Australian Journal of Crop Science   AJCS

Impact of castor bean cake fertilizer as side-dressing on cauliflower yield and quality in organic farming systems

Joara Secchi Candian, Pâmela Gomes Nakada-Freitas, Andre Luiz Biscaia Ribeiro da Silva, Antonio Ismael Inácio Cardoso*

Bejo Seeds Inc, 1972 Silver Spur Pl, Oceano, CA, USA, 93445
São Paulo State University (Unesp), College of Agricultural and Technological Sciences, Department of Crop Science, Dracena, Brazil
Auburn University, 101 Funchess Hall, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA, 36849
São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agriculture, Department of Crop Science, Botucatu, Brazil

Abstract
The significance of organic production has grown significantly in the past decade. Therefore, research on organic fertilizer, mainly as side-dress, has gained more importance. Castor bean cake is a fertilizer rich in nitrogen and organic matter. This cake has been used as an organic fertilizer once it has higher mineralization rate compared to other sources such as as sugarcane bagasse and cattle manure. We studied rate and application time of castor bean cake on the production, physicochemical characteristics, macronutrient contents, and accumulation of cauliflower in an organic system. Ten treatments were studied, in a 3 x 3 + 1 factorial design, with three rates of castor bean cake (1290, 2580 and 3870 kg ha-1) combined with three application times as side-dress (single application at 30 or 45 days after transplanting (DAT) and split application at 30 and 45 DAT), as well as a control (without fertilizer). The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. This study measured cycle, leaf number, inflorescence diameter, height, fresh and dry biomass, vegetative part (stem and leaves) fresh and dry biomass, pH, titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid (AA), soluble solids (SS), maturation index/ratio, reducing sugar contents (RSC), protein, macronutrient content, and accumulation in inflorescence. The maximum inflorescence fresh biomass was highest at 3015 kg ha-1, while the maximum height and diameter were at 3785 and 3335 kg ha-1, respectively. The highest rates of castor bean cake increased TA, while it decreased RSC, AA, and inflorescence ratio. The decreasing order of accumulated nutrients on inflorescence was K>N>P≈Ca>Mg>S, with maximums of 1.48; 1.03; 0.15; 0.14; 0.08 and 0.06 g inflorescence-1, respectively. The rates of 3000 to 3800 kg ha-1 of castor bean cake increased production regardless time of application. Time factor had low influence on the physicochemical characteristics, macronutrient contents, and accumulations in inflorescence. Growers are recommended to apply 3 to 4 t ha-1 of castor bean cake.

Pages 240-247 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.05.p2708

Received: 24/10/2023 | Revised: 11/12/2023 | Accepted: 06/03/2024
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Aseptic manipulation of cultures outside the laminar flow hood

Juliana Martins Ribeiro, Joselita Cardoso de Souza, Brenda Lima Ribeiro, Alessandro Rosa Nascimento, Cínthia Carolinne de Souza Ferreira, Jefferson dos Santos Caxias de Souza, Silvio Lopes Teixeira

Researcher at Embrapa Semiárido
Universidade do Estado da Bahia, UNEB, Brasil
Agronomy at Universidade do Estado da Bahia,
The Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Brasil

Abstract
In the present study, laminar flow hoods were used as air filters in inoculation rooms. This study was developed in two stages. First, on a bench inside the laboratory inoculation room, with surfaces that had been cleaned with water and bleach; and second with air filtered by laminar flow hoods inside the room. In the first stage, the growth medium was sterilized by autoclaving and contamination was analyzed in culture flasks without explants. The tested media remained open on a bench for 10 minutes in an environment where laminar flow hoods were previously operated at different time ranges (2, 4, 6 and 8 hours). This stage was performed to find out the approximate time required for the air in the room to be decontaminated. In the second stage, the growth medium was sterilized both by autoclaving and by adding sodium hypochlorite (0,003%), and contamination was evaluated in culture flasks, with explants, in an environment previously sterilized by laminar flow hoods at different time ranges (4, 6 and 8 hours). The results showed no contamination by fungi or bacteria in the growth medium that was chemically sterilized with sodium hypochlorite (0,003%), in an environment where laminar flow hoods were previously operated for four hours. In conclusion, manipulating aseptic cultures outside the laminar flow hood is possible using sodium hypochlorite as a chemical sterilizer of the growth medium, where an appropriate air filtration system is adopted.

