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ABSTRACT: One of the central challenges in contemporary agriculture is to sustain productivity with reduced inputs while improving crop nutritional quality. In this context, reconnecting plant nutrition with the plant-soil microbiome represents a critical and timely opportunity. Despite increasing recognition of the microbiome's pivotal role in plant nutrition, this relationship is often conceptualized within fragmented, domain-specific frameworks rather than as a fully integrated system. Here, we argue that plant nutrition provides a robust, quantitative framework to reposition the microbiome within agronomy by linking microbial processes to measurable outcomes such as nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, crop quality, and plant responses to environmental stress. We propose that nutrient acquisition should not be viewed as a purely physicochemical process, but as a biologically mediated outcome emerging from interactions among plants, microorganisms, and their environment, particularly in the rhizosphere. Evidence from isotopic, physiological, and ecological studies indicates that microbiome contributions to plant nutrition are measurable but strongly context-dependent, helping to explain their variability under field conditions and the limitations of simplified inoculant approaches. Finally, we advocate for integrative frameworks that explicitly connect microbial ecology, plant physiology, and nutrient dynamics across scales.

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ABSTRACT: Bacterial inoculants have been used to enhance silage preservation for over a century. Notably, most of these inoculants consist of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), with only a limited number of commercial products containing bacteria other than LAB. Recent research efforts have concentrated on identifying new bacterial species that could enhance silage preservation. For instance, although Bacillus subtilis was primarily studied as a single inoculant before the 1980s, most investigations into this bacterium have taken place in the last decade. Interestingly, the progression of scientific research often reflects a cycle of rediscovery. Despite the relatively small number of studies conducted to date, B. subtilis has demonstrated its ability to potentially improve dry matter recovery, aerobic stability, and in vitro digestibility across various crop silages. Furthermore, the positive effects of orally administering this bacterium on ruminant health have led to experiments involving feeding both large and small ruminants silage inoculated with B. subtilis in conjunction with other LAB. Given the promising potential of B. subtilis as a novel silage inoculant, this review aims to explore the mechanisms through which silage quality may be enhanced via inoculation with this bacterium and its implications for animal performance. Additionally, the disadvantages and limitations of using B. subtilis as a silage additive will also be discussed.

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ABSTRACT: This study presents a novel approach that combines agricultural census data with remotely sensed time series to develop accurate predictive models for paddy rice yield across the different regions of Peru. By leveraging sparse regression and Elastic-Net regularization techniques, the study uncovers causal relationships between key remotely sensed variables such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), precipitation (PREC), temperature (TEMP), and agricultural yield. To further enhance prediction accuracy, first- and second-order dynamic transformations (velocity and acceleration) of these variables were applied to capture non-linear patterns and lagged effects on yield. The findings demonstrate improved predictive performance when integrating regularization techniques with climatic and geospatial variables, allowing for more accurate forecasts of yield variability. The results confirm the presence of causal relationships in the Granger sense, underscoring the value of this methodology to strategic agricultural management. This contributes to more efficient and sustainable production in paddy rice cultivation.

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ABSTRACT: In robotic harvesting and yield prediction scenarios, real-time visual recognition of tomato fruit size often requires additional distance sensors or reference objects for measuring dimensions. This study introduces a low-cost, single-device, variable-distance vision recognition solution. The measurement system employs a binocular camera, and the algorithm used is You Only Look Once version 5 (YOLOv5). The measurement principle is based on parallax, which calculates the distance between the tomato fruit and the camera baseline by analyzing the offset of the same point on the left and right images. The dataset was trained with YOLOv5, including 100 binocular and 500 monocular images of single, multiple, and shielded fruits. The baseline distance between the tomato fruit and the binocular camera was calculated by measuring the parallax principle of the binocular camera. The detection accuracy of ripe tomatoes reached 86.9 % using the YOLOv5 target detection algorithm and various mixed datasets. The average relative errors for distance, vertical width, and horizontal length were 4.92 %, 5.31 %, and 5.05 %, respectively. The test system costs less than US$30. The results demonstrate that the system exhibits excellent dimensional detection performance at a low cost and across variable distances.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT: ‘Kyoho’ grapes are renowned worldwide for their excellent fresh food quality. Determining the optimal time to pick grape bunches based on maturity is an important factor in ensuring their quality. However, the maturity of grape bunches in complex grape garden environments is easily affected by many factors. This paper proposes a grape maturity detection method based on You Only Look Once version (YOLOv) 8. The model's performance was improved by introducing a small object detection layer and replacing the faster implementation of the cross-stage partial bottleneck with 2 convolutions (C2f) module and the re-parameterized visual geometry group (RepVGG) module in the YOLOv8 network. A total of 1581 ‘Kyoho’ grape images were taken on-site with a mobile phone and divided into four maturity levels. Through ablation experiments, YOLOv8, adding a small object detection layer (YOLOv8-Head), replacing the C2f module with the RepVGG module (YOLOv8-Rep), and adding a small object detection layer and replacing the RepVGG module (YOLOv8-Rep-Head) were used for model training. The experimental results showed that the mean average precision 0.5 (mAP0.5) of the YOLOv8-Rep-Head model reaches 0.927, which is higher than 0.870 of YOLOv8, 0.880 of YOLOv8-Head, and 0.917 of YOLOv8-Rep. The precision (P) and recall (R) rates reached a high level, 0.902 and 0.861, respectively, and the balanced F (F1) score also increased to 0.88, registering the best performance of all the models. The experimental results show that the YOLOv8-Rep-Head model can accurately detect the maturity of ‘Kyoho’ grape bunches, provide reference significance for the intelligent picking of ‘Kyoho’ grape bunches, and have a positive impact on improving the commercial rate of ‘Kyoho’ grapes.

