ABSTRACT Along the line that health-beneficial foods must also be accompanied by sustainable agricultural practices, the red alga Lithothamnium sp. (Rhodophyta), frequently used for animal and human nutrition, it was shown that it could be a biofertilizer, regarding their bioactive humic acid content, released by micronization. Also, onions present well-known benefits to health and are among the main vegetable crops grown worldwide. Thus, the objective this work was to evaluate the effects of foliar sprays with micronized Lithothamniun sp. on yield, mineral nutrients, flavonoids, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity before and after storage of bulbs of two organically grown onion cultivars. The yield, mineral content, antioxidant activity, and phenolic and flavonoid content in onion bulbs were improved through sprays, highlighting the dose of 1.5 g L-1 of Lithothamnium sp. in solution. Genotype interactions and storage effects were observed. The benefits with the use of Lithothamnium sp. as biofertilizer were towards the biofortification of organically grown onions by improving mineral nutrient acquisition as it was followed by upgrading antioxidant capacity.

ABSTRACT Barbados gooseberry (BGB) is a non-conventional vegetable highlighted for its nutritional value, particularly its protein content. However, there is a lack of scientific information for improving the plantation system of this plant. This research proposed to evaluate high-density systems to cultivate BGB plants for sprout production. The experiment was carried out in the Horticulture Sector of the Canguiri Experimental Station Farm from UFPR, located in the county of Pinhais, Paraná State, Brazil. BGB was planted in open field beds using distinctive plantation systems according to plant stands and pruning and thinning management. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three repetitions per treatment. Five high-density plantation systems (treatments) were tested: 10 (10?10): 10 × 10 cm; 2) (20?20): 20 × 20 cm; and 3) (30?30): 30 × 30 cm spacing with thinning to keep one sprout growing per primary branch per plant; 4) (30?30TS) was represented by 30 × 30 cm spacing with thinning to keep one sprout growing from each of two secondary branches grown from the primary branch to give two sprouts (TS) per plant; 5) (30?30FS) consisted of plants with 30 × 30 cm spacing with no thinning (FS = free growing sprouts). The first three treatments were thinned to one sprout per plant. Protein content of BGB sprouts was also determined to verify its real protein content. A high-density plantation system promoted BGB sprouts productivity with high protein content (28.8% from leaves of sprout). Treatment 5 produced the highest yield (21.7 t/ha per month).

RESUMO O ora-pro-nóbis (OPN) é uma olerícola não convencional que se destaca pelo seu valor nutricional, especialmente, em relação a seu teor proteico. Porém, há escassez de informações técnico-científicas sobre sistemas de cultivo recomendados. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a produção de brotos de OPN em sistema superadensado. O experimento foi desenvolvido no Setor de Horticultura da Fazenda Experimental Canguiri da UFPR, em Pinhais-PR. Para isso, efetuou-se o plantio do OPN em canteiros a céu aberto em diferentes sistemas de cultivo que variaram conforme a densidade de plantas (espaçamento) e manejo de podas e desbrotas. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com três repetições por tratamento. Foram testados cinco sistemas de cultivo em alta densidade de plantio (tratamentos): 1) 10 cm × 10 cm, 2) 20 cm × 20 cm, 3) 30 cm × 30 cm, 4) 30 cm × 30 cm e 5) 30 cm × 30 cm de espaçamento de plantio; sendo os três primeiros com desbrotas para produção de um broto por planta por colheita, o quarto com desbrota para produção de dois brotos por planta por colheita e o último sem desbrotas para livre produção de brotos. Foi também avaliada a porcentagem de proteína nos brotos de OPN para verificar o seu real conteúdo proteico. Os resultados mostraram que sistema de cultivo superadensado do OPN promove alta produtividade ao mesmo tempo que oferece um produto de alto conteúdo proteico (28,8% em folhas de broto). O cultivo no espaçamento de 30 × 30 cm e sem desbrotas proporcionou a maior produção de brotos (27,1 t/ha por mês).

