Interaction between Soybean Cultivars and Seed Density

Plant, environmental conditions and management type will determine final crop yield. Enhanced yield can be reached by using well-adapted and potentially productive genotypes;all of them ally to crop cultural practices and management. Among these, seed density stands out, once it interferes with plant morphology and competition for water and nutrients. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of varied seed densities on agronomic traits in soybean, besides identifying cultivars with wide adaptability to different environments and seed densities. Six soybean cultivars were assessed under four seed densities (100, 200, 300 and 400 thousand plants·ha-1), in nine different environments from Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The experimental design was a completely randomized block design with three replications. The BRSMG 760SRR and BRSMG 820RR cultivars had the best average performance independent of the environments and seed densities. The seed density of 300 thousand plants per hectare showed to be as the most adequate for soybean cultivation on the evaluated environments. Furthermore, seed density interacted with the agronomic traits in soybean.

Agronomic and Energetic Potential of Biomass Sorghum Genotypes

The biomass sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], is an interesting crop considering the necessity to invest in alternative sources to generate renewable energy. The objective of this experiment was to identify sorghum biomass genotypes with greatest agronomic and energetic potential, and verify if there is phenotypic association between agronomic and technological properties in the hybrids. The study was conducted in three cities of the Minas Gerais State, Brazil (Lavras, Uberlandia and Sete Lagoas). It was evaluated 16 genotypes of sorghum biomass, being 14 of them sensitive hybrids to photoperiod and two cultivars, as control, insensitive to photoperiod. The experimental design was a triple lattice 4 × 4, with plots formed by four linear rows of 5.0 m. The morphoagronomic characteristics evaluated for the three environments were: days to flowering (FLOW), plant height (PH), number of stems (NS) and green matter production (GMP). In the experiment conducted in Lavras, also it was evaluated the agronomic traits: stem diameter (SD) and dry matter production (DMP) besides the technological traits: higher heating value (HHV), crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). The genotype × environment interaction was significant for all traits. The hybrids had superior performance compared to the control genotypes. Biomass sorghum hybrids, sensitive to photoperiod, when compared with commercial hybrids of forage sorghum, insensitive to photoperiod, had an average production of 34 t ha-1 dry matter with 62% humidity and higher heating value of 4.400 Kcal/Kg. There was no phenotypic correlation between agronomic and technological characters evaluated.

Cyazypyr^(TM) Selectivity for Three Species of Phytoseiid for Coffee and Other Relevant Agricultural Crops in Brazil

Mites belonging to the family Phytoseiidae are the most important and most widely studied among predatory mites of phytophagous mites. The phytophagous mites Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) (Tenuipalpidae) and Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor, 1917) (Tetranychidae) on coffee (Coffea spp.), are frequently found in combination with the predaceous mites Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma, 1972;Euseius alatus DeLeon, 1966 and Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant, 1959) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), among others. The purpose of this research was to study the effects of the product CyazypyrTM (cyantraniliprole 100 OD) on these three species of Phytoseiidae, relevant to coffee, citrus and other agricultural crops in Brazil, following standard laboratory procedures. Mated female mites were exposed to fresh-dried residues on a glass surface, with 8 treatments, 5 mites per glass plate and 6 replicates, in a completely randomized experimental design. Each test lasted eight days, with a daily count of the surviving females and of eggs laid. CyazypyrTM, in all tested doses (75, 100, 125, 150, 175 and 200 g a.i./ha), was selective for the studied species, A. herbicolus, I. zuluagai, and E. alatus. Overall the treatments resulted in low mortality rates and negligible impact on the reproduction. Therefore, based on IOBC standards, CyazypyrTMcan be classified as not harmful (class 1) or slightly harmful (class 2), comparable to the agrochemical TalentoTM (hexythiazox 500 WP-12 g a.i./ha) equivalent to a harmless standard of selectivity in the laboratory. CyazypyrTM is therefore a complement to programs of integrated pest management, to preserve the populations of predatory mites in crops of coffee and citrus, among others, in Brazil.

