Abstract Background Achieving satisfactory weed control levels in black oat (Avena strigosa) fields is often difficult, owing to the limited number of registered herbicide molecules. Objective To determine novel options for selective, post-emergence chemical weed control in this crop. Methods Eight herbicide treatments were sprayed in the field onto black oat plants at the tillering stage to evaluate crop safety and control of Conyza spp. and Gamochaeta americana, two major weeds of Brazilian black oats. A separate trial was conducted to further assess herbicide safety in a controlled-environment setting, and mesotrione selectivity was then re-evaluated separately in the greenhouse during the following growing season. Crop phytotoxicity was determined using biomass production both in the field and in greenhouse trials. Results Mesotrione, bentazon, 2,4-D, and a 2,4-D+bentazon tank-mix produced light symptoms of crop phytotoxicity, from which plants quickly recovered. Conyza spp. control was achieved via applications of mesotrione (192 g a.i. ha-1), metsulfuron-methyl (3.9 g a.i. ha-1), and a 2,4-D + bentazon tank-mix (502.5 g a.e. ha-1 + 720 g a.i. ha-1, respectively), whereas proper G. americana control was only achieved via applications of either mesotrione or metsulfuron-methyl. Biomass accumulation by black oat plants in the greenhouse was similar across mesotrione-treated and untreated plants. Conclusions Mesotrione could become an option for selective, post-emergence weed control in black oat fields, aiding in the fight against multiple herbicide-resistant Conyza spp. populations which are widespread across major black oat-growing areas in Brazil.

A suinocultura, embora considerada atividade de alto potencial poluidor em virtude da grande concentração de animais e ao volume de dejetos líquidos produzidos por unidade de área, enfrenta um grande desafio que se refere ao desenvolvimento de sistemas alternativos para a produção de suínos, que diminuam o potencial poluidor desta atividade. Pela potencialidade de absorver o esterco e a urina dos suínos, o sistema de cama pode ser uma alternativa viável para o manejo dos efluentes, mas este sistema apresenta aspectos negativos para o conforto térmico dos suínos. Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar o efeito de diferentes alturas de cama com casca de arroz, utilizada no sistema de produção sobre cama durante as fases de crescimento e terminação, sobre indicadores de condicionamento ambiental da edificação zootécnica (temperatura ambiente e da cama e umidade relativa do ar). Três tratamentos foram comparados (duas profundidades diferentes de cama de casca de arroz, 0,5 e 0,25 m, e um sistema com piso compacto de concreto). A utilização de piso com cama para suínos nas fases de crescimento-terminação, mesmo com diferentes profundidades, não foi suficiente para alterar os indicadores de condicionamento ambiental da edificação zootécnica.

Due to the large animal inventories and the great volume of waste, swine production is considered a highly polluting activity. Therefore one of its greatest challenges is the development of alternative production systems with lower polluting potential. Deep litter systems may be feasible alternative for waste management due to their capacity for slurry absorption, although they may negatively influence the thermal comfort of the pigs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of distinct depths of rice husk litters used to raise pigs in growing and finishing phases on ambiental temperature and relative humidity inside the barn. Three treatments were compared: litter with a depth of 0.5 m; litter with a depth of 0.25 m; and solid concrete floor. Ambiental temperature and relative humidity inside the barn were not influenced by the use of litter or by different litter depths.