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Forms of aluminum (Al) present in the solution of tropical and subtropical soils can cause toxicity in rootstocks and peach cultivars, impairing growth and productivity. This can be minimized by growing Al-tolerant rootstocks and cultivars. However, this is not sufficiently known, especially because plant breeding programs do not always consider tolerance as a selection variable for genetic materials. The study aimed to (a) select cultivars and clonal selections of Al-tolerant peach rootstocks, (b) identify variables that confer Al tolerance for use in genetic improvement programs, and (c) propose critical levels (NC) and ranges of toxicity (TF) of Al in relation to morphological variables of the root system. The experimental design was completely randomized, comprising a factorial of 13 (cultivars and clonal selections) x 2 (with and without Al) with three replications. Own-rooted ‘BRS Mandinho’ peach seedlings (without rootstock) and grafted seedlings of ‘BRS Mandinho’ on different cultivars and clonal rootstock selections were cultivated in a hydroponic system, composing two levels for the Al factor (absence and presence at 100 mg L−1). The morphological variables of the canopy and root system, Al accumulation in tissues, translocation factor, and the critical level (NC) and toxicity range (TF) of Al in the roots were evaluated. Rootstocks FB-SM-09-43, JB-ESM-09-13, SAS-SAU-09-71, SS-CHI-09-40, ‘Sharpe’ and VEH-GRA-09-55 were tolerant at high Al concentrations. The NC of Al in the roots in relation to the root surface area of peach rootstocks was 1400 mg Al kg−1, and the FT was between 1200 and 1500 mg Al kg−1.

Abstract This study aimed at evaluating production parameters of peach trees subject to different doses of potassium fertilization and at establishing the critical level of this nutrient in the soil and in peach tree leaves. The experiment was conducted in the 2016, 2017 and 2018 seasons in a commercial orchard located in Morro Redondo, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Peach trees of the cultivar Sensação were fertilized at the following doses: 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1 K2O as potassium chloride applied to the surface of the soil. In the 3-year study, production per plant, number of fruit, fruit mass and fruit diameter were evaluated while soil and leaf samples were collected to undergo chemical analyses. Potassium fertilization in peach orchards increases levels of this nutrient in the 0-20 cm soil layer. Potassium fertilization via soil increased potassium contents in peach tree leaves. Productivity of peach trees responds to superficial potassium application via soil but it does not affect mean fruit mass. The critical level between relative productivity and potassium content in the soil could not be established while the one between production and potassium content of leaves of peach trees was 2.84%.

Nitrogen, which is the primary nutrient peach trees need, may affect their fruit quality. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the effect of nitrogen fertilization on two genotypes of peach trees, regarding their fruit quality, in three consecutive crops. The experiment was carried out in the experimental area that belongs to the Embrapa Clima Temperado, located in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, from 2016, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Four doses of nitrogen (0, 60, 120 and 180 Kg ha-1) and two peach tree genotypes (‘Cascata 1513’ and ‘Cascata 1067’) were used. For the fruit, we evaluated epidermis color, pulp firmness, epidermis firmness, soluble solids concentration, titratable acidity, concentration of total phenolic compounds, anthocyanins and antioxidant activity. Fruit underwent physical, chemical and bioactive compound analyses. Results showed that the highest dose of nitrogen (180 Kg ha-1) applied to the soil retards fruit ripening, while no application of nitrogen fertilization brings fruit maturation forward. Nitrogen fertilization via soil does not favor anthocyanins in fruit. Doses of 60 and 120 Kg ha-1 of nitrogen are recommended because they lead to improvement in peach color, epidermis firmness and acidity. Peach tree genotypes influence soluble solids, juice pH, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of their fruit.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a concentração de nutrientes nas folhas e o rendimento de maçãs em função do uso da irrigação e da forma de aplicação de adubos ao solo (convencional sólida ou fertirrigação). O experimento foi conduzido na safra 2014/15 em um pomar instalado sobre um Cambissolo Húmico, em São Joaquim (SC), com o cultivar Kinkas. Os tratamentos foram: adubação sólida convencional (ASC); adubação sólida convencional + irrigação (ASC+I); fertirrigação (F); e fertirrigação + irrigação (F+I). Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com oito repetições. A necessidade e o tempo de irrigação foram determinados pela média das leituras dos tensiômetros instalados entre as unidades experimentais. Foram avaliados os teores de Ca, Mg, P e K no solo e nas folhas, os parâmetros de produtividade, sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável e firmeza de polpa. O número e a produtividade de frutos, assim como os atributos de solo, não foram afetados pelos tratamentos. Nas folhas, os teores de Ca foram maiores no tratamento com I+F em relação ao com ASC+I; para Mg, os maiores teores ocorreram nos tratamentos com ASC e ASC+I; para o K, os tratamentos com I+F e F foram os que apresentaram os maiores teores. A menor concentração de açúcares nos frutos ocorreu no tratamento com fertirrigação. Apesar de afetar a composição das folhas, a forma de aplicação dos adubos e a irrigação não afetaram a produtividade de maçãs.

ABSTRACT: Strawberry guava (Psidium cattleyanumm Sabine) is a species native to southern Brazil which exhibits significant potential for economic exploitation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth response of strawberry guava subjected to liming and phosphate fertilizer in pre-planting. The treatments consisted of four lime levels: 0; 33.3; 66.6 and 100 % of the dose needed to increase the pH in water to 6.0, and four phosphorus (P) doses: 0; 83.3; 166.6 and 250 kg ha–1 of P2O5. Plant growth parameters were evaluated for three years. In the years 2018 and 2019, the mineral composition of leaves, photosynthethic pigment indices and mycorrhizal colonization on strawberry guava roots were measured. Liming and phosphate fertilizer altered neither plant growth nor the photosynthetic pigment indices and there was no interaction between the factors studied and the remaining variables evaluated. However, liming promoted increases in the Ca and Mg shoot content, and the phosphate fertilizer increased the levels of shoot P in the third year of growth. Mycorrhizal colonization was stronger when the P soil levels were low, which could explain the absence of response to phosphate fertilization on plant growth for the first three years after planting.

