Australian Journal of Crop Science   AJCS

Onion genotypes Red Cereole, followed by Katarina Red 3 and Katarina Red 7 are superior with respect to post harvest quality parameters 

Jagdish S Arya, Narendra Singh, Harvinder Singh, Anil Kant*

Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR), C/o 56 APO – 901205, India
Leaders Institute, 76 Park Road, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173234, India

Abstract
Onion bulbs of long-day genotypes, viz. Red Cereole, Katarina Red 3, Katarina Red 7, Supreme, Cyrus, Lock Roy, Legend, Wall Brown, Brown Spanish, and a local cultivar were stored for 50, 100, and 150 days in a controlled atmosphere at 2± 1 °C and 75±1% relative humidity. The experiment was laid in a randomised block design with three replicates. Dry matter, TSS, hardiness of bulb, total sugar, non-reducing sugar, and reducing sugar loss in weight (%), rotating (%) sprouting (%), sprout length (cm), incident black mold (%), and marketable bulbs (%) were recorded throughout the storage period. In all genotypes, dry matter, TSS, total sugar, and non-reducing sugars, rotting (%) sprouting (%), sprout length (cm), and incidence of black mold increased gradually during storage. In contrast, hardiness/firmness of bulb, ascorbic acid, reducing sugar, physiological losses in weight, marketable bulbs decreased gradually during the storage period. Similar patterns of increase and decrease in all the observed traits were observed for all the genotypes. Furthermore, at the genotypic level, significant variation was observed in storage potential. The genotypes Red Cereole, Katarina Red 3, and Katarina Red 7 were superior to many of the post-harvest traits. They gave the highest marketable bulb at the end of storage. Therefore, it is concluded that onion genotypes Red Cereole, Katarina Red 3, and Katarina Red 7 have good storage potential that could be stored overwinter at high altitudes. Therefore, it is recommended to cultivate these onion genotypes for long-term storage in temperate regions.

Pages 162-170 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3169
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Nutritional properties of baru almond (Dipteryx alata Vogel) flours produced from fruits subjected to drying

Daiana Vieira Silva, Daniel Emanuel Cabral de Oliveira, Osvaldo Resende, Keyla Rezende Barcelos Martins, Natália Nogueira Fonseca, Wellytton Darci Quequeto*, Lígia Campos de Moura Silva, Diene Gonçalves Souza

Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Goiano – Campus Rio Verde, Caixa postal 66, CEP 75901-970. Rio Verde, GO, Brasil
Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Goiano – Campus Iporá, Caixa postal 350, CEP 76200-000. Iporá, GO, Brasil

Abstract
Due to the growing demand for nutritious foods and the importance of studying the viability of foods produced from native species of the Cerrado, the present study was conducted to characterize baru almond flours produced from fruits subjected to drying. The fruits were dehydrated at temperatures of 40, 60, 80 and 100 ºC in an oven with forced air circulation until constant weight. The samples were analyzed for moisture content, ash, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, energy value, pH, acidity, soluble solids, apparent specific mass, minerals, phenolics and total flavonoids, carotenoids, antioxidant capacity; and characterized by Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. The analyses were performed in triplicate and the results were evaluated by analysis of variance and Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05). Baru almond flours showed moisture content ranging from 4.95 to 3.29 g 100 g-1. Drying at a temperature of 100 ºC caused in the samples an increase in apparent specific mass and reduction in pH, soluble solids, antioxidant activity, total phenolics, contents of total flavonoids and carotenoids. The 40 ºC treatment induced lower losses in antioxidant activity, total phenolics and total flavonoids. The results of the FT-IR analysis show loss of nutrients. Drying did not alter the contents of ash, lipids, energy value, potassium, iron, zinc, copper and manganese. Baru almond flour is rich in nutrients and can be an alternative to enrich gluten-free foods.

Pages 171-176 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3246
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Physical, physicochemical and functional technological properties of flours produced from yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.) epicarp

Gleyce Kelle Ilidio Pinheiro, Daniel Emanuel Cabral de Oliveira, Osvaldo Resende, Weder Nunes Ferreira Junior, Jennifer Cristhine Oliveira Cabral, Wellytton Darci Quequeto*, Lígia Campos de Moura Silva, Diene Gonçalves Souza

Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Goiano – Campus Rio Verde, Caixa postal 66, CEP 75901-970. Rio Verde, GO, Brasil
Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Goiano – Campus Iporá, Caixa postal 350, CEP 76200-000. Iporá, GO, Brasil

Abstract
Yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.) is a plant native to tropical America and occurs in several states in Brazil. Yellow mombin fruit has desirable characteristics for industrialization, but its epicarp (peel) having good nutritional characteristics is discarded. Flour obtained by dehydration processes is an alternative in the food industry for the utilization of by-products. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop a product from an industrial residue and analyze the physical, physicochemical and functional technological characteristics of the yellow mombin epicarp flours produced by drying in an oven, subjected to different temperatures (40, 50, 60 and 70 ºC) and by lyophilization. To reach these final moisture contents, the required times were 11.5, 9.0, 7.0 and 4.5 h, respectively, for the temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 70 °C. For lyophilization, 24 hours were required. After the samples were dried, they were processed to obtain the flour and evaluated for color, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, bulk density and granulometry. Flour produced by lyophilized epicarp of yellow mombin showed a lighter color and a higher tendency to yellow, greater amount of soluble solids and lower density. FEPL particles were smaller, i.e., finer flour. All flours had low pH values, between 2.65 and 2.83.