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ABSTRACT: The implementation of fluidized (F) bed systems for cultivating Crassostrea gigas seeds is gaining importance for nursing oysters in densely packed stocks. This allows for easier handling and visual assessment. Ho wever, its production performance compared to traditional downweller (D) systems needs further characterization. The experiment involved three replicates of each treatment, with 1,100,000 oyster seeds retained on 500 µm sieves. Data were collected over 21 days, with seeds separated using 500, 710, and 1000 µm sieves every week. Results indicated that the final yield in system F is likely higher than in D, with a probability of 3.46:1 and an average yield increase of up to 45.3 % in F. The F-test revealed that system F had a narrower variance in final yield averages, suggesting more consistent oyster production. Moreover, survival rates for seeds in F were also superior, showing a probability of 7.33:1 and a mean final survival rate of up to 37.96 % higher than D. In terms of size, F cultivated a higher proportion of oyster seeds retained at 1000 µm sieves with a preferred standard quality shell shape for the half-shell market. Additionally, the microalgal consumption rate in F was faster, with food nearly depleted 6 h post-feeding compared to only 25 % in D. Consequently, the F system demonstrates enhanced and more reliable production, yielding better quality seeds for grow-out farms.

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ABSTRACT: The combined use of wet pulp orange (WPO) with rehydrated ground corn grain (GCG) in silages presents as a feasible approach; however, the low aerobic stability of WPO could compromise silage quality. This study aimed to assess the effects of two ensiling durations and the application of either chemical or microbial additives on the chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, fermentation losses, microbial and fermentative profiles, and aerobic stability of GCG silages rehydrated with WPO. A mixture comprised of 37.5 % WPO and 62.5 % GCG was prepared to reach 600 g kg−1 dry matter (DM) and was either subjected to a 24-h delay in sealing or sealed immediately. The mixture was treated with sodium benzoate (SB, 0.2 % DM), formic acid (FA, 4.5 L t−1), or a microbial inoculant (referred to as LB) containing Enterococcus faecium, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Lentilactobacillus buchneri at two concentrations (LB1: 1.5 × 105 colony-forming units (CFU) g−1 and LB2: 3.0 × 105 CFU g−1), or with water (control). Each treatment was ensiled in four buckets, each with an 8 kg capacity. Additive-treated silages exhibited 44.5 % lower yeast counts and significantly higher aerobic stability (196 h vs. 66 h) compared to the control, with no significant differences among the various additives. This reduction in yeast counts is likely a key factor contributing to the enhanced aerobic stability. Additionally, the microbial inoculants boosted acetic acid concentration by 2.03 and 2.68 times with and without delay sealing, respectively, underscoring their antifungal properties. While a 24-h delay in sealing slightly reduced silage quality, it did not adversely affect aerobic stability. All tested additives enhanced aerobic stability, enabling selection based on cost, availability, and ease of application.

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ABSTRACT: Forage watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) and spineless cactus (Opuntia stricta) are succulent forages with high water content, making them potential food sources for thermoregulation and performance of confined sheep in tropical environment. This study evaluated animal performance, intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, water and nitrogen balances, ingestive behavior, and thermoregulatory responses of sheep fed diets with spineless cactus or forage watermelon as partial replacements for Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon dactylon). The treatments were: 1 – Tifton 85 hay-based diet (HAY); 2 – spineless cactus-based diet (CAC) and 3 – forage watermelon-based diet (FWM). Ten replicates per treatment were used in a completely randomized design. Male, non-castrated sheep of undefined breed, aged three months with initial body weight of 21.20 ± 2.41 kg, were used. Dry matter (DM), total carbohydrate, and neutral detergent fiber intake and digestibility were not influenced by diets. However, FWM resulted in lower crude protein intake and digestibility compared to CAC. Diets with succulent forages reduced free water intake and increased total water ingestion. Nitrogen intake, absorption, and balance were lower for FWM than CAC. Average daily gain, final body weight and feeding efficiency were also not influenced by dietary treatments. Feeding time was longer for CAC than HAY, while physiological responses remained unchanged across treatments. Including forage watermelon or cactus increased dietary water intake without negatively affecting water balance, average daily gain, final body weight, nor thermoregulation when used as partial replacements for Tifton 85 hay in feedlot sheep diets.

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ABSTRACT: Energy-demanding processes in animal production rise in tandem with increased nutritional intake. This meta-analysis aimed to quantify the metabolizable energy (ME) requirements for maintenance (kMEm) and metabolizable energy to support metabolism (HiEv), considering genotype and gender, in beef cattle under tropical conditions. A total of 273 individual records of comparative slaughter from seven studies (theses and dissertations) grouped by animal gender (intact males and castrated males), and genotype (Nellore or crossbreed) were used in the current study. We estimated kMEm and HiEv based on the independent variables’ ME intake and full body weight (FBW). The meta-analysis showed no effect of genotype on kMEm (p = 0.66). However, intact males exhibited a 34.41 % lower kMEm compared to castrated males (p = 0.01). Crossbred steers had a 61.33 % higher HiEv than Nellore steers (p < 0.001). Similarly, intact males had a 41.07 % higher energy support demand (p = 0.05) than castrated males. In addition, we observed positive correlations (medium to high) between body protein (r = 0.67; p > 0.001), body fat (r = 0.59; p > 0.001), and retained energy (r = 0.71; p > 0.001) and HiEv. Thus, the greater the deposition of protein (mainly), fat, and body energy, the greater the HiEv. In conclusion, the genotype of the animals did not affect the kMEm. Intact males had lower HiEv than castrated males. Both Nellore steers and intact males utilized HiEv more.

