Effect of Different Cultivation Modes on Microbial Diversity and Secondary Metabolites of Rhizosphere Soil of Gentiana crassicaulis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different cultivation modes on the yield of Gentiana crassicaulis and its microbial diversity and secondary metabolite content in the rhizosphere soil. MethodWith G. crassicaulis of different cultivation modes and its rhizosphere soil as the research objects， the composition of bacterial and fungal communities， dominant bacteria， and differential microorganisms in the rhizosphere soil were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing technology. HPLC was used to determine the content of iridoids in G. crassicaulis with different cultivation modes. ResultCompared with plastic film mulching， planting without mulch and intercropping of peony， white kidney bean， potato， and corn increased the yield of fresh products by 16.11%-17.68%， 22.48%-26.34%， 29.37%-32.19%， 34.82%-36.57%， and 35.34%-39.71%， respectively， and increased the yield of dry products by 19.75%-23.17%， 25.86%-29.32%， 30.18%-34.94%， 35.22%-39.87%， and 39.72%-43.73%. The total content of four iridoids， including gentiopicrin， loganic acid， sweroside， and swertiamarin， increased by 10.17%-37.83%， 5.93%-47.44%， 9.09%-28.84%， and 10.71%-28.57%， respectively. The diversity of bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil increased significantly （P<0.05）. The relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Sordariomycetes， Leotiomycetes， Tremellomycetes， Eurotiomycetes， Fusarium， and Cladophialophora decreased， and the proportions of beneficial bacteria such as Proteobacteria， Acidobacteria， and Actinobacteriota increased and they gradually became the dominant bacteria. ConclusionDifferent cultivation modes can affect the yield of G. crassicaulis and its microbial diversity and iridoid content in the rhizosphere soil. Cultivation without mulch and intercropping patterns have certain advantages， which can provide theoretical references for the planting of G. crassicaulis.

Oil palm intercropping system: A potential nature-based solution to improve soil biology activities in North Sumatra plantation, Indonesia

Aims@#Intercropping system in oil palm plantation is recognized as one of a nature-based solution as well as a promising sustainable practice. This study aimed to observe the advantages of existing intercropping system in one of North Sumatra’s oil palm plantation. It is achieved by analyzing the population of soil bacteria and fungi in oil palm intercropping fields with sorghum and cassava, compared with the non-intercropping field that using Mucuna bracteata (MB) as a common legume cover crop in oil palm plantations.@*Methodology and results@#Soil samples were collected from the weeded circle and windrow area (the area between palms within the row). The results showed that the highest and the lowest soil bacteria populations were in sorghum (1.7 ± 1.4 × 108 CFU/g) and MB (1.7 ± 0.4 × 107 CFU/g), while the highest and the lowest soil fungi populations were in sorghum (4.3 ± 2.9 × 106 CFU/g) and cassava (2.1 ± 0.8 × 106 CFU/g).@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The intercropping system in this study showed a significant difference in the bacteria population, while the fungi population had no difference compared to the non-intercropping system. The bacterial and fungi population results also indicate that the intercropping system potentially enhances the soil's biological activity as an indicator of improved soil health. It is also followed by a slightly higher soil organic carbon value in intercropping system. This research suggests that further studies should be done to identify specific soil functional microbes (nutrients fixers and solubilizers). The future research will be used as a reference for promising biofertilizer agents in supporting sustainable crop production.

Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds in Rhizosphere Soil of Rehmannia glutinosa Under Intercropping Zea mays Based on GC-MS Metabonomics / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the composition characteristics of rhizosphere soil under <italic>Rehmannia glutinosa-Zea mays</italic> intercropping model，and screen out special signal substances in rhizosphere soil of <italic>R. glutinosa</italic> under intercropping <italic>Z. mays</italic>， so as to provide the basis for the study of allelopathic substances in continuous cropping obstacle of <italic>R. glutinosa</italic>. Method:In this experiment，rhizosphere soils of <italic>R. glutinosa</italic> under <italic>Z. mays </italic>intercropping and <italic>R. glutinosa </italic>single cropping models in July，August，September and October were taken as the research objects， and the volatile organic compounds in ethyl acetate fraction were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS）. Principal component analysis （PCA）， hierachical cluster analysis （HCA） and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis （OPLS-DA） analysis were performed on the data by SIMCA 14.1 to screen out potential differences in volatile organic compounds between the two models. Result:The types of volatile organic compounds in intercropping and single cropping models were mainly hydrocarbons， alcohols， esters， ketones， amides， acids and other substances. Specifically， the average relative contents of hydrocarbons，esters and amides in intercropping model were 58.46%，32.15% and 5.42% respectively，while the relative contents of hydrocarbons，esters and amides in single cropping model were 37.27%，36.11% and 21.13%. The results of PCA and HCA showed that the characteristics of volatile organic compounds in the ethyl acetate fraction of rhizosphere soil under intercropping and single cropping models could be clearly divided into two categories，the screening results of potential differential components based on OPLS-DA analysis indicated that various components， such as dibutyl phthalate，（<italic>Z</italic>）-9-oleamide，<italic>β</italic>-caryophyllene，dioctyl iso-phthalate， phthalate （2-propylamyl） diester， <italic>n</italic>-hexadecane，octodecane， <italic>n</italic>-heneicosane， were screened from rhizosphere soil under the two models. Conclusion:The <italic>R. glutinosa-Z. mays</italic> intercropping model has certain effects on the volatile organic compounds in the rhizosphere soil of <italic>R. glutinosa</italic>，and the effect of the selected components on the growth and quality characteristics of <italic>R. glutinosa</italic> still need to be further studied.

