Daniel Suek Zanin

Yield of tomato fruits in relation to silicon sources and rates

There is controversy about the benefits of silicon (Si) on tomato plants. This element has structural and metabolic functions in the physiology of plants, generating benefits that may result in increased productivity of various plant species. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the phytotechnical characteristics and the productivity of tomato plants according to the rates and sources of Si. The design was established in randomized blocks with factorial 3x5, corresponding to three sources of silicate (calcium silicate, potassium silicate and sodium silicate) and five doses of Si (equivalent to 0, 100, 200, 400 and 800 kg ha-1 of SiO2). The fertilization with Si increased the commercial productivity of tomato plants and reduced the occurrence of cracked fruits. Calcium and potassium silicates increased the Si levels on the leaves linearly with the increase of the doses, while sodium silicate reduced the levels in larger doses. Silicon fertilization increases the productivity of tomato plants with possible economic return on the use of this input.

Desempenho agronômico e heterose de genótipos de cebola

The use of onion hybrids in Brazil is still recent, with little information regarding the gains from heterosis. However, the first step to exploit the heterosis is the evaluation of available germplasm. Due to the need for genotypes adapted to the climatic conditions of South-Central region of Parana state, Brazil, this study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of 19 hybrids and 50 inbred lines of onion, as well as the heterotic gain of six of these hybrids. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replications. The evaluated traits were yield, average weight of the bulbs, commercial classification of bulbs, waxy of the leaves and cycle. In general the hybrids were superior to the lineages in yield and average bulb weight and had lower cycle. The heterotic gain in hybrids was evident, indicating the viability of hybrids for cultivation in the region. Hybrids 2572, 2573 and 2578 are promising due their high yield, earliness cycle and better classification of the bulbs. The lineages 2507-1 and 2983 provided the highest heterotic gain for the yield of the hybrid 2857, which was classified in the group of earliest genotypes, showing an inverse correlation between these two characters.

Caracterização morfológica, produtividade e rendimento comercial de cultivares de alho

Brazil could increase garlic production up to the point of supplying the internal demand. To achieve this success, it is necessary to evaluate the maximum number of cultivars to establish the best ones for each region. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate economic yield and quality of bulbs of 20 garlic cultivars in Center-South Parana state, Brazil. The experiment was carried out between March and September 2009, in Guarapuava, Parana state. Experimental design was randomized blocks with three replications. The treatments consisted of twelve seminoble and eight noble garlic cultivars. We evaluated the total production (TP), commercial production (CP) and commercial classification of bulbs; secondary bulb growth; and six characteristics related to the plant morphology: pseudostem diameter, length and leaf width, length, width and number of cloves. Noble group cultivars have presented TP superior to seminoble cultivars. However, there was no difference in relation to CP. Among cultivars of noble group, San Valentim presented greater CP bulbs, with 8,9 t ha-1. Noble group cultivars have presented higher percentual of bulbs in classes 6 and 7, especially the cultivars Chonan, with 40.3% of the bulbs in the class 7 and cultivar Ito, with 75% of the bulbs in classes 6 and 7. The opposite was observed in the seminoble group, since most bulbs of this group were found in classes 3, 4 and 5. Among the evaluated cultivars, San Valentin showed to be better adapted to the edafoclimatic conditions of the region, presenting a great yielding potential.