Stability Evaluation for Heat Tolerance in Lettuce: Implications and Recommendations.

Lettuce is an important cool-temperature crop, and its principal abiotic stress is low heat tolerance. Lettuce production has become more challenging in the context of global warming changes. Hence, the main objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between stability and lettuce heat tolerance. Field and greenhouse trials were run in 2015 (summer) and 2016 (fall and spring). The environments were composed of a combination of season and place (field, glass, and plastic greenhouse), and the assessed genotypes were BRS Leila and Mediterrânea, Elisa, Everglades, Simpson, and Vanda. Statistical analysis showed a significant effect (p < 0.05) of environments (E), genotypes (G), and the GEI. BRS Leila, Elisa, and BRS Mediterrânea showed the greatest means to the first anthesis in suitable environments (milder temperatures). Among these cultivars, BRS Mediterrânea was the most stable and adapted to hot environments. The environmental conditions studied in this research, mainly high temperatures, could become a reality in many lettuce-producing areas. Therefore, the results can help indicate and develop lettuce varieties with greater heat tolerance.

Effects of a S-metolachlor based herbicide on two plant models: Zea mays L. and Lactuca sativa L.

Corn is the second most cultivated crop in Brazil, the number-one country in pesticide consumption. Chemical control of weeds is performed using herbicides such as S-metolachlor with pre- and post-emergence action and thus the toxicity of herbicides constitutes a matter of great concern. The present investigation aimed to examine the effects of an S-metolachlor-based herbicide on Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) and Zea mays L. (maize) utilizing various bioassays. The test solutions were prepared from commercial products containing the active ingredient. Seeds from the plant models were exposed in petri dishes and maintained under biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) at 24°C. Distilled water was negative and aluminium positive control. Macroscopic analyses (germination and growth) were conducted for both plant species, and microscopic analysis (cell cycle and chromosomal alterations) were performed for L. sativa root tip cells. Detrimental interference of S-metolachlor-based herbicide was noted with lettuce for all parameters tested reducing plant germination by over 50% and the germination speed by over 45% and showing a significant decrease in mitotic index, from 16.25% to 9,28% even on the lowest concentration tested. In maize, there was no significant interference in plant germination; however, speed of germination was significantly hampered, reaching a 51.22% reduction for the highest concentration tested. Data demonstrated that the herbicide was toxic as evidenced by its phyto- and cytotoxicity in L. sativa L. and Z. mays L.

Deficit Irrigation with Silicon Application as Strategy to Increase Yield, Photosynthesis and Water Productivity in Lettuce Crops.

In regions where water is a limited resource, lettuce production can be challenging. To address this, water management strategies like deficit irrigation are used to improve water-use efficiency in agriculture. Associating this strategy with silicon (Si) application could help maintain adequate levels of agricultural production even with limited water availability. Two lettuce crop cycles were conducted in a completely randomized design, with a factorial scheme (2 × 3), with three irrigation levels (60%, 80% and 100%) of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and with and without Si application. To explore their combined effects, morphological, productive, physiological and nutritional parameters were evaluated in the crops. The results showed that deficit irrigation and Si application had a positive interaction: lettuce yield of the treatment with 80% ETc + Si was statistically similar to 100% ETc without Si in the first cycle, and the treatment with 60% ETc + Si was similar to 100% ETc without Si in the second cycle. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, transpiration rate and total chlorophyll content increased under water-stress conditions with Si application; in the first cycle, the treatment with 80% ETc + Si increased by 30.1%, 31.3%, 7.8%, 28.46% and 50.3% compared to the same treatment without Si, respectively. Si application in conditions of water deficit was also beneficial to obtain a cooler canopy temperature and leaves with higher relative water content. In conclusion, we found that Si applications attenuate water deficit effects and provide a strategy to ameliorate the yield and water productivity in lettuce crops, contributing to more sustainable practices in agriculture.

Yield, nutrition, and leaf gas exchange of lettuce plants in a hydroponic system in response to Bacillus subtilis inoculation.