Nitrogen (N) sources are applied to soils cultivated with peach trees. But, soil cover crops, as Paspalum notatum, a Pampa biome native species, commonly present in orchards, can absorb part of N, decreasing the amount used by peach trees. The study aimed to evaluate N absorption and physiological parameters of young peach trees cultivated in soil with the presence and absence of Paspalum notatum. The experiment was carried out for 180 days in a greenhouse, where N sources were applied to peach trees in the presence or absence of Paspalum notatum. Urea and organic compost were used. Dry matter, tissue N and physiological parameters were evaluated in peach trees. Dry matter and tissue N were evaluated in Paspalum notatum. Nitrogen in soil was evaluated. The N uptake by the peach trees with urea application, on average, was 32% higher than the N uptake by the peach trees in the control treatment or with organic compost, regardless of the presence or absence of Paspalum notatum. Cultivation with Paspalum notatum decreased N uptake by peach trees and, consequently, peach trees photosynthetic pigment content, and stimulated senescence anticipation in about 30 days. However, the total dry matter of peach trees cultivated with Paspalum notatum in any of the treatments applied was not modified. These results may guide new ways of co-cultivating cover crops and young peach trees.

Abstract The clonal rootstocks allows preservation of mother tree genetic characteristics, such as vigor and produce a fasciculated root system, with an abundant thin roots. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of fifteen clonal genotypes as rootstocks on the agronomic performance of ‘BRS Kampai’ peach, as well as the technical feasibility of own-rooted trees (without rootstock) in a no-irrigated field condictions, in Pelotas-RS, Brazil. Bagged nursery trees were planted at the field in August, 2014, under a randomized block design with four replications of one tree per plot, and evaluations of trunk diameter, trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA), yield efficiency, annual and accumulated fruit yield per tree and per hectare were carried out until 2019. In the adopted experimental conditions, we conclude that ‘Barrier’ (P. persica x P. davidiana), ‘Cadaman’ (P. persica x P. davidiana), G x N.9 (P. persica x P. dulcis), ‘Ishtara’ [(P. cerasifera x P. salicina) x (P. cerasifera x P. persica)] and ‘Santa Rosa’ (P. salicina) do not have potential as a rootstock of ‘BRS Kampai’ peach due irregular bud breaking of scion, small fruits and/or low fruit yield. Clone 15 (P. mume) stands out for increasing fruit weight and maintaining satisfactory fruit yield per tree. ‘Flordaguard’ (P. persica) is the best rootstock tested, which is vigorous, do not present any undesirable agronomic characteristics and induce the highest yields per tree and per hectare, exceeding 50 t ha-1 in accumulated yield. Own-rooted trees of ‘BRS-Kampai’ peach have technical feasibility, as long as pruning is properly carried out.

Abstract The objective of this research was to evaluate the technical feasibility of SPAD index in the diagnosis of N status in ‘Esmeralda’ peach. The field trial, with five N rates applied to the soil (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1 of N as urea form) was conducted in a randomized block design with four replications. During the years 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, SPAD readings were carried out with a Minolta SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter, in the leaf middle part, in 40 leaves per plot. The leaf N content determination was performed in CHN-S Elemental Analyzer. SPAD index and leaf N content increased in a linear way in response to increasing N rates applied in soil. There was a positive linear correlation between SPAD index and N concentration in leaves (0.652; 0.756; 0.762 and 0.767, p

Abstract Potassium fertilization can change K forms available in the soil, as well as influence plant absorption of it and yield but, mainly, it can affect grape composition. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of potassium (K) fertilization on grape production and juice (must) composition of a Cabernet Sauvignon cultivar. Grapevines were treated with 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1 year-1 K2O. Leaf K contents, grape yield per plant and area, total soluble solids (TSS), must pH and titratable acidity, and K available in the soil were assessed. Soil samples collected at the 20-cm layer were analyzed to measure K availability and nonexchangeable K in them, based on studies conducted over 3 growing seasons. Results have shown that K application did not have effect on grape production and must composition, although it increased K contents in leaf blade and petiole. However, annual K fractionation in the soil has suggested that 100 kg ha-1 year-1 K2O is the K dose capable of maintaining K availability to plants at more appropriate contents throughout the growing seasons.

This study set out to assess the nutritional status of peach trees in the commercial peach-growing region of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. The sample includes 65 peach orchards of the Maciel, Granada, Esmeralda, and Sensação cultivars in the municipalities of Pelotas, Canguçu, and Morro Redondo during the 2018 agricultural cycle. After drying and grinding the leaf samples for an analysis of their nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) content, the results were presented in frequency distributions divided into classes based on the nutrient requirements indicated for the crop in the region, in addition to the correlations between the nutrients. Greater deficiencies were observed in nitrogen, copper, iron, and zinc content. However, potassium content was found in the “above normal” class for most of the samples, and there were correlations between P/Ca, P/Cu, Ca/P, Ca/Mg, and Ca/B. An insufficient use of the tools to assess the nutritional status of the orchards was observed, especially the leaf diagnosis, which led to the inappropriate use of fertilizers and the consequent nutrient imbalance in the plants.

Para pessegueiros produzidos na região sul do Brasil ainda são escassas as informações sobre a influência da adubação potássica sobre a qualidade dos frutos. Deste modo, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os atributos físico-químicos e compostos bioativos dos frutos de pessegueiros submetidos a diferentes doses de potássio aplicadas no solo por três safras consecutivas. O experimento foi realizado estudando a cultivar Sensação em um pomar comercial no município de Morro Redondo, RS – Brasil, durante as safras de 2016, 2017 e 2018. Os pessegueiros da cultivar Sensação foram adubados com potássio (K) nas doses de 0, 40, 80, 120 e 160 kg ha-1 de K2O na forma de cloreto de potássio, aplicadas na superfície do solo. Após a colheita foram determinados os teores de sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT), relação SS/AT, pH, coloração da polpa, firmeza da epiderme e da polpa, teor de carotenoides totais, compostos fenólicos totais e atividade antioxidante. A firmeza da epiderme, a relação SS/AT e a concentração de carotenoides dos pêssegos responderam à adubação potássica, mas apenas em alguns ciclos de produção. Os parâmetros de coloração, firmeza da polpa, sólidos solúveis, pH do suco, fenóis totais e atividade antioxidante dos pêssegos não alteraram em decorrência da aplicação de potássio ao solo.

