Açai seed biochar improves soil quality and black pepper seedling development in the Amazon region.

Sustainable management of the Amazon rainforest is fundamental for supporting life on earth because of its crucial role in sequestering carbon. One of the species grown in the forest is açaí (Euterpe oleracea), which is an important food and income source for its inhabitant. The acai seed, resulting from the processing of the fruit, is a solid organic residue, which has been an agent of undesirable environmental impacts such as natural landscape modifications, clogging sewers and water courses, eutrophication of surface waters. In this research, we evaluated the use of wood chips as a source of energy in a rustic oven to produce acai biochar so that family farmers carry out sustainable management of the residue and use biochar to improve soil quality and produce seedlings of native plants to regenerate degraded forests. The experiment was conducted in Pará, Brazil, Amazon region, using a randomized complete block design. A factorial treatment structure was implemented consisting of four biochar particle sizes (3, 5, 7, and 12 mm), 4 application rates (4, 8, 16, and 32 t ha-1), and a biochar-free control, with 5 replications. The results showed that the methodology for biochar production was easy to apply and low cost, allowing its use by family farmers. The combination of biochar rate and particle size affected soil properties and the development of black pepper seedlings in different ways. The soil properties affected were water retention capacity, moisture, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis and arylsulphatase activity. The growth parameters of the affected black pepper seedlings were height and root system development.

Potential Use of Andean Tuber Waste for the Generation of Environmentally Sustainable Bioelectricity.

The growing demand for agricultural products has increased exponentially, causing their waste to increase and become a problem for society. Searching for sustainable solutions for organic waste management is increasingly urgent. This research focuses on considering the waste of an Andean tuber, such as Olluco, as a fuel source for generating electricity and becoming a potential sustainable energy source for companies dedicated to this area. This research used Olluco waste as fuel in single-chamber microbial fuel cells using carbon and zinc electrodes. An electric current and electric potential of 6.4 ± 0.4 mA and 0.99 ± 0.09 V were generated, operating with an electrical conductivity of 142.3 ± 6.1 mS/cm and a pH of 7.1 ± 0.2. It was possible to obtain a 94% decrease in COD and an internal resistance of 24.9 ± 2.8 Ω. The power density found was 373.8 ± 28.8 mW/cm2 and the current density was 4.96 A/cm2. On day 14, the cells were connected in earnest, achieving a power of 2.92 V and generating enough current to light an LED light bulb, thus demonstrating the potential that Olluco waste has to be used as fuel in microbial fuel cells.

Bioactive Compounds from Organic Waste.

The reuse and reincorporation of waste are the principles of circular economies. Compost, biofuels, animal feed, dyes, and bioactive compounds can be obtained from the revaluation of organic waste. Research on this subject is scarce and limited to specific sectors, such as agriculture and agroindustry, leaving aside others that generate large quantities of organic waste, such as floriculture. The remains of these sectors have a low decomposition rate compared to other organic wastes. They are a source of bioactive compounds (e.g., essential oils, pigments, phenols) that can be reincorporated into the production chain of various industries. This review describes the composition of waste from agroindustry, agriculture, and floriculture, analyzing their potential revalorization as a source of bioactive compounds and an alternative supply source.