Effect of Garlic on Soil Environment and Yield of Continuous Cropping and Rotation of Angelica sinensis Under Membrane Cultivation / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the change of soil environment and yield of <italic>Angelica sinensis </italic> when cultivated on the film side and and open field sides，and to explore the influence of garlic volatiles and film-side cultivation on continuous cropping <italic>A. sinensis</italic>，so as to provide some certain theoretical basis for the saying that the <italic>A. sinensis</italic> garlic intercropping mode and film-side cultivation could alleviate continuous cropping <italic>A. sinensis</italic>. Method:In this study， the effects of garlic on soil environment and yield of <italic>A. sinensis</italic> cultivated on film side and crop rotation were discussed through the determination and analysis of soil microorganism quantity，soil enzyme activity and yield of Angelica sinensis in the rhizosphere of <italic>A. sinensis</italic>. Result:The number of bacteria and actinomycetes in the rhizosphere soil of <italic>A. sinensis </italic>increased significantly， while the number of fungi decreased significantly. Among them， the number of bacteria and actinomycetes in the intercropping of <italic>A. sinensis</italic> and garlic on the film side increased by 104% and 146.89% on average as compared with that of the control （monoculture under continuous cropping open field），and the number of fungi decreased by 39.28% on average as compared with that of control group. When the enzyme activity in the rhizosphere soil was significantly increased under the condition of intercropping with garlic on the film side，the soil urease，sucrase，alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activities under the intercropping of <italic>A. sinensis</italic> and gralic on the rotation film side were increased by 61.60%，51.09%，203.48% and 76.19% respectively as compared with those in control group. The yield of <italic>A. sinensis</italic> significantly increased under the condition of intercropping with garlic on the film-side，and the yield of Angelica sinensis under the rotation film-side intercropping with garlic increased by 39.37% as compared with that of control group. Conclusion:Under the mode of film-side cultivation，the interplanting of <italic>A. sinensis </italic>with garlic can change the number of soil microorganism，improve the activity of soil enzyme，improve the physical and chemical properties of soil， alleviate the obstacle of continuous cropping and guarantee the healthy growth of <italic>A. sinensis</italic> more effectively.

Simultaneous selection of cupuassu tree and Brazilian mahogany genotypes in an agroforestry system in Pará state, Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate and select progenies and matrices of cupuassu-tree siblings, and to select Brazilian mahogany matrices with superior characteristics to be used in agroforestry systems (AFS). Twenty-five full cupuassu tree sibling progenies and one Brazilian mahogany half-sibling progeny were evaluated. The study was conducted for 14 years in a commercial property in Tomé Açu, Pará State, Brazil. The number of fruits and fruit yield per plant, as well as the rate of plants with symptoms of witches' broom disease, were used as response variables for cupuassu. For mahogany, the following response variables were used: total height, commercial height, crown height, diameter at breast height and commercial wood volume. There were five cupuassu tree progenies with interesting characteristics to be used in AFS. Based on the high values observed in the selection accuracy and heritabilities, a good potential for the selection of promising individuals in the cupuassu tree population is inferred. Based on the ranking of genotypic values and their agronomic performance, 10 matrices of cupuassu tree were selected. For Brazilian mahogany, three matrices showed excellent silvicultural performance. The matrices of these two species should be propagated vegetatively in order to evaluate clonal tests. (AU)

Crotalaria and millet as alternative controls of root-knot nematodes infecting okra / Crotalária e milheto como controles alternativos de nematóides das galhas infectando quiabo

The relationship of crops grown in rotation or in succession has increased every day and the use of antagonistic plants and/or non-host plants is one of the most efficient practices of integrated management of nematodes. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of crotalaria (Crotalaria spectabilisRoth) and millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) Leeke] 'ADR 300' in reducing the population of Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica and in increasing the productivity of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] when cultivated in succession. The experiment was conducted in an area cultivating okra (host culture) in rotation, with a history of severe infestation by phytonematodes. The experimental design involved randomized blocks with six treatments and four replicates, with the following treatments: T1, 15 kg.ha-1 of millet seeds; T2, 30 kg.ha-1 of crotalaria; T3, 10 kg.ha-1 of millet + 20 kg.ha-1 of crotalaria; T4, 20 kg.ha-1 of millet + 6 kg.ha-1 of crotalaria; T5, 6 kg.ha-1 of millet + 36 kg.ha-1 of crotalaria; and T6, control. The nematode populations in the soil and roots were evaluated about 60 d after planting okra, and the yield was evaluated at the end of the crop cycle. Simple treatment with millet or crotalaria reduced the nematode population by 61% and 72%, respectively. The millet-crotalaria intercropping treatments reduced the nematode population by up to 85% compared with the control. In terms of productivity, there was an increase of 787 kg.ha-1 in the millet treatment and 2,109 kg.ha-1 in the intercropping treatments. Both the single cultivation of crotalaria or millet and the consortia of crotalaria and millet were effective in controlling the root-knot nematodes, and increased the productivity of okra.