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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to assess the possibilities of predicting the future development of farms and to identify indicators capable of predicting the success of a farm and its potential risks. This study uses data from Czech farms from 1997 to 2023, which includes financial statements and other production and economic data. Farms are divided into six categories based on a combination of the average four-year return on assets (ROA) and profitability stability. The forecast is carried out using the Random Forest (RF) methodology. The study confirmed the predictability of the future development of farms with an accuracy of 88 %. An essential result of the study is the necessity of using volatility indicators. Operational indicators significantly improve the reliability of the prediction. As regards year-on-year fluctuations in financial ratios, the use of their multi-year average is more appropriate. A recursive representative classification tree was developed and the number of variables needed to classify a company was reduced to five. For the correct classification of a company, the value and volatility of ROA, return on sales, and diversification of production focus are sufficient.

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ABSTRACT: Beef production benefits significantly from research aimed at enhancing profitability and productivity, with simulation providing a means to achieve faster results and reduced costs. This paper outlines the development and validation of simulation models for full-cycle production, specifically designed to assess production systems within the Cerrado biome of Brazil. Using published data, models were created for six production systems: one modal system (MS), characterized by less intensive practices – such as first calving at four years and slaughter at 48 months, accompanied by higher mortality – and five improved breeding systems (IBSs) that implement progressively intensive practices. Enhancements included various feed strategies, culminating in a system that enables slaughter at 19 months of age. The models were constructed utilizing the R software scripts that incorporated a Leslie matrix to represent an age-structured model with probabilities of producing female calves and survival rates, facilitating stochastic simulation predictions. The results were evaluated through correlation and regression analyses. Key simulated variables in these models included counting variables, such as the total number of herd animals, harvest steers, and cull cows, as well as weight variables for harvest heifers, harvest steers, and mature cows. The analysis revealed a robust and positive correlation (ranging from 0.93 to 0.99) (p < 0.01), providing evidence that our results accurately replicate all evaluated systems. We employed regression analyses to compare the observed data with the simulations. The significant linear regression for all the evaluated variables (p < 0.01) and the high determination coefficients suggest that the variables can indeed be predicted through simulation. This study illustrates that simulation models may serve to forecast cattle production across diverse systems, holding promise for application in the Brazilian Cerrado and beyond.

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ABSTRACT: The effect of two variables interacting on crops has been the focus of most agronomic research. This study looked into how three factors interact to affect artichokes. The purpose of this study was to investigate how mulching, fertilizer, and irrigation affected artichoke yield (Ya) and quality characteristics between 2019 and 2020. Three mulching treatments, three fertilization levels, and three irrigation levels were combined to yield 27 study conditions. To carry out fertilization and irrigation processes in a controlled manner, the study recommended the use of drip irrigation systems. For the 2019-2020 study years, the Ya values were a minimum of 20.7-30.5 t ha–1 and a maximum of 48.6-50 t ha–1, respectively. Comparing the greatest artichoke head Ya data from 2019-2020 with those from other study subjects revealed Ya losses ranging from 2.7 to 57.4 and 4.0 to 39.2, respectively. The irrigation water (IW) levels ranged from a minimum of 240.0 to 246.0 mm and a maximum of 480.0 to 492.0 mm. The lowest and highest ET values ranged from 228.5-340.8 and 530.0-552.0 mm, respectively. When the interactions of irrigation-fertilization-mulching triple factors with Ya and quality losses in semi-arid climate conditions are evaluated, I75F75M1 (I75 = 75 % irrigation; F75 = 75 % fertigation; M1 = black mulching material) can be recommended.

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ABSTRACT: A wide array of chemosensory genes have been discovered in insects to navigate the wide range of chemicals through olfactory mechanisms. However, the chemosensory system of termites remains poorly understood at the molecular and genetic levels. Several gene families play a role in this system, still the pickpocket receptor (PPK) and transient receptor potential (TRP) channel genes have yet to be thoroughly investigated. Odontotermes formosanus is a notably destructive insect pest, inflicting significant harm on crops, wood, and man-made structures. This study aims to explore transcriptomic data from worker termites to elucidate the PPKs and TRP channels in O. formosanus. We identified five candidate genes: OforPPK and TRPs (OforTRPAPyx, OforTRPAPain, OforTRPA, and OforTRPM). Multiple sequence alignments were conducted to clarify the phylogenetic relationship of the PPKs among termites and other insect species. Furthermore, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed caste-specific expression patterns, with significantly higher expression levels in the worker caste compared to the soldier caste. The pronounced expression of OforPPK and OforTRPs genes in various castes suggests their involvement in the social behavior of termites. These genes are likely engaged in processing mechanical and chemical sensory inputs, playing a pivotal role in the sensory physiology of insects. This research enhances our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the olfactory sensory system in termites and establishes a foundation for identifying potential targets for developing environmentally safe termite insecticides and pest control strategies.

