Australian Journal of Crop Science   AJCS

Relative contribution of expected sum of squares values for soybean genotypes × growing environments interaction

Ivan Ricardo Carvalho, José Antonio Gonzalez da Silva, Luiz Leonardo Ferreira, Vinícius Jardel Szareski, Gustavo Henrique Demari, Paulo Henrique Karling Facchinello, Natã Balssan Moura, Ricardo de Oliveira Schneider, Tiago Corazza da Rosa, Devid Araujo Magano, Velci Queiróz de Souza

Universidade Regional do Noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Ijuí, RS, Brasil
Centro Universitário de Mineiros, Mineiros, GO, Brasil
Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Capão do Leão, RS, Brasil
Universidade Federal do Pampa, São Gabriel, RS, Brasil

Abstract
The objective of this work was to assess the effects and tendencies weighted by genotypes x environments interaction for soybean, as well as to employ a biometric approach through the relative contribution of the sum of squares expected values (RCSS) and to define which levels of the variation sources determine the differential effects of the interaction. The experimental design was randomized blocks arranged in a factorial scheme (four growing environments x 20 soybean genotypes). The relative contribution of expected sums of squares values to soybean genotypes x growing environments interaction defined that the environment TenentePortela - RS significantly influence plant height, number of pods per plant, number of reproductive nodes in the main stem, number of reproductive nodes in the ramifications, number of grains per plant and grain yield. The variation factor soybean genotypes define that number of pods per plant, number of reproductive nodes in the ramifications, number of grains per plant and grain yield are potentiated by genotype TMG 7161 RR. The biometric approach is efficient to understand the treatment levels and the slicing of simple effects of a factorial experiment, being possible to apply this methodology extensively in soybean.

Pages 382-390 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p1515
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REML/BLUP applied to characterize important agronomic traits in segregating generations of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Ivan Ricardo Carvalho, José Antonio Gonzalez da Silva, Luiz Leonardo Ferreira, Vinícius Jardel Szareski, Gustavo Henrique Demari, Francine Lautenchleger, Géri Eduardo Meneghello, Ester Mafalda Matter, Devid Araujo Magano, Velci Queiróz de Souza

Universidade Regional do Noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Ijuí, RS, Brasil
Centro Universitário de Mineiros, Mineiros, GO, Brasil
Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Capão do Leão, RS, Brasil
Universidade Estadual do Centro Oeste (Unicentro), Guarapuava, PR, Brasil
Universidade Federal do Pampa, São Gabriel, RS, Brasil

Abstract
The objective of this work was to estimate and predict the genetic gains through the REML/BLUP methodology for the characters of agronomic interest of common black beanas at segregating generations. The experiments were conducted in 2015, 2016 and 2017 in experimental design consisted of augmented blocks in four replicates. Superior genetic variability was identified for the first pod insertion height and plant height in the F4 segregating generation. For the number of pods, seeds and seed mass per plant, genetic contribution superior to the phenotype is expressed in F3 segregating generation. The prediction of genetic value defines that the number of pods, seeds and seed mass per plant can be potentiated in F2 segregating generation by selection of population 26, selection of F3families 64 and 49, F4 families 33 and 19. Through the estimations and genetic predictions of the characters measured in the segregating generations F2, F3 and F4 it is possible to define six multivariate genetic profiles. These strategies can be used in quantitative genetic studies aimed at increasing the production of common black bean seeds.

Pages 391-399 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p1520
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Water deficit detection in sugarcane using canopy temperature from satellite images

Rodrigo Moura Pereira, Derblai Casaroli, Lucas Melo Vellame, José Alves Júnior, Adão Wagner Pêgo Evangelista, Rafael Battisti

Federal University of Brasília (UnB), Campus Darcy Ribeiro, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
Federal University of Goiás (UFG), College of Agronomy, Esperança avenue, Campus Samambaia, 74690-900, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
Federal University of Bahia Recôncavo (UFRB), Rui Barbosa street, Cruz das Almas, BA, Brazil, 44380-000, UFG, Brazil

Abstract
Water deficit (WD) is the main yield gap for sugarcane in Midwest Brazil. Thus, WD detection is essential to quantify yield losses, but field detection requires measurement of soil water content over large areas. In this study, we tested leaf temperature (TL) and land surface temperature (TS) to detect WD in a commercial sugarcane area. The area is located in the central region of Goiás State, Brazil. According to Köppen classification, the climate of the region is Aw (humid tropical, with rainy summer and dry winter). The soil is a Ferralsol (clayey texture). TL was measured by a portable infrared thermometer, and TS was obtained using a spectral image from Landsat 8. Both TL and TS measurements occurred between 28 Jan and 24 Aug 2014 (298-506 DAP). The water balance identified periods of water deficit (WD) and surplus (WS). The difference between TL Ta was greater than zero (7.11 °C) in WD periods and lower than zero (-2.18 °C) in WS periods. The difference between TS-Ta, in turn, ranged from -0.66 °C to 4.06 °C, but not following the tendency of WD or WS, which is associated with a relative error between TL and TS near 20% for some date. The TS Ta difference detected soil WD or WS when the relative error was low (362 and 410 DAP) and under higher WD (506 DAP) and WS (394 DAP). This way, TL was able to detect WD and WS along sugarcane growth, while TS showed limited application, requiring improvement based on surface properties to reduce the error in relation to TL. Furthermore, bands 10 and 11 are recommended for surface temperature estimation. Calibration uncertainty increases when the band 11 is used alone, being this band more affected by the absorption of radiation by the atmospheric water vapor, which implies larger errors related to the atmospheric profile in the acquisition of surface temperature.