A relação de culturas cultivadas em rotação ou em sucessão tem aumentado a cada dia, e a utilização de plantas antagônicas e/ou plantas não hospedeiras é uma das práticas mais eficientes de manejo integrado de nematoides. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência do cultivo de crotalária (Crotalaria spectabilis Roth) e milheto [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) Leeke] 'ADR 300' no incremento de produtividade e redução populacional de Meloidogyne incognita e M. javanica em quiabeiro [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] cultivado em sucessão. O experimento foi conduzido em área de rotação com quiabeiro (cultura hospedeira), que tem histórico de grande infestação dos referidos fitonematoides. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o de blocos casualizados com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições, sendo T1 ₌ 15 kg.ha-1 de sementes de milheto, T2 ₌ 30 kg.ha-1 de crotalária, T3 ₌ 10 kg.ha-1 de milheto + 20 kg.ha-1 de crotalária, T4 ₌ 20 kg.ha-1 de milheto + 6 kg.ha-1 de crotalária, T5 ₌ 6 kg.ha-1 de milheto + 36 kg.ha-1 de crotalária e T6 ₌ Testemunha. Foram avaliadas as populações de nematoides no solo e nas raízes cerca de 60 dias após o plantio do quiabeiro e a produtividade ao final do cultivo. Os tratamentos milheto e crotalária solteiros reduziram a população de nematoides em 61 e 72%, respectivamente. Nos cultivos consorciados, obteve-se a redução de 85%, comparado com a testemunha. Quanto a produtividade, houve acréscimo de 787 kg.ha-1 no tratamento com milheto solteiro e de 2.109 kg.ha-1 nos tratamentos consorciados. Tanto o cultivo solteiro de crotalária e milheto, quanto seu uso em consórcio, efetivaram o controle dos nematoides de ganha e elevaram a produtividade do quiabeiro.

Effect of Polygonum multiflorum-Andrographis paniculata intercropping system on rhizosphere soil actinomycetes community structure and diversity of P. multiflorum / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the effect of Polygonum multiflorum-Andrographis paniculata intercropping system on rhizosphere soil actinomycetes of P. multiflorum, the community structure and diversity of soil actinomycetes were studied by using the original soil as the control group and the rhizosphere soil actinomycetes communities of P. multiflorum under monoculture and intercropping systems as the experimental group. In this study 655 221 effective sequences were obtained with an average length of 408 bp. OTU coverage and rarefaction curve showed that the sequencing could represent the real situation of soil actinomycetes. According to the results of alpha diversity analysis, the diversity soil actinomycetes varied as follows: original soil>intercropping soil>monoculture soil. The soil actinomycetes community structure and the relative abundance of dominant genera were significantly changed by both monoculture and intercropping, especially monoculture. OTU clustering and PCA analysis of soil samples showed that all the soil samples were divided into three distinct groups and the original soil was more similar to intercropping soil. In addition, intercropping increased the relative abundance of some beneficial actinomyces, such as Kitasatospora and Mycobacterium, which was beneficial to maintain soil health and reduce the occurrence of soil-borne diseases. The results show that, P. multiflorum-A. paniculata intercropping reduced the change of community structure and the decrease of diversity of soil actinomycetes caused by P. multiflorum monoculture, and made the actinomycete community in rhizosphere soil of P. multiflorum close to the original soil.

Research progress in effects of interspecific interaction on medicinal plants in intercropping system / 中国中药杂志

Intercropping farming system is one of the essence of traditional agriculture in China and one of the most common and basic patterns of modern ecological planting. Intercropping system uses the principle of species diversity to create reasonable interspecific interaction conditions with obvious productivity advantages. In this paper, the interspecies interaction is divided into aboveground and underground parts from the space view, and its influence and mechanism on the yield and secondary metabolites of medicinal plants are elaborated.The interspecific interaction in the aboveground part mainly introduces the distribution and utilization of space resources among plants. The interspecific interaction in the underground part mainly introduces the soil rhizosphere effect and related mediating factors, root exudates, soil microorganisms, root space structure and soil environmental factors. On the basis of understanding the mechanism of interspecific interaction, this paper further discusses the application of intercropping in traditional Chinese medicine ecological agriculture, taking the effective control of diseases and insect pests, the increase of medicinal material yield and the improvement of medicinal material quality as the benefit index, so as to seek better advantages of intercropping and provide ideas for the utilization of intercropping production mode in traditional Chinese medicine ecological agriculture.