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ABSTRACT: Whitefly Bemisia tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a highly polyphagous insect responsible for severe losses in numerous agricultural crops. To increase our understanding of interactions between B. tabaci MEAM1 and plants in agricultural landscapes, the present study sought to identify preferred hosts by comparing 15 common weed species and four cultivated plants (tomato, bell pepper, maize, and cotton) in free-choice and no-choice tests. Additionally, a possible correlation between physical and morphological plant traits and insect colonization behavior was found. Positive correlations were verified between the oviposition index and trichome density, and between the number of adults and yellow intensity index (b*). Negative correlations were observed between the number of adults and luminosity (L*) and green intensity (a*) indices. In the free choice test, the species Solanum lycopersicum were the most infested on average across the evaluation periods, differing from all other plant species. In the same test, S. lycopersicum, Emilia sonchifolia, and Senna obtusifolia showed the highest oviposition rates. In the no-choice test, Euphorbia heterophylla, Galinsoga parviflora, and Spermacoce latifolia had the highest mean numbers of eggs and nymphs per cm2. Our results show evidence of the expressive potential of weed species frequently found in Brazilian agricultural fields, such as E. sonchifolia, S. obtusifolia, and E. heterophylla, as alternative hosts of B. tabaci MEAM1.

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ABSTRACT: Beef with high and intermediate pHu (ultimate pH) levels can contribute to the occurrence of dark-cutting beef, resulting in economic losses for the industry. This study aimed to assess beef color and its stability by examining color parameters, including lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), Chroma (C*), hue angle (h*), global variations in color (∆E), metmyoglobin percentage (MMb %), deoxymyoglobin percentage (DMb %), oxymyoglobin percentage (OMb %), ratio of light reflectance (%) (R630/580), relative oxygen consumption rate (OCR %), relative metmyoglobin reducing activity (MRA %), and myoglobin concentration of fresh beef across three pHu ranges: normal (pH < 5.8), intermediate (5.8 ≤ pH < 6.20), and high (pH ≥ 6.20). Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscles from Nellore cattle were vacuum-packed, and analyses were conducted after refrigerated storage at 2 ± 2 °C for 3, 14, and 21 days post-mortem. The blooming effect of normal and intermediate pHu steaks during simulated retail exposure (vacuum-packaging) at 3, 14, and 21 days was higher (> OMb %) compared to high pHu steaks. However, wet aging (vacuum-packaging) did not prevent discoloration in intermediate pHu steaks after 14 days; these displayed higher MMb levels (%) than normal pHu steaks, similar to those observed in high pHu steaks. Notably, higher MRA values in both intermediate and high pHu samples across all aging periods evaluated aligned with the increased myoglobin concentrations in these samples. These findings suggest that the dark color of steaks with pH > 5.8 may be associated with an increase in oxidative metabolism and greater oxygen consumption (OC) by the mitochondria over time.

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ABSTRACT: Dietary fibers are recognized for their functional properties, including water retention, viscosity enhancement, fat replacement, and prebiotic effects. These qualities make them promising ingredients for improving the quality and nutritional value of dairy products, such as ice creams. In response to growing consumer demand for healthier frozen desserts, this study investigated the effects of incorporating different 2 % dietary fibers (inulin, lemon fiber, apple fiber, and pea fiber) into reduced-fat buffalo milk ice cream. The ice cream samples were analyzed for chemical composition, physical properties, color attributes, rheological behavior, and sensory characteristics. The addition of fiber significantly influenced titratable acidity (0.23-0.34 %), pH (6.67-6.85), and protein content (4.55-5.89 %) (p < 0.05). The overrun decreased by 19 % for lemon, 20 % for pea, and 35 % for apple, while hardness increased by 227 %, 210 %, and 110 %, respectively, indicating improved structural integrity. Notably, lemon fiber extended the first drip time to 116.91 min, compared to 39.10 min in the control. Apple fiber induced a pronounced darkening, with the L* value — representing the lightness parameter of the CIELAB color space — decreasing from 88.37 to 77.27, whereas inulin preserved a brightness level comparable to that of the control. All fiber-enriched samples exhibited non-Newtonian, shear-thinning flow behavior. The consistency coefficient (k) increased from 54.61 Pa sn (pascal-seconds to the power n) in the control to 2038 Pa sn with pea fiber. Sensory evaluations revealed that samples containing inulin achieved acceptability scores comparable to the control, whereas apple fiber reduced consumer preference. Overall, the incorporation of dietary fiber improved the melting resistance, textural characteristics, and nutritional profile of reduced-fat buffalo milk ice cream, with inulin emerging as the most favorable option in terms of sensory acceptance and product quality.

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ABSTRACT: Path analysis of agronomic traits has been conducted under varying degrees of multicollinearity, which can hinder the effectiveness of indirect selection for high grain yield in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). This study aimed to examine the outcomes of path analysis for multiple agronomic traits across different degrees of multicollinearity and to identify the most promising traits for the indirect selection of common bean cultivars with high grain yields. A total of 25 common bean cultivars were evaluated for multiple agronomic traits in four experiments. Path analysis was carried out under three levels of multicollinearity: severe, moderate to strong, and weak. Significant effects of cultivar, environment, and genotype × environment interaction were observed for all traits, facilitating the use of indirect selection. Under conditions of severe or moderate to strong multicollinearity, high regression coefficients and/or coefficients with signs contrary to the anticipated direction of selection were observed, resulting in interpretative errors in path analysis. Conversely, under weak multicollinearity, the regression coefficients were more consistent with the biological phenomena under investigation in terms of both magnitude and sign. This alignment enhances the ability to identify promising agronomic traits for indirect selection. Therefore, path analysis under weak multicollinearity helps choose the most effective agronomic traits for indirect grain yield selection in common bean programs. It is recommended that indirect selection targets the highest numbers of grains per pod and pods per plant in the development of new common bean cultivars aimed at achieving high grain yields.

