Abstract The germination potential must be considered in the selection of passion fruit genotypes, since vigorous seeds originate seedlings with a higher growth rate, resulting in superior plants with high agronomic performance. This study proposes to estimate genetic parameters and selection gain for seed traits of full-sib families (FSF) of passion fruit under recurrent selection for resistance to the cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV). Physical and physiological seed traits of 86 FSF were evaluated; genetic parameters, genotypic correlations between traits and genetic gains were estimated using four selection indices. There were significant differences and genetic variability between families and positive genetic correlations between variables. The best distribution of genetic gains was obtained by the Mulamba and Mock index, using the heritability coefficient and arbitrary weights. This index selected the best 26 families in terms of seed characteristics to compose the second cycle of recurrent selection for resistance to CABMV.

Abstract The germination potential must be considered in the selection of passion fruit genotypes, since vigorous seeds originate seedlings with a higher growth rate, resulting in superior plants with high agronomic performance. This study proposes to estimate genetic parameters and selection gain for seed traits of full-sib families (FSF) of passion fruit under recurrent selection for resistance to the cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV). Physical and physiological seed traits of 86 FSF were evaluated; genetic parameters, genotypic correlations between traits and genetic gains were estimated using four selection indices. There were significant differences and genetic variability between families and positive genetic correlations between variables. The best distribution of genetic gains was obtained by the Mulamba and Mock index, using the heritability coefficient and arbitrary weights. This index selected the best 26 families in terms of seed characteristics to compose the second cycle of recurrent selection for resistance to CABMV.

ABSTRACT The seed coating technique adds value to the seeds. This technique allows changing the seed size and shape, facilitating sowing, and also the application of essential nutrients to the good development of the plant in the post-germination phases. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the physical and physiological characteristics of Stylosanthes capitata/macrocephala coated with different materials. For the coating procedure, a N10 Newpack bench seed coating machine was used. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications and 50 seeds per plot distributed in 10 treatments. The different materials and their respective mixtures significantly altered the physical characteristics, the weight of a thousand seeds (WTS), water content (SWC), maximum diameter (DMA), and minimum diameter (DMI) of the seeds. Among the different materials, the sand coated seeds had the highest germination percentage (%G), germination velocity index (GSI), and first germination count (FGC). The maintenance of physiological attributes was observed in sand coated seeds (0.25 mm). Therefore, it is an alternative application of nutrients via seeds, due to the inert character of the sand. The mixing of the materials used in this work is not recommended.

ABSTRACT Guava is of great economic importance in Brazil. The development of new cultivars by obtaining inbreeding lines has been a promising option. The objective of this work was to evaluate the S2 families of Psidium guajava using seed attributes. Different characters of physiological quality of guava seeds were studied, in addition to performing digital phenotyping of characteristics of geometry, texture and colors of the seeds. The variables were analyzed simultaneously using the Ward-Modified Location Model (MLM) method and carried out individual analyses of variance for estimating genetic parameters of the population. The formation of more than one group of divergent genotypes was observed, the geometry characteristics were more impacting for the discrimination of the genotypes, a high phenotypic correlation was observed with the germination variables and dry matter weight. High heritabilities were verified for the variables related to seed quality, indicating success in selecting vigorous genotypes. The Ward-MLM method is a useful tool to detect genetic diversity among genotypes of inbred guava. Thus, the most divergent genotypes with high germination potential can be recommended for future crosses or self-fertilized to obtain new lines in the guava breeding program.

ABSTRACT Guava is of great economic importance in Brazil. The development of new cultivars by obtaining inbreeding lines has been a promising option. The objective of this work was to evaluate the S2 families of Psidium guajava using seed attributes. Different characters of physiological quality of guava seeds were studied, in addition to performing digital phenotyping of characteristics of geometry, texture and colors of the seeds. The variables were analyzed simultaneously using the Ward-Modified Location Model (MLM) method and carried out individual analyses of variance for estimating genetic parameters of the population. The formation of more than one group of divergent genotypes was observed, the geometry characteristics were more impacting for the discrimination of the genotypes, a high phenotypic correlation was observed with the germination variables and dry matter weight. High heritabilities were verified for the variables related to seed quality, indicating success in selecting vigorous genotypes. The Ward-MLM method is a useful tool to detect genetic diversity among genotypes of inbred guava. Thus, the most divergent genotypes with high germination potential can be recommended for future crosses or self-fertilized to obtain new lines in the guava breeding program.

ABSTRACT Nickel and molybdenum are essential micronutrients that have the ability to affect the growth and development of the bean. In this sense, the objective of this research was to assess the productivity, the growth and the mineral composition of 'Ouro Vermelho' bean in response to fertilization with molybdenum (Mo) and nickel (Ni). The field work was conducted at "Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo (IFES/Alegre-ES)" in argisoil gray dystrophic haplic acrisol. The experiment was performed in 5 x 2 factorial with 5 doses of Ni (0; 15; 30; 45 and 60 g ha-1) and Mo (0 and 80 g ha-1) in a randomized block design, repeated four times. The foliar application of Ni and Mo was done 25 days after the seeding by means hand sprayer. The characteristics evaluated were: final stand, height, yield, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, weight of 100 seeds and the contents of N, P, K, Fe, Mo, and Ni. Following this could be verified that the molybdenum fertilization increased the content of N within leaf, decreased the content of Fe within seed, and furthermore in case of high dose of Ni the content of Ni within seeds was decreased. The doses of Ni increased the content of N within the leaf, and also when the molybdenum is added the content of Fe within the seeds increased. The number of beans per pod increased after the application of Ni and dry weight of shoots with molybdenum fertilization. The fertilization with 80 g ha-1 of Mo and 60 g ha-1 with Ni increased in 12,71% and 29,69%, respectively, the productivity of bean.

