New Sweet Potato Genotypes: Analysis of Agronomic Potential Fishua J. U. Dango, Darllan J. L. S. F. Oliveira, Maria E. F. Otoboni, Bruno E. Pavan, Maria I. V. Andrade, et al. Agriculture Switzerland, 2025 The quantification of genotype x environment interaction is essential for recommending high-yielding genotypes for both favorable and unfavorable environments, thereby increasing production. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of sweet potato genotypes in the central–east and central–south regions of São Paulo. The experiments were conducted using a randomized block design with 9 plants per plot and 3 replications, consisting of 18 sweet potato genotypes and 3 commercial cultivars, totaling 21 treatments. The characteristics, such as commercial productivity, dry matter, chroma, hue, insect resistance, eyes, and lenticels showed genotype x environment interaction for 77.78% of the variables. The maximum productivity of the genotypes ranged from 31.81 t/ha−1 to 63.60 t/ha−1. Heritability was observed in 88.89% of the analyzed traits, with values ranging from 75.36% to 93.47%, indicating a significant genetic influence on the evaluated characteristics. Location 4 (first cycle in Botucatu, 20 December 2021) was superior and considered the most suitable for sweet potato cultivation. The genotypes CERAT60-05, CERAT56-23, CERAT60-26, and CERAT35-11 performed best, showing promise as new cultivars.
Genetic Improvement of Sweet Potato: Influence of Selection Method in Early Stages of the Programme Darllan Junior Luiz Santos Ferreira de Oliveira, Geissiane Neves Toledo, Bruno Ettore Pavan, Pablo Forlan Vargas Plant Breeding, 2025 Plant breeding programmes: every stage of the process is crucial for the ultimate success. Currently, for sweet potato cultivation, the primary selection methods used in the initial stage of the genetic improvement programme are based on selection indices, techniques that require significant labour and time. Given this, the aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and compare different initial selection methods, namely, the traditional method using the selection rank index and a newly proposed methodology using visual analysis. The study comprised three experiments. The studies were conducted in an area belonging to the Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (FCAV) on the Jaboticabal Campus, located in the municipality of Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. The first involved selection of the initial population conducted in summer (August–December 2021), using a randomized complete block design with two replications, evaluating 512 treatments (510 genotypes and two cultivars). Subsequent experiments in summer (December 2021–April 2022) and winter (April–September) evaluated 30 genotypes selected in the first cycle and one cultivar (Beauregard) using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Harvesting in the summer experiments occurred 120 days after planting, while in winter, it occurred at 150 days. Statistical analyses were performed on the data. The highest heritabilities were found for commercial root yield (PC) (0.69) and flesh colour (CP) (0.79). Regarding direct selection gain, the predicted gains were significant, ranging from −21.21% to 119.58%, indicating a favourable condition for selection. The estimated selection gains were higher than those achieved for PC alone. However, for general shape (FG), commercial pattern (PDC) and flesh colour (CP), the actual gains exceeded the estimated ones. The realized heritability was lower than the estimated one for commercial root yield (PC) but higher for general shape (FG), commercial pattern (PDC) and flesh colour (CP), except for commercial pattern (PDC) in winter cultivation using the index and flesh colour (CP) in summer cultivation using the visual method. In conclusion, the visual selection method is deemed viable for the initial stage of sweet potato genetic improvement.