Pages 177-183 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3258
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Integrated production systems in a Plinthosol: greenhouse gas emissions and soil quality

Maria Diana Melo Araújo, Henrique Antunes de Souza*, Diana Signor Deon, Luciano Cavalcante Muniz, Joaquim Bezerra Costa, Ivanderlete Marques de Souza, Victor Roberto Ribeiro Reis, Elimilton Pereira Brasil, Roberto Cláudio Fernandes Franco Pompeu

State University of Vale do Acaraú (UVA), 850 Da Universidade Ave., Sobral, CE, Brazil
Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Meio-Norte), 5650 Duque de Caxias Ave., Teresina, PI, Brazil
Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Semiárido), BR-428 Road Km 152, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
State University of Maranhão (UEMA), 1000 Lourenço Vieira da Silva Ave., São Luis, MA, Brazil
Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Cocais), 4 São Luís Rei de França Ave., São Luis, MA, Brazil
Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos), Sobral-Groaíras Road Km 4, Sobral, CE, Brazil

Abstract
Integrated systems (crops, livestock, and forest) are tools to avoid increases in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, such as CO2, CH4, and N2O. The objective of this study was to evaluate the GHG emissions and soil biological and chemical characteristics in an integrated system. The experiment was carried out in an area with crop-livestock-forest integration systems (CLFI), in Pindaré-Mirim, state of Maranhão, Brazil. The treatments consisted of maize (Zea mays) intercropped with forage (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandú) between eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus tereticornis) (S1); maize intercropped with forage (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Massai) (S2); and degraded pasture areas with no soil or forage management for more than 14 years (S3), which was used as reference treatment. The experiment was conducted with four replications of four trenches for soil collection or four static chambers for gas flow assessments. The GHG emissions were collected by static chambers and analyzed by gas chromatography, and the soil quality was determined by chemical analysis. The interaction between GHG emissions and soil characteristics was assessed for each treatment, using multivariate analysis and PCA. The soil of the degraded pasture presented higher GHG emissions. The integrated systems presented negative methane fluxes, which denote their mitigating effect on GHG emissions. The CLFI system with eucalyptus and maize intercropped with U. brizantha cv. Marandú was the best option to improve the soil biological characteristics and mitigate GHG emissions. Crop-livestock-forest integration with Eucalyptus, maize, and U. brizantha cv. Marandú is indicated to improve soil biological characteristics and mitigate GHG emissions in the Amazonian region of the state of Maranhão, Brazil.

Pages 184-191 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3263
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Antioxidative and osmorregulatory responses of Jatropha curcas to water stress are genotype dependent

Leandro Dias da Silva*, Fábio Pinto Gomes, Romária Pereira Araújo, Lidiane Silva Pereira, Ândrea Carla Dalmolin, José Francisco Teixeira do Amaral

State University of Southwestern Bahia, Postgraduate Program in Agronomy, Vitória da Conquista, BA, 45031-900, Brazil
State University of Santa Cruz, Department of Biological Sciences, Ilhéus, BA, 45662-900, Brazil
Federal University of Espírito Santo, Center for Agrarian Sciences, Alegre, ES, 29500000, Brazil

Abstract
Jatropha curcas L., Euphorbiaceae, is an undomesticated species noted for its high oil content of the seed (17.5 - 41.6%), which can be used to produce biodiesel, among other products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of nine Brazilian genotypes of J. curcas under the effect of water deficit. Seedlings of these genotypes (CNPAE 121, 124, 148, 168, 222, 215, 226, 298 and 299) were submitted to two irrigation regimes for 42 days: controlled irrigation (100% of tank capacity, TC) and water stress (WS, 50% TC). The foliar content of proline increased 56% on average in water stressed plants compared to the control plants. Water deficit-induced decreases of 62, 112, 78 and 23% in photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and internal to atmospheric CO2 concentration ratio (Ci/Ca), respectively, were observed. Foliar activities of dismutase superoxide, guaiacol peroxidase and catalase increased in the stressed in comparison with the control plants. The genotypes CNPAE-148 and 222 were considered tolerant, as indicated by strong water conservation and significant increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes when subjected to water stress.

