancia (NDVI) y fluorescencia (Fv.Fm -1) relacionados con el estado del N foliar, permite un adecuado manejo a partir del monitoreo “in situ” no destructivo. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de diferentes estrategias de manejo del fertiriego sobre las concentraciones de nitrógeno y clorofila en hoja; y la relación entre i- concentración de N y de clorofila (Cl) en hoja, ii- concentración de N y de Cl en hoja con el rendimiento y iii- concentración de N y de Cl en hoja con índices SPAD, CCI, NDVI y Fv.Fm -1. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluaron 6 tratamientos en un diseño irrestricto al azar con arreglo factorial 2 x 3, que combinaron 2 estrategias de riego (E1: bajo volumen y de mayor frecuencia y E2: alto volumen y menor frecuencia) y 3 niveles de nutrición: bajo (NB), medio (NM) y alto (NA). Las medidas directas de N y Cl en hoja se determinaron con el método Kjeldahl y por extracción con etanol, respectivamente. Resultados. El nivel de nutrición afectó el contenido de N, donde los tratamientos NM y NA fueron similares, aunque superiores a NB. El modelo de regresión mostró poca capacidad para estimar N y rendimiento a partir del contenido de Cl en hoja. La estimación de Cl en hoja a partir de los índices CCI (R2: 0,71) y SPAD (R2: 0,75) resultaron prometedores solamente en NB. Para estimar N foliar, la regresión con Fv.Fm -1 mostró valores de R2 de 0,89 en NB y 0,69 en NM; mientras que para NDVI los valores R2 fueron 0,61 en NB y 0,47 en NM. Conclusión. Los índices SPAD, CCI, NDVI y Fv.Fm -1 presentaron potencial para estimar la concentración de clorofila y de N en hoja con aportes bajo y medio de nutrientes, y con limitaciones en los tratamientos con altos aportes de nutrición.

Abstract Introduction. The amount of usable water is currently limited due to the deterioration of its sources and indiscriminate use. An alternative to this problem is producing under green houses, where it is possible to obtain better water use efficiency (WUE) by reducing crop evapotranspiration (ETc) without compromising its productive potential. Objective. To evaluate the effect of 3 levels of volumetric moisture content depletion in coir on the vegetative-generative behavior of hydroponic tomato and sweet pepper produced under greenhouse cultivation. Materials and methods. The study was conducted during August to December 2020 and January 2021, at Estación Experimental Agrícola Fabio Baudrit Moreno, Alajuela, Costa Rica. Three treatments were applied: 11, 22 and 32% of water depletion in the substrate. Morphophysiological and reproductive parameters such as: the leaf area (AF), the number of leaves (NH), width (AH) and length of the leaf (LH), the length (LT) and the diameter of the stem (DT), the number of nodes (NN), dry matter (DM), stomatal conductance (gs), crop evapotranspiration (ETc), water use efficiency (WUE), the total yield (Rt), the commercial (Rc) of first (F1), second (F2) and third (F3) and waste fruits (Fd) were evaluated. Results. In the tomato treatments (TT) there was no effect on NH, LT, LH and NN; on the other hand, differences were reported in AH, DT and in MS, with treatment TT11 obtaining the higher values. The sweet pepper (TC), the treatment TC11 was statistically superior to the other treatments in number (NH), width (AH) and length (LH) of the leaf, in number of nodes (NN), production of fresh (MF) and dry matter (MS) and in diameter of the stem (DT), while there were no differences between treatments in stem length (LT). There were no differences in ETc and Rt, for both crops, but there was a difference in the commercial yield once it was divided by quality of fruit, TT11 presented the highest production of first and second fruit quality, while treatment TC11 presented the highest production of first, second and third fruit quality. For both crops, there were significant differences between treatments in terms of stomatal conductance. TT11 and TC11 treatments obtained the highest value of EUA with 37.32 kg.m-3 and 21.46 kg.m-3, respectively. Conclusion. In both crops, treatments with 11 and 22% water depletion showed an adequate balance between vegetative and productive growth, which was reflected in greater production of better quality commercial fruits, less waste and greater WUE.

