Comunicata Scientiae
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Cucumber production under organic cultivation in response to biofertilizer application
Cucumber is a vegetable species of high socioeconomic importance, whose fruits are consumed in all Brazilian regions. However, the knowledge of its organic production is still incipient. In this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the productive performance of the Aodai cucumber under organic cultivation in response to the application of biofertilizer via soil and leaves. The experiment was conducted in the Seridó Ecological Site, Rio Branco, AC, by adopting a randomized block design in a 6x2 factorial arrangement, with four replications and eight plants per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of six concentrations of biofertilizer (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%) diluted in water, applied via foliar spraying, combined with the presence or absence of its pure application in the soil, with both methods applied at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after sowing. The fertilizer was also applied in the soil at sowing. At the end of each harvest, the fruits were divided into two quality categories (classes 1 and 2), and then the following variables were evaluated: number of fruits per plant, mean fruit mass, yield, fruit diameter, and fruit length. There was no significant interaction of the biofertilizer application via foliar spraying or soil for any of the variables. The biofertilizer application via foliar spraying promoted a significant increase in the number of marketable fruits per plant, mean mass of total fruits, and marketable and total yields. The 3% concentration of biofertilizer diluted in water and applied on the leaves is the most efficient method to increment the cucumber yield.Cucumber is a vegetable species of high socioeconomic importance, whose fruits are consumed in all Brazilian regions. However, the knowledge of its organic production is still incipient. In this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the productive performance of the Aodai cucumber under organic cultivation in response to the application of biofertilizer via soil and leaves. The experiment was conducted in the Seridó Ecological Site, Rio Branco, AC, by adopting a randomized block design in a 6x2 factorial arrangement, with four replications and eight plants per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of six concentrations of biofertilizer (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%) diluted in water, applied via foliar spraying, combined with the presence or absence of its pure application in the soil, with both methods applied at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after sowing. The fertilizer was also applied in the soil at sowing. At the end of each harvest, the fruits were divided into two quality categories (classes 1 and 2), and then the following variables were evaluated: number of fruits per plant, mean fruit mass, yield, fruit diameter, and fruit length. There was no significant interaction of the biofertilizer application via foliar spraying or soil for any of the variables. The biofertilizer application via foliar spraying promoted a significant increase in the number of marketable fruits per plant, mean mass of total fruits, and marketable and total yields. The 3% concentration of biofertilizer diluted in water and applied on the leaves is the most efficient method to increment the cucumber yield
Desiccation tolerance of cambuci seeds
This work aimed to evaluate the interference of seed desiccation on the occurrence of root protrusion and the formation of normal cambuci seedlings. Seeds were obtained from mature fruits collected from adult plants and submitted to oven drying with forced air circulation at 30±2°C in order to obtain different water contents. The seeds were then submitted to the germination test in a completely randomized design at 25°C and 12 hours photoperiod, and were weekly evaluated for a period of 90 days, regarding the number of seeds with root protrusion, the number of dead seeds and normal seedlings. At the end the germination speed index (GSI) the mean germination time (MGT) and the average speed of germination (ASG) were calculated. Any of these variables were significantly affected until the water content decreased to 14.9%, whereas at 9.1% and 6.6% water contents, there was a significant reduction of root protrusion and GSI, and a higher percentage of dead seeds. Cambuci seeds tolerate desiccation down to 15% water content without losing viability.This work aimed to evaluate the interference of seed desiccation on the occurrence of root protrusion and the formation of normal cambuci seedlings. Seeds were obtained from mature fruits collected from adult plants and submitted to oven drying with forced air circulation at 30±2°C in order to obtain different water contents. The seeds were then submitted to the germination test in a completely randomized design at 25°C and 12 hours photoperiod, and were weekly evaluated for a period of 90 days, regarding the number of seeds with root protrusion, the number of dead seeds and normal seedlings. At the end the germination speed index (GSI) the mean germination time (MGT) and the average speed of germination (ASG) were calculated. Any of these variables were significantly affected until the water content decreased to 14.9%, whereas at 9.1% and 6.6% water contents, there was a significant reduction of root protrusion and GSI, and a higher percentage of dead seeds. Cambuci seeds tolerate desiccation down to 15% water content without losing viability
