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The control of pests and diseases is one of the main challenges of sustainable agriculture. Plantains, with an annual production of nearly 12 million tons, are a significant staple food crop in West and Central Africa, as well as in Central America. Cosmopolites sordidus is the major pests for plantains and is present in all production areas. This study assessed how the traits and associated agricultural practices of 12 crops, usually associated with plantains in Cameroun, affected the arthropods trophic network and C. sordidus abundance. The abundance and the diversity of arthropods in experimental plots associating plantains with each of the 12 tested crops were measured. Each associated crop was described by a unique profile of traits and agricultural practices. This 'trait' approach allowed linking the plant characteristics to the abundance of arthropods from different trophic groups. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the interactions between associated crops traits, their associated agricultural practices and the abundance of main trophic groups. The highest abundance of C. sordidus was observed in plots with Ananas comosus and Xanthosoma sagittifolium as associated crops. These plots also had the lowest abundance of omnivores and predators. In contrast, plots with the lowest abundance of C. sordidus were those with weeds and Vigna unguiculata, where more omnivores and predators were observed. Grouping associated crops by their traits and agricultural practices allowed for drawing conclusions on a wider range than the set of plants tested. For instance, this study showed that plants from the higher strata tend to decrease ground‐dwelling predators. The ideal crop traits and agricultural practices to maximize the regulation of C. sordidus should not be obtained by a single species of crop but rather by a community of associated crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB), caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), poses an undeniable threat to global banana production. This disease has intensified in recent years, with the tropical race 4 (TR4) strain spreading rapidly. Since 2018, the number of affected countries has increased from 16 to 23, presenting a significant challenge to researchers, producers, and National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) worldwide. The potential impact of TR4 in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is particularly concerning. This region boasts seven of the top ten banana-exporting countries, and bananas and plantains are crucial for food security and income generation. In Colombia, where TR4was detected in 2019, the disease has already spread fromLa Guajira to Magdalena, and it is currently affecting 20 large commercial export farms. In Peru, the disease was detected in 2021 and although still restricted to the northern region, flood irrigation and heavy rains associated with the Yaku cyclone, boosted pathogen spread, and more than 400 small organic banana farmers are currently affected. In Venezuela, TR4 detection occurred in 2023, with plantations across three states and five municipalities now affected. Worryingly, TR4 has also been confirmed in plantains, a staple food in the region. Current national responses in LAC primarily rely on preventive and reactive measures: preventing initial incursions and containing outbreaks to avoid further spread. However, the disease's relentless progression suggests that its eventual presence in all banana-producing areas is likely. Therefore, exploring alternative management approaches beyond pathogen exclusion becomes crucial, both in affected and disease-free regions. This paper examines the current spread of TR4, focusing on epidemiological aspects and recent research-based management options. Key epidemiological features were highlighted, drawing practical examples from various scales (plots to landscapes) and utilizing experiences from LAC's fight against TR4. The paper also reviews field-tested approaches in biosecurity, biological control, resistant varieties, soil health, and integrated disease management, acknowledging the specific challenges faced by smallholder settings. In each section research initiatives were analyzed, identifying gaps, and proposing directions to minimize TR4 impact and accelerate the development of sustainable solutions for managing this devastating disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Banana is one of the most consumed and popular fruits in all regions of the world, being cultivated mainly in tropical countries. It is not only a rich source of vitamins A, C, and B, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and other vitamins and nutrients, but it also contains several types of antioxidants with high nutritional value. In this context, the current study aimed to quantify the content of ascorbic acid, flavonoids, pigments, and minerals present in "Nanicão" bananas during the ripening process. As demonstrated, the level of flavonoids was higher in ripe and overripe fruits, whereas the mineral composition was high only at ripening stage 4 (more yellow than green) a stage that should be prioritized when recommending fruit consumption to the population deficient in these minerals. Regarding pigments, there was a reduction in chlorophylls a and b and an increase in carotenoids and anthocyanins in peels and pulps. Practical Application: Flavonoids are phenolic, bioactive compounds with proven antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity and products of the plant's secondary metabolism. The degradation of chlorophylls and synthesis of carotenoids and anthocyanins, and as a consequence of the latter pigment, the increase in flavonoids in the pulp was evident during the monitoring of ripening, mainly in the fruit peels in relation to pigments. Minerals are essential elements, the main ones provided in balanced diets and important for dietary and nutritional health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El banano necesita muchos nutrientes, lo que lleva a los agricultores a depender de fertilizantes químicos que dañan el suelo. Una solución es combinar abonos orgánicos con fertilizantes químicos en menor cantidad. En este marco, el objetivo fue medir el desarrollo de un cultivar de banano en varios tratamientos de biocarbón más dosis fija de SiO2, KNO3 y P2O5. El biocarbón (BC) se obtuvo del raquis del banano a una temperatura de 350 °C por 2 horas. En el ensayo se evaluaron 10 plantas por tratamiento que se conformaron por dosis por planta de: 100 g de BC + 100 g SiO2, 20 g de BC + 100 g SiO2 y 100 g SiO2 (parcela testigo). Estas dosis se aplicaron en la semana uno, ocho y 14 del ensayo. La dosis de fertilizantes para todos los tratamientos se conformó de 75 kg ha-1 KNO3 + 50 kg ha-1 P2O5, y que se aplicaron 15 días antes que la dosis de biocarbon y en la semana seis del ensayo. El estudio demostró que el tratamiento con 20 g de biocarbón fue el más efectivo en términos de altura de la planta y circunferencia del pseudotallo, superando al tratamiento con 100 g y al control. Asimismo, el tratamiento con 100 g de biocarbón mostró el mayor peso de racimo en comparación con los otros tratamientos. Los tratamientos con biocarbón, silicio y fertilizantes tuvieron un efecto en las plantas de banano superior a la fertilización química, lo que sugiere su potencial aplicación en la agricultura.

