Abstract Chives are one of the most popular spice plants in world cuisine. It is usually produced by small producers, often in an organic farming system. However, research with chives in this production system is lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the production of chives with the use of organic fertilizers before planting and in top dressing. Seven treatments were evaluated, resulting from the factorial 2x3+1, with two organic fertilizers (castor bean cake and hoof and horn powder) x 3 application modes (100% before planting; 100% in top dressing; 50% before planting and 50% in top dressing) + 1 control (without these organic fertilizers). The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with five replications and plots of 1 m2. The relative index of chlorophyll (“Spad” index), height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of the plants were evaluated. All treatments of the factorial were better than the control, showing that these organic fertilizers improve production in chives. It is recommended to use the hoof and horn powder in installments (50% before planting and 50% in top dressing) or 100% in top dressing, the latter option being more interesting for reducing the need for labor, with just one application moment.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterize the growth and nutrient absorption of ‘Debora Victory’ tomato grown in organic system. The treatments consisted of nine sampling dates, at 2, 32, 46, 60, 77, 91, 109, 122 and 137 days after transplantation (DAT). In the last sampling, plants reached an estimated accumulation of dry and fresh weight in plant shoots of 550 and 9,528 g/plant, respectively. At the end of the cycle, the distribution of dry matter was 73% in the fruits, 16% in the leaves and 11% in the stem. The yield of total fresh fruits was estimated at 154.7 t/ha. The decreasing order of nutrient accumulation in plant shoots was K>N>Ca>P>S>Mg, with estimated values of 22.6; 10.4; 5.0; 2.3; 2.1 and 1.6 g/plant, respectively, corresponding to 431; 198; 95; 44; 40 and 30 kg/ha of K, N, Ca, P, S and Mg, respectively. The decreasing order of nutrient accumulation in the fruits was K>N>P>S>Mg>Ca, with estimated values of 16.6; 8.4; 1.7; 0.8; 0.7 and 0.2 g/plant, respectively, which corresponded to an estimated total extraction of 315; 153; 32; 16; 14 and 3 kg/ha of K, N, P, S, Mg and Ca, respectively. In the last sampling, the greatest accumulation of N, P and K occurred in the fruits and Ca, S and Mg in the vegetative organs (stem + leaves).

RESUMO O objetivo desta pesquisa foi caracterizar o crescimento e absorção de nutrientes pelo tomateiro ‘Debora Victory’ cultivado em sistema orgânico. Os tratamentos constituíram-se por nove épocas de amostragem, aos 2, 32, 46, 60, 77, 91, 109, 122 e 137 dias após o transplante (DAT). As plantas atingiram acúmulo estimado de massa seca e fresca na parte aérea na última amostragem de 550 e 9528 g/planta, respectivamente. Ao final do ciclo, a distribuição da massa seca foi de 73% nos frutos, 16% nas folhas e 11% no caule. A produtividade de frutos frescos totais foi estimada em 154,7 t/ha. A ordem decrescente do acúmulo de nutrientes na parte aérea das plantas foi K>N>Ca>P>S>Mg, com valores estimados de 22,6; 10,4; 5,0; 2,3; 2,1 e 1,6 g/planta, respectivamente, correspondendo a 431; 198; 95; 44; 40 e 30 kg/ha de K, N, Ca, P, S e Mg, respectivamente. A ordem decrescente do acúmulo de nutrientes nos frutos foi K>N>P>S>Mg>Ca, com valores estimados de 16,6; 8,4; 1,7; 0,8; 0,7 e 0,2 g/planta, respectivamente, o que correspondeu a uma extração estimada total de 315; 153; 32; 16; 14 e 3 kg/ha de K, N, P, S, Mg e Ca, respectivamente. Na última amostragem, o maior acúmulo de N, P e K ocorreu nos frutos e de Ca, S e Mg na parte vegetativa (caule + folhas).