Yield of new hemp varieties for medical purposes under semi-arid Mediterranean environment conditions
Under the effects of climate change new drought tolerant crops are imperative to introduce in irrigated agricultural areas of Mediterranean countries. In this sense, hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) represents an alternative in many semi-arid agricultural areas of Mediterranean basin because of its low water requirements and cost effectiveness when it is developed under non controlled conditions. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential yield of five new hemp varieties (Sara, Pilar, Aida, Theresa, and Juani) cultivated under high tunnel conditions in a semi-arid Mediterranean area, and also to study the effect of plant density on active biomass production and cannabinoids biosynthesis (cannabidiol, CBD and cannabigerol, CBG) at different plant positions. The trial was conducted under plastic macro-tunnels during two seasons (2014 and 2015), from May to October. The agronomic response and the chemical profiles of the studied varieties were evaluated at the end of each season. Moreover, it was monitored the differentiation in terms of active biomass production and cannabinoids biosynthesis in different plant organ positions (at upper, medium, and lower). Additionally, during the second season, three different plant densities (PD1, 9,777; PD2, 7,333; and PD3, 5,866 plants· ha-1) were tested in order to define the the best of them for maximizing CBD and CBG productions. The findings highlighted significant differences in yield between cultivars within the CBD and CBG. Moreover, plant density was a determinant factor related to active biomass production and cannabinoids contents, PD3 representing a suitable strategy to maximize the cannabinoids production minimizing the requirements of rooted apical cuttings. These results allowed concluding that these new hemp cultivars together with the adopted agronomic practices in this experience would be very appropriate for CBD and CBG productions, being determinant to consider the plant density and the cultivar for both studied chemotypes.Under the effects of climate change new drought tolerant crops are imperative to introduce in irrigated agricultural areas of Mediterranean countries. In this sense, hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) represents an alternative in many semi-arid agricultural areas of Mediterranean basin because of its low water requirements and cost effectiveness when it is developed under non controlled conditions. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential yield of five new hemp varieties (Sara, Pilar, Aida, Theresa, and Juani) cultivated under high tunnel conditions in a semi-arid Mediterranean area, and also to study the effect of plant density on active biomass production and cannabinoids biosynthesis (cannabidiol, CBD and cannabigerol, CBG) at different plant positions. The trial was conducted under plastic macro-tunnels during two seasons (2014 and 2015), from May to October. The agronomic response and the chemical profiles of the studied varieties were evaluated at the end of each season. Moreover, it was monitored the differentiation in terms of active biomass production and cannabinoids biosynthesis in different plant organ positions (at upper, medium, and lower). Additionally, during the second season, three different plant densities (PD1, 9,777; PD2, 7,333; and PD3, 5,866 plants· ha-1) were tested in order to define the the best of them for maximizing CBD and CBG productions. The findings highlighted significant differences in yield between cultivars within the CBD and CBG. Moreover, plant density was a determinant factor related to active biomass production and cannabinoids contents, PD3 representing a suitable strategy to maximize the cannabinoids production minimizing the requirements of rooted apical cuttings. These results allowed concluding that these new hemp cultivars together with the adopted agronomic practices in this experience would be very appropriate for CBD and CBG productions, being determinant to consider the plant density and the cultivar for both studied chemotypes
