Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is one of the main vegetables cultivated in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Its production can be constrained by climatic conditions and nutritional requirements, which may be mitigated through the appropriate choice of cultivar, planting season and location, as well as fertilizer application. In this context, the present study was conducted with the following objectives: (a) to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of poultry litter compost enriched with biochar during the composting process, and to compare it with other fertilization options; (b) to assess the effects of the tested composts on the concentrations and accumulation of macro- and micronutrients in the vegetative and reproductive parts of broccoli plants. Three experiments were carried out: the first under field conditions and the subsequent two in a greenhouse, at the Horticulture Sector of UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ. In the first two trials, organic composts were matured for 60 days, while in the third trial composts had 30 days of maturation. The first experiment, conducted from July to October 2024, tested two cultivars (Coliseu and Legacy) and four fertilization treatments: mineral NPK, poultry litter composted alone, poultry litter composted with biochar, and an unfertilized control. The second experiment, conducted from May to July 2025, used only the cultivar Coliseu and eight fertilization treatments: mineral NPK, fresh poultry litter, poultry litter composted alone, poultry litter composted with biochar, poultry litter composted with biochar plus the soil conditioner Vittia at planting, and pure biochar and Vittia applied at planting. The third experiment, conducted from August to October 2025, used the cultivars Coliseu and Festival and the same treatments as the second trial, but with shorter composting time (30 days) and substitution of fresh litter with poultry litter composted for 90 days. At the end of each cycle, harvests were performed and plant development, yield, and inflorescence quality were evaluated. In the second trial, nutrient concentrations and accumulation in vegetative parts and inflorescences were also assessed. In the first experiment, fresh inflorescence mass (FIM) ranged from 375 g in the NPK treatment to 205 g in the control. Total yield showed significant differences (p < 0.05), although no significant variation was observed in marketable yield, which ranged from 3.53 to 6.03 ton/ha. In the second experiment, FIM did not differ significantly; however, statistical differences (p < 0.05) were observed in K, Ca, and Zn concentrations in inflorescences, and in N, P, Mg, Fe, and Cu concentrations in vegetative parts, with higher K levels in inflorescences under treatments CACBc260, CAF T, and biochar. In the third trial, the highest FIM (170 g) was obtained with poultry litter composted for 90 days. It can be concluded that the addition of biochar does not alter compost quality or the production of marketable broccoli inflorescences. Furthermore, the cultivation of broccoli with appropriate planting dates and cultivar selection is feasible in the Baixada Fluminense region.

Biofumigation is a strategy used as an alternative to chemical fumigants in the control of
diseases caused by soilborne pathogens. It is based on the incorporation of organic residues
and the release of compounds with suppressive activity. This study aimed to evaluate the
effect of five doses of fresh poultry litter (FPL) and two post-incorporation management
practices, maintaining the pots open or sealed, on the intensity of clubroot and on the
development of cauliflower (cv. Vigo F1) and arugula (cv. Rococó). The experiment was
conducted in a greenhouse using 25-L pots, in a randomized block design, arranged in a 2 × 5
× 2 factorial scheme: soil inoculated or non-inoculated with resting spores of Plasmodiophora
brassicae (density); application and incorporation of five doses of FPL (doses in g L⁻¹); and
maintenance of the pots open or sealed for 28 days, with four replications. The application of
FPL promoted changes in soil chemical attributes, with an increase in pH and nutrient
availability, especially under sealed conditions. In sealed pots, a suppressive effect on
spontaneous plants was observed, with a significant linear reduction in plant density, fresh
mass, and dry mass as FPL doses increased. In cauliflower, treatments did not significantly
affect growth and yield variables, indicating the absence of phytotoxic effects from FPL
application or pot sealing. However, in inoculated pots, a progressive reduction in disease
incidence and severity was observed with increasing doses. In open pots, the highest
incidence (75%) and severity occurred in the absence of FPL, with disease suppression
observed only at the highest dose (2.14 g L⁻¹). In sealed pots, incidence was 25% at doses of
0.0, 0.27, 0.54, 1.07, and 2.14 g L⁻¹, and reached 0% from the dose of 1.07 g L⁻¹ onward. In
arugula, increasing FPL doses significantly increased fresh mass and the volume of healthy
roots, regardless of inoculation or management, and contributed to the reduction of disease
intensity, especially under sealed pot conditions. It is concluded that fresh poultry litter has
biofumigant potential for reducing losses caused by clubroot, in addition to providing
nutritional effects and promoting improved plant development.

In Brazil, the Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius) stands out mainly for its medicinal properties and the production of pink peppercorns. Despite its agronomic potential, only one cultivar of the species has been registered with the Ministry of Agriculture. Genetic improvement work is of paramount importance for developing cultivars adapted to production areas. Therefore, the first step is to understand the available genetic diversity. The general objective of this work was to understand and estimate the genetic diversity among Brazilian peppertree genotypes of agronomic interest, considering morphological aspects of the leaf and DNA, using ISSR markers. For this purpose, 20 genotypes were considered. For each genotype, 25 fully developed leaves were collected and digitized using a desktop scanner. In the ImageJ software, the leaves were analyzed for 20 variables related to their length, width, area, apex shape, and number of leaflets. With these variables, all genotypes were subjected to botanical classification at the variety level. Also, descriptive statistical parameters were obtained from the leaf variables. Concomitantly, genomic DNA from all plants was extracted from leaves. After quantification, different ISSR primers were tested. The 15 most polymorphic primers were used. After performing the PCRs, the amplified products were subjected to electrophoresis on a 5% agarose gel. All gels were photodocumented and analyzed. The presence of bands was recorded with a value of 1 (one), and the absence, zero. From the molecular variables, the polymorphic information content (PIC) was estimated. Both leaf morphological variables and molecular variables were subjected to UPGMA hierarchical cluster analysis, respectively, based on Euclidean distance and Jaccard dissimilarity. Subsequently, the respective cophenetic correlations were estimated. Finally, dendrograms were obtained. In the case of morphological variables, the dendrogram was accompanied by a heatmap. For both types of variables, the number of optimal genotype groups in the dendrogram was estimated using the kgs algorithm. Considering the leaf morphological variables, radar charts were constructed for each of the genotype groups formed. In addition, the relative contribution of leaf variables to the genetic diversity found was estimated. Shannon and Pielou diversity indices were also estimated from the morphological and molecular variables. All statistical analyses were performed using the R program. With the exception of the UFRRJ ARO071-F and UFRRJ ARO078-F genotypes, which had five leaflets per leaf, all others had seven leaflets. In any case, the genotypes were classified as *Schinus terebinthifolia* var. *raddiana*, given that, among other parameters, the central leaflet was larger than the others. On average, leaf length ranged from 8.51 to 14.18 cm. Cophenetic correlation was estimated at 0.91 and 0.72, respectively, for leaf and molecular variables. Genotypes were grouped into six distinct groups, both in relation to leaf and DNA variables. Despite this, there were no genotype matches within the groups. These results were expected, since the ISSR primers used hybridize broadly and randomly across the genome, and are therefore not specific to the DNA sequences that code for morphological aspects in leaves. Regarding the leaves, the clustering patterns obtained indicated broad genetic diversity. This is corroborated by the estimates of the Shannon (H’) and Pielou (J) indices, respectively, of 2.85 and 0.90. The leaf variables that contributed most to diversity were those related to leaflet area. Together, they contributed 68.87% of the diversity found. The UFRRJ ARO078-F and UFRRJ ARO071-F genotypes were the most dissimilar in relation to leaf characteristics. Molecular diversity was also considered high, given that, despite the irregular distribution of plants in the groups, the minimum and maximum distances obtained were high, with an average estimated at 0.76. The diversity indices indicated that molecular diversity was very high (H´= 6.0; J = 0.97). The estimated average PIC (0.33) pointed to the use of highly informative loci. Based on the results found for leaf morphology and genomic DNA analysis among the analyzed genotypes, it is concluded that the genetic diversity among the genotypes was high. These results may indicate that the plants in the studied population tend to diverge for several agronomic traits, such as fruit production and the synthesis of active principles of medicinal interest.

Greenponics is a cultivation technique based on the use of non-composted plant biomass as both substrate and gradual nutrient source, with potential to reduce dependence on external inputs and support more sustainable production systems. This study aimed to evaluate the viability of Greenponics using gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) and Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and arugula (Eruca sativa Mill.) seedling production and for arugula cultivation in a tile-based system. The dissertation was organized into two chapters. The first chapter evaluated seedling production in trays using treatments with gliricidia combined with soil, Bahia grass combined with soil, a mixture of both biomasses, and soil alone. The second chapter evaluated arugula cultivation in tiles using six proportions between gliricidia and Bahia grass, ranging from 100% gliricidia to 100% Bahia grass, with automated irrigation management and assessment of substrate water retention. In seedling production, there was a significant interaction between biomass source and biomass-to-soil proportion. Among the proportions effectively tested, the composition containing 80% gliricidia and 20% soil showed the highest observed means for several variables. However, the regressions estimated different maximum responses among biomass sources and crops: approximately 66–67% gliricidia and 62–65% Bahia grass for lettuce, and 56–59% gliricidia and 41–46% Bahia grass for arugula, Greenponics proved to be viable for seedling production and arugula cultivation in tiles, provided that biomass proportions, substrate physical structure, and water management are properly adjusted to the cultivation system.

The reuse of agro-industrial residues represents a promising strategy to promote the sustainability of agricultural systems by reducing environmental impacts and adding value to by-products with agronomic potential. Among these residues, brewer's spent grain and hop crop residues generated by the brewing industry stand out, as their use as raw materials for composting may result in bioinputs capable of partially or completely replacing mineral fertilizers. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the agronomic potential and environmental safety of a bioinput produced by composting brewery agro-industrial residues (brewer's spent grain and hop crop residues mixed with eucalyptus sawdust) for the successive cultivation of vegetables. The composting process was carried out for 90 days under protected conditions, with monitoring of temperature, moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, total carbon and nitrogen, mineral nitrogen, bulk density, gaseous emissions, and the multielemental composition of the compost. Subsequently, greenhouse experiments were conducted using arugula (Eruca sativa Mill. cv. Donatella) and radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. Saxa 220) over two successive cropping cycles. The experimental design consisted of a randomized complete block design in a 2 × 4 + 2 factorial arrangement, comprising two fertilization sources (brewer's spent grain and stabilized organic compost), four nitrogen application rates (50, 100, 150, and 200% of the crop nitrogen recommendation), in addition to an unfertilized control and a mineral fertilization treatment. Agronomic traits, photosynthetic performance assessed by chlorophyll a transient fluorescence (JIP-test), soil chemical properties, and plant nutritional status were evaluated. The composting process resulted in a stabilized organic compost with suitable characteristics for agricultural use. Both bioinputs promoted improvements in plant growth, biomass production, and the nutritional status of arugula and radish, while also contributing to the maintenance of soil fertility and photosynthetic efficiency. During the second cropping cycle, residual and cumulative effects of the organic fertilizers were observed, particularly for brewer's spent grain, which showed greater persistence in nutrient release and superior agronomic performance for several radish traits. Chemical analyses of both soil and plant tissues demonstrated no relevant accumulation of potentially toxic elements, indicating that the use of these bioinputs did not compromise the environmental safety of the production system under the evaluated conditions. It is concluded that brewery agro-industrial residues have considerable potential for the production of bioinputs intended for vegetable cultivation, representing a sustainable alternative for the valorization of these materials by improving soil fertility, enhancing crop development, and reducing dependence on mineral fertilizers, without evidence of contamination by potentially toxic elements in successive cropping systems.

Non-target-site resistance (NTSR) represents a major challenge for weed management because it may involve alterations in herbicide absorption, translocation, compartmentalization, metabolism, and cellular protection against herbicide-induced damage, thereby complicating the control of these species. Furthermore, the expression of these mechanisms may vary according to environmental conditions, particularly temperature. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of temperatures of 18 and 30 °C on the efficacy of diquat and glyphosate and to characterize the photochemical, physiological, oxidative, antioxidant, and detoxification-related responses in resistant and susceptible biotypes of Conyza sumatrensis. Two independent experiments were conducted under controlled conditions, each arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design consisting of resistant and susceptible biotypes and temperatures of 18 and 30 °C, in a completely randomized design with four replications. Herbicides were applied to plants with 15 to 20 leaves. Visual control was assessed up to 28 days after application (DAA), together with gas exchange, chlorophyll a transient fluorescence, OJIP curves, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and enzymes associated with glutathione metabolism. In the diquat experiment, high temperature rapidly intensified the herbicide’s redox cycling, resulting in increased production of O₂•⁻ and H₂O₂, elevated MDA levels, reduced net photosynthesis, and early impairment of electron transport and the indices PIABS, PItotal, φRo, and RE₀/RC. At 28 DAA, the susceptible biotype died at 30 °C, whereas at 18 °C it exhibited regrowth. The resistant biotype survived at both temperatures, with lower control under cooler conditions. Greater GR activity at 18 °C, associated with reduced membrane lipid peroxidation, indicated more efficient preservation of redox homeostasis, limiting the progression of initial stress into irreversible damage. In contrast, glyphosate produced the opposite response. At 28 DAA, the resistant biotype exhibited 96.25% control at 18 °C and 13.75% at 30 °C, whereas the susceptible biotype showed 86.67% and 35.00% control, respectively. Under low temperature, the effects were initially less abrupt but progressed to persistent reductions in carbon assimilation and impairment of electron transport extending to the final electron acceptors of Photosystem I. APX and GST activities were higher at 18 °C, and γ-glutamyl transferase showed distinct temporal responses between biotypes, indicating mobilization of vacuolar glutathione metabolism without confirming protective herbicide sequestration. It is concluded that temperature modulated herbicide efficacy and the phenotypic expression of resistance in contrasting ways. High temperature enhanced the oxidative action and weed control provided by diquat, whereas low temperature preserved antioxidant mechanisms. For glyphosate, low temperature suppressed resistance and promoted a more persistent systemic herbicidal effect, whereas high temperature allowed the survival of both biotypes, probably due to changes in herbicide availability, translocation, or cellular compartmentalization.

Light is an environmental factor that strongly influences the efficacy of the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium, affecting weed control under field conditions. The objective of this research was to understand how light intensity modulates the photochemical, biochemical, and antioxidant mechanisms involved in the action of glufosinate-ammonium, and how this modulation impacts weed control efficacy. Three experiments were conducted with the following specific objectives: to evaluate the photosynthetic and antioxidant metabolism of Amaranthus hybridus in response to glufosinate-ammonium under full sunlight and dark conditions (Chapter I); to investigate the role of herbicide-metabolizing enzymes in the physiological response of Amaranthus hybridus treated with glufosinate-ammonium under the absence of light (Chapter II); and to assess the influence of different light intensities on the physiological response of Amaranthus hybridus and Eleusine indica treated with glufosinate-based products (Chapter III). Light is an environmental factor that strongly influences the efficacy of the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium, affecting weed control under field conditions. The objective of this research was to understand how light intensity modulates the photochemical, biochemical, and antioxidant mechanisms involved in the action of glufosinate-ammonium, and how this modulation impacts weed control efficacy. Three experiments were conducted with the following specific objectives: to evaluate the photosynthetic and antioxidant metabolism of Amaranthus hybridus in response to glufosinate-ammonium under full sunlight and dark conditions (Chapter I); to investigate the role of herbicide-metabolizing enzymes in the physiological response of Amaranthus hybridus treated with glufosinate-ammonium under the absence of light (Chapter II); and to assess the influence of different light intensities on the physiological response of Amaranthus hybridus and Eleusine indica treated with glufosinate-based products (Chapter III). In Chapter II, glufosinate application in the dark resulted in low control of A. hybridus, regardless of the use of metabolic inhibitors. Glutamine synthetase was rapidly inhibited in all treatments; however, changes in photosynthetic parameters appeared later and were reversible at 12 hours after application, followed by recovery of the photosynthetic apparatus and plant regrowth at 14 days. Inhibition of GST and cytochrome P450 did not increase glufosinate efficacy nor alter plant physiological responses. These results suggest that the reduced efficacy of glufosinate under dark conditions is not associated with GST- or cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism, but rather with the dependence on photosynthetic activity for amplification of oxidative stress. In Chapter III, in Eleusine indica, glufosinate caused initial injury under all shading conditions, regardless of formulation, with more intense photochemical stress under 0% cloud cover. GS was rapidly inhibited and GST activity increased; however, plant growth recovery was observed over time. In contrast, Amaranthus hybridus showed 100% control under all light conditions, with rapid photosynthetic damage, GS inhibition, and increased GST activity. Light intensity influenced herbicide response, but the effect was species dependent.

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of non-pathogenic isolates of Fusarium oxysporum for the biological control of Fusarium wilt in tomato plants caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol). Isolates belonging to the collection of the Seed Epidemiology and Pathology Laboratory of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (LabEPS/UFRRJ), obtained from tomato plants cultivated in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were used. Initially, in Chapter I, twenty-eight isolates were subjected to morphological characterization, pathogenicity tests on tomato seedlings, and statistical analysis using a generalized linear model (GLM) to estimate the probability of vascular necrosis and identify non-pathogenic isolates with biocontrol potential. The isolates FENA LX104, FENA LX105, FENA LX201, FENA LX102, and FENA LX301 were identified as non-pathogenic and endophytic, standing out due to the absence of symptoms and their ability to asymptomatically colonize vascular tissues. In Chapter II, the effect of inoculating tomato seeds with isolates FENA LX102, FENA LX104, FENA LX201, and FENA LX301 was evaluated through blotter tests, seedling emergence in sand, and greenhouse assays, using water, a dicarboximide fungicide, and a biological product based on Trichoderma harzianum as controls. Seeds and seedlings were challenged with the pathogenic isolates Fol 113, Fol 3201, and Fol 3302. The results demonstrated that the non-pathogenic isolates did not impair seed germination and promoted a higher percentage of normal seedlings, lower incidence of non-germinated seeds, and greater initial plant vigor, even in the presence of the pathogen. Isolate FENA LX104, especially at the concentration of 10⁴ microconidia mL⁻¹ (c2), showed superior and more consistent performance under different experimental conditions, being considered the most promising isolate for the subsequent stages of the study. In Chapter III, seedlings of different tomato varieties, including Perinha Água Branca (PAB), Santa Cruz Kada, Serato, and the commercial rootstocks Shincheonggang, Green Power, Contrattack, and Gumgang, were previously inoculated with the non-pathogenic isolates and subsequently challenged with pathogenic Fol isolates. Disease incidence, severity, vascular necrosis, and fungal reisolation capacity were evaluated. The isolates FENA LX104, FENA LX201, and FENA LX301 showed high efficiency in controlling Fusarium wilt, drastically reducing disease symptoms and maintaining plants asymptomatic even in the presence of the pathogenic isolates Fol 113 and Fol 3201, in addition to presenting stable endophytic behavior. In some assays, control efficiency reached up to 100%, confirmed by the absence of symptoms throughout the experimental period. In Chapter IV, the reaction of agronomically important species, such as lettuce, arugula, common bean, soybean, cucumber, and eggplant, to inoculation with the non-pathogenic isolates FENA LX104, FENA LX201, and FENA LX301 was evaluated. The experiments were conducted through seed and seedling inoculation using spore suspensions standardized at 1 × 10⁶ microconidia mL⁻¹. The results demonstrated that the isolates showed broad compatibility with most evaluated species, without inducing pathogenic symptoms, in addition to evidencing endophytic colonization and plant growth-promotion potential. However, isolate FENA LX201 showed differential behavior in some crops, such as arugula, soybean, and common bean, indicating the need for monitoring the phenotypic stability of these isolates for safe use in biological control programs. In Chapter V, the biocontrol potential of isolates FENA LX104, FENA LX201, and FENA LX301 was investigated in a hydroponic system using tomato cv. Santa Cruz Kada. Seedlings were inoculated by root immersion in suspensions containing 1 × 10⁶ microconidia mL⁻¹ and later transplanted into nutrient solutions inoculated or not with Fol 3302. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in Fusarium wilt symptoms and maintenance of plant growth even in the presence of the pathogen in seedlings inoculated with the non-pathogenic isolates. Based on the results, it was possible to verify that non-pathogenic isolates of Fusarium oxysporum, especially FENA LX104, FENA LX201, and FENA LX301, have a high protective capacity against tomato Fusarium wilt, acting as beneficial endophytes and promising biological control agents.

Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) is a widely distributed weed in agricultural systems, with increasing cases of herbicide resistance in Brazil. This study aimed to characterize the morphological and physiological differences between herbicide-resistant and susceptible biotypes to glyphosate, clethodim, and haloxyfop-p-methyl, as well as to evaluate chemical management strategies for controlling this species. Experiments were conducted with the following specific objectives: Chapter I – Characterize and compare the anatomical and ultrastructural differences of E. indica biotypes resistant and susceptible to herbicides at different developmental stages, aiming to understand the factors influencing chemical management efficacy; Chapter II – Physiologically compare the resistance mechanisms of two glyphosate-resistant biotypes (one with the P106S mutation and another without it in the EPSPs enzyme) and one susceptible biotype through proteomic analysis and transient chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis. Chapter III – Evaluate the efficacy of post-emergence and pre-emergence herbicides in controlling the species in field and greenhouse conditions. The anatomical and ultrastructural analysis revealed that the developmental stage of E. indica significantly influences its anatomical characteristics, with adult plants exhibiting increased cuticle, mesophyll, and vascular bundle sheath thickness, as well as variations in stomatal and trichome density. The susceptible biotype had a higher trichome density; however, due to their short and spaced structure, their efficiency in herbicide retention may be limited. Additionally, the higher stomatal density and the presence of microchannels in the outer periclinal wall of guard cells may facilitate herbicide entry, making this biotype more vulnerable to chemical control (Chapter I). Proteomic analysis results showed that glyphosate resistance in E. indica occurs through multiple adaptive mechanisms. The biotype with the P106S mutation exhibited an increase in energy metabolism, including activation of glycolytic pathways and starch biosynthesis, along with photosynthetic adjustments to optimize light energy utilization. In contrast, the biotype without the P106S mutation showed EPSPs enzyme overexpression and an increase in proteins associated with PSII repair, stress defense, and oxidative stress mitigation. Both resistant biotypes maintained a stable photosynthetic photochemical stage, indicating an essential role of photosynthetic proteins in herbicide tolerance (Chapter II). The best chemical management results for post-emergence control of E. indica at full flowering, tillering, and in areas with no history of herbicide resistance were obtained with glufosinate ammonium applied 14 days after clethodim and with glyphosate. In pre-emergence, S metolachlor and pyroxasulfone were highly effective in controlling biotypes resistant to glyphosate, clethodim, and haloxyfop, maintaining a residual effect for up to 90 days (Chapter III).

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) has high nutritional requirements and is highly sensitive to soil moisture, and the occurrence of water deficit and high temperatures can lead to significant loss of productivity. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the phytotechnical performance of crisp lettuce cv. Vera subjected to different irrigation depths and doses of fermented compost under organic management. In addition, it was intended to determine the phenological stages of crop development using the accumulated degree-days methodology. The first experiment was conducted using a randomized block design in a split-plot scheme, with four irrigation levels in the plots (50, 66.7, 83.3 and 100% of the crop water requirement (ETc)) and four doses of fermented organic compost in the subplots (0, 250, 500 and 750 g m^-2), with five replicates and a total of 20 plots. The organic compost was produced from Gliricidia sepium bran and brewery waste at the “Fazendinha Agroecológica Km 47”, and the crop water requirement was determined from the soil water balance using capacitive sensors. The coverage fraction and the determination of the phenological stage were performed from photographic monitoring and the degree-days (DDD) and accumulated degree-days (ADD) in each stage were also determined. Harvesting was performed at 35 DAT, and the following phytotechnical parameters were evaluated: chlorophyll content (a, b and total), fresh shoot mass (MFPA), number of leaves (NF), leaf area (AF) and dry shoot mass (MSPA). Statistical analysis of the data indicated that there was no interaction between irrigation depth and dose of fermented compost, and there was no statistically significant difference for the applied depths in all variables. There was a dose effect for all variables, except for chlorophyll content. Therefore, regression analysis was performed in which the second-degree polynomial model presented the best fit for all variables analyzed. The results indicate that the dose of 0 kg N ha^-1 presented lower means in all variables, and that the optimal dose would be 227 kg N ha^-1. Based on the best dose of organic compound, a second experiment was carried out to evaluate crop development under different water supplies, when the characteristics of the aerial part (NF, AF, MFPA and MSPA) and root (dry mass and depth) were measured at six different times (7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 DAT). In this experiment, a randomized block design was used, with treatments consisting of four irrigation depths equivalent to 100, 60, 40 and 20% of ETc and the optimal dose of bran compost, with five replicates. Supplying 100% of the crop's water requirement provided the best plant development, evidenced by the superior results in all variables. The results of DDD and ADD indicate that nitrogen fertilization directly influenced the lettuce growth rate, especially in the initial phases of the cycle, allowing its progression to more advanced stages.

Spodoptera frugiperda is a major pest in Brazilian agriculture, with increasing resistance to chemical pesticides leading to the need for sustainable alternatives. One promising solution is using Bacillus bacteria, particularly B. thuringiensis, which produce species-specific toxins. This study aimed to evaluate and select Bacillus strains with entomopathogenic potential against S. frugiperda in corn crops. Forty strains from the B. cereus group, sourced from Embrapa Agrobiology’s Genetics and Biochemistry Laboratory, were tested in laboratory bioassays to assess first-instar caterpillar mortality. The strain Btk S76 proved most effective, causing over 90% larval mortality within seven days, compared to less than 33% in other strains. Given this promising outcome, Btk S76 was tested in greenhouse trials, where spraying with B. thuringiensis spores significantly affected pest control. The average attack score of S. frugiperda larvae was 2.1 (on a scale of 5, with 5 being the highest damage level) when sporulated cells were used in spraying. Additionally, leaf integrity was higher, with an intact surface area of 220.78 cm², reinforcing the efficacy of spores in pest management. Both results showed significant differences compared to the control. To further evaluate Btk S76 in field conditions, an experiment was conducted in association with diazotrophic bacteria that promote plant growth and nitrogen uptake. The trial took place at Embrapa Agrobiologia’s Experimental Field in Seropédica, RJ, using a randomized block design. The study included six inoculation treatments and four nitrogen application rates (15, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha⁻¹), with and without Btk S76 spraying.  The results indicated that inoculation with some bacteria, such as the CNPAB mix (Azospirillum argentinense) and the commercial inoculant of A. brasilense (Ab-V5 and Ab-V6), as well as the S76 strain of B. thuringiensis, had a significant impact on stalk weight. However, most biometric parameters, except for ear weight, did not show statistically significant variation. The interaction between the spraying of the Btk S76 strain and the nitrogen rates proved to be relevant for ear weight, with the 80 kg ha-1 N rate providing the greatest results. The gains in productivity, as observed in grain weight, showed a positive response as a function of the four nitrogen rates (15, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1). In summary, both studies pointed to the potential use of the Btk S76 strain and the combination of bacterial inoculation with adequate nitrogen doses in optimizing pest management and field-grown corn production.

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is capable of establishing symbiosis with different strains of rhizobia, which characterizes its promiscuity. The replacement of synthetic fertilizers by inoculation with bacteria that perform biological N2 fixation (FBN) has stimulated research related to the efficiency of nitrogen fixation and specificity within these symbiotic relationships, with the aim of increasing bean productivity. As it is a promiscuous species, beans establish symbiosis with several rhizobia, not all of them with high efficiency for FBN, therefore the present project aims to investigate species with greater specificity, efficiency and promiscuity, to the detriment of the species Rhizobium tropici and Rhizobium freirei which are efficient strains through three experiments, all in Leonard pots on sterile substrate, in a greenhouse at Embrapa Agrobiologia.

Micropropagation has been one of the main techniques for obtaining high-quality seedlings of ornamental species, especially those that are difficult to propagate. Among the species, we can mention the alcea (Alcea rosea) propagated by seeds, whose dormancy has been frequently reported. Furthermore, this species develops in rosettes, does not produce branches, and therefore vegetative propagation is quite limited. Another species of great economic interest is the carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), which, although it can be propagated by seeds, is traditionally propagated by cuttings, which makes the management of nursery stocks quite expensive. Another crop of great commercial importance is the anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum), which belongs to the Araceae family, which also presents many obstacles to production by seed germination or traditional vegetative propagation, from which commercial seedlings come from plant micropropagation. For all these species, significant advantages in terms of quality control, efficiency and speed of production, contributing to the availability of a wide variety of ornamental plants for consumers. In this sense, this thesis was constructed in chapters that aim to elucidate aspects of the micropropagation of different ornamental species as follows: I - To evaluate the morphometry of fruits and seeds and in vitro germination of A. rosea seeds; II - To establish a protocol for in vitro germination and micropropagation of A. rosea; III - To evaluate the effect of the concentration of the culture medium on seed germination and in vitro multiplication of D. caryophyllus plants; IV - To establish a protocol for in vitro micropropagation of A. andraeanum L.; and V - To present a literature review on the floral biology, reproductive system and pollination of Araceae juss. As a result, it can be seen that the fruits of A. rosea have a flattened appearance containing, on average, 33 seeds. Seeds germinated in vitro do not present dormancy; however, mechanical scarification promotes higher germination rates and the production of more vigorous seedlings, regardless of the culture medium used. Supplementation of 2.0 mg L-1 BAP to the MS medium allowed greater sprouting of A. rosea cuttings, and the use of this regulator is essential for inducing sprouting, while supplementation of 1.0 mg L-1 IBA to the MS medium favors rhizogenesis. For carnation plants, the highest percentage of in vitro germination was obtained with the MSTotal medium. The formation of the greatest number of sprouts occurred in T4 (MS supplemented with 1.0 mg L-1 BAP + 0.5 mg L-1 IBA), with an average of 144 sprouts per explant. The formation of the greatest number of roots (9.3) occurred in T3. Therefore, the protocol used in this study is suggested as an efficient method for the multiplication of the species Dianthus caryophyllus Chabaud Giant Double Red. For anthurium plants, asepsis by immersion in 70% (v/v) alcohol + gentamicin solution (20%) for 1 minute is recommended, followed by immersion for 7 minutes in 2% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite solution. The combination of factors: explant taken from the intermediate-aged leaf + culture medium with WPM + dark environment, was the most efficient treatment in controlling oxidation and in the callus induction stage in the explants. The WPM medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L BAP + 1.0 mg/L 2,4D or 1.0 mg/L BAP + 0.5 mg/L IBA induced the production of embryogenic callus. Finally, the review article provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on the complexity of pollination of Anthurium plants and its relationships with the specificities of pollinating insects.

Brazil is one of the world's largest producers of pineapple (Ananas comosus L.), in addition to being a major consumer of the fruit, whether in natura or industrialized. The most commercially important variety is Pérola, but it suffers a lot from the attack of the fungus Fusarium guttiforme f. apples. The present work sought to evaluate three new hybrid pineapple cultivars (04, 61 and 73) and two already on the market (Pérola and Imperial), propagated by sectioning the stem, in three substrate formulations based on coconut fiber in plastic bags 10L: coconut fiber + sieved gongcompost (S1); coconut fiber + gongcompost retained on the sieve (S2) and coconut fiber + Bokashi (S3). The design was in DBC and the experiment was set up in a 3x6 factorial, where factor A were the varieties (Pérola, BRS Imperial, 04, 61 and 73) and factor B were the formulations (S1, S2 and S3). Regarding the morphological characters of the vegetative development, the following were measured: length of the D leaf, width of the D leaf, plant height, number of leaves emitted and percentage of flowering. The three new varieties showed great potential and are a promising alternative to face the main phytosanitary problem of this crop: fusariosis, since they are resistant to that disease. The substrate formulation based on coconut fiber with the addition of bokashi is a great solution for a sustainable disposal of waste generated in the brewery, as it provided nutrients at an adequate level, with a pH favorable to the culture (acidophilus).

The increasing demand for energy is directly related to the growth of the human population. The environmental impacts resulting from the burning of fossil fuels for energy generation reinforce the need to seek renewable and sustainable energy sources. Elephant grass and sugarcane are two C4 photosynthetic grasses that possess characteristics suitable for energy biomass production associated with biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) due to their high capacity to accumulate dry mass and photosynthetic efficiency. This thesis was structured into two chapters, and the hypotheses raised in the study were BNF is the main external source of nitrogen in the cultivation of ten elephant grass genotypes (Chapter 1) and three sugarcane varieties (Chapter 2) cultivated in an Argisol soil with low N availability. The general objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of BNF as the main external source of nitrogen (N) providing high dry mass productivity and nitrogen accumulation in elephant grass and sugarcane crops. To this end, two different experiments were installed in the experimental area of Embrapa Agrobiology located in the municipality of Seropédica – RJ, where the contribution of BNF to biomass productivity was evaluated using the natural abundance method of 15N. In Chapter 1, ten elephant grass genotypes were evaluated for three consecutive years, without the application of nitrogen fertilizer, in a concrete tank with dimensions of 120m2 and 0.5m deep filled with soil labeled with 15N. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four replications, where each genotype corresponded to a plot, totaling forty plots in the experiment. In Chapter 2, three commercial varieties of sugarcane were evaluated over five consecutive years without the application of nitrogen fertilizer in a concrete tank with characteristics similar to those of experiment 1. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four replicates, with each variety corresponding to one plot, totaling twelve plots. Harvests in experiment 1 occurred every six months of the cycle, and in experiment 2, they occurred annually. During the harvests, all above-ground plant material grown in the tanks was cut, weighed in the field, sampled, and taken to a drying oven until the dry biomass stabilized. In each experiment, the following variables were evaluated: total fresh weight of the above-ground part, total dry weight, total accumulated N, 15N abundance, contribution of BNF, and N derived from BNF. In Chapter 1, it was observed that five elephant grass genotypes (P13G13, BRS Capiaçu, P11G7, P21G15, and P27G19) showed the best average dry matter yields, around 30 Mg ha-1 year-1, with a statistical difference between them during the cultivation years. The average contribution of BNF was 35%, which represented an average accumulation of 35 kg ha-1 year-1 of N derived from BNF. In Chapter 2, no statistical difference was also observed between the treatments. The sugarcane varieties RB867515, RB 92579, and SP81-3250 showed high dry matter productivity and N accumulation, and an average BNF contribution of 33%, which represented an average accumulation of 30 kg ha-1 of N derived from BNF. The results obtained demonstrate that, even in low-fertility soils and without nitrogen fertilization, elephant grass and sugarcane showed high biomass productivity sustained by BNF. It is concluded that the P13G13 genotype and the RB867515, RB92579, and SP81-3250 varieties can be recommended for energy use based on biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). These results highlight the essential role of BNF as an important external source of N for these crops and reinforce its strategic importance in the production of energy biomass.

American broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) stands as one of the main vegetables cultivated in the State of Rio de Janeiro, particularly in the Serrana Region. However, there is limited information about its cultivation in the Baixada Fluminense Region and in organic systems. Given its adaptation to cold climates and the year-round demand for broccoli, it is crucial to conduct research facilitating the expansion of cultivation seasons and locations. Moreover, there is a need for organic fertilizers demonstrating good agronomic efficiency and compliance with organic farming regulations. This study aimed to: a) assess fermented compost, derived from a blend of brewery residue (RC), wheat bran (FT), and castor meal (FM), on the development of American broccoli considering five distinct doses; b) evaluate the response of three American broccoli cultivars to fertilization with the proposed formulations; c) assess the performance of the cultivars, subjected to the respective doses of the formulation, during two cultivation periods in the Baixada Fluminense Region, RJ. Two consecutive trials were conducted from May 2 to August 8 and from June 19 to September 4, 2023, using the same sources of variation, designs, and crop management systems. Three American broccoli cultivars (Legacy, Coliseu, and Veratto) and five doses of fermented compost of the "bokashi" type were tested. The bokashi was formulated with 50% RC, 10% FT, and 40% FM, prepared at Fazendinha Agroecológica Km 47, to provide 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 kg of N per hectare. The experimental design adopted was a randomized complete block in a split-plot arrangement of 3x5: three main plots and five subplots with four replications. Beds measuring 58 x 1.20 m composed of 2.4 x 1.20 m plots, 14.5 x 1.20 m subplots with 40 plants, and 2.4 x 1.20 m sub-subplots with 8 plants were used, maintaining a spacing of 0.6 x 0.6 m, with a distance of 0.5 m between each sub-subplot. Nutritional evaluation involved the analysis of index leaves collected during the inflorescence emission phase. At the end of the cycle, plant development, production, and quality of inflorescences were assessed, considering stem height, number of leaves, and fresh and dry mass (g) of leaves, stem, and inflorescence, as well as inflorescence diameter (cm). Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), regression analysis, and Tukey's test (p<0.05) using R software. In the first trial, a significant interaction effect of dose x cultivar was observed on stem fresh mass, diameter (cm), and fresh and dry mass of inflorescence (g). There was a linear and significant increase in productivity with the increment of compost doses. In the second trial, a significant interaction effect of cultivar x dose was observed on fresh and dry mass of inflorescence (g), height (cm), and dry mass of leaves (g). The highest productivity was recorded at the dose equivalent to 400 kg of N per hectare: 20.05, 21.86, and 15.04 t/ha in the first trial; 21.36, 22.27, and 15.96 t/ha in the second trial, for the Legacy, Coliseu, and Verato cultivars, respectively. Greater quality and distribution of harvests were observed in the first trial compared to the second. Based on the results, it is recommended to plant the three cultivars in May to allow for staggered harvests in the Seropédica region – RJ, and fertilize with the tested bokashi at a quantity equivalent to a dose of 400 kg N/ha. For plantings in June in the Baixada Fluminense region, the Coliseu and Verato cultivars are more suitable than Legacy due to the higher quality of inflorescences under these conditions.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is one of the main vegetables produced in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro and one of the most sought after by the market. Its cultivation and production are limited by the crop's climatic restrictions, which are overcome by the use of cultivars that are more tolerant to heat; nutritional requirements, which are met with a large amount of fertilizer; and occurrence of diseases, especially clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae. Poultry litter (PC), despite being the most widely used fertilizer, can have adverse effects due to the contribution of potentially toxic and toxic metals. One of the strategies proposed for its safe use is its composting with the addition of biochar (BC). Since little is known about the effects of BC addition on the quality of organic compounds, this study was developed with the objective of: a) evaluating the addition of different BC doses in the production of CA-based compounds and their effects on the development of broccoli plants, clubroot and inflorescence quality, including toxic metal levels; b) evaluating the effect of fertilization with CA composted with different BC doses on the development and production of two broccoli cultivars. For this purpose, two types of tests were carried out in a greenhouse and pots fertilized with organic compost obtained by composting poultry litter added with different proportions of BC - 0, 5, 10 and 15%: CA, CA+BC5%, CA+BC10% and CA+BC15%. In Trial 1, the cultivar Coliseu® was used, fertilized with the four compounds (175 g per pot) and inoculated or not with P. brassicae spores (5x103 spores g-1 of soil). In Trial 2, two different experiments were carried out with the cultivars Coliseu® and Legacy®, respectively, and fertilized with 300 g per pot of the compounds CA, CA+BC5%, CA+BC10% and CA+BC15%, plus a control without poultry litter. In Trial 1, high disease severity was recorded and no effect of the compounds or the inoculation x compound interaction on the development and production of broccoli, but with a positive effect of the addition of biochar in reducing the bioavailability of Pb in the inflorescences. In Trial 2, a positive effect of the compounds on the development and accumulation of biomass in Coliseu® and Legacy® plants was recorded, with maximum response at doses of 7.7 and 12.7% of biochar for the two respective cultivars, including production of inflorescences with good market value

Paclobutrazol (PBZ) is a synthetic compound used as a plant growth regulator, capable of shortening the internodes of plant stems. When managed correctly, PBZ is able to enable the insertion of crops such as Zinnia elegans Jacq., in the production chain of potted flowers. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different doses and forms of PBZ application on two zinnia cultivars (Red California Giant and Moonlight); propose a classification criterion for the production of potted zinnia treated with PBZ, based on the classification criteria for potted plants in general, proposed by the Veiling Holambra Cooperative; To evaluate the effect of early treatment of PBZ for seedlings of zinnia cultivars under different installments of the regulator. For this, two experiments were carried out in the Greenhouse of the Horticulture Sector, of the Department of Plant Science at the Institute of Agronomy of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (Seropédica – RJ). The first was in a completely randomized design (DIC), with plants treated with 6 doses of PBZ (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mg/L), applied by two different forms (drench or plug), in a 6x2 factorial arrangement and 8 replications. After the pinch, the weekly height accumulation (cm) was monitored. Upon reaching commercial maturity (35-50% of open flowers/vase), the following data were obtained: diameter of the main stem (mm), diameter of flower buds (mm), average diameter of the inflorescence (mm), number of leaves, stems/plants, nodes, inflorescence, lateral shoots, final height (cm), plant formation (cm), opening point (%) and ornamental quality (%). With the results, it was observed that the use of PBZ at a dose of 10 mg/L, via drench for cv. "Red California Giant" and in both forms of application for cv. "Moonlight" was to promote a greater reduction in the size of the plants, although this reduction was sufficient to result in harmonic pots of ornamental quality necessary for commercialization. With the standard and quality data, it was not possible to establish a quality criterion for potted zinnia. The second experiment consisted of evaluating the effects of seedlings treated early with a dose of 10mg/L of PBZ, under 5 different installments (without application (control); single dose; ½ dose; ⅓ de dose and ¼ de dose), starting the treatments 7 days after sowing (DAS), for the cultivars Red California Giant and Moonlight, maintaining the double factorial arrangement (5x2) in DIC, with 7 replications. 7 DAS started monitoring the weekly accumulation of height (mm), at 35º DAS the final height (mm), lateral projection of the plant (mm), diameter of the main stem (mm) and the number of leaves were surveyed. Although the T1 subdivision was promising for the reduction of the size of cv. "Red California Giant", and the T2 installment plan for cv. "Moonlight", it is necessary to conduct it until the end of the commercial cycle, to evaluate the impact of the different parcels on the ornamental quality of the vases.

