Tomato genotypes selected for their high foliar zingiberene (ZGB) contents in a segregating F₂ population were assessed to determine their effect on behavior and biology of Tetranychus urticae Koch, the putative resistance mechanisms involved and the role of trichomes on that resistance. Genotypes with contrasting ZGB content (RVTZ-09 = low ZGB, RVTZ-79 = high ZGB, RVTZ-142 = high ZGB, and RVTZ-331 = high ZGB) were selected from an interspecific cross between wild S. habrochaites var. hirsutum accession PI-127826 (high ZGB content and resistant to mites) and S. lycopersicum cv. Redenção (low ZGB content and susceptible to mites). To determine the effect of these genotypes on mite behavior and biology, free- and no-choice tests, as well as biological studies were performed. Types and densities of trichomes on the foliar surface and their correlation with ZGB contents was determined. Genotypes rich in ZGB (RVTZ-79, RVTZ-142, and RVTZ-331) presented a high number of types IV and VI glandular trichomes, and both type IV and VI densities were positively correlated with ZGB content. In the free-choice test, T. urticae showed a high preference toward S. lycopersicum cv. Redenção and the genotype RVTZ-09 (low ZGB content), whereas, genotypes with high ZBG content were less preferred. Moreover, on high ZGB genotypes, increase in the egg incubation period and in total mortality of nymphs, and decrease of fecundity rate were observed, indicating deleterious effects in mite biology. Results indicated that high ZGB/high glandular trichome densities genotypes present both non-preference and antibiosis mechanisms of resistance to the mite.

In sustainable cropping systems, the management of herbivorous arthropods is a challenge for the high performance of the tomato crop. One way to reduce the damage caused by these pests is the use of resistant cultivars within a sustainable integrated management system. The host selection of Tetranychus urticae, Bemisia tabaci, and Tuta absoluta was evaluated, characterizing their preference among the tomato genotypes RVTZ2011-79-503-143, RVTZ2011-79-335-164, RVTZ2011-79-185-250 (high zingiberene content—HZC), and RVTZ2011-79-117-273 (low zingiberene content—LZC). Such genotypes were selected in the F₂BC₂ generation (the F2 generation of the 2th backcross towards Solanum lycopersicum after the inicial interspecific cross S. lycopersicum × S. habrochaites var. hirsutum), resulting from crossing Solanum habrochaites var. hirsutum PI-127826 (HZC and resistant to mites) and the commercial cv. Redenção (S. lycopersicum) (LZC and susceptible to mites). In choice and no-choice bioassays by T. urticae, and in choice bioassays by B. tabaci and T. absoluta, arthropods preferred to stay and oviposit in an LZC genotype. In contrast, genotypes with HZC showed repellency to pests and induced a non-preference for oviposition. The F₂BC₂ genotypes selected for HZC are considered sources of resistance genes to these pests for tomato breeding programs, and therefore have excellent potential for sustainable cropping systems. These results represent an advance in obtaining tomato genetic materials which can be used in sustainable production systems with less loss from pests.

One of the major problems in cultivation of tomato is the occurrence of pests and diseases. The objective of the research was to select genotypes from the second generation of the first backcross (F₂BC₁) between the tomato cultivar for processing S. lycopersicum (cv. Redenção) and the wild access S. habrochaites var. hirsutum (PI-127826), with high levels of zingiberene (ZGB), resistant to the twospotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). From the F₂BC₁ population. The ZGB content was quantified and five plants with high zingiberene selected (RVTZ 2011-079-117, RVTZ 2011-079-185, RVTZ 2011-079-335, RVTZ 2011-079-345 and RVTZ 2011-079-503) and four with low zingiberene content (RVTZ 2011-079-417, RVTZ 2011-331-460, RVTZ 2011-079-538 and RVTZ 2011-079-548) were selected. Genotypes selected for high and low ZGB content and the parentals S. habrochaites var. hirsutum access PI-127826 and ‘Redenção’ were evaluated for repellency to the twospotted spider mite. There was a significant and inverse correlation between ZGB content and average distances travelled by mites on tomato leaflets. The genotypes of the F₂BC₁ generation with high zingiberene levels RVTZ 2011-079-117, RVTZ 2011-079-185, RVTZ 2011-079-335, RVTZ 2011-079-345 and RVTZ 2011-079-503 are promising for progress in achieving resistant lines to arthropod pests. Among them RVTZ 2011-079-117 stands out for resistance to twospotted spider mite.

Increasing phosphorus (P) use efficiency in agricultural systems is urgent and essential to significantly reduce the global demand for this nutrient. Applying phosphate-solubilizing and plant growth-promoting bacteria in the rhizosphere represents a strategy worthy of attention. In this context, the present work aimed to select and validate bacterial strains capable of solubilizing phosphorous and promoting maize growth, aiming to develop a microbial inoculant to be used in Brazilian agriculture. Bacterial strains from the maize rhizosphere were evaluated based on their ability to solubilize phosphate and produce indole acetic acid. Based on these characteristics, 24 strains were selected to be further evaluated under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. Among the selected strains, four (I04, I12, I13, and I17) showed a high potential to increase maize root growth and shoot P content. Strains I13 (Ag87) and I17 (Ag94) were identified by genomic sequencing as Bacillus megaterium and Lysinibacillus sp., respectively. These strains presented superior yield increments relative to the control treatment with 30% P. In addition, combining Ag87 and Ag94 resulted in even higher yield gains, indicating a synergistic effect that could be harnessed in a commercial inoculant for Brazilian agriculture.

Obtaining tomato cultivars resistant to pests through interspecific crosses between commercial cultivars and wild accessions is an important tool in integrated pest management. The aim of this study was to select tomato genotypes with high zingiberene (ZGB) levels that are resistant to the South American tomato moth (Tuta absoluta Meyrick) and to estimate genetic parameters of ZGB inheritance from the interspecific cross Solanum lycopersicum cultivar 'Redenção' x Solanum habrochaites var. hirsutum (PI-127826 accession). F2 plants with different ZGB contents were selected and submitted to a tomato moth resistance test. ZGB content exhibits high broad sense heritability, with incomplete dominance of lower ZGB content. Furthermore, the level of ZGB in leaflets was estimated to be controlled by two genes. These results show that high ZGB levels are effective at conferring resistance to the South American tomato moth.