Cultivation of Mint (Mentha x gracilis) in Intercropping with Fruit Trees in an Agroforestry System: Production and Quality of Essential Oil

Aims: The cultivation of medicinal plants in intercropping with other species of agricultural use has been an alternative to make production sustainable in family farming. The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth, biomass production, and chemical composition of the essential oil of mint (Mentha x gracilis Sole) in intercropping with fruit species in an agroforestry system. Study Design: The experimental design was randomized blocks with four treatments, mint interplanted with citrus (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck), bananas (Musa spp.), blackberries (Morus nigra), or Barbados cherries (Malpighia glabra). Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in the agroforestry located in the sector of Olericultura of the Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR), Brazil, in the period between November 2015 to February 2017. Methodology: We analyzed light intensity, relative chlorophyll index, height, leaf area, biomass accumulation, essential oil content, oil production and chemical composition of mint grown in agroforestry. Results: The highest production of biomass and essential oil were obtained in the intercropping of mint with citrus and Barbados cherries, possibly due to the edaphic climatic conditions, such as greater light intensity, that favored the growth, production, and chemical composition of the mint essential oil. Bananas and blackberries intercropped with mint were not beneficial for the growth and production of essential oils. Conclusion: The intercropping of mint with citrus and Barbados cherries resulted in higher growth, biomass accumulation, and essential oil content and production. The major components of the essential oils were linalool and carvone, with higher percentages in the intercropping of mint with citrus and Barbados cherries. The cultivation of mint by intercropping with fruit species such as citrus and Barbados cherries is an option to diversify the production of medicinal plants, making it sustainable.

Forage production and mineral composition of cactus intercropped with legumes and fertilized with different sources of manure / Produção de forragem e composição mineral da palma consorciada com leguminosas e adubada com diferentes fontes de esterco

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive potential and mineral composition of the forage cactus IPA-Sertânia (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). This species was analyzed both in monoculture and intercropped with leucaena [Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit.] and gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq. Steud.], and was assessed with different sources of manure (cattle, sheep, goat, and broiler litter) serving as fertilizer. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Station of the Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco in Caruaru, PE, Brazil. Treatments were allocated in a split-plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design, with four replications. Main plots consisted of cropping systems, while the split-plots were dedicated to manure sources. Cactus harvest was carried out after two years of regrowth. Response variables included both production and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations. No differences were observed for cactus production between the cropping systems, with an average value of 22.1Mg dry matter ha-1 2 years-1. In the intercropped systems, greater proximity to the legumes increased the production of the cactus in the treatments with the cattle and sheep manure, and increased the concentrations of P, K, and Mg, but not of N. The introduction of tree legumes, along with the application of manure, contributes to an increase in production and nutrient concentration of IPA-Sertânia cactus.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar o potencial produtivo e a composição mineral da palma forrageira IPA-Sertânia (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck), em cultivo isolado e consorciada com leucena [Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit.] ou gliricídia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud.], e adubada com as fontes de esterco bovino, ovino, caprino e cama de frango. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental do Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco - IPA, em Caruaru. O delineamento foi casualizado em blocos, em parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições. As parcelas foram representadas pelos sistemas de cultivo e as subparcelas pelas fontes de esterco. A colheita da palma foi realizada aos dois anos de crescimento e analisada quanto à produção e aos teores de nitrogênio (N), fósforo (P), potássio (K), cálcio (Ca) e magnésio (Mg). Não foram observadas diferenças de produção da palma entre os sistemas de cultivo, atingindo valor médio de 22,1t ha-1 2 anos-1 de matéria seca (MS). Nos sistemas consorciados, a maior proximidade com as leguminosas incrementou a produção da palma, nos tratamentos com os estercos bovino e ovino, e elevou os teores de P, K e Mg, mas não os teores de N. A introdução de leguminosas arbóreas, juntamente com a aplicação dos estercos, contribui para elevar a produção e os níveis de nutrientes da palma IPA-Sertânia.

Revamping soil quality and correlation studies for yield and yield attributes in sorghum-legumes intercropping systems / Melhoria da qualidade do solo e estudos de correlação para a produtividade e os atributos de produtividade em sistemas de plantio consorciado de sorgo e legumes

Restoration, preservation and sustainability of agricultural resources including soil demands biologically and economically viable farming practices. For boosting physico-chemical properties of soil from 2012 to 2015, three legumes including cowpea, cluster bean and soybean were intercropped with sorghum in 40-60, 75-25 and 100-100 seed blending ratios, while pure stand of sorghum was kept for comparison. Correlation studies were also conducted to determine linear or inverse relationship between physiological and agronomic attributes with green forage yield of sorghum. Results revealed that intercropping systems were not effective in significantly improving the physical properties of soil, however soybean and sorghum mixed seeded crop in 100-100 seed ratio resulted in the highest total and available nitrogen especially during last two years of the study and it was followed by mixed seeded crop of cluster bean and sorghum (100-100 seed ratio), while pure stand of sorghum appeared to be the most exhaustive farming system. Correlation analysis depicted a linear relationship between all agronomic attributes (seedling count, plant population at harvest, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves and leaf area per plant, fresh and dry weights per plant) and physiological growth parameters (leaf area index and leaf area duration, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate) with forage yield of sorghum. Thus, legumes inclusion was found to be effective in restoring soil fertility, while long term legumes inclusion by following rotation may be suggested.

