Phytotoxicity of Solanum aculeatissimum Jacq: leaves extract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxicity of Solanum aculeatissimum Jacq. leaves ethanolic extract in seeds germination, development and fixation of Lactuca sativa seedlings. The same study also aimed to assess the mitotic index of lettuce roots meristematic cells, quantification of phenols and total flavonoids and triage by mean of phytochemical testing of the main secondary metabolites classes. Bioassays of germination, development of root and hypocotyl were carried out in Petri dishes using achenes of Lactuca sativa L. cv. 'Grand Rapids' (lettuce). Concomitantly, were evaluated the physico-chemical characteristics (pH, osmotic potential and electrical conductivity), mitotic index, quantification of total phenols and flavonoids and determination of phytochemical profile of the treatments extract. The results obtained in the bioassays demonstrate that the ethanol extract of S. aculeatissimuma presents phytotoxic potential in the development of lettuce seedlings, given that the concentration of 20 mg/ml showed greater inhibition (41% of germination). The extract contains significant amounts of antioxidants, total flavonoid and phenols, where the concentration 1000µg/mL showed higher values (86.50%). Furthermore, it was possible to observe the presence of compounds with allelopathic activity in the phytochemical screening test as coumarins, tannins, terpenes, flavonoids and alkaloids. Given the above it is clear that the ethanolic extract of S. aculeatissimum presents allelopathic substances with phytotoxic activity that can affect the germination and development of other plant species in their natural environment.

Effects on soil chemical attributes and cotton yield from ammonium sulfate and cover crops

Fertilizer use in no-till systems must be aligned with a correct interpretation of soil chemical attributes and crop demands. The objectives of this work were evaluate the effects of pre-sowing application of ammonium sulfate (AS) and of cover crops on the yields and soil chemical attributes of no-till cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. r. latifolium Hutch) over two harvesting years. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design, with the plots in strips, and the variables were three cover crops (Raphanus sativus L., Avena strigosa L. and Avena sativa L.) and four AS doses (0, 150, 300, and 450 kg ha-1) applied over millet dry biomass. The cotton in the experimental plots was manually harvested on April 25, 2007 and April 24, 2008. The soil samples were collected between cotton rows in all plots on May 5, 2007 and May 12, 2008, at depths of 0.0-0.05, 0.05-0.10, and 0.10-0.20 m for soil fertility analyses. The increasing doses of AS induced lower soil pH, and calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels in the superficial soil layer, as well as higher exchangeable aluminum (Al) and sulfur (S) levels until a depth of 0.20 m. Seed cotton yields increased with increasing AS doses.

Processo de produção de composto orgânico derivado de resíduos industriais com aplicação no cultivo de alface

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efeito alelopático de melissa, capim-cidreira, lavanda e alecrim na germinação e vigor de sementes de alface

Objetivou-se, neste estudo, avaliar a inluência na germinação e vigor de sementes de alface (Lactuca sativa L.) de macerados e infusões de Melissa oficinalis L. (melissa), Rosmarinus oficinalis L. (alecrim), Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (lavanda) e Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. (capim-cidreira). O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, com nove tratamentos e quatro repetições, cada unidade experimental constituída por 25 sementes. Sendo os tratamentos: alecrim infusão, alecrim macerado, lavanda infusão, lavanda macerado, melissa infusão, melissa macerado, capim-cidreira infusão, capim-cidreira macerado e testemunha. As variáveis avaliadas foram: índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), porcentagens de plantas anormais (PA), porcentagens de plantas germinadas (PG), massa fresca (MF), massa seca (MS), comprimento da parte aérea (CPA) e comprimento da radícula (CR). O capim-cidreira apresentou efeito alelopático negativo na germinação e no vigor de sementes de L. sativa L. Já em melissa infusão veriicou-se ação estimulante.

Acúmulo de nutrientes e resposta da alface à adubação fosfatada

Nutrient absorption and response of lettuce to phosphorus fertilization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of lettuce (cultivar Verônica) to different levels of phosphorus fertilization. The experiment was conducted from 25/09/2003 (sowing) to 03/12/2003 (harvesting) at the Fazenda Experimental São Manuel, UNESP/FCA, Botucatu/SP, under protective structures. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with five treatments (0, 200, 400, 600 and 800kg.ha-1 of P2 O5, in the form of triple superphosphate) and five replications. Plants were grown in 13L plastic pots containing Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico Típico. A quadratic response was observed for the fresh mass of the plant shoots and leaf area, with maximum equivalent levels of 733 and 756kg.ha-1 of P2 O5 , respectively, as well as for potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, copper, iron, manganese and zinc accumulation. Linear increases were observed with the treatments of P2 O5 for dry mass of the shoots, leaf number, plant height and nitrogen and phosphorus accumulation.

