Australian Journal of Crop Science   AJCS

Herbicidal potential of the allelochemicals from Pennisetum purpureum Schumach. on the seedling growth of Paspalum conjugatum

B.S. Ismail , P.W. Tan , T.S. Chuah , Y. Nornasuha

School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
School of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
School of Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioresource and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kampus Besut, 22200 Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract
Pennisetum purpureum is one of the invasive weeds in Malaysia. This weed possesses secondary metabolites that could play the role of dominating the ecosystem. Their allelochemicals thus, have potential to be used in herbicidal formulations to control weeds. Therefore, a study was carried out on the potential of the herbicidal activity of the “above-ground” parts of P. purpureum in the laboratory and greenhouse using the aqueous extract (@: 0 g/L (control), 20 g/L, 40 g/L, 60 g/L, 80 g/L and 100 g/L) and debris (incorporated into the soil) (@: 0 g/500 g (control), 5 g/500 g, 25 g/500 g and 50 g/500 g (leaf debris/soil)) of P. purpureum. The effects of different concentrations of contaminated soil and the root exudate of P. purpureum on the seedling growth of the weed bioassay species (Paspalum conjugatum) was studied in an experiment using four replications. Results under laboratory conditions showed that the growth of P. conjugatum was inhibited by 100% at the concentrations of 80 g/L and 100 g/L of the aqueous extract of P. purpureum. Besides, the seedling growth of P. conjugatum was inhibited by more than 50% at the concentration of 50 g/500 g (1/10) of the debris of the above-ground parts of P. purpureum to soil, respectively. Moreover the germination and seedling growth of P. conjugatum were also inhibited by more than 50% when planted in 500 g of infested soil and treated with applications of the root exudate of P. purpureum. Results from these studies suggest that P. purpureum has herbicidal activity and the potential to be explored further in the search for allelopathic chemicals.

Pages 173-177 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne256
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Effect of biochar and nutrient amendment on vegetative growth of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. Malz)

Elena Kondrlova*, Jan Horak, Dusan Igaz

Department of Biometeorology and Hydrology, Slovak University of Agriculture, Hospodarska 7, Nitra, 94976, Slovakia

Abstract
We tried to determine whether a commercially available, amended biochar could potentially increase the growth and yield of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. Malz) on loamy soil located in western Slovakia in 2014. Treatments (n=15) with three replications consisted of a control, raw biochar (RB) (0, 10, 20 t ha-1) and nitrogen-enriched biochar+compost (EB) (0, 10, 20 t ha-1) application, combined with 3 levels of mineral fertilization (0, 40, 80 kg N ha-1). The plots (4 m x 6 m) were organized in randomized block design. We examined above and below-ground biomass, crop height, number of plants per m2, grain yield and plant canopy development determined from digital image-derived vegetation indices. The positive effect of biochar application on the plant canopy development was observed. In case of the vegetation index, the difference between the treatments and control rose in the following order at all fertilization levels (0, 40, 80 kg ha-1): control < RB (10 t ha-1) < RB (20 t ha-1) < EB (10 t ha-1) < EB (20 t ha-1). Ten and twenty t ha-1 of EB without fertilizer increased root biomass by 126 and 52%, and above-ground biomass by 62 and 36%, respectively. We conclude that a single EB application of 10 t ha-1 or 20 t ha-1 (even if applied without N fertilizer) can increase plant biomass on loamy Typic Hapludalfs at least in the first cropping season.

Pages 178-184 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne476
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Gluten-free puffed snacks of rice and cassava

Anna Cláudia Sahade Brunatti, Emerson Loli Garcia, Martha Maria Mischan, Magali Leonel*

Fatec, Marília, São Paulo State, Brazil
Center for Tropical Roots and Starches (CERAT), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
Department of Statistic, Bioscience Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract
The growing demand for gluten-free products in recent years has necessitated the quest for suitable raw materials. Rice flour and cassava starch are gaining interest in the gluten-free food industry because of their favorable characteristics. Apart from the intrinsic properties of the raw materials, industrial factors relating to the process, product quality, and sensory acceptance by the consumers are crucial for new product development. Here, we report the effect of extrusion temperature, screw speed, moisture, and amount of cassava starch in the rice flour mixture on the physical properties of gluten-free puffed snacks. Extrusion was carried out using a single-screw extruder in a central composite rotational design, which combines shear forces, high pressure, and high temperature in a short time. The extruded snacks were evaluated for the radial expansion index, specific volume, water absorption index, water solubility index, and hardness. Results showed that the amount (%) of cassava starch in the rice flour mixture was a determinant factor in snack production. A low percentage of cassava starch (10%) and moisture (14%), along with lower temperature in the extrusion zone (90 ºC) and 233 rpm screw speed, produced snacks with desirable characteristics such as high expansion, low density, good crispiness, light color, and low water solubility index. In addition, the snacks obtained under these conditions exhibited good sensory acceptance.

