Intraspecific variation in the Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) susceptibility to insecticides

ABSTRACT The looper caterpillar Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) is considered the main defoliating pest in soybean crops, which contributes to yield losses. Delaying its resistance to insecticides is a major challenge in its management. This study aimed to characterize the susceptibility of C. includens to flubendiamide, cyantraniliprole, spinetoram and methomyl, as well as to establish a diagnostic concentration for monitoring resistance. The insecticide was applied to the surface of the artificial diet. For the dose-response curve, concentrations that resulted in 5 to 99 % mortality were used to estimate the lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC99) and resistance ratios (RR50 and RR99). The diagnostic concentrations were based on concentrations that provided 90 to 99 % mortality in the susceptible reference population. For flubendiamide and methomyl, the decrease in the susceptibility resulted in estimated RR50 of 6.2 to 24.2 and 4.4 to 19.6 times, respectively. For cyantraniliprole and spinetoram, there was little difference in susceptibility among the populations, with RR99 lower than 6.1 times. Differences in the susceptibility of C. includens were evident from concentrations of 0.5053, 5.053, 0.1579 and 28.42 μg cm-2, respectively for flubendiamide, cyantraniliprole, spinetoram and methomyl.

Yield and physical characterization of Passiflora cincinnata in the Brazilian Savanna

ABSTRACT For the Caatinga passion fruit (Passiflora cincinnata Mast.), there are no indications of varieties specific for the Brazilian Savanna conditions, as well as conduction techniques that make it possible to express a greater yield potential. This study aimed to evaluate the yield and quality of CPEF2220 and CBAF2334 populations in espalier and trellis conduction systems. A completely randomized design was used, in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, with three replications of four plants per plot. The fruit yield and physical characteristics were evaluated throughout the production cycle. The average yield was 8.0 kg plant-1 (3.5-14.9 kg plant-1) and the average number of fruits per plant was 139.1 (55.8-283.5), with average pulp yield of 29 %. There was a tendency to increase the number and yield of fruits for the CPEF2220 population conducted in the espalier system. The plant survival rate was 41 % (CPEF2220) and 87.5 % (CBAF2334), with a higher adaptation to the Brazilian Savanna conditions, while the CPEF2220 population presented a higher yield potential. Reductions in mass, longitudinal and equatorial diameter and fruit shape were observed throughout the harvest, with some exceptions for the espalier system, which showed more elongated fruits. The trellis system showed a greater yield potential for the parent populations of the passion fruit BRS Sertão Forte, for the study conditions.

Quality of pre-sprouted sugarcane seedlings grown on substrates with decomposed babassu palm stem

ABSTRACT The use of pre-sprouted seedlings in the implantation of sugarcane crops not only reduces the establishment period and production costs, but also has other advantages, such as a lesser requirement of propagules (stems) and greater phytosanitary control of the seedlings, when compared to conventional planting. Commercial substrates are also expensive and their use increases the cost of seedlings. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of sugarcane pre-sprouted seedlings grown on substrates with different proportions of decomposed babassu palm stem (DBPS), as well as to recommend the substrate formulation that provides the most favorable environment for the growth and development of sugarcane pre-sprouted seedlings. For preparation of the substrate (S), DBPS and soil were used in the following proportions: S1: 0 % of DBPS + 100 % of soil; S2: 20 % of DBPS + 80 % of soil; S3: 40 % of DBPS + 60 % of soil; S4: 60 % of DBPS + 40 % of soil; S5: 80 % of DBPS + 20 % of soil; S6: 100 % of DBPS + 0 % of soil. The use of S2 and S3 considerably improved the seedling quality parameters, such as sprout diameter and length, number of leaves and total, shoot and root dry mass. However, from an economic point of view, S2 is recommended for use.

Differences between laboratory and sensor analyses for soil attributes

ABSTRACT Sensors used in precision agriculture can perform readings of georeferenced points aiming to determine the electrical conductivity, pH and organic matter. These devices have a high operational capacity, but with little information on the quality of their collected data. This study aimed to establish correlations and differences among electrical conductivity, pH and organic matter data collected by sensor and obtained by laboratory analyses. The results were analyzed by statistical correlations, geostatistical analyses and map generation by the kriging interpolation method of electrical conductivity, pH and organic matter, using dedicated softwares. The sensor showed that the data collected for electrical conductivity, pH and organic matter are reliable and robust, due to the high spatial dependence and correct sampling distance confirmed by the range values.

Yield and diametric structure of Dimorphandra mollis Benth

ABSTRACT Dimorphandra mollis is native to the Brazilian Savanna and has social, economic and environmental importance. This study aimed to evaluate the yield and diametric distribution of Dimorphandra mollis Benth. in the Pandeiros River Environmental Protection Area, in Bonito de Minas, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Five areas were assessed, totaling five hectares (50 plots of 1,000 m2). The total number of plants, yield per plant (2018, 2019 and 2020) and diameter at breast height were recorded, considering all trees from the plots in diametric classes. The average diameter at breast height of all plants was 6.05 ± 3.07 cm, and that of the plants that produced in at least one of the evaluated years was 7.46 ± 3.15 cm. The diametric distribution showed classes with no individuals, indicating imbalance, as well as a trend to inverted “J” shape. The maximum annual yield was 8.08 kg ha-1 of dry fruits (2019), the minimum 0.42 kg ha-1 (2018), and the average 2.74 kg ha-1, with biennial characteristic.

