Percorrer por autor "Trindade, Ana Rita"
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- Assessing water requirements of pitaya (S. undatus) under greenhouse conditions: a first step towards optimizing irrigationPublication . Trindade, Ana Rita; Eller, Elda; Arozarena, A.; Neves, Maria Alcinda; Duarte, AmilcarThe Algarve region provides ideal edaphoclimatic conditions for cultivating subtropical and some tropical fruit species. Pitaya (Selenicereus spp.) is also aligned with Algarve’s goal of revitalizing fruit production through species that require less water. Recently introduced into commercial farming in Portugal, the expansion of this crop lacks more detailed information about its specific cultivation requirements. Although native to the humid forests of Central America, with consistent water availability, pitaya can also survive and produce in drier climates such as the Mediterranean. Nonetheless, to achieve good yields and high-quality fruit, adequate irrigation is essential. Understanding pitaya’s water needs can be challenging due to its natural water-conserving mechanisms, such as CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) and water-storing cladodes. This study aims to clarify these needs firstly by determining the daily water consumption (DWC). At the University of Algarve, a greenhouse experiment monitors the DWC of 36 plants (S. undatus) in 4-L pots, enabling precise measurement of water consumption, with and without vegetative growth. During the summer, DWC ranged between 0.02 and 0.08 L day-1, influenced by the excessively high temperatures and the low humidity. These conditions significantly increased substrate evaporation rates. The results also suggest that pitaya growth showed no correlation with DWC. Since the summer trial confirmed the negative impact of excessively high temperatures, the same experiment was conducted in the autumnwinter season, when the plants grew in more favourable conditions. Pitaya’s exceptional water efficiency, evidenced by low summer DWC, makes it ideal for waterscarce regions. Substrate or soil covering, can further enhance water use efficiency, reinforcing its potential as a sustainable and economically viable crop. Preliminary results on the DWC of these plants indicate that pitaya’s evapotranspiration seems significantly lower compared to other irrigated fruit crops in the region.
- A citricultura do Algarve e a seca: Proposta de algumas medidas de contenção.Publication . Duarte, Amilcar; Trindade, Ana RitaNas últimas semanas a seca que está a afetar o Algarve (e algumas zonas do Alentejo) tem estado presente na maioria dos órgãos da comunicação social e tem sido alvo de discussão em todo o país. O problema levou a que os diversos órgãos do poder se tenham concentrado em falar e tomar decisões relativamente à falta de água que ameaça a economia e, eventualmente, a qualidade de vida nesta região. Independentemente da atual gravidade do problema e da quantidade de precipitação que, entretanto, ocorra, parece evidente que todos temos de repensar a forma como usamos a água e poupá-la todos os dias, tanto nas nossas casas, como nas nossas atividades profissionais.
- The conversion of rockrose (Cistus ladanifer L.) shrubland into biodiverse pasturesPublication . Vieira, João; Filip, Iván Daniel; Soares Curado de Matos, Isabel Cristina; Rodrigues, Alessandra; Trindade, Ana Rita; Silva, Luís; Cassinello, João; Carita, Teresa; Ferreira da Silva da Costa Freitas, Maria de Belém; Neves, Maria AlcindaPastures in the Mediterranean region are vital for sustaining local agriculture and preserving biodiversity. When well-managed, these pastures enhance soil structure and fertility, reduce erosion, and improve water retention. These functions are especially critical in a climate marked by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Moreover, these systems play a key role in carbon sequestration, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation. Mediterranean pastures also support the conservation of endemic plant species and provide essential habitats for a variety of wildlife. Quinta do Freixo (Algarve, Portugal) with an area around 800 hectares, is dedicated to sustainable agriculture and promotes ecological, economic and social sustainability. In addition to organic agriculture production, the farm also produces value-added food products and offers rural tourism experiences. On this farm, a dense shrubland of rockrose (Cistus ladanifer L.) is converted into pastures using a holistic method that includes mechanical cutting of the shrubs, spreading hay an regenerative rotational grazing (RRG) system. As a part of the project -C05-i03-I000237), these restored pastures are regularly monitored. Assessments included measurements of dry matter production and floristic composition. In addition, both the pastures and Cistus ladanifer shrublands were evaluated for the nutritional value and mineral composition of their foliage material. This approach has contributed to the development of species-rich pastures, rich in legumes and grasses and characterized by high protein content, excellent digestibility, and a well-balanced mineral composition. Although Cistus ladanifer had a relatively lower nutritional value due to its lower protein content and digestibility, the analysis showed that its aerial parts can serve as a supplementary feed resource, especially in periods of forage scarcity, contributing to overall feed availability in extensive grazing systems.The control of shrublands through this practice maintains biodiversity and reduces the risk of wildfires by effectively managing fuel loads.
