Locations In Brazil Research Articles

Natural resource access and local economic growth

We explore the existence of a local “resource curse” related to Brazil's oil, using oil price annual changes interacted with measures of local proximity to oil reserves. We find that oil royalty-receiving locations in Brazil that are closer to an oil field are characterized by a higher level of income per capita, when controlling for a range of potentially confounding factors. Furthermore, in a panel setting, we find that better geographical access to oil fields generates a greater positive effect of oil prices on local income per capita. Moreover, this positive impact of oilfield proximity on the effect of oil prices is enhanced in oil rich states. Importantly, these effects appear to be independent of the amount of oil royalties, suggesting the role of an indirect linkage effect.

Best practices for the rational use of water in construction sites in Brazil

AbstractEven though water is a scarce resource, not much thought has been given to its proper use during the execution phase of the building, unless this construction site has already acquired sustainability criteria or certification program. The purpose of this study is to assess the sustainability practice of the rational use of water and its application in the execution phase of construction sites in Brazil. The research proposes a list of items that facilitates the implementation of sustainability in construction sites by creating a checklist of sustainable practices based on environmental certification programs. This article uses the case study by a qualitative method, which can evaluate the major difficulties and the best occurrences of sustainable practices related to water use in construction sites. This work consists of six projects of various typologies and geographical locations in Brazil. The adoption of this list may serve as a tool for the implementation of sustainability in construction sites and as a benchmark among the companies. Finally, best practices for the rational use of water are proposed at the construction sites.

"Too Much to Ask, Too Much to Handle": Women's Coping in Times of Zika.

Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of congenital brain abnormalities. Its consequences for pregnancies have made governments and both national and international agencies issue advice and recommendations to women. This study was designed to understand the impacts of Zika on women who were less directly affected and less vulnerable to Zika. Women were recruited from various locations in Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the United States. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Women perceived that public health systems placed an unfair responsibility for preventing health complications from Zika onto women who had limited ability to do so. They also stated that the measures recommended to them were invasive, while creating the perception that women were the sole determinant of whether they contracted Zika. The results indicate that women with higher levels of education understood the limitations of the information, government actions, and medical care they received, which ended up producing higher levels of anguish and worry. Gender inequality and discrimination must be recognized and rendered visible in the public health emergency response. The social effects of the epidemic affected women more than had been thought before and at deeper emotional levels.

Shading analysis of urban squares using open-source software and free satellite imagery

The purpose of the study is to develop a method for analyzing, from satellite imagery and GIS tools, the impact of shading from surrounding buildings on open public squares in a subtropical location in Brazil, in order to assist and provide subsidies for urban planning. The method integrates open data, spatial data, and GIS simulation tools for the analysis of shading profiles on winter and summer solstices, and spring equinox. Different types of spaces were analyzed for the current configuration of adjacent buildings, starting with a historic square, Japan Square, in Curitiba. The analysis for 25 urban public squares with the current height configuration showed that four of them had more than 50% of their surface area shaded more than 3 h in winter solstice. The detailed analysis of a possible future scenario for one of the squares evaluated showed that the study of the impact of future constructions on open-air public spaces is important and necessary, especially when vertical growth is allowed in cities such as Curitiba, characterized by a cold winter, when solar access is largely recommended. The method proved to be applicable and reliable, and can be useful for the initial stages of urban planning, as well as for readjustments of existing spaces. Furthermore, it is a tool to analyze the impact of new constructions of surrounding buildings or even for studies of boundary height parameters of buildings around these sites.

Ptaquiloside and Pterosin B Levels in Mature Green Fronds and Sprouts of Pteridium arachnoideum.

