Ecological strawberry production: promoting crop vitality with high-dynamized dilutions

The Strawberry (Fragaria× ananassaDuch.) is the world's most important berry. Around 9.2 million tonnes of strawberries were produced worldwide in 2021 over approximately 395,844 hectares distributed across almost all continents. However, industrial farming approaches, which include the application of high volumes of pesticides, have placed the fruit on the list of foods most contaminated by pesticide residues. Such management negatively affects food security and environmental sustainability. Agroecology is proposed as a holistic alternative tosolve this problem, and within this, some practices associated with homeopathy and biodynamic farming involve the application of high-dynamized dilutions as alternatives to chemical pesticides. Research indicates that the use of high-dynamized dilutions holds the potential to promote crop vitality through building natural equilibrium and resilience of agricultural systems. The objective of this research was to explore the extent to which high-dynamized dilutions can increase the sustainability of commercial strawberry production as well as understand the challenges and benefits of using high-dynamized dilutions in agriculture. To do this, natural and social science methods are combined in a multidisciplinary approach that was developed simultaneously in Brazil and the UK. Results of controlled trials demonstrated that the use of high-dynamized dilutions of Phosphorus12CH, Sulphur12 CH, and Kali Carbonicum12CH positively influenced crop production, pest disease levels, and plant vigor in strawberry plants.In addition, data collected from a web surveyand interviews with farmers, researchers,and advisors who work with homeopathy, evidenced the role of homeopathy and biodynamic farming as transformative tools regarding ecological awareness and ecological education, helping to advance the concept of the agriculture organism and subtle aspects of life into agricultural research and society.

Chemical composition of the leaf oils from two morphotypes of Psidium cattleyanum at four phenological stages.

The chemical composition of volatile oil extracted from leaves of two morphotypes of Psidium cattleyanum Sabine from southern Brazil was evaluated at four phenological stages. In addition, plant material was evaluated at four different locations of the Planalto Serrano Region of Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Major components found were: 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, α-eudesmol, (E)-caryophyllene and p-cymene in red morphotype whereas 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, myrcene, (E)-caryophyllene and valerianol were found in the yellow morphotype. The differences observed in the chemical composition in red and yellow morphotypes may help in the differentiation between the two morphotypes in the absence of fruits. Also, important differences were observed mainly for 1,8-cineole and α-pinene percentage at different phenological stages.

Vegetative rescue of Cedrela fissilis Vell. by the rooting of cuttings from epicormic and canopy sprouts / Resgate vegetativo de Cedrela fissilis Vell. por enraizamento de estacas de brotos epicórmicos e de copa

ABSTRACT: Cedrela fissilis is a species of great genetic diversity, with low population density and seminal propagation, which causes difficulties in the vegetative propagation process. This research evaluated the vegetative rescue and propagation of stem cutting rooting originated from epicormic and canopy sprouts of C. fissilis. For this, the induction of epicormic sprouts was evaluated 52 days after the complete girdling and semi-girdling 20 and 40 cm from the ground, and no girdling treatment, during spring (2018), summer (2018) and autumn (2019). The variables evaluated were, survival (%), sprouting (%), number, length (cm) and diameter (mm) of sprouts. The cuttings were made from spring epicormic sprouts, divided in two categories: 10 cm cuttings placed vertically in pits and 5 cm cuttings placed horizontally in furrows. The canopy sprouts were collected in the summer, then cut in apical and intermediate cuttings (15 cm). After 60 days, the cuttings were evaluated in survival (%), rooting (%), callus (%), average number and length of roots (cm). Results showed that only the complete girdling produced sprouts (average >67%) with no difference between 20 and 40 cm heights, with a greater number of sprouts during spring. The cuttings from epicormic sprouts, planted vertically in pits presented higher percentage of rooting (44%) than cuttings planted horizontally in furrows (17%). Cuttings from the canopy had inconsiderable rooting (apical - 2%; intermediate - 0%). The girdling periods influences the number of epicormic sprouts and its use for cutting was more efficient in rooting.

