Studies on stem cuttings of kiwi (Actinidia chinensis PL. CV Bruno)

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo, estudar o efeito de auxinas sintéticas e do boro, sobre o enraizamento de estacas caulinares de kiwi (Actinidia chinensisPlanch. cv Bruno). As estacas continham dois nós com aproximadamente 10 cm de comprimento, contendo 2 folhas cortadas ao meio. As bases das estacas receberam os seguintes tratamentos: control (H2O); NAA 300 mg.L-1; IBA 300 mg.L-1; NAA 300 mg.L-1 + B; IBA 300 mg.L-1 + B; NAA 0,5%-pó e IBA 0,5%-pó. Após os tratamentos as estacas foram plantadas em bandejas de enraizamento contendo vermiculita pura e colocadas em câmara de nebulização por 120 dias até a coleta das mesmas. Para a avaliação do efeito das auxinas e boro, foram realizadas as seguintes observações: 1. porcentagem de estacas enraizadas; 2. análise de açúcares redutores e açúcares totais (em g/100 g de matéria seca); 3. análise de triptofano (em µg/100 mg de matéria seca). Além disso, foram verificados o efeito dos tratamentos em quatro épocas, que corresponderam às estações do ano (primavera, verão, outono e inverno). Através dos resultados obtidos no processo de enraizamento de estacas caulinares de kiwi (Actinidia chinensis Planch. cv Bruno), conclui-se ser o verão a melhor época de coleta dos ramos para a produção das estacas sem a necessidade do tratamento com auxinas.

Enraizamento de estacas caulinares de kiwi (Actinidia chinensis Planch cv Abbott) tratadas com auxinas e boro

O trabalho teve como finalidade, estudar o efeito de várias auxinas sintéticas em formulações comerciais e do boro, sobre o enraizamento de estacas caulinares de kiwi (Actinidia chinensis Planch, cv Abbott.). As estacas utilizadas continham dois nós e duas folhas cortadas ao meio, com aproximadamente 10 cm de comprimento, onde o corte basal em bisel foi realizado logo abaixo de um nó e o apical acima do outro nó. O efeito das auxinas, sobre o enraizamento de estacas caulinares de kiwi foi verificado mediante os seguintes tratamentos, aplicados sobre as bases das estacas: T1 H(2)0); T2 (NAA 300 ppm); T3 (IBA 300 ppm); T4 (NAA 300 ppm + B); T5 (IBA 300 ppm + B); T6 (NAA 0,5%-pó) e T7 (IBA 0,5%-pó). Após o tratamento das estacas, estas foram plantadas em bandejas de enraizamento, contendo vermiculita pura e colocadas em câmara de nebulização, onde permaneceram por 120 dias, até a sua coleta. Para a avaliação do efeito de auxinas e do ácido bórico, sobre o enraizamento de estacas caulinares de kiwi, foram realizadas as seguintes observações: 1. porcentagem de estacas enraizadas; 2. análise de açúcares redutores e açúcares totais (em g/100 g de matéria seca); 3. análise de triptofano (em µg/100 mg de matéria seca). Os resultados obtidos no processo de enraizamento de estacas caulinares de kiwi (Actinidia chinensis Planch.) variedade Abbott, levou a concluir que o inverno e outono foram as melhores épocas de coleta dos ramos de auxinas para a confecção das estacas. O processo de enraizamento foi ainda incrementado com a aplicação exógena na base das estacas, sendo que o alto teor de açúcares redutores e totais beneficiou a maior porcentagem de enraizamento.

EFEITO do GA3 NA GERMINAÇÃO DE SEMENTES DE KIWI (Actinidia chinensis Planch.)

Com o objetivo de analisar a aplicação de ácido giberélico (GA3) na germinação de sementes de Actinidia chinensis Pl, sementes foram extraídas de frutos maduros, lavadas e secas à sombra, recebendo os seguintes tratamentos: T1 - estratificação (5oC por 2 semanas); T2 - testemunha; T3 - GA3 à 50 mg.L-1 ; T4 - GA3 à 100 mg.L-1 e T5 - GA3 à 150 mg.L-1. Durante a primeira semana o substrato dos tratamentos T3, T4 e T5 foi umedecido com GA3. O tratamento mais efetivo para aumentar a porcentagem de germinação e diminuir o tempo médio de germinação foi com 150 mg.L-1 de GA3.

