Ação alelopática de alguns extratos de plantas daninhas na germinação do arroz (Oryza sativa L. cv. IAC - 165)

O efeito do extrato aquoso de três plantas daninhas, Cynodon dactylon (l.)Pers., Cyperus rotundus l. e Sorghum halepense (l.) Pers. sobre a germinação e o crescimento de plântulas de arroz (Oryza salina L. cv. IAC-165) foi estudado, com a finalidade de investigar a sensibilidade do arroz aos efeitos alelopáticos dessas plantas. Foram utilizados, na preparação dos extratos, raizes de Cynodon daclylon, tubérculos de Cyperus rolundus: e riomas de Sorglun halepense, os quais foram homoneizados em solução aquosa, submetidos a filtração e centrifugação. O sobrenadante foi aplicado no substrato de germinação das sementes, verificando-se, aos sete dias após a se meadura, que apenas os extratos de Cy-nodon daetylon e Sorghum halepense afetaram a porcentagem de germinação das sementes de arroz. Entretanto, o crescimento da radícula e da parte aérea das plântulas foi prejudicado pelos três extratos testados, sendo o efeito mais drástico causado pelo extrato de Cyperus, retundus.

Estudos sobre a cinética de absorção do fósforo pelo arroz (Oryza sativa L.) e pelo feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Objetivando caracterizar os efeitos das diferentes concentrações de fósforo e da presença de outros íons na cinética de absorção de radiofósforo, foram conduzidos ensaios em solução nutritiva, em condições ambientais controladas. Foram empregadas raízes destacadas de arrroz e feijão para os estudos com diferentes concentrações de fósforo no meio (10-7 M até 5 x 10-2 M) e para avaliar as interações promovidas por Mg+2, Al+3, K+, NH4+, N-NO3-, N-urêia no mecanismo de absorção por períodos de uma hora e meia a duas horas. Em plantas inteiras de arroz procurou-se avaliar os efeitos da presença de Mg e/ou alumínio na absorção e transporte de fósforo quando variava a concentração externa (1 ppm, 5 ppm, 10 ppm e 20 ppm) por um período de 17 horas. Foi constatado um mecanismo duplo de absorção com as duas fases seguindo a cinética simples de Michaelis-Menten, e com ponto de transição entre 1-50x10-5. A transformada de dados segundo Hofstee adaptou-se melhor à interpretação dos dados experimentais. Feijão foi mais eficientes na absorção que arroz para a primeira fase (maior Vmax). Alumínio apresentou efeito estimulatório nítido na absorção de fósforo, promovendo porém, a fixação do ânion na raiz quando consideradas as concentrações mais baixas. Em concentrações altas de P, este último efeito não foi evidenciado. Magnésio não promoveu maior absorção, nem maior transporte do que K+; o mesmo aconteceu com as diferentes formas de nitrogênio. Uréia poderia ter um efeito depressivo maior, embora não significativo. Discutem-se os prováveis mecanismos envolvidos nestas respostas.

Ação de estimulante vegetal na produtividade do arroz (Oryza sativa L: cv. IAC-165)

Este ensaio foi realizado com o objetivo de verificar o efeito do estimulante vegetal Respond, na produção do arroz (Oryza sativa L. cv. IAC-165), em condições de campo. No campo experimental da E.S.A. "Luiz de Queiroz", em Piracicaba (SP), aplicou-se Respond nas dosagens de 1,0 e 1,5 l/ha por ocasião da iniciação da panícula e em plena florescência, além do controle. Por ocasião da colheita observou-se que Respond reduziu a altura das plantas de arroz. Respond 1,5 l/ha diminuiu o perfilhamento e o número de panículas por metro de linha. Respond 1,0 l/ha aumentou o número de sementes por panícula do arroz 'IAC-165'. Outros parâmetros da produção não foram afetados pela aplicação do estimulante vegetal.

Mitigation of methane and nitrous oxide emissions from flood-irrigated rice by no incorporation of winter crop residues into the soil

