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Nutrient leaching is a common issue in sandy soils. The use of hydrogel polymers can mitigate this problem by enhancing soil water retention. This study aims to assess the effect of hydrogel polymer application on nutrient leaching in sugarcane-cultivated soil and its impact on plant growth over a 196-day cycle. Parameters examined include soil water retention (%), nutrient leaching (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) analyzed through the water collected after natural drainage, as well as various plant growth parameters such as stem height and diameter, and fresh and dry stem and leaf mass. The highest soil water retention was observed in treatments with 1.5 and 2.0 g kg-1 of hydrogel polymer. Regarding nutrient leaching, the treatments with 1.5 and 2.0 g kg-1 of hydrogel polymer exhibited the lowest values, resulting in reductions of over 85% for all accumulated nutrients leached by the end of the crop cycle. The application of hydrogel, especially at higher doses, also enhanced sugarcane growth, notably increasing fresh stem mass. These results suggest that hydrogel polymers could serve as a sustainable solution for controlling nutrient leaching in sugarcane cultivation, contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture and environmental preservation.

Caatinga is a typical Brazilian biome facing severe threats despite its ecological and socio-economic importance. Conservation strategies are essential in protecting ecosystems and ensuring natural resource sustainability. Mata da Pimenteira State Park (PEMP), launched in 2012, is an example of such a strategy. The current study aims to use orbital remote sensing techniques to assess human impacts on changes in land use and land cover (LULC) after the establishment of PEMP in the semi-arid region known as Caatinga, in Pernambuco State. The effects of this unit on vegetation preservation were specifically analyzed based on using data from the MapBiomas Brasil project to assess trends in LULC, both in and around PEMP, from 2002 to 2020. Man–Kendall and Pettitt statistical tests were applied to identify significant changes, such as converting forest areas into pastures and agricultural plantations. Trends of the loss and gain of LULC were observed over the years, such as forest areas’ conversion into pasture and vice versa, mainly before and after PEMP implementation. These findings highlight the importance of developing conservation measures and planning to help protecting the Caatinga, which is a vital biome in Brazil.

Agricultural cargo vehicles are responsible for applying severe soil pressures. However, the ground straw cover can attenuate the loads applied by wheels to the soil surface. This research evaluated the effect of three tires, p1—Radial Very Flex, p2—Radial Improved Flex, and a p3—Bias Ply tire, on three amounts of straw on the soil surface (0, 15, and 30 Mg ha−1). We adopted a completely randomized design (CRD) with a rigid surface for three replications for the total contact area and punctual area claws. The soil bin test verified the deformable surface, tread marks, and soil penetration resistance (SPR). The tire’s claw design determines its punctual contact area, and the construction model determines the total contact area. The contact area in the soil bin increased linearly due to a increase in straw covering, reducing sinkage; p2 to 30 Mg ha−1 straw shows the most significant contact area, p1 and p3 showed no difference. A straw increase from 0 to 30 Mg ha−1 increased the contact areas by 25.5, 38.0, and 20.0% for p1, p2, and p3, respectively. Compared to the rigid surface, the p1 and p3 contact areas in the soil bin increased 6.2, 6.8, and 7.8 times in bare soil, 15, and 30 Mg ha−1; for p2, this increase was up to 4.2, 4.5, and 5.9 times on the same surfaces. Keeping the straw on the soil improves its physical quality by reducing the SPR, so the straw has a buffer function in the wheel–soil relationship.

Agricultural tractors are an essential agricultural power source. Therefore, the scientific literature tests have described agricultural tractors’ evolution over time and determined future trends. This paper uses bibliometric tools to assess the agricultural evolution of tractor testing from 1969 to 2022 to ascertain the publication’s scientific perspective on operational, ergonomic, and energy performance. We searched for relevant research in the Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) databases. The data were processed in RStudio software version 4.4.1, and we used elaborated bibliometric maps to research evolution, major journals, studies, countries, and keywords. The first research mainly concerned the development of new wheelsets, more efficient engines, and fuel consumption prediction models. After the 2000s, environmental protocols contributed to increasing publications on biofuels and renewable energies. Recently, an intense process of robotization in autonomous vehicles has improved to allow the replacement of combustion engines. Ergonomics and safety have been less recurrent topics in recent years, indicating a stable level in the actual research. New machine control models involving artificial intelligence are currently applied to obtain test results without using the machine in the field. These virtual models reduce costs and optimize resources. The most common terms were “tractor” and “agricultural machinery”. The terms “Electric tractor”, “agricultural robots”, and “Matlab” indicate solid trends for future research.

Coffee production has become increasingly technified in order to optimize the use of inputs and the sustainable use of natural resources. In this context, one way that farmers are investing in their coffee plantations is in the use of precision agriculture techniques, termed precision coffee farming. Over the last few years, research has been conducted to facilitate the application of this technology, and sampling grids with two points per hectare have been recommended by several studies. These georeferenced demarcations in a plot are generally shaped as equidistant squares or rectangles, and the sampling points are located at the centers of these areas. Coffee farmers typically plant their crops following the level line, which greatly hinders the navigation of equidistant points within the field. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop an optimized walking route method to reduce the distance for sampling soil, leaf, and yield attributes. The experimental plots were established in 2000 at Samambaia Farm, located in Santo Antônio do Amparo, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with coffee the cultivar Acaia IAC 479-19, totaling 56.65 ha. The 111 sampling points were distributed in the land following the new method proposed in this study, and, after walking simulations using Farm Works Mapping Software, the new method was compared with the conventional method using the mean displacement between points. The new optimized walking routes method reduced the mean distance traveled to sample the points by 50.1%.

A Bahia é reconhecida por sua política estadual de desenvolvimento territorial, denominada Territórios de Identidade (TI). Assim, o objetivo deste artigo é evidenciar a relevância e efeitos dessa política pela perspectiva dos atores locais. O referencial teórico baseia-se na Perspectiva Orientada ao Ator, utilizando coleta de dados e entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os resultados indicam que a política é valorizada pela promoção do desenvolvimento multidimensional do rural baiano, fortalecendo o empoderamento social por meio da governança participativa. Seu arranjo institucional foi exitoso pela construção de uma coesão social, vontade política e integração do planejamento territorial ao Plano Plurianual do estado, Consórcios Públicos e ações da Companhia de Ação e Desenvolvimento Regional. No entanto, a política enfrenta desafios, em especial no que tange à consideração das heterogeneidades dos territórios e às disputas de poder nas arenas sociais, acarretando efeitos desiguais entre os TI.

ABSTRACT: Bovine mastitis is the most impacting disease of dairy industry, and it is characterized by a complexity of causal agents, which have revealed a geographical variation among regions and countries. The mastitis-related pathogens have been traditionally classified as contagious or environmental, based on habits of the microorganisms and transmission routes. Besides, the severity of mammary infections has been associated with the virulence of the pathogens, and immune and nutritional status of the hosts. Considering this scenario, we investigated the etiological pattern, clinical severity scores, and days in milk (DIM) data in 4,273 clinical cases of bovine mastitis among ten large-dairy farms located in Brazil. Streptococcus dysgalactiae (283/4,273 = 6.6%), Escherichia coli (190/4,273 = 4.4%), Prototheca spp. (112/4,273 = 2.6%), and Streptococcus uberis (95/4,273 = 2.2%) were the predominant pathogens isolated. Among 4,273 clinical cases, clinical severity score was available in 43.8% (1,871/4,273) animals. From these, 69.8% (1,306/1,871), 27.3% (510/1,871), and 2.9% (55/1,871) were scored as mild, moderate, and severe, respectively. Pathogens were observed mainly in samples obtained during the first 100 days in milk, and clinical severity scored mainly as mild. Our results contributed to the etiological identification, clinical severity scoring, and milking aspects of mastitic cows in dairy farms with a history of clinical mammary infections.