ABSTRACT The use of plant growth-promoting bacteria contributes to the sustainability of agriculture. Metabolic and morphometric variables, and their correlation with the initial growth of two tomato cultivars, were assessed in this study. This was done to evaluate the effect of seeds inoculated with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp.plantarum FZB42in two doses: 20% of bacteriasuspension as inoculant solution (Ba20) and 80% of bacteria suspension as inoculant solution (Ba80), equating to 1.6 x 105 and 6.4 x 106 bacteria per seed, respectively. Bacterial inoculation increased the growth of roots at different rates, from 14.56% (total length in the 'Santa Clara I-530' cultivar) up to 197.13% (root volume of the 'Cherry 261' cultivar). Increments in the aerial part also varied from 12.06% (leaves area in 'Santa Clara 1-530，) up to 88.88% (dry matter in 'Cherry 261'). Increases in the root system with Ba20 were also correlated with an increase in the height and weight of the fresh matter of plant aerial parts. Metabolite concentration (sugars and soluble proteins) was closely related to leaf expansion according to the response of cultivars and doses. Ba20 (1.5 x 105 bacteria per seed) showed plant growth effects on two cultivars of tomato, which is promising for future studies.

RESUMEM El uso de bacterias promotoras del crecimiento de planta puede contribuir a la sostenibilidad de la agricultura. Metabólicos y variables morfométricas, y su correlación con el crecimiento inicial de los cultivares de tomate fue analizado en este estudio, con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de la inoculación de semillas con Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subs. plantarum FZB42, usando dos dosis: 20% de suspensión de bacterias en la solución de inoculante (Ba20) y 80%c de suspensión de bacterias en la solución de inoculante (Ba80), la concentración estimada es 1,6 x 10 5 y 6,4 x 10 6 bacterias por semilla, respectivamente. La inoculación he proporcionado incremento de crecimiento en las raíces en proporciones diferentes, que van desde 14,56% (longitud total en la variedad 'Santa Clara I-530') a 197,13% (volumen en el cultivar 'Cherry 261'). Mientras que los incrementos de parte aérea variaron de 12,06% (área de las hojas de 'Santa Clara I-530') al 88,88% (materia seca de 'Cherry 261'). Los aumentos del sistema radicular en Ba20 se refleja en aumentos en la altura y peso de materia fresca de la parte aérea. Una concentración de metabolitos (azúcares y proteínas solubles) estaba estrechamente relacionada con la expansión de las hojas de acuerdo con la respuesta del cultivar y dosis. El Ba20 (1,6 x 10 5 ) mostró efecto significativo de la promoción del crecimiento vegetal en dos cultivares de tomate en crecimiento inicial, siendo prometedor para futuros trabajos.

ABSTRACT For its production, broccoli requires large quantities of nutrients in relatively short periods. As a conservation technique, the no-tillage planting of broccoli over the pearl millet straw in succession may interfere with the dynamics of nutrient release, inflorescence production and the chemical attributes of the soil. The objectives of this work were to evaluate nutrient cycling, broccoli production and soil chemical attributes in a no-tillage system in succession to pearl millet for two consecutive years. The treatments consisted of pearl millet (BRS 1501) with the straw maintaned whole over the soil, pearl millet with the ground straw, spontaneous plants with biomass maintaned on the soil and conventional system with soil tillage without cover maintenance. It was found that ground pearl millet on the soil surface intensifies the nutrients release rate and provides a less use by broccoli grown in succession. The continuous conventional system reduces the absorption of nutrients and the production of inflorescence of broccoli grown in highly-fertile soil. Pearl millet is efficient in maintaining potassium levels in the soil over broccoli crops in succession. The maintenance of whole pearl millet straw on the soil surface is a promising technique for growing broccoli in succession.

