ABSTRACT In the soybean crop, seed treatment is widespread, often with the use of several products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of phytosanitary and functional products used in such treatments on the quality of stored soybean seeds. The seeds were treated with combinations of fungicide, insecticide, polymer, finishing powder, graphite, cobalt-molybdenum (CM), and inoculant. Quality evaluations were made at 0, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days of storage after the treatment by means of the following tests: germination, seedling emergence, modified accelerated aging in substrate, primary root length, as well as quantification of dust-off of the seeds. A completely randomized experimental design was used in a 10 × 5 factorial arrangement, involving 10 seed treatment compositions and five storage periods. To avoid harmful effects on physiological quality, CM and graphite added to the phytosanitary products should be used nearer to sowing, in a period of less than 15 days. Seeds with the basic industrial seed treatment used as a technological package in most seed production companies (fungicide, insecticides, and polymer) maintained physiological quality up to 60 days of storage. An excessive number of products use as seed treatment in this study, consisting of more than five, can negatively affect seed quality, even in a short storage period of 15 days. The composition of the treatment directly affects the dust-off of the seeds, especially combinations that include finishing powder and graphite.

ABSTRACT Jambu is important nationally and internationally for its dietary and medicinal use, notably for espilanthol. Despite its versatility, breeding work is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate aerial traits and estimate genetic parameters in jambu accesses to support a breeding program. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Universidade Federal da Amazônia, Capitão Poço campus. The treatments included 172 genotype clones from seven municipalities in the Northeast mesoregion, obtained from a farmer’s market. Seedlings were cloned and transplanted after three weeks. The design was completely randomized with three replications and 20 cm × 20 cm spacing. At harvest, genotypes were manually removed and taken to the Campus Agricultural Engineering Laboratory to measure 17 aerial part traits. Variance components, genotypic values, and genetic parameters were estimated using REML/BLUP methodology. Genetic and phenotypic correlation matrices and selection gains of 75, 50, and 25% of the genotypes were calculated. Significant genetic variance and high heritability were observed for traits such as plant fresh mass, leaf fresh mass, and stem fresh mass, which are favorable for selection. Indirect selection can enhance leaf and capitula mass without significantly increasing stem diameter. Selecting 50% of the population yields good selection gains without compromising genetic variability.

ABSTRACT Phosphorus (P) is a limiting nutrient for coffee seedlings. To meet this requirement, coffee growers usually apply di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), which is highly sensitive to local price fluctuations. The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphate-solubilizing fungi (PSF) has been recommended, but the results derived from their application are inconsistent and uncertain, depending on soil fertility status. The response of AMF and PSF application in the plant growth of coffee seedlings during the nursery stage was evaluated in four non-sterile soils, which represent the most abundant type of soils in the coffee regions of Colombia: Eutropept, Dystropept, Fulvudand, and Ultisol. The treatments included a commercial AMF inoculum, PSF-Phlebia subserialis-CH4, and a consortium of AMF+PSF, at four P levels (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 g.plant-1 P2O5) using DAP fertilizer. Shoot dry weight (SDW) was affected by P applications in Fulvudand. In the other soils, a P-response occurred with 0.5 g.plant-1 , whereas 1 and 2 g.plant-1 of P2O5 caused a significant reduction in SDW. AMF increased SDW by 40% in Eutropept. The negative effect of higher P amounts was mitigated (> 70%) through PSF and AMF+PSF in Ultisol and Eutropept, respectively. In plants in which microorganisms increased SDW, the P concentration was 0.17 to 0.22%. The plant growth promotion of coffee seedlings during the nursery stage with AMF and/or PSF applications varied according to soil type and P amounts applied.

ABSTRACT The herbicides glyphosate and 2,4-D are widely used to control weeds in various crops. The rubber tree crop is exposed to these molecules, which can interfere with its establishment. This study aimed to assess the effects caused by the drift of glyphosate, 2,4-D, and the combination of both, in different proportions corresponding to 0, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64% of the recommended dose (1,440 and 804 g a·e·ha-1 of glyphosate and 2,4-D, respectively). The characteristic symptoms when 2,4-D was present in the drift began with wilting and shriveling of young leaves and, at the highest doses, quickly progressed to chlorosis, shoot epinasty, and edge necrosis, while mature leaves showed a brown color, culminating in a high rate of fall. The effects of glyphosate were intensified after leaf flushing, which occurred 120 days after its application and resulted in long, narrow, twisted leaves in a spiral shape and deformed shoots. Drift above 32% from the combination of glyphosate and 2,4-D resulted in a high mortality rate, while 16% damaged growth and resulted in the death of some plants. The results indicate that drift from the combination of glyphosate and 2,4-D intensifies the symptoms of phytotoxicity in rubber trees, with drift above 8% being harmful. For the herbicides applied alone, there was full recovery of the plants in the drift of up to 16%, so it is important to avoid the drift of these herbicides in the management of weeds in the rubber tree crop.

