Comunicata Scientiae
Not a member yet
996 research outputs found
Sort by
Fruit quality of \u27Stanley\u27 plums based on soil composition across diverse agro-ecological zones of Morocco
The national production of plums, especially prunes, is strongly increasing, attracting attention in the local market. This study aims to assess the impact of soil chemical composition on the nutritional and physicochemical quality of plums of the variety \u27\u27STANLEY\u27\u27 (Prunus Domestica L.) across diverse agro-ecological zones of Morocco. Through a preliminary survey of 21 growers in three distinct regions: Sais, Atlas and Oriental. Supplemented by sampling at eight locations in eastern and western Morocco, three categories of parameters were considered in this study: (1) parameters related to cultivation conditions, including climate, geographical structuring, plot size and planting age; (2) those providing information on physico-chemical properties, nutritional value and sugar content; (3) parameters related to soil quality. The surveyed farmers are proprietors of cultivated plots ranging from 6 to 70 hectares, with an average yield of 12T/ h. Notably, 28% of producers with recently established plantations (less than 10 years) have achieved yields exceeding 15T/h, indicating the fertility of trees at this stage of maturity. The findings affirm that soil fertility and soil amendment are the major factors contributing to high-quality fruit (large caliber, high Brix rate, intact product…). Additionally, this study highlights the significance of climate and irrigation in achieving the desired quality of plums.The national production of plums, especially prunes, is strongly increasing, attracting attention in the local market. This study aims to assess the impact of soil chemical composition on the nutritional and physicochemical quality of plums of the variety \u27\u27STANLEY\u27\u27 (Prunus Domestica L.) across diverse agro-ecological zones of Morocco. Through a preliminary survey of 21 growers in three distinct regions: Sais, Atlas and Oriental. Supplemented by sampling at eight locations in eastern and western Morocco, three categories of parameters were considered in this study: (1) parameters related to cultivation conditions, including climate, geographical structuring, plot size and planting age; (2) those providing information on physico-chemical properties, nutritional value and sugar content; (3) parameters related to soil quality. The surveyed farmers are proprietors of cultivated plots ranging from 6 to 70 hectares, with an average yield of 12T/ h. Notably, 28% of producers with recently established plantations (less than 10 years) have achieved yields exceeding 15T/h, indicating the fertility of trees at this stage of maturity. The findings affirm that soil fertility and soil amendment are the major factors contributing to high-quality fruit (large caliber, high Brix rate, intact product…). Additionally, this study highlights the significance of climate and irrigation in achieving the desired quality of plums
Cobalt associated with potassium phosphite improves the post-harvest quality of mango cv. Palmer
Mango is a highly perishable climacteric fruit with a short post-harvest period. Therefore, to extend shelf life, the mangoes were treated pre-harvest with a potassium phosphite solution (1.4 g/mL KH2PO4) and a control solution (0 g/mL KH₂PO) associated with different doses of cobalt (0; 48; 64; 80; 112 ml.plant-1) at a density of 1.30 g/mL. The work measured physical, chemical, and biochemical variables. Cobalt and potassium phosphite favored maintaining color and firmness and reduced the respiratory rate. The treatments significantly affected the chemical variables, reduced the soluble solids content, conserved ascorbic acid, and preserved the pH. Foliar application of cobalt and potassium phosphite at pre-harvest is an efficient technique for improving shelf life and maintaining mango quality during storage at room temperature.Mango is a highly perishable climacteric fruit with a short post-harvest period. Therefore, to extend shelf life, the mangoes were treated pre-harvest with a potassium phosphite solution (1.4 g/mL KH2PO4) and a control solution (0 g/mL KH₂PO) associated with different doses of cobalt (0; 48; 64; 80; 112 ml.plant-1) at a density of 1.30 g/mL. The work measured physical, chemical, and biochemical variables. Cobalt and potassium phosphite favored maintaining color and firmness and reduced the respiratory rate. The treatments significantly affected the chemical variables, reduced the soluble solids content, conserved ascorbic acid, and preserved the pH. Foliar application of cobalt and potassium phosphite at pre-harvest is an efficient technique for improving shelf life and maintaining mango quality during storage at room temperature
