ABSTRACT The bacterial canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. viticola, is the most important bacterial disease of grapevines cultivated in tropical areas. The objectives of this study were to select grape hybrids resistant to bacterial canker based on genotypic values and to evaluate the response of seedless grape hybrids to artificial infection with bacterial canker. Two experiments were conducted. The field experiment (Experiment I) was conducted with 569 hybrids, evaluated for symptoms of bacterial canker, in the absence of an experimental design, using a single individual of each genotype. Experiment II was conducted in a greenhouse, where ten seedless grape hybrids were evaluated in terms of incubation period, incidence, severity, and area under the progress curve of bacterial canker disease incidence, in a completely randomized design. The use of the residual maximum likelihood/best unbiased linear prediction methodology allowed the selection of 40 grape hybrids with lower genotypic values for resistance to bacterial canker. The CPATSA 49.25 and CPATSA 49.86 hybrids showed greater resistance to bacterial canker in all epidemiological parameters evaluated under greenhouse conditions.

ABSTRACT Mozambique is a country located in the southwest of the African continent. The country has great climatic diversity. The tropical monsoon (Am), tropical savanna (Aw), hot semiarid (BSh), and humid subtropical (Cwa and Cfa) and subtropical highland (Cwb) climates stand out. The regions classified a subtropical have climatic potential for the rational exploitation low and medium chill requirement of peach trees. There are already technologies for the cultivation of peach trees in subtropical regions in Brazil. The objective of this study was to identify the zoning of suitable areas and provide bases for the establishment and expansion of peach cultivation in Mozambique. Meteorological data from 108 stations and the geotechnological tool ArcGIS 10.1 were used to spatialize temperature, rainfall, and humidity data and then reclassify them for the generation of maps using the Geostatistical Analyst extension. In parallel, maps of mean annual temperatures and climate classification were used. Regions in the subtropical areas of Mozambique with suitable temperature and rainfall are viable for peach plantations. The results showed the Northwest, Central and South regions is more suitable for the economic exploitation of peaches trees.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to select pear cultivars with production stability for the environmental conditions in the tropics. The design was in randomized blocks with 11 cultivars of pear, four replications and plots consisting of four plants. Between 2015 and 2019, the phenological were evaluated based on the beginning, full bloom, end and duration of flowering and harvest. The number and average fruit mass, yield per plant and estimated yield were also quantified. In the last year of evaluation, the quality of the fruits was quantified through the length and average diameter of the fruits, total titratable acidity, total soluble solids content and total soluble solids / total titratable acidity ratio. The data were submitted to the Scott–Knott grouping test and to quantify the divergence between cultivars was used the genetic distance. After detecting significant interaction between genotypes × environments, phenotypic stability of pear cultivars were analyzed by GGE Biplot methods for the estimated yield variable. The ‘Tenra’, ‘Triunfo’ and ‘Seleta’ cultivars are the most suitable for cultivation in regions with subtropical altitude climate. They are genetically similar, more adapted and stable, and have full or partial synchronized flowering for satisfactory productivity.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of silicon (Si) on the cultivation and quality of raspberries (Rubus idaeus). The experiment consisted of seven treatments and four blocks located in a subtropical region. Each plot consisted of three pots with one seedling of 'Batum' raspberry. In each pot, the treatment consisted of Si doses at 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, or 1600 mg dm-3, which were applied to the soil 15 days after the transplanting of the seedlings. Field analyses were performed by measuring chlorophyll a and b, water potential, and production. Fruit were analyzed for color, firmness, respiratory rate, soluble solids, and pH. Fertilization with Si stimulates the increase of fruit number and of the raspberry production per plant. The Si application increases the fruit production and fruit firmness; however, it reduces the water potential and respiration rate.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do silício (Si) sobre o cultivo e a qualidade de framboesa (Rubus idaeus). O experimento consistiu de sete tratamentos e quatro blocos em região de clima subtropical. Cada parcela foi composta de três vasos com uma muda da framboeseira 'Batum'. Em cada vaso, o tratamento consistiu de doses de Si a 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 ou 1600 mg dm-3, que foram aplicadas ao solo 15 dias após o transplante das mudas. As análises de campo foram realizadas pela medição de clorofilas a e b, potencial hídrico e produção. Os frutos foram analisados quanto à cor, firmeza, taxa respiratória, sólidos solúveis e pH. A adubação com Si estimula o aumento do número de frutos e da produção de framboesa por planta. O silício promove o aumento da produção e a firmeza dos frutos, no entanto, reduz o potencial hídrico e a taxa de respiração.