Evapotranspiration and crop coefficients of melon plants measured by lysimeter and estimated according to FAO 56 methodology

Aiming at contributing to an adequate management of water resources, this study aimed to analyze and compare evapotranspiration (ETc) and crop coefficients (Kc) of melon plants measured by a lysimeter and estimated according to the FAO 56 methodology, in the city of Mossoró, state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil. In order to measure ETc, weighing lysimeters with an area of 2.25m² were used, with two repetitions. The Penman-Monteith equation parameterized by FAO was used to estimate the reference evapotranspiration, and crop coefficients were those recommended in FAO-56 Bulletin adjusted to local climatic conditions. The required climatic data and lysimeter measurements were collected by an automatic weather station installed at the site. The results were compared by means of statistical indicators: of precision (r), of accuracy (d), and performance (c), in daily and weekly intervals. The data estimated by the FAO 56 methodology were adjusted optimally to the values measured by the lysimeters in accordance with index "c" in the two time scales assessed, indicating the potential of the method proposed by FAO to irrigation management in the climatic conditions of Agripole Assú-Mossoró.

Management strategies of saline water on morphometric characteristics of melon cultivars

It was to aimed it to investigate effects of various saline water use strategies on melon production and quality of two cultivars (Cucumis melo L., Sancho - C1 and Medellín - C2. The plants were irrigated with water of low (S1 = 0.61 dS m-1) and high (S2 = 4.78 dS m-1) salinity levels, during each crop stage: S1S1S2S2 - T1; S2S1S2S2 - T2; S2S2S1S2 - T3. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th terms of these sequences correspond to initial growth, flowering, fruit ripening and harvest phenological stages, respectively. Additionally, there was irrigation rotation during all cycle, with water S1 during two days followed by S2 for one day (S1 2 dias + S2 1 dia - T4) and irrigation with non-salt water S2 during all cycle - T5. Moreover, we used as control, the irrigation water at 3.2 dS m-1 resulting from water mixture of S1 and S2 - T6 (farm used irrigation management). The experiment was carried out in Pedra Preta Farm, in Mossoró, RN, using an entire randomized block statistical design in a 6x2 subdivided plot scheme with four replications. Saline water irrigation at initial growth stage reduces leaf area and shoot dry phytomass of Sancho and Medellín melon cultivars. The irrigation by T4 provided the highest phytomass production of fruits at 48 DAS, reducing in 33% of good quality water in irrigation.

Evaluacion de herbicidas de aplicacion temprana en el cultivo de melon de trasplante

O objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar herbicidas para otimizar o controle de plantas daninhas e o rendimento da cultura de melão, implantada pela técnica de transplante, nas condições agroecológicas do sul da província de Buneos Aires. Com a finalidade de proteger a cultura durante o período crítico de competição das plantas daninhas, nas primeiras sete semanas , foram utilizados os herbicida trifluralin, pendimethalin , metribuzin, naptalan, butylate, atrazine, linuron e misturas de pendimethalin + linuron, antes do transplante. Os três primeiros herbicidas foram incorporados ao solo de forma mecânica e os demais mediante irrigação. Durante as safras 1992/93 e 1993/94 os herbicidas naptalan, pendimethalin e a mistura controlaram de forma eficiente a comunidade infestante. Os maiores rendimentos da cultura foram obtidos com a aplicação de pendimethalin e com a mistura pendimethalin + linuron, no entanto, o naptalan não trouxe incrementos ao rendimento da cultura em relação a testemunha mantida no mato.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of bitter and sweet apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) kernels

Abstract The present study describes the in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of methanol and water extracts of sweet and bitter apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) kernels. The antioxidant properties of apricot kernels were evaluated by determining radical scavenging power, lipid peroxidation inhibition activity and total phenol content measured with a DPPH test, the thiocyanate method and the Folin method, respectively. In contrast to extracts of the bitter kernels, both the water and methanol extracts of sweet kernels have antioxidant potential. The highest percent inhibition of lipid peroxidation (69%) and total phenolic content (7.9 ± 0.2 µg/mL) were detected in the methanol extract of sweet kernels (Hasanbey) and in the water extract of the same cultivar, respectively. The antimicrobial activities of the above extracts were also tested against human pathogenic microorganisms using a disc-diffusion method, and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of each active extract were determined. The most effective antibacterial activity was observed in the methanol and water extracts of bitter kernels and in the methanol extract of sweet kernels against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the methanol extracts of the bitter kernels were very potent against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (0.312 mg/mL MIC value). Significant anti-candida activity was also observed with the methanol extract of bitter apricot kernels against Candida albicans, consisting of a 14 mm in diameter of inhibition zone and a 0.625 mg/mL MIC value.

