AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

DESENVOLVIMENTO E DESEMPENHO PRODUTIVO DA CEBOLA EM SISTEMA “SUPERADENSADO”

Francisco Olmar Gervini de Menezes Júnior — 2025-04-14

Increasing plant density has been one of the main strategies adopted by farmers to enhance onion
productivity, which, in principle, requires adjustments in the fertilization management of this important
vegetable crop. This study aimed to assess the agronomic feasibility of higher population densities combined
with supplemental nitrogen fertilization. The treatments consisted of four plant densities (400, 600, 800
thousand plants ha⁻¹, and 1 million plants ha⁻¹) subjected to two nitrogen application rates (150 and 200 kg N
ha⁻¹). The experiment followed a randomized block design in a factorial arrangement (4×2), with four
replications. Each experimental plot had a total area of 9.6 m² (effective area: 7.8 m²). The results indicated
that nitrogen doses above 150 kg ha⁻¹ did not increase the productivity of the onion cultivar Empasc 352
Bola Precoce. A higher number of leaves did not necessarily translate into greater productivity. The best
commercial distribution of bulbs in classes 2 and 3+ was achieved with a population density of 400 thousand
plants ha⁻¹. Variations in temperature and relative humidity throughout the onion growth cycle influenced
crop development and yield. A revision of the current NPK fertilization recommendation table for onion
cultivation in the state of Santa Catarina is necessary.

CHARACTERIZATION, AGRICULTURAL APTITUDE AND USE CAPACITY OF ‘PLANOSSOLO HÁPLICO’: A CASE STUDY IN FIRMINO ALVES -BA.

Alane Santos Santana — 2025-04-16

The present study centered on the comprehensive characterization of a Planossolo Háplico situated within the municipality of Firmino Alves, Bahia. The objective of this study was to contribute to the comprehension of the agricultural challenges experienced by the region, with a particular focus on soils that exhibit imperfect
drainage and a high degree of susceptibility to salinization. The objectives of the study included analyzing the
morphological, physical, and chemical characteristics of the soil, as well as evaluating its agricultural
suitability and land use capacity. The methodology entailed the collection of soil samples along the profile,
followed by routine laboratory analyses. The analyses encompassed a range of parameters, including but not
limited to: particle size distribution, water-dispersible clay, degree of flocculation, silt/clay ratio, as well as pH, exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity, and base saturation. The soil profile displays a diverse
texture, predominantly sandy loam, accompanied by variations in clay and sandy clay loam. The color of the
horizons also varies, reflecting differences in permeability and organic content. A chemical analysis of the soil
reveals that, despite its acidic nature, the exchange complex is saturated with basic cations. The ratio of calcium to magnesium (Ca:Mg) exhibits a decline with depth, which has the potential to influence nutrient availability. The agricultural suitability assessment classified the soil into groups with different degrees of limitation for crops, pastures, and other uses. An evaluation revealed that the land's utilization potential was constrained due to inherent soil properties. The Planossolo Háplico Eutrófico solódico in the study area presents characteristics that limit its agricultural use, primarily due to low permeability and the risk of salinization. In order to ensure the viability of livestock farming and other agricultural practices in the region, it is imperative to implement specific management strategies that take these constraints into account. The research underscores the necessity for additional studies to develop management strategies that can mitigate the challenges associated with these soils, ensuring soil quality preservation and maintaining agricultural productivity.

