Pitaya species cultivation in Brazil is recent, and information on the production of the species Selenicereus megalanthus, known as yellow pitaya, is non-existent because research in the country has focused on the species Hylocereus undatus. The research was carried out with the objective of evaluating the reproductive phenology of the species S. megalanthus, in a high-altitude climate conditions in Brazil. The study orchard of yellow pitaya was located at an altitude of 726 metres, 18º 04' 15" S latitude and 43º 28' 15" W longitude, and has an Aw climate, classified as high-altitude tropical. Phenological evaluations were carried out through visual observations, from the beginning of floral button formation until the end of the fruit harvest, during three production cycles. On each plant, flower buds were marked to determine the time from floral button formation until flower anthesis and from flower fertilisation until fruit ripening. The period of flowering and harvesting of the yellow pitaya was determined according to the phenological stage records. Flowering began in the spring, with successive flowering events until the autumn. The time between floral button formation until anthesis ranged from 46 to 55 days. The time from flower fertilisation until fruit ripening ranged from 96 to 110 days. Fruit harvest began in the summer and ended in winter. The reproductive cycle of S. megalanthus is longer than H. undatus and H. polyrhizus, which are also cultivated in Brazil, ranging from 147 to 166 days from floral button formation to fruit harvest.

ABSTRACT: Weeds and microorganisms interacting with their rhizosphere may influence nutrient absorption, which is an important factor for plant competition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbiological activity, inorganic phosphorus solubilization (Pi) and acid phosphatase in the cultivated soil, in a combination of soybean (Glycine max) plants and weeds. Soybeans were cultivated in monoculture and in competition with Bidens pilosa, Brachiaria decumbens (Syn. Urochloa decumbens) and Eleusine indica, under two conditions: a) plants competing without contact between the roots b) plants competing with contact between the roots. A nylon screen with a 50 µm mesh was added to prevent contact between the roots of the species in competition so that the substratum could be separated in the vase. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks, with four replications. The soybeans in competition with weeds led to lower oxidation of organic matter per unit of microbial biomass, resulting in a lower metabolic quotient, compared with the soybean monoculture. The contact between soybean roots and B. pilosa, B. decumbens and E. indica maintained a strong influence, raising the solubilization of Pi, respectively valued at 51, 39 and 31% in relation to the cultivation of each species with a nylon screen. Microbiological activity, inorganic phosphorus solubilization and acid phosphatase were altered by plant species, combinations of weeds and soybean plants in competition; by root contact in some cases. Thus, the microbiological activity of the soil can influence competition strategies and plant development.

Pitaya stands out in the market for presenting exotic appearance species, high water content, vitamins and minerals, low calories, and bioactive compounds that makes it attractive for consumption However, the composition of this fruit may change according from the place of cultivation, orchard management and harvesting season. Regarding orchards management, variations have been observed in the fact that the pitaya species are considered rustic, able of tolerating adverse conditions of low availability of water and nutrients, and mainly because lack information on fertilization. Thus, the research was carried out to evaluated the potassium fertilization in the quality and in the centesimal composition in pitayas of the species Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus polyrhizus. The evaluations were carried out during two harvests, in pitayas harvested mature from plants that received different fertilizations. The fruits of the pitaya species reach larger sizes and better flavor with the potassium fertilization. The fruits centesimal composition is altered with the management of the fertilization of the orchards. The fruits produced by plants with higher availability of potassium oxide (K2O) present higher contents of dry matter, fiber, ashes, carbohydrates and energetic value and lower moisture content, allowing conservation for longer if stored properly. The increase of these constituents in the fruit pulp is related to the function of potassium (K) in the enzyme’s activation, which are fundamental in the metabolic processes and the transport of photoassimilates, evidencing their role in improving fruit quality characteristics. Orchards that are fertilized with potassium produce fruits with better composition and final quality, increasing the acceptance by consumers, size classification and market prices.

Due to its high medicinal and nutritional values, blackberries have become increasingly interesting to producers and consumers. People are looking for healthier options to consume sugar with greater nutritional enrichment. However, replacement of the type of sugar is associated with significant changes in some parameters, finding suitable replacements that result in satisfactory products can be challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different sugars (white refined sugar, white crystal sugar, demerara sugar, brown sugar and coconut sugar) on the physicochemical, physical and sensory aspects of blackberry juices and jellies. The type of sugar influenced the physicochemical and physical characteristics of blackberry jelly and juice, which reflected the differences in acceptability of the final product. Information on the type of sugar and its benefits influenced the sensory acceptance of blackberry jelly and juice.

Brazil is one of the world’s largest producers of maize (Zea mays L.). Cry proteins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been widely used in transgenic maize due to their toxicity and specificity against insects that damage crops. In addition, these plants have been stacked with different herbicide tolerance genes. Non-target insects end up being exposed to Bt proteins and herbicide applications. There is little information on the effects of Bt transgenics and their cultural practices on the behavior of pollinators in genetically modified crops. The aim of this research was to verify the impact of genotypes of genetically modified maize, Herculex®, PowerCore®, and the conventional isohybrid, pulverized or not with herbicides (atrazine, glufosinate-ammonium and nicosulfuron) in bee populations. In order to evaluate the presence of insects, a zig-zag tour was carried out throughout the experimental field, ascertained from visual analysis and direct counting of six plants per plot (the dimensions of the plots were 2.5 x 10 m with five maize lines spaced 0.50 m between rows and 0.36 m between plants) randomly, 18 days after spraying herbicides in the area. Apis mellifera (L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), Tetragonisca angustula (L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and Trigona spinipes (F.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were the pollinator species identified in the crop. It was observed that the incidence of pollinator insects varied according to cultivars and herbicides tested; however, the PowerCore® genotype experienced more visitation of pollinating bees independently of the herbicide treatments.