Coordinator of Projects: Prof. Alessandro Carlos Mesquita
Research Line: Plant Physiology and Postharvest of Horticultural Crops
Improvement of Melon Cultivation Practices for Degraded Soils in the Irrigated Perimeter of Juazeiro in the Submédio São Francisco Valley
Description:
Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a tropical crop that requires heat, sunlight, and low relative humidity, limiting its commercial cultivation to hot and dry regions (SILVA et al., 2000). The Northeast Region of Brazil has the largest cultivated area of melons in the country, with 14,903 hectares and a production of 380,007 tons in 2009 (AGRIANUAL, 2012). On a regional scale, the main producing states are Rio Grande do Norte (201,250 tons), Ceará (124,157 tons), Bahia (32,337 tons), and Pernambuco (15,970 tons). The high production in the region is mainly due to favorable edaphoclimatic conditions and the presence of irrigated perimeters, which enable large-scale production of these crops throughout the year. To achieve high productivity, the availability of nutrients to the plants becomes essential in these regions. According to Silva et al. (2000), nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) are the nutrients extracted in the largest quantities by melon plants, accounting for over 80% of the total nutrients extracted (38% and 45%, respectively). The rate of nutrient absorption by melon plants increases after the onset of flowering and continues until the initial harvest phase. Calcium, in general, is the third most demanded nutrient by plants after N and K. Under conditions of low fruit transpiration, low soil water content, and salinity, calcium deficiency symptoms (TAIZ & ZEIGER, 2013), such as blossom-end rot, are common. In addition to proper cultural practices, agroclimatic conditions, the presence of pests and diseases, physicochemical qualities of the fruits, transportation, and storage conditions determine the extent of postharvest losses (CHITARRA; CHITARRA, 1990). By optimizing cultivation conditions and postharvest practices, we can improve the final yield of the production chain, benefiting producers and ultimately delivering a higher-quality product to consumers. In this context, fertilizer management in irrigated agriculture must consider the nutrient demands of plants during the cultivation cycle and the availability of nutrients in the soil of each region to ensure efficient fertilization.
Members: Prof. José Osmã Teles Moreira; Prof. Carlos Alberto Aragão; Dr. Welson Lima Simões; Dr. Jony Eishi Yuri; Prof. Ana Rosa Peixoto; George Libório; Dr. João Ricardo Ferreira de Lima; undergraduate and graduate students.
Funding Institution: UNEB
Start Year: 2014
Status: Ongoing
Plant Regulators in the Management of Production, Fruit Set, and Quality of Mango under Semiarid Conditions
Description:
Mango cultivation in the semiarid region stands out in the national scenario due to its high yields, fruit quality, and the possibility of staggered production throughout the year, thanks to favorable climatic conditions and technologies for flowering management, such as irrigation, pruning, and plant regulators. Paclobutrazol, applied to the soil, is the plant regulator used with proven efficiency in managing flowering and production in almost all mango orchards in the Northeast region of Brazil, which accounts for 80% of the country’s mango exports. It enables not only off-season production but also production during specific periods, facilitating access to different markets at opportune times for commercialization. However, the soil application method, due to its higher efficiency in absorption and xylem transport, raises concerns about the residues left in the soil and plants each year, which are not quantified. This project aims to define a management strategy using plant regulators that allows efficient staggered production of mango in the main cultivated varieties, ensuring productivity and fruit quality while minimizing losses and optimizing cultivation in semiarid conditions. Specific objectives include evaluating a management strategy using foliar plant regulators; characterizing the leaf anatomy of different mango cultivars (Tommy Atkins, Palmer, and Kent) to support foliar applications; assessing the technical and economic efficiency of paclobutrazol application via localized irrigation systems; and evaluating the incidence of diseases and pests in mango due to the use of plant regulators. The project also aims to quantify residues of plant regulators (paclobutrazol, uniconazole, ethephon, and chlormequat chloride) in mango fruits.
Members: Dr. Welson Lima Simões; Dr. Maria Aparecida C. Mouco; Dr. Paula Tereza de Souza e Silva; Dr. João Ricardo Ferreira de Lima; undergraduate and graduate students.