ABSTRACT In this study, Bacillus subtilis were applied on seeds, seedlings, and tomato crops for two years in an organic system. The product Serenade® was used on 'Cardyna' and 'Trinidade' cultivars with the objective of determining the effect of the bacteria on initial plant growth when applied to seeds (50 uL per seed) or the seedlings watered with 100 mL solution at 8 mL L-1 concentration, and tomato yield when applied at the concentration of 4 mL L-1 in the form of a soil drench, foliar sprays and their combination, considering their action in the promotion of growth and also in the induction of resistance allied to possible metabolic deviations. Seed application reduced initial plant growth, while seedling watering at transplanting promoted growth. Chlorophylls a, b and total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and the enzymes phenylalanine ammonia lyase, chitinase, and β1,3 glucanases were stimulated in a variable way among cultivars and applications, indicating the activation of plant defenses. Phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and total sugars were not altered, while the concentrations of reducing sugars were higher due to applications than those of non-reducing sugars. The metabolic changes did not influence the tomato yield.

RESUMEN En este estudio se realizaron aplicaciones de Bacillus subtilis en semillas, mudas y en el cultivo del tomate durante dos ciclos en sistema orgánico. Se utilizó el producto Serenade® en los cultivares Cardyna y Trinidad. El objetivo fue determinar el efecto de la bacteria en el crecimiento inicial de las plantas cuando se aplica a las semillas (50 [il por semilla) o a las mudas (100 mL de solución en la concentración de 8 mL L -1 ), y en la producción de los frutos cuando se aplica en la concentración de 4 mL L -1 en forma de riego, pulverizaciones foliares y su combinación, teniendo en cuenta su acción en la promoción del crecimiento y también en la inducción de resistencia aliada a posibles desvíos metabólicos. La aplicación en las semillas redujo el crecimiento inicial de las plantas, mientras que el riego de las mudas en el momento del trasplante estimuló el crecimiento. Las clorofilas a, b y totales, los carotenoides y las enzimas fenilalanina amonio-liase, quitinasa y pi,3glucanasas fueron estimuladas de forma variable entre cultivares y aplicaciones, indicando la activación de las defensas de las plantas. Los compuestos fenólicos, flavonoides y azúcares totales no se alteraron, mientras que las concentraciones de azúcares reductores fueron mayores debido a las aplicaciones que las de no reductores. Las alteraciones metabólicas no influyeron en la producción de los tomates.

Buscando o desenvolvimento com base em fontes naturais capazes de promover o crescimento de plantas de acordo com os pressupostos da produção orgânica, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do caldo fermentado de Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SFB) como biofertilizante no crescimento de mudas tomate em sistema orgânico e quantificar o conteúdo de clorofila nas folhas, tendo em conta que o SFB apresenta aminoácidos com configuração levógira. Por esse motivo, as aplicações foliares de soluções aquosas foram realizadas com cinco concentrações (0,25, 0,50, 0,75, 1,0 e 1,25 ml.l-1) de SFB (complex-Aid ® - Alltech®) e uma testemunha com aplicação de água destilada. O SFB mostrou notável eficácia na promoção do crescimento das mudas de tomate, aumentando o teor de clorofila das folhas, no aumento do crescimento de folha e caule, no volume das raízes estratificado por diâmetro, melhorando a taxa de raízes mais finas em 0,75 ml. L-1 de concentração. Estes são os primeiros resultados de nova investigação sobre a utilização de SFB sobre o metabolismo da planta em conjunto com L-aminoácidos e outros compostos bioativos possíveis divulgados pela Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Looking for the development of products based on natural sources capable of promoting plant growth according to organic production assumptions, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermented broth (SFB) as a biofertilizer on organic tomato seedlings growth and chlorophyll content of leaves, taking into account the content of levorotatory configuration amino acids in SFB. For that reason, were performed foliar applications of aqueous solutions with five concentrations (0,25; 0,50; 0,75; 1,0 and 1,25 mL.L-1) of SFB (complex-aid® - Alltech®) and a control with application of distilled water. The SFB showed remarkable efficiency in promoting tomato seedlings growth, increasing leaves chlorophyll content, increasing leaves and stems growth, roots volume and altering its diameter partitioning, improving the rate of thinner roots at 0,75 mL L-1 concentration. These are initial results for further investigations about how SFB acts on plant metabolism, related to L-amino acids or other possible bioactive compounds released by Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

