Condicionamento osmótico e qualidade de sementes de milho doce durante o armazenamento

Pós-graduação em Agronomia (Agricultura) - FCA

Reação de híbridos de milho à mancha-de-macrospora

Macrospora leaf spot, caused by the fungus Stenocarpella macrospora, has shown to be frequent and important among corn fields in Brazil. Genetic resistance is one of the main strategies to control corn leaf diseases. In Brazil, there is scarce information on the resistance of hybrids to Stenocarpella macrospora. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reaction of 25 corn hybrids to macrospora leaf spot. The experiment was conducted in 2011, in a greenhouse under controlled temperature and relative humidity conditions. Experimental design was completely randomized, with five replicates, each experimental unit consisting of a pot with five plants. Inoculation was done in the V2 growth stage (two fully expanded leaves), and the whorl of each plant received 2.0 mL suspension of 1.8 x 10(4) conidia mL-1 pathogen. The four used fungal isolates were obtained from infected crop residues at the municipalities Lages and Quilombo, Santa Catarina State, and Campinas do Sul and Vacaria, Rio Grande do Sul State. Disease severity was assessed at 21 days after inoculation in the V4 stage (four fully expanded leaves). No tested hybrid was totally resistant to the fungus S. macrospora. There was a significant difference in the disease severity between hybrids and fungal isolates. Hybrids inoculated with Quilombo isolate showed four reaction groups, while the isolates Vacaria, Lages and Campinas do Sul showed two groups. Some hybrids had varied behaviors against the isolates, suggesting different aggressiveness levels. There were hybrids that showed similar reaction to the isolates, suggesting greater stability for macrospora leaf spot.

Silagens de milho inoculadas microbiologicamente em diferentes estádios de maturidade: perdas fermentativas, composição bromatológica e digestibilidade in vitro

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar as perdas fermentativas, composição bromatológica e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica de silagens de milho produzidas em diferentes estádios de maturidade, inoculadas microbiologicamente. Aplicaram-se dois inoculantes comerciais nas silagens produzidas nos estádios SLL, 1/3 LL, 1/2 LL, 2/3 LL e CN, permanecendo ainda um tratamento sem inoculação (silagem controle), configurando um esquema fatorial 3x5. A inoculação com BAL resultou em menores perdas fermentativas (P=0,0348), ao passo que silagens produzidas com plantas mais secas também apresentam menores perdas de MS (P<0,01). A inoculação das silagens resultou em maiores concentrações de PB nas silagens produzidas nos estádios SLL, 2/3 LL e CN (P=0,0033). O uso do inoculante Maize All® resultou em menor concentração de FDN (P=0,0140) no estádio CN e acréscimo dos coeficientes de DIVMO quando as plantas foram colhidas com 2/3 LL e CN (P=0,0006). As perdas fermentativas diminuem devido à utilização dos inoculantes bacterianos e também em silagens produzidas com plantas mais secas. A aplicação de bactérias ácido-láticas (inoculante Maize All®) em silagens de milho produzidas com plantas em estádio de maturidade mais avançado melhora a composição química e digestibilidade in vitro.

Comportamento de híbridos de milho transgênicos e respectivos híbridos isogênicos convencionais em relação à infestação de Spodoptera Frugiperda (j. E. Smith,1727) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em duas localidades e épocas de semeadura

The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the most important pests of maize. Various studies are conducted for their management, integrating chemical and biological control tactics as well as resistant plants. In order to offer alternatives for an efficient management of this pest with minimal use of pesticides, the technology of genetically modified plants resistant to insects has been widely studied. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the natural infestation of larvae of S. frugiperda and their injuries under field conditions in transgenic maize hybrids compared to their conventional isogenic counterparts at two sowing dates and two regions. The hybrids were planted in the off season of 2010 in Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil, and the summer of 2010/2011 in Jaboticabal, and Pindorama, SP, in a randomized block with seven treatments (hybrids) and four replications. Different levels of infestation of larvae occurred throughout the phenological development of plants in conventional and genetically modified hybrids with significant differences between the two groups in most evaluations. The hybrid 2B710HX was the least infested with caterpillars and had the least damaged leaf area. It follows that the Cry1F toxin was the most effective in protecting the plant in relation to other toxic proteins expressed by the other Bt hybrids against infestation and damage promoted by this pest, regardless of time of sowing.

