Ambientes de cultivo, recipientes e substratos na produção de biomassa foliar e radicular em mudas de maracujazeiro amarelo em Aquidauana - MS

The objective of the work was to evaluate the effects of environment, recipients, and substrate compositions in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Deg.) seedlings biomass production in Pantanal region from September to November of 2006. Experimental trials were conducted in four protected environments, in two types of containers and three different substrate compositions. The environments were: A1 (greenhouse covered with low-density, 150-microns-thick polyethylene film), A2 (monofilament black screened with mesh for 50% of shade), A3 (aluminized screened with mesh for 50% of shade) and A4 (environment covered with straw of native coconut palm); the recipients were: polyethylene bags (R1) (15 x 25 cm) and polystyrene trays (R2) (with 72 cells). There substrates were: S1 (soil + organic compost + vermiculite, 1:1: 1 v/v), S2 (soil + organic compost + sawdust, 1:1: 1 v/v) and S3 (soil + organic compost + vermiculite + sawdust, 1:1: 1/2: 1/2 v/v). The experimental design was completely randomized statistical analysis in split-split-plot, with fifteen replications. The treatments in the plot were environments, in the subplots were pots, and subsubplots were substrates (4 x 2 x 3 = 24 treatments). Fresh and dry mass of aerial and root system parts were evaluated. Environments with screen showed better results for seedlings of yellow passion fruit biomass in polyethylene bags. Polyethylene bags promoted higher biomasses. The substrate with vermiculite showed better results for both types of containers. The substrate with a higher percentage of sawdust showed the worst result.

Estimation and prediction of parameters and breeding values in soybean using REML/BLUP and Least Squares

The aim of this study was to compare REML/BLUP and Least Square procedures in the prediction and estimation of genetic parameters and breeding values in soybean progenies. F(2:3) and F(4:5) progenies were evaluated in the 2005/06 growing season and the F(2:4) and F(4:6) generations derived thereof were evaluated in 2006/07. These progenies were originated from two semi-early, experimental lines that differ in grain yield. The experiments were conducted in a lattice design and plots consisted of a 2 m row, spaced 0.5 m apart. The trait grain yield per plot was evaluated. It was observed that early selection is more efficient for the discrimination of the best lines from the F(4) generation onwards. No practical differences were observed between the least square and REML/BLUP procedures in the case of the models and simplifications for REML/BLUP used here.

Response of watermelon cultivated under different levels of water and nitrogen

The effect of four irrigation levels (50; 75; 100 and 150% of the evaporation in the class A pan) and four levels of N (0,075; 0, 150; 0,225 and 0,300 kg(-1)), were evaluated on productivity and components of production of the watermelon `Charleston Gray`. The experiment was conducted under field conditions, from October/2003 to January/2004, using a randomized split-plot design, with the factor depths in plot and depths of N in split-plot. It was verified that the factors water and nitrogen presented a highly significant effect in the yield of watermelon, while the interaction among the factors was not significant. The maximum productivity of the watermelon (68.59 Mg ha(-1)) was obtained with 421 mm of water and 267 kg ha(-1) of N. The water was more efficiently used with increments in dosage of N, being the maximum value observed of 279.54 kg ha(-1) mm(-1), obtained with a depth of water of 205 mm and a depths of N of 225 kg ha(-1). The maximum efficiency of the use of the water for the nitro en was 221 kg ha(-1) mm(-1), for 249 kg ha(-1) of N. The sugar content of the watermelon, measured in degrees Brix, was affected by the depths of irrigation, depths of N and by its interactions.

Caries-preventive Efficacy and Retention of a Resin-modified Glass lonomer Cement and a Resin-based Fissure Sealant: A 3-year Split-mouth Randomised Clinical Trial

