ABSTRACT: The main method of sugarcane smut (Sporisoriumscitamineum)control is the genetic resistance. This study assessed the reaction of Brazilian sugarcane genotypes to the smut. The design used was randomized blocks, with 41 genotypes and four replications. The experimental unit consisted of five seedlings per genotype. The genotypes were inoculated by immersing the buds in a smut spores’ suspension. For each genotype, it was obtained the disease incidence in percentage of stalk with whip and with the disease incidence data over time the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) were calculated for each genotype. Based in the AUDPC, three genotypes were classified as highly resistant (7.3%), eighteen as resistant (43.9%), twelve as moderately resistant (29.3%), three as moderately susceptible (7.3%) and five as susceptible (12.2%). Genotypes with higher levels of resistance to smut sugarcane can be used for integrated disease management and can be used as parents in new crosses in order to obtain progenies with higher proportion of genotypes resistant to smut.

RESUMO: O principal método de controle do carvão da cana-de-açúcar (Sporisorium scitamineum)é o controle genético. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a reação de genótipos brasileiros de cana-de-açúcar ao carvão. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos casualizados, com 41 genótipos e quatro repetições. A unidade experimental foi composta por cinco mudas por genótipo. Os genótipos foram inoculados através da imersão das gemas em uma suspensão de esporos do fungo. Para cada genótipo, obteve-se a incidência da doença em percentagem de colmos com chicote de carvão e com os dados de incidência da doença ao longo do tempo foi calculada a área abaixo da curva de progresso da doença (AACPD) para cada genótipo. Baseado na AACPD, três genótipos foram classificados como altamente resistentes (7,3%), dezoito como resistentes (43,9%), doze como moderadamente resistentes (29,3%), três como moderadamente suscetíveis (7,3%) e cinco como suscetíveis (12,2%). Genótipos com os maiores níveis de resistência ao carvão da cana-de-açúcar que podem ser utilizados para o manejo integrado da doença e como genitores em novos cruzamentos para obter progênies com maior proporção de genótipos resistentes ao carvão.

ABSTRACT Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) can cause a reduction up to 50% in the production of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). Genetic resistance is considered an important component in the management of nematodes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of 12 sugarcane genotypes when subjected to parasitism by Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne incognita under controlled conditions in a plant growth chamber. Four experiments were carried out in randomized blocks with 12 treatments and four replicates for M. javanica and three replicates for M. incognita. The treatments were the sugarcane genotypes: RB966928 (susceptibility pattern), RB026842, RB036168, RB036145, RB036065, RB966229, RB036066, RB036068, RB046209, RB036163, RB036153, and RB036059. Each repetition consisted of a 2-L pot with previously autoclaved substrate (1:1 of sand and soil), and a pre-sprouted seedling was transplanted. From pure populations of M. javanica and M. incognita, approximately 2,000 eggs and eventual J2 were inoculated per pot. After 120 days, the final population of nematodes in the root and soil was counted using an optical light microscope and Peters slide, and the reproduction factor (RF) was calculated. Plants that presented RF < 1 were considered resistant, and plants that presented RF > 1 were considered susceptible. Among the 12 genotypes evaluated, 66% were susceptible to parasitism by M. javanica. The genotypes RB046209, RB036163, RB036153, and RB036059 were classified as resistant to M. javanica parasitism. For the species M. incognita, the susceptible genotypes represented 75% of the total, and the resistant genotypes were RB036163, RB036153, and RB036059.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of early screening in the selection of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) families for cold tolerance in a controlled environment. Fourteen sugarcane families were evaluated for leaf damage and chlorophyll content, in a controlled environment and in the field, after cold stress. The variance components and genotypic values of the families were estimated via REML/BLUP, as well as the genetic correlations between variables and environments. The heritabilities in the narrow sense and for family averages showed values above 0.23 and 0.76, respectively, and a genetic coefficient of variation above 13%, which confirmis the existence of variability and enables selection in both environments. The genetic correlations ranged from 0.59 to 0.88 and were significant for all combinations of variables and environments. The average coincidence index for the families between environments was 60% for the selected group and 85% for the unselected group. The early screening in the first stages of selection is efficient in breeding for cold tolerance in sugarcane families.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência do screening precoce na seleção de famílias de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum spp.) quanto à tolerância ao frio em ambiente controlado. Avaliaram-se 14 famílias de cana-de-açúcar quanto ao dano foliar e ao teor de clorofila, em ambiente controlado e em campo, após estresse por frio. Estimaram-se os componentes de variância e os valores genotípicos das famílias via REML/BLUP, bem como as correlações genéticas entre variáveis e ambientes. As herdabilidades no sentido restrito e para médias de famílias apresentaram valores superiores a 0,23 e 0,76, respectivamente, com coeficiente de variação genético superior a 13%, o que confirma existência de variabilidade e torna possível a seleção em ambos os ambientes. As correlações genéticas variaram de 0,59 a 0,88 e foram significativas para todas as combinações de variáveis e ambientes. O índice de coincidência médio para as famílias entre ambientes foi de 60% para o grupo selecionado e de 85% para o grupo não selecionado. O “screening” precoce, nas primeiras fases de seleção, é eficiente no melhoramento genético para tolerância ao frio em famílias de cana-de-açúcar.

