Cattle manure fertilization increases fig yield

Fertilization using organic compounds is complementary to chemical fertilization, being essential to integrated fruit production. Reports on fig tree (Ficus carica L.) organic fertilization and mineral nutrition are worldwide scarce, especially in Brazil. This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of cattle manure fertilization on the yield and productivity of the fig tree 'Roxo de Valinhos' in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil, during the 2002/03, 2003/04, 2004/05 and 2005/06 crop cycles. Plants aged one, two, three and four year olds received the following cattle manure treatments: control (no fertilizer), 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125% and 150% of the recommended N level for this crop. The evaluated variables were: fruit number, weight and mean diameter, plant yield and productivity. The application of cattle manure increased productivity, yield and fruit number, slightly affecting fruit dimensions. After four years of cattle manure application, the best results were obtained with 76 to 124% of the N level recommended for the fig crop.A adubação com compostos orgânicos é complementar à adubação química e especialmente necessária para a produção integrada de frutas. Trabalhos de pesquisa com adubação orgânica e nutrição mineral da figueira (Ficus carica L.) são escassos em todo o mundo e particularmente, no Brasil. O experimento teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da adubação orgânica com esterco de curral na produção e produtividade da figueira 'Roxo de Valinhos' em Botucatu-SP, nos ciclos de produção de 2002/03, 2003/04, 2004/05 e 2005/06. As plantas com idade de um, dois, três e quatro anos receberam os tratamentos com doses de esterco de curral correspondentes a: testemunha (sem adubação), 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125% e 150% da dose recomendada de N para a cultura. As variáveis avaliadas foram número, peso e diâmetro médio dos frutos, produção por planta e produtividade. A aplicação de esterco de curral aumentou a produtividade, produção e número de frutos, havendo poucas alterações nas dimensões dos mesmos. Após os quatro anos de aplicação do esterco de curral, obtiveram-se melhores resultados com 76 a 124% de da dose de N recomendada para a cultura da figueira

Peroxidase activity and total phenol content in citrus cuttings treated with different copper sources

Abstract The proper citrus cutting choice is considered of basic importance for a healthy and productive citriculture. Substrates composed of organic materials are widely used for the production of citrus seedlings but this can lead to plant copper deficiency, mainly caused by substrate high chelating properties. Copper is an essential heavy metal and is involved in many different plant physiological processes. This experiment was carried out in order to evaluate the behavior of 'Rangpur lime' lemon rootstock ( Citrus limonia Osbeck) grafted with cv. 'Valencia' ( Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck), when treated with different copper formulations, as cupric oxychloride (50% Cu — Novartis Biociencias™), cuprous oxide (32.8% Cu — Yara Vita™), chelated copper (5% Cu — Stoller™) and copper sulphate (25% Cu — Microsal™) analyzing the activity of peroxidase (POD) and the total content of phenols. The different copper formulations did not show significant differences about plant height, diameter, leaf and root dry weight. The comparison among copper treatments shows that cuprous oxide promoted the antioxidant system (POD activity and phenolic content) while chelated copper was not effective