Studies on cultivation techniques are important to increase the level of knowledge about the species and increase the chances of producing high quality flowers. Despite the potential for use, the cultivation and post-harvest management of Zinnia elegans flowers is not yet well established. In this context, the main objectives of the present work are: i) to verify the influence of planting density on the quality of floral stems of Zinnia elegans cultivars Gigante da California Vermelha and Luz da Lua; and ii) define the harvest point based on the floral opening stage. Two experiments were carried out in the Horticulture Sector, in the Department of Crop Science at the Agronomy Institute of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (Seropédica – RJ). He first, conducted in an experimental field, the two zinnia cultivars were cultivated in spacings of 30x30 cm, 30x20 cm and 20x20 cm, which allowed the cultivation of 12, 16 and 24 plants per square meter, respectively. The experimental design was in randomized blocks in a 2 (zinnia cultivars) x 3 (spacing) factorial scheme, with five replications, with 6 useful plants being analyzed per plot. Upon reaching the harvest point, the floral stems were harvested and taken to the laboratory to evaluate stem length (cm), stem diameter (cm), flower diameter (cm) and fresh weight (g), as proposed by Martins (2020). At the end of the experiment, plant productivity was evaluated and productivity per square meter was estimated. The second was carried out with floral stems of zinnia 'Red California Giant' produced in a greenhouse at opening points F, G and H/I (determined through a zinnia flower development scale) for post-harvest analysis. The experiment followed a completely randomized experimental design composed of a 1 (cultivar) x 3 (opening points) factorial scheme with 8 replications and 2 floral stems per plot. The stems were standardized at 30 cm, weighed individually to obtain the fresh weight and the diameter of the flowers was measured. After standardization, the rods were placed in containers containing 200 mL of water under a laboratory bench at room temperature. The weight of the floral stem and the weight of water absorbed by the plant were recorded daily. The diameter of the flower was evaluated daily only at the opening points F and G. The evaluation of the visual quality of the floral stems was carried out according to the senescence scale proposed by Martins (2020) and the total and commercial longevity of the floral stems were determined. of zinnia. According to the results obtained in the present study, there was an increase in productivity per area at 30x20 cm spacing, enabling the commercial cultivation of the two zinnia cultivars without compromising their quality. And harvesting zinnia flowers with closed buds (Stages F and G) is not recommended, as there is no opening during post-harvest of the flowers.

This dissertation investigated the effects of organic fertilization and inoculation with Trichoderma asperellum on the production of two crops of economic importance in Brazil: biquinho pepper (Capsicum chinense cv. BRS Moema) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). In the first chapter, different levels of fermented mashed compound and concentrations of Trichoderma were evaluated in an experiment at Embrapa Agrobiologia. The results demonstrated that the combination of the highest dose of compound (1200 mg dm-3) with Trichoderma asperellum resulted in a significant increase in the production of biquinho pepper trees, highlighting a 325% increase in productivity and improvements in fruit quality. In the second chapter, the study was conducted at Fazendinha Agroecológica Km 47 to evaluate the effects of fermented compounds inoculated with different sources of local inoculum and the presence of Trichoderma on lettuce production. Treatments with fermented compounds and Trichoderma did not show significant differences in commercial fresh mass, number of leaves, head diameter, root volume and dry mass. However, Trichoderma resulted in a 43% increase in lettuce productivity without fertilization with fermented mashed compound. These results highlight the effectiveness of organic fertilizers combined with beneficial microorganisms to promote sustainable cultivation and increase the quality of agricultural products.

Organic vegetable production relies on the availability of high-quality seedlings produced in accordance with current legislation. Simultaneously, society generates a significant amount of organic solid waste with agricultural potential. The rational utilization of these waste materials, in addition to contributing to environmental preservation, may present a low-cost option for farmers. The majority of waste from organic composition must undergo some sort of process to render it suitable for agricultural use, and composting is typically the most utilized method. There are several initiatives for the use of these waste materials, and composting is a promising approach. This process not only eliminates foul odors but also renders a bio-stabilized material free from biological contaminants. However, not all bio-stabilized organic compost possesses the necessary physical and chemical characteristics for optimal seedling development. Therefore, it is necessary to improve its physical and chemical atributes, aiming to achieve suitable moisture, aeration, electrical conductivity, pH, and nutrient content for growing vegetables. In light of this, it is essential to develop new substrate formulations that promote better utilization of organic solid waste and assess their efficacy and quality in seedling production. This will contribute to reducing nutrient waste, reinforcing organic vegetable production, generating income, and aiding in environmental preservation. The aim of this project is to propose substrate formulations for vegetable seedling production, utilizing a compost produced from organic solid waste materials such as industrial effluents, pruning residues, food waste, and treated industrial sludge as the main raw material. As a result, it is expected to verify that the development of substrates for vegetable seedling production utilizing a biostabilized organic compost produced from organic solid waste materials (industrial effluents, pruning residues, food waste, and treated industrial sludge) enriched with pelleted legume biomass, is feasible without compromising the performance of vegetable seedlings when compared to other reference substrate formulations.

In recent years, sugarcane cultivation has undergone significant changes with the adoption of conservation practices, such as mechanized harvesting without burning and maintaining crop residues (straw) in the field. However, long-term studies evaluating the effects of these practices on crop performance and soil micronutrient levels are lacking. This research aimed to evaluate, in a long-term experiment, the impact of sugarcane harvesting systems and the interaction between soil tillage and harvesting systems on disease incidence, yield, technological quality of juice and stalks, as well as soil micronutrient and organic carbon contents. The study was conducted in two experiments initiated in 1989 in Espírito Santo, Brazil, with cultivar RB965917 in its sixth crop cycle (fifth ratoon). Over 32 years, 29 harvests and three field renewals were carried out. In the first experiment, the following harvesting systems were evaluated: pre-harvest burning (QQQQ), unburned harvest (CCCC), and alternating systems (CQCQ and QCQC). In the second experiment, conventional tillage and no-till systems were combined with the same harvesting systems. Disease incidence, aboveground biomass yield, technological parameters, and the soil contents of boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and soil organic carbon (SOC) were analyzed. Results showed that treatments did not affect plant health in either experiment. In the first experiment, there were no significant differences in dry leaf, tip, and stalk yield, as well as in juice and stalk quality parameters. Boron and iron levels were adequate, while the other micronutrients were below recommended levels. Harvesting systems influenced Cu, Fe, and Mn soil contents, with continuous treatments (CCCC and QQQQ) showing higher Cu contents in surface soil layers, while Fe showed the opposite trend. The CCCC system resulted in higher soil organic carbon content in the surface layer. In the second experiment, a significant interaction was observed between soil tillage and harvesting systems. Conventional tillage combined with unburned harvesting resulted in higher tip yield, with 16.64 Mg ha⁻¹ higher stalk yield compared to burned sugarcane. Burned sugarcane had higher fiber and purity levels, while unburned sugarcane had higher reducing sugar content. Soil tillage and harvesting systems also affected Cu, Fe, Zn, and SOC soil contents. In conclusion, disease incidence is not influenced by soil tillage and harvesting systems. However, these systems affect yield, technological parameters, and soil micronutrient and organic carbon levels.

e use of tree legume species in green manure in plane tree orchards can be a viable alternative to meet the N demand of fruit trees. Information related to the biological fixation potential of N2 from the air (BNF) for legumes and their contribution to the N supply in areas cultivated with orchards is important to assist in choosing the most suitable species for green manure. Therefore, the general objective of this work is to estimate the FBN and N transfer using the natural abundance method of 15N, from the legume Gliricidia sepium (Jacq) Pers.(gliricidia), in the organic cultivation of land-type bananas (plane trees), in addition to quantifying the development of banana trees and the supply of nutrients in the system. The experiment was conducted at Fazendinha Agroecológica Km 47, together with EMBRAPA Agrobiologia, UFRRJ and PESAGRO-RIO, located in the municipality of Seropédica/RJ; set up in a rando mized block design (DBC), in a factorial scheme (3x3), with three banana cultivars from the earth group and three organic fertilizer levels 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1 of organic nitrogen based on manona cake and Gliricidia sepium. Pseudo-stem height, pseudo-stem diameter, width of the third leaf, length of the third leaf, estimated leaf area, number of active leaves at flowering and harvest, total leaf mass at harvest, total pseudo-stem mass at harvest, total rhizome mass at harvest, days from planting to flowering, days from flowering to harvest, days from planting to harvest of cultivars, rachis mass, stem mass, number of bunches, total number of fruits, average bunch mass, number of fruit of the second bunch, mass of the second bunch, mass of the fruit of the second bunch, length of the fruit of the second bunch, diameter of the fruit of the second bunch, peel thickness, total bunch mass, fruit mass per bunch and productivity. To determine the accumulation and export of nutrients, the experiment was conducted at Fazendinha Agroecológica Km 47, together with EMBRAPA Agrobiologia, UFRRJ and PESAGRO-RIO, located in the municipality of Seropédica/RJ. The experimental design was in randomized blocks (DBC), with three replications, three treatments with nine plots, which contained 27 experimental units and 54 border plants, making a total of 81 plants. The treatments consisted of three dosages (treatments) of organic nitrogen (100 kg ha-1; 200 kg ha-1 and 300 kg ha-1 of N – castor bean cake and gliricidia sepium as sources). To evaluate the amounts of nutrients (N; P; K; Ca and Mg) accumulated in the cultivars, chemical analyzes of the nutrients were carried out, for nitrogen a mass spectrometer analysis was carried out and for the other nutrients, nitroperchloric digestion was carried out in the various organs of the plant. : rhizome, pseudostem, leaves,stem, heart and fruits. To calculate the quantities exported, the organs were calculated: fruits and stems and the quantity returned to the soil included the other organs: rhizome, pseudostem and leaves. To carry out nitrogen fixation and transfer analyses, the experimental design was in randomized blocks (DBC), with three replications, three treatments with nine plots, which contained 27 experimental units and 54 border plants, making a total of 81 plants. The treatments consisted of three dosages (treatments) of organic nitrogen (100 kg ha-1 ; 200 kg ha-1 and 300 kg ha-1 of N – castor bean cake and gliricidia sepium as sources). To quantify the estimates of FBN and the transfer of fixed N derived from legumes, natural 15N abundance techniques were used. To apply isotopic techniques, it is necessary to use non-nitrogen-fixing plants (control). In this way, two strategies were applied, the first consisting of collecting plants that grew spon-taneously among the Gliricidia sepium bank. The second strategy consists of growing sponta-neous plants (non-nitrogen fixers) in the greenhouse at EMBRAPA Agrobiologia, in pots con-taining samples of 0.5 kg of soil. The soils will be collected at depths of 0.0-0.2, 0.2-0.4 and 0.4-0.6 m, in the legume bank present on the terrace. The formulas were applied and, subsequently, the average biological nitrogen fixation was calculated, as well as the average nitrogen transfer to the banana plants. The variables pseudostem height and total leaf and rhizome mass at harvest showed the same response pattern, being better at doses of 200 and 300 kg ha-1 organic N contributed with castor bean cake and gliricidia sepium. The productive variables length of the second fruit, mass of the second bunch and mass of the fruit of the second bunch showed the same pattern of responses at doses of 200 and 300 kg ha-1 organic N contributed with castor bean cake and gliricidia sepium. The cultivars “Curare Enano” and "Red Yad" increased the number of leaves at flowering and bark thickness with a maximum dose of 300 kg ha-1 of N contributed with castor bean cake and gliricidia sepium. The production of dry phytomass, both incorporated into the soil and removed by harvest, did not show significant differences between the doses of organic nitrogen applied. The different parts of the banana plant presented different concentrations of nutrients, with potassium being the most abundant in the fruits, stem, pseudostem and rhizome, while nitrogen was the highest in the leaves. The accumulation of potassium in banana plant organs varied depending on the type of tissue, with the pseudostem being the one that showed the greatest accumulation of this nutrient, followed by the rhizome, fruit, leaves and stem. On average, potassium and calcium were the macronutrients most returned to the soil after harvest. Nitrogen and potassium were on average the micronutrients most exported by the banana harvest. In this study, the average biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) was 42.14%, highlighting the relevance of the legumes investigated as sources of nitrogen in cropping systems. The application of the highest dose of Gliricidia sepium caused a transfer rate of 18% of nitrogen to banana plants.

Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is one of the main challenges to the broccoli production (Brassica oleracea var. italica), and other vegetable brassica crops. Since disease losses can be aggravated by soil chemical and physical properties, and little is known about the effect of organic compounds on its development, the present study was conducted with the following objectives: a) Improve current methodology to study the effects of poultry litter on broccoli production and clubroot disease under controlled conditions, by optimizing the ideal compost dose and inoculum density; b) to evaluate the effect of poultry litter application timing on disease intensity, crop growth, and yield. The trials were carried out in pots in a greenhouse. Initially, six doses of composted poultry litter were applied, equivalent to 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 kg N ha-1 were evaluated, on plots inoculated or not with resistant spores of P. brassicae (4.2 x 106 spores g-1 of soil), using a 6x2 factorial design and 4 blocks. The second trial consisted in five different spore densities were carried out, 1.4 x 102 , 1.4 x 103 , 1.4 x 104 , 1.4 x 105 , and 1.4 x 106 spores g-1 soil, on disease intensity. Subsequently, two trials were conducted in different soils, testing poultry litter application timings: 14 and 7 days before transplanting seedling, and on the day of transplanting, alongside a control treatment with mineral NPK fertilization; plots were either inoculated with 6.25 x 103 spores g-1 soil or left non-inoculated. Fertilization aimed to provide 90 kg N ha-1 and followed a 4x2 factorial design in a randomized block design. In the first trial, high disease incidence and severity were observed due to the high inoculum concentration. In non-inoculated plots, biomass accumulation in plants increased with the dose, with an optimal dose of 90 kg N ha-1 . In the second trial, a spore density close to 1.4 x 104 spores per g of soil was identified as suitable, resulting in high disease incidence and moderate severity. In subsequent trials, composted poultry litter, regardless of application timing, promoted disease development compared to exclusive mineral source fertilization. However, in non-inoculated plots, poultry litter favored plant biomass accumulation. In conclusion, the dose of 90 kg ha-1 of composted poultry litter results in greater broccoli biomass accumulation; high-density inoculation prevents the evaluation of fertilization effects on plant and disease development. Additionally, pre- or post-transplant poultry litter application enhances broccoli growth but nullifies this benefit in soils contaminated with pathogen spores by promoting clubroot disease development.

The success of the practice of inoculating seeds with disease-fixing bacteria in common bean crops in the field can be affected by several factors. Co-inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria is estimated to assist in the establishment of BNF, ensuring improvements in plant nodulation, growth and productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of inoculation and co-inoculation of rhizobia and plant growth-promoting bacteria on common bean growth and productivity, as well as to quantify differentially expressed genes related to the transport of fixed N. Greenhouse experiments were controlled in autoclaved substrates, where nodulation, biomass, the proportion of ureides in the xylem sap, and the expression of genes linked to the transport of N in common bean were evaluated. Plants of the Pérola and Ouro Negro cultivars were inoculated with the CIAT 899 strain of Rhizobium tropici, and co-inoculated with the CPAC 7 strains of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens, and Abv-5 and Abv-6 of Azospirillum brasilense. The plants inoculated with R. tropici, and combined with A. brasilense and B. diazoefficiens, presented 49, 46 and 56%, respectively, of proportion of N-ureido exported in the xylem sap, while the plants that obtained mineral N reached 23%. Plants that received mineral N and that presented a higher proportion of amino acids in the xylem sap, higher expression of the permease gene, associated with the transport of N from the xylem to the stem. Controlled experiments were conducted under field conditions to evaluate the effect of co-inoculation of growth-promoting bacteria on common bean growth and obedience. The experiments were carried out in Ponta Grossa-PR and Seropédica-RJ, using strains of R. tropici, B. diazoefficiens, B. japonicum, A. baldaniorum and A. brasilense, with different doses of inoculants containing Bradyrhizobium sp., with cultivars of carioca and black beans. The plants were collected for biomass evaluation, and in the evolution of grains for productivity evaluation. The high native population of rhizobia in the areas, reflected in good results of biomass and conducts in treatments that did not receive inoculation or fertilization with N, with productivity of 2500 kg ha-1 in Ponta Grossa and 1900 kg ha-1 in Seropédica. A meta-analysis was conducted to identify factors related to the efficiency of rhizobia inoculants on common bean crop productivity. Published and unpublished works were gathered, with results of controlled experiments under field conditions in Brazil between 2000 and 2021. The data obtained were recorded in a spreadsheet for analysis in an R environment, on biomass and crop productivity. The inoculation of fixative bacteria promoted a 22% increase in productivity when compared to the control treatment. Cultivations inoculated with N-fixing plants can reach productivity above 2000 kg ha-1.

According to agroecological principles, agroecosystems should favor plants with multiple uses that optimize biological processes. Fabaceae and Poaceae are recognized as plants for the production of phytomass, ground cover plants and green manures, but their potential as plants attractive to biological control agents (ACB) has been little explored. The attractive plants can provide shelter and/or food sources (e.g., pollen and nectar) for the CBA. Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) is a CBA native to Brazil, with larvae that prey on phytophagous arthropods and the adults feed on pollen and nectar, although the larvae can also be pollinivorous. The availability of flowers that provide these resources for C. externa should, therefore, play an important role in the conservation of this lacewing. However, not all flowers have a morphology that allows access by entomophagous insects to pollen, whose chemical composition can affect the biology of these insects. The assimilation of carbon from pollens by C. externa larvae has not yet been recorded. In this context, the general objectives of the study were (1) to evaluate the accessibility of pollens from Fabaceae and Poaceae to adults from flowers, (2) to evaluate the suitability of pollens accessed as food for adults and larvae of this lacewing and (3 ) to determine the carbon assimilation of the pollens by the larvae in comparison to the carnivore diet (prey). These evaluations were carried out in the laboratory and the results were presented in three chapters. In Chapter I, we evaluated the accessibility of pollens from four Fabaceae species [Cajanus cajan – pigeonpea (GU), Canavalia ensiformis – jack bean (FP), Crotalaria juncea – sunn hemp (CR), Flemingia macrophylla – flemingia ( FL)] and four species of Poaceae [Avena strigosa – black oat (AP), Pennisetum glaucum – millet (MT), Sorghum bicolor – sorghum (SO) and Zea mays – maize (MO)] to adults, when confined with flowers and whether there is selection among pollens based on the amount of pollen grains consumed and pollen characteristics (opening patterns, ornamentation and exine thickness, pollen size and crude protein content). Adults were able to access pollen in flowers of CR, FP and all Poaceae. It was also observed that, when confined with pollens extracted from anthers, adults consumed more MO, MT and SO pollens than CR and FP pollens, and the characteristics of the pollens did not govern this choice. In Chapter II, the effects of consumption of pollens of MO, MT, SO, CR and FP offered separately or in a mixture of a species of Poaceae with a species of Fabaceae on the biology of adults were evaluated in comparison with the standard diet (50% brewer's yeast: 50% honey), water and honey solution (50%). Diets with MO, MT, SO, CR and FP pollens, separately or in combination, improved the biological parameters of adults (longevity and male and female weight, pre-oviposition period, oviposition period, fecundity, fecundity rate and egg viability) similarly to the standard diet. The Chapter III aimed to evaluate the effects of diets of pollen from Fabaceae and Poaceae on the development of C. externa larvae, with or without prey, and to determine carbon assimilation from these diets. The results obtained showed that omnivory is a possible feeding habit in the carnivorous C. externa larvae, when in the absence of prey, and in this condition, the pollens of P. glaucum and Z. mays can guarantee the survival, growth and development of the three instars and of the pupa of this lacewing under laboratory conditions.

