ABSTRACT. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is the most consumed leafy vegetable in Brazil. It is cultivated using at least four distinct systems, the most common of which are conventional and hydroponic systems. These systems provide different cultivation conditions for plants, causing physiological changes that are important for commercial production, such as nutrient uptake and biomass accumulation. However, only a few studies have compared the physiological aspects of these two cultivation systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological behavior of ‘Rubinela’ lettuce plants grown in hydroponic and conventional pot systems, by comparing dry mass (DM) and fresh mass (FM) production, number of leaves (NF), stomatal density, and contents of chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanin, sugars, and starch. Plants cultivated in hydroponic systems presented significant differences in chlorophyll content, producing more biomass than plants cultivated in conventional pot systems, probably because of better nutritional conditions, primarily with respect to macronutrients, provided by the nutrient solution of the hydroponic system. The lower water availability encountered by plants cultivated in conventional pot systems influenced the increased sugar and starch concentrations, as well as the anthocyanin content, which may be a strategy to mitigate the possible damage caused by hydric stress conditions. ABSTRACT Lactuca L. L Brazil production accumulation However ‘Rubinela Rubinela DM (DM FM (FM NF, NF , (NF) density carotenoids sugars content macronutrients system concentrations (NF

ABSTRACT. Agroforestry systems may show low CO2 efflux, and CO2 efflux contributes to sustainability. This work aimed to evaluate the soil CO2 efflux in coffee plantations cultivated in agroforestry and full-sun systems during the winter in high-altitude tropical climate regions. The work was carried out at three family farms (RO, GI, and PA) in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Two treatments were established: coffee with and without trees, and 20 sampling spots for soil and gases. The air and soil temperatures in the agroforestry systems were lower than in the full-sun systems. The soil moisture content in agroforestry systems was higher than full-sun only on the GI. Except for the agroforestry systems in PA, all the other systems showed an increase in CO2 efflux with increasing soil moisture. This increase was more pronounced in agroforestry systems (RO), followed by full sun (RO). On the GI farm, this correlation was lower in the agroforestry system. Soil CO2 efflux was positively correlated with soil temperature and negatively correlated with total nitrogen, labile carbon and total organic carbon. Therefore, despite the microclimate stability promoted by the agroforestry systems in the winter, no decrease in the soil CO2 efflux was observed when compared to full sun systems. ABSTRACT CO sustainability fullsun highaltitude high altitude regions RO, RO (RO PA Gerais Brazil established trees 2 gases , (RO) RO. . farm system nitrogen Therefore

ABSTRACT. Lima bean cultivation has not received proper national and regional attention by research agencies, impairing the knowledge of the agronomic characteristics and its potential, information that is essential for the selection and launching of superior genotypes. The objective of this work was to characterize the seeds of 17 lima bean genotypes produced by family farmers in Paraíba State. The characterization was based on the descriptors for Phaseolus lunatus. A completely randomized design was used with 15 replicates. Data were submitted to analysis of variance with a subsequent grouping of means by the Scott-Knott test at 1% of probability. For analysis of the genetic diversity, the Tocher method was used based on the generalized Mahalanobis distance. There is variability among the genotypes. According to the means test, genotype 10 has a higher seed length, width, and weight. Considering the diversity among the groups and aiming to select light-colored and higher means of the evaluated traits, the selection of genotypes 8, 13, 4, and 10 is recommended to establish a breeding program that satisfies both the consumer and the producer. ABSTRACT agencies potential 1 State lunatus replicates ScottKnott Scott Knott probability distance length width weight lightcolored light colored traits 8 13 4 producer

ABSTRACT. Sunflower growth is adversely impacted by both excess and insufficient water. Research on root growth in this crop under water stress conditions remains limited and does not fully elucidate the plant's response to varying soil and climatic conditions. This study aimed to determine root growth, depth, and distribution of sunflower plants under different water stress conditions, such as deficit or excess, in two soil classes and sown during two distinct periods. Experiments were conducted after sowing at the beginning of September (first crop season) and at the beginning of January (second crop season) in an Ultisol (Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil) and an Oxisol (Panambi, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil). Water condition treatments applied from stage V6 included control, water deficit, and water excess. Roots were collected using an auger drill during the first crop season. The variables analyzed comprised root length density and accumulated root within the soil profile. During the second crop season, sunflower roots were visually assessed in the soil profile after trench excavation. Root system depth and root dry mass were evaluated during both sowing periods. Results indicated that sunflower root penetration is deeper in Ultisol than in Oxisol. Water deficit promotes root depth, while water excess promotes root growth near the surface. Sowing during the first crop season results in deeper root penetration and higher root dry mass production compared to the second crop season. ABSTRACT plant s periods Santa Maria State Brazil Panambi, Panambi (Panambi Brazil. . V control excavation surface

