ABSTRACT Kale is one of the most widely cultivated leafy vegetables in Brazil, but its breeding genetic is still limited. Therefore, it is crucial to develop research that explores the genetic diversity of the available germplasms, aiming to establish promising crosses in the studied populations. The present study aimed to evaluate the genetic divergence between half-sibling progenies of kale, obtained through recurrent selection, using multivariate methods to select the most promising progenies for forming a recombinant population. The plants obtained from the seeds of 25 pre-selected half-sibling progenies and three commercial cultivars were evaluated as treatment groups. These seeds were produced in 2018 by subjecting the clones of the progenies to recombination, followed by the selection of appropriate seeds from plants with superior agronomic performance. In the present study, plants in each plot were evaluated for twelve quantitative and fifteen qualitative traits. Genetic divergence was studied based on canonical variables to obtain quantitative data. The UPGMA method was applied to the quantitative, qualitative, and combined data, and Mahalanobis genetic distance was adopted. The first three canonical variables explained 73.75% of the total cumulative variation compared to the commercial cultivars and 55.29% when considering the half-sibling progenies exclusively. The half-sibling progenies P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P9, P11, P15, P16, P18, P20, P22, P23, P24, and P25 were the most divergent and should, therefore, be prioritized when composing the recombinant population for the third cycle of recurrent selection because, in addition to genetic variation, these progenies also present characteristics of interest to the kale genetic breeding program. The commercial cultivars exhibited the most divergent genotypes and should, therefore, be included in the next recombination cycle. Brazil limited Therefore germplasms populations halfsibling half sibling 2 preselected pre selected groups 201 performance traits data adopted 7375 73 75 73.75 5529 55 29 55.29 exclusively P1 P P2 P3 P4 P5 P9 P11 P15 P16 P18 P20 P22 P23 P24 should therefore because program 20 737 7 73.7 552 5 55.2 73. 55.

RESUMO A couve-de-folhas é uma das hortaliças folhosas mais cultivadas no Brasil, porém seu melhoramento ainda é limitado. Portanto, é crucial desenvolver pesquisas que explorem a diversidade genética dos germoplasmas disponíveis, visando estabelecer cruzamentos promissores nas populações estudadas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a divergência genética entre progênies de meios-irmãos de couve-de-folhas obtidas por seleção recorrente e selecionar as progênies mais promissoras para compor uma população recombinante utilizando métodos multivariados. Como tratamentos, foram avaliadas plantas obtidas a partir de sementes de 25 progênies de meio-irmãos pré-selecionadas e três cultivares comerciais. Para produzir essas sementes, clones das progênies foram submetidos a recombinação em 2018, com subsequente seleção de sementes de plantas com desempenho agronômico superior. Foram avaliadas doze características quantitativas e quinze qualitativas em cada parcela, totalizando vinte e sete características avaliadas. O estudo da divergência genética foi realizado através de variáveis canônicas para os dados quantitativos. O método UPGMA foi aplicado a dados quantitativos, qualitativos e combinados, utilizando-se a distância genética de Mahalanobis. As três primeiras variáveis canônicas explicaram 73,75% da variação total acumuladas quando comparadas às cultivares comerciais, e 55,29% quando considerado exclusivamente as progênies meios-irmãos. As progênies de meios-irmãos P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P9, P11, P15, P16, P18, P20, P22, P23, P24 e P25 foram as mais divergentes e devem ser priorizadas na composição da população recombinante para o terceiro ciclo de seleção recorrente, pois além de variação genética, também apresentam características de interesse ao programa de melhoramento genético da couve. As cultivares comerciais apresentaram-se como os genótipos mais divergentes e deverão ser incluídas no próximo ciclo de recombinação. couvedefolhas couve folhas Brasil limitado Portanto disponíveis estudadas meiosirmãos meios irmãos multivariados tratamentos 2 meioirmãos meio préselecionadas pré selecionadas 2018 superior parcela quantitativos combinados utilizandose se Mahalanobis 7375 73 75 73,75 5529 55 29 55,29 meiosirmãos. irmãos. P1 P P2 P3 P4 P5 P9 P11 P15 P16 P18 P20 P22 P23 apresentaramse apresentaram 201 737 7 73,7 552 5 55,2 20 73, 55,