SUBSTRATE MIXING FORMULATIONS FOR CITRUS NURSERY MANAGEMENT

The length of citrus seedling development is determined by several factors, including the physical and chemical qualities of the substrate, which affect rootstock growth and, as a result, the quality of field seedlings. The purpose of this study was to see how the ‘Swingle’ citrumelo rootstock developed with different substrate formulations. The experiment was carried out in a seedling nursery from seeding to grafting, and six treatments were carried out, as follows: 60% peat moss, 30% fine grade horticultural vermiculite, 10% rice hulls (1); 60% peat moss, 30% fine grade horticultural vermiculite, 10% rice hulls (2); 50% peat moss, 30% fine grade horticultural vermiculite, 20% rice hulls (3); 50% peat moss, 30% fine grade horticultural vermiculite, 20% rice hulls (4); 50% peat moss, 20% fine grade horticultural vermiculite, 30% rice hulls (5); 50% peat moss, 20% fine grade horticultural vermiculite, 30% rice hulls (6). In addition, the experiment was divided into two stages: seeding (stage 1) and seedling nursery (stage 2). In a completely randomized design, the experiment has six treatments, four replications, and 51 plants per plot. When container transplanting was performed, the emergence percentage of seedlings was determined; thus, eight plants per plot were examined. For the second stage, was used a completely randomized design with 6 substrate formulations, 4 replications, and 20 seedlings per plot. Stem height, stem diameter, leaf number, area meter, root dry matter, leaf and stem dry matter, and quality index were measured on seedlings every 28 days. All substrate formulations improved seedling development until grafting, except for the 30% rice hulls, which hampered seedling development in ‘Swingle' citrumelo.ABSTRACT:  The citrus seedling development is determined by several factors, including the physical and chemical qualities of the substrate, which affect the quality of field seedlings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the ‘Swingle’ citrumelo rootstock developed with different substrate formulations. The experiment was carried out in a seedling nursery from seeding to grafting, and six treatments were carried out: 60% peat moss, 30% fine grade horticultural vermiculite, 10% rice hulls; 60% peat moss, 30% super fine grade horticultural vermiculite, 10% rice hulls ; 50% peat moss, 30% fine grade horticultural vermiculite, 20% rice hulls ; 50% peat moss, 30% super fine grade horticultural vermiculite, 20% rice hulls ; 50% peat moss, 20% fine grade horticultural vermiculite, 30% rice hulls ; 50% peat moss, 20% super fine grade horticultural vermiculite, 30% rice hulls.  When container transplanting was performed, the emergence percentage of seedlings was determined. Stem height, stem diameter, leaf number, area meter, root dry matter, leaf and stem dry matter, and quality index were measured on seedlings. All substrate formulations improved seedling development until grafting, except for the formulations with 30% rice hulls, which hampered seedling development in ‘Swingle' citrumelo. Keywords: [Citrus paradisi Macfad. Duncan grapefruit × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.]; peat moss; rice hulls; vermiculite.   Manejo de viveiro de citros com mistura de formulações de substrato   RESUMO: Muitos fatores influenciam na formação das mudas cítricas, sendo que as propriedades físicas e químicas dos substratos afetam a qualidade da muda levada a campo. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desenvolvimento do porta-enxerto citrumeleiro ‘Swingle’ em diferentes formulações de mistura de substratos. O experimento foi realizado em viveiro sendo as plantas conduzidas da semeadura até o ponto de enxertia. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: Substrato 60% Turfa Sphagnum, 30% vermiculita fina, 10% casca de arroz; Substrato 60% Turfa Sphagnum, 30% vermiculita super fina, 10% casca de arroz; Substrato 50% Turfa Sphagnum, 30% vermiculita fina, 20% casca de arroz; Substrato 50% Turfa Sphagnum, 30% vermiculita super fina, 20% casca de arroz; Substrato 50% Turfa Sphagnum, 20% vermiculita fina, 30% casca de arroz; Substrato 50% Turfa Sphagnum, 20% vermiculita super fina, 30% casca de arroz. No tranplantio, foi avaliada a porcentagem de emergência das plântulas. Foram avaliadas altura das plantas, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, área foliar, massa seca das raízes e parte aérea e índice de qualidade. Todas as formulações de mistura de substratos proporcionam desenvolvimento semelhante das mudas até a enxertia, exceto as formulações com 30% de casca de arroz que não promoveram o desenvolvimento adequado das plântulas de citrumeleiro ‘Swingle’. Palavras-chave: [Citrus paradisi Macfad. Duncan grapefruit × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.]; casca de arroz vermiculita; turfa de Sphagnum

Biostimulant and substrates on litchi tree propagation by air layering

The production of quality seedlings is important for the crop cycle and the main propagation type is by the air layering technique, which can be enhanced by using different substrates and plant growth regulators. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a biostimulant and substrate types in the propagation of litchi tree by air layering. The experiment was installed in a commercial area in the city of Mogi Mirim, SP, Brazil and conducted in a randomized block design with a 5x2 factorial with four replications. The treatments consisted of five Stimulate® biostimulant concentrations (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 ml L-1) and two substrate types (Plantmax® and earthworm humus). After 120 days, the root length (cm), number of roots, calloused and rooted layers percentage (%), root fresh and dry mass (g) and root volume (cm3) were evaluated. Based on the results, it was found that the concentrations of 6.1 and 6.9 ml L-1 promoted greater success in litchi tree propagation and that the layers can be produced on both evaluated substrates.The production of quality seedlings is important for the crop cycle and the main propagation type is by the air layering technique, which can be enhanced by using different substrates and plant growth regulators. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a biostimulant and substrate types in the propagation of litchi tree by air layering. The experiment was installed in a commercial area in the city of Mogi Mirim, SP, Brazil and conducted in a randomized block design with a 5x2 factorial with four replications. The treatments consisted of five Stimulate® biostimulant concentrations (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 ml L-1) and two substrate types (Plantmax® and earthworm humus). After 120 days, the root length (cm), number of roots, calloused and rooted layers percentage (%), root fresh and dry mass (g) and root volume (cm3) were evaluated. Based on the results, it was found that the concentrations of 6.1 and 6.9 ml L-1 promoted greater success in litchi tree propagation and that the layers can be produced on both evaluated substrates.