ABSTRACT Producing grapes for juice has been gaining prominence in the Northeast region of Brazil with diversification of grape cultivars for juice production over the past decade. The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of different vine training systems and rootstocks on the vigor, yield, and morpho-agronomic traits of ‘BRS Cora’ grapes over six production cycles. The experiment was conducted in Petrolina, PE, Brazil, from 2017 to 2020. A randomized block experimental design was used with four replications in split-split plots in time, with evaluation of the espalier, pergola, and lyre training systems combined with the rootstocks IAC 572 and IAC 766. The variables studied were the following: bud fertility index; yield per plant; number of clusters per plant; weight, width and length of cluster and berry; soluble solids (SS); titratable acidity (TA); and ratio SS/TA. The response of the ‘BRS Cora’ vines were different depending on the training system, rootstock, production cycle, or interaction among them. The bud fertility index varied only as a result of the production cycle. The pergola training system increased yield in relation to espalier and lyre systems, also favoring a larger number and size of clusters. The IAC 766 rootstock increased berry size and TA, whereas IAC 572 favored higher sugar/SS content and SS/TA ratio. The fourth production cycle (harvest on 9 May 2019) led to the best agronomic performance of ‘BRS Cora’ grapevines under the conditions of the Submédio do Vale do São Francisco region.

ABSTRACT Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is cultivated worldwide, with prominence in the Northeast region of Brazil, due to its favorable soil and climate conditions. However, over the years, the genotype × environment (GxE) interaction phenomenon has been occurred, which can complicate the selection process depending on its extent (whether it is a simple or complex interaction). In this context, melon breeding programs aim to identify adaptable and stable genotypes, capable of reaching their maximum potential. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate GxE interactions and identify cultivars with greater adaptability and phenotypic stability using various methods for comparison. Thirteen melon hybrids were assessed in four municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, across two planting dates, totaling eight distinct environments. The experiments were conducted in randomized complete blocks with three replications. The traits evaluated included the number of fruits per plant and total soluble solids. Several adaptability and stability methods were employed and compared including Wricke, Eberhart and Russell, Lin and Binns, Annicchiarico, GGE Biplot, and Resende (harmonic mean of relative performance of genotypic values). Significant GxE interaction for the number of fruits per plant was found to be simple, whereas for soluble solids, it was crossed. The methods of Linn and Binns, Annicchiarico, and Resende showed strong correlations among them and were all correlated with the trait mean. The HA-08 hybrid emerged as the most promising, exhibiting high number of fruits per plant, high soluble solids content, and exceptional adaptability and stability.

ABSTRACT The rootstock Poncirus trifoliata var. monstrosa flying dragon (FD) induces dwarfism to citrus trees. Dwarfism provides several positive aspects: allows dense planting, reduces the pruning frequency, improves productivity efficiency, and makes cultural practices easier. Evaluating the compatibility of the rootstock with different scion varieties is crucial for recommending this rootstock and requires many years of field observations. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the vigor and graft compatibility of Citrus × sinensis L. Osbeck and Citrus × latifolia Tanaka grafted onto FD. The experimental was a randomized block design, with five treatments, four replications, and each plot consisting of one tree. The cultivar Tahiti acid lime IAC-5 and Seleta, Lima, Bahia, and Folha Murcha oranges were the evaluated plants. Biometric measurements of canopy and graft incompatibility were assessed, and viables spacing were estimated. No signs of incompatibility were observed in any graft combination. After 12.5 years, FD induced dwarfism in all evaluated cultivars, but not to Tahiti acid lime. In the edaphoclimatic conditions of North Fluminense, we suggest planting densities of 511, 1,387, 1,486, 792 and 1,644 plants.ha-1 to Tahiti, Seleta, Lima, Bahia, and Folha Murcha oranges trees, respectively, when these are grafted onto the FD.