- Effect of fruit thinning on fruit quality and alternate bearing of ‘Setubalense’ mandarin (Citrus deliciosa)Publication . Guerreiro, T.; Trindade, Ana Rita; Duarte, Amilcar; Matias, PedroCitriculture plays a major role in agriculture worldwide, especially in the Mediterranean region. However, there are limitations in citrus production. Alternate bearing can be a big problem when it is very intense. Trees produce a heavy yield one year (“on” year) and light ones the next (“off” year). During the “on” year, trees produce many small-sized fruits, while in the “off” year, they produce very few, larger fruits. The small size of the fruits is a limitation, as they are less well accepted in the market. The ‘Setubalense’ cultivar, a traditional Portuguese Mediterranean mandarin (Citrus deliciosa), is recognized for its excellent organoleptic characteristics. Despite this, the issues of alternate bearing and small fruit size are leading to the loss of this cultivar. Fruit thinning is a cultural practice involving the removal of some fruits, while leaving others. This practice can be used to manage alternate bearing and to improve fruit size. However, its impact on the plant is not well understood, whether it affects the plant as a whole or at a more localized level, such as within individual branches. To address this, two experiments were installed in August 2019. In the first experiment thinning involved removing 50% of the fruits from the entire tree. In this experiment, the fruit size and fruit quality were higher in the trees where fruit thinning was performed. In the second experiment, thinning was applied to selected branches, also removing 50% of the fruits. In this case, no significant differences were observed, neither in fruit size nor in fruit quality. Furthermore, fruit thinning did not reduce alternate bearing in either experiment.
- Effects of planting density and soil management on pitaya (S. undatus) yield in an outdoor plantationPublication . Trindade, Ana Rita; Matias, Pedro; Zarcos Duarte, Beatriz; Trindade, D.; Duarte, AmilcarIn regions with advanced pitaya (Selenicereus spp.) cultivation, the crop is popular due to its rapid production cycle and favourable fruit prices. The Mediterranean offers favourable cultivation conditions, but more research is needed on agronomic practices like spacing and soil management, which affect profitability and sustainability. A trial was conducted in an outdoor plantation to assess the effect of two planting spacings (PS-0.5, plant spacing of 0.5 m; PS-1, plant spacing of 1 m) and two weed management methods (SC-BS, soil cover with black screen; SC-M, soil cover with mulch) on pitaya production parameters (fruits plant‑1; kg plant‑1; average fruit weight; kg m‑2), in the first and second production years. The use of mulching (SC-M) resulted in a higher number of fruits plant‑1 compared to the black screen (SC-BS), but this effect was only observed in the 1st production year. However, PS-1 and SC-BS obtained higher yield (kg plant‑1) compared to the PS-0.5 and SC-M plants. Neither plant spacing nor soil cover strongly influenced fruit size variation over time. Ultimately, the spacing that proved to be the most productive was the tightest (PS-0.5) with an average value of 0.82±0.04 kg m‑2, compared to PS-1 (0.60±0.04 kg m‑2). Results show that pitaya productivity is increasing annually, even under tighter spacings. Adding organic matter to the soil significantly boosts production, and consistent mulching improves soil fertility and controls weeds efficiently.
- First report of Schlumbergera virus X infecting dragon fruit (Selenicereus spp.) in PortugalPublication . Tomás Marques, Natália; Trindade, Ana Rita; Duarte, AmilcarDragon fruit (Selenicereus spp.) is a fruit crop with a high commercial value. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in this crop in the southern region of Por tugal, with the introduction of new cultivars (Trindade et al. 2023). In June 2022, a survey was conducted to monitor the sanitary status of a plantation in Moncarapacho. Seven two- to three-year-old plants of Selenicereus stenopterus (F.A.C. Weber) D.R.Hunt × S. undatus (Haw.) D.R.Hunt cv. ‘Connie Mayer’ were sampled. The plants exhibited a range of symptoms on their cladodes, including systemic mottling, small irregular chlorotic spots which may also appear ring-shaped, and chlorotic patches. Total RNA was extracted from the symptomatic cladodes and one asymp tomatic plant. The RNA was subjected to reverse tran scription (RT)-PCR using Ribolock (Thermo Scientific, USA), M-MuLV Reverse Transcriptase (Roche, Sigma Aldrich), and Dream Taq DNA polymerase (Thermo Sci entific, USA). The degenerate primer pair Potex5Fw and Potex2RC (van der Vlugt and Berendsen 2002) were used for the amplification of a 584-bp sequence.
- Flowering and fruiting of pitaya ( S. undatus ): insights into reproductive processes and farming potential for the Algarve, PortugalPublication . Trindade, Ana Rita; Matias, Pedro; Zarcos Duarte, Beatriz; Trindade, D.; Duarte, AmilcarThe pitaya (Selenicereus spp.), valued for its unique appearance and health benefits, ranks among the most commercially valuable fruits. However, its complex reproductive biology affects crop productivity, especially outside its native habitat. Understanding this is crucial for optimizing fruit set, fruit growth and yield. The reproductive biology of pitaya involves several key processes. Floral induction, triggered by environmental factors like temperature and photoperiod, signals the shift from vegetative growth to flowering. To better understand the reproductive processes of pitaya, this study explores floral induction to provide insights for optimizing agricultural practices. Flower induction trials were carried out in Algarve, Portugal, in which shading and artificial lighting were tested for their effect on production (extension of the productive period and yield). Shading reduced production, as plants in direct sunlight performed better. While lighting increased floral buds and fruits, it did not extend the productive period, due to temperature constraints. However, plants grown in full sun, without supplementary lighting, yielded significantly more. This study suggests a promising outlook for pitaya cultivation in Algarve’s climatic conditions without artificial lighting or shading.