Resumen Introducción. El uso de agua dulce en agricultura se encuentra limitado debido al deterioro de sus fuentes y su uso indiscriminado. El riego deficitario en agricultura protegida es una alternativa para mejorar la eficiencia en el uso del agua, a través de la reducción de la evapotranspiración del cultivo, sin comprometer su potencial productivo. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de 3 niveles de agotamiento del contenido de humedad volumétrica en un sustrato de fibra de coco, sobre el comportamiento vegetativo-generativo de los cultivos de tomate y chile dulce hidropónicos en invernadero. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se realizó en la Estación Experimental Agrícola Fabio Baudrit Moreno, Alajuela, Costa Rica. En ambos cultivos se aplicaron 3 tratamientos con 11, 22 y 32% de agotamiento hídrico en el sustrato, en un diseño experimental en bloques completos al azar. Se evaluaron parámetros morfofisiológicos y productivos tales como área foliar (AF), número de hojas (NH), ancho (AH) y longitud de hoja (LH), longitud (LT) y diámetro del tallo (DT), número de nudos (NN), materia seca (MS), conductancia estomática (gs), evapotranspiración del cultivo (ETc), eficiencia de uso de agua (EUA), rendimiento de fruto comercial (Rc) de primera (F1), segunda (F2) y tercera (F3), fruto de desecho (Fd) y rendimiento total (Rt). Resultados. En los tratamientos en tomate (TT) no hubo efecto sobre el NH, LH, LT y NN; mientras que con TT11 se obtuvieron valores superiores en AH, DT y MS. En chile dulce (TC), el TC11 obtuvo mayor NH, AH, LH, NN, DT y MS que los demás tratamientos; mientras que no hubo diferencias entre tratamientos en LT. En ambos cultivos, no hubo efecto sobre la ETc y el Rt, sin embargo, con 11% de agotamiento se obtuvo mayor producción comercial de F1 y F2 por lo que consecuentemente hubo mayor EUA con 37,32 kg.m-3 y 21,46 kg.m-3, respectivamente. Para ambos cultivos, la gs fue diferente entre tratamientos. Conclusión. En ambos cultivos, los tratamientos con 11 y 22% de agotamiento hídrico evidenciaron un adecuado balance entre crecimiento vegetativo y productivo, que se reflejó en mayor producción de frutos comerciales de mejor calidad, menos desecho y mayor EUA.

Abstract Introduction.Soybean establishes a symbiosis with Bradyrhizobium japonicum that allows it to fix atmospheric N. Coinoculation with other plant growth-promoting microorganisms can increase Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) and plant growth. Objective. Determine if inoculation with P-solubilizing fungi (SP), Aspergillus flavus (S1) and Trichoderma longibrachiatum (S2), affects growth and BNF variables in soybeans. Materials and methods. In the greenhouse on an Andisol and an Ultisol, growth variables and BNF were evaluated in soybeans inoculated with B. japonicum and 2 SPs. Five treatments were evaluated: an absolute control (T), addition of phosphate rock (RF), addition of RF and inoculation with B. japonicum (BRF) and the addition of RF, B. japonicum and the 2 SPs independently (BRFS1 and BRFS2). An unrestricted randomized design with 4 repetitions was established and the data was analyzed according to normality, either with ANDEVA and DGC at 5% or Kruskal Wallis at 5%. Results. The responses obtained showed a positive effect on the evaluated variables when soybeans were inoculated with SP in addition with B. japonicum. The effect was a trend in Andisol, for the variables aerial fresh weight and number of nodules and their dry weight, while for Ultisol significance was found for these same variables, as well as for aerial dry weight, leaf area and N content and foliar P, with the greatest effect in BRFS2. In absolute terms, the highest P content in the soil microbial biomass and the highest SP population was found in the treatment with the presence of S2. The populations of N Fixers (NF) in the soil were higher for T and RF that did not have inoculation with B. japonicum. Conclusion. Inoculation with SP fungi can positively affect BNF, foliar N and P amounts as well as soybean plant growth.

Resumen Introducción. La soya establece una simbiosis con Bradyrhizobium japonicum para fijar N atmosférico. La coinoculación con otros microorganismos promotores del crecimiento (MPC) puede incrementar la Fijación Biológica de Nitrógeno (FBN) y el crecimiento de las plantas. Objetivo. Determinar si la inoculación con los hongos solubilizadores de P (SP), Aspergillus flavus (S1) y Trichoderma longibrachiatum (S2), afecta variables de crecimiento y de FBN en soya. Materiales y métodos. En un Andisol y un Ultisol en invernadero, se evaluaron variables de crecimiento y FBN en soya inoculada con B. japonicum y 2 SP. Se evaluaron 5 tratamientos: un testigo absoluto (T), adición de roca fosfórica (RF), adición de RF e inoculación con B. japonicum (BRF) y la adición de RF, B. japonicum y los 2 SP de manera independiente (BRFS1 y BRFS2). Se estableció un diseño irrestricto al azar con 4 repeticiones y los datos se analizaron según la normalidad, con ANDEVA y DGC al 5% o Kruskal Wallis al 5%. Resultados. Se obtuvo un efecto positivo sobre las variables evaluadas, cuando la soya se inoculó con los SP además de B. japonicum. El efecto fue tendencia en el Andisol, para las variables peso fresco aéreo y número de nódulos y su peso seco, mientras que para el Ultisol se encontró significancia para estas mismas variables, así como para el peso seco aéreo, área foliar y contenido de N y P foliar, el efecto fue mayor en BRFS2. En términos absolutos el mayor contenido de P en la biomasa microbiana del suelo y la mayor población de SP se encontró en el tratamiento con la presencia de S2. Las poblaciones de Fijadores de N fueron mayores para T y RF. Conclusión. La inoculación con hongos SP puede afectar positivamente la FBN, las cantidades de N y P foliar así como el crecimiento de las plantas de soya.

