Regulated deficit irrigation and tommy atkins mango orchard productivity under microsprinkling in brazilian semi arid

This study aimed to test controlled levels of water deficiency in soil in mango trees, under microsprinkling irrigation, in semi-arid conditions, and to evaluate its effect in the productivity and fruits quality. The deficits were applied in the phases I, II and III of growth of the fruit, during the productive cycles of the mango tree in 2006 and 2007. The experiment in both cases was arranged in an entirely random design with 10 treatments and 3 repetitions, in the year I, and with 8 treatments and 3 repetitions in the year II. The values of soil water potential, of the treatments submitted to regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), were placed in the range of 0 to -0.011 MPa, showing that the soil humidity varied between the saturation and the field capacity, not characterizing deficit water condition. The average values of stem water potential (Ψstem) varied between -0.90 and -1.74 MPa, evidencing significant effect (p <0.05) just for T1 (without irrigation), T7 and T8 (RDI with 30% of the ETc in the phases II and III, respectively). Through the variance analysis, significant differences were not verified among productivity, number of fruits per plant and size of the fruit, in none of the experiments, what indicates the possibility of reduction of the water use in the irrigation of the mango tree without significant losses of productivity and fruit quality.

Broiler breeder hen performance and egg hatchability during rainy season in Brazilian semi-arid region

Henhouse thermal comfort and bird age influence broiler breeder hen productivity; this way, the present research aimed to assess thermal comfort indexes and broiler breeder hen performance during winter in North East semi-arid region from Brazil, using a Cobb Avian 48 broiler strain at the age of 38 and 50 weeks. We measured the following bioclimatic indexes: air temperature and relative humidity, black globe temperature and humidity, CO2 concentration and sound pressure levels at henhouse facility. Data analysis design was complete randomized in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme with three treatments (months) and three replications (week number of collection by month). A number of 25 climatic data were observed. Bioclimatic indexes at the most warm hours throughout the day promoted bird discomfort yet sound pressure and carbon dioxide levels were under the Brazilian standards. Even in thermal comfort zone at some hours, the productivity indexes were in compliance with those recommended by the strain creation guidebook.

Thermal efficiency of individual shelters for girolando calves in brazilian semi-arid regions

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to evaluate the thermal efficiency of roofs used on individual shelters during milk-feeding stage of Girolando calves. The research was conducted at a farm located in a dry region of Pernambuco state, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 27 Holstein × Gir dairy crossbred calves housed in shelters with three roofing materials (fibre cement tile, recycled tile, and thatched roofs). The recycled tiles and thatched roofs provided reductions of 18.7 and 14.6% in radiant thermal load, respectively. Regardless the roofing material, all animals increased their respiratory rate to maintain thermal equilibrium.

Weed community and growth under the canopy of trees adapted to the brazilian semi-arid region

The objectives of this work were to evaluate the floristic composition and dry biomass of weeds under the canopy of seven perennial species adapted to the Semi-Arid region of Brazil, and correlate these characteristics with growth traits of the perennial species. The following perennial species were evaluated in two experiments (E1 and E2): mesquite (Prosopis juliflora), jucá (Caesalpinia ferrea), white popinac (Leucaena leucocephala), mofumbo (Combretum leprosum), neem (Azadirachata indica), sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia) and tamarind (Tamarindus indica). In E1, the seven species were evaluated in a random block design with four replicates and nine plants per plot. In E2, evaluation comprised four species (mesquite, jucá, white popinac, and tamarind) in a random block design with eight replicates and nine plants per plot. A circle with an area of 1.77 m² was established around the trunk of each plant, two years after they were transplanted to the permanent location. The weeds collected within this circle were cut even with the ground, classified and weighed. At this time, plant height, and crown and stem diameters were evaluated in all trees of each plot. In E1 there were no differences between tree species as to weed frequency under their canopies; however, weed growth was smaller under the canopy of sabiá trees. Mesquite and sabiá had the greatest plant height and crown diameter means, but only sabiá had the greatest stem diameter. In E2, the perennial species were not different with regard to weed frequency and growth under their canopies, but mesquite had the greatest growth, as measured by plant height (with significant results for jucá as well) and crown and stem diameter.