Implementation of anaerobic digestion for valorizing the organic fraction of municipal solid waste in developing countries: Technical insights from a systematic review.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) as a waste management strategy for the organic fraction of municipal waste (OFMSW) has received attention in developed countries for several decades, leading to the development of large-scale plants. In contrast, AD of OFMSW has only recently drawn attention in developing countries. This systematic review was carried out to investigate the implementation of AD to treat the OFMSW in developing countries, focusing on assessing pilot and full-scale AD plants reported in the last ten years. Studies that met the selection criteria were analyzed and data regarding operating parameters, feedstock characteristics, and biogas, digestate, and energy production were extracted. As outlined in this systematic review, AD plants located in developing countries are mostly one-stage mesophilic systems that treat OFMSW via mono-digestion, almost exclusively with the aim of producing electrical energy. Based on the analysis done throughout this systematic review, it was noted that there is a large difference in the maturity level of AD systems between developing and developed countries, mainly due to the economic capacity of developed countries to invest in sustainable waste management systems. However, the number of AD plants reported in scientific papers is significantly lower than the number of installed AD systems. Research articles regarding large-scale implementation of AD to treat OFMSW in developed countries were analyzed and compared with developing countries. This comparison identified practices used in plants in developed countries that could be utilized in the large-scale implementation and success of AD in developing countries. These practices include exploiting potential products with high market-values, forming partnerships with local industries to use industrial wastes as co-substrates, and exploring different biological and physical pretreatment technologies. Additionally, the analysis of capital and operational costs of AD plants showed that costs tend to be higher for developing countries due to their need to import of materials and equipment from developed countries. Technical, economical, and political challenges for the implementation of AD at a large-scale in developing countries are highlighted.

Advances, trends and challenges in the use of biochar as an improvement strategy in the anaerobic digestion of organic waste: a systematic analysis.

A recently strategy applied to anaerobic digestion (AD) is the use of biochar (BC) obtained from the pyrolysis of different organic waste. The PRISMA protocol-based review of the most recent literature data from 2011-2022 was used in this study. The review focuses on research papers from Scopus® and Web of Knowledge®. The review protocol used permits to identify 169 articles. The review indicated a need for further research in the following challenges on the application of BC in AD: i) to increase the use of BC in developing countries, which produce large and diverse amounts of waste that are the source of production of this additive; ii) to determine the effect of BC on the AD of organic waste under psychrophilic conditions; iii) to apply tools of machine learning or robust models that allow the process optimization; iv) to perform studies that include life cycle and technical-economic analysis that allow identifying the potential of applying BC in AD in large-scale systems; v) to study the effects of BC on the agronomic characteristics of the digestate once it is applied to the soil and vi) finally, it is necessary to deepen in the effect of BC on the dynamics of nitrogen and microbial consortia that affect AD, considering the type of BC used. In the future, it is necessary to search for new solutions in terms of the transport phenomena that occurs in AD with the use of BC using robust and precise mathematical models at full-scale conditions.

Caracterización de compost de residuos sólidos orgánicos urbanos de seis distritos de la provincia Leoncio Prado, Perú

En Perú, al 2019, solo el 6,4 % de los distritos disponen sus residuos urbanos en rellenos sanitarios, los cuales, están en situación de colapso, lo que exige buscar alternativas para mejorar la gestión de estos residuos y, frente a ello, el compostaje se perfila como una tecnología simple y económica, empleada para el tratamiento del componente orgánico, para reducir daños a la salud y al ambiente, sin embargo, la falta de criterios técnicos en su aplicación está afectando la calidad del compost final. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar los criterios técnicos de procesamiento y la calidad del compost, a través de residuos sólidos urbanos en los distritos de la provincia Leoncio Prado. La investigación identificó los distritos que aplican el compostaje a sus residuos y evaluó la técnica de procesamiento, indicadores fisicoquímicos y determinó la calidad con base en normas técnicas internacionales. Los resultados muestran que seis de diez distritos aplican el compostaje y los indicadores fisicoquímicos contrastados con los criterios de calidad de la norma técnica chilena (NCH 2880), colombiana 5167 y de la OMS, corresponden a compost de calidad intermedia (Clase B). Los compost evaluados no representan riesgo ambiental y pueden ser utilizados como enmienda en la mejora del suelo y los cultivos con algunas restricciones, por presentar valores elevados de humedad, pH y bajos niveles de P, Ca, Mg y K.

