O crescimento populacional e a consequente demanda adicional de alimentos exigem uma agricultura cada vez mais intensa e tecnificada. Essa conjuntura tem contribuído para se buscar a maximização do rendimento das culturas, além da otimização do uso de recursos, em especial, fertilizantes e água. Nos sistemas que aplicam a fertirrigação, como é o caso do cultivo hidropônico, realizam-se o manejo químico da solução nutritiva mediante monitoramento da concentração salina com condutivímetro portátil. Essa prática comum entre os produtores pode ocasionar desequilíbrios nutricionais, tendo em vista que a leitura fornecida por esse aparelho não distingue os nutrientes especificamente. Contudo, o desenvolvimento e a disponibilização de novos sensores, como os eletrodos de íon específico, permite explorar novas estratégias de monitoramento e controle de nutrientes em soluções. Diante do exposto, o objetivo desse trabalho foi desenvolver e avaliar um sistema eletrônico de controle automático da concentração de nitrato em solução nutritiva por meio de um sensor de íon seletivo. O sistema desenvolvido constou, basicamente, de um Sistema de Aquisição, Processamento e Acionamento (SIAPEA), o qual realizava o processamento do sinal de sensores e o acionamento de atuadores (válvulas solenoides); um sensor seletivo a íons de nitrato; um sensor de pH; e, um sistema de injeção de solução concentrada comandada por pulsos elétricos enviados pelo SIAPEA. Além da comunicação com computador, via serial RS-232, o SIAPEA possuía uma interface amigável com o usuário, por meio de LCD, para exibição dos resultados, e botões de navegação. Assim, possibilitava-se ao usuário alterar a concentração de ajuste desejada para a solução nutritiva. Construiu-se uma bancada hidropônica para os testes do sistema, com quatro perfis, um reservatório de 120 L e bombas para circulação da solução, sendo que, para a inserção do sensor de nitrato na bancada, montou-se uma unidade de leitura. O ajuste automático da concentração da solução foi baseado em uma lógica de controle proporcional, a qual é fundamentada na diferença entre as entradas e saídas do controlador, sendo que cada ciclo de ação do controlador (medição da concentração da solução nutritiva e injeção de solução concentrada) tinha uma duração de 20 s. O valor inicial de concentração de nitrato na solução nutritiva era cerca de 524 mg L-1, sob vazão constante de 0,1 L s-1, injetando-se solução concentrada de nitrato de potássio de 30000 mg L-1 na tubulação de retorno, próximo ao reservatório, e realizando a medição à jusante do bombeamento. Realizaram-se ensaios para valores finais da concentração de 780, 1002 e 1445 mg L-1, sendo coletadas amostras de 15 mL em tempos definidos, para se determinar a concentração de nitrato no espectrofotômetro. Os resultados obtidos comprovaram a eficiência da lógica de controle aplicada na automação, além do desempenho satisfatório do sistema em manter a concentração do nitrato no intervalo desejado. Para aquelas concentrações finais desejadas os tempos requeridos pelo sistema para os respectivos ajustes foram cerca de 12, 22 e 35 min, após o início dos testes. / The population growth and the consequent demand for food require an increasingly intensive and technified agriculture. This scenario has contributed to find the maximization of crop yield, besides the optimization of the use of the resources, as water and fertilizers. In the systems which apply fertigation, as in the case of hydroponic, the chemical management of the nutrient solution is done by monitoring the salinity with portable conductivity meters. Although it is a common practice among farmers, it can cause nutritional imbalances, considering that the reading provided by this device does not distinguish specific nutrients. Nevertheless, the development and availability of new sensors, such as specific ion electrodes, allows exploring new strategies for monitoring and control nutrient solutions. Given the above, the objective of this study was to develop and evaluate an electronic automatic control of nitrate concentration in nutrient solution by means of an ion-selective sensor. The developed system consisted basically of a System for Acquisition, Processing and Actuation (SIAPEA), which performed the signal processing sensors and drive actuators (solenoid valves); ion-selective nitrate sensor; pH sensor; and a system to inject concentrated solution commanded by electrical pulses sent by SIAPEA. Besides communication with computer via serial RS-232, the SIAPEA had a user-friendly interface through LCD to display the results, and navigation buttons. Thus, the user was enabled to change the concentration of desired adjustment to the nutrient solution. A hydroponic bench was constructed to test the system, with four flat bottomed gently sloped channels, a 120 L reservoir and pumps to circulate solution, and, for the insertion of the nitrate sensor on the bench, a reading unit was mounted. The automatic adjustment of the concentration of the solution was based on a proportional control logic, which is based on the difference between the inputs and outputs of the controller, with each cycle controller action (measurement of nutrient solution concentration and injection of concentrated solution) had 20 s of duration. The initial concentration of nitrate in the nutrient solution was about 524 mg L-1 under a constant flow of 0.1 L s-1, injecting concentrated solution of potassium nitrate to 30,000 mg L-1 in the return pipe, near the reservoir, and performing the measurement downstream of the pumping. Assays were performed for different final values of concentration of 780, 1002 and 1445 mg L-1, collecting samples of 15 mL at defined times to determine the concentration of nitrate in a spectrophotometer. The results proved the efficiency of the logic of control applied in automation, beyond the proper performance of the system to maintain the concentration of nitrate in the desired range. For those desired final concentrations, the times required by the system for the respective adjustments were approximately 12, 22 and 35 min after the start of the tests.

