Life cycle of Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on ornamental plants, mostly Arecaceae

The red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, has been primarily found associated with coconut and musaceous plants in the New World. However, it has also been recorded on several other palms, heliconiaceous and zingiberaceous species. This study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of different botanical families on which R. indica has been collected in the field and of arecaceous plants of the natural vegetation of the neotropics. In total, ten species of Arecaceae as well as Heliconia psittacorum [Heliconiaceae] and Alpinia purpurata [Zingiberacae] were evaluated, using coconut as a control. The study was carried out under controlled conditions (29 +/- A 0.5 A degrees C, 60 +/- A 10 % RH and photoperiod 12 h of light). Raoiella indica was able to complete immature development only on coconut, Adonidia merrillii, Ptychosperma macarthurii, H. psittacorum and A. purpurata. Duration of the immature phase (egg-adult) ranged between 21.5 days on coconut to 34.1 days on A. purpurata. Longevity was at least 50 % greater and oviposition at least 38 % higher on coconut than on other plants. Intrinsic rate of increase (r(m)) was higher on coconut (0.166) and A. merrillii (0.042), but negative on the other two plant species. Raoiella indica could not reach adulthood on any of the other ten arecaceous species considered in the study. The results suggested R. indica to be a threat to A. merrillii in addition to coconut, but not to other evaluated plants. However, complementary studies should be conducted to investigate whether the experimental procedures adopted in this study could not have prevented the mite from a better performance than it could have been under field conditions, especially in relation to Mauritia flexuosa, one of the dominant arecaceous plants in South America.

Envelhecimento acelerado em diásporos de Oenocarpus bacaba (Arecaceae)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi adequar o teste de envelhecimento acelerado para avaliar a qualidade fisiológica de diásporos de Oenocarpus bacaba Mart. (bacaba). Inicialmente, os diásporos foram expostos às temperaturas de 41; 43 e 45 ºC, durante 3; 6; 12; 24; 36; 48 e 72 h, com cerca de 100% de umidade relativa do ar. Foram considerados dois critérios de germinação: emissão da primeira bainha igual ou superior a 1cm e plântula normal. o teste de germinação foi realizado com 6 repetições de 20 diásporos, em temperatura de 30 ºC e fotoperíodo de 12 h. Pelos resultados preliminares, observou-se que os lotes de diásporos de bacaba podem ser separados em níveis de vigor por meio do envelhecimento acelerado, em 43ºC e com cerca de 100% de umidade relativa do ar, por 48 h. os quatro lotes de diásporos foram então submetidos, num segundo experimento, a 43 ºC por 24; 48 e 72 h, sendo adotada como critério de germinação a emissão de primeira bainha. em 45 ºC, a porcentagem de germinação foi drasticamente reduzida após 12 h. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os critérios de germinação utilizados. Os lotes de diásporos foram separados em diferentes níveis de vigor após 48 e 72 h de exposição a 43 ºC. de acordo com os resultados obtidos, sugere-se o uso de primeira bainha como critério de germinação e período de envelhecimento de 48 h a 43 ºC, para a avaliação da qualidade fisiológica de diásporos de bacaba.

Lack of acquired resistance in dogs to successive infestations of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks from Brazil and Argentina

Comparative studies between brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus populations from Brazil (Jaboticabal, São Paulo) and Argentina (Rafaela, Santa Fé) showed significant biological, morphological and genetic differences between them. This work aimed to study, in a comparative way, the acquisition of resistance in domestic dogs to R. sanguineus from Jaboticabal and Rafaela, after successive and controlled infestations. Ticks were kept in a BOD incubator under controlled conditions (27 °C, 80 % relative humidity, 12-h photoperiod). Ten dogs, Dachshund breed, males and females, 6 months old, short- or long-haired, without prior contact with ticks, were used as hosts. They were distributed into two experimental groups composed of five animals each: G1 infested with ten adult couples of R. sanguineus (Jaboticabal) per animal, and G2 infested with ten adult couples of R. sanguineus (Rafaela) per animal. Ticks' biological parameters and titration of antibodies from the dogs' sera by ELISA test were used for comparison between the strains. Results of the biological parameters showed that the dogs did not acquire immunity to either of the R. sanguineus strains after repeated infestations. The ELISA test showed low antibody titers in sera of dogs from G2, in successive infestations, and higher antibody responses post second and third infestations in G1. It also demonstrated cross-reactivity between sera of dogs infested with R. sanguineus (Jaboticabal) and antigens from R. sanguineus (Rafaela) and vice versa. We conclude that Dachshund dogs did not develop resistance against neither Jaboticabal nor Rafaela strains of R. sanguineus.