ABSTRACT The biofertilizer derived from the fermentation of sugarcane molasses by the bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum is a broth containing L-glutamic amino acid. To evalúate the biofertilization effect of this broth on the organic production of Chinese cabbage seedlings (Brassica campestris var. Pekinensis), an experiment was performed in a seedling nursery in the organic area at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR). Aqueous solutions of the fermented broth were applied to leaves at concentrations of 0.2 mL L-1 and 0.8 mL L-1 in addition to the control with water application. The results indicated that foliar application promoted the development of the aerial part and roots and increased the concentration of total free amino acids in Chinese cabbage seedlings. These results demonstrated the biofertilizing action of the bacterial fermented broth, promoting seedling growth and stimulating amino acid synthesis, by increasing the concentration of total free amino acids.

RESUMEN El biofertilizante de la caña de azúcar derivado de la fermentación por la bacteria Corynebacterium glutamicum es un caldo que contiene aminoácido L-glutámico. Para evaluar el efecto biofertilización de este caldo en la producción orgánica de las plántulas de col china (Brassica campestris var. Pekinensis), se realizó un experimento en un vivero de plántulas en la zona orgánica de la Universidad Federal de Paraná (UFPR). Las soluciones acuosas del caldo fermentado se aplicaron a hojas en concentraciones de 0,2 mL L-1 y 0,8 mL L-1 además del control con aplicación de agua. Los resultados indicaron que la aplicación foliar promovió el desarrollo de la parte aérea y las raíces y aumentó la concentra ción de aminoácidos libres totales en las plántulas de col china. Estos resultados demuestran la acción biofertilizante del caldo bacteriano fermentado, promoviendo el crecimiento de las plántulas y estimulando la síntesis de aminoácidos, aumentando la concentración de aminoácidos libres totales.

Resumo: A produção de sementes de pimentão pode ser influenciada pelo manejo da planta e ponto de colheita dos frutos. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de sementes de pimentão produzidas em sistema orgânico, em função do crescimento livre e desbaste de ramos, e do estádio de maturação dos frutos. O experimento foi conduzido em ambiente protegido com delineamento de blocos ao acaso, sendo as plantas tutoradas com fitilhos paralelos, com e sem desbaste de ramos e frutos coletados em três estádios de maturação (completamente verde, verde/avermelhado e vermelho). As seguintes determinações foram realizadas: teor de água das sementes no momento da colheita e após repouso pós-colheita; número de sementes por fruto; germinação de sementes e emergência de plântulas. Pode-se concluir que a produção de sementes de pimentão em sistema orgânico é viável, resultando em sementes com porcentagem de germinação e emergência de plântulas superiores a 90%. A forma de manejo das plantas sem o desbaste de hastes resulta na produção de sementes com maior viabilidade e quantidade por fruto. O cultivo do pimentão para a produção de sementes pode ser realizado com frutos no estádio de maturação verde (51 dias após a antese), sem prejuízo da sua qualidade.

Abstract: The production of bell pepper seeds may be affected by the plant management and harvesting point of fruits. The goal of this study was to evaluate the quality of organically produced bell pepper seeds according to free plant growth, branch thinning and ripening stage. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with randomized block design; plants were tutored to parallel tape supports, with and without branch thinning, and fruits were harvested at three ripening stages (completely green, green/reddish and red). The following determinations were made: seed moisture content of at the time of harvest and after post-harvest rest, number of seeds per fruit, seed germination, and seedling emergence. It is possible to conclude that the production of bell pepper seeds in an organic system is viable, resulting in seeds with a germination percentage and seedling emergence above 90%. The management system of plants without branch thinning results in the production of seeds with greater viability and higher quantity per fruit. The cultivation of bell peppers for seed production may be carried out with fruits at the green ripening stage (51 days after anthesis), without any quality loss.

