Conservation of 'Pedro Sato' guavas under treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene

The search for techniques that extend shelf life of guava (Psidium guajava) fruits, and reduce its postharvest losses is desirable. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of concentrations of competitive ethylene antagonist 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on conservation of 'Pedro Sato' guava fruits. Treatments consisted of 0, 100, 300 or 900 nL L-1 of 1-MCP for 3 hours followed by storage at 25ºC, and 10ºC with 90±5% RH. The application of 900 nL L-1 1-MCP for 3 hours was efficient in delaying loss of skin color, and in keeping fruit firmness at both storage temperatures. The 300 nL L-1 of 1-MCP concentration was efficient in delaying skin color loss only when fruits were stored at 10ºC. The effect of 1-MCP was quite significant on the reduction of rot incidence at both storage temperatures. The respiratory rate was lower in fruits treated with 300 and 900 nL L-1 of 1-MCP during storage at 25ºC. The product was efficient in delaying the ripening of fruits, and the concentration of 900 nL L-1 showed the best effect.

Sequence similarity between the viral cp gene and the transgene in transgenic papayas

The Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) coat protein transgene present in 'Rainbow' and 'SunUp' papayas disclose high sequence similarity (>89%) to the cp gene from PRSV BR and TH. Despite this, both isolates are able to break down the resistance in 'Rainbow', while only the latter is able to do so in 'SunUp'. The objective of this work was to evaluate the degree of sequence similarity between the cp gene in the challenge isolate and the cp transgene in transgenic papayas resistant to PRSV. The production of a hybrid virus containing the genome backbone of PRSV HA up to the Apa I site in the NIb gene, and downstream from there, the sequence of PRSV TH was undertaken. This hybrid virus, PRSV HA/TH, was obtained and used to challenge 'Rainbow', 'SunUp', and an R2 population derived from line 63-1, all resistant to PRSV HA. PRSV HA/TH broke down the resistance in both papaya varieties and in the 63-1 population, demonstrating that sequence similarity is a major factor in the mechanism of resistance used by transgenic papayas expressing the cp gene. A comparative analysis of the cp gene present in line 55-1 and 63-1-derived transgenic plants and in PRSV HA, BR, and TH was also performed.

Toxicidade de extratos vegetais a Scutellonema bradys

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito nematostático e nematicida de extratos aquosos de bulbilhos de alho (Allium sativum L.), folhas de mandioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz), folhas e sementes de mamão (Carica papaya L.), folhas de hortelã (Mentha piperita L.) e casca de gliricídia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud.) em Scutellonema bradys, agente causal da casca-preta do inhame (Dioscorea cayennensis Lam.). Todos os extratos vegetais inibiram a mobilidade e causaram mortalidade ao fitonematóide. Os extratos de hortelã e de mandioca causaram menos de 45% de mortalidade a S. bradys. As maiores porcentagens de mortalidade são causadas pelos extratos de sementes e folhas do mamoeiro e pelos bulbilhos de alho.

Postharvest quality of peaches harvested from integrated and conventional production systems

Over three years the postharvest quality of 'Marli' peaches harvested from the integrated (IFP) and conventional production (CFP) systems was evaluated. The peaches were harvested from commercial orchards of Prunus persica at two locations close to the city of São Jerônimo, RS, Brazil, and stored at 0.5°C for 10, 20 or 30 days. The peaches were evaluated at harvest, at retrieval from storage and after ripening periods at 20°C. No differences in fruit weight losses were determined. Decay incidence was low, and no differences were detected amongst systems in both 2001 and 2002 seasons, but in the 2000 season CFP peaches were more decayed. Flesh firmness of peaches from the IFP system were greater than CFP fruits in the years 2000 and 2001. In 2002, firmness changed little during storage and ripening. Peaches from the IFP in 2000 had higher titratable acidity and lower soluble solids. In the 2000 season, flesh browning was observed in decayed fruits, always at ripening after 20 or 30 days of cold storage Chilling injuries such as browning, woolliness and leatheriness ocurred in 2002. There were no differences amongst systems related to peach quality.

