Agroclimatic zoning for bananas under climate change in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Climate change is the main cause of biotic and abiotic stresses in plants and affects yield. Therefore, we sought to carry out a study on future changes in the agroclimatic conditions of banana cultivation in Brazil. The current agroclimatic zoning was carried out with data obtained from the National Institute of Meteorology related to mean air temperature, annual rainfall, and soil texture data in Brazil. The global climate model BCC-CSM1.1 (Beijing Climate Center-Climate System Model, version 1.1), adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, corresponding to Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5 for the period 2050 (2041-2060) and 2070 (2061-2080), obtained through the CHELSA V1.2 platform, was chosen for the climate projections of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5. Matrix images at a depth of 5-15 cm, obtained through the product of the SoilGrids system, were used for the texture data. ArcGIS version 10.8 was used to construct the maps. RESULTS: Areas favorable to the crop plantation were classified as suitable when air temperature TAIR was between 20 and 29 °C, annual rainfall RANNUAL between 1200 and 1900 mm, and soil clay content CSOIL between 30 and 55%. Subsequently, the information was reclassified, summarizing the classes into preferential, recommended, little recommended, and not recommended. The current scenario shows a preferential class of 8.1%, recommended of 44.6%, little recommended of 47.1%, and not recommended of 0.1% for the Brazilian territory. CONCLUSION: The results show no drastic changes in the total area regarding the classes, but there is a migration from these zones; that is, from tropical to subtropical and temperate regions. RCP 8.5-2070 (2061-2080) showed trends with negative impacts on arable areas for banana cultivation at the end of the century. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi decrease Meloidogyne enterolobii infection of Guava seedlings.

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) production is prominent in the irrigated fruit growing area of Brazil. However, the parasite Meloidogyne enterolobii (a phytonematode) has caused a decrease in guava production. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are known to be beneficial to plants; however, their ability to protect plants against nematodes such as M. enterolobii remains poorly known. This study aimed to monitor M. enterolobii infection in guava seedlings inoculated with three AMF species. After AMF inoculation, the seedlings were grown in sterile soil for 60 days before inoculation with 2000 M. enterolobii eggs. Plant growth parameters, mycorrhizal colonization and the number of Meloidogyne in the roots were determined over time (30 and 60 days after Meloidogyne inoculation). The AMF enhanced guava seedling growth, and reduced the amount of Meloidogyne in the roots at 30 and 60 days after nematode inoculation, indicating that these AMF species could serve as biocontrol agents of M. enterolobii in guava cultivation.

Spatio-temporal Distribution of Bactrocera carambolae with and without Irrigation using CLIMEX Modeling.

The carambola fruit fly Bactrocera carambolae Drew and Hancock (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an invasive fruit fly reported in North Brazil that threatens Brazilian fruit culture. Assessing the potential risk of establishing this pest is necessary to reduce the threat of B. carambolae dispersion to other countries and Brazilian regions and to avoid damage to the fruit trade. In this study, the CLIMEX model was used to understand the response of B. carambolae to climate change and to determine its potential global distribution with and without irrigation practices. Based on ecophysiological parameters, the model simulates factors limiting species distribution concerning the climate. To assess the seasonal variation in the density of B. carambolae, monitoring data in Uiramutã municipality, Roraima, from 2013 to 2019 was used. According to the CLIMEX forecast, large parts of America, Africa, and Asia, mainly in areas closest to the equator, are highly suitable for the survival of B. carambolae. Brazil is a good part of its territory with high suitability for B. carambolae, especially the North, South, and Southeast regions and the entire coastal area. The periods of the highest climatic suitability in the five Brazilian regions were January-May and October-December. The potential distribution area expands under irrigation and is highly suitable for most areas without cold stress. The CLIMEX model for B. carambolae generated in the present study provides important information for the Brazilian eradication program and other surveillance activities established in pest-free areas.

Pathogenicity and Virulence of Different Concentrations of Brazilian Isolates of Entomopathogenic Nematodes Against Drosophila suzukii.