Bioregulators on seed germination and seedling growth of sweet basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants have multiple uses, ranging from spice to cosmetic purpose, besides being a source of essential oil and aromatic. These plants were commonly propagated by seed, however, few agrotechnologies are used to enhance the seed germination and initial growth in this crop. For this reason, our research aimed to evaluate aspects of seed germination of Ocimum basilicum L. cv. Limoncino, subjected to different bioregulators applied via substrate imbibition. The experiment was carried out in completely randomized design, with four treatments, as follows: T1: control (distilled water), T2: T13 a solution of a product formulated based on indolbutyric acid + naphthalene acetic acid + gibberellic acid (0.2 mL L-1, Liko Química), T3: gibberellic acid (0.5 mM L-1, progibb-400®) and T4: brassinosteroids (0.1 mM L-1). We evaluated: germination rate, germination speed index (GSI), first count, root and shoot length and chlorophyll a, b, total and carotenoids. The bioregulators did not influence germination, first count, GSI and photosynthetic leaf pigment, but application of gibberellic acid and brassinosteroids improve the shoot and root length, respectively. The gibberellic acid and brassinosteroids are promising bioregulators for stimulating initial basil growth.Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants have multiple uses, ranging from spice to cosmetic purpose, besides being a source of essential oil and aromatic. These plants were commonly propagated by seed, however, few agrotechnologies are used to enhance the seed germination and initial growth in this crop. For this reason, our research aimed to evaluate aspects of seed germination of Ocimum basilicum L. cv. Limoncino, subjected to different bioregulators applied via substrate imbibition. The experiment was carried out in completely randomized design, with four treatments, as follows: T1: control (distilled water), T2: T13 a solution of a product formulated based on indolbutyric acid + naphthalene acetic acid + gibberellic acid (0.2 mL L-1, Liko Química), T3: gibberellic acid (0.5 mM L-1, progibb-400®) and T4: brassinosteroids (0.1 mM L-1). We evaluated: germination rate, germination speed index (GSI), first count, root and shoot length and chlorophyll a, b, total and carotenoids. The bioregulators did not influence germination, first count, GSI and photosynthetic leaf pigment, but application of gibberellic acid and brassinosteroids improve the shoot and root length, respectively. The gibberellic acid and brassinosteroids are promising bioregulators for stimulating initial basil growth
Population structure of Annona coriacea Mart. (Annonaceae) in different Cerrado phytophysiognomies
Knowing the regeneration and structure of a species in different phytophysiognomies is extremely important to understand its pattern of occurrence. In spite of its importance, this type of study is still scarce in the Cerrado biome. In this perspective, this work aimed to compare the structure of the arboreal and regenerating strata of Annona coriacea in the cerrado sensu stricto and in the cerradão (savanna woodland). For that purpose, 13 plots of 400m² were installed in each physiognomy. All individuals of A. coriacea were sampled and had their diameter and height measured. The individuals were divided into regenerating and arboreal and were distributed in classes of height and diameter. Furthermore, the absolute density and the basal area of each extract were calculated in each physiognomy. The parameters were compared using the T-test. In total, 130 individuals of A. Coriacea were sampled, with 42 regenerating individuals in the cerrado sensu stricto and 49 in the cerradão. As for the arboreal individuals, 33 were sampled in the cerrado sensu stricto and 6 in the cerradão. All evaluated parameters revealed to be significantly different for the physiognomies. Based on these results, it is possible to affirm that A. coriacea did not present a distribution pattern in the two physiognomies, although it presents a better establishment success in the cerrado sensu stricto. In the cerradão, although the seeds can germinate, the seedlings fail to develop and reach the adult age.Knowing the regeneration and structure of a species in different phytophysiognomies is extremely important to understand its pattern of occurrence. In spite of its importance, this type of study is still scarce in the Cerrado biome. In this perspective, this work aimed to compare the structure of the arboreal and regenerating strata of Annona coriacea in the cerrado sensu stricto and in the cerradão (savanna woodland). For that purpose, 13 plots of 400m² were installed in each physiognomy. All individuals of A. coriacea were sampled and had their diameter and height measured. The individuals were divided into regenerating and arboreal and were distributed in classes of height and diameter. Furthermore, the absolute density and the basal area of each extract were calculated in each physiognomy. The parameters were compared using the T-test. In total, 130 individuals of A. Coriacea were sampled, with 42 regenerating individuals in the cerrado sensu stricto and 49 in the cerradão. As for the arboreal individuals, 33 were sampled in the cerrado sensu stricto and 6 in the cerradão. All evaluated parameters revealed to be significantly different for the physiognomies. Based on these results, it is possible to affirm that A. coriacea did not present a distribution pattern in the two physiognomies, although it presents a better establishment success in the cerrado sensu stricto. In the cerradão, although the seeds can germinate, the seedlings fail to develop and reach the adult age
Water-retaining polymer as a soil conditioner in cowpea under water stress
