Microbial inoculants supporting sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) under low water and nitrogen supplies in the Brazilian drylands.

This study investigated the interactive effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization and water supply across distinct microbial treatments in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). A factorial experiment was conducted under field conditions with different microbial strains, nitrogen application rates (20 and 140 kg N ha 1), and two water availability levels (45 % and 100 % evapotranspiration, ETC). Results indicate that N fertilization, irrigation level, and microbial inoculation significantly influenced aboveground biomass production and the efficiency of N fertilization under the different levels of nitrogen fertilization, water supply, and microbial inoculation tested, highlighting those inoculants with Bacillus spp. ESA 13 and ESA 402, Rhizobium sp. ESA 15, Agrobacterium sp. ESA 441, and Herbaspirillum seropedicae BR 11417. Triple interaction also influenced potassium (K) uptake, while water supply and microbial inoculation influenced the extraction of N, calcium, Cu, and Zn from the soil. The plant height, stem diameter, and leaf area index were influenced by different bacteria and water supply when Pelomonas sp. ESA 424, Azospirillum baldaniorum BR 11005T, and the yeast Meyerozyma sp. ESA 37 stood out in two (out of three) parameters under the most detrimental condition (45 % ETC and 20 kg N ha 1). These findings suggest the potential of the bacteria and yeasts tested to undergo further field assays using inoculants with more than one strain, each with complementary mechanisms, to enhance crop resilience and productivity in semiarid region

Anaerobic compensation point can effectively extend Palmer mango shelf-life in CA storage.

The objective of this study was to identify the anaerobic compensation point (ACP) required to maximally inhibit aerobic respiration and extend postharvest life of ‘Palmer’ mangos produced on ‘Espada’ rootstock in the summer and winter growing seasons in Brazil. The study was composed by two experiments. The first was carried out to determine the ACP (minimum pO2 required to maximally inhibit aerobic respiration) of ‘Palmer’ mangos during storage at 9 ◦C. The second was carried out to validate the minimum pO2 to store the fruit under dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA). In the first experiment, the fruit were harvested at the commercial maturity in the summer and winter growing seasons and stored for 49 days at 9 ◦C with 90–95 % relative humidity. Every week, the fruit were hermetically sealed in 20 L containers, where O2, CO2, and ethanol concentrations were monitored during 35 h. The minimum pO2 required to maximally inhibit fruit aerobic respiration was determined at the beginning of ethanol production, which indicates a shift of fruit aerobic to anaerobic respiration (ACP). The minimum pO2 to efficiently inhibit aerobic respiration of ‘Palmer’ mangos ranged from 0.3 kPa to 4.7 kPa in summer and 1.75–11.15 kPa in winter growing seasons. Fruit harvested in the following growing season and stored in DCA with the minimum pO2 showed lower aerobic respiration, mass loss, as well as better maintenance of skin and pulp color, firmness, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), and SS/TA ratio, compared to fruit stored only under refrigerated atmosphere at 9 ◦C for 60 days

Diagnosis of acaricide resistance in Oligonychus punicae (Hirst) (Acari: Tetranychidae) in grapevines from the São Francisco Valley, Brazil.

The intensive use of acaricides, such as abamectin, in the S˜ao Francisco Valley region of Brazil has increased selection pressure on the red mite Oligonychus punicae, leading to frequent reports of field control failures. This study evaluated the hypothesis that repeated abamectin use for tetranychid mite control in grapevines has led to a high frequency of resistance in O. punicae populations. This study aimed to detect and document abamectin resistance in O. punicae populations infesting grapevines. To assess potential cross-resistance, toxicity assays were also conducted with bifenthrin and pyridaben—other acaricides registered for Tetranychus urticae control in Brazilian vineyards. Tested populations of O. punicae exposed to a diagnostic concentration of 9 mg L 1 aba- mectin were classified as resistant, with resistance ratios reaching up to 398-fold relative to the susceptible population. In contrast, the label-recommended concentrations of bifenthrin and pyridaben caused 100 % mortality in all tested populations, although resistance ratios varied from 1- to 25-fold. A significant positive correlation was observed between the LC90 values of abamectin and bifenthrin; however, the results suggest a pattern of multiple resistance rather than cross-resistance among the tested acaricides. Understanding the evo- lution of acaricide resistance in O. punicae is essential for developing effective pest control and resistance management strategies in viticulture

Towards a Global Soil Biodiversity Observatory (GLOSOB): science and policy backgrounds.