A restauração, a preservação e a sustentabilidade dos recursos agrícolas, incluindo o solo, exigem práticas agrícolas biologicamente e economicamente viáveis. Para aumentar as propriedades físico-químicas do solo de 2012 a 2015, três leguminosas, incluindo feijão-fradinho, guar e soja, foram consorciadas com sorgo nas proporções de mistura de 40-60, 75-25 e 100-100, enquanto que o sorgo puro foi mantido por comparação. Estudos de correlação também foram conduzidos para determinar a relação linear ou inversa entre atributos fisiológicos e agronômicos com a produtividade de forragem verde do sorgo. Os resultados revelaram que os sistemas consorciados não foram eficazes em afetar significativamente as propriedades físicas do solo, no entanto, soja e sorgo misturados na proporção de sementes 100-100 resultou no maior nitrogênio total e nitrogênio disponível, especialmente durante os últimos dois anos do estudo e foi seguido do plantio de sementes mistas de guar e sorgo (100-100 rácio de semente), enquanto a monocultura de sorgo parecia ser o sistema de agricultura mais exaustivo. A análise de regressão mostrou uma correlação linear entre todos os atributos agronômicos (contagem de plântulas, população de plantas na colheita, altura de planta, diâmetro de caule, número de folhas e área foliar por planta, peso fresco e seco por planta) e parâmetros de crescimento fisiológico (índice de área foliar e duração da área foliar, taxa de crescimento da cultura e taxa de assimilação líquida) com o rendimento de forragem do sorgo. Assim, a inclusão de leguminosas foi eficaz no aumento da fertilidade do solo, enquanto a inclusão de leguminosas a longo prazo por rotação de diferentes leguminosas é sugerida.

The behavior of Aphis gossypii and Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and of their predator Cycloneda sanguinea (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in cotton-cowpea intercropping systems

ABSTRACT The intercropping is an important cultural practice commonly used in pest management. It is based on the principle that increased plant diversity in the agro-ecosystem can lead to reductions of pest populations in the crop. The current study aimed to assess the impact the colored fiber cotton-cowpea intercropped systems on Aphis gossypii and Aphis craccivora and on their predator Cycloneda sanguinea and the losses and the dispersion behavior of these aphids and their predator in these cropping systems. The experiment had a randomized block experimental design with two bioassays and four treatments. The number of apterous and alate aphids (A. gossypii) per cotton plant was 1.46 and 1.73 or 1.97 and 2.19 times highest in the solid cotton system than that found in the cotton-cowpea intercropped systems (S1) and (S2), respectively. On the other hand, the cotton-cowpea intercropped systems (S1 and S2) reduced, respectively, in 43% and 31% the number of apterousA. gossypiiper cotton plant compared to the control. Implementing cotton-cowpea intercropped system in the S1 scheme reduced A. gossypii infestation, favored the multiplication of C. sanguinea, and allowed obtaining heavier open bolls.

Effects of Platycodon grandiflorum/pepper intercropping on root growth, yield and quality of Platycodon grandiflorum / 中国中药杂志

In order to investigate effects of Platycodon grandiflorum and pepper intercropping on root growth, yield and quality of P. grandiflorum, field experiments were conducted in the soils of continuously cultivated P. grandiflorum for three years. The cultivation model was designed as monoculture and intercropping. The monoculture of P. grandiflorum was denoted as CK and the intercrop association of P. grandiflorum/pepper was arranged as follow: in intercrops every two rows of pepper was planted between every three, four and five rows of P. grandiflorum, respectively, and denoted as JC₃₂, JC₄₂ and JC₅₂. Results showed that taproot length and diameter of P. grandiflorum in intercropping association of JC₃₂ was higher than those of P. grandiflorum in monoculture association. This fact suggested that P. grandiflorum intercropped with pepper facilitated its root growth. Compared with monoculture association, the number of lateral root in intercropping association was significantly decreased and the location of lateral root at taproot also altered. This fact suggested that P. grandiflorum intercropped with pepper enhanced appearance quality of P. grandiflorum root. Total root yield and taproot yield of P. grandiflorum in JC₄₂ and JC₅₂ intercropping associations were increased by 4.88%, 8.91% and 14.23%, 12.92%, respectively, compared with monoculture, while root rot incidence decreased significantly. Compared with JC₅₂ intercropping association, JC₄₂ intercropping association significantly increased total saponin and protein contents of P. grandiflorum, decreased root rot incidence, but did not affect taproot yield significantly. Considering root yield and quality, when P. grandiflorum planted in the soil having continuously cultivated P. grandiflorum for three years, the optimal cultivation model was every two rows of pepper was planted between four rows P. grandiflorum.

Morpho-anatomy of leaves and yield of pineapple plant in intercropping with cassava / Morfoanatomia foliar e produtividade de abacaxizeiro consorciado com mandioca

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of shade in pineapple plant with cassava, on the yields of pineapple fruit sand cassava roots, on the morph-anatomical variation, damage by solar radiation and chlorophyll content of pineapple leaves. Pineapple plants were cultivated in plots comprising three parallel row sunder different shade conditions provided by cassava plants grown at various spacings within single rows located on either side of the plots. The experiment was of a randomized block design with five treatments (cassava spacings of 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 and 1.25 m and a pineapple monoculture) and four replications. Yields of fruits and roots, together with the morphological, chemical and histological characteristics of the "D" leaves of pineapple, were determined14 months after planting the pineapples plant. Data were submitted to analysis of variance with the Scott-Knott test or Friedman test (P< 0.05) and to regression analysis. Pineapple plants grown under the majority of shade conditions presented higher fruit weight and overall yield per hectare in comparison with plants grown in direct sunlight. The maximum productivities of pineapple fruit were achieved when cassava plants were spaced 0.75 m apart and, under these shade conditions, fruits were fully protected against burning by the sun. The "D" leaves of shaded plants were longer and thicker, with higher content of chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll, reduced stomatal density and dimensions of stomatal pores, narrower guard cells, thinner aquiferous hypodermis, and reduced abaxial and adaxial epidermis. The yield of cassava roots per plant increased linearly with increasing distance between the plants, but the yield per hectare decreased with decreasing plant density.