At 2019, in Peru, only 6.4 % of the districts dispose of their urban waste in sanitary landfills, which are in a situation of collapse, therefore is needed looking for alternatives to improve the management of this waste, facing this, composting is emerging as a simple and economical technology used for the treatment of the organic component, thus, reducing damage to health and the environment, however, the lack of technical criteria in its application is affecting the quality of the final compost. The objective of this research was to evaluate the technical criteria for processing and the quality of compost based on municipal solid waste in the districts of Leoncio Prado province. The research identified the districts that apply composting to their waste and evaluated the processing technique, physicochemical indicators and determined the quality based on international technical standards. The results show that six out of ten districts apply composting, and the physicochemical indicators contrasted with the quality criteria of the Chilean technical standard (NCH 2880), Colombian 5167 and WHO, correspond to intermediate quality compost (Class B). The evaluated compost does not represent an environmental risk and can be used as an amendment in soil and crop improvement with some restrictions, since it has high moisture, pH and low levels of P, Ca, Mg and K.

Ultra-Small Silver Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Green Synthesis Approach for Antibacterial Activity.

The present study centers on the synthesis of ultra-small silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with antibacterial properties using citrus peel residues (orange, lemon, and grapefruit) as reducing and stabilizing agents, and on assessing their antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant clinical Staphylococcus aureus. The synthesized AgNPs were analyzed by various techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, SAED, TEM, XRD, FTIR, and Raman. The results demonstrate the formation of ultra-small, monodisperse, quasi-spherical AgNPs with an average particle size of 2.42 nm for AgNPs produced with mixed extracts. XRD analysis indicated that the AgNPs have a crystal size of 9.71 to 16.23 nm. The AgNPs exhibited potent inhibitory activity against resistant S. aureus, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 15.625 to 62.50 ppm. The findings suggest that the ultra-small nanometer size of the AgNPs could be attributed to the synthesis method that employs ambient conditions and the presence of polyphenolic compounds from citrus peel. Consequently, AgNPs obtained through sustainable green synthesis hold significant potential in combating clinical multi-resistant bacterial strains that are challenging to treat and eradicate. This approach also contributes to the revaluation of citrus residues in the region, which is an ongoing environmental issue today.

Biodigestion System Made of Polyethylene and Polystyrene Insulator for Dog Farm (on the Example of the Republic of Chile).

Anaerobic digestion is a system that can have a high environmental impact through the use of different wastes to obtain biogas and its consequent use for the generation of renewable energy. The objective of this study was to implement a polyethylene biodigester, using polystyrene for thermal insulation in a dog kennel, using canine feces collected in the same place during a period of 5 months to obtain biogas and energy. The results indicated that biogas production started on day 30 and stopped during the winter period with low temperatures; therefore, from day 54 onwards, equine manure was added to continue producing biogas. Although biogas was obtained, the biodigester did not function optimally, due to the fact that the materials used in its construction did not provide efficient insulation from the low external temperatures; the low C/N ratio of the canine feces, which led to a reduction in the processing of the methanogenic bacteria; and the low amount of feces collected for use. In general, the use of a biodigester can provide a tool for the biological processing and management of organic waste, yielding a cumulative source of renewable energy and ensuring environmental safety.

Recovery of Naringin-Rich Flavonoid Extracts from Agroresidues with Anxiolytic- and Antidepressant-like Effects in Mice.

