THE LYCHEE TREE PROPAGATION BY LAYERING

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of season and different substrates on rooting of air layers of lychee (Litchi chinensisSonn.) for the production of seedlings to ensure the formation of uniform and productive orchards. Air layers were done in plants of the Bengal cultivar using leafy and healthy woody branches, with about 0.010 to 0.015 m in diameter, in which were performed complete girdling with 0.020 m wide at a distance of 0.30 to 0.40 m below the apex. Then the branches were wrapped in moistened substrate. The layering was made at six times of theyear (January, March, May, July, September and November) and two substrates were used (coconut fiber and sphagnum) in a 6 x 2 factorial design in a randomized block with ten replicates. After 90 days, layers were separated from the matrix plant and evaluated for rooting and callus formation, root number, considering only the primary roots, length, area and volume of the roots, beyond the dry weight of roots and calluses. The months of January, March, September and November showed the best results for all analyzed variables related to rooting. With respect to the substrates, the only difference was in January and March to the root number and dry weight of roots, where the sphagnum showed the best results. The month of July was more conducive to the formation of calluses. The period between September and March was more suitable to the propagation of lychee, when there were rooting percentages above 90%, in addition to the formation of large amount of roots.

MICROJARDIM CLONAL DE MIRTILEIRO EM SISTEMAS DE CULTIVO SEM SOLO

RESUMO O uso de microjardins clonais em sistemas de cultivo sem solo para fornecimento de material propagativo na cultura do mirtileiro (Vaccinium spp.) pode trazer grandes avanços na produção de mudas dessa cultura. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a produção de microestacas e a sobrevivência de plantas matrizes de mirtileiro micropropagadas das cultivares Woodard e Aliceblue, em dois sistemas de cultivo. Os sistemas de cultivo utilizados foram o semi-hidropônico (floreiras com substrato de areia e fornecimento diário de solução nutritiva) e o com substrato organomineral (sacos plásticos com substrato comercial e fornecimento de solução nutritiva a cada 15 dias). Após o período de 90 dias do plantio das plantas matrizes, foram iniciadas as coletas de microestacas, as quais foram realizadas a cada 60 dias, com exceção do período de inverno, em que as coletas foram realizadas a cada 90 dias, totalizando ao final do experimento onze coletas. O experimento foi constituído como um fatorial 2 x 2 x 11 (sistemas x cultivares x coletas), em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições de 12 plantas cada. Foram avaliadas a produção total de microestacas ao final das onze coletas, o número de microestacas produzidas por planta matriz a cada coleta, a sobrevivência das plantas matrizes ao final das onze coletas e a sobrevivência das plantas matrizes a cada coleta. Os resultados indicaram que o sistema semi-hidropônico foi superior ao substrato organomineral para a produção de microestacas de ambas as cultivares. A maior produtividade total de microestacas ocorreu no sistema semi-hidropônico combinado com a cultivar Aliceblue, com produção total média de 237,67 microestacas. Porém, nesta condição, houve menor sobrevivência das plantas matrizes. A produção de microestacas apresentou alternância ao longo das coletas. A sobrevivência das plantas matrizes diminuiu após sucessivas coletas. Após as coletas de verão, ocorreu maior mortalidade de plantas matrizes.

Determining shoal membership using affinity propagation

We propose using the affinity propagation (AP) clustering algorithm for detecting multiple disjoint shoals, and we present an extension of AP, denoted by STAP, that can be applied to shoals that fusion and fission across time. STAP incorporates into AP a soft temporal constraint that takes cluster dynamics into account, encouraging partitions obtained at successive time steps to be consistent with each other. We explore how STAP performs under different settings of its parameters (strength of the temporal constraint, preferences, and distance metric) by applying the algorithm to simulated sequences of collective coordinated motion. We study the validity of STAP by comparing its results to partitioning of the same data obtained from human observers in a controlled experiment. We observe that, under specific circumstances, AP yields partitions that agree quite closely with the ones made by human observers. We conclude that using the STAP algorithm with appropriate parameter settings is an appealing approach for detecting shoal fusion-fission dynamics.