Production and quality of watermelon subjected to biofertilizer fertilization
The expansion of the area with organic agriculture is due to the market trend towards the consumption of healthier foods. However, with the increase in the cost of fertilizers imported by the country, the adjustment of doses and management practices with alternative sources for plant nutrition, such as biofertilizer, can be an alternative for the sustainability of properties. The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Bebedouro (CEB) of EMBRAPA Semi-Arid Region in Petrolina-PE, Brazil, from September to December 2019, to evaluate the effect of biofertilizer doses on the production aspects of three watermelon varieties in the semi-arid region. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a 6 x 3 factorial scheme, corresponding to six doses of biofertilizer (0; 80; 160; 240; 320 and 400 mL plant-1) and three varieties of watermelon (Explorer, Red Heaven, and Majestic), with four replicates. Yield, number of fruits per plant, average fruit mass, fruit diameter, fruit length, length: diameter ratio, pulp firmness, rind thickness, pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio were analyzed. The number of fruits per plant was not altered by biofertilizer doses. However, the variables yield and average fruit mass were altered by the interaction between varieties and biofertilizer doses. With yield of 40.22 t ha-1 obtained at the dose 201.33 mL plant-1, the Explorer variety proved to be more efficient with the use of biofertilizer in organic system. Positive responses to biofertilizer application in postharvest quality attributes were obtained in Explorer and Red Heaven varieties.The expansion of the area with organic agriculture is due to the market trend towards the consumption of healthier foods. However, with the increase in the cost of fertilizers imported by the country, the adjustment of doses and management practices with alternative sources for plant nutrition, such as biofertilizer, can be an alternative for the sustainability of properties. The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Bebedouro (CEB) of EMBRAPA Semi-Arid Region in Petrolina-PE, Brazil, from September to December 2019, to evaluate the effect of biofertilizer doses on the production aspects of three watermelon varieties in the semi-arid region. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a 6 x 3 factorial scheme, corresponding to six doses of biofertilizer (0; 80; 160; 240; 320 and 400 mL plant-1) and three varieties of watermelon (Explorer, Red Heaven, and Majestic), with four replicates. Yield, number of fruits per plant, average fruit mass, fruit diameter, fruit length, length: diameter ratio, pulp firmness, rind thickness, pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio were analyzed. The number of fruits per plant was not altered by biofertilizer doses. However, the variables yield and average fruit mass were altered by the interaction between varieties and biofertilizer doses. With yield of 40.22 t ha-1 obtained at the dose 201.33 mL plant-1, the Explorer variety proved to be more efficient with the use of biofertilizer in organic system. Positive responses to biofertilizer application in postharvest quality attributes were obtained in Explorer and Red Heaven varieties
uma Efficiency and economic viability of water management in the production of table tomatoes
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivation can be expensive, with costs exceeding BRL 100,000 per hectare, which drives the search for tactics that reduce costs. Consequently, strategies have been developed to make it viable in tropical regions and areas with water scarcity. The objective was to evaluate the cost and profitability of water management in table tomato cultivation under different irrigation schedules. This study was carried out using the Fascínio tomato hybrid and four irrigation management approaches (no cutting, 100, 105, and 110 days after sowing, DAS). Harvesting was conducted four times, and the averages were summed toCOE estimate the total and commercial production, as well as the losses, for each irrigation schedule. To calculate the cost, both the effective and total operational costs were considered, referring to the establishment of the crop and to each irrigation cut used. Several economic indicators were calculated, including gross income (), profitability index (%), gross margin (/kg). The cost of water for irrigation had little impact on Effective Operating Cost (EOC) and Total Operating Cost (TOC); however, the treatment without