Funding Institution: Embrapa Semiárido
Start Year: 2014
Status: Ongoing
Coordinator of Projects: Prof. Ana Rosa Peixoto
Research Line: Protection of Horticultural Crops
Characterization and Variability of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, the Causal Agent of Soft Rot in Vegetables in the Submédio São Francisco Region
Description:
Among the main activities of family farming in the Submédio São Francisco region, the production of fruit trees and vegetables stands out, with temporary crops being the most common option for family farmers, particularly watermelon, onion, and melon, and to a lesser extent, tomato, pumpkin, bell pepper, onion, chili pepper, cilantro, and lettuce. The climatic conditions, characterized by high temperatures and low relative humidity, especially in the second half of the year, combined with irrigation, favor a diversity of vegetables. However, these same conditions also promote the emergence of phytosanitary issues, among which soft rot caused by pectinolytic bacteria is notable. Vegetables are particularly susceptible to attacks by rotting bacteria, either before or after harvest, due to the succulent nature of their tissues. More lignified and less succulent tissues, such as those of bell pepper and eggplant stems, are more resistant. Economic losses caused by pectobacteria can be significant, varying with the crop’s value, severity of the attack, environmental conditions, subspecies involved, cultivation practices, storage, and transportation of the products. Isolates of bacteria causing soft rot in vegetables, obtained from planting areas in municipalities within the Submédio São Francisco region, spanning the states of Bahia and Pernambuco, will be identified and characterized through biochemical and metabolic tests (using the Biolog system) and confirmed by PCR. The variability of these isolates will be assessed based on epidemiological components of the disease, antibiotic sensitivity, and molecular markers. The isolates will be grouped into similarity clusters, considering 50% of the total linkage distance using the UPGMA method. The epidemiological components to be evaluated include incubation period (PI), initial severity (SEVI), final severity (SEVF), and area under the disease progress curve. The use of REP, ERIC, and BOX molecular markers in Rep-PCR will contribute to observing the genetic variability among the studied isolates. This study aims to identify the species of pectobacteria causing soft rot in the Submédio São Francisco region and to assess the variability of isolates from the area. The experiments are being conducted at UNEB, Juazeiro-BA, UFRPE, Recife-PE, as well as in commercial vegetable fields in the Submédio São Francisco region, from 2014 to 2016.
Members: Undergraduate and graduate students.
Funding Institution: Fapesb
Start Year: 2016
Status: Ongoing
Incidence of Diseases in Grapevines under Different Environmental Conditions
Description:
Bacterial canker, caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. viticola, is the most significant bacterial disease of grapevines in the Submédio São Francisco Valley. Climatic factors such as high temperatures, high relative humidity, rainfall, and wind significantly contribute to the development and spread of the bacteria responsible for the disease in grape production areas with susceptible plants. Thus, to evaluate the effect of climatic variables such as temperature and leaf wetness duration on bacterial canker infection in grapevine seedlings of the seedless cultivar Sugraone, an experiment was conducted in the Climate Change Sector of Embrapa Semiárido in Petrolina-PE. Grapevine seedlings were inoculated on the leaves with a suspension of Xanthomonas campestris pv. viticola and maintained at different temperatures ranging from 17 to 41 °C, under leaf wetness periods of 0 to 192 hours, followed by cultivation in a growth chamber to assess the epidemiological components of grapevine bacterial canker. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and multiple regression. Response surfaces revealed that the shortest incubation periods occurred at 41 and 35 °C, between 3.9 and 7.5 days, and leaf wetness starting at 48 hours. For these same treatments, the initial incidence ranged between 70 and 100%. Canker formation on leaves was minimally influenced by climatic variations. Disease progression was highest at 35 °C under leaf wetness conditions, while the highest severity was recorded with 192 hours of leaf wetness at temperatures of 17, 23, and 29 °C.
Members: Prof. Cristiane Domingos da Paz and graduate students.
Funding Institution: UNEB
Start Year: 2009
Status: Ongoing
Survey, Identification, and Control of Fungi Causing Postharvest Rots in Grapes in the Agricultural Hub of Juazeiro-BA and Petrolina-PE
Description:
In Brazil, postharvest diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms constitute a serious problem, resulting in losses of around 80% of the total value of fruit production. In the Juazeiro/Petrolina agricultural hub, many studies are needed to identify and control fungi causing rots in grapes. Given this, it is essential to conduct studies to assess the severity of pathogens and provide efficient control alternatives for local producers. In the field, it is necessary to adjust phytosanitary management, eliminate pruning residues, ensure efficient spray control, and include products that contribute to resistance induction. During harvest, mechanical damage should be avoided, and good manufacturing practices should be enforced. In postharvest, efficiency in reducing the time between harvest and fruit cooling, as well as the use of physical control methods for surface treatment, such as sodium metabisulfite and chitosan—the latter still under study by researchers—are crucial. Methods that contribute to fruit conservation at this stage, such as modified or controlled atmosphere, UV-C rays, and ozone application, can also be efficient alternatives for controlling these rots and are in line with international standards for fruit export.