Purpose: This prospective clinical trial compared the retention rate and caries-preventive efficacy of two types of sealant modalities over a 3-year period. Materials and Methods: Using a split-mouth randomised design, 1280 sealants were randomly applied on sound permanent second molars of 320 young patients aged between 12 and 16 years. Half of the teeth (n = 640) were sealed with a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) (Vitremer (TM), 3M ESPE) and the other half (n = 640) with a conventional light-cure, resin-based fissure sealant (LCRB) (Fluoroshield (R), Dentsply Caulk). Teeth were evaluated at baseline, 6-, 12-, 18-, 24-, 30- and 36-month intervals with regard to retention and new caries development. Results: On the sealed occlusal surfaces after 3 years, 5.10% of RMGIC and 91.08% of LCRB sealants were totally intact and 6.37% of RMGIC and 7.65% of LCRB sealants were partially intact. New caries lesions were found in 20.06% of RMGIC sealed occlusal surfaces, compared to 8.91% for LCRB sealants. Conclusions: The findings of the present clinical study suggest that RMGIC should be used only as a transitional sealant that can be applied to newly erupting teeth throughout the eruptive process, whereas LCRB sealants are used to successfully prevent occlusal caries lesions once an effective rubber dam can be achieved. It can be concluded that there are differences between the RMGIC and LCRB sealants over a 3-year period in terms of the retention rate and caries-preventive efficacy. RMGIC can serve as a simple and economic sealing solution, however provisional. Due to its poor retention rate, periodic recalls are necessary, even after 6 months, to eventually replace the lost sealant.

Tillage and traffic effects on runoff

Traffic and tillage effects on runoff and crop performance on a heavy clay soil were investigated over a period of 4 years. Tillage treatments and the cropping program were representative of broadacre grain production practice in northern Australia, and a split-plot design used to isolate traffic effects. Treatments subject to zero, minimum, and stubble mulch tillage each comprised pairs of 90-m 2 plots, from which runoff was recorded. A 3-m-wide controlled traffic system allowed one of each pair to be maintained as a non-wheeled plot, while the total surface area of the other received a single annual wheeling treatment from a working 100-kW tractor. Rainfall/runoff hydrographs demonstrate that wheeling produced a large and consistent increase in runoff, whereas tillage produced a smaller increase. Treatment effects were greater on dry soil, but were still maintained in large and intense rainfall events on wet soil. Mean annual runoff from wheeled plots was 63 mm (44%) greater than that from controlled traffic plots, whereas runoff from stubble mulch tillage plots was 38 mm (24%) greater than that from zero tillage plots. Traffic and tillage effects appeared to be cumulative, so the mean annual runoff from wheeled stubble mulch tilled plots, representing conventional cropping practice, was more than 100 mm greater than that from controlled traffic zero tilled plots, representing best practice. This increased infiltration was reflected in an increased yield of 16% compared with wheeled stubble mulch. Minimum tilled plots demonstrated a characteristic midway between that of zero and stubble mulch tillage. The results confirm that unnecessary energy dissipation in the soil during the traction process that normally accompanies tillage has a major negative effect on infiltration and crop productivity. Controlled traffic farming systems appear to be the only practicable solution to this problem.

Levene tests of homogeneity of variance for general block and treatment designs

This article develops a weighted least squares version of Levene's test of homogeneity of variance for a general design, available both for univariate and multivariate situations. When the design is balanced, the univariate and two common multivariate test statistics turn out to be proportional to the corresponding ordinary least squares test statistics obtained from an analysis of variance of the absolute values of the standardized mean-based residuals from the original analysis of the data. The constant of proportionality is simply a design-dependent multiplier (which does not necessarily tend to unity). Explicit results are presented for randomized block and Latin square designs and are illustrated for factorial treatment designs and split-plot experiments. The distribution of the univariate test statistic is close to a standard F-distribution, although it can be slightly underdispersed. For a complex design, the test assesses homogeneity of variance across blocks, treatments, or treatment factors and offers an objective interpretation of residual plot.

Field hydraulic properties of an Alfisol under various fallow systems in southwestern Nigeria

The effects of various fallow management systems and cropping intensities on water infiltration were measured on an Alfisol at Ibadan in southwestern Nigeria. The objective was to determine the influence of the land use systems (a combination of crop-fallow sequences and intercropping types) on soil hydraulic properties obtained by disc permeameter and double-ring infiltration measurements. The experiment was established in 1989 as a split-plot design with four replications. The main plots were natural fallow, planted Pueraria phaseoloides and planted Leucaena leucocephala. The subplots were 1 year of maize/cassava intercrop followed by 3-year fallow (25% cropping intensity), or 2-year fallow (33% cropping intensity), or 1-year fallow (50% cropping intensity), or no fallow period (100% cropping intensity). Water infiltration rates and sorptivities were measured under saturated and unsaturated flow. Irrespective of land use, infiltration rates at the soil surface (121-324 cm h(-1)) were greater than those measured at 30 cm depth (55-144 cm h(-1)). This indicated that fewer large pores were present below 30 cm depth compared with 0-30 cm, depth. Despite some temporal variation, sorptivities with the highest mean value of 93.5 cm h(-1/2) increased as the cropping intensity decreased, suggesting a more continuous macropore system under less intensive land use systems. This was most likely due to continuous biopores created by perennial vegetation under long fallow systems. Intercropped maize and cassava yields also increased as cropping intensity decreased. The weak relationship between crop yields and hydraulic conductivity/infiltration rates suggests that the rates were not limiting.