Pages 192-200 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3273
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Water productivity in cultivating the cowpea under different production systems

Erialdo de Oliveira Feitosa*, Fernando Bezerra Lopes, Eunice Maia de Andrade, Helba Araújo de Queiroz Palácio, Valéria Severo de Noronha, Nicole Sarah Carvalho Pontes

Department Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60450-760, Brazil
Postgraduate Program in Soil and Water Management, Federal University Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró 59625-900, Brazil
Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Ceará, Iguatu 63500-000, Brazil

Abstract
The increase in irrigated areas and the water crisis in numerous regions have encouraged the use of irrigation systems and management that afford greater efficiency in the use of water. Wastewater is one option for maximising this efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the indicators of water productivity in the cultivation of irrigated cowpea under different production systems. The study was carried out in the experimental area of the Sewage Treatment Station (ETE) located in Tianguá, Ceará. The experiment consisted of six production systems (treatments) in subdivided plots distributed in a completely randomised design (CRD) with fifteen replications in a (2 x 3) factorial scheme, i.e. two sources of water and energy: drinking water + electricity from the electrical grid (conventional system) and wastewater + solar photovoltaic energy (alternative system), and the different sources of fertiliser (mineral and organic), in addition to the control treatments. The water productivity indicator that expresses the relationship between the yield of the crop and the volume of water applied was determined, and the index in economic terms between crop yield and the volume of water applied. The system using wastewater and organic fertiliser showed better water productivity, 0.422 kg m-3, while the system that used drinking water with no fertiliser showed less efficiency, 0.188 kg m-3. Water use efficiency in the systems that used wastewater was higher in relation to the systems that used drinking water. Irrigation with treated domestic effluent increases water productivity and water use efficiency, in addition to being a strategy for agricultural exploitation under conditions of water scarcity.

Pages 201-207 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3293
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Do chitosan and its derivatives have the same protective effect on drought-contrasting maize genotypes? An analysis of physiological and production processes

Caroline Oliveira dos Reis*, Paulo César Magalhães, Alexandra dos Santos Ambrósio, Lorena Gabriela Almeida, Diogo Teixeira Carvalho, Thiago Correa de Souza

Section of Applied Botany, Department of Biology, Federal University of Lavras - UFLA, Campus Universitário, P. O. Box 37, 37200-000, Lavras, MG, Brazil
Institute of Nature Sciences- ICN, Federal University of Alfenas - UNIFAL, 700, Gabriel Monteiro Street., P. O. Box 37130-000, Alfenas-MG, Brazil
Maize and Sorghum National Research Center, P. O. Box 151, 35701-970, Sete Lagoas- MG, Brazil
Section of Plant Physiology, Department of Biology, Federal University of Lavras, Campus Universitário, P. O. Box 37, 37200‑000, Lavras, MG, Brazil
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas - UNIFAL, 700, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva Street, P.O. Box 37130‑000, Alfenas- MG, Brazil

Abstract
Water stress is among the most severe abiotic stress factors for maize production. The application of chitosan causes various responses in plants, as a function of its structure and concentration. Therefore, chemical modifications were proposed in this study to enhance the biological effects on plants. Hybrid maize plants with drought-contrasting characteristics, were subjected to water deficit and spraying with chitosan (CHI) and semi-synthesized chitosan derivatives, N‑Succinyl (SUC) and N,O‑Dicarboxymethyl (MCA). The obtained data show that the application of CHI and its derivatives (0.5 mg.plant-1) led to an increase in production for the two evaluated hybrids in comparison with the control under stress. Regarding leaf gas exchange, over the stress period, it was observed that the application of the MCA derivative yielded greater Pn than the other treatments in plants subjected to drought, in both hybrids. In the evaluation of chlorophyll content, there was an increase in this content through the application of CHI and its derivatives for both maize hybrids under study. With water recovery in plants, the water potential (Ψmd) of those treated with chitosan derivatives was greater than that of the irrigated control plants. In the quantification of proline concentration, higher values were observed in plants treated with MCA derivatives for the drought-sensitive hybrid. Chitosan derivatives, SUC and MCA, were responsible for higher starch concentrations in both maize hybrids. Evaluating the morphological characteristics of roots, the drought-tolerant hybrid showed higher means for all parameters evaluated when subjected to drought, and MCA was responsible for longer root length and greater mean root diameter. The results support the potential use of chitosan and its derivatives to increase tolerance to water deficit in maize.

