Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Climate variability poses major challenges to coffee production, particularly due to the increasing frequency and intensity of drought events. Understanding the physiological acclimation capacity of Coffea arabica genotypes to water deficit is critical for developing resilient cultivars. We hypothesized that progenies with higher multivariate phenotypic plasticity index (MVPi) values would exhibit coordinated morphophysiological traits associated with greater acclimation capacity to seasonal water availability. This study aimed to quantify leaf-scale phenotypic plasticity in 16 C. arabica progenies derived from a plant selected for its large leaves and fruits, which originated from a natural mutation of the Acaiá cultivar. Physiological, anatomical, and biochemical traits were assessed during the dry and rainy seasons, and plasticity was quantified using the MVPi. Principal component analysis revealed substantial variation in plastic responses among genotypes, with M11, L30, and L16 exhibiting the highest MVPi values. These genotypes showed coordinated adjustments in water use efficiency, chlorophyll content, and leaf tissue structure. Although MVPi proved effective in integrating multidimensional trait variation, its interpretation requires caution, as higher plasticity does not necessarily indicate an adaptive advantage. These findings support the integration of multivariate plasticity analysis into breeding programs as a strategy to identify genotypes with superior acclimation potential under water-limited conditions.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is highly sensitive to aluminum (Al), an abiotic factor that limits productivity in acidic soils. In this way, the use of Al-tolerant cultivars associated with liming could increase the productive potential in these unfavorable growing environments. The objectives of this study were to determine the effective concentration of Al in a minimum solution and to identify sources of Al tolerance. Initially, an experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replicates, evaluating five concentrations of Al in minimum solution (calcium + Al) on eight wheat genotypes. The experiment had a split-plot design, analyzing the effect of Al concentrations in plots and the effect of genotypes in subplots. To select sources of tolerance, a second experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replicates, evaluating 88 inbred lines, six commercial cultivars, and the Anahuac and BH 1146 controls (sensitive and tolerant, respectively). Al tolerance was assessed through the root growth difference of the main root. Results showed that a concentration of 4 mg.L-1 of Al was effective for discriminating between sensitive and tolerant genotypes. The wheat germplasm demonstrated wide genetic variability for tolerance to Al, with the L34 and L72 inbred lines standing out as excellent sources of tolerance. These lines could be used in future crosses in breeding programs to obtain progeny with greater tolerance to Al, improving wheat productivity under acid soil conditions.

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ABSTRACT The cultivation of pitahaya (Selenicereus undatus) has attracted increasing interest due to its hardiness, early fruiting, economic value, and medicinal potential. However, low propagation rates remain a limitation for commercial-scale production. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different spectral light qualities (white, blue, purple and red LEDs) and zinc (Zn) concentrations (8.60 and 17.20 mg·L-1) on the growth, pigment content, anatomy, and Zn deposition in S. undatus cladodes in vitro. Biometric parameters, photosynthetic pigments, anatomical features, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis were assessed. White and purple lights, combined with 8.60 mg·L-1 Zn, led to greater shoot length and higher fresh and dry mass of roots and shoots. White light also increased total chlorophyll content at both Zn concentrations. The number of vascular bundles increased with 17.20 mg·L-1 Zn, especially under purple light. The largest cladode cross-sectional area was observed under red light with high Zn concentration. Zn accumulation was low, with slightly higher atomic percentages in central ribs (0.30%) and at the margins (0.77%) under white light and high Zn concentration treatment, suggesting limited translocation and possible compartmentalization in vacuoles or apoplastic spaces. Stomatal density appeared to be modulated by both factors, increasing under red light and decreasing under blue light, depending on Zn concentration. Overall, white and purple LED lights with 8.60 mg·L-1 Zn optimized S. undatus growth and pigmentation in vitro. These findings enable improved micropropagation protocols for commercial production and potential biofortification strategies.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Low air temperature during the dormancy period promotes uniform flowering in peach trees, while the heat after the full bloom is necessary for fruit development. Rootstock cultivars affect the timing of scion phenological stages, either advancing or delaying their occurrence from bud break to harvest. Given the expansion of stone fruit cultivation in areas with suboptimal chill accumulation and the ongoing climate changes, this research aimed to evaluate effects of 17 clonal rootstocks on chill requirement for full blooming and heat accumulation for fruit development of ‘BRS-Kampai’ and ‘BRS-Rubimel’ cultivars, as well as two own-rooted scion trees. Field trials were conducted in two locations in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the study, rootstocks affected chill portions accumulated until bud break, number of days from the autumn equinox to break dormant bud stage, number of days from autumn equinox to full bloom stage, length of the fruit development period, and harvest date. Growing degree hours accumulated 30 days after full bloom stage was the single feature that showed no statistical differences among the tested rootstocks. Pearson correlations between degree days accumulated 30 days after full bloom and fruit development period were significant and more stable for ‘BRS-Rubimel’ than for ‘BRS-Kampai’, suggesting that this parameter can be used to estimate the harvest time with precision. Therefore, we concluded that rootstocks significantly influence chill accumulation required for breaking bud dormancy and reach the full bloom stage, as well as the heat accumulation for reach the harvest season.