ABSTRACT Breeding of new cultivars of sugarcane uses several species belonging to the Saccharum complex genus. In this study, a set of 20 genotypes from the Saccharum complex was assessed for their growth promotion during germination using a mixed inoculant containing five selected diazotrophs and their resistance to short heat treatment (52°C / 30 min). The percentage of germination was evaluated, leading to the identification of three response groups. Saccharum officinarum (group I) showed the highest germination percentage, succeeded by Erianthus arundinaceus genotypes (group II) and the other genotypes (group III). The mean germination time (MGT) varied among the genotypes and segregated the growth response into two groups. Saccharum officinarum only required less than 15 days to reach the MGT, whereas the other genera required more than two or three days during the initial growth process. Bacterial counting also differed between the groups, being effective for S. officinarum and other genotypes, improving the colonization of the plants 100–1,000 times higher than the control and heat treatments. Further comparison was made among eight genotypes, including one Saccharum spontaneum(US72-1319), one S. officinarum (IN845), and six E. arundinaceus. This comparison measured biomass accumulation and root parameters. The E. arundinaceus group demonstrated less susceptibility to the heat treatment, resulting in stimulation of the root dry mass of IJ76-381 and root parameters of this genotype, as well as IJ76-364, although not associated to the inoculation treatment. Inoculation applied to US72-1319 and IN845 enhanced only the Shoot/Root ratio.

ABSTRACT The vicinity of natural areas can enhance availability of pollinators and crop productivity. Considering the global reduction of pollinators and the global food insecurity, innovative strategies to enhance pollination and crop yield are important. Thus, we investigated the efficacy of using colored attractors of pollinators to improve okra yield. The use of pollinator attractors led to a significant increase in the length, volume, and weight of okra in comparison to plants without attractors, and notably larger when compared to plants without pollinator access. Although uncertainties remain regarding scalability and optimal implementation, our results emphasized the opportunity of the colored attractors, a low-cost intervention, to boost food productivity and alleviate food insecurity.

ABSTRACT Mapping resistant populations makes it possible to identify the evolution and dispersal of resistance cases, providing important information for control-related decision making. This study aimed to identify and map herbicide-resistant sourgrass (Digitaria insularis) populations in Brazilian regions. The results showed no glufosinate resistance, with 485 samples (96.6%) classified as putative resistant to glyphosate, while nine (1.8%) and five (1%) were considered putative resistant to haloxyfop and clethodim, respectively. Two samples were deemed putative resistant to three herbicides (glyphosate, haloxyfop, and clethodim). One of the samples characterized as a control failure for all three herbicides was used on the dose-response curve. This biotype was identified as glyphosate-resistant, with low-level resistance to clethodim and haloxyfop. Based on C50, resistance factors of 10.96, 3.26, and 3.15 were identified for glyphosate, clethodim, and haloxyfop, respectively. Mapping sourgrass resistance is vital to understand and ensure the early identification and quantification of the frequency of these plants.

ABSTRACT When implementing path analysis between technological and nutritional traits in common bean without considering the degree of multicollinearity, it is important to assess whether there will be errors in indirect selection. This study proposed: to assess path analysis under different degrees of multicollinearity for technological and nutritional traits in common bean; and to recognize the degree of multicollinearity that allows an accurate interpretation of direct and indirect effects of these traits for the indirect selection of fast-cooking. Then, 10 technological traits and seven nutritional traits were measured in 25 common bean cultivars obtained across four experiments. Path analysis was carried out using different degrees of multicollinearity: severe (including all traits), moderate to strong (excluding three traits), and weak (excluding four traits). The magnitude and algebraic sign of direct and indirect effects between technological and nutritional traits varied when path analysis was performed using different degrees of multicollinearity. With severe multicollinearity (condition number = 6,798.28), regression coefficient values were excessively high and in an unfavorable direction for selection. Under weak multicollinearity (condition number = 66.21), the value and sign of the generated correlation coefficients were more in line with the biological phenomenon studied, allowing for an accurate interpretation of the direct and indirect effects of technological and nutritional traits on cooking time. Indirect selection based on the lowest values of mass of 100 grains and calcium concentration is recommended in this study for the selection of fast-cooking common bean cultivars.

ABSTRACT The mobilization of reserves determines the formation of seedlings during germination, being influenced by seed vigor and adverse stress conditions. Seeds with higher vigor have greater potential for mobilization of reserves, and it can favor performance under conditions of salt stress. The objective of this study was to identify how the mobilization of reserves stored in common bean seeds contributes to the overcoming of salt stress, seeking to identify the difference in hydrolysis and mobilization of reserves among seeds with superior vigor. Seeds from two genotypes contrasting in vigor (BAF44 and BAF55) were used. Salt stress was simulated using sodium chloride, and evaluations were performed at one, three, five and seven days of germination. The variables analyzed in seedling was length, dry mass, and metabolic expenditure, while biochemical analyses of total starch, total protein, total soluble sugars, total soluble proteins, and alpha-amylase activity were evaluated in the embryonic axis and/or cotyledons. The salt stress condition negatively affected the performance of the seedlings, resulting in a decrease in length, mass accumulation, and reduced use of seed reserves, associated with a lower hydrolysis of starch and proteins. Seeds with higher vigor showed higher dry mass and seedling length even when subjected to salt stress conditions, because of greater hydrolysis capacity and use of soluble proteins and soluble sugars, which result in seedlings with better performance under control and salt stress conditions.