cutting irrigation provided greater total and commercial production, which reflected the profitability parameters (OP, PI, GM, break-even point, and price break-even point). The treatment without cutting irrigation was 0.13%, 0.19%, and 0.024% more profitable than the treatments with irrigation cuts at 110, 105, and 100 DAS, respectively. This increase in profitability was justified due to the higher productivity, justifying the maintenance of irrigation in tomato cultivation. The treatment without cutting irrigation provided the highest total and commercial productivity of tomato fruits, with 8099.58 and 7927.36 units, respectively, generating a higher gross revenue of ), operating profit (), break-even point (kg), and price break-even point (32,398.32
Phosphate fertilization in processing tomato irrigated by localized irrigation systems
The aim of this work was to evaluate different combinations of phosphate fertilizer sources on processing tomato (cv. BRS Sena) development and yield, irrigated by localized irrigation systems. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in split plots, in a factorial scheme (3x5), with four replications. In the plots were used three irrigation systems: drip; subsurface drip and microsprinkler. In the subplots, five combinations of phosphate fertilizer: 100% of Thermophosphate; 100% Triple Superphosphate; 75% Thermophosphate + 25% Triple Superphosphate; 50% Thermophosphate + 50% Triple Superphosphate; and 25% Thermophosphate + 75% Triple Superphosphate. At harvest, the yield of green, ripe and rotten fruits; total yield; percertation of green, ripe and rotten fruits; firmness; pH; titratable acidity; total soluble solids; and fruit size and density were evaluated. Fertilization with Thermophosphate, or its association with Triple Superphosphate, is beneficial for tomato yield. Microsprinkler irrigation provides higher percentage of ripe fruits and lower incidence of green fruits and, when associated with phosphate fertilization of 100% of Thermophosphate, promotes higher yield. Drip and subsurface drip irrigations proved ineffective for the tomato when all the planting fertilization was concentrated in the planting groove. Phosphate fertilization with only Triple Superphosphate was not beneficial the yield, regardless of the irrigation system used. Fertilization with Triple Superphosphate alone or associated with Thermophosphate favored the concentration of maturation, total soluble solids content and tomato fruit acidity.The aim of this work was to evaluate different combinations of phosphate fertilizer sources on processing tomato (cv. BRS Sena) development and yield, irrigated by localized irrigation systems. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in split plots, in a factorial scheme (3x5), with four replications. In the plots were used three irrigation systems: drip; subsurface drip and microsprinkler. In the subplots, five combinations of phosphate fertilizer: 100% of Thermophosphate; 100% Triple Superphosphate; 75% Thermophosphate + 25% Triple Superphosphate; 50% Thermophosphate + 50% Triple Superphosphate; and 25% Thermophosphate + 75% Triple Superphosphate. At harvest, the yield of green, ripe and rotten fruits; total yield; percertation of green, ripe and rotten fruits; firmness; pH; titratable acidity; total soluble solids; and fruit size and density were evaluated. Fertilization with Thermophosphate, or its association with Triple Superphosphate, is beneficial for tomato yield. Microsprinkler irrigation provides higher percentage of ripe fruits and lower incidence of green fruits and, when associated with phosphate fertilization of 100% of Thermophosphate, promotes higher yield. Drip and subsurface drip irrigations proved ineffective for the tomato when all the planting fertilization was concentrated in the planting groove. Phosphate fertilization with only Triple Superphosphate was not beneficial the yield, regardless of the irrigation system used. Fertilization with Triple Superphosphate alone or associated with Thermophosphate favored the concentration of maturation, total soluble solids content and tomato fruit acidity
Araceae Juss. used as an ornamental in Northeastern Brazil