ABSTRACT Calcium and boron are important nutrients in the stages of flowering, pollen germination and in the fruiting process. As these nutrients are poorly mobile in the plant, some authors recommend foliar spraying in the production of seeds of some species. The objective was to study the influence of calcium and boron, via application directed to inflorescences, in production, quality and accumulation of nutrients in lettuce seeds. Four treatments were evaluated (only calcium: 0.72 g/L; only boron: 0.17 g/L; joint application of calcium and boron and control), in randomized blocks design with six replications. No influence was obtained between the treatments for seed production (number and weight of seeds per plant). Using boron, alone or together with calcium, the weight of a thousand seeds was lower compared to control, while only calcium did not differ from the control. No differences were obtained for germination and seed vigor. The application of calcium did not affect the accumulation of nutrients, however boron application increased the accumulation of this nutrient in the seeds. The application of calcium and boron directly in the inflorescences of lettuce did not promote an increase in the production and vigor of the seeds.

RESUMO O cálcio e o boro são nutrientes importantes nos estádios de florescimento, germinação do pólen e no processo de frutificação. Por serem nutrientes pouco móveis na planta, alguns autores recomendam a pulverização foliar na produção de sementes de algumas espécies. Objetivou-se estudar as influências do cálcio e do boro, via aplicação direcionada às inflorescências, na produção, qualidade e acúmulo de nutrientes nas sementes de alface. Foram avaliados quatro tratamentos (apenas cálcio: 0,72 g/L; apenas boro: 0,17 g/L; aplicação conjunta de cálcio e boro e controle), no delineamento em blocos casualizados, com seis repetições. Não houve influência dentre os tratamentos para produção de sementes (número e massa de sementes por planta). Quando se usou boro, sozinho ou em conjunto com o cálcio, a massa de mil sementes foi menor em comparação com o controle, enquanto com apenas cálcio não diferiu do controle. Também não foram obtidas diferenças para germinação e vigor das sementes. A aplicação de cálcio não afetou o acúmulo de nutrientes, no entanto a de boro aumentou o acúmulo desse nutriente nas sementes. A aplicação de cálcio e boro diretamente nas inflorescências da alface não promoveu aumento na produção nem no vigor das sementes.

ABSTRACT Constant changes during the seed maturation process affect its final quality and the post-harvest fruit resting, which can improve seed physiological quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological and enzymatic activities of eggplant seeds extracted from fruits harvested at different ages and resting periods after harvest. Fruits were harvested presenting different colors at 40, 50, 60, and 70 days after anthesis (DAA) and rested for 0 (freshly harvested fruits), 10, and 20 days. The experimental design was set as completely randomized, with four replications and evaluated seeds extracted from six fruits per plot. The resting periods in eggplant fruits harvested at less than 60 DAA improved the mass of 1000 seeds, germination, vigor, and protein content. Seeds with higher germination and vigor presented lower dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX) enzymatic activity. The results indicated that the ideal moment of eggplant harvest for seed production is when the fruit reaches the yellowish-brown color corresponding to about 60 DAA; however, if the eggplant fruit is harvested earlier (40 or 50 DAA), it has to rest for about 10 to 20 days to achieve high physiological quality (germination and vigor).

RESUMO Mudanças constantes durante o processo de maturação das sementes afetam sua qualidade final, assim como o repouso pós colheita dos frutos pode melhorar a qualidade fisiológica das sementes. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade fisiológica e a atividade enzimática de sementes de berinjela provenientes de frutos com diferentes idades e períodos de repouso após a colheita. Os frutos foram colhidos apresentando cores diferentes aos 40, 50, 60 e 70 dias após a antese (DAA) e mantidos em repouso por 0 (frutos recém-colhidos), 10 e 20 dias. Foi utilizado delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro repetições e foram avaliadas as sementes extraídas de seis frutos por parcela. O repouso dos frutos de berinjela colhidos com menos de 60 DAA possibilitou maiores massas de 1000 sementes, germinação, vigor e teor de proteínas das sementes. As sementes com maior germinação e vigor apresentaram baixa atividade enzimática da superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) e peroxidase (POX). Os resultados indicaram que o momento ideal da colheita é quando o fruto atinge a cor amarelada-marrom correspondente a cerca de 60 DAA; no entanto, se o fruto de berinjela for colhido precocemente (40 a 50 DAA), ele tem que permanecer em repouso por cerca de 10 a 20 dias para as sementes alcançarem alta qualidade fisiológica (germinação e vigor).