ABSTRACT. Proper potassium (K) fertilization management is crucial for optimizing yield and minimizing environmental impacts in colored fiber cotton cultivars, particularly in semiarid regions. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of K use by colored cotton cultivars under K fertilization in a semiarid region. Two experiments were conducted in 2019 and 2021, representing two agricultural seasons. The experimental design employed randomized blocks with split plots and four replications. The main plots consisted of five randomized K doses (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha-1 of K2O), while subplots included four cultivars of colored cotton (BRS Rubi, BRS Safira, BRS Topázio, and BRS Verde). The results revealed that BRS Rubi exhibited superior agronomic efficiency with a dose of 60 kg ha-1 of K2O in both agricultural seasons. The maximum efficiency of K use by colored cotton cultivars was achieved with a dose of 240 kg ha-1 of K2O in the semiarid region of Brazil. The cultivars BRS Rubi and BRS Topázio demonstrated the highest use efficiency. Furthermore, BRS Topázio displayed the highest K accumulation in plant shoots during both seasons. ABSTRACT (K regions 201 2021 seasons replications 0, 0 (0 120 180 24 ha1 ha 1 ha- K2O, KO , O K2O) Safira Verde. Verde . Verde) 6 Brazil Furthermore 20 202 ( 12 18 2

ABSTRACT. Zeyheria tuberculosa, a native species of Brazil known for its significant potential in silviculture and genetic improvement, holds prominence among various species. In this study, our objective was to assess the diversity, genetic structure, and feasibility of establishing a seedling seed orchard (SSO) for this species. A total of 71 progenies were collected from different locations and were used in our experiment in Ijaci - MG. We genotyped 92 individuals (nine families with eight individuals, two families with seven individuals, and one family with six individuals), specifically selecting those with the highest predicted genetic values, using ten ISSR primers. The molecular markers employed effectively detected polymorphism (PIC = 0.44). The population exhibited moderate to high genetic diversity, as evidenced by observed (AO = 2.00) and effective alleles (AE = 1.61), Nei's diversity index (H* = 0.35), and Shannon's diversity index (I* = 0.52). Molecular variance analysis indicated significant genetic differentiation between the progenies (Φst = 0.19), yet the majority of the variation was observed within them (80.1%). Employing a Bayesian approach, we identified the formation of two distinct genetic groups, further confirming the non-genetic structure of the population. These findings affirm the potential of the Z. tuberculosa progenies to contribute to the establishment of a seedling seed orchard, supporting genetic improvement strategies and the conservation of the species' genetic diversity. ABSTRACT study SSO (SSO 7 MG 9 nine , individuals) values primers PIC 0.44. 044 0.44 . 0 44 0.44) AO 2.00 200 2 00 AE 1.61, 161 1.61 1 61 1.61) Neis Nei s H* H (H 0.35, 035 0.35 35 0.35) Shannons Shannon I* I (I 0.52. 052 0.52 52 0.52) Φst 0.19, 019 0.19 19 0.19) 80.1%. 801 80.1% 80 (80.1%) approach groups nongenetic non Z 04 0.4 4 2.0 20 16 1.6 6 03 0.3 3 05 0.5 5 01 0.1 80.1 8 (80.1% 0. 2. 1. 80. (80.1 (80. (80 (8 (