PRODUCTION OF GRAVIOLA SEEDLINGS IN DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF SUBSTRATES AND CONTAINERS

Genaina Cristofoli — 2025-04-17

Brown rot, caused by the fungus Monilinia fructicola, is the most important peach tree disease, as it causes losses from flowering to post-harvest. Given the indiscriminate use of fungicides, more sustainable alternatives for disease control have been sought. Thus, the study aimed to verify, in vitro, the fungistatic effect of aqueous plant extracts of rosemary, garlic and horsetail on the fungus. Three aqueous plant extracts (garlic, rosemary and horsetail) were evaluated at five concentrations, namely: 0 (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20% (g mL-1). The treatments were applied in a completely randomized design (CRD), with 4 replicates in a 3x5 bifactorial arrangement. The first factor was the plant extracts and the second factor was the concentrations, each experimental unit being a Petri dish. The data were subjected to analysis of variance. The differences between the means were compared in Scott Knott at 5% probability of error and the concentrations, by polynomial regression. Afterwards, the extracts were added to the liquid PDA medium and subsequently allowed to solidify. After inoculation, all plates were sealed and incubated in BOD at 25 °C for 10 days. Mycelial growth, growth rate, percentage of growth inhibition and mycelial growth velocity index were evaluated. There was a significant interaction between concentrations and plant extracts. Horsetail and rosemary resulted in growth inhibition of 67.91% and 53.47% and growth rate of 42.37% and 49.37% for concentrations of 15 and 20%, respectively. Rosemary and horsetail resulted in mycelial growth of 22.46 cm and 16.88 cm, when compared to garlic, resulting in mycelial growth velocity index of 0.42% and 0.29%, respectively. The best controls were with garlic extract, at concentrations of 5, 10, 15 and 20%. It can be concluded that garlic extract has fungistatic and fungitoxic action on the fungus in vitro.

PRODUCTION OF GRAVIOLA SEEDLINGS IN DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF SUBSTRATES AND CONTAINERS

Sérgio Henrique Navarro dos Santos — 2025-04-22

The socio-economic importance of growing graviola in Brazil has increased in recent years due to the demand for tropical fruit, both for fresh consumption and to supply the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of organic substrates and alternative containers on the production of graviola (Anonna muricata L.) seedlings.The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks, with spacing between blocks of 0.50 m and between containers of 0.15 m, in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, with two types of containers (carton packaging - milk cartons - 7x15 cm and polyethylene plastic bag - 15x25 cm - with a capacity of 1.335 L) and 4 organic substrates (soil + sand (1: 1); soil + sand + cattle manure (1:1:1); soil + sand + poultry litter (1:1:1); soil + sand + swine manure (1:1:1) and 1 commercial compost (100%), with 5 repetitions. The parameters of plant height (AT), stem diameter (DC), number of leaves (NF) and leaf area (AF) were assessed at 75 and 90 days, until 90 days had elapsed (DAE), after which root length (CR), root volume (VR), aerial part dry mass (MSPA), root dry mass (MSR) and total dry mass (MST) were assessed. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and the means were compared using the Scott-knott test at 5% probability. The means of the treatments for the evaluations of AT, DC and NF of the graviolas were compared using the 5% T-test. The use of substrates composed of soil + sand + poultry litter or soil + sand + cattle manure in containers with polyethylene bags are the most recommended for the production of soursop seedlings.

CHARACTERIZATION AND PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF SEEDS AND SEEDLINGS OF TRADITIONAL VARIETIES OF COWPEA FROM THE STATE OF AMAZONAS, BRAZIL

Victor Alves de Araújo — 2025-07-02

The cowpea, a species of particular importance to the populations of the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, exhibits significant genetic variability, as evidenced by the traditional varieties of the species. Consequently, characterization and evaluation activities are imperative to ascertain its salient attributes, particularly for conservation programs that are oriented towards mitigating genetic erosion, as well as for breeding programs. The objective of this study was to conduct a biometric and morphological characterization of the seeds and seedlings of twelve traditional cowpea varieties from the state of Amazonas, Brazil. The descriptors employed for the seeds included weight of 100 units, length, width and thickness; shape; texture and color of the testa; color of the hilum; presence, color and size of the halo. The descriptors employed to characterize the seedlings included the color of the hypocotyl, the color and shape of the first leaves, and the shape of the base and apex of the first leaves. The data was subsequently subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. The seeds exhibited variability in terms of length, width, and thickness, reflecting the diversity inherent in traditional varieties. The morphological characterization of the seeds demonstrated variations among the varieties, particularly concerning the morphology and shape and color of the testa. The morphological descriptors of the seedlings exhibited no differences between the traditional varieties.