Pages 208-215 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3305

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Evaluation of bean desiccation plants with diquat and glufosinate-ammonium using terrestrial hyperspectral sensor

Diandra Ganascini-Donato*, Isaque de Souza-Mendes, Ivã L. Caon, Carlos E. Vizzoto-Cattani, Erivelto Mercante, Silvia R.Machado Coelho, Octavio H. Viana, Victor H. Rohden Prudente

Program in Agricultural Engineering, Western Paraná State University, Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil
Graduating in Agricultural Engineering, Western Paraná State University, Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil
Graduate Program in Agricultural Engineering, Western Paraná State University, Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil
Post-Graduate Program in Agricultural Engineering, Western Paraná State University, Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil
Agricultural Engineering, State Western Paraná State University, Paraná, Brazil, and Professor in Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina, Criciúma , Santa Catarina, Brazil
National Institute for Space Research–Remote Sensing Division, São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12227-010, Brazil

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the spectral response of common beans desiccated with diquat and glufosinate-ammonium (GLA) using a hyperspectral terrestrial sensor and report how the desiccants influence dry bean visual appearance. Bean plants were desiccated with two different types of diquat and GLA desiccants. After the measurements of the spectral curves were carried out, from these values the indices of vegetation and derivatives were calculated, the chlorophyll content of the leaves on the days of the campaign was also measured. After harvesting the grains, some qualitative variables of the grains, such as cooking time and color, were evaluated Vegetation indices (VIs) in the near-infrared and mid-infrared regions of the spectrum (wavelength locations of 705, 750, 860, and 1240 nm) were significantly different between desiccant treatments (p≤0.05) two days after application (DAA). Desiccant application caused chlorophyll degradation as detected at the wavelength of 650 and 800 nm at DAA 1. The red edge and first derivatives showed that crop injury was higher in the diquat treatment because peak magnitude for this treatment became smaller over time. The desiccant application negatively affected seed quality, resulting in smaller Hue values and longer cooking time (CT). Hue angle correlated negatively with plant water content variation and CT Our results suggest that hyperespectral terrestrial sensing can differentiate the effects caused by the desiccants, showing that ammonium glufosinate causes less damage to seed quality and the water loss is like the control group.

Pages 216-226 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3344
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Transferable polymorphic microsatellite markers from Capsicum annuum to Capsicum baccatum

Monique Moreira Moulin*, Talles de Oliveira Santos, Helaine Christine Cancela Ramos, Cláudia Pombo Sudré, Leandro Simões Azeredo Gonçalves, Alexandre Pio Viana, Rosana Rodrigues

Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo – Campus de Alegre (IFES), Alegre, ES, Brazil
Laboratory of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
Laboratory of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil

Abstract
Several researches have extensively used microsatellite markers for genetic mapping, because of their high transferring values among species from the same genus. This work aims at evaluating transferability of microsatellite locus developed to Capsicum annuum in a mapping population of Capsicum baccatum. We have tested 152 pairs of microsatellite primers developed to C. annuum in a mapping population constituted by 203 individuals F2 originated from crossing between two accessions of C. baccatum var. pendulum, accomplishing a previous optimization of primers annealing temperatures. On the map construction, we have employed only the polymorphic markers and that generated clear marks, totalizing 62 markers transferred with success, 42 mapped, resulting in a percentage of 40.8% transferred microsatellites. Furthermore, we observed a relevant correspondence between microsatellite markers allocation on linkage groups C. baccatum and linkage groups C. annuum. This is the first report on the transfer of microsatellite markers to a species of C. baccatum, being an important advance on for the implementation of marker-assisted selection in breeding programs and also allows advances in more studied species such as C. annuum. Considering the slowness and higher cost of the processes of isolation and specific indicators development for microsatellite analysis, the results obtained at this work allows an improvement of the genetic mapping process of C. baccatum species.

Pages 227-232 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3353
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Estimating water infiltration rate in oxisols under pasture and agriculture management in the Brazilian Savanna with support of a Drone-RGB onboard sensor

Cleberson Ribeiro de Jesuz*, Manuel Eduardo Ferreira

Federal University of Mato Grosso, Department of Geography, 78060-900, Cuiabá – MT, Brazil
Federal University of Goiás, Institute of Social and Environmental Studies, Image Processing and Geoprocessing Laboratory (LAPIG), 74690-900, Goiânia - Goiás – Brazil

Abstract
Methods for evaluating physical water data are being increasingly supported by modern and practical tools that have become indispensable for field surveys. Among these tools, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) equipped with optical, multispectral, and thermal sensors allow carrying out interventions, monitoring, and strategic data collection with significant cost and time reductions. In this research we used a fixed wing UAV (Swinglet CAM, Sensefly) with RGB camera for creating a precise Digital Terrain Model (DTM) aiming to support an assessment of soil water infiltration in areas under pasture and agricultural management, using the Kostiakov model with concentric rings. Thus, we produced a centimetric-resolution DTM for identifying geomorphological features intrinsically linked to the soil water dynamics and and the accurate insertion of the concentric rings in the slopes. Water velocity and infiltration rates were estimated from descriptive statistics of the data obtained with the Kostiakov model. In this way, the application of the potential equation (Kostiakov) made it possible to mathematically construct the determinants of accumulated infiltration and instantaneous velocity, which can then be replicated and updated at various times, changing only the input data that were logarithmized. The results showed a higher infiltration (54%) in the pasture area, while the unmanned aerial vehicle was considered as an essential tool for obtaining a detailed synoptic representation of the natural and anthropic landscape.

