Australian Journal of Crop Science   AJCS

Assessment of orbital sensors in estimating sugarcane crop evapotranspiration with the “SAFER” algorithm

Carlos Cesar Silva Jardim, José Alves Júnior*, Derblai Casaroli, Adão Wagner Pêgo Evangelista, Rafael Battisti

School of Agronomy, Department of Soil and Water, Federal University of Goias (UFG), Zip code 74.690.900, Goiania, Goias, Brazil

Abstract
Understanding sugarcane water demand is important for planting planning, yield estimation, irrigation management, forecasting and water resources management. The purpose of this study was to estimate the evapotranspiration of the variety RB985476 in 2nd. re-grow, from August/2017 to September/2018, in a mechanized harvest area and with straw distribution over dystrophic red Latosolo, through the SAFER algorithm, with two passive orbital image sensors: Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2. The results demonstrated that SAFER better estimated ETc from Landsat 8 images and that remote sensing is not efficient for ETc estimation in phenological stages with low plant coverage. The sensors show divergences in surface and albedo temperature estimates and no difference in NDVI estimation was observed. The landsat 8 products are superior in evapotranspiration estimates when compared to the standards recommended in this paper.

Pages 816-821 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.23.17.11.p3866
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Physiological quality of seeds of Mimosa bimucronata (DC) O. KTZE. subjected to different types of drying

Luan Danilo Ferreira de Andrade Melo*, João Luciano de Andrade Melo Junior, Thaíse dos Santos Berto, Reinaldo de Alencar Paes, Jaqueline Figueredo de Oliveira Costa, Vanuze Costa de Oliveira, Ivanildo Claudino da Silva, Lívia Francyne Gomes Chaves, Adriana Guimarães Duarte, José Antonio Costa Silva, Wesley Oliveira de Assis

Department of Agroecology, University Federal of Alagoas – UFAL, Brazil

Abstract
Despite its potential, to date, work has not been carried out to identify the ideal drying conditions for Mimosa bimucronata (DC) O. Kuntze. Considering the scarcity of information on the drying process of this species, this work was with the objective of evaluating the sensitivity to desiccation by means of drying on activated silica gel (fast) and under laboratory conditions (slow). Rapid drying with silica was performed. For slow drying, the seeds were placed in plastic containers without lids, both at room temperature. Every hour, the seeds were weighed until reaching the pre-established points (30, 25, 20, 15 and 10%). The variables analyzed were: water content, first germination count, germination, germination speed index, dry mass and seedling length. The seeds of M. bimucronata (DC) show orthodox behavior, withstanding desiccation at levels below 15%. The desiccation of seeds at very low levels impairs the formation of seedlings, preventing their normal development.

Pages 822-826 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.23.17.11.p3878
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Source of antibiosis to Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in mocó cotton genotypes (Gossypium hirsutum raça marie galante L. Hutch)

Patrícia Vaz da Costa da Silva, André Cirilo de Sousa Almeida, Juliana Oliveira da Silva, Letícia de Maria Oliveira Mendes, Flávio Gonçalves de Jesus, Lúcia Vieira Hoffmann, Ivandilson Pessoa Pinto de Menezes*

Instituto Federal Goiano – Campus Urutaí, GO, Brazil
Embrapa Algodão, Santo Antônio de Goiás, GO, Brasil
Instituto Federal do Ceará, Campus Acopiara, CE, Brasil

Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) cause damage in cotton plants since the plant emergence until maturation. The objective of this work was to evaluate antibiosis in mocó cotton genotypes (Gossypium hirsutum var marie galante L. Hutch) to S. frugiperda. Newly hatched larvae were individualized in plastic containers (100 mL) sealed with polyethylene film to prevent the insect scape, where they were fed with cotton leaves. The treatments were 27 cotton genotypes, with 40 replications for antibiosis and 20 for nutritional parameters, using a completely randomized design. The biological parameters evaluated were: larval period and viability, weight of caterpillars at ten days, pre-pupal period and viability and pupal weight at 24 hours, life cycle and total viability, adult longevity and sex ratio. Additionally, cotton genotypes were characterized by four microsatellite markers linked blue disease resistance, angular leaf spot, root-knot nematode and reniform nematode. There was high initial mortality of S. frugiperda larvae in genotypes BA0512, MA0423, PI0438, PI0432, CE0461, CE0507, RN0512, MA0425, MA0438, PI0429, MA0430, PI0440, PI0467, AC0602, PI0416, BA0477, MA0409 and MA0409 CE0467. The cotton genotypes presented antibiosis and SSR resistance markers for nematode and blue disease, highlighting that the germplasm of this species is an important source of multiple resistance for insect resistant genotype selection programs.

