Andre Pich Brunes

@ufrgs.br

Faculty of Agronomy Department of Forage Plants and Agrometeorology
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

Andre Pich Brunes


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https://researchid.co/andre_brunes

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Agronomy and Crop Science
40

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Repeatability, Genetic Variability and Importance of Forage Traits in Ecotypes of Brunswickgrass (Paspalum nicorae Parodi) via BLUP
    Diógenes Cecchin Silveira, Annamaria Mills, Cosme Damião Cruz, Júlio Antoniolli, Carolina Zambrano Bonotto, et al.
    Plant Breeding, 2026
    This study estimated the repeatability of forage traits in 84 Paspalum nicorae ecotypes using six statistical methods and quantified the minimum number of harvests needed for effective selection. Multivariate analyses based on best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values were also performed to assess genetic variability, identify key traits and select superior parental genotypes. The randomized complete block experiment, with four replicates, evaluated 12 traits: number of tillers (NT), fresh matter (FM), leaf dry matter (LDM), stem dry matter (SDM), inflorescence dry matter (IDM), total dry matter (TDM), leaf‐to‐stem ratio (LSR), harvest index (HI), cold tolerance (CT), forage persistence (FP), growth habit (GH) and plant height (PH) over 3 years. Repeatability varied across methods, with the principal component methods based on correlation matrices yielding the highest accuracy. Repeatability was low for LDM, SDM, LSR and PH; moderate for FM, IDM, HI, CT and FP; and high for NT, TDM and GH. Early selection for NT, LDM and TDM traits is feasible with two to 10 harvests. Multivariate clustering identified ecotypes N3.17 and N3.10 as promising parents. The TDM, PH, LSR and CT traits were most discriminative for agronomic characterization.
  • Defoliation management affects seed production of tetraploid bahiagrass
    Renan Pedro Becker, Marcelo Osorio Wallau, André P. Brunes, Cleber Henrique de Souza, Esteban F. Rios, et al.
    Crop Science, 2026
    Bahiagrass ( Paspalum notatum Flügge) is an important forage and turf crop, but limited seed production remains a challenge to release of tetraploid cultivars. Defoliation intensity at the onset of the reproductive phase of some grasses influences tillering, seed head production, and seed yield. Thus, our objective was to quantify seed yield components and seed yield of elite tetraploid bahiagrass entries following clipping to 5‐ and 10‐cm stubble heights in spring. Our hypotheses were that shorter stubble height increases seed yield and differences in seed yield potential exist among tetraploid entries. The trial was conducted in Gainesville, FL, from 2022 to 2024. Treatments were allocated to four replicates of a randomized complete block design with a split‐plot restriction to randomization. Spring defoliation intensities (5‐ and 10‐cm stubble heights) were main plots, and entry subplots included nine advanced tetraploid bahiagrass experimental lines plus Argentine as a control. Agronomic (forage mass, tiller and seed head density, reproductive differentiation, and seed yield) and seed quality traits (filled seed yield, seed set, weight of 1000, and seed viability) were evaluated. There was a fourfold difference in seed yield among entries. The 5‐cm height increased seed yield through increased seed head density for all entries, however only Hybrid 93 had greater filled seed yield at the 5‐cm height (58 ± 9.3 kg ha −1 ; 131% greater). All entries were similar to Argentine in seed viability. The 5‐cm height increased seed yield relative to the 10‐cm height, and entries varied widely in seed yield potential.
  • Correlations based on mixed models as selection criteria for breeding programs targeting seed production and quality in Paspalum nicorae Parodi ecotypes
    Diógenes Cecchin Silveira, Annamaria Mills, Letícia Winke Dias, Élvio Giasson, Carolina Zambrano Bonotto, et al.