Thesis (MTech (Horticultural Sciences)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2012 / This study evaluated the effects of different combinations of Hoagland’s solution and Azolla filiculoides on Beta vulgaris subsp. cycla ‘FORDHOOK GIANT’ grown in different hydroponic nutrient solutions. These solutions were comprised of a full Hoagland’s solution and a Hoagland’s solution minus nitrogen solution and amalgamations of these with Azolla respectively. The objectives were to assess the effects of different combinations of Hoagland’s solution and A. filiculoides on uptake of nitrogen and other nutrients, photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, growth and development in B. vulgaris grown in hydroponic cultures. The treatments were made up of 1) Hoagland’s minus N solution (as the control), 2) A. filiculoides plus Hoagland’s minus N solution, 3) A. filiculoides plus a full Hoagland’s solution and 4) full Hoagland’s solution. Each treatment was replicated 4 times. Nutrient uptake was measured at 4 and 8 weeks into the experiment. Photosynthesis was measured by analysing the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration and the evapotranspiration rate of B. vulgaris on a weekly basis. Chlorophyll content was determined by analysing the samples at 4 and 8 weeks. Growth and development was determined by measuring plant height, leaf number, leaf colour, fresh weight and dry weight. Plant height, leaf number and leaf colour on a biweekly intervals, while fresh and dry weight were analysed at 4 and 8 weeks into the experiment. In this study, the most favourable results were attained by the full Hoagland’s solution. This treatment produced plants with the highest nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, chlorophyll content and best growth and development. Preceding this was the Azolla plus full Hoagland’s solution, followed by the Azolla plus Hoagland’s minus nitrogen solution. The poorest results were noted in the control (Hoagland’s minus nitrogen solution) as all the tested parameters in this treatment were the lowest. In this study, Azolla plus Hoagland's minus N solution treatment produced significant growth in B. vulgaris. Although nitrogen was not applied in this treatment, there was improved nitrogen content in B. vulgaris organs. It is postulated that, probably, Azolla released the fixed nitrogen in its surrounding environment making it available to B. vulgaris hence improving N uptake and growth. This implies that there was a synergistic effect from Azolla–Anabaena symbiosis. More studies to understand the mechanisms involved in improving the plant growth are recommended.

Submitted by Ricardo Cedraz Duque Moliterno (ricardo.moliterno@uefs.br) on 2018-01-30T22:06:24Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Disserta??o Mileide Coutinho_P?s_Defesa_COMPLETO_VERSAO_FINAL.pdf: 2079669 bytes, checksum: 16f275e93cd170ec8dbe5989847d2cf3 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-01-30T22:06:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Disserta??o Mileide Coutinho_P?s_Defesa_COMPLETO_VERSAO_FINAL.pdf: 2079669 bytes, checksum: 16f275e93cd170ec8dbe5989847d2cf3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-06-20 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior - CAPES / The cultivation of potential fruit species in the semiarid region, using a hydroponic system, arises in an attempt to diversify and boost the economy, especially small and medium producers in this region. However, studies are needed to evaluate the growth, productivity and adaptation of these species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and nutritional profile of Physalis peruviana in a hydroponic floating system, considering different levels of salinity of the water artificially produced with NaCl. The experiment was carried out in a protected environment (greenhouse), where a randomized block design (RBD) was used, with four blocks, being tested five concentrations of salinity: 0; 20; 30; 40 and 60 mM NaCl. At each interval of 10 days, the following measurements were obtained: stem and root lengths, total leaf area and neck diameter and dry matter masses of plants. After 48 days of treatment, in addition to the growth analyzes, the nutrient contents of the leaves were quantified. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and analyzed by means test and regression curves. Leaf nutrient contents were only descriptive. Within the expected, the salinity of the medium restricted the growth of plants of fis?lis. The variables total dry mass (TDM), absolute growth rate (AGR) and number of leaves (NL) were those that suffered the greatest reductions with the increase of the salinity of the medium. In relation to the leaf nutrient profile, it was observed that the higher the Na + and Cl- concentration in the leaves, the lower the K +, Ca2 + and Mg2+ concentrations. According to the data of total dry mass, it was possible to determine the P. peruviana salinity tolerance index (STI), which presented mean values> 70% in most of the experimental period at concentrations of 20 and 30 mM, demonstrating that P. peruviana species is moderately tolerant to salinity. In addition, it was considered in this work that high NaCl levels led to a nutritional imbalance, where sodium ion was the main cause of interferences during growth. / O cultivo de esp?cies frut?feras potenciais na regi?o semi?rida, utilizando sistema hidrop?nico surge na tentativa de diversificar e impulsionar a economia, principalmente de pequenos e m?dios produtores desta regi?o. No entanto s?o necess?rios estudos que avaliem o crescimento, produtividade e adapta??o destas esp?cies. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o crescimento e o perfil nutricional da Physalis peruviana em sistema hidrop?nico do tipo floating, considerando diferentes n?veis de salinidade da ?gua produzidos artificialmente com NaCl. O experimento foi realizado em ambiente protegido (estufa), onde foi empregado o delineamento em blocos casualisados (DBC), com 4 blocos, sendo testadas cinco concentra??es de salinidade: 0; 20; 30; 40 e 60 mM de NaCl. A cada intervalo de 10 dias foram obtidas as seguintes medidas: comprimentos do caule e da raiz, ?rea foliar total e di?metro do colo e as massas de mat?ria seca das plantas. Ap?s 48 dias de tratamento al?m das an?lises de crescimento foram quantificados os conte?dos de nutrientes minerais das folhas. Os dados foram submetidos a an?lise de vari?ncia e analisados mediante teste de m?dias e por curvas de regress?o. Os teores dos nutrientes foliares foram apenas descritivos. Dentro do esperado, a salinidade do meio restringiu o crescimento de plantas de fis?lis. As var?veis massa seca total (MST), taxa de crescimento absoluto (TCA) e n?mero de folhas (NF) foram aquelas que sofreram as maiores redu??es com o incremento da salinidade do meio. Em rela??o ao perfil de nutrientes foliares, constatou-se que quanto maior a concentra??o de Na+ e Cl- nas folhas, menores as de K+, Ca2+ e Mg2+. De acordo com os dados de massa seca total foi poss?vel determinar o ?ndice de toler?ncia ? salinidade (ITS) de P. peruviana, que apresentou valores m?dios >70% na maior parte do per?odo experimental nas concentra??es de 20 e 30 mM, demonstrando que a esp?cie P. peruviana ? moderadamente tolerante a salinidade. Al?m disso, considerou-se neste trabalho que altos n?veis de NaCl levaram a um desbalan?o nutricional nas plantas, onde o ?on s?dio foi o principal causador das interfer?ncias durante o crescimento.

Foram conduzidos dois experimentos com o objetivo de avaliar a eficiência do uso de quelatos de ferro no cultivo hidropônico de rúcula em ambiente protegido. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com 4 repetições e 6 tratamentos: Fe-IDHA (ácido D,L aspártico, N-(1,2 dicarboxietil) tetra sódico), Fe-EDTA (ácido etilenodiamino tetra acetic), Fe-ORGÂNICO (a base de aminoácidos), Fe-EDDHA (ácido etilenodiamino - di (o - hidroxifenil-acético o-o 4,8%) e Fe-HBED (ácido N, n`-Bis (2-Hidroxibenzil) N- etilenodiamina n`dipropiônico) e testemunha (sem adição de ferro). O primeiro experimento foi conduzido no período de 8 de maio a 7 de junho de 2012 e o segundo entre 13 de junho e 13 de julho de 2012. As mudas de rúcula, da cultivar \"Folha Larga\", foram transplantadas aos 10 DAS. As avaliações biométricas foram realizadas aos 10, 15, 20, 25 e 30 dias após o transplante (DAT) para: altura das plantas, número de folhas, área foliar, massa fresca e seca das folhas e massa seca das raízes. Aos 15, 20, 25 e 30 dias após o transplante (DAT) foram determinados o índice relativo de clorofila (IRC) e os teores de nitrogênio e ferro das folhas. Todos os quelatos possibilitaram fornecimento suficiente de ferro para o adequado crescimento e produtividade de rúcula em NFT. Plantas submetidas aos tratamentos Fe-HBED e Fe-EDDHA foram estatisticamente semelhantes ao quelato Fe-EDTA e Fe-ORGÂNICO, mas superiores ao Fe-IDHA e testemunha em relação ao crescimento. / Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the efficiency of using iron chelates in hydroponic rocket salad in a greenhouse. The experimental design was completely randomized with 4 replications and six treatments: Fe-IDHA, Fe-EDTA, Fe-ORGÂNIC, Fe-EDDHA and Fe-HBED) and control. The first