Citrus paradisi species belong to the Rutaceae family, and it is commonly known as grapefruit. Grapefruit consumption involves a large amount of waste that goes to landfills and produces significant pollution affecting the human health. To examine this phenomenon, we designed an efficient chemical method that recovers naringin-rich flavonoid extracts from the fresh waste of grapefruits, by using the solvent impregnation resin method (SIR) with XAD-4 amberlite and either methanol or water as elution systems. Additionally, we focused on evaluating these extracts' anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in behavioral predictive paradigms in mice. According to direct Principal Component Analysis (PCA) by NMR, and Direct Injection Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (DIESI-MS), methanol extracts obtained after resin treatment were free of coumarin compounds and evinced had a high content of naringin. Poncirin, phenylalanine, chrysin 5,7-dimethyl ether, 5,7-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxyflavanone, 2,3-dihydro-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetramethoxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, tetrahydrocurcumin, corchoionoside C, 6'-coumaroyl-1'-O-[2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) ethyl]-ß-D-glucopyranoside were also detected. Naringin-rich methanol extract caused a clear anxiolytic-like effect in the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and the Hole-Board (HBT) Tests, increasing oral doses of this extract did not produce a sedative effect. A single oral dose caused an antidepressant-like effect in the Tail Suspension Test (TST), while repeated administrations of the methanol extract elicited a robust antidepressant effect in the Forced Swimming Test (FST) in mice. Our evidence highlights the importance of bioprospecting studies of organic waste with therapeutic potentials, such as anxiety and depression disorders.

Use of Onion Waste as Fuel for the Generation of Bioelectricity.

The enormous environmental problems that arise from organic waste have increased due to the significant population increase worldwide. Microbial fuel cells provide a novel solution for the use of waste as fuel for electricity generation. In this investigation, onion waste was used, and managed to generate maximum peaks of 4.459 ± 0.0608 mA and 0.991 ± 0.02 V of current and voltage, respectively. The conductivity values increased rapidly to 179,987 ± 2859 mS/cm, while the optimal pH in which the most significant current was generated was 6968 ± 0.286, and the ° Brix values decreased rapidly due to the degradation of organic matter. The microbial fuel cells showed a low internal resistance (154,389 ± 5228 Ω), with a power density of 595.69 ± 15.05 mW/cm2 at a current density of 6.02 A/cm2; these values are higher than those reported by other authors in the literature. The diffractogram spectra of the onion debris from FTIR show a decrease in the most intense peaks, compared to the initial ones with the final ones. It was possible to identify the species Pseudomona eruginosa, Acinetobacter bereziniae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Yarrowia lipolytica adhered to the anode electrode at the end of the monitoring using the molecular technique.

An efficient simultaneous degradation of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim by photoelectro-Fenton process under non-modified pH using a natural citric acid source: study of biodegradability, ecotoxicity, and antibacterial activity.

In this work, the use of natural organic wastes (orange and lemon peels) as sources of citric acid was evaluated along with the application of the photoelectro-Fenton (PEF) system under non-modified pH as a novel alternative to degrade a complex mixture of pharmaceuticals: sulfamethoxazole (SMX-7.90 × 10-5 mol/L) and trimethoprim (TMP-6.89 × 10-5 mol/L). The system was equipped with a carbon felt air diffusion cathode (GDE) and a Ti/IrO2 anode doped with SnO2 (DSA). A 3.6 × 10-5 mol/L solution of commercial citric acid was used as a reference. The pharmaceuticals' evolution in the mixture was followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The addition of natural products showed an efficient simultaneous degradation of the antibiotics (100% of SMX and TMP at 45 min and 90 min, respectively) similar to the performance produced by adding the commercial citric acid to the PEF system. Moreover, the addition of natural products allowed for an increment of biodegradability (100% removal of TOC by a modified Zahn Wellens test) and a decrease in ecotoxicity (0% in the bioassay with D. Magna) of the treated solutions. The antibacterial activity was eliminated after only 45 min of treatment, suggesting that the degradation by-products do not represent a significant risk to human health or the environment in general. Results suggest that, because of the efficient formation of Fe-citrate complexes, the PEF could be enhanced by the addition of natural organic wastes as a sustainable alternative ecological system for water contaminated pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the potential of reusing natural organic wastes has been exposed, contributing to an improved low-cost PEF by decreasing the environmental contamination produced by this type of waste.

Closed-loop organic waste management systems for family farmers in Brazil.