Araceae Juss. is widely used by the local population for various purposes, including food, mysticism and crafts. The aim of this study was to conduct a survey of Araceae species used in neighborhoods in Floriano, Piauí, and to classify these species based on their origin and habit. The research employed the "Rapport" technique and semi-structured interviews with residents of the of Floriano, Piauí, along with an analysis of the species use value. Nineteen species belonging to thirteen genera were documented, categorized into two main uses: ornamental and mystical. Species such as Aglaonema commutatum Schott, Dieffenbachia seguine Schott, Epipremnum aureum (Linden & André) G.S.Bunting and Zamioculca zamiifolia (Lodd.)Engl. exhibited the highest use value (0.016 each). These species are predominantly cultivated and are of exotic origin, with varying habits including climbing, epiphytic, hemiepiphytic, and herbaceous. Caladium bicolor, Monstera obliqua and Philodendron acutatum are species native to Brazil, found in the Northeast region. However, only while Philodendron acutatum was recorded on the flora of the state. Studies like this contributes to the dissemination of local knowledge and facilitate the exploration of the Araceae flora. Further research is warranted to identify additional use categories and to catalog Araceae species specific to the state, given the limited availability of studies on this plant family in the region.Araceae Juss. is widely used by the local population for various purposes, including food, mysticism and crafts. The aim of this study was to conduct a survey of Araceae species used in neighborhoods in Floriano, Piauí, and to classify these species based on their origin and habit. The research employed the "Rapport" technique and semi-structured interviews with residents of the of Floriano, Piauí, along with an analysis of the species use value. Nineteen species belonging to thirteen genera were documented, categorized into two main uses: ornamental and mystical. Species such as Aglaonema commutatum Schott, Dieffenbachia seguine Schott, Epipremnum aureum (Linden & André) G.S.Bunting and Zamioculca zamiifolia (Lodd.)Engl. exhibited the highest use value (0.016 each). These species are predominantly cultivated and are of exotic origin, with varying habits including climbing, epiphytic, hemiepiphytic, and herbaceous. Caladium bicolor, Monstera obliqua and Philodendron acutatum are species native to Brazil, found in the Northeast region. However, only while Philodendron acutatum was recorded on the flora of the state. Studies like this contributes to the dissemination of local knowledge and facilitate the exploration of the Araceae flora. Further research is warranted to identify additional use categories and to catalog Araceae species specific to the state, given the limited availability of studies on this plant family in the region
Development of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in tomato genotypes
Tomato plants are the most widely cultivated fruit vegetables globally. The tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) is the leading pest of this crop and can cause up to 100% loss of production. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the development and resistance of antibiosis and non-preference types (antixenosis) for oviposition and feeding of T. absoluta in commercial tomato hybrids in choice and no-choice tests. For the experiments, an open-pollinated tomato cultivar was used as a control: ‘Santa Clara’ cultivar - susceptible - Italian type, along with eight commercial tomato hybrids were used: ‘Compack’ - salad type, ‘Caniati’ - Italian type, ‘Grazianni’ - Italian type, ‘Sweet Heaven’ - grape type, ‘Cascade’ - cherry type, ‘Ellen’ - salad type, ‘Bento’ - Italian type, and ‘Dominador’ - salad type, all having an indeterminate growth habit. According to the evaluated biological parameters (dendrogram and principal component analysis - PCA), the ‘Sweet Heaven’ hybrid showed a negative effect on the development of T. absoluta, with an increase in the duration of the larval, adult, and total phases, and low larval and total viability. The tomato hybrid ‘Cascade’ exhibited lower attractiveness for T. absoluta oviposition in no-choice tests. The tomato hybrids \u27Sweet Heaven\u27, \u27Compack\u27, and ‘Cascade’ showed a lower percentage of leaf area consumed. However, ‘Dominador’, ‘Santa Clara’, and ‘Ellen’ were the tomato genotypes that showed higher susceptibility to the development of T. absoluta, encompassing high larval, pupal, and total viability (larva-adult period). Concluding that the ‘Sweet Heaven’ hybrid negatively affected the development cycle of T. absoluta, while the ‘Cascade’ hybrid exhibited lower attractiveness for oviposition.Tomato plants are the most widely cultivated fruit vegetables globally. The tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) is the leading pest of this crop and can cause up to 100% loss of production. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the development and resistance of antibiosis and non-preference types (antixenosis) for oviposition and feeding of T. absoluta in commercial tomato hybrids in choice and no-choice tests. For the experiments, an open-pollinated tomato cultivar was used as a control: ‘Santa Clara’ cultivar - susceptible - Italian type, along with eight commercial tomato hybrids were used: ‘Compack’ - salad type, ‘Caniati’ - Italian type, ‘Grazianni’ - Italian type, ‘Sweet Heaven’ - grape type, ‘Cascade’ - cherry type, ‘Ellen’ - salad type, ‘Bento’ - Italian type, and ‘Dominador’ - salad type, all having an indeterminate growth habit. According to the evaluated biological parameters (dendrogram and principal component analysis - PCA), the ‘Sweet Heaven’ hybrid showed a negative effect on the development of T. absoluta, with an increase in the duration of the larval, adult, and total phases, and low larval and total viability. The tomato hybrid ‘Cascade’ exhibited lower attractiveness for T. absoluta oviposition in no-choice tests. The tomato hybrids \u27Sweet Heaven\u27, \u27Compack\u27, and ‘Cascade’ showed a lower percentage of leaf area consumed. However, ‘Dominador’, ‘Santa Clara’, and ‘Ellen’ were the tomato genotypes that showed higher susceptibility to the development of T. absoluta, encompassing high larval, pupal, and total viability (larva-adult period). Concluding that the ‘Sweet Heaven’ hybrid negatively affected the development cycle of T. absoluta, while the ‘Cascade’ hybrid exhibited lower attractiveness for oviposition
Consumer liking of steamed green Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) cultivated in formulated vegetable waste-based organic hydroponic solutions
Chinese cabbage or pak choy (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) is often consumed because of its high nutritional content and several health advantages. Due to their promotion as being healthier and more ecologically friendly, hydroponic vegetables have seen a recent spike in consumer interest. The production of Chinese cabbage involved the processing of the vegetable waste to create various hydroponic solution formulations (F1 = banana peels, eggshells, and bean sprouts; F2 = banana humps, onion peels, bean sprouts, and moringa leaves; F3 = moringa leaves, onion peels, and bean sprouts; and F4 = AB Mix solution). They were applied at concentrations of 600, 900, 1,200, and 1,500 parts per million. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the type of hydroponic growth solutions and Chinese cabbage customer acceptance. As a result, using a hedonic test of consumer liking, a panel of 32 untrained individuals was asked to show their liking score on sensory attributes of Chinese cabbage. There was a significant difference in the color liking of Chinese cabbage as an effect of hydroponic solution formulation. However, both organic vegetable waste-based formulations did not statistically substantially affect consumer acceptance, which includes color, taste, flavor, texture, and overall liking. Ultimately, vegetable waste-based organic formulations can be used to produce Chinese cabbage that is as acceptable to customers as those prepared with inorganic AB-Mix solution.Chinese cabbage or pak choy (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) is often consumed because of its high nutritional content and several health advantages. Due to their promotion as being healthier and more ecologically friendly, hydroponic vegetables have seen a recent spike in consumer interest. The production of Chinese cabbage involved the processing of the vegetable waste to create various hydroponic solution formulations (F1 = banana peels, eggshells, and bean sprouts; F2 = banana humps, onion peels, bean sprouts, and moringa leaves; F3 = moringa leaves, onion peels, and bean sprouts; and F4 = AB Mix solution). They were applied at concentrations of 600, 900, 1,200, and 1,500 parts per million. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the type of hydroponic growth solutions and Chinese cabbage customer acceptance. As a result, using a hedonic test of consumer liking, a panel of 32 untrained individuals was asked to show their liking score on sensory attributes of Chinese cabbage. There was a significant difference in the color liking of Chinese cabbage as an effect of hydroponic solution formulation. However, both organic vegetable waste-based formulations did not statistically substantially affect consumer acceptance, which includes color, taste, flavor, texture, and overall liking. Ultimately, vegetable waste-based organic formulations can be used to produce Chinese cabbage that is as acceptable to customers as those prepared with inorganic AB-Mix solution
Production and composition of peppermint essential oil in seasons after summer and winter transplantations
