Application of propolis in agriculture

This work carried out a literary review of the different aspects related to the use of propolis in the management of plant crops and their advances in agriculture. Propolis is a product widely known for its therapeutic capacity. Due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, among other biological activities, its use has been studied in agriculture. Studies they show that the use of propolis via ethanolic propolis extract (EEP) provides beneficial effects on crops. These benefits are associated with the control of phytopathogens, postharvest preservation and conservation of fruits and vegetables and promotion of plant growth. There is evidence that benefits are the result of the propolis chemical composition that is especially rich in phenolic compounds and nutrients. In addition, the typical waxy property of propolis results in an efficient biofilm in plant tissues. There are still scarce reports showing that the use of EEP in crop management controls the presence of insects and reduces water stress in plants. Generally, studies are mainly focused on in vivo and greenhouse evaluations, requiring further research to elucidate the full potential of the use of propolis in crop management.

Rizobactérias no crescimento e na produtividade da cebola / Rhizobacteria on the production and yield of onion

A associação de plantas com rizobactérias pode promover o crescimento vegetal, reduzindo custos de produção. As rizobactérias benéficas podem ser uma alternativa para a produção de cebola. Neste trabalho, foi avaliado o efeito da aplicação de rizobactérias no crescimento e na produtividade da cebola da cultivar 'Bola Precoce'. A aplicação foi realizada na Estação Experimental da Epagri, em Ituporanga, Santa Catarina (SC), no ano de 2008. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com cinco repetições, sendo utilizadas as rizobactérias Pseudomonas spp. W6, Bacillus megaterium W19 e Bacillus cereus UFV40, microbiolizadas isoladamente nas sementes ou em mistura, juntamente com uma testemunha não tratada. Os tratamentos com aplicação de rizobactérias proporcionaram maior altura, diâmetro de pseudocaule e número de folhas nas plantas avaliadas aos 90 dias após o transplante. Plantas que receberam os tratamentos com rizobactérias apresentaram maior rendimento de bulbos em relação à testemunha. A massa dos bulbos foi afetada positivamente pelos tratamentos, com destaque para Bacillus megaterium W19.

The association of plants with rhizobacteria can enhance plant growth, reducing production costs. Benefic rhizobacteria can stimulate plant growth being an alternative for production of onions. This research assesses the impact of applying rhizobacteria in the growth and productivity of cv. Bola Precoce onions. The study was conducted in the Experimental Station of Epagri, Ituporanga, SC, Brazil in 2008. The experimental design was in random blocks with five repetitions using Pseudomonas spp. W6, B Bacillus megaterium W19 e Bacillus cereus UFV40 rhizobacteria, microbiolized singly in seeds or in a formula together with non-treated control. The treatments involving rhizobacteria application yielded higher heights, diameter of pseudo-trunk and number of leaves in the plants assessed at 90 days after transplant. All the plants which received treatments with rhizobacteria presented better results considering the fresh weight and yield of bulb in relation to the control. The mass of bulbs were positively affected by the treatments, especially for Bacillus megaterium W19.