    Crop Science, 2026
    To achieve satisfactory genetic gains, breeding programs must identify and prioritize key traits that affect seed production and quality. This study investigated associations among traits related to seed yield and quality in 84 Paspalum nicorae ecotypes. Path analysis based on multitrait best linear unbiased prediction was applied as a selection tool. Ecotypes were evaluated over 3 years in a randomized block design. Pearson correlations showed that seed yield was strongly associated with pure seed yield ( r = 0.90, p < 0.001), number of seeds per inflorescence ( r = 0.45, p < 0.01), number of seeds per raceme ( r = 0.43, p < 0.01), and thousand seed weight ( r = 0.39, p < 0.01). Pure seed yield also correlated with number of seeds per inflorescence ( r = 0.54, p < 0.001), number of seeds per raceme ( r = 0.50, p < 0.001), and thousand seed weight ( r = 0.46, p < 0.01). Claviceps paspali , identified for the first time in P. nicorae in southern Brazil, negatively impacted seed physiological quality, with significant correlations with germination at 7 days ( r = −0.34, p < 0.01), 28 days ( r = −0.35, p < 0.01), and germination speed index ( r = −0.31, p < 0.01). Canonical correlation analysis showed that seed weight increased germination, while physiological quality was negatively affected by pathogen incidence. Path analysis indicated that apparent seed yield and number of seeds per inflorescence were the main determinants of pure seed yield, while number of seeds per raceme and thousand seed weight had secondary effects.
  • Genetic Parameters, Prediction of Genotypic Values, and Forage Stability in Paspalum nicorae Parodi Ecotypes via REML/BLUP
    Diógenes Cecchin Silveira, Annamaria Mills, Júlio Antoniolli, Victor Schneider de Ávila, Maria Eduarda Pagani Sangineto, et al.
    Genes, 2025
    Background/Objectives: Paspalum nicorae Parodi is a native subtropical grass species with promising agronomic attributes, such as persistence, drought and cold tolerance, and rapid establishment. However, the species remains underutilized in breeding programs due to the absence of well-characterized germplasm and limited studies on its genetic variability and agronomic potential. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters, predict genotypic values, and identify superior ecotypes with desirable forage traits, integrating stability and adaptability analyses. Methods: A total of 84 ecotypes were evaluated over three consecutive years for twelve morphological and forage-related traits. Genetic parameters, genotypic values, and selection gains were estimated using mixed models (REML/BLUP). Stability was assessed through harmonic means of genotypic performance, and the multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index (MGIDI) was applied to identify ecotypes with balanced performance across traits. Results: Substantial genetic variability was detected for most traits, particularly those related to biomass accumulation, such as total dry matter, the number of tillers, fresh matter, and leaf dry matter. These traits exhibited medium to high heritability and strong potential for selection. Ecotype N3.10 consistently showed superior performance across productivity traits while other ecotypes, such as N4.14 and N1.09, stood out for quality-related attributes and cold tolerance, respectively. The application of the MGIDI index enabled the identification of 17 ecotypes with balanced multi-trait performance, supporting the simultaneous selection for productivity, quality, and adaptability. Comparisons with P. notatum suggest that P. nicorae harbors competitive genetic potential, despite its lower level of domestication. Conclusions: The integration of REML/BLUP analyses, stability parameters, and ideotype-based multi-trait selection provided a robust framework for identifying elite P. nicorae ecotypes. These findings reinforce the strategic importance of this species as a valuable genetic resource for the development of adapted and productive forage cultivars in subtropical environments.
  • Genetic parameters, repeatability, and multiple-trait selection in Paspalum notatum Flügge genotypes
    Diógenes Cecchin Silveira, Karine Cristina Krycki, Roberto Luis Weiler, André Pich Brunes, Miguel Dall’Agnol, et al.
    New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 2025
  • Germination of South Brazilian grassland herbaceous species: state of knowledge and research needs for advancing grassland restoration
    Pedro Augusto Thomas, Sandra Cristina Müller, Rodrigo Dutra-Silva, André Pich Brunes, Carlos Nabinger, et al.
    Acta Botanica Brasilica, 2025
    Ecological restoration of grasslands is widely dependent on seed addition to reestablish native plants. Thus, it is important to know the seed ecology of native species. The South Brazilian grasslands are species-rich ecosystems seriously threatened by land use conversion and invasive species, which makes their restoration extremely urgent. Nevertheless, poor knowledge about the germination of native herbaceous species limits ecological restoration efforts. Here we present, based on a literature search, a synthesis of the knowledge on germination and seedling emergence of native herbaceous species from South Brazilian grasslands, identify knowledge gaps, and present directions to enhance research and its application in restoration. We found 907 tests performed on 127 native species, mostly conducted in a germination chamber, but with a wide variety of seed storage conditions, seed dormancy break treatments, and germination conditions during tests. Poaceae and Fabaceae are the most tested botanical families. We recommend (1) the inclusion of more species, also from more plant families, into testing, considering also a better coverage of different grassland regions in seed collecting; (2) publicizing and making test data openly accessible; (3) developing standardized protocols for seed collection, storage, and germination tests; and (4) increase testing of emergence under field conditions.