Pteridium arachnoideum, a fern of the Pteridium aquilinum species complex found in South America, is responsible for several different syndromes of poisoning. Cases of bovine enzootic hematuria and upper alimentary squamous cell carcinoma are both frequent occurrences in Brazil, whereas only bovine enzootic hematuria is noted with any frequency around the world. The reason for the high frequency of upper alimentary squamous cell carcinoma in Brazil is not currently known. One possible explanation may be the higher levels of ptaquiloside and pterosin B in Brazilian Pteridium than those present in the plant in other countries. However, these levels have not yet been determined in P. arachnoideum. Thus, the present study aimed to measure and compare ptaquiloside and pterosin B levels in mature green fronds and sprouts of P. arachnoideum collected from different locations in Brazil. Samples of P. arachnoideum were collected from the states of Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul. A total of 28 mature leaf samples and 23 sprout samples were used. The mean concentrations of ptaquiloside and pterosin B present in the mature green fronds of P. arachnoideum ranged from 2.49 to 2.75 mg/g and 0.68 to 0.88 mg/g, respectively; in P. arachnoideum sprouts, mean concentrations of ptaquiloside and pterosin B ranged from 12.47 to 18.81 mg/g, and 4.03 to 10.42 mg/g for ptaquiloside and pterosin B, respectively. Thus, ptaquiloside and pterosin B levels in P. arachnoideum samples collected in Brazil were higher in sprouts than in mature green fronds, as observed in other countries. However, there was no variation in ptaquiloside levels among plants collected from different cities in Brazil. The high frequency of upper alimentary squamous cell carcinoma in Brazilian cattle may not be attributed to greater levels of ptaquiloside and pterosin B in P. arachnoideum than in other Pteridium species in other countries.

Solidarity, vulnerability and mistrust: how context, information and government affect the lives of women in times of Zika

BackgroundThe public health response to Zika outbreak has mostly focused on epidemiological surveillance, vector control, and individual level preventative measures. This qualitative study employs a social-ecological framework to examine how macro (historical, legislative, political, socio-economic factors), meso (sources of information, social support, social mobilization) and micro level factors (individual actions, behavioral changes) interacted to influence the response and behavior of women with respect to Zika in different contexts.MethodsA qualitative study was carried out. Women were recruited through the snowball sampling technique from various locations in Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the United States. They were of different nationalities and ethnicities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The data transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsWomen in this study deemed the information provided as insufficient, which led them to actively reach out and access a variety of media sources. Social networks played a vital role in sharing information but also resulted in the spread of hoaxes or rumors. Participants in our research perceived socio-economic inequities but focused on how to remedy their microenvironments. They did not engage in major social activities. Lack of trust in governments placed women in vulnerable situations by preventing them to follow the guidance of health authorities. These impacts were also a result of the response tactics of health and government administrations in their failed attempts to ensure the well-being of their countries’ populations.ConclusionsOur findings call for public health interventions that go beyond individual level behavioral change campaigns, to more comprehensively address the broader meso and macro level factors that influence women’ willingness and possibility to protect themselves.

Calibrating UTCI'S comfort assessment scale for three Brazilian cities with different climatic conditions.

Both global climate change and urbanization trends will demand adaptation measures in cities. Large agglomerations and impacts on landscape and natural environments due to city growth will require guided densification schemes in urban areas, particularly in developing countries. Human biometeorological indices such as the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) could guide this process, as they provide a clear account of expected effects on thermal sensation from a given change in outdoor settings. However, an earlier step should optimally include an adequacy test of suggested comfort and thermal stress ranges with calibration procedures based on surveys with the target population. This paper compares obtained thermal comfort ranges for three different locations in Brazil: Belo Horizonte, 20° S, Aw climate type; Curitiba, 25.5° S, Cfb subtropical climate, both locations in elevation (above 900ma.s.l.); and Pelotas, at sea level, latitude 32° S, with a Cfa climate type. In each city, a set of outdoor comfort field campaigns has been carried out according to similar procedures, covering a wide range of climatic conditions over different seasons of the year. Obtained results indicate a variation of neutral temperatures up to 3°C (UTCI units) as a possible latitude and local climate effect between the southern locations relative to the northernmost location. Low UTCI values were found in the two subtropical locations for the lower threshold of the thermal comfort band as compared with the original threshold. A possible explanation for that is a longer exposure to cold conditions as buildings are seldom provided with heating systems.

Information from Earth Observation for the Management of Sustainable Land Use and Land Cover in Brazil: An Analysis of User Needs