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of decreased spacing between 'Roxo de Valinhos' fig (Ficus carica) trees with different numbers of fruiting branches on green fig production. Fig trees, with two or four fruiting branches, were distributed in four blocks, at a standard spacing of 2.5 m between rows, three spacing between plants in a row (0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 m), and densities of 8,000, 5,333, and 4,000 plants per hectare. The experiment was conducted during two cycles (2020/2021 and 2021/2022). Green fruits were harvested twice a week, and the total number of fruits per harvest and the total harvest weight per plant were quantified. The average production per plant and the estimated yield were calculated for each evaluation cycle. Decreasing the spacing between fig trees increases their yield. The spacing of 0.50 m decreases production per plant, but increases yield in 73%. There is no difference in the production of green figs between trees with two or four fruiting branches.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da diminuição do espaçamento entre figueiras 'Roxo de Valinhos' (Ficus carica) com diferentes números de ramos produtivos na produção de figos verdes. As figueiras, com dois ou quatro ramos produtivos, foram distribuídas em quatro blocos, com espaçamento padrão de 2,5 m entre linhas, espaçamentos entre plantas na linha de 0,50, 0,75 e 1,00 m, e densidades de 8.000, 5.333 e 4.000 plantas por hectare. O experimento foi conduzido durante dois ciclos (2020/2021 e 2021/2022). Os frutos verdes foram colhidos duas vezes por semana, tendo-se quantificado o número total de frutos por colheita e o peso total de colheita por planta. A produção média por planta e a produtividade estimada foram calculadas para cada ciclo de avaliação. A diminuição do espaçamento entre as figueiras aumenta a sua produtividade. O espaçamento de 0,50 m diminui a produção por planta, mas aumenta a produtividade em 73%. Não há diferença na produção de figos verdes entre as figueiras com dois ou quatro ramos produtivos.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the pruning management of the BRS Tupy and Brazos blackberry cultivars, in order to extend their harvest seasonality and fruit yield. The experiment was performed in an altitude subtropical region in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Bushes were grown at 3.0x0.5 m spacing. The treatments consisted of the four following pruning seasons: one conventional pruning, with suppression of the produced stems in February and reduction of the stems in July; and three drastic pruning performed in the first two weeks of January, March, and May, with the application of 10% urea and 3% hydrogenated cyanamide five months later. The experimental design was in randomized complete blocks, in a 2x4 factorial arrangement, with two cultivars and four pruning managements, with four blocks. Fruit phenology, yield, and physicochemical quality were evaluated in two production cycles. It is possible to extend the harvest season of blackberry up to five months, in an altitude subtropical region in Lavras, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, with drastic pruning in January and no irrigation. Drastic pruning in January or March increases the yield of the BRS Tupy and Brazos blackberry cultivars. The extended harvest season does not affect the quality of blackberries and does not create challenges for harvesting operations.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o manejo da poda das cultivares de amoreira-preta BRS Tupy e Brazos, para prolongar sua época de colheita e produtividade de frutos. O experimento foi realizado em uma região subtropical de altitude, no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Os arbustos foram conduzidos em espaçamento 3.0x0.5 m. Os tratamentos consistiram das seguintes quatro épocas de poda: uma poda convencional, com supressão das hastes produzidas em fevereiro e redução das hastes em julho; e três podas drásticas realizadas nas primeiras duas semanas de janeiro, março e maio, com aplicação de ureia a 10% e cianamida hidrogenada a 3% cinco meses depois. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2x4, com duas cultivares e quatro manejos de podas, com quatro blocos. A fenologia, a produção e a qualidade físico-química das frutas foram avaliadas em dois ciclos produtivos. É possível estender a época da colheita da amora preta para cinco meses, na região subtropical de altitude de Lavras, no estado de Minas Gerais, com poda drástica em janeiro e sem irrigação. A poda drástica em janeiro ou março aumenta a produção das cultivares de amora-preta BRS Tupy e Brazos. O período prolongado de colheita não afeta a qualidade das amoras e não cria desafios para as operações de colheita.