The invasive pest Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) was recently recorded in Brazil and constitutes a threat to fruit growing, mainly for small, soft fruits. Recent advances in research on ways of controlling D. suzukii involve the use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the pathogenicity and virulence of four isolates in different concentrations against D. suzukii pupae. The EPN isolates used in trials were Steinernema brazilense IBCBn 06, S. carpocapsae IBCBn 02, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HB, and H. amazonensis IBCBn 24. Both H. amazonensis IBCBn 24 and H. bacteriophora HB were effective in controlling D. suzukii as they caused a mortality rate of 86.25% and 80.0%, and virulence of 549.75 IJs/pupae and 787.75 IJs/pupae in the concentrations of 1800 IJs/ml and 5400 IJs/ml, respectively. The lowest lethal concentrations (LC50) of juveniles were found in host pupae with 771.63 IJs/ml of H. bacteriophora HB and 1115.49 IJs/ml of H. amazonensis IBCBn 24. Results showed that both EPNs, H. amazonensis IBCBn 24 and H. bacteriophora HB, could be promising eco-friendly biological agents to control D. suzukii.

Rain Cover and Netting Materials Differentially Affect Fruit Yield and Quality Traits in Two Highbush Blueberry Cultivars via Changes in Sunlight and Temperature Conditions.

The use of covers to protect blueberry orchards from adverse weather events has increased due to the variability in climate patterns, but the effects of rain covers and netting materials on yield and fruit quality have not been studied yet. This research evaluated the simultaneous effect of an LDPE plastic cover, a woven cover, and netting material on environmental components (UV light, PAR, NIR, and growing degree days (GDDs)), plant performance (light interception, leaf area index, LAI, yield, and flower development), and fruit quality traits (firmness, total soluble solids, and acidity) in two blueberry cultivars. On average, UV transmission under the netting was 11% and 43% higher compared to that under woven and LDPE plastic covers, while NIR transmission was 8-13% higher with both types of rain covers, with an increase in fruit air temperature and GDDs. Yield was 27% higher under the woven cover with respect to netting, but fruit firmness values under the netting were 12% higher than those of the LDPE plastic cover. Light interception, LAI, and flower development explained 64% (p = 0.0052) of the yield variation due to the cover material's effect. The obtained results suggest that the type of cover differentially affects yield and fruit quality in blueberries due to the specific light and temperature conditions generated under these materials.

Pesticide Exposure in Fruit-Growers: Comparing Levels and Determinants Assessed under Usual Conditions of Work (CANEPA Study) with Those Predicted by Registration Process (Agricultural Operator Exposure Model).

Knowledge of pesticide exposure levels in farmers is necessary for epidemiological studies and regulatory purposes. In the European pesticide registration process, operators' exposure is predicted using the Agricultural Operator Exposure Model (AOEM), created in 2014 by the European Food Safety Authority based on studies conducted by the pesticide industry. We compared operators' exposures during treatment days in the apple-growing industry under non-controlled working conditions and AOEM-predicted values. The dermal exposure of thirty French apple-growers from the CANEPA study when applying two fungicides was measured using body patches and cotton gloves. For each observation, the corresponding exposure was calculated by means of the AOEM, using data recorded about the operator, spraying equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) used. A significant linear correlation was observed between calculated and measured daily exposures. The model overestimated the daily exposure approximately 4-fold and the exposure during application 10-fold. However, exposure was underestimated during mixing/loading for 70% of the observations when the operator wore PPE. The AOEM did not overestimate exposures in all circumstances, especially during mixing/loading, when operators handle concentrated products. The protection provided by PPE appeared to be overestimated. This could be due to the optimal working conditions under which the "industrial" studies are conducted, which may not be representative of real working conditions of operators in fruit-growing.

Managing Floral Resources in Apple Orchards for Pest Control: Ideas, Experiences and Future Directions.

