Book HB 39_4

Journal of the Brazilian Association for Horticultural Science Volume 39 number 4 ISSN 0102-0536 October - December, 2021 THE BRAZILIAN ASSOCIATION Assistant Editor Francisco Antônio Passos FOR HORTICULTURAL Mirtes F Lima ABH, a convite da Horticultura SCIENCE Brasileira UFRPE Embrapa Hortaliças - Brasília R. Manoel de Medeiros s/n Itamar R Teixeira Dois Irmãos Executive and Editorial Coordination UEG - Anápolis 52171-900 Recife-PE Sieglinde Brune Tel (81) 3320 6000 Jackson Kawakami www.abhorticultura.com.br Associate Editors UNICENTRO - Guarapuava [email protected] Ana Cristina PP de Carvalho Jean Carlos Cardoso President Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical - UFSCar - Araras Roberto de Albuquerque Melo Fortaleza Jesus G Töfoli UFRPE - Recife Antonio T Amaral Júnior Instituto Biológico - São Paulo UENF - Campos dos Goytacazes Vice-President José Magno Q Luz Jackson Kawakami Arminda M de Carvalho UFU - Uberlândia Embrapa Cerrados - Brasília UNICENTRO - Guarapuava Juliano Tadeu V de Resende 1st Secretary Carlos Alberto Lopes UEL - Londrina Julio Carlos Polimeni de Mesquita Embrapa Hortaliças - Brasília Leandro SA Gonçalves IPA - Recife Francisco Bezerra Neto UEL - Londrina 2nd Secretary UFERSA - Mossoró Rene de Paula Posso Marina C Branco Geraldo Milanez de Resende Embrapa Secretaria de Pesquisa e Banco do Brasil - Campinas Embrapa Semiárido - Petrolina Desenvolvimento - Brasília 1st Treasurer Gabriel Alves Maciel Gilmar Paulo Henz Moysés Nascimento Embrapa Secretaria de Inteligência UFV - Viçosa IPA - Recife e Relações Estratégicas - Brasília 2nd Treasurer Patrícia AA Marques Thiago Leandro Factor Maria do Carmo Vieira ESALQ - Piracicaba UFGD - Dourados APTA - Campinas Renata SB Gomes Marinice O Cardoso Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros -Aracajú EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Embrapa Amazonia Ocidental - Horticultura Brasileira Manaus Renato Fernando Amabile [email protected] Embrapa Cerrados - Brasília Tel.: (61) 99621 3780 Scientific Editors Adriano do N Simões Rhuanito S Ferrarezi Editor-in-chief University of Florida - USA UFRPE - Serra Talhada Paulo Eduardo de Melo Vagner Augusto Benedito Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária Anderson F Wamser Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation e Abastecimento - Brasília EPAGRI - Caçador - USA André Luiz Lourenção Valter R Oliveira IAC - Campinas Embrapa Hortaliças - Brasília Catariny C Aleman Wagner F da Mota UFV - Viçosa UNIMONTES - Janaúba Derly José H da Silva Waldemar P Camargo Filho UFV - Viçosa IEA - São Paulo Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Horticultura Brasileira is indexed by AGRIS/FAO, AGROBASE, CAB, JOURNAL CITATION REPORTS, SciSearch®, Directory of Open Access Journal (DOAJ), TROPAG Scientific Eletronic Library Online: http://www.scielo.br/hb www.horticulturabrasileira.com.br Horticultura Brasileira, v. 1 n.1, 1983 - Brasília, Sociedade de Olericultura do Brasil, 1983 Quarterly F o r m e r t i t l e s : V. 1 - 3 , 1961-1963, Olericultura. V. 4-18, 1964-1981, Revista de Olericultura. Not published: v. 5, 1965; 7-9, 1967-1969. Composition Periodicity until 1981: Annual. João Bosco Carvalho da Silva from 1982 to 1998: Biannual from 1999 to 2001: Four-monthly English revision from 2002 on: Quarterly Carlos Francisco Ragassi From 2005 on: Sociedade de Olericultura do Brasil is called Associação Brasileira de Horticultura ISSN 0102-0536 1. Horticulture - Periodics. 2. Olericulture - Periodics. I. Associação Brasileira de Horticultura. CDD 635.05 Journal partially sponsored by: Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Journal of the Brazilian Association for Horticultural Science Volume 39 number 4 ISSN 0102-0536 October - December, 2021 CONTENTS RESEARCH Solutions to conserve the vase life of Heliconia ‘Tropics’ 349 Gisela C Alvarado; Obdulia Baltazar-Bernal Selection of S3 progenies of super sweet corn based on agronomic performance of topcrosses 357 Nathany R Chiquito; Marcos V Faria; Elida Auxiliadora P Paiva; Emanuel Gava; Welton Luiz Zaluski Descriptive sensory analysis and acceptance of leaves of smooth and curly kale 362 Rayane de Souza; Victor Augusto Forti; Marta Helena F Spoto; Simone Daniela S de Medeiros; Fernando Cesar Sala; Daniella M Pimenta; Marta Regina Verruma-Bernardi Flowering capacity and botanical seed production of sweet potato genotypes Orlando G Brito; Valter C Andrade Júnior; Thabata Karoline Lopes; Jeferson Carlos de O Silva; Tiago D Firme; Eduardo A da Silva; Sebastião Márcio de Azevedo 369 Fungal and seed treatment interference in the viability of coriander seeds 376 Gizele Ingrid Gadotti; Raimunda Nonata O da Silva; Cândida Renata J de Farias; Joseano G da Silva; Henrique L Padão Pre-dehydration treatments and quality of processed potatoes during storage 383 Dilson Antonio Bisognin; Marlene Terezinha Lovatto Fertilization management strategies for ‘Agata’ potato production 389 Rogério P Soratto; Renato Yagi; André Luiz G Job; Adalton M Fernandes Physicochemical characterization, bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of bitter melon 397 Guilherme F de L Hercos; Celso M Belisário; Anny E de S Alves; Geisa Priscilla AG Maia; Maísa D Cavalcante Micropropagation of lavender: a protocol for production of plantlets 404 Jana Koefender; Candida Elisa Manfio; Juliane N Camera; André Schoffel; Diego Pascoal Golle Performance of Solanum phureja-derived bacterial-wilt resistant potato clones in a field naturally infested with Ralstonia 411 solanacearum in Central Brazil Carlos A Lopes; Agnaldo DF Carvalho; Arione S Pereira; Fernanda Q Azevedo; Caroline M Castro; Beatriz M Emygdio; Giovani O Silva Post-harvest quality and sensory acceptance of Italian tomatoes grown under organic, integrated and conventional management 417 Silas Mian; Leonel Vinicius Constantino; Maria Paula Nunes; Mauricio U Ventura; Wilma A Spinosa; Natalia NY Hata; Felipe A Spagnuolo; Claudia Oliveira; Leandro SA Gonçalves Firmness and biochemical composition of Shitake and Shimeji commercialized in natura and consumers' opinion survey 425 Pamela dos S Antunes; Lígia Erpen-Dalla Corte; Janaina CM Bueno; Wilma Aparecida Spinosa; Juliano Tadeu V Resende; Fernando T Hata; Lilian C Cabrera; Douglas M Zeffa; Leandro SA Gonçalves; Leonel Vinícius Constantino Beet-arugula intercropping under green manuring and planting density induce to agro-economic advantages 432 Vitor AS Lino; Francisco Bezerra Neto; Jailma SS Lima; Elizangela C Santos; Renato LC Nunes; Natan M Guerra; Francisca Karla KS Lino; Jolinda M Sá; Josimar N Silva Productivity of lettuce in greenhouse as affected by humic and fulvic acids application in association to mineral fertilizer 444 Ana Cristina Lüdtke; Deborah P Dick; Luiza Morosino; Vicente Kraemer Relationship between bud number in seed branches and yield aspects of sweet potato Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 347

Journal of the Brazilian Association for Horticultural Science Amanda C Perrud; Lorrayne G Bavaresco; André R Zeist; Murilo HS Leal; André D Silva Júnior; Juliano TV de 451 Resende; Marcio L da Silva; Bruno R Toroco NEW CULTIVAR Pircinque: new strawberry cultivar for Brazilian producers 458 Antonio Felippe Fagherazzi; Fernanda Grimaldi; Aike Anneliese Kretzschmar; Leo Rufato; Marllon Fernando S dos Santos; Paolo Sbrighi; Pierluigi Lucchi; Gianluca Baruzzi; Walther Faedi 348 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Research CARRERA-ALVARADO, G; BALTAZAR-BERNAL, O. 2021. Solutions to conserve the vase life of Heliconia ‘Tropics’. Horticultura Brasileira 39: 349- 356. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s0102-0536-20210401 Solutions to conserve the vase life of Heliconia ‘Tropics’ Gisela Carrera Alvarado 1 ;ID Obdulia Baltazar-Bernal 1ID 1Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Córdoba. Carretera Federal Córdoba-Veracruz km 348, Congregación Manuel León. 94946, municipio de Amatlán de los Reyes, Ver., México; [email protected]; [email protected] (author for correspondence) ABSTRACT RESUMO Heliconia ‘Tropics’ has high market acceptance and blooms Soluções para conservar a vida de Heliconia ‘Tropics’em vaso year-round. Still, there is little information on solutions to prolong its vase life. The objective of this research was to assess pulse Heliconia ‘Tropics’ tem boa aceitação no mercado e floresce o solutions to prolong the vase life of Heliconia ‘Tropics’ in three ano todo. Mesmo assim, há poucas informações sobre soluções para cutting stages. Floral stems in a closed, semi-open and commercial prolongar sua vida de vaso. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar grown stages from three years old plants grown in an outdoor setting soluções conservantes para prolongar a vida de vaso de Heliconia were evaluated. Three experiments were evaluated: sucrose at 10, ‘Tropics’ em três estágios de corte. Foram avaliados caules florais 20 and 30% (w/v); Hydraflor® 100 at 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 g L-1; and em estágios de flores fechadas, semiabertas e comerciais de plantas citric acid (CA) at 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm, and a control (tap de três anos, cultivadas em ambiente aberto. Foram avaliados três water). The floral opening, fresh weight of the floral stems, solution experimentos: sacarose a 10, 20 e 30% (p/v); Hydraflor® 100 a 0,25, consumption and vase life were measured every two days. Based on 0,50 e 0,75 g L-1; e ácido cítrico (CA) a 25, 50, 100, 150 e 200 ppm, the best results of these experiments, the following combinations e um controle (água de torneira). A abertura floral, a massa fresca dos were assessed: 10% sucrose + 0.50 g L-1 Hydraflor® 100; 10% caules florais, o consumo de solução e a vida de vaso foram medidos a sucrose + 150 ppm CA; 10% sucrose + 0.50 g L-1 Hydraflor® 100 cada dois dias. Baseado nos melhores resultados desses experimentos, + 150 ppm CA; 0.50 g L-1 of Hydraflor® 100 + 150 ppm CA and a as seguintes combinações foram avaliadas: 10% sacarose + 0,50 g control. A 10% sucrose + 0.50 g L-1 of Hydraflor® 100 pulse for 24 L-1 de Hydraflor® 100; 10% de sacarose + 150 ppm CA; 10% de h had a 22.8-day vase life and was superior to the floral stems in the sacarose + 0,50 g L-1 de Hydraflor® 100 + 150 ppm CA; 0,50 g L-1 control treatment (15.6 days) at the semi-open cut stage. This was de Hydraflor® 100 + 150 ppm CA e um controle. Sacarose a 10% + associated with greater water consumption, lower fresh weight loss 0,50 g L-1 de Hydraflor® 100 conservantes por 24 h resultou em vida and greater floral opening. de vaso de 22,8 dias e foi superior às hastes florais do tratamento controle (15,6 dias) na fase de corte semiaberto. Isso foi associado ao maior consumo de água, menor perda de massa fresca e maior abertura floral. Keywords: Heliconia psittacorum x H. spathocircinata, tropical Palavras-chave: Heliconia psittacorum x H. spathocircinata, flores flowers, sucrose, Hydraflor® 100, citric acid, pulse solution. tropicais, sacarose, Hydraflor® 100, ácido citrico, solução para vaso. Received on July 24, 2020; accepted on April 29, 2021 I n cut flowers, quality is closely exported (20%) and the rest is used to that loads tissues with high sucrose related to pre- and post-harvest cover the prosperous domestic market concentrations with a biocide, a weak handling. During postharvest, the plant’s (AIPH, 2017). acid, an anti-ethylene agent and/or a handling and their postharvest process, phytoregulator, generally before their as well as inadequate storage conditions Reid (2009) states that maintaining commercialization in national or export can result in excessive loss of these good quality in cut flowers depends on the markets (Halevy et al., 1978) to increase products, flowers or inflorescences. stored nutrients within the stems, leaves vase life. It is estimated that 30 to 40% of the and petals; where carbohydrates are the total flower production is lost due main energy source for inflorescences, Sucrose is an additional source of the to inadequate postharvest handling for the biochemical and physiological carbohydrates consumed by respiration (Yadav et al., 2014). In addition, the processes during the postharvest life (Morais et al., 2015; Dias, 2016); it differentiated quality of the floricultural (Halevy & Mayak, 1978). favors water flow and minerals in the production defines the destination of xylem and acts on the stomatal closure, the commercialization, either for the The quality of some tropical cut thus reducing water loss through internal, or external market destined flowers can be maintained and extended transpiration, in addition, accumulates to exports. Consequently, in Mexico, with hydration treatments (Folha et al., in floral tissues, increases its osmotic only a low percentage of production is 2016) or pulsing after harvest (Costa et concentration and maintains turgor al., 2015; Baltazar-Bernal & Zavala- (Halevy et al., 1978), which justifies Ruíz, 2016). Pulsing is a treatment Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 349

G Carrera-Alvarado & O Baltazar-Bernal the positive effect on the vase life; in summer, with 22°C annual mean loss calculation was reported as the total furthermore, its application has been temperature, 28°C mean maximum fresh weight loss at 14 days of vase life reported to influence harvested flowers and 16°C mean minimum; 1,800 mm (VL) and was expressed in g of fresh opening in a closed cut state (Reid, mean annual precipitation, from May weight. 2009). to October the precipitation exceeds 60 mm, and the average relative humidity Floral opening: evaluated every two The pulsing has been successfully is 62% (García, 2005). Heliconia days and up to 14 days of VL during tested on various tropical flowers: in ‘Tropics’ (Heliconia psittacorum x H. the experiment, the distance at the Alpinia purpurata a 2% sucrose + spathocircinata) flower stems were maximum width of the open bracts was citric acid (CA) pulse is recommended used, grown outdoors for three years, at measured and reported as the difference (Mattiuz et al., 2005); in Polianthes three cut stages: closed, semi-open (one in the initial and final floral opening in tuberosa a vase solution of 450 ppm open bract) and commercial (two open cm. of CA maintains the stem’s quality by bracts) (Figure 1), harvested before 8:00 preventing microorganisms growth in AM in the ornamental horticulture area. Water consumption: the volume of the vase solution due to pH reduction the vase liquid solution was recorded (Jowkar & Salehi, 2005). In Gardenia The research consisted of five every two days and up to 14 days during jasminoides, 200 ppm of CA increases experiments: during the first, the effect the VL (accounting for the water loss vase life (Çelikel et al., 2020); in of a pulse of 0 (tap water with pH 7.1 by evapotranspiration) and recorded as Zingiber spectabile Hydraflor® 100 and 0.4 mmho/cm EC), 10, 20 and 30% water consumed in mL. (16 mL L-1) improves vase life and stem (w/v) sucrose for 24 h; in the second quality (Coelho et al., 2012). experiment, the effect of a Hydraflor® Vase life (VL): measured as the 100 from Floralife®, Walterboro, USA, number of days from the cut-off date Within the heliconia family, preservative solution at concentrations to the day when at least one of the Heliconia ‘Tropics’ (Heliconia of 0 (tap water), 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 g following symptoms appeared: necrosis psittacorum x H. spathocircinata) is a L-1 pH 7.1, 5.5, 4.2 and 3.9 respectively in a bract, bract wilting, bending of the cut flower that has a great ornamental were evaluated; in the third, the effect of stem. acceptance by consumers, due to its a preservative solution of CA at 0 (tap attractive color, inflorescence size, water), 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm Statistical analysis flowering throughout the year and easy with pH 7.1, 6.7, 6.4, 5.8, 5.2 and 4.6 A completely randomized packing since its bracts are arranged respectively, were evaluated. All three experimental design was used, with a in a single plane (Baltazar et al., 2011; experiments were tested at the three factorial arrangement in the structure Costa et al., 2015). Heliconia ‘Tropics’ cut-off stages. of the treatments. In the first four replaces the “bird of paradise” flowers in experiments, the factors were the harvest the Mexican market, and along with its Based on the best previous three stages and the solution concentrations. In demand, the area sown with this cultivar experiments results, the fourth evaluated each treatment of the five experiments, in Mexico is increasing. experiment was 10% sucrose + 150 eight repetitions were used, each flower ppm CA, 10% sucrose + 0.50 g L-1 stem as an experimental unit. The Due to the increase in the planted Hydraflor® 100, 10% sucrose + 0.50 obtained data were analyzed using an area with Heliconia ‘Tropics’ because g L-1 Hydraflor® 100 + 150 ppm analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a of its demand is pertinent to investigate: CA, 0.50 g L-1 Hydraflor® 100 +150 Tukey mean comparison test (α = 0.05), the pulsing with different solutions ppm CA and tap water at the semi- with the SAS® 9.4 statistical package accessible to small producers to prolong open and commercial cut-off points software (2012). the flower´s vase life. (Figures 1B and 1C, respectively). The fifth experiment evaluated the effect RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The objective here was to determine of pulsing 10% sucrose + 0.50 g L-1 the effects of a pulsing treatment that Hydraflor® 100 for 0, 4, 8, 12, 24 and Experiment 1 - Effect of pulsing allows prolonging the vase life of 48 hours at the semi-open cut-off stage Heliconia ‘Tropics’ using sucrose, (Figure 1C). with sucrose Hydraflor® 100 and CA, by themselves The flower stems from the three and in combination at three cut-off In all the experiments, the stems points. were set to 80 cm in length and were kept cut stages developed no new bracts, in a room at 22°C±2, 57 µmol m-2 s-1 of even with a pulsed treatment at a MATERIAL AND METHODS light and 75% RH. Temperature, relative high concentration (30%). However, humidity, and light were recorded using a significant effect (P = 0.0216) of The research took place from external automatic recording equipment, the pulsing was observed on the floral November 2015 to March 2016, at the Onset HOBO brand, model U12-012. opening of the inflorescences at the Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus The evaluated variables were: semi-open cutting point. The flower Córdoba facilities, state of Veracruz, stems with an open bract (semi-open Mexico (18°51’21’’N, 96°51’35’’W, Fresh weight loss: fresh weight of cut-off point), pulsed with 20% sucrose, 647 m altitude); its climate is Am, the flower stems were evaluated every had the greatest opening difference (6.75 warm humid with abundant rains two days, with a digital scale, until the end of their vase life. The fresh weight 350 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Solutions to conserve the vase life of Heliconia ‘Tropics' cm), followed by those pulsed with 10 vase life increase of heliconia in acid The stems treated with Hydraflor® and 30% sucrose from the same cutting solutions is due to the inhibition of 100 showed similar behavior to those point. Sucrose pulsing has been used vascular blockage by microorganisms treated with sucrose; that is, there was no for several years in roses, carnations and increased water absorption. new bracts development at any cut point. and later in bird of paradise (Strelitzia Hydraflor® 100 and the interaction reginae) flowers (Halevy et al., 1978) to Experiment 2 - Hydration with cut-off point and Hydraflor® 100 had maintain the sugar level of the stems, as a significant effect P = 0.0001 and P = sucrose is the substrate for respiration, Hydraflor® 100 and in this way, guarantee the floral opening is closed cut points (De la Cruz Figure 1. Heliconia ‘Tropics’ (H. psittacorum x H. spathocircinata) cutting stages: A) closed, et al., 2007; Reid, 2009). B) semi-open, and C) commercial. Veracruz, Mexico, Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Córdoba, 2016. Several studies have shown changes in the sugar levels in the flowers at Table 1. Means comparison of four measured variables in floral stems of Heliconia ‘Tropics’ the time of opening. These changes (H. psittacorum x H. spathocircinata) pulsed for 24 h with different concentrations of sucrose, particularly consist in sugars reduction, evaluated at day 14 of their vase life. Veracruz, Mexico, Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus such as glucose and fructose in peony Córdoba, 2016. (Xiang-Feng et al., 2009), and Fresia (Shu et al., 2010). That is, the role of Cut stage Sucrose Floral Fresh Water Vase life sugars in promoting flower opening, (%) opening weight consumption (days) which explains higher opening values loss (g) in pulsed inflorescences. 0 (cm) 8.19b (mL) 23.63bcd  0 9.43ab 47.25f 25.63ª Regarding the loss of fresh weight Closed 10  0 9.70ab 48.25ef 23.38cd in the flower stems, a clear trend in the 20  0 11.37ab 54.88cd 23.50cd treatments is not observed either, the  0 9.09b 51.88de 21.13e closed or commercial cut-off points, 30 9.35b 25.38ab but the sucrose at 20% concentration 2.53bcd 12.81a 48.50ef 25.00abc generated the greatest loss of fresh 0 4.62ab 9.18b 55.50cd 24.25ª weight at the semi-open cut point (Table 6.75a 9.61ab 65.63a 20.75e 1). In regard to water consumption, it Semi-open 10 4.46bc 10.32ab 52.13de 24.38abcd was significantly lower in non-pulsed 20 1.60d 24.25abcd flower stems (P = 0.0001) than in pulsed 0.93d 9.12b 54.00cd 23.13d ones with 20 and 30% sucrose at all cut- 30 2.31cd 10.54ab 56.37cd off points. In the three cut-off points, the 1.25d 61.75ab 0.09 sucrose concentration that generated 0 0.93 0.35 58.50bc the highest water consumption was 20%. The highest solution consumption Commercial 10 0.0001 0.8867 0.13 occurred during the first four days 20 0.0216 0.4029 (Figure 2). 0.1506 0.3004 30 The interaction between the cut- off point and pulsing solution had a CV (%) significant effect (P = 0.0001) on the vase life of the inflorescences in the Significance (p ≤ 0.05) closed/semi-open cut-off points with a 10% sucrose pulsing (Table 1). The CS 0.0001 0.0453 longest vase life was found with the 10% 0.0001 0.0001 sucrose pulsing, with a VL of 25.6, 25.4 Sucrose 0.0109 0.0073 and 24.3, which increased by 2, 4.2 and 3.6 days in the closed, semi-open and CS x Sucrose commercial cut-off points, respectively, compared with the VL of the non-pulsed Means with the same letter between columns are not statistically different. Tukey, P < 0.05. stems (Table 1). Reid (2009) mentions that adding a carbohydrates source, such as sucrose, to vase solutions, results in an extension of the vase life if the microorganism’s growth is controlled. Therefore, according to this author, the Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 351