RESUMEN En la Amazonía ecuatoriana, cada día son mayores los desafíos para la identificación de especies fitorremediadoras que disminuyan la contaminación por metales pesados producto de la actividad minera. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el potencial bioacumulador de metales pesados de tres especies forestales de rápido crecimiento (Ochroma pyramidale, Piptocoma discolor y Bambusa vulgaris) en un área de extracción minera, en la comunidad Yutzupino, Napo para la restauración. Se recolectaron muestras de hoja y suelo para determinar la concentración de metales pesados (Cd, Pb, Fe y Ni), mediante espectrometría de absorción atómica y se calculó el factor de bioconcentración (FBC). Los análisis foliares mostraron que B. vulgaris presentó mayor concentración de Ni (6,89 mg kg-1) y Fe (156,33 mg kg-1) y P. discolor contenía Cd (0,35 mg kg-1) y Pb (55,67 mg kg -1). Los análisis de suelos mostraron un patrón de variación en B. vulgaris superior en Cd, Ni y Pb y en O. pyramidale para Fe. El factor de bioconcentración permitió identificar la capacidad acumuladora de las especies, lo que sugiere que P. discolor puede ser utilizada como especie fitorremediadora para sitios contaminadas por Cd y Pb, O. pyramidale para Ni y B. vulgaris para Fe.

ABSTRACT In the Ecuadorian Amazon, the challenges for identifying, phytoremediation species that reduce heavy metal contamination resulting from mining activity are increasing every day. The objective of this work was to evaluate the bioaccumulator potential of heavy metals of three fast-growing forest species (Ochroma pyramidale, Piptocoma discolor and Bambusa vulgaris) in a mining extraction area, in the Yutzupino community, Napo for restoration. Leaf and soil samples were collected to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Fe and Ni) using atomic absorption spectrometry and the bioconcentration factor (BCF) was calculated. Leaf analyzes showed that B. vulgaris presented a higher concentration of Ni (6.89 mg kg-1 ) and Fe (156.33 mg kg-1 ) and P. discolor contained Cd (0.35 mg kg-1 ) and Pb (55.67 mg kg -1 ). Soil analyzes showed a pattern of variation in B. vulgaris superior in Cd, Ni and Pb and in O. pyramidale for Fe. The bioconcentration factor allowed identifying the accumulating capacity of the species, which suggests that P. discolor may be used as a phytoremediation species for sites contaminated by Cd and Pb, O. pyramidale for Ni and B. vulgaris for Fe.

RESUMO Na Amazônia equatoriana, os desafios para a identificação de espécies de fitorremediação para reduzir a contaminação por metais pesados provenientes de atividades de mineração aumentam a cada dia. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial bioacumulativo de metais pesados de três espécies florestais de crescimento rápido (Ochroma pyramidale, Piptocoma discolor e Bambusa vulgaris) em uma área de extração de mineração na comunidade de Yutzupino, Napo, para restauração. Amostras de folhas e de solo foram coletadas para determinar a concentração de metais pesados (Cd, Pb, Fe e Ni) por espectrometria de absorção atômica e o fator de bioconcentração (BCF) foi calculado. A análise das folhas mostrou que a B. vulgaris tinha concentrações mais altas de Ni (6,89 mg kg-1) e Fe (156,33 mg kg-1) e a P. discolor continha Cd (0,35 mg kg-1) e Pb (55,67 mg kg -1). As análises do solo mostraram um padrão de variação em B. vulgaris maior em Cd, Ni e Pb e em O. pyramidale para Fe. O fator de bioconcentração identificou a capacidade de acumulação das espécies, sugerindo que P. discolor pode ser usada como uma espécie de fitorremediação para locais contaminados com Cd e Pb, O. pyramidale para Ni e B. vulgaris para Fe.

ABSTRACT Cowpea is a crop of high socioeconomic importance for the semi-arid region of Brazil, although facing significant yield losses due to drought, requiring management strategies to overcome this scenario. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the growth and yield of cowpea genotypes under drought in different cultivation systems. The statistical design was randomized blocks arranged in a 2 × 4 × 2 factorial scheme corresponding to two cowpea genotypes (BRS Pujante and Costela de Vaca), four levels of crop evapotranspiration (40, 60, 80, and 100%), and two cultivation systems (with and without soil mulching). The BRS Pujante showed a higher leaf area and 100-grain weight than Costela de Vaca under all levels of crop evapotranspiration. The cowpea yield parameters showed the best results at 80 and 100% crop evapotranspiration. Regardless of the genotype, soil mulching provided higher cowpea 100-grain weight values. Soil mulching combined with 80% crop evapotranspiration is an appropriate strategy for cowpea production.