Effects of auxins and boron on rooting of kiwi stem cuttings (Actinidia chinensis Pl cv Matua)

This work studies the effects of some synthetical auxins and boron in the rooting of stem cuttings of kiwi (Actinidia chinensis Planch cv Matua). The stems used had two nodes and two leaves cut in half. The auxin effect was observed through seven different treatments: T1 (H2O); T2 (NAA 300 ppm); T3 (IBA 300 ppm); T4 (NAA 300 ppm + B); T5 (IBA 300 ppm + B); T6 (NAA 0,5%-talc) and T7 (IBA 0,5%-talc), applied to the bases of stem cuttings. After these treatments, the cuttings were placed in suitable rooting dishes, with pure vermiculite in misty nebulization chamber for 120 days until collection day. The evaluation of auxin and boric acid effects were made based on the following observations: 1. The percentage of rooted stem cuttings; 2. reducing sugar and total sugar analyses; and 3. tryptophan analyses. The effects of such treatments were observed in the four seasons. The results showed that winter is best for rooting. Application of IBA talc 0,5% to the cuttings bases increased rooting.

Action of auxins, boron and harvest season on the rooting of kiwi fruit stem cuttings (Actinidia chinensis Pl cv Monty)

Action of auxins on the rooting of stem cuttings of kiwi (Actinidia chinensis P. cv Monty). This work studies the effects of some synthetic auxins and B in the rooting of kiwi (Actinidia chinensis Planch cv Monty) stem cuttings. The treatments used were as follows: T1 (H2O); T2 (NAA 300 ppm); T3 (IBA 300 ppm); T4 (NAA 300 ppm + B); T5 (IBA 300 ppm + B); T6 (NAA 0,5%-talc) and T7 (IBA 0,5%-talc), applied to the bases of the cuttings. These were then placed in rooting dishes with pure vermiculite in a misty nebulization chamber until collection day (120 days). The evaluation of auxin and boric acid effects on kiwi stem cuttings were made based on the following observations: 1. The percentage of rooted stem cuttings; 2. reducing sugars and total sugar analyses (in g/100 g of dry matter); and 3. tryptophan analyses (in mu g/100 mg of dry matter). The results show that summer is the best season for rooting Actinidia chinensis Planch cv Monty stem cuttings. The use of IBA talc 0,5% on the bases of the cuttings shamed positive results too.

MICROPROPAGAÇÃO DO KIWI CV. HAYWARD

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver um protocolo para a obtenção de mudas de kiwi (Actinidia chinensis Planch), cv. Hayward, por meio do cultivo in vitro de cotilédones. Utilizou-se o meio de MURASHIGE & SKOOG (1962) -- MS, suplementado com dois tipos de auxina (AIA e AIB) e uma citocinina (BAP). Foram verificados os efeitos de três doses de auxinas (0,125; 0,250 e 0,375 mg.L-1), combinadas com três doses de citocinina (0,5; 1,0 e 1,5 mg.L-1) na capacidade morfogênica dos explantes. Procedeu-se o estudo histológico dos órgãos das plântulas obtidas in vitro, e verificou-se, também, a capacidade de aclimatação das mudas ex vitro. A menor dose de AIB (0,125 mg.L-1), independentemente das doses de BAP, foi a mais eficaz na morfogênese dos explantes. Não foram verificadas alterações histológicas e anatômicas das plântulas obtidas in vitro. Aos três meses após o cultivo ex vitro dos explantes, verificou-se a sobrevivência de 88% das plantas transplantadas em condições de campo.