Inoculation with Bacillus subtilis is a promising approach to increase plant yield and nutrient acquisition. In this context, this study aimed to estimate the B. subtilis concentration that increases yield, gas exchange, and nutrition of lettuce plants in a hydroponic system. The research was carried out in a greenhouse in Ilha Solteira, Brazil. A randomized block design with five replications was adopted. The treatments consisted of B. subtilis concentrations in nutrient solution [0 mL "non-inoculated", 7.8 × 103, 15.6 × 103, 31.2 × 103, and 62.4 × 103 colony forming units (CFU) mL-1 of nutrient solution]. There was an increase of 20% and 19% in number of leaves and 22% and 25% in shoot fresh mass with B. subtilis concentrations of 15.6 × 103 and 31.2 × 103 CFU mL-1 as compared to the non-inoculated plants, respectively. Also, B. subtilis concentration at 31.2 × 103 CFU mL-1 increased net photosynthesis rate by 95%, intercellular CO2 concentration by 30%, and water use efficiency by 67% as compared to the non-inoculated treatments. The concentration of 7.8 × 103 CFU mL-1 improved shoot accumulation of Ca, Mg, and S by 109%, 74%, and 69%, when compared with non-inoculated plants, respectively. Inoculation with B. subtilis at 15.6 × 103 CFU mL-1 provided the highest fresh leaves yield while inoculation at 15.6 × 103 and 31.2 × 103 CFU mL-1 increased shoot fresh mass and number of leaves. Concentrations of 7.8 × 103 and 15.6 × 103 increased shoot K accumulation. The concentrations of 7.8 × 103, 15.6 × 103, and 31.2 × 103 CFU mL-1 increased shoot N accumulation in hydroponic lettuce plants.

CuO-NPs Improve Biosynthesis of Bioactive Compounds in Lettuce.

The application of metallic nanoparticles improves the yield and content of bioactive compounds in plants. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the foliar application of copper nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) in the yield and content of bioactive compounds in lettuce. Different concentrations of CuO-NPs (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 mg mL-1) were applied in lettuce. The yield, nutraceutical quality, and enzymatic activity were determined. Foliar spraying of CuO-NPs induced an increase in the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds. In addition to an increase in the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in lettuce plants, there were no negative effects on yield. Therefore, with the application of CuO-NPs, better quality lettuces are produced for the human diet due to the higher production of bioactive compounds.

Effect of weed interference in the production components of ‘Lucy Brown american lettuce / Efeito da interferência de plantas daninhas nos componentes de produção da alface americana ‘Lucy Brown

One of the main challenges faced bylettuce producers is the interference of weeds whichaffectscrop development and productivity.The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of programmed weeding on the growth and production of Lucy Brown American lettuce.The experiment was carried out between March and May 2017 at the Federal University of Roraima Cauamé campus, in Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil. The experimental design used was randomized blocks with six treatments, four replications and four lettuce plants per experimental unit. The treatments tested were as follows: 100% weed control (100% WC); weed control 5 days after transplanting (WC 5 DAT); weed control 10 days after transplanting (WC 10 DAT); weed control 15 days after transplanting (WC 15 DAT); weed control 20 days after transplanting (WC 20 DAT) and 100% without weed control (100% WWC). The following variables were evaluated: shootheight, stem height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, root length, shoot freshweight, total fresh weight, shoot dry weightand productivity. The ‘Lucy Brownlettuce crop must be weed-freeafter 5 days of transplanting the seedlings to avoid productivitylosses. The lack of weed control in the cultivation of ‘Lucy Brown lettuce causes a 71.88% decrease in its productivity.(AU)

Um dos principais desafios enfrentados pelos produtores dealface é a interferência das plantas daninhas que afetam o desenvolvimento e produtividadedas culturas. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a ocorrência de capinas programadas de plantas daninhas sobre o crescimento e a produção da cultura da alface americana Lucy Brown. O experimento foi desenvolvido entre os meses de março e maio de 2017, no Campus do Cauamé, da Universidade Federal de Roraima, Boa Vista, Roraima, Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi blocos casualizados, com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições com quatro plantas de alface por unidade experimental. Foram testados os tratamentos: 100% controle de plantas daninhas (100% CPD), controle de plantas daninhas 5 dias após transplantio (CPD 5 DAT), controle de plantas daninhas 10 dias após transplantio (CPD10 DAT), controle de plantas daninhas 15 dias após transplantio (CPD 15 DAT), controle de plantas daninhas 20 dias após transplantio (CPD 20 DAT) e 100% sem controle de plantas daninhas (100% SCPD); sobre as variáveis: altura de planta, altura do caule, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, comprimento da folha, largura da folha, comprimento da raiz, massa fresca da parte área, massa fresca total da planta, massa seca da parte aérea e produtividade. A alface americana “Lucy Brown” deve estar sem convivênciadas plantas daninhas a partir dos 5 dias do transplantio das mudas para evitar perdas de rendimento. No cultivo da alface americana “Lucy Brown”, a ausência de controle das plantas daninhas causa decréscimo de 71,88% na sua produtividade.(AU)

Doses of sulfur at topdressing and organic compost supply at planting in the production, quality and content of macronutrients in lettuce seeds