RESUMO O feijão-caupi tem grande importância socioeconômica para o semiárido brasileiro, porém sofre perdas significativas de produção pelo estresse por seca, necessitando de estratégias de manejo para superar esse cenário. Nessa perspectiva, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o crescimento e a produção de genótipos de feijão-caupi sob estresse hídrico em diferentes sistemas de cultivo. O delineamento estatístico adotado foi o de blocos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial 2 × 4 × 2, correspondendo a dois genótipos de feijão-caupi (BRS Pujante e Costela de Vaca), quatro níveis de evapotranspiração da cultura (40, 60, 80 e 100%) e dois sistemas de cultivo (com e sem cobertura morta do solo). O genótipo de feijão-caupi BRS Pujante apresentou maior área foliar e peso de 100 grãos do que o genótipo Costela de Vaca em todos os níveis de evapotranspiração da cultura. Os parâmetros de produção do feijão-caupi apresentaram os melhores resultados a 80 e 100% da evapotranspiração da cultura. Independentemente do genótipo, a cobertura morta do solo proporcionou maiores valores de peso de 100 grãos de feijão-caupi. A cobertura do solo combinada com 80% da evapotranspiração da cultura é uma estratégia adequada para a produção de feijão-caupi.

ABSTRACT The semi-arid region faces problems related to water deficit and the presence of brackish water that compromise crop performance. Therefore, irrigation frequency can enhance the growth of agricultural crops of interest even under salt stress conditions. In this context, the objective of the present study was to evaluate different irrigation frequencies with water of higher and lower salinity on the agronomic performance of millet. The experiment was conducted from September to November 2020, in the experimental area of the Auroras Seedling Production Unit, belonging to the Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira, Redenção, Ceará, Brazil. The experimental design used was completely randomized in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, with five repetitions. The first factor corresponded to four irrigation frequencies (F1 - daily irrigation; F2 - irrigation every two days; F3 - irrigation every three days; F4 - irrigation every four days) and the second factor consisted of two levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.3 and 5.0 dS m-1). Salt stress (5.0 dS m-1) negatively affected leaf area, plant height, stalk diameter, panicle length, and leaf, stem, panicle, and total dry mass of millet, under daily and four-day irrigation frequencies. Increasing the interval in irrigation frequency to beyond two days negatively affects the agronomic performance of millet crop, regardless of the electrical conductivity of water used (0.3 or 5.0 dS m-1). Under salt stress conditions, adopting irrigation frequencies between two and three days can be a viable alternative for irrigation management in pearl millet crop.

RESUMO A região semiárida apresenta problemas relacionados ao déficit hídrico e presença de água salobra que comprometem o desempenho das culturas. Assim, a frequência de irrigação pode promover melhores condições de desenvolvimento das culturas de interesse agrícola mesmo em condições de estresse salino. Neste sentido, objetivou-se avaliar diferentes frequências de irrigação com água de maior e menor salinidade sobre desempenho agronômico do milheto. O experimento foi realizado no período de setembro a novembro de 2020, na área experimental da Unidade de Produção de Mudas Auroras, pertencente a Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira, Redenção, Ceará. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 4 × 2, com cinco repetições. O primeiro fator corresponde a quatro frequências de irrigação (F1 - irrigação diária; F2 - irrigação a cada dois dias; F3 - irrigação a cada três dias; F4 - irrigação a cada quatro dias) e o segundo consistiu em dois níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (0,3 e 5,0 dS m-1). O estresse salino (5,0 dS m-1) afetou negativamente a área foliar, altura da planta, diâmetro do colmo, comprimento da panícula, massa seca da folha, caule, panícula e total do milheto, sob irrigação diária e cada quatro dias. O aumento do intervalo na frequência de irrigação acima de dois dias afeta o desempenho agronômico do milheto, independente da condutividade elétrica da água (0,3 ou 5,0 dS m-1). Em condições de estresse salino, adotar frequências de irrigação entre dois e três dias pode ser uma alternativa viável para o manejo da irrigação do milheto.