ABSTRACT More information is needed on the potential of using drill cuttings (crushed rocks) from the oil industry in agriculture and forestry. An experiment in forest nursery was carried out to evaluate the influence of substrates formulated from onshore gravel on characteristics of Ipê-branco (Tabebuia roseoalba) seedlings (i.e., growth, quality, and nutrition). We used five gravimetric proportions of gravel from drill cuttings mixed with Pinus-bark - commercial substrate (Mecplant® Florestal 3): control with only commercial substrate and zero gravel (G0), 2.5 % gravel (G2.5), 5 % gravel (G5), 7.5 % gravel (G7.5), and 10 % gravel (G10). In general, high proportion of drill cuttings increases density and decrease current moisture and total porosity of the formulated substrates. The drill cuttings proportions G2.5, G5 and G7.5 significantly contributed to the available water and readily available water in these substrates, with percentage values ranging 23 – 30 % higher than the G10 substrate. Increasing the gravel proportion generally resulted in increased pH levels, P, Na, K and metals (Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Cd, Zn, Cr and Pb), except for Ca and Mg nutrients that decreased. Heavy metal contents in all substrates did not exceed the permissible values in legal standards. The G2.5 and G5 substrates increased by 20 % approximately the stem diameter and height of seedlings, and G2.5 proportion also affected the root dry mass and Dickson quality index, with values two times higher than G0 substrate. Multivariate analysis proved suitable as a complementary approach to evaluate the seedling quality. Drilling cuttings addition, in general, increased the accumulation of nutrients and heavy metals of the Ipê-branco seedlings, and G2.5 and G5 substrates provided the greatest accumulation of the nutrients P, Ca, Pb and Zn in the shoot, while G2.5 proportion contributed with higher accumulation of N, Ca, Fe, Cr, Mn and Pb in the root. Adding drill cuttings as a conditioning component of the substrate at 2.5 and 5 % proportions is a viable alternative for using this residue to produce high-quality Tabebuia roseoalba seedling.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterise the lignocellulosic fractions of pruning waste from tree species showing potential for furniture production in Acaraú, Ceará. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomised, split-plot design, with the plots corresponding to two water regimes (irrigated for one year and irrigated for three years) and the sub-plots to eight tree species, with three replications. The chemical attributes were determined after seven years. Except for the insoluble lignin content, there was a significant effect from the different species in terms of the chemical properties of the wood. The results for the lignocellulosic fractions show the possibility of developing technological ways of adding value to these waste products, especially considering their lignin content. The different species also showed potential for use in producing cellulose pulp, with the exception of Handroanthus impetiginosus due to its high ash content. The results of this study offer new perspectives for future research into the use of forestry waste.

ABSTRACT The largest proportion of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Agriculture sector of the Brazilian national GHG inventory is derived from the large (>200 million head) herd of cattle. The greatest contribution to these emissions comes from the enteric methane from cattle, but the direct and indirect emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) from cattle excreta and N fertilizer are responsible for approximately 9 % of all national anthropogenic GHG emissions. Ammonia (NH3) can be volatilized from N fertilizer and cattle excreta and deposited in sites remote from the source, constituting an indirect source of N2O. This study aimed to determine whether direct N2O emissions and NH3 volatilization from N-fertilized pastures were greater than those derived from a mixed grass-legume pasture without N fertilizer addition. Emissions of N2O and NH3 from excreta and N fertilizer from a Palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) monoculture fertilized with 2 × 60 kg N ha-1 yr-1 urea were compared to those from a mixed Palisade grass-forage peanut (Arachis pintoi) pasture. Dung and urine were collected from these cattle, and NH3 losses and N2O emissions from the excreta and from N fertilizer were monitored using static chamber techniques. Volatilization of NH3 and N2O emissions were found to be greater from urine than from dung. Ammonia losses from excreta and urea fertilizer were low, not exceeding 6.8, 1.1, and 4.7 % of the N applied as urine, dung, and fertilizer, respectively. The N2O emissions showed a tendency to be greater for the urine from the N-fertilized compared to the mixed grass-legume pasture, and the N2O emissions from the urine of the N-fertilized pasture ranged from 0.08 to 0.94 % of applied urine N. The N2O emission from the N fertilizer was at maximum 0.46 % of the applied N. The direct N2O emissions and the loss of NH3 by volatilization (indirect N2O emission) from the excreta of cattle grazing the mixed grass-legume pasture were similar to, or lower than, the grazed grass monoculture fertilized with 120 kg N ha-1 yr-1. As the mixed pasture received no N fertilizer and hence no GHG emission from its manufacture or application, introducing forage peanut to the Urochloa brizantha pastures shows potential to be responsible for lower GHG emissions than the N fertilized grass pasture.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho é mensurar a aderência entre os convênios para mecanização agrícola celebrados via emendas parlamentares pelo Ministério da Agricultura e Agropecuária (MAPA) na legislatura 2019-2022 e as condições alocativas das regiões beneficiadas. Para tanto, utilizou-se das técnicas multivariada de dados Análise Fatorial e de Cluster, além de um modelo de regressão Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood, tomando como referência informações sobre os municípios brasileiros entre 2017 e 2022. Foram validados fatores alocativos, constituindo três clusters de municípios, a partir de suas características quanto ao Desenvolvimento Agrícola e Institucional (DAI) e a Presença de Agricultura Familiar e Vulnerabilidades (AFV). Além disso, foi proposto um Índice de Potencial de Celebração de Convênios (PCC). Entre os principais resultados, foi possível traçar o perfil de adequabilidade dos municípios a partir de características comuns e pelo PCC identificar e mensurar as deficiências alocativas produzidas. O estudo revelou que em torno de 90% dos municípios receberam menos convênios que deveriam no período, dadas suas características. Isso reforça a presença de limitações no processo alocativo e sinaliza sobre a preponderância de outros elementos, para além dos técnicos, nas decisões alocativas de mecanização.

Breath passion fruit (Passifloranitida) has been used as rootstock for sour passion fruit (P. edulis) in order to control wilting and collar rot caused by Fusarium spp. However, it is supposedly susceptible to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita), which is widespread in tropical crop fields. Two trials were carried out to assess the effect of M. incognitaon the growth of a P. nitida accession, and a third one was performed to assess the effect on the growth of P. edulisgrafted onto P. nitida and the anatomical changes induced by this nematode in P. nitida. In view of the high multiplication rate of this nematode in P. nitida, causing intense root galling and reducing plant growth of both P. nitida and P. edulis, P. nitida should not be used as rootstock, or even main crop, in M. incognita-infested fields.

Several factors contribute to the increase in irrigation demand: population growth, demand for higher value-added products, and the impacts of climate change, among others. High-quality water is essential for irrigation, so knowledge of water quality is critical. Additionally, water use in agriculture has been increasing in the last decades. Lack of water quality can cause drip clog, a lack of application uniformity, cross-contamination, and direct and indirect impacts on plants and soil. Currently, there is a need for more automated methods for evaluating and monitoring water quality for irrigation purposes, considering different aspects, from impacts on soil to impacts on irrigation systems. This work proposes a data-driven method to address this gap and implemented it in a case study in the PCJ river basin in Brazil. The methodology contains nine components and considers the main steps of the data lifecycle and the traditional machine learning workflow, allowing for automated knowledge extraction and providing important information for improving decision making. The case study illustrates the use of the methodology, highlighting its main advantages and challenges. Clustering different scenarios in three hydrological years (high, average, and lower streamflows) and considering different inputs (soil-related metrics, irrigation system-related metrics, and all metrics) helped generate new insights into the area that would not be easily obtained using traditional methods.

