Courtship behavior of Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei (Bour, 1973) (Testudines: Chelidae) under natural conditions in the Brazilian Cerrado

Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei is a Neotropical chelid lacking basic natural history studies. Based on a film made in December 2004, we describe the courtship behavior in this species. Field observations were conducted at Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso State, southwestern Brazil, in an oligotrophic stream amidst the savannah like Cerrado formation. We provide a schematic drawing of the behavioral sequences during courtship, as well as a flow diagram describing sequential responses of the female to the male behavioral patterns. Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei courtship behavior is similar to that described for other freshwater chelonians.

Fungigação no controle do mofo branco e produtividade do feijoeiro em condições de cerrado brasileiro

The aim of this research was to evaluate the white mold severity (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) of Bary), bean production components and yield (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), variety Perola, according to the application of procimidone fungicide (Sialex 500), through fungigation (center pivot) and automotive sprayer (Uniport). The study was carried under field production commercial conditions, in Primavera do Leste - MT - Brazil. The experiment consisted of 5 treatments (with 4 repetitions of 4 ha each), all with two procimidone applications (1.2 kg ha-1 each application, same as, 0.6 kg a.i. per hectare) to the 42 and 52 days after seeding. The water depths of 5.5 and 11.0 mm were tested in the application through central pivot (this had your checked uniformity), providing volumes of 55.000 and 110.000 L ha-1, respectively, and the volumes of 120 and 200 L ha-1 in the automotive sprayer. The severity of disease was evaluated by the percentage of the area affected by plant damage using diagramatic grade scale of white mold severity, as described by Azevedo (1998). The values were used to calculate the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). They were also analyzed, the number of the fungus apothecia during the crop cycle and the residual sclerotias weight in harvest. On this occasion, it was also evaluated the crop yield parameters: number of plants per plot (final stand), pods per plant, grains per pod, medium weight of 200 grains and productivity of grains. The AUDPC values, apothecia to 42, 49 and 56 days after seeding, sclerotias in 2 soil kg and the crop productivity parameters were submitted to the variance analysis and Tukey Test at 0.05 of probability. This test was also applied in the comparison among the different fungicide application methods, independent of spray volumes in each one. The statistical processing was accomplished by STAT program. The results showed that weren't differences among application techniques studied in relation to productivity parameters, however, best white mold control, smaller apothecia number to 49 and 56 days after seeding and smaller weight of residual sclerotias in the harvest were obtained with the fungigation, independently of the spray volume used.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of fruits of Solanum lycocarpum A. St.-Hill. (Solanaceae)

This study describes the chemical and physical-chemical profile of plant drug and ethanolic extract obtained from fruits of Solanum lycocarpum A. St.-Hill. (Solanaceae). The physical and chemical analysis involved the granulometry determination, non-compacted apparent density, loss on drying in oven and in infrared scale, pH, ash values and extractive values. The results determined the physical-chemical characteristics of the drug plant. It was also carried out the microbiological control of the plant drug. The preliminary phytochemical screening featured the presence of tannins, flavonoids and saponins in the plant drug and alkaloids and steroids in the ethanolic exctract. The solamargine and solasonine glycoalkaloids were identified through TLC and GC/ MS. The levels of total phenols and tannins were quantified in the extract (8.90% and 6,85% respectively). Such studies contribute to the chemical identification and quality control of S. lycocarpum fruits. © 2010 Phcog.net.