Efeito da restrição hídrica sobre o crescimento de clones de eucalipto

O estabelecimento e o crescimento inicial de espécies florestais no campo são fortemente afetados pela disponibilidade de água no solo e pela época de plantio, por isso, o presente trabalho estuda o impacto do déficit hídrico no crescimento de mudas de dois clones do híbrido Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla, ambos submetidos a 4 níveis de déficit hídrico, em duas épocas de plantio. O estudo foi realizado na área experimental do Núcleo de Estudos e Difusão de Tecnologia em Florestas, Recursos Hídricos e Agricultura Sustentável (NEDTEC), do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (CCA-UFES), localizado no município de Jerônimo Monteiro. O trabalho foi realizado em duas épocas distintas, sendo a primeira no período de 09 de fevereiro a 09 de junho de 2009 e a segunda no período de 11 de julho a 07 de novembro de 2009, visando à realização das observações em diferentes condições de regime de radiação, déficit de pressão do vapor do ar, temperatura, umidade relativa do ar e velocidade do vento. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso em parcelas subdivididas 2 x 4, alocando-se os 4 níveis de déficits hídricos na parcela principal e as 2 épocas nas subparcelas, com três repetições. Os manejos hídricos aplicados foram: Déficit 0 (D0) sem déficit, Déficit 1(D1) corte da irrigação aos 30 dias de experimentação, permanecendo até o final do experimento, Déficit 2 (D2) corte da irrigação aos 30 dias de experimentação, suspensão da irrigação por 60 dias e posterior retomada da irrigação por mais 30 dias; Déficit 3 (D3) corte da irrigação aos 60 dias de experimentação, prolongando até o final do experimento. Os dados experimentais foram submetidos à análise de variância, e quando significativas, as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de média Tukey a 5% de probabilidade, para cada clone estudado. Com este trabalho, foi possível avaliar o impacto de diferentes déficits hídricos, no crescimento inicial das plantas, em duas épocas do ano e avaliar o incremento no desenvolvimento das plantas durante a aplicação dos tratamentos, com retiradas de amostras médias de cada tratamento a cada 30 dias. As variáveis medidas nos dois experimentos foram altura total da planta, diâmetro ao nível do coleto, número de folhas, área foliar, matéria seca de folhas, matéria seca de haste e ramos, matéria seca de raízes e matéria seca total. Foram avaliadas as variáveis climáticas durante todo o período experimental, nas duas épocas, a fim de determinar a condição do clima em cada época. Para os dois clones estudados, em geral, os déficits hídricos promoveram a redução das variáveis morfológicas estudadas e a época experimental foi o fator que mais influenciou a redução do crescimento das plantas. Sendo que a Época 1 foi a que proporcionou resultados superiores, e a Época 2 foi a que prejudicou mais o desenvolvimento das plantas, reduzindo significativamente todas as variáveis morfológicas em todos os déficits hídricos, inclusive o D0.