Pages 233-243 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3397
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Fighting off the sucking pests of soybean: managing stink bugs and whiteflies

Alberto Rohrig, Henrique Pozebon, Janine Palma, Alessandro Donatti, Rodrigo Krammes, Júlia Guimarães Bevilaqua, Paulo Cesar Ramon, Jordano Maffini, Paulo Vitor Mendonça Campos, Ivair Valmorbida, José Domingos Jacques Leão, Fabio Maximiano de Andrade Silva, Jerson Vanderlei Carús Guedes, Jonas André Arnemann*

FMC, Cruz Alta, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Department of Crop Protection, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil ³Palmagri, Cruz Alta, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA

Abstract
Stink bugs and whiteflies are major concerns for pest management in Brazilian soybean fields, causing severe economic losses to soybean growers and leading to excessive insecticide applications per crop cycle. Despite biological differences, these two sap-sucking pests often co-occur in soybeans fields and can be successfully managed with the same insecticide spray, reducing operational costs to the growers. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of eleven insecticides in the control of stink bugs and whiteflies. Two insecticide sprays were made with an interval of 14 days between them. The results from ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test (P≤0.05) revealed significant differences among treatments. Acetamiprid + bifenthrin (75 + 75 g a.i. ha-1) was the most efficient treatment for the control of stink bugs, reaching 97.8% of insect mortality. Cyantraniliprole + bifenthrin (50 + 50 g a.i. ha-1) was the most efficient treatment for the control of whiteflies, reaching 78.8% of insect mortality. This treatment also presented the highest combined control of stink bugs and whiteflies, reaching 83.5% of insect mortality.

Pages 244-251 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3410
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Yacon development and production under different potassium fertilisation doses

Amanda Dutra de Vargas*, Fábio Luiz de Oliveira, José Francisco Teixeira do Amaral, Marcelo Antonio Tomaz, Mateus Oliveira Cabral, Tiago Pacheco Mendes

Department of Agronomy, Center of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract
Increased interest in yacon root consumption has led to the need of developing research on such a culture. Mineral nutrition is one of the important points to be investigated since information about this subject remains scarce for this species. Thus, understanding the role played by potassium in expanding yacon culture is of paramount importance, since this mineral plays key role in plants’ growth and development processes, mainly in plants accumulating reserves in underground organs due to their most varied functions in metabolite transport processes. Thus, the aim of the current study is to assess the development and yield of yacon roots subjected to different potassium fertilisation doses. The experiment has followed a completely randomized block design, with 4 repetitions and 5 treatments: 178.7 kg.ha-1, 357.4 kg.ha-1, 536.1 kg.ha-1 and 714.8 kg.ha-1 of potassium chloride (KCl), which corresponded to 50%, 100%, 150% and 200% of reference value; and one control (non-fertilized soil). Morphological, physiological, and productive features were assessed based on the applied doses. Results have shown that the application of 357.4 kg.ha-1 of KCl (100% dose) was the one presenting the best agronomic efficiency for yacon root culture. It was also the dose providing the greatest economic efficiency because it produced larger number of roots in the most valued classes available in the market.

Pages 252-258 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3411
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Toxicity and bioactivity of essential oil of Cilantro (Eryngium foetidum L.) against red flour beetle [Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)]

Ruchuon Wanna, Mongkol Wongsawas*

Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Kantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand

Abstract
Grains and milling products are a major part of the daily diet of humans and animals but grain storage is heavily impacted by insect pests. Toxicity and bioactivity of essential oil (EO) from Cilantro, Eryngium foetidum L. were evaluated against the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), known as one of the most common stored-product insect pests worldwide. EO was extracted from fresh leaves of E. foetidum using a Clevenger type apparatus, and its toxicity and bioactivity against T. castaneum were investigated using the topical application test, the vapor phase test, and the impregnated paper test. Toxicity of E. foetidum EO on T. castaneum adults was investigated by direct contact and fumigation bioassays. E. foetidum EO was efficient with low estimated LD50 and LC50 as 31.34 μL/mg adult and 13.03 µL/L air, respectively. Insecticidal efficiency of E. foetidum EO on T. castaneum adults showed that a dosage of 25 μL/mg adult and a concentration of 32 µL/L air killed 62.5% after 120 h of exposure and 72.50% after 72 h of exposure. E. foetidum EO was strongly repellent to T. castaneum adults at 2.5 µL/L air, with highest repellent activity (100%) after 7 h of exposure. Results indicated that E. foetidum EO showed potential as a bio-insecticide for the control of T. castaneum.