Pages 827-834 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.23.17.11.p3898
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Application of herbicides and sugar cane straw on controlling of Mucuna aterrima L. in peanut crop

Heitor Lopes Sartori, Augusto Guerreiro Fontoura Costa*, Valdinei Sofiatti, Pedro Luís da Costa Aguiar Alves

Universidade Estadual de Campinas, 13083-970, Campinas - SP, Brazil
Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Embrapa Algodão, 58428-095, Campina Grande-PB, Brazil
Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, 14884-900, Jaboticabal-SP, Brazil

Abstract
Peanut crop is normally cultivated in sugar cane renewal areas in Brazil, where velvet bean (Mucuna aterrima) is a troublesome weed, in which the control is essential. The goal was to evaluate herbicide efficacy associated with sugar cane harvest residues on M. aterrima control. In absence and presence of sugar cane straw, herbicides were applied in pre-emergence (imazapic, imazethapyr + flumioxazin, diclosulan, s-metolachlor, clomazone, sulfentrazone and sulfentrazone+diuron) and in post-emergence of M. aterrima (imazapic, imazethapyr, bentazon, bentazon + imazamox, lactofen, fomesafen, cloransulan-methyl, carfentrazone and 2,4-D). The treatments sulfentrazone and sulfentrazone + diuron resulted in control higher than 95% in straw absence, causing the highest reductions on aerial part (92%) and root (64%) drought mass of M. aterrima. The presence of sugar cane straw reduced the effect of herbicides applied in pre-emergence. The 2,4-D resulted in weed control higher than 70% and the applications with 2,4-D and carfentrazone caused the highest reductions on weed plant height (28%), aerial part (45%) and root (42%) drought mass. It was possible to conclude that the highest control levels of M. aterrima were obtained with sulfentrazone and sulfentrazone + diuron applied at pre-emergence, in absence of sugar cane straw and, with 2,4-D and carfentrazone, applied in post-emergence, regardless of straw presence.

Pages 835-840 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.23.17.11.p3953
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Methodologies to determine the ripening stage of coffee fruits

Maria. H. A. Marcilio, Bruno. M. R.Melo*, Sindynara. Ferreira, Inara. A. Pereira, Flávia. S. V. Bastos, Vitor. M. Souza

IFSULDEMINAS-Campus Inconfidentes, Inconfidentes, MG, Brazil

Abstract
The asynchronous flowering of coffee trees results in uneven ripening, which makes harvesting ripe fruit crops difficult. To determine the ideal time for harvesting, representative sampling is required. However, existing sampling processes are labor-intensive. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the optimal number of plants and most efficient methodology to evaluate coffee fruit ripening. The experiment was conducted in Inconfidentes, state of Minas Gerais, with trials carried out on Catuaí Vermelho and Icatu Vermelho cultivars. The results of the fruit quantities were subjected to analysis of variance. An individual statistical analysis was performed and, if the homogeneity of residual variances was lower than seven, a joint analysis of variance was performed on the two crops. Each experiment had four treatments and six repetitions. We then performed a joint analysis of the data and used simulation to determine the optimal number of plants to be evaluated. The interaction between treatments and cultivars showed a significant difference in the green and cherry stages, but not in unripe, ripe, and dry fruits, and the optimal number of plants to sample varied by cultivar and treatment. It was found that the optimal number of plants to sample is 13 for the Icatu cultivar and 14 for the Catuaí cultivar using the central rosette harvesting treatment.

