The Microbial Community Structure in the Rhizosphere of Theobroma cacao L. and Euterpe oleracea Mart. Is Influenced by Agriculture System in the Brazilian Amazon.

This study tested the hypothesis that cocoa monoculture (MS) and cocoa-açai agroforestry systems (AFS) may influence the microbial community structure and populations of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR). Accordingly, the aim was to analyze the microbial community structure and PGPR populations in different agroecosystems in the Brazilian Amazon. To achieve this, the rhizosphere microbial community of cocoa and açai plants in both Amazonian seasons (dry and rainy) was analyzed using culture-dependent (PGPR screening) and -independent methods [PCR-DGGE based on rrs, alp, nifH gene, and intergenic region (ITS) of fungi]. Concerning PGPR screening, out of 48 isolated bacterial strains, 25% were capable of siderophore production, 29% of mineralized organic phosphate, 8% of inorganic phosphate solubilization, and 4% of indole acetic acid production. Moreover, 17% of isolates could inhibit the growth of various phytopathogenic fungi. Statistical analyses of DGGE fingerprints (p < 0.05) showed that bacterial and fungal community structures in the rhizosphere were influenced by the seasons, supporting the results of the physicochemical analysis of the environment. Furthermore, as hypothesized, microbial communities differed statistically when comparing the MS and AFS. These findings provide important insights into the influence of climate and cultivation systems on soil microbial communities to guide the development of sustainable agricultural practices.

A scarab beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) causes tree mortality, delayed growth, and yield reduction in cacao with genotype-specific susceptibility to herbivory.

BACKGROUND: This study explored the impact of Leucothyreus femoratus, a previously unreported folivorous pest in cacao cultivation, on cacao tree survival, development, and yield. The study was conducted in an experimental cacao plot in the Colombian plains, it featured 20 cacao genotypes in an agroforestry system, with plantain and Mexican sunflower providing temporary shade, and yopo offering permanent shade. RESULTS: We found an infestation rate of 2.9 ± 0.3 adult beetles per cacao tree. L. femoratus larvae were discovered in association with the roots of all plants within the agroforestry arrangement; however, yopo and plantain exhibited the highest incidence of root-feeding larvae among these associated plants. Interestingly, male and female L. femoratus displayed distinct leaf consumption patterns in the laboratory, with females consuming more foliage relative to their body weight. Moreover, field observations highlighted the detrimental impact of L. femoratus herbivory on cacao tree survival and growth, leading to leaf skeletonization, reduced plant height, and stem diameter. Trees with over 50% leaf consumption suffered more than 20% mortality. Additionally, herbivory negatively affected cacao yield, correlating higher leaf surface damage with a decrease in harvested pods. The study also identified varying antixenotic resistance in different cacao genotypes, with some consistently displaying resistance while others showed variable levels during tree establishment and production stages. CONCLUSION: This research underscores the significant role of L. femoratus as a cacao pest, emphasizing its adverse effects on cacao tree survival, development, and yield. Consequently, implementing effective control measures is vital for ensuring sustainable cacao cultivation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nitrogen Use Efficiency in an Agrisilviculture System with Gliricidia sepium in the Cerrado Region.

Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) is a tree legume that has great potential for use in agriculture because of its multiple-use characteristics. However, there is little information in the literature about the effect of agrisilvicultural systems on nitrogen (N) cycling. This study evaluated the effect of densities of gliricidia on N cycling under an agrisilvicultural system. The treatments were composed of different densities of gliricidia: 667, 1000 and 1333 plants ha-1, with a fixed spacing of 5 m between the alleys. The efficiency of N use was investigated by using the 15N isotope tracer. In each plot, a transect perpendicular to the tree rows was established in two positions: (i) in the corn (Zea mays) row adjacent to the trees, and (ii) in the corn row in the center of the alley. The N fertilizer recovery efficiency ranged from 39% in the density of 667 plants ha-1 to 89% with 1000 plants ha-1. The effect of gliricidia on the N uptake by corn was higher in the central position of the alley with 1000 plants ha-1. The agrisilvicultural system with 1000 plants ha-1 was highly efficient in the recovery of mineral N, representing an excellent option for integrated production systems in tropical regions.

Litter inputs and standing stocks in riparian zones and streams under secondary forest and managed and abandoned cocoa agroforestry systems.

Background: Cocoa is an important tropical tree crop that is mainly cultivated in agroforestry systems (AFS). This system, known as cabruca in northeastern Brazil, holds promise to reconcile biodiversity conservation and economic development. However, since cocoa AFS alters forest structure composition, it can affect litter dynamics in riparian zones and streams. Thus, our objective was to determine litter inputs and standing stocks in riparian zones and streams under three types of forest: managed cocoa AFS, abandoned cocoa AFS, and secondary forest. Methods: We determined terrestrial litter fall (TI), vertical (VI) and lateral (LI) litter inputs to streams, and litter standing stocks on streambeds (BS) in the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil. Litter was collected every 30 days from August 2018 to July 2019 using custom-made traps. The litter was dried, separated into four fractions (leaves, branches, reproductive organs, and miscellaneous material) and weighed. Results: Terrestrial litter fall was similar in all forests, ranging from 89 g m-2 month-1 in secondary forest (SF) to 96 g m-2 month-1 in abandoned cocoa AFS (AC). Vertical input were higher in AC (82 g m-2 month-1) and MC (69 g m-2 month-1) than in SF (40 g m-2 month-1), whereas lateral input were higher in MC (43 g m-2 month-1) than in AC (15 g m-2 month-1) and SF (24 g m-2 month-1). Standing stocks followed the order SF > AC > MC, corresponding to 425, 299 and 152 g m-2. Leaves contributed most to all litter fractions in all forests. Reproductive plant parts accounted for a larger proportion in managed AFS. Branches and miscellaneous litter were also similar in all forests, except for higher benthic standing stocks of miscellaneous litter in the SF. Despite differences in the amounts of litter inputs and standing stocks among the forests, seasonal patterns in the abandoned AFS (AC) were more similar to those of the secondary forest (SF) than the managed AFS, suggesting potential of abandoned AFS to restore litter dynamics resembling those of secondary forests.