Pages 259-265 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3414
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Spatio-temporal distribution and influence of distance of diseased passion fruit plants in the dissemination of the Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus in semi-arid tropical region

Diógenes da Cruz Batista*, Miguel Alves-Júnior*, Maria Angélica Guimarães Barbosa

Embrapa Semiárido, Highway BR-428, Km 152, Rural Zone - CP 23, CEP 56302-970 Petrolina, PE, Brazil
Pará Federal University, Cel. José Porfírio Street, 2515, São Sebastião, CEP 68372-040 Altamira, Pará, Brazil

Abstract
The Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CAMBV), of the genus Potyvirus (Potyviridae), causes the most prominent passion fruit (Passiflora spp.) disease in Brazil. The virus is transmitted in a non-circulating manner by many species of aphids. Chemical control of the vector insect is inefficient, due to the non-circulating nature of the virus-vector aphid relationship, and commercial species of passion fruit are susceptible to the virus. As such, comprehending the disease’s spatio-temporal dissemination dynamic may assist in outlining cultural control strategies, as chemical and genetic control are not used in this situation. The experiments were carried out in commercial fields in the cities of Petrolina-PE and Juazeiro-BA, where the mapping of diseased and healthy plants was carried out over time. The data regarding the incidence of the disease was submitted for analysis with Gompertz, Logistic, Monomolecular and Exponential growth models, in order to determine the best model and the progress rate for the disease’s growth curve. The spatial patterns of the disease along the planting lines and over time were determined using the doublets test and through logistic regression, applied to determine the influence of distance between diseased and healthy plants closer to the disease’s dissemination pattern. The growth model which best adjusted to the CAMBV epidemics in passion fruit plants was the Logistic model, and no difference was observed between the ‘r’ rates of disease progress. The diseased passion fruit plants exhibited, in both fields, an aggregate pattern along the planting line with similar incidence values (4.16% and 6.74%). The fast development of the disease and the tendency toward aggregation between diseased plants were also confirmed with the analysis of distance through logistic regression. Thus, the production of seedlings in environments that are protected from aphids, systematic inspections for eradication of diseased plants (roguing) and the elimination of host weeds around the orchard may be used as management practices do eliminate inoculum sources and reduce the CABMV’s rate of progress.

Pages 266-272 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3426

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Impact of altitude on grain yield, oil, and protein content of soybean

Marcio A. Capelin, Laura A. Madella, Maiara C. Panho, Daniela Meira, Rogê A. T. Fernandes, Lucas L. Colonelli, Caroline P. Menegazzi, Ana C. Rosa, Adriana Paula D'Agostini Contreiras Rodrigues, Giovani Benin*

Federal University of Technology - Paraná, Via do Conhecimento, Km 01, Pato Branco, PR 85501-970, Brazil

Abstract
Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is one of the most important commodities in the world, with grains that show variations in their chemical composition, mainly in oil and protein content. These variations can be related to genotype (G), environment (E), and G × E interaction. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the environments which maximize oil and protein yields, and to identify potential soybean cultivars that have increased grain yield, and oil and protein content in high-and low-altitude environments. Twenty-eight soybean cultivars were evaluated at high (846–963 m, Cfb climate) and low (336–480 m, Cfa climate) altitude environments, in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 crops, for grain yield, thousand grain weight, and oil and protein contents and yields. Growing environment affected the chemical composition of soybean grains. Altitude had a positive effect on protein content and a negative effect on oil content. The high-altitude environment increased the protein content by 6.15% (380 g kg-1), whereas the low altitude environment promoted an increase of 5.58% in oil content, with a mean value of 220 g kg-1. We identified soybean cultivars with potential for greater oil and protein yields in high-and low-altitude environments. Knowledge of the associations between environments and the chemical composition of soybean grain is valuable for developing direct breeding efforts, recommending cultivars and growing locations, in order to meet the demand of the oil and protein market.

Pages 273-279 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3439
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Application of biopolymers to preserve Pseudomonas fluorescens cells and their efficiency in the biological control of Macrophomina sp.

Manuela Costa Souza, Aloisio Freitas Chagas Junior, Lillian França Borges Chagas, Flávia Luane Gomes, Albert Lennon Lima Martins, Rodrigo Silva Oliveira, Gessiel Newton Scheidt, Marcos Giongo

Federal University of Tocantins, Master’s in biotechnology (UFT/PPGBiotec), Gurupi, TO, Brazil
Federal University of Tocantins, Agronomy Couse, Postgraduate Program in Plant Production (UFT/PPGPV), Gurupi, TO, Brazil
Agricultural Research Company of Minas Gerais (EPAMIG), Santa Rita, MG, Brazil
Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiania, GO, Brazil
Federal University of Tocantins, Bioprocess and Biotechnology Eng. Course, (UFT), Gurupi, TO, Brazil
Federal University of Tocantins, Forestry Eng. Course, (UFT), Gurupi, TO, Brazil

