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- Effect of photo-selective nets on yield, fruit quality and Psa disease progression in a ‘hayward’ kiwifruit orchardPublication . Moura, Luísa; Pinto, Rui; Rodrigues, Raúl; Brito, Luís Miguel; Rego, Rute; Valin, Maria Isabel; Mariz-Ponte, Nuno; Santos, Conceição; Mourão, IsabelThe influence of the colour of photo-selective nets on Actinidia deliciosa yield, fruit quality and progression of the bacterial kiwifruit canker (Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, Psa) need to be characterised due to increasing use of these nets, mainly to protect from hail and storms. From May 2019 onwards, pearl (Pn), yellow (Yn) and grey (Gn) nets were installed permanently in a ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit orchard in NW Portugal and uncovered plants were used as the control. Compared to outside conditions for both seasons, the blue:red ratio and the mean air temperature were higher (mean increase of 12.7% and 0.6 °C, respectively) and the photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) was lower (10.8% less between budbreak and bloom) under the Pn. Crop yield, compared to the control, decreased by 40.3% under the three nets in 2020, and by 23.9% under the Yn and Gn in 2021. Yield and fruit grade under the Pn were similar to that of uncovered crops in 2021, and fruit grade was overall higher under the Pn compared to the Yn and Gn. Photo-selective nets did not affect the fruit quality parameters. Psa progression decreased under the Pn compared to the control during two months in both seasons, although this beneficial impact needs further evaluation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Impacts of therapeutic horticulture on happiness and loneliness in institutionalized clients with mental health conditionsPublication . Mourão, Isabel; Mouro, Cláudia V.; Brito, Luís Miguel; Costa, Sofia R.; Almeida, Telma C.Introduction: Therapeutic horticulture (TH) can be considered a non-pharmacological approach to support psychiatric treatments for the improvement of physical and mental health, but information is lacking on whether it has advantages as compared to more conventional occupational therapies (OTs). Method: The study focused on institutionalized 25 clients attending TH among other OTs and 15 clients attending OT other than TH. The measures used were the ‘Subjective Happiness Scale’ (SHS) and the ‘Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults’ (SELSA-S), along with sociodemographic and clinical data. The study design was descriptive, observational and cross-sectional. Results: Scores obtained from the SHS and SELSA-S were generally similar for both groups, although 40% of clients in the TH group perceived relaxation. These are in agreement with previous studies performed with chronic schizophrenia clients reporting that TH might effectively decrease depression/anxiety symptoms, but the feeling of hopelessness and quality of life did not change, probably due to long-term institutionalization and required medication that may limit other effects. Within the TH group, clients preferred specific horticultural tasks and more days/week attending activities decreased loneliness and increased happiness. Conclusion: TH interventions as an integrative treatment option merits further study on both process and outcome evaluation, to maximize its effectiveness.
- Lettuce response to organic and phosphate fertilizers and root mycorrhizationPublication . Brito, Luís Miguel; Sampaio, Áurea; Pinto, Rui; Mourão, Isabel; Coutinho, JoãoThe response of lettuce to production system, organic and phosphate fertilizers and root mycorrhization, was evaluated in two pot trials with factorial treatment combination of: (i) soil type (from organic and from conventional production systems) and organic fertilizer (0, 2 and 4 t ha¡1) in the first trial; and (ii) mycorrhizal inoculation (mycorrhized and nonmycorrhized plants) and Gafsa phosphate (0, 100 and 200 kg P2O5 ha¡1) in the second. Lettuce growth decreased with increasing rates of the organic fertilizer because of its very high electrical conductivity (50.1 dS m¡1) and lack of maturation. However, the fertilizer harmful effects were minimized in the soil from organic production. The application of Gafsa phosphate significantly increased lettuce yield and nutrient uptake. However, for the highest rate of phosphate, mycorrhized lettuce yield decreased compared to non-mycorrhized lettuce, suggesting that high soil available P may have harmful effects on the activity of mycorrhizal fungi.