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ABSTRACT: Brazil is the largest soybean producer in the world, representing about 40 % of world production. Soybean fields span all regions of the country, resulting in high environmental diversity for cultivation. The wide adoption of earlier-maturing cultivars and intensified cropping systems have thrown up challenges when selecting the best adapted cultivars for each region. In this study, we aimed to develop an updated geographic map of soybean yield adaptation, based on relative maturity (RM), in order to increase accuracy in cultivar development and recommendation. Data from yield trials of 175 locations were used, covering latitudes from 7 to 33° S. These trials were conducted over four crop seasons, from 2014/2015 to 2017/2018. Altogether, 160 cultivars with different RM were evaluated across locations. Grain yield (GY) was adjusted using the linear mixed model to identify the most adapted RM group in each location. Subsequently, the regression kriging method was adopted to spatialize this optimized RM, and consider the latitude, longitude and elevation as predictors. We concluded that under Brazilian soybean growing conditions, cultivars with RM from 5.5 to 6.4 are best adapted in the subtropical region, whereas cultivars with RM from 7.0 to 8.4 are best adapted in the tropical region. The adaptation of later-maturing cultivars with RM from 8.5 to 9.4 is restricted to the northernmost regions. There is a transitional tropical-subtropical zone where cultivars with RM from 6.0 to 6.9 are the best adapted. Latitude and elevation are key factors for soybean yield adapting, with elevation promoting slight deflections in adaptation zones, favoring earlier cultivars.

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ABSTRACT: Gliricidia sepium is a tree species native to the Americas that has been disseminated throughout various regions of the world due to its drought adaptability. In response to the productive sector's demand for the development of cultivars, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa) has invested in breeding initiatives. These include establishing a germplasm bank and identifying individuals with agronomic traits of interest. This study aimed to estimate the genetic diversity of gliricidia in the different regions of Brazil and to establish a germplasm bank using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Plant material was obtained through field collections and exchanges with other institutions from 17 populations from five Brazilian states, and young leaves were collected from a total of 115 individuals. The ISSR markers yielded 36 bands with 88.9 % polymorphism and an average polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.27. The evaluated parameters indicated low genetic diversity, with a Shannon index (I) of 0.19, Nei's Genetic Distance of 0.21, and an expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.13. A unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) analysis clustered the individuals into six groups, indicating a restricted origin for the gliricidia genetic material. Genetic structure analysis using the Structure software indicated the formation of two main groups, along with individuals with mixed ancestry, suggesting partial genetic admixture between the groups. The results of this study will guide the breeding program for gliricidia, with the germplasm bank continuously evaluated and enriched with new accessions.

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ABSTRACT: Insects play a vital role in agricultural production by enhancing both the quantity and quality of fruits and seeds in a wide range of allogamous and autogamous crops. The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) exemplifies an autogamous crop that can benefit from insect pollination; however, the extent of this influence varies significantly among cultivars. The snap bean, a P. vulgaris cultivar, is cultivated and consumed globally, yet the impact of pollination on its production remains largely unexplored. This study aims to identify the pollinators of snap beans and evaluate their influence on the quantity and quality of crop production. We hypothesize that bees are the primary pollinators and that their activity enhances production compared to self-pollination. To investigate this, we conducted focal observations on pollinators and applied treatments that included open pollination (OP), spontaneous self-pollination (SS), and the pollination efficiency of Xylocopa sp. 1 (XP). Although SS was capable of producing fruits, both XP and OP yielded enhancements across all fruit quality parameters, including pod mass, ultimately increasing production profit. We recommend exploring strategies for managing Xylocopa species in agricultural crops, along with efforts to conserve habitat diversity within the landscape, as this can bolster the resilience of pollinators.

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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the optimal sample size of fruits from sweet orange varieties for the evaluation of their physical and chemical quality attributes. Twenty ripe fruits from the following varieties, namely, Diva, Hamlin CNPMF-020, Pera CNPMF-D6, Uruburetama Blood, and Valência Tuxpan CNPMF were used. The variables assessed included fruit mass, longitudinal and transverse diameters, juice mass and yield, peel color and thickness, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, the soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio (SS/TA), and a technological index. The experimental design was completely randomized, with individual analysis of each fruit. Data were analyzed using the Modified Maximum Curvature Method with the aid of the R statistical software. The optimal minimum number of fruits varied according to variety and variable. The smallest required sample sizes were four fruits for Pera CNPMF-D6, six fruits for Diva and Uruburetama Blood, and seven fruits for Valência Tuxpan CNPMF and Hamlin CNPMF-020. Therefore, a standardized sample size of seven fruits is recommended for studies based on the physicochemical quality of sweet orange varieties, to ensure sufficient precision and statistical reliability under the conditions of this study.

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ABSTRACT: Weighing lysimetry is the standard method for determining evapotranspiration through direct soil water balance. An essential requirement of this method is the precise measurement of small mass variations, often below 1 %, on high-capacity platforms, which increases system costs. This study calibrated the integrated circuit HX711 under both laboratory and field conditions, comparatively evaluating its application against a datalogger (CR1000). In the laboratory, the HX711 showed excellent fits compared to the equations obtained by simple linear regression. In the field, the data obtained by the calculation of measurement errors and uncertainties showed better performance of the HX711 compared to the system used as a reference. The significant increase in accuracy promoted by the HX711 in the measuring system makes this integrated circuit a good way to improve existing measuring systems without the need for significant investments, and even to integrate a data acquisition system with other low-cost platforms.

