Plant Fresh Mass Research Articles

Desenvolvimento inicial da cana-soca sob lâminas de irrigação de salvamento

A cana-de-açúcar é um dos principais produtos agrícolas do Brasil, gerando alimento e energia sustentável para o mundo. No estado de Goiás, o déficit hídrico é um dos fatores limitantes do acúmulo de biomassa, devido à baixa umidade do solo durante praticamente todo o outono e o inverno. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar os efeitos de lâminas de irrigação de salvamento no desenvolvimento inicial da cana-soca de sequeiro, durante os primeiros 30 dias. O experimento foi realizado na Fazenda Isaura, pertencente à Usina São Martinho - Unidade Boa Vista, no município de Quirinópolis, GO. A colheita foi finalizada em 18 de setembro de 2019 e a irrigação ocorreu com Lead Time (dias após colheita) de 7 dias, no dia 25 de setembro de 2019. Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados arranjado em faixas. Foram utilizadas cinco lâminas de irrigação (20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm e 60 mm), uma testemunha (sem irrigação) e seis repetições. Foram avaliados os parâmetros biofísicos: número de perfilhos por metro linear, altura das plantas e massa fresca dos perfilhos. O número de perfilhos por metro linear, altura das plantas e massa fresca dos perfilhos responderam ao aumento das lâminas de irrigação, em todos os períodos avaliados após o plantio, sendo o modelo de regressão linear o de melhor ajuste. Desde que não supere a capacidade de armazenamento de água no solo, o aumento da lâmina de água proporciona aumento do perfilhamento, altura média das plantas e massa fresca dos perfilhos da cana-soca. A lâmina de irrigação de salvamento de 60 mm foi a quantidade ótima para potencializar o perfilhamento da cana-soca.

CARACTERIZAÇÃO E DIVERGÊNCIA GENÉTICA DE GENÓTIPOS DE MILHO COM POTENCIAL FORRAGEIRO AVALIADOS EM REGIÃO SEMIÁRIDA

A produção de milho para consumo animal segue duas aptidões em relação à produção de ração em regiões semiáridas: grãos e silagem. No entanto, o alto sertão Sergipano, região comumente com baixa disponibilidade hídrica, apresenta escassez de alimentos. Desta forma, a obtenção de variabilidade genética, oriunda de cruzamentos específicos, podem auxiliar na seleção de genótipos de milho com potencial forrageiro. Objetivou-se caracterizar genótipos comerciais e experimentais de milho para obtenção de blocos de cruzamentos com potencial forrageiro avaliados em região semiárida. O experimento foi realizado na Fazenda Experimental da Embrapa – Semiárido, em delineamento em blocos incompletos em látice quadrado reticulado 6x6, com duas repetições, totalizando36 tratamentos. Analisou-se as variáveis altura de planta, diâmetro do colmo, peso de parcela, massa fresca, massa seca e massa de forragem. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de correlação fenotípica, contribuição relativa de cada variável e divergência genética. Indicou-se a formação de pelo menos três blocos de cruzamentos: bloco I, com aptidão para massa fresca; bloco II, com aptidão de peso de parcela e massa de forragem; bloco III, para aptidão de altura de planta, diâmetro do colmo e massa seca.

Phosphate fertilization and organic compost on the initial growth of sorghum in degraded soils

One of the strategies for the recovery of degraded soils is the planting of fast-growing forage species with high biomass production. In this sense, the objective of this research was to evaluate the initial growth of sorghum in degraded soils with organic fertilization and different phosphorus levels. A completely randomized design with a 4 x 3 x 2 factorial arrangement was used, with four soil types, three levels of phosphorus fertilization and two levels of organic fertilization. At 64 days after sowing the characteristics of the initial growth were analyzed: plant height, stem diameter, leaf number and fresh shoot mass. The height was measured by measuring the neck of the plant until the end of the newest fully expanded leaf, measured with the aid of a measuring tape and expressed in centimeters. The diameter of the stem, by means of a digital pachymeter. The application of phosphorus and organic matter in degraded soils is necessary for the initial development of sorghum plants, due to the low availability of this element, caused by the high adsorption of P in the soil colloids. Besides that, the lack of organic matter in the studied soils led to a decrease in the growth of sorghum, therefore, it is concluded that soil management in saline environments is necessary for the application of phosphorus and organic matter for a sustainable and technically viable production.

Phenotypic Variability and Genetic Diversity of Phragmites australis in Quebec and Kashmir Reveal Contrasting Population Structure.