ABSTRACT Sugarcane-associated nematodes (Saccharum spp.) can reduce productivity up to 50%. Through the survey, it was possible to identify the main nematodes that occur in a certain region as a tool for designing the best management and control strategies. The aim of this study was to characterize the population of nematodes associated with sugarcane in the North Central, North Pioneiro and Northwest mesoregion of the state of Paraná, Brazil, quantify the nematode genera associated with the crop and identify the species of Pratylenchus and Meloidogyne. A total amount of 89 soil and root composite samples were collected in nine municipalities. Nematodes were extracted and counted in a Peters counting chamber under an optical light microscope. Morphological description followed identification keys. Pratylenchus spp. were identified by morphological characteristics; Meloidogyne spp. were identified by morphological characteristics and isoenzyme electrophoresis. Twelve genera of nematodes associated with sugarcane were identified: Pratylenchus, Meloidogyne, Helicotylenchus, Xiphinema, Mesocriconema, Trichodorus, Aphelenchus, Hoplolaimus, Tylenchus, Tylenchorhynchus, Ditylenchus, and Paratrichodorus. The genera Pratylenchus and Meloidogyne were found with the highest frequencies in the roots. Among the species of Pratylenchus, P. zeae and P. brachyurus were found, with P. zeae being the most frequent. Among the Meloidogyne species, only M. javanica was found. These results are essential to aid decision making in the management of phytonematodes, mainly in the development of new control strategies and in directing genetic breeding programs for development of sugarcane cultivars for the Paraná state.

RESUMO: Análise de crescimento de plantas pode ser utilizada para avaliação de plantas e identificação de mudanças causadas por microrganismos de solo, depois de serem inoculados nas sementes. O objetivo deste estudo foi medir as mudanças no crescimento de plantas de soja inoculadas em condição de cultivos extensivos de campo no Brasil. O experimento foi conduzido para comparar cinco tratamentos inoculados: T1 (Bradyrhizobium japonicum e B. diazoefficiens), T2 (T1 e Azospirillum brasilense), T3 (T1 e Trichoderma asperellum), T4 (T1 and T. virens, e Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) e T5 (T1 e Penicillum bilaiae). A área foliar e a massa seca da parte aérea e de raízes foram medidas nos estádios vegetativos e reprodutivos. Os resultados validam a contribuição da análise de crescimento de plantas de soja para identificar as respostas causadas pela inoculação de sementes com combinação de microrganismos selecionados. Os efeitos dos microrganismos no crescimento das plantas não variam apenas entre os microrganismos, mas também entre as partes das plantas e ao longo do seu desenvolvimento. A introdução de diferentes micróbios na rizosfera de soja, combinados com cepas de Bradyrhizobium sp. pode aumentar a produtividade de massa seca das culturas durante o seu ciclo de crescimento.

ABSTRACT: Plant growth analysis can be used for soybean plants evaluation to identify morphologic changes caused by soil microbes after seed inoculation. The objective was to measure changes of inoculated soybean plants grown under regular field Brazilian production conditions. The experiment was carried out to compare 5 inoculation treatments: T1 (Bradyrhizobium japonicum and B. diazoefficiens), T2 (T1 and Azospirillum brasilense), T3 (T1 and Trichoderma asperellum), T4 (T1 and T. virens, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and T5 (T1 and Penicillum bilaiae). Leaf area, shoot and root dry matter were measured at vegetative and reproductive growth stages. Results of this study validate the contribution of plant growth analysis of soybeans plants for identifying their responses promoted by the combined inoculation of their seeds with selected microbes. Also, the microbial effects on plant growth vary not only between microbes but also between parts of the plants and through the plant development stages. The introduction of different microbes in soybean rhizosphere combined with Bradyrhizobium sp. strains can contribute to increase crop dry matter productivity during its growing cycle.