ABSTRACT Plant soil covers bring many benefits to the soil, like physical, chemical and biological quality. It may behave differently if kept on the ground or if incorporated. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of cover crops under no-tillage and conventional tillage systems on curly lettuce production. The treatments were in a split plot: three plant coverings in the plot [lupines, black oats, 70% lupines + 30% black oats (consortium)] and in the subplots two cropping systems [no-tillage and conventional tillage (plowing and harrowing)]. The consortium of black oat + lupine in conventional planting produced more than the other treatments and lettuce yield of 69.4 t/ha. The no-tillage in the present study is in its third economic crop cycle and possibly has not yet acquired all the benefits in the soil profile.

RESUMO As coberturas vegetais proporcionam muitos benefícios para o solo quanto à qualidade física, química e biológica. Pode comportar-se de forma diferente se mantido no solo ou se incorporado. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de coberturas vegetais em sistema de plantio direto e convencional na produção da alface crespa. Os tratamentos foram em parcela subdividida: três coberturas vegetais na parcela [tremoço, aveia preta, 70% de tremoço + 30% de aveia preta (consórcio)] e na subparcela dois sistemas de cultivo [plantio direto e convencional (aração e gradagem)]. O consórcio como coberturas vegetais de aveia preta + tremoço em plantio convencional produziu mais do que os outros tratamentos e apresentou produtividade de alface de 69,4 t/ha. O plantio direto no presente estudo está em seu terceiro ciclo de cultura econômica e, portanto, possivelmente ainda não tenha adquirido todos os benefícios no perfil do solo.

ABSTRACT Determining the amount of nutrients accumulated by crops is an important tool for defining the order in which nutrients are taken up and required. However, the order and amount of accumulated nutrients vary depending on the genetic characteristics of the cultivars, climatic conditions, fertilization, soil and management systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of irrigation management strategies and doses of nitrogen (N) fertigation on the content and accumulation of macro and micronutrients and the N use efficiency in mini romaine lettuce “Astorga” cultivated in a protected environment, in two consecutive crop cycles. The treatments consisted of three irrigation strategies: continuous irrigation (Cont), intermittent irrigation, with three fractions a day, at 1-hour intervals (Int1); intermittent irrigation, with three fractions a day, at 4-hour intervals (Int2) and two nitrogen doses (100 and 130 kg/ha N), in daily fertigation. Intermittent irrigation management strategies (Int1 and Int2) increased the contents and accumulation of dry matter and N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Fe, Mn and Zn. The dose of 130 kg/ha N only increased the content and accumulation of P and Mn in the first and second cycles, respectively. In general, lettuce accumulated macronutrients in the following decreasing order: K>N>Ca>P>Mg>S, whereas micronutrients followed the order Fe>Mn>Zn>B>Cu. The treatments Int1, Int2 and 100 kg/ha N optimized the N use efficiency.

RESUMO A determinação da quantidade de nutrientes acumulados pelas culturas é uma ferramenta importante para definir a ordem em que os nutrientes são absorvidos e exigidos. Essas informações variam em função das características genéticas das cultivares, condições climáticas, adubação, solo e sistemas de manejo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de estratégias de manejo de irrigação e doses de nitrogênio (N) em fertirrigação sobre o teor e acúmulo de macro e micronutrientes e a eficiência de uso do N em mini alface romana “Astorga” cultivada em ambiente protegido, em dois ciclos consecutivos de cultivo. Os tratamentos constaram da aplicação de três estratégias de irrigação: irrigação contínua (Cont), irrigação intermitente, com 3 fracionamentos no dia, em intervalos de 1h (Int1); irrigação intermitente, com 3 fracionamentos no dia, em intervalos de 4h (Int2) e duas doses de N (100 e 130 kg/ha de N), aplicadas em fertirrigação diária. As estratégias de manejo de irrigação intermitente (Int1 e Int2) aumentaram os teores e acúmulos de matéria seca e dos nutrientes N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Fe, Mn e Zn. A dose de 130 kg/ha de N aumentou apenas o teor e acúmulo de P e Mn no primeiro e segundo ciclos, respectivamente. De modo geral a alface acumulou os macronutrientes na seguinte ordem decrescente: K>N>Ca>P>Mg>S, enquanto os micronutrientes seguiram a ordem Fe>Mn>Zn>B>Cu. Os tratamentos Int1, Int2 e 100 kg/ha de N otimizaram a eficiência de uso do N.