Soil compaction between crop rows can increase a machine’s performance by reducing rolling resistance and fuel demand. Controlled Traffic Farm (CTF) stands out among modern techniques for increasing agricultural sustainability because the machines continuously travel along the same path in the field, reducing plant crush and compacting the soil in the traffic line. This study evaluated fuel consumption and CO2 emissions at different CTF intensities in different soil management strategies for soybean crop. The experimental design involved randomized blocks in a split-plot scheme with four replications. The plots constituted the three types of soil management: conventional tillage, no-tillage with straw millet cover, and no-tillage with brachiária straw cover. The subplots constituted for agricultural tractors were passed over in traffic lines (2, 4, and 8 times). We evaluated agricultural tractor fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and soybean productivity. The straw cover and tractor-pass significantly affected the fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of the soybean cultivation. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions were reduced due to the machine-pass increase, regardless of soil management. Thus, a CTF reduces rolling resistance and increases crop environmental efficiency. Bare-soil areas increased by 20.8% and 27.9% with respect to fuel consumption, compared to straw-cover systems. Brachiária straw and millet reduce CO2 emissions per hectare by 20% and 28% compared to bare soil. Lower traffic intensities (two passes) showed (13.72%) higher soybean yields (of 4.04 Mg ha−1). Investigating these effects in other types of soil and mechanized operations then becomes essential.

Over the last two decades, a considerable amount of equipment has been acquired (spreaders, seeders, sprayers, among others) to respond to the challenges of the precision agriculture (PA) concept. Most of this equipment has been purchased at a high cost. However, many of them, despite still being functional and equipped with sensors, actuators, and electronic processing units capable of adjusting to variations in speed, have become obsolete in terms of communication and incompatible with new monitoring and control systems based on the “Isobus” protocol. This work aims to present a solution for updating the control system (“Ferticontrol”) of a “Vicon RS-EDW” spreader with variable rate application (VRA), making it compatible with the “InCommand” system from “Ag Leader”. The solution includes serial protocol mediation using low-cost tools such as “Arduino” and “Raspberry Pi” microcontrollers and open-source software. The development shows that it is possible to implement a solution that is accessible to farmers in general. It also provides a niche business opportunity for young researchers to set up small technology-based enterprises associated with universities and research centers. These partnerships guarantee permanent innovation and represent a decisive step towards modern, technological, competitive, and sustainable agriculture.

Resumo O Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE) é reconhecido mundialmente como uma bem-sucedida política pública de segurança alimentar e nutricional, porém muitos municípios brasileiros têm demonstrado dificuldades em cumprir o mínimo de compras da agricultura familiar (AF) estabelecido na Lei nº 11.947/2009. Entre os possíveis condicionantes estão as capacidades estatais municipais, embora ainda faltem estudos empíricos inferenciais. Diante disso, este estudo teve como objetivo compreender as relações entre capacidades estatais locais e compras da AF no PNAE, utilizando como variável de resposta o percentual de recursos empregados pelos municípios em compras diretas da AF e, como explicativas, variáveis representativas das capacidades técnico-administrativa, político-relacional e do contexto local. Como técnica de análise foram utilizados testes t de diferença entre médias, teste Qui-quadrado e regressão quantílica. Os resultados confirmam a existência de uma diferença significante entre o nível de capacidade dos municípios que, em 2019, cumpriram o mínimo legal de aquisições e aqueles que falharam no alcance dessa meta. Revelou-se, ainda, a influência das capacidades estatais técnico-administrativas e político-relacionais no percentual de compras efetuado, corroborando a importância de se considerar esses elementos nos modelos analíticos e na gestão de políticas públicas implementadas nesse contexto.

Several nematodes have been reported to damage common bean, being the main one the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita). This study aimed to evaluate the reaction of 20 common bean genotypes against the infestation of M.incognita, in an experiment conducted under greenhouse conditions, in a completely randomized design. The plants were inoculated with 4,000 eggs + J2 of M.incognita and, at 60 days after inoculation, they were removed for evaluation of root and shoot fresh mass, nematodes per plant and per gram of root, and reproduction factor. The BGF0011762, BGF0011854, BGF0011861, BGF0011862, BGF0011987, BGF0012533, BGF0013294, BGF0013355, BGF0013875 and BGF0013955 genotypes were classified as resistant. The principal component analysis explained 91.22 % of the variability among the nematode reproduction variables (nematode per plant and per gram of root, and reproduction factor) and the common bean phenotypic variables. The root and shoot fresh mass showed a high correlation between themselves, but also manifested an inverse relationship with nematodes per plant and nematode density population.

ABSTRACT The 24-epibrassinolide (24-EpiBL), in association with the physiological conditioning of seeds, is recognized for providing several advantages in seeds, among which the most important one is the tolerance to abiotic stresses. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the vigor of pepper seeds primed with 24-EpiBL and then subjected to salt stress. Three lots of pepper seeds of the cultivar Airetama Biquinho Amarela were used. The research was divided into three steps: the first for initial characterization of seed lots upon germination and vigor tests; the second for defining the water absorption process and drying of primed seeds; and the third for the priming of seeds with water (hydropriming) and 24-EpiBL (10-8 M), as well as priming with 24-EpiBL (10-8 M) of seeds subjected to the salt stress with the following osmotic potentials: 0.0, -0.2, and -0.4 MPa. A mitigation of deleterious effects of salt stress was found in seeds hydro-primed and primed with 24-EpiBL. The use of pepper seeds hydro-primed and primed with 24-EpiBL (10-8 M) is a viable alternative for decreasing injuries, morphological and biochemical changes, and growth and development limitations caused by salt stress.

ABSTRACT Fertilization with boron (B) is a crucial aspect in the management of tropical soils to achieve high yield and wood quality in forest species. However, studies are still needed for a better understanding of the effects of B on the anatomy and physiology of African mahogany to improve borate fertilization programs in terms of doses and sources of B. The objective was to characterize the morphology and anatomy of African mahogany leaves subjected to doses and sources of B, as well as to investigate leaf lesions caused by excess B. In a 3 × 3 factorial scheme, a randomized block design was used with four replications, resulting in a total of 36 experimental units. The treatments consisted of three sources of B: borax (sodium tetraborate), ulexite, and colemanite, and three doses of B: 0, 1.5, and 3 mg dm –3 . After 120 days of transplanting, leaf samples with and without toxicity lesions were collected for morphological and anatomical evaluations. Following the collection, the samples were photographed and fixed in Karnovsky’s solution. The plants cultivated in the control treatment did not exhibit any symptoms of B deficiency in the leaf tissue. Borax and ulexite sources, and higher doses of B resulted in greater lesions, accompanied by the accumulation of phenols in the necrotic region. In contrast, the source of lower solubility (colemanite) and lower dose of B demonstrated the highest accumulation of starch. African mahogany is sensitive to applying high doses (3 mg dm –3 ) and high solubility sources of Boron (borax). Excessive B levels cause necrosis and structural disorganization of African mahogany leaf tissues.

ABSTRACT Wheel slipping and fuel consumption are variables influenced by tire pressure, speed, ballasting, and soil surface. Once the tractor is present in all agricultural operations, knowledge of these variables is essential to achieving the most operational efficiency. This study aimed to develop an embedded system to collect data and show tractor slipping and fuel consumption in real-time via smartphone. The system was developed using prototyping platforms and validated through randomized field tests under four speeds and two terrain conditions. Three methods for determining slippage under different conditions were compared. The developed embedded system determined an agricultural tractor's slipping and fuel consumption conditions. The slip and fuel consumption rates varied depending on the type of rolling surface (ground preparations) and the tractor's operating speeds. Conventional tillage surface increased fuel demand by 6% and slippage by 17% compared to no-till rates. The proposed embedded system found similar results and could present the slipping values in the developed Android to real-time operation compared to a conventional method. This application shows both slipping and fuel consumption values over time on graphs, which can be very useful during machine operation, helping to define better configuration and reduce environmental impacts.