MICROPROPAGAÇÃO do KIWI CV. HAYWARD

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver um protocolo para a obtenção de mudas de kiwi (Actinidia chinensis Planch), cv. Hayward, por meio do cultivo in vitro de cotilédones. Utilizou-se o meio de MURASHIGE & SKOOG (1962) -- MS, suplementado com dois tipos de auxina (AIA e AIB) e uma citocinina (BAP). Foram verificados os efeitos de três doses de auxinas (0,125; 0,250 e 0,375 mg.L-1), combinadas com três doses de citocinina (0,5; 1,0 e 1,5 mg.L-1) na capacidade morfogênica dos explantes. Procedeu-se o estudo histológico dos órgãos das plântulas obtidas in vitro, e verificou-se, também, a capacidade de aclimatação das mudas ex vitro. A menor dose de AIB (0,125 mg.L-1), independentemente das doses de BAP, foi a mais eficaz na morfogênese dos explantes. Não foram verificadas alterações histológicas e anatômicas das plântulas obtidas in vitro. Aos três meses após o cultivo ex vitro dos explantes, verificou-se a sobrevivência de 88% das plantas transplantadas em condições de campo.

Efeito de auxinas e boro no enraizamento de estacas caulinares de kiwi retiradas em diferentes épocas

This work was carried out to study the effects of some synthetical auxins and boron on the rooting of stem cuttings of kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa Pl. cv. Tomuri). Cuttings of semi-woody stems with two knots and leaves divided in two, with approximately 10 cm of length were utilized. The base of the cuttings received the following treatments: 1) water only; 2) NAA 300 ppm; 3) IBA 300 ppm; 4) NAA 300 ppm + B; 5) IBA 300 ppm + B; 6) NAA 0,5%-talc and 7) IBA 0,5%-talc. After these treatments, the stems were placed in suitable rooting dishes, with pure vermiculite in misty nebulization chamber for 120 days. Evaluations were made based on the following observations: percentage of rooted stem cuttings; reductor sugar and total sugar analyses and tryptophan analyses. The results showed that the autumm season is the best for rooting for kiwi stem cuttings. The exogenous application of 0.5% of IBA talc on the bases of the cuttings showed positive results.

Jasmonates and abscisic acid influence fruit ripening and plant water use: practical, physiological and morphological aspects

The aim of the present thesis was to better understand the physiological role of the phytohormones jasmonates (JAs) and abscisic acid (ABA) during fruit ripening in prospect of a possible field application of JAs and ABA to improve fruit yield and quality. In particular, the effects of exogenous application of these substances at different fruit developmental stages and under different experimental conditions were evaluated. Some aspects of the water relations upon ABA treatment were also analysed. Three fruit species, peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch), golden (Actinidia chinensis) and green kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa), and several of their cvs, were used for the trials. Different experimental models were adopted: fruits in planta, detached fruit, detached branches with fruit, girdled branches and micropropagated plants. The work was structured into four sets of experiments as follows: (i) Pre-harvest methyl jasmonate (MJ) application was performed at S3/S4 transition under field conditions in Redhaven peach; ethylene production, ripening index, fruit quality and shelf-life were assessed showing that MJ-treated fruit were firmer and thus less ripe than controls as confirmed by the Index of Absorbance Difference (IAD), but exhibited a shorter shelf-life due to an increase in ethylene production. Moreover, the time course of the expression of ethylene-, auxin- and other ripening-related genes was determined. Ripening-related ACO1 and ACS1 transcript accumulation was inhibited though transiently by MJ, and gene expression of the ethylene receptor ETR2 and of the ethylene-related transcription factor ERF2 was also altered. The time course of the expression of several auxin-related genes was strongly affected by MJ suggesting an increase in auxin biosynthesis, altered auxin conjugation and release as well as perception and transport; the need for a correct ethylene/auxin balance during ripening was confirmed. (ii) Pre- and post-harvest ABA applications were carried out under field conditions in Flaminia and O’Henry peach and Stark Red Gold nectarine fruit; ethylene production, ripening index, fruit quality and shelf-life were assessed. Results show that pre-harvest ABA applications increase fruit size and skin color intensity. Also post-harvest ABA treatments alter ripening-related parameters; in particular, while ethylene production is impaired in ABA-treated fruit soluble solids concentration (SSC) is enhanced. Following field ABA applications stem water potential was modified since ABA-treated peach trees retain more water. (iii) Pre- and post-harvest ABA and PDJ treatments were carried out in both kiwifruit species under field conditions at different fruit developmental stages and in post-harvest. Ripening index, fruit quality, plant transpiration, photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were assessed. Pre-harvest treatments enhance SSC in the two cvs and flesh color development in golden kiwifruit. Post-harvest applications of either ABA or ABA plus PDJ lead to increased SSC. In addition, ABA reduces gas exchanges in A. deliciosa. (iv) Spray, drench and dipping ABA treatments were performed in micropropagated peach plants and in peach and nectarine detached branches; plant water use and transpiration, biomass production and fruit dehydration were determined. In both plants and branches ABA significantly reduces water use and fruit dehydration. No negative effects on biomass production were detected. The present information, mainly arising from plant growth regulator application in a field environment, where plants have to cope with multiple biotic and abiotic stresses, may implement the perspectives for the use of these substances in the control of fruit ripening.