ABSTRACT Molybdenum (Mo) availability is strongly affected by soil pH, which determines the dynamics of electrical charges and the adsorption of molybdate. This study evaluated the effects of nitrogen (N) and Mo application on the chemical properties of a Latossolo Amarelo (Oxisol) and in Coffea canephora nutrition and productivity throughout two productive cycles under field conditions. The experiment was conducted from June 2018 to May 2020. The experimental design used was in randomized blocks, in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme, the first factor being the absence and presence (4 kg ha-1 yr-1) of molybdic fertilization and the second factor was the N dose (300, 500, 700, 900, and 1,100 kg ha-1 yr-1). At the end of each production cycle, soil samples were collected to evaluate the pH(H2O), pH(KCl), exchangeable aluminum, potential acidity, organic matter, and Mo, at layers of 0.00-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 m. Leaves were sampled from the coffee tree to determine Mo and N contents and the coffee beans were harvested to evaluate the yield of processed coffee. The results showed that urea has a high potential for soil acidification, influencing the values of exchangeable aluminum, potential acidity, and ∆pH, at layers of 0.00-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 m. The decrease in pH caused by increasing doses of N increased the density of positive electrical charges of the soil and reduced Mo content in the leaves of C. canephora by 67 %. The application of sodium molybdate via soil was efficient in providing Mo to Conilon coffee and provided a 3.7 % increase in the yield of processed coffee. Nevertheless, molybdic fertilization did not influence the Mo content in the soil in the evaluations carried out at the end of each production cycle.

ABSTRACT Molybdenum (Mo) availability is strongly affected by soil pH, which determines the dynamics of electrical charges and the adsorption of molybdate. This study evaluated the effects of nitrogen (N) and Mo application on the chemical properties of a Latossolo Amarelo (Oxisol) and in Coffea canephora nutrition and productivity throughout two productive cycles under field conditions. The experiment was conducted from June 2018 to May 2020. The experimental design used was in randomized blocks, in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme, the first factor being the absence and presence (4 kg ha-1 yr-1) of molybdic fertilization and the second factor was the N dose (300, 500, 700, 900, and 1,100 kg ha-1 yr-1). At the end of each production cycle, soil samples were collected to evaluate the pH(H2O), pH(KCl), exchangeable aluminum, potential acidity, organic matter, and Mo, at layers of 0.00-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 m. Leaves were sampled from the coffee tree to determine Mo and N contents and the coffee beans were harvested to evaluate the yield of processed coffee. The results showed that urea has a high potential for soil acidification, influencing the values of exchangeable aluminum, potential acidity, and ∆pH, at layers of 0.00-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 m. The decrease in pH caused by increasing doses of N increased the density of positive electrical charges of the soil and reduced Mo content in the leaves of C. canephora by 67 %. The application of sodium molybdate via soil was efficient in providing Mo to Conilon coffee and provided a 3.7 % increase in the yield of processed coffee. Nevertheless, molybdic fertilization did not influence the Mo content in the soil in the evaluations carried out at the end of each production cycle.

ABSTRACT. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is highly sensitive to zinc deficiency in soils, which results in decreased productivity and low-quality agricultural products. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of different zinc doses, applied to seeds, on the physiological quality and initial performance of sorghum plants. Six doses (0, 3.5, 7.0, 14.0, 21.0, and 28.0 g kg-1 seeds) were used and an uncoated control. The Zn coating process used dolomitic limestone as the filler and glue. Laboratory tests were conducted in a completely randomized design and greenhouse experiments were conducted in a randomized block design. The control means were 8, 9, and 14% lower than the maximum, minimum, and total seed area of treatments, respectively, relative to that of treatments. The control differed from other treatments by 10.47 in the speed index of emergence. Zinc at a dose of 28 g kg-1 seeds provided greater production of aerial dry matter, with nutrient content of 75.85 mg kg-1. Zinc on sorghum seeds affected length and dry matter production of aerial parts and roots but did not affect physical characteristics, germination, or emergence time. Applied zinc accumulated mainly in the roots, and promotes changes in Ca and Mg in seeds and other plant parts.

ABSTRACT. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is highly sensitive to zinc deficiency in soils, which results in decreased productivity and low-quality agricultural products. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of different zinc doses, applied to seeds, on the physiological quality and initial performance of sorghum plants. Six doses (0, 3.5, 7.0, 14.0, 21.0, and 28.0 g kg-1 seeds) were used and an uncoated control. The Zn coating process used dolomitic limestone as the filler and glue. Laboratory tests were conducted in a completely randomized design and greenhouse experiments were conducted in a randomized block design. The control means were 8, 9, and 14% lower than the maximum, minimum, and total seed area of treatments, respectively, relative to that of treatments. The control differed from other treatments by 10.47 in the speed index of emergence. Zinc at a dose of 28 g kg-1 seeds provided greater production of aerial dry matter, with nutrient content of 75.85 mg kg-1. Zinc on sorghum seeds affected length and dry matter production of aerial parts and roots but did not affect physical characteristics, germination, or emergence time. Applied zinc accumulated mainly in the roots, and promotes changes in Ca and Mg in seeds and other plant parts.