Brazil has some of the world’s most important forest and natural ecosystem resources and their sustainability is of global importance. The expansion of agriculture for livestock, the extractive industries, illegal logging, land conflicts, fire and deforestation are pressures on land use and drivers of land use change in many regions of Brazil. While different institutions in Brazil have sought to use Earth Observation (EO) data to support better land use management and conservation projects, several problems remain at the national and state level in the implementation of EO to support environmental policies and services provided to Brazilian society. This paper presents the results of a systematic analysis of the key challenges in using EO data in land management in Brazil and summarises them in a conceptual model of the factors influencing EO data use for assessing sustainable land use and land cover in Brazil. The research was based on a series of in-depth, semi-structured interviews (43) and structured interviews (53) with key stakeholders who make use of EO data across different locations in Brazil. The major challenges identified in the complex and multifaceted aspects of using this information were associated with access to, and with the processing of, raw data into usable information. The analysis also revealed novel insights on a lack of inter-institutional communication, adequate office infrastructure and personnel, availability of the right type of EO data and funding restrictions, political instability and bureaucracy as factors that limit more effective use of EO data in Brazil at present. We close this analysis by considering how EO information for the sustainable management of land use and land cover can assist institutions as they respond to the varied political and economic instabilities affecting environmental governance and deforestation levels.

Global sensitivity-based modelling approach to identify suitable Eucalyptus traits for adaptation to climate variability and change

Abstract Eucalyptus-breeding efforts have been made to identify clones of superior performance for growth and yield and how they will interact with global climate changes. This study performs a global sensitivity analysis for assessing the impact of genetic traits on Eucalyptus yield across contrasting environments in Brazil under present and future climate scenarios. The APSIM Next Generation Eucalyptus model was used to perform the simulations of stemwood biomass (t ha−1) for 7-year rotations across 23 locations in Brazil. Projections for the period from 2020 to 2049 using three global circulation models under intermediate (RCP4.5) and high (RCP8.5) greenhouse gas emission scenarios were performed. The Morris sensitivity method was used to perform a global sensitivity analysis to identify the influence of plant traits on stemwood biomass. Traits for radiation use efficiency, leaf partitioning, canopy light capture and fine root partitioning were the most important, impacting the Eucalyptus yield substantially in all environments under the present climate. Some of the traits targeted now by breeders for current climate will remain important under future climates. However, breeding should place a greater emphasis on photosynthetic temperature response for Eucalyptus in some regions. Global sensitivity analysis was found to be a powerful tool for identifying suitable Eucalyptus traits for adaptation to climate variability and change. This approach can improve breeding strategies by better understanding the gene × environment interactions for forest productivity.

Sprinting for creative economy growth – a case study of a business planning and rapid prototyping toolkit for the Brazilian creative economy sector

This article reflects on the development of a creative economy training product and toolkit developed by Coventry University with SEBRAE (the Brasilian Micro and Small Business Support Service) and funded by British Council. It was devised following two weeks creative economy scoping visits in autumn 2017 in Brasil. The scoping visits identified the need for a fun and “disruptive” business planning experience leading to rapid prototyping which would allow new creative economy ideas to be brought to market at low development cost – “Sprint”. A one day micro Sprint was tested in four locations in Brazil to excellent feedback in late 2017. The client subsequently requested a three day version of the methodology to invest more time in the cultural change of the creative entrepreneur and the development of an associated toolkit. However, this Sprint has subsequently also been rolled out in a super condensed 3 hour version piloting in 2019 and 2020 in Ukraine through British Council Creative Spark programmes. The toolkit offers skills and techniques to train creative entrepreneurs and their mentors in enabling the growth of the creative economy in their communities. This paper predominantly focuses on the implementation of the client commissioned three day Sprint.

Origin of the S\xe3o Paulo Yellow Fever epidemic of 2017\u20132018 revealed through molecular epidemiological analysis of fatal cases

The largest outbreak of yellow fever of the 21st century in the Americas began in 2016, with intense circulation in the southeastern states of Brazil, particularly in sylvatic environments near densely populated areas including the metropolitan region of São Paulo city (MRSP) during 2017–2018. Herein, we describe the origin and molecular epidemiology of yellow fever virus (YFV) during this outbreak inferred from 36 full genome sequences taken from individuals who died following infection with zoonotic YFV. Our analysis revealed that these deaths were due to three genetic variants of sylvatic YFV that belong the South American I genotype and that were related to viruses previously isolated in 2017 from other locations in Brazil (Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Bahia and Rio de Janeiro states). Each variant represented an independent virus introduction into the MRSP. Phylogeographic and geopositioning analyses suggested that the virus moved around the peri-urban area without detectable human-to-human transmission, and towards the Atlantic rain forest causing human spill-over in nearby cities, yet in the absence of sustained viral transmission in the urban environment.

