In plant breeding programs, the knowledge about the appropriate sample size for the evaluation of populations is very important. A small sample reduces the chance of selecting superior genotypes, whereas a very large sample may lead to unnecessary increases in…

Genetically modified crops with insect resistance genes from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt-plants) are increasingly being cultivated worldwide. Therefore, it is critical to improve our knowledge of their direct or indirect impact not only on target pests but also on non-target…

The obligate basidiomycete Phakopsora pachyrhizi is the causal agent of soybean rust that has potential to reduce the yield of soybean drastically. Soybean production in Brazil has been threatened by the rust since the pathogen was first discovered in 2001.…

Heat shock (HS) leads to the activation of molecular mechanisms, known as HS-response, that prevent damage and enhance survival under stress. Plants have a flexible and specialized network of Heat Shock Factors (HSFs), which are transcription factors that induce the…

Asian soybean rust caused by Phakoprsora pachyrhizi is one of the most important diseases for soybean cultivation. The disease causes yield loss as high as 80%. Until now, fungicide applications were most reliable control measure. However, farmers often lose timing…

Embrapa is the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation. It coordinates the national agricultural research system in Brazil and has for mission to provide solutions for the sustainable development of Brazilian agribusiness through knowledge and technology transfer. As such, it is involved…