Faced with forecasts of population growth, the need to produce food consciously increases, in order to minimize the social and environmental impact. Organic agriculture is guided by the principles of sustainability, however, it needs advances in the development of products, especially fertilizers, for a potential expansion. Thus, the present work aims to evaluate the efficiency of N-green fertilizer prototype n° 2, formulated with the biomass of leaves of Gliricidia sepium and to evaluate the effect of inoculation of yeasts in the biomass of branches and leaves of gliricidia, in the availability of nitrogen (N). Initially, gliricidia was cultivated for a period of 18 months in vase conditions and the markings were made using a urea solution with 3.0% of ¹⁵N atoms, all the material was finely ground and homogenized. In chapter I, the N capacity of the N-green fertilizer was evaluated, using the isotopic technique and organic cultivation of chives (Allium fistulosum), an experimental design of randomized blocks (DBC) was adopted, in a 2x6 factorial arrangement, with two fertilizer sources (N-green and castor bean meal) and 6 doses of total N (0, 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 Kg ha^-1). Three harvests were carried out at 55, 89 and 123 days after transplanting (DAT) and the length, diameter, number of leaves, fresh and dry mass production and N concentration were measured. Also the dry mass and the concentration of N in the roots and in the soil, estimating the accumulated N and the N recovery efficiency. There was no effect sources x doses, nor difference between the sources (N-green and castor bean bran), there was a higher productivity of chives (986 g m²) with a dose of 228 kg of total N ha^-1 contained in green-N and for castor bean bran the productivity was 867 g m2 with 280 kg of N total ha^-1. The efficiency of N recovery by chive plants fertilized with N-green was 7.41%, which demonstrates the need to increase it. Thus, in chapter II, experimental tests were carried out to evaluate the effect of inoculation of ground biomass (branches and leaves) of gliricidia on N availability. In the first test, DBC was adopted in a factorial arrangement (2x7), with the sources being sterilization of gliricidia (absence and presence) and inoculation (yeasts XMD, LA22, LF22 alone and in mixture, commercial product Embiotic®, and abiotic controls containing only water distilled or inoculant medium). After 21 days of incubation, pH, electrical conductivity, total macronutrients, C/N ratio, potential emission of CO₂ and NH₃ and the survival of inoculated microorganisms were evaluated. The availability of N was analyzed using a bioassay in a greenhouse, with the addition of three control treatments (absence of fertilization, castor bean meal and non-incubated/inoculated gliricidia biomass). All treatments, with the exception of those containing the XMD strain, under sterile conditions, were as efficient as castor bean meal in black oat dry mass production and percentage of recovered N. An experiment was also carried out in a greenhouse with Planossolo and marked gliricidia biomass, whose design was DBC in a factorial scheme (6x6), with inoculation with LF22 and XMD alone and in mixture, only inoculant medium, absence of incubation/ inoculation, castor bean meal and 6 doses of total N (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 Kg ha^-1). There was no difference between the fertilizers with gliricidia biomass (shoot + root) in the production of fresh and dry biomass of the shoot millet, as well as there was no difference in the recovery of ¹⁵N by the millet, at the lowest dose of 100 Kg N ha^-1 castor bean meal was more efficient, in the other doses there was no difference between castor bean meal and gliricide biomass. Thereby, it is concluded that under the conditions studied, N-green fertilizer prototype n° 2 is as efficient as castor bean meal in the production of chives and that the biomass of leaves and branches of gliricidia has potential as a fertilizer, but its incubation and inoculation with yeast, did not increase its efficiency

With each passing year, soybeans have reached new records in grain productivity, reaching in some areas producing 120% more than the average soybean productivity in Brazil. These high yields (> 4200 kg ha1 ) require a large amount of nitrogen in the system, which in Brazil is guaranteed almost exclusively by the biological fixation of N2 from the air. Therefore, the objective of this project was to evaluate the contribution of FBN at the field level, using the technique of natural abundance of 15N in areas of high soybean productivity in Rio Verde, GO (Chapter I), in addition to estimating the EE and GHG of some of these areas (Chapter II). To this end, 2 areas were evaluated in the 2019/2020 crop and 5 areas in the 2020/2021 crop with a history of high soybean productivity and/or that were champions of the National Maximum Productivity Challenge promoted by the Soja Brasil Strategic Committee. For the evaluation of BNF, each representative area was divided into 4 quadrants and within each quadrant a repetition was taken for each analyzed variable. The following variables were evaluated in Chapter I: crop index for nitrogen (ICN), contribution of FBN by the technique of natural abundance of 15N, and the balance and gap of N. With regard to FBN, all areas evaluated with their respective varieties were able to supply the N demand by the crop, where FBN assumed values ranging from 67.05% to 82.11%. Regarding the N balance in the soil x plant system, all varieties showed a positive balance, where the highest value observed was 205.29 kg ha-1 of N in the 2020/21 crop with the BMX Foco IPRO variety and the lowest value was 68.88 kg ha-1 of N for the BMX Voraz IPRO variety, confirming the efficiency of the inoculants used in the culture today. In Chapter II, the inputs and outputs of energy from agricultural operations and/or inputs used were calculated by multiplying the amount used by its calorific value or energy coefficient at each stage of production. Energy efficiency was obtained by the ratio between the amount of total energy output and the total energy consumption during the production process. The results showed that for every 1.0 MJ of energy consumed in the production of high-yield soybeans, an average of 10.8 MJ of energy was produced in the form of grains of this crop. The main energy expenditures were with seeds, fertilizers, herbicides and fuel. For every 1 kg of soy beans produced, respectively, 0.17 kg of CO2eq are emitted during their production and warehouse delivery cycles. The main sources of CO2eq emission to the atmosphere are phosphate fertilizers, potassium fertilizer and seeds

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most produced and consumed vegetables in Brazil and in the world, with great social and economic importance. It is susceptible to several diseases that can cause great losses in productivity and fruit quality. Among these is fusarium wilt, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Scc.) Snyder and Hansen (Fol) which is one of the most limiting diseases to tomato production. It is a hemibiotrophic pathogen with host specificity, at the species and variety level, and survival in cultural remains and in the soil. Once introduced, it can settle down and stay for a long time. The use of resistant
cultivars is the most efficient control strategy, but it can be affected by the selection and dissemination of new races. Biological control with antagonistic microorganisms is one of the alternatives that has been most investigated in order to suppress the disease. Among the organisms most used in the biocontrol of diseases are Bacillus species, and among the control mechanisms involved is the production of bioactive compounds with an antagonistic effect to the pathogen or with effects on the plant as inducers of systemic resistance or growth promoter. In 2015, different strains of Bacillus were isolated from healthy tomato plants collected in the
municipality of Nova Friburgo, RJ, where Fol is widely disseminated. Sixty bacterial isolates from this collection were submitted to in vitro antagonism tests against Fol and eight of them were selected due to their ability to reduce by at least 50% the mycelial growth of the phytopathogen. DEST 30, DEST 31, DEST 38, DEST 60, DEST 78, DEST 83, DEST 132 and DEST 138 were then subjected to taxonomic and functional characterization. The first was performed by sequencing the 16S rRNA subunit. As for the functional characterization, the strains were submitted to a series of in vitro tests where all strains showed proteolytic activity and were able to produce siderophores, most also showed cellulolytic and pectinolytic activity. From the results obtained in these tests, the bacteria, DEST 31, DEST 60, DEST 83 and DEST 132 were selected to be tested as biocontrol agents of fusarium wilt in tomato seedlings grown in a greenhouse, however they did not promote results significant benefits against the disease.

Plant biomass is being widely used in agriculture, mainly as green compost, mulch and composting material to generate organic compost. The Verdeponia organic system (organic cultivation of vegetable crops in pots filled with non-composted plant biomass) is based on the use of grass clippings as a substrate and main or sole source of nutrients for agricultural production with promising results for vegetable crops such as tomatoes and peppers in a greenhouse. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of this alternative substrate for lettuce cultivation, which has a shorter cycle than the previous ones, considering five irrigation flows. Four independent experiments divided into two cycles were carried out in 3.5 L pots on outdoor benches. Each experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with five treatments and five replications. In the first cycle, two experiments were carried out simultaneously, one with grass clippings (Paspalum notatum) with flow rates of T1-1.85 L/h, T2-1.72 L/h, T3-1.51 L/h, T4-1.32 L/h and T5-1.21 L/h and another with soil fertilized with 10 g of chicken manure per pot with flow rates of T1-3.64 L/h, T2-3.37 L/h, T3-2.87 L/hr, T4-2.41 L/hr and T5-2.16 L/hr. In the second cycle, the two experiments were repeated, in the treatments with grass clippings the flow rates were T1-1.78 L/h. T2-1.68 L/h, T3-1.48 L/h, T4-1.30 L/h and T5-1.20 L/h and not with soil T1-3.43 L/h, T2-3, 16 L/hr, T3-2.72 L/hr, T4-2.35 L/hr and T5-2.12 L/hr. This time, the dose of poultry litter per pot with soil was increased to 25 g and a dose of 5 g of this fertilizer was added to the pots with grass clippings. The variables analyzed were height (H), number of leaves (NF), shoot fresh mass (MFPA), shoot dry mass (MSPA), root fresh mass (MFR), root dry mass (MSR), incidence of chlorophyll a and b (IFC), macronutrient content in leaves and roots of plants, in addition to water use efficiency (EUA). An initial stagnation in plant growth was observed in the experiments with cuttings, with plant recovery occurring at the end of the cycle. It can be inferred that its cause is not due to the lack of nutrients, since it occurred even with the addition of chicken litter in the second experiment with grass clippings. No significant difference was observed between treatments for ICF in any of the four experiments. The nutritional values for shoot, root and substrate were higher in experiments with cuttings than in soil. During the first cycle with grass clippings, significant differences were observed between irrigations. For height H, T4 obtained the best result 15.16 cm. For the number of sheets NF T2 surpassed the others with 27.67. In relation to MFPA, the highest averages were found at the highest flows, indicating greater demand for water in the experiment with cuttings. In the first cycle with soil, the highest average of MFPA was in T2 with 47.87 g, not differing from T3 and T5, this may be a reflection of the higher irrigation depths applied in the soil experiments. In the second cycle, differences were observed between treatments with improvement in plant development, which may reflect the increase in the dose of poultry litter. For MFPA, the highest averages were in T1 with 61.74 g for cuttings and 84.74 g in the soil. The EUA in crops with grass clippings were higher with 3.14 kg m-3 in the first cycle and 3.13 kg m-3 in the second, probably due to the lower initial plant growth. On the ground it was 2.14 kg m-3 and 2.12 kg m-3 in the first and second cycles, respectively. The lower irrigation flows in both experiments showed higher EUA indicating more efficient use of water. Studies indicate potential in the use of grass clippings as an alternative organic substrate for seedling production. New studies should be carried out.

One of the greatest difficulties for the establishment and success of forest restoration enterprises is related to the competition exerted by weeds, especially those of the Urochloa genus, of the Poaceae family. The use of herbicides appears as a great alternative to ensure the forest restoration process through the planting of seedlings of native tree species. Therefore, the objective of this work is to evaluate the tolerance of native forest species of the Atlantic Forest Biome to pre-emergent herbicides and the control of weeds by these herbicides in reforestation areas. The experiments were divided into two stages. The first was carried out in an experimental area of the research group on Weeds and Pesticides in the Environment (PDPA), at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, and in the second stage, the experiment was set up in a reforestation area in the town of Joanópolis, São Paulo. In the greenhouse experiment, the tolerance of Anadenanthera macrocarpa, Senna multijuga, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Peltophorum dubim, Schizolobium parahyba, Lafoensia pacari, Cecropia hololeuca, Hymenaea courbaril and Tibouchina granulosa to the herbicides indaziflam (75 g ha-1), flumioxazyn (125 g ha-1), oxyfluorfen (960 g ha-1), sulfentrazone (500 g ha-1) and isoxaflutole (150 g ha-1), plus a control without herbicides. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design, with five replications. The herbicides were applied 30 days after transplanting the seedlings in an “over the top” application. Phytotoxicity indexes were evaluated at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 90 days after herbicide application (DAA), as well as the values of shoot and root dry mass, increase in diameter and height, and leaf area for the plants. In addition to 7, 14, 35 and 90 DAA, transient chlorophyll a fluorescence analyzes were performed for the species Lafoensia pacari, Cecropia hololeuca, Hymenaea courbaril and Tibouchina granulosa. In the second stage, was evaluated under field conditions the effectiveness of weed control by the herbicides indaziflam (75 g ha-1), oxyfluorfen (960 g ha-1) and isoxaflutole (150 g ha-1) and two controls with and without weeding. At 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after herbicide application in the field, weed control was evaluated and at 120 DAA the phytosociology analysis was performed. The determined variables were analyzed for normality by the Shapiro-Wilk test and later, meeting the assumptions, they were submitted to analysis of variance by the F test and the means compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. In view of the results, it is concluded that the species Citharexylum myrianthum and Bixa orellana were sensitive to the herbicides sulfentrazone and flumioxazin, respectively. The species Tibouchina granulosa was the most sensitive of the evaluated species, presenting intolerance to the herbicides indaziflam and sulfentrazone. For the second stage, it is concluded that all herbicides tested showed good weed control up to 60 DAA, however, the herbicide oxyfluforfen showed better control results up to 120 DAA, having the same, greater efficiency in controlling Urochloa brizantha of according to phytosociology analysis.

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the responses of soybean plants subjected to herbicides applied pre-emergence at different times before sowing. Two trials were conducted, in 2019/2020 and in 2020/2021 in a greenhouse. The herbicides triclopyr (0.72 and 0.96 kg and ha-1), diuron + sulfentrazone (0.35 + 0.175 kg ha-1), imazethapyr + flumioxazine (0.12 + 0.06 kg ha-1) were used. 1), diclosulan (0.035 kg ha-1) and imazapique + imazapique (0.078 +0.026 kg ha-1) in a factorial scheme (5 x 5 + 1), with factor A being herbicides and factor B, five application times before soybean sowing (0, 3, 5, 7 and 10 DAS), with controls without herbicides. At time zero, soybean was sowed. Phytotoxicity, chlorophyll a fluorescence, SPAD index and photosynthetic pigment content were evaluated at 7, 14, and 28 days after emergence (DAE). At 10 days DAE, the accumulation of H2O2, TBARS, SOD, CAT, APX, GSH, and soluble foliar proteins were evaluated, and at 40 DAS, the number and dry mass of nodules, part area and roots and nodular occupancy rate. At the end of the cycle, the crop production components were evaluated. It was also evaluated the growth of the strains in media containing different concentrations of the herbicides. The data obtained were submitted to anova and Tukey's test for comparison between means at 5% probability. The herbicides caused phytotoxicity in soybean plants in all evaluations carried out, promoting variations in chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters. There was no impact on chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations. In the experiment conducted in 2019/2020, triclopyr caused an increase in nodulation at zero DAS, while the mixture imazapique + imazapyr caused a reduction in nodulation and in the accumulation of shoot dry mass, effects that were not observed in plants grown in the 2020/21 harvest. . Triclopyr and the imazapique + imazapyr mixture cause a reduction in plant root growth. Higher H2O2 content was observed in plants sown three DAA of diuron + sulfentrazone. Higher TBARS content was observed in plants submitted to diuron + sulfentrazone and imazapique + imazapyr at the three DAS. No differences in GST concentration were observed. SOD, CAT and APX. It was concluded that the evaluated herbicides and application times did not cause oxidative stress in soybean plants. There were reductions in grain production. Triclopyr herbicides and imazapique + imazapyr mixture applied at intervals of up to 20 days before soybean sowing can negatively impact soybean nodulation parameters, affecting crop development.

The Conyza spp. has been causing major problems in the agricultural production system, mainly due to cases of multiple resistance to herbicides. The objective of the work is to characterize the resistance systems of Conyza sumatrensis to herbicides, and to understand the physiological behavior of the species under herbicide application. The objective of the study was to evaluate a dynamic of the dissipation of photosynthetic energy of Conyza spp. through the application of PSII-inhibiting and FSI-inhibiting herbicides (Chapter I). To evaluate the rapid metabolic and physiological responses, mediated by oxidative stress, induced by time, in C.sumatrensis resistant and susceptible to the herbicide 2,4-D under natural conditions, conditions, temperature and light variations (Chapter II). Propose new chemical management alternatives for the biotype of C. sumatrensis with multiple resistance to the herbicides 2,4-D, glyphosate, diuron, paraquat and saflufenacil (Chapter III). Understand the cross-resistance to C. sumatrensis PSI-inhibiting herbicides (paraquat and diquat) and their physiological response to paraquat application (Chapter IV). The previous results describe that decreases in the photosynthetic performance index in C. sumatrensis treated with metribuzin and paraquat even without visual damage of growth and development clearly demonstrate the potential of using chlorophyll fluorescence to quickly track how metabolic disturbances in the C. sumatrensis under herbicide application metribuzin and paraquat (Chapter I). The C. sumatrensis 2,4-D–resistant biotype showed rapid photosynthetic damage after 2,4-D treatment compared with the susceptible biotype. The antioxidant enzyme activities were higher in the resistant biotype. Temperature effects appeared to modulate the speed of initiation of the rapid necrosis process. The symptoms occurred faster in the 2,4-D–resistant biotype under higher temperatures. Production of H2O2 in the 2,4-D–resistant biotype was not light dependent. In addition, basal antioxidant enzyme activity is higher in the resistant biotype. (Chapter II). The results obtained that the biotype of C. sumatrensis with multiple resistance to the herbicides 2,4-D, paraquat, saflufenacil, glyphosate and diuron can also show resistance to the herbicides inhibitors ALS chlorimuron-ethyl, imazapique + imazapyr and ethoxysulfuron. Studies will be developed to confirm the hypothesis (Chapter III). Cross resistance to diquat was detected in the paraquat resistant C. sumatrensis biotype. The paraquat-resistant biotype does not induce antioxidant enzymes, as a possible mechanism of resistance to paraquat, but shows rapid recovery of photosynthetic parameters and continuous growth when subjected to paraquat, while the susceptible biotype does not survive the application of the herbicidal paraquat (Chapter IV). The paraquat resistance in F2 and F3 was based on a single-dominant gene model (3:1), while the diquat results was based on two genes segregated independently (15:1) in Conyza sumatrensis (Chapter V).

In Brazil, emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O), a green-house-gas (GHG) with a high global warming potential, occur mainly due to the deposition of cattle excreta in the pasture soil. This process is also observed with the use of nitrogen fertilizers. For pastures, there is evidence that the forage Brachiaria humidicola naturally produces nitrification inhibitors that could affect the N₂O production, but so far little progress has been made as an effective control measure for N₂O emissions. In a different line of investigation, studies conducted in Brazil show that inoculation of plants with root growth-promoting bacteria can increase the uptake of N from the soil, resulting in greater efficiency in the use of nitrogen fertilizers. In addition, several of these bacteria in the nitrification/denitrification process, among the main ones, have N₂ as the end product of denitrification, which can be an advantage in reducing/eliminating N₂O emission from the soil. Thus, this thesis aimed to evaluate the potential for mitigating N₂O emissions by Brachiaria species, inoculated or not with associative diazotrophic bacteria that promote plant growth, in soil treated with bovine urine. The experiments were initially carried out in the laboratory, moving to a controlled condition in a greenhouse and ending with the field evaluation. Laboratory incubations tested bacteria grown in culture medium, which were treated with nitrate, followed by analysis of N₂O and N₂ using the technique of inhibiting the N₂O reduction step with acetylene. Subsequently, four strains were tested in soil without plant but with the addition of N. In a greenhouse, plants of B. humidicola and B. ruziziensis were grown in pots with soil containing bovine urine, and inoculated with bacteria, and production of N₂O was monitored. The study was extended to the field, but using B. brizantha treated with bovine urine and inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense. The results with 9 strains showed that five of them, all of A. brasilense (Sp 245, AbV5, AbV6, AZB12 and CD), were able to denitrify up to N2, while the others were not. When applied to non-sterile soil, four of these positive strains showed strong N₂O reduction. The Sp245 strain was not tested. In the greenhouse test with urine application, the use of the same strains reduced N₂O emissions, and the use of the WA3 strain, which did not show the ability to produce N₂ in vitro, did not change the emissions in relation to the treatment with only bovine urine. The dry mass of Brachiaria was increased, as well as the acquisition of N from the urine, when inoculated with AbV5, AbV6 and CD. In the following study, N₂O emissions were higher in soil with B. humidicola compared to B. ruziziensis, both with addition of urine to the soil. However, inoculation with AbV5+AbV6 strains reduced emissions by more than 50%. In both cases, inoculation significantly increased the dry matter and N accumulated by the plants. In the field trial, the inoculation of B. brizantha cv Marandu reduced N₂O emissions from bovine urine by 50%, with a gain in dry mass. Taken together, the results prove that inoculation with growth promoters increases the plant's ability to use N from bovine urine, reducing the impact on N₂O emissions, an effect that is also associated with the denitrifying capacity of some of the strains used.