G Carrera-Alvarado & O Baltazar-Bernal Table 2. Means comparison of four variables measured in floral stems of Heliconia ‘Tropics’ 0.0002 each, on the difference in floral (H. psittacorum x H. spathocircinata) treated with different concentrations of Hydraflor® opening of the already opened bracts. At 100, evaluated at day 14 of their vase life. Veracruz, Mexico, Colegio de Postgraduados, the semi-open cut-off point, the higher Campus Córdoba, 2016. the Hydraflor® 100 concentration in the vase solution, the smaller the difference Cut stage Hydraflor® Floral Fresh Water Vase life in the floral opening; therefore, the 100 (g L-1) opening weight loss consumption (days) control presented the largest opening (3.41 cm); while, in the stems at (cm) (g) (mL) 18.00bcd the commercial stage, the opening 5.46bc 37.50fg 17.50cde difference was greater in those treated 0.00 0.00 3.46efg 48.13bc 19.75ab with Hydraflor® 100 compared to the 2.58g 55.00a 19.25abc stems of the control treatment (0 g L-1), Closed 0.25 0.00 0.92h 38.88fg 16.50def which were of 0.95 cm (Table 2). 0.50 0.00 6.34b 36.00g 16.50def 4.58cdef 40.75ef 20.50ª The application of sucrose or 0.75 0.00 0.94h 43.75de 15.50ef Hydraflor® 100 in the vase solution, 4.95bcde 45.00bcd 15.87ef despite contributing to the opening 0.00 3.41ab 8.16ª 31.37h 16.50def of the already opened bracts, did not 5.08bcd 44.25cde 18.25bcd allow to increase the number of bracts 0.25 3.15ab 3.79defg 48.63b 15.75ef in the inflorescences of Heliconia Semi-open 3.23fg 41.25def 0.14 ‘Tropics’. Costa et al. (2011) and 0.62 0.18 Carrera-Alvarado et al. (2020) stated 0.50 2.10bc that the opening of floral bracts in 0.0001 heliconia flowers is disabled once the 0.75 0.98c 0.0001 plant’s stem is separated. Contrary 0.0001 to that in the bird of paradise flowers 0.00 0.95c (Strelitzia reginae), which opens its buds even when harvested in a closed point Commercial 0.25 3.95ª and has greater longevity, compared 0.50 1.44c to those harvested when the first bract begins to open (Dias, 2016). 0.75 1.50c Regarding the loss of fresh weight, CV (%) 0.83 it had a significant effect (P ≤ 0.0001) on the cut points of the flower stems, Significance (p ≤ 0.05) the Hydraflor® 100 concentration and the interaction (Table 2). On the CS 0.0896 0.0014 0.0004 treatments, the fresh weight loss of the 0.0001 0.0001 flower stems was significantly higher Hydraflor® 100 0.0001 0.0001 0.0935 (P = 0.0001) in the control treatment (0 g L-1), compared to that of the stems CS x Hydraflor®100 0.0002 treated with Hydraflor® 100, in the three cutting points. At the highly closed Means with the same letter between columns are not statistically different. Tukey, P < 0.05. cut-off point, the control lost 7.85% of the fresh weight of the floral stem, Figure 2. Water consumption during postharvest life of Heliconia ‘Tropics’ (H. psittacorum while with 0.75 g L-1 Hydraflor® 100 x H. spathocircinata) in a semi-open stage pulsed with sucrose at 0, 10, 20 and 30% (p/v). only 1.08% was lost. At the semi-open Veracruz, Mexico, Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Córdoba, 2016. cut-off point, the control treatment (0 g L-1) lost 8.42% of the fresh weight of the floral stem, while with 0.50 g L-1 Hydraflor® 100, only 0.42% of the fresh weight was lost. In this same stage, the flower stems treated with Hydraflor® 100 increased their fresh weight, unlike the control treatment, in which, after the second day of VL, the fresh weight decreased (Figure 3). In the flowers at the commercial cut-off point, the control (0 g L-1) lost 10.0% of its fresh weight 352 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Solutions to conserve the vase life of Heliconia ‘Tropics' Table 3. Means comparison of four variables assessed in floral stems of Heliconia ‘Tropics’ this effect, water must be acidified (H. psittacorum x H. spathocircinata) pulsed with four different solutions and a control to extend vase life (Baltazar-Bernal (tap water) for 48 h, evaluated at day 14 of their vase life. Veracruz, Mexico, Colegio de & Zavala-Ruiz, 2012; Coelho et al., Postgraduados, Campus Córdoba, 2016. 2012). At the same time, acidifying the solution allows the metabolic Floral Fresh Water Vase activity in the stem to be maintained, which is associated with higher water Cut stage Treatment opening weight loss consumption life consumption. Furthermore, low pH has been reported with a reduction in (cm) (g) (mL) (days) phenolic oxidation (Halevy et al., 1978; Sardinha et al., 2019) and a decrease in Control (tap water) 1.51bcd 10.59abc 46.25bc 19.63de bacterial growth, which delay xylem disruption (Jowkar & Salehi, 2005). 10% sucrose + 150 1.06cde 12.07ab 42.75cd 21.63cd However, no significant differences ppm CA were obtained in the interaction cut- off point and Hydraflor® 100, which Semi-open 10% sucrose + 0.50 g 3.10ª 6.68d 54.75ª 27.63a concurs with Lessa et al. (2015) who L-1Hydraflor® 100 2.29ab 9.55bc 46.88bc 25.50ab report that tap water was sufficient to maintain the vase life of Zingiber 10% sucrose + 150 spectabile. ppm CA + 0.50 g L-1Hydraflor® 100 Experiment 3- Citric acid effect No significant effects (P = 0.9428) of 150 ppm CA + 0.50 g 1.78bc 9.50bcd 55.75ª 21.88cd the citric acid were observed on the vase L-1Hydraflor® 100 life of cut stems in a closed development stage, unlike the stems in semi-open Control (tap water) 0.56de 11.07abc 42.38cd 18.25e and commercial cut-off stages, where the longest vase life was recorded in 10% sucrose + 150 0.79cde 13.41a 40.13d 24.13bc stems treated with a 150 ppm CA (22.6 ppm CA and 21.4 days respectively), increasing, in both cases, 4.6 days the vase life 10% sucrose + 0.50 g 0.48e 9.15cd 51.75ab 26.00ab compared to stems treated with 0 ppm Commercial L-1Hydraflor® 100 1.09cde 11.83abc 41.25cd 21.63cd CA (data not shown). In experiments 1, 2 and 3, no great 10% sucrose + 150 influence of the pulsing or preservative ppm CA + 0.50 g solutions was observed on the vase life L-1Hydraflor® 100 of the closed cut-off flowers; since the flower stems of the control treatment 150 ppm AC + 0.50 g 0.85cde 11.31abc 44.75cd 20.00de also showed a long vase life (18 to 23 L-1Hydraflor® 100 days). This result is probably due to: 1) being in an early development stage, the CV (%) 0.93 0.30 0.16 0.16 floral surface exposed to transpiration is smaller than that of the inflorescences Significance (p ≤ 0.05) of the semi-open and commercial cut stages where the bracts are already open; CS 0.0001 0.0112 0.0002 0.0082 2) in the closed stage of development, endogenous sugar levels are high, since Treatment 0.0667 0.0005 0.0001 0.0001 it has been shown that the development and opening are associated with overall CS x Treatment 0.0250 0.8728 0.2636 0.0015 high levels of reducing sugars, while senescence is associated with low levels Means with the same letter between columns are not statistically different. Tukey, P < 0.05. (Sane & Khan, 2013), so exogenous application of sugars is unnecessary. of the floral stems, while with 0.75 g L-1 in the concentration of 0.50 g L-1 of Hydraflor® 100 treatment only 4.60% Hydraflor® 100 in the three cut points, Experiment 4 - Evaluation of was lost. increasing 1.7, 4.0 and 2.4 days in solutions for pulsing the stems with closed, semi-open and The interaction between the cut-off commercial cut points, respectively, In Table 3, results show that in flower point and the Hydraflor® 100 pulse compared with the stems in the control stems in a semi-open cutting stage the had a significant effect (P = 0.0001), treatment (Table 2). largest opening (3.10 cm) is obtained thus the water consumption was higher in the stems treated with Hydraflor® These results show that Hydraflor® 353 100, especially those in a 0.50 g L-1 100 significantly increases the water concentration, consuming up to 17 consumption in flower stems compared mL more than the stems in the control to those in the control treatment (0 g treatment (0 g L-1), in stems at a closed L-1). This response is associated with and commercial cut point and up to the fact that the solution with the 7 mL more in the stems at a semi- moisturizer has lower pH (5.5, 4.2 and open cut point. Therefore, hydration 3.9) than tap water (7.4). According to with Hydraflor® 100 to 0.50 g L-1 is Reid (2009), water frequently contains an optimal concentration for water minerals that turn it alkaline (high pH), consumption in the three cut-off points. which drastically reduces its movement The longest vase life was observed within the stems, so that to counteract Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

G Carrera-Alvarado & O Baltazar-Bernal Figure 3. Changes on fresh weight during postharvest life of Heliconia ‘Tropics’ (H. control treatment (tap water). Therefore, psittacorum x H. spathocircinata) in semi-open stage treated with Hydraflor ® 100 at 0, 0.25, the sucrose effect was enhanced with 0.50 and 0.75 g L-1. Veracruz, Mexico, Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Córdoba, 2016. Hydraflor® 100. Table 4. Means comparison of four variables measured in floral stems of Heliconia ‘Tropics’ In previous experiments, longer (H. psittacorum x H. spathocircinata) pulsed with 10% sucrose + 0.50 g L-1 Hydraflor® vase life was associated with higher 100 at different times, evaluated on day 14 of their vase life. Veracruz, Mexico, Colegio de water consumption and lower weight Postgraduados, Campus Córdoba, 2016. loss as the result of using sucrose and Hydraflor® 100, by itself or in Pulse time (h) Floral Fresh Water Vase life combination in the vase solution. Given opening weight loss consumption (days) that, during the vase life of the stems pulsed with sucrose, there was a higher (cm) (g) (mL) water consumption than that of the non- pulsed stems (Figure 2); and the flower 0 1.92b 27.84a 45.17e 15.67d stems treated with Hydraflor® 100 increased their fresh weight during the 4 4.60a 15.21b 46.17de 17.33cd first three days, unlike the stems of the control treatment (Figure 3). Halevy & 8 3.33ba 14.00b 49.50cd 17.33cd Mayak (1981) reported that the flowers that maintain or increase their weight, 12 3.43ba 12.07b 56.17a 19.5bc achieve a longer vase life than those in which the weight decrease. Sucrose 24 2.93ba 9.22b 52.50bc 22.83a has been reported to improve the water balance in cut flowers, by regulating 48 2.93ba 13.87b 53.80ab 21.67ba their osmotic potential and the water retention capacity of their tissues, CV (%) 0.56 0.60 0.09 0.17 which may explain the weight and vase life increased (Reid, 2009; Sane & Significance (p ≤ 0.05) Khan, 2013). In cut flowers of Rosa cv. Royalty, longer vase life was associated Pulse time 0.2740 0.0178 0.0001 0.0007 with higher water consumption, along with slow loss of fresh weight (De la Means with the same letter between columns are not statistically different. Tukey, P < 0.05. Cruz et al., 2007), as well as in heliconia inflorescences (Mangave et al., 2014; with the pulsing of 10% sucrose + 0.50 (P = 0.0112), the treatment with 10% Patel et al., 2017). g L-1 Hydraflor® 100, 1.59 cm more than sucrose + Hydraflor® 100 (0.5 g L-1) had the control treatment (P = 0.0250). The a significant effect (P = 0.0005) on the Experiment 5 - Evaluation of flower stems in a commercial cut stage loss of fresh weight, with losses less than showed less bract opening than that 9% of its initial weight, while the rest pulsing with 10% sucrose + 0.50 G l-1 stems with a semi-open cut stage. The of the treatments had losses of around treatment that reported the highest result 16%. This same treatment registered a hydraflor® 100 (0.53 cm more than the control) was that higher water consumption and vase life The pulsing time had no significant with 10% sucrose + 150 ppm CA + 0.50 (P = 0.0001) in the two cut-off points, g L-1 Hydraflor® 100. In the two cut- increasing up to eight more days of effect on the floral opening of the control off points (semi-open and commercial) vase life, compared to the stems in the treatment but had a significant effect on the fresh weight loss (P ≤ 0.0178), water consumption (P ≤ 0.0001) and vase life (P ≤ 0.0007). The flower stems pulsed for 12 hours had a higher water consumption (56.17 mL), followed by the stems pulsed for 48 hours (53.80 mL) and 24 hours (52.50 mL). Regarding the VL of Heliconia ‘Tropics’ stems pulsed for 24 hours with 10% sucrose + 0.50 g L-1 Hydraflor® 100, it increased up to 7.1 days more than non-pulsed stems (15.6 days), that is, it reached a vase life of 22.8 days (Table 4). Pulsing with 10% sucrose + 0.50 g L-1 Hydraflor® 100 significantly increased the vase life of Heliconia 354 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Solutions to conserve the vase life of Heliconia ‘Tropics' ‘Tropics’, by conserving the metabolic potential as a preservative solution for https://doi.org/10.14295/oh.v22i3.961 activity of the stems, which facilitated cut flowers of Heliconia ‘Tropics’ in a the maintenance of water absorption and semi-open cut stage. FOLHA, WR; SOUZA, RR; AMARAL, its flow. This was probably caused by G C ; S I LVA , A A ; C A RVA L H O , J N ; sucrose, slightly reducing the osmotic REFERENCES CAVALCANTE, MZB. 2016. Heliconia potential, and Hydraflor® 100 slightly ‘Golden Torch’ postharvest: stem ends reducing the solution’s pH. This concurs AIPH, 2017. The international statistics flowers cutting and renewing vase water benefits. with Halevy et al. (1978), who reported and plants yearbook. 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G Carrera-Alvarado & O Baltazar-Bernal PATEL, VD; PATEL, TD. 2017. Effect of vase Ediciones Hortitecnia Ltda. Bogotá, Colombia. SARDINHA, DHS; RODRIGUES, AAC; solutions on flowers of different varieties of 36p. RIBEIRO, SSM; DINIZ, NB; NETO, JRMC; heliconia. International Journal of Chemical OLIVEIRA, RF. 2019. Phytostimulants Studies 5: 400-402. SANE, AP; KHAN, S. 2013. Metabolic shifts influence the vase life of Heliconia psittacorum in sugars during floral senescence. Stewart cv. golden torch. Postharvest Biology and REID, MS. 2009. Poscosecha de las flores Postharvest Review 4: 1-5. https://doi. Technology 155: 140-148. https://53p. cortadas, manejo y recomendaciones. org/10.2212/spr.2013.4.5 356 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Research CHIQUITO, NR; FARIA, MV; PAIVA, EAP; GAVA, E; ZALUSKI, WL. 2021. Selection of S3 progenies of super sweet corn based on agronomic performance of topcrosses. Horticultura Brasileira 39: 357-361. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s0102-0536-20210402 Selection of S3 progenies of super sweet corn based on agronomic performance of topcrosses Nathany R Chiquito ;1ID Marcos V Faria ;1ID Elida Auxiliadora P Paiva ;1ID Emanuel Gava ;1ID Welton L Zaluski 1ID 1Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Guarapuava-PR, Brasil; [email protected]; ventura_faria@yahoo. com.br; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] ABSTRACT RESUMO The aim of this study was to select S3 progenies of super sweet Seleção de progênies S3 de milho super doce com base no corn based on agronomic performance, evaluated in topcrosses desempenho agronômico de topcrosses with the narrow genetic base tester Honey Sweeter (Seminis®). The experiment was carried out in Guarapuava-PR. We evaluated O trabalho teve por objetivo selecionar progênies S3 de milho 22 topcross hybrids and three checks, in two sowing times, in super doce com base no desempenho agronômico, avaliadas em randomized blocks design with three replications. Six traits were topcrosses com o testador Honey Sweeter, de base genética estreita. O evaluated: total yield of husked ears, commercial yield of husked experimento foi conduzido em Guarapuava-PR. Foram avaliados 22 ears, grain yield, grain length, ear diameter and total soluble solids híbridos topcrosses e três testemunhas, em duas épocas de semeadura, content. Considering the set of evaluated traits, the topcrosses with no delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Foram progenies D2-07, D3-28, D4-53 and D5-24 were superior to the avaliadas seis características: produtividade total de espigas sem others; therefore, these progenies should continue in the inbreeding palha, produtividade comercial de espigas sem palha, produtividade process and be evaluated in crosses with elite inbred lines with de grãos, comprimento de grãos, diâmetro de espiga e teor de sólidos potential to generate competitive super sweet corn single hybrids. solúveis totais. Considerando o conjunto das características avaliadas, os topcrosses com as progênies D2-07, D3-28, D4-53 e D5-24 foram superiores aos demais; portanto, essas progênies devem seguir no processo de endogamia e ser avaliadas em cruzamentos com linhagens elites com potencial para geração de híbridos simples de milho super doce competitivos. Keywords: Zea mays var. saccharata, sweet corn breeding, shrunken Palavras-chave: Zea mays var. saccharata, melhoramento do milho 2 (sh2). super doce, shrunken 2 (sh2). Received on December 1st, 2020; accepted on July 26, 2021 The super sweet corn (Zea mays var. 2 (bt2), shrunken 2 (sh2) and sugary several climatic conditions of Brazilian saccharata) is a special kind of enhancer (se), whereas the sweet corn is territory (Teixeira et al., 2013). corn with high market value added. The due to the genes amylose extender (ae), super sweet corn is a vegetable available dull (du) and sugary (su) (Tracy, 2001). As the sweet corn market for canning canned, frozen, in natura, dehydrated and frozen industry has expanded, the or even as baby-corn, when the ears Most of the super sweet corn breeders face a challenge to develop are harvested before pollination (Reis hybrids available in Brazil have the genotypes showing high yield and also et al., 2011). shrunken-2 gene, which promotes a high quality (Ufaz & Galili, 2008). higher concentration of sucrose in the Besides, the genotypes with potential The super sweet corn is different endosperm when compared to genotypes for green corn must prolong harvest from the common maize due to the carrying other genes (Gonçalves et al., longevity, present ears larger than recessive homozygous genes which 2018). As Brazil is a great producer 15 cm (Albuquerque et al., 2008), prevent the conversion of sugars to of common corn, the country has also and also cream/yellow colored grains starch in the endosperm, resulting potential to become a great producer (Guimarães, 2014). in high concentration of reducing of sweet corn. However, the sweet corn sugars (Zucharelli et al., 2012). The is relatively little exploited, due to its Evaluating the combining ability genes responsible for the super sweet limited consumption and few hybrids of progenies is important in breeding characteristic are brittle 1 (bt1), brittle available in the market, adapted to the programs in order to evaluate the relative merit of partially inbreds in Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 357