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ABSTRACT Citrus productivity is strongly influenced by water availability and rootstock selection. This study evaluated the physiological and productive responses of two commercial scion × rootstock combinations: Tahiti acid lime BRS EECB IAC Ponta Firme grafted onto the dwarfing trifoliate rootstock IAC 718 Flying Dragon (PF_FD), and IAC 10 grafted onto the semi-dwarfing citrandarin IAC 3152 Itajobi (10_152). Field experiments were conducted over three years (2022–2024) under three irrigation regimes—variable (VIS), fixed (FIS), and non-irrigated (NIS)—using a 3×2 factorial design with randomized blocks and drip irrigation. Physiological parameters (root length, leaf water potential, gas exchange, proline, and lipoperoxide content) and productive traits (fruit quality and cumulative yield) were assessed. The 10_152 combination showed superior root development, gas exchange performance, antioxidant regulation, and fruit yield, particularly under FIS and NIS, indicating enhanced drought tolerance. In contrast, PF_FD performed well only under VIS and was more sensitive to water deficit. Principal component analysis revealed that higher productivity and resilience were associated with greater root length, increased proline accumulation, higher CO2 assimilation, and reduced oxidative stress. Furthermore, FIS irrigation was as effective as VIS in sustaining plant performance, while optimizing water use, suggesting a sustainable management strategy. Although Tahiti acid lime IAC 10 demonstrates vigorous early orchard growth, its susceptibility to wood pocket restricts its commercial use. Overall, citrandarin IAC 3152 Itajobi proved to be the most promising rootstock, suitable for both irrigated and non-irrigated orchards, whereas PF_FD is recommended only under optimal water conditions.

