ABSTRACT Babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) is a native species from the Cerrado-Amazon transition zone with socio-economic importance for agro-extractivist communities in Northeastern Brazil that rely on products derived from its fruits. Babassu productivity is declining due to unsustainable practices and habitat loss. Hence, this research aimed to estimate genetic parameters related to fruit traits of babassu and indicate superior populations for coconut mesocarp production. Babassu trees and fruits were sampled from natural populations in five cities of Maranhão State - Brazil, totaling 150 individuals and 1,500 fruits. The number of bunches and fruits per plant, plant and stipe height, and various fruit and seed morphological traits were measured and used for estimating genetic parameters by the REML/BLUP method with Selegen Software. Fruit width, fruit weight, and mesocarp weight showed high broad-sense heritability and accuracy, suggesting a strong genetic influence and making them excellent candidates for genetic improvement. The high coefficients of relative variation are suitable for selecting promising babassu genotypes. Babassu fruits sampled on Coroatá and Buritirana had the best characteristics for fruit and mesocarp production. We found significant genotypic correlations between various fruit traits (size and weight) that can simplify the selection of high-yield genotypes. Our results are the first report on genetic parameters of important babassu fruit traits, providing valuable data for future breeding programs aiming to increase productivity.

ABSTRACT The incorporation of active compounds into starch-based films requires a systematic evaluation of their influence on functional properties. This study investigated the effects of different levels of Spondias purpurea L. pomace extract (SpPE) on the morphological, mechanical, optical, thermal, and barrier properties of cassava starch films. Three treatments were prepared: C (control, without SpPE), F1 (1% SpPE), and F2 (2% SpPE). The incorporation of SpPE significantly altered the film structure, making it more compact and well defined. Tensile strength and puncture resistance were reduced, but elongation at break increased markedly (from 12.69% to 137.33%), suggesting a plasticizing effect. In addition, SpPE incorporation reduced swelling degree and water vapor permeability (p < 0.05), indicating improvements in barrier properties. Optical analysis showed increased yellowness (b* values), consistent with the presence of phenolic compounds. Thermal analysis revealed decreased stability at higher SpPE concentrations, evidencing a trade-off between flexibility/barrier improvements and decreased thermal resistance. These findings demonstrate the potential of SpPE as a natural additive for biodegradable starch-based packaging in food applications.

ABSTRACT The primary method of soybean breeding is artificial hybridization. Therefore, genitors must be carefully selected, especially given the crop’s restricted genetic base. This study aimed to quantify genetic diversity across soybean genotypes using agronomic traits and microsatellite markers and to identify promising parent combinations. We evaluated 26 soybean genotypes in the greenhouse and characterized 11 agronomic traits. Polymorphism for five microsatellite markers was assessed on a 2% agarose gel. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to detect genetic variability and determine genetic diversity. All agronomic traits, except plant height at maturity, showed genetic variability. The genotypic coefficients of determination ranged from 34.41% to 69.81%. The genetic dissimilarity for agronomic traits ranged from 2.49 to 42.77, enabling the formation of five, eight, and seven groups using the UPGMA, farthest neighbor, and Tocher methods, respectively. The dissimilarity obtained by the microsatellites ranged from 0.11 to 0.93, allowing the genotypes to be divided into seven, eight, and four groups, respectively, using the UPGMA, farthest neighbor, and Tocher methods. The vegetative and total cycles were the traits that contributed most to genetic diversity. The data analysis identified Emgopa 316 x NS 7200, Emgopa 316 x UFUS (7415 x MG / BR 46 Conquista), TMG 801 x NS 7200, and TMG 801 x BRSGO Luziânia hybrids as promising for early cycle, grain yield, and disease resistance.