RESUMO O cultivo da cebola em época antecipada, apesar da menor produtividade, representa oportunidade de melhores mercado e preço aos agricultores do sul do Brasil. Conhecer a quantidade absorvida e a distribuição dos nutrientes na planta nesta condição é essencial para o manejo adequado da adubação. Para a cebola poucas informações estão disponíveis, especialmente para o cultivo orgânico e plantio em época antecipada na região sul do Brasil. O presente trabalho foi conduzido na área experimental de olericultura orgânica da estação do Canguiri-UFPR, região metropolitana de Curitiba, com o objetivo de avaliar a absorção de nutrientes e a partição destes em cultivares de cebola de polinização aberta, em sistema orgânico, com semeadura em janeiro. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições. As cultivares avaliadas foram: Franciscana IPA-10, Vale Ouro IPA-11, Brisa IPA-12, Alfa Tropical, Alfa São Francisco, Alfa São Francisco-RT e BR-29. Foram realizadas análises químicas da parte aérea e dos bulbos coletados no momento da colheita. As cultivares variaram quanto ao potencial produtivo, sendo as mais produtivas mais eficientes em converter nutrientes absorvidos em produção de bulbos. O conteúdo de nutrientes ocorreu na seguinte ordem: parte aérea -K > N > P > Ca > Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn = B > Cu; bulbos - K > N > P > Ca > Mg > Fe > B > Zn > Cu > Mn. Por tonelada de bulbos frescos produzida, os nutrientes foram requeridos na seguinte ordem de quantidade K > N > P > Ca > Mg > Fe > Zn > B > Mn > Cu e, acumularam-se em maior quantidade na parte aérea, exceto o Zn, que apresentou maior concentração no bulbo.

ABSTRACT Early season onion crops, despite lower yield, is an opportunity for farmers to explore market and better prices in southern Brazil. Knowing the amount absorbed and the distribution of nutrients in the plant is essential for adequate management of fertilization. However, little information on this matter is available for onion, especially for organic farming and nontraditional periods in southern Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutrient absorption and partitioning in open-pollinated onion cultivars grown in organic system. The experiment was conducted in the Canguiri-UFPR experimental organic farm, Curitiba-PR, with sowing in January. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. Cultivars Franciscana IPA-10 (purple), Vale Ouro IPA-11 and Brisa IPA-12 (from Empresa Pernambucana de Pesquisa Agropecuária - IPA), Alfa Tropical (from Embrapa Hortaliças), Alfa São Francisco (VIII cycle) and Alfa São Francisco-RT (thrips resistant- genotype under test; from Embrapa Semi-árido), and BR-29 (Topseed-Agristar) were selected for the study. Chemical analyses were performed for shoot and bulbs collected at harvest. The production potential of cultivars varied, and the most productive ones were the most efficient in converting the nutrients absorbed in bulb yield. The order of nutrient contents in the shoots was K > N > P > Ca > Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn = B > Cu, whereas in the bulbs it was K > N > P > Ca > Mg > Fe > B > Zn > Cu > Mn. Nutrients were required in the following order of amount K > N > P > Ca > Mg > Fe > Zn > B > Mn > Cu, per ton of fresh bulbs, and accumulated in greater quantity in the shoot, except Zn, which had higher concentration in the bulb.

RESUMO As substâncias húmicas são utilizadas na agricultura como promotoras do crescimento das plantas, especialmente do sistema radicular. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação de diferentes doses de ácido fúlvico no crescimento e produtividade da alface americana, cultivar Raider Plus. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos de ácido fúlvico 0; 1; 2; 4 e 8 ml L-1 e quatro repetições, aplicados no momento do transplante. Foram conduzidos dois experimentos simultaneamente, um experimento realizado em casa de vegetação, onde foram avaliados massa fresca e seca da parte aérea e radicular, comprimento e volume das raízes; e outro experimento realizado em campo, onde ao final do ciclo avaliou-se a massa fresca e seca da parte aérea, número de folhas, comprimento do caule e circunferência média da cabeça. A aplicação de diferentes doses de ácido fúlvico promoveu o crescimento das plantas de alface, em especial do sistema radicular. A emissão de raízes, com predominância, das de menor diâmetro, foi encontrada nas maiores concentrações de ácido fúlvico. O número de folhas e a circunferência média da cabeça expressaram respostas nas concentrações de ácido fúlvico.

