Peach palm growth and heart-of-palm yield responses to liming

The effects of liming rates on growth and heart-of-palm yield of peach palm plants (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) were studied in a two-year field experiment conducted in Pariquera-Açu, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Soils in this region are allic (sub group Ultic Haplorthox), with base saturation ranging from 15 to 26 % of the cation exchange capacity (CEC). A randomized complete block design, with five rates of dolomitic limestone (0, 0.7, 4.7, 8.7, and 14.6 Mg ha-1) and five replications was utilized. Individual plots were composed of 80 plants but only the inner rows (24 plants) were used for data recording. Planting spacing was 2 x 1 m. There was a cubic effect of liming rates on growth and yield. Maximum heart-of-palm yield was estimated to be achieved at 4.3 Mg ha-1 of limestone application, corresponding to 51.4 % soil base saturation. A significant decrease in growth and yield was observed when large amounts of limestone were applied (8.7 and 14.6 Mg ha-1), probably due to a decreased micronutrient availability.

Effect of Nitrogen and Potassium Rates on Early Development of Macaw Palm

ABSTRACT The economic exploitation of macaw palm [Acrocomia aculeate(Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart.] is currently in transition, from extractivism to agricultural cultivation, thus requiring studies on the fertilization of the crop. This study evaluated the response of three genotypes of macaw palm to increasing rates of nitrogen and potassium, grown in the field until the 2nd year and to establish reference contents of mineral nutrients in the leaf. The experiment was a split-plot randomized block design with five main treatments (N and K rates) and three secondary treatments (genotypes), with three replications, each plot containing three plants. Plant height, leaf number, vigor, and nutrient contents in leaf tissues were evaluated at the end of 2nd year of cultivation. Differential responses were observed among genotypes, indicating that some genotypes are more efficient in the use of mineral inputs. There was a differentiated and positive response to increasing side-dressed N and K rates in the vegetative development of macaw genotypes until the 2nd year of field cultivation, indicating variability in the species in terms of nutrient use efficiency. The N and K fertilization rate corresponding to 360 g N + 480 g K2O per plant, in four split applications over the two years of cultivation, was insufficient to induce maximum vegetative development in the three macaw genotypes. There was no variation in macro- and micronutrient contents in leaf dry matter of the three macaw genotypes.

Use of palm-oil by-products in chicken and rabbit feeds: effect on the fatty acid and tocol composition of meat, liver and plasma

This study was undertaken in the framework of a larger European project dealing with the characterization of fat co- and by-products from the food chain, available for feed uses. In this study, we compare the effects, on the fatty acid (FA) and tocol composition of chicken and rabbit tissues, of the addition to feeds of a palm fatty acid distillate, very low in trans fatty acids (TFA), and two levels of the corresponding hydrogenated by-product, containing intermediate and high levels of TFA. Thus, the experimental design included three treatments, formulated for each species, containing the three levels of TFA defined above. Obviously, due to the use of hydrogenated fats, the levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) show clear differences between the three dietary treatments. The results show that diets high in TFA (76 g/kg fat) compared with those low in TFA (4.4 g/kg fat) led to a lower content of tocopherols and tocotrienols in tissues, although these differences were not always statistically significant, and show a different pattern for rabbit and chicken. The TFA content in meat, liver and plasma increased from low-to-high TFA feeds in both chicken and rabbit. However, the transfer ratios from feed were not proportional to the TFA levels in feeds, reflecting certain differences according to the animal species. Moreover, feeds containing fats higher in TFA induced significant changes in tissue SFA, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids composition, but different patterns can be described for chicken and rabbit and for each type of tissue.