Members: Prof. Cristiane Domingos da Paz; Prof. Elizabeth Orika Ono; and a graduate student.
Funding Institution: UNEB
Start Year: 2011
Status: Ongoing
Rationalization of Agrochemical Use and Efficiency of Resistance Inducers in Vegetable Diseases
Description:
Among the problems, stem-end rot caused by the fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griffin & Maulb and anthracnose caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz stand out, both greatly favored by the hot and humid climate in the first half of the year, resulting from irrigation used in commercial orchards in the region. Thus, to minimize the action of these fungi in pre-harvest mango, a study will be conducted in the Plant Pathology Laboratory and greenhouse of the Department of Technology and Social Sciences (DTCS) at the State University of Bahia (UNEB) in Juazeiro, BA, and in a mango production field at Fazenda Nova Fronteira Agrícola, located in the municipality of Juazeiro-BA. The study will use abiotic and biotic resistance inducers to reduce disease severity in mango fruits and aims to characterize the defense mechanisms involved in resistance induction elicited by these inducers in mango diseases, in the Biochemistry Laboratory of Univasf.
Members: Prof. Cristiane Domingos da Paz; Prof. Elizabeth Orika Ono; Prof. João Domingos Rodrigues; undergraduate and graduate students.
Funding Institution: –
Start Year: 2011
Status: Ongoing
Coordinator of Projects: Prof. Bárbara França Dantas
Research Line: Plant Physiology and Postharvest of Horticultural Crops
Evaluation and Mitigation of Abiotic Stresses Exacerbated by Climate Change in Native and Exotic Species with Horticultural Potential
Description:
This research project aims to evaluate and mitigate abiotic stresses caused or exacerbated by global climate change in seeds, seedlings, and adult plants of cucurbits. To achieve this, the proposal is divided into four action plans: (PA1) Management plan; (PA2) Germination process of cucurbit seeds under abiotic stresses; (PA3) Production of cucurbit seedlings under abiotic stresses; and (PA4) Climate change and cucurbit production under abiotic stresses. PA1 focuses on financial, technical, and information management generated by the research project. PA2 aims to evaluate the physiological and metabolic effects on cucurbit seeds subjected to CO2 variations and abiotic stresses caused or exacerbated by global climate change. Seeds of melon, watermelon, cucumber, and pumpkin will be assessed for germinability, germination and oxidative metabolism, storage, accelerated aging, and how osmotic conditioning and pretreatment with plant regulators can alleviate thermal, water, and salt stresses. PA3 aims to evaluate the physiological and metabolic effects on cucurbit seedlings subjected to CO2 variations and abiotic stresses caused or exacerbated by global climate change. This will be achieved through four activities, assessing the effects of abiotic stresses on seedling emergence, early development, and ecophysiology, as well as the effects of seed osmotic conditioning and plant regulators on seedling tolerance to abiotic stresses. PA4 aims to evaluate the physiological and agronomic effects on adult cucurbit plants subjected to increased CO2 and abiotic stresses caused or exacerbated by global climate change. This plan is divided into five activities, assessing production, disease incidence, and ecophysiological responses of cucurbits in a CO2-enriched environment. The final activity will combine increased atmospheric CO2 with different types of abiotic stresses and evaluate stress mitigation methods using plant regulators. The expected outcomes of this research project include scientific articles on the physiological and metabolic effects of abiotic stresses caused or exacerbated by global climate change on cucurbit seeds, seedlings, and adult plants, as well as recommendations for stress mitigation products for these vegetables.
Members: Undergraduate and graduate students.