Abstract
Agricultural crops have been increasingly attacked by microorganisms that cause low productivity and severe losses to producers. In this context, chemical products are no longer sufficient to control pathogens, leading to the introduction of biological inoculants that can inhibit unwanted microorganisms. However, these products must be formulated properly to have their useful life guaranteed. In this sense, this study aimed to assess the use of carboxymethylcellulose and xanthan gum biopolymers in the conservation of cells of Pseudomonas fluorencens, an effective rhizobacteria in the biological control of the Macrophomina sp. fungus, responsible for black rot in different cultures. The inoculant produced from the bacteria fermentation was stored and assessed at 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 210 days after adding the biopolymers. The cell culture was then fermented and added with biopolymers, followed by pH measure and CFU mL-1 count. Antagonist activity against Macrophomina sp. Was assessed through the methods of fungal culture method in the antagonist culture, paired culture, and central risk pairing. Assessments were performed at 24, 48, and 72 hours after incubation in a growth chamber. Percentage of growth inhibition was then calculated and subjected to Tukey test at 5% significance level. According to the results, the biopolymers were able to preserve the Pseudomonas fluorescens cells for 210 days and ensure better antagonist potential against the pathogen, corroborating that the market should provide products with longer shelf life.

Pages 280-285 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3440
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Root growth characteristics of millet cultivars and sorghum hybrids under increasing levels of soil compaction

Vinicius Cruvinel Pereira, Renato Lara de Assis, Kátia Aparecida de Pinho Costa, Alessandro Guerra da Silva, Rose Luiza Moraes Tavares, Fábio Ribeiro Pires, Gustavo André Simon, Silvio Vasconcelos de Paiva Filho, Camila dos Santos Ferreira, Izabely Alves Lopes

Engenheiro Agrônomo, Universidade de Rio Verde, Rio Verde, GO, Brasil
Instituto Federal Goiano Campus Iporá, Iporá , GO, Brasil
Instituto Federal Goiano Campus Rio Verde, Rio Verde, GO, Brasil
Universidade de Rio Verde, Rio Verde, GO, Brasil
Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Campus São Mateus, São Mateus, ES, Brasil

Abstract
Soil compaction negatively affects the physical properties of soil. The study of plants with the potential for mechanical loosening of soil is important for improving soil management and crop yield. In this context, the millet and sorghum are used as an alternative crop in the off-season in the mainly agricultural soil tropical. These roots can be a alternative to of soil mechanical loosening and avoiding mechanic tillage practices and keep soil conservation. Based on this, we assessed the aerial and root growth of millet and sorghum cultivars under different levels of soil compaction. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse conditions using a completely randomized design with four replicates. The treatments comprised of four cultivars of millet (ADR300, ADR500, BN2 and BRS1501) and two sorghum hybrids (Cober crop Atlantica and Monsanto) at four levels of subsurface soil bulk density (1.34, 1.53, 1.72, and 1.81 Mg m-3). We measured the root dry matter, root length density, mean root diameter for the upper, compacted and lower layers, and also the total dry matter. At soil bulk density 1.72 Mg m-3, both sorghum hybrids showed higher aerial dry matter production. At the highest level of soil bulk density, roots accumulated in the upper layer. Millet cultivar BN2 showed a decrease in root dry matter with increasing density in the compacted layer. All millet cultivars exhibited similar average root diameter at higher levels of compaction, except Millet ADR500 that showed less root diameter in the Upper compacted layer. Cober crop showed potential for soil decompaction, indicating the potential of this sorghum hybrid to soil mechanical loosening in the tropical soils.

Pages 286-292 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3444
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Rootstocks and potassium fertilization on yield performance and quality of ‘Niagara Rosada’ grapevine under subtropical conditions

Daniel Callili*, Marlon Jocimar Rodrigues da Silva, Camilo André Pereira Contreras Sánchez, Letícia Silva Pereira Basílio, Bruno Marcos de Paula Macedo, Luiz Antonio Junqueira Teixeira, Giuseppina Pace Pereira Lima, Marco Antonio Tecchio

Universidade Estadual Paulista ‘Júlio de Mesquita Filho’ – Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas (FCA/UNESP), Departamento de Produção Vegetal, 3780 Universitária Avenue, 18610-034, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
Universidade Estadual Paulista ‘Júlio de Mesquita Filho’ – Instituto de Biociências (IB/UNESP), Departamento de Ciências Químicas e Biológicas, 250 Prof. Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin Street, 18618-689, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
Instituto Agronômico de Campinas (IAC), Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Solos e Recursos Ambientais, 1481 Barão de Itapura Avenue, 13012-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil

Abstract
The current study aimed to assess the influence of rootstocks (‘IAC 572’ and ‘IAC 766’) and potassium fertilization with different sources (KCl and K2SO4) and concentrations (0, 75, 150 and 300 kg ha-1 K2O) regarding to yield performance and grape quality of ‘Niagara Rosada’, as well as the variation of K availability in soil. Thus, yield components; physical characteristics of bunches and berries; chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of grape berry; leaf K content; and variation of K availability in soil were evaluated in two consecutive seasons (2017 and 2018). Results showed no influence of rootstocks on yield performance of ‘Niagara Rosada’; however, grapevines grafted on to ‘IAC 766’ produced berries with higher concentration of total flavonoids and anthocyanins. Furthermore, KCl provided higher concentration of total flavonoids and anthocyanins compared to K2SO4. In general, potassium sources had similar effects on the variation of K availability in soil. Results indicated that there was small effect between K doses with regards to production and qualitative parameters. We therefore estimated a fertilization rate of 150 kg ha-1 K2O to maintain K concentration in soil after each production cycle.