ABSTRACT Calcium and boron are important nutrients in pollen grain formation and seed production. As they are little mobile in plants, it is common to be supplied via foliar application. The objective of this research was to evaluate the production and quality of sweet pepper seeds with calcium and boron application directed to flowers and fruits. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with seven replications. Four treatments were evaluated: isolated calcium (0.2%) application, isolated boron (0.1%) application, combined application of calcium (0.2%) and boron (0.1%), and the control without calcium and without boron. The characteristics evaluated were number of pollen grains, number of seeds per fruit; 1000 seed weight; physiological quality of seeds (germination, first germination count, and germination speed index) and protein (albumin, globulin, prolamine and glutelin) contents in seeds. Both the application of calcium and boron did not affect the physiological quality of the seeds. Boron application reduced seed production and the 1000 seed weight, while calcium application increased the number of pollen grains, seed production and seed albumin content, and, therefore, the application of calcium in the production of sweet pepper seeds is recommended.

RESUMO O cálcio e o boro são nutrientes importantes na formação do grão de pólen e na produção de sementes. Por serem pouco móveis nas plantas, é comum o fornecimento via aplicação foliar. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a produção e qualidade das sementes de pimentão em função da aplicação de cálcio e boro direcionado às flores e frutos. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com sete repetições. Foram avaliados quatro tratamentos: aplicação isolada de cálcio (0,2%), aplicação isolada de boro (0,1%), aplicação conjunta de cálcio (0,2%) e boro (0,1%) e o controle sem cálcio nem boro. Foram avaliadas as características número de grãos de pólen, número de sementes por fruto; massa de 1000 sementes; qualidade fisiológica das sementes (germinação, primeira contagem de germinação e índice de velocidade de germinação) e teores de proteínas (albumina, globulina, prolamina e glutelina) nas sementes. Tanto a aplicação de cálcio como de boro não afetaram a qualidade fisiológica das sementes. A aplicação de boro reduziu a produção de sementes e a massa de mil sementes, enquanto a de cálcio aumentou a produção de grãos de pólen e de sementes e o teor de albumina nas sementes e, portanto, recomenda-se a aplicação de cálcio na produção de sementes de pimentão.

RESUMO Devido à ação dos óleos essenciais de tomilho, capim-limão e alecrim contra microrganismos e poucos estudos dos mesmos no tratamento de sementes, propõe-se este estudo com semente de hortaliça. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do tratamento com óleos essenciais de tomilho, capim-limão e alecrim em sementes de couve-flor inoculadas com Aspergillus flavus. Foram utilizados os três óleos essenciais, nas concentrações 0,0; 0,4; 0,8; 1,6 e 2,0%, arranjados em esquema fatorial 3x5, no delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Os óleos essenciais de tomilho (1,8%) e capim-limão (1,9%) tiveram efeito fungistático contra A. flavus em sementes de couve-flor. Os óleos essenciais de tomilho a 2,0% e o de capim-limão a 1,6% não afetaram a qualidade fisiológica das sementes, sendo promissores no tratamento de sementes orgânicas. Por outro lado, o óleo essencial de alecrim, apesar de não afetar a germinação e afetar pouco o vigor das sementes, não foi eficiente no controle do patógeno.

ABSTRACT Due to the action of essential oils of thyme, lemongrass and rosemary against microorganisms and few studies on them in seed treatment, this study is proposed with vegetable seed. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the effect of treatments with essential oils of thyme, lemongrass and rosemary on cauliflower seeds, inoculated with Aspergillus flavus. Three essential oils were used, at concentrations 0.0; 0.4; 0.8; 1.6 and 2.0%, arranged in a 3x5 factorial scheme, in a completely randomized design, with four replications. The essential oils of thyme (1.8%) and lemongrass (1.9%) had a fungistatic effect against A. flavus in cauliflower seeds. Thyme essential oil at 2.0% and lemongrass at 1.6% didn’t affect the physiological quality of seeds, being promising in the treatment of organic seeds. On the other hand, rosemary essential oil, despite not affecting germination and little affecting seed vigor, wasn’t efficient in controlling the pathogen.