The world’s soils harbor an immense but as of yet inadequately measured and understood biodiversity, that perform essential ecosystem services in both undisturbed and agroecological and industrial agricultural systems. However, this vast natural resource is threatened by climate and land use change as well as unsustainable management practices, although the extent of these impacts on soil biodiversity and its vital functions for sustaining soil health and food security have not been adequately assessed worldwide. As part of the updated action plan of the International Initiative for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Soil Biodiversity, established originally by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2002, a Global Soil Biodiversity Observatory was proposed in 2020 to assess and monitor soil biodiversity worldwide. Here, we review the historical background (particularly as it relates to the CBD), as well as the scientific and political context of this decision. Furthermore, we provide guidance on and a framework to assess the potential to undertake soil biodiversity monitoring in different countries, using scientifically based and agreed criteria related to a minimum set and wider optional range of soil biological variables. Finally, recommendations for improving understanding and monitoring capacity as well as funding mechanisms and political support for these activities are also reviewed

Viability of bionutrition on organic carbon and microbial metabolism in soil cultivated with Palmer mango.

Mango (Mangifera indica) cultivation holds economic importance and needs efficient nutrient management practices. Due to high costs of chemical fertilizers, sustainable alternatives, such as remineralizers and biofertilizers, are crucial for ensuring nutrition and maintaining soil quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of remineralizers and biofertilizers, applied either alone or in combination with chemical fertilizers, on the content of organic carbon, humic substances, and microbial activity in the soil cultivated with ‘Palmer’ mango trees in the São Francisco Valley. Conducted from 2022 to 2024 in Petrolina, Pernambuco state, Brazil, the experiment employed a randomized block design with four treatments and five replicates. The treatments included: T1 (control), T2 (conventional management), T3 (remineralizers + biofertilizer), and T4 (50% chemical fertilizers + 50% remineralizers + biofertilizer), where T1 received no fertilizer application and T2 consisted of chemical fertilizers only. The evaluation encompassed the content of total organic carbon, humic substances, basal respiration, and microbial biomass. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variance to assess significant effects using the F test, with treatment comparisons conducted via Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05). Results indicated that all treatments enhanced contents of organic carbon and humic and fulvic acids in soil. Notably, microbial biomass showed efficiency degrading organic compounds when chemical fertilizers were applied. The combination of 50% chemical fertilizers with 50% remineralizers and biofertilizer (T4) yielded optimal results in terms of basal respiration and microbial biomass, establishing it an effective strategy to increase soil carbon, promote mango development, and reduce cost

Study of the Chemical Diversity in Spondias tuberosa Leaves During the Phenological Evolution Stages: Metabolomic and Chemometric Approaches Associated with Antioxidant and Antiglycant Activities.

Spondias tuberosa (umbu) has been studied from the perspective of natural product and pharmacology, revealing relevant biological activities. Therefore, from the point of view of chemical and biological studies, deepening knowledge about this species is of great importance. Additionally, the evaluation related to the metabolic variations of the same species during different phenological evolution stages is also an interesting aspect of the research. Thereby, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-QToF-MS E ) was used to trace the chemical profile from umbu leaves at different phenological stages, allowing the detection of 40 metabolites, which 16 were annotated, such as phenolics and anacardic acids. Furthermore, the use of chemoinformatics tools allowed obtaining information on phenological development in the three leaves phases: post-flowering (young leaves), full production and senescence. The antiglycation activity assay revealed a potential inhibition of the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in the leaves at different phenological stages. The antioxidant activity was satisfactory and in agreement with previously reported results, evidencing the potential for using umbu leaves, currently completely discarded, as an alternative source of antioxidants, which may provide increased added value to the cultivation of umbu, stimulating family farming and the recovery of tree density in degraded areas

Incremento de carbono no solo proporcionado pela suplementação dos nutrientes nitrogênio (N), fósforo (P) e enxofre (S).

As estratégias que buscam potencializar o incremento do carbono (C) no solo passam necessariamente pelo aumento da entrada deste elemento por diferentes fontes e/ou pelo aumento do tempo de permanência no solo. Para isto, busca-se aproveitar melhor o C presente nos resíduos vegetais depositados na superfície do solo pela maior eficiência do processo de humificação e formação do húmus. Para contornar a rápida decomposição e mineralização dos resíduos vegetais pode-se aplicar o balanço estequiométrico dos principais elementos químicos que compõem a matéria orgânica do solo (MOS), a qual tem grande influência no processo de humificação e que é coordenada pela microbiota do solo. Com isto, além da diminuição da taxa de decomposição/mineralização, busca-se a melhor taxa de conversão da palha (resíduo vegetal) em biomassa viva (microbiana) no solo. O objetivo geral é avaliar a taxa de incremento de C no solo após a suplementação dos nutrientes N, P e S. Foi instalado experimento em anéis de concreto de 0,23 m3 contendo solo de textura média e 5 tipos de cultivo, com culturas anuais e pastagens. Foi efetuado os cortes de pastagem/forrageira e milho, bem como a deposição de palha na superfície do solo. Nos cultivos com milho (Cultivos 1 e 2) foi efetuada a moagem da palha e depositado na superfície do solo uma quantidade equivalente a 9,0 Mg ha-1. Nos cultivos com pastagem (Cultivos 3, 4 e 5), a forrageira foi cortada pela simulação de pastejo rotacionado, conforme a indicação de altura máxima e mínima de pastejo das cultivares de brachiaria e panicum. Nas pastagens, foi depositado 25% da forrageira como palha na superfície do solo, considerado como perda pelo pastejo. O experimento está em fase de estabelecimento e não foram realizadas as aplicações diferenciadas dos nutrientes NPS, bem como a determinação do C no solo em cada tratamento

Número cromossômico e padrão de distribuição da heterocromatina em espécies de Passiflora spp.