Family farmers in Brazil could diversify their sources of income and improve agriculture practices by adopting circular economy principles on their farms. Closed-loop technological systems can be used to manage organic waste and produce fertiliser and biogas thereby generating revenue. Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is a proven technology that can produce digestate (i.e. fertiliser) and biogas from organic waste, although digestate application in soil and crops without treatment can have adverse effects. However, in practice, there is a lack of knowledge about the benefits of recycling organic waste in farming communities in Brazil. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to provide conceptual design configurations of closed-loop systems that manage organic waste and generate revenue for small farms in Brazil. A literature review of selected technologies and interviews with Brazilian family farmers were used to inform the components of the proposed conceptual designs. The proposed designs are based on circular economy principles, incorporating AD, pyrolysis for biochar, hydroponics and vermifiltration in various configurations. A complete closed-loop system consisting of a 7.5 m3 digester, pyrolysis unit, a combined hydroponic and vermifilter unit and a shredder is estimated to cost around USD$1600 (R$ 6600). The flexibility of the proposed systems has the potential to increase resilience and income for small-scale farmers, whilst encouraging good practices for waste management. The conceptual designs can be used as a basis for further research and development of small-scale organic waste management solutions in Brazil.

Biochar from Caryocar brasiliense as a soil conditioner for common bean plants / Biochar de casca de Caryocar brasiliense como condicionador do solo para o feijoeiro

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the use of organic waste in agriculture. In this way, was aimed with this study to evaluate the biochar from pequi shell (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) on the soil chemical properties and on the production and nutrition of common bean plants. The experiment was carried out in pots with soil (4 dm³ ~ 5,44 kg), in a completely randomized experimental design, 4 x 3 + 2 factorial scheme, with four replications. The treatments were four doses of biochar (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 % v/v), three different particle size (G1, <0.5 mm; G2, 0.5-1,0 mm and G3, 1.0-2.0 mm) and two control treatments, one without and another with addition of soil corrective acidity. The biochar from pequi shell acted as a corrective of soil acidity and as a source of potassium for the plants. However, in higher doses of biochar there was a decrease in bean plants production due to nutritional imbalances.

RESUMO: Nos últimos anos, tem aumentado o interesse crescente pelo uso de resíduos orgânicos na agricultura. Dessa forma, objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o biochar e a casca do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) nas propriedades químicas do solo e na produção e nutrição de plantas de feijoeiro. O experimento foi realizado em vasos com solo (4 dm³ ~ 5,44 kg), em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 x 3 + 2, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram quatro doses de biochar (0,0, 2,5, 5,0, 7,5 e 10,0 % v/v), três tamanhos de partículas diferentes (G1, <0,5 mm; G2, 0,5-1,0 mm e G3, 1,0-2,0 mm) e dois tratamentos controle, um sem e outro com adição de corretivo da acidez do solo. O biochar de casca do pequi atuou como corretivo da acidez do solo e como fonte de potássio para as plantas. Entretanto, em doses mais elevadas de biochar, houve uma diminuição na produção das plantas de feijão devido aos desequilíbrios nutricionais.

Consumo incidental de plástico y otros materiales antropogénicos por parte de Coragyps atratus (Bechstein, 1793) en un vertedero de basura de Ecuador / Incidental consumption of plastic and other anthropogenic materials by Coragyps atratus (Bechstein, 1793) in a garbage dump in Ecuador

Resumen En este estudio se analiza y discute la ingesta de plástico y otros materiales antropogénicos por parte de Coragyps atratus en un vertedero de residuos suburbano de Calceta, Provincia de Manabí, Ecuador. De un total de 112 egagrópilas analizadas, el 100% contenía materiales antropogénicos siendo los más conspicuos, diferentes tipos de plásticos y microplásticos, además de metales, vidrio, suelo y otros. Se discute y contrasta con la bibliografía la importancia relativa de los materiales antropogénicos encontrados, así como su potencial impacto en la especie y para el ser humano.

