Southeastern wildrye (Elymus glabriflorus (Vasey ex L.H. Dewey) Scrib & C.R. Ball) is a relatively new perennial cool-season grass that has shown potential as a forage crop in the Southeastern United States. However, there is a lack of research on this species assessing its agronomic performance. To assess the agronomic performance and it’s tolerance to imazapic field trials were established in Newton and Starkville, MS. A forage production trial included five nitrogen (N) 0, 56, 112, 168, and 224 kg N ha -1 (high input) and five annual clover (low input) treatments. Tolerance to imazapic was assessed with applications of four pre- and early post-emergent applications applied at 0.0, 0.35, 0.7, 0.105, and 0.14 kg ai ha -1. Results from both field trials combine to validate southeastern wildrye as a potential forage crop and continued research and development of agronomic traits in this species.

The Great Basin is North America's largest desert, encompassing 135 million acres. Grazing and other anthropogenic activities in the Great Basin have put heavy demands on the landscape over the last 150 years. Heavily grazed areas lack diversity which allows the spread of exotic weed species. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L [Poaceae]) has invaded and shortened fire frequency intervals from historic 30—100 years to as few as three to five years. Post-fire reseeding of native species is requisite for restoration of highly invaded ecosystems thus, preventing complete conversion to exotic weeds. Most native shrubs and grasses are available for restoration projects, but native forbs are largely unavailable or expensive. This situation led to the creation of The Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project (GBNPSIP). In 2000 this project was initiated as a joint effort between the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service Research, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in an effort to make native seed more available and less expensive for landscape scale restoration projects. To meet restoration goals the GBNPSIP project promotes cultivation of native species to increase seed supplies. This research focuses on overcoming seed dormancy issues that have hindered cultivation through scarification and evaluating germination, establishment, and seed production in a cultural setting of four lupine species: hairy big leaf lupine, (Lupinus prunophilus M.E. Jones [Fabaceae]); silky lupine, (L. sericeus Pursh); silvery lupine, (L. argenteus Pursh); and longspur lupine, (L. arbustus Dougl. ex Lind) five scarification treatments were evaluated sulphuric acid and mechanical treatments significantly improved germination on three of the four species tested. All other treatments were unpredictable and not significant. No treatments significantly improved germination of L. arbustus and three of the five treatments significantly decreased seed germination from the control. Results demonstrate that scarification method, and exposure interval, differ in effectively increasing % germination among species. Germination, establishment, and seed production were evaluated using two planting methods for each species. Broadcast plots (covered) were covered with N-Sulate fabric™ and 5 cm (2 in) of sawdust. Control plots (uncovered) were drilled and left untreated. Germination was significantly improved for all four lupine species under treatment conditions. Lupinus prunophilus and L. sericeus exhibited the greatest improvement in germination when covered. Germination of L. argenteus and L. arbustus were also significantly improved (p<0.0001 and p=0.004, respectively) by the covered treatment. Higher germination in the covered treatment was mirrored in establishment for every species except L. arbustus. There is an advantage of using the covered treatment, but low yields make cultivation unprofitable.

Sinorhizobium meliloti (Ensifer meliloti) is a bacterium that will exist saprotrophically in the soil and rhizosphere or as a differentiated bacteroid inside root nodules of the legume genera Medicago, Melilotus, and Trigonella. It exists in symbiosis when inside a host plant and will fix gaseous N2 into ammonium for the plant. In return, a population of the bacteria is harbored inside the plant where it can proliferate beyond what would be possible in the rhizosphere or bulk soil. This symbiosis is a defining feature of the Fabaceae (legume) family, a clade that diverged approximately 60 million years ago and is now the 5th largest plant family by species count. Each legume species pairs with one or several strains of bacteria, referred to broadly as rhizobia. The rhizobia identify their proper host plant by a cocktail of secondary metabolites called flavonoids released from specific parts of the roots. Initiation of the symbiosis may only occur at the tips of young root hairs. Therefore, the means rhizobia take to localize themselves to these sites must be the inceptive step in the symbiotic interaction. The studies here examine the mechanisms and priorities rhizobia use to achieve this goal. Movement of bacteria is referred to as motility and is achieved via (in rhizobia, multiple) rotating flagella, proteinaceous extracellular appendages that propel the cell through liquid environments. On their own, flagella may only move but not guide the cell. Navigation is achieved through sensors that detect chemical attractant or repellent cues in the environment and an intracellular signaling system that relays information to appropriately control locomotion. This sensing is called chemotaxis. A research focus is directed on the sensing aspect of chemotaxis to understand which chemical compounds are the preferred attractants for S. meliloti. An emphasis is placed on those compounds released from germinating host seeds. Chapter 2 spearheads our research goals by examining the chemotactic potential of host-derived flavonoids, the compounds that induce the symbiotic signaling in the rhizobial symbiont. While a logical place to start, this study reveals that our strain of rhizobia