Among the grain legumes, cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] have a high nutritional value associated with a low production cost, and thus, it is an important crop to produce food for the population living in marginal areas for agriculture. Its average yield is usually below its potential since the crop is traditionally cultivated by small low-tech producers. In addition, low yield may also be associated with soil fertility management, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. Although it is not common to fertilize the crop, several studies show that nitrogen and phosphate fertilization can contribute to increased yield and assist in the formation of seeds with quality, showing the positive effect of N and Pi on the crop. On the other hand, it is shown that cowpea has high protein content (18 -35%) in the grain. Unlike cereals, legumes generally have a deficiency in sulfurous amino acids and are rich in lysine. In general, globulins are the protein fractions most common in cowpea, followed by albumins, acid glutelins, basic glutelins, and prolamine, but these contents can vary by several factors such as genotype, management, climate, among others. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between fertilization management, yield, and protein content of grains of contrasting protein content cowpea genotypes in two experiments: the first, using the commercial genotype BR17 Gurguéia and the local genotype EPACE-10, evaluating the moment for cover N fertilization: at 25 DAP or at full flowering; and the second, with the commercial genotype BRS Novaera and the local genotype EPACE-10 evaluating the effect of fertilization in pre-flowering with MAP and thus, the effect of Pi on the crop. Chlorophyll a fluorescence emission, leaf area and shoot dry mass, and leaf soluble protein content (LSPC) measurements were performed for four distinct phenological stages and at the end of the cycle, the production components of both experiments were evaluated. The protein content and the amino acid content in the grain were only evaluated in the first experiment, as well as the evaluation of nodulation was only done in the second experiment. In the first experiment, EPACE-10 showed lower productivity but associated with high protein content in all treatments, while BR17 Gurguéia, which presented high yield, showed low protein content, suggesting a negative correlation between productivity and protein content in the bean grain. The LSPC in the grain filling stage had a negative correlation with yield in the G1 treatment, which may indicate that there was greater remobilization of leaf N for the grain. In general, EPACE-10 showed an increase in yield with the management of the time and source of fertilization, when compared to the control treatment. BRS Novaera did not show any increase in yield due to the fertilization with MAP in pre-flowering, since its control treatment obtained the highest averages for yield.

The bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is a cucurbit, monoecious, diploid, with 2n = 2x = 22 chromosomes, known, popularly and scientifically, for its hypoglycemic action. Despite its importance, the improvement of bitter gourd is still in its infancy. Therefore, studies related to the inheritance of traits linked to production are extremely important to know the available germplasm, as well as to seek the best strategies for the selection process of superior genotypes. In this sense, the estimation of genetic parameters using the Maximum Likelihood Restritra (REML) method, and the estimation of the phenotypic values of the genotypes via Best Non-biased Linear Predictor (Blup) are important tools for the selection of bitter gourd genotypes with superior agronomic performance. Thus, the objectives of this study were to learn about the inheritance of 17 variables linked to fruit production in bitter gourd, as well as to select genotypes with high performance for fruit production in the crop. In this work, it was also proposed to associate the Blup with the PCA, whose objective was to allow a simultaneous interpretation of the phenotypic values of the genotypes considering all variables in the same two-dimensional plane. Therefore, 22 genotypes were planted in pots in a greenhouse and analyzed, during a complete production cycle, 17 variables relating to the number, total weight and average weight of fruits and seeds, as well as the total and average weight of the aryl of the seeds. Descriptive parameters and correlation coefficients between the variables were estimated, as well as the variances, repeatability and accuracy via REML for each variable. The phenotypic values and the ranking of the genotypes were obtained via Blup. These values were submitted to PCA analysis. Regression models were adjusted for the best genotypes, considering the number of fruits per plant (NFP). The estimated repeatability coefficients were classified as low for most of the variables analyzed. The NFP variable was the most promising for genetic gains, since it presented one of the greatest correlations with total production (fruits, seeds and aryl), combined with its individual repeatability estimate (r = 0.47). This estimate (r) is reasonable for cultures not yet improved and for highly quantitative variables. It was observed that there is a high and negative correlation between fruit production and fruit size. However, it is possible to select productive genotypes for larger fruit sizes. This was the case for the UFRRJ MSC028 and UFRRJ MSC087 genotypes. The most productive genotype, produced 146 fruits, and the least productive, only four fruits. According to Blup-PCA, the best ranked genotypes for fruit production were: UFRRJ MSC028, UFRRJ MSC042, UFRRJ MSC044, UFRRJ MSC053, UFRRJ MSC072 and UFRRJ MSC087. These genotypes were listed as female parents for the generation of superior progenies in the species improvement program at UFRRJ. The behavior of fruit production along the production cycle in these genotypes was expressed by a cubic regression model.

Peppers of the Capsicum genus, despite being explored by indigenous peoples of America for over 7000 years, still have enormous potential to be explored, whether for culinary, medicinal, ornamental and industrial use. Capsicum accessions kept in Germoplasma Bank need to be characterized aiming their possible use in genetic improvement programs or cultivation recommendation. The morphoagronomic characterization makes it possible to identify the potential and suggest new varieties seeking expanding markets and taking advantage of the diversity of the genus. Given the above, this work aimed to preserve, characterize and estimate the genetic divergence between accessions of part of the Capsicum germplasm collection of the Department of Plant Science of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), in addition to evaluating the most promising agronomically. for fresh consumption, under greenhouse conditions. Initially, 29 accessions were characterized regarding morphoagronomic characteristics and species identification. Then, 10 accessions with the most desirable characteristics for fresh consumption were taken and evaluated in terms of productivity and morphoagronomic aspects. With the data from the first study, the Cole-Rodgers dissimilarity index, the Nearest Neighbor hierarchical cluster (VMP) and the Tocher optimization cluster were determined. Data from the second experiment were subjected to analysis of variance, Scott-Knott mean test (p<0.05), phenotypic and genotypic correlation analysis, path analysis and genotype-ideotype distance. Tocher's method was the most suitable for grouping the accessions of the collection, forming 5 groups. Access ENAS 5043 was the most productive in the collection and environmental factors had little influence on the results. The variable with the greatest influence on the basic variable (total fresh mass of fruits) was the fresh mass of fruits with seeds. The accessions ENAS 5043 and ENAS 5017 were the ones that showed the greatest selection gains in all evaluated parameters. It was verified the presence of accessions with wide genetic variability and agronomic potential of production for different market niches. Accessions ENAS 5043 and 5017 can be selected for improvement programs, aiming at the consumption of fresh fruits

The combination of products in tank mix aims to increase the target control spectrum and reduce costs in the application of pesticides. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of tank mixtures of herbicides and other pesticides used in soybean and corn crops on operational parameters of spray nozzles and on weed control. Two experiments were carried out at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. In Experiment I, the effect of mixtures for use in soybean crop (Test I) and for corn crop (Test II) on operational parameters of spray nozzles was evaluated. The treatments were arranged in a factorial scheme, with 2 sprays nozzles, TT 110.020 and TTI 110.020 and 26 syrups recommended for soybean (Test I) and 33 syrups recommended for corn (Test II), plus the control (no products), in a completely randomized design with four replications. In Experiment II the control of Eleusine indica and Commelina benghalensis by the mixtures containing herbicides used in soybean and corn was evaluated. In Exp, I, the volumetric median diameter (DMV), numerical median diameter (DMN), relative amplitude (SPAN) and the potential drift risk (PRD) were evaluated using water-sensitive papers (76 x 26 mm). In Experiment II the plants of Eleusine indica and Commelina benghalensis were grown in pots and received application of the mixtures when the plants had three tillers and six to ten leaves per plant, respectively. 38 treatments were tested on E. indica plants and 46 treatments on C. benghalensis plants, plus the control (without application) for both species. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications. The syrup volume in both experiments was 80 L.ha^-1. The percentage of control was evaluated at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after application (DAA), shoot dry mass (MSPA) and shoot length (CPA). The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance by ANOVA and comparison of means by the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. The droplet spectrum formed by the TTI 110.020 spray nozzle has a larger volumetric median diameter (DMV) than the TT 110.020 spray nozzle. The grouts applied with the TTI 110.020 nozzle have a lower potential risk of drift (PRD) compared to the TT 110.020 nozzle, as they have larger droplet diameters. The control of E. indica was high in the glyphosate treatments; haloxyfop-p-methyl; lambda-cyhalothrin + zinc, manganese and copper formula + glyphosate; thiamethoxam+lambda-cyhalothrin + haloxyfop-p-methyl + chloransulam-methyl + glyphosate and spinetoram + glyphosate. In C. benghalensis plants, the treatment with greater control was the mixture spinetoram + fomesafem + glyphosate.

B

Abiotic stresses such as drought represent adverse environmental conditions which significantly damage plant growth and agricultural productivity. In this study, we are selecting efficient interactions between bacteria with ACC deaminase activity and Brachiaria genotypes grown under drought conditions. For this, the bacterial isolates were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively for the activity of ACC deaminase, in addition to being also evaluated for the presence of the acdS gene in their genome. After this screening, we verified that 10 isolates showed ACC deaminase activity and had the acdS gene in their genome. Then, thirteen isolates with better performance in ACC deaminase activity were used in conjunction with Herbaspirillum frisingense GSF30^T (BR11790), Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus PAL5^T and the strain Sp245 of Azospirillum brasilense in the greenhouse experiment. The trial was composed of three genotypes of Brachiaria brizantha (Marandu, Paiaguás and Xaraés) that were submitted or not to drought stress. The relative water content (RWC) and the fresh and dry mass of the plants were evaluated at 10 days after drought stress. The Marandu genotype inoculated with G. diazotrophicus strain PAL5^T showed RWC values higher than that observed for the other treatments. In the case of the Paiaguás genotype, the NRB039 bacterium (N. amazonense) promoted a higher RWC value. For the Xaraés genotype, the highest RWC value was observed in plants inoculated with strain NRB058 (Pseudomonas cremoricolorata). Regarding the accumulation of biomass from the aerial part of the Marandu genotype after 10 days of stress, we observed that the strain NRB223 (A. melinis) promoted a greater accumulation of fresh mass while the strain NRB142 (Paraburkholderia silvatlantica) was responsible for the increase in dry biomass. In contrast, strains NRB096 (Bacillus safensis) and NRB124 (P. silvatlantica) favored the largest accumulation of both biomasses (fresh and dry) for the Paiaguás and Xaraés genotypes. At 30 days of stress, the bacterium NRB096 (B. safensis), promoted the largest accumulation of dry mass in the genotype Marandu while in the genotype Xaraés, the bacterium NRB086 (A. lipoferum) was the one that promoted the greatest accumulation of biomass. In Paiaguás, plants inoculated with the bacteria G. diazotrophicus PAL5^T and A. brasilense Sp245 were the ones that had the best performance. The biomass accumulation of roots of the Marandu genotype was increased with the inoculation of strains NRB087 (A. oryzae) and NRB032 (Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) which promoted higher values of fresh and dry mass, respectively. In the case of the Paiaguás genotype, the largest accumulations of fresh biomass were obtained in plants inoculated with strains NRB053 (Nitrospirillum amazonense) or with BR11790 (H. frisingense GSF30^T) while the strain NRB123 (N. amazonense) promoted the largest mass accumulation dry. The greatest increase in fresh root mass of the Xaraés genotype was observed in plants inoculated with the strain NRB223 (A. melinis) while the strain NRB124 (P. silvatlantica) promoted an increase in dry mass. In addition, an in vitro experiment was carried out with the genotype Paiaguás submitted to drought stress mediated by polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG8000). Strains NRB096 (B. safensis) and NRB138 (G. diazotrophicus) promoted the greatest development of shoot and roots in the presence of 10% of PEG8000 while the bacteria NRB096 (B. safensis), NRB142 (P. silvatlantica) and BR11790 (H. frisingense GSF30^T) increased root development by 20% of PEG8000. A second in vitro experiment was carried out with the genotype B. ruziziensis subjected to water stress mediated by PEG8000. The results showed that strains NRB142 (P. silvatlantica), NRB223 (A. melinis) and BR11790 (H. frisingense GSF30^T) promoted the best plant development in view of the water deficit mediated by PEG. Strains NRB142 (P. silvatlantica) and NRB223 (A. melinis) that had the greatest potential for protection against water deficit  in vitro studies were evaluated in a new experiment in a greenhouse with the genotypes B. brizantha cv. Paiaguás and B. ruziziensis grown in pots with soil. The plants were evaluated after exposure to drought stress for a period of 15 and 30 days and also after rehydration for 7 days. The analyzes showed a positive effect of inoculation of bacteria with ACC deaminase activity on the accumulation of biomass, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll index. In a global analysis, a different effect of the strains was observed for the different variables evaluated without the predominance of a given inoculated strain and the evaluated genotype. Even so, the results indicate that the development of inoculants with these strains can be an alternative in mitigating the negative effects of water deficit, since they promoted higher increases than inoculated plants compared to uninoculated plants. New studies are being carried out in order to evaluate more closely the protective effect of bacteria with ACC deaminase activity on Brachiaria plants submitted to water deficit.

Millicomposting is an environmentally friendly alternative, which enables the production of organic composts from different agricultural residues for later use as a general substrate in the production of seedlings. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the agronomic performance of the lettuce seedlings cultivar Vera, which were produced in the millicompost obtained at 180 days, compared to  a commercial organic substrate (Chapter I); characterize the microbial community present in the millicomposting process by the diplopod Trigoniulus corallinus (Chapter II) and seek new formulations of organic substrates based on millicompost combined with different sources of organic residues, destining them for the production of yellow passion fruit seedlings (Chapter III). In Chapter I, it was found that nitrogen fertilization via castor cake (0, 50, 100 and 200 kg N ha^-1), provided lettuce from seedlings grown in the millicompost with the best agronomic performance independent of the fertilization level, when compared to plants from the commercial substrate. In addition, they were more responsive as the fertilizer doses increased, exhibiting phytotechnical characteristics, physiological indices and higher nutrient accumulation in relation to the plants from the commercial substrate. In Chapter II, it was verified high values for the alpha diversity of the microbiome through the whole process, while the beta diversity showed differences in the community structure between the phases of the millicomposting. The phyla Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, which represent 70% of the microbiome, are related to the degradation of lignocellulose. The class Alphaproteobacteria and its order Rhizobiales are the most abundant taxa characterized by several species capable to reduce the atmospheric nitrogen. The prevalent orders of the phylum Actinobacteria are Actinomycetales, which predominates at the beginning of the process and Acidimicrobiales, at the end. In addition to these phyla, Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes, Firmicutes and Acidobacteria, around 5% each, are present. The increase in the relative abundance of Acidobacteria at the end of the process may be related to the maturity of the millicompost, which at 180 days shows a C / N ratio of 15. The most abundant genera were Streptomyces from Actinobacteria and Bacillus from Firmicutes, around 4% each. The microbiome structure and succession along the millicomposting is close to that evidenced during litter decomposition. In Chapter III, the organic substrates S1 (millicompost), S6 (50% millicompost + 50% coconut fiber powder) and S5 (50% millicompost + 50% gliricidia) provided passion fruit seedlings with excellent morphological characteristics and with greater accumulations of P, K Ca and Mg in the dry matter of the aerial part. The substrates S6 and S5 constitute two new options as a sustainable substrate for the production of yellow passion fruit seedlings. The unprecedented valuable information obtained on millicomposting, shows the importance of bacterial communities during the continuous transformation of raw organic matter, in addition to the influence they may have on the development of plants grown in the millicompost.

In today's world, forest species are becoming more important for the environment, either by sequestering carbon or to provide raw material. Unlike annual, food and pine and eucalyptus species, there is not much information about germination and the effect of aluminum. This chemical element is an important limiting factor for plant development in acidic soils, especially in its Al+++ form. This study was divided into two phases. In the first phase, 5 germination experiments were carried out in BDO using increasing doses of aluminum chloride (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 µM) with the forest species: rosewood (Dalbergia nigra (Vell.) Allemao ex Benth. ), sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Bentham), canga mimosa (Mimosa acustitioula Bentham), erythrina (Erythrina verna Vell.) and ingá (Inga laurina (Sw.) Willd.), evaluating germination percentage (%G), speed index germination rate (IVG), root and shoot dry mass, seed water content, pH, electrical conductivity, sugar content, proline, protein, peroxidase and alpha amylase activities, Ca, Mg, K and P content in solution. In the second phase, 6 more experiments were installed in simple or complete nutrient solution with increasing doses of aluminum chloride (0.50,100, 200, 400 and 800 µM) using the species above. Root length, root growth rate (TCR), relative root elongation (ERR%), root and arial mass part were evaluated. The results suggested that aluminum did not influence % G in all species tested, but influenced IVG in sabiá and jacarandá from Bahia. The absorption of water in erythrine and sabiá was not influenced by Al, but the presence of this element in the solution increased the exudates and sugar contents, Ca, Mg, P and K, pH and electrical conductivity in the solution. Aluminum and soaking time influenced the proline, protein and guaiacol peroxidase and α-amylase activities. It was found that for ingá the effects of aluminum were more expressive in complete solution, for this species aluminum influenced the CR , TCR and aerial part dry mass, no nodulation occurred in any treatment. In erythrine there was influence of aluminum, CR, TCR, ERR, root and shoot dry mass, root volume, root area and nodulation and in sage plants the effects of aluminum were not very clear for this species, suggesting a high tolerance to this element.

Gladiolus is one of the most popular cut flowers in Brazil and as its commercialization depends on quality criteria based on morphological and visual characteristics, it becomes relevant to evaluate how the occurrence of water deficit affects these commercial parameters and the longevity of the stems after the harvest. This work aimed to study the influence of irrigation levels and planting time on the commercial quality of gladiolus flower stems. Cultivation cycles were carried out in a greenhouse located in the Horticulture Sector of UFRRJ, in the municipality of Seropédica-RJ, from 07/09/18 to 11/27/18 and from 12/04/19 to 06/26/19. The experimental design was randomized blocks with 5 replications, composed by the irrigation factor with four levels (L1 = 45%, L2 = 60%, L3 = 80% and L4 = 100% of the water volum applied by the system) and the planting time factor (spring/summer 2018 and autumn/winter 2019). Irrigation management was performed using the automatic irrigation controller (AAI), installed in 2 pots from L4 treatment. The substrate used was a mixture of medium texture soil material, removed from the 0-20 cm layer, and manure in the proportion 2:1 (v/v), placed in 11 L pots where 3 bulbs 10 cm apart were planted and at a depth of 10 cm. When the plants reached the harvest point, the commercial parameters of floral stem length, floral stem diameter and tassel length were evaluated, in addition to the number of flowers. In both cycles the plant height was evaluated weekly, while the leaf area and number of leaves were evaluated at 66 days after planting (DAP). In the autumn/winter cycle (2019), leaf area and chlorophyll were evaluated at 28, 38, 52 and 66 DAP, and stomatal conductance was evaluated at 40 DAP. At the end of the cycle, the stems were subjected to postharvest analysis to assess longevity, fresh weight, speed of floral opening and solution absorption. At 151 and 154 DAP in the spring/summer and autumn/winter cycle, respectively, the bulbs were harvested, when their mass and diameter were evaluated. In total, 5.24; 6.68; 8.65 and 10.81 L plant^-1 were applied in winter/spring and 4.91; 6.58; 8.25 and 10.25 L plant^-1 in autumn/winter planting in treatments L1, L2, L3 and L4, respectively. The stems showed better commercial classification in the treatments corresponding to 80% and 100% of the volume applied by the controller, presenting the highest values for the analyzed variables. The treatments L3 and L4 also stood out regarding the fresh mass and lower speed of floral opening, with no difference between the longevity of the stems (8 days). Likewise, the production of bulbs was higher in these treatments, producing bulbs of large size while in L1 bulbs of medium size were obtained. In the winter/spring cultivation, temporary wilt and slight defects in the stems characterized by burns in the sepals of the florets were observed, symptoms not observed in the autumn/winter. Influence of irrigation levels on the commercial parameters of the gladiolus was observed, with a greater loss of quality at the level of 45% of the applied volume, greater speed of floral opening and less longevity in winter/spring planting.

In Brazil, passion fruit cultivation is reported from indigenous tribes to the present day. With a rich diversity of species and varieties, the Passiflora botanical genus, of the Passifloraceae family, is spontaneously present throughout Tropical America with indicators pointing to the existence of more than 400 species and placing Brazil as one of the main centers of genus origin, with about 150 species of which 70 have fruits with industrial value and for fresh consumption. Passion fruit is a herbaceous plant of the climbing type, with the stem formed by several internodes and from the nodes the tendrils and leaves appear. Two buds form in the axilla of the leaves: a reproductive one (originating a flower and later the fruits) and another reproductive (originating new productive branches). In Brazil the genus finds excellent conditions for production, it is estimated that 80% of world production comes from Brazil, being exported to other countries in the form of fruit or frozen concentrated juice. The use of plant regulators is one of the agronomic strategies for manipulating the architecture of plants, which can contribute to increased productivity. The objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of different growth regulators on the culture of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), aiming to reduce the average length and changing the architecture of the plant in order to give a greater number of nodes per linear meter of branch and consequently an increase in the number of reproductive structures and new vegetative shoots formed, thus enabling an increase in crop productivity, without changing the planting spacing. The experimental design used will be completely randomized (DIC) with the yellow passion fruit cultivar (FB 300 - ARAGUARI), with 6 treatments and 4 repetitions: T1: control; T2: MEPIQUATE 0.1% v / v chloride; T3: MEPIQUATE 0.15% v / v chloride; T4: 0.2% v / v MEPIQUATE chloride; T5: Trinexapac-ethyl 0.5% v / v; T6: Calcium prohexadione + 0.5% v / v ETEFON. The experiment was carried out in the horticulture sector of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), in a conduction system in a vertical spreader with a wire.