Pages 400-407 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p1647
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Potential use of ash from sugarcane bagasse to produce passion fruit seedlings

Henrique Guimarães de Favare, Sandra da Costa Preisigke*, Leonarda Grillo Neves, Kelly Lana Araújo, Milson Evaldo Serafim, José Renato Maurício da Rocha

University Federal Mato Grosso, department of Agronomy, Brazil
University State Mato Grosso, department of Agronomy, Bazil
University State Mato Grosso, department of Agronomy, Bazil
Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract
The production of good quality passion fruit seedlings depends on substrates with adequate physical and chemical characteristics. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of doses of ash from burning of sugarcane bagasse on improvement of traits of the substrate "gully soil". The experiment was set up in a greenhouse and arranged in randomized block design, in a 2x7x2 factorial scheme. The following factors and their respective levels were studied: (i) soil structure,- aggregating between 4 and 10 mm and <2 mm; (ii) ash doses - 0; 1.5; 3; 6; 12; 24; and 48 t ha-1; (iii) families of passion fruit - F29 and F48. The use of ash combined to the soil with structure <2mm significantly increased the production of shoot fresh mass and shoot dry mass for both families studied. The density of the substrate obtained by the mixture of ash and gully soil (soil) decreased as ash doses increased, regardless of the size of the aggregates and the family studied.

Pages 408-414 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p1734
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Genetic diversity of African’s rice (Oryza glaberrima Steud.) accessions cultivated under iron toxicity

Tawelsi Mayaba, Nerbéwendé Sawadogo*, Mahamadi Hamed Ouédraogo, Boureima Sawadogo, Mawulé Aziadekey, Moussa Sié, Mahamadou Sawadogo

Equipe Génétique et Amélioration des Plantes, Laboratoire Biosciences, Ecole Doctorale Sciences et Technologies, Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
Ecole Supérieure d’Agronomie, Université de Lomé BP 1515, Lomé, Togo
Institut de l’Environnementet Recherches Agricoles(INERA) 01 BP 910 Bobo -Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Abstract
Iron toxicity stress is one of the most important constraints to rice production in Togo. Although several methods were explored to control this stress, the best one is still the genetic control through the use of tolerant or resistant varieties. Our hypothesis is that African’s rice, Oryza glaberrima, accessions contain sources of tolerance or resistance to the iron toxicity stress. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the level and the structure of the African’s rice, Oryza glaberrima, genetic diversity and to identify tolerant genotypes. Two hundred and four (204) accessions obtain from Africa Rice genebank and eight control varieties were evaluated under iron toxicity conditions using alpha lattice design with three replications. There was significant variability among accessions for height of mature plants and weight of 1000 seeds. The coefficient of variation values ranged from 10.56% for the 50% flowering to 77.47% for the sterility rate. The principal component analysis (PCA) with all the measured characteristics revealed that the first four axes accounted for 59.93% of the total variability. The coordinates of the variables showed that, six (6) accessions (T30, T60, H60, Tf, yield and Tox60) are associated to the factor F1 with an eigenvalue of 2,81. A high correlation between 50% flowering and plant height, fertile tillers and number of tillers, sterility rate and total number of seeds and yield were also observed. The accessions were divided into three (3) distinct groups. Sixty (60) accessions and four (4) controls (CG14, IR64, Azucena Whyte and NERICA L-20) identified as tolerant genotypes were clustered together in Group 3. These tolerant accessions could be exploited in the rice breeding program for the tolerance to iron toxicity stress.

Pages 415-421 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p1851
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Foliar application of plant growth regulators to ‘Crimson Seedless’ grapevine influences leaf age

Amanda Cristina Esteves Amaro*, Essione Ribeiro Souza, Laíse Sousa Santos, Daniel Baron, Elizabeth Orika Ono, João Domingos Rodrigues

Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas (FCA), Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, Horticulture Department. CP-237, 18603-970, Botucatu-SP, Brazil
Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Department of Technology and Social Sciences, Campus de Juazeiro, Av. Edgar Chastnet, s/n, CEP: 48900-000, Juazeiro-BA, Brazil
Centro de Ciências da Natureza (CCN), Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Lagoa do Sino Campus, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory. CP-094, 18290-000, Buri-SP, Brazil
Instituto de Biociências (IB), Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, Botany Department, CP-510, 18618-970, Botucatu-SP, Brazil

Abstract
We hypothesized that phytohormones and essential mineral nutrients influence the duration of leaf photosynthetic activity, fruit production and quality. We used a randomized block design, with four treatments and six replicates. Two commercial products were studied: Stimulate® (Stim), which is composed of a mixture of 0.009% cytokinin [N6-furfuryladenine or kinetin (Kt)], 0.005% auxin [4-indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)], and 0.005% gibberellin [gibberellic acid (GA3)], and Hold® (CoMo), which is composed of 2% cobalt and 3% molybdenum. These products were applied alone or in combination at different concentrations as follows: T1 - control, T2 - 1.8 L ha-1 Stim, T3 - 1.8 L ha-1 Stim + 1.0 L ha-1 CoMo, and T4 - 1.8 L h-1 Stim + 1.5 L ha-1 CoMo. The treatments were applied via foliar spraying at three phases: the inflorescence primordial stage (19 days after pruning [DAP]), the point at which the berries were 6 to 8 mm in diameter (49 DAP), and the initiation of berry elongation (56 DAP). We revealed that in semiarid conditions, the vines were characterized by evergreen leaves (do not lose their leaves) that maintained their photosynthetic capacity throughout their lifecycles (133 days after sprouting). The application of Stim alone (T2) yielded the maximal net CO2 assimilation rates and increased the carboxylation efficiencies, which indicated that this treatment might improve the photosynthetic output. These effects led to increases in the average mass, total length and width of the clusters per plant and decreased acidity level. Thus, we recommend the application of T2 for vines.