Abstract Although there are fertilization recommendations for the cultivation of zucchini, there are just few researches about the effects of nutrients in seed production. Calcium and boron have a low mobility in plants, and some researches recommend foliar application for these nutrients. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the foliar application of calcium and boron in the production and quality of zucchini seeds. The experimental design was randomized blocks with seven replications. Four treatments were evaluated: only calcium (0.2%) application, only boron (0.1%) application, combined application of calcium (0.2%) and boron (0.1%) and the control (without calcium and boron.) The following characteristics were evaluated: number of pollen grains per flower, hundred seeds weight; seed number and weight per fruit and seed physiological quality (germination; first germination count and speed of germination index - SGI). Only boron application reduced the number of seeds produced per fruit. The combined foliar application of calcium and boron, in addition to reducing the number of seeds, also reduced SGI. The calcium only application increased the amount of pollen per flower (superior to all other treatments) and also the number of seeds per fruit (compared to the combined application of calcium + boron), without affecting the quality of the zucchini seeds. So, it can be recomended the aplication of Ca during zucchini flowering for seed production.

RESUMO A utilização de mini estacas é uma excelente opção para a propagação de batata doce. Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar a produção e a qualidade de raízes de batata doce propagada por mini-estacas em diferentes tipos de bandejas e idades de mudas. Foram avaliados seis tratamentos, resultantes do fatorial 2x3, sendo dois tipos de bandejas (162 e 200 células, com 31 e 18 mL de substrato por célula, respectivamente) e três idades das mudas no dia do transplante (39, 46 e 53 dias após a colocação das mini estacas nas bandejas), no delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com cinco repetições. Foram avaliadas as características das mudas, a produção e a qualidade das raízes. Foram observados maior número e massa seca de folhas por muda na bandeja com 162 células em comparação à de 200 células. As mudas mais novas (39 dias) apresentaram menor número de folhas, massa seca de folhas, caule, raízes e total (folhas + caule + raízes) que as mudas das outras idades. Não se observou diferença de produção de raízes em função do tipo de bandeja, independentemente da idade das mudas. A idade das mudas não afetou a produção de raízes com o uso da bandeja com 162 células. Por outro lado, empregando a bandeja com 200 células, observou-se maior produção de raízes usando mudas com 39 dias em comparação às mudas com 53 dias. Não foram observadas diferenças entre as raízes dos diferentes tratamentos para a acidez titulável, teores de sacarose, açúcares redutores e açúcares totais. Recomenda-se evitar a utilização de mudas velhas, ou seja, utilizar mudas com no máximo 43 dias após o plantio em bandejas com 200 células, enquanto que para bandejas com 162 células não foi observada diferença na produção de raízes com as diferentes idades das mudas.

ABSTRACT The use of mini-cuttings is an option for obtaining sweet potato propagules of excellent quality. The objective of this research was to evaluate the production and quality of sweet potato roots propagated by mini-cuttings in different types of trays and ages of seedlings. Six treatments, resulting from the factorial 2x3, were evaluated: two types of trays (162 and 200 cells, with 31 and 18 mL of substrate per cell, respectively) and three ages of seedlings (39, 46 and 53 days after placement of mini-cuttings in trays), in a randomized block design, with five replications. Seedlings characteristics, production and quality of roots were evaluated. Higher number and dry weight of leaves per seedling were observed in the tray with 162 cells than in trays with 200 cells. The younger seedlings (39 days) had a lower number of leaves, dry weight of leaves, stem, roots ant total (leaves + stem + roots) than seedlings of other ages. There was no difference in root production depending on the type of tray, regardless of the age of the seedlings. For the 162-cell tray, the age of the seedlings did not affect the production of roots. On the other hand, for the 200-cell tray, higher roots production was observed on seedlings 39 days age compared to seedlings with 53 days. No differences were observed among the roots of different treatments for titratable acidity, and levels of sucrose, reducing sugars ant total sugars. It is recommended to avoid old seedlings, that is, it is recommended to use seedlings with a maximum of 43 days after planting of mini-cuttings for trays with 200 cells, while for trays with 162 cells no difference in root production was observed with the different ages of the seedlings.