ABSTRACT The application of leaf area index (LAI) in coffee crop management depends on the availability of methodologies for proper estimation. The objective of this study was to develop a methodology for the visual assessment of LAI in coffee fields and to establish a protocol for training, evaluation, and feedback for evaluators. Four rounds of LAI measurements were conducted using visual estimates, two instruments (LAI 2200-C and AccuPAR LP-80), and defoliation of coffee hedgerows in Poás, Costa Rica. In each round, five workers visually estimated the LAI values on two occasions separated by 15 days, and feedback reinforcement was provided to each worker at the end of each round. Visual assessments showed high repeatability and reproducibility and the estimates were adjusted to the linear regression model in most cases. Evaluators improved their capacity to visually assess the LAI throughout the rounds, as the value of R2increased consistently for most workers, with values as high as 0.87. Instrumentation evaluation of LAI produced R2values of 0.5-0.6, with significant underestimation bias. The performance of the different methods is discussed in the context of widely spaced hedgerows. The proposed visual methodology constitutes a statistically sound, rapid, simple, and reliable method for determining the LAI of coffee fields to aid in decision-making for crop management.

RESUMO A aplicação do índice de área foliar (IAF) na gestão da cultura do cafeeiro depende da disponibilidade de metodologias para sua estimativa correta. É proposta aqui uma metodologia para a avaliação visual do IAF em plantas de café, por tanto se estabelece um protocolo para o treinamento dos avaliadores. Foram feitas quatro rodadas de medições do IAF utilizando estimativas visuais, dois instrumentos (LAI 2200-C e AccuPAR LP-80), e desfolhações de sebes de café na Costa Rica. A cada rodada, cinco trabalhadores estimaram visualmente os valores do IAF em duas ocasiões e separados por 15 dias. Ao final de cada rodada, foi dada uma retroalimentação a cada trabalhador. A avaliação visual mostrou alta repetibilidade e reprodutibilidade, e as estimativas foram ajustadas para o modelo de regressão linear na maioria dos casos. Os avaliadores melhoraram sua capacidade de avaliar visualmente o IAF ao longo das rodadas, e o valor de R2 aumentou consistentemente para a maioria dos trabalhadores, com valores tão altos quanto 0,87. A avaliação do IAF por instrumentos produziu valores de R2 de 0,5-0,6, com significativa tendência de subestimação, e não se ajustou ao modelo de regressão linear. O desempenho dos diferentes métodos é discutido no contexto de coberturas com amplo espaço. A metodologia visual proposta constitui uma determinação sólida, rápida, simples e confiável do IAF na lavoura do café e considera-se uma ajuda na tomada de decisões para a gestão da safra.

ABSTRACT The need for studies that allow the use of brackish water in irrigated agriculture and the socioeconomic importance of melon cultivation in Brazil, especially for the Northeast region, which concentrates most of the national production and faces problems with the availability of good quality water for irrigation, motivated the present study. In this context, the objective of present study was to evaluate the growth, production and fruit quality of the ‘Goldex’ (yellow-type hybrid F1) melon under salt stress conditions. The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design, with two salinity levels of irrigation water (0.8 and 4.0 dS m-1) and eight evaluation times (52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, and 66 days after transplanting). Variables of plant growth and development, production and quality of melon fruits were evaluated throughout the cycle. Plants had delayed growth characteristics and less development with the increase in irrigation water salinity, showing reductions of more than 20% in shoot dry weight, leaf area, number of branches and length of secondary branches and 16.7% in length of the main branch. In addition, salinity caused a delay in fruit development and a 16% reduction in final fruit weight, without significantly modifying carbohydrate and total soluble solids contents. Along the development, there was an increase in the total soluble solids content of the fruits, especially due to the increment of sucrose at the final stages of development.

RESUMO A necessidade de estudos que possibilitem a utilização de águas salobras na agricultura irrigada e a importância socioeconômica da cultura do melão no Brasil, especialmente para a região Nordeste, que concentra a maior parte da produção nacional e apresenta problemáticas com disponibilidade de água de boa qualidade para irrigação, norteou o presente estudo. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o crescimento das plantas, a produção e a qualidade de frutos do híbrido de melão amarelo ‘Goldex’ (híbrido F1 tipo amarelo) sob condições de estresse salino. A pesquisa foi conduzida em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, contendo dois níveis de salinidade da água de irrigação (0,8 e 4,0 dS m-1) e oito épocas de avaliação (52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 e 66 dias após o transplantio). Foram avaliadas variáveis de crescimento e desenvolvimento das plantas, de produção e de qualidade dos frutos de melão ao longo do ciclo. As plantas tiveram as características de crescimento retardadas e menor desenvolvimento em função do aumento da salinidade da água de irrigação, apresentando redução superior a 20% para a o peso seco da parte aérea, área foliar, número de ramos, comprimento de ramos secundários e 16,7% para o comprimento do ramo principal. Além disso, a salinidade provocou atraso no desenvolvimento dos frutos e redução de 16% no seu peso final, sem modificar significativamente os teores de carboidratos e sólidos solúveis totais. Ao longo do desenvolvimento houve aumento no teor de sólidos solúveis totais dos frutos, especialmente em função do acréscimo de sacarose nos estádios finais de desenvolvimento.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to describe the constant drying flux stage, as well as obtaining the critical moisture content during the convective drying of jambu leaf paste crushed under different conditions and characterizing the physical properties of the material after drying. Drying was carried out in an air circulation oven at a speed of 1.0 m s-1 and temperatures of 60, 70 and 80 ºC and layer thicknesses of 0.005 and 0.01 m. To determine the constant rate stage, the mass fluxes and the drying rate were calculated. Segmented polynomials were used to estimate the critical moisture content. Under the analyzed conditions, a typical drying behavior was found, demonstrating the existence of a significant period of constant drying rate for the mass of ground jambu leaves. Critical moisture content as a function of thickness and temperature did not show a trend. The material showed favorable physical characteristics, such as high solubility and cohesiveness, free flow, and good wettability, characteristics that add value to the raw material and for the availability of a new product to the market in the condition of packaging.

