About the Program: The Master's Program in Agronomy at UFU, established in March 2000, is designed to train professionals capable of engaging in teaching, research, and extension activities within the agricultural sector. Situated in the Triângulo Mineiro region—a significant hub for agricultural production in Brazil—the program emphasizes scientific advancement and technological innovation in agriculture. It fosters a comprehensive understanding of plant production, aiming to address both regional and national agricultural challenges.

2. Objectives): The primary objective of the program is to develop human resources proficient in conducting high-quality research, teaching, and extension services in agronomy. It seeks to promote the development of research and the continuous pursuit of technological innovations in agriculture, aiming for scientific improvement, high-quality teaching, and the diagnosis, identification, and solution of problems of regional and national interest. The program emphasizes a systemic approach to plant production management, ensuring the integration of teaching, research, and extension activities. Additionally, it focuses on developing and adapting innovative technologies and methodologies for the productive sector and disseminating results through scientific publications and media channels.

3. Infrastructure: In 2018, the majority of the Agronomy Graduate Program's classes were relocated to the Glória Campus, a university-owned farm equipped to support agricultural sciences education. This campus offers specialized facilities conducive to practical learning, including exclusive access to a library and university restaurant. To facilitate transportation, inter-campus buses operate regularly between campuses. The program's coordination office, also situated at the Glória Campus, provides individualized support to students, staffed by two full-time secretaries. The office is well-equipped with computers, printers, scanners, projectors, notebooks, netbooks, and an interactive whiteboard. Additionally, a digital archive maintains individual records for all current and former students, ensuring efficient and personalized service.

4. Labratories :

Laboratory Name Description Research Focus

LAGEN - Laboratory of Seed Analysis and Genetic Resources Supports analysis of seeds through physical, physiological, genetic, and sanitary tests; also engages in plant breeding and genetic resource conservation. Resistance of vegetables to biotic and abiotic stress.

LABAC - Laboratory of Plant Bacteriology Provides support for teaching and research in phytobacteriology; performs detection and diagnosis of bacterial plant diseases. Seed-borne bacteria, bacterial biofertilizers, photodynamic therapy, nanoparticles in bacterial control, genetic diversity, and etiology of phytobacteria.

LACTP - Laboratory of Plant Tissue Culture Hosts practical classes and research related to in vitro cultivation, propagation, and conservation of plant species. Micropropagation and in vitro germplasm conservation.

LACOB - Laboratory of Entomology and Biological Control Focuses on the biological control of pests; develops studies using insects and mites in sustainable pest management strategies. Biological control of pests in major agricultural crops.

LAVIV - Laboratory of Plant Virology Specialized in plant virus genomics using bioinformatics and computational tools to analyze viral genomes. Genomic analysis and characterization of various plant viruses.

LAMEC - Laboratory of Agricultural Mechanization Supports research and education in agricultural mechanization; provides equipment and infrastructure for tests and demonstrations. Mechanization techniques, machinery efficiency, and adaptation for agricultural systems.

LAMIP - Laboratory of Mycology and Plant Protection Offers practical education in plant pathology; conducts research on plant diseases caused by fungi. Diagnosis and integrated management of plant fungal diseases.

LAMAA - Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology Conducts teaching and research on soil and environmental microbiology; supports soil health monitoring and microbial studies. Microbial metabolism, soil quality indicators, and the effect of heavy metals.

LASEM - Laboratory of Seeds Supports seed production and quality research; used in teaching and research for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Seed quality, physiological traits, storage, and technologies for seed production.

LASEF - Laboratory of Forest Seeds Located at Campus Umuarama, it facilitates studies related to the production and conservation of seeds of native and exotic forest species. Research on germination, viability, storage, and genetic conservation of forest seeds.

LASIL - Laboratory of Silviculture Provides infrastructure for silvicultural experiments; supports teaching and research in forest management and reforestation. Silviculture techniques, forest plantation systems, species adaptation, and sustainable forestry practices.