ABSTRACT Humic substances are used in agriculture to promote plant growth, especially of the root system. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of applying different doses of fulvic acid on growth and productivity in the Raider Plus cultivar of the lettuce. The experimental design was completely randomised, with five treatments of fulvic acid 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 ml L-1 and four replications, applied when transplanting. Two experiments were conducted simultaneously; one carried out in a greenhouse, where the fresh and dry weights of the shoots and roots, and the length and volume of the roots were evaluated. The other experiment was carried out in the field, where the fresh and dry weight of the shoots, the number of leaves, length of the stem and average head circumference were evaluated at the end of the cycle. The application of different doses of fulvic acid promoted growth in the lettuce plants, especially in the root system. The emission of roots, mainly of smaller diameter, was found at the higher concentrations of fulvic acid. The number of leaves and average head circumference expressed a response to the concentrations of fulvic acid.

Humic substances can increment plant development, promoting the growth of shoots and roots, but their use in the production of seedlings is little studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of humic substances in promoting the growth of onion seedlings of the Alfa São Francisco Ciclo VIII variety. The experimental design was completely randomized, with five replications and six treatments: control with application of water and 5 doses (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mL L-1) of humic substances containing 10% fulvic acid. The application was performed 28 days after sowing (DAS), by immersion of trays with the seedlings in the solution according to each treatment. The following characteristics were evaluated at 48 DAS (seedling transplanting time): shoot height, root length, pseudostem diameter, shoot fresh mass, shoot dry mass, root fresh mass, root dry mass, foliar area, foliar volume, root volume and root area. The use of humic substances influenced the evaluated characteristics. The greatedy growth promotion of onion seedlings occurred between the concentrations of 17 and 20 mL L-1 of humic substances in the immersion solution.

Las sustancias húmicas pueden favorecer el desarrollo vegetativo, promoviendo el crecimiento de la parte aérea y raíces, pero su uso en la producción de plántulas es poco estudiado. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la aplicación de diferentes dosis de las sustancias húmicas en el desarrollo de las plántulas de cebolla 'Alfa São Francisco Ciclo VIII'. El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar, con cinco repeticiones y seis tratamientos, siendo ellos: testigo, con aplicación de agua y cinco dosis de las sustancias húmicas que contenga 10% de ácido fúlvico (5, 10, 15, 20 y 25 mL L-1). La aplicación se realizó a 28 días después de la siembra (DDS) por medio de la inmersión de las bandejas con las plántulas en la solución según cada tratamiento. A los 48fueron evaluados: altura de la parte aérea, la longitud de las raíces, diámetro de pseudocaule, masa fresca y seca de la parte aérea, masa fresca y seca de la raíz, área y volumen de la hoja y área y volumen de la raíz. El uso de las sustancias húmicas influencian las características evaluadas. La mayoría de los efectos en el crecimiento de plántulas de cebollasfue promovido por las concentraciones entre 17 y 20 mL L-1 de las sustancias húmicas en la solución de inmersión de plántulas de cebolla.