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ABSTRACT This study establishes LC-NL(46)-MS/MS as a selective and efficient method for profiling bioactive dipeptides in protein hydrolysates, addressing limitations of conventional full-scan analyses. Four formulations were evaluated: two commercial biostimulants (Biost1 and Biost2) and two prototypes (MVP1 and MVP2). Computational predictions revealed non-toxic dipeptides with diverse bioactivities, including ACE and DPP-IV inhibition, antioxidant effects, and similarities to CLE peptide fragments involved in plant signaling. MVP1 exhibited superior peptide diversity and CLE-related sequences, suggesting enhanced biostimulant potential. Field trials in soybean demonstrated the safety of these hydrolysates, with no negative impacts on growth or yield, though statistical significance was not achieved. Qualitative productivity gains (up to 8.7%) in MVP1 highlight their role as sustainable signaling mediators. These findings provide a foundation for quality control in biostimulant production and future research on combined formulations under stress conditions, emphasizing the dual function of protein hydrolysates as nutrient carriers and sources of bioactive peptides for agricultural applications.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT The production and consumption of grape juice have increased due to its recognized health benefits and functional properties. Rootstocks influence vine physiology and fruit composition, directly affecting the physicochemical, functional, and sensory attributes of the resulting juice. This study evaluated juices from the ‘BRS Magna’ cultivar grafted onto 10 rootstocks under a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) over three production cycles. Soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing antioxidant power and ABTS) were determined, and sensory acceptance was assessed by 100 untrained consumers. Significant differences were observed among rootstocks and seasons, with seasonal variability exerting a marked influence on acidity, pH, and the sweetness–acidity balance. The juices showed expressive phenolic content and antioxidant potential, reinforcing their functional appeal. Among the evaluated rootstocks, ‘Kober 5BB’ stood out for higher sensory acceptance and purchase intention, whereas ‘IAC 572 Jales’ and ‘SO4’ showed comparatively lower preference scores. Overall, rootstock selection proved to be a strategic factor for modulating technological quality and consumer acceptance, highlighting the importance of aligning rootstock choice with environmental conditions to optimize grape juice production and market competitiveness.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT The demand for triticale is increasing due to its good production potential, tolerance to abiotic stress, and nutritional value. One of the most important strategies for increasing the yield and quality of triticale grains is the choice of the most suitable cultivars for various management and environmental conditions. This study was conducted in a semi-arid area of Romania (Oltenia Plain) with eight Romanian triticale cultivars over three growing seasons, following two cropping systems (conventional and organic). It was observed that the response of the triticale crop was strongly influenced by the crop management, with a decrease of -52.4% in yield, -17.2% in thousand-grain weight, -26.7% in protein content and -10.8% in test weight for the organic system. On average, for conventional system, Zvelt (8.25 t·ha-1) followed by Zori (7.73 t·ha-1) and Pisc (7.61 t·ha-1) obtained the highest yields. In organic system, Zori (3.87 t•ha-1) and Zvelt (3.75 t·ha-1) obtained the highest yields, but statistically insignificant compared to the other cultivars. Good grain quality in conventional system was shown by Tulnic, which obtained the highest protein content (16.1%) and the highest test weight (73.1 kg·hl-1), and in organic system by Zvelt which obtained a high protein content (11.3%) and the highest test weight (64.8 kg·hl-1).The 2022/2023 growing season had high temperatures during grain-filling period, favoring a higher protein content.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT White mold, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a major challenge in soybean production due to its persistent survival structures and limited chemical control options. This study evaluated the effect of glufosinate-ammonium on the carpogenic germination of S. sclerotiorum sclerotia in vitro and on white mold development in herbicide-tolerant soybean plants grown in a greenhouse. The application of commercial doses of glufosinate significantly reduced carpogenic germination, with 97% of treated sclerotia failing to produce stipes. In glufosinate-tolerant soybean cultivars (Enlist and Conkesta), herbicide application reduced lesion size on stems when applied at the R1 stage (39% control) and decreased white mold severity on leaves when applied at the V4 stage (83% control). These results suggested that glufosinate-ammonium has the potential to suppress both primary inoculum and disease development, offering a novel approach to integrated white mold management. Field validation is recommended to optimize application timing and assess its effectiveness under commercial production conditions.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Corn bacterial leaf streak is an emerging disease, and there are few studies related to its management. Therefore, it is necessary to know alternative hosts of this pathogen that may interfere with its survival during the off-season. The aim of this work was to evaluate different genotypes of oats, barley, and wheat as secondary hosts to the pathogen Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum. The experiments were carried out in Guarapuava, PR, Brazil, in the 2019 and 2022 seasons, in a greenhouse, with completely randomized design and five replications. Eight different cultivars of winter cereals widespread in the region were inoculated, and susceptible corn hybrid was used as a control. Disease incidence evaluations were performed to calculate the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). In the 2019 season, relative humidity averages at ten days after inoculation were between 54 and 68%, and only TBIO Audaz wheat cultivar, in addition to the control, showed symptoms related to the disease. In the 2022 season, when relative humidity remained around 70% throughout the experiment, all genotypes tested showed symptoms. However, cultivars Danielle (barley), TBIO Audaz, and ORS Vintecinco (wheat) did not differ from the susceptible corn control, with the highest AUDPC values. These results indicated that winter cereals are hosts of X. vasicola pv. vasculorum, and that relative humidity affects the expression of disease symptoms.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Identifying resistance sources using fast, sensitive, and standardized methods is key to initiating a breeding program or even a germplasm characterization. To establish the infestation density, the coexistence period, and discriminatory parameters for determining maize tolerance-type resistance to the green-belly stink bug, Diceraeus melacanthus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), greenhouse, and field trials were conducted using four maize genotypes (SCS154 Fortuna, SCS155 Catarina, 2B512 PW, and 2B610 PW). In both greenhouse and field trials, plants infested with a density of two adult stink bugs per plant for a coexistence period of seven days was determined to be the optimal conditions for evaluating maize genotypes tolerance. In addition, plant height and fresh weight were significantly reduced in infested plants on greenhouse trial. Conversely, D. melacanthus reduced plant height at the V5 stage and weight of thousand seeds in field trials, but plant height up to tassel, height of cob insertion, and grain yield were not affected, indicating a recovery potential of the tested genotypes. No difference in damage score was verified in the genotypes in both greenhouse and field trials. Biochemical responses of plants infested and non-infested with D. melacanthus from field trial indicated that chlorophyll and carotenoid content were reduced due to stink bug infestation. Moreover, infested plants expressed higher amounts of peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase enzymes. In field, the reduction in phenotypic and productive parameters was similar among the evaluated genotypes, and in general, the tested genotypes exhibited similar response to D. melacanthus attack.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) is an important socioeconomic legume in northeastern Brazil, particularly among small- and medium-scale farmers. Despite its nutritional value and role in food security, crop yield is often compromised by diseases such as anthracnose. This study aimed to evaluate six groups of lima bean populations at the fifth generation (F5), derived from crosses between genotypes conserved in the P. lunatus Active Germplasm Bank at the Universidade Federal do Piauí, which differed in morphological traits and levels of anthracnose resistance. Populations were grown under field conditions and evaluated for agromorphological and phytopathological traits, including yield, seed morphology, and disease resistance. Statistical analyses were performed using restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased prediction and likelihood ratio test methods with the aid of SELEGEN, R, and Genes software. Among the populations, significant phenotypic variability was observed. Population P6 was notable for its earliness, a desirable trait that contributes to disease escape; P2 and P4 showed white seed coats and commercially attractive seeds, whereas P4, P5, and P6 exhibited superior performance in pod, seed, and anthracnose resistance traits. The presence of BGP-UFPI 832 genotype in the most promising crosses suggests its potential to transmit favorable alleles. These results indicate that populations P4, P5, and P6 are potential candidates for breeding programs focused on developing higher-yielding, locally adapted, and anthracnose-resistant cultivars.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT The reliance on synthetic herbicides has accelerated herbicide resistance, necessitating the development of sustainable, plant-based management strategies. This study evaluated the phytotoxic potential of the root methanolic extract of Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver grass) against two noxious weeds, Praxelis clematidea and Eleusine indica. Greenhouse experiments assessed pre- and post-emergence effects at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 10, 50, and 100 mg·mL-1, focusing on growth, photosynthetic, and stress biomarkers. The extract displayed significant, species-specific phytotoxicity. In early post-emergence trials, E. indica exhibited higher sensitivity (63.3% inhibition) compared to P. clematidea (36.7%). Conversely, post-emergence applications caused severe growth suppression in P. clematidea, reducing shoot and root biomass by 91 and 95%, respectively. While E. indica experienced moderate biomass loss (59–69%), it suffered pronounced physiological disruption, evidenced by significant declines in soil-plant analysis development values (SPAD) (34%) and chlorophyll a content (35%). Biochemical analyses indicated that phytotoxicity was mediated by an oxidative burst, as evidenced by elevated proline, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase activity. The results also indicated that the extract was effective in early post-emergence treatment against monocot weed, while inflicting damage on dicot weed in post-emergence treatment. These findings demonstrated that C. zizanioides extracts effectively inhibit weed growth by disrupting photosynthetic machinery and inducing oxidative damage, highlighting their potential as bio-herbicides.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT The red palm mite Raoiella indica Hirst, 1924 (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is an important invasive pest affecting tropical crops, particularly coconut and banana, in several countries. In Brazil, pest management is limited by the reduced availability of registered chemical control products, which may favor the selection of resistant populations. Symbiotic bacteria of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), such as Xenorhabdus (Thomas and Poinar, 1979) and Photorhabdus (Boemare and Akhurst 2006), are known to produce metabolites with insecticidal and acaricidal activity, but their activity against R. indica has not been evaluated yet. In this study, an exploratory laboratory bioassay was conducted to assess the acaricidal activity of 15 bacterial isolates of Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus through topical application to adult females of R. indica. Mortality was recorded over a six-day period and compared with water and culture-medium controls. Several isolates induced mortality rates exceeding 95%, and two isolates resulted in complete adult mortality. In addition, oviposition was strongly reduced by specific isolates. Females exposed to isolates CER144 and CER09 laid on average 0.03 and 0.15 eggs per alive female per day, respectively, compared with approximately 0.85 eggs per alive female per day in both controls, indicating a reduction of over 80% in egg production. Although preliminary, these findings provide the first evidence that EPN-symbiotic bacteria represent a promising and underexplored source of compounds for the biological control of R. indica, opening perspectives for sustainable pest management in tropical and subtropical systems.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the genetic relationships between morphological traits and the yield of Conilon coffee to identify key attributes for early selection using path analysis. The experiment followed Federer’s augmented block design, with six blocks and five plants per plot, established in two environments: Alegre, at 700 m of altitude, and Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, at 140 m altitude, both in Espírito Santo State, Brazil. A total of 112 genotypes were assessed, using eight common cultivars as controls, at six, 12, and 18 months after planting. The genetic values for crop yield were obtained using mixed model methodology and evaluated through Deviance analysis. Correlation, collinearity diagnosis, and path analysis were performed between morphological traits and productivity. The five best genotypes for cultivation in both locations were T3, 28, 69, 100, and 107. The genotypes 28, T3, 69, 107, and 106 stood out in Alegre, while T3, 28, 69, 100, and 107 were the top-performing in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim. It was inferred that the genotype-environment interaction for productivity may be simple. The multicollinearity analysis played a crucial role in eliminating traits that inflated the model. For the early selection, breeding programs should prioritize the number of leaves, NDVI readings, and measurements of canopy diameter and height.