Abstract This study analyzes and discusses the ingestion of plastic and other anthropogenic materials by Coragyps atratus in a suburban waste dump in Calceta, Manabí Province, Ecuador. Of a total of 112 pellets analyzed, 100% contained anthropogenic materials, the most conspicuous being different types of plastics and microplastics, as well as metals, glass, soil, and others. The relative importance of the anthropogenic materials found is discussed and analyzed, same as their potential impact on the species and humanity.

Evaluation of the environmental impact of dry chemical silage obtained from the viscera of red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) using ecological footprint methodology.

Fish production worldwide has increased over the years due to increased populations and interest from consumers. This has led to an increase in the waste produced by this industry, with viscera being particularly notable as one of the main sources of negative environmental impact. This study will determine the environmental impact created when obtaining dry chemical silage from the viscera of red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.), using ecological footprint methodology as an indicator of sustainability. This process allows approximately 30% of CO2 emissions to be mitigated compared to those generated when fresh viscera are dumped into shallow landfills, while implementing actions that improve the process such as biogas production from waste and solar drying of the final product can mitigate approximately 86% of its environmental impact, when compared to the disposal of fresh viscera. It was concluded that the production of dry chemical silage using alternative drying energy is environmentally sustainable.

Evaluation of the reduction of methane emission in swine and bovine manure treated with black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens L.).

The study evaluates Hermetia illucens larvae's ability to decrease direct methane emissions and nutrients from cattle and swine manure. Hermetia illucens larvae were put into fresh cattle and swine manure, and the same conditions, without larvae, for the control treatment were established. The methane emissions were measured until the first prepupae appeared. The methane emissions from the bioconversion of animal manure by Hermetia illucens larvae were up to 86% lower than in the control treatments (conventional storage). The cumulative methane emissions from cattle and swine manure bioconversion were 41.4 ± 10.5 mg CH4 kg-1 and 134.2 ± 17.3 mg CH4 kg-1, respectively. Moreover, Hermetia illucens larvae could reduce 32% of dry matter, 53% nitrogen, 14% phosphorus, and 42% carbon in swine manure. Meanwhile, in cattle manure, reductions of 17% of dry matter, 5% of nitrogen, 11% of phosphorus, and 15% of carbon and pH reductions in both swine and cattle manure were found. Thus, the production of larvae was higher in swine manure than cattle manure. Furthermore, the larvae frass from swine manure was appropriate for agricultural use, unlike the larvae frass from cattle manure requiring further processing. These results reveal the ability of Hermetia illucens larvae to mitigate methane emissions from animal manure and show it to be a promising technology for manure treatment, with great potential to promote a circular economy in the livestock sector.

Composting of winery waste and characteristics of the final compost according to Brazilian legislation.

The waste generated in the production of wine and grape juice is characterized by a high concentration of organic matter, when properly treated, can serve as sustainable strategies for its use and destination, and among these, the production of biocompost. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the process of composting grape marc, sheep manure, and mango leaves, evaluating in the biocompost its physical-chemical, nutritional and microbiological characteristics for use in agriculture. The composting pile assembly followed the proportion of 30% of sheep manure as nitrogenous material and 70% of carbon-rich material (divided into 50% of grape marc and 20% of hose leaves), the initial C/N ratio was 33:1, and the process lasted 120 days according to legislation. When evaluating the results, the process occurred in an accelerated manner, where at 30 days the biocompost was already stabilized, and at the end of the process (120 days) it presented a C/N ratio of 5.85, as well as acceptable levels for the macronutrients K and P, and without risk of phytotoxicity, and could be used as organic fertilizer or as soil conditioner, reducing environmentally inadequate destination and generating savings with their reinsertion in the production chain.