Winter cover crops are sources of C and N in flooded rice production systems, but very little is known about the effect of crop residue management and quality on soil methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. This study was conducted in pots in a greenhouse to evaluate the influence of crop residue management (incorporated into the soil or left on the soil surface) and the type of cover-crop residues (ryegrass and serradella) on CH4 and N2O emissions from a flooded Albaqualf soil cultivated with rice (Oryza sativa L.). The closed chamber technique was used for air sampling and the CH4 and N2O concentrations were analyzed by gas chromatography. Soil solution was sampled at two soil depths (2 and 20 cm), simultaneously to air sampling, and the contents of dissolved organic C (DOC), NO3-, NH4+, Mn2+, and Fe2+ were analyzed. Methane and N2O emissions from the soil where crop residues had been left on the surface were lower than from soil with incorporated residues. The type of crop residue had no effect on the CH4 emissions, while higher N2O emissions were observed from serradella (leguminous) than from ryegrass, but only when the residues were left on the soil surface. The more intense soil reduction verified in the deeper soil layer (20 cm), as evidenced by higher contents of reduced metal species (Mn2+ and Fe2+), and the close relationship between CH4 emission and the DOC contents in the deeper layer indicated that the sub-surface layer was the main CH4 source of the flooded soil with incorporated crop residues. The adoption of management strategies in which crop residues are left on the soil surface is crucial to minimize soil CH4 and N2O emissions from irrigated rice fields. In these production systems, CH4 accounts for more than 90 % of the partial global warming potential (CH4+N2O) and, thus, should be the main focus of research.

Yield performance of upland rice cultivars at different rates and times of nitrogen application

Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for rice (Oryza sativa L) yields. This study aimed to evaluate the response of upland rice cultivars to N rate and application times in a randomized block design, in subdivided plots with four replications. The studied factors were five rice cultivars (BRS MG Curinga, BRS Monarca, BRS Pepita, BRS Primavera, and BRS Sertaneja), three application times (100 % at planting, 50 % at planting - 50 % at tillering and 100 % at tillering) and four N rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1). All cultivars responded to increased rates and different times of N application, especially BRS Primavera and BRS Sertaneja, which were the most productive when 50 % N rates were applied at sowing and 50 % at tillering. The response of cultivar BRS Monarca to N fertilization was best when 100 % of the fertilizer was applied at tillering.

Development of blast resistant somaclones of the upland rice cultivar araguaia

The degree of blast resistance of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar Araguaia has decreased over time causing significant yield losses. The major objective of this study was to obtain blast (Pyricularia grisea) resistant somaclones, adapting greenhouse and field selection procedures. Rice blast resistance and agronomic traits were assessed in R2 to R6 generations derived from regenerant plants (R1) from immature panicles of Araguaia. The evaluation and selection procedures include testing of early segregating populations and fixed lines in the advanced generations, under natural field conditions, and artificial inoculations in the greenhouse, with prevalent races IB-1 and IB-9 of P. grisea. Somaclones with both vertical resistance and slow blasting resistance were obtained. Twenty of 31 somaclones developed with a high degree of vertical resistance and fan shaped plant type maintained resistance in field and blast nursery tests in the R6 generation. Greenhouse selection with two specific physiologic races yielded 44 somaclones with slow blasting resistance, similar plant type and yield potential as that of Araguaia.

Genetic variability of Brazilian rice landraces determined by SSR markers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability of rice (Oryza sativa) landraces collected in Brazilian small farms. Twelve simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers characterized 417 landraces collected in 1986, 1987 and 2003, in the state of Goiás, Brazil. The number of landraces with long and thin grain type increased in the evaluated period, probably due to market demand. Based on the molecular data, the genetic variability increased during this period and, as per to the factorial correspondence analysis, most of the accessions were grouped according to the year of collection. The incorporation of modern rice cultivars in landrace cultivation areas and the selection carried out by small farmers are the most probable factors responsible for increasing landrace genetic variability, during the evaluated period. Genotype exchange between farmers, selection practice and local environmental adaptation are able to generate novel adapted allele combinations, which can be used by breeding programs, to reinitiate the process.

Identification of rapd marker linked to blast resistance gene in a somaclone of rice cultivar Araguaia

The gene Pi-ar confers resistance to Pyricularia grisea race IB-45 in a somaclone derived from immature panicles of the susceptible rice (Oryza sativa) cultivar Araguaia. RAPD technique was used to identify molecular markers linked to this gene utilizing bulked segregant analysis. Initially, the two parental DNAs from the resistant donor SC09 and 'Araguaia' were analyzed using random primers. Of the 240 primers tested, 203 produced amplification products. The two parental DNAs along with the resistant and susceptible bulks of F2 population were screened using 48 primers that differentiated resistant and susceptible parents. Even though eight primers differentiated the resistant bulk from the susceptible bulk, as well as somaclone SC09 and 'Araguaia', only one primer, OPC02 ('GTGAGGCGTC'), was found to be tightly linked (1.7cM) to the resistance gene of somaclone SC09.

