Chemical composition of umbu (Spondias tuberosa Arr. Cam) seeds

The umbu tree (Spondias tuberosa Arr. Cam) is an important fruit tree the economy of the semi-arid northeastern region of Brazil. With the objective of finding use for the seeds, physical and chemical characterizations of the seeds from 2 cultivars in 2 maturation stages were carried out and their fatty acid and mineral profiles determined. The results showed no differences between the seeds analyzed. The yield was about 10% and the dimensions as follows: length from 1.48 to 2.11 cm and width from 0.76 to 1.16 cm. The average lipid content was 55% of which 69% was unsaturated and the average protein content was 24%. The seeds were a good source of the following minerals: P, K, Mg, Fe and Cu. The overall results indicated that the oil or the seeds could be used for food stuffs if no toxic agents were found.

Avaliação e identificação de parâmetros importantes para a qualidade de corpos d'água no semiárido baiano. Estudo de caso: bacia hidrográfica do rio Salitre

Objective of this work was identifying superficial water quality parameters, significant to semi-arid hydrographic basins, minimizing costs of water monitoring. The Salitre river basin, an important sub-basin of the São Francisco river, was used as a case study. STD, Cl-, DO, BOD, pH, NO3-, PO4(3-), Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Pb were considered the most significant parameters, with concentration levels found in some stretches of the basin not compliant with the current legislation. Some of the Salitre river basin sediments may represent a risk to the quality of the water body in relation to levels of nickel and zinc.

Occurrence of biflavones in leaves of Caesalpinia pyramidalis specimens

The chloroform partition of methanol extract of leaves of Caesalpinia pyramidalis was submitted to different chromatographic procedures which afforded besides agathisflavone and taxifolin, the minor biflavones loniflavone, amentoflavone, 5'- hydroxyamentoflavone and podocarpusflavone A. The structures of the compounds were established on the basis of NMR and MS data analysis. Besides, the content of biflavones of different specimens of C. pyramidalis, which are collected in different habitats of the Brazilian semi-arid region, was determinated by LC-APCI-MS analysis. These analysis demonstrated that only the specimens harvested in Bahia state showed collectively the presence of agathisflavone, amentoflavone, sequoiaflavone and podocarpusflavone A.

Desenvolvimento de dispositivo caseiro para dessalinização de água salobra a partir de sementes de umbu (Spondias tuberosa Arruda Câmara)

The goal of this work was to develop a homemade device to desalinate brackish water, using biological material like seeds from different plant species of the semi arid regions. Umbu seeds (Spondias tuberosa Arruda Câmara) were found to be the most appropriate material, removing a higher quantity of salt from the water compared to the other tested materials. The salt content in 1 L of brackish water typical of the region can be removed with only 1 g of the material, if the water is heated to 50 °C and it may also lower the water hardness, achieving drinking water standards.

Spatial variability of mechanical resistance to penetration evaluated with mobile unit on haplic vertisol cultivated with mango

Since the advent of mechanized farming and intensive use of agricultural machinery and implements on the properties, the soil began to receive greater load of machinery traffic, which can cause increased soil compaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the spatial variability of soil mechanical resistance to penetration (RP) in the layers of 0.00-0.10, 0.10-0.20, 0.20-0.30 and 0.30-0.40m, using geostatistics in an area cultivated with mango in Haplic Vertisol of the northeastern semi-arid, with mobile unit equipped with electronic penetrometer. The RP data was collected in 56 points from an area of 3 ha, and random soil samples were collected to determine the soil moisture and texture. For RP data analysis we used descriptive statistics and geostatistics. The soil mechanical resistance to penetration presented increased variability, with adjustment of the spherical and exponential semivariograms in the layers. We found that 42% of the area in the layer of 0.10-0.20m showed RP values above 2.70 MPa. Maximum values of RP were found in the layer of 0.19-0.27m, predominantly in 56% of the area.

Soil physical attributes in chemigated banana plantation with wastewater

ABSTRACT The feasibility of using sewage wastewater as a water and nutrient source for plants is an alternative to harness agricultural natural resource, observing its influence on the organic matter dynamics and soil energy. Our objective here was to evaluate the effects of applying different doses of effluent from a sewage treatment plant, in Janaúba – MG, Brazil, over the physical attributes of a soil grown with “Prata Anã” banana. From soil sample collection at depths of 0-20, 20-40, and 40-60 cm, we determined the following soil properties: soil density, total porosity, macroporosity, microporosity, organic matter, clay dispersed in water and stability of soil aggregate. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with four repetitions. Wastewater raising doses promoted increase in suspended solids, contributing to macroporosity reduction at 20-40 and 40-60 cm depths; as well as a reduction in organic matter within 0-20 cm layer. Clay dispersal was observed in the depths of 0-20 cm, being derived from an increase in sodium content. Concurrently, there was a reduction of soil aggregate stability.

