Kinetic parameters of soil β-glucosidase response to environmental temperature and moisture regimes

Soil β-glucosidase participates in the final step of cellulose biodegradation. It is significant in the soil C cycle and is used as an indicator of the biological fertility of soil. However, the response of its kinetic parameters to environmental temperature and moisture regimes is not well understood. This study tested the β-glucosidase response in the main agricultural soils (black soil, albic soil, brown soil, and cinnamon soil) of Northeast China. Incubation tests were conducted to measure the kinetic parameters Km, Vmax or Vmax/Km of soil β-glucosidase at environmental temperatures of 10, 20 and 30 ºC and at 10, 20 and 30 % soil moisture content. The insensitive response of the kinetic parameters to temperature changes indicates that soil β-glucosidase was present primarily in immobilized form. The significant response of the kinetic parameters of soil β-glucosidase to soil moisture rather than to environmental temperatures suggests that the catalytic ability of soil β-glucosidase was sensitive to changing soil moisture regimes.

Desenvolvimento vegetativo e custo de produção de porta-enxertos de citros em recipientes para fins de subenxertia

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desenvolvimento vegetativo e estimar o custo de produção de 11 porta-enxertos de citros para fins de subenxertia, em diferentes recipientes. Avaliaram-se limão 'Cravo' clone Limeira (Citrus limonia Osbeck); citrumelo 'Swingle' (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. x Citrus paradisi Macf.); tangerina 'Cleópatra' (Citrus reshni Hort. ex Tanaka); tangerina 'Sunki' (Citrus sunki Hort. ex Tanaka); limão 'Volkameriano' clone Catânia 2 (Citrus volkameriana Pasquale); laranja 'Caipira' clone DAC (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck); limão 'Rugoso da África' clone Mazoe (Citrus jambhiri Lush.); Poncirus trifoliata 'Davis A'; tangerina 'Sun Shu Sha Kat' (Citrus sunki Hort. ex Tanaka); tangerina 'Sunki' clone 2506 ou Fruto Grande (Citrus sunki Hort. ex Tanaka) e Poncirus trifoliata 'Barnes'. Foram utilizados tubetes de 290 mL, sacolas de 1,7 L, e porta-enxertos transplantados de tubetes de 75 mL para sacolas de polietileno de 1,7 e 4,5 L. Porta-enxertos produzidos diretamente em sacolas de 1,7 L atingem ponto ideal de subenxertia em menor tempo, de 100 a 150 dias após a semeadura, e permitem a obtenção de plantas maiores e com sistema radicular adequado, porém com custo de produção superior ao sistema de produção em tubetes de 290 mL.

Bioindicators of soil quality in coffee organic cultivation systems

The objective of this work was to assess the effect of different coffee organic cultivation systems on chemical and biological soil characteristics, in different seasons of the year. The following systems were evaluated: coffee intercropped with one (CJ1), two (CJ2) or three (CJ3) pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) alleys; coffee planted under full sun (CS); area planted with sweet pepper and snap bean in a conventional tillage system (AC); and secondary forest area (FFR). Row spacing in CJ1, CJ2, CJ3 and CS was 2.0x1.0, 2.8x1.0, 3.6x1.0, and 2.8x1.0 m, respectively. Soil samples were collected at 10-cm depth, during the four seasons of the year. The results were subjected to analysis of variance, principal component analysis, and redundancy analysis. There was an increase in edaphic macrofauna, soil basal respiration, and microbial quotient in the summer. Total macrofauna density was greater in CJ2 followed by CJ3, CS, CJ1, AC and FFR; Coleoptera, Formicidae, and Isoptera were the most abundant groups. There are no significant differences among the areas for soil basal respiration, and the metabolic quotient is higher in CJ1, CJ3, and FFR. Microbial biomass carbon and the contents of K, pH, Ca+Mg, and P show greater values in AC.

Caracterização físico-morfológica de frutos de microtangerinas (Citrus spp.) de potencial utilização como porta-enxertos