is not attracted to flavonoids. We determined that the best chemoattractants are hydrophilic in nature and that hydrophobic compounds, such as flavonoids, are not effective chemoattractants. In addition, we discuss the nature of chemotactic agents and symbiosis inducers to fortify our understanding of how classes of compounds contribute to the rhizobia-plant interaction. In chapter 3, we characterize the sensor protein, McpV, and its ligand profile for carboxylates. The protein is first screened using a high-throughput assay to test numerous possible ligands simultaneously. We confirm positive reactions using direct binding studies and quantify dissociation constants. Then, the phenotypic response to these ligands is measured using capillary chemotaxis assays, and the role mcpV plays in this response is confirmed using deletion mutants. Last, the symbiotic context is addressed by quantifying these ligands in exudates of the host alfalfa. These experiments show that McpV is a chemotactic sensor dedicated to detecting 2 – 4 C monocarboxylates. Only one of the compounds found in the ligand profile, glycolate, was detected in seed exudates, so the contribution of McpV to host sensing is yet to be expounded. Chapter 4 follows the model of chapter 2 but is complicated when the ligand screen used previously gives ambiguous results. Using direct binding studies, we were able to confirm the true ligand amidst numerous false positives. Analytical gel filtration suggests that McpT exists as a dimer regardless of ligand binding. Capillary chemotaxis assays quantified the responses mediated by McpT to di- and tri-carboxylates, which were slightly weaker, but still on-par with the responses to McpV ligands. Strains with mcpT deletions showed strongly reduced, but in some cases, not abolished, chemotaxis to carboxylates. Chapter 5 examines McpX – the chemoreceptor already known to be a sensor of quaternary ammonium compounds. This is a structural investigation into the binding of McpX to its ligands. A crystal structure of the ligand binding region of the protein is resolved to understand how ligands fit into the binding pocket of McpX and what determines its structurally diverse ligand profile. The contribution of certain residues to ligand binding are further probed using direct binding studies on single point variants of McpX. The analysis of chemoreceptor functions hint at what kinds of molecules are most important to bacterial survival and reproduction. Knowing what the bacterium is tuned to seek out grants understanding of what niches they prefer, and how they thrive in those niches. For S. meliloti and other rhizobia, the preeminent niche is one in symbiosis with a host plant. The sum of this knowledge we have accrued with S. meliloti lends itself to agricultural goals of soil enrichment, legume inoculation, nutrient cycling, and environmentally safe and efficient crop fertilization. / Doctor of Philosophy / Sinorhizobium meliloti and other soil-dwelling bacteria termed rhizobia are crucial to the cultivation of leguminous crops such as alfalfa, soy, pea, lentil, peanut, and many more. The bacterium can be internalized by the plant host's roots where it will supply the plant with nitrogen. This is a great boon to crops when they need to accumulate more protein in seed stores, or for plants that survive in nutrient depleted soils. The bacterium must begin seeking out the host plant by sensing chemical cues. It can navigate to the proper location by using a process called chemotaxis. This process is centered around chemoreceptors that can be likened to the nose of the bacterium. Using these chemoreceptors, the bacterium will seek out compounds that benefits it – these are usually food sources. Identifying what each individual chemoreceptor senses allows us to understand what the bacterium needs to seek out to survive. We correlate this information with compounds that the plant secretes and find that many chemoreceptors have evolved to sense signals that will lead the bacterium to a plant root. This interaction is a key part of how the symbiosis is propagated and ultimately benefits the agriculture of leguminous plants.

Submitted by (edna.saturno@ufrpe.br) on 2017-04-11T13:50:47Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Gabriella Pinheiro de Albuquerque.pdf: 827594 bytes, checksum: c2f92686cb7934a0d788e52011d3e8fe (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-04-11T13:50:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Gabriella Pinheiro de Albuquerque.pdf: 827594 bytes, checksum: c2f92686cb7934a0d788e52011d3e8fe (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-08-05 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / Legumes are an important native forage resource. Morphological, yield and qualitative characteristics of Desmanthus spp. occurring in semiarid Pernambucano municipalities were evaluated, as well as agronomic traits and chemical composition of Macroptilium lathyroides (L.) Urb accesses. The first evaluation was at the Serra Talhada Academic Unit (UAST) of Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), from September 2012 to May 2013 in a genebank comprising 17 Desmanthus spp. accesses collected in Bom Jardim, Jataúba, Serra Talhada and Sertânia. The descriptors were applied four times at 60 days intervals. The principal component analysis was used, and clustering was by Tocher´s analysis based on the mean Euclidean distance. The second evaluation was in a greenhouse at the Animal Science Department, UFRPE, from August 2012 to April 2013. Macroptilum lathyroides (L.) Urb, accesses from Bom Jardim, Caetés and Tupanatinga were studied in a completely randomized design with three replications during three cycles of assessment, with a 60 days between cuts interval. Means were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. Differences were found between Desmanthus spp. accesses, which indicates the possibility of selection. Three groups were formed, the first having 15 accesses, while the remaining had a single access each. Leaflets per