CHORUME DE ATERRO SANITÁRIO AMEAÇA PEIXES TROPICAIS NA AMAZÔNIA CENTRAL

Rubens Honda — 2025-07-08

A primary concern associated with landfill operations pertains to the generation of leachate, defined as a liquid that emerges as a consequence of the decomposition of organic materials. The leachate generated poses a significant threat to the aquatic environment where it is discharged. This phenomenon is not confined to the active phase of the landfill, as leachate production persists even many years after the landfill has been closed. The present study evaluated the composition of the fish community, as well as the concentrations of metals in
the water and in the tissues of the fish, in a small stream that received leachate from a landfill in the city of
Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. The headwaters of the small stream are located within the confines of the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve, a significant natural conservation area and a research hub for environmental studies in the Amazonian region. The concentrations of heavy metals in the leachate and in the tissues of fish did not exceed the limits established by CONAMA Resolution 357/2005. However, fluctuations in water quality
parameters, including pH (6.42 ± 0.72), dissolved oxygen levels (0.3 to 5.02 mgO2/L), and electric
conductivity, were observed during both the wet and dry seasons. A total of six fish species were documented
in the area contaminated by leachate, while a significantly higher number of 19 species were recorded in the
area that was not contaminated by leachate. Consequently, the composition of the fish community was
significantly impacted by the landfill leachate. Furthermore, the study area has been identified as a site for the emergence of invasive species.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DOSES OF ORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON PITAYA SPECIES: Hylocereus megalanthus AND Hylocereus costaricensis

Rafaela Santos Oliveira — 2025-07-09

Pitaya, Hylocereus spp., is a fruit-bearing cactus native in the tropical forests of Central and South America,
which has demonstrated great potential in the Brazilian markets due to its hardiness, flavor and exotic
appearance. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of organic fertilization with chicken
litter (CF) and cattle manure (EB) on the planting of cuttings of different pitaya species (H. megalanthus and
H. costaricensis). The seedlings were planted with 20 to 25 cm cuttings in a completely randomized design,
with 4 treatments and 4 replicates each, in addition to the control treatment (without fertilization) with doses
of 50%, 100%, 150% and 200% of the organic fertilizer recommendation for perennial fruit crops of the
Cerrado Manual. Chicken litter proved to be effective in promoting the development of H. megalanthus, with
positive responses in various morphological parameters (root growth, shoot diameter, and shoot height)
depending on fertilization levels. The cattle manure promoted a positive response for root growth and shoots
emergence at specific doses. For H. costaricensis, chicken litter did not result in significant improvements,
whereas cattle manure contributed selectively to root growth and shoot emergence.

PRODUCTION OPTIMIZATION OF ORA-PRO-NÓBIS PROTEIN HYDROLYSATE FOR FOOD PRODUCTS USE

Isabela Marinho Walcacer — 2025-09-02

Despite the vast biodiversity of edible plant species, humans utilize only about one thousand species. Plants
that are unknown, underutilized, and have one or more edible parts are referred to as Non-Conventional
Edible Plants (NCEPs). Among them, Ora-pro-nobis (OPN) stands out for its high protein content. This
study aimed to perform the physicochemical characterization of flour derived from two Ora-pro-nobis
species, namely Pereskia aculeata Mill (PAM) and Pereskia grandifolia Haw (PGH). The species were
analyzed for moisture, protein, lipids, crude fiber, and ash content. The flour from the species with the
highest protein content was subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis. To optimize the production of the protein
hydrolysate, a Rotatable Central Composite Design (RCCD) was adopted, evaluating the independent
variables time, temperature, and enzyme concentration. The dependent variables analyzed were the degree of hydrolysis and the percentage of free radical scavenging activity. The present study shows that OPN presents high levels of protein, fiber, and minerals, indicating that this plant source has potential to contribute to the diet to meet the recommended daily intake of these nutrients. However, enzymatic hydrolysis with bromelain had no significant effect on the degree of hydrolysis or free radical scavenging percentage, indicating that the model was not predictive for this experiment. Therefore, further studies on the nutritional analyses of Ora-pro-nobis are suggested to enhance its potential for developing new products, food enrichment, and formulations as a substitute for proteins and nutrients derived from animal products.