S-metolachlor efficacy on the control of Brachiaria decumbens, Digitaria horizontalis, and Panicum maximum in mechanically green harvested sugarcane

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of S-metolachlor applied in pre-emergence conditions for the control of Brachiaria decumbens, Digitaria horizontalis, and Panicum maximum in sugar cane mechanically harvested without previous burning of the crop (green harvest) with the crop residue either left or not on the soil surface. The experiments were established in the field according to a randomized complete block design with four repetitions in a 7 x 2 split-plot scheme. In the plots, five herbicide treatments were studied (S-metolachlor at 1.44, 1.92, and 2.40 kg ha-1, clomazone at 1.20 kg ha-1, and isoxaflutole at 0.188 kg ha-1), and two control treatments with no herbicide application. In the subplots, the presence or absence of sugar cane crop residue on the soil surface was evaluated. S-metolachlor efficacy was not hampered by either 14 or 20 t ha-1 of sugar cane crop residue on the soil surface. When sugar cane crop residue was covering the soil surface, S-metolachlor at a rate of 1.44 kg ha-1 resulted in weed control similar at their larger rates, where as without the presence of crop residue, S-metolachlor controlled B. decumbens, D. horizontalis, and P. maximum at the rates of 1.92, 1.44, and 1.92 kg ha-1, respectively. The herbicides clomazone and isoxaflutole were effective for the studied species, independently of the crop residue covering the soil surface. S-metolachlor caused no visible injury symptoms to the sugar cane plant. Clomazone and isoxaflutole caused visible injuries to the sugar cane plant. None of the herbicides negatively affected the number of viable culms m² or the culm height and diameter.

Effect of biostimulant application on production and flavonoid content of marigold (Calendula officinalis L.)

The production of medicinal plants as raw material for industry must associate quality with biomass formation and, with this purpose, the application of plant growth regulators has been studied in these crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a biostimulant on growth, inflorescence production and flavonoid content in marigold. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse and the treatments consisted of increasing doses of the biostimulant (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 mL L-1) applied by foliar spraying in ten consecutive applications. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design, with six treatments and ten repetitions. The number of leaves and flowerheads and dry matter of roots increased linearly with increasing doses of the growth promoter, with 20%, 36.97% and 97.28% increases, respectively, compared with the control. The total dry mass and shoot dry mass showed maximum values at the highest dose tested of 15 mL L-1 (with increases of 40.09% and 46.30%, respectively). Plant height and flavonoid content reached the highest values at a dose of 6 mL L-1. The biostimulant promoted the development of marigold and positively influenced the synthesis of the secondary compound of medicinal interest. Among the tested doses, the application of rates between 6 and 9 mL L-1 of the biostimulant is recommended for more efficient large-scale production of marigold.

Manejo do pastejo de cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst) Stapf e de Panicum maximum Jacq

A definição dos princípios adequados de manejo do pastejo capazes de possibilitar que as pastagens mantenham-se produtivas e persistentes tem sido uma preocupação constante dos pesquisadores brasileiros. No entanto, foi durante as duas últimas décadas que ocorreram grandes mudanças e um avanço significativo na compreensão dos processos determinantes da correta utilização das plantas forrageiras tropicais em pastagens. Este texto tem por objetivo apresentar e discutir os principais resultados obtidos sobre o manejo do pastejo de alguns cultivares de Panicum maximum e de Brachiaria brizantha, bem como a importância da utilização de metas de pasto como guia de campo para o monitoramento e controle do processo de pastejo para planejar e recomendar práticas de manejo eficientes.