NR Chiquito et al. topcrosses with a common tester of in two applications in vegetative stages traits. Gava et al. (2021) also reported narrow or broad genetic base, whose V2-V3 (second and third leaf) and V5- genotypes x sowing seasons interaction evaluation is made in experiments with V6 (fifth and sixth leaf). for yield of husked ears (YHE) and replications. Thus, the progenies with grain yield (GY), in the evaluation of inferior agronomic performance can Pests, pathogens and weeds were experimental super sweet corn hybrids be eliminated, making the program controlled according to the necessity in Guarapuava-PR. for hybrid development more rational and technical recommendation for the and efficient (Cancellier et al., 2011; crop. The ears were harvested when the The general averages of YHE, yield Paterniani et al., 2011). grains reached the milky stage, 73-78% of commercial husked ears (YCE) and water content, approximately 126 days GY in the second sowing time were Considering the need to develop after sowing. superior when compared with the super sweet corn breeding program, first sowing time (Table 1), as well as, this study aimed to select S3 progenies Six traits were evaluated: 1) total for these same traits, the averages of of super sweet corn based on the yield of husked ears (YHE, t ha-1); 2) topcross hybrids were superior when agronomic performance evaluated in commercial yield of husked ears (YCE, compared with the averages of checks, in topcrosses with a narrow genetic base t ha-1), larger than 15 cm and 4 cm in both sowing times. The highest potential tester. diameter; 3) grain yield (GY, t ha-1), for yield improvement is determined by weight of the grains of all ears after the interactions of correspondent genes MATERIAL AND METHODS threshing; 4) grain length (GL, mm), which were inherited from parents and measured with a digital caliper; 5) ear depend on environmental conditions The super sweet corn topcross diameter (ED, mm), measured with (Iriany et al., 2011). hybrids were obtained from the a digital caliper (five ears randomly crossings of 22 S3 progenies carrying sampled); and 6) total soluble solids For soluble solids content, the the shrunken-2 (sh2) gene with the content (SS, °Brix), obtained using a means of the topcross hybrids were commercial hybrid Honey Sweeter, digital refractometer. allocated in the same group of the used as tester, and three checks (Variety checks Honey Sweeter and BR400 BR400, hybrid Super doce TecnoSeed For the evaluated traits, Lilliefors (Table 2), proving the possibility of and Honey Sweeter). The hybrid Honey test was applied and after verifying selecting progenies based on topcross Sweeter (sh2sh2) is adapted in the the normality of data (p<0.05), we performance, which have the potential country by Seminis®. It has soft grains performed the analysis of variance to generate competitive hybrids in the and sweet flavor, ears suitable for (ANAVA). When the source of market. the fresh market and the processing variation was significant, averages industry; it is also tolerant to the main were grouped using Scott & Knott test Total yield of husked ears (YHE) of diseases and pests of the crop. The super at 5% probability, using Genes software topcross hybrids with progenies D2-07, sweet variety BR400, which carries the (Cruz, 2016). D3-28, D4-53 and D5-24 stood out in bt2 gene was developed by Embrapa both sowing times, being in the group using the germplasm introduced from RESULTS AND DISCUSSION of the best means (Table 1). This trait Hawaí (EUA), series “Super Sweet 9” has direct effect on the grain yield of the (Souza et al., 2021). The experiment showed an super sweet corn, being a more practical appropriate experimental accuracy for measure which may reflect interest for The experiments were carried out in the evaluated traits, as verified in other industrial processing (Ilker, 2011). the field in Guarapuava-PR, Brazil, in experiments with super sweet corn two different sowing times: November (Santos et al., 2014; Xavier et al., 2019). In relation to YCE, whose genotypes 15 and December 6, 2014. During x sowing times interaction was the experiments, a uniform rainfall Significant differences among the significant, the means ranged from distribution was noticed at the second topcross hybrids were noticed for all 12.97 t ha-1 to 16.33 t ha-1, however the sowing time, temperature raised from evaluated traits, showing the genetic topcross hybrids with progenies D2-07, the second half of January (Shioga et variability of the respective progenies D3-28 and D4-53 were grouped in the al., 2015). The experimental design to be selected. There was significant set of superior means in both sowing was randomized blocks with three difference among the averages of times (Table 1). These means of YCE replications at both sowing times. Each topcross hybrids and the checks for all were superior to the ones reported by useful plot consisted of two 5.0-m long evaluated traits. Souza et al. (2013) in the evaluation rows, spacing 0.8 m between rows, with of sweet corn hybrids in different plant population of 62,500 plants ha-1. The effects of sowing time and the populations, where the hybrid RB-6324 genotypes x sowing times interaction reached 7.18 t ha-1 in density of 70,000 The sowing fertilization was were not significant only for the solid plants ha-1. performed using 400 kg ha-1 of soluble content (SS), whose genotypic formulation N-P-K (10-30-20). Top determination coefficient of 99.54% For grain yield (GY), in the first dressing fertilization was performed indicates high heritability and little sowing time, the topcross hybrids with using 400 kg ha-1 urea 46-00-00, splitted influence by the environment, while the progenies D2-07, D3-28, D4-8, genotypes x sowing times interaction D4-53 and D5-24 stood out, ranging 358 was significant for the other evaluated from 9.80 t ha-1 to 12.45 t ha-1, and the Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Selection of S3 progenies of super sweet corn based on agronomic performance of topcrosses Table 1. Means of total yield of husked ears (YHE), commercial yield of husked ears (YCE) and grain yield (GY) of 22 super sweet corn topcross hybrids and three commercial hybrids (checks), evaluated in two sowing times in 2014/15 crop season in Guarapuava-PR, Brazil. Guarapuava, UNICENTRO, 2014-2015. YHE (t ha-1) YCE (t ha-1) GY (t ha-1) Genotypes 1st sowing 2nd sowing 1st sowing 2nd sowing 1st sowing 2nd sowing time time time time time time D2-07 x HS 17.29 a 17.70 a 14.37 a A 16.33 a A 11.16 a 10.48 a D2-15 x HS 13.18 b 15.98 b 8.87 b A 12.00 b A 8.20 b 9.54 a D2-41 x HS 13.14 b 17.09 a 9.99 b B 14.64 a A 8.42 b 11.00 a D2-58 x HS 13.96 b 16.82 a 10.63 b B 15.08 a A 9.03 b 10.40 a D3-28 x HS 18.71 a 18.40 a 14.81 a A 16.03 a A 12.45 a 12.15 a D3-39 x HS 13.75 b 18.04 a 10.30 b B 14.64 a A 8.02 b 11.97 a D4-01 x HS 13.06 b 15.93 b 9.00 b B 13.55 a A 8.91 b 10.18 a D4-08 x HS 15.18 a 15.18 b 10.32 b A 11.11 b A 10.16 a 10.21 a D4-16 x HS 12.28 b 17.49 a 8.01 c B 14.76 a A 8.07 b 10.81 a D4-20 x HS 12.03 b 15.06 b 7.56 c B 11.66 b A 7.76 b 10.02 a D4-29 x HS 9.82 c 12.58 c 7.15 c A 9.25 c A 5.83 c 8.54 b D4-31 x HS 14.05 b 17.98 a 10.80 b B 15.82 a A 9.03 b 12.18 a D4-39 x HS 12.82 b 15.61 b 9.97 b A 12.36 b A 8.57 b 9.66 a D4-53 x HS 16.46 a 18.60 a 12.97 a B 16.29 a A 1.08 a 11.97 a D4-54 x HS 13.64 b 14.68 b 10.02 b A 12.87 a A 8.59 b 10.67 a D5-11 x HS 13.59 b 16.68 a 8.77 b B 14.12 a A 8.31 b 11.49 a D5-14 x HS 12.57 b 17.25 a 7.47 c B 14.23 a A 7.67 b 11.13 a D5-24 x HS 15.78 a 18.30 a 10.97 b B 16.52 a A 9.80 a 11.50 a D5-46 x HS 13.96 b 16.02 b 9.80 b A 12.11 b A 8.41 b 10.14 a D5-51 x HS 13.88 b 18.77 a 9.57 b B 15.93 a A 9.36 b 12.69 a D5-55 x HS 11.14 c 15.23 b 6.70 c B 13.17 a A 7.22 b 10.00 a D5-57 x HS 13.77 b 15.89 b 10.45 b A 12.92 a A 8.62 b 10.75 a Honey Sweeter 8.56 c 15.00 b 3.96 d B 13.86 a A 5.10 c 10.25 a BR400 8.90 c 9.52 c 4.40 d B 7.67 c A 2.77 d 5.52 c Super doce TecnoSeed 6.95 c 11.33 c 2.65 d B 8.82 c A 3.62 d 6.63 c Average of genotypes 13.14 B 16.04 A 9.18 B 13.43 A 8.23 B 10.40 A Average of TCH 13.82 a A 16.60 a A 9.93 a A 13.88 a A 8.84 a A 10.79 a A Average of checks 8.14 b 11.95 b 3.67 b B 10.12 b A 3.83 b B 7.47 b CV (%) 13.79 12.57 19.08 16.35 16.35 13.46 Means followed by the same letter, uppercase in lines and lowercase in columns, belong to the same group, by Scott & Knott grouping test at 5% probability. HS= Honey Sweeter. TCH= Topcross hybrids; 1st sowing = on November 15, 2014; 2nd sowing = on December 6, 2014. checks were classified in the groups The SS means of topcross hybrids diameter (ED) general averages of with inferior means (Table 1). However, did not differ from the means of the genotypes was superior in the first in the second sowing time only the checks BR400 and Honey Sweeter, sowing time. The topcross hybrids topcross hybrid with the progeny D4-29 which meet the market demand for had the best average for GL, being and the checks Super doce TecnoSeed canned product. Thus, we conclude that considered superior to the commercial and BR400 were not classified in the the progenies have potential to generate checks in both sowing times (Table 2). group with higher means. These results new hybrids with appropriate soluble were superior to the ones found by solids contents. The identification of Twelve topcross hybrids were Luz et al. (2014) evaluating simple genotypes with high soluble solids included in the group with higher means experimental hybrids of sweet corn, contents and high grain yield is desirable of ED in the first sowing time, and in the showing means of grain yield ranging in genetic breeding of sweet corn second sowing time only four topcross from 4.76 to 11.70 t ha-1 in different (Suzukawa et al., 2018). hybrids remained in the group of the best harvesting intervals. means (Table 2). The topcross hybrids The grain length (GL) and ear with progenies D3-39, D4-20 and D4-31 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 359

NR Chiquito et al. Table 2. Means of total soluble solids content (SS), ear diameter (ED) and grain length (GL) of 22 super sweet corn topcross hybrids and three commercial hybrids (checks) evaluated in two sowing times in 2014/15 crop season in Guarapuava-PR, Brazil. Guarapuava, UNICENTRO, 2014-2015. Genotypes SS* (oBrix) ED (mm) GL (mm) Average of sowings 1st Sowing time 2nd Sowing time 1st Sowing time 2nd Sowing time D2-07 x HS D2-15 x HS 13.9 b 54.0 a A 50.8b B 13.39a A 12.01b B D2-41 x HS 13.8 b D2-58 x HS 13.4 b 49.0 b A 50.3b A 12.80b A 11.86b B D3-28 x HS 13.9 b D3-39 x HS 13.8 b 50.9 b A 50.4b A 12.53b A 12.47a A D4-01 x HS 14.1 b D4-08 x HS 14.7 b 51.9 a A 50.7b A 13.72a A 11.78b B D4-16 x HS 13.2 b D4-20 x HS 15.2 b 53.9 a A 49.5b B 13.74a A 11.98b B D4-29 x HS 15.2 b D4-31 x HS 14.9 b 53.3 a A 54.4a A 13.24a A 12.09b B D4-39 x HS 14.0 b D4-53 x HS 14.1 b 45.7 c A 47.3c A 12.78b A 11.67b B D4-54 x HS 13.7 b D5-11 x HS 14.6 b 50.3 b A 45.7c B 13.16a A 11.83b B D5-14 x HS 14.5 b D5-24 x HS 12.3 b 48.9 b A 46.7c A 12.35b A 11.03b B D5-46 x HS 12.8 b D5-51 x HS 13.5 b 52.3 a A 52.9a A 13.41a A 11.93b B D5-55 x HS 14.1 b D5-57 x HS 13.8 b 49.4 b A 50.2b A 12.79b A 12.21a A 12.2 b 52.1 a A 52.2a A 12.77b A 12.42a A 50.2 b A 48.3c A 13.14a A 11.04b B 52.4 a A 48.0c B 13.88a A 12.29a B 52.1 a A 49.2b A 13.73a A 11.91b B 49.6 b A 52.3a A 12.20b A 12.28a A 51.7 a A 48.3c B 12.76b A 11.58b B 52.8 a A 50.5b A 13.45a A 12.41a B 53.7 a A 50.7b A 13.27a A 11.65b B 51.8 a A 51.2b A 13.49a A 11.97b B 51.1 b A 49.0b A 13.62a A 12.48a B 49.9 b A 51.0b A 13.02b A 11.89b B Honey Sweeter 13.5 b 53.6 a A 53.9a A 13.88a A 13.22a A BR400 12.3 b 43.3 c A 41.3d A 10.71c A 9.09c B Superdoce TecnoSeed 23.6 a 43.5 c A 44.1d A 10.67c A 9.88c A Average of genotypes 14.6 50.71 A 49.55 B 12.98 A 11.80 B Average of TCH 13.9 b 51.24 a A 49.98a A 13.15a A 11.94a B Average of checks 16.4 a 46.82 b A 46.43b A 11.76b A 10.73b B CV (%) 7.66 4.16 3.32 3.29 5.26 Means followed by the same letter, uppercase in lines and lowercase in columns, belong to the same group, by Scott & Knott grouping test at 5% probability. HS= Honey Sweeter. *SS contents represent the averages of sowing times; TCH= Topcross hybrids; 1st sowing = on November 15, 2014; 2nd sowing = on December 6, 2014. and the check Honey Sweeter remained et al., 2012). In the first sowing time, 14 in crossings with elite inbred lines in the group of superior means for ED in genotypes were classified in the group showing potential for generating both sowing times, with means between of higher GL means. Only the topcross competitive single hybrids. 52.1 and 53.3 mm, superior to the ones hybrids with progenies D4-53, D5-24 obtained by Xavier et al. (2019), who and D5-55 and the check Honey Sweeter ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS obtained values up to 51 mm evaluating showed higher means for GL in both the potential of diallel hybrids of super sowing times (Table 2). To Fundação Araucária, Conselho sweet corn S4 lines. Nacional de Desenvolvimento The topcross hybrids with progenies Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) and Grain length is an important attribute D2-07, D3-28, D4-53 and D5-24 stood Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos for the sweet corn crop, considering the out for the evaluated traits, therefore, (FINEP). industrial processing, since it determines these progenies should continue in the grain size after threshing (Solomon inbreeding process and evaluated 360 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

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Research SOUZA, R; FORTI, VA; SPOTO, MHF; MEDEIROS, SDS; SALA, FC; PIMENTA, DM; VERRUMA-BERNARDI, MR. 2021. Descriptive sensory analysis and acceptance of leaves of smooth and curly kale. Horticultura Brasileira 39: 362-368. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s0102-0536-20210403 Descriptive sensory analysis and acceptance of leaves of smooth and curly kale Rayane de Souza 1 ;ID Victor Augusto Forti 1 ;ID Marta Helena F Spoto ;2ID Simone Daniela S de Medeiros 3 ;ID Fernando Cesar Sala ;1ID Daniella M Pimenta 1 ;ID Marta Regina Verruma-Bernardi 1ID 1Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Araras-SP, Brasil; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; 2Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba-SP, Brasil; [email protected]; 3Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis-SC, Brasil, [email protected] ABSTRACT RESUMO Curly and smooth kale hybrids grown in both field (conventional) Analise sensorial descritiva e aceitação de folhas de couve and hydroponic systems were sensory-analyzed using the descriptive lisa e crespa and affective sensory technique. The treatments comprised hydroponic-cultivated Darkibor (A), Darkibor cultivated in field Folhas de couve lisa e crespa cultivadas em sistema convencional (B), HS2O (C), Arielli (D) and Kobe (E), these last three cultivated e hidropônico foram analisadas sensorialmente utilizando a técnica under conventional system (field-cultivated). The panelists indicated sensorial descritiva e afetiva. Foram utilizados quatro híbridos the significant attributes that described the differences in kale sensory de couve de folha (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), sendo eles: profiles. Darkibor (A) and Arielli (D) kale leaves had the lightest green Darkibor em cultivo hidropônico (A), Darkibor cultivado em campo color. Regarding their format, the kales were classified into smooth (B), e três híbridos de couve-manteiga, HS2O (C), Arielli (D) e Kobe and curly. Both the Darkibor grown in field (B) and Arielli (D) had the (E), todas três cultivadas em campo. Os provadores indicaram que most intense bitter taste. Darkibor (A) showed the highest intensity for os atributos que descreveram o perfil sensorial das folhas de couve sweet taste, followed by Arielli (D). The field-cultivated Darkibor (B) apresentaram diferenças significativas. As folhas de couve Darkibor ranked the highest crispness and mouthfeel (sensation produced by a (A) e Arielli (D) apresentaram cor verde mais clara; para formato particular food in the mouth). The color and texture of the kale leaves as couves foram separadas em lisas e crespas; para o gosto amargo affected purchase intention by the consumer, and the color showed Darkibor cultivado em campo (B) e Arielli (D) apresentaram maior a difference among the kales, with Darkibor kale (A) receiving the intensidade; para o gosto doce a Darkibor (A) apresentou maior lowest score. Darkibor (A) obtained lower buying-likelihood scores, intensidade, seguida da Arielli (D) e para crocância e sensação bucal reinforcing that color affects consumers’ purchase intention. (sensação produzida por um determinado alimento na boca) o híbrido Darkibor cultivado em campo (B) apresentou maior intensidade. No teste de aceitação, a cor foi o único atributo que apresentou diferença entre as couves, onde a couve Darkibor (A) apresentou menor nota. Para intenção de compra das couves em maço, a Darkibor (A) obteve notas inferiores, concluindo que a cor afeta a compra do consumidor. Keywords: Brassica oleracea var. acephala, sensory acceptance, Palavras-chave: Brassica oleracea var. acephala, aceitação purchase intention. sensorial, intenção de compra. Received on September 8, 2020; accepted on March 25, 2021 Regular consumption of fruits, prebiotic carbohydrates have been acceptance and high productivity. There vegetables and greens is crucial identified, in addition to low levels is a diverse range of kale cultivars, for protecting and preventing various of calories (36-98 Kcal 100 g-1) and from smooth to curly typology, with chronic, non-transmissible diseases. moderate levels of protein, varying different leaf shapes and colors (Novo The appropriate recommendation for between 1.6–5.9 g 100 g-1 according to et al., 2010). Nevertheless, curly kale the daily consumption of these foods is the genotypes (Thavarajah et al., 2016). (known as kale) is still not widely 400 g day-1, equivalent to five portions Thus, it is proposed that kale is a good adopted in Brazil. Kale is readily of 80 g day-1 (WHO, 2003, 2014). source of nutrients that could be used to incorporated into food in the form Fresh kale is a popular vegetable and improve health habits. of salad, sautéed, and often included a portion of 100 g can provide more in detox juices. Formulations of this than 10% of the mineral micronutrients Kale (Brassica oleracea var. drink were developed by Fouchy et al. stipulated by RDA (USDA, 2013). acephala) is characterized as a biennial (2019) and have gained a high level of Furthermore, adequate quantities of vegetable of extreme importance in acceptance. this category because of its widespread 362 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Descriptive sensory analysis and acceptance of leaves of smooth and curly kale The primary cultivation system analysis, the kale plants cultivated in frequency, way, and kale consumption. of this kale is the conventional, in the hydroponic system were harvested For the preference test, 65 consumers the soil, with no production records 30 days after transplantation, and participated, evaluating color, aroma, for the hydroponic system. The latter those cultivated in the conventional taste, texture, and overall acceptance, system offers advantages such as early system were harvested 60 days after using the 7-point structured facial harvest, carried out within 30 days of transplantation. All treatments were hedonic scale of Meilgaard et al. (2007), crop establishment (Noboa et al., 2019) analyzed on the same day. where 1 = disliked a lot and 7 = I liked as young plants. In contrast, with the a lot. conventional system, the harvest begins Sensory analysis two to three months after the crop has The curly and smooth kale leaves The order of sample presentation been planted. used for the sensory analysis were was balanced and followed a complete taken from the middle part of the plant, block design (MacFie et al., 1989). A characterization study of sanitized in running water, and immersed Purchase intention was analyzed for the kale diversity in Apulia, Southern in sodium hypochlorite solution (150 bundle of each kale (5 leaves), mounted Italy, highlighted the great variation ppm v/v) for 10 minutes, then washed according to the supermarket standard, concerning flavonoid, anthocyanin in running water. A domestic centrifuge and presented in line. In this study, all content, and antioxidant activity, was used to remove the water. kales, evaluated in packs, were given the explained by the genetic variation The sensory tests were conducted in scores of 3 = maybe I would / maybe I among the samples (Lotti et al., 2018). individual stations with white light, and would not, and 4 = probably would, These results can lead to a sensory each evaluator received a rawcut leaf of using a 5-point category scale, ranging change perceived by the consumer. each kale at 24-25°C on white, three- from 5 = certainly would buy to 1 = Given the diversity of genetic materials digit coded plastic dishes. The panelists certainly would not buy. and different vegetable crops, sensory used mineral water to wash the palate analysis is essential for assessing sensory between samples. Statistical analysis quality and identifying preferences and The results obtained in the differences related to the varieties and Quantitative descriptive analysis quantitative descriptive analysis and type of cultivation. For the description of the sensory the preference test were subjected profile, the methodology of quantitative to analysis of variance (ANOVA) The quantitative descriptive analysis descriptive analysis of Stone & Sidel and, when necessary, the Tukey’s enables the identification of sensory (1993) was used with adaptations, mean comparison test was applied, attributes of food products and their since the training was shorter due to considering a 5% significance level. description and quantification (Stone, the perishable condition of the samples. For the mean of each sample in 2015). The results provide information The recruited panelists were University each evaluated attribute, Multivariate about the product (Stone et al., 2012), students and employees. Grouping Analysis and Principal which can be linked to consumers’ The survey of descriptive terms for Component Analysis techniques (PCA) acceptance. Since there is a range of attributes of appearance, aroma, taste, were applied, the latter resulting in kale varieties, distinct sensory aspects and texture was performed using the the Biplot chart. All analyses were can emerge with different cultivation Repertory Grid (Moskowitz, 1983). performed using the R software (R Core systems (field and hydroponic). After surveying the attributes, the team Team, 2020). Therefore, the sensory analysis was met and discussed the terms raised. used to assess the possible differences Those who had the same meaning RESULTS AND DISCUSSION and likelihood of smooth and curly kale were grouped into an attribute, while acceptance in the field and hydroponic the less described were excluded by Descriptive sensory analysis systems. consensus. A list of descriptive terms For the appearance attribute, two with the definitions of each attribute different color groups were identified MATERIAL AND METHODS and the respective extremes was built among the samples: light green and (Table 1). During the training, the dark green. Darkibor kale (hydroponic) Curly kale (Brassica oleracea var. panelists were requested to evaluate and Arielli smooth kale (field) were acephala) were evaluated in the study: the intensity of each sensory attribute classified as light green (samples A and Darkibor cultivated in a hydroponic generated. The samples were analyzed D), and the other hybrids as dark green system (A); field-cultivated Darkibor in triplicate, using a sheet with the terms (Darkibor, H2SO and Kobe, all field (B); and three kale hybrids, HS2O (C), and unstructured scale (9 cm). crops), samples B, C and E, respectively Kobe (D), and Arielli (E), all grown (Table 2). The Darkibor grown in the in field (conventional) (Figure 1). Sensory acceptance analysis hydroponic system was harvested at Darkibor, a curly kale, was grown in Before the acceptance test, a an earlier age than the others (30 days the Campus of UFSCar, in Araras-SP, questionnaire was applied, with before), explaining the lowest value for and the other hybrids, all smooth kales, questions about age, gender, occupation, green tone. Genetic, environmental, were obtained directly from producers nutritional and cultivation factors may in São Carlos-SP. For the sensory 363 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