Dry matter yield and nutritional value of Marandu grass under nitrogen fertilization and irrigation in cerrado in São Paulo

The aim of this study was to evaluate dry matter yield and nutritional value of palisade grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu) using nitrogen doses and sprinkler irrigation in two periods of the year, aiming at reducing seasonality of forage production. It was used a randomized block design in a split-plot scheme, with five doses of nitrogen (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg/ha/cut), and the sub-plots were defined by the seasons of the year (wet and dry season), with and without irrigation. During the wet season, in the plots with and without irrigation, doses of 175 and 161 kg/ha/cut promoted the highest dry matter yields. During the dry season, 171 kg ha -1N with irrigation resulted in the highest dry matter yield. During the same season, there was no response to N fertilization in the lack of irrigation. Average contents of CP were 10% with and without irrigation. Contents of neutral detergent fiber decreased with nitrogen doses, while acid detergent fiber was not affected by fertilization. Plots under irrigation reached the maximal acid detergent fiber content at N dose of 60 kg ha -1. Irrigation promotes increase of 15% increase in dry matter yield and it increases contents of neutral detergent fiber. © 2010 Sociedade Brasileira de Zootecnia.

Vascular flora of a cerrado sensu stricto remnant in pratânia, state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil

The Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) has suffered massive destruction in recent years, mainly due to the expansion of agricultural areas. Many remnants of this vegetation are still poorly studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to carry out a floristic survey in a remnant of Cerrado in the municipality of Pratânia, central-west region of state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. In total, 120 species (38 families, 88 genera) were registered. The families with greater richness were: Fabaceae (23 species), Asteraceae (15), Myrtaceae (10), Malpighiaceae and Rubiaceae (seven each) and Bignoniaceae (five). The shrub component was predominant in the study area representing 37.5% of the recorded species. A comparison among eight Cerrado areas showed greater similarity between areas with similar altitude. © 2010 Check List and Authors.

SEM studies on the leaf indumentum of six Melastomataceae species from Brazilian Cerrado

The wide diversity of their trichomes, which vary from simple unicellular to very complex structures, is a remarkable characteristic in Melastomataceae. This paper characterizes the leaf indumentum of Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana, M. chamissois Naudin, M. fallax DC., M. ligustroides (DC.) Naudin, Microlepis oleaefolia (DC.) Triana and Rhynchanthera dichotoma DC., typical species from Brazilian cerrado. Samples collected from the median third of young and mature leaf blades were processed following the usual scanning electron microscopy techniques (SEM). We observed ten morphological types of trichomes and four of emergences. With five different types, four of which are reported for the first time, Rhynchanthera dichotoma is the species that presents the most diverse indumenta. A mixed type of trichome formed by a glandular and a branched non-glandular portion called lateral-gland was observed in M. ligustroides. Such non-glandular portion presents different degrees of development. A correlation is suggested between the stage of development of the non-glandular portion and the exposition to light of these lateral gland on young leaves.

Proximate composition of guariroba (Syagrus oleracea), jerivá (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) palm fruits

This study aimed to characterize the pulp and kernel of guariroba (Syagrus oleracea), jerivá (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) palm fruits, through their proximate composition, carotenoids contents and tocopherol composition. The three kernels showed to be composed mainly of lipids and proteins, as the three pulps, of carbohydrate and fiber. In the kernels the levels of lipids ranged from 45.17 to 56.37% and proteins from 15.46 to 28.61%. In the pulps the total fiber content ranged from 20.26 to 26.98%. The pulps also presented a significant amount of ash, which represents a significant mineral content, especially in the guariroba (5.16%). Moreover, the pulp oils showed higher carotenoids and tocopherol contents. The jerivá pulp oil contained carotenoid and tocopherol on average 1219 μg/g and 323.50. mg/kg, respectively. The consumption of the whole fruit, pulp, and kernel supplies important quantities of many necessary nutrients for human diet, including vitamins A and E. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

Variabilidade dos atributos de um latossolo vermelho sob plantio direto no cerrado brasileiro e produtividade da soja

The spatial variability of several soil attributes (bulk density, penetration resistance, water content, organic matter content and pH) as well as soybean yield have been assessed during the 2007/08 growing season, in Selviria (MS) in a Hapludox (Typic Acrustox), under no tillage. The objectives were to assess the spatial variability of soil and plant parameters at the small plot scale and to select the best soil attribute explaining most the variability of agricultural productivity. Soil and plant were sampled on a grid with 121 points within a plot of 25,600 m 2 in area and slope of 0.025 mm -1 slope. Medium and low coefficients of variation were obtained for most of the studied soil attributes as expected, due to the homogenizing effect of the no-till system on the soil physical environment. From the standpoint of linear regression and spatial pattern of variability, productivity of soybeans could be explained according to the hydrogen potential (pH). Results are discussed taken into account that the soybean crop in no-tillage is widely used in crop-livestock integration on the national scene.