Influence of condensed tannins from Brazilian semi-arid legumes on ruminal degradability, microbial colonization and ruminal enzymatic activity in Saanen goats

The present study aimed at determining the influence of condensed tannins present in the Brazilian legume species Mimosa hostilis, Mimosa caesalpinifolia and Bauhinia cheilantha on ruminal degradability, microbial colonization and enzymatic activity. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to reduce the astringency and concentration of soluble condensed tannins. Four ruminally-cannulated Saanen goats (60 +/- 8 kg BW) were fed, in two experimental periods, with a hay diet based on the studied legumes treated or non-treated with PEG. Voluntary intake, microbial colonization, DM, CP, NDF, and ruminal degradability of PEG treated and non-treated forage leaves, as well as pH, ammonia and 1,4 P-endoglucanase activity of the rumen content were evaluated. Astringency and soluble tannin concentration of the studied legumes were reduced by approximately 70% and 50%, respectively, with PEG treatment. Average DM intake was higher for the treated diet (16.76 g DM/kg BW/day against 13.06 g DM/kg BW/day). Percentile values for degradation parameters and for potential and effective degradabilities of DM, CP and NDF were also affected by the tannins, but at different intensities. Electron microscopic observations of ruminally-incubated legume leaves showed a more effective microbial colonization of PEG-treated leaves for all legume species. A decrease in pH and an increase in ammonia concentration and in endoglucanase activity in the ruminal content was also observed for PEG-treated diets at all sampling periods. Condensed tannins of the studied legume species have influenced the adhesion conditions, colonization and enzymatic activity of the microbial ecosystem, and consequently the ruminal degradation of the different dietary fractions. For this reason, the reduction in condensed tannin would be of great importance to improve the nutrition of ruminant feeding of these species. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Helminthological records of six-banded Armadillos Euphractus sexcinctus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Brazilian semi-arid region, Patos county, Paraiba state, including new morphological data on Trichohelix tuberculata (Parona and Stossich, 1901) Ortlepp, 1922 and proposal of Hadrostrongylus ransomi nov comb.

This work aimed to evaluate the gastrointestinal helminthfauna composition of six-banded armadillos from the Brazilian semi-arid region. Gastrointestinal contents of six road-killed adult animals from Patos County, Paraiba State, were analyzed. Six species of nematodes, comprising five genera and four families, were recovered from the analyzed animals. New morphological data on Trichohelix tuberculata is given, along with a new taxonomical proposal for Hadrostrongylus ransomi (Travassos, 1935) n. comb. This is the first record for parasitic helminths in this host from the Brazilian semi-arid.

Sustainable agricultural production:an investigation in Brazilian semi-arid livestock farms

This paper investigates the environmental sustainability and competitiveness perceptions of small farmers in a region in northern Brazil. The main data collection instruments included a survey questionnaire and an analysis of the region's strategic plan. In total, ninety-nine goat and sheep breeding farmers were surveyed. Data analysis methods included descriptive statistics, cluster analysis, and chi-squared tests. The main results relate to the impact of education, land size, and location on the farmers' perceptions of competitiveness and environmental issues. Farmers with longer periods of education have higher perception scores about business competitiveness and environmental sustainability than those with less formal education. Farmers who are working larger land areas also have higher scores than those with smaller farms. Lastly, location can yield factors that impact on farmers' perceptions. In our study, farmers located in Angicos and Lajes had higher perception scores than Pedro Avelino and Afonso Bezerra, despite the geographical proximity of these municipalities. On the other hand, three other profile variables did not impact on farmers' perceptions, namely: family income, dairy production volume, and associative condition. The authors believe the results and insights can be extended to livestock farming in other developing countries and contribute generally to fostering effective sustainable development policies, mainly in the agribusiness sector. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nitrate in soil solution with use of plant cocktails as green manure in diferent tillage systems in the brazilian semi-arid

Tillage systems strongly affect nutrient transformations and plant availability. The objective of this study was to assess the nitrate dynamic in soil solution in different tillage systems with use of plant cocktail as green manure in fertilized melon (Cucumis melon) in Brazilian semi-arid. The treatments were arranged in four blocks in a split-plot design and included three types of cover crops and two tillage systems, conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT). The data showed no strong effect of plant cocktails composition on NO3-N dynamic in the soil. Mean concentration of NO3-N ranged from 19.45 mg L-1 at 15 cm to 60.16 mg L-1 at 50 cm soil depth, indicating high leachability. No significant differences were observed between NT and CT treatments for 15 cm depth. The high soil moisture content at ~ 30 cm depth concentrated high NO3-N in all treatments, mean of 54.27 mg L-1 to NT and 54.62 mg L-1 to CT. The highest NO3-N concentration was observed at 50 cm depth in TC (60.16 mg L-1). High concentration of NO3-N in CT may be attributed to increase in decomposition of soil organic matter and crop residues incorporated into the soil.