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB), caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), poses an undeniable threat to global banana production. This disease has intensified in recent years, with the tropical race 4 (TR4) strain spreading rapidly. Since 2018, the number of affected countries has increased from 16 to 23, presenting a significant challenge to researchers, producers, and National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) worldwide. The potential impact of TR4 in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is particularly concerning. This region boasts seven of the top ten banana-exporting countries, and bananas and plantains are crucial for food security and income generation. In Colombia, where TR4 was detected in 2019, the disease has already spread from La Guajira to Magdalena, and it is currently affecting 20 large commercial export farms. In Peru, the disease was detected in 2021 and although still restricted to the northern region, flood irrigation and heavy rains associated with the Yaku cyclone, boosted pathogen spread, and more than 400 small organic banana farmers are currently affected. In Venezuela, TR4 detection occurred in 2023, with plantations across three states and five municipalities now affected. Worryingly, TR4 has also been confirmed in plantains, a staple food in the region. Current national responses in LAC primarily rely on preventive and reactive measures: preventing initial incursions and containing outbreaks to avoid further spread. However, the disease’s relentless progression suggests that its eventual presence in all banana-producing areas is likely. Therefore, exploring alternative management approaches beyond pathogen exclusion becomes crucial, both in affected and disease-free regions. This paper examines the current spread of TR4, focusing on epidemiological aspects and recent research-based management options. Key epidemiological features were highlighted, drawing practical examples from various scales (plots to landscapes) and utilizing experiences from LAC’s fight against TR4. The paper also reviews field-tested approaches in biosecurity, biological control, resistant varieties, soil health, and integrated disease management, acknowledging the specific challenges faced by smallholder settings. In each section research initiatives were analyzed, identifying gaps, and proposing directions to minimize TR4 impact and accelerate the development of sustainable solutions for managing this devastating disease.

Musa spp. (banana and plantain) is the most widely consumed and exported fruit globally, and it plays a crucial role in the diets of billions of people worldwide. Over the years, many diseases have threatened this crop, including the recent emergence of Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum race 4. Puerto Rico is home to numerous economically significant variants of Musa spp. Due to the crop's importance in the island's economy and nutrition, research on maintaining existing varieties and developing new ones has been initiated. Although Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense race 4 has not been detected in Puerto Rico, it has been detected in the Caribbean region. Therefore, it is essential to know both the plant and the pathogen to prevent and fight this disease. This review summarizes information about Musa spp, including its plant description, morphology, and genetic characteristics. Furthermore, it covers information about Fusarium sp., its pathogenicity, detection methods, and prevention of its spread. We also reviewed the few articles published for the island of Puerto Rico about Musa and Fusarium, and the guidelines suggested regarding the threat of the Fusarium wilt race 4 for the island. Finally, we underline Puerto Rico's opportunities to develop disease-resistant Musa cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana (Musa spp.), an important staple food in the tropical and subtropical regions, is highly susceptible to drought. Developing drought-tolerant bananas using available germplasm offers a long-term solution to mitigate drought effects. The East and Central Africa Banana Germplasm Collection in Uganda contains genetically diverse genotypes whose potential for drought tolerance breeding is yet to be established. This study aimed to determine the response of 14 Musa spp. genotypes to drought stress using phenotypic and physiological traits in order to select promising genotypes for use in breeding. Two genotypes with a known reaction to water deficit conditions were included as local checks. Three-month-old tissue culture-derived plantlets were completely deprived of water for four weeks while control plants were regularly irrigated back to field capacity, and both sets maintained under screen-house conditions. Drought stress resulted in significant reductions in plant height, total leaf area, number of leaf cigars and functional leaves, total dry matter, chlorophyll and relative water content. Water use efficiency (WUE) of 12 genotypes increased under stress conditions. Stomatal conductance was affected by the genotype-porometer reading time interaction. Genotype "ITC.0987" was the most tolerant, considering that moisture stress had the least effect on its above-ground growth. Among the improved diploids, "TMB2x9722-1" had the least total dry matter reduction and highest WUE, while "TMB2x9172" showed the least decrease in relative water content and highest root-shoot ratio increase under stress. Thus, "ITC.0987", "TMB2x9722-1" and "TMB2x9172" are essential drought-tolerant candidates that may be utilized in breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viral diseases can change plant metabolism, with potential impacts on the quality of the plant's food supply for insect pests, including virus vectors. The banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel, is the vector of the Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), the causal agent of Banana bunchy top disease (BBTD), the most devastating viral disease of bananas in the world. The effect of BBTV on the life-history traits and population dynamics of P. nigronervosa remains poorly understood. We therefore studied the survival rate, longevity, daily fecundity per aphid, tibia length, population growth, and winged morph production of a P. nigronervosa clone grown on healthy or infected, dessert, or plantain banana plants. We found that daily fecundity was higher on infected banana than on healthy banana plants (plantain and dessert), and on plantain than on dessert banana plants (healthy and infected). Survival and longevity were lower on infected dessert bananas than on other types of bananas. In addition, virus infection resulted in a decrease in aphid hind tibia length on both plant genotypes. The survival and fecundity table revealed that the aphid net reproduction rate (R o) was highest on plantains (especially infected plantain), and the intrinsic growth rate (r) was highest on infected plants. Finally, the increase of aphids and alate production was faster first on infected plantain, then on healthy plantain, and lower on dessert banana (infected and uninfected). Our results reinforce the idea of indirect and plant genotype-dependent manipulation of P. nigronervosa by the BBTV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated the serum profile of sheep fed with banana residue hays dried using two methods. Thirty crossbred Santa Inês × Dorper, male, non-castrated sheep (average body weight= 26.5 kg) were distributed in a randomized block design with five treatments: control, two types of residues (banana pseudo stem and banana leaf hays), and two drying methods (sun and shade drying). After feeding the experimental diets for 20 days, the animals were fasted for 12 h before collecting venous blood (6 mL) for plasma and serum at 0, 3, and 6 h after feeding. Variance analysis was performed in subdivided plots, and the means were compared using Dunnett’s test at 5% probability. No differences were observed in the dry matter intake of animals fed with banana by-product hay; however, the in vitro dry matter digestibility was high for pseudo stem hay. The differences in the nutritional value of the hays were not sufficient to alter the serum biochemistry of the animals. No differences were observed in the total protein, serum albumin and globulins, albumin/globulin ratio, and plasma glucose among time points and treatments (5.83 g/dL, 3.43 g/dL, 2.40 g/dL, 1.82 g/dL, and 64.6 mg/dL). Urea and triglyceride levels were the highest (p<0.05) at 3 h after feeding (30.1 and 37.0 mg/dL, respectively) and creatinine at 0 h (0.94 mg/dL). Serum cholesterol levels were the lowest (p<0.05) at 3 h after feeding (38.5 mg/dL). No effect of treatment on these parameters was observed. Thus, sheep can be fed with pseudo stem or banana leaves dehydrated in the sun or shade without compromising blood parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary survey revealed that 30–40% of Cavendish banana plants were affected with leaf spot disease. Diseased leaf samples were sterilized with 3% sodium hypochlorite solution for 2 min and cultured on PDA media at 25 °C for 15 days followed by microscopic examination. Combined morphological, cultural and microscopic examinations identified two causal agents designated here as BaFI-1 and BaFI-2. Further, BLASTn search using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequences of the isolates also revealed that BaIF-1 and BaFI-2 had 97.13% and 100% homology with Nigrospora sphaerica and Neocordana musae, respectively; which were already reported from Indian and Spanish region. Pathogenecity tests were conducted using 2 months old banana seedlings inoculated with isolated spores in the polyhouse, which addressed Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report confirming Nigrospora sphaerica and Neocordana musae to be the causal agents of leaf spot disease of Cavendish banana in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducción. El silicio en banano (Musa spp.) y su nivel crítico al ser aplicado de forma foliar es poco conocido. Por ello, en la presente investigación se propuso como hipótesis que la aplicación foliar de dosis frecuente de ácido monosilicico (SiOH4) incrementa el contenido nutricional del silicio en el cultivo. Objetivo. Evaluar la respuesta del cultivo de banano a dosis crecientes de Si, para determinar el efecto nutricional foliar en las condiciones específicas de la provincia de El Oro. Materiales y métodos. Los ensayos fueron implementados en campo en un diseño experimental en bloques completamente aleatorio, donde se aplicaron dosis crecientes de Si (0; 250; 500 y 750 cm3. ha-1), para evaluar su efecto en el nivel de Si foliar, clorofila y raíces, a partir de análisis foliares y de raíces. Se realizaron análisis de regresión y se obtuvieron los respectivos modelos de relación entre las dosis de Si aplicadas con el nivel de Si foliar en banano y clorofila. Resultados. Se obtuvo que un modelo de regresión lineal (R2: 0,43) que podría ayudar a predecir el nivel crítico de Si foliar en banano. Conclusiones. Se encontró mediante la aplicación de una ecuación lineal que entre mayor sea la dosis de Si aplicada (750 cm3) se lograra un mayor nivel de Si foliar (0,41%) en plantas de banano.