Os objetivos desse trabalho foram avaliar o efeito do sombreamento no abacaxizeiro com mandioca, sobre a produtividade de abacaxi e raízes de mandioca, sobre a variação morfoanatômica, queimadura do abacaxi pela radiação e os teores de clorofilas nas folhas do abacaxizeiro. As plantas de abacaxizeiro foram cultivadas em parcelas compreendendo linhas triplas paralelas (segundo um arranjo triangular) sob diferentes condições de sombreamentos proporcionadas por plantas de mandioca cultivadas em linhas simples em cada lado das parcelas. O delineamento utilizado foi de blocos casualizados com cinco tratamentos (sombreamento com mandioca em espaçamentos de 0,50, 0,75, 1,00 e 1,25 m e monocultivo de abacaxi) e quatro repetições. As produtividades de abacaxi e mandioca, juntamente com as características morfológicas, químicas e histológicas da folhas "D" dos abacaxizeiros, foram determinadas 14 meses após o plantio. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância com teste de Scott-Knott ou teste de Friedman (P< 0,05) bem como análise de regressão. Abacaxizeiros cultivados sob sombreamento produziram frutos com maior peso médio e maior produtividade por hectare em comparação com plantas cultivadas sob luz solar direta. A máxima produtividade de abacaxi foi alcançada quando o espaçamento entre as plantas de mandioca foi de 0,75 m e, sob essas condições, os frutos ficaram completamente protegidos da radiação solar. As folhas "D" dos abacaxizeiros sombreados foram mais longas e espessas, apresentaram maior concentração de clorofila a e total, densidade estomática reduzida, poros estomáticos menores, células guarda mais estreitas, hipoderme aquífera mais fina e epidermes abaxial e adaxial reduzidas. A produtividade de mandioca por planta aumentou linearmente com o espaçamento crescente, porém a produtividade por hectare diminuiu com o decréscimo da densidade das plantas.

Effects of relay intercropping vegetables on Ophiopogonis Radix based on assay of yield and effective constituents / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of relay intercropping Ophiopogonis Radix and vegetables by measuring the yield and contents of effective components and fingerprint analysis. METHODS: The field capacity when relay intercropping Ophiopogonis Radix and vegetables was evaluated, taking Ophiopogonis Radix monoculture as control. The contents of major compound of Ophiopogonis Radix were measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography, and the HPLC fingerprint of Ophiopogonis Radix was established. RESULTS: Relay intercropping vegetables reduced the yield of Ophiopogonis Radix to some extent, but the land equivalent ratios were all more than 1, indicating that it is advantageous to intercrop Ophiopogonis Radix and vegetables. Relay intercropping vegetables did not reduce the contents of chemical constituents in Ophiopogonis Radix significantly. The similarities of all the HPLC fingerprint chromatograms were greater than 0.990. CONCLUSION: Relay intercropping Ophiopogonis Radix and vegetables is a feasible pattern to solve the contention for land between Ophiopogonis Radix and vegetables in the main producing areas of Ophiopogonis Radix, and can be applied and generalized.

Nutritional balance and yield for green manure orange trees / Balanço nutricional e produtividade em laranjeiras manejadas com adubação verde

Intercropping could efficiently prevent soil nutrient losses caused by extensive agriculture. The present study aimed to assess the effect of green manure on the nutritional status of orange trees cultivar 'Pera' (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck). The plants were grafted on 'Cravo' lime trees and were then planted in a 7x4m space. Four different treatments corresponding to the evaluated green manures were employed: jack bean (JB) (Canavalia ensiformis DC), lablab (LL) (Dolichos lablab L.), pigeon pea (PP) (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp), and Brachiaria (BQ) (Brachiaria brizantha Hochst ex A. Rich. Stapf) as control. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in split-plot time, with six replicates, with four treatments (green manures) and two plants per evaluation. The nutritional status was assessed by using the DRIS method (Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System); the yield and the macro and micronutrient levels contained in green manures and in the control was also determined. The nutritional diagnosis indicated that, in the two years of experiment, plants treated with green manure showed better nutritional balance index compared to Brachiaria. This suggests that, over time, green manure can lead to better nutritional balance. Pigeon pea treatment showed the highest yields, compared to control, in the two evaluated crop cycles (2004/05 and 2005/06).