Phenotyping in Green Lettuce Populations Through Multispectral Imaging Jordhanna Marilia Silva, Ana Carolina Pires Jacinto, Ana Luisa Alves Ribeiro, Isadora Rodrigues Damascena, Livia Monteiro Ballador, et al. Agriculture Switzerland, 2025 Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is the most consumed leafy vegetable in the world, with great economic and social importance in Brazil. In breeding programs, selecting genotypes with high agronomic potential is essential to meet market demands and cultivation conditions. In this context, plant phenotyping by means of multispectral imaging emerges as a modern, efficient and non-destructive tool, which enhances the analysis of phenotypic characteristics quickly and accurately. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to group different lettuce situations according to their group using image-based phenotyping, in addition to morphological descriptors and agronomic evaluations. The experiment was carried out in an experimental area of the Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus of Monte Carmelo, MG, Brazil, in randomized blocks with three replicates and 17 treatments (lettuce populations of the F2 generation, resulting from the cross between different lettuce cultivars and/or lines). Morphological descriptors and agronomic characteristics were obtained in the field. The vegetation indices GLI, NDVI, GNDVI, NGRDI and NDRE were calculated from images acquired at 49 days after transplanting. Means were compared using the Scott–Knott test (p ≤ 0.05), and the results were presented in box plots. Genetic dissimilarity was confirmed by multivariate analysis, which resulted in a cophenetic correlation coefficient of 96.11%. In addition, validation between field-collected data and image-obtained data was performed using heat maps and Pearson’s correlation. Populations UFU 003, UFU 006, UFU 009, UFU 011, UFU 012, UFU 013, UFU 014, UFU 016 and UFU 017 stood out, with high agronomic potential. Image-based phenotyping was correlated with agronomic traits and, therefore, can be considered an alternative to grouping different lettuce populations.
Monitoring Virulence Phenotypes of Bremia lactucae in South and Southeast Brazil Lívia Tálita da Silva Carvalho, Pablo Forlan Vargas, Izabella Garbeline Okuma, Marcus Vinícius Marin, Renato de Mello Prado, et al. Plant Pathology, 2025 Lettuce downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) is one of the most important diseases of lettuce, especially in conditions of mild temperatures and high humidity. The great variability of B. lactucae makes the use of genetic control complex, as resistance to different virulence phenotypes requires different resistance factors. Dm (“Downy mildew”) genes or resistance factors, have been widely used in lettuce cultivars, providing a high level of resistance to downy mildew. The objective of this work was to monitor and study the virulence phenotypes of B. lactucae in the south and southeast regions of Brazil. Samples with downy mildew symptoms were collected in the main producing areas of the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná. Subsequently, a race differentiation test was carried out by inoculating differentiating cultivars and observing the pathogen's response, and a sextet code was assigned to each isolate according to its virulence phenotype (EU‐C). Frequency (%), virulence complexity index by isolate and by phenotype, and Gleason index were calculated. A total of 117 isolates were evaluated and 61 virulence phenotypes were identified. The sextet code 31‐00‐00 was the most frequent and could be used for the evaluation of resistant cultivars in the states of the south and southeast regions of Brazil. The resistance factor of lettuce cultivar Balesta provided resistance to all evaluated isolates, while RYZ2164 was resistant to all isolates except those from Paraná. Additionally, Kibrille conferred resistance to isolates from Santa Catarina.
Planting density using mini-cutting seedlings: Effects on root and starch production of sweet potato Pablo Forlan Vargas, Layana Gomes do Nascimento, Valkíria Luísa Borsa Piroli, Adalton M Fernandes Horticultura Brasileira, 2025 Traditional propagation of sweet potatoes using vines increases the transmission of pathogens in the crop. Using pathogen-free mini-cutting seedlings is a promising alternative, but it provides lower root production per plant. Adjusting the planting density can optimize this technique and compensate for the lower individual production of plants. This study aimed to determine the optimal planting density for maximizing storage root yield and quality of sweet potatoes propagated by mini-cutting seedlings. The experimental design was of randomized blocks with four treatments and five replications. The treatments were represented by planting densities of 25,000; 33,333; 41,667, and 50,000 plants/ha, with a row spacing of 1.20 m. The study demonstrated that increasing the planting density to 40,258 plants/ha increased total root yield by 24%, while starch yield increased by 17% up to a density of 41,624 plants/ha. Higher planting densities favored the production of roots of all sizes, including those of greater marketable value. However, to maximize the production of large and medium-sized roots, densities between 36,420 and 50,000 plants/ha are recommended. Although high densities may result in a small reduction of 7% in the root mean weight, the use of mini-cutting seedlings does not compromise root yield and quality, as long as the ideal planting density is adopted.