Banana micropropagation allows the production of vigorous and high-quality phytosanitary plants, which can be improved with the use of endophytic growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) that stimulate the growth and development of plants. It is possible to associate them with hydroponics, allowing a high supply of seedlings and reducing the production cycle. The objective was to evaluate the effect of PGPB in a floating hydroponic system in the acclimatization phase of banana. The cultivars studied were Prata Anã and BRS Princesa. The treatments evaluated were as follows: control (nutrient broth without bacteria); Bacillus cereus strain 1 (BC1); Bacillus cereus strain 2 (BC2); Bacillus thuringiensis (BT); Buttiauxella agrestis (BA). Total height, pseudostem diameter, root length, number of leaves, fresh root mass, pseudostem, leaf and leaf area, stomatal conductance, internal carbon concentration, photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, leaf temperature and chlorophyll. Bacteria B. cereus strain 2 and B. agrestis in the cultivar Prata Anã and B. agrestis in BRS Princesa improved the acclimatization process of the seedlings in a floating hydroponic system. Stimulating plant growth, fresh weight and promoting root growth. The association of bacteria and hydroponics allowed the reduction of the seedling acclimatization period from 90 to 25 (Prata Anã) and 15 days (BRS Princesa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enset root mealybugs, a major pest affecting the cultivation of the enset crop in the Ethiopian highlands, have for the first time been observed on banana mats indicating the potential host status of Musa spp. These observations were made under natural conditions in backyard gardens in the Gedeo zone, southern Ethiopia, on the root system of banana mats of the 'Pisang Awak' (local name 'Feranji Muz', ABB genome group) landrace. Here, we confirm the identification of the collected enset root mealybug specimens on banana mat root systems as Paraputo ensete (Williams & Matile-Ferrero) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) through DNA analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acclimatization of in vitro-regenerated plantlets often requires modifications to growing media because the root architecture of regenerated plantlets have not yet well-developed. Therefore, the objective of our study was to find the effective dose of Trichoderma-based compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae isolates in growing media at plantlet acclimatization. The trial was conducted for approximately 4 months at the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jambi, Indonesia. Plant materials were in vitro-regenerated plantlets of Banana cv. Barangan Kuning, transplanted on acclimatization media consisted of soil and Trichoderma-based compost (1:1, 1:2 and 2:1) and arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (0, 10, and 20 g per plantlet). The trial used a factorial randomized block design with 3 replications. Each experimental unit consisted of 10 polyethylene bags with one individual plant in it. Data were recorded on survival rate, plantlet height, pseudostem diameter, leaf number, as well as length and width of fully developed leaves. Analysis of Variance and Least Significant Difference tests were employed to see the effect of the Trichoderma-based compost and mycorrhizae applications on plantlet growth. Results showed that all plantlets succeeded acclimatization (100% survival rate). Statistical analysis indicated that the combination of Trichoderma-based compost + mycorrhizae or the application of mycorrhizae alone did not show significant effect on all variables. Trichoderma-based compost, however, was found to significantly affect plantlet height, leaf number, and leaf length, but not pseudostem diameter and leaf width. Though there was no significant effect of mycorrhizae, microscopic study proved that mycorrhizal infection on plantlet roots had been occurred. Our investigation confirmed the benefit of Trichoderma-based compost in growing media during acclimatization, in which the ratio of 2:1 of soil and Trichoderma-based compost resulted in the best plantlet growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Banana tree bacterial wilt is caused by the Ralstonia solanacearum Moko ecotype. These strains vary in their symptom progression in banana, and are classified as typical Moko variants (phylotype IIA and IIB strains from across Central and South America), Bugtok variant (Philippines), and Sergipe facies (the states of Sergipe and Alagoas, Brazil). This study used comparative genomic and phylogenomic approaches to identify a correlation between the symptom progression of the Moko ecotypes based on the analysis of 23 available genomes. Average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization revealed a high correlation (>96% and >78%, respectively) between the genomes of Moko variants. Pan-genome analysis identified 21.3% of inheritable regions between representatives of the typical Moko and Sergipe facies variants, which could be traced to an abundance of exclusive homolog clusters. Moko ecotype genomes shared 1,951 orthologous genes, but representatives with typical symptoms did not display unique orthologues. Moreover, Bugtok disease and Sergipe facies genomes did not share any unique genes, suggesting convergent evolution to a shared symptom progression. Overall, genomic and phylogenomic analyses were insufficient to differentiate the Moko variants based on symptom progression.