experiment was conducted from May 8 to June 7, 2012 and the second between 13 June and 13 July 2012. The seedlings of rocket salad variety Folha Larga were transplanted at 10 DAS. The biometric evaluations were performed at 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 DAT, and analyzed to: plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of leaves and dry weight of roots. At 15, 20, 25 and 30 days after transplanting (DAT) were determined relative chlorophyll index (RCI) and nitrogen and iron contents of the leaves. All chelates made it possible sufficient supply of iron for the adequate growth and productivity of rocket in NFT. Plants subjected to treatments Fe-HBED and Fe- EDDHA were statistically similar to chelate Fe-EDTA and Fe-ORGANIC, but higher than the Fe-IDHA and control in relation to growth.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T16:24:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTACAO FERNANDO G DE ARAUJO.pdf: 269926 bytes, checksum: e1a81ca1614ac2d8e004f83f9641d998 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-11-17 / Soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines Ichinohe, is one of the major phytopathological problems affecting the soybean, in the major producing countries of this legume. Eradication of H. glycines from contaminated areas is practically impossible. Thus, the soybean growers have to adapt control measures in order to maintain low population levels. The main control measures are crop rotation, soil management and use of resistant cultivars. With the purpose to evaluate the development of H. glycines and male/female ratio on soybean resistant and susceptible cultivars two trials were conducted during the years 2007 and 2008. Susceptible cultivars BRS Aracu, BRSGO Jatai, BRSGO Luziania, BRS Favorita RR, BRS Valiosa RR, BRS Silvania RR and resistant cultivars BRSGO Ipameri e BRSGO Chapadoes were evaluated. Soybean seedlings were transplanted to pots containing naturally infested soil with H. glycines, race 14, and, 10 days later, part of the plants remained in the pots to evaluate the females, while the other part was removed for hydroponic growth to evaluate the males. In the trial of 2008 the plants were divided in three lots, with the last one having the roots stained to count the juveniles and to evaluate survival rate. Resistant cultivars always maintained a small number of females and males, except for cultivar BRSGO Ipameri that had high countings of males. Only cultivars BRS Favorita RR and BRS Silvania RR had the expected sex ratio 1:1. All other susceptible cultivars had greater number of males than females, with ratios varying from 5:1 to 11:1. Survival rate was nil for both resistant cultivars, and varied from 6.75% to 35.00% for the susceptible cultivars. Regarding the number of cysts in 100 cc of soil the only cultivar that differed significantly from the others was the BRSGO Jatai on experiment conducted in 2007. The number of eggs per cyst varied, in both experiments, and the resistance did not influence the averages found / nematóide de cisto da soja, Heterodera glycines, é um dos principais problemas fitossanitários que afeta a cultura da soja nos principais países produtores desta oleaginosa. A erradicação do H. glycines nas áreas contaminadas é praticamente impossível. Dessa forma, o produtor deve adotar práticas culturais com o intuito de manter baixos os níveis populacionais. As principais medidas de controle são a rotação de culturas, o manejo de solo e a utilização de cultivares resistentes. Com o objetivo de avaliar o desenvolvimento de H. glycines e a proporção macho:fêmea em cultivares de soja resistentes e suscetíveis foram realizados dois experimentos, sendo um em 2007 e outro em 2008. Avaliou-se as cultivares suscetíveis BRSGO Araçu, BRSGO Jataí, BRSGO Luziânia, BRS Favorita RR, BRS Valiosa RR, BRS Silvânia RR e as cultivares resistentes BRSGO Ipameri e BRSGO Chapadões. Plântulas pré-germinadas de soja foram transferidas para vasos com solo naturalmente infestado com H. glycines, raça 14, e, após dez dias, parte das plantas permaneceram nos vasos para avaliação de fêmeas e cistos no solo, e outra parte foi utilizada para instalação do sistema hidropônico para avaliação de machos. No ensaio conduzido em 2008, as plantas foram divididas em três partes sendo a última destinada à coloração de raízes para contagem de juvenis e avaliação da taxa de sobrevivência. As cultivares resistentes sempre mantiveram baixo número de fêmeas e machos com exceção da cultivar BRSGO Ipameri que obteve altos índices de machos. Somente as cultivares BRS Favorita RR e BRS Silvânia RR produziram uma relação macho/fêmea de aproximadamente 1:1. As demais cultivares suscetíveis apresentaram número de machos maior que o de fêmeas com proporções variando de 5:1 a 11:1. A taxa de sobrevivência foi nula para ambas as cultivares resistentes e variou de 6,75% a 35,00% para as cultivares suscetíveis. Com relação ao número de cistos em 100 cm³ de solo, a única cultivar que diferiu significativamente das demais foi a BRSGO Jataí no experimento realizado em 2007. O número de ovos por cisto variou bastante, em ambos os experimentos, sendo que a resistência não influenciou as médias encontradas