RESUMOA utilização de produtos biofertilizantes, como fermentados bacterianos, contendo aminoácidos, é pouco estudada na produção de mudas de hortaliças, especialmente no sistema orgânico. Neste trabalho, o objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação foliar de um fermentado bacteriano do melaço da cana, contendo 30% do aminoácido ácido L-glutâmico, no desenvolvimento de mudas de repolho. Os tratamentos, constituídos por quatro repetições, eram compostos por concentrações do fermentado (0; 0,1; 0,2; 0,4 e 0,8 mL L-1)aplicadas nas folhas, em intervalos de sete ou de 14 dias. Aos 35 dias após a semeadura, foram determinados o índice relativo de clorofila, a área foliar e o volume do sistema radicular. O fermentado bacteriano promoveu incrementos do índice relativo de clorofila, da área foliar e do volume radicular, quando aplicado com intervalos de 14 dias, e incremento do volume radicular, quando aplicado com intervalos de sete dias. Ocorreu redução da área foliar, quando aplicado em concentrações superiores a 0,2 ml L-1, com intervalos de sete dias. O biofertilizante incrementa o desenvolvimento de mudas de repolho.

ABSTRACTThe use of biofertilizers such as bacterial fermentation broth containing amino acids is poorly studied in the production of organic seedlings. The aim of this study was to test the effect of foliar spraying of the sugarcane fermented broth containing 30% of L- glutamic acid, on the growth of cabbage seedlings, without using synthetic fertilizers. The treatments consisted of foliar spraying with solutions containing different concentrations of fermented broth (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mL L-1), in four repetitions, in intervals of seven or fourteen days. At 35 days after sowing, the following variables were determined: chlorophyll relative index, leaf area and root volume. The fermented broth increased the chlorophyll relative index, leaf area and root volume when applied in intervals of fourteen days, and increased the root volume when applied in intervals of seven days. There was a reduction in leaf area when applied in concentrations higher than 0.2 ml L-1in intervals of seven days. The biofertilizer enhanced the development of cabbage seedlings.

In order to improve the growth of sugarcane plantlets, this study examined the effects of a seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) extract on shoot and root dry mass accumulation of plantlets budding from segments taken from apical, medial and basal parts of culms of the RB867515 variety. The experiment was a 3 x 2 factorial (three culm sections x kelp extract applied at 2.0 l.ha-1 and control) at the Sugar Cane Research Station at the Federal University of Paraná, Brazil. Results showed improvement in shoot and root dry mass accumulation in plantlets budding from the basal part of culms following treatment with the A. nodosum kelp extract.

Buscando la mejora del crecimiento de las plántulas de caña de azúcar, este estudio inicial examinó los efectos de un extracto de algas (Ascophyllum nodosum) en la acumulación de masa seca de la parte aérea y raíces de plántulas originadas de segmentos tomados de las partes apicales, mediales y basales de la variedad RB867515. El experimento en factorial 3 x 2 (segmentos apicales, mediales y basales x extracto de algas aplicada en 2,0 l.ha-1 y control) se llevó a cabo en la Estación de Investigación de Caña de Azúcar de la Universidad Federal de Paraná, Brasil. Los resultados mostraron una mejoría de las acumulaciones de masa seca de los brotes y raíces en las plántulas originadas de segmentos basales por la aplicación de extracto de algas.

Este estudo verificou a atuação da bactéria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum FZB42, na produção de mudas orgânicas de duas cultivares (‘Santa Clara I-5300’ e ‘Cereja 261’) de tomateiro (Solanum lycopersicum L.) mediante a inoculação nas sementes. Também se investigaram as características bacterianas relacionadas com a promoção do crescimento vegetal. Para isso, utilizou-se uma solução de FZB42 na concentração de 1x10(11) UFC/mL, com os tratamentos correspondendo a porcentagens em volume (20% de FZB42; 80% de FZB42 e Testemunha com 100% de água destilada), na proporção de 320 uL/g de sementes. O percentual de germinação não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos e verificou-se estímulo ao crescimento da parte aérea por FZB42 a 20% nas plântulas da cv ‘Cereja’. Na produção de mudas, a bactéria FZB42 a 20% promoveu o crescimento enquanto a FZB42 a 80% o reduziu. A inoculação nas duas doses aumentou os teores clorofila a, b e totais das mudas de tomateiro. A estirpe FZB42 apresentou resultados positivos para produção de compostos indólicos e sideróforos, e na dose de 20%, mostrou-se vantajosa na produção de mudas, ao aumentar a parte aérea em 47,7% na cultivar ‘Santa Clara’, e 15,5% na cv ‘Cereja’, quando comparados à testemunha.