R Souza et al. influence the final color of the leaves, was the curliest, followed by Darkibor differences and to quantify them. related to quality and the amount of (A), Arielli (D), Kobe (E) and HS2O (C) The hybrids hydroponic Darkibor chlorophyll in a plant (Cassetari, 2012). (Table 2, Figure 1), with cultivar HS2O (C) considered the smoothest. (A) and Kobe (E) presented the highest The panelists indicated higher aroma means for sweetness according to the intensity in the Darkibor kale grown in Regarding bitter taste, the most panelists (Table 2), not significantly the field (B) than in that grown in the prominent kales were Darkibor (B) and differing from each other. Nevertheless, hydroponic system, besides hybrids Arielli (D). The others had a low intensity Kobe (E) did not differ from Arielli (D) H2SO and Kobe. Swegarden et al. of the bitter taste. Between the Darkibor nor HS2O kale (C). Furthermore, Arielli (2019) observed significant differences kale that grew in the field and the (D), HS2O (C) and Darkibor grown in in the leaves among different kale hydroponic, this variation in bitterness field (B) also did not differ for sweet hybrids for the same attribute. The intensity can be directly influenced by taste. Note that all values of the kales aroma of this leafy vegetable is not the time of harvest. Another factor that were below 3.91, indicating the kale is a factor of consumers’ purchasing can interfere with this parameter is plant not considered a vegetable with sweet decisions. nitrogen (N) supply. Although this was taste. not a parameter evaluated in this study, There are relevant differences Groenbaek et al. (2016) demonstrated The curly-leaved kale (Darkibor) between kale genotypes and that reduced N fertilization in curly grown in field (B) showed the highest morphological characteristics, which kale decreases the intensity of sensory intensity for crunchiness. However, the can be used to differentiate them from attributes such as bitterness, astringency kale grown in the hydroponic system had each other. Among them are leaf margin, and pungent aroma. a crunchiness similar to the other kales, apex, ribs and coloration (Azevedo et which did not significantly differ from al., 2014). In this study, regarding leaf Which parameter influences taste each other. The kale hybrids showed shape (lowest score: smooth, highest perception among those hybrids is still crunchiness values from 2.77 to 3.83. score: curly), the descriptors evaluated unclear, since the focus of this study Regarding mouthfeel, which panelists that all kales were distinct. Darkibor (B) was to verify whether there are sensory referred to as the force required in chewing to produce deformation in the Table 1. Sensory attributes of the kales raised by the team of panelists, respective definitions, food, there was no difference between and references used. Araras, UFSCar, 2020. the kales, except for the Darkibor kale grown in the hydroponic system, with Attribute Definition Reference values of 2.49. Since the leaves of kale Green color cultivated in the hydroponic system refers to the color shade of the kale Light: lettuce, chard were younger than the field-grown Leaf format ones, they offered less resistance to Characteristic leaves Dark: broccoli, arugula chewing than those harvested later, aroma which remained for an extended period Sweet taste refers to leaf shape Smooth: kale in field conditions. The Darkibor kale Curly: curly kale grown in field (B) showed the highest means for all evaluated attributes, except refers to the characteristic aroma of Kale sweet taste (Figure 2). kale Acceptance test and purchase refers to sweet taste There are no references intention Bitter taste refers to the bitter taste felt when Weak: chard According to the sensory acceptance Crunchiness analysis, the least accepted leafy kales Mouthfeel chewing the kale leaf Strong: chicory concerning appearance were the lightest green ones: Darkibor grown in the refers to the application of mechanical Weak: arugula force to the leaf. A dry noise is Strong: American lettuce produced when cracked, crushed Refers to the force required in chewing Low resistance: soft to deform the kale High resistance: tough A: Darkibor Hydroponic B: Darkibor Conventional C: HS2O Conventional D: Arielli Conventional E: Kobe Conventional Figure 1. Curly and smooth leaves of kale and the respective production system (hydroponic or conventional). Araras, UFSCar, 2020. 364 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Descriptive sensory analysis and acceptance of leaves of smooth and curly kale hydroponic system (A), and Arielli (D) among the samples in the acceptance test, would. grown in the field (Table 3), although which possibly influenced the intention According to Della-Modesta (1994), there was no difference between Arielli to purchase the analyzed samples. In and the other hybrids for color. this study, all kales, evaluated in packs, appearance is an important attribute were given the scores 3 = maybe I would involved in consumers' acceptance Color was the only attribute that / maybe I would not, and 4 = probably or rejection. Additionally, color is demonstrated differences in the results the most prominent characteristic within appearance because this attribute Figure 2. Radar graph of the seven attributes evaluated (color, leaf format, characteristic characterizes the product. In kale, aroma, sweet taste, bitter taste, crunchy texture, and mouthfeel) of the five samples of kale overall appearance, freshness and color leaves under study: Darkibor, hydroponic (A); Darkibor, field (B); HS2O, field (C); Arielli, are related to visual quality, which leads field (D); Kobe, field (E). Araras, UFSCar, 2020. the consumer to decide whether he/ she will purchase the product. Chitarra & Chitarra (2005) also stated that coloration is the most attractive quality attribute for the consumer, although often not significantly related to an increase in the product’s nutritional value or good satisfactory quality. We noted that the intention to purchase the bundle is significantly correlated to the attributes of color (0.96) and texture (0.85) (Figure 3), corroborating the descriptive sensory analysis (Table 2), where purchase intention preference is given to the darkest and most crunchy kales. It should be noted that the main characteristics of kale are the distinctly smooth, light green-colored leaves, which resulted in Table 2. Mean score (m) and standard deviation (s) were given to the attributes of the sensory analysis for smooth and curly-leaved kales. Araras, UFSCar, 2020. Appearance Taste Bitter Kale Color Leaf format ms Sweet 2.86b ±2.23 ms Darkibor (hydroponic) ms ms 5.12a ±2.44 3.91a ±2.70 Darkibor (field) 3.20b ±2.36 0.92c ±1.02 HS2O (field) 3.20b ±1.64 5.32b ±1.08 4.64a ±2.53 2.10bc ±2.39 Arielli (field) 2.62b ±2.28 2.12bc ±1.87 Kobe (field) 6.95a ±1.56 7.82a ±0.78 3.35ab ±2.66 No. of panelists 9 6.60a ±1.21 1.32e ±0.89 8 2.77b ±1.50 3.12c ±1.46 6.16a ±1.47 2.20d ±1.42 12 12 Texture Characteristic aroma Kale Crunchy Mouthfeel ms ms ms Darkibor (hydroponic) 3.02b ±1,89 2.49b ±1.89 2.46c± 2.09 Darkibor (field) 6.59a ±1,35 5.38a ±2.03 5.98a± 2.46 HS2O (field) 3.83b ±2,30 4.27a ±1.69 2.42c± 2.18 Arielli (field) 3.27b ±2,03 4.67a ±2.41 4.47b± 2.53 Kobe (field) 2.77b ±1,91 4.31a ±1.84 2.42c± 2.08 No. of panelists 9 10 9 Means of the Tukey’s test in the column followed by the same letters do not differ significantly (p≥0.05). Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 365

R Souza et al. a reduction in purchase intention by the type, demonstrated differences. The Note also that kale B (Figure 5) panelists in this study. A possible reason kale grown in hydroponics (A) received is represented mainly by the sensory for the lowest intention to purchase negative scores for all attributes, standing attributes of crunchiness, bitter taste and Darkibor (A) may have been the smaller alone in the 3rd quadrant, and received leaf format together with the preference leaf size, making it the smallest volume the lowest overall acceptance and in aroma and overall acceptance. The bundle of the sample preparations. purchase intention values. Nonetheless, values are represented in Tables 1 this group presented the highest values and 2, where this variety received Trani et al. (2015) reported that kale for sweet taste. The kale grown in field the highest values for each of these is sold in bundles of approximately 400 g, (B) obtained the lowest score for sweet attributes, including global acceptance, or semi-processed, where the leaves are taste and the highest scores for the other not differing from the other kales. cut, sanitized, and packaged in trays or attributes. plastic bags, which adds more value to The color and texture of the kale the product. Darker-colored leaves are ideal for the semi-processed product. Figure 3. Correlation matrix of the six assessed attributes (color, aroma, taste, texture, overall acceptance, and intention to purchase the bundle) for the kale leaf samples: Darkibor, The mean response values of the hydroponic; Darkibor, field; HS2O, field; Arielli, field; Kobe, field. Araras, UFSCar, 2020. samples related to the sensory profile of the kales (Table 2), and the acceptance and purchase intention tests (Table 3), were subjected to grouping analysis in order to search for possible kale groupings for all studied attributes (Figure 4). Three groups were formed based on the following observations: (i) HS2O (C) and Kobe (E) kales were the most similar, which in turn are more similar to kale Arielli (D); (ii) kale Darkibor (B); and lastly (iii) kale Darkibor (A) being the most dissimilar of all. The assessed variables displayed significant dependence, justifying the analysis. The first Principal Component (PC) is responsible for explaining 58.69% of the total data variability, and the second PC for 26.92%, accounting for 85.61% of the total variability (Figure 5). Kales Arielli (D), HS2O (C) and Kobe (E) are close in origin, indicating similarity and stability in all attributes, corroborating the information obtained in the grouping analysis (Figure 4). However, the samples of the Darkibor variety, regardless of crop Table 3. Results of the means and standard deviation of samples of smooth and curly-leaved kale, and results of acceptance and purchase intention analyses. Araras, UFSCar, 2020. Sample Color1 Aroma Taste Texture Overall Purchase acceptance intention2 Darkibor (hydroponic) 4.69b ±1.37 4.14a ±1.38 4.29a ±1.56 4.81a ±1.33 4.64a ±1.30 3.42b ±1.13 Darkibor (field) 5.52a ±1.30 4.65a ±1.30 4.48a ±1.52 5.05a ±1.47 5.14a ±1.21 3.98a ±1.11 HS2O (field) 5.61a ±1.43 4.21a ±1.46 4.53a ±1.48 5.02a ±1.39 4.77a ±1.32 3.92a ±1.18 Arielli (field) 5.30a ±1.18 4.32a ±1.23 4.66a ±1.59 4.86a ±1.38 5.00a ±1.31 3.86ab ±1.04 Kobe (field) 5.48a 1.28 4.33a ±1.20 4.81a ±1.42 5.09a ±1.18 4.88a ±1.25 4.02a ±1.14 Means in the column, followed by the same letters, do not differ significantly (p≥0.05) by the Tukey’s test; 17-point facial hedonic scale for color, aroma, taste, texture, and overall acceptance; 25-point scale for purchase intention. 366 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

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Research BRITO, OG; ANDRADE JÚNIOR, VC; LOPES, TK; SILVA, JCO; FIRME, TD; SILVA, EA; AZEVEDO, SM. 2021. Flowering capacity and botanical seed production of sweet potato genotypes. Horticultura Brasileira 39: 369-375. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s0102-0536-20210404 Flowering capacity and botanical seed production of sweet potato genotypes Orlando G Brito 1ID; Valter C Andrade Júnior1ID; Thabata Karoline Lopes 1ID; Jeferson Carlos de O Silva 1ID; Tiago D Firme 1ID; Eduardo A da Silva 1ID; Sebastião Márcio de Azevedo1ID 1Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), Lavras-MG, Brasil; [email protected]; [email protected]; thabata_lopes15@ yahoo.com.br; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] ABSTRACT RESUMO The identification of genotypes with greater capacity for flowering Capacidade de florescimento e produção de sementes and seed production is crucial for greater efficiency in the genetic botânicas em genótipos de batata-doce improvement of the sweet potato crop. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the flowering capacity and the production of A identificação de genótipos com maior capacidade de botanical seeds in sweet potato genotypes. The work was carried florescimento e produção de sementes é determinante para maior out in the municipality of Lavras, located in the southern region of eficiência do melhoramento genético da cultura da batata-doce. Assim, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Twenty-two sweet potato genotypes belonging o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a capacidade de florescimento to the germplasm bank of the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA) e a produção de sementes botânicas em genótipos de batata-doce. O were evaluated. The characteristics evaluated were the flowering trabalho foi conduzido no munícipio de Lavras, localizado na região period (days), the number of viable seeds, the total weight of viable sul de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram avaliados 22 genótipos de batata- seeds, the weight of 1000 seeds and the percentage of germination. doce pertencentes ao banco de germosplasma da Universidade Federal The obtained data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, de Lavras (UFLA). Foram avaliados o período de florescimento study of correlations and analysis of main components. The sweet (dias), número de sementes viáveis, peso total de sementes viáveis, potato genotypes evaluated showed a high capacity for flowering peso de 1000 sementes e porcentagem de germinação. Os dados and production of botanical seeds. Flowering usually starts 125 days obtidos foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva, estudo after planting and extends on average for 72 days. Considering future de correlações e análise de componentes principais. Os genótipos recombination to promote flowering capacity, seed production and de batata-doce avaliados apresentaram elevada capacidade de greater germination, genotypes BD-05, BD-26 and BD-44 should florescimento e de produção de sementes botânicas. Verificou-se que be prioritized. a floração geralmente inicia-se 125 dias após o plantio e estende-se em média por 72 dias. Considerando futuras recombinações para promoção da capacidade de florescimento, produção de sementes e maior germinação, devem ser priorizados os genótipos BD-05, BD-26 e BD-44. Keywords: Ipomoea batatas, germination, diversity, germplasm, Palavras-chave: Ipomoea batatas, germinação, germoplasma, genetic breeding. melhoramento genético. Received on December 9, 2020; accepted on July 26, 2021 Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) confers high genetic and phenotypic which makes it difficult to recombine is widely cultivated throughout variability of the species (Veasey et al., these in certain places. External factors the world, standing out among the 2007; Silva et al., 2012; Alves et al., such as photoperiod, temperature and seven most consumed foods on the 2017). Knowledge of this characteristic humidity can affect flowering and seed planet (Vargas et al., 2017). Beyond its is essential for the genetic breeding production, restricting the installation importance for human consumption, the of the crop, because of this high level of genetic breeding programs for this crop also has other uses, such as animal of ploidy and cross-fertilization, each vegetable in some regions of Brazil. feed, ethanol production (Torquato- obtained seed can be a new clone with Another factor is related to the presence Tavares et al., 2017; Valadares et al., great agronomic potential (Torquato- of genetic incompatibility between 2019; Andrade Júnior et al., 2020). Tavares et al., 2017). parents, causing limitation for the production of hybrids or carrying out Considered a dicotyledonous However, it is worth noting that the random recombinations (Baafi et al., plant, the sweet potato belongs to flowering of sweet potato does not occur 2016). the Convolvulaceae family, with easily in all regions, as it requires specific allogamous behavior, hexaploid (2 n = climatic conditions that vary according Despite the importance of knowledge 6 x = 90) and self-incompatible, which to the genotype (Gurmu et al., 2013), about flourishing capacity and seed Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 369

OG Brito et al. production in the genetic breeding of 0.30 m long and spaced 0.30 m apart in minutes, according to the methodology sweet potato, studies that are specifically 4.5 m windrows, no previous rooting proposed by Rossel et al. (2008). After dedicated to the evaluation of these and need for replanting. Fertilization breaking the dormancy, the seeds were characteristics in the crop are rare. and other cultural managements were submitted to the germination test. For carried out as recommended for the this purpose, the seeds were evenly Due to the commercial multiplication culture (Ribeiro et al., 1999; Embrapa, distributed in gerbox boxes lined with of sweet potato being carried out 2021). germitest paper, constantly moistened vegetatively, professionals involved with distilled water. Subsequently, the in the genetic breeding of this crop Thus, 15 plants were obtained boxes were identified and kept for seven often do not prioritize the selection of from each treatment, representing days in BOD-type oven for germination genotypes with high flowering capacity the evaluated parcel in the study. at 25ºC and a 12-hour photoperiod. and seed production. However, Mwanja Subsequently, all plants in the plot The germination percentage of each et al. (2015) highlight that the selection were evaluated in relation to flowering genotype was calculated from the of sweet potato genotypes with higher capacity and seed production, providing relationship between the number of flowering capacity is important, because the average value for each treatment. initial scarified seeds and the number even clones able to flourish in tropical Five characters were evaluated, such as of effectively germinated seeds of each regions, have low pollen viability, short flowering duration, number of seeds, genotype. flowering, slow pollen tube growth rate seed weight, 1000-seed weight and and seed malformation, in addition to germination percentage. The obtained data from each the presence of dormancy. Thus, the treatment were subjected to descriptive production of larger amounts of seeds The flowering period had its statistical analysis, and the means for can favor the obtainment of more beginning considered when at least each studied characteristic and the promising genotypes. 50% of the plants in the plot flowered, coefficient of variation were determined. from the planting date. The plots were The observed frequencies were also Therefore, selecting genotypes with periodically monitored every 2 days, determined, whose number of classes these characteristics, associated with ending as the flower issue ended. Seed were determined by the empirical good agronomic characters, can allow collections happened from August method, applying the rule of Sturges the expansion of sweet potato breeding to November 2017, with two weekly (1926), where k=1+3,322 * log10 (N), programs to different regions in Brazil. harvests. At the end of the collection k is the number of classes, N is the total Thus, the objective of this work was to period, the seeds were counted and the number of observations in the sample, evaluate the flowering capacity and the total number per genotype was obtained. and log10 is the common logarithm of production of botanical seeds of sweet The weight of harvested seeds (g) was base 10. potato genotypes. obtained by weighing the seeds of each genotype on an analytical balance. So, The amplitude of classes (α) was MATERIAL AND METHODS considering the total number of seeds, determined by α=(LS-LI)/k, being LS it was possible to estimate the weight the upper limit and LI the lower limit. The work was carried out at the of 1000 seeds. Descriptive analyzes and frequency Horticulture Sector of the Federal distributions were determined using the University of Lavras (UFLA), MG, Seeds at physiological maturity, SISVAR software version 5.7 (Ferreira, Brazil (21º14’43”S, 44º59’59”W, 919 m characterized by being dry and with 2019). altitude). The region’s climate is humid brown capsules, were placed in paper temperate with hot summer and dry packagings and identified according The correlations between winter, being, therefore, the Cwa type to each genotype. After quantifying characteristics was studied using the in the Köppen classification, with an the number of seeds, they were dried Pearson correlation coefficient, whose average annual temperature of 20.4°C in a forced air circulation oven at significance was obtained by the t test at and an average annual precipitation of 30°C temperature, for 24 hours, to 5% significance. The genetic divergence 1460 mm. reduce humidity. Subsequently, they of genotypes was estimated via principal were cleaned by manual threshing, component analysis, using the prcomp As treatments, 22 sweet potato in addition to removing the pericarp function from the Stats package, while genotypes belonging to the UFLA and other residues present. Then, the the graph significance was obtained germplasm bank, from different regions seeds were placed in plastic tubes using the fviz_pca_biplot function from of Brazil and described in Table 1, were with lids identified by genotype and the factoextra package. These analyzes evaluated. stored in a BOD (Biosystem Organized were performed using the R software (R Development) oven at 10°C. Core Team, 2019). Soil preparation was carried out by means of plowing and harrowing, with To determine the percentage of RESULTS AND DISCUSSION the subsequent lifting of beds and lifting germination, the seeds were submitted of windrows manually from these beds, to chemical scarification, immerging All studied genotypes showed 1 m spaced. Planting was carried out on the same in concentrated sulfuric acid flowering and seed production under March 30, 2017, using vine segments (98%) for 40 minutes and subsequent washing in running water for 10 370 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Flowering capacity and botanical seed production of sweet potato genotypes the studied edaphoclimatic conditions Figure 1. Flowering period, in days, of 22 sweet potato genotypes evaluated in southern (Figure 1). However, the longest Minas Gerais. Lavras, UFLA, 2020. flowering period was observed for non-commercial accessions BD-43, Cambraia, Arruba, BD-05, BD-22 and BD 44, with values between 84 and 101 days. Therefore, these non- commercial genotypes may present greater segregation and the possibility of obtaining new superior clones to the pre-existing ones, considering their high flowering capacity and the possibility of recombination. We noted that commercial cultivars were not among the genotypes with the longest flowering period. The flowering began in the first ten days of August 2017 for all genotypes, that is, approximately 125 days after planting the vines and reaching up to 206 days after planting, depending on the genotype. In a similar study to evaluate flowering and seed production in sweet potato clones in Nigeria, Mwanja et al. (2015) found that the studied clones started flowering between Table 1. Description of 22 sweet potato genotypes from the UFLA germplasm bank. Lavras, UFLA, 2020. Genotype Identification Peel color Flesh color Origin 04=09 Cream Cream Palmas-TO 106-20 Pink White Palmas-TO BD-05 Cream White São Tiago-MG BD-08 White São Tiago-MG BD-17 Brownish orange Cream Diamantina-MG BD-22 Pink Felício dos Santos-MG BD-23 Cream Dark Cream Felício dos Santos-MG BD-26 Pink Cream Felício dos Santos-MG BD-27 White Felício dos Santos-MG BD-43 Brownish orange Cream Governador Valadares-MG BD-44 Pink Cream Conselheiro Mata-MG BD-46 Pink Cream Diamantina-MG (Batatal) BD-53 Pink Cream Diamantina-MG (Sopa) BD-54 Pink White Felício dos Santos-MG PA-18* Cream Palmas-TO PA-26* Brownish orange Palmas-TO Arruba Pink Purple/White(Pigmented) Araçuaí-MG Beauregard* Cream Bz. Branca* Purple red White EUA Cambraia Cream Orange Embrapa/CNPH, DF Coquinho* White Felício dos Santos-MG Espanhola Brownish Orange White Embrapa/CNPH-DF Pink Cream Cream White Diamantina-MG Cream Brownish Orange Cream *Commercial cultivars: Palmas PA-18; Palmas PA-26; Beauregard; Brazlândia Branca; Coquinho. Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 371