Comemorar 10 anos do Marco de Referência de Educação Alimentar e Nutricional para as Políticas Públicas é um privilégio e uma alegria. É com satisfação que apresentamos, aqui, os trabalhos selecionados com todo carinho e rigor que a data exige. Passaram-se dois anos desde que convocamos colegas a contribuírem para este número temático, um sintomático lapso de tempo que nos sugere que precisamos de tempo... tempo para pensar e repensar as práticas, tempo para decantar de nossas reflexões e construções teórico-metodológicas, elementos que indiquem as veredas onde os avanços no campo da Educação Alimentar e Nutricional (EAN) estão sendo pavimentados para os próximos dez ou doze anos. O Marco, nome carinhoso como tratamos essa publicação de 2012, marca de fato um contexto de fortalecimento dos espaços de participação social e de iniciativas intersetoriais para a promoção do Direito Humano à Alimentação Adequada (DHAA) e da Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (SAN). Marca também a relevante e necessária produção de uma reflexão crítica sobre as ações de EAN, valorizando-a nos diversos contextos em que já era desenvolvida e incentivando sua inserção em novos cenários.1 Esses novos cenários foram se apresentando ao longo dos anos, marcados também por uma série de adversidades, tais como: (1) os ataques aos referenciais da educação crítica, sobretudo a Paulo Freire, produzidos por uma onda conservadora que se espalhou em diversos aspectos da vida social; (2) o crescimento de perspectivas de atuação profissional fortemente marcadas pelos valores neoliberais que exercem sobre o nutricionista o ideal de tornar-se “empreendedor de si”; (3) a crise sanitária relacionada à Covid-19 e a necessidade de mudanças no cotidiano (incluindo o afastamento social), que demandaram adaptações às formas de cuidar da alimentação, nutrição e saúde e de fazer EAN; e (4) o desmonte, esvaziamento e reconfiguração das políticas públicas de SAN e de outras políticas sociais que, combinados com o contexto de crises (econômica, social, climática e sanitária), trouxeram o aumento avassalador da fome em todo país. Além das adversidades, cabe aqui registrar os reconhecidos avanços relativos aos debates sobre ambientes alimentares, sistemas alimentares sustentáveis e justos e a visibilidade dada às questões de gênero e raça entre os determinantes da saúde, assim como as contribuições do Marco no estímulo ao registro e sistematização de novas práticas, múltiplos saberes e questões étnico-raciais em alimentação e nutrição. No contexto desses avanços, destacamos duas importantes iniciativas: em um primeiro momento, em 2012, a criação da Rede Virtual Ideias na Mesa, com o intuito de favorecer a troca de experiências de EAN e o apoio à formação de profissionais para atuar nessa área;2 e, mais recentemente o Laboratório de Inovação em Educação Alimentar e Nutricional (LIS-EAN), lançado no contexto da celebração dos 10 anos do Marco que se dedica a reunir experiências de EAN exitosas, além de sistematizar o conhecimento de maneira a ampliar o acesso e o compartilhamento entre gestores e profissionais da saúde e de outros setores.3 Reconhecemos nessas iniciativas a importância de descrever, sistematizar e publicizar essas experiências e, principalmente, de partilhar os sucessos de profissionais que atuam na EAN. Contudo, apesar da grande quantidade de relatos de experiências enviados para essa chamada temática, entendemos que era o momento oportuno de dar mais ênfase às lacunas, renovando, mais uma vez, os desafios com que somos confrontados em nosso cotidiano e possibilitando o avanço sempre possível e necessário ao campo da EAN. Assim, os artigos aqui reunidos apresentam sistematizações e análises que, na esteira das inovações trazidas pelo Marco, puderam sustentar espaços nos quais, tradicionalmente, se desenvolvem práticas de EAN, como escolas, unidades de atenção primária à saúde, estágios e projetos de extensão desenvolvidos nas universidades, mas também apontar novos elementos que contribuem para uma concepção de EAN que se liberte das amarras de uma educação bancária. Esse é um desafio permanente e que ainda se impõe ao campo da EAN. Ou seja, mudar práticas não é nada simples, sobretudo quando nos vemos diante de uma formação profissional que se utiliza de abordagens pedagógicas tradicionais, por vezes voltadas a demandas de um mundo neoliberal que responsabiliza unicamente o indivíduo, e não renuncia a concepções arcaicas e normativas sobre os binômios saúde-doença, certo-errado, bom-mau.

ProAKAP4 is a protein precursor of AKAP4 present in the principal piece of the flagellum, associated with sperm motility. It has been described in several species, but its concentration has never been measured in sex-sorted sperm. Thus, the study aimed to test the proAKAP4 as a suitable sperm quality biomarker for Bos indicus X-sorted sperm. To achieve the study’s goal, 14 semen straws from different bulls were evaluated, six X-sorted and eight non-sorted. Sperm kinetics and morpho-functional evaluations were carried out, in addition to the concentration of proAKAP4. The characteristics evaluated were compared by the t-test and correlated by the Pearson’s correlation. A difference was found for total motility (P = 0.014), rapid sperm (P = 0.020), and sperm area (P = 0.013) between the non-sorted and X-sorted sperm. The proAKAP4 concentration was higher in the X-sorted sperm (X-sorted sperm: 67.54 ng/106 spermatozoa; non-sorted sperm: 29.76 ng/106 spermatozoa), but it was not correlated to the kinetics or morpho-functional characteristics evaluated. However, the proAKAP4 in non-sorted sperm showed a correlation to sperm total and progressive motility, rapid sperm, and sperm membrane integrity. The study concluded on the unreliability of the proAKAP4 as a biomarker to indicate sperm quality in the X-sorted sperm.

ABSTRACT The analysis of Tabernaemontana heterophylla seeds entails morphological characterization and the study of genetic variability between batches. This knowledge is fundamental for evolutionary biology and agronomic and conservation practices. Crop productivity, species preservation, reforestation, and post-harvest processing can all benefit from understanding and considering seed size. This work aimed to determine the multidimensional characteristics and mass of the seeds using multivariate cluster analysis. We investigated multidimensional characteristics by measuring the dimensions and mass of the seeds and computing their physical attributes. Several statistical measures were used to assess the morphometric data, including the mean, amplitude, coefficient of variation, relative frequency, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and confidence interval. In addition, grouping patterns and inter-variable dependencies were examined by multivariate cluster analysis using Ward’s method. The results revealed significant variability in seed dimensions, indicating morphological unevenness in the seeds of this species. Euclidean distance analysis identified the formation of subclusters, implying distinct groupings based on seed size and mass. The finding highlights the significance of segregating lots with similar physical characteristics and defining representative properties for management practices. These variations reflect the genetic diversity required for adaptability and ecological resilience, ensuring forest ecosystems’ survival and proper functioning. Alternatively, classifying and standardizing seed lots based on these physical traits can optimize post-harvest processing and increase agronomic productivity.