Biochemical and color changes of fresh-cut melon (Cucumis melo L. cv. Galia) treated with UV-C

The importance of minimally processed commodities in the retail groceries of most developed countries has been rising continuously during the last decades. Cantaloupe melon is used more than any other fruit in fresh-cut processing. Ultraviolet (UV) light has been extensively used to simulate biological stres in plants and for determining resistance mechanisms of plant tissues. In this study the effect of ultraviolet irradiation on some properties of fresh-cut cantalope melon was determined during storage. Freshly cut cantalope melons cubes treated with ultraviolet irradiation at the doses of 1, 2 or 3 min before storage, and then placed in a cold room at 5±1°C temperature and 85-90% RH. Hue angle values of control group is low compared to UV-C treated samples, whereas L values of is high. EL of UV treated samples higher than those of control group. Total soluble solids of fresh-cut melon samples in UC3 treatment increased during storage. The results indicate that UV-C treatments on fresh-cut cantaloupe melon cubes increased total soluble solids independently from water loss.

Observações sôbre alguns diplópodos de interêsse agrícola

This paper deals with some Millipedes (Diplopoda), which have been verified associated with or attacking on cultivated plants. The following forms are reported: 1) Orthomorpha (Orthomorpha) coarctata (Saussure, 1860) - Enormous numbers of individuals belonging to this species, whose synanthropic habits are frequentely emphasized, were collected around coffee-plants kept in a nursery. Young plants (with 10 cm) are mentioned as damaged by the species, which gnaws the stem, just above the roots. The dusting with benzene hexachloride (BHC) was successfully employed to prevent the invasions. Other occurrences of O. coarctata are reported, ecological and biological informations being also added. 2) Orthomorpha (Kalorthomorpha) gracilis (C. L. Koch, 1847) - Observed frequentely associated with the former species, being however less numerous. Both forms are very active, seemming to be widely distributed throughout the State of S. Paulo. 3) Cylindroiulus (Aneuloboiulus) britannicus (Verhoeff, 1891) - This species represents the first european Millipede verified in Brazil, by O. SCHUBART (1942a). The Author obtained a few specimens associated with O. gracilis, from the roots of lettuce plants. The lesions shown by the stem just above the roots seem to be due to both species. 4) Alloporus setiger Broelemann, 1902; Gymnostreptus olivaceus Schubart, 1944 and Pseudonannolene tricolor Broelemann, 1902 - Total damages determined by these species (mainly G. olivaceus) were observed in cultures of sugar-beet and melon. Actually, the Millipedes destroyed entirely the roots of the former plant and the fruits of the latter, representing a serious pest, here reported by the first time. Ecological and bionomical data are also included. 5) Pseudonannolene sp. (possibly P. paulista Broelemann, 1902) - Verified gnawing sweet-potatoes, about the crackings exhibited by the tubers. The crackings in sweet-potatoes appear to result in certain instances from a root-knot nematodes infection (Meloidogyne sp). P. paulista was recentely observed attacking potatoes, destroying from 6 to 30% of the tubers, according to the variety (BOOCK & LORDELLO, 1952).

O brix na determinação da riqueza em açúcares do mamão como auxiliar no melhoramento do mamoeiro (Carica papaya L.)

There is in the literature a noteworthy lack of sampling methods to be employed in the selection of papaya fruits for genetical improvement purposes. In the present experiment methods applied to melon and watermelon were extended to papaya with good results. The authors tried to correlate the solids content-as determined by a hand refractometer-with total sugars in the fruit. The correlation does exist being significant and positive. A regression equation was worked out; it permits to calculate the total sugar content provided the Brix value determined by the hand refractometer is known. The equation is as follows: a = 0.57 s where a = total amount of sugar as glucose, and s = total solids.

Auxiliares e Técnicos de enfermagem e controle de infecção hospitalar em centro cirúrgico: mitos e verdades

Este estudo analítico descritivo objetivou detectar conceitos que traduzem mitos e verdades relativos à infecção hospitalar entre auxiliares e técnicos de enfermagem no centro cirúrgico de três hospitais. O instrumento para coleta de dados possui 28 afirmações (15 verdadeiras e 13 falsas) contemplando fatores relacionados ao paciente, equipe cirúrgica, ambiente, procedimentos. As afirmações contêm escala em três pontos (concordo, tenho dúvida, discordo). Obtivemos respostas adequadas em 72% e não adequadas em 28%, indicando o satisfatório conhecimento da enfermagem perioperatória relacionadas ao controle infecção hospitalar . Nos itens uso de pro-pé, alianças e outros objetos, pêlo como patógeno, escovação das mãos, uso de avental e campo cirúrgico umedecidos, cirurgia infectada e rotina de limpeza, doenças ocupacionais, infecção hospitalar, infecção sítio cirúrgico e tempo operatório, pudemos detectar mitos e rituais referentes ao controle de infecção, que estão relacionados sobretudo à cultura de quem os praticam, perpetuando resistência a mudanças.