leaf, stem diameter and length of the pod contributed the most to identify the divergence between accesses. There were diferences between M lathyroides accesses and between the three assessment cycles, with reduced growth after successive cuts. Access 62F, formed seeds from plants harvested in Bom Jardim, was superior for leaf length, width, and dry weight, root dry weight and percentage of dry leaves. The variability observed for M. lathyroides accesses indicates the possibility of selection of superior individuals, and other characteristics of quality and productive over more evaluation cycles should be measured. / Leguminosas nativas representam importante recurso forrageiro. Foram avaliadas características morfológicas, produtivas e qualitativas de plantas de Desmanthus spp. ocorrentes em municípios do semiárido pernambucano, bem como avaliar caracteres agronômicos e de composição química de acessos de Macroptilium lathyroides (L.) Urb. A primeira caracterização foi conduzida na Unidade Acadêmica de Serra Talhada (UAST) da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), de setembro de 2012 a maio de 2013, em banco de germoplasma constituído por 17 acessos de Desmanthus spp. coletados nos municípios de Bom Jardim, Jataúba, Serra Talhada e Sertânia. Os descritores avaliados foram aplicados quatro vezes em intervalos de 60 dias. A técnica de componentes principais foi utilizada e o agrupamento foi pelo método de agrupamento de Tocher, tendo a distância euclidiana média padronizada como medida de dissimilaridade. A segunda caracterização foi realizada em casa de vegetação, no Departamento de Zootecnia da UFRPE, de agosto de 2012 a abril de 2013. Foram avaliados acessos de Macroptilum lathyroides (L.) Urb, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições, durante três ciclos de avaliação, com intervalo entre cortes de 60 dias. Os acessos avaliados foram oriundos de Bom Jardim, Caetés e Tupanatinga. As médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey, a 5% de probabilidade. Foram encontradas diferenças entre os acessos de Desmanthus spp., o que indica possibilidade de seleção. Pela análise de agrupamento foram formados três grupos, sendo o primeiro com 15 acessos, enquanto os demais tinham um acesso cada. As variáveis folíolos por folha, diâmetro do caule e comprimento da vagem foram as que mais contribuíram para identificar a divergência entre os acessos. Para os acessos de M. lathyroides, houve diferença entre os acessos e entre os três ciclos de avaliações, ocorrendo diminuição do crescimento após cortes sucessivos. O acesso 62F, formado por sementes oriundas de plantas colhidas no município de Bom Jardim, foi superior para comprimento, largura e peso seco de folha, peso seco de raiz e porcentagem de folhas secas. A variabilidade observada entre os acessos de M. lathyroides indica a possibilidade de seleção de indivíduos superiores, devendo ser mensuradas outras características de qualidade e produtivas ao longo de mais ciclos de avaliação.

O nitrogênio é o nutriente mineral essencial mais limitante ao crescimento das plantas. Apenas alguns microorganismos procariotos desenvolveram um mecanismo bioquímico que permite reduzir N2, abundante na atmosfera, a amônia, que pode ser assimilada pelas plantas. Muitos destes microorganismos conseguem associar-se simbioticamente com outros organismos, sendo a associação de bactérias do grupo Rhizobium com plantas do grupo das leguminosas a mais importante a nível econômico. Por outro lado, quando existe disponibilidade de nitrato no meio ambiente, a leguminosa abandona a fixação biológica absorvendo nitrato, que é reduzido a amônia pelas enzimas nitrato redutase (NR) e nitrito redutase (NiR) e, ao final, assimilada pelo sistema GS/GOGAT. Apesar de as duas vias terem amônia como produto final, em leguminosas tropicais, principalmente as pertencentes à tribo Phaseolae, quando a amônia provém de associação simbiótica a planta exporta, via xilema, preferencialmente ureídeos, enquanto quando a amônia provém da redução de nitrato, a planta exporta amidas, principalmente asparagina e glutamina. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi identificar, em Canavalia ensiformes (L.), as alterações metabólicas que ocorriam em função da concentração de nitrato fornecida à planta, através da quantificação localizada dos principais compostos nitrogenados do metabolismo de nitrogênio e dos principais sítios de redução de nitrato; bem como estudar o metabolismo de asparagina na leguminosa em questão desde o estádio de germinação até a fase reprodutiva, identificando os sítios preferenciais de metabolismo desta amida. Observou-se que o metabolismo de aminoácidos foi profundamente alterado em função da concentração de nitrato fornecida. Os níveis de aminoácidos solúveis totais não se alteraram drasticamente, o mesmo ocorrendo com os níveis de proteína e ureídeos, considerando-se os diferentes tratamentos em um mesmo estádio de desenvolvimento. Com a alteração do estádio de desenvolvimento, especialmente com o início da fase reprodutiva, o metabolismo de nitrogênio foi profundamente alterado, observando-se inversão no sítio de redução de nitrato, alterações nas concentrações totais de ureídeos e aminoácidos e alterações profundas no metabolismo de aminoácidos, quando se relaciona com o estádio vegetativo. A atividade de nitrato redutase, em Canavalia ensiformes (L.) mostrou-se regulada pela concentração de glutamina presente nos tecidos, tendo se mostrado mais elevada nos tecidos onde os níveis de glutamina eram menores. A alteração no sítio de redução de nitrato em função da mudança no estádio de desenvolvimento foi acompanhada pelo aumento simultâneo na concentração de glutamina solúvel nos tecidos onde a atividade da enzima foi menor. Em função das mudanças no estádio de desenvolvimento, percebeu-se também uma redução no número de sítios de possível atividade da enzima asparaginase, o que foi inferido pela redução no número de tecidos onde a enzima esteve presente, sugerindo então um possível aumento no catabolismo desta amida por ação