Thoracic and heart biometrics of non-anesthetized agouti (Dasyprocta primnolopha Wagler, 1831) measured on radiographic images

The agouti is a species intensively hunted throughout the Amazon and the semi-arid regions of northeastern Brazil. Considering the current trend in conservation management of wild species, the aim of this study was to determine the morphometric reference to the heart of agouti raised in captivity, based on thoracic and cardiac measurements in these animals. Thirty adult agoutis, 1 to 3 years of age, without clinical signs of cardiac disease were selected. The animals were physically restrained and radiographies in laterolateral (LL) and ventrodorsal (VD) recumbence were produced. The following measures were taken: the apicobasilar length of the heart (at the most cranial height of the Carina region to the heart apex) (AB), maximum width of the heart perpendicular to AB (CD), heart inclination angle (AIC), trachea inclination angle (AIT), distance from the right heart wall (DPTd), distance from the left heart wall (DPTe) and vertical depth of the thorax, and the ventral face of the vertebral column to the dorsal border of the sternum at the level of the trachea bifurcation (H). The ratios between AB/CD, AB/H and CD/H were also analyzed. To calculate the vertebral heart scale (VHS), the AB and CD measurements were laid over the thoracic vertebra starting at T4. Radiographic evaluation showed values consistent with those reported in small animals and some wild and exotic species. The main biometric values in the chest cavity and heart of agouti are arranged as follows: (1) The ratios between AB/H ratio and CD/H were not sensitive for identifying heart increases (p>0.05), while the ratio AB/CD was more sensitive in this identification (p<0.05); (2) AIC: 21.2±6.4º (mean between male and famale); (3) AIT for males and females: 9.93±3.23° and 8.4±3.94°; (4) DPTd and DPTe for males: 0.97±0.40cm and 0.7±0.30cm; (5) DPTd and DPTe for females: 1.12±0.42cm and 01.02±0.43cm; (6) VHS for males and females: 7.75±0.48v e 7.61±0.34v; (7) The caudal vena cava (CVC) was visualized dorsal-cranially and located right of the midline. The data obtained allowed the acquisition of the first reference values for biometry of the heart of agoutis, contributing to better understanding of cardiac morphology and identification of cardiomyopathy in these animals.

Phytosociology of the remaining xerophytic woodland associated to an environmental gradient at the banks of the São Francisco river - Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil

Floristic and phytosociological surveys were carried out for 12 months in the Embrapa-SPSB, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil. A transect was laid on starting at the river bank extending for 790 m away from the river and divided into 140 10 × 10 m contiguous plots. In each plot, all standing plants, alive or dead, with stem diameter at soil level > 3 cm and total height > 1 m were sampled. Along this transect, an elevation range of 9.40 m was registered and five topographical environments were identified: riverside (MR), dike (D), floodable depression (DI), boundary terrace (TL) - all of them belonging to the fluvial terrace with Fluvic Neosol and Haplic Cambisol both silty textured eutrophic soils - and the inlander tableland (TS), with medium sandy-textured Red-Yellow Argisols. Fourty-eight species/morphospecies, distributed into 39 genera and 21 families, were identified. Four phytogeoenvironments (MR, D + TL, DI + TL, and TS) were registered based on environmental variations and floristic similarities among plots using cluster analyses. The MR environment showed the largest total density, total basal area, maximum and medium heights and maximum diameter. Moreover, it had 8.1% of plants with heights above 8 m against 0.6% for D + TL, 0.2% for DI + TL, and 0% for TS. The species with the largest importance value were Inga vera subsp. affinis (DC.) T.D. Pennington in MR, Mimosa bimucronata Kunth in D + TL and DI + TL and M. tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. in TS.