Abstract Banana ‘Prata’ has a significant demand in the Brazilian market, and Minas Gerais is one of the largest banana producers in the country. Scientific studies that evaluate the bananas quality produced in different cultivation regions are still incipient. Thus, this study evaluated the physical, biochemical and sensory attributes of banana ‘Prata’ from south and north of Minas Gerais and Vale do Ribeira (SP). Bananas from south were also cultivated in different production systems, organic and conventional. Data were submitted to multivariate analysis that provided the discrimination of the samples according to the cultivation regions. Bananas from southern presented higher levels of soluble solids and acidity, better taste, higher diameter and overall acceptance, where in the organic bananas were the most preferred by consumers. Fruit from northern stood out in appearance, texture, aroma and color, in addition to greater length. Fruit from Vale do Ribeira had higher levels of total phenolics and antioxidant activity. With these results we can assume that fruit quality is highly related to the specific climatic conditions from each producing region. Bananas from the south of Minas Gerais showed superiority for most of the evaluated traits, reflecting on consumer preference.

The banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a major pest of banana, Musa spp., (Zingiberales) has worldwide distribution. This study was conducted to detect aphid species in the banana production regions of Adana, Antalya, and Mersin in Turkey. Aphid samples have been collected in total of thirty-seven locations. All the samples were identified as P. nigronervosa. Later on, molecular characterization has been done based on COI and it was recognized that the Turkish population was close to Florida and some Hawaiian genotypes. Pentalonia nigronervosa was recorded for the first time in Turkey in this study. Sustainable nature-friendly management tactics for controlling P. nigronervosa which poses less health threat to human should be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The quantification of nutrients accumulated and exported by banana bunches provides information on the crop nutritional requirements. Thus, the aim of this work was to determine the nutritional demand of 'Grande Naine' and 'Prata Comum' banana bunches in the region of Vale do Ribeira, state of São Paulo. Bunch sampling was carried out in six harvest seasons, summer, and winter. The results of dry matter production and nutrient accumulation in bunches were submitted to analysis of variance. Relative growth rates (TCR), organogenic net accumulation (TALON), export and order of nutrient accumulation in bunches were estimated. K and N were the nutrients most accumulated and exported by both cultivars. In har-vest period 5 (commercial harvest), more dry matter was produced in the summer and more nutrients were accumulated in the winter. The highest TCR values were observed between periods 2 and 3 in the summer and between 0 and 1 in the winter, but it did not always follow TALON. The results obtained are important to adapt the nutritional management of these cultivars to the study region, especially in relation to the growing season, due to the longer permanence of the bunch on the plant in the winter and greater demand for nutrients until commercial harvest.