Abstract Among the factors that affect peach productivity is the proper nutrition of plants, being nitrogen (N) one of the main nutrients for the crop. Thus, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilization on macronutrient leaf contents, plant development and production of different genotypes of peach trees cultivated at high planting density, seeking to recommend the most appropriate concentration. The experiment was conducted between 2016 and 2018 using peach selections ‘Cascata 1513’ and ‘Cascata 1067’ and with nitrogen fertilization concentrations (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1 of N). Pruning mass, trunk diameter, number of fruits per plant, average fruit mass, yield per plant, yield per hectare and leaf macronutrients were evaluated. The increase of N concentration increases the N content in leaves. For the conditions of this experiment the maximum production per plant was obtained for the highest dose of 180 Kg ha of N.

A diagnose foliar é uma importante ferramenta para a avaliação do estado nutricional da macieira. As concentrações dos nutrientes nas folhas variam em função da época de amostragem e em resposta às adubações. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adubação nitrogenada e potássica sobre o vigor e a composição mineral das folhas da macieira em duas épocas de amostragem. O experimento foi conduzido no período de 1998 a 2006, no município de São Joaquim, SC. Consistiu de um fatorial com doses de N e K aplicadas anualmente ao solo (zero, 50, 100 e 200kg/ha de N e de K O). A análise química foi realizada em folhas coletadas na época padrão de amostragem, 15 de janeiro a 15 de fevereiro, e também antecipadamente durante a segunda quinzena de novembro nos anos agrícolas 2004/05 e 2005/06. O vigor das plantas foi avaliado por meio das medições do perímetro do tronco. As concentrações dos macronutrientes nas folhas foram alteradas, principalmente pela adubação nitrogenada, que promoveu o incremento das concentrações de N, Ca e Mg e a redução das concentrações de K e P. A adubação potássica reduziu as concentrações foliares de Mg e de Ca. O vigor das plantas foi influenciado positivamente pela adubação nitrogenada. Os teores dos nutrientes de folhas coletadas em novembro apresentaram boa correlação com aqueles de folhas coletadas na época padrão de amostragem, em janeiro/fevereiro.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho o estudo de diferentes modelos matemátcos para caracterizar as disponibilidades térmicas no período hibernal e prever a data inicial da brotação do cultvar de videira Vitis vinifera Cabernet Sauvignon. O trabalho foi realizado a partr de uma série histórica (1984-1993) de dados climátcos e de dados fenológicos do Banco Atvo de Germoplasma, ambos da Embrapa Uva e Vinho, em Bento Gonçalves, RS. Os acúmulos de frio foram quantfcados com o uso de nove métodos: horas de frio iguais ou inferiores a 7,2°C e a 10°C; modelo Dinâmico; e modelos de Utah e Carolina do Norte em suas versões originais, modifcados para altas temperaturas e adaptados para as condições da Serra Gaúcha. No estudo da série histórica, os melhores resultados (resíduos menores) foram obtdos pelos modelos de Utah e Carolina do Norte adaptados para as condições climátcas da Serra Gaúcha.

‘Esmeralda’ is an orange fleshed peach cultivar primarily used for juice extraction and secondarily used for the fresh fruit market. Fruit yield and quality depend on several local environmental and managerial factors, mainly on nitrogen, which must be balanced with other nutrients. Similar to other perennial crops, peach trees show carryover effects of carbohydrates and nutrients and of nutrients stored in their tissues. The aims of the present study are (i) to identify the major sources of seasonal variability in fruit yield and qu Fruit Tree Department of Federal University of Pelotas (UFPEL), Pelotas 96010610ality; and (ii) to establish the N dose and the internal nutrient balance to reach high fruit yield and quality. The experiment was conducted from 2014 to 2017 in Southern Brazil and it followed five N treatments (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg N ha−1 year−1). Foliar compositions were centered log-ratio (clr) transformed in order to account for multiple nutrient interactions and allow computing distances between compositions. Based on the feature ranking, chilling hours, degree-days and rainfall were the most influential features. Machine learning models k-nearest neighbors (KNN) and stochastic gradient decent (SGD) performed well on yield and quality indices, and reached accuracy from 0.75 to 1.00. In 2014, fruit production did not respond to added N, and it indicated the carryover effects of previously stored carbohydrates and nutrients. The plant had a quadratic response (p < 0.05) to N addition in 2015 and 2016, which reached maximum yield of 80 kg N ha−1. In 2017, harvest was a failure due to the chilling hours (198 h) and the relatively small number of fruits per tree. Fruit yield and antioxidant content increased abruptly when foliar clrCu was >−5.410. The higher foliar P linearly decreased total titratable acidity and increased pulp firmness when clrP > 0.556. Foliar N concentration range was narrow at high fruit yield and quality. The present results have emphasized the need of accounting for carryover effects, nutrient interactions and local factors in order to predict peach yield and nutrient dosage.

O fósforo faz parte de numerosos compostos orgânicos no metabolismo das plantas, como nucleotídeos e fosfoproteínas além de participar do metabolismo e armazenamento de energia. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a resposta de pessegueiros cv. Sensação a adubação fosfatada e estabelecer o nível crítico deste nutriente no solo e nas folhas. O experimento foi conduzido nos ciclos 2016 e 2017 em um pomar comercial localizado no município de Morro Redondo/RS – Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Os pessegueiros foram adubados com doses crescentes de fósforo (P), sendo estas, 0, 20, 40, 60 e 80 kg ha-1 de P2O5 na forma de superfosfato triplo. Nos dois ciclos avaliados foram coletadas amostras de solo na camada de 0-20 cm e de folhas para determinação dos teores de minerais. Os dados obtidos, foram submetidos a análise de variância pelo teste F (P < 0,05), e quando os efeitos foram significativos, ajustadas as equações de regressão. A aplicação de P aumentou os teores deste nutriente no solo. Os teores foliares de P não foram afetados pela adubação, bem como a produtividade e os componentes de rendimento. Sendo assim, não foi possível estabelecer um nível crítico de P no solo e nas folhas de pessegueiros. Em solos onde os teores de P são classificados como médios e acima disso, não há a necessidade de se aplicar este nutriente.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of liming and phosphorus fertilization on the growth, mineral composition of the leaves, fruit yield, and mycorrhizal colonization of young feijoa (Acca sellowiana) plants. Treatments consisted of four liming levels - 0, 25, 50, and 100% of the dose required to raise the soil pH to 6.5 - and of five levels of P - 0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha-1 P2O5 -, placed in a randomized complete block design, in a split-plot arrangement, with three replicates. The orchard was established in 2010 with the Helena cultivar. In 2012, 2013, and 2014, plant growth was evaluated by measuring trunk perimeter, plant height, and tree canopy width. Mineral composition of the leaves, regarding P, N, K, Ca, and Mg contents, was assessed annually. Mycorrhizal colonization was evaluated in 2012, and fruit yield was determined in 2014. No interaction was observed between the studied factors. P contents had no effect on the evaluated variables. Liming, however, increases plant growth, mycorrhizal colonization, fruit yield, and Ca and Mg leaf contents, besides reducing K leaf contents.