Passion fruit is a fruit that holds great importance in the national and international market, and can be consumed in different ways, the most common being fresh, in drinks and sweets. The largest volume of passion fruit roots is found in the most superficial layer of the soil, in the first approximately 15 cm of depth, and yet this is restricted in the vicinity of the plant's collection. Such a characteristic may disadvantage the full productive performance of this tropical fruit tree, especially when water stress occurs. Nowadays, the concern with the more efficient use of water in agricultural practices is a widely discussed issue and, in several areas of production, new technologies are being tested in order to obtain the maximum economy of this natural resource, so threatened by climate change and its unsustainable use. Organic agriculture has been increasingly prominent, as it emerges as an alternative to food security, with the production of healthy food and low environmental impact, respecting the integrity of peoples and adopting practices for the conservation of natural resources. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of different irrigation depths on the passion fruit culture, grown under an organic system and associated with soil cover, with the intention of obtaining an ideal level to be recommended for the region of Rio de Janeiro, a state with low productivity for this crop. In the experiment set up in the Fazendinha Agroecológica Km 47 field, present in the municipality of Seropédica, RJ, five different irrigation blades were offered and the soil was covered by raffia mulching. Its implementation took place in November 2018, with the use of previously prepared seedlings of different cultivars of passion fruit, yellow and purple. The results obtained did not demonstrate significant statistical differences between treatments for all chemical parameters evaluated, showing that less water can be applied, without loss of fruit quality. For the production parameters, there were also no significant differences, with the exception of the mass of the fruits of the purple passion fruit, which showed a higher value for the two smaller blades, which is explained by the plant, when maintained at all times with soil moisture. required, tends to vegetate more, instead of throwing more flowers. Therefore, the pulp yield between the two forms of passion fruit was compared, with the purple form showing higher yield

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans Jacq.) is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It grows fast, it is easy to cultivate and it has great potential to be introduced in Brazil due to the varied colors and shapes of its flowers and the possibility of them being used in gardens or sold as cut flowers and potted plants. However, there are few management techniques established for the species, and their influences on the postharvest longevity of its stems. In addition, there is neither classification standard nor senescence scale determined for its evaluation after the harvest, making it difficult to introduce its commercial cultivation in the country. In this context, the objectives were to evaluate the production, quality and postharvest durability of floral stems obtained from zinnia plants, grown under different irrigation levels and growing seasons; and to establish a quality classification standard for its commercialization as cut flower and a senescence scale for the postharvest evaluation of its stems. For this purpose, zinnia (cv. Red California Giant) cultivations, in greenhouse, were carried out in pots during the periods of Autumn-Winter and Winter-Spring of 2019, with four levels of irrigation, corresponding to 46, 64, 75 and 100% of the species water requirement. The work was developed in the Horticulture Sector at UFRRJ, in Seropédica-RJ, using a randomized block design, with a double factorial scheme 4x2 (irrigation levels x cultivation cycles), with 6 replications, totalizing 24 plots per cycle. The irrigation management was carried out by an automatic controller (AAI), with the sensor installed in the treatment that corresponded to the application of 100% of the water needed by the culture (control). For production, all plants and floral stems produced were evaluated and, for the post-harvest evaluation, 8 stems per plot were used. The analysis of the zinnia cultivations allowed the establishment of the classification standard, which facilitated the observation of the quality variation of the floral stems produced under the evaluated conditions. The meteorological conditions of the Autumn-Winter cycle favored the growth and development of the crop, as they promoted better results of production and quality of floral stems in comparison to the Winter-Spring cycle, even though the second one also allowed the achievement of satisfactory results. In post-harvest, the determination of the senescence scale favored the evaluation of the quality loss of floral stems, indicating facilities in the process of commercialization of these by the producers. Both cultivation cycles allowed satisfactory post-harvest results, mainly on the commercial longevity of floral stems, despite the difference observed in their quality. In general, it can be concluded that the irrigation level of 64% is the most adequate for zinnia cultivation, as it promoted results of plant growth, production, quality and post-harvest longevity of floral stems similar to those observed in the 75% and 100% levels, besides the possibility of reducing water and energy costs for irrigation by florists.

The present study aimed to provide information that serves as a recommendation for the use of unpasteurized and sun-dried potato shavings (Paspalum notatum) as main sources of nutrients throughout the growing cycle of peppers (Capsicum annumm L.) and tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), conducted in pots and in a greenhouse. Called Verdeponia, the method consists of a new organic cultivation system that seeks sustainable production, based mainly on the use of non-composted vegetable biomass as the main source of nutrients and low-cost automated irrigation. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design, in pots with a spacing of 0.5 m between them and 1.0 m between lines. Morphophysiological and production variables were analyzed, such as: aerial part length, stem thickness, Falker chlorophyll index (ICF), soluble solids content of the fruits (º brix), temperature inside the vessels, dry mass of the aerial part , water use efficiency (USA), diameters and fresh weight of the fruits, estimated productivity and number of fruits per plant. The experiment with chili var. Bark Dura Ikeda was conducted with two treatments and in 8 L pots. In T1 (control) the pots were filled with soil fertilized with tanned bovine manure at a dosage of 25 t ha-1. In T2, the pots consisted of 1000 g of non-composted and sun-dried potato shavings, 500 g of soil (same soil as T1 without fertilization) and 600 g of washed sand. The soil had the function of establishing physical support for the seedlings and the washed sand, superficially arranged, aimed to keep the aeration inside the pots decreasing and decreasing. It was found that there was no difference between treatments in any of the variables analyzed. Two experiments with tomato from the Santa Cruz cv. Santa Cruz Kada were conducted. The first aimed to evaluate morphophysiological and production variables, using low-cost automated irrigation, and the second, sought to evaluate the effects of manual pressing on grass clippings inside the pots and their influence on morphophysiological variables in the initial stage of cultivation. The first experiment was conducted in 18 L pots and two treatments where in T1 the pots were filled with soil fertilized with bovine manure at a dosage of 20 t ha-1, and in T2, the pots were filled with 1200 g of grass clippings Potatoes not composted and dried in the sun, 500 g of unfertilized soil and 600 g of washed sand, these materials performed the same functions as the aforementioned experiment. The second experiment was carried out due to the slowness and difficulty of growth presented by the plants in experiment 1, where manual pressing was not carried out on the grass clippings inside the pots during the initial stages of cultivation. Significant differences were noted in the morphophysiological variables in the early stages of experiment 1, but this did not occur in experiment 2. There was no statistical difference between treatments when compared to estimated productivity. On the other hand, the USA showed a significant difference and the values were, respectively, in T1 and T2 of 15.75 kg m-3 and 9.43 kg m-3. The results obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and the means compared using the F test at 5% using the Sisvar program. The results point to the potential of Verdeponia, suggesting that further investigations be carried out. 

The present study aimed to evaluate the use of two types of biopackages consisting of cassava starch in the packaging of special organic tomato fruits, contributing to the preservation of the environment and expansion of a new market niche for more sustainable packaging. Allied to this, the evaluation of the Polonês Amarelo, Perinha Amarelo and Indico Rose varieties, from family farms in the municipality of Seropédica / RJ, aimed to characterize the fruits in terms of chemical and bioactive components in order to contribute to a greater knowledge about their potential for use in gastronomy, especially with an emphasis on Rio de Janeiro. The tomatoes were harvested at the "once in a while" stage, cleaned with sodium hypochlorite, packed in cassava starch biopackages with and without retardant, covered with plastic film and kept in BOD at 10ºC / RH 90% for a period of 16 days. The evaluations were carried out at the time of harvest and every four days, according to the following components: soluble solids, titratable acidity, SS / AT ratio, pH, ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, total anthocyanins, lycopene and β-carotene. The results showed that the biopackages with and without the addition of retardant remained intact throughout the storage of the fruits, being able to be used as an alternative for the packaging of these in natura. The behavior of the special organic tomatoes of the three varieties under packaging in the two types of biopackages + plastic film during the 16 days of storage showed that there was an increase in the SS/AT ratio and a reduction in the levels of AT and ascorbic acid for the three varieties; SS increase only for ‘Yellow Polish’ and ‘Indico Rose’, these characteristics being linked to a more sweet character of the fruits; Increase in anthocyanins only for 'yellow polish'; Increase in total carotenoids only for ‘Indico Rose’ and maintenance of lycopene and β-carotene levels for ‘Perinha Amarelo, showing, therefore, different behavior of fruits in relation to bioactive compounds. In this way, the present study brought some important information about the chemical characteristics of these little-known tomato cultivars, which allow to infer to these fruits potential of use in gastronomy, as well as in other areas of food.

Telchin licus licus (giant borer) is a pest that affects the sugarcane crop and can cause high yield losses when incident on the crop area. This pest has a greater occurrence in the Northeast region of Brazil and its control is quite difficult. The use of bacteria of the genus Bacillus, mainly Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has been shown to be efficient in the control of pests of the orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera and Hymenoptera. Thus, this work aimed to isolate and characterize endophytic strains of the Bacillus genus from sugarcane producing areas and evaluate the entomopathogenic potential against larvae of the giant borer in laboratory conditions. For this purpose, larvae of this insect, stalks and roots of sugarcane were collected from three producing areas in the State of Alagoas for the isolation of bacteria. All samples obtained were pasteurized twice, resulting in 425 bacterial isolates (108 from the apoplast fluid, 48 from the digestive tract of the giant borer, 94 from the roots and 175 from the central region of the internodes). Bacterial isolates were phenotypically characterized by Gram staining. The Gram-positive characteristic was evidenced for 161 of the 425 isolates (46 Gram-positive originating from the apoplast fluid, 19 from the digestive tract, 50 from the roots and 46 from the central region of the internodes). The taxonomic characterization of the bacteria, using the 16S RNAr region amplification method, showed that the isolates belonged mostly to the genus Bacillus, followed by the Paenibacillus, Lysinibacillus and Terribacillus genera. Phylogenetic analyzes indicated that 11.5% of the isolates were phylogenetically grouped with B. megaterium species, followed by 10.8% for B. safensis, 10% for B. cereus, 8.9% for B. oleronius, 7% for B. amyloliquefaciens and 6% of the isolates for B. pacificus. The construction of the phylogenetic tree using the MEGA v.7.0 program allowed the bacterial isolates to be clustered in 18 groups. Analyzes of the BOX regions were performed in order to separate the bacterial groups and determine the degree of diversity between the isolates. Conserved genes (housekeeping) and cry genes were amplified through the PCR technique, respectively for the identification of Bacillus species and characterization of bacteria regarding the type of toxin produced. The clusters with the conserved genes showed correspondence of seven isolates (FORCN075, FORCN076, FORCN089, FORCN090, FORNC091, FORCN092 and FORCN093) with B. thuringiensis serovar berliner. From the amplification of the cry genes, six isolates (FORCN007, FORCN012, FORCN014, FORCN087, FORCN092 and FORCN096) were identified containing the cry2 gene. The potential of control of bacterial species against larvae of the giant borer was evaluated in bioassays using bacteria belonging to the group of species phylogenetically close to B. thuringiensis, B. cereus and B. wiedmanni, in addition to the strains of B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki strain S76 and the commercial strain HD-1. The bacteria FORCN014 (isolated from apoplast fluid) and FORCN066 (isolated from roots) showed interesting results in the bioassays performed, since they guaranteed a control percentage of 42.9% and 57.1%, respectively, in bioassay 1. In the bioassay 2 the control percentage was 37.5% (FORCN014) and 50% (FORCN066) and in bioassay 3 both isolates showed a control percentage of 50% of the giant borer larvae.

Cowpea is one of the components of the diet of Brazilians, mainly in the North and Northeast regions. Economic losses can occur with the competition between culture and weeds, requiring management strategies, including herbicide use. However, a better understanding of herbicide impacts on the physiological responses of culture contributes to the development of more appropriate management practices. The objective of this work was to evaluate physiological responses of cowpea beans (BRS Guariba) and its tolerance to post-emerging herbicides conducted in a no-tillage and conventional system in UFRRJ (Seropédica, RJ). The experiment was in a randomized block design, with four replications, and each plot had 10 m2. The treatments consisted of herbicides applied at 21 days after sowing (DAS): fluazifop-p-butyl (187.5 g ha^-1) and mixtures of herbicides fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen, ranging in three doses of fomesafen (187.5 + 125 g ha^-1, 187.5 + 250 g ha^-1, and 187.5 + 375 g ha^-1) and two controls without herbicide application (manual weeding and without weeding). The plant development and growth by growth analysis were evaluated, obtaining leaf area, leaf area index (IAF), crop growth rate (TCC), and liquid assimilation rate (TAL). Leaf soluble protein content (CPSF) and maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (FV/Fm) were also evaluated before herbicide application and on subsequent days after application. The control performed by herbicides and phytotoxicity to the crop was quantified. At the time of harvest, the effects of treatments on production components were evaluated. Treatments containing fomesafen demonstrated high phytotoxicity to cowpea beans, reducing leaf area and IAF sharply in the first three weeks after application. TCC and TAL also showed a decline in the same period, resulting from the intense defoliation and reduced photosynthetic area caused by fomesafen. In general, the CPSF is impacted and reduced by this herbicide when compared to control treatment in the days following the application. It has an initial impact on chlorophyll fluorescence in the first days after application. Among the production components, the number of pods per plant and productivity is reduced more severely in treatments containing fomesafen. Fluazifop has been shown to be a selective culture, not interfering with plant growth and development. Weed interference severely reduces productivity per area.

Pest management in food production with no chemical residues and environmental impact is a challenge for agriculture. One of the appropriate tools to manage pests in an environmentally safe way is to maximize natural resources by offering resources to natural enemies. In addition to being a method that requires little energy, conservative biological control changes the agricultural landscape's layout, increasing biodiversity, including natural enemies of pests. The greater supply of resources creates conditions for them to feed and reproduce in the refuge, with greater possibilities for controlling agricultural pests. However, there is a lack of knowledge about which plant species to use and their problems. This thesis's general objective was to evaluate plants' potential for the attractiveness of natural enemies and their use in the biological control of phytophagous insects in organic crops. The experiments were conducted under field conditions at Embrapa Agrobiologia, in Seropédica-RJ, in two phases: 1) study of the plants and the predatory arthropod community associated with them in different forms of crops and planting densities and 2) evaluate the best treatment for floristic diversification and the management of phytophagous insects in cabbage and bean crops. Both stages of this study comprised a survey and identification of the entomofauna associated with plant species. The first stage used four plant species: Cosmos sulphureus (Asteraceae ), Canavalia ensiformis and Crotalaria spectabilis (Fabaceae), and Foeniculum vulgare (Apiaceae ), in single cropping and intercropped in three different densities (mix 1, mix 2 and mix 3), with spontaneous vegetation as a reference. The experiment was carried out from May to November 2017. For the second study, carried out from June to December 2018, the combination of plants with higher potential for attractiveness to predators was chosen. A strip containing the mix was established on the head of the plots with cabbage and beans' crops. The presence of phytophagous and predatory insects was evaluated at three different distances from the range of attractive plants. The two experiments were set in 3 x 4-meter plots, spaced 5 meters apart, using DBC with four blocks. The results are presented in four chapters, addressing: (a) performance of plants with potential for conservative biological control; (b) effect of floristic compositions on the predatory arthropod community; (c) use of floristic resources to attract natural enemies in the organic cultivation of cabbage; (d) Use of floristic resources in the attraction of natural enemies and pest control in the cultivation of beans, under an organic system. Intercropping the four species was viable from an agronomic perspective; it was attractive to predatory arthropods and can be used as a tool for insect management and diversification in agroecosystems such as cabbage and beans, using conservative biological control..

The vegetables of the Brassicaceae family, demanding in fertility, handling and cold climate, have great nutritional and market value. In the State of Rio de Janeiro, its production is concentrated in the mountainous region, on family properties under intensive management, with a typical configuration of mountain agriculture in a tropical region and with recurrent reports of losses and environmental impacts. Within this context, the present work was developed with the following objectives: 1) Investigate the main aspects, management practices and problems related to the production of kale in a representative region for this crop; 2) to propose and test strategies for soil management, phytotechnics and control of clubroot in the culture of broccoli; 3) evaluate the impacts of management practices and inputs on the quality of vegetables and contamination by heavy metals. Initially, samples of soil and kale plants were collected in areas of family production in the region of Petrópolis, RJ, followed by the evaluation of soil attributes, biomass production and intensity of clubroot (Chapter I). There were failures in management that may be contributing to the generalized occurrence of the disease, such as the sequential cultivation of host species and the failure to conduct soil and liming analysis. The disease was more severe in more acidic soils, with high content of Al in soils and roots, and greater capacity for water accumulation. In Chapter II, management strategies were evaluated to increase the yield of the broccoli culture and reduce the losses caused by the clubroot. In the first trial, the incorporation of four types of cover plants (green manure), associated with the use of broccoli seedlings of different sizes, was evaluated. In the second trial, the use of corrective, limestone and steel slag associated with the application of poultry litter, fresh or composted for 45 days, was evaluated. The incorporation of sunn hemp and coriander biomass, and the use of larger seedlings (cell of 35 mL and age of 28 days) and (cell of 50 mL and age of 32 days), resulted in less intensity of the disease, and greater development of plants and productivity. The application of poultry litter increased the intensity of the disease but did not affect the production of broccoli. The application of steel slag did not differ from limestone in terms of acidity correction and plant development. In Chapter III, the contamination of broccoli plants by heavy metals was analyzed due to the use of slag and poultry litter. The levels, translocation and accumulation of metals, and risks to human health associated with the consumption of the produced inflorescences were determined. The metals Pb and Cd were the ones that most collaborate for the non-carcinogenic health risks. In the inflorescences, 60.37 to 66.13% of all the Pb absorbed was accumulated by using, simultaneously, steel slag and fresh or composted poultry litter. Based on the calculated indices, it was concluded that the consumption of inflorescences produced with the combined use of these inputs can result in health risks.

For decades, weeds have been chemically controlled in railways, as this is the most suitable method for controlling large areas. Weed control strategies should take into account biotic factors, such as the composition of the plant community present in the area, and abiotic factors derived from physical, chemical or physicochemical aspects of the environment such as topography, climate and soil morphophysiological characteristics such as texture, structure, porosity, etc. The chemical control efficiency, the main method used in railway lines, has been questioned about the tolerance and possible resistance of some biotypes of certain species to the most used herbicide, glyphosate. The objective of this work was to carry out the phytosociological survey of weeds in a railroad stretch in the Mata Atlântica biome and to evaluate the presence of glyphosate after application in a permanent preservation area. The phytosociological survey was carried out in a 130 km stretch along a railway network, separated into subareas of Mangue, Floresta and Área Urbana, where collections were made in 10 points per environment, in triplicate, in the center of the main line and a point in sample units for each area. A square of 0.5 m of side was used, randomly tied once at each sampling point for plants, which were harvested according to species and counted. After the species were grouped by family and were calculated the phytosociological indexes density, frequency, species similarity between areas and diversity. The control efficiency and soil glyphosate behavior tests were carried out with in situ tests where the effects of five doses were observed: 0 g. ha-1 (control); 1,440 g.ha-1, 2,160 g.ha-1, 2,880 g.ha-1 (commercial dose) and 5,760 g.ha-1 and the use of adjuvant by comparing different commercial products of glyphosate: Roundup NA® (4 , 5 L pc ha-1), Roundup WG® (2.3 kg pc ha-1) and Pilarsato® (4.5 L pc ha-1); In addition, tests were carried out on greenhouse leaching potential, using soils from two Permanent Preservation Areas (Forest and mangrove). This experiment consisted of applying the commercial product Pilarsato (Glyphosate), commonly used in this area, in vertical column of PVC containing soil from different areas. The doses were: 0g ha-1 (control), 1440g ha-1, 2,160g ha-1, 2,880g ha-1 (commercial dose) and 5,760g ha-1. The application of the herbicide was performed at the top of the columns, followed by simulation of precipitation of 20 mm h-1. After 7 days of treatment, the tubes were sectioned and placed horizontally to receive seeds of Cucumis sativa, bioindicator sensitive to the herbicide. After 15 and 30 days, visual evaluations of the phytotoxicity were performed in the bioindicator and the chlorophyll a fluorescence was evaluated to obtain detailed information on the photosynthetic efficiency of the Cucumis sativa plants. In addition, soil samples were subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for residue analysis. No glyphosate residues were found in the soils under study in either the bioindicator test independent of the chemical methodology. The phytosociological survey indicated similarity in the floristic composition between the Mangue and Urban Area areas, with greater weed infestation in the mangrove area, and the forest area presented greater species richness, being the botanical families Poaceae and Asteraceae the most representative in study. Field tests indicated that there was no difference in weed control as a function of glyphosate tested doses, with or without adjuvant, and the control was effective at 60 days, taking into consideration the reinfestation of weeds, reduced for all doses . In the greenhouse tests there was no leaching or residual glyphosate herbicide. It is concluded that management tactics to be adopted should take into account characteristics of the vegetation composition of each subarea, seeking a better control result, the herbicide glyphosate being satisfactory in the control of invasive plants in APP area at the doses tested regardless of the use of adjuvant, requiring reapplication in 60 days, and that this herbicide did not offer in this study risk of pollution to groundwater.