Now days there has been an increase in the consumers demand for great food, produced in environmentally cost-effective and friendly processes, being increasingly necessary new cultivation techniques able to ensure the required standards for banana growers and consumers. Therefore, the research aimed to evaluate the effects of bunch cover materials on development and quality of 'BRS Platina' banana fruits. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with six treatments, four replications and four plants per plot, being the treatments: WB - without bagging; BBTK - black polypropylene bag (TNT) + kraft paper; BBPK - black polyethilene bag + kraft paper; KP - kraft paper; WBT - non-woven polypropylene white bag (TNT) and WBP - white polyethylene plastic bag. The 'BRS Platina' banana bunches cover improved fruits quality and the treatment polyethylene white bag (WBP) can be an advantageous option for the banana growers because of its effectiveness on the reduction of damages caused by flowers thrips (Frankliniella spp), providing a good agronomic performance and also does not delay the harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this research is to evaluate the CO2 evolution in a Red Eutrophic Latosol (Eutrudox) fertigated with treated sanitary wastewater under "Prata-Anã" banana cultivation. Disturbed soil samples were collected from 0-20 and 20-40 cm soil profile depths. The experimental design was random blocks arranged in split-plots with four replications. The main plot factors were different treated sanitary wastewater doses applied as 130% and 200% compared with the maximum annual soil application limit (150 kg sodium ha-1) and a control treatment (clean water + mineral fertilization). Soil respiration was evaluated on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days. The assessment of soil respiration at a depth of 0-20 cm indicates that the use of wastewater increases soil respiration by 19.89 and 28.46%, respectively for treatments TSW1 and TSW2 in relation to the control treatment. At a depth of 20-40 cm, the use of the control treatment promotes an exponential reduction in soil respiration, tending to decrease and stabilize at 58.185 mg C-CO2 kg-1 evolved on the 28th day of evaluation. Treatments with wastewater present respiratory behavior in a quadratic behavior, with minimum respiratory values estimated on the 18th day, respectively 83.4 and 54.0 mg evolved C-CO2 kg-1 for treatments TSW1 and TSW2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The combination of near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics can be used to group or discriminate soils based on spectral response. In this study, we conducted discrimination and classification analyses on soils managed with different sources of fertilization and plant species grown in organic and conventional farming systems. RESULTS: Principal component analysis explained 96% (PC1) and 3% (PC2) of the data variability and separated the soil samples of organic and conventional management systems. The wavenumbers that contributed most to the separation of the management systems were in the range of 3600 and 7300 cm−1, especially the absorption peaks of 3700 and 4600 cm−1 (characteristic of CH and NH combinations), and 5200 and 7000 cm−1 (typical of OH combinations). Machine learning analysis using k‐nearest neighbor and random forest algorithms was efficient in classifying soil samples according to management system with an accuracy of 97.8% and can therefore be used for future classification studies. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, we strongly recommend the use of NIR spectroscopy associated with chemometrics for discriminating soils grown with Malus domestica, Musa spp., Oryza sativa and Solanum tuberosum L. under organic and conventional management systems through spectral response. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to study the effect of nutritive value of Musa spp on animal feed. Residues of banana culture, leaves and stems, could be used as a fibre source for animal feeding, especially in Banana producing areas, such as Macaronesia Archipelagos, avoiding wastes and supplementing periods of scarcity of food. Musa spp were collected and dried at 65 °C in an oven with controlled air circulation. The pseudostems were divided in three different portions and chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, and in -vitro gas production were determined. Regarding dry matter results, they were low (16.54% in leaves and 6.54% DM% in pseudostem), crude protein raging 11.25 DM% in leaves and 7.25% in pseudostem. Concerning fiber values, NDF is higher in leaves (70.07 DM%) than in pseudostems (52.11 DM%) and ADL is higher in leaves (9.90 DM%) comparing with pseudostems (6.21 DM%). In vitro DM digestibility is low, (24.42% in leaves and 42.69% in pseudostem), corroborating the NDF values. Cumulative gas production was recorded at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of incubation. The results showed that the gas production in leaves was lower (11.36 mL 200 mg-1 DM) when compared to pseudostem (23.81 mL 200 mg-1 DM), being so in accordance with the digestibility results. The current study suggested that this by-product can be used in animal feed, however, it will be necessary to carry out tests to improve its nutritional value, namely with NaOH and/or with Urea, being a promising strategy for improving ruminant feed efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the BRS capiaçu grass silage combined with different hays of banana crop residue on fermentation profile, aerobic stability and nutritional value. The treatments consisted of elephant grass cv. BRS capiaçu (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) ensiled with 37.44% banana peel hay, 36.06% banana pseudostem hay and 37.00% banana leaf hay, on a dry matter (DM) basis and control silage (no additive). The experimental design used was completely randomized, with five treatments and five replicates. Forage was collected when it reached 3.5 meters in height (90 days). Experimental PVC silos of known weight, 50 cm long, 10 cm diameter, were used for silage making. For all treatments, silage aerobic stability breakdown started after 64 hours exposure to air. The BRS capiaçu grass control silage or silage combined with pseudostem hay (mean of 73.15 kg t GM-1) presented effluent losses 40.46% higher than those observed for BRS capiaçu grass silage + banana leaf hay and 69.17% in relation the BRS capiaçu grass silage + banana peel hay. The inclusion of banana crop residue (hay) when ensiling BRS capiaçu grass decreased 13.93% gas losses compared to the control silage (mean of 3.11% DM). Higher values of total digestible nutrients, metabolizable energy and digestible energy content was found in BRS capiaçu grass silage + with banana peel hay. The greater in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility was observed for BRS capiaçu grass silage combined with pseudostem hay. The inclusion of 37.44% banana peel hay improves the fermentation profile and aerobic stability of BRS capiaçu grass silage.

Quantities and causes of banana losses produced by family farmers in a municipality of Amazonas were evaluated. Current research was conducted in the José Lindoso community, located in Rio Preto da Eva, a municipality within the Metropolitan Region of Manaus. Data were retrieved from a sample of 14 banana growers by interview and observation techniques. In the interviews, information was obtained on the management and production of banana crops, whilst collection and post-harvest procedures were monitored for observations. Data analysis was made by descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Most farms measured 25 ha, with banana crops ranging between 0.5 and 4 ha; ‘Thap Maeo’ was the prevalent cultivar. Results showed that management practices used in the conduction of bananas had interfered in the quality of bananas produced. Physiological, mechanical and biological damages were recorded, responsible for quantitative and qualitative losses in the field and in the storage period on the farm. There was statistical evidence that the size of the property, banana type and family, the age of cultivation, assistance and technical training were the main determinants for losses. Banana growers with older crops and those who receive Technical Assistance and Rural Extension services coupled to training courses tend to have higher loss rates. This is due to high productivity and production of crops, resulting in greater difficulties for the product´s commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of two systems of cultivation on the banana crop (Musa spp.) in the postharvest quality, bioactive compounds and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase during ripening process. Research method: Changes in physicochemical parameters, non-antioxidant, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity and oxidative markers were evaluated in banana cv. Prata-Anã from organic and conventional systems at three ripening stages: unripe, breaker and ripe. Main findings: The weight of conventional fruit was 48% greater at the ripe stage. The fruit size was reduced in fruits from organic farming while titratable acidity and the soluble solids content were respectively 82% and 58% higher at breaker stage in conventional bananas. The organic bananas have an increase of 58% in the phenolics at the unripe stage. The PAL activity was observed throughout banana development from organic farming, however the same was not observed for the conventional farming. Dismutase superoxide activity was also dramatically higher in matures and ripe fruits from organic farming. The lipid peroxidation degree of the cell membrane was 40% higher in ripe bananas for both systems. Research limitations: No limitations were founded, since the methods were well established. Originality/Value: Our observations suggest that banana fruits presented little changes in the function of farming conditions with an accumulation of specific compounds in determined stages of ripening without remarkable difference among systems of cultivation.

ABSTRACT: Proper plant nutrition is critical to increasing the yield of bananas. The objective was to establish the potential nutrient-response curves and sufficiency ranges using the boundary line approach (BLA) and the method proposed by Kenworthy (MK) to assess the nutritional status of ‘Prata-Anã’ bananas cultivated under two environmental conditions. The study was carried out using a database comprising leaf nutrient concentrations and banana yields grown at Missão Velha, Ceará, and Ponto Novo, Bahia, Brazil. The reference population consisted of high-yielding plants with yields greater than the mean yield plus 0.5 standard deviation. The database was divided into two datasets. One contained 253 leaf analysis results and a reference population with a mean yield greater than 39.81 t ha−1 yr−1 at Missão Velha. The other contained 147 samples and a reference population with a mean yield greater than 41.69 t ha−1 yr−1 at Ponto Novo. The sufficiency ranges obtained by the BLA for ‘Prata-Anã’ banana in Bahia and Ceará, respectively, are: a) for macronutrients (g kg−1): N (19.3-22.0) and (19.9-22.1); P (1.4-2.0) and (1.4-1.6); K (22.6-32.2) and (24.0-31.3); Ca (4.6-6.5) and (5.3-5.8); Mg (1.8-2.6) and (2.1-2.7); S (1.3-2.0) and (1.3-1.5); b) for micronutrients (mg kg−1): B (8.4-13.0) and (13.7-16.4); Cu (5.6-8.4) and (4.4-5.2); Fe (54.2-77.6) and (39.0-55.0); Mn (140.1-222.8) and (64.0-91.0); Zn (13.5-18.3) and (12.4-14.5). The sufficiency ranges obtained by the BLA are more assertive when assessing the nutritional status for ‘Prata-Anã’ banana.

