Growth, nutrient accumulation and yield of onion as a function of micronutrient fertilization

ABSTRACT Micronutrients structurally constitute several enzymes and act as a cofactor of essential proteins to maintain cell function, thereby contributing to crop growth and yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the leaf content, growth, accumulation of micronutrients, classification and yield of onion as a function of fertilization with boron, cooper and zinc in two years of cultivation. The experiments were carried out from June to November in 2018 and 2019, in a soil classified as Ultisol, both at the Rafael Fernandes Experimental Farm, belonging to the Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido, in the municipality of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with 15 treatments and four replicates. The treatments consisted of application of doses of B, Cu and Zn, in two experiments. Contents of B, Cu and Zn in the diagnostic leaf, growth, accumulation of B, Cu and Zn in the leaf, bulb and total, classification and commercial, non-commercial and total yields were evaluated. Application of B, Cu and Zn did not influence the number of leaves, relation of bulb shape, leaf, bulb, and total dry mass and yield of onion. Application of B, Cu and Zn, respectively at doses of 1-2-1 kg ha-1 favored a greater accumulation of B, Zn and Cu in the bulb. Higher number of leaves, leaf dry mass, bulb dry mass, total dry mass, class 1 bulbs and non-commercial yield were produced in Experiment 1.

Nitrogen dose and sowing density in pea (Pisum sativum L.) crops, to obtain higher yields in Barranca [Dosis de nitrógeno y densidad de siembra del cultivo de arveja (Pisum sativum L.), para obtener mayor rendimiento en Barranca]

The research deals with nitrogen doses and sowing densities in peas. The objective was to determine which nitrogen dose and planting density obtained the highest yield. The methodology is based on applied research; Therefore, the statistical model of the Completely Random Block Design was used, which consisted of 3 blocks and 6 treatments. The doses were applied at 17 days 1/2 N, 100% P2O5 and 100% K2O and 62 days after sowing 1/2 N, it was evaluated from sowing to harvest and the data were processed by analysis of variance of two factors and Duncan, took leaf samples for foliar analysis and determined the total amount of nitrogen used. It was determined that T5 stood out in stem length with 128.42 cm, commercial yield with 12.53 tn/ha, T4 in weight of pods with 620 g, number of pods per plant with 48, T6 in nitrogen concentration with 6.60 g/ 100 g of dry matter and T5 in the amount of nitrogen used with 154.3 kg/ha that obtained the highest yield. It is concluded that the higher dose of nitrogen and less distance that is T5 obtained higher performance exceeding by 24.52% in relation to T1.

Importance of the Natural Incidence of the Fusarium Genus in Food Crops Established in Northern México

The incidence of the Fusarium genus causing root rot is reviewed in crops showing high importance for food supply and to obtain regular income by farmers in the highlands of Northern México. Pathogen incidence was evaluated under field conditions in multiple sampling locations for common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and several chili peppers (Capsicum annuum) local cultivars (landraces and bred cultivars). Five commercial plots for registered and certified seed were also evaluated in common beans to be used in the ‘seed refreshing program’ implemented for the cultivar Pinto Saltillo, considered as the main variety sown in the highlands of México. High Fusarium genus incidence and its interactions with other fungi species, such as Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium spp., cause high losses in plant population, commercial yield and seed quality in food crops grown in Northern México. The natural incidence of plant disease caused by the Fusarium genus and its negative effect on crop survival and the reduction of commercial yield and seed quality is fully reviewed. Plant disease resistance, crop breeding and the influence of the environmental conditions were also considered.

Selection of S3 progenies of super sweet corn based on agronomic performance of topcrosses

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to select S3 progenies of super sweet corn based on agronomic performance, evaluated in topcrosses with the narrow genetic base tester Honey Sweeter (Seminis®). The experiment was carried out in Guarapuava-PR. We evaluated 22 topcross hybrids and three checks, in two sowing times, in randomized blocks design with three replications. Six traits were evaluated: total yield of husked ears, commercial yield of husked ears, grain yield, grain length, ear diameter and total soluble solids content. Considering the set of evaluated traits, the topcrosses with progenies D2-07, D3-28, D4-53 and D5-24 were superior to the others; therefore, these progenies should continue in the inbreeding process and be evaluated in crosses with elite inbred lines with potential to generate competitive super sweet corn single hybrids.