Temperatura basal e soma térmica em fases fenológicas de cultivares de nectarineira e pessegueiro

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a temperatura basal, a soma térmica acumulada em diferentesfases fenológicas, a duração das fenofases, a produtividade e a sazonalidade do ciclo de uma cultivar denectarina e de 14 cultivares de pêssego, entre 2006 e 2009. As fases fenológicas consideradas foram: podabrotação;brotação-florescimento, da gema inchada até a flor aberta; florescimento-frutificação, da queda daspétalas até o fruto médio; e maturação. As temperaturas basais mínimas obtidas foram: poda-brotação, 8°C,independentemente das cultivares avaliadas; brotação-florescimento, 10°C, com exceção de 'Cascata 968', quenecessitou de Tb de 8°C; florescimento-frutificação, 12°C, exceto 'Oro Azteca', que necessitou de Tb de 14°C;maturação, 14°C, com exceção de 'Sunblaze', 'Diamante Mejorado' e 'Precocinho', com Tb de 12°C. Para amaioria das cultivares, as temperaturas basais máximas foram de 30, 34, 34 e 28ºC, nas fases poda-brotação,brotação-florescimento, florescimento-frutificação e maturação, respectivamente. 'Turmalina', 'Marli' e 'TropicBeauty' apresentaram produtividade média de 3.945,0, 3.969,3 e 3.954,0 kg ha‑1, em 2009, respectivamente,enquanto a nectarineira 'Sunblaze' produziu em torno de 3.900 kg ha‑1 em 2008 e 2009. As cultivares diferiramquanto ao ciclo total e quanto às somas térmicas acumuladas que variaram, respectivamente, de 245 dias e1.881,4 graus‑dia em 'Oro Azteca', a 144 dias e 1.455,7 graus‑dia em 'Precocinho'.The objective of this work was to evaluate basal temperature, thermal sum at different phenologicalstages, phenological phase duration, yield and seasonality of one nectarine and 14 peach cultivars, between2006 and 2009. The considered phenological phases were: pruning-sprouting; sprouting-flowering, fromswollen bud to open flower; flowering-fruiting, from petal fall to medium‑sized fruit; and ripening. Minimumbasal temperatures (Tb) obtained were: pruning-sprouting, 8°C, irrespective of the cultivars; sproutingflowering,10°C, except for 'Cascata 968', which required 8°C Tb; flowering-fruiting, 12°C, except for 'OroAzteca', which required 14°C Tb; ripening, 14°C, except for 'Sunblaze', 'Diamante Mejorado' and 'Precocinho'with 12°C Tb. For most cultivars, the maximum basal temperatures were 30, 34, 34 and 28ºC for phasespruning-sprouting, sprouting-flowering, flowering-fruiting and ripening, respectively. 'Turmalina', 'Marli' and'Tropic Beauty' showed average yields of 3,945.0, 3,969.3 and 3,954.0 kg ha‑1, respectively, in 2009, while thenectarine 'Sunblaze' showed around 3,900 kg ha‑1 in 2008 and 2009. The cultivars differed for their total cycleand for the accumulated thermal sums which varied, respectively, from 245 days and 1,881.4 degree‑days for'Oro Azteca', to144 days and 1,455.7 degree‑days for 'Precocinho'