Decomposição da palhada de forrageiras em função da adubação nitrogenada após o consórcio com milho e produtividade da soja em sucessão

The objective of this study was to evaluate the straw decomposition of the Urochloa and Panicum after intercropped with corn and nitrogen fertilization, as well as, the agronomic performance of soybean in succession. The experiment was conducted in an Oxisol in Cerrado conditions under no-tillage eight years ago. After the corn harvest intercropped with grass and cutting of forage homogenization were applied N rates (0, 50, 100 and 200 kg ha-1 of N - urea source) in coverage. The plots consisted of Urochloa brizantha,Urochloa ruziziensis and Panicum maximum Tanzânia and Mombaça sown at the time of corn sowing and subplots composed by accumulated amounts of nitrogen applied in forage plants prior to the soybean cultivation (0, 250, 500 and 1000 kg ha-1 of N, after five cuts). The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications in a split plot. Soon after the last cut of the forage, proportionate amount of fresh mass of the species of each subplot was wrapped in nylon bags called Litter Bags, these being deposited in direct contact with the soil, to determine the time of decomposition of the dry mass during a period of 150 days. The nitrogen doses, as well as, the corn intercropped with forages (except with Mombaça) interfere similarly in the straw decomposition of forage and in the soybean yield in succession. All the consortiums of corn and nitrogen fertilization predecessors determined that, at 60 days after desiccation and cutting, still remained between 50 and 60% of the initial straw for no-tillage system.

Adubação nitrogenada em feijoeiro em sucessão a cultivo solteiro e consorciado de milho e Urochloa ruziziensis

The expansion of the no-tillage system, in Brazil, has increasingly diversified the ways in which the production methods are established and managed. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of preceding crops such as mayze and Urochloa ruziziensis, as well as their intercropping, in the presence and absence of seed inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense, and the cover nitrogen supplying on common bean development, production components and grain yield. The study was carried out in Selvíria, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, in the 2011/2012 crop season. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with four replications, in a 8x4 factorial scheme, with treatments consisting of a combination of cover crops (associations of mayze, U. ruziziensis and A. brasilense) and cover nitrogen doses on common bean (0 kg ha-1, 30 kg ha-1, 60 kg ha-1 and 90 kg ha-1). The preceding crops affected the common bean grain yield, with the mayze and Urochloa intercropping, both inoculated, being the best option. The initial common bean population was not affected by previous crops. The cover nitrogen application did not affect the common bean grain yield under winter irrigation, for the no-tillage system.

Absorção de nutrientes e alterações químicas em Latossolos cultivados com plantas de cobertura em rotação com soja e milho

The effects on soil chemical properties brought about by cover crops vary considerably. This study was conducted to evaluate nutrient uptake by five cover crops used for grain, seed and forage production at different seed densities per hectare, as well as uptake by spontaneous vegetation, and their effect on the chemical properties of two Oxisols when grown in rotation with soybean and corn. The experiments were set up in Votuporanga, SP, Brazil and Selvíria, MS, Brazil in March 2008 after conventional soil tillage. A randomized complete block experimental design was used with four replications with the following cover crops at different seed densities: Sorghum bicolor at 6, 7 and 8 kg ha-1; Pennisetum americanum at 10, 15 and 20 kg ha-1; Sorghum sudanense at 12, 15 and 18 kg ha-1; hybrid of Sorghum bicolor with Sorghum sudanense at 8, 9 and 10 kg ha-1; and Urochloa ruziziensis at 8, 12 and 16 kg ha-1. We also used a spontaneous vegetation control. After management of the cover crops, in the first year of study, soybean was sown in no-tillage system and, in the second year, corn was sown, also in a no-tillage system. We evaluated the dry matter yield of different cover crops, nutrient uptake by the cover crops, and the chemical changes in the soil. It was found that in clayey soils with high aluminum content, as in Selvíria, sudan grass at a seed density of 18 kg ha-1, and sorghum at a seed density of 6 kg ha-1, in combination with liming, contributed to reduction of aluminum content and high potential acidity and an increase in base saturation. The different seed densities of each cover crop did not affect the dry matter yield of the cover crop itself, but affected nitrogen uptake of the hybrid Sorghum bicolor with Sorghum sudanense at a seed density of 10 kg ha-1, with lower uptake than at a seed density of 8 kg ha-1. Seed density also affected the organic matter content in the soil with sudan grass, with the seed density of 15 kg ha-1 providing more organic matter content than a seed density of 18 kg ha-1.