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ABSTRACT Increases in sugarcane yield are achieved by the use of new Brazilian cultivars obtained by selection, cloning and/or crossing of superior materials. In this sense, the objectives of this study were to identify families with high potential for superior clone formation and to verify the reciprocal effect of seminal sugarcane parents. To this end, an experiment was conducted in an arrangement of Federer Blocks (2018/19 and 2019/20 harvests) with 40 families of full-sib, whose seedlings were obtained through seeds. The evaluated characteristics were Brix, plant height, stem diameter, and tons of sugarcane per hectare. The F07M43, F27M09, F29M28, and F40M39 families stood out together for the four traits studied. The existence of maternal and paternal effects in determining the performance of the progenies was evidenced. RB036088, RB036152, and RB966928 were identified as superior parents and represent promising options for improving yield. Sugarcane breeding programs should continue evaluating reciprocal effects to identify optimal parental combinations.

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ABSTRACT This study estimated genetic gains obtained with different selection indices to select superior genotypes for multiple traits in table grape progenies from controlled hybridizations using the REML/BLUP methodology. Seventy-six table grape hybrids (F1) were evaluated for yield, number of clusters, cluster weight, berry length, berry diameter, and berry weight in Juazeiro, Bahia, Brazil, over four to nine growing seasons. Repeatability coefficients ranged from 0.12 to 0.53, with accuracy estimates higher than 79% for all evaluated variables. The factor analysis and genotype-ideotype and multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance indices showed more balanced genetic gains across traits, which were proportional to the gains obtained through direct selection. Multi-trait selection led to selection of nine promising table grape genotypes exhibiting favorable performance for traits related to yield, cluster, and berry physical traits. These genotypes should advance to subsequent evaluation and selection stages for development of new table grape cultivars adapted to the semi-arid conditions of the São Francisco Valley in Brazil.