ABSTRACT Peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) is a native tree from Brazil widely used for obtaining palm heart. Due to the increasing interest in palm heart, plantations are expanding to the Brazilian South and Southeast regions. Peach palm processing generates high amounts of solid wastes, which are inadequately disposed of and have no consolidated use. Proposing potential utilizations for the valorization of these lignocellulosic matrices requires knowing their chemical composition. This work aimed to determine the chemical composition (at mineral, nutritional, and macromolecular levels) of the three by-products (internal sheath, external sheath, and basal portion) generated during the processing of the peach palm, to characterize their semi-volatile compounds, and to compare them to the edible palm heart. The by-products represent 83.6% (w/w) of the biomass in the peach palm processing and have a high dietary fiber content (59.2 - 68.1%). Internal sheath and basal portion showed high protein content (8.40 - 11.8%) according to Brazilian legislation and several bioactive compounds such as myo-inositol and organic acids (succinic, gallic, and linoleic acids), indicating their nutraceutical properties and potential to be used as food additives or ingredients in food formulation. Besides, the external sheath had high cellulose content (39.6%) that could be extracted and applied in material science. All by-products have compounds of interest to the industry and a high potential to be employed in the development of products with higher added value.

ABSTRACT Wild lettuce (Lactuca aff. canadensis L.), belonging to the Asteraceae family, occurs subspontaneously in Brazil and may originate from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. Popularly known as Canada lettuce, it is an unconventional leafy vegetable. Studies on this species are scarce in Brazil, and its scientific name is debated among experts. It has high morphological variability and controversial botanical classification. This study characterized the stomata, organized the karyotype, and determined the nuclear DNA content of four morphotypes of wild lettuce to facilitate correct classification. The genetic material used was acquired from the non-conventional vegetable germplasm in UFLA. The leaves of wild lettuce morphotypes are hypoamphiestomatic with a greater number of stomata in the abaxial epidermis. There were similarities between the morphotypes (green and purple) and between the smooth purple types (narrow leaf and broad leaf) for the number and size of stomata. No variation was found in the number of chromosomes (2n = 18) or DNA content among the four morphotypes. The separation of the morphotypes of wild lettuce did not match the morphological classification or the karyological data. The four morphotypes evaluated were placed under the same species, and the results obtained when compared to other studies led us to infer that the four morphotypes of wild Lactuca belonged to the species L. indica and not L. canadensis as previously assumed. Further investigation may provide insights into the evolutionary history of this species.

ABSTRACT Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis is a method that has been widely disseminated among researchers for ensuring fast, accurate and non-destructive results. Thus, this study aimed to assess the chlorophyll a fluorescence of pepper seedlings grown from seeds that were unprimed, hydroprimed and primed with 24-EpiBL at 10-8 M after induction of salt stress at three concentrations (0.0, -0.2 and -0.4 MPa). To carry out the experiment, the Seed Reporter Camera Spectral & Color Imaging System (PhenoVation Life Sciences, Wageningen, Netherlands) was used. Three lots of seeds of the pepper cultivar ‘Biquinho’ were used. Chlorophyll fluorescence in the seedlings was evaluated on the seventh day after the seeds were subjected to different levels of salt stress. The chlorophyll fluorescence images obtained were analyzed by the CFTI - Analysis software (version 4.5). Through the data obtained it was possible to verify that, in general, there was an increase in chlorophyll a fluorescence in seedlings grown from seeds primed with 24-EpiBL. In short, the chlorophyll fluorescence technique proved to be viable and efficient, in addition to being a practical tool that can be used to support the analysis of the quality of pepper seedlings, whether or not subjected to saline stress conditions.

Strawberry cultivation possesses unique features, including the need for high-quality seedlings adapted to the cultivation environment and proper fertigation management. These elements influence plant growth and production. This study evaluated the growth and dry matter partitioning of strawberry plants of the cultivar "Albion" at different seedling ages (0, 14, 28... 196 DAT) using two fertigation methods: open-loop and closed-loop systems. Fifteen evaluations occurred throughout the cultivation cycle, spanning from planting to 196 days after transplanting (DAT), with the study replicated over two consecutive years. We evaluated dry matter partitioning among roots, stems, leaves, senescent leaves, flowers, commercial fruits, and non-commercial fruits. We also measured root volume and length, besides counts of leaves, flowers, and both commercial and non-commercial fruits. Despite no significant differences between fertigation systems for most variables, the closed-loop system shows promise, contingent on proper nutrient solution management. The partitioning analysis revealed that fruits, followed by leaves, were the primary consumers of photoassimilates.

Abstract Efficient use of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is essential to reduce fertilizer costs and nutrient pollution and to lower the carbon footprint of agriculture. This requires a better understanding of N and P limitations on photosynthesis and biomass generation in one of the world's most important crops, wheat (Triticum aestivum). In a fully factorial nutrient experiment, we find that the limiting nutrient, N or P, at a Redfield‐like N:P ratio (21N:1P molar) produces the ‘effective dose of fertilizer’ for the generation of above‐ground biomass (seed or vegetative). Best‐fit structural equation models showed that neither N nor P applied in excess of 21N:1P led to any increase in biomass. The light (qP, NPQ) and dark (Amax, Vcmax, Jmax) reactions of photosynthesis are also constrained by the limiting nutrient at the 21N:1P Redfield‐like ratio. Beyond this ratio, ‘excess N’ or ‘excess P’ had no effects. The direct effects of the ‘effective dose of fertilizer’ on the accumulation of biomass were stronger than its indirect effects via photosynthesis, likely driven by the N and P costs in building nucleic acids needed for cell division, cell maintenance and RNA transcription. Modern composite fertilizers are typically provided at a much higher P content than a 21N:1P ratio, potentially resulting in a huge global wastage of P, a finite resource, with all the concomitant costs to the farmer, consumer and the environment.

ABSTRACT Artificial insemination success in swine is mainly associated with semen dose quality. Thus, this study compared quality control parameters in 11 Brazilian boar studs after applying audit services for 24 months (1,650 boars). An extensive checklist was applied in each audit, registering ‘compliance’ or ‘noncompliance’ for 75 items. Semen doses produced were analyzed as regards volume and sperm concentration, and microbiological analyses were conducted for semen and water samples collected at distinct production stages. On average, boar studs produced 112.9 semen doses per boar per month, and the odds of raw semen contamination increased when boars were inadequately housed and doses were collected under increased temperatures, with no anti-slip rubber mat or after a poor prepuce cleaning (p < 0.05). Collection from boars with locomotor problems and no regular change of reverse osmosis filters increased the contamination odds in semen doses produced and stored at the stud (p < 0.05). As regards the water submitted to the osmosis reverse process, contamination odds increased as a result of deficient cleaning and disinfection of the purification equipment (p < 0.05). Risk factors for reduced sperm motility (< 70 %) were: no anti-slip rubber mat for semen collection, no cleaning program for automatic feeding system (drops) and bins, and inadequate intervals between semen collections (≤ 2 days or > 7 days; p < 0.05). Two boar studs had the best results for compliance with the checklist items. Constant monitoring, appropriate hygiene of facilities and equipment, and periodical staff training are highlighted as non-negotiable points for boar semen dose quality.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the use of the product of thermal efficiency and photosynthetically active radiation (TEP) to model the growth of tomato seedlings across different growing seasons. The work was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replicates in two seasons (summer/autumn and winter/spring). Height, diameter, the Dickson’s Quality Index (DQI), and total plant mass (TPM) were measured at 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 days after sowing (DAS). The logistic model was fitted for each measured variable as a function of TEP, and the partial derivatives of the fitted function estimated the critical points. The results demonstrated that the logistic function effectively explained the nonlinear relationships of seedling growth. The fit quality parameters showed high fitted coefficients of determination and low values for the standard error of fit, residual standard deviation, and intrinsic and parametric nonlinearity. It was possible to characterize the growth process of tomato seedlings in both growth periods investigated. The logistic model fitted for the studied variables as a function of TEP becomes an accurate model capable of describing growth aspects of tomato seedlings, such as growth estimation, growth speed, and growth rate, essential parameters for decision-making in tomato cultivation.