The origin of differences in traits influencing competitive success between invasive and native wild populations of alien species is subject of debate. Herbarium-based information sources from 2005 onwards about nativity and distributional range of Phragmites australis were used to survey putative native populations of the species in Quebec, and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) PCR-RFLP analyses identified only one native population, whereas the same analyses revealed that the Kashmir populations are invasive. We compared the native population of P. australis in Quebec (QN), ten populations invasive to Quebec (QE), and five populations invasive in Kashmir, India (KE) using morphometric traits. Using nine cpDNA microsatellite loci, we also compared nine KE populations, ten QE populations, and the QN population. Phenotypic variation was observed among and within populations. Only dry mass of flowers varied across regions. Characterization of morphotypes defined three distinct haplotypes. A bimodal distribution of stem diameter (SD), internode length (IL), leaf length (LL), and leaf width (LW) suggests that a major gene may control growth traits or occurrence of co-selection. High genetic differentiation was observed between populations (RST = 0.353) and haplotypes (RST = 0.133 to 0.418), indicating limited gene flow and probable local adaptation. Principal coordinates analysis and the neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree clearly distinguished the three haplotypes. Among-populations phenotypic difference (PST) was lower than overall RST for plant height, SD, and fresh and dry mass of flowers and seeds, whereas PST estimates for LL and LW exceeded among-populations RST, suggesting divergent selection, while local adaptation might have occurred in IL, LL, and flower masses. Genetic drift probably influenced among-populations IL differences.

EFFECT OF GREEN MANURING WITH MERREMIA AEGYPTIA ON AGRO-ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF RADISH PRODUCTION

ABSTRACT The introduction of new crops in northeastern Brazil, associated with the use of the green manure, can become an alternative for family farmers. Thus, the objective of this work was to determine the effect of green manuring with M. aegyptia L. on the agro-economic efficiency of radish production. The experimental design was a randomised complete block with four treatments and five replicates; the treatments were composed of four doses of M. aegyptia (20, 35, 50 and 65 t ha-1 on a dry basis) incorporated into the soil in three cropping periods. In radish plants, we evaluated plant height, fresh and dry mass of shoots, total and commercial productivity of roots, productivity of scrap roots, dry mass of roots and root diameter. The economic indicators gross income, net income, rate of return and profit margin were used to evaluate the agro-economic efficiency of the system. The maximum agronomic efficiency was reached with a commercial root productivity of 7.86 t ha-1 and the addition of 49.29 t ha-1 of green manure. The maximum economic efficiency was obtained with a net income of 11,955.46 R$ ha-1 when a green manure dose of 46.00 t ha-1 was added. The use of M. aegyptia as green manure is economically viable in the production of radish in the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil.

Growth and production of basil under different luminosity and water replacement levels

ABSTRACT Basil is used as spice and for medicinal purposes. Its growth is influenced by environmental factors, mainly soil moisture and air temperature. Thus, this study was installed to evaluate growth and production of basil under different levels of luminosity and water replacement. The experimental design was completely randomized, with six replicates, arranged in split plot scheme, with three luminosity levels in the plots (full sun, 50% and 70% shading) and four water replacement levels in the subplots (25, 50, 75 and 100% ETc). We evaluated plant height, stalk diameter, number of leaves and branches, root system volume, the largest root length, fresh and dry mass of roots and leaves. Data were submitted to variance analysis to observe significant differences between treatments and interactions. Luminosity effects were evaluated using Tukey test (p≤0.05%) and the effects of water regime, with the aid of regression analysis. According to data, 50% shading and 100% water replacement, lost through crop evapotranspiration, resulted in higher values of plant height, stalk diameter, branch growth, fresh and dry mass of leaves, and number of leaves. Full sun environment and 100% water replacement provided an increase in root dry mass and volume.

Cultivation of taioba in hydroponic system (ebb and flow) using different substrates

Taioba is a plant species from the group of unconventional vegetables that has currently been introduced into the Brazilian diet. The objective of the present work was to study the technical feasibility of the cultivation of taioba in the hydroponic ebb and flow system and the influence of the substrate. The experimental design was in randomized blocks and the treatments consisted of 10 different substrates: (1) 60% sand + 40% coal powder; (2) 80% coconut fiber + 20% vermiculite vermiculite; (3) 80% Sand + 20% coal powder; (4) 70% sand + 30% humus; (5) coconut fiber; (6) 70% sand + 30% vermiculite; (7) 80% sand + 20% vermiculite; (8) sand; (9) commercial substrate Carolina® and (10) 50% sand + 30% humus + 20% vermiculite. The best results were obtained with treatments 2 and 9 for the number of leaves, plant height, stem diameter, transverse and longitudinal leaf diameters, dry and fresh root mass, and dry and fresh plant mass. Except for the total carotenoid contents, no statistical differences were observed for the physical-chemical characteristics. It was concluded that cultivation of taioba in the hydroponic ebb and flow system has technical feasibility. The substrate has influence in the technical feasibility.