RESUMO: A análise de regressão logística é uma técnica que pode auxiliar programas de melhoramento genético na seleção de clones, especialmente nos estágios iniciais, em que a precisão experimental é baixa. Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar os principais caracteres agronômicos para a seleção clonal de cana energia e verificar a eficiência do modelo logístico na predição dos genótipos a serem selecionados. As avaliações foram realizadas em 220 clones na primeira soca. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de regressão logística binária. O número de colmos por metro foi um caractere de maior importância na seleção de clones de cana energia. Além disso, os clones com nota menor para incidência de carvão tiveram maior chance de serem selecionados. As capacidades preditivas dos modelos qualitativos e quantitativos foram de 94% e 88%, respectivamente. O uso de um modelo qualitativo mostrou-se eficaz na previsão do número de genótipos de cana energia a serem selecionados e pode ser usado como estratégia de seleção.

ABSTRACT: Logistic regression analysis is a technique that may aid genetic breeding programs in the selection of clones, especially in the early stages where experimental accuracy is low. This research aimed to identify the most important agronomic traits for energy cane clonal selection, and to verify the efficiency of the logistic model in predicting the genotypes to be selected. Evaluations were carried out on 220 clones in the first ratoon. The data were subjected to binary logistic regression analysis. Stalk number per meter was the most important trait in the selection of energy cane clones. In addition, plants with lower grade for smut incidence had a greater chance of being selected. The predictive capacities of the qualitative and quantitative models were 94% and 88%, respectively. The use of a qualitative model proved to be effective at predicting the number of energy cane genotypes to be selected and could be used as a selection strategy.

Abstract Cultivar RB036091 is an early-maturing sugarcane with a long period of industrial suitability; in the Central South region of Brazil, harvest is recommended between April and August, and the cultivar is indicated for planting on moderate to highly fertile soils. It is widely adaptable and has a high sugar yield and stability of agricultural yield.

RESUMO A expansão da cultura da cana-de-açúcar na região Centro-Sul tem sido predominantemente em solos arenosos com baixo potencial produtivo. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar a manutenção do palhiço, consórcio da cana com a braquiária e doses de nitrogênio no cultivo da cana em solo arenoso do Paraná. O experimento foi instalado em condições de campo, situado no município de Paranavaí-PR, na unidade da Rede Interinstitucional para o Desenvolvimento do Setor Sucroenergético (Ridesa). O solo foi classificado como sendo um Latossolo Vermelho-amarelo distrófico. Os tratamentos na cana-planta foram constituídos de um fatorial 4x2, sendo quatro doses de nitrogênio (0, 50, 100 e 150 kg ha-1) e cana consorciada e não consorciada com braquiária. Na ocasião da colheita da cana-planta, implementou-se o palhiço como novo fator para ser avaliado na cana-soca. Os tratamentos da cana-soca foram constituídos de um fatorial 4x2x2, sendo quatro doses de nitrogênio (0, 50, 100 e 150 kg ha-1), cana consorciada e não consorciada com braquiária, e uso do palhiço e o não uso do palhiço. A manutenção do palhiço na superfície do solo pode aumentar o desenvolvimento agronômico da cana e, por outro lado, o consórcio de capim braquiária pode reduzir. A cana-de-açúcar foi responsiva às doses de N e, nas maiores doses, compensou a ausência do palhiço e reduziu a competição entre as espécies.

ABSTRACT The expansion of sugarcane cultivation in the Center-South region of Brazil has led to the use of, mainly, areas with low-yielding sandy soils. In this context, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the maintenance of the sugarcane straw, Brachiaria grass intercropping in sugarcane fields and nitrogen fertilization and on sandy soils in the state of Paraná. The field experiment was installed in the Paranavaí-PR city, at a unit of the Interuniversity Network for the Development of the Sugarcane Sector (RIDESA). The soil was classified as Latossolo Vermelho-amarelo distrófico. The treatments in the plant cane stage, consisting of four nitrogen rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1) and monoculture or Brachiaria grass intercropping in sugarcane fields were arranged in a 4x2 factorial design. At plant cane harvest, the effect of unremoved straw was included as a new factor to be evaluated in the ratoon crops. The treatments in the ratoon crops were arranged in a 4x2x2 factorial design, consisting of four nitrogen rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1), monoculture or Brachiaria grass intercropping in sugarcane fields and the presence or removal sugarcane straw. The sugarcane straw on soil surface can increase the agronomic development of sugarcane and, the other hands, Brachiaria grass intercropping in sugarcane fields can reduce. Sugarcane was responsive to N rates and, in the highest rates, compensated the sugarcane straw absence and reduced Brachiaria grass intercropping competition.