The aim of this study was to determine the season that provides the highest production and best quality of peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) essential oil in summer and winter transplantations. Two experiments were performed in a protected cultivation, the first with transplantation in summer and the second with transplantation in winter, with a completely randomized design with four treatments, being the seasons of the year. Content, yield and chemical composition of the essential oil were determined. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography. Essential oil content in summer and winter transplantations was higher in summer and essential oil yield was higher in spring. In the summer transplanting the major components were menthone, isomenthone and pulegone. In the winter transplanting menthone, menthofuran, isopulegone, pulegone and menthol were detected as major components. Menthofuran, a compound which reduces the essential oil quality, were found in high amounts in winter transplanted plants. The higher production of peppermint essential oil is obtained in summer and spring harvests and the main compound is menthone in all seasons. The best quality of essential oil is obtained in the summer transplanting.The aim of this study was to determine the season that provides the highest production and best quality of peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) essential oil in summer and winter transplantations. Two experiments were performed in a protected cultivation, the first with transplantation in summer and the second with transplantation in winter, with a completely randomized design with four treatments, being the seasons of the year. Content, yield and chemical composition of the essential oil were determined. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography. Essential oil content in summer and winter transplantations was higher in summer and essential oil yield was higher in spring. In the summer transplanting the major components were menthone, isomenthone and pulegone. In the winter transplanting menthone, menthofuran, isopulegone, pulegone and menthol were detected as major components. Menthofuran, a compound which reduces the essential oil quality, were found in high amounts in winter transplanted plants. The higher production of peppermint essential oil is obtained in summer and spring harvests and the main compound is menthone in all seasons. The best quality of essential oil is obtained in the summer transplanting
Yield and composition of rosemary essential oil cultivated with different doses of nitrogen and sulfur
Essential oils have great commercial importance for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. Because they have therapeutic, flavoring and antioxidant properties, due to their active principles. Studies on the form of cultivation, as well as fertilization management are necessary, since information related to the production of secondary metabolites is still insufficient. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the yield, content and composition of rosemary essential oil cultivated with different concentrations of nitrogen and sulfur in the soil. The treatments were distributed in a 4x2 factorial scheme with four nitrogen doses: 105, 210, 315 and 420 mg dm3, combined with two sulfur doses: 32 and 64 mg dm3 and with seven replications, totaling 56 experimental units. According to the results obtained, the combination of doses 420 of N and 64 S provided the best contents and yield of rosemary essential oil. a-pinene and 1,8-cineole had the highest concentrations for all treatments studied, with about 85% to 95% of the total constituents of the oils.Essential oils have great commercial importance for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. Because they have therapeutic, flavoring and antioxidant properties, due to their active principles. Studies on the form of cultivation, as well as fertilization management are necessary, since information related to the production of secondary metabolites is still insufficient. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the yield, content and composition of rosemary essential oil cultivated with different concentrations of nitrogen and sulfur in the soil. The treatments were distributed in a 4x2 factorial scheme with four nitrogen doses: 105, 210, 315 and 420 mg dm3, combined with two sulfur doses: 32 and 64 mg dm3 and with seven replications, totaling 56 experimental units. According to the results obtained, the combination of doses 420 of N and 64 S provided the best contents and yield of rosemary essential oil. a-pinene and 1,8-cineole had the highest concentrations for all treatments studied, with about 85% to 95% of the total constituents of the oils