Classification of crucifer cultivars based on the life-history of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella)

We compared different cultivars and hybrids of crucifers in relation to development and life-history of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) to classify the plants according to their resistance to the pest. The plants used were Manteiga da Geórgia kale, Bola de Neve cauliflower, Ramoso Piracicaba Precoce broccoli, Chato-de-quintal cabbage, and the hybrid cabbages Midori, TPC668, TPC308, and TPC681. We evaluated performance daily until the pupal stage. Pupae were assessed individually to determine the pupal weight, performance, and pupal period. We determined the sex ratio, fecundity, fertility, and longevity of the emerged adults and calculated their reproductive potential. Cabbage hybrids TPC668, TPC308, and TPC681 do not support the development and reproduction of the diamondback moth. These hybrids show a level of resistance that is similar to that found the commercially available hybrid Midori and cultivar Chato de Quintal, which are known to be resistant to the diamondback moth. This finding implies that the capitata (cabbage) cultivars are the most suitable for planting because they are more resistant to pest than the cultivar's moth, acephala (kale). © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Upland rice growth and mineral nutrition as affected by cultivars and sulfur availability

A better understanding of the differential growth of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars with increasing soil S availability could help improve rice yield under upland conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate root and shoot growth and nutrition of upland traditional and modern rice cultivars as affected by S availability. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 (rates of S) × 3 (cultivars) factorial with four replications. Low availability of S in the soil reduces root and shoot development and the efficiency of N, P, and S uptake, as well as the concentration and content of these nutrients in rice cultivars. At 0 mg dm-3 of S, rice cultivars prioritize root growth over shoots, and the traditional cultivar does so with greater intensity. Our results suggested that more development of traditional cultivars under low S availability facilitates its adaptation in soils under this condition. On the other hand, the intermediate and modern cultivars are more responsive to S fertilization. Moreover, S fertilization allows significant increases in upland rice growth and must be considered in cropping systems aiming for high yields. © Soil Science Society of America.

Root distribution, nutrient uptake, and yield of two upland rice cultivars under two water regimes

Upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation has been increasing in global importance due to the decreasing water availability for flood- irrigated rice. The use of sprinkler irrigation to supplement rainfall and the identification of cultivars more adapted to lower water availability could be effective alternatives for producing upland rice without yield losses while using less water. The objective of this field study was to evaluate the root distribution, plant nutrition, and grain yield of two drought tolerant upland rice cultivars under two water regimes in the Cerrado Region of Brazil during two growing seasons. The main plots were two water regimes (rainfed and sprinkler-irrigation plus rainfall). Subplots were two upland rice cultivars Carajás and IAC 201. Low water availability reduced root growth by 7% and grain yields were from 2644 to 4002 kg ha-1 on average for rainfed and sprinkler irrigation treatments, respectively. Carajás had a significantly better root distribution, nutrient uptake, and higher grain yield (3732 kg ha-1) compared with IAC 201 (2914 kg ha-1) averaged over two growing seasons and water regimes. There were no treatment interactions. Our results suggest that, even when cultivars with a higher tolerance to less water availability are used, using sprinkler irrigation to augment limited rainfall during dry periods may be a viable method to increase upland rice grain yields. © 2013 by the American Society of Agronomy.

Phenotypic and biochemical responses of sugarcane cultivars to glyphosate application

Sugarcane cultivars show varying degrees of herbicide susceptibility, with herbicide effects ranging from no injury to total plant eradication. In this study, phenotypic and biochemical responses to glyphosate were evaluated in three sugarcane cultivars. Herbicide tolerance of the three cultivars (IACSP93-3046, IACSP94-4004 and RB72454) was tested in a greenhouse experiment using a completely randomized design. The experiment consisted of four replications of treatments in a factorial arrangement of 3 cultivars × 6 glyphosate dosages (0, 1,440, 2,160, 2,880, 3,600 and 4,320 g a. e. ha-1). Intoxication symptoms, based on a percentage scale ranging from 0 (no injury) to 100 % (total plant death), and total chlorophyll content were recorded at 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 20 and 34 days after glyphosate application (DAA). Shikimate dehydrogenase and α-esterase isoenzyme assays were performed at 8, 24, 48, 72 and 144 h after application (HAA). Intoxication symptoms observed at 6 DAA ranged from 5 % at the lowest glyphosate dosage (1,440 g a. e. ha-1) to ~30 % at the highest dosage (4,320 g a. e. ha-1) across all cultivars. IACSP94-4004 and IACSP93-3046 were determined to be the most glyphosate-tolerant cultivars. Reduction in chlorophyll content was observed with high dosages of glyphosate at 6 DAA. The shikimate dehydrogenase banding pattern was generally conserved among cultivars and treatments, with the exception of the IACSP94-4004 cultivar, which showed alterations in the banding pattern of α-esterase after glyphosate application. © 2013 Society for Sugar Research & Promotion.