Pasture plants already adapted to acidic soil conditions are required as part of an integrated approach (with lime amelioration) to managing acid soils on the Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the usefulness of Austrodanthonia species for this purpose. The material evaluated in this study was collected during a previous survey of the distribution of Austrodanthonia on the Central, Southern and Monaro Tablelands of New South Wales. It was hypothesised that the genus Austrodanthonia has a wide range of tolerance to acid soils. A series of experiments that provided information on the growth and physiology of Austrodanthonia in relation to soil acidity, with a view to the identification and eventual domestication of the most promising plant material have been conducted through pot, hydroponics and field investigations. Firstly, soils were acidified or limed to obtain a range of soil pH and Al concentrations. This experiment showed that adding aluminium sulfate and calcium carbonate followed by washing excess salts with water is a simple, rapid and convenient method for adjusting soil pH for pot experiments. The pH of the amended soils remained relatively unchanged eight months after treatment. The experimental set-up also resulted in a wide range of soluble Al (2-52 mg/kg) across the soils. The relative Al-tolerance of 183 accessions from 15 Austrodanthonia species was tested in a pot experiment using a range of soil pH. Emergence, survival and growth of all accessions were drastically reduced by high soil acidity (pH 3.9, P < 0.001). About 11% of plants emerged at pH 3.9, whereas at pH 4.4 and 5.3, ~72% of plants emerged. Accessions exhibited large variation within and between species in their tolerance to soil acidity. From the species/accessions tested, 49 accessions from eight species were selected for further study (on the basis of being more acid tolerant). Hydroponic experiments conducted in the glasshouse evaluated: (i) formulation of nutrient solution with a stable pH, (ii) effectiveness of the formulation using tap water and deionised water and (iii) estimation of free ion activities of Al and Mn in the nutrient solution and their effects on Austrodanthonia growth. These experiments showed that a NO3-N/NH4-N ratio of 9:4 is the most appropriate ratio to obtain a stable pH 4.0 without affecting plant growth; that there was little difference between tap water and deionised water on the ionic effects of Al and Mn, and plant-size did not play a role on accession survival and that accessions of Austrodanthonia could grow well within a wide range of pH (3.5-5.5), Al (50-250 �M) and Mn (100-2000 �M). Growth of Austrodanthonia accessions declined under high acidity (pH < 3.5) and Al (300 �M), but tolerated high concentrations of Mn (2000 �M). Root-tips stained with hematoxylin grouped accessions in a similar way to the pot and hydroponic experiments for most of the accessions tested. The intensity of root staining with hematoxylin and the differential distribution of Al in the shoots and roots provided an indication that different tolerance mechanisms may be involved with Austrodanthonia accessions. It appears that both exclusion and internal mechanisms may operate for Al- and Mn-tolerance. A field experiment was conducted at Carcoar (33037�S, 149013�E, elevation 800 m) using gradients in soil pH and Al available on-site to grow selected accessions of Austrodanthonia. The accessions exhibited a range of responses to soil acidity. The accession responses to acidity from the pot and hydroponic experiments were similar to those obtained in the field, especially where Al was present as a low Al-challenge. Overall, this study shows that Austrodanthonia exhibits a wide range of acid tolerance between species and accessions within species. Among the species tested, A. duttoniana and A. fulva appeared to have the greatest commercial potential, because of their productivity and acid tolerance. The variability that exists in the accessions may be exploitable in breeding and selection programs for improved cultivars.