Qualidade dos frutos de tipos de melão,produzidos em ambiente protegido

O interesse pela cultura do melão no Brasil tem aumentado muito nos últimos anos, pelas crescentes exportações e pelo incremento no consumo do mercado interno. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características físicas e químicas, assim como a atividade da pectinametilesterase dos frutos de tipos de melão (Cucumis melo L.), produzidos em ambiente protegido, no município de Centenário do Sul-PR. Os tipos estudados foram: Valenciano ('Amarelo-Ouro'), Caipira ('Gaúcho Caipira'), Net Melon ('Net Galia'), Orange ('Orange Melon') e Pele-de-Sapo ('Filipo'), com cinco repetições, utilizando seis frutos por repetição em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os frutos do Valenciano e Pele-de-Sapo destacaram-se quanto à massa, com valores 2,02 e 2,07 kg, respectivamente, e formatos alongados, enquanto os demais tipos apresentaram formatos arredondados e massa em torno de 1,4 kg. Os melões Pele-de-Sapo apresentaram espessura da polpa de 43,36 mm, estatisticamente superior à dos frutos Valenciano, com 38,98 mm. A menor espessura de polpa, 24,78 cm, e a maior espessura de casca, 9,74 mm, foram encontradas nos frutos do tipo Caipira que diferiu estatisticamente dos outros tipos. Os valores de pH não se apresentaram estatisticamente diferentes e variaram de 6,24 a 6,48. O Net Melon apresentou polpa com 12,3ºBrix e diferiu estatisticamente do Orange, Valenciano e Pele-de-Sapo, com 11;12; 10,34 e 9,94 ºBrix, respectivamente. O Caipira atingiu 5,06ºBrix, e também o menor conteúdo de acidez, 0,10 g de ac. cítrico.100-1 g de suco, o que inviabiliza sua comercialização. A atividade da pectinametilesterase na polpa dos frutos foi muito baixa, inferior a 0,005 PEu x 10(4) mL-1, nos cinco tipos avaliados. Na região norte do Paraná (Vale do Paranapanema), sob condições de cultivo protegido, os melões Pele-de-Sapo, Net Melon, Orange e Valenciano apresentaram boas características físicas e químicas dos frutos, destacando-se o Net Melon pelo teor de sólidos solúveis totais, acima de 12ºBrix.

Preharvest calcium sprays were not always needed to improve quality of 'gala' apples in Brazil

Calcium sprays have normally improved both the quality and the storage life of apples throughout the world because Ca helps to prevent many fruit disorders and that taken up from the soil does not often reach the fruit in adequate amounts. Since the efficacy of Ca sprays varies according to soil, apple cultivar, and weather conditions, this study was carried out from 1998 to 2004, in the Southern of Brazil, in order to assess the effect of Ca sprays on the quality and storability of 'Gala' fruits. The experiment was set up in an orchard planted in 1988, on a density of 1234 trees/ha. Treatments consisted of 0, 4, 8, and 12 annual sprays of 0.5% CaCl2 regularly distributed 30 days after petal fall until one week before harvest. Fruits of the same size and maturity level were annually analyzed at harvest and after five months of conventional cold storage (-1ºC and 90-95% of RH). In five out of six seasons, fruits from all treatments were free of any physiological disorder, and Ca sprays had no effect on leaf composition and on any fruit attribute (soluble solids, titratable acidity, starch pattern index, flesh firmness, and concentrations of N, K, Ca and Mg). In the season of 2000/2001, however, when yield was 18 t ha-1 and fruits had an average weight of 175 g, the incidence of bitter pit plus lenticel blotch pit on stored fruits was 24% in the treatment with no calcium sprays and it decreased up to 2% in that with 12 sprays. Two seasons later, yield was also low (25 t ha-1) and fruits were large (168 g each), but they did not show any physiological disorder regardless of the number of Ca sprays. It seems that the incidence of Ca related disorders in 'Gala' apples grown on limed soils in Brazil with no excess of any nutrient only occurs on seasons with low crop yield, as a result of large fruits and a high leaf/fruit ratio, associated with some unknown environmental conditions.