Population Genomics of the Neotropical Brown Stink Bug, Euschistus heros: The Most Important Emerging Insect Pest to Soybean in Brazil.

Recent changes in soybean management like the adoption of transgenic crops and no-till farming, in addition to the expansion of cultivated areas into new virgin frontiers, are some of the hypotheses that can explain the rise of secondary pests, such as the Neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros, in Brazil. To better access the risk of increased pests like E. heros and to determine probabilities for insecticide resistance spreading, it is necessary first to access the levels of the genetic diversity, how the genetic diversity is distributed, and how natural selection is acting upon the natural variation. Using the genotyping by sequencing (GBS) technique, we generated ~60,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed across the E. heros genome to answer some of those questions. The SNP data was used to investigate the pattern of genetic structure, hybridization and natural selection of this emerging pest. We found that E. heros populations presented similar levels of genetic diversity with slightly higher values at several central locations in Brazil. Our results also showed strong genetic structure separating northern and southern Brazilian regions (FST = 0.22; p-value = 0.000) with a very distinct hybrid zone at the central region. The analyses also suggest the possibility that GABA channels and odorant receptors might play a role in the process of natural selection. At least one marker was associated with soybean and beans crops, but no association between allele frequency and cotton was found. We discuss the implications of these findings in the management of emerging pests in agriculture, particularly in the context of large areas of monoculture such as soybean and cotton.

The distribution and mitochondrial genotype of the hydroid Aglaophenia latecarinata is correlated with its pelagic Sargassum substrate type in the tropical and subtropical western Atlantic Ocean.

The pelagic brown macroalga Sargassum supports rich biological communities in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic region, including a variety of epiphytic invertebrates that grow on the Sargassum itself. The thecate hydroid Aglaophenia latecarinata is commonly found growing on some, but not all, Sargassum forms. In this study, we examined the relationship between A. latecarinata and its pelagic Sargassum substrate across a broad geographic area over the course of 4 years (2015–2018). The distribution of the most common Sargassum forms that we observed (Sargassum fluitans III and S. natans VIII) was consistent with the existence of distinct source regions for each. We found that A. latecarinata hydroids were abundant on both S. natans VIII and S. fluitans III, and also noted a rare observation of A. latecarinata on S. natans I. For the hydroids on S. natans VIII and S. fluitans III, hydroid mitochondrial genotype was strongly correlated with the Sargassum substrate form. We found significant population genetic structure in the hydroids, which was also consistent with the distributional patterns of the Sargassum forms. These results suggest that hydroid settlement on the Sargassum occurs in type-specific Sargassum source regions. Hydroid species identification is challenging and cryptic speciation is common in the Aglaopheniidae. Therefore, to confirm our identification of A. latecarinata, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis that showed that while the genus Aglaophenia was not monophyletic, all A. latecarinata haplotypes associated with pelagic Sargassum belonged to the same clade and were likely the same species as previously published sequences from Florida, Central America, and one location in Brazil (São Sebastião). A nominal A. latecarinata sequence from a second Brazilian location (Alagoas) likely belongs to a different species.

Impact of local conditions and machine management on grape harvest quality

ABSTRACT: Since its inception approximately 50 years ago, the grape harvester has been one of the machines responsible for the expansion of viticulture in the world. In Spain, harvesters were introduced in the 1990s (there are now approximately 3,000 machines there as of 2017), while they were introduced in Brazil in 2010. Harvest mechanization requires specific crop adaption and new work features that deserve to be analysed from their very beginnings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management of four commercial grape harvest machines under actual field conditions on an intercontinental basis in two locations in Brazil and Spain. Machine performance measured by work (ha h−1) and processing capacity (kg h−1), together with field efficiency (%) and task quality, as measured by grape losses (%), in soil and plant, as well as must release (%), were considered in relation to plot geometry, adaption of plots to mechanical harvesting, and machine type, in order to assess whether the initial steps towards harvest mechanization in Brazil have led to similar performance and quality levels compared to Spain, which represents an example of well-established mechanization. The theoretical work capacities were similar for towed equipment in both countries (0.81 ha h−1 in Brazil and 0.87 ha h−1 in Spain) and lower compared to self-propelled capacity (1.34 ha h−1). Significant differences were observed in terms of losses of grapes and must, with the highest values prevailing in Brazil (2 % grape losses in the ground; up to 23 % of the plant undetached grapes and must losses of 2-4 % (per kg vine productivity).