Expression of resistance in rice hybrids to Pyricularia grisea

Thirty-nine rice (Oryza sativa) hybrids and their restorers were assessed for vertical resistance to Pyricularia grisea in the rice blast nursery, and in artificial inoculation tests with two pathotypes, under controlled greenhouse conditions. The hybrids were developed from cytoplasmic genetic male sterile lines 046I and IR 58025A, derived from WA cytoplasm. In the rice blast nursery all hybrids showed susceptible reaction varying from 5 to 9. Compatible and incompatible leaf blast reactions of hybrids to two pathotypes, IC-1 and IB-45, were observed in inoculation tests. A majority of the hybrids were resistant when the restorer was resistant. However, seven of the 25 F1 hybrids exhibited susceptible reactions even when one of the parents was resistant to a pathotype. The partial resistance of 11 hybrids and their parents that showed compatible reactions to two pathotypes was analyzed. Differential interaction between isolates and genotypes was observed for partial resistance in relation to both disease severity and lesion number indicating the specific nature of partial resistance.

Pathotype diversity of Pyricularia grisea from improved upland rice cultivars in experimental plots

A study was undertaken to examine the pathogenic diversity of Pyricularia grisea isolates retrieved from 14 upland rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars in experimental plots during a period of five years. Inoculations were performed on 32 genotypes with 85 monoconidial isolates under controlled greenhouse conditions. Based on the reaction pattern of eight international differentials, eleven pathotypes of P. grisea were identified. The predominant international races or pathotypes were IB-9 (56.4%), IB-1 (16.4%) and IB-41 (11.8%). A set of eight commercial upland rice cultivars ('Carajás', 'Confiança', 'Maravilha', 'Primavera', 'Progresso', 'Caiapó', 'IAC-47', 'IAC-201') was utilized as additional differentials for describing the virulence pattern of P. grisea. Twenty-six Brazilian pathotypes were identified on the basis of disease reaction on these differentials, in contrast to the 11 international pathotypes. The most predominant Brazilian pathotypes, BB-21 and BB-41 were represented by 28.2% and 17.6% of the isolates tested, respectively. Isolates virulent and avirulent to cultivar 'Primavera' were encountered within the pathotype IB-1. Utilizing Brazilian cultivars as differentials, the 14 isolates of the pathotype IB-1could be further classified into eight local pathotypes, BB-41, BB-13, BB-21, BB-9, BB-29, BB-61, BD-9 and BG-1. Virulence to improved rice cultivars 'Canastra', 'Confiança', 'Carisma', 'Maravilha', 'Primavera' and 'Bonança' was frequent in pathogen population. Some of the Brazilian pathotypes that showed differential reaction on commercial rice cultivars could be utilized for incorporating resistance genes in susceptible cultivars improved for grain quality, by conventional breeding methods.

Genetic and phenotypic characterization of isolates of Pyricularia grisea from the rice cultivars epagri 108 and 109 in the State of Tocantins

An epidemic of rice (Oryza sativa) blast occurred on cultivars Epagri 108 and 109 in the municipalities of Lagoa da Confusão and Duerê in the State of Tocantins, during the rice-growing season 1998-99. DNA fingerprinting and virulence phenotype analysis were utilized to determine the diversity of Pyricularia grisea isolates collected from these cultivars in one epidemic year. Rep-PCR analysis of isolates was done by using two primer sequences from Pot2. Two distinct fingerprint groups or lineages were identified among 53 isolates collected from nine different commercial fields. The virulence pattern of isolates retrieved from these two cultivars was analyzed in artificial inoculation tests utilizing 32 genotypes in the greenhouse. A dendrogram constructed from virulence phenotype data showed a single group considering 77% similarity level. The predominant pathotype IB-45 was represented by 47 of the 53 isolates corresponding to 83%. Four other pathotypes (IB-1, IB-9, IB-13 and IB-41) were identified at random among the isolates from these cultivars. There was no relation between rep-PCR grouping and pathotypes. The results showed that the isolates of P. grisea recovered from cultivars Epagri108 and 109 in farmers' fields had narrow phenotypic and genetic diversity. The blast outbreak on these two cultivars one year after their introduction could be attributed to the new pathotype IB-45 or its increase, which was hitherto existing in low frequency.