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ABSTRACT: This study evaluates the use of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM)-based Mobile LiDAR Scanning (MLS) for precise forest growth trait assessments, focusing on individual tree attributes in large-scale experiments. A novel tree segmentation methodology was developed to enable tree-by-tree analysis, facilitating the estimation of essential growth parameters, such as diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and volume. The research was conducted at the Estação Experimental de Ciências Florestais de Itatinga in Brazil, where approximately 4,000 trees from two Eucalyptus species, E. cloeziana F. Muell. and E. saligna Sm, were scanned. From this dataset, a subset of 21 trees, randomly selected across diameter classes, was analyzed in detail to evaluate the methodology. The methodology demonstrated accurate delineation of individual trees and highlighted the scalability of MLS for forest experimentation. While MLS height measurements were exceptionally accurate, slight discrepancies in DBH estimations, especially for E. saligna, emphasize the need for further refinements in processing and data collection. Despite these challenges, the findings confirm the potential of MLS technology to transform forestry research by offering reliable, scalable, and efficient methods for forest management and silvicultural experimentation. Future advances in data collection and processing can enhance its performance, making LiDAR an even more robust tool in forestry science.

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ABSTRACT: Semiarid-adapted species often harbor endophytic populations that help mitigate host plant stress. Thus, we evaluated the diversity and plant growth-promoting potential of endophytic bacteria from highly drought-resistant (HDR) (Opuntia undulata, O. stricta, and O. ficus-indica) and less-drought-resistant (LDR) (all O. cochenillifera) forage cactus cultivars. Purified isolates were characterized using BOX-PCR and grouped into 186 strains. We investigated the presence of acdS and nifH, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophore production, calcium phosphate solubilization, and osmotic stress adaptation in vitro, and these characteristics led to 25 groups at 100 % similarity. Representatives from each group were sent for 16S sequencing. Of the 186 strains, 24 were positive for acdS, 41 for nifH, 30 produced IAA, 75 produced siderophores, 15 solubilized phosphorus, and 66 supported at least one level of osmotic stress. Twelve genera were identified with 95-100 % identicality to the NCBI gene bank, including Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Burkholderia, Citrobacter, Desertihabitans, Enterobacter, Leclercia, Priestia, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, Staphylococcus, and Stenotrophomonas. The HDR group had a higher proportion of acdS- and nifH-positive strains and more in vitro growth-promoting mechanisms. Although these results indicate a higher occurrence of bacteria with potential stress-reduction effects in the more resistant genotypes, this must be confirmed in plants under stressful environments.

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ABSTRACT: Begonia semperflorens edible flowers are rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. This study evaluated the effects of different sanitization methods — control, distilled water (DTW), sodium hypochlorite (SH), and sodium dichlorite-s-triazinetrione (SDST) — on the retention of these compounds and oxidative stress levels during postharvest storage. Flowers were sanitized and stored at 5 °C for ten days. Analyses of bioactive compound content, ethylene (C2H4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) production, and histochemical assays were conducted immediately after sanitization, and at five and ten days post-treatment. Results showed that flowers treated with SDST exhibited a 57 % increase in phenolic content and a 27 % increase in flavonoid content compared to the control and DTW treatments at the end of the storage period. Flowers that were not treated with chlorine showed increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation and a 35 % reduction in anthocyanin content after ten days of storage, compared to those treated with chlorine-based sanitizers. The absence of differences in antioxidant capacity between treatments suggests that chlorine-based sanitizers help preserve bioactive compound levels without compromising antioxidant potential. Color analysis further indicated that no sanitization was preferable to treatment with pure water. Overall, chlorine sanitizers appear to be effective options for preserving the nutraceutical quality of edible flowers, in addition to their known antimicrobial benefits.

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ABSTRACT: Efficient irrigation practices can significantly conserve water, and the use of automated controllers is essential for preventing operational errors. Although commercial controllers – especially timers – are widely used for irrigation, localized measurements of evapotranspiration (ET) are crucial for effective scheduling. The evaporation pan (Ep) is a well-known method for estimating ET; however, it requires manual readings. This study aimed to evaluate an automated controller designed to monitor water levels in the pan, assess irrigation requirements, and manage pumps and valves accordingly. The system connected the pan to an auxiliary tank with a floater, which relayed water fluctuations to a potentiometer. A microcontroller then converted this data into Ep and ET values, utilizing oversampling and decimation techniques to enhance resolution, achieving the lowest Ep reading of 0.0095 mm. Comparisons with manual micrometer measurements verified the accuracy of the automated Ep readings, showing discrepancies of less than 0.1 mm. Additionally, the ET measurements obtained by the controller were only 0.23 mm lower than those from a reference weather station. Therefore, in-field operations for irrigation in a pecan orchard demonstrated the controller's effectiveness in estimating water requirements, ultimately contributing to increased nut production and weight. Data transmission via the Internet of Things (IoT) also facilitates remote monitoring of the controller, enabling user interaction through text messages.

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ABSTRACT: Intense exploitation of the Atlantic forest in southern Brazil has caused the depletion of stocks of valuable timber. Legal restrictions and socioeconomic changes have subsequently promoted the expansion of secondary forests in the region. In addition to their ecological importance, secondary forests are endowed with promising productive potential, with fast-growing species and good quality timber. Given this context, this study introduces a web application developed in R language (‘shiny’ package) to predict log assortments – i.e. the number and volume of logs by dimensional classes (encompassing different log lengths and minimum diameters) that may be extracted from a stem – for species growing in three forest types of the Atlantic forest. The application uses new taper models calibrated with large datasets acquired by the FlorestaSC program, an initiative linked to the National Forest Inventory of Brazil, and aims to contribute to the development of sustainable management of secondary forests in the region.