Report of Tuckerella pavoniformis (Acari: Tuckerellidae) on Mamey, Mammea americana (Calophyllaceae), in Northwestern Peru.

The family Tuckerellidae, or peacock mites, is a monogeneric group comprising approximately 32 species, which are usually collected from the fruits or woody parts of their host plants. Fruits and branchlets of mamey, Mammea americana L. (Calophyllaceae) trees in north-western Peru were sampled for peacock mites throughout spring and summer for two consecutive years. This is the first record of Tuckerella pavoniformis (Ewing) (Acari: Tuckerellidae) feeding on mamey. Aggregations of mites were much higher and more common on the fruit epicarps than on branchlets. Recommendations for the development of an Integrated Pest Management strategy for this peacock mite are included.

Captura de carbono en biomasa de sistemas de uso del suelo, municipio de Yopal, Casanare, Colombia / Carbon capture regarding biomass from rural land use systems near the municipality of Yopal, Casanare, Colombia / Captura de carbono na biomassa de sistemas de uso da terra, município de Yopal, Casanare, Colômbia

Resumen El cambio climático, ocasionado por el incremento en la concentración de gases efecto invernadero (GEI), genera alteraciones en el clima del planeta, aumentando la temperatura media global, lo que afecta patrones de precipitación. El área de estudio se ubicó en el Municipio de Yopal, corregimiento Tacarimena, compuesta por ocho veredas, la cual presenta clima cálido - húmedo con promedio de precipitación anual de 2270 mm; temporada seca de diciembre-marzo y lluviosa de abril-noviembre y alturas inferiores a 380 m. En concordancia con la necesidad del desarrollo bajo en carbono, la presente investigación estima la biomasa arriba y abajo del suelo y con éstas el carbono total almacenado en siete sistemas de uso del suelo: 1) plátano con sombrío (SAF+ plátano), 2) cacao con sombrío (Ca+S), 3) cítricos (C), 4) sistema silvopastoril bajo (SSPB), 5) sistema silvopastoril alto (SSPA), 6) bosques de galería (BG), y 7) mata de monte (MM). Se trabajó con diseño experimental completamente al azar con cinco repeticiones, para un total de 35 unidades experimentales. Se establecieron parcelas temporales de muestreo, tomando datos en 832 árboles de 66 especies botánicas. Se estimó la biomasa arriba del suelo mediante modelos alometricos, utilizando datos de campo (diámetro a la altura del pecho dap y la altura total). La biomasa abajo del suelo (raíces) se estimó empleando el modelo general para bosques tropicales. Todos los usos del suelo en estudio ofrecen el servicio ecosistémico de captura de carbono, siendo el BG y la MM los de mayor carbono, mientras que el SAF+plátano almacenó la menor cantidad de carbono. Potenciales cambios de sistemas productivos a sistemas forestales (BG y MM) implican una ganancia de carbono (adicionalidad), mientras que los cambios contrarios, es decir deforestación, representan emisiones de CO2. Estos resultados son claves para la orientación a políticas y proyectos de captura de carbono.

Abstract Climate change caused by increased greenhouse gas (GHG) concentration causes alterations in the planet's climate and increases the average global temperature, thereby affecting rainfall patterns. This study's target area was the town of Tacarimena in the municipality of Yopal; it has eight rural areas. The area is located around 380 masl and has a warm, humid climate, a mean annual rainfall of 2,270 mm, a dry season between December and March and a rainy season from April to November. This research has estimated seven land-use systems' above- and below-ground biomass and total carbon storage in line with a low-carbon development policy: 1) plantain with shade (SAF + plantain), 2) cocoa with shade (Ca + S), 3) citrus (C), 4) low-lying silvopastoral system (LSS), 5) high-lying silvopastoral system (HSS), 6) gallery forest (GF) and 7) bush (B). A completely randomised experimental design with five repetitions was used, giving 35 experimental units. Temporary sampling plots were established for taking information regarding 832 trees from 66 botanical species. Allometric models were used for estimating above-ground biomass using field data/measurements (diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height (TH). A general tropical forest model was used for estimating below-ground biomass. All the land-use systems being studied had the essential ecosystem service of carbon capture/CO2 sequestration where GF and B had the highest carbon storage; on the contrary, SAF + plantain stored the lowest amount of carbon. Changing from production to forestry systems (GF and B) implies increased carbon capture (additionality), whereas the opposite (i.e. deforestation) represents CO2 emission. Such results represent a key input for policy design and carbon capture projects.