Response of rice cultivars to nitrogen in upland conditions

Against the background of a growing world population, rice (Oryza sativa L.) consumption is expected to grow faster than its production. Therefore, an appropriate question would be: how to increase productivity in the shortterm? In this respect, it becomes important the implementation of modern agricultural production systems, such as upland rice with supplemental sprinkler irrigation. Additional information is needed to maximize the available resources, with special attention given to research on the use of nitrogen. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of commercial rice cultivars with different plant characteristics in upland conditions with supplemental sprinkler irrigation, when subjected to nitrogen in topdress application at the R1 stage (panicle differentiation). The experiment was arranged in a randomized block with split plot design, with 65 treatments, consisting of the combination of 13 cultivars in the plots, and five nitrogen levels in the subplots (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1), with four replications. Genetic variability was detected among rice cultivars and the agronomic performance in response to the applied nitrogen. The topdressing application of nitrogen increases, in general, the production components and grain yield in rice. Cultivars BRS Primavera, Caiapó and IAC 202 stood out for grain yield, followed by Baldo, Carnaroli, BRS Curinga and IAC 500 with lower yields.

Characterization of high density polyethylene (HDPE) reinforced with banana peel fibers

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Produção de levana e bioetanol utilizando cascas de banana por Zymomona mobilis

Pós-graduação em Engenharia e Ciência de Alimentos - IBILCE

Irradiação e refrigeração na conservação de bananas prata e nanica climatizadas

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Aplicações de secagem para o aproveitamento de resíduos da banana, visando sua aplicação na indústria

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Avaliação da atividade preventiva da dieta enriquecida com banana verde (banana 'Nanica' Musa sp AAA) e de seus efeitos sinérgicos com a prednisolona no modelo de colite ulcerativa induzida por ácido trinitrobenzenosulfônico em ratos

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Avaliação de genótipos de bananeira (Musa sp.) em Botucatu -SP

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Qualidade e conservação de banana nanica irradiada, climatizada e refrigerada

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Popping expansion and yield responses of popcorn cultivars under different row spacings and plant populations

The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic traits and the popping expansion index of three Brazilian popcorn cultivars under different row spacings and plant populations. The trials were performed during two crop seasons, under field conditions. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block, in a split-split plot, with 27 treatments and four replicates. Treatments were represented in a triple factorial arrangement: three row spacings (0.40, 0.60, and 0.80 m), three plant populations (40,000, 60,000, and 80,000 plants per hectare), and three popcorn cultivars (IAC-TC 01, IAC 12, and Zelia). The increase in plant population causes a reduction in the number of grains per ear, lower prolificacy, and grain weight loss. Cultivar grain yield is affected by row spacing and popcorn plant population. Cultivar IAC 12 shows highest grain yield under row spacings of 0.40 and 0.60 m and plant population between 60,000 and 80,000 plants per hectare. The popping expansion index is not affected by row spacing or plant population.

Biological aspects of Aphis gossypii Glöver, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on colored lint cotton cultivars

This paper outlines the results of a study into the biological aspects of Aphis gossypii Glöver on colored cotton cultivars through the construction of life tables. In addition, we evaluate the influence of density of gossypol glands and trichomes of leaves on the biology of the aphid. Tests were conducted in a climate chamber at 25 ± 2°C, with relative humidity (RH) at 70 ± 10%, and a photophase of 12 hours, using the cultivars BRS Rubi, BRS Safira, and BRS Verde. Newly hatched nymphs were individually isolated in petri dishes containing leaf discs of cotton cultivars on a layer of water-agar (1%) of approximately 5 mm thick. An evaluation of the trichomes and gossypol gland densities of the cotton leaf plants was performed under a stereomicroscope, delimited to an area of 1 cm², and a count and identification of those on the surface was made. The feed substrates that were evaluated influenced the nymphal stage of A. gossypii. BRS Verde provided the shortest duration and BRS Safira was the longest during this phase. The cultivar BRS Verde, with the lowest density of trichomes, provided a large number of nymphs and led to a higher net reproductive rate (R0). Given these results, conclusions can be drawn that the colored cotton cultivars influence the duration of nymphal and adult stages of A. gossypii. The cultivar with a high density of trichomes on leaves (BRS Safira) adversely affects the fertility parameters of A. gossypii.