da enzima asparagina-aminotransferase. Para maior entendimento dos processos que levam às alterações no metabolismo de nitrato, asparagina e aminoácidos de uma forma geral, os mecanismos de síntese e utilização de aminoácidos devem ser analisados para melhor compreensão dos processos envolvidos, através da análise da atividade das principais enzimas envolvidas nestes processos, bem como de estudos da transcrição dos respectivos genes. / Nitrogen is the most limiting essential nutrient for plant growth. Some prokaryotic microorganisms have developed a biochemical mechanism, which allows the reduction of N2, which is abundantly present in the atmosphere, to ammonium that can be assimilated by the plants. Many of these microorganisms form symbiotic associations with other organisms. This is especially true for leguminous plants that form symbiotic associations with bacteria belonging to the Bradyrhizbium, Rhizobium, and Sinorhizobium groups. Bacterial nitrogen fixation from these interactions are extremely important for the global nitrogen balance and plays a major economically role in agriculture. On the other hand, when nitrate is available in the environment, leguminous plants interrupt the symbiotic fixation process to directly use of the nitrate, which is reduced to ammonium by the enzymes nitrate reductase (NR) and nitrite reductase (NiR), and is finally assimilated by the GS/GOGAST system. Although both will result in ammonium as the end-product, in tropical leguminous plants species, mainly those of the Phaseoleae tribe, when ammonium is produced by the symbiotic association the plant translocates mainly ureides via xylem, whereas the plant translocate mainly amides such as asparagine and glutamine, when the ammonium is produced by nitrate reduction. The objective of this study was to identify in Canavalia ensiformes (L.), metabolic alterations dependent upon the concentration of nitrate supplied to the plant. Specific attention was given to the quantity of nitrogen compounds from nitrogen metabolism and asparagine metabolism from the early stage of germination to the reproductive stage, with the identification of the main locations of metabolism for this amide. Amino acids metabolism was significantly altered when nitrate was supplied at different concentrations. Total soluble amino acids, total protein and ureide contents were not dramatically altered when considering the different treatments at the same developmental stage. However, nitrogen metabolism was shown to be drastically altered when different development stages were compared, particularly at the beginning of the reproductive stage, at which time a switch in the location of nitrate reduction, alterations in the total concentration of ureides and amino acids were observed, when compared to the vegetative stage. Nitrate reductase activity of Canavalia ensiformes was shown to be regulated by the concentration of glutamine present in the tissues, exhibiting higher activity in tissues containing lower concentrations of glutamine, which coincided with the shift of the site of nitrate reduction with the changing developmental stage. The understanding of the processes leading to the alterations in the metabolism of nitrate, asparagine, amino acids, and the mechanism related to the synthesis and utilization of amino acids requires further studies.

Maxixe Paulista é um novo tipo de maxixe obtido a partir do cruzamento de Cucumis anguria x Cucumis longipes. Após ciclos de seleção massal intercalados a ciclos de endogamia, foram obtidas linhagens que diferem do tipo comum pelas suas características de ausência de espiculosidade, tamanho de fruto e formato de folha não lobulada semelhante ao pepino. Em três ensaios de campo, linhagens e híbridos de Maxixe Paulista foram avaliados quanto ao comportamento e produção de frutos em três sistemas de cultivo: a) com cobertura de polietileno e fertirrigação; b) cultivados em vasos com substrato, com tutoramento e podas e em ambiente protegido; c) no sistema de cultivo tutorado em rede agrícola. No primeiro ensaio, foram avaliadas dez linhagens de Maxixe Paulista e uma cultivar do Maxixe Comum. As linhagens de Maxixe Paulista apresentaram um peso médio de fruto de 66 a 91% maior que o tipo Comum. A produção em peso total de frutos não diferiu entre os dois tipos de maxixe. O cultivo em canteiros com cobertura de polietileno e fertirrigação por gotejamento proporcionou uma produtividade estimada de 51,89t.ha -1 . No segundo ensaio, três linhagens do Maxixe Paulista e o tipo Comum foram cultivados em vasos com substrato, em ambiente protegido, com tutoramento e podas. As linhagens de Maxixe Paulista apresentaram um peso médio de fruto de 62 a 84% maior que o tipo Comum. A linhagem 2 foi tão produtiva, em termo de peso total, quanto o tipo Comum porém seu peso médio de fruto foi 75% maior. A planta de maxixe mostrou ser inadequada para condução no protocolo de tutoramento e podas da cultura do pepino. No terceiro ensaio, foram avaliadas quatro linhagens e seis híbridos simples, quanto ao comportamento e produção de frutos no sistema de cultivo tutorado em rede agrícola. A produção e a qualidade dos frutos dos híbridos foi equivalente a das linhagens. A rede agrícola se mostrou adequada para o cultivo de Maxixe Paulista na forma tutorada. A concentração da frutificação ocorreu nas hastes secundárias e terciárias, cujas gavinhas mantiveram as plantas presas à rede. Esta técnica de condução facilitou a colheita e incrementou a qualidade dos frutos. / Paulista Gherkin is a new gherkin type derived from Cucumis anguria x Cucumis longipes. After mass selection cycles intercalated with inbreeding cycles, lines were obtained that differ from the common types by their greater fruit size, spine abscence and non-lobular shaped leaves, similar to cucumber ones. In three experiments, Paulista gherkin lines and hybrids were evaluated for their yield and fruit production in three production systems: a) under polyethylene mulching and fertigation crop system; b) trellised and pruned plants grown in pots with