Efeito da restrição hídrica sobre o crescimento de clones de eucalipto

O estabelecimento e o crescimento inicial de espécies florestais no campo são fortemente afetados pela disponibilidade de água no solo e pela época de plantio, por isso, o presente trabalho estuda o impacto do déficit hídrico no crescimento de mudas de dois clones do híbrido Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla, ambos submetidos a 4 níveis de déficit hídrico, em duas épocas de plantio. O estudo foi realizado na área experimental do Núcleo de Estudos e Difusão de Tecnologia em Florestas, Recursos Hídricos e Agricultura Sustentável (NEDTEC), do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (CCA-UFES), localizado no município de Jerônimo Monteiro. O trabalho foi realizado em duas épocas distintas, sendo a primeira no período de 09 de fevereiro a 09 de junho de 2009 e a segunda no período de 11 de julho a 07 de novembro de 2009, visando à realização das observações em diferentes condições de regime de radiação, déficit de pressão do vapor do ar, temperatura, umidade relativa do ar e velocidade do vento. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso em parcelas subdivididas 2 x 4, alocando-se os 4 níveis de déficits hídricos na parcela principal e as 2 épocas nas subparcelas, com três repetições. Os manejos hídricos aplicados foram: Déficit 0 (D0) sem déficit, Déficit 1(D1) corte da irrigação aos 30 dias de experimentação, permanecendo até o final do experimento, Déficit 2 (D2) corte da irrigação aos 30 dias de experimentação, suspensão da irrigação por 60 dias e posterior retomada da irrigação por mais 30 dias; Déficit 3 (D3) corte da irrigação aos 60 dias de experimentação, prolongando até o final do experimento. Os dados experimentais foram submetidos à análise de variância, e quando significativas, as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de média Tukey a 5% de probabilidade, para cada clone estudado. Com este trabalho, foi possível avaliar o impacto de diferentes déficits hídricos, no crescimento inicial das plantas, em duas épocas do ano e avaliar o incremento no desenvolvimento das plantas durante a aplicação dos tratamentos, com retiradas de amostras médias de cada tratamento a cada 30 dias. As variáveis medidas nos dois experimentos foram altura total da planta, diâmetro ao nível do coleto, número de folhas, área foliar, matéria seca de folhas, matéria seca de haste e ramos, matéria seca de raízes e matéria seca total. Foram avaliadas as variáveis climáticas durante todo o período experimental, nas duas épocas, a fim de determinar a condição do clima em cada época. Para os dois clones estudados, em geral, os déficits hídricos promoveram a redução das variáveis morfológicas estudadas e a época experimental foi o fator que mais influenciou a redução do crescimento das plantas. Sendo que a Época 1 foi a que proporcionou resultados superiores, e a Época 2 foi a que prejudicou mais o desenvolvimento das plantas, reduzindo significativamente todas as variáveis morfológicas em todos os déficits hídricos, inclusive o D0.

Cobertura permanente de solo com leguminosas herbáceas perenes no cultivo de bananeiras no médio Vale do Jequitinhonha

A região da Caatinga é caracterizada pelas altas temperaturas durante o ano e má distribuição das chuvas. Em virtude desses fatores de clima regional, tem-se a necessidade de adoção por práticas que elevem à eficiência e sustentabilidade agrícola local. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a aptidão de leguminosas herbáceas perenes como cobertura permanente de solo no cultivo de bananeira. Foram conduzidos três experimentos, para avaliação das leguminosas, utilizou-se um delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no espaço e para algumas variáveis, sub-subdividida no tempo, sendo: Fator “A” os dois diferentes ambientes de plantio: municípios de Itaobim/MG e Virgem da Lapa/MG; Fator “B”, nas subparcelas, dois manejos de cobertura do solo e para algumas variáveis, três manejos, constituídos pelas leguminosas: cudzu tropical (Pueraria phaseoloides) calopogônio (Calopogonium mucunoides) e solo descoberto (solo capinado); Fator “C” épocas de coleta de dados. Para avaliação das bananeiras, foram dois experimentos em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, em esquema de parcelas sudivididas no espaço, sendo: nas parcelas, fator “A” constituído por três manejos de cobertura do solo, pelas leguminosas: cudzu tropical e o calopogônio, e solo descoberto (solo capinado); fator “B”, nas subparcelas, plantas de bananeiras em três idades morfofisiológicas (diferentes ciclos e tamanhos); Para algumas variáveis que foram submetidas a coletas periódicas, utilizou-se o esquema de parcelas subsubdivididas no tempo, acrescentando-se o fator “C”, datas das coletas nas sub-subparcelas, tendo como referência os dias após semeadura (DAS) das leguminosas. Foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: taxa de cobertura do solo; potencial de deposição de folhas e a ciclagem de nutrientes; capacidade de inibição da vegetação espontânea; conservação da temperatura e promoção da retenção de umidade do solo. Também foi avaliado o crescimento vegetativo e produtividade das bananeiras. Como resultados principais, notou-se que as leguminosas proporcionaram eficiente cobertura do solo, o calopogônio apresentou o maior acúmulo de N, P, K, e Ca, via deposição de material senescente, tal como maior inibição das plantas espontâneas nos pomares de bananeiras. Essa cobertura também promoveu uma eficiente redução da temperatura do solo, possibilitando menor variação térmica nas camadas de maior concentração radicular da bananeira, e consequentemente, obtendo maior acúmulo de umidade no solo. As bananeiras cultivadas sobre coberturas vivas de solo apresentaram aumento gradativo no crescimento e peso de cacho. Os resultados reforçam o potencial uso dessas espécies na fruticultura, principalmente em regiões de severas restrições hídricas, como forma de adubação e otimização de diversos processos biológicos em seu ambiente de cultivo.