Resumo A mudança climática, causada pelo aumento da concentração de gases de efeito estufa (GEEs), gera alterações no clima do planeta e um aumento na temperatura média global, afetando os padrões de precipitação. A área de estudo foi localizada no município de Yopal, distrito Tacarimena, composto por oito vilarejos, que tem um clima quente - úmido com precipitação anual média de 2.270 mm, além de uma estação seca de dezembro a março e uma estação chuvosa entre abril e novembro. De acordo com a necessidade de desenvolvimento baixo em carbono, esta pesquisa estima a biomassa acima e abaixo do solo e com eles o total de carbono armazenado em sete sistemas de uso da terra: 1) banana com sombra (SAF + banana), 2) cacau sombreado (Ca + S), 3) cítricos (C), 4) sistema silvopastoril baixo (SSPB), 5) sistema silvopastoril alto (SSPA), 6) floresta riparia (BG), e 7) fragmento de floresta (MM). Desenvolveu-se um desenho experimental inteiramente casualizado com cinco repetições, totalizando 35 unidades experimentais. Parcelas temporárias de amostragem foram estabelecidas, tomando dados de 832 árvores de 66 espécies botânicas. A biomassa acima do solo foi estimada com modelos alométricos, inserindo os dados de campo: diâmetro à altura do peito (dap) e a altura total. A biomassa abaixo do solo foi estimada usando um modelo geral para florestas tropicais. Todos os usos da terra em estudo oferecem o serviço ecossistêmico de captura de carbono, sendo BG e MM os que apresentam o maior carbono, enquanto que SAF + banana armazenou a menor quantidade de carbono. Mudanças potenciais de sistemas de produção para sistemas florestais (BG e MM) implicam em ganho de carbono (adicionalidade), entanto que as mudanças opostas, como o desmatamento, representam emissões de CO2. Esses resultados são chaves para orientar políticas e projetos de captura de carbono.

Managing the farmscape for connectivity increases conservation value for tropical bird species with different forest-dependencies.

Land clearing for agricultural use is a primary driver of biodiversity loss and fragmentation of natural ecosystems. Restoring natural habitat connectivity by retaining quality habitats and increasing on-farm tree cover contributes to species' mobility and persistence in agricultural landscapes. Nonetheless, remarkably few studies have quantified the impacts of on-farm practices for species' mobility measured as functional connectivity within the context of farm and broader spatial levels of landscape organization. We tested how adding and removing trees in different configurations on a farm comprised of coffee plantations and cattle pastures can help evaluate species' mobility at the farmscape level (an area comprising the farm plus a 1.5 km buffer area). We coupled bird capture data and scenario modeling to assess species mobility of five neotropical bird species with distinct life history characteristics representing a gradient of forest dependency. We used seven years of mist-netting data to estimate species habitat affinity and to predict species mobility using the Circuitscape model across a 4371 ha farmscape in Costa Rica. Circuitscape allowed us to estimate changes in movement probability and relative changes in resistance to movement that species experience during dispersal (measured as resistance distance and passage area through which species can move) under four farmscape management scenarios. The four land-use scenarios included: (a) the 2011 farmscape land-use composition and configuration, b) converting all existing live fences to post-and-wire fence lines in the farm c) converting simplified coffee agroforests to multistrata coffee agroforests in the farm, and d) placing multistrata live fences around the perimeter of every parcel and roads on the farm. Model results suggest that existing multistrata live fences maintain the sporadic movement of all five species irrespective of forest dependence. Likewise, adding multistrata live fences around individual fields presents a more efficient strategy for increasing species mobility than multistrata coffee agroforestry systems in the assessed farmscape, by doubling the passage areas available to all species, although it created labyrinths with "dead-ends" for two species. While retaining large habitat patches remains important for conservation, managing on-farm connectivity complements these efforts by increasing movement probability and reducing dispersal resistance for forest-dependent bird species.

Desenvolvimento inicial de espécies arbóreas em sistemas agroflorestais no Baixo Amazonas, Pará, Brasil / Initial development of tree species in agroforestry systems in the Lower Amazon, Pará, Brazil

Estudos sobre o desenvolvimento inicial de espécies arbóreas em sistemas agroflorestais são importantes, pois fornecem subsídios para o manejo desses agroecossistemas. O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi avaliar a sobrevivência e o crescimento em altura de mudas de espécies arbóreas em sistemas agroflorestais amazônicos submetidos a diferentes formas de preparo da área e manejo. O experimento foi conduzido em dois sistemas agroflorestais (sucessional e consórcio agroflorestal) localizados no Baixo Amazonas, oeste do estado do Pará. No consórcio agroflorestal comercial, a taxa de sobrevivência das espécies não ultrapassou o valor de 70%. No sistema sucessional a taxa de sobrevivência das espécies arbóreas implantadas foi alta com a maioria variando entre 90 a 100%. O estresse hídrico nos períodos mais secos do ano é um fator limitante na adoção de sistemas agroflorestais na região causando mortalidade das mudas. Quanto ao crescimento em altura, as espécies avaliadas obtiveram desempenhos satisfatórios em ambos os sistemas.(AU)

Studies on the initial development of tree species in agroforestry systems are important, since they provide subsidies for the management of these agroecosystems. The objective of this research was to evaluate the survival and height growth of tree species changes in Amazonian agroforestry systems subjected to different forms of area preparation and management. The experiment was carried out in two agroforestry systems (successional and agroforestry consortium) located in Lower Amazon, western Pará state. In the commercial agroforestry consortium, the survival rate of the species didnt exceed 70%. In the successional system, the survival rate of the implanted tree species was high, with most values varying between 90 and 100%. Water stress in the driest periods of the year is a limiting factor in the adoption of agroforestry systems in the region, causing mortality of the seedlings. Regarding the growth in height, the evaluated species obtained satisfactory performances in both systems.(AU)

Desenvolvimento inicial de espécies arbóreas em sistemas agroflorestais no Baixo Amazonas, Pará, Brasil / Initial development of tree species in agroforestry systems in the Lower Amazon, Pará, Brazil