ABSTRACT: The feasibility of enhancing oat cereal bars, widely recognized for their health benefits, was investigated by replacing up to 5% oats with whole seed, almond, or steam-cooked pinhão husk flour. Pinhão contributes with resistant starch, antioxidant compounds, and minerals. The control oat bar (30.5% of the mixture), without pinhão flours but containing brown sugar (25.5%), raisins (15.0%), glucose (15.0%), coconut oil (3.0%), gelatin (0.5%), and water (10.0%), provides 75.53 kcal, with 15.66% carbohydrates (on a dry basis), 2.88% insoluble fiber, 0.70% soluble fiber, 1.82% protein, 0.62% lipids, and 0.32% minerals. Bars replacing up to 5% of oats with almond, husk, or whole seed flour showed statistically similar compositions, except for lipids, few minerals, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity. Concerning daily recommendations, a 22 g bar offers low energy (3.78%, Brasil, 1998) and proportionally high mineral content, including potassium (34.64%), zinc (81.58%), magnesium (108.55%), iron (421.18%), copper (192.98%), calcium (395.13%), and manganese (1,027.00%). Additionally, they exhibit a significant content of total phenolic compounds (8.66 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant capacity (24.43 mg Trolox/g). These innovative bars were well-received in sensory evaluations and demonstrated good commercial potential. Notably, a bar that replaced 5% oats with husk flour could be a viable option for microenterprises due to simplified technology, contributing to waste valorization and encouraging the preservation of the Araucaria Forest.

ABSTRACT: Recent rise in desert rose production, the expanded cultivation of this species may promote infestation by certain insects and mites. One such insect, the fungus gnats (Bradysia sp), also known as fungus flies, have been damaging numerous ornamental plant species. This study reported the incidence of fungus gnats infesting desert rose plants in the municipality of Jataí - GO, Brazil. Throughout 2022, we evaluated 48 desert rose plants for parasitic occurrences through direct observation. Sticky traps were used to record adult insects. Damage to plant organs has been documented and the presence of parasites at various stages of development with digital photographs. The incidence of fungal gnats is confirmed by observing adult insects and larvae in the plant substrate and roots. Of the 48 plants evaluated, 39 showed signs of infestation. Symptoms of a fungus gnat attack on desert rose include small necrotic lesions on new roots, progressive root rot, and a withered caudex resembling dehydration. The fungus gnats attack can cause the desert rose caudex to wilt, reducing its size and losing part of its shape, fact that can compromise the commercialization of this crop.

Crop segmentation, the process of identifying and delineating agricultural fields or specific crops within an image, plays a crucial role in precision agriculture, enabling farmers and public managers to make informed decisions regarding crop health, yield estimation, and resource allocation in Midwest Brazil. The crops (corn) in this region are being damaged by wild pigs and other diseases. For the quantification of corn fields, this paper applies novel computer-vision techniques and a new dataset of corn imagery composed of 1416 256 × 256 images and corresponding labels. We flew nine drone missions and classified wild pig damage in ten orthomosaics in different stages of growth using semi-automatic digitizing and deep-learning techniques. The period of crop-development analysis will range from early sprouting to the start of the drying phase. The objective of segmentation is to transform or simplify the representation of an image, making it more meaningful and easier to interpret. For the objective class, corn achieved an IoU of 77.92%, and for background 83.25%, using DeepLabV3+ architecture, 78.81% for corn, and 83.73% for background using SegFormer architecture. For the objective class, the accuracy metrics were achieved at 86.88% and for background 91.41% using DeepLabV3+, 88.14% for the objective, and 91.15% for background using SegFormer.

Evapotranspiration (ET) is the main driver of the energy balance partitioning and influences hydrological and carbon cycles at global, regional and local scales. Furthermore, it is the main requirement for developing strategies to improve water use in agriculture. It is known that there is a close relationship between ET and rainfall, especially in tropical environments. Thus, the main goal of this article was to evaluate how ET and its controls (surface conductance - Gs; decoupling coefficient - Ω; Priestley-Taylor parameter - α) respond to the seasonal variability of meteorological forcing in tropical grazed pastures under the climatic conditions of Northeast Brazil. ET was measured using an Eddy covariance (EC) system and analyzed based on data from two agricultural years (2015–2016 and 2016–2017) with negative (-59 mm) and positive (356 mm) rainfall anomaly, respectively. ET exhibited pronounced seasonality, closely aligned with the seasonality of rainfall. Lower daily averages were observed during the dry season in both agricultural years (1.01 ± 0.60 and 0.89 ± 0.44 mm, respectively). On the other hand, higher daily averages were observed during the rainy season (2.44 ± 0.75 and 4.83 ± 0.96 mm, respectively). The Gs patterns and the significant correlation between Gs, Ω, and α (p < 0.01) indicate that surface control prevails over atmospheric control on an annual scale. This finding is confirmed by the annual mean values of Ω (0.27, 2015–2016) and α (0.38, 2016–2017). This relationship is likely induced by a vegetative stomatal control mechanism, which protects the vegetation against excessive water loss during periods of high temperatures and low humidity levels. These findings are crucial for understanding how droughts modulate components of the energy balance and water fluxes in pastures, especially given the intensification of these events. This has implications for the implementation of climate change mitigation policies and soil management.

ABSTRACT: The carrotculture stands out on the world stage due to its nutritional characteristics and economic importance, an aspect that demands the constant development of research aiming greater productivity. Thus, this study proposed an experimental plan, determining the estimates of plot size, sample size, and number of repetitions, with the purpose of increasing the precision and reliability of the results of the experiments with the carrot crop. Six uniformity trials were conducted, using three cultivars in two growing seasons (Season: 2019 and 2021).Each plant was considered a basic experimental unit and in each BEU, the variables shoot height, root length, shoot fresh mass, root fresh mass, and root diameter were measured. The size of the plot, sample, and the number of repetitions was estimated by the method of maximum curvature of the coefficient of variation. The results recommend that for experiments with the carrot crop, plots with twelve plants should be used. For a sampling of carrot plants in the plot, samples of eleven plants must be used in the direction of the row, considering a semi-amplitude of the confidence interval (D%) equal to 20% of the mean, with a confidence level of 95%. For a minimum significant difference in the Tukey test expressed as a percentage of the 50% mean, plots of twelve plants per crop row, with eight replicates, are recommended.

O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito de estratégias de rebaixamento (ER) do pasto de Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu (capim-marandu) antes do diferimento sobre a estrutura do pasto diferido e o desempenho de ovinos no inverno. As três ER avaliadas foram: 1) manutenção do capim com 15 cm durante cinco meses antes do início do diferimento (15 cm); 2) manutenção do capim-marandu com 25 cm durante cinco meses antes do início do diferimento, quando o pasto foi rebaixado para 15 cm (25/15 cm); e 3) manutenção do capim com 35 cm, durante cinco meses antes do início do diferimento, quando o pasto foi rebaixado para 18 cm (35/18 cm). Foram utilizadas 18 ovelhas adultas mestiças (Dorper x Santa Inês), alocadas em pares em nove piquetes. As avaliações nos animais e nos pastos foram realizadas a cada 45 dias durante o período de utilização dos pastos diferidos, com mensurações no início (primeira semana), meio (45º dia) e final (90º dia) do período de pastejo. Foram mensurados o GMD, consumo e a composição química de amostras de forragem colhidas por pastejo simulado. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com medidas repetidas no tempo. Os pastos mantidos a 15 cm apresentaram maior percentagem de colmo vivo e menor de colmo morto (P0,10). Entretanto, o consumo de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB) e a digestibilidade da FDN foram menores no meio em comparação ao início e final do período de pastejo (P0,10), mas diminuiu do início para o final do período de pastejo. O rebaixamento abrupto do capim-marandu de 35 para 18 cm antes do diferimento resultou em maior eficiência de pastejo pelos ovinos, caracterizando ambiente pastoril adequado para o pastejo no inverno.