Application of a Portable Chlorophyll Meter to Assess the Nitrogen Sufficiency Index and Nitrogen Requirements in Sweet Potatoes Fabrício E. Rodrigues, Adalton M. Fernandes, Arthur V. Oliveira, Pablo F. Vargas, Emerson F. C. Souza, et al. Agriculture Switzerland, 2024 Balanced nitrogen (N) supply is essential for high root yield in sweet potatoes (Ipomoea potatoes [L.] Lam.). A portable chlorophyll meter can support N fertilization management. Here, we determined the appropriate N sufficiency index (NSI) for sweet potato leaves to achieve the best leaf N status, plant growth, N uptake and removal, and storage root yield and quality. Experiments were conducted at three sites (Braúna, São Manuel, and Regente Feijó) in São Paulo, Brazil, using a randomized block design with four replicates. Treatments included a control (without N application), conventional N fertilization (50 kg ha−1), reference N fertilization (150 kg ha−1), and NSI-based N fertilization (NSI: 90% or 95%, based on the chlorophyll meter readings). Plant response to N fertilization was low, with no N deficiency observed in the conventional and chlorophyll meter-managed treatments. NSI < 90% was better than NSI < 95% for N top-dressing management, reducing N application rates by 44–66%, depending on the site. In contrast, NSI < 95% increased the N application rate without any yield benefit. Thus, monitoring N fertilization using a portable chlorophyll meter with 90% NSI can reduce N fertilization rates without negatively impacting the sweet potato root yield.
First Report of Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne javanica, Infecting Stachys byzantina in São Paulo, Brazil E. M. Silva, D. D. Nascimento, R. Koroiva, J. P. P. Fernandes, R. J. Ferreira, et al. Plant Disease, 2024 Stachys byzantina belongs to the Labiatae and is known by the names "peixinho-da-horta" (Brazil) and "lamb's ear" (USA). Its importance is associated with its medicinal properties (Bahadori et al. 2020) and nutritional aspects (Milião et al. 2022). Root-knot nematodes cause severe damage to plants and suppress production. In January 2021, plants of S. byzantina in the municipality of Jaboticabal (21°14'38.7"S, 48°17'10.6"W) showed symptoms of reduced growth, yellowed leaves and the presence of galls in the roots. Initially, samples of roots from a S. byzantina were analyzed at the Nematology Laboratory (LabNema/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil, estimating 20,000 eggs and juveniles of Meloidogyne sp. in 10 g of roots. To confirm the host ability of the species, a pathogenicity test was performed using Koch's postulate. For this purpose, the test was conducted in a greenhouse where 3,000 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) were inoculated onto three plants (n=3) of S. byzantina. After 90 days, the inoculated plants showed the same symptoms as those observed in the field. No symptom or nematode was detected in the uninoculated plant (control). Nematodes were extracted from the roots of inoculated plants and quantified. The perineal pattern of females (n=10) (Netscher and Taylor, 1974) and the labial region of males (n=10) (Eisenback and Hirschmann, 1981) were analyzed and compared with the morphological characteristics of the original description of the species (Chitwood, 1949). For analysis based on esterase isozyme phenotype, the α-method of Esbenshade and Triantaphyllou (1990) was used, and females (n=7) were examined. To confirm identification, whole genomic DNA from an adult female (n=1) was extracted using the Qiagen DNeasy® Blood & Tissue Kit and this sample was used for both genetic sequencing and the