Assessing the growth gaps of Eucalyptus plantations in Brazil – Magnitudes, causes and possible mitigation strategies

Eucalyptus growth (stemwood volume, m3 ha−1 yr−1) is conditioned by biotic and abiotic factors, which are related to the climate, genotype, chemical and physical soil conditions, silvicultural practices and forest management. These factors impose a huge temporal and spatial variability of Eucalyptus growth, leading to growth gaps. Therefore, identifying Eucalyptus growth gaps (GG), their magnitudes and causes may be a powerful tool for establishing strategies to increase forest resiliency and productivity. In this context, the aims of this study were to determinate the Eucalyptus growth gaps by a multimodel approach for different production locations in Brazil and to identify their main causes, possible solutions and mitigation strategies. Three Eucalyptus simulation models (FAO, APSIM and 3PG), properly calibrated and validated, were used for simulating the potential and attainable growth. Actual growth data were obtained from 30 producing locations in Brazil from experimental plantations of the TECHS Project. The growth gaps at all locations in Midwest and Northeast regions of the country were predominantly caused by water deficit. In Southeast and North regions, the water deficit was the main cause of GG in 87% and 67% of the locations, respectively. On the other hand, in Southern Brazil, the sub-optimal forest management was the main cause of growth gap at all locations, since water deficit is very low in this region. In general, the water deficit represented the main cause of Eucalyptus growth gap in Brazil; therefore, the use of drought-tolerant genotypes, wider spacing, deeper subsoiling for heavy and cohesive soils, and soil conservation practices (such as maintaining harvest residue on site) for improving water infiltration and root growth are the main strategies to reduce this kind of gap. On the other hand, for reducing the growth gap caused by sub-optimal forest management, the main strategies are better nutrition management, use of high-quality seedlings (improved genetic materials and high nursery quality), and weed control, pests and diseases. In addition to these practices, better monitoring of forest fires, windstorms and waterlogging events by integrating climate, management and genetic strategies also could help to improve Eucalyptus productivity in Brazil.

Multiple-trait selection of soybean for biodiesel production in Brazil

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is an important source of oil for biodiesel production in Brazil. However, the traits related to oil content and fatty acid profile are not targeted by soybean breeding programs. Developing methods to increase oleic and reduce linolenic fatty acid content within soybean genotypes will increase the use of soybeans for food and feed, as well as biodiesel production. Biodiesel produced with high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) content has a high tendency to undergo oxidation, making storage difficult and overall quality reduced. On the other hand, oils with high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) are preferred for biodiesel production because oxidation is not increased, improve cold flow properties significantly and nitrogen oxide emissions are decreased. In addition, soybean oil with high concentration of PUFAs causes low oxidative stability, resulting in rancidity, a rapid decline of optimal flavor and reducing storage time of manufactured food products. 242 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were evaluated in six locations in Brazil for grain yield, oil content, oil production, and fatty acid composition. A multi-trait index based on factor analysis and ideotype-design (FAI-BLUP index) was applied to identify genotypes best related with the ideotype for biodiesel production. This method is based on mixed models, with genotype and environment effects being considered as random and fixed, respectively. In addition, the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) method was used to predict the genetic values. Six RILs outperformed both parents and can be selected as genotypes more suitable for biodiesel production. Genetic selection reduced linolenic fatty acid content by 14%. Results indicated the presence of genetic variability for fatty acid composition. The significant increases in oleic and reductions in linolenic contents may be easily achieved with the introduction of mutant FAD2-1A and FAD2-1B genes through breeding programs or biotechnological strategies.

SIMULATION STUDY OF PARABOLIC TROUGH SOLAR POWER PLANTS IN BRAZIL

Various data reveals the potential of concentrated solar technologies for the electricity production. With global growing energy demand and green-house gas emission, concentrating solar power is considered as one of the promising options and has invited wide attention. In this work, a model for a 30 MW parabolic trough solar power plant system was developed for 31 different locations in Brazil, using TRNSYS simulation software, and TESS and STEC libraries. The power system consists of a parabolic trough solar collector loop connected to a power block by a series of heat exchangers. The solar collector loop consists of a field of parabolic trough collectors, stratified thermal storage tank, pump and heat exchangers to drive the power block and uses Therminol VP1 as heat transfer fluid. The results show that the cities of Recife (PE), Fortaleza (CE), Belterra (PA), Salvador (BA) and Petrolina (PE) stand out for their high monthly values of direct normal irradiation and, resulting the highest production of energy by the same configuration of Solar Central Power Plant.