Pages 185-192 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne477
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Path analysis and phenotypic correlation among yield components of soybean using environmental stratification methods

Mauricio Ferrari, Ivan Ricardo Carvalho, Alan Junior de Pelegrin, Maicon Nardino, Vinícius Jardel Szareski, Tiago Olivoto, Tiago Corazza da Rosa, Diego Nicolau Follmann, Camila Pegoraro, Luciano Carlos da Maia, Velci Queiróz de Souza

Federal University of Pelotas - UFPel, Capão do Leão, RS, Brasil
Federal University of Santa Maria - UFSM, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
Federal University of Pampa - UNIPAMPA, Dom Pedrito, RS, Brasil, Bolsista de Produtividade em Pesquisa CNPq

Abstract
The main aim of this study was to investigate the phenotypic correlation of yield component traits using several environmental stratifications methods. We also aimed to propose cause and effect of relationships for grain yield components in soybean genotypes under several environmental conditions. The tests were conducted in the agricultural year of 2013/2014 in four growing sites in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The experimental arrangement was randomized blocks in factorial scheme (11 x 4), consisting eleven soybean genotypes in four environments with four repetitions each. All the growing environments Tapera-RS, Derrubadas-RS and Frederico Westphalen-RS were classified as favorable for soybean cultivation. The traits such as total number of pods per plant, number of branches and number of pods with 2-3 grains showed significant linear correlations with grain yield in both methods of analysis. The path analysis was applied under favorable and unfavorable environments to accurately estimate the direct and indirect effect of traits on soybean grain yield. The mass of a thousand grains and plant height were highly associated with grain yield but mostly influenced by environmental effects. The total number of pods should be prioritized for selecting superior soybean genotypes due to its direct and indirect effects on grain yield. It has shown constant in all environmental conditions. The direct effects of number of branches and number of pods (with one grain) presented distinct effects on yield in favorable and unfavorable environments.

Pages 193-202 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne488
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Productivity and nutritional value of five forage grass cultivars irrigated with saline water

Ihsan Abu-Alrub*, Kenneth B. Marcum, Neamat Kabir, Ahmed Aran, Mohammed Al Hammadi

R&D Division, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, P.O. Box 52150, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Department of Arid Land Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abstract
Shortage of fresh water resources and deterioration of groundwater quantity and quality is an increasing problem globally. Effects include limitations on the number of crops that can be successfully grown. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has one of the world’s harshest environments, with scarce surface and groundwater. The present study assessed the performance of five forage cultivars under different salinity stresses to determine their salt tolerance. Two Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) cultivars Laredo and Pecos, two Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) cultivars Guinea and Green Panic, and one Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) cultivar Katambora were evaluated over two successive years for their potential yield and nutritional values under four salinity levels of irrigation water viz. control (200 ppm), 6000, 12000, 18000 ppm. The highest dry yield production was observed in Cenchrus ciliaris cv. Pecos and Laredo, P. maximum cv. Green Panic, and Chloris guyana cv. Katambora under moderate salinity (6000 ppm). All forage grasses showed significant yield reductions at 12000 ppm ranging between 14 to 23%, compared to control. Salinity slightly improved forage quality parameters by significantly increasing crude protein (CP) and decreasing acid-detergent fibre (ADF). These results identifed salt tolerant forage species that could enhance saline agriculture scheme in the UAE. Cenchrus ciliaris cv. Laredo and Pecos exhibited good productive potential under salinity and can be grown to enhance farm productivity in arid environment and conserve freshwater for other usages.

Pages 203-209 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne571
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Canonical correlations among morpho-agronomic and chemical traits in hybrids between elephant grass and millet

Rogério Figueiredo Daher, Antônio Vander Pereira, Bruna Rafaela da Silva Menezes, Sabrina Cassaro, Antônio Alonso Cecon Novo, Eduardo Peres Furlani, Antônio Teixeira do Amaral Júnior, Messias Gonzaga Pereira, Wanessa Francesconi Stida, Ana Késia Faria VIdal

Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense. Postal Code: 28013-600, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
Embrapa Gado de Leite. Postal Code: 36038-330, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro. Postal Code: 23.897-000, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
Instituto Federal Fluminense. Postal Code: 28360-000, Campus Bom Jesus do Itapapoana, RJ, Brazil
Universidade Federal de Juíz de Fora. Postal Code: 36100-040, Juíz de Fora, MG, Brazil

Abstract
Studies involving the canonical correlation analysis in forage plants for interspecific hybrids between elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and millet (Pennisetum glaucum) are scarce. The objectives of this study were to obtain estimates of coefficients of phenotypic, genotypic, and residual correlation and evaluate the degree of association between morpho-agronomic and chemical traits in 132 interspecific hybrids between elephant grass and millet. The experiment was conducted in the city of Coronel Pacheco-MG (Brazil). The experimental design was randomized complete blocks with 132 treatments and three replicates. Morpho-agronomic and bromatological characteristics were analyzed. The correlation analysis indicated that plants with elevated dry matter yield considering the whole plant, leaf or stem in taller plants and plants with intense tillering have lower crude protein contents, while plants with a greater diameter show lower percentages of fiber and cellulose and greater dry matter digestibility in vitro. By canonical correlations, the chi-squared test at 1% probability by was found that the hybrids showing morpho-agronomic and chemical patterns with taller plants and high dry stem matter yield have increased percentage of cellulose. In contrast, in the same canonical pair, plants with reduced leaf dry matter yield showed lower contents of silica and organic matter and reduced digestibility in vitro. The effect on the improvement of forage quality in hybrids of Pennisetum and millet was evidenced by the better performance of the plants for high dry matter yield of the stem, showing the potential of the same for inclusion in breeding programs.