O manejo de culturas intercalares poderia prevenir eficientemente as perdas de nutrientes do solo, causadas pelo cultivo extensivo. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da utilização de adubos verdes no estado nutricional de plantas de laranjeira 'Pêra' (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck). O solo da área de cultivo é denominado Neossolo Quartzarênico. As plantas estavam enxertadas em limoeiro 'Cravo' e foram plantadas num espaçamento de sete por quatro metros. Foram empregados quatro tratamentos correspondentes aos adubos verdes avaliados, sendo eles: feijão de porco (FP) (Canavalia ensiformis DC), labe-labe (LL) (Dolichus lablab L.), feijão guandu anão (GA) (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp) e braquiária (BQ) (Brachiaria brizantha Hochst ex A. Rich. Stapf). Conduziu-se o experimento em delineamento de blocos casualizados em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com seis repetições, quatro tratamentos (adubos verdes) e duas plantas úteis para as avaliações. Avaliou-se o estado nutricional pelo método DRIS (Sistema Integrado de Diagnose e Recomendação), bem como a produção e o teor de macro e micronutrientes contidos nos adubos verdes e na testemunha. O diagnóstico nutricional demonstrou que, nos dois anos de experimentação, houve um melhor índice de balanço nutricional para os adubos verdes, quando comparados com a braquiária (testemunha). Esta constatação permite inferir sobre a disponibilidade de, ao longo do tempo, os adubos verdes permitirem um melhor equilíbrio nutricional para as plantas. O tratamento com feijão de porco apresentou as maiores produções, quando comparado com a testemunha, nos dois ciclos agrícolas de avaliação (2004/05 e 2005/06).

The lesser cotton leafworm, Anomis impasta (Guenée) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), in cotton / O curuquerê, Anomis impasta (Guenée) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) em algodoeiro

Anomis impasta (Guenée) is a species that shows remarkable morphological and behavioral similarities with the cotton leafworm Alabama argillacea (Hübner). During two growing cotton seasons, A. impasta was observed feeding on leaves and flower bracts of cotton and monitored. Furthermore, a study was conducted under laboratory conditions to generate biological information about this species with larvae feeding cotton squares and leaves. Larvae fed on cotton squares exhibited delayed development (18.5 ± 0.18 days) and lower pupal weight (140.8 ± 2.26 mg) compared to larvae fed on cotton leaves (14.0 ± 0.07 days and 169.3 ± 2.06 mg). Thus, one generation cycle of A. impasta was obtained by feeding the larvae with cotton leaves. The mean (minimum-maximum) values for the duration of eggs, larvae and pupae were: 3.0 (3-4), 14.8 (14-18), and 9.7 (7-14) days, respectively. The viability of the eggs, larvae, and pupae were 43.7, 98.3, and 94.7%, respectively. Females lived on average 25.2 days (ranging from 15 to 37 days) and produced 869 eggs (from 4 to 1,866 eggs). The successful development and reproduction of A. impasta on cotton, especially, on the cotton leaves, suggest the potential of this species to reach a pest status in cotton. The similarities with A. argillacea, as discussed in this study, can be one of the reasons for low reference to A. impasta in the field. Therefore, the information provided here will allow researchers and growers to distinguish these two cotton defoliators.

Anomis impasta (Guenée) é uma espécie que apresenta morfologia e comportamento muito similar ao curuquerê-do-algodoeiro, Alabama argillacea (Hübner). Durante duas safras de algodão, foi monitorada a alimentação de A. impasta em folhas e brácteas da cultura. Assim, este estudo foi conduzido para gerar informações biológicas sobre a espécie. As larvas foram criadas em folhas de algodão e botões florais (brácteas + botão floral), partes em que as lagartas foram comumente encontradas em campo. Larvas criadas com botão floral apresentaram maior período larval (18,5 ± 0,18 dias) e menor peso pupal (140,8 ± 2,26 mg) em comparação às larvas criadas apenas com folhas (14,0 ± 0,07 dias e 169,3 ± 2,06 mg). Assim, uma geração de A. impasta foi obtida alimentando-se as larvas com folhas de algodão. A média (variação) de duração para a fase de ovo, larva e pupa foi de 3,0 (3 a 4), 14,8 (14 a 18) e 9,7 (7 a 14) dias, respectivamente. A viabilidade para ovos, larva e pupa foi de 43,7; 98,3 e 94,7%, respectivamente. As fêmeas viveram em média 25,2 dias (15 a 37) e produziram 869 ovos (4 a 1866). O desenvolvimento e reprodução de A. impasta em algodoeiro, em especial quando as lagartas desenvolvem-se sobre folhas, fornecem indícios do seu potencial em atingir condição de praga na cultura. A semelhança com a espécie A. argillacea, como apresentado neste estudo, pode ser uma das razões de sua baixa constatação de A. impasta em campo. Portanto, acredita-se que as informações geradas com este estudo auxiliem pesquisadores e produtores na identificação dessas duas espécies desfolhadoras do algodoeiro.

Consórcio de feijoeiro e milho-verde na entressafra. I- Comportamento das cultivares de feijão / Intercropping of common bean and green corn in off-season crops I performance of common bean cultivars

A demanda de espigas verdes, a produção de grãos de feijão de qualidade e o melhor aproveitamento dos recursos terra e água podem ser viabilizados pelos pequenos produtores através do consórcio das culturas do milho e feijão na entressafra. Assim, foram conduzidos experimentos em área experimental da Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios- Pólo Extremo Oeste, sediada no município de Andradina-SP, durante os anos de 2005 e 2006. O objetivo foi avaliar o comportamento de cultivares de feijoeiro de diferentes hábitos de crescimento em monocultivo e consorciado com milho colhido verde. O delineamento experimental foi blocos ao acaso com 9 tratamentos constituídos pela combinação de três cultivares de feijoeiro de diferentes hábitos de crescimento: IPR Colibri (Tipo I), IPR Juriti (Tipo II) e IAC Carioca (Tipo III) e duas cultivares de milho: CATIVERDE 2 (variedade) e XB 7012 (híbrido), com quatro repetições. O consórcio interferiu no número de vagens por planta e no rendimento de todas as cultivares de feijoeiro. A variedade de milho CATIVERDE 02 é a mais apropriada para o consórcio do que o híbrido XB 7012. As cultivares IAC Carioca, IPR Juriti e IPR Colibri apresentaram rendimentos semelhantes. A IPR Colibri apresenta bom potencial para o consórcio.