- Organic Lettuce Growth And Nutrient Uptake Response To Lime, Compost And Rock PhosphatePublication . Brito, Luís Miguel; Monteiro, José Manuel; Mourão, Isabel; Coutinho, JoãoFertilizer recommendations are needed to increase organic vegetable yields. Thus, organic lettuce growth and nutrient uptake was investigated in a randomized block pot experiment with twelve treatments from the factorial structure of three factors: (i) Gafsa phosphate [0 and 200 kg phosphorus pentoxide (P 2 O 5 ) ha -1 ], (ii) compost from source separated municipal organic waste (0, 15, and 30 t ha -1 ) and (iii) limestone [0 and 8 t ha -1 calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) equivalent]. Lettuce yield increased with compost application and a first order interaction between lime and phosphate was clear because lime partially replaced the need for phosphate. This was explained by the effect of liming on P availability in acid soils. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) accumulation increased in lettuces produced with compost or phosphate but only the accumulation of N was increased with lime. This compost is recommended to increase nutrient availability for organic lettuce whereas the need for phosphate fertilization may decrease with liming.
- Efeito do revolvimento no processo de compostagem de bagaço de uva com engaçoPublication . Brito, Luís Miguel; Pinto, Rui; Correia, Cláudia; Mourão, Isabel; Moura, LuísaA indústria vitivinícola gera uma grande quantidade de resíduos, e a compostagem é uma alternativa para a reciclagem destes resíduos com vantagens agronómicas e ambientais. Com este objetivo, o bagaço e o engaço de uva da casta Alvarinho, recolhidos antes da fermentação, foram compostados em pilhas estáticas e em pilhas revolvidas com três e seis revolvimentos, para investigar os efeitos das condições das pilhas durante a compostagem, a fim de melhorar a qualidade do compostado final. As temperaturas termófilas foram atingidas logo após a construção da pilha, e as temperaturas máximas mais elevadas foram atingidas nas pilhas com revolvimento (70,5-71,8 °C). No entanto, o teor de humidade destas pilhas desceu abaixo dos valores recomendados após 42 dias de compostagem. As temperaturas extremamente elevadas e o reduzido teor de humidade nas pilhas revolvidas, em comparação com a pilha estática, prejudicaram as taxas de mineralização da matéria orgânica e a quantidade de matéria orgânica potencialmente mineralizável (OM0) (391-407 g kg-1), enquanto a estrutura da pilha estática proporcionou uma porosidade adequada para aumentar a decomposição da matéria orgânica e a OM0 (568 g kg-1). Este estudo mostra que a compostagem de bagaço de uva com engaço, por um período de 140 dias, sem a necessidade de humedecimento ou revolvimento das pilhas, reduzindo assim o custo agronómico e ambiental do processo de compostagem, resultou num compostado estabilizado e maturado, com boas características químicas para aplicação como corretivo orgânico do solo.
- Composting waste from the white wine industryPublication . Pinto, Rui; Correia, Cláudia; Mourão, Isabel; Moura, Luísa; Brito, Luís MiguelThe wine industry generates a large amount of waste, and composting is an alternative for recycling these residues with agronomic and environmental advantages. With this aim, grape marc and grape stalks were composted in static and turned piles, with three and six turns, to investigate the effects of pile conditions during composting in order to improve final compost quality. Thermophilic temperatures were attained soon after pile construction, and the highest maximum temperatures were achieved in the turned piles (70.5–71.8 C). However, pile moisture content decreased below the recommended values after day 42 in these piles. The extremely high temperatures and low moisture content in the turned piles hampered organic matter mineralization rates and the amount of potentially mineralizable organic matter (OM0) (391–407 g kg-1), whereas the structure of the static pile provided adequate porosity to increase organic matter decomposition and OM0 (568 g kg1). This study shows that composting grape marc with stalks, for a period of 140 days, resulted in stabilized and matured compost (NH4 +-N/NO3 –-N < 0.5) with good chemical characteristics for applications as soil organic amendment, without the need for rewetting or turning the piles, thus reducing the agronomic and environmental cost of the composting process.