Yield of upland rice cultivars in rainfed and sprinkler-irrigated systems in the Cerrado region of Brazil

In upland rice, the reduced grain yield that originates from the moisture stress period is related to the plant's tolerance of water deficiency and may vary between cultivars. The purpose of the work presented here was to evaluate the performance of upland rice cultivars in both rainfed and sprinkler-irrigated systems. A split-plot scheme with 8 replicates in a randomised block design was used. The plots were composed of 2 cropping systems (rainfed and sprinkler-irrigated) and the split-plot consisted of 2 cultivars (IAC 201 and Carajas) which are suggested for cultivation in upland ecosystems. Carajas had a greater number of panicles per square metre, higher spikelet fertility and grain mass, and, consequently, a higher grain yield than IAC 201 regardless of cropping system. IAC 201 was more sensitive to water deficiency than Carajas. Sprinkler irrigation improved spikelet fertility, grain mass and upland rice grain yield. Even when cultivars with a higher tolerance of water deficiency are used, a sprinkler-irrigated system may be a viable method to increase upland rice yield throughout most of the Brazilian Cerrado.

Variation in the host preferences and responses of Ascia monuste orseis Godart (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) to cultivars of collard greens Brassica oleracea (L.) var. acephala

This work evaluated the preference of Ascia monuste orseis among 29 cultivars of collard greens through free- and no-choice assays using female adults (attractiveness and oviposition) and third-instar larvae (feeding preference), in both laboratory and greenhouse conditions. In free-choice tests with female adults, the L, V, Y, H, A, and Z cultivars produced oviposition non-preference in butterflies. Cultivars R, P, C, and D produced feeding non-preference in third-instar larvae of A. monuste orseis in free- and no-choice tests. Our findings may be useful for genetic improvement focusing on the development of B. oleracea var. acephala cultivars resistant to A. monuste orseis.

Dry matter production of shoots and root density of two cultivars of Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet

This experiment was conducted in green house conditions to evaluate the DM accumulation in the shoots and in the roots of two cultivars of Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet. A 2x3 factorial (two cultivars and three evaluation dates) was conducted according to a randomized complete block design with four replications, being the cultivars Highworth and Rongai evaluated at 42, 56, and 70 days after seedling emergence (DASE). The results indicated that the cvs. Highworth and Rongai have the same pattern of DM accumulation in the shoots. In the upper layer of the soil (0-0.20 in) it was found 38.83% and 43.64% of the DM accumulated in the roots down to 2.00 in depth, in the cvs. Highworth and Rongai, respectively. In the deepest layer (1.80-2.00 in) it was found 3.02% and 1.5% of the DM accumulated in the roots of the cvs. Highworth and Rongai, respectively. The root density showed a striking decrease upper layer from the soil (0-0.2 m) down to the depth of 0.60 0.80 in (from 10.83 to 1.75 cm.cm(-3) in the cv. Highworth and from 10.76 to 1.28 cm.cm(-3) in the cv. Rongai). At the bottom layer (1.80-2.00 in) the root density values were 0.98 cm.cm(-3) and 0.59 cm.cm(-3), respectively for the cvs. Highworth and Rongai. The root/shoot ratios were similar in both cvs. and decreased from 42 to 70 DASE showing that the cvs. evaluated had the same dynamics of DM accumulation.

Selection of alfalfa cultivars adapted for tropical environments with repeated measures using PROC MIXED of SAS (R) System

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evaluation of microsatellite markers in cultivars of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck)

Sweet orange is considered a very important species in the citrus world market and presents wide morphological variability. However, its characterization at the molecular level by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and isozyme markers is not appropriate. Microsatellite or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) have been suggested as ideal for studies in cultures of vegetative propagation and as value markers for mapping in several species. However, information on microsatellite polymorphism in citrus species is scarce. In this work, microsatellite markers (AG-repeats) were developed from an enrichment library of genomic DNA of sweet orange cv. Pera (Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck), and 31 cultivars of sweet orange were evaluated. Evaluation of 18 microsatellite primers did not permit differentiation of the varieties studied. New microsatellite primers are being evaluated with the aim of detecting polymorphisms among the cultivars and closely related species to be used in genetic mapping programs.

Damages occurrence and determination of dasineura Sp. (Díptera: Cecidomyiidae) in the pepper cultivars (Capsicum annuum L.) in piracicaba Sp.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the damage potential of Dasineura sp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in the pepper cultivars and show its occurrence in Piracicaba, SP. This experiment was carried out from July to November 1998. The occurrence and damages pest in the fruits were determined by weekly evaluations of pepper hybrids, 'Magali R.' larvals were collected from floral buttons and adults were collected from the incubation of buttons in humidity chamber. Healthy and infested fruits were evaluated for damages caused by pest insects. The results indicated that the damages can reach 100% in some periods of evaluation and that the production losses are significantly high with no application of insecticides. The taxonomy study was performed at National Museum of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). The insect species classification will be the object of study since there is a possibility of observing a specie not described yet.