Selection of full-sib families of Panicum maximum Jacq under low light conditions

The silvopastoral system is a viable technological alternative to extensive cattle grazing, however, for it to be successful, forage grass genotypes adapted to reduced light need to be identified. The objective of this study was to select progenies of Panicum maximum tolerant to low light conditions for use in breeding programs and to study the genetic control and performance of some traits associated with shade tolerance. Six full-sib progenies were evaluated in full sun, 50% and 70% of light reduction in pots and subjected to cuttings. Progeny genotypic values ​​(GV) increased with light reduction in relation to plant height (H) and specific leaf area (SLA). The traits total dry mass accumulation (DM) and leaf dry mass accumulation (LDM) had GV higher in 50% shade and intermediate in 70% shade. The GV of tiller number (TIL) and root dry mass accumulation (RDM) decreased with light reduction. The highest positive correlations were obtained for the traits H and RDM with SLA and DM; the highest negative correlations were between TIL and SLA and RDM, and H and LDM. The progenies showed higher tolerance to 50% light reduction and, among them, two stood out and will be used in breeding programs. It was also found that it is not necessary to evaluate some traits under all light conditions. All traits had high broad sense heritability and high genotypic correlation between progenies in all light intensities. There is genetic difference among the progenies regarding the response to different light intensities, which will allow selection for shade tolerance

IgG recognizing 21-24 kDa and 30-33 kDa tachyzoite antigens show maximum avidity maturation during natural and accidental human toxoplasmosis

We describe the avidity maturation of IgGs in human toxoplasmosis using sequential serum samples from accidental and natural infections. In accidental cases, avidity increased continuously throughout infection while naturally infected patients showed a different profile. Twenty-five percent of sera from chronic patients having specific IgM positive results could be appropriately classified using exclusively the avidity test data. To take advantage of the potentiality of this technique, antigens recognized by IgG showing steeper avidity maturation were identified using immunoblot with KSCN elution. Two clusters of antigens, in the ranges of 21-24 kDa and 30-33 kDa, were identified as the ones that fulfill the aforementioned avidity characteristics.

Response of blood pressure to maximum exercise in hypertensive patients under different therapeutic programs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the behavior of blood pressure during exercise in patients with hypertension controlled by frontline antihypertension drugs. METHODS: From 979ergometric tests we retrospectively selected 49 hipertensive patients (19 males). The age was 53±12 years old and normal range rest arterial pressure (<=140/90 mmHg) all on pharmacological monotherapy. There were 12 on beta blockers; 14 on calcium antagonists, 13 on diuretics and 10 on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. Abnormal exercise behhavior of blood pressure was diagnosed if anyone of the following criteria was detected: peak systolic pressure above 220 mmHg, raising of systolic pressure > or = 10 mmHg/MET; or increase of diastolic pressure greater than 15 mmHg. RESULTS: Physiologic response of arterial blood pressure occurred in 50% of patients on beta blockers, the best one (p<0.05), in 36% and 31% on calcium antagonists and on diuretics, respectively, and in 20% on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, the later the leastr one (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Beta-blockers were more effective than calcium antagonists, diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in controlling blood pressure during exercise, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors the least effective drugs.

Resistance Exercise Restores Endothelial Function and Reduces Blood Pressure in Type 1 Diabetic Rats

Background: Resistance exercise effects on cardiovascular parameters are not consistent. Objectives: The effects of resistance exercise on changes in blood glucose, blood pressure and vascular reactivity were evaluated in diabetic rats. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group (n = 8); sedentary diabetic (n = 8); and trained diabetic (n = 8). Resistance exercise was carried out in a squat device for rats and consisted of three sets of ten repetitions with an intensity of 50%, three times per week, for eight weeks. Changes in vascular reactivity were evaluated in superior mesenteric artery rings. Results: A significant reduction in the maximum response of acetylcholine-induced relaxation was observed in the sedentary diabetic group (78.1 ± 2%) and an increase in the trained diabetic group (95 ± 3%) without changing potency. In the presence of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, the acetylcholine-induced relaxation was significantly reduced in the control and trained diabetic groups, but not in the sedentary diabetic group. Furthermore, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in mean arterial blood pressure was observed in the sedentary diabetic group (104.9 ± 5 to 126.7 ± 5 mmHg) as compared to that in the control group. However, the trained diabetic group showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the mean arterial blood pressure levels (126.7 ± 5 to 105.1 ± 4 mmHg) as compared to the sedentary diabetic group. Conclusions: Resistance exercise could restore endothelial function and prevent an increase in arterial blood pressure in type 1 diabetic rats.