RESUMO: Cedrela fissilis é uma espécie de grande diversidade genética, com baixa densidade populacional florestal, de propagação seminal, que apresenta dificuldade de ser propagada vegetativamente. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o regate e propagação vegetativa a partir do enraizamento de estacas de origem epicórmicas e de copa de C. fissilis. Para isso, a brotação epicórmica foi avaliada 52 dias após o anelamento completo e semianelamento nas alturas de 20 e 40 cm, e tratamento sem anelamento, durante primavera (2018), verão (2018) e outono (2019). Foram avaliados: sobrevivência das árvores (%), brotação (%), número, comprimento (cm) e diâmetro (mm) de brotos. A estaquia utilizou brotos epicórmicos de primavera, divididos em duas categorias: estacas com 10 cm colocadas verticalmente em covas e estacas de 5 cm colocadas horizontalmente em sulcos. Brotos de copa foram coletados no verão, cortados em estacas apicais e intermediárias (15 cm). Após 60 dias avaliou-se das estacas: sobrevivência (%), enraizamento (%), calos (%), número médio e comprimento de raízes (cm). Os resultados apresentam que apenas o anelamento completo formou brotos (média >67%), sem diferença entre a altura 20 e 40 cm, com maior número de brotos durante a primavera. As estacas de brotos epicórmicos, plantadas verticalmente em covas, apresentaram a maior porcentagem de enraizamento (44%) que estacas plantadas horizontalmente em sulcos (17%). Estacas de copa obtiveram enraizamento desconsiderável (apicais - 2%; intermediárias - 0%). As épocas de anelamento influenciam no número de brotos epicórmicos e seu uso como estacas foi mais eficiente no enraizamento.

Feasibility in seed germination of Hypericum perforatum L. submitted at different temperatures and treatments with high dilutions

Background Hypericum perforatum is used as a medicinal plant, mostly in antidepressant treatment. With endogenous and exogenous dormancy, more studies about the germination of the seeds are necessary. Aim: To evaluate the effect of temperature and of preparations of high dilutions on the germination of seeds of Hypericum perforatum. Methods Three bioassays were carried out in chambers of germination, using a completely randomized experimental design and in duplicate. In the first bioassay, of temperatures of 20, 25 and 30 ºC was evaluated, with 20 replicates and 50 seeds in each replicate. In the second, the effect of high dilutions (Kali carbonicum, Natrum muriaticum, Phosphorus and Silicea terra in 12cH) using 4 replicates with 50 seeds each. In the third, Kali carbonicum was tested at 6, 12, 20, 30 cH with 50 seeds and 4 replicates. The percentage of germination, germination rate index (GRI), average germination time (AGT) and seedlings with cotyledons. The data were analyzed through the R software at a 5% significance. Results At the temperature of 25 °C, 63% of the seeds germinated while at the temperatures of 20 and 30 °C the percentage was 26% and 18%, respectively. In seeds treated with Kali carbonicum 12cH the germination rate increased significantly in relation to the control group. Kali carbonicum 6cH increased the GRI of the seeds, while at 20cH, it increased the AGT, showing delay in germination. Conclusion The use of the Kali carbonicum assists in the breakage of dormancy and average time of germination in Hypericum perforatum seeds. (AU)

Potato genotypes reaction to early blight and late blight in organic cultivation / Reação de genótipos de batata à pinta preta e requeima em cultivo orgânico

ABSTRACT: Disease management in conventional potato crops requires the use of larger amounts of phytosanitary products and increased toxicity with regard to organic cultivation which may pose a risk to human health and have a negative impact on the environment as well. The present study aimed to evaluate the yield and the reaction of potato genotypes to both late blight and to early blight under an organic system of cultivation. Eperiments were conducted in the field in the municipalities of Lages, SC and Quilombo, SC, south Brazil, during the crops of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014. The experimental design consisted of a randomized complete block design with 4 replications; The following eight local clones from the Santa Catarina mountain range (serra) were evaluated: SJ01273-1; SJ01251-1; SJ01213-1; SMSJ07344-54; SJ04510-1; SJ05621-11; SJ02411-5; and SJ04521-3; and 8 commercial cultivars were assessed as follows: Agate, Asterix, and Monalisa of Dutch origin; Panda of German origin; and BRS Ana, BRS Eliza, Cota, and Catucha of Brazilian origin. Incidence and severity of late blight and early bright and the weight and number of tubers produced were evaluated. Potato genotypes showed variability in terms of tuber production and disease resistance. The regional clone 15 and cultivars BRS Ana and Cota presented resistance to early blight and to late blight in both cultivated sites. Genotype 35 and cvs. Asterix and BRS Ana were the ones that had the largest productions. Genotype 35 was the most productive one among all genotypes/clones evaluated (16,926.81kg ha-1). There was variability between different local potato genotypes in terms of productivity potential and resistance to diseases under the organic system of cultivation. These findings showed that there is a source of resistance to genetic improvement programs.

