WEED INTERFERENCE IN EGGPLANT CROPS

Uncontrolled weed growth interferes with the growth eggplants and crop yields. To control weeds, the main weed species must be identified in crop growing areas and during weed control periods, as weed species might vary in relation to management practices. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the main weed species and determine the periods of weed interference in the eggplant cultivar Nápoli when grown under certain cultural practices, including plant staking and sprout thinning. The experiment was carried out in 2014 using a randomized complete block design, with 3 replications. The treatments consisted of 11 periods of (1) increasing weed control and (2) increasing coexistence of eggplant with weeds from the first day of transplanting (0-14, 0-28, 0-42, 0-56, 0-70, 0-84, 0-98, 0-112, 0-126, 0-140, and up do day 154). Eggplant staking and sprout thinning were performed 42 days after transplanting (DAT). Weed identification and crop yield assessments were performed to determine the Period Before Interference (PBI), Total Period of Interference Prevention (TPIP), and the Critical Period of Interference Prevention (CPIP). The major weeds found in the eggplant cultivar Nápoli were Eleusine indica, Portulaca oleracea, and Cyperus rotundus. Coexistence between the weed community and the eggplant throughout the entire crop production cycle reduced eggplant fruit yield by 78%. The PBI was 29 DAT and the TPIP was 48 DAT, resulting in 19 days of CPIP

Preschooler Stressor-Related Thoughts and Worries During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Development and Validation of a Caregiver-Report Instrument

There is little evidence on cognitions that are associated with emotional and behavioral problems in preschoolers during stressful events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This article presents the initial development and validation of a caregiver-report instrument, the Preschooler Stressor-related Thoughts and Worries (PSTW) scale, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, caregivers from two countries reported on their child’s cognitions at baseline (T0) and three months later (T1; age 3–5 years; Australia: N = 559; United States: N = 346). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with the Australian sample at T0 and confirmed with the U.S. sample at T0. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a one-factor model including 10 items. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis failed to clearly support this structure (comparative fit index =.91, root mean square error of approximation =.11). Construct validity was supported by positive associations between PSTW scores and emotional and behavioral problems. Although the PSTW is a promising instrument to assess preschooler cognitions related to COVID-19, further investigation of its performance in other contexts (e.g., other countries, other stressful or traumatic events) is needed

Nitrogen and potassium fertigation in bell pepper cultivated in greenhouse using fertigation managements

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different managements of fertigation and NK doses on the production of bell pepper fruit in a protected environment. The experimental design was randomized blocks in 3 x 5 factorial. The treatments were formed by the combination of three managements of fertigation (M1 - Based on the rate of absorption; M2 - Monitoring the electrical conductivity of the soil solution; M3 - Monitoring concentrations of N and K ions in the soil solution), with five doses of NK (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200% of the recommended dose) and four replicates. Six samples were collected and the following variables were evaluated: number, length and diameter of fruit, pulp thickness and fruit production. Except for diameter, all variables were affected by the interaction between the studied factors. The fertigation management by monitoring and controlling the ionic concentration of the soil solution is more efficient in the production of bell pepper. The fertigation management can be performed more efficiently from the managements M2 or M3, with NK doses of 144 and 165%, respectively, of the recommended concentration for the hydroponic cultivation of bell pepper

Default Rates in the Loan Market for SMEs: Evidence from Slovakia

The current crisis raises the question whether loans to SMEs in emerging markets areinherently more risky. We use a unique unbalanced panel of nearly 700 loans made toSMEs in Slovakia between 2000 and 2005. Several probit and panel probit models showthat liquidity and profitability factors are important determinants of SME defaults.Moreover, we find that indebtedness significantly increases the probability of default.Finally, liability as proxied by the legal form of SMEs has important incentive effects.In sum, default rates and factors converged to values found in developed financialmarkets