OG Brito et al. 56 and 102 days, which reinforces the recombination schedule and obtaining milder temperatures are more conducive wide variation of this characteristic genotypes. When analyzing the climatic to sweet potato flowering. According in relation to different environments conditions of the period, it is observed to Rossel et al. (2008), flowering and and genotypes. The knowledge of this that the beginning of flowering coincided fruiting are higher at temperatures behavior in the sweet potato crop is of with low temperatures and the absence between 20°C and 25°C and relative great relevance, as it allows planning the of precipitation. This may indicate that humidity above 75%. Figure 2. Frequency distribution for flowering period (A), number of harvested seeds (B), Despite few studies on the weight of harvested seeds (C), 1000 seed weight (D) and germination percentage (E) of 22 characterization of sweet potato sweet potato genotypes, evaluated in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Lavras, UFLA, 2020. flowering, the results available in literature demonstrate great variability for this characteristic, with expressive variations in relation to genotypes, locations and also periods of the year. In a study conducted by Veasey et al. (2007), the authors observed that in 53 genotypes studied in the São Paulo region of Vale do Ribeira, Brazil, only 13.2% did not flower, with flowering occurring from January to September, with flowering peaks in April, May and June. Similar values (13.9%) of no flowering were reported by Rajendran & Amma (1996) who evaluated flowering in 764 sweet potato genotypes in India. On the other hand, Mok & Schmiediche (1999), in studies carried out in Indonesia, found the absence of flowering in 40% of the sweet potato genotypes. The highest frequency of flowering period occurred between 63 and 78 days, where 40.91% of the studied genotypes were concentrated (Figure 2A). However, 54.50% of the studied genotypes had a flowering period longer than the general average, which was 72 days. The genotypes with a long flowering period, possibly show better adaptation to the climatic conditions of the studied region, mainly in relation to the flowering capacity. Furthermore, the fact that flowering occurred in 100% of the genotypes, suggests that the southern region of Minas Gerais has great potential for the installation of genetic breeding programs, especially for the recombination of accessions. Considering all studied genotypes, we observed that seed production varied between 4 and 68 seeds plant-1, which indicates a large variation among genotypes. This average production per plant helps in the recombination program, better defining the number of plants needed as a function of the average number of seeds desired for each genotype. Genotypes BD-44, BD- 372 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Flowering capacity and botanical seed production of sweet potato genotypes 05, BD-43, BD-23, 04=09, BD-08 and Table 2. Mean values of the number of seeds harvested (NHS), weight of harvested seeds BD-27 had the highest number of seeds (WHS), weight of 1000 seeds (W1000) and germination percentage (GERM) in 22 sweet harvested per plant, with production potato genotypes evaluated in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Lavras, UFLA, 2020. higher than the general average of the genotypes (340.05 seeds), representing Genotypes NHS/1 WHS/1 (g) W1000 (g) GERM (%) 32% of the evaluated genotypes (Table 7.64 24.18 92.00 2). In percentage terms, those genotypes Arruba 316.00 9.58 19.83 71.33 with higher seed production produced 1.37 18.51 86.00 between 1.75 and 208.08% more than 04=09 483.00 16.92 17.02 83.00 the overall average observed. This 10.09 21.38 73.00 great difference between genotypes may 106-20 74.00 1.29 21.50 90.91 be related to different environmental 1.39 16.95 70.00 and genetic factors, as the effect of BD-05 994.00 11.57 21.23 85.83 crossings is not only dependent on the 2.42 27.50 91.43 presence of flowering, but mainly on the BD-08 472.00 7.09 20.49 76.67 compatibility between parents, presence 12.96 19.64 62.00 of pollinators and favorable climatic BD-17 60.00 20.80 20.25 78.75 conditions. 6.00 19.17 87.00 BD-22 82.00 3.98 21.28 75.00 As highlighted by Vimala & 5.44 21.09 81.00 Hariprakash (2011), self-incompatibility BD-23 545.00 3.93 15.17 65.88 and cross-incompatibility are still 3.82 15.66 70.00 the greatest limitations for sexual BD-26 88.00 4.54 18.76 27.78 recombinations, seed production and 5.32 19.14 81.72 genetic breeding of sweet potato. BD-27 346.00 4.53 23.72 82.35 However, the high number of seeds 4.37 19.60 94.69 obtained can be explained by the fact BD-43 660.00 2.95 21.22 70.49 that the pollinations were carried out 6.76 20.15 77.13 in an open (random) manner. Under BD-44 1027.00 75.89 13.83 18.48 these conditions, crossings are more effective, as there is greater diversity BD-46 313.00 of pollen, which reduces the chances of incompatibility. Furthermore, these BD-53 187.00 random pollinations allow obtaining half-sib progenies in a less expensive BD-54 258.00 way, which facilitates the use of recurrent selection in the culture. When Cambraia 259.00 these pollinations are carried out in a controlled manner, for the production Espanhola 244.00 of hybrids, for example, the efficiency of seed production is low, as in addition Beauregard* 242.00 to presenting characters of interest, the parents must present flowering period Brazlândia Branca* 278.00 and genetic compatibility to establish crosses (Baafi et al., 2016). Coquinho* 191.00 According to the frequency Palmas PA-18* 223.00 distribution, we found that the highest concentration of seed production Palmas PA-26* 139.00 occurred between 181 and 423 seeds per plot, encompassing in this range Overall average 340.04 50% of the evaluated genotypes (Figure 2B), which points to a high range of Coef. of variation (%) 78.55 variation for this feature, just as it occurred for the flowering period. This 1/Average values of the plot (15 plants). is important from the point of view of plant breeding, as it indicates the Table 3. Pearson correlation coefficients among flowering duration (FD), number of harvested existence of genetic variability among seeds (NHS), weight of harvested seeds (WHS), 1000-seed weight (W1000) and germination genotypes, which enables the selection percentage (GERM) in 22 genotypes of sweet potato, evaluated in the south of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Lavras, UFLA, 2020. Variable FD NHS WHS W1000 GERM FD 1 0.58** 0.54* -0.53* -0.18ns NHS - 1 0.99*** -0.18ns -0.38ns WHS -- 1 -0.06ns -0.01ns W1000 - - - 1 -0.38ns GERM -- - - 1 *,**,***significant at 5%; 1% and 0.1% by t test at 5% significance, respectively. nsNot significant. of those with greater seed production 50% of the genotypes concentrated capacity, a characteristic that is possibly their seed production between 3.73 and passed onto offspring. 8.61 g (Figure 2C). However, only the BD-44, BD-05, BD-43, BD-23, BD-08, In general, the highest total seed 04=09, Arruba and BD-27 genotypes weight (WHS) occurred for the presented seed weights higher than the genotypes that produced the highest general average of the genotypes (6.73) amount of seeds (Table 2). From the (Table 2). These genotypes represent observed frequencies, we found that Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 373

OG Brito et al. 36% of the studied genotypes and (Table 2). However, 57% of the studied that the BD-44 and BD-05 genotypes presented seed production from 5.4 to genotypes had higher germination diverged from the others mainly because 209% higher than the general average than the general average, which was they presented a high number and of the study. As expected, the total seed 77.13%. This average, although low, weight of seeds, which is relevant for weights showed a high and significant represents a satisfactory value for sweet sweet potato breeding programs. The positive correlation with the number of potato, as each germinated seed can BD-26 genotype also diverged due seeds (Table 3). give rise to a new cultivar. Considering to its characteristics of interest, such the observed frequencies for seed as a high weight of 1000 seeds and a It is noteworthy that the BD-44, germination, 63.64% of the genotypes high percentage of germination. The BD-05 and BD-43 genotypes stood had a germination percentage between genotypes Beauregard, Espanhola, out, simultaneously in relation to the 69.60% and 86.32% (Figure 2E). The Cambraia and BD-22 were especially flowering period, number of harvested germination percentage did not correlate grouped for presenting, in general, seeds and total seed weight. This with any of the evaluated characteristics. lower weights of 1000 seeds and lower reinforces what was observed in germination percentages, undesirable the study of established phenotypic The two-dimensional dispersion characteristics for selection in order to correlations (Table 3), as the flowering of genotypes via principal component increase flowering capacity and seed period correlated significantly and analysis (PCA) (Figure 3) indicated the production. The other genotypes, from a positively with the number of harvested formation of four isolated groups. The multivariate point of view, showed little seeds (NHS) and with the weight of first was composed of the BD-44 and variation sufficiently explained by the harvested seeds (WHS), presenting BD-05 genotypes, the second by the first two principal components. correlation coefficients of 0.58 and 0.54, commercial cultivar Beauregard and respectively. In this sense, the longer the Espanhola, Cambraia and BD-22 It is important to note that, although flowering period allowed a greater genotypes, the third formed exclusively flowering is strongly related to genetic quantity of seeds, making it interesting by the BD-26 genotype, and the last by predispositions and environmental in recurrent selection programs. the other genotypes. conditions, for genotypes with difficulty in flowering, and consequent The highest weights of 1000 seeds The correlations between the recombination, this flowering can be (W1000) were observed for genotypes principal components and the studied stimulated through techniques such as BD-44, BD-27, BD-54, PA-26, BD- characteristics (Figure 3) indicated 23, BD-53, BD-08, BD-17, Coquinho, Arruba and BD-26, with weights varying Figure 3. Biplot graphic dispersion of 22 sweet potato genotypes and correlations of the between 20.25 and 27.50 g (Table 2). characteristics number of harvested seeds (NHS), weight of harvested seeds (WSH), weight These genotypes had W1000 higher of 1000 seeds (W1000) and germination percentage (GERM) with both first Principal than the general average (20.1 g) and Components – PCA1 and PCA2. Lavras, UFLA, 2020. represent 50% of the total evaluated. In the evaluation of the frequency distribution for this character, the highest frequency (40.9%) was observed in the range of 19.79 and 22.89 (Figure 2D). However, in absolute terms, there was little variation in the data observed for this characteristic, whose values ranged between 15 and 28 g. As for the correlations, it was observed that there was a significant negative correlation between the flowering duration and the W1000, that is, the longer the flowering duration, the smaller the mass of 1000 seeds. Possibly this is related to physiological restrictions in translocation of photoassimilates for seed production, so that, despite producing more seeds by extending flowering, the last seeds tend to be smaller and lighter. The highest germination percentages were observed for the PA-18, Aruba, BD-26 and BD-17 genotypes, with values considered very good (>90%) 374 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

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Research GADOTTI, GI; SILVA, RNO; FARIAS, CRJ; SILVA, JG; PADÃO, HL. 2021. Fungal and seed treatment interference in the viability of coriander seeds. Horticultura Brasileira 39: 376-382. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s0102-0536-20210405 Fungal and seed treatment interference in the viability of coriander seeds Gizele Ingrid Gadotti 1 ;ID Raimunda Nonata O da Silva 1 ;ID Cândida Renata J de Farias 1ID; Joseano G da Silva 1 ;ID Henrique L Padão 1ID 1Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas-RS, Brasil; [email protected]; [email protected]; jacobsencandida@ gmail.com; [email protected]; [email protected] ABSTRACT RESUMO The determination of the sanitary quality is important to Interferência de fungos e do tratamento de sementes na diagnose if the commercialized lots are free of pathogens and to viabilidade de sementes de coentro make a decision about the need for seed treatment. The objective was to evaluate the interference of fungi associated with coriander A determinação da qualidade sanitária é importante para seed lots in their physiological performance and the effect of seed diagnosticar se os lotes comercializados se apresentam livres treatment with the fungicide Metalaxyl-m + Fludioxonil. The study de patógenos e para tomada de decisão sobre a necessidade de was carried out in two steps. In experiment I, the physiological tratamento de sementes. Objetivou-se avaliar a interferência dos potential and sanitary characterization of 18 coriander seed lots were fungos associados às sementes de lotes de coentro e o efeito do evaluated, using the tests, water content, tetrazolium test and health tratamento de sementes com o fungicida Metalaxil-m + Fludioxonil. test. In experiment II, we evaluated the physiological performance O estudo foi realizado em duas etapas. No experimento I realizou- of coriander seeds with and without fungicide treatment using se a caracterização inicial de 18 lotes de sementes de coentro, por the first count and germination test. Coriander seed lots showed meio dos testes, teor de água, viabilidade e análise sanitária. No high physiological potential, however, not all lots expressed their experimento II, avaliou-se o desempenho fisiológico de sementes maximum potential in the germination test without treatment, due de coentro com e sem tratamento com fungicida por meio do teste to the negative effect of fungi associated with seeds, mainly A. dauci de primeira contagem e germinação. Lotes de sementes de coentro and in association with A. alternata. There was an improvement que apresentam alto potencial fisiológico podem não expressar in the physiological performance of coriander seeds treated with seu máximo potencial no teste de germinação sem tratamento com Metalaxyl-m + Fludioxonil fungicide. fungicida, pelo efeito negativo causado pelos fungos associados às sementes, principalmente Alternaria dauci e também em associação com A. alternata. Houve melhoria na expressão do desempenho fisiológico de sementes de coentro quando tratadas com o fungicida Metalaxil-m + Fludioxonil. Keywords: Coriandrum sativum, germination, seed health, fungicide. Palavras-chave: Coriandrum sativum, germinação, sanidade, fungicida. Received on January 26, 2021; accepted on August 17, 2021 Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and health quality is one of the main making decisions about the need for belongs to the Apiaceae family. The challenges faced by seed producers seed treatment. species originates from the European (Bisognin et al., 2016). These attributes and African continents. Known as an characterize a seed lot. Among the microorganisms that aromatic, medicinal, and seasoning affect seed quality, fungi stand out as the plant, it is a good source of calcium, Physiological traits are among the main group of pathogens associated with iron, vitamin C and provitamin A. It most studied in research. They are seeds, both for their harmful effects and produces aromatic leaves and fruits, related to the metabolism of seeds in number of species. These pathogens, and is a condiment widely used in to fulfill their potential, and can be when associated with seeds, can cause gastronomy, especially in regions of represented by vigor and germination deterioration, reduced germination and northeastern Brazil, where fresh stems (Peske et al., 2019). In addition to vigor, and death of both the seeds and are consumed (Nascimento et al., 2014). the physiological quality, determining the developing plant, reducing the crop sanitary quality is very important to yield in the field (Lucca-Filho & Farias, The production of seeds with diagnose if the lots to be sold are free 2019). high genetic, physiological, physical, of pathogens, assisting producers in The literature points out that fungi 376 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Fungal and seed treatment interference in the viability of coriander seeds of the genus Alternaria spp. are one performance of commercial coriander using the oven method at 105±3ºC for of the main pathogens associated seeds lots. Also, as a way to contribute 24 hours, with two repetitions per lot, and transmitted via seeds in species to the improvement of the seed’s according to the Rules for Seed Testing of the Apiaceae family, to which quality made available on the market (RST). The results were expressed as an coriander, carrots and parsley belong. and subsidizing the production chain average percentage of water content for These cultures are considered of great and regulatory bodies, it becomes of each lot (Brasil, 2009a). prominence in the vegetable market fundamental importance. This study in Brazil (Reis et al., 2006; Pedroso sought to analyze the efficiency of a The tetrazolium test (TZ) was et al., 2013, 2018; Töfoli et al., 2015; fungicide composed of two chemical performed using 100 seeds per repetition. Barroso et al., 2019). Among the main groups with different action mechanisms The seeds were preconditioned between disease-causing agents in the Apiaceae in the control of the main pathogenic paper sheets for 16 hours at 20ºC family, Alternaria dauci, A. alternata, A. fungi that affect the coriander culture. (Silva et al., 2021). After the necessary radicina, and Alternaria sp. should be preconditioning time, the seeds were highlighted. In general, these pathogens In view of the above, the objective cut longitudinally, and this was carried can attack different parts of the seedlings, was to evaluate the interference of fungi out keeping half of the two seeds causing leaf stains, lesions on petioles, associated with coriander seed lots in present in the fruit. Then, the seeds inflorescences, damage to the roots and their physiological performance and were completely submerged in a seedling damping off, causing large- the effect of seed treatment with the 0.5% tetrazolium salt solution for five scale losses (Töfoli et al., 2015). fungicide Metalaxyl-m + Fludioxonil. hours, in the dark, at 40ºC. After the staining period, the seeds were assessed, Seeds play a fundamental role in the MATERIAL AND METHODS considering color and integrity of the survival of pathogens during storage, as tissues, classifying them as viable or well as in the transport and transmission The present study was carried out non-viable. of diseases. Thus, it is necessary to adopt at the Teaching Laboratory for Seed measures that reduce the incidence and Analysis “Flávio Dias da Rocha,” and The fungi in coriander seeds were severity of pathogens (Lucca-Filho & at the Eliseu Maciel Seed Pathology detected using the “Blotter Test” Farias, 2019). Laboratory of the School of Agronomy method. 200 seeds were used, divided of the Federal University of Pelotas, in into subsamples of 25 seeds, which The chemical treatment of seeds is a 2018. Eighteen commercial coriander were sown in “gerbox” plastic boxes, promising alternative for the elimination seed lots were used, cultivar Verdão, previously sterilized with 70% alcohol of pathogens associated with seeds, from the southern region of the state of and 1% sodium hypochlorite, and due to the effectiveness of the method, Rio Grande do Sul. While the study was containing two sterilized blotting paper simplicity of application, and reduction carried out, the seeds remained stored in sheets, moistened with water-restriction of the number of complementary a cold chamber (17±1ºC and 60% RH). solution (06 MPa, 3.1 g of NaCl, 4.0 applications while crops are developing g KCl, and 33.5 g sucrose). After (Nascimento et al., 2014). The study was carried out in two sowing, the seeds were incubated at sequential stages. Firstly, the viability 25ºC, with alternating photoperiod (12 Seed treatment consists of the and health characterization of coriander h light and 12 h dark), for seven days, application of substances that preserve seeds were assessed (Experiment with adaptations according to Brasil or improve seed performance, allowing I). Subsequently, the physiological (2009b). After the incubation period, the cultures to express its full genetic performance of coriander seeds with the seeds were analyzed with the aid of potential. This practice aims to protect and without fungicide treatment was a stereoscope and optical microscope against the attack of pathogens that may assessed (Experiment II). to observe the morphological structures be associated with seeds or be present of the fungi, with the aid of specialized in the soil (Mentem & Moraes, 2010). Experiment I was carried out in a bibliography (Massola-Júnior et al., completely randomized design, with 2005; Simmons, 2007; Brasil, 2009b), As stated previously, coriander 18 treatments (lots). In Experiment II, determining the rate of fungi-infested culture is recurrently affected by fungi a completely randomized design was seeds. For fungi of the genus Alternaria that can cause a reduction in seed quality used in an 18 x 2 factorial arrangement spp., the identifications were made based (Trigo et al., 1997; Reis et al., 2006; (18 lots and two fungicide treatments), on morphological characteristics of the Pedroso et al., 2013). However, there are with four replications. The same lots conidia visualized in semipermanent no fungicides registered in the Brazilian were used in both experiments. slides, and with the aid of specialized Ministry of Agriculture for the treatment bibliography (Simmons, 2007; Brasil, of coriander seeds (Reis & Lopes, 2016). Experiment I - The viability and 2009b). Considering this, and the importance health characterization of coriander of the cultivation of coriander in the seeds Experiment II - Physiological national scenario, the development of performance of coriander seeds that more in-depth studies is justified, with The seeds were subjected to the received chemical treatment with the aim of establishing a relationship following tests: water content, viability fungicide between the rate of fungi incidence, by the tetrazolium test, and health test. as well as associations of pathogens, The seeds were submitted to the first and their effect on the physiological The water content (WC) was analyzed count germination test, and germination Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 377

