Browsing by Author "Fernandes, Paulo"
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- The composition and structure of bacterial and fungal communities in kiwifruit are influenced by photoselective netsPublication . Fernandes, Paulo; Cano-Díaz, Concha; Pinto, Rui; Mourão, Isabel; Brito, Luís Miguel; Moura, LuísaPhotoselective nets in agriculture are typically designed to modify the light spectrum, intensity, and microclimate around crops, influencing plant growth, productivity, and quality. However, knowledge regarding their impact on the microbiota of plants and fruits remains limited. This study assessed the impact of pearl, grey, and yellow photoselective nets on the microbial communities present on kiwifruit surfaces using amplicon high- throughput sequencing of ITS and 16S metagenomic DNA. Kiwifruit pathogens associated with postharvest rot, such as Alternaria, Didymella, and Cladosporium, were significantly more prevalent on kiwis grown without nets. Additionally, different net types influenced microbial diversity, richness, and network structure. Pearl nets promoted bacterial richness and fungal diversity, while yellow nets enhanced overall diversity and resilience in both microbial communities. Grey nets resulted in evenness in fungal communities but led to less robust bacterial networks. Kiwifruit yield increased under photoselective nets compared to outside. At harvest, fruit dry matter, f irmness, pH, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity were similar across treatments. However, fruits under yellow and grey nets showed significantly lower firmness compared to other treatments. Understanding these effects may contribute to optimizing fruit production and shelf-life management.
- Impact of Kiwifruit Waste Compost on Soil Bacteriome and Lettuce GrowthPublication . Fernandes, Paulo; Pinto, Rui; Correia, Cláudia; Mourão, Isabel; Moura, Luísa; Brito, Luís MiguelComposts produced with kiwifruit waste from the calibration process (KW), mixed with 5%, 10%, and 20% wheat straw (WS), were evaluated as crop fertilizers through a pot experiment with lettuce, arranged as a randomized block design. Highest lettuce yields were achieved with 20 and 40 t·ha−1 5%WS compost and 40 t·ha−1 10%WS compost, suggesting that the physical characteristics of the composts increased soil water holding capacity and root growth, whereas chemical characteristics such as pH, organic matter, and nutrient contents contributed to improving soil reaction and nutrient availability. The type of soil amendment used influenced the development of different bacterial consortia in the bulk soil and rhizosphere, leading to increased levels of potentially beneficial bacteria and enhanced levels of relevant functions for plant growth, such as nitrogen fixation. Composted KW as an organic amendment can be used to improve soil quality and the circular economy.
- Valorization of kiwi waste through compostingPublication . Fernandes, Paulo; Pinto, Rui; Correia, Cláudia; Mourão, Isabel; Moura, Luísa; Brito, Luís MiguelKiwi waste from the calibration process is a major environmental problem of kiwi production due to landfill deposition. This work aims to contribute to the agronomic use of recycled kiwi waste through composting. With this objective, a composting experiment was carried out with kiwi fruit waste mixed with 5%, 10% and 20% (fresh weight) of wheat straw from bundles used to protect kiwifruit trunks from frost, as abulking agent to increase aeration, in the piles 5S, 10S and 20S, respectively. The highest temperatures for piles 5S and 10S were above 60 degrees C, whereas the temperature did not reach 40 degrees C in the pile with the highest straw content (20S) because the aeration increased heat loss in addition to increased C/N ratio of this pile. Also, the amount of organic matter mineralized decreased with increasing amount of straw because of the high C/N ratio of the straw. The highest total N (29.7 g kg(-1)) and the lowest C/N ratio (13) of the compost with 5% of straw is important from the agricultural point of view to promote N availability. In contrast, the high electrical conductivity (4.6 dS m(-1)) of this compost increases the risk of salt accumulation in the soil. Our results show that the compost with 10% straw, with high degree of maturation, absence of poor hygiene indicators as coliforms and pathogens as Salmonella sp., high organic matter content and rich in nutrients, together with the adequate compost pH and low electrical conductivity improves compost quality.