ABSTRACT Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC) is widely used as green manure and for the phytochemical control of agricultural pests. However, information on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by its leaves is still lacking, which could help to develop sustainable pest management strategies based on chemical ecology. This study aimed to determine the VOC profile of jack bean leaves and assess its potential for pest management applications. Leaf samples from greenhouse-grown plants were used for VOC extraction using solid-phase microextraction (SPME). VOCs were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The linear retention index was calculated using retention time values from both compounds extracted from samples and a homologous series of n-alkanes (C7-C30), with additional confirmation with analytical standards when available. We identified a total of 46 compounds, with green leaf volatiles (GLVs) exhibiting the highest relative abundance. The detected GLVs included (Z)-3-hexenal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, (E,E)-2,4-hexadienal, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, 1-hexanol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, (E)-2-octenal, nonanal, (E,E)-2,6-nonadienal, (Z)-3-nonenol and 1-nonanol. We additionally identified terpenes such as isothujone, β-cyclocitral, γ-isogeraniol, cis-geraniol, pulegone, β-citral, β-cyclohomocitral, geranial, α-ionone, β-ionone, dihydroactinolide, α-bisabolol, and pythan. Several of these compounds have been previously associated with plant defense mechanisms against key agricultural pests. We discuss the potential application of the identified VOCs in pest management, particularly in agroecosystems where jack bean is used as green manure.

ABSTRACT Seaweed has been proven as reducing agent of ruminant methane emissions as well as increasing ruminant productivity. The present study evaluated the effect of supplementing three types of tropical seaweeds at different levels to Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Gama Umami=GU) based on methane gas production and in vitro rumen fermentation parameters. When P. perforate was supplemented on GU at 5.00% organic matter (OM), the highest methane reduction was shown at 24 and 48 hour incubation (83.8% and 74.4%, respectively, P<0.01). Supplementation of 5.00% OM P. perforate on GU also resulted in the lowest (P<0.01) protozoa population (3.83×104/mL). However, adding P. perforate to GU lowers total gas production (a+b fraction) from 62.7 to 52.8 mL/200 mg DM, P<0.01). In terms of rumen fermentation parameters, P. perforate supplementation increased (P<0.01) total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), as well as decreased acetate:propionate ratio (P<0.05) without negatively affecting rumen pH. Although ammonia (NH3) concentration was not affected, significant rumen synthesis microbial protein increases were noted. Supplementation with E. compressa 2.50% OM and C. linum (O.F.Mull) Kutz 7.50% OM increased methane in 24 hours incubation at 12.72% and 48 hours incubation at 6.08%. Supplementation of P. perforate at 5.00% OM on GU decreased methane production as well as increasing total SCFA and rumen microbial protein. P. perforate (Bory) K.W.Nam can be used as a potential agent of methane reduction in ruminants to enhance their production.

ABSTRACT The restoration of riparian forests degraded by pasture is essential for maintaining ecosystem services such as water regulation and biodiversity preservation. However, the dominance of exotic grasses in Amazonian pasture regions hinders the natural regeneration of native species. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of soil seed bank stimuli on the initial restoration of a riparian forest dominated by exotic grass pasture. Two treatments were tested: control (CT) and seed bank stimulation (SBS). In both treatments, the region was isolated to prevent cattle entry. SBS was subjected to glyphosate herbicide application and soil disturbance with a disc harrow. Vegetation surveys to assess natural regeneration were conducted at time intervals of 5, 11, 18, and 22 months after the starting point of the experiment. SBS favored the density and richness of regenerating herb, shrub, and tree species and reduced soil coverage under exotic grasses up to the 18th month (34%) in relation to CT (80%). In the 22nd month, the dominance of exotic grasses increased in SBS, although it remained lower than that observed in the control throughout the evaluated period. The results showed that stimulating the seed bank through soil harrowing could effectively promote the regeneration of native species in the Amazon, although continuous management is necessary to reduce exotic grass dominance and ensure the long-term restoration of riparian forests.