Conventional end-of-pipe solutions for wastewater treatment have been criticized from a sustainable view-point, in particular regarding recycling of nutrients. The integration of hydroponic cultivation into a wastewater treatment system has been proposed as an ecological alternative, where nutrients can be removed from the wastewater through plant uptake; however, cultivation of plants in a temperate climate, such as Sweden, implies that additional energy is needed during the colder and darker period. Thus, treatment capacity, additional energy usage and potential value of products are important aspects considering the applicability of hydroponic wastewater treatment in Sweden. To enable the investigation of hydroponic wastewater treatment, a pilot plant was constructed in a greenhouse located at Överjärva gård, Solna, Sweden. The pilot plant consisted of several steps, including conventional biological processes, hydroponics, algal treatment and sand filters. The system treated around 0.56-0.85 m3 domestic wastewater from the Överjärva gård area per day. The experimental protocol, performed in an average of twice per week over a period of three years, included analysis and measurements of water quality and physical parameters. In addition, two studies were performed when daily samples were analysed during a period of two-three weeks. Furthermore, the removal of pathogens in the system, and the microbial composition in the first hydroponic tank were investigated. Inflow concentrations were in an average of around 475 mg COD/L, 100 mg Tot-N/L and 12 mg Tot-P/L. The results show that 85-90% of COD was removed in the system. Complete nitrification was achieved in the hydroponic tanks. Denitrification, by means of pre-denitrification, occurred in the first anoxic tank. With a recycle ratio of 2.26, the achieved nitrogen removal in the system was around 72%. Approximately 4% of the removed amount of nitrogen was credited to plant uptake during the active growth period. Phosphorus was removed by adsorption in the anoxic tank and sand filters, natural chemical precipitation in the algal step induced by the high pH, and assimilation in plants, bacteria and algae. The main removal occurred in the algal step. In total, 47% of the amount of phosphorus was removed. Significant recycling of nitrogen and phosphorus through harvested biomass has not been shown. The indicators analysed for pathogen removal showed an achieved effluent quality comparable to, or better than, for conventional secondary treatment. The microbial composition was comparable to other nitrifying biological systems. The most abundant phyla were Betaproteobacteria and Planctomycetes. In Sweden, a hydroponic system is restricted to greenhouse applications, and the necessary amount of additional energy is related to geographic location. In conclusion, hydroponic systems are not recommended too far north, unless products are identified that will justify the increased energy usage. The potential for hydroponic treatment systems in Sweden lies in small decentralized systems where the greenness of the system and the possible products are considered as advantages for the users. / QC 20101014

Most tomato cultivars used for commercial food production are imported into South Africa. Optimal growing conditions for these specific cultivars need to be determined, as wrong cultivar choices can lead to great financial losses. Lack of information on selecting well-performing cultivars may lead to lower yield or unacceptable fruit quality. Information on the performance of tomato cultivars under South African conditions, utilizing plastic tunnels or shadenet structures under soilless cultivation is still very limited. Soilless cultivation of vegetables is becoming a preferable over in-soil cultivation due to the improved yield and quality of produce, efficient water and nutrients usage by the crop; furthermore, the grower can regulate nutrient solution, electrical conductivity and pH of the nutrient solution. To identify the optimal system for growing tomatoes hydroponically, the performance of four tomato cultivars (‘FA593’, ‘Miramar’, ‘FiveOFive’ and ‘Malory’) under different growing conditions was evaluated: directly planted in soil under 40% shadenet with drip irrigation, a closed hydroponic system under 40% shadenet, an open bag system under 40% shadenet, or an open-bag system in a temperature controlled as well as a non-temperature controlled tunnel. The study revealed that ‘Miramar’ performed better than the other cultivars in all production systems, with the exception of soil cultivation where there were no differences amongst the four cultivars. Fruit cracking was found to be directly correlated with fruit size, as the large-sized cultivars ‘Malory’ and ‘FA593’ were more susceptible than the other two cultivars. Plants grown under shadenet were prone to fruit cracking and raincheck as well as early blight. Higher yields were obtained when plants were produced in the open bag system under temperature controlled conditions and in the closed system under shadenet. Growing tomatoes in the non-temperature controlled tunnel resulted in high incidences of fruit cracking, poor yield and pre-mature fruit ripening probably due to high and fluctuating temperatures under such conditions. The average marketable yield was 88% and 59% of the total yield in the temperature controlled and non-temperature controlled tunnels, respectively. A further experiment was carried out to improve yield and quality of tunnel tomatoes using beneficial micro-organisms, i.e., arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) at different nutrient concentrations. Tomato seedlings were treated with Mycoroot™ containing four mycorrhiza species (Glomus etunicatum, Paraglomus occultum, Glomus clarum and Glomus mossea) at transplanting and subsequently transferred to either a temperature controlled or a non-temperature controlled tunnel under the recommended (100%) or reduced (75 and 50%) nutrient concentrations. Sawdust was used as a growing medium in this experiment. Application of AMF neither enhanced plant growth, yield, nor fruit mineral nutrient concentrations; although fruit Mn and Zn concentrations in the temperature controlled tunnel increased significantly following AMF application. Plants grown in the non-temperature controlled tunnel had significantly poorer plant growth, and lower yield and lower fruit mineral concentrations, compared with fruit from plants in the temperature controlled tunnel. Tomato plants in the non-temperature controlled tunnel had higher levels of micro-elements in leaf tissue, compared with those in the temperature controlled tunnel. The highest yields were obtained from plants fertigated with 75% of the recommended nutrient concentration, as compared with the 100 and 50% nutrient concentrations. When coir was subsequently used as the growing medium, Mycoroot™ applied at seeding and transplanting did not enhance mycorrhizal colonization or fruit quality. Growing tomatoes under reduced nutrient supply reduced the total soluble solids in the juice of the fruit, but improved total and marketable yield, as well as the number of marketable fruit. This effect was more substantial in the temperature controlled than in the non-temperature controlled tunnel. Fruit firmness and leaf chlorophyll concentrations were significantly higher in plants grown in the temperature controlled tunnel. Growing tomatoes in sawdust improved the leaf Mn and Ca concentration over that of tomato plants grown in coir. Mycorrhizal colonisation did not have a beneficial effect on tomato yield and quality. The study indicated that cultivar selection was important in obtaining the highest yield and quality of tomato using the closed hydroponic system under shadenet and the open bag hydroponic system in the temperature controlled tunnel. Temperature controlled tunnels with a pad–and-fan cooling system are still an effective way of cooling the tunnel environment which resulted in high yield and high quality of tomatoes with a higher fruit mineral content than that obtained under non-temperature controlled conditions where only natural ventilation is relied on. Results also demonstrated that mycorrhizal colonization in soilless condition has limited beneficial effects in allowing for better nutrient uptake and thereby for improved yield and quality of tomatoes. Further studies, including different media, nutrient composition and concentrations, need to be carried out to investigate the possible causes of AMF failure to improve yield, despite good AMF root colonization. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.