ABSTRACT. Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an important species in the cucurbit family with a large economic importance in the world. Two melon cultivars commercially important in Brazil are ‘Yellow’ and ‘Gaúcho’. In addition to their economic importance, these two cultivars display phenotypic differences in aroma, a major trait determining fruit quality. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) impart the different aroma found in this fruit and their biosynthesis is associated with fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. Using RT-qPCR techniques, the expression of seven genes (CmLOX9, CmLOX18, CmBCAT1, CmArAT1, CmPDC1, CmADH1, and CmAAT1) was determined during ripening. The lipid pathway played a strong role in determining aroma composition in non-climacteric ‘Yellow’ melons. Most volatiles decreased during ripening, explaining the non-aromatic characteristic of this cultivar. In climacteric ‘Gaúcho’ melons, the amino acid pathway was the main one related to the biosynthesis of esters, which contribute to the aroma of this cultivar. Volatile products of the branched-chain amino acid pathway correlated with CmADH1 and CmAAT1 expression, demonstrating their role in volatile synthesis in this climacteric melon cultivar. In addition, CmPDC1 contributes to the formation of aldehydes at the beginning of this pathway. ABSTRACT Cucumis L. L world ‘Yellow Yellow ‘Gaúcho. Gaúcho ‘Gaúcho . quality VOCs (VOCs metabolism RTqPCR RT qPCR techniques CmLOX9, CmLOX9 CmLOX (CmLOX9 CmLOX18 CmBCAT1 CmBCAT CmArAT1 CmArAT CmPDC CmADH CmAAT ripening nonclimacteric non melons nonaromatic aromatic cultivar esters branchedchain branched chain (CmLOX CmLOX1

ABSTRACT. Monosporascus cannonballus Pollack & Uecker and Macrophomina phaseolina Tassi (Goid) are phytopathogenic fungi responsible for causing "root rot and vine decline" in melon (Cucumis melo L.). Currently, cultural management practices are predominantly employed to control these pathogens, as the use of pesticides not only has detrimental environmental impacts but has also proven ineffective against them. These fungi have already undergone molecular characterization, and their genomes are now available, enabling the targeted search for protein targets. Therefore, this study aimed to identify novel target proteins that can serve as a foundation for the development of fungicides for effectively managing these pathogens. The genomes of M. cannonballus (assembly ASM415492v1) and M. phaseolina (assembly ASM2087553v1) were subjected to comprehensive analysis, filtration, and comparison. The proteomes of both fungi were clustered based on functional criteria, including putative and hypothetical functions, cell localization, and function-structure relationships. The selection process for homologs in the fungal genomes included a structural search. In the case of M. cannonballus, a total of 17,518 proteins were re-annotated, and among them, 13 candidate targets were identified. As for M. phaseolina, 30,226 initial proteins were analyzed, leading to the identification of 10 potential target proteins. This study thus provides new insights into the molecular functions of these potential targets, with the further validation of inhibitors through experimental methods holding promise for expanding our knowledge in this area. ABSTRACT Goid (Goid root decline Cucumis L.. L L. . L.) Currently pathogens them characterization available Therefore M assembly ASM415492v1 ASMv ASM v ASM2087553v1 analysis filtration comparison criteria localization functionstructure function structure relationships 17518 17 518 17,51 reannotated, reannotated re annotated, annotated re-annotated 1 identified 30226 30 226 30,22 analyzed area ASM415492v ASM2087553v 1751 51 17,5 3022 3 22 30,2 175 5 17, 302 2 30,

ABSTRACT. Downy mildew is a major problem for grape growers, as this disease is difficult to control. Synthetic fungicides are used to treat downy mildew with handheld backpack and tractor sprayer applications, with high chemical exposure by operators. As important tools for maximising yield, application technologies must be studied to optimise control efficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of fungicide spray application using Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for the control of downy mildew in grapevine, with different spray volumes. The study was divided into two experiments using 4 vine lines, 10 blocks and 5 treatments with different mixture volumes: Experiment 1 with RPA application of 5 mixture volumes - 0, 22, 44, 66, and 88 L ha−1; Experiment 2 with RPA application of 3 mixture volumes - 44, 66, and 88 L ha−1 and a backpack application of one mixture volume - 800 L ha−1. Coverage percentage, droplet density and volume median diameter (VMD) were evaluated. Downy mildew severity on grapevine leaves was assessed using visual analysis and a diagrammatic scale. The application of 44 L ha−1 provided the greatest coverage and droplet density in the upper and middle strata; however, the backpack application had a better droplet distribution than the RPA application. Treatments of 44 L ha−1 with RPA and backpack application (800 L ha−1) provided the best disease control. In the trellis system, RPA application must be improved because of the low coverage in the lower parts of the plant, and further studies with different spray nozzles and application heights are needed. ABSTRACT growers applications operators yield (RPA lines 0 22 66 8 ha1 ha ha− 80 percentage VMD (VMD evaluated scale strata however (80 system plant needed 6 (8 (