Initial Growth of Eucalyptus with Different Spatial Arrangements in Agrosilvopastoral Systems

Success of integrating livestock farming with forestry systems or SAF′s (Agroforestry Systems) highly depends on correct chose of the tree component and the best spatial arrangement of plants, for which eucalyptus has proven as an excellent option. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate eucalyptus wood yield under different spatial arrangements in agrosilvipastoral system. The arrangements were: single rows 10 × 2 m, double rows (2 × 3) + 15 m and (2 × 3) + 20 m and triple rows (3 × 2 × 3) +20 m. Silvicultural evaluations (DBH, tree height, tree volume and volume per hectare) were done eighteen months after experiment installation. The experimental design was randomized blocks with six repetitions and two trees per plot. Trees were arbitrarily identified in each spatial arrangement, numbered from 1 to 5, totaling 30 plots in each system. The DBH increased as the alleys became closer to each other, being higher in the10 × 2 m and (2 × 3) + 15 m systems;tree height increased in denser spacing—10 × 2 m, (2 × 3) + 15 m and (3 × 2 × 3) + 20 m;the volume of wood per plant and per hectare showed higher values in the 10 × 2 m and (2 × 3) + 15 m systems. The lowest yield was found in the system with the least amount of trees, i.e. (2 × 3) + 20 m (576 trees/ha).

Study of Potassium Silicate Spraying in Coffee Plants to Control <i>Oligonychus ilicis</i>(McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The southern red mite, Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) can cause a significant reduction in the photosynthesis potential and the growth of new coffee plants (Coffea spp., Rubiaceae). Studies suggest that the leaf spraying of silicon (Si) leads to increase plants resistance in order to reduce infestations of insect pests such as herbivores, borers, sucking insects and mites. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of leaf spraying of potassium silicate (K2SiO3) to control the southern red mite in coffee plants. Experiments were conducted in coffee plants (Coffea arabica L.), grown in a greenhouse, by means of completely randomized design with six treatments: Dose 0 (control), 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 liters of silicate potassium ha-1 and five replications. Plants treated with potassium silicate, regardless of the applied dose, had a lower O. ilicis infestation compared to the control, not allowing the population increase, thus a smaller damage in coffee leaves. The silicon content in leaves was higher in plants treated with the highest dose of potassium silicate. It was observed that there was induction of defense molecules such as tannins and lignin in plants sprayed with potassium silicate. It was concluded that the potassium silicate applied in leaf spraying had positive effect on reducing O. ilicis attack in coffee plants, even being a dicot. Therefore, the applications of potassium silicate by leaf spraying can be used in programs of integrated management of the southern red mite in coffee, with a view to sustainable management and environmental protection.

Inductors of Resistance and Their Role in Photosynthesis and Antioxidant System Activity of Coffee Seedlings

We investigated the effects of formulations based on phosphite products on gas exchange and activity of antioxidant enzymes in coffee plants. Seedlings of the Mundo Novo cultivar were submitted to various treatments composed of different formulations of with potassium phosphite (ADB 120), manganese phosphite (Reforce Mn), and fungicide (PrioriXtra&reg). For coffee seedlings, the combination of potassium phosphite and citrus by-products, isolated or in a combination with other products elicited the antioxidant system. Besides the high activity of antioxidant enzymes, the photosynthetic rates were higher than other treatments. The better performance of coffee seedlings treated with those formulations occurred even in absence of pathogens.

Groundwater Quality Assessment in Rural Areas of Caapiranga City in Brazilian Amazon

About 75% of the entire surface of the planet Earth is covered by water, with only about 3% of freshwater. The Amazon region has the largest freshwater basin in the world and the uncontrolled growth of the population in this region has become a problem concerning water contamination since a large part of the region’s population obtains water from artesian wells. This study aimed to investigate some physical-chemical parameters of groundwater in the municipality of Caapiranga, Amazonas (AM), Brazil. Water samples obtained from 14 tubular wells were evaluated, as well as a sample of surface water from Lake Caapiranga that passes in front of the municipality. The vast majority of water samples showed low pH, and were of the parameters established for drinking water, aquaculture and animal watering. High levels of nitrate are also found in most samples, which indicates contamination of these waters by domestic effluents. In wells 1, 6, 9 11, and 13 the levels of nitrate were very high and can cause serious diseases in people who use this water for consumption. According to the parameters evaluated, the quality of groundwater in 5 of the 14 wells is unfit for human consumption.