Abstract The post-harvest resting of the fruits can improve seed physiological quality ,once it allows the seed to complete the maturation process, so it has been a common practice in vegetable seed companies, however, there are a few studies of this technique in sweet pepper. The objective of this research was to evaluate physiological quality, and biochemical response of sweet’s peppers in regarding on the stage of maturation and the post-harvest rest of the fruits. The experimental was conducted in a 4x2 factorial, being the first factor comprised four maturation stages (35, 50, 65 and 80 days after anthesis) and, the second the post-harvest management of fruits, with and without a temporary storage of seven days. Seeds were evaluated for water content, weight of thousand seeds, germination, vigor, superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase activities, lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide content. Fruit harvest time indicated is 80 days after anthesis (fruits 100% yellow) when seeds showed maximum germination and vigor. The post-harvest resting of the fruits was beneficial to seed physiological quality, weight of one thousand seeds and to reduce hydrogen peroxide content. Seeds of higher physiological quality showed lower superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activity, so they can be used as a marker of physiological quality in sweet pepper seeds.

RESUMO No sistema orgânico de produção é proibido o uso de agroquímicos para o tratamento de sementes. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o efeito da termoterapia e da aplicação de própolis sobre a germinação e vigor de sementes de couve e no controle de Alternaria brassicicola. No tratamento com termoterapia úmida foram avaliadas três temperaturas (50, 55 e 60°C) em experimentos separados. Para cada temperatura foram avaliados cinco tempos de imersão das sementes [0 (controle), 15, 30, 45 e 60 minutos]. Na termoterapia seca foram avaliados cinco tempos [0 (controle), 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas] de exposição das sementes a temperatura de 70ºC. No própolis, foram estudadas seis concentrações (0,0, 0,2, 0,4, 0,6, 0,8 e 1,0%), com posterior lavagem ou não lavagem das sementes. Depois, sementes inoculadas com A. brassicicola foram submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos: termoterapia úmida a 50°C por 60 minutos e a 55°C por 15 minutos, além de própolis a 1,0% com e sem lavagem posterior. Dois tratamentos controle foram incluídos neste experimento (sementes inoculadas e não tratadas; e sementes não inoculadas e não tratadas), totalizando seis tratamentos. Após a inoculação e aplicação dos tratamentos, foi avaliada a incidência do fungo nas sementes e a qualidade fisiológica das sementes. Os tratamentos térmicos (60 minutos a 50°C e 15 minutos a 55°C) reduziram significativamente a incidência da A. brassicicola. Os tratamentos com própolis a 1,0% (com e sem lavagem posterior) não apresentaram redução satisfatória da incidência da A. brassicicola nas sementes de couve. A termoterapia a 55ºC por 15 minutos é a melhor opção para controle da A. brassicicola em sementes de couve, sendo a maior temperatura e tempo de exposição sem afetar a qualidade fisiológica das sementes.

ABSTRACT In the organic production system, the use of agrochemicals for seed treatment is prohibited. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of heat treatment and propolis on the germination and vigor of kale seeds and the effect on the control of Alternaria brassicicola. In the treatment with wet thermotherapy, three temperatures (50, 55 and 60°C) were evaluated in separated experiments. For each temperature, five immersion times [0 (control), 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes] were evaluated. In the dry thermotherapy treatment, seeds were submitted to constant 70ºC temperature and five times [0 (control), 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours] were evaluated. In the treatment with propolis, six concentrations (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0%) were studied, with subsequent washing or not washing of the seeds. Then, seeds were inoculated with A. brassicicola and submitted to the following treatments: wet thermotherapy at 50°C for 60 minutes and at 55°C for 15 minutes and propolis at 1.0% with and without further washing. Two control treatments were included in the experiment (inoculated untreated seeds; and not inoculated and untreated seeds), totalizing six treatments. After inoculation and treatments, the incidence of the fungus on the seeds was evaluated and the effect on the physiological quality of the seeds. Both thermotherapy treatments (50°C for 60 minutes and 55°C for 15 minutes) reduced the pathogen incidence significantly. Both propolis treatments at 1% (with and without subsequent washing) did not provide a satisfactory reduction on A. brassicicola incidence in kale seeds. Thermotherapy at 55°C for 15 minutes is the best option for A. brassicicola control in kale seeds, because it does not affect seed physiological quality.