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ABSTRACT The number of experiments used in genetic divergence analyses can influence the selection of parents with favorable traits. This study aimed to analyze the clustering patterns obtained from principal component and canonical variable analyses performed using data from one, two, three, and four experiments involving agronomic traits of common bean genotypes; to determine the minimum number of experiments required for efficient recognition of promising parents for use in crossing blocks; and to identify the most promising parents for crossing. To this end, 10 agronomic traits were evaluated in 11 common bean genotypes across four experiments. Analysis of variance, principal component analysis, and canonical variable analysis were implemented using data from individual experiments and combinations of two, three, and four experiments. Significant effects of genotype, experiment, and/or genotype × experiment interaction were observed for agronomic traits, supporting the differentiation of genotypes into groups based on genetic divergence. In both principal component and canonical variable analyses, the clustering pattern of genotypes varied with the number of experiments considered. In the principal component analyses, it was not possible to define a minimum number of experiments to identify promising parents. In the canonical variable analysis, using data from three experiments enabled more assertively recognition differences and similarities among common bean genotypes. The cross between CNFP 18552 and IPR Urutau is promising for obtaining recombinants with favorable agronomic traits.

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ABSTRACT One of the main challenges in citrus nursery plant production under protected environments is the space required for plant growth due to the large volume of containers and substrates, along with nutritional management demands. Hydroponics emerges as a promising alternative, offering more precise nutrient supply, efficient water use, reduced space requirements, and better control of growth conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the production of ‘Ponkan’ mandarin nursery plants in conventional cultivation and hydroponics systems, using five rootstocks: ‘Swingle’ citrumelo, ‘Rangpur’ lime, ‘Limeira’ and ‘Rubidoux’ trifoliate, and ‘Índio’ citrandarin. Two experiments were conducted in randomized blocks with five treatments, four replicates, and 18 plants per plot. One hundred and 50 days after grafting, growth and physiological parameters were measured, including scion length,plant height, stem diameters, number of leaves, root length, root volume, dry mass, Dickson quality index, leaf traits, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll a-fluorescence, gas exchange, and water use efficiency. The joint analysis of experiments was performed, and the means were compared using the Tukey’s test. In the conventional system, plants were produced in 3.2 dm3 bags with commercial substrate, while in the hydroponic one they were produced in 280 cm3 tubes with vermiculite placed in pools supplied with nutrient solution. Higher growth of ‘Ponkan’ mandarin nursery plants was obtained in the conventional system with ‘Swingle’ citrumelo, ‘Rangpur’ lime, and ‘Índio’ citrandarin rootstocks. Photosynthetic parameters showed no significant differences between rootstocks and production systems, except for photochemical dissipation coefficient, which was higher in hydroponics for plants grafted onto ‘Swingle’ citrumelo and ‘Rangpur’.

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ABSTRACT Excessive summer rainfall can impair grape ripening and wine quality in subtropical regions. Double pruning management offers an alternative by enabling grape production in the first half of the year, with harvest during drier months. This study evaluated the performance of five Vitis vinifera cultivars (‘Marsanne,’ ‘Marselan,’ ‘Touriga Nacional,’ ‘Muscat Petit Grain,’ and ‘Syrah’) grafted onto the rootstocks IAC 766 and 1103 Paulsen for the production of fine winter wines under a subtropical climate. Vines were trained using a vertical shoot positioning system without irrigation, and assessments were conducted over two growing seasons. Productive and chemical parameters of the grapes were measured. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and means were compared with the Scott-Knott’s test (p < 0.05). The IAC 766 rootstock promoted higher vigor without reducing must quality. ‘Touriga Nacional’ showed excessive vigor and low bud fertility, highlighting the need for careful canopy management. Overall, ‘Marselan,’ ‘Syrah,’ ‘Marsanne,’ and ‘Muscat Petit Grain’ demonstrated good potential for winter wine production.

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ABSTRACT This study investigated the phenological dynamics of Caryocar brasiliense cultivated in the northwestern region of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, aiming to understand its adaptation to tropical Cerrado conditions and to support its conservation and sustainable management. Biometric variables (height, stem diameter, and crown diameter) and morphological characteristics were monitored and analyzed, in addition to thermal accumulation expressed in degree-days, correlation analyses with climatic factors, and non-linear regression models. The results showed continuous increases in stem and crown diameter, with values comparable to or higher than those of natural individuals, even in young plants, indicating strong growth performance in cultivation. Phenological observations revealed flowering between August and September and fruit abscission concentrated in December, consistent with the local climatic regime. Sprouting showed positive correlations with temperature and precipitation, while defoliation was not influenced by climatic factors. The orchard demonstrated potential for inclusion in intensive fruiting systems, such as high-density planting, an emerging trend in the fruit growing sector. The results highlight the potential for cultivating the pequi tree (C. brasiliense Camb.) in this region, reinforcing its suitability for sustainable production systems and for the recovery of degraded lands in tropical areas. In this context, C. brasiliense shows potential for domestication and use in sustainable production systems, while also highlighting its relevance under climate change scenarios due to its ability to adapt to high temperatures and water-limited conditions.