LAFER - Laboratory of Fertilizer Technology Established in 1991, supports research in fertilizer formulation and performance; includes the Silicon in Agriculture Research Group (GPSi). Soil fertility, silicon use in agriculture, alternative fertilizer sources, and soil remineralizers.

5. (Curriculum Composition):

Total Credit Requirement: To successfully complete the program, students must earn a minimum of 24 credits distributed as follows:

· Mandatory Core Courses: 6 credits

· Area of Concentration Courses: Minimum of 12 credits

· Elective Courses (Complementary Formation): Remaining credits to fulfill the 24-credit requirement

Mandatory Core Courses (6 credits)

These courses are compulsory for all students and provide essential skills and knowledge:

· Experimentação Agrícola (Agricultural Experimentation): 4 credits

· Seminário I (Seminar I): 1 credit

· Seminário II (Seminar II): 1 credit

Areas of Concentration

Students select one of the following areas to specialize in, each offering a range of courses:

1. Fitotecnia (Crop Science):

• Cultura da Soja (Soybean Cultivation)
• Cultura de Tecidos Vegetais (Plant Tissue Culture)
• Melhoramento de Plantas (Plant Breeding)
• Olericultura (Vegetable Production)
• Virologia Vegetal (Plant Virology)

2. Fitopatologia (Plant Pathology):

• Diagnose e Controle de Doenças de Plantas (Diagnosis and Control of Plant Diseases)
• Fitobacteriologia (Phytobacteriology)
• Patologia de Sementes (Seed Pathology)
• Patogênese e Epidemiologia (Pathogenesis and Epidemiology)
• Virologia Vegetal Molecular (Molecular Plant Virology)

3. Solos (Soil Science):

• Classificação e Uso do Solo (Soil Classification and Use)
• Fertilidade do Solo e Nutrição de Plantas (Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition)
• Física do Solo (Soil Physics)
• Manejo Sustentável do Solo e da Água (Sustainable Soil and Water Management)
• Matéria Orgânica do Solo (Soil Organic Matter)

Elective Courses (Complementary Formation)

Students may choose from a variety of elective courses to complement their studies, such as:

· Estatística Experimental e Computacional (Experimental and Computational Statistics)

· Controle Biológico de Pragas (Biological Pest Control)

· Gestão Ambiental na Agricultura (Environmental Management in Agriculture)

· Tecnologia de Aplicação de Agroquímicos (Agrochemical Application Technology)

· Uso de Resíduos e Fertilizantes na Agricultura (Use of Waste and Fertilizers in Agriculture)

6. How is the program conducted: The Master's in Geography at UFU's PPGAgro can be pursued either with or without a scholarship, each with distinct structures. With a scholarship: (typically funded by CAPES, CNPq, FAPEMIG, or UFU), students commit to full-time research and coursework, often with teaching or research assistance duties (4–8h/week), and must meet periodic progress evaluations to maintain funding, which usually lasts 24 months.

Without a scholarship: students have more flexibility to balance studies with external work, though this may extend the program’s duration beyond the standard 2 years. In both cases, the curriculum requires 24 credits (core + elective courses), original thesis research, and a final defense. Scholarship holders benefit from financial support (R$ 2,100/month) and prioritized lab access, while self-funded students can pursue industry work but may face limited research grants. The program’s core focus remains on advanced computer science topics, with research conducted in PPGAgro’s specialized labs.

7. Language Requirements for International Applicants

Portuguese Proficiency: Since most coursework and administrative processes are conducted in Portuguese, international students typically need to demonstrate B2-level proficiency (CEFR) or equivalent.

Accepted tests/certificates: CELPE-Bras (Certificate of Proficiency in Portuguese for Foreigners, issued by the Brazilian government).

Other recognized Portuguese language exams (if applicable).

UFU offers support or preparatory courses in Portuguese, especially for qualified candidates in research-intensive fields. Occasionally, if the program has some courses in English or a thesis supervisor is fluent in English, accommodations may be made during the research phase.

Duration of the course:

· Minimum Duration: 12 months

· Maximum Duration: 24 months