Coloração do fruto, distúrbios fisiológicos e doenças em maçãs 'Gala' e 'Fuji' pulverizadas com aminoetoxivinilglicina

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da pulverização pré-colheita de macieiras 'Gala' e 'Fuji' com aminoetoxivinilglicina (AVG) sobre a qualidade dos frutos e a ocorrência de distúrbios fisiológicos e doenças. O experimento foi conduzido nos anos de 2005 e 2006, com pulverização de AVG (30 dias antes do início da colheita comercial dos frutos) nas doses de 0; 125 e 250 mg L-1, sendo que, na segunda safra, também foi utilizada a dose de 62,5 mg L-1. Em maçãs 'Gala', o aumento na dose de AVG reduziu o desenvolvimento de coloração vermelha e a permeância à perda de água na casca. Nesta mesma cultivar, em frutos avaliados após armazenamento refrigerado (três meses a 0±0,5ºC/90-95% UR), seguido de uma semana de vida de prateleira (20±4ºC/60-70% UR), o tratamento pré-colheita com AVG aumentou a incidência de "bitter pit", porém reduziu a incidência de escaldadura, rachadura peduncular e podridões. Em maçãs 'Fuji', o aumento na dose de AVG reduziu a incidência e a severidade de pingo-de-mel em frutos colhidos tardiamente. A pulverização com AVG aumentou a severidade de mancha foliar de 'Gala' (Glomerella cingulata).

Apple biological and physiological disorders in the orchard and in postharvest according to production system

The study aimed to evaluate the incidence of biological and physiological disorders in the field and postharvested apples cvs. Gala, Fuji and Catarina grown in four production systems: conventional, organic transition, integrated and organic. Apples were evaluated for damages related to biological and physiological disorders in the orchard and after harvest. The greatest damages were attributed to pests, especially Anastrepha fraterculus in the organic system and Grapholita molesta in the organic transition. Apples produced in organic orchards had higher damage levels caused by postharvest physiological disorders than those grown in other production systems. For apples becoming from organic orchards most of the damage was due to lenticels breakdown and degeneration ('Gala'), and bitter pit ('Fuji' and 'Catarina'). The incidence of postharvest rot was not influenced by apple production system.

Nutrição, sanidade, rendimento e qualidade de frutos em macieiras 'Catarina' conduzidas sob manejo integrado e orgânico

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos dos sistemas de manejo integrado e orgânico sobre atributos de nutrição, sanidade, rendimento e qualidade de maçãs 'Catarina'. O estudo foi realizado em São Joaquim-SC, ao longo das safras de 2008/2009 e 2009/2010. O porta-enxerto era Marubakaido, com filtro de EM-9, e as macieiras conduzidas, em líder central. Os atributos do solo eram adequados ao desenvolvimento e produção das macieiras em ambos os sistemas. O sistema de manejo orgânico aumentou o teor de Cu nas folhas e Ca e Cu na casca e polpa dos frutos, a área de cor vermelha na epiderme dos frutos e a incidência de frutos com queimaduras por sol e com danos por mosca-das-frutas. O índice iodo-amido e o teor de sólidos solúveis foram superiores nos frutos do sistema orgânico. O manejo orgânico reduziu a área foliar média das plantas, e nos frutos reduziu as relações K/Ca, Mg/Ca, N/Ca e (K+Mg)/Ca na casca e Mg/Ca na polpa, a severidade de "russeting", o número de sementes e a acidez titulável. Não houve diferenças quanto aos demais atributos avaliados. A produção orgânica de maçãs é viável, desde que disponível tecnologia eficaz para o controle da mosca-das-frutas.

Fundamentals of beer and hop chemistry

Beer brewing is an intricate process encompassing mixing and further elaboration of four essential raw materials, including barley malt, brewing water, hops and yeast. Particularly hops determine to a great extent typical beer qualities such as bitter taste, hoppy flavour, and foam stability. Conversely, hop-derived bitter acids account for an offending lightstruck flavour, which is formed on exposure of beer to light. These various processes are presented in detail, while due emphasis is placed on state-of-the-art hop technology, which provides brewers with efficient means to control bitterness, foam, and light-stability thereby allowing for the production of beers with consistent quality.

Determinação do perfil de compostos voláteis e avaliação do sabor e aroma de bebidas produzidas a partir da erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis)

Volatile compounds from green and roasted yerba mate were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and the flavor profile from yerba mate beverages was determined by descriptive quantitative analyses. The main compounds tentatively identified in green mate were linalool, alpha-terpineol and trans-linalool oxide and in roasted mate were (E,Z)-2,4-heptadienal isomers and 5-methylfurfural. Green mate infusion was qualified as having bitter taste and aroma as well as green grass aroma while roasted mate was defined as having a smooth, slightly burnt aroma. The relationship between the tentatively identified compounds and flavor must be determined by olfatometric analysis.