ABSTRACT. In recent years, several efforts have been made to develop tomato cultivars displaying both late blight resistance and good organoleptic fruit quality. Selection indexes are considered the best option to perform genotype selection when many different traits are being considered to select genotypes as close to the desired ideotype as possible. Therefore, this study aimed at selecting late blight-resistant tomato families based on their fruit quality attributes using factor analysis and ideotype-design / best linear unbiased predictor (FAI-BLUP) index. For this purpose, we assessed the fruit quality parameters of 81 F3:5 tomato families previously selected as late blight resistant. The tomato cultivars Thaise, Argos, and Liberty were included in the trial as checks. The experimental arrangement consisted of complete randomized blocks with three replicates. Each plot was formed by five plants, three of which were used in the fruit quality assessment. The quality parameters assessed were fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit color (L, a*, C, and H), fruit firmness, titratable acidity, soluble solids content, hydrogen potential, and SS:TA ratio. Fruit quality data were analyzed using the mixed model methodology via REML/BLUP (restricted residual maximum likelihood / best linear unbiased prediction) to obtain BLUPs that were further subjected to the FAI-BLUP selection index. The FAI-BLUP was efficient in selecting late blight-resistant tomato genotypes based on their fruit quality attributes. Fourteen tomato families were classified as closest to the desirable ideotype for fruit quality. These genotypes should move on to the following stages of the tomato breeding program. ABSTRACT years possible Therefore blightresistant resistant ideotypedesign design FAIBLUP FAI BLUP (FAI-BLUP index purpose 8 F35 F F3 5 F3: Thaise Argos checks replicates plants assessment diameter length L, L (L a a* C H, H , H) firmness acidity content potential SSTA SS TA ratio REMLBLUP REML restricted prediction program

ABSTRACT. Imputation methods were developed to define estimates for missing data and hence solve possible problems generated by the loss of this information. This study aims to assess whether data variability influences the results obtained after applying an imputation method. Incomplete databases were generated from complete real databases of experiments of tomato plants conducted using the randomized block design with three replications and 12 treatments by removing different amounts of data. The evaluated variables consisted of fruit weight per plant, number of fruits per plant, and average fruit length and width, forming eight balanced databases. Subsequently, the distribution-free multiple imputation method was applied, generating complete databases from imputation. The number of missing information influenced the accuracy measures for the data in this study. Data imputation was inadequate when there was high variability but more precise and accurate in cases of low variability. It confirmed the importance of assessing data variability before choosing to apply the imputation method. ABSTRACT 1 plant width Subsequently distributionfree distribution free applied

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to carry out the extraction and chemical characterization of oil from crambe treated with resistance inducers during its cultivation to promote greater efficiency in the defense system of plants. For this purpose, Agromos® and Ecolife® inducers were applied at rates of 0.5 and 1.0 L hectare−1 during crambe cultivation. Crambe seed oil was obtained in a Soxhlet extractor using n-hexane as a solvent and the oils were characterized in terms of fatty acid composition and minority compound contents (phytosterol and tocopherol). The oil obtained from seeds without the application of inducers (control) was also characterized. We determine the oxidative stability of oils with inducer application that presented higher minority compound contents. Crambe seeds that received the treatment with the Agromos® resistance inducer had higher oil content. However, in general, the fatty acid profile of the obtained oils was similar and showed a predominance of erucic and oleic acids (which represent ~82% of the composition). The application of the Agromos® inducer allowed obtaining seeds that provided oil with higher contents of phytosterols and tocopherols and higher oxidative stability. ABSTRACT plants purpose Agromos Ecolife 05 0 5 0. 10 1 1. hectare1 hectare hectare− nhexane n hexane phytosterol tocopherol. tocopherol . tocopherol) control (control content However general which 82 ~82 composition. composition) 8 ~8 ~