Abstract The application of rest breaking agents to compensate the lack of chilling is a common practice in apple orchards in Southern Brazil. However, its necessity in areas of greater chilling accumulation has been questioned over the years. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of ‘Maxi Gala’ apple in response to different budbreak promoters in São Joaquim, SC. The study was performed in the growing seasons of 2013/2014, 2014/2015, and 2015/2016. Plant material consisted of 10-year-old ‘Maxi Gala’ apple trees grafted on the rootstock ‘M.9’, arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replicates in the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 growing seasons and six replicates in the 2015/2016 season. Treatments consisted of Erger®, combined with either calcium nitrate or mineral oil, at different rates; and hydrogen cyanamide combined with mineral oil. Treatments were applied when buds were between the stages A (dormant bud) and B (swollen bud; silver tip). The influence of treatments on flowering, budbreak, yield components, and fruit quality was assessed. Flowering was little affected by treatments, while axillary budbreak was consistently improved in the year of insufficient chilling accumulation. Besides, the combination Erger® (2% and 3%) + calcium nitrate (2% and 3%) and Erger® (1%) + mineral oil (3%) induced similar axillary budbreak as hydrogen cyanamide + mineral oil. Fruit quality attributes were not affected by treatments.

ABSTRACT: Fertilization of apple orchards with phosphorus (P) has received less attention than with nitrogen and potassium. In Brazil, the information about apple response to soil P addition is meager. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of annual soil P addition on quality and mineral composition of apple fruits. The experiment started in 2010, in a commercial orchard located in the São Joaquim, Southern of Brazil. The orchard consisted of ´Fuji Suprema’, planted in high-density on a Haplumbrept soil. Treatments consisted of 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160kg ha-1 P2O5 applied annually starting in 2010 broadcast over the soil surface along the tree row. Evaluations were performed from 2012/2013 through 2014/2015 growing seasons. We harvested three samples from each experimental unit. One sample was cold stored in a controlled atmosphere chamber for six months; the others were immediately evaluated for firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity (TA), skin color, and the concentrations of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in the fruit flesh. Application of P to the soil affected only flesh firmness at harvest and TA after six months of storage in the 2012/2013 season, as well as firmness after six months of storage in the 2013/2014 season. In the 2014/2015 season, the addition of P reduced fruit color but only at harvest. Addition of P to the soil affected the levels of P in the fruit in the 2012/2013 season, as well as N and the N/Ca ratio of fruit in the 2014/2015 season. Overall, attributes related to fruit quality of cultivar Fuji Suprema were slightly affected by long-term annual addition of P to the soil.

Abstract Several studies have been conducted in Brazil with rooting of plum scion cultivars, however, it is not known the performance and benefits of own-rooted trees at field. This study aimed to evaluate the leaf nutrient content (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B) in seven Japanese plum cultivars (Prunus salicina) on the 2nd and 3rd year after field planting, whose nursery trees were produced by “T-inverted” budding method over ‘Capdeboscq’ peach (P. persica) or by own-rooted hardwood cuttings. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, factorial 7 x 2 (cultivars x nursery tree types), with five replicates of one tree per plot. We conclude that leaf nutrient content of Japanese plums varies among cultivars; however there is no cultivar that stands out in all macro and micronutrients evaluated. K, Ca and Mn leaf contents, when affected by nursery tree types tested, were always higher in own-rooted trees. However, Mg leaf contents, when affected by nursery tree types tested, were always higher in budded trees on ‘Capdeboscq’ peach. Own-rooted plum trees of ‘Amarelinha’, ‘Blood Plum’, ‘Pluma-7’ and ‘Reubennel’ presented higher Mn leaf contents, in relation to budded trees of these cultivars on ‘Capdeboscq’. Own-rooted ‘Cerejinha’ plum trees have highest K leaf content and also increase the agronomic interpretation class in relation to the budded trees of this cultivar on ‘Capdeboscq’.

Abstract This work evaluated the mineral composition of leaves and fruits of apple (Malus domestica Borkh) ‘Fuji’ on different rootstocks. The experiment was conducted from 2008 to 2011 in the municipality of São Joaquim (SC). The treatments evaluated rootstocks: CG.008, CG.24, CG.56, CG.058, CG.210, CG.213, CG.757, CG.814 and CG.969 of the American series Cornell Geneva (CG); JM.2 and JM.7 of the Japanese series Japan, Morioka (JM); and M.7, M.9 and M.26 of the English series, EMLA (M). The experimental design was randomized blocks with four repetitions. Annually, the leaves were collected for the chemical analysis. Only in the years 2009 and 2010, the fruit samples were collected to determine nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). The leaf Ca content differed between rootstocks, especially for CG.213 and CG.969, which presented a higher content of the nutrient. However, there were no differences between rootstocks in terms of Ca content in the fruit, which confirms the low ratio between the contents in leaves and fruits. Ratios between nutrients, mainly (K+Mg)/Ca, are more sensitive to the Ca content to discriminate groups of rootstocks about possible risk of physiological disorders in the fruits.