RESUMO Neste estudo objetivou-se descrever o estágio de fluxo de secagem constante, bem como obter o teor de água crítico durante a secagem convectiva da pasta de folhas de jambu trituradas em diferentes condições e caracterizar as propriedades físicas do material após a secagem. A secagem foi realizada em estufa de circulação de ar com velocidade de 1,0 m s-1 nas temperaturas de 60, 70 e 80 ºC e espessuras da camada de 0,005 e 0,01 m. Para a determinação do estágio de taxa constante, foram calculados os fluxos de massa e a taxa de secagem. Os polinômios segmentados foram utilizados para estimar o teor de água crítico. Nas condições analisadas houve um comportamento típico de secagem, demonstrando a existência de um expressivo período de taxa constante de secagem para a pasta de folhas de jambu trituradas. Os teores de água críticos em função da espessura e temperatura não apresentaram uma tendência. O material apresentou características físicas favoráveis, como alta solubilidade e coesividade, escoamento livre e boa molhabilidade, características que agregam valor à matéria-prima e para a disponibilização de um novo produto ao mercado em condição de acondicionamento.

Abstract Background: The leaves have been used to define sections in the genus Brickellia, allowing us to postulate their taxonomic value in monophyletic groups, as well as to identify the degree of morphological similarity between species and sections in a taxonomic and phylogenetic context. Questions: The species of Brickellia section Barroetea can be differentiated by their leaf blade shapes?, do section Barroetea have leaf blades different from other sections of the genus?, do these leaf shapes represent a conserved trait in the genus? Studied species: Six species from the section Barroetea and 19 species from other sections of Brickellia and related genera (Ageratina and Carminatia) were analyzed. Methods: A linear discriminant analysis and a phylomorphospace analysis were performed to evaluate the conservation status of the leaf shape and to know their morphological differences. Results: Species of the section Barroetea showed significant differences at the specific level, except in Brickellia sonorana. Furthermore, the evaluated species of sections Barroetea, Brickellia, Coleosanthus, Leptanthodium, and Xerobrickellia tend to have ovate-deltoid shapes, except Microphyllae with reniform shapes, in Phanerostylis ovate or elliptical, and Gemmipedium and Kuhnia with linear shapes. The phylomorphospace reveals an overlap in the analyzed sections, where the ancestral sections show a greater morphological change than the recently diversified. The conservation of the leaf shape is not confirmed statistically. Conclusions: Most species of Brickellia section Barroetea can be differentiated between theme, but not from the other sections of the genus Brickellia by the leaf’s shapes. The leaf shape of the genus is not conservated.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las hojas han sido utilizadas para definir secciones en el género Brickellia, lo que permite postular su valor taxonómico en grupos monofiléticos, así como identificar el grado de similitud morfológica entre especies y secciones en un contexto taxonómico y filogenético. Preguntas: ¿Las especies de Brickellia sección Barroetea se pueden diferenciar con las formas de las láminas foliares?, ¿La sección se reconoce de las demás secciones del género con base en la forma foliar? ¿Las formas foliares son un rasgo conservado en el género Brickellia? Especies de estudio: Se utilizaron seis especies de la sección Barroetea y 19 especies de otras secciones de Brickellia y géneros relacionados (Ageratina y Carminatia). Métodos: Se realizó un análisis linear discriminante y un filomorfoespacio para conocer las diferencias y evaluar la conservación de la forma foliar. Resultados: Las especies de la sección Barroetea presentaron diferencias significativas a nivel específico, excepto en Brickellia sonorana. Las especies evaluadas de las secciones Barroetea, Brickellia, Coleosanthus, Leptanthodium y Xerobrickellia tienden a formas ovado-deltoideas, excepto Microphyllae donde son reniformes, en Phanerostylis ovadas o elípticas y en Gemmipedium y Kuhnia lineares. El filomorfoespacio muestra un traslape entre las secciones analizadas; las secciones ancestrales muestran un cambio morfológico mayor que las secciones de reciente diversificación y la conservación de la forma foliar no se confirmó estadísticamente. Conclusiones: La mayoría de las especies de Brickellia sección Barroetea se pueden diferenciar entre ellas, pero no de las demás secciones del género Brickellia. Las formas foliares no se conservan en las secciones del género.

