Vermiculite is an expansive material that can be used for crop production. However, information about the use of vermiculite in vegetable production is scarce. Thus, this study's objective was to evaluate the effects of vermiculite levels incorporated into the soil (Red Latosol Dystrophic) for beet (Beta vulgaris L.) crop production. The experiment was performed during spring using the beet cultivar 'Early Wonder Tall Top' and 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 t∙ha-1 of vermiculite incorporated into the soil before seedling planting. The increase of the vermiculite doses caused a linear decrease of the fresh root and leaf weight. The yield reductions were due to the great water holding capacity of the vermiculite and the consequent high incidence of cercosporiosis (Cercospora beticola Saac).

Sulfur (S) is usually the second most accumulated nutrient in seeds of Cruciferae plant species such as the radish. Tropical soils have low S availability creating a challenge to manage plant nutrition and balanced plant development to produce high-quality seeds. This study evaluated the influence of S doses and organic compost fertilization on the content and accumulation of macronutrients in radish seeds. Eight treatments were studied in subdivided plots, where the presence (50 t ha-1) or absence of organic compost was placed in the main plot, and the S doses (0, 60, 120, 180 kg ha-1 of S) were placed in the subplots. A randomized block design with six replications was used. Seed dry weight, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S concentration (g kg-1 of dry matter), and the accumulation of nutrients in seeds (g plant-1) were evaluated. There was no significant effect of S doses, or organic compost, on the contents of macronutrients in radish seeds. When organic compost was not applied, great doses of S generated great dry weight and accumulation of macronutrients in the radish seeds. However, the application of organic compost increased the dry weight and the accumulation of all macronutrients in radish seeds in low S doses (up to 66 kg ha-1). Also, the presence of organic compost increased the dry weight and the concentration of macronutrients in radish seeds. The decreasing order of macronutrient content and accumulation by the radish seeds was: N > S > K > P > Ca > Mg.

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) was evaluated for respiration rate, color, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity DPPH, flavonoids and pigments of fresh-cut Tropic Beauty peach. Modified atmospheres (21% O2 [Control], 5% CO2 [MAP1], 8% CO2 [MAP2] and 0% O2 [MAP3]) were evaluated for storing fresh-cut peaches for up to 10 days in temperatures of 5ºC. MAP significantly (p<0.05) affected the proprieties investigated as compared to control. Peaches with MAP3 have higher respiration(p<0.05) respiration rate than the peaches with the other treatments. Fresh-cut peaches in MAP2 showed more stable (p<0.05) carotenoid and anthocyanin contents, better attributes in the bioactive compounds. MAP1 and MAP2 exhibited better antioxidant proprieties at low storage temperature (5ºC) for up to 10 days storage and similar result was verified by principal component analysis used where modified atmosphere was observed as major factor.

the growth process and root quality. However, few studies are evaluating the influence of the interaction between nutrients in this culture. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of the combination of nitrogen fertilization with boron on the production characteristics and quality of the beet Tall Top Early Wonder. The experiment was carried out at the São Manuel Experimental Farm (FCA/Unesp), located in São Manuel-SP. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four replications. The evaluated factors were: nitrogen and boric fertilization, in the factorial scheme (2 x 2), totaling 4 treatments: T1 (0 kg ha-1 of N and 0 kg ha-1 of B), T2 (0 kg ha-1 of N and 4 kg ha-1 of B), T3 (90 kg ha-1 of N and 0 kg ha-1 of B) and T4 (90 kg ha-1 of N and 4 kg ha-1 of B). The results showed that there was a positive interaction between nitrogen and boron when applied together, providing increases in productivity and greater uniformity in beetroots.

Constant changes during the seed maturation process affect its final quality and the post-harvest fruit resting, which can improve seed physiological quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological and enzymatic activities of eggplant seeds extracted from fruits harvested at different ages and resting periods after harvest. Fruits were harvested presenting different colors at 40, 50, 60, and 70 days after anthesis (DAA) and rested for 0 (freshly harvested fruits), 10, and 20 days. The experimental design was set as completely randomized, with four replications and evaluated seeds extracted from six fruits per plot. The resting periods in eggplant fruits harvested at less than 60 DAA improved the mass of 1000 seeds, germination, vigor, and protein content. Seeds with higher germination and vigor presented lower dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX) enzymatic activity. The results indicated that the ideal moment of eggplant harvest for seed production is when the fruit reaches the yellowish-brown color corresponding to about 60 DAA; however, if the eggplant fruit is harvested earlier (40 or 50 DAA), it has to rest for about 10 to 20 days to achieve high physiological quality (germination and vigor).