substrate under high plastic tunnel; c) under the trellised net crop system. In the first experiment, ten lines of Paulista Gherkin and one type of Common Gherkin were evaluated. Paulista Gherkin fruits were, in average, 66 to 91% heavier than the Common Gherkin ones. Total fruit weight, of two gherkin types did not differ. Polyethylene-covered bed and drip fertigation use promoted an estimate yield of 51,89 t.ha -1 . In the second experiment, three Paulista Gherkin lines and Common Gherkin were cultivated in pots with substrate, under high plastic tunnel and they were trellised and pruned. Paulista Gherkin fruits were, in average, 62 to 84% heavier than the Common Gherkin ones. Paulista Gherkin line number 2 was productive as the Common type, considering the total fruits weight. However, its average fruit weight was 75% higher. Gherkin plants showed to be inadequate for to be conducted as suggested for the greenhouse cucumber crop protocol. In the third experiment, four lines and six single hybrids performance were evaluated for their yield and fruit production under trellised net crop system. Hybrids and lines were similar for yield and fruit quality. The trellised net crop system showed to be suitable to support Paulista Gherkin plants. Fruit concentration occurred in the secondary and tertiary lateral branch and plants was hold by tendrils on the net. Trellised gherkin in net mate harvest easier and enhance fruit quality.

Resumo: O sistema plantio direto (SPD) tem como pressuposto a exigência de cobertura vegetal permanente sobre o solo e, em condições climáticas favoráveis à decomposição dos resíduos orgânicos, há necessidade de implantação de culturas de cobertura no outono-inverno. Com este trabalho objetivou-se avaliar, em condições de campo, a produção de matéria seca e a extração de macronutrientes de feijão-deporco, milheto, mucuna-preta, sorgo granífero e vegetação espontânea, e seus efeitos nos atributos químicos do solo e na produtividade do milho. O experimento foi conduzido em Arealva-SP, em Latossolo Vermelho argiloso, há seis anos cultivado em SPD. Os tratamentos, em delineamento em blocos ao acaso com cinco repetições, foram: feijão-de-porco, milheto, mucuna-preta, sorgo granífero e vegetação espontânea, as espécies cultivadas instaladas no outono-inverno, em sucessão a cultura de soja e antecedendo o milho. Foram avaliados os atributos químicos do solo, nas camadas de 0 - 5 cm, 5 - 10 cm e 10 - 20 cm, em amostras coletadas, no primeiro ano, logo após a emergência da soja e, no segundo, após a dessecação das plantas de cobertura e antes da semeadura do milho. Também foram avaliadas a matéria seca e a extração de macronutrientes pelas plantas de cobertura, e a produtividade da cultura do milho em sucessão. As variações na acidez do solo, na disponibilidade de P, K, Ca e Mg, na CTC e no teor de matéria orgânica, foram pequenas ou inexistentes. O cultivo de sorgo no outono-inverno resultou em maior produção de matéria seca do que milheto, mucunapreta, feijão-de-porco e vegetação espontânea. Não houve efeito das plantas de cobertura na produtividade do milho. / Abstract: In no-tillage system it was assumed that the permanent soil cover is necessary, and in favorable conditions to organic residue decomposition, it is necessary to establish cover crops in autumn-winter. This study aimed to evaluate, under field conditions, the dry matter production and nutrient extraction by spontaneous vegetation, Mucuna aterrima, Canavalia ensiformis, Pennisetum glaucum and Sorghum bicolor, and their effects on soil chemical attributes and maize yield. The experiment was carried out in Arealva, in the central region of São Paulo State, Brazil, in an Oxisol, sixyear cropped in no-tillage system. The treatments, in randomized blocks and with five replicates were: spontaneous vegetation, Mucuna aterrima, Canavalia ensiformis, Pennisetum glaucum and Sorghum bicolor, carried out in autumn-winter in succession to soybean and before maize growing. Soil chemical attributes at 0 - 5 cm, 5 - 10 cm and 10 - 20 cm depth were evaluated and soil samples were collected soon after the soybean emergence in the first year and after the cover crops desiccation and before maize sowing in the second year. Dry matter production and nutrients extraction by cover crops and maize productivity grown in succession were also evaluated. Variations in soil acidity, P, K, Ca and Mg availability, CEC and organic matter content were small or nonexistent. Sorghum bicolor grown in autumn-winter resulted in higher dry matter production than Pennisetum glaucum, Mucuna aterrima, Canavalia ensiformis and spontaneous vegetation. There was no effect of cover crops in maize yield. / Orientadora: Mara Cristina Pessôa da Cruz / Coorientador: Manoel Evaristo Ferreira / Banca: Itamar Andrioli / Banca: Satatier Buzetti / Mestre

Submitted by (edna.saturno@ufrpe.br) on 2016-12-19T16:02:21Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Pollyanna Ferreira Vilar.pdf: 1431346 bytes, checksum: 68f317589bdbf5cbdf6d9efad2a5d4cf (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-19T16:02:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Pollyanna Ferreira Vilar.pdf: 1431346 bytes, checksum: 68f317589bdbf5cbdf6d9efad2a5d4cf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-02-28 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical changes occurring in an Ultisol planted with green manure and an Oxisol Humic after liming. In the experiment with green manure was used randomized complete blocks with plot scheme on track with 5 treatments (Crotalaria; Soybean perennial; Guandu dwarf; Calopogonio and spontaneous vegetation) and 4 replications. We performed the chemical, biochemical and biological attributes, identification and quantification of organic acids in soil after application of the treatments. The dwarf pea had the highest dry matter production and green, higher accumulation of N, P, K and C. The perennial soybean showed higher levels of P and K. The sunnhemp higher concentrations of N, and dwarf pea higher C content in its