Produtividade do milho em condições de diferentes manejos do solo e de doses de nitrogênio

Research has been conducted to identify the best nitrogen (N) rate for maize in most diverse types of soil management. However, there is no agreement on the results, once the dynamic of N is influenced by soil management and cover crops. This study evaluated dry mass production and nutrient uptake by cover crops, agronomic parameters and grain yield of maize in response to soil management and N rates. Field trials were carried out in Selvíria, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, in the growing seasons of 2009/2010 and 2010/2011, on a clayey Rhodic Haplustox (20º 20' S and 51º 24' W, 340 m asl). Thirty-six treatments were established with four replications, in a randomized blocks design, with the combination of cover crops (millet, Crotalaria juncea and millet + Crotalaria juncea), soil management systems (tillage with chisel plow + lightweight disking, heavy disking + lightweight disking, and no-tillage) and topdressing N rates (0, 60, 90 e 120 kg ha-1 - urea as source). Maize hybrid DKB 350 YG® was used and N applied at stage V5 (fifth expanded leaf). A linear increase with the increase of N rates was observed for chlorophyll leaf index, leaf N content, ear length and diameter, and grain weight and yield. Previously grown sunn hemp and millet + sunn hemp grown, associated with 120 kg ha-1 N for maize, induced a higher grain yield after two growing seasons.

Coberturas vegetais, manejo do solo, doses de nitrogênio e seus efeitos na nutrição mineral e nos atributos agronômicos do milho

Research has investigated the best nitrogen rate for maize under the most diverse types of soil management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of cover crops, soil management and topdressed N rates on the dry matter production, nutritional status, plant lodging, plant height and first-ear insertion of maize. Field experiments were carried out in Selvíria, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, in the growing seasons of 2009/2010 and 2010/2011, on a clayey Rhodic Haplustox (20º 20' S and 51º 24' W, at 340 m asl). Thirty-six treatments were established with four replications, in a randomized blocks design, to test combinations of cover crops (millet, Crotalaria juncea and millet + Crotalaria juncea), soil management (tillage with chisel plow + lightweight disking, heavy disking + lightweight disking, and no-tillage system) and N rates (0, 60, 90 e 120 kg ha-1 - urea as source). The maize hybrid DKB 350 YG® was used and topdressing N applied at stage V5 (fifth expanded leaf). Previously grown sunn hemp and millet + sunn hemp resulted in a higher shoot dry matter, P leaf content and total N, P and K uptake. In the no-tillage system, the initial and final population and shoot dry were highest, and first-ear insertion and plant height lower. The application of 120 kg ha-1 topdressed N increased the P leaf content, N and P in the entire plant, shoot dry matter, total N, P and K uptake, plant height, and the first-ear insertion of maize.

Infecção por Fusarium graminearum e Fusarium verticillioides em sementes de milho

The previous knowledge of the infection process and pathogens behavior, for evaluating the physiological potential of maize seeds, is essential for decision making on the final destination of lots that can endanger sowing. This research was carried out in order to study the minimum period required for maize seeds contamination by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe and Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg, as well as these pathogens influence on seed germination and vigor, by using the cold test. Three maize seeds hybrids, kept in contact with the pathogens for different periods, were evaluated with and without surface disinfection. After determining the most suitable period, new samples were contaminated by F. graminearum and F. verticillioides, under different infection levels, and subjected to germination tests in sand. The cold test was conducted with healthy and contaminated seeds, at different periods, in a cold chamber. The contact of maize seeds with F. graminearum and F. verticillioides for 16 hours was enough to cause infection. F. graminearum and F. verticillioides did not affect the maize seeds germination, however, F. graminearum reduced the vigor of seeds lots.

Qualidade fisiológica de sementes de milho doce classificadas pela espessura e largura

Sweet maize seeds present lower physiologic quality, when compared to regular maize seeds, due to the influence of several features, such as the seed size and shape. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the seed physiologic quality of two sweet maize cultivars (BR-401 and BR-402), separately classified according to thickness, by using slotted screen sieves (8/64 x 3/4, 9/64 x 3/4, 10/64 x 3/4, 11/64 x 3/4, 12/64 x 3/4 and 13/64 x 3/4), and width, with round screen sieves (17/64, 18/64, 19/64, 20/64, 21/64 and 22/64). For each cultivar, sorted lots were compared with the unrated batch, following a completely randomized design, in a 2x7 factorial scheme, with four replications. The biometric parameters evaluated were sieve retention, 100 seeds weight and water content. The physiologic quality was determined according to the first counting, germination, cold test, accelerated aging, electric conductivity and seedling emergence in the field. The classification with sieves improved the physiologic quality of sweet maize seeds. Seeds with intermediate thickness, for both cultivars, generally presented greater vigor. Concerning width, larger seeds, for the BR-401 cultivar, and intermediate seeds, for the BR-402 cultivar, showed better physiologic quality.

