Currently, planting onion through seedling production is predominant in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the agronomic potential of new onion genotypes as a function of the planting system for this region. Eleven genotypes were evaluated, as follows: “commercial genotypes” Bola Precoce, Mulata, Sprint, Suprema and “pre-commercial genotypes” TE 201, TE 209, TE 216, TE 230, TE 242, TE 316 and TE 329, submitted to four planting systems: seedling production, seedling production with leaf pruning before transplanting, no-tillage manually planted at the definitive site and seedling production in trays. Treatments were arranged in an 11 x 4 factorial scheme (eleven genotypes and four planting systems). Although little practiced, the no-till system for onion cultivation for the northwestern region of Rio Grande do Sul can potentially be explored. Genotypes that best adapted to this system were: Bola Precoce, Suprema, Sprint, Mulata and TE 201. Comparatively, “commercial” genotypes showed an increase of 10.81 t ha-1 in relation to “pre-commercial” genotypes in the no-till system, proving the efficiency of this system.

The success of breeding programs depends on genetic variability. Individuals selected based on a few traits may be a limitation. One alternative is the use of nonparametric indices. However, there is no information on the use of selection indices in melon germplasms. The present study aimed to estimate genetic dissimilarity in a melon germplasm and select potential parent plants for future breeding programs. The genetic material consisted of 37 melon accessions. The traits assessed were fruit diameter and length, diameter and length of the fruit cavity and total soluble solids. Genetic dissimilarity was assessed by multivariate analyses (UPGMA and Tocher). Selection gain estimates were analyzed by comparing the classic Smith-Hazel and sum of ranks indices. Genetic diversity was observed between accessions. The variable that contributed most to genetic dissimilarity was fruit cavity length. Simultaneous selection for the traits assessed based on the sum of ranks index is better suited to melon germplasm assessment. The best accessions for the five variables simultaneously were UFU07, UFU23, UFU09, UFU21, UFU28 and UFU30.

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a horticultural plant species of great socioeconomic value in tropical countries such as Colombia and Brazil. The production of zucchini is qualitatively and quantitatively affected by many diseases, especially viruses belonging to the Potyvirus (Zucchini yellow mosaic virus - ZYMV) and Comovirus (Squash mosaic virus - SqMV) groups. The primary strategy to reduce the spread of potentially damaging plant viruses is the development of genotypes with genetic tolerance; however, there are not many zucchini genotypes with multiple tolerance. Therefore, this study evaluated 66 zucchini genotypes to find sources of tolerance to the ZYMV and SqMV viruses. This experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design using genotypes from the germplasm bank of the Federal University of Uberlândia, including the genotypes: Emanuela (common commercial genotype) ‘Tronco Caserta’ (susceptible genotype) and PX 13067051 (resistant genotype). Leaf extracts containing viral particles were used as inoculant, and the distribution of grades of tolerance was recorded at the seedling stage. The lineages UFU-C×UFU-A#18#3;1, UFU-C×UFU-F#19#11;3, UFU-F#4#9;1, and UFU-D×UFU-F#7#21;1 and the Emanuela cultivar are alternatives for the production of new zucchini genotypes or hybrids with tolerance to the viruses ZYMV and SqMV. More severe symptoms were observed, as well as a larger number of susceptible genotypes for the ZYMV virus, indicating that this virus has great potential for causing damage and losses to zucchini crops.

The pepper crop is cultivated in all Brazilian regions, and the planting system with the arrangement of plants in the single-row prevails. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance and physiological quality of the seeds of different pepper genotypes according to the planting systems. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Uberlândia, in Monte Carmelo, in a randomized blocks experimental design, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, four genotypes (UFU-62-5M; UFU-28-1M; UFU-58-6D and UFU-5-3BD) under two planting systems (Single-row planting-SRP and Double-row planting-DRP), with four repetitions. The spacing of 0.6 m between plants and rows was used in the SRP. In the DRP, the spacing of 0.6 m between rows and 1.20 m between plants were used. Each plot was composed of six plants, the two central plants were considered for the evaluations of total production; fruit mass; fruit diameter; fruit length; electric conductivity of seeds; 1000-seeds weight; fruit production; first germination count; and chlorophyll a and b. The double-row planting had significant increases in the physiological quality of pepper seeds; thus, for seed production, this would be the best system. Because there are no differences in productivity between the systems, the double-line system would be advantageous to facilitate the harvesting and allow future mechanization.