Development and production of iceberg lettuce irrigated with magnetically treated water

Irrigated agriculture has become a concern, given the scarcity of freshwater. To reduce its water consumption, new techniques and technologies have been proposed. Based on this, the objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of different soil water tensions at initiation of irrigation with magnetically treated water, on ‘iceberg’ lettuce Lucy Brown (Lactuca Sativa L.) development and production. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized factorial design, to evaluate two water types (magnetically treated water – MW and ordinary water – OW) and four soil water tensions at initiation of irrigation (T1 – 15 kPa, T2 – 25 kPa, T3 – 40 kPa and T4 – 70 kPa), with three replicates. Tensiometers were used to estimate soil water tension. The evaluated parameters were: aerial part fresh and dry total mass; commercial head fresh and dry mass, root fresh and dry mass; stem fresh and dry mass; stem length and diameter; percentage of leaves with tip burn, total and commercial yield; water use efficiency related to total and commercial yield; plant exposed area; and dry matter content. Despite achieving greater water use efficiency, the magnetic treatment may have hindered the removal of water from the soil by the crop, especially at increased soil water tension at initiation of irrigation.

Results of testing the new variety of carrots in the conditions of the Rostov region

Relevance. ICarrots are known all over the world. It contains a large amount of carotene-provitamin A and a lot of useful substances – vitamin C, sugar pectin’s, potassium, and essential oils. This valuable crop is grown all over the world and in different weather and climatic conditions. When growing carrots, it is necessary to carefully select varieties and hybrids that will give a high commercial yield, as well as are resistant to biotic and abiotic factors.Materials and methods. The research was conducted in 2018-2019 in the fields of the Biryuchekut vegetable breeding experimental station of the branch of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center in open ground conditions. The object of research was the varieties of carrots.Results. While breeding work on the Biryuchekutsky vegetable breeding experimental station a new variety of carrot Aksinya was obtained. In 2018, it was included in the station variety test. The new promising variety has an earlier maturation period on average 10 days earlier than the standards, a conical, blunt-edged form of orange-colored root crops with high taste qualities. The yield is at the level of 45 t / ha. It has excellent preservation during winter storage, resistance to diseases, as well as the ability to grow in arid and hot climates on heavy soils, while maintaining a high marketability of 72-76%.

Bio-Fertilizers Based on Digestate and Biomass Ash as an Alternative to Commercial Fertilizers—The Case of Tomato

The reutilization of agricultural wastes, as bio-fertilizers, is the key way to close the nutrient cycle and save mineral fertilizers. This hypothesis was verified in three consecutive seasons, treating tomato with three bio-fertilizers on the background of a standard rate of mineral fertilizer. The bio-fertilizers differed in their C:N ratio, which was 13:1, 21:1, and 6:1 for the A, B, and C fertilizers, respectively. They were applied at the rate of 200, 400, 800, and 1600 kg ha−1. The average fruit yield increased in the order: B < C < A. For the relevant fertilizer, the maximum commercial yield was 91, 87, and 101 t ha−1, for a respective rate of 1600, 200, and 400 kg ha−1. The number of fruits (CFN), as the dominant yield component, indirectly reflected the nitrogen (N) supply to plants. A shortage or excess of N on plots treated with the B or C fertilizers, resulted in a decreased CFN, leading to a yield decline. The year-to-year variability in the potassium (K) content reflected fairly well the variable weather conditions, responsible for water management by tomato. The conducted study showed that the tested bio-fertilizers can replace mineral fertilizer, as long as they are applied at well-defined rates.