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ABSTRACT Soybean is the primary legume cultivated worldwide, but knowledge regarding soybean stover chemical composition is sparse. The objectives of this study were to characterize soybean stover from two production regions in Brazil and to evaluate the potential for mitigating Oxisol acidity. Samples of soybean stover were collected in Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul, states of southern Brazil, and in Bahia, state of northeast Brazil. Samples were analyzed for C, N, Ca, Mg, K, Na, S, P, Cu, Mn, Zn, V, Ni, Ba, pH, and available alkalinity. Potential acidity mitigation was assessed by incubating soybean stover in an acid Oxisol and analyzing pH CaCl2 and Al3+ after a 30-day incubation period. Stover from Bahia (BA) had higher levels of Mg, K, and P, while stover from Paraná (PR) and Rio Grande do Sul (RS) had higher C, N, S, Al, Cu, Mn, V, Ni, and Ba. After incubation, soil pH increased and Al3+ decreased with no difference between regions, but soil pH was correlated with available alkalinity (r = -0.68; PR+RS stover) and with sum of cations (r = -0.74; BA stover). Although the chemical quality of soybean stover varied due to regional fertilization and liming practices, addition of stover to soil (regardless of composition) can be beneficial for acidity reduction.

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ABSTRACT The use of brackish water in agriculture reduces plant production. Thus, using mineral or organic fertilization associated with seed inoculation with microorganisms is a promising alternative. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of peanuts irrigated with brackish water under mineral and organic fertilization and inoculation. The experimental design was entirely randomized, in a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial scheme, with five replications. The first factor corresponded to the forms of fertilization—P0: 0% dose of phosphorus; P50%: 50% of the recommended dose of phosphorus; P100%: 100% of the recommended dose of phosphorus; and Bio: 100% of fertilization with bovine biofertilizer. The second factor corresponded to the two levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water (0.3 and 4 dS.m-1), and the third one represented the presence and absence of the inoculant—WI: with inoculant; and WTI: without inoculant. The use of organic fertilization with bovine biofertilizer combined with inoculation with Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus subtilis mitigates salt stress and enhances both productivity and water use efficiency in peanut cultivation. Fertilization with bovine biofertilizer mitigates the harmful effects of salts in irrigation water and promotes an increase in pod length and mass in peanut crops. Irrigation with saline water at 4 dS.m-1 reduces the agronomic performance of peanut when neither phosphorus or organic fertilization nor microbial inoculation is applied.

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ABSTRACT Soybean production in central Brazil predominantly occurs on ferralsols. However, increasing global demand has driven expansion into marginal areas with less suitable soils, particularly petric plinthosols. These soils present significant agronomic challenges, especially their heightened vulnerability to climatic variability. Nevertheless, some regions with petric plinthosols, such as parts of Tocantins state, have achieved surprisingly high soybean yields. Despite this production potential, research on soybean cultivation in petric plinthosols are still limited. Our study addresses this knowledge gap by evaluating how environmental conditions and management practices, particularly sowing dates, affect soybean yields in petric plinthosols compared to ferralsols. We also developed economic indicators to support sustainable production decisions. The results demonstrated that while high yields are achievable in petric plinthosols, these soils exhibit greater climate sensitivity than ferralsols. Environmental factor such as air humidity, mainly in the reproductive phase, is a limiting factor for higher yields. Notably, our economic analysis revealed that cost management impacts profitability more substantially than yield improvements, even under unfavourable conditions. This finding suggests that strategic farm management could make petric plinthosol cultivation economically viable despite their agronomic constraints.

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ABSTRACT The no-till system provides an environment for improved soil life and higher crop production. However, disregarding its fundamental principles can compromise its effectiveness. This study evaluated the effects of soil management practices (disc plow, moldboard plow, chisel plow, and no-till) and cropping systems (maize monocropping, maize intercropped with Urochloa ruziziensis, U. ruziziensis intercropped with Crotalaria ochroleuca, and a mixed cover crops) on soil quality bioindicators and soybean production. The hypothesis was that the quantity and quality of plant residues, combined with reduced soil disturbance, would enhance biological activity and crop yield. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot factorial design. Soil samples were collected from the 0–10-cm layer before sowing and at soybean flowering to evaluate soil microbiological components such as microbial biomass carbon, metabolic quotient, and microbial respiration. Soybean production components following the soil management and cropping systems were analyzed. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05), means were compared using Tukey’s test, and Pearson’s correlation was performed among the analyzed variables. Soil management practices with less soil disturbance, such as moldboard plowing, scarification, and no-till, exhibited lower biological soil disturbance and higher soybean yield. Cropping systems with quantity and quality of residues, such as the intercropping of U. ruziziensis with C. ochroleuca, stood out for their positive effects on soybean yield.