sequence-characterized amplified region techniques (SCAR). PCR amplifications were performed for the 18s rRNA gene using primers 988F and 1912R from Holterman et al (2006). Our sequence was deposited in GenBank (NCBI) under the identifier OP422209. Finally, species-specific SCAR primers (Fjav/Rjav, Me-F/Me-R, and Finc-F/Finc-R) designed by Zijlstra (2000) were used to identify Meloidogyne spp. Koch's postulate analysis yielded the following results: (n=1) 9,280 eggs and J2 (Reproduction factor, RF = 33.09); (n=2) 111,720 eggs and J2 (RF = 37.24); (n=3) 59,700 eggs and J2 (RF = 19.9) (RF mean = 30.08). The following characteristics were observed in the perineal region of females: Low and rounded trapezoidal dorsal arch with two distinct lateral lines clearly separating the dorsal and ventral arch regions, similar to the morphological features of the species description by Chitwood (1949). Males had a convex labial plate with a non-raised labial disk joining the submedial labia, a non-rugged labial region, the basal tubercles were usually wider than high, and a rounded tail tip (Eisenback and Hirschmann 1981). The α-esterase enzyme profile showed the J3 phenotype typical of M. javanica (Rm [×100] = 46.0, 54.5, and 58.9). The 18s rRNA sequences grouped Meloidogyne sp. with species such as M. enterolobii, M. incognita, and M. javanica. A DNA fragment of about 700 bp was amplified with Mj (Fjav/Rjav) primers, but not with Me (Me-F/Me-R) and Mi (Finc-F/Finc-R) primers, which confirmed the identification of M. javanica. Accurate identification and characterization of the occurrence of new hosts of M. javanica will allow us to determine the range and geographic distribution of the species. This is the first report on the occurrence of M. javanica on S. byzantina in Brazil. This report is important so that management strategies can be applied to prevent the spread of the pest to other areas.
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam.) cultivation and potentialities Larissa Pereira de Castro Vendrame, Raphael Augusto de Castro e Melo, Giovani Olegario da Silva, Pablo Forlan Vargas, Magali Leonel Varieties and Landraces Cultural Practices and Traditional Uses Volume 2 Underground Starchy Crops of South American Origin Production Processing Utilization and Economic Perspectives, 2023
Mycorrhizal inoculation and crop rotation as soil sustainable management strategies to reduce fertilizer use and water consumption in horticultural crops P Vargas, A Nogales, C Calvet, A Camprubi, C Biel Applied Soil Ecology , 2025 2025
Compatibility of Pathogen-Resistant Melon Rootstocks: Effects on Fruit Yield, Quality, and Biometric Traits EM Silva, JPP Fernandes, AC Araujo Filho, CMPG Souza, FF Lima, ... Revista Caatinga 38, e12736 , 2025 2025
Performance produtiva e de qualidade de clones de Coffea canephora na região do Vale do Ribeira Paulista, SP, Brasil AM de Carvalho, GN Gardino, LM França, GR Carvalho, S Ferrari, ... Multi-Science Research 8 (1), 6-6 , 2025 2025
Distinguishability of Homogeneity Stability in sweet potato genotypes F Dango, D Oliveira, G Toledo, E Martinez, O Wilches, E Nhanombe, ... MDPI , 2025 2025
New Sweet Potato Genotypes: Analysis of Agronomic Potential FJU Dango, DJ Oliveira, MEF Otoboni, BE Pavan, MIV Andrade, ... Agriculture 15 (20), 2168 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Compatibilidade de Porta-Enxertos Resistentes em Melão: Efeitos na Produtividade, Qualidade dos Frutos e Parâmetos Biométricos EM da Silva, JPP Fernandes, AC de Araujo Filho, CMPG Souza, ... Revista Caatinga 38, e12736-e12736 , 2025 2025