Progress in front propagation research

We review the progress in the field of front propagation in recent years. We survey many physical, biophysical and cross-disciplinary applications, including reduced-variable models of combustion flames, Reid's paradox of rapid forest range expansions, the European colonization of North America during the 19th century, the Neolithic transition in Europe from 13 000 to 5000 years ago, the description of subsistence boundaries, the formation of cultural boundaries, the spread of genetic mutations, theory and experiments on virus infections, models of cancer tumors, etc. Recent theoretical advances are unified in a single framework, encompassing very diverse systems such as those with biased random walks, distributed delays, sequential reaction and dispersion, cohabitation models, age structure and systems with several interacting species. Directions for future progress are outlined

Robust DNA Methylation in the Clonal Raider Ant Brain.

Social insects are promising model systems for epigenetics due to their immense morphological and behavioral plasticity. Reports that DNA methylation differs between the queen and worker castes in social insects [1-4] have implied a role for DNA methylation in regulating division of labor. To better understand the function of DNA methylation in social insects, we performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing on brains of the clonal raider ant Cerapachys biroi, whose colonies alternate between reproductive (queen-like) and brood care (worker-like) phases [5]. Many cytosines were methylated in all replicates (on average 29.5% of the methylated cytosines in a given replicate), indicating that a large proportion of the C. biroi brain methylome is robust. Robust DNA methylation occurred preferentially in exonic CpGs of highly and stably expressed genes involved in core functions. Our analyses did not detect any differences in DNA methylation between the queen-like and worker-like phases, suggesting that DNA methylation is not associated with changes in reproduction and behavior in C. biroi. Finally, many cytosines were methylated in one sample only, due to either biological or experimental variation. By applying the statistical methods used in previous studies [1-4, 6] to our data, we show that such sample-specific DNA methylation may underlie the previous findings of queen- and worker-specific methylation. We argue that there is currently no evidence that genome-wide variation in DNA methylation is associated with the queen and worker castes in social insects, and we call for a more careful interpretation of the available data.

Different rates of defense evolution and niche preferences in clonal and nonclonal milkweeds (Asclepias spp.).

Given the dual role of many plant traits to tolerate both herbivore attack and abiotic stress, the climatic niche of a species should be integrated into the study of plant defense strategies. Here we investigate the impact of plant reproductive strategy and components of species' climatic niche on the rate of chemical defense evolution in the milkweeds using a common garden experiment of 49 species. We found that across Asclepias species, clonal reproduction repeatedly evolved in lower temperature conditions, in species generally producing low concentrations of a toxic defense (cardenolides). Additionally, we found that rates of cardenolide evolution were lower for clonal than for nonclonal species. We thus conclude that because the clonal strategy is based on survival, long generation times, and is associated with tolerance of herbivory, it may be an alternative to toxicity in colder ecosystems. Taken together, these results indicate that the rate of chemical defense evolution is influenced by the intersection of life-history strategy and climatic niches into which plants radiate.

Simulation of Delamination Propagation in Composites Under High-Cycle Fatigue by Means of Cohesive-Zone Models

A damage model for the simulation of delamination propagation under high-cycle fatigue loading is proposed. The basis for the formulation is a cohesive law that links fracture and damage mechanics to establish the evolution of the damage variable in terms of the crack growth rate dA/dN. The damage state is obtained as a function of the loading conditions as well as the experimentally-determined coefficients of the Paris Law crack propagation rates for the material. It is shown that by using the constitutive fatigue damage model in a structural analysis, experimental results can be reproduced without the need of additional model-specific curve-fitting parameters

Propagation through fractal media: The Sierpinski gasket and the Koch curve

We present new analytical tools able to predict the averaged behavior of fronts spreading through self-similar spatial systems starting from reaction-diffusion equations. The averaged speed for these fronts is predicted and compared with the predictions from a more general equation (proposed in a previous work of ours) and simulations. We focus here on two fractals, the Sierpinski gasket (SG) and the Koch curve (KC), for two reasons, i.e. i) they are widely known structures and ii) they are deterministic fractals, so the analytical study of them turns out to be more intuitive. These structures, despite their simplicity, let us observe several characteristics of fractal fronts. Finally, we discuss the usefulness and limitations of our approa