Abstract The objective of this work was to determine the genetic diversity, yield, and fruit quality of persimmon genotypes grown in the tropics, in order to select promising genetic materials. DNA extraction was performed on young leaves of 19 persimmon genotypes. For pomological characterization, 15 genotypes were selected. From each genotype, 50 fruit at the physiological maturity stage were harvested in the morning, in order to determine the following parameters: physicochemical characteristics; and the productive variables number of fruit per plant, average fruit fresh mass, average yield, and estimated average yield in two seasons. Twenty SSR markers were tested, out of which 12 were selected to evaluate genetic similarity, which allowed of the identification of distinct groups. The mean genetic diversity value found was 0.41, which is an indicative of low diversity among the analyzed persimmon genotypes. The 'Guiombo', 'Iapar 125', 'Kakimel', 'Mikado RJ', 'Rama Forte Tardio', and 'Taubaté' genotypes show a high yield. The genotypes classified as pollination-constant astringent ('Pomelo', 'Regina', 'Rubi', and 'Taubaté') and those classified as pollination-variant astringent ('Rama Forte', 'Guiombo', and 'Cereja') are potential materials for selection and genetic breeding programs due to their excellent fruit physicochemical characteristics. The investigation through molecular markers is an efficient approach to study the genetic diversity of persimmon genotypes grown in the tropics.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a diversidade genética, o rendimento e a qualidade de frutos de genótipos de caquizeiros cultivados nos trópicos, para selecionar materiais genéticos promissores. A extração de DNA foi realizada em folhas jovens de 19 genótipos de caqui. Para a caracterização pomológica, foram selecionados 15 genótipos. Para cada genótipo, 50 frutos foram colhidos pela manhã, no estágio de maturidade fisiológica, para determinar os seguintes parâmetros: características físico-químicas; e as variáveis produtivas número de frutos por planta, massa de matéria fresca média dos frutos, produtividade média e produtividade média estimada, em duas safras. Vinte marcadores SSR foram testados, dos quais 12 foram selecionados para avaliar a similaridade genética, o que permitiu a identificação de grupos distintos. O valor médio de diversidade genética encontrado foi 0,41, o que é indicativo de baixa diversidade entre os genótipos de caqui analisados. Os genótipos 'Guiombo', 'Iapar 125', 'Kakimel', 'Mikado RJ', 'Rama Forte Tardio' e 'Taubaté' apresentam alta produtividade. Os genótipos classificados como sendo de polinização constante adstringente ('Pomelo', 'Regina', 'Rubi' e 'Taubaté') e os classificados como sendo de polinização variante adstringente ('Rama Forte', 'Guiombo' e 'Cereja') são materiais com potencial para uso em programas de seleção e melhoramento genético, devido às suas excelentes características físico-químicas de fruta. A investigação por meio de marcadores moleculares é uma abordagem eficiente para estudar a diversidade genética de genótipos de caquizeiro cultivados nos trópicos.

Abstract Blackberry fruits belong to the genus Rubus, are fruits more cultivated in temperate climate in the summer, with low luminosity and low temperature in the winter. These fruits have as characteristic the quickperishingafter harvest and regression models, more specifically, nonlinear models, single or double sigmoid growth curve, are more recommended to model the growth of living beings. Several authors have used these models, considering only the average data of individuals under study; however, they do not consider the variability between them. One way to better capture the variability between individuals is by using mixed-effects nonlinear models that, by definition, combine the fixed and random part in the same model. Data used in this work were diameter and length of ‘Choctaw’ blackberry fruits, . The random effects of models were tested on parameters, with some steps, in order to reach the most appropriate model. For fixed-effects models, the least squares method was used, and for mixed models, the restricted likelihood was used. To reach the model that best fits data, the fit quality criteria (R2, AIC c and TRV) were used. For fruit diameter, the simple sigmoid nonlinear model was the logistic with random effect in ß1 and ß2, and for fruit length, the model was the Logistic + Logistic, with random effect in ß1 and ß4.

Resumo Os frutos de amora-preta pertencem ao gênero Rubus, são frutos mais cultivados em clima moderado, no verão, com pouca luminosidade e baixa temperatura no inverno. Esses frutos têm por característica perecerem de forma rápida após a colheita, e os modelos de regressão, mais especificamente, os não lineares, de crescimento sigmoide simples ou duplo, são mais recomendados para se modelar o crescimento de seres vivos. Diversos autores utilizam esses modelos, levando em consideração apenas os dados médios dos indivíduos em estudo; contudo, não levam em consideração a variabilidade existente entre eles. Uma forma de captar melhor a variabilidade existente entre os indivíduos é utilizando os modelos não lineares de efeitos mistos que, por definição, combinam a parte fixa e aleatória no mesmo modelo. Os dados utilizados, neste trabalho, foram o diâmetro e o comprimentodos frutos de amora-preta, cultivar Choctaw. Os efeitos aleatórios dos modelos foramtestados nos parâmetros, com algumas etapas, a fim de chegar ao modelo mais adequado. Para os modelos de efeitos fixos, o método de mínimos quadrados foram utilizados, e para os modelos mistos a verossimilhança restrita. Para se chegar ao modelo que melhor seajuste aos dados, os critérios qualidade de ajuste (R 2aj, AICc and TRV) foram utilizados. Para odiâmetro dos frutos, o modelo não linear sigmoide simples foi o logístico, com efeitoaleatório no ß1 and ß2; já, para o comprimento, foi o Logístico + Logístico, tendo o efeitoaleatório no ß1 and ß4.