Funding Institution: Embrapa Semiárido
Start Year: 2011
Status: Ongoing
Potential Use of Brackish Water and Desalination Reject in Productive Systems to Increase the Carrying Capacity of Diffuse Communities in the Semiarid Region with Minimal Environmental Impact
Description:
Soil salinity and sodicity issues are common in arid and semiarid regions, where precipitation is insufficient to leach excess salts and sodium ions from the rhizosphere. High salt concentrations generally restrict both shoot and root growth due to osmotic effects. Osmotic adjustment is an important mechanism of plant tolerance to low water potential in the root environment, as occurs in saline soils. Moderately salt-tolerant glycophytes retain large amounts of salts in stems and roots, so osmotic adjustment in leaves also depends on the accumulation of organic solutes. The increase in soluble organic compounds in the cytoplasm of plants subjected to salt stress has been considered a mechanism used by plants to balance osmotic potentials between the cytoplasm and vacuole, protecting cellular structures and functions (MUNNS, 2002). Given the significant potential of groundwater in the crystalline basement of the Brazilian Semiarid region, well-managed cultivation of glycophytes, which exhibit a high degree of salt tolerance, can serve as income and food alternatives for producers. Advances in the development of appropriate methodologies are necessary, which can only be achieved through knowledge of the ecological needs and physiological behavior of species. To address this need, research on seed germination mechanisms and seedling production of native species with economic value and agronomic or biotechnological potential, as well as cultivated species such as vegetables, forage, or cereals, must be conducted.
Members: Danielle Carolina Campos da Costa; Dr. Francislene Angelotti; Dr. Gherman Garcia Leal de Araújo; undergraduate and graduate students.
Funding Institution: Embrapa Semiárido
Start Year: 2011
Status: Ongoing
Vulnerability of Seeds and Seedlings of Native Forest Species from the Caatinga to Global Climate Change
Description:
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts a temperature increase of up to 4 °C and a reduction of up to 20% in precipitation in the Caatinga. This will result in greater thermal, water, and salt stress for plants in this biome. Seeds and seedlings of many Caatinga species are tolerant to abiotic stresses; however, the tolerance limits, as well as the genes, transcripts, and gene expression involved in stress tolerance, are unknown. This project aims to evaluate the tolerance of seeds and seedlings of different accessions of native Caatinga species to abiotic stresses and predict the impact of different IPCC scenarios of temperature and CO2 increase on seed germination and seedling development. Additionally, it aims to understand the gene expression of genes associated with stress tolerance in these species. Tolerance limits to salt, water, and thermal stresses will be determined for seeds and seedlings of different accessions of Anadenanthera colubrina, Amburana cearensis, Myracrodruon urundeuva, and Pioncianella pyramidalis. Differences in metabolic and transcriptomic responses of seeds and seedlings and genes involved in salt and thermal stress tolerance will be identified. Finally, models and predictions of germination and seedling development under different IPCC scenarios will be obtained. Seeds will be collected from 5 different accessions of 12 populations distributed across the species’ occurrence biomes. Mother trees will be characterized for phenology, height, diameter at breast height, seed production, and biometrics, as well as genetic variability. Soil and meteorological characteristics of collection sites will also be evaluated. Seed germination under thermal, osmotic, and salt stress will be assessed, along with metabolic and molecular responses. Seedlings subjected to different temperature and CO2 conditions will be evaluated for growth, water relations, and gas exchange. Germination and seedling growth models will be developed based on IPCC scenarios for each accession, mapping regions of higher risk for seed germination and seedling growth. The generated information will provide an understanding of the impacts of climate change on native Caatinga species and how they will respond to these stresses. This information is crucial for decision-making on mitigation and adaptation measures. The economic and social impacts of this research will guide farmers (small, family, or large-scale) in the Northeast region, historically affected by the studied stresses, toward the most suitable species under adverse conditions. Although the National Policy on Climate Change does not specifically include reducing deforestation in the Caatinga, its objectives include sustainable reduction of deforestation rates in all Brazilian biomes until illegal deforestation is eliminated, elimination of net loss of forest cover, and an increase in planted forest areas. Therefore, understanding, modeling, and mapping the responses of Caatinga seeds and seedlings to climate change can promote actions to reduce deforestation in the region. The information generated on the metabolic and molecular responses of these species to abiotic stresses exacerbated by global climate change will provide data for prospecting tolerance genes, which can be used in programs for the recovery of degraded areas.