Abstract Background: The seeds of Magnolia guatapensis shows difficulties to germinate and the seedlings have a low development rate. Questions: How long does it take the germination of M. guatapensis seeds? Is there a relationship between the substrate sterilization and the germination process? Which is the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AMF) in M. guatapensis? Studied species: Magnolia guatapensis Study site and dates: Medellín, Colombia. August 2020. Methods: Analyses of the seed's viability were performed with a tetrazolium test and through germination evaluation. Also, the seedling obtained were inoculated with Glomus spp, evaluating their growth up to 240 days of germination. The colonization of seedling roots by AMF was compared with to the adult trees. Results: Magnolia guatapensis fruits measured 36 mm on average, they had 12 carpels with 1 or 2 seeds each. The seeds show a viability of 23 % through the tetrazolium test and 57 % measured through germination in sterilized soil. A higher percentage of germination was found between 38 and 40 days. In adult trees, the roots showed up to 80.2 % of colonization by AMF. Colonization in seedlings was not observed, although the seedlings inoculated with Glomus showed greater stem diameter and leaf area. Conclusions: According to the results obtained, the growth stage of the M. guatapensis seedling is the most critical for the survival of the individuals. It is necessary to continue studying successful propagation methods of M. guatapensis and symbiosis with microorganisms to contribute to the conservation of the species.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las semillas de Magnolia guatapensis presentan dificultades para germinar y las plántulas tienen poco éxito en el desarrollo. Preguntas: ¿Cuánto tiempo tarda la germinación de semillas de M. guatapensis? ¿Existe alguna relación entre la esterilización del sustrato y la germinación? ¿Cuál es el efecto de los hongos micorrízicos arbusculares (AMF) en M. guatapensis? Especies de estudio: Magnolia guatapensis Sitio y años de estudio: Medellín, Colombia. Agosto 2020. Métodos: Se realizaron análisis de viabilidad de semillas con la prueba de tetrazolio y a través de la germinación. Luego, las plántulas se inocularon con Glomus spp, evaluando su crecimiento hasta 240 días de edad. La colonización de raíces de plántulas por HMA se comparó con árboles adultos. Resultados: Los frutos de M. guatapensis midieron 36 mm en promedio y presentaron 12 carpelos con 1 o 2 semillas cada uno. La viabilidad de semillas resultó en 23 % con la prueba de tetrazolio y en 57 % a través de la germinación en suelo esterilizado. El mayor porcentaje de germinación se obtuvo entre los días 38 y 40. En árboles, se observó 80.2 % de colonización por HMA. En plántulas no se observó colonización, presentaron mayor diámetro del tallo y área foliar cuando se inocularon con Glomus. Conclusiones: Con base en los resultados, la etapa de crecimiento de plántula de M. guatapensis es más crítica para la supervivencia de individuos. Se requiere continuar estudiando métodos exitosos de propagación de M. guatapensis y simbiosis con microorganismos para contribuir con la conservación de la especie.

Abstract Background: Based on the concept of “plant species complex,”, defined as a group sharing local names and morphological, aromatic, and curative properties, we analyzed the leaves of three species of the genus Oreopanax that are used as wrappers for tamales called “xocos” or “chocos” in Veracruz, Mexico, searching for common traits. Question: Do leaves of the genus Oreopanax form an ethnobotanical food complex sharing chemical and anatomical characteristics? Studied species / data description: Leaves from three species of the genus Oreopanax: O. capitatus, O. echinops, and O. flaccidus. Study site and dates: Leaves of O. capitatus and O. echinops were recollected on January 25 and 26, 2021, in the Clavijero Botanic Garden of the Instituto de Ecología, A. C. in Xalapa, Veracruz; leaves of O. flaccidus were recollected in Atapalchico, Tlacolulan, Veracruz. Methods: Chemical analyses consisted of oil extraction of the studied species' leaves, which were then injected into a gas chromatographer coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Anatomical analyses included: fixation, paraffin sectioning, and staining of leaf sections of the three species. Observations were performed with a compound microscope using a bright field or UV light. Results: For the first time, we are reporting major volatile compounds common in the three analyzed species (several aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, and terpenoids). The three species present resin canals in the mesophyll and the cortex of the midrib of the leaf. Conclusions: The studied Oreopanax species form an ethnobotanical food complex since they share similar uses, smells, and tastes.