The purpose of this study was to evaluate doses of sulfur applied at topdressing, with and without organic compost supply at planting, in the production, physiological quality and content of macronutrients in lettuce seeds. Ten treatments were evaluated in a 5x2 factorial scheme (five sulfur doses at topdressing x with and without application of organic compost at planting). The experimental design was a randomized block design, with four replicates. The sulfur doses applied at topdressing fertilization were 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1 of S, in addition to the control treatment (dose zero). Regarding the treatments with organic compost, the dose of 70 t ha-1 of compost (wet basis) was supplied at planting. The following characteristics were evaluated: seed production (mass and number of seeds per plant), seed quality (mass of one thousand seeds, first count of the standard germination test, germination percentage, and germination speed index) and content of macronutrients and mineral accumulation. The organic compost supply at planting increased seed production by 43% compared to the treatment without the application of organic compost, while the doses of sulfur did not affect the production of lettuce seeds. The supply of organic compost increased the accumulation of a great part of the macronutrients, except for the accumulation of calcium. The lettuce seeds quality was not affected by both the main treatments, the sulfur doses at topdressing and the organic compost supply at planting. The descending order of nutrients accumulated in the lettuce seeds was nitrogen> potassium> phosphorus> magnesium> calcium> sulfur.

Effect of weed interference in the production components of ‘Lucy Brown’ american lettuce / Efeito da interferência de plantas daninhas nos componentes de produção da alface americana ‘Lucy Brown’

One of the main challenges faced bylettuce producers is the interference of weeds whichaffectscrop development and productivity.The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of programmed weeding on the growth and production of Lucy Brown American lettuce.The experiment was carried out between March and May 2017 at the Federal University of Roraima Cauamé campus, in Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil. The experimental design used was randomized blocks with six treatments, four replications and four lettuce plants per experimental unit. The treatments tested were as follows: 100% weed control (100% WC); weed control 5 days after transplanting (WC 5 DAT); weed control 10 days after transplanting (WC 10 DAT); weed control 15 days after transplanting (WC 15 DAT); weed control 20 days after transplanting (WC 20 DAT) and 100% without weed control (100% WWC). The following variables were evaluated: shootheight, stem height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, root length, shoot freshweight, total fresh weight, shoot dry weightand productivity. The ‘Lucy Brown’lettuce crop must be weed-freeafter 5 days of transplanting the seedlings to avoid productivitylosses. The lack of weed control in the cultivation of ‘Lucy Brown’ lettuce causes a 71.88% decrease in its productivity.

Um dos principais desafios enfrentados pelos produtores dealface é a interferência das plantas daninhas que afetam o desenvolvimento e produtividadedas culturas. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a ocorrência de capinas programadas de plantas daninhas sobre o crescimento e a produção da cultura da alface americana Lucy Brown. O experimento foi desenvolvido entre os meses de março e maio de 2017, no Campus do Cauamé, da Universidade Federal de Roraima, Boa Vista, Roraima, Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi blocos casualizados, com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições com quatro plantas de alface por unidade experimental. Foram testados os tratamentos: 100% controle de plantas daninhas (100% CPD), controle de plantas daninhas 5 dias após transplantio (CPD 5 DAT), controle de plantas daninhas 10 dias após transplantio (CPD10 DAT), controle de plantas daninhas 15 dias após transplantio (CPD 15 DAT), controle de plantas daninhas 20 dias após transplantio (CPD 20 DAT) e 100% sem controle de plantas daninhas (100% SCPD); sobre as variáveis: altura de planta, altura do caule, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, comprimento da folha, largura da folha, comprimento da raiz, massa fresca da parte área, massa fresca total da planta, massa seca da parte aérea e produtividade. A alface americana “Lucy Brown” deve estar sem convivênciadas plantas daninhas a partir dos 5 dias do transplantio das mudas para evitar perdas de rendimento. No cultivo da alface americana “Lucy Brown”, a ausência de controle das plantas daninhas causa decréscimo de 71,88% na sua produtividade.

Production of lettuce cultivars in greenhouse in Humaitá, southern Amazonas state / Produção de cultivares de alface em casa de vegetação em Humaitá, sul do estado do Amazonas

Lettuce is the main leafy vegetable commercialized in Brazil and it is cultivated in many different environment conditions and regions. But, under high temperature and high light intensity lettuce plants tend to early flowering, making it difficult to obtain high-quality lettuce harvest. Thus, this study was aimed to evaluate the productive performance of lettuce cultivars in a greenhouse in the municipality of Humaitá, Amazonas state (AM). The cultivars used were Rafaela and Hanson, Veneranda, Mônica SF 31, Simpson, Solaris, Elba, Quatro Estações and Babá de Verão. The lettuce seedlings were transplanted 24 days after sowing into a greenhouse covered by 100 micra polyethylene transparent agrofilm. It was used bed with 33-m-long and 1-m-wide, using 30 cm x 30cm spacing between plants. The experimental design was randomized complete block with four replications. The parameters evaluated 32 days after transplanting were plant diameter, number of leaves, stem length and shoot dry mass. Cultivars Babá de Verão and Elba presented a better agronomic performance for cultivation in greenhouse in municipality of Humaitá, Amazonas state.