ABSTRACT. Many important crops have cultivars with different ploidy and provide a diverse choice of materials for breeding programs. Therefore, it is essential to accurately assess the ploidy of all breeding materials. Increased DNA content is known to have various effects on external and internal morphology, an effect known as the “nucleotypic effect”. Thus, anatomical assessment can be used as a tool for determining ploidy in plants, making the chromosome counting technique or flow cytometry unnecessary. This study aimed to evaluate the leaf anatomical characteristics of banana cultivars and understand the relationship between these features and ploidy levels. Thirteen accessions were evaluated, including diploid, triploid, and tetraploid genotypes, and cultivars, resulting from in vitro propagation after 90 days of acclimatization. Five fully expanded young leaves were collected from each cultivar, fixed in FAA70 (formaldehyde-acetic acid-ethanol) and preserved in 70% alcohol. Transverse and paradermal sections of the abaxial and adaxial regions were taken, and variables such as size and stomatal density, leaf thickness in the midrib and fourth vascular bundle region, and thickness of the epidermis, hypodermis, and parenchyma were measured. Results for leaf thickness, stomatal size, and density proved to be appropriate parameters for characterizing banana ploidy levels.

Abstract Due to its high medicinal and nutritional values, blackberries have become increasingly interesting to producers and consumers. People are looking for healthier options to consume sugar with greater nutritional enrichment. However, replacement of the type of sugar is associated with significant changes in some parameters, finding suitable replacements that result in satisfactory products can be challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different sugars (white refined sugar, white crystal sugar, demerara sugar, brown sugar and coconut sugar) on the physicochemical, physical and sensory aspects of blackberry juices and jellies. The type of sugar influenced the physicochemical and physical characteristics of blackberry jelly and juice, which reflected the differences in acceptability of the final product. Information on the type of sugar and its benefits influenced the sensory acceptance of blackberry jelly and juice.

Abstract Temperate fruit species, originate from regions with cold winters and well-defined climatic seasons. These fruits are also produced in subtropical and tropical regions. The aim of this study was to determine the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of different fruit cultivars from fruit trees of temperate climate, such as peach, pear, quince, and fig, able to be produced in subtropic regions. Analyzes of antioxidant activity, total phenolics and ascorbic acid were carried out. In peaches, ‘Biuti’ had the highest phenolic content, and ‘Bonão’ stood out in relation of antioxidant activity (ABTS) and ascorbic acid. For quinces, 'Lageado' had higher phenolic content, ‘Provence’ and ‘CTS’ showed higher antioxidant activity (ABTS), and ‘Alaranjado’ stood out in relation of antioxidant activity (DPPH). ‘Fuller’, ‘Smyrna’ and ‘Portugal’ are the ones with the highest levels of ascorbic acid. In pears, ‘Seleta’ showed the highest phenolic content, antioxidant activity (DPPH) and ascorbic acid. ‘Centenaria’ presented the highest antioxidant activity (ABTS). In figs, ‘Três num Prato’, ‘Lemon’ and ‘Brunswick’ had the highest ascorbic acid content. ‘Três num prato’ and ‘Roxo de Valinhos’ showed the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity consecutively. It was found that cultivars of these evaluated fruits showed great variability, even under similar conditions.

Abstract This study analyzed the genetic diversity in Coffea canephora genotypes by univariate and multivariate statistical analysis, based on concentrations of macro- and micronu trients in coffee leaves in the stages of pre-flowering and grain filling. The experiment was arranged in randomized blocks with three replications, in a 42x2 factorial design, in which factor one represented the evaluated genotypes and factor two the periods of leaf sampling, i.e., pre-flowering and grain filling. The data of leaf nutrient concentrations were subjected to analysis of variance by the F test (p <0.01), and genetic parameters were estimated. For the study of genetic diversity, the genotypes were grouped by the hierarchical unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic averages (UPGMA). The relative importance of a trait to predict genetic diversity was also studied. There is genetic divergence for leaf nutrient concentration in C. canephora genotypes. With a maximum limit of 60% of dissimilarity between genotypes, four groups were also formed by UPGMA. For the 42 evaluated geno types, leaf S concentration was the most important trait for genetic diversity; this genotypic variability should be investigated to enhance the efficiency of nutritional diagnosis.