Adequar metodologias que possibilitem avaliar o vigor das sementes de lentilha é de suma importância para garantir a comercialização de lotes com ótimo desempenho em campo. Objetivou-se definir as condições adequadas para a realização do teste de condutividade elétrica para classificação de lotes quanto ao vigor, como também avaliar se a atividade de enzimas antioxidantes possui relação com o potencial fisiológico das sementes de lentilha. Para tanto, sementes de sete lotes cv. Silvina foram submetidos a diferentes testes para a caracterização da sua qualidade inicial e os resultados comparados com os obtidos no teste de condutividade elétrica e atividade enzimática. Foram utilizados para avaliar a condutividade elétrica quatro períodos de embebição (4, 8, 12 e 24 h), combinados com três volumes de água (75, 100 e 150 mL) sob temperatura de 25 °C. Foram realizadas também a avaliação das enzimas SOD, CAT e APX. O teste de condutividade elétrica e o de atividade enzimática foram eficientes para a avaliação do potencial fisiológico com informações relacionadas com outros testes de vigor. O teste de condutividade elétrica conduzido com 50 sementes imersas em 75 mL de água, a 25 °C, por 24 h permite a separação dos lotes em níveis de vigor. A atividade das enzimas CAT, SOD e APX pode ser relacionada ao potencial fisiológico das sementes de lentilha.

A produção orgânica tem na oferta de insumos um importante desafio, os bioinsumos para controle biológico, por meio das especificações de referência, são colocados como soluções promissoras. Dessa forma, este artigo analisou a participação dos bioinsumos para controle biológico na agricultura orgânica brasileira. Para tanto, caracterizou o cenário da agricultura orgânica e do controle biológico e, em seguida, realizou, em duas etapas de pesquisa, a análise de opiniões de especialistas em produção orgânica. Os resultados posicionaram a expansão da produção e do mercado de orgânicos, assim como do controle biológico, atividades permeadas por políticas públicas. Apontaram, ainda, os bioinsumos como tecnologias pouco conhecidas e pouco utilizadas pelos produtores orgânicos, principalmente, os pequenos e médios, situação também observada para os instrumentos previstos nas especificações de referência, também carentes de difusão. Por fim, os resultados indicaram que a superação deste cenário está na integração entre as políticas em execução, os movimentos sociais e as ações empresariais, associada ao fomento da pesquisa e da extensão rural.

ABSTRACT Symptoms of severe vein clearing, leaf rolling, and blistering were observed in cassava plants in southwestern Bahia State, Brazil. The plants were collected, vegetatively propagated, and kept in a greenhouse. Leaf samples tested positive for begomovirus infection by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Complete nucleotide sequences of DNA-A and DNA-B of isolate PSLDV-Man04 revealed 99.89 % and 96.2 % identity, respectively, with the bipartite begomovirus passionfruit severe leaf distortion virus (PSLDV) genome. This PSLDV isolate was experimentally transmitted to two and four of the five cassava plants and ten passion fruit plants, respectively, inoculated with Bemisia tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1). This is the first report of the natural infection of cassava plants by the PSLDV begomovirus in Brazil.

Resumo O advento das tecnologias de informação e comunicação pode ocasionar desajustes entre a oferta e a demanda de força de trabalho. Estudos recentes evidenciam que, no Brasil, um dos setores que tendem a ser mais impactados por processos de automação é o setor da agropecuária. O objetivo é investigar os fatores que influenciam a manutenção do emprego no setor agropecuário, introduzindo um fator explicativo inovador: as probabilidades de automação associadas a diferentes ocupações, conforme proposto por Frey & Osborne (2013), e adaptadas ao mercado de trabalho brasileiro por Lima et al. (2019). Na análise, utilizam-se os dados da RAIS de 2019. Os resultados apontam que o tempo de vínculo e a remuneração exercem um impacto positivo na probabilidade de um indivíduo permanecer empregado. No entanto, ocupações com alta probabilidade de automação apresentam uma probabilidade esperada 6,66% menor de manutenção do emprego para os trabalhadores quando comparadas às ocupações de baixa probabilidade de automação. Adicionalmente, indivíduos com graduação apresentam uma probabilidade 11,21% maior de manter o emprego em comparação com aqueles com apenas o ensino fundamental. Conclui-se que as estimativas reforçam a necessidade de investimentos em qualificação profissional para dotar os trabalhadores de habilidades alinhadas às necessidades da agropecuária contemporânea.

A pesquisa foi conduzida com o objetivo de avaliar a utilização da levedura de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) desidratada pelo método spray dryer nas dietas de tilápia do Nilo. Foram utilizados 144 alevinos com peso médio inicial 3,6 ± 0,03g, distribuídos em 24 tanques com capacidade de 80L, interligados a um sistema de recirculação de água, com o uso de filtro biológico para a mineralização da amônia em nitrito, e do nitrito em nitrato, e um sistema de aeração contínua. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado constituído de quatro tratamentos (0,00; 10,00; 20,00 e 30,00% de inclusão de levedura) e seis repetições. O experimento teve uma duração de 60 dias e foram avaliados o peso final, comprimento total, taxa de sobrevivência, ganho em peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar aparente, taxa de eficiência proteica, rendimento de carcaça, índices hepatossomático e lipossomático. Em relação aos parâmetros analisados, não foram observados um efeito significativo para comprimento total, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, taxa de eficiência proteica, rendimento de carcaça, índices hepatossomático e lipossomático. No entanto, o peso final e ganho em peso apresentaram efeito quadrático, sendo os melhores níveis de inclusão de levedura apontado pela regressão para esses parâmetros foram 2,26 e 3,04%, respectivamente. Já para a taxa de sobrevivência dos animais foi observado um aumento linear. Baseado nos resultados obtidos, recomenda-se a inclusão de 3,04% de levedura para alevinos de tilápia do Nilo.

A criação de pequenos ruminantes é uma importante fonte de subsistência e renda para os agricultores familiares, contribuindo para a segurança alimentar e o desenvolvimento socioeconômico. Para elevar a produção desses animais visando o baixo custo com a alimentação, se faz necessário recorrer às diferentes alternativas de alimentos, que além de diminuir os gastos, proporciona aos animais maior consumo e aproveitamento dos nutrientes. Nesse sentido, surge então o mesocarpo e o óleo de babaçu, uma alternativa alimentar que se apresenta como fonte nutritiva geralmente melhorando o desempenho produtivo, e reduzindo doenças metabólicas ocasionadas pela alta concentração de grãos na dieta. Objetiva-se com esta revisão de literatura realizar um levantamento sobre consumo e digestibilidade dos nutrientes em pequenos ruminantes alimentados com óleo e mesocarpo de babaçu na região Norte e Nordeste do Brasil. Os artigos escolhidos para esta revisão foram publicados em bases de dados no período de 2013 a 2023, utilizando os seguintes critérios de inclusão: babassu oil, babassu mesocarp, alternative feeding, lambs nutrition, intake and digestibility of nutrients. Os estudos indicam que o óleo e o mesocarpo de babaçu podem ser utilizados na alimentação de pequenos ruminantes, apresentando ganhos significativos quanto ao consumo e digestibilidade de nutrientes. Contudo, há restrição quanto ao uso desse alimento alternativo na dieta, onde, a quantidade adequada para o mesocarpo é entre 10 a 10,5%, e para o óleo de babaçu de até 7%.