Rexy is a new medium-ripe variety of table carrots

Сдерживающие факторы производства моркови в России – недостаток увлажнения, экстремальный температурный режим, поражаемость альтернариозом. Основное промышленное производство корнеплодных культур сосредоточено в Центральном, Южном и Приволжском федеральных округах, в которых выращивают около 70% валового сбора. Лидерами по объему производства моркови в 2018 году стали Волгоградская, Московская, Новгородская, Самарская области и Краснодарский край. Из года в год увеличивается потребление моркови и соответственно возрастает ее производство. Санкции дали российским производителям возможность заменить качественный импортный продукт на отечественный, и мы должны этим воспользоваться. Цель работы: оценить потенциал нового сорта моркови столовой Рекси отечественной селекции, отвечающего современным требованиям товарного производства. Исследования проводили в условиях открытого грунта в селекционном севообороте Агрофирмы «Поиск» (Московская область) в 2019–2020 годах. Новый перспективный сорт моркови столовой Рекси выведен и испытан в Московской, Ивановской, Рязанской и Смоленской областях. Среднеспелый. Розетка листьев полупрямостоячая. Лист длинный, зеленый, крупнорассеченный. Корнеплод короткий, конический со слабым сбегом и слегка заостренным основанием (сортотип Шантенэ). Сердцевина и кора оранжевые. Масса корнеплода – 152–201 г. Содержание сухого вещества – 11,5%, общего сахара – 7,2%, каротина – до 18,9 мг на 100 г сырого вещества. Сорт проходил производственные испытания в крупнейшем овощеводческом товарном хозяйстве ЗАО «Куликово» (Дмитровский район Московской области) на площади 10 га. В условиях овощного севооборота у сорта отмечена высокая товарная урожайность на раннюю продукцию – 56 т/га. Выход товарной продукции – 90,4%. В результате испытаний 2019–2020 годов на четырех госсортоучастках РФ выявлено, что средняя урожайность сорта за два года составила 71,93 т/га. Наибольшие показатели урожайности сорта Рекси отмечены в Рязанской и Московской областях. Доля стандартной продукции в среднем по областям составила 86,2%, наибольший показатель отмечен в Московской области – 95,7%. Constraining factors of production of carrots in Russia are: lack of moisture, extreme temperature conditions, morbidity of alternariosis. The main industrial production of root crops is concentrated in the Central, Southern and Volga Federal Districts, where about 70% of the gross harvest is grown. The leaders in terms of carrot production in 2018 were the Volgograd, Moscow, Novgorod, Samara regions and the Krasnodar Territory. The consumption of carrots is growing from year to year, and production is growing accordingly. The sanctions have given Russian manufacturers the opportunity to replace a high-quality imported product with a domestic one, and we must take advantage of this. The purpose of the work: to assess the potential of a new variety of table carrot Rexy of domestic selection that meets the modern requirements of commodity production. The research was carried out in open ground conditions in the selection crop rotation of the Poisk agrofirm (Moscow region) in 2019–2020. A new promising variety of Rexy carrots has been bred and tested in the Moscow, Ivanovo, Ryazan and Smolensk regions. Medium-ripened. The rosette of the leaves is semi-erect. The leaf is long, green, coarsely dissected. The root crop is short, conical with a weak shoot and a slightly pointed base (Chantenay variety type). The core and bark are orange. The weight of the root crop is 152–201 g. The content of dry matter is 11.5%, total sugar – 7.2%, carotene up to 18.9 mg per 100 g of raw matter. He passed production tests in the largest vegetable-growing commodity farm of CJSC Kulikovo (Dmitrovsky district of the Moscow region) on an area of 10 hectares. In the conditions of vegetable crop rotation, the variety has a high commercial yield for early products – 56 t/ha. The yield of marketable products is 90.4%. As a result of tests in 2019–2020 at four state-owned agricultural sites of the Russian Federation, it was revealed that the average yield of the variety for two years was 71.93 t/ha. The highest productivity indicators of the Rexy variety were noted in the Ryazan and Moscow regions. The share of standard products on average in the regions was 86.2%, the highest figure was recorded in the Moscow region – 95.7%.

From Conventional to Precision Fertilization: A Case Study on the Transition for a Small-Medium Farm

At the CREA research facility of Treviglio (Bergamo, Italy), to provide farmers with valuable hints for the transition from conventional to precision agriculture, information on crop production dynamics (Maize and Triticale) has been obtained using real-time soil mapping (resistivity technique) and production quality and quantity monitoring with a commercial yield mapping apparatus. The geostatistical processing of data resulted in the same zoning for Triticale, meaning that the characteristics of soil influenced crop behavior more than the variability resulting from other factors, which suggests that improvements in product yields can be planned and achieved acting, for instance, on variable rate distribution of fertilizers. The importance of the acquired data can help farmers to manage factors that are external to their plots of land.

Potato protection system with preparations of the company “Agrorus & Co.”

The results of tests of the potato protection system with chemical preparations of the company “Agrorus & Co” in the conditions of the Moscow region on Favorit and Sante varieties are presented. The results of the tests showed that the use of herbicides reduced the number of perennial weeds by 87,3% and annual weeds by 91,4 %. The prevalence of alternariasis on the date of the last accounting relative to the control (78,8%) decreased by 1,7 times, and the degree of development by 2,7 times, late blight – on the susceptible variety of the tops of Santa almost twice, and the degree of development by 3,4 times. The biological effectiveness against the Colorado beetle of preparations for pre-planting treatment was 96,9-100,0%, and for preparations during the growing season – 99,5-100,0%. The increase in gross and commercial yield on the Favorite variety was 56,3% and 58,2%, respectively, on the Santa variety – 31,4% and 32,8% compared to the control.