ABSTRACT. Predictive studies project the geographic distribution of species and can be used to infer climatic niches. However, only a few studies have been conducted on mites. This approach helps map areas with potential for the occurrence of endemic, threatened, or potentially invasive species. Panonychus ulmi (Tetranychidae) is of global economic importance, commonly associated with apple orchards and grapevines. Potential distribution modeling is used to predict areas with environmental suitability for the distribution of a species and/or group. Considering that predictive models on national or regional scales present better data reliability, the present study aimed to analyze the distribution of P. ulmi in Brazil through bioclimatic inferences. The presence of species, bioclimatic variables, and MaxEnt algorithm were used to define a predictive model. The median performance rate of the model was 0.992, indicating its robustness. The variable that made the greatest contribution to the model was the average temperature of the coldest quarter (Bio11). The predictive model of the ecological niche indicated that the southern region of Brazil is environmentally favorable for the adaptation of this mite. The data obtained helped us understand the geographical distribution of P. ulmi in Brazil, and climatically suitable areas for its occurrence were inferred. We believe that this tool can offer indirect assistance to the agricultural sector, especially the producers of apples and grapes in Brazil regarding the presence of P. ulmi. ABSTRACT niches However mites endemic threatened Tetranychidae (Tetranychidae importance grapevines andor group reliability P inferences variables 0992 0 992 0.992 robustness Bio11. Bio11 Bio . (Bio11) mite inferred sector 099 99 0.99 Bio1 (Bio11 09 9 0.9 (Bio1 0. (Bio

ABSTRACT. Nonlinear regression models represent an alternative way to describe plant growth. In this study, we aimed to model the growth of linseed using four methods for data collection (longitudinal, mean, random, and cross-sectional) and fitting the logistic and Von Bertalanffy nonlinear regression models. The data came from experiments conducted between 2014 and 2020 in the municipality of Curitibanos, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The study had a randomized block design, with experimental units consisting of six lines, 5.0 m long and 3.0 m wide, containing the varieties and cultivars of linseed with four replicates. We performed weekly assessments of the number of secondary stems and plant height and measured total dry mass fortnightly. After tabulation, the data were analyzed using the four methods, and the logistic and Von Bertalanffy models were fitted. The logistic model for the plant height variable exhibited the best performance using the longitudinal, mean, and cross-sectional methods. It was an alternative approach that reduced the time and labor required to conduct the experiment. ABSTRACT longitudinal (longitudinal mean random crosssectional cross sectional 201 202 Curitibanos Catarina Brazil design lines 50 5 0 5. 30 3 3. wide replicates fortnightly tabulation fitted experiment 20 2

ABSTRACT. Salt stress is a major abiotic factor limiting plant growth worldwide, particularly in arid and semiarid regions where excessive groundwater use in irrigation leads to high salt concentrations. To address this issue, this study investigated the efficacy of silicon, either alone or in combination with Trichoderma harzianum and organic matter, in mitigating salt stress in forage sorghum. The experiment took place in a saline Fluvisol in Parnamirim, a semiarid region of Pernambuco, Brazil, and followed a randomized block design with five treatments and four replicates: sorghum (control); sorghum + Si; sorghum + Si + OM (organic matter); sorghum + Si + T (T. harzianum); and sorghum + Si + T + OM. Sorghum plants were assessed over three cycles (initial cut and two regrowths) from June 2021 to April 2022. The combined treatments of Si + OM, Si + T, and Si + T + OM increased plant growth by 42.17, 35.49, and 27.51%, respectively, compared to the control. Similarly, these treatments led to biomass accumulation gains of 39.42, 40.44, and 31.77% in sorghum plants relative to the control. Silicon alone did not yield significant growth or biomass accumulation improvements. The application of silicon in conjunction with T. harzianum and/or organic matter shows promise in enhancing forage sorghum growth under saline stress conditions in semiarid regions. ABSTRACT worldwide concentrations issue Parnamirim Pernambuco Brazil replicates control (control) matter) (T harzianum) initial regrowths 202 2022 4217 42 17 42.17 3549 35 49 35.49 2751 27 51 27.51% respectively Similarly 3942 39 39.42 4044 40 44 40.44 3177 31 77 31.77 improvements andor (control 20 421 4 1 42.1 354 3 35.4 275 2 5 27.51 394 39.4 404 40.4 317 7 31.7 42. 35. 27.5 39. 40. 31. 27.