The Brazilian Soil Spectral Library (BSSL): A general view, application and challenges

The present study was developed in a joint partnership with the Brazilian pedometrics community to standardize and evaluate spectra within the 350–2500 nm range of Brazilian soils. The Brazilian Soil Spectral Library (BSSL) began in 1995, creating a protocol to gather soil samples from different locations in Brazil. The BSSL reached 39,284 soil samples from 65 contributors representing 41 institutions from all 26 states. Through the BSSL spectra database, it was possible to estimate important soil attributes, such as clay, sand, soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, pH and base saturation, resulting in differences among the multi-scale models taking Brazil (overall), regional and state scale. In general, spectral descriptive and quantitative behavior indicated important relationship with physical, chemical and mineralogical properties. Statistical analyses showed that six basic patterns of spectral signatures represent the Brazilian soils types and that environmental conditions explain the differences in spectra. This study demonstrates that spectroscopy analyses along with the establishment of soil spectral libraries are a powerful technique for providing information on a national and regional levels. We also developed an interactive online platform showing soil sample locations and their contributors. As soil spectroscopy is considered a fast, simple, accurate and nondestructive analytical procedure, its application may be integrated with wet analysis as an alternative to support the sustainable management of soils.

Effect of zinc-biofortified seeds on grain yield of wheat, rice, and common bean grown in six countries.

Seeds enriched with zinc (Zn) are ususally associated with better germination, more vigorous seedlings and higher yields. However, agronomic benefits of high-Zn seeds were not studied under diverse agro-climatic field conditions. This study investigated effects of low-Zn and high- Zn seeds (biofortified by foliar Zn fertilization of maternal plants under field conditions) of wheat (Tritcum aestivum L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on seedling density, grain yield and grain Zn concentration in 31 field locations over two years in six countries. Experimental treatments were: (1) low-Zn seeds and no soil Zn fertilization (control treatment), (2) low-Zn seeds + soil Zn fertilization, and (3) Zn-biofortified seeds and no soil Zn fertilization. The wheat experiments were established in China, India, Pakistan, and Zambia, the rice experiments in China, India and Thailand, and the common bean experiment in Brazil. When compared to the control treatment, soil Zn fertilization increased wheat grain yield in all six locations in India, two locations in Pakistan and one location in China. Zinc-biofortified seeds also increased wheat grain yield in all four locations in Pakistan and four locations in India compared to the control treatment. Across all countries over 2 years, Zn-biofortified wheat seeds increased plant population by 26.8% and grain yield by 5.37%. In rice, soil Zn fertilization increased paddy yield in all four locations in India and one location in Thailand. Across all countries, paddy yield increase was 8.2% by soil Zn fertilization and 5.3% by Zn-biofortified seeds when compared to the control treatment. In common bean, soil Zn application as well as Znbiofortified seed increased grain yield in one location in Brazil. Effects of soil Zn fertilization and high-Zn seed on grain Zn density were generally low. This study, at 31 field locations in six countries over two years, revealed that the seeds biofortfied with Zn enhanced crop productivity at many locations with different soil and environmental conditions. As high-Zn grains are a by-product of Zn biofortification, use of Zn-enriched grains as seed in the next cropping season can contribute to enhance crop productivity in a cost-effective manner.

A phenotypic comparison of yield and related traits in elite commercial corn hybrids resistant to pests

The development of commercial maize hybrids tolerant to herbicide and resistant to lepidopterans has allowed an important ex pansion of this crop in Brazil. The objective of this study was to field-evaluate the performance of eleven maize hybrids at three different growing locations in Brazil to find adapted and stable hybrids. The fields were desiccated using glyphosate (3 L ha-1) seven days before seeding. Each trial was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications per location. In the joint analysis of eight agronomic traits, the error variances were considered heterogeneous among locations. The eleven hybrids presented significant differences in all traits. The hybrid DKB340PRO2 had the highest grain yield, which could be a recommended hybrid to local farmers. In addition, the hybrid x location interaction was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), indicating stability of all the studied hybrids. Significant differences existed among the corn hybrids for eight agronomic traits, supporting our research hypothesis.