Pages 841-846 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.23.17.11.p3970
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Performance of soybean cultivated following intercropped corn under varying nitrogen levels

Moryb Jorge Lima da Costa Sapucay, Antonio Eduardo Coelho, Jorge Luiz Locatelli, Felipe Bratti, Henrique Debiasi, Julio Cezar Franchini dos Santos, Alvadi Antonio Balbinot Junior, Claudemir Zucareli

Departament of Agronomy, Center of Agrarian Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
Departament of Plant Production, State University of Santa Catarina, Lages, SC, Brazil
Department of Soil Science, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
Departament of Soil Science, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
Embrapa Soja, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Londrina, PR, Brazil

Abstract
The intercropping of second-crop corn with ruzigrass or showy rattlebox associated with an increase in the nitrogen (N) rate can improve the performance of soybean in succession. This study aimed to evaluate the soybean performance in succession to second-crop corn cultivated under N application rates, with or without intercropping with ruzigrass (Urochloa ruziziensis) or showy rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis). The experimental design was a complete randomized block design with a split-plot scheme with four replicates. The plots were composed of the cultivation of either sole corn (AG 9010 PRO) or corn intercropped with ruzigrass or showy rattlebox, and the subplots consisted of different N topdressing rates (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha-1). Soybean (BRS 1003 IPRO) was grown in succession to corn under a no-tillage system (NTS). The evaluated variables were growth and yield. The increase in N rate in second-crop corn, with or without intercropping with ruzigrass or showy rattlebox, increased the growth and yield of soybean in succession under NTS. Second-crop corn intercropped with ruzigrass provided a greater amount of straw under NTS than sole corn or intercropped with showy rattlebox. However, intercropped systems did not influence the growth and yield of soybean grown in succession. Therefore, the corn intercropped with ruzigrass promotes the sustainability of NTS and the N fertilization in second-crop corn, which subsequently improves soybeans performance.

Pages 847-854 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.23.17.11.p3991
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A field study on the combined use of pre-emergence herbicide and Clearfield® technology for ryegrass management in wheat crops

Lariane Fontana de Freitas, Diogo Luiz Fruet, Mayra Luiza Schelter, Marissa Prá de Souza, Naiara Guerra, Antonio Mendes de Oliveira Neto

Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC/CAV), Av. Luiz de Camões, 2090, Conta Dinheiro, 88520-000, Lages, SC, Brazil
Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rodovia Ulysses Gaboardi, 3000, 89520-000, Curitibanos, SC, Brazil

Abstract
Weed interference in wheat crops are known to cause productivity losses. The objective of this work was to evaluate pre-emergence herbicide application efficiency combined with Clearfield® technology (CL) in ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) management in wheat crops. A field experiment was conducted from July 2020 to December 2021 using randomized block design in a 2×5 factorial arrangement with four replications. Treatments consisted of combinations of pre-emergence herbicide application - without and with pendimethalin at 1365 g a.i. ha-1 (in 2020 crop season) or without and with pyroxasulfone at 125 g a.i. ha-1 (in 2021 crop season) and post-emergence herbicide application - without application; imazamox at 49, 70, and 91 g a.i. ha-1, or pyroxsulam at 18 g a.i. ha-1. Wheat cultivars used were TBIO Capricho CL® and TBIO Ello CL®. The following characteristics were evaluated: phytotoxicity, ryegrass control, plant height, number of spikes m-2, mean spike weight, 100-grain weight, and grain yield. Treatments phytotoxicity did not exceed 5%, being visible only at 7 DAA, from 14 DAA no injury was observed. The combined application of pre-emergence herbicides pendimethalin or pyroxasulfone with post-emergence herbicides imazamox or pyroxsulam provided superior control of ryegrass than the isolated applications. This management resulted in ryegrass control ranging from 88.8% to 100% in 2020 and from 82.3% to 100% in 2021. In general, grain yield was also higher in treatments with combined pre- and post-emergence applications. The pre-emergence herbicide application in combination with CL technology was effective in managing ryegrass, preventing weed interference, and ensuring the productive potential of wheat crops.

