Universidade Federal de Viçosa

Weather Extreme Events, Farm Management, and Cocoa Yield in Ecuador

The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are increasing, yet their implications for perennial tree crops such as cocoa remain understudied. Existing cocoa-climate evidence is based on mean climate variables, discrete shocks, and concentrated in West and Central Afric...

On-Farm Consortium Increases Vigor in Native Plant Seedlings

Abstract This study aimed to test the hypothesis that native microbial consortia, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) assembled on-farm, would enhance seedling vigor and restructure rhizosphere microbiomes of Atlantic Forest tree species more effectively than bacteria...

Genotype-dependent responses and activated charcoal influence the in vitro development of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jarq.) emblings

Abstract Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (Arecaceae), commonly known as oil palm, is a major oilseed crop with wide applications in the food, cosmetic, and biofuel industries. Based on this, many somatic embryogenesis systems have been developed to enable clonal propagation. However, roo...

Coupling Soil Testing Data with Machine Learning Algorithms to Predict Plant Responses to Phosphorus in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract Optimizing phosphorus (P) management in agriculture is critical for food security and sustainable development. In this study, using maize as a model crop, we propose and validate a machine learning–based framework that integrates soil testing data, management practices,...

Precision agriculture applied to coffee cultivation in agroforestry systems

Abstract The search for more sustainable agricultural production systems is a goal of both agroforestry systems (AFS) and precision agriculture (PA). In this context, integrating PA technologies into coffee cultivation under AFS presents the potential to increase productive effic...

Comparative Genomics and Heterologous Complementation Reveal Sequence and Structural Divergence of Selected Transcription Factors From Spathaspora passalidarum

The yeast Spathaspora passalidarum is considered promising for domestication and use in second-generation ethanol production because it ferments xylose and glucose with yields above 70%. However, successful domestication requires not only efficient sugar utilization but also enha...

Organic Matter Quality and Microbial Activity in Soils Managed With Brachiaria Succession

ABSTRACT Background Although succession systems and brachiaria improve soil quality, gaps remain in microbial community dynamics, activity, and soil organic matter stocks. Methods The objective was to evaluate the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks of soil organic matter fraction...

Mechanical and Structural Performance Evaluation of Cement-Matrix Composites Nano-Reinforced with Expanded Graphite

Abstract This study investigates the mechanical and structural performance of cement-matrix composites reinforced with expanded graphite (EG) at dosages of 0, 0.25, and 0.75 wt% of cement. The physical and chemical properties of the fine aggregates were first characterized to ens...

Allometric equations for estimating biomass and carbon accumulation in commercial macauba palm plantations

This study aimed to fit allometric models for dry matter mass (kg/plant) and carbon accumulation (kg/plant) in macauba palm ( Acrocomia aculeata ). Data were obtained from 18 palms grown in Araponga, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, at ages of 3.0, 5.4, 10.5, 12.2, 15.5, and 16.4 year...

Experimental assessment of column rectangularity in flat‐slab slab–column connections

Abstract This paper presents an experimental investigation of the punching shear behavior of seven 3.00 m × 3.00 m × 0.20 m flat slabs without shear reinforcement, supported by internal rectangular columns. The column side lengths were varied to obtain aspect ratios, c max / c mi...

Starches in Extruded and Processed Foods

Abstract Purpose of Review This review aims to provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of extrusion as a sustainable technology for starch modification. Specifically, it addresses how extrusion processing alters the structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of...

Neural variation in the worker subcastes of the carpenter ant Camponotus rufipes: brain volume, antennal lobe development, and implications for labor division

Abstract The ant Camponotus rufipes is facultatively polygynous and has polymorphic castes, in which the worker is composed of two subcastes: the major worker and the minor worker. This study evaluated the whole and relative volumes of the antennal lobe, optic lobe, and calyx of...

Germination Time and Temperature Modulate Bioactive Compound Accumulation in Black Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Optimize Functional Water-Soluble Extract Production

Seed germination induces profound physiological and metabolic changes that promote the synthesis and accumulation of bioactive metabolites in cereal grains. However, the combined effects of germination time and temperature on these responses in black rice (Oryza sativa L.) remain...

Phytochemistry, Chemotypic Diversity and Antimicrobial Potential of Essential Oils From Native Aromatic Plants of the Americas: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Essential oils (EOs) derived from native aromatic plants represent a critical frontier for sustainable development, biodiversity conservation and innovative pharmacological applications in the Americas. This review synthesizes current scientific knowledge on the chemical...

Surface Ligand-Dependent Kinetics of α-Lactalbumin Interaction with Gold Nanoparticles Investigated by SPR

Abstract Understanding the kinetic and energetic factors governing protein adsorption onto nanomaterial surfaces is essential for elucidating nanobiointerfacial processes. In this study, the interaction between α-lactalbumin (αLa) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized wit...

Hydrogen Evolution from Ammonia Borane Using Cobalt–Platinum Bimetallic Nanoparticles Supported on Sulfonated Carbon Derived from Salix babylonica Residues

Abstract In this work, a residue from the extraction of essential oil from Salix babylonica leaves was valorized as a sustainable carbon support for the synthesis of bimetallic Co/Pt nanoparticles, applied as nanocatalysts in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane for hydrogen fuel evo...

COCaDA-web: an interactive web server for exploratory analysis of interatomic contacts in proteins

Protein contacts often serve as prerequisites for characterizing molecular interactions and bonds. Traditional implementations remain computationally expensive, posing significant scalability and usability challenges. We present COCaDA-web, an interactive and user-friendly Web Se...

Cultivable diversity and plant growth-promoting traits of free-living bacteria from coffee soils under contrasting fertilization systems

Abstract Brazilian coffee production relies heavily on mineral fertilizers, particularly nitrogen-based inputs. However, the intensive use of these fertilizers is associated with nutrient losses, elevated production costs, and environmental impacts, highlighting the need for more...

Egg quality and performance responses to dietary calcium and phosphorus concentrations in laying hens of different ages

Context The balance of dietary calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) plays a crucial role in laying hen performance and egg quality, yet optimal concentrations for these minerals are not well-defined, particularly across different ages. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effects of...

Biogas Production from the Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Elephant Grass Juice and Cattle Wastewater: Batch and Semi-Continuous Performance in Anaerobic Reactors

Considering the limited information available on the use of elephant grass juice (EGJ) as a liquid co-substrate, this study aimed to evaluate its feasibility and biogas production potential for anaerobic co-digestion with dairy cattle wastewater (DCW), focusing on substrate ratio...