  • Correlation and path analysis based on multi-trait BLUP as selection criteria for forage in Paspalum nicorae Parodi
    Diógenes Cecchin Silveira, Annamaria Mills, Rodrigo Sampaio, Júlia Longhi, Esandro Corrêa do Amaral, et al.
    Revista Brasileira De Zootecnia, 2025
  • Apomixis in Farmers’ Fields: Overview, Case Studies from Forage Grasses and Considerations for Future Apomictic Crops
    Liana Jank, Esteban Rios, Mateus Figueiredo Santos, Rosa Noemi Jauregui, Bianca Baccili Zanotto Vigna, et al.
    Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 2025
  • Seed yield and quality of interspecific hybrids of Paspalum plicatulum × P. guenoarum at different harvest times
    Carolina Scienza, Júlio Antoniolli, Júlia Longhi, Letícia W. Dias, Diógenes Cecchin Silveira, et al.
    Crop Science, 2024
    Paspalum guenoarum is a warm‐season perennial grass, with a caespitose growth habit. The species is native to southern Brazilian grasslands and has been used in interspecific hybridizations because of its high palatability, resistance to trampling and grazing, and cold tolerance. Previous studies reported improvements in forage production and the nutritive value of hybrid material. However, there are limited data about seed production and seed quality of these hybrids. The aim of this study was to quantify the optimal time to harvest seed of three Paspalum plicatulum × P. guenoarum hybrids (08Q01, 104026, and 105052). Seed yield and seed quality were determined. Hybrids were harvested at 10, 20, and 30 days after flowering and evaluated for the components of seed yield, vigor, and viability. The optimum time to harvest was 20 days after the beginning of flowering. A >50% yield reduction, due to seed shattering, occurred when harvesting was delayed beyond 20 days. Harvesting <20 days after flowering resulted in a high percentage of empty spikelets and seeds with low vigor and viability. About 75% of the seed shattering took place 10–20 days after flowering, and for the 104026 and 105052 hybrids, >50% of seed was during this period. Hybrid 105052 had superior seed yield (2380 ± 280 kg ha−1) and similar seed quality. These two characteristics, among others, are the most important ones when recommending a new commercial cultivar for release.
  • Seed yield and quality of Paspalum notatum Flügge intraspecific hybrids
    Cleber Henrique Lopes de Souza, Eder Alexandre Minsk da Motta, André Pich Brunes, Roberto Luis Weiler, Carine Simioni, et al.
    Acta Scientiarum Agronomy, 2024
    Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) is an important forage in South America and the United States because of its high palatability, resistance to trampling and grazing, and tolerance to cold, but it exhibits low seed yield and poor seed quality. Previous studies reported improvements in forage production and nutritive value in hybrids and ecotypes; however, information about seed yield and quality in forage bahiagrass is limited. This study aimed to characterize the seed yield and quality of nine P. notatum intraspecific hybrids and three controls: P. notatum ecotypes V4 and Bagual and cultivar Pensacola. Inflorescence density, 1,000-seed weight, seed yield and germination rate decreased in year 2 influenced by weather conditions and ergot. Seed yield ranged from 139 (Pensacola) to 1,158 (Bagual) kg ha-1 among all entries, where Bagual, C18, and V4 produced more than 974 kg ha-1, which was approximately seven times more than Pensacola. Bagual, C18, V4, 336, C15, 225, and D3 showed germination rates greater than 83%. In conclusion, Bagual had the highest seed yield and germination rate, whereas hybrids C18 and 336 showed high seed yield, 1,000-seed weight, and germination rate in both years. Bagual, C18, and 336 should be used in future breeding programs to improve seed production traits. Our study revealed that selection for seed production traits can result in improvements in seed yield and quality in bahiagrass.