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ABSTRACT Soybean–maize cropping system is widely used in the Brazilian Cerrado region. A field experiment was performed in a Cerrado oxisol to evaluate potassium (K) fertilization strategies on the performance of a soybean–maize cropping system. Five fertilization treatments were investigated, including control (unfertilized), KCl, polyhalite, KCl + polyhalite (72/28, % based on K), and KCl + lime + gypsum. In all K fertilization strategies, a rate of 66.5 kg K·ha-1 was applied only at the time of soybean sowing. Soybean and maize grain yields were not significantly influenced by K fertilization management, but the cumulative grain yield of the cropping system (soybean + maize) was 21% higher by using polyhalite than KCl. Exclusive fertilization with polyhalite resulted in higher export of K by soybean grains. In addition, it was the only treatment capable of providing a positive magnesium (Mg) balance in the soybean–maize cropping system (+2.51 kg·ha-1). The calcium (Ca) and sulfur (S) balance was positive under the use of polyhalite, KCl + polyhalite, and KCl + lime + gypsum. Fertilization with polyhalite proved to be an excellent strategy to improve the performance of a soybean–maize cropping system by increasing the cumulative grain yield and providing a positive balance of Ca, Mg, and S.

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ABSTRACT Sustainable intensification in tropical agriculture requires practices that simultaneously enhance soil health and crop yields. This study evaluated the effects of isolated and mixed cover crop species on soil physical quality and the performance of succession crops of soybean and corn in the Brazilian Cerrado. Fourteen cropping systems divided into a fallow treatment, isolated crops (corn, pearl millet, Brachiaria ruziziensis, Tamani grass, Coracana grass, Crotalaria spectabilis, Crotalaria ochroleuca, and Crotalaria breviflora), and five crop mixes were tested on clay-textured Rhodic Ferralsol under no-till. Assessments of soil physical properties were conducted in the field and laboratory to determine soil physical quality and soil quantification cover production. Subsequently, soybean (first season) and maize (second season) were sown in the experimental area to evaluate the residual effects of each treatment on the succeeding crops. Cover crops, especially mixes, increased dry matter production and soil cover (> 85%) and reduced surface temperature, thereby mitigating rapid residue decomposition. The mixes reduced penetration resistance in the 0–10-cm layer, increased hydraulic conductivity by up to 60% compared with fallow, and improved total porosity and bulk density. Soybean yields increased by up to 36% under mixed cropping, whereas C. spectabilis and pearl millet achieved the highest maize yields. Yield gains were strongly associated with lower soil compaction and cooler temperatures and improved infiltration. These results demonstrated that diversified cover crop systems deliver immediate and residual benefits to soil structure, water dynamics, and crop yield, offering a profitable and ecologically strategy for resilient agriculture in tropical systems.

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ABSTRACT Carrot is among the main vegetables produced in Brazil, and evaluating the impact of its production systems is essential for decision making aimed at the sustainable development of agriculture and combating global warming. Thus, the objective of this study was to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint of carrot production in conventional system, in two seasons, and in an organic system. The life cycle analysis methodology was employed, and two functional units were defined: 1 ha of cultivation and 1 kg of carrot produced. The limits of the systems contemplated the agricultural phase of production and the manufacture of inputs, materials and fuels used. In the conventional system, the emissions were 3,850.1 and 5,412.5 kg CO2eq.ha-1 in summer and winter, respectively. The lowest emissions occured in the organic production system, 2287.6 kg CO2eq.ha-1. The use of fertilizers and diesel were the largest contributors in both systems. Although the emissions associated with the use of fertilizer in the organic system represented more than 40% of the total emitted, the origin of these fertilizers was organic. Carbon footprint for carrot production in an organic system was 1 to 8% lower than that of the conventional system, mainly due to the difference in yield between the two systems, indicating the need to combine the more sustainable practices of the organic system with higher yields.

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ABSTRACT Soil composition plays a critical role in viticulture, influencing grapevine physiology and modulating wine characteristics through edaphic-climatic interactions. In the semiarid São Francisco Valley of Brazil, where viticulture is expanding under tropical conditions, the effects of soil variability on wine quality remain underexplored. This study assessed the impact of five distinct Ultisol types, differing in texture, drainage capacity, and mineralogy, on the phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of Syrah and Tempranillo red wines. Grapes were cultivated under uniform vineyard management practices, and microvinification followed standardized protocols. Wine samples were analyzed for physicochemical attributes, total phenolics, flavonoid subclasses, and antioxidant activity. Ultisols with higher clay content and better water retention promoted the accumulation of anthocyanins and stilbenes, enhancing antioxidant potential. Syrah was more responsive to edaphic variability than Tempranillo, particularly under soils with higher water-holding capacity. Despite these soil-driven effects, interannual variation in wine composition was predominantly governed by climatic factors, notably temperature and precipitation. Principal component analysis revealed that both soil type and vintage shaped distinct enological profiles, highlighting the synergistic influence of pedological and climatic elements on grape and wine chemistry. These findings emphasize the need for soil-informed vineyard management strategies to optimize phenolic expression and antioxidant capacity in tropical terroirs. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of soil-plant-wine interactions in semiarid viticulture and reinforces the role of soil variability as a determinant of enological potential in emerging wine regions.