- Fruta dragão: nova cultura exótica no AlgarvePublication . Trindade, Ana Rita; Sabbo, Luís; Trindade, Diamantino; André, Fernando; Mira, João; Almeida, Rui; Duarte, AmilcarNos últimos anos a fruta dragão (Hylocereus spp.) tem vindo a ganhar destaque nos mercados europeus e asiáticos. A sua aparência exótica, alto valor nutricional e elevada adaptabilidade a diferentes condições tornam a pitaia numa aposta interessante. Com o propósito de estudar e dar a conhecer as potencialidades desta “nova” cultura, foi formado o grupo operacional “Fruta Dragão”, financiado pela UE, através do programa PDR2020. A região eleita para o estudo do comportamento da cultura foi o Algarve. As baixas necessidades hídricas da pitaia tornam esta cultura mais sustentável, principalmente numa altura em que a escassez de água nesta região é um tema dominante. Os preços elevados que os frutos atingem no mercado constituem mais um fator de atração para os agricultores. A pitaia será uma boa opção para rentabilizar pequenas áreas com potencial agrícola, que não possam ser aproveitadas para culturas fruteiras mais exigentes em rega. Inicialmente foi feito um levantamento da situação da cultura em Portugal. Foi estabelecida uma coleção de 15 variedades ao ar livre, em Cacela Velha, e em estufa, no viveiro Mil Plantas, em Estoi, para caracterização do crescimento, da floração e da frutificação. No campo, estão a ser ensaiadas diversas modalidades de estruturas de suporte, cobertura de solo e compasso. Contamos também com a colaboração de agricultores que estão a cultivar a pitaia em estufa, em solo e em hidroponia. Já foram organizados dois dias abertos para divulgar a cultura a potenciais produtores. No presente ano já se obteve floração e frutificação em algumas das variedades (H. undatus, H. costaricensis, ‘JC01’ e ‘Híbrida’), permitindo assim fazer uma caracterização preliminar das mesmas. Na Universidade do Algarve foram feitas provas organoléticas com o objetivo de determinar a aceitação por parte dos consumidores, tendo-se verificado respostas muito positivas (aceitabilidade acima de 80 % dos consumidores).
- Fruta Dragão: validar a capacidade produtiva da pitaia vermelha. Levantamento da situação da cultura no Algarve.Publication . Trindade, Ana Rita; Sabbo, Luís; Trindade, Diamantino; Almeida, Rui; João, Mira; Duarte, AmílcarA diversificação da fruticultura do Algarve pode passar pela introdução de espécies frutícolas exóticas. De entre estas, a pitaia (Hylocereus sp.) é uma das que parecem ter melhores possibilidades de adaptação. Este fruto apresenta altas produções, com viabilidade económica em terrenos de pequenas dimensões (uma boa solução para pequenos agricultores) nas condições de clima e solos do Algarve e é também um fruto que tem registado um aumento acentuado de procura e de preço. A pitaia é uma planta trepadeira que necessita de uma estrutura que suporte a planta. Necessita de climas relativamente quentes, apresentando bom desenvolvimento em regiões cuja temperatura média se situa entre 18 e 26ºC. Nas condições do Algarve é necessário estabelecer uma relação entre as condições edafoclimáticas e a produtividade e qualidade do fruto. Para desenvolver a cultura da pitaia no Algarve foi constituído um grupo operacional cujo objetivo principal visa inovar ao nível das tecnologias de produção para a pitaia vermelha, de polpa vermelha e de polpa branca, permitindo ter produção durante um período tão longo quanto possível, com vista à satisfação do mercado nacional e internacional. Pretende-se analisar as características das 2 espécies: Hylocereus costaricensis e Hylocereus undatus, testando a produtividade, rusticidade e qualidade dos frutos (incluindo as características organoléticas) de cada uma. Começou-se por fazer um levantamento da situação desta cultura em Portugal, recolhendo informação sobre parcelas de pitaia e plantas isoladas, tanto em agricultores profissionais como em amadores. Estão também a ser instalados vários campos de ensaio/recolha de dados, englobando as duas espécies de pitaia vermelha. Os resultados obtidos no âmbito deste grupo operacional, serão divulgados numa página web (www.frutadragao.com), num manual técnico e em ações de divulgação.
- Manual técnico: a cultura da PitaiaPublication . Trindade, Ana Rita; Trindade, Diamantino; Marques, Natália; Neto, Luís; Duarte, AmilcarO Algarve é uma região com grande tradição frutícola. A alfarrobeira e a laranja são as principais culturas, com mais de metade de toda a superfície ocupada com culturas permanentes. A implementação de novas culturas permite ampliar e diversificar a fruticultura da região, o que lhe adita valor e conduz a uma maior sustentabilidade da atividade agrícola.