The Pupunha palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) is considered an unconventional vegetable, being considered a highly perishable product and therefore, studies are necessary to extend its shelf life. Faced with this demand, this research aimed to extend the shelf life of the Pupunha palm in natura in different cuts with the use of packaging and refrigeration. The strains were harvested, sanitized and submitted to treatments. Each meristematic region of the heart of palmito originated a type of cut (Tolete, Sliced and Picado), and the samples of each cut were submitted to 6 forms of conditioning: control (C), frozen heart of palm, unperforated polyethylene bag ), perforated polyethylene bag (SPP), microperforated polyethylene bag (SPMP) and styrofoam tray + PVC film (BIPF), where the frozen heart of palm was subjected to freezing temperatures (-5 ± 2oC), and the other samples were stored under refrigeration conditions (5oC ± 2oC) until the 24th day and at room temperature until the 25th day of storage. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of pH and visual evaluations (evaluation of physiological deterioration) and Microbiological: initial coliforms (presumptive test), coliforms total, fecal coliforms and total mesophylls.  The statistical design adopted for the experiment for the physico-chemical evaluations was completely randomized, in a factorial scheme 6x8 (Wrapping Forms X Evaluation Periods) with 5 replications, for each of the 3 cutting types. For the experiment with the microbiological evaluations, the design was completely randomized, in a 6x3 factorial scheme with 3 replicates, where the mixture of the three types of cut was submitted to six forms of storage and three storage times (in days), with 3 replicates and 3 replicates. The results obtained in the two experiments indicate that the use of plastic packaging combined with refrigeration was efficient in prolonging the life span of the pupunha palm in natura for all types of cutting, reducing the contamination of the samples in them conditioned. The high values of loss of mass presented by the control treatments in all types of cutting demonstrated the importance of the use of plastic packaging for the packaging of samples of palm heart to prevent losses in the commercialization of the same. The use of the packages that presented the best performances within each result shown for each type of cut is indicated if different types of packaging present similar results and it is indicated that the packaging having lower values of purchase is acquired, since the acquisition of cheaper packaging will influence the profit obtained by them.

Black pepper is a plant cultivated mainly in countries of tropical climates, and in Brazil presents great economic importance in the states of Pará and Espírito Santo. Despite this, little information is available in the literature, especially in relation to the water and nutritional needs of the crop. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the production of black pepper seedlings under different nutrient doses, as well as the physiological status of the crop when submitted to water stress. For this, two experiments were conducted in the Horticulture sector of the Agronomy Institute of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. In the first, pepper stakes (cv Bragantina) were pre-rooted for 60 days in washed sand, and then transplanted in polyethylene tubes with a capacity of 280 cm³. The design was completely randomized in a uni-factorial scheme with 4 doses of controlled release fertilizer (concentrations of 0.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 kg m^-3) (osmocote®), with 10 replications. After 30 days of repication, the height of the plants was periodically measured up to 120 days. At the end of the experiment, destructive analyzes were carried out to evaluate fresh and dry masses of shoot and roots, leaf number and leaf area, as well as chemical analysis of shoots, roots and substrates. In the second experiment, pepper plants (cv Bragantina) with approximately 120 days were cultivated in 5.0 L pots and submitted to different water supplies, corresponding to 100, 78, 58 and 32% of the volume applied by an automatic irrigation controller. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with 4 treatments and 6 replicates. When wilt symptom was detected in about 50% of the plants of a treatment, it was rehydrated and subjected to the corresponding treatment again. The chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance (gs) were measured periodically during the 33 days of evaluation, while leaf osmotic potential (Ψ_f) and relative water content (RWC) leaf were measured at 22, 28 and 31 days of water restriction (DWR). In relation to the first experiment, higher plant height and dry and fresh shoot mass were verified in seedlings produced with higher doses of fertilizer, as well as higher leaf area rates and chlorophyll a and b indexes. Variations in the macro and micronutrients contents were verified between the aerial part and the root of the plants according to the applied doses. The different levels of irrigation (second experiment) influenced the values of Ψ_f and RWC in black pepper plants. In those submitted to the lowest irrigation level (32%), total stomata closure was observed at 28 DWR, showing a small recovery after rehydration. Values of a, b and total chlorophyll were also affected by irrigation levels. It was possible to conclude that: black pepper seedlings produced with doses of 10.0 kg m^-3 of controlled release fertilizer present higher height and fresh and dry root masses; there were variations in the contents of nutrients in relation to the aerial part and root in black pepper plants; black pepper plants are sensitive to more stringent water stress, with partial recovery of Ψ_f, RWC and stomatal conductance in 32% water replenishment treatment.

The Brazilian matgrass (Lippia alba) produces several active ingredients that have phytotherapeutic properties and can be used in the cosmetics, perfumery and cleaning industries. Genotypes of Brazilian matgrass (Lippia alba) that present stable characteristics, high oil yield and excellent biomass production are fundamental to ensure competitiveness in the market. The genotype Brazilian matgrass (Lippia alba) UFRRJ ECB005 chemotype citral selected stands out because it presents high yield of essential oil, excellent stability of chemical profile between two seasons of harvest and excellent productivity of dry biomass. Despite its excellent agronomic performance, information on the economic viability of its production is still non-existent.The objective of the present study was to estimate the net profitability and the financial viability indicators of the genotype Brazilian matgrass (Lippia alba) UFRRJ ECB005 chemotype citral in Seropédica-RJ, according to the financial plan proposed by SEBRAE, using four simulations (I, II, III and IV) that correspond to situations that can be found by farmers / producers in Seropédica, RJ. The following items were considered in the simulations: an irrigation system, the construction of a 70 m2 shed and utensils (tools, furniture and computer equipment). The simulations were idealized: I (no acquisition of any of the items), II (acquisition of an irrigation system), III (construction of a shed of 70 m2), IV (acquisition of all items).For the determination of the economic viability estimators of dry biomass production of the selected genotype, SEBRAE Business Plan Software 3.0 was used. The structure of the financial plan proposed by SEBRAE is subdivided into different categories. For viability analysis, four economic parameters were estimated: break-even point, profitability, profitability and term of return on investment. The total investment (ITO) of simulations I, II, III and IV were respectively R$ 117,773.51, R$ 133,771.51, R$ 213,620.89 and R$ 235,434.21 (Year1). For the same simulations considering year 2 and 3, the ITO value corresponded to R$ 43,564.45, that is, the values were the same for all simulations and for year 2 and 3. Estimates of the break-even point indicated values of R$ 52,916.03 (Year 1) and R $ 50,301.55 (Year 2 and 3). Profitability was estimated at 23.52% (Year 1) and 27.62% (Year 2 and 3) in all simulations. The profitability indexes were different for each simulation in year 1, namely: 15.07%, 13.27%, 8.31% and 7.54%; for year 2 and 3, the index was 47.8% in all simulations. The return on investment period for simulations I and II were respectively 6.6 and 7.5 years. In simulation III and IV, the return period of the investment was 12, 0 and 13.3 years. It is possible to affirm that genotype UFRRJ ECB005 Brazilian matgrass (Lippia alba) is economically viable to be produced in the Municipality of Seropédica-RJ. Based on the profitability, profitability and return on investment, simulations I and II are considered the most suitable for investments in the production of dry biomass of the selected genotype.

The periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus [L.] G. Don) is distinguished because it is exclusive source of the alkaloids vincristina and vinblastina, nevertheless occur in very low concentrations in the species. Such alkaloids are used in chemotherapeutics for the treatment of tumors, leukemias and lymphomas. Therefore, it is fundamental to develop a breeding program in the search for superior genotypes for the production of vincristine and vinblastine. For this, it is necessary, initially, the study of the preferential reproduction mode of the species for the correct application of breeding methods. Considering the above, this research had the objective of studying the preferential reproduction mode in 10 genotypes of periwinkle from the germplasm collection of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, based on the pollen:ovule (P:O), histochemistry pollen, emission and development of pollen tubes in vivo, pollen viability and stigma receptivity. As well as estimating the genetic diversity through ISSR markers among the analyzed genotypes. To estimate the pollen:ovule ratio, anthers of each flower were excised, and the pollen grains were counted under a microscope; ovaries from the same flowers were dissected, and the ovules were counted under stereomicroscope. The ratio (P:O) for each genotype was estimated according to Cruden. In the histochemical analysis of the pollen grains were used the dyes Sudan IV and the solution of I₂KI for the detection of lipid and starch, respectively. The emission and development of pollen tubes in vivo were evaluated in flower buds (closed flowers) and flowers in the anthesis, under fluorescence microscopy, using 0.1% aniline blue fluorochrome. For the pollen viability, flower buds, were used the triple solution of Alexander and for the receptivity of the stigma was adopted the solution of alpha-naphthyl acetate, in closed flowers and in the anthesis. In the genotype analysis, 15 ISSR primers were used. The phenetic matrix was estimated by the dissimilarity index of Jaccard and the grouping of the genotypes was performed by UPGMA. The consistency of the clustering pattern was verified by cophenetic correlation. The results (P:O) indicated that eight of the 10 genotypes presented both facultative self-pollinated and facultative cross pollinated (mixed reproduction mode). However, two genotypes presented only one mode of reproduction, facultative cross pollinated, in UFRRJ VIN007, and facultative self-pollinated in UFRRJ VIN004. Receptive stigmas and high pollen viability in floral buds established favorable conditions for the occurrence of cleistogamy. Based on the emission and development of pollen tubes in vivo, it was verified that of the eight genotypes with mixed reproduction mode, six of them had a strong tendency to alogamy and all were autocompatible. It was also verified the occurrence of cleistogamy in 50% of the genotypes. In the case of UFRRJ VIN004 such occurrence was accentuated, which reinforces its tendency to autogamy. Thus, it was observed that seven genotypes, including UFRRJ VIN007, showed a strong tendency to alogamy. In view of this, a great diversity of reproductive strategies can be observed in periwinkle, since both self- pollinated and alogamy may be present. The high genetic diversity obtained through ISSR markers can be explained by the strong tendency of alogamy found in 70% of the analyzed genotypes.

Potassium (K) is the nutrient most required by the banana, although it is not part of the compounds in the plant. However, this is essential in the physiological aspects of the plant, acting mainly on the regulation of the water balance, the transport of photosimilates and, therefore, the production and quality of the fruits. In organic management it is not allowed to use fertilizers that undergo chemical processes to increase their solubility, such as potassium chloride, so in this system it is necessary to use alternative sources of K. In addition to nutritional management, banana clump management is important to define the level of plant densities. In the conventional systems of high technological standard the so-called 'Mother-Daughter-Net' is adopted. However, it has been observed that in the less-techy plantings, in most clumps, it is not possible to have at the same time these three types of plants of different ages. Therefore, when adopting the technical recommendation of spacing between clumps, it ends up having a smaller number of individuals per area, which has negatively affected the productivity of the orchard. The objective of this study was to compare the two-follower clone management systems and the conventional 'Mother-Daughter-Net' management for four different banana cultivars from the 'Maçã' and 'Prata' subgroups, and to evaluate the influence of Ekosil® (phonolite) on organic banana cultivation. The evaluated cultivars were 'FHIA 01', 'FHIA 18', 'BRS Platina' and 'BRS Princesa' in the second crop cycle. The experiment was conducted at Agroecological Farm of Km 47, EMBRAPA Agrobiologia, municipality of Seropédica / RJ; (4x2x2) with split plots, the four banana cultivars being the plots and the two types of management and presence and absence of the application of the Potassium and Silicon fertilizer to the subplots, with five repetitions. The height and diameter of the pseudocaule, the number of active leaves at flowering and harvesting, the length of the third leaf, the width of the third leaf, the mass of the stem, the mass of the rachis, the mass of the stalk, number of fruits per cluster, number of fruits per cluster, number of fruits per cluster, number of fruits per cluster, number of fruits per cluster, number of fruits per cluster, number of fruits per cluster, number of fruits per cluster, bunch harvested by clump, average mass of bunch per bunch per one, average mass of fruit per plant per year, estimated yield of one year, in the second batch the mass, number of fruits, length, diameter and mass of the fruit of the five central fruits. The results of the vegetative and productive variables were submitted to analysis of variance and the means were compared by the Scott-Knott test. The cultivar FHIA 01 (Maravilha) was superior to the other genotypes, considering the production parameters as total mass of the bunch, mass of the fruits and productivity. The cultivar BRS princesa was the least productive cultivar, in addition to exhibiting high bearing. The management of clumps with two followers does not influence vegetative growth parameters when compared to conventional management. Conventional management of clumps (Mother-Daughter-granddaughter) presented greater mass of the bunches, of pence and weight of the fruit, when compared to the management with two followers. The fertilization with Ekosil® (phonolite), does not influence the parameters of development and productivity of banana trees  'Prata type and 'Maçã' type

Weed control is a challenge for rail maintenance. The main control method adopted by companies is the chemical one. One of the herbicides registered for use in railways is imazapyr. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the control efficiency and imazapyr dynamics in soil under influence of railroad inserted in the Atlantic Forest biome. The first trial was carried out in the field with treatments T1 (control without herbicide), T2 (875 g ha-1 ea), T3 (1312.5 g ha-1 ea), T4 (1750 g ha-1 ea). , T5 (3500 g ha -1 area) in the randomized block design with four replications. Percentage of control (%) evaluations were performed at 20, 40, and 60 DAA (days after application) with 0% for absence and 100% for total control. After 60 DAA reinfestation was evaluated. The second evaluated the mobility of imazapyr in soils coming from the railroad-pierced APP area as a function of herbicide doses, soil layer depth, precipitation depth in relation to time after herbicide application (1, 7 and 14 DAA). ). The treatments were arranged in a factorial scheme (3 x 4 x 3), in a randomized block design with four replications. Factor A constituted by the control and two doses of the herbicide (1250 g ha-1 ea and 2500 g ha ha 1 ea), factor B constituted by the depths in the column and factor C by three precipitation blades: 0, 20 and 50 mm. The assay was mounted on 10 cm diameter 40 cm high PVC columns. The herbicide was applied with a pressurized costal sprayer to CO². To open the columns, the soil was removed at depths of 0-10, 10-20, 20-30 and 30-40, and transferred to 250 mL pots. To detect the presence of the herbicide was used the bioindicator species (Citrullus lanatus) for visual evaluation, giving grades of 0% to 100% for absence or death of the plant. On these same dates, chlorophyll a fluorescence was also evaluated in the bioindicator plants at 20, 30 and 35 DAS. At 35 days after sowing were evaluated the parameters of plant growth: shoot dry mass (MSPA), root dry mass (MRS), root length (CR), shoot length (CPA). The data were subjected to analysis of variance by the F test (p <0.05) and when significant interactions were performed the offsets and means compared by the Tukey test (p <0.05). In experiment I, an increase in weed control was verified at all times of evaluations due to the increase of imazapyr dose. The maximum control observed was 30% in an evaluation performed at 20 DAA. In experiment II the data showed significant interaction (p ≤ 0.05) between imazapyr herbicide doses, precipitation volume and depth for all evaluated times (1, 7 and 14 DAA) in all analyzed variables. However, regardless of the evaluated time, rainfall and precipitation time after application, imazapyr promoted compromise in the photosynthetic apparatus of the bioindicator, which showed phytotoxicity and reduced root and shoot dry mass at different soil depths. . It was concluded that imazapyr provided insufficient weed control along the railway in the study section and presented soil mobility under the evaluated conditions.

To guarantee the independence of family farmers, it is necessary that these farmers can
produce and conserve their seeds with quality, which demands activities of articulation
between teaching, research and extension. The aim of this thesis was to contribute with
technical aspects to the production of common bean seeds of agroecological basis and to
analyze the processes involved in the informal production of agroecological seeds in the state
of Rio de Janeiro in the legal, technical and activities involved, from between public
authorities and farmers. The actions developed between 2015 and 2018 in the context of the
State Network of Agroecological Seeds of Rio de Janeiro (RESA-RJ) were made up of
farmers, public institutions and non-governmental entities. In the years 2015 and 2016, seeds
of 7 common bean cultivars under organic system were produced in the experimental field of
Embrapa Agrobiologia, in Seropédica, RJ, for distribution among RESA-RJ farmers. The
average grain yield of the cultivars was 1361 and 1763 kg ha-1 in 2016 and 2017,
respectively. These seeds were distributed to farmers in 19 municipalities, and the
multiplication of these seeds was monitored and analyzed by four farmers from the
municipalities of Araruama, Engenheiro Pedreira and São José do Vale do Rio Preto. Two
field experiments were conducted between November 2017 and February 2018, and April and
July 2018, in the experimental area of Pesagro-Rio in Avelar, Paty do Alferes - RJ, for
evaluation of doses of aviary litter for fertilization of common bean seeds of agroecological
basis. A randomized block design was used in subdivided plots with four replicates,
combining four avian bed doses (0, 2, 4 and 8 ton ha-1) in plots with two cultivars (Radiante
and Ouro Negro) in the subplots. Nodulation, shoot biomass and grain yield were evaluated.
The cultivar Ouro Negro presented higher production at the dose of 2 ton ha-1 and lower
performance at the highest dose (8 ton ha-1). The Radiante cultivar presented higher
productivity associated with a dose of 4 ton ha-1. The cultivar Ouro Negro presented in 2017,
productivity between 595 and 1147 kg ha-1 and in 2018, between 1792 and 2218 kg ha-1.
Radiant presented in 2017, productivity between 666 and 1172 kg ha-1 and in 2018 between
1398 and 1623 kg ha-1.

The control of insect pests in organic producution is a major problem due to the small amount of inputs available for this purpose. Most conventional insecticides leave residues in food damaging the environment. Diversifying vegetation provides important ecological services such as attraction of natural enemies to production systems. The attraction and maintenance of these insects considered natural enemies is a cheap and effective option for reducing pests in organic systems.Certain plants attract and make resources available to natural enemies by providing food (pollen, prey nectar / alternate hosts), shelter, mating place and oviposition, thus keeping these useful insect breeding grounds close to crop areas. The objective of this work is to evaluate the attractive potential of three plant species to act in the attraction and conservation of natural enemies in areas of organic cultivation of vegetable production. The experiments were carried out in three places: (A) Experimental Station of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Seropédica-RJ, (B) Pesagro Experimental Station in Paty do Alferes-RJ and (C) Embrapa Terrace / Agrobiology Experimental Station. Seropédica-RJ from June 2015 to June 2018.Two species of Asteraceae (Tithonia rotundifolia and Tithonia diversifolia) were studied. They are plant species adapted to the conditions of the Southeast region of Brazil, relatively known by many organic producers and easily multiplied. The first step consisted of evaluating these plants at sites A and B, at sea level and at 500 m altitude respectively, with emphasis on the period and duration of flowering and their potential attractiveness to arthropodofauna. In the second stage, the attractive potential of these plants was evaluated, as well as the existence of control of phytophagous insects, when the attractive plants were cultivated intercropped with tomato (local A), broccoli (local B) and okra (local C). Biweekly samplings were always performed manually and using mechanical equipment, where the collected arthropods were stored and taken to the Embrapa Agrobiology Biological Control Laboratory for later identification. Twenty-seven arthropod families were found in T. diversifolia and 34 in T. rotundifolia; Of these, 14 and 19 families were from natural enemies, respectively. The most frequent families for the two plants studied were Coccinellidae, Dolichopodidae, Carabidae. Among the phytophages, the presence of Cicadellidae was highlighted for both plants. These crops have attractive potential and can be used to diversify agroecosystems. when T. rotundifolia was intercropped with  broccoli and tomato, there was an increase of natural enemies in relation to the control plots.  When okra was intercropped with T. rotundifolia, Scymnus sp. (Coccinelidae) counts were directly related to T. rotundifolia distance.