dry mass. Green manures had lower C / N ratio The microbial biomass carbon showed higher value in the treatment dwarf pigeonpea (578.12 mg kg CBM-C-1). The microbial respiration was influenced by the use of perennial legume sunn hemp and soy. The highest levels of total organic carbon were observed in treatments with perennial soybean, calopo and crude. The treatment showed the highest content of water-soluble carbon was the dwarf pigeonpea (109.34 mg kg-C 1solo dry). The use of legumes promoted the increased enzyme activity in the soil. Treatment with pigeonpea contributes to higher levels of free light fraction organic matter. Treatment with calopo was what had higher C content in fraction F4, corresponding to 34% of TOC. BMI was higher in the soil with cultivation of pigeonpea dwarf, demonstrating that this legume plant residue promoted the maintenance of carbon stocks. In all treatments was observed only the presence of acetic acid, with the highest concentration in the soil after cultivation of perennial soybean. In the experiment with dystrophic experimental design used was completely randomized block in a 2x5 factorial arrangement with four replications, with the first factor represented by the SC treatments (without liming) and CC (with lime application), and the second factor 5 evaluation periods (7, 14, 30, 45 and 60 days). The liming treatments CC was 3.35 t ha-1. We performed the chemical, biological attributes, identification and quantification of organic acids in soil after application of the treatments. Liming increased soil pH and calcium, in addition to reducing the potential acidity of the soil. The phosphorus content was higher 30 days after the application of limestone (3.50 mg kg-1). The highest levels of sodium were observed within 60 days in treatments with and without liming. The higher nitrogen content was obtained 45 days after lime application. The content of the microbial biomass was higher at 7 days in the ground where there was liming with 383.68 mg C kg-CBM-1. The largest amount of total organic carbon was observed at 14 days in water without liming. The higher respiratory activity was observed in the soil where no lime application in periods of 30 and 60 days. For treatments with lime application, detected the presence of acetic acid in all periods, with a period of 30 days at the highest concentration, with 16.21 mg kg-1. Only in the period of 7 days in the treatment without lime application was observed the presence of acetic acid. / O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as alterações bioquímicas ocorridas em um Argissolo Amarelo cultivado com adubos verdes e em um Latossolo Húmico após a aplicação de calcário. No experimento com adubo verde foi utilizado delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso com esquema de parcela em faixa com 5 tratamentos (Crotalária; Soja perene; Guandu anão; Calopogônio e Vegetação espontânea) e 4 repetições. Foi realizada a caracterização química, atributos biológicos e bioquímicos, identificação e quantificação de ácidos orgânicos no solo após a aplicação dos tratamentos. O guandu anão apresentou as maiores produção de massa seca e verde, maior acumulo de N, P, K e C. A soja perene apresentou maiores teores de P e K. A crotalária apresentou maiores teores de N, e o guandu anão maiores teores de C em sua massa seca. Os adubos verdes apresentaram menor relação C/N. O carbono da biomassa microbiana apresentou maior valor no tratamento com feijão guandu anão (578,12 mg de C-CBM Kg-1). A respiração basal microbiana foi influenciada com a utilização das leguminosas crotalária e soja perene. Os maiores teores de carbono orgânico total foram observados nos tratamentos com soja perene, calopogônio e crotalária. O tratamento que apresentou maior teor de carbono solúvel em água foi o guandu anão (109,34 mg de C Kg -1solo seco). A utilização de leguminosas promoveu o aumento da atividade enzimática no solo. O tratamento com feijão guandu contribui com o maior teor de fração leve livre da matéria orgânica. O tratamento com calopogônio foi o que obteve maior teor de C na fração F4, correspondendo a 34% do COT. O IMC foi maior no solo com cultivo com guandu anão, demonstrando que o resíduo vegetal desta leguminosa promoveu a manutenção dos estoques de carbono. Em todos os tratamentos foi observada apenas a presença do ácido acético, com maior concentração no solo após o cultivo da soja perene. No experimento com Latossolo foi utilizado delineamento experimental em bloco inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2x5, com 4 repetições, sendo o primeiro fator representado pelos tratamentos SC (sem aplicação de calcário) e CC (com aplicação de calcário), e o segundo fator os 5 períodos de avaliação (7, 14, 30, 45 e 60 dias). A dose de calcário nos tratamentos CC foi de 3,35 t ha-1. Foi realizada a caracterização química, atributos biológicos, identificação e quantificação de ácidos orgânicos no solo após a aplicação dos tratamentos. A aplicação de calcário aumentou o pH do solo e os teores de cálcio, além de reduzir a acidez potencial do solo. O teor de fósforo foi maior no período de 30 dias após a aplicação de calcário (3,50 mg kg-1). Os maiores teores de sódio foram observados no período de 60 dias, nos tratamentos com e sem a aplicação de calcário. O maior teor de nitrogênio foi obtido aos 45 dias após a aplicação de calcário. O teor do carbono da biomassa microbiana foi maior aos 7 dias no solo onde não houve a aplicação de calcário, com 383,68 mg de C-CBM Kg-1. A maior quantidade de carbono orgânico total foi observada aos 14 dias no tratamento sem aplicação de calcário. A maior atividade respiratória foi observada no solo onde não houve a aplicação de calcário nos períodos de 30 e 60 dias. Para os tratamentos com a aplicação de calcário, foi detectada a presença do ácido acético em todos os períodos avaliados, apresentando o período de 30 dias a maior concentração, com 16,21 mg kg-1. Apenas no período de 7 dias no tratamento sem aplicação de calcário foi observada a presença do ácido acético.