Marcadores moleculares na predição do sexo em plantas de mamoeiro

O objetivo deste trabalho foi validar marcadores moleculares, previamente identificados como ligados ao sexo do mamoeiro, para utilização na seleção indireta em genótipos comerciais. Foram analisadas duas variedades do grupo Solo e dois híbridos do grupo Formosa, com utilização de 20 plantas por genótipo, quatro marcadores do tipo SCAR (Sequence Characterized Amplified Region) e um RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA). O RAPD BC210 permitiu a identificação de todas as plantas femininas e hermafroditas, o que revela grande potencial para ser usado na seleção assistida em alguns dos genótipos mais cultivados no Brasil. Os marcadores do tipo SCAR não permitiram a identificação correta do sexo dos genótipos, pois detectou-se a presença de falso-positivos e falso-negativos nas análises.

Enzyme activities and pectin breakdown of sapodilla submitted to 1-methylcyclopropene

The objective of this work was to investigate the influence of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at 300 nL L-1 on activities of cell wall hidrolytic enzymes and pectin breakdown changes which Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota cv. Itapirema 31) cell wall undergoes during ripening. Sapodilla were treated with ethylene antagonist 1-MCP at 300 nL L-1 for 12 hours and then, stored under a modified atmosphere at 25º C for 23 days. Firmness, total and soluble pectin and cell wall enzymes were monitored during storage. 1-MCP at 300 nL L-1 for 12 hours delayed significantly softening of sapodilla for 11 days at 25º C. 1-MCP postharvest treatment affected the activities of cell wall degrading enzymes pectinmethylesterase and polygalacturonase and completely suppressed increases in beta-galactosidase for 8 days, resulting in less pectin solubilization. Beta-galactosidase seems relevant to softening of sapodilla and is probably responsible for modification of both pectin and xyloglucan-cellulose microfibril network.

Indução de resistência do mamoeiro à podridão radicular por indutores bióticos e abióticos

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial do uso de indutores de resistência bióticos e abióticos na redução da podridão radicular em mamoeiro. Mudas de mamoeiro foram pulverizadas com os fungicidas fosetil-Al, metalaxil e Mancozeb (2 g L-1), com os indutores abióticos fosfito de potássio (2,5 e 5 mL L-1), ácido salicílico 0,15 e 0,30%, Reforce (indutor comercial) + ácido salicílico a 5%, acibenzolar-S-metil (ASM) (0,15 e 0,30 g L-1), e com o indutor biótico Saccharomyces cerevisiae (3 e 6 mL L-1), três e seis dias antes da pulverização de 1 mL de suspensão de 10(5) zoósporos mL-1 de Phytophthora palmivora. Todos os tratamentos tiveram efeito no controle da podridão de raízes em relação à testemunha, com exceção do Reforce + ácido salicílico a 5% (3 mL L-1), seis dias antes da inoculação. Os tratamentos com ASM, com exceção da dosagem 0,15 g L-1 seis dias antes da inoculação, apresentaram resultados similares aos dos fungicidas metalaxil e Mancozeb. Plantas pulverizadas com ASM apresentaram aumento de atividade da peroxidase e beta-1,3-glucanase e maior concentração de lignina que a testemunha. No entanto, esses tratamentos não tiverem efeito sobre a atividade da quitinase. O ASM é um potencial indutor de resistência a P. palmivora em mamoeiro.

Correlações genéticas e análise de trilha para número de frutos comerciais por planta em mamoeiro

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar como o número de frutos comerciais por planta (NFr) se relaciona com 16 características morfológicas e agronômicas do mamoeiro (Carica papaya L.). O experimento foi realizado no ano agrícola de 2008/2009, utilizando o delineamento experimental de blocos aumentados. Foram avaliados 19 genótipos não comuns (acessos de germoplasma) e 3 comuns (variedades e híbridos), em 10 repetições. As correlações entre NFr e as características morfoagronômicas do mamoeiro foram desdobradas em efeitos diretos e indiretos. Observou-se alta variabilidade nas características avaliadas. As estimativas das correlações genotípicas foram maiores do que as fenotípicas, para todas as características. O NFr foi positivo e significativamente correlacionado com número de frutos por axila (NFrAx); e negativamente com diâmetro da cavidade do fruto, espessura da polpa, peso, comprimento (CFr) e diâmetro do fruto. Entretanto, a análise de trilha demonstrou que, entre essas características, NFrAx e CFr possuem maior efeito direto sobre NFr.Além disso, as características altura da planta, número de flores por pedúnculo e largura da folha são de mais fácil mensuração e manifestam-se antes da produção de frutos, o que as torna mais indicadas para a seleção indireta em programas de melhoramento genético dessa cultura.