- Effect of Bacillus subtilis on fruit yield and quality in Actinidia deliciosa orchards infected with bacterial canker in the north of PortugalPublication . Vaz, António Trindade; Moura, Luísa; Mourão, Isabel; Pereira, A.M.Bacterial canker of kiwifruit, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidae (Psa), a disease included in the EPPO A2 List, has been registered in the north of Portugal since 2010. The relationship between the bacterium and cultural practices, namely the application of the biological control agent Bacillus subtilis in kiwifruit orchards in Portugal, is poorly understood. The most damaging phase of the disease occurs in winter and involves damage of the main vine structure and overwintering canes, and also in spring, during pollen spread, thus reducing subsequent yield and fruit quality. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of B. subtilis Serenade Max® on kiwifruit yield and quality in infected orchards of different ages. Two orchards (Actinidia deliciosa ‘Hayward’) with typical symptoms of Psa were selected for yield and quality assays. Thirty plants were selected from the young orchard (6 years old) and other 30 plants were selected from the old orchard (30 years old), both located in Valença, northwest Portugal. This work showed that the use of B. subtilis as a biological control agent against Psa did not affect overall kiwifruit quality, namely the longitudinal and length diameters of fruit, the total soluble solids content, firmness, pH, titratable acidity and dry matter, but contributed significantly to increased yield in the younger orchard compared with the older orchard.
- Avaliação da produtividade e qualidade de tomate produzido no solo e em hidroponia na região Noroeste de PortugalPublication . Mourão, Isabel; Brito, Luís Miguel; Moura, Luísa; Rodrigues, Raquel OliveiraA cultura hidropónica de tomate na região NW de Portugal poderá substituir o sistema de produção convencional no solo, na época de primavera/verão, se o aumento de produtividade e a qualidade dos frutos compensar os custos de produção adicionais. Com este objectivo as cultivares de tomate Durinta (tipo cacho) e Romana (tipo chucha) foram produzidas na Póvoa de Varzim, para comparar culturas convencionais produzidas em solo de textura arenosa, com culturas hidropónicas em substrato de fibra de coco, no interior de estufas sem aquecimento. A plantação e a colheita de tomate hidropónico ocorreram um mês antes da cultura produzida no solo. A produtividade e as características de qualidade dos frutos (calibre, cor, firmeza, pH, sólidos solúveis totais, acidez total e concentração de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e Fe dos frutos) foram avaliadas em três repetições de cada tratamento, com base em quatro plantas por repetição. A produtividade da cultura hidropónica de tomate da cv. Durinta (16,7 kg m-2) aumentou e a matéria seca (6,3 g 100 g-1) diminuiu comparativamente com a produção convencional no solo (12,7 kg m-2 e 6,7 g 100 g-1, respetivamente), enquanto para a cv. Romana a produtividade e teor de matéria seca foram semelhantes em ambos os sistemas de produção (média de 9,7 kg m-2 e 7,3 g 100 g-1, respetivamente). As características de qualidade, como o calibre dos frutos, a cor e a firmeza, não foram influenciados pelo sistema de produção e revelaram-se dependentes da cultivar. Os frutos da cv. Durinta produzidos em hidroponia foram menos doces e, para ambas as cultivares, possuíam menor acidez. A concentração dos frutos em N, Mg e Fe foram semelhantes para ambas as cultivares, independentemente do sistema de produção. O teor em P e Ca do tomate hidropónico para ambas as cultivares, bem como o conteúdo de K da cv. Romana, foram superiores aos frutos produzidos no solo. A qualidade dos frutos e as diferenças de produtividade entre os dois sistemas de produção podem não ser preponderantes para a tomada de decisão dos produtores, embora a produção hidropónica, considerando os referidos problemas de solo e a melhor gestão das estratégias de marketing, com a antecipação da colheita na estação da primavera/verão e com a possibilidade de produção de tomate na época de outono/inverno, possa ser uma opção rentável.