Plant species and habitat structure in a sand dune field in the brazilian Caatinga: a homogeneous habitat harbouring an endemic biota

One dune habitat in the semi-arid Caatinga Biome, rich in endemisms, is described based on plant species composition, woody plant density, mean height and phenology and a multivariate analysis of the micro-habitats generated by variables associated to plants and topography. The local flora is composed mainly by typically sand-dweller species of Caatinga, suggesting the existence of a phytogeographic unity related to the sandy areas in the Caatinga biome, which seems to be corroborated by faunal distribution. Moreover, some species are probably endemic from the dunes, a pattern also found in vertebrates. The plant distribution is patchy, there is no conspicuous herbaceous layer and almost 50% of the ground represents exposed sand. Phenology is not synchronized among species, occurring leaves budding and shedding, flowers development and anthesis, fruits production and dispersion both in rainy and dry seasons. Leaf shedding is low compared to the level usually observed in Caatinga areas and about 50% of the woody individuals were producing leaves in both seasons. Spectrum of dispersal syndromes shows an unexpected higher proportion of zoochorous species among the phanerophytes, accounting for 31.3% of the species, 78.7% of the total frequency and 78.6% of the total density. The habitat of the dunes is very simple and homogeneous in structure and most of environmental variance in the area is explained by one gradient of woody plants density and another of increase of Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. (Bromeliaceae) and Tacinga inamoena (K. Schum.) N.P. Taylor & Stuppy (Cactaceae) toward valleys, which seem to determine two kinds of protected micro-habitats for the small cursorial fauna.

Morphological cladistic analysis of Pseudobombax Dugand (Malvaceae, Bombacoideae) and allied genera

(Morphological cladistic analysis of Pseudobombax Dugand (Malvaceae, Bombacoideae) and allied genera). Pseudobombax Dugand belongs to the family Malvaceae subfamily Bombacoideae and aggregates 29 species restricted to the Neotropics. A morphological cladistic analysis of Pseudobombax and allied genera was carried out to test the monophyly of the genus and to provide hypotheses on its phylogeny. Parsimony analyses were based on 40 morphological characters and 28 species, 14 belonging to Pseudobombax and 14 to other species of Bombacoideae, Matisieae (Malvoideae) and Ochromeae. Nine most parsimonious trees (144 steps, ci 0.40, ri 0.67) were produced when 10 multistate characters were taken as ordered while only two most parsimonious trees (139 steps, ci 0.41, ri 0.67) were obtained when all characters were considered as unordered. Pseudobombax monophyly had moderate bootstrap support, appearing as sister to a clade composed of the genera Bombacopsis Pittier and Pachira Aubl., or to the genus Bombax L. according to the analysis. The petiole widened at the apex and the leaflets not jointed to the petiole are probably synapomorphies of Pseudobombax. Three main clades were found in the genus: one characterised by petiolulated leaflets and 5-angular fruits, the other by pubescent leaves and calyx, and the other by reduction of the number of leaflets. The latter includes species endemic to the Brazilian semi-arid region also characterised by the absence of phalanges in the androecium. Interspecific affinities in Pseudobombax as well as the morphological evolution in Bombacoideae are discussed.

Genetic variability in salt tolerance during germination of Stylosanthes humilis H.B.K. and association between salt tolerance and isozymes

Variation in salt tolerance of six natural populations of Stylosanthes humilis from three ecogeographic regions, Mata (wet tropical climate), Agreste and Sertão (semi-arid tropical climate) of Pernambuco State, Northeast Brazil, was evaluated on germination in 201 mM NaCl. There were significant differences among families of all populations for germination percentage and of five populations (except Tamandaré, from Mata) for germination rate. Populations from semi-arid regions presented high coefficients of genetic variation, those from Agreste being higher than those from Sertão. Populations from Mata showed low coefficients of genetic variation. The coefficients of genotypic determination were high for five populations, except Tamandaré, both for germination percentage ( > or = 0.89) and for germination rate ( > or = 0.79), indicating the possibility of selection for salt tolerance in these populations. An electrophoretic analysis of esterase and peroxidase isozymes was also performed in the six populations, and correlations were estimated between salt tolerance and allelic frequencies. The analysis of salt tolerant and salt sensitive families of populations from Agreste suggested an association of alleles of a peroxidase locus with salt tolerance during germination in the Caruaru population

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in fruits of clone and ungrafted genotypes of yellow mombin tree

Yellow mombin is a fruit tree that grows spontaneously in the Semi-Arid Northeastern Brazil. Its fruits are still extractively exploited. The pulp of yellow mombin fruit stands out regarding the commercial aspect due to the characteristic flavor and aroma felt when consumed in diverse ways. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of bioactive compounds, total extractable polyphenols, and antioxidant activity of yellow mombin fruits (Spondias mombin, L.), from clone and ungrafted genotypes. The fruits were harvested at commercial maturity from twelve yellow mombin tree genotypes from an experimental orchard located at the municipality of Joao Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, and evaluated for chlorophyll, carotenoids, yellow flavonoids, total extractable polyphenols, and antioxidant activity, which was measured by the β-carotene/linoleic acid method. The antioxidant activity showed a percentage of inhibition of oxidation higher than 75% for all genotypes evaluated at the time of 120 minutes. The fruits from clone genotypes showed a higher percentage of antioxidant activity.