A bananeira é uma das fruteiras mais produzidas no Brasil e possui grande importância econômica, social e alimentícia. Fatores como disponibilidade de água e adubação bem manejados são fundamentais para obtenção de produtividades rentáveis. Objetivou-se com este trabalho, avaliar o desempenho agronômico e a eficiência no uso da água da bananeira ‘BRS Princesa’ sob combinações de sistemas de irrigação, métodos de adubação e cobertura morta, durante três ciclos de produção. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram na combinação do sistema de irrigação localizada, estratégia de adubação e uso de cobertura morta: a) Irrigação por gotejamento com adubação manual; b) Irrigação por microaspersão com adubação manual; c) Fertirrigação por gotejamento com cobertura morta; d) Fertirrigação por gotejamento sem cobertura morta; e) Fertirrigação por microaspersão com cobertura morta e f) Fertirrigação por microaspersão sem cobertura morta. As irrigações ocorreram a cada três dias, utilizando-se três gotejadores de 4 L h- 1 por planta ou um microaspersor de 64 L h -1 para cada quatro plantas. As variáveis estudadas foram: número de folhas, altura da planta, perímetro do pseudocaule, número de pencas, produtividade, eficiência no uso da água e de nutrientes (nitrogênio e potássio) e precocidade. A microaspersão proporcionou maior circunferência do pseudocaule sem a presença da cobertura do solo. Plantas sob fertirrigação por microaspersão com cobertura do solo expressam maiores alturas. A produtividade da bananeira foi maior quando utilizada a fertirrigação em detrimento da adubação manual, independente do sistema de irrigação. As plantas cultivadas em solo coberto foram mais produtivas que aquelas cultivadas em solo descoberto. O uso da cobertura morta elevou a eficiência do uso da água, de nitrogênio e de potássio em relação ao cultivo em solo descoberto. As plantas irrigadas por gotejamento apresentaram produção mais precoce que irrigadas por microaspersão.

Fusarium wilt of banana is a typical vascular wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense. The genetic improvement program of the crop needs tools that allow the quick detection of fungal phytopathogen. The objective of this work was to establishment a simple detection protocol of F. oxysporum race 1 in Musa spp. samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The principal related aspects in this protocol are the sampling, fungal in vitro culture, quick DNA extraction method, PCR protocol, electrophoresis separation of PCR products, and general considerations during the work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peels of the banana (Musa paradisíaca) make up, on an average, 40% of the total weight of fresh fruit. They are rich in bioactive compounds featuring antioxidant properties. The physical and chemical properties of banana peels in natura are analyzed to evaluate the total antioxidant activity (TAA) of natural extracts obtained from banana peels and the influence of different solvents and the solidsolvent ratio after extraction. Moisture, proteins, ether extract, ash and sugars were evaluated for physicochemical characterization. TAA was determined by the spectrophotometric method of reduction of the phosphomolibdic compound. Prime matter showed high protein content (7.30 % b.s.) and high amounts of reducing sugars (43.01 % b.s.). In all conditions, extracts obtained by hydroalcoholic macerated had higher TAA when compared with aqueous extracts. Highest TAA rate was 17.42 (mg of ascorbic acid/mL of extract), obtained by solid-solvent ratio (1:1). In the case of the two solvents, only the variable sample mass had a significant and positive effect. Results reveal that banana peels are cheap wastes with a great potential for the production of extracts with biological activity. They may be applied as natural antioxidant agents in various products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Banana vascular wilt or Moko is a disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. This study aimed to sequence, assemble, annotate, and compare the genomes of R. solanacearum Moko ecotypes of different sequevar strains from Brazil. Average nucleotide identity analyses demonstrated a high correlation (> 96%) between the genome sequences of strains CCRMRs277 (sequevar IIA-24), CCRMRs287 (IIB-4), CCRMRs304 (IIA-24), and CCRMRsB7 (IIB-25), which were grouped into phylotypes IIA and IIB. The number of coding sequences present in chromosomes and megaplasmids varied from 3,070 to 3,521 and 1,669 to 1,750, respectively. Pangenome analysis identified 3,378 clusters in the chromosomes, of which 2,604 were shared by all four analyzed genomes and 2,580 were single copies. In megaplasmids, 1,834 clusters were identified, of which 1,005 were shared by all four genomes and 992 were identified as single copies. Strains CCRMRsB7 and CCRMRs287 differed from the others by having unique clusters in both their chromosomes and megaplasmids, and CCRMRsB7 possessed the largest genome among all Moko ecotype strains sequenced to date. Therefore, the genomic information obtained in this study provides a theoretical basis for the identification, characterization, and phylogenetic analysis of R. solanacearum Moko ecotypes.

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Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

O emprego de órgãos vegetais destacados é uma alternativa aos testes in vitro para seleção de agentes de biocontrole. Por outro lado, o uso de escalas para quantificação de área lesionada pode gerar resultados inconsistentes. Bactérias rizosféricas e endofíticas foram selecionadas como inibidoras do crescimento de Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), agente causal do mal-do-Panamá da bananeira. Para tanto, discos de rizoma foram tratados com 200 µL de suspensão dos antagonistas (109 UFC mL-1) e inoculados com patógeno. O material foi disposto em caixas plásticas tipo gerbox e incubado em BOD a 25 ºC, por doze dias. Após, a área dos discos de rizoma (mm2) colonizada por Foc dos discos foi quantificada por meio de imagens digitais. O ensaio foi montado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições e três discos por repetição. Discos não tratados e inoculados compuseram o controle. Com base nos resultados obtidos, foi possível verificar a eficiência do método na seleção de agente de controle biológico, uma vez que foi possível o agrupamento dos 26 isolados utilizados em cinco clústeres distintos, sendo que isolados pertencentes a quatro destes grupos (do ‘1’ a ‘4’) foram capazes de proporcionar a redução da colonização por Foc. Os isolados com maior potencial de inibição foram 520EB, 993EB e 531EB com 343,3, 344,1, 364,8 mm2, respectivamente, promovendo inibição variando de 53 a 56 % da área colonizada quando comparados com ao controle (782,6 mm2).