RESUMO: O manejo de doenças nos cultivos convencionais de batata requer emprego de maior quantidade de produtos fitossanitários e de maior toxicidade em relação ao cultivo orgânico, que pode acarretar riscos a saúde humana e impacto ambiental. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o rendimento e a reação de genótipos de batata à requeima e à pinta preta sob sistema orgânico de cultivo. Os experimentos foram conduzidos a campo nas safras 2012/2013 e 2013/2014 em Lages/SC e em Quilombo/SC. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Avaliou-se oito clones locais oriundas da serra catarinense: SJ01273-1; SJ01251-1; SJ01213-1; SMSJ07344-54; SJ04510-1; SJ05621-11; SJ02411-5; SJ04521-3 e oito cultivares comerciais: Ágata, Asterix e Monalisa de origem holandesa; Panda de origem alemã e BRS Ana, BRS Eliza, Cota e Catucha de origem brasileira. Foram realizadas avaliações de incidência e severidade da requeima e pinta preta e do peso e número de tubérculos produzidos. Os genótipos de batata apresentaram variabilidade na produção de tubérculos e de resistência a doenças. O clone regional 15 e as cultivares BRS Ana e Cota apresentaram resistência à pinta preta e a requeima, em ambos os locais cultivados. O genótipo 35 e as cvs. Asterix e BRS Ana apresentaram as maiores produções. O genótipo 35 foi o mais produtivo (16.926,81kg ha-1). Genótipos locais de batata apresentam variabilidade quanto ao potencial produtivo e resistência a doenças sob o sistema orgânico de cultivo, evidenciando fonte de resistência a programas de melhoramento genético.

Medicinal plants in the family farms of rural areas in southern Brazil: ecological and ethnobotanical aspects / Plantas medicinales en las fincas familiares del área rural en el sur de Brasil: aspectos ecológicos y etnobotánicos

The objective of this study was to find which medicinal plants were used by family farmers from rural areas located in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, and to characterize the habitat where they are cultivated. This research was conducted in 2011/2012, it included 43 farmers aged from 38 to 92 years of age, and it was grounded on the snowball method. A total of128 species belonging to 60 botanical families were found. Three cultivation areas are discussed, namely, backyard, grass field, and "capão", a small forest fragment. Herbaceous and shrubby species were most commonly found in the backyard and grass field areas, while tree species were found in the "capão". Medicinal plants were mostly located in areas that had been modified by farmers.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar las plantas medicinales utilizadas por los agricultores familiares del área rural de Santa Catarina, sur de Brasil, y caracterizar el hábitat donde se cultivan. La evaluación se realizó en 2011/2012 con 43 agricultores de 38 a 92 años siguiendo la metodología de la bola de nieve. Se pudo identificar 128 especies pertenecientes a 60 familias botánicas. Tres ambientes para el cultivo: quintas, pastizales y fragmentos forestales. En las quintas y pastizales predominan las especies herbáceas y arbustivas, mientras que las especies arbóreas se localizaron en los fragmentos del bosque. Las plantas medicinales se encontraban principalmente en hábitats modificados por los agricultores.

Altas diluições de Solanum lycopersicum e Camellia sinensis no manejo fitossanitário e rendimento de cebola em sistema orgânico / High dilutions of Solanum lycopersicum and Camellia sinensis on the phytosanitary management and yield of onion under organic system

A utilização frequente de agrotóxicos no manejo fitossanitário da cultura da cebola tem causado impactos no meio ambiente e possíveis resíduos tóxicos nos bulbos para consumo humano. Substâncias em altas diluições têm sido estudadas no manejo fitossanitário da culturada cebola para viabilizar sistemas ecologicamente viáveis. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de altas diluições a partir da matéria prima de mudas de tomate, Solanum lycopersicumL., cv. Perinha e de folhas de chá-verde, Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, sobre a incidência e danos de tripes, Thrips tabaci, severidade do míldio, Peronospora destructor, e no rendimento de cebola em sistema de produção orgânico. O estudo foi conduzido a campo, nos anos de2014 e 2015, na Epagri/Estação Experimental de Ituporanga, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Os experimentos foram realizados separadamente para altas diluições de plantas de tomate e de folhas desidratadas de chá-verde. Os tratamentos foram altas diluições em pulverizações foliares a 6, 12 e 30cH e testemunha sem aplicação. O delineamento experimental foi casualizado em blocos, com 4 repetições. A incidência de tripes, severidade do míldio e rendimento de cebola não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos. Altas diluições de chá-verdenas diluições 6 e 30cH reduziram os danos de tripes.

Frequent use of pesticides in onion crop management may have impact on the environment andhuman health. Substances in high dilution have been studied to replace chemicals inecologically viable onion crop systems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectof high dilutions of tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Perinha and green tea, Camelliasinensis (L.) Kuntze, on the incidence and damage of thrips, Thrips tabaci, severity of downymildew, Peronospora destructor, and on the onion yield in an organic production system. Thestudy was carried out under field conditions at Epagri/Experimental Station of Ituporanga, Santa Catarina, Brazil, in 2014 and 2015. The experiments were performed separately for highdilutions of tomato and green tea leaves. The treatments consisted in foliar sprays with highdilutions 6, 12 and 30 cH and control without application. The experimental design consisted ofrandomized blocks with 4 replications. The incidence of onion thrips, downy mildew severityand yield were not affected by treatments. Green tea at 6 and 30cH reduced the damage bythrips.