Pages 248-252 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.05.p3009

Received: 24/11/2023 | Revised: 21/02/2024 | Accepted: 22/02/2024
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Application of organic fertilizers and arbuscular mycorrhiza dosage to increase the growth of kepok banana seedlings (Musa paradisiaca L. ) derived from tissue culture

Samanhudi*, Hery Widijanto, Amalia Tetrani S, Sheirrin Salsabill

Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Kentingan, Surakarta, 57126, Central Java, Indonesia
Departement of Soil Science Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Kentingan, Surakarta, 57126, Central Java, Indonesia
Center for Research and Development of Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Kentingan, Surakarta, 57126, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract
Acclimatization is the last stage of the tissue culture technique which is crucial for the success of in vitro plant propagation. The use of organic fertilizers is known to improve the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil, while Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi (AMF) is a well-known type of Mycorrhiza that benefits the host plant in nutrient absorption and to increase plant growth. This study aims to measure the growth response of the acclimatized Kepok Banana (Musa Paradisiaca L.) treated with a combination of various organic fertilizers and doses of AMF, expecting to support plant growth. This research was conducted in June- October 2019 and used a complete randomized design pattern (CRD) based on factorial (4 x 4) with two treatment factors. The first factor was the type of organic fertilizer: goat manure, cow manure, ver micompost, and compost. The second factor was AMF doses: 0, 5, 10, 15 g/plant. Variables observed included plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, and mycorrhizal infectivity. The use of organic fertilizers significantly affected all growth parameters of kepok bananas. Goat manure gives a better result than other organic fertilizers on a plant’s height, stem diameter, and length of leaves. The application of various doses of AMF either 5 g, 10 g, 15 g, or without AMF has not been able to exert a noticeable influence on the height of the plant, the number of leaves, the width of the leaves, the length of the leaves, and the diameter of the banana stem.

Pages 253-258 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.05.p3251

Received: 18/03/2024 | Revised: 28/05/2024 | Accepted: 01/06/2024

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Effect of long term storage of sugarcane spirit in stainless steel on physiochemical

Gabriel Biscotto d’Avila, Maria das Graças Cardoso*, Wilder Douglas Santiago, Alex Rodrigues Silva Caetano, Gabriela Fontes Alvarenga, Renan Elan da Silva Oliveira, Gabriela Aguiar Campolina, Vanuzia Rodrigues Fernandes Ferreira, Pâmela Aparecida dos Santos, Ana Paula Abrantes, Antonia Isadora Fernandes, David Lee Nelson

Food Sciences Department, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, 37200-900, MG, Brazil
Chemistry Department, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, 37200-900, MG, Brazil
Postgraduate Program in Biofuels, Federal University of The Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, 39100-000, MG, Brazil

Abstract
Cachaça and sugarcane spirits are beverages consumed in Brazil and all over the world. These beverages are usually stored in wooden or stainless steel containers. The objectives of this work were to analyze the physicochemical and chromatographic profile of sugarcane spirits produced in different harvests and the influence on the quality parameters of this beverage stored in stainless steel containers. Fifteen samples from crops produced between 1996 and 2016 and stored in stainless steel tanks were analyzed. There was a wide variation in the percentages of secondary compounds and contaminants. Of the 15 samples analyzed, the compositions of five samples were outside the legal limits: A/1996 (butan-1-ol concentration was above 3.0 mg/100 mL of anhydrous alcohol (aa)), D/2000 (concentration of alcohol and congeners was lower than 38% v/v and 200 mg/100 mL of aa, respectively), F/2002 (concentration of congeners were lower than 200 mg/100 mL of aa), G/2003 (butan-1-ol concentration was greater than 3.0 mg /100 mL of aa), N1/2016 (aldehyde concentrations were greater than 30 mg/100 mL of aa), Thus, these samples are not recommended for consumption and commercialization. None of the samples contained copper concentratons that exceeded the legal limit. Zinc was detected at concentrations lower than 1.0 mg/L. Cadmium, chromium, lead and iron were not detected. The storage of the beverage in stainless steel barrels for a period of up to 20 years modified the physical-chemical characteristics of the spirit. However, it does not offer risks regarding the contamination of the product by metals because, when detected, they were present in concentrations that that would not be harmful for consumers.