ABSTRACT The sustainability of agricultural production has been demonstrated to be progressively associated with the use of organic fertilizers to improve soil properties and crop production. In this study, the effects of biochar and organic compost, both derived from poultry litter, on soil nutrient availability and the growth and production of the corn cultivar AG1051 were evaluated. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design, with ten treatments, including different doses of biochar and organic compost (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 t ha-1) and three replications. Soils from different treatments were placed in pots (20 kg per pot) and incubated. After incubation, samples taken from all experimental units were subjected to chemical analysis. At the end of the plant growth cycle, the properties of plants, except for ear development, were investigated, and then, to determine the dry mass of leaves and the stalk, plant samples were placed in an oven at 65 °C. The results indicated that organic compost produced from poultry litter was added at 10 t. ha-1 increased the concentrations of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), hydrogen (H), and the sum base cations in the soil and enhanced soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), promoting the growth and production components of corn plants, compared to biochar. However, future studies should focus on the residual effects of such organic amendments, and a techno-economic analysis also needs to be performed to predict the conversion of different compounds into biochar.

ABSTRACT The primary postharvest challenge for alstroemeria is premature leaf yellowing, which impacts flower quality and diminishes ornamental value. It is hypothesized that using preservative solutions could mitigate this issue. This study aimed to analyze the effects of postharvest preservatives on Alstroemeria hybrida ‘Akemi’ to delay leaf yellowing. Floral stems were collected, standardized, and immersed in different preservative solutions prepared with 6-benzyladenine, gibberellic acid, Floralife Crystal Clear®, Florissant with chlorine and silver thiosulfate. Quality and physiological analyses were conducted, revealing that treatments with gibberellic acid, Florissant with chlorine, and silver thiosulfate demonstrated the highest postharvest vase life. Gibberellic acid and Florissant with chlorine were the most effective in delaying leaf yellowing, preserving total chlorophyll content and maintaining cell integrity and water content. Silver thiosulfate was less effective in preventing leaf yellowing, but it was the only solution capable of preventing perianth abscission. These results suggest gibberellic acid and Florissant with chlorine as the most effective alternatives in delaying leaf yellowing for alstroemerias, in addition to opening possibilities for new research. It is recommended that mixtures involving gibberellic acid and silver thiosulfate be investigated, as well as Florissant with chlorine and silver thiosulfate, as these combinations can enhance the longevity of alstroemeria flowers and leaves during vase life.

ABSTRACT Effective Cattleya micropropagation enables achieving enhanced seedling quality and production. Ultrafine bubbles (UFBs) represent a recent technological breakthrough that is expected to improve the growth and development of orchid plantlets. The objective of this research was to reveal the effects of oxygenated UFB (O-UFB) at different liquid nutrition strengths on the morpho-physiology and gene expression of Cattleya plantlets grown in vitro under septic conditions. Uniform plantlets were planted on granular vermiculite-perlite (VP) (1:1) with full-Murashige Skoog (MS), –-MS, ½-MS, and full-Hougland (HG) liquid media enriched with oxygenated UFB (O-UFB), and full-MS-0 was used as control. A lower ionic strength (–-MS) medium with the presence of O-UFB improved Cattleya plantlet growth both morphologically and physiologically. Nutrition strength also induced the overexpression of SUT2 and PEPCK genes during the in vitro septic culture, leading to a physiological transition from heterotrophic to autotrophic micropropagation. Therefore, O-UFB supplementation during Cattleya plantlet growth and development can improve its quality and productivity.

ABSTRACT The use of rock powder combined with nutrient-solubilizing and growth-promoting bacteria represents a promising alternative for nutrient supply to the soil and improved crop development. This study aimed to evaluate the development of coffee seedlings treated with rock dust and inoculated with Bacillus species. Six types of rock powder (slate, black slate, gneiss, kamafugite, pyroxenite, and a mixture of mica schist and granite) were added to standard fertilizer in the presence or absence of a Bacillus mixture (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) during coffee cultivation. We measured plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, shoot and root dry biomass, and nutrient levels in the soil and coffee leaves after. In the kamafugite treatment, adding a bacterial mixture increased plant height. When the bacterial application was considered alone, it resulted in an 85% increase in the plants’ total dry biomass. Rock powder and bacteria showed a substantial interaction effect, particularly for nutrients. Gneiss and kamafugite treatments increased phosphorus availability in the soil, whereas bacterial presence boosted calcium and magnesium content. The combination of nutrient-solubilizing and growth-promoting bacteria and rock powder improved soil chemical properties and the early development of coffee plants.