O presente trabalho objetivou caracterizar espécies e variedades de Citrus do grupo das microtangerinas de valor potencial como porta-enxertos, de modo a propiciar maior conhecimento desse grupo de plantas e oferecer subsídios para futuras pesquisas. Um total de 14 variedades/clones foram descritas, incluindo as seguintes espécies: C. reshni Hort. ex Tan., C. sunki Hort. ex Tan, C. pectinifera Tan., C. crenatifolia Lush., C. amblycarpa Och., C. tachibana Tan., C. lycopersicaeformis Hort. ex Tan., C. keraji Hort. ex Tan. e C. reticulata Blanco. A pesquisa foi conduzida no Departamento de Horticultura da FCA-Unesp, Botucatu-SP e os frutos foram obtidos dos BAGs de Citros da FCA-Unesp-SP, e do CCSM-IAC, Cordeirópolis-SP. Descritores físicos e morfológicos de frutos indicaram diferenças entre espécies/variedades. As microtangerinas apresentaram características semelhantes quanto ao pequeno tamanho dos frutos, forma oblata e coloração laranja dos frutos. C. amblycarpa, C. sunki e C. tachibana produziram os frutos de menor tamanho e espessura de casca. Elevado número de sementes por fruto foi encontado nas tangerinas 'Cleópatra', 'Sun Chu Sha Kat', 'Suen Kat' e 'Heennaran', enquanto 'Sunki' apresentou elevado número de sementes abortadas. Parece discutível a posição botânica de 'Suen Kat', ao que se propõe considerar a mesma como uma variedade de C. sunki.

Produtividade e qualidade dos frutos da laranjeira 'Pêra' clone IAC em 16 porta-enxertos na região de Bebedouro-SP

Avaliou-se a influência de 16 porta-enxertos na produtividade, nas características físicas e químicas (sólidos solúveis totais-°Brix; acidez; ratio; porcentagem de suco; índice tecnológico e tamanho dos frutos) dos frutos da laranjeira 'Pêra' [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] e na incidência e severidade da clorose variegada dos citros (CVC). O plantio do experimento foi realizado em julho de 1993, com espaçamento de 6,0 m entre linhas e 3,5 m entre plantas (476 plantas/ha). O experimento foi conduzido sem irrigação. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, duas plantas por parcela, três repetições e 16 tratamentos, constituídos pelas seguintes cultivares porta-enxertos: tangerineira 'Sun Chu Sha Kat' (Citrus reticulata Blanco), tangerineira 'Pectinífera' (C. reticulata), 'Shekwasha' (C. depressa Hayata), tangerineira 'Pectinífera/Shekwasha' (C. depressa Hayata), tangerineira 'Batangas' (C. reticulata), tangerineira 'Oneco' (C. reticulata), citrangor [citrange (Poncirus trifoliata Raf. x C. sinensis) x C. sinensis], citrandarin [C.sunki hort. Ex Tanaka) x Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. cv. English, tangerineira 'Sunki' (C. sunki), tangerineira 'Suen-Kat' (C. sunki), tangerineira 'Nasnaran' (C. amblycarpa Ochse), tangerineira 'Venezuela' (C. reticulata), tangerineira Heen Naran (C. lycopersicaeformis hort. ex Tan. ), limoeiro 'Cravo' (C. limonia Osbeck) x tangerineira 'Cleópatra' (C. reshni hort ex Tanaka), limoeiro 'Cravo' (C. limonia), tangerineira 'Cleópatra' (C. reshni). A intensidade da clorose variegada dos citros variou em função dos porta-enxertos e não se relacionou com a produção de frutos até a quarta safra. Os porta-enxertos estudados, com exceção da tangerineira Nasnaran, proporcionaram qualidade e produções iniciais de frutos similares aos do limoeiro 'Cravo'.

Fruit quality of 'Tahiti' lime (Citrus latifolia Tanak) grafted on twelve different rootstocks

In the present work, the effect of twelve rootstocks on fruit quality of the nucellar clone IAC-5 of 'Tahiti' lime, (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) and the influence of fruit position on tree in fruit quality was evaluated in the Citrus Experimental Station of Bebedouro (EECB), located in the Bebedouro county, state of São Paulo, Brazil. A 8.0 x 5.0m planting frame was utilized. The evaluated rootstocks were: 'Carrizo' citrange (C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck x Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.); the hybrids 'Rangpur' lime x 'Swingle' citrumello (C. limonia Osbeck x P. trifoliata Raf) and 'Changsha' x 'English Small'(C. sunki Hort. ex Tan. x P. trifoliata Raf.); the mandarins 'Sun Chu Sha Kat' (C. reticulata Blanco) and 'Sunki' (C. sunki Hort. ex Tanaka); the 'Rangpur' limes 'Cravo Limeira' and ' Cravo FCAV' (C. limonia Osbeck); the 'Swingle' citrumello (P. trifoliata Raf. x C. paradisi Macf.); the 'Orlando' tangelo (C. reticulata Blanco x C. paradisi Macf.) and the trifoliates cvs. 'Rubidoux', 'FCAV' and 'Flying Dragon' (P. trifoliata Raf.). The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design, with twelve treatments, six replicates and one plant per plot. The rootstocks induced differences in fruit quality; however, all the evaluated quality characteristics were within the values considered as normal and acceptable for the variety, constituting good alternative rootstocks for the 'Rangpur' lime. Additionally, the fruit position in the plant (northeastern or southwestern) had a significant influence on the external fruit color regardless of the rootstock.