The objective of this work was evaluated as responses in terms of nodulation, biomass production and productivity, co-inoculation of plant growth promoting bacteria associated with common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) commercial inoculant Rhizobium strains crop. In order to achieve these objectives, three field experiments at different agroecological conditions and two greenhouse experiments were conducted. The greenhouse experiments aimed to evaluate the effect on nodulation an initial plant growth of Rhizobium compared to co-inoculation treatments with growth promoting bacteria, on the first stages of common beans vegetative growth. The experiments were designed in a completely randomized design, with two cultivars, Pérola (Carioca grain commercial type) and BRS Esteio (Black grain commercial type), with four treatments and six replications. Plants were harvested at the phenological phases V3 and V4 characterized by the emission of the first trifoliate leaf and the emission of the third trifoliate leaf, respectively. Greenhouse experiments demonstrated that co-inoculation with Bradyrhizobium consistently stimulated nodulation of the cultivars, at both stages for cultivar Pérola and at V4 for cultivar Esteio. Number of nodules of cultivar Pérola, compared to the isolated inoculation with Rhizobium tropici, was increased by 56% and by 70%, respectively at V3 and V4. Nodule dry weight at V4 showed values 29% and 41% higher than sole rizobial inoculation for Pérola and Esteio cultivars, respectively. Bradyrhizobium coinoculation also stimulated shoot growth of the cultivars at V4, by 67% and 28% for Pérola and Esteio, respectively. Coinoculation stimulus on nodulation by Azospirillum were evident at V4 for both cultivars with an increase, respectively for Pérola and Esteio, of 53% and 21% in nodule numbers and 24% and 21% in nodule dry weight. An increase of 51% higher accumulation of shoot dry matter on cultivar Pérola was observed for Azospirillum coinoculation at V4. There was no effects of the co-inoculation treatments for root dry mass values. Two field experiments were carried out with Esteio cultivar, in Macaé, RJ, at areas with different soil and previous cultivation history. The experiments were conducted in a randomized blocks design with five replicates and five treatments: absolute control, nitrogen control (80 kg ha-1 of N), inoculation with Rhizobium ration, co-inoculation Rhizobium and A. brasilense, and Rhizobium and B. elkanii co-inoculation. A third e experiment was carried out at Embrapa Agrobiologia, with cultivars Esteio and Ouro Negro, with the same previous treatments and a co-inoculation treatment with A. brasilense coinoculation and application of N mineral in cover (40 kg ha-1 of N at 30 DAEs). The plants were sampled during full bloom and maturation of the grains. The first experiment in Macaé showed a high native population of rhizobia in the soil. In the second experiment, a co-inoculation with Bradyrhizobium increased the dry mass of shoots and roots; but climatic conditions drastically limited yield. At Embrapa Agrobiologia experiment, cultivar Esteio was superior to Ouro Negro for most of the analyzed variables and grain yield. Rhizobium co-inoculation with growth-promoting bacteria, associated or not with N application on cover, did not affected biomass production compared to the controls. At the agroecological field conditions evaluated, it was not possible to confirm the positive effects of inoculation or co-inoculation treatments. 

There is a lack of research related to the production technology of tomato seeds in the organic system. In this scenario, the objective of this project was to evaluate the effect of planting density on fruit production and physiological quality of seeds of different floral clusters on two tomato cultivars under greenhouse system in the city of Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro. The open - pollinated cultivars: Perinha (cherry tomato) and Roma (Italian tomato) were used. For the evaluation of the production components, the experimental design was the randomized blocks in subdivided plots, with four replications. Each cultivar was analyzed separately in the experiment, where two planting densities were evaluated as the main factor: spacing of 0.40 and 0.60 m between plants; and five positions of bunch: 1 °, 2 °, 3 °, 4 ° and 5 ° trusses in the subplots. Each plot consisted of two crop lines with 8.00 m in length and spaced by 1.00 m, the plants located at the ends of each plot being considered border, therefore, in the spacing of 0.40 m, the useful plot consisted of 18 plants, and the spacing of 0.60 m, the useful plot was 11 plants. No significant interaction was observed in the analysis of variance between cluster spacing and position by the 5% F test, except for transversal and longitudinal diameters. Both cultivars presented higher results of fruit and seed yield in the more densified crop. The values of production and number of fruits varied between 78.1 and 120.3 g / plant and 6.4 and 9.5 fruits / plant for the cultivar Perinha, and between 233.8 and 469.1 g / plant and 5.7 and 10.1 fruits / plant for the cultivar Roma. While the production of seeds varied between 0.43 and 0.73 g / plant (Perinha) and 0.20 and 0.54 g / plant (Roma), for the different positions of bunch in the densified planting, respectively. From the five harvests performed during the field experiment, seed lots were formed with the respective combinations between planting density and cluster position for the evaluation of the physiological quality characteristics. For this experiment, a completely randomized experimental design was used, with four replications. It was possible to separate the lots and their physiological potential by the tests of germination, first count of germination, emergence of seedlings, index of emergency speed and computerized analysis of seedling performance. None of the lots presented germination below the standard stipulated for commercialization of tomato seeds in Brazil.

The use of microorganisms that promote plant growth has been studied as one of the strategies to increase productivity and sustainability of rice cultivation. Several factors reduce the productivity of rice crops (Oryza sativa L.), with emphasis on weeds that compete with the crop for light, water and nutrients. In this case, the use of herbicides is justified, especially when infestations lead to high losses in grain yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of selective herbicides on strains of diazotrophic bacteria associated with the rice crop, Vermelho Pequeno variety. Three experiments were carried out to evaluate the in vitro growth of bacterial strains (Herbaspirillum seropedicae, strain ZA25, ZAL95, Z67, ZAE94, 26H and Azospirillum brasilense 245) after application of the Cialofope-butyl herbicides at doses 225, 450, 675 and 900, Penoxsulam 60, 120, 180 and 240 and Quinclorac 375, 750, 1125 and 1500 g i.a ha^-1; in the second, the germination of red rice seeds inoculated with diazotrophic bacteria Herbaspirillum seropedicae, strain ZA25, ZAL95, Z67, ZAE94, 26H and Azospirillum brasilense strain 245, treated with Cialofope-butyl herbicides, Penoxsulam, Quinclorac, at doses 225, 60 and 375 g ai ha^-1 respectively; The third objective was to evaluate the growth and production of red rice inoculated with diazotrophic bacteria Herbaspirillum seropedicae, strains ZA25, ZAL95, Z67, ZAE94, 26H and Azospirillum brasilense strain 245 and treated with Cialofope-butyl herbicides, Penoxsulam, Quinclorac, at doses 225 , 60 and 375 g ai ha^-1, respectively. The quantitative data from experiments two and three were submitted to analysis of variance by the F test and when significant the means were compared by the Scott-Knott test, at 5% probability. In the experiment a normal growth of the bacteria was observed in the control without herbicide and in the treatments that received 225, 450 and 675 g ia ha^-1, 60, 120, and 180 g ia ha^-1, 375, 750 and 1125 g ia ha^-1 of the Cialofope-butyl herbicides, Penoxsulam and Quinclorac, respectively. In the treatments that included the highest doses of the herbicides, inhibition of the growth of the bacteria was verified, with exception of strain 245. In experiment two the variable number of roots was shown statistically different for the strain 245, in addition there was no effect of the tested herbicides. In the third experiment, in the collection performed 30 days after planting, the values of fresh root and shoot mass and dry mass of the aerial part showed a significant difference, with strains ZA25 and 245 being highlighted. Strains ZAL95, 26H and 245 were those that provided better performance for root dry mass. At harvesting, at 60 days after planting, the variables maintained the same behavior observed at the first collection. In the collection at the end of the crop cycle, significant values were found for the variables fresh and dry mass of root and grain mass, with better performance of rice plants provided by strains 245 and ZA25. Therefore, the bacterial strains were resistant to up to three times the recommended dose of all tested herbicides. The inoculation contributed to the increase in the number of roots, fresh and dry mass of shoot and root and mass of grains. Among the strains studied, ZA25 and 245 were the ones that promoted greater plant growth.

The use of ammonia volatilization and nitrification inhibitors proved to be successful in reducing N losses after application of urea to crops, which in combination with seed inoculation with plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) would increase fertilization efficiency. This hypothesis was tested in this study. An experiment was carried out at the experimental station of Embrapa Agrobiologia, located in Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro. A randomized block design with 5 treatments and 5 replications was adopted. The treatments were different N fertilization strategies as follows: no N addition (T1); urea (120 kg N ha-1) (T2); urea (60 kg N ha-1) (T3); seed inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense ABV4 and ABV5 strains + urea (60 kg N ha-1) (T4); coated urea (60 kg N ha-1) with NBPT (T5); and coated urea (60 kg N ha-1) with NBPT + seed inoculation with A. brasilense ABV4 and ABV5 (T6). Each plot was 4 m long by 4 m wide, with 0.50 m interrow space. At seeding, plants were fertilized with 80 kg P2O5 ha-1 as single superphosphate, 40 kg K2O ha-1 as potassium chloride, and 3 kg micronutrients ha-1 as Cana Micros Plus®. Urea fertilization was split in two, with 20 kg N ha-1 at sowing and 40 kg N ha-1 as side-dressing. Grain yield and straw were quantified at harvesting. Results were submitted to ANOVA and significantly different means were separated by l.s.d. test at p<0.05. The use of nitrification inhibitor did not show statistical differences between treatments Urea (60 kg N ha-1) + DCD and pure urea (60 kg N ha-1) or pure urea (60 kg N ha-1) plus A. the treatment with urea + DCD + Azospirillum differed statistically from the treatment urea (60 kg N ha-1) + DCD with a 45% reduction in N2O emissions. Volatilization of ammonia in the absence of inhibitor was about 10% of the N added, regardless of the application dose, but when present, the inhibitor reduced N losses by half. There was no effect of seed inoculation on losses by volatilization. Grain production was affected by the use of Azospirillum and / or Azospirillum + Inhibitors with an increase of 1.7% and 7.7% in relation to treatment with pure urea (60 kg N ha-1), but it was not possible to observe differences between treatments. It was not possible to verify a synergy in the efficiency of the use of fertilizers when combining the technologies of inhibitors of volatilization and nitrification together with the inoculation of seeds with PGPB.

MARINHO, Diogo de Vilela. Determination of genetic parameters for agronomic and productive characters at ENAS 1125 x Perinha Água Branca cherry tomato. 2018. 81p. Dissertation (Master in Plant Science). Institute of Agronomy, Department of Fitotecnia, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, 2018. 

Breeding programs are of great importance for modern agriculture and for the sustainable increase of agricultural production. However, in the case of cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. Cerasiforme), there is still a lack of data and studies in the literature that are sufficient to satisfactorily subsidize breeding or genetic studies on this crop. The present study had as objectives: to study the heritability of agronomic characteristics in populations P1, P2, F1, F2, F3 and F4 of Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme obtained with the crossing of cultivars ENAS 1125 X PERINHA ÁGUA BRANCA of Cherry Tomato; to estimate genetic parameters for agronomic and productive characteristics to guide the best choice in breeding methods to obtain pure lines with market potential. The experiments were conducted under field conditions between November 2016 and September 2018, at the Vegetation House in the Large Crops Sector of the Agronomy Institute and at the Experimental Field of the Institute of Agronomy - Department of Plant Science - UFRRJ. The design, in both experiments, was in randomized blocks (DBC), following the recommendation of the literature to conduct the culture. The characteristics evaluated in the first experiment were: average weight of the fruits (grams), average weight of the bunches (grams), total production per plant (kg), number of fruits (units) and soluble solids content (ºBrix). It was found complete dominance only in the characteristic soluble solids content, absence of dominance for number of fruits and overdominance for average fruit weight, total production per plant and average weight of the bunches. The heritability estimates in the broad sense presented 58% for average fruit weight, 66% for total production per plant, 33% for average weight of bunches, 67% for fruit number and 75% for soluble solids content. The heritabilities in the restricted sense were estimated in 23% for average fruit weight, 3% for total production per plant, 2% for average weight of bunches, 0% for fruit number and 53% for soluble solids content. In the second experiment, the average weight of fruits (grams), total production per plant (kg) and number of fruits (units) were evaluated. Estimates of heritability in the approximate restricted sense presented values of 14% for total number of fruits, 30% for total production and 40% for average fruit weight. Thus, the characteristics of average fruit weight, total yield per plant and average weight of the bunches showed that they are inheritable characteristics and indicated for the breeding of the cultivars ENAS 1125 X PERINHA ÁGUA BRANCA of cherry tomatoes. 

The experiments were conducted in the field, in two consecutive agricultural years, 2015 and 2016, in the SIPA (Agroecological Integrated Production System - "Fazendinha Agroecológica Km 47"). The experimental design was a randomized block design (RBD) in a factorial scheme (5 x 2) with four replicates, corresponding to five doses of fermented compost - 0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 kg of total N ha^-1 - with or without mulching. In the first agricultural year, carrot growth analysis was performed according to the treatments. In the first and second year of cultivation, the agroeconomic performance of carrot and bertalha (Basella alba), submitted to the treatments, was evaluated. The agronomic parameters evaluated in relation to the carrot crop were productivity (ton ha^-1) and root mean diameter. The bertalha culture was cultivated after the carrot harvest with the purpose of evaluating the residual effect of fertilization with fermented compost in carrot succession. The agronomic parameters evaluated in the stand crop performance were fresh biomass yield (ton ha^-1), dry biomass yield (ton ha^-1) and leaf area (cm²). At the end of the productive cycles, in the two agricultural years, the cost of production data for each treatment were compared with the gross income data for the estimation of the net profit and the profitability index of the production model, considering the prices practiced in the circuit of organic fairs and in the wholesale market. It was also carried out in the first and second agricultural years the evaluation of soil biological indicators aiming at a better understanding of the influence of the use of the fermented compost, together with the vegetal cover, in the soil microorganisms. For this purpose, soil samples were collected from the plots submitted to the treatments, 30 days after fertilization with fermented compost, to perform analyzes of Carbon of Microbial Biomass (CBM), Basal Soil Breathing (BSB), Metabolic Quotient (qCO2), enzyme activity of β-glucosidase and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis evaluation (FDA). Considering the influence of the use of organic fertilizers on soil organic matter dynamics and the need to develop simple and easy to use tools to better understand these phenomena, an incubation test with different soil profiles (Horizon A and B1 of Argissolo Vermelho and Horizon E of a Planossolo Háplico), in a completely randomized design with increasing doses of fermented compost and humus - 0, 20, 40, 80 and 160 ton ha^-1. In this work, the potential of Pfeiffer's Circular Chromatography (PCC) was evaluated to predict organic matter and soil humic fractions. Soil cover made with Cameroon grass did not directly influence the carbon values of the microbial biomass, soil basal respiration, metabolic quotient, β-glicosidase activity, and FDA in the short term. The values of CBM, BSB, qCO2, β-glicosidase activity and the FDA differed statistically as a function of the doses of fermented compost used. The response patterns of the microbiological variables evaluated indicate that the 0.6 kg m^-2 of fermented compost, made from wheat bran and castor bean cake, may present some degree of toxicity to soil microbial communities and these communities and they may become resistant to the effect of ricin. In the first year of evaluations the dose of 200 kg of total N ha^-1 (0.530 kg m^-2 of fermented compost), with mulch, showed the highest yield of roots - 73.5 Mg ha^-1. In the second year of cultivation, the dose of 400 kg of total N ha^-1 (1.12 kg m^-2 of fermented compost) with mulch was the one with the highest root yield - 58.36 Mg ha^-1. In the first agricultural year (2015), the treatment that presented the highest profitability index (0.86) for the carrot crop was the dose of 0.530 kg m^-2 of fermented compound (200 kg of total N ha^-1), with utilization of mulch, providing net revenue of R$ 50.42 m^-2. In the agricultural year of 2016, treatment with the dose of 0.560 kg m^-2 of fermented compost (200 kg of total N ha^-1), in the absence of mulch, presented the highest profitability index (0.81), with a net revenue of R$ 35.32 m^-2. Regarding the culture of the bertalha, the highest profitability index (0.52) was provided by the treatment with the dose of 1.06 kg m^-2 (400 kg of total N ha^-1), applied in the carrot culture aiming at the price practiced in the Rio circuit of organic fairs. In the year 2016, due to the low productivity, all the treatments presented a negative profitability index, indicating a loss of the activity. PCC was shown to be a sensitive technique for the prediction of concentration and proportion of fulvic acid fraction and humic acid fraction.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of the isotopic technique ^(15N leaf marking) to estimate the total N accumulated in the soybean root system. The experiment was conducted in pots of 6 kg soil, in greenhouse at Embrapa Agrobiologia, Seropédica, RJ. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with five replicate plots. The treatments consisted of ¹⁵N-leaf marking using two N sources, ¹⁵N-Urea and ¹⁵N-glutamine, and six collection times, which were performed at 2, 7, 14, 25, 47 and 70 days after labeling with the isotope ¹⁵N, corresponding to the stages V4, R1, R3, R5, R6 and R7, respectively. The enrichment of ¹⁵N in the tissue of the plant in each collection and the nitrogen in the unrecovered roots-NRnr (in the rizosferic soil and in the total soil of the vessels) was determined. The ¹⁵N enrichment data of the different root segments of the plants showed uniformity at the 10 and 14 DAM marking of the ¹⁵N supply through the leaves for both urea and glutamine. At 45 DAM, the roots marked with glutamine remained uniform, in contrast the roots marked with urea presented significant differences between them. The enrichment data of ¹⁵N of the different aerial part segments of the plants showed that there was no uniformity in the marking between the parts of the plant, for the collections performed at 2, 7, 10 DAM. In general, glutamine-labeled plants showed a slower label distribution throughout the plant. Regarding the contributions of NRnr (mg / plant), it was observed that in the 2 DA of the plants there was a large exudation of the N, between 163 mg and 141 mg, for the urea and glutamine treatments, respectively. For the NRnr (%) it was observed that for the two sources of marking from the 10 DAM of the plants, practically no differences were observed, and, from then on, the NRnr remained uniform, varying from 8 to 15% of N accumulated by whole plant, for the two marking sources. In this unpublished study, we showed that initially (up to 2 AMD) there was an exudation of enriched N. Regardless of the source of N used in the labeling of the plant with 15N, the NRnr did not show large differences, regardless of the source of ¹⁵N-Urea or ¹⁵N-Glutamine marking did not interfere in the estimation of NRnr. In the total N balance of the whole soybean plant, between 11 and 14% of the total N accumulated by the whole plant is in the underground part of the plant.

Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus (PAL5), an endophytic diazotrophic bacterium with recognized plant growth potential, may expand its application potential for the production of bacteriocins. The present study aimed to optimize the production and purification of bacteriocin gluconacin and to evaluate its spectrum of action on phytopathogens and beneficial bacteria of importance for sugarcane and tomato crops. Evaluations were performed to elucidate the mechanism of action of this antimicrobial peptide, as well as to verify its stability against physical and chemical changes. The biotechnological potential of bacteriocin was tested in vivo in tomato plants in protection against Xanthomonas perforans, causal agent of the bacterial spot. The results demonstrated that bacteriocin was expressed and purified satisfactorily. This antimicrobial agent demonstrated a broad spectrum of action, inhibiting the growth of all bacterial phytopathogens evaluated. In addition, bacteriocin gluconacin has also shown antagonism against some beneficial strains belonging to Bacillus species and other strains of G. diazotrophicus. X. albilineans cells (model microorganism) treated with bacteriocin showed loss of inorganic phosphate and UV absorbing materials. Scanning microscopy analyzes demonstrated that cells were fully lysed after treatment, suggesting that bacteriocin alters the integrity of the membrane and increases its permeability, resulting in complete cell lysis. The results of physicochemical characterization indicated that bacteriocin gluconacin showed stability at high temperatures and acid pHs, while a reduction in inhibitory activity was observed after treatment with some proteases and surfactants. Greenhouse evaluations showed a significant reduction of bacterial spot symptoms in plants treated with antimicrobial peptide, suggesting great biotechnological potential.

The aim of this study was to improve a polymeric carrier based on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and starch for a bacterial inoculant formulation for sugarcane demonstrating desirable characteristics for the maintenance of cell viability and stability. Four types of starch and two of CMC were tested with MgO as the compatibilizing agent in the range of 0.1 to 1% in terms of dry basis. Three ratios of CMC / starch (80:20, 60:40 and 40:60) and three sterilization conditions (100 ^oC for 20 min and 121 ^oC for 30 and 60 min at 1 atm) were also evaluated. Maintenance of cell viability of Bradyrhizobium pachyrhizi, strain BR3262 and strains BR11281 from Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, BR11335 from Herbaspirillum seropedicae, BR11504 from H. rubrisubalbicans, BR11145 from Nitrospirillum amazonense and BR11366 from Parabulkholderia tropica was determined over a period of up to 168 days at room temperature . The BR3262 strain registered for cowpea at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply presented higher cell survival after 38 days of storage in a polymer blend compatibilized with 0.2 to 0.5% MgO. The increase of the MgO content correlated with the increase of carrier pH, being observed values in the range of 9.5 with one of the starches tested. The pH of the carriers formed by two of the four starches, C and D, remained between 7.5 and 8.0 after 180 days of blend preparation using 0.3% of MgO. Five BR3262 formulations were selected for being able to maintain approximately 8 x 10⁷ CFU g^-1 until 84 days after inoculation, which corresponds to approximately 40% of the total inoculated cells. After 168 days, these formulations presented a mean of 1.7 x 10⁷ CFU g^-1. Sterilization conditions did not influence viable cells number over the storage period. Effective diazotrophic strains for sugarcane inoculation (BR11335, BR11504, BR11145 and BR11366) were formulated in carriers produced with starch C. Cell viability lasted for 30 days of storage independent of the compatibilizing agent content. However, the survival of the G. diazotrophicus BR11281 strain was only possible after replacement of the crystal sugar a component of DYGS medium adaptation by a brown sugar during the production of the cell biomass. Maintenance of BR11281 cells was dependent on the CMC / starch ratio, accounting for about 1.3 x 10⁸ CFU g^-1 in the 40:60 and 80:20 mixtures after 90 days of storage. For the other strains, the results were independent of the CMC / starch ratio. After 150 days of storage, averages between 0.9 and 5.1 x 10⁸ CFU g^-1 were obtained. The CMC / starch polymer mixture represents an alternative to peat, but it is important to ensure its production according to standard procedures considering mainly the type of starch and the content of MgO as a compatibilizing agent.