Pages 422-430 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p1874
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Microclimatic characterization of a conilon coffee plantation grown in an east-west orientation

Ana Paula Pereira Bis, Fábio Luiz Partelli*, Antelmo Ralph Falqueto, Weverton Pereira Rodrigues, Henrique Duarte Vieira

Departmento de Ciências Agrárias e Biológicas, Centro Universitário Norte do Espírito Santo, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Rod. BR 101 km 60, 29932‑540 Bairro Litorâneo, São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil
Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual Norte Fluminense-Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Naturais e Letras. Universidade Estadual da Região Tocantina do Maranhão. Avenida Brejo do Pinto, S/N, 65975-000, Estreito, Maranhão, Brazil

Abstract
Plant microclimate is seasonally influenced by the Earth’s rotation and the orientation of sun-exposed slopes. As such, understanding the system which constitutes the microenvironment is essential to create strategies to optimize plant performance in a changing environment. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of planting coffee in an east-west orientation on microclimatic aspects, plant growth and nutrient content. The experiment was conducted in a farm located in the northern region of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Data collection was carried out on a 30-month old conilon coffee crop under full sun, with spacing of 3.0 m x 1.0 m and a plant height of ca. 1.6 m, from December 2016-September 2017. The irradiance, air temperature and vapor pressure deficit variables were reported by means of external data loggers. Leaf temperature (determined using thermal images), plant growth and leaf concentration on both sides of the plant were evaluated. Highest irradiance, air temperature and vapor pressure deficit values were observed on the north side, with the maximal difference reaching 4°C. This microclimate led to the highest leaf temperature on the north side, with a maximal difference of ca. 11°C around midday. Differences in macro- and micronutrient leaf concentrations were observed with a trend toward higher values on the north side probably associated with increased transpiration rates due to a high vapor pressure deficit. Higher macro- and micronutrient leaf content led to the better performance of coffee plants on the north side to some extent. There was no significant difference between the two sides of the plant for the growth variables.

Pages 431-438 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p1946
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Sustainable crop production to ensuring food security under climate change: A Mediterranean perspective

Akbar Hossain*, Ayman EL Sabagh*, Celaleddin Barutcular, Rajan Bhatt, Fatih Çiğ, Seyithan Seydoşoğlu, Nizamettin Turan, Omer Konuskan, Muhammad Aamir Iqbal, Magdi Abdelhamid, Cecilia M. Tojo Soler, A.M. Laing, Hirofumi Saneoka

Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute, Dinajpur-5200, BANGLADESH
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516 , EGYPT
Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Cukurova University, TURKEY
Scientist (Soil Science), Regional Research Station, Kapurthala, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, INDIA
Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Siirt University, TURKEY
Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, TURKEY
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of The Poonch Rawalakot (AJK), Pakistan
Botany Department, National Research Centre, 33 Al Behoos Street, Dokki, Cairo, EGYPT
Senior Cropping Systems Modeler, Agronomy R & D - Farmers Edge, Minnesota, USA, CEL 608-260-5707
CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Brisbane, AUSTRALIA
Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8528, JAPAN

Abstract
The global population is predicted to expand to 9.1 billion by 2050. Countries around the Mediterranean Sea are predicted to achieve a combined population of 529 million people by 2025. The current major challenge confronting sustainable agriculture in the Mediterranean region is climate change which has directly affected the extent and frequency of rain events, floods, and droughts, which in turn has influenced land and water productivity and farmers’ livelihoods. The present review highlights the major consequences of climate change for sustainable crop production in the Mediterranean region and evaluates different mitigation strategies for improving agricultural land productivity and water use efficiency along with their impact on farmers’ livelihoods.

Pages 439-446 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p1976
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Managing the number of orthotropic stems in Coffea arabica as strategy for cultivation at low-altitude regions

Tafarel Victor Colodetti*, Wagner Nunes Rodrigues, Paulo Cezar Cavatte, Edvaldo Fialho dos Reis, Abraão Carlos Verdin Filho, Sebastião Vinícius Batista Brinate, Lima Deleon Martins, Bruno Fardim Christo, Saul de Andrade Júnior, Marcelo Antonio Tomaz

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produção Vegetal, Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Engenharias da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (CCAE-UFES), Alegre, ES, Brazil
Professor do Departamento de Agronomia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Engenharias da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (CCAE-UFES), Alegre, ES, Brazil
Professor do Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Engenharias da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (CCAE-UFES), Alegre, ES, Brazil
Professor do Departamento de Engenharia Rural, Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Engenharias da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (CCAE-UFES), Alegre, ES, Brazil
Pesquisador do Instituto Capixaba de Pesquisa, Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural, Fazenda Experimental do INCAPER, Marilândia, ES, Brazil

Abstract
The objective of this study was to better understand the implications of the management of the number of orthotropic stems in Arabica coffee for its cultivation in low-altitude regions (< 500 m), characterizing its effects over the canopy architecture, production and allocation of biomass, photosynthesis and crop yield, as possible strategy for mitigating the stresses of cultivation at low-altitude regions. The experiment was conducted in a region with 124 m of elevation above sea level, studying four treatments with different numbers of orthotropic stems per plant such as one, two, three and four stems. After planting, during the stage of sprout budding, a number of sprouts were established in accordance to the treatments. The experimental design was a randomized block design, with eight repetitions. Parameters of gas exchange, chlorophyll contents, canopy architecture, production and allocation of biomass, and crop yield were evaluated to characterize the plant development. Overall, increasing the number of orthotropic stems per plant promoted leaf density, number of plagiotropic branches per plant, available leaf area per fruit mass, photosynthetic rate, crop yield, proportion of large grains and, possibly, the de-acceleration of the stem aging rate, mainly for the management with four orthotropic stems. It is concluded that the management of the number of orthotropic stems has potential use as a mitigator for the cultivation of Arabica coffee in low-altitude regions, being able to promote higher canopy density and, possibly, enhance microclimate conditions at the canopy level.