This study we sought to evaluate the action of the bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum in the production of organic seedlings of two cultivars (‘Santa Clara I-5300’ and ‘Cereja 261’) from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) through inoculated seeds. And investigate bacterial characteristics related to plant growth promotion. For this, we used FZB42 solution at a concentration of 1x10(11) CFU/mL, with treatments correspond to percentages by volume (20% FZB42; 80% of FZB42 and control 100% distilled water) at a ratio of 320 uL/g seed. The germination percentage was not influenced by the treatments, and FZB42 to 20% increased the shoot in cultivar ‘Cereja’. In seedling production, FZB42 to 20% promoted growth while FZB42 to 80% decreased it. Inoculation with the two doses tested of FZB42 enhanced the contents of chlorophyll a, b and total in the tomato seedling. The FZB42 strain showed positive results for production of indole compounds and siderophore; and in a dose of 20% was more advantageous to the tomato seedling, promoting shoot growth with added of 47.7% for ‘Santa Clara’ and 15.5% for ‘Cereja’ when compared to the control.

O uso de fertilizantes organominerais contendo extratos de algas é recente no Brasil. Em vista disso, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação foliar de fertilizante organomineral contendo extrato da alga Ascophyllum nodosum (Activo®) no desenvolvimento e nos teores de nutrientes em cenoura. O experimento foi conduzido na área de olericultura da Universidade Federal do Paraná, no município de Pinhais, PR, no ano de 2009, em sistema orgânico, utilizando cultivar do tipo Nantes. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, e os tratamentos consistiram na aplicação de fertilizante organomineral à base de extrato de algas. Foi utilizado um esquema fatorial com duas doses (0,2 e 0,4%) e duas épocas de aplicação (25 e 45 dias após o plantio), e um tratamento testemunha. As aplicações aumentaram a altura da parte aérea, o diâmetro radicular e o número de folhas, sendo esta variável também influenciada pela concentração. A produtividade aumentou com a aplicação do fertilizante organomineral, independentemente da concentração e da época de aplicação. Os teores nutricionais na parte aérea e nas raízes também foram alterados em decorrência das aplicações, sendo observada diminuição dos teores foliares de Cu e dos teores radiculares de N, Ca, Mg, Cu e Zn, possivelmente em função de efeito de diluição, pelo incremento da biomassa. Conclui-se que a aplicação do fertilizante organomineral contendo extrato de algas foi benéfica ao crescimento, desenvolvimento e produção das plantas de cenoura, o que resultou em diminuição na concentração de N, Ca, Mg, Cu e Zn na raiz e de Cu na parte aérea.

The use of organo-mineral biofertilizers containing alga extracts is recent in Brazil. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of leaf application of Ascophyllum nodosum extract biofertilizer (Activo®) on growth and on the nutrient content of carrot. The experiment was carried out in the garden area at Paraná Federal University, in the city of Pinhais, State of Paraná, in 2009, in an organic system, using the cultivar Nantes. The treatments consisted in the application of organo-mineral biofertilizer containing alga extract in different seasons and at different concentrations. The treatments were as follows: 0.2% on the 25th day after planting (DAP); 0.4% on the 25th DAP; 0.2% on the 45th DAP and 0.4% on the 45thDAP. The applications increased shoot height, root diameter and number of leaves, which was also influenced by the concentration. Yield increased with the application of the biofertilizer, regardless of concentration and period of application. The nutritional content in shoots and roots were also changed due to the application, where a decrease on foliar contents of Cu and on the root contents of N, Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn was observed possibly due to the dilution effect as a result of the increased biomass. It is concluded that the application of organo-mineral fertilizer containing alga extract was beneficial to plant growth, development and yield of carrot plants, which resulted in a decrease in the nutritional contents.