The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation on Euterpe oleracea mart. (açaí) seedlings

With the objective of verifying the response of Euterpe oleracea seedlings to seven arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi species, an experimental trial was carried out under greenhouse conditions. Seeds of E. oleracea were sown in carbonized rice husk. Germinating seeds were initially transferred to plastic cups, containing fumigated Reddish Yellow Quartz Sand and inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Two months later, seedlings were transferred to 2 kg black plastic bags, containing the same soil without fumigation. Plant growth and mineral nutrients were evaluated nine months after mycorrhizal inoculation. Differential effects were observed among the species tested, with Scutellispora gilmorei being the most effective ones in promoting growth and nutrient content of E. oleracea seedlings. The increment resulted from inoculation with S. gilmorei were 92% in total plant height, 116% in stem diameter, 361% in dry matter production, 191% in N, 664% in P, 46% in K, 562% in Ca, 363% in Mg and 350% in Zn contents, comparing to uninoculated controls. Infected root length was positively correlated to nutrient content and plant growth. It was concluded that growth and nutrient uptake of E. oleracea seedlings could be significantly improved by inoculation of effective arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Genetic diversity and relationship in American and African oil palm as revealed by RFLP and AFLP molecular markers

The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic diversity, its organization and the genetic relationships within oil palm (Elaeis oleifera (Kunth) Cortés, from America, and E. guineensis (Jacq.), from Africa) germplasm using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP). In complement to a previous RFLP study on 241 E. oleifera accessions, 38 E. guineensis accessions were analyzed using the same 37 cDNA probes. These accessions covered a large part of the geographical distribution areas of these species in America and Africa. In addition, AFLP analysis was performed on a sub-set of 40 accessions of E. oleifera and 22 of E. guineensis using three pairs of enzyme/primer combinations. Data were subjected to Factorial Analysis of Correspondence (FAC) and cluster analysis, with parameters of genetic diversity being also studied. Results appeared congruent between RFLP and AFLP. In the E. oleifera, AFLP confirmed the strong structure of genetic diversity revealed by RFLP, according to geographical origin of the studied material, with the identification of the same four distinct genetic groups: Brazil, French Guyana/Surinam, Peru, north of Colombia/Central America. Both markers revealed that genetic divergence between the two species is of the same magnitude as that among provenances of E. oleifera. This finding is in discrepancy with the supposed early tertiary separation of the two species.

Diplóides (AA) de bananeira submetidos ao estresse salino

No Nordeste do Brasil a salinização dos solos é um dos fatores limitantes na produção de bananeira. Estudos quanto à tolerância à salinidade em diplóides de bananeira são importantes para programas de melhoramento genético. Esse trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos da salinidade utilizando variáveis químicas e de crescimento, e quantificar, mediante padrões isoenzimáticos, a diversidade genética entre seis genótipos diplóides (AA), associando-os à tolerância à salinidade. As plantas foram tratadas durante 21 dias com 0, 50 e 100 mM de NaCl, num delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. Os diplóides Lidi e Calcuttá apresentaram maiores reduções na área foliar e fortes sintomas de toxidez associados aos maiores acúmulos de Na+ e Cl- no limbo. Os genótipos Borneo e SNº/2 apresentaram discretos sintomas de toxidez e, como o genótipo M-53, demonstraram habilidade de evitar a translocação excessiva de Na+ e Cl- para as folhas preservando o aparelho fotossintético. Nos diplóides SNº/2 e M-53 foi detectada uma banda específica (Po-6) do sistema peroxidase, sob condições de estresse salino. Associando as características isoenzimáticas com as de crescimento, sintomatologia, análise mineral e grau de similaridade genética entre os genótipos, os dendrogramas construídos separam os genótipos mais tolerantes (SNº/2 e M-53) dos mais sensíveis (Lidi e Calcuttá).

Estimativas de repetibilidade de híbridos diploides (AA) de bananeira

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar os coeficientes de repetibilidade em híbridos diploides de bananeira e predizer o número de medições necessárias para as principais características quantitativas. Os híbridos avaliados foram 042079-06, TH03-01, 089087-01, 003023-03, 013018-01, 001016-01, 086094-20, 013004-06 e 091079-03. Em três ciclos, mediram-se doze características agronômicas. Para a estimativa dos coeficientes de repetibilidade foram utilizadas as análises de variância, de componentes principais a partir das matrizes de variância e covariância fenotípica, de correlação e análise estrutural. Determinou-se para cada característica o número mínimo de medições, para predizer o valor real dos híbridos. Observou-se variabilidade genética entre os genótipos. As estimativas de repetibilidade foram elevadas, o que mostra a regularidade dos acessos. Para predizer o valor real dos caracteres de produção são necessárias de uma a cinco medições. Os métodos baseados em análise multivariada de componentes principais são os mais eficientes para estimar os coeficientes de repetibilidade.