Pages 210-216 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne406

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Efficiency of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) absorption, transport and use in Zn-coated seed of wheat (Triticum aestivum) 

Andréa Bicca Noguez Martins, Anna dos Santos Suñé, Patricia Migliorini, Raimunda Nonata Oliveira da Silva, Lilian Vanussa Madruga De Tunes, Vanessa Nogueira Soares, Andréia da Silva Almeida, Daniele Brandstetter Rodrigues, Paulo Eduardo Rocha Eberhardt and Jerffeson Araújo Cavalcante

Faculty of Agronomy Eliseu Maciel, Post Graduate Science and Seed Technology, Federal University of Pelotas, Capão do Leão Campus, P. O. Box 354, ZIP Code 960001-970, Pelotas, RS, Brazil

Abstract
This study was conducted in a laboratory with the aim of evaluating zinc absorption, transport, and use efficiencies in wheat from seeds coated with zinc sulfate. Two batches of wheat seeds (BRS 276) were used, one with high vigor and the other low vigor. The treatments consisted of using the commercial product in the form of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4). The seeds were coated with levels of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 ZnSO4 per kg of seeds. We also added 3 mL of fungicide (carboxin + thiram), 0.8 mL of polymer and enough water to make up 15 mL of syrup for 1 kg of seeds. The experimental design was entirely randomized with four repetitions. After the treatment, the following indices were calculated based on the plants dry material and nutrient content: Absorption Efficiency, Transport Efficiency, and Use Efficiency. The data showed a positive interaction between seed treatments and polymers, in which seed coatings had a good appearance, coloring, distribution, and product adherence to their surface. The results showed that applying the higher doses of the ZnSO4 nutrient to seeds cause greater Zn absorption efficiency, lower Zn transport and use efficiencies.

Pages 217-220 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne656
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Effects of elemental sulfur associated with gypsum on soil salinity attenuation and sweet sorghum growth under saline water irrigation

Joel José de Andrade, Francisco Jardel Moreira de Oliveira, Luiz Guilherme Medeiros Pessoa, Simone Andrea dos Santos Nascimento, Eduardo Soares de Souza, Genival Barros Júnior, Márcio Fléquisson Alves Miranda, Alexandre Campelo de Oliveira, Maria Betânia Galvão dos Santos Freire

Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Department of Plant Production, Serra Talhada – PE, Brazil
Federal Institute of Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão – PE, Brazil
Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Department of Agronomy, Recife– PE, Brazil

Abstract
In the Brazilian semiarid region, one of the great challenges of agriculture is the adoption of cultivation strategies for saline soils utilizing saline waters. This work aims to evaluate the development of sweet sorghum and soil salinity status under increasing doses of elemental sulfur applications associated with gypsum at different irrigation levels. The work was conducted in a Cambisol, in a 4 x 5 factorial scheme, corresponding to 4 levels of elemental sulfur (0, 0.69, 1.39 and 1.99 t ha-1) and 5 saline irrigation levels (6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 mm), equivalent to 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of the soil field capacity respectively, with 4 replicates. Gypsum was applied in all treatments in a dose equivalent to 8.49 t ha-1. The effects of these treatments were evaluated by analyzing the chemical properties of the soil and plant growth variables. Increasing elemental sulfur levels promoted reductions in soil pH and electrical conductivity of the saturation extract. Although increasing saline irrigation levels increased soil pH and decreased electrical conductivity of the saturation extract, the highest applied water levels (80 and 100% of the field capacity) negatively affected sorghum growth. Highest levels of elemental sulfur applied (1.39 and 1.99 t ha-1) promoted the best growth of sorghum. The study revealed that the saline irrigation level equivalent to 60% of the field capacity and the sulfur level of 1.39 t ha-1 was sufficient to reduce soil pH and salinity to a level that best promoted sorghum growth.

Pages 221-226 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne664
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Yield of soybean crop in function of soil compaction affected by tillage system on Oxisol of subtropical region 

J. O. Pereira*, D. de Melo, G. Richard, P. Defossez, S. L. Silva, F. A. de Oliveira, R. O. Batista, A. R. G. Garcia

Universidade Federal Rural do Semi Árido – centro de Engenharia, UFERSA - CE – Av. Francisco Mota, 572, Bairro Costa e Silva, CEP 59625-900 Mossoró – RN, Brasil
UTFPR – Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Medianeira PR, Brasil
INRA, UR 272 Sols 2163 Av. de la pomme de Pin, CS 4001 Ardon, F-45075 Orléans, France
INRA, UR 1263 EPHYSE, 71 Av. Edouard Bourlaux, F -33140 Villenave d’Ornon, France