Abstract The application of rest breaking agents to overcome the lack of chilling is a common practice in apple orchards in southern Brazil. However, its necessity in areas of greater chilling accumulation, like in the city São Joaquim, Santa Catarina State (SC), has been questioned over the years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different budbreak promoters, on the performance of ‘Fuji Suprema’ apple trees, in the region of São Joaquim/SC. The study was performed at the Experimental Station of São Joaquim - Santa Catarina Agricultural Research and Extension Agency (EPAGRI), in the growing seasons of 2013/2014, 2014/2015, and 2015/2016. Plant material consisted of 10-year-old ‘Fuji Suprema apple trees grafted on the rootstock ‘M.9’ and arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replicates. Treatments consisted of a nutrient solution containing soluble nitrogen and calcium (NCaS), combined with either calcium nitrate or mineral oil, at different rates; and hydrogen cyanamide combined with mineral oil. The time of application was when buds were between the stages A (dormant bud) and B (swollen bud; silver tip). The influence of treatments on flowering, budbreak, yield components, and fruit quality was assessed. Flowering and fruit quality were little affected by treatments. In the other hand, the budbreak promoters consistently improved axillary budbreak in two out of three seasons.

Irrigating vineyard soils can affect grapevine water potential, nutritional status, and must composition. This study aimed to evaluate leaf water potential, nutritional status, and must composition in cv. 'Pinot Nero' grapevines grown with and without irrigation. The experiment was conducted at a commercial vineyard of 'Pinot Nero' 828 grafted on SO4 rootstock, established in 2002 in Trento, Northern Italy. The treatments were irrigated (I) and non-irrigated (NI) throughout the 2013 crop season. The criteria evaluated were the water potential of the leaves, total nutrient content in the leaves and berries, and weight of 100 berries, as well as the total soluble solids content, pH, and total titratable acidity of the must. Despite providing a less negative water potential for the grapevine leaves, irrigation did not affect the nutritional status or must composition, and it only slightly interfered with berry nutrient content.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilization and to establish the critical levels of P and K in the soil and in the plant tissue in pear trees. Two experiments were conducted in São Joaquim (SC), Brazil. In experiment 1, the plants received annually the application of increasing rates of phosphate fertilizer (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg P2O5 ha-1), while in experiment 2, increasing rates of potassium fertilizer (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg K2O ha-1) were applied annually. In the two experiments, soil was collected annually from the 0-10, 10-20 and 0-20 cm layers, and the available P (experiment 1) and exchangeable K (experiment 2) content was analyzed. Whole leaves were collected annually, which were subjected to analysis of total P (experiment 1) and total K (experiment 2) content. The number and weight of the fruits per plant and fruit yield were evaluated. Application of P on the soil planted with pear trees increased the nutrient content in the soil and, in most crop seasons, in the whole leaf, but it did not affect the yield components and fruit yield. The application of K on the soil with pear trees increased the nutrient content in the soil and, in most of the crop seasons, in the whole leaf, but the potassium content in the whole leaf decreased in the crop season with greater fruit yield. The yield components and fruit yield were not affected by K fertilization.

ABSTRACT: Cover crops may have direct or indirect effects on the physical and chemicalsoil attributes; these cropsplay a key role in the cycling of nutrients in the soil and add labile organic carbon, bringing economic and environmental benefits to the system. To study the effect of cover crops on the physical and chemical properties of an Oxisol, a three-year experiment was conducted in a commercial vineyard located at Epagri’s Experimental Station in Videira, SC, Brazil. Different winter species (white clover, red clover, common vetch, turnip, corn spurrey, black oat, rye, and ryegrass) were sown in addition to treatments with manual weeding or mechanical mowing. Certain chemical and physical attributes of soil were determined in samples collected fromlayers 0-0.1 and 0.1-0.2m deep on the vinerows and between rows, as well as the dry mass of winter cover crops. Few chemical and physical attributes of the soil changed among winter cover crops and did not differ from the crops managed with mechanical mowing or hand weeding of spontaneous vegetation. Vine rows provided more adequate values of most physical and chemical soil attributes.

O trabalho foi realizado no município de São Joaquim, Santa Catarina, durante o ciclo de cultivo 2009/2010, com o objetivo de avaliar a utilização fosfato natural Gafsa combinado com cama de aviário sobre a produtividade de tubérculos e a composição mineral das folhas em um sistema orgânico de produção de batata consumo. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso com cinco repetições e foram testadas quatro doses de fosfato natural Gafsa (0, 1333, 2666 e 4000 kg ha-1) combinadas à dose única de 8 t ha-1 de cama de aviário. Independentemente da dose utilizada, não houve incremento na produção de tubérculos de batata com a adição de fosfato natural Gafsa. A produtividade obtida mesmo com a dose máxima do fosfato natural foi igual em relação a quando se adubou somente com cama de aviário, indicando que a solubilização do fosfato natural Gafsa foi baixa durante um único ciclo de produção da batata. A dose de 8 t ha-1 de cama de aviário propiciou concentrações adequadas dos nutrientes nas folhas, exceto para P e Ca. Devido à baixa concentração de P encontrada nas folhas, presume-se que este nutriente foi o que mais limitou o rendimento de tubérculos.

This study evaluated the diversity of cultivable plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria associated with apple trees cultivated under different crop management systems and their antagonistic ability against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Samples of roots and rhizospheric soil from apple trees cultivated in organic and conventional orchards in southern Brazil were collected, together with soil samples from an area never used for agriculture (native field). Bacteria were identified at the genus level by PCR-RFLP and partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA, and were evaluated for some PGP abilities. The most abundant bacterial genera identified were Enterobacter (27.7%), Pseudomonas (18.7%), Burkholderia (13.7%), and Rahnella (12.3%). Sixty-nine isolates presented some antagonist activity against C. gloeosporioides. In a greenhouse experiment, five days after exposure to C. gloeosporioides, an average of 30% of the leaf area of plants inoculated with isolate 89 (identified as Burkholderia sp.) were infected, whereas 60 to 73% of the leaf area of untreated plants was affected by fungal attack. Our results allowed us to infer how anthropogenic activity is affecting the bacterial communities in soil associated with apple tree crop systems, and to obtain an isolate that was able to delay the emergence of an important disease for this culture.