Abstract Black Sigatoka (black leaf streak disease) is caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella fijiensisMorelet. This phytopathogen colonizes banana leaves, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and decreased productivity. Fungicide applications are useful to control black Sigatoka; however, they increase production costs and can have adverse environmental and health impacts. The cultivation of resistant cultivars is regarded as a more economically viable option. The objective of this study was to perform diploid phenotyping in a set of wild banana accessions to identify resistant genotypes. A total of 31 accessions (30 with AA genome and one with AB genome) were phenotyped based on the presence of disease symptoms using a scoring scale. The area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), the disease severity index (DI), and the disease severity increase index (DII) were estimated. The DII variable proved to be efficient in identifying banana accessions with black Sigatoka resistance. Likewise, the selection index for ranking accessions with moderate black Sigatoka resistance allowed us to identify those genotypes with the highest quantitative resistance. Five diploid accessions (Krasan Saichon, Zebrina, Birmanie, Nº 118, and Tuu Gia) were found to be resistant to this fungal disease; eight accessions (PA Rayong, Pisang Cici, Malaccensis 1, 028003- 01, Microcarpa, Pisang Lidi, Lilin, and Malbut) were moderately resistant.

Os frutos da bananeira ‘FHIA 18’ possuem características sensoriais semelhantes à banana ‘Prata’, porém, não existem informações sobre as reais necessidades em fósforo (P) deste híbrido e seus efeitos na produção e qualidade pós-colheita. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o perfil físico-químico dos frutos da bananeira ‘FHIA 18’ submetida à níveis de adubação fosfatada, em São Manuel-SP, durante três ciclos sucessivos. Os níveis de adubação com P2O5 aplicados foram: sem adubação com P (0%); 20 kg ha-1 ano-1 (50%); 30 kg ha-1 ano-1 (75%); 40 kg ha-1 ano-1 (100%); 50 kg ha-1 ano-1 (125%); e 60 kg ha-1 ano-1 (150%). Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo de parcelas subdivididas, sendo as parcelas compostas pelos seis níveis de adubação com fósforo e as subparcelas pelos três ciclos de produção (2014, 2015 e 2016). Foram avaliados nos frutos verdes os teores de matéria seca, amido, açúcares totais, açúcares redutores e de fósforo. Nos frutos maduros avaliou-se a firmeza, os descritores de coloração da casca, acidez titulável total, sólidos solúveis totais, índice de maturação, açúcares totais e açúcares redutores. A adubação fosfatada proporcionou aumento nos teores de fósforo nos frutos verdes até a aplicação de 100% da recomendação e aumento dos teores de açúcares redutores até a aplicação de 61% no primeiro ciclo de produção. Quanto aos frutos maduros, a utilização de fósforo em doses inferiores às recomendadas (100%) promoveu menor acidez titulável total e maior índice de maturação (52-53% da recomendação). Por outro lado, independente da dose de P2O5 utilizada, os teores de matéria seca, amido e fósforo, nos frutos verdes, e a firmeza, teores de sólidos solúveis totais, índice de maturação e teores de açúcares nos frutos maduros, aumentam do primeiro ao terceiro ciclo de produção.

Banana streak virus (BSV) belongs to the members of the genus Badnavirus, family Caulimoviridae. At present, BSV contains nine species in the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) classification report (2018b release). Previous study indicated that the viral particles of Banana streak virus Acuminata Yunnan (BSV-Acum) were purified from banana (Cavendish Musa AAA group) leaves in Yunnan Province, China, and its complete genome was obtained. To further determine whether this sample infecting with Banana streak GF virus (BSGFV), the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cloning and complete genome analysis of the Banana streak GF virus Yunnan isolate (BSGFV-YN) isolate were carried out in this study. The result showed that BSGFV-YN infecting Cavendish Musa AAA group was co-infecting this sample. Its genome contains a total of 7,325 bp in length with 42% GC content. This complete genome sequence was deposited in GenBank under accession number MN296502. Sequence analysis showed that the complete genome of BSGFV-YN was 98.14% sequence similarity to BSGFV Goldfinger, while it was 49.10–57.09% to other BSV species. Two phylogenetic trees based on the complete genome and ORFIII polyprotein indicated that BSGFV-YN and other BSV species clustered into a group, while it was the highest homology with BSGFV Goldfinger. Although BSGFV-YN and BSGFV Goldfinger were highly homologous, their cultivating bananas are different. The former cultivating banana was from Cavendish Musa AAA group, while the latter cultivating banana was from Goldfinger Musa AAAB group. Compared with BSGFV Goldfinger, the genome of BSGFV-YN has an extra multiple repetitive sequences in the intergenetic region between ORFIII and ORFI, suggesting that this region might be related to host selection. In summary, a BSGFV-YN distant from BSV-Acum was identified from the same sample, and its complete genome sequence was determined and analyzed. The study extends the polymorphism of BSVs in China and provides scientific clue for the evolutionary relationship with host selection of badnaviruses.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate Pome type bananas grown under different irrigation systems. Seventy-two treatments were used in a factorial 3×2×12 scheme, where factors consisted of three irrigation systems (under-tree sprinkling, micro-sprinkling, and dripping), two cultivars (‘Prata-Anã‘ and ‘BRS Platina’), and twelve evaluation periods (months). The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with five repetitions. During the third production cycle, plant phytotechnical and physiological traits were evaluated in different months at five different times of the day. The results showed no significant interactions between cultivars and irrigation systems. All the assessed traits varied for each irrigation system, except for plant yield. The banana plants presented higher vigor and a larger number of hands when grown under conventional sprinkling and micro-aspersion systems, regardless of the cultivar. The cultivar ‘Prata-Anã‘ has larger leaf areas and number of hands, regardless of the irrigation system. Moreover, plants irrigated by dripping exhibited higher leaf temperatures, higher transpiration rates, and lower instant water-use efficiency. When irrigated by micro-sprinklers, the plants displayed greater water-use efficiency. As leaf temperature rose, perspiration increased linearly, while the instant water-use efficiency decreased linearly.