Vertical cultural transmission effects on demic front propagation: Theory and application to the Neolithic transition in Europe

It is shown that Lotka-Volterra interaction terms are not appropriate to describe vertical cultural transmission. Appropriate interaction terms are derived and used to compute the effect of vertical cultural transmission on demic front propagation. They are also applied to a specific example, the Neolithic transition in Europe. In this example, it is found that the effect of vertical cultural transmission can be important (about 30%). On the other hand, simple models based on differential equations can lead to large errors (above 50%). Further physical, biophysical, and cross-disciplinary applications are outlined

Minimization of the experimental workload for the prediction of pollutants propagation in rivers. Mathematical modelling and knowledge re-use

The present thesis in focused on the minimization of experimental efforts for the prediction of pollutant propagation in rivers by mathematical modelling and knowledge re-use. Mathematical modelling is based on the well known advection-dispersion equation, while the knowledge re-use approach employs the methods of case based reasoning, graphical analysis and text mining. The thesis contribution to the pollutant transport research field consists of: (1) analytical and numerical models for pollutant transport prediction; (2) two novel techniques which enable the use of variable parameters along rivers in analytical models; (3) models for the estimation of pollutant transport characteristic parameters (velocity, dispersion coefficient and nutrient transformation rates) as functions of water flow, channel characteristics and/or seasonality; (4) the graphical analysis method to be used for the identification of pollution sources along rivers; (5) a case based reasoning tool for the identification of crucial information related to the pollutant transport modelling; (6) and the application of a software tool for the reuse of information during pollutants transport modelling research. These support tools are applicable in the water quality research field and in practice as well, as they can be involved in multiple activities. The models are capable of predicting pollutant propagation along rivers in case of both ordinary pollution and accidents. They can also be applied for other similar rivers in modelling of pollutant transport in rivers with low availability of experimental data concerning concentration. This is because models for parameter estimation developed in the present thesis enable the calculation of transport characteristic parameters as functions of river hydraulic parameters and/or seasonality. The similarity between rivers is assessed using case based reasoning tools, and additional necessary information can be identified by using the software for the information reuse. Such systems represent support for users and open up possibilities for new modelling methods, monitoring facilities and for better river water quality management tools. They are useful also for the estimation of environmental impact of possible technological changes and can be applied in the pre-design stage or/and in the practical use of processes as well.

Supressão da atividade saprofítica de Rhizoctonia spp. em solos de jardim clonal de Eucalyptus

Avaliou-se a eficiência de Trichoderma longibranchiatum (UFV-1), de T. inhamatum (UFV-2 e UFV-3), compostos de casca e folhas de eucalipto contra Rhizoctonia spp., aplicados em solo de jardim clonal de eucalipto (Eucalyptus sp.). Em solos artificialmente infestados com Rhizoctonia spp., sob condições controladas, os antagonistas UFV-2 e UFV-3 apresentaram níveis elevados de supressividade, quando se aumentou a fonte alimentar na formulação, de 5 a 50 g de farelo de trigo por litro. No campo, o antagonista UFV-3 não teve efeito significativo na redução do inóculo de Rhizoctonia spp. Compostos de casca de eucalipto apresentaram diferentes graus de supressão a Rhizoctonia spp., dependendo da origem e do lote do composto. A incorporação de folhas de eucalipto ao solo favoreceu o aumento do inóculo de Rhizoctonia spp.

