The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of the multivariate best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) method for multi-trait selection, to estimate the genetic parameters in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) genotypes. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with 21 sugarcane genotypes, in seven crop years, in a factorial arrangement with three replicates. The measured traits were: total yield of stems per hectare, total volume of juice per hectare, production of total soluble sugars, and stem length. The source variation in the crop years strongly contributed for the obtention of the expected values of the sum of squares, without causing distortions in the variance components and genetic variables. The measured traits showed genetic variability and allowed of efficient univariate and multivariate selections. The highest selection efficiency was obtained by using more than eight measurements, since they favored the estimates of heritability, accuracy, and repeatability. The 'IAC873396', 'Nova Iraí', 'IACSP 93-6006', and 'RB 835089' genotypes were superior as to the traits tested, regardless of the crop year. The BLUP multivariate technique for multi-trait selection is robust and allows of the increasing of the selection gains, accuracy, and reliability of predictions for sugarcane breeding.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fungicides registered for soybean on the parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Bioassays wereconducted in laboratory exposing adult insects to dried residues of fungicides, using the methodology proposed by the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control of Noxious Animals and Plants (IOBC). The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications per treatment. The parameter used for classification of fungicides was based on the reduced parasitism (RP) evidenced by the number of parasitized eggs per female in the control treatment. Based on these results, we found that fungicides are classified in different classes of selectivity to adults of T. pretiosum regarding the tested fungicides. The fungicides cyproconazole, epoxyconazole + kresoxim-methyl, metconazole, thiophanatemethyl (CS), pyraclostrobin, difenoconazole, were classified as harmless (Class 1); carbendazim, carbendazim + thiram, tetraconazole, tetraconazole+ azoxystrobin, epoxyconazol + pyraclostrobin, tebuconazole, prothioconazole + trifloxystrobin, tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin, azoxystrobin, azoxystrobin + cyproconazole, and thiophanate methyl (WG) were slightly harmful (Class 2); flutriafol, thiophanate methyl (WP), epoxyconazole + pyraclostrobin, and cyproconazole+ trifloxystrobin were moderately harmful (Class 3); and Kumulus DF was harmful (Class 4) to the adult parasitoids. Keywords: Chemical control, integrated pest management (IPM), parasitoid eggs, pesticide, International Organization for biological and integrated control of noxious animals and plants (IOBC) methodology, soybean.

Purpose: The objective of the study is to validate the technology of liquid nitrogen source by spraying of foliar absorption in comparison to the standard source urea of root absorption in the oat crop. Adapt the fuzzy logic model and training an artificial neural network to simulate oat productivity, under conditions of nitrogen use with the combined action of rainfall and thermal sum accumulated during the crop cycle. Method/design/approach: The study was conducted in Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil, in a randomized block design with four replications in a 2x4 factorial, for 2 nitrogen sources (liquid and solid) with 4 doses (0, 30, 60 and 120 kg ha-1), respectively. Solid (urea) and liquid (N-Top®) nitrogen sources were applied at the phenological stage of expanded oat fourth leaf. Results and conclusion: The liquid source nitrogen technology presents results similar to the use of the standard urea source, confirming the possibility of using the nutrient by foliar absorption. The simulation of grain yield by fuzzy logic with the input variables nitrogen dose, thermal sum and precipitation is not adequate for the formulated rule base. The input variables used in the artificial neural network proved to be appropriate in the simulation of oat productivity, with consistent simulation results. Originality/value: unprecedented research that seeks to validate the technology of foliar nitrogen absorption in real conditions of oat cultivation in guaranteeing productivity and less environmental damage. And the use of artificial intelligence as a resource to simulate grain productivity involving biological and environmental indicators in the main oat producing region of Brazil.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to propose changes in sowing and plant population managements for chia crops under organic production system to improve agronomic characteristics and promote higher yields while ensuring environmental quality and nutrition safety. Method/design/approach: The study was conducted in Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil, using a randomized block experimental design with four replications, in a 2×4 factorial arrangement consisted of 2 sowing methods (sowing in rows spaced 0.20 m apart and hand broadcasting) and 4 population densities (10, 40, 80, and 120 plants m-2). Plants in the plots of both sowing methods were thinned approximately 20 days after emergence to achieve the desired plant density. Grain yield and other agronomic characteristics of interest were evaluated under an organic cropping system. Results and conclusion: The arrangement of 55 chia plants m-2 through sowing in rows or by broadcasting ensures a satisfactory crop yield without using pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. The adoption of these more sustainable practices contributes to the improvement of agriculture quality and safety, yielding high-quality nutraceutical foods. Originality/value: This study provides a significant contribution to the advancement of research involving chia in Brazil, bringing new information that benefits farmers, technical assistance professionals, consumers, and the food industry, promoting nutrition safety, environmental protection, and the well-being of the population.