A alface é a principal folhosa comercializada no Brasil, sendo cultivada em muitas regiões e ambientais diferentes. Entretanto, sob altas temperaturas e elevada intensidade luminosa as plantas de alface tendem ao florescimento precoce, dificultando a obtenção de uma colheita de alface de alta qualidade. Assim, no presente estudo objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho produtivo de cultivares de alface em ambiente protegido no município de Humaitá, estado do Amazonas (AM). As cultivares usadas foram Rafaela e Hanson, Veneranda, Mônica SF 31, Simpson, Solaris, Elba, Quatro estações e Baba de Verão. As mudas de alface foram transplantadas 24 dias após a semeadura para casa de vegetação coberta com agrofilme de polietileno transparente de 100 micra. Foi utilizado canteiro com 33 m de comprimento e 1 m de largura, utilizando-se espaçamento de 30 cm x 30 cm entre plantas. O experimento foi conduzido utilizando-se delineamento em blocos completos casualizados com 4 repetições. Os parâmetros avaliados 32 dias após o transplantio foram o diâmetro da planta, número de folhas, comprimento do caule e massa seca da parte aérea. As cultivares Baba de Verão e Elba apresentaram melhor desempenho agronômico para o cultivo protegido no município de Humaitá, estado do Amazonas.

Production of lettuce cultivars in greenhouse in Humaitá, southern Amazonas state / Produção de cultivares de alface em casa de vegetação em Humaitá, sul do estado do Amazonas

Lettuce is the main leafy vegetable commercialized in Brazil and it is cultivated in many different environment conditions and regions. But, under high temperature and high light intensity lettuce plants tend to early flowering, making it difficult to obtain high-quality lettuce harvest. Thus, this study was aimed to evaluate the productive performance of lettuce cultivars in a greenhouse in the municipality of Humaitá, Amazonas state (AM). The cultivars used were Rafaela and Hanson, Veneranda, Mônica SF 31, Simpson, Solaris, Elba, Quatro Estações and Babá de Verão. The lettuce seedlings were transplanted 24 days after sowing into a greenhouse covered by 100 micra polyethylene transparent agrofilm. It was used bed with 33-m-long and 1-m-wide, using 30 cm x 30 cm spacing between plants. The experimental design was randomized complete block with four replications. The parameters evaluated 32 days after transplanting were plant diameter, number of leaves, stem length and shoot dry mass. Cultivars Babá de Verão and Elba presented a better agronomic performance for cultivation in greenhouse in municipality of Humaitá, Amazonas state.

A alface é a principal folhosa comercializada no Brasil, sendo cultivada em muitas regiões e ambientais diferentes. Entretanto, sob altas temperaturas e elevada intensidade luminosa as plantas de alface tendem ao florescimento precoce, dificultando a obtenção de uma colheita de alface de alta qualidade. Assim, no presente estudo objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho produtivo de cultivares de alface em ambiente protegido no município de Humaitá, estado do Amazonas (AM). As cultivares usadas foram Rafaela e Hanson, Veneranda, Mônica SF 31, Simpson, Solaris, Elba, Quatro estações e Baba de Verão. As mudas de alface foram transplantadas 24 dias após a semeadura para casa de vegetação coberta com agrofilme de polietileno transparente de 100 micra. Foi utilizado canteiro com 33 m de comprimento e 1 m de largura, utilizando-se espaçamento de 30 cm x 30 cm entre plantas. O experimento foi conduzido utilizando-se delineamento em blocos completos casualizados com 4 repetições. Os parâmetros avaliados 32 dias após o transplantio foram o diâmetro da planta, número de folhas, comprimento do caule e massa seca da parte aérea. As cultivares Baba de Verão e Elba apresentaram melhor desempenho agronômico para o cultivo protegido no município de Humaitá, estado do Amazonas.

Reaction of biofortified lettuce genotypes to different strains of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians

Lettuce bacterial leaf spot caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians is an aggressive disease that is difficult to control. So far there are no reports of the reaction of biofortified lettuce genotypes to different isolates of the bacteria. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the aggressiveness of X. campestris pv. vitians, as well as the reaction of biofortified lettuce genotypes to bacterial spot. Two experiments were performed in two distinct seasons (winter and summer), in greenhouse at the Vegetable Experimental Station of the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU). The experimental design in both experiments was a randomized block design, in a factor scheme of 5 × 4 (five genotypes and four strains), with four repetitions. Were evaluated the severity and the area under the disease progress curve. In general, the biofortified lettuce 'Uberlândia 10000' was more resistant to most bacterial strains in the summer cultivation, and in the winter period UFU 'Crespa 206'. The commercial cultivar Robusta was the most susceptible to the strains during both seasons. The UFU E125 strain was the most aggressive for most genotypes in both seasons.