O boro (B) é aplicado na maioria dos pomares brasileiros de maçã, porém sem fundamentação experimental regional. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito de formas, doses e épocas de aplicação de B no rendimento e na qualidade de maçãs. O experimento foi instalado em São Joaquim-SC, em 2002, com as cultivares Imperial Gala e Fuji Suprema conduzidas em áreas diferentes, cujas avaliações foram realizadas nas safras de 2009/2010 e 2010/2011. Os tratamentos consistiram em um fatorial envolvendo doses de B aplicadas ao solo, a cada dois anos, e épocas de pulverização na planta, feitas anualmente. Utilizou-se de delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições, cujos tratamentos foram arranjados em parcelas subdividas: na parcela principal, foram alocadas as épocas de aplicação foliar de ácido bórico (sem pulverização, 0,3% pulverizado na fase de botão rosado e 0,6% em pós-colheita) e nas subparcelas, as doses de bórax no solo (0; 2,5 e 5,0 kg ha-1 de B). A aplicação de B no solo foi mais eficiente do que a pulverização foliar para aumentar o teor de B na polpa, na folha e no solo; no entanto, não afetou nenhum dos atributos relacionados com a qualidade dos frutos, nas duas cultivares. A pulverização com B diminuiu o teor de amido e a acidez titulável, e não afetou o teor de sólidos solúveis e a firmeza da polpa dos frutos. A pulverização na floração diminuiu a germinação de grãos de pólen na cultivar Imperial Gala e a frutificação efetiva na cultivar Fuji Suprema. O rendimento de frutos não foi afetado pela adição de B, independentemente da época, da forma de aplicação ou dose, nas duas cultivares. Assim, não há necessidade de aplicar B nessas cultivares em pomares cultivados em solos com altos teores de matéria orgânica, com o objetivo de incrementar a produção e a qualidade dos frutos.

Macieiras 'Fuji' crescidas sobre Cambissolo e Neossolo foram tratadas com doses de N e K2O (0; 50; 100 e 200 kg ha-1 de ambos) por nove anos. As alterações da maturação e qualidade das maçãs, na colheita e após a armazenagem, decorrentes das aplicações de N e K2O, não foram iguais para os dois solos. Altas doses de N aumentaram o teor de N e diminuíram a cor vermelha e o teor de amido nos frutos, independentemente do solo e da dose de K2O. A massa dos frutos aumentou, e a firmeza da polpa diminuiu em resposta às altas doses de N aplicadas no Neossolo, independentemente da dose de K2O, o que não ocorreu de forma consistente no Cambissolo. A acidez titulável (AT) reduziu por altas doses de N em ambos os solos, quando se aplicaram baixas doses de K2O. Os teores de K, amido, AT, massa e coloração avermelhada aumentaram, enquanto a firmeza diminuiu consistentemente e independentemente da dose de N, em resposta a altas doses de K2O no Cambissolo, mas não no Neossolo. Os efeitos de doses de N e K2O sobre a firmeza da polpa e AT foram mais evidentes após a armazenagem do que na colheita.Fuji' apple trees grown on Inceptisol and Entisol were annually fertilized with doses of N and K2O (0, 50, 100, and 200 kg ha-1, for both) along nine growing seasons. Changes of fruit maturity and quality at harvest and after cold storage in response to N and K2O fertilization were not the same for the two soil types. The increment of N rate applied increased the N content and reduced the starch content and peel red color of the fruit in both soils, regardless of K2O rate. On the Entisol, the increment of N rate increased the fresh mass and reduced the flesh firmness of the fruit, regardless of K2O rate, while in the Inceptisol this response was not consistent. Fruit titratable acidity (TA) reduced with the increment of N rate in both soils, especially at low rates of K2O. For the orchard on Inceptisol, the K and starch contents, TA, fresh mass, and peel red color increased, while the flesh firmness reduced consistently and independently of N rate, with the increment of K2O rate, but not for the orchard on the Entisol. The effects of N and K2O rates on flesh firmness and TA of the fruit were more evident after cold storage than at harvest.

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar o desenvolvimento inicial da macieira, os aspectos nutricionais, qualidade dos frutos em função da forma de aplicação dos fertilizantes e da adição ou não de água via irrigação. O experimento foi conduzido em São Joaquim durante as estações de crescimento 2012/2013 e 2013/2014 em pomar implantado no ano de 2011 com a cultivar ‘Kinkas’, sobre porta-enxerto Marubakaido com interenxerto M-9, na densidade de 1.666 plantas ha-1. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com oito repetições dos seguintes tratamentos: T1 – adubação convencional; T2 – irrigação + adubação convencional; T3 - irrigação + fertirrigação; e T4 - fertirrigação. Através da média das leituras diárias dos tensiômetros, e a curva de retenção de água no solo foi determinada a necessidade de irrigação e o tempo de aplicação. Em 2012, foram aplicados 27 kg ha-1 de N, e na safra seguinte 100 kg ha-1 de N e 150 kg ha-1 de K2O. A adubação foi parcelada em três aplicações para T1 e T2, e seis aplicações quinzenais para T3 e T4, no período de novembro a janeiro. Durante o período experimental foram observados vários períodos de déficit hídrico. O uso de irrigação e/ou fertirrigação não influenciou o desenvolvimento inicial de macieiras. Não houve acréscimo nos teores foliares e da polpa dos frutos para os nutrientes avaliados em resposta ao uso de irrigação para a macieira. A avaliação dos frutos demonstrou que a adubação convencional apresentou maior firmeza de polpa. Os frutos do tratamento irrigação + fertirrigação apresentaram o maior peso médio, porém a produtividade não diferiu entre os tratamentos. A fertirrigação demonstrou ser a melhor forma de aplicação de fertilizantes, mas mesmo assim é necessário aprimorar as doses e períodos de aplicação para obter máxima eficiência produtiva.

Gypsum does not affect the soil negative charges and maintains sulfate in the soil solution, making it one of the cheapest products to increase Ca activity in soil solution, especially in the deeper soil layers. Higher Ca levels in the soil solution can increase the uptake of this nutrient by apple trees, reducing the risk of physiological disorders caused by Ca deficiency. This study assessed the effect of long-term gypsum application on some soil properties and on the chemical composition of leaves and fruits of an apple cultivar susceptible to fruit disorders associated with low Ca. The experiment was conducted in São Joaquim, in the South of Brazil, from 2001 to 2009. Gypsum rates of 0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 t ha-1 were annually broadcast over the soil surface, without incorporation, in an apple orchard with cultivar ´Catarina´, planted in 1997. Gypsum application over eight consecutive years had no effect on soil exchangeable K and Al to a depth of 80 cm, but increased exchangeable Ca in the sampled layers (0-10, 10-20, 40-60 and 60-80 cm), while exchangeable Mg decreased only in the surface layer (0-20 cm). Gypsum did not affect the concentration of any nutrient in the fruits, including Ca. The same was verified in the leaves, except for Mg which decreased with increased gypsum rate. Despite increasing the availability of Ca in the soil profile to a depth of 80 cm, gypsum was not effective to increase the Ca content in leaves and fruits of an apple cultivar susceptible to Ca deficiency grown in an appropriately limed soil.