Abstract
The increase in conservation tillage offers possibles benefits of decreasing soil compaction risk by wheeling. The objective this work was to evaluate the effect of the minimum tillage and direct drilling system after four and eight yars of continuous no-tillaging, on the soybean yield in function of the soil density and organic matter content. This trial was carried out on Oxisol, at Parana, subtropical region from Brazil. The relationship between yield of soybean and tillage system was analyzed as function of the soil density and organic carbon using linear regression model. No-tillage system four years (NT4) and minimum cultivation system in eight years of no tillage (MT8) showed greater decrease in soil density on the surface layer as a function of time, respectively, 0.22g cm-3 (1.318 - 1.098) and 0.24 g cm-3 (1.248 - 1.010). Adjust of response curves of soybean yield as function of soil density and organic matter describes strong positive contribution of organic carbon in soybean productivite on the NT4 system and describes no interference of soil density on this system. In both systems (NT8 and MT8), the soybean yield decreases with increasing soil density. Soil sub-surface management after continuous periods of no-tillage should be investigated.

Pages 227-234 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne675
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Biochemical activity in Brazilian Cerrado soils is differentially affected by perennial and annual crops

Leciana M.S. Zago, Andreza K.O. Moreira, Carlos M. Silva-Neto, João C. Nabout, Manuel E. Ferreira, Samantha S. Caramori*

Universidade Estadual de Goiás, Câmpus Anápolis de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil
Instituto Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Goiás, Cidade de Goiás, Goiás, Brazil
LAPIG/Instituto de Estudos Socioambientais, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil

Abstract
Organic matter mineralization depends on how microbiota access nutrients, substrates and soil fertilization. This study shows influence of perennial (sugarcane) and annual (soybean and corn) crops on the activity of enzymes participating in the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles and proposes using hydrolases as bioindicators of soil quality. Samples were collected, during dry season and rainfall, in six different plots where sugarcane, soybean, corn and native Cerrado soils could be found at the same location. We evaluated chemical properties and activity of α- and β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, protease and glycine aminopeptidase from 48 samples collected at 0-10 cm depth. Sample of monoculture soils showed low organic matter content, total organic carbon, total nitrogen and microbial biomass carbon. Native Cerrado soils had major activities of α- and β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase and glycine aminopeptidase while sugarcane areas showed minor values. Despite native vegetation replacement decreasing biodiversity and reducing soil biochemical activity, annual crops stimulate microbial activity in this environment and maintain nutrient cycling. Soil hydrolase activities can be used as bioindicators of these ecosystems.

Pages 235-242 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne716
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Morphophysiological analysis and expression of proline genes in rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. BRS AG) subjected to in vitro salt stress

Tatiana Rossatto, Mara Andrade C. Maia, Marcelo N. Amaral, Priscila A. Auler, Rafael Woloski, Ariano M. M. Júnior, Eugenia J. B. Braga, Luciana B. Dode, Luciano S. Pinto*

Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Botânica, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, S/N - 96160-000, Capão do Leão, RS - Brasil
Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Bioinformática e Proteômica (BioPro_Lab), Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, S/N - 96160-000, Capão do Leão, RS - Brasil
Embrapa Clima Temperado, S/N - 96001-970, Pelotas, RS – Brasil

Abstract
About 20% of the cultivated land and almost half of the irrigated lands of the planet are affected by the salinization of the soil and the water. Rice cultivar BRS AG is the first grown for other purposes than human consumption and can be used in the production of ethanol and animal feed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the germination, morphological characteristics, proline accumulation, and the expression of the genes involved in the metabolism of proline in rice plants, cv. BRS AG, cultured in vitro under salt stress. The plants were cultivated in a culture MS medium with six different NaCl concentrations (0, 32, 68, 102, 136, 170 mM). The germination was evaluated at days 7 and 14, and morphological characteristics were analyzed only at day 21. For proline quantification and expression of the genes required for its metabolism (P5CS1, P5CS2, P5CR, OAT, P5CDH and PDH), two concentrations (136 mM and 0 mM) of NaCl were used, and the samples were collected at days 5, 10, 15, and 20. The results indicate that the growth of rice cv. BRS is completely impaired at 170 mM NaCl, and at 136 mM NaCl. Regarding proline content, in stressed plants, it was higher (1.24 mM g-1MF) than in the control plants, and was directly related to a high expression observed for the P5CS2 (QR=5.50) and OAT (QR=5.44) genes at 20 days of stress, which explains the high proline concentration at this period. According to the results, rice cultivar BRS AG, is considered tolerant to salt stress.

Pages 243-253 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne717
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Growth of Jatropha curcas plants submitted to water deficit and increasing nitrogen doses

Priscilla Gomes de Freitas Santos, Alainy Carla de Souza Nascente, Ricardo Felício, Leonardo Mendes, Mariana Siqueira do Carmo, Fábio Santos Matos

Post-Graduate Program in Plant Production, State University of Goiás (UEG), Brazil
Graduate Program in Plant Production, UEG, Câmpus Ipameri, Highway GO 330, Km 241, Ring Road, University Sector, 75780-000-Ipameri, GO, Brazil