Maxixe Paulista é um novo tipo de maxixe obtido a partir do cruzamento de Cucumis anguria x Cucumis longipes. Após ciclos de seleção massal intercalados a ciclos de endogamia, foram obtidas linhagens que diferem do tipo comum pelas suas características de ausência de espiculosidade, tamanho de fruto e formato de folha não lobulada semelhante ao pepino. Em três ensaios de campo, linhagens e híbridos de Maxixe Paulista foram avaliados quanto ao comportamento e produção de frutos em três sistemas de cultivo: a) com cobertura de polietileno e fertirrigação; b) cultivados em vasos com substrato, com tutoramento e podas e em ambiente protegido; c) no sistema de cultivo tutorado em rede agrícola. No primeiro ensaio, foram avaliadas dez linhagens de Maxixe Paulista e uma cultivar do Maxixe Comum. As linhagens de Maxixe Paulista apresentaram um peso médio de fruto de 66 a 91% maior que o tipo Comum. A produção em peso total de frutos não diferiu entre os dois tipos de maxixe. O cultivo em canteiros com cobertura de polietileno e fertirrigação por gotejamento proporcionou uma produtividade estimada de 51,89t.ha -1 . No segundo ensaio, três linhagens do Maxixe Paulista e o tipo Comum foram cultivados em vasos com substrato, em ambiente protegido, com tutoramento e podas. As linhagens de Maxixe Paulista apresentaram um peso médio de fruto de 62 a 84% maior que o tipo Comum. A linhagem 2 foi tão produtiva, em termo de peso total, quanto o tipo Comum porém seu peso médio de fruto foi 75% maior. A planta de maxixe mostrou ser inadequada para condução no protocolo de tutoramento e podas da cultura do pepino. No terceiro ensaio, foram avaliadas quatro linhagens e seis híbridos simples, quanto ao comportamento e produção de frutos no sistema de cultivo tutorado em rede agrícola. A produção e a qualidade dos frutos dos híbridos foi equivalente a das linhagens. A rede agrícola se mostrou adequada para o cultivo de Maxixe Paulista na forma tutorada. A concentração da frutificação ocorreu nas hastes secundárias e terciárias, cujas gavinhas mantiveram as plantas presas à rede. Esta técnica de condução facilitou a colheita e incrementou a qualidade dos frutos. / Paulista Gherkin is a new gherkin type derived from Cucumis anguria x Cucumis longipes. After mass selection cycles intercalated with inbreeding cycles, lines were obtained that differ from the common types by their greater fruit size, spine abscence and non-lobular shaped leaves, similar to cucumber ones. In three experiments, Paulista gherkin lines and hybrids were evaluated for their yield and fruit production in three production systems: a) under polyethylene mulching and fertigation crop system; b) trellised and pruned plants grown in pots with substrate under high plastic tunnel; c) under the trellised net crop system. In the first experiment, ten lines of Paulista Gherkin and one type of Common Gherkin were evaluated. Paulista Gherkin fruits were, in average, 66 to 91% heavier than the Common Gherkin ones. Total fruit weight, of two gherkin types did not differ. Polyethylene-covered bed and drip fertigation use promoted an estimate yield of 51,89 t.ha -1 . In the second experiment, three Paulista Gherkin lines and Common Gherkin were cultivated in pots with substrate, under high plastic tunnel and they were trellised and pruned. Paulista Gherkin fruits were, in average, 62 to 84% heavier than the Common Gherkin ones. Paulista Gherkin line number 2 was productive as the Common type, considering the total fruits weight. However, its average fruit weight was 75% higher. Gherkin plants showed to be inadequate for to be conducted as suggested for the greenhouse cucumber crop protocol. In the third experiment, four lines and six single hybrids performance were evaluated for their yield and fruit production under trellised net crop system. Hybrids and lines were similar for yield and fruit quality. The trellised net crop system showed to be suitable to support Paulista Gherkin plants. Fruit concentration occurred in the secondary and tertiary lateral branch and plants was hold by tendrils on the net. Trellised gherkin in net mate harvest easier and enhance fruit quality.