Cowpea is no longer a family-oriented crop. Today it is cultivated by medium and large farmers in the North and Northeast, due to their adaptation to edaphoclimatic conditions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of hydrogel utilization in the retention and availability of water for the development and production of Cowpea beans when subjected to water stress. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replications in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, with five concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg ha-1) and two sources of hydrogels (Hydroplan-EB HyC and Polim-Agri). The cowpea cultivar used was BRS Vinager. The following characteristics were evaluated: number of pods per plant; Number of grains per pod; Pod length: one hundred grain mass and grain yield. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, with the application of the test F. Regression analysis was performed with the help of the SISVAR computer system. The use of hydrogel was an alternative to reduce losses resulting from the action of water stress; the concentrations of hydrogels between 15 and 18 kg ha-1 resulted in higher number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, the mass of one hundred grains and yields of grains.Cowpea is no longer a family-oriented crop. Today it is cultivated by medium and large farmers in the North and Northeast, due to their adaptation to edaphoclimatic conditions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of hydrogel utilization in the retention and availability of water for the development and production of Cowpea beans when subjected to water stress. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replications in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, with five concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg ha-1) and two sources of hydrogels (Hydroplan-EB HyC and Polim-Agri). The cowpea cultivar used was BRS Vinager. The following characteristics were evaluated: number of pods per plant; Number of grains per pod; Pod length: one hundred grain mass and grain yield. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, with the application of the test F. Regression analysis was performed with the help of the SISVAR computer system. The use of hydrogel was an alternative to reduce losses resulting from the action of water stress; the concentrations of hydrogels between 15 and 18 kg ha-1 resulted in higher number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, the mass of one hundred grains and yields of grains
Neem relative growth under supplementary irrigation with saline waters and biofertilizer
An experiment was performed, during the period from January to July, 2016, in a screened environment of the Department of Soils and Rural Engineering of the Agrarian Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba (UFPB), Areia, Paraiba, Brazil, with the purpose of evaluating the effects of supplementary irrigation with saline waters over the relative growth of Indian neem seedlings, in soil with bovine biofertilizer. The substrate used was a dystrophic Yellow-Red Latosol. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four replications, in a 5x2x3 factorial scheme, referring to the water salinity levels of 0.5, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 dS m-1, in soils without and with bovine biofertilizer, and in three evaluation periods: at 90, 120 and 180 days after emergence of the seedlings, in order to evaluate the relative growth rate of the studied morphological parameters, evaluated by the relation of the periods from 90 to 120 and 120 to 180 DAE of the plants in height, stem diameter, root dry matter, dry matter of the aerial part and total (root + aerial part) dry matter. The growth of the neem seedlings was compromised by the degenerative action of the salts of the irrigation water, but with lower severity in those plants of the treatments with the bovine biofertilizer.An experiment was performed, during the period from January to July, 2016, in a screened environment of the Department of Soils and Rural Engineering of the Agrarian Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba (UFPB), Areia, Paraiba, Brazil, with the purpose of evaluating the effects of supplementary irrigation with saline waters over the relative growth of Indian neem seedlings, in soil with bovine biofertilizer. The substrate used was a dystrophic Yellow-Red Latosol. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four replications, in a 5x2x3 factorial scheme, referring to the water salinity levels of 0.5, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 dS m-1, in soils without and with bovine biofertilizer, and in three evaluation periods: at 90, 120 and 180 days after emergence of the seedlings, in order to evaluate the relative growth rate of the studied morphological parameters, evaluated by the relation of the periods from 90 to 120 and 120 to 180 DAE of the plants in height, stem diameter, root dry matter, dry matter of the aerial part and total (root + aerial part) dry matter. The growth of the neem seedlings was compromised by the degenerative action of the salts of the irrigation water, but with lower severity in those plants of the treatments with the bovine biofertilizer
Does the irrigated mango cultivation in the semiarid change the Physical and chemical attributes of the soil?