The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, profoundly affects the production of popular biofortified cassava cultivars

Summary Despite being the single largest cassava-producing country, yields in Nigeria remain consistently poor and among the lowest. Regionally, yields are also particularly low across Africa. Pests and pathogens, including plant-parasitic nematodes, play an important role in this current yield deficit. African countries are not only faced with the problem of food security but also that of nutritional deficiency, due to limited micronutrients in the diet. In this study, six biofortified cultivars were evaluated for their response to inoculation with approximately 30 000 root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) eggs in 30 l pots in Nigeria. All cassava cultivars proved highly susceptible to M. incognita infection after 6 months, with nematode reproduction factor ranging from 7.0 to 44.8. Galling was common on feeder roots and gall index scores were recorded between 4 to 5 (on a scale of 1-5 where 5 ⩽ 100 galls). Meloidogyne incognita infection significantly reduced plant height, stem girth, fresh plant mass, fresh storage root number and storage root weight. Percentage yield loss of between 41.8-88.4% was recorded in M. incognita-infected plants compared with non-infected controls. Although M. incognita reduced storage root weight, it did not necessarily affect the nutritional quality (total carotenoid) or dry weight percentage of the biofortified cassava cultivars. Total carotenoid and dry weight contents of the control cultivar were similar to some of the biofortified cultivars. The high susceptibility of the biofortified cassava cultivars to M. incognita infection indicates that substantial yield losses are likely being experienced by farmers, as this nematode pest is prevalent across sub-Saharan Africa and the tropics.

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor 3-methoxybenzamide enhances in vitro plant growth, microtuberization, and transformation efficiency of blue potato (Solanum tuberosum L. subsp. andigenum)

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) are involved in the regulation of plant growth and development, especially under stress conditions. These enzymes post-translationally modify target proteins by adding ADP-ribose polymers. This study presents the effect of PARP chemical inhibitor 3-methoxybenzamide (3 MB) on in vitro plant growth, microtuber formation, and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of blue potato (Solanum tuberosum L. subsp. andigenum). The addition of 3 MB (0.2 to 0.6 mM) significantly increased the growth and microtuber formation of in vitro propagated plants. The highest gain in plant fresh weight, root mass, and microtuberization was observed in clonal propagation medium with 0.4 mM 3 MB. Transformation frequency of blue potato internodes increased to 43%, 2.7-fold over the non-treated control (16%), when 0.2 mM 3 MB was included in the culture medium during the whole process. The addition of 3 MB during Agrobacterium transformation did not affect transgene copy number in regenerated plants. Southern blot analyses and histochemical staining for s-glucuronidase activity confirmed the presence and expression, respectively, of the uidA transgene in plant tissues. From these results, it can be concluded that the inhibition of PARP activity can increase biomass production and transformation rates for genetic improvement of blue potato.

Effects of exogenous nitric oxide and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on cadmium toxicity and accumulation in ryegrass

The effects of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on cadmium toxicity and accumulation in ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) were studied in a hydroponic experiment. The results show that in plants without Cd application, addition of EDTA and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, an exogenous NO donor) significantly reduced the plant height, root length, and root activity of ryegrass, and significantly increased the O2*- generation rate and H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the aboveground and underground parts of ryegrass. Cadmium stress significantly inhibited ryegrass growth. Addition of SNP or EDTA alleviated Cd toxicity, and addition of both had a better effect. Compared with Cd alone, the shoot height and root length in the Cd+EDTA+SNP treatment increased by 68.8 and 59.6 %, and plant fresh and dry masses by 62.6 and 60.0 %, respectively. Also, the superoxide dismutase activity in the shoots and roots increased by 32.5 and 67.6 %, the peroxidase activity by 49.8 and 67.6 %, the ascorbate peroxidase activity by 134 and 102 %, the MDA content decreased by 30.4 and 21.8 %, and the O2*- generation rate by 29.0 and 26.1 %, respectively. At the same time, Cd content in the shoots and roots increased significantly by 89.7 and 30.2 %, respectively. Overall, the results suggest that exogenous NO could enhance Cd tolerance of ryegrass, but addition of EDTA could promote plant Cd uptake. Combined application of NO and EDTA increased Cd accumulation in the aboveground parts of ryegrass. In this experiment, the treatment of 100 µM CdCl2 + 0.25 mM EDTA + 50 μM SNP showed the best effects in promoting Cd accumulation in ryegrass and enhancing its Cd tolerance.