Enzymatic technology to improve oil extraction from Caryocar brasiliense camb. (Pequi) Pulp.

The present study aims to compare yield and quality of pequi pulp oil when applying two distinct processes: in the first, pulp drying in a tray dryer at 60ºC was combined with enzymatic treatment and pressing to oil extraction; in the second, a simple process was carried out by combining sun-drying pulp and pressing. In this study, raw pequi fruits were collected in Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The fruits were autoclaved at 121ºC and stored under refrigeration. An enzymatic extract with pectinase and CMCase activities was used for hydrolysis of pequi pulp, prior to oil extraction. The oil extractions were carried out by hydraulic pressing, with or without enzymatic incubation. The oil content in the pequi pulp (45% w/w) and the physicochemical characteristic of the oil was determined according to standard analytical methods. Free fatty acids, peroxide values, iodine and saponification indices were respectively 1.46 mgKOH/g, 2.98 meq/kg, 49.13 and 189.40. The acidity and peroxide values were lower than the obtained values in commercial oil samples, respectively 2.48 mgKOH/g and 5.22 meq/kg. Aqueous extraction has presented lower efficiency and higher oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. On the other hand, pequi pulp pressing at room temperature has produced better quality oil. However its efficiency is still smaller than the combined enzymatic treatment and pressing process. This combined process promotes cellular wall hydrolysis and pulp viscosity reduction, contributing to at least 20% of oil yield increase by pressing.

Produção e qualidade dos frutos de pessegueiro e nectarineira em clima subtropical do estado de São Paulo

Tendo em vista que o conhecimento do comportamento de uma cultura, em determinada região, determina o sucesso da produção, a qualidade do produto final e a garantia de aceitação pelo mercado consumidor, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a produção e as características físicas e físico-químicas de frutos de cultivares de pessegueiro e nectarineira, cultivados ou não tradicionalmente em São Paulo, mas que possam vir a apresentar uma opção de diversificação aos fruticultores do município de Botucatu-SP, e regiões climáticas semelhantes. O experimento foi realizado durante três ciclos agrícolas: 2006/2007, 2007/2008 e 2008/2009, na Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, UNESP, Botucatu-SP. O clima da região é do tipo mesotérmico, Cwa, ou seja, subtropical úmido com chuvas no verão e seca no inverno. As cultivares de pessegueiro avaliadas foram: Turmalina, Cascata 968, Cascata 848, Cascata 587, Conserva 693, Precocinho, Diamante Mejorado, Oro Azteca, CP-9553CYN e Tropic Beauty. A cultivar de nectarineira avaliada foi 'Sun Blaze'. Foram avaliadas características de produção e qualidade dos frutos. Os resultados obtidos permitiram concluir que a cultivar Turmalina foi a mais produtiva. As cultivares Cascata 968 e Diamante Mejorado apresentaram o maior teor de sólidos solúveis, e as cultivares Cascata 587 e CP 9553 CYN, a maior relação sólidos solúveis/acidez titulável.

Produção e sazonalidade de pessegueiro e nectarineira sob florescimento espontâneo e com cianamida hidrogenada e óleo mineral

O trabalho avaliou a produção e a sazonalidade de cultivares de pessegueiro e nectarineira, com e sem o uso de cianamida hidrogenada, em dois ciclos de produção (2009 e 2010). O experimento foi desenvolvido na Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, UNESP, Câmpus de Botucatu-SP, localizado nas seguintes coordenadas geográficas: latitude 22º51' 55" S, longitude 48º26' 22" O e 810 m de altitude. O tipo climático predominante é o temperado quente (mesotérmico), com chuvas no verão e seca no inverno. A aplicação de cianamida hidrogenada e óleo mineral resultou numa antecipação na data do início da colheita para todas as cultivares. Também houve uma concentração no período produtivo, diminuição no ciclo de produção e aumento na produção. A avaliação do ciclo da poda à colheita sob florescimento espontâneo evidenciou que as cultivares mais precoces foram: Precocinho (81,5 dias) e Conserva 693 (87 dias). As mais tardias foram: Turmalina (141,5 dias) e CP 951 C (134,5 dias). Com o uso da cianamida hidrogenada e do óleo mineral, o ciclo da poda à colheita permitiu a caracterização das cultivares mais precoces: Precocinho (87,5 dias) e a nectarineira Sun Blaze (95,5 dias). As mais tardios foram: Diamante Mejorado (126,5 dias) e CP 951 C (120 dias). As cultivares Turmalina (20,2 kg planta-1), Conserva 693 (20,75 kg planta-1) e Aurora 1 (15,65 kg planta-1) foram as mais produtivas .