Study of antioxidant activity of non-conventional Brazilian fruits

This study aimed to analyze the proximate composition of seeds from some non-conventional Brazilian fruits, as well as to evaluate the antioxidant activity through DPPH • free radical and to quantify the total phenolic compounds. To obtain the extracts, dried and crushed seeds were extracted with ethanol for 30 min, in a ratio of 1:3 (seeds:ethyl alcohol), under continuous agitation, at room temperature. Then, the mixtures were filtered and the supernatants were subjected to rotary evaporator under pressure reduced to 40 °C. The results report that the seeds of non-conventional fruits are remarkable sources of lipids, and the extraction of oil from these seeds could be an alternative for the commercial utilization of waste. They also presented significant percentages of protein and carbohydrates. Ethanol extracts of seeds from non-conventional Brazilian fruits showed relevant antioxidant activity and high amount of phenolic compounds. Therefore Brazilian non-conventional fruits can be used as functional food products or feed. © 2011 Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India).

Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) on plants of the central region of the Brazilian cerrado

Four surveys of Phytoseiidae species associated with native plants were conducted in ten fragments of Cerrado sensu stricto to determine the species associated with the plants of this region. Twelve of the most common plant species were sampled in each fragment. Twenty six phytoseiid species were recorded during the surveys. Stryphnodendron adstringens was the host plant that had the highest number of species (eight species). Amblyseius neochiapensis Lofego, Moraes and McMurtry 2000 and Neoseiulus tunus (De Leon) 1967 were the most common phytoseiid species. These species occurred on 24 and 20 host species, respectively. Approximately 76 % of the phytoseiids found belonged to the subfamily Amblyseiinae Muma, 1961. Almost 27 % of phytoseiid species recorded were associated with only one plant species. In addition, approximately two thirds of species found in this study also occur in the Atlantic Forest. The comparison of our results from the central areas with previous surveys in peripheral areas of the Cerrado showed that only 12 phytoseiid species were common to both areas.

Richness and similarity of the Cerrado vascular flora in the central west region of São Paulo state, Brazil

This study aims to characterize and compare three Cerrado areas (one cerradão and two cerrado sensu stricto areas) in Patrânia, São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil, concerning the floristic composition. In total, 250 taxa were found belonging to four species of pteridophytes, one species of an exotic gymnosperm and 243 species of angiosperms. Differences in species number and proportion of the woody and herbaceous components were observed among the three Cerrado areas. The similarity analysis revealed that the cerradão seems quite peculiar, showing low similarity level with the cerrado sensu stricto areas contiguous to it, being more similar to other cerradão areas located in nearby municipalities. © 2012 Check List and Authors.

Avaliação das propriedades químicas em solo de cerrado SOB reflorestamento ciliar

The rapid growth of agriculture, promoted by public government initiatives, favored an out of control deforestation of our forests; today, reforestation of permanent preservation areas are necessary for the conservation of our natural resources, and recovery of such areas are required by public laws. In an area of 5.26 acres of riparian reforestation in the savanna soil chemical properties were evaluated after twenty years of planting. It was analyzed the following variables: (P, organic matter (MO), pH, K, Ca, Mg, H+Al, Al and S) in 13 modules, with three replicas in two depths (0 - 20 and 20 - 40 cm) in a randomized block design in hierarchical scheme. Reforestation with tree species on the edge of Parana river in Selvíria (MS) contributes to chemical soil attributes, under riparian reforestation, as similar as a soil without human disturbance in this region; it is also possible to verify that forestry plantation promotes deposition of organic material which is essential for nutrient cycling, which keep the chemical properties of such soil in good condition for the establishment of riparian vegetation.