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ABSTRACT: Climate change presents increasing challenges to livestock systems, particularly in a vulnerable region such as the Ecuadorian Amazon, where small- and medium-scale farmers face greater climatic variability with limited capacity to adapt. This research investigates the effectiveness of adaptation strategies employed by these farmers to evaluate their impact on resilience practices. Utilizing a cross-sectional mixed methods design, this study combined both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A proportional stratified sample of 108 farmers from the six Amazonian provinces of Ecuador was surveyed. The data collection instrument was validated through expert review and a pilot study. The findings indicate that 42.6 % of respondents have observed a prolonged summer season and declining water levels in estuaries, springs, and rivers. In contrast, 43.5 % reported an increase in respiratory diseases among livestock. Notably, 51.9 % of farmers have not implemented adaptation measures, such as fodder banks, and a striking 91.7 % do not take action to safeguard their water resources. Among those who have adopted strategies, the most prevalent practice is the establishment of fodder banks, with 63.9 % reporting their use. However, this strategy did not exhibit a significant correlation with enhanced resilience (p < 0.317) regarding drought-resistant livestock. The results suggest that current adaptation practices, particularly the use of fodder banks, are not significantly improving the resilience of livestock systems in the region. The research underscores the urgent need for the development and implementation of more tailored and contextualized adaptation strategies. The adoption of silvopastoral systems emerges as a promising approach, which could provide multiple benefits in terms of resilience and sustainability.

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ABSTRACT: Atmospheric conditions, particularly air temperature, are elements crucial to the adaptation of temperate climate fruit species. Climatic variability in the Prunus-producing region of Brazil is a predominant factor in causing production alterations. One of the challenges in determining climatic effects is the availability of long-term phenological data. Thus, the aim of this study was to correlate temperature variations from Jan to Mar with peach flowering dates, applying neural networks as a modeling tool to improve phenological predictions. Research on flowering and budding of the ‘Chimarrita’ cultivar was based on plants from an active germplasm bank during the period of 1986 to 2021. The average start date of flowering for this period was calculated, as well as the deviations for each year, by subtracting the observed date from the average date. Variables’ climatic data were created and converted into anomalies. The annual flowering anomaly characterizes the number of days of advancement or delay, while the monthly anomalies of minimum and maximum temperatures characterize thermal variations in the environment. The results showed that coefficient of correlation, considering anomalies of minimum and maximum temperatures in the first quarter, serves as a predictive indicator of flowering on the ‘Chimarrita’ peach tree in southern Brazil. The neural regression model had significant influence on the total variation in flowering anomaly, suggesting a very promising application in regression models with a long series of phenological-climatic data.

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ABSTRACT: Ultrasound is a novel, indirect method that generates data instantly by continuously measuring canopy height, thereby eliminating the need for point-to-point measurements. These data are used to estimate canopy height, which is subsequently applied to calculate forage mass. The aim of this study was to calibrate the ultrasonic device to estimate canopy height and forage mass for ‘Tifton 85’ Bermudagrass under grazing management. A randomized complete block design with four replicates was used. Treatments were four distances between the ultrasonic device and the ground (50, 100, 150, and 200 cm). Canopy heights were evaluated at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after a standardization cut. The experiment was conducted during the summer growing season in Selvíria, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The ultrasound device showed a high correlation, independent of the distance from the ground at which it was used (r = 0.91 to 0.94). However, when the correlation was analyzed for regrowth days, the highest correlation was at 21 and 28 days (r = 0.63). Forage mass was linearly adjusted with canopy heights for both methods, although greater precision and a lower coefficient of variation (CV) were observed with the ultrasound device at 200 cm from the ground (R2 = 0.86 vs 0.69, CV = 9.22 vs 14.1). The ultrasound device offers greater precision and accuracy than traditional direct methods, making it a useful tool for assisting managers in real time at both small and large scales.

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ABSTRACT: Agricultural soils have a significant potential for carbon sequestration, thus playing a vital role in addressing climate change. Deeper soil layers, often overlooked in inventories, contain considerable amounts of soil organic carbon (SOC), particularly in tropical regions. Hence, it is crucial to include variations in those stocks in carbon accounting. However, the higher costs of measuring deep carbon stocks often deter such measurements. Therefore, developing cost-effective methods to predict SOC stocks in deeper soil layers is essential. This study aimed to assess the relationship between topsoil data and predictions of carbon stocks across various soil depths in tropical native vegetation and croplands on 53 farms in Brazil. We examined multiple combinations of soil layers above a target depth (e.g., 40 cm) to assess the viability of using topsoil data to predict deeper SOC stocks. Our results indicate that SOC stocks at depths of 30-40 cm and 40-60 cm can reliably predict SOC stocks at 40-100 cm and 60-100 cm, respectively. The models developed in this study provide a cost-effective approach for estimating SOC stocks in deeper soil layers, potentially enhancing the economic efficiency of quantifying the contributions of the agricultural sector and carbon farming initiatives in Brazil.