Abstract
The objective of the present study was to assess the severity of water deficit in Jatropha curcas plants under different nitrogen doses. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with a 5 x 2 factorial [five doses of urea with 45% nitrogen (0; 300; 600; 900; 1200 mg per pot)] and two water supply levels, irrigated and water deficit, and four replications. The Jatropha curcas seeds were sown in 5 L pots with substrate consisting of oxisol, sand and manure at the ratio 3: 1: 0.5, respectively. The nitrogen was added as organic matter in the soil may have contributed to absence of interaction between the factors water deficit and nitrogen dose because it already supplied the minimum nitrogen for the plant metabolism. The nitrogen doses studied did not interfere in the water deficit severity in Jatropha curcas plants, but the plants presented tolerance to water deficit and used delayed dehydration as tolerance strategy. Jatropha curcas plant production in substrate containing red-yellow latossol, sand and manure at the ratio 3:1:0.5, respectively, and organic matter content similar or equal to 1.9% did not require nitrogen fertilization.

Pages 254- 259 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne739
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Growth and yield of dry cultivated Capsicum frutescens plants under different doses of kinetin

Camila Lariane Amaro, Diego Braga de Oliveira, Patrícia Souza da Silveira, Frederico da Costa M. Silva, Camila Lôrena Monteiro, Leandro Mariano da Silva, José Paulo Carneiro Custódio, Fábio Santos Matos

Agronomy and Postgraduate Studies in plant production, the State University of Goiás (UEG), Brazil
Graduate Program in Plant Production of UEG, Câmpus Ipameri, highway GO 330, Km 241, ring road, university sector, 75780-000-Ipameri, GO, Brazil

Abstract
The objective of the present study was to identify the effect of kinetin on Capsicum frutescens fruit yield. The research was carried out between October 2015 and September 2016 in the experimental field at the State University of Goiás, Brazil. This region has a tropical climate with a dry winter and wet summer. The experiment was conducted in rainy conditions (without irrigation) in a randomized block design with five treatments (plants submitted to 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg L-1 kinetin in volume of 30 ml/plant/application in a total of two applications at a 40-day interval, started at the R2 reproductive stage), six replications and the plots consisted of two useful plants. The variables stomata density, specific leaf area, stem and canopy diameter, length and width of completely opened leaves did not fit the linear and quadratic regression models in function of the kinetin doses applied. Kinetin increased fruit drain strength and increased productivity of Capsicum frutescens. Plants treated with this cytokinin showed vigorous vegetative growth and significant increases in concentrations of photosynthetic pigments. The use of kinetin in Capsicum frutescens plants is a promising practice in the management of the species because it promotes morphophysiological adjustments in the plant that increase vegetative vigor and fruit yield.

Pages 260-264 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne746
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Effects and management of foliar fungicide application on physiological and agronomical traits of soybean

Everton Vinicius Zambiazzi, Adriano Teodoro Bruzi, Maria Laene Moreira de Carvalho, Scheila Roberta Guilherme, Alan Mario Zuffo*, Antonio Henrique Fonseca de Carvalho, Alan Eduardo Seglin Mendes, Igor Oliveri Soares, Isabela Maria Monteiro Borges, Mariane Cristina Bianchi, Nelson Junior Dias Villela

Department of Agriculture, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Department of Biology Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Department of Crop Production, State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, 79540-000, Cassilândia, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Abstract
Among the main factors limiting the yield of soybean, diseases stand out as the most important and difficult to control, causing up to 100% loss in the crop. The occurrence of diseases in soybean in Brazil is directly related to the tropical climate. Thus, the need to maintain high yield led to an increase in the number of foliar applications with fungicides. The aim of the study was to evaluate the response to the increase number of foliar fungicide applications on physiological and agronomic aspects and the economic viability of this management, contributing to the research of fungicide management in soybean. The experiment was performed in Minas Gerais state, in two environments (Ijaci and Lavras), during 2014/15 crop year, with the cultivar BRSMG 850GRR. The experiment was performed in a randomized block design, in split-plot, with three replications. The plots were composed of the number of applications (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5). The applications started at the R1 stage (beginning of bloom), with a 15-day interval to the next application (R1; R1+15d; R1+30d; R1+45d; R1+60d). The sub plots were composed of different chemical fungicides (Elatus®, Fox®, Opera®, Orkestra®, and BAS – 702 - a not registered product). Chlorophyll content, dry mass, crop cycle, plant height, number of pods, number of grains, thousand-seed weight , grain yield, harvest index, daily increment and economic viability were evaluated. Individual and joint variance analyses were performed. The means were grouped by the Scott-Knott test and the regression analysis was applied to study the sources of quantitative variation. The phenotypic correlation between the number of applications and the physiological and agronomic traits were also estimated. The increase in the number of foliar fungicide applications provides an increase in grain yield, thousand-seed weight, daily increment, dry mass and harvest index, and also provides changes in crop cycle, chlorophyll content and a higher net margin, generating a greater gain revenue.