Florescimento da lavoura cafeeira sob diferentes manejos de irrigaçâo

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different irrigation managements on flower induction and bloom of coffee trees. The study was carried out at the experimental area of the Engineering Department at Universidade Federal de Lavras, on Acaia Cerrado MG-1474 coffee cultivar, planted 3.0 meters between rows and 0.6 meters between plants and drip irrigated since planting in 1997. The experimental design was randomized blocks with 4 replicates and 5 irrigation treatment: A= non irrigated; B= irrigated throughout the whole year every time the water available was at most 25% of total available water (TAW); C= irrigated during the whole year every time the water available was at most 75% of TAW; D = treatment C during January, February, March, July, October, November and December and treatment B during April, May, June, August and September; E= treatment C during April, May, June, August and September. Each plot was composed of 10 plants and used 2 plants for the evaluation of secondary branches, number of flowers per flowering, number of fruit and fruit set between September and May during the growing seasons of 2006/2007 and 2007/2008. The different irrigation managements did not significantly influence the total number of flowers, number of branches and percentage of flowers that resulted in fruits. Comparing data from two harvests verified the biennial effect in the total number of flowers, percentage of fruit set and branch gain.

Chemical and biochemical characterization of guava and araçá fruits from different regions of Brazil

Guava and araçá, species of the Psidium genus, are important options for Brazilian agribusiness, especially the former species, due to their fruit characteristics, such as appearance, taste and richness in minerals and phenolic compounds. These fruits can be consumed in natura or in several processed forms. The active germplasm bank is an important tool for genetic resource characterization and plant breeding studies. Sixty guava and ten araçá accessions of the Psidium active germplasm, sampled in 44 different Brazilian regions and grown at Embrapa Semiarid, were chemically and biochemically characterized in order to support breeding programs. The accessions were grown in a randomized block design, with two replications and three plants/plot. The sugar, proteins, soluble solids, titratable acidity, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus contents were determined. Large variations were observed in the analyzed compounds, which could be attributed to the diversity of genotypes and also to the environmental conditions, which affect the plant metabolism. The high variability observed in most parameters of the accessions is an important factor for the improvement of these species. Most guava accessions showed higher titratable acidity and soluble solids than those found in commercial cultivars and, in araçá, these levels were even higher, which makes them promising for commercial exploitation. Moreover, fruits of the guava and araçá accessions present good sources of sugars and minerals. Special attention should be given to some guava and araçá accessions from Maranhão and Pernambuco States, respectively, which showed high levels for titratable acidity, soluble solids, SS/TA ratio, total soluble sugars, calcium, magnesium and iron, should be targets of breeding programs for new Psidium cultivars. © ISHS.

Remote phenology: Applying machine learning to detect phenological patterns in a cerrado savanna

Plant phenology has gained importance in the context of global change research, stimulating the development of new technologies for phenological observation. Digital cameras have been successfully used as multi-channel imaging sensors, providing measures of leaf color change information (RGB channels), or leafing phenological changes in plants. We monitored leaf-changing patterns of a cerrado-savanna vegetation by taken daily digital images. We extract RGB channels from digital images and correlated with phenological changes. Our first goals were: (1) to test if the color change information is able to characterize the phenological pattern of a group of species; and (2) to test if individuals from the same functional group may be automatically identified using digital images. In this paper, we present a machine learning approach to detect phenological patterns in the digital images. Our preliminary results indicate that: (1) extreme hours (morning and afternoon) are the best for identifying plant species; and (2) different plant species present a different behavior with respect to the color change information. Based on those results, we suggest that individuals from the same functional group might be identified using digital images, and introduce a new tool to help phenology experts in the species identification and location on-the-ground. ©2012 IEEE.