Modeling the Growth of Forage Legumes

Modeling the growth curve of agricultural crops is of paramount importance so that management tasks such as fertilization and irrigation can be carried out at the appropriate time, increasing the vegetal yield. With this purpose, nonlinear models are commonly employed. The objective of this work was to fit some of the main nonlinear models that best describe the growth curve of some of the main species of forage legumes, namely: Crotalaria juncea, Canavalia ensiformis, Cajanus cajan and Dolichos lablab L. A randomized block experiment was conducted in field conditions between November 2015 and February 2016 in southeastern Goiás, Brazil. The variables plant height, stem diameter, fresh and dry mass were measured after 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days from sowing. The following models were fitted: Gompertz, Logistic, Brody and von Bertalanffy. The following goodness-of-fit criteria were calculated: R2 (normal and adjusted), AIC (Akaike Information Criterion) and absolute mean error. The growth curves of morphological variables are easier to model than the biomass curves. The von Bertalanffy and Gompertz models presented in general the best fit. The species C. juncea has an expressive biomass accumulation rate.

Productivity and economic indicators of sweet maize silage treated with diazotrophic bacteria and thiamine

Objective. Evaluate the productivity, sweet maize plants characteristics, crude protein and economic indicators of the production of sweet maize silage inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense and thiamine as seed treatment (0; 15; 30; 45 mg kg-1). Material and Methods. Biometric characteristics, productivity, crude protein content were evaluated, and the total operational cost structure was used to determine the economic indexes of a productive cycle. Results. It was observed that treatments with isolated or combined application of A. brasilense and thiamine did not affect the plant height, stem diameter, fresh and dry mass productivity and crude protein contents of sweet maize plants. However, the inoculation with A. brasilense increased in 24.36%, 24.36%, 53.15% and 10.47%, the productivity of fresh matter, gross revenue, operating profit and the profitability index, respectively, compared to the control treatment. Even with different responses, all treatments resulted in positive profitability indices, indicating the appropriate economic return with this activity. Conclusions. It was concluded that A. brasilense and thiamine applied as seed treatment do not significantly affect sweet maize plants development and composition; treatments influenced the economical indexes, and the isolated application of A. brasilense resulted in higher earnings; thiamine isolated application as seed treatment can be used as an alternative for improvement of economical gains.

Production of Pearl Millet Irrigated with Different Levels of Brackish Water and Organic Matter

ABSTRACTThe objective is to determine the growth, yield and chemical characteristics of pearl millet irrigated with different levels of brackish water and organic matter in two cultivation cycles. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement, composed of 4 levels of brackish irrigation (25, 50, 75 and 100% evapotranspiration), 4 levels of organic matter (0, 15, 30 and 45 t ha−1) with 3 repetitions. Along two cultivation cycles, pearl millet crop was analyzed for: plant growth variables, fresh and dry mass production, water-use efficiency, and chemical composition. There was significant interaction between applied water levels and organic matter for lignin in the 2nd cut (P < .05). The number of leaves, number of dead leaves and fresh mass production were influenced by the isolated effect of brackish water levels in cut 1 (P < .05). In turn, fresh mass production, dry mass production, plant height, leaves length, panicle length, fresh mass production, crude protein and ether extract were influenced by the isolated effect of saline water levels in the 2nd cut (P < .05). Growth, biomass production and chemical composition variables in second cut are positively influenced by different brackish irrigation levels under low rainfall conditions.