ABSTRACT The present study investigated the impact of different concentrations of Trichoderma harzianum on the growth variables of tomato plants infected with both root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) and the bacterial wilt pathogen (Ralstonia solanacearum). Application of T. harzianum significantly improved growth variables such as shoot and root lengths and shoot weight (p 0.001), with the highest growth observed at the concentration of 1×104 spores/mL. Lower concentrations (8×103 and 2×103 spores/mL) also enhanced growth, but to a lesser extent. Notably, root weight decreased, indicating reduced gall formation, a positive outcome against nematode infestation. The study revealed that T. harzianum significantly reduced the number of galls, eggmasses, and nematode reproduction factors (p 0.001). The highest concentration (1×104 spores/mL) was most effective, followed by 8×103 spores/mL, demonstrating a dose-responsive reduction in these parameters. Regression analysis showed positive correlations between decreased gall numbers and increased shoot and root lengths and weights, as well as between reduced eggmasses and improved growth variables. Regarding disease severity, increasing concentrations of T. harzianum notably decreased the severity of both root-knot nematodes and bacterial wilt compared to the control. The control treatment exhibited a 72.5% severity, whereas treatments with T. harzianum reduced severity to 51–55.5%, and the highest concentration reduced it to 2.5%. This trend was consistent for bacterial wilt severity. The results indicate that T. harzianum effectively colonizes tomato roots, inhibiting pathogen entry and reducing disease severity more effectively at higher concentrations.

ABSTRACT Climatic variation between grape-producing regions exposes plants to different environmental conditions capable of influencing their phenology. In this scenario, studies on the climatic potential of growing areas, as well as the phenology and thermal needs of vine cultivars in different growing seasons, are important tools for implementing new orchards. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the climatic potential, phenology, and thermal needs of vines cultivated at different times in the semi-arid region of Piauí, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a trellis system, spaced 3 × 1.5 m, during four growing seasons (2020-2021). The thermal conditions available in the region were expressed in degree days (DD) correlated with the phenological assessments, considering the basal temperature 10°C. Plant phenology was evaluated, regarding the duration of the phenological stages, according to the BBCH scale. The average phenological cycle of the cultivars was 2,133.33 (120 days) and 2,141.02 DD (128 days) for ‘BRS Magna’ and ‘BRS Violeta’, respectively. The cultivars studied produced bunches with morphological parameters suitable for commercialization, with emphasis on ‘BRS Magna’, which presented the largest number and length of bunches. From the results obtained, we concluded that the Bom Jesus region, Piauí, has climatic potential for vine cultivation. The vine’s growth potential is greater in times of warmer weather, requiring lower thermal sums to complete the growth cycle. ‘BRS Magna’ proved to be the most promising cultivation method in the region.

ABSTRACT Common bacterial blight (CBB), caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli, is the main bacterial disease affecting the production of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), with significant impacts on Brazilian agriculture. The search for resistant genotypes is a fundamental strategy, given the prevalence and persistence of the pathogen in tropical conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to identify candidate genes for resistance to CBB through association mapping studies, using 126 Middle-American bean genotypes from the germplasm bank of the Instituto de Desenvolvimento Rural do Paraná. A randomized block design with four replications was used. The inoculation method was by cutting the leaves with scissors, using the isolate Xap-139y at a concentration of 107 CFU·mL-1, and the variables final score and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) were evaluated. The expected performance of the means and the genetic parameters were estimated using the Selegen software. The GEN203 genotype was considered resistant for AUDPC and final score. Using multi-locus models (FASTmrMLM, ISIS-EM-BLASSO, mrMLM, pLARmEB), we identified 11 quantitative trait nucleotides associated with CBB resistance and 48 candidate genes in the resistance response. These genes act in several metabolic pathways, suggesting a complex polygenic inheritance. This work contributes significantly to understanding the genetic basis of resistance to CBB and the development of bean cultivars with better adaptability and productivity in regions affected by the disease.