THERMAL EFFICIENCY OF INDIVIDUAL SHELTERS FOR GIROLANDO CALVES IN BRAZILIAN SEMI-ARID REGIONS

The objective of this research was to evaluate the thermal efficiency of roofs used on individual shelters during milk-feeding stage of Girolando calves. The research was conducted at a farm located in a dry region of Pernambuco state, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 27 Holstein × Gir dairy crossbred calves housed in shelters with three roofing materials (fibre cement tile, recycled tile, and thatched roofs). The recycled tiles and thatched roofs provided reductions of 18.7 and 14.6% in radiant thermal load, respectively. Regardless the roofing material, all animals increased their respiratory rate to maintain thermal equilibrium.

Mango flower induction in the brazilian northeast Semi-arid with gibberellin synthesis inhibitors

Mangoes in the Brazilian semi-arid stands out in the national scenario due to high yields and fruit quality, and also to the possibility of all-year production taking advantage of the climatic conditions as well as management technique (irrigation, pruning and growth regulators application) for plant growth and blossom control. Paclobutrazol soil drench applied is normally used for production management of mangoes. This research deals with the evaluation of the effect of foliar applied growth regulators to mango, cultivar 'Kent', as regard to their efficiency for blossom management, in order to allow off season mango production. Three growth regulators (prohexadione-Ca, trinexapac-ethyl and chlormequat chloride) were foliar applied, at two dosages and compared to paclobutrazol applied as soil-drench. In order to compare the effects of the treatment, data were recorded related to panicle emission (percentage and length), period of time until blossom and production, yield (number and plant weight) and post-harvest quality of the fruit (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, firmness, flesh and skin color and appearance). The results showed that prohexadione-Ca and chlormequat chloride induced a 15-day early harvest, while paclobutrazol, alone or combined with prohexadione-Ca, allow to harvest 25 days in advance, when compared to trinexapac-ethyl and control trees. Growth regulators foliar applied and paclobutrazol applied as soil-drench delayed mangoes fruit ripening in post-harvest.

Large-Scale Water Productivity Assessments with MODIS Images in a Changing Semi-Arid Environment: A Brazilian Case Study

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

Floristic diversity of two crystalline rocky outcrops in the Brazilian northeast semi-arid region

Floristic composition and structure of vegetation were studied in two rocky outcrop areas in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. From April 2007 to September 2008, 18 monthly field trips were carried out. Vascular plants were randomly collected throughout the outcrop areas. For structural analysis, 30 plots of 1 × 1 m were set in the vegetation islands. The checklist presented combines 211 species (69 families and 168 genera), although only 56 species were collected in the plots. Fabaceae (18 spp.; 8.5%), Asteraceae (17 spp.; 8%), Orchidaceae (13 spp.; 6.1%), Euphorbiaceae (13 spp.; 6.1%), Bromeliaceae (10 spp.; 4.7%), and Poaceae (eight spp.; 3.8%) are the richest families. Overall, 1,792 shrub and herbaceous specimens were counted in the plots. The Shannon-Wiener (H) diversity index values were 2.572 and 2.547 nats individual-1. The species that presented the highest absolute abundance values (number of plants) had low frequencies in the plots and vice-versa. The biological spectrum had a high proportion of phanerophytes and therophytes, followed by cryptophytes, chamaephytes, and hemicryptophytes. The studied flora shares floristic components similar to other rocky outcrop areas of the semi-arid region in northeastern Brazil, including in relation to dominant groups in the vegetation structure.

Characterization of condensed tannins from native legumes of the Brazilian northeastern semi-arid

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

The genus Stachybotrys (anamorphic fungi) in the semi-arid region of Brazil

(The genus Stachybotrys (anamorphic fungi) in the semi-arid region of Brazil). Stachybotrys is characterized by macronematous, mononematous, unbranched or branched conidiophores, with discrete terminal and phialidic conidiogenous cells, and aseptate, reniform, ellipsoidal to spherical, smooth or verrucose conidia, which are produced in a slimy mass. Eight species have been reported from Brazil, occurring in the soil, air and leaf litter. During investigation of conidial fungi on decaying leaf litter in semi-arid areas of Brazil nine species were found: S. bisbyi (Sriniv.) G.L. Barron, S. chartarum (Ehrenb.) S. Hughes, S. globosa P. C. Misra & S. K. Srivast., S. kampalensis Hansf., S. longispora Matsush., S. nephrospora Hansf., S. nilagirica Subram., Stachybotrys parvispora S. Hughes and S. verrucispora Matsush. Stachybotrys nilagirica is a new record from Brazil. Descriptions, comments, geographic distribution and illustrations are presented for above mentioned species. A key for all species recorded in semi-arid region of Brazil is presented.

Structural variations among monocot emergent and amphibious species from lakes of the semi-arid region of Bahia, Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)