Seedlings production of Gomphrena globosa and Petunia x hybridain different times and substrates / Produção de mudas de Gomphrena globosa e Petunia x hybrida em diferentes épocas e substratos

This study aimed to evaluate the seedlings growth of Petunia x hybridaand Gomphrena globose at different times and substrates based on agricultural residues. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted, in a factorial scheme, with treatments consisting of four replications and the experimental unit formed by ten plants. The flower species Petunia x hybridaand G. globosawere cultivated in five substrate compositions and in two seasons, with sowing carried out in April and June for Petunia x hybrid and April and October for G. globosa. The substrates were composed using commercial substrate (CM), bovine manure (BM), worm humus (WM) and rice husk ash (HA), in volumetric proportions: (S1) 100% CS; (S2) 40% CS + 20% BM + 20% WH + 20% HA; (S3) 60% CS + 20% WH + 20% HA; (S4) 60% CS + 20% BM + 20% HA; and (S5) 80% CS + 20% BM. Emergence, emergence speed index, height, number of leaves, length of the largest leaf, length of the largest root, dry mass of the aboveground part, dry mass of the root system and total dry mass were evaluated. The seedlings growth of the Petunia x hybridaand G. globosa changed according to the characteristics of the substrates and the growing seasons. The substrate composed with 80% commercial substrate and 20% bovine manure showed similar or superior results to the commercial substrate and can be used in order to reduce production costs without prejudice to the seedlings growth. The cultivation of Petunia x hybridain April resulted in seedlings with greater height, leaf length and greater accumulation of phytomass. The G. globosa seedlings showed greater development of the aboveground part and the root system, in addition to greater accumulation of phytomass when cultivated in October.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o crescimento de mudas de Petunia x hybridae Gomphrena globosa cultivadas em diferentes épocas e substratos a base de resíduos agropecuários. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial, sendo os tratamentos compostos por quatro repetições e a unidade experimental formada por dez plantas. Foram cultivadas as espécies de flores Petunia x hybridae G. globosa em cinco composições de substratos e em duas épocas, sendo as semeaduras realizadas em abril e junho para a Petunia x hybridae abril e outubro para a G. globosa. Os substratos foram compostos utilizando-se substrato comercial (CS), esterco bovino curtido (BM), húmus de minhoca (WH) e cinza de casca de arroz (HA), nas proporções volumétricas: (S1) 100% CS; (S2) 40% CS + 20% BM + 20% WH + 20% HA; (S3) 60% CS + 20% WH + 20% HA; (S4) 60% CS + 20% BM + 20% HA; e (S5) 80% CS + 20% BM. Avaliou-se a emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência, altura, número de folhas, comprimento da maior folha, comprimento da maior raiz, massa seca da parte aérea, massa seca do sistema radicular e massa seca total. O crescimento das mudas de Petunia x hybridae G. globosa modificou-se conforme as características dos substratos e as épocas de cultivo. O substrato composto com 80% de substrato comercial e 20% de esterco bovino apresentou resultados semelhantes ou superiores ao substrato comercial, podendo ser utilizado a fim de reduzir os custos de produção sem prejuízos ao crescimento das mudas. O cultivo de Petunia x hybridaem abril resultou em mudas com maior altura, comprimento das folhas e maior acúmulo de fitomassa. As mudas de G. globosa apresentaram maior desenvolvimento da parte aérea e do sistema radicular, além de maior acúmulo de fitomassa quando cultivadas em outubro.(AU)

Seedlings production of Gomphrena globosa and Petunia x hybridain different times and substrates / Produção de mudas de Gomphrena globosa e Petunia x hybrida em diferentes épocas e substratos

