Contribution of honeybees to soybean yield

Despite the economic importance of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], knowledge on the contribution of entomological pollination on seed yield is scarce. This study estimates the production of soybean resulting from pollination by honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) in two consecutive growing seasons in Paraná (Argentina). Experiments had two treatments: excluded flower-visiting insects (EV) and non-excluded flower-visiting insects (NEV). The abundance of honeybees was similar in both years, although soybean production differed significantly (P < 0.05) between years. The NEV treatment out-yielded (P < 0.001) the EV treatment by 18% (5224 vs. 4415 kg ha−1) in year 1, which was associated with an increase in the seeds per unit area but not with individual seed weight. In contrast, seed yield (on average 3830 kg ha−1) and seeds per unit area did not differ between treatments in year 2. Individual seed weight was 3–5% (P < 0.05) higher in EV than in NEV in both years. The mechanisms involved in the seed yield increase could be related with pollen sterility in relegated flowers in secondary racemes or in distal locations of primary racemes under favorable conditions, as recorded in year 1. Thus, the action of honeybees carrying pollen from fertile flowers to relegated flowers may have increased the pod and seed set in treatment NEV in year 1.EEA ParanáFil: Blettler, Diego César. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; ArgentinaFil: Fagundez, Guillermina Andrea. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; ArgentinaFil: Caviglia, Octavio. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná. Grupo Ecología Forestal; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentin

GMOs: building the future on the basis of past experience

Biosafety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their derivatives is still a major topic in the agenda of government and societies worldwide. The aim of this review is to bring into light that data that supported the decision taken back in 1998 as an exercise to stimulate criticism from the scientific community for upcoming discussions and to avoid emotional and senseless arguments that could jeopardize future development in the field. It must be emphasized that Roundup Ready® soybean is just one example of how biotechnology can bring in significant advances for society, not only through increased productivity, but also with beneficial environmental impact, thereby allowing more rational use of agricultural pesticides for improvement of the soil conditions. The adoption of agricultural practices with higher yield will also allow better distribution of income among small farmers. New species of genetically modified plants will soon be available and society should be capable of making decisions in an objective and well-informed manner, through collegiate bodies that are qualified in all aspects of biosafety and environmental impact.<br>A biosegurança dos organismos geneticamente modificados e seus derivados é um dos principais tópicos na agenda de discussões de governos e sociedades. O objetivo desta revisão é reviver os dados científicos que fundamentaram a decisão de liberação comercial da soja transgênica resistente ao Glifosate com o intuito de estimular uma posição crítica da comunidade científica para as próximas discussões no tema. A soja em questão é apenas um exemplo de como a biotecnologia pode contribuir para avanços na produtividade e na preservação do meio ambiente, com ganho de produtividade e lucratividade para agricultores em todas as escalas. Novas variedades trangênicas estarão na pauta de discussões que deverão estar fundamentadas em dados científicos objetivos, evitando argumentos emocionais que poderão, assim como no passado recente, prejudicar o desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico da agricultura