Altas diluições de Solanum lycopersicum e Camellia sinensis no manejo fitossanitário e rendimento de cebola em sistema orgânico / High dilutions of Solanum lycopersicum and Camellia sinensis on the phytosanitary management and yield of onion under organic system

A utilização frequente de agrotóxicos no manejo fitossanitário da cultura da cebola temcausado impactos no meio ambiente e possíveis resíduos tóxicos nos bulbos para consumohumano. Substâncias em altas diluições têm sido estudadas no manejo fitossanitário da culturada cebola para viabilizar sistemas ecologicamente viáveis. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar oefeito de altas diluições a partir da matéria prima de mudas de tomate, Solanum lycopersicumL., cv. Perinha e de folhas de chá-verde, Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, sobre a incidência edanos de tripes, Thrips tabaci, severidade do míldio, Peronospora destructor, e no rendimentode cebola em sistema de produção orgânico. O estudo foi conduzido a campo, nos anos de2014 e 2015, na Epagri/Estação Experimental de Ituporanga, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Osexperimentos foram realizados separadamente para altas diluições de plantas de tomate e defolhas desidratadas de chá-verde. Os tratamentos foram altas diluições em pulverizaçõesfoliares a 6, 12 e 30cH e testemunha sem aplicação. O delineamento experimental foicasualizado em blocos, com 4 repetições. A incidência de tripes, severidade do míldio erendimento de cebola não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos. Altas diluições de chá-verdenas diluições 6 e 30cH reduziram os danos de tripes. (AU)

Frequent use of pesticides in onion crop management may have impact on the environment andhuman health. Substances in high dilution have been studied to replace chemicals inecologically viable onion crop systems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectof high dilutions of tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Perinha and green tea, Camelliasinensis (L.) Kuntze, on the incidence and damage of thrips, Thrips tabaci, severity of downymildew, Peronospora destructor, and on the onion yield in an organic production system. Thestudy was carried out under field conditions at Epagri/Experimental Station of Ituporanga, SantaCatarina, Brazil, in 2014 and 2015. The experiments were performed separately for highdilutions of tomato and green tea leaves. The treatments consisted in foliar sprays with highdilutions 6, 12 and 30 cH and control without application. The experimental design consisted ofrandomized blocks with 4 replications. The incidence of onion thrips, downy mildew severityand yield were not affected by treatments. Green tea at 6 and 30cH reduced the damage bythrips. (AU)

Altas diluições de sulfato de zinco sobre o manejo de tripes e rendimento de cebola em sistema orgânico / High dilutions of zinc sulfate on management of thrips and yield of onion in an organic

O cultivo da cebola convencional apresenta alto custo de produção devido ao uso de agroquímicos, e com os consequentes riscos à saúde dos agricultores e contaminação ambiental. A Epagri tem atuado com pesquisa e extensão para a implantação de sistema de produção de cebola orgânico em Santa Catarina. O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar o efeito de altas diluições de sulfato de zinco sobre a incidência e danos de tripes, maturação fisiológica e rendimento de cebola em sistema orgânico de produção. O estudo foi conduzido durante três anos, 2011, 2012 e 2013, na Epagri, Estação Experimental de Ituporanga, SC. Os tratamentos foram altas diluições de sulfato de zinco em pulverizações foliares nas diluições 6cH, 12cH e 30cH e testemunha sem aplicação. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao caso com quatro repetições. A incidência, danos de tripes, índice de clorofila, produtividade e maturação fisiológica não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos. A conservação pós-colheita de bulbos de cebola com as altas diluições de sulfato de zinco foi ajustada pelo seguinte modelo, em 2011, y= 0,014.x3 -0,626.x2 +5,894.x +56,21 (R2 = 0,56, p= 0,02). (AU)

The cost of onion cultivation in conventional systems in Santa Catarina (SC), Brazil, is high due to the use of agrochemicals, which pose risks to the farmers’ health and contaminate the nvironment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of high dilutions (HD) of zinc sulfate on the incidence of and damage by thrips, physiological maturation and yield of onion in an organic production system. The study was conducted over three years from 2011to 2013 at Ituporanga Experimental Station, Epagri, SC. Treatments consisted in zinc sulfate HD administered in foliar sprays in dilutions 6cH, 12cH and 30cH and untreated control. The experiment was performed in randomized blocks and four replications. The incidence of and damage by thrips, chlorophyll index and yield were not affected by the treatments. The postharvest storage of onion bulbs with HD of zinc sulfate was fit to the following model in 2011: y= 0.014.x3 -0.626.x2 +5.894.x +56.21 (R2 = 0.56,p= 0.02). (AU)