Peaches phenology and production submitted to foliar nitrogen fertilizer and calcium nitrate

Choosing cultivars that require less chilling temperatures to overcome dormancy is crucial, for example, peaches that grow in subtropical areas, which is not an appropriate climate for them. Thus, alternative techniques are necessary to induce sprouting. Yet there are not many available products in market, restricting options for fruit growers to a reduced number of chemical molecules, which are often harm the health to applicators. Therefore, this study aimed to assess phenological cycles and productive performance of three peach cultivars, submitted to foliar nitrogen fertilizer and calcium nitrate to induce sprouting. This study took place at Experimental Orchard of School of Agriculture (FCA, UNESP), Botucatu, state of São Paulo. Three peach cultivars were evaluated: ‘Douradão’, ‘BRS Kampai’ and ‘BRS Rubimel’ by applying four doses of foliar nitrogen fertilizer (FNF) at 0, 1.25, 2.50 and 3.75%; associated with 4% calcium nitrate. A 3x4 factorial arrangement (3 cultivars X 4 FNF doses) in a randomized block design was used, with 4 replicates and 2 plants per plot, totalizing 96 plants. Results indicated that FNF positively affected cultivars development, providing wider sprouting, flowering and fruit set; consequently, greater production. Then FNF became a good alternative to induce sprouting in peaches at mild winter temperatures. Moreover, ‘BRS Rubimel’ presented high sowing percentage associated with low flowering and fruit set percentages, that is, low production mainly caused by its lack of adaptability to studied region

AVANÇOS NA PROPAGAÇÃO DA FIGUEIRA

The fig tree (Ficus carica L.) stands out due to its range of cultivation and easy adaptation to the diverse edaphoclimatic conditions. Besides its adaptability, the fruits produced have nutraceutical characteristics and are used in industry and in natura consumption, much appreciated by the world cuisine. Due to lack of manpower and phytosanitary problems the area planted in Brazil has been decreasing. And, to overcome these obstacles, the production of quality seedlings is the first step to obtaining productive and healthy orchards. Therefore, it was objectified with the present literature review, to gather the data referring to the advances in the research related to the propagation of the fig tree. Currently, the methods found for the propagation of the fig tree consists of seedling production, where entomophilic pollination occurs, or vegetatively. Commercially the propagation method by cutting is still the most used for this crop, however, other methods can also be used, such as the use of burrs or techniques of plunging, grafting and tissue culture. Although there is a diversity of propagation methods and new technologies being developed, cuttings remain the most feasible method. Still, obtaining healthy and quality seedlings is one of the main problems currently found in ficiculture, since, in addition to the scarcity of studies related to propagation, the use of resistant cultivars and pathogen-free substrates should be prioritized due to susceptibility From the fig tree to nematodes. With this, we can conclude that continuity in research in order to always seek new information on the cultivars most adapted to each locality, as well as improvements in propagation and cultivation techniques, should be encouraged