Pasture plants already adapted to acidic soil conditions are required as part of an integrated approach (with lime amelioration) to managing acid soils on the Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the usefulness of Austrodanthonia species for this purpose. The material evaluated in this study was collected during a previous survey of the distribution of Austrodanthonia on the Central, Southern and Monaro Tablelands of New South Wales. It was hypothesised that the genus Austrodanthonia has a wide range of tolerance to acid soils. A series of experiments that provided information on the growth and physiology of Austrodanthonia in relation to soil acidity, with a view to the identification and eventual domestication of the most promising plant material have been conducted through pot, hydroponics and field investigations. Firstly, soils were acidified or limed to obtain a range of soil pH and Al concentrations. This experiment showed that adding aluminium sulfate and calcium carbonate followed by washing excess salts with water is a simple, rapid and convenient method for adjusting soil pH for pot experiments. The pH of the amended soils remained relatively unchanged eight months after treatment. The experimental set-up also resulted in a wide range of soluble Al (2-52 mg/kg) across the soils. The relative Al-tolerance of 183 accessions from 15 Austrodanthonia species was tested in a pot experiment using a range of soil pH. Emergence, survival and growth of all accessions were drastically reduced by high soil acidity (pH 3.9, P < 0.001). About 11% of plants emerged at pH 3.9, whereas at pH 4.4 and 5.3, ~72% of plants emerged. Accessions exhibited large variation within and between species in their tolerance to soil acidity. From the species/accessions tested, 49 accessions from eight species were selected for further study (on the basis of being more acid tolerant). Hydroponic experiments conducted in the glasshouse evaluated: (i) formulation of nutrient solution with a stable pH, (ii) effectiveness of the formulation using tap water and deionised water and (iii) estimation of free ion activities of Al and Mn in the nutrient solution and their effects on Austrodanthonia growth. These experiments showed that a NO3-N/NH4-N ratio of 9:4 is the most appropriate ratio to obtain a stable pH 4.0 without affecting plant growth; that there was little difference between tap water and deionised water on the ionic effects of Al and Mn, and plant-size did not play a role on accession survival and that accessions of Austrodanthonia could grow well within a wide range of pH (3.5-5.5), Al (50-250 �M) and Mn (100-2000 �M). Growth of Austrodanthonia accessions declined under high acidity (pH < 3.5) and Al (300 �M), but tolerated high concentrations of Mn (2000 �M). Root-tips stained with hematoxylin grouped accessions in a similar way to the pot and hydroponic experiments for most of the accessions tested. The intensity of root staining with hematoxylin and the differential distribution of Al in the shoots and roots provided an indication that different tolerance mechanisms may be involved with Austrodanthonia accessions. It appears that both exclusion and internal mechanisms may operate for Al- and Mn-tolerance. A field experiment was conducted at Carcoar (33037�S, 149013�E, elevation 800 m) using gradients in soil pH and Al available on-site to grow selected accessions of Austrodanthonia. The accessions exhibited a range of responses to soil acidity. The accession responses to acidity from the pot and hydroponic experiments were similar to those obtained in the field, especially where Al was present as a low Al-challenge. Overall, this study shows that Austrodanthonia exhibits a wide range of acid tolerance between species and accessions within species. Among the species tested, A. duttoniana and A. fulva appeared to have the greatest commercial potential, because of their productivity and acid tolerance. The variability that exists in the accessions may be exploitable in breeding and selection programs for improved cultivars.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-31T13:15:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 AndreMO_DISSERT.pdf: 1092497 bytes, checksum: 58516c6688820fdb0dbf9a4c3e12b9a2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-03-28 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The brackish waters may represent a great potential in agricultural production profitable, depending on the adoption of proper cultural practices and the crop tolerance to salinity. Hydroponic systems can contribute to the production of vegetables when you use lower quality water, because the saturation state of the plants are subjected, enables increased tolerance of the same salinity. However, studies to be conducted in order to increase information about the use of brackish water in hydroponic systems, and also looking for information on levels of crop response to salinity are of fundamental importance to improve investment yields in hydroponics, especially in the Northeast Brazil. Given the lack of information for the crops of melons and tomatoes hydroponically, the