Banca de DEFESA: JOSEFA PATRÍCIA BALDUINO NICOLAU

Uma banca de DEFESA de DOUTORADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : JOSEFA PATRÍCIA BALDUINO NICOLAU
DATE: 26/05/2025
TIME: 14:30
LOCAL: Videoconferência no Googlemeet
TITLE:

SUSTAINABLE USE OF Anomalocardia flexuosa SHELLS: EFFECTIVENESS IN GERMINATION AND EARLY SEEDLING DEVELOPMENT

KEY WORDS:

Marine waste, Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), Seed technology, Pelleting, Agricultural sustainability

PAGES: 108
BIG AREA: Ciências Agrárias
AREA: Agronomia
SUMMARY:

In response to the growing pressure for increased food production, sustainable alternatives have been explored in agriculture. In this context, the shells of the mollusk Anomalocardia flexuosa, rich in calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), were evaluated in three studies focused on seed technology, addressing substrates and seed coating. In the first study, the incorporation of shell powder with different particle sizes (3 mm, 2 mm, and 250 μm) and concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80%) into basic substrates (soil, vermiculite, and organic compost) was analyzed for the cultivation of Crotalaria juncea. The results revealed that, regardless of particle size or substrate type, the addition of shell powder improved seedling emergence, shoot and root growth, and dry biomass accumulation. The residue acted as a substrate conditioner, supplying calcium and improving the physical structure without impairing the physiological performance of the seedlings. The second study focused on coating Crotalaria ochroleuca seeds with shell powder, either alone or combined with diatomaceous earth, applied using two natural binders: one sugar-based (A1) and the other made with sweet cassava starch (A2). The treatments enhanced germination, germination speed index, seedling emergence, and tolerance to accelerated aging. The combination of shell powder with diatomaceous earth and binder A2 stood out by increasing shoot length and root dry mass. The results indicate that the interaction between natural materials optimizes physiological performance and enables mechanized sowing through seed standardization. In the third study, shell powder was used in the manual pelleting of sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds, with different formulations (shell powder, diatomaceous earth, and a mixture of both) combined with the same natural binders. The coating positively influenced all physiological and morphological variables, promoting greater uniformity in emergence and stress tolerance. The type of binder directly affected shoot and root length and biomass. The formulations proved effective in stimulating early growth, representing sustainable alternatives to improve seed physiological quality. Overall, the three studies demonstrate the promising potential of Anomalocardia flexuosa shells as a sustainable agricultural input, both in improving seed physiological quality and stimulating early seedling development. In addition to adding value to an underutilized marine residue, the results highlight that its application can contribute to more efficient, ecological, and economically viable agricultural practices.

Sustainable Development Goals: #2 - Zero Hunger; #12 - Responsible Consumption and Production; #13 - Climate Action; #14 - Life Below Water.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Interno - 1079298 - ALEXANDRE SANTOS PIMENTA
Presidente - 2380571 - CIBELE SOARES PONTES
Externa à Instituição - JARCILENE SILVA DE ALMEIDA CORTEZ - UFPE
Externa à Instituição - JEANE MEDEIROS MARTINS DE ARAUJO - IFPB
Externo ao Programa - 1605704 - SIDNEY CARLOS PRAXEDES - null