ABSTRACT In the organic production system, the use of fungicides for the treatment of seeds is prohibited. On account of that, thermotherapy and propolis are alternative methods of control of pathogens in seeds allowed in this system. This study was conducted to evaluate the zucchini seeds' germination and vigor when subjected to thermotherapy and treatment with propolis. In the treatment with moist thermotherapy, three temperatures (50, 55, and 60 °C) were evaluated in separate experiments. Four times of immersion of the seeds (15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, besides the control treatment - time 0) were tested for each temperature. In the dry thermotherapy treatment, four times (24, 48, 72, and 96 hours) were evaluated in which the seeds remained in the oven at a constant tempera-ture of 70 °C. In the treatment with propolis, six concentrations (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0%) were studied, with subsequent washing or without washing of the seeds, totaling 12 treatments. The germination test was installed in the complete randomized design, with four repetitions, and germination and vigor (germination speed index) were evaluated. The dry thermotherapy did not affect the germination and vigor of seeds. The moist thermotherapy at 50°C reduced germination; besides, the values are within germination patterns. At 55 o C, the treatment has to be for a lesser time, until 30 minutes, and it is not recommended the treatment at 60 o C. For propolis, the treatment resulted in a little reduction in germination in the highest contents, the values are within the germination patterns.

RESUMEN En el sistema de producción orgánica está prohibido el uso de fungicidas para el tratamiento de semillas. En consecuencia, la termoterapia y el propóleos son métodos alternativos en el control de patógenos de semillas permitidas en este sistema. El obje tivo de este estudio fue evaluar la germinación y el vigor de semillas de calabacín sometidas a termoterapia y concentraciones de propóleos. En el tratamiento con termoterapia húmeda se evaluaron tres temperaturas (50, 55 y 60 °C) en experimentos separados. Para cada temperatura, se estudiaron cuatro tiempos de inmersión de las semillas (15, 30, 45 y 60 minutos, además del control sin tratamiento - tiempo 0). En el tratamiento con termoterapia seca se evaluaron 4 tiempos (24, 48, 72 y 96 horas) en que las semillas permanecieron en la estufa a 70 °C con temperatura constante. En el tratamiento con propóleos se estudiaron seis concentraciones (0,0; 0,2; 0,4; 0,6; 0,8 y 1,0%), con posterior lavado o no lavado de las semillas, totalizando 12 tratamientos. El análisis de germinación se realizó en delineamiento completamente casualizado, con cuatro repeticiones, y se evaluó la germinación y el vigor (índice de velocidad de germinación). La termoterapia seca no afectó la germinación ni el vigor de las semillas. La termoterapia húmeda a 50 °C redujo la germinación, a pesar de que los valores todavía están dentro de los padrones comerciales de germinación. Con 55 °C el tratamiento tiene que ser por menor período de tiempo, hasta 30 minutos, y no se recomienda el tratamiento a 60 °C. En cuanto al propóleos, altas concentraciones redujeron la germinación, a pesar de que los valores todavía están dentro de los padrones comerciales de germinación.

RESUMO Apesar de existirem pesquisas com adubação em cobertura na produção de repolho, estas geralmente são feitas com adubos inorgânicos, sendo raras as pesquisas com adubação orgânica em cobertura na produção da maioria das hortaliças. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes parcelamentos de dois adubos orgânicos em cobertura na produção de repolho. Foram avaliados seis tratamentos, com quatro repetições no delineamento em blocos ao acaso. Os seis tratamentos foram resultantes do fatorial 3 x 2, sendo três tipos de parcelamentos (1/3+1/3+1/3; 4/6+1/6+1/6; 1/6+4/6+1/6 da dose total em cada aplicação) e dois adubos orgânicos (torta de mamona e composto orgânico). A dose total de cada adubo foi calculada para se aplicar 120 kg ha-1 de N. As características avaliadas foram número e massa fresca (g) das folhas externas, massa fresca e seca da cabeça (g), diâmetro (cm) e altura (cm) da cabeça, produtividade e ciclo (dias após o transplante). A torta de mamona favoreceu aumento da produtividade, com a produção de cabeças com maior massa fresca, diâmetro e altura em relação ao composto orgânico, além de reduzir o ciclo. Para a torta de mamona o parcelamento 4/6+1/6+1/6 foi melhor que o parcelamento 1/6+4/6+1/6.