Functional biodiversity is of fundamental importance for pest control. Many natural enemies rely on floral resources to complete their life cycle. Farmers need to ensure the availability of suitable and sufficient floral biodiversity. This review summarizes 66 studies on the management of floral biodiversity in apple orchards, published since 1986. Approaches followed different degrees of intervention: short-term practices (mowing regime and weed maintenance, cover crops), establishment of durable ecological infrastructures (perennial flower strips, hedgerows) and re-design of the crop system (intercropping, agroforestry). Although short-term practices did not always target the nutrition of natural enemies by flowering plants, living conditions for them (alternative prey, provision of habitat) were often improved. Perennial flower strips reliably enhanced natural enemies and techniques for their introduction continuously developed. Resident natural enemies and their impact in pest control reacted positively to the introduction of a more diversified vegetation, whereas the response of very mobile organisms was often not directly linked to the measures taken. A careful selection and management of plants with particular traits exploitable by most natural enemies emerged as a key-point for success. Now the elaborated design of such measures needs to be adopted by stakeholders and policy makers to encourage farmers to implement these measures in their orchards.

Current overview of Hass avocado in Colombia. Challenges and opportunities: a review / Visão geral atual do abacate Hass na Colômbia. Desafios e oportunidades: uma revisão

ABSTRACT: Colombia is the fourth largest avocado producer globally and the third largest in terms of harvested area, with a 6% share of the world area. The development and promotion of this production line represents an important source of growth in agriculture for Colombia, due to the generation of rural employment, equitable development across the different regions of the country, and due to the diversity of thermal floors and the different varieties planted. Imports of this product have decreased by 96% in the last four years from 3128 tons in 2014 to 133 tons in 2017. In recent years, the projects developed in the Colombian avocado sector have been aimed at the foreign market due to the profitability and demand of the Hass variety of this fruit. In addition, there is a state effort to implement plans for regions free of quarantine pests that allow access to foreign markets. This constitutes a strategic proposal made up of a coherent set of objectives, strategies and programmes which, based on a vision of the future, seek the initial goal of doubling the area of production. That move would ensure the technological and innovative conditions for sustainable and quality production, as well as achieve full links in international markets. This review aimed to know the main developments of avocado production in Colombia, its challenges and opportunities for the next decade.

RESUMO: A Colômbia é o quarto produtor e o terceiro em termos de área colhida, com uma participação de 6% da área mundial. O desenvolvimento e a promoção desta linha produtiva representam para a Colômbia uma importante fonte de crescimento na agricultura, para a geração de emprego e desenvolvimento rural com equidade para as diferentes regiões do país, devido à diversidade de pisos térmicos e às diferentes variedades plantadas. As importações deste produto diminuíram 96% nos últimos quatro anos, passando de 3128 toneladas em 2014 para 133 toneladas em 2017. Nos últimos anos, os projetos desenvolvidos no setor de abacate colombiano têm como objetivo o mercado externo devido à lucratividade desta fruta por sua demanda com a variedade Hass. Além disso, há um esforço estatal para implementar planos para regiões livres de pragas de quarentena que permitem o acesso a mercados estrangeiros. Dessa forma, constitui uma proposta estratégica composta por um conjunto coerente de objetivos, estratégias e programas que, com base em uma visão de futuro, buscam o objetivo inicial de duplicar a área de produção, garantindo condições tecnológicas e de inovação com alcance total nos mercados internacionais. Esta revisão tem como objetivo conhecer os principais desenvolvimentos da produção de abacate na Colômbia, seus desafios e oportunidades para a próxima década.

Evaluación agronómica de familias de medios hermanos de lulo de Castilla, Solanum quitoense Lam / Agronomic evaluation of half sib families of lulo de Castilla, Solanum quitoense Lam