ABSTRACT Maize landraces diversity is important for many smallholder and indigenous populations. Gene flow constitutes a threat to the genetic conservation of several locally adapted maize landraces and, risk management depends on monitoring transgenic occurrence in non-GM maize. This study evaluated the occurrence of exogenous proteins from GM-maize in maize landraces and teosinte cultivated in the Alto Jequitinhonha region, State of Minas Gerais. Gene flow from GM maize to non-transgenic varieties was evaluated in eight maize groups and one teosinte variety. A transgenic maize variety was used as a positive control. Proteins Cry1F and Cry2Ab2 were monitored using the Protein Detection Assay kit (Envirologix QuickStix® kit protocols for detecting Cry1F and Cry2Ab2 proteins). Transgenic proteins were not detected in the leaves of landraces and teosinte cultivated in the Alto Jequitinhonha region. populations nonGM non GMmaize region Gerais nontransgenic control CryF Cry F CryAb Ab Cry2Ab Envirologix QuickStix proteins. . proteins)

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of using a semi-hydroponic system on the agronomic and postharvest variables of strawberry cultivars. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design, with cultivars Aromas, Camarosa, Festival, Merced, Oso Grande, and San Andreas, with eight plants per plot and five replicates. Agronomic and postharvest variables were evaluated. Cultivar San Andreas showed the highest values for the agronomic variables number of commercial fruits and total and commercial yield per plant, with the highest yield in October, November, and December. The postharvest variables moisture, firmness, pH, titratable acidity, and reducing sugars did not differ between cultivars. In a semi-hydroponic system, the San Andreas cultivar presents the best results for the agronomic variables related to fruit yield, with the highest yield in October and November. semihydroponic semi hydroponic design Aromas Camarosa Festival Merced Grande replicates evaluated plant November December moisture firmness pH acidity

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do uso de sistema semi-hidropônico sobre as variáveis agronômicas e de pós-colheita de cultivares de morangueiro. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com as cultivares Aromas, Camarosa, Festival, Merced, Oso Grande e San Andreas, com oito plantas por parcela e cinco repetições. Foram avaliadas variáveis agronômicas e de pós-colheita. A cultivar San Andreas apresentou os maiores valores para as variáveis agronômicas número de frutos comerciais e produção total e comercial por planta, com as maiores produtividades em outubro, novembro e dezembro. As variáveis de pós-colheita umidade, firmeza, pH, acidez titulável e açúcares redutores não diferiram entre as cultivares. Em sistema semi-hidropônico, a cultivar San Andreas apresenta os melhores resultados para as variáveis agronômicas de produção de frutos, com as maiores produtividades em outubro e novembro. semihidropônico semi hidropônico póscolheita pós colheita morangueiro acaso Aromas Camarosa Festival Merced repetições póscolheita. colheita. planta dezembro umidade firmeza pH semihidropônico, hidropônico,

ABSTRACT An important concern with the use of genetically modified (GM) plants expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal toxins is the deleterious effect on non–target organisms. The predatory stink bug Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is used in biological control programs and may be exposed to Bt toxins. This study evaluated the indirect effects of different Cry proteins on P. nigrispinus with the prey Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), fed on simple or pyramided Bt maize genotypes. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three treatments: i) Isohybrid (not Bt), ii) Herculex® (transgenic maize encoding Cry1F protein) and iii) PowerCore® (pyramidal transgenic maize encoding the Cry1F, Cry1A.105, and Cry2Ab2 proteins), which were used to feed S. frugiperda for 48 h. The caterpillars were used as prey by P. nigrispinus females. We evaluated the presence of Cry proteins, consumed prey biomass (predation), oviposition period, number of postures, number of eggs, number of eggs per posture, number of nymphs, egg viability, embryonic period, female longevity and development, and survival rates of immature. The results show that different Cry proteins move through the food chain of P. nigrispinus and provide evidence that the ingestion of three different proteins does not lead to unexpected synergistic effects. However, Cry toxins promoted histopathological changes in midgut cells of P. nigrispinus.