ABSTRACT Although there exist researches about fertilization in top dressing in the production of cabbage, these are usually made with inorganic fertilizers, being rare the researches with organic fertilization in top dressing in the production of most vegetables. The objective was to evaluate the effect of different splitting of two organic fertilizers in top dressing in the production of cabbage. Six treatments were evaluated, with four replications in randomized block design. The six treatments were the result of the factorial 3x2, with three types of splitting (1/3+1/3+1/3; 4/6+1/6+1/6; 1/6+4/6+1/6 of the total dose in each application) and two organic fertilizers (castor bean cake and organic compost). The total dose of each fertilizer was calculated to apply 120 kg ha-1 N. The evaluated characteristics were number of external leaves, fresh weight of external leaves (g), fresh and dry head weight (g), head diameter (cm) and length (cm), yield and crop cycle (days after transplanting). Fertilization with castor bean cake resulted in greater yield, producing heads with higher weight, diameter and length in relation to the organic compost, besides reducing the cycle. The 4/6+1/6+1/6 splitting was better than the 1/6+4/6+1/6 splitting using castor bean cake.

RESUMO O fósforo é um recurso natural finito e o uso de fontes fosfatadas de liberação gradual associado ao composto orgânico pode favorecer o uso mais racional, devido à matéria orgânica proteger esse nutriente da fixação no solo. Dessa forma, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito de fontes de fósforo associadas à aplicação de composto orgânico no plantio, sobre a produção de brócolis do tipo inflorescência única e as características químicas do solo ao final do ciclo. Foram avaliados oito tratamentos, em esquema fatorial 4 x 2, sendo quatro fontes de fósforo [termofosfato (TM), fosfato natural (NP), fosfato natural reativo (RNP) e superfosfato triplo (TSP)]; na presença (55 t ha-1) e ausência de composto orgânico Visafértil® no plantio, no delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. A fonte TSP resultou em maiores teores de P. Na ausência do composto orgânico, a fonte TM resultou em maior pH e teores de MO, Ca, Mg, SB e V%. Na presença do composto orgânico a fonte NP proporcionou maiores teores de MO e K. A adição de composto orgânico aumentou o pH e resultou em maiores teores de P, K, Ca, SB, CTC e V%. A presença de composto orgânico resultou em maior produtividade para as fontes TM, NP e TSP. Dentre as fontes, o TSP proporcionou maior produtividade tanto na presença como na ausência do composto orgânico, sendo que a fonte NP foi a única que não diferiu do TSP para a massa fresca da inflorescência e produtividade tanto na presença como na ausência de composto orgânico. Conclui-se que as melhores fontes de fósforo foram o TSP e o NP, associados à aplicação de composto orgânico.

ABSTRACT Phosphorus is a finite natural resource and the use of gradual-release phosphate sources, associated with an organic compound may favor a more rational use of this nutrient, since organic matter protects P from soil fixation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of phosphorus sources application, associated with organic compound at planting, on single inflorescence type broccoli production and soil chemical properties at the end of the cycle. Eight treatments were evaluated, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, using four phosphorus sources [thermophosphate (TM), natural phosphate (NP), reactive natural phosphate (RNP) and triple superphosphate (TSP)]; in the presence (55 t ha-1) and absence of organic compound Visafértil® at planting. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with four replicates. TSP source presented higher P contents. TM source showed, in the absence of organic compound, higher pH and contents of organic matter, Ca, Mg, SB and V%. In the presence of organic compound, NP source provided higher contents of organic matter and K. The addition of organic compound increased pH and resulted in higher contents of P, K, Ca, SB, CEC and V%. The presence of organic compound favored higher productivity for the sources TM, NP and TSP. Among these sources, TSP provided the highest production both in the presence or absence of organic compound, considering that NP source was the only one which did not differ from TSP for inflorescence fresh weight and productivity, both in the presence and in the absence of organic compound. We concluded that TSP and NP are the best P sources, associated with the application of organic compound.