Pages 447-454 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p1986
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Evaluation of the honey and pollen yield of Melipona interrupta bee colonies in the Amazon region

Adcleia P. PIRES*, Aline PACHECO, Lucieta G. MARTORANO, Jonival M. NETO, José Reinaldo da Silva Cabral de MORAES, Lucas Eduardo de Oliveira APARECIDO

Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), Santarém-PA, Brazil
Brazilian Agricultural Research Agency (Embrapa Amazônia Oriental/NAPT do Médio Amazonas), Santarém, PA, Brazil
State University of São Paulo (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
The University of Amazônia (UNAMA), Santarém, PA, Brazil

Abstract
The objective of this research was to evaluate the productivity of honey and pollen of Melipona interrupta (Jandaíra) colonies during a one-year period. This study was conducted in meliponiculture production colonies located in community of Coroca in the City of Santarém, Pará, from October 2016 to December 2017. All collections of meliponiculture material were conducted during the first week of each month. Characteristics such as the total number of food pots, height, diameter, and volume of honey and pollen pots, the mass of the colony, production of pollen and honey, and the productivity of the bee colony as a whole were constantly monitored. Each month, biometric measurements of fifteen colonies of native bees of the specie were conducted and analyzed in the Statistical Analysis System. The greatest honey production by these colonies was strongly correlated with the less-rainy period that occurs in the region, and this production was most pronounced during October through December.

Pages 455-461 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p1991
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Biocidal potential of some organic by-products on sanitary and physiological quality of red and white fava beans seeds

Maria Josilene de Oliveira Sousa, Fernandes Antonio de Almeida, Maria Lucia Tiburtino Leite, Wéverson Lima Fonseca*, Kilson Pinheiro Lopes, Camile Dutra Lourenço Gomes, Erik Gomes Sampaio, Elidayane da Nobrega Santos, Ancélio Ricardo de Oliveira Gondim

Center for Agro-Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande, Paraiba, Brazil
Department of Agriculture, Federal University of Piauí, Bom Jesus, Piauí, Brazil
Department of Crop Production, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

Abstract
Fava bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.), is a rustic species and has great adaptability to arid regions of Brazil and stands out for its social importance and high levels of protein. Even so, the culture presents low productivity due to several factors, such as the quality of the seed. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the fungitoxic action of organic products, namely vinasse, cassava wastewater and agave extract, isolated and mixed, for treatment of beans seeds. The experimental design was completely randomized in factorial 8 x 2 (eight byproducts x two seed groups) with five replications. The seeds were evaluated for hysiological and sanitary quality, properly incubated in Petri plates on a triple layer of filter paper, sterilized and moistened with distilled water, where the assessments of the incidence of plant pathogens were performed after 7 days of incubation. Through the results, it is observed that the seeds of red fava bean were the most tolerant to organic products, without compromising the physiological quality. In general, the byproducts have significantly reduced the incidence of fungi identified in red and white fava bean.

Pages 462-468 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p1997
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Immature growth performance of three important rubber tree (Hevae brasiliensis) clones in a drought-prone area

Sophea Nhean, Supat Isarangkool Na Ayutthaya*, Rachanee Rathanawong, Frederic C. Do

Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, 40002, Thailand
Nong Khai Rubber Research Center, Rubber Authority of Thailand
IRD, University of Montpellier, Eco & Sols Unit, CIRAD, INRA, SupAgro, Montpellier, 34060, France
General Directorate of Rubber, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Cambodia

Abstract
Adaptation of rubber tree clones to water-limited areas and maintenance of trunk radial growth are important keys for performance of genetic material. The rubber farmers need to shorten the interim phases to produce latex, which is considered “immature” phase, i.e. the time without income. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of three important rubber tree clones: GT1, the elder clone as control, which is still widely used in Cambodia and West Africa; RRIM600, the “all-round” clone, the most planted clone in Thailand, the first world producer; and RRIT251, the expanding clone, recommended by the Rubber Authority of Thailand, all in the field condition. The investigation was conducted in a drought-prone area of Northeast Thailand, where the dry season lasts 5 to 6 months. The cumulated growth and the annual growth were analyzed 4.5 years after planting. The trunk girth and height were measured monthly. Main climatic variables were hourly recorded. The year was separated in three periods: the leaves-shed season from January to April, the wet season from May to September, and the dry season with canopy maintenance from October to December. The results showed significant clonal effect on both trunk girth and height; however, with relatively low differences. The trunk girth of clone RRIT251 was about 29 cm and 10% higher than GT1. The difference was not significant in RRIM600. The annual girth increment was mainly located in wet season (63%) without clonal effect. The clonal difference was occurred in the dry season, where RRIT251 was better performed particularly in the leave-shed period preceding wet season. On a monthly basis, the relative trunk girth increment rate was highly negatively related to the vapor pressure deficit. We hypothesized that rubber clones shared a common strategy of dehydration avoidance, while RRIT251 expressed a little less degree of avoidance.

Pages 469-474 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p2029
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Foliar application of nano-Zn and mycorrhizal inoculation enhanced Zn in grain and yield of two barley (Hordeum vulgare) cultivars under field conditions

Narjes Moshfeghi, Mostafa Heidari, Hamid Reza Asghari, Mehdi Baradaran Firoz Abadi, Lynette K. Abbott, Yinglong Chen

Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA 6009, Australia

Abstract
Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a global micronutrient problem in agricultural systems. The main target of this experiment was to investigate the effectiveness of foliar application of Zn under field conditions. Grain yield and Zn concentration in seed were assessed with three replicate plots per treatment in a factorial (2 x 3 x 2) experiment for two barley cultivars (Yusuf and Julgeh), three foliar ZnO applications (nano, ordinary and nano+ordinary ZnO) and two commercial inocula of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (F. mosseae and R. irregularis). Among all Zn foliar applications, Zn applied in both nano and nano+ordinary forms were labile and resulted in the highest Zn concentration in grain of both barley cultivars. Cultivar Julgeh had higher grain Zn concentrations than did cultivar Yusuf in the same treatments. Nano ZnO was more effective than the ordinary form of ZnO and had the highest potential to improve physiological traits, plant growth and yield parameters in both cultivars. There was also a positive impact of the nano form of ZnO on phytase activity and carbonic anhydrase concentration in both barley cultivars. Inoculation with commercial inocula of AM fungi also enhanced grain Zn concentration, with Julgeh more responsive to inoculation with F. mosseae, and Yusuf more responsive to inoculation with R. irregularis. Generally, the combined application of Zn and inoculation with AM fungi improved physiological traits, grain yield and Zn availability to these two barley cultivars grown under field conditions. Accordingly, the nano form of Zn positively enhanced shoot morphological parameters, physiological parameters and grain Zn concentration. Application of the nano form ZnO in combination with inoculation with AM fungi had the most beneficial effects on grain Zn concentration, so this combined practice may have potential to reduce the requirement for application of synthetic Zn chemical fertilizers.

Pages 475-484 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p2120
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Conventional breeding of potatoes for resistance to bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum): Any light in the horizon?

Jane Muthoni*, Hussein Shimelis, Rob Melis

Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kenya
African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Private Bag X01, Scottsxille 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Abstract
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the third most important food crop in the world after wheat and rice while bacterial wilt is the second most important disease of potatoes after late blight. In high latitudes and high altitudes in the tropics, bacterial wilt is caused by race 3/biovar 2A (R3bv2A) (phylotype IIB, sequevar 1) while in the tropical lowlands, the disease is caused mainly by race 1 and biovar 2T. Control of bacterial wilt has proven to be very difficult. Breeding for resistance has been going on for long in many places such as the International Potato Center (CIP), University of Wisconsin, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Hortaliças, Brazil), Uruguay and Peru. Classical breeding has achieved moderate unstable level of resistance/tolerance due to host-pathogen-environment interaction. In addition, hybridisation of the cultivated potato with the wild relatives have showed wild traits such as high glycoalkaloid content in addition to moderate levels of resistance to bacterial wilt. In recent years, genetic engineering for disease resistance has been employed such as the use of potent antimicrobial peptides and pattern recognition receptors. However, most of this work is in experimental stages. The purpose of this review is to document the progress made in breeding for resistance to bacterial wilt of potatoes. Though great strides have been made, there is still a long way to go before varieties with stable resistance coupled with good agronomic characteristic are released. There is light in the horizon though a bit far.

Pages 485-494 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p2144
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Overexpression of the GmDREB2 gene increases proline accumulation and tolerance to drought stress in soybean plants

Thi Thanh Nhan Pham, Huu Quan Nguyen, Thi Ngoc Lan Nguyen, Xuan Tan Dao, Danh Thuong Sy, Van Son Le, Hoang Mau Chu*

Thainguyen University of Education, Thai Nguyen University, Thai Nguyen 250000, Vietnam
Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam

Abstract
The dehydration responsive element binding (DREB) is a plant protein subfamily expressed when soybean plants face abiotic stresses. These DREB proteins are also considered to activate the transcription of drought-resistant genes. In this study, we present the determined results of relationships between overexpression of Glycine max DREB2 (GmDREB2) with the transcription level of Glycine max pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (GmP5CS) gene, proline accumulation and drought tolerant ability transgenic soybean plants as the basis for selection of transgenic lines with high drought tolerance. GmDREB2 was inserted into a plant transgenic vector and the 35S-GmDREB2-cmyc construct was transferred into the soybean plants by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Recombinant GmDREB2 protein with a molecular weight of approximately 20 kDa was expressed in four transgenic soybean lines in the T1 generation. The GmP5CS gene was shown to have significantly (P<0.05) increased expression in the T2 transgenic soybean lines and higher than compared to non-transgenic plants with considering both in well watered condition and stressed conditions were from 1.06 to 1.31-fold and 1.37 to 1.95-fold, respectively. The proline content of four transgenic soybean lines increased 155.81% to 187.42 % after five days in drought-stress conditions and increased from 180.52 % to 233.74 % after nine days under drought-stress conditions (P<0.05). Therefore, the overexpression of GmDREB2 resulted in increasing transcription level of P5CS gene, proline accumulation and drought-stress tolerance of the transgenic soybean plants. The GmDREB2 transformation into soybean plants was confirmed by the results of genetically modified lines in the T2 generation (T2-1, T2-6, T2-7, and T2-8) with higher drought tolerant ability than those of non-transgenic plants.

Pages 495-503 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p2173
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Synthetic images to map daily evapotranspiration in field scale using SEBAL model and ESTARFM algorithm

Bruno Bonemberger da Silva*, Erivelto Mercante, Douglas Kusminski, Carlos Eduardo Vizzotto Cattani, Isaque de Souza Mendes, Ivã Luis Caon, Diandra Ganascini, Maritane Prior

Maringá State University, Campus Arenito, Cidade Gaúcha, PR, Brazil
Western Paraná State University, Cascavel, PR, Brazil

Abstract
Many applications in water resource management require evapotranspiration (ET) information at the daily and field-level scales; however, no satellite system currently operating is able to capture all the resources of ET dynamics in an agricultural field. Thus, the objective of this study was to apply the SEBAL (Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land) and ESTARFM (Enhanced Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model) methodology to estimate the daily ET in an agricultural area in the municipality of Cascavel, Paraná. We applied the ESTARFM algorithm to MODIS and Landsat 8 images to produce 8 synthetic images. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated by comparing predicted surface reflectance values obtained to real Landsat 8 images. SEBAL was applied to obtain daily evapotranspiration values (ET24) for 3 different targets (maize, soybean and stubble crop). The observed results showed that the predictions of ET using ESTARFM had a general determination coefficient of 0.80 in all analyzed images and ranged from 0.4 < R² < 0.81 when compared with real data from the Landsat 8 images, with soybean crop yielding the worst results. Low error values were found between the synthetic time series data of ET and the real data, with mean less than 1 mm day-1, meaning high reliability of synthetic data. ESTARFM tended to overestimate the ET values when compared with the real data, with the performance strongly affected by a change in the soil cover between the analyzed dates. Input data with the same soil cover is recommended for more accurate results.