Agronomic and sensory evaluation of lettuce in hydroponic system

Lettuce is the most important leafy vegetable in Brazil. Hydroponic lettuce cultivation has grown due to the viability of harvesting throughout the year. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the agronomic characteristics, color, and preference of curly lettuce in the NFT hydroponic system. Six lineages (6601-1A, 6601-2L, 7016-6A, 7119-1B, 7223-1A, and 7224-4A) and two commercial cultivars (Brida and Vanda) of lettuce were used, in a completely randomized blocks design with four replications. Shoot length, root length, stem length, number of leaves, stem diameter, plant diameter, shoot fresh mass, root fresh mass, chlorophyll content, instrumental color, and sensory characteristics were evaluated. As for agronomic evaluation, the bolting of 6601-2L lettuce was relevant in different attributes. The Vanda lettuce and the lineage 7016-6A presented best performances for shoot fresh mass (399.44 and 378.63 g, respectively), while the lineages 7119-1B and 6601-2L present the worst performance (279.50 and 273.13 g, respectively). There was variation in chlorophyll content and luminosity, however, the evaluators did not notice differences between lettuces for brightness or green color, as well as for crunchy texture. Lettuces 6601-2L, 7224-4A, 6601-1A, Brida, 7223-1A, and 7119-1B were preferred. The variation among plants may be due to different situations, such as harvesting times and bolting, and a direct relationship between agronomic properties and preference among lettuces has not been established yet.

Effect of weed interference in the production components of 'Lucy Brown' american lettuce / Efeito da interferência de plantas daninhas nos componentes de produção da alface americana 'Lucy Brown'

One of the main challenges faced bylettuce producers is the interference of weeds whichaffectscrop development and productivity.The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of programmed weeding on the growth and production of Lucy Brown American lettuce.The experiment was carried out between March and May 2017 at the Federal University of Roraima Cauamé campus, in Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil. The experimental design used was randomized blocks with six treatments, four replications and four lettuce plants per experimental unit. The treatments tested were as follows: 100% weed control (100% WC); weed control 5 days after transplanting (WC 5 DAT); weed control 10 days after transplanting (WC 10 DAT); weed control 15 days after transplanting (WC 15 DAT); weed control 20 days after transplanting (WC 20 DAT) and 100% without weed control (100% WWC). The following variables were evaluated: shootheight, stem height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, root length, shoot freshweight, total fresh weight, shoot dry weightand productivity. The 'Lucy Brown'lettuce crop must be weed-freeafter 5 days of transplanting the seedlings to avoid productivitylosses. The lack of weed control in the cultivation of 'Lucy Brown' lettuce causes a 71.88% decrease in its productivity.(AU)

Um dos principais desafios enfrentados pelos produtores dealface é a interferência das plantas daninhas que afetam o desenvolvimento e produtividadedas culturas. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a ocorrência de capinas programadas de plantas daninhas sobre o crescimento e a produção da cultura da alface americana Lucy Brown. O experimento foi desenvolvido entre os meses de março e maio de 2017, no Campus do Cauamé, da Universidade Federal de Roraima, Boa Vista, Roraima, Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi blocos casualizados, com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições com quatro plantas de alface por unidade experimental. Foram testados os tratamentos: 100% controle de plantas daninhas (100% CPD), controle de plantas daninhas 5 dias após transplantio (CPD 5 DAT), controle de plantas daninhas 10 dias após transplantio (CPD10 DAT), controle de plantas daninhas 15 dias após transplantio (CPD 15 DAT), controle de plantas daninhas 20 dias após transplantio (CPD 20 DAT) e 100% sem controle de plantas daninhas (100% SCPD); sobre as variáveis: altura de planta, altura do caule, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, comprimento da folha, largura da folha, comprimento da raiz, massa fresca da parte área, massa fresca total da planta, massa seca da parte aérea e produtividade. A alface americana "Lucy Brown" deve estar sem convivênciadas plantas daninhas a partir dos 5 dias do transplantio das mudas para evitar perdas de rendimento. No cultivo da alface americana "Lucy Brown", a ausência de controle das plantas daninhas causa decréscimo de 71,88% na sua produtividade.(AU)

Economic study of the cultivation of kale, coriander, lettuce, and chives in intercropping / Estudo econômico do cultivo da couve, coentro, alface e cebolinha em consórcio