Effects of One Resistance Exercise Session on Vascular Smooth Muscle of Hypertensive Rats

AbstractBackground:Hypertension is a public health problem and increases the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.Objective:To evaluate the effects of a resistance exercise session on the contractile and relaxing mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle in mesenteric arteries of NG-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats.Methods:Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (C), hypertensive (H), and exercised hypertensive (EH). Hypertension was induced by administration of 20 mg/kg of L-NAME for 7 days prior to experimental protocols. The resistance exercise protocol consisted of 10 sets of 10 repetitions and intensity of 40% of one repetition maximum. The reactivity of vascular smooth muscle was evaluated by concentration‑response curves to phenylephrine (PHEN), potassium chloride (KCl) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP).Results:Rats treated with L-NAME showed an increase (p < 0.001) in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) compared to the initial period of induction. No difference in PHEN sensitivity was observed between groups H and EH. Acute resistance exercise reduced (p < 0.001) the contractile response induced by KCl at concentrations of 40 and 60 mM in group EH. Greater (p < 0.01) smooth muscle sensitivity to NPS was observed in group EH as compared to group H.Conclusion:One resistance exercise session reduces the contractile response induced by KCl in addition to increasing the sensitivity of smooth muscle to NO in mesenteric arteries of hypertensive rats.

Sex-Specific Equations to Estimate Maximum Oxygen Uptake in Cycle Ergometry

AbstractBackground:Aerobic fitness, assessed by measuring VO2max in maximum cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) or by estimating VO2max through the use of equations in exercise testing, is a predictor of mortality. However, the error resulting from this estimate in a given individual can be high, affecting clinical decisions.Objective:To determine the error of estimate of VO2max in cycle ergometry in a population attending clinical exercise testing laboratories, and to propose sex-specific equations to minimize that error.Methods:This study assessed 1715 adults (18 to 91 years, 68% men) undertaking maximum CPX in a lower limbs cycle ergometer (LLCE) with ramp protocol. The percentage error (E%) between measured VO2max and that estimated from the modified ACSM equation (Lang et al. MSSE, 1992) was calculated. Then, estimation equations were developed: 1) for all the population tested (C-GENERAL); and 2) separately by sex (C-MEN and C-WOMEN).Results:Measured VO2max was higher in men than in WOMEN: -29.4 ± 10.5 and 24.2 ± 9.2 mL.(kg.min)-1 (p < 0.01). The equations for estimating VO2max [in mL.(kg.min)-1] were: C-GENERAL = [final workload (W)/body weight (kg)] x 10.483 + 7; C-MEN = [final workload (W)/body weight (kg)] x 10.791 + 7; and C-WOMEN = [final workload (W)/body weight (kg)] x 9.820 + 7. The E% for MEN was: -3.4 ± 13.4% (modified ACSM); 1.2 ± 13.2% (C-GENERAL); and -0.9 ± 13.4% (C-MEN) (p < 0.01). For WOMEN: -14.7 ± 17.4% (modified ACSM); -6.3 ± 16.5% (C-GENERAL); and -1.7 ± 16.2% (C-WOMEN) (p < 0.01).Conclusion:The error of estimate of VO2max by use of sex-specific equations was reduced, but not eliminated, in exercise tests on LLCE.

Produção, coeficiente de digestibilidade da matéria seca e concentração de nutrientes em Panicum maximum Jacq., em função dos cortes aos 30, 45, 60 e 75 dias de idade

Mudas de capim colonião (Panicum maximum Jacq.) foram transplantadas para uma Terra Roxa Estruturada, serie "Luiz de Queiroz", em Piracicaba, SP, e adubadas na razão de 2,5 g de N (sulfato de amônio), 3,2 g de P2O5 (superfosfato simples) e 1,9 g de K2O (cloreto de potássio) por muda. Cortes foram efetuados aos 35, 45, 60 e 75 dias a 15 cm de altura do solo. No material coletado foram separadas hastes e folhas e determinado o peso da matéria seca, o coeficiente de digestibilidade in vitro e as concentrações de N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn. O delineamento estatístico foi de blocos ao aca so, com três repetições. Concluíram os autores: 1. a relação haste/folha varia com o envelhecimento da planta. A produção de matéria seca e maior nas hastes do que nas folhas. Há uma relação linear positiva entre o aumento de peso da matéria seca e a idade da planta; 2. o coeficiente de digestibilidade da matéria seca diminui com a idade da planta, não havendo diferenças entre haste e folha; 3. a concentração de N, P, Cu, Fe e Zn diminui com o aumento da idade da planta; 4. a idade da planta não afeta os teores mínimos exigidos pelo animal.