Pages 259-265 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.05.p3559

Received: 18/11/2023 | Revised: 04/01/2024 | Accepted: 02/02/2024
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Formation of pepper seedlings on a substrate formulated by carnauba (Copernicia prunifera Mill.) residue

Kleber Veras Cordeiro, Paula Sara Teixeira de Oliveira, Ramon Yuri Ferreira Pereira, João Pedro Santos Cardoso, Marcos de Oliveira Sousa, Geisiane Silva Sousa, Rafael Silva Marchão, Raissa Rachel Salustriano Da Silva Matos, Edmilson Igor Bernardo Almeida

Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Brazil
Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, Brazil
Universidade Federal do Piauí, Brazil

Abstract
The consumption of pepper in Brazil stands out in several sectors of the economy, either in natura or processed form, due to its characteristics of profitability and added value. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the biometric characteristics of gold pepper seedlings produced on substrates containing different proportions of carnauba (Copernicia prunifera Mill.) bagana. The proportions of the substrates were: 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% carnauba bagana, plus soil. The following were evaluated: percentage of emergence, number of leaves; leaf area; plant height; stem diameter; root length; root volume; fresh and dry root mass and dry and fresh shoot mass. The effect of bagana on the pepper plant was observed and the variables studied showed responses mainly with the substrates containing 80% and 100% bagana, including the percentage of emergence, plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, root volume, mass fresh shoot and root, dry shoot weight and Dickson's quality index. The substrate with 100% bagana provided a higher leaf area of 85%, expressive growth in height, diameter and root length, compared to control. The ability of the substrate to retain water and the availability of nutrients may be the main factor, while the contents of organic matter and other nutrients available in the carnauba bagana may have been fundamental in the performance of both the aerial part and the root system. Thus, it is concluded that the use of carnauba bagana can be indicated as a substrate in the formation of gold pepper seedlings. Hence, application of of 100% carnauba bagana is recommended for the production of pepper cultivar gold.

Pages 266-271 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.05.p3722

Received: 04/08/2023 | Revised: 04/03/2024 | Accepted: 06/03/2024
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Drying of soybean seeds and its influence on quality: a review

Arlindo Modesto Antunes, Jefferson Luiz Gomes Corrêa, Everson Reis Carvalho

Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG, Brazil
Department of Food Science, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG, Brazil
Department of Agriculture, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG, Brazil

Abstract
Drying is a crucial step for soybean seed storage. This is because during storage, seeds may lose their viability due to high moisture content. The high-water content of the seeds promotes higher respiration rates, with a consequent increase in seed temperature, which may affect the development of insects and fungi that can hinder the commercialization of the product. As a result, the drying process should be performed as soon as possible using methods that preserve the physical and physiological qualities of soybean seeds. Drying methods can be broadly divided into natural and artificial; continuous and intermittent, depending on the periodicity of the heat supply; and fixed bed and moving bed, depending on the movement of the seed mass. In the comparison of natural drying to artificial drying, the former has the disadvantage of exposing the product to psychrometric changes in the air, which may cause physicochemical variations. Among artificial dryers, fixed bed dryers are used on a large scale because they allow the temperature and relative humidity to be controlled and checked and the physiological quality of the seeds to be preserved. Nevertheless, moving bed drying of soybeans is an approach with the main advantages of low energy input, a low first investment cost, and homogeneous drying. In line with these factors, this review discusses the methods used for drying soybean seeds and their relationship with the physiological qualities of the seeds, pointing out important results from current scientific research.