  • Genetic parameters, prediction of selection gains and genetic diversity in Andropogon lateralis Nees ecotypes
    Diógenes Cecchin Silveira, Rodrigo Sampaio, Arthur Valentini, Weliton Menezes dos Santos, Júlia Longhi, et al.
    Revista Brasileira De Zootecnia, 2024
  • Repeatability and genotypic stability in intraspecific hybrids of Paspalum notatum Flügge
    Roberto Luis Weiler, Diógenes Cecchin Silveira, André Pich Brunes, Carine Simioni, Annamaria Mills, et al.
    Revista Brasileira De Zootecnia, 2023
  • REML/BLUP methodology for selection intraspecific hybrids of Paspalum notatum Flügge by multivariate analysis
    DIÓGENES C. SILVEIRA, ROBERTO LUIS WEILER, ANDRÉ P. BRUNES, CARINE SIMIONI, ANNAMARIA MILLS, et al.
    Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias, 2023
  • Genetic Parameters, Prediction of Gains and Intraspecific Hybrid Selection of Paspalum notatum Flügge for Forage Using REML/BLUP
    Diógenes Cecchin Silveira, Juliana Medianeira Machado, Eder Alexandre Minski da Motta, Marlon Risso Barbosa, Carine Simioni, et al.
    Agronomy, 2022
  • URSBRS Mesclador–the first red clover cultivar bred in southern Brazil
    Miguel Dall’Agnol, Daniel P. Montardo, Roberto L. Weiler, Maurício M. Köpp, Juliano L. Ferreira, et al.
    New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, 2022
  • Overexpression of the mitochondrial MT-sHSP23.6 gene during antioxidant activity in tomato cv. Micro-Tom subjected to flooding
    Letícia Winke Dias, André Pich Brunes, Angelita Celente Martins, Vitor Mateus Kolesny, Carine Simioni, et al.
    Australian Journal of Crop Science, 2022
  • Root exudation of oxalic acid in Lotus corniculatus in response to aluminum toxicity
    Armando Martins dos Santos, Graziele Pereira Ramos Pedrazza, José Angelo Silveira Zuanazzi, Miguel Dall’Agnol, Roberto Luis Weiler, et al.
    Revista Brasileira De Zootecnia, 2022
  • Dissimilarity between andropogon lateralis ecotypes under different defoliation frequencies and heights
    Thiago Barros, Roberto Luis Weiler, Juliana Medianeira Machado, Diógenes Cecchin Silveira, André Pich Brunes, et al.
    Ciencia Rural, 2022
  • Characterization and genetic diversity in Paspalum notatum Flügge accessions: Morphological and geographical distance
    Marcelo Gomes Steiner, Roberto Luis Weiler, André Pich Brunes, Annamaria Mills, Miguel Dall’Agnol, et al.
    Revista Brasileira De Zootecnia, 2022
  • Nutritive value and herbage mass in hybrids of Paspalum plicatulum × Paspalum guenoarum fertilized with nitrogen or in mixture with temperate legumes
    Eder Alexandre Minski da Motta, Miguel Dall’agnol, Esteban Rios, Cleber Lopes de Souza, Roberto Weiler, et al.
    Grassland Science, 2020
  • Reproductive analyses of intraspecific Paspalum notatum flügge hybrids
    Karine Cristina Krycki, Marília Tedesco, Vitória Rodrigues, Roberto Luis Weiler, André Pich Brunes, et al.
    Crop Breeding and Applied Biotechnology, 2020
  • Agronomic performance of interspecific Paspalum hybrids under nitrogen fertilization or mixed with legumes
    Eder A. Minski da Motta, Miguel DallAgnol, Esteban F. Rios, Cleber H. Lopes de Souza, Roberto L. Weiler, et al.
    Agrosystems Geosciences and Environment, 2020
  • Rice seeds vigor through image processing of seedlings
    André Pich Brunes, Ádamo de Souza Araújo, Letícia Winke Dias, Júlio Antoniolli, Gizele Ingrid Gadotti, et al.
    Ciencia Rural, 2019
  • Accelerated aging test in amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) seeds
    Andréa Bicca Noguez Martins, Caroline Jácome Costa, Fernanda da Motta Xavier, André Pich Brunes, Leticia Winke Dias, et al.