Pages 855-861 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.23.17.11.p4013
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Quantification of silicon concentration in sugarcane ash using the neutron activation technique with an isotopic source

Boris Javier Michajluk Barboza, Julio César Cabello Leiva, Daisy Leticia Ramírez Monzón*, Luz Viviana Bóveda Chaparro, Lucia Simeona Ríos Valiente, Rafael Gómez González, Ernesto José Bernal Gini, Oender Ferreira Perna, Glacy Jaqueline da Silva

Laboratory of Nuclear Techniques, Faculty of Chemical Science, National University of Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
Laboratory of Nuclear Techniques, Faculty of Chemical Science, National University of Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
Postgraduate Direction. Faculty of Agronomic Engineering, National University of the East. Minga Guazu, Paraguay
Laboratory of Nuclear Techniques, Faculty of Chemical Science, National University of Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
Plant health laboratory, Faculty of Agronomic Engineering, National University of the East. Minga Guazu, Paraguay
Laboratory of Nuclear Techniques, Faculty of Chemical Science, National University of Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
Plant Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomic Engineering, National University of the East. Minga Guazu, Paraguay
Biotechnology Department, Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology Applied to Agriculture, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
Biotechnology Department, Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology Applied to Agriculture, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil

Abstract
In the realm of agronomic research, the neutron activation technique has gained traction, particularly in regions such as Paraguay, for its capability to deploy an isotopic source for the quantification and identification of agriculturally pertinent minerals. Within the ambit of sugarcane cultivation, both silicon (Si) and silica (SiO2) emerge as paramount, owing to their efficacy in fortifying the sugarcane plant's resistance to phytopathogens and pests, as well as their role in mitigating lodging phenomena. Notably, an uptick in silica accumulation has been correlated with amplified biomass and sucrose production metrics. This underscores the imperative for a meticulous quantification of Si and SiO2 within sugarcane derivatives, catering to both agronomic and industrial directives. Addressing the extant lacuna in regional datasets, this investigation endeavored to elucidate the inherent concentrations of Si and SiO2 within distinct anatomical segments of sugarcane, viz., leaves, entire stems, bark, and bagasse. A total of eight sugarcane cohorts, each encompassing 10 specimens, were subjected to the experimental paradigm. Adhering to a fully randomized design, each cohort was trialed in triplicate. Post desiccation at 105°C, the resultant specimens underwent calcination in a muffle furnace at an approximation of 500°C for a sextet of hours. The experimental variables under scrutiny encompassed mass (in grams), Si concentration (in percentage), and SiO2 content. Subsequent quantifications of Si and SiO2 within the ash specimens were operationalized using a nuclear analytical modality coupled with an isotopic neutron source. Post-acquisition, the data were subjected to a unidirectional analysis of variance, with an ensuing post-hoc DMS comparative analysis. Empirical findings highlighted that ash derived from integral sugarcane stems registered a preeminent mass juxtaposed against other segments. Intriguingly, leaf-derived ash manifested the zenith of Si and SiO2 concentrations, quantified at 24% for Si and 51.5% for SiO2. In summation, the neutron activation technique, undergirded by an isotopic source, has manifested its robustness in pinpointing Si concentrations within sugarcane ash, thereby accentuating the potential of leaf ash as a quintessential fount for silica extraction. Such insights bear salient implications for nations, such as Paraguay, where the evolution of agronomic modalities remains an ongoing endeavor.

Pages 862-866 | Full Text PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.23.17.11.p4017
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Quantifying agricultural characteristics using several indicators and extensive field surveys in an ecologically fragile watershed of India

Debashree Borah* and Ashok Kumar Bora

Department of Geography, Arya Vidyapeeth College, Guwahati, 781016, India
Department of Geography, Gauhati University, Guwahati, 781014, India

Abstract
The present research was carried out in an ecologically fragile watershed of North-East India to comprehend the agricultural growth and development by quantifying its status employing several indicators, viz. physiological density, crop diversification, crop intensity and concentration. The study has demonstrated the use of primary data collected through extensive field surveys based on multistage sampling method in conjunction with a relevant secondary database. The findings revealed marked variation within the region in cropping patterns and associated aspects. The physiological density ranges between 1.91 to 85.54, cropping intensity ranges from 69.02% to 186.42%, crop diversification (6.42 to 100.14) and crop concentration (0.32 to 4.49), respectively. Continuous monitoring of the agricultural environment and adopting site-specific crop management practices supported by relevant information would boost the agricultural outcome and sustainability. Thus, the study would assist in framing guidelines to improve the agricultural landscape of the region.

Pages 867-875 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.23.17.11.p4077