Pages 265-273 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne750
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DRIS standards for nutritional evaluation of Phaseolus vulgaris in Cerrado, Goiás state, Brazil

Marcos Antônio Machado Mesquita, Pedro Marques da Silveira, Wilson Mozena Leandro, Rilner Alves Flores*, Deyvid Diego Carvalho Maranhão

Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Barreiros Campus, Barreiros, Pernambuco, Brazil
Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Rice and Beans, Santo Antônio of Goiás, Goiás, Brazil
Department of Soil Science, Agronomy School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania, GO, Brazil
Department of Soil Science, Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil

Abstract
The knowledge of nutritional requirements of beans, the efficiency of soil acidity correction and the fertilization programs are essential to increase productivity. The Integrated Recommendation and Diagnosis System (DRIS) assists with nutritional diagnosis of cultivated plants based on existing interactions between nutrients and the hierarchizing of limitations. This study aimed at establishing standards using the DRIS method for areas of production of irrigated common beans and at determining the most limiting nutritional factors to production using leaf analyses interpreted by concentration ranges and DRIS. Eighteen different bean-producing areas were selected in a central pivot irrigation system, from which 82 sampling points were established to collect leaves of crop and determine their nutritional contents. The reference population had productivity of over 3,000 kg ha-1. Using DRIS, we determined that phosphorus is the most limiting nutrient regarding its deficiency, with great sensitivity to diagnose nutritional problems of plants, especially micronutrients. Phosphorus (68.3%), molybdenum (65.9%), iron (64.6 %) and sodium (63.4%) and are nutrients with highest percentage of samples presenting levels below adequate according to sufficiency ranges for plants. Using DRIS, we can evaluate interactions among nutrients and determine of the magnitude of crop nutritional limitation whether due to deficiency or excess. These results may indicate which nutrients are limiting the crop productive capacity, allowing greater efficiency in its correction in soil.

Pages 274-280 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne766
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Sugarcane’s chemical ripeners: effects on growth and gas exchange of Citharexylum myrianthum, a Brazilian native tree species

Marina Alves Gavassi*, Allan Lopes Bacha, Cárita Liberato do Amaral, Leonardo Bianco de Carvalho, Pedro Luis da Costa Aguiar Alves

Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Botânica. Avenida 24 A, 1515, Bela Vista, 13506-900 - Rio Claro - SP, Brazil
Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, Departamento de Biologia Aplicada à Agropecuária. Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane,s/n Bairro Rural. 14884-900 Jaboticabal– SP, Brazil
Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, Departamento de Fitossanidade. Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n Bairro Rural. 14884 900 Jaboticabal– SP, Brazil

Abstract
Chemical ripeners are being used to anticipate the ripening process of sugarcane. These products act in specific enzyme or protein systems of plants, altering their functionality. However, these products can seriously affect the development of non-target species. In light of the proximity of permanent preservation areas to sugarcane plantations, we aimed at understanding the effect of simulated drift of chemical ripeners on 18-month age seedlings of Citharexylum myrianthum, a Brazilian native tree species. The experiment was conducted under semi-controlled conditions using a randomized block design with six replications. Treatments consisted of a 6x2 factorial arrangement, corresponding to six concentrations of glyphosate and sulfometuron-methyl, equivalent to 0, 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60% of commercial dose recommended for sugarcane. Plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, total chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and gas exchange were measured at 7, 30, and 60 days after application (DAA),. The leaf area and dry mass of plants were also measured at the end of the experimental period (60 DAA),. Both ripeners caused visual symptoms of phytointoxication in C. myrianthum, which were accompanied by alterations in gas exchange until 30 DAA. At 60 DAA, all plants treated with glyphosate recovered their photosynthetic capacity, without detrimental effect on their initial development, while those treated with 60% of sulfometuron-methyl showed limited growth in height coupled to super sprout due to the death of apical meristem. Despite no significant difference in total dry mass, the development of these plants was affected.

Pages 281-288 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne789
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Drought tolerance in potential oilseed plants for biofuel production

Luciana Minervina de Freitas Moura, Alan Carlos Costa*, Caroline Müller, Robson de Oliveira Silva Filho, Gabriel Martins Almeida, Roberto Gomes Vital, Jônatas Neves de Castro, Marconi Batista Teixeira

Ecophysiology and Plant Productivity Laboratory, Goiano Federal Institute of Science and Technology– Campus Rio Verde, P.O. box 66, 75901-970, Rio Verde, GO, Brazil
Hydraulics and Irrigation Laboratory, Goiano Federal Institute of Science and Technology– Campus Rio Verde, P.O. box 66, 75901-970, Rio Verde, GO, Brazil

Abstract
Raphanus sativus L. and Crambe abyssinica Hochst. are promising crops for supplying oil to chemical industries. They are not used for human consumption and can be grown off-season due to their short life cycle. However, drought may limit their growth, photosynthesis and productivity. Thus, the aim of this research was to evaluate the morphological and physiological responses of R. sativus and C. abyssinica subjected to water deficit to identify the strategies used by these species to tolerate the effects of water stress. Two independent experiments for R. sativus and C. abyssinica were conducted with different water replacements: 100% (control), 66% and 33% of the field capacity. The characteristics of water relations, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, chloroplastidic pigments, morphology and root distribution in the soil profile were evaluated separately in both crops. The results indicate the ability of both species to control water loss. In R. sativus and C. abyssinica, the cell turgor and consequently photosynthesis and growth were maintained even under drought conditions. The maintenance of water status was achieved by osmotic adjustment in R. sativus, and also the root distribution and deepening in both species. Such responses allowed R. sativus and C. abyssinica to be classified as tolerant to drought conditions.