ABSTRACT Technological advances have demonstrated the need for intellectual property rights, and patent granting is one of its most widespread forms. This includes the protection of inoculant formulations for agriculture, in which Brazil is a leader. This study aimed to analyze the number of patents for formulations of biological inoculants for agriculture in Brazil and the microorganisms used. An advanced search was performed in the National Institute of Industrial Property database, using the title and abstract fields. The indexers included inoculant, bioinoculant, endophyte, endophytic, fungus, bacteria, Rhizobium, Azospirillum and Gluconacetobacter. The inoculant formulation patents were grouped by the number of files per decade, number of patents per holder(s), characterization of granted patents, international patent classification, and main genera of fungi and bacteria used in inoculant formulations per decade. The number of patents filed for inoculant formulations in the last four decades increased from 7 in the first decade (1981–1990) to 37 from 2011–2020. In the first decades of study, the use of Rhizobium in inoculants stood out, followed by other genera of fungi and bacteria. However, most inoculant patent applications are still denied, considering data from 1981 to 2020. This may be partially due to the low reproducibility of inoculant results, as microorganism activity is highly affected by climate, soil, plant cultivars and crop management. The percentage of acceptance equal to or higher than 50 % in the number of applied patents for using endophytic microorganisms may be because this group of microorganisms acts mainly inside plants and is thus more protected from the influence of climate and some soil and management factors. The growing number of patent applications in the last 40 years demonstrates the business and technological development interest in inoculants in Brazil.

ABSTRACT Sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam (Convolvulaceae), is an essential crop for food security in developing countries. Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the main pests of I. batatas in tropical and subtropical regions. It feeds on the tuberous roots of I. batatas and induces perforations tunnel-shaped with excrement. The objective of this study was to register, for the first time, the occurrence of E. postfasciatus in I. batatas in the municipality of Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Individuals of E. postfasciatus were found in the larval, pupal and adult stages feeding on the roots, in the genotypes, Brasilândia Branca, Rubisol, UFVJM01, UFVJM02, UFVJM03, UFVJM04, UFVJM08, UFVJM18, UFVJM91, UFVJM291 and UFVJM526 in a greenhouse at the Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM). Euscepes postfasciatus injuries formed superficial and deep galleries with the presence of excrement and unpleasant odor. The record of E. postfasciatus in I. batatas in the municipality of Diamantina is important to develop local strategies for integrated pest management of the crop in the region.

RESUMO Correlações e análise de trilha entre características podem auxiliar na seleção de importantes atributos em programas de melhoramento genético. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar correlações genotípicas, fenotípicas e realizar análise de trilha sob a produtividade comercial de bulbos de alho em função de variáveis morfológicas e agronômicas. O experimento foi realizado em 2017 na Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri e Universidade Federal de Lavras utilizando dez genótipos de alho, sendo oito experimentais e duas cultivares comerciais, Caçador e Jonas. Foram avaliadas: altura de plantas; número de folhas, número de bulbo total; massa de bulbo total, produtividade total de bulbo, produtividade comercial de bulbo e número de bulbilhos por bulbo total. As correlações genotípicas e fenotípicas foram positivas e significativas entre a produtividade comercial de bulbos com massa de bulbo, produtividade total e número de bulbilhos por bulbo total, indicando que a seleção baseada nessas características ajudará a aumentar o rendimento do alho. Entretanto, apenas o número de bulbilhos por bulbo apresentou efeito direto e efeito indireto relevante sobre a produtividade comercial de alho.

ABSTRACT Correlations and path analysis between characteristics can aid the selection of important attributes in breeding programs. Thus, the objective of this work was to perform genotypic, phenotypic correlations and path analysis under commercial yield of garlic bulbs, depending on morphological and agronomic variables. The experiment was carried out in 2017 at the Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri and Universidade Federal de Lavras, using ten garlic genotypes, eight trials and two commercial cultivars, Caçador and Jonas. We evaluated: plant height; number of leaves, total bulb number; total bulb mass, total bulb yield, marketable bulb yield and number of cloves per bulb. The genotypic and phenotypic correlations were positive and significant between marketable yield of bulbs with bulb mass, total yield and number of cloves per bulb, indicating that selection based on these characteristics will help increase the yield of garlic. However, only the number of cloves per bulb had a direct effect and a relevant indirect effect on the marketable yield of garlic.