Nutritional Quality of Olives and Olive oil Produced in the Serra Da Mantiqueira from Brazil

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is one of the oldest fruits grown by man. Its fruit can be processed into olive oil or treated properly and serve directly for the in natura consumption in the form of olives. Extracted from the olive, the olive oil is highly valued in the market, for its nutritional benefits and also for its unique and delicate flavor. Brazil is the second largest importer of olive oil in the world, but technology is already available and the expansion of the crop has been taking place in the south-southeast regions, where the climate is favorable, in order to serve this market. The objective of this work was to evaluate the physical and chemical qualities of the olives and characterize, sensorially and chemically, olive oils from different olive cultivars planted in the Region of Serra da Mantiqueira. The olives and olive oils produced from the cultivars Arbequina, Arbosana, Grapolo 541, Koroneiki and Maria da Fé were evaluated at the EPAMIG Experimental Field of Maria da Fé, Minas Gerais, and Brazil. In the first experiment the olives harvested in February of 2015 were analyzed in terms of weight, volume, transverse and longitudinal diameter of the fruit and the lump and the relation of the olive/lump and the chemical (protein, lipid, moisture and ashes). In the second experiment the olives were processed by the grinding, beating and centrifugation method to obtain the oils. The olive oils were analyzed for acidity, peroxide index and absorbance in the ultraviolet region at 274 nm, 270 nm, 266 nm and 232 nm. After this characterization the olive oils produced in the Serra da Mantiqueira were then submitted to sensorial analysis. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and the means were compared by the Tukey test at 5% of probability. The interpretation of the data from the sensorial analysis was done using the software sensomaker. Differences were observed between olives and olive oils produced by different cultivars in the Serra da Mantiqueira. The cultivar Grappolo 541 produces larger fruits, indicated for the preparation of olives and in natura consumption. Due to the small size of the fruit, the cultivar Maria da Fé is more suitable for olive oil production. The oils of all cultivars are within the parameters established by the Brazilian legislation in force, being classified as Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The oils of all cultivars were well accepted by consumers, especially the cultivars Maria da Fé and Grappolo 541.

Food Restriction Programs and Their Applications in Fish Aquaculture

Food restriction is a strategy to improve the productive efficiency of some aquatic organisms.It is expected with the implementation of food restriction programs to first reduce the feed consumption by the cultivated species and consequently reduce the waste load in the water.In addition,there is a lower employment of labor during periods of food restriction.However,the efficiency of the feed restriction and the compensatory gain of weight by the organisms cultivated will depend on the adaptation and the characteristics of the species in question.Several methodologies have tested forms of food restriction applied to fish farming.Some of them are addressed in this review,as well as results and comparisons made with several authors on the subject in question.The purpose of this paper was to describe the main reasons for using food restriction,its implications on fish organism and to compare results from previous studies.

Fruit Market in the City of Lavras,Minas Gerais,Brazil from 2004 to 2017

Fruit growing has achieved advances through the use of new technologies generated by research. In Brazil, it is one of the most prominent sectors in agribusiness, achieving significant results and generating business opportunities. In this way, the fruit market has grown considerably in the last decades, both in quantity and in quality. Allied to this, the changes in consumer behavior regarding food consumption have been responsible for the increase of the fruit market. The objective of this work was to know the evolution of the fruit trade in the city of Lavras, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in relation to the quantity sold, monetary value, losses in the gondolas of retail establishments and per capita consumption of the population of this city.

Alternatives of Control of Dawn Crop and Crop Mole in Pre-Harvest in Peasant Fruit

Fruit rot, besides causing losses in production, reduces the final quality of the product interfering in the commercialization. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of alternative products applied to pre-harvest for control of brown rot (Monilinia fructicola) and soft rot (Rhizopus spp.) In peaches. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Nepomuceno-MG, in a peach orchard of the cultivar Diamante. The experimental design was a randomized block design with 7 treatments and 3 replicates, with field plots formed by 12 plants (arranged in 3 rows), being considered for the evaluations only the two central plants. Three applications were made at flowering and at 21;7 and 3 days before harvest, with solutions containing the following treatments: 1-Clove oil 0.1%;2-silicate clay 1.5%;3-Phosphite K 0.20%;4-Benzalkonium chloride 0.25%;5-Azoxystrobin 0.02%;6-Iprodione 0.15%;7-Witness (water only). Treatments 4 and 5 were applied only at 21 and 7 days before harvest. Ten fruits were selected and placed in sterile trays under uncontrolled conditions, with disease evaluations at 3 and 6 days after the beginning of storage in 2005 and at 3;6 and 9 days in 2006. The iprodione controlled the incidence of M. fructicola and had no effect on Rhizopus spp. Clove oil controlled the incidence and severity of M. fructicola by the fifth day and Rhizopus spp. by the sixth day. The phosphites of k, benzalkonium chloride and azoxystrobin were efficient in controlling the incidence and severity of Rhizopus spp. and had no effect on M. fructicola.