Resumen Este estudio analizó la diversidad genética en los genotipos de Coffea canephora mediante análisis estadístico univariado y multivariado, basado en las concentraciones de macro y micronutrientes en las hojas de café en las etapas de pre-floración y llenado de granos. El experimento se organizó en bloques aleatorios con tres repeticiones, en un diseño factorial de 42x2, donde el factor uno representaba los genotipos evaluados y el factor dos los períodos de muestreo de hojas, es decir, pre-floración y llenado de granos. Los datos de las concentraciones nutricionales de las hojas se sometieron a un análisis de varianza mediante la prueba F (p <0,01), y se estimaron los parámetros genéticos. Para el estudio de la diversidad genética, los genotipos se agruparon por el método jerárquico de pares de grupos no ponderados, utilizando medios aritméticos (UPGMA). También se ha estudiado la importancia relativa de un rasgo para predecir la diversidad genética. Existe divergencia genética para la concentración de nutrientes en las hojas en los genotipos de C. canephora. Con un límite máximo del 60% de disimilitud entre los genotipos, el método UPGMA formó cuatro grupos. Para los 42 genotipos evaluados, la concentración de S en las hojas fue la característica más importante para la diversidad genética. La variabilidad genotípica debe investigarse para mejorar la eficiencia del diagnóstico nutricional.

ABSTRACT Banana (Musa spp.) is a crop with outstanding economic and social expression throughout the world. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different mulches types in growth production and postharvest of banana ‘BRS Platina’ not irrigated. The experiment was conducted in the farm of the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA). Micropropagated banana plants of the cultivar BRS were planted in the field with a spacing of 2.5 × 3.0 m (1333 plants ·ha-1), without irrigation. About 20 days after planting, different mulches were installed: black polyethylene films, double-sided polyethylene films (white and black), organic mulch (from the own crop) and control (bare soil). The experimental was set up in a randomized block design with four treatments, six blocks and six plants per treatment, totaling 144 plants. Among the six plants used in each treatment, two constituted the border, therefore four plants were evaluated. The analysis performed in the first and second crop were: growth analysis, postharvest quality, production and productivity. Both organic and inorganic (plastic film) mulch provide greater growth and yield of banana ‘BRS Platina’ not irrigated, in two years of production and can be used in the cultivation of this crop.

ABSTRACT The expansion of blackberry cropping in subtropical regions is recent, requiring adaptability studies and the development of new cultivars, as well as suitable plant management. Aiming to study adaptability and agronomic performance of blackberry (Rubus spp.) under drastic summer pruning in a subtropical region, the response of four blackberry cultivars (‘BRS Tupy’, ‘Guarani’, ‘Brazos’ and ‘Choctaw’) to N and K fertilization was evaluated during two growing seasons in Jundiaí (Brazil). The experiment used split-plots in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The plots consisted of combinations of three N rates (75, 150 and 300 kg·ha–1·year–1) and three K rates (50, 100 and 200 kg·ha–1·year–1 of K2O) in factorial arrangement and an additional control treatment without fertilizer application. In the subplots, four cultivars of blackberry were studied. Considering fruit yield, accumulation of phytomass and mineral elements, as well as the nutrient efficiency use, the cultivars that showed greater adaptation to cultivation in a subtropical area under drastic summer pruning management are ‘Brazos’, ‘Guarani’, ‘BRS Tupy’ and ‘Choctaw’, in that order. An annual application of 120 and 67 kg·ha–1 of N and K2O, respectively, is expected to be sufficient to achieve maximum economic yield.

Abstract A new juice market, consisting of mixtures of fruits, is expanding in the beverage segment, in order to increase even more the nutritional and sensory characteristics. In addition, in the preparation of juices, the option exists to replace water with coconut water. The aim of this study was to develop and optimize mixed juices based on coconut water and berries (strawberry, blackberry, and red raspberry), through the mixture design, desirability function, and response surface methodology. Mixed juices were evaluated by rheological, physical, physicochemical, sensory, and nutritional characteristics. The treatments produced with strawberry (50% or 100%) were preferred among the tasters, and the juices elaborated using blackberry contributed to higher viscosity, antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, and total anthocyanins. According to optimization, the mixed juices should contain 50-60% strawberry, 40% blackberry, and 0-10% raspberry. Thus, the mixed juices produced from these fruits have better characteristics than the juice of only one fruit type.