Seed quality, particularly germination speed, uniformity, and initial seedling vigor, is a key determinant of successful crop establishment. This study evaluated the effects of a plant growth regulator (PR) in comparison to distilled water on the germination and early development of maize, rice, white sesame, and black sesame seeds. The experiment using controlled environmental conditions and standard germination protocols. While seed germination speed (GSI) was not significantly influenced by the treatments, PR application resulted in a significantly higher germination percentage (68.3 ± 0.43%) compared to water (51.0 ± 0.71%), indicating a physiological enhancement of dormancy-breaking mechanisms. PR also promoted greater shoot length (6.45 ± 1.74cm) than water (5.05 ± 1.23cm), possibly through stimulation of cell elongation and hormonal signaling. However, root length did not differ significantly between treatments, suggesting that the formulation or dosage may require refinement to achieve balanced seedling development. Among species, white sesame and rice showed superior performance in both germination metrics and seedling growth, while maize exhibited limited vigor. Strong positive correlations were observed between shoot and root growth (r= 0.87), and between germination parameters and shoot length, emphasizing the importance of synchrony between emergence and vegetative development. These findings support the potential of PRs as a strategic input for improving germination efficiency and early seedling establishment, particularly when tailored to the physiological requirements of each species.

Análise da qualidade da água de uma piscicultura tradicional da comunidade do guajará no município de Cametá - PA / Analysis of the water quality of a traditional pisciculture of the guajará community in the municipality of Cametá – PA

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of A. vera leaf extract on germination performance and seedling vigor in C. annuum under controlled laboratory conditions. Theoretical Framework: Plant extracts are recognized as sustainable alternatives to synthetic inputs, acting as natural biostimulants and antifungal agents. Aloe vera contains polysaccharides, phenolics, anthraquinones and glycoproteins capable of modulating germination physiology and early seedling vigor. Method: The experiment followed a completely randomized design with five extract concentrations (0–40%) and four replications. Germination percentage, germination speed index, root length, shoot height and stem diameter were measured. Data were submitted to ANOVA and means compared by the Scott–Knott test (5%). Results and Discussion: No significant effects were detected for most variables. However, intermediate concentrations showed slight stimulation in shoot height and stem diameter, whereas higher concentrations reduced root elongation, indicating a dose-dependent (hormetic) trend. The absence of fungal contamination in treated seeds suggests an antifungal effect of the extract. Research Implications: The findings indicate that Aloe vera extract can be safely incorporated into seed treatment protocols, but concentration thresholds must be optimized to avoid inhibitory responses, especially in root development. Originality/Value: This study provides one of the few systematic evaluations of Aloe vera leaf extract on Capsicum annuum germination, offering new insights into its hormetic behavior, antifungal potential and applicability as a natural biostimulant in sustainable horticulture.

As pimentas pertencentes ao gênero Capsicum constituem um dos grupos hortícolas mais diversificados e economicamente relevantes dentro da família Solanaceae. Essas espécies apresentam ampla variabilidade genética, morfológica e bioquímica, refletida em diferenças no formato, tamanho, cor e pungência dos frutos. Entre as espécies cultivadas, destacam-se Capsicum chinense, Capsicum frutescens e Capsicum baccatum, amplamente utilizadas na alimentação humana e na indústria de alimentos. Além de sua importância gastronômica e econômica, as pimentas apresentam elevado potencial nutracêutico devido à presença de compostos bioativos como capsaicinoides, polifenóis, flavonoides e carotenoides. Esses compostos apresentam propriedades antioxidantes, anti-inflamatórias e antimicrobianas, contribuindo para a prevenção de doenças relacionadas ao estresse oxidativo. Estudos recentes indicam que a composição química das pimentas varia significativamente entre espécies, cultivares e estágios de maturação, influenciando diretamente seu valor nutricional e funcional. Nesse contexto, o presente capítulo apresenta uma revisão abrangente sobre a diversidade botânica do gênero Capsicum, suas características agronômicas, importância econômica e propriedades nutracêuticas, com ênfase nos principais grupos de pimentas e em seus compostos antioxidantes.