Níveis críticos de fósforo em Brachiaria decunbens (Stapf) Prain, Brachiaria humidicola (Rendle) Schweickerdt, Digitaria decumbens Stent, Hypharrhenia rufa (Ness) Stapf, Melinis minutiflora Pal de Beauv, Panicum maximum Jacq. e Pennisetum purpureum Schum

Plantas dos capins braquiaria brachiaria decumbens Stapf (Prain) , quicuio da Amazonia, (Brachiaria humidicola (Rendle) Schweickerdt), pangola (Digitaria decumbens Stent), jaraguá (Hyphrrhenia rufa (Ness) Stapf), gordura (Melinis minutiflora Pal de Beauv), colonião (Panicum maximum Jacq) e napier (Pennisetwn purpure um Schum) foram cultivadas em solução nutritiva completa contendo, 0,12; 0,48; 1,94; 7,75 e 31,00 mg de fósforo por litro, com o objetivo de determinar os níveis críticos internos e externos de fosforo, e avaliar a eficiência com que absorvem e utilizam o fósforo. Aos setenta e cinco dias as plantas foram coletadas, separadas em caules, folhas, bainhas e raízes. Após secagem a 80ºC, as amostras foram pesadas e analisadas para fósforo na matéria seca. Curvas representativas do peso da matéria seca e da concentração de fósforo na matéria seca em função dos níveis de fosforo da solução nutritiva foram obtidas a partir de dados calculados de equações de regressão. Verificou-se que: - As espécies diferiram quanto à necessidade externa de fósforo, sendo B. humidicola e H. rufa as menos exigentes. Seguiram-se em ordem crescente B. decumbens, M. minutiflora, P. maximum, P. purpureum e D. decumbens. - Os níveis críticos internos de fósforo variaram entre as espécies, sendo maior em D. decumbens (0,38%) que nas demais. Seguiram-se em ordem decrescente B. decumbens (0,32%), B. humidioola (0,26%), M. minutiflora (0,24%), P. maximum (o,24%) e P. purpureum (0,20%). - A eficiência de absorção e utilização, do fósforo foi maior para B. humidicola. Seguiram-se em ordem decrescente P. purpureum, P. maximum, D. decumbens , B. decumbens e M. minutiflora.

Nutrição mineral do Panicum maximum cv. Makueni I: cresimento, concentração e extração dos macronutrientes

O trabalho foi conduzido em área de pasto já formado e rebaixado, situado na Fazenda Canchim (UEPAE de São Carlos -EMBRAPA), São Carlos, SP, em Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo, fase arenosa. Com a finalidade de avaliar o crescimento, através da produção de matéria seca, a concentração e acúmulo de macronutriena partir dos 30 dias após o rebaixamento até aos 180 dias. A área foi adubada com nitrogênio correspondendo à 250 kg de sulfato de amônio por hectare. Em intervalos de 30 dias após o rebaixamento até aos 180 dias, foram coletadas quatro metros quadrados das plantas ao acaso, sem subdividir em folhas e caules. O material seca à 80°C, e analisado para N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S. A concentração de nitrogênio é máxima aos 30 dias com 1,62% e mínima aos 120 dias com 0,72%. A concentração de fósforo é máxima aos 180 dias com 0,87% e mínima aos 60 dias com 0,003%. A concentração de potássio é linear com as idades variando de 2,8% a 0,76% aos 180 dias. A concentração de cálcio é máxima aos 90 dias com 0,53%. Não há variação na concentração de magnésio em função da idade da planta. A concentração de enxofre varia de 0,14% aos 30 dias para um mínimo aos 120 dias com 0,07%. O acúmulo de fósforo, potássio, cálcio é máximo aos 90 dias. 0 acúmulo de magnésio é máximo aos 120 dias O acúmulo de enxofre é máximo aos 60 dias. A exportação de macronutrientes contida na produção máxima de 1425 kg de matéria seca por hectare obedece á seguinte ordem: potássio-30,4; nitrogênio -13,9 kg; cálcio-7,0 kg; magnésio-6,3kg; enxofre-1,3 kg; fósforo-1,2 kg.