Encapsulamento de Trichoderma inhamatum para o controle biológico de Rhizoctonia solani na propagação clonal de Eucalyptus

Testou-se um novo sistema para o encapsulamento de Trichoderma inhamatum em grânulos de alginato de sódio, visando o controle biológico de Rhizoctonia solani, agente etiológico da mela de estacas/miniestacas de Eucalyptus spp. para enraizamento. No novo sistema idealizado, foi utilizado um aparato simples capaz de substituir eficientemente o equipamento (Bomba Peristáltica) anteriormente utilizado, sendo possível aumentar a produção de 594 grânulos/min para aproximadamente 6.734 grânulos/min. Com este novo sistema, um isolado de T. inhamatum (UFV – 03) foi encapsulado em grânulos contendo as fontes alimentares: farelo de trigo, palha de arroz, farelo de aveia, folhas de eucalipto ou farelo de milho na concentração de 50 g/l. Na segunda etapa, a melhor fonte alimentar foi testada nas concentrações de 0 a 60 g/l. Os grânulos foram veiculados em substrato de enraizamento de eucalipto na concentração de 2% (p/p) inoculado com micélio triturado de R. solani (2 mg/g de substrato) e a atividade saprofítica do patógeno foi quantificada por meio do método de iscas. Posteriormente, os grânulos produzidos com a fonte alimentar e concentração que promoveram maior inibição do desenvolvimento de R. solani foram utilizados para determinar o tempo mínimo de pré-incubação e competição para supressão do patógeno, com a mesma metodologia. Observou-se aumento da supressão da atividade saprofítica de R. solani ao acréscimo de uma fonte alimentar. Daquelas testadas, farelo de trigo foi a melhor. Além disso, houve interação significativa e positiva ao aumento de sua concentração na formulação.

Flutuação populacional de Rhizoctonia spp. em jardim clonal de Eucalyptus spp

A queima de folhas em brotações em jardim clonal e a mela de estacas na fase de enraizamento, causadas por espécies de Rhizoctonia, podem limitar a produção de mudas de eucalipto por estaquia. Apesar de sua importância, pouco se conhece sobre essas doenças. Assim, visando otimizar as estratégias de controle dessas doenças, nesse trabalho objetivou-se elucidar aspectos da dinâmica populacional de Rhizoctonia spp. no solo e em brotações, a fim de estabelecer, correlações com a incidência da doença, bem como determinar a distribuição do patógeno em jardim clonal de eucalipto. Conclui-se que há flutuação populacional de Rhizoctonia spp. em jardim clonal de eucalipto, sendo observado um padrão de distribuição espacial agregado do inóculo no solo. A dinâmica populacional de Rhizoctonia spp. foi correlacionada à temperatura, mas não à precipitação pluviométrica.

Caracterização de isolados de Rhizoctonia spp. e identificação de novos grupos de anastomose em jardim clonal de eucalipto

Espécies de Rhizoctonia causam queima foliar em brotações de jardim clonal e podridão de estacas durante o enraizamento, que podem limitar a clonagem do eucalipto, por estaquia. Diante da importância do patógeno para a cultura e da falta de estudos sobre a diversidade de isolados, esse trabalho objetivou caracterizar isolados e relatar novos grupos de anastomose de Rhizoctonia spp. em jardim clonal de eucalipto. Os isolados obtidos nas diferentes fases de propagação por estaquia foram caracterizados quanto ao número de núcleos nas células vegetativas, agrupados segundo as características morfológicas das colônias e identificados quanto aos grupos de anastomose, incluindo auxotrofia por tiamina. Avaliou-se, também, a virulência ao eucalipto e o efeito da temperatura no crescimento micelial dos isolados. Não se detectou correlação entre os agrupamentos morfológicos e reações de anastomose. Constatou-se, também, que a população de Rhizoctonia spp., nos solos de jardins clonais, é constituída por ampla gama de isolados, predominantemente binucleados, com diferentes graus de virulência a eucalipto. Os isolados binucleados e os multinucleados, tiveram a mesma tendência de crescimento em relação à temperatura, com ótimo para a taxa de crescimento entre 25-30 ºC. Observou-se, pela primeira vez, isolados de R. solani AG2-2 IIIB e os binucleados de Rhizoctonia spp., AG-P e AG-O, como agentes etiológicos da podridão de estacas em casa de vegetação, e os isolados binucleados AG-A e AG-L em solo de jardim clonal de eucalipto.