GI Gadotti et al. test with and without chemical treatment health characterization of coriander 2), of these on lot 13, the presence of this with fungicide. seeds fungus was not detected. Of the analyzed lots, 1, 3, 5, 16, and 17 presented rates The First Germination Count (FGC) The values for the average water above 50%. Of these, lots 1, 3, and 17 was carried out together with the content of coriander seeds ranged had an incidence of 84, 91 and 80%, germination test, on the seventh day from 7.3 to 10.5% (Table 1). Water respectively, values well above those after sowing on paper (Brasil, 2009a). content is the most significant factor found in the literature for this fungus The results were expressed as the rate in preventing seed deterioration during in coriander culture (Reis et al., 2006; of normal seedlings. storage. The low water content of the Pedroso et al., 2013). Lots 4, 7, 8, 9, seeds provides a reduction in metabolic 10, 11 and 12 had rates lower than 10% The germination test (GT) was activity, which is a contributing factor incidence of A. dauci. This pathogen carried out using 100 seeds per repetition. for the maintenance of their quality is the causal agent of leaf spots or The seeds were sown on blotting paper (Cardoso et al., 2012). Alternaria leaf spot, considered one of sheets, moistened with distilled water the main diseases that affect coriander, equivalent to 2.5 times the weight of Analyzing the viability averages carrots, and parsley cultures (Reis & dry paper. Soon after, the samples were determined by the tetrazolium test (Table Lopes, 2016). The main symptom of transferred to a germination room with 1), there was a significant difference this disease is the appearance of brown a constant temperature of 20ºC. The between the lots. Lots 3, 11, 12, 14, 16, lesions in the tissues under attack, evaluation took place 21 days after 17 and 18 showed superior behavior which, under favorable conditions, sowing, considering the rate of normal compared to the others, with viability evolve, and when about 40% of the leaf seedlings, according to the RST (Brasil, averages above 93%. In general, all lots area is affected, the whole leaf turns 2009a). had high potential for viability, with yellow and dies, causing the typical values ranging from 88 to 97% among spots. In addition to the above, another For seeds that received chemical the lots, with a general average of 92%. treatment with fungicide, the procedure The tetrazolium test is a biochemical test Table 1. Water content and seed viability of performed in the germination test was that can provide a quick estimate of the 18 coriander seed lots. Pelotas, UFPel, 2020. the same as described previously. physiological potential of seeds, that However, the seeds were treated with is, those seeds that have the potential Lots Water content Viability the fungicide with the active ingredients to produce a normal seedling (AOSA/ (%) (%) Metalaxyl-m + Fludioxonil, using 200 SCST, 2010). However, it should be mL 100 kg-1 of seeds. The mixture noted that this test is performed in 1 9.8 92 b volume used was 1.5 L 100 kg-1 of a shorter time span. This test does seeds, which was composed of the not include seed germination, which 2 10.5 92 b active ingredient and distilled water. mitigates the action of possible adverse The mixture was applied directly to factors, such as microorganisms that 3 9.4 93 a the bottom of a plastic bag and spread are harmful to seedlings, thus not to a height of approximately 15 cm, allowing these factors to interfere in 4 9.1 91 b and then the seeds were placed inside the evaluation and results (Clemente et the plastic bag, shaking them for three al., 2011). 5 10.1 90 b minutes. After the treatment, the plastic bags were opened to allow the seeds to Figure 1 shows the images of the 6 9.7 92 b dry at room temperature, according to fungi identified in the coriander seeds the methodology adapted from Nunes during the health analysis. In the 7 9.8 92 b (2005), and subsequently submitted to health analysis of 18 commercial the germination test. As the used product coriander seed lots, several genera 8 9.9 90 b is not registered for the coriander of fungi were identified. They were culture, the dose was selected based on grouped into fungi that are potentially 9 9.1 88 b the generic recommendation for fungi pathogenic for coriander culture, those of the genus Alternaria spp., indicated considered to be storage fungi, and 10 9.6 90 b on the product label. contaminants (Table 2). In this study, greater emphasis was given to fungi 11 9.7 94 a The data were submitted to considered to have pathogenic potential analysis of variance (p<0.05) and, for the crop (Alternaria dauci and A. 12 9.8 93 a when significant, the means were alternata). The fungi Cladosporium compared using Scott-Knott’s test at sp. and Rhizopus sp. were detected 13 9.7 92 b 5% probability. The statistical analysis in low percentages and because they was performed with the Sisvar software, are considered contaminants were not 14 7.3 94 a version 5.3. addressed. 15 8.6 90 b RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Incidence of A. dauci was detected in 17 of the lots under assessment (Table 16 9.4 97 a Experiment I - Viability and 17 8.1 95 a 18 7.6 95 a Mean 9.2 92 CV(%) - 3.06 *Means followed by the same letter in the column do not differ by the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability; CV(%) = coefficient of variation. 378 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Fungal and seed treatment interference in the viability of coriander seeds consequence of the attack of this fungus may be related to the favorable storage ranging from 56 to 76%. Lots 4, 10, is pre- or post-emergence damping off conditions of the seeds during the 11 and 13 had the highest rates, with (Massola-Júnior et al., 2005). analysis period. In this study, the seeds averages above 90%. The other lots remained stored in a cold chamber with showed an intermediate behavior, with As for the prevalence of A. alternata, 17±1°C and 60% RH, while the study averages ranging from 77 to 84%. the presence of this fungus was found was carried out, with a low degree of For the seeds from lots that received in the 18 lots analyzed; of these, twelve humidity (Table 1). These conditions fungicide treatment, lots 1, 3, 5, 6, 14 had an incidence above 80% (Table 2). It are considered unfavorable to the and 15 also showed the lowest rate was also found that a total of 17 of the 18 development of storage fungi. of normal seedlings in the FGC, with evaluated lots presented an association averages below 80%. The other lots had between A. dauci and A. alternata (Table Experiment II - Physiological rates above 80%. 2). These data reinforce that coriander performance of coriander seeds that seeds are important vehicles for the received chemical treatment with Still for the variable first germination spread of fungi of the genus Alternaria, fungicide count (Table 3), comparing the effect of as previously reported by other authors each treatment on the performance of the (Trigo et al., 1997; Reis et al., 2006). There was interaction between lots, we observed that the lots responded In a study by Reis et al. (2006), the the lots and chemical treatment with differently to the treatment of seeds with authors observed the incidence of these fungicide (Tables 3) for all variables fungicide. Only lots 3, 6, 14, 16 and 17 two pathogens in several commercial under study. Analyzing the lot effect had significant increases in the rate of lots. However, the incidence rate found within each treatment for the variable normal seedlings in the FGC. For these for both pathogens was well below the first germination count (FGC), there lots, the use of the fungicide minimized rates found in the present study. was a difference in the quality of the the negative effects of the pathogens lots (Table 3). Regarding seeds that did associated with the seeds, enabling Table 2 also shows the incidence of not receive fungicide treatment, lots faster seedling development. fungi of the genus Aspergillus spp. and 1, 3, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16 and 17 showed Penicillium sp., considered to be storage lower rates of normal seedlings in the Interaction between the lots and fungi. However, low rates, ranging first germination count, with averages seed treatment with fungicide was also from 1 to 10%, were observed for both observed for the germination variable fungi. The low incidence of these fungi (Table 3). Analyzing the lot effect within each according to each treatment, a Table 2. Incidence and prevalence of fungi in 18 coriander seed lots (%). Pelotas, UFPel, 2020. difference in the quality of the lots was found. For seeds that did not receive Lots Alternaria Alternaria Aspergillus Penicillium fungicide treatment, there was a greater dauci alternata spp. spp. variation in the germination rates between the analyzed lots, which were 1 84 51 3 3 classified into four quality levels, with averages ranging from 71 to 97%. Lots 1 2 45 68 2 6 and 6 had the worst performance in this variable, with averages of 74 and 71%, 3 91 68 0 0 respectively. These results are consistent with those found in the FGC. However, 4 2 87 8 8 it is noteworthy that these lots, despite having low germination rates, can be 5 69 43 10 10 marketed, as their germination rate is above the minimum standard required 6 14 80 7 5 for the sale of coriander seeds in Brazil, which is 65% (Brasil, 2019). For seeds 7 2 83 0 1 treated with fungicide, there was less variation between the averages found in 8 8 89 0 2 the lots, which were ranked in two levels of quality. The performance of lots 1, 5, 9 4 89 0 0 7 and 9 was worse than that of the others (Table 3). However, it is noteworthy that 10 8 81 1 1 all seeds that were chemically treated with fungicide had germination above 11 4 90 1 1 80%, and about 77% of the analyzed lots had germination rates above 90%. These 12 1 79 1 1 results show that coriander seeds have a high physiological potential, which 13 0 88 0 0 14 16 86 0 1 15 42 70 0 0 16 57 81 0 0 17 80 82 2 2 18 18 96 0 0 Means 30 78 2 2 Prevalence 17 18 9 12 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 379

GI Gadotti et al. Figure 1. Fungi detected in the sanitary analysis of coriander seeds: A. alternata (A and B), conidia of A. alternata (C), association between A. alternata and A. dauci present in the same seed (D), A. dauci (E ), conidia of A. dauci (F) Pencillium sp. (G), Cladosporium sp. (H) and Aspergillus spp. (I). Pelotas, UFPel, 2020. Figure 2. Detail of the association of fungi of the genus Alternaria in coriander seeds: A. had already been confirmed by data dauci on the surface of coriander seeds (A and B) and inside the fruit (C) and A. alternata on feasibility found by the tetrazolium adhered superficially (D). Pelotas, UFPel, 2020. test (Table 1, Experiment I). However, the seeds do not always fulfill their maximum potential, mainly because they are infested, predominantly, with fungi with pathogenic potential, as was detected in the health analysis. Thus, seed treatment possibly contributed to an improvement in the physiological performance of these seeds. Still in Table 3, comparing the results of the germination test according to the fungicide treatment, that the lots behaved differently regarding their response to seed treatment. Despite the increase in germination rate, not all lots had significant responses to seed treatment. But lots 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16 and 17 had had a beneficial effect from seed treatment, increasing the germination potential, with increments ranging from 8 to 22 percentage (Table 380 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Fungal and seed treatment interference in the viability of coriander seeds 3). Table 3. First germination count and seed germination with and without chemical treatment. The data from the present study Pelotas, UFPel, 2020. revealed different behaviors between First germination count (%) Germination (%) lots for the harmful action of pathogenic fungi, physiological performance, and Lots Without Treated** Mean Without Treated** Mean response to treatment with fungicide. treatments treatments According to the health quality 1 68 Da 68 Ca 68 74 Db 86 Ba 80 test data, the fungi found in greater proportion were A. dauci and A. 2 82 Ba 86 Aa 84 89 Ba 91 Aa 90 alternata. In this study, the presence of A. dauci was observed both adhered to 3 67 Db 79 Ba 73 82 Cb 95 Aa 88 the surface of the seeds and pedicels, and inside the fruit when it had some 4 90 Aa 90 Aa 90 95 Aa 96 Aa 96 kind of opening, as shown in Figures 2A, B and C. The fungus A. alternata 5 74 Ca 76 Ca 75 79 Ca 84 Ba 81 was only found adhered to the surface of the seeds, without penetrating the fruit 6 56 Eb 71 Ca 64 71 Db 93 Aa 82 (Figure 2D). 7 80 Ba 82 Ba 81 81 Cb 90 Ba 85 To define the appropriate treatment, it is essential to understand the different 8 77 Ba 80 Ba 79 85 Cb 92 Aa 88 ways of transmission of the fungi associated with the seeds. Although 9 83 Ba 82 Ba 83 86 Ca 86 Ba 86 this study tested only one fungicide, it strategically chose to use a fungicide 10 92 Aa 92 Aa 92 97 Aa 98 Aa 98 composed of two chemical groups that have different mechanisms of 11 94 Aa 93 Aa 94 97 Aa 98 Aa 98 action, with Fludioxonil providing contact action, while Metalaxyl-m acts 12 84 Ba 83 Ba 84 91 Ba 94 Aa 92 systemically. This choice was made aiming at a greater spectrum of action 13 91 Aa 92 Aa 92 96 Aa 97 Aa 97 in the control of different pathogens (Syngenta, 2020). 14 69 Db 79 Ba 74 88 Bb 96 Aa 92 This study was an exploratory 15 76 Ca 75 Ca 76 83 Cb 93 Aa 88 research, and more detailed studies of doses and volume of chemical mixture 16 75 Cb 88 Aa 82 88 Cb 97 Aa 93 are necessary, since these are decisive factors in the efficiency of the product. 17 75 Cb 91 Aa 83 83 Cb 97 Aa 90 During this experiment, there was difficulty in achieving a satisfactory 18 84 Ba 88 Aa 86 89 Ba 95 Aa 92 coverage of the surface of the seeds depending on the volume of mixture Means 79 83 86 93 used, and also the morphological characteristics of the seeds. Another CV(%) 6.92% 5.11% difficulty was due to the small volume of seeds treated in this experiment. Thus, *Means followed by the same letter, uppercase in the column and lowercase in the row, it is still necessary to develop studies do not differ by the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability; CV(%) = coefficient of variation; that compare not only the efficiency of different fungicides, but also parameters **coriander seeds treated with Metalaxil-m + Fludioxonil. such as dose, mixture volume, among others. upon receiving chemical treatment with Handbook. AOSA. 414p. Metalaxyl-m + Fludioxonil fungicide, The data obtained in this study there was an improvement in the BARROSO, FM; MUNIZ, PHPC; PEIXOTO, demonstrated that all lots had high physiological performance of coriander GHS; MILAN, MD; CARVALHO, DDC. physiological potential. However, not all seeds. 2019. Incidência e caracterização morfológica lots managed to fulfill their maximum de Alternaria alternata em sementes de salsa. potential in the germination test without ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Revista de Agricultura Neotropical 6: 36-40. treatment, due to the negative effect of fungi on the seeds, mainly A. dauci in This work was carried out with BISOGNIN, MB; KULCZYNSKI, SM; association with A. alternata. However, the support of the Coordination for FERRARI, M; PELEGRIN, AJ; SOUZA, the Improvement of Higher Education VQ. 2016. Desempenho fisiológico de Personnel, Brazil (CAPES), Financing sementes olerícolas em diferentes tempos de Code 001, National Council for Scientific hidrocondicionamento. Revista de Ciências and Technological Development (CNPq) Agrárias 39: 349-359. and the Federal University of Pelotas, Graduate Program in Seed Science and BRASIL. Ministério da Agricultura. Instrução Technology. Normativa n° 42 de 17 de setembro de 2019. Normas para a produção e a comercialização REFERENCES de sementes olerícolas, condimentares, medicinais e aromáticas. Diário Oficial da AOSA/SCST - Association of Official Seed República Federativa do Brasil, Brasília, 19 Analysts and Society of Commercial Seed set. 2019. Technologists. 2010. Tetrazolium Testing BRASIL, Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento. 2009a. Regras para análises de semente / Ministério de Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento. Secretaria de Defesa Agropecuária. Brasília: MAPA/ACS, 399p. BRASIL, Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 381

GI Gadotti et al. Abastecimento. 2009b. Manual de Análise ABRATES 20: 52-53. Available at <https://ainfo.cnptia.embrapa.br/ Sanitária de Sementes / Ministério de digital/bitstream/item/157359/1/CT-157.pdf> Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento. NASCIMENTO, WM; SILVA, PP; VILLELA, Accessed on May, 2020. Secretaria de Defesa Agropecuária. Brasília: RP; WANDERLEY-JUNIOR, LJG. 2014. MAPA/ACS, 200p. Produção de sementes de coentro. In: REIS, A; SATELIS, JF; PEREIRA, RS; NASCIMENTO, WM (ed). Produção de NASCIMENTO, WM. 2006. Associação de CARDOSO, RB; BINOTTI, FFS; CARDOSO, sementes de hortaliças. 1ª ed. Brasília: Alternaria dauci e A. alternata com sementes ED. 2012. Potencial fisiológico de sementes Embrapa Hortaliças, p.147-167. de coentro e eficiência do tratamento químico. de crambe em função de embalagens e Horticultura Brasileira 24: 107-111. armazenamento. Pesquisa Agropecuária NUNES, JC. 2005. Tratamento de semente Tropical 42: 272-278. - qualidade e fatores que podem afetar a SILVA, RNO; GADOTTI, GI; CARVALHO, sua performance em laboratório. Syngenta IL; CARVALHO, IR; SILVA, JG. 2021. CLEMENTE, ACS; CARVALHO, MLM; Proteção de Cultivos Ltda. 16p. Determination of pre-wetting procedure GUIMARÃES, RM; ZEVIANI, WM. 2011. of coriander seeds for tetrazolium test. Preparo das sementes de café para avaliação PEDROSO, DC; LEMES, ES; OLIVEIRA, Horticultura Brasileira 39: 294-298. Available da viabilidade pelo teste de tetrazólio. Revista S; TUNES, LVM; JUNGES, E; MUNIZ, at <https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-0536- Brasileira de Sementes 33: 038-044. MFB. 2018. Tratamento químico e biológico: 20210308>. Accessed October 18, 2021. qualidade fisiológica e sanitária de sementes de LUCCA-FILHO, OA; FARIAS, CRJ. 2019. cenoura durante o armazenamento. Pesquisa SIMMONS, EG. 2007. Alternaria: an Patologia de sementes. In: PESKE, ST; Agropecuária Pernambucana 23: 01-09. identification manual. Netherlands: CBS VILLELA, FA; MENEGHELLO, GE Fungal Biodiversity Centre. 775p. (eds). Sementes: fundamentos científicos e PEDROSO, DC; MUNIZ, MFB; TUNES, LVM; tecnológicos. 4ª ed. Revisada, atualizada e MÜLLER, J; JUNGES, E; SANTOS, RF. SYNGENTA. Syngenta Crop Protection AG. ampliada. Pelotas: Editora Becker & Peske 2013. Influência de Alternaria alternata e A. 2020. Fungicida/tratamento de sementes/ Ltda., Pelotas. p.259-353. dauci na qualidade de sementes de coentro. Maxim® XL. Available at https://www. Revista Brasileira de Ciências Agrárias 8: syngenta.com.br/product/crop-protection/ MASSOLA-JUNIOR, NS; MARTINS, MC; 563-569. fungicidatratamento-de-sementes/maxim-xl GLORIA, R; JESUS-JÚNIOR, WC. 2005. Doenças da cenoura. In: KIMATI, H; PESKE, ST; BARROS, ACSA; SCHUCH, LOB. TÖFOLI, JG; DOMINGUES, RJ; FERRARI, JT. AMORIN, L; BERGAMIN-FILHO, A; 2019. Produção de sementes. In: PESKE, 2015. Alternaria spp. em oleráceas: sintomas, CAMARGO, LEA; RESENDE, JAM (ed). ST; VILLELA, FA; MENEGHELLO, GE etiologia, manejo e fungicidas. Biológico 77: Manual de fitopatologia: doenças das plantas (eds). Sementes: fundamentos científicos e 21-34. cultivadas. 4. ed. São Paulo: Agronômica tecnológicos. 4ª ed. Revisada, atualizada e Ceres. p. 223-229. ampliada. Pelotas: Editora Becker & Peske TRIGO, MFOO; TRIGO, LFN; PIEROBOM, Ltda, Pelotas, p.104-143. CR. 1997. Fungos associados às sementes MENTEN, JO; MORAES, MHD. 2010. de coentro (Coriandrum sativum L.) no Rio Tratamento de sementes: histórico, tipos, REIS, A; LOPES, CA. 2016. Doenças do Grande do Sul. Revista Brasileira de Sementes características e benefícios. Informativo coentro no Brasil. Brasília, DF: Embrapa. 6p. 19: 213-217. (Embrapa Hortaliças. Circular Técnica, 157). 382 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Research BISOGNIN, DA; LOVATTO, MT. 2021. Pre-dehydration treatments and quality of processed potatoes during storage. Horticultura Brasileira 39: 383-388. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s0102-0536-20210406 Pre-dehydration treatments and quality of processed potatoes during storage Dilson Antonio Bisognin 1 ;ID Marlene Terezinha Lovatto 1ID 1Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria–RS, Brasil; [email protected]; [email protected] ABSTRACT RESUMO The aim of this work was to study pre-dehydration treatments Tratamentos antes da desidratação e qualidade de batata to maintain consumption quality of processed potatoes (Solanum processada durante o armazenamento tuberosum) over a long storage period. Tubers of the cultivars Asterix, Macaca and Agata were cut into cubes and submitted to the O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar tratamentos antes da following pre-dehydration treatments: water (control), blanching, desidratação para manter a qualidade de consumo da batata (Solanum and blanching with different doses of sodium metabisulfite. Sulphur tuberosum) processada durante um longo período de armazenamento. dioxide residue and microorganism detection were determined right Tubérculos das cultivares Asterix, Macaca e Agata foram cortados after the dehydration process was completed. Water activity, color, em cubos e submetidos aos tratamentos antes da desidratação: rehydration ratio, cooking time and rehydration ratio after cooking água (controle), branqueamento e branqueamento com diferentes were determined at the beginning and after one and two years of doses de metabissulfito de sódio. O resíduo de dióxido de enxofre storage. Blanching, cultivar and storage affected rehydration ratio, e a detecção de microrganismos foram determinados logo após a an important parameter used to measure the quality of dehydrated conclusão do processo de desidratação. A atividade de água, a cor, a products. Tubers with higher dry mass content resulted in lower razão de reidratação, o tempo de cozimento e a razão de reidratação water activity and rehydration ratio, longer cooking time and higher após o cozimento foram determinados no início e após um e dois rehydration ratio after cooking than those with lower dry mass. anos de armazenamento. Branqueamento, cultivar e armazenamento The combination of blanching with sodium metabisulfite improves afetaram a razão de reidratação, que é um importante parâmetro da product quality, reduces microbial load, enhances dehydration rate qualidade de produtos desidratados. Tubérculos com maior teor and prevents oxidation and browning reactions during processing and de massa seca resultaram em menor atividade de água e razão de storage. The effects of the structural damages of pre-dehydration and reidratação, maior tempo de cocção e maior taxa de reidratação após dehydration treatments on the rehydration ratio and the rehydration o cozimento do que aqueles com menor massa seca. A combinação de ratio after cooking increase with storage of processed potatoes. branqueamento com metabissulfito de sódio melhora a qualidade do produto, reduz a carga microbiana, aumenta a taxa de desidratação e evita reações de oxidação e escurecimento durante o processamento e armazenamento. Os efeitos dos danos estruturais causados pelos tratamentos antes e durante a desidratação sobre a razão de reidratação e a razão de reidratação após o cozimento aumentam com o tempo de armazenamento da batata processada. Keywords: Solanum tuberosum, shelf life, rehydration, cooking. Palavras-chave: Solanum tuberosum, vida de prateleira, rehidratação, cozimento. Received on January 7, 2021; accepted on October 5, 2021 Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the of the cultivar Asterix (frying), and 90% stability, reduces chemical reactions third most important food, growing Agata (cooking) (Gitah, 2015). responsible for deterioration, in more than 160 countries of five facilitates storage, and reduces product continents (FAO, 2019). It is produced Fresh potato tubers have low transportation costs (Sagar & Kumar, all year round in different growing shelf life, which is an opportunity 2010). Besides affecting browning, conditions of Brazil, with approximately for the processing industry, including water activity generally increases 70% of the total production sold for dehydrated products (Gitah, 2015). microbial growth, since it primarily fresh market (Gitah, 2015). Most Dehydration is a process of removing affects the availability of reaction site potatoes are sold loose that demands water from foods to reduce water activity and catalytic mobility (Kwok et al., good tuber appearance and almost no and maintain quality of processed 2010). Reducing water activity inhibits peel, and some are packed, being 10% foods (Prabhakar & Mallika, 2014). microbial growth and the drying process Dehydration promotes microbiological Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 383