A soja (Glycine max (L.) Merril) é uma espécie pertencente à família Fabaceae, com centro de origem e domesticação no continente Asiático. A área semeada aumenta a cada safra no Brasil, desde que foi introduzida no país no século XX. Por ser uma commodity de grande importância na alimentação humana e animal, o aumento da produtividade das lavouras é um desafio constante. Para isso devemos observar o comportamento das plantas em relação aos componentes do rendimento, como o número de plantas na área, número de vagens por planta, número de grãos por vagem e peso de grãos, que são determinantes para o potencial produtivo de uma lavoura. A população de plantas na área, por exemplo, pode influenciar sobre diversas as variáveis agronômicas, e desta forma, influenciando na produtividade da lavoura. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da densidade de plantas do genótipo TMG 7161 RR no desempenho agronômico da cultura soja O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com 4 tratamentos e 6 repetições. Os tratamentos foram 4 densidades de plantas do genótipo TMG 7161 RR (22, 29, 33 e 44 plantas m-2). As variáveis analisadas foram o diâmetro do caule principal, altura da primeira inserção, altura final de plantas, número de ramificações por plantas, número de vagens por planta, número de sementes por vagem, peso de mil grãos e produtividade por planta e por área. O aumento da densidade de plantas na área proporciona plantas de maior tamanho e com maior altura da primeira inserção de vagem. O desempenho produtivo por planta de soja não é afetado pela densidade de plantas, entretanto a produção de grãos por área aumenta linearmente conforme o aumento da densidade de plantas até 44 plantas por metro quadrado.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o potencial germinativo de sementes de porta-enxertos de pessegueiro. O material propagativo constituiu-se de caroços das cultivares de porta-enxertos ‘Capdeboscq’ ‘Tsukuba 1’, ‘Tsukuba 2’, ‘Tsukuba 3’, ‘Okinawa Roxo’ e dos híbridos intraespecíficos de P. persica, seleções ‘NR 0280401’ (híbrido F1 derivado do cruzamento ‘Flordaguard’ x ‘Capdeboscq’), ‘NR 0080412’ (híbrido F1 derivado do cruzamento ‘Capdeboscq’ x ‘Flordaguard’), ‘NR 0050303’ (híbrido F1 derivado do cruzamento ‘Capdeboscq’ x ‘Tsukuba 1’) e ‘NR 0300402’ (híbrido F1 derivado do cruzamento ‘Flordaguard’ x ‘Nemaguard’) foram estratificadas em BOD, na ausência de luz, onde permaneceram por até 28 dias. Verificou-se que as sementes das seleções de porta-enxertos ‘NR 0280401’, ‘NR 0080412’ e da cv. ‘Capdeboscq’ requerem menor tempo para a germinação e apresentam maior percentual de sementes germinadas. Genótipos com maturação de frutos mais precoces, o período de armazenamento deve ser menor, devido à perda viabilidade, conforme verificado para ‘Okinawa Roxo’.