Resumen Antecedentes: Basados en el concepto "complejo de especies vegetales", definido como un grupo que comparten nombres comunes, características morfológicas y propiedades aromáticas y curativas, analizamos las hojas de tres especies del género Oreopanax, utilizadas como envolturas de tamales llamados xocos o chocos en Veracruz, México, en busca de rasgos comunes. Pregunta: ¿Las hojas del género Oreopanax forman un complejo etnobotánico alimentario que comparte características químicas y anatómicas? Especies estudiadas / descripción de datos: Hojas de tres especies del género Oreopanax: O. capitatus, O. echinops y O. flaccidus. Lugar y fechas del estudio: Las hojas de O. capitatus y O. echinops se recolectaron los días 25 y 26 de enero de 2021, en el Jardín Botánico Clavijero del Instituto de Ecología, A. C. en Xalapa, Veracruz; las hojas de O. flaccidus se recolectaron en Atapalchico, Tlacolulan, Veracruz. Métodos: Los análisis químicos consistieron en la extracción de aceite de las hojas, el cual fue inyectado en un cromatógrafo de gases acoplado a un espectrómetro de masas (GC-MS). Los análisis anatómicos incluyeron: fijación, seccionamiento en parafina y tinción de secciones foliares. Las observaciones se realizaron con un microscopio compuesto utilizando iluminación de campo claro o de luz ultravioleta. Resultados: Por primera vez, informamos sobre los principales compuestos volátiles comunes en las tres especies analizadas (varios alcoholes alifáticos y aromáticos; y terpenoides). Las especies presentan canales resiníferos en el mesófilo y en el córtex de la vena media de la hoja . Conclusiones: Las especies de Oreopanax estudiadas forman un complejo etnobotánico alimenticio, pues comparten usos, olores y sabores similares.

Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate the response of leaf area index and forage productivity of Lotus corniculatus clover genotypes with two different soil moisture contents under shade netting conditions. A randomized experimental block design in a split plot arrangement with three replicates was used. The large plots were soil moisture contents: optimum (OSMC: 26 % ± 1.5) and suboptimal (SSMC: 22 % ± 1.5); and the small plots were L. corniculatus accessions: 255301, 255305, 202700, 226792, and the bird’s-foot trefoil (Estanzuela Ganador) variety. The variables measured were leaf area index (LAI), dry matter biomass production (DM) (g plant-1), dry forage increase rate (DFIR) (g plant-1 d-1), and leaf-to-stem ratio (L/S), plus the climatic variables of temperature (°C) and relative moisture (%) in the shade net. Accession 255305 was the best responder in LAI, DM, and DFIR, with values of 3.2, 94.9 g plant-1, and 0.30 g plant-1 d-1, respectively, with OSMC; while the bird’s-foot trefoil had the best response in LAI with SSMC. There were no differences (P≤0.05) between the genetic materials evaluated in DM and DFIR, with average values of 82.4 g plant-1 and 0.26 g plant-1 d-1, respectively. Accessions 255301 and 226792 were the best L/S ratio with values of 2.9 and 2.5, respectively. In general, the best productive performance in terms of DM was obtained in spring, summer, and summer-autumn, with values of 17.5, 11.7, and 17.7 g plant-1, respectively.

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la respuesta del índice de área foliar y productividad forrajera de genotipos del trébol Lotus corniculatus bajo dos contenidos de humedad del suelo en condiciones de malla-sombra. Se usó un diseño experimental de bloques al azar en arreglo de parcelas divididas con tres repeticiones. Las parcelas grandes fueron los contenidos de humedad en el suelo: óptimo (COHS: 26 % ± 1.5) y subóptimo (CSHS: 22 % ± 1.5); y las parcelas chicas las accesiones de L. corniculatus: 255301, 255305, 202700, 226792 y la variedad Estanzuela Ganador. Las variables medidas fueron el índice de área foliar (IAF), producción de biomasa en materia seca (MS) (g planta-1), tasa de incremento de forraje seco (TIFS) (g planta-1 dia-1) y relación hoja/tallo (H/T), más las variables climáticas de temperatura (°C) y humedad relativa (%) en la malla sombra. La accesión 255305 fue la de mejor respuesta en IAF, MS y TIFS, con valores de 3.2, 94.9 g planta-1 y 0.30 g planta-1 d-1, respectivamente, en COHS; en tanto que Estanzuela Ganador tuvo la mejor respuesta en IAF en CSHS. No hubo diferencias (P≤0.05) entre los materiales genéticos evaluados en MS y TIFS con valores promedios de 82.4 g planta-1 y de 0.26 g planta-1 día-1, respectivamente. Las accesiones 255301 y 226792 fueron las de mejor relación H/T con valores de 2.9 y 2.5, respectivamente. En general, el mejor comportamiento productivo en términos de MS se tuvo en primavera, verano, y verano-otoño con valores de 17.5, 11.7 y 17.7 g planta-1, respectivamente.