Germination, initial growth and cotyledon protein content of bean cultivars under salinity stress

Excess salts in the root zone inhibit water uptake by plants, affect nutrient uptake and may result in toxicities due to individual salts in the soil solution. Excess exchangeable sodium in the soil may destroy the soil structure to a point where water penetration and root aeration become impossible. Sodium is also toxic to many plants. Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are consumed as protein source in northeastern Brazil, although little is known about common bean cultivar tolerance to salinity. The germination of bean cultivars under salt stress was studied. The cultivars 'Carioca' and 'Mulatinho' were submitted to germination test in a germinator at 25ºC, at the Seed Analysis Laboratory of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation unit in the Semi- Arid region (Embrapa Semi Árido), Petrolina, Pernambuco State. These seeds were germinated on "germitest" papers imbibed in distilled water or in 10, 50, 100 e 200 mol.m-3sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions. At the first and second counts of the germination test, normal seedlings were counted, measured, weighed and dried, supplying data for vigor, total germination, fresh matter weight and dry matter weight and seedlings length. Total protein was quantified in cotyledons at 3, 6 and 9 days after sowing. The results indicated that the NaCl content influenced seed germination and concentrations above 50 mol.m-3 decreased germination and seedling growth.

Reserve mobilization during imbibition of stored Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud. (Leguminosae - Papilionoideae) seeds

Gliricidia sepium is a drought-tolerant species, easily multiplied by seeds, and has been exploited by farmers as a source of forage in the semi-arid region of northeast Brazil. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of seed storage on the mobilization of reserves during imbibition of "Gliricidia" seeds. Freshly-harvested seeds were packed in kraft paper bags and stored for three and six months in the laboratory under ambient conditions (25 º C ± 3 T and 75% ± 3 RH). Cotyledons were isolated from imbibed seeds and macerated for the extraction and quantification of total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, sucrose and starch, as well as of proteins, amino acids and for amylase activity. Storage under these conditions resulted in an increase in seed water content although germination remained at relatively high levels (86%). Seed macromolecule levels showed significant variation with the storage period and imbibition and these variations were associated with a loss in seed viability due to inadequate storage conditions.

Propagação vegetativa de porta-enxertos de pereira por estacas semi-lenhosas

Pesquisou-se a viabilidade técnica da propagação vegetativa dos porta-enxertos de pereira 'Taiwan Nashi-C', 'Taiwan Mamenashi' (Pyrus calleryana Dcne.) e 'Seleção IAC-1' (Pyrus spp.), por estacas semi-lenhosas. O experimento foi conduzido em telado equipado com sistema de nebulização intermitente, pertencente ao Núcleo de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento do Jardim Botânico, do Instituto Agronômico (IAC), em Campinas, Estado de São Paulo. Adotou-se o fatorial 3 x 4 (porta-enxertos x doses de ácido indolbutírico), com cinco repetições de 20 estacas, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Com os resultados obtidos aos 60 dias após a estaquia, conclui-se que: a) é tecnicamente possível a propagação dos porta-enxertos 'Taiwan Nashi-C', 'Taiwan Mamenashi' e 'Seleção IAC-1' por estacas semi-lenhosas; b) dentre os porta-enxertos pesquisados, 'Taiwan Nashi-C' apresenta a maior porcentagem de enraizamento, a menor porcentagem de estacas com calo, além do maior comprimento de raízes e número de raízes por estaca; c) é necessário o uso de ácido indolbutírico para o enraizamento de estacas semi-lenhosas desses porta-enxertos, sendo que, no conjunto das variáveis analisadas, as concentrações de 4.000 mg.L-1 e de 6.000 mg.L-1 proporcionam os maiores benefícios ao enraizamento adventício; d) as concentrações de ácido indolbutírico testadas não são fitotóxicas às estacas semi-lenhosas dos genótipos pesquisados.