Identificação de genes candidatos à indução do florescimento em cana-de-açúcar em câmara de fotoperíodo

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efeitos do uso de programas de luz e de triptofano suplementar na dieta sobre o desempenho, comportamento e parâmetros de estresse de leitões recém-desmamados

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Seletividade de inseticidas ao parasitoide de ovos Trichogramma pretiosum (hymenoptera: trichogrammatidae)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Contribuição dos ovos de resistência de Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) para a recolonização de ambientes lacustres temporários

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Evolução diurna e anual da frequência das coberturas de céu em Botucatu/SP

This work presents an analysis of the pattern variation of the sky conditions in Botucatu/SP. The classification was based on the clarness index KT. It was used in the classification a database of global solar irradiance in the horizontal, measured at Radiometric Station of UNESP in Botucatu (latitude 22.85°S, longitude 48.43°W, altitude 786 m) from 1996 to 2005. We analyzed the variations in frequency, during the photoperiod and over the year, of the sky conditions: I - Cloudy (KT < 0.35); II - party cloudy with dominance for the diffuse (0.35 < 0.55 < KT)) III - party cloudy with dominance for the clear (0.55 < KT < 0.65) and IV - clear (KT > 0.65). The frequency of sky conditions I and II are higher during the rainy season of the year and in hours close to sunrise and sunset. And it is lower during the dry season an in hours near noon, in wich there is a predominance of sky conditions III and IV. The monthly hourly frequency of sky condition I ranged from 46,91% of the photoperiod in January to 25.27% in August. And the frequency monthly daily ranged from nine days in January to three days in August. To the sky condition IV, the frequency monthly hourly ranged from 38.81% of the photoperiod in August to 18.17% im January. And the frequency monthly daily ranged from 17 days in August to three days in January.

Variações sazonais dos níveis plasmáticos do esteroide sexual 17β-estradiol (e2) em fêmeas de matrinxã (brycon amazonicus)

Pós-graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia Animal - FEIS

Produção de oócitos e embriões bubalinos: efeitos da época do ano e da adição de óleo essencial de Lippia origanoides na maturação in vitro

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

THE EFFECT OF INTENSE LIGHT ON BIRD BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY

It has been known for centuries that light (photoperiod) is possibly the major environmental stimuli affecting bird behavior and physiology. The length of the light period stimulates the breeding cycle, migration, fat deposition, and molt in most species of birds. Therefore, it is only natural that one would think of using light as a means of bird control. In fact, light has already been used as a bird control; flood-light traps have been used to trap blackbirds (Meanley 1971); Meanley states that 2000-W search lights have been used to alleviate depredation by ducks in rice fields. Pulsing light is already used on aircraft, aircraft hangers and high towers as a means of detourinq birds (Schaefer, 1968). With some positive results already obtained with light as a bird control, the next step is to see if a better light source (the laser) might not have a greater effect. The laser is basically an intense and coherent light with extreme directivity and, thus, might have greater influence on a bird’s behavioral and physiological responses.

Sensitivity of Eisenia andrei (Annelida, Oligochaeta) to a commercial formulation of abamectin in avoidance tests with artificial substrate and natural soil under tropical conditions

Obtaining ecotoxicological data on pesticides in tropical regions is imperative for performing more realistic risk analysis, and avoidance tests have been proposed as a useful, fast and cost-effective tool. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the avoidance behavior of Eisenia andrei to a formulated product, Vertimec(A (R)) 18 EC (a.i abamectin), in tests performed on a reference tropical artificial soil (TAS), to derive ecotoxicological data on tropical conditions, and a natural soil (NS), simulating crop field conditions. In TAS tests an adaptation of the substrate recommended by OECD and ISO protocols was used, with residues of coconut fiber as a source of organic matter. Concentrations of the pesticide on TAS test ranged from 0 to 7 mg abamectin/kg (dry weight-d.w.). In NS tests, earthworms were exposed to samples of soils sprayed in situ with: 0.9 L of Vertimec(A (R)) 18 EC/ha (RD); twice as much this dosage (2RD); and distilled water (Control), respectively, and to 2RD: control dilutions (12.5, 25, 50, 75%). All tests were performed under 25 +/- A 2A degrees C, to simulate tropical conditions, and a 12hL:12hD photoperiod. The organisms avoided contaminated TAS for an EC50,48h = 3.918 mg/kg soil d.w., LOEC = 1.75 mg/kg soil d.w. and NOEC = 0.85 mg/kg soil d.w. No significant avoidance response occurred for any NS test. Abamectin concentrations in NS were rather lower than EC50, 48h and LOEC determined in TAS tests. The results obtained contribute to overcome a lack of ecotoxicological data on pesticides under tropical conditions, but more tests with different soil invertebrates are needed to improve pesticides risk analysis.

