The Azospirillum brasilense inoculation is usually carried out via seed. However, this bacterium presents passive penetration in the plant, what makes it possible to inoculate the crops using other methods. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of A. brasilense inoculation methods on the emergence and initial growth of corn and sorghum, under greenhouse conditions. A randomized block design, with four replications, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, was used. The first factor consisted of a control treatment (without inoculation) and three inoculation methods: via seed, via sowing furrow and via leaf spray. The second factor was composed by two hybrids of corn and two of sorghum. The application of A. brasilense to the seed can reduce the emergence percentage and the emergence speed index of corn seedlings, depending on the genotype, but its application does not influence the initial growth of the plants. The A. brasilense inoculation via seed and via sowing furrow can reduce the emergence and increase the mean emergence time of sorghum seedlings, depending on the genotype. The A. brasilense inoculation via seed results in an increase in the dry mass of the root system of sorghum plants.

One of the biggest limitations for the wheat crop expansion to Brazilian tropical regions is the high temperature in the rainy season. This study aimed to select, based on genetic divergence and path analysis, cultivars that tolerate cultivation in the summer (heat stress). Nine wheat cultivars were sown, using a randomized block design with three replications, with plots consisting of 10 rows of 6 m and row spacing of 0.15 m. The highest grain yield and number of ears m-2 were observed for the CD 150 cultivar and the largest 1,000-grain weight for CD 116. BRS 220, IPR 136, IPR 144 and BRS Pardela had the highest number of sterile spikelets. The highest number of grains per ear was observed for CD 150, CD 116, BRS Pardela, IPR 130 and IPR 85, showing direct effects on grain yield, evidenced by the path analysis. CD 116 and CD 150 were the most productive cultivars and can be considered as possible parents in wheat breeding programs. IPR 85, CD 116, CD 108 and CD 150 showed a greater tolerance to high temperatures.

This study aimed to assess the effect of stocking density of 10, 12, 14, and 16 birds m −2 on performance, carcass and cut yields, productivity, and bone development of broiler chickens Cobb 500 ® . The experimental design was completely randomized design with four treatments (stocking densities) and four replications. The assessments were performed weekly at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days. The best live weight result was found at a density of 10 birds m −2 in the period from 1 to 7 days. No effect of density was observed on feed intake and weight gain. From 1 to 14 days, the best live weights were found at densities of 10, 12, and 14 birds m . In the period from 1 to 21 days, live weight and weight gain were higher at densities of 10, 12, and 14 birds m . A difference (P < 0.05) was observed for live weight, weight gain, and feed intake of animals reared at densities of 10, 12, and 14 birds m −2 for the phases from 1 to 35 days and the total phase from 1 to 42 days of bird age when compared to 16 birds m −2 , which presented lower performance. However, feed conversion of 1-7, 1-14, 1-21, 1-35, and 1-42 days and carcass and cut characteristics showed no significant differences for all treatments. On the other hand, productivity was higher in the treatments with 14 and 16 birds m −2 , but without difference between each other. No interaction (P>0.05) was observed between stocking density and age for the assessed bone parameters. Similarly, no difference (P>0.05) was observed for bone development of broiler chickens reared at different stocking densities for the studied parameters. Thus, the increased density of 10 or 12 birds m −2 to 14 birds m −2 has no influence on zootechnical performance, carcass and cut yields, and bone development, but increases broiler chicken productivity reared in a conventional shed without air conditioning.

The resistance of plants to pests is a feature of great importance for agriculture, as it reduces costs with insecticides and promotes increased yield resulting in higher profits. This work aimed to evaluate the feeding preference of the Spodoptera frugiperda caterpillar by different sorghum genotypes. The experiment was carried out at the Entomology Laboratory of Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, at University Unit of Cassilândia, from March to June 2016. The experimental design was completely randomized with ten replicates. The treatments were composed by seven sorghum genotypes: Agromen 50A40, Agromen 50A50, DOW 1G100, DOW 1G220, DOW 1G233, XB 6022 and LG 6310. Evaluations were performed with 1st instar caterpillars. The number of caterpillars that settled in the genotypes at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 60 minutes and 24 hours after the infestation was recorded. The feeding preference index and the fresh leaf mass consumed were estimated. The Agromen 50A40 genotype showed lower attractiveness rating for the S. frugiperda among all evaluated sorghum genotypes.

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This study aimed to assess the effect of stocking density of 10, 12, 14, and 16 birds m −2 on performance, carcass and cut yields, productivity, and bone development of broiler chickens Cobb 500 ® . The experimental design was completely randomized design with four treatments (stocking densities) and four replications. The assessments were performed weekly at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days. The best live weight result was found at a density of 10 birds m −2 in the period from 1 to 7 days. No effect of density was observed on feed intake and weight gain. From 1 to 14 days, the best live weights were found at densities of 10, 12, and 14 birds m . In the period from 1 to 21 days, live weight and weight gain were higher at densities of 10, 12, and 14 birds m . A difference (P < 0.05) was observed for live weight, weight gain, and feed intake of animals reared at densities of 10, 12, and 14 birds m −2 for the phases from 1 to 35 days and the total phase from 1 to 42 days of bird age when compared to 16 birds m −2 , which presented lower performance. However, feed conversion of 1-7, 1-14, 1-21, 1-35, and 1-42 days and carcass and cut characteristics showed no significant differences for all treatments. On the other hand, productivity was higher in the treatments with 14 and 16 birds m −2 , but without difference between each other. No interaction (P>0.05) was observed between stocking density and age for the assessed bone parameters. Similarly, no difference (P>0.05) was observed for bone development of broiler chickens reared at different stocking densities for the studied parameters. Thus, the increased density of 10 or 12 birds m −2 to 14 birds m −2 has no influence on zootechnical performance, carcass and cut yields, and bone development, but increases broiler chicken productivity reared in a conventional shed without air conditioning.