ABSTRACT: This study identified the relationship between energy balance and some blood metabolites in primiparous dairy cows with different calving conception interval. Twenty primiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were grouped according to the interval (days) from calving to conception into early-conception (early-c; 150 days) group; and evaluated on day -7 prior to parturition, and days 28, 56 and 90 postpartum. All groups presented positive energy balance, serum concentrations of HDL, urea-N and progesterone with no difference on days 28 and 56 of lactation. On day 90 of lactation all the cows presented negative energy balance; however, the early-c group presented a less intense (P < 0.05) net energy balance (-1.09 versus -2.15 and -1.86 Mcal/day), lower concentrations of serum urea-N (3.28 versus 4.22 and 4.88 mg/dL) and HDL cholesterol (0.84 versus 1.59 and 1.46 mmol/L) and greater serum concentration of progesterone (8.13 versus 4.54 and 1.83 ng/mL) than cows of mid-c and late-c groups, respectively. In conclusion, different from those usually observed for multiparous dairy cows, the energy balance during the first weeks of lactation was not a determining factor affecting the calving conception interval of primiparous dairy cows in the present study. Instead, the nutritional status and the serum concentration of urea-N and progesterone at a later stage, after 56 days of lactation, suggest having a role in delaying these cows’ pregnant status.

Euterpe precatoria Mart. (açaí-do-amazonas) and Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí-do-pará) are palm trees of socioeconomic importance to Brazil, and fruit demand has increased due to its nutritional characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of global climate change on the current geographic distribution of E. precatoria and E. oleracea and in future climate scenarios using the ecological niche modeling in the scope of Brazilian territories. The modelings used 28 environmental variables, including climatic and edaphic data. The current distribution was verified for the reference period (2009-2019) and future projections were evaluated in two scenarios (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways - SSP): SSP 245 (less pessimistic) and SSP 585 (more pessimistic), in the time interval of 2061-2080. All algorithms presented satisfactory evaluation indexes. Euterpe precatoria has a predominant geographic distribution in the Amazon domain, while E. oleraceahas potential occurrence in three Brazilian phytogeographic domains: Amazon, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest. Euterpe oleracea showed to be more sensitive to climate change in both scenarios, while E. precatoria was more resilient up to a certain level of temperature increase (SSP 245).

The soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) may result in a significant economic impact on bean cultivation. This study aimed to evaluate the reaction of 55 common bean genotypes from the Embrapa Arroz e Feijão core collection to the race 3/HG type 0 of H. glycines. Among the genotypes evaluated, 34 were considered resistant to the cyst nematode, and, in addition to showing a lower population of females in the roots, also reduced the fecundity of H. glycines.

This study aimed to carry out the extraction and chemical characterization of oil from crambe treated with resistance inducers during its cultivation to promote greater efficiency in the defense system of plants. For this purpose, Agromos® and Ecolife® inducers were applied at rates of 0.5 and 1.0 L hectare−1 during crambe cultivation. Crambe seed oil was obtained in a Soxhlet extractor using n-hexane as a solvent and the oils were characterized in terms of fatty acid composition and minority compound contents (phytosterol and tocopherol). The oil obtained from seeds without the application of inducers (control) was also characterized. We determine the oxidative stability of oils with inducer application that presented higher minority compound contents. Crambe seeds that received the treatment with the Agromos® resistance inducer had higher oil content. However, in general, the fatty acid profile of the obtained oils was similar and showed a predominance of erucic and oleic acids (which represent ~82% of the composition). The application of the Agromos® inducer allowed obtaining seeds that provided oil with higher contents of phytosterols and tocopherols and higher oxidative stability.

The flavor, aroma, and color of coffee can be changed due to mechanical damage, reducing its quality. To measure the mechanical behavior of the fruit, compression tests can be performed at different stages of ripeness. In this study, we analyzed the deformation, strain energy, and von Mises stress of coffee fruits at mature, semi-mature, and immature stages under compression forces. Compression in three directions (x, y, and z) was simulated on coffee fruit models using the finite element method. A compression support was applied in the opposite direction to the force application axis. Numerical simulations of the compression process allowed us to verify that the more mature the fruit, greater the associated mean deformation (2.20 mm mm−1, 0.78 mm mm−1, and 0.88 mm mm−1), the lower the mean strain energy (0.07 mJ, 0.21 mJ, and 0.34 mJ), and the lower the mean equivalent von Mises stress (0.25 MPa, 1.03 MPa, and 1.25 MPa), corresponding to ripe, semi-ripe, and immature fruits, respectively. These analyses not only save time and professional resources but also offer insights into how strain energy and von Mises stress affect fruits at different maturation stages. This information can guide machine adjustments to reduce coffee harvesting damages.

Monitoring the evolution of pasture availability and quality throughout the growing season is the basis of grazing management in extensive Mediterranean livestock systems. Remote sensing (RS) is an innovative tool that, among many other applications, is being developed for detailed spatial and temporal pasture quality assessment. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the potential of satellite images (Sentinel-2) to assess indicators of pasture quality (pasture moisture content, PMC, crude protein, CP and neutral detergent fiber, NDF) using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Field measurements were conducted over three years at eight representative fields of the biodiversity and variability of dryland pastures in Portugal. A total of 656 georeferenced pasture samples were collected and processed in the laboratory. The results show a significant correlation between pasture quality parameters (PMC, CP and NDF) obtained in standard laboratory methods and NDVI satellite-derived data (R2 of 0.72, 0.75, and 0.50, respectively). The promising findings obtained in this large-scale validation study (three years and eight fields) encourage further research (i) to test and develop other vegetation indexes for monitoring pasture nutritive value; (ii) to extend this research to pastures of the other Mediterranean countries, building large and representative datasets and developing more robust and accurate monitoring models based on freely available Sentinel-2 images; (iii) to implement an extension program for agricultural managers to popularize the use of these technological tools as the basis of grazing and pasture management.

ABSTRACT The geostatistics technique is widely used to identify the variability of soil attributes, although being expensive due to the large number of samples that it requires. In this sense, magnetic susceptibility has been an alternative to assess landscape variation, a fact that can assist in sampling planning. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of magnetic susceptibility in identifying specific soil management zones and its relationship with soil attributes that can assist in the management of correction and fertilization in an area cultivated with banana with limestone application modes. In a banana orchard, 42 soil samples were collected at a depth of 0.00 to 0.20 m, with a 30 x 35 m sampling grid. The attributes evaluated were magnetic susceptibility, pH, organic matter, aluminum, H + Al, base saturation and cation exchange capacity, clay, sand, and silt. A descriptive and geostatistical analysis of the data was performed. Spearman correlation analysis was used to identify which attributes are associated with magnetic susceptibility. Magnetic susceptibility correlates with chemical and granulometric attributes in the Entisols. Magnetic susceptibility proved to be an efficient attribute in identifying specific management zones, assisting in the sampling planning of soils cultivated with banana.

ABSTRACT: Rabies is a viral encephalitis that affects mammals, including humans. Rapid and effective laboratory diagnosis of the rabies virus is critical for public health. This study evaluated the operational, technical, and financial viability of the RT-qPCR in replacement of inoculation in mice for diagnosing rabies in the laboratory routine. A total of 316 samples of mammalian brains were analyzed, 121 positives and 195 negatives, previously diagnosed by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and mouse inoculation test (MIT). The samples were submitted to the duplex TaqMan RT-qPCR technique. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of RT-qPCR were analyzed. We analyzed the costs for performing the RT-qPCR technique and compared it with the cost of MIT. The results showed 99.37% accuracy, 99.17% sensitivity, and 99.49% specificity by RT-qPCR when related to DIF and MIT results, which proved to be a robust and repeatable technique. The minimum time for a positive diagnosis was reduced in RT-qPCR (1 day) if compared to MIT (9.64 days), with a 17.7% reduction in the cost of the molecular technique. The present study demonstrated that the molecular biology technique is an efficient tool to diagnose rabies in the laboratory routine, being able to replace MIT.