O gênero Passiflora é composto por mais de 600 espécies, das quais aproximadamente 160 são nativas do Brasil, considerado como um dos principais centros de diversidade genética para o gênero. Apesar dessa diversidade, e de sua importância econômica, estudos citogenéticos sobre o maracujazeiro ainda são escassos, estimando-se que menos de 30% das espécies de Passiflora possuem informações citogenéticas publicadas, a maioria limitando-se à contagem cromossômica. Essa carência de informações cariotípicas pode dificultar estratégias de conservação e melhoramento genético das espécies. Diante da ampla diversidade genética do gênero, este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar e comparar citogeneticamente o cariótipo de nove espécies de Passiflora conservadas no Banco Ativo de Germoplasma (BAG) de Maracujá da Embrapa Semiárido. As espécies analisadas foram P. alata, P. cincinnata, P. edmundoi, P. edulis, P. foetida, P. laurifolia, P. ligularis, P. luetzelburgii e P. setacea. Raízes em crescimento ativo foram coletadas, tratadas com o antimitótico 8-hidroxiquinoleína e fixadas em solução Carnoy 3:1. O material foi corado com os fluorocromos base específicos cromomicina A3 (CMA) e 4',6'-diamino-2-fenil-indol (DAPI) e, em seguida, as imagens das células em metáfase foram fotografadas com auxílio de um microscópio de epifluorescência utilizando o software Leica QFISH. A coloração com CMA/DAPI permitiu observar 2n=20 cromossomos para P. foetida e 2n=18 para as demais espécies. A heterocromatina CMA+ foi localizada em todos os acessos, com P. edulis e P. alata apresentando quatro cromossomos com blocos CMA+ nas regiões terminais, P. foetida com blocos localizados nas regiões terminais e pericentroméricas de seis cromossomos, e as demais espécies com quatro ou seis blocos CMA+ nas regiões terminais e pericentroméricas. Alguns desses blocos CMA+ foram observados destacados dos cromossomos, possivelmente correspondendo às regiões organizadoras do nucléolo. Esses resultados evidenciam a variabilidade cariológica do gênero e oferecem dados essenciais para estudos de diversidade, conservação e melhoramento genético em Passiflora

Sistemas de condução no rendimento de vinificação e perfil enológico de vinhos da cv. Syrah.

A ‘Syrah’ destaca-se entre as principais cultivares utilizadas na elaboração de vinhos tintos no sudeste do Brasil. O êxito de um empreendimento vitícola está intimamente relacionado à escolha do sistema de condução a ser adotado, que influencia na qualidade da uva e consequentemente, no vinho. Objetivou-se avaliar a influência dos sistemas de condução no perfil enológico e no rendimento de vinificação de vinho finos tintos produzidas da cv. Syrah

Bioanálise aplicada à qualidade do solo de pastagens da Região Médio Paraíba do Sul.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a atividade enzimática do solo em pastagens do Médio Vale Paraíba, RJ. Amostras compostas da camada 0-10cm foram coletadas em Valença e Cachoeiras de Macacu, sob sistemas de integração pecuária-floresta (iPF) sob pastagem braquiária submetidas ao manejo convencional em diferentes níveis de degradação e sob mata secundária, processadas pelo protocolo FertBio. No sistema iPF o solo foi amostrado na linha do renque; projeção da copa e área central do pasto. Foram avaliadas atividades da arilsulfatase e ß-glucosidase e a atividade da ß-glucosidase foi consistentemente inferior à arilsulfatase. No iPF não foi observada diferença entre locais de amostragem. A ß-glucosidase mostrou-se inferior na mata em relação ao local iPF B e a arilsulfatase foi similar nos locais de amostragem. Na Região de Valença, RJ, a atividade das enzimas decresceu nos pastos mais degradados em 2,4 vezes para β- glicosidase e 3,4 vezes para arilsulfatase, e em Cachoeiras de Macacu, a atividade da β-glicosidase decresceu cerca de 2 vezes nos pastos com maior nível de degradação. Foram gerados agrupamentos distintos em função da atividade enzimática e os níveis de degradação, indicando viabilidade do uso do indicador para avaliar o nível de degradação de pastagens