Estudos sobre o desenvolvimento inicial de espécies arbóreas em sistemas agroflorestais são importantes, pois fornecem subsídios para o manejo desses agroecossistemas. O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi avaliar a sobrevivência e o crescimento em altura de mudas de espécies arbóreas em sistemas agroflorestais amazônicos submetidos a diferentes formas de preparo da área e manejo. O experimento foi conduzido em dois sistemas agroflorestais (sucessional e consórcio agroflorestal) localizados no Baixo Amazonas, oeste do estado do Pará. No consórcio agroflorestal comercial, a taxa de sobrevivência das espécies não ultrapassou o valor de 70%. No sistema sucessional a taxa de sobrevivência das espécies arbóreas implantadas foi alta com a maioria variando entre 90 a 100%. O estresse hídrico nos períodos mais secos do ano é um fator limitante na adoção de sistemas agroflorestais na região causando mortalidade das mudas. Quanto ao crescimento em altura, as espécies avaliadas obtiveram desempenhos satisfatórios em ambos os sistemas.

Studies on the initial development of tree species in agroforestry systems are important, since they provide subsidies for the management of these agroecosystems. The objective of this research was to evaluate the survival and height growth of tree species changes in Amazonian agroforestry systems subjected to different forms of area preparation and management. The experiment was carried out in two agroforestry systems (successional and agroforestry consortium) located in Lower Amazon, western Pará state. In the commercial agroforestry consortium, the survival rate of the species didnt exceed 70%. In the successional system, the survival rate of the implanted tree species was high, with most values varying between 90 and 100%. Water stress in the driest periods of the year is a limiting factor in the adoption of agroforestry systems in the region, causing mortality of the seedlings. Regarding the growth in height, the evaluated species obtained satisfactory performances in both systems.

Propiedades químicas, físicas y biológicas del suelo, indicadores del estado de diferentes ecosistemas en una terraza alta del departamento del Meta / Chemical, physical and biological soil properties, indicators of the status of different ecosystem in a high terrace of the Meta department / Propriedades químicas, físicas e biológicas do solo, indicadores do estado de diferentes ecossistemas em um alto terraço do departamento meta

Resumen Con el propósito de avanzar en la valoración de las propiedades químicas, físicas y biológicas como indicadores de calidad del suelo en un sistema agroforestal, se evaluaron tres sistemas de uso en suelos de terraza alta ubicados en el C.I La Libertad de Agrosavia: bosque, sistema agroforestal (SAF) y pradera. Se tomaron muestras de suelo a dos profundidades 0-10 cm (P1) y 10-20 cm (P2). Se midieron variables químicas y físicas, se hizo recuento microbiano de hongos, bacterias, actinomicetos y mesoinvertebrados, estos se identificaron a nivel de familia y especie. Inicialmente, se realizó análisis descriptivo de los datos y se interpretaron de acuerdo con los valores de referencia reportados. El análisis estadístico se realizó por medio de Análisis de Componentes Principales (ACP), análisis de varianza y prueba de comparación de medias de Duncan (para lo cual se utilizaron los software estadísticos R versión 3.1.2 (paquete ADE4 1.4.5) e INFOSTAT 2014I). Se seleccionaron las variables químicas pH, aluminio intercambiable (AlH), fósforo (P), calcio (Ca), magnesio (Mg), potasio (K), boro (B), azufre (S), sodio (Na), zinc (Zn), capacidad de intercambio catiónico efectiva (CICE) y las variables fisicas conductividad hidráulica (CH), densidad aparente (DA), mesoporosidad (MES), porosidad total (PT), saturación (SAT), capacidad de campo (CC), humedad disponible (HD), microporosidad (MIC), punto de marchitez permanente (PMP), porcentaje de arena y arcilla, que permiten separar los sistemas en cuanto a la calidad del suelo. En el SAF se encontró moderada calidad química representada por altos valores de pH(5,30), bajo AlH (1,02 Cmol/kg), bajos contenidos de Ca en P1 (1,49 Cmol/kg) y P2 (0,71 Cmol/kg), bajo Mg en P1(0,49 Cmol/kg) y P2(0,21 Cmol/kg) y, los mayores valores encontrados de S(13,08 mg/kg) y Zn(0,70 mg/kg) en P2. A su vez, el SAF mostró baja calidad física con valores de DA de 1,34 g/cm3 en P1 y 1,46g/cm3 en P2. Las variables biológicas no contribuyeron a la diferenciación entre sistemas, sin embargo, el bosque arrojó un mayor número de actinomicetos y hongos micorrizicos arbusculares (HMA) asociados a una mayor asimilación de nutrientes como el P.

Abstract In the evaluation of the chemical, physical and biological properties as soil quality indicators for agroforestry systems, three systems of land use were valued. These systems are located in high terrace soils in the La Libertad de Agrosavia were evaluated: forest, system agroforestry (SAF) and grassland. Soil samples were taken at two depths 0-10 cm (P1) and 10-20 cm (P2). Chemical and physical variables were measured, microbial counts were made of fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes and mesoinvertebrates. These organism were identified at family and species level. Initially, a descriptive analysis of the data was performed and interpreted according to the reported reference values. The statistical analysis was carried out through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), variance analysis and Duncan's mean comparison test (for which statistical software R version 3.1.2 (package ADE4 1.4.5) and INFOSTAT were used. 2014I). Chemical variables were selected: pH, exchangeable aluminum (AlH), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), boron (B), sulfur (S), sodium (Na), zinc ( Zn), effective cation exchange capacity (CICE) and the physical variables hydraulic conductivity (CH), bulk density (DA), mesoporosity (MES), total porosity (PT), saturation (SAT), field capacity (CC), available humidity (HD), microporosity (MIC), permanent wilting point (PMP), percentage of sand and clay, which allow to separate the systems in terms of soil quality. In the SAF, moderate chemical quality was found, represented by high pH values ​​(5.30), low AlH (1.02 Cmol / kg), low contents of Ca in P1 (1.49 Cmol / kg) and P2 (0, 71 Cmol / kg), under Mg in P1 (0.49 Cmol / kg) and P2 (0.21 Cmol / kg) and, the highest values ​​found of S (13.08 mg / kg) and Zn (0.70 mg / kg) in P2. In turn, the SAF showed low physical quality with DA values ​​of 1.34 g / cm3 in P1 and 1.46 g / cm3 in P2. The biological variables did not contribute to the differentiation between systems, however, the forest showed a greater number of actinomycetes and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associated with greater assimilation of nutrients such as P.