A adubação orgânica e o manejo do solo podem interferir diretamente no crescimento e na produção da macieira, principalmente em solos rasos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de doses de camas de aviário e de métodos de manejo de plantas espontâneas sobre o rendimento e o vigor da macieira. O experimento foi instalado sobre um Neossolo Litólico cultivado com macieira há 13 anos, cv. Fuji sobre porta-enxerto Marubakaido, localizado em São Joaquim-SC. A partir de 1998, foram utilizados dois métodos de manejo de plantas espontâneas, um com herbicida e outro com roçadas, associados a quatro doses de camas de aviário (0; 5;10 e 20 t ha-1), aplicadas anualmente ao solo. O delineamento foi em blocos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas e quatro repetições. O rendimento da macieira foi aumentado pela adubação com camas de aviário e foi dependente do método de manejo de plantas espontâneas. Para um mesmo rendimento dentro dos métodos de manejo, foi necessária a aplicação de uma dose maior de camas de aviário quando se utilizaram roçadas. A aplicação de camas de aviário promoveu a recuperação do vigor das plantas e de maneira mais eficiente quando se utilizou o manejo das plantas espontâneas com herbicida.

Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) are closely related to orchard productivity, since they are usually found in higher concentrations than others macronutrients in apple (Malus × domestica Borkh) fruits. This research was carried out to assess the effect of eight years of soil additions of N and K on yield, fruit size and mineral composition of 'Fuji'/Marubakaido apple in São Joaquim, State of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil. A factorial design was used with N and K annual fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, 200 kg ha-1 of N and K2O) replicated in three orchards from 1998 to 2006. Yield was estimated by multiplying the total number of fruit per tree by the mean weight of 100 randomly sampled fruit. Fifteen days prior to harvest, 24 fruit pulps were analyzed for N, K, Ca and Mg contents. Increases in yields were noticed in five and four years, due to the N and K fertilizer additions, respectively. Fruit size was more affected by K than by N fertilization. Fruit mineral composition was affected by both N and K fertilization. N concentration and N:Ca ratios were enlarged by N fertilization. K concentration and K:Ca ratios were also enlarged by K fertilization. Ca fruit concentration was reduced by N fertilization and often by K. Ca-related fruit disorders were not observed even after 180 days storage. However, N and K fertilization affected Ca nutrition. Thus, when fertilizing with N and K, it is imperative to use combined practices in order to offset the detrimental effect that these nutrients may cause on Ca concentration in the fruit.O nitrogênio (N) e o potássio (K) são os nutrientes mais exportados pelas maçãs (Malus domestica Borkh) e por isso estão diretamente relacionados com a produtividade dos pomares. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a influência das adubações anuais com nitrogênio e potássio sobre o rendimento, tamanho e composição mineral de maçãs 'Fuji' enxertada sobre o Marubakaido. O experimento foi conduzido nos anos de 1998 a 2006, no município de São Joaquim-SC, Brasil. Consistiu de um fatorial com doses de N e K aplicadas anualmente ao solo (0, 50, 100 e 200 kg ha-1 de N e de K2O) e repetidas em três pomares comerciais. O rendimento foi estimado a partir da contagem do número total de frutos por planta e multiplicado pelo peso médio de 100 frutos amostrados aleatoriamente por parcela. Quinze dias antes da colheita, 24 frutos foram amostrados para fins de determinação das concentrações de N, K, Ca e Mg. As adubações nitrogenada e potássica aumentaram o rendimento da macieira em cinco e quatro dos oito anos avaliados, respectivamente. O tamanho dos frutos foi mais afetado pela adubação potássica que pela nitrogenada. As adições de N e K influenciaram a composição mineral dos frutos, incrementando suas concentrações e as relações N:Ca e K:Ca. A concentração de Ca nos frutos foi reduzida pela adubação nitrogenada e frequentemente pela potássica. Distúrbios fisiológicos relacionados com a deficiência de Ca não foram observados, mesmo após 180 dias de armazenagem. Entretanto, a nutrição do Ca foi influenciada pelas adubações nitrogenada e potássica. Por isso, ao aplicar-se N e K deve-se combinar práticas nutricionais que compensem a redução da concentração de Ca nos frutos que esses nutrientes promovem.

O vigor vegetativo e a capacidade produtiva da macieira são dependentes da adubação de crescimento ou de formação, a qual se baseia no fornecimento de N. A macieira cultivar Catarina, selecionada como resistente à sarna, tem-se mostrado promissora para as regiões de maior altitude do Sul do Brasil, mas, por tratar-se de uma cultivar nova, ainda não existem recomendações de adubação para a formação inicial das plantas. Por essa razão, conduziu-se um experimento com o objetivo de estabelecer a dose de N capaz de equilibrar o vigor vegetativo com a capacidade produtiva da planta. O experimento foi instalado num pomar estabelecido de macieira cultivar Catarina, enxertada sobre o porta-enxerto Marubakaido, implantado em 1998, num solo raso originário de rochas magmáticas ácidas, no município de São Joaquim. O solo (Neossolo) havia sido corrigido quanto ao pH e teores de fósforo e de potássio, de acordo com as recomendações para macieira. Avaliaram-se as doses de N: zero; 25; 50 e 100 kg ha-1 (soma de três aplicações anuais a partir do ano subseqüente ao plantio, na projeção da copa das plantas). As parcelas foram formadas por oito plantas em blocos ao acaso e oito repetições. O crescimento dos ramos do ano das plantas, o número de esporões e brindilas não foram afetados pelas doses de N. Todavia, conjeturou-se que a adubação nitrogenada, nos anos anteriores, afetou a nutrição das gemas florais, dado o aumento significativo no número de frutos no primeiro ciclo de produção das plantas.The vegetative vigor and the yield potential of the apple trees primarily depend on the initial soil fertilization (growing or plant formation fertilization), which is based mainly on nitrogen application. The "Catarina" apple cultivar selected as scab resistant, seems to be a promising cultivar for higher altitude areas in Southern Brazil. As a new cultivar, fertilizer recommendations for the initial plant formation have not been available yet. For this reason, an experiment was carried out to establish the nitrogen requirement to balance both vegetative vigor and the plant yield potential. The orchard was planted in August 1998 in a shallow soil originated from acid magmatic rocks, in São Joaquim - SC, Brazil. The cultivar studied was Catarina grafted onto Marubakaido rootstock. The area had been limed to elevate the soil pH; phosphorous and potassium were supplied according to fertilizer recommendations. The N rates tested were: 0, 25, 50 and 100 kg ha-1 (sum of three annual applications beginning from the subsequent year to the plantation), placed on the projection of the tree canopy. Eight plants organized in randomized blocks design with eight replications formed the plots. The branches growth of the year and the number of spurs were not affected by any N rates. However, it was supposed that the nitrogen fertilization from previous years had affected the fruit buds nutrition, considering the significant increasing of the number of fruits and the yield of the trees on first year of production.