Members: Dr. Francislene Angelotti; Dr. Gherman Garcia Leal de Araújo; Renata Conduru Ribeiro Reis; and graduate students.
Funding Institution: Embrapa Semiárido
Start Year: 2011
Status: Ongoing
Coordinator: Prof. Carlos Alberto Aragão
Research Line: Breeding and Management of Horticultural Crops
Protected Cultivation of Vegetables in the Semiarid Region of Bahia
Description:
In Brazil, bell pepper and tomato are among the ten most important cultivated vegetables. The growing demand for these products has expanded their cultivation in greenhouses, as this method offers greater production security, reduces losses, and consequently increases yield and fruit quality. Protected cultivation has long been an alternative that ensures good development; however, in recent years, some phytosanitary issues have emerged. One of the alternatives related to its use is the utilization of substrates as plant supports, combined with fertigation and different pot sizes, which promotes increased productivity and fruit quality. In this context, the use of coconut husk, sugarcane bagasse, and sisal powder as substrates emerges as a viable alternative in various areas, particularly in agriculture, as they are renewable and environmentally friendly products. This study aims to evaluate the performance of tomato and bell pepper in a protected environment, cultivated in different substrates and pot sizes, as well as monitoring the consumption of the available nutrient solution through fertigation.
Members: Prof. Ruy de Carvalho Rocha and undergraduate and graduate students.
Funding Institution: UNEB
Start Year: 2011
Status: Ongoing
Technology for Vegetable Production in the Submédio São Francisco Region
Description:
This project aimed to evaluate the effects of foliar fertilizers combined with plant regulators on rooting, seedling formation, growth, and development of horticultural crops. The study consists of three activities:
Activity 1: Conducted in the Olericulture Laboratory of DTCS from August 2011 to July 2012. The experiment will use nine foliar fertilizers combined with plant regulators at a concentration of 100 mg.L-1 of the following products: Gibermaxx, Crop Sett, Excyte, Progibb, Stimulate, Acadian, Vetor 1000, and Rutter. Seeds of watermelon (cv. Crimson Sweet), melon (cv. Frevo), and pumpkin (cv. Jacarezinho) will be soaked in the aforementioned solutions for six hours (BRASIL, 1992) before laboratory tests. The experimental design will be completely randomized in a factorial scheme of 9 (8 fertilizers + control) x 3 (cultivars of watermelon, melon, and pumpkin), with four replicates. Laboratory analyses will include germination tests, first germination count, germination speed index (GSI), shoot and root length, collar diameter, shoot and root dry matter, and reserve mobilization during germination.
Activity 2: Conducted in a nursery with 30% shading. The experiment will use seven fertilizers and one control treatment: Gibermaxx, Acadian, Crop Sett, Excyte, Progibb, Stimulate, Vetor 1000, Rutter, and water, at the concentrations described in Activity 1. Seeds of watermelon (cv. Crimson Sweet), melon (cv. Frevo), and pumpkin (cv. Jacarezinho) will be soaked in the solutions for six hours before greenhouse tests. The experimental design will be completely randomized in a factorial scheme of 9 (8 fertilizers + control) x 3 (cultivars of watermelon, melon, and pumpkin), with four replicates. Seedling quality will be evaluated based on seedling emergence, emergence speed index (ESI), shoot and root length, collar diameter, and shoot and root dry matter. For seedling evaluation, seeds of the three cultivars will be treated with the fertilizers and distributed in 280 mL disposable cups with soil. At 14 days after sowing, plant height, collar diameter, fresh biomass of shoots and roots, number of true leaves, root system length, and number of roots in the upper third (closest to the plant collar) will be assessed.
Activity 3: Conducted from July 2011 to August 2012 at the DTCS/UNEB Experimental Vegetable Field. The experimental design will be randomized blocks in a factorial scheme of 8 x 3 (fertilizers and cultivars of melon, watermelon, and pumpkin) with four replicates. Experimental plots will be 2.0 m wide and 3.0 m long, with ten plants per treatment considered as the useful plot. Treatments will consist of T1-control (water); T2-10 Lha-1 Acadian (foliar); T3-10 Lha-1 Crop Sett (foliar); T4-10 Lha-1 Excyte (foliar); T5-10 Lha-1 Progibb (foliar); T6-10 Lha-1 Stimulate (foliar); T7-10 Lha-1 Vetor 1000 (foliar); T8-10 Lha-1 Rutter (foliar); T9-10 Lha-1 Gibermaxx, combined with each cultivar of melon, watermelon, and pumpkin. Harvesting will occur around 65 days after sowing. Total yield, commercial yield, average fruit weight, and relative chlorophyll index (RCI) will be evaluated. Twelve fruits from each species and cultivar will be selected for chemical characterization of soluble solids and titratable acidity. Data will be subjected to analysis of variance using the F-test, and means will be compared at a 5% probability level using Tukey’s test.