Resumo Com o objetivo de avançar na avaliação das propriedades quimicas, físicas e biológicas como indicadores de qualidade do solo em um sistema agroflorestal, foram avaliados os siguientes sistemas de uso do solo no CI La Libertad de Agrosavia: Floresta, Sistema agroflorestal (SAF) e Praderia. As amostras de solo foram coletadas em duas profundidades de 0-10 cm (P1) e 10-20 cm (P2). Variáveis ​​químicas e físicas, micróbios de fungos, bactérias, actinomicetos e mesoinvertebrados foram identificados, estes foram identificados em nível de família e espécie. Inicialmente, foi realizada uma análise descritiva dos dados e a concordância foi interpretada com os valores de referência reportados. A análise estatística foi realizada no meio da análise dos componentes principais (PCA), a análise da variância e o teste de comparação dos meios de Duncan (para o qual é utilizado o software estatístico R versão 3.1.2 ( pacote ADE4 1.4.5) e INFOSTAT 2014I). química variáveis ​​de pH, permutável alumínio (AlH), fósforo (P), cálcio (Ca), magnésio (Mg), potássio (K), boro (B), enxofre (S), sódio (Na), foram seleccionados zinco ( Zn), capacidade de permuta catiónica eficaz (ICC) e da condutividade hidráulica variável (CH), a densidade a granel (BD), mesoporosidade (MES), a porosidade total (PT), a saturação (SAT), a capacidade de campo (CC), humidade disponível (HD), microporosidade (MIC), ponto de execução permanente (PMP), porcentagem de areia e argila, que permite separar os sistemas em termos de qualidade do solo. No SAF há uma qualidade química moderada representada por altos valores de pH (5,30), baixo AlH (1,02 Cmol / kg), baixos teores de Ca em P1 (1,49 Cmol / kg) e P2 (0, 71 Cmol / kg), sob Mg em P1 (0,49 Cmol / kg) e P2 (0,21 Cmol / kg), os maiores valores encontrados de S (13,08 mg / kg) e Zn (0,70 mg / kg) em P2. Por sua vez, o SAF apresentou uma qualidade física com valores de DA de 1,34 g / cm3 em P1 e 1,46 g / cm3 em P2. As variáveis biológicas não contribuem para a diferenciação entre os sistemas, no entanto, os solos da floresta mostraram um maior número de actinomicetos e fungos micorriza arbusculares (HMA) associada a uma maior absorção de nutrientes, tais como P.

Bioacústica como método de avaliação do comportamento em pastejo de novilhas Girolando / Bioacoustics as a tool for evaluating grazing behavior of Girolando heifers

Objetivou-se validar o método de análise de dados bioacústicos na descrição do comportamento em pastejo de novilhas em área de integração lavoura-pecuária (iLP) e floresta (iLPF). Foram utilizadas oito novilhas Girolando (¾Holandês x ¼Gir) com média de 25±6,8 meses de idade e 268±83kg de peso vivo (PV), distribuídas em delineamento crossover 2x2 (dois sistemas x dois períodos de avaliação). A coleta de dados para análise bioacústica foi realizada utilizando-se gravadores MP3. Esses dados foram analisados pelo software Audacity® para identificação das atividades de pastejo, ruminação e ócio. Concomitantemente, o comportamento também foi avaliado pelo método de observação visual, realizado no período de 8 até 16 horas, em intervalos de 15 minutos. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre médias dos tempos (minutos) de pastejo, ruminação e ócio registrados pelos métodos de bioacústica e avaliação visual, sendo, respectivamente, 127 vs. 137; 122 vs. 113 e 238 vs. 216, no sistema iLP, e 134 vs. 103; 130 vs. 165 e 233 vs. 203, no sistema iLPF. Por meio desses resultados, foi possível concluir que o método da bioacústica é uma importante ferramenta para avaliar o comportamento de pastejo em diferentes sistemas de produção a pasto, com a vantagem de possibilitar o registro de atividades durante o período noturno, além de maior praticidade e precisão do que o método observacional.(AU)

Aiming to validate the analysis of bioacoustic data for describing grazing behavior of heifers in integrated crop, livestock (ICL) and forestry (ICLF) systems. Eight 25±6.8 month-old Girolando (¾Holstein × ¼Gir) heifers with 268±83kg of live weight (LW) were distributed in 2x2 crossover design (two systems x two evaluation periods). Data collection for bioacoustic analysis was done with MP3 recorders. These data were analyzed by Audacity® software for identification of the activities of grazing, rumination, and resting. Concomitantly, behavior was also analyzed by the method of visual observation from 8AM to 4PM in intervals of 15 minutes. There was no difference (P>0.05) between the methods of bioacustic and visual observation considering the means of time (minutes) of grazing, rumination, and resting, respectively: 127 vs. 137; 122 vs. 113; and 238 vs. 216 in ICL system and; 134 vs. 103; 130 vs. 165 and 233 vs. 203 in ICLF system. In conclusion, the bioacustic method is a tool that can be useful for evaluating bovine grazing behavior within different grazing systems, with the advantage of allowing report of activities during the night with higher practicality and precision than the visual observation method.(AU)