No perímetro irrigado do Jaíba, no norte de Minas Gerais, existem relatos sobre a presença de alguns genótipos de banana'Prata-Anã' supostamente tolerantes ao mal-do-panamá, nos quais a doença não se estabeleceu após 15 anos de cultivo, mesmo na presença do patógeno. Portanto, objetivou-se avaliar a diversidade genética, o desempenho agronômico e o comportamento dos clones da bananeira'Prata-Anã' cultivada em área com histórico do mal-do-panamá. Foram coletados vinte e quatro genótipos, 11 caracterizados no momento da coleta como doentes (GEN 1, GEN 2, GEN 3, GEN 4, GEN 5, GEN 6, GEN 7, GEN 8, GEN 9, GEN 10 e GEN 11) e 13 aparentemente sadios (GEN 12, GEN 13, GEN 14, GEN 15, GEN 16, GEN 17, GEN 18, GEN 19, GEN 20, GEN 21, GEN 22, GEN 23 e GEN 24). Estes materiais foram multiplicados em laboratório de cultura de tecidos e levados para plantio na área experimental. Foram avaliados 24 tratamentos (clones de bananeira 'Prata-Anã'), no delineamento em blocos casualizados, com três repetições, 20 plantas por parcela e as seis centrais consideradas como área útil. Avaliaram-se, além da diversidade genética, comprimento e diâmetro do pseudocaule, número de folhas, massa do cacho, das pencas e do engaço, número de pencas e de frutos, comprimento e perímetro do fruto central da segunda penca, porcentagem de plantas mortas, incidência e severidade do mal-do-panamá. A distância genética média entre os clones foi de 43,5%, variando de 11,8% a 85%. Os indivíduos GEN 12, GEN 13, GEN 19 e GEN 22 apresentam maiores diâmetros do pseudocaule ao nível do solo e a 30 cm, e foram mais altos. Os indivíduos GEN 13, GEN 17 e GEN 19 destacaram-se, nos dois ciclos de produção, como tolerantes ao mal-do-panamá.

In the irrigated area of Jaíba in Northern Minas Gerais, there are reports on the presence of some genotypes of banana cv. Prata-Anã supposedly tolerant to the Panama disease, where the disease was not established after 15 years of cultivation even in the presence of the pathogen. Therefore this study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity, agronomic performance and behavior of genotypes of banana 'Prata-Anã' cultivated in area with a history of Panama disease. Twenty-four families were collected, 11 classified in the moment of the collection as diseased (GEN 1, GEN 2, GEN 3, GEN 4, GEN 5, GEN 6, GEN 7, GEN 8, GEN 9, GEN 10 and GEN 11), and 13 apparently healthy (GEN 12, GEN 13, GEN 14, GEN 15, GEN 16, GEN 17, GEN 18, GEN 19, GEN 20, GEN 21, GEN 22, GEN 23 and GEN 24). This material were multiplied in tissue culture laboratory and taken to planting at the experimental area. Twenty-four treatments were evaluated (clones of banana 'Prata-Anã'), in a randomized block design with three replications, 20 plants per plot and the central six in useful area. In addition to the genetic diversity, length and diameter of pseudostem, leaf number, bunch, hands and rachis weight, number of hands and fruits, length and girth of the central fruit of the second hand, the percentage of dead plants, incidence and severity of Panama disease were evaluated. The average genetic distance between clones was 43.5%, ranging from 11.8% to 85%. Individuals GEN 12, GEN 13, GEN 19 and GEN 22 showed larger pseudostem at ground level and at 30 cm above the ground, and were higher. Individuals GEN 13, GEN 17 and GEN 19 stood out in both production cycles as Panama disease tolerant.