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ABSTRACT Maize-brachiaria intercropping has become adopted as a sustainable agricultural practice, capable of improving soil quality, optimizing nitrogen (N) use, and increasing the productive resilience of cropping systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different N sources on the agronomic performance of maize. The experiment was conducted at Embrapa Agropecuária Oeste (Dourados, MS, Brazil). The experimental design was a randomized block design with a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, with three replications. The treatments included two maize cropping systems (monoculture and intercropped with brachiaria) and four N sources applied as topdressing: urea (45% N), urea with urease inhibitor (45% N), ammonium nitrate (27% N), and a control (no N). Plant height, biomass, grain yield, 100-grain weight, and nutrient content in the straw, and grains were evaluated. Maize monoculture showed greater accumulation of N and S in the grains, while maize-brachiaria intercropping increased C input in the straw and intensified nutrient cycling. N sources did not alter total biomass, but urea and urea with inhibitors increased N and Cu in the straw, and all increased N in the grains. It was concluded that intercropping combined with proper N management favors more sustainable systems for potential soil conservation.

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ABSTRACT In the transition region between the Cerrado-Amazon biomes in Brazil, the conversion of native forests into pastures results in soil degradation. From this perspective, the implementation of integrated systems emerges as a method to recover the quality of these soils. This study evaluated soil carbon compartments through the measurement of the physical and chemical fractions of organic matter and microbial biomass under continuous pasture, intercropping of maize with Megathyrsus maximus, in two integrated crop-livestock-forest systems with maize, Urochloa brizantha, and eucalyptus, and with maize, M. maximus, and Attalea speciosa (babassu coconut palm tree). The conversion of pasture to integrated systems with soil tillage led to negative changes in the chemical and physical compartments of soil organic matter during the initial years of the system. The newly planted eucalyptus did not contribute to conserve soil carbon. The adoption of integrated systems with the presence of babassu increased carbon stocks up to 0.5 m deep by 7.1% compared to the conventional pasture area, minimizing the impacts of soil tillage performed for the cultivation of intercropping on the physical and chemical compartments of organic matter.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT This research aimed to evaluate the effects of harvest maturity stage and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) doses on ripening and quality of ‘Rocha’ pears from Southern Brazil. Fruits were harvested at commercial and late harvest and subjected to the application of 0, 150 or 300 nL.L-1 1-MCP. Fruits remained under cold storage during five months at -0.5 ± 0.1°C and 92 ± 2% relative humidity (RH) and were maintained at ambient conditions (20 ± 2°C and 63 ± 2% RH) for seven days. Subsequently, fruits were assessed for functional characteristics and physical, chemical, and sensory attributes. Fruits from late harvest had higher decay incidence and skin yellowing, as well as lower soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic compounds (TPC), total antioxidant activity (TAA), and scores on the acceptance test than fruits from commercial harvest. Harvest maturity did not affect the flesh firmness of fruit after storage. 1-MCP application at the doses of 150 and 300 nL.L-1 provided fruits with higher flesh firmness, TA and TPC, and less yellowish skin color, after seven days under ambient conditions, compared to untreated fruits. Nevertheless, 1-MCP application decreased the acceptance regarding taste. After storage, TAA of fruits subjected to the application of 300 nL.L-1 1-MCP was higher than untreated fruits. Applying 1-MCP at the doses of 150 and 300 nL.L-1 is efficient to delay ripening and maintain functional properties of ‘Rocha’ pears, but it inhibits softening during the shelf life and can compromise the taste and decrease the commercial acceptance of the fruits.

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ABSTRACT Climate data is essential for agriculture, supporting resilience, decision-making and food security under both current conditions and climate change scenarios. It is also essential for research, education, and applied sciences. However, its use is often limited by sparse monitoring networks, time series that are not continuous, platforms that handle immense volumes of data, and technical barriers that require programming and statistical expertise. These challenges are particularly pronounced in developing countries. To address these issues, we have developed ClimaPlots: an open-source QGIS plugin that simplifies the access to, and analysis of, temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, and relative humidity data from NASA’s POWER database. The tool enables users to extract data from any location, generate interactive visualisations, analyse trends and calculate climate extremes. While not a complete solution to all limitations in accessing data, ClimaPlots reduces technical and economic barriers, thus improving the usability of global climate data for agriculture, research, education, and planning in regions where data is scarce. ClimaPlots is freely available in the QGIS repository, promoting open and reproducible science by transforming large datasets into actionable knowledge.