This study aimed to evaluate the seedlings growth of Petunia x hybridaand Gomphrena globose at different times and substrates based on agricultural residues. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted, in a factorial scheme, with treatments consisting of four replications and the experimental unit formed by ten plants. The flower species Petunia x hybridaand G. globosawere cultivated in five substrate compositions and in two seasons, with sowing carried out in April and June for Petunia x hybrid and April and October for G. globosa. The substrates were composed using commercial substrate (CM), bovine manure (BM), worm humus (WM) and rice husk ash (HA), in volumetric proportions: (S1) 100% CS; (S2) 40% CS + 20% BM + 20% WH + 20% HA; (S3) 60% CS + 20% WH + 20% HA; (S4) 60% CS + 20% BM + 20% HA; and (S5) 80% CS + 20% BM. Emergence, emergence speed index, height, number of leaves, length of the largest leaf, length of the largest root, dry mass of the aboveground part, dry mass of the root system and total dry mass were evaluated. The seedlings growth of the Petunia x hybridaand G. globosa changed according to the characteristics of the substrates and the growing seasons. The substrate composed with 80% commercial substrate and 20% bovine manure showed similar or superior results to the commercial substrate and can be used in order to reduce production costs without prejudice to the seedlings growth. The cultivation of Petunia x hybridain April resulted in seedlings with greater height, leaf length and greater accumulation of phytomass. The G. globosa seedlings showed greater development of the aboveground part and the root system, in addition to greater accumulation of phytomass when cultivated in October.

Objetivou-se avaliar o crescimento de mudas de Petunia x hybridae Gomphrena globosa cultivadas em diferentes épocas e substratos a base de resíduos agropecuários. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial, sendo os tratamentos compostos por quatro repetições e a unidade experimental formada por dez plantas. Foram cultivadas as espécies de flores Petunia x hybridae G. globosa em cinco composições de substratos e em duas épocas, sendo as semeaduras realizadas em abril e junho para a Petunia x hybridae abril e outubro para a G. globosa. Os substratos foram compostos utilizando-se substrato comercial (CS), esterco bovino curtido (BM), húmus de minhoca (WH) e cinza de casca de arroz (HA), nas proporções volumétricas: (S1) 100% CS; (S2) 40% CS + 20% BM + 20% WH + 20% HA; (S3) 60% CS + 20% WH + 20% HA; (S4) 60% CS + 20% BM + 20% HA; e (S5) 80% CS + 20% BM. Avaliou-se a emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência, altura, número de folhas, comprimento da maior folha, comprimento da maior raiz, massa seca da parte aérea, massa seca do sistema radicular e massa seca total. O crescimento das mudas de Petunia x hybridae G. globosa modificou-se conforme as características dos substratos e as épocas de cultivo. O substrato composto com 80% de substrato comercial e 20% de esterco bovino apresentou resultados semelhantes ou superiores ao substrato comercial, podendo ser utilizado a fim de reduzir os custos de produção sem prejuízos ao crescimento das mudas. O cultivo de Petunia x hybridaem abril resultou em mudas com maior altura, comprimento das folhas e maior acúmulo de fitomassa. As mudas de G. globosa apresentaram maior desenvolvimento da parte aérea e do sistema radicular, além de maior acúmulo de fitomassa quando cultivadas em outubro.

Development of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on Poultry Litter-Based Diets: Effect on Chemical Composition of Larvae.

In order to investigate a low-cost and sustainable food source, the present study evaluated the use of poultry litter for rearing Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The experiment was performed with five diets containing increasing levels of poultry litter (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) replacing the control diet and five replicates with 50 larvae per sample unit. Larval growth and development were evaluated and the chemical compositions of diet and T. molitor larvae were determined. Larval development and reproduction efficiency of T. molitor were similar in all treatments. The sole use of poultry litter to feed T. molitor reduced the crude protein of flour by only 8%. Including 50% or more poultry litter in the standard diet is the best-suited formulation for larvae production and incorporation of minerals in the larvae. Mealworm can be grown successfully on diets composed by poultry litter, the diet did not affect survival, growth, and development; however, studies spanning several insect generations should be performed to determine the effects of diet composition on adult fecundity. The knowledge acquired using poultry litter to feed T. molitor will be useful to carry out new research, in addition to evidencing the possibility of low-cost mass rearing of these larvae.