In this study, the sensitivity of 218 isolates of Colletotrichum musae to imazalil and thiabendazole was evaluated, as well the fitness and competitive ability of less sensitive isolates. There was a positive correlation between the sensitivity to the two fungicides, but the isolates were more sensitive to imazalil. The estimated effective concentration of the fungicide able to inhibit mycelial growth by 50% (EC50) was used to select four isolates with the lowest and the highest values for both fungicides, which were considered as sensitive (S) and less sensitive (LS), respectively. The level of sensitivity was maintained after 10 successive transfers on fungicide‐free medium. Both fungicides were effective in controlling the disease caused by S isolates of C. musae in detached banana fruit when recommended doses were used. However, only imazalil was able to control the disease caused by LS isolates. For both fungicides, analysis of fitness‐related variables (mycelial growth, sporulation, germination, and virulence) showed no difference between the groups of S and LS isolates, but a large variation was observed within the group. The LS isolates to thiabendazole that showed a mutation (F200Y) in the β‐tubulin gene did not have fitness penalties. Our results allow a better understanding of the sensitivity and fitness of isolates of C. musae from Brazil, and demonstrate the importance of periodic monitoring to determine the frequency of LS isolates in populations, aiming at more effective management of anthracnose in banana orchards in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In previous works, a method to differentiate at leaf level the resistance of banana cultivars to Fusarium wilt was developed. The present study was carried out to evaluate such method by using fungus culture filtrates from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 1 VCG [01210] and race 2 VCG [0124/125] strains. Fungus culture filtrates were obtained during in vitro growth of the pathogen and the response of Musa spp cultivars to fungus culture filtrates was determined. The 15- and 29-days-old hostspecific culture filtrates from both races 1 and race 2 strains were able to differentiate more than 93% of individuals with a known response to the pathogen in vivo. We demonstrated that resistance or susceptibility to banana Fusarium wilt could be differentiated with the use of culture filtrates from diverse population of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense and a reproducible bioassay on banana detached leaves. Such results could be applicable in both conventional and biotechnological Musaceae breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phosphorus plays an important role in starch accumulation in bananas. • Response to phosphate fertilizer is genotype dependent. • Phosphate fertilization increases resistant starch content in green banana fruits. Banana fertilization practices aim to increase agricultural yield and the effects of these practices on fruit components have not been well explored. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of phosphate fertilizer levels on production parameters and accumulation of dry matter, phosphorus, starch and resistant starch in green fruits. Four banana genotypes were cultivated under the same cultural practices, with varying levels of phosphate fertilizers during three production cycles. Bunches were harvested and evaluated for total fruit mass, average finger mass and yield. Fresh green fruit pulps were analyzed for dry matter, phosphorus, starch and resistant starch content. The results showed that the effects of phosphate fertilizer were genotype dependent and that the increase of P 2 O 5 rates applied in banana fertilization promoted an increase in fruit production with higher levels of phosphorus, starch and resistant starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring pests and diseases is an extremely important activity for increasing productivity in agriculture. In this scenario, remote sensing, coupled with techniques of machine learning, offer new prospects for monitoring and identifying characteristic specific patterns, such as manifestations of diseases, pests, and water and nutritional stress. The aim was to use high spatial resolution aerial images to monitor the extent of an attack of yellow sigatoka in a banana crop, following the basic assumptions of identification, classification, quantification and prediction of phenotypic factors. Monthly flights were carried out on a commercial banana plantation using an unmanned aerial vehicle, equipped with a 16-megapixel RGB camera (GSD of 0.016781 m pixel−1). Five classification algorithms were used to identify and quantify the disease while field evaluations were also made following traditional methodology. The results showed that, for September 2017, the Support Vector Machine algorithm achieved the best performance (99.28% overall accuracy and 97.13 Kappa Index), followed by the Artificial Neural Network and Minimum Distance algorithms. In quantifying the disease, the SVM algorithm was more effective than other algorithms compared to the conventional methodology used to estimate the extent of yellow sigatoka, demonstrating that the tools used for monitoring leaf spots can be handled by remote sensing, machine learning and high spatial-resolution RGB images. • High spatial resolution RGB images were obtained using a UAV. • Yellow sigatoka was identified in banana leaves using UAV RGB images. • Machine learning algorithms were successfully applied to foliar disease assessment. • The degree of severity of yellow sigatoka was assessed using images from a UAV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Agricultura Irrigada - RBAI is the property of Revista Brasileira de Agricultura Irrigada - RBAI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Agriculture and modern biotechnology are increasingly becoming interdependent, and many new techniques have brought new opportunities for enhancing production and marketing. Germplasm storage is an alternative for the conservation of plant genetic diversity, contributing to the improvement and maintenance of propagation programs for species of interest. In this work, banana corms were collected as plant material from relatively young commercial plantations of three different cultivars: ‘Williams’, Valery (AAA genome; Cavendish subgroup), and ‘Barraganete’ (AAB genome; Plantain subgroup). Their shoot tips were introduced into in vitro conditions, and subcultured monthly to obtain the required number of shoots. The shoots were subsequently rooted and stimulated to invigoration in order to extract apical meristems (0.8–1.0 mm), which were prepared for cryopreservion in liquid nitrogen (−196 °C) following pre-conditioning in PVS2 vitrification solution. Thereafter, the explants were rapidly thawed and then recovered and regenerated using two different methods – by Panis (2009) and Korneva et al. (2009) – consisting of two different sets of recovery and subsequent regeneration media. Statistical analysis of the results showed that the banana cultivar ‘Williams’ demonstrated higher survival and regeneration rates after cry-opreservation using the Korneva method, whereas in cultivars ‘Valery’ and ‘Barraganete’, there were no significant differences between the tested methods. The ‘Barraganete’ cultivar had the lowest survival and regeneration rates, regardless of the applied method.