Pages 289-298 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne836
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Growth and formation of bean phytomass (Vigna unguiculata L.) fertilized with mineral fertilizer and manipueira

Mariana de Oliveira Pereira*, Carlos Alberto Vieira de Azevedo, Narcísio Cabral de Araújo, Jailton Garcia Ramos, Rafaela Félix Basílio Guimarães, Vitória Ediclécia Borges, Thiago Galvão Sobrinho and Vera Lúcia Antunes de LimaFederal University of Campina 

Grande, Academic Unit of Agricultural Engineering, Campina Grande, 58.109-970, Paraíba, Brazil

Abstract
The alarming increase of utilization of chemical fertilizers for crops has stimulated the quest for organic residues with the potential for enhancing agricultural products. The manipueira is a liquid residue produced in the process of making flour or starch from cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) with potential for use as agricultural fertilizers because of its rich macronutrient (K, N, Mg, P, Ca and S, in the quantitative order) content and with sufficient contents of all micronutrients except molybdenum. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the initial development of cowpea bean (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., cv. Corujinha) fertilized with mineral fertilization and manipueira. The research was performed between January and February 2017, in a greenhouse located in the city of Campina Grande (7º 13'50" S, 35º 52'52" W, 551 m asl), state of Paraíba, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, involving 8 treatments and 3 replicates, totally 24 experimental units. The treatments included applying mineral fertilization using phosphorus; potassium; phosphorus and potassium in combination; organo-mineral fertilization with phosphorus and manipueira; and phosphorus combined with manipueira in different proportions (25, 50, 75 and 100 % of the manipueira recommended doses). Stem diameter, plant height, number of leaves, fresh shoot biomass and dry biomass of the aerial parts of the plant, fresh root biomass and dry root biomass were determined at 15 days after sowing. Data were subjected to the analysis of variance by F-test and the averages were compared by Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05). The results showed significant differences between the treatments evaluated. The most significant increases in bean growth and phytomass accumulation were occurred upon mineral fertilization with phosphorus on stem diameter, plant height, fresh shoot biomass and fresh and dry root biomass. Plants subjected to fertilization with phosphorus and different doses of manipueira exhibited a negative effect on the initial development stage of the cowpea (V4 stage) and it is not recommended as a substitute for the mineral fertilization for this culture in this period.

Pages 299-305 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne612
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Quality of soursop (Annona muricata L.) seedlings under different water salinity levels and nitrogen fertilization

Luana Lucas de Sá Almeida Veloso*, Reginaldo Gomes Nobre, Geovani Soares de Lima, Joicy Lima Barbosa, Edinete Nunes de Melo, Hans Raj Gheyi, Erbia Bressia Gonçalves, Cristiane Milene Alves de Souza

Federal University of Campina Grande, Academic Unit of Agricultural Engineering, Campina Grande, 58.109-970, Paraíba, Brazil
Federal University of Campina Grande, Academic Unit of Agricultural Science, Pombal, 58.840-000, Paraíba, Brazil
Federal University of Recôncavo of Bahia, Nucleus of Soil and Water Engineering, Cruz das Almas, 44.380-000, Bahia, Brazil
Fellow of CNPq Research Productivity, level 2, Brazil
Fellow of CNPq Research Productivity, level 1A, Brazil

Abstract
The edaphoclimatic characteristics of the Brazilian Northeast region favor the exploitation of soursop, a crop that is appreciated by the population of the whole country. However, due to the water limitation in this region, it is necessary to study techniques that make saline water feasible in the cultivation of the species. The present study aimed to evaluate phytomass production and quality of soursop cv. ‘Morada Nova’ seedlings, irrigated with waters of different salinity levels and fertilized with nitrogen (N) doses. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at the Center of Sciences and Agri-food Technology of the Federal University of Campina Grande (Pombal – PB), using a randomized block experimental design, in 5 x 4 factorial scheme, which corresponded to five levels of water electrical conductivity– ECw (0.3; 1.1; 1.9; 2.7 and 3.5 dS m-1) and four N doses (70, 100, 130 and 160 mg of N dm-3 of soil), with four replicates and two plants per plot. At 90 days after applying the treatments, the following variables were evaluated to assess the quality of the seedlings: fresh and dry phytomass of stem and leaves, dry phytomass of shoots (aerial parts), roots and total, and Dickson’s quality index. Irrigation water with ECw of up to 2.0 dS m-1 allows the production of soursop seedlings, cv. ‘Morada Nova’, with acceptable reduction of growth. The N dose of 70 mg dm-3 stimulates phytomass production and quality of the seedlings. There was no significant interaction between the factors on the studied variables of seedlings at 90 days after application of the treatments. Water of 2.0 dS m-1 associated with nitrogen fertilization using 70 mg of urea dm-3 of soil should be used in the formation of soursop seedlings.