Morphology and stability of aggregates of an Oxisol according to tillage system and gypsum application

Morphological characterization and aggregate stability is an important factor in evaluating management systems. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the stability and morphology of the aggregates of a dystrophic Oxisol managed with no-tillage and conventional tillage with and without the residual action of gypsum. The experimental design was randomized blocks arranged in split-split plot, where the treatments were two soil management systems (plots) with 0 and 2000 kg ha-1 of gypsum (subplots) and five depths (0-0.05, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.15, 0.15-0.20 and 0.20-0.30 m) as the subsubplots, with four replications. The aggregate morphology was determined through images and later evaluated by the Quantporo software. Stability was determined by the wet method. The results showed that the no-tillage system, with or without gypsum residual effect, provided the aggregates with the largest geometric diameters. The combination of no-tillage system and the gypsum residual effect provided rougher aggregates.

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 short-term? 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.

Methods to classify maize cultivars in use efficiency and response to nitrogen

n plant breeding programs that aim to obtain cultivars with nitrogen (N) use efficiency, the focus is on methods of selection and experimental procedures that present low cost, fast response, high repeatability, and can be applied to a large number of cultivars. Thus, the objectives of this study were to classify maize cultivars regarding their use efficiency and response to N in a breeding program, and to validate the methodology with contrasting doses of the nutrient. The experimental design was a randomized block with the treatments arranged in a split-plot scheme with three replicates and five N doses (0, 30, 60, 120 and 200 kg ha-1) in the plots, and six cultivars in subplots. We compared a method examining the efficiency and response (ER) with two contrasting doses of N. After that, the analysis of variance, mean comparison and regression analysis were performed. In conclusion, the method of the use efficiency and response based on two N levels classifies the cultivars in the same way as the regression analysis, and it is appropriate in plant breeding routine. Thus, it is necessary to identify the levels of N required to discriminate maize cultivars in conditions of low and high N availability in plant breeding programs that aim to obtain efficient and responsive cultivars. Moreover, the analysis of the interaction genotype x environment at experiments with contrasting doses is always required, even when the interaction is not significant.

Molybdenum mixed with glyphosate and alone via foliar spray in no-tillage common bean grown on corn stover

The effect of molybdenum (Mo) on common bean grown in desiccated corn stover in a no-tillage system was evaluated under two application modes: Mo mixed with the desiccant glyphosate and Mo direct spray to the bean leaves. The treatments (four replicates) were assigned to a completely randomized block design in a split-plot arrangement with the application of Mo (0, 100, 200, 400 and 800 g ha-1) mixed with glyphosate in the main plots and Mo foliar spray (0 and 100 g ha-1) in the sub-plots. The field experiments were carried out in 2009 and 2010 in the municipality of Coimbra, Minas Gerais State, with the common bean cultivar Ouro Vermelho. Mo mixed with glyphosate had neither an effect on common bean yield nor on the Mo and N contents in leaves, however it increased the Mo and N contents in seeds. Application of Mo via foliar spray increased Mo content in leaves and Mo and N contents in seeds. The reapplication of molybdenum with glyphosate for desiccation in subsequent crops caused a cumulative effect of Mo content in bean seeds.

Phytomass production and nutrient accumulation by green manure species

Green manuring is recognized as a viable alternative to improve nutrient cycling in soils. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytomass production and nutrient accumulation in shoots of the summer green manures jack bean [Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC.], dwarf pigeon pea (Cajanus cajanvar var. Flavus DC.), dwarf mucuna [Mucuna deeringiana (Bort) Merr] and sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), under nitrogen fertilization and/or inoculation with N-fixing bacteria. A split plot design was arranged with the four Fabaceae species as main plots and nitrogen fertilization (with and without) and inoculation with diazotrophic bacteria (with and without) as the subplots, in a 2² factorial. The experiment was arranged as a randomized complete block design with four replications. In the conditions of this trial, the sunn hemp had the highest production of shoot phytomass (12.4 Mg ha-1) and nutrient accumulation, while the dwarf mucuna had the lowest production of shoot phytomass (3.9 Mg ha-1) and nutrient accumulation. The results showed no effect of nitrogen fertilization or inoculation with N-fixing bacteria on the production of shoot phytomass and nutrient accumulation, except for inoculation without nitrogen fertilization, resulting in greater P accumulation (p <0.05) in the sunn hemp and greater Zn and Mn accumulation in the dwarf mucuna. These findings indicate that N fertilization or inoculation with N2-fixing bacteria for Fabaceae are low efficiency practices in the edaphoclimatic conditions of this study.