Carcinoma en cuirasse: manifestación infrecuente de metástasis cutánea en cáncer de mama A González, M Maass, F Valenzuela, P Vargas, C Morales, ... Revista Chilena de Dermatología 38 (4) , 2025 2025
Recubrimiento comestible a base de cáscara de pitahaya roja (Hylocereus undatus) y aceite esencial de naranja (Citrus sinensis) en el manejo postcosecha de la papaya (Carica … L Gaibor, P Núñez, F Arcos, P Vargas, M Mero Investigación y Pensamiento Crítico 13 (3), 113-124 , 2025 2025
Phenotyping in green lettuce populations through multispectral imaging JM Silva, ACP Jacinto, ALA Ribeiro, IR Damascena, LM Ballador, ... Agriculture 15 (12), 1295 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Genetic Improvement of Sweet Potato: Influence of Selection Method in Early Stages of the Programme DJLSF de Oliveira, GN Toledo, BE Pavan, PF Vargas Plant Breeding 144 (3), 424-431 , 2025 2025
Estimation of genetic parameters and use of selection indices in the identification of superior sweet potato genotypes ADS Junior, CN Gomes, DP Albuquerque, FA da Silva Oliveira, JL Gomes, ... Euphytica 221 (5), 60 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Produção e sua qualidade sensorial em diferentes cultivares de café Arábica sob condições ambientais adversas AM de Carvalho, ÉT Teramoto, LM de França, LJG de Godoy, S Ferrari, ... Observatorio de la Economía Latinoamericana 23 (4), e9458-e9458 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Monitoring Virulence Phenotypes of Bremia lactucae in South and Southeast Brazil LT da Silva Carvalho, PF Vargas, IG Okuma, MV Marin, R de Mello Prado, ... Plant Pathology 74 (3), 597-604 , 2025 2025
Densidade de plantio usando mudas de miniestacas: Efeitos na produção de raízes e amido da batata-doce PF Vargas, LG Nascimento, VLB Piroli, AM Fernandes Horticultura Brasileira 43, e286838 , 2025 2025
Planting density using mini-cutting seedlings: Effects on root and starch production of sweet potato PF Vargas, LG Nascimento, VLB Piroli, AM Fernandes Horticultura Brasileira 43, e286838 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Natural genotypic variation for morphological traits in upland rice grains S Ferrari, MLO Cunha, V do NASCIMENTO, OJB Bim, AM de CARVALHO, ... Científica 52 , 2024 2024
Application of a Portable Chlorophyll Meter to Assess the Nitrogen Sufficiency Index and Nitrogen Requirements in Sweet Potatoes FE Rodrigues, AM Fernandes, AV Oliveira, PF Vargas, EFC Souza, ... Agriculture 14 (12), 2167 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Juvenile nasoangiofibroma: series of cases and experience in endovascular and surgical management in a fourth level center JC Zapata, SE Cruz-Clavijo, G Vargas-Rosales, A Vargas-Rosales, ... Acta de Otorrinolaringología & Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello 52 (2), 100-106 , 2024 2024
First report of Meloidogyne javanica infecting Thymus vulgaris in the state of São Paulo, Brazil EM da Silva, R Koroiva, RJ Ferreira, DD do Nascimento, JPP Fernandes, ... Crop Protection 185, 106876 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Characterization of the consumption of dairy foods in users of markets and supermarkets in Guayaquil, Ecuador P Vargas, C Morán Revista de investigación Agropecuaria Science and Biotechnology 4 (4), 30-40 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Flavonoids in kidney health and disease F Vargas, P Romecín, AI García-Guillén, R Wangesteen, ... Frontiers in physiology 9, 394 , 2018 2018 Citations: 246
A cultura da couve-flor A MAY, SW TIVELLI, PF VARGAS, AG SAMRA, LV SACCONI, ... Boletim Técnico IAC 200, 1-36 , 2007 2007 Citations: 72