Economic Analysis of the Use of Restrictive Food Management in the Cultivation of Tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus)in a Recirculation System

The development of more adequate food programs regarding the intensity and duration of the restriction can be an effective way to minimize the effects of exaggerated food consumption and its negative consequences for the economy of the business.In this sense,juvenile Nile tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus)(137±3 g)were submitted to different feeding strategies in a recirculation system.Five feeding strategies were tested in subsequent weekly cycles:continuous feeding;skipping one meal a week;suppression of two non-consecutive meals a week;suppression of three non-consecutive meals a week;suppression of four non-consecutive meals a week.Productive performance,feed consumption in the post-restriction period and economic indicators were evaluated through projections and profitability analyses.Compensatory intake occurred in all tested groups,so that the total feed intake(FI)did not differ significantly between them(p>0.05).Moderate food restriction provided a linear increase in the relative gross margin for each treatment with each change in salary level,as well as greater profitability when compared to the respective control group(p<0.05).

Cultivation of “Roxo de Valinhos” Fig Tree in Different Plant Densities for Production of Green Figs for Industry in the Region of Campo Das Vertentes-MG

The objective of this work was to study the effect of different planting densities on the development and production of “Roxo de Valinhos” green figs for industry, in the Campo das Vertentes-MG region. The experiment was installed at the Risoleta Neves Experimental Field—CERN/EPAMIG. The plants used were three years old and were arranged in three randomized blocks, subject to three different planting densities, with spacings ranging from 1 m (4000 plants·ha-1), 1.5 m (2666 plants·ha-1), and 2 m (2000 plants·ha-1) between plants in the planting line and 2.5 m between row for all planting densities. The average length of the branches (m), average number of fruits per branch, average number of fruits per plant, average weight of fruits, average yield per plant and the average yield per hectare (kg) were evaluated. It was verified that, there were no significant differences in the length of branch and in the average weight of fruit, in the three densities of fig tree planting. (4000 plants·ha-1), the average number of fruits per branch (7.5), per plant (55.87) and yield per plant (878.93 kg) were lower, however. The average yield per hectare (3515.73 kg) was higher than in other growing densities. It is concluded that, the higher density of plants (4000 plants·ha-1), provides the highest productivity per area, without damages to the quality of the fruits.

Biological Control of Southern Red Mite,Oligonychus ilicis(Acari:Tetranychidae),in Coffee Plants

The species of mite Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor) (Tetranychidae) is an important pest of dicotyledonous plants, cosmopolitan and polyphagous, reported in seven countries from four continents, feeding on 34 plant species of 15 families. The spider mite O. ilicis is known in Brazil as coffee red spider mite, and as southern red mite most in other countries. In Brazil O. ilicis has been reported as the second most important pest of “Conillon” coffee, Coffea canephora Pierre & Froehner, in the state of Espírito Santo. Depending on the number of mites per leaf of arabica coffee, Coffea arabica L., the rate of potential photosynthesis can be reduced by 37% to 50%. In the present study, it was investigated the potential of the two predatory mites which, among others, naturally occurs in coffee plantations, Euseius alatus DeLeon and Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant) (Phytoseiidae), in the control of O. ilicis in coffee plants. It was used potted coffee plants in this research, with approximately 100 cm high, growing in a greenhouse covered with transparent plastic and shading material of 50% sun protection factor, and with fine mesh on all the sides. Results showed that both species of predatory mites, A. herbicolus and E. alatus, are efficient in reducing the mobile phases—larvae, protonymphs, deutonymphs and adults—of the southern red mite O. ilicis. So, the importance of conservation and increase number of these predatory mites in the field coffee growing is essential for implementing the southern red mite integrated management tactic, since these species are of natural occurrence in coffee plants.