The Effect of Light Intensity on Vegetative Propagation Efficacy, Growth, and Morphology of “Albion” Strawberry Plants in a Precision Indoor Propagation System

Open-field strawberry propagation is faced with several challenges such as lack of daughter plants, low quality, and disease transmission. Propagating strawberry plants in a completely enclosed controlled environment using a precision indoor propagation (PIP) system could overcome some of the challenges seen in open-field strawberry propagation. Optimizing the light intensity in a PIP system improves plant growth and reduce propagation cost. In the present study, “Albion” strawberry plants were grown as stock plants in a PIP system to examine plant propagation efficacy under three light intensities, PPF-250 (241 ± 13), PPF-350 (337 ± 13), or PPF-450 (443 ± 17) photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD, μmol m−2 s−1) at 12 h photoperiod. They were grown under 25.7 ± 0.05 °C temperature, 0.95 ± 0.04 kPa vapor pressure deficit, and 73% ± 5.2% relative humidity. The number of daughter plants, morphology, and growth were recorded weekly (non-destructive measurements) for two intervals (01 to 12 weeks and 12 to 21 weeks). The number, total dry mass, and total fresh mass of daughter plants per stock plant increased with the increase in light intensity. The propagation efficacy to light ranged between 0.3 and 1.9 daughter plants per mole of light, depending on light intensity and harvest time. The number of daughter plants per week was estimated to be 36.2 plants wk−1 m−2. Daughter plants were classified by size and size was not influenced by the light treatment. Stock plant crown diameter, leaf area, fresh mass, dry mass, and leaf count all increased with an increase in PPFD. The shoot dry mass percent distribution to the daughter plant was 45% to 46% and was not affected by light intensity treatment. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using PIP systems for the production of strawberry daughter plants.

Bioherbicidal action of Phoma dimorpha fermented broth on seeds and plants of Senna obtusifolia 1

ABSTRACT The weed Senna obtusifolia causes severe damages to pasture areas in Brazil, due to its high production and seed spread. This study aimed to evaluate the bioherbicidal action of Phoma dimorpha fermented broth in the pre-emergence and post-emergence of S. obtusifolia. The experimental design was completely randomized, with two treatments, one with and other without the application of the fermented broth. The bioherbicidal effects were measured in bioassays of pre-emergence (germination percentage), detached leaves (phytotoxicity) and post-emergence (phytotoxicity, plant height and fresh plant mass). The application of the fermented broth provided a pre-emergence bioherbicidal action, inhibiting the seed germination in 100 %. In detached leaves, it caused leaf necrosis and death on the ninth day after the application. In the post-emergence, this application caused moderate symptoms, such as leaf spots and reduction in the weed plant size. It was concluded that the P. dimorpha fermented broth has a potential herbicidal action and, therefore, represents an alternative in the development of bioproducts for a sustainable weed control in pastures.

Effect of Zeolite and Mineral Fertilizers on Some Soil Properties and Growth of Jew's Mallow in Clayey and Sandy Soils

Aims: To evaluate the effect of zeolite and mineral fertilizers on some soil properties, availability of soil nutrients and yield of Jew’s mallow (Corchorus olitorius) in clayey and sandy soils.&#x0D; Study Design: The experimental designed as split plot design with three replicates, the main plots were devoted to zeolite at the rates of 0, 4.76 and 9.52 Mg ha-1 and the sub plots were occupied by mineral fertilizers at the rates of 50% and 100% from the recommended NPK doses.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: During spring and summer seasons of 2018, the field experiments were conducted in Sakha Agricultural Research Station Farm (clayey soil) and private farm at Baltium district (sandy soil).&#x0D; Methodology: Jew’s mallow grains (Alexandria variety). Soil samples were collected at (0-30 cm depth) in the initial of experiment and after harvesting with the aid of soil auger at random from different parts of the experimental sites to determine the physicochemical and soil moisture characteristics of the soil. Growth characteristics (plant height and fresh mass weight) were studied.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that ECe, SAR and bulk density values were decreased, while CEC, total porosity, field capacity, permanent wilting point and available water values increased due to application of 9.52 Mg zeolites ha-1 when compared to untreated soil. The maximum stem height and total fresh yield of Jew’s mallow were recorded with the application of 9.52 Mg zeolite ha-1+100% NPK.&#x0D; Conclusion: It could be concluded that the use of zeolite in clayey and sandy soils improved the soil properties, improved the availability of soil nutrients and consequently decreased the environmental pollution. Also, the obtained results are promising for enhancing the horizontal and/or vertical expansion of agriculture in such problematic soils.