Pages 272-279 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.05.p3740

Received: 12/08/2023 | Revised: 08/12/2023 | Accepted: 06/03/2024
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Physiological and productive performance of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) varieties grown under subtropical conditions in Brazil

Caio Scardini Neves*, Eduardo Santana Aires, Olivia Pak Campos, Gabriel Cássia Fortuna, Jordany Aparecida de Oliveira Gomes, Daniel Callili, Elizabeth Orika Ono, João Domingos Rodrigues, Filipe Pereira Giardini Bonfim

Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
Department of Biostatistics, Plant Biology, Parasitology and Zoology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil

Abstract
The primary focus of hop cultivation is the brewing industry. Brazil is one of the largest producers and consumers of beer worldwide and therefore one of the largest importers of hops. Therefore, it is essential to develop research that promotes the national production of hops. This study aimed to analyze the photosynthetic, morphometric and productive capacities of five hop varieties outside of their natural cultivation conditions in a subtropical climate; thus, to analyze the performance of post-tropicalized hops. A randomized block experimental design was used, including five cultivar treatments (Comet, Chinook, Cascade, Nugget and Columbus varieties) with four blocks and two plants per plot, totaling 20 plots and 40 sampling units. Physiological, morphometric and productive data were collected during the reproductive phase (final phase of plant development). Photosynthetic data were collected using an infrared gas analyzer (IRGA) coupled to a portable fluorometer to obtain gas exchange and fluorescence data. The collected morphometric and productive data are related to the vegetative and productive capacity of the hops. All varieties analyzed showed remarkable physiological responses. However, the highest quantum yield and effective yield of PSII were obtained from Comet (0.94 and 0.50) and Nugget (0.94 and 0.52), respectively. Comet exhibited the best morphometric results related to vegetative development (561.12 cm for plant height) but did not exhibit similarly high productive performance, while Cascade was the variety with the best productivity. Moreover, this work shows that tropicalized hops have satisfactory performance.

Pages 280-287 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.05.p3937

Received: 06/06/2023 | Revised: 11/09/2023 | Accepted: 07/02/2024
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Phytoremediation of Brazilian Cerrado soil to reduce herbicide persistence using tropical grasses

Anderson da Cunha Serafim, Maria Aparecida Peres-Oliveira*, Edna Maria Bonfim-Silva, Tonny José da Silva, Jefferson Vieira José

Agricultural Engineering Course at the Institute of Agricultural and Technological Sciences, Federal University of Rondonópolis, Rondonópolis, MT, Brazil
Biological Sciences Course of the Institute of Exact and Natural Science, Federal University of Rondonópolis, Rondonópolis, MT, Brazil
Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Course at the Institute of Agricultural and Technological Sciences, Federal University of Rondonópolis, Rondonópolis, MT, Brazil
Federal University of Acre. Campus Floresta, Cruzeiro do Sul – AC, Brasil

Abstract
Brazil has extensive areas covered in pastures with a large infestation of invasive plants. Picloram is one of the most widely used herbicides due to its residual properties in the soil. Phytoremediation is a promising technique for soil decontamination carried out by plants. The objective of this study was to investigate phytoremediation in soil from the Brazilian Cerrado biome through the cultivation of phytoremediating tropical grasses to reduce herbicide persistence. The experimental design was entirely randomized in a 4x6 factorial arrangement, corresponding to four cultivation systems (uncultivated soil, cultivated with Brachiaria decumbens, cultivated with Sorghum bicolor and cultivated with Pennisetum glaucum), and six doses (0, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 g i.a. L-1 ha-1) of the herbicide picloram (triethanolamine salt). The herbicide applied 48 hours before emergence (pre-emergence), resulting in 24 treatments with 4 replications. The established period for the phytoremediation species was 90 days after emergence. After 24 hours, soybean (Glycine max) was sown as a bioindicator species for the presence of picloram. Phytotoxicity, Falker® chlorophyll index, plant height and dry biomass of the aerial part and dry biomass of the roots of the phytoremediating species and the bioindicator species were evaluated and the data was submitted to analysis of variance. When significant, they were subjected to regression analysis for herbicide doses and Scott-Knott test for crop types, both with an error level of 5% probability. The tropical forage grasses showed resistance to the herbicide picloram with positive effects on phytoremediation in the analyzed variables in the bioindicators when applied at doses ranging from 2, 4 and 8 g i.a. L-1 ha-1. All the phytoremediating grasses had the potential to reduce the persistence of picloram in the soil when applied at doses within the commercial recommendation, even over a short period of 90 days.

Pages 288-298 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.05.p4049

Received: 14/11/2023 | Revised: 29/12/2023 | Accepted: 02/02/2024