Bioacústica como método de avaliação do comportamento em pastejo de novilhas Girolando / Bioacoustics as a tool for evaluating grazing behavior of Girolando heifers

Objetivou-se validar o método de análise de dados bioacústicos na descrição do comportamento em pastejo de novilhas em área de integração lavoura-pecuária (iLP) e floresta (iLPF). Foram utilizadas oito novilhas Girolando (¾Holandês x »Gir) com média de 25±6,8 meses de idade e 268±83kg de peso vivo (PV), distribuídas em delineamento crossover 2x2 (dois sistemas x dois períodos de avaliação). A coleta de dados para análise bioacústica foi realizada utilizando-se gravadores MP3. Esses dados foram analisados pelo software Audacity® para identificação das atividades de pastejo, ruminação e ócio. Concomitantemente, o comportamento também foi avaliado pelo método de observação visual, realizado no período de 8 até 16 horas, em intervalos de 15 minutos. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre médias dos tempos (minutos) de pastejo, ruminação e ócio registrados pelos métodos de bioacústica e avaliação visual, sendo, respectivamente, 127 vs. 137; 122 vs. 113 e 238 vs. 216, no sistema iLP, e 134 vs. 103; 130 vs. 165 e 233 vs. 203, no sistema iLPF. Por meio desses resultados, foi possível concluir que o método da bioacústica é uma importante ferramenta para avaliar o comportamento de pastejo em diferentes sistemas de produção a pasto, com a vantagem de possibilitar o registro de atividades durante o período noturno, além de maior praticidade e precisão do que o método observacional.(AU)

Aiming to validate the analysis of bioacoustic data for describing grazing behavior of heifers in integrated crop, livestock (ICL) and forestry (ICLF) systems. Eight 25±6.8 month-old Girolando (¾Holstein × »Gir) heifers with 268±83kg of live weight (LW) were distributed in 2x2 crossover design (two systems x two evaluation periods). Data collection for bioacoustic analysis was done with MP3 recorders. These data were analyzed by Audacity® software for identification of the activities of grazing, rumination, and resting. Concomitantly, behavior was also analyzed by the method of visual observation from 8AM to 4PM in intervals of 15 minutes. There was no difference (P>0.05) between the methods of bioacustic and visual observation considering the means of time (minutes) of grazing, rumination, and resting, respectively: 127 vs. 137; 122 vs. 113; and 238 vs. 216 in ICL system and; 134 vs. 103; 130 vs. 165 and 233 vs. 203 in ICLF system. In conclusion, the bioacustic method is a tool that can be useful for evaluating bovine grazing behavior within different grazing systems, with the advantage of allowing report of activities during the night with higher practicality and precision than the visual observation method.(AU)

Efecto de inoculantes bacterianos edáficos mixtos en el desarrollo temprano de cultivares mejorados de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) en un sistema agroforestal tradicional del norte de Oaxaca, México / Effect of mixed edaphic bacterial inoculants in the early development of improved cocoa cultivars (Theobroma cacao L.) in a traditional agroforestry system of Oaxaca, Mexico

El cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) es nativo de América del Sur y representa uno de los recursos «bioculturales¼ más significativos de Mesoamérica, ya que es una región donde se domesticó y tuvo relevancia como bebida ritual y como moneda en muchas culturas prehispánicas hasta la llegada de los españoles, quienes difundieron su uso en el mundo y lo convirtieron en una de las mercancías «commodity¼ más consumidas. Mediante este trabajo se propone una alternativa para atender la problemática de las plantaciones a través de la introducción de una diversidad amplia de cultivares de cacao en sistemas agroforestales tradicionales, en sinergia con la inoculación de bacterias edáficas fijadoras de nitrógeno y solubilizadoras de fósforo insoluble. En una parcela agroforestal tradicional se introdujeron plantas de cacao injertadas de cuatro cultivares y se dispusieron 3 tratamientos: aplicación de biofertilizante, aplicación de fertilizante químico y testigo. Se registraron la altura, el diámetro basal, el número de hojas y el número de ramas a los 2 y 12 meses, y se caracterizó la población de microorganismos asociada alrededor del tallo bajo la copa de las plantas. Los resultados de crecimiento muestran un buen potencial para los 4 cultivares estudiados y se observó que la biofertilización generó efectos significativos en algunos de los indicadores de crecimiento de las plantas de cacao. Así, las asociaciones vegetales en un sistema agroforestal podrían ser favorables para potenciar el desarrollo de frutos y resistencia a plagas y enfermedades.

Cocoa plant (Theobroma cacao L.) is native from South America and it represents one of the most significant "bio-cultural" resources of Mesoamerica, since it is a region where it was domesticated and had a relevance as ritual drink and as currency in many pre-hispanic cultures until the arrival of the Spaniards who spread its use worldwide, and became it one of the most consumed commodity goods. Through this research, an alternative is proposed to address the problem of cultivars through the introduction of a wide variety of cocoa plants in traditional agroforestry systems, in synergy with the inoculation of nitrogen-fixing and insoluble phosphor solubilizing edaphic bacterial consortia. Four cultivars of improved grafted cocoa plants were introduced in a traditional agroforestry plot and three fertilization treatments were applied: application of biofertilizer, application of chemical fertilizer and control. Measurements of height, stem diameter, number of leaves and branches were recorded at 2 and 12 months after planting and rhizosphere microbial populations were characterized. Growth results showed good potential for all studied cultivars and it was observed that biofertilization foresees significant effects in some of the growth indicators of cocoa plant. Thereby, plant associations in an agroforestry system could be favorable to promote fruit development and resistance to pests and diseases.