Pages 293-300 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3447
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Effect of various factors on rosmarinic acid content of water mint (Mentha aquatica)

Vi Nguyen Truong Phuong, Nhan Vo Thi Thanh, Tram Pham Thi My*

Institute of Applied Technology, Thu Dau Mot University, Thu Dau Mot City 820000, Binh Duong Province, Viet Nam
Faculty of education, Thu Dau Mot University, Thu Dau Mot City 820000, Binh Duong Province, Viet Nam

Abstract
Water mint (Mentha aquatica) is well-known as a popular herbal plant in Viet Nam. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a phenolic compound found in many genus of Mentha and has numerous biological activities. Its applications are wide from the food industry to cosmetics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different plant parts, drying, various solvent to sample ratios (1:20, 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 1:60, and 1:70 (w/v)) and extraction temperature (30, 50, 70, and 90°C) on RA content of water mint. Ground materials of fresh and dried leaves, fresh and dried whole plants (each for 1 g) were extracted with water. The extraction was performed on magnetic stirrer. The extract was passed through filter paper retaining the clear solution for the quantitative and RA analysis. RA content was determined by using a spectrophotometer. The dried whole plants, a solvent to sample ratio of 1:50 (w/v), extraction temperature of 70°C, and extraction time of 30 minutes were the best conditions for RA content from water mint.

Pages 301-306 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3455
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Chemical composition of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia stricta Haw) irrigated with saline water in semi-arid soils

Washington Benevenuto de Lima, Jucilene Silva Araújo, Lúcia Helena Garófalo Chaves, Múcio Freire Vieira, Paulo Torres Carneiro, Iede de Brito Chaves, Antônio Ramos Cavalcante

Agricultural Engineering, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
Instituto Nacional do Semiárido, Paraíba, Brazil
Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Alagoas, Brazil
Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil

Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of application of saline water in different soils on the accumulation of sodium and potassium in different structures of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia stricta Haw) variety ‘Orelha de elefante mexicana’. The experiment was laid out in a randomized-block design with treatments arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement (three soil types: chromic Luvisol, Solonetz and Fluvisol × four irrigation water salinity levels: 0.75, 3.0, 5.25 and 7.50 dS m-1, at 25 °C), using three replicates. At 360 days after planting, the plants were harvested, dried in a forced-air oven, ground and digested. After the digested samples were obtained, the sodium and potassium contents of each plant structure were determined by flame emission spectrometry, using a flame photometer. The soil types significantly influenced the potassium content in the mother and primary cladodes, whereas the salinity levels did not influence the potassium content in any of the plant structures. Higher sodium contents were found in the roots as compared with the other structures, but which did not differ statistically between the soils. Under salt stress, sodium tended to accumulate in the roots and mother cladodes. Chromic Luvisol is the most recommended soil for growing prickly pear cactus ‘Orelha de elefante Mexicano’ in salt stress conditions.

Pages 307-314 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3456
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Prediction of soybean productivity based on the photothermal quotient

Thomas Newton Martin, Lucas Alan Bruning, Glauber Monçon Fipke, Gerusa Massuquini Conceição, Eduarda Grün, Giovane Matias Burg, Jessica Deolinda Leivas Stecca,
Matheus Martins Ferreira, Eduarda Spagnol Bronzatto

Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria – RS, Brazil

Abstract
Climatic variables affect soybean yield components. Understanding how they are interrelated is essential for planning and boosting crop productivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the photothermal quotient can be used to predict the productivity and 1000-grain weight of soybean. Five experiments were carried out at the Federal University of Santa Maria in growing seasons of 2013/14 to 2017/18 using the main cultivars (154) sown in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. The experiments were organized in a randomized block design with four replicates, evaluating grain productivity and 1000-grain weight. The results showed that years with the highest grain productivity and 1000-grain weight were associated with regular rainfall and high photothermal quotients (approximately 2.3 MJ m-2). There was a positive and significant correlation between grain productivity and the average number of days without rainfall (r = 0.98). In addition, there was a negative correlation with air temperature (r = -0.8). Air temperature and days without rain are decisive factors for yield and grain weight. The photothermal quotient can be used as a basis for predicting soybean grain productivity.

Pages 315-323 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.02.3567