Acúmulo de macronutrientes pela cultivar de cebola" Superex" estabelecida por semeadura direta DRQ Pôrto, AB Cecílio Filho, A May, PF Vargas Ciência Rural 37, 949-955 , 2007 2007 Citations: 69
Qualidade de melão rendilhado (Cucumis melo L.) em função do sistema de cultivo PF Vargas, R Castoldi, HCO Charlo, LT Braz Ciência e Agrotecnologia 32, 137-142 , 2008 2008 Citations: 61
Crescimento, acúmulo de nutrientes e produtividade da cultura da couve-flor R Castoldi, HCO Charlo, PF Vargas, L T Braz Horticultura Brasileira 27 (4), 438-446 , 2009 2009 Citations: 51
Cultivo de híbridos de pimentão amarelo em fibra da casca de coco HCO Charlo, R Castoldi, C Fernandes, PF Vargas, LT Braz Horticultura Brasileira 27 (2), 155-159 , 2009 2009 Citations: 46
Determination of growth and nutrient accumulation in Bella Vista onion C Backes, RL Villas Boas, LJÉGD Godoy, PF Vargas, AJÉM Santos Revista Caatinga 31 (01), 246-254 , 2018 2018 Citations: 39
Desempenho de híbridos de melão-rendilhado cultivados em substrato HC de Oliveira Charlo, R Castoldi, PF Vargas, LT Braz Científica 37 (1), 16-21 , 2009 2009 Citations: 38
Agronomic performance of sweet potato with different potassium fertilization rates AB Cecílio Filho, S Nascimento, ASN Silva, PF Vargas Horticultura Brasileira 34, 588-592 , 2016 2016 Citations: 37
Accumulation of nutrients in sweet peppers cultivated in coconut fiber HCO Charlo, SF Oliveira, PF Vargas, R Castoldi, JC Barbosa, LT Braz Horticultura Brasileira 30 (1), 125-131 , 2012 2012 Citations: 35
Produtividade de híbridos de cebola em função da população de plantas e da fertilização nitrogenada e potássica A May, AB Cecílio Filho, DRQ Porto, PF Vargas, JC Barbosa Horticultura Brasileira 25, 53-59 , 2007 2007 Citations: 35
Inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense Strains AbV5 and AbV6 Increases Nutrition, Chlorophyll, and Leaf Yield of Hydroponic Lettuce CE da Silva Oliveira, A Jalal, LS Vitória, VM Giolo, TJSS Oliveira, ... Plants 12 (17), 3107 , 2023 2023 Citations: 32
Growth analysis of sweet pepper cultivated in coconut fiber in a greenhouse HCO Charlo, SF Oliveira, R Castoldi, PF Vargas, LT Braz, JC Barbosa Horticultura Brasileira 29 (3), 316-323 , 2011 2011 Citations: 32
Acúmulo de macronutrientes por duas cultivares de cebola produzidas em sistema de semeadura direta A May, AB Cecílio Filho, DRQ Porto, PF Vargas, JC Barbosa Bragantia 67, 507-512 , 2008 2008 Citations: 32
Genetic diversity among sweet potato crops cultivated by traditional farmers PF Vargas, EW Engelking, LCF Almeida, EA Ferreira, HCDEO CHARLO Revista Caatinga 31, 779-790 , 2018 2018 Citations: 28
Phosphorus requirements by garlic under fertigation JZ Castellanos, JL Ojodeagua, F Méndez, S Villalobos-Reyes, V Badillo, ... Better Crops International 15 (2), 21-23 , 2001 2001 Citations: 26
Nutraceutical content and daily value contribution of sweet potato accessions for the European market AC Galvao, C Nicoletto, G Zanin, PF Vargas, P Sambo Horticulturae 7 (2), 23 , 2021 2021 Citations: 25
Genetic parameters and gain from selection in sweet potato genotypes with high beta-carotene content MEF Otoboni, DJLSF Oliveira, PF Vargas, BE Pavan, MI Andrade Crop Breeding and Applied Biotechnology 20 (3), e31632038 , 2020 2020 Citations: 25
Qualidade de frutos de cinco híbridos de melão rendilhado em função do número de frutos por planta R Castoldi, HCO Charlo, PF Vargas, LT Braz Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura 30, 455-458 , 2008 2008 Citations: 25
New beverage based on grapes and purple-fleshed sweet potatoes: Use of non-standard tubers LSP Basílio, CV Borges, IO Minatel, PF Vargas, MA Tecchio, F Vianello, ... Food Bioscience 47, 101626 , 2022 2022 Citations: 24