    Australian Journal of Crop Science, 2018
  • Allelopathic effect of rice leaf extracts on different species of weeds
    Interciencia, 2016
  • Seedling length in wheat determined by image processing using mathematical tools
    André Pich Brunes, Ádamo de Souza Araújo, Letícia Winke Dias, Francisco Amaral Villela, Tiago Zanatta Aumonde
    Revista Ciencia Agronomica, 2016
  • Boron fertilization on wheat seed production
    André Pich Brunes, Sandro de Oliveira, Elisa Souza Lemes, Lizandro Ciciliano Tavares, Vânia Marques Gehling, et al.
    Ciencia Rural, 2015
  • Barley seed treatment with zinc: Seed physiological quality and yield
    Lizandro Ciciliano Tavares, André Pich Brunes, Cassyo De Araújo Rufino, Daniel Andrei Robe da Fonseca, Gizele Ingrid Gadotti, et al.
    Semina Ciencias Agrarias, 2015
  • Pathogenic fungi for biocontrol of Sagittaria montevidensis and selectivity for irrigated rice crop
    André Pich Brunes, Sandro de Oliveira, Elisa Souza Lemes, André Oliveira de Mendonça, Letícia Winke Dias, et al.
    Pesquisa Agropecuaria Brasileira, 2015
  • Treatment of rice seeds with salicylic acid: Seed physiological quality and yield
    Lizandro Ciciliano Tavares, Cassyo Araújo Rufino, Sandro de Oliveira, André Pich Brunes, Francisco Amaral Villela
    Journal of Seed Science, 2014
  • Seed treatment of Avena sativa l. with zinc: Physiological quality and performance of initial plans
    Sandro De Oliveira, Lizandro Ciciliano Tavares, Elisa Souza Lemes, André Pich Brunes, Igor Leitzke Dias, et al.
    Semina Ciencias Agrarias, 2014
  • Treatment of wheat seed with zinc, fungicide, and polymer: Seed quality and yield
    Cassyo Araujo Rufino, Lizandro Ciciliano Tavares, André Pich Brunes, Elisa Souza Lemes, Francisco Amaral Villela
    Journal of Seed Science, 2013
  • Physiological performance of wheat seeds coated with micronutrients
    Lizandro Ciciliano Tavares, Cassyo de Araújo Rufino, André Pich Brunes, Felipe Freire Friedrich, Antonio Carlos Souza Albuquerque Barros, et al.
    Journal of Seed Science, 2013
  • Seedling growth of white oats submitted to salt stress
    André Pich Brunes, Daniel Ândrei Robe Fonseca, Cassyo De Araujo Rufino, Lizandro Ciciliano Tavares, Lilian Madruga Tunes, et al.
    Semina Ciencias Agrarias, 2013
  • Performance of rice seeds treated with zinc, boron, and molybdenum
    Lizandro Ciciliano Tavares, Daniel Ândrei Robe Fonseca, André Pich Brunes, Cassyo de Araujo Rufino, Géri Eduardo Meneguello, et al.
    Journal of Seed Science, 2013
  • Effect of acetic acid on rice seeds coated with rice husk ash
    Lizandro Ciciliano Tavares, André Pich Brunes, Daniel Andrei Robe da Fonseca, Gizele Ingrid Gadotti, Lilian Madruga de Tunes, et al.
    Revista Ceres, 2013
  • Accumulation of silicon and phenolic compounds in plant shoots of wheat after silicon fertilization
    Bioscience Journal, 2013
  • Quality analysis of oat cultivars under stress of propionic acid
    Bioscience Journal, 2013
  • Performance of soybean seeds under water stress: Yield and physiological quality of F1 generation
    Lizandro Ciciliano Tavares, Cassyo de Araújo Rufino, André Pich Brunes, Lilian Madruga de Tunes, Antonio Carlos Souza Albuquerque Barros, et al.
    Ciencia Rural, 2013
  • Potassium via coating of soybean seeds: Effects on physiological quality and yield
    Lizandro Ciciliano Tavares, Lilian Madruga de Tunes, André Pich Brunes, Daniel Ândrei Robe Fonseca, Cassyo de Araújo Rufino, et al.
    Ciencia Rural, 2013