Understanding the leaf area is essential in plant physiology and ecological studies, as it directly influences photosynthesis, transpiration and plant productivity. This study aimed to develop non-destructive allometric models to estimate the leaf area of three species from the Caatinga biome: Cynophalla flexuosa, Libidibia ferrea and Tabebuia aurea. A total of 1293 leaves were collected from these species, scanned, and analysed using ImageJ software to obtain their length, width, and actual leaf area. In addition, the product of length and width was calculated. Linear, power and exponential regression models were used. The best equations were chosen based on the coefficient of determination, Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient, Willmott’s agreement index, mean squared error, root mean squared error, mean absolute error and mean absolute percentage error. The best equations for all species were constructed using linear and power models, which were indicated for accurate prediction of leaf area. These findings confirm the efficiency of allometric equations as a non-destructive method for predicting leaf area, providing an accessible and economical alternative for ecological studies in semi-arid environments.

Salinity represents a significant challenge for agriculture, especially in semi-arid regions, affecting the growth and productivity of plants such as nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), which is valued for its ornamental, medicinal, and food uses. Salt stress disrupts biochemical, physiological, and anatomical processes, limiting plant development. This study investigated the application of attenuators, including salicylic acid, nicotinamide, and proline, to mitigate the effects of salt stress on nasturtium cultivated in a hydroponic system. The treatments involved different combinations of these compounds under saline conditions (40 mM NaCl). The attenuators reduced the negative impacts of salt stress, promoting improvements in gas exchange, such as increased net photosynthesis, water-use efficiency, and stomatal conductance. Additionally, the treatments enhanced vegetative and reproductive growth, increasing the dry biomass of leaves, stems, and flowers, as well as the number of flowers and flower buds. The combination of salicylic acid, nicotinamide, and proline stood out by providing greater efficiency in carbon assimilation, stability of photosynthetic pigments, and higher tolerance to salt stress. These findings reinforce the potential of using attenuators to optimize the cultivation of nasturtium in saline environments, promoting higher productivity and plant quality.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar as ações iniciais que foram realizadas para implantação de sistema agroflorestal em um estabelecimento da agricultura familiar, no município de Governador Mangabeira, localizado no estado da Bahia, especificamente no território do Recôncavo. Para tanto, buscou-se observar o desenvolvimento das culturas que foram implantadas no sistema, principais desafios enfrentados em período de longas estiagens e como os agricultores que atuam no projeto veem as mudanças que ocorreram no sistema desde o início da implantação deste sistema. Neste estudo também se realiza um diálogo referente aos contextos econômicos que podem ser alcançados pelos agricultores familiares a longo prazo ao implantar um sistema agroflorestal em seu estabelecimento. Diante deste aspecto, é possível concluir neste estudo que quando a agricultura familiar começa a trabalhar a favor da natureza com ações e práticas que contribuem para a sustentabilidade ambiental, os resultados começam a ser fundamentais no que se refere a produção de alimentos e a agrofloresta contribuem positivamente com desenvolvimento do setor agrícola, principalmente para a diversificação da produção.