Pages 306-310 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne892
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Management of Brazilian pine (Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol) Kuntze) based on the Liocourt model in a mixed ombrophilous forest in Southern Brazil

Ana Claudia da Silveira, André Felipe Hess, Luis Paulo Baldissera Schorr*, Sandra Mara Krefta, Diego Vinchiguerra dos Santos, Mushue Dayan Hampel Vieira Filho, Kemely Atanazio Alves Atanazio, Emanuel Arnoni Costa, Thiago Floriani Stepka, Geedre Adriano Borsoi

Department of Forest Engineering, Santa Catarina State University, 2090 Luiz de Camões Avenue, Lages, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Postal Code: 88520-000.
Department of Forest Engineering, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, Postal Code: 97105-900.

Abstract
The sustainable management of mixed ombrophilous forest is an effective way to perpetuate the survival of Brazilian pine and to generate environmental, economic and social benefits. So, this study aimed to describe the dynamics of the diametric distribution to propose a management intervention using the Liocourt model for a natural forest of Araucaria angustifolia within 84 ha of forests located in Lages, SC, Brazil. A total of 25 permanent plots of 400 m² were evaluated in two periods (periodic inventory performed in 2012 and 2016). The diameters at the breast height and the total height of all Brazilian pine individuals with diameter from 10 centimeters were measured. For the calculation of the quotient "q" the individuals were divided into diametric classes with intervals of 5 cm. The cutting intensity and the cutting rate for the cutting cycles of 20, 25 and 30 years were also calculated. This Brazilian pine forest presented J-inverted distribution curve and the value for the quotient "q" was 1.32. The cutting rates were 44.89 m³. ha-1, 63.64 m³. ha-1and 86.52 m³. ha-1 for the cutting cycles of 20, 25 and 30 years, respectively. In conclusion, this work demonstrated a forest structure that allows the forest management activity and the use of Liocourt method as a tool to elaborate forest management plans and to improve the forest interventions in Brazilian pine forests.

Pages 311-317 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne927
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Influence of the quality of artificial light on grafting tomato

Eva María Almansa, Rosa María Chica and María Teresa Lao*

Department of Agronomy and Department of Engineering. Higher Polytechnic School. University of Almeria, Spain Agrifood Campus of International Excellence CeiA3. Ctra. Sacramento s/n. La Cañada de San Urbano 04120 Almería, Spain

Abstract
To improve the success of grafted tomato plants, the response under different types of lighting has been evaluated. The lights used are compact fluorescent, high efficiency fluorescent, standard fluorescent and pure Blue-Light-Emitting Diodes. The assay was conducted in a culture chamber under the following conditions: temperature (night-day) 17.5/19.8 ºC (0.8 ± 0.2/0.1 ºC), relative humidity 56.44/72.40% (6.65 ± 0.01%) and radiation 92, 70, and 36 Wm-2. The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grafting method used was tube grafting with a small grafting clip using the cultivars Myla as scion and Maxifort as rootstock. Spectral radiation was measured at canopy level. Fresh and dry biomass in partitioning organs (leaves, stems and roots), Indol Acetic Acid (IAA), proline and reducing sugars were quantified. Standard fluorescent lamps have a very interesting spectral quality for grafting applications due to their B:R (blue:red), B:FR (blue:far red), PAR:NIR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation:Near Infrared) and R:FR (Red:Far Red) ratios; grafted plants under standard fluorescent lamps present lower proline concentrations (990 g per g of fresh weight) and higher sugar concentrations (27 g per g of fresh weight) than plants under other treatments. Furthermore, standard fluorescent lamps ensure the highest stem and root growth as well as an adequate water status.

Pages 318- 325 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.p7685
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Genetic resistance of local upland rice populations from East and North Kalimantan, Indonesia against some important diseases

Nurhasanah*, Kadis Mujiono, Efri Surya Darma, Widi Sunaryo

Department of Agroecotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Mulawarman University. Jl. Pasir Balengkong No.1 Kampus Gunung Kelua, Samarinda, East Kalimantan-Indonesia 75119

Abstract
Plant diseases are major obstacles in achieving optimal yields in crop plants including rice. The use of diseases-resistant varieties is one of the most practical and economical approaches to overcome this problem. The local rice populations (landraces) are important genetic resources containing useful genes for many important traits, including disease resistance characters. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the responses of East and North Kalimantan local upland rice population against rice diseases and to select the local cultivars having resistance against the diseases. Disease resistance was evaluated using natural disease epidemic selection. A 109 Indonesian local upland rice cultivars were grown in two different growing conditions, in screen house and field trial. Diseases were characterized by their symptoms on the plants and the corresponding causing agents. Disease intensity was scored by observing the percentage of disease symptoms on the plants in the field trial. The results showed that bacterial blight (Xanthomonas oryzae) was the most frequent disease infecting East and North Kalimantan local upland rice population followed by narrow brown spot, brown spot, sheath blight and black kernel. A specific interaction between the host and pathogen was observed in this study. Some genotypes were resistant, and some others are susceptible to the particular disease. However, most of the local rice cultivars were grouped into resistant and moderately resistant genotypes. The East and North Kalimantan local upland rice population characterized in this study, contained genes that confer resistance to one or more pathogens, which could be further used as a source of vertical or horizontal resistance genes in rice breeding programs.

Pages 326-334 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne1070

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