Pages 504-509 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p2202
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Gas exchange and antioxidant activity accessions of Jatropha curcas L. under aluminium (Al) stress

Leandro Henrique de Souza Mota, Silvana de Paula Quintão Scalon*, Daiane Mugnol Dresch, Lourenço Quintão Scalon, César José da Silva

Syngenta, Cascavel, State Paraná, Brazil
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Grande Dourados Dourados, Road Dourados Itahum, km12, Rural Subdivision, CEP: 79804970, Dourados, State Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation Dourados, State Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Abstract
The aluminium at toxic levels causes biochemical and physiological damage that inhibits plant growth and limits productivity. Root growth, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and enzyme activity of four accessions of Jatropha curcas were evaluated under cultivation conditions with different levels of aluminium. The experimental design was completely randomized with a split-split-plot design, in which the plots included four levels of aluminium in the soil (0.0, 8.2, 16.5, and 24.0 mmolc dm-3), the split-plot were the four accessions of J. curcas seeds (P1 = Dourados, MS; P2 = Montes Claros, MG; P3 = Alta Floresta, MT; P4 = Petrolina, PE), and split-split-plot in all four times of evaluation (25, 50, 75, and 100 days after emergence - DAE) with four replications. At 100 DAE were evaluated the curve of transient chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) and enzyme activity, the treatments were arranged in split-plot, being four levels of aluminium in the soil and the four accesses of J. curcas. Six readings for the OJIP curve and three repetitions for enzymatic analysis were conducted. The characteristics of gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence indicated that doses above 8.2 accentuated aluminium stress on plants from all accessions. The reduced efficiency of carboxylation of Rubisco and the results of the OJIP test indicated that photochemical efficiency of all varieties was decreased. The activity of the enzymes catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase was higher in the presence of aluminium for the accessions P3-Alta Floresta and P4-Petrolina. Our results indicate the greater tolerance of these accesses to aluminium stress conditions.

Pages 510-516 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p2205
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Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) and pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium) as natural alternatives for organic farming and health care- A review

Mohamad Hesam Shahrajabian, Wenli Sun, Qi Cheng*

Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Nitrogen Fixation Laboratory, Qi Institute, Building C4, No.555 Chuangye Road, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang, China

Abstract
Botanical insecticides keep attracting more attention from environmental and small farmers worldwide as they are considered as a suitable alternative to synthetic insecticides. The outstanding properties of pyrethrum include rapid action, low mammalian toxicity, broad spectrum of activity, lack of insect immunity, lack of persistence and of course effective insect repellent. Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide which has many properties, but the most important are rapid action, very low toxicity for mammalian, lack of insect immunity, broad of activity, lack of persistence and quick degradation by UV-sunlight and very effective insect repellent. Using natural pesticide may lead to organic farming, and advantage of organic farming is more beneficial to biodiversity and the environment, which reduces dietary exposure to pesticides. Chinese star anise has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal characters. It is useful in treatment of diseases like asthma, bronchitis and dry cough. One of its most compounds is Shikimic acid which is used as a drug in curing influenza and flu virus. It also consists of Linalool which is good for overall health because of its anti-oxidants characters. Its seeds are good source of minerals like calcium, iron, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc, and magnesium. The seeds are a great source of essential B-complex vitamins such as pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin. Chinese star anise is also a good source of anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-C and vitamin-A. The essential oil of Star anise contains anethole which has shown several functional properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and oestrogenic properties. Star anise primarily contains anethole and fatty oil. Its essential oil has a sweetish, burning flavor and a highly aromatic odor. Organic farmers may use these two ancient Chinese herbs which can lead to industrial sustainability.

Pages 517-523 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p2209
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Drying effect on physical and physicochemical properties and bioactive compounds of kiwifruit powder

Inacia dos Santos Moreira*, Wilton Pereira da Silva, Josivanda Palmeira Gomes, Deise Souza de Castro, Luzia Márcia de Melo Silva, Francinalva Cordeiro de Sousa, Jacinete Pereira Lima, Cleide Maria D. P. S. e Silva, Jemima Ferreira Lisbôa, Henrique Valentim Moura

Federal University of Campina Grande, Campus I, PB, Brazil
Federal institute of education, Science, and technology of Alagoas, Campus Murici, Murici, AL, Brazil

Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of convective drying at different temperatures on the physical and chemical properties of kiwifruit powder. Circular kiwi slices were cut with thickness of 5.0 mm and subjected to different drying air temperatures (50, 60, 70 and 80 ºC). After drying, the slices were ground to obtain the powder and characterized for the physical parameters, physicochemical parameters and bioactive compounds. The powders were characterized for physical and physicochemical attributes and bioactive compounds. The experimental design was completely randomized, with three replicates, and the data were subjected to analysis of variance by F test and to Tukey test at 0.05 probability level. Kiwifruit powders obtained by convective drying at 50, 60, 70 and 80 ºC were classified as non-hygroscopic, showing good flowability and low cohesiveness. Kiwifruit powders obtained at temperatures of 70 and 80 ºC had lower moisture content and water activity, with predominance of yellow intensity over red intensity, which influenced their final color according to the drying air temperature. Powders obtained at the four drying temperatures showed significant amounts of bioactive compounds; thus, they can be consumed in powder and used in the preparation of food products. However, samples dehydrated at temperature of 70 ºC had higher contents of phenolic compounds compared to the others.