Green corn demand, production of quality bean grain and better use of land and water resources can be used by small farmers through the intercropping of common bean and green corn in off-season crops. Field experiments were conducted in the Polo Regional Extremo Oeste- APTA, in Andradina -São Paulo State, in 2005 and Consórcio de feijoeiro... The objective was to evaluate the performance of common bean cultivars grown in single crop and intercropped with green corn. The randomized blocks design with 9 treatments constituted by the combination of three common bean cultivars of different growth habits: IPR Colibri (Type I), IPR Juriti (Type II) and IAC Carioca (Type III), and two corn cultivars: CATIVERDE 02 (variety) and XB 7012 (hybrid), with four repetitions was used. The intercropping influenced the performance of all common bean cultivars. The green corn CATIVERDE 02 is more appropriate for intercropping with common bean. IAC Carioca, IPR Juriti and IPR Colibri cultivars present same behavior. IPR Colibri presented potential for intercropping

Consórcio de feijoeiro e milho-verde na entressafra. II- Comportamento das cultivares de milho / Intercropping of common bean and green corn in off-season crops II- performance of maize cultivars

A demanda de espigas verdes, a produção de grãos de feijão de qualidade e o melhor aproveitamento dos recursos terra e água podem ser viabilizados pelos pequenos produtores através do consórcio das culturas do milho e feijão na entressafra. O experimento foi desenvolvido em área experimental da Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios- Pólo Extremo Oeste, no município de Andradina-SP, durante os anos de 2005 e 2006. O objetivo foi verificar o comportamento de cultivares de milho colhido verde em monocultivo e consorciado com o feijoeiro de diferentes hábitos de crescimento. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso com 8 tratamentos constituídos pela combinação de duas cultivares de milho: CATIVERDE 02 (variedade) e XB 7012 (híbrido) e três cultivares de feijoeiro de diferentes hábitos de crescimento: IPR Colibri (Tipo I), IPR Juriti (Tipo II) e IAC Carioca (Tipo III), com quatro repetições. O sistema consorciado apresentou pouca influência sobre as cultivares de milho. O milho híbrido XB 7012 foi mais produtivo que a variedade CATIVERDE 02 nos dois sistemas de cultivo. O híbrido produziu 8000 espigas comerciais a mais que a variedade e espigas mais compridas. As cultivares de feijão IPR Colibri e IPR Juriti.são as mais indicadas para o consórcio.

The green corn demand, production of quality bean grain and better use of land and water resources can be used by small farmers through the intercropping of common bean and green corn in off-season crops. Field experiments were conducted in the Polo Regional Extremo Oeste- APTA, in Andradina -São Paulo State, in 2005 and 2006. The objective was to evaluate the performance of green corn cultivars grown in single crop and intercropped with common bean. The randomized blocks design with 8 treatments constituted by the combination of two corn (CATIVERDE 02 and XB 7012) and three common bean cultivars of different growth habits: IPR Colibri (I), IPR Juriti (II) and IAC Carioca (III), with four repetitions was used. The influence of the intercropping on the performance of corn was not significant. The hybrid XB 7012 was more productive in intercropping and in single crop. The hybrid production Consórcio de feijoeiro more 8000 commercials ears and lengt ears when compared with the variety. The intercropping with the IPR Juriti or IPR Colibri cultivars were the most profitable for the producer.

Biodiversidade em sistemas agroecológicos no município de Choró, CE, Brasil / Biodiversity in agroecological systems in Choró-CE, Brazil

Tendo em vista que a biodiversidade é de fundamental importância para a qualidade do agrossistema, este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar componentes da biodiversidade em sistemas agroecológicos conduzidos por agricultores familiares no município de Choró, Ceará (CE). Para tanto, áreas cultivadas foram selecionadas pelo tempo de adoção das técnicas de cultivo em consórcio, bem como áreas de vegetação natural próximas, utilizadas como referência. Nessas áreas foram avaliados a fauna edáfica, a flora do extrato herbáceo e arbóreo, o solo e os coprólitos, amostrados aleatoriamente ou em transectos. A riqueza de grupos e os índices de diversidade de Shannon e equalibilidade de Pielou também foram calculados. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que o consórcio favoreceu a diversidade da fauna do solo e da flora comparativamente às áreas de vegetação natural.

Biodiversity is important for the quality of agroecosystems. This study aims to analyze some components of biodiversity in agroecological systems lead by family farmers in the municipality of Choró, CE. Agricultural areas were selected by the time of adoption of intercropping systems as well as areas under natural vegetation used as reference. The soil fauna, the flora of the herbaceous and tree-shrub extracts, soil samples and coprolites were collected randomly or in transects to be analysed. The richness, and diversity and uniformity index (Shannon and Pielou, respectively) were also calculated. The adopted intercropping systems favour the soil fauna and flora diversity when compared to the natural vegetation areas.