RESUMO: O objetivo desse trabalho foi selecionar famílias e clones de cana-de-açúcar tolerantes ao estresse por frio. As avaliações ocorreram durante três fases de seleção no município de Pelotas, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os experimentos foram conduzidos no delineamento de blocos incompletos, sendo inicialmente composto por 4.452 seedlings oriundos de 53 famílias de irmãos completos. Além dos caracteres teor de sólidos solúveis (BRIX), tonelada de colmos por hectare (TCH) e tonelada de brix por hectare (TBH), foi avaliada a sobrevivência do meristema apical (GEM) na primeira fase de seleção (T1) do programa de melhoramento genético. Ao final de três fases de seleção, 15 clones pertencentes a 14 das 53 famílias avaliadas na primeira fase (T1) foram selecionados para a fase de experimentação, destes, destacam-se: RS/PR126066, RS/PR126044, RS/PR126052, RS/PR126007 e RS/PR126033, pois além de apresentar desempenho satisfatório para os caracteres TCH e TBH, foram avaliados com notas máximas (N4 e N5) para sobrevivência de gema apical no primeiro ciclo de seleção.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to select cold-tolerant sugarcane families and clones. Evaluations were carried out during three selection phases in the municipality of Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The experiments were arranged in an incomplete block design, with initially 4,452 seedlings of 53 full-sib families. Aside from the traits soluble solids content (BRX), tons of stalks per hectare (TSH) and tons of brixper hectare (TBH), the survival of the apical bud (ABS) was evaluated in the first selection stage (T1) of the breeding program. At the end of three selection phases, 15 clones of 14 of the 53 families evaluated in the first phase (T1) were selected for the experimental phase. Of these, the clones RS/PR126066, RS/PR126044, RS/PR126052, RS/PR126007 and RS/PR126033, had a good performance for apical bud survival in the first selection phase.

ABSTRACT The variability of agronomic performance and of input use level of wheat commercial fields allows the identification of the factors with the greatest contribution to its economic performance. The objective of this work was to identify the main factors related to the variability of economic performance in wheat commercial fields in the Southern Region of Paraná State. The study was based on data from 65, 64 and 80 farms in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The variables evaluated were: costs of fertilizer, herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and seed; grain yield; and simplified gross margin (SGM). Data were subjected to Principal Components Analysis followed by Cluster Analysis. The variability of wheat economic performance was mainly related to grain yield, fertilizers cost and seed costs. Grain yield is one of the most important factors to determination of economic performance of wheat commercial fields in the studied region, and a greater investment in fertilizers and with seeds can decrease it. It must be considered that the cost reduction might be obtained with suitable management practices, and the contribution of items of cost analyzed to economic performance may be different in each cropping season probably due to variations of the cost profile and grain yield.

Abstract The sugarcane cultivar RB036066 is medium-maturing and has a long period of industrial suitability; in the South-Central region, harvest is recommended between June and September, and it is indicated for planting on medium to highly fertile soils. The cultivar is widely adaptable and has high sugar yield and stability of agricultural production.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar os parâmetros genéticos para prever o desempenho de famílias de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum spp.) sob condições naturais de estresse por frio, no Sul do Brasil, e identificar as melhores combinações de genitores para a seleção quanto à tolerância ao frio. Cinquenta e três famílias de irmãos completos foram avaliadas em delineamento de blocos incompletos, com cinco repetições por família, no Município de Pelotas, RS. A colheita foi realizada em agosto de 2013, nove meses após o plantio e após eventos de frio com temperatura negativa que chegou a -2,2ºC. As análises estatísticas, realizadas por meio da metodologia de modelos mistos, detectaram diferenças significativas entre as famílias. As estimativas de herdabilidade em nível de família foram maiores do que as de herdabilidade em nível de indivíduo. As estimativas quanto ao progresso genético para os caracteres megagramas de cana por hectare, megagramas de brix por hectare e número de talos indicaram ganhos de 93,8, 91,0 e 53,3%, respectivamente. Obteve-se um conjunto de oito famílias potenciais que combinam elevadas estimativas de rendimento e tolerância ao estresse por frio.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to estimate the genetic parameters for the performance prediction of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) families under natural cold stress, in Southern Brazil, and to identify the best combinations of parents aiming at the selection for tolerance to cold. Fifty-three full-sib families were evaluated in an incomplete block design, with five replicates per family, in the municipality of Pelotas, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Harvest occurred in August 2013, nine months after planting and after cold spells with negative temperatures down to -2.2ºC. Statistical analyses, performed with the mixed model methodology, detected significant differences among families. Heritability estimates among progeny means were higher than those of individual heritability. Estimates of genetic progress for the traits megagrams of stalks per hectare, megagrams of brix per hectare, and number of stalks indicated gains of 93.8, 91.0, and 53.3%, respectively. A set of eight promising families that combine high estimates for yield and cold stress tolerance was obtained.