Characterization and multivariate classification of grapes and wines of two Cabernet Sauvignon clones

The objective of this work was to assess and characterize two clones, 169 and 685, of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and to evaluate the wine produced from these grapes. The experiment was carried out in São Joaquim, SC, Brazil, during the 2009 harvest season. During grape ripening, the evolution of physical-chemical properties, phenolic compounds, organic acids, and anthocyanins was evaluated. During grape harvest, yield components were determined for each clone. Individual and total phenolics, individual and total anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity were evaluated for wine. The clones were also assessed regarding the duration of their phenological cycle. During ripening, the evolution of phenolic compounds and of physical-chemical parameters was similar for both clones; however, during harvest, significant differences were observed regarding yield, number of bunches per plant and berries per bunch, leaf area, and organic acid, polyphenol, and anthocyanin content. The wines produced from these clones showed significant differences regarding chemical composition. The clones showed similar phenological cycle and responses to bioclimatic parameters. Principal component analysis shows that clone 685 is strongly correlated with color characteristics, mainly monomeric anthocyanins, while clone 169 is correlated with individual phenolic compounds.

Avaliação de genótipos de mamoeiro com uso de descritores agronômicos e estimação de parâmetros genéticos

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar descritores quantitativos e estimar parâmetros genéticos em genótipos de mamoeiro (Carica papaya). Foi instalado um experimento em blocos aumentados, para a avaliação de 27 genótipos, entre cultivares, variedades melhoradas e variedades locais, com o uso de 30 descritores relacionados à planta, folhas, flores, frutos e sementes. Após diversos ciclos de melhoramento, os genótipos ainda mostravam ampla variabilidade quanto aos descritores avaliados. A maior parte da variação fenotípica ocorreu em razão da variância genotípica. A herdabilidade variou de 60,48 a 99,05% e, em 80% dos casos, foi superior a 80,46%. A razão entre o coeficiente de variação genético e o ambiental foi maior do que a unidade para 63% das características. Há diferenças agronômicas suficientes para uso dos genótipos "per se" ou como parentais em programas de melhoramento, em razão de agregarem variação genética, qualidade de frutos e tipo agronômico.

Basal temperature and thermal sum in phenological phases of nectarine and peach cultivars

The objective of this work was to evaluate basal temperature, thermal sum at different phenological stages, phenological phase duration, yield and seasonality of one nectarine and 14 peach cultivars, between 2006 and 2009. The considered phenological phases were: pruning-sprouting; sprouting-flowering, from swollen bud to open flower; flowering-fruiting, from petal fall to medium-sized fruit; and ripening. Minimum basal temperatures (Tb) obtained were: pruning-sprouting, 8°C, irrespective of the cultivars; sprouting-flowering, 10°C, except for 'Cascata 968', which required 8°C Tb; flowering-fruiting, 12°C, except for 'Oro Azteca', which required 14°C Tb; ripening, 14°C, except for 'Sunblaze', 'Diamante Mejorado' and 'Precocinho' with 12°C Tb. For most cultivars, the maximum basal temperatures were 30, 34, 34 and 28ºC for phases pruning-sprouting, sprouting-flowering, flowering-fruiting and ripening, respectively. 'Turmalina', 'Marli' and 'Tropic Beauty' showed average yields of 3,945.0, 3,969.3 and 3,954.0 kg ha-1, respectively, in 2009, while the nectarine 'Sunblaze' showed around 3,900 kg ha-1 in 2008 and 2009. The cultivars differed for their total cycle and for the accumulated thermal sums which varied, respectively, from 245 days and 1,881.4 degree-days for 'Oro Azteca', to144 days and 1,455.7 degree-days for 'Precocinho'.