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ABSTRACT: Optimizing supplemental irrigation and mineral fertilization is a key strategy for sustainable agriculture in semi-arid regions. The objective of this study was to assess the yield and profitability of maize and sorghum crops as a function of planting date, supplemental irrigation depth and Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (NPK) fertilization under the edaphoclimatic scenarios of the tropical semi-arid region. This research was conducted over two rainy seasons (2023 and 2024) in sandy loam soil in Jucás, Ceára State, Brazil, using maize (hybrid AG 1051) and forage sorghum (cultivar BRS Ponta Negra), with water sourced from an alluvial aquifer. The study evaluated two sowing dates (February and March), four supplemental irrigation depths after five days without rain 0 %, 50 %, 75 %, and 100 % of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and the presence and absence of NPK fertilization. The interaction between NPK fertilization and supplemental irrigation was particularly significant at the late planting date, mainly in 2023, which experienced lower precipitation and longer dry spells. During years characterized by longer dry periods, such as 2023, it is recommended that supplemental irrigation cover 100 % of water requirements in maize crops. Conversely, for forage sorghum in similar dry conditions, a deficit supplemental irrigation providing 60-75 % of ETc is advised. The findings indicate that economic returns and the level of social reproduction (LSR) can be achieved through the combined use of supplemental irrigation and fertilization on areas of 1.0 ha or larger. However, utilizing either supplemental irrigation or fertilization in isolation is not viable, especially for maize cultivation.

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ABSTRACT: Premature leaf yellowing, which is correlated to a decline in flower quality, represents a major challenge to the postharvest handling and commercialization of alstroemeria (Alstroemeria hybrida). Preservative solutions have been used as a strategy to address this problem. However, the results reported so far remain inconclusive. While these preservative solutions may delay senescence, their relationship with biochemical processes, particularly with ethylene and antioxidant enzymes, remains unclear. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of different preservative solutions in maintaining postharvest quality and assessing the biochemical responses of Alstroemeria hybrida ‘Akemi’ floral stems. Alstroemeria flowers were harvested, sanitized, standardized, and subsequently placed in preservative solutions. The treatments consisted of different solutions prepared with 200 mg L−1 6-benzyladenine (BA), 10 g L−1 FloraLife Crystal Clear® (CRY), 0.05 mL L−1 Florissant 210XC + Chlorine (FLO + Cl) combined with 0.03 g L−1 Cl, 0.1 mM gibberellic acid (GA3), and 2 mM silver thiosulfate (STS) (applied as a pulsing treatment). Out of all the treatments, GA3 and FLO + Cl with chlorine provided the longest postharvest durability of floral stems. Preservative solutions prepared with GA3 or FLO + Cl with chlorine were effective in delaying leaf yellowing in alstroemeria. The use of STS in a pulsing solution was efficient in preventing perianth abscission. The antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) contributed to reducing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation in the flowers and showed higher activity during the harvest and commercialization phases.

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ABSTRACT: A four-year field trial (2016-2020) on a Rhodic Hapludox in Cascavel, in the state of Paraná, Brazil compared five broiler-chain organic fertilizers differing in stabilization time: compost stabilized for 30 days (C30), compost stabilized for 60 days (C60), compost stabilized until composting process reaches room temperature (CRT), approximately 100 days, commercial organic compost produced in a local composting plant (CCP) for approximately 120 days, and chicken bedding without controlled stabilization (CB), with a mineral-only control (CTL). Treatments were laid out in a randomized block design (6 × 3). Compost doses were front-loaded at 8 Mg ha−1 and tapered to 6, 5 and 4 Mg ha−1 in years 2-4, while mineral NPK (10-15-15) was simultaneously reduced by 30, 40, 50 and 60 % (231 → 100 kg ha−1 yr−1); CTL received 330 kg ha−1 every season. Relative to CTL, the organic treatments increased surface-soil pH by up to +1.2 units, Mehlich-1 P by 66 % (14.4 → 23.9 mg kg−1), and exchangeable K by 19 % after the first application. The concentrations of diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid-extractable zinc (DTPA-Zn) and copper (DTPA-Cu) rose 34 % and 28 %, respectively, after the second year. Grain yield was maintained (79.6 ± 2.9 vs 78.4 ± 2.5 Mg ha−1 in CTL), confirming that partial mineral fertiliser replacement did not compromise productivity. The strategy allowed ≈ 35 kg ha−1 P2O5 and 20 kg ha−1 K2O to be withheld each season, saving ≈ US$ 28 ha−1 and diverting poultry waste from landfills. Broiler composts stabilised for ≤ 60 days (C30, C60) delivered the most significant improvements. We conclude that short-stabilisation broiler compost can replace up to 60 % of mineral NPK in maize, enhance soil fertility, and foster regional circular-economy loops without yield loss.

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ABSTRACT: The extended and unscientific use of chemical fertilizers has significantly diminished soil microbial activity. A long-term field trial spanning for 12 years was conducted to assess soil fertility and microbial activity under different fertilization strategies. A soil column system was established, incorporating nine types of conventional chemical fertilizers across three concentration gradients to simulate the effects of consistent and intensive application commonly seen in agricultural practices. High-throughput sequencing and Biolog technology were employed to examine the soil structure, function, and metabolic gene profiles in microbes. Throughout the period of consistent fertilization, the annual yield of tobacco leaves showed a steady decline. However, the use of organic and bio-organic fertilizers has proven to be remarkably effective, reversing this drop in productivity by between 8.88 and 13.25 percentage points. In the soil column fertilization simulation system, the consistent use of nine different chemical fertilizers led to significant variations in the diversity of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. After an extended period of high-frequency application with a 50 % reduction in urea dosage, the Shannon index exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increase of 1.77 % compared to its initial level. Notably, monoammonium phosphate and compound fertilizers markedly inhibited the abundance of Proteobacteria, whereas potassium nitrate displayed a promoting effect. Additionally, the expression of amino acid and nucleotide transport and metabolism genes in the calcium-magnesium phosphate fertilizer, when applied at the standard dosage, was found to upregulated. In conclusion, the prolonged application of various chemical fertilizers negatively impacts soil microbial activity, with a more pronounced effect observed from straight chemical fertilizers compared to compound fertilizers.