Members: Prof. Bárbara França Dantas; Prof. Elizabeth Orika Ono; Prof. João Domingos Rodrigues; Prof. Ruy de Carvalho Rocha; undergraduate and graduate students.
Funding Institution: UNEB
Start Year: 2011
Status: Ongoing
Coordinator of Projects: Prof. Cristiane Domingos da Paz
Research Line: Protection of Horticultural Crops
Micropropagation of Gerberas through Chemical Sterilization and Evaluation of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria in Seedling Development
Description:
The cultivation of gerberas is currently expanding rapidly, standing out for the diversity of colors and forms of their inflorescences. This study aims to evaluate the chemical sterilization of culture media and glassware used in the in vitro cultivation of gerberas and assess the effect of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) on gerbera seedlings after the acclimatization period. Replacing thermal sterilization (autoclaving) with chemical sterilization using sodium hypochlorite has the potential to generate benefits related to time optimization and reduced costs in equipment acquisition, periodic maintenance, and electricity. The use of PGPB in gerbera seedlings seeks to reduce the need for chemical products, lowering costs and environmental impacts. The study will be conducted in the Biotechnology Laboratory, Plant Pathology Laboratory, and greenhouse at Campus III of the State University of Bahia in Juazeiro, BA. The first experiment will involve using NaClO for the sterilization of glassware and culture media. Variables to be analyzed include the pH of the medium before adjustment to 5.8 ± 1, morphological identification of contaminants, number and percentage of contaminated cultures, and seedling characteristics (number of shoots, shoot size, and presence of abnormal seedlings). In the second experiment, after the acclimatization period, micropropagated plants will be sprayed with a bacterial solution from Bacillus spp. isolates and evaluated weekly. Seedlings will be assessed for the number of leaves, stem diameter and length, presence and color of flower buds, and the appearance of pests and diseases. Data from both experiments will be subjected to analysis of variance, and means will be compared at a 0.05 probability level.
Members: Prof. Joselita C. de Souza and a graduate student.
Funding Institution: UNEB
Start Year: 2014
Status: Ongoing
Intrinsic Properties of Rhizobacteria, Selection of Resistant Varieties, and Biocontrol of Tomato Fusarium Wilt
Description:
The objective of this study is to evaluate the resistance of 40 tomato accessions to tomato fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, races 1, 2, and 3, and to select rhizobacteria isolated from tomato cultivation soils to study their cultural and biochemical characteristics, as well as their in vitro and in vivo biocontrol capacity against the disease. In the first stage, 100 rhizobacteria will be obtained from the tomato rhizosphere, and the best isolates will be selected based on cultural and biochemical characteristics for use in the selection of resistant varieties, biocontrol of fusarium wilt, and the germination and vigor of microbially treated tomato seeds. Greenhouse experiments will be conducted for genetic and biological control of the disease. The selected isolates will be characterized in the laboratory after purification, based on visual aspects of their colonies, such as size, shape, elevation, shine, edges, color, structure, and Gram staining. Biochemical studies of the bacterial isolates will analyze their ability to synthesize ACC deaminase, solubilize phosphates, produce phosphatases, siderophores, and phytohormones. In the genetic control experiments, seeds from 40 tomato accessions will be evaluated for resistance to wilt, and in the biological control experiments, 20 bacterial isolates, previously selected in in vitro studies, will be used for the biological control of the disease through seed bacterization. Disease control will be evaluated based on disease incidence (IMF) at 21 days after inoculation, estimated using an ordinal scale adapted from Santos, ranging from 1 to 5, and the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). The experimental design for all experiments will be completely randomized, and data will be subjected to analysis of variance with means compared using Tukey’s test.
Members: Prof. Ana Rosa Peixoto, undergraduate and graduate students.
Funding Institution: UNEB
Start Year: 2012
Status: Ongoing