'Royal Gala' apple quality stored under ultralow oxygen concentration and low temperature conditions

The objective of this work was to evaluate the interaction of ultralow oxygen concentrations (ULO) with storage temperatures and carbon dioxide partial pressures and its influence on fruit quality preservation and on the occurrence of physiological disorders in 'Royal Gala' apples. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, with four replicates 25-fruit. ULO conditions (1.0 kPa O2 + 2.0 kPa CO2; 0.8 kPa O2 + 1.5 kPa CO2; 0.8 kPa O2 + 1.0 kPa CO2; 0.6 kPa O2 + 1.5 kPa CO2; and 0.6 kPa O2 + 1.0 kPa CO2) were tested at 0, 0.5 and 1.0°C, in a 5x3 factorial arrangement. Fruit quality and ripening analyses were performed after eight-month storage plus seven days of shelf-life at 20°C. Oxygen partial pressures below 0.8 kPa increased the occurrence of internal breakdown and mealiness. The best ULO condition was 1.0 kPa O2 + plus 2.0 kPa CO2 at 1.0°C. The interaction of ULO conditions and storage temperatures shows the need of increasing O2 partial pressure at higher storage temperatures.

Shoot growth of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapevine varieties

The objective of this work was to evaluate shoot growth of the grapevine varieties Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, during 2006/2007, and Cabernet Sauvignon, during 2008/2009, in São Joaquim, SC, Brazil. The experiment was carried out in a commercial vineyard trained on a vertical trellis system. The shoots of the central part of the plants were selected, and the lengths from the base to the apex of 20 shoots per cultivar were evaluated. In 2006/2007, monitoring began at pruning, on 9/15/2006, and ended on 2/6/2007, totalizing 144 days of evaluation. During the 2008/2009 cycle, phenology and shoot growth for 'Cabernet Sauvignon' were assessed from grape development (1/13/2009) (pea-sized grapes) until shoot vegetative growth had ceased. Budburst occurred in the second half of September, and shoot-growth cessation occurred during ripening. Higher growth rates (about 4 cm per day) were observed in pre- and post-flowering, followed by reduction due to the competition for photosynthates for the formation of flowers and bunches. Temperature and photoperiod induce grapevine shoots to cease growth in the highland regions of Santa Catarina State, Brazil.

Gene expression profile during coffee fruit development and identification of candidate markers for phenological stages

The objective of this work was to identify genes that could be used as suitable markers for molecular recognition of phenological stages during coffee (Coffea arabica) fruit development. Four cultivars were evaluated as to their differential expression of genes associated to fruit development and maturation processes. Gene expression was characterized by both semi-quantitative and quantitative RT-PCR, in fruit harvested at seven different developmental stages, during three different seasons. No size polymorphisms or differential expression were observed among the cultivars for the evaluated genes; however, distinct expression profiles along fruit development were determined for each gene. Four out of the 28 evaluated genes exhibited a regular expression profile in all cultivars and harvest seasons, and, therefore, they were validated as candidate phenological markers of coffee fruit. The gene α-galactosidase can be used as a marker of green stage, caffeine synthase as a marker of transition to green and yellowish-green stages, and isocitrate lyase and ethylene receptor 3 as markers of late maturation.

Influence of misoprostol or prostaglandin E(2) for induction of labor on the incidence of pathological CTG tracing: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of misoprostol (prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1))) with dinoprostone (prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2))) for third trimester cervical ripening and labor induction. STUDY DESIGN: Patients requiring induction of labor were randomly assigned to receive either 50 microg of intravaginal misoprostol every 4 h or 0.5 mg of intracervical dinoprostone gel every 6 h. Eligibility criteria included gestation = 36 weeks. Primary outcome was the time interval from induction to delivery; secondary outcomes were mode of delivery, perinatal outcome, and interpretation of cardiotocogram (CTG) records. RESULTS: Two hundred women were randomly enrolled to receive either misoprostol (n = 100) or dinoprostone (n = 100). Time induction-to-delivery at 12, 24 and 48 h and the need for oxytocin were reduced with misoprostol (P < 0.05). Pathological CTG tracing according to FIGO and Melchior scores were more frequent in the misoprostol-treated group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Misoprostol shortened the induction-to-delivery interval, but is associated with a higher incidence of abnormal CTG than prostaglandin E(2).