Desempenho agronômico de feijão‑caupi e milho semeados em faixas na safrinha

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho agronômico de cultivares de feijão‑caupi e de milho, em monocultivo e em cultivo consorciado em faixas, na safrinha. Foram realizados experimentos, em Dourados, MS (2009 e 2010), e em Botucatu, SP (2010). Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas e quatro repetições. As parcelas com feijão‑caupi foram constituídas por três sistemas de cultivo (em faixas com variedade ou híbrido de milho, além do cultivo solteiro) e as subparcelas, por três cultivares de feijão‑caupi (BRS Guariba, BRS Novaera e BRS Xiquexique). As parcelas com milho foram constituídas por duas cultivares de milho (variedade BR 473 e híbrido BRS 1030 ou BRS 1010), e as subparcelas, por quatro sistemas de cultivo (em faixas com as três cultivares de feijão‑caupi e solteiro). O sistema de consórcio em faixas consistiu de quatro fileiras de feijão‑caupi com quatro fileiras de milho. O consórcio proporcionou um uso mais eficiente da terra. As cultivares de feijão‑caupi apresentaram desempenho produtivo semelhante entre si, quando cultivadas em faixas com o milho. O híbrido de milho é mais produtivo que a variedade, tanto no cultivo solteiro quanto no consorciado.

Épocas de aplicação de nitrogênio em feijoeiro cultivado após milho solteiro ou consorciado com braquiária

The objective of this work was to evaluate the common bean response to N application timing, under no-tillage system, after single corn or intercropped with palisade grass. A randomized complete block experimental design was used in a split-plot arrangement, with four replicates. Plots consisted of: single corn crop or corn intercropped with palisade grass, in two summer cropping seasons precedent to common bean sowing. Subplots consisted of: 100 kg ha-1 N application in three times - before sowing, at sowing, and at side-dressing - and a control treatment without N application. Nitrogen fertilization on common bean increased leaf-N content, the number of pods per plant, and grain yield (33% in the average application timing), only in the cropping after single corn. By providing large mass production and by N cycling, the cultivation of palisade grass intercropped with corn reduced N requirement of common bean in succession, in comparison to previous sole corn cultivation. Early N application before or during common bean sowing time provides grain yield similar to the observed one in the side-dressing application.

Crescimento de Brachiaria plantaginea e Raphanus raphanistrum em convivência com híbridos de milho submetidos a períodos de controle das plantas daninhas

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of corn hybrid cultivation and weed control periods on the population and growth of the weeds B. plantaginea and R. raphanistrum. The trial was set at Universidade Estadual the São Paulo (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, São Paulo - Brazil. A completely randomized block design with four replications was used. The treatments were arranged in a factorial scheme with four corn hybrids (C701, DINA170, XL678, and C125) and four manual weed control periods [a. 15 days after emergence (DAE); b. 15 and 30 DAE; c. 15, 30 and 45 DAE, and d. weedy]. The hybrids DINA170 and C125 significantly decreased the density of B. plantaginea. The hybrids C701, DINA170 and XL678 affected the growth of the plants, but they did not affect the emergence of new plants of R. raphanistrum. Hand-hoeing at 15 DAE decreased the dry matter weight of the weeds B. lantaginea and R. raphanistrum by 93.1%, 95.4% and 89.2%, respectively, at harvest of the four hybrids.

Épocas e extensões do período de convivência das plantas daninhas interferindo na produtividade da cultura do milho (Zea mays)

Q field experiment was carried out at the Gralha Azul Experimental Farm/PUCPR, in the municipality of Fazenda Rio Grande-PR, to evaluate the effect of different times and coexistence extension periods of weeds interfering in corn yield. The experiment was arranged in a complete randomized complete block design and the treatments in a 4x5+2 factorial, with four replications. The treatments were as follows: four initial weed control periods (0-0, 0-7, 0-14 and 0-21 DAE) and five restarted weed control periods until the harvest (28, 42, 56, 70 and 84 DAE) and two checks, weedy and weed-free. The experiment was carried out under a no-till system. The period prior to weed interference (PBWI), the start of the critical period of weed interference (CPWI) and the infesting community were evaluated. When the initial weed control period was 0-0 day, the PPWI was at 9 DAE of corn; however, with increasing initial weed control periods (0-7, 0-14 and 0-21 DAE) the period prior to weed interference inncreased in relation to 0-0 day of the initial weed control, evidencing the existence of PPWI-S of 17, 24 and 28 DAE of corn, respectively. Thus CPWI initiates at the end of PPWI-S, the period when weed control is indispensable to prevent a significant reduction in corn yield. Coexistance with the weeds throughout the crop cycle reduced yield in 15%, compared to the weed-free check. Nine species of seven botanical families were assessed in the infesting community. Reduced density and dry mass were verified in the weeds that coexisted with corn, compared to those that grew without it, thus evidencing a suppressive effect of corn over the infesting plants.