Initial development of wheat under different nitrogen dosages in Chapecó – SC

The present project aimed to evaluate the initial development of wheat ( Triticum spp.) under different nitrogen dosages. The experiment was carried out in the experimental area of the Fronteira Sul Federal University - Campus Chapeco . The experimental design was a randomized block (DBC) with four treatments and five replications, corresponding to 20 experimental units, each one being represented by a vessel. The treatments were: T1 - control (0,0 mg / dm³), T2 - 80,00 mg / dm³, T3 - 200,00 mg / dm³ and T4 - 400,00 mg / dm³ of nitrogen (source urea). Nitrogen fertilization was applied at 13 and 20 days after emergence - DAE. The variables analyzed were: number of leaves and tillers, plant height, fresh mass and shoot and root dry mass. The evaluation of the number of leaves and tillers, plant height and fresh shoot and root mass were performed at 51 DAE. From the values obtained for shoot and root dry mass the relation shoot/ root was obtained. Shoot and root dry mass were also determined with 51 DAE plants, after drying in an oven of 60oC. To measure the height of plants, a tape measure was used and precision balance were used to determine the masses. The addition of N significantly improved the root and shoot dry mass and the number of leaves and tillers. Therefore, it is an essential element for the development of the wheat crop. The best wheat performance, for the different response variables, occurred between the dosages of 230 to 400 mg dm³ of nitrogen.

Pathogenicity of Helicotylenchus indicus Siddiqi, 1963 on papaya and impact of some bio-organic materials

Two pot experiments were conducted to determine the growth response of papaya, ‘Solo’ and H. indicus reproduction in relation to different levels of nematode inocula (0, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 and 12000 nematode/pot) and impact of some commercial products, e.g. Bio Tonic®, Hundz Soil®, Nemakey-N™, Nemastop® and Nubtea® on nematode management, plant growth and NPK contents. As increase nematode density to 4000 and up to 12000 nematode/pot, significant reductions in plant length, fresh or dry mass were detected. The highest reduction in plant growth was achieved by density of 12000 nematode/pot. Most inoculation levels reduced plant contents of N and K regardless to nematode density. Tremendous increase in plant content of P was obtained by 4000 and 12000 nematode/pot. The nematode build up was decreased by increasing the nematode density. All treatments significantly improved the plant criteria. Significant increase of shoot parameters was obvious in Nubtea® treatment. Nemastop® had less value of shoot parameters. Negative response was recorded in P content in all treatments. There were no significant differences among treatments in plant content of N except Nubtea® treatment. The least value of K was found in Nemastop® treatment. The Nemakey-N™ overwhelmed all treatments in reducing all nematode criteria.

Photosynthetic response of cabbage in cadmium-spiked soil

Efficiency of a photosynthetic apparatus in plants growing in cadmium-spiked soil as well as plant biomass and cadmium accumulation were assessed in two cabbage cultivars (early and late) in a long-term pot experiment. Cadmium concentrations were 10 and 40 mg(Cd) per kg of dry mass of soil. The early cultivar showed a dose-dependent and stable decrease in SPAD index, while in plants of the late cultivar the response was reversible and less pronounced. A huge drop in the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, photochemical quenching, nonphotochemical quenching, and electron transport rate in the third week of vegetation indicated susceptibility of the early cultivar to cadmium, contrary to the late one. Fresh mass of plants of the early cultivar was diminished by both doses of Cd. For the late cultivar, there was no change in these parameters, indicating its possible usability for phytoremediation, provided the reclaimed area is fenced and protected. Particular attention should also be paid towards late cultivars cabbage farming in areas with a high Cd content. On the other hand, the early cultivar may serve as a bioindicator of Cd-contamination.

Initial growth and agronomic performance of some important North American safflower cultivars

North American safflower cultivars can be considered as alternatives for cultivation in light of the limited improvement in the commercially grown and registered cultivars in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the initial growth and agronomic performance of North American safflower cultivars in Brazil. The experimental design for North American cultivars included random blocks with six cultivars (S-351, 3307, 8311, 0260, 0210 and S-323) and six replicates. The emergence percentage, emergence speed index, average emergence time, and average emergence speed were determined at 15 days after emergence (DAE). Plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves per plant, fresh plant mass, and dry plant mass were determined at 30 DAE. Plant height, stem diameter, number of branches, number of chapters, number of leaves, fresh plant mass, dry plant mass, fresh root mass, and dry root mass were determined at the flowering stage. The final plant density, number of chapters per plant, 100-grain weight, grain yield, oil content, and protein content were determined at the harvest stage. Cultivar S-351 had the greatest initial growth and exhibited greater emergence and emergence speed index. At 30 DAE, the cultivars did not differ with respect to the accumulation of dry mass and number of leaves. During flowering, cultivars S-323 and 8311 had greater accumulation of plant and root dry mass, as well as a greater number of leaves, branches, and chapters. Cultivars 210 and 260 had higher grain yield, whereas cultivars 3307 and S-323 had higher oil content, and cultivar S-351 had higher protein content.