A aplicação de cama de aviário ao solo e seu efeito nas propriedades químicas, físicas e biológicas, bem como na produtividade das macieiras tem sido pouco estudada. Este trabalho foi instalado em São Joaquim, SC, num pomar comercial com macieira, cv. Fuji, implantado em 1985 sobre porta-enxerto Marubakaido. Com o objetivo de avaliar alterações nas propriedades químicas e físicas de um Neossolo Litólico, a partir de 1997, foram utilizados dois manejos de plantas espontâneas, um com herbicida e outro com roçadas, associados a quatro doses de cama de aviário (0, 5, 10 e 20 Mg ha-1). O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso, com parcelas sub-sub-divididas e quatro repetições. Os teores de Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+ e Al3+ trocáveis, pH em água, nitrato, amônio, carbono orgânico, estabilidade de agregados, porosidade e densidade do solo, foram determinados em amostras coletadas em três camadas de solo. O manejo mecânico das plantas espontâneas com roçadas aumentou os teores de Mg2+, carbono orgânico e pH em água e reduziu a saturação por Al3+, em comparação ao manejo com herbicida. A adição de cama de aviário, devido a sua composição química, aumentou os teores de carbono orgânico, Ca2+, Na+, K+ e soma de bases, e reduziu a acidez do solo, mas não alterou a densidade, porosidade e estabilidade dos agregados. Assim, o controle mecânico de plantas espontâneas associado à aplicação de cama de aviário, se constitui numa alternativa viável para melhorar as características químicas de solos ácidos e deficientes em nutriente às plantas, para aumentar a produtividade de pomares de macieira, especialmente em sistemas de produção agroecológicos.

O clorofilômetro SPAD fornece leituras de maneira simples e rápida, podendo auxiliar no diagnóstico nutricional de frutíferas. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adubação nitrogenada sobre o teor de nitrogênio (N) e leituras SPAD em folhas de macieira ‘Fuji’, bem como avaliar a relação entre essas variáveis. O experimento foi conduzido no período de 1998 a 2001, no município de São Joaquim, SC. O delineamento foi de blocos ao acaso e os tratamentos consistiram de quatro doses de N aplicadas anualmente na superfície do solo (0, 50, 100 e 200 kg ha-1). A análise foliar e as leituras SPAD foram realizadas na segunda quinzena de novembro e também na época padrão de coleta das folhas, na primeira quinzena de fevereiro. As leituras SPAD e os teores de N nas folhas aumentaram de forma linear em função do incremento das doses de N. Independente do ano ou época de avaliação, o teor de N aumentou linearmente com o aumento das leituras SPAD. Valores ótimos de leitura SPAD de 37 a 47, 37 a 49 e 41 a 63 foram obtidos para a amostragem de fevereiro de 1999, 2000 e 2001, respectivamente. Há uma baixa relação entre o índice SPAD medido em novembro e o teor de N na folha obtido em fevereiro do ano seguinte. Diferentes leituras SPAD entre estações de crescimento para teores similares de N indicam que outros fatores devem ser investigados na calibração do clorofilômetro.

ABSTRACT To study the effect of winter cover crops on the vegetative, productive and qualitative behavior of "Cabernet Sauvignon" grapevines, an experiment was conducted in two wine harvests by sowing different species of winter cover crops and additional treatments with manual weeding and mechanical mowing in an experimental vineyard located at the Experimental Station of Epagri in Videira, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Plant attributes of the grapevine, such as number of rods and weight of pruned material and number of branches per plant. At the time of skin color change, petioles of recently matured leaves were collected for analysis of the levels of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and B. Moments before harvest, 100 grape berries were collected randomly to determine the total soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH. At harvest, the number of bunches per branch, the number and mass of clusters per plant and the average mass of clusters per plot were determined. Fresh and dry matter yields of the cover crop and weed plants were also determined when coverage reached full bloom. The winter cover crops did not alter the yield and quality of "Cabernet Sauvignon" grapes and showed no differences from each other for the management of spontaneous vegetation by hand weeding or mechanical mowing. Rye and ryegrass are effective alternatives for weed control alternatives. The species of white and red clover present difficulty in initial establishment, producing a small amount of biomass.

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of orchard fertilization with increasing rates of phosphorus (P) on yield and critical levels of P in the soil and in the leaf of ‘Fuji’ apple trees. The experiment was conducted in São Joaquim, state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, from 2010 to 2015, in an Inceptisol soil. The three apple orchards were planted in 2004 with the Fuji cultivar grafted on Marubakaido/ M9 rootstock and grown under a high-plant-density system (1984 trees ha-1). Annual fertilizer levels of 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1 of P2O5 (as triple superphosphate) were applied to the soil surface, without incorporation, in a randomized block design with five replicates. In the first and last years (2011 and 2015), soil samples were collected from 0-10, 10-20 and 0-20 cm layers and the available P content was analyzed. Annually, whole leaves were collected and analyzed for P content. The number and weight of fruits per tree and hfruit yield were also evaluated. Application of P increased the content of available P in the soil, but this increase was not accompanied by increased leaf P content nor by increased fruit yield. This suggests that, in soils with medium to high content of organic matter and well fertilized with P before planting, there is no response of apple trees for P reapplication in the 10 subsequent years.