Leaf nutritional levels in peach and nectarine grown in subtropical climate

The study evaluated the leaf nutritional levels of peach and nectarine trees under subtropical climate in order to improve the fertilization practices. The experiment was carried out in São Paulo state University, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. The experimental design consisted of subdivided plots, in which plots corresponded to cultivars and subplots to the leaf sample periods. The evaluated peach cultivars were: Marli, Turmalina, Precocinho, Jubileu, Cascata 968, Cascata 848, CP 951C, CP 9553CYN, and Tropic Beauty, and that of nectarine was 'Sun Blaze'. The sample periods were: after harvest, plants in vegetative period; dormancy; beginning of flowering and fruiting (standard sample). Results indicated significant variations in the levels of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn for the sampling period and in N, Ca, Mg, S, B, Fe and Mn levels for the cultivars.

O uso de calorimetria em ecologia

The macroscopic effects caused by sun radiation and the mankind-nature interactions in a ecosystem are firstly presented. However, the importance of calorimetric determinations to clarify some phenomena related to the living microorganism populations and their interactions with the food additive or inhibitor agents are reported. The collect values illustrate the occurence a great deal of effects in this microscopic world. For this subject, the reachest Latosol soil was selected due to the content of organic matter and consequently in microorganisms. Microbial activity was stimulated by addition of glucose, which showed to be the best nutrient source. Inhibitory effect was detected with many compounds used in the agriculture like some herbicides and fungicides. Although the assays are based on the use of the microcalorimetry, other techniques like respirometry contributes strongly to the understanding of the ecosystem. The main objective in this exposition is to stimulate by means of many interesting examples, the importance of preserving the environment in order to establish direct analogies by using the Chemistry in the daily life.

Descrições de técnicas da química na produção de bens de acordo com os relatos dos naturalistas viajantes no Brasil colonial e imperial

European naturalists explored Brazil in long scientific expeditions and published accounts that make up a rich and still largely untapped historiographic source for the understanding of the history of chemistry. The production of indigo dye, the manufacture of limestone, extraction and purification of saltpeter and the production of salt are discussed. Lime was used to whitewash walls and, mixed with whale oil, as cement to glue stones in buildings of the colonial period. It was prepared by burning seashells in specifically designed ovens. Saltpeter was produced by reacting naturally occurring calcium and magnesium nitrate with potassium-rich wood ashes to yield KNO3. NaCl was obtained by evaporating seawater under the sun. Indigo, a native plant, was cultivated and processed to produce the renowned dye, which was exported to Europe.

Produção de etanol a partir de torta de mamona (Ricinus communis L.) e avaliação da letalidade da torta hidrolisada para camundongos

The castor bean cake is rich in starch (48 ± 0.53%) and bears a problem linked to the occurrence of a toxic protein (ricin). The chemical hydrolysis (ratio solid:liquid = 1:6; H2SO4= 0.1 mol L-1; 120 °C; 40 min) generated a medium with 27 g L-1 of reducing sugars (hydrolysis efficiency= 32%). The hydrolyzed product was fermented and produced 11 g L-1 of ethanol (volumetric productivity=1.38 g L-1 h-1 and ethanol yield on substrate consumed=0.45 g g-1). In vivo experiments (DL50) revealed a reduction of roughly 240 times in the CBC toxicity (2.11 µg g-1).

The pre-history of cryoscopy: what was done before raoult?

Cryoscopy is considered one of the foundations of the modern theory of solutions and of physical chemistry. This paper shows in order the first regularities pointed out by several scientists on the subject, in the first chapter of its birth as a scientific discipline. The study is focused on the identification of the different steps that helped, first qualitatively and then quantitatively, to adjust the different classes of possible solutions, including those that formed hydrates, to a basic formulation that the French scientist François-Marie Raoult would later generalize in the law that bears his name.

Sesquiterpenos e outros constituintes das folhas de Pterodon pubescens Benth (Leguminosae)

In addition to β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, phaeophitin A, luteolin, kaempferol, quercetin, (+)-catechin, quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, rutin, and p-hydroxy-benzoic acid, six known sesquiterpenes, namely (rel)-2β,6β-epoxy-5β-hydroxy-isodaucane, oplopanone, 1β,6α-dihydroxy-4(15)-eudesmene, caryophyllene oxide, α-cadinol, and spathulenol, were isolated from the leaves of Pterodon pubescens (Leguminosae) growing in the Cerrado of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The (rel)-2β,6β-epoxy-5β-hydroxy-isodaucane corresponds to the correct structure of homalomenol D. The sesquiterpene oplopanone, which bears a modified cadinane skeleton, is being reported for the first time in this genus. The structures of the compounds were determined on the basis of spectral data (MS, IR, and NMR-1D and 2D) and subsequent comparison with data reported in the literature.