Abstract The sugarcane cultivar RB036088 is late-maturing, harvested from September to November in south-central Brazil, and is recommended for soils with medium to high fertility. It stands out with continuously high sugar yield over the harvests, longevity of the ratoon plants, high tillering capacity and can be harvested mechanically.

Resumo Avaliaram-se os efeitos de níveis de correção da fertilidade do solo (testemunha, calagem, adubação e calagem + adubação) e da idade de rebrota (21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77 e 84 dias) sobre a dinâmica de crescimento e rendimento de forragem de Trachypogon plumosus em Roraima. O aumento da idade de rebrota resultou em maiores rendimentos de matéria seca (MS), taxa absoluta de crescimento (TAC), taxa de assimilação líquida (TAL), razão de área foliar (RAF) e índice de área foliar (IAF), ocorrendo o inverso quanto à taxa média de crescimento (TMC). A gramínea mostrou-se responsiva à melhoria da fertilidade do solo. A calagem + adubação ou a adubação proporcionaram maiores rendimentos de MS (1.934 e 1.661 kg ha-1), TAC (36,6 e 31,5 kg ha-1 dia-1), TMC (32,5 e 27,9 kg ha-1 dia-1), TAL (4,993 e 4,152 g/m2), RAF (152,9 e 140,9 cm2/g) e IAF (2,42 e 2,14). Para otimizar a eficiência de utilização da forragem produzida e reduzir perdas por senescência da gramínea, o período mais adequado de sua utilização, durante o período chuvoso, situa-se entre 56 e 63 dias com o uso de adubação e calagem + adubação e entre 63 a 70 dias para a testemunha e a calagem.

Abstract We assessed the effects of levels of soil fertility correction (control, liming, fertilization and liming + fertilization) and of regrowth ages (21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, and 84 days) on growth dynamic and forage yield of Trachypogon plumosus in the Roraima´s savannas. Dry matter (DM) yields, absolute growth rate (AGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), and leaf area ratio (LAR) increased consistently with regrowth age, while the crop growth rate (CGR) was inversely proportional to regrowth age. The grass showed high responsivity to soil fertility improvement. Liming + fertilization or fertilization alone provided higher DM yields (1,934 and 1,661 kg ha-1), AGR (36.6 and 31.5 kg ha-1.day), CGR (32.5 and 27.9 kg ha-1.day), NAR (4.993 e 4.152 g/m2), LAR (152.9 and 140.9 cm2/g), and LAI (2.42 and 2.14). Regrowth intervals of 56 to 63 days for liming + fertilized and fertilized pastures, and 63 to 70 days for control or liming pastures were appropriate to provide maximum forage yields, growth rates and to prevent larger losses relative to senescence and leaf death.

RESUMO Modelos de produção precisam ser testados em diferentes locais, para serem utilizados como instrumento de planejamento agrícola. Avaliaram-se, ao longo de nove ciclos de cultivo, as relações hídricas e o desempenho de modelos de produção águacultura, na estimativa da produtividade de cana-soca, em Paranavaí (PR). Estimou-se a evapotranspiração de referência e real da cultura, armazenamento de água no solo, deficiência e excedente hídrico. Os modelos de "Stewart" e "Jensen" obtiveram os melhores desempenhos para estimar a produtividade de cana-soca. Adisponibilidade hídrica na primeira fase de desenvolvimento da cana-soca exerce a maior influência na produtividade.

ABSTRACT Production models need to be tested at different locations to be used as an agricultural planning tool. Hydric relations and performances of water-crop production models were used to estimate ratoon sugarcane yield along nine production cycles, in Paranavaí, Paraná State, Brazil. The crop reference and real evapotranspiration, soil water storage, water deficit and surplus were evaluated. The "Stewart" and "Jensen" models showed the best performance to estimate ratoon sugarcane yield. Water availability in the first development phase of ratoon sugarcane has the greatest influence on yield.