Bark and Ambrosia Beetle (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) Diversity Found in Agricultural and Fragmented Forests in Piracicaba-SP, Brazil.

Land use changes and forest fragmentation result in biodiversity loss and displacement, with insects among the most affected groups. Among these, bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) occupy a prominent position due to their close ties to food resources, i.e., trees, and importance as primary decomposers in forest ecosystems. Therefore, our study aimed to document scolytine biodiversity associated with landscape components that vary based on their physical or botanical composition. Bark beetle diversity was sampled monthly for 12 mo in an Atlantic forest remnant and five adjacent vegetation plots (mixed Agroforestry System-AFS, of native trees and fruit species; AFS of rubber trees and coffee plants; coffee monoculture; rubber monoculture; and pasture). In total, 1,833 individuals were sampled from 38 species of which 24 (63%) were detected in very low abundance. The remaining 14 species were more abundant and widespread almost in all areas. Hypothenemus hampei (Westwood), Premnobius cavipennis (Eichhoff), Hypothenemus sp1., and Xyleborus volvulus (Fabricius) were the most abundant. The greatest abundance and richness of bark beetles were found in the dry and cold season. The varied microclimatic conditions of the vegetation plots greatly affected the diversity of the Scolytinae. Solar radiation presented a significant negative effect on abundance in almost all the studied areas. The greatest scolytine diversity was found in anthropic areas with tree canopy structure. Open areas (pasture and coffee monocrop) had a lower species diversity. Similarly, a lower abundance and species richness were found for the Atlantic forest remnant.

[Effect of mixed edaphic bacterial inoculants in the early development of improved cocoa cultivars (Theobroma cacao L.) in a traditional agroforestry system of Oaxaca, Mexico]. / Efecto de inoculantes bacterianos edáficos mixtos en el desarrollo temprano de cultivares mejorados de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) en un sistema agroforestal tradicional del norte de Oaxaca, México.

Cocoa plant (Theobroma cacao L.) is native from South America and it represents one of the most significant "bio-cultural" resources of Mesoamerica, since it is a region where it was domesticated and had a relevance as ritual drink and as currency in many pre-hispanic cultures until the arrival of the Spaniards who spread its use worldwide, and became it one of the most consumed commodity goods. Through this research, an alternative is proposed to address the problem of cultivars through the introduction of a wide variety of cocoa plants in traditional agroforestry systems, in synergy with the inoculation of nitrogen-fixing and insoluble phosphor solubilizing edaphic bacterial consortia. Four cultivars of improved grafted cocoa plants were introduced in a traditional agroforestry plot and three fertilization treatments were applied: application of biofertilizer, application of chemical fertilizer and control. Measurements of height, stem diameter, number of leaves and branches were recorded at 2 and 12 months after planting and rhizosphere microbial populations were characterized. Growth results showed good potential for all studied cultivars and it was observed that biofertilization foresees significant effects in some of the growth indicators of cocoa plant. Thereby, plant associations in an agroforestry system could be favorable to promote fruit development and resistance to pests and diseases.

Evaluation of meat and egg traits of Beijing-you chickens rotationally grazing on chicory pasture in a chestnut forest

Barn and cage-fed chickens have presented several problems, such as high rates of infectious disease and consequent antibiotic abuse, poorer chicken health and welfare, and often poorer meat and egg quality compared with free-range chickens. The poultry agroforestry system is becoming increasingly popular in many poultry farms nowadays. In this study, to evaluate the contribution of poultry agroforestry system to enhance some meat and egg traits of Beijing-you chickens, some indexes of meat and egg qualities, some indexes of slaughter traits, and the feed conversion efficiency were investigated in rotational grazing Beijing-you chickens on chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) pasture (CGRG group) and only free-ranging chickens on bare land without forage (control group) in chestnut forest. Results showed that the live body weight, the dressing weight, the thigh muscle weight, and the breast muscle weight were increased (p < 0.05) based on the decrease of 15% feed concentration in the CGRG group relative to the control. Furthermore, compared with the control, the crude ash, the essential amino acid content, and the inosinic acid content were increased (p < 0.05), and the crude fat contents were decreased (p < 0.05) in the thigh and breast muscles, while the yolk cholesterol and the feed conversion ratio were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the CGRG group. This study would provide a scientific basis and technological support for the large-scale demonstration and application of rotational grazing chickens on the artificial pasture in forest.(AU)

Evaluation of meat and egg traits of Beijing-you chickens rotationally grazing on chicory pasture in a chestnut forest

Barn and cage-fed chickens have presented several problems, such as high rates of infectious disease and consequent antibiotic abuse, poorer chicken health and welfare, and often poorer meat and egg quality compared with free-range chickens. The poultry agroforestry system is becoming increasingly popular in many poultry farms nowadays. In this study, to evaluate the contribution of poultry agroforestry system to enhance some meat and egg traits of Beijing-you chickens, some indexes of meat and egg qualities, some indexes of slaughter traits, and the feed conversion efficiency were investigated in rotational grazing Beijing-you chickens on chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) pasture (CGRG group) and only free-ranging chickens on bare land without forage (control group) in chestnut forest. Results showed that the live body weight, the dressing weight, the thigh muscle weight, and the breast muscle weight were increased (p < 0.05) based on the decrease of 15% feed concentration in the CGRG group relative to the control. Furthermore, compared with the control, the crude ash, the essential amino acid content, and the inosinic acid content were increased (p < 0.05), and the crude fat contents were decreased (p < 0.05) in the thigh and breast muscles, while the yolk cholesterol and the feed conversion ratio were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the CGRG group. This study would provide a scientific basis and technological support for the large-scale demonstration and application of rotational grazing chickens on the artificial pasture in forest.