In vitro organogenesis of zucchini squash cv. Caserta

A protocol for the in vitro culture of Cucurbita pepo cv. Caserta was studied, using a cotyledon segment with an attached hypocotyl fragment as an explant. First, to determine the optimal seedling age, explants were collected from 4 to 6-day-old in vitro germinated seedlings and cultured in MS basal medium supplemented with benzylaminopurine (BAP, 4.5 mu M), under a 16-h photoperiod at 27 degrees C. Based on the results obtained, the explants collected from the 4-day-old seedlings were then cultured in MS basal medium supplemented with different concentrations of BAP (0, 1.1, 2.2, 3.3, 4.5, or 5.5 mu M) and incubated under a 16-h photoperiod at 27 degrees C. In vitro organogenesis was most efficient with explants collected from 4-day-old seedlings cultured in medium supplemented with 4.5 mu M of BAP. After 4 weeks of incubation the development of adventitious buds at the cotyledon/hypocotyl junction could be observed. These buds were transferred to elongation and rooting medium and the developed plants were acclimatized to greenhouse conditions. The morphogenic process was characterized using light and scanning electron microscopy analyses to confirm the organogenesis. The results showed that this alternate explant is efficient for in vitro culture of zucchini squash cv. Caserta. The protocol will be further examined for future use in genetic transformation experiments in this species.

Seasonal variations of melatonin in ram seminal plasma are correlated to those of testosterone and antioxidant enzymes

Abstract Background Some breeds of sheep are highly seasonal in terms of reproductive capability, and these changes are regulated by photoperiod and melatonin secretion. These changes affect the reproductive performance of rams, impairing semen quality and modifying hormonal profiles. Also, the antioxidant defence systems seem to be modulated by melatonin secretion, and shows seasonal variations. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of melatonin and testosterone in ram seminal plasma and their variations between the breeding and non-breeding seasons. In addition, we analyzed the possible correlations between these hormones and the antioxidant enzyme defence system activity. Methods Seminal plasma from nine Rasa Aragonesa rams were collected for one year, and their levels of melatonin, testosterone, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GRD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) were measured. Results All samples presented measurable quantities of hormones and antioxidant enzymes. Both hormones showed monthly variations, with a decrease after the winter solstice and a rise after the summer solstice that reached the maximum levels in October-November, and a marked seasonal variation (P < 0.01) with higher levels in the breeding season. The yearly pattern of GRD and catalase was close to that of melatonin, and GRD showed a significant seasonal variation (P < 0.01) with a higher activity during the breeding season. Linear regression analysis between the studied hormones and antioxidant enzymes showed a significant correlation between melatonin and testosterone, GRD, SOD and catalase. Conclusions These results show the presence of melatonin and testosterone in ram seminal plasma, and that both hormones have seasonal variations, and support the idea that seasonal variations of fertility in the ram involve interplay between melatonin and the antioxidant defence system.

Daily cycling of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the hippocampus of pigeons (C. livia)

Abstract: Background: Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is essential for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), a non-conventional neurotransmitter with an important role in synaptic plasticity underlying processes of hippocampus-dependent memory and in the regulation of biological clocks and circadian rhythms. Many studies have shown that both the NOS cytosolic protein content and its enzymatic activity present a circadian variation in different regions of the rodent brain, including the hippocampus. The present study investigated the daily variation of NOS enzymatic activity and the cytosolic content of nNOS in the hippocampus of pigeons. Results: Adult pigeons kept under a skeleton photoperiod were assigned to six different groups. Homogenates of the hippocampus obtained at six different times-of-day were used for NOS analyses. Both iNOS activity and nNOS cytosolic protein concentrations were highest during the subjective light phase and lowest in the subjective dark phase of the circadian period. ANOVA showed significant time differences for iNOS enzymatic activity (p < 0.05) and for nNOS protein content (p < 0.05) in the hippocampus. A significant daily rhythm for both iNOS and nNOS was confirmed by analysis with the Cosinor method (p < 0.05). The present findings indicate that the enzymatic activity of iNOS and content of nNOS protein in the hippocampus of pigeons exhibit a daily rhythm, with acrophase values occurring during the behavioral activity phase. Conclusions: The data corroborate the reports on circadian variation of NOS in the mammalian hippocampus and can be considered indicative of a dynamic interaction between hippocampus-dependent processes and circadian clock mechanisms.