Determinación de la calidad interna del kiwi mediante técnicas no destructivas: impacto e imagen hiperspectral.

El kiwi es un fruto con epidermis pilosa de color pardo-verdoso cuyo aspecto externo no sufre cambios significativos a lo largo del proceso de maduración. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el potencial de distintas técnicas no destructivas para la determinación de la calidad interna de kiwi. Se trabajó con frutos de pulpa verde (Actinidia deliciosa) ?Hayward? y de pulpa amarilla (Actinidia chinensis) ?Hort16A? y tres estados de madurez. Se realizaron determinaciones mecánicas y acústicas con el impactador lateral LPF y el equipo comercial AWETA, ambos para la estimación no destructiva de la firmeza, y se adquirieron imágenes con cámara hiperespectral (rango 400-1000 nm), como herramienta para la estimación global del estado de madurez del fruto. Se encontró que existe una correlación positiva y significativa (0,94? rpearson ?0,97) entre las variables Fuerzamáx. (impactador) y Frecuenciaresonante máx. (AWETA) con la Fuerzamáx registrada en el ensayo de referencia ?compresión con bola? realizado sobre los mismos frutos con una máquina universal de ensayos. Las imágenes hiperespectrales permitieron evidenciar el distinto nivel de madurez de los frutos en evolución y dentro de cada lote e incluso en distintas zonas de un mismo fruto, apreciándose cierto patrón espacial común en la evolución de la madurez dentro de los frutos.

Detection and molecular characterization of viruses infecting Actinidia spp.

Kiwifruit (genus Actinidia) is an important horticultural crop grown in the temperate regions. The four world’s largest producers are China, Italy, New Zealand and Chile. More than 50 species are recognized in the genus but the principal species in cultivation are A. deliciosa and A. chinensis. In Italy, as well as in many other countries, the kiwifruit crop has been considered to be relatively disease free and then no certification system for this species has been developed to regulate importation of propagation plant material in the European Union. During the last years a number of fungal and bacterial diseases have been recorded such as Botrytis cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae. Since 2003, several viruses and virus-like diseases have been identified and more recent studies demonstrated that Actinidia spp can be infected by a wide range of viral agents. In collaboration with the University of Auckland we have been detected thirteen different viral species on kiwifruit plants. During the three years of my PhD I worked on the characterization of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Pelargonium zonate spot virus (PZSV). The determination of causal agents has been based on host range, symptom expression in the test plant species and morphological properties of the virus particles using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and using specific oligonucleotide primers in reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Both viruses induced several symptoms on kiwifruit plants. Moreover with new technologies such as high-throughput sequencing we detected additional viruses, a new member of the family Closteroviridae and a new member of the family Totiviridae. Taking together all results of my studies it is clear that, in order to minimize the risk of serious viral disease in kiwifruit, it is vital to use virus-free propagation material in order to prevent the spread of these viruses.