DA Bisognin & MT Lovatto heat reduces microbial load (Sagar & process of dehydration (Vega-Gálvez et with different concentrations of sodium Kumar, 2010). Convection dehydration al., 2009). chloride or sucrose. Combination of is the most common industrial technique blanching and different concentration for reducing water content, although Considering that pre-dehydration of sodium metabisulfite were also tested it damages tissues and rehydration treatments might affect quality and before defining the final treatments. characteristics of foods (Cunningham conservation of dehydrated potato Cubes of the potato cultivars Asterix, et al., 2008). cubes, the aim of this work was to study Macaca and Agata were treated with pre-dehydration treatments to maintain water (control), blanching, blanching A processing method of dehydrated consumption quality of processed and sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O5) potato comprises essential steps, potatoes over a long storage period. 0.05%, blanching and sodium as raw material cleaning, peeling, metabisulfite 0.1%, and blanching cutting or slicing the tubers, blanching, MATERIAL AND METHODS and sodium metabisulfite 0.2%. For color protection, drying and packing blanching treatment, 1 kg of potato (Yang, 2018). One concern about The experiments were carried out cubes was immersed in 3 L of a 2% dehydrated products is to maintain at the Fruit and Vegetable Processing sodium chloride solution at 80ºC for the quality characteristics (Bevilacqua Laboratory of the Polytechnic College, 6 min. For other pre-dehydration et al., 2017), in this case the original and at the Center of Plant Breeding treatments, 1 kg of potato cubes was flavor of potato (Yang, 2018). The and Vegetative Propagation, both of immersed in 2 L water (control) or in the stabilization of the microbial activity is the Federal University of Santa Maria. respective sodium metabisulfite solution also necessary for a long-term storage Potato tubers of the cultivars Asterix, at 15ºC for 10 min. After treated, potato of dehydrated foods (Bevilacqua et Macaca and Agata were used with the cubes were centrifuged at 460 rpm for 4 al., 2017). Among pre-dehydration lowest diameter greater than 45 mm min before dehydration. treatments, hot water blanching is the and without apparent external defects. most popular and commercially used The dry mass content of each cultivar For dehydration, potato cubes were to reduce microbial load, enhance was quantified by drying the tubers in a distributed onto eight trays, 1.5 kg dehydration rate and product quality, forced air circulation oven at 60oC until per tray and homogenized to form inactivate enzymes, eliminate air from constant weight. To ensure quality of the a single layer. When all trays were intercellular spaces, and minimize non- final product, sanitation of the process complete, they were placed in a forced enzymatic browning (Luo et al., 2011; was guaranteed by using procedures air dehydrator (model PEG 30 Classic, Xiao et al., 2015). Sulfitation agents established by good manufacturing Pardal), previously heated to 60°C and prevent oxidation, bacterial growth and practices. Utensils, equipment and kept at this temperature throughout the control enzymatic browning reactions tubers were sanitized with a sodium process of dehydration. Mass loss was during production and non-enzymatic hypochlorite solution, containing 200 verified every hour by weighing the trays reactions during storage, being sodium mg L-1 of free chlorox and pH adjusted using a digital scale with 5 g precision. metabisulfite the most extensively to 7.0. The process was terminated when mass used as food preservative (Lindsay, variation between two intervals was 2008). Pre-treatments with combined The sanitized tubers were peeled equal to or below 10% of the initial methods applied before dehydration, mechanically by abrasion and prepared mass (defined in preliminary tests). such as blanching and sulfitation, are by removing remaining peel, gashes After dehydration, the product remained practical and efficient ways to control and deep buds and other external in the trays with the compartment oxidation, which causes browning defects. Then, the tubers were sanitized closed until reaching room temperature. during the preparation and storage of in a solution of sodium dichloro-s- The cubes were conditioned in glass dehydrated foods (Ioannou & Ghoul, triazinetrione, with 100 mg L-1 of free containers, hermetically sealed and 2013; Shakouri et al., 2015). Blanching chlorox and pH adjusted to 7.0 at a identified. Dehydrated cubes of the is a heat treatment in steam, hot water or temperature of 15°C for 15 min. Then, three potato cultivars were stored at microwave before dehydration. they were sectioned into slices of room temperature, with an average approximately 1 cm in thickness and cut temperature of 20oC. Dehydrated potatoes can be ground into cubes (1 cm3), using a mechanical and used to produce flour with various vegetable cutter (Delta). The cubes were Residual SO2 determination and uses, including soup formulations and centrifuged at 460 rpm for 4 min to microorganism detection were carried nutritional enrichment of dehydrated remove water excess before treatment. out before storing the dehydrated soups (Los et al., 2018). Dehydrated cubes. Residual SO2 was determined products are generally hydrated before The pre-dehydration treatments by the method described in the consumption to restore their properties, were defined in preliminary tests. Based Association of Official Analytical allowing rehydrated products to present upon the literature, we evaluate sodium Chemists International (AOAC, 2005). similar characteristics to those of metabisulfite, ascorbic acid, citric Microorganism detection was performed the fresh product. In some cases, acid and sodium chloride in different according to the method described in rehydration can be considered a measure exposure times and concentrations. the IN n° 62, by counting total and for the tissue damage caused during the Blanching was evaluated with water and thermotolerant coliforms, expressed 384 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Pre-dehydration treatments and quality of processed potatoes during storage as UFC g-1, and for Salmonella sp., error. The analyses were run with the probable number below three, which as the presence or absence in 25 g of SAEG software program. was an expecting effect of blanching sample (Brasil, 2003). Evaluations treatment (Xiao et al., 2015). of water activity, rehydration ratio, RESULTS AND DISCUSSION cooking time, rehydration ratio after Analysis of variance showed that cooking, and color were carried out at The highest residual SO2 content water activity and color were not the beginning and after one and two (152 mg kg-1) was found in dehydrated affected by storing dehydrated potato years of storage at room temperature. potato cubes treated with sodium cubes for two years (Table 2). In Water activity of the samples was metabisulfite and no trace was found addition, cultivar and pre-dehydration determined using a Testo 650 Meter, in the cubes of the control (water) treatments showed independent effect, model 05636501. Color was determined treatment (Table 1). As legislation for since the interaction was not significant. in a colorimeter (Minolta CR-300) and intentional additives allows a maximum Potato cultivar and pre-dehydration expressed as coordinates L*, a* and value of 200 mg kg-1 of residual SO2 in treatments affected water activity and b* in three readings for each sample. dehydrated vegetables (Brasil, 1988), color of processed product. The control Rehydration ratio was calculated for even the potato cubes treated with pre-dehydration treatment and the the water and blanching itself. A total the highest concentration of sodium cultivars Asterix and Macaca resulted in of 50 g of sample was added to 500 metabisulfite and dehydrated presented the lowest water activity. Blanching pre- mL water at room temperature (20°C) a residual SO2 content within the legal dehydration treatment resulted in higher for 30 min, as defined in preliminary limit. The pre-dehydration treatments water activity, because the gelatinization test. Water was drained, potato sample applied to maintain quality also of starch seems to influence softening weighted and data used to calculate the contributed to ensure microbiological and water retention capacity in rehydration ratio, which is equal to the control in the potato cubes dehydrated parenchymatous tissue (Bemiller & rehydrated mass divided by dehydrated at 60°C, as both the most probable Huber, 2008). Besides preventing mass. The rehydrated samples were number of thermotolerant coliforms enzymatic browning, blanching placed in recipients containing 1 L water (45°C) and of total coliforms (35°C) per improves proteins and soluble fibers in at 90°C, where they were kept until gram of sample were within parameters dehydrated potato flour (Nascimento & cooked. Cooking time was defined as allowed by the Brazilian legislation Canteri, 2018). The dehydration process no chalky aspect in the internal part of (Brasil, 2003). The same was found for was efficient to reduce water activity sectioned cubes. The cooking time was Salmonella sp., which was absent in independent of the pre-dehydration and recorded, the cooking water drained and the samples analyzed (data not shown). cultivar, resulting in potato cubes with the mass of the samples determined. Therefore, sanitation before and after water activity between 0.62 and 0.69 The rehydration ratio after cooking was peeling the tubers was efficient to reduce that inhibit microorganism growth and determined as cooked rehydrated mass microbial load, since tubers are in contact leads to a long shelf life of the processed divided by dehydrated mass. with contaminant microorganisms product (Bevilacqua et al., 2017). during production, harvest and post- Data were submitted to variance harvest management. Blanching was Dehydrated potatoes can be stored analysis as a factorial model (3 cultivars also efficient to reduce microbial load, in hermetically sealed glass containers, x 5 pre-dehydration treatments x 3 since this pre-dehydration treatment since there was no change in water storage times) in the random design, resulted in total and thermotolerant activity during the period of two with eight repetitions. For significant coliforms and Salmonella sp. most years at room temperature (Table 2). F-test, treatment means were compared Considering the coordinates values for by Duncan test at 5% probability of brightness, redness, and yellowness, blanching associated with different Table 1. Residual SO2 content and most probable number of thermotolerant coliforms (45°C) and total coliforms (35°C) per gram of potato cubes of cultivars Asterix, Macaca and Agata after dehydration at 60°C. Santa Maria, UFSM, 2013. Treatments* Asterix Macaca Agata Asterix Macaca Agata Residual SO2 (mg kg-1) 45°C 35°C 45°C 35°C 45°C 35°C Most probable number2 Water (control) ND < 10 ND < 10 ND < 10 4.6x101 2.4x103 7x101 2.8x103 3.4x101 3.5x103 Blch ND < 10 ND < 10 ND < 10 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 Blch + SM 0.05% 8.43 19.87 58.77 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 Blch + SM 0.1% 32.56 55.19 63.33 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 Blch + SM 0.2% 83.12 115.91 151.86 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 *For blanching (Blch), 1 kg of potato cubes was immersed in 3 L of a 2% sodium chloride solution at 80ºC for 6 min. For other treatments, 1 kg of potato cubes was immersed in 2 L water (control) or in the respective sodium metabisulfite (SM) solution at 15ºC for 10 min. ND= not detected. Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 385

DA Bisognin & MT Lovatto concentrations (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2%) of the fact of being the most effective not differ among each other, but did sodium metabisulfite were efficient to and frequently used as antibrowning differ from the other ones. Therefore, control enzymatic and non-enzymatic agent (Oliphant et al., 2012). Potato sodium metabisulfite presented the browning and caramelization. Therefore, cultivars and pre-dehydration treatments lowest mean value for redness, favoring sodium metabisulfite was effective influenced redness. The blanching the yellow chrome that is desirable to prevent browning, both during treatment presented the highest value, for dehydrated potatoes, meaning that processing and storage of dehydrated differing from the water treatment, sodium metabisulfite is necessary for potato cubes for a long period (two while the blanching associated with the characteristic color maintenance of years of storage), which agrees with sodium metabisulfite treatments did dehydrated potato products. Table 2. Water activity and color coordinates for brightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness Texture and color are the most (b*) in potato cubes of cultivars Asterix, Macaca and Agata submitted to pre-dehydration important quality parameters in treatments, dehydrated at 60°C and stored at room temperature during two years. Santa processed products derived from potato. Maria, UFSM, 2013. Color is considered the most important visual attribute in the perception of Treatments1 Water Color coordinates the product quality, since it is often activity the basis for consumer’s selection or L* a* b* rejection (Carmo & Lima, 2005). The color evaluation in the dehydrated cubes Water (control) 0.602 c2 52.47 b 3.65 b 16.28 c revealed differences among cultivars and pre-dehydration treatments (Table Blch 0.678 ab 49.41 c 5.95 a 28.05 b 2 and Figure 1). Blanching combined with different concentrations of sodium Blch + SM 0.05% 0.649 b 58.57 a 2.35 c 40.27 a metabisulfite did not differ among each other, but they differed from water and Blch + SM 0.1% 0.690 a 59.14 a 2.19 c 42.10 a blanching treatments (Table 2) as well as verified for cultivars Asterix, Macaca Blch + SM 0.2% 0.663 ab 60.22 a 1.57 c 42.49 a and Agata (Figure 1). Adding sodium metabisulfite increased brightness Cultivars and yellowness and reduced redness. Pretreating cylindrical potato samples Asterix 0.653 b 54.51 b 3.97 a 34.57 a also increase yellowness and decrease redness (Dhalsamant et al., 2017). Macaca 0.641 b 57.20 a 2.38 c 31.42 b Therefore, sodium metabisulfite, even in the concentration of 0.05%, was Agata 0.676 a 56.35 a 3.07 b 35.21 a very important to prevent oxidation and control enzymatic browning reactions 1For blanching (Blch), 1 kg of potato cubes was immersed in 3 L of a 2% sodium chloride during production and non-enzymatic solution at 80ºC for 6 min. For other treatments, 1 kg of potato cubes was immersed in 2 L reactions during storage of dehydrated water (control) or in the respective sodium metabisulfite (SM) solution at 15ºC for 10 min. potatoes. The optimized quality of 2Treatments followed by the same letter did not differ by the Duncan test at p ≤ 0.05. potato cubes was found with the combination of blanching with dipping Table 3. Rehydration ratio, cooking time and rehydration ratio after cooking of potato in a sodium metabisulfite solution of cubes of the cultivars Asterix, Macaca and Agata submitted or not to blanching, dehydrated 0.04% (Varnalis et al., 2004). at 60°C, stored at room temperature during two years and rehydrated at 20ºC for 30 min. Santa Maria, UFSM, 2013. The evaluated cultivars of potato, the blanching pre-dehydration treatment Treatments Rehydration Cooking time Rehydration ratio and the time of storage in hermetically sealed glass containers at room ratio2 (min) after cooking3 temperature affected rehydration ratio, cooking time and rehydration ratio after Blanching1 cooking (Table 3). The rehydration ratio, an important parameter used to measure With 1.23 a4 10.51 b 2.58 a the quality of dried foods (Doymaz & Ismail, 2011), of the cultivar Agata was Without 1.10 b 12.29 a 2.48 b higher than that of Asterix, which was not different from Macaca. It is accepted Cultivars that tissues with higher dry mass content have their cellular structure altered by Asterix 1.12 b 12.91 a 2.41 c Macaca 1.16 ab 10.52 b 2.51 b Agata 1.22 a 10.77 b 2.68 a Storage (years) Beginning (0) 1.32 a 10.99 b 2.75 a After 1 year (1) 1.10 b 13.54 a 2.53 b After 2 years (2) 1.08 b 9.66 b 2.31 c 1Blanching in water heated to 80°C (proportion of 1 kg sample to 3 L water) for 6 min. 2Rehydration with water at 20°C for 30 min, measured by the rehydration ratio = rehydrated mass / dehydrated mass. 3Rehydration ratio after cooking = cooked rehydrated mass / dehydrated mass. 4Treatments followed by the same letter did not differ by the Duncan test at p ≤ 0.05. 386 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Pre-dehydration treatments and quality of processed potatoes during storage Figure 1. Color of potato cubes of the cultivars Asterix, Macaca and Agata submitted to pre-dehydration treatments (A= control; B= blanching, C= blanching and sodium metabisulfite 0.05%; D= blanching and sodium metabisulfite 0.1%; and E= blanching and sodium metabisulfite (0.2%) and dehydrated at 60°C. Santa Maria, UFSM, 2013. the expansion caused by gelatinization and Agata did not differ from each dry mass content, a genetically inherited of starch (Bemiller & Huber, 2008) and, other. Potato cultivar also influenced and an important trait of potato cultivars, consequently, absorbed a lower amount rehydration ratio and rehydration ratio affected rehydration ratio, cooking time of water. As Agata had the lowest after cooking. The cultivar Agata and rehydration ratio after cooking. content of dry mass (18%), compared presented the highest rehydration ratio to Asterix (22%) and Macaca (21%), after cooking, followed by Macaca The hydrothermal degradation of the difference in dry mass content and then Asterix, showing that the pectin in the middle lamella, in the was sufficient to affect rehydration rehydration ratio after cooking was primary cell walls and between lamellas ratio. The cultivar Asterix cooked directly related to the dry mass content and cell walls should be a weakening for the longest time, while Macaca of the evaluated cultivars. Therefore, the factor in the parenchymatous structure of potato cells (Liu & Scanlon, 2007). The Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 387

DA Bisognin & MT Lovatto greater the content of starch granules in storage period, expanding supply and of sucrose-citric acid mixtures. Journal of the tissues, the greater the pressure of uses of potato, the third most important Agriculture and Food Chemistry 58: 11716- swelling caused by blanching, since food worldwide, produced during the 11724. the starch grains begin to gelatinize whole year in Brazil and usually sold between 58 and 65°C (Bemiller & as fresh tubers. LINDSAY, RC. 2008. Food additives. In: Huber, 2008). The rehydration ratio DAMADARAN, S; PARKIN, KL; at the beginning was higher than that REFERENCES FENNEMA, OR (eds). Fennema´s food found after one and two years of storage, chemistry. 4ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press, which did not differ among one another. AOAC. 2005. Official methods of analysis of p.689-749. 1144p. This means that as time goes by, the the AOAC. 18th ed. Gaithersburg: AOAC internal collapse of tissues increases. International. LIU, EZ; SCANLON, MG. 2007. Modeling the After one year of storage, the time effect of blanching conditions on the texture needed to cook the potato cubes was BEMILLER, JN; HUBER, KC. 2008. of potato strips. Journal of Food Engineering greater than that at the beginning and Carbohydrates. In: DAMADARAN, S; 81: 292-297. at the end of the second year of storage, PARKIN, KL; FENNEMA, OR (eds). which did not differ among one another. Fennema’s Food Chemistry. 4ed. Boca Raton: LOS, PR; SIMÕES, DRS; LEONE, RS; Right after dehydration, potato cubes CRC Press, p.83-154. 1144p. BOLANHO, BC; CARDOSO, T; DANESI, had the highest rehydration ratio after ED. 2018. Viability of peach palm by- cooking, followed by one and two years BEVILACQUA,A; CORBO, MR; SINIGAGLIA, product, Spirulina platensis, and spinach for of storage. This result is related to the M. 2017. The microbial quality of food – the enrichment of dehydrated soup. Pesquisa rehydration ratio, which depends on the Foodborn spoilers. 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Research SORATTO, RP; YAGI, R; JOB, ALG; FERNANDES, AM. 2021. Fertilization management strategies for ‘Agata’ potato production. Horticultura Brasileira 39: 389-396. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s0102-0536-20210407 Fertilization management strategies for ‘Agata’ potato production Rogério P Soratto 1,2 ;ID Renato Yagi 3 ;ID André Luiz G Job ;1,4ID Adalton M Fernandes 2ID 1Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP-FCA), Botucatu-SP, Brasil; [email protected]; [email protected]; 2Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP-CERAT), Botucatu-SP, Brasil; [email protected]; 3Instituto de Desenvolvimento Rural do Paraná - IAPAR-EMATER (IDR-Paraná), Ponta Grossa-PR, Brasil; [email protected]; 4McCain Brasil, Araxá-MG, Brasil ABSTRACT RESUMO Fluctuations in potato prices and invariably rising production Estratégias de manejo da adubação na produção de batata costs need sustainable fertilization strategies. For this purpose, two ‘Agata’ experiments were conducted in the southwestern region of São Paulo state to evaluate fertilization management strategies for the ‘Agata’ Oscilações dos preços da batata e custos de produção potato cultivar. The treatments consisted of the producer’s standard invariavelmente crescentes demandam estratégias de adubação fertilization (1700 kg ha-1 NPK 4-30-10 at planting + 100 kg ha-1 sustentáveis. Com esse objetivo, foram conduzidos dois experimentos urea and 150 kg ha-1 KCl at hilling) and combinations of two P rates no sudoeste do estado de São Paulo para avaliar estratégias de at planting (standard rate and half of the rate), as monoammonium manejo da adubação na batata ‘Agata’. Os tratamentos consistiram phosphate (MAP) with two forms of KCl application (total rate in da adubação padrão do produtor (1700 kg ha-1 de NPK 4-30-10 no the post-planting phase or half of the rate in the post-planting phase plantio + 100 kg ha-1 de ureia e 150 kg ha-1 de KCl na amontoa) e das and half at hilling). The application of half the P rate (255 kg ha-1 combinações de duas doses de P no plantio (dose padrão e metade da P2O5) as the MAP at planting and the transfer of K from planting to dose), na forma de monoamônio fosfato (MAP), com duas formas de applications in the post-planting phase or in the post-planting phase aplicação de KCl (dose total em pós-plantio ou metade da dose em and at hilling, despite having provided a lower leaf P concentration, pós-plantio e metade na amontoa). A aplicação de metade da dose de maintained the total tuber yield with higher operational yield of P (255 kg ha-1 de P2O5) como monoamônio fosfato (MAP) no plantio planting fertilization. It also increased the yield of tubers with a e a transferência do K do plantio para aplicações em pós-plantio ou diameter >4.5 cm under conditions of lower water availability in the em pós-plantio e amontoa, apesar de ter proporcionado menor teor de vegetative stages of the crop and soil with medium availability of P P nas folhas, manteve a produtividade total de tubérculos com maior and K. Such a fertilization strategy is valuable for cost reductions rendimento operacional na adubação de plantio. Aumentou também and possible environmental liabilities. a produtividade de tubérculos da classe especial em condições de menor disponibilidade hídrica nos estádios vegetativos da cultura e solo com disponibilidade média de P e K. Tal estratégia de adubação é válida para reduções de custos e de eventuais passivos ambientais. Keywords: Solanum tuberosum, monoammonium phosphate, Palavras-chave: Solanum tuberosum, monoamônio fosfato, nutrição mineral nutrition, tuber yield, tuber dry matter. mineral, produtividade de tubérculos, matéria seca de tubérculos. Received on February 9, 2021; accepted on July 29, 2021 High rates of fertilizers, especially 2020). High rates of nutrients per unit Soratto, 2016a). The potato uptake is those containing phosphorus area associated with less concentrated approximately 80% of its P requirement (P) and potassium (K), have been formulas also decrease the operational during the tuber bulking stage commonly used in potato (Solanum yield of fertilizer application, due to the (Fernandes et al., 2011). However, it is tuberosum) planting furrows in Brazil need for a greater number of stops for recommended to apply a high rate of P (Fernandes & Soratto, 2016a; Job et refilling the fertilizer applicator. in the planting furrows, owing to the low al., 2019; Yagi et al., 2019). These P mobility in the soil and its importance have been used supposedly to supply Phosphorus is taken up in relatively to the initial plant growth (Lorenzi et al., these nutrients and avoid yield and small amounts (32-41 kg ha-1 P2O5) by 1997; Fernandes et al., 2014; Fernandes profitability losses, due to the high potato crops (Fernandes et al., 2011) & Soratto, 2016a, 2016b). investment required by the crop. and, despite the occurrence of response However, fertilizer costs in the potato to high rates of P fertilizer in soils In relation to K, although the potato crop have been above R$ 5,000.00 ha-1, with low P availability (Fernandes & crop takes up the nutrient in greater which is equivalent to 14 to 20% of the Soratto, 2016a, 2016b), high P rates amounts and responds to high K rates total production cost (Deleo & Boteon, are not necessary in soils with medium (Fernandes et al., 2011; Job et al., 2019), or high P availability (Fernandes & the K uptake occurs more intensely Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 389