Pages 524-530 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p2213
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Quality and growth of mangaba (Hancornia speciosa) seedlings according to the substrate and shading

Isabela Machado de Oliveira Lima, Josiane Souza Salles*, Edilson Costa, Alexandre Henrique Freitas de Lima, Flávio Ferreira da Silva Binotti, Tiago Zoz, Gustavo Haralampidou da Costa Vieira

State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Department of vegetable ambiance, MS 306 Road, Km 6, Cassilândia, MS, Brazil

Abstract
The use of suitable substrates and growing environments are essential to produce high quality seedlings. This work evaluated shading levels and different substrates to produce mangaba seedlings. Growth environments with 0, 18, 35, and 50% shading were evaluated. In these environments, four substrates (S) were obtained from the combinations of soil (So), cattle manure (M), commercial substrate (CS), sand (Sa) and fine grain vermiculite (V), where: S1 = 0% So, 45% M, 20% CS, 20% Sa, 15% V, S2 = 15% So, 30% M, 20% CS, 20% Sa, 15% V, S3 = 30% So, 15% M, 20% CS, 20% Sa, 15% V, and S4 = 45% So, 0% M, 20% CS, 20% Sa, 15% V. For each growth environment, a completely randomized experimental design with five replications of five seedlings was adopted. The substrates S2 and S3 originated the best seedlings with the largest number of leaves, the largest dry mass of shoot, root, and total, and the highest Dickson quality index. The highest plants were obtained in the substrate S2. In the full sunlight environment, the conducted plants in S2 presented larger neck diameter. The environments with 0 and 18% of shading provided plants with larger leaves, larger aerial and total phytomass, and Dickson quality index. The environment in full sunlight promoted plants with a larger diameter. Therefore, it is recommended to produce seedlings on substrates S2 and S3 and in environments of 0 and 18% of shading.

Pages 531-536 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p2228
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IAA production of indigenous isolate of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in the presence of tryptophan

Maria José Cavalcante da Silva, Sebastião Ferreira Palmeira Junior, Kleber Fortes Junior, Velber Xavier Nascimento, Amanda Silva de Medeiros, Sarah Jacqueline Cavalcanti da Silva, Maurício Marcelino de Sousa Alves, Antonio Eusebio Goulart Sant’Ana

Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brasil
Central Public Health Laboratory of Alagoas, LACEN, Maceió, AL, Brasil
University Center CESMAC, Maceió, AL, Brasil

Abstract
The plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRBs) is an interesting way to promote increased vegetable production. Here, we aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize PGPRBs by using biochemical tests, sequencing of 16S ribossomal DNA, in vitro and screening for indoleacetic acid production. The isolates were identified through VITEK® 2 Compact equipment, which is an automated system. We identified microorganisms such as Alcaligenes faecalis sp. faecalis, Pseudomonas putida, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia rettgeri, Serratia marcescens e Myroides sp. by performing vitek 2 biochemical tests. The analysis of sequencing data for 16S ribossomal DNA of the isolated bacteria showed presence of A. faecalis, Myroides sp., P. putida, P. vulgaris, Providencia sp. and Serratia sp. The in vitro screening of all isolated bacteria showed production of indoleacetic acid under presence of tryptophan, highlighting that higher concentrations were produced by Providencia sp. and Myroides sp. The rhizobacteria studied here have shown the potential to be used in the development of new products for plant growth-promoting.

Pages 537-544 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p2239
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Composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil of yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.)

Paulo Sergio Daniel, Emerson Luiz Botelho Lourenço, Rayane Monique Sete da Cruz, Carlos Henrique De Souza Gonçalves, Luiz Renato Marques Das Almas, Jaqueline Hoscheid, Camila da Silva, Ezilda Jacomassi, Liberato Brum Junior, Odair Alberton*

Programa de Pós-graduação em Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterápicos na Atenção Básica. Laboratório de Pesquisa Pré Clínica de Produtos Naturais e Bioativos, Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes, 4282, Umuarama, PR, Brazil
Programa de Pós-graduação em Agronomia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Avenida Colombo, 5790, Maringá, PR, Brazil
Química industrial; Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes, 4282, Umuarama, PR, Brazil
Curso de Farmácia; Universidade Paranaense - UNIPAR, Campus Toledo, Curso de Farmácia. Avenida Parigot de Souza, 3636, Toledo, PR, Brazil
Departamento de Tecnologia; Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Avenida Ângelo Moreira da Fonseca, 1800, Umuarama, PR, Brazil

Abstract
The medicinal plant yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) belongs to the Asteracea family. It is being used in the pharmacological, food, and cosmetic industry. The economic importance of yarrow resides in its essential oil (EO). This plant is used in traditional medicine as the EO has properties which range from antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and antitumor activities. The objective of this study was to identify chemical components and EO content of yarrow, as well as its antimicrobial activity against some micro-organisms in vitro. The fresh leaves were collected in a morning in October (2018) at the UNIPAR Medicinal Plants Garden, Umuarama-Paraná State, Brazil. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation of the modified Clevenger type. After that, the content (m/m%) was calculated. The chemical composition of the EO was identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined by a microdilution method in 96-well microtitre plates and effect of EO was assessed on four micro-organisms (Candida albicans, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherechia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae). The EO content (yield) in the plant shoots was 0.4% (four grams of EO kg-1 of plant fresh shoots) and presented 20 chemical compounds such as α-farnesene (31.66%), followed by chamazulene (17.17%), β-caryophyllene (10.27%) and sabinene (8.77%). The majority class was hydrocarbon sesquiterpene with 74.29%. The antimicrobial activity tests showed that the EO had low antimicrobial activity against the analyzed species with MIC for all species above 1.5 mg mL-1. It was concluded that the EO content was 0.4%. The major component was α-farnesene (31.66%) and EO presented low MIC.

Pages 545-550 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p2325
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Population structure and spatial distribution of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf.