Intercropping of vegetables in a poorly planned manner may not achieve the expected economic results, as it is an activity that requires a great technical and administrative capacity of the producer. This study aimed to analyze the economic feasibility of intercropping kale with coriander, lettuce, and chives in relation to monocultures. The experiment was conducted in the Center for Agri-food Science and Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande, in the municipality of Pombal, PB in the period from June 2014 to July 2015. Eleven treatments were tested: four polycultures, three bicultives, and four monocultures, in randomized blocks, with four replications. The productivity, total operating costs (TOC), gross and net revenue, rate of return, profitability index, and efficient land use were evaluated. The TOC values of intercropping were calculated with the prices of July 2015. In all the systems studied, the largest participation was referring to the cost hand of labor. The highest gross and net revenues were observed in the kale with lettuce in bicultive, the rate of return and profitability index was higher on lettuce in monoculture. Despite the increase in the TOCs of the intercropping in relation to the monocultures, the intercropping proved to be economically viable in terms of efficient land use, reaching values indicating a land-use efficiency of up to 50% more in polycultures and bicultives.

O cultivo de hortaliças de maneira mal planejada pode não alcançar os resultados econômicos esperados, pois é uma atividade que exige grande capacidade técnica e administrativa do produtor. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade econômica de cultivar couve, alface e cebolinha em consórcio. O experimento foi conduzido no Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Agroalimentar da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, no município de Pombal, PB, no período de junho de 2014 a julho de 2015. Foram testados onze tratamentos: quatro policultivos, três bicultivos e quatro monocultivos, em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados: produtividade; custos operacionais totais (COT); receita bruta e líquida; taxa de retorno; índice de lucratividade e uso eficiente da terra (UET). Os valores de COT do consórcio foram calculados com os preços de julho de 2015. Em todos os sistemas estudados, a maior participação foi referente ao custo mão de obra. As maiores receita bruta e líquida foram observadas na couve com alface em bicultivo, a taxa de retorno e rentabilidade índice foram maiores na alface em monocultura. Apesar do aumento nos COT'S dos consórcios em relação às monoculturas, a consorciação mostrou-se economicamente viável em termos de uso eficiente da terra, alcançando valores que indicam uma eficiência no uso da terra de até 50% a mais em policultivos e bicultivos.

Nonlinear models for describing lettuce growth in autumn-winter / Modelos não lineares para descrição do crescimento de cultivares de alface em condições de outono-inverno

The objectives of this study were to fit the Gompertz and Logistic models for the fresh and dry matter of leaves and the fresh and dry matter of shoots of three lettuce cultivars and indicate the best model to describe their growth in autumn-winter. The lettuce cultivars Gloriosa, Pira Verde, and Stella were evaluated in the autumn-winter of 2016 and 2017, in soilless in a protected environment. After transplantation, the fresh and dry matter of leaves and shoots were weighed every seven days. These dependent variables were fit using the accumulated thermal sum. The parameters of the Gompertz and Logistic models were estimated, the assumptions of the models were verified, the indicators of fit quality and critical points were calculated and the parametric and intrinsic curvature measures quantified. The Logistic and Gompertz models presented a satisfactory adjustment for the fresh and dry matter of leaves and the fresh and dry matter of shoots, for the lettuce cultivars Gloriosa, Pira Verde and Stella, in autumn-winter. The Logistic model best describes the growth of the lettuce cultivars.(AU)

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram ajustar os modelos Gompertz e Logístico para as massas de matéria fresca e seca de folhas, e as massas de matéria fresca e seca de parte aérea de três cultivares de alface e indicar o modelo que melhor descreve o crescimento no outono-inverno. As cultivares de alface Gloriosa, Pira Verde e Stella, foram avaliadas no outono-inverno de 2016 e outono-inverno de 2017, em cultivo sem solo em ambiente protegido. Após o transplante, a cada sete dias, foram pesadas as massas de matéria fresca e seca de folhas e as massas de matéria fresca e seca de parte aérea. Essas variáveis dependentes foram ajustadas em função da soma térmica acumulada. Foram estimados os parâmetros dos modelos Gompertz e Logístico, verificados os pressupostos dos modelos, calculados os indicadores de qualidade do ajuste e os pontos críticos e quantificadas as medidas de curvatura intrínseca e de parametrização. Os modelos Logístico e Gompertz apresentam ajuste satisfatório para as massas de matéria fresca e seca de folhas e para as massas de matéria fresca e seca de parte aérea, para as cultivares de alface Gloriosa, Pira Verde e Stella, no outono-inverno. O modelo Logístico é o que melhor descreve o crescimento das cultivares de alface.(AU)

Different tray cell volumes for lettuce grown in conventional and hydroponic system / Diferentes volumes de célula da bandeja para alface cultivada em sistema convencional e hidropônico