Production of four cultivars of iceberg lettuce, under protected cultivation, with and without black polyethylene ground cover

The aim of the work was to evaluate the performance of four cultivars of iceberg lettuce, in a greenhouse, with and without ground cover. The experimental design adopted was that of subdivided parcels, where parcels were provided with and without ground cover consisting of black polyethylene and the subparcels consisted of the cultivars. There were three repetitions per treatment and six central plants of each parcel were evaluated. Drip irrigation was utilized. The cultivars studied were: 'Laurel', 'AF-389', 'Mayara' and 'Tainá'. The seeds were planted in Styrofoam trays with 288 cells containing the substrate Plantmax Hortaliças® A. The trays were kept in a greenhouse until transplanting, 25 days after seeding. The parameters examined were: fresh weight of the aerial part per plant, longitudinal (DL) and transverse (DT) diameters of the head, height of the plant and mean number of leaves per plant. Only among the cultivars there were significant differences in transverse and longitudinal diameters of the head and height of the plant. No significant interactions were detected between ground cover and cultivars. With regard to longitudinal and transverse diameters, 'AF-839' (DL = 27.11 cm; DT = 24.53 cm) showed smaller diameters than those of 'Laurel' (DL = 31.13 cm; DT = 30.55 cm), but did not differ from the other cultivars. In regard to height of the plants, 'Laurel' (20.66 cm) had the greatest value and 'AF-839' (16.02 cm) the lowest. The cultivars did not differ with respect to mean number of leaves and fresh weight of the aerial part of the plant. It is concluded that there were no significant differences in the cultivation of the iceberg lettuce with and without ground cover. The cultivar 'Laurel' stood out with respect to longitudinal and transverse diameters and height of the plant, only differing from the 'AF-839' with regard to the diameters.

Effect of plastic film mulch on the production of butterhead lettuce cultivars under protected cultivation

The study was performed in a greenhouse with the aim of evaluating the production of butterhead lettuce cultivars with and without plastic film mulch in the summer. The cultivars studied were 'Elisa', 'Lídia', 'Herman' and 'Luísa'. The experimental design was a split plot, in which the main plot was plastic film mulch (with or without black polyethylene film) and the subplots were the cultivars, with three repetitions. The seedlings were grown in Styrofoam trays of 288 cells and transplanted 25 days after seeding in a space of 25 × 25 cm. Harvests were carried out 45 days after transplanting and the following variables were determined: fresh and dry weights of the aerial part, number of leaves per plant, plant height and the longitudinal and transverse diameters of the plant. Significant differences were found only among the cultivars for the characteristics studied, with no cover × cultivar interaction. Fresh weight of the aerial part of 'Lídia' (270.9 g) was greater than that of 'Herman' (142.5 g), but did not differ from those of 'Luísa' (229.8 g) or 'Elisa' (204.8). The dry weight of the aerial part of 'Lídia' (12.4 g) differed statistically only with respect to that of 'Herman' (7.9 g). The cultivars 'Luísa' and 'Elisa' had an aerial part dry weight of 11.4 and 11.2 g, respectively. The number of leaves per plant of the cultivars 'Luísa' (45.1) and 'Elisa' (43.0) was higher than for 'Herman' (24.05), but did not differ from that of the cultivar 'Lídia' (39.5). The mean transverse and longitudinal diameters, as well as the mean height of the plants, showed that 'Lídia', 'Elisa' and 'Luísa' had the greatest values. The cultivars 'Lídia', 'Elisa' and 'Luísa' were the most productive and plastic film mulch had no effect on lettuce production under protected cultivation.

Performance of cultivars of crisp mini-lettuce with respect to ground cover and spacing, in three planting times

The planting of lettuce in greenhouses, as well as covering beds with a polyethylene sheet, is a viable technology, promoting improvements in microclimatic conditions of the environment. In view of the little information on mini-lettuce, the aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of three cultivars of crisp minilettuce ('Green Frizzly', 'Red Frizzly no. 1' and 'Red Frizzly no. 2') with and without ground cover, under different spacings (20 × 15 cm and 20 × 20 cm), in three planting times (1: November 16, 2004; 2: December 17, 2004; and 3: January 20, 2005). The study was conducted in a greenhouse at UNESP-FCAV, Jaboticabal-SP. The experiments were carried out using a randomized block design, following a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial scheme with 12 treatments and three repetitions. The characteristics evaluated were plant height (cm), head diameter (cm), fresh weight (g) and number of leaves per plant. Planting time 3 was shown to be favorable for all the characteristics analyzed. 'Red Frizzly no. 2' was found to be the most suited to planting time 1, and for planting times 2 and 3, this cultivar did not differ from 'Red Frizzly no. 1'. The factor ground cover was not found to affect the characteristics evaluated, and therefore, cultivation without ground cover is recommended. The spacing 20 × 15 cm was shown to be favorable, resulting in cultivation with the highest populations, thereby increasing productivity. Based on the results obtained and for the conditions in which the experiment was conducted, it can be concluded that: planting time 3 (January 20, 2005) was the most favorable; the cultivars 'Red Frizzly no. 2' and 'Red Frizzly no. 1' are adapted to all the planting times; and cultivation without ground cover using a spacing of 20 × 15 cm was the most suitable.