Nutrição mineral do Panicum maximum cv. Makueni II: concentração e extração de micronutrientes

O trabalho foi conduzido em área de pasto já formado e rebaixado, situado na Fazenda Canchim (UEPAE de São Carlos EMBRAPA), São Carlos - SP, em Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo, fase arenosa. Com a finalidade de avaliar a concentração e acúmulo de micronutrientes a partir dos 30 dias após o rebaixamento até aos 180 dias. A área foi adubada com nitrogênio correspondendo à 250 kg de sulfato de amônio por hectare. Em intervalos de 30 dias após o rebaixamento até aos 180 dias, foram coletadas quatro metros quadrados das plantas ao acaso, sem sub dividir em folhas e caules O material seco à 80°C, foi analisado para Cu, Zn, B, Mn e Fe. Os autores concluíram que: . A concentração de cobre é mais elevada aos 30 dias com 7,63ppm. . A concentração de zinco é maxima aos 180 dias com 22,66 ppm e mínima aos 120 dias com 12, 42ppm . A concentração de boro e maxima aos 150 dias com 11,76 ppm e mínima aos 60 dias com 1,69 ppm. . A concentração de manganês é máxima aos 180 dias com 133,85 ppm e mínima aos 30 dias com 49,64 ppm. . A concentração de ferro é máxima aos 180 dias com 236,25 ppm e mínima aos 90 dias com 136,22ppm . O acúmulo de cobre é máximo aos 90 dias. . O acúmulo de boro de mangês é máximo aos 180 dias. . O acúmulo de zinco e ferro não diferiu nas diferentes idades. A exportação de micronutrientes contida na produção máxima de 1.425 kg de matéria seca por hectare obedece a seguinte ordem: ferro - 286 g; manganês - 157 g; zinco - 23g; boro - 13,2g e cobre 7,6 g.

Nutrição mineral do Panicum maximum cv. Makueni III: digestibilidade da materia seca

O presente trabalho foi conduzido em área de pasto já formado e rebaixado, situado na Fazenda Canchim (UEPAE de São Carlos-EMBRAPA), São Carlos - SP, em Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo, fase arenosa. Com a finalidade de avaliar o coeficiente de digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca em função da idade, a partir dos 30 dias após o rebaixamento até aos l80 dias. A área foi adubada com nitrogênio correspondendo à 250 kg de sulfato de amônio por hectare. Em intervalos de 30 dias após o rebaixamento até aos l80 dias, colhiam-se quatro metrosquadrados das plantas ao acaso, sem subdividir em folhas e caules No mate rial coletado foi determinado o coeficiente de digestibilidade invitro sobre vinte e quatro amostras com duas repetições. Os resultados mostram que o coeficiente de digestibilidade da matéria seca é máximo aos 30 dias com 51,9% e decresce aos 180 dias com 29,4%.

Nutrição mineral de gramíneas tropicais. I. Carências nutricionais de capim tobiatã (Panicum maximum jacq.)

Plantas de capim tobiati, em condições controladas, foram submetidas a tratamentos em soluções nutritivas completa e carentes em N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Se B, com o objetivo de se obter o quadro sintomatológico das carências, bem como os teores dos elementos no caule e folhas. Foi obtido o quadro sintomatológico de todas as carências. Os teores encontra dos nas folhas de plantas com sintomas e normais, foram os seguintes: N: 1,0 -2,06; P: 0,08-0,15; K: 0,47-2,99; Mg: 0,12-1,52; Ca: 0,19-1,18; S: 0,08-0,16; B: 15,11-95,55 (ppm).