Nowadays, an important economic movement is involved in the improvement of polyethylene trays for the production of seedlings, being developed with different volumes, numbers and cell formats in an each culture-specific manner. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance of curly lettuce originated from seedlings from trays with different volumes, through the comparison between conventional and hydroponic-NFT cultivation. Five volumes of trays (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 cm³ of cell-1) were tested in conventional and hydroponic cultivation, from February to March 2016. For the purpose of comparison, the plants were evaluated through the characteristics of height, circumference, stem diameter, number of leaves, fresh shoot mass and productivity. The use of volumes greater than 10 cm³ showed higher precocity in both cultivation systems, with hydroponic cultivation being more precocious and productive when compared to conventional cultivation.(AU)

Atualmente, um importante movimento econômico está envolvido na aprimoração das bandejas de polietileno para a produção de mudas, sendo desenvolvido com diferentes volumes, números e formatos de células de forma específica para cada cultura. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o desempenho de alface crespa, oriunda de mudas de bandejas com diferentes volumes, através da comparação entre cultivo convencional e hidropônico-NFT. Cinco volumes de bandejas (10, 20, 30, 40 e 50 cm³ de célula-1) foram testados em cultivo convencional e hidropônico, no período de fevereiro a março de 2016. Para fins de comparação, as plantas foram avaliadas através das características de altura, circunferência, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, massa fresca da parte aérea e produtividade. O uso de volumes superiores a 10 cm³ apresentou maior precocidade em ambos os sistemas de cultivo, sendo o cultivo hidropônico mais precoce e produtivo quando comparado ao cultivo convencional.(AU)

Different tray cell volumes for lettuce grown in conventional and hydroponic system / Diferentes volumes de célula da bandeja para alface cultivada em sistema convencional e hidropônico

ABSTRACT: Nowadays, an important economic movement is involved in the improvement of polyethylene trays for the production of seedlings, being developed with different volumes, numbers and cell formats in an each culture-specific manner. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance of curly lettuce originated from seedlings from trays with different volumes, through the comparison between conventional and hydroponic-NFT cultivation. Five volumes of trays (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 cm³ of cell-1) were tested in conventional and hydroponic cultivation, from February to March 2016. For the purpose of comparison, the plants were evaluated through the characteristics of height, circumference, stem diameter, number of leaves, fresh shoot mass and productivity. The use of volumes greater than 10 cm³ showed higher precocity in both cultivation systems, with hydroponic cultivation being more precocious and productive when compared to conventional cultivation.

RESUMO: Atualmente, um importante movimento econômico está envolvido na aprimoração das bandejas de polietileno para a produção de mudas, sendo desenvolvido com diferentes volumes, números e formatos de células de forma específica para cada cultura. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o desempenho de alface crespa, oriunda de mudas de bandejas com diferentes volumes, através da comparação entre cultivo convencional e hidropônico-NFT. Cinco volumes de bandejas (10, 20, 30, 40 e 50 cm³ de célula-1) foram testados em cultivo convencional e hidropônico, no período de fevereiro a março de 2016. Para fins de comparação, as plantas foram avaliadas através das características de altura, circunferência, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, massa fresca da parte aérea e produtividade. O uso de volumes superiores a 10 cm³ apresentou maior precocidade em ambos os sistemas de cultivo, sendo o cultivo hidropônico mais precoce e produtivo quando comparado ao cultivo convencional.

Nonlinear models for describing lettuce growth in autumn-winter / Modelos não lineares para descrição do crescimento de cultivares de alface em condições de outono-inverno

ABSTRACT: The objectives of this study were to fit the Gompertz and Logistic models for the fresh and dry matter of leaves and the fresh and dry matter of shoots of three lettuce cultivars and indicate the best model to describe their growth in autumn-winter. The lettuce cultivars Gloriosa, Pira Verde, and Stella were evaluated in the autumn-winter of 2016 and 2017, in soilless in a protected environment. After transplantation, the fresh and dry matter of leaves and shoots were weighed every seven days. These dependent variables were fit using the accumulated thermal sum. The parameters of the Gompertz and Logistic models were estimated, the assumptions of the models were verified, the indicators of fit quality and critical points were calculated and the parametric and intrinsic curvature measures quantified. The Logistic and Gompertz models presented a satisfactory adjustment for the fresh and dry matter of leaves and the fresh and dry matter of shoots, for the lettuce cultivars Gloriosa, Pira Verde and Stella, in autumn-winter. The Logistic model best describes the growth of the lettuce cultivars.