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T14:58:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2008 - ALEXANDRE PORTO SALMI.pdf: 1554795 bytes, checksum: a6848d37084d24af12afa69b12020065 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-07-31 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / Flemingia macrophylla is an underexploited Asian legume shrub in Brazil. International literature emphasizes its high potential as component in agroforestry systems in various regions of the tropics. The objective of this dissertation is to evaluate the potential of Flemingia macrophylla as an alternative green manure to be included in agroecological based systems. Two field experiments were conducted from December 12 2006 through December 19 2007. The first experiment was performed in Serop?dica, at sea level, and the second, in Avelar, Paty do Alferes at 500 m altitude. On both experiments twelve monthly plant samplings were performed. Variables measured included stem diameter, number of follioles, and number of branches. Besides, in the first experiment, leaf area, root volumes and biomass, number of nodules and nutrients were quantified monthly. Estimates of biological nitrogen fixation were also accomplished by natural abundance of 15N. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 12 treatments and four replicates. A previous germination test indicated that pre-incubation with 95% sulphuric acid for 20 minutes resulted in 88% germination, whereas immersion in 90oC water, 44%. On the filed experiments, plants performed better in Serop?dica. The majority of variables were adjusted to second degree polynomial equations. Growth rates were adjusted to Gompertz model. Maximum heights were 1.8 and 1.4 m in Serop?dica and Avelar, respectively. Biomass yields reached 4.1 Mg ha-1 in Serop?dica and 2.3 Mg ha-1 in Avelar. Accumulation of N, P and K at 360 days after planting was 72.6 and 24.4 kg ha-1, respectively in Serop?dica. The highest growth rate was found between 150 and 180 days. The percentage of N derived from biological N fixation was similar at 240, 300 and 360 day after planting, averaging 76.9%, which is equivalent to 62.2 kg N ha-1 at 360 days. The results indicate that Flemingia macrophylla may provide significant amounts of biomass and nutrients, especially N, being a promising species to be included in agroecological production systems. / Flemingia macrophylla ? uma leguminosa arbustiva de origem asi?tica, pouco conhecida e utilizada no Brasil. A literatura destaca seu elevado potencial em diferentes sistemas agroflorestais em v?rias regi?es tropicais do mundo. Esta disserta??o tem como objetivo avaliar o potencial agron?mico de flemingea como alternativa de adubo verde para inclus?o em sistemas diversos de produ??o com base agroecol?gica. Para tanto, realizou-se dois experimentos em condi??es de campo, em 12/12/2006 at? 19/12/2007. O primeiro experimento foi instalado no munic?pio de Serop?dica, a 33 metros de altitude pr?ximo do n?vel do mar e o segundo, em Avelar, Munic?pio de Paty do Alferes a 500 m de altitude. Nos dois experimentos, foram feitas doze coletas mensais das plantas, onde foram determinada altura, di?metro do caule, n?mero de fol?olos e n?mero de ramifica??es. Al?m disso, no experimento I, determinou-se a ?rea foliar, volume e biomassa de ra?zes, biomassa de folhas e caule, n?mero de n?dulos e teores de nutrientes em folhas e caules. Foi ainda realizada estimativa da fixa??o biol?gica de nitrog?nio por meio da abund?ncia natural de 15N. O delineamento utilizado em ambos os experimentos foi em blocos casualizados, com 12 tratamentos (?pocas de coleta) e quatro repeti??es. O teste de germina??o indicou que o tratamento de pr?-incuba??o por vinte minutos com ?cido sulf?rico (95%), resultou em 88% de sementes germinadas, ao passo que o tratamento de imers?o em ?gua quente (90oC) resultou em 44%. Quanto aos experimentos a campo, houve melhor desempenho das plantas em Serop?dica. As alturas m?ximas foram de 1,8 e 1,4 m para Serop?dica e Avelar, respectivamente. A produ??o de biomassa aos 360 dias ap?s transplantio, chegou a valores em torno de 4,1 Mg ha-1 para Serop?dica e 2,3 Mg ha-1 para Avelar. O ac?mulo de N, P e K aos 360 DAT foi de 72,6 e 24,4 e 33 kg ha-1, respectivamente, em Serop?dica. Neste local, observou-se maior taxa de crescimento absoluto entre 150 e 180 DAT. Em rela??o ? produ??o de sementes, n?o se observou diferen?a estat?stica significativa entre os dois locais, apresentando rendimentos de 21,5 e 8,9 kg ha-1. A percentagem de N proveniente da fixa??o biol?gica foi semelhante nas tr?s ?pocas (240 DAT, 300 DAT e 360 DAT) com m?dia de 76,9 % o que equivaleu a 62,2 kg N ha-1 aos 360 DAT. Os resultados indicam que Flemingia macrophylla ? uma esp?cie que pode fornecer quantidades significativas de biomassa e nutrientes, especialmente N, sendo promissora para inclus?o em sistemas de produ??o com base agroecol?gica.