The replacement of native vegetation by crops may result in changes in the chemical and physical attributes of the soil, preventing the sustainability of the agricultural production. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate, in two consecutive years (2014 and 2015), the effect of irrigated mango cultivation in some physical and chemical attributes of the soil in relation to Caatinga in Petrolina-PE, Brazil. In areas under irrigated mango (under the canopy region and the row spacing) and Caatinga (taken as reference), soil samples were collected at the 0-10 and 10-20 cm depths. The chemical and physical analyzes were performed, and were calculated bases sum (BS), cations exchangeable capacity (CEC) and base saturation (V, %). The irrigate mango cultivation (canopy region) increased the macronutrients content (P, K, Ca and Mg), BS and V (%) for both evaluated years at the 0-10 and 10-20 cm depths. In soil under irrigated mango cultivation (under the canopy region and in the row spacing), the macronutrient contents presented a stochastic pattern in the years of 2014 and 2015. The change of land use, from Caatinga to irrigated mango cultivation, does not induce a negative impact in the soil chemical attributes under the adopted management conditions.The replacement of native vegetation by crops may result in changes in the chemical and physical attributes of the soil, preventing the sustainability of the agricultural production. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate, in two consecutive years (2014 and 2015), the effect of irrigated mango cultivation in some physical and chemical attributes of the soil in relation to Caatinga in Petrolina-PE, Brazil. In areas under irrigated mango (under the canopy region and the row spacing) and Caatinga (taken as reference), soil samples were collected at the 0-10 and 10-20 cm depths. The chemical and physical analyzes were performed, and were calculated bases sum (BS), cations exchangeable capacity (CEC) and base saturation (V, %). The irrigate mango cultivation (canopy region) increased the macronutrients content (P, K, Ca and Mg), BS and V (%) for both evaluated years at the 0-10 and 10-20 cm depths. In soil under irrigated mango cultivation (under the canopy region and in the row spacing), the macronutrient contents presented a stochastic pattern in the years of 2014 and 2015. The change of land use, from Caatinga to irrigated mango cultivation, does not induce a negative impact in the soil chemical attributes under the adopted management conditions
Image analysis and health of Moringa oleifera seeds
Moringa oleifera Lam. (moringa) is a tree species with the potential for use in biofuel production. However, knowledge regarding the morphology and physiology of its seeds is needed to establish field production. The goals of the present study were to investigate the internal morphology of seeds by X-ray and to identify the fungal microorganisms present in the seeds. Two hundred seeds from two trees were analyzed. The morphological characterization of the seeds was performed using an X-ray chamber with an X-ray source operated at 22 kV for 14.8 s. The fungi were identified using the blotter test. The seeds were characterized as (a) full and well formed, (b) with internal space and poorly formed and (c) stained or damaged. The malformed seeds with an internal space showed the highest incidence (55%). The results indicated that X-ray tests are valid for the internal characterization of moringa seed morphology. The fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria sp., Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp. and Phomopsis sp. occurred in moringa seeds.Moringa oleifera Lam. (moringa) is a tree species with the potential for use in biofuel production. However, knowledge regarding the morphology and physiology of its seeds is needed to establish field production. The goals of the present study were to investigate the internal morphology of seeds by X-ray and to identify the fungal microorganisms present in the seeds. Two hundred seeds from two trees were analyzed. The morphological characterization of the seeds was performed using an X-ray chamber with an X-ray source operated at 22 kV for 14.8 s. The fungi were identified using the blotter test. The seeds were characterized as (a) full and well formed, (b) with internal space and poorly formed and (c) stained or damaged. The malformed seeds with an internal space showed the highest incidence (55%). The results indicated that X-ray tests are valid for the internal characterization of moringa seed morphology. The fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria sp., Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp. and Phomopsis sp. occurred in moringa seeds
Comunicata Scientiae: a horticulture journal
Comunicata Scientiae is a scientific journal created at the Campus "Prof.a Cinobelina Elvas" of the Federal University of Piauí in 2009, which had the first issue published in 2010.Initially, the journal aimed to disseminate the knowledge generated by the scientific community through the publication of research results and new scientific proposals unpublished and relevant to the Agrarian and Environmental Sciences. With this proposal, the journal had a significant growth in the proposed knowledge areas (Agrarian and Environmental Sciences) and it was indexed in the main databases of the world as SCOPUS (Elsevier), obtaining SJR already in 2011 of 0,187, a value that is currently 0.372, which includes it in the second best category of SCOPUS, the Q2...Comunicata Scientiae is a scientific journal created at the Campus "Prof.a Cinobelina Elvas" of the Federal University of Piauí in 2009, which had the first issue published in 2010.Initially, the journal aimed to disseminate the knowledge generated by the scientific community through the publication of research results and new scientific proposals unpublished and relevant to the Agrarian and Environmental Sciences. With this proposal, the journal had a significant growth in the proposed knowledge areas (Agrarian and Environmental Sciences) and it was indexed in the main databases of the world as SCOPUS (Elsevier), obtaining SJR already in 2011 of 0,187, a value that is currently 0.372, which includes it in the second best category of SCOPUS, the Q2..