Genetic variation among pathogens causing "Helminthosporium" diseases of rice, maize and wheat

Twenty isolates of four fungal species, agents of "Helminthosporium" diseases in cereals, were collected from different regions: nine Bipolarisoryzae isolated from rice (Oryza sativa), seven B.sorokiniana from wheat (Triticum aestivum), two B. maydis, and two Exserohilumturcicum from maize (Zea mays). The strains were compared by PCR-RFLP and RAPD analysis. Size polymorphism among the isolates in the ITS region comprising the 5.8 S rDNA indicated genetic differences among the isolates, while a UPGMA phenogram constructed after the digestion of this region with restriction enzymes showed inter- and intra-specific polymorphism. The RAPD profiles indicated an expressive level of polymorphism among different species, compared with a low level of polymorphism among isolates of the same species. A UPGMA phenogram grouped the isolates according to the species and their host plant. RAPD profiles did not reveal polymorphism that directly correlated climatic factors with geographic source of the isolates of B. sorokiniana, and B. oryzae. Teleomorphic species revealed high similarity with their correspondent anamorphs.

Silicon and rice disease management

The element silicon (Si) is not considered an essential nutrient for plant function. Nevertheless, Si is absorbed from soil in large amounts that are several fold higher than those of other essential macronutrients in certain plant species. Its beneficial effects have been reported in various situations, especially under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. The most significant effect of Si on plants, besides improving their fitness in nature and increasing agricultural productivity, is the restriction of parasitism. There has been a considerable amount of research showing the positive effect of Si in controlling diseases in important crops. Rice (Oryza sativa), in particular, is affected by the presence of Si, with diseases such as blast, brown spot and sheath blight becoming more severe on rice plants grown in Si-depleted soils. The hypothesis underlying the control of some diseases in both mono- and di-cots by Si has been confined to that of a mechanical barrier resulting from its polymerization in planta. However, some studies show that Si-mediated resistance against pathogens is associated with the accumulation of phenolics and phytoalexins as well as with the activation of some PR-genes. These findings strongly suggest that Si plays an active role in the resistance of some plants to diseases rather than forming a physical barrier that impedes penetration by fungal pathogens.

Virulence pattern of Pyricularia grisea isolates from farmers' fields on newly released upland rice cultivars

The virulence pattern of the isolates of Pyricularia grisea from commercial fields of the upland rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars 'Primavera' and 'BRS Bonança' was analyzed. A hundred and seventy monoconidial isolates of the pathogen virulent to 'Primavera' and 139 to 'BRS Bonança' collected from eight fields, during two years (2001-2003) were tested, under greenhouse conditions, on six newly released rice cultivars. Differences in virulence pattern were observed in pathogenic populations of 'Primavera' and 'BRS Bonança'. Isolates with virulence to improved cultivars were common in samples from farmers' fields in the absence of aloinfection. The virulence frequency of P. grisea isolates collected from 'Primavera'' to cultivars 'BRS Vencedora', 'BRS Colosso', 'BRS Liderança', 'BRS Soberana', 'BRS Curinga' and 'BRS Talento', was high in descending order. On the other hand, in the fungus population of 'BRS BRS Bonança' virulence frequency was high in 'BRS Talento', followed by 'BRS Curinga', 'BRS Vencedora', 'BRS Liderança', 'BRS Colosso' and 'BRS Soberana'. While virulence to 'BRS Talento' was rare among isolates from 'Primavera', it was most frequent in isolates of 'BRS Bonança'. The six improved rice cultivars permitted to differentiating agriculturally important virulences in the pathogen population which can be utilized in selecting breeding lines for specific resistance, in rice blast improvement program.

Assistência de ar e volumes de aplicação na deposição de calda e no controle do arroz vermelho (Oryza sativa L.)

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da assistência de ar junto à barra pulverizadora e de três volumes de pulverização na dessecação e deposição da calda em arroz vermelho, sob cultivo de nabo forrageiro, em áreas de recuperação de várzeas, utilizando o herbicida paraquat e o corante Azul Brilhante, respectivamente. Os volumes de pulverização foram 100; 200 e 300 L ha-1 da solução aquosa, contendo corante alimentício (1.500 mg L-1). Com ou sem a assistência de ar junto à barra, foram utilizadas pontas de pulverização de jato plano tipo AXI 110015 à pressão de 117,3 kPa, AXI 11002 e AXI 11003 a 276 kPa. A avaliação da deposição da pulverização deu-se em folhas de plantas de arroz vermelho. Os maiores volumes (200 e 300 L ha-1) pulverizados com a assistência de ar junto à barra pulverizadora proporcionaram maiores depósitos do corante em relação ao volume de 100 L ha-1. Não foram constatadas diferenças na deposição do corante para os volumes pulverizados, sem a assistência de ar junto à barra, tampouco entre os volumes de 200 e 300 L ha-1 com a assistência de ar junto à barra. As maiores percentagens de controle do arroz vermelho foram obtidas com a assistência de ar junto à barra, independentemente do volume pulverizado, equivalendo-se ao controle obtido com 300 L ha-1, sem o uso dessa tecnologia.