Seed biometric parameters in oil palm accessions from a Brazilian germplasm bank

The objective of this work was to evaluate the morphological diversity of oil palm seeds and to cluster the accessions according to their morphological characteristics. Forty-one accessions from the oil palm germplasm bank of Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental were evaluated - 18 of Elaeis oleifera and 23 of E. guineensis. The groups were formed based on morphological characteristics, by principal component analysis. In E. oleifera, four groups were formed, tied to their region of origin, but with significant morphological differences between accessions from the same population. For tenera-type E. guineensis seeds, three widely divergent groups were formed, especially as to external parameters, which differentiated them from the other ones. The parameter endocarp thickness stood out in intra- and inter-population differentiation. For dura-type E. guineensis, three groups were formed, with larger seeds and thicker endocarps, which differed from all the other ones. The variability observed for seed characteristics in the analyzed accessions allows the establishment of different groups, to define strategies for genetic improvement.

In vitro maintenance, under slow-growth conditions, of oil palm germplasm obtained by embryo rescue

The objective of this work was to evaluate the in vitro maintenance of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis and E. oleifera) accessions under slow-growth conditions. Plants produced by embryo rescue were subject to 1/2MS culture medium supplemented with the carbohydrates sucrose, mannitol, and sorbitol at 1, 2, and 3% under 20 and 25±2ºC. After 12 months, the temperature of 20°C reduced plant growth. Sucrose is the most appropriate carbohydrate for maintaining the quality of the plants, whereas mannitol and sorbitol result in a reduced plant survival.

EFEITO DO TAMANHO DO RECIPIENTE SOBRE O DESENVOLVIMENTO DE MUDAS DE AÇAÍ (Euterpe oleracea Mart.)

Com o objetivo de estudar o efeito de diferentes tamanhos de recipientes sobre o desenvolvimento de mudas de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), conduziu-se o presente trabalho no Campo Experimental da Fazendinha, da Embrapa Amapá. O estudo foi realizado em viveiro telado com sombrite (50% de sombra), à temperatura ambiente, adotando-se delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, com 3 tratamentos (tamanho de recipiente) e 5 repetições de 16 plantas. Foram usados recipientes pequenos (12 x 17,5 cm = 0,8 l), médios (17 x 22 cm = 2,02 l) e grandes (20 x 27 cm = 3,45 l). A repicagem foi feita 45 dias após a semeadura. Para avaliar o desenvolvimento das mudas, foram determinadas as alturas da planta, diâmetro do colo e peso seco da parte aérea e do sistema radicular. O tamanho do recipiente utilizado afetou o desenvolvimento das mudas de açaí, sendo que, nos recipientes médios e grandes, as mudas apresentaram desenvolvimento superior ao obtido no recipiente pequeno. Como a maioria dos parâmetros medidos foram superiores para as mudas produzidas no recipiente de tamanho médio e considerando-se a economia de trabalho e volume de substrato utilizado quando comparado com o uso de recipientes grandes, recomenda-se a utilização de recipientes de tamanho médio, na produção de mudas de açaí.

Effectiveness of antioxidants in preventing oxidation of palm oil enriched with heme iron: A model for iron fortification in baked products

Bakery products such as biscuits, cookies, and pastries represent a good medium for iron fortification in food products, since they are consumed by a large proportion of the population at risk of developing iron deficiency anemia, mainly children. The drawback, however, is that iron fortification can promote oxidation. To assess the extent of this, palm oil added with heme iron and different antioxidants was used as a model for evaluating the oxidative stability of some bakery products, such as baked goods containing chocolate. The palm oil samples were heated at 220°C for 10 min to mimic the conditions found during a typical baking processing. The selected antioxidants were a free radical scavenger (tocopherol extract (TE), 0 and 500 mg/kg), an oxygen scavenger (ascorbyl palmitate (AP), 0 and 500 mg/kg), and a chelating agent (citric acid (CA), 0 and 300 mg/kg). These antioxidants were combined using a factorial design and were compared to a control sample, which was not supplemented with antioxidants. Primary (peroxide value and lipid hydroperoxide content) and secondary oxidation parameters (p-anisidine value, p-AnV) were monitored over a period of 200 days in storage at room temperature. The combination of AP and CA was the most effective treatment in delaying the onset of oxidation. TE was not effective in preventing oxidation. The p-AnV did not increase during the storage period, indicating that this oxidation marker was not suitable for monitoring oxidation in this model.