Interaction of temperature and vegetative flush maturity influences shoot structure and development of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)

Potted lychee trees (cv. Tai so) of varying vegetative flush maturity were grown under a range of temperature regimes and monitored for subsequent shoot structure and development. A combination of low temperature (15/17 or 18/13 degreesC day/night) and high vegetative flush maturity was necessary for floral initiation to occur, Exposure to high temperatures (28/23 degreesC) invariably resulted in the production of vegetative shoots, irrespective of flush maturity. Strong floral initiation was marked by the emergence of terminal particles and accompanying axillary particles. A decrea,;e in vegetative flush maturity or increase in temperature (e.g. 23/18 degreesC) resulted in a decrease in axillary shoot formation and the production of several intermediate shoot structures. These included leafy particles, stunted particles, partially emerged buds and non-emergent swollen buds, often produced on the same tree. At 23/18 degreesC, closer synchronisation of initial flush maturity was required for the production of a consistent shoot-type. Trees with synchronised mature flushes (I-2) at 23/18 degreesC resulted in the production of swollen terminal buds. Healthy trees were maintained in this state for at least 11 months. These results indicate that both temperature and flush maturity can influence subsequent shoot structure of lychee. In the absence of either a strong floral temperature (18/13 degreesC) or strong vegetative temperature (28/23 degreesC), slight differences in initial flush maturity have gteater impact on the type of emerging shoot formed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Toxoplasmosis in Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins (Sousa chinensis), from Queensland

Objective To describe the clinical signs, gross pathology, serology, bacteriology, histopathology, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry findings associated with toxoplasmosis in four Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins (Sousa chinensis) that stranded in Queensland in 2000 and 2001. Design Clinical assessment, gross necropsy, and laboratory examinations. Procedure Necropsies were performed on four S chinensis to determine cause of death. Laboratory tests including serology, bacteriology, histopathology and transmission electron microscopy were done on the four dolphins. Immunohistochemistry was done on the brain, heart, liver, lung, spleen and adrenal gland from various dolphins to detect Toxoplasma gondii antigens. Results Necropsies showed all of four S chinensis that stranded in Queensland in 2000 and 2001 had evidence of predatory shark attack and three were extremely emaciated. Histopathological examinations showed all four dolphins had toxoplasmosis with tissue cysts resembling T gondii in the brain. Tachyzoite stages of T gondii were detected in the lungs, heart, liver, spleen and adrenal gland, variously of all four dolphins. Electron microscopy studies and immunohistochemistry confirmed the tissues cysts were those of T gondii. All four dolphins also had intercurrent disease including pneumonia, three had peritonitis and one had pancreatitis. Conclusion Four S chinensis necropsied in Queensland in 2000 and 2001 were found to be infected with toxoplasmosis. It is uncertain how these dolphins became infected and further studies are needed to determine how S chinensis acquire toxoplasmosis. All four dolphins stranded after periods of heavy rainfall, and coastal freshwater runoff may be a risk factor for T gondii infection in S chinensis. This disease should be of concern to wildlife managers since S chinensis is a rare species and its numbers appear to be declining.

Nutrição mineral das plantas ornamentais: III. absorção de nutrientes pela rainha Margarida (Callestephus chinensis)

No sentido de aquilatar a extração dos macro e micronutrientes, com exceção do Cl e Mo, aliada ao crescimento da planta, amostragens de rainha margarida (Callestephus chinensis) foram executadas aos 0, 18, 34, 46, 59 e 77 dias após o transplante. As plantas foram divididas em raiz, caule, folhas, botões florais, flores analisadas para N, R, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn. Observou-se que o crescimento da rainha margarida é contínuo, acentuando-se após os 59 dias de transplante. O teor porcentual dos nutrientes aos 34-46 dias, na matéria seca, oscilou em torno de 4,09% - 4,40% para N; 0,44% - 0,46% para P; 1,65% - 3,19% para K; 1,01% - 1,10% para Ca; 0,34% - 0,45% para Mg; 0,42% - 0,43% para S. Para os micronutrientes os valores encontrados, na mesma época, foram em ppm: B - 23-36; Cu - 18-20; Fe - 105-150; Mn - 115-135; Zn - 64-111. Uma planta de rainha-margarida aos 77 dias contem: 2.049,9 mg de N; 212,5 mg de P; 2.496,6 mg de K; 915,7 mg de Ca; 356,6 mg de Mg; 159,1 mg de S; 2.140 ug de B; 3.070 ug de Cu; 17.142 ug de Fe; 6.946 ug de Mn; 3.931 ug de Zn.