objective was to investigate the potential use of brackish water and desalinator in such cultures. Two experiments were conducted with two melons and tomatoes in open hydroponic system in the greenhouse of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-arido (UFERSA) in Mossoró-RN. We evaluated the melon (Cucumis melo L.), cantaloupe, the AF 015, in terms of growth and production, the first experiment using saline waste with different levels of salinity throughout the cycle, and the second experiment the melon crop exposed to salt stress at different stages. The third and fourth experiments the culture was evaluated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.), cherry, and tomato cultivar Fern Group Santa Cruz, Kada Gigante cultivar, respectively, using water desalinator in the nutrient solution in different dilutions, and latter at different stages of implementation. We used three different sources of water. The drinking water came from the public supply system that supplies the campus UFERSA. The brackish water was obtained from deep artesian well located in the Departmento de Ciências Ambientais of UFERSA. Already the desalination reject water was collected in the community Puxa Boi, located in Mossoró, RN. For the four experiments, we used a hydroponic system equipped with pots filled with coconut fiber, in which each vessel representing a separate plot. The application of brackish water and desalinator the nutrient solution of higher electrical conductivity, caused reductions in the growth and production of both the melon and tomato, but with no death of plants, showing the strength of the same water salinity this cropping system. It was also observed that at lower levels of salts, ie at higher dilutions with water supply, little or no significant difference was observed in the data collected. What can be considered as a viable alternative to the use of lower quality water when applied at dilutions of nutrient solution via hydroponic cultivation. / As águas salobras podem representar grande potencial na produção agrícola rentável, dependendo da adoção de práticas culturais adequadas, bem como da tolerância da cultura à salinidade. Os sistemas hidropônicos podem contribuir na produção de hortaliças quando se utiliza água de qualidade inferior, pois o estado de saturação que as plantas estão submetidas, possibilita o aumento da tolerância das mesmas à salinidade. Contudo, estudos a ser realizados visando o aumento de informações sobre o uso de águas salobras em hidropônia, e também buscando informações sobre os níveis de resposta das culturas a salinidade, são de fundamental importância para aperfeiçoar os investimentos em produções hidropônicas, principalmente na região nordeste do Brasil. Tendo em vista a falta de informação para as culturas do melão e tomate hidropônico, o objetivo deste trabalho foi averiguar o potencial de utilização de águas salobras e de rejeito de dessalinizador em tais culturas. Foram realizados dois experimentos com melão e dois com tomate, em sistema hidropônico aberto dentro de casa de vegetação no Campus da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido (UFERSA) em Mossoró-RN. Foi avaliado o comportamento do meloeiro (Cucumis melo L.) do tipo cantaloupe, cultivar AF 015, sob os aspectos de crescimento e produção, sendo o primeiro experimento utilizando rejeito salino com diferentes níveis de salinidade, ao longo de todo o ciclo, e o segundo experimento a cultura do melão exposta a condições de estresse salino em diferentes estádios. O terceiro e quarto experimentos a cultura avaliada foi o tomate (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) do grupo cereja, cultivar Samambaia e o tomate do grupo Santa Cruz, cultivar Kada Gigante, respectivamente, utilizando água de rejeito de dessalinizador na solução nutritiva em diferentes diluições, sendo este último em diferentes épocas de aplicação. Foram utilizadas três fontes diferentes de água. A água potável era proveniente do sistema de abastecimento público que abastece o campus da UFERSA. A água salobra, era obtida do poço artesiano profundo localizado no Departamento de Ciências Vegetais da UFERSA. Já a água de rejeito do dessalinizador era coletada na comunidade Puxa Boi, localizada em Mossoró, RN. Para os quatro experimentos realizados, utilizou-se um sistema hidropônico dotado de vasos preenchidos com fibra de coco, em que cada vaso representava uma parcela independente. A aplicação de água salobra e de rejeito de dessalinizador na solução nutritiva de maiores condutividades elétricas, provocou reduções nos parâmetros crescimento e de produção, tanto do melão quanto do tomate, contudo sem haver morte de plantas, evidenciando a resistência das mesmas a salinidade da água nesse sistema de cultivo. Foi observado, também, que nos menores níveis de sais, isto é, nas maiores diluições com água de abastecimento, pouco ou quase nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada nos dados coletados. O que pode ser considerado como alternativa viável na utilização das águas de qualidade inferiores quando aplicadas em diluições de solução nutritiva via sistema hidropônico de cultivo.