Effectiveness of antioxidants in preventing oxidation of palm oil enriched with heme iron: A model for iron fortification in baked products

Bakery products such as biscuits, cookies, and pastries represent a good medium for iron fortification in food products, since they are consumed by a large proportion of the population at risk of developing iron deficiency anemia, mainly children. The drawback, however, is that iron fortification can promote oxidation. To assess the extent of this, palm oil added with heme iron and different antioxidants was used as a model for evaluating the oxidative stability of some bakery products, such as baked goods containing chocolate. The palm oil samples were heated at 220°C for 10 min to mimic the conditions found during a typical baking processing. The selected antioxidants were a free radical scavenger (tocopherol extract (TE), 0 and 500 mg/kg), an oxygen scavenger (ascorbyl palmitate (AP), 0 and 500 mg/kg), and a chelating agent (citric acid (CA), 0 and 300 mg/kg). These antioxidants were combined using a factorial design and were compared to a control sample, which was not supplemented with antioxidants. Primary (peroxide value and lipid hydroperoxide content) and secondary oxidation parameters (p-anisidine value, p-AnV) were monitored over a period of 200 days in storage at room temperature. The combination of AP and CA was the most effective treatment in delaying the onset of oxidation. TE was not effective in preventing oxidation. The p-AnV did not increase during the storage period, indicating that this oxidation marker was not suitable for monitoring oxidation in this model.

Aa, Pieter van der

- Kolumbus 1492. Kuva s. 42-43. (Luku 1. Kristoffer Kolumbuksen ensimmäinen matka Länsi-Intiaan vuonna 1492. Kuvassa saapuminen Kuubaan.)

Comportamento fisiológico de sementes de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) submetidas à desidratação

O presente trabalho, objetivando verificar os efeitos imediatos da desidratação sobre o comportamento fisiológico das sementes de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), utilizou lote oriundo de população de 25 progênies de meio-irmãos, pertencente à Coleção de Germoplasma da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental (Belém/PA). Anteriormente à secagem, foi determinado o grau de umidade das sementes e coletado o tratamento que continha o maior grau de umidade (45%). As demais sementes foram submetidas à secagem, em câmara com circulação de ar (30ºC±2ºC), visando à obtenção dos demais tratamentos com 39%, 33%, 27%, 22% e 15% de água. O efeito da desidratação sobre a qualidade das sementes foi avaliado através das seguintes determinações: grau de umidade, teste de germinação, índice de velocidade de emergência e emergência de plântulas. Foi verificado que a desidratação até 39% de água não produz efeitos fisiológicos imediatos sobre as sementes de açaí; a partir de 33% de água, a dessecação favorece progressivamente a redução da germinação e, ao atingir 15% de água, a capacidade germinativa foi anulada.

Influência da posição e da profundidade de semeadura na emergência de plântulas de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart. - Arecaceae)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a posição e a profundidade de semeadura mais adequadas para a emergência de plântulas de açaizeiro. As sementes foram colocadas para germinar nas profundidades de 0; 3 e 6 cm e nas seguintes posições: sementes com a rafe perpendicular à superfície do substrato e poro germinativo para cima, rafe perpendicular e poro germinativo para baixo, rafe paralela à superfície e poro germinativo para baixo e rafe paralela à superfície e poro germinativo para cima. A emergência de plântulas de açaizeiro com a rafe perpendicular à superfície do substrato e poro germinativo para cima é a mais adequada, pois proporciona igual porcentagem e menor tempo médio de emergência. Profundidades iguais ou superiores a 3 cm são inadequadas para semeadura de Euterpe oleracea Mart.