Formas de aplicación de zinc para las plantas de maíz que crecen en Oxisol: Efectos sobre el suelo, la nutrición de las plantas y la productividad

The way of applying zinc can influence the zinc uptake and productivity of crops, especially cereals that have high demand for this nutrient. The aim of this study is to evaluate methods of Zn application on soil, nutritional status and productivity of maize. For this, an experiment was undertaken at FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal-SP, in Oxisol clay (DTPA on Zn: 0.5 mg dm-3) with maize (hybrid Simple Impact), from December through May 2009. Nine treatments with three doses of Zn in soil banded application (in furrows) and three doses of Zn by incorporation in soil (0-20 cm depth), foliar application, seed application and control (no Zn). The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. Regardless of the method, Zn application promoted higher contents of this micronutrient in soil and higher accumulation in the shoots as well as increasing Zn in the maize grain. However, it did not affect the nutritional status and yield of the maize. The Zn application in the soil resulted in a greater Zn uptake by plants and maize yield, compared to Zn application in the plant by seed or foliar.

Genetic diversity in Egeria densa and E. najas in Jupia Reservoir, Brazil

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

Epiphyte plants use by birds in Brazil

This study firstly reviewed the interspecific interaction records between birds and epiphyte plants in Brazil. Forty two documents, including articles, scientific notes, books and thesis, and 35 personal records and from collaborators were argued, totaling 112 species of birds that interacted with 97 species of epiphyte plants. Two articles treated the theme specifically and another 40 treated related subjects, such as: pollination of epiphytes, ecology and feeding behavior of birds. Studies were concentrated mainly in Atlantic Forest, in the southeastern Brazilian region. The epiphyte species more visited by birds was Aechmea nudicaulis (Bromeliaceae). The main visitor of epiphytes was Ramphodon naevius (Trochilidae). According to the number of authors' citations an index of generality in bird-epiphyte interactions was created. As result the index inferred that the ovenbird Cichlocolaptes leucophrus and the bromeliad Nidularium procerum are less generalist and more specialist species in bird-epiphyte interactions. The totality of the papers showed a considerable number of bird species that use the epiphytes plants and its resources, including nectar, fruits, invertebrates, nest material, nesting place, water and bath. Considering the importance of epiphytes to supply a variety of resources for birds, these results highlighted the necessity of additional and specific studies about the theme in various Brazilian regions and biomes.

Plantas medicinais: indicação popular de uso no tratamento de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS)

The aim of this study is to investigate the spontaneous use of medicinal plants by volunteer patients in the treatment of hypertension and to determine the most used plants in this situation. Data were collected through a questionnaire and a semi-structured guided interview applied to patients from a health center in the Midwest region of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Quantitative analysis identified a high number of hypertensive patients spontaneously using herbal treatment. The referred plants were identified by the Herbarium Botu and researched in the literature as to their therapeutic actions. The biggest mistake was observed in the misuse of the Bilberry for the treatment of hypertension, which reveals that health professionals and the community in general should be more careful. As a result we have published an informative booklet, with emphasis on hypertension concepts and on the use of medicinal plants as an alternative therapy method for this disease in order to provide scientific knowledge and scientific research evidence to this practice.