Fertility, carbon stock and aggregate stability of an Alfisol under integrated farming systems

ABSTRACT Integrated farming systems are promising strategies for the recovery of pastures and degraded soils. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of integrated farming systems arrangements, after four years of implementation, on the fertility, carbon stock and aggregate stability of an Alfisol, in the semiarid region of the Paraíba state, Brazil. A randomized block experimental design was used, with 5 treatments and 4 replications: Brachiaria decumbens; B. decumbens + Tabebuia impetiginous; B. decumbens + Gliricidia sepium; B. decumbens + Mimosa caesalpiniifolia; and B. decumbens + maize. The soil chemical attributes, fertility, carbon stock and structural and aggregate stability were evaluated in the 0.00-0.10, 0.10-0.20 and 0.20-0.30 m layers. The B. decumbens + maize system presented an organic matter content 11.93 % higher than B. decumbens, and was higher than the other systems evaluated. Concerning the carbon stock in the 0.00-0.10 m layer, in B. decumbens the uptake was 2.66 Mg ha-1 higher than that of the B. decumbens + maize system and, on average, 4.69 Mg ha-1 higher than for the systems with the arboreal component. In the medium-term, B. decumbens is more efficient in adding carbon to the soil. The soil structural stability, aggregate stability index and fertility were not affected by the different arrangements after four years of implementation.

Effect of Savanna windrow wood burning on the spatial variability of soil properties

ABSTRACT Tropical Savannas cover an area of approximately 1.9 billion hectares around the word and are subject to regular fires every 1 to 4 years. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of burning windrow wood from Cerrado (Brazilian Savanna) deforestation on the spatial variability of soil chemical properties, in the field. The data were analysed by using geostatistical methods. The semivariograms for pH(H2O), pH(CaCl2), Ca, Mg and K were calculated according to spherical models, whereas the phosphorus showed a nugget effect. The cross semi-variograms showed correlations between pH(H2O) and pH(CaCl2) with other variables with spatial dependence (exchangeable Ca and Mg and available K). The spatial variability maps for the pH(H2O), pH(CaCl2), Ca, Mg and K concentrations also showed similar patterns of spatial variability, indicating that burning the vegetation after deforestation caused a well-defined spatial arrangement. Even after 20 years of use with agriculture, the spatial distribution of pH(H2O), pH(CaCl2), Ca, Mg and available K was affected by the wood windrow burning that took place during the initial deforestation.

In vitro growth of Cattleya nobilior Rchb. f.: culture media, sealing systems and irradiance

ABSTRACT Some factors may influence the in vitro culture of native orchids, especially the culture medium, sealing system and light condition. This study aimed to evaluate the addition of banana pulp and peel in the formulation of culture media, sealing system and irradiance, in the in vitro growth of Cattleya nobilior Rchb. f. A completely randomized design was used in a factorial scheme with five culture media [Murashige & Skoog supplemented or not with banana pulp or peel (100 or 200g L-1)], two light conditions [3,000 K LED lamps (43 µmol m-2 s-1 or 86 µmol m-2 s-1)] and two sealing systems (natural and conventional ventilation), with six replicates of one vial each. The plant height, diameter of the largest pseudobulb, length of the largest root and of the largest leaf, fresh weight and number of leaves, roots and shoots were evaluated. The use of both the banana pulp and peel as additives in the culture medium formulation promoted the C. nobilior growth. The natural ventilation system increased the plant height, pseudobulb diameter and leaf length, while the conventional system promoted tillering.

Assessing the Impact of the ABC Cerrado Project1

ABSTRACT Projects that help rural producers to use sustainable production practices are essential for the preservation of biomes. The ABC Cerrado Project, for example, aimed to promote the sustainable land use, as well as to improve the forest management, in the Cerrado (Brazilian Savanna) biome, from 2014 to 2019. The Project’s goals included assessing the impact resulting from training a group of farmers in sustainable technologies for agricultural production and offering them technical assistance for managing rural properties. In this study, the impact of this Project was evaluated. The perception of impact adopted here has three dimensions: technical efficiency; probability of the activity being a carbon sink; and reduction of carbon emissions. In general, there was an improvement in the environmental performance of farms assisted by the Project. This reflects the efforts of the farmers to adjust their production processes and incorporate the good agricultural practices disseminated by the technology transfer process proposed by the Project.

Spray technology for deposition of droplets on coffee leaves and fruits1

ABSTRACT The correct deposition of spray along the canopy is important for the phytosanitary control in coffee plants; however, the structure of the plant makes this distribution difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the deposition of a tracer on leaves and fruits in coffee cultivation, with respect to the application rate and type of hydraulic nozzle, as well as the use of an electrostatic spraying system. A hydropneumatic sprayer was used, with hydraulic nozzles of empty conical jet of the series TVI (coarse droplets with air induction) or JA (fine droplets), at rates of 200 and 400 L ha-1. An electrostatic system, with SPE-2 nozzle and rate of 200 L ha-1, was also evaluated. The deposition of the tracer on leaves and fruits of the upper, middle and lower thirds of the trees, as well as the losses to the ground in the canopy projection, were quantified using spectrophotometry. The results indicated that the electrostatic application provides a greater deposition on leaves of the upper third than the hydropneumatic application, regardless of the application rate. The use of the TVI nozzle results in a greater deposition on the fruits of the middle third and a greater loss to the ground than the JA nozzle. Although an application rate of 400 L ha-1 results in a greater deposition on the fruits of the middle third than an application rate of 200 L ha-1, it also causes a greater loss to the ground.