Vegetative and productive aspects of organically grown coffee cultivars under shaded and unshaded systems

Although Coffea arabica species has its origin in the African understories, there is great resistance on the part of the Brazilian producers for growing this species under agroforestry systems as they fear that shading reduces production. This study aimed at evaluating some vegetative traits and the productivity of organically grown coffee (Coffea arabica L.) cultivars under shaded and unshaded systems. Twelve treatments consisting of two cultivation systems (shaded and unshaded) and six coffee cultivars were arranged in randomized blocks with four replicates, in a split-plot scheme. Shading was provided by banana (Musa sp.) and coral bean plants (Erythrinaverna). Shading delayed fruit maturation. Late maturation cultivars, such as the Icatu and the Obatã, matured early in both cultivation systems, while medium and early maturation cultivars presented late maturation. Cultivation in the shaded system increased the leaf area and the number of lower branches, decreased the number of productive nodes per branch, and increased the distance between the nodes and the number of leaves present in the branches. Cultivation in the unshaded system presented greater number of plants with branch blight in relation to plants grown in the shade. The productivity of the cultivars was not different, at 30.0 processed bags per hectare in the shaded system, and 25.8 processed bags per hectare in the unshaded system. The most productive cultivars in the shaded system were the Tupi, the Obatã, and the Catuaí, while no differences between cultivars were obtained in the unshaded system.

Vegetative and productive aspects of organically grown coffee cultivars under shaded and unshaded systems

Although Coffea arabica species has its origin in the African understories, there is great resistance on the part of the Brazilian producers for growing this species under agroforestry systems as they fear that shading reduces production. This study aimed at evaluating some vegetative traits and the productivity of organically grown coffee (Coffea arabica L.) cultivars under shaded and unshaded systems. Twelve treatments consisting of two cultivation systems (shaded and unshaded) and six coffee cultivars were arranged in randomized blocks with four replicates, in a split-plot scheme. Shading was provided by banana (Musa sp.) and coral bean plants (Erythrinaverna). Shading delayed fruit maturation. Late maturation cultivars, such as the Icatu and the Obatã, matured early in both cultivation systems, while medium and early maturation cultivars presented late maturation. Cultivation in the shaded system increased the leaf area and the number of lower branches, decreased the number of productive nodes per branch, and increased the distance between the nodes and the number of leaves present in the branches. Cultivation in the unshaded system presented greater number of plants with branch blight in relation to plants grown in the shade. The productivity of the cultivars was not different, at 30.0 processed bags per hectare in the shaded system, and 25.8 processed bags per hectare in the unshaded system. The most productive cultivars in the shaded system were the Tupi, the Obatã, and the Catuaí, while no differences between cultivars were obtained in the unshaded system.

Comportamento da castanha-do-brasil (Bertholletia excelsa) e da cupiúba (Goupia glabra) em sistema agrosilvicultural na região da Confiança, Cantá - Roraima

The aim of this present work was to study the behavior of castanha-do-brasil (Bertholletia excelsa) and cupiúba (Goupia glabra) and also set a growing function and an equation for estimating the crown diameter in an agroforestry system model, installed in Confiança Experimental Station, Cantá, Roraima, Brazil, in 1995. We measured quantitative data, such as diameter basal height, total height, crown insertion height, crown diameter and qualitative data like survival, bole quality and phytosanitary aspects such as disease or pests. We analyzed the silvicultural behavior and estimated equation at the crown diameter in function of DBH, and adjusted a growing function for the cupiuba and castanha-do-brasil. Of the 71 castanha-do-brasil trees analyzed 20 (27,8%) producing fruits. The cupiúba showed high individual percentage of bifurcation (around 87,5%). The statistical analyses indicated the Backman function as the best adjusted for the observed species; and based on the equations for estimating crown diameter in function of DBH, we could make inferences about the necessary vital space for reaching determinated dimension. Both species have silvicultural potential for restored areas in agroforestry systems or homogeneous plantations.

O presente trabalho objetivou estudar o desempenho das espécies castanha-do-brasil (Bertholetia excelsa) e cupiúba (Goupia glabra) e o ajuste de uma função de crescimento e uma equação para estimar o diâmetro de copa em um modelo de sistema agroflorestal - SAF implantado em 1995 no Campo Experimental Confiança, Cantá, Estado de Roraima. Foram medidas 71 árvores de castanheira e 50 de cupiúbas totalizando 121 árvores, sendo tomados o CAP (circunferência a 1,30 m do solo), altura total, altura de inserção da copa, diâmetro da copa e dados qualitativos como sobrevivência, qualidade do fuste, bifurcações e aspectos fitossanitários como doenças ou pragas. Das 71 árvores de castanheira avaliadas 20 (27,8%) produziram frutos. A cupiúba apresentou alta porcentagem de indivíduos com bifurcação (cerca de 87,5%). A análise estatística indicou a função de Backman como a de melhor ajuste para as espécies observadas e com base nas equações construídas para estimar o diâmetro da copa em função do DAP pode-se fazer inferências sobre o espaço vital necessário para atingir uma determinada dimensão. Ambas as espécies apresentaram potencial silvicultural para recuperação de áreas alteradas em sistemas agroflorestais ou plantios homogêneos.