RP Soratto et al. between 41 and 61 days after planting planting furrow, and aiming to decrease BC-2013 and Itaí-2014, the results of (DAP). Further, for the cultivar Agata, production costs and increase the yield chemical and textural analyzes of soils the most planted cultivar in Brazil for and profitability of the potato crop, were, respectively: pH(CaCl2) 5.0 and the fresh market, only 24% of the total K fertilization strategies based on the use of 4.8, 27 and 28 mg dm-3 P-resin, 35 and requirement is taken up until the initial more concentrated formulas (Yagi et al., 32 g dm-3 organic matter, 35 and 36 stage of tuberization (Fernandes et al., 2019), associated with the application mmolc dm-3 Ca2+, 20 and 8 mmolc dm-3 2011). Potassium chloride (KCl) is the of N and K at sidedressing (Yagi et Mg2+, 1.6 and 1.6 mmolc dm-3 K+, 114 mineral source of K, most commonly al., 2020), have also been studied. and 93 mmolc dm-3 cation exchange used in agriculture and in Brazilian The exclusive use of monoammonium capacity, 49 and 50% base saturation, potato production. Nevertheless, high phosphate (MAP) at planting, as a 449 and 527 g kg-1 clay, and 406 and 291 rates of KCl applied in the planting source of more soluble P for potato g kg-1 sand. Both soils showed medium furrow are potentially harmful to the plants, transferring the application of concentrations of P and K for potato potato crop because they can increase KCl to applications in the post-planting cultivation (Lorenzi et al., 1997). the electrical conductivity of the soil phase and/or in sidedressing together (Reis Junior et al., 1999). with N fertilization, can also favor plant In both site-years, the experimental nutrition, increase yield, and improve design used was randomized blocks with Further, the chlorine (Cl) uptake by the quality of ‘Agata’ potato tubers. five treatments and four replications. plants (Pauletti & Menarim, 2004) also The treatments consisted of the standard reduces the uptake of some nutrients, The objective of this study was fertilizer used by the potato producer, such as P (Berger et al., 1961), calcium to evaluate the effect of fertilization with 1700 kg ha-1 of formula NPK 4-30- (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) (Job et management strategies, by applying 10+Ca+S at planting plus 100 kg ha-1 al., 2019), in addition to reducing MAP levels exclusively, as well as urea and 150 kg ha-1 KCl in sidedressing the yield and the percentage of dry removing K from the planting furrow, immediately before hilling, in addition matter (DM) in the tubers (Pauletti & and applying it at broadcast shortly after to four other treatments (Table 1). The Menarim, 2004). Thus, the splitting of planting (post-planting) or splitting it treatments that were compared with the KCl fertilization between planting and between post-planting and hilling, in potato producer standard fertilization sidedressing, together with nitrogen the nutrition and yield of ‘Agata’ potato were formed by combining two rates (N) fertilization, has been suggested tubers and in the operational yield of of MAP+Ca+S (1275 and 638 kg ha-1) to increase tuber yield in relation to N fertilizer application at planting. with two forms of applying a rate of 430 and K applications only in the planting kg ha-1 KCl, i.e., the total rate broadcast furrow (Cardoso et al., 2007; Yagi et MATERIAL AND METHODS applied in the post-planting phase or al., 2020). However, in clayey soils, half of the rate broadcast applied in the splitting of K fertilization did not Two experiments were carried out the post-planting phase and half in the affect the marketable and total tuber on potato-producing farms in the São sidedressing immediately before hilling. yield of cultivar Agata, regardless of the Paulo State, Brazil, one in Bernardino Thus, as the standard treatment of the exchangeable K concentration in the soil de Campos (23o01’S; 49o28’W; altitude producer (T1), all other treatments (Job et al., 2019). 695 m) in the year 2013 and the other in received 45 kg ha-1 N (urea; 45% Itaí (23o32’S; 49o02’W; altitude 661 m) N) in sidedressing before the hilling According to Job et al. (2019), in in the year 2014. These two locations are and all treatments with MAP+Ca+S soils with low K concentrations, there about 60 km apart from each other in a rates and KCl splitting also received may not be enough time for adequate Cwa climate (tropical with dry winter phosphogypsum (15% S and 20% Ca) K nutrition of ‘Agata’ plants with the and hot and rainy summer). Rainfall and in the post-planting phase, in order to split application of KCl in planting and air temperature were measured during equalize the amounts of applied S. sidedressing. This may be related to the experimental periods at nearby the low diffusion of the element against climatological stations. The total rainfall In both the experiments, the a weak gradient of concentration in during the potato growing seasons was soil was tilled with two heavy disk the soil generated by the limited root 202 mm in Bernardino de Campos-2013 harrowing operations, chiseling, and system of potato plants (Trehan & (BC-2013) and 349 mm in Itaí-2014, light harrowing, which occurred on Claassen, 1998). Thus, the application while the total irrigation volumes were the day prior to planting. The furrows of KCl before planting or shortly after 136 and 92 mm, respectively. Average were mechanically opened using a planting, removing it from the planting air temperatures during growing seasons furrower-planter, and the spacing furrow, is another strategy that could were 17.1oC in BC-2013 and 16.8oC in between the furrows was 0.80 m. The increase the P uptake by plants, as it Itaí-2014. plots comprised five 5-m long rows with avoids their antagonistic interaction 0.80-m row spacing. Planting fertilizers with chloride anions, increasing the The soils of the experimental areas, were applied manually in the furrows, tuber yield (Berger et al., 1961; Pauletti classified as Oxisols with clayey texture, according to the respective treatments, & Menarim, 2004). were sampled (0-20 cm depth) for and lightly incorporated into the soil chemical and textural analyses. In with a hoe simulating the potato planters In order to reduce the rates of N and used by producers. K, while maintaining the P rates in the 390 Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Fertilization management strategies for ‘Agata’ potato production Table 1. Description and nutrient amounts in the fertilization treatments. Botucatu, UNESP, 2013-2014. Treatment Application time(1) Sources Sources Rate (kg ha-1) Ca S 1700 141 68 Planting 4-30-10, 8.3% Ca, 4% S N P2O5 K2O 0 0 68 510 170 0 0 141 68 Hilling KCl 150 0 0 90 70 38 T1 Hilling Urea 100 45 0 0 0 0 40 30 Total 112 510 260 0 0 110 68 Planting MAP (07-40-00, 5.5% Ca, 3% S) 1275 89 510 0 70 38 0 0 Post-planting KCl 430 0 0 258 40 30 0 0 T2 Post-planting Phosphogypsum 200 0 0 0 0 0 110 68 Hilling Urea 100 45 0 0 35 19 0 0 Total 134 510 258 67 50 0 0 Planting MAP (07-40-00, 5.5% Ca, 3% S) 1275 89 510 0 102 68 35 19 Post-planting KCl 280 0 0 168 0 0 67 50 Post-planting Phosphogypsum 200 0 0 0 0 0 T3 Hilling 0 0 KCl 150 0 0 90 102 68 Hilling Urea 100 45 0 0 Total 134 510 258 Planting MAP (07-40-00, 5.5% Ca, 3% S) 638 45 255 0 Post-planting KCl 430 0 0 258 T4 Post-planting Phosphogypsum 333 0 0 0 Hilling Ureia 100 45 0 0 Total 90 255 258 Planting MAP (07-40-00, 5.5% Ca, 3% S) 638 45 255 0 Post-planting KCl 280 0 0 168 T5 Post-planting Phosphogypsum 333 0 0 0 Hilling KCl 150 0 0 90 Hilling Ureia 100 45 0 0 Total 90 255 258 (1) Planting, planting furrow; Post-planting, broadcasted after planting; Hilling, sidedressed immediately before hilling. Following this, seed tubers-type Crop management was carried out that were selected randomly. The leaves III (diameter between 30 to 40 mm) in accordance with regional practices were washed with deionized water, dried of the cultivar Agata were distributed employed by potato producers, in an oven with forced air circulation at every 0.30 m in the planting furrow including sprinkler irrigation, pest 65oC for 72 h, ground, and chemically on 04/25/2013 and 04/18/2014 in and disease control with phytosanitary analyzed to determine the macronutrient Bernardino de Campos and Itaí, products registered for the crop. At concentrations (Malavolta et al., 1997). respectively. Subsequently, the 22 and 26 DAP, respectively, in BC- agrochemicals thiamethoxam (155 2013 and Itaí-2014, 45 kg ha-1 N was In BC-2013, potato plants were g a.i. ha-1), metiram (220 g a.i. ha-1), applied in the form of urea accompanied desiccated and harvested at 93 and 117 pyraclostrobin (22 g a.i. ha-1), boscalid by the respective treatments with K DAP, respectively, and in Itaí-2014, (112.5 g a.i. ha-1), and streptomycin fertilization in sidedressing (Table 1). they were desiccated and harvested at (17 g a.i. ha-1) were applied to the seed Immediately after this, the hilling was 106 and 115 DAP, respectively. In the tubers. The furrows were then closed carried out. harvests, the tubers of two 1.5-m long and the respective treatments with K rows (10 plants) of the useful area of fertilization were applied post-planting Diagnostic leaves were sampled at each plot were collected, counted, and (Table 1). In both site-years, 1.7 kg ha-1 50 and 49 DAP, respectively, in BC- weighed. These tubers were separated B (boric acid) was applied at 7 DAP by 2013 and Itaí-2014. The third fully into two classes of tubers (with a center pivot irrigation. expanded leaf was collected from the diameter greater than 4.5 cm, classified apex of the plants in 12 plants per plot, as special class, and with a diameter Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 391

RP Soratto et al. less than 4.5 cm), which were also the medium, favor the P fixation in the the P concentrations in the potato counted and weighed. The proportion clays, and restrict the P mobility around leaves, regardless of the application of of tuber yield in the special class was the MAP granules, it is still more labile P fertilizers. However, in none of the also calculated. A sample of tubers from than the P from the dissolution of the treatments, the leaf P concentration each treatment was collected randomly, triple superphosphate (Nascimento was below the range (2.5 to 5.0 g kg-1 weighed, sliced, and dried in an oven et al., 2018). Thus, in more clayey P) considered suitable for a potato crop with forced air circulation at 65oC for soils, application of MAP results in P (Lorenzi et al., 1997), or below the 96 h to estimate the percentage of DM concentrations similar or higher than minimum limit (2.9 g kg-1 P) suggested in the tubers. other simple phosphate fertilizers for the cultivar Agata by Fernandes & (Oliveira et al., 2017). Compared to Soratto (2016b). The obtained results were subjected treatment with the NPK formula at to analysis of variance by the F test, planting (T1), the greater N input (21 There was only an effect of fertilizer using a grouped analysis of experiments. kg ha-1 N more) in the higher MAP rates management on leaf Ca concentrations The means were compared using the (T2 and T3) may also have favored the (Table 2). Leaf Ca concentration in the least significant differences (LSD) test P uptake by plants, since potato plants T2 treatment was, on average, 18.1% at 5% probability. In addition, technical show greater P use efficiency with the lower than that in treatments with the information on the farmer’s fertilizer application of a higher N rate (Hailu et lowest P rate (T4 and T5), even lower applicator (four-row Hennipman model al., 2017). than the sufficiency range of 10 to 20 g Ca WH-B with, Agro Industrial Hennipman kg-1 (Lorenzi et al., 1997). On the other Ltda., Castro-PR, Brazil), area fertilized In treatments with the highest P rate hand, there was no difference in the leaf with each fertilizer refilling, and (T1, T2, and T3), leaf P concentrations Ca concentrations between treatments fertilizer refilling time were collected. were higher in Itaí-2014 than in BC- with the highest P rate, regardless of Simple calculations were performed in 2013 (Figure 1). From planting to the the source used. In lightly acidic soils, order to compare the operational yield of time when the diagnostic leaves were phosphate anions from MAP can form fertilizer application at planting in each sampled, rainfall and irrigation volumes phosphate minerals with Fe and Al or fertilization management. recorded were 71% higher (130 mm) precipitate with Ca (Fixen & Bruulsema, in Itaí-2014 than in BC-2013, which 2014), while the complexation of Al3+, RESULTS AND DISCUSSION possibly favored the greater P uptake concomitantly with the formation of Ca in the treatments with greater nutrient phosphates, may have been favored by There was a significant interaction supply. According to Sun et al. (2015), the application of phosphogypsum in between fertilization management greater water availability increases plots with MAP to equalize the amounts and site-years for P concentration in the leaves (Table 2). Only the T5 Table 2. Leaf concentrations of macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) of potato cultivar treatment (255 kg ha-1 P2O5 in the Agata as affected by fertilization management (FM) in two site-years (SY) and analyses of MAP form at planting and KCl split variance. Botucatu, UNESP, 2013-2014. between post-planting and hilling) showed values 12.2% lower than that Fertilization N Leaf concentration (g kg-1) S of the T1 treatment (510 kg ha-1 P2O5 management (FM1) P K Ca Mg as NPK 4-30-10 at planting plus N and K complementation at hilling) T1 49.9 4.2 42.0 10.1ab 3.6 2.7 in BC-2013 (Figure 1). In Itaí-2014, application of the highest MAP rate T2 50.1 4.7 37.9 9.3b 3.2 2.9 at planting combined with KCl in the post-planting phase (T2) showed a T3 50.3 4.3 38.3 10.1ab 3.7 2.8 higher leaf P concentration than that of all other treatments, especially those T4 49.5 3.4 38.7 11.3a 3.8 2.8 with a reduced rate of P at planting (T4 and T5). MAP stands out in relation to T5 46.4 3.3 44.3 11.4a 4.0 2.7 other simple phosphate fertilizers due to its greater solubility in water (Raij, Site-year (SY) 1997; Nascimento et al., 2018). In the soil, MAP granules are invaded by water BC-2013 47.7 3.7 43.7 10.5 3.4b 2.8 flow by capillarity, quickly forming several soluble forms of ammonium Itaí-2014 50.8 4.2 36.8 10.4 3.9a 2.7 phosphate that are expelled to their exterior (Fixen & Bruulsema, 2014). Source of variation ANOVA (P>F) Even though the nitrification of the dissociated ammonium can acidify FM 0.428 0.317 0.697 0.046 0.093 0.340 392 SY 0.074 0.283 0.101 0.696 0.021 0.101 FM × SY 0.706 <0.001 0.133 0.743 0.579 0.806 CV(%) 10.1 7.2 17.6 13.2 13.0 11.9 (1)Description of fertilization treatments is shown in Table 1. (2)Values within a column for a particular factor (fertilization or site-year) followed by different letters are significantly different at p≤0.05 according to LSD test. BC-2013 = Planting in Bernardino de Campos-SP in 2013; Itaí-2014 = Planting in Itaí in 2014. Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021

Fertilization management strategies for ‘Agata’ potato production of S supplied by NPK fertilizer (Table 1997), while the leaf K concentrations in the number of stems per plant, total 1). When phosphate fertilizer is applied, in some treatments were slightly below shoot DM of the plants, and in the tuber the P mobility around the granule is the critical limit; however, the difference number and yield (Jadoski et al., 2017). restricted because cations such as Ca, was not significant. In this study, the water volumes of rain for example, move into the granule and irrigation during the first 30 DAP of by mass flow, forming dihydrated The average number of tubers per the potato crop grown in Itaí-2014 were calcium phosphates (Nascimento et al., plant and the total tuber yield were 113.8% (82 mm) higher than that in BC- 2018). Additionally, these lower leaf affected only by the site-year (Table 3). 2013. This higher water availability in Ca concentrations may also have been Water restrictions in the first 30 DAP Itaí-2014 was possibly responsible for affected by the massive supply of K in of the ‘Agata’ potato are crucial in the number of tubers per plant and total the treatment with full application in defining crop yields, causing decreases the post-planting phase (T2), since the supply of this nutrient in planting is also 7.0 antagonistic to the Ca uptake, decreasing its concentration in the diagnostic leaves Leaf P concentration (g kg-1) 6.0 Aa B. de Campos-2013 of the cultivar Agata (Job et al., 2019). Itaí-2014 Leaf Mg concentrations were 5.0 Ab Ab affected only by the site-year, and in Itaí-2014, the values were 14.5% 4.0 Ba Bab Bab Aab Ab Ac higher than those in BC-2013 (Table 2), Bc consistent with the Mg concentration 3.0 in the soils of the evaluated site-years. Concentrations of N, K, and S in the 2.0 leaves were not affected by treatments or site-years (Table 2), which indicates 0.0 that the K removal from the planting T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 furrow did not negatively affect the K nutrition of the plants. In all treatments, Fertilization management* the concentrations of N, Mg, and S in the leaves were within the ranges considered Figure 1. Leaf phosphorus concentracion of potato cultivar Agata as affected by fertilization suitable for the crop (Lorenzi et al., management in two site-years. *Description of fertilization managements is shown in Table 1. Different lowercase letters indicate a significant difference among fertilization managements in the same site-year, whereas different uppercase letters indicate a significant difference among site-year in the same fertilization management, at p≤0.05 according to LSD test. Botucatu, UNESP, 2013-2014. Table 3. Number of tubers per plant, tuber mean weight, tuber yield [total and special (>4.5cm)], proportion of tuber yield >4.5 cm, and percentage of dry matter (DM) in the tubers of potato cultivar Agata as affected by fertilization management (FM) in two site-years (SY) and analyses of variance. Botucatu, UNESP, 2013-2014. Fertilization Tuber number per Tuber mean Tuber yield (t ha-1) Proportion of tuber Tuber DM management (FM1) plant (no. plant-1) weight (g) Total >4.5cm yield >4.5 cm (%) (%) T1 12.4 79.4 40.8 28.8 69.7 14.1 T2 12.0 81.3 40.3 30.1 74.5 14.9 T3 12.1 76.8 38.8 29.2 75.2 15.0 T4 11.9 76.7 37.8 28.1 73.7 14.4 T5 12.5 76.8 39.2 29.6 76.0 14.6 Site-year (SY) BC-2013 9.8b 79.0 32.2b 23.5b 73.2 14.9 Itaí-2014 14.5a 77.3 46.6a 34.7a 74.4 14.8 Source of variation ANOVA (P>F) FM 0.522 0.445 0.523 0.947 0.698 0.202 SY <0.001 0.385 <0.001 0.003 0.702 0.752 FM × SY 0.821 0.802 0.310 0.057 0.010 0.534 CV(%) 9.6 10.4 7.8 10.8 5.9 6.6 (1)Description of fertilization managements is shown in the Table 1. (2)Values within a column for a particular factor (fertilization or site-year) followed by different letters are significantly different at p≤0.05 according to LSD test. BC-2013 = Planting in Bernardino de Campos-SP in 2013; Itaí-2014 = Planting in Itaí in 2014. Horticultura Brasileira 39 (4) October - December, 2021 393