Priscila Bezerra de Souza, Bruno Aurélio Campos Aguiar, Giuseppe Varaschim Neto, Euclides Figueredo Fonseca, Bárbara Maria Martins Santos, Lorena Gama Teixeira, Débora Lopes Farias, Bárbara Suelma Souza Costa, Yasmim de Andrade Ramos, Raquel Marchesan, Marcos Vinicius de Melo Amorim, Hygor Gomes de Almeida Sousa, Maristel Lima Figueiredo Guimaraes Epifanio, Rubens Ribeiro da Silva

Forest Seed Laboratory, Federal University of Tocantins, Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil
Soil Laboratory, Federal University of Tocantins, Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil
Laboratory of Technology of Madeira, Federal University of Tocantins, Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil

Abstract
The aim of this work was to analyze the population structure and the spatial distribution of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. in two areas of the Cerrado biome. The study was carried out in two physiognomies of the Cerrado biome: cerrado sensu stricto and cerradão, both located in the southern region of the state of Tocantins. The spatial distribution was evaluated using Morisita and dispersion indices, as well as the population structure of C. langsdorffii. We quantified 318 individuals of C. langsdorffii in the two studied areas. There were 200 individuals sampled in the cerrado sensu stricto and 118 in the area of cerradão. Regarding the type of spatial distribution of individuals of C. langsdorffii, the value found for the Morisita index was 2.67 in the physiognomy of cerrado sensu stricto, suggesting grouped spatial distribution (I >1). The dispersion index calculation showed that, in fact, the spatial distribution of the individuals sampled in the two areas was the grouped type; for the area of cerrado sensu stricto, the variance (S2) found was 24.21 and for the cerradão it was 9.67, higher than their means 10.00 and 9.67 respectively. By analyzing the age structure of the population of C. langsdorffii, we found a typical trend of the inverted-J curve, suggesting that the areas studied are self-regenerating communities composed of young and developing individuals.

Pages 3000-3005 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p2119
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Effect of encapsulated plant growth promoting microorganisms on soil biochemical parameters and development of fruit tree seedlings

Carlos Henrique Barbosa Santos, Fernanda Cristina do Nascimento, Laiana Lana Bentes Lobo, Antonio Baldo Geraldo Martins, Gustavo Henrique de Almeida Teixeira, Everlon Cid Rigobelo*

São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Jaboticabal, Brazil

Abstract
There is a great diversity of microorganisms that participate in biological, biochemical and biogeochemical processes responsible for the formation and maintenance of soil physical structure, quality and fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inoculation of encapsulated plant growth promoting microorganisms on plant growth, microbial biomass carbon, soil nitrogen and phosphorus, and to estimate the microbial activity in the substrate used for the formation of fruit species seedlings. Microbial inoculum contained the following species: Azospirillum brasilense, Burkolderia cepacia, Bacillus thuringienses, B. megaterium, B. cereus, B. subtilis, Tricoderma spp. and Isolate 411. Fruit species evaluated were: Myrciaria glazioviana, Myrciaria dubia, Annona muricata.; Chrysophyllum cainito.; and Litchi chinensis. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 x 2 factorial scheme (control, sodium alginate and clay) (presence and absence of microbial inoculum) with five replicates (one seedling per replicate), for ninety days. Each plant species was analyzed separately according to each treatment. At the end of the experimental period, the following parameters were evaluated in soil samples: dehydrogenase enzymatic activity (DEA), ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-), bicarbonate-soluble phosphate (BSP), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and total number of bacteria (CFU). The results of the present study showed no effective action of encapsulation in promoting plant growth. However, some soil parameters such as ammonium content were positively affected for Myrciaria dubia.
Abbreviations: DEA – dehydrogenase enzymatic activity; NH4+ - ammonium; NO3- nitrate; BSP – bicarbonate-soluble phosphate; MBC – microbial biomass carbon; CFU – colony forming unit.

Pages 3006-3014 | Full Text PDF | doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p2434
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Chemical composition and phytotoxic activity of Lippia origanoides essential oil on weeds

Márcia Aldeany Almeida de Sousa*, Mário Luiz Ribeiro Mesquita, José Fábio França Orlanda, Francisco Eduardo Aragão Catunda Júnior

Graduate Program in Agriculture and Environment, State University of Maranhão, Brazil
Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, State University of the Tocantina Region of Maranhão, Brazil
Center for Exact, Natural and Technological Sciences, State University of the Tocantina Region of Maranhão, Brazil

Abstract
Studies in the area of allelopathy in agriculture have increased due to search on alternative methods of weed control compared to conventional herbicides. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical composition and phytotoxicity of the Lippia origanoides essential oil on weeds of the species Bidens subalternans, Euphorbia heterophylla and Macroptilium lathyroides. The essential oil was extracted from the leaves of L. origanoides by means of hydrodistillation and diluited in the concentrations of 0.01 to 1%. The chemistry composition was determined by a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometery. Phytotoxic activity was evaluated in pre and post-emergence by tests of germination, seedling growth, chlorophyll content and cellular respiration. The results demonstrated an essential oil rich in monoterpenes, mainly oxygenated, with camphor as the major compound. In general, both germination and seedling development were entirely inhibited by essential oil, decreasing with increasing concentrations. The concentrations 0.5 and 1.0% totally inhibited the germination of B. subalternans, but did not affect the germination of M. lathyroides. The essential oil sprayed on the weed leaves had no effect on chlorophyll content but was able to induce visible injuries such as necrosis and chlorosis. Only the cellular respiration of E. heterophylla was affected by the essential oil. All the phytotoxic effects observed are due to the high content of monoterpenes in the essential oil, mainly the oxygenates, and also the concentration used. Therefore, the L. origanoides essential oil have bioherbicidal potential for the tested species.

Pages 3015-3024 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.20.14.03.p2595