Fenologia, crescimento vegetativo e rendimento de figueira no Sudeste do Brasil

The objective of this work was to evaluate the phenological patterns, vegetative growth, and yield characteristics of fig (Ficus carica)varieties in Southeastern Brazil. The 'Roxo de Valinhos', White Genova, PI-189, and Troyano varieties were distributed in a randomized complete block design and evaluated in the field. The following characteristics were assessed: number of days between pruning and the beginning of sprouting; leaf chlorophyll content; number of shoots on each branch; length, diameter, and number of internodes on each branch; number of leaves per plant; leaf area; number of fruit per plant; mass, length, and diameter of fruit; production and yield; and duration (days) of each phenological stage, such as thermal requirement models. 'Roxo de Valinhos' and White Genova sprouted the fastest and showed the largest number of shoots. Troyano obtained the greatest branch length and diameter, as well as the greatest number of fruit per plant, which had the shortest diameter and length and the lowest mass of fruit. Furthermore, Troyano showed the latest harvest, besides the thermal requirement of 4,577.31 degree-days. 'Roxo de Valinhos' and White Genova produced fruit with the greatest average mass and diameter and the longest length. Troyano shows better vegetative growth and produces more fruit per plant than 'Roxo de Valinhos', but both genotypes show similar yields.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os padrões fenológicos, o crescimento vegetativo e as características de rendimento de variedades de figueira (Ficus carica) no Sudeste brasileiro. As variedades 'Roxo de Valinhos', White Genova, PI-189 e Troyano foram distribuídas em delineamento de blocos ao acaso e avaliadas em campo. As seguintes características foram avaliadas: número de dias entre a poda e o início da brotação; teor de clorofila das folhas; número de brotos por ramo; comprimento, diâmetro e número de entrenós de cada ramo; número de folhas por planta; área foliar; número de frutos por planta; massa, comprimento e diâmetro dos frutos; produção e produtividade; e duração (dias) de cada estágio fenológico, tais como modelos de requerimento térmico. 'Roxo de Valinhos' e White Genova brotaram mais rapidamente e apresentaram maior número de brotações. Troyano obteve os maiores diâmetro e comprimento dos ramos, assim como maior número de frutos por planta, os quais tiveram os menores diâmetro, comprimento e massa. Além disso, Troyano apresentou colheita mais tardia e necessidade térmica de 4.577,31 graus-dia. 'Roxo de Valinhos' e White Genova apresentaram frutos com maior massa, diâmetro e comprimento. Troyano apresenta melhor desenvolvimento vegetativo e produz mais frutos por planta do que 'Roxo de Valinhos', mas os rendimentos de ambos os genótipos são similares

ATRIBUTOS FÍSICO-QUÍMICOS E ACEITABILIDADE DOS FRUTOS DE FIGUEIRAS CULTIVADAS NA ESPANHA

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as características físico-químicas e sensoriais dos frutos de quatro variedades de figueira (Colar, San Antonio, Cuello de Dama Negro e Tiberio) cultivadas no sudeste da Espanha. Para este estudo foram utilizados figos oriundos de uma área experimental da Escola Politécnica Superior de Orihuela da Universidade Miguel Hernández de Elche/Espanha. Os frutos foram avaliados no Laboratório de Pós-Colheita da Universidade Politécnica de Cartagena/Espanha. Foram mensuradas características como firmeza, pH, sólidos solúveis, açúcares, polifenóis totais, capacidade antioxidante e a análise sensorial dos frutos de quatro variedades de figueiras. Foram considerados 4 tratamentos (variedades) e 3 repetições por tratamento, para cada repetição foram utilizados 5 frutos. Os frutos da variedade Tiberio mostraram menor firmeza e baixa qualidade sensorial, indicando menor aceitabilidade. As variedades Colar e Cuello de Dama Negro apresentaram frutos com maiores teores de polifenóis totais e capacidade antioxidante. Palavras-chave: Ficus carica L, qualidade, análise sensorial.   PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ATTRIBUTES AND ACCEPTABILITY OF FIG FRUITS CULTIVATED IN SPAIN ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyze the morphological, physicochemical and sensory characteristics of four fig fruits varieties grown in southeast Spain. For this study were used fig fruits coming from the experimental area of Orihuela Polytechnic School, University Miguel Hernández of Elche/Spain. After harvesting the fruits were brought to the Postharvest laboratory of Cartagena Polytechnic University/ Spain, where the weight characterization, longitudinal and equatorial diameter, ostiole diameter (morphological), consistency, pH,  soluble solids,  sugars, total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity (physico-chemical) , ,) was performed, and sensory analysis of four fig fruits varieties (Colar, San Antonio, Cuello de Dama Negro and Tiberio). The experiment consisted of 4 treatments (varieties) and 3 replicates per treatment, being 20 fruits for the morphological variables and 5 fruit was used for the physico-chemical variables. When observed significant differences between these treatments were subjected to the Tukey test at 5% probability. The Colar variety showed the best morphology, but not different from the other varieties in relation to chemical and sensory characteristics. The variety of Tiberio fruits showed less firmness and low sensory quality, indicating lower acceptability. The Colar and Cuello de Dama Negro showed fruit varieties with higher levels of total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity.[ Keywords: Ficus carica L, quality, sensory analysis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14583/2318-7670.v02n03a0