RESUMO: Os objetivos deste trabalho foram ajustar os modelos Gompertz e Logístico para as massas de matéria fresca e seca de folhas, e as massas de matéria fresca e seca de parte aérea de três cultivares de alface e indicar o modelo que melhor descreve o crescimento no outono-inverno. As cultivares de alface Gloriosa, Pira Verde e Stella, foram avaliadas no outono-inverno de 2016 e outono-inverno de 2017, em cultivo sem solo em ambiente protegido. Após o transplante, a cada sete dias, foram pesadas as massas de matéria fresca e seca de folhas e as massas de matéria fresca e seca de parte aérea. Essas variáveis dependentes foram ajustadas em função da soma térmica acumulada. Foram estimados os parâmetros dos modelos Gompertz e Logístico, verificados os pressupostos dos modelos, calculados os indicadores de qualidade do ajuste e os pontos críticos e quantificadas as medidas de curvatura intrínseca e de parametrização. Os modelos Logístico e Gompertz apresentam ajuste satisfatório para as massas de matéria fresca e seca de folhas e para as massas de matéria fresca e seca de parte aérea, para as cultivares de alface Gloriosa, Pira Verde e Stella, no outono-inverno. O modelo Logístico é o que melhor descreve o crescimento das cultivares de alface.

Crescimento e produção da alface sob reposições hídricas e uso de polímero hidroretentor / Growth and production of lettuce under water replacements and use of hydroabsorbent polymer

A alface é uma hortaliça bastante exigente em água, o que pode limitar sua produção em regiões com carência hídrica. Assim, o uso de tecnologias que permitam a maximização do uso da água nessas áreas se faz necessária. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se avaliar o crescimento e produção da alface utilizando diferentes reposições hídricas e polímero hidroretentor. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação em delineamento em blocos com tratamentos ao acaso, utilizando-se esquema fatorial 4 x 2 + 2, referentes as seguintes lâminas de irrigação (100%; 80%; 60%; 40% da capacidade de campo), e dois volumes de polímero hidroretentor (50 e 25 mL por planta), além de duas testemunhas, com quatro repetições. Foram determinadas a altura da planta; diâmetro da cabeça; número de folhas por planta; massa fresca e massa da matéria seca da parte aérea (caule + folhas). Observou-se efeito da lâmina de irrigação sob todas as características analisadas, no entanto, não se registrou efeito significativo das doses de polímero hidroretentor. A alface apresenta maior crescimento e produtividade com a lâmina de água de 100% da capacidade de campo. (AU)

Lettuce is a very demanding vegetable in water, which may limit its production in regions with water shortage. Thus, the use of technologies that maximize the use of water in these areas is necessary. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the growth and yield of lettuce using different water replacements and hydroretentor polymer. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a randomized block design using a 4 x 2 + 2 factorial scheme, referring to the following irrigation depths (100%; 80%; 60%; 40% of field capacity). ), and two volumes of hydroretentor polymer (50 and 25 mL per plant), plus two controls, with four replications. Plant height was determined; head diameter; number of leaves per plant; fresh mass and dry matter mass of shoot (stem+ leaves). Irrigation depth effect was observed under all the characteristics analyzed, however, there was no significant effect of hydroretentor polymer doses. Lettuce has higher growth and productivity with the water depth of 100% of field capacity.(AU)

Crescimento e produção da alface sob reposições hídricas e uso de polímero hidroretentor / Growth and production of lettuce under water replacements and use of hydroabsorbent polymer

A alface é uma hortaliça bastante exigente em água, o que pode limitar sua produção em regiões com carência hídrica. Assim, o uso de tecnologias que permitam a maximização do uso da água nessas áreas se faz necessária. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se avaliar o crescimento e produção da alface utilizando diferentes reposições hídricas e polímero hidroretentor. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação em delineamento em blocos com tratamentos ao acaso, utilizando-se esquema fatorial 4 x 2 + 2, referentes as seguintes lâminas de irrigação (100%; 80%; 60%; 40% da capacidade de campo), e dois volumes de polímero hidroretentor (50 e 25 mL por planta), além de duas testemunhas, com quatro repetições. Foram determinadas a altura da planta; diâmetro da cabeça; número de folhas por planta; massa fresca e massa da matéria seca da parte aérea (caule + folhas). Observou-se efeito da lâmina de irrigação sob todas as características analisadas, no entanto, não se registrou efeito significativo das doses de polímero hidroretentor. A alface apresenta maior crescimento e produtividade com a lâmina de água de 100% da capacidade de campo.

Lettuce is a very demanding vegetable in water, which may limit its production in regions with water shortage. Thus, the use of technologies that maximize the use of water in these areas is necessary. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the growth and yield of lettuce using different water replacements and hydroretentor polymer. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a randomized block design using a 4 x 2 + 2 factorial scheme, referring to the following irrigation depths (100%; 80%; 60%; 40% of field capacity). ), and two volumes of hydroretentor polymer (50 and 25 mL per plant), plus two controls, with four replications. Plant height was determined; head diameter; number of leaves per plant; fresh mass and dry matter mass of shoot (stem+ leaves). Irrigation depth effect was observed under all the characteristics analyzed, however, there was no significant effect of hydroretentor polymer doses. Lettuce has higher growth and productivity with the water depth of 100% of field capacity.