RESUMEN El lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.) es una especie frutal de gran importancia para el desarrollo de la fruticultura de la región natural Andina de Colombia; sin embargo, su cultivo presenta un bajo desarrollo tecnológico, debido posiblemente, a la escasa oferta de cultivares mejorados que, respondan a los limitantes abióticos y bióticos, que se presentan en los sistemas productivos de Colombia. El objetivo fue evaluar el comportamiento agronómico del rendimiento y calidad de fruto de 50 familias de medios hermanos de lulo, formadas a partir de un esquema de selección estratificada, en cuatro localidades del departamento de Nariño, Colombia. Se utilizó el diseño de Bloques Completos al Azar con tres repeticiones, cada repetición estuvo conformada por cuatro plantas, para un total de 600 unidades experimentales por municipio. Las variables evaluadas fueron rendimiento (RTO), pérdida de frutos por Neoleucinodes elegantalis, peso de fruto (PF), diámetro ecuatorial y polar, contenido de jugo (CJ), sólidos solubles totales (SST), acidez titulable (AC), índice de madurez (IM), pH, peso de pulpa más semilla (PPS) y peso de semilla (PS). Las familias de mejor comportamiento correspondieron a FMH28 y FMH22, para el municipio de Arboleda; FMH1, FMH7 y FMH25, para el municipio de San Pedro de Cartago y FMH28, FMH4, FMH36 y FMH29 para el municipio de Tangua, las cuales, presentaron rendimientos entre 6,86 a 15,81t.ha-1, un PF entre 53,80 a 90,46g y SST entre 9,11 a 11,70°Bx. Estos valores superaron a los promedios de la población evaluada en un 45,5%, para RTO; para PF, en 11,41% y, para SST. en 10,50%.

ABSTRACT The lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.) is a fruit of great importance for the development of fruit growing in the natural Andean region of Colombia; however, its cultivation presents a low technological development, possibly due to the scarce supply of improved cultivars that respond to the abiotic and biotic limitations that occur in the productive systems of Colombia. The objective was to evaluate the agronomic behavior of the yield and fruit quality of 50 half-brother families of lulo formed from a stratified selection scheme, in four localities of the department of Nariño, Colombia. The design of Complete Random Blocks with three repetitions was used; each repetition was made up of four plants for a total of 600 experimental units per municipality. The evaluated variables were yield (RTO), loss of fruits by Neoleucinodes elegantalis, fruit weight (PF), equatorial and polar diameter, juice content (CJ), total soluble solids (SST), titratable acidity (AC), index of maturity (IM), pH, pulp plus seed weight (PPS) and seed weight (PS). The best-behaving families corresponded to FMH28 and FMH22 for the municipality of Arboleda, FMH1, FMH7 and FMH25 for the municipality of San Pedro de Cartago and FMH28, FMH4, FMH36 and FMH29 for the municipality of Tangua, which had returns of 6, 86 to 15.81t.ha-1, a PF between 53.80 to 90.46g and SST between 9.11 to 11.70 ° Bx. These values exceeded the averages of the population evaluated by 45.5% for RTO, for PF in 11.41% and for SST in 10.50%.

Espécies de moscas-das-frutas (Tephritidae) obtidas em armadilhas McPhail no Estado da Bahia, Brasil / Species of fruit flies (Tephritidae) obtained of McPhail trap in the Bahia State, Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi conhecer as espécies de moscas-das-frutas que ocorrem em pomares comerciais em alguns municípios da Região Sul e extremo-sul do Estado da Bahia, Brasil. As moscas-das-frutas foram capturadas, semanalmente, utilizando-se armadilhas McPhail, tendo como atrativo proteína hidrolisada de milho a 5. Foi obtido um total de 257 espécimes fêmeas, pertencentes às espécies: Anastrepha fraterculus (77,4), A. sororcula (4,7), A. obliqua (2,7), a. zenildae (0,8), A. distincta (0,4), A. consobrina (0,4), Anastrepha sp. 1 (5,1) e Ceratitis capitata (8,5)

The objective of this study was to provide knowledge on the species of fruit flies in commercial orchardsin counties of the southern and extreme southern regions of the State of Bahia, Brazil. Flies were capturedweekly by McPhail traps, using a hydrolyzed corn protein at 5%, as attractant. A total of 257 female wascollected, and the species were identified as: Anastrepha fraterculus (77.4%), A. sororcula (4.7%), A